RECOMMENDATIONS. REv. N. TIBBALS-DEAR BROTHER, LOGAN'S sermons are among the most elegant in the English language. It was many years after I had seen a copy before I could purchase one. They were out of print. When I obtained one I felt as if I had found a jewel. I read it and re-read it-the more I read it the more I was delighted. His Lectures also are original and full of instruction. I have read many volumes of sermons, but never have derived more pleasure or profit than from the perusal of the eloquent discourses of this distinguished Scotch divine. ROBERT WALKER'S Sermons are much better known to the fathers in the ministry than to their junior brethren. The fathers could obtain them, the latter could not, for they were out of print. The sermons are commended by some of the ablest divines in England and America, and need not my feeble tribute of praise. The lovers of genius and eloquence, the friends of morality and virtue, will thank you for republishing them, and the Christian public will sustain you in your highly approved enterprise. J. B. WAKELEY, Pastor of Jane Street M. E. Church. NEw-YoRPK, Sept. 24th, 1854. PITrSFIELD, Sept. 5, 1854. REv. N. TIBBALS, A.storia, L. I. My Dear Sir,-I am glad to learn that the Ministers' Association in New York think of republishing some of the genuine old Scotch theologians, particularly the writings of JOIIN LoGAN and ROBERT WALKER. These are wells of pure and cooling waters, refreshing and purifying to those who draw faithfully from them. And a pleasant thoughk. rely, that as fashions and tastes change, they wheel in a circle, and that the same unsatisfied desires which are setting aside the light, frail, and fragile chairs and tables of our day, and are calling back the strong oaken furniture of past generations, begin also to turn from the light, small-idea books of the present day, and call for the solid oaken thoughts of other days. I hope the willow-age is going by and a more solid one returning. Every such valuable old writer that can be made to live agirin should be, and thus, in the cycle of ages may it not be that great and good men who are dead will often be reproduced and still prophesy before many people. My best wishes for your success. Yours truly, JOI[N TODD. HARTFORD, A1u/g. fist, 1SM4. REV. N. TIBBALS-DEAR Sm, The sermons of Rev. ROBERT WALKER, in two volumes, I rcgarcl as among the best in the language. Thoroughly evangelical in doctrine; deeply imbued with the spirit and phraseology of the scriptures; logical in arrangement; perspicuous in style, and faithful in applicationll-they may be recommended as models of correct sermonizing to young ministers, and to all as replete with Biblical instruction, and of excellent use for general religious reading. The volume of Logan which it is proposed to publish with those of WALKCER, differs somewhat from them in character. The author had more genius, and more eloquence; wrote in a vivid style, and abounds more in striking illustrations, but did not perhaps deal so closely with the heart and conscience. Yet many of his sermons arc of great cxcellence,-rich in thought and clear in style and arrangement; and cannot be read or heard without leaving a deep and useful impression on the mind. J. IIAWES. The sermons of ROBERT WALKER of Edinburgh have long and justly enjoyed a very high reputation, as presenting earnestly the distinctive doctrines of the gospel, in a lucid, manly and forcible style, and with a devout and earnest spirit. Though the colleague of Blair, and personally his RECOMMENDATIO NS.-CONTINUED. friend, lie did not belong to that moderate party, as they styled themselves, whom Robertson and Blair headed, whom Witherspoon satirized, and whom Chalmers and the men of the Free Church finally outweighed and outnumbered. WVALXER was of the section recognized as the Evangelical, and his sermons have by some theological professors been recommended as among the safest and best models of evangelical preaching. They are not in the least liable to the imputation, which John Foster brought against the once fashionable discourses of Blair, that the author's thoughts seemed to have " become cooled and stiffened to nsembness in waiting so long to be dressed." They are grave utterances, in simple, warm and becoming vesture, of words that the Christian would be first to suggest, and which the mere critic could not cavil at. WM. R. WILLIAMS. NEw YORK, 11th Oct. 1854. I am gratified to learn that a new edition of WALKER'S Sermons is nearly ready for the public use. Few preachers combined so many excellences of thought, method, and style; and I have never hesitated to recommend his sermons, as among the very best models for young ministers. They possess, in a high degree, the faultless beauty of his colleague Blair, along with a directness and evangelical fervor, which the published sermons of the latter lack. ALEXR. T. McGILL, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Church Government, Composition and Delivery of Sermons. PRINCETON, Oct. 13, 1854. I have been familiar with the sermons of ROBERT WALKER during the greater part of my life, and have no hesitation in saying that, for perspicuity and purity of style, natural and simple arrangement, evangelical fervor, and an effective exhibition of scriptural truth, I regard them as deserving a place in the very first rank of sermons in the English language. I have been accustomed from early life to read LOGAN's Sermons, particularly as the effusions of a bqautiful and highly gifted mind. They are by no means wanting in evangelical sentiment, or in fervent and impressive appeals; but as specimens of polished and graceful composition, I think the Scotch pulpit has rarely, if ever, furnished any thing superior. H. B. SPRAGUE. ALBANY, Sept. 15, 1854. NEW HAVEN, Oct. 23d, 1854. REV. N. TIBBALS-DEAR BROTHER, The sermons of Rev. ROBERT WALXER, I have long held in high esteem. While beautifully elucidating the leading doctrines of Christianity, their tendency is highly practical. These sermons are pervaded by a fervor indicating the deep piety of their author and consoling and animating to the heart of the reader. They comprise a series of excellent religious reading, and a most admirable Sabbath companion for any Christian. J. KENNADAY. TO MINISTERS. The Marriage Rite, what you have long needed, you can now obtain. A chaste steel plate CERTIFICATE, designed and engraved by the first artists, and approved by the most eminent ministers of all denominations, will be issued on or about December, 1854. Two proofs on bank-note paper, sent free:of expense to any address in the United States, on the receipt of 25 cents, post-paidl, or eight on thick paper for one dollar. Address JOHN G. FAY, Brooklyn, L. I., or N. TIBBALS, 111 NassauEStreet, (up stairs,) N. Y. SERMONS ON PRACTICAL SUBJECTS. BY ROBERT WALKER, LATE ONE OF TIIE MINISTERS OF THE HIGH CHURCII OF EDINBURGII, SCOTLAND. WITH AN INTRODUCTION, BY REV. G. B. CHEEVER, D. D. EDITED BY "THE MINISTER'S LIBRARY ASSOCIATION." SECOND AMERICAN EDITION. THREE VOLS. COMPLETE IN ONE. NEW YORK: D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 346 & 348 BROADWAY. M.DCOC. LV. CONTENTS. SERMON L SERMON IX. CHRISTIAN HEROLSM. THE WANDERER, AND HIS RETURN. 1 THEsSALONIANS iii. 8.-For now we live, if ye stand fast 1 PETER ii. 25.-For ye were as sheep going astray; but are in the Lord................................. page 17 now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls............................................. 68 SERMON II. SERMON X. GODSB OMNISCIENCE. PP.ov. xv. 3.-The eyes of the LORD are in every place, APPROACHING THE THRONE. beholding the evil and the good................... 23 HEBREWS iv. 16.-Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace SERMON III. to help in time of need........................... 73 PRESUMPTUOUS SINS DEPRECATED. SERMON XL PSALM xix. 13.-Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins........................................ 30 ROMN. viii. 32.-He that spared not his own Son, but deliverSERMON IV. ed him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?.......................... 79 FORM AND POWER OF GODLINESS. 2 TIMOTHY iii. 5.-Having a form of Godliness, but denying SERMON XII. the power thereo................................ 88 GOD'S FAVOR PERFECT SECURITY. SERMON V. R' OMANS viii. 81.-What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?............ 84 CHRIST DESPISED AND REJECTED. ISAIAH liii. 3.-He is despised and rejected of men: He was SERMON XIII. despised, and we esteemed him not................ 45 THE GIRDED, WATCHING SERVANT. SERMON VL LURE xii. 35, 36, 37.-Let your loins be girded about, and THE LAW'S SUBJECTS. your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the ROMANS iii. 19.-Now we know, that what things soever wedding; that when he cometh and kInocketh, they may the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law; open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching: become guilty before GonD 5................, 1 verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and will come forth and SERMON VII. serve them....................................... 89 THE FRIEND OF THIIE WEARY. SERMON XIV. MATTHEW xi. 28.-Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest............. 56 SIMILITUDE OF THE RACE. SERMON VIII. 1 CORINTHIANS ix. 24. —S run that ye may obtain.... 95 THaE CAPTIVE'S HOPE. SERMON XV. ZECItARIAH iX. 12.-Turn ye to the stronghold, ye prisoners FERVOR I GOD's SERVIOC of hope; even to-day do I declare that I will render double unto thee.................................. 63 ROMANs xIi. 11.-Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.. 100 4 CONTENTS. SERMON XVI. SERMON XXVI. FOLLOWING GOD FULLY. THE NEW AND LIVING WAY. NUMBERS XiV. 24.-But my servant, Caleb, because he had HEBREWS x. 19-22.-Having therefore, brethren, boldness another spirit with him, and hath FOLLOWED ME FULLY; to enter into the holiest by the blood of JESUS, by a new him will I bring unto the land whereunto he went; and and living way which he hath consecrated for us through his seed shall possess it............................ 107 the vail, that is to say, his flesh; and having an High Priest over the house of GOD; let us draw near with a SERMON XVII. true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed STRANGER AND SOJOURNER WITH GOD. with pure water.167 STRANGER AND SOJOUJRNER WITH GOD. with pure water................................. 16T PSALM xxxix. 12.-For I am a stranger with thee, and a SERMON XXVII sojourner, as all my fathers were................... 113 AS ENEMIES AND FRIENDS OF CHRIST. SERMON XVIII. ROMANS v. 10.-For if, when we were enemies, we were JOSHUA'S ADVICE TO ISRAEL. reconciled to GOD by the death of his SON; much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life........174 JOSHUA xxiii. 11.-Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your GOD............ 119 SERMON XXVIII SERMON XIX. THE CHRISTIAN'S RELATION TO IDOLS. SEPARATION OF THE PRECIOUS AND THE VILE. HOSEA xiv. 8.-Epbraim shall say, What have I to do any more with Idols?................................. 179 EZEKIEL ix. 4.-And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, SERMON XXIX. and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh, and that cry, for all the abominations that be done in the MANIFESTATION OF THE SON. midst thereof..................................... 124 1 JOHn iii. 8.-For this purpose the SON of GOD was manSERMON XX. ifested, that he might destroy the works of the Devil 185 UNERRING MARK OF DEPRAVITY. SERMON XXX. ECCL. viii. 11.-Because sentence against an evil work is THE CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION. not executed speedily; therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil................. 131 PHILIPPIANS i. 27.-Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of CHRIST....................... 192 SERMON XXL SERMON XXXI. JESUS CHRIST, THE MINISTER'S THEME. TNE CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION. 2 CORIN. iv. 5.-We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 137 (A continuation of the preceding Sermon.) PHILIPPIANS i. 27.-Only let your conversation be as it beSERMON XXIL cometh the gospel of CHRIST....................... 199 CHRIST THE UNIVERSAL CREATOR. SERMON XXXII. COLOSSIANS i. 15-19.-Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature; for by him were all IN LIFE OR DEATH THE LORD'S. things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, ROM. xiv. 8.-Whether we live, we live unto the LORD visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or domin- and w hether we die, we die unto the,o Whether we and whether we die, we die unto the1oRD; Whether we ions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created live therefore or die, we are the LORD's.............. 206 by him, and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born SERMON XXXIII. from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should THE CHRISTIAN CHT'S CARE all fulness dwell.................................. 143 1 PETER V. 7.-Casting all your care upon mHL, for HE careth for you....................................... 211 SERMON XXIII. SERMON XXXIV. CHRIST'S POVERTY OUR RICHES. 2 CORIN. viii. 9.-Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he be- (A continuation of the preceding Sermon.) came poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 148 1 PETER V. 7.-Casting all your care upon EMa, for HE CarSERMION XXIV. eth for you................................... 217 FAITH AND HOPE ESTABLISHED. SERMON XXXV. 1 PETER i 20, 21.-Who verily was foreordained before the SUFFICIENCY OF GOD'S GRACE. foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you; who by him do believe in GOD that raised 2 CORW. xii. 9. —He said unto me, MY grace is sufficient for him up from the dead, and gave him glory, that your thee..................................., 22 faith and hope might be in GOD................... 155 SERMON XXXVI. SERMON XXV. SERMON XXV. THE GREAT TRUST. ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST. 1 THESSALONIANS ii. 4.-But as we were allowed of GoD to 1 JOHrN. 11.-This is the record, that GOD hath given to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak, not as us eternal life: and this life is in his SON........... 160 pleasing men, but GoD, which trieth our hearts..... 228 CONTENTS. 5 SERMON XXXVII. SERMON XLIX. THE APOSTLE'S EXHORTATION. THE GOOD SHEPHERD'S GREAT SACRIFICE. JOHN x. 11.-I am the GOOD SHEPHERD: the GOOD SHEPACTS xi. 23.-And exhorted them all, thalkwith purpose of ED giveth his life for the Sheep.................. 801 heart they would cleave unto the LORD............ 234.. SERMON L. SERMON XXXVIII. THE IMMUTABLE PPOMISE. TH1E IMPORTA9rT INQUIRY. HEBREWS xiii. 5.-He hath said, I will never leave thee MICAH vi. 3.-0 my People, what have I done unto thee? nor forsake thee.................................. 306 and wherein have I wearied thee? Testify against ME.............................................. 240 lD~~~~IE.,,,240 ~ SERMON LI. SERMON XXXIX. CRUCIFIXION OF THE FLESH. GALATIANS V. 24.-And they that are CHRIST'S have cruciOURB WORES TO BE VERIFIED. fled the flesh, with the affections and lusts.......... 312 GALATIANS vi. 4.-Let every Man prove his own Work. 246 SERMON LII. SERMON XL. THE CONTRADICTING WITNESSES. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF KNOWLEDGE. PSALM iv. 6, 7.-There be many that say, Who will show JAMES iv. 17.-Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, us any good? LOD, lift thou up the light of thy counand doeth it not, to him it is sin........................ 252 tenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased......................................... 318 SERMON XLI. THE ANT AN INSTRUCTOR. SERMON LIII. PROVERBS vi. 6, 7, 8.-Go to the Ant, thou Sluggard; con- SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. sider her ways, and be wise; which, having no guide, HEBREWS iX. 28.-CHRIST was once offered to bear the sins overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear and gathereth her food in the harvest.2... 7...... 27 -: the second time, without sin, unto salvation........ 324 SERMON XLII. SERMON LIV. FATALITY OF PROCRASTIiNATION. THE FATHFUL STEWARD. JAMES iv. 1S, 14, 15.-Go to now, ye that say, to-day or to- 1 CORIN. iv. 1, 2. —Let a man so account of us as of the minmorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a isters of CHRIST, and stewards of the mysteries of GOD. year, and buy and sell, and get gain. Whereas ye know Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? faithful.......................................... 329 it is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the LORD will, we shall live, and do this or that........ 262 SERMON LV. THE TRUE SOVEREIGN OF THE BODY. SERMON XLIII. ROMANS vi. 12,13.-Let not sin therefore reign in your THEo SABBATH BEMEMDBERED rANrD KEPT. mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof: neither yield ye your menrbers as instruments of unExoDUS XX. 8.-Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it righteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto GoD, holy............................................. 267 as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto GOD........... 333 SERMON XLIV. SERMON LVI. THE SABBATH REMEMBERED AND KEPT. THE REWARD OF HUMILITY. (A continuation of the prececding Sermon.) LUKE xviii. 19.-He that humbleth himself shall be exEXODJUS xx. 8.-Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it alted............................................ 338 holy. 273 SERMON LVII. SERMON XLV. DAVID S' CHOICE AND DELIGHT. DAVID'S DOMESTIC PIETY. PSALM cxix. 173, 174, 175.-Let thine hand help me; for I 2 SAMUEL vi. 20.-Then David returned to bless his house- have chosen thy precepts. I.have longed for thy salvahold........................ 278 tion, O LORD; and thy law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help m e.............................................. $42 SERMON XLVL m342 PRAYER FOR CHRIST'S KINGDOM. SERMON LVIII. MATTrEW vi. 10.-Thy Kingdom come.............. 284 CUBIST'S PRAYER FOR IS PEOPLE. JOHN xvi. 26, 27.-At that day ye shall ask in my name: SERMON XLVII And I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from PSALM li. 18.-Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: GOD.................................... 346 build thou the walls of Jerusalem.................. 290 SERMON LIX. SERMON XLVIII. THrE KINGDOM, GRACE, AND SERVICE. WHO MAKETH THEE TO DIFFER? HEBREWS xii. 28, 29.-Wherefore we, receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we I COR. iv. 7.-Who maketh thee to differ from another? may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear-. and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?.... 295 for our God is a consuming fire.................... 352 6 CONTENTS. SERMON LX. SERMON LXVII. THE ALARMING DENUNCIATION. THE SAINTS PRESENT AND FUTURE HOME. ISAIAH xxii. 12-14.-And in that day did the LORD GOD OF 2 CORIN. V. 1.-For we know, that if our earthly house of HOSTS call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of and to girding with sackcloth; and behold joy and glad- GOD, an house not made with hands, eternal in the ness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh and heavens......................... 390 drinking wine; let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we shall die. And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD OF HOSTS, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from SERMON LXVIIL you till ye die, saith the LORD GOD OF HOSTS....... 856 THE SAINTS' PRESENT AND FUTURE HOMIE. SERMON LXI. (A continuation of the preceding Sermon.) JOHIN'S IMPORTANT COUNSEL. 2 CORIN. V. 1.-For we know that if the earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of REVELATIONS iii. 18.-I counsel thee to buy of ME gold tried GOD, an house not made with hands, eternal in the in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, heavens.......................................... 392 that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear: and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see...................... 861 SERMON LXIX. SERMON LXII. GOD'S GREAT MANIFESTATION. 1 JOHN iv. 9.-In this was manifested the love of GOD toAWFUL DESTINY OF THE WICKED. wards us, because that GOD sent his only begotten Son ECCLESIASTEs viii. 18.-But it shall not be well with the into the world, that we might live through him..... 396 wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he feareth not before GOD......... 866 SERMON LXX. SERMON LXIII. THE ETHIOPIAN AND PHILIP. CONSEQUENCES OF APOSTASY. ACTS viii 39.-And he went on his way rejoicing..... 402 REVELATIONS it. 5.-Remember from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will oome SERMON LXXI. unto thee quickly, and remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.......................70 ADVANTAGE8 UNIMPROVED. HEBREWS V. 12.-For when for the time ye ought to be SERMON LXIV. teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of GoD; and are become THE WORSHIP AND GLORY OF GOD. such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat... 407 2 CHRONICLES V. 13, 14.-It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one to make one sound to be SERMON LXXII. heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lift up their voice, with the trumpets and cymbals, and DIVINE AND HUMAN AGENCY. instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever, that then the 2 COR. vi. 1.-We then, as workers together with him, behouse was filled with a cloud, even the house of the seech you also, that ye receive not the grace of GOD in house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the -vain.............................................. 411 LORD: So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of GOD................................. 375 SERMON LXXIII. SERMON LXV. TIIE IMPOSSIBILITY. e I1 JOHN ii 15.-Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world: If any man love the world, the love of EZEKIEL XXXVi. 81.-Then shall ye remember your own evil the FATHER is not in him.................. 415 ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for SERMON LXXIV. your abominations................................ 381 THE IMPOSSIBILITY. SERMON LXVL (A continuation of the preceding Sermon.) CHOICE BETWEEN INIQUITY AND AFFLICTION. 1 JOHN ii. 15. —Love not the world, neither the things that JOB xxxvi. 21.-Take heed; regard not iniquity; for this are in the world: If any man love the world, the love of hast thou chosen rather than affliction.............. 886 the FATHER is not in him.......................... 419 INTRODUCTION. BY REV. G. B. CHEEVER, D.D. THE eminent author of the following discourses was at the time of his death, and had been for near thirty years, pastor over the High Church of Edinburgh. For nearly twenty-five years he was colleague with the celebrated Dr. Blair. He died on the 4th of April, 1783, immediately after preaching in the morning, in apparently his usual health. On the occasion of his death, Dr. Blair preached a sermon, in which he described the features of his character such as he had.known him almost from childhood, as the friend and companion of his youth, and in the long period of a co-partnership of almost a quarter of a century. Dr. Walker's own father had been a minister of the Canongate, and he himself received his education at the University in Edinburgh, but was first ordained in 1738, at Straiton, in the presbytery of Ayr. In 1746, he was called from that place to South Leith; and from thence, in 1754, to the church in Edinburgh, where he preached the gospel faithfully, even till the day of his translation to the inheritance of the saints in light. Dr. Blair appealed to the hearts and consciences of the congregation as witnesses of his ability, assiduity and fidelity in the ministry of the gospel. "There, indeed, he appeared in his highest character as an eminent and successful laborer in the Lord's vineyard. To this important work his greatest application was bent. With this he allowed nothing else to interfere. His whole ambition centred in acting his part with the dignity and propriety that became the sacred character which he bore. By the elegance, neatness, and chaste simplicity of composition in his sermons, and by the uncommon grace and energy of his delivery, he rose to a high and justly acquired reputation. But mere reputation was not his object. He aimed at testifying the whole counsel of the grace of God; at rightly dividing to every man the word of truth; instructing the ignorant, awakening the careless, reproving the sinner, and comforting the saint." 8 INTRO'DUCTION. Dr. Blair here refers his great reputation to the "elegance, neatness, and chaste simplicity of composition in his sermons, and the uncommon grace and energy" with which he delivered them. But if mere elegance, neatness, and chaste simplicity had constituted the grand qualities of his eloquence, and the groundwork for his energy in the pulpit, he could never thus have gained the hold which he possessed upon the minds and hearts of the people, or the permanent reputation that followed him. The richness, completeness and fervor with which the distinguishing doctrines of the gospel are presented in his sermons, accounts both for his popularity and his power. He preached what he had received by the Holy Spirit from the Lord Jesus. His sermons are remarkable fbr a natural and simple arrangement of the truths contained in the text, developed and illustrated from the Scriptures themselves, and presented and applied with solemn thought and earnest and affectionate feeling. Dr. Blair said truly, that he aimed at testifying the whole counsel of the grace of God, and this sincere and single-hearted purpose rendered him, by the grace of God, successful. He aimed to preach the Word. He aimed at the heart with the Word. He did this by the Spirit of God, and not by philosophy. His method is that of the letter by the Spirit; not of the letter merely, which killeth, but of the Spirit, which giveth life. Now, to gain this method of the Spirit, and to preach by the Spirit, required. a discipline and learning in the deep things of God, which all the schools could not give; and bestowed also a power, which all the elegance, taste, refinement and philosophy of all ages could not supply. Philosophy may spoil the gospel, but cannot preach the gospel. Our own age, in some directions, is witnessing the process of the gospel being divided, subtilized, and emasculated by philosophy. The Scotch divines have afforded some admirable examples of excellence in the very contrary direction; examples of just and powerful analysis, yet of simple acceptance of the Word of God from God, and of humble and entire reliance upon it as his Word; and a consequent proclamation of its doctrines, not because human philosophy, or the best philosophy, having put them into its crucible, sanctions them, and re-coins them, and so sends them forth under patronage, but because they are from God, and the preaching of them commends itself to every man's conscience, and not to his philosophic understanding, or his Kantian Analysis, first or merely, in the sight of God. We are also witnessing a period of subtle historical research and analysis, by which courts of judgment are instituted, to try not merely the claims of particular churches, but the Holy Scriptures themselves and their doctrines, as suspected rogues and criminals, who must be brought to the bar, and if not cleared by historical philosophy, are to be imprisoned or outlawed. The spirit of unbelief applies to these tribunals for an injunction INTRODUOTION. 9 on the work of the Scriptures, which are fast running their highway triumphantly through every man's private grounds, and across every man's authority. The injunction is readily issued, and in every age under new pretences. Wait, it says, till by the demonstration of an organic historic life your scriptural lights can be proved to possess authority. And so from time to time Christianity must suspend its progress, and go back to settle the authenticity of its claims according to the rudiments of the world, after the traditions of men, and not after Christ. The life of God's Word must be felt, otherwise it cannot be proved, and we know nothing of it. The grand high-priests of truth in all ages have been those who have received the truth from God, and according to his own direction for the prophet Ezekiel, (Ezek. ii. 8,) have eaten it. They have fed upon it, as the Bread of Life, and have grown thereby. They have gathered it for themselves, as the Israelites of old had to gather their manna, daily, every morning, for themselves, in their own' vessels. Give zus this day our daily bread; that is the rule of life and knowledge in God's Word. God himself gives it, as directly, as renewedly, as he gave the manna to his people in the wilderness; so must men receive it immediately from God, not man. Every morning the divine miraculous gift of bread lay fresh around the camp, covering the ground like hoar-frost; like masses of pearls, glittering in the sand, new and beautiful. Every morning they gathered it afresh, every day were nourished by it. It was a lively, illustrative, impressive image of the nature of the Word of God as the bread of the soul, and the part each man must play in availing himself of it. " Thy words were found," says Jeremiah, "and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart." When it is thus received into the life, it becomes a constraining, overcoming, aggressive life and impulse; it can neither be concealed nor restrained, but must havu. vent. When Jeremiah found that it exposed him, as the bearer of it, the preacher of it, to mockery and derision, while hardened hearts seemed onlyto grow harder and more rebellious under it, he thought he would try the experiment of silence. He said within himself, " I will not make mention of the Lord, nor speak any more in his name, because the word of the Lord is made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily." But this would not do; the burden of revelation, the sense of God's truth, was too mighty for Jeremiah's silence; the rapids of Niagara might as well say, " We will not go over the falls." And Jeremiah describes the result of his experiment: "' The Lord's word was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my blones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. And the Lord was with me, as a mighty terrible one." And God himself says:' The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the 10 INTRODUCTION,. wheat, saith the Lord? Is not my word like as a fire, saith the Lord, and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" Baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire, the early preachers of Christ and him crucified understood the secret of their power, and acted accordingly. " We," said the apostles, " will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word." Let a set of ministers be found now to do the same thing, in the same way; let them be wholly given to the Word of God and to prayer, and there cannot be a doubt that the same results would widely follow their ministrations as of old. This eating of the Word by prayer, by the Divine Spirit in the heart, is the source of true power. There was never a truer maxim than that of Luther, Bene orasse est bene studuisse. He that has prayed well, has studied well; this habit, in and with the Word, is the very spirit of love and of power, and of a sound mind. Perhaps, therefore, amidst the vast and ever increasing array of the apparatus and external paraphernalia of theological study, this sole source of life and power is more and more in danger of being neglected. The temptation of Satan is upon us, under the guise of philosophy and vain deceit; and many other things entering in, choke the Word. They may be good things in their place, but if they take the place of the Word, they become bad things. Saul's armor was a good thing for him; but David's shepherd's sling and five smooth pebbles from the brook were better for him. There be many who work upon the Word of God very much as Saul's armorers or smiths hammered upon his helmet of brass, and his coat of mail; and perhaps not a whit more spiritual in the first work than the last; the Christian armor cannot be so wrought, nor the life, nor the power of the Word so possessed or understood. The Word of God must be eaten, must be an inward nourishment and life, must be received from God in prayer. All that have ever done much with the Word, ever proved its overcoming power, have thus learned it. The giants of theology, the princes of epochs, forming, ruling, life-renewing epochs, have been these eaters of the Word. Such men, taught of God, stand high above the herd of students of the mere letter, philologers and philosophers, German or English, and the rabble of undistinguished critics, writers, ministers, who have got their knowledge of religion at second-hand. It is nothing but prayer, and deep spiritual life, that makes men truly original and mighty in the Scriptures. Men may speculate with the understanding merely, but they cannot know. Yet only thus are they fit to be teachers and laborers for the advancement of the kingdom of the Redeemer. Knowledge puffeth up, but love buildeth up, says the apostle; a most pithy and striking contrast of the two systems of speculative knowledge by the understanding merely, or human tradition, -and knowledge as life, knowledge original, by the Spirit. An incredible INTRODUCTION. 11 quantity of theological speculation is speculation without life, that like cold ashes, puts out a fire, but cannot kindle. WVe are doubtless in danger of giving more heed to books, reviews, philosophies, and the latest methods, or scientific concoctions of fact and thought, than we do to the Word of God and prayer. The intellect has the greater part of our attention, and that, too, in an almost servile dependence upon others; and therefore we are weak. The apostle John said of the young men to whom he wrote, " Ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you." That is the true originality and independence. We need to get what we get from God, and not man, and to use men's books as a carpenter does his saws. But the stuff we must get out for ourselves. Nay, rather, our work is with living plants, and not dead stuff, cut, squared, and polished to our hand. We are reminded of what Lord Bacon said in his day, that " the delivery of knowledge, as it is now used, is as of fair trees without the roots, good for the carpenter, but not for the planter." But none of our knowledge of divine things ought to be without roots, or cut and dried for us at second-hand by others; it ought to be all a lifeknowledge-knowledge rooted in Christ, by ourselves being rooted in him, and receiving knowledge from him in the way of life. That makes all things fresh and original. "HOLD FAST THE FORMI OF SOUND WORDS, WHICH THOU HAST HEARD OF MLE, IN FAITH AND LOVE WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS. THAT GOOD THING WHICH WAS COMMITTED UNTO THEE, KEEP BY THE HOLY GHOST, WHICH DWELLETH IN US." Grand, profound, comprehensive rule of independence and of life! Not by tradition, nor creeds, nor councils, nor the church, nor history, nor apostolical, nor historical succession, but by the Holy Ghost, nothing else; dependence only on the Holy Ghost, and on the truth, as the Holy Ghost reveals it in God's Word, and keeps it in the heart. Sanctify them by thy truth; thy word is truth. Moreover, keep it by the Holy Ghost,-not which dwelleth in the church, but in us, as individuals; private judgment of the Scriptures, in entire dependence on the Spirit of God, not on the Church of God. The Holy Ghost must keep the church, or the church cannot keep the truth; and the Holy Ghost can keep the church only by keeping individual believers in Christ Jesus; and can teach the truth to the church, and keep the truth in the church, and sanctify the church by it, only by teaching the truth to individuals, and keeping the truth in individuals, and sanctifying individuals by it. And just so, the Holy Ghost increases and builds up the church, not by successional or organic life in history, but by bringing in continually new living stones into the temple, new regenerated souls into the church, through the door of the church, which is Christ. The truth is to be kept by the Holy Ghost, and the form of sound 12 INTRODUCTION. words is to be held fast in faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus. WVithout this, it may be kept in creeds and councils, and denied in spirit; it may be kept as the source of power, and yet withheld and darkened on purpose to maintain exclusive control of the power; it may be kept and affirmDed as the key of the kingdom of heaven, only that its keepers may assume authority over that kingdom; a fact, in the light of which we should judge the apologies made in certain quarters for the iniquities of the papal church and the popes in consideration of their alleged merits in preserving orthodoxy. They kept it to keep their power by it, and corrupted it at their pleasure. They kept it from the world to keep their own dominion over the world, but not in faith and love in Christ Jesus,-not by the Holy Ghost dwelling in the heart. But it must be held thus, or it is held in unrighteousness; held as a savor of death, not of life; held unto condemnation, not justification. It may be also held and used for selfish and sectarian purposes; a thing which makes the ministers of Christ little better than the sons of Eli, that were sons of Belial, and knew not the Lord. The gospel itself in such hands, and for such purposes, becomes a thing, like those old priest's flesh-hooks, with sectarian teeth; for they struck the flesh-hook with their teeth into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot, and all that the flesh-hook brought up, the priest took for himself. Such is genuine sectarianism, but not such the truth, kept by the Holy Ghost dwelling in the heart, and held fast in faith and love in Christ Jesus. To be kept by the Holy Spirit, it must be received by the Holy Spirit. "Thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." The knowledge is not enough, unless it be received by faith, and so become wisdom unto salvation; otherwise, it is not life, and cannot give life, any more than a plant could experience or diffuse the virtue of the sunlight by merely reflecting it. If nature should withhold her active co-operation with the sun; if the leaves and flowers, the seeds, germs, and shoots, should only look, and not receive; should let the light fall on them, and return, unabsorbed, unacted on, not circulated within the veins, nor made part of the life-blood of the vegetable% —in that case, not life, but death would ensue fromn the very action of the sun.; its rays would destroy the plant that might have fed upon them..And just so it is with the light of truth divine, if the heart refuse its co-operation, if it be entertained as a mere speculation. It must be received into a good, honest, believing, loving heart, in order to be understood and experienced as an element of life. Thus only do we purify our souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, and thus only are we prepared for that for which the keeping of the Word by the Spirit is intended, namely, the preaching of the Word. This then must be the source of our theology, THE WORD OF GOD, BY INTRODUCTION. 13 THE SPIRIT OF GOD. Primitive granite, as to the material, cut by ourselves, as much as possible, and not boulders of pudding-stone, big and little, that have been bandied about by floods of philosophy, opinion, dogmatism, and taken where we found them. Divine doctrines themselves, subjected to such attrition in the great caldron of human philosophies, come out at length like blocks whirled in a cataract, all rounded and smoothed, as if turned upon a lathe, but unfit for any thing better than firewood. Blocks of granite itself may be thus rounded, and spoiled for building. The stones must be angular, and well defined, to lie plumb togethel, and make a strong, durable wall. An angular theology is better than mere pumiced and mortared work of rubble stone, that after a few rains, if a fox run over it, will crumble. "Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall." The building with human materials, at second hand, a little here, a little there, now English, now German, now French, with mortar ground in mills of excruciating philosophy, under the care of uncircumcised Titans for speculative architects, must lead to such results, that the Sanballats and Tobiahs of a scoffing world may at length have good reason for their infidelity. It is impossible that men who have not themselves learned of God, can teach others; neither can those learned men teach us, whose theology, or history of the church, consists of speculation from a human philosophical standing point; neither is it good to be conversant with men, whose critical acumen is tasked and displayed in mooting objections; for all living theology is a theology of grand positives, that move on to victory by creating life, not analyzing death; rough, majestic, tangible positives, like moving mountains; not refinements, nor subtleties, nor silken theories that rise inflated like balloons. Neither is it good to take those for teachers, whose views of divine inspiration lead them to trace the different aspects of divine doctrine mainly to different tendencies of mind, philosophy, learning, and preconceived opinion, in the instruments employed of God, instead of attributing all to the providence and grace of one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to each, and on purpose, the measures of wisdom and knowledge according to his will. Against that insidious tendency, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ, we need to be upon our guard; that root-growth from the stump of a worn-out rationalism, which, under the appearance of subtle investigation and distinction, divides revelation into Petrine, Pauline, Johannean and Jamesian peculiarities, assuming the divers colorings of truth to be of man first, and accidental, and thus lowering the independent authority of the Word of God. That dangerous tendency likewise to mould theology upon ecclesiastical history, instead of 14 INTRODUCTION. bringing ecclesiastical history before the tribunal of New Testament theology; and that wild, unscriptural, dreaming delusion, which sets up one apostle for the development of the Judaic Church, another for the development of the Romish Church, as if God had himself caused that vast corruption, as a providential and essential development of his own Churcll, giving it a guardian apostolic angel beforehand, and another for the Church of the Reformation, and yet another for the Church of the Future, which is to combine all, by a retro-active, all-digesting, all-assimilating, catholic sweep. All this is no better than philosophy and vain deceit, for we are not complete in Paul, or Peter, or James, or John, but in Christ; and neither one nor the other teach any one-sided or human peculiarity or excrescence, or any exclusive organic church-life, but all lead to one, and centre in one, Christ Jesus, from whom all proceeded, and in whom all are appointed for one and the same church in all ages. Of national theologies, viewed through the whole two past centuries, the German development is far more one-sided than the English and Scotch; the German development is human-sided, the English, divinesided; the German development submits to man and philosophy, the English to God and faith; the German development holds by philosophy, the English by the Holy Ghost; the German development is that of subtle speculative ingenuity, and opinion-learning, the. English that of experimental piety and sound sense; the German development is occupied with the letter of the Word, and searches all things, yea, all deep things, about the Scriptures, the English with the Scriptures themselves, the pith and marrow of them; the German development fills the field of its operations, as the workmen fill a quarry with blocks and chips, the English raises the stones to a living temple in Christ, a habitation of God through the Spirit. "Beware lest any man spoil you," is the direction of the apostle. There is great profoundness of meaning in the choice of this epithet. Philosophy in such a case does not pretend to reject the truth, but claims to be its exponent, its interpreter, and to add a grace to it, which simple believers in the pure simple word of God cannot possess. Philosophy takes an idea from Revelation, and dresses it up in philosophic garb, and by and by presents it as an original discovery fiom depths of science or of metaphysics which the Word of God never sounded; and there are not a few fools in every age, who will be caught and dazzled and deluded by such pretences; and some will receive from Pantheism and Atheism itself such plagiarisms, and will tell us of the obligations of Christianity to philosophy. It reminds us of the anecdote told by a traveller in the Oriental world, of a cunning servant, who, when his master had invited some English fellow-traveller on the Nile to dine with him, provided the dinner out of the other's boat, and regaled him with costly delicacies stolen from his own hampers. This is INTRODUCTION. 15 the game that philosophy has often played with Christianity, but always spoils the stolen viands in cooking them. Philosophy is a miserable preacher, always flattering men's own dignity and abstruseness, and cajoling them with high-flown ideas of the profoundness of their own faculties, but in the end setting them with their faces directfrom Zion, instead of thitherward. Philosophy takes the doctrine of the divine decrees, and the divine all-ruling provi(lence, and dresses it up as a theory of development, and a philosophy of history, apart from God, and then calls us to bow down, and wonder, and adore the march of intellect, and to bring all history, the history of Christianity itself, and even theology, to submit to the canons of this wonderful discovery. There is no end to the Jack-o-lantern pranks it will play, or the marshes across which its wild lights will send you dancing, or the bogs in which it will plunge your unwary steps, if you undertake to follow up its vagaries, or put your mind under its guidance. There are such vain and foolish teachers, vainly puffed up by their fleshly mind, and teaching after the elements of this world, and not after Christ, in regard to whom the only course that we can safely follow is that which our Lord Jesus commands, " Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind." Let them alone; have nothing to do with them. From such turn away. From such withdraw thyself. Do not imagine that you must go over into their schools, and learn their tactics, and so be able to contend against them with their own weapons. You can manage them with nothing but the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. If they challenge you, choose your own weapons, and take simply God's Word. The Word of God is suited to a heart inspired and animated by the Spirit of God; but philosophy takes away all a man's ardor, courage, and aggressive spirit, and makes him rely upon external things; it palsies the power of his soul, and destroys his confidence, and fills him with distrust and skepticism. It keeps him tugging at many a knot, time enough, wisely employed, to have saved a hundred souls, when the only direct and wise way was to cut it, and let it go, and proclaim the truth, as the truth is in Jesus. This is the manner of the sacred writers themselves in dealing with speculative difficulties; one single Thus saith the Lord, settles the whole matter. The celebrated Whitefield is said to have once declared that the main part of his preparation for the ministry was the reading of the whole Bible, with Henry's Commentary, through upon his knees. It was an admirable discipline of heart and mind, but it would have been of little value without the heart-work of that remarkable man, his work in prayer. He read and studied with his heart all the while directed to the Lord Jesus, and thus, while reading and studying, was all the while himself advancing from power to power, changing from glory to glory. His study of the Word of God was not analytical merely, but experimental, and the knowledge he gained 16 INTRODUCTION. was life-knowledge. That is the only knowledge that invests the soul with power. What can we know of spiritual life without it? A famous military surgeon once got hold of a subject with a wound in his side so extraordinary, that after it was healed by an almost miracle, there remained an opening into the stomach, through which articles of food could be introduced, and the process of digestion by the gastric juice could in some respects be watched as it went on. Did it help him in the least to understand the mystery of life? Or could the sight of another man's digestion, or the scientific study of the phenomena, give the observer any hold upon the living principle, any command over it, or supply the exercise of it in his own vital organs? If this be a somewhat crude and rude illustration, it is nevertheless powerful. No external knowledge will supply the place of inward experience and life. Neither the analysis of the elements of truth, nor the sight of its effect upon others, will ever enable us to understand it as life, without ourselves eating it, taking it up into the spiritual circulation, and possessing the life of the Spirit within us. If, as with Paul, it please God " to reveal his Son in us that we might preach him," then we are prepared to preach him, but not otherwise; and this preparation with us must be as entirely and originally by the Spirit of God as it was with Paul, or we are wholly ignorant of the living Word, and of all living theology. The sermons of Dr. Walker, here presented anew, are living truth. They are much occupied with Christ and his glory; his glory in himself, and the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and the glory of their inheritance in him. They also search the heart, both of the sinner and the saint, the converted and the unconverted, and they sweetly illustrate and commend the various branches of Christian experience and duty. There is nothing redundant or superfluous, either in style, thought, or imagery, but every thing is appropriate, and every thing tells. SE RM ONS. SERMON I. tance of it to the ministers of Christ, are ~.r t.. ~ the purposes aimed at in the following Preached in the High Church of Edinburgh, May discourse. I, 17 61, at the opening of the Synod of Lothian and Tweeddale. The first thing that demands our attention, is the amiable temper expressed CHRISTIAN HEROISM. in these words: Now we live, if ye stand 1 TIESSALONIANS III. 8.-"For now we live, if fast in the Lord. ye stand fast in the Lord." The general meaning of the passage is obvious: It contains an obliging and THE author of this epistle is introduced spirited declaration of the apostle's goodinto the sacred history with other senti- will to the Christians at Thessalonica. ments and views than these words express. But if we attend to his situation when he He makes his first appearance at a scene wrote this epistle, and place ourselves in of blood, consenting to the death of a holy the circumstances of those to whom it martyr, and keeping the raiment of them was addressed, we shall feel an emphasis that slew him. Soon after, we hear of in the word now, that gives a surprising him making havoc of the church of Christ addition both to the tenderness and digin Jerusalem, entering into every house, nity of his sentiment and expression. and dragging both men and women to pri- Had the time referred to been a season; nay, such was the excess and fury son of prosperity; had Paul, in the height of his zeal, that, breathing out threaten- of worldly felicity, meant no more than ings and slaughter against the disciples of to assure the Thessalonians, that amidst the Lord, he persecuted them even unto all his affluence, he kindly remembered. strange cities: "' I verily thought," said them; and though at present beyond the he, in the presence of Agrippa, " that I need of wishing any thing for himself, yet ought to do many things contrary to the that the report of their steadfastness, and, name of Jesus of Nazareth." But here the hope of its continuance, had made a we behold a new creature indeed! What considerable addition to his happiness,.and things were formerly gain to Paul, these heightened his relish for the good things he counts loss for Christ; the once hated he possessed: even upon this supposition, name of Jesus is now become dearer to I apprehend, the particle now, would justly him than life itself; and he who in times be deemed emphatical, and worthy to be past persecuted the saints, now glories in accented. the cross, and preaches the faith he had But with what force must it strike us, endeavored to destroy. when we find that it refers to a season of In my text, he discovers a temper of adversity! Paul, at the time of writing most distinguished excellence; a temper, this epistle, was a poor, afflicted, solitary my reverend Fathers and Brethren, which man; banished from his friends, living I hope we shall not barely applaud, but among strangers, laboring with his own earnestly covet and endeavor, by the grace hands for a scanty subsistence, and destiof God, to possess. tute of almost every earthly comfort. To unfold the peculiar excellence of All this the Thessalonians knew full this temper, and to illustrate the impor- well. With grief they had beheld his, 2 18 SERMON I. sufferings in their own city, when " the beauty, belonging to it, superior to any unbelieving Jews, moved with envy, took thing that is commonly celebrated by that unto them certain lewd fellows of the name among men. Would we behold baser sort," and raised such an uproar, as heroismr in its fairest and most exalted obliged them to send him away by night form, instead of looking for it among those into Berea. They further knew, that the whom the world hath styled heroes, we same unbelieving and envious Jews, upon shall succeed far better if we turn our eyes hearing that he preached with success at to Paul of Tarsus. Berea, had followed him thither also, and Where shall we find such determined so inflamed the multitude against him, courage, such cool intrepidity, and conthat he found it necessary to retire as far tempt of danger, as in this good and faithas Athens, to get beyond the reach of his ful soldier of Christ?': Behold," said unrelenting persecutors. Judge then with he to the elders of the church at Ephesus, what emotion they would read this strong, " Behold, I go bound in the spirit unto this endearing profession of his concern Jerusalem, not knowing the things that for their welfare; they who, under God, shall befall me there; save that the Holy owed their conversion to his ministry, and Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, to whom, as I just now observed, his past that bonds and afflictions abide me. But sufferings on their own account, and his none of these things move me, neither present distress, were perfectly known. count I my life dear unto myself, so that He had told them a little before, that I may finish my course with joy, and the the bitterest ingredient in all his afflic- ministry which I have received of the tions, was the apprehension he had, that Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the his sufferings might have a tendency to grace of God." —Acts xx. 22. shake their faith, and to prejudice their With what invincible fortitude did he minds against the gospel of Christ: " For triumph over adversity in every frightful this cause," says he, " I sent to know your shape! with what noble freedom and infaith, lest, by some means, the tempter dependence of spirit, did he exult amidst have tempted you, and our labor be in those sufferings of which human nature vain. But when Timotheus returned, and hath the greatest abhorrence! " Even brought us good tidings of your faith and unto this hour," says he in his letters to charity, we were comforted over you, in the Corinthians, " we both hunger and all our affliction and distress, by your thirst, and are buffeted, and have no cerfaith." And then he adds, Fornow, even tain dwelling-place; we are made as the at this present time, distressed and afflict- filth of the world, and are the offscouring ed as we are, yet now we live, if ye stand of all things unto this day. We are fast in the Lord. troubled on every side, yet not distressed; Here then the purest zeal for the hon- we are preplexed, but not in despair; or of his Master, and the most generous persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, love to the souls of men, are happily but not destroyed; as deceivers, and yet united, and feelingly expressed in the true; as unknown, and yet well known; native language of a warm and upright as dying, and behold we live; as chastenheart. I say the purest zeal and the ed, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet almost generous love; for no tincture of sel- ways rejoicing; as poor, yet making many fishness appears in either: if Christ is rich; as having nothing, and yet possessglorified, if men are saved, Paul obtains ing all things." his utmost wish; his happiness is inde- And what was it that supported and pendent of every thing else; he enjoys all enlivened his mind under such a load of that in his own estimation is worthy to be complicated distress? Hear the account accounted life, if his spiritual children he gave of it to Timothy, which exactly stand fast in the Lord. agrees with the declaration in my text: And is not this a temper of most dis- " I endure all things for the elect's sake, tinguished excellence? When I called it that they also may obtain the salvation amiable, I only spoke the half of its which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal praise; it hath a dignity, as well as a glory."-2 Tim. ii. 10. Paul denied him CHRISTIAN HEROISM. 19 self for the good of others, and cheerfully God may enable us to deliver his message renounced every temporal interest to pro- with becoming warmth and propriety, for mote the eternal happiness of men. the sake of those committed to our care; With what a graceful mixture of ma- and his word, though uttered by unhaljesty and meekness does he appeal to the lowed lips, may enter with power and efThessalonians in the foregoing part of this ficacy into the hearts of our hearers. It epistle!'" Our exhortation was not of de- is an awful truth, that if we measure ourceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: but selves either by our manner of performing, as we are allowed of God to be put in or even by the effects that follow our pubtrust with the gospel, even so we speak, lic ministrations, we shall often be liable not as pleasing men, but God, which tri- to err very fatally. Paul thought it poseth our hearts. For neither at any time sible that one might preach to the saving used we flattering words, as ye know, nor of others, and after all be a cast-away; a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: and I can easily conceive, that the preachnor of men sought we glory, neither of ing to others may, through want of attenyou, nor yet of others; but we were gentle tion on our part, be in some measure the among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her cause of it. The assistance afforded us in children: so, being affectionately desirous our Master's work, may lead us to form a of you, we were willing to have imparted better opinion of our spiritual condition unto you, not the gospel only, but our own than is either reasonable or safe; and souls also, because ye were dear to us. therefore we have greater need to look For what is our hope, our joy, our crown frequently and narrowly into our hearts, of rejoicing, are not even ye, in the pre- lest the gifts we receive for the use of the sence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his com- church should pass with us for those pecuing? for ye are our glory and joy." liar graces of the Spirit, which prove our And what can attract our love, what adoption into the family of God, and mancan merit our esteem, what can excite our ifest our title to the heavenly inheritance. admiration, if such a temper doth not? But did our souls burn with that ferA temper which, to all the magnanimity vent zeal for the glory of God, and that of the hero, unites all the piety and benev- vehement thirst for salvation of men, which olence of the saint. fired the generous breast of this apostle, But it will not avail us barely to esteem we should be in no danger of judging too or admire this temper: it is necessary, my favorably of ourselves. Such high aims Brethren, that we ourselves be possessed would cause our most vigorous efforts to of it. I shall therefore proceed, as I pro- appear so little in our own eyes, that, inposed, in the stead of yielding fuel to our pride, they Second place, To illustrate the impor- wouldrather afford us matter of self-abasetance of this excellent temper; the pecu- ment, as bearing no proportion, either to liar importance of it to the ministers of the duty we owe, or the exalted felicity to Christ. And, which we aspire. Conscious of our weak1st. It is of importance to guard us ness, how earnestly should we then address against that self-deceit to which, of all God for the influences of his Spirit, to aid men in the world, we are most exposed. us in our work, and to impart virtue and The office we hold removes us at a greater efficacy to the means we employ! And, distance than other men from any of those at the same time, with what holy severity temptations to gross and scandalous sins, should we examine the most secret receswhich wound the conscience, and divulge ses of our hearts, lest any root of bitterthe secret corruptions of the heart; so ness should find indulgence there, that that mere decency of conduct may pass might either unfit us for service, or mar with us for real sanctity; and what is our usefulness, by provoking God to withpurely the effect of restraint from without, hold that grace upon which both our abilmay be mistaken by us for the product of ity and success depend! a new nature within. Besides, the stated 2dly. The importance of this temper duties that belong to our office frequently will further appear from the influence it contribute to cherish this presumption. would have upon our public ministrations. 20 SERMON I. It would make us better preachers as well only feel to purpose, and then we shall as better men. speak with propriety and energy. Did we, We should never be at a loss for pro- like Paul, travail as in birth till Chr.ist per subjects of discourse. This, you were fornmed in the souls of "men, would must be sensible, is not always the case. not our tongue be as the pen of a ready Most of us, I suppose, will have the can- writer? Did we consider that we speak dor to acknowledge, that we have fre- in the name of God; that we speak to the quently spent more time in seeking a text, creatures of God; to them, I say, and not than might reasonably have sufficed to merely before them; that we publish those compose a sermon; and we shall probably truths by which only they can be saved, find, upon a fair recollection, that this and proclaim that law by which they shall waste of time has happened most common- be judged; did we consider that they and ly when we set out, in preparing for our we are fast hastening to judgment, and public work, with no other view than to that neither of us can know how soon the make a sermon. Fancy is a roving ca- summons of removal may be put into our pricious guide; but, when necessity pre- hands; what shall I say? would not Eliscribes, it always speaks with precision. hu's situation become ours, when he thus We may know with certainty what our expressed himself, " I am full of matter, people need, when we can only imperfect- the spirit within me constraineth me: bely guess at what will please them; so that, hold my belly is as wine that hath no vent; did the necessities of our hearers get the it is ready to burst like new bottles; I disposal of our studies, we should seldom will speak that I may be refreshed."hesitate long in the choice of our sub- Job xxxii. 18, 19, 20. Nay, my brethren, jects; and, give me leave to add, we with such great objects in our eye, we should more frequently preach the same should not only speak, but we should speak necessary truths, and press them from as Elihu resolved to do in the following time to time, with redoubled earnestness, part of the quotation, we should speak till they appeared to have obtained their with an honest and impartial freedom; for full effect upon the hearts of those com- thus he goes on; " Let me not, I pray you, mitted to our care. accept any man's person, neither let me Nor is this all. The temper I am re- give flattering titles unto man; for I know commending would assist us in forming not to give flattering titles; in so doing, and pronouncing our sermons, no less my Maker would soon take me away." than in choosing the most profitable sub- 3dly. This temper would likewise have jects. As it would reject all useless, un- a happy influence upon all the parts of our edifying speculations, so it would effectu- external conduct. We should not think ally banish those gaudy ornaments which it enough to abstain from evil; we should too often put the preacher in the place of carefully avoid every thing that had the his text; or, as one hath well expressed appearance of evil, that our conduct might it, serve only to evaporate weighty truths, have nothing in it of a doubtful nature, and to make them appear as light as the nothing ambiguous, or that needeZd to be style. Had we no other aim than to explained. He lives, alas! at a poor rate, guide our hearers in the way of heaven, and far below the dignity of his sacred ofperspicuity and persuasion would then be- fice, who is frequently put to it to vindicome the sole objects of our attention; cate his conduct, and to prove that he and these, I apprehend, are more within hath not exceeded his Christian liberty. every man's reach than is commonly ima- A minister of Christ ought to go before gined. I never knew any person much at his people in every thing that is true, just, a loss, feelingly and intelligibly, to im- pure, lovely, and of good report. His part to others what he greatly feared, or light ought to shine in the eyes of men; loved, or hated. Rules of art have their nay, to shine with such strength, that they use; but though art hath collected rules, may see his good works, and be constrainit was Nature that furnished them. Both ed to glorify his Father in heaven. order and elocution are the offspring of a A holy life is the most persuasive serwarm and understanding heart. Let us mon, expressed too in a language which CHRISTIAN HEROISM. 21 men of all nations equally understand. It and do many things which may have a even explains what other sermons mean, good effect upon the multitude, whose instead of needing to be explained by favorable regard he is anxious to obtain. them. Men will see more beauty in a And though his low ambition may, upon truly virtuous action, than in the most some occasions, prompt him to take adrhetorical description we can give of it; vantage of their weakness, by inflaming and then they lose no time, for they see their zeal about matters of a trivial or init at once: whereas, besides the necessary different nature; yet, as he can only sueexpense of time, much skill and address ceed in this attempt by persuading them must likewise be employed, to unfold it in that such things are important and necessuch a manner as to make it thoroughly sary, it is obvious, that however he may understood and relished. impose upon their understanding, and give In this way, my Brethren, we may them stones instead of bread, yet he canpreach without ceasing: and if we know not be said to corrupt their integrity, any thing of the temper expressed in my neither doth he weaken the authority of text, we shall certainly be ambitious to conscience. He may render them ridicuhold forth the word of life continually; lous, but he doth not make them knaves. and so to exhibit the religion of Jesus, Whereas the smiles and rewards of pothat. in our practice, all who behold us litical rulers (for these are the great ones may have an easy opportunity of reading of whom I now speak) are usually courted the laws of Christ every day. and obtained by very different means. More particularly: Were we possessed As a supple, complying temper, unfetof this temper, we should equally disdain tered by conscience, or even a regard to to court the great by a fawning servility, decency, too often proves the best recomor to catch the vulgar by a low popu- mendation to their service; hence it is, larity. that many who are candidates for their These are the dangerous extremes, into favor, are so far from assuming an air of one or other of which every unprincipled sanctity, that they studiously avoid whatminister is liable to be seduced. ever can be deemed the peculiarities of their The last of them which is reputed the order, that they may have nothing to dismost base and contemptible, is commonly tinguish them from the men of the world, the resort of those only who, having little or to render them suspected of the reto recommend to the wise and good, can motest disposition, either to canvass the find no other way to emerge from obscurity, commands of their superiors, or to boggle and to thrust themselves forward into at any measures they shall please to public view; for no man will stoop to this adopt. mean compliance who is qualified to act The pernicious tendency of such an inin a higher sphere, if he is not forced to famous plan of conduct is too apparent it by hard necessity, either to cover a sore to need much illustration. Hereby they he wishes to conceal, or to bribe men to withhold from their patrons the most conwink at some criminal indulgence which vincing and obvious proof of the reality, he cannot hide, and is \unwilling to for- the excellence, and the efficacy of that resake. But though the other extreme is ligion which the office they hold obliges generally supposed to be less ignominious, them to preach. Description and arguyet, when weighed in a just balance, I ap- ment, if they are not accompanied with prehend it will be found at least equally a visible representation of holiness, will mean, and in some respects far more per- make but a feeble impression upon those nicious. who are continually beset with the snares The popular drudge must always as- of prosperity. Besides, it often happens, sume the appearance of sanctity: he must that such persons, by means of a liberal declaim strenuously against vice, and study education, are in a great measure placed to have his outward behavior decent and (if I may so speak) beyond the reach of irreproachable. Thus far the gratification sermons: they have already got a theory of his favorite passion will constrain him of religion into their heads, and are not to plead the cause of religion, and to say likely to hear any thing they knew not 22 SERMON I. before; so that they need striking exam- It is surely unnecessary to show, that ples more than verbal instructions. These, the temper I have been recommending and these only, are of sufficient force to would effectually guard us against both rouse their attention, and to carry home the pernicious extremes I have been speakconviction to their hearts with power. ing of, and render us equally independent Did they behold men of moderate, or of the high and of the lotw. Zeal for the rather of scanty fortunes, unbiased by honor of our Lord, and the salvation of worldly hopes or fears, consistent and precious and immortal souls, would enuniform in their whole behavior, resolute noble our minds, and break every slavish in very part of duty, inflexibly honest, and yoke in pieces. A true minister of Christ fortified against all corrupt influence what- will call no man zmaster; like this great soever; such venerable, though imperfect apostle, he will endeavor so to speak, images of God, would not only penetrate and so to act, in every situation, not as but overawe their souls. pleasing men, but God, who trieth the A holy and upright minister of Christ heart. It will ever appear a small matter never fails to possess a secret dominion in to him to be judged of man's judgment: the hearts of those who are of the most this will be his labor, his only ambition, opposite character. Hate him they may, " that., present or absent, he may be acand probably will; but at the same time cepted of his Lord." Which leads me they are constrained to reverence and es- to observe, in the teem him: even " Herod feared John, and 4th and last place, That the importance observed him, and did many things," be- of this temper shall be fully understood cause he knew "that he was a just and and felt by us all at the hour of death, holy man." and in the day of judgment. Whereas, on the other hand, when they We must shortly sicken and die: that see those who are clothed with the sa- awful period can be at no great distance cred character, paying no regard at all to from any of us; it may be nearer to some propriety of conduct, mixing with the of us than we are aware of. Let us conworld, and living at large as other men sider it as present; and say, my Fathers do; when they see them grasping at and Brethren, were this the last day, the power, or scrambling for riches; spread- last hour, the last moment of life, what ing their sails to every wind, and ready to would support us best? what would yield embark in any cause that can recommend us the most effectual consolation. I need them to those who are able to gratify their not wait for an answer: every heart must ambition or covetousness: however they have made it already. The only triumph may avail themselves of their treason, yet of a dying minister is that which Paul surely they must despise such traitors in uttered when the time of his departure their heart, and look upon them as the was at hand: "'I have fought a good fight, dregs and refuse of human kind. I have finished my course, I have kept the But alas! strange as it may seem, it faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me seldom happens that these perfidious men a crown of righteousness, which God, the become so thoroughly contemptible as to righteous judge, shall give me at that day." be altogether harmless. Even they who He who can say with this holy apostle, despise them most, with a perverse and "To me to live is Christ," he, and he fatal subtilty, make their example an oc- only, can with him subjoin, " and to die is casion of hardening their own hearts; gain." If notwe live liv en believers fetching arguments from thence to ex- stand fast inz the Lord; if to promote the tenuate their guilt, and to cherish their honor of our Master, and the salvation of presumptuous hopes of impunity: for it our brethren, be the objects of our keenest has often been observed, that no twig is desires and vigorous pursuit, death can do so slender that a wicked man will not us no harm: we may cheerfully look becling to it, when he feels himself sinking yond the grave to those pure regions of under the rebukes of conscience, and the everlasting light, and love, and joy; where overwhelming fears of approaching ven-'"they that be wise, shall shine as the geance. brightness of the firmament, and they that GOD'S OMNISCIENCE. 23 turn many unto righteousness as the stars I suspect we shall find too lnuch reason to for ever and ever." Animated by these conclude, either that we do not seriously hopes, let us henceforth go on with fidelity believe this doctrine, or, at best, that our and zeal in performing every part of duty faith is very weak and imperfect. that belongs to us: and, "though Israel Were God visibly present in our asbe not gathered by our means, yet shall sembly; were the great Immanuel, God we be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, in our nature, standing in the midst of us; and our God shall be our strength." He would we praise him so freely, or pray to who graciously accepteth according to what him so coldly, or speak and hear so una man hath, will not reject " our labor of feelingly as we do? And shall seeing, or love;" but will confess us at last before not seeing, make such an odds? Did we an assembled world; and say, with all the just now behold the object of our worship, indulgence of a kind and liberal master, would the mere shutting our eyes render': Well done, good and faithful servants, his presence less venerable, or the influence enter ye into the joy of your Lord." of it less powerful? No, my brethren: Amen our seeing God could only assure us that he is present; and if an equal assurance is obtained by any other means, the inSERMON II. fluence of his presence will in either case be the same. It is not therefore to the GOD'S OMNISCIENCE. seeing or not seeing God that any difference in our temper or behavior must be PROVERBS XV. 3.-" The eyes of the LORD are in. 2nowDS xv. 3. —"The eyes of thle LoRD are in imputed; but to the believing, or not beevery place, beholding the evil and the good." iputed; but to the ality of his presencer not believing, the reality of his presence: from IN every age of the church the complaint which we may justly infer, that every may be repeated, that " all men have not degree of irreverence in our minds, and faith." Many who think they have it, are every undutiful step in our conduct, is a fatally deceived, and shall be found in the symptom of the weakness and imperfecissue to have been utterly devoid of this tion of our faith; and, consequently, that gracious principle. True faith determines a course of known sin, or the habitual inthe choice, and governs the practice ac- dulgence of any corrupt affection, affords cording to the nature of the thing believed. undoubted evidence, that whatever light It is called " the evidence," or demonstra- we may havein our understanding, yet we tion, " of things not seen." Let the ob- do not believe with our heart, that the eyes sects be ever so remote, yet faith brings of the Lord are in every place, beholding them near to the mind, and renders them the evil and the good. as powerful and operative upon the affec- When these things are considered, it will tions and will as if they were both present appear that infidelity, in one degree or other, and visible. Such is the nature and effi- is far more prevalent than we are aware cacy of this grace: from whence you may of; and that, notwithstanding our profesjudge whether it be so common as men are sional assent to the doctrine of my text, apt to imagine. yet the best of us have need to get our The subject of my text will afford us a faith of this interesting truth enlivened striking illustration of this remark. We and confirmed. I shall therefore proceed have already professed our belief, and we to lay the evidence of it before you in as have done it too with some solemnity, that plain and convincing a manner as I can; the eyes of theLord are in thisplace, behold- imploring, in the entrance, that powerful ingz the evil and the good. This we vir- blessing, without which the strongest and tually acknowledged when we celebrated most persuasive arguments, like a dart his praise: but we did it most explicitly thrown by a weak arm, will either fall when we offered up our prayers to him; short of the heart, or if they reach it, yet for to what purpose should we pray to an strike so feebly as to make no deep or lastabsent or even to an inattentive being? ing impression. Yet if we examine ourselves impartially, There are two judges, before one or and try our faith by the only proper test, other of which every question of this kind 24 SERMON II. must necessarily be tried; I mean, Scrip- the spirits: "All the ways of a man are ture and Reason. Scripture must deter- clean in hisown eyes,but the Lordweigheth mine those who confess its divine original; the spirits."-Prov. xvi. 2. He, as it were, and they who decline the authority of this puts them into a balance, so exactly poised judge, can appeal to none other but that that the smallest grain will turn the scale. Reason with which God hath endowed Further, the Scriptures not only ascribe them; there they must stop, the cause can to God the most unlimited and unerring be carried nowhere else. If therefore it knowledge, but they even render it absurd shall appear, that the doctrine of God's to suppose the contrary; for how extenuniversal presence and knowledge is sup- sivc, how spiritual, are his commandments! ported both by Scripture and Reason, the they reach to every part of our conduct; question will be finally decided; and un- and not only direct the outward life, but belief can have no resource but perverse give law to the most retired thought and and wilful obstinacy. inward affection. Thus we are told (Prov. First, then, This doctrine is plainly xxiv. 9.) that " the thought of foolishness taught and repeatedly asserted in the is sin;;" and the tenth commandment forsacred writings. bids to covet; hereby giving life and spirit The testimony of my text is clear and to all the former precepts, and teaching us, strong: The eyes of the Lord are in, every as our Saviour afterwards explained them place. They not only "run to and fro in his sermon upon the mount, that they throughout the earth," as it is elsewhere include the inward disposition, as well as expressed, which form of speech might the outward action; and not only prohibit leave room to suppose that God beholds external violence, injustice, falsehood, and things successively, looking first at one sensuality, but heart-ha tred, causeless or object, afterwards at another, but they are excessive anger, envy, resentment; in short, in every place at the same time. How the first conception of lust in the soul, as awful are the words of Elihu!-Job xxxiv. well as the birth of the sinful deed. And 21. " His eyes are upon the ways of man, can any suppose that God, whose wisdom and he seeth all his goings. There is no is perfect, would give laws to his creatures, darkness, nor shadow of death, where the with the most awful penalties annexed to workers of iniquity may hide themselves." the transgression of them, if, after all, it Nor is his attention confined to " the ways behoved Him to be ignorant, in many cases, of man," by which is commonly meant his whether these penalties were incurred or outward behavior; he looks immediately not? No, surely. The spirituality of the into his heart, and sees the inward frame law is a full proof by itself, that the knowand tendency of his soul; for " all things ledge of the Lawgiver must extend to our are naked and opened to the eyes of him thoughts, no less than to our words; and with whom we have to do, even the thoughts that the darkest corners of the heart lie and intents of the heart." "Man looketh open to his view, as much as the most on the outward appearance," said Samuel, public actions of the life. " but the Lord looketh on the heart." He Nay, which completes this part of the needs no information from our actions; he evidence, we find God actually judging looketh directly on the heart, out of which men's hearts, and rewarding or punishing are the issues of life. Nay, "Hell and them according to their secret dispositions. destruction are before the Lord, how much Thus it is written of Amaziah (2 Chron. more the hearts of the children of men?" xxv. 2.) that " he did that which was right -Prov. xv. 11. in the sight of the Lord, but he did it not Neither do the Scriptures represent him with a perfect heart." David is applaudas a mere spectator, but as a witness and ed for his good intention to build a house judge, who ponders the thought and action for the Lord, though he was not permitted with all their circumstances, and makes a to execute his design: " Thou didst well," just and righteous estimation of them: " I said God, " in that it was in thine heart! " know, and am a witness, saith the Lord." And Abijah, the son of Jeroboam, obtain"The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by ed an honorable exemption from that viohim actions are weighed." Nay, he weighs lent death, and want of burial, to which the GOD'S OMNISCIENCE. 25 rest of that wicked family were doomed; their works are in the dark; and they for this express reason, " Because in him say, Who seeth us, and who knoweth us? there was found some good thing toward Surely your turning of things upside down the Lord God of Israel." — Kings xiv. 13. shall be esteemed as the potter's clay; for Upon the whole, then, you see how clearly shall the work say of him that made it, He and explicitly the Scriptures decide in fa- made me not? or shall the thing framed vor of this doctrine, that the eyes of the say of him that framed it, He had no unLord are in every place, bcholding the derstanding." In both these passages, evil anzd the good. Let us now inquire, the omniscience of God is rationally dein the duced from the obvious dictates of natural Second place, What Reason teacheth us religion; that we are the creatures of concerning this matter. And here I shall God, and that we derive from him all the argue from such principles as all men are faculties we possess: And the conclusion agreed in, atheists excepted, and these are appears so just and necessary, that no obnot parties to the cause in issue. Surely jection occurs to me by which the force none of us will hesitate to acknowledge, of it can be evaded. But this argument that God is the Creator, the Preserver, acquires an additional strength when we the Governor, and the Judge of the world. consider, in the Now, if in each of these essential charac- 2d. place, That he is not only our Creaters of the Deity we shall find a separate tor, but likewise our Preserver; for " in proof of God's perfect knowledge; how ir- him we live and move." The same power resistible must the evidence be when they that brought us into being is continually are all united, and with what powerful exercised in supporting our being; nor conviction must it come into our hearts! can we live independent of God for one Let us then consider them apart, and try moment. Try your strength in the easiest how far they can lead us in this important matters; try if you " can make one hair inquiry. white or black;" and when you have found In the first place, I apprehend, that yourselves unable for that which is least, such knowledge as the Scriptures ascribe let this convince you, that you are far less to God, will be found inseparably con- able to do so great a thing as to support nected with the character of Creator. Is and prolong life itself. it not reasonable to conclude, that he who Is the ability to move at all, then, conmade man, and endowed him with the fa- stantly derived from God? and can any culty of knowing, possesseth in himself a man dream, that God hath given him very perfect knowledge? Nay, must we power to remove to such a distance, that not conclude, that his knowledge is as far his own eye cannot reach him? Doth he superior to ours as his nature is exalted enable us to think, and shall we exclude above ours 2 Here, then, Reason leads him from the knowledge of these thoughts us, by two very easy steps, to attribute which we have no power to form, but what to God an infinite knowledge, at least a we receive from him? The absurdity is knowledge that we can no more limit than so glaring, that Reason must at oince rewe can do the Divine nature itself ject it with disdain. The inspired author of the 94th Psalm 3dly. Unless the eyes of the Lord were addressed this argument to the infidels in in every place, how could he execute what his day, who scoffingly said, " The Lord belongs to the Governor of the world? shall not see, neither shall the God of Ja- Can le order things aright which he doth cob regard it. Understand, ye brutish not see? Or must his work lie unfinished among the people; and ye fools, when will in one part of his dominions till he hath ye be wise? He that planted the ear, gone to perfect it ill another? Or shall shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, he carry it on by delegates, as weak and shall he not see? he that teacheth man finite creatures are obliged to do? It knowledge, shall he not know?" To the were blasphemy to think so. With insame purpose Isaiah speaks, (Isaiah xxix. finite ease doth he govern the world he 15, 16.) " Woe unto them that seek deep hath made; and, as he created all things to hide their counsel from the Lord, and in number, weight, and measure, so he 26 SERMON II. disposeth all things according to the rules seen; and their testimony, at the utmost, of the most perfect wisdom, justice, and can only relate to outward actions; the goodness. And whatever objections may temper with which they are done, and the arise from a partial view of his adminis- principles from whence they flow, are betration, so that in some cases we may be yond their knowledge: so that no judgtempted to say in our hearts, " How doth ncent can pass upon the heart in conseGod know, and is there knowledge in the quence of any human evidence. Where Most High? " yet Reason teacBeth us in then shall we go next? Perhaps you will general, that the Lord reigneth, who is say, that every man's own conscience shall wise in heart, and mighty in strength; and witness against him in that day. But that, when clouds and darkness are round what shall oblige conscience to do this? about him, righteousness and judgment will mere authority compel a man to beare the habitation of his throne. But come his own accuser, when he knows that this could not be without the most certain no other evidence call be brought against and unlimited knowledge of all his orea- him? This, I think, is harder to be believed tures, at all times, and in every place and than any thing. In short, I see no way condition. How should he conduct this by which we can extricate ourselves from great family which constantly hangs upon these pressing difficulties, but by ascribing him, without the most intimate acquain- to God that perfect and universal knowtance with every individual? And how ledge which my text, and sundry other strong must our conviction of this truth Scriptures attribute to him. Reason must be, when we consider, that his Providence have recourse to this at last, or deny that extends to the minutest things? that " the God shall judge the world. It is his omvery hairs of our heads are numbered;" niscience that supplies the rooim of foreign that "a sparrow doth not fall to the xwitnesses, or makes their testimony valid: ground without him;" and that "when it is his omniscience that overawes conthe lot is cast into the lap, the whole dis- science, and constrains it to be faithful. posing thereof is of the Lord." He alone can tell a man what is in his But the 4th and most striking argu- heart, so that he dare not refuse the ment for the truth of this doctrine arises charge: and it is this infallible testimony from this principle, which sober reason of the Judge himself, who scans all bath always admitted, viz., that God is the actions, who weighs all thoughts, whose Judge of the world: for as he is to decide right hand doth ever hold us, and whose the final state of men, and distribute re- eye is constantly upon us, that will stop wards and punishments according to the every mouth in the great day of decision, strictest equity, so that every mouth shall and convince the whole world that his be stopped, and none shall be able to judgment is true and righteous. charge him with rigor or undue severity: Thus have I endeavored to establish the trial must be fair and open, and the your faith of this important truth, that proof absolutely clear, upon which a sen. the eyes of the Lord are ill every place, tence, so essentially connected with the beholding the evil and the good. I have honor of the Judge, is to be founded. But argued the cause at the bar of Reason, how shall this proof be obtained? shall and have showed you the intimate conmen be adduced as witnesses against each nection of this doctrine with the most acother? This scheme is encumbered with knowledged dictates of natural religion, two objections; neither of which, I think, to wit, that God is the Creator, the Precan be easily removed. If all are guilty, server, the Governor, and the Judge of would there not be ground to suspect, that the world. It is possible that some may every one's private interest might bring ask, Why bestow so much time and labor them to a general combination and agree- in proving a point which nobody is disment to conceal each other's faults? Or, posed to deny? Let this be my apology: if some are innocent, which for once we I cannot recollect the time when I seriously shall suppose, yet even these may, or questioned the truth of this doctrine; but rather must, be ignorant of many things: I can well remember a time, when it had they can attest no more than they have no more influence upon my own soul than GOD'S OMNISCIENCE. 27 if I had been sure it was false: and, if to spare a creature thus determined to your belief be of the same kind, as I fear affront him, when by one word he could with too many it is, be assured you disarm it of all its power, and render it have heard no more than was needful: completely miserable! it is this which nay, if an infinitely greater Teacher do sets the patience of God above all human, not preach the subject over again to your above all created understanding. O! my hearts with power, your present belief brethren, think of this. Should an earthshall only heighten your guilt; and the ly prince behold one of his subjects, who fewer your doubts are, the greater shall lived within his palace, and was supportyour condemnation be. If your hearts do ed by his bounty, treasonably conspiring not feel the constant presence of God, against him with his most inveterate eneyour verbal acknowledgments and specu- rmies; should he, instead of treating him lative belief of it, shall only render your with the severity he deserved, condescend case something worse than the infidel's. to expostulate with himl; and, in the Satan can spare this tribute to God: so most affectionate manner, entreat him to long as your faith dwells in the brain, or consult his own safety by returning to in the tongue, he doth not grudge you the his duty, and not to wrest a punishment possession of it; and if what you have from him which he was unwilling to inbeen hearing sink no deeper, I shall readily flict; what do you think would be the admit that you have heard too much. In state of the traitor's mind in such circumthat case, I have no doubt lost my labor, stances as these? How would it confound whether it hath been acceptable to you or him to know, that his much injured sovnot. But I shall not close the subject till ereign had all along been privy to his I have pointed out the practical use we baseness, but, like the most tender father, ought to make of it. instead of punishing, had only pitied his And, 1st. Let us take occasion from this folly? We may partly conceive this, doctrine to admire, with humble gratitude, but are unable to express it. The most the long-suffering patience, and tender artful description could give but a faint comipassions of our God. Is he the irn- representation of the various feelings of an mediate witness of all our sins? Doth he ingenuous heart, upon such an affecting see the rebellious thought rising in our occasion. And shall not the tender mercy minds? And doth he still look on, and of our God have the same influence upon spare, till it be fully formed and executed? us? He neither wants power to inflict, How incomprehensible then must his pa- nor provocation to justify, the severest tience be! We find it no easy matter to punishment our natures are capable of forgive our fellow-men, even when they enduring. What shlallwe say then? IIe are penitent; with what difficulty do we is God, and not man; and therefore it is suppress our resentment, though the in- that we are not consumed. 0 let his jury hath been committed at a great dis- patience, to which we are so infinitely tance of time, and our offending brother indebted, work upon our ingenuity, that himself was perhaps the first who informed we may not unworthily burden it any us of it, by a free and sorrowful con- more! and particularly let us watch over fession? What then can we think of the our hearts at this time, when the subject divine mercy and forbearance? It were we are upon necessarily obliges us to set much in God to forgive the transgressions the Lord more immediately before us, as of such creatures as we are, though he the witness and judge of our present had not seen thlm done, and knew nothing temper and conduct; for surely his eyes about them, till he heard them from our- are in this place, beholding the evil and selves, in penitent confessions and peti- the good. tions for pardon; but to bear with us till 2dly. This doctrine hath an obvious lust had conceived and brought forth; to tendency to cherish simplicity and godly see the whole progress of the mind, its sincerity, and to banish all dissimulation plots and contrivances, till the wicked and artifice from our hearts. He who redeed be done; to behold the heart full of alizeth the divine presence will not dare enmity, without one relenting thought; to be a hypocrite; for he knows that his 28 SERMON II. triumphing can be but short, and his joy third time (John xxi. 17), " Simon, son only for a moment. Man he may deceive, of Jonas, lovest thou me? " Yes, Lord, who sees no farther than the outside; but said he, I love thee I confess indeed the he cannot deceive God, whose eyes are in baseness and treachery of my late conevery place; who " searcheth the hearts, duct; yet still I do, and must protest, and trieth the reins of the children of that I love thee. It is true that I forsook men." And to what purpose should he thee, and impiously denied thee; and labor for the applause of poor dying wert thou not the all-wise God, as well as creatures, if he expose himself to the con- my compassionate Saviour, this reiterated tempt and abhorrence of that infinite question would strike me dumb, and drive Being, upon whom he necessarily depends me from thy presence; for how could I for life, and breath, and all things? es- pretend to love thee, or hope to be creditpecially when he considers, that the mask ed, after such baseness and perfidy? But he now wears shall ere long be pulled off, this is my refuge: " Thou, Lord, knowest and his real character exposed to the view all things." Thou canst look into my of an assembled world, in that day " when heart, and see thyself enthroned there: the hidden works of darkness shall be and therefore, notwithstanding the just brought to light, and every one receive ac- cause I have given to all the world becording to what he hath done, whether it sides, to suspect the sincerity of my prebe good or bad? " This motive to sin- sent profession, yet I humbly dare appeal cerity is plain, and obvious to the weakest to thy unlimited knowledge: " Thou, understanding. Formality, or mere out- Lord, who knowest all things, knowest ward religiousness, must appear a vain, un- that I love thee." This is still the supprofitable thing to the man who believes port of upright souls. As perfection is the doctrine of my text; for what can it not the attainment of our present state, avail him to be well thought of by a few, the dearest of God's children are too oftduring the short time of his abode on this en carried away by the force of temptaearth, if at last he shall become the object tion; insomuch that, had they to do with of everlasting contempt; not to those few a man like themselves, they might despair only, but to all that ever did or shall of being able to convince him that they exist, till " the mighty angel, setting his loved him. But the sincere penitent, conright foot upon the sea, and his left foot scions of that affection which glows within on the earth, shall lift up his hand to his breast, can with tears make his appeal heaven, and swear by him that liveth for to God himself, and hope to be believed; beever and ever, That time shall be no more." cause he to whom he appeals, needs nlo other 3dly. This doctrine affords abundant proof or evidence to convince him than his matter of comfort and joy to the truly own immediate and unerring knowledge. godly. Omniscience is the attribute of Once more, what hope and joy must their Father and their friend; his eyes are spring up in the soul in its secret addresses continually upon them for good; he knows to God, when it remembers that his eyes every thing that befalls them, and is per- are in every place! He to whom we fectly acquainted both with their wants, pray understandeth our very thoughts afar and with those supplies which are proper off. " Lord," said the Psalmist, " all my and necessary for them. This qualifies desire is before thee, and my groaning is him to be the object of their trust and not hid from thee." A groan, a sigh, canconfidence; upon him they may quietly and not escape his notice; nay, "he puts our cheerfully rely, who is never far from any tears into a bottle, and a book of rememone of them, and " whose eyes run to and brance is written before him, for them that fro throughout the whole earth, to show think upon his name." himself strong in behalf of those whose Though words be a tribute due to God, hearts are perfect towards him." yet he doth not need the information of But the omniscience of God is still language: "for when we know not what more comfortable upon other accounts. we should pray for as we ought, the Spirit What a stay and support did it prove to itself helpeth our infirmities, making inPeter, when our Lord said unto him the tercession for us with groanings which GOD'S OMNISCIENCE. 29 cannot be uttered. And he that search- hastening to the tribunal of that Judge, eth the hearts, knoweth what is the mind whose eye has been constantly upon us, of the Spirit, because he maketh interces- and from whose sentence there lies no apsion for the saints according to the will peal. No craft or policy can evade his of G-od." —Rom. viii. 26, 27. When the justice, neither can any power deliver out humble supplicant, like a diseased Laza- of his hands; yet we live as if we had no rus, can do little more than lay himself witness, no judge, nor any cause of imdown at the door of mercy, unable to pro- portance to be tried. God hath assured nounce one articulate word; when, like us in his word, that "' death is the wages the publican in the parable, he can only of sin; " reason condemns it; conscience smite upon his breast, to point at the either remonstrates against it, or rebukes place where the distemper lies; the Holy us for it; yet, in defiance of all these, Spirit puts language into these actions, we hug it in our bosom, and refuse to let which God perfectly understands, and gra- it go. ciously accepts, because his eyes are in This is such perverse, such unaccountevery place, beholding the evil and the able folly, that were not the whole earth a good. bedlam, in which all have a tincture of 4thly. This doctrine is no less awful the same disease, it would be regarded to the wicked than it is comfortable to the with equal surprise and horror. One of sincere and good. Wherever they are, the most probable means for restoring men whatever they do, God sees and observes to their right senses, is the serious belief them. Men are frequently induced to of this important doctrine, that the eyes commit sin by the hope of concealment: of the Lord are in every place, beholding " The eye of the adulterer waiteth for the evil and the good. Which leads me the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me; to observe, in the and disguiseth his face." But this text 5th and last place, That an habitual discovers the folly of such hopes; the impression of the divine presence would Judge himself beholds and knows them; prove at once an effectual restraint from " for there is no darkness nor shadow of all manner of sin, and the most powerful death where the workers of iniquity can incitement to every part of our duty. hide themselves from him." O sinners, This would deter us even from the most think of this; none of your ways are hid secret sins, and influence us as much in from the Lord. He not only knows what our closest retirement as when we act in you do, but he also knows what opposition the public view of the world. Had we and restraint you overcome in doing it. no other spectators than men, it might be You may fein excuses to your neighbors; sufficient to maintain a fair outside, beyou may plead the violence of temptation, cause that only falls under their observathe want of recollection, or the strength tion; but there is no covering so thick as of passion; and by these alleviations ex- to hide us from God; the most secret detenuate your guilt, and put some sort of viation of the heart is subject to his cogcolor upon your conduct; but God sees nizance, as much as the most open transthrough all these thin disguises; he that gression of the life; and sins committed in heard every whispering of conscience with- the deepest shades of darkness, are as in thee; and the complaints of this op- perfectly known to him as those commitpressed. subdued deputy, are all recorded ted in the clearest noonday. None of the against thee. Brethren, this is a most springs from whence they proceed can alarming consideration; may God impress escape his notice, nor the temper of mind it upon our hearts, and give it that power with which they are done; which give and influence which it ought to have! the truest light into their nature, and deThis would humible us to purpose, and termine the precise degree of their mnamake us to loathe ourselves in our own lignity. What reason, then, have we to sight because of our abominations. keep our hearts, as well as our lives, with Surely the heart of man is with good all diligence; and to dread a sin in prireason said to be' deceitful above all vacy no less than whenwe know that many things, and desperately wicked." We are eyes are upon us? 30 SERMON III. With respect, again, to the practice of which very often passeth for real holiness, our duty, the influence of a realizing faith and leads men "' to think of themselves of the divine omniscience is so apparent more highly than they ought to think." that it needs no illustration. "' I have Paul "was alive without the law once; kept thy statutes and thy testimonies," but when the commandment came, sin resaid David; " for all my ways are before vived, and he died." So long as he knew thee." Were God habitually present to only the letter of the law, and was a our minds, we should think nothing too stranger to its spiritual meaning, and just much to be done, or too hard to be endur- extent, he imagined that his prayers, his ed, in his service. A holy ambition to fastings, and his alms, accompanied with approve ourselves to him, by whose final some pieces of bodily exercise, and an absentence we must stand or fall, would ren- stinence from the grosser acts of sin, were der us superior to every trial, and carry sufficient to recommend him to the friendus forward in the way of his command- ship of God, and would certainly entitle ments with increasing vigor and alacrity. him to the joys of immortality; but We should never "think that we had al- "when the commandment came" in its ready attained, either were already per- native purity, and entered into his heart feet; but, forgetting the things which are with light and power, he soon discovered behind, and reaching forth to those things his mistake, and was convinced, that his which are before, we should press towards seeming virtues were no more in reality the mark for the prize of the'high calling than " dead works; " his pharisaical rightof God in Christ Jesus." eousness a mere painted outside, the deluUpon the whole, then, let us earnestly sive picture or " form of godliness." pray God, that he, by his grace, may In like manner, the author of this psalm, strengthen our faith of this important after adevout contemplation of the divine truth, that the eyes of the Lord are in law, (which he had magnified in the foreevery place, beholding the evil and the going verses, by a just and animated degood; and enable us so to set him before tail of its amiable properties and salutary us all the days of our pilgrimage on earth, effects) turning his eyes inward, is struck that hereafter we may be admitted into with a sense of his own guilt and polluhis presence; where, in the happy society tion: "Who," saith he, " can understand of angels and saints, we shall enjoy the his errors?" Many indeed, too many, unclouded light of his countenance with- alas! I can soon recollect; for every peout interruption and without end. Amen. riod of my life hath been stained with sin: but besides all these, I now perceive, that in numberless instances, unobserved or forgotten, I niust have deviated from so perfect a rule. Upon this he supplicates the mercy of God, and implores the PRESUMPTUOUS SINS DEPRECATED. forgiveness of those " errors," or infirmities, which had either escaped his notice PSAL X oIX. 13.-"eep back thy servant also or dropped out of his remembrance; fCleanse thou me from secret faults; " MEMORABLE is that saying of the apostle " secret,"'; not only with respect to others, Paul, " I had not known sin but by the but to myself also; hid front mine own law." We can never judge aright of our eyes as well as from the eyes of my fellow temper and practice till we prove them by men. And under this awful impression of this unerring rule. Many objects appear the polluting nature even of his unobserved to have a strong resemblance while we and "secret faults," he views with horror view them apart, and at a distance from the more aggravated guilt of known and each other; which, in almost every fea- wilful sins; and prays with redoubled earture, are found to disagree when they are nestness, in the words of my text, that it brought together and examined with accu- might please God to restrain or keep him racy. Thus there is a seeming conformity back from these: Kee'back thy servant to the divine law, an image of sanctity, also from presunmptuous sins. PRESUMPTUOUS SINS DEPRECATED. 31 What these sins are, and how much it mating the different degrees of guilt, reconcerneth us all to avoid them, I shall gard must always be had to the nature endeavor to show in the sequel of this dis- of the temptation; for, according to the course; and, as my text is a prayer, I strength of that, the pride or perverseness shall conclude with some directions for of the sinner is proportionally diminished; the help of those who are willing to make especially if it appear that he did not go it their own prayer, and wish to offer it forth to meet the temptation, but was reup with acceptance and success. ally overtaken by it, in the proper sense By presumptuous sins, we are to un- of that word, and hurried along with its derstand something different from those violence, before his mind could have freeunavoidable failings, on account of which dom or leisure to reflect and reason upon it is said, that " there is not a just man the matter. upon earth, who doeth good, and sinneth Having premised these distinctions, we not." Perfection in holiness is not the shall now be able to discover, with greater attainment of our present state; the best ease and certainty, those peculiar ingredi. offend in many things; and " if we say ents which render sin presumptuous. we have no sin, we deceive ourselves: and Knowledge is the first. This, as I the truth is not in us." have already hinted, must lie at the root There are some sins done through ig- of every presumptuous sin. He is rather norance; and this circumstance, how great unfortunate than faulty, who, by mistake soever the offence may be in its own na- or accident, hurteth one in the dark; but ture, doth certainly render the case of the he who doth it in broad day, and with his offender more pitiable. We find "the eyes open, betrays malevolence, or wicked Apostle and High Priest of our profession, intention, which doth not admit of any Christ Jesus,"' pleading this argument for extenuation. It was this that rendered mercy to his murderers; " Father, forgive the unbelieving Jews altogether inexcuthem, for they know not what they do." sable, according to the declaration of our St. " Paul obtained mercy, who was be- Saviour, (John xv. 22.) "' If I had not fore a blasphemer, a persecutor, and in- come and spoken unto them, they had not jurious, because he did it ignorantly." had sin; but now they have no cloak for And the Judge himself hath assured us, their sin." Knowledge then being sup(Luke xii. 48.) that "the servant who posed as an essential ingredient. knew not his Lord's will, and did commit The sin becomes more presumptuous things worth of stripes, shall be beaten when it is the fruit of deliberation and with few stripes." contrivance; when the person ruminates There are other sins into which men and plots, and lays schemes for executing are hurried by sudden and violent temp- his criminal designs. Such a transgressor tation, which the apostle, writing to the is described, (Prov. vi. 14.) "FrowardGalatians, calls " being overtaken in a ness is in his heart, lie deviseth mischief fault,' (Gal. vi. 1.,) " outwitted, as it were, continually;" and again, (Psalm xxxvi. 4.) and taken by surprise. In this case, he "He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he exhorts the brethren to restore such an setteth himself in a way that is not good; one in the spirit of meekness;" and the he abhorreth not evil." argument he useth is very remarkable; The presumption is farther heightened, "considering thyself, lest thou also be when obstinacy is added to knowledge tempted." It farther dserves our notice, and deliberation; when the transgressor that the persons to whom the exhortation "holdeth fast his iniquity, and will not let is addressed are supposed to be " spirit- it go," but rusheth forward in his wicked ual; " yet even to these he recommends course, "even as the horse rusheth into compassion and tenderness, because the battle." Such was the temper which the violence of the temptation might, in like Jews expressed in their answer to Jerecircumstances, have overcome themselves. miah, (Jerem. xliv. 16.) "As for the word "Men do not despise a thief," said the which thou hast spoken to us in the name wise king of Israel, "if he steal to satis- of the Lord, we will not hearken unto fy his soul when he is hungry." In esti- thee, but will certainly do whatsoever 32 SERMON III. thing goeth forth out of our own mouth." this alleviation can be pleaded; let this And to this obstinacy the epithet of pre- first act be supposed involuntary, the efsumptuous is directly applied, (Deut. i. 43.) feet of some sudden disorder in the mind; where Moses saith, "I spake unto you, what becomes of the next? that must but ye would not hear, but rebelled against necessarily be presumptuous; for the repthe commandment of the Lord, and went etition of so unnatural a sin may be presumptuously up into the hill." easily prevented, if the person hath a real Again, if the warnings and reproofs of abhorrence of it, and useth any efforts to men be accompanied with the remonstran- guard against it. But, alas! how many ces of conscience, and enforced by the mo- are there who swear alike, whether they tions of the Holy Spirit, these give a yet be angry or well pleased; who imprecate deeper tincture to the sinner's presump- damnation upon themselves out of mere tion, and render his obstinacy still more wantonness, and make such horrid oaths criminal. With such guilt were the Jew- a principal part of their familiar converish rulers directly charged by the first sation. If any who hear me are guilty in martyr Stephen, (Acts vii. 51.) " Ye stiff- this manner, let me prevail with them to necked, and uncircumcised in heart and pause for a little, till they have seriously in ear, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; considered what they are doing. It cost as your fathers did, so do ye." the Redeemer much to purchase salvation But the sin becomes presumptuous in for you, not only prayers, but blood too: the highest degree, when, besides the re- and dare you pray that your souls may monstrances of conscience, and the striv- have no share in it? This is the height ings of the Holy Spirit, God, by some of madness: Damnation is easily obtained; awful dispensations of his Providence, you need not pray for it; if you apply not "hedgeth up the sinner's way as with the remedy, you perish of course: but it thorns," and yet he will break through. is not so easy to be saved; and must not Upon this account a distinguished brand these imprecations, which you have just of infamy is set upon Ahaz in the sacred cause to fear are recorded against you, history; of whom it is said, (2 Chron. increase the difficulty, and remove you xxviii. 22.) "In the time of his dis- farther from the road of mercy? Think tress did he trespass yet more against the of this, O sinners! before it be too late, Lord;" to which it is subjoined, with a and speedily forsake this presumptuous sin. peculiar emphasis, " This is that king Peijury is still more inexcusable, as Ahaz," that obstinate, that incorrigible it cannot even borrow the pretext of pasoffender, who 4tands on record as an aw- sion or suprise, but is a cool, deliberate act ful beacon, for a warning to all succeeding of the most daring impiety. The person generations. These, I apprehend, are the who swears in judgment has not only principal ingredients which render sin abundance of leisure to consider what he presumptuous. is about to say, but the very manner of And from this description it will ap- administering an oath, in all the courts I pear, there are some sins which must al- know, has something in it peculiarly solways be presumptuous, and do not admit emn and awful, on purpose, no doubt, to of any palliation. stir up conscience to perform its office, Prtofane swearing is evidently of this and to oblige it to be faithful. Nay, the kind. It hath no claim to pleasure, and as very words of an oath in judgment, exlittle to profit; the swearer seems to be press an immediate appeal to the Searchwicked from pure malice, merely for the er of hearts, in the tremendous character sake of being wicked. In vain do men of final Judge; and conseqently imply, not plead provocation; for injure themn who only the person's consent to accept damwill, surely God doth them no injury; and nation as the punishment of his falsehood, if a fellow creature offend them, that can if he shall conceal or deny what he knows never afford them a reason for affronting to be the truth, but even a formal and their Creator, who is continually doing solemn adjuration of God to inflict damthem good. Besides, it is only one in- nation upon him; which is the highest stance of profane swearing for which even degree of presumption that can possibly PRESUMPTUOUS SINS DEPRECATED. 33 be imagined. But though perjury be a be guilty, that they may not waste their lie with peculiar aggravations; yet there precious time in seeking after excuses to can be no lies of whatever kind which are defend them against the heavy charge of not presumptuous in one degree or other, presumption, but may, without a moment's inasmuch as they always require some ex- delay, humble themselves in the presence ercise of invention to make them, and of that God whom they have so grievoususually a great deal more to support their ly offended, imploring his pardoning mercredit, and to keep them in countenance cy for what is past, and his powerful grace after they are made. to restrain them for the future. Theft must in every case be presump- The great importance of his restraint tuous; it is a work of time which requires to us all, or how much it concerneth us to much thought and cunning to adjust the be kept back from every presumptuous sin, plan of operation, and no less address and was the second thing I proposed to illusconduct in carrying it into execution. trate. And this will appear from two Besides, the thief has many restraints to considerations. break through, not only the inward con- 1st. That such sins are most heinous viction of the wrong done to his neighbor, in their nature; and, 2dly, most pernicious but the fears of a discovery likewise, and in their effects and consequences. that disgrace and punishment with which lst, They are most heinous in their nait will certainly be attended. ture. The language of the proud sinner The same may be said of " whore. is,'Who is Lord over me? He either dismzongers and adulterers, whom God will owns the authority of God, or bids him judge." For though such transgressors defiance, and provokes him to jealousy, as commonly plead the violence of tempta- if he were stronger than he. Thus it is tion; yet, as I have already observed, this written. (Numbers xv. 3.) " The soul by itself cannot excuse from presumption that doeth aught presumptuously, reunless the temptation be so sudden and proacheth the Lord; " reproacheth his surprising, that it gives the person no lei- knowledge, as if God was ignorant of his sure to exercise his reason; which I am wickedness; or his justice and truth, as if persuaded is seldom or never the case. he would not punish it; or his power, as if These works of darkness are usually gone he could not. And what horrid -impiety about with greater caution and secrecy is this! 0 sinners, think of it: your than are consistent with mere passion; so known wilful sins cannot possibly be vinthat reason hath been employed, though dicated from this charge; all I have now in a wrong way: and this is one of those said, and a great deal more, shall be ingredients that render sin presumptuous. made good against you at last, when God We may likewise say of drunkenness, shall enter into judgment with your soula. that in the most cases it is presumptuous. It is vain for you to plead that you do not It is an excess which one can scarcely be directly intend these things. I verily besurprised into, unless the liquor be mixed lieve you think so; for, proud and stub. with some pernicious drug, or hath some born as you are, I am confident that you. peculiar quality with which he is utterly dare not utter such blasphemies before unacquainted. But this, I suppose, is a God. nor even avow them to your own case that rarely happens. It usually takes hearts. But doth it follow from thence, some time before a person be intoxicated; that you are not chargeable with them.? and drunkenness comes on by such gradu- The fallacy of this reasoning can easily be al advances, that one hath sufficient op- detected. Tell us, do you intend your portunity to observe its approach, and to own damnation? I need not wait for an make his escape, if he is not otherwise answer; I am sure you do not. Pray,. determined. then, what meaning have you at all? You So that all these sins are evidently pre- wilfully transgress the laws of God, but sumptuous; and as they are too common- you do not intend to be punished for it: ly practised among us, I thought it my on the contrary, you shudder at the prosduty to mention them in particular, for pect of suffering, and would certainly opthe sake of those who know themselves to pose it with all your might. This is one 3 34 SERMON III. side. On the other hand, you say, that tence God lays an inhibition, if I may so you have no direct intention to injure or speak, upon every thing that might either insult the majesty of God; you mean no restrain or reclaim the offender; he withprejudice to his authority; nor to any of draws his despised grace, and suffers him his perfections, his wisdom, holiness, jus- to wallow in that filthiness he hath chosen, tice, or almighty power. Can any body till the fire that is not quenched shall awareconcile these two opposites? You are ken him to a fruitless, despairing convicunwilling to be miserable; and yet you tion of his folly. are willing that God should possess those But as this judgment is, in a peculiar tremendous attributes, by the exercise of manner, " God's strange work," to which which you must be made miserable. This he never proceeds till all reclaiming meis a flat contradiction. The case is plain, thods have been tried and baffled; let us whether you perceive it or not; you would suppose, if you please, that the sinner becertainly dethrone God if you could; you gins to awaken out of his lethargy; yet would reverse his laws, or disarm his how dismal must the effects of his prepower, that you might follow your inclina. sumptuous sins be, even in this case? Oh! tions without fear or control: And this is what horror will the remembrance of them the disposition of every presumptuous raise in his mind? How will they discousinner, though perhaps his heart may be rage him in his addresses for mercy, to so hard and unfeeling as not to perceive that God whom he hath so imprudently afit. These remarks may suffice to show, fronted and defied to his face? How will of what a heinous nature presumptuous they damp his expectations of pardon, when sins are. I added, in the God sets them all in battle array before him, 2d place, That they are likewise most and conscience takes hold of that dreadful pernicious in their effects and consequen- sentence against the presumptuous transces. gressor, (Numbers xv. 31.) " Because he Every wilful sin hardens the heart, hath despised the word of the Lord, and and renders it less penetrable than it was hath broken his commandment; that soul before; one conviction overcome, makes shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall way for the conquest of another, and that be upon him? " If so good a nlan as Heof a third, and so on; the sinner by de- man was obliged to cry out, " While I sufgrees waxeth stout against God, till at fer thy terrors I am distracted;" what length every bond that should restrain him must be the condition of the newly awakis broken asunder, and his heart becomes ened, presumptuous sinner? "fully set in him to do evil." This is Nay, let us suppose, that God hath thenatural effect of presumptuous sinning: spoken peace to his soul, and given him conscience being often violated, grows cal- reason to hope that his iniquities are forlous and insensible, or, in the language of given; yet these sins of presumption alScripture, " seared as with ahot iron; " so ways leave behind them the scars of those that it not only loseth its authority, but gashes which they made upon the heart: in great measure its feeling also, and suf- and as deep bodily wounds, even after they fers the sinner to rush forward in his have been closed, are apt to ache upon a wicked course without check or remorse. change of weather; so any variation in the But this is not all: These presumptu- person's lot that is capable of being conous sins have not only a hardening influ- strued into a token of God's anger, will ence upon the heart, but they likewise pro- recall to his memory those pardoned iniquivoke God to inflict a judicialhardness upon ties, and make them a fresh occasion of it, which of all his judgments is by far the grief and anguish to his doubting, perplexmost terrible; for this, as it were, seals up ed soul. the sinner to final condemnation, and ren- Besides, though pardon secures against ders his recovery not only difficult, but ut- final condemnation, yet sins of this kind terly impossible. " Ephraim is joined to are seldom remitted without some visible his idols," saith God; " let him alone: " testimony of God's displeasure. What he is obstinately bent upon idolatry, give calamities befell the author of this psalm, him no disturbance. By this awful sen- even after the prophet had intimated to PRESUMPTUOUS SINS DEPRECATED. 35 him, that " the Lord had put away his sin? " in his punishment, but even obliged him, His daughter ravished; the incestuous as you have heard, by a solemn exercise brother slain Absalom invades both his of repentance, which is left upon record throne and his bed; the bulk of his sub- for the use of the church, to publish his jects desert him; and he himself, accomr- confession of it to all succeeding generapanied with a few remaining friends, is tions. Have you no apprehension that driven into the wilderness, and hard put something of a similar kind may befall to it to shift for his life. And though yourselves? Cannot God disclose your David was chargeable with many failings, secret sins if he pleaseth? And have you and some of them gross enough, yet in the not cause to fear that he will do it, from character which the inspired historian hath what he said to David: " Thou didst it given of him, they are all passed over in si- secretly; but I will do this thing before lence, except his complicated guilt in all Israel, and before the sun? " Will the matter of Uriah; but that is express- God show greater tenderness to your rely mentioned, and left as a blot upon the putation than to that of the man accordname of this great and good man, to deter ing to his own heart? May he not, in his others from such deliberate and presump- righteous displeasure, permit that lust, tuous sins; for thus it is written (1 Kings which you presumptuously cherish in your xv. 5.) " David did that which was right bosom, to grow so strong, that all your in the eyes of the Lord, and turned not cunning shall not be able to keep it withaside from any thing that he commanded in bounds? and then it will fly abroad, him all the days of his life, save only in and become public of course. I beg you the matter of Uriah the Hittite." Nay, may attend to this: I confess it is a moDavid with his own hand hath recorded tive of the lowest kind; but low as it is, his guilt in the 51st Psalm, where to this you ought at least to take its aid, till you day he professes his shame and sorrow, get a relish for others of a more ingenuous and will continue to do so as long as God and spiritual nature. shall have a church upon earth. When Consider, farther, what inward torment these things are attended to, the im- you must one day feel: at present, perportance of being kept back from pre- haps, conscience is asleep; but it shall sumptuous sins must appear to us in the not always sleep: affliction may awaken strongest and most affecting light. it; the approach of death most probably Let me now address those whose con- will; and then "shall your fear come as sciences bear witness, that they have often desolation, and your destruction as a transgressed in this manner, and are liv- whirlwind: distress and anguish shall then ing perhaps at this very time in the habit- come upon you;" for in that awful season, ual indulgence of some presumptuous sin. " the Lord shall give thee a trembling Have you seriously considered the danger heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of you are exposed to? David's case, which mind. And thy life shall hang in doubt I just now mentioned, suggests to me one before thee, and thou shalt fear day and argument that may possibly have weight night, and shalt have none assurance of with you. Some of you, perhaps, are sly thy life. In the morning thou shalt say, offenders; so cunning in your way, that Would God it were even; and at even the world hath not found you out. But, thou shalt say, Would God it were mornsay, would it not give you pain to think, ing, for the fear of thine heart wherewith that one day you should be discovered? thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine Now, what assurance have you that this eyes which thou shalt see." Or if this shall never happen? David, I suppose, seem not misery enough, look forward a conducted his criminal pursuit with as little farther to the tremendous issue: much address and secrecy as you can do; "Who can dwell with devouring flames? and after it had lain buried for the space who can lie down in everlasting burnings?" of nine months, I am persuaded he wasas Yet this, O sinners, must be your portion, fearless of a discovery as you presently are: if you live and die in rebellion against yet God detected him in an extraordinary God. The sweetness of sin passeth quickmanner, and not only made his sin visible ly away, but the sting of it is perpetual: 36 SERMON III. the gnawing worm shall never die, the in the book of the law shall be upon fire of God's wrath shall never be extin- him." True, God is merciful, but is it guished. not equally true that he is holy and It is really astonishing, that creatures righteous? Can you devise a more lofty endowed with reason, and capable of ex- description of the divine goodness than ercising reflection and foresight, should, that which was published by God himself, in such a situation, enjoy any sort of peace when, descending in a cloud upon mount for a moment. What is it that supports Sinai, he passed by before Moses, and you? Do you imagine that God will proclaimed his name, " The Lord, the overlook your rebellion, and never call Lord God, merciful and gracious, longyou to an account for your conduct? Hear suffering, and abundant in goodness and his own words by the month of his pro- truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forphets: "I will search Jerusalem with giving iniquity, and transgression and candles, and punish the men that are set- sin;" (but observe what follows) " and tied on their lees; that say in their heart, that will by no means clear the guilty?" the Lord will not do good, neither will he Exodus xxxiv. 6, 7. Nay, the most anmazdo evil."-Zephaniah i. 12. And again, ing instance of divine love, to wit, God " Woe unto them that draw iniquity with sending his Son into the world to die for cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a sinners, is, at the same time, the most cart-rope: that say, Let him make speed, awful proof of his inflexible justice, and and hasten his work, that we may see it; of his irreconcilable hatred of sin; seeing and let the counsel of the Holy One of no less a sacrifice could expiate the guilt Israel draw nigh and come, that we may of it, than the blood of him by whom all know it."-Isaiah v. 18. Has he not things were made. Neither shall this already, in the course of his providence, costly sacrifice avail us, if we still congiven sufficient evidence of his hatred of tinue to hold fast our iniquities; for "the sin; and by many awful tokens of his Son of God was manifested for this very righteous displeasure, extorted a confes- purpose, that he may destroy the works sion from the most obstinate sinners, " that of the devil." And in vain do we plead verily there is a God that judgeth in the the merit of his death, unless we follow earth?' -But you have a proof of this in the example of his life, and submit to the your own bosom. What means the voice government of his laws and Spirit; for of conscience within you? Whence that " he is the author of eternal salvation only fear and horror which sometimes seize to them that obey him." upon you? Surely these painful feelings But, it may be, you hope to make all are involuntary; for no man chooseth to up by repentance; and though at present be his own tormentor. Well, then, this there are some sins you are unwilling to internal sense is in place of a thousand part with, yet you propose to do it afterwitnesses, to prove, that God is marking wards, with a resolution never to return your steps in the mean time, and that ere any more to folly. Well, sinners, this at long he will punish you for all your in- least is a plain confession that you are iquities; "for, according to this fear, so self-condemned creatures in the mean is the wrath of God," which is the object time. You admit that repentance is of it. necessary, and that you are undone with-'Do you presume upon the mercy of out it. And now let me display to you God? Listen to that awful declaration the folly of your conduct. Should you in the book of Deuteronomy, (chap. xxix. die this night, what would become of you? 19, 20.) " If it come to pass, when he and what assurance have you that you heareth the words of this curse, that he shall be alive to-morrow? Were not bless himself in his heart, and say, I Zimri and Cosbi cut off in the act of sin? shall have peace, though I walk in the And have not many others been carried imagination of my heart; the Lord will off by a sudden death, without leisure not spare him, but the anger of the Lord, afforded them to cry for mercy? Your and his jealousy, shall smoke against that sin, and consequently your misery, is preman, and all the curses that are written sent and certain: your repentance only PRESUMPTUOUS SINS DEPRECATED. 37 future, and therefore altogether uncer- much to be delivered from the sin, as tain; for who knoweth what a day may from the fierce challenges of the awful bring forth? Besides, is it not egregious reprover within us. Have you not disfolly to do that deliberately which need- covered something of this hypocrisy in eth repentance? Would he not justly be the time of praying? Have you not felt accounted mad, who should drink a deadly a secret love for the sin you professed to poison, merely to try the strength of an renounce; nay, some degree of fear lest antidote? Though you could repent at God should take you at your word, and pleasure, and had a lease of life to any render that sin bitter and unpleasant to term of your own choosing, which you you? Need I tell you, that such prayers well know you have not; yet, even upon are an abomination to the Lord, and, this supposition, your conduct would be instead of diminishing, aggravate your foolish and irrational. But I have some- guilt? To pray, is not to offer up words, thing to add that is still more alarming. but desires, to God: I therefore said, Repentance is the gift of God; it is a that in using this petition, you must do grace that can only be produced in your it with a sincere and earnest desire that hearts by that divine Spirit, whom now God may hear and grant your request. you grieve. And is grieving him the way It was for this purpose I set before you to obtain his assistance? Must God wait the heinous nature and fatal effects of your time, and patiently endure all your presumptuous sins, that you might view affronts, and then bestow upon you a pure them as deadly foes, and long to be resfavor, to which you can plead no title, cued from their tyranny; for till your whenever you shall deign to ask it? No, hearts are brought to this, in vain do you sinners: there are such awful words in utter the words of David; your prayers your Bibles as these: " My Spirit shall are hollow and insincere, whatever dress not always strive with man;" and, " Be- you put them into; and are themselves cause when I called, ye refused; when I more presumptuous than any of those sins stretched out my hand, ye did not regard against which you pretend to use them. me; therefore will I laugh at your cala- 2dly. We must put up this request mity, and mock when your fear cometh.' from a humble sense of our own weakness, Go, think upon these, and get you to your with a lively hope of the mercy of God, knees, and beg of God, for Christ's sake, and a steadfast reliance upon the efficacy thiat he may pardon what is past, and re- of his grace. These qualifications are abstrain you from such presumptuous sins solutely necessary: for till we feel our for the future. This brings me to the inability to overcome our impetuous and Last thing I proposed; which was, to headstrong passions, we shall not be very direct you how to put up this prayer to importunate with God to restrain them; God, Keep back/ thy servant fromn pre- and we shall soon grow weary in our adsuzmptuous sins. dresses to him for aid, if we either call in In the 1st place, You must do it sin- question his good will to bestow it, or cerely, with an unfeigned and earnest de- doubt of its sufficiency to answer our sire that God may hear and grant your necessities. We must neither pray request. We are very apt to impose upon proudly nor despairingly; we affront God ourselves in this matter. Conscience equally both ways. If we go to him being galled and irritated by presump- merely in a complimental way, as if'we tuous sinls, may grow so turbulent and did him honor by asking some slender clamorous, that something must be done assistance only to render the conquest to still and pacify it. By this means, we more easy; this may provoke him to leave may be forced into the closet, and obliged us in the hands of our enemies, till, by to use the words of my text, nay, to apply some fatal overthrow, we are brought to a them to those particular sins for which thorough conviction of our impotence; conscience upbraideth us. But, alas! our for " he resisteth the proud, and giveth prayers are ofttimles false and hypocrit- grace only to the humble; the hungry ical; we hate not the sin, but the re- are filled with good things, but the rich morse that follows it; and we wish not so are sent empty away." 38 SERMON IV. On the other hand, should we either Prayer is not only an acknowledgment of question his willingness or ability to help our dependence upon God foi the things us; would not this be to cast upon him we ask, but it likewise imports a resoluvile dishonor, after all the illustrious tion on our part to use all proper means proofs he hath given us, both of his love for obtaining them; and the vigor of our and saving power?' He that spared endeavors is the best proof of our sinnot his own Son, but delivered him up for cerity. Should a person who is just now us all; how shall he not with him also praying, " Lead me not into temptation," freely give us all things? " rise immediately from his knees, and go Let us therefore, under a deep sense of forth to invite or even to meet temptation, our depravity and weakness, humbly and who could believe that such a man was in importunately cry to God, that he may earnest? Let us be doing, and then we deliver us from the oppression of our may, with greater confidence,both ask the tyrannical lusts; and these cries of the divine aid, and hope to obtain it. If. in a oppressed shall " enter into the ears of humble dependence upon God, we faiththe Lord of Sabaoth." At the same fully employ the strength we have, more time, let us harbor no dishonorable suspi- shall be added to us as our necessities recions either of his mercy or of his power; quire: " For to him that hath shall be "We have a great High-Priest, who has given. They that wait upon the Lord passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of shall renew their strength; they shall God, who now appears in the presence of mount up with wings as eagles, they shall God for us. Having therefore boldness run and not be weary, they shall walk and to enter into the holiest by the blood of not faint. Wait therefore on the Lord: Jesus, by a new and living way, which he be of good courage, and he shall strengthen hath consecrated for us through the vail, thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." that is to say, his flesh; and having a Amen. High-Priest who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and was in all points tempted like as we are; let us SERMON IV. come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to FORM AND POWER OF GODLINESS. help in time of need." 2 TIMOTHY InI. 5.-" Having a form of Godliness, If we thus ask, we shall certainly re- but denying the power thereof." ceive: the great Captain of our salvation, whose grace is sufficient for all his peo-:' THE sacrifice of the wicked is an abomiple, will not only keep us back from nation to the Lord; but the prayer of the presumptuous sins, but in due time he upright is his delight." It is the heart of will bruise Satan underneath our feet, the worshipper which God principally reand " grant unto us to sit with him on gards; if that be wrong, externalhomage his throne, even as he also overcame, and is only " vain oblation," which can never is set down with his Father on his ascend to his throne with acceptance. throne."-Let me only add, in the Happy, were it for us, had we a just imThird and last place, that our prayers pression of this interesting truth; but to God for restraining grace. must be ac- many, alas! are too apt to impose upon coxipanied with our own most vigorous themselves. Instead of aspiring to that efforts to resist all temptations to pre- inward purity which is necessary to qualify sumptuous sins, otherwise they shall not them for a communion with God, they be accepted. seem to have no higher aim, than to lull God will so do his work, as that we conscience asleep by the practice of some shall do ours likewise; for " God's work- cheap and common duties, lest its galling ing in us to will and do," instead of super- reproofs should alarm their fears, and anseding the necessity of our own endeavors, ticipate the horrors of approaching judgis urged in Scripture as a motive and en- ment. Thus they dream of safety, when couragement to make us " work out our destruction is fast coming upon them; and, own salvation with fear and trembling." with " untempered mortar," rear up for FORM AND POWER OF GODLINESS. 39 themselves " a refuge of lies," which, ere that high and incommunicable character. long, shall be tumbled down, and bury Genuine piety expresseth itself thus: them in its ruins.-For awakening such " Whom have I in heaven but thee, 0 persons from their fatal security, I have Lord? and there is none upon earth that chosen this passage of Holy Scripture, I desire besides thee." WTe are not godly, wherein the apostle gives us a part of whatever we profess or seem, if in our the character of deceiving hypocrites, or most deliberate and affectionate choice, we rather, indeed, a comprehensive descrip- do not prefer the one true God, and the tion of them in a few words: they have a enjoyment of his favor, to all that can be i.brm of godliness, but deny the power found throughout the wide extent of his thereof. Their religion is a mere carcass, works; if we make not his will the meaa body without the soul, a lifeless picture or sure of ours, his law the sovereign guide image of godliness: they assume the garb of our conduct, and and his glory the and air of sanctity, but are strangers, nay ultimate end of our obedience. But more enemies, to the thing itself. That the fol- particularly, in the lowing discourse may be " profitable for First place, Godliness includes a sudoctrine, for reproof, for correction, and preme love to God himself, and a constant for instruction in righteousness," I shall, prevailing desire to please him, mixed in the with a holy reverential awe, or fear of ofFirs'st place, Endeavor to open the nature fending him. I have joined these together, of true godliness, and to show wherein the because they appear to be of equal neceslife and power of it consists. sity and use, to constitute that frame and Secondly, I shall inquire, whence it is, temper of mind wherein the essence of that any who deny the power of godliness piety or true godliness doth consist. Fear should submit to the drudgery of prac- is necessary to keep God in our eye: it tising the forms of it? and then point out is the office of love to enthrone him in our the improvement which both saints and heart. Fear cautiously avoids whatever sinners ought to make of this subject. may offend: love yields a prompt and GODLINESS, in general, is the subjection liberal service. Fear regards God as a or devotedness of the soul to God himself, witness and judge; love cleaves to him as It is the practical acknowledgment of his a friend, nay a father. Fear maketh us unlimited sovereignty, and the unreserved watchful and circumspect: love renders dedication of the whole man to his service; us active and resolute. In short, they go or, to speak in the emphatical language of hand in hand, and mutually assist each this Apostle, it is " Christ formed" in the other: love keeps fear from being servile heart by the powerful energy of the Holy and distrustful; and fear keeps love from Spirit: in consequence whereof, the person being forward and secure; and both spring becomes " a new creature," both with re- from one root, namely, Faith in God, as a gard to his temper and practice; " he par- being possessed of infinite perfection, and takes of the divine nature;" and " those related to us as our Creator and Governor, members " which were formerly the " ser- our Redeemer and our Judge. vants of sin," are now employed as " in- This distinguisheth true godliness from struments of righteousness unto God." every counterfeit, or false appearance of It is not a cold assent to the truths of it. The seeming righteousness of theforreligion; it is not a natural softness and nzalist, is either assumed to impose upon benevolence of temper; it is not the ab- the world, without any regard to God at staining from gross sins, or the giving to all, or else it flows entirely from a tormentGod a corner of our hearts, and some va- ing fear of future wrath: in his heart cant portions of our time, while the bulk there is an aversion from God and his serof both is alienated from him, that will vice, at the very time he is professing to entitle us to the character of godly men. honor him with his body; reluctant and As he only is God, who is universal Lord, hesitating at every step, he proceeds no supreme in wisdom, in power, and in good- farther in the road of duty than he thinks ness; so that only is godliness which re- may suffice to escape damnation: he doth veres and honors God, in a way suited to more than he would do, were he not forced 40 SERMON IV. by necessity; and if left to his own choice, man's character, and one of the most he would rather live at large like the striking effects of the power of religion in beasts that perish, and render no homage his heart. Thefornmalist may, no doubt, to God at all. put on the appearance of this; he, too, Secondly. The power of godliness con- may talk of his contempt of this world; sists in the conquest of our corrupt and but when a trying time conies, his hyrebellious passions. These indeed still pocrisy and earthly-mindedness will soon live and fight within us, and will continue discover themselves: " Demas hath forto do so in one degree or other, till death saken me (said Paul), having loved this pull down these earthly tabernacles: but present world." Affliction and especially if we are truly sanctified, their strength persecution for the sake of Christ, makes shall gradually languish and decay: victory a wide and visible distinction betwixt the is sown in that new nature we have got; truth of grace and all the counterfeits of for "whatsoever is born of God over- it. This is a test which the formalist cancometh the world:" Jesus our Lord shall not stand; the predominant interest must ere long" deliver us from the body of this then appear, and can no longer be condeath, and the God of peace shall in due cealed. In that day, all mere speculations time bruise Satan underneath our feet."- about religion vanish; nor can any thing Whereas the formalist is altogether car- support the sufferer but what he firmly nal; corruption prevails against reason and believes and feels in his heart. The unconscience; the flesh gives law; and every sound professor may look big for awhile, faculty of the mind, every member of the and part with many lesser things; but body, is a willing slave to its usurped au- when matters are brought to this crisis, thority. Perhaps he has cunning enough "Sell all that thou hast, and take up the " to wash the outside;" to refrain from cross; " renounce every present sensible those sins which would stain his reputa- enjoyment for the sake of distant invisible tion, and render him contemptible in the blessings; then he must throw aside the opinion of the world; but all the while he mask, and confess that the world is sufeels no hatred of sin in his heart; his preme in his heart, and that heaven was conformity to the law doth not flow from never valued by him but as a secondary an inward principle of holiness, but is good, which he wished to have in reverpurely an artificial thing, calculated to sion, when he could keep his hold of this please others; and he cares for no more earth no longer. of it than is absolutely necessary for at- Fourthly. The soul that is under the taining that end. power of godliness hath a vehement thirst Thirdly. The power of godliness en- after the enjoyment of God himself. It nobles the soul with a holy indifference to is God in Christ whom the godly man all earthly things. The godly man is one seeketh in the ordinances of religion; whose treasure is in heaven. He hath either to know more of his will, or to seen through the deceit and vanity of this have nearer communion with him, or to world, and therefore esteems it but dross receive from him fresh supplies of grace, and dung in comparison of God and things for cleansing and quickening, and comforteternal; he is hastening to the promised ing his soul. These are to him like the land of rest, and will not eagerly contend tree unto which Zaccheus climbed up that for an inheritance in this wilderness, nor he might see Jesus: and he useth them be greatly dejected when it is either with- only for that end. Doth he go to the held or taken from him. Faith hath so sanctuary? it is, " that he may behold the far annihilated this world, that it is be- beauty of the Lord, and inquire in his come as nothing in his eye, and hath no temple." Doth he approach the altar? it bribe to offer that is sufficient to seduce is, that he may meet with " God his exhim from the service of his God, or the ceeding joy." As the " hart panteth for care of his precious and immortal soul. the brooks of water, so pants his thirsty, This holy indifference to earthly things, longing soul for God, even the living this divine elevation of sentiment and af- God; " and he always prefers " the light fection, is an eminent part of the godly of his countenance" to the greatest in FORM AND POWER OF GODLINESS. 41 crease " of corn and of wine," or whatever that they are no duties; or, if the evidence else this earth can afford. Now the for- of their authority is too strong to be evadmalist is an utter stranger to these ex- ed. he may attempt to do something like ercises of the heart: he feels no anxiety them in a cold and superficial manner; after communion with God: he prays, but but the things themselves he will not never troubles himself with inquiring if do. Whereas the godly man " esteems his prayer is accepted: he goes to church, all God's commandments concerning all not that he may wait upon God, or re- things to be right, and hates, with a perceive spiritual nourishment from the word feet hatred, every false and wicked way." preached; but merely to gratify his cu- This is the habitual language of his soul: riosity, and to get some addition to his " O that mny ways were directed to keep stock of notional religion; he grows weary thy statutes! Show me thy way, O Lord, of the necessary bread of life: he loathes teach me thy path, lead me in thy truth, that dry manna, and reckons every Sab- and teach me; for thou art the God of bath and sermon lost in which he is nbt my salvation; on thee do I wait all the amused with variety and change. In day. What I know not, teach thou me: short, he looks upon the duties of reli- If I have done iniquity, I will do so no gious worship merely as a task imposed more. Let the words of my mouth, and on him by an arbitrary master, who is too the meditations of my heart, be acceptstrong for him to contend with; and there- able in thy sight, O Lord, my strength fore he performs them for his own safety, and my Redeemer." " His delight is in and is always glad when they are over, the law of his God;" and instead of comand thinks that God hath nothing more plaining, that the duties required of him to require at his hand. are many or burdensome, he rather reOnce more, in the fifth place, The power joices, that he is furnished with such a of godliness is manifested by a steadfast variety of means and occasions of testifycourse of holy living, by an uniform and ing his gratitude to that amiable soveunreserved obedience to all God's com- reign, to whom he hath devoted himself, mandments. I observed, in the entrance, and his all. Love makes the Redeemer's that godliness is the subjection or devot- yoke to feel easy, and his burden light; edness of the soul to God himself: and in and nothing grieves him so much, as that vain do we pretend to this, if we object he cannot do all that he would, in acknowagainst any of his laws; for the Apostle ledgment of those manifold, inestimable James hath assured us, that " whosoever favors he hath already received, or hopes shall keep the whole law, and yet offend to enjoy. in one point, he is guilty of all." " It is Such is the godly mzan; and after this not the calling Christ Lord, Lord, but manner doth godliness exert its power, the doing the things which he says," that'" casting down imaginations, and every proveth us to be Christians indeed: " Yea, high thing that exalteth itself against the in this the children of God are manifest, knowledge of God, and bringing every and the children of the devil. He that thought," word, and action, into full doeth not righteousnes is not of God." " captivity to the obedience of Christ." The formalist, as I have already admitted, Here, then, let me entreat you, in the may go a considerable length in an out- serious review of what hath been deliverward reformation of manners; he may ed upon this branch of the subject, to abstain from pollutions of the grosser make a fair and impartial trial of yourkind, and even do many things that are selves. God, who knoweth all things, is materially good: but still he hath his ex. already acquainted with you: each of you ceptions: some sins are so dear to him, must very soon be acquainted with himthat he will by no means consent to part self, and all the world shall know you with them; and some duties are so dis- too: death is at hand to open your own pleasing to the flesh, that he cannot be re- eyes, and the last judgment shall publish conciled to them at any rate; he there- your real character, and expose it to the fore endeavors, either to suit his opinion view of angels and men; so that, upon all to his inclination, by persuading himself accounts, it is necessary that you be early 42 SERMON IV. and thoroughly assured of your condition. of duties from a natural timidity, or perIf, when weighed in the balance, you are haps civility of temper, which will not found wanting, you shall have this advan- suffer them to do any thing that may be tage by the discovery, that it will rouse shocking or offensive to their friends or you from that lethargy, out of which the neighbors. Of this sort numbers are to unquenchable fire would at length awaken be found in every Christian society; they you; and powerfully incite you to do want boldness, or perhaps invention, to something for your safety ere it be too become originals, by striking out a new late; " God's armi is not shortened that path for themselves; and therefore they it cannot save, neither is his ear heavy go along with the multitude, comply with that it cannot hear." The Lord Jesus is the prevailing custom, and have no other still as " mighty as ever, to save to the rule of life but this short convenient one, uttermost all who will come unto God by to be always in fashion, and to do what him;" and there is nothing that puts you others are doing around them. so far out of the road of his mercy as self- Ambition may be considered as another deceit and presumption do. Let your source of formality. Men have sagacity case be ever so bad; yet if you are sen- enough to discover that reputation is sible of it, and apply to him for relief, you power; and that the more a person is shall find him, at all times, ready with esteemed, the greater authority and inopen arms to receive you; nay, he invites fluence he will have; and therefore, when you to come to him in the mildest terms religion is in credit, the greatest enemies of condescension and grace; " Come unto to the power of godliness often betake me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, themselves to its outward form; which and I will give you rest." So that the they employ as a ladder to help them to most compassionate and friendly office climb in to a higher place, where, with that a minister of the gospel can perform, greater ease, they may possess the means is to call upon sinners loudly and repeat- of gratifying their pride and lust of domiedly, " to examine and prove their own- nation. selves," that, from an alarming sense of It sometimes happens, too, that covetdanger, they may be compelled, by a ousness, or the love of money, hath no inhappy necessity, to flee for refuge to that considerable hand in making men assume almighty Saviour who alone can deliver the form of godliness. This was the just them from the wrath to come. This reproach of the Pharisees, those noted forindeed is the principal aim of my dis- malists in the Jewish church; they fasted course; I have furnished you with seve- often, they prayed long, they abounded in ral characters of true godliness, by the washings, and in many bodily austerities; help of which you may discover whether but our Saviour hath assured us that they you are possessed of it or not. These I did all " to be seen of men." They were now leave with you, that every man's con- mere pretenders to devotion; they lived science may apply them to himself in par- by that craft, and used the forms of reliticular, and pronounce sentence according gion merely as an engine for drawing the to the evidence it may find; and shall estates of widows and orphans into their proceed to inquire, very briefly, in the own hands, that, under the trust of manSecond place, Whence it is that any aging them for their behoof, they might who deny the power of godliness, should the more securely and successfully enrich submit to the drudgery of maintaining themselves at their cost. the form of it? The two last are designing formalists, With respect to many, it may be said, who know, or at least who may know, that they appear in the form of godliness that they are hypocrites; strangers, nay, by mere accident; because it happens to enemies to the power of that godliness be in repute among those with whom they which they outwardly profess to esteem converse. They go to church purely be- and honor. cause others do it; they observe an out- But there are others who practise the ward decorum of manners to avoid sin- forms of religion to quiet and pacify a nagularity; and walk the customary round tural conscience; and do so many things, FORM AND POWER OF GODLINESS. 43 that, in appearance at least, they are not the substance, which would certainly enfar frorn the kingdom qf God; but still rich and save you? The prodigal's punthey resist the Spirit of grace, and will i-shment is your choice; you feed upon not submit to the power of godliness. husks, when there is bread enough in your Reason teacheth them, that as their being Father's house, and to spare; you take is derived from God, so their well-being all the trouble of appearing religious, and must wholly depend upon his favor; taste none of the comforts that religion and revelation proclaims, in the strongest affords; you endure all the fatigue of actterms, that without holiness no man ino a constrained, artificial part before shall see God. Hence they see, that a men, when, by yielding to the power of grossly wicked and profligate course of godliness, you might, with less labor, and life would at once cut them off from all infinite delight, become the very persons hope of happiness; and as they cannot you feign yourselves to be. When you bear the thoughts of being eternally miser- reject the truth and reality of godliness, able, therefore something must be done in how can you painfully adhere to the formc' the mean time to keep the garrison in of it? Or, when you go to the length of peace. Were they presently to conclude being very punctual in the externals of rethemselves in a state of condemnation, ligion, why do you not go a little farther, their sensual enjoyments would imme- and study to be really and inwardly what diately lose their relish, and the prospect you outwardly profess, and would seem to of future approaching vengeance would be? embitter and poison every comfort they Is it the praise of man that you covet? possess. To remedy this, they advance This at best is but an empty, fading thing; a few steps in the ways of godliness, and neither can you be sure of obtaining it. frame a religion for themselves, composed At any rate, the foundation of it shall be of as much truth and duty as may consist taken away at the final judgment, when with their worldly prosperity and plea- every disguise shall be stripped off, and sures; which, while it leaves them suffi- the hidden works of darkness shall be cient room to prosecute their carnal aims, brought to light. Nay, God may detect doth at the same time serve for a sheath your base hypocrisy, even before youleave to conscience, to keep it from wounding this world; so that, as it is written, (Job them when they are busied in the brutish xxvii. 23.) "Men shall clap their hands at service of their lusts. Present ease is you, and hiss you out of your place." Is what they chiefly covet; and they choose it riches you seek by your seeming religno more of religion than serves that pur- iousness? In this likewise you may be pose. disappointed, according to that other Thus have I endeavored to show whence threatening denounced against the hypoit is that men who deny the power of god- crite, (Job xxvii. 16.) " Though he heap liness submit to the drudgery of maintain- up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment ing the form thereof. Some do it to im- as the clay; he may prepare it, but the pose upon the world, that they may gratify just shall put it on, and the innocent shall their ambitious or covetous desires; and divide the silver.'" Besides, "riches proothers do it to impose upon themselves, fit not in the day of God's wrath." And that they may not be "' tormented before after all, " what is the hope of the hypothe time." crite, though he hath gained, when the And now, let me address my discourse Lord taketh away his soul? "-" Can the to those who, from what they have heard, rush grow up without mire? Can the flag are in some measure convinced that they grow without water? While it is yet in are the persons described in this passage. its greenness, and not cut down, it with" How long, 0 ye sons of men, will ye ereth before any other herb. So are the love vanity? How long will ye spend paths of all that forget God, and the hyyour money for that which is not bread, pocrite's hope shall perish: whose hope and your labor for that which will not pro. shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be fit you? How longwill youcourt the de- a spider's web. He shall lean upon his ceiving shadow of godliness, and fly from house, but it shall not stand; he shall 44 SERMON IV. hold it fast, but it shall not endure." in yourselves nor give any assistance to And oh! how vain is that hope which shall others; but, on the contrary, do much to " perish" at the very time when enjoyment discourage and hinder them. B13t honesty, is expected! Be awakened then, ye self- you say, is the qualification you chiefly deceivers, and know that your formality, value, and you are confident that your like the harlot's paint, is only a false and claim to that is unquestionable. Not so borrowed beauty, which shall melt away unquestionable as you imagine. As you when you draw near the fire; and how- do not profess atheism, you must be unever you may now hope, while under the derstood to acknowledge the being of a threatenings of God, be assured that you God; and as you have not publicly reshall not be able to hope when under the nounced your baptism, you certainly mean execution of them; despair shall then be- to pass for Christians. None of you, I come essential to your misery. Mybre- suppose, are willing to be reputed the thren, a dream so transient, so momentary, enemies of God and of Christ; on the is not worth the having. For the Lord's contrary, would you not exclaim against sake, then, awake in time, repent unfeign- that man as a censorious, malevolent hyedly of your past hypocrisy, and "' give no pocrite, who should venture to hint the resleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your motest suspicion of this kind? And now, eyelids," till your souls be acquainted wherein doth your honesty lie? You with the power of godliness, that you may would be thought to love God, yet you have something better to lean upon than live in open contempt of his authority, delusive forms, when all earthly props while you withhold that worship and hoshall slide from beneath you. "0 seek mage which are due to him. Is this honthe Lord while he is yet to be found, and esty? You call yourselves Christians, call upon him while he is near." yet you practically reject the institutions But there are sinners of another kind, of Christ, and cast his most sacred comto whom this subject leads me to speak; mandments behind your back. Is that to those I mean who have not so much as be honest, to profess one thing and to do the the form of godliness. You, I doubt not, contrary? This, I apprehend, is the very have got a great deal to say against hypo- essence of hypocrisy; so'that, if you hate crites; perhaps, too, you are very well hypocrites, you are bound in justice to pleased that so much has been said to ex- hate yourselves; for even you are hypopose them in the course of this sermon; crites no less than the formalists, though and now you exult in the thought, that you are not commonly branded with that such a hateful denomination cannot be ap- opprobrious title. The difference betwixt plied to you; if you are not godly, yet you lies chiefly in this; —the fornealist surely you are honest, for you do not pre- is a sort of bashful hypocrite, who, because tend to be godly. We shall by and by he cannot deny the debt, makes a show of examine your boasted honesty; in the paying part, and would be thought to pay mean time, it deserves your serious con- the whole; whereas the profane sinner, sideration, that, by your own confession, who retains the appellation of Christian, you are in a great measure useless in the though he pays no part of what he acworld; as you contribute nothing, either knowledges to be due, would nevertheless to the glory of God, or to the spiritual be reputed an honest man; and therefore improvement of your brethren around he too is a hypocrite as well as the other, you. Now, here the formalist hath plainly with as little sense, and with much less the advantage of you; for though he ne- modesty. glects and destroys his own soul, yet, by I shall conclude this discourse with a his fair outside, and perhaps by the exer- few advices, for the help of those who are cise of his gifts he may recommend reli- aiming at real godliness, and would not be gion to the esteem and choice of others; deceived with names and counterfeits. like the sign-post which, though it hath its Let your religion, then, my dear friends, station without, doth nevertheless mark be principally seated in the heart; and the door to strangers, and invite them never reckon that you are possessed of it into the house; whereas you neither enter so long as it lodges merely in the under CHRIST DESPISED AND REJECTED. 45 standing. Knowledge and faith are in ed, that I need not spend time in proving order to practice; and we neither know it; and whosoever hath read the history nor believe to any good purpose, unless of our Saviour's life with a proper degree our knowledge and faith influence our of attention, cannot fail to have remarked practice, and make us truly better men. the exact accomplishment of that part of Be sure to live upon the great fundamen- the prophecy which I have chosen for the tals of religion, and let not your attention subject of the following discourse; " Christ to these be diverted by an intemperate came unto his own, but his own received zeal about lesser things. Place not your him not." The learned, the rich, and the religion in disputable points and incffec- mighty among the Jews, were almost unitual opinions, but in those weightier mat- versally combined against him; the most ters of the law and gospel, which are of opposite parties, the Pharisees and the undoubted importance, and in which holy Sadducees, united their endeavors to dismen, among the different denominations credit his doctrine and mission: he was of Christians, are better agreed than is condemned by the supreme council of the commonly apprehended. Choose God for nation as an impostor and blasphemer; nay, your portion and felicity; beware of the whole body of the people disowned him thinking that any thing besides himself is in the most public and contemptuous mannecessary to make you happy; and live ner before Pontius Pilate, the Roman godaily upon Christ Jesus, as the only Me- vernor, crying out as with one voice,'Away diator by whom you can either have ac- with him, away with him! crucify him, crucess to God, or acceptance with him. In- cify him!" Thus was he despised and r'edulge no sin; plead for no infirmity; but jected of mzen, in the days of his humiliamake it the daily business of your lives to tion, to which the prophet more immediately "' mortify the deeds of the body," and " to refers. crucify the flesh with its affections and But as the Jews are not the only peolusts." Walk continually as in the sight pie chargeable with this crime, as Christ of a holy, just, and heart-searching God; hath been, and still is, despised and r'eand study to be the same in secret that jected by many, even by many of those you wish to appear in public. Rest not who were baptized into his church, and in a low degree of holiness, but love, and are called by his name; we may be long, and strive for the highest. And, allowed to consider the prediction in my for these purposes, pray without ceasing text as reaching beyond the time of our for those promised influences of divine Saviour's abode on this earth, and looking grace, which alone can heal your diseased forward to all that injurious contempt natures, and carry you forward from one which, in after ages, should be cast upon degree of holiness to another, till, being the blessed Jesus by pretended friends, as ripened for glory, an entrance shall in due well as by open and professed enemies. time be administered unto you abundantly In this large extent I shall at present into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord take the liberty to discourse upon these and Saviour Jesus Christ. To whom, words. And my design is, first, to show with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be in what respects it may still be said that glory and honor, dominion and thanksgiv- men despise and reject the Saviour; and, ing, for ever and ever. Anmen. secondly, to inquire whence it is that they do this?-After which, I shall lay before you the heinous nature of their guilt, and direct you to the proper improvement of SERMON V. the whole. ICHRIST ED AND REJE begin with showing in what respects it may still be said that Christ is despised ISAIAH LIII. 3. —"He is despised and rejected of and reccted of nmen. men: lie was despised, aind we esteemed him True it is, that his glorious person is not." no more exposed to the outrage of nen. THAT the whole of this chapter relates to That body which was " scourged," " bufthe Messiah is so universally acknowledg- fetted,"' "spit upon," and " crucified,'; is 46 SERMON V. now far beyond the reach of any such abu- Spirit to heal our diseased natures, and sive treatment. He is now exalted to his thereby render us meet for the perfection Father's right hand, where he is adored of our happiness, in the enjoyment of that and worshipped with the most lowly rev- God who cannot behold iniquity: so that erence by all the heavenly host. But yet we do not properly express our esteem of there are some other, and no less criminal him, unless we acknowledge him in that respects, in which he is still despised and important character, and pay to him those rejected of many. I speak not here of practical regards which it claims. To those baptized infidels, who openly deny honor him, is to acquiesce thankfully in the Lord " that bought them," and tra- this ordinance of God for redeeming his duce the whole of his religion as a mere fallen creatures; it is to renounce all hope human contrivance; neither shall I take of being justified or saved by any other much notice of those who, while they pro- means, and to rely wholly upon the sacrifess a general regard to Christ, do, at the fice and intercession of this High Priest same time, entertain and publish opinions for the pardon of our sins, and the acevidently inconsistent with a real esteem ceptance of our persons with God; it is of him, though it cannot be wholly over- to apply that blood to ourselves which looked, that such there are in the Chris- "cleanseth from all sin," and to receive tian world; some denying his divinity, his Spirit to dwell within us, and to sway and others his satisfaction; some disown- the sceptre over all the powers and faculing the necessity, and others the virtue ties of our souls. A lawyer is honored and efficacy of his grace: all which are so when men employ him, and commit their many different ways of vilifying the great cause to his management; a physician is Redeemer, and detracting from his true honored when men apply to him for adhonor and dignity. But, passing these, vice, and use his prescriptions for their my design is to show, that even among cure: —In like manner, the great Advosuch as you, my brethren, who I trust are cate with the Father, and the Sovereign not tainted with these doctrinal errors, it Physician of souls, is honored, not when is possible to find some who ungratefully men talk well of him, and verbally prodespise and reject the Saviour. May fess an esteem of him, but when they God open their hearts to receive convic- actually commit their cause to him, and tion, that they may no longer delude place their entire dependence upon him themselves with " a name to live," while for pardon and grace and complete salvathey are spiritually c" dead," and liable tion; and they that come short of this to everlasting destruction. are in reality no other than despisers of In general, then, all who are grossly Christ; and, as such, shall be disowned ignorant of the religion of Jesus, must by him at his second coming. necessarily be reputed despisers of him; Again, Christ is despised and rg'ected for as the means of acquiring knowledge of men when they practically deny his are so easy, and the opportunities of re- authority by breaking his commandments. ceiving instruction so frequent, it must be We are expressly told, " that all power owing to some culpable neglect of their is committed to him in heaven and on own, if any who are capable of learning earth; for God hath put all things under other things be unacquainted with the his feet, and given him to be head over great doctrines of Christianity; and this all things for the church." Now, to neglect too plainly betrays a contemptuous honor him in this character, is to yield a disregard of Christ himself. cheerful and unreserved obedience to his More particularly, men may be said to laws; it is to acknowledge his sovereignty despise Christ, when they do not receive over us, and his property in us, not only him as their alone Saviour, as the true, as our Creator, but likewise as our Rethe living, nay, the only way to the deemer, who hath bought us with his Father. He is set forth in Scripture as blood; and in consequence thereof, to the sole mediator between God and man; glorify him both with our bodies and our who, by his atoning sacrifice, hath satisfied spirits, which are his. Therefore, all they divine justice, and purchased the Holy who make their own will the rule of their CHRIST DESPISED AND REJECTED. 47 conduct, who do not resign themselves estrangement and disregard, that it is entirely to the disposal and government hard for me to conceive how any person of this King of Zion, whatever their pro- can persist in it, who doth not in his heart fession he, they certainly despise and re- despise the Saviour. ject him; and, though not in words, Thus have I endeavored to show in perhaps, yet by their deeds they say with what respects it may be said, even at this the rebellious Jews, " We twill iowt have present time, that Christ is despised and this man to reign over us." "c Why call'ejected of mnen. ye me Lord, Lord," said our Saviour, The causes of this contempt are the se"and do not the things which I say? " cond thing to be inquired into. And I plainly intimating, that all outward ex- apprehend the first and main cause of this pressions of esteem are mere hypocrisy contempt of Christ, among the hearers of and empty grimace, without a sincere and the gospel, is a secret unbelief which they unlimited subjection to his laws. are not aware of. For did they truly beFurther, men despise Christ when they lieve the doctrine concerning the Saviour; do not give him the chief room in their that he only " is the way, the truth, and hearts, nor prefer him in their choice to the life; and that no man cometh," or can every thing else. The language of a true come, " to the Father, but by him; "-that disciple is, " Whom have I in heaven but he is God's beloved Son, in whom he is thee? and there is none upon earth whom well pleased; —and that without an interI desire besides thee." If Christ be not est in him, and entire subjection to him, esteemed and loved above every thing, he they cannot be saved; it would be imposis not truly esteemed or loved at all; and sible to despise him in any of these ways this I take to be the meaning of these I have mentioned: for to them who thus strong expressions, (Luke xiv. 26.)'" If believe, Christ is, and must be precious. any man come to me, and hate not his Butmen deceive themselves: they have a father and mother, and wife and children, vague, confused, and indeterminate opinion, and brethren and sisters, yea, and his and are accustomed to say in the general, own life also, he cannot be my disciple." that the Scriptures are the word of God; They who are not willing to part with but they never saw the evidence of their ease and pleasures, with riches, and truth in such a light as to be thoroughly honors, and friends, with whatever is dear persuaded of it. They think the doctrines to them in a present world, nay, with life contained in the Christian revelation miay itself, for Christ's sake, plainly discover be true; but here they stop; and because that they have no just sense of his worth they are not downright infidels, they fancy and excellence. They who do not prefer themselves believers, when in truth they him to the whole world, and cannot rest are not. in his love as a sufficient portion, without 2dly. The love of this world is another any thing else, pretend what they will, cause of men's contempt of Christ, and of they do not truly esteem him. And, to his gospel. They can afford him honorconclude this head, able titles, and external homage; but to They too must be numbered among the follow him fully will not consist with their despisers of Christ, who do not publicly worldly desires and aims. Such was the confess him before men, or who wilfully young ruler, who addressed that importneglect any of those ordinances he hath ant question to our Saviour, " Good Masinstituted, as the methods of testifying ter, what shall I do to inherit eternal our subjection to him, and the means of life?"-Luke xviii. 18. He appeared receiving benefits from him. I really do thoughtful and serious, beyond what might not see how any man can be said to esteem have been expected from his age and rank, Christ, who doth not embrace every proper and had gone an uncommon length in an opportunity of conversing with him, or of outward conformity to the law; but when hearing tidings concerning him; and, in our Lord commanded him "to sell all, and particular, the habitual neglect of social give to the poor, he was sad at that sayworship, either in the family or in the ing, and went away sorrowful, because he church, hath such a strong appearance of had large possessions." Of this we have 48 SERMON V. a striking illustration in the parable of the feel not their diseases, and therefore treat marriage-supper, which is recorded in the the physician with contempt and scorn. 22d chapter of Matthew's gospel. The in- Once more, in the vitation is very warm and pressing at the 4th place. Not a few pour contempt 4th verse: "Behold I have prepared my upon Christ, and reject his offers from day dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are kill- to day, from an opinion that they may obed, and all things are ready: come to the tain his aid at what time soever they shall marriage." But it follows immediately, choose to ask it. They say not indeed "They made light of it, and went their with the Atheist, " Let us eat and drink, ways, one to his farm, another to his mer- for to-morrow we die;" neither do they chandise." This, my brethren, still con- say with the gross Antinomian, Let us tinues to be a very common cause of men's sin without fear, seeing Christ hath died despising and rejecting Christ. They see for us, and is therefore determined to save the world, but they see not the celestial us at any rate. But they say what is glory; the one is present, the other only equally absurd, Let us take a full draught future, and therefore too remote to work of the sweet poison of sin, seeing the reinupon their affections. If both could be edy is so near at hand that we may apply obtained, they would no doubt be very well it when we please. O that this were satisfied; and if religion and their worldly not too common! I am afraid it will apinterest take one road, they will be ready pear, upon inquiry, that there is too, too enough to pay the compliment to our much of this vile presumption in our Lord, and say that they follow him: but hearts. But can there be a greater diswhen these separate, then their contempt | honor done to Christ? Must his bloody discovers itself; they cleave to the world, sufferings, and unparalleled love, support and forsake Christ.-"'Demas hath for- our rebellion, and embolden us to sin? saken me," said Paul, "having loved this Can any thing be more criminal? But present world."-So true is that saying of this I shall have occasion to speak of imthe apostle John (1 Epist. ii. 15), "If any mediately; and shall only say at present, man love the world, the love of the Fa- that thousands, and ten thousands, have ther," and with equal reason we may add, perished, who once had the remedy as near the love of the Redeemer," is not in him." them as you have, and who also, perhaps, A third cause of this contempt is men's dreamed of the same facility in applying it. ignorance of their own condition; like the To which I may add, that out of your own church of the Laodiceans, they " boast that mouths you shall be condemned at last, they are rich, and increased with goods, and shall find nothing to plead in arrest and standing in need of nothing; and of judgment, when God shall say to you, know not that they are wretched, and mis- Why did you not repent, and believe in erable, and poor, and blind, and naked." the Saviour, seeing you thought it so easy, Some have so high an opinion of their own that you could do it when you pleased? understanding, that they see no need of a O that men were wise! that they unprophet to instruct them. Others have derstood these things, and would consider. such low thoughts of the evil of sin, and in this day of their merciful visitation, the such a conceit of their own righteousness things that belong to their peace, before and worth, that they see as little need of a they be for ever hid from their eyes! I canpriest to expiate their guilt, and reconcile not allow myself to think, that any of you are them to God. A third sort lay so much already acquainted with all the deformity stress on their unassisted powers, and the of the sin I have been speaking of; and efficacy of their own resolutions and en- that, after viewing it in its full dimensions, deavors, that a king to subdue them by his you are perfectly reconciled to it, and regrace and'spirit appears altogether super- solved to persist in it. I would gladly fluous. Thus Christ is despised through hope that this is not the case; but rather men's ignorance and pride; unacquainted that the great enemy of your happiness with their state of darkness, guilt, and cor- has hitherto kept you in the dark, and in ruption, they reject him who cometh in great measure concealed from you both the name of the Lord to save them; they your guilt and your danger. Perhaps, to CHRIST DESPISED AND REJECTED. 49 this moment, you have never seriously shed in vain, nay, trampled under foot, as thought upon your ways, but blindly fol- an unholy thing? Will you "a crucify the lowed the fashion of the world, and suf- Son of God afresh,' and say, by your nefered yourselves to be carried along with glect of his great salvation, " Away with the crowd, without any suspicion that you him! away with him! "-" We have loved are chargeable with crimes of such a hell- strangers, and after them we will go?" ish nature as are included in despising Surely you cannot, you will not, pretend and rejecting the Saviour. I shall there- to justify this conduct; there is something fore proceed, in the in it so disingenuous and perverse, so Third place, To give a short representa- shocking and unnatural, that I am pertion of the malignity of this sin; which, if suaded, when you attend to it, you must duly attended to, may be of use to dissolve loathe and abhor yourselves on account the enchantment, by which the god of this of it. world hath so long blinded your eyes, and But this is not the whole of your guilt: rendered you insensible to the misery of Your ingratitude is heightened by the your condition. most insolent contempt both of the wisConsider, then, that to despise and re- dom and goodness of God. You charge ject such a Saviour, is the blackest ingrat- God with folly, when you reject the terms itude that can possibly be imagined. It of the gospel-covenant; for your behavior was a cutting question that Christ put to plainly implies one of the following accuthe Jews when they went about to kill sations; either that this method of salvahim: " Many good works have I shewed'tion is unnecessary, and that God from all you from my Father, for which of these eternity hath employed his counsels about works do ye stone me?" To render evil a needless affair; or else that it is ineffectfor good, hatred for love, is accounted ual, and that the person whom God hath monstrous among men; and the person chosen to execute this design is not worthy who behaves in such a manner towards his to be depended upon; or that the terms fellow-creature, is justly condemned and proposed are so rigorous and severe, that abhorred by all: and yet the most heinous a wise man would rather choose to perish and detestable instance of ingratitude than submit to them. Thus dost thou aramong men is as nothing when compared raign thy God, O sinner! And art thou with your ingratitude towards God. Did able to make good thy charge? Dost he, without any solicitation from you, and thou hope to prevail in the day when God not only without, but even contrary to, shall plead with thee? your desert, send his own Son into the Nay, further, by despising and rejectworld to save you? Did the Lord Jesus ing Christ, you openly proclaim ware Christ, "the brightness of the Father's against the Most High, and bid him defi — glory, and the express image of his per- ance. He hath " set his King upon his, son," assume your nature, become a man holy hill of Zion," and " put all things. of sorrows, and acquainted with griefs; under his feet:" he hath ordained, by an lead a poor, afflicted, persecuted life, and irreversible decree, that " all men should at last die a shameful, painful, and accursed honor the Son, even as they honor the death, to satisfy offended justice, and to Father:" he hath published to the world render your happiness consistent with the that there is no other name given among: honor of the divine government? And men, by which they can be saved, but the is this your requital? name of Jesus; that this glorious Media — I beseech you, my brethren, to bestow tor is constituted the final Judge of mansome attention upon this; and if your kind; and that they who do not bow to. hearts have any softness at all, such un- the sceptre of his grace, shall be dashed.,paralleled baseness cannot fail to make the in pieces with his rod of iron, in that day deepest impression upon them. Does this when he shall be revealed from heaven, astonishing, undeserved goodness merit no with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, to regard? Doth God's unspeakable gift to take vengeance upon those who knew not men deserve no returns of gratitude and God, and obeyed not this gospel which we praise? Shall the blood of Christ be now preach to you: And yet, in the face: 4 50 SERMON Y. of all these declarations, you proudly say inquiry into your esteem of Christ, accordby your conduct, " We will not have this ing to the marks I formerly gave you. 0 man to reign over us;" we neither fear beware of self-deceit in this trial! You his power nor court his grace, but are de- may weep at the history of his sufferings, termined to stand on our own defence." when you read or hear how barbarously Such, my brethren, is the malignity of he was treated by the Jews; and yet you your sin: it includes the blackest ingrati- may reject him. You may feel some emrotude, heightened by the most insolent con- tions of gratitude and joy, when you hear tempt, nay, an open defiance of the omnipo- of the greatness of his love, and the value tent God; rejecting his offered mercy, and of his purchase, and yet perish for despisdaring him to execute all the rigor of ing him. You may, under alarms of conhis justice. I do not mean that you are science, feel strong desires after him to at present conscious of this complicated save you from the wrath of God, and after impiety; I rather suppose that you are all, be heart enemies to him. Nay, you startled when you hear it mentioned, and may be zealous reprovers of others for are ready to reply, as Hazael did to Elisha, despising Christ, and paint the deformity "' Is thy servant a dog, that he should do of this sin in stronger colors than I have these things?" But be assured, all I have been able to do; but, alas! if you have no now said shall be made good against you better evidence for proving your esteem at last, if you continue to despise and re- of him, your present trust is no better ject the Saviour: and the greatest mercy than " the spider's web," and your hope, that can befall you in the mean time, is, to in the time of your greatest need, shall get those eyes opened which Satan hath be as " the giving up of the ghost." In so long closed, that you may see and abhor short, your esteem of Christ must be your guilt in this matter. 0 be exhorted greater than your esteem of all the profits, then, deliberately to weigh the representa- and pleasures, and honors, of this world; tion I have given you! and think what and you must manifest this esteem by a must become of you, if you go out of this cordial acceptance of him, and an entire world with such a dreadful load of guilt subjection to him; otherwise you shall as I have endeavored to describe. be condemned at last, as persons who By this time you must all see your have despised and rejected this great Reconcern in this subject. I have told you deemer. that it is possible, even among such as Thus, my brethren, have I held up the you, who attend upon ordinances, and pro- glass, in which, if you are not wilfully fess a general esteem of Christ, to find blind, you may behold your true picture: despisers and rejecters of him: I have and if you have attended, and suffered mentioned sundry instances of contempt, conscience to do its office, some of you, I which persons, who are neither Jews nor am persuaded, must be convinced that you infidels, but who call, and even think them- are the persons who have hitherto despised selves the disciples of Jesus, may be and rejected the Saviour; and therefore guilty of; and you have just now heard it is time for me to ask, What is your the heinous nature and the high aggrava- present resolution? Is this a state to be tions of this sin: so that you see they are continued in? Would any of you, if left no trivial matters I have been talking of, to. your own choice, be willing to be found but matters which infinitely concern the in this condition at last? Brethren, this whole Christian world, and yourselves in is a serious question, and ought not to be particular. I now come to point out the slightly passed over: The Lord Jesus now improvement, which I humbly wish, and waiteth upon you for an answer; but refervently pray, that every one of you, my member, that ere long you must wait upon dear friends and brethren, would make of him for a doom. As therefore you would this subject. be found of him in peace, come now to a I would have you, then, as the best and speedy and firm determination. You have most necessary improvement of all that despised him too long already; 0 do not you have heard, to enter immediately into add this farther instance of contempt, to your own hearts, and. make an impartial hesitate, while I now plead with you, THE LAW'S SUBJECTS. 51 whether or no you should this moment diately preceding my text, he brings sevrenounce all competitors, and give him eral quotations from the Old Testament the chief room of your hearts. May I writings, which give a very strong and hope you are resolved? Happy you, melancholy representation of the corrupthrice happy, if you be so! Now you tion and depravity of the human kind. begin to live, your former unworthy be- But lest the Jews should allege that these, havior shall all be forgiven; and that and other passages of the like nature, compassionate Redeemer, who procured were only descriptive of the Gentile nations, sparing mercy for you even when you de- and could not justly be extended to them. spised him, and, by his gracious interposi- whom God had chosen from the rest of tion, hath kept you alive till this hour, the world, and set apart for himself as his will not reject your penitent, believing peculiar inheritance; he judged it proper souls, but will accept your esteem and love, to remind them, that the sacred books, though late; and, in return, will bestow from which he had taken the above descripupon you all the enriching benefits of his tion, were primarily addressed to the Jews, purchase. But if any of you shall justify and designed for their instruction and use; your former contempt, and resolve to per- We know, says he, that what things sosist in it, I must declare the righteous sen- ever the law saith, it saith to them who tence of God; and I shall do it in the are under the law; consequently these words of John the Baptist (John iii. 36.) quotations, which are all. expressly con" He that believeth not the Son, shall not tained in the law, may and ought to be see life; but the wrath of God abideth on considered as a just representation of the him." Let my counsel therefore be ac- state of those to whom that law or revelaceptable unto you. " Seek the Lord while tion was given. And he further adds, that he is yet to be found, and call upon him the_?were inserted in Scripture for this while he is near. Kiss the Son, lest he very purpose, that the plea of innocence be angry, and ye perish from the way; for being taken away from the Jews as well if once his wrath be kindled but a little, as from the Gentiles, every mouth might then shall it be found that they," and they be stolpped, and thus all the world mnight only, " are blessed who put their trust in become guilty before God. From which him." words, as they stand connected with the apostle's reasoning, we learn, in the First place, That it is extremely difficult to bring men to a proper sense and SERMON VI. acknowledgment of their guilt and misery. THH LAW S SUBJECTS. I hope none will be so unreasonable as to require a labored proof of this observaROMANS III. 19.-Now we know, that what things tion; for you will easily perceive that I soever the law saith, it saith to them who are can have no other witnesses to produce under the law; that every mouth may be but yourselves. I affirm that it is so upon stopped, and all the world may become guilty the authority of Scripture; and can only appeal to your own hearts for the truth of THE great design of this epistle is to it. Besides, none will deny this who are lead men to Christ, as the only refuge for already convinced of their guilt and misperishing sinners: and because none will ery; for this is an essential property of value a remedy but they who feel their real conviction, that the deeper it is, it disease, and wish for health, the apostle renders the person still more sensible of therefore, in the two foregoing chapters, the natural hardness of his heart; so that examines the condition both of Gentiles nothing grieves him so much, as that he and Jews; under which denominations, cannot grieve more for sinning against the whole posterity of Adam are included; God: And they who are of an opposite and proves by plain, undeniable facts, that character, who boast, " That they are rich, all, without exception, are guilty before and increased with goods, and standing in God, and consequently, that all stand in need of nothing;" such persons, I say, need of a Saviour. In the verses imme- prove the truth of this observation, by 52 SERMON VI, demanding a proof of it, and are them- has got beneath him some empty forms of selves examples of the thing they deny. duty, upon which he leans, and confidently I know it is an easy matter to bring presumes that all shall be well with him. men to a general acknowledgment that I have frequently observed, that no they are sinners. Many are ready enough sermons are so tasteless to many hearers to confess this much, who, at the same as those which treat of the Saviour: they time, have a very good opinion of their can listen to other subjects; but when we state: for though they cannot lay claim talk of Jesus Christ, and of that great to perfect innocence, yet they look upon salvation "which angels desire to look their guilt as a very trivial thing, and im- into," they dismiss their attention, and agine that their vices are more than over- perhaps make a shift to sleep in their balanced by the virtues they are possessed seats; when, God knows, were they aware of; and thus, "being ignorant of God's of the thousandth part of their danger, righteousness," or of that righteousness they would find it difficult enough to sleep which is necessary to justify a sinner in on their beds. Did we really see ourselves the sight of God, " they go about to estab- in a just light, could we divest ourselves, lish their own righteousness, and will not for a little, of our pride and prejudice, submit themselves unto the righteousness till we got one serious and impartial view of God." of our natural condition, this would renPride is the hereditary disease of our der a Saviour so necessary, that we should natures: we derive it from our first pa- never be at rest till we had secured his rents; and though it is subdued in all friendship: But as our Lord himself hath who are sanctified, yet still it lives within told us " they that are whole have no need them, and is always the last part of the of the physician, but they that are sick." old man that dies. Nay, it is apt to grow I shall therefore proceed to show, in the upon the ruin of other sins, as we see in Second place, That all men, without exthat noted instance of the Pharisee, who, ception, are guilty before God; and that under the specious pretext of thanking whoever attends to the Scriptures of truth, God for his grace, went up into the tem- or gives ear to the testimony of his own ple merely to give vent to his self-admi- conscience, may soon discover such plain ration: "' God," said he, "I thank thee convincing evidence of guilt, as is sufficient that I am not as other men are, extor- to stop his mouth, and to render him tioners, unjust, adulterers; I fast twice a speechless and self-condemned in the week, I pay tithes of all that I possess." presence of a just and holy God. This What he said might be true; nay, our proposition is perfectly consistent with the Lord seems plainly to admit that it was former; for the difficulty of bringing men so: yet he tells us, that this vainglorious to a right sense and acknowledgment of creature carried nothing away with him their guilt and misery, doth not arise from but his self-conceit: he returned to his any want of evidence, but is purely owing own house without the blessing of God; to their own inattention and pride. The "For every one that exalteth himself sad truth is clear as noonday; but they shall be abased; whereas he that humbleth shut their eyes, and will not see it. himself shall be exalted." As the testimony of Scripture is full This, my brethren, is one main cause and explicit, so the short abstract conwhy the preaching of the gospel hath so tained in the foregoing verses speaks upon little effect. Could we bring men to a this head with the utmost possible precisense of their guilt and misery, they would sion. " There is none righteous, no, not gladly listen to the tidings of a Saviour. one. There is none that understandeth, But this is difficult work indeed. We can there is none that seeketh after God. scarcely persuade the most profligate They are all gone out of the way, they wretch to think himself in danger, till are together become unprofitable, there is God lay his hand upon him, and set death none that doeth good, no, not one. Their before his eyes. Judge, then, how hard throat is an open sepulchre; with their a task it must be, to convince the more tongues they have used deceit; the poison close and reserved sinner! who probably of asps is under their lips: whose mouth THE LAW'S SUBJECTS. 53 is full of cursing and bitterness. Their sent calamitous state of mankind, in a feet are swift to shed blood. Dertsuction consistency with these perfections, upon and misery are in their ways; and tlfe any other supposition than this, that "all way of peace have they not known. There have sinned," and thereby incurred his is no fear of God before their eyes." And righteous displeasure. So that you see these things, the apostle informs us, were there is no penury of witnesses upon this written not merely to stop the mouths of head. The Scriptures expressly declare some notorious offenders, who proclaim that all are sinners; the most eminent their sins as Sodom, and hide them not; saints under both dispensations have atbut that every mouth might be stopped, tested the truth of this assertion; and the and all the world become guilty before many awful tokens of the divine displeaGod. Accordingly, at the 23d verse of sure, which we daily behold and feel, renthis chapter, he concludes upon the whole der it absurd to suppose the contrary. evidence in the following words: " For all But there is yet another witness behind, have sinned, and conime short of the glory whose testimony can be liable to no objecof God." tion; a witness which every man will find This truth hath been attested by the within his own breast; I mean Conscience, most eminent saints that ever lived upon to which I now appeal for the truth of earth. " Behold I was shapen in iniquity," this matter. And here I shall renew the said David, "and in sin did my mother question which Solomon proposed many conceive me; " and therefore he pleads in ages ago: "' Who can say, I have made another place, " Enter not into judgment my heart clean, I am pure from my sins?" with thy servant, O Lord; for in thy sight Can you discover nothing amiss in your shall no man living be justified." " We temper and practice? Do they in all are all as an unclean thing," said the pro- points agree with the rule of God's word? phet Isaiah, " and all our righteousnesses Dare any of you appeal to the justice of are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a God for acquittal? and claim happiness as leaf. and our iniquities, like the wind, have the due reward of your obedience? Say, carried us away." Neither have the O man! has thou no need at all of pardonsaints under the New Testament dispen- ing mercy? Wilt thou give it under thy sation been any whit behind them in hand, that thou shalt never plead the penitent acknowledgments of their guilt. merits of a Saviour for thy justification? Paul styles himself " the chief of sinners; " that at the hour of death, or in the day of and the beloved disciple declares, in ex- judgment, thou shalt never once implore press terms, that all pretensions to inno- his help, nor cry for mercy, but stand upon cence are not only false but blasphemous: the foundation of thy personal righteous" If we say that we have no sin, we de- ness before his impartial tribunal? Or ceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." rather, my brethren, are you not conscious Nay, " if we say that we have not sinned, of innumerable instances of guilt, wherein we m-,ke God a liar, and his word is not you have acted in direct opposition, not in us.' —l John i. 8, 9. only to the written law, but to the inward This further appears from the various sense and authority of your own minds; kinds of misery which abound in the world, doing what ye knew was displeasing to especially death, from which none of God; and that, not by the mere forcQ of Adam's posterity are exempted. These sudden temptation, but coolly and delibdo necessarily suppose guilt; for it is not eratel-y, in the face of those arguments agreeable to the justice of God to afflict which ought, in all reason, to have reand punish innocent creatures. Now, this strained you from them? I think I may mean of conviction is so plain and obvious, venture to affirm, that there is not one that a man must do great violence to his person here present who is not able to reason before he can resist the evidence it recollect several instances of this kind; affords. Goodness and justice are attri- and if our own blind and partial hearts do butes which are universally considered as now condemn us,+ alas! how shall we most essential to the Supreme Being; and justify ourselves at the bar of that God yet it is impossible to account for the pre- "who is greater than our hearts, and 54 SERMON VI. knoweth all things?" This leads me to smallest deviation subjects the transobserve, in the gressor to the justice of God, and to all Third place, That one great end of the the fatal effects of his indignation, both in law is, to humble the pride of men; that, this life and in that which is to come. from a conviction of their guilty and mis- Now, this being the case, it is easy to erable estate by nature, they may, as it discern the subserviency of the law to the were, be compelled, by a happy necessity, gospel; or, in ether words, the use of the to flee for relief to the gospel method of law to lead men to the Saviour. The law salvation through Christ. discovers sin, and at the same time deThis important truth is directly as- mands an unsinning obdience. None of serted by the apostle, in my text, and fre- us can plead innocence, and the law adquently repeated in other parts of his mits of no excuse for guilt; nay, it is not writings. Nay, the principal scope of only silent as to the doctrine of forgivethis epistle is, to call off the Jews from ess, which might leave some room for any dependence upon their own righteous- conjecture and hope, but in plain and awness, by giving them a fair representation ful words pronounces the sentence of of the spirituality, extent, and rigor of death, and dooms to irremediable punishthe law; that, finding themselves unable ment all the workers of iniquity without either to answer its demands, or to endure exception. Thus the sinner is "bound its curse, they might thankfully embrace hand and foot,"' as it were, " and cast into the Lord Jesus Christ, who is indeed prison;" his mouth is sto]pped, and noth"the end of the law for righteousness to ing remains for him but either to continue every one that believeth." And the sub- in misery, and bear the curse of God for serviency of the law to the gospel, or the ever; or else to appeal from the law to use of the law to lead men to the Saviour, the gospel, and to claim the benefit of will evidently appear, if we consider, that indemnity which Christ hath purThat the law demands nothing less than chased with his blood, and freely offers a perfect, unsinning obedience to allits pre- to all who, condemning themselves, and cepts. It makes no manner of allowance renouncing their own righteousness flee to for the infirmities of men; for "whosoever him as their hope and city of refuge. shall keep the whole law, and yet offend From all which we may conclude, in the in one point," in the eye of the Lawgiver, Fou&rth and last place, That every apol" is guilty of all." It declares what is due ogizing sinner who opens his mouth in his to God by his creatures, and insists upon own vindication, doth impiously give God the payment of it even to the uttermost the lie, and exclude himself from the offarthing. In the law, strictly considered, fers of his mercy and grace; whereas the there is no provision or promise of pardon humble, self-condemning sinner lies, so to the guilty; on the contrary, it denounces to speak, in the very road of mercy, and condemnation and wrath against all trans- shall, through faith in Christ Jesus, obgressors of what kind soever; for thus it tain salvation with eternal glory. is written, " Cursed is every one who con- This inference is so just and obvious, tinueth not in all things which are written that it scarcely needs any illustration. in the book of the law to do them." It For if " all are sinners," and if this be is not enough to do some things which are one great end of the law, to bring men to commanded; we must do them all: nor a sense and acknowledgment of their guilt, is it even sufficient that we do all things that they may be compelled to flee to for a season; we must also continue in Christ Jesus for relief; what foolish, them, otherwise we forfeit the divine self-destroying creatures must those be, friendship, and become liable to the wrath who, in despite of the clearest evidence, of an infinitely just and omnipotent God. and in fiat contradiction to the only meThis is the genuine voice of the law, "Do thod of deliverance and hope, will offer to and live; " "but the soul that sinneth babble in their own defence? What can shall surely die." It knoweth no middle you propose by this conduct, O sinners! sentence between these two; it doth not God puts it to your choice, as it were, whisper one word of mercy; but the at what court you would be tried, THE LAW'S SUBJECTS. 55 whether you will plead at the tribunal of the world with the doctrine of repentance; justice or of mercy? If you penitently in like manner, the Holy Spirit prepares acknowledge your guilt, and cry for mer- the heart for the reception of the same cy through the great Mediator, he is in- glorious Redeemer, by such painful and finitely more willing to bestow it upon humbling convictions, as to render him you, than you can be to ask it of him; but both necessary and desirable to the soul: if you proudly insist in your own vindica- And therefore it ought to be matter. of tion; if you extenuate your guilt, or de- joy and thankfulness to the sinner, when pend upon any thing in yourselves for God smites his heart with a sense of sin; pardon and acceptance, you thereby incur of such sickness, it may be truly said, the rigor of the law; you "shall have " This sickness is not unto death, but for judgment without mercy," and "Jesus the glory of God." Hereby, as it were, Christ can profit you nothing." he dislodges his enemies, and empties the Be persuaded, then, my dear friends, soul of every other guest, that he may as the proper improvement of all that has come and fill it with his own gracious prebeen said,' to humble yourselves present- sence. ly under the mighty hand of God, that Lift up your heads, then, 0 trembling you may be exalted in due time." See sinners! look forward but a very little and acknowledge your guilt and unworthi- way, and you may see to the end of that ness, that you may not be finally condemn- dark valley through which you are now ed with the world; and beg of God that passing. This road became necessary aflie may search and try you, and make you ter man's apostasy; and it is the kindthoroughly acquainted with your real con- ness, not the anger, of your heavenly Fadition that, finding yourselves " wretched, ther, that hath brought you into it. Had and miserable, and poor, and blind, and your destruction been pleasing to him, he naked," you may repair, without delay, to would have suffered you to walk, without that all-sufficient Saviour, "whose blood disturbance, in the broad way that leads cleanseth from all sin," and " who is to destruction: but by alarming your fears, made of God, unto all who believe on him, he plainly intends to prevent your ruin; wisdom and righteousness, and sanctifica- and the present taste he hath given you of tion, and redemption." the bitterness of sin, is graciously meant to As for you upon whom the law hath al- divorce your hearts from the love of it, ready had its effect, who are weary and and to render the remedy which he offers, heavy laden with the burden of sin, be more welcome and precious in your esteem. not discouraged; the seeds of consolation -For, let it be observed, as a further are sown in your grieifs; this weeping ground of encouragement, that the gospelnight shall ere long be succeeded by a joy- call is particularly addressed to persons ful morning; and "' upon you who " thus of this character: "Come unto me," says " fear his name, shall the Sun of right- the blessed Jesus, "all ye that labor and eousness " shortly "arise with healing in are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." his wings;" for this gracious temper is And herein he exactly fulfils the appointthe peculiar work of the Spirit of God; it ment of his Father, and acts in the most is he who brings the light into the soul, perfect conformity to the commission he whereby its natural deformity is seen; it received from him; of which we have a is he who casts down those proud imagi- fair copy, (Isaiah lxi. at the beginning:) nations which exalt themselves against " The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, God, and hide from the sinner his poverty because the Lord hath anointed me to and wretchedness: and it is this divine preach good tidings to the meek; he hath Spirit, who, by the ministry of the law, re- sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to moves those false grounds of hope upon proclaim liberty to the captives, and the which the sinner was accustomed to lean, opening of the prison to them that are and obligeth him to ask that interesting bound." From this passage it plainly apquestion, " What shall I do to be saved? " pears, that humble, convinced souls are As John Baptist prepared the way for his peculiar charge: he is the physician, Christ's public appearance, by rousing not of the whole, but of the sick; not of 56 SERMON VII. those that justify themselves, but of those stances? 0, then, speedily have recourse who are perishing in their own apprehen- to him, and receive him thankfully as the sion, who feel their need of him, and know "unspeakable gift of God to men!'" Emsomething of the worth of the salvation brace him cordially in all the important which he brings. characters he sustains, as the Prophet, Let every humble sinner, then, take the Priest, and the King, of his Church; comfort from these considerations. God and then shall you find, to your present knoweth the penitent relentings of your comfort, and your everlasting joy, that he hearts: Behold, he stands, like the father is both "able and willing to save to the in the parable, stretching forth his arms uttermost, all who come unto God by to every prodigal son! he registers all him." Anen. your groans, " he putteth your tears into his bottle," and, ere long, " he will give you the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for your present spirit SERMON VII. of heaviness." In the mean time, let me recommend to you the following direc- This, and the four Sermons that immediately foltions, with which I shall conclude.' low, were preached at the celebration of our Beware of smothering or quenching Lord's Supper. your convictions. I admit they are bitter, but they are also medicinal; and, by the TI FRIEND o THE EA. blessing of God, shall issue in that repen- MATTHEW X. 28.-" Come unto me, all ve that tance unto salvation, which is not to be labor and are heavy laden, and I will give repented of: whereas, if you stifle them you rest." at present, your hearts may contract a hardness and insensibility, which, if ever it be IT was prophesied of our Lord, long becured at all, shall cost you more pain and fore his manifestation in the flesh, that he anguish than you presently feel, or indeed should " proclaim liberty to the captives, easily imagine. and the opening of the prison to them At the same time, beware of drawing that are bound:" And lo! here he doth desperate conclusions against yourselves it in the kindest and most endearing manfrom the discoveries you have got of your ner, offeringrest, or spiritual relief, to every guilt and danger. I may justly say to laboring and heavy laden sinner. Come you, what the apostle said in another case, unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy -" Mourn not like those who have no laden, and I will give you rest. hope." Your case, bad as it may seem, is In discoursing from which words, I procertainly better than once it was. For- pose, in dependence upon divine aid, merly you were out of the way of mercy, First. To open the character of those now you have got into that very path to whom the invitation is addressed: where mercy meets the elect of God: It Secondly. To explain the invitation itwas then your sin to presume beyond any self, and show what is included in coming promise; beware now of despairing against to Christ: After which, I shall endeamany commands; but amidst all your fears vor, in the and anxieties, still endeavor to keep hope Third place, To illustrate the gracious alive in your hearts. condescending promise with which our Especially hasten to the Saviour, who Lord enforces the call: I will give you alone can give you rest. This is the great rest. errand upon which convictions are sent; I BEGIN with the character of those to for, as I have already observed, " the law whom the invitation is addressed. They is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, are such, you see, as labor and are heavy -who is the end of the law for righteous- laden; that is, who feel the insupportable ness to every one that believeth." —Doth load of guilt, and the galling fetters of the Lord Jesus appear precious to your corrupt affections, and earnestly long to be souls? do you seeyour absolute need of him, delivered from both; for these were the and his perfect suitableness to your circum- persons whom our Saviour always regarded THE FRIEND OF THE WEARY. 57 as the peculiar objects of his attention and divine life, the first step of the soul in its care. By our fatal apostasy, we forfeited return to God. at once our innocence and happiness; we 2adly. The laboring and heavy laden became doubly miserable, liable to the are particularly distinguished; because justice of God, and slaves to Satan and otherwise, persons in that situation, hopeour own corruptions. But few, compara- less of relief, might be in danger of extively speaking, are sensible of this misery. eluding themselves from the offer of The bulk of mankind are so hot in the mercy. If there was only a general call pursuit of perishing trifles, that they can to come to the Saviour, the humble confind no leisure seriously to examine their vinced soul, pressed down with a sense of spiritual condition. These indeed have a, its guilt and depravity, might be ready to load upon them, of weight more than suf- object, surely it cannot be such a worthficient to sink them into perdition; but less and wicked creature as I am, to whom they are not heavy laden in the sense of the Lord directs his invitation. And my text. Our Saviour plainly speaks to therefore, he "': who will not break the those who feel their burden, and are groan- bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax," ing under it; otherwise the promise of doth kindly encourage them, by this special rest, or deliverance, could be no induce- address, that the very thing which to themment to bring them to him. And the call selves would appear the greatest obstacle is particularly addressed to such, for two in the way of mercy, might become the obvious reasons: means of assuring them, that they are the First. Because our Lord knew well that very persons for whom mercy is prepared. none else would comply with it. "The Let this then encourage everyweary, selffull soul loathes the honey-comb." Such condemned sinner: the greater your guilt is the pride of our hearts, that each of us appears in your own eye, the greater would wish to be a saviour to himself, and ground you have to expect relief if you to purchase heaven by his own personal apply for it. Mercy looks for nothing but merit. This was the "rock of offence" an affecting sense of the need of mercy. upon which the Jews stumbled and fell: Say not, if my burden were of a lesser they could not bear the thought of being weight, I might hope to be delivered from indebted to the righteousness of another it; for no burden is too heavy for Omnifor pardon and acceptance with God; for potence: he who is " mighty to save," can so the Apostle testifies concerning them easily remove the most oppressive load; (Rom. x. 3), " Being ignorant of God's "his blood cleanseth from all sin," and righteousness, they went about to establish "by him all who believe are justified from their own righteousness, and did not sub- all things." This great physician did not mit themselves unto the righteousness of come to heal some slight distempers, but God." And still this method of justify- to cure those inveterate plagues, which ing sinners is opposed and rejected by none besides himself was able' to cure. every " natural man." He feels not his Whatever your disease be, it shall neither disease, and therefore treats the physician reproach his skill nor his power; and all with contempt and scorn; whereas the soul that he requires on your part, is a submisthat is enlightened by the Spirit of God, sive temper to use the means he prescribes, and awakened to a sense of its guilt and with a firm reliance upon their virtue and pollution, lies prostrate before the mercy- efficacy. If you are truly convinced that seat, crying out with Paul when struck to your guilt is so great, and your corruptions the ground, " Lord, what wilt thou have so strong, that none in heaven or on earth me do? " It was therefore with peculiar can save you from them but Christ alone; significancy, that our Lord introduced his if you are groaning under the burden of sermon upon the mount, by adjudging the sin, and can find no rest till pardoning kingdom of heaven to the " poor in spirit," mercy and sanctifying grace bring you placing humility in the front of all the relief; then are you in the very posture other graces, as being the entrance into a which my text describes; and I may warreligious temper, the beginning of the rantably say unto you what Martha said 58 SERMON VII. to Mary, " Arise quickly, the Master is of the important offices I have named; come, and calleth for thee." And this is that our understanding being enlightened his call, Come znto me,. Which is the by his divine teaching, and our will subSecond thing I propose to explain. Now, dued by his regal power, we might be cafor understanding this, it will be necessary pable of enjoying the fruits of that parto remind you of the different characters don, which, as our great High Priest, he which our Lord sustains; or, in other hath purchased with his blood. Now, in words, the important offices which he ex- all these characters, - the Scriptures proecutes as our Redeemer. These, you pose him to our faith; and we do not comknow, are three, to wit, the offices of a ply with the invitation in my text, unless Prophet, of a Priest, and of a King; in we come to him for the proper work of each of which the Lord Jesus must be each office, and embrace him in the full distinctly regarded by every soul that extent of his commission; that " of God comes to him. Accordingly, you may ob- he may be made unto us, wisdom, and serve, that in this gracious invitation, he righteousness, and sanctification, and reexllibits himself to our view in all these demption." characters; for to the condescending offer It is true, indeed, that the soul, in its of removing our guilt, he immediately an- first approach to Christ, doth principally nexes the command, "Take my yoke upon regard him as a priest or a sacrifice; and you, and learn of me." therefore faith, as it is employed for jus. Such is our misery by the fall, that we tification, or pardon, is emphatically styled are not only become the objects of God's Faith in his blood. To this God looks righteous displeasure, and liable to that when he justifies a sinner; he views him awful punishment which was the penalty as sprinkled with the blood of atonement; of the first covenant, but our nature is and therefore, to the same blood the sinner wholly diseased and corrupted; so that in must necessarily look upon his first applius, in our flesh, " dwelleth no good thing." cation to Christ. When the criminal under Our understanding is darkened, filled with the law fled to the horns of the altar, he prejudices against the truth, and incapable considered the temple rather as a place of of discerning spiritual objects " For the protection than of worship. The authority natural man receiveth not the things of the of a teacher, and the majesty of a king, Spirit of God, they are foolishness to him; are objects of terror to a self-condemning neither can he know them, because they sinner, and by no means suit his present are spiritually discerned." Our will is necessity. Christ as suffering, and " bearstubborn and rebellious, like " an iron ing our sins in his own body on the tree," sinew," which no force can bend; so in- is the only object that can yield him relief flexible in its opposition to the divine law, and comfort; for where shall he find the that it is called in Scripture " enmity rest of his soul, but where God found the against God:" and all our affections are satisfaction of his justice? wild and ungovernable, deaf to the voice Nevertheless, though Christ upon the of reason and conscience, in perpetual dis- cross be the first and most immediate obcord among themselves, and wholly alien- ject of faith, yet the believer doth not ated from God, in whom alone they should stop there; but having discovered a suffiunite and centre. Such a Saviour, there- cient atonement for his guilt, he proceeds fore, was necessary for our relief, as could to contemplate the other characters of his effectually remedy all those evils, and not Redeemer, and heartily approves of them only redeem us from wrath, but likewise all as perfectly adapted to all his necesprepare us for happiness, by restoring our sities. He hearkens to his instruction, nature to that original perfection from and cheerfully submits to his yoke, and which it had fallen. covets nothing so much as to be taught For this end, our Lord Jesus Christ, and governed by him. The ingenuity of that he might be in all respects filrnished faith speaketh after this manner: Seeing for this great undertaking, was solemnly Christ is my Priest to expiate my guilt, it invested by his heavenly Father with each is but just and reasonable that he should be THE FRIEND OF THE WEARY. 59 my Prophet to teach me, and my King to day, speedily betake himself to the same rule over me; that as I live by his merits. happy course; plead his own call, and I should also walk by his law. humbly claim his gracious protection; flee 0 blessed Jesus! saith the soul that without delay to his atoning blood, and comes to him, thou true and living way to cleave to him as the Lord your " rightthe Father! I adore thy condescending eousness and your strength." I shall grace, in becoming a sacrifice and sin-of- afterwards represent to you those sure fering for me: and now, encouraged by thy grounds of hope which may encourage kind invitation, I flee to thee as my only you to do this: In the mean time, let city of refuge; I come to thee ";' wretched, us consider and miserable, and poor, and blind, and The gracious promise with which our naked; " I have no price to offer thee, no Lord enforces the invitation: I qwill give goodness at all to recommend me to thy you rest. This was the favor: laboring and heavy laden, I cast 7'Third thing I proposed to illustrate. myself at thy feet, and look to thy free There can be no doubt that the rest mercy alone for the removal of this bur- here spoken of must be, at least, of equal den, which, withoutthy interposition, must extent with the burden, and include a sink me down to the lowest hell. Ab- deliverance from every cause of trouble horring myself in every view I can take, to the soul. But this subject is an ocean I embrace thee for my righteousness; without bottom or shore; we cannot incmeasprinkled with thine atoning blood, I shall sure the length or breadth of it, neither not fear the destroying angel: Justice can its depth be fathomed; for "the riches hath already had its triumph on thy cross; of Christ are unsearchable;" and surely and therefore I take thycross for my sane- no tongue can express what the mind tuary. This is my rest; and here will I itself is unable to comprehend. Neverstay, for I like it well. theless, I shall attempt to say a few things Nor is this my only errand to thee, 0 which may be of use to help forward your thou complete Saviour! I bring to thee a comfort and joy, till eternity shall unfold dark benighted mind to be illuminated the whole to your view. with saving knowledge. " Thou hast the Doth the guilt of sin, and the curse of the words of eternal life; " " in thee are hid all law, lie heavy upon thy soul? " Behold the treasures of wisdom:" I therefore re- the Lamb of God which taketh away the sign my understanding to thy teaching; sin of the world." In the sacrifice of for no man knoweth the Father but the Christ there is an infinite merit that can Son, and those to whom the Son shall re- never be exhausted. He hath satisfied veal him." the most extensive demands of justice, I likewise choose thee for my Lord and and purchased a full and everlasting inmy King; for thou 1" art altogether lovely," demnity to every penitent and believing and in every character necessary to my sinner: so that "now there is no consoul. Here are enemies whom none can demnation to them which are in Christ vanquish but thyself; here are corruptions, Jesus." No sooner doth a soul come to which nothing less than all conquering him in the manner I described, than it grace can subdue: I therefore implore " passeth from death to life." He spreads thine almighty aid. Do thou possess the his righteousness over it, and, under that throne in my heart, and cast out of it covering, presents it to his heavenly Fawhatever opposeth or offendeth thee. It ther; from that happy moment it is no is thine already by purchase; 0 make it longer under the law, but under grace; thine also by conquest! and perform the "For Christ hath redeemed us from the whole work of a Saviour upon it. curse of the law, by his being made a After this manner doth the believer curse for us." And what a plentiful address himself to Christ; and thus doth source of consolation is this! Well may he answer the call to come unto him. the sinner "be of good cheer," to whom Froml all which we may learn our duty Christ hath said, "' Thy sins are forgiven in this matter. Let every laboring and thee." Do you feel a law in your members heavy laden sinner, who hears me this warring against the law of your mind? 60 SERMON VII. Are you harassed with temptations, and But if we would behold the rest here so environed with "a body of death," that spoken of in its utmost extent, and highest you are made to cry out, as Paul once perfection, we must look above us to that did, " 0 wretched man, who shall deliver heavenly world, from which sin. and all me!" Look up to that Prince and Sa- the painful effects of it, are eternally viour, whom God hath exalted, not only excluded. "There remaineth a rest," to give remission of sins, but likewise to said the apostle, " for the people of God." bestow repentance upon his people, and Great and manifold are their privileges grace to help them in every time of need. even in this world; but beyond all these, Christ hath obtained the Holy Spirit, by are still more glorious and enriching blesswhose almighty aid the Christian can do ings that await them in the next, which all things. He will plant that immortal our " ears have not yet heard, neither can seed in your hearts, which shall gradually our hearts conceive." When we attempt kill the weeds of corruption: so that, ac- to think of that exalted happiness, we can cording to his faithful word of promise, do little more than remove from it in our though sin may lodge and fight within minds all those afflicting evils and grounds you, yet it shall not be able to get " do- of discouragement which we presently feel; minion over you." only we must conclude, that whatever the Do you fear that some unforeseen cause particular ingredients are, the happiness may provoke him to forsake you, to with- itself must be, in all respects, worthy of draw his love, and the communications of its glorious Author, and proportioned to his grace? Know that "the gifts and the infinite price that was paid for it. callings of God are without repentance." Our Lord himself calls it a " kingdom," Christ is the " good shepherd, who carries nay, a " kingdom prepared from the founthe lambs in his bosom;" and therefore dation of the world;" and the apostle they cannot perish, because none is strong Peter hath recorded three of its distinenough to pluck them out of his hand. guishing properties, (I Peter i. 4.) where The believer is not left to stand by him- he styles it an " inheritance incorruptible, self; he who is the author, is likewise undefiled, and that fadeth not away." the finisher of his people's faith. Omni- Such, my brethren, is that rest which potence is their guardian; and they are Christ will finally bestow upon his people. "kept," not by their own strength, but They shall " enter into the joy of their " by the power of God, through faith unto Lord." All their burdens shall drop salvation." with their natural bodies; none of them These three are surely the heaviest can pass beyond the grave. Then faith burdens with which the soul of man can and hope shall become sight and enjoybe oppressed; and you see that the Lord ment; then love grown perfect shall cast Jesus is able to remove them all. There out fear; and nothing shall remain of all are no doubt, many other causes of dis- their former trials, but the grateful recouragement to which we are liable so membrance of that friendly hand which long as we sojourn in this valley of tears; supported them, and hath at length crownbut as none of them are equal to those ed their " light and momentary afflictions " I have already named, we may certainly with a " far more exceeding and eternal conclude, that he who performs the greater weight of glory." work, can, with infinite ease, perform the AND now, in the review of all that has lesser also. And indeed, if I might stay been said, methinks every sinner who hears upon this branch of the subject, it would me should be ready to answer the call of be no difficult task to show, that in all my text in the language of Peter, " Lord, other respects believers " are complete to whom shall we go but unto thee? for in Christ," and may by faith derive from thou hast the words of eternal life." O him whatever is necessary either for their that there were such hearts in us But safety or comfort in this world: " For it perhaps some humble soul may say, Gladly hath pleased the Father, that in him would I go to this Saviour, willingly would should all fulness dwell," as it is written, I throw myself at his feet and implore his Coloss. i. 19. protection; but such, alas I is my vileness THE FRIEND OF THE WEARY. 61 and unworthiness, so long have I slighted hear my voice, and open the door, I will his offers, and abused his grace, that I fear come in to him, and sup with him, and he this call, kind as it is, doth not extend with me." And in the concluding chapto me: my case is singularly bad, and ter of the Revelation, it is writtin, " The my sins have been aggravated to such Spirit and the bride say, Come: and let a degree, that my desponding heart hath him that is a-thirst, come: and whosoever. already pronounced the sentence of con- will, let him come, and let him take the demnation; and the doom appears so just, water of life freely." So that you see my so righteous, that I can see no ground to text is not a singular instance of condehope that ever it shall be reversed. For secension; the Scriptures are replenished removing this obstacle, which seems to lie with invitations of the same kind; and in the way of your return to Christ, let me they are all expressed in the most extcnbeg your attention to the following parti- sive and absolute terms, on purpose, as it culars. were, to obviate every possible objection, Consider the great condescension of and to remove all jealousy from the most this Redeemer. While he was upon earth, desponding sinners, who might otherwise he never rejected any who sought re- have suspected that the call did not reach lief from him; like a sanctuary whose so far as them. gates stand continually open, he gave But lest the offer of a Saviour, when free, undebarred access to all, insomuch viewed as a privilege, might still appear that his enemies, by way of reproach, in the eyes of some a privilege too high styled him the fiiend of publicans and for them to aspire to, therefore it hath sinners. Neither did our Lord disown pleased the Father to interpose his authe character; on the contrary, he gloried thority, and to make it our duty to emin it, and proclaimed it openly to the world; brace the offer: as we learn from that redeclaring, upon all proper occasions, " that markable passage, (I John iii. 23.) " This he was come to seek and to save that which is the command of God, that we should was lost." For this end he assumed our believe on the name of his Son Jesus nature; for this end he suffered and died; Christ." So that faith in Christ becomes and upon the same benevolent design, he an act of obedience; the law of the Supreme is now gone up to heaven, " where he ap- Governor is the sinner's warrant to come to pears in the presence of God for us;"- the Saviour; and therefore it can be no " that if any man sin, he may have an presumption in any, however guilty they Advocate with the Father " to solicit his have been, to flee to this city of refuge, pardon, and to plead his cause. And seeing he who hath appointed it, not only may not these discoveries of his merciful permits, but peremptorily commands them nature expel your fears, and revive your to repair to it. hope? Has he in a manner laid aside And to crown all, our Lord himself the majesty of a sovereign, and put on hath declared in the most solemn manner, the mild and amiable aspect of a tender- that none shall be rejected who come to him hearted, sympathizing friend? and may for salvation. These are his words, (John not this by itself encourage you to draw vi. 37.) "' Him that cometh to me I will near to him, and to claim the blessings of in nowise cast out." I will receive him that rest he hath obtained for his people? with outstretched arms; I will tenderly But, lo! he hath prevented you even embrace and cherish him, and so unite in this; for to all the proofs of his good- him to myself, that the combined force will to men, he superadds the most warm of earth and hell shall never be able to and pressing invitations, to come to him dissolve the union, or to separate my for relief front all their burdens. "In soul from his unchangeable love. the last day, the great day of the feast, Lift up thy head, then, 0 laboring Jesus stood and cried, If any man thirst, and heavy laden sinner! ponder, with let him come unto me and drink." " Be- due attention, those grounds of encouragehold," said he to the degenerated church ment I have briefly suggested. Doth the of the Laodiceans, " Behold, I stand at Father command you to believe on his the door and knock: If any man will Son? doth the Lord Jesus invite, nay, 62 SERMON VII. entreat, you to come to him, and at the come unto him. IHe sends us forth this same time assure you that "b he will in day to call after you in his name, and to nowise cast you out? " and shall not this entreat you in his stead to be reconciled multiplied security remove all your to God. Behold, in the gospel-offer, he doubts, and bring you to him with a lays, as it were, his crucified body in your humble, but steadfast, hope of obtaining way, to stop you in your self-destroying that rest which he offers unto you? Say course! And will you still press onward. not henceforth, My burden is so heavy, "and trample under foot the Son of and my guilt is so great, that I dare not God! " Behold his blood, like a mighty go to him; but rather say, My burden is river, flows between you and the place of so heavy that I must go to him; for no torment! And will you force your pasother arm can remove it but his own. sage to the everlasting burnings through IHe offers you his help, because you are this immense ocean of redeeming love! miserable; he invites you to come to him, 0 sinners, think of this! all who perish not because you deserve, but because you under the gospel, must carry this dreadneed his aid. Arise, then, 0 sinners, and fuli aggravation along with them, that obey his call: cast your burden upon him mercy was in their offer, and they would who is mighty to save; yield yourselves, not accept it; nay, that they insulted and without reserve, to this faithful Re- abused the mercy that would have saved deemer, to be justified by his blood, and them. And' can your hearts endure, or sanctified by his Spirit; " take his yoke can your hands be strong, in the day that upon you, and learn of him," and then God shall deal with you" for this conyou shall find rest to your souls. tempt? For the Lord's sake open your But what shall I say to those who have eyes in time; look upon him whom you never as yet felt the burden of sin? who, have pierced by your sins, and mourn. I amidst the deepest poverty and wretched- address you as the angels did Lot, when ness, imagine themselves to be "rich, they brought him forth from Sodom; and increased with goods, and to stand in "Escape for thy life; look not behind need of nothing? " Alas! my friends, thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: " what can we do for such?-shall I de- " Flee to the Saviour, lest thou be connounce the curses of a broken covenant to sumed." alarm their fears?-shall I publish the As for you who have already got within terrors of the Lord, and by these per- the walls of the city of refuge, 1 have one suade them to flee fromn the wrath to request to make to you, with which I come? Indeed. considerations of this shall conclude. Come now, and receive kind seem proper and necessary to rouse the new Testament in Christ's blood. them from that deadly sleep into which For confirming your faith, and increasing they are cast. And believe it, 0 sin- your joy, he hath instituted this visible ners! that no representations of this pledge of his love, this external seal of his sort, however awful they might appear, gracious covenant; that, by the elements could exceed, or even equal, the dreadful of bread and wine, the appointed symbols reality; "for who knoweth the power of of his broken body and shed blood, he God's anger?" might invest his people with a full and But as my text breathes nothing but unalterable right to all the blessed fruits clemency, I shall rather, upon this occa- of his sufferings and death. And, theresion, " beseech you by the meekness and fore, as you have come to Christ himself, gentleness of Christ," and fetch my ar- you may lawfully consider the invitation gumnents from the endearing condescen- in my text as your warrant and call to sions of his mercy and grace. come to his holy table; and may hope to Know then, 0 sinners! that after all the find, in this holy sacrament, something of contempt you have thrown upon him, he is that rest, or spiritual relief, which he is still willing to become your Saviour. always ready to dispense to those who Ungrateful as you have been, he once feel their need of it, and who know its more opens his arms, and invites you to worth. Amen. THE CAPTIVE'S HOPE. 63 SERMON VIII. The like representation is given of the Messiah,.(Isaiah xlii. 6, 7.) " I the Lord THE CAPTIVE'S HOPE. have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and ZECIrARTAH TI. 12. —" Turn ye to the stronghold, give thee for a covenant of the people, for ye prisoners of hope; even to-day do I de- a elate that I wvill render double unto thee." light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the IN the 9th verse of this chapter pro- prison, and theml that sit in darkness out clamation is made that the Messiah is at of the prison-house." And the Messiah hand; and the church is called upon to himself is introduced, (Isaiah lxi. at the go forth to meet him with joy. " Re- beginning) speaking to the same purpose, joice greatly, 0 daughter of Zion'; shout, saying, " The Spirit of the Lord God is 0 daugiohter of Jerusalem; behold, thy upon me, because the Lord hath anointed King cometh unto thee" And that the me to preach good tidings unto the meek, awe of his majesty might be no bar to he hath sent me to bind up the brokentheir joy, they are told, for their en- hearted, to proclaim liberty to the capcouragement, that he comes in such a tives, and the opening of the prison to form of condescension and grace, as them that are bound." serves rather to invite than forbid their In all these passages, he is plainly approach to him: for " He is just, and pointed out to us in the character of a having salvation; lowly, and riding upon Redeemer; and, as such, he issues forth an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an the proclamation in my text: Turn ye to ass." They are further assured, in the the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope; 10th verse, that as the ensigns of his even to-day do I declare that I will renroyalty differ so widely from those which der double unto thee. earthly monarchs use, so he shall govern In which words we have three things his subjects, and subdue his enemies, not that deserve our notice. by external force, but by inward persua- First. A description of the persons sion; not by "the chariot, the horse, and whom hlie comes to redeem: They are the battle-bow," for all these shall be prisoners of hope. "cut off;" but by the preaching of the Second. The advice or command adgospel, accompanied with the powerful dressed to them: Turn ye t tthe strongoperation of the Spirit, which is em- hold. And, phatically called "speaking peace unto Third. A gracious and encouraging the heathen;" in consequence whereof, promise; Even to-day do I declare that "his dominions shall extend from sea to I will render double unto thee. sea, and from the river even to the ends I propose, God willing, to make a few of the earth." And to finish the descrip- remarks upon each of these particulars, tion of this King of Zion, it is added, in and to conclude with an improvement the 11 th verse, that the gracious aim of suited to the occasion of our present his government is to set men at liberty meeting. from the vilest slavery, and to release First. The persons to whom the comthem from the most ignominious confine- mand is addressed are called prisoners of ment, by opening their prison doors, and hope. " sending them forth out of the pit The description, you see, is of a mixed wherein is no water." This too he is to nature; it represents a state in the main perform in a way peculiarly endearing: bad, yet not so wholly bad as to be past he -is to purchase their freedom with the recovery. We are all by nature in a price of his own blood; which, with great state of bondage, condemned by the propriety, is styled " the blood of the righteous sentence of the law, and slaves covenant," as it ratifies and confirms that to Satan and our own corruptions. By covenant of grace, whereby sinners are our apostasy from God we sunk into a reinstated in the favor of God, and res- pit where indeed "there is no water: " cued from the power of all their spiritual There we sit "in darkness, and in the enemies. shadow of death," destitute of every thing 64 SERMON VIII. that can afford real peace and joy to the tion of prisoners of hope, not only to dissoul. But though this pit doth not yield tinguish them from those who are gone to any water, yet water may be brought into the pit where there is no hope, but even it. The dew of divine grace may descend from others, who, though they still dwell upon the prisoners, and " the day spring in the land of hope, yet, in some respects, from on high " may visit their dark may be reputed in a hopeless condition; abode, and guide them out of it into the because their pride and insensibility put way of peace and safety. Hence, uncon- them out of the way of help and deliververted sinners, though prisoners, may pro- ance. Whereas they who have got an afperly be called prisoners of hope, so long fecting view of their guilt and misery, as their life is continued upon earth. It lie, as it were, in the very road of mercy; is true, that if death surprise them in that nay, the more painful their feelings are, state, they shall then sink lower into the greater likelihood there is of a gracious another pit; of which it may be said, with and speedy relief: He whose office it is an awful emphasis, that there'-" there is " to bind up the broken-hearted, and to no water;"-it yields none;-it admits of proclaim liberty to the captives," will none;-not one drop can be brought into neither deny them his aid, nor defer their it to cool the tongue. But so long as relief one moment beyond the time he they live, their case, though bad, is by no knows to be best for them. And theremeans hopeless; there is virtue enough in fore sinners of this sort may, with peculiar "the blood of the covenant" to save propriety, be called prisoners of hope; them; and though they are advanced to because, whatever their own apprehensions the last stage of impiety, yet, even there, are, Christ certainly looks upon them as Almighty grace can reach them, and his proper charge, and invites them to snatch them like brands out of the burn- cast all their burdens upon hilnself, in ing. So that under this general denom- these sweet, condescending words, "Come ination of prisoners of hope, every man or unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy woman living upon earth is spoken to in laden, and I will give you rest." my text. And indeed the gospel call is By prisoners of hope, then, we may addressed to sinners indefinitely: " Unto understand, more generally, all sinners, you, 0 men, I call," says the Saviour, without exception, who are within the "and my voice is to the sons of men."- reach of divine mercy; and more especi"Look unto me, and be saved, all ye ends ally those who are suing for mercy, under of the earth." None are excluded from the felt burden of sin and misery. the offers of mercy; he invites all to But I add further, that even they who come unto him; and him " who cometh have obtained mercy, seem likewise to be he will in nowise cast out." included in the description of my text. But, more particularly, the description The connection of this with the preceding seems to point at those who feel their verse leads me to this remark, and, I apmisery, and earnestly look and long for prebend, lays a solid foundation for it; deliverance. Many, alas! are lying in for the persons who are spoken to in this the pit of an unconverted state, without verse, are evidently the same who are any sense or feeling of their woe; the spoken of in the preceding one; and yet darkness is so thick around them, that here they are denominated prisoners of they see not the fetters by which they are hope, though just before it was said of bound. them, " that by the blood of the covenant Now, such must necessarily put away they were sent forth out of the pit wherein from themselves every offer of liberty, is no water; " that is, cleansed from their saying, in the scornful language of the guilt, and delivered from the darkness and Pharisees, " We be Abraham's seed, and misery of an unconverted state. were never in bondage to any man; how I need not observe to you, that the presayest thou then, Ye shall be made free?" sent condition of believers upon earth, is I therefore reckon, that sensible sinners, neither a state of perfect liberty, nor of humble, convinced souls, are spoken to for uninterrupted peace. These are the blesstheir encouragement under this designa- ed ingredients which constitute the happi THE CAPTIVE'S HOPE. 65 ness of the Zion above; but whilst they to every soul in this assembly; and the sojourn in this strange land, they are liable advice it gives to each of you is this: to various and painful distresses. Even Turn ye to the stronghold, ye prisoners after they have received " the Spirit of of hope. And this is the adoption," they may feel such returns of Second branch of the subject, which I "the Spirit of bondage," as shall oblige am now to consider. them to cry out with David, "My spirit By the stronghold to which we are exis overwhelmed within me; —Attend unto horted to turn, is undoubtedly meant my cry, O God, for I am brought very " the blood of the covenant," spoken of in low:-Bring my soul out of prison, that the preceding verse; or rather the new I may praise thy name." covenant itself, ratified and sealed by the The remembrance of past guilt, the pre- blood of Christ. sent feeling of indwelling corruption, the This indeed is a stron gholdc, an imhidings of God's face, and the assaults and pregnable defence to all who flee to it for buffetings of their spiritual enemies, are refuge: It is "an everlasting covenant, all so many different prisons, in which the ordered in all things and sure." Here dearest of God's children may be shut up an effectual supply is to be found for all for a season. And we find some of them the sinner's wants and necessities; an inrecorded in holy writ, who, during the finite sacrifice to expiate his guilt; all time of this spiritual confinement, have conquering grace to subdue his corrupfelt such exquisite agony, that with diffi- tions; unerring wisdom to guide him; culty they have been kept from razing irresistible power to protect him; unthe foundation, and quitting all hope. bounded goodness to relieve his present Such was the case of Asaph when he thus needs, and to crown him with glory and expressed himself in the 77th Psalm, " I happiness hereafter. In short, " the whole remembered God. and was troubled-I fulness of the Godhead " is treasured up am so troubled that I cannot speak.- in the Mediator of this covenant; and "he Will the Lord cast off for ever? will he is made of God," unto all who believe on be favorable no more? Is his mercy clean him, "'wisdom, and righteousness, and gone for ever? doth his promise fail for sanctification and redemption."' evermore? Hath God forgotten to be But instead of enlarging upon the degracious? hath he in anger shut up his scription of this strongholl, I reckon it tender mercies?" And how distressing of greater importance to explain the admust we suppose the case of Heman to vice here given to the prisoners of hope, have been, when it drew from him such which is the proper work and duty of the mournful complaints as these " My soul day. Tur'n ye to the stronghold. But is full of trouble, and my life draweth how are we to do this? nigh unto the grave: Thou hast laid me 1st. We must turn our back upon every in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the thing else, and abandon all other means deeps: Lord, why castest thou off my of deliverance as refuges of lies, which, soul? why hidest thou thy face from me? will miserably disappoint those who exI ant afflicted, and ready to die from my pect relief from them. Particularly we youth up: while I suffer thy terrors, I must renounce our own righteousness, and am distracted; thy fierce wrath goeth over plead guilty in the presence of a holy God, me; thy terrors have cut me off." acknowledging, that we must stand justly These strong examples are sufficient to condemned by the tenor of the first coveprove, that there are other prisons besides nant, and are neither able of ourselves to the pit of an unconverted state: Prisons give any satisfaction for past offences, nor where those who are near and dear to to yield an acceptable obedience for the God, may, for wise and holy reasons, suf- future. "They that be whole," said our fer a temporary confinement; on account blessed Saviour, "need no physician, but of which they may be justly denominated they that are sick." The natural pride prisoners of hope. of our hearts opposeth our seeking aid And if so, then my text speaks directly from any thing without ourselves;. nay,. 5 66 SERMON VIII. such is our disaffection to the great God, promises are yea and amen;" here the that even when aid appears necessary, we soul finds something to lean upon; its would rather be indebted for it to any anxious fears begin to vanish; it now other than to him. I believe I may ven- knows with certainty where relief is to be ture to affirm, that the gospel sanctuary is found. always the sinner's last resort; and it is Having thus discovered the stability of not till we are " shut up unto the faith," the covenant, and that it is in all respects as the Apostle expresseth it, that is, such a stronghold as we need, the hedged in on every side by an absolute 3d, and principal thing required is, despair of relief from any creature, that That we actually flee to it, and improve we come to think in good earnest of seek- it for all the purposes for which it was ining it from Christ. This then is the first tended. thing implied in turning to the strong- The two former advices I gave you, hold, that we turn our back upon every were only preparatory to this last and thing else. It further imports in the most important step, which is the suml 2d place, That we turn our eyes to and substance of the duty here enjoined, this stronghold, and narrowly examine the Tuirn ye to the stronghold, ye prisoners of security it affords. hope. The true flight of a soul to the Lord You who are lying in the prison of an Jesus Christ, is not a rash and precipitate unconverted state, come hither to this adventure, but the result of serious and sanctuary, whose gates stand open to remature deliberation: it is not curiosity, ceive you:' It is a faithful saying, and but pressing necessity, that sets the soul worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus in motion. The awakened sinner sees the Christ came into the world to save sinavenger of blood ready to seize upon him; ners:" He hath shed that blood which and hearing of a stronghold, erected by " cleanseth from all sin," and hath sealed infinite wisdom and grace, for the protec- that gracious and well-ordered covenant, tion and safety of persons in his situation, which offers pardon and eternal life to he anxiously inquires into the truth of this every penitent, believing sinner. And report, and useth every means in his now "all things are ready" for your repower to get certain information of it. ception and entertainment: The Father This, my brethren, is an essential part is ready to embrace you; Christ is ready of the duty here enjoined. I cannot tell to wash you in his blood; the Spirit is you of what importance it is to get clear ready to heal your diseased natures; anand distinct apprehensions of the gospel- gels are ready to rejoice at your return; covenant, that stronghold pointed out to and we, as the servants of this King of us in my text. Zion, are ready to welcome you into the We should not onuly endeavor to know family of God, and do now exhort and what we are allowed to expect from it, pray you, in Christ's stead, to flee for rebut likewise to see the firmness of that fuge, " to lay hold on the hope set before foundation upon which our faith and hope you." This is the call of my text to unmust stand. A wavering hope may bal- converted sinners. ance a wavering apprehension of danger, As to the other prisoners of hope I but will not answer the necessities of an spoke of, who, though they are rescued awakened sinner. But when we come to from the pit wherein is no water, yet find see that this stronghold is built upon the their souls cast down within them, and, by Rock of ages, and suported by pillars of reason of various discouragements, cannot invincible strength, even all the perfec- enjoy," the liberty wherewith Christ has tions of an unchangeable God; or, to drop set them free;" the allusion, when we see that this cove- The call to you is, Tu'rn again to the nant, which promises every blessing we stronghold, and once more look to "the nee4, is a sure, a permanent, and irrevo- Rock that is higher than you." The Recable deed, confirmed by the oath of the deemer, in whom you trust, is mighty to great 1 AMli, and sealed with the blood save; "all power is committed to him in of his own dear Son, " in whom all the heaven and in earth;" and he is constitu THE CAPTIVE'S HOPE. 67 ted "head over all things for his church." siah's office, which I formerly quoted; "It hath pleased the Father, that in him' The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me," all fulness should dwell;" and the whole &c. The redemption of the Jews from the fulness of the Godhead is treasured up in Babylonish captivity, and their return to him, for this very end, that he may dis- their own land, appear from the sequel of pense to his people such gracious supplies the chapter to have been the events which as their various cases and circumstances the Prophet had more immediately in his may require. You are not straitened eye. But we shall not be able to doubt ill him, be not " straitened in your own that he looked a great deal farther, even bowels." to that spiritual redemption which Christ Might I stay to examine your particu- was to achieve for his church, if we turn lar complaints, I believe I could show you over to the 4th chapter of Luke, 21st that there is something in the covenant to verse, where our blessed Lord, after readanswer them all. He who brought you ing this passage in the synagogue at Naout of the pit of an unconverted state, zareth, made particular application of it can easily deliver you from every other to himself, in these remarkable words: prison. What furnace can consume those " This day is the Scripture fulfilled in who are sprinkled with that blood which your ears." Hence it is obvious, that hath already quenched the fire of incensed what the Prophet says in the 7th verse, justice? He who " bore your sins in his viz. for " your shame ye shall have douown body upon the tree," will not suffer ble," &c. falls to be understood in a spirityou to sink under the weight of them: ual sense too; and the meaning of it is, He who "suffered, being tempted," will that the ransomed of the Lord shall not certainly succor you who are tempted! only be freed from bondage, and rescued He who, under the hidings of his Father's from the hands of their spiritual enemies, face, cried out upon the cross, " My God! but shall likewise be advanced to such my God! why hast thou forsaken me " honor and happiness, as shall wipe off all cannot fail to sympathize with his people the shame of their servitude, and fill them in the like circumstances; and he whose with the most transporting joy. own " soul was exceeding sorrowful, even In the 90th Psalm, at the 15th verse, unto death," will, in due time, communi- Moses, the man of God, prays for the cate that joy to you, the want of which church in these terms: " Make us glad, was so painful to himself. If Christ is according to the days wherein thou hast indeed precious in your esteem; if you can afflicted us, and the years wherein we have say without known guile, that your whole seen grief." He only asks joy in propordependence is upon him, and him alone; tion to the grief they have felt; but the then know, that he is equal to all the trust bounty of our gracious Lord doth far exyou can put in him, and he is faithful who ceed the prayers and expectations of his hath said, Even to day do Ideclare, that servants; for here he says I will render I will render double unto thee. And this unto thee, not barely according to, or in is the proportion to thy former sufferings, but I Third and last branch of the text. will render double unto thee. Even in Upon which I shall offer a very few re- this life, he may pour into your souls marks, and then conclude. such measures of joy and consolation. as 1st. I would observe, that the promise shallnot only balance your past sorrows, but itself is most gracious, I will render dou- far outweigh them, and cause them to apble unto thee. We meet with the same pear very lightand inconsiderable. At any expression, (Isaiah lxi. 7.) where I think rate, he will render unto you double in anthe meaning of it is plainly ascertained: other world; all tears shall there be wiped' For your shame ye shall have double; away from your eyes; your light afflictions, and for confusion they shall rejoice in their which are but for a moment, are, in the portion: therefore in their land they shall mean time, working for you a far more expossess the double: everlasting joy shall ceeding and eternal weight of glory; and, be unto them." The chapter is introdu- ere long, "you shall return and come to ced with that grand description of the Mes- Zion,'with songs and everlasting joy upon 68 SERMON IX. your heads; then shall you obtain joy and comfort of the Scripture, might have hope." gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall The promise, though addressed to believflee away." ers many ages ago, extends even to us; I would further observe to you, in the because he who made the promise is al2d place, That the comfort of this pro- ways in one mind; "the same yesterday, mise is greatly heightened by the manner to-day, and for ever." Nay, so great is of publishing it; Even to-day do I de- his condescension, that he is just now wilclare. It is uttered with great solemnity, ling to have it dated afresh under one of and expressed in the most resolved and the authentic seals of his covenant. peremptory manner.-I do not say it Let us then, my brethren, humbly adore slightly: I declare it; I pledge the credit the goodness of God which hath provided both of my power and faithfulness to make so liberally for the relief and comfort of it good. the prisoners of hope; and in the enThe circumstance of time, too, makes a trance to the solemn service of this day, remarkable addition. I declare it even to- let us look up to him who is " the God of day; in this dark and cloudy day, when hope;" praying, in the words which his your misgiving minds are meditating no- own spirit hath indited, that he would thing but terror. Even on this day, when "fill us with all joy and peace in believing, the event is most unlikely, I give you the that we may abound in hope, through the promise of complete deliverance; to-day, power of the Holy Ghost." Amen. when your hearts are emptied of self-confidence, when every other refuge fails, I give you my word, my oath, to lay hold upon; and I do it to-day, whilst your feel- SERMON IX ings are most painful, that the depth of your distress may help you to form some conception of the high joy that awaits you at that happy time when I shall render 1 PETER ii. 25.-"For ye were as sheep going double unto thee. astray; but are now returned unto the ShepBut I apprehend there is still an em- herd and Bishop of your souls." phasis on these words to-day, beyond any thing I have yet mentioned. Here God, HUMILITY is both the strength and beauty as it were, prefixes a date to his promise, of the soul; it is its best defence, as well which, in human obligations, has always as its fairest ornament. "Happy is the been judged an essential formality: as if man that feareth always; but he that he had said, let it be recorded, that on hardeneth his heart shall fall into misthis day I have passed my word for your chief; "for God resisteth the proud, but salvation; for though I need no tokens to giveth grace to the humble." No sooner remind me of my everlasting purposes of had David said, " I shall never be moved," grace, yet, as you need them to strengthen than he suddenly experienced a sad reyour faith and hope, therefore, in pity of verse of fortune, and found cause to utter your weakness, I give you every kind of that mournful complaint, " Thou didst security you can ask from one another. hide thy face, and I was troubled." Let it then be remembered, that to-day, I Various means have been employed in declare I will render double unto thee. every age of the church, to banish pride UPON the whole, then, let me once more from the hearts of men, and to beget and repeat the call in my text, Turn ye to the cherish that lowliness of mind which bestronghold, ye prisoners of hope. Bring comes dependent, guilty creatures. This all your cares, your doubts, your tempta- was the obvious tendency of the most sotions, to that mighty Saviour on whom lemn rites under the old dispensation. your help is laid. He hath declared to The annual sacrifice of the paschal lamb, you in his word, that he will render unto besides its typical use, or reference to the you double; " for what things soever were great atonement, had likewise an imporwritten aforetime, were written for our tant moral signification; and the lessons learning, that we, through patience and it taught were humility and gratitude. THE WANDERER, AND HIS RETURN. 69 " It shall come to pass," said Moses, by only discover the unsearchable riches of the command of God, " that when your divine love, but we likewise behold the children shall say unto you, What mean full demerit of sin, and all the horrors of you by this service? ye shall say, It is that misery into which we had plunged the sacrifice of the Lord's passover, who ourselves by our fatal apostacy; so that passed over the houses of the children of our triumph in the great salvation, by reIsrael in Egypt, when he smote the calling to our minds the low and helpless Egyptians, and delivered our houses." In state in which mercy found us, gives check like manner, when they brought the first to every self-exalting thought, and confruits as an offering to the Lord, which strains us to ascribe to the free and unwas another solemnity that returned every merited favor of God, the sole, the undiyear, the form of dedication was prescrib- vided praise of all that we have, or hope ed in these words: (Deut. xxvi. 5, 6, &c.) to enjoy. "A Syrian ready to perish was my father, To those views, and to this becoming and he went down into Egypt, and so- exercise, we are naturally led by the words journed there with a few, and became there of my text; which have frequently oca nation, great, mighty, and populous. curred to me as a most proper form of adAnd the Egyptians evil entreated us, and dress for introducing communicants to the afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bon- table of their Lord. Ye were as sheep godage. And when we cried unto the Lord ing astray, but are now returned to the God of our fathers, the Lord heard our Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. voice, and looked on our affliction, and These two widely different states,our labor, and our oppression. And the what you once were by nature, and what Lord brought us forth out of Egypt, with you now are by grace, I propose to illusa mighty hand, and with an outstretched trate in the sequel of this discourse; from arm, and with great terribleness, and with both which we may, with ease and certainsigns, and with wonders. And he hath ty, discover what frame and temper of brought us into this place, and hath given heart best suit our attendance upon this us this land that fioweth with milk and great Christian solemnity. Let me then honey. And now, behold, I have brought call upon believers in Christ; for to them, the first fruits of the land, which thou, 0 and to them only, such language can be Lord, hast given me." addressed; let me call upon themn, in the Thus did God train up his ancient peo- First place, Seriously to review their pie " to serve him with reverence, and to former condition, when they, as well as rejoice before him with trembling." Their others, were as sheep going astray. thank-offerings, as well as their oblations The fitness of this similitude, to exhibit for sin, obliged them to recognize the the natural state of mankind, may justly meanness of their original, and the igno- be inferred frown the frequent use that minious servitude from which God had re- is made of it in the sacred writings. I deemed them; and every act of worship shall not attempt to trace out the resemtaught them to say, " Who am I, O Lord blance in all its extent; but some parts of God, and what is my house, that thou hast it are so striking and expressive, that to brought me hitherto? " overlook them altogether, or even slightly The ordinances of grace in the New to regard them, would either betray very Testament church breathe the same spirit, gross insensibility, or a perverse contempt and dictate the same language; nay, they of the divine condescension. do it with greater force and energy. Thus, a sheep that hath forsaken the The gospel-passover, which we are this good pasture, and strayed into the parchday to celebrate, commemorates a deliver- ed and barren wilderness, presents to ance from spiritual thraldom; of which us, in the strongest and most affecting the release of the Jews fr-om the Egyptian light, an emblem of indigence, perplexity, yoke affords but a faint and imperfect em- and disappointment. Now, such is the blem. state of every natural man; "vanity and In those complicated sufferings which vexation of spirit" are his portion; he were the price of our redemption, we not resembles one "who dreameth, and be 70 SERMON IX. hold he eateth, but he awaketh, and his part of the verse; where, speaking of the soul is empty." Disappointed in every recovery of wandering sinners, he doth pursuit, he goes from place to place, ever not say, ye have returned, as if, by their repeating the anxious question, It~ho will own sagacity, they had discovered their show mne any good? There is a void with- error, and then rectified it by the activity in him that the world cannot fill; the of their own natural powers. But it deflesh, after all the provision he can make serves our notice, that he puts the word for it, still cries with "the horse-leech, into the passive voice, ye are returned; Give, give;" and like "the fire or the that is, converted, or caused to return, as grave, never saith, It is enough." All the same word is elsewhere rendered. the creatures are to him what the husks For what our Lord said to his first disciwere to the prodigal: they yield a mo- ples, may be addressed to believers in mentary relief, but no real nourishment; every age of the church: Ye have not he endeavors to feed upon them, "' but chosen me, but I have chosen you." "It still he hath appetite, his soul is faint," is God that worketh in us both to will and he perisheth with hunger. and to do of his good pleasure." " By Again, this figurative representation de- grace we are saved, through faith; and notes a state of danger as well as of indi- that not of ourselves, it is the gift of gence and dissatisfaction. Few animals God." Nor can any words be conceived are beset with more enemies than sheep; more absolute and decisive than these, and perhaps none are possessed of less which are uttered by Christ himself: " No cunning to elude, or of less courage to re- man cometh unto me, except the Father sist them. Their safety depends entirely which hath sent me draw him." upon the shepherd's care; for if they wan- In all these particulars, the resemder beyond the reach of his protecting blance can be traced with a critical exactarm, they become at once, to every raven- ness. But still there remains one other ous beast, not only a tempting but an easy ingredient in man's apostacy from God, prey. With what awful precision doth to which the similitude, comprehensive as this part of the similitude exhibit to us it is, cannot be extended; the fatal ingrethe state of unconverted sinners! Their dient I mean is guilt. spiritual enemies are both numerous and A sheep gone astray is an object of mighty; and the subtlety of the serpent pity rather than of blame; the owner feels and the strength of the lion are but faint no emotion of anger against the simple representations of their craft and power; wanderer; he doth not view it as faulty; yet such is the presumption of carnal men, but as unfortunate: he therefore seeks it so fatal the security of those who are far with anxiety; and when he hath found it, from God, that instead of avoiding their so far is he from punishing it as a crimiblood-thirsty foes, they roam without fear nal, that he cherisheth it as a sufferer, through their most frequented haunts, and takes it tenderly into his arms, and brings rush headlong into those snares that are it home with joy. Whereas, in our delaid for their destruction. parture from, God, evey crime is united Once more; —Though sheep are not that render us loathsome and odious in his the only creatures that are prone to wan- sight. Man's apostacy was the effect not der, yet it may justly be affirmed of them, of weakness, but of wilfulness: the guilt that they, of all others, discover least sa- that lieth upon us is nothing less than gacity in finding the way back to the place proud and obstinate rebellion: rebellion from whence they strayed; so that in blackened with the vilest ingratitude; unthem we likewise behold a proper and provoked rebellion against the Father of most descriptive emblem of man's help- our spirits, and the former of our bodies, lessness and impotent state by nature, and the God in whom we live, the generous of his utter inability, by any efforts of his author of those distinguished gifts, which, own, to regain his primeval happiness and by the most impious abuse, we have glory. That the apostle intended to con- turned into hostile weapons against him vey this idea is more probable, from self. the form of his expression in the latter Such monsters, my brethren, are all un THE WANDERER, AND HIS RETURN. 71 converted sinners. Happy! thrice happy though he knew no sin, that we might be they! of whom it can only be said, Such made the righteousness of God in him: " indeed ye were; "but ye are washed, ye — who " suffered, the just for the unjust, are sanctified, ye are justified, in the name that he might bring us to God,"' with of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of filial boldness, in the humble, yet assured our God." To you, O believers, my text hope, that we shall " obtain mercy, and is addressed: look back to the waste and find grace to help in every time of need." howling wilderness, " to the lions' dens," Ye are returned to him, —who not only " and the mountains of leopards," where bore your griefs, and carried your sorrows, lately you wandered, "hungry and hard but hath likewise conquered all your bestead," surrounded with enemies, and enemies, and triumphed over them, as the unable to resist them.-Now that you are chosen head and representative of his established upon that Rock of ages, against people. He bath in his own person, which the gates of hell shall never prevail, " spoiled principalities and powers;" and it can surely do you no harm to cast your his success is a pledge of your final viceye downward to the horrible pit and the tory over them. Annoy you they may, miry clay, where you were ready to perish, but they cannot hurt you; by the blood when mercy interposed, and brought you of the Lamb you likewise shall overcome. seasonable relief; on the contrary, the re- Ere long " the God of peace shall bruise membrance of the dangers you have es- Satan under your feet," and put that new caped, will heighten your gratitude, and song into your mouth, " Now is come salonly add solemnity to your present joy. vation, and strength, and the kingdom of while, from the humbling review of what our God, and the power of his Christ; you were by nature, I lead you to the con- for the accuser of the brethren is cast templation of what you are by grace. down, who accused them before our God Which was the day and night." Second thing proposed in the method: Ye are returned to him,-who will Ye are now }returned unto the Shtepherd henceforth watch over you with peculiar and Bishop of your souls. care, and guard you as his property, which The progress of a sinner in his return he purchased with his blood. " This shepto God was formerly described, when I herd of Israel, this bishop, this overseer opened the import of these kind invita- of souls, never slumbers nor sleeps."tions. " Come unto me, all ye that labor Many seasonable, though unknown deand are heavy laden; "* and, " Turn ye liverances, did he work for you, even to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope."t while you ungratefully despised and reMy present aim is to comfort the souls jected him. Often did he pluck you out of those who have already complied with of the jaws of the bear and the lion, bethe heavenly call, and to congratulate fore you were acquainted with him, or had them upon the happy change that is any thought of craving his protection: wrought in their condition. Hail, ye but now his eye is continually upon you, blessed of the Lord! his ear is at all times open to your cry, Ye are returned to him who came from his everlasting arms are around and unheaven to earth " to seek and to save that derneath you; and therefore you may which was lost; " who, though infinitely boldly say, "the Lord is my light, and offended by your criminal apostasy, hath my salvation, whom shall I fear? The himself made atonement for your past Lord is the strength of my life, of whom wanderings, and expiated your guilt with shall I be afraid? Behold, God is my salvahis own precious blood: " He was wound- tion; I will trust and not be afraid: for the ed for your transgressions, and bruised Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my for your iniquities, that by his stripes ye song: he also is become my salvation." might be healed." " This is that good Ye are returned to him,-who hath not shepherd who laid down his life for the only almighty power to guard you against sheep; " who " was made sin for us, danger, but infinite compassionlikewise to sympathize with you in all your distresses, * Sermon vii. t Sermon viii. and to comfort you in all your sorrows. 72 SERMON 1X. He is meek and merciful, patient and con- of water; and God shall wipe away all descending: "': He gathers the lambs with tears from their eyes." his arms, and carries them in his bosom, But I must not stay to enlarge upon and gently leads those that are with these particulars; the imperfect account young." He pities their infirmities, and you have already heard, of the past pardons their errors; he spares them and present state of believers in Christ, when they are weary, and attends them what they were by nature, and what they when they are sick: nay, what no other are by grace, may suffice to direct us to shepherd can do, he imparts strength to that frame and temper of heart, with the faint, and health to the diseased; and which we ought to approach the table of not only bestows food, but gives them an the Lord. And it is obvious, in the appetite to feed upon it: he also blesseth 1st place, That we should do it with their provision, and causeth it to nourish the deepest humility. This is the garb them. that sits most gracefully, and suits us best, What shall I say more? This shepherd whether we consider ourselves as lapsed, and bishop of souls continues to be their or restored; as sinners, or as saints. Are guardian even until death; neither doth we pardoned? once we were condemned. he leave them at that awful period, but Are we sanctified? once we were impure. enters with them into the deep and dark- Are we found? once we were lost. Are some vale, supports them with "' his staff," we made alive? lately we were dead; and and so "comforts them with the rod of still we live by an act of grace; it was his strength," that they "walk through it God who quickened us, and not we ourwith dignity, and fear no evil because he selves: he only maketh us to differ; is with themi." Many of the saints have neither have we any thing but what we been remarkably honored in this respect; received from him. Surely, then, pride even some, "who through fear of death was not made for man. were all their life long subject to bondage,"' 2dly. We would perform this service have, in their latest moments, been ena- with the warmest emotions of gratitude bled to triumph over this king of terrors, and love; giving thanks to the Father, and to say with the apostle Paul, " O who spared not his own Son, but delivered death, where is thy sting? O grave, where him to be a sacrifice and sin-offering for is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; us: giving thanks to the Son, who spared and the strength of sin is the law. But not himself, but having taken upon him thanks be unto God, who giveth us the the form of a servant, submitted to hunvictory, through Jesus Christ our Lord." ger and thirst, to watching and weariness, Or if to any of them these evening-sha- to ignominy and torture: nay, to death dows are so thick, that they cannot see the and the grave: that through the merit of hand that supports them; yet this mo- his death we might live for ever: giving mentary gloom shall only serve to heighten I thanks to the Spirit of all grace, who unites their surprise, their gratitude and their us to Christ, and applies to our souls that joy, when at the farther end of the valley, redemption he hath purchased, who rethis good shepherd shall dispel the cloud, news our depraved natures, and renders us and stand before them revealed in all his meet for the inheritance of the saints glory; when he shall embrace them in his in light. How well doth that hymn of arms, and carry them upward to those praise become the remembrance of Christ's greener pastures, and more fruitful fields death, with which the heavenly hosts celeof the heavenly Canaan; where, as it is brate the tidings of his birth? " Glory to beautifully expressed in the book of the God in the highest, on earth peace, goodRevelation, (chap. vii. at the close) " they will towards men." shall hunger no more, neither thirst any 3dly. Godly sorrows for past offences, more, neither shall the sun light on them, and holy purposes to offend no more, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in should likewise attend us to the table of the midst of the throne, shall feed them, the Lord. Is Christ there set forth as and shall lead them unto living fountains crucified before our eyes? and can we APPROACHING THE THRONE. 73 "look upon him whom we have pierced," faithful and true witness: " And these are without mourning for those sins which his kind, encouraging words to all who are were the cause of his sufferings? or can we returned to him as the bishop of their souls, mourn for them, without hating themn and " MIy grace is sufficient for thee: "-" Fear resolving to forsake them? Should not not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, this be the language of every sincere corn- for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; municant? " What have I to do any more yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold with idols?" LWhat I know not, Lord, thee with the right hand of my righteousteach thou me; if I have done iniquity, I ness." will do so no more." But then, in the Such, my brethren, is that temper of 4t]h place, These purposes'must ever be heart with which we ought to attend upon accompanied with a sense of our own weak- this great Christian solemnity: The deepness, and of our absolute need of aid from est humility, and the warmest gratitude; above. Even after we are returned to godly sorrow on account of our wanderthe bishop of our souls, if left to ourselves ings in time past, and holy purposes to we should quickly stumble and fall; the walk circumspectly for the time to come; same hand that brought us back, when we a sense of our weakness, and of our absowere as sheep going astray, will always be lute need of grace from on high, joined necessary to uphold us in our journey, and with a firm, unsuspecting reliance on the to lead us forward till we arrive at the power and faithfulness of our glorious promised land. "' Without me," said our Redeemer, who hath promised the Spirit Lord, even to those who were united to to them that ask it, and bid us " ask, and him, as the branches are to the vine, receive, that our joy might be full." Thus "without me," or separated from me, " ye let us encompass the altar of God, praycan do nothing: as the branch cannot bear ing that this gospel-feast may prove effecfruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; tual, through his blessing, for confirming no more can ye, except ye abide in me." our faith, for inflaming our love, and enWhat is undertaken in self-confidence. livening our hope; —that, by the nourishshall certainly issue in shame and dis- ment it affords, we may be strengthened appointment. The apostle Peter, who to pursue our journey through this wilderboasted, that " though all should forsake ness, till, having past the dark valley and his Master, yet would not he," not only shadow of death, we shall enter into the forsook him, but with oaths and impreca- promised land of rest, where, face to face tions denied that he knew him. " He that we shall behold the shepherd a~nd bishop trusteth to his own heart is a fool: " — of our souls, and surrounding the throne "Behold," said the prophet Habakkuk, of God and of the Lamb, bear our part': his soul which is lifted up is not upright in that grateful, triumphant song, " Unto in him." Needful, then, most needful, is him that loved us, and washed us from that caution, " Let him who thinketh he our sins in his own blood, and bath made standeth, take heed lest he fall." At the us kings and priests unto God, and his same time, in the Father; to him be glory and dominion for 5th place, This diffidence of ourselves ever and ever." Amen. ought always to be qualified with a steadfast truth, an unsuspecting confidence, in -- the power and faithfulness of our great Redeemer. Paul, who disclaimed the ability of conceiving so much as one good thought, independent of God, did not however hesitate to say, "I can do all APPROACHING THE THRONE. things through Christ that strengtheneth me. The same good shepherd who found I IEBREWS IV. 16.- "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain us when we were lost, is able to " lead us nercy, and find grace to help in time of need." in the paths of righteousness;" and he will do it "for his name's sake." He THE great atonement we are this day to upon whom our help is laid, is styled " the commemorate, is the sole foundation of 74 SERMON X. that throne of grace to which the apostle If so, then surely the boldnless with which invites us in my text; for it is only " in we are exhorted to come, can be no other Christ Jesus, that God reconcileth the than the boldness of humble penitents; world unto himself." So that the subject such as may consist with a conviction of I have chosen hath an obvious and pecu- guilt, and a sense of weakness; a boldness liar reference to that sacred service in that takes its rise, not from any supposed which we are shortly to be engaged. In goodness or worthiness in ourselves, but order to render it profitable for our in- from the highest and most honorable construction and comfort, I propose, in de- ceptions of the greatness, as well as of the pendence upon divine aid, clemency, of that God whom we adore. First. To explain what is meant by It is not then to filial awe and reverence, coming boldly unto the throne qf' grace; but to distrust and jealousy, that boldness and, is here opposed. The spirit becoming Secondly. To consider the errand upon the gospel-state is not a spirit of bondage which we are invited to come; namely, and fear, but a spirit of adoption, disposthat we may obtain mercy, and find ing and enabling us to "cry, Abba, Fathgrace to help in tinze of need. After er." In this temper we should approach which, I shall, in the the throne of grace; not with terror and Th/ird place, Illustrate the motives, or amazement, like criminals dragged before grounds of encouragement, suggested by a tribunal of justice; but with a cheerful the apostle in the foregoing context, upon hope of obtaining pardon and acceptance, which the exhortation appears to be for the sake of him "who died for our founded: sins, and rose again for our justification; " And then direct you to the practical who suffered, the just for the unjust, that improvement of the whole. he might bring us to God." I BEGIN with explaining what is meant Man's apostasy began with harsh and by coming boldly unto the throne of grace. injurious thoughts of God; seduced by You will easily perceive, that the the tempter, he suspected his Creator both boldness here recommended, must be some- of falsehood and envy: And it is the thing entirely different from fearless pre- office of faith to repair that injury, by sumption, or headlong irreverence, in our recognizing his title to the entire and unapproaches to God; for he hath expressly reserved trust of the creature. It was for said, and confirmed the truth of it by this end that " God, being willing more many awful examples, " I will be sancti- abundantly to show to the heirs of promise fled in them that come nigh me, and before the immutability of his counsel, confirmed dl1 the people I will be glorified."-" God it by an oath, that by two immutable is greatly to be feared in the assembly of things, in which it was impossible for God the saints; he is to be had in reverence of to lie, they might have a strong consolaall that are about him." We find this tion, who have fled for refuge to lay hold same apostle, towards the close of the upon the hope set before them." It is epistle, concluding a most lofty and ani- his pleasure, that we rely upon him with mated description of the dignity and an unsuspecting confidence; and we then privileges of the gospel-church, with this honor him most, when, conscious of our remarkable inference, " Wherefore, we own unworthiness, but depending at the receiving a kingdom which cannot be same time upon his faithful word of promoved, let us have grace, whereby we may mise; satisfied with the proofs he hath serve God acceptably, with'reverence and given us of his love, and encouraged by godly fear; for our God is a consuming his kind and generous invitation; we come fire." Nay, the latter part of my text is to his throne with a childlike freedom, sufficient to qualify the expression, and to to pour out our hearts before him, and guard us against any mistake about its to present our supplications for that mercy true meaning and import. and grace, which he is always ready to In what character must we approach bestow upon those who feel their need of the throne of grace? Is it not as crea- such important blessings. But the full tures that need both mercy and grace? meaning and import of the exhortation APPROACHING THE THRONE. 75 will better appear, when I have opened necessities. This remark is of greater the errand upon which we are invited to importance than is generally apprehended. come boldly unto the throne of grace. It is no uncommon thing for serious peoWhich was the ple, who suspect their own sincerity, to Second thing proposed in the method. forecast some trial of the severest kind, The errand, you see, consists of two parts. and to pass judgment upon themselves, The first in order is, that we may obtain accpording to the present state and temper mnercy; mercy to pardon our sins, and to of their minds with respect to that supposreinstate us in the favor and friendship of ed trial. What shall I think of myself? God. This blessing is introductory to all saith one; it is required of a disciple of others; for till we are reconciled to God Jesus, that he take up his cross; but so through the great Mediator, we are inca- feeble am I, that my nature shrinks at the pable of holding communion with him; remotest prospect of suffering; should perneither can we yield unto him any service secution arise for righteousness sake, I that is acceptable: " Two cannot walk to- should not be able to stand in that evil gether except they be agreed;" and till the day; I should sink under the cross, and blood of Jesus, who, through the eternal "make shipwreck of faith and a good conSpirit, ofered himself without spot unto science." Alas! saith another, instead of God, purge our conscience fronm dead "desiring to depart, and be with Christ," works, we cannot serve the living God: Death is to me the "king of terrors;" for " they that are in the flesh cannot when I think of dissolution, my heart dies please God." Nay, after we are justified within me; what shall I do when the fatal and accepted in the Beloved, though we period is come? Were I in Christ Jesus, are thereby secured against final con- surely it could not be thus with me; have demnation, yet we are not raised above I not then cause to conclude that my rethe need of pardoning mercy; still we ligion is vain? By such unwarrantable shall have this errand to the throne of experiments do many perplex and discourgrace; our repeated backslidings will al- age their souls, and weaken their hands ways render it necessary to make repeated for present duty. I call them unwarrantapplication to the blood of the covenant, able experiments, because they are not for cleansing us afresh, and obtaining only beside the Scripture rule, but directrenewed intimations of pardon and accept- ly contrary to it. Our Lord hath comance. marnded us, " to take no thought for the But we have another errand besides morrow, but leave the morrow to take this to the throne of grace; namely, that thought for the things of itself; because we may find grace to help in time of sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.' need. The form of expression implies, When he forewarned his disciples that that there is no danger of a disappoint- they were to be brought before governors ment; assisting grace is already prepared; and kings for his sake, did he require it waits our coming; and if we seek, we them to tell, at that very instant, what shall certainly find it. It farther seems defence they could make? or did he even to intimate, that we should be habitually set upon them preparing answers to such in a posture of waiting upon God, accord- questions as might be put unto them? ing to that apostolic injunction, "' Pray No: on the contrary, he said unto them, without ceasing;" for such is our weak, " Be not anxious how, or what ye shall distempered state, that there is no portion speak; for it shall be given you in that of time in the whole duration of our life same hour what ye shall speak." When upon earth, which is not to us a time of ye are brought to the trial and work of need: should God withdraw his help for confessors, then you shall find the courage one moment, in that very moment we and wisdom of confessors. So it is, my should stumble and fall. brethren, with respect to us: grace to sufOne thing deserves our particular atten- fer, is for a suffering season: grace to die, tion; namely, That the grace we are en- is for dying moments: then, but not before, couraged to ask, is grace for present need, is the time of need. Are you solicitous and not present grace for future supposed about grace for future emergencies? let 76 SERMON X. me ask you, I pray, have you got all the their Lord and head, and they only mingrace you need for present duty? If you istering spirits, whomn he employs as his think you have, I can, without further in- servants, and.sendsforth to nminister,unXto quiry, assure you, that you are mistaken. the heirs of salvation. Thus great is the At this very monient you need grace to Christian's High Priest: this is that excure your anxiety and distrust, to check alted person who hath undertaken to your impatience and presumptuous curiosi- mediate between God and sinners. Have ty. Cast your care upon God for every we not here then one solid ground of enneedful support, when you shall be called couragement, a firm foundation for our to suffer and die, and come to his throne hope of the divine favor and acceptance? for grace, that may enable you to live to But this ground of encouragement resome good and useful purpose in the mean ceives a mighty addition, when, together time. Seek grace to mortify your remain- with the personal dignity of our High ing corruptions, to strengthen your faith, Priest, we consider, in the and to inflame your love; seek grace to 2d- place, The value of what he did and perform all the duties of social life, to suffered in that character. Having asmake you good neighbors, good friends, sumed our nature, " and taken upon him good parents, or good children, that you the form of a servant," he yielded a permay serve and glorify God in those sta- feet obedience to that law which we had tions and conditions of life which his broken, and atlast submitted to a painful, providence hath allotted you. These ought ignominious, and accursed death, that we to be the immediate objects of your care; might live through him.' He was made for till the present time cease to be a time sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might of necl, it is indecent, it is foolish, to look be made the righteousness of God in beyond it, and to distress yourselves with him." Hereby the law was magnified, a premature anxiety about the morrow. divine justice infinitely glorified, and a Our errand, then, to the throne of grace, way opened for the free and honorable is no other tha'n this, to obtain mercy for exercise of mercy and grace to a guilty the pardon of past sins, and grace pro- world. The sufferings of the Son of God portioned to our present necessity; either in our nature, and for our sins, afford a to subdue our corruptions, to resist temp- display of the divine holiness and justice, tations, to support us under the afflictions more bright and awful than if the whole we feel, or to strengthen us for the duties human race had perished irrecoverably. we are called to perform. I now proceed While the law is not made void, but in the established, by what he did, at the same T Third place, To illustrate the grounds time by what he suffered, a public testiof encouragement upon which the apos- mony is given to all intelligent creatures, tie's exhortation is founded. These are that sin is an evil of such deep malignity, suggested in the two preceding verses: that nothing less than a sacrifice of infinite We have a great High Priest, Jesus the worth could expiate the guilt of it, or save Son of God. This High Priest is passed the transgressors from endless misery: so into the heavens: and he is not an Hi gh] that this dispensation, which provides so Priest who cannot be touched with the feel- effectually for the glory of God, hath a inzg of our infirmities, but was in allpoints powerful tendency to quiet our minds, tenmpted like as we are, yet without sin. and to cherish our hopes of pardon and The 1st thing to be considered is the acceptance; because now it appears, that personal worth and dignity of our High God may be merciful without impairing Priest. Of this we have a lofty descrip- the authority of his government; nay, tion in the beginning of the epistle: there perfectly just, as well as infinitely grahe is styled the lSon of God, and the cious, when he justifieth those who believe Creator of the worlds, the brightness of on Jesus. These hopes will appear to the Father's glory, and the express image have a firmer foundation, if, to the dignity of his person, who upholdeth all thinzgs of our High Priest, and the inestimable by the word of his power; infinitely worth of his obedience and suffering, we higher than the angels, inasmuch as he is add, in the APPROACHING THE THRONE. 77 3d place, That he was fully authorized his ascension into heaven, and his exaltato undertake this office; for, as we read tion to the right hand of the majesty on in this same epistle, " Christ glorified not high, remove every conceivable cause of himself to be made an high priest; but fear. and do well support that triumphant he who said unto him, Thou art my Son, challenge of the apostle, " Who shall lay to-day have I begotten thee." Indeed, any thing to the charge of God's elect? without such a divine constitution, the It is God that justifieth: Who is he that sacrifice he offered could have been of no condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea benefit to us. The acceptance of one life rather, that is risen again; who is even at in the place of another, dependeth solely the right hand of God; who also maketh upon hiin to whom the forfeiture is made. intercession for us." Which brings me But, blessed be God, the designation of to the our Lord to the office of high priest, is so 5th and last ground of encouragement, plainly and repeatedly asserted in Scrip- namely, That our great High Priest, who ture, that there is no room left us to is passed into the heavens, is ever minddoubt of it. " He gave himself'for our ful of our interest, and lives and reigns sins, according to the will of God." for the benefit of his people. We are Hence he is styled the lMessenger of the told in Scripture, that the legal high covenant, the Servant, and the Elect of priest carried the names of the twelve God. In every part of his undertaking tribes on his shoulder and breast-plate, he acted by commission from his heavenly when, on the great day of atonement, he Father: "He came not to do his own made his solemn entrance into the holy of will, but the will of him that sent him; holies; that while God looked upon him, which affords the strongest encourage- he might at the same tine remember the ment to draw near to God with filial bold- tribes of Israel, accept his offering for the ness, and to hope for acceptance through expiation of their guilt, and hearken to this great High Priest of his own de- his prayers and intercession on their besignation and choice, this "mighty One, half. In like manner, our great High upon whom he hath laid our help." Yea, Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is 4thly. To remove every possible gone into the heavenly sanctuary, "apground of jealousy, God hath testified in pears in the immediate presence of God the most public and solemn manner, his for us," sustaining the character of the perfect satisfaction with his whole con- second Adam, the head and representaduct as Mediator; which is a circum- tive of all his spiritual seed; and is stance of the utmost importance to give raised to the highest dignity and power, our hope a firm and lasting foundation. that he may manage their affairs to the. Though Christ had died on purpose to best advantage, and effectually secure expiate our guilt, and to reconcile us to their eternal salvation. He was a sufferer God; though his sacrifice had been of in- himself, and knoweth the heart of a suffinite worth in itself, and offered in con- ferer, not by report, but by personal exsequence of his Father's appointment; perience. He was tried with temptations yet, after all, something would have ap- even as we are; and though he conquered peared wanting to assure our faith, if it them all, yet he had proof of the skill, as had not been furnished with the strongest well as of the malice of the tempter, and evidence that this sacrifice was really can make allowance for the disproportion accepted. But, thanks be unto God, the betwixt himself and us. Nay, he stooped certainty of this is put beyond all thus low, not only to make atonement for question in the sacred Scriptures. Twice our guilt, and to open for us a passage to was it proclaimed by an audible voice the mercy-seat; but that we, being asfrom heaven, " This is my beloved Son, sured of his perfect acquaintance with in whom I am well pleased." The human infirmity, might have the most miracles wrought at his death, and that cheerful reliance upon his compassion and greatest of miracles, his own resurrection sympathy, and boldly approach the throne from the dead, are further confirmations of griace, having such a friend to patronize of this comfortable truth; but, above all, us, and to plead our cause; "For we 78 SERMON X. have not an High Priest who cannot be to the " Word made flesh," and see the touched with the feeling of our infirmi- divine glory veiled in the human nature ties, but was in all points tempted like as of your Redeemer. We can have posiwe are, yet without sin." tive conceptions of Jesus Christ; and By such encouraging motives, my though we may not think that the Godbrethren, doth the apostle press the ex- head is flesh, yet we may think of it as it hortation in my text. —' We have a great appeared in flesh, and shone forth in its High Priest, Jesus the Son of God," who holiness and goodness to the world. In offered up a sacrifice of infinite worth; the person of our Mediator, God approachnot officiously or at random, but by the eth us familiarly, to invite us to come to express appointment of his heavenly him with humble confidence and reverend Father, and in consequence of a solemn boldness. Christ did not assume a form agreement or covenant. —This sacrifice of terror; women durst talk with him, was accepted for all the purposes for sinners durst eat with him, the poor and which it was intended; in testimony the diseased durst ask his help; and whereof our great High Priest hath though we must not debase the dignity "passed into the heavens;" where, amidst of the Son of God, by imagining that it all the splendors of his exalted state, he is as much obscured in heaven as it was kindly remembers his people upon earth, upon earth; yet, even the glorified hufeels their infirmities, sympathizes with manity of the Word ncade flesh, affords them in all their sufferings, and never unspeakable comfort to the soul, that ceaseth to make intercession for them. might otherwise shrink back, and tremble Have we not then reason to comne boldly to draw near to God. Tunto the throne of grace, that we may ob- Doth the guilt of sin terrify you? Do tain mercy, and fild grace to help in you fear that a just and holy God can time of need? never accept such offenders as you have BUT, after all, it must be confessed, been? Here Christ is our relief; who that in this, as in most other things, the was wounded for our transgressions, and knowledge of our duty is far easier than bruised for our iniquities; who paid our the practice of it. debt, and hath purchased and sealed our " Christ's flesh is meat indeed, and his pardon with his blood. The curse and blood is drink indeed;" but oui' Lord condemning sentence of the law are inhath assured us, " that except we eat his deed terrible; but if we have truly fled to flesh, and drink his blood, we have no life Christ for refuge, he hath nailed them to in us." A speculative knowledge will his cross, and will give us a full and free avail us nothing; a Saviour unapplied can discharge. be no Saviour to us. To think justly of Are you discouraged with the infirmi. Christ, and of the great things he hath ties you daily feel, the imperfection of your already done, and continues to do, for sin- knowledge, the wandering of your thoughts, ners of inankind, is an attainment of no the coldness of your love, and the feeblegreat difficulty; but to improve his me- ness of your desires? Faith can still find diation as the source of our joy, and the a remedy in Christ Jesus, by reminding means of our comfortable access to God, us, that our acceptance with the Father is requires greater skill than many who pro- through the merits of his Son — and he, fess to believe on him are possessed of. my friends, is worthy, though we are unThis wisdom cometh only from above. worthy; his righteousness is perfect, and Nevertheless, as God usually worketh by without spot; he is not weak when we are the ministry of the word, before I con- weak; he is not distempered when we are elude this discourse, I shall endeavor to sick; our High Priest is unchangeable, suggest a few hints that may be of use to'the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." you. Are you harassed with temptations, Are you overwhelmed with the glory those fiery darts of the wicked one? Still and majesty of God? Are you ready to faith can find a Saviour suited to your nesay, as Elihu did, " Behold! God is great, cessity. Our great Lord submitted, not and we know him not? " Turn your eyes only to be tempted by Satan, but to be GOD'S GREATEST GIFT. 79 tempted in a wilderness, where he had they are seen by their own light, and may none to comfort him; nay, tempted to the rather be said to impart themselves to us most horrid blasphemy and wickedness, than to be discovered by us. With reeven to fall down and worship the devil gard to eternal things, the learned have himself. Look, therefore, to him': who no advantages above the unlearned. Neiis touched with the feeling of your infir- ther the gifts of nature nor the improvemities, having been in all points tempted ments of art confer any precedency in the even as you are." He who made all temp- school of Christ. The comfort of a Christations subservient to the triumphs of his tian doth not depend upon a process of abown patience and conquering power, will stract reasoning, but results immediately support and succor his tempted servants, fiom the knowledge and belief of interand make his grace victorious in the weak- esting facts attested by God, and faithest hearts. fully recorded in the Scriptures of truth; It sometimes happens that the soul is for as it is the will of God, that all the oppressed with griefs and fears which it " heirs of promise" should have a " strong cannot account for. Such was the Psalm- consolation," therefore the grounds of their ist's case when he said, " I remembered God, consolation are brought to the level of the and was troubled; I complained, and my weakest capacity, that all his children spirit was overwhelmed. O my God, my may have equal access to them, and feed soul is cast down in me; I am so troubled like brethren at one common table. Acthat I cannot speak." But even in this cordingly, you may observe, that, in the case faith can look to Christ, and remem- passage I have now read to you, the aposber that he too was in an agony; an agony tle only reminds us of what God had almore painful than any thing we can feel; ready done for sinners of mankind; He and yet in that agony he prayed more spared not his own Son, but delivered earnestly. Faith will recollect the very him up for us all. And instead of reawords he uttered, My soul is exceeding soning in form, as if the import of this sorrowful, even unto death. Now is my fact were dark or ambiguous, he takes it soul troubled, and what shall I say! It for granted that the most simple and illiwill remind us how he cried upon the cross, terate will perceive it at once; and gives a Ml1y God! My God! why hast thoufor- defiance to ignorance, nay to distrust itself, saken 9me? though even then he was still either to pervert its meaning, or to draw the beloved of the Father, and suffered all from it any other conclusion than what he this, that we might not be finally abandon- himself doth;-how shall he not with him ed and forsaken. also freely give us all things! My present After this manner we may improve the design is, in dependence upon divine aid, mediation of Christ, for bringing us, in First, To illustrate this great foundaall the variety of our circumstances, with tion of the Christian's hope, God spared humble boldness to the throne of grace; not his own Son, but delivered himr up where, to our present comfort, and our for us all; and then to show, in the everlasting joy, we shall obtain mercy, Second place, That the gift which God andfindgrace to help us in every season hath already bestowed upon sinners of of need. Amen. mankind, affords every sincere believer the most absolute certainty, that nothing shall be withheld from him that is necessary to make him happy. SERMON XI. I begin with the great foundation of the Christian's hope, which is both the subject GOD'S GREATEST GIFT. of my text, and the object presented to us in the holy sacrament of the supper: IoM. VII. 32.-" He that sparednot his own Son, God spared not his own Son, but delibut delivered him up for us all, how shall he vered hint upjbr us all. not with him also freely give us all things?" red hirt up Jbr us all. Amazing words! The God in whom So bright and luminous are the principles we live and move,-the Father of our of heavenly wisdom, that, like the sun, spirits, and the former of our bodies; 80 SERMON XI. who possessed an eternity of happiness and us; and surely if the love of the giver is glory before we began to exist, and can to be measured by the worth and value of neither be enriched by our services, nor the gift, we may justly say of God's love impoverished by the want of them:-He to us, that " it passeth knowledge." How whose goodness we had abused by the loth was Jacob, a fond and indulgent pavilest ingratitude; whose omnipotence we rent to all his children, how loth was he have defied by the most insolent rebellion; to send Benjamin down to Egypt, even -even that God who "spared not the. when his own life, and the preservation angels that sinned, but hath reserved them of his whole family seemed to depend in everlasting chains, under darkness, to upon it? yet Benjamin was not his only the judgment of the great day," vouch- son; Jacob had many other children besafed to pity and to spare the children of sides: but, behold! the great, the indemen: Nay, to make way for the exercise pendent JEHOVAH, who would not suffer of this distinguishing mercy, he spared not Abraham to offer up his Isaac, but prohis own Son, the Lord of angels, the vided and accepted a ram in his place, creator of worlds; but, having substituted gives his owln, his only Sont, to /be a sacrihim in our place, clothed him in our na- fleice for us. Here the object is so high, ture, and'"laid upon him the iniquities of that contemplation cannot reach it: so us all," he delivered hin up to contempt bright and dazzling, that it overpowers and persecution, to agony and torture, to the sight: we can only say with David, death and the grave: and all this for our " This is not the manner of men, 0 Lord benefit, to redeem us from everlasting God; " and must with reverence adore misery, and to reinstate us in that happi- what we shall never be able fully to comness and glory we had forfeited. These prehend. are the marvellous doings of the Lord, 2dly. From the dignity of the sufferer, which the apostle here celebrates with let us proceed to consider the sufferings he gratitude and wonder, as the grounds of endured. Two words are employed by our faith, and hope, and joy. the apostle to convey to our minds a suitBut that our thoughts may not wander able apprehension both of their greatness in too wide a field, let us at present con- and variety. God spared him not, but fine them to the following particulars: 1st. delivered him up. He spared him not; The dignity of the sufferer; 2dly. The that is, he neither excused him from sufsufferings he endured; and 3dly. The per- fering, nor spared him while he suffered; sons for whom, and the ends for which, he he not only put the bitter cup into his was delivered to these sufferings. In each hand, but kept it there till he had drunk of these we shall discover a convincing up the dregs of it. With what awful seproof of the love of God, a certain pledge verity did he stir up his justice! " Awake, of every necessary blessing. 0 sword! against my shepherd, and against 1st. Let us consider the dignity of the the man that is my fellow."-" It pleased sufferer. God, saith the apostle, spared the Lord to bruise him," saith the evannot his Son; —his own, —his proper Son; gelical prophet, "- and to put him to grief." "the brightness of his glory, and the ex- He would not abate one tear, one groan, press image of his person; " not a son by one drop of blood, any circumstance either creation, adoption, or grace, but his " be- of ignominy or pain, that was necessary to gotten Son," of the same essence with demonstrate the evil of sin, and to expiate himself, and equal to him in power and in that guilt which Christ, as our Surety, had glory. Angels are called the sons of God; appropriated to himself. Thus God spared " but unto which of the angels said he at not his own Son; nay, instead of sparing any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I him, the apostle adds, begotten thee? " Nay, Christ is styled the He delivered him up. But he doth "only begotten Son " of God; a title of pe- not say to whom, or to what; because culiar significancy, importing, that he is not Christ was delivered into so many hands, only infinitely great in himself, but like- abandoned or given up to such a variety wise infinitely dear to the Father. Yet of sufferings, that a minute detail of this is the person whom God sent to save them would have obliged him to recite the GOD'S GREATEST GIFT. 81 whole history of his life; for in every period ever uttered such disconsolate language as of it " he was oppressed and afflicted; "from he did? Their torture was their triumph, his birth to his death " he was a man of their sufferings a recreation: Whereas the sorrows, and acquainted with grief." He Son of God cries out in agony,' Now is was delivered first into the virgin's womb; my soul troubled, and what shall I say? for even then, 0 Christians! did his pas- -" My God! my God! why hast thou sion begin; there was that temple framed, forsaken me?" Whence these sad and which afterwards, by wicked hands, was mournful complaints? Did they proceed pulled down on mount Calvary; there that from any defect of magnanimity and fortibody was prepared, which was scourged, tude? No, my brethren; it was the perand bruised, and nailed to an ignominious fection of his mind that seemingly enand accursed tree. And being thus made feebled him: the boundless extent of his flesh, and brought forth into the world, understanding, which comprehended the what was his after life but a repeated full dimensions of sin and of wrath, was delivery of him to poverty, to reproach, to the sole cause of his deep and unparalleled temptation, to persecution:-Such was the distress. It was not the shame nor the pomp, these were the harbingers which in- torment of the cross that afflicted him; troduced him to the cross, and accompanied the thieves who suffered with him enhim to the grave. " Deliver me not," said dured the same; but his soul, if I may David, "into the hands of mine enemies;" be allowed the expression, was crucified and his prayer was heard: But what David more than his body: his heart had sharper obtained was withheld from David's Son nails to pierce it than his hands or his and Lord; for Christ was delivered into feet: in his body he felt the rage and the hands of his enemies: He was delivered cruelty of his murderers; but in his soul to Judas, who betrayed him; to the chief he felt sufferings of a more exquisite priests and rulers, who insulted and re- nature. Then he bore the griefs, and viled him; to Herod and his men of war, carried the sorrows of all his people; who set him atnaught; to Pilate, who con- then he felt not the sins only, but the demned him; to the Roman soldiers, who wounds also, of every broken heart; the crucified him: —Nay, more, he was de- torments of his martyrs, the reproaches livered to such a sense of divine wrath, of his saints, the poverty, distresses, and that wrath which was due to the sins of persecutions, which any, which all of them,, men, as, in the prophetic language of have felt or shall feel, till the last trumpet David, "withered his heart like grass, shall sound, and he shall come again in his. and burnt up his bones like a hearth." glory. Thus God spared not his own Son;Sin is the sting of death, but the wrath to these inconceivable sufferings was the of God is the sting of sin. When that Lord of life delivered. But for whom, and seizes upon an awakened conscience, Oh! for what ends, did the Son of God suffer? what a dark and disconsolate night doth This was the it draw over the sinner's mind! or, rather, 3d Thing I proposed to consider. And what a hell doth it kindle in his bosom! after what hath been already suggested, Yet it doth not, it cannot, appear in its it is unnecessary that I should spend much full horror to us; as we see not all the time upon this head. It is evident that malignity of sin, so neither can we see all Christ did not suffer on his own account: the wrath that is due to it: but Christ "He was holy, harmless, undefiled, and had a full view of both in their utmost separated from sinners." "He did not extent; and though he could not despair, sin, neither was guile found in his lips." for that indeed was impossible, yet the He suffered in the room of guilty man;, agony he felt was greater by far than any he was delivered for us, saith the apostle,. despairing sinner is capable of feeling, not only for our benefit, but in our place: who bears only his own burden; whereas " He was made sin for us, who knew no he lay pressed under the guilt of a whole sin, that we might be made the righteousworld. It were impious to say, that the ness of God in him." He suffered, the holy martyrs were more patient than their just for the unjust, that he might bring, Lord; yet which of all that noble army us to God." Do you ask, Why God6 82 SERMON XI. spared not his own Son? The answer triumph: and well he might; for if God is, That he might spare us; he delivered spared not his own Son, but delivered him up to temporal sufferings, that we him up for us all, what can be supposed might be delivered from everlasting pun- to stop the current of his bounty? Is ishment: " For God so loved the world, there any benefit too valuable for God to that he gave his only begotten Son, that bestow?-That cannot be: the gift he whosoever believeth in him, might not per- hath already conferred is infinitely more ish, but have everlasting life." Do you precious than all that remains to be given. ask again, Who may lay claim to the Other things may be estimated, but "the benefit of this gift? I readily answer, riches of Christ are unsearchable:" " In Every child of Adam without exception, him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godwho feels his need of a Saviour, and is head bodily." Shall the unworthiness willing to accept him as he is offered in of the creature restrain his munificence? the gospel. The death, as well as the This objection is fully obviated by the birth of Christ,," is good tidings of great free and gratuitous manner in which God joy unto all people;" to Gentiles as well hath bestowed his "unspeakable gift;" as to Jews; to men of all kindreds, na- for it is evident, that we must have been tions, and languages; to sinners of all far more unworthy of a Saviour than we sorts, the vilest not excepted; "He is possibly can be of any subsequent favor: the Lamb of God, which taketh away the and seeing God spared not his own Son, sin of the world." Every laboring and but delivered him up for us all, unmeritheavy-laden sinner is invited to come unto ed, nay, unsolicited, what bounds can be him; and "him that cometh he will in no- set to the Christian's hope? especially wise cast out." In this sense, Christ is when we consider, that Christ was delithe "Saviour of all men; " though I appre- vered up to sufferings and death, for this bend, that as the apostle, in this passage, is very end, that he might remove those obwriting purposely for the comfort of real structions that lay in the road of mercy, Christians, this assertion, that Christ was and render the exercise of it consistent delivered up for us all, is chiefly intend- with the honor of the divine government. ed to signify, that all true believers have The sacrifice of IMMANUEL afforded such a an equal interest in this gift of God; the demonstration of the unchangeable holiweakest as well as the strongest; the de- ness and justice of God. that without jected as well as the joyful; the convert staining the glory of these perfections, of yesterday as well as the oldest servant he may now dispense to penitent bein his family: for the inference he draws lievers all those blessings their circumfrom it is expressly limited to those who stances can require; for what the apostle have received Christ: How shall he not says of the pardon of sin, (Rom. iii. 25, 7WITH HIM ALSO freely give us all things? 26.) may lawfully be extended to every -This leads me to the other benefit: " God hath set forth his Second branch of my subject; which is Son to be a propitiation, through faith in to show, That the gift which God hath his blood, to declare his righteousness already beitowed upon sinners of man- for the remission of sins; that he might kind, affords every sincere believer the be just, and the justifier of him who moat.absolute certainty, that nothing shall believeth in Jesus." Nay, my brethren, be withheld from him that is necessary to it is not only consistent with the justice make him happy. of God, to do good to those who believe The apostle, to give weight and em- in Jesus; but, I speak it with reverence, phasis,to his conclusion, puts it into the it would be inconsistent with his justice form of a question, How shall he not to withhold good from them; for Christ give? It is impossible that he should hath actually purchased every blessing not give; darkness and light may sooner they need. He was delivered up "by become one, than that God should deny the determinate counsel and foreknowto believers in Christ aught that is con- ledge of God;" not casually, or unadducive to.their real felicity. He speaks, visedly, but in consequence of a previous you see, in the.language of assurance and agreement or covenant; in which he free GOD'S GREATEST GIFT. 83 ly consented, on his part, " to make his become poor that we might possess great soul an offering for sin;v" and the Fa- estates; he did not stoop to ignominy and ther promised, that " he should see his to death, that we might be dignified with seed;" that he should " prolong his worldly honors. These are not included days;" that "the pleasure of the Lord among the all things in my text. The should prosper in his hand; " and that he truth is, they hardly deserve the name of should " see the travail of his soul, and things; they are mere ciphers, the creabe satisfied." Of which solemn transac- tures of opinion and fancy, which have no tion we have an authentic copy recorded significancy, no price, but what mistake by the prophet Isaiah, chap. liii. 10, 11. and delusion have wantonly set upon What shall we then say to these things? them. Our inheritance then is not dimin-Hath God already bestowed the greatest ished when all these are left out; nor of all gifts, the unspeakable gift of his hath the Christian any inducement to vitiown dear Son? —Did he bestow it freely, ate his charter, by interlining it with those when there was nothing in the creature carnal additions which a vain imagination to merit or invite his love, but, on the is too apt to suggest. With Christ he contrary, every thing to provoke his holy hath all things which are subservient to indignation? Was this gift designed to the purposes for which Christ was deliverpave the way for other blessings? Nay, ed: pardon to remove his guilt; grace to further, were all other blessings actually aid him in the performance of duty; compurchased by the infinite sacrifice of this fort to support him under the pressure of divine Saviour? How firm then is the affliction; every needful supply during foundation of the Christian's hope? With his journey through this world, and imwhat humble, yet triumphant confidence, mortal life and happiness in the next. may the believer adopt the words of my Hath not the Christian then "a goodly text, and put the question, against all heritage," who hath God and the creature, doubts, all fears, all temptations that grace and glory, time and eternity; who may assail him, He that spared not his is safe among enemies as well as among ou'n Son, but delivered him up for us friends; who lives in communion with all, how shall he not with hinm also free- God on earth, and shall dwell with him ly give zts all things? in heaven for evermore? Say, 0 ChrisBut we have not yet examined the tians, hath such a man reason to complain grant itself. Shall I say the contents of of his portion? it are large? The expression is too fee- But let it be observed, that all these ble; my brethren, they are boundless, things are given with Christ: his person they are infinite: these two words, all and his benefits can never be divided. things, comprehend both heaven and This is the order which God hath estabearth in their bosom; and thus they are lished; —He first gives us his own Son: explained by this same apostle, (1 Cor. iii. and when that unspeakable gift is thank21.) " All things are yours, whether Paul, fully received, then, together with his or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or Son, he freely gives us all other things. life, or death, or things present, or things But without him, we have no right to any to come; all are yours; and ye are thing we possess; the food we eat, the Christ's; and Christ is God's." And is raiment we put on, are not ours; we are the world too a part of the Christian's usurpers, we are robbers; and as such, portion? Yes, my friends. But then it shall be severely reckoned with at last.is the world conquered by faith, and "cru- This shall be the condemnation of uncified to us by the cross" of our Re- believers at the great day, that they frauddeemer. " The lust of the eye, the lust ulently seized upon their Master's goods, of the flesh, and the pride of life," are no and rejected the Saviour, through whom parts of that world whereof the apostle alone they could have obtained a righteous there speaks, except it be in this sense, title to them: and their condemnation that they are subdued and mortified. shall be the heavier upon this account, Christ did not submit to hunger and thirst that the Saviour was in their offer, and that we might riot in luxury; he did not with him a full right to every benefit they 84 SERMON VII. enjoyed.' Think of this, ye who forget tain of all those blessings we presently God, and have hitherto turned a deaf ear possess, or hope to enjoy; namely, the to the calls of his grace.-And, eternal love of an unchangeable God. It Let those who have complied with the was his self-moving goodness that promptgospel-invitation, and thankfully accepted ed him to devise the method of our rethe Lord Jesus Christ, take comfort from covery; and the scheme is so widely laid, what has been spoken upon this subject, so complete and finished in all its parts, and approach the table of the Lord with that no power or policy can defeat the enlarged expectations of obtaining all that execution of it: "For whom God did is necessary to render them truly happy. foreknow, he also did predestinate to be God perfectly knoweth what we stand conformed to the image of his Son, that most in need of: he knoweth whether he might be the first-born among many health or sickness, riches or poverty; brethren. Moreover, whom he did prewhether cordials to cherish, or medicines destinate, them he also called; and whom of a different operation, are best for us. he called, them he also justified; and With respect to these, it is our duty and whom he justified, them he also glorified." our interest to subject our choice entirely So that the man whom God hath " called to his pleasure. This should be our chief, by his grace," is just as safe as Omnipoour only care, to renew from the heart tence can make him. Looking backward our thankful acceptance of the Lord to God's purpose before time commenced, Jesus Christ; and then we may be assur- and forward to the glory that awaits him ed that nothing can come amiss to us: when time shall be no more, he may boldFor he that spared not hZs own Son, but ly bid defiance to every adverse power, delivered him up for us all, shall cer- saying, in the triumphant language of tainly with him also freely give us all this Apostle, "Who shall lay any thing things. Amen. to the charge of God's elect?" and, "Who shall separate us from the love of God? " The words I am to discourse upon, preSERMON XII. sent the inspired author to our view in a very striking and agreeable light. Transported and overpowered with the greatness of the subject, he makes a sudden and ROMANS vI1. 31.-" What shall we then say to solemn pause; and then asks the question, these things? If God be for us, who can be What shall we say to these things? against us?" Nothing can be said against them; and it is impossible to exceed in their just THIS chapter contains a large and ani- commendation. What then shall we say mated detail of the privileges that belong to them? What use shall we make of to believers in Christ Jesus; and lays these comfortable truths? or what concluopen those springs of true consolation with sion shall we draw from them? This I which the gospel-covenant is plentifully take to be the true meaning of the quesstored. Nothing is wanting that our tion. And an important question it is: present condition renders necessary or Blessed be God, who put into the heart desirable; a suitable and an effectual re- of his servant both to propose and anmedy is provided both for our guilt and swer it. Well, then, what doth a St. Paul pollution. No sin can exceed the merit say to these things? or rather what anof a Redeemer's blood; no lust can with- swer doth the Spirit of God indite? Let stand the power of his victorious grace; every believer in Christ listen with joy, so that we may justly adopt the words of and apply it to himself, If God be for us, the returning prodigal, and say, as he did, who can be against us? that " in our Father's house there is bread As the Apostle, through the whole of enough and to spare." this chapter, speaks in the character of an In the two preceding verses, the Apostle assured Christian, the word iJ' cannot be leads us upward to the source and foun- supposed to imply any doubtfulness or un GOD'S FAVOR PERFECT SECURITY. 85 certainty about the truth of the proposi- but, as far as can consist with the perfection to which it relates; but rather taketh tion and happiness of his nature, he feels it for granted, and is of the same import and resents what by others is at any time as though the apostle had expressed him- done against us:' He that toucheth you," self thus: Seeing i'hat God is fbr us: saith he, "toucheth the apple of mine And therefore, instead of proving what eye." And what shall we think of this? none will deny, namely, that thisprivilege Balaam could say, " Surely there is no doth really belong to sanctified believers, enchantment against Jacob, neither is I shall rather, in the fijrst place, briefly there any divination against Israel;" for unfold its meaning and worth; and then " the Lord his God is with him, and the show, in the second place, what a solid shout of a king is among them." Yet foundation it lays for the joyful conclu- this privilege is common to all believers sion, or rather the triumphant challenge, in Christ: the Lord of hosts is their in the close of the verse, Who can be guardian as well as their friend; he chargagainst us? eth himself with their protection; he I begin with unfolding the privilege adopts them into his family; and not only itself. God is for us. And it necessarily dignifies them with the title of children, implies, that but doth likewise enrich them with all the God is our friend. This is the very immunities and privileges which that high lowest sense the words will bear; and yet, and endearing appellation imports. And my brethren, who can tell, nay, who can what may they not expect from such a conceive the importance and worth of this Father? whose wisdom is infinite, whose single blessing? To be in a state of power is irresistible, whose " mercy is favor with the greatest and the best of everlasting," and whose " truth endureth Beings, the Father of our spirits too, upon to all generations." And when I menwhom we constantly depend for life and tion the truth of God, this leads me to all things; how delightful the thought! observe another important sense, in which How dismal to suppose ourselves in the it may be justly said that God is for us; opposite condition! As I speak at present namely, to real Christians only, I need not enlarge That he is our God in covenant, and upon this branch of your happiness. Many hath pledged his veracity and faithfulness of you, doubtless, can remember the time for every blessing our circumstances can when, lying under the sense of unpardon- require. It is comfortable to know that ed guilt, and the fearful apprehensions of God is not only reconciled to us, but that deserved wrath, you would have parted he likewise taketh our part, and is active with ten thousand worlds like this, for one for our good. Nevertheless. as that jealray of God's countenance, for the remotest ousy which is inseparable from a conscioushint of pardon and acceptance. Such, I ness of guilt might still suggest to us, that know, will require no commendation of some unforeseen cause may throw us out the divine friendship: You have already of his protection; therefore, " God being learned from experience, the surest and willing more abundantly to show unto the most convincing teacher, that no enjoy- heirs of promise the immutability of his ment is comparable to the assurance of counsel, hath confirmed it by an oath; God's love; nay, that all other enjoy- that by two immutable things, in which ments are tasteless, or rather bitter, with- it was impossible for God to lie, we might out it. have a strong consolation, who have fled But the expression carries in it a higher for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set meaning than this: It not only imports before us." God hath not left us to spell that God is reconciled to us, but that he out our privileges, or to reason ourselves likewise taketh our part, and is active for into the hope of good things; he hath our good. God isjbr us; that is, he is plainly told us what is in his heart; he on our' side, and employs all his perfec- hath put his merciful designs into the form tions for our safety and happiness. He of a covenant, and expressed them in a not only graciously forgives what hath variety of gracious promises; by the help formerly been done by us against himself; of which we may lay hold upon his truth, 6 86 SERMON XIL. and plead the honor of the Godhead for this warfare cease till that great day of every blessing we need. Nay, this cove- the Lord come, when " all his enemies nant is sealed with the blood of his own shall be made his footstool." But the Son; upon which account it sometimes question, or defiance, may lawfully be congets the name of a Testament; that is, an sidered as importing the following particuirrevocable deed, made sure and unalter- lars. able by the death of the testator. Here- 1st. That none shall be against us by the firmest foundation is laid for our whose favor is desirable. faith and hope; and that our joy may be That the children of God too frequently full, he hath instituted the holy sacrament fall out among themselves, and squabble of the supper, wherein visible pledges of in the dark, is a melancholy truth; and his love are put into our hands, and by that these contentions are unseemly and bread and wine, the appointed symbols of hurtful things, cannot be denied: But a the broken body and shed blood of our little more daylight would soon put an Redeemer, Christ, and all the benefits of end to the scuffle, make them ashamed of his purchase, are represented, sealed, and their mistakes, and unite them in the applied to believers. bonds of an everlasting friendship. The These few hints may serve to give you persons I speak of are they who are enesome view both of the meaning and worth mies to believers as such; and of them of this important privilege: God is for I say, that their favor is not worthy to be us: he is our friend; he is on our side; coveted, neither doth the want of it dehe is our God in covenant, and hath given serve to be regretted. What regard is us every kind of security our hearts could due to the judgment of those who are so desire, for whatever is conducive to our blind, that they see no beauty in the inreal interest. In all, and in each of these finitely perfect God himself? especially respects, may the Christian say, that God when their enmity against us is only the is for him. Let us now consider, in the natural effect of this woful stupidity; Second place, The consequence of this according to that assertion of the apostle privilege, or the joyful conclusion which John, " Therefore the world knoweth us the apostle draws from it, tVWho can be not, because it knew him not." " If the against us? world hate you," saith our Lord, " ye It is expressed, you see, in the form of know that it hated me before it hated you. a question or challenge. St. Paul, in the If ye were of the world, the world would name of all true believers, gives a bold love his own; but because ye are not of defiance to earth and hell, and triumphs the world, but I have chosen you out of in the assurance of their safety and happi- the world, therefore the world hateth you." ness. The question doth not imply, that And ought any wise man to be disquieted thev who have God on their side, shall on that account? Nay, my brethren, did have no enemies at all; such an immunity we view our enemies in this light, we would be inconsistent with a state of trial, should look upon them as objects of pity, and the Scripture gives us no warrant to rather than of fear or resentment; and expect any thing of this kind; on the con- any little hurt they could do to us, would trary, they assure us, that " through much scarcely be felt, whilst we thought of the tribulation we must enter into the king- infinitely greater mischief they were doing dom of heaven." " Our adversary, the to themselves. devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, 2dly. If God befor us, who can preseeking whom he may devour." "We vail against us? Who shall be able towrestle not only against flesh and blood, tally to subdue us, to deprive us of the but against principalities and powers, glory and happiness we look for? Indeed, against the rulers of the darkness of this if the safety of believers depended on world, and against spiritual wickednesses their own ability to keep hold of God; if in high places." And as, in the days of they were left, as it were, to hang upon Abraham, "he that was born after the him by the mere strength of their own flesh, persecuted him that was born after arms; a little force or cunning might soon the spirit; even so it is now." Nor shall loosen their grasp, and pull them away GOD'S FAVOR PERFECT SECURITY. 87 from him. But herein, my brethren, lies grace; but instead of that he kindles it their security, an omnipotent God keepeth into a flame, and only blows away the ashes fast hold of them; they are committed that covered it. He plieth the saints with to that good Shepherd " who gathers the his fiery darts; but instead of killing them, lambs with his arms, and carries them in he renders them more expert in the art his bosom, and gently leads those that are of defence, teacheth them the use of " the with young: " They are joined to God by shield of faith," and the other parts of the bondof an" everlastingcovenant, order- their spiritual armor. In short, God ed in all things and sure; " and they who effectually baffles every attempt of their would attempt to tear them from him, enemies: He "beats their swords into must first of all make void that covenant, plough-shares, and their spears into prunreverse the unchangeable purpose of God, ing-hooks; " that is, he converts their and oblige the Almighty to resign his hostile weapons into instruments of huspower. Such is the desperate enterprise bandry, for the culture and improvement in which the enemies of God's children of his people, that in greater abundance are engaged; it is not the creature, but they may bring forth " those fruits of the Creator they have to cope with; Je- righteousness, which are, through Jesus hovah himself must be overcome, before Christ, to his praise and glory." the weakest believer can fall into their THus have I opened the joyful import hands. Justly then might the Apostle of this question, or challenge, If God be say, as in the close of this chapter, " Who for us, who can be against us? And in shall separate us from the love of Christ? the review of all that hath been said, can shall tribulation, or distress, or persecu- we forbear to cry out with the holy Psalmtion, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or ist, " Happy is the people that is in such sword? Nay, in all these things we are a case; yea, happy is that people whose more than conquerors through him that God is the Lord! " What I further inloved us. For I am persuaded, that nei- tend is, to give you a few plain and necesther death, nor life, nor angels, nor prin- sary directions about the use you ought cipalities, nor powers, nor things present, to make of this comfortable subject. nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, But before I proceed to these, compasnor any other creature, shall be able to sion to the souls of some who may be separate us from the love of God which is hearing me, obliges me to set before you in Christ Jesus our Lord." Nay, my text a very different prospect, by inverting the will allow us to advance a step farther, question, and putting it in this form: and to say, in the If God be against us, wzho can be for 3d place, If God be.for us, who shall us? be able to do us any material hurt in the " The Lord is in his holy temple, the mean time? To be assured of final sal- Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes bevation, is indeed an unspeakable blessing; hold, his eyelids try, the children of men. to know that our enemies shall not totally The Lord trieth the righteous: but the prevail against us, is a desirable privilege; wicked, and him that loveth violence, his yet a great addition would be made to our soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall comfort, could we also be assured, that rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an their malice and enmity, instead of hurting horrible tempest: this shall be the portion us, shall contribute as means to promote of their cup." " Thine hand shall find our true interest. Well, then, the Apostle, out all thine enemies," saith the Psalmist; under the direction of God's unerring "thy right hand shall find out those that Spirit, hath asserted this in the strongest hate thee: thou shalt make them as a and most absolute terms: " We know," fiery oven in the time of thine anger; the saith he at the 28th verse of this chapter; Lord shall swallow them up in his wrath, we do not barely hope, but "we know, and the fire shall devour them." How that all things work together for good to awful are these words, uttered by God them that love God, to them who are himself! c" I, even I, am he, and there is the called according to his purpose." Sa- no Godwithme: I kill, and I make alive; I tan endeavors to blow out the spark of wound, and I heal; neither is there any 88 SERMON XTI. that can deliver out of my hand. For I gave to the Gentile converts is always in lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live season: " Be not high minded, but fear;" forever. If I whet my glittering sword, and again, " Let him that thinketh he and mine hand take hold on judgment; I standeth, take heed lest he fall." At the will render vengeance to mine enemies, same time, though you must not despise and will reward them that hate me; I will your enemies, yet neither, in the make mine arrows drunk with blood." 2d place, Ought you to be afraid of And " Can you stand before his indigna- them. The true Christian temper lies in tion? Can you abide in the fierceness of the just medium, betwixt these opposite his anger, when his fury is poured forth extremes: and therefore we are exhorted, like fire, and the rocks are thrown down not only' to watch," but also " to quit ourby him? " Consider this, ye that forget selves like men;" " to endure hardness as God, lest he tear you in pieces when there good soldiers of Jesus Christ;" and to be shall be none to deliver. Who can make " strong in the Lord, and in the power of you happy if God pronounce you: miser- his might." —" Fear not," saith God. " for able? Who can give quietness, if he I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I cause trouble? Who can screen you from am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, his justice? And, Oh! who can support I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee you under the weight of his vengeance? with the right hand of my righteousness." For the Lord's sake, take a serious view After this encouraging manner doth God of your condition; and then turn your speak to his children. Nay, he chides eyes to that compassionate Redeemer, them when they betray the least timorouswhose arms are yet extended to embrace ness in his service; as in Isaiah (chap. li. you: Flee speedily to him as your only 12, 13.)" Who art thou, that thou shouldst sanctuary: let the earth be acquainted be afraid of a man that shall die, and of with your bended knees; let the air be the son of man which shall be made as acquainted with your fervent supplications, grass? and forgettest the Lord thy Maker, till you have reason to conclude, that you that hath stretched forth the heavens, and are vitally united to the Lord Jesus laid the foundations of the earth? and Christ, who " of God is made," unto all who hast feared continually every day, because believe in him, "wisdom, and righteous- of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ness, and sanctification, and redemption." ready to destroy? And where is the fury As for you who are Christians indeed, of the oppressor?" Hear how David to whom all the comfort of this text be- triumphs in the assurance of his safety, longs, let me beg your attention to a few upon grounds which are common to all necessary advices, with which I shall con- believers in Christ: " The Lord is my elude this discourse. light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? 1st. Beware of despising your enemies; The Lord is the strength of my life; of for that shall betray you into security and whom shall I be afraid? Though an host carelessness. Remember, that however shall encamp against me, my heart shall weak they are in comparison with God, not fear; though war should rise against yet in themselves they are strong and for- me, in this will I be confident." Let the midable; insomuch, that were God to look wicked tremble; they have reason to do on, and leave you to your own defence, you so; but "' let the heart of every one re should quickly and easily be overmatched. joice that seeks the Lord." Victory is In other armies, the strength of the gene- insured to you; the great "Captain of ral consisteth in the number and valor of salvation" hath already conquered all your his troops; but in the Christian army, the enemies, and ere long he shall return, and strength of the whole host, and every soldier bring you with singing into the heavenly in particular, lies in him who is the Lord Zion; then shall you obtain gladness and of Hosts. We ought therefore to main- joy, and sorrow and mourning shall flee tain an habitual jealousy of ourselves: we away. But as the strength by which you are never in greater danger than when we must overcome is not your own, this makes are most confident that we are out of dan- it necessary that I direct and exhort you, ger; so that the caution which the Apostle in the THE GIRDED, WATCHING SERVANT. 89 3d place, To depend upon God, and to receive us unto himself " in that day when walk closely with him. For this end, he maketh up his jewels;" and then shall " abide in Christ," for there it is alone an everlasting distinction be made "bethat God and sinners can meet as friends. tween the righteous and the wicked; be" God is in Christ," saith the Apostle tween him that serveth God and him that Paul," reconciling the world unto himself." serveth him not." Amen. Indeed he is nowhere else in the character of a reconciler; and consequently, if we wish to dwell under his shadow, it is ne. cessary that we be in Christ also. This was one of the solemn advices which our SERMON XIII. Lord gave to his disciples a little before TIE GIRDED WATCHING SERVANT. his death; "Abide in me;" -" as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except LUKE XII. 35, 26, 37.-" Let your loins be girded it abide in the vine, no more can ye ex- about, and your lights burning; and ye yourcept ye abide in me;" for " without me, " selves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that or separated from me, "ye can do no- when he cometh and knocketlh, they may thing." In the open to him immediately. Blessed are those 4th and last place, Seeing God is for us, servants whom the Lord, when he comneth, let us be for himi; let us appear openly shall find watching: verily I say unto you, on his side and act with resolution and 1that he shall gird himself, and make them sit on his side, and act with resolution and down to meat, and will come forth and serve vigor in his service. God can do his work them."vX without us; he stands in no need of our assistance; yet such is his condescension, THE obvious design of this passage is, to that he invites us to the honor of being excite us to a serious consideration about "workers together with himself.:' And the awful solemnities of death and judgwhat can fire our ambition if this do not? ment. We are here directed to consider He is just now calling aloud, both by his ourselves as servants who have a master word and by his providence, "W Who will in heaven; of whose return we have the rise up for me against the evil doers? strongest assurance, but are utterly ignoWho will stand up for me against the rant of the precise time of his coming; workers of iniquity?" O! let each of us and therefore it is both our duty and our make haste to reply with the evangelical interest to be always on our guard, and in prophet, " Here am I, send me.:' At the a fit posture to receive him; the happy same time, let us echo back the call, and consequences of which shall be, that our humbly expostulate with him in the words Lord will not only approve of our pruwhich his own Spirit hath dictated; "Arise, dent and zealous concern to please him, O Lord, and plead thine own cause; re- but he will even delight to honor us; he member how the foolish man reproacheth will not deal with us as servants, but as thee daily." " It is time for thee to work, friends; and will bestow upon us a reward for they have made void thy law." Thus infinitely beyond what any services could doth God permit us to remind him of his entitle us to. So that here we have a own interest, while we ourselves are in short, but comprehensive account of the a posture for active service; and such Christian's work and recompense; our pleadings are highly pleasing and accept- duty and encouragement are both set able. Let us then, my brethren, in our before us. respective stations, do what in us lies to Our duty is represented, by the diligent advance the kingdom of Christ in the care of servants to have every thing in world, and to bear down every thing that readiness for the reception of their absent stands in opposition to it. Let the " right- master. As the Jews, and other eastern eous be bold as lions;" and then may we people, commonly wore long and loose garhope that "Iniquity," as ashamed, shall ments, it was necessary, when they had hide her head, and " stop her mouth." any thing to do which required strength At any rate, " our record shall be on high," or agility, that they should tuck them up, and " our reward with our God." He will and gird them close about them; now, 90 SERMON XIII. says our Saviour, in allusion to this, let run, and wrestle, and fight; and therefore your loins be girded about; that is, lay have need of all our strength and activity. aside every thing that may entangle you Long garments are for ornament, but not in your work: let your lights be continu- for use; these must be gathered up or ally burning, and ye yourselves, in every laid aside when a man addresses himself other respect, like servants who are anxious to any laborious business. Now such is to please their Lord, and to be found dili- the nature of our Christian work: " The gent in their proper business, at whatever kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and hour he shall come; that, when he knock- the violence take it by force." We must eth, you umay be ready to give him present do more than seek admittance; we must admittance, and not to be surprised in any " strive to enter in at the strait gate; for disorder. many shall seek to enter in, and shall not The reward of the diligent and faithful be able." Think of this, my brethren; servant is described in the same allegori- ponder the difficulties in your warfare; cal manner; verily, says he, when their view the greatness of your work; consider master returns, and finds them thus em- the number and strength of your enemies; ployed, he will bestow on them some ex- look through that large system of duties traordinary marks of honor and regard. you have to perform; and then you must He will not consider them as mere ser- be convinced, that the most vigorous exvants "who have done no more than was ertion of every active power is more than their duty," but will advance them to the needful in such circumstances as ours. rank of friends; he will entertain them in We must, therefore, I say, labor to get rid the most liberal and gracious manner at of every incumbrance, and to be always in his own table; yea, so condescending is he, a posture for active service. I ipeed not that, in some respects, he will lay aside his tell you what these incumbrances are. In superiority, as if he should gird himself general, whatever unfits us for our duty, like a servant, and come forth and wait that must be laid aside. More particuupon them. larly, an earthly mind, pride of heart, and I shall at present confine myself to the the love of sensual pleasures, are three first of these subjects; namely, the duty great enemies to holy diligence in the work we owe to our absent Lord. It is this of the Lord. Whilst our affections lie which more nearly concerns us in the mean thus low, it is impossible we can do any time: the glorious reward mentioned in thing to purpose; nay, if this be their the latter part of my text belongs chiefly prevailing bent, we shall act in direct opto our encouragement; and in that view I position to the laws of ourMaster. In short, shall have occasion to speak of it before I ouxr-first care shall be, to correct that disconclude. order which is*wilhin us; to get our hearts Now, by this figurative description of purified by the Spirit of God, and raised the duty we owe to our absent Lord, we above the profits and pleasures, and honors are plainly taught, in the of this vain world; for " out of the heart Ist place, That we should lay aside are the issues of life;" and such as our every thing that may incumber us in the affections are, such will the course of our service of our Malster; let your loins be actions be. But it is not enough to have girded about. To the same purpose the our loins thus girded about, we must also, Apostle Peter exhorts us (1 Peter i. 13.) in the " Wherefore gird up the loins of your 2d place, Have our lights burning. mind, be sober, and hope to the end, for This may import the care we should bethe grace that is to be brought unto you at stow to have our minds furnished with the revelation of Jesus Christ." The New the knowledge of our duty; for as serTestament abounds with many exhorta- vants cannot work to any purpose in the tions of the same kind; which will appear dark, so neither can we be good and fruitto have a peculiar propriety, if we consider ful Christians, without a competent knowlthose figurative representations of our edge of that divine law which is the only work to which they are applied. It is infallible rule of our conduct. If we called a race, a strife, a warfarc; we must shall take this to be the meaning of the I'HE GIRDED, WATCHING SERVANT. 91 words, they no doubt teach us a most im- the foolish, " slumbered and slept." Carportant and necessary lesson; namely, nal and unregenerated sinners are repreThat we should carefully search the sa- sented in Scripture as being in a state of cred Scriptures, and, with a sincere and death; quite stupid and unfeeling; but humble temper of mind, labor to know even those who have got a principle of what is the " good, and acceptable, and new life may suffer very sad decays; and perfect will of our God." though they do not totally expire, yet But I rather incline to understand this they may fall into that sleep which is the expression as importing the lively and image of death. Though the precious oil constant exercise of all our Christian which feeds the light will not suffer it to graces. This is indeed the best prepara- go out; yet, for want of trimming, it may tion for our Lord's return. To have our grow so dim and obscure, that it shall repentance mourning over our past sins, scarcely be discernible Now this, my and keeping the heart humble under a brethren, is a very melancholy situation; sense of guilt;-our faith applying the and it highly concerneth us to guard blood of Christ for pardon, and deriving, against it with our utmost care. We read at the same time, strength from above for of some who lost their first love; nay, vanquishing our lusts, that " sin may no Paul complains of the Hebrews, that they more have dominion over us; "-our love had lost even their former knowledge, and embracing an unseen Saviour, and extend- had need "to be taught again which be ing to all his members; our hope casting the first principles of the oracles of God." anchor within the vail, and keeping the " The hand of the diligent maketh rich; soul fixed and steady, amidst all the revo- and he that is slothful is brother to him lutions of this changing world; —our pa- that is a great waster." Indeed, if hoiitience triumphing over sufferings; —our ness were natural to us, then it might meekness passing by injuries, blessing and abide with us, and grow up of its own acdoing good to our most inveterate ene- cord without any care on our part; but mies — and, by the happy influence of all as it is of a foreign extraction, and as our these, the light of our external conduct hearts are choked up with noxious weeds, adorning our profession, and engaging this precious seed must be watched over, others to glorify our heavenly Father: and carefully tended, otherwise it will This is to have our lights burning indeed; starve and decay. The sleeping Christian this will make us ready to meet our Lord. cannot thrive; and if he be surprised in We shall not be backward to open at his that condition when his Master calls, how call, when all is thus cleansed and in good great shall his disorder be! We should order within. And this is the preparation therefore beware of slothfulness; we have we ought chiefly to study. Our readiness still work to do, and God hath not allowed to work will not avail us by itself; we us one moment more than is needful. Let must be doing, our work must be advane- us then awake to our business; let us ing; for in vain do we trim the lamp, if it never think we have finished our task so do not shine and give light; in vain are long as there is any part of the day to ouar loins girded about, if we have nothing run; but let us imitate the great apostle to do, or neglect our business. Further, of the Gentiles, who, notwithstanding his in the high attainments in religion, yet " did not 3d place, We are here directed to be think he had already obtained, either was constantly on our guard, and to keep a already perfect; but, forgetting the things strict and careful watch till our Master which were behind, and reaching forth return. unto those things which were before, he Watchfulness is frequently in Scripture pressed towards the mark, for the prize of opposed to sleep: and that even the best the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Christians have need of this caution, we But we may consider watchfulnzess in may learn from our Saviour's parable of another light, namely, as a duty arising the ten virgins; where it is said, (Matth. from our present circumstances of danger. xxv. 5.) that " while the bridegroom tar- And in this view the necessity of it will ried, they all," that is, the wise as well as: appear unspeakably great; for though we 92 SERMON XIII. could acquire such a stock of graces that begin to beat the men-servants, and we needed not make any further addition maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be to them; nay, though we might even lie drunken; the lord of that servant will down and sleep, without any apprehension come in a day when he looketh not for of their decay; yet, if we be in danger him, at an hour when he is not aware, and from without, if thieves may break through will cut him in sunder, and will appoint and steal our treasure, then of necessity him his portion with the unbelievers." It we niust be constantly on our guard; nor appears from this passage, that the faithful is it wise in us to drop our watch for one discharge of social duties has a higher moment. And who can doubt that this rank in religion than many seem to appreis our situation? " Watch and pray," hend. It is not indeed the whole of religion; said our Saviour, " that ye enter not into neither can it be called the most essential temptation." So great is our danger, that part of it; for no doubt the duties of the our own vigilance isnot sufficient to secure highest class are those which belong to us; we must call in foreign assistance, we the first table of the law, and arise from must implore the divine aid; for "unless our first and most lasting relation. We an Almighty Guardian keep the city, the were the subjects of God before we became watchman waketh in vain. " Yea, when members of human society; and if we Satan desired to have Peter, that he prove unfaithful to God, it cannot surely might " sift him as wheat," our Saviour give him any pleasure to behold confederhimself, who had encountered this enemy, ated rebels living in the most perfect and knew his strength, prayed for his agreement among themselves: so that a zealous disciple, that his faith might not man may, in several respects, prove an fail. And if both watchfulnzess and prayer agreeable, perhaps an useful, member of be necessary for our defence, alas! what society, and after all be condemned for shall become of those who neglect both? his ingratitude to God, and rebellion One compares the gracious soul to a ship against his Maker. Nevertheless, the richly laden; which is the greater tempta- discharge of those duties which we owe to tion to pirates upon that very account. I one another, is of such importance in relisay not this to discourage the sincere gion, that I can warrantably affirm, no Christian; for greater is he that is with man shall be saved who transgresses them, you than all that can be against you; but or even who wilfully and habitually nemethinks it should excite you to double glects them. It is not to be expected, your watchfulness. If you have profited nor indeed is it necessary, that I should by the means of grace; if your treasure give you a detail of these; they are univeris increased; instead of growing secure, sally better understood than they are pracyou should be the more humble and watch- tised. Our duty here extends to all the ful upon that very account; for needful is different expressions of righteousness and that caution, " Let hinm that thinketh he love; and the rule is both short and plain; standeth, take heed lest he fall." Once All things whatsoever ye would thact mvgen more, in the should do unto you, do ye even so to 4th place, Our Saviour here directs us them. The best offices are those which to consider ourselves as fellow-servants promote our neighbor's spiritual and eterand members of his family; and in this nal interest; and therefore religious inview another part of our preparation for struction, friendly advice, and seasonable his coming must lie in the performance reproof, cannot be dispensed with. Whatof the duties we owe to each other, as ever tends to discourage vice, or to prowell as of those duties which more imme- mote the interests of religion and virtue, diately respect himself. This is more is strictly incumbent upon us, according clearly pointed out to us in the 45th and to the power and authority which our sta46th verses of this chapter, where we find tion gives us; and therefore he is but half a fearful threatening denounced against a magistrate, and a poor half too, who rethose who neglect this mutual relation; sents only the injury that is done to men, "But, and if that servant say in his heart, and overlooks those horrid instances of My lord delayeth his coming, and shall impiety against God, which the good laws THE GIRDED, WATCHING SERVANT. 93 of our land authorize him to punish. In certain and necessary; and the apostle short, whatever be our condition in life, Paul, in the 8th chapter of his epistle to there are certain duties belonging to it the Romans, derives a very ingenious, but which we must perform; and I shall only substantial, argument in favor of this add, that as the obligation is mutual, both doctrine, from the present burdened state parties are equally bound, and neither can and weary face of the creation: nor can withhold from the other what is due with- any who professeth Christianity pretend out an injury; nor is the superior less to question it. Should not this then strictly bound to those who are below him, oblige us to make ready for it? With than the inferior to those who are above these very eyes shall we see our Rehim; and they who possess the highest deemer; and how shall we look him in stations are equally obliged, with the the face, if we have been unfaithful during meanest of their brethren, to "live his absence, and lived at random, as if soberly, righteously, and godly, in the none had power over us? Nay, methinks world," and to promote the glory of God, this very consideration that he is now reand the welfare of human society, by the moved from us, should work upon our infaithful and conscientious use of all those genuity, and excite us to the utmost care talents which God hath put into their and diligence in his service. Every one hands; and if they do otherwise, they will be doing while he sees the master shall be condemned and punished by their present; the test of fidelity is, to mind Master and Judge when he cometh again. the master's interest when he is at a disAfter this manner are we taught to tance; especially the interest of such a make ready for the Lord's return. Master, who hath bought us from the WNTe must lay aside every thing that most deplorable slavery with his own pre. may encumber us in his service; we must cious blood, and requires nothing at our labor to know our Master's will, and to hand, but what tends to make us happy keep all our graces in lively and vigorous here, and to fit us for eternal glory hereexercise;-particularly, we should guard after. against slothfulness and security, and, 2dly. The uncertainty of the time of from a sense of our danger, keep a strict his coining should excite us to be always and habitual watch against the enemies of busy at our work, and in a fit posture to our souls; at the same time regarding receive him. This argument is much ineach other as fellow-servants, and faith- sisted upon by our Saviour. He often fully performing those social duties which compares his coming to that of a thief in belong to our several stations and rela- the night, who studies secrecy, and will tions. To all which I might further add, not give any previous notice: and this that we should earnestly look out for our seems to be the meaning of that allusion Master's coming, and long for his second in the 36th verse, where he likens himand glorious appearance, when we and all self to one who is attending a marriage. his faithful servants shall be admitted solemnity; because on such occasions peointo his immediate presence, and be ena- ple are not usually masters of their own bled to serve him without any mixture of time, which renders the season of their sin, in another and a better world than return to their own houses more uncerthis. tain. And if this be the case, can there I COME now to exhort you to the prac- be a more powerful motive to an habitual tice of these duties; for which I offer the preparation? "Behold, I come as a following motives and arguments:- thief," says our Saviour, in the book of 1st then, One great argument for the the Revelation.-" Blessed is he that preparation here recommended may be watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest drawn from the certainty of our Lord's he walk naked, and they see his shame." return. This is asserted in so many pas- Dost thou not know, O man! but that tosages of Scripture, that there is no room morrow thy Master may come to thee; left us to doubt it. The present mixt or, which is the same thing, may call state of things renders a future judgment thee to him? and wilt thou not be busy? not only probable to reason, but almost Show us thy security for one day, and 94 SERMON XIII. then claim that day as thine own: but if vants, never more to rise again. 0 blessed thou canst not, how mad art thou to neg- rest! O glorious society! 0 delightful lect thy business, or to leave any task un- entertainment! But what can these words finished, whilst it is in the power of thy mean; He shall gird himself, and come hands to do it? Especially, if it be con- forthz and serve them?-Surely this cansidered, in the not be literally fulfilled; yet it must have 3d place, That when thy Master re- a resemblance to something that is real, turns, thy working-time is over. What otherwise it would not have been menis then unfinished must remain so for tioned. ever. He comes to judge thee, according Thus much we know, that on that day to what thou hast done, and not to call Christ shall bestow some extraordinary thee to perfect thy unfinished labors. marks of respect upon his servants, which This, my brethren, is a most awful con-'" our ears have not yet heard, neither can sideration; we are now sowing the seed our hearts conceive." for eternity, and what we sow, that shall If "there is joy in heaven over one we reap. Our Master's order is, " Oc- sinner that repenteth," though he is then cupy till I come: that is the term; and only beginning his warfare, and has many we can neither get it protracted nor re- a weary and painful step before him; if newed; and if we be found unfaithful, the prodigal is so kindly embraced upon dreadful shall our punishment be and his first return from feeding swine, and the more dreadful upon this account, that gets " the wedding-ring on his finger, and it shall be perpetual, without abatement the best robe put on him;" what shall and without end. But, as I would rather be the saint's honor in. that day of the choose to allure than frighten you to your " manifestation of the sons of God! " duty, I shall represent to you, as a " If any man serve me," saith Christ, 4th Motive to a diligent preparation' let him follow me; and where I am, for your Master's coming: The glorious there shall my servant be. If any man advancement, and blessed reward, of the serve me, him will my Father honor." watchful servants, which is mentioned in But these matters are too high for us; the last part of my text; Verily I say the glories of the upper world are far beunto you. It is introduced with a strong yond our sight. Yet surely those disasseveration, to denote the absolute cer- coveries which have been imparted to us, tainty of the thing; and, O how con- are sufficient to invite our thoughts fredescending is that which follows! lie quently thither; and especially to excite shall gird himself, and make them to sit us to the most diligent preparation for our down to meat, and will come forth and Lord's return, " who is gone before to serve them. Surely this is a reward, not prepare a place for us, and who shall cerof debt, but of grace; for how can the tainly come again, and receive us unto most perfect obedience merit any thing himself, that where he is, there we may like this? Those faithful servants shall be also." be advanced to an honor, which, were it Well, then, my dear fellow-servants, not promised, they could not lawfully Let our loins be girded about, and our hope for, They shall be entertained by lights always burning,; ere long our work their Master at his own table; there shall shall be at an end, and this glorious they feast without any to disturb them. eternal reward shall begin. "Let us not Here, indeed, whilst we are at our work, be weary in well-doing for in due season we obtain some foretastes of this heaven- we shall reap if we faint not." Above ly banquet; but how soon is the table all, let us guard against security and selfdrawn! But it shall not be so in hea- confidence; let us join prayer with our ven.-Here we must eat, as the Jews did watching, depending upon him who hath their passover, "'in haste, with our loins said, " My grace is sufficient for thee." girded, our shoes on our feet, and our To whom, with the Father, and the everstaff in our hand."-But in heaven we blessed Spirit, one God, be glory and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and honor, dominion and power, for evermore. Jacob, and with all our dear fellow-ser- Amen. SIMILITUDE OF THE RACE. 95 are open, we may continually hear its SERMON XIV. voice behind us, saying, " Lo! this is the way, walk ye in it." SIMILITUDE OF THE RACE. But the Christian life includes in it something more than the mere perfor1 CORINTHIIANS, Ix. 24.-" So run that ye may mance of duty; the cross lies in our way, obtain." and we shall never get to the end of the race, unless we take it up, and, with meekIN these words the Christian life is ness and patience, carry it along with us. compared to a race, and the disciples of It must be owned, indeed, that this, at Jesus are warmly exhorted to press for- the first sight, hath rather the look of a ward in their way to heaven, till they ob- clog or ineumbrance; and the Christian, tain the glorious prize for which they while under the cross, is very apt to think contend. so: he feels his burden, and in his own apI shall therefore make it my business, prehension, moves so heavily, that he is in the following discourse, afraid he shall never get to the end of his First, To give you a general account journey; which frequently inclines him to of the race we have to run; and wish that the load were removed, and some Secondly, To illustrate the fitness and easier piece of service assigned him. But propriety of this similitude. After which, this in reality is a mistake: the cross is in the far from being a hindrance in our way to Third place, I shall press the exhorta- heaven; for though a heavy material load tion by some motives and arguments. oppresses the body, yet in the spiritual I NEED not spend much time upon the race it often happens, that the burdened first of these particulars. In general, the soul makes both the swiftest and the surest race we have to run, comprehends the progress. " Tribulation worketh patience, whole of that duty we owe to God; and patience experience, and experience namely, obedience to his laws, and sub- hope." The cross may be called a tree mission to his providence; doing what he both of knowledge and of life: the fruit commands, and patiently enduring what- it bears hath no deadly quality; on the ever he is pleased to appoint. The charge contrary, it gives both sight and health; which our great Master hath given us is it opens our eyes to see the good we ought expressed in these words: Occupy till I to choose, and the evil we ought to shun; come. All the gifts of nature, of provi- and is often made effectual, by the blessdence, and of grace, are talents put into ing of God, to purge away those fatal disour hands; which must not only be care- tempers which sin hath brought into our fully kept, but diligently improved, for frame, to beget in us a loathing of every his glory and our own spiritual advantage; thing that is evil, and more ardent desires otherwise we shall be condemned, not only after higher measures of that holiness, as slothful, but as wicked, servants, and which is at once the ornament and the punished accordingly. " To him that happiness of our nature. The cross doth knoweth to do good, and doeth it not," not enfeeble us, though we erroneously saith the apostle James, " to him it is may think so; it only makes us sensible sin." It is not sufficient, barely " to deny of our weakness, that we may depend upungodliness and worldly lusts:" the on him who is " the Lord our strength " grace of God doth further teach us "to and instead of crushing us with its own live soberly, righteously, and godly, in the weight, obligeth us to quit our hold of world; " adding one Christian grace to those real incumbrances which mar our another, abounding more and more in the progress, and hinder us to " run the race work of the Lord, till we have perfected that is set before us." holiness in the fear of God. Thus exten- Thus I have given you a general view sive is the divine law, reaching to every of the race we have to run. It compropart of our conduct, at all times, and in hends obedience to the laws of God, and all places and circumstances. Wherever submission to his discipline; doing what we are, it speaks to us; and if our ears he commands, and patiently enduring what 96 SERMON XIV. ever he is pleased to inflict. I am now, which are not warranted by the word of in the God, I am hopeful that this hint may not Second place, To illustrate the fitness be altogether unuseful. Let the holy and propriety of this similitude; and to Scriptures be your constant study; and show, that the Christian life doth very what these enjoin, observe with all the much resemble a race in several important care and accuracy you are capable of. Let respects. this be your business, to find out the duty Thus, for example, one in running a of every season; and when you have found race must strictly observe the course that it, then do and spare not. Thus shall you is marked out to him: he is not at liberty run lawfully; and every step you make to choose his own ground, but must con- shall be an advance towards the prize. fine himself to that which the judges have Again; as running a race is a swift and agreed upon; otherwise let him run ever constant progression, so ought the life of so fast, he can acquire no right or title to a Christian to be. "Whatever our hands the prize. Now here the resemblance is find to do, we must do it with all our most exact. There is a certain limited might." And we need never go far off to way in which the Christian must run, em- find work; there is enough on every side phatically called the way of God's corn. of us to keep us constantly employed.,nandnzents. This we must keep with the Let us not then be slothful in business, utmost precision, " neither turning aside but " fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." to the right hand nor to the left.' Mere "Let us never think we have already at-. activity will not avail us: we may be tained, either are already perfect; but forvery keen and busy; but if we are not getting the things which are behind, and busy according to rule, we only lose our reaching forth to those things which are labor: God can never accept it as a ser- before, let us press toward the mark, for vice done to him. It is absolutely neces- the prize of the high calling of God in sary that we be always in a readiness to Christ Jesus."' " The path of the just is answer that question, " Who hath requir- as the shining light, that shineth more and ed this at your hand? " Nothing is left more unto the perfect day." Our present to our own humor or fancy: " The law of attainments, instead of a resting-place, the Lord is perfect; " and it is equally should only serve as a scaffolding to raise dishonored when we pretend to add to it us up higher; and the nearer we advance to as when we take from it. Arbitrary rules the prize, the more quick and accelerated of strictness, for which we have no war- should our motion be. Which leads me rant in the word of God, are dangerous to mention another remarkable property things, and seldom fail in the issue to sup- in which the Christian life resembles a plant that religion which is solid and sav- race; namely, ing. By this officious overdoing, the That there is no gaining the prize unchurch of Rome grew up by degrees into less we hold out to the end. It signifies that monster which it is now become; for nothing to start briskly, and to run fast a I am fully persuaded, that all those child- great part of the way; the whole ground, ish superstitions, which have long been you know, must be passed over, otherwise advanced above the laws of God, were the person is reputed not to have run at first introduced, many of them with a real all. —So it is in the Christian race. The design, and all of them under the specious temporary profession, or practice of relipretext of giving aid to the divine law, gion, will not avail us; we must persevere and facilitating the observance of it. I to the last; for it is only he who endureth am very sensible, that the humor of the to the end that shall be saved:' To him present age doth not run this way: few that overcometh," said our blessed Lord, need a caution against being " righteous "will I grant to sit with me in my throne, overmuch." Nevertheless, as some se- even as I also overcame, and am set down rious, well-meaning people may be in dan- with my father in his throne." The ger of making snares for their own con- charge, as I formerly observed to you, sciences, by laying down rules of conduct runs in these words: "Occupy till I SIMILITUDE OF THE RACE. 97 come;" and the promise exactly corre- 3clly. They who run in other races have sponds to it;" Be thou faithful unto the nothing but toil and labor till they obdeath, and I will give thee a crown of life." tain the prize; but in the Christian race, Thus, in all these particulars, the the exercise itself carries part of the reChristian life may, with great propriety, ward in its bosom: " Wisdom's ways are be compared to a race. But then it is ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are necessary to observe, that though the re- peace." Christ's yoke is easy, his burden semblance is sufficiently strong to justify is light, and his commandments are not the use of this figurative representation; grievous. Hear what holy David says, yet there are several important respects in " Thy statutes have been my songs in the which the Christian race doth widely dif- house of my pilgrimage.''" —Sometimes, infer from all others: Such as, deed, they have dark nights and stormy 1st. In other races, though many may weather; " without are fightings, and withstart, and hold out to the end; yet none in are fears." But this is not the conbut the foremost receiveth the prize: stant fear of them all, nor perhaps of any fKnow ye not, saith the Apostle, in the of them at all times: they have their seafirst part of the verse, that they which sons of joy as well as of grief: and they run in a r'ace, run all, but one receiveth have this to comfort them amidst all their the prize; whereas it is quite otherwise troubles, even the assurance that they in the Christian race. There may be a shall work together for their everlasting great disparity among the candidates, but benefit. Which leads me to mention a every one who endureth to the end shall 4th. Distinguishing property of the be saved. He who is faithful over a little, Christian race; namely, the certainty of shall be as certainly rewarded, as he who gaining the prize at last. Did the Chrisis faithful over much; each shall receive a tian run in his own strength, he might not crown as large as he can wear: Whoso- only doubt but despair of success: but his ever doth faithfully, is accounted by the whole dependence is on that almighty SaJudge to have done well: for we find the viour, upon whom the Father hath laid same salutation that was addressed to the his help: lIe goes up through the wilderservant who had improved the many tal- ness, leaning upon the beloved; and thereents, addressed likewise to him who had fore, under his felt weakness, and when improved the few: " Well done," (though every thing around him wears the most not so much done) yet still it is said, "Well discouraging aspect, he is sometimes endone, thou good and faithful servant; enter abled to triumph in the language of Paul, thou into the joy of thy Lord." Hence, and to say, as he did, " I can do all things 2dly. They who run in the Christian through Christ that strengtheneth me.." race have no envy, no jealousy among Perseverance is not only theduty, but the themselves; far less do they molest and privilege of all who set themselves in goeod hinder one another: on the contrary, the earnest to run for heaven: and though thestronger help forward the weaker, and law of God obligeth them, and the new. give them all the assistance and encourage- nature habitually inclines them, " to keep ment in their power. Now, in other races under the body, and to bring it into subjecit is not so; the fall of one candidate gives tion;" yet they have far better security joy to the rest; but they who run for the than any efforts of their own- Ollnipoheavenly prize, would carry all the world tence is their guardian: and they are kept. along with them if they could. As the by the power of God, through faith unto Psalmist " was glad when they said unto salvation." These, my brethren, are some him, Let us go into the house of the of the endearing peculiarities of the Lord; " so every sincere candidate for im- Christian race: Let me now exhort you, mortal glory rejoiceth when he hears of in the many travellers by the way; and is ready Third place, So to run that you may, to say to every one he meets, O come and at length obtain. And, for this end, let let us go together to the Zion above, that us consider, city of the great King, where true riches Ist. That many eyes are upon us: We and honors are only to be found. are surrounded with spectators, who nary 7 98 SERMNON XIV. rowly observe every part of our behavior. do likewise? We see plainly from their The holy angels, those ministering spirits success, that there are no unsurmountable sent forth to minister to the heirs of sal- obstacles in the way. The saints now in vation, look on us with a friendly concern; heaven were once in the same condition and as they rejoice at the first conversion with ourselves; they were men of like of a sinner, so we may reasonably suppose, passions, and exposed to the same teinptathat all our strayings from the path of tions. The grace that saved them is life are sorrowfully remarked and lament- equally sufficient to save us; and (glory ed by them. On the other hand, those to God) it is as ready to be dispensed to malignant powers of darkness, which con- us, if we ask and seek, and knock for it, stantly go about " seeking whom they may as they did. devour," are no less attentive to our con- Where are all those illustrious persons duct. They too mark our steps, though recorded in Scripture? Where are the from a different principle: not to help, but patriarchs, the prophets, and the apostles to ensnare us; not to applaud our fidelity of our Lord? Where are those heroic and diligence, but to find matter of cen- spirits, of whom we read in the 11th sure and accusation against us. Above chapter of the epistle to the Hebrews, all, the great and omniscient God hath his "' who through faith subdued kingdoms, eye continually upon us; " he compasseth wrought righteousness. obtained promises, our path, and he is acquainted with all our stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the ways." He besets us behind and before, violence of fire, escaped the edge of the and so holds us by his right hand, that we sword, out of weakness were made strong, cannot fly from his presence, nor find any waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight covering so thick as to hide us from his the armies of the aliens? " Where are sight. Think of this, my brethren, and those faithful martyrs, "who had trial of judge whether we have not cause to be con- cruel iockings, and scourgings, yea moretinually on our guard. We perform every over of bonds and imprisonment; who action, not only in the sight of innumera- were stoned, who were sawn asunder, who ble witnesses, but in the presence of that were tempted, who were slain with the glorious Being, by whom our final doom sword; who wandered about in sheep-skins shall be pronounced: Ought we not then and goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, to quit ourselves like men? There is tormented; of whom the world was not something in this motive so awful, and at worthy?" Where are those holy souls, the same time so animating, that I should with whom we ourselves were personally think I affronted your reason, if I spent acquainted, and whom we dearly loved, but time in the illustration of it. We must who are now separated from our society, feel its influence as soon as it is named: and have left us behind them in this vale Did we see with our bodily eyes what we of misery and tears? They are surroundprofess to believe, we should not wait for ing the throne of God most high, singing an exhortation to': run the race set before the song of Moses and of the Lamb; asus." cribing glory to him who washed them Consider, in the 2d place, That many from their sins in his own blood, and made have already run this race, who are now them kings and priests unto God, even his in possession of the glorious prize. Paul Father. Look above you, O Christians! exhorted the Christians in his day to be to this glorious company; and the desire "followers of them, who through faith and of being one day joined to them will repatience inherit the promises." The way concile you to all the hardships of the to heaven was not then an untrodden path; Christian course, and make you run with a great cloud of witnesses had passed that patience the race set before you. road before the Apostle began to write: Consider, in the 3d place, Who are your and we may reasonably conclude, that vast fellow-travellers. You are not only going multitudes have been following them dur- to a glorious and triumphant society, but ing the seventeen hundred years which you go in company with persons of the have elapsed since that time. And shall greatest dignity and worth, "even the not their example encourage us to go and saints, those excellent ones in the earth," SIMILITUDE OF THE RACE. 99 whom God hath chosen and set apart for heaven; yea, he hath not only pointed out himself. And this, my brethren, is an en- the road to us, but hath actually gone becouraging circumstance. We find, that fore us, and now calls upon us to follow even an Elias, when he supposed himself his steps. "Behold," saith God by the alone by the way, both wished and prayed Prophet Isaiah, " I have given him for for death, saying, " It is enough, now, O a witness to the people, a leader and cornLord God; take away my life; for I am mander to the people." This is the pecunot better than my fathers." And there- liar office of our Lord Jesus Christ; and fore God was pleased, in great condescen- his mildness and condescension in the sion, to rectify the mistake of his servant, discharge of this office are beautifully by assuring him, that there were many described by the same prophet! " He thousands unknown to him who had not shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he bowed the knee to Baal; and that the road shall gather the lambs with his arm, and to the celestial country, even in that cor- carry them in his bosom, and gently lead rupt and degenerate age, was not so un- those that are with young." He doth not frequented and solitary as he imagined. despise the weakness of his people; for he The saints are not only hid from the knoweth their frame, and "is touched with world, but frequently mistaken by one a feeling of their infirmities, having been another; which tempts many of them to in all points tempted like as they are." think, that the kingdom of Christ is of a Like as a father pitieth his children, so very narrow extent, and the number of his the Lord pitieth those that fear him. subjects exceeding small; but were our " He doth not break the bruised reed, nor eyes opened, and the scales of pride and quench the smoking flax; " on the conprejudice removed, we should see a far trary, " he giveth power to the faint, and more goodly company than we expected. to them that have no might he increaseth And ought not this to animate us in our strength." He will not suffer them to be Christian race? Have we all the saints tempted above what they are able; but on earth for our companions? are we going in the emphatical language of holy writ, to saints and angels in heaven? and shall "he debates with them in measure, and not this fire us with an heroic ardor to stays his rough wind in the day of his east run so as we mnay at length obtain? Es- wind." When they pass through the fire, pecially if we consider, in the and through the water, he is with them; 4th. place, The nature of those duties and though, for wise and holy reasons, which our Lord hath required of us; or if their eyes may be holden that they cannot you please (to keep by the allusion) the perceive him; yet with a powerful, though goodness of that road in which we are to invisible hand, be supports and guides run for the heavenly prize. " The law is their weary steps; according to that graholy," saith the apostle Paul, "the cornm- cious promise, " I will bring the blind by mandment is holy, just, and good; " not a way that they know not, and lead them only infinitely reasonable in itself, but in- in paths which they have not known; I finitely kind and obliging to us, inasmuch will make darkness light before them, and as it enjoins nothing but what tends to crooked ways straight. These things will purify and perfect our natures, and to I do for them, and not forsake them." O qualify us for the enjoyment of a never- what a joyful consideration is this! that ending felicity. In the frame of the moral the great Captain of salvation is our Guide, law, God appears rather like a father than who can cover our head, and heal our a sovereign, exacting nothing as a test of wounds; raise us up when we fall, and our subjection to his authority, but what perfect strength in our weakness. " Fear is so necessarily connected with our own not," says he, "' for I am with thee; be true happiness, that a liberty to act other- not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will wise would in reality be a license to de- strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, yea, stroy ourselves. I will uphold thee with the right hand of 5thly. We have a kind, sympathizing my righteousness." and unerring Guide, who came from heaven My 6th and last motive shall be taken to earth to teach us the way from earth to from the unspeakable worth of the prize 100 SERMON XV. to be obtained. This is no other than paths. Lead me in thy truth, and guide "heaven itself;" "eternal life;" "an ex- me; for thou art the God of my salvation, ceeding and eternal weight of glory;" "an on thee do I wait all the day." —Amen. incorruptible crown;" "an undefiled inheritance;" "a glory which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither can the heart of man conceive." " It doth not yet appear," saith the apostle John. "what we SERMON XV. shall be; but we know, that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall FERVOR IN GOD'S SERVICE. see him as he is." Then shall we be thoroughly changed into the image of our ROMANS xI. 11.-"Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. We shall love him without measure, Lord." and praise him without end; we shall serve him withoutweariness, and those manifold IT usually happens, saith one, that in imperfections which stain our most holy times of peace and outward prosperity, the duties while on earth. Nay, our bodies church, like a river whose channel is enbeing raised by the power and spirit of our larged, loseth as much in depth as it gains Redeemer, who is the " plague of death, in breadth: I wish I could not add, that the and the destruction of the grave," shall be present state of the church in our own land, fashioned like unto his own glorious body; serves not only to illustrate the propriety whose presence we shall for ever enjoy, of this similitude, but likewise to confirm and whose matchless love, that passeth the truth of the observation. As we have knowledge, we shall eternally celebrate long enjoyed, in a very distinguished manwith the church of the first-born. ner, the protection and countenance of This, my brethren, is the glorious prize civil authority, the number of professors for which we are called to contend. And is indeed greatly increased; but though can any thing fire our ambition if this do the forms of godliness are practised by not? What bustle do men make for an many, there is too just cause to complain, earthly crown, when, lo! death is at hand that the genuine power of it is felt by few. to pluck it off their heads, and to throw it Where are the persons who make religion in the dust? and shall not we contend for their business, and apply themselves to it a heavenly crown, a regal dignity and as the "one thing needful?" How few power, which, when once obtained, shall are to be found, who exemplify those never be taken from us? "Wherefore scriptural representations of the Chrisgird up the loins of your mind, be sober, tian's work and duty; " fighting the good and hope to the end, for the grace that is fight of faith;" "running with patience to be brought unto you at the revelation the race set before them;" "pressing toof Jesus Christ." Let us henceforth " lay ward the mark, for the prize of the high aside every weight, and the sin which doth calling of God in Christ Jesus?" Alas! so easily beset us, and let us run with pa- my brethren, the far greater number, if tience the race that is set before us; look- they be going forward at all, it is with ing unto Jesus, the author and finisher of such a slow and staggering pace. as can our faith; who, for the joy that was set neither edify their brethren, nor yield any before him, endured the cross, despising real comfort to themselves: " their light," the shame, and is set down at the right instead of "shining before men," like the hand of thethrone of God." To him let dim twinkling of a candle, sunk and exour waiting eyes be continually directed; piring in the socket, is scarcely discerniand whilst we run in obedience to his cornm- ble. mand, let us humbly and fervently address For exciting such decayed and languishhim in the words of the devout Psalmist, ing Christians to " strengthen the things with which I shall conclude: " Unto thee, which remain, that are ready to die,"' I O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, shall at present take occasion, from the I trust in thee, let me not be ashamed. words I have read to you, first, to exShow me thy ways; Lord, teach me thy plain; and, secondly, to recommend that FERVOR IN GOD'S SERVICE. 101 fervor of spirit, with which the apostle from the right way, and our return to it exhorteth us to serve the Lord. becomes more uncertain and difficult. Saul FERVOR,, in general, is opposed to luke- was veryfervent inspirit, when he "breathwarmness or indifference; and denotes ed out threatenings and slaughter against that edge or keenness, that activity and the disciples of the Lord," and " verily diligence, which we commonly exert in thought that he ought to do many things the pursuit of any object we highly value contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth:" and wish to possess. Now the fervor And yet this fervor of his, had not sovwhereof my text speaks, hath religion, or ereign grace stopped him in his mad ca. the service of God, for its object: Love reer, would only have hurried him downto God is the principle, the law of God is ward to that hot and dark place from the rule, and his glory the end, of all its whence it most certainly sprung. We operations. The fervent Christian is have heard of some who, according to our habitually on the stretch to answer the Saviour's prediction, "'thought they did great purposes for which he was made and God service when they killed his people;" redeemed; his understanding is employed and the church of Rome continues at this in searching out the mind of God, so far day to afford an awful instance of this as it regards the conduct of his creatures; kind, whose burning zeal, as indeed it his will is firmly and resolutely determin- may literally be called, hath already coned to perform whatever shall appear to be sumed all that was mortal of some milhis duty; his affections are inspired with lions of saints; and yet, instead of being holy life and vigor: in consequence of quenched by such a deluge of blood, doth which, his executive powers are all ready still blaze out as fiercely as ever, where it to perform their several parts; the tongue is not controlled by superior force. I to speak, the hands to give, or to do what have quoted these strong examples for illusis required, and the feet to run in the way trating the difference betwixt true Chrisof God's commandments. In short, the tian fervor and that eagerness of spirit whole man is engaged in the service of which frequently usurps its name; and to God; so that religion becomes his con- make you sensible how necessary it is that stant and most delightful occupation; he we study the " good and perfect will of " strives" with all his might " to enter in God," for directing our zeal, and confining at the strait gate; " and counts nothing it to that sphere in which it may and too much to be done, or too hard to be ought to move. endured, for the enjoyment of that God 2dly. As our fervor should be emwhom he most ardently loves, and to whom ployed in the service of God, or in those he is entirely devoted. This, my breth- duties that God hath plainly commanded, ren, is to be fervent in spirit. so it ought likewise to aim at his glory; But as there are several counterfeits of otherwise it is an unhallowed passion, this gracious temper, I shall endeavor to which corrupteth and debaseth every thing select those peculiar properties of true that proceeds from it. The want of a Christian fervor that chiefly distinguish right aim appears to have been the princiit from those delusive appearances by pal error of the Scribes and Pharisees; which too many impose both upon them- for most of our Saviour's reproofs evidentselves and others. Let it be observed ly turn upon this very thing. They prayed, then, in the they fasted, they gave alms, and "com1st place, That as the service of God is passed sea and land" to gain proselytes the proper object of true Christian fer- to the Jewish religion; all which were vor, this renders it necessary that we be very commendable in their own nature: thoroughly acquainted with the laws of But herein lay their fault, They did all God, that we may know what particular "to be seen of men:" popular applause, services he requires of us, and will accept and the advancement of their own interat our hands. A mistake here is of est, were the ends they aimed at; not the the most dangerous consequence; for if approbation of God, nor the advancement once we step aside from the path of duty, of his honor and interest in the world. the faster we run, the farther we depart Thus it often happens, when religion is in 102 SERMON XV. credit, that many use it as a political en- ent with him: this awakens his mind, and gine for helping them up into a higher enlivens his devotion, and hath a more place, and appear very warm in professing powerful influence upon his conduct than their regard to it; but no sooner is that the applause or censure of ten thousand carnal fuel withdrawn, than the flame ex- worlds: this makes him fervent in every pires, or perhaps is carried over to the op- part of duty; yea, as fervent in the posite side, and burns as fiercely against severest acts of self-denial as in in those religion as ever it seemed to do for it. instances of obedience which are accomWhereas true Christian fervor carries panied with the most immediate advanthe person beyond himself to that God tage or pleasure. whom he adores; and instead of being A 4th distinguishing property of true cooled by the profane mockery, or hatred, or Christian fervor is this: It will make persecution, of wicked men, it rather be- us peculiarly attentive to our own behavcomes more vigorous and active, and ex- ior, and begin with correcting what is erts itself in proportion to the opposition faulty in ourselves.-Many exclaim against it meets with. If God is glorified by his the vices of others, who are extremely sufferings, the fervent Christian hath gain- partial and indulgent to their own. To ed his end: like David, he is willing such our apostle addresses a very sharp to be still "more vile," still more afflicted; reproof, in the second chapter of this and with the apostle Paul, he hath no epistle, at the beginning: " Therefore, higher ambition, than that " Christ may thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever be magnified in his body, whether it be by thou art that judgest: for wherein thou life or by death." Which leads me to ob- judgest another, thou condemnest thyserve, in the self; for thou that judgest dost the same 3d place, That this gracious temper things. And thinkest thou this, O man, extends its regards to all God's command- that judgest them which do such things, ments. It declines no duty that bears and dost the same, that thou shalt escape the stamp of his authority; for as the the judgment of God? " Nothing can be glory of God is the great scope of all its more disingenuous, than for people to proactings, whatever tends to promote that, fess a hatred of sin, and a mighty anxiety immediately becomes the object of its to have others reclaimed from it, when choice, and the matter of its most delight- their own conduct proclaims that they do ful and vigorous exercise. Now, here the not hate it in themselves. That fervor hypocrite is always found halting; he picks which is of the right kind, will first "cast out the easiest parts of duty, such as have out the beam out of our own eye, before least self-denial in them, and most of that it will suffer us to behold the note that outward splendor which attracts the ob- is in our brother's eye." It will discover servation of others. If he is rich, he may to us so many things amiss in our own abound in alms-deeds, especially in those vineyards, that we shall neither find leiinstances of charity which are most likely sure nor inclination to pry officiously into to make a noise in the world, that his our neighbor's vineyard till these are fame may spread abroad, and bring him amended. The fervent Christian will the tribute of praise from afar. He may take no rest till the enemies of his G.pd attend upon the public ordiances of relig- be subdued within his own breast: " He ion, and sit like one of the people of God, will never think that he hath already atwith a becoming air of warm devotion; but tained, either is already perfect; but, forcould your eye follow him into his own getting the things which are behind, and house, you should there behold a wonder- reaching forth unto those things which are ful alteration, perhaps a total neglect both before, he will press toward the mark, for of family and secret prayer, or at best such the prize of the high calling of God in a cold and lifeless worship, as scarcely Christ Jesus; "-"giving all diligence to deserved the name of "bodily exercise" make his calling and election sure; "-and itself. Whereas the upright Christian "is " working out his own salvation with fear in the fear of the Lord all the day long." and trembling."-Nevertheless, in the He considers his Judge as evermore pres- 5th place, Though true fervor begins at FERVOR IN GOD'S SERVICE. 103 home, yet it is not always confined there. step out of our proper sphere, we trespass It was the speech of a wicked Cain, " Am against that subordination which the proI my brother's keeper?" The warm- vidence of God hath established; and no hearted Christian extends his good offices pretence to religious zeal can justify our to all around him; and useth all that conduct. Such fervor is not inspired by the power and influence which his station Spirit of grace, but is the st'ranlge and ungives him, to discourage vice, and to ad- hallowed fire of disorderly passion, which vance the kingdom of Christ in the world. can never find acceptance with that God, -Is he a magistrate? he will not " bear whose declared will it is, " that all things the sword in vain," but faithfully employ should be done decently and in order." it for the terror of evil doers, and the Such, my brethren, is that fervor of protection of those that do well.-Is he a spirit with which the apostle exhorteth minister? he will not " handle the word us to serve the Lord. of God deceitfillly; " but, without regard- To recommend and enforce this gracious ing the persons or passions of men, he will temper was the second thing proposed in openly declare the whole counsel of God, the method.-And now that I anm to enter and, by sound doctrine and good example, upon this part of the subject, I would do what in him lieth to convince and re- earnestly entreat your most serious attenclaim the workers of iniquity, " that they tion. Consider that I speak not only may recover themselves out of the snare before you, but to you; and that not in of the devil, who are taken captive by him my own name, but in the nanme of that at his pleasure."-Is he a parent or mas- glorious Person " by whom God will judge ter?' he will walk within his house with the world in righteousness; whereof he a perfect heart," and adopt the resolution hath given assurance unto all men, in that of holy David, (Psalm ci. 6, 7.) " He that he raised him from the dead." That you wvalketh in a perfect way, he shall serve may be ready for that awful trial, and me; he that worketh deceit shall not appear with humble boldness in his predwell within my house; he that telleth sence, when careless and trifling sinners lies shall not tarry in my sight." In shall hang their heads, and stand speechshort, whatever be his condition in life, less and self-condemned before his trehe will embrace every opportunity that mendous throne; this is the errand upon Providence affords him, of advancing the which I come to you; no other, /no lower glory of God, and doing all the good he errand than this.-If the bare title of can, either to the souls or bodies of men. Christians would gain you admittance -Of this we have many eminent examples into the heavenly glory; if a cold and recorded in Scripture: —-Righteous Lot barren profession of religion, or the pracwas vexed from day to day with the un- tice of some easy and common duties, lawful deeds and filthy conversation of would render you meet for the inherithe Sodomites, among whom he lived; tance of the saints in light; if God de" Paul's spirit was stirred in him "' when served or required no more than what the he beheld the city of Athens wholly given world and the flesh can spare; I should be to idolatry; and Phinehas, the son of indiscreet for attempting to disturb your Eleazar, was both commended and re- repose.-Butif these things be otherwise; warded, for executing righteous judgment if it shall profit us nothing to " call Christ in the camp of Israel, and obtained " the Lord, Lord," unless we " do the things covenant of an everlasting priesthood;" which he saith;" if sloth be accounted for this express reason, Because he was wickedness by the righteous Judge of all zealous for his God.-But then I must the earth, and as such shall be punished add, in the by him in the great day of retribution;6th and last place, That this fervor then I should be unfaithful to God, and must be always under the direction of cruel to your souls, if I did not suimmon Christian prudence, that it may not break you to your duty, and vehemently urge out into indecent heats, and carry us be- you, in the words of my text, to be fervent yond the limits of our office or station in in spirit, serving the Lord.-Consider, the society to which we belong. If we I in the 104 SERMON XV. 1st place, That God deserves the most But 2dly. God not only deserves such zealous and active service we can pay to service as I am pleading for; he likewise him. Surely this assertion doth not re- demands it, peremptorily demands it. and quire a formal proof; the evidence of its will not be put off with any thing less — truth is so plain and obvious, that the "Benot deceived,"saith this holy apostle, most simple and illiterate must perceive "God is not mocked; for whatsoever a it at once. —Dare any of you say that it man soweth, that shall he also reap: he is possible to render unto God more than that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh you owe him. If you should, I need not reap corruption; and he that soweth to go far for arguments to confute you; I the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life can fetch them from yourselves, from everlasting." If any imagine that Christ every member of your bodies, from every came into the world to relax their obligafaculty of your souls.-Who made thee, tions to a holy life, they are grossly misO man?-This is the first question that taken; and if they act upon that princhildren are taught to answer; though, ciple, they shall find themselves fatally alas! it is to be feared that many grown disappointed at last. St. Paul knew of people answer it like children, and need no such indulgence when he wrote to to be sent to school again to learn its Titus, that "the grace of God, which meaning. Is God thy Creator? was it bringeth salvation, teacheth us, that, he who "clothed thee with skin and denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, flesh, and fenced thee with bones and we should live soberly, righteously, and sinews?" Was it he who breathed into godly in this present world." Our Sathy nostrils the breath of life, and made viour gave countenance to no such opithee a living soul? Are all the endow- nion, when he exhorted his disciples to ments of thy mind, thy understanding, " strive to enter in at the strait gate;" thy memory, thy will, and thy affections; and told them in plain and awful terms, are all these the fruits of his bounty? that "except their righteousness should Doth his merciful visitation every mo- exceed the righteousness of the Scribes ment preserve thy spirit, keep thy body and Pharisees, they should in no case from the dust, and thy soul from the enter into the kingdom of heaven." This, place of anguish and despair?-And after my brethren, is the uniform language of all, is it possible, that thy soul or thy holy writ; the words of my text are clear body can exceed in his service, or be em- and strong; and it deserves our notice, ployed with too much zeal for his honor? that they are part of an epistle wherein Stand forth, O man! and reply if thou the grace of the new covenant is most canst. What! doth this plain, I had accurately described, and zealously dealmost called it this childish, question fended; which, no doubt, must add put thee to a stand? How inexcusable a considerable weight to them. The then is thy sloth? How just, and, Oh! slothful professor counteracts the whole how dreadful, must thycondemnation be? design of the gospel; for the plan of But, my brethren, these are not all man's redemption was so wisely laid, that the mercies you have received, and are not only the comfort of the Christian, daily receiving from God. He is not but his improvement in holiness also, only your Creator, your Preserver, and should be gradually advanced to full Benefactor; but he hath bound you to maturity.'I'he design of Christ's death his service by the still more endearing was not merely to reconcile God to us, ties of redeeming grace and love: He but likewise to reconcile us to God; that sent his own Son into the world to save his generous and unmerited love might you, to save you by his death: Amazing overcome our enmity, make us ashamed goodness! to shed his blood for the esx- of our ingratitude, and powerfully conpiation of your guilt: And can you ex- strain us to live, " not unto ourselves, but ceed in your gratitude to such a friend? unto him who died for us, and rose again." is it possible you can render unto him A 4thl motive to fervor and diligence more than is due, or serve him with too in the service of God, ariseth from the great zeal and ervor? difficulties that attend our duty. The FERVOR IN GOD'S SERVICE. 105 Christian's work is compared to a war- name of my God in vain." Besides, in fare; he must dispute every inch of ground, the ordinary course of events, " all that and fight his way through surrounding will live godly in Christ Jesus must sufenemies. It is no easy matter'" to pluck fer persecution " in one kind or other. out a right eye, and to cut off a right The Christian is bound not only to avoid hand;" that is, to renounce those sins to conformity to the world, but, on all prowhich we have been so long habituated, per occasions, to testify his dislike of its that they are in a manner become parts corrupt maxims and practices; which of ourselves, and no less dear to us than cannot fail to draw upon him a considerthe most useful and necessary members able share of hatred and resentment. Sinof our body; yet to this we must consent gularity is enough to beget ill will: but before we can enter into the kingdom of if a person shall not only use different heaven.-It appears a hard command that manners, but likewise condemn the manGod gave to Abraham, " Take now thy ners of those among whom he lives, which son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, the most prudent and modest disciple of and get thee into the land of Moriah, and Jesus may sometimes find himself obliged offer him there for a burnt-offering upon to do; this will not easily be forgiven; one of the mountains that I shall tell thee such a one can expect no better treatof." But is not that other command at ment than Lot had from the Sodomites, least equally severe, Take now thy lust, who could not bear that a fellow, as they thy beloved lust, from which thou hast called him, "who came in to sojourn," promised thyself the greatest returns of should pretend to be their judge.-Such profit or pleasure, bring it hither imme- are the difficulties that attend religion; diately, and slay it before me, without and do not these make zeal or fervor nethe ceremony of one parting embrace? cessary?-I shall only add, in the This, my brethren, is difficult work in- 4th place, That we should befervent in deed. Isaac lay meekly and patiently on spirit, serving the Lord; because, as I the altar; but so will not our lusts; no, have already observed, it is absolutely imthey will struggle, and cry, and plead for possible that we can do too much. Were mercy, and use every insinuating method we in any danger of exceeding, there would of address, to prevent, or at least to re- no doubt be cause to moderate our zeal: tard the stroke. But neither is this all: but this is not the case; for after " we those inward corruptions, formidable as have done all those things which are comthey are, yet are they not the only manded us," we shall still have reason to enemies we have to grapple with: The say, "We are unprofitable servants; we devil is an adversary both cunning and have done that which was our duty to do." strong, very formidable by his power as True it is, that in particular exercises of " the roaring lion;" but still more for- religion there may be an overdoing; for midable by his craft as that "old ser- one duty may justly be said to exceed, pent," who can vary his shape, and put when it thrusts out another of greater, or on the appearance of an angel of light, even of equal importance, or which is more that, in a form so specious, he may get the duty of the season than itself; but so access to our hearts with greater ease, long as we regulate our services by the and fill them with his poison before we word of God, in which case alone they are are aware.-This earth too upon which proper acts of obedience, we need not be we tread is full of snares; and every state afraid of becoming': righteous overmuch." or condition of life hath some temptation One thing is certain, that the most serious or other peculiar to itself, as we learn Christians, when they come to die, have from that well-conceived prayer of Agur, always lamented their former negligence: (Prov. xxx. 8, 9.) "Remove far from and the time is at hand, when all the me vanity and lies; give me neither world shall confess, that holydiligence was poverty nor riches, feed me with food the truest wisdom; and that they, and they convenient for me: lest I be full and only made a choice of the better part, who deny thee, and say, who is the Lord? or, minded the " one thing needful," and were lest I be poor and steal, and take the fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. 106 SERMON XV. AND now, my dear friends, my design, even upon those who are really his chilupon the whole, is to excite you to a pro- dren. Look around you, and observe how per concern about the salvation of your active and violent wicked men are in the precious and immortal souls. It is not a service of Satan; their pace, like " the system of opinions that will carry any man driving of Jehu, the son of NSimshi, is to heaven: our knowledge of the truth swift and furious." With what zeal, with shall only serve to condemn us, if we do what carefulness, with what self-denial-I not receive the truth into our hearts, and had almost said, with what fear and tremnsuffer it to influence both our temper and bling-do many of them work out their practice. I am far from thinking that men own damnation! " drawing iniquity with may be saved in any religion, however cords of vanity, and sinning as with a cart false, provided only they be sincere in the rope! " And will you be cold and neglibelief, and obedient to the dictates, of that gent, nay, timorous and shamefaced, in the religion they profess; but of this I am service of the true and living God? Oh! fully persuaded, on the other hand, that how unseemly, how scandalous, how hurtno religion can save a man who is not ful were this! hurtful to yourselves, hurtserious in it, and who doth not yield him- ful to your fellow Christians, hurtful even self entirely to its government. Can it to the wicked with whom you converse; they avail us any thing, that we profess the true know that heaven and hell are in direct opreligion, if we ourselves are false to that position, and consequently that the roads religion? No, surely: The religion in- which lead to them must be widely distant deed is good, but it is not our religion; it from each other; and therefore they will is our book that contains the true religion, never be persuaded that they shall be thrust but not our heart; and therefore it can down into utter darkness, if such as you, no more save us than the best food can who in appearance are treading the same nourish us, and preserve our life, which paths that they do, shall get to heaven at only standeth upon the table, or which last. Ungrateful servants! how hath your never goeth farther than our mouth. Redeemer deserved this at your hands? Let me therefore entreat you to comply Is this the way to gain men's hearts to the with the apostle's exhortation in my text. love of holiness? Would you wish the I speak to you who are Christians indeed; world to write after so imperfect and blotbecause you alone are in a capacity of ser- ted a copy as you set before them? I vintg the Lord; for "they that are in the beseech, I obtest you, by all the regard flesh," who were never cut off from the you have for the glory of God, your own natural stock, and ingrafted into Christ comfort, and the good of others, that the true vine, such persons, the apostle henceforth you would distinguish yourtells us (Rom viii. 8.), " cannot please selves more visibly from " the men of the God." They may perform the outward world who have their portion in this life." acts of duty, they may even do them with " Have no fellowship with the unfruitful a considerable degree of natural fervor; works of darkness, but rather reprove but all the while their most specious ser- them." Let Christianity be so deeply envices are only dead works, offered up with graved on every part of your conduct, that ".strange fire," which cannot ascend to he who runs may read whose servants you God with acceptance. I speak therefore are, and thus God may be glorified in his to the living members of Christ, to those saints. It is a mean, inglorious aim, who are regenerated by the Spirit of God; merely to keep within the limits which and my request to you is, that, from this divide the lawful from the forbidden time forward, you should "stir up the gift ground. Show that you are men of of God that is in you," and be fervent in "another spirit," by' following the Lord spirit, serving the Lord. fully," and straining every nerve, as it The declining interest of religion re- were, to attain the highest perfection of quires all the support you can give it. which our nature is capable in its present Men are wearing out of acquaintance with imperfect state. Let faith realize to you God; nor is it greatly to be wondered at, the life of Jesus; and beg of God, for seeing his image is so faintly to be discerned, Christ's sake, that he, by his Spirit, may FOLLOWING GOD FULLY. 107 kindle that holy fire in your hearts, which finitely possessed of all those perfections shall gradually consume all your dross, and which qualify him to govern the creatures carry you swiftlyforward to the Zion above, lihe hath made. Two things we must be that imperial city of the great King, where thoroughly persuaded of; first, That the like those flaming ministers who surround laws of our Sovereign are righteous and his throne, you shall serve God day and good; and, next, That he is both able night in his temple, without interruption, and willing to protect, us in his service. without imperfection, and without weari- And indeed, my brethren, had we never ness. To which exalted felicity, may offended God, these views alone would God, of his infinite mercy, bring us all in have been sufficient inducements to follow due time, through Jesus Christ our Lord. hiim dfull/y; but as we are guilty creatures, Amen. and liable to punishment, some farther discoveries are now become necessary. We need something to vanquish those fears of wrath, which would rather prompt us SERMON X;YVI. to fly from the presence of our Judge, than to make an uncertain attempt to FOLLO\WING GOD FULLY. pacify him by submission; some scheme NUMB. XIV. 24. —" But y servant Caleb, because of grace must be opened to our view, by lie hadanother spirit with him, and hath FOL- which pardon may be dispensed to the LOWED ME FULLY; him will I bring into the guilty, and strength imparted to the land whereunto lie went; and his seed shall weak, in a way that appears consistent with the honor of the divine government. I PROPOSE to recommend to your imita- Nay, we must not only know that such a tion this illustrious servant of the most scheme exists, but we on our part must high God, whose name is recorded with cordially approve of it; and, by our persuch distinguished honor in the passage I sonal consent, ascertain our claima to that have just now read in your hearing. Caleb mercy and grace which it offers to sinfollowed the Lord fully, and obtained a ners; that, being at peace with God, we glorious reward; and if we hope or wish may no longer dread him as an enemy, to be rewarded as he was, reason teacheth but love him as a Father, and serve him us, that we should walk in his steps, and with joy, being assured that " our labor do as he did. shall not be in vain." But what are we to understand byfol- This being premised, as a necessary lowing the Lord fully? This question preparative forfollowin,g tihe Lord fully, is first in order; and after I have endea- the duty itself may be considered as invored to give a satisfying answer to it, I cluding the following particulars: shall then proceed to press the duty by 1st. That we acknowledge no other some motives and arguments. Lord beside him. One Lord we must LET us begin with inquiring what we are have; for it is folly to imagine we can be to understand by following the Lord fully. independent and free. Man was made And here I must observe in the en- to serve; and nothing is left to him but the trance, that no man can follow the Lord choice of his master. But more than one at all till once he be acquainted with him; Lord we cannot have, unless by a derived "For he that cometh to God must believe or delegated authority. He who is suthat he is, and that he is a rewarder of preme may appoint another to rule under them that diligently seek him." A slavish, him, and to enforce the observance of his reluctant subjection there may be; but laws; and when both concur in the same there cannot be a voluntary, far less an command, then both may be served by unreserved obedience, without affectionate one act of obedience: but "no man can trust and filial confidence. Before we serve two opposite masters; for either he canfollow God. we must not only know will hate the one and love the other, or that he is supreme, and hath a right to else he will hold to the one and despise command; but we must likewise believe the other. We cannot serve God and that he is worthy to command, and in- Mammuon." And therefore to follow 108 SERMON XVI. the LordJ) fully is to follow him only; it in the parable, "when our Master returns, is to make his will the sole and absolute he may receive his own with usury." I rule of our conduct, in opposition to our further added, that we should behave after own humor, the temptations of Satan, and this manner at all times; that our conduct the corrupt nmaxirns of a world that lieth on every occasion may be consistent and in wickedness. uniform. The true servant of the Lord 2dly. To follow the Lord fully is to must always be one man, speaking the obey him without any reserve or limita- same language, and observing the same tion: it is to serve him with an affection- conduct in every place and in every comate and liberal heart; and to do this at pany. Which leads me to a all times. Each of these might be con- 3d Remark of considerable importance; sidered apart; but I have chosen to join namely, That to follow the Lord fully, is them tocether under one head, as they to follow him openly, and in the face of serve to illustrate and support one another. the world. We must not think of stealOur obedience, I say, must be without ing to heaven by some clandestine, unfrereserve or limitation; for unless we follow quented path, as if we were ashamed of the Lord in all things, we cannot truly be being seen, or afraid lest it should be said to follow him in any thing. We give known to what family we belonged: this cause to suspect, that when, in other in- is a sneaking, cowardly artifice; so base stances, we perform the duties he enjoins, in itself, and so ungrateful to the kindest, yet even in those we are governed by as well as to the greatest and most honorsomething else than a regard to his author- able Master, that. were it not too commonity; and that, though we seem to follow ly practised, one should scarcely think it him, yet, in reality, we are prosecuting needful to be mentioned. some interested scheme of our own, and There are two extremes into which peoare seeking ourselves instead of serving ple are apt to run, and both ought to be our God. The universality of our obe- guarded against with equal care. Some dience, then, is the only proof of our sin- proclaim their religion as on the house cerity; for "whosoever shall keep the tops; they love to talk of their high atwhole law, and yet offend in one point. is tainments, and discover an anxiety to make guilty of all." We do not follow the themselves observable, and to gain the adLord Jilly, unless we follow him whither- miration and applause of their neighbors. soever he leadeth us, through the most This our Saviour expressly condemns. rugged paths of self-denial and miortifica- Matth. vi. from the 1st to the 19th verse, tion, as well as in those smooth, delightful where he tells his disciples, that they who ways in which we find the most immediate fast, or pray, or give almns, to be seen of advantage and pleasure. Again, we must men, only serve themselves; and what is serve him with an affectionate and liberal the consequence? It is but just they heart; continually asking such questions should be left to reward themselves as as these: "' Lord, what wilt thou have me they can; for duties done with such an to do? " and, " What shall I render unto aim can never be accepted by God as any the Lord for all his benefits?" The part of that religious homage he requires. term following, plainly implies this. A Others again, from a false modesty and person may be dragged or driven against bashfulness, or perhaps a pretended dishis will, but to follow is an act of choice; like of ostentation and hypocrisy, run into it denotes a voluntary and cheerful obedi- the opposite extreme; they hide their ence; a service of love, which is not spar- light (if any light they have), they hide it, ing or niggardly, but always deviseth lib- I say, " under a bushel," as the Scriptures eral things. Would we then follow the express it. They go as great lengths as Lord fully, we must be "ready to every they dare, in a servile compliance with good work; " and not only embrace op- the humors and customs of the world; portunities of service when they present and even keep at an affected distance from themselves, but even seek out opportuni- every thing that might betray any serious ties of improving those talents with which impression of God upon their minds. we are intrusted, that, as it is expressed Now, the duty I am recommending lies FOLLOWING GOD FULLY, 109 at an equal distance from both these ex- singular, but his singularity drew upon tremes. It is a profession that is neither him the resentment of his brethren. Orostentatious nor shame-faced; it neither ders were given "' to stone him to death;" courts observation nor avoids it. The and they were on the point of doing it, true follower of the Lord, keeping the when "the glory of God appearing in the laws of his Master continually in his eye, tabernacle," checked their fury, and properforms every duty in its place and sea- tected the life of this illustrious saint. son. It appears a small matter to him to Thus it was that Caleb followed the Lord be " judged of man's judgment;" he fully; and thus must we also do if we endeavors " so to speak," and so to act, aspire to his reward. Instead of shrink" not as pleasing men, but God, which tri- ing at persecution, if that should be our eth the heart.'" He doth not shun the lot, we must rather "rejoice that we are view of his fellow-creatures, but is willing counted worthy to suffer shame " in the to give all who choose it an opportunity cause of our Lord; and even esteem it a of learning, from his conduct, the nature privilege, " that to us it is given, in the and spirit of that religion he hath embrac- behalf of Christ, not only to believe in ed. He feels, and practically acknowledg- his name, but likewise to suffer for his eth, the divine authority of such precepts sake." as these: " Let your moderation be known The amount of all I have said is this: to all men;" "Provide things honest in If we would fobllow the Lord fully, after the sight of all men; " and, " Let your the pattern in my text, we must acknowllight so shine before men, that they may edge no other master besides him; we see your good works, and glorify your must obey him in all things; we must do Father which is in Heaven." His soul is this at all times; and serve " him with an alarmed with that awful declaration of our affectionate and liberal heart; not grudgSaviour (Luke ix. 26.) " Whosoever shall ingly, or as of necessity; " for " the Lord be ashamed of me, and of my words, of loveth a cheerful giver." We must follow him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, him openly, and in the face of the sun; when he shall come in his own glory, and and then we must persevere in our attendin his Father's glory, and of the holy an- ance upon him, though no man should join gels."' Would we then follow the Lord with us; nay, though earth and hell fully, we must confess him openly, and should unite their force, and both rise up dare to be holy in spite of devils and men. in arms to oppose us. We must " be blameless and harmless, the You have now seen the aim of my dis. sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst course; and may I not hope to succeed in of a crooked and perverse generation,- it? I am asking nothing that is unholding forth the word of life." Once reasonable, nothing that you yourselves more, in the can find any pretence to refuse. All I 4th place. To follow the Lord fully, ask is, in the is to cleave to him steadfastly when others 1st place, That you should be honest forsake him; and to persevere in his ser- mnen. vice, even when it exposeth us to the You call yourselves Christians: and world's hatred, and the persecution of what is my request, but that you be wicked and unreasonable men. It was on Christians indeed? So that in reality it account of this brave and honorable sin- is the cause of your own honor I am gularity that Caleb obtained the title of a pleading with you. A man of spirit and man of anzother spirit. He was one of integrity is a character that universally four, among some hundred thousands, who commands esteem; but it is impossible to retained his loyalty to the King of hea- support that honorable character by any ven; for besides Moses and Aaron, and other means than by following the Lord his own companion Joshua, it doth not ap- fully. Enemies you may have; I ought pear that there was one dissenting voice rather to have said enemiel you shall in all the tribes of Israel; the revolt was have, some, perhaps, perversely and maliuniversal, the whole congregation rebelled ciously, who may slander you as hypoagainst their God. SNay, he was not only crites: but a steadfast and uniform 110 SERMON XVI. ~perseverance in holiness, if it disarm not rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt." their malice, will at length confute their Which way soever he turns his eyes, the reproach. Whereas your swerving from prospect, on all hands, is dark and gloomy. duty, either to gain the favor of men, or Above, is the throne of an offended God: to avoid their displeasure, cannot fail to beneath, is the fire that shall never be expose you to their contempt and scorn. quenched; and within, he feels the gnawReward you they may; but Oh! how low iungs of the worm that dieth not: so that must you sink in their esteem! And the creatures around him are his only rethen what a triumph will it give to the source; and these at best are " deceitful wicked, who only wait for your halting? brooks; —broken cisterns that can hold no How will it whet their tongues, and give water;" "miserable comforters," which them an edge that shall pierce you to the delude him for a moment, and forsake quick? For this you may lay your ac- him at the time when he stands most in count with, that their censures of you need of them. " There is no peace, saith shall be far more severe and unmerciful my God, to the wicked;" but " light is than those they employ against others, sown for the righteous, and gladness for who make no profession of religion; nay, the upright in heart." —" Great peace," their censures shall be more severely felt said one who knew it by experience, by yourselves, because you will find some- " great peace have they that love thy law, thing within you that tells you they are and nothing shall offend them;" even just. The hardened sinner can assume'" the peace of God, which passeth all unan air of confidence and intrepidity; con- derstanding, shall keep their hearts and science being seared gives him no distur- minds, through Jesus Christ." bance within; so that his external appear- My brethren, we shall never taste the ance is all he hath to attend unto; but comforts of religion till we become the sense of having acted wrong will draw thoroughly religious, and follow the Lord your attention inward, and leave your with all our heart. A half-religion must countenance to express every outward always be a joyless thing. Persons of symptom of timidity and self-reproach. this mixt character must in great measure Whereas, by following, the Lord fully, be strangers to pleasure in any kind. you shall by degrees acquire a firmness They have just as much religion as maketh and independency of spirit, that will en- sin bitter, and as much sin as renders reable you at all times to behave with a ligion unpleasant: and what an insipid, genuine and well-supported dignity. This disagreeable situation must this be! In shall give you an irresistible superiority respect of present enjoyment, the disover the hearts of wicked men, which shall solute and unreserved slaves of the devil overawe them in secret, and constrain have manifestly the advantage of those their homage, in the same proportion that half-converted people. They get a full it excites their hatred and envy. Thus taste, at least, of such dreggy pleasure as we read, that " Herod feared John," even sin can afford; but the others cannot even when he threw him into prison; and he get at that much, and at the same time feared him, as St. Mark informs us, purely their dry constrained formality supplies upon this account, " because he knew that them with nothing to make up for the he was a just and holy man." want of it. Whereas he who followeth 2dly. The duty I am recommending is the Lord fully, possesses a joy infinitely equally necessary to secure the inward superior to what the creatures can yield; peace and tranquillity of your minds: it nay, a joy that is altogether independent contributes to your interest no less than on the creatures. to your honor. How miserable is the Moreover, religion, when it is genuine man who hath war and discord within his and cordial, heightens the relish of every own breast! This is worse than death, lawful comfort. Besides that natural for that only tears the soul from the body, sweetness which God hath put into many whereas this tears the health, the life, of the outward benefits he bestows, the from the soul itself. Such a person re- true Christian can look upon them as the sembles " the troubled sea when it cannot gifts of a reconciled Father, and pledges FOLLOWING GOD FULLY. 111 of better things to come. He can say measure intrusted us with his glory, and upon the receipt of every mercy,-This called the world to take notice of us, as is mine, and heaven also: my God hath the persons by whom he expects to be sent me this token of his love, to support honored. O how should this fire us with and encourage me in my journey home- a generous ambition to excel in holiness, ward; I shall soon be beyond the need that we may exhibit a just representation of such inferior blessings, and possess the of the Master we serve, and show that he living fountain from whence those refresh- is in truth what the Scriptures report him ing streams do flow. On the other hand, to be, " altogether lovely," and is "fairer if his present allowance be scanty, he can than the children of men! " Is it not, say, —My Father knoweth what is good my brethren, matter of grief to you, that for me better than I do; blessed be his so many are to be found who "despise name, who in kindness withholds fromt me and reject the Saviour of mankind?" what his wisdom foresees would prove a Would you not wish that all the world snare to my soul. He seeks my whole should know his excellence, that they heart, and he is worthy to possess it: it is might admire, and love, and choose him my business to follow him; and the less for their Master?-If you do, for the I am encumbered, the faster I shall run. Lord's sake, for your own sake, and for When I get home, I shall be comforted the sake of the many thousands to whom and satisfied to the full; famine may he stillappears "without form and comelidwell in this wilderness, but is altogether ness," do not withhold the aid you can unknown in that good land to which I am give. Him they cannot see, but you are travelling: "In my Father's house there always in their eye: permit them to beis bread enough, and to spare." To a hold his image in you. Would you not person of this temper nothing can come reckon it a high crime to blaspheme him amiss: he knows that his lot is ordered with your mouths? I know you would: by that God " who is wise in heart, and O then do not blaspheme and reproach mighty in. strength;" and who hath ex- him by your actions! Allow me to ask pressly promised, that " all things shall you, When you go with the multitude, and work together for good to them that love live as careless sinners do, trifling away him, to them who are the called according your precious time in the giddy round of to his purpose." Distress falls with a fashionable amusements; how would you crushing and deadly weight upon the man have the world to judge? Would you who steps aside from the road of duty; have them to believe, that such behavior but he who keeps the straight and onward is agreeable to the laws of your Master? path, can take adversity by the cold hand, that he approves of, or even that he is but and welcome it as a friend, whose sober slightly displeased with it? What would advice will guide him in his pilgrimage you think of a minister who should preach far better than the flattering lips of pros- in that manner, and labor to persuade his perity. He can say with the prophet hearers that a careless, trifling, dissipated Habakkuk, when every earthly comfort life, is perfectly consistent with true takes wing, and flieth away, "Although piety, and that any thing beyond it is unthe fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall necessary preciseness, and being " rightfruit be in the vines, the labor of the eous overmuch?" Sure I am you would olives shall fail, and the fields shall yield look upon such a minister with contempt, no meat, the flock shall be cut off from nay, with horror: and dare you practise the fold, and there shall be no herd in the what we dare not preach? We may, we stalls; yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I ought to say every thing that is true. will joy in the God of my salvation."- We dare not preach an uncommanded But there are other motives besides these strictness; there is a curse denounced which ought to have weight, and which against those who "add unto the words will have weight with every ingenuous of this book," as well as against those heart. Let me therefore remind you, in who "take from them." And if your the behavior differ widely from what we 3d place, That our Lord hath in some are bound to recommend, I again ask the 112 SERMON XVI. question, What judgment would you of blood-guiltiness? No, my brethren. have the world to form? —They must They who are thus misled by you " shall necessarily condemn either us or you; us die in their iniquity; " but " their blood," for requiring too much, or you for perform- at the same time, " shall be required at ing too little: they must either conclude your hands."' Woe unto the world, bethat we misrepresent the religion of Jesus, cause of offences; but, woe chiefly to him or that you are not the disciples of Jesus. by whom the offence cometh." HIypoWill any of you be so candid as to take crites shall have the woe of everlasting our part against yourselves, and honestly punishment, even the children of God confess that you are wholly to blame?- shall have the woe of sharp rebuke and will you go to your carnal neighbors. and chastisement. It is dreadful to think that tell them that what you do is utterly in- the souls of any should perish eternally, consistent with your holy profession; that and we be the cause of it: surely " it were the Lord, whose name you bear, acted in better for that man, that a mill-stone were a different manner himself, and gave you hanged about his neck, and that he were laws of a quite different nature and ten- drowned in the depth of the sea." Do dency? I suspect you will hardly con- you then love your neighbor in sinsent to this proposal; and yet justice de- cerity? O teach him by your example to mands it; nay, unless you either do somne- follow the Lord1 fully. Remember " that thing of this kind, or alter your course of lie who converteth a sinner from the error life, and Jollow the Lord fully, you are of his way shall save a soul fron death, criminal in the highest degree; you slan- and shall hide a multitude of sins; " and der your Master, you bear false witness may hope to be crowned with distinagainst him, and are chargeable with dis- guished honors in that day, "when they honesty, with perjury, nay, with blas- that be wise shall shine as the brightness phemy itself. And this suggests of the firmament, and they that turn A 4th motive, which I beg you may many to righteousness as the staars for attend to. I am now going to plead with ever and ever." you from love to your neighbors. This The 5th and last motive with which I is a principle you profess to honor; nay, shall press this important duty, is the reif I mistake not, the desire of obliging ward that awaits those who follow the others, and of rendering yourselves agree- Lordffully. They shall possess that good able to them, is your common apology for land of promise, whereof the earthly Caconforming to their manners, and avoiding naan was only an emblem or type. " To the offensive singularity of following the them who by patient continuance in wellLord fully. This, my brethren, is a false doing seek for glory, honor, and immorexpression of love; nevertheless, it dis- tality, Christ shall render eternal life." covers such a regard to others, as fur- " Blessed are they that do his commandnishes me with a handle to take hold of ments, that they may have right to the tree the true principle, and to plead it in sup- of life, and may enter in through the gates port of the duty I am recommending. into the city." There shall they see AbraSurely it is no office of love to deceive ham, and Isaac, and Jacob, who shine with another to his hurt, or to suffer him to such lustre in the sacred records: there continue in a pleasing mistake, which un- shall they see Moses, and Aaron, and avoidably must, and which may very Caleb, and Joshua, with all the holy prospeedily end in his ruin; such "tender phets and apostles of our Lord. Nay, in mercies " would indeed be "cruelty." In heaven they shall behold, and delightfully the common affairs of life this niaxim is converse with, "Jesus the Mediator of universally acknowledged: and is it less the new covenant," who, with the price of cruel to deceive your neighbors in mat- his own blood, obtained for them a right ters of infinitely higher importance? If, to that undefiled inheritance, and sent by the freedom you take, others are em- forth his Spirit to prepare them for the boldened to sin against God, will the pre- enjoyment of it. And shall not the prostence of good-nature or courtesy be pect of such exalted felicity animate us in sustained as a defence against the charge our Christian course, and powerfully in STRANGER AND SOJOURNER WITH GOD. 113 cite us to " be the followers of them who David wrote this Psalm under the heavy through faith and patience inherit the pressure of affliction; which may induce promises? " Can we suppose that any of some to think, that what he saith in my the saints who surround the throne of text is no other than the natural language God, do now repent of their self-denial of a dispirited man, whose mind was unand mortification, or repine because they hinged and broken by adversity; but if we were despised and persecuted while on attend to what is written, (Chron. xxix. earth? No, my friends; they would not 15.) we shall find him using the same lanpart with the feeblest ray of their present guage in the height of his prosperity: glory, for the everlasting possession of all " We are strangers," said he, " before the honors and pleasures that this earth thee, and sojourners, as were all our facan afford. What shall I say more? I thers; our days on earth are as a shadow, have urged the most weighty motives that and there is none abiding." Never did occurred to me; and could I think of any the Jewish nation appear to be more at thing still more persuasive, I should add home than at that time: As for David, it with pleasure. But without the divine his happiness was so complete, that, inblessing, no arguments will prevail. All stead of asking any additional favors, he therefore that remains is, to turn my could hardly find words to express his pleadings with you into prayers to God, gratitude for those he had already received. that he may bestow upon you another Yet, amidst all his affluence, when he spirit, and enable you by his grace so to possessed every outward comfort his heart follow himn while here, that hereafter, in could wish, still he called himself a stranthe heavenly world, you may fully enjoy ger and a sojourner before God. him, through all the growing ages of a We must therefore consider the words happy eternity. Amen. of my text, as expressing the fixed and habitual sentiments of David's heart. In his most prosperous condition, he did not look upon this earth as his home; but extended his views to the heavenly world, SERMON XVII. that glorious and permanent inheritance of the saints, which is " incorruptible and STRANGER AND SOJOURNER WITH GOD. undefiled, and which fadeth not away." Among the various subjects of inquiry PSALM xxXIx. 12.-" For I am a stranger with thee, that might readily occur to us upon readand a sojourner, as all my fathers were." ing this passage, the two following appear to me the most interesting and profitable.. HAD these words been spoken by one of First. Whence is it that holy men. the Rechabites, who were commanded by consider themselves as strangers and sortheir father Jonadab, " That they should journers upon earth? And, drink no wine, neither build houses, nor Secondly. What manner of life is. mostsow seed, nor plant vineyards, nor have expressive of this character, and best suit — any, but that they should dwell in tents all ed to the condition of strangers and sotheir days," we might perhaps have con- journers? To these, therefore,. I shall sidered them as pointing merely at the pe- confine myself in the following discourse. culiarities of that sequestered tribe, by I BEGIN with inquiring, Whence it is which they were distinguished from the that holy men, while they live upon earth, rest of mankind; but as they are the consider themselves as strangers and sowords of David, who himself was a king, journers witih God? And to account one of the lords of this earth, who had for this, one might declaim at great length every inducement to magnify his office, and upon the unsatisfying nature, and precarito make his importance appear in its ut- ous duration, of every thing below the most extent, they can lie under no sus- sun. I might remind you, that as we picion of partiality; and therefore challenge came but lately into this world, so we the greatest regard. must shortly go out of it, and leave all It must indeed be acknowledged, that our possessions to be enjoyed by others;7 114 SERMON XVIL. who, in their turn, likewise shall die, and distance from their native country. Every part with them. I might descend to the thing tends naturally to the place of its various calamities that embitter human original; and grace, which came down life, from which none of mankind are alto- from heaven, leads the soul upward to gether exempted; and to these I might heaven from whence it came. " Whatsoadd the peculiar sufferings of /the right- ever is born of God," saith the apostle eous, those sharp and painful trials to John, " overcometh the world." The dry which the best of men are most frequently and empty husks of earthly enjoyments exposed in this state of discipline: But cannot satisfy the desires of a heaven-born I am unwilling to enlarge upon topics of spirit: upon these the renewed man looks this nature; because I would not have it down with a holy disdain, and then lifts thought, that the godly consider them- his longing eyes to that celestial country, selves as strangers and sojourners, solely, where "is fulness of joy, and pleasures or even principally, for such reasons as for evermore." There he knows his inthese. They renounce the world, not be- heritance lies; there dwells his kindred, cause it is unfriendly to them, but be- to whom he stands in the dearest and cause it is unsuitable: they would despise most intimate relation; " God the Judge its smiles no less than its frowns; they of all, Jesus the Mediator of the new are not violently thrust out of it, but covenant, an innumerable company of anvoluntarily resign it, and leave it to those gels, and the spirits of just men made perwho have nothing else for their portion. feet." And there also he is to make his Accordingly you may observe that David everlasting abode. Here he sojourns for styles himself not only a stranger but a a while, till he is rendered meet for entersojourner. Every man is a stranger, who ing into " the purchased possession; " and is not a native of the place where he re- when the appointed season comes, he sides: but a sojourner is one who maketh gladly removes to his father's house, to only a passing visit to a place, with a dwell with his God for ever and ever. resolution to leave it again, and to proceed Upon these accounts, my brethren, the on his journey. Now, this last is the dis- children of God, while they live upon tinguishing character of the saints. Wick- earth, consider themselves as sojourners in ed men must leave this earth, they know a strange land. Their sentiments in this they must, and wish it were otherwise with matter are not the effects of disappointall their heart; and as they have no pros- ment and vexation, but the conclusions of pect of going to a better world, they do an enlightened and renewed mind: they all they can to banish the thoughts of are willing to leave this world, because their removal from this, that they may they have a home to go to, where their relish their present enjoyments with as natures shall be perfected, and all their little alloy as possible. Whereas the desires satisfied to the full.-Let us now godly, who are made citizens of the hea- inquire, in the venly Jerusalem, can look forward without Second place, What manner of behavior dismay to the time of their departure from is most expressive of this temper, and best this "strange land, knowing, that when suited to the condition of strangers and the earthly house of this tabernacle shall sojourners?-This branch of the subject be dissolved, they have a building of God, opens a wide field of practical instruction, an house not made with hands, eternal in and will lead me to recommend to you the heavens." They would not choose to some of the most importan't and difficult live here always: they are strangers in duties of the Christian life. affection, as well as in condition; their 1st. If we look upon this earth as a hearts are elsewhere; they desire, they strange country, through which we are even long, to be at home with God. only passing to our native home, it ought The saints justly account themselves certainly to be our care, that we receive strangers upon earth, because they are as little hurt in our passage as possible. regenerated by the Spirit of God; they This is a maxim of common prudence that are "born from above," and therefore can nobody will dispute. Now the greatest find no place of rest while they live at a hurt the world can do us, is to make us STRANGER AND SOJOURNER WITH GOD. 115 forget the place of our destination, or things." I need not inform you which of loiter too much by the way: and therefore these two are the strangers and sojoournits smiles are more to be dreaded than its ers. Let it be our care, my brethren, frowns. "The prosperity of fools," saith who claim this character, " to grow in Solomon, "destroyeth them." It is diffi- grace," and to bring forth "those fruits cult to possess much, and not to overlove of righteousness, which are, by Jesus it: Hence that caution of the Psalmist, Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." " If riches increase, set not your heart Every advance in holiness is a step that upon them." When our situation is so leadeth upward to the heavenly felicity; agreeable, that we find ourselves disposed for what is glory but grace in maturity? to say, " Soul, take thine ease; " then in- they differ only in degree; they are the deed it is high time to look warily around same in kind, and the one grows up and us; the hook is not so curiously baited ripens into the other. Our riches and for no end. I do not mean to disparage honors, though they should accompany us the bounty of Providence; if it hath to the last period of life, must leave us at pleased God to distinguish any of you by death. "Naked we came into the world, riches or honors; or to crown your honest and naked we must return;" but holiness industry with uncommon affluence; it is shall pass with us beyond the grave, and certainly your duty to be thankful to that attend us home to our Father's house, kind Benefactor, who " hath covered your there to shine with increasing brightness table, and made your cup to run over." through all the ages of eternity. Do we I only mean to execute that order which then aspire to the heavenly state? let us was given to Timothy, " Charge them that endeavor to enjoy as much of heaven as are rich in this world, that they be not we can, even while we sojourn in this high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, "house of out pilgrimage." Surely "every but in the living God, who giveth us richly man that hath this hope in him,"-the all things to enjoy." I would only exhort hope of being thoroughly changed into the you as Paul did the Corinthians, " To re-" likeness of his Lord, when he shall see joice as though you rejoiced not; to buy him as he is " at his second appearance, as though you possessed not; and to use must, by this hope, be excited to purify this world so as not to abuse it; because the " himself even as he is pure." Let us then time is short, and the fashion of this world hearken to that affectionate exhortation of passeth away." My sole aim is to remind the apostle Peter, " Dearly beloved, I beyou, that the more you have, the greater seech you, as strangers and pilgrims, abneed there will be to keep a strict and stain from fleshly lusts, which war against jealous guard upon your hearts, lest they the soul." Let us " add to our faith, virbe debauched by those pleasing enjoy- tue; and to our virtue, knowledge; and ments, and alienated from God, who alone to knowledge, temperance; and to temhath a right to them. But it is not perance, patience; and to patience, godlienough that we receive no hurt in our ness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; journey through this strange land; it and to brotherly kindness, charity. For ought likewise to be our care, in the so an entrance shall be ministered unto us 2d place, To make all the provision we abundantly into the everlasting kingdom can for that better country to which we of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." are travelling. The Holy Scriptures 3dly. It becomes strangers and sojourspeak of " a meetness for the inheritance ners to endure with patience and fortitude of the saints in light; "-of"making to our- any hardships they may meet with on selves friends of the mammon of unright- their journey homeward. We ought, ineousuess; "-of "providing bags which deed, my brethren, to lay our account with wax not old, a treasure in the heavens inconveniences by the way: our Master, that faileth not." In opposition to all this, who " was a man of sorrows," hath told we read of some, "who make provision us expressly, that " in the world we shall for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof;" have tribulation." " Ye know," said he, "whose God is their belly, and whose "that the world hated me, before it hated glory is in their shame, who mind earthly you. If ye were of the world, the world 116 SERMON XVII. would love his own; but because ye are find himself utterly at a loss, not knowing not of the world, but I have chosen you which road to take; for though Reason, out of the world, therefore the world hat- unassisted, may still be able to trace out eth you." Yet however painful those suf- the capital lines of sin and duty, yet the ferings may be, the prospect of the joy confines of each, the precise boundaries that awaiteth us, is more than sufficient to which divide the lawful from the forbidsupport us under them; especially when den ground, require a more penetrating it is considered, that the afflictions of this eye to discern them. But in the Holy present life, if wisely improved, shall exalt Scriptures these are plainly marked out us to higher dignity in the kingdom of to us by the finger of God, who cannot err. our Father. It is recorded of the primi- The ten laws published from Sinai, which tive Christians, that " they took joyfully were afterwards explained and amplified the spoiling of their goods," because "they by our Saviour in his sermon upon the knew in themselves, that they had in mount, furnish us with a complete and unheaven a better and an enduring substance." erring rule of life, and describe that'" high" They were troubled on every side, yet way of holiness," in which we may walk not distressed; perplexed, but not in de- without fear or diffidence. We need not spair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast perplex ourselves with the doubtful readown, but not destroyed;" as we read, sonings of our own minds; we may find 2 Cor. iv. 8, 9. And if any shall inquire, an easy solution of all our difficulties in what it was that rendered them superior that written "law and testimony," accordto these trials, they may be lawfully in- ing to which we shall be finally judged: formed by St. Paul himself in the close of for "the testimony of the Lord is sure, that chapter, where he saith, " For this making wise the simple:" "the judgcause we faint not, but though our out- inents of the Lord are true and righteous ward man perish, yet the inward man is altogether." Such is the guide which God renewed day by day. For our light afflic- hath provided for directing his pilgrims tion, which is but for a moment, worketh for in their way homeward; and if we are us a far more exceeding and eternal weight possessed of the temper of pilgrims, " we of glory; while we look not at the things shall esteem the words of God's mouth which are seen, and are temporal, but at more than our necessary food;" and say those things which are not seen, and are concerning them, " More to be desired are eternal." they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; 4thly. If we view heaven as the place sweeter also than honey, and the honeyof our everlasting abode, we shall, above comb. Moreover by them is thy servant all things, be solicitous to be thoroughly warned; and in keeping of them there is acquainted with the way that leads to it. great reward." David prayed with the utmost propriety, 5thly. If we consider ourselves as stranwhen he thus expressed himself, (Psalm gers and sojourners here below, we ought cxix. 19.)' I am a stranger in the earth, certainly to behave like those who belong hide not thy commandments from me." to a better country, and to show by our He knew that " the word of God was a conduct, that we have a nobler birth and lamp to his feet and a light unto his higher hopes than worldly men have. God path;" he therefore " hid it in his heart," frequently complained of his ancient peoas the most inestimable treasure he could ple, that by the wickedness of their lives possess, and made it the subject of his they had caused " his holy name to be proconstant, delightful meditation: " Thy tes- faned among the heathen." They who love timonies," said he,' are my delight, and their country, will be jealous of its credit my counsellors;" and " thy statutes have in foreign parts, and carefully avoid every been my songs in the house of my pilgri- thing that hath a tendency to bring upon mage." I do not deny that Reason, even it the least stain or reproach. Accordin its present dark and corrupt state, may, in ingly, we are exhorted in Scripture, to many important instances, lead a sober in- " adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour quirer to the knowledge of his duty; but, in all things;" " to walk circumspectly, alas! in a great variety of cases, he would not as fools, but as wise;" and particular STRANGER AND SOJOURNER WITH GOD. 117 ly, " to walk in wisdom towards them that world, which is mean and pusillanimous, are without." Indeed, as I formerly ob- and represents religion as variable, timid, served, our first care should be, that we our- and irresolute: Betwixt these two exselves receive no hurt; but I must now tremes lies a middle plan of conduct, remind you, that something more is incum- which expresseth the true genius of bent upon us than regard to our own safe- Christianity, representing it as generous, ty: We ought not only to avoid or resist intrepid, and disinterested. When we temptations to sin, but also to shine in dare avow the sentiments of our hearts, all the virtues of a holy life, that by the and obey the dictates of conscience, and light of our good works others may be the laws of our God, in the face of the excited to glorify our Father who is in sun; when our whole behavior is conheaven. We have two things that should sistent and uniform, and shows that we engage our attention; Jirst, our own wel- have no other aim but to promote the fare; and next, the credit and honor of honor of our heavenly Father, and to obthat religion we profess: And he is too tain his approbation; then we act up to selfish to be agood Christian,who minds on- the dignity of our Christian character; ly the one, and overlooks the other. Wide, then we live as strangers and sojourners my brethren, is the compass of our duty; upon earth. the spiritual sojourner hath many parts to There is one thing in particular I perform; he must not satisfy himself with would recommend to you as peculiarly a retired and private virtue, but is bound suited to the condition of pilgrims; and by the strictest ties of gratitude, " to show that is a decent sobriety of manners, a forth the praises of that God who bath call- grave and serious deportment, in opposied him out of darkness into his marvellous tion to what the Scriptures call a "vain light." Every step of our conduct is of conversation.': I do not mean that you the greatest importance, not to ourselves should be sad and dejected; blessed be only, but to others also; and therefore we God, the Christian hath a more extensive ought to move with caution and accuracy. field of pleasure before him than Fancy It is not enough that we " cease to do itself can represent to the sensual mind. evil;" we must likewise "'learn to do The seriousness to which I am pressing well." Nor should we even think it you is not opposed to joy, but to levity; enough to do what is simply good; we I call you to delights that are pure, sinshould aim at that good which is most sea- cere, and inward, in opposition to " the sonable and excellent. In fine, to live as laughter of the fool, and that delusive becometh true pilgrims, is to walk with mirth that ends in heaviness.:' I would our rule continually in our eye, and never only have you to show, that you find a preknowingly to deviate from it, either to the sent reward in the service of God, and that right hand or to the left: It is to ponder the joys of religion are of too sublime a every step we take; to weigh every underta- quality to mix and incorporate with the king, with all its circumstances, in the bal- dead and polluted pleasures of sense; I ance of the sanctuary: It is to consider the would have you to behave with that spirit consequences of our behavior with regard which becomes your high birth; like perto others; to have our whole conversation, sons who know that God is their father, our words, and our actions, "seasoned with that Christ is their elder brother, and the salt," as the Apostle hath expressed it; Holy Spirit their comforter and guide. that is, not only innocent in themselves, In short, I would have you to act like but, as much as may be, edifying also, that citizens of heaven, who are only passing they may minister grace to those who through this earth, and have little more hear or behold us. concern in it than to escape its polluThere is an affected singularity, which tions, by keeping the strait and narrow is conceited and disobliging, and does road that leads to the promised land of real dishonor to religion, representing it rest. Why should you borrow, nay, why as childish, trifling, and capricious; on should you seem to borrow, water from the other hand, there is a servile compli- the "broken" and dirty " cisterns" of the ance with the maxims and fashions of the sensualist, who have access to " the foun 118 SERMON XVII. tain of living waters? " Is it not your all, let us beware of falling out with our duty, is it not your honor, to show the fellow travellers; for that must necessaworld, that no part of your happiness de- rily mar the progress of both: if they pends upon such low gratifications? that and we are going to the same place, let you find enough in God to quench your that suffice to unite us in affection; thirst, and to satisfy the most unbounded. and let it be agreed, that we may differ desires of your soul? This, my brethren, is in lesser things. the way, the only way, to awaken the at- But many, alas! take the opposite tention of secure, besotted sinners. Let road, and walk in "the broad way that them see what true godliness can do by leadeth to destruction." How shall we itself; and this may beget in them a con- behave with respect to these? Let us reviction of its worth and excellence. But member, my friends, that they are still how shall they discover that religion hath our brethren; and that the time was any peculiar virtue to strengthen and when we ourselves were "foolish and discomfort the soul, so long as they can ob- obedient," even as they are. Should we serve those who profess it walking in the meet with one of our countrymen in a same road, and frequenting the same foreign land, living in a poor and abject haunts of vanity with themselves? There condition, and at the same time knew that is a majesty in strict and serious godli- he was heir to a plentiful estate at home, ness, that commands esteem and rever- would we not endeavor to make him senence even from the worst of men: But sible of his folly? would we not use when religion assumes the habit and com- every argument to persuade him to return plexion of the world, when it is blended with us? —Why, this is the very case. with the fashionable follies of the age, it We see immortal creatures forgetting usually makes such a clumsy figure, such themselves, and the great things they a motley appearance, that it becomes more may possess in the heavenly world, ridiculous and contemptible than pure, pleased and deluded with the veriest unmixed folly itself. "Wherefore come trifles, with lying vanities that perish in out from among them, and be ye separate, the using. They are really our brethren; saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean and there is enough in our Father's house thing; and I will receive you, and be a both for them and us. Indeed, if the father unto you, and ye shall be my sons provision were scanty, we might have and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." some color of excuse for leaving them beOnce more, in the hind us; but the heavenly inheritance is 6th place, If indeed we have turned sufficient for us all; nay, the number of our back upon this world, and are travel- coheirs, instead of diminishing, increaseth ling to a better country, let us help one the happiness of each individual. another by the way, and carry as many We had all wandered into "a far home with us as we can. Do we meet country," when our compassionate Father with any who are feeble and dejected? sent his beloved Son to invite us home. let us do every thing - in our power to And if any of us have got our minds enstrengthen and encourage them. Are lightened; if by grace we have been any doubtful and hesitating about the awakened from our fatal lethargy and right path? let us give them our best ad- determined to comply with the kind invivice, and, according to our ability, show tation; shall we not do what in us lies to them the way wherein they ought to go. awaken those who are still asleep? shall Are any discouraged by the opposition we not tell them the good news, and press they meet with, or the dangers they fear? them to go with us? Oh! it is terrible let us take the road before them, and ani- to think of an everlasting separation. mate them to follow our example. Do Place yourselves before the judgment we see any stopping short, or even look- seat, and think how affecting that awful ing aside to some alluring objects, that moment shall be, when the Judge shall have a tendency to withdraw their hearts pronounce the final doom, and send away from God? let us, in the spirit of meek- from his presence some of those with ness, reprove and admonish them. Above whom we once were acquainted, perhaps JOSHUA'S ADVICE TO ISRAEL. 119 intimately connected, nay, whom we dearly loved; send them, I say, from his pre-SERMON XVIII. sence, to the other side of that impassable gulf, from whence they shall never JOSHUA S ADVICE TO ISRAEL. return! How that final parting shall then be felt by us, I know not; but surely the Preached on the day of National Thanksgiving, distant prospect of it is dreadful in theov. 29, 1759. mean time. O then let us do what we JOShUA xxiii. 11.-" Take good heed therefore can to prevent it! Let us imitate that unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your good Shcpherd " who came to seek and to GOD." save that which was lost:" He "gave his life for the sheep;" and shall any THESE are the words of a soldier and a who have tasted the sweetness of his saint; a soldier, equally brave and sucmercy, think it much to follow, with their cessful; a saint, distinguished, by the teswarmest entreaties, those unhappy wan- timony of God himself. They are the derers who, as they themselves once did, words of Joshua, the victorious leader of have left the good pasture, and continue God's ancient people, and make a part of to stray in the barren wilderness, where, that solemn valedictory speech which he without speedy relief, they must irevoca- pronounced in a national assembly of his bly perish? God forbid. Let us have countrymen a little before his death. pity upon those who have not yet learnt The same happy union of fortitude and to pity themselves; and to the most vigo- piety which had rendered his active life rous efforts we can use for their recovery, so glorious, still shone forth with undiminlet us add our fervent prayers to God, ished strength to adorn the concluding that he may send forth his Spirit, to bring scene. Never did the magnanimity of the them into the way of peace and safety, soldier, never did the piety of the saint, and then to keep and guide them in that never did the generous zeal of the patriot, way, till he lead them at length into "the appear with more becoming grace and land of uprightness." dignity, than when this great and good THUS have I endeavored to show, in a man rose up in the presence of all his variety of instances, what manner of life brethren, and thus addressed the tribes of is most expressive of the temper, and Israel: best suited to the condition of strangers "I am old and stricken in age; and ye and sojourners. May God accompany have seen all that the Lord your God what hath been said with his effectual hath done unto all these nations because blessing, and enable us all so to behave of you; for the Lord your God is he that in this "house of our pilgrimage," that hath fought for you. Behold, I have when we shall have done with earthly divided unto you by lot these nations that things, we may be received into those remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, " everlasting habitations, whither Christ from Jordan, with all the nations that I hath gone to prepare a place for us." To have cut off, even unto the great sea westwhom, with the Father, and the Holy ward. And the Lord your God, he shall Spirit, the one living and true God, be expel them from before you, and drive ascribed, as is most due, all blessing, and them from out of your sight, and ye shall honor, and glory, and power, both now possess their land, as the Lord your God and evermore. Amen. hath promised unto you. Be ye therefore very courageous, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom, to the right hand or to the left; that ye come -.0. not among these nations, these that remain amongst you, neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them; but cleave unto the 120 SERMON XVIIL Lord your God as ye have done unto this breath, he reminds them also, that "it day. For the Lord hath driven out from was the Lord their God that fought for before you great nations and strong; but them." They got not the land by their as for you, no man hath been able to stand own sword, neither did their own bow before you unto this day. One man of save them, but the right hand and arm of you shall chase a thousand; for the Lord Almighty Jehovah." To him therefore your God, he it is that fighteth for you, the sole tribute of praise was due: this as he bath promised you. Take good was the important truth which Joshua. heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye chiefly recommended to the attention of love the Lord your God." his hearers. And now knowing that the " How forcible are right words! " Well time of his departure was at hand, as the did Solomon say, that " the tongue of the last and strongest proof of his affection wise is health," and " a word fitly spoken and care, with the authority of a governor like apples of gold in pictures of silver." he commands, with the bowels of a father An address more worthy of the speaker, he entreats, and, with all the seriousness or better adapted to those who heard it, of a dying saint, he obtests them to lov:e cannot be devised, than that which these the Lord their God. verses present to our view. The Jews This, my brethren, is the charge which were at this time in full possession of the the best of kings, our truly magnanimous promised land; every man dwelt safely and most gracious sovereign, doth this under his vine, and under his fig-tree; day address to us. He hath called us neither was there any to make them afraid; together by his royal proclamation, to refor " the Lard had given them rest from turn public thanks to Almighty God, for all their enemies round about." By a the variety of great and public blessings train of the most astonishing victories, which have enriched and distinguished they had totally subdued the nations of this memorable year. The preceding year Canaan, whose country they divided by was indeed glorious; but of this it may lot among themselves. Such a valuable be said with a peculiar emphasis, that it conquest, equally complete and glorious, excels in glory. Even to the present day, afforded matter of joy and triumph to the series of victory remains unbroken; them all; but chiefly to Joshua, who con- no defeat hath stained our national honor, ducted their arms, and to whose wisdom nor any public disaster interrupted our and valor, as the means under God, they joy. Hitherto our sunshine hath been were visibly indebted for all their success. clear and unclouded. Amidst the tumults Here then was a theatre on which am- and horrors of surrounding war, blessed bition and vain glory might have acted with uncommon plenty at home, we enjoy their parts to great advantage; nay, they all the comforts of domestic peace; whilst might have done it almost without fear of every quarter of the world hath beheld detection or reproof. No claim of merit our triumphs, and on every element, by would have been thought excessive, no ap- sea and by land, success hath crowned the plause too high, no reward too great, for British arms. Success I say, of the best such an illustrious hero as Joshua; and and most valuable kind; for the fruits of had his speech been artfully framed to our victories are not the romantic and exalt hinzsel, the effect of it would pro- airy additions of military fame, but adbably have been similar to that of Herod's vantages of a substantial and more enduroration, when' the people gave a shout, ing nature;-the increase of our naval saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of strength, which experience hath shown to a man.' be the surest means of our defence; the But Joshua possessed " another spirit." enlargement of our commerce, the great Long had he been dead to pride and self- source of our wealth; the protection of interest. He sought not his own praise, our king's electoral dominions, unjustly but the honor of his God, and the pros- invaded on our account; and the security perity of his brethren. He reminds them of our colonies from the inroads and deindeed, that he had often led them to vic- vastations of merciless savages, rendered tory and triumph; but, with the same still more savage by the instigation and JOSHUA'S ADVICE TO ISRAEL. 121 example of perfidious Frenchmen. These " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with are laurels which wither not; acquisitions all thy heart, and with all thy soul," is of real and permanent worth, which, with the first and great commandment in the humble boldness, we may publish to the law; and Providence enforceth what the world, and even avow to our own hearts, law demands. God speaks to us by his as becoming grounds of thanksgiving to works as well as by his word; both are that God, "who is righteous in all his his messengers; and it happens, that the ways, and holy in all his works; who exe- signs of the one are as expressive and incuteth judgment for the oppressed, but telligible as the language of the other. the way of the wicked he turneth upside Hence a voice is ascribed to the rod by down." the prophet Micah, (Micah vi. 9.) "The This King of heaven, ", who abaseth Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and the those who walk in pride; all whose works man of wisdom shall see thy name; HEAR are truth, and his ways judgment;" we YE THE ROD, and who hath appointed it." praise, extol, and honor this day, as the Judgment is that stern messenger which author of these signal and unmerited speaks to us out of the whirlwind, saying, blessings. " Not unto us, 0 Lord, not " Why should ye be striken any more? unto us; " not unto the wisdom of our Will ye revolt still more and more?" counsellors, not unto the valor of our But mercy hath a softer voice; in mildest troops, though both have equalled our accents it courts our return; and, with wishes, and even exceeded our hopes; persuasive eloquence, disarnas our enmity, yet, not unto these, but "unto the name bends the stubborn will, and captivates of God," is all "the glory" due. He it the heart. "When our wickedness corit was who taught our senators wisdom; rects us, and our backslidings reprove He it was who girded our soldiers with us," then it is expected that we should strength; it was the Lord who fought for "know and see what an evil and bitter us in every successful enterprise; who, thing it is to sin against God." After in Germnany and Canada, revealed his this manner do his judgments teach men mighty arm on our side; who hath thus far righteousness. But his mercies have a prospered our righteous cause, and made higher office; to them it belongs to teach us to triumph over them that hate us. men love; they represent God as truly Justly may we say with the church of amiable, as the most worthy object of our old, " 0 sing unto the Lord a new song, supreme affection. Signal and unmerited for he hath done marvellous things; his favors, especially when conferred upon right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten those who are not only unworthy of them, him the victory. The Lord hath made but who deserve the contrary, are justly known his salvation, his righteousness compared to "coals of fire," which melt hath he openly shewed in the sight of the down every thing but dross. Even the heathen: he hath remembered mercy to- malice of Saul was so far overcome by the wards" Britain; "all the ends of the generosity of David, that "he lifted up earth have seen the salvation of our God." his voice and wept, and said unto David, But, my brethren, thanksgiving and Thou art more righteous than I; for thou praise are only a part of the tribute we hast rewarded me good, whereas I have owe. Joshua made a farther demand rewarded thee evil.!' Now of this kind upon his countrymen. And as our situa- are all God's favors towards us. And tion, in some of its most important cir- shall favors of such a nature be heaped cumstances, is apparently similar to theirs; upon us in vain? Surely, when he whom the same charge that was given to them, we had offended, most basely offended, is with the utmost propriety may be ad- not only merciful, but bounteous also; dressed to us: when he not only spares us, but even Take good heed therefore unto your- loads us with benefits; our hearts must be selves, that ye love the Lord your God. impenetrable, and void of all feeling, if For, they are not subdued to the love, as well In the first place, It is for this very as to the admiration, of such amazing end that national mercies are bestowed. generosity. We have been praising God 122 SERMON XVIIL for his goodness; but praise without love ment of prosperity are not altogether wantcan never ascend to his throne with ac- ing. It is recorded to the honor of the ceptance. Let us therefore take good good king Jehoshaphat, (2 Chron. xvii. 5, /eed unto ourselves, that we love the Lord 6.) who had silver and gold in abundance, our God; and the rather because, that " his heart was lifted up in the way In the second place, We are in danger of God's commandments." If we read of perverting his goodness to a very dif- the beginning of the 18th Psalm, in conferent purpose. The caution given in the nection with the title prefixed to it, we text plainly implies this; and the subse- shall discover another amiable instance quent history of the Jewish nation as of the most exact obedience to the complainly proves that the caution was ne- mand in my text. The title runs in these cessary. words: A Psalmn of David, the servant We read in the book of Judges, that, of the Lord, who spake unto the Lord the after the death of Joshua, " there arose words of this song, in the day that the another generation, which knew not the Lord delivered him from the hand of Lord, and they forsook the God of their all his enemies, and from the hand of fathers, which brought them out of the Saul; and Ihe said, (verse 1.) "I will land of Egypt, and served other gods." love thee, 0 Lord, my strength." But This monstrous ingratitude Moses had few, alas! comparatively speaking, walk suspected, and left many warnings on re- in the steps of these holy men. Even a cord to guard them against it. " It shall pious Hezekiah " rendered not again acbe," said he in one place, "when the Lord cording to the benefits done unto him, thy God shall have brought thee into the but his heart was lifted up; " for which land which he sware unto thy fathers, cause "there came wrath upon himself, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give and upon Judah, and upon Jerusalem." thee great and goodly cities which thou Great indeed is our national felicity; buildedst not, and houses full of all good but equally great is our danger of abusing things which thou filledst not, and wells it. Scarcely had the Israelites escaped which thou diggedst not, and vineyards from the house of bondage, when those and olive-trees which thou plantedst not; very spoils they had recovered from their when thou shalt have eaten and are full, task-masters were formed into an idol, then beware that thou forget not the Lord which they basely worshipped in place of thy God, which brought thee forth out of that God, whose outstretched arm had the land of Egypt and from the house of wrought their deliverance. And is it not bondage." And in another place, after possible, my brethren, that the fruits of recounting many temporalblessings which that success with which God hath been God had promised to bestow upon them, pleased to favor us, may, by a like abuse, he thus concludes: "Take heed to your- be perverted into weapons of rebellion selves, that your heart be not deceived, against himself? Luxury is the common and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, attendant upon affluence: This unfits the and worship them." "But Jeshurum mind for serious thinking, and breeds a waxed fat and kicked, and lightly esteem- coldness and indifference towards spiritual ed the rock of his salvation." Israel, things; in consequence of which, a secret that was humble in the wilderness, tame disaffection to those laws which would and tractable in those lean pastures, grew restrain him, soon takes root in the heart proud and wanton in fruitful Canaan. of the sensualist, till, wearied with the When "they sucked honey out of the struggle betwixt reason and appetite, he rock," as the prophet expresses it, "and at length sets himself in opposition to did eat the fat of lambs, and kidneys God and his ways; reproaches, with the of wheat, then said they, We are lords, names of ostentation and hypocrisy, all we will come no more unto thee." serious religion and godliness in others; That prosperity should have another and turns away his eyes from the light that very different effect upon us, I have already reproves him, and even doth what he can endeavored to show; and, blessed be God, to extinguish it altogether. Thus doth exanmples of a wise and laudable improve- " the prosperity of fools destroy them:" JOSHUA'S ADVICE TO ISRAEL. 123 -" When men see no changes, they fear Lord was hot against Israel, and he denot God." What reason then have we to livered them into the hands of spoilers join trembling with our mirth, and to that spoiled them, and he sold them into take good heed unto ourselves, lest our the hands of their enemies round about; table become a snare to us, and the so that they could not any longer stand uncommon blessings we have received, before their enemies, and they were sore instead of heightening our love, should distressed." Now all these things happencause us to forget the hand that bestowed ed to them for ensamples; and they are them, and prove the means of alienating written for our admonition, upon whom our hearts from God! To prevent this, the ends of the world are come. God is let me beg your attention to what I have always the same; he is "in one mind, further to offer, in the and none can turn him." His love to Third and last place, That to love thle righteousness, hi's hatred of sin, are both Lord ouer God, is not only the return he unchangeable; and therefore the truth of expects for his benefits, but the return he that assertion must be equally unchangedemands. It is not only just and reason- able, that "righteousness exalteth a naable in its own nature, but it is likewise tion; " whereas "sin is the reproach," absolutely necessary on our part; nay, it and, if obstinately persisted in, must prove is the one thing needful; the withholding the ruin " of any people."-" For wickedof which shall unavoidably be attended ness burneth as the fire, it shall devour with the most fatal consequences. the briers and thorns, and kindle in the This expresses the true spirit of the thickets of the forests, and they shall charge, and was certainly the important mount up as the lifting up of smoke; truth that Joshua meant to convey to his through the wrath of the Lord of hosts hearers. His great aim was to remind is the land darkened, and the people shall them, in thefirst place, that all the past be as the fuel of the fire."-Isa. ix. 18. successes were entirely owing to the favor Ought we not then to take good theed of the MIost High; anrd, next, to persuade unto ourselves, that we love the Loerd our them, that upon the continuance of his God? Joshua gave this advice to the Almighty protection, their future pros- Jews a long time after the Lord had perity would solely depend. He exhorts given them rest from all their enemies them indeed, (verse 6) to be "very con- round about. We, my brethren, are still rageous." But for what end? Was it engaged in war, the issue of which is only to fight against men? No; it was always doubtful. We have drawn the also that, in opposition to all dangers and sword, and thus far have employed it with difficulties of what kind soever, they might glory and success; but it was a prudent steadfastly obey the Lord their God. "Be caution which Ahab gave to Benhadad, ye therefore very courageous to keep and " Let not him that girdeth on the harness to do all that is written in the book of the boast himself as he that taketh it off." law of Moses, that ye turn not aside there- Our enemies are weakened, but they are from, to the right hand or to the left." likewise greatly irritated; and still they And then, says he, (verse 10.) " One man are a strong and formidable people. We of you shall chase a thousand, for the can look back upon a time when our own Lord your God is he that fighteth for situation was very unpromising; when you " But he adds, in the verses follow- every alarm brought a panic along with ing my text, "If ye go back, and trans- it, till, roused by insult and a sense of gress the covenant of the Lord your God, danger, the national spirit at length know for a certainty, that the anger of the awoke; vigorous measures were pursued; Lord shall be kindled against you, and ye and, by the good hand of our God upon shall quickly perish from off the good us, have wonderfully prospered. It is a land which he hath given you." Accord- thing impossible, it is even improbable, ingly. we are told, in the second chapter that similar causes may produce similar of the book of Judges, that when the suc- effects in the councils and measures of ceeding generation forsook the Lord, and the nation with whom we contend? served other gods, " then the anger of the Were they in reality weaker than we are 124 SERMON XIX. willing to suppose, it would ill become us shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou to deny a truth, of which we ourselves shalt die the deaths of them that are slain have so lately had the happy experience, in the midst of the seas." to wit,' That the battle is not always to Let tus learn wisdom from their folly. the strong." Both at lIinden and Que- Let their punishment admonish us to bebec, every advantage for victory is now ware of that pride which God abhorreth: certainly known to have been on the side Let the manifold goodness we profess to of our enemies. The fate of nations is celebrate this day, lead us to " that renot deterined by the policy of men; pentance which is never to be repented the events of war are conducted and over- of; "-and let us fervently pray,' That ruled by a higher hand than the arm of the Holy Spirit may be given unto us, to flesh. Hear what God said to the Jews shed abroad the love of God in our hearts," by the prophet Jeremiah: " Though ye as an effectual principle of all holy obehad smitten the whole army of the Chal- dience. Then we may hope, that the Lord deans that fight against you, and there of Hosts will go forth with our arms, and remained but wounded men among them, lead them on to new and still greater yet should they rise up every man in his triumphs; till at length the desolations of tent, and burn this city with fire." " With- war shall be happily terminated by a safe, out mne," says he by another prophet,' they an honorable, and lasting peace. Which shall bow down under the prisoners, and may God of his infinite mercy grant, they shall fall under the slain." through Jesus Christ our Lord. Anzen. Blessed be God, we have large and manifold grounds of thanksgiving; but the very grounds of our thanksgiving are likewise monitors of humility, and press the necessity of securing the friendship of SERMON XIX. that Almighty Being, who " doth according to his will in the armies of heaven, SEPARATION OF THE PRECIOUS AND THE and amongst the inhabitants of this earth." VILE Pride and security are fatal presages of approaching ruin. " Before destruction Preached in January 1773, when, in thle city of e heart of man is haught." How Edinburgh, distress and dissipation were in the the heart of man is haughty." How extreme. awful was the doom pronounced against Tyre! (Ezek. xxviii. 2. et seq.) " Thus EZEKIEL IX. 4. —"And the Lord said unto him, saith the Lord God, Because thine heart Go through the midst of the city, through the is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh, and that cry, god, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst for all the abominations that be done in the of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not midst thereof." God, though thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God: behold, thou art. wiser THE apostle Paul having recited to the than Daniel; there is no secret that they Christians at Corinth some of those awful can hide from thee: with thy wisdom, judgments which God had inflicted upon and with thine understanding, thou hast his ancient church for their rebellion and gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold obstinacy, subjoins these memorable words, and silver into thy treasures: by thy (Cor. x. 11.) " Now all these things hapgreat wisdom, and by thy traffic, hast pened unto them for ensamples; (or types, thou increased thy riches, and thine heart as the world is rendered in the margin) and is lifted up because of thy riches. There- they are written for our admonition, upon fore thus saith the Lord God, Because whom the ends of the world are come." thou hast set thine heart as the heart of The Bible, though it records the actions God; behold, therefore, I will bring of men, yet, properly speaking, is the hisstrangers upon thee, the terrible of the tory of God, and contains an account of nations; and they shall draw their swords his proceedings with his creatures in a against the beauty of thy wisdom, and great variety of instances; that from those they shall defile thy brightness. They acts of government, compared with what, SEPARATION OF THE PRECIOUS AND THE VILE. 125 he positively declares concerning himself, and if it shall appear that ill-boding sympwe may be enabled to form the clearest toms of approaching danger are to be found and justest conceptions of his nature and among us in a very high degree, I shall will; and may learn, with undoubted cer- endeavor, in the tainty, what we have either to fear or to Third place, To lay before you a few hope from him. of the genuine symptoms and proper God is always the same; "with him effects of the gracious temper I mean to there is no variableness, neither shadow recommend;-and then conclude the sub. of turning: " and therefore, in his past ject with some practical improvement. procedure, we see the plan of his present First. If it shall be asked, When, or and future administration; which brings upon what occasions, the exercise of godly the passage I have been reading home to sorrow for sin is in a peculiar manner ourselves, and interests us deeply in the seasonable? I answer, matter it contains. When transgressors are very numerous; In the preceding chapter, the prophet when the body of a people is corrupted, had got a full view of the abominations so that, in the language of the prophet that were done in the midst of Jerusalem; Isaiah, "the whole head is sick, and the and here he gets a visionary representation whole heart is faint:" then all who fear of their punishment. He beholds six men God are loudly called upon to sigh andl to approaching the city, each of them armed cryfor the abominations that are done in with a destroying weapon, who are ex- the midst of the land. If one Achan troupressly commanded to slay the inhabi- bled the whole camp of Israel, what must tants, both old and young, begginning at a multitude of sinners do? If the discithe sanctuary. But before they proceed ples of our Lord were exceeding sorrowful to execution, one, distinguished by his when their Master told them that there garb, being clothed with linen, and hav- was one traitor in their company, how afflictitng a writer's inghoron by his side, re- ing must it be to the true lover of God, to ceives the gracious commission recorded behold the wicked so multiplied, that, in in my text, to separate the precious from comparison of them, the godly are only a the vile, by setting a mark upon their small remnant, a very " little flock," that foreheads, that they might not be involved can scarcely be discerned. in the ruin of their fellow-citizens. The call becomes still more pressing, Whether any sentence of wrath hath when transgressors are not only numerous, already gone forth against these sinful but likewise bold and impudent; sinning, lands to which we belong, must be to us as Absalom did, " before all Israel, and an impenetrable secret: " The heart of a in the sight of the sun." This is a fatal king is unsearchable," said.Solomon; much presage of approaching vengeance; for more is the heart of the King of kings. God will not always tolerate such insolent But surely it can never be unseasonable contempt of his authority. Judgment to lead your attention to a passage of may be suspended, while vice skulks in scripture, where God's meroy to the peni- darkness, as ashamed of the light; but tent, and his peculiar concern for their when it appears in broad day, when sinners safety, are set before us in so just and proclaim their sins as Sodom, and hide striking a light. them not, then they may be said " to Godly sorrow for abounding iniquity is strengthen themselves against the Alat all times a dutiful and becoming exer- mighty, and to run upon the thick bosses cise; nevertheless there are certain seasons of his bucklers." And it is not to be supwhen the call to it may be considered as posed that such insolent defiance can long more loud and pressing. Some of these I escape without some open and awful reshall mention in the first place. buke. At such a time, then, mourning Secondly. I shall inquire, with as much must be peculiarly seasonable. tenderness as regard to truth will permit, Especially when sinners are not only how the case stands with respect to the numerous and impudent, but likewise time and place in which our lot is cast: guilty of those grosser abominations which 126 SERMON XIX. in former ages have been followed with purged thee," saith God by the prophet the most tremendous judgments. It is Ezekiel, "and thou wast not purge* thou true, indeed, that " the wrath of God is shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any revealed from heaven against all un- more, till I have caused my fury to rest righteousness and ungodliness of men;" upon thee. I the Lord have spoken it, it nevertheless there are some particular in- shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will stances of ungodliness and unrighteous- not go back, neither will I spare, neither ness, which God hath marked out, and will I repent; according to thy ways, and distinguished from others, as the objects according to thy doings, shall they judge of hi's greatest abhorrence; and with thee, saith the Lord God." When the respect to which he hath said more ex- wicked are forewarned of their sin and plicitly, both in his word and by his pro- danger; when, by the preaching of the vidence, that he will not suffer them to word, their duty is plainly and faithfully pass unpunished. I cannot pretend to set before them; when they are exhorted give you a minute detail of these; only, by others, and rebuked by their own conif you read the Scriptures, you will find, sciences; when they are smi tten with such that profane swearing, perjury, contempt rods as bear the most legible signature of of the Sabbath, theft, murder, and adul- their crimes; or when, in a milder way, tery, aie all of this kind. The prophet they are admonished and warned by the Zechariah beheld a flying roll of curses, punishments inflicted upon others for the twenty cubits in length, and ten in breadth, same crimes; when, after all or any of which had a commission to enter into the these means employed to reclaim them, house of the thief, and into the house of they still hold fast their iniquities, and him that sweareth falsely by the name of will not let them go; then should the God, there to remain till it had utterly con- godly lament and mourn, and pray with sumed it, with the timber thereof, and the redoubled earnestness for those miserable stones thereof. " By swearing, and lying, creatures, who have neither the ingenuity and killing," saith the prophet Hosea," by nor the wisdom to pray for themselves. stealing and committing adultery, they How far these causes of grief and labreak out, and blood toucheth blood. There- mentation are to be found among us, I fore shall the land mourn, and every one might leave to the determination of those that dwelleth therein shall languish, with whose hearts are " wise to discern both the beasts of the field, and with the fowls time and judgment:" but I should reckof heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also on myself unfaithful to God, and injurishall be taken away." And how highly ous to the souls of men, if I did not hint God resents the profanation of his Sabbath, a few obvious remarks relative to the time appears from the reproof'and expostula- and place in which our lot is cast; which tion of good Nehemiah, which is recorded, was the (Nehem. xiii. 17, 18.) " Then I contended Second thing proposed in the method. with the nobles of Judah, and said unto I shall not compare our condition to them, What evil thing is this that ye do, that of Sodom, when ten righteous persons and profane the Sabbath-day? Did not were not to be found in it; neither shall I your fathers thus, and did not God bring compare it to the state of the Jews, when all this evil upon us, and upon this city? God said to the prophet Jeremiah, " Run yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by ye to and fro in the streets of Jerusalem, profaning the Sabbath." When therefore and see now, and know, and seek in the the same sins are frequent and open among broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, any people, that must surely be a season if there be any that executeth judgment, for grief and lamentation. And still and seeketh the truth; and I will pardon more, it." Blessed be God this is not precisely When the persons that commit them the case with us. There is not only some, are resolute and incorrigible. *' He that but, I trust, a goodly number throughout being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, the land, who sincerely love God, and seek shall suddenly be destroyed, and that his glory: but this I dare venture to without remedy." —;' Because I have affirm, that they are few, very few, when SEPARATION OF THE PRECIOUS AND THE VILE. 127 compared with the wicked; and, which is should obey him? " " As for the word still more afflicting their numbers are which thou hast spoken to us in the name daily decreasing, while the opposite inter- of the Lord, we will not hearken unto thee, est prevails, and visibly gains ground but we will certainly do whatsoever goeth among all ranks and conditions of men. forth out of our own mouth." This is It is too apparent to be denied, that the so notorious, that by many it is reputed vices I mentioned under the former head, a maxim of prudence, to give way to the intemperance, lewdness, the most insolent. prevailing humors of the times. Some sins, abuse of the Christian Sabbath, lying, say they, have got such countenance, that and even perjury itself, are more or less it is dangerous to reprove them: they must practised in every corner of the land.- be winked at; for were they to be roughly These, and many other enormities, are so handled, they would either grow more headfrequent and undisguised, that no man strong and violent, or only be exchanged who comes abroad into the world can pre- for other excesses, which might be fully tend to be ignorant that such abonzinations as bad, or perhaps worse, than -themselves. are done in the midst of us. I am far from And though it betrays a disloyal, or at supposing, that any of them were altogether least a cowardly spirit, to be swayed by unknown in former times; though I am such crooked maxims; yet the currency verily persuaded, that all of them are now they have got affords a pregnant proof, become more universal, and that some of that contempt of divine authority is them are carried to a much greater height another unhappy characteristic which than ever they were in the days of our distinguisheth the present from former fathers. However, as they cannot be strict- times. ly accounted the peculiar reproach of the Further, we seem, in a great measure, present age, I shall remind you of some to have lost any proper sense of our deother instances of departure from God, pendence upon God. "When his hand is which, with greater and more evident pro- lifted up, we do not see." We forget him priety, may be determined the distinguish- in prosperity; and in adversity we look ing characteristics of the times in which no higher than the creature. We trust we live. for deliverance to the arm of flesh, but I begin with Infidelity, which of late never think of turning to the Lord who hath spread itself through all orders of smiteth us. Nay, have there not been men, the lowest not excepted. This article repeated attempts to prove, that a nation of charge needs no proof; for besides the may prosper, not only independent of God, multitude of professed infidels, who grasp but even, as it were, in defiance of him? at the character as a title of honor, and that the public interest is promoted by even struggle beyond the bounds of moder- the vices of individuals? that utility is ation to obtain it; besides these I say, the the measure of virtue, the only standard growing disregard of the ordinances of re- for determining what is right or wrong? ligion, the total neglect and disuse of I do not mention those schemes from any them by some, and the hypocritical abuse, apprehension that the arguments by which and formal, ineffectual attendance upon they are supported are formidable in themthem by others, are fatal proofs of the pre- selves; but whether men believe the prinvalence of infidelity; and plainly show, ciples or not, it is a certain truth, that the that the generality, even of those who re- general practice doth unhappily correspond tain the Christian name, do either in their with them. One thing is obvious, that few heart reject the gospel as false, or, which consider a reformation of manners as any comes to the same purpose, reckon it a means of national prosperity; whereas, matter of small importance whether the had we a just impression of our depengospel be true or not. dence upon God, that would readily occur Again, is there not a visible contempt to us, not only as one, but as the best, nay, of the authority of God? If his laws con- the only effectual means, for securing the tradict the humors of men, they refuse safety, and advancing the real honor and to be controlled by them; and say by interest of our country. their practice, " Who is the Lord, that we To all these I must add the Luxury 128 SERMON XIX. and Sensitality which have been growing sigh and to cry for the abominations upon us for several years past, and have that are done in the midst of our land. now spread their roots and branches so It still remains, in the wide, that'they may truly be said to fill Third place, That I lay before you a the whole land. Pleasure is at length be- few of the genuine symptoms and proper come a laborious study; and with many, I effects of the gracious temper I mecan to am afraid, it is their only study; for it recommend. And, leaves them no room to pursue any other. 1st. We can never be assured, that What new scenes of amusement are daily our grief for the sins of others is pure, invented? How artfully are they ranged, and of the right kind, unless our hearts so as to stand clear of each other, without be duly affected with grief and sorrow for leaving any vacant space between them? our own transgressions. It is this that disIt is trifling to plead, that they are not tinguisheththe true mourners in Zion from criminal in their own nature, and may censorious and ill-natured hypocrites, who therefore be consistent with the service of are quick in discerning the smallest mote God: I must call this a mean, disingenu- in their brother's eye, while they pay no ous evasion, till they who plead it shall be attention at all to the great beam in their pleased to inform us, what portions of time own. Godly sorrow is just and impartial; are left unoccupied, wherein they can find it always begins at home, and makes few leisure to serve God if they would. The visits abroad till domestic sins are first truth is, the present system of pleasure bewailed. Many, like the lapwing, are and fashionable politeness, appears a.bso- continually fluttering about, and, with artlutely incompatible with piety and devo- ful screams, lament the vices of all around tion; an artful contrivance to banish re- them, merely to draw off their attention flection altogether, and to put it out of from their own cage of unclean birds. the power of sinful, dying creatures to Such pretended mourners are hateful to think of God and an eternal world. God; and every counterfeit tear becomes This unhappy distemper of the times in a drop of oil, which shall only serve to inwhich we live, doth at present carry in its flame the everlasting burnings: whereas face some of the most alarming symptoms the true mourner is more severe against of danger. Instead of yielding to the most himself than against any other person in probable means of cure, it rather becomes the world, the vilest not excepted; yea, more stubborn and infectious. Might it he never sees nor hears of the wickedness not have been expected, that the distress of others, but conscience immediately stirs which hath prevailed in our nation for some within him, and he is ready to say with months past, would at least have checked Pharaoh's butler, "I remember my own the growth of luxury? yet it seems to have fault this day." He considers the worst produced the very opposite effect. While of men as exhibiting a true picture of his the poor are starving, while many who are own natural condition; and humbly acwilling to labor can find no employment, knowledgeth, that it was God only who and not a few have abandoned their native made him to differ, and that he hath country to seek that sustenance in foreign nothing but what he received from his bounparts which they could not earn at home; tiful hand. still is pleasure pursued with increasing 2dly. Our grief is of the right kind, ardor, and no price is deemed extravagant when it leads us to pray for transgressors; that can purchase an addition to it. In and when it hath not this effect, we have short, men appear to be striving against not only cause to suspect, but may conGod with their eyes open, and to have elude, without hesitation, that it is sptristudied the design of his Providence on ous and counterfeit. If, instead of the purpose to defeat it; for such an exact closet, it carry us abroad into company, plan of contradiction discovers art and to divulge our neighbor's faults, under the contrivance, and could hardly have been pretext of bewailing them; in that case stumbled upon by mere accident. we may assure ourselves, that our hearts Judge then, upon the whole, whether are strangers to that godly sorrow whereof there be not cause more than sufficient to my text speaks. The true mourner de SEPARATION OF THE PRECIOUS AND THE VILE. 129 sires, above all things, the reformation of hide a multitude of sins," and may look his brother; and therefore he goes direct- for more distinguished honor in that day, ly to God himself, who hath the hearts of " when they that be wise shall shine as the all men in his hand, and can turn them as brightness of the firmament; ail they that the rivers of water. He lays the sinner's turn many unto righteousness as the stars case before the compassionate Saviour, for ever and ever." Once more, not by way ofcomplaint, but to move his 4thly. If we are in truth possessed of pity, and to obtain his help. He uncov- this gracious temper, if our grief for ers the poor leper in, the sight of the abounding iniquity flows from the pure Physician who can heal him: and at the fountain of love to God, and zeal for his same time would be extremely well pleas- glory, we shall own his cause in the most ed, that his loathsomeness were hid from perilous times, and reckon nothing too every other eye. True grief will restrain dear to be hazarded in his service. That us from speaking evil of our neighbor, or saying of our Lord will be continually detecting his secret faults, except in cases sounding in our ears, " He that is ashamof absolute necessity, when the conceal- ed of me and of my words, in this aduling them would either be hurtful to the terous and perverse generation, of him innocent, or prejudicial to the public in- also shall the Son of man be ashamed, terest. Nay, it will be painful to us to when he cometh in the glory of his Father hear of the miscarriages of our brethren; with all the holy angels." Many can and we shall be very slow to believe any weep in secret for the sins of others, who reports to their disadvantage, without the have not the fortitude to appear against strongest and most convincing evidence; them in public. But such persons would and after all, we shall neither despise nor do well to consider, that neither their tears hate them, far less expose them to the nor their prayers can avail them any thing, contempt and hatred of others; on the so long as they fold their hands like the contrary, we shall pity them, and pray for sluggard, and neglect the proper means them in secret, commending their case to for obtaining what they ask. God permits, the God of love, before whom all their nay commandeth us. to cast our care upon sins are already naked and open, and him; but he giveth us no allowance to earnestly implore his pardoning mercy dispose of our work in that way. We and sanctifyinggrace in their behalf, with -must be doing in a humble dependence the same fervor and importunity that we upon his grace; and then we may both ask ask these inestimable blessings for our- and hope to obtain his blessing upon our selves. endeavors. But if we pray, and sit still; 3cly. Our grief for the sins of others, if we lie howling upon our beds, when we: if pure and genuine, will be accompanied should be abroad at our labor, we offenda with proper endeavors to reclaim them. God instead of pleasing him; and can, Every true mourner will consider himself look for no other answer but this, "Who. as " his brother's keeper," and will leave hath required these things at your hand? " no means unattempted to prevent his ruin. This, my brethren, is very necessary to be. He will not think it enough to plead with attended to. There is hardly any man God for mercy to the sinner: he will like- who maintains the profession of religion,. wise plead with the sinner to have mercy who will not readily acknowledge, that we upon himself. He will set his guilt and stand in great need of a reformation; danger before him in the most prudent yet where is the man to be found who and affecting manner he can; and though seems heartily disposed to contribute his he meet with many repulses, nay, though assistance? When God is calling, " Who his labor of love should be requited will stand up for me against the evil with scorn and hatred, yet he will repeat doers? Who will rise up for me against his application again and again, and take the workers of iniquity? " instead of rehold of every favorable opportunity that plying, with the prophet Isaiah, " Lord, presents itself; remembering, that " he here am I, send me," we are rather inwho converteth a sinner from the error of clined to say, each one for himself, Lord, his way, shall save a soul from death, and such another person is fitter for the work,, 9 130 SERMON XIX. send him; but I pray thee have me excused. sen. If you are very young, I partly exI shall be accounted a zealot, saith one, if cuse you; but if you are advanced in life, I engage in this service; I shall offend I am unable to devise any color of apology my friends, saith another: A third pleads for you, but must necessarily charge you, the doubtfulness of the event: A fourth either with amazing inattention, or more hath some worldly gain or preferment in amazing perverseness; for it is notorious, view, and therefore it is too early to ap- that not the power only, but even the form pear for God as yet; but he resolves, that of godliness, is under a lamentable decay, after he hath got his aim in the service of and hath been so for many years past: the devil, then he will turn about, declare witness the general neglect of family-worhimself to be on the Lord's side, and con- ship, the gross profanation of the Chrisfess him openly, when it can no longer tian Sabbath, and sundry kinds of immohurt his secular interest. These maxims, rality, which were scarcely known in our however oddly they may sound, are in re- country half a century ago. These ill-boality the hinges upon which the bulk of ding symptoms make it too evident, that nominal Christians turn; by these despi- we are a degenerate and backsliding peocable rules do they square their conduct, ple, who are fast filling up the measure of in a matter which, of all others, is the our iniquity; and it is an additional cause most weighty and interesting. Whereas of grief that so few among us observe and the true mourner prefers the glory of God are affected with it. and the interest of his kingdom to every I shall next speak to those who make a thing else. He is not governed by the mock of sin, who are obstinate and hardlow and flexible maxims of worldly policy; hearted, and, instead of lamenting, glory he doth not consult with flesh and blood, in their wickedness. You perhaps suspect but makes the will of God, and the dic- that I am going to address you with sharptates of conscience, the rule and the only ness and severity; but you are really misrule, of his conduct. He doth whatso- taken. God knows that I pity you, and ever appears right to him in the mean have no other aim but to make you pity time, and leaves the issue with God. He yourselves. You have long been deaf to is neither discouraged by the small num- warnings and reproofs: O let the sweet ber of the godly, nor intimidated by the voice of mercy at length prevail! God multitude of transgressors; but in all hath sworn that he taketh no pleasure in cases, where he hath a call, and opportu- your death; and this is his call to you after nity to act, publicly avows the master all your provocations, Turn ye, turn ye, whom he serves; and under the banner of why will ye die? Nay. he hath paved the his Almighty Saviour, he valiantly con- way for your return to him with the blood tends with earth and hell, being assured of his own Son, " who suffered, the just for of a triumphant victory at last. If this the unjust, that he might bring the chief render him vile in the eyes of others, like of sinners to God." It is impossible you David, he is willing to become yet more can prevail against him, or disappoint him vile; and, with Moses, the man of God, of his glory; the weapons of your rebelhe bravely prefers the reproach of Christ lion can only hurt yourselves; and, ere to all the fading riches, and honors, and long, the proudest of his enemies shall bow pleasures, of a present world. down before him, and lick- the very dust. A GREAT variety of uses might be made Even you, my friends, must either bend of this subjeet; but I shall conclude with to the sceptre of his grace, or be dashed in addressing a few words to three different pieces with his rod of iron: those haughty classes of hearers, which may be supposed looks shall shortly be humbled, either in to comprehend the whole of this assembly. mercy or in judgment; and if once his I shall begin with those who think that wrath begin to burn, there is no power that there is no great cause to complain of the shall be able to deliver you out of his hand. world at present; and consequently, that Why then will you reject his gracious the duty I have been recommending is counsel? Why willyouperishwhenmercy neither so necessary, nor so seasonable, is in your offer? Why will you break the as many others that might have been cho- hearts of all that fear God, when, by your UNERRING MARK OF DEPRAVITY. 131 conversion, and flight into the true city of always accompanied with vigorous endearefuge, you might afford cause of great joy vors to reclaim transgressors. This. both in heaven and on earth? For the then, my brethren, is twhat God demands Lord's sake consider your ways, and be and expects from you. Let every one in wise; " seek the Lord while he may be his station contribute his aid for the supfound, call upon him while he is near." pression of vice, and for promoting the inThe great enemy of your souls will proba- terests of pure and undefiled religion. bly suggest to you, that if you comply with Let us join hand in hand in this necessary this exhortation, your old companions will work and labor of love. Fired with zeal mock and ridicule you, in proportion to for the glory of God, and fervent charity your former excess in sin; and this snare, to the souls of men, let us not only sigha I am afraid, is too fatally successful with and cry for the abominations that are many. But let not any suggestion of this done in the midst of our land, but do all kind deter you from doing what you plain- that we can to prevent the ruin of a sinly see to be your duty and your interest. ful nation. The godly, with whom you join yourselves, Hereby we shall become public blesswill be far from upbraiding you with past ings while we live, and shall at last, offences; they will freely forgive all the through the mercy of God in Christ, have injuries you have done to them, and teach an entrance ministered unto us into that you to magnify the riches of divine grace, better world, where all tears shall be which took hold of themselves when ready wiped away from our eyes, where the into perish, and advanced them to be heirs habitants are altogether unstained, and of everlasting salvation. " Therefore the joys absolutely perfect; where, with come out from among the wicked, and be one heart, and one voice, we shall celebrate ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the praises of Zion's King; ascribing glory the unclean thing; and I willreceive you, and honor, dominion and power, to him and I will be a father unto you, and ye that sitteth upon the throne, and to the shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lamb for ever and ever. Amen. Lord Almighty." I now turn with pleasure to the mournners in Zion, who are deeply affected with their own sins and with the sins of those among whom they live. And I would say SERMON XX. for your encouragement, that this becoming temper affords undoubted evidence of UNERRING MARK OF DEPRAVITY. a work of grace upon your own hearts. Hereby it appears that you are the ECCL. VIIL 11. -"Because sentence against an cHildreny of Goseeing the honoruofey evil work is not executed speedily; therefore children of God, seeing the honor of your the heart of the sons of men is fully set in heavenly Father is so precious in your es- them to do evil." teem. And know for your comfort, that none of these filial tears can be lost: God THOUGH God had not favored us with an puts them into his bottle, as the Psalmist explicit revelation of his will, yet that abexpresses it; and whatever be the fate of solute perfection which Reason must atthose on whose account they were shed, tribute to the Supreme Being, would you shall at last receive joy for mourning, naturally lead us to conclude, that he and garments of everlasting praise for cannot look upon sin without the greatest your present spirit of heaviness. This abhorrence; and, in consequence thereof, holy grief, as you learn from the context, that his impartial justice, and almighty may be a means of securing you against power, will not always suffer that abomitemporal judgments; at any rate, it will nable thing which he hates to pass unsweeten them, and shall undoubtedly be punished. Accordingly we find, that the succeeded with fulness of joy at God's conscience of man, till a long habit of right hand. sinning hath rendered it callous and inBut you will remember, that grief for sensible, gives a reluctant assent to the abounding iniquity, if pure and genuine, is equity of such punishment, by that an 132 SERMON XX. guish which it raiseth in the sinner's that they may exceed in wickedness: mind upon the commission of any gross "they weary themselves to commit inand heinous transgression. This made iquity;" and " sin as with a cart-rope." Judas to cry out after his vile treachery, It must no doubt appear an incredible "I have betrayed innocent blood." Nay, abuse of the divine goodness, to pervert so powerfully was his heart smitten with that patience which should lead men to a sense of the demerit of his crime, that, repentance, into an encouragement to sin despairing of pardon, he in a manner an- more presumptuously; yet so it hath been ticipated the sentence of condemnation, in times past; and there is too just cause and became the executioner of divine to complain, that it continues to be so justice, by laying violent hands upon him- still. Indeed, "when God's judgments self. And the apostle Paul testifies con- are in the earth," the inhabitants thereof cerning the Gentile world, that even they, do sometimes " learn righteousness;" at by the light of Nature, and the dictates least, so long as the rod lies heavy upon of unassisted Reason, " knew the judg- them, they may refrain from those sins ment of God;" and universally acknowl- which they imagine have subjected them edged, with respect to many acts of atro- to it; but no sooner is the rod laid aside, cious wickedness,'that they who com- than they quickly relapse into their former mitted such things were worthy of death." course of living, agreeably to what the But the sacred records have put this prophet Isaiah observes, " Let favor be matter beyond all uncertainty. There shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn "the wrath of God is revealed from righteousness; in the land of uprightness heaven against all unrighteousness and will he deal unjustly, and will not behold ungodliness of men:" and a curse is de- the majesty of the Lord." What is writnounced against every one, without ex- ten, (Luke xii. 45.) is too just a picture ception, "' who continueth not in all things of the temper and practice of the bulk of which are written in the book of the law mankind; " they say in their heart, The to do them." So that a sentence is Lord delayeth his coming; and thereupon passed, and stands in force, against every presume to beat their fellow-servants, and evil work; and the words of Solomon, to eat, and drink, and to be drunken;" which I have chosen for the subject of the yea, not the foolish virgins only, but even following discourse, represent to us, on the the wise, are in danger of slumbering, one hand, the marvellous patience of God while the bridegroom tarrieth, as we read, in suspending the execution of this right- Matth. xxv. 5. eous sentence; and, on the other hand. There is an unhappy tendency in our men's vile abuse of his unmerited good- nature to forget God. The best find ness. Instead of being led to repentance, enough ado to overcome it; but the they grow bolder in sin; and "because wicked give full scope to it; and nothing sentence against their evil works is not but chastisement, severe and present chasspeedily executed, therefore their heart is tisement, will bring them the length even fully set in them to do evil. of a feigned submission to God. Hence There is an awful emphasis in the last the observation is drawn, that times of adof these expressions: it denotes the ex- versity have always been most friendly to treme wickedness that sinners may arrive religion; and they must know little of the at; not only to commit sin when assaulted history of the world in general, and of with violent temptations, but to make an their own country in particular, who do habitual trade of it; nay, to employ them- not agree in this remark. National prosselves in it with delight. Their heart is perity is certainly most desirable; we reso fully set in them to do evil, that all their gard it as a blessing, we pray for the confaculties bend that way. Thus we read tinuance of it; and it is our duty to do of some "'who drink iniquity like water;" so: yet if we examine the annals of "' who devise mischief upon their beds, former times, and do not turn away our and set themselves in a way that is not eyes from the real state of our own times, good; nay, who put themselves to in- we shall be obliged to acknowledge, that credible pains and hard labor, as it were, a calm is often more hurtful than a storm, UNERRING MARK OF DEPRAVITY. 133 both to the church and people of God. Having got thus far, he proceeds to call True it is, that arts and sciences flourish, in question the omniscience of God, and and a form of godliness may perhaps pre- to entertain some hope that his iniquities vail; but, alas! the life and power of it may pass unobserved. Of such we read, decay apace; vices formerly unknown (Psalm lxiv. 5.) "They encourage themspring up like weeds in too rank a soil; selves in an evil matter; they commune even the best are apt to grow remiss and of laying snares privily; they say, Who careless, wanton and secure. shall see us?" And, (Psalm x. 11.) " He What I apprehend to be most necessary hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten; upon this subject is, to inquire whence He hideth his face, He will never see it." this unnatural abuse of the divine pa- He begins to think that God taketh no tience proceeds; and to detect some of notice of human affairs when vice passeth those false reasonings by which sinners long unpunished; and thence he derives derive encouragement to do evil, from fresh courage, and persists in his career that very exercise of goodness which with growing intrepidity. ought to produce the quite contrary effect. At length he acquires the boldness to Now the principal causes of this abuse, impugn the holiness of God, and to form or the steps whereby sinners arrive at the an idea of him that suits the corrupt disamazing pitch of wickedness described in position of his own heart. He endeavors my text, seem to be these following. to persuade himself, that the remorse he The delay of punishment gradually used to feel after the commission of sin, weakens those impressions of fear, where- was purely owing to the prejudice of eduby the unpractised sinner is always alarm- cation, and the influence of some narrow ed at his entrance upon a wicked and principles instilled into his mind by his flagitious course of life. No man becomes parents or tutors, before he was capable utterly profligate at once; conscience will of judging for himself. remonstrate to the young transgressor; This step to a total degeneracy is and the struggle is ofttimes sharp and long strongly marked, (Psalm 1. 24.) where before this deputy of the Supreme Judge God saith, " These things thou hast done, can be wholly put to silence. It were and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that superfluous to prove what every man feels, I was altogether such a one as thyself." or at least must have felt, in some period Because God kept silence, and did not utof his life. Depraved as we are, sins of ter his anger in speedy vengeance, the sina grosser kind are always committed with ner thought that he was altogether such a some reluctance at their first commence- one as himself; that virtue and vice were ment, and followed with remorse and fictitious names, framed by credulous or dread of punishment; but when, after re- designing men; that God made no differpeated acts of sin, the transgressor still ence between them, but was every whit as finds himself safe, these painful feelings well pleased with the one as with the abate by degrees; the man waxeth bolder other. Dreadful abuse of the divine paday after day; and thus proceeds from tience! and yet I am afraid it is too prevevil to worse, till, like Job's war-horse, he alent in our day; else whence these secret at length "mocks at fear," and rusheth whisperings among some who pretend to headlong in his wicked course without any think above the common rate, that their restraint. This I take to be the leading constitution inclines them to such and abuse of divine patience; which paves such gratifications; which, therefore, canthe way to every subsequent step of de- not be criminal, seeing the author of their parture from God, till the sinner arrives being hath implanted these appetites in at the last stage of impiety, an heartfuZlly their frame, and of consequence must be set iz him to do evil. For, as " the fear held as consenting to the indulgence of of God is the beginning of wisdom; " so them? When punishment is long susthe want of this fear may, with equal pro- pended, corruption too easily breeds such priety, be styled the beginning of folly, conceits as these; and nothing but the or the introduction into a wicked and rod, a sharp and sanctified rod, will suffice profligate life. to expel them. Thus many interpret a 134 SERMON XX. mere delay of punishment as a certain total, I had almost called it an irrecovertoken that their conduct is approved of; able, degeneracy. If you have made a and because God is not like man, weak shift to silence conscience, or even to regand impotent to restrain his anger, hence, der it more unfeeling than formerly it they impiously conclude, that he doth hath been, you have taken one very wide certainly resemble him in another respect; and dangerous step. But, as you love I almost tremble to mention it,-that he your own souls, oh! take not another. is a lover of impurity: nay, the very pa- Beware of listening to any objections tron and author of sin. against the omniscience, the holiness, or From such premises as these, the de- the justice of God; for if you do, in your termined sinner, without much hesitation, present state of spiritual deadness, your will eagerly draw the fatal inference, that case is more hazardous than I am able to the administration of the divine govern- describe; you are not far from the desment shall always continue as it appears perate situation of those whose heart is to his darkened mind at present; and that fully set in them to do evil. God doth neither mark iniquity now, nor AND now, my dear friends, as it is an will enter into judgment with sinners for undeniable truth, that this abuse of the it afterwards. We find the Psalmist pro- Divine patience is too frequent in our day, posing a question, (Psalm x. 13.) "Where- let me beg your attention for a little, till fore doth the wicked condemn God? " I have set before you the folly and basewhich he answers thus, " He hath said in ness of such conduct, and fatal consehis heart, Thou wilt not require it." One quences with which it must necessarily be of the most eminent saints under the old attended. Consider then, dispensation, (as we learn from the 73d 1st. That to grow bolder in sin because Psalm) was almost carried off his feet, you are not speedily punished, is most upon observing the prosperity of the foolish; for unless you have assurance of wicked, insomuch that he put the question, a full indemnity, and that sentence against "How doth God know, and is there your evil works shall never be executed, knowledge in the Most High? " Nay, he your conduct is obviously absurd and irracame the length to say, " Verily, I have tional. You have long escaped, through cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my the patience and forbearance of God; but hands in innocence." And if holy men, if you have the remotest suspicion that whose minds have been enlightened by judgment may one day overtake you; the Spirit of God, are thus apt, for a nay, if you are not absolutely certain that season, to suspect the wisdom and right- it never shall; upon what principle of eousness of his administration, surely it is sound reason can you be easy for one monot to be wondered at, that wicked men, ment? You do not know but that already "C whose hearts are hardened through the you have committed the last act of wickeddeceitfulness of sin," should be so far de- ness that God is to tolerate, and that the luded by temporal prosperity, as to dream next transgression will bring down the that justice shall never awaken, and that fatal stroke, and plunge you into remedisin shall always pass unpunished. less ruin. You live by a mere act of By a progress of this kind do sinners grace; your fate depends upon a reprieve arrive at the dreadful pitch of wickedness which the Sovereign may protract or spoken of in my text. When they ob- shorten at his pleasure; and how mad is serve that sentence against an evil work it to presume upon so precarious a is not speedily executed, they draw such tenure? Or, if you have conceived any false conclusions from it as those I have hope of escape, allow me to ask you, upon mentioned, till at length every band that what ground is your hope built? It would should restrain them is broken asunder, need to be a strong foundation indeed and their hearts becomefully set in them that is to carry all the weight you are disto do evil. posed to lay upon it. Have you any proFrom this account of the matter, you mise or declaration on the part of God, will be able to judge for yourselves, how or any dictate of unprejudiced Reason, far you are advanced in the road to a that saith you shall be safe? Produce UNERRING MARK OF DEPRAVITY. 135 your security, that we may know it. If Devils may be capable of this, but guilty you have nothing more to say than that of it they are not; their forlorn condition you hope to escape, because you wish it, hath put it beyond their reach; the imalas! this is nothing to the purpose; for mediate execution of the doom they had we read of some fools, who say, or wish, incurred afforded them no opportunity of in their heart there were no God; and yet trampling upon the mercy of God: so a God there is, who will prove a consum- that, with regard to the act of sin, we ing fire to them. You dare not say that plainly exceed them in this respect. O sin never was punished; for all history, that men could be brought to view their both sacred and profane, would contradict conduct in its true light, I am sure they you; and it were easy to quote many ex- would loathe and abhor themselves on acamples of sinners who have escaped as count of it. To burden God's patience long, perhaps longer than you, and yet because it is great; to load him with inhave been punished at last; so that unless suits, because, out of pity to us, he is slow you have something altogether peculiar to in resenting them; to harden our hearts yourselves, some special indulgence which by that very mercy which should dissolve the world hath never yet heard of, your and soften them; this is worse than dcconduct betrays the height of madness, a vilish,; there is something in this so perdegree of frenzy which no term of re- verse, so monstrous, so unnatural, that one proach can fully express. would be tempted to suspect that some 2dly, It is no less base than foolish. malicious slanderer of human nature had Ingratitude is universally condemned, and forged the accusation, were we not all branded with infamy. We reckon it the conscious of the truth of it, and more or mark of a base, disingenuous spirit, to less convicted of this horrid baseness by forget favors received, or even to neglect the testimony of our own consciences. making a proper return, when the obliged These considerations, methinks, should be party hath it in his power to do it: but if sufficient to deter us from burdening the one shall injure his benefactor, and render patience of God any more. But I have evil for good, such a person must become further to add, in the an object of universal contempt and de- 3d place, That the consequences of this testation, and none will be found so hardy abuse shall, in the issue, be most fatal to as to plead in his defence. And yet the the sinner himself. You cannot defeat abuse of divine patience, to which my text the purposes of God, nor impair his glory refers, is a species of baseness that ex- in any degree; the weapons of your receeds ingratitude; and indeed, no word is bellion must recoil upon yourselves; for to be found in any language I know, that God will be magnified in them that perish, is of sufficient force to express its malig- as well as admired in those who are saved. nity, or to convey an adequate idea of its As the justice of his nature renders his abominable nature. No man ever injured mercy more wonderful, so mercy abused his benefactor because he was his bene- will make justice to shine forth with factor: interfering interests, or selfish greater splendor. Sinners must stand views, may cause unequal returns for speechless before the judgment-seat, and benefits conferred; but in the case before shall find nothing to plead in their own us, there is something entirely different defence, when the Judge shall say to from this. Sinners not only injure, or them, 1" Ye would not come unto me, that rather attempt to injure, their greatest you might have life." Long did I stand benefactor, the God in whom they live and at the door and knock, loudly did I call move, by whose power and goodness they upon you to turn and live: but ye set at are supported every moment; but his nought all my counsel, and would have goodness to them in times past, and the none of my reproof; therefore now eat hope of its continuance, are the very the fruit of your own doings, and fill things that embolden them to offend him; yourselves with your own devices. Beand " because sentence against their evil cause when I called, ye refused; when I work is not speedily executed, therefore stretched out my hand, ye did not regard; their heart is ully set in then?, to (ldo evil." therefore do I laugh at your calamity, 136 SERMON XX. and mock when your fear cometh, and order of his government, than we can be, leave you to inherit that wrath which you are represented in the book of the Retreasured up for yourselves, while mercy velations, (chap. vi. 10.) as expressing the courted your acceptance, but did not greatest surprise at the slowness of his prevail. wrath; nay, as being at a loss to reconcile Thus far I have spoken, for the convic- his patience with his holiness and truth. tion and reproof of those who have " They cry with a loud voice, saying, How hitherto been abusing the divine patience long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou in the manner described in my text; and not judge, and avenge our blood oil them if such transgressors still remain un- that dwell on the earth?" And it call be moved, it is not because the considera- owing to nothing but the grossest insentions I have suggested want weight, but sibility, if our hearts are not filled with because they want feeling. May the ex- amazement at those treasures of mercy alted Prince and Saviour, who alone can which have already been expended upon give the spirit and grace of repentance, us, and the overflowings of that goodness " open their eyes, and turn them from by which we are at this moment supported darkness to light, and from the power of and preserved. How many of our conSatan unto God, that they may receive panions have long ago been summoned forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among away to receive their doom? yet we still them which are sanctified through faith live in the arms of mercy. How often that is in him." has death been presented to our view, and UPON the whole, let each of us give the sentence (in our own apprehension) unto God the glory of his patience, and just ready to be executed, Cut down this acknowledge, with humble gratitude, his cumberer of the ground; when, lo! mercy sparing mercy towards himself in par- interposed, and prevailed for a farther ticular. 0 my friends! with what multi- respite and trial? What shall we say plied provocations are we all chargeable? then? " He is God, and not man: and Let us pitch upon the most innocent day therefore it is that we are not consumed." of our life since we came to the full exer- 0 let our souls, and all that is within us, cise of Reason, and say, if we dare, that be stirred up to bless him, because he is we are willing to have our final state good, and hath not executed sentence determined by the behavior of that one against our multiplied offences. day, according to the measure of legal Let convinced sinners, in particular, take justice. Can conscience remind us of no- encouragement from the patience and longthing that needs forgiveness or pardoning sufferings of God. It is one of the deadly mercy? Surely none of us will be so artifices of the adversary, who continually hardy as to say this: our own hearts do, "goeth about seeking whom he may deand must, condemn us; how guilty then vour," to discourage the newly-awakened must we appear in the sight of that God soul, by whispering, that the season of who is greater than our heart, and know- mercy is past, that the door is shut, and eth all things? Were we chargeable with he is come too late. But be not dismayed, nothing worse than omissions of duty, yet you are on the way to the fountain of love these alone might justly have stopped the and grace; go on, and you shall find more current of his beneficence, nay, brought than it is possible for you to conceive. down his wrath upon such unfaithful and You are going to him " who came to seek negligent servants; but when to these we and to save that which was lost;" -that add our many sins of commission, our good Shepherd who laid down his life for sins against knowledge, conviction, and the sheep, by whose merit and intercession reproof, how great is their amount! how you have been kept alive to this hour; who heinous their demerit! How astonishing invites the chief of sinners to come to him; then is the patience of God! The saints and hath expressly said, "Him that cometh in heaven are amazed at it; the souls of to me, I will in no wise cast out." He is them that were slain for the testimony "the Lamb of God," meekness and gentlewhich they held," who are better ac- ness itself.-" He will not break the quainted with the nature of God, and the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking JESUS CHRIST THE MINISTER'S THEME. 137 flax." Did he spare you, while your heart and lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, was as hard as a stone? and will he de- and the smoking of the mountain, struck stroy you, when, by the convincing influ- the whole camp with such consternation ences of his own Spirit, it is softened, nay and dread, that they were constrained to broken, with sorrow?-Impossible!-Go remove and stand afar off. They could forward into his presence; cast yourself at not bear the exceeding lustre of his glory, his feet; implore his protection; and as notwithstanding the thick darkness with God liveth thy soul shall be safe. which it was veiled; and therefore adTo conclude. The patience of God dressed Moses in these remarkable words: affords the strongest consolation to those " Speak thou with us, and we will hear; who are already reconciled to him through but let not God speak with us, lest we the great Mediator. He who waited so die." From which authentic piece of long upon you, and at length gained your sacred history we may justly conclude, consent, will most assuredly keep you, that our nature is too weak, in its present and perfect his own work in your com- state, to sustain an immediate intercourse plete salvation. The mercy he is still with the Deity: for which cause, God, in exercising towards enemies, teacheth his great condescension, is pleased to speak to friends what they may lawfully hope to us by men like ourselves; that, on the one receive. Great are your privileges; but, hand, we may not want the benefit of his at the same time, great and manifold are instruction; and, on the other hand, that your obligations. Hath much been for- we may not be overpowered by the too given you? then you ought to love the dazzling splendor and majesty of the more, and to show the truth and fervor Teacher. of your love, by an unreserved respect to Under the old dispensation, besides the all his commandments. "Be followers of stated ministers of religion, God, " at sunGod, as dear children." Remember that dry times," sent extraordinary messengers nothing is more unseemly, nothing more on special errands to the Jewish church; offensive, than the provocations of sons furnishing them with such credentials of and of daughters. " See, then, that ye their mission, as were sufficient to conwalk circumspectly, not as fools, but as vince that highly-favored people that they wise;" and let the same goodness which came from God; and consequently, that in led you to repentance, be continually every thing relative to their particular present to your minds, that under its message so attested, they were bound to sweet, but powerful influence, you may hearken to them as unto God himself. bring forth in rich abundance all those This we have no warrant to look for under fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus the Gospel: the whole counsel of God, so Christ, to the praise and glory of God. far as it regards the children of men, is Amen. clearly revealed, and committed to writing. Nothing is to be added to it, or taken from it; nay, could it be supposed that an angel were to come from heaven, and publish SERMON XXI. any thing that differed from, or even that was not already expressed in the ScripJESUS CHaIST, THE MINISTE'S THEME. ture record, instead of our being obliged to give him a hearing, we are told, that Preached at the Introduction of the Reverend Mr. he himself would'" be accursed " for so Charles Stuart to the Church of Cramond, the doing. Sabbath after his Ordination, 1773. Nevertheless, that this complete and 2 CoN. Iv. 5.-" ~We preach not ourselves, but finished revelation might lack no advan2 Corox. iv. 5. —" We preaoe and that all excuse might be taken Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your ser- tage, and that all excuse might be taken vants for Jesus' sake." away from those who should either contemn or counteract its dictates, our Lord WHEN God descended upon Sinai to give Jesus Christ, "God manifested in the laws to his ancient people Israel, the awful flesh," the great "Apostle and High-Priest tokens of his presence, the thunderings of our profession," hath instituted the 138 SERMON XXI. ordinance of a gospel-ministry, and com- us, is obviously formed upon this original mitted to men the word of reconciliation, constitution: We preach not ourstdves, charging them to proclaim, in the ears of but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves their brethren, "all the words of this your servants for Jesus' sake. life," which are already delivered in wri- From an example of such unquestionting to the church; with a special promise, able authority, we may justly, and withthat in the faithful discharge of this out hesitation, conclude, that to p~reach important trust, "he will be with them Christ Jesus the Lord, is the distinguish. always, even unto the end of the world." ing characteristic and proper employment And to add greater weight to their holy of a gospel minister. And this is the ministrations, he hath expressly declared, observation which I propose to illustrate that the doctrines and precepts of his in the following discourse. word, which they publish in his name, are It may be affirmed with truth, that to be received with the same meekness something concerning Christ hath been the and submission as if they were spoken principal subject of every revelation that immediately by his own blessed mouth: came from God, downward from the origi(Luke x. 16.) " He that heareth you, hear- nal promise made to our first parents, that eth me; and he that despiseth you, des- the seed of the woman should blruise the piseth me; and he that despiseth me, des- head of the serpent. The apostle Jude piseth him that sent me." I am sensible, informs us, that "Enoch, the seventh fiom that some proud, ambitious churchmen Adam, prophesied of these things, saying, have, "with great swelling words of van- Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thouity," magnified their office beyond what is sands of his saints, to execute judgment meet; laying claim to that kind of prece- upon all." Moses spake of him when he dence which belongs to high rank, or other said unto the fathers, "A prophet shall worldly distinctions, which men have the Lord your God raise up unto you, of devised for the benefit or embellishment your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye of civil society. But this is only a false hear in all things whatsoever he shall say blazon, that doth by no means suit the unto you." All the extraordinary mesministerial character.;' Be not ye called sengers under the old dispensation were Rabbi," said the blessed Jesus; " for one raised up by God for this very purpose, to is your master, even Christ, and all ye are foretell the coming of the promised Mesbrethren."-" Whosoever is great among siah, and, by the doctrine of repentance, you, let him be your minister; even as the gradually to prepare the world to receive Son of man came not to be ministered him. The words of Peter to Cornelius unto, but to minister, and to give his life are clear and strong upon this head, (Acts a ransom for many." Your true dignity x. 43.) " To him gave all the prophets witconsists in your usefulness: and he that ness, that through his name, whosoever stoops lowest for the good of others, is believeth in him, shall receive remission highest in my esteem. Worldly pomp of sins." This, he tells us, was the subdoth only tarnish the glory of my ser- ject of their own most delightful inquiry: vants, as it cannot consist with those self- (1 Pet. i. 10.) " Of this salvation the denying duties which belong to their em- prophets have inquired, and searched diliployment. Do you reckon yourselves gently, who prophesied of the grace that most honored, not when men give you should come unto you: searching what, or title and place, but when they hearken to what manner of time, the spirit of Christ the instructions you receive from me, and which was in them did signify, when it embrace the saving message with which I testified beforehand the sufferings of have intrusted you. This, though in Christ, and the glory that should follow.'; words somewhat different, is, in my appre- And if Christ was an object of such hension, a genuine and summary account importance to those who lived before his of what our Saviour taught the first min- manifestation in the flesh, it cannot suristers of his church, with regard to the prise us to find, that they who could tesnature and end of their office. And the tify that he was come, and had finished language of Paul, in the passage before the work that was given him to do, should JESUS CHRIST THE MINISTER'S THEME. 139 in all their writings and discourses dwell Christ the principal subject of our serupon him as their constant and most de- mons. lightful theme. The author of this epistle, It is by no means sufficient that we informs the Corinthians, that "he deter- speak of him occasionally; we ought of mined not to know any thing among them set purpose to unfold the Scripture doebut Jesus Christ, and him crucified." trines concerning him, that men may be And elsewhere, he saith, that " he count- acquainted both with his person and uneth all things but loss for the excellency dertaking, and have clear and enlarged of the knowledge of Jesus Christ his views of that glorious deliverer, to whom Lord." This was that " chosen vessel " they are indebted for all they possess in a whom the Lord converted in a miraculous present world, and for all they hope to way, and sent forth to bear his name be- enjoy in the next. In particular, we ought fore the Gentiles, and kings, and children frequently to remind our hearers, that he of Israel; and his zeal and fidelity in exe- who came to seek and to save lost sinners of cuting his trust appear evidently from his mankind, is " the beloved and only begotwritings. He made Christ the founda- ten Son of God," " the brightness of his tion of all his sermons, as we read (1 Cor. Father's glory, and the express image of iii. 10, 1 1.) " I have laid the foundation, his person; "-" that Word which in the and another buildeth thereon. But let beginning was with God, and was God, by every one take heed how he buildeth. For whom all things were made, and without other foundation can no man lay than that Iwhom was not any thing made that is'which is laid, which is Jesus Christ;"'made:" That in order to purchase reintimating, in the strongest manner, that demption for us, he condescended to beall preaching which doth not refer to come the Son of man; or', in the emphatiChrist, and lead to him, is like building cal language of the Holy Spirit, that "the a castle upon the loose sand, which may Word was made flesh," and assumed our please the fancy for a little, but as it nature into a personal union with his own wants a foundation, will soon tumble down, divinity: That this incarnate Word, or to the equal disgrace and hurt of the God manifested in the flesh, after he had builder. And as Christ was the founda- published a most pure and perfect law, tion, so was he likewise the encl of his and exhibited an example of equal and as preaching; and not of his only, but of all absolute perfection, at length laid down his brethren in the apostleship, and fellow- his life as a true and proper sacrifice to laborers in the ministry; as is fully ex- satisfy the justice of God, and to expipressed in the text: We preach not our- ate the guilt of an elect world: That selves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and having thus made his soul an offering for ourselves your servants, for Jesus' sake. sin, he soon after triumphed over death, We seek not to advance our credit and and him that had the power of death, by interest; our sole aim is to render Jesus rising from the grave, and ascending to great and amiable in your esteem: and we ihis Father's right hand, where he now desire to be considered in no other light sitteth as a priest upon his throne, interthan as your ministers or servants Jbr ceding for his people, and dispensing those Jesus' sake. gifts which he purchased with his blood; But what are we to understand by from whence he shall come again in the preaching Christ? This question I shall character of judge, taking vengeance upon endeavor to answer in the first place; after them that obey not his gospel, "to be which I shall show, that this is the proper glorified and admired in those that beemployment and distinguishing character- lieve," and to complete the consolation istic of a gospel minister; and then con- and joy of his saints. These important elude the subject with some practical im- truths ought to be fully explained, and provement. repeatedly insisted upon: "For this is I begin with answering the question, life eternal, to know the only true God, What are we to understand by preaching and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent." Christ Jesus the Lord? The natures and offices of our Redeemer, 1st. It plainly imports that we make the glory of his Godhead, the merit of his 140 SERMON XXI. blood, and the efficacy of his Spirit; the without any other effect, than to lead his constitution of that government whereof people away from the Saviour, and to he is Mediator, with all the promises carry them hood-winked into everlasting thereof, which are exceeding great and perdition. The apostles of our Lord, and precious; and especially the way or man- they surely are the best and most apner in which guilty, polluted creatures are proved patterns of our imitation, introvitally united to this all-sufficient Saviour, duced, upon all occasions, the peculiar who, "of God, is made unto them wisdom, doctrines of Christianity, both into their and righteousness, and sanctification, and discourses and epistles; and never failed redemption:" These, and doctrines con- to press the duties they enjoined by those nected with them, are as necessary to the regards which are due to Christ himself. souls of men, nay, infinitely more so, than Thus, humility and self-denial are recomfood is to their bodies. Other things are mended by the lowliness and patience of perhaps desirable to be known; but these Christ: Chastity is enforced by this conmust be known, or people are undone for sideration, " that our bodies are the mernever: and therefore none can be said to hers of Christ, and the temples of his preach, Christ who overlook these im- Spirit." We are exhorted to abound in portant, these essential truths, or treat alms-deeds, " because Christ for our sakes theml in a careless, superficial manner. became poor," and in testimony of our 2dl/y. To preach Christ Jesus the Lord, thankfulness to God " for his unspeakable is to handle every other subject of dis- gift." Husbands are charged to love their course in such a way as to keep Christ wives, " as Christ loved his church:" and continually in the eye of our hearers. servants are commanded to be faithful We must acknowledge him as the author and diligent, "that they may adorn the of the truths we deliver, and improve doctrine of God their Saviour." In short, them so as to lead men to him. It is not Christ is so deeply engraved upon every sufficient that we publish the laws of moral precept in the New Testament wriChrist, unless we publish them as his tings, that we must read his name upon laws, and press obedience to them by every duty; nay, we cannot efface his those motives and arguments which are name, without debasing, or rather vitiatpeculiar to his gospel. In recommending ing, the duty itself, and casting away the the great duties of morality, we should most powerful inducement to the practice represent them as the genuine effects and of it. I therefore said, that to preach proper evidences of faith in Christ, and Christ, is not only to publish what the love to God; directing our hearers at the Scriptures say concerning him, but likesame time to the Spirit of Christ for as- wise to handle every other subject of dissistance, and to his merit for the accept- course in such a manner, as to keep Christ ance of all their services: and, after all, continually in the eye of our hearers; and we should remind them, that as they are they whose schemes of religion do not adat best "unprofitable servants," instead mit of this, may be assured, without any of depending upon any thing done by them, further examination, that their schemes as the ground of their justification, in differ widely from the gospel of Christ. whole or in part, they must renounce all 3dly. To preach Christ Jesus the confidence in the flesh, and seek to be Lord, is to make the advancement of his found in Christ alone; " not having their kingdom, and the salvation of men, the own righteousness, but that which is sole aim of our preaching. We must not through the faith of Christ, even the seek our own glory, but the glory of him righteousness which is of God by faith." who sent us. If we serve ourselves, we These are not trivial circumstances, as must reward ourselves as we can. Such some represent them to be: on the con- only can look for the approbation of trary, they are essential to the right Christ, who make the honor of his name, preaching of Christ; and, if they be and the happiness of mankind, the ultiomitted, I can easily conceive it possible mate aim of all their ministrations. They for a minister to preach all his life long that usurp the sacred office from interupon the moral precepts of Christianity, ested views, or merely to gain a subsist JESUS CHRIST THE MINISTER'S THEME. 141 ence in the present world, will find in the praved to such a degree, that they differed issue, that they have turned the best and very little from the brutes that perish. most salutary employment into a very bad But after they become men, the greatest trade, and only entitled themselves to change doth still remain; those men must more and heavier stripes when the chief be converted into saints; they must be Shepherd shall appear. " We are ambas- changed into the divine image; their very sadors for Christ," saith our apostle, at nature must be renewed, before they can the 20th verse of the following chapter, be meet for the enjoyment of God: "Ex"as though God did beseech you by us, we cept a man be born again, he cannot enter pray you in God's stead, be ye reconciled into the kingdom of heaven;" and it is to God." This is our proper business, the gospel alone which the Spirit renders the errand upon which we are sent. The powerful for producing this effect. Moglory of God, and the salvation of men, rality grows out of faith in Christ, as the are the great and good ends of the pas- branches grow from the stock. This, and toral office; and he who loseth sight of this only, is the principle of that holiness, these, or proposeth any end that is differ- without which no man shall see God. ent from them, may acquire the reputation Whosoever, therefore, would preach moof a learned, an ingenious, or an eloquent rality with any hope of success, must orator, but cannot be styled a preacher of begin here, and lay the foundation of it in Christ. This will further appear from the that faith which purifieth the heart, and Second thing proposed: which was to worketh by love; otherwise his sermons show, That preaching Christ is the pro- may supply fuel to pride and vain-glory, per business, and the distinguishing cha- but shall never be the means of saving racteristic, of a gospel-minister. one soul. In vain do we attempt to imCan any thing be more reasonable, than prove the fruit till the tree be made good. that they who profess to derive their Let sinners be first ingrafted into Christ, authority from Christ, should make him and then works of righteousness will folthe principal subject of their sermons, and low in course; as our blessed Lord hath recommend him to the esteem and love of taught us (John xv. 4, 5.) " Abide in me, their hearers? And, on the other hand, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear can any thing be more unreasonable, can fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; any thing be more unjust, than to assume no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I the character of his messengers, while am the vine, ye are the branches; he that they seldom or never mention his name; abideth in me, and I in him, the same or speak of him in such a way, as rather bringeth forth much fruit; for without tends to breed contempt of him, than to me (or separated from me) ye can do norender him precious to the souls of men? thing." Accordingly we find, that the But what I would chiefly observe is, that preachirng Christ, or the peculiar docpreac/hing C]hrist Jesus the Lord, is the trines of the gospel, hath in every age great means which God hath appointed been the means of convincing and converttbr the conversion and final salvation of ing sinners, and of building them up in sinners: and therefore it is not only holiness and comfort, through faith unto highly reasonable, but absolutely neces- salvation; and in the same proportion sary; and they are cruel to men, as well that this hath been neglected, the power as unfaithful to God, who do not make of godliness hath declined and languished, conscience of this important duty. Lec- till a cold formality hath at length given tures upon morality may be of use to re- way to the open profession of infidelity itstrain men from scandalous sins, but it self. It was the observation of a judicious is the gospel alone that can save a sinner. and pious writer upon this subject, " That A preacher, by discoursing well upon the where a great and universal neglect of duties that belong to self-government,and preaching Christ hath prevailed in a.rig/zteozssness, may correct many outward Christian nation, it hath given a fatal ocdisorders in the life, and produce such a casion to the growth of Deism and infichange in the heart itself, as to convert delity; for when people have heard the those into men, who formerly were de- sermons of their ministers for many years 142 SERMON XXT. together, and find little of Christ in them, herds at Bethlehem, (Luke ii. 10.) " Bethey have taken it into their heads, that hold I bring you good tidings of great men may be very good, and go safe to joy, which shall be to all people." And heaven, without Christianity; and there- what were these tidings which an angel fore, though they dwell in a land where was sent to publish, and introduced with the gospel is professed, they imagine such a high commendation of their imthere is no need they should be Chris- portance and worth? They are recorded, tians." To which I may add, that it is no (verse 11.) " Unto you is born this day, less observable, on the other hand, that in the city of David, a Saviour, which is wherever there has been any revival of Christ the Lord." " And suddenly," as religion, it hath uniformly been introduced it follows, "there was with the angel a and carried on through the blessing of multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, by preaching the peculiar doctrines God, and saying, Glory to God in the of Christianity. These, and these alone, highest, on earth peace, good will towards have been, and ever will be, "the wisdom men." And yet, be astonished, O heaand power of God unto salvation." vens! blush, 0 earth! this gospel-sermon, THE application of what hath been said which angels reckoned themselves honored to the ministers of religion, is so direct to preach, and delivered with such rapand obvious, that I need not enlarge upon turous exultation and joy, is, by multiit; and therefore any further improve- tudes in our day, thought trifling, and ment I am to make of the subject, shall stale, and unworthy of their attention. be addressed, not to them that preach, To remedy this shameful, but growing but to those that hear. And what hath evil, hath been the principal aim of my been delivered may serve to inform them present discourse. I have told you what what sort of preaching they ought chiefly is our duty, that from thence you may to value. I am afraid, that by many, the learn your own; for the one must necesgreat and essential truths of the gospel sarily be suited to the other. The same are too little regarded: like the Athen- authority which commandeth us to preach, ians of old, they require something new, doth virtually command and oblige you to something that may gratify an itching ear, hear; and if the pure doctrines of the and furnish matter for a vain imagination gospel ought to be the subject of our serto work upon. But this, my brethren, is mons, it naturally follows, that you should equally perverse and foolish. Who should neither expect nor desire any other. Ponregard what a servant saith, if he doth der with due attention those awful words not deliver the mind of his master? And in the two verses preceding my text: " If yet I have often observed, that the our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that greatest number of hearers never seem so are lost: in whom the god of this world well pleased, as when ministers speak of hath blinded the minds of them which those things that are most foreign to their believe not, lest the light of the glorious instructions. Did we come upon a dis- gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, agreeable errand; were we charged with should shine unto them." And let each an embassy in which they to whom we of us pray in terms of the verse that imspeak have little or no concern, such con- mediately follows, that " God, who comduct might be accounted for; but when manded the light to shine out of darkness, the message we bring is not only most may shine in the hearts of both preachers gracious, but likewise treats of matters in and hearers, to give the light of the knowwhich they are immediately and most ledge of his glory, in the face of Jesus;" deeply interested, what words can express that "'; we all, beholding, as in a glass, the the folly and perverseness of those who glory of God, may be changed into the shut their ears against it, while they same image, from glory to glory, by the greedily open them to every thing else? Spirit of the Lord." Anenr. Hear what the angel said to the shep CHRIST THE UNIVERSAL CREATOR. 143 grace by what hand, and in what manner, SERMON XXII. it pleaseth him; and in no case doth it Preached on a Com~m~union Sabbatlh. become the creatures of his power to say unto him, What dost thou? or Why CHRIST THE UNIVERSAL CREATOR. dost thou thus? Elihu spake the words of truth and soberness, when he said inviss Ibe 5 " Who is t image of the unto Job, "God is greater than man: invisible God, the first-born of every creature: for by him were all things created that why dost thou strive against him? for are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible he giveth not account of any of his and invisible, whether they be thrones, or matters; " that is, he is not bound to dominions, or principalities, or powerls all explain the reason of his conduct; and things were created by him, and for him. r o And he is before all things, and by him ll none hath a right to demand that he things consist. And he is the head of the should. But glory to his name, that with body, the church: who is the beginning, the regard to the greatest of all his works, first-born from the dead; that in all things that dispensation of grace which angels he might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all ful- desire to look into, and upon wic te ness dwell." happiness of a whole order of his creatures doth depend, it cannot justly be said OTuR Lord Jesus Christ is uniformly rep- that he giveth no account of this matter. resented to us in the sacred Scriptures He hath not interposed his authority as as the Saviour of fallen man: a Saviour Sovereign, and commanded sinners to beabsolutely necessary; nay, as the ONLY lieve on his Son, that they may be saved; Saviour. To this character lie laid claim, but he hath likewise, in some measure, in clear and express terms, when he said unfolded the secrets of his eternal counto Thomas, " I am the way, and the truth, sel, and in particular, given us such enand the life; no man cometh unto the couraging views of that mighty One upon Father but by me." And in this im- whom he hath laid our help, as render his portant light did Peter set him forth at command to believe on him at once the the bar of the Jewish Sanhedrim: When strongest and most endearing expression, speaking of him as the stone set at naught both of his. wisdom and of his love, so by the builders, which was now become that they who refuse to comply with this the head of the corner, he added these command, counteract the soundest princimemorable words: "Neither is there sal- ples of reason, resist the clearest and vation in any other; for there is none most satisfying evidence, and shall be other name under heaven given among found, in the final issue of things, to have men whereby we must be saved." Of the been equally chargeable with cruelty to same import was the testimony of that themselves; with ingratitude, the vilest illustrious prophet who was sent to pre- ingratitude, to their benefactor; and the pare the way before him, and to introduce most obstinate rebellion against their Sovhim to his public ministry by baptism: ereign Lord. " He that believeth on the Son hath ever- A few remarks upon the verses I have lasting life; and he that believeth not the been reading, will serve to illustrate what Son shall not see life; but the wrath of I have just now said. And I have chosen God abideth on him." Accordingly we this passage for the subject of my present are told by the Apostle John, that "this discourse, in hope that God may bless it is the command of God," the first in for the conviction of some who have order under the gospel-dispensation, and hitherto rejected his gracious counsel; which claims the title of his peculiar com- but chiefly with a view to confirm the mandment,'. That we should believe on faith, and to heighten the joy, of believers the name of his Son Jesus Christ." in Christ, by showing them, that he in It is, or at least it ought to be, un- whom they trust, is in all respects worthy necessary to observe, that this intimation to be depended upon, and will assuredly of the divine will is sufficient, by itself, to carry forward the work he hath begun, till constitute our duty. It surely belongs to it shall be perfected at length in their the great Lord of all, to dispense his own complete salvation. 144 SERMON XXII. The information that is here given us " Have I been so long with you, and yet concerning our Redeemer, may be comrn- hast thou not known me, Philip? he that prehended under the following heads. hath seen me hath seen the Father: First. What he is in himself; or, his believest thou not that I am in the Father, original dignity. and the Father in me. " Which is farther Nccondly.' What he is to us; or, the explained by what he said on another ocstation he holds in his church. And, casion, "I and the Father are one." Thirdly. His qualifications for the dis- It would be highly improper, when we charge of what belongs to that station. have such agreeable work before us, to WHAT the Apostle saith upon the first enter into the thorny field of controversy; of these particulars, amounts to something nevertheless, as so much of our comfort more than a simple assertion of our Lord's depends upon the persuasion we have, that divinity. It is such an enlarged and ac- he who came to save us is truly God, I curate description of proper and essential cannot close this head without requesting Godhead, as cannot possibly be applied to you to compare what is written in the first any-inferior being. The only expression verse of the bible, "In the beginning God that hath an appearance of difficulty is in created the heaven and the earth," with the close of verse 15th, where Christ is the introduction to John's gospel, " In the styled the first-born of every creature. beginning was the Word, and the Word But the difficulty evanishes, when we was with God, and the Word was God. attend to the explanation of that title All things were made by him; and withwhich the apostle subjoins, or rather in- out him was not any thing made that was deed to the reason he assigns for giving made." And if to these you add that obhiam that designation. No sooner has he vious conclusion of enlightened Reason, called him the first-born of every creature, (Ileb. iii. 4.) " Every house is builded by than he immediately adds, " For by him some man, but he that built all things is were all things created that are in heaven, GOD," —you will discover at once the true and that are in earth, visible and invisible, dignity of him in whom we are commandwhether they be thrones, or dominions, or ed to trust, and see with what strict proprincipalities, or powers; all things were priety of language he is styled " the Son created by him, and for him." And that of the living God," " the great God and no room might be left for the remotest our Saviour," and "God over all, blessed suspicion that he himself might have been for ever." created, eternity, in the most absolute Having thus briefly illustrated his essense of that word, is directly ascribed to sential dignity, or what he is in himself, him in the 17th verse; "And he is before let us now consider, all things, and by him all things consist." Secondly, What he is to us. This we For surely he who existed before all learn from the 18th verse, where the aposthin,s, must himself be without begin- tle calls him the head of the body, the ning, or from everlasting. Hence it ap- church; which leads us to view him as pears, that this designation, the first-born " the seed of the woman;" "the Word of every creature, is of the same import made flesh;" the Son of God, by whom with that other form of expression which all things were created, uniting himself to the apostle useth, (Heb. i. 2.) where, hav- human nature in the person of Jesus ing styled him the Son of God, he adds, Christ; that as our kinsman and brother, "whom he hath appointed heir of all he might redeem the forfeited inheritance; things." And both serve to denote that and by suffering in our room, the just for universal dominion which our Lord hath the unjust, might bring us to God. It is by inheritance, as the only begotten of plain that the station here assigned to the Father, of the same essence with him- Christ belongs to him in the character of self, " the brightness of his glory, and the Emanuel, "which is, being interpreted, express image of his person;" an image God with us," or, " God manifested in the so express, that when Philip said to our flesh." Accordingly, he is styled, in imLord, " Show us the Father, and it suf- mediate connection with his headship, the ficeth us," hlie gave no answer but this, first-born from the dead; which neces CHRIST THE UNIVERSAL CREATOR. 145 sarily supposes his previous incarnation that a great part of the Scripture language, and sufferings. And the church, which which is employed to describe the nature is here called his body, is expressly said of that station which Christ holds in the by Paul, in the charge which he gave to church, not only alludes to this resemthe elders of Ephesus, to have been' pur- blance, but is so much founded upon it, chased by him with his own blood." Here, that without some just conception of the my brethren, he is represented to us in figure and type, our views of the antitype such an endearing relation, as cannot fail, must be very dark and imperfect. if we understand it aright, to fill our If we look at the state of things in the hearts at once with the highest admiration, first creation, we shall find Adam placed the warmest gratitude, and most trium- in a station of the highest importance. phant joy. Christ is said to be " the head Besides the dominion that was given him of all principality and power," at the 10th over the inferior creatures, he was constiverse of the following chapter; but it is tuted, in the most proper sense of the not added, these are htis body. In like word, the head of mankind, inasmuch as manner, we are told, (Eph. i. at the close) " of that one blood were to be made all that " God, who raised him from the dead the nations of men that should dwell upon hath set him at his own right hand in the the face of the whole earth." The life of heavenly places, far above all principality, all his posterity was deposited in him. and power, and might, and dominion, and He was the root; and his descendants, in every name that is named, not only in this all their successive generations, are the world, but also in that which is to come; branches which grow out of it. This is and hath put all things under his feet, and the plain account which the Scriptures given him to be head over all things to give us; and the closeness of our conthe church." That is, he hath placed him nection with the first Adam is fatally illusat the head of all things, and given him trated by its effects, which cannot escape supreme dominion over them; so that the our observation. It is too apparent that highest angels are only ministers, or ser- life is conveyed to us under the same awvants, in his kingdom, whom he sends ful forfeiture which Adam incurred; for forth to minister to the heirs of salvation. in consequence of the sentence pronounced But his relation to his church, though it against him on account of his transgresincludes dominion, yet it carries in it a sion, " Dust thou art, and unto dust thou more close and intimate connection. He shalt return," we find, in fact, that " it is is not only head over his church, in re- appointed unto all men once to die," and spect of supreme authority, as a king is that' there is no discharge in that war — the political head over his subjects; but fare." he is the head of his church in respect of This is the figure by which we are. vital influence; for so the apostle himself taught to form our conceptions of Jesus explains it in the following chapter, verse Christ, and of the place he holds in that 19th; he is that head, " from which all new creation, which is here distinguished. the body by joints and bands having nour- by the names of his churc/h and his body. ishment ministered, and knit together, in- And to those who are acquainted with. creaseth with the increase of God." what the Scriptures say concerning Christ,. But your time will not permit me to many circumstances will occur from the enlarge upon this subject; let it suffice at hints I have already suggested, in which present to observe, that what Adam was the resemblance between the first and. in the first creation, that is Christ in the second Adam may easily be traced with. new creation. Hence he gets the name the most critical exactness. But, blessed of the seconds Ada~m; and it is expressly be God, there is one circumstance of the said of the first Adam, (Rom. v. 14.) " that greatest importance in which the resemhe was the figure of him that was to come." blance doth not hold, as will appear from. I shall not pretend to trace out the resein- the information the apostle gives us conblance between these two different HEADS cerning the third particular I took notice, in all its extent; and yet it is obvious, of, namely, 10 146 SERMON XXII'Thirdly. The qualifications of our Re- him; let the children of Zion be joyful in deemer for performing what belongs to their king?" Well might Paul say, "I him as the head of his church. know in whom I have believed; and I am It pleased the Father, saith he, verse persuaded, that he is able to keep that 19, that in him should allfulness dwell. which I have committed to him against The first Adam received the gift of life that day." This is the endearing pecufrom God, which he held in trust for all liarity of the gospel-covenant, that all the his posterity, upon a condition the most blessings of it are secured against forgentle and easy that can possibly be im- feiture, in the hands of him who hath' alagined; but he failed in the performance ready fulfilled the terms of the grant, and of it; and thus " by one man sin entered finished the work which was given him to into the world, and death by sin;" so that do: who, as he died to purchase those ever since that fatal trespass "; death hath blessings, so he ever liveth to dispense passed upon all men." them: ONE who by nature is God as well The SECOND ADAM received the grant as man; and in whom, as the word incarof eternal life for his church, upon terms nate and Mediator of the covenant, it hath no less severe than his obedience unto pleased the Father that all fuiltess should death, even the death of the cross; that dwell, for enriching, to the utmost capasin being condemned in the flesh, mercy city of created beings, all the members of and truth might meet together upon the that body whereof he is the head. apostate race, righteousness and peace But what are the blessings of this wellmight embrace each other. But difficult ordered covenant? Let your own necesas the terms were, he not only punctually, sities dictate the answer. Say, my brethbut cheerfully, fulfilled them, insomuch ren, what do you need? that under all the pain and ignominy of Is it the pardon of sin? Look back to the cross, he would not bow his head, and the 14th verse of this chapter: " In Christ yield up the ghost, till, with a shout of we have redemption through his blood, triumph, he could say, " IT IS FINISHED.': even the forgiveness of sins."-" He bath " The first Adam was made a living made peace by the blood of his cross," as soul; but the second Adam was made a we read verse 20th; and " the blood of quickening spirit." " The first man was Jesus cleanseth from all sin."-" He was of the earth, earthy; the second man made sin for us who knew no sin, that we was the Lord from heaven." might be made the righteousness of God In the head of the first creation there in him." So that now " there is no condwelt indeed a foulness, but it was only the demnation to them that are in Christ fulness of a creature; whereas allfulness Jesus." And 0 how blessed is the man resides in the Head of the new creation; whose iniquities are forgiven, whose transor, as it is elsewhere expressed, in this gressions are covered, and to whom the same epistle, "in him dwelleth all the Lord imputeth not his sin! fulness of the Godhead bodily." This is a great, a necessary blessing; Here, my brethren, expression fails; an but great though it be, yet it is not comocean opens to our view that hath neither mensurate to all the necessities of such bottom nor shore, the Godhead! the ful- creatures as we are. Man, by the aposness of the Godhead! all the fulness of tasy, is not only liable to condemnation, the Godhead! How fiat, how unmeaning, nay, lying under sentence of death, but is the language of men, when applied to a that sentence in part is already executed; subject which angels themselves are un- his soul is dead, separated from God, the able to comprehend? 0 glorious consti- fountain of life. Thus it is written, " The tution of grace! worthy of him whose natural man receiveth not the things of name, whose essence is love; and infinite- the Spirit of God; for they are foolishly becoming the wisdom of that Sovereign, ness to him: neither can he know them, " whose work is perfect, and whose ways because they are spiritually discerned." are judgment." With such an object in Nay, "the carnal mind is enmity against our eye, can we refrain from crying out, God; for it is not subject to the law of "Let Israel rejoice in him that made God, neither indeed can be." Can the CHRIST THE UNIVERSAL CREATOR. 147 death of a soul be expressed in stronger am afraid that I should only "darken and more significant terms? Must not counsel by words without knowledge." that spirit be dead, which is incapable of What hath already been said upon that discerning the only objects that are suited fulness which dwelleth in Christ, may to its nature, and of relishing the only en- suffice to convince you that " his riches joyments by which a spiritual being can are unsearchable," and that nothing is subsist and be happy? wanting which sinners can either need or In this state every mere child of Adam wish to possess. In him, as you have cometh into the world; for " that which heard, they have both righteousness and is born of the flesh is flesh," and can rise strength: Righteousness for the guilty, no higher by any means that nature af- complete and everlasting righteousness; fords. But as in the first Adam all die for " by him all who believe are justified without exception, who, by the ordinary from all things:"-And strength for the course of generation, are connected with weak, nay, life for the dead; with this him as their head; so in the second Adam, peculiar advantage, that it is not left to the quickening Spirit, and Lord from their own keeping, but still resides in him heaven, all who, by regeneration, are who is the head of the body, and is imunited to him, and become members of parted to them as his members, by that that body whereof he is the head, are in Spirit which is the indissoluble bond of like manner made alive; for " that which their union; " for he that is joined to the is born of the spirit is," and must be, Lord is one spirit." Accordingly he says, "'spirit." Accordingly, Christ is styled "Because I live, ye shall live also." And the Prince of Life; not only the possessor this was the foundation of that parting of life, but the proprietor and dispenser promise to his disciples, " I go to prepare of it. To him it belongs to raise the a place for you; and if I go and prepare dead, and to quicken whom he will. a place for you, I will come again and reHear his own words, (John v. 25, 26.) ceive you unto myself, that where I am " Verily, verily, I say unto you, The there ye may be also." This would lead hour is coming, and now is, when the me to speak of that high perfection at dead shall hear the voice of the Son of which the life they at present receive from God; and they that hear shall live. For him shall arrive in the heavenly world, as the Father hath life in himself; so hath when the body itself, which, by an irrehe given to the Son to have life in him- versible decree, is condemned to return to self." And in this same epistle where the dust as it was, shall be raised again by my text lies, Christ is expressly styled our the power and spirit of the Redeemer, and life; and the life of the believer is said fashioned like unto his own glorious body, to be hid, or treasured up with Christ in in that day when he, who once suffered to God. —Colossians iii. 3, 4. " Ye are bear their sins, "shall appear the second dead," saith the apostle; dead to Adam, time without sin unto salvation." and the corrupted, perishing life you de- But I must not detain you any longer rived from him; dead to a present world, from the proper business of the day. and the things on earth, which are no I have done what I could to render longer the objects of your affection. Christ precious to your souls: I have led Thus are ye dead; but being raised with you to view him in his essential dignity, Christ to the things that are above, to a as the Creator of all things; in his relanew life, and manner of living, " your life tion to believers. as the head of the body; is hid with Christ in God; and when he and as possessing all fulness in that imwho is our life shall appear, then shall ye portant character. also appear with him in glory." And here I would gladly expostulate Here we are again led into a subject to with those to whom these things of the which no language is adequate, but such Spirit I have been talking of appear fool"unspeakable words" as Paul heard in ishness, and in whom the God of this paradise, " which it is not lawful for man world hath so far blinded their minds, to utter." that they see no beauty in this Saviour Should I attempt to enlarge upon it, I for which they should desire him. 0 that 148 SERMON XXIII. the hour might now come, in which every dead soul in this assembly should " hear the XIII. voice of the Son of God, and live." May he who at first commanded the light to CHRIST POVERTY OUR RICHES. shine out of darkness, while we speak in 2 CORIN. VII. 9-" Y know the grace of or his name, shine into their hearts, to give Lord Jesos Christ, that though he was rich, them the light of the knowledge of his yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye glory in the face of Jesus Christ, that through his poverty might be rich." in this glass, beholding the glory of the Lord, as the God of love, their darkness THESE words contain an accurate descripmay be dispelled, their enmity subdued, tion of the grace, or free favor, of our and they be changed into the same image, Lord Jesus Christ, which all true believfrom glory to glory, by his all-conquering ers are here said to know; i. e. they have Spirit. not only heard the report of this grace, asBut my chief concern at present is with sented to the truth of the report, and are the living members of Christ: For you a able to give some account of it to others; table is once more covered in the wilder- but they know it experimentally, having ness, for strengthening you to proceed in tasted its sweetness, and felt the power of your journey to the Canaan that is above. it in their own hearts. This is one of the channels which your Several particulars are mentioned by living head hath appointed for conveying the apostle in proof and commendation of his life to the members of his body. The the grace he celebrates, which I propose ordinance itself affords you the strongest to illustrate in the following discourse. ground of hope: it is a representation of I. THE first in order is the state of that sacrifice which Christ offered upon the the Redeemer previous to his becoming cross: and he who loved you so well as to poor. He was richz, but how rich no give his lifefor you, is certainly willing language can express, nor any mind but to impart life to you. " If while ye were his own conceive. " In the beginning was enemies, ye were reconciled to God by the Word, and the Word was with God, the death of his Son; much more, being and the Word was God. The same was reconciled, you shall be saved by his life." in the beginning with God. All things Let not the sense of your unworthiness were made by himn: and without him was discourage you: —You come not here to not anything made that was made;" John give, but to take what is given. Nay, let me i. 1, 2, 3. It is expressly said of him, tell you, that the sense of your own empti- (Coloss. i. 16, 17.) "that by him all ness is the very measure of your capacity things were created that are in heaven and for receiving his fulness: "He filleth that are in earth, visible and invisible, the hungry with good things, but the whether they be thrones, or dominions, or rich," those who account themselves rich, principalities, or powers: all things were " he sendeth empty away." Come there- created by him, and for him. And he is fore with longing desires, and enlarged before all things, and by him all things hopes, to him who is full of grace and of consist." The same representation is given truth, that out of his fulness you may of him by the apostle to the Hebrews, this day receive grace for grace, to the who styles him " the brightness of the Faglory of the giver, and to your own present ther's glory, and the express image of his and everlasting joy. Amen. person;whom he hath appointed heir of all things; by whom also he made the world; and who upholdeth all things by the word of his power." We esteem a man rich, who, besides what is necessary for the supply of his own wants, hath wherewithal to relieve the necessities of others; but how rich must he be, who hath no wants to be supplied, and is at the same time possessed of CHRIST'S POVERTY OUR RICHES. 149 such infinite treasures, that they can never made himself," that is, he consented to be be exhausted, nor in the least degree made, "of no reputation." For though diminished, by being imparted to others! multitudes occasionally admired and apNay, besides whom nothing exists, but plauded him, yet these were generally perwhat derived its being from him, and is sons in the lowest rank of life. The rich, necessarily dependent upon him. for all the learned, and the powerful, among the that it hath, or hopes to enjoy! Yet Jews, were statedly combined to distress thus rich was he of whom the apostle him on every side. They practised every speaks in my text. art to defame his character, and to render II. The second thing to be considered, both his person and his ministry the objects is the poverty to which he voluntarily sub- of popular contempt and hatred; till at mitted. The apostle John having intro- length they were permitted to prevail so duced the history of our Saviour with far, as to get him condemned by a senthat lofty description of his original and tence of the supreme court of their own essential glory which I formerly quoted, nation, and then adjudged by the Roman makes a sudden transition, (verse 14.) and governor to the death of a slave; which informs us, how he who was rich became was executed with every circumstance of poor, viz. by uniting himself to the human indignity and torture that the most invennature, and appearing in the likeness tive malice and cruelty could devise. Thus of sinful flesh. "The Word," says he, poor did our Lord beconze; not by conthat same Word which in the beginning straint, or the hand of violence, for that was with God, and was God, by whom all was impossible; but of his own free choice; things were made; this " Word was made as it is written, (Phillip. ii. 6, 7, 8.) " He flesh, and dwelt among us." who was in the form of God and thought Nothing can be more descriptive of the it not robbery to be equal with God, most abject poverty than the simple ac- made himself of no reputation, and took count we have of his birth, (Luke ii.) at upon him the form of a servant, and was the beginning; where, after being told, made in the likeness of men; And being that, in consequence of a decree from the found in fashion as a man, he hunz6led Roman emperor, Joseph went up from himself and became obedient unto death, Nazareth unto Bethlehem, to be taxed even the death of the cross." with Mary, his espoused wife, who was great III. But for whose sake did he thus with child, the sacred historian thus pro- become poor? This is the third particuceeds, (ver. 6, 7.) " And so it was, that lar mentioned in the text; which manifests while they were there, the days were ac- and commends the riches of his grace. complished that she should be delivered. It was for us the children of men, creaAnd she brought forth her first-born son, tures but of yesterday, whose foundation and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, is in the dust. We are indeed poor in and laid him. in a manger, because there every sense of the expression. Our life was no room for them in the inn." Nor is the gift of another, and wholly dependid his after-life wear a different complex- dent upon His sovereign pleasure. All ion from his birth: The same poverty, the materials for supporting it lie withwith respect to outward accommodation, out ourselves; we must go abroad in quest which clouded his entrance into the world, of them; and the same hand that provides accompanied him through every stage of them, can either withdraw them, or put his laborious journey, till at Calvary he them beyond our reach, or withhold that finished his course upon the cross; inso- blessing which alone can render them efmuch that he could say, at the very time fectual for the sustenance of that precarious when his public ministry was most fre- life we possess: " If he hideth his face, quented and appjauded, " The foxes have we are troubled; if he taketh away our holes, and the birds of the air have nests, breath, we die." but the Son of man hath not where to lay Thus poor we all are, and necessarily his head." But this was not the only, must be, as creatures: but when I add nor even the worst kind of poverty, to that we are sinners, poverty is too feeble which he voluntarily submitted. " He a word to convey the faintest idea of our 150 SERMON XXIIL forlorn condition. A person may be poor,," that we might be rich;" that is, possessand yet owe nothing to any man: but sin ed of every thing that could render us is not merely want; it is positively debt. completely happy. Here it is that grace Again, a man who is both poor and in shines forth in its sweetest and most debt, may be healthy and strong; so that transcendent glory. But how shall we by diligence and hard labor, he may not describe what'" eye hath not seen, nor only procure the necessaries of life, but ear heard, neither hath it entered into even be able in time to do justicetohiscred- the heart of man to conceive?" The itors; but sin is disease as well as debt; it is best assistance I can give you, is to select the sickness of the soul, which wastes its from Scripture a few of those passages strength, and renders it incapable of do- that speak of the riches which Christ doth ing, nay, disinclined to attempt, any thing at present confer upon his people; and for the recovery of its health and vigor. then leave your own minds to imagine how Once more, the most insolvent debtor immense their final portion must be, when may, by flight, get beyond the reach of Christ shall come again to complete their his creditor: but to what place can a sin- salvation. ner flee where God is not present? whose "In him we have redemption through essential goodness is the irreconcilable his blood, the forgiveness of sins, accordenenmy ofsin, and only clothes itself withjus- ing to the riches of his grace; for by him tice to condemn and punish it. In short, all who believe are justified from all our Lord's description of the Laodiceans, things." With pardon, which is the intro"wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and ductory blessing of the covenant,: peace naked," is the picture of every child of with God " is inseparably connected; Adam in his natural state, with the same for "being justified by faith, we have fatal inscription written over his head, peace with God through our Lord Jesus':He knoweth it not." And did he who Christ." In consequence whereof, bewas rich; he whom we had offended; lievers are received into the house and he who stood in no need of us; he who family of God; not as servants, but as passed by creatures of a superior order, children: for " to as many as receive leaving them to inherit the misery they Christ, to them gives he power to become had chosen, and, in our punishment, as the sons of God, even to them that bewell as in theirs, might have displayed lieve in his name." " Behold," said the and glorified the perfection of his own apostle John, "what manner of love the nature;-did he, I say,for our sakes be- Father hath bestowed upon us, that we conzepoor? How astonishing this grace! shall be called the sons of God." Nor is -how impossible to be credited, if he this a mere title of honor; believers have himself had not declared it. not only the name, but the nature of IV. Let us now inquire, in the fourth children. Accordingly they are said, by place, for what end was it that he did another apostle, to be " partakers of the this? divine nature." Christ dwells in them It would justly have been deemed an by his Spirit, in such a manner, that it act of uncommon generosity, had he sim- is not so much they that live, as it is ply discharged the debt we were unable to " Christ that liveth in them." Once pay, that, being relieved of that burden, more, as they have the name and nature we might be at liberty to earn a scanty of children, so likewise the portion that is subsistence by our future labor and in- connected with that relation; for, as Paul dustry. It would have been a higher act reasons, (Romnans viii. 17.) "If children, of generosity, to raise us at once above then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs poverty, and the fear of want, by supply- with Christ." And what is their portion? ing us from his own stores with the neces- It is styled eternal lije; " a treasure in saries of life " feeding us," as Agur ex- the heavens that faileth not; "-" a kingpressed his wish, " with food convenient dom that cannot be moved; "-an inherifor us." But thegrace of our LordJesus tance incorruptible, and undefiled, that Christ proposed an end still higher than fadeth not away." this: He became poor, saith the apostle, These few quotations, which will be fa CHRIST'S POVERTY OUR RICHES. 151 miliar to the ears of all who are conver- thing to the charge of God's elect? It sant with the holy Scriptures, may serve is God that justifieth. Who is he that to give us some notion of the r'iches which condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, Christ doth impart to his people. I shall rather that is risen again, who is even at therefore conclude this head with two the right hand of God, who also maketh noted passages recorded in the preceding intercession for us." epistle to the Corinthians, which describe And as the death or sacrifice of Christ the provision that is made for believers in absolves all that believe on him from the Christ, in terms more expressive than many guilt of sin, which, as I formerly observed, volumes would suffice fully to unfold. is the fundamental and introductory blessThe one is chap. i. 30. " Of him are ye ing of the covenant; so his exaltation, in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto which is the reward of his poverty, or us wisdom, and righteousness, and sancti- voluntary humiliation, qualifies him to fication, and redemption." The other is confer upon them all those consequent chap. iii. 21. et seq. " All thinzgs are blessings which enrich them in time, and yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or shall complete their happiness in the eterCephas, or the world, or life, or death, nal world. Thus it is written, (Philip. ii. or things present, or things to come; all 8, &c.) that because " Christ humbled are yours; and ye are Christ's; and himself, and became obedient unto death, Christ is God's." even the death of the cross;" therefore V. THIE ffth/ and last thing in the text " God also hath highly exalted him, and that remains to be illustrated, is the con- given him a name which is above every nection betwixt the poverty of Christ and name; that at the name of Jesus every the riches of his people, or the influence knee should bow, of things in heaven, that the one hath upon the other: " Ie and things in earth, and things under the became poor, that we tlhroug'h his poverty earth; and that every tongue should conmight be rich." fess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the This connection will appear, if we con- glory of God the Father." And to the sider that his voluntary humiliation, in same purpose we read, (Eph. i. 21. et seq.) taking upon him our low nature, fulfilling that " When God raised him from the all righteousness, and giving himself for us, dead, he set him at his own right hand in an offering and sacrifice to God, hath so the heavenly places, far above all princimagnified the law, which we had broken, pality, and power, and might, and dominand given such full satisfaction to the ion, and every man that is named, not justice of the lawgiver, that a way is now only in this world, but also in that which opened for the free and honorable exercise is to come; and put all things under his of mercy to the most guilty and polluted feet, and gave him to be the head over all of the posterity of Adam. THereby "sin things to the church, which is his body, was condemned in the flesh," that is, in the fulness of him that filleth all in all." the same nature that had offended: And When Christ ascended up on high, leading God, by "setting forth his own Son, to captivity captive, he then received gifts be a propitiation through faith in his for men, even for the rebellious, that the blood," doth now manifest his righteous- Lord God might dwell among them. And ness, no less than his mercy, in the for- now all power is committed to him, both giveness of sin; and appears to all his in heaven and on earth: He not only apintelligent creatures to be infinitely just, pears in the presence of God as our great as well as infinitely gracious, when he High-Priest, to plead the merit of his sajustifies those that believe in Jesus. The critice, and to bless his people; but he Son of God "was wounded for our trans- sits at the Father's right hand, enthroned gressions, and bruised for our iniquities:" in glory, as " the King whom God hath "He bore our sins in his own body upon set upon his holy hill of Zion;" from the cross:" So that "now there is no whence he sends forth his angels as " mincondemnation to them that are in Christ istering spirits," to minister unto the Jesus;" for, as the Apostle reasons, heirs of promise during their continuance (Rom. viii. 33, 34.) "Who shall lay any in this house of their pilgrimage; till they 1 a52 SERMON XXIII. arrive at his Father's house in heaven, the standard of the original law itself. where they shall be advanced to sit with The law saith, " Thou shalt love thy him upon his throne, and possess fulness neighbor as thyself.' But what saith of joy, and pleasures for evermore. the gospel? You may read it, (I John AND now, my dear brethren, in the re- iii. 16.) " Hereby perceive we the love of view of these five particulars, to which God, because he laid down his life for us." the Apostle directs our attention in proof To which it is immediately added, as a and commendation of the grace which he practical inference, " We ought." The celebrates. what improvement doth it be- expression is emphatical, and imports, come us to make of the subject? that it is not left to our choice, but is Doth not the graze of our Lord Jesus strictly due as a debt; " We ought to lay Christ call for our humble and thankful down our lives for the brethren." Such admirationz? The original and essential is the love that the gospel recommends. riches of the Redeemer, the poverty to From whence it appears, that the purest which he voluntarily submitted, the cha- and most sublime morality flows from racter of those for whose sake he became faith in Christ as its native source, and poor, the r-iches he imparts unto them, will rise in exact proportion to the knowland the mzeans by which he doth it; are edge of his grace. all so wonderful when separately consider- But do we know the grace of our Lord ed, and kindle such a blaze of glory when Jesus Christ? This question demands a combined and brought together, that an- serious and deliberate anwser. gels themselves are dazzled with its splen- It is too evident, that many who bear dor; and, t'hrough all eternity, will con- the title of Christians are grossly ignorant template, with increasing wonder and de- even of the doctrines of grace, and need light, what neither they, nor we, shall to be taught " the first principles of the ever be able fully to comprehend. oracles of God." But besides these, we You must further be sensible, that this have just cause to fear, that not a few are grace of our Lord Jesus Christ doth like- to be found among us, who, though they wise invite, and should even constrain, our have acquired a theory of Christian docinzitatiol. It was for this purpose that trine, and can talk of the great truths of the Apostle introduced it into the subject the gospel with propriety and fluency; with which my text is immediately con- yet they cannot be said to know that nected. He is recommending love to the grace whereof they are able to discourse brethren, and in particular that instance to others. of charity which consisteth in supplying The knowledge which the Apostle the wants of the poor; and the argument speaks of, is different from that which or motive with which he presseth his ex- may be acquired by study, or mere human hortation, is the grace of our Lord Jesus instruction. It is of a kind altogether Christ, who, though he was rich, yet for peculiar to the real saint: It is produced their sake became poor, that they through by the Spirit accompanying the word, his poverty might be rich. And here, did taking of the things of Christ, and not your time permit, I might take occasion only showing them unto him, but writing to show, that the gospel of Christ is so them upon the "'fleshy tables of his far from relaxing the obligations of those heart," and thereby transforming him inwho receive it, to the practice of social to the divine image. Let me then ask duties, that, on the contrary, it strengthens you, or rather let me entreat you to ask these obligations, and carries the duties your own hearts, as in the presence of themselves to a sublimer height of self- God, Whether or not you ever were condenial, than the most refined moralist ever vinced of your need of this grace, your thought of, or perhaps would choose to absolute need of it, to save you from the adopt for the measure of his own con- wrath to come? Did you ever see yourduct. I need only quote one passage of selves, by the light of God's word, to be Scripture in proof of what I have said, wretched, and miserable, and poor, and where love to the brethren appears plainly blind, and naked; under a righteous sento be raised by gospel-grace even above tence of condemnation, and unable, as of CHRIST'S POVERTY OUR RICHES. 153 yourselves, to do any thing that could be false peace,-and a name to live; but all effectual for your own recovery?-Under these are refuges of lies, which ere long this conviction of your lost and helpless shall be "swept" away " with the besom estate by nature, were your eyes opened of destruction." Whereas the true faith to see the necessity and suitableness of of the gospel is every where represented, the Lord Jesus Christ, the perfection of as " working by love," and " overcoming that sacrifice which he offered up to the the world." The hope of the gospel inFather; together with his ability and cites all who are possessed of it, "to willingness "to save to the uttermost all. purify themselves, even as he " whom that come unto God by him? " Animated they hope to enjoy "is pure."-" The by these spiritual discoveries of the Sa- peace of God which passeth all underviour, encouraged by his kind invitation standing, keeps," or guards " the heart to come to him, and constrained by the and mind," and fortifies the believer Father's command to believe on his name, against the fierce assaults of his spiritual did you humbly and thankfully receive enemies. And itis the distinguishing privhim as the "unspeakble gift" of God ilege of those who "are not under the to men? saying with the apostle Paul, law, but under grace," that "sin shall not " What things were gain to me, those I have dominion over them:" " They have counted lost for Christ. Yea doubtless, put off the old man with his deeds, and and I count all things but loss for the ex- have put on the new man, which after cellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus God is created in righteousness and true my Lord: And do count them but dung, holiness." They show, that they live in that I may win Christ, and be found in the Spirit, by walking in the Spirit; him, not having mine own righteousness, and give proof that they are " risen with which is of the law, but that which is Christ," and "know him in the power by the faith of Christ, the righteousness, of his resurrection," by " seeking those which is of God by faith." Was this ac- things which are above, where Christ ceptance entire and unreserved; did your sitteth at the right hand of God." These heart consent that he should be made of are the words of truth; they are pure God unto you, wisdom, and righteousness, words, like silver tried in a furnace of and sanctification, and redemption; your earth, and purified seven times. And prophet to instruct you, and your king to they are written in such capital letters, rule over you, as well as your priest to and expressed with such plainness and justify you by his blood? Have you re- precision, that no sophistry can either lished, or do you now relish, the sweet- darken their meaning or impair their ness of his grace? Above all, let me ask force; unless it be to those unstable you, have you felt its power and influence souls who are "s ever learning. but never upon your temper and practice? The able to come to the knowledge of the grace of the gospel is not only the parent truth;" "who like children are tossed of peace and joy, but an effectual prin- to and fro, and carried about with every ciple of holiness in all who partake of it. wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men This was the doctrine which Paul deliv- and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie ered to Titus, (Tit. ii. 11. et seq.) " The in wait to deceive." I therefore repeat grace of God which bringeth salvation, upon this occasion, what I have often in teacheth us, that denying ungodliness, culcated, and the Scriptures of truth uniand worldly lusts, we should live soberly, formly teach, that the gospel-salvation is and righteously and godly, in this present a present salvation; and that the Lord world." This is not only the most satis- Jesus Christ is not only a deliverer from fying evidence, that we knozw the grace of " wrath to come," but that, in the mean our Lovrd Jesus Christ; but so essential time, he saves all who trust in him, from an evidence, that where it is wanting, I that sin which renders them obnoxious to can read nothing in the whole book of wrath; first, by expiating the guilt of it God to supply the defect, or that can be by his death, and next, by breaking the substituted in the place of it. I read of power of it in their hearts, through the a dead faith,-a presumptuous hope,-a operation of that Spirit which is the seal 154 SERMON XXIII. of their adoption, the earnest and first- this question is to be found in the 4th fruits of their future inheritance. chapter of this epistle, (verse 6.) " God, These are the particulars upon which I who at first commanded the'light to shine would have you to examine yourselves im- out of darkness, hath shined into your partially, as those who expect a judgment hearts, to give you the light of the knowlto csmne. Some of them are so essential edge of his glory in the face of Jesus to the character of a Christian, that every Clrist." Not unto yourselves then, not one who truly believeth in Christ. must unto yourselves, but to his free, distin. have a consciousness of them in his own guishing favor, is all the glory due. mind; for none was ever born into the farm- 2d/y. Let this morning-dawn encourage ily of God, without such a conviction of you to hope for the perfect day. Christ guilt, pollution, and weakness, as rendered would never have emptied himself, and bethe Redeemer both necessary and precious comepoor, without the most absolute assurin his esteem. And though the enlighten- ance that some were to be enriched by ed mind will discover much imperfection, him: and where he begins a good work, and many humbling blemishes, even in the this may, and ought to be, considered as a fairest of those fruits which are the pro- certain pledge, that he will carry it forduct of true and saving faith; yet (unless ward to its full perfection; for he " who is it be in those who are but newly entered the author" is also "the finisher of his into the school of Christ) the effects of his people's faith." Rejoice, therefore, in teaching must, in some degree, appear inl hope of the glory of God. And till you such gracious fruits as I just now men- are brought to the possession of it be care tioned. And I should betray the trust ful, in the committed to me, and reproach that grace 3d place, To use all the means lie hath I profess to magnify, if I encouraged any appointed for obtaining larger measures to conclude, that they are savingly ac- of his grace, both in respect of knowledge quainted with it, whose temper and prac- and of influence. Among these means, tice have undergone no change, whatever the holy sacrament of our Lord's supper pretensions they may make to faith in the holds the most distinguished rank, as it Redeemer, and confident assurance of their was instituted for this very purpose, to final salvation; for all the saved of the exhibit a sensible representation of tlhe Lord are expressly denominated " God's grace of our Lo/'d Jesus Christ, in becomworkmnansh]ip, created in Christ Jesus un- ing poor fbor our sake, that we through his to good works, which God hath before poverty zinght be ricth. Here we not only ordained that they should walk in them." behold him in his lowest state of voluntaAnd it will remain an invariable truth, to ry humiliation, evidently set forth as cruthe confusion of all vain boasting hypo- cified before our eyes; but likewise precrites, that " whom God did foreknow, he senting to us, and by visible symbols conalso did predestinate to be conformed to ferring upon us, all those unsearchable the image of his Son, that he might be riches which he purchased with his blood, the first-born among many brethren." and secures by his intercession; which he But my chief business at present is actually possesseth as the "head of the with those who know by experience the church, which is his body;" and conveys, grace of our Lord Jeszts Christ; having by his Spirit, to every member in due seaboth tasted its sweetness, and felt the son, and measure, as their several necessipower of it in their own hearts. To such ties and circumstances require. Let us I shall address a few short exhortations, then approach the table of the Lord with and then proceed to the service for which faith, and love, and thankful praise; and we are assembled. while we bless him for the grace he hath 1st. Give glory to God, for what you already made known to us, let us pray for know of his grace; and humbly acknowl- such further discoveries as may strengthen edge that it was he, and he only, who and comfort us in what remains of our opened your eyes, and turned you from journey through this wilderness, till we darkness to light. Who made you to dif- arrive at those blessed abodes of perfect fer from others? The proper answer to light, and love, and purity, where we shall FAITH AND HOPE ESTABLISHED. 155 see him as he is, without the intervention his obedience; the merit of his sacrifice; of ordinances, and enjoy him fully, with- his resurrection from the dead; and his out interruption and without end. Agmen. exaltation to the right hand of God, leave no room to doubt of his saving power while his own account of the errand upon which he came into the world; his free choice of the office of Redeemer; his genSERMON XXIV. erous offers of mercy to the chief of sinners; together with the regret he always FAITH AND HOPE ESTABLISHED, expressed when these offers were rejected -may justly lead us to conclude, that he 1 PETER I. 20, 21.-" Who verily was foreordain- is no less woilling than " he is able to save ed before the foundation of the world, but to the uttermost all that come unto God was manifest in these last times for you; wihoby him." by himr do believe in GoD that raised him up These ecurain truts, hi are from tile dead, and gave him glory, that yor These enourng truths, wh faith and hope might be in GOD." written as with a sunbeam in the sacred Scriptures, present themselves to the view EVERY fabric must partake of the strength of every intelligent reader. Hence those or weakness of its foundation. A house general professions of gratitude to the that is built upon the loose sand, will soon Redeemer, and of dependence upon him, fall to the ground; nay, the higher it is for the pardon of sin, and deliverance froim raised, especially if the materials be wrath, which are so common among Chrisweighty, the more sudden and ruinous will tians of almost every denomination. its fall be. It must therefore be of the But I have had frequent occasion to obhlast importance to the Christian, to be ful- serve, that these views of the Saviour, ly satisfied in his own mind, that the though just in themselves, are too often grounds of his faith and hope in God are blended with indistinct, and even erronesufficient to sustain all the weight he hath ous, conceptions of the great scheme of to lay upon them. salvation, as revealed in the gospel. Many, The li/t of the soul is no trivial matter; while they look upon the Sonz as the' genit is our ALL. Other things may be want- erous friend of fallen man, are too apt to ed. but this is the " one thing needful." represent the Fatlhzer to their own minds The death of the soul, by which I mean as severe and unrelenting; eager to punish its final separation from the only source of his guilty creatures; yielding with reluelife and joy, is misery in the extreme; tance to accept the offered ransom, and to pure imisery, without mixture or alloy. receive from a Mediator, that satisfaction To this death we all became liable by to his justice which was necessary to make our apostasy from God. The loathsome way for such exercise of mercy as might disease, which if left to its own operation, consist with the authority of his laws, and will soon produce this fatal effect, is deep the dignity of his government. lodged in our nature; and we are directed Sentiments of this kind are not only to look up to the Lord Jesus Christ, not gloomy and uncomfortable to those who only for the cure of the disease, but like- entertain them, but have likewise a most wise for all that exalted happiness besides, pernicious tendency in other respects. which, commencing in present reconcilia- They thwart the very design of Christ's tion with God, and the renovation of the coming into the world; of whom it is exsoul after his divine image, shall at length pressly said, that "he suffered, the just be perfected in the entire resemblance and for the unjust, that he might bring us to full enjoyment of him in the heavenly God."' It was not that our regard should state. terminate in his own person as Mediator; That the Lord Jesus is able to do these but that through him they should ascend great things for us, is the professed belief to the eternal Father, who " so loved the of all who style themselves Christians. world, that he gave his only begotten Son, The dignity of his person, as the'"eter- that whosoever believeth in him might nal Word made flesh; " the perfection of not perish, but have everlasting life." He 156. SERMON XXIV. came to demonstrate the love of God to apostle meant to deliver; " If ye call on sinners of mankind; that, by rendering the Father, who, without respect of perthe Father amiable to the convinced, en- sons, judgeth according to every man's lightened soul, he milght overpower its na- work, pass the time of your sojourning tural enmity, and, upon the ruins thereof, here in fear; forasmuch as ye know that erect a throne for gratitude and love. ye were not redeemed with corruptible Christ is indeed, said to be "the end of things, as silver and gold, but with the the law;" and the law, by showing us our precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb guilt, and depravity, and the necessity of without blemish and without spot," wvho a better righteousness than our own, to be verily was foreordained, namely, by the pleaded as the ground of our acceptance Father, sustaining the character of the with God, is very properly styled "our Supreme Lord and Judge, before the Schoolmnaster to bring us to Christ." But foundation of the world. when we are brought thus far by the disci- " Known unto God are, all his works pline of the law, doth Christ then corn- from the beginning." The scheme of remand us to stop short at himself, and to demption, and the several steps preparaproceed no farther? No; he who is " the tory to its final execution, were fixed and end of the law," is styled the way to the adjusted before time commenced. This slather; for thus he describes his own in part appears from the manner of its character and office, (John xiv. 6.) " I am first publication in paradise, as Moses hath the way, and the truth, and the life; no recorded it in the sacred history. The man conmeth unto the Father but by me." cool majestic solemnity with which the It is God in Christ reconciling the world whole procedure was conducted on that unto himself by the ministry of the Spirit, important occasion, and especially the putthat is the complete and adequate object ting the gracious promise of a Deliverer of faith: and we do not understand " the to our guilty parents, into the form of a word of reconciliation," till we see the judicial sentence against the grand aposundivided Godhead, Father, Son, and tate who had seduced them, plainly Holy Ghost, united in counsel, as they are showed, that the constitution which then in one essence; and each performing, in commenced was not an after-thought, or the character he sustains, a peculiar work newly-devised expedient, but that all was of grace for the eternal salvation of an the result of previous counsel and deelect world. sign; that the rebellion had been seen It is the agency of the Father in this before it was acted, and redemption dewonderful plan which " angels desire to creed before the forfeiture was incurred. look into," that the passage I have been Many passages might be quoted from reading leads us at present to contem- the Old Testament writings, where the plate. And it will readily occur to you, Father's choice and ordination of the Sathat four several acts of grace are here viour are declared in the strongest and attributed to him. most explicit terms. In one place he is inFirst. He ordained his Son to the office troduced, proclaiming his sovereign pleasof Redeemer. ure in these words: " Behold my SerSecondly. He nzanZfested him to the vant whom I uphold, mine elect in whom world at the appointed season. my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit Thirdly. Ile raised hiim up front the upon him, he shall bring forth judgment dead. And, to the Gentiles." In another place, where Fourthly. He gave hin glory. Messiah himself is the speaker, the Each of these particulars I shall en- Father's commission is thus acknowdeavor to illustrate; and then show their ledged by him: " The Spirit of the Lord joint tendency to establish our faith and God is upon me, because the Lord hath hope in God. anointed me to preach good tidings unto First. It was the Father who ordained the meek, he hath sent me to bind up the Christ to the office of Redeemer. You broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the need only read from the 17th verse, to be captives, and the opening of the prison to satisfied that this was the doctrine the them that are bound." And this last FAITH AND HOPE ESTABLISHED. 157 question is more remarkable, because the A special messenger was sent to preevangelist Luke informs us, that our pare the world for his reception; this was Lord, after reading it publicly in the John the Baptist, (who had likewise been synagogue at Nazareth, directly applied foretold in ancient prophecy) to whom the it to himself, by adding these words: Father mnanifested the promised seed, by " This day is this Scripture fulfilled in a visible descent of the Holy Ghost at your ears."-Luke iv. 21. his baptism, accompanied with a voice from But there are other declarations of our heaven, which said,," This is my beloved blessed Redeemer, which, without any Son, in whom I am well pleased." Which circuit, express the same truth, in terms signal and most authentic attestation was so plain, that it is impossible for any body immediately published by John to the to mistake their meaning. "I proceeded men of that age; for this was the record forth," said he, "and came from God; he bare. (John i. 32, 33, 34.) "I saw neither came I of myself, but he sent me." the Spirit descending from heaven like a " I do nothing of myself, but as the dove, and it abode upon him. And I Father hath taught me I speak these knew him not; but he that sent me to things, and he that sent me is with me."' baptize with water, the same said unto " I came from heaven to do the will of me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit him that sent me." "I have not spoken descending and remaining on him, the of myself, but the Father which sent me, same is he which baptizeth with the Holy he gave me a commandment what I should Ghost. And I saw, and bare record, that say and what I should speak." Such ex- this is the Son of God." plicit acknowledgments from the mouth But he had greater witness than that of "the faithful witness," which must be of John. " The works which his Father familiar to the ears of all who are con- gave him to finish, the same works that versant with the lively oracles of truth, he did, bare witness of him that the are sufficient to illustrate the agency of Father had sent him." It was to this dithe Father in framing the plan of man's vine attestation that our Lord himself redemption before time commenced, and most frequently appealed. When the in ordaining the Son to carry it into Jews came to him in Solomon's porch at execution. the feast of the dedication, and said unto Secondly. His agency is no less con- him, " How long dost thou make us to spicuous in manifesting the Saviour at doubt? if thou be the Christ tell us the appointed season. plainly; " his answer was, " I told you, It was the original promise, that " the and ye believed not: The works that I do seed of the woman should bruise the ser- in my Father's name, they bear witness pent's head." Accordingly we read, of me." " If I do not the works of my (Gal. iv. 4.) that " when the fulness of the Father, believe me not: but if I do, time was come, God sent forth his Son, though ye believe not me, believe the made of a wonan." The propriety of works; that ye may know and believe which expression cannot fail to strike us that the Father is in me and I in him." with peculiar force, when we recollect The miraculous appearances at his what the angel said to Mary, after he had death had such an effect upon the ceninformed her of the high honor which turion, and the soldiers who attended his God was about to confer upon her, (Luke crucifixion, that "when they saw the i. 35.) " The Holy Ghost shall come upon earthquake, and those things that were thee, and the power of the Highest shall done," and in particular observed with overshadow thee; therefore also that holy what majesty he retired from life, volunthing which shall be born of thee, shall be tarily dismissing his Spirit, after he had called the Son of God." All the predic- cried with a shout of triumph, It is tions of the prophets concerning the time finished, "they feared greatly, saying, and place of the Messiah's birth, and the Truly this was the Son of God." circumstances of the Jewish nation at By these, and sundry other ways that that important period, were most exactly might be mentioned, did the Father manifulfilled, as might easily be shown. fest and give testimony to the Saviour. 158 SERMON XXIV. Thlirdly. But it was chiefly by his same day at evening, when the doors were resurrection fr.om the dead that our Lord shut, where the disciples were assembled was declared to be the Son of God with for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and power." And this is the third particular stood in the midst of them." But what mentioned in the text; which, you see, is our Lord said to the people (John xii. expressly attributed to the agency of the 30.) concerning the voice which came from Father. It was God, saith the apostle, heaven, in answer to that prayer, " Father, that raised him upfrom the dead. This glorify thy name;" This Voice came not doth not imply that our great Redeemer because of me, but for your sakes, may could not, or did not, by his own proper justly be applied to that appearance of virtue. rise from the dead; for what he the angel. It was not because of Christ, said to the Jews was strictly true in the as though he needed his aid, but for the most obvious sense of the words, " I have sake of the pious women who had come to power to lay down my life, and I have visit the sepulchre; and I may add, for power to take it up again; " and on the sake of all whom their report shall another occasion, " Destroy this temple," reach, to make it evident, that his dispointing at his own body, " and in three charge was issued in due form, in testidays I will raise it up." Accordingly, mony of the Father's infinite delight in the author of this epistle observes, (chap. him, and of his perfect satisfaction with iii. 18.) that he was "quickened by the his whole conduct as Mediator. This leads -Spirit." or that divine nature which was to the personally united to his humanity. And Fourth and last particular; upon which in his memorable sermon on the day of it is as impossible to say enough, as it is Pentecost, speaking of the resurrection unnecessary to say much; namely, the of Christ, after he had said, (Acts ii. 24.) glory he received from the Father as the that the Father "loosed the pains of promised and merited reward of his death," he immediately added, "because obedience and sufferings. it was not possible he should be holden Of this we have many lofty descriptions of it." in Scripture. There we are told, that Nevertheless, as Christ sustained a "God who raised him from the dead, public character, and died as the surety hath set him at his own right hand in the of fallen man, it was highly fit in himself heavenly places, far above all principality, and necessary for our comfort, that the and power, and might, and dominion, and agency of the Father should be clearly every name that is named, not only in this seen and acknowledged in his resurrec- world, but also in that which is to come: tion; and that his release from the grave and hath put all things under his feet, and should appear to be an act of righteous given him to be the head over all things to administration, rather than the mere ex- the church." "He is gone," saith our ercise of Sovereign power. It was cer- apostle, (in the 3d chapter of this epistle, tainly most regular, that the same hand at the 22d verse)'" He is gone into heaven, from which he received his commission and is on the right hand of God; angels, should seal his discharge; for none else and authorities, and powers, being made but the Father was qualified to judge subject unto him." He is constituted the whether or not the articles of agreement final judge of men; for " God hath apwere fulfilled: He, and he alone, had pointed the day in which hewill judge the authority to declare that the satisfaction world in righteousness by that man whom was valid, and the debt paid to the utter- he hath ordained; whereof he hath given most farthing. This, I apprehend, was assurance unto all men, in that he raised the reason why an angel was sent from him from the dead."'Then shall the heaven to roll away the stone from the Lord Jesus be revealed from heaven, with door of the sepulchre. It was not surely his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking to open a passage for our Lord, as though vengeance on them that know not God, any stone, how great soever, could have and that obey not the gospel of our Lord confined his revived body to the grave; Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with for we read, (John xx. 19.) that " on the everlasting destruction from the presence FAITH AND HOPE ESTABLISHED. 159 of the Lord, and from the glory of his stead of timid distrust, plainly appears to power: when he shall come to be glorified be daring presumption. We give God in his saints, and to be admired in all the lie, when we put away from ourselves them that believe." The donation of this the calls of his mercy, and offers of his glory by his heavenly Father, and its con- grace; Whereas, by humble and thankful nection with his previous sufferings and acceptance of the Saviour, " we set to our death, are solemnly acknowledged by our seal that God is true;" and only render Lord hiniself, in that prayer which he ut- unto him the glory that is due to his name, tered in the hearing of his disciples, (John as the God of love, the God who is xvii. 4. 5.) "I have glorified thee on love, eveA the God and Father of our Lord earth: I have finished the work which Jesus Christ, in whom he reconciles the thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, world unto himself, not imputing their glorify thou inme with thine own self, with trespasses unto them. the glory which I had with thee before the A copious enlargement upon this branch world was." And both are expressly as- of my subject would carry me far beyond serted in the same connection, (Philip. ii. the ordinary limits of a discourse: but as 6-11.) where the apostle first relates the it is the will of God, that the heirs of proseveral steps of our Lord's humiliation, mise should have "a strong consolation," and then adds, " Wherefore God also hath I cannot conclude my remarks upon the highly exalted him, and given him a name agency of the Father in the work of man's above every name: That at the name of redemption, without reminding you of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in " the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, heaven, and things in earth, and things un- though he was rich, yet for our sakes beder the earth; and that every tongue should came poor, that we through his poverty confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to might be rich." He who was in the form the glory of God the Father." of God, and thought it not robbery to be Thus I have endeavored to give you a equal with God, made himself of no repushort illustration of the agency of the tation, and took upon him the form of a Father in the work of man's redemption, servant, and was made in the likeness of as it is described in this passage. He or- men: and being found in fashion as a man, dained the Saviour: —he manifested him he humbled himself, and became obedient to the world; —he raised him up from the unto death, even the death of the cross." dead;-he gave him glory. And all The Father indeed freely gave the Son to those particulars are made known to us. us; but with equal freedom the Son gave For what end? that our faith and hope himself for us. With what alacrity did wmay be in God. Amazing goodness! he accept the office of Mediator? " Lo, I What shall we say to this? " Lord, we be- come,-I delight to do thy will: thy law lieve; help thou our unbelief." is within my heart."' With what ardor Can we entertain hard thoughts of that did he execute the commission he had reGod, who hath not only done such great ceived!'" I have a baptism to be baptized things for our recovery, but done them in with, and how am I straitened till it be aca manner so demonstrative of his love, complished!" "I," said he, " am the good that it is impossible for the jealousy of shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his guilt itself to find out any seeming defect life for the sheep." It is not violently in the encouragement they afford, or to taken from me; I voluntarily lay it down. devise any additional security, for dispel- Nay, he was not only a willing sacrifice, ling the fears, and assuring the hopes, of like Isaac, consenting to be bound, and the chief of sinners; who, conscious of de- laid upon the altar; but he himself was served wrath, and confessing the justice the priest that offered the sacrifice: for of the sentence that condemns them, flee thus it is written in the epistle to the Hefor refuse to that sanctuary erected by in- brews, (chap. ix. 14.) " Through the eterfinite wisdom and love, for the reception nal Spirit, he offered himself without of those who look for protection nowhere spot unto God." else? Unbelief, when viewed in the glass Here then is sunshine without a cloud. of my text, changeth its aspect; and in- Around the throne of God, and of the 160 SERMON XXV. Lamb, all is bright meridian splendor. of these objections can, with any color of What pity is it that any gloom should sit justice, be charged upon the record as it upon our mlinds? " In this was manifest- lies before us in my text. To what then ed the love of God towards us, because shall we attribute the cold reception it that God sent his only begotten Son into meets with from the bulk of mankind; the the world, that they might live through contemptuous rejection of it by many; hiln."-l John ix. 9. The love of Christ and the violent opposition that is made to was no less clearly manifested in his it by not a few. " GIVING himself for us an offering and a I shall not pretend to enumerate all the sacrifice to God, for a sweet-smelling sa- different causes that might be assigned. vor."-Eph. v. 2. There is one which, however it may These two memorable and interesting appear a paradox to some, doth, in my sentences, like the cherubims which cover- opinion, unfold the most dangerous and ed the mercy-seat, have their faces look- fruitful source of infidelity. It is briefly ing one towards another; and both smile this:-The gospel-record is too plain to with complacence upon every returning be understood and too gracious to be beprodigal. For to connect them together, lieved. and bring them home to ourselves, I need Here is nothing above the level of the only direct your attention to a third pas- lowest capacity; nothing beyond the reach sage of Scripture, where faith in the Son of the most degenerate amlong men. It is expressly enjoined as an act of obedience requires no acuteness to discover what is to the will of the Father; (1 John iii. 23.) meant by a gift; and if the gift be free "' this is the conmaznd of God, that we and disencumbered, all to whom it is ofshould believe on the name of his Son fered are equally qualified to receive it. Jesus Christ." Let us this day unite This pulls up at once the deepest laid them all in the serious meditations at the foundations of pride and vainglory, and table of the Lord; and improve them, as thwarts that love of distinction and prewe ought to do, for the establishment of eminence which, from the date of the ourjfaith, and hope, and oy. We are not apostasy, hath been the fatal inheritance straitened in God: let us not be straitened of the human kind. We cannot bear the in our bowels; for this is the call which he thought of being fed at a common table, addresseth to each believer in particular, how richly soever that table may be fur" Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." nished. Each of us would wish to have Amen. a portion peculiar to himself; something that might denote a preference to others, and flatter that partial opinion which SERMON XXV. every one fondly cherisheth of his own personal importance. ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST. Hence it is, that the record of God hath either been altogether rejected, or so inI. Jos, v. 11. —"This is the recold, that GOD terlined with the glosses of vain philosohath given to us eternal life: and this life is in his SoN."hy, as to alter its veiy frame, and render it not only ineffectual, but even adverse, WiIY do not all to whom these good to those salutary purposes for which it was tidings are published, receive them with intended. humble gratitude and joy? Are they ex- The Almighty Independent Sovereign pressed in terms so dark and ambiguous, of the universe hath been tried at the bar that their meaning and import cannot be of his own rebellious subjects. There it fully ascertained? or is the offer of life hath been decided what is fit and becomloaded with such hard conditions, as exceed ing the high station lie holds. Plans of the powers of those to whom it is ad- administration have been laid down for dressed? Were either of these the case, him, formed upon those systems of human unbelief would be furnished with some- government, which to each daring projecthing more than a plausible excuse. But tor appeared the most complete: whereas every body must be sensible, that neither the absurdity, as well as the arrogance, ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST. 161 of all such attempts, are detected and re- there is, there can be, no such thing as proved by two very plain questions, which property on the side of the governed. the Apostle Paul proposes in the 11th All the subjects are the creatures of the chapter of his epistle to the Romans, at Supreme Ruler; and whatever they posthe close; "Who hath known the mind sess, they derive from him. The more of the Lord? or who hath been his coun- they receive, the greater debtors they are sellor? Or who hath first given to him, to his bounty; and when they improve and it shall be recompensed unto hinm their trust to the utmost extent of their again? " No man of common understand- capacity, they have no merit to plead; ing will hesitate a moment in giving an their fidelity can amount to nothing higher answer to these questions, but will readily than innocence; while the least failure reply,-None hath been his counsellor, renders them criminal and liable to punneither is there any who hath first given ishment. to God; " for," as it immediately follows, So that, in the very nature of things,'" of him, and through him, and to him, whatsoever God bestows upon the most are all things." And yet how obvious, perfect of his creatures, must be the effect and how important, are the consequences of pure grace and favor. And if all be of such acknowledgments? favor to the innocent, who have never left For if none hath been his counsellor, it the station in which he placed them; sureis plain that none can know his mind till ly what is bestowed upon the guilty must he shall be pleased to reveal it; nor even flow from the purest grace, the most conthen can it be known any further than it descending exercise of sovereign mercy. is revealed. To supply what is concealed, And this is the light in which my text with conclusions drawn from the reason- presents to our view the record of God ings of our own minds, would be the height with regard to fallen man; where the of presumption: We must take his coun- whole contents of the gospel constitution sel as it lies before us in the record he are comprehended in this short but emhath given us, without adding to it or phatical sentence, subtracting from it. Again, if none hath God hath/ given us eternal life: and first given to him, how erroneous must it this life is in his Son. be to measure the divine administration It consists, you see, of two parts. even by the most perfect models of govern- 1. God hath given to us eternal life. ment among men? Nay, if it would not 2. This life is in his Son. seem another paradox, I could almost I. TIIE first part of the record repreventure to affirm, that the more perfect sents the great Lord of all, in the endearany constitution of human government is, ing character of a munificent benefactor the less it is adapted to be a standard and tender-hearted father, regarding his in this matter. We reckon that system guilty creatures with an eye of pity, and the most excellent, because most agreeable graciously interposing for their relief, to the soundest principles of reason, by after they had wilfully destroyed themwhich the original equality of all men by selves. nature is most effectually preserved; I need not detain you with a tragical where established law, to which the high- description of the fatal effects of our est are subject, restrains the hand of vio- apostacy from God. It may suffice to relence, and supports the meanest individual mind you of what is written, (Rom. v. 12.) in the possession of those privileges which, " By one man sin entered into the world, without such protection, he might be un- and death by sin." This is the view which able to defend. But here no parallel can my text leads us to take of the present be drawn with regard to the divine govern- state of fallen man. He is not only bement; nor is there room to reason from come mortal, or liable to death, in the the one to the other, even by the remotest common acceptation of that term; but he analogy. The frame of human policy, is already dead, in the most important and the whole system of legislation, is built awful sense of the word. He is separated, upon the basis of private right and pro- or cut off, from the only source of life; and perty; whereas, in the kingdom of God, though he is still alive in this material 11 162 SERMON XXV. world, from which too he must soon re- Ghost." Accordingly, eternal life is move, yet his connection is broken with styled an inheritance; which is insepathe spiritual world; so that the dissolu- rably connected with the relation of chiltion of the body terminates at once his dren: and as by the apostacy we became enjoyments and his hopes. Every thing enemies to God, it is not easy to conceive beyond the grave must wear an aspect of how enemies can be made children in any horror: nothing remains for him after other way than by an act of the purest that fatal period, but "a fearful looking and most sovereign grace. for of judgment and fiery indignation." Were God in any respect weak or indiThis may help us to a proper concep- gent, could he be impoverished by the re - tion both of the nature and worth of the volt of his subjects, or hurt by the violent blessing here mentioned. The founda- efforts of their enmity; it might be wistion of this eternal life is laid in reconcili- dom to court their return by the offer of ation with God; for by that we pass from a reward, and even to connect the reward death to life; the essence of it consist- with such gentle conditions as the proudeth in likeness to God; and it is perfect- est heart might easily digest: but this, ed in the beatific vision, and full enjoy- you must be sensible, is not the case we ment of God in heaven. are considering. God stands in no need The epithet eternal, sufficiently dis- of us, or of our services. It requires no tinguisheth it from that precarious kind exertion of strength to crush his rebellious of life we at present find ourselves pos- subjects: if he withdraw for one moment sessed of. It is a life that is not subject to the support of his power, they perish: for death; neither is it interrupted for one " in him they all live and move:" so that moment by the dissolution of the earthly if punishment be deferred, and, still more, tabernacle: on the contrary, it acquires if benefits be conferred, no cause can be new vigor, by that stroke which separates assigned for either but his own sovereign the soul from the body; and then only pleasure, the self-removing goodness of arrives at full maturity, when the mall his nature. ceaseth to be any more an inhabitant of Were these plain truths attended to, this world. much vain jangling and strife of words But instead of enlarging upon the na- might be prevented, and a ready solution ture and excellence of this inestimable found of many of those seemingly intriblessing, I would rather direct your at- cate questions, with which serious and tention to the manner in which it is be- awakened minds are ofttimes perplexed stowed. And here the record is abun- and discouraged. dantly plain, God hath GIVEN to us eter- It is one of the most obvious dictates nal life. The true import of the word of sound reason, that the creature owes given, is clearly decided by the apostle its existence to the pure favor of the CrePaul, when he says, " The wages of sin is ator. It is equally obvious that it can death; but the gift of God, is eternal only live by those means which the Crealife;" where wages and gift are placed in tor hath appointed. Every species of direct opposition to one another; the first animals hath its peculiar aliment; so pebeing an exercise of justice, the last an culiar, that what is food to one species, is act of free and unmerited favor. And in not only useless, but frequently noxious this light the salvation of sinners is uni- to another: a plain, convincing evidence formly represented in the sacred writings. of their immediate and absolute depend" It is your Father's good pleasure," said ence upon the will of that Being whose Christ to his disciples, " to give you the workmanship they all are. Whence is it, kingdom." "Bygrace are ye saved through that those materials upon which the elefaith," said St. Paul; " and that not of phant grows to a bulk so enormous, can yourselves, it is the gift of God." And afford no sustenance to the comparatively again,' Not by works of righteousness diminutive body of man? No answer can which we have done, but according to his be given but this, The Creator hath mercy he saved us., by washing of regene- not chosen and blessed them for that end. ration, and the renewing of the Holy Every attempt to live by any other means ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST. 163 than God hath appointed, is an attempt his wisdom to exercise mercy in such a to live not only independent of God, but manner, as should be expressive of his in defiance of his will. Adam tried the real character, and give a full and true experiment, and thereupon became mor- representation of his other perfections to tal: for it was not the quality of the for- all his intelligent creatures. bidden tree, but the prohibition of the Holiness belongs to God as well as Creator, that armed his trespass with the goodncss.; and the sceptre of his kingdom fatal sting. if "a sceptre of righteousness;" and And can the nobler, and Spiritual life, therefore Wisdom required, that while be less intimately connected with its his mercy triumphed in the salvation of Author than the animal one? If that be sinners, his holiness should at the same lost by wilful transgression, doth it re- time shine forth in all its glory, by such quire less power or less grace to restore a public and awful condemnation of sin, it? Or can the revolted creature plead as should demonstrate his infinite abhorany right to the institution of a benefit rence of that accursed thing, with no less which was freely bestowed at first, and, convincing evidence, than if the sword of even before it was forfeited, owed its con- justice had descended with unabated force tinuance to the good pleasure of the upon the guilty heads of the criminals giver? The absurdity is so glaring, that themselves. every one must perceive it as soon as it is This was done in the most effectual mentioned. The blessing of eternal life manner by the sufferings of his only-beis, and can be, no other than the record gotten and well-beloved Son, in that very hath declared it to be, the free and sov- nature which had offended. When he ereign gift of God. "who was in the form of God, and An hard saying this to the vain sons thought it not robbery to be equal with of Adam, who would always find some- God, made himself of no reputation, took thing in themselves to boast of! but ab- upon him the form of a servant, and besolutely necessary to bring them back to ing found in fashion as a man, humbled that cheerful dependence upon, and wil- himself, and became obedient unto death, ling subjection to the Father of their spir- even the death of the cross; "-then inits; which is the only healthful and deed was "'sin condemned in the flesh," orderly state of creatures; the happiness and the righteousness of God not only rewhereof they forfeited by aspiring to be- vealed, but magnified, as it is written, come gods. This appears to be the aim ( Rom. iii. 25, 26.) " God hath set forth his of all God's dispensations to the children Son to be a propitiation, through faith in of men; and is expressly declared to be his blood, to declare [or manifest] his rightthe ultimate end of the gospel-constitu- eousness for the remission of sins: that tion. (1 Cor. i. 30. ) " Of him are ye in he might be just," and appear to be so, Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto'" when he justifies those that believe in us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, Jesus."-Thus, the sacrifice of Christ is and redemption: that, according as it is the meritorious cause of that justification written, He that glorieth, let hign glory of the sinner, which not only delivers him in the Lord." from present condemnation, and future These few remarks may serve to throw wrath; but, in consequence of the grant light upon the first part of the record, annexed to the sacrifice, doth likewise God hath given to us eternal life. invest him with a right to life that shall 2dly. THE second branch of it doth never end, and even introduce him to the further inform us, that this life is in his possession of that inestimable blessing. Son. Hence believers are said, in the precedThough God acted as a Sovereign, in ing chapter, to live through Christ, as conferring so great a gift upon any of the the propitiation for their sins. "In this dead posterity of Adam, and could not be was manifested the love of God towards influenced to this act of grace by any us, because that God sent his only begotother motive than what he found in his ten Son into the world, that we might own essential goodness; yet it became live through him." —" Herein is love, not 164 SERMON XXV. that we loved God, but that he loved us. begun at the new birth in the hearts of and sent his Son to be the propitiation his people, shall arrive at full maturity, for our sins." and be enjoyed in perfection through all But there is an obvious difference be- eternity. Thus it appears, that the Son, tween living throtugh, or by means of as Mediator, is possessed of all that life Christ, and having life in Christ; which which is the Father's gift to sinners of last is the form of expression in my text. mankind. Nothing less can be meant by a phrase of 2d11y. We are taught with equal plainsuch intense signification, than 1st. That ness, that the Son hath the entire disposal the Son, as Mediator, is in full possession of life, and is the sole fountain or source of all that life which is the gift of the from whence it flows. Thus our Lord Father; 2dly. That he is the sole foun- said to the Jews, (John v, 21.) " As the tain or source form whence life flows to father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth sinners of mankind; and, 3dly. That in them, even so the Son quickeneth whom him life is so effectually secured for all he will." In his conference with Martha who believe on his name, that no adverse at the sepulchre of her brother Lazarus. power shall be able to deprive them of it. he styled himself the resurrection and the And if we consult the lively oracles of 1ife; and added, " He that believeth in truth, we shall find each of these particu- me. though he were dead, yet shall he live; lars not only implied, but asserted, in the and whosoever liveth, and believeth on clearest and strongest terms. me, shall never die." The mnanner of TheJirst is written as with a sun-beam imparting this life he illustrates by the on almost every page of this sacred book. similitude of a vine and its branches. " The Word was made flesh," saith our "I," said he,' am the vine, and ye are the Apostle, in the 1st chapter of his gospel, branches. As the branch cannot bear at the 14th verse, " and we beheld his fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; glory, the glory as of the only begotten no more can ye, except ye abide in me: of the Father, full of grace, and truth:- For without me (or separated from me) ye and of his fulness have all we received, can do nothing." Accordingly he gets and grace for grace." It was our Lord's the name of the head, from which all the own declaration, ( John v. 26.) that " as body, by joints and bands having nourishthe Father hath life in himself, so hath ment ministered, and knit together, he given to the Son to have life in him- increaseth with the increase of God. The self." Accordingly, St. Paul, speaking closeness of this union is thus expressed, of the Son in his official character as (1 Cor. vi. 17.) " He that is joined to the bead of the church, thus writes to the Lord is ONE SPIRIT. " And the apostle Colossians, ( Coloss. i. 19 ) "It pleased Paul, in describing his own life as " a man the Father, that in him should all fulness in Christ," (Gal. ii. 20.) after having said, dwell." And that none might mistake' I am crucified with Christ," he immedithe nature of that fulness, he explains it ately subjoins, "nevertheless I live; yet by another passage in that same epistle, not I, but Christ liveth in nme; and the (Coloss. ii. 9.) " In him dwelleth all the life which I now live in the flesh, I live fulness of the Godhead bodily." To which by the faith of the Son of God, who loved he subjoins these emphatical words, " Ye me, and gave himself for me." And this are complete in him." It is written, leads to the (John iii. 35.) " The Father loveth the 3d Particular I mentioned, as included Son, and hath given all things into his in that strong expression, This life is in hand." This was the testimony of John his Son, namely, That in him it is effecthe Baptist concerning him: who informs tually secured for all that believe on him, us in particular. that the Spirit, by which so that no adverse power shall be able to the dead sinner is quickened, and born deprive them of it. Nothing can be more into a new world, " was not given by mea- explicit upon this head than our Lord's sure unto him." And we are further as- own words, (John x. 27. et seq.) "LMy sured, that he is now in possession of that sheep hear my voice, and I know them: heavenly kingdom, where the spiritual life, and they follow me. And I give unto ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST. 165 them eternal life, and they shall never to the present state of Christians; and perish, neither shall any pluck them out ought therefore to be considered as the of n;y hand. My Father which gave them genuine actings, and consequently the me is greater than all; and none is able to proper evidences of life received from pluck them out of my Father's hand. I Christ, but not as the conditions or means and my Father are one." It is probable of obtaining it. That our apostle viewed that Paul had this declaration in his eye, the matter in this light is evident from when he thus wrote to the Christians at the 13th verse of this chapter; where, in Colosse, (Coloss. iii. 3.) "your life is hidcl the review of the large account he had (that is, safely lodged) witli Christ in given of the special duties that belong to God." Indeed the treasure was too pre- believers, and the characters by which cious to be committed to any creature. they are distinguished, he thus concludes: Of this, the example of Adam, in his " These things have I written unto you greatest perfection, affords a striking that believe on the name of the Son of proof. How soon was his own life, and God, (not that ye may obtain, but) that the life of all his posterity, forfeited in ye may kcnow that ye have eternal life," his hands? Not the highest seraph, none by the free gift of the Father, in conseother but Immanuel, God in our nature, quence of your union with his blessed was equal to the trust. But with him it Son, who hath the fulness of life in his is in absolute safety. He is able to keep hand, as the proprietor, the dispenser, and that which the Father hath committed to the guardian thereof. For eternal life him; and therefore, " because he liveth, doth really commence at that happy nioall who have fled to him for refuge shall Iment, when, by the new birth, we enter live also;" and may be fully assured, that imnto the family of God, and become his'; when he who is their life shall appear, children through faith in Christ Jesus. then shall they likewise appear with him THUS far have I endeavored to illusin glory." Accordingly, the apostle sub- trate the record that God hath given conjoillS to my text, l-le thtat hathd the BSogz cerning his Son. Permit me then to ask, atht lbife. He doth not say, lie suhall have after all you have been hearing, in what life at some distant period, but he hcat]h it light doth the God and Father of our already in present possession. And well Lord Jesus Christ now appear to you? might he say so, when he recollected these Is he that object of terror which the jealwords of our Lord, which his own pen had ousy of an evil conscience is apt to paint recorded in the 6th chapter of his gospel, him? Can you rationally conclude, or is "I am the bread of life. I am the living there even room to suspect, that he is an bread which caine down froml heaven: if enemy to your happiness? Oh! with what any man eat of this bread, he shall live eyes do they read this sacred volume, who for ever. As the living Father hath sent are capable for a moment of entertaining me, and I live by the Father; so he that such a thought. Is it not the obvious eateth me, even he shall live by me." For tendency, as well as the declared purpose how can he die who feedeth upon that of every thing contained in the Scriptures which giveth life? and he surely imust of truth, to prove what the apostle twice have life in all its extent and perfection, repeats in the preceding chapter, GoD Is whose sustenance or aliment is no other LOVE. than essential life itself. What kind of evidence would satisfy HIence it appears, how much they mis- you? It is my earnest desire that the take the gospel-constitution, who represent question should be fully tried. MIy intereternal life as a distant reward, suspended est in the decision is equal to yours: none upon the performance of certain conditions hath more to gain or to lose than I have. on tile part of the creature: whereas sal- Devise the security that you esteem vation through Christ, though perfected most valid: let nothing be omitted that in heaven, is a present salvation; of which you can suppose would be of avail for the various particulars, which are cor- binding the most artful and fallacious of monly styled terszs of acceptance with your fellow-men; and when you have done, God, are in truth constituent parts, suited I challenge you to mention one article 166 SERMON XXV. among them all that is wanting in the se- Can any thing further be required? If curity which God hath freely afforded distrust be very great, one might perhaps you. wish to have a valuable pledge, something When a bare declaration of one's good of equal worth put into his hand, till the intention doth not satisfy us, we may ask obligation be fulfilled. What shall I say? apromise; and if doubts still remain, we Let unbelief blush and be ashamed to may proceed to require the interposition open its mouth any more, when it looks to of an oath, but there we must rest as to the unspeakable gift of God, and hears verbal security: "An oath for confirma- how Paul reasons upon it, (Rom. viii. 32.) tion is an end of all strife." Need I re- "He that spared not his own Son, but demind you, that without your solicitation, livered him up for us all, how shall he not God hath been graciously pleased to give with him also freely give us all things? " you all these? " For God being willing It is really astonishing, that such profumore abundantly to shew unto the heirs sion of evidence should not excite in men of promise the immutability of his coun- a greater curiosity to discover the true sel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two reason and design of it. Were a superior immutable things, in which it was impos- transacting with us in the way of bargain, sible for God to lie, we might have a strong though he should profess that he meant to consolation who have fled for refuge to lay do us a favor, would not the offer of such hold upon the hope set before us." multiplied, superabundant security for the When personal obligation is not deemed performance of his part of the agreement, sufficient, a cautioner, or surety, is another discover such an anxiety to get the barexpedient which human wisdom hath de- gain concluded, as would naturally breed vised. And is not such an one provided in us a secret suspicion, that however by the great God? Not a creature, moderate and equitable the terms prothough of the highest order, but his own posed might appear, yet, upon the whole, Son, by whom all things were made, even the chief advantage would accrue to himJesus, the Mediator of the new covenant, self? Now, it is agreed on all hands, who is expressly styled the surety of a that to impute any such interested views better testament. to the great sovereign of the universe, If, after all, any jealousy remains, we would be equally absurd and blasphemmust next, I suppose, have recourse to ous: for how differently soever men have legal security, and may demand a written conceived of the gospel-constitution, it is obligation, a deed executed with every universally admitted to be a covenant of essential formality. Now, what kind of grace. And yet, my brethren, if eternal deed hath greatest force and validity? life be not a gift absolutely free, but the None, I apprehend, is more universally wages of service to be done by us, I cannot held sacred and inviolable than a testa- help thinking, that, let the terms proposed ment. This was Paul's opinion, when he be ever so moderate, yet such means emnsaid, (Gal. iii. 15.) " Though it be but a ployed for gaining our consent to them, man's testament, yet if it be confirmed, could hardly fail to tincture our minds with no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto." some degree of these evil surmisings I have And are not we furnished with this very mentioned. Whereas, upon the plan of the species of obligation?-a testament con- record, as expressed in my text, every firmed and rendered unalterable by the part of the divine procedure appears perdeath of the testator; with this additional fectly wise, consistent, and gracious. God security against its being abstracted, and nman are represented in their proper erased, or defeated, by the infidelity of characters: God, infinitely good, and inthose to whom the execution of it may be dependently happy; showing mercy to the committed, (security which never did, nor miserable who derived their existence ever can, exist in any other case) namely, fromt him, and have nothing to give but that the testator, who died to give it what his own bounty hath bestowed upon force, revived, and liveth for evermore, to them: ilan, on the other hand, in his be the executor of his own deed in its ut- fallen state, a guilty, and, of consequence, most extent. a fearful, suspicious creature; conscious THE NEW AND LIVING WAY. 167 that he deserves punishment, and hard to through the merit of his blood. Now, it be persuaded that there is so much good- is the express command of God, that we ness with God as freely to pardon his believe on the name of his Son Jesus offences, and receive him again into favor. Christ: and it is the no less express deThese fears beget and cherish that en- claration of the Son, that he will in nomity against God, which is the distin- wise cast out such as come unto him. guishing characteristic of the carnal Nay, in this condescending ordinance, he mind. We feel the effects of injuries cometh to us; and under the visible upon our own hearts, and we are apt to symbols of bread and wine, gives himself, judge of God by what we feel in ourselves. with all the fulness of life that dwelleth It was to vanquish this distrust, that in him, to every believing soul. What God condescended to deal with us in the then is the counterpart that belongs to manner I have represented; that by giv- us? Is it not to behold and admire the ing us every kind of assurance that jea- amazing love of God, that we may be no lousy itself can devise, we may be re- more faithless, but believing?-Is it not duced to this necessity, either to give to do what the Israelite was directed to God the lie; or, being convinced that he do, when he brought the appointed sacriis love, to rely upon his faithful word of flee to the high priest? He laid his hand promise; believing that he who bestowed upon the head of the victim; and, conlife at first, by a free act of the purest fessing his sin over it, acknowledged, that bounty, hath goodness enough to restore he was dead in law; and that what relife after it hath been forfeited, by another mained of life was to be held by him act of as free mercy and grace. This is purely in virtue of that pardon which the plain account which the Scriptures God had graciously annexed to the sacrigive us of faith in Christ. "If we re- fice. In like manner, let us go to the ceive the witness of man," saith our altar of God; and over the memorials of apostle in the 9th verse of this chapter, that infinite sacrifice, chosen and accepted'" the witness of God is greater:" and, by the Father, in which his own dear Son (John iii. 33.) receiving the divine testi- is both the priest and the victim, let' us mony, is said to be a setting to our seal that acknowledge our forfeiture of life, and God is true. Accordingly, in the verse justify the sentence whereby we are conpreceding my text, unbelief is represented demned to die; explicitly declaring, in as deriving its chief malignity from this the sight of God, angels, and men, that very circumstance, that it denies the renouncing every other claim, we thanktruth of God: For thus it is written, fully accept eternal life, as the gift of " He that believeth not God, maketh him God through Jesus Christ; and consent a liar; because he believeth not the re- to hold it solely by his right, who died cord that God gave of his Son." And that we might live through him. Amzen. this is the record, that God hath given to?ts eternal life; and this life is inz his Son. You see then, upon the whole, one great end of the holy sacrament of our SERMON XXVI. Lord's Supper, and the use we ought to make of it. Here Christ is represented THE NEW AND LIVING WAY. to us as the propitiation for our sins; HEBREW5sx. 19,-22.-"Having therefore, breth-'suffering, the just for the unjust, that ren, boldness to enter into the holiest by he might bring us to God." And we are the blood of JESUS, by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the assured, that in consequence of his obe- vail, that is to say, his flesh; and having an dience unto death, whereby the unchange- High Priest over the house of GOD; let us able righteousness of God was fully dis- draw near with a true heart, in full assurance played, and infinitely glorified, he is now f fith, having our hearts sprinkled frowith an exalted to the throne, and hath eternal evil conscience, and our bodies washed with life committed to his disposal, that he may impart it to all who are made willing EVERY thinking person, whose mind hath to receive it as the gift of his Father, been enlightened to form just apprehen 168 SERMON XXVI. sions of God and of himself, will be These are the dictates of sound reason; anxious to obtain a satisfying answer to and therefore all whose minds have been the following questions: awakened to serious consideration, will 1. What encouragement hath a sinner be solicitous to know what encouragement to draw near to God? and, they have to draw near to a holy and 2. After what manner shall he draw righteous God; and how they should apnear to him, so as to find acceptance? proach him so as to find acceptance. Some, I know, look upon them both as Now, to each of these inquiries the very easy subjects of inquiry. They have passages I have been reading, afford a such low conceptions of the divine purity, direct and satisfying answer. and so high an opinion of their own 1. IF any shall ask, What warrant or dignity and worth, that they see little, if encouragement hath a creature, conscious any occasion at all, for a reconciling Me- of guilt, to draw near to a God of undiator to introduce them into the presence spotted holiness and inflexible justice? of God. They admit, that repentance for The apostle will inform him, that the what hath been amiss appears highly rea- chief of sinners (for this was the title he sonable, and perhaps may be necessary; assumed to himself, 1 Tim. i. 15.) hath but when, like men of candor and pro- boldness, or (according to the marginal bity, they have confessed their faults, reading) liberty to enter into the holiest and humbled themselves so far as to ask by the blood of Jesus, by a new anld living forgiveness, and to promise amendment, way, which he, in the character of High-. then, they presume, that God is too gene- Priest over the house of God, hath, conrous to rc' luire any further reparation; secrated for us throug-'h the vail, that is that he will readily pardon what is past, to say, his flesh, or that human nature in and receive them into favor, as if they had which he suffered, as a propitiatory sanever offended him. crifice, or sin-offering, in our place. But however such persons may magnify It will readily occur to you, that all their own foolish imaginations, and arro- these peculiar forms of expressicn allude gantly style them the dictates of reason; to the instituted means of access to God yet it might easily be demonstrated, that under the Mosaic dispensation; and it this scheme is absolutely irrational, and were to be wished, that Christians were incapable of giving satisfaction to any se- better acquainted with that ancient worrious, unprejudiced mind. Nothing can ship than they commonly are; for withbe more obvious, than that the Source of out some knowledge of this kind, much, I all being deserves the supreme love, and need not say of the beauty and energy of the most perfect unceasing obedience, of the New Testament language, but even of the creatures he hath made. This is the its true meaning and import, must escape true law of nature, that is, a law founded their observation. in the nature of God and of man. It is The principal service of this day will no arbitrary constitution, but infinitely not permit me to spend so much time as fit and reasonable in itself; and there- would be necessary for tracing out the fore equally incapable either of repeal or several parts of the allusion with perspiabatement; so that, in the language of our cuity and accuracy: it must at present shorter catechism, every deviation from suffice to give you a general view of the it deserves God's wrath and curse, both- apostle's reasoning in the foregoing part in this life and that which is to come. of this epistle, with which my text is eviNor would it be consistent with the holi- dently connected, as an obvious inference ness and justice of God, to remit the pun- and practical conclusion. ishment, and receive the transgressor into There we are informed, that the corfavor, without such a public satisfaction respondence with the God of Israel, in to justice, as may testify his abhorrence all the public exercises of religious worof all unrighteousness, and his resolution ship, was maintained and conducted by to support the authority of his law, as the intervention of the high-priest. None effectually as the due unabated punish- of the other Jews, of whatever rank or ment of the sinner himself could do. office, were permitted in person to ap THE NEW AND LIVING WAY. 169 proach the symbols of the divine presence. thereunto perfect. For then," adds he in To himn alone it belonged to pass through the form of a question, " would they not the curtain or vail, which separated the have ceased to be offered? because that first tabernacle, wherein the ordinary the worshippers, once purged, should have priest ministered, from the second taber- had no more conscience of sins. But in nacle, or holiest of all, which had the those sacrifices there is a remembrance golden censer, and the ark of the cove- again made of sins once every year." nant, with the clierubims of glory over it. Whereas Christ is an ever-living and unshadowilng the mercy-seat. " Into this second changeable high-priest. The blood which tabernacle," saith the apostle, at the 7th he offered is of infinite worth and efficacy, verse of the preceding chapter, " went the being the blood of Emilanuel, God in our high-priest alone, once every year, not nature. Accordingly there is no repetiwithout blood, which he offered for him- tion of his sacrifice; for thus the apostle self, and for the errors of the people." proceeds at the 11th verse, " Every highHe then proceeds to observe, that the of- priest standeth daily ministering, and fice of hilgh-priest, the worldly sanctuary offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, and the various ordinances of divine ser- which can never take away sins; but this vice which belonged to it, were only man," this God-man, " after he had offerfigrures fobr the tine thetC7, present; and ed one sacrifice for sins, for ever sat down plainly shows, that they were all typical of, on the right hand of God; from hencederived their significancy from, and receiv- forth expecting till his enemies be made ed their full accomplishment in, the priest- his footstool. For by one offering he hath hood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ; who perfected for ever them that are sanctified." "by a greater and more perfect taber- He is now gone to the heavenly sanctuary, nacle, not made with hands, that is to say, " having finished trangression, made an end not of this building; neither by the blood of sin, made reconciliation for iniquity, of goats and calves, but by his own blood, and brought in everlasting righteousness." entered in once into the holy place, having And nothing remains for him to do but to obtained eternal redemption for us." After bless his people with the free and irrevowhich, he goes on to prove, with great cable remission of their sins, according force and perspicuity, that what he calls to that promise of the covenant, quoted thefih-st covenant, or the I/osaic consstitu- verse 17. their sins and iniquities will I tion, carried in its very form or aspect rememnber no more; and to dispense to all the most legible marks of imperfection who are willing to receive (and to hold and decay. No permanent high-priest it by his right) that fulness of life which belonged to it, that office being exercised is lodged in his hand, as the " Saviour of by men compassed about with infirmitiesi the body," and the "King and Head over each of whom, by death, gave place to his all things to the church." successor. Besides; the gifts and sacri- This short review of the apostle's reafices they offered were, in their own na- soning serves to throw light upon the pasture, so meart and inconsiderable, "that sage I am further to discourse upon. We they could not make him that did the see how the blood of Jesus gives boldness service perfect, as pertaining to the con- or freedom to enter into the heavenly science; for it was impossible that the sanctuary, even by removing that guilt blood of goats and calves should," by any which separates us from God, and renders intrinsic virtue, " take away sin." Nay, us incapable of holding friendly commuthe repetition of these sacrifices was a nion or intercourse with him. We likeplain confession of their weakness and in- wise see a reason, why the way of admitsufficiency; as the apostle reasons illost tance into the holiest is called not only a conclusively in the beginning of this chap- new but, a living way. The entrance into ter. "For the law," saith he, "having a the worldly sanctuary was indeed by shadow of good things to come, and not the blood; for, as the apostle had observed very image of the things, can never, withi at the 22d verse of the preceding chapter, those sacrifices which they offered year "almost all things," under the old dispenby year continually, make the comers sation, "were purged with blood; and 170 SERMON XXVL without shedding of blood there is no re- drawing near to God by the blood of Temission." But then it was the blood of sus, must be a heart that corresponds to animals, inferior to man; which, after the profession we make; and what that they were slain, were utterly consumed, profession is, in the case before us, may, and could live no more: Whereas the with ease and certainty, be collected from blood by which we now enter into the what was delivered under the former head. heavenly sanctuary, is the blood of him When we profess to enter into the holiwho hath life in himself; who. though he est by the blood of Jesus, we explicitly revoluntarily submitted to death for a sea- nounce all pretensions or hopes of obtainson, yet soon rose again from the grave ing admittance by any other means. We by his own power; "who is now alive, and acknowledge the forfeiture we have inbehold, he liveth for evermore, and hath curred by our guilt, and subscribe to the the keys of hell and of death." We fur- justice of the sentence that condemns us; ther learn upon what account his flesh, or we confess, that we have done, and can human nature, gets the name of a vail, do, nothing to recommend us to the favor through which the new and living way into of God, or that may found the remotest the holiest is consecrated for us. It was claim to pardon and acceptance. All our by becoming man that he was qualified to own righteousness we throw aside as filthy suffer in our place for the expiation of our rags. In short, we plead guilty at a triguilt. In him we behold God clothed bunal of justice, and adopt the language with the character of a reconciler, as the of the publican, as expressing our true God of love, the God who is love. His character, and the only form of address flesh then, is such a vail, as doth not ex- that befits our state, God be mnzerciful to elude from, but opens to give us admit- ne a sinner! tance to a throne of grace; nay, Christ When the Jew brought the sacrifice himself is the true propitiatory or mercy- which the law had appointed for his ofseat: the sacrifice, the altar, and the high- fence, to the door of the tabernacle; when priest, are all united in his wonderful per- he laid his hand upon the head of the vieson. In short, " he is the way, the truth, tim, confessing his sin over it, and then and the life;" the true, the living, and the delivered it to the high-priest, that its only way to the Father. blood might be shed for the expiation of Here then we are furnished with a clear his guilt; what was the true meaning and and satisfying answer to the first question intent of that service? Did not the ofproposed, viz: What warrant or encour- fender present the victim that it might be agement hath a guilty creature to draw substituted in his place? Did he not near to a holy and righteous God? Jesus thereby acknowledge that he had incurred the high& priest over the house of God, the penalty of death; and that the dying who suffered for us in his flesh, or human agonies of the devoted animal were only nature, hath, by "that offering and sacri- a faint representation of what was strictly fice of a sweet-smelling savor," consecrated due to himself? Was not this a virtual a'new anzd living way of access, whereby renunciation of any right to the continuwe have boldness to enter into the most auce of life, but what arose from the atholy place, and draw near to God under ceptance of the sacrifice in his room, and the sprinkling of his blood. the gracious promise of remission annexed II. T-IHE answer to the second question, to that acceptance? And can any thing which regards the manner of our approach, less than this be meant by drawing near is no less clearly expressed in the follow- to God by the blood of Jesus? Was there ing words: "Let us draw near with a true more virtue in the typical than in the heart, in full assurance of faith, having real atonement? Or is less to be expected our hearts sprinkled from an evil con- from the substance than from the shadow? science, and our bodies washed with pure Did the offending Jew, when he made his water." confession over the head of the victim, The 1st qualification is a true heart. look back to any instances of past obediTruth is directly opposed to dissimula- ence, or even forward to any purposes of tion or falsehood. A true heart, then, in future amendment, and conjoin these with THE NEW AND LIVING WAY. 171 the blood of the sacrifice, for rendering it affirm, that such an absolute renunciation more effectual to obtain pardon and ac- of every other ground of hope, is one ceptance? Surely none who attended to principal thing implied in the true heart, the nature and form of the institution, as it stands connected with the apostle's could be led by it to dream of any mix- reasoning, if not the very thing he had ture of this kind. And can we suppose most directly in his eye. that the blood o' Jesus, by which we have 2dly. To a true heart, the apostle adds bollness to enter into the holiest, is only a the flll assurance of faith. joint cause with our own imperfect obedi- This leads us back to the great objects ence, of our obtaining admission into the of faith that have already been presented heavenly sanctuary? Is no more meant by to our view, viz., the high-priest over the his consecrating for us the new and living house of God; the vail of his human naway, than that he hath repaired the old ture, which is the passage into the sanctuway which sin had broken; and by re- ary; and the blood of his sacrifice, that moving some obstructions, rendered it emboldens us to enter in: And it is remore smooth and accessible than originally quired, that our faith in this way of access it was? Hath he, instead of paying to be full and assured. the last mite what justice demanded, done The true heart, giving a faithful verno more by his sacrifice, than purchased diet upon the demerit of sin, and suban easy composition of the debt, that an scribing to the justice of the sentence, hundred pence might be accepted for the whereby the sinner is excluded from the ten thousand talents? Is it possible that presence of God, acknowledgeth this to human pride and vanity can give such a be the only way. But faith advanceth a coloring to this motley scheme, as to make step farther, and presents it to the enit pass with any reasonable creature, for lightened mind, as a safe, a sure, and inthat marvellous doing of the Lord, that fallible way. Hear its genuine language highest exertion of wisdom and grace, from the mouth of our apostle, (1 Tim. which angels themselves desire to look i. 15.) " This is a faithful saying, and into? To account for this, we must have worthy of all acceptation, that Christ recourse to what the apostle Paul writes, Jesus came into the world to save sin(1 Cor. ii. 14.) " The natural man receiv- ners; of whom I am chief." Faith, coneth not the things of the Spirit of God; for temlplating the dignity of the High-Priest, they are foolishness unto him: neither I and the nature and design of the sacrifice can he know them, because they are he offered, can have no doubt of the merit spir.itually discerned." He is become vain of his blood; but may conclude firmly, in his imaginations, and his foolish heart and without hesitation, that it hath suffiis darkened. But they whose eyes are cient efficacy to cleanse from all sin. But opened by the Spirit of truth, will cor- when it proceeds farther, and reads the dially join with the same apostle, and commission he received from the Father; say as he did, (Philip. iii. 7, 8, 9.) "What when it weighs the evidence that ariseth things were gain to me, those I counted from his resurrection and ascension, of the loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I Father's infinite delight in him, and his count all things but loss, for the excel- perfect satisfaction with his whole conduct lency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus as Mediator; above all, when it follows my Lord: and do account them but dung him into the heavenly sanctuary, whither that I may win Christ, and be found in he hath carried his atoning blood, and him, not having mine own righteousness, sees the reward conferred upon him for which is of the law, but that which is his voluntary obedience unto death, a through the faith of Christ, the righteous- name given him above every name, and ness which is of God by faith." This is all things in heaven and on earth put the language of a true heart, in drawing under his feet: What shall I say? from near to God by the blood of Jesus; which this entire view of God in Christ reconmay suffice to explain the first qualifica- ciling the world unto himself, can any tion here mentioned. I do not say that other conclusion be drawn, than what the no more is included in it; but this I apostle John hath done before us, viz., 172 SERMON XXVI. Goal is love? So complete is the evidence shall not this accumulated, this superafforded us in the gospel of God's nierci- abundant evidence, deter us from the preful nature, and of the good-will lie bears sumption of calling God a liar, or rather to the children of men, that the most en- shall it not produce in us thatf'ull as.smrtire credit to his declarations upon this ance of faith, with which the apostle exhead is in effect no more than a setting to horteth us to draw near to God by the our seal, to what one should think the blood of Jesus? most obvious and self-evident of all pro- The third qualification, expressed in positions, that Go(d is triue. And is there these words, having our hearts sprinkgled a man to be found that denies this pro- fromn an evil conscience, is an advance position? Dare any be so outrageously upon the other two, and implies a perinsolent and injurious as to call God a sonal application of the blood of Christ liar? Let me refer you to the same to ourselves; for it is this alone that, (as apostle, who testified that God is love, we read verse 14. of the preceding chapfor an answer to this question, and he will ter) can purge the conscience frost dead inform you, (1 John, v. 10.) that every works, and vanquish those fears of wrath, one who believeth not the record that God which by representing God as an itmlpla. hath given of his Son, maketh him a liar. cable enemy, drive us from his presence, This is a repetition of the first transgres- and render him an object of terror and sion, with peculiar circumstances of aggra- aversion, rather than of desire and love. vation. Unbelief was the root of Adam's This personal application of the blood sin; for had he truly believed that the of sprinkling is too commonly considered threatening was to be executed, he would in the light of a privilege, rather than as not have dared to incur the penalty. And a dulty. And a privilege it surely is; but can it be less criminal to charge God with such a privilege as we are strictly bound falsehood in a profession of kindness than in duty to make use of: For this, saith in a threatening of displeasure? Nay, the apostle John, is the conmnanzl of God, is it not a worse species of deceit to flatter that wve should( believe on the namne oJ with delusive hopes than to frighten with his Son Jesus Christ; which certainly unreal terrors? and yet an unbeliever of includes more than a general persuasion, gospelgrace doth in effect charge God however full and assured, that Jesus is a with this very species of deceit; and that necessary and sufficient Saviour. It can not only in the face of the strongest repeat- mean no less, than that they to wholm the ed declarations of good-will, but against command is given, should believe on the every kind of confirmation that the most name of Christ for themselves, and put distrustful suspicion could require or de- their trust in hirn, as one who is both vise. Adam had no other restraint but a willing and able to save them in particunaked threatening; he had seen no exer- lar. tion of punitive justice; every thing But the question may be put, and it around him was expressive of the perfect hath been put by many, How am I to goodness of its Author; and there was know that this obliging command is adno precedent or example of the penalty dressed to mze? It might suffice for an with which the prohibition was enforced. answer, to desire those who ask the quesBut what have we in support of the gos- tion, to turn over to that part of Scripture pel record? or rather, let me ask, What where the words I have just now quoted addition could be made to the evidence are recorded, 1 John iii. 23. There it is already afforded us, that it is faithful and written, " This is his commandment, that true? We have the promise of God con- we should believe on the name of his Son firmed by his oath; we have the gift of Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he his own Son to be the propitiation for our gave his commandment." sins' we are not only permitted, but in- Now, nobody doubts, that the last of vited, nay, commanded, to come to the these precepts extends to him; and yet Saviour, with this most endearing declara- the same authority which enjoins mutual tion, that such as come to him shall in no love, commands us to believe on the Lord wise be rejected or cast out by him. And Jesus Christ; and the apostle you see, THE NEW AND LIVING WAY. 173 unites them both in one sentence. How that thou mayest be rich; and white raicomes it, then, that any should make a ment, that thou mayest be clothed; and difference between the two, in point either to anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that of extent or obligation, or limit the one thou mayest see." Nay, (which methinks commandment any more than the other. should put an end to all further questionBut as this is a difficulty with which ing upon this head) the epistle directed to the truly serious only are apt to be dis- them concludes with that unlimited offer tressed, I must not stop here, but beg of gospel-grace, which might justly be inthell to consider, whether it would not be troduced with a note of admiration, " BEImore reasonable to put the question in IIOLD, I stand at the door and knock; if this form: How do I know, or rather, any man will hear my voice, and open the What ground can I find to suspect, that door, I will come in to him, and sup with the commandment to believe on the Say- him, and he with me." Beware then of iour. doth not extend to me? It is un- setting bounds where God hath set none. deniable, that none of the human race are If you feel your need of Christ as the excepted by name; the invitation or call only Saviour; if your eyes have been so is addressed to men indefinitely: " Look far opened, as to see that he is worthy to unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of be depended upon, and " mighty to save," the earth."-" Unto you, 0 men, I call, let no objections drawn from your own unand my voice is to the sons of men." Say, worthiness, which, under the covert and then, my friends, under what fataldenom- semblance of humility, hides the daring ination can you find yourselves excluded presumption of giving God the lie, keep fromn the fountain opened for sin and for you back from this great High-Priest, or uncleanness? Surely not as sinners; for prevent your application of his atoning this denomination is common to all men, blood, for spriJnklin2 your hearts froZ an and" Christ came not to call the righteous, evil conscience, and introducing you into but sinners to repentance;" this was his the holiest with filial boldznes.s, by that new very errand, "to seek and to save that and living way which he hathi consewhich was lost." Neither can it be as cratedl jOr yozu, throigz the vail of his grecat sinners; for Paul testifies, that flesh. Christ came to save the chief of sinners. WHAT the apostle subjoins, having' our " His blood cleanseth from all sin;" and bodies washed with, pure water, may many examples are recorded of the most allude to those purifications enjoined by infamous transgressors, who have been the law, which served to remind the Jews washed, and sanctified, and justified, in of the unspotted holiness of the God of the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Israel, and of that reverence which ought Spirit of our God. MIuch less then can it to possess their minds in all their apbe as deeply-convincced and selfcondemn- proaches to his gracious presence; though ing sinners; for under this denomination I cannot help thinking, that these words you are expressly invited to have recourse were intended by the apostle to introduce to him: " Come unto me all ye that labor, a new exhortation; and ought therefore and are heavy laden, and I will give you to be transferred to the following verse: rest." The commission he received was in which case, without any straining, they to bind up the broken-hearted, to bring obviously apply to the ordinance of bapforth the prisoners out of the prison-house, tism, and are urged, with great propriety, and to comfort those that mourn. Are to enforce a steadfast, unwavering adheyou wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and rence to that faith which the converted naked? Such precisely was the state of Hebrews had professed with such solermthe Laodiceans, with this only difference, nity, when, at their admission into the from whence no discouraging inference church of Christ, their bodies were washed can be drawn, that they knew it not, with pzure water, in the name of the whereas you do: yet even to them were Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. these gracious words addressed by our But I shall not detain you any longer Lord himself, (Rev. iii. 18.) "' I counsel from the proper business of the day. Only thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, let me call upon you, before I conclude, 174 SERMON XXVII. to look up to this great High-Priest over that it is laid by that same Almighty the house of God, for that Holy Spirit, Hand which created and upholdeth these without whom neither sermons nor sacra- heavens and this earth. Nay, these heaments have any virtue or efficacy. It is vens, and this earth, shall at length pass he alone that can bestow upon us the qual. away; but one jot or one tittle, in these ifications here required. Let each of us lively oracles of wisdom and truth, shall then plead the promise of the Father, in no wise pass away till all be fulfilled. begging, that the Spirit of all grace may The privileges of a Christian are not a be given,' to take of the things of Christ's, picture drawn by fancy, neither doth his and to shew them unto us; " that from comfort take its rise from those inexplijust views of our High-Priest, and of cable impressions to which the dreaming the new and living way he hath conse- enthusiast is constrained to resort. The crated for us by his blood, we may be en- intelligent believer stands upon firm ground, abled to draw near to God with true and is always "ready to give an answer hearts, in the full assurance offaith; and to every man that asketh him a reason of receive such tokens of his love while we the hope that is in him." sit at his table, as shall be an earnest Do you inquire into the object of his and pledge to us, of that still more near hope, he will tell you without hesitation, and joyful approach to him in the heaven- that he looks for a portion after death; ly sanctuary; where we shall no more see in comparison whereof, this earth which him in the glass of ordinances, but face to we inhabit, and all that it contains, shrink face; where we shall be thoroughly chang- into nothing, yea, less than nothing, and ed into his image, and enjoy him fully vanity. without interruption, and without end. Whatever we behold in this material Amen. world hath the seeds of dissolution sown in its very nature. Our bodies themselves are only tabernacles of clay, which ere SERMON XXVII. long shall be crumbled into dust, and see corruption. Here we breathe, as it were, in the AS ENEMIES AND FRIENDS OF CHRIST. midst of contagion and defilement; and ROANS V. lo.-" For if, when we were enemies, the best things we enjoy are liable to be we were reonleiled to GOD by the death of perverted, either into the instruments or his Sox; much more being reconciled, we occasions of sin. Honor tempteth to shall be saved by his life." pride, power to oppression, and affluence to sensuality and criminal indulgence. THE grounds of a Christian's faith and Few, comparatively speaking, can carry hope are not only sufficient to satisfy his with an even and steady hand the full cup own mind, but capable likewise of being of prosperity any length of way; like described and vindicated, in such a man- Jeshurun, they are apt to kick when they ner as cannot fail to give full satisfaction wax fat, and lightly to esteem the Rock to every sober unprejudiced inquirer. of their salvation. Genuine Christianity is far from declin-' Nay, though they should escape the ing any means of trial, whereby truth is pollution of these earthly enjoyments, by distinguished from delusion or imposture: using them with moderation, and employon the contrary, it courts the light; and ing them to the purposes for which they the more severely it is tried, the brighter were designed; yet so precarious and it shines: " The words of the Lord are fugitive are all sublunary things, that it pure words, like silver tried in a furnace is impossible for any man to promise upon of earth, and purified seven times." The their continuance. Who can say, " My evidence by which our faith and hope are mountain standeth strong, I shall never supported hath already stood the test of be moved?" Can any man guard himmany generations; and the most violent self at all times against secret fraud and attacks of its enemies, instead of shaking open violence. Nay, every element, the the foundation, have only served to show wind, the fire, the water, may in a moment AS ENEMIES AND FRIENDS OF CHRIST. 175 be armed with sufficient force to make the name of Jesus every knee should bow, ullwelcome separation betwixt us and the and every tongue confess, that he is the best of our worldly possessions. —Thus Lord, to the glory of God the Father." corruptible and defiled, thus uncertain Two comparisons are here stated; the and transitory, is all that is most admired one betwixt the past and present state of and courted here below. believers; formerly they were enemies to Not so the portion of the saints; the in- God, now they are become friends. The heritance they look for is " incorruptible, other comparison is betwixt the past and undefiled, and fadeth not away." As it present condition of the Saviour; once he hath no principle of decay within itself, so was dead, now he is alive. And the proneither can it be wasted by any thing from position that connects the two is this, without. It is "reserved," or laid up, That reconciliation to God was entirely " for them in heaven:" a place of absolute owing to the death of Christ, as the merisafety, beyond the reach of every adverse torious procuring cause. These are the power, and equally secured against deceit premises from whence the apostle draws and rapine. Tlzere is no thief to steal, no his conclusion, and proves, with demonspoiler to lay waste. In those regions of strative evidence, the absolute certainty perfect light and love, no such piteous corn- of the complete and everlasting salvation plaints are heard as these,-" My bowels! of believers. my bowels! I am pained at my very heart, The only principle he assumes, is what because thou hast heard, O my soul 1 the every one must admit as soon as it is mensound of the trumpet, and the alarm of tioned, viz., that reconciliation to an war." All above is order and harmony; enemy is a more difficult exercise of goodthere is nothing to hurt, nothing to de- ness than beneficence to a friend. Upon stroy, through the whole extent of the hea- which he thus reasons, That if the death venly Jerusalem, that imperial seat of of Christ had sufficient virtue to produce Zion's King.-Such, can the believer say, the greater effect, viz., reconciliation to is the object of my hope. those who formerly were enemies, there Do you inquire into the grounds of his can be no room to doubt that the life of hope, he hath an answer ready in the Christ, which is a more powerful cause, words of my text, and can say with the must be sufficient to produce the lesser apostle Paul, —f, when we were enemnies, effect; lesser I mean in point of difficulty, we were reconciled to God by the death of namely, the continuance of the divine his Son,; much more being reconciled, we friendship and beneficence to those whom shall be saved by his life. his death hath reconciled, till he bring Here the reasoning is at once profound them in due time to the full possession of and obvious; it is simple and ingenious at the purchased inheritance. the same time: so simple and obvious, Say then, my brethren, may not the that the mind, with one glance, perceives hope of a Christian be justly denominated its force, and is satisfied; so profound and a rational hope, or, as the apostle terms ingenious, that the more accurately it is it, (verse 5.) "a hope that maketh not examined, the more conclusive it will ap- ashamed?" And may not the believer pear. reply, with holy exultation, to every one From the efficacy of Christ's death, that asketh a reason of the hope that is in which the apostle had proved at large in him, If, when I was an enemy, I was rethe foregoing part of this epistle, he infers, conciled to God by the death of his Son, in this passage, the superior efficacy of his much more being reconciled, I shall be restored life: I say, his restored life; for saved by his life: his death was the price the life here referred to, was not that life of the inheritance I look for; and his reprevious to his crucifixion, which he led stored life is my evidence that the price upoh earth in the form of a servant; but was accepted, and the purchase made. the life he now lives at the right hand of This renders my hope assured and vigorous. God, where he is exalted to the throne as Did it depend upon any thing in myself a Prince and a Saviour, "having a name on the strength, or wisdom, or worthiness, given him above every name, that at the of the creature, it would quickly languish 17'6 SERMON XXVIL and die; but as it leans upon him who his impotence, answers, I can do nothing; rose from the grave to die no more, who or though I could do any thing, yet what ascended up on high, leading captivity would it avail mle? Can the duty I owe captive, and is now exalted at the right at present make any reparation for the ofhand of God, it is become " an anchor of fences that are past? Will forbearing to the soul, both sure and steadfast:" for contract new debt entitle mle to a discharge the Father raised him from the dead, and of the old? Impossible! In short, when gave him glory, for this very end, that he casts his eyes abroad throughout the every ground of jealousy being removed, whole creation, he can find nothing at all my faith and hope might be in God. —1 to lean upon for deliverance. And thus, Pet. i. 21. as the apostle expresseth it, (Gal. iii. 23.) It mnust already have occurred to you, he is " shut up unto the faith," hedged that none can apply this reasoning to them- about, as it were, on every side; so that selves, but those who are previously re- neither himself, nor any other creature, col-cilcld to God ty the death of his Son. can make a way for his escape. Here begins the hope of a sinner; and here Being reduced to this condition, he likewise must I begin to bring the subject listens with eagerness to the tidings of a home to our own hearts, by inquiring, who Saviour. The name Jesus hath a differamong us can say that we have experienced ent sound to him than ever it had before; this blessed fruit of the Redeemer's death? and his very heart leaps within him, when And for our assistance in this important he hears that " God was in Christ recontrial, I shall endeavor, in few words, to ciling the world unto himself, not imputmark out some of the principal steps, by ing their trespasses unto them." But lie which the soul is most usually led by the cannot rest satisfied with a general account Spirit of God unto a vital union with the of this matter. As his danger is real and Lord Jesus Christ; who of God is made pressing, he seeks a, clear discovery of the unto all that believe in him, wisdom, and method of deliverance. Felt distress righteousness, and sanctification, and re- breeds concern and anxiety; a self-condelmption. denined criminal cannot quiet his mind A deep conviction of guilt and misery with the bare probability of a pardon: he doth certainly lie at the root of this im- therefore narrowly pries into the authoportant change. Tile sinner seeth himself rity, the character, and the ability of the to be all pollution, naked, and defenceless, Saviour. He looks into his conimission, having nothing to screen him from the and is wonderfully pleased to read such a wrath of that Almighty Being whom he plain declaration as this, (Isa. xlii. 6, 7.) hath offended. This constrains him to " I the Lord have called thee in righteouslook about for deliverance. The wrath ness, and will hold thine hand, and will of God is intolerable: he cannot dwell keep thee, and give thee for a covenant with devouring flames, lie cannot lie down of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; in everlasting burnings; and though he is to open the blind eyes, to bring out the conscious that he hath justly merited this prisoners from the prison, and them that misery, yet self-preservation, that strong sit in darkness out of the prison-house." principle implanted in his nature by the He rejoiceth to hear the Father himself great Author of his being, obligeth him to proclainming with an audible voice from ask the question, Is there no hope? heaven, first at his baptism, and afterHere, indeed, many steal away from un- wards at his transfiguration, " This is my der their burden, take shelter in some re- beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' fuge of lies, and encompass themselves He then proceeds to consider his admiraabout with sparks of their own kindling; ble fitness for the office and work of a but the sinner that is under the conduct Saviour, as being the eternal Word made of the Spirit of God (and of such only I flesh, Emmanuel, God in our nature. lie at present speak,) the more he considers reviews the whole history of his actions his case, the more hopeless and desperate and sufferings; sees him offering up the he findeth it to be. lie indeed asketh the sacrifice to divine justice; hears him cry question, What shall I do? but feeling on the cross, " It is finished ~" beholds him AS ENEMIES AND FRIENDS OF CHRIST. 177 rising from the grave in testimony of the and that a sense of extreme need, accomdivine acceptance, ascending up on high panied with a humble and thankful accep. to receive the kingdom, where he ever liv- tance of the unspeakable gift of God to eth to make intercession for transgressors, men, is all that is looked for on the part and to dispense the gifts he purchased of the creature. with his blood, having all power commit- Upon this the sinner, renouncing his ted to him in heaven and on earth; from own righteousness as filthy rags, or, as it all which he discovers abundant reason to is elsewhere expressed, " having no conficonclude that " he is able to save to the dence in the flesh," comes to him, judging uttermost all that come unto God by and condemning himself, without any plea him." but his extreme necessity, and the infinite Having thus found a Saviour exactly and undeserved mercy of God; having no suited to his necessities, he now begins to answer to the law, but the merit of Christ's conceive some hope; he sees a possibility obedience unto death, nor any other shelter of obtaining salvation; and is satisfied, from avenging justice. This is what the that if this Saviour will undertake his apostle, in the verse following my text, cause, he hath no reason to despair; he calls rcceiving the atonement; because therefore anxiously inquires, how, or by then the sinner is made a partaker of what means, he may procure his aid, and Christ's sacrifice, his peace-speaking blood be admitted to partake of the blessings he is sprinkled upon him, and covers him so hath purchased. Here it is that the great entirely, that from head to foot, if I may adversary usually makes his most vigorous use that expression, no part of him is left efforts, and puts forth all his force and exposed to that fiery indignation which artifice, to shipwreck the poor soul on the shall finally consume all the adversaries very shore of salvation. He endeavors to of God. make that consciousness of guilt which AND now let me ask, Who among you first brought the sinner to see his need of can say that you have experienced such a a Saviour, now to appear an objection work of grace upon your hearts?-For the against coming to him for deliverance. just encouragement of those who are thus He will tell him, that though others may reconciled to God by the cleath/ of his Son, be forgiven, yet surely he cannot; that I shall, in further illustration of the aposthe greatness of his sins, or his long con- tle's reasoning, endeavor to show the tinuance in them, place him beyond the powerful influence of the life of Christ reach of his saving power, or at least ren- upon every thing that belongs to their der him an improper object for his merci- complete salvation. ful interposition. Hereby the poor crea- 1st. Thejustification of believers, whichb ture is either driven to despair, or else to was purchased by the death of Christ, is, a vain and fruitless search after something rendered sure and permanent by his re — in himself to recommend him to the stored life. Upon this the apostle lays a Saviour. And the last of these tempta- peculiar emphasis, (Rom. viii. 34.) where,. tions is so adapted to the pride of our in support of that triumphant challenge, nature, which would always have something "Who shall lay any thing to the charge. to boast of, that with many it proves too of God's elect?" having said, " It is Christ fatally successful; neither is it soon, nor that died," he immediately subjoins, " yea easily overcome by any. But the soul rather, that is risen again, who is even at that is guided by the Spirit of God, is the right hand of God, who also maketh. here led to see the extent and freedom of intercession for us." the gospel-offer and call; that Jesus is a From whence can a sentence of condemSaviour for the chief of sinners; that the nation proceed? Is it not from that wretched, the miserable, the poor, and very throne to which our once crucified blind, and naked, are the very persons to Redeemer is raised, that he may confer whom his gracious invitations and coun- that remission which he purchased with sels are addressed; that he interposed for his blood? And now that he is entered. our relief, not because we were worthy of into his glory, shall the indictment that he his aid, but because we needed his aid; nailed to his cross be taken. down from; 12 178 SERMON XXVII. thence, and put in suit against those who, help us in every time of need. "He will in obedience to his Father's command, not break the bruised reed, nor quench have fled to him for refuge? Impossible! the smoking flax." He knows our frame; As he bowed his head upon the cross to he remembers that we are dust; and will expiate our guilt, so he lifted it up again therefore " debate with us in measure, and when he rose from the grave, that he stay his rough wind in the day of his east might effectually apply the merit of his wind." sacrifice, and obviate every charge that And with regard to temptations, the could be brought against his people. life of Christ affords the most comfortable 2dly. The life of Christ is no less assurance, that over these we shall be available to insure the sanctification of all finally victorious. He that suffered being who believe on him. For what end did tempted, will certainly be disposed to suche enter into the heavenly sanctuary, but cor those that are tempted; and there can that from thence he might send forth his be no room to doubt, that he is as able as conquering Spirit to cleanse and purify the he is willing. If, while in the form of a serhearts of those whom he had washed with vant, he defeated all the artifices of the his blood; that as no guilt might be left cunning serpent, and repelled the most to provoke the justice of God, so neither violent attacks of the roaring lion; if in should there be any defilement to offend his lowest state of abasement, even while his holiness. It is impossible to doubt, he hung upon the cross, he spoiled princithat a Redeemer in glory will at length palities and powers, making a show of present to his Father " a glorious church, them openly; now that all power is comwithout spot, or wrinkle, or any such mitted to him both in heaven and on thing. " Surely Christ is not gone to earth, can he want either wisdom or heaven, to leave that blood to run waste strength to bruise Satan under the feet which he shed upon earth, or to be negli- of the weakest of his servants? Impossigent in improving the virtue of his sacri- ble! While the head of the body reigns fie. That prayer, "' Father, sanctify them in glory, we may be well assured, that no through thy truth," hath as loud a sound member can become the prey of any adfrom his illustrious throne, as it had from verse power; so that every believer may the footstool, when he was just about to adopt the language of Paul, and say as he enter upon his agony and sufferings. He did, " Who shall separate us from the love did not utter these words upon the con- of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, fines of his kingdom, to forget or disuse or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or them when he should enter upon the pos- peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things session of it. What he prayed for in his we are more than conquerors, through him humiliation, he hath power to dispense in that loved us. For I am persuaded, that his exalted state; and he will do it to all neither death nor life, nor angels, nor who put their trust in him; he will principalities, nor powers, nor things pregradually adorn them with the beauties sent, nor things to come, nor height, nor of holiness, and keep them by his power depth, nor any other creature, shall be through faith unto salvation. Which able to separate us from the love of God, leads me to observe, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Once In the third place, That the life of more, Christ doth effectually secure an honorable 4thly. The life of Christ secures to his issue to all the afflictions and temptations people the resurrection of their bodies, of his people. It is the same person that and the happiness of the whole man, ill the was crucified on earth, who is now crowned full and everlasting enjoyment of God. with glory in the highest heavens; and As Adam, by his apostasy, becane the though he dropped the infirmities of that source of death to all his natural descendbody he had assumed, and left all the ants; so Christ, by his expiatory sufferweakness of humanity behind him in the ings, and the glory that followed, is become grave; yet he carried his pitying nature the fountain of life to all his spiritual offto the throne, and is still touched with the spring; who accordingly are said to be feeling of our infirmities, and disposed to " begotten again to the lively hope of an THE CHRISTIAN'S RELATION TO IDOLS. 179 inheritance that is incorruptible, and un- even glories in being "the head over all defiled, and that fadeth not away; and things'to the church, which is his body, that by means of his resurrection from the the fulness of him that filleth all in all." dead. Hence the second Adam is called To him, with the Fa,ther, and quickening a qazickeni?,g Spirit, having the same vir- Spirit, the one living and true God, be tue and efficacy to convey all the fulness glory and honor, thanksgiving and praise, of life to those who are new born into the for ever and ever. Amen. famnily of God, that the first Adam had to transmit death to his posterity. It was not the soul of Christ only, but his body also, that was exalted and crowned with SERMON XXVIII honor: in like manner shall the bodies of believers be rescued from the grave, and THE CHRISTIAN'S RELATION TO IDOLS. raised to glory, seeing these were redeemed by Christ as well as their souls. Nay, HOSEA, XV. 8. —" Ephraim shall say, What have the bodies of the saints are said expressly to be "the temples of the Holy Ghost;" IF we compare the representation here and it cannot be supposed, that these tern- given of Ephraim, with the account we ples shall remain always under the ruins have of him (ch. iv. 17.) we shall discover of death. He who honored them with such a wonderful change, as must excite his residence, will certainly rebuild them in us a desire to be acquainted with the in due time: as the apostle reasons, cause of it. Tlzere it is said, " Ephraim (Iom. viii. 11.) " If the Spirit of him is joined to idols; " Here we behold him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell throwing them away, with every symptom in you; he that raised up Christ from the of contempt and abhorrence. Like a man dead, shall also quicken your mortal awakened from a dream, or rather like one bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." who had lost his reason, and was now reThen shall that song be sung by all the stored to the right use of it, he saith, redeemed company newly raised from the I]What have I to do any more with idols? dust, " Death is swallowed up in victory." — It is my disgrace, no less than my " 0 death, where is now thy sting? crime, that ever I had any thing to do O grave, where is now thy victory? with such lying vanities; but now I cast The sting of death was sin, and the them from me with scorn and detestation, strength of sin was the law; but thanks and with a determined purpose, that I be unto God, who hath now given us the shall never henceforth return to them any victory through Jesus Christ our Lord." more. Tuus have I endeavored to lead you How is this surprising change to be through a very extensive, but surely a accounted for? When God said, "Ephpleasant and fruitful field, wherein a raim is joined to i4ols," he immediatly variety of objects have occurred, interest- pronounced that awful decree, " Let him ing to all, and peculiarly comfortable to alone." Hereby a restraint was laid upon the people of God; upon whom I there- every outward instrument. All the creafore call, in the conclusion of my discourse, tures were charged, by the highest authoto praise and magnify that compassionate rity, to give him no disturbance in the Saviour, and faithful High-Priest over the course of his idolatry, but to leave him house of God, who ransomed them with entirely to his own conduct, and the unahis blood; and amidst all the splendors of bated influence of the idols he had chosen. his exalted state, is not unmindful of his By what means then was his recovery charge upon earth, but continually ap- brought about? Had Ephraim the honor pears in the presence of God for them; to discover the delusion by his own sagawhose ear is always attentive to the voice city, and to break the enchantment by his of their supplications; whose mouth is own strength? We find an answer to ever open to plead in their behalf; and as these questions, (chap. xiii. 9.) " O Israel, if it had not been love enough to die for thou hast destroyed thyself, but IN ME is them, still lives and reigns for them, and thy help." Had God said, I amn deter 180 SERMON XXVIII. mined to let Ephraim alone, there would 2. That to separate a sinner from idols, have been an end of him at once, though is a work that is altogether peculiar to the whole creation had been left at liberty God. to exert its utmost activity for his help; 3. That this separation is effected by but it deserves our notice, that though the discovery and application of pardoning God laid a restraint upon the agency of mercy and sanctifying grace. And, the creatures, yet he laid no restraint up- 4. That every one who is a partaker of on his own, but reserved to himself the these important benefits will, and must, full exercise of his essential and unalien- adopt the words of Ephraimn in their most able prerogative, to be the free and sove- extensive meaning, and say as lie did, reign disposer of his grace. {What have 1 to do any more with idols? In this character he is introduced at I. Iy first observation is, That a sinner the first verse of this chapter, where he in his natural state, is joined to idols. issues forth his royal command, and clothes Herein consisteth the essence of man's it with power: " O Israel, return unto apostasy. Something that is not God is the the Lord' thy God, for thou hast fallen by object of his supreme love, and possesseth thine iniquity. " In order to encourage that place in his heart which is due only their hope of acceptance, he teacheth them to the living and true God; and that thing, in the following verses how to pray, and by what name soever it may be distinguisheven dictates the very form of surrender ed, is properly an idol. Now this world, they were to make; " Take with you and the things of the world, its riches and words, and turn to the Lord; say unto pleasures, and honors, which the apostle him, Take away all iniquity, and receive John, by a strong and significant figure, us graciously; so will we render the calves calls' the lust of the eye, the lust of the of our lips. Ashur shall not save us, we flesh, and the pride of life;" these are the will not ride upon horses, neither will we great rivals of God, which, ever since the say any more to thd works of our hands, fatal apostasy, have usurped the throne in Ye are our gods; for in thee the fatherless the human heart. I am unwilling to menfindeth mercy." After which, to remove tion the profane rites by which some of that distrust and jealousy which necessa- these idols are worshipped by many: they rily spring from a consciousness of guilt, are too shocking to be named, and, at the he goes on to declare his sovereign pur- same time, so notorious as to render a pose, expressed in the most comprehensive detail of them superfluous. It is by no and absolute terms, of dispensing to them, means necessary for proving the charge of and conferring upon them, his pardoning idolatry, that I should lead your imaginamercy and sanctifying grace: " I will heal tion through the various scenes of injustice, their backsliding, I will love them freely; oppression, and cruelty, or into the foul for mine anger is turned away from him. haunts of lewdness and riotous excess. I will be as the dew unto Israel," &c. In Many of these vices may be deemed unconsequence whereof, he foretells, in the natural to man even in his fallen state; words of my text, that Ephraim, who, till and though the carnal mind may be enthen, had been joined to idols, should find mity against God, yet I am verily persuadhimself disposed and enabled to say, not ed, that the carnal mind itself doth often with his lips only, but from an effectual suffer a considerable degree of violence, beprinciple of new life in his heart, What fore it can be fully reconciled to the have I to do wit]h idols any more? practice of them. It is sufficient for my From this view of my text, as it stands purpose to affirm, what daily observation connected with other passages in this book puts beyond all doubt, viz., that this prethat relate to Ephraimn, and more espe- sent world, in one shape or other, is loved cially with the verses immediately pre- and served in preference to God, by every ceding, four observations obviously arise, man, without exception, who hath no other which I propose to illustrate in the fol- principle of life than what he derived from lowing discourse. the first Adam. Here he finds the supply 1. That a sinner, in his natural state, is of his bodily wants, and all that kind of joined to idols. provision that suits his animal nature, and THE CHRISTIAN'S RELATION TO IDOLS. 181 gratifies those appetites which he hath in most importent sense of that word. For common with the inferior creatures. And what is natural death, as it is commonly though he is often, or rather always, dis- styled? The soul, when separated from appointed in his expectation; yet, being the body, doth not cease to exist; and unacquainted with any better sustenance though the body itself moulders into dust, than this earth affords, he only makes new yet no particle of that dust is annihilated experiments, persists in seeking his por- or lost. The principal effect of that hution here below, and will continue to do miliating event, is to put an end to the so, till, by some means or other, he get a creature's connection with a present world; mind to discern those spritual objects, and the man ceases to be any more an inhabitan appetite to relish those spiritual enjoy- ant of this earth: and when we say he is nents, which are the proper food of thle dead, this is all we commonly mean to exsoul, the only aliment whereby its real life press. and well-being can be supported. IIence Now sin hath broken our connection with it already appears, in some measure, the spiritual world, as really as the sepaII. THAT to separate a sinner from ration of the soul from the body will break idols, must be the peculiar work of God our connection with this material world; and himself; which was the second observa- therefore, without any metaphor, sin is tion I proposed to illustrate. the death of the soul or spirit of the man, The natural man, as I just now said, whereby it is cut off from the source of may change the objcct of his devotion; life, and utterly disabled to relish those and having experienced the vanity of any employments or pleasures which alone can particular idol, he may say concerning it, render a spiritual being happy. And in " What lhave I to do any more with thee?" this state it must remain, till the same Such a change as this is abundantly com- power that gave it existence at first shall lmon, it is easy, nay it is necessary: it re- create it anew, and restore those faculties quires no exertion of strength: weakness which sin had destroyed, of acting and enitself is sufficient to produce it, being no joying according to its true and proper other than the natural, the unavoidable, nature. consequence of satiety and disgust. But The use of this observation is twofold; amidst ten thousand changes of this kind, first, that those who are turned from idols the man is only turning from one idol to may, with humble gratitude, give God the another; and though he may pass from glory, and cheerfully trust in him for pergrosser ones to others more refined; from fecting the change his grace hath begun; Inere bodily indulgence to the amusements and, secondly, That they who are conof science; or, perhaps, froni the gratifica- scious that they are still joined to idols, tion of selfish and turbulent passions to may immediately, and without any circuit, the cultivation and practice of some public go directly to the Fountain of life, even and social virtues; yet still he stops short the Father of spirits, who is in Christ of God: all the objects of his pursuit be- Jesus reconciling the world unto himself, long to the present state of things; and and cry as they can, for new life, from him hp aspires to no higher felicity than may who quickeneth thle dead, and calleth those be gathered from the materials of this things that be not as though they were. earth which he inhabits. But how doth God quicken the dead in Accordingly, the conversion of a sinner, trespasses and sins, and separate the sinor the turning him from idols to the true ncer from his idols? God, is every where throughout the Scrip- III. My third observation is the antures represented as the effect of ominipo- swer to this question. IHe dothl it by the tent creating power. It is called a nczw discovery and application of his pardoning creationz, a being boorn cagain, a resazrcc- mercy and sanctifying grace. I join these tiol, ajpatSsing j'ronz death to lijt. Nor are together, because they are so inseparably these expressions metaphorical, but strict- connected, that neither of them can exist ly just; they are the words not of truth apart; "for whom God justifies, them he only, but of soberness. The apostate crea- also sanctifies." And both of themi are ture is really cldead, in the truest and expressly mentioned in the context, as the 182 SERMON XXVIII. means by which Ephraim should be dis- vineyard comes into his garden, to eat his posed and enabled to say, What have I to pleasant fruits; or, to drop the allusion, do any more with idols? when the soul, washed, and sanctified, and The discovery of pardoning mercy is the justified, hath experienced the ineffable first means employed for working this delights of fellowship with the Father, change. Fear is the immediate conse- and with the Son, through the Spirit;quence of guilt, which soon degenerates then the victory over the world is corninto hatred, or that emnity against God pleted, and the person will be enabled to which is the distinguishing characteristic say without any reserve, WThVat have I to of the carnal mind. No sooner had Adam dco any muore vwith idols? sinned than he became afraid of his Maker, IV. MvY fourth and last observation and preposterously endeavored to flee from was, that these words of Ephraim, in their his presence. This fear is the natural in- most extensive meaning, will, and must heritance of his children. God appears as be adopted by all, without exception, upon an enemy to the guilty soul; and so long whom God hath been pleased to confer his as he is viewed in that light, it is ir- pardoningimercy, and his sanctifying grace. possible that he can be the object of For these important blessings are not onits love. But the report of pardoning ly the means by which the sinner is sepa-. mercy presents him in a light so suited to rated from idols, but they are means the necessities of the apostate creature, that which can never fail to produce the effect. in proportion as it is believed, the sinner This happy change is not only their natuis encouraged to look to him with hope. ral, but their necessary consequence; and And when the evidence of this report is so therefore, if we be not turned from idols, fully seen, as to vanquish distrustful, tor- however just and orthodox our speculamenting fear; when the blessed record gains tive opinions concerning these points may entire credit, " that God hath given to us be, it is certain, that we have not yet tasteternal life, and that this life is in his Son," ed that the Lord is gracious; for thus it whom he hath set forth to be a propitiation is written, (Gal. i. 4 ) that Christ "' gave through faith in his blood; that, without himself for our sins," according to the staining the honor of his justice, a way will of God, "that he might deliver us might be opened for the free exercise of from this present evil world; " and it is mercy to the chief of sinners; then God mentioned as the distinguishing character becomes the object both of love and confi- and real attainment of all his redeemed dence, and appears so completely amiable, ones, (Gal. v. 24.) " They that are Christ's that, in comparison of him, those idols have crucified the flesh, with the affections which the soul formerly desired, stripped and lusts." of their delusive charms, are regarded By this time you will have discovered with contempt, nay, renounced with ab- your concern in the subject, and the use horrence. you ought to make of it. I have showed Now, if the believing views of God's that man, in his natural state, is joined to pardoning mercy have this effect, how idols; that it is God alone who canll sepapowerful must the experience of it be, when rate him from them; and that he doth it accompanied, as it always is, with his sane- by means of his pardoning mercy and tifying grace? When the soul hath not sanctifying grace. Now it is by faith in only seen, but tasted, that- the Lord is the Redeemer that any of the children of gracious, and that in him the fatherless Adam come to be interested in these great findeth mercy; when God saith, (as in and inestimable benefits. Here then you verse 4th) "I will heal their backslidings, are furnished with a plain decisiie test, I will love them freely, for mine anger is whereby you may judge of your Christian turned away;" especially when, as it fol profession, and examine yourselves whether lows, he becomes " as the dew unto Israel," you be in the faith. If idols reign with causing the influences of his Spirit to de- full power in your hearts, the conclusion is secend upon the soul, whereby the barren unavoidable, that as yet you have neither wilderness is turned into a fruitful field; part nor lot in the Saviour; you are utter above all, when the great Lord of the strangers, both to pardoning mercy and THE CHRISTIAN'S RELATION TO IDOLS. 183 sanctifying grace. On the other hand, ford that kind of happiness which is adaptthough their dominion be taken from them, ed to the nature, and commensurate to the so that they cannot be said to reign with- duration, of an immortal spirit. Reason in. you; yet, in whatever degree their in- is, in all respects, unequal to the task. It fluence remains, you may certainly con- no doubt can discover, and may descant elude, that so far your faith must be weak very plausibly, upon the vanity of the in proportion. Only this is your com- creature: but, alas! a hungry man will fort, that he who hath begun the good feed upon husks rather than starve; nay, work will carry it forward to perfection; Rsason itself will justify him in doing so. for " he is the rock, his work is perfect, Something must be presented to him of and all his ways are judgment." He who real worth and excellence; something that is the author, is likewise the finisher of his can supply all his wants, and render him people's faith. To him therefore let your contented and happy, independent of the humble prayer be addressed. Say to him objects and enjoyments of sense. It must as the disciples did, " Lord, increase our likewise be something attainable; and faith." And you may do it in the assured which, when once obtained, ca~nnot.be taken hope of being heard; for he hath promised fromn him. the Spirit to them that ask it. Let us then Upon the whole, then, we see, in the 3d ask and receive, that our joy may be place, the importance and use of faith in full. Christ. The sacrifice he offered lays a FR.OM all that hath been said, we learn, firm foundation for the hope of pardon to 1st. How to account for that idolatry the chief of sinners. There we see sin which is so prevalent in the world. While condemned in the flesh, the law infinitely man remained innocent, he had free access glorified, and the justice of the Lawgiver, to the Author of his existence; and, being not only receiving full satisfaction, but assured of his friendship, he rejoiced in the more illustriously displayed, and more displays of his glory; and all the creatures highly exalted, by the sufferings of his he beheld, instead of intercepting or divid- own Son in our nature, than it could have ing his love, served only to remind him been by the final condemnation and everhow much he himself was indebted to the lasting punishment of the whole apostate bounty of their Creator. But sin intro- posterity of Adam. This hath an obvious duced a dismal revolution into the heart and powerful tendency to remove those of man. Alienated from God, and con- fears which necessarily spring from a scious of deserved punishment, we either sense of guilt; for when we discover a think not of him at all, or dread him in way in which God may righteously pardon the tremendous character of a judge and the sinner, then we can look up to hiIm avenger. At the same time we must have with hope; we are no longer compelled to something to gratify our inbred desire of flee from his presence; the revelation of happiness; and finding among the crea- mercy and forgiveness invites our approach tures around us, not only the necessary to him, and thereby weakens one of the materials for supplying our bodily wants, strongest of those cords that bind us to a but likewise a variety of objects and enjoy- present world; especially when, to the inments suited to the inferior part of our trinsic worth and value of Christ's sacrinature, our hearts cleave to them, we pur- fice, we add, that it was offered up in consue them with eagerness, and hope to ex- sequence of a divine appointment: for tract that pleasure from the possession of " Christ glorified not himself to be made them wjlieh we despair of finding any an High-Priest, but he who said unto where else. Hence likewise we learn, him, Thou art my Son, this day have I 2dly. That nothing can avail for this begotten thee." This strikes at the very idolatry, which doth not relieve from the root of all distrust and jealousy. When guilt of sin; and vanquish the tormenting we are well assured that " God so loved the fear of wrath, by representing God in a light world, that he gave his only begotten Son, wherein we can behold him with pleasure; that whosoever believeth on him. might nay, which doth not bring an object in view not perish, but have everlasting life;" that outshines a present world, and will af- what stronger evidence could the most 184 SERMON XXVIII. suspicious mind require of his merciful pel. This great object darkens the delunature, and kind regards to the children sive lustre of all seen things. What hath of men? Doth not this astonishing act of this earth to offer that can stand the least grace, this unspeakable gift, unmerited, comparison with that fulness of joy which and even unsolicited, amount to a full de- is at God's right hand? Animated by monstration of what the apostle John re- this prospect, the believing Hebrews " took peatedly asserts, viz. GOD IS LOVE? Can joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowany one that believes this, hesitate for a ing in themselves, that in heaven they had moment to draw the same conclusion from a better and more enduring substance." it that Paul did, (Rom. viii. 32.)'I He They did not regret the loss of those perthat spared not his own Son, but deliver- ishing trifles, for which carnal men coned him up for us all, how shall he not tend with such eager and unremitting lawith him also freely give us all things?" bor: they looked beyond them to permaAnd this leads me to observe, that Christ's nent and substantial blessings, and rejoiced giving himself for our sins, according to in the hope, " that when the earthly house the will of God, hath a mighty efficacy to of this tabernacle should be dissolved, separate us from idols; not only by laying they had a building of God, an house not a solid foundation for our hope of pardon, made with hands, eternal in the heavens." and representing the Father in such a light But I must here add, that all these disas cannot fail to vanquish that fear and coveries, which have so obvious a tendency jealousy which render the thoughts of him to separate us from idols, derive their virpainful and alarming to the sinner; but tue and efficacy from that divine Spirit further, by riving us the animating pros- which Christ purchased by his sufferings pect, and the fullest assurance, of that and obedience unto death; whose office it incorruptible inheritance, which our great is, not only to throw light upon the great Redeemer hath purchased with his blood, truths revealed in the gospel, and to open and promised to bestow upon all without or unvail our eyes, that we may see them in exception, who, acknowledging the original all their evidence, but likewise to carry them forfeiture, and the justice of the sentence home into our hearts with such denonstrawhich condemns them to die, are willing tion and power, that they shall become the to receive new life from his hand, and to type or mould wherein that new man is hold it by his right, as a free gift to them, formed, which after God is created in rightthrough the merit of his obedience unto teousness, and true holiness. By this dideath in their place. This world, as I for- vine agent we are born into the kingdom mnerly observed, vain and unsatisfying as and family of God, and are connected with it is, will still appear of some importance the spiritual world as really as by our nato men, so long as they are unacquainted tural birth we are introduced into and with any thing better. It is this that ren- connected with this material world. In ders death the king of terrors; and they consequence whereof, we become sons, not who cannot look with comfort beyond the in name only, but in nature; and, as St. grave, will not only cleave to a present Paul reasons, upon a principle universally world, but will even submit to the most admitted, "If sons, then are we also heirs, grievous hardships and inconveniences, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ rather than consent to the dissolution of Jesus." This powerful renovation pulls these earthly tabernacles: " Skin for skin, down at once every idol from the throne. all that a man hath will he give for his and lays them all under the feet of the life." Nothing can reconcile us to a re- "man in Christ;" for every thingtends to moval from this world but the discovery the place of its original. "They that are of another, where we shall continue to live after the flesh do mind the things of the and to partake of enjoyments preferable flesh: and they that are after the spirit to any of those we leave behind us. Now, the things of the spirit:"-" They have for this discovery we are wholly indebted not received the spirit of the world, but to the Lord Jesus Christ. Life and im- the spirit which is of God, whereby they mortality are brought to light by his gos- know the things that are freely given them -------— ei — ---- MANIFESTATION OF THE SON. 185 of God." And these they find to be a portion sufficient to fill the most enlarged ca- SERMON XXIX. pacity of their souls. Being risen with their Lord, they " seek the things which Preached at the opening qf the General Assermbly are above, where Christ sitteth at the right of tile Church of Scotland, 1772. hand of God." They are dead to whatsoever is confined to their present state of MANIFESTATION OF THE SON. existence; and the new life they have received, being "hid with Christ in God," 1 JOIN Iu. 8.-" For this purpose the Son of Gon 0 1 1 1. 1..' vwas manifested, that IIe might destroy the they are enabled to conclude, with the works of the Devil." most absolute certainty, " that when he who is their life shall appear, then shall AMONG the various motives to the love they also appear with him in glory, and and practice of universal holiness with ever after be with the Lord." which this sacred epistle abounds, the one " MAY lie who at first commanded the I have now read to you doth certainly light to shine out of darkness, shine into merit peculiar attention; and must to all your hearts, to give you the light of every ingenuous mind appear not only the knowledge of his glory, in the face of most persuasive, but likewise most animaJesus Christ," that each of you may be ting. For who that hath any thirst for disposed and enabled to say, What have true glory, would not aspire to the high Ito do anty szore with idols? And let dignity of becoming a "worker together" those who have experienced the power of with the Son of God? Or can any man divine grace, show by their future con- have reason to entertain the least doubt duct, that they find enough in their God of victory and triumph, who is engaged and Saviour to render them completely in a cause which the great Lord of heahappy; and that the draft they have got ven and earth hath undertaken to support? of the pure water of life, hath effectually i. I propose, therefore, in the first quenched their thirst after the muddy place, to offer a few remarks for establishpools of earthly enjoyments. ing your faith of the important doctrine Beware, O Christians! of every thing contained in my text. that may sully your profession, or grieve 2. Secondly, I shall give you some acthe Spirit, and thereby breed in you a dis- count of the principal means by which trust of your personal interest in God's the Son (f God hath hitherto conducted pardoning mercy and sanctifying grace: his salutary undertaking, and shall finally for it is " by faith you stand; " and in the destroy the works of the Devil.-And same proportion that your faith fails, idols then direct you to the practical improvewill gain their influence in your hearts. ment of the subject. I shall therefore conclude with that affec- I First, then, that you may see the tionate exhortation of the apostle Jude, evidence by which the doctrine here as" Ye, beloved, building up yourselves on serted is confirmed and illustrated, in the your most holy faith, praying in the Holy clearest and most satisfying light, I shall Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, lay before you the several parts of it, in looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus the same method and order of time in Christ unto eternal life." Amen. which the Spirit of God hath placed them in the sacred Scriptures. If we look back to the Old Testament writings, we shall find this doctrine published in paradise immediately after the apostacy of our first parents, when Satan's.1- usurped domination commenced. Then it was that God said unto the serpent, " Because thou hast done this, I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: It shall bruise thy head, and thout shalt bruise his 186 SERMON- XXIX. heel." This was an early intimation of a his people from their sins." A special Saviour, who should defeat the malice of messenger was raised up to prepare the Satan, the grand adversary, and prevent way before him, to bid Satan defiance, and the total ruin of mankind. to call upon men to': repent, because the To prefigure the manner in which he kingdom of God was at hand." This was was to achieve this great deliverance, it John, who soon after had the honor to indeserves our notice, that expiatory sacri- troduce Christ by baptism into the field flees were very early appointed. Thus of battle, and to point him out to the men we read, that " Abel offered unto the of that age as " the Lamb of God which Lord the firstlings of his flock; " and taketh away the sin of the world." when we consider that it was not till after And now let us review his personal the deluge that the use of animal food conduct, and trace him through the course was permitted to man, we can hardly of his public ministry, where we shall bedoubt. that the "coats of skins," which hold the most striking proofs of the God is said to have made for Adam and apostle's assertion, that for this purpose Eve, nust have been the skins of animals the Son, of God zwas maznifested, that Ahe offered in sacrifice by his own direction mzight destroy the wvorks of the Devil. No and appointment. These were significant sooner is he baptized, and consecrated to emblems, or types, of that great atone- his office by the visible descent of the ment which Christ was to make in due tHoly Ghost, than he suffers himself to be time by the sacrifice of himself; iri allu- " led by the Spirit, into the wilderness," sion to which, he is styled, in the New and continued there for the space of forty Testament writings, a Lanzb, " the Lamb days " tempted of the devil." The cirof God,"-"' the Lamb slain from the cumstances of this combat, and the happy foundation of the world." issue of it, are recorded by three evanBut lest these typical representations gelists, and are so generally known, that I of the promised seed should prove too need not stay to repeat them. This was thick and obscure a vail, it pleased God the first signal defeat of the adversary; gradually to unfold the purposes of his in the wilderness was the serpent's head grace, by raising up prophets at different broken as temnpter, which on Calvary was periods of time; who, though they separ- afterwards bruised as tormentor. ately bare witness to this illustrious per- Having thus vanquished the devil in son, yet they perfectly agreed in the report single fight, our Lord forthwith invites they gave of him; representing him as men to fight under his banner. He an irresistible conqueror, " who should chooseth twelve apostles, whom he apdivide the spoil with the strong," as " the points to be the stated attendants upon King whom God had set upon his holy hill his person, and the principal leaders of of Zion," as " the Lord strong in battle," the army under him. With these he joins and " mighty to save; " who should seventy of a subordinate rank, to whom " proclaim liberty to the captives, and the lihe gives orders to attack the enemy, and opening of the prison to them that are to exercise the power of his word and bound;-who should finish transgression, spirit against him. In obedience to his and make an end of sins," or offerings command, and relying upon his aid, they for sin, "and make reconciliation for resolutely go forth two by two, into every iniquity, and bring in everlasting right- city and place whither he himself was to cousness." come; and after a rapid and most sueAccordingly, when the fulness of time cessful progress, like young soldiers flushed was come, t~he Son of God made his en- with their first prosperous adventure, they trance into the world in the declared return again with joy, saying, " Lord, character of Saviour and Redeemer. A even the devils are subject unto us through heavenly herald was employed to an- thy name." nounce his appearance, and to appoint Upon this the hotter part of the war him a name expressive of his office: begins. The old serpent puts forth all " Thou shalt call his name JEsus," said his strength and cunning, raiseth up enethe angel to Joseph; " for he shall save mies from every quarter, works upon the MANIFESTATION OF THE SON. 187 pride, envy, and prejudices of the Jewish him." To him we are indebted for the rulers and teachers, and by their agency fullest and most satisfying information carries on a most furious persecution concerning the nature and perfections of against him. Yet still this great Captain God Most High; the measures of his goof Salvation maintains his ground, and, vernment, his relation to us, and the woramiidst all the opposition that is made to ship that is due to him; and that neither him, lays the foundation of a kingdom, guilt nor distance might discourage our against which the gates of hell shall never approach to the throne of his holiness, be able to prevail; till at length, by seem- Christ hath opened to us, in his own ing to yield, he gives the enemy the mor- blood, a precious fountain of sovereign tal blow, pursues him into his own dolmin- virtue, in which the chief of sinners may ions; and, by a mysterious wisdom, wash and be made clean; and by reveal"through death, he conquers him that had ing to us the mysterious union of the dithe power of death, that is the devil: " vine and human natures, in his own perAnd having thus obtained a complete vic- son as Mediator, he hath, as it were, tory, he riseth from the grave in triumph, thrown a bridge over that boundless inascendeth up on high, leading captivity finite ocean, which separates the creacaptive; where, seated on the right hand ture from the invisible Godhead: so that of the Father, he shall continue in the through the man Christ Jesus, who is exercise of government as Mediator till also God's beloved Son, we may now adall his enemies be made his footstool. dress the Father of our spirits, without Thus, you see, that the doctrine of my that dread of a repulse, and fear of offendtext doth not lean upon a single testimony, ing him, which otherwise must have overbut is supported by many clear and ex- whelmed our minds. He hath given us a press declarations of holy writ, and beau- law which is holy, just, and good, utterly tifully illustrated by the whole of our subversive of the kingdom of Satan, and Saviour's conduct during the time of his contrary to all his works; " teaching us, abode on this earth. Let us then pro- that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, ceed, we should live soberly, and righteously, II. In the second place, To consider and godly in this present world." This more particularly some of the principal law he hath enforced with the most permeans by which the Son of God hath suasive arguments. Every motive to hitherto conducted his salutary under- obedience that can either encourage our taking, and shall finally destroy the works hopes, or alarm our fears, is set before us of the devil. in the strongest and most affecting light. 1st. He hath given us the most certain IHeaven is unfolded to our view, and doand enlarged discoveries of every thing struction hath no covering: And that no that is necessary to be known, believed, incitement may be wanting to invigorate or done by us, in order to our present our opposition to the devil and his works, improvement and holiness, and the per- this great Captain of Salvation solemnly fection of our happiness in a future state. enlists us into his army by baptism; and The devil is styled " the god of this hath appointed the other sacrament, not world, who blindeth the minds of those merely to represent his atoning sacrifice, that believe not," and by keeping the light and to remind us of the price with which from them, leads them captive at his plea- we were redeemed, but likewise to afford sure. And Christ delivers them from us an opportunity of recognizing his title this thraldom, "tby opening their eyes, to our grateful homage and most loyal suband turning them from darkness to light;" jection; and to be a means of imparting dispelling those clouds of ignorance, er- to our souls those supplies of grace, which ror, and prejudice, whereby Satan main- will enable us to quit ourselves like men, tains his usurpations over the hearts of while we fight under his banner against the men. powers of darkness, till the God of peace "No man hath seen God at any time; shall in due time bruise Satan under our the only begotten Son, who is in the feet. Thus doth the Son of God destroy bosom of the Father, he hath declared the works of the devil, by the doctrines, 188 SERMON XXIX. and laws, and ordinances he hath taught chllariot, on which, having spoiled prinus. To which I add, cipalities and powers, he made a show of 2d/y. The bright and glorious example them openly. I shall therefore discourse of his life. at greater length upon this head, and It was the just reproach of the Jewish endeavor to illustrate the efficacy of teachers, that " they bound heavy burdens, Christ's death, in counteracting and deand laid them upon other men's shoulders, feating the malice of Satan: 1st. As it but they themselves would not touch them advances the glory of God which he with one of their fingers." Whereas the sought to impair; and, 2d. As it purexample of our Lord was of equal per- chaseth and secures the salvation of men, fection with his laws. He lived as he in spite of all his attempts to ruin them. taught; and the whole of his conduct, These subjects, which are no less delightfrom his birth to his death, was one con- ful than interesting, will serve to unfold tinued lecture of the purest devotion, the the meaning of that heavenly anthem with sublimest morals, and the most extensive which angels celebrated the birth of our usefulness. But this opens a field too Lord: "Glory to God in the highest, and extensive to be entered upon. It must on earth peace, good will towards men." suffice at present to observe, that the 1. First. then, let us view the death of principal virtues which the peculiar char- Christ as a means of advancing the glory acter and circumstances of our Lord of God, or, to speak with greater progave himn an opportunity to practise, were priety, of displaying it more fully to his obviously adapted to counteract the de- intelligent creatures. vil's most favorite vices. How odious, Satan, no doubt, triumphed in his vichow disgraceful, do human pride and vain- tory over the heads of our race. He had glory appear, when set in opposition to seen with envy that fountain of beneficence the lowliness of Christ, who, " though flowing out towards them, which he knew he was in the form of God, and thought was eternally shut against himself; and it not robbery to be equal with God, yet beheld, with vexation and rage, the commade himself of no reputation, and took placency and delight of the Creator in his upon him the form of a servant? " With new made world. But now that the fatal what persuasive eloquence doth the con- trespass was committed, he would fondly tempt he poured upon the riches, and conclude, that this blessed harmony behonors, and pleasures of this world, re- tween heaven and earth was for ever at an prove and condemn the covetousness, the end. Man, would he think, is become ambition, and sensuality of men? His no less guilty than I am. That treniencondescension to the mean, and his sym- dous justice, the severity of which I feel, pathy with the miserable; his meekness stands as much in the way of this creain receiving and forgiving injuries; and ture's happiness as of mine. God must his patience in enduring the most grievous rear up another world before he can make sufferings, do all serve to expose the de- any further display of his goodness, for formity of those opposite distempers which this world is effectually put beyond the give Satan so much room in the hearts of reach of it. Thus we may suppose himn most men. After this manner doth the glorying in his conquest, and his fancied perfect example of the Son of God in our disappointment of the divine purpose. nature contribute to the subversion of the But, behold! by the death of Christ, kingdom of darkness. But, the shameful disappointment recoiling 3d/y. It was by his obedience unto upon himself. He had before seen gooddeath that our Lord did most eminently ness and justice displayed alternately, each destroy t1he works of the devil; as we learn acting in the most perfect manner upon from -lle passage to which I formerly their proper objects; but now he sees alluded, (Heb. ii. 14.) " Through death them ministering to each other's glory, he destroyed him that had the power of and mutually conspiring to take advantage death, that is the devil." Accordingly, of his malice, that both might shine forth in the epistle to the Colossians, the cross with more dazzling splendor. He sees of Christ is compared to a triumphal mercy to the guilty (an exercise of good MANIFESTATION OF THE SON. 189 ness which till then he thought impossible) of the world, is now broken down; and rejoicing againstjudgment, andjudgment at the divine goodness, which formerly ran the same time triumphing in a satisfaction in a narrow channel, now dilates itself, of infinitely greater worth than the whole and embraceth a whole world, men of all world of angels and men. He sees love kindreds, nations, and languages. Thus bringing the sacrifice to satisfy justice; Satan, by overdoing, undoes his interest; and justice, having nothing more to demand, by grasping at the Jews, he loseth his giving place to love; nay, becoming bound Heathen subjects: for as Paul writes to to serve the purposes of love in the salva- the Ephesians, (chap. ii. 13, 14.) "' But tion of those whom it formerly sought to now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes destroy. This is that mysterious object were far off," (being aliens from the comwhich angels contemplate with increasing monwealth of Israel, and strangers from wonder, and which devils must look at the covenants of promise) "' are made nigh with'shame and confusion. The Son of by the blood of Christ. For he is our God suffers, that the sinner may escape; peace, who hath made both one, and hath and thus mercy and truth, righteousness broken down the middle wall of partition and peace, which are never to meet upon between us." " Now therefore," as it those apostate spirits, meet and embrace follows, (verse 19.) "ye are no more upon the cross of Christ; and God ap- strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citipears infinitely just, as well as infinitely zens with the saints, and of the household gracious, when he justifies those who be- of God." Christ, after his resurrection lieve in Jesus. sent forth his apostles to preach the gospel In short, all the attempts of Satan to to every creature. In obedience to his impair or darken the glory of God, serve command, they flew abroad like lightning, only to furnish out a theatre for the more invaded the kingdom of darkness on all illustrious display of it. He pulls down quarters, and made an amazing progress his kingdom with his own hands, and builds in their own day. And we look by faith up that which he meant to overturn. for still more glorious times, when the It is impossible to know with certainty dominion of Satan shall be utterly subwhat views he had of the Messiah; but it verted. and all the nations of the earth is plain, that he thought his death would shall be brought to the knowledge of the bring great advantage to himself. He only true God, and of Jesus Christ whom very probably hoped, that by this horrid he hath sent, whom to know is life eterdeed, God would be provoked finally to nal. Thus doth the death of Christ abandon the human kind. The Jews destroy the works of the devil, inasmuch were the only society of true worshippers as it displays the glory of all the divine upon earth, the people whom God had perfections, and enlarges the kingdom of chosen for his peculiar inheritance; and God among men, by the very means which if their charter could be broken, by their Satan employed to sully the one and to ungrateful rejection, and barbarous mur- diminish the other. der, of their long-promised King, then of 2. The death of Christ is no less effeccourse they would fall to his share; and tual to purchase and secure the salvation so the whole world would become his own, of men, in spite of all Satan's attempts to and God have no tribute of praise from ruin them. This partly appears fromn imen. But, O the depth of the riches, what hath been already suggested. His both of the wisdom and knowledge of blood is the price which redeems the soul; God! Here again Satan is caught in his it expiates the guilt of sin, and gives full own snare; and by seeking to enlarge his satisfaction to divine justice: so that now kingdom, saps the foundation of it. Christ the grand obstacle is removed, which obbeing lifted upon the cross draws all men structed the sinner's access to God, and unto him. The covenant of peculiarity excluded him from any share in the fruits doth indeed cease; but then it is succeed- of his beneficence. But this is not all: ed by a better and more extensive one. The death of Christ doth likewise afford The wall of partition that inclosed the the most persuasive and effectual motives Jews. and separated them from the rest to that holiness, " without which no man 190 SERMON XXIX. shall see God;" and thus directly destroys holy obedience; and hath moreover rnerthe works of the devil. Here we behold ited for them that supernatural assistance, the frightful aspect of sin. Hell itself by which they are encouraged to attempt, doth not furnish such an awful represen- nay, (as the apostle Paul assures us from tation, either of its intrinsic malignity, or his own experience) by which they are its heinous demerit. How deep, how actually enabled to do all things. Which black, must that stain have been, which leads me to mention a nothing could wash away but the blood of Fourth and principal means, by which Christ? How deadly the disease which the Son of God destroys the ~works qof the no other medicine could cure? How tre- devil; namely, the divine efficacy of the mendous that justice, which nothing less Holy Spirit, regenerating the souls of could satisfy than the death of him who men, filling them with light, and love, created the worlds? In vain doth Satan and strength; casting. down those proud tempt us to p-resunze, if we duly attend imaginations which exalt themselves to this. Here sin is made to appear ex- against God, and bringing every thought ceeding sinful; and Christ from the cross into captivity to the obedience of Christ. proclaims God's infinite abhorrence of that The Holy Spirit is Christ's vicegerent accursed thing, and his resolution to pun- upon earth, sent forth by him to supply ish it, with a louder and more alarming his place, and to erect his throne in the voice than even the howlings of the damn- hearts of men upon the ruins of Satan's ed themselves can do. And then what kingdom. This he doth, by opening their an effectual remedy have we here against understandings to understand the Scripdespair? This is another engine which tures, and leading them to the knowledge the enemy' of our souls seldom fails to of all necessary truths, by convincing employ. When he cannot hold us bound them of their sin and misery, enlightening with the cords of presumption, he will their minds in the knowledge of Christ, next attempt to plunge us into the gulf of and renewing their wills; whereby he not despair, and will be ready to say to us, only persuades, but effectually enables (as Joshua said to the Jews with a very them to embrace Christ as he is offered; different aim,) " Ye cannot serve the by shedding abroad the love of God in Lord, for he is a holy God." Your sins their hearts, furnishing them with strength are so multiplied, and your bad habits so to resist temptation, to overcome the strong, that it is a vain thing to think of world, to mortify the deeds of the body, amending now. But the cross of Christ and to crucify the flesh with the affections suggests to the believer a sufficient answer and lusts. These are some of the effects to this objection. True it is, can he say, which the Scriptures attribute to the that my sins have been many and great; Spirit of Christ. By these the strong but here is blood that " cleanseth from man armed is driven out of his palace; all sin" My corrupt passions are in- he is stripped of his armor, and his goods deed strong; but then my Redeemer " is are spoiled. Thus the soul is rescued mighty to save." He would not purchase from the bondage of Satan, and the sinner an inheritance for me which I could not is made willing by a day of power to yield be rendered capable of possessing. Hlie himself unto God, and to walk in newness who died to prepare a heaven for his of life. people, is certainly able to prepare his 5thly. The Son of God will finally depeople for heaven. He knows my weak- stroy the works of the devil, when he shall ness, and yet calls upon me to follow him; come the second time to judge the world and therefore I cannot, I dare not, des- in righteousness. Then shall the kingdom pair of his help. I will go forward in his of darkness be plucked up by the roots; name, and lie will make his grace suffi- then shall the ransomed of the Lord be cient for me. Thus doth the death of confirmed in a state of unchangeable purity Christ destroy the works of the devil, and happiness. Satan shall no more vex inasmuch as it furnisheth his people with and seduce them; but he, with all the the strongest argument against sin, and workers of iniquity, shall be thrust down the most persuasive motives to faith and into those everlasting burnings, which the MANIFESTATION OF THE SON. 191 wrath of God, like a stream of brimstone, ready received the mortal wound, and ere doth kindle and inflame, the smoke where- long shall be cast down and trampled unof ascendeth for ever and ever. der his feet. And will not this inspire Thus have I illustrated the doctrine of you with courage and fortitude? You my text, and taken notice of some of the fight under a General whom Satan feareth; principal means by which the Son of God and though he uses every artifice to make bath hitherto conducted the war against others unbelievers, yet he himself believes Satan, and shall finally destroy the works and trembles. Remember the battles and of the dcvil. And now, in the review of victories of your Redeemer; consider the all that hath been said, let us, in the virtue of his blood, and the efficacy of his 1st place, Praise and magnify our great Spirit. Let faith behold him in his predeliverer, who came into the world upon sent exaltation at the Father's right so merciful an errand. " O the height hand, pleading your cause, and observing and depth, the breadth and the length of your conduct, covering your heads and the love of Christ!" It might justly healing your wounds, while he prepares have been feared, that if the Son of God for you those crowns of glory that shall was to visit this earth, it would have been never fade away; and then cry out with for a very different end, even to display the apostle in holy triumph, " If God be the glory of divine justice, by executing for us, who shall be against us? Who vengeance upon those ungrateful creatures shall separate us from the love of God? who had risen up in rebellion against the Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecuGod that made them. But behold, and tion, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or wonder! He came to save, and not to sword? Nay, in all those things we are destroy: " For God sent not his Son into more than conquerors, through him that the world to condemn the world, but that loved us." Be bold, 0 Christians! in the world through him might be saved." the cause of righteousness. Let the Nay, he came to destroy those enemies wicked blush; they have reason to do so, who had vanquished us, and to rescue us their work is base, and their wages deadly. out of their hands. " Lord, what is man, But surely the disciples of Jesus have no that thou art mindful of him?" My cause to be ashamed, whether they conbrethren, however coldly we may think or sider the nature of their service, or the talk of these matters, angels, whom they reward that attends it. And what a reless concern, contemplate them with ec- proach is it, that the slaves of Satan stasy. They shouted for joy when the should act more vigorously for their masworld was made, but they raise a higher ter than we do for ours! Their cause is note to celebrate the redemption of man- not only bad in itself, but desperate too, kind. And shall men be silent while as to any prospect of success; whereas angels sing? 0 let us contend with those the interest for which we contend is so blessed spirits in the praises of our own just and honorable, that the very attemptRedeemer. He is their Lord, but he is ing to support it is glorious; and unless our Saviour. Let our souls, and all that we were to suppose that Omnipotence is within us, be stirred up to bless him, may become weak, and the Creator be and let us, even at this distance, begin overmatched by the workmanship of his that grateful, triumphant song, "' Unto own hands, we are sure of victory. What him that loved us, and washed us from then should we fear? Be strong, O beour sins in his own blood, and hath made lievers! and of good courage. You fight us kings and priests unto God and his the battles of the Lord of Hosts, and Father, to him be glory and dominion for greater is he that is with you than all ever and ever." that can be against you. Say not that 2dly. This doctrine yields the strongest you are the sons of the Most High, and consolation to every sincere Christian. born from above, unless you can prove He is engaged in a cause that must pre- your descent, by daring to be holy in vail; he follows a leader whom no might spite of devils and men. The battle may can withstand; he contends with a sub- be hot, but it cannot last long. Death will dued and vanquished foe, who bath al- soon come, and tell you that your warfare 192 SERMON XXX. is accomplished; and angels, who now selves; if God peradventure will give minister to you with joy, will carry you them repentance to the acknowledging of home in triumph to your Father's house; the truth; and that they may recover and the Redeemer, by whose blood and themselves out of the snare of tile devil, Spirit you overcome, will put the crown who are taken captive by him at his will." upon your heads, and " grant unto you to This, my fathers and brethren, is the sit with him in his throne, even as lie also great aim of the sacred office we bear, to overcame, and is set down with the Father which not our public ministrations only, ill his throne." but every part of our conduct, ought to 3dly. The stability of the gospel-church be subservient. Let us keep this aim is a necessary consequence of the doctrine continually in our eye, as a lamp to our in my text. Zion's King shall have a feet, and a light unto our path; and, in seed to serve him as long as sun and moon particular, let us place it full in our view endure. The church he hath purchased when we are assembled together in the with his blood is built upon a rock, name of our Lord, to deliberate and against which the gates of hell shall never judge in matters which belong to his spiritprevail. The heathen may rage, and the ual kingdom, remembering that, as all our people imagine vain things; the kings of authority is derived from him, so the cxthe earth may set themselves, and the ercise of that authority can be no further rulers take counsel together, against the valid than as it is regulated by his will, Lord, and against his anointed, saying, and subordinated to thepauposefor' which Let us break their bands asunder, and the Soni of God was nanizfested; and cast away their cords from us. But he consequently, that every act and decision that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; of an opposite tendency shall be finally the Lord shall have them in derision; disowned and reprobated by him who came and at length he shall speak unto them in to destroy the works of the devil. Amen. his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. The proudest of his enemies shall lick the dust, when he ariseth to plead the cause that is his own; and SERMON XXX. therefore his people may well rejoice under the heaviest pressure of ffiction,S CONVSATION. and look by faith through the darkest cloud, to the complete redemption of PriArs. 27.-" Only let your conversation Israel from all his troubles.' For Je- be as it becomet the gospel of CHRIST." rusalem shall be a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with IT will be to little purpose to inquire it shall be cut in pieces, though all the what kind of conversation 6ecomnth the people of the earth should be gathered gospel of Christ, till we be satisfied, in together against it." the first place, that this charge, which was 4thly. This important subject suggests originally addressed to the Philippians, a variety of useful instructions to all who may, with equal propriety, be addressed bear office in the church of Christ, and to us. more especially to those who labor in The qualifying particle ONLY, with word and doctrine. To us is committed which the apostle introduces the exhortathe ministry of reconciliation, that by the tion, plainly denotes, that, in his own manifestation of the truth as it is in judgment, the demand he made was no Jesus, the eyes of sinners may be opened, less moderate than it was just: Only let and they turned from darkness to light, youir conversation be as it becometh the and from the power of Satan unto God. gospel of Chr'ist. This is all I require; We are commanded to " preach the word, and you cannot with decency ask, nor in to be instant in season and out of season, reason hope, that less should be accepted. to reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all To this conclusion he was naturally led long-suffering and doctrine." " In meek- by the character and circumstances of ness instructing those that oppose them- those to whom he wrote. His epistle was THE CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION. 193 inscribed, not to unbelieving Jews or not always prove an insurmountable bar Gentiles, but to saints in Christ Jesus; in the way to any office, civil or military, to men who had been converted to the which the person is otherwise qualified to Christian faith, as we learn from the fore- fill, or hath interest to obtain; and theregoing part of the chapter. And it is ma- fore, though the mere profession of Christerial to observe, that as Christianity had tianity be not attended with any temporal been treated with peculiar indignity at inconveniences, yet as the want of such Philippi, where Paul and his companion profession doth not exclude a man from Silas were, by order of the magistrates, any temporal advantages, and as neither publicly scourged and cast into prison, the profession nor practice of Christianity therefore the profession of the gospel, in can be said, in the ordinary course of such a place, was justly entitled to the things, to help any man forward in the most favorable construction: for no- line of worldly promotion; hence it folthing less than a deep conviction of its lows, that every baptized person, who hath truth and excellence could be supposed to not openly renounced "the Lord that have induced any inhabitant of that city bought him," but still retains the name of to profess a religion that inevitably ex- Christian, and would complain of abuse posed him to those contemptuous, as well and injury if his title to that appellation as painful sufferings, which a generous and were either denied or called in question, feeling mind would of all others most must be considered as acting from the anxiously wish to avoid. freest choice in the profession he makes; Surely, then, the apostle could have no and can have no reason to be startled, reason to suspect, that a demand so mod- far less to be offended, when we address erate would either offend or surprise him in the words of this holy apostle, them: Let your conversation be as it be- Let your conversation be as it bccometiz cometh the gospel of Christ. You have the gospel of Christ. Should it be otherembraced the faith of the gospel, and con- wise with any of us, the consequences are tinue to make an open confession of it, obvious; and upon every supposition we without any allurements of a temporal can make, must prove equally fatal to our nature, nay, in the face of the most ob- peace and to our honor. vious and alarming discouragements; and If we believe not the gospel, why do therefore, as there can be no room to call we profess it? To lie in any case is in question either your belief of its doe- shameful, how great soever the temptatrines, or your regard to its laws, I may, tion may be: but to lie deliberately, withwithout presumption, hope to obtain your out any temptation at all, which, as I just consent, when I only exhort you to act a now observed, is the present case; nay, to consistent and uniform part, by suiting persist in that lie from day to day, when. your conversation to the religion you have telling the truth could not hurt nor enchosen, and have the fortitude to avow. danger any secular interest whatsoever, is, It is true, and it ought to be gratefully a baseness the most superfluous, and conacknowledged, that our present situation sequently the most contemptible, that can in these lands is very different from that possibly be imagined. of the ancient Philippians. Christianity, On the other hand, if we truly believe as reformed from the corruptions of Po- what we profess, what an odious as well pery, is the established religion of our as disgraceful appearance must we make, country: so that if a man believe the when our conversation is such as doth not gospel of Christ, he may, with the most become the gospel of Christ? By " holdperfect safety to his person and property, ing the truth in unrighteousness," and make as public a confession of his faith as counteracting the dictates of religion, and he inclines. But it is equally true, that the conviction of our own minds, we exno man is compelled by the terrors of per- pose ourselves to the lashes of that selfsecution to profess Christianity, if he do reproach which will not fail to occupy not believe it; nay, the profession of in- every lucid interval betwixt the tumultucredulity itself, if it break not forth into ous gratification of passion and appetite;. blasphemy, aggravated by sedition, doth while at the same time, by continuing toe 13 194 SERMON XXX. profess that gospel we counteract, we stance whereof the apostle hath elsewhere every day publish our shame and misery expressed in one short sentence, to wit, to the world around us, and virtually con- " That God was in Christ, reconciling the fess that we are guilty and self-condemned world unto himself, not imputing their before all who have an opportunity of ob- trespasses unto them," necessarily supserving our conduct. poses, that man is in a state of distance So that the subject of my text is one and alienation from God, liable to punishof the most important that can employ ment in consequence of his apostasy; and our attention, as our practical regard to so perverted and enfeebled, that he hath this demand of the apostle is absolutely neither the disposition nor the ability to necessary to preserve the peace and purity do any thing that can be effectual for his of our own hearts, and to support that own recovery. character which the most profligate rev- It informs us, that " God, who spared erence, and which all who can discern real not the angels that sinned, but hath rebeauty and excellence will covet to pos- served them in everlasting chains under sess; I mean the venerable character of darkness to the judgment of the great an upright man. day," so pitied the human race, " that he Having thus prepared the way, by show- sent his only begotten Son into the world, ing, that the same charge which was pri- not to condemn the world, but that the marily addressed to the Philippians, may, world through him might be saved." The with strict justice and propriety, be ex- nature and dignity of this great Detended to us; let us now proceed to liverer are thus described by an inspired examine, with attention and candor, the apostle: " In the beginning was the standard to which our conformity is en- Word, and the Word was with God, and joined; or, in other words, let us inquire the Word was God. All things were into that gospel of Christ to which our made by him: and without him was not conversation, that is, the whole of our any thing made that was made." This external conduct, as expressing the in- " Word," adds he, "was made flesh, and ward temper of our hearts, ought to be dwelt," or tabernacled, "among men." suited. "He who was in the form of God, and Among the various particulars included thought it not robbery to be equal with in the gospel of Christ, the two following God, made himself of no reputation, took may be selected as the most distinguish- upon him the form of a servant, and was ing and comprehensive, namely, made in the likeness of men; and being I. The Doctrines we are taught to be- found in fashion as a man, he humbled lieve; and himself, and became obedient unto death, II. The Laws we are commanded to even the death of the cross." This death obey. is uniformly represented by all the New Each of these particulars I shall ex- Testament writings as an atoning sacrifice amine apart; from whence we shall dis- for the sins of men. Hence Christ is cover, with ease and certainty, what man- styled " the Lamb of God which taketh ner of conversation it is that may be said away the sin of the world." He is said to become the gospel of Christ. to " have borne our sins in his own body I. I BEGIN with the doctrines of the on the tree," and " to have made peace by gospel, or the truths we are taught to be- the blood of his cross;" to have "been lieve. And without descending to the made sin for us, who knew no sin, that peculiar tenets, or modes of expression, we might be made the righteousness of by which Christians of any denomination God in him; " and "to have suffered, the have chosen to distinguish themselves, I just for the unjust, that he might bring shall confine myself entirely to those cap- us to God." The apostle John calls him ital points, in which the sober and intel- "the propitiation for our sins; " and the ligent of almost every denomination will author of this epistle, in another letter be found to agree. addressed to the Christians at Rome, (the Now the gospel, strictly so called, or principal aim whereof was to explain and that "word of reconciliation," the sub- vindicate this important doctrine) ex THE CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION. 195 pressly says, that " we are justified freely forter, to heal their diseases, and to make by the grace of God, through the redemp- them " partakers of the divine nature; " tion that is in Christ Jesus, whom God " to shed abroad the love of God in their hath set forth to be a propitiation through hearts;" and to bring them with filial faith in his blood, to declare his righteous- boldness to the throne of grace, where ness for the remission of sin; that he they shall obtain mercy, and find grace to may be just, and the justifier of him that help them in every time of need, till the believeth in Jesus." divine life, which is begun on earth, shall The gospel doth every where present attain its full perfection in the kingdom him to our view, as a powerful, a suitable, of heaven, that undefiled and permanent yea, a necessary Saviour; so necessary, "inheritance, which is reserved for all that " there is not salvation in any other;" those who, being born of God, are kept by so powerful, that " he is able to save to his power through faith unto salvation." the uttermost all that come unto God by Once more, the gospel informs us, that himn;" and so suited to the circumstances this Jesus, " who died for our sins, rose of fallen creatures, that they who are sunk again for our justification;" hereby givinto the most deplorable state of igio- ing the most authentic evidence, that he rance, guilt, pollution, and servitude, are had finished his great undertaking, and rendered " complete in him,"'" who of God was accepted by the Father in all that he is made unto them wisdom, and righteous- taught, and acted, and suffered upon ness, and sanctification, and redemption." earth; " that he ascended up on high," as We are further taught, that faith in a triumphant conqueror, "leading captiviChrist, or a cordial acceptance of him, in ty captive;" where, being constituted the full extent of his character as Media- "head over all things for the church," he tor, is the appointed means whereby we now sits enthroned at the right hand of become interested in this all-sufficient Sa- God; from whence he shall once more deviour. For "' this is the command of God, scend to this earth, not in the form of a that we believe on the name of his Son servant, but clothed with Majesty, and atJesus Christ." " He that believeth on tended by all the holy angels, to gather tothe Son hath everlasting life; he that be- gether his elect, in whom he shall be glolieveth not the Son, shall not see life, but rifled; while at the same time, as an awful the wrath of God abideth on him." Which and righteous Judge, he shall " take venlast expression'plainly implies, that the geance on them that know not God, and sinner is previously under a sentence of obey not his gospel; who shall be puncondemnation; and that by rejecting the ished with everlasting destruction from offered ransom, the sentence remains in the presence of the Lord, and from the full force, and his former guilt becomes glory of his power." still more aggravated by his ingratitude All who are acquainted with the Scripand obstinacy: whereas upon our believing tures must be sensible, that in delivering in Christ Jesus, we forthwith obtain the this summary of Christian doctrine, I remission of sins; for " the blood of Jesus have done little more than repeated the cleanseth from all sin." And "being thus words of the New Testament writers as justified by faith, we have peace with God they are translated into our own language; through our Lord Jesus Christ:" nay, we and therefore I may take it for granted, are adopted into the family of God: for that those capital articles, to which many " to as many as receive Christ, to them others might have been added, will reagives he power to become the sons of God, dily be admitted to belong to the gospel of even to them that believe on his name." Christ. Neither is this a mere honorary title; but IT remains, then, to be inquired, What they on whom it is conferred are actually influence the faith of these interesting enriched with all the privileges the title truths ought in reason to have upon our imports: together with the dignity, they temper and practice? or, in other words, receive the nature of children. They are what manner of conversation is suited to regenerated by grace; the Spirit is given such belief? to them, both as a sanctifier and a com- That we may be qualified to judge with 196 SERMON XXX. greater impartiality, let us at present en- healeth all thy diseases, who hath redeem. deavor to forget, if possible, our personal ed thy life from destruction, and crowned concern in the question; and having sup- thee with loving kindness, and with tenposed that we had received information der mercies." "Return unto thy rest, O of other creatures in a state of apostasy my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifrom God, who were favored with a reve- fully with thee." lation of the same important truths which But here likewise I must ask, Do you we have found to be contained in the gos- not think that this joy of theirs would be pel of Christ, let each of us inquire at his of a nature so pure and delicate, as to disown heart, what effects the firm belief of dain any alliance with carnal mirth and these truths might be expected to produce levity? Would it not be that kind of joy in their temper and practice? which a condemned criminal may be supWould we not conclude, without hesita- posed to feel upon receiving the gracious tion, that a discovery of the awful forfeit- pardon of his sovereign; who, while he ure they had incurred would afflict their tastes all the sweetness of his prince's clesouls in the most sensible manner; and mency, and exults in the assurance of preso possess them with grief, and shame, and sent safety, yet cannot help shuddering the fearful apprehensions of deserved pun- when he looks back to the dungeon where ishment, that all the enjoyments of a he lay imprisoned, and recollects the danshort precarious life would lose their re- ger he hath happily escaped? lish, till they certainly knew that there Surely all who have obtained mercy will was a possibility at least of obtaining the perceive and acknowledge the propriety of pardon of their sins, and of regaining the that advice, "Serve the Lord with fear, friendship of their offended Sovereign? and rejoice with trembling." None indeed Would it not occur to us as a probable, have such rational grounds of joy; and or rather a necessary consequence, of this they give an unfair representation of the inward distress, that, upon hearing the re- privileges that belong to the sons of God, motest intimation of a scheme for their who walk in heaviness, and wear a dejectrecovery, they would anxiously inquire ed, melancholy aspect. But still the cheerinto the foundation of such report; and fulness of those who have passed from when they discovered the truth of it, that death to life, will, and ought to have an they would welcome the offered mercy air of composure and solemnity, that will with humble gratitude, and throw them- easily distinguish it from the loose, inselves at the feet of that generous friend temperate mirth of the sensualist, which who had interposed for their relief; re- springs from no higher source than the signing themselves, without reserve, to his gratification of those appetites he hath in disposal and government, in that very common with the beasts that perish, or the manner which is described and enjoined increase of his corn, and wine, and oil. by the gospel of Christ? Besides, the prospect of a future judgAgain, let me ask, What do you think ment, which I mentioned as one of the would be the natural effects of pardon ob- great objects of belief, could not fail to tained, and peace restored to their trou- overawe their minds, and to keep them in bled minds, upon that cordial acceptance a sober and serious frame, rendering them of the remedy provided for them which I no less attentive to their thoughts than to have just now supposed? Could any of their words and actions; and constantly us doubt that their hearts would be filled disposing them to " walk circumspectly, with the sincerest joy, and that out-of the not as fools, but as wise; " to shun the abundance of their hearts their lips would doubtful as well as the forbidden ground, show forth the praises of their Deliverer, " abstaining even from the appearance of and utter the voice of gratitude and love evil." While, at the same time, the aniin such language as this: "Bless the mating hope of a glorious immortality Lord, 0 my soul, and all that is within would render them cool and indifferent me bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, to all the enjoyments of a present world; 0 my soul, and forget not all his benefits; support them under every thing that is who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who painful and afflicting; and powerfully in THE CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION. 197 cite them to run with patience the race set with reverence, love, and joy? especially before them, till in due time they should if one great end of its institution was to obtain the end of their faith, even the confirm their faith of the divine friendcomplete and everlasting salvation of their ship, by putting into their hands an ausouls. thentic seal of that well-ordered covenant, Such, we might well conclude, would which conveys to every sincere believer be the influence of Christian faith upon an irrevocable title to all the unsearchable the habitual frame and temper of their riches of Christ? This appears so becomhearts ing, and withal so conducive to their perBut as my text speaks of a convcrsation sonal comfort and interest, that one should becoming the gospel of Christ, let us in- think a bare permission to attend upon quire more particularly into those visible such an ordinance might suffice, and that effects which the truths I formerly men- there scarcely needed the authority of a tioned might naturally be supposed to dying command to enforce the observaproduce in the conduct of those who sin- tion of it. cerely believed them; first, with respect Once more; might it not be hoped, to God; and, secondly, with regard to that creatures who believed and confessed their fellow-men. that they were redeemed from death by First, with respect to God. We should an act of pure grace, would judge it their hardly be able to doubt, that creatures indispensable duty to live unto him by redeemed from misery, dignified with such whose mercy it was that they lived at honors, and enriched with such privileges, all? that they would feel in their hearts, would be fond of expressing their grati- and practically acknowledge the constraintude in the most public and significant ing force of such exhortations as these: manner, and embrace every opportunity " Ye are not your own, ye are bought with of celebrating the praises of their great a price; therefore glorify your Redeemer Deliverer. We should certainly take it in your bodies and in your spirits which for granted, that if any day was set apart are his:"' " Ye were some time darkness, for his more immediate worship and ser- but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as vice, they would long for the return of children of the light: " and, "If ye call that precious season, and " wait for it on the Father, who, without respect of more than they that watch for the morn- persons, judgeth according to every man's ing." We should not be able to suppose, work, pass the time of your sojourning that they would reckon it a burdensome here in fear; forasmuch as ye know that institution, and say, "What a weariness ye were not redeemed with corruptible is it?" or, "when will the Sabbath be things, as silver and gold, but with the over?" far less that they would waste precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb it in idleness, profane it by gaming, in- without blemish and without spot?' temperance, and lewdness; or even de- Would you think it creditable, or even base it by those employments which are possible, that with such great and interlawful on other days. Such presumptu- esting objects in their eye, they could deous ingratitude would appear so shock- liberately and wilfully trample upon his ing, that we should not dare to suspect, authority, by breaking his laws; or arand least of all should we believe, without raign the wisdom and justice of his ocular proof, that creatures endued with government by fretting and murmuring reason would be guilty of it. against any of his dispensations? Doth Again, if any ordinance was appointed it not seem far more likely, that they for the express purpose of commemorat- would habitually be disposed to say, ing redeeming love, and showing forth the " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do " 7' death of that compassionate Saviour, who " O that my ways were directed to keep was "wounded for their transgressions, thy statutes!" Or if at any time they and bruised for their sins, that by his should be exercised with trials and sufstripes they might be healed," could we ferings, that the language of their lips doubt, that they would regard it as a dis- and hearts would be, " Here am I, let tinguishing privilege, and attend upon it the Lord do unto me as setmeth good 198 SERMON XXX. unto him:'" "The Lord gave, and the sented with the morning and evening Lord hath taken away, blessed be the sacrifices of humble adoration, of fervent name of the Lord? " prayer, and of thankful praise? These conclusions appear so reasonable, How would they behave, do you think, and indeed so moderate, that, were it pos- to such of their brethren, if any such sible for us to forget that we ourselves there were, who neglected the great salare parties to the cause in question, I vation, and still remained in their natural am verily persuaded this whole audience state of distance and alienation from God? would readily acquiesce in them without Would they regard them with supercilious one dissenting voice. Let us then pro- contempt, or treat them with harsh severceed to inquire, in the ity? would they lay aside all concern for Second place, What influence the faith their recovery, and leave them to perish of the gospel might be expected to have in their folly? or rather, would they upon the conduct of such creatures in not look upon them with an eye of the their social intercourse one-with another? tenderest pity; and, regarding them as It might suffice to observe in general, criminals, who, though at present under that the supreme love to their God and Sa- an awful sentence of condemnation, may viour, which the true faith of his rich and nevertheless obtain mercy, even as they unmerited grace could not fail to inspire, themselves have obtained mercy? would would naturally, and even necessarily, they not take hold of every favorable oplead them to listen with becoming atten- portunity, nay, may we not conclude, that tion and reverence to all the intimations they would even seek out opportunities of his will, and habitually dispose them of awakening them to a sense of their guilt to perform, with alacrity and zeal., what and danger, that they might feel themduties soever he should be pleased to en- selves constrained to implore the protecjoin. Upon this obvious principle, then, tion of that good Shepherd who laid down nothing more would be needful for the il- his life for the sheep, and came from lustration of this head, than to collect heaven to earth to seek and to save that from the sacred records the several laws which was lost? concerning truth, justice, mercy, benefi- View them once more in their intercence, and any other precepts that re- course with those who have obtained the garded them in their social state; as we same grace, and are become coheirs of the should not be able to entertain a doubt, same incorruptible inheritance. Would that, so far as the imperfection of their you not take it for granted, that they nature permitted, these would be the in- could not be long together, without talkvariable rules of their conduct. But as ing of those matters that most nearly the LAWS of the gospel are afterwards to concerned them? Surely none could susbe considered apart by themselves, I shall pect, that in a company of such persons, it at present confine our inquiry to the in- would ever be reckoned a breach of good fluence which a serious relief of the great manners to introduce any thing that redoctrines of Christianity might be sup- lated to their Father in heaven; to his posed to have upon those kinds of inter- house with many mansions, where they course which more immediately pertained all hoped to dwell; or to that precious to their common salvation. Say, then, Redeemer, who hath gone before to predoth it not appear highly probable, that pare a place for them. Might it not they who relished the joyful tidings, while rather be expected, that besides occathey made them the subject of their own sional converse upon subjects of so interdelightful meditation, would likewise take esting a nature, they would choose to set pleasure in imparting them to others, apart some portions of time for the sole especially to those with whom they were purpose of "comforting themselves tomost intimately connected? that parents gether, and edifying one another," accordin particular would rehearse and com- ing to the early practice of the Christians mend them to their children; and that at Thessalonica, which our apostle so in every family, the God of all grace, and highly commends, 1 Thess. v. 11.? the Saviour of a lost world, would be pre- TmiUS have I given you my cool, delib THE CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION. 199 erate sentiments upon the practical influence of the great doctrines of the gospel, SERMON XXXI. and that kind of conversation towards God and man which is best suited to the be- THE CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION. lief of them. Should any indeed be so perverse as to resist the influence of these PHILIPPIANS I. 27.-" Only let your conversation doctrines, and counteract their native and be as it becometh the gospel of CurIST." most obvious tendency, while at the same time they acknowledged the evidence of WE have already considered the most estheir truth, it would not at all surprise sential doctrines contained in the gospel of me, to see them crowding, from day to Christ, and the influence that the cordial day the public theatres, that the regularity belief of such interesting truths might be and decorum of a fictitious representation expected to have upon our temper and might draw their attention away from that practice. real and ill-conducted medley in which I am not sensible that any of the conthey themselves acted their disgraceful clusions I drew were strained, or even parts. I should not wonder to behold obscure. To me they appeared, and, after them flying with eagerness to cards and the most serious and impartial cxaminadice, and seeking aid from every engine tion, still do appear, so reasonable and of dissipation and noise, to conceal the obvious, and withal so moderate, that I lapse of time, and to bear down the cla- cannot think they are liable to any just mors of an accusing conscience. It objection. would not even surprise me to see them At the same time, as they present to rushing headlong into the haunts of riot and our view a state of things so widely differdebauch, that the intoxicating cup might ent from that which daily passeth before either stupefy or madden their reason; our eyes, I shall now proceed to consider which, if left to its sober exercise, would the LAWS or precepts of our holy religion; anticipate the evil day, and torment them that, from the review of these, we may before the time. Such things as these I discover, with still greater certainty, what should expect to see; but for none of them the conversation is that may be said to could I find any place at all in the natu- become the gospel of Chriist. ral and orderly state of reasonable crea- BUT before I descend to particulars tures, whose temper and conduct, as I upon this extensive subject, I must beg have all along supposed, were formed and your attention to a few remarks I have to regulated by the doctrines of the gospel. make upon the precepts or laws of the How far my reasoning upon this branch gospel in general. of the subject hath been just will more With regard to their authority, there fully appear afterwards. It no doubt ex- can be no doubt. He who enacted hibits to our view a state of things widely them hath an unquestionable right to our different from what we at present behold; most perfect obedience: " In the beginwhich, I am aware, may furnish us all ning was the Word, and the Word was with matter of humbling and painful re- with God: and the Word was God: all flection. This, however, shall not dis- things were made by him, and without courage me from proceeding inmy inquiry; him was not any thing made that was as I well know, that if, " by the sadness made." We are therefore his property in of the countenance the heart be made the most absolute and unlimited sense of better," we shall in the issue be infinite that expression. He called us into being gainers, and obtain from him, who'is " the when as yet we were not, and every mocomforter of those that are cast down," ment he sustains that existence which he "the oil of joy for mourning, and the gar- gave us; for " in him we live and move." ments of praise for the spirit of heavi- Nay, all that we possess is so necessarily ness." dependent upon him, that with regard to MAY God dispose and enable us all to soul, and body, and outward estate, we "judge righteous judgment." Amen. have nothing but what we daily receive I from his liberal hand. Besides this orig 200 SERMON XXXI. inal and unalienable right to govern us, and in every situation. They utter their there is another title, which, as Christians, voice with such precision and perspicuity, we profess to acknowledge, and ought al- that none can be at a loss to discover their ways to do it with the warmest and most meaning. They do not bend to the humors humble gratitude; I mean, the right he of men, nor accommodate themselves to hath obtained by redemption and pur- those flexible maxims and customs which chase. As his natural subjects, we are by turns prevail in this or the other age bound to serve him to the utmost extent and country; far less do they grow obsoof the powers he hath given us; and this lete, as human statutes do, which by long original obligation, instead of being relax- disuse lose their force, and become void: ed or impaired, is rather confirmed and like their great Master, what they were strengthened by the mercy he hath shown yesterday they are the same to-day: and us as the objects of his grace: " We are in every succeeding period their efficacy not our own, we are bought with a price; " will continue till time itself shall be no and are therefore bound, by the united ties more. And, therefore, when I repeat the of gratitude and justice, "to glorify our Re- words of this sacred book, you are to condeemer, both with our bodies and spirits, sider them as spoken to yourselves in parwhich are his." ticular; and no less binding upon you in But what I would chiefly lead your at- their most simple and obvious meaning, tention to, is the nature and properties of than they formerly were upon those to those laws to which our subjection and whom they were primarily addressed. obedience are required. One thing further I would recommend They are " all holy, just, and good," re- to your notice, viz., that the laws I am sulting froml the very frame our Creator speaking of are the laws of Him " who hath given us, and from the relation we bear loved us, and gave himself for us, an ofto himself, and to other beings with whom fering and sacrifice to God of a sweethis Providence hath connected us. Hence smelling savor;" and therefore we may it follows, that they are equally incapable rest assured, that they are kind as well of repeal or abatement. The laws of men as righteous, and suited with perfet wisare local, temporary, changeable, and al- dom to be the means of promoting our ways partake of the imperfection of their truest interest. They are laws which he authors. Some of them are so obscure, himself hath magnified and made honorthat they need another law to explain able; not only by answering all their dethem; and it often happens that the com- mands, so far as his high character would mentary is darker than the text. The permit, or his peculiar circumstances afbest of them take their aim from some forded occasion; but likewise expiating temporal evil that is either presently felt, the guilt incurred by the transgression of or foreseen in its cause; and the highest them, and bearing in his own person the end they propose, is to restrain from in- punishment that was due to the offending juries of the grosser kind: they do not creature. even pretend to be a rule of moral con- This last consideration sets the obediduct; they prohibit and denounce ven- ence required of us in a most endearing geance against theft, robbery, murder, and point of light. It is not the servile task the like; but lay no restraint upon heart- of a hireling who labors for his wages, hatred, covetousness, and envy. They but the ingenuous and grateful service of a tell us in what instances injustice or cruel- loving child. Christ hath purchased the ty become excessive and intolerable; but glorious inheritance; and to all who bewhere do we find it written in any body of lieve on him, eternal life is the free gift of human laws, "Thou shalt love thy neigh- God through the merit of his blood: so bor as thyself;" and, " All things what- that nothing is required of them, but what soever ye would that men should do unto tends to purify and perfect their natures, you, do ye even so unto them?":Where- that, by a growing resemblance to the Faas the laws of the gospel extend to the ther of their spirits in this state of disciheart as well as to the life, and speak to pline, they may be rendered meet for the all men without exception, at all times, full and everlasting enjoyment of him, THE CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION. 201 when death, by dissolving the earthly cy with that sobriety which the apostle tabernacle, shall pull down all that re- recommends? mains of the first Adam, and bring a final Will you call a man righteous, merely release from the body of sin. because he cannot be charged with any HAVINGpremised these general remarks, gross acts of fraud, injustice, and oppresI shall now proceed to remind you of sion, though perhaps, in the course of a those particular precepts to which our lawful business, he may sometimes use a conformity is required by the gospel of little artifice to impose upon the simplicity Christ. And we are happily furnished or ignorance of his neighbors? Or, supwith a short, but most comprehensive, posing him to be strictly honest in his summary of them, by the same apostle in dealings, doth the righteousness which the his epistle to Titus, (chap. ii. 11, 12.) gospel enjoins lay him under no obligation "The grace of God that bringeth salva- to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, tion, hath appeared to all men; teaching and to succor the distressed, according us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly to his ability? lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, Is every man to be reputed goclly, who and godly in this present world." doth not openly blaspheme, nor reproach To these general heads, all the particu- the laws and ordinances of God; who gives lars may be reduced that belong to a con- regular attendance at church on the Lord's versation becoming the gospel of Christ. day, though his heart even then be running And here indeed I might stop short, and after his covetousness; and God receive only call upon you to weigh, with candor no homage from him at all, either in his and impartiality, the full meaning and im- family or in the closet, through the rest port of the expressions here used. of the week? What do you understand by ungodli- Were I to give such a loose interpretaness and worldly lusts? Do these terms tion of the apostle's words, I am confident, reach no farther than to the grosser acts that the most partial offender who hears of impiety and sensual indulgence? And me, would not only condemn me in his is nothing more intended by denying heart, but even blush, or rather disdain, them, than a prudish reserve and shyness to plead my authority for defending or to comply with their demands; or such a palliating his own misconduct. feeble resistance as yields after a short But the true import of sobriety, rightand very imperfect struggle? Surely eousness and godliness, is ascertained benone of you can seriously entertain this yond any possibility of a mistake, by what opinion. You certainly must admit, that I may call the statute-law of the gospel: no exception is made of any species or I mean, plain and explicit decrees, respectdegree whatsoever, either of ungodliness ing particular instances of duty, under or worldly affections; and that by deny- each of these general heads. Thus, in the ing, them, the apostle could mean nothing First place.'With regard to sobriety, it less, than such a refusal as proceeds from is the express command of our Lord, an inward abhorrence of them, even the " That we deny ourselves; " that we " posmost vigorous, determined, and persevering sess our souls in patience; "-and be conresistance of all their solicitation. tinually on our guard, " lest at any time Again, What do you understand by our hearts be overcharged by surfeiting living soberly, righteously, and godly in and drunkenness, and the cares of this thisppresent world? Doth sobriety mean life." It is required of us, " that we cruno more than that species of moderation cify the flesh with the affections and which is commonly opposed to surfeiting lusts; " that we lay aside anger, malice, and drunkenness? Or admitting that it envy, hatred, and revenge," and " put on, excludes every kind of excess in gratifying as the elect of God, bowels of mercy, our bodily appetites, do you imagine that kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, it leaves the mind at full liberty, so that and long-suffering." We are exhorted, we may lay the reins upon the neck of our " not to think of ourselves more highly passions, and suffer them to run wild than we ought to think, but to think sowithout any control, in perfect consisten- berly, (mark the expression) according as 202 SERMON XXXI. God hath dealt to every man the measure who shall one day be called upon to give of faith." "Let nothing be done through an account of our stewardship. And strife and vain glory," saith this same though the griping miser cannot be arapostle, at the 3d verse of the following raigned at any human bar, yet at the trichapter; " but in lowliness of mind, let bunal of Jesus Christ, he who doth not each esteem other better than himself. feed the hungry, and clothe the naked, shall Look not every man on his own things, be tried, and condemned to everlasting but every man also on the things of banishment from the presence of the Lord, others;" and then adds, " Let this mind and from the glory of his power. be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." You say, you wrong no man by keeping These few quotations, which must be fa- your own. I answer, You wrong the miliar to all who are acquainted with the King of kings, if you suffer a subject of New Testament writings, may suffice to his to perish, when it is in the power of give you some view of the extent of sobri- your hand to prevent it: and though the ety, as including every thing that belongs laws of men permit you to give or to withto the right government and discipline hold, according to your pleasure, whatsoboth of the outward and inward man. ever you possess independent of others; Secondly, With respect to righteous- yet if you consult the lively oracles of God, ness, we are plainly taught, that it not on- you shall there find, that you are as much ly restrains from the outward acts of bound to do good to your neighbors, as injustice, oppression, and cruelty, but that not to injure them; to supply their wants, we are thereby obliged to render unto all as not to rob them; to stretch forth your their dues, and to do unto others, as with hand to help them, as not to smite them good reason we would expect or desire that with the fist of wickedness. "To him they, in like circumstances, should do un- that knoweth to do good, and doth it not, to us. It belongs to righteousness, " to to him it is sin." " If thou forbear to delicomfort the feeble-minded, and to support ver them that are drawn unto death, and the weak," as being members one of ano- those that are ready to be slain; if thou ther; for thus it is written, (Gal. vi. 2. ) sayest, Behold we knew it not:-doth not' Bear ye one another's burdens, and so he that pondereth the heart consider it? fulfil the law of Christ." We are com- and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he manded to " be of the same mind one to- know it? and shall not he render to every wards another:" " to rejoice with them man according to his works? " Prov. xxxiv. that rejoice, and to weep with those that 11, 12. How awful are these words of weep;' "to do good to all as we have the apostle John: "Whoso hath this opportunity, especially them who are of the world's good, and seeth his brother have household of faith." " As every man need, and shutteth up his bowels of comhath received the gift," saith the apostle passion from him, how dwelleth the love Peter, "even so minister the same one to of God in him?" To which he subjoins another, as good stewards of the manifold the following exhortation, whereunto we grace of God." Nay, the apostle John do well that we take heed: "My little carries the matter still higher, and speaks children, let us not love in word, neither of it as a debt, an act of justice, in certain in tongue, but in deed and in truth; and cases, to lay down our lives for the breth- hereby we know that we are of the truth, ren: (I John iii. 16.) " Hereby perceive and shall assure our hearts before him." we the love of God, because he laid down Thus far is the law of righteousness exhis life for us; and we ought to lay down tended by the gospel of Christ. our lives for the brethren.' It is an error Thirdly. With regard to godliness, to imagine, that God bestows on us the none who are acquainted with the New good things of this life, merely for our per- Testament writings can be at a loss to sonal accommodation and use; or that he discover, either wherein it consists, or how opens his hand, and fills our basket, that it ought to be expressed. Love to God the blessings of his Providence may there in the renewed soul, springing from faith stagnate and putrify. We are not proprie- in the Lord Jesus Christ, is the root, or tors, but stewards, as I just now observed, vital principle, of godliness: not a common THE CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION. 203 subdued love, but a fervent, supreme, and the injured; for relieving the poor, or symruling love, that exalts God to the throne pathizing with the afflicted: love would in the heart, and desireth nothing so much have had no other employment but comas that he should keep it in full and ever- placency and delight in seeing each one lasting possession. As creatures, we are blessed to the full extent of his capacity: bound to love the Lord our God with all and therefore it can never be supposed, our heart, and soul, and strength; And that the practice of those duties, which the we are further obliged, as guilty creatures, bitter consequences of our guilt alone have humbly to acknowledge the forfeiture we rendered necessary, should be the whole, have incurred, to justify the law by which or even the most essential part, of that we are condemned, thankfully to accept obedience which is pleasing to God. the Lord Jesus Christ as the only Media- Indeed, were we to look upon the present tor between God and Man, and carefully state of the world as the original constituto observe and improve all those ordinan- tion, we might be apt to conclude, that ces which God hath appointed, as the me- our chief business upon earth consisted in thods of testifying our subjection and gra- the exercise of those social virtues which titude, or as means of receiving the com- knit men together, and enable them to munications of his grace, for healing our provide most effectually for their common diseased natures, and rendering us meet defence against those numberless evils to for the enjoyment of himself in heaven. which they are continually exposed. But These are essential parts of the religion if we view the present state as the ruins of a sinner; and must therefore be consi- of one far more perfect and excellent, which dered as the genuine and necessary expres- we forfeited by our unprovoked and crimisions of godliness, or of a right temper of nal revolt from the great Author of our heart towards the Father of our spirits, existence, we must be sensible, that the the God in whom we live, the God and bare performance of those social duties we Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. owe to one another, can be of little account All the duties we owe to our fellow- in the sight of God, so long as we persist creatures lean upon this as their proper in our rebellion against himself, and nefoundation; and are so dependent upon it, glect those higher duties which arise from that neither our righteousness, nor benefi- our first and most lasting relation. cence, can avail us any thing, unless they Godliness, my brethren, is the one flow from a living principle of devotion in thing needful: did that prevail in its powthe heart. They may profit others, and er, sobriety and righteousness would follow render ourselves amiable in the eyes of of course, and maintain their ground men; but if they be not animated with against every assault, having so firm and love to God, and accompanied with suita- permanent a basis to lean upon: but till ble expressions of regard to him, it is im- godliness be laid as a foundation, any atpossible they can meet with the divine ac- tempt to introduce or establish either of ceptance. For let it be observed, that the other two must be vain and fruitless. the practice of these duties became neces- Loud and general hath been the cry for sary only through man's apostasy. Had some time past, after public spirit, disinwe kept our first estate, there would have terested patriotism, and integrity, which been no room for the exercise of either can neither be bribed nor overawed, among justice or mercy in any of those instances those who move in the upper ranks of life. which our present distempered condition These qualities, it must be confessed, acrequires. Men would have lived together companied with a large proportion of wisas one great family without strife or emu- dom, are truly desirable, and might be lation, each rejoicing in the happiness of eminently useful; and when it shall please his brother. There would have been no God to bestow them, they will no doubt ap. temptation to fraud or injustice; every in- pear very beautiful in their season; but if habitant of the earth possessing all that all who join in the cry, would endeavor in his heart could wish. There would have the first place, to get their own hearts posbeen no occasion for redressing wrongs; sessed with real godliness, and then pray for punishing the injurious, or protecting for the same blessing to others, with as 204 SERMON XXXI. much fervency as they utter their com- know how difficult it is to get access to plaints, I can assure them they would be those who are proudly seated in the scorntaking by far the nearest road to success. er's chair; nevertheless I shall take the " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of liberty to beg their attention to a few plain wisdom," and love carries it to perfection; questions, praying that God may carry but when these find no place in the hearts them home to their hearts with power, and of men, what can be looked for in such a so bless them for their conviction, " that world as ours, but the rankest growth of they may yet recover themselves out of folly and wickedness, both in public and the snare of the devil, who are taken capprivate life? tive by him at his will." From this general review of the LAWS Do you really think it possible that of Christ, you must be sensible, that the any man can love God too well, or serve same temper and conduct which we for- him with too much zeal and diligence? merly supposed to result from a cordial Do you think, that there is a saint in heabelief of the DOCTRINES of the gospel, now ven who repents of his zeal and diligence appear to be expressly enjoined by plain while on earth? or a sinner in hell, that and positive statutes: so that, upon the justifies his scoffing at serious religion? or whole, we are furnished with a decisive do you suppose, that you yourselves shall test of genuine Christianity, and may approve of such conduct when you come to clearly see, by the light of God's word, die, and boldly defend it at the tribunal what the conversation is that becometh the of Christ? What can be more unfair, gospel of Christ. than to scoff at men, for being, in truth It gives me pain to repeat the observa- the very thing that you pretend to be? tion I have more than once hinted at, You call yourselves Christians, and at the (and yet the evidence of its truth is too same time deride those who are Christians glaring to be concealed) namely, that indeed: It is your professed belief, that among the multitudes who bear the title Christ shall judge the world; and when of Christians, the conversation of by much others are giving all diligence that they the greater part is so far from expressing may be found of him in peace, they are the true spirit and genius of our holy re- mocked and reviled, and hated by you upligion, with regard either to the doctrines on that account; nay, which is still more it reveals, or the duties it requires, that injurious, they are branded with the odious the character of the Cretians may too just- name of hypocrites, by those very persons ly be applied to many of them, (Tit. i. 16.) who themselves are the most impudent "' They profess that they know God; but hypocrites upon earth. For tell me, thou in works they deny him, being abominable, who retainest the name of Christian, what and disobedient, and unto every good grosser hypocrisy can be imagined, than work reprobate." To such inconsistent to hate the serious practice of thy own usurpers of the Christian name, the obvious profession, and to reproach others for livremarks with which I introduced my first ing by the influence of those very princidiscourse upon this subject administer a ples which thine own false tongue professsevere, but just reproof: and therefore I eth to believe? might here dismiss them without further These are all the questions I shall put admonition, were it not that numbers are to you at present; and the main thing into be found in that unhappy class of men, tended by them, is to give you such a who, not contented with publishing their view of the folly and inconsistency of your owni shame, by counteracting the principles character, that if modesty be not altoof that religion they profess, are bold gether banished, I may at least bring you enough to scoff at true godliness in others, the length of being ashamed of your conand do every thing in their power to en- duct. But though modesty should be feeble the hands of real Christians, while gone, yet as fear and self-love are still they are humbly endeavoring, by the left behind, I shall endeavor, in a few grace of God, to have their conversation words, to give you a just representation as it becometh the gospel of Christ. I of the peculiar malignity of such a course, THE CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION. 205 and of the fatal consequences with which tnrn from your evil way, ere long " he an obstinate continuance in it must neces- will speak to you in wrath, and vex you sarily be attended. in his sore displeasure: " for "'behold, Know, then, that to scoff at the sancti- the Lord cometh with ten thousands of fying work of the Spirit of God, is a sin his saints to execute judgment upon all, of so deep a tincture, that it approacheth and to convince all that are ungodly near to the confines of "the great trans- among them, of all their ungodly deeds gression." This much I may with confi- which they have ungodly committed, and dence affirm, that so long as you persist of all their hard speeches which ungodly in it, there is no room for any rational sinners have spoken against him." There hope that you shall be saved. With God is an alarming passage, ( Psal. vii. 11, 12, indeed all things are possible; he is able 13.) which I would recommend to your of such stones to raise up children unto serious perusal: "God judgeth the rightAbraham; and therefore some hope is eous, and God is angry with the wicked left that you may be converted; but that every day. If he turn not, he will whet his you should be saved in your present sword: he hath bent his bow, and made course, is just as impossible as it is for it ready. He hath also prepared for him God to lie, as impossible as for the devils the instruments of death; he ordaineth his to be saved. It is an astonishing proof arrows against the persecutors." God of the power and cunning of the grand de- himself hath undertaken the defence of ceiver, that he should be able to hide this the just: Christ will finally be glorified alarming truth from your own eyes. The in his saints, when all their enemies shall scorner bears upon his forehead one of the be cast out of sight, overwhelmed with most distinguishing marks of a son of per- shame, and doomed to everlasting condition. Of such transgressors it may be tempt and misery. said with an awful emphasis, " their spot THUvs far have I spoken for the convicis not the spot of children." Other sin- tion and reproof of those who have the ners may find some cloak to throw over boldness to scoff at vital religion and their guilt; the recorded failings of some practical godliness; and shall now coneminent saints may be so far perverted elude the subject with a few words of adas to cherish the presumption and soothe vice and encouragement to the true serthe consciences of various kinds of sin- vants of Christ, who feel the influences of ners; but where do we read of any among his gospel, and are determined, through the saints who scoffed at holiness, or grace, to live unto Him who died for spake reproachfully of the ways of God? them. Surely no man of common understanding Let me then call upon you to lay your can suppose, that a scorner of a holy life account with opposition in your way heais himself possessed of that holiness which venward. Marvel not, my brethren, if he derides. I would not for a world, said the world hate you; but rather rejoice, one, be in the ease of that wretch who in as much as ye are partakers of the sufspeaketh well of holiness in others, while ferings of your Lord,. that when his he himself lives in sensuality and wicked- glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad ness; but I would much less, for a thou- also with exceeding joy. You have good sand worlds, be in the case of him that is company, you have powerful assistance, neither godly, nor can speak well of god- and glorious hopes: " If ye be reproachliness; who is not only void of the image ed for the name of Christ, happy are ye; of God, but hates, and reviles, and perse- for the Spirit of God and of glory cutes it in others. Consider, 0 sinners! resteth upon you." "Stand fast," therewhile yet there is hope, how terrible your fore, as the apostle exhorts you in eternal state must be, if death overtake the words following my text, "in one you in this malignant course. The Lord spirit, with one mind, striving together Jesus is now calling upon you in mercy, for the faith of the gospel, and in nothing and saying unto you, as once he said to terrified by your adversaries; which is Saul, " Why persecutest thou me? " But to them an evident token of perdition, if you do not hearken to his voice, and but to you of salvation, and that of God. 206 SERMON XXXII. For unto you it is given, in the behalf of knowledgment that Christ is our Master. Christ, not only to believe on him, but al- But something more than the appellation so to suffer for his sake." Beware of of Christians is necessary to prove that courting the favor of the wicked, by con- we are in truth his servants. The proper, forming in any degree to their corrupt max- the only decisive test, is that which lies ims and practices; but keep up the majesty before us in the words of my text; where of true godliness, and study so to live, one who knew well what Christianity was, that they may find no occasion against thus speaks in the name of all sincere beyou, except it be concerning the law of lievers: Whether we live, we live unlto your God. " Be blameless and harmless, the Lord, and whether we die, we die the sons of God, without rebuke, in the unto the Lord: Whether we live therefore midst of a crooked and perverse nation, or die, we are the Lord's. among whom ye shine as lights in the It is the comprehensive description of world, holding forth the word of life." the Christian's life expressed in these few " Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are but emphatical words, We live unto the true, whatsoever things are honest, what- Lord, which I have chosen for the subject soever things are just, whatsoever things of the following discourse. And my deare pure, whatsoever things are lovely, sign is, whatsoever things are of good report: If I. To inquire into the import of living there be any virtue, and if there be any unto the Lord; and, praise, think on these things;" "and the II. To apply the character as a meaGod of peace shall be with you." Amen. sure, or standard, for helping us to judge of our spiritual condition. I. Living, unto the Lord may be considered as including the following parSERMON XXXII. ticulars: ILFODEHT L' 1st. That we make his will the rule, the IN LIFE OR IDEATH THE LORD S. only rule of our conduct. Our Lord hath intrusted us with vaRom. xiv. 8.-" Whether we live, we live unto - Our Lord hath intrusted us with vathe LORD; and whether we die, we die unto rious talents, and requires that we should the LORD: Whether we live therefore or die, improve them to the best advantage, for we are the LoRD's." the important purposes for which they were bestowed. We are his servants, and THE following verse will inform you have a task assigned us, for which we who that Lord is of whom the apostle must be accountable to him at last. It is speaks in this passage. "To this end," not left to our own choice what pieces of saith he, " Christ both died and rose, and service we shall perform; but we must at revived, that he might be Lord both of all times wait upon him for direction; the dead and living." He is the king saying, as Paul did when struck to the whom God hath set upon his holy hill of ground, " Lord, what wilt thou have me Zion, and appointed to be the head over to do?" Neither is it enough that we all things to the church; for as Paul do the things he requires, unless we do wrote to the Philippians, in regard of his them because he requires them. The laws humbling himself, and becoming obedient of our Lord are so wisely calculated to unto death, even the death of the cross; promote the private interests of individu" therefore God also hath highly exalted als, and the public welfare of human sohim, and given him a name, which is ciety, that they who are most disaffected above every name, that at the name of to his government, will choose, for their Jesus every knee should bow, of things own sake, to comply with many of his in heaven, and things in earth, and things sacred injunctions; but they, and they under the earth; and that every tongue only, live unto the Lord, who realize his should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, authority, and do every thing he enjoins. to the glory of God the Father." This as an act of willing and cheerful obedldoctrine we all profess to believe; nay, ence, as a part of that homage they owe to the designation we bear imports an ac- their Master. IN LIFE OR DEATH THE LORD'S. 207 2dly. To live unto the Lord, is to make other places; and many of the brethern his approbation our governing aim, and to in the Lord, waxing confident by my study to please him in all that we do. bonds, are much more bold to speak the I need not tell you that we early con- word without fear. Some indeed preach tract a love for many things which are Christ even of envy and strife; and some hurtful to our souls, and stand condemned also of good will. The one preach Christ by the laws of our sovereign. This ren- of contention, not sincerely, supposing to ders some parts of duty so painful to the add affliction to my bonds; but the other flesh, that they are compared in Scripture of love, knowing that I am set for the deto the " cutting off a right hand, and the fence of the gospel. What then? notplucking out a right eye;" operations withstanding every way, whether in prewhich no man would submit to, far less tenee, or in truth, Christ is preached; perform them himself, unless the preser- and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will vation of the rest of his body rendered rejoice. For I know that this shall turn them absolutely necessary. Other parts to my salvation, through your prayer, and of duty are attended with inconveniences the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, of a different kind: they may draw upon according to my earnest expectation, and us the scorn, the hatred, and persecution my hope, that in nothing I shall be of a partial, blind, malignant world; so ashamed, but that with all boldness, as that if we listen either to the corrupt part always, so now also, Chf'ist shall be mancgof our own nature, or to the voice of the nified in my body, whether it be by life multitude, we shall unavoidably be per- or by death. For to me to live is Christ, suaded to leave them undone, or rather to and to die is gain." (Phil. i. 12-21.) If do the contrary. Nothing else than a we live unto the Lord, we shall not seek prevailing habitual desire to please the great things for ourselves. This will be Lord can reconcile us to the practice of our only concern, that the Lord may be these self-denying duties. But if this magnifiedcl in us, and by us, either by our principle be deeply rooted in our hearts, doing or suffering; by our life or by our the roughest paths of obedience will soon death. We shall be contented to be embecome smooth; with resolution, nay, ployed in any station his wisdom shall with cheerfulness, we shall address our- choose for us, and study to honor him in selves to our work; declining no service, that station by the diligent performance how painful or difficult soever, that we of the duties that belong to it. Though know will be crowned with the approba- we occupy the meanest office in his family, tion of our Judge. Thus did the primi- we shall with pleasure apply ourselves to tive Christians live unto the Lord. It ap- the work of that office, without repining peared a small matter to them to be at those who are dignified with a higher judged of man's judgment; this was their place; nay, instead of looking at them labor; that, whether present or absent, with envy, we shall rejoice to behold their they might be accepted of their Master. diligence and success. If our Lord be They so spake, and so acted, not as pleas- well served, if much work be done, that ing men, but God, who trieth the hearts will satisfy us, by whatsoever hands the of his creatures, and will render unto work is carried on. We shall execute every one according to his works. what falls to our own share in the best 3dly. To live unto the Lord, is to make manner we can; and pray for larger meahis glory our end in every thing we do. sures of grace to those who have the honor Paul expressed the genuine spirit of to be employed in higher pieces of serChristianity, when, with a dignity becom- vice. ing the character of an apostle, he thus 4thly. To live unto the Lord, is to be wrote to the Philippians: "I would ye wholly resigned to his disposal, blessing should understand, brethren, that the him at all times, in adversity as well as in things which happened unto me, have prosperity, making him as welcome to fallen out rather unto the furtherance of take from us as to give unto us. the gospel; so that my bonds in Christ How well our apostle had learned this are manifest in all the palace, and in all important lesson, appears from his own 280 SERMON XXXII. words, (Phil. iv. 12.) "I know both how tion upon a sinful creature; that he to be abased, and I know how to abound; should stoop so low as to become his phyevery where and in all things I am in- sician; nay, that he should visit him structed, both to be full and to be hungry, every morning, to administer medicine for both to abound and to suffer need." It is the recovery of his spiritual health, afflictrebellion against our Lord to repine at ing his body for the good of his soul. In any of his dispensations, how afflicting this light will the true disciple of Jesus soever. What have we that we did not Christ view the most distressful events of receive from him? and is it not lawful for Divine Providence. Convinced that his him to do what he will with his own? Lord knows what is good for him better David, after contemplating the heavens. than he doth, he will kiss the rod, and the work of God's fingers, the moon and make every dispensation welcome; and the stars which he had ordained, breaks though nature may shrink a little, and forth into this exclamation, (Psal. viii. 4.) even wish that the bitter cup might pass "' What is man, that thou art mindful of from him, yet grace will teach him to conhim; and the son of man, that thou visit- sent, and dispose him to say, " Nevertheest him? For thou hast made him a less, not my will, but thine be done." little lower than the angels, and hast Once more, crowned him with glory and honor." He 5thly. To live eunto the Lord, is to be there celebrates the goodness of God, in so thoroughly devoted to him, as to acassigning to man, at his first creation, so count that we live not at all, but in so far high a rank among the variety and im- as we serve him, and show forth his praise. mensity of his works. The form of ex- This, I apprehend, expresseth the true pression is a little varied, (Psal. cxliv. 3.) spirit of the apostle's words. He reckwhere, speaking of God's condescension to oned nothing worthy to be called living man in his fallen and degraded state, he that -was not subservient to the great pursaith, " Lord, what is man, that thou pose for which life was bestowed. He takest knowledge of him? or the son of measured his time, not by days, or months, man, that thou makest account of him? or years; but by a succession of services Man is like to vanity; his days are as a to his dear Master, by those acts of obeshadow that passeth away." This reflec- dience he was enabled to perform. What tion arose from the experience he had of portions of time were otherwise employed, God's unmerited kindness to himself, he did not esteem to beliving at all; these " who had taught his hands to war and he reckoned among the vacancies of life, his fingers to fight;" who had raised him like the hours that pass away in sleep, from the sheepfold to the throne of Israel, which is the image of death. The true and had "subdued his people under him." Christian prefers one day in the courts of But I am persuaded you will agree with the Lord to a thousand any where else, me, that what Job saith (Job vii. 17, 18.) and would rather be a door-keeper in the is more striking and emphatical than house of his God, than dwell in the tents either of the former two; when, in the of wickedness. deepest adversity, he expressed himself Thus have I told you what is included thus: "What is man that thou shouldst in living unto the Lord. I shall now magnify him? and that thou shouldst set proceed, thine heart upon him? and that thou II. In the second place, To apply this shouldst visit him every morning, and try description of genuine Christianity as a him every moment?" David, speaking measure or standard for helping us to of the Divine beneficence, calls it a being judge of our spiritual condition. For "mindful " of man, " taking knowledge " this end, I must beg your attention, and of man, and " making account" of him; the answer of a true conscience, to the but when Job speaks of correction, and following questions. chastisement, he raiseth his style, and 1st. Of what weight is the authority of calls it God's "magnifying man," and God in your hearts? "setting his heart" upon him. He won- I am not inquiring, whether the things ders that God should bestow such atten- you do are commanded by God? I for IN LIFE OR DEATH THE LORD'S. 209 merly observed, that there may be a de- hypocrisy? Are you as ready to perform ception here. God enjoins many things the most self-denying duties as those that as duty, to which human nature, even in are accompanied with immediate pleasure its present state, feeleth no aversion; for or advantage? Are you the same in seour apostasy was chiefly from God him- cret that you appear, or wish to appear, in self; and though some fierce and unsocial public? Or rather, do you not suit your passions have sprung from this bitter root, behavior to the humor of the times? yet, in the main, we are not naturally dis- Can you charge yourselves with no inaffected to our fellow-men, but rather dis- stances of a timid compliance with the posed to wish them well, and even to do prevailing maxims and manners' of the them good, provided our personal interest world? Hath not fashion some weight be not hurt by it. And therefore no man with you, to draw you into many things can be said with certainty to live unto the which you do not inwardly approve? and Lord, merely because he performs the are you not often restrained from doing common offices of justice, humanity and what conscience tells you ought to be done, beneficence, towards others with whom he by the fear of incurring the ridicule and is connected; for these things have a come- censure of others, even of those whom, in liness in them that is obvious to the dim- your hearts, you do not, and cannot esmest eye; they are of good report among teem? If so, then these very hearts must all men; and, in most cases, a man cannot testify against you, that hitherto you have serve himself more effectually than by not been living unto the Lord. practising them. But if he practise them 3dly. What regard do you feel for the merely, or even principally, to promote honor of your Lord? his own interest, he must not pretend that Are you willing to become any thing, he liveth unto the Lord; he only serves to do any thing, and to suffer any thing himself, and must therefore be left to re- for his sake? Are you contented to serve ward himself as he can. If he do not him in the meanest station of his family? mean to serve the Lord, if he do not act or if you aspire to an higher place, is it from love and loyalty to his Sovereign, he solely to enlarge your sphere of usefulcan have no ground to expect any reward ness, that you may labor more abundantly, at his hand. and serve him to greater advantage, than 2dly. Whom do you seek to please, and your present inferior situation will permit? whose approbation do you principally When we see you climbing upwards as covet? fast as you can, may we really suppose If you only, or even chiefly, court the that this is your aim? That it ought to applause of men, it is plain that you do be your aim, is obvious; for he who came not live unto the Lord. "We labor," not to be administered unto, but to minissaith the apostle Paul, in the name of all ter, keeps no idle attendants about his true believers, " that whether present or person for mere parade and show. Earthabsent, we may be accepted of Christ;" ly princes, who are made of the same ma2 Cor. v. 9. The Pharisees gave much terials with other men, need many exteralms; they were frequent, and loud, and nal appendages to eke them out, as it were,. long in their prayers; but they did all " to and to give them bulk and importance in be seen of men; " and therefore our Lord the eye of the world; but he who made styled them hypocrites, and denounced the heavens and earth, infinitely disdains many awful woes against them. I am to borrow any significancy from the worksensible that this species of hypocrisy is manship of his own hands. The angels not the disease of the present age: there that excel in strength do his commandare few that make much noise about their ments, hearkening unto the voice of his prayers or their alms; and there are still word: the highest seraph hath his task: fewer,I suppose, that can justly be charged "They are all ministering spirits, sent with excess in either; so that a caution forth to minister for them who shall be against being righteous overmuch seems heirs of salvation." And can any of the quite superfluous. But can you discover sons of men be so befooled by temporal nothing in yourselves that is akin to this prosperity, as to imagine that any little 14 210 SERMON XXXI. elevation they can attain on this footstool, will make all others to know you too, in relaxes their obligation to serve God so that day when every disguise shall be torn strictly as meaner men do? They may off, and your real character shall be pubimagine it; and when we survey the upper lished in the presence of an assembled ranks of life, we find too just cause to sus- world. pect, that this absurd and impious conceit I SHALL conclude this discourse with is entertained by many; but the faithful reminding you of those peculiar obligaand true Witness hath assured us, " that tions that lie upon all who name the name unto whomsoever much is given, of them of Christ, to live unto the Lord in the much will be required;" and that the manner I have endeavored to describe. greater talent, if not faithfully improved, 1st. Unless we live unto the Lord, we shall only heighten the condemnation of shall counteract the very design of that its possessor, and entitle him to more and marvellous love he hath manifested toheavier stripes. Once more let me ask, wards us, in giving himself for us an offer4thly. What is it that gives the highest ing and sacrifice to God for a sweet-smellvalue to every thing in your esteem? ing savor. " He bore our sins in his own " One thing have I desired of the body on the tree, that we being dead to Lord," said David, " and that will I seek sin, should live unto righteousness." " He after, that I may dwell in the house of the gave himself for us, that he might redeem Lord all the days of my life, to behold us from all iniquity, and purify unto him. the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in self a peculiar people, zealous of good his temple."-" I count all things but works."-" He died for all, that they who loss," said the holy apostle Paul, "for the live," by the merit of his death, " should excellency of the knowledge of Christ not henceforth live unto themselves, but Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered unto him who died for them, and rose the loss of all things, and do count them again." This is so much insisted upon but dung that I may win Christ." If in the New Testament writings, that the you are sincerely devoted to the Lord Re- Socinians have represented it as the sole deemer, you will value other things in end for which our Lord both lived and exact proportion to their connection with died. But though we justly maintain, in him, and the relation they bear to him. opposition to them, that the death of You will prefer the Bible to all other Christ was, in the strictest propriety of books, because it is the word, the testa- language, a true propitiatory sacrifice for ment of your Lord. You will rejoice at expiating the guilt of sin, and rendering every return of the Sabbath, because it is the exercise of mercy to the sinner conthe Lord's day. You will delight in his sistent with the holiness and justice of saints, and account them the " excellent God; yet in expressing our abhorrence of ones in the earth," because they are dear their error, we must beware of running to your Lord, and bear his image. Prayer into the opposite extreme; for nothing will be your sweetest entertainment, be- can be more clearly asserted in the oracles cause it is the means of correspondence of truth, than that "the Son of God was and intercourse with your Lord: And manifested for this purpose, that he might doing good to the bodies, and more espe- destroy the works of the devil;" or, in cially to the souls of men, will be relished other words, that he might prepare men by you as the most pleasant and honora- for heaven, by the sanctifying influences ble employment, because it renders you of his Spirit, as well as that he might purmost like unto your Lord, "who went chase a heaven for them by the merit of about doing good," leaving us an example his blood. And it deserves particular that we should follow his steps. And thus notice, that though the main difficulty the will you estimate all other things. first preachers of Christianity had to These, and such like questions, I would struggle with among their own countryhave you to put to your own hearts, as in men, was to bring them off from a proud the presence of that God who is already dependence upon their own righteousness, perfectly acquainted with you; who will that they may rely upon Christ alone for shortly cause you to know yourselves, and pardon and acceptance; yet in declaring THE CHRISTIAN CHRIST'S CARE. 211 this doctrine, they never failed to estab- tion. He issued forth the gracious comlish the inseparable connection between mand, "Deliver them from going down faith and holiness, lest any should turn to the pit, for I have found a ransom." the grace of God unto wantonness, and, And in the fulness of time our Lord Jesus by claiming the privileges of the gospel Christ, "the Lamb slain" in decree while they refused subjection to its laws, " from the foundation of the world," should represent Christas the minister of appeared in our nature; and with the sin. infinite price of his own precious blood, 2dly. We are further obliged to live redeemed us from the hand of justice, unto the Lord, as we regard the honor of and purchased for us complete and everour Master, and the credit of that saving lasting salvation. And now, with what religion which he taught. For hereby we face can we decline his service or refuse most effectually stop the mouths of gain- subjection to any of his laws? It is sayers, and cut off occasion from those purely by his merit that we live at all: that desire occasion to blaspheme that and shall we reckon it grievous to walk worthy name by which we are called; pre- by his direction? Surely nothing can senting to their view a convincing proof, appear more just and equitable, than that that Christianity is an effectual means of he who bought us should possess us, and salvation, and that Christ is truly and that the ransomed should be entirely deproperly a Saviour. The death of Christ voted to their Redeemer. appears to have a mighty efficacy indeed, LET these considerations prevail with when it maketh those that believe on him us to live unto him who " died, and rose, to die unto sin. And it is impossible to and revived, that he might be Lord both doubt that he is alive, and hath all power of the dead and living." And while we committed to him in heaven and in earth, look up to him for that divine aid, which when he visibly lives in his members by he hath not only encouraged us to ask, his all-conquering grace, and causeth them but commanded us to expect, let us go to live unto him: Whereas a contrary be- forward in his strength, making mention havior doth the greatest possible injury of his righteousness, even of his only; to the cause of truth, furnishing the world that when we die, we may fall asleep in with a handle to say, that Christianity is that Jesus, unto whom we now live, and nothing more than an airy speculation, commit our bodies to the dust, in the and that the religion of Jesus is of no assured hope of a glorious resurrection: effect towards reforming the hearts and when that promise shall be fulfilled in its lives of its professors. largest extent, "If any man serve me, 2dly. I shall only add, that we are let him follow me; and where I am, there bound to live in the manner I described shall also my servant be.,~ If any man by the strictest ties of justice and equity. serve me, him will my Father honor." " Ye are not your own," saith our apostle, Amen. (1 Cor. vi. 19, 20.) "for ye are bought with a price."' From whence he draws this practical inference, "Therefore glorify God SERMON XXXIII. in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.'" As creatures who derived their being from God, we are bound to love him with all our heart, and to serve him to the 1 PETER v. 7. —" Casting all your care upon HIM, utmost extent of the powers he hath given for HE careth for you." us. But his redeeming grace brings us under a new and still more endearing EXHORTATIONS of this kind, which freobligation to his service. When we had quently occur in the sacred Scriptures, destroyed ourselves, and lay exposed to represent our holy religion in the most all the dreadful effects of his righteous amiable light. It appears, in all respects, displeasure, having no eye to pity, and suited to our present necessities, and no hand that could help us, then did he friendly to our highest, our most imporpity us, and his own arm brought salva- tant interests. How deplorable would 212 SERMON XXXIII. be the state of men upon earth, were they give us all things? " But the Scriptures left to struggle in their own strength with do not stop here: they not only relate the trials and sufferings to which they what God hath already done, and thereby are continually exposed? In prosperity, furnish us with proofs of his mercy and when the mind is vigorous and undisturb- grace; they likewise contain explicit deed, Reason may discover a variety of clarations of what he hath purposed and arguments for bearing affliction with pa- determined to do. They abound with tience and fortitude, and may even sug- great and precious promises, confirmed gest some topics of consolation, which, in by the oath of an unchangeable God, the distant view of adversity, seem to " that by two immutable things, in which promise a seasonable and effectual relief; it is impossible for God to lie, they may but these are rather specious than solid, have a strong consolation, who have fled and when brought to the test, have always for refuge to lay hold on the hope set bebeen complained of as feeble and unavail- fore them." ing. The best of them are those which Of this kind is the argument with which lead our thoughts upwards to the Supreme the apostle presseth the exhortation in my Disposer of all events, the wise and right- text, Casting all your care upon God, eous Governor of the world. But as it is saith he, FOR he carethfor you. Nothing impossible for a creature, conscious of can be more simple; and, at the same guilt, to separate the idea of punishment time, nothing can be more persuasive. from suffering, it is not easy to conceive No acuteness is requisite for discovering how the mere persuasion, that our suffer- the meaning of the argument. And then ings proceed from one who is incapable of its strength is irresistible; " for if God doing wrong, should yield us any comfort, be with us, who can be against us? " If unless we are assured, that while he pun- the great Lord of heaven and earth vouchisheth our sins, he is at the same time will- safe to become our friend, nay, our guaring to be reconciled to us; nay, that the dian, then surely, with a cheerful and uncorrection itself is the fruit of his love, reserved confidence, we may resign ourand graciously intended for the cure of selves wholly to his disposal and governour souls. But here Reason, unassisted, ment. The objects of his paternal care is unable to move one step upon firm must always be safe; no real evil can beground; and though it could, yet, as the fall them, neither shall any thing that is mind itself is too commonly unhinged and truly good be withheld from them. But broken by adversity, any aid that depend- to whom doth the apostle address his exed upon a process of reasoning would come hortation? by far too slow to our relief. "The spirit This question is of importance, and of a man will sustain his infirmity; but must be answered in thefirst place. a wounded spirit who can bear?" Secondly. I shall lay open the nature In this distressed situation, when every and extent of the duty here enjoined, and other refuge fails, divine revelation comes show what is included in casting all our seasonably to our assistance. So bright care upon God. are the objects it presents to our view, Thirdly. I shall illustrate the propriety that they prevent the labor of a tedious and strength of the motive with which the inquiry: The mind sees them at once; exhortation is enforced, God carethfor you. and though greatly disturbed, can with And then direct you to the practical ease discover both their nature and their improvement of the subject. use. The import of a striking fact is NOTHING would give me greater pleamuch sooner comprehended than the force sure than to say to every one that hears of an argument. Thus when we are told me, Thou art the person who art invited " that God spared not his own Son, but to cast thy care upon God: but it is delivered him up to the death for us," truth, and not inclination, that must dicwe no sooner hear and believe the fact, tate what I say. The great Prophet of than we are sufficiently prepared to draw the church compares the office of a minthe same conclusion from it that Paul did, ister to that of a steward, whose business "How shall he not with him also freely it is to feed those committed to his care, THE CHRISTIAN CHRIST'S CARE. 213 by giving unto each " his portion of meat I speak not thus to drive any, even the in due season." A promiscuous distribu- worst of you, away from God, or to distion of the bread of life, is not merely un- courage your application to him when profitable, but in many cases hurtful, to trouble overtakes you. A time of disthe souls of men: And give me leave to tress is a very proper season for seeking add, that in no case is it more likely to acquaintance with God. His rod hath a be hurtful, than when the subject, like voice as well as his word, and both speak the present one, is soothing and agreeable. the same language, "Turn ye, turn ye, And therefore, that this word of truth why will ye die? " All I affirm is, that may be rightly divided, it will be necessary you cannot cast yozur care upon God till 1. IN the first place, To inquire who your acquaintance with him be begun; the persons are to whom the exhortation and by telling you, that the saints are may properly be addressed. possessed of privileges which at present It is certain, that as there are privileges do not belong to you, my sole aim is, " to peculiar to sanctified believers, so there provoke you to jealousy," as Paul exare many duties enjoined in Scripture, presseth it, and to make you ambitious to which the impenitent and unbelieving are cast in your lot with " these excellent incapable of performing; and, I appre- ones in the earth,;' that ye also may parhend, there is no duty whatsoever that take of their joy. " This is the command lies farther beyond their reach, than the of God," and the first in order under the exercise of trust and hope in God; for gospel-dispensation, "that we believe on every part of his word denounces wrath the name of his Son Jesus Christ:" and it against them so long as they persist in is only in consequence of our obedience to their rebellion and enmity. " God is this command, that we obtain an interest angry with the wicked every day. He in the blessings he hath purchased. Christ hath bent his bow, and made it ready; is that unspeakable, comprehensive gift, in he hath also prepared for him the instru- which all other gifts are virtually inments of death." And therefore, to per- eluded. It is our thankful acceptance of sons of this character, a previous exhor- the Mediator of the covenant, that both tation is necessary. I must address you manifests our claim to the promises of the in the words of Eliphaz to Job, " Acquaint covenant, and qualifies us to perform the now thyself with God, and be at peace, duties it requires. From this account of and hereby good shall come unto you." the persons who are invited to cast their At present my text doth not speak to you care uzpon God, we shall with greater ease at all. If you look back to the foregoing and certainty discover, part of this epistle, you will see the per- II. The nature and extent of the duty sons described whom the apostle had in itself; which is the second thing I proposed his eye. He doth not write to all pro- to illustrate. miscuously, but " to the elect, according It differs entirely in its nature from to the foreknowledge of God the Father, that carelessness and insensibility which through sanctification of the Spirit unto the bulk of mankind too generally inobedience, and sprinkling of the blood of dulge. Many indeed enjoy a fatal tranChrist." He writes to those "who are quillity, having no concern at all about born again, not of corruptible seed, but of their eternal interests. Their inquiries incorruptible, by the word of God, which are abundantly anxious with regard to the liveth and abideth for ever." He ad- things of a present life; saying, " What dresseth his exhortation to believers in shall we eat, and what shall we drink, and Christ Jesus, "who loved him though wherewithal shall we be clothed? " But unseen," having tasted of his grace; whom they were never brought in good earnest he distinguished by the honorable appel- to ask the infinitely more interesting lations of "a chosen generation, a royal question, "What shall we do to be priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar peo- saved?" Or if at any time a serious pie."' These are the objects of God's pa- thought, tending to this inquiry, force itternal care; and they only are qualified self upon their minds, they immediately to cast their care upon him. encounter it with the presumptuous hope 214 SERMON XXXIII of the divine mercy, and endeavor to inimitable strength. He is represented persuade themselves, by some fallacious in a musing posture, thinking within himreasonings, that it may be well with them self, and saying, " What shall I do?" at last, though they go on in their tres- The question betrays the greatest unpasses. Now the faith of such persons is easiness and perplexity. A poor starving not only dead in itself, but likewise poi- beggar, who had not a morsel of bread, sonous and killing to their souls. They nor knew where to find it, could have said are perishing, and will not believe it, till nothing more expressive of distrust and the unquenchable fire awaken them from anxiety. And what do you really think their security, and put it out of their ailed this man? Did he want bread? power to deceive themselves any longer. Quite the contrary; he had got too much: We must not cast our work upon God, his barns were not large enough to conand presume that he will save us in the tain the product of his ground: " I have way of sloth and carnal indulgence; on no room," said he, "where to bestow my the contrary, we are commanded " to work fruits" - And it was this that made him out our own salvation with fear and trem- cry out, "What shall I do?" If you bling." It is only "in well-doing" that desire any further information concerning we can regularly " commit the keeping of him, you will find it at verse 20. " But our souls to God," as the apostle hath God said unto him, Tzou fool, this night taught us in the close of the preceding thy soul shall be required of thee; then chapter. We are exhorted to cast our whose shall those things be which thou care upon him, not that we may enjoy the hast provided? " It would. appear, that base rest of the sluggard, " who desireth his situation with respect to an heir was and hath nothing, because his hands refuse similar to what Solomon describes, (Ecto labor;" but that, having got our clesiastes iv. 8.) " There is one alone, and hearts enlarged, and freed from a load there is not a second; yea, he hath neithat pressed them down, we may quicken ther child nor brother; yet there is no our pace, and run with greater alacrity in end of all his labor," &c. But whatthe way of God's commandments. ever became of his fruits, we know that The character of the persons to whom his folly proved a lasting estate, for it this exhortation is addressed, doth likewise continues to be the inheritance of many serve to limit the extent of the duty. It is at this day. I believe there are numbers not every sort of care that we are invited among ourselves, whose minds are conor permitted to cast upon God, but only tinually on the rack, so that they cannot the care of those things which the Chris- sleep with laying schemes about the tian dare avow in the presence of his merest trifles in the world. In this age Father, and humbly ask of him by prayer of gayety and frivolous ostentation, I and supplication. We read, (Matth. xviii. make no doubt, that the superfluities of at the beginning) that the disciples of our dress, furniture, equipage, and the like, Lord came to him in a body, inquiring employ the thoughts of the rich (or of which of them should be "greatest in the people of fashion, whether they be rich kingdom of heaven." This was a vain, or not) as anxiously, as the clothing that self-interested anxiety, to which our Lord is necessary to cover their nakedness emgave a sharp and sudden check, by telling ploys the thoughts of the poor and destithem in plain terms, that till they should tute. It is the care of some to overtop lay aside that ambitious care, they were their neighbors; it is the care of others not fit to possess the lowest place in his to overreach at gaming; and indeed the kingdom. " He called a little child unto mind of a gamester must be in perpetual him, and set him in the midst of them, suspense and agitation. Surely I need and said, Verily I say unto you, that ex- not tell you, that it would be impious to cept ye be converted, and become as little cast such cares ulpon God. We are not children, ye shall not enter into the king- at liberty to choose at random whatsoever dom of heaven." We have an account of is agreeable to fancy or appetite; and, another very careful man, (Luke xii. when our passions are inflamed, and our 16-20.) where his picture is drawn with hearts overcharged with disquieting cares, THE CHRISTIAN CHRIST'S CARE. 215 attempt to roll these over upon God. We shall infallibly work together for his must first examine the object of our de- spiritual improvement in this state of dissire, whether it be good in itself, and fit cipline, and issue in his complete and everfor us; whether it be consistent with and lasting felicity. subservient to our spiritual interest: and 2dly. To cast our care upon God, is to if, upon inquiry, it shall appear that these make his will the guide and measure of qualifications are wanting, we must nei- ours. We may desire, we may ask, what ther cast the care of it upon God, nor appears to us good in its own nature, and keep it to ourselves, but throw it away conducive either to our comfort or usefulaltogether; praying that our folly may be ness in a present world; we may lawfully forgiven, our diseased affections healed, wish to be delivered from trouble, to enjoy and led forth to other objects more health of body, composure and cheerfulworthy of our pursuit. This being laid ness of mind, the pleasures of virtuous down, then, as a fundamental principle, friendship, and a competent portion of the that the object of our desire must be law- good things of this life: but still we ful and good, the practice of the duty must desire and ask these blessings with which my text recommends may be con- due submission to the will of God, leavsidered as including the following par- ing it entirely to —his unerring wisdom to ticulars. give or to withhold them, as seemeth good 1st. A steadfast persuasion, that all unto himself. We have a lovely example events are ordered and directed by God; of this temper in the behavior of David that we and all our interests are contin- upon a very trying occasion. When the ually in his hand; and that nothing can unsuspected rebellion of his unnatural befall us without his appointment or per- son Absalom, which threatened him with mission. This was the foundation of the immediate loss, not of his crown only, David's confidence, when he said, " Into but also of his life, obliged him to leave thine hands I commit my spirit: thou Jerusalem in haste; we are told, that hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. among the few that accompanied him in Ihave heard the slander of many; fear was his flight toward the wilderness, was on every side; while they took counsel to- Zadock the priest, and with him all the together against me, they devised to take Levites, bearing the ark of the covenant away my life. But I trusted in thee, 0 of God. In this time of great distress, Lord: I said, Thou art my God, my times when his situation was so affecting, that, are in thyhand." Herein liesthe difference as -we read (2 Sam. xv. 23.) " all the betwixt the judgment of sanctified be- country wept with a loud voice " while lievers and that of worldly men: the last, they beheld him passing over the brook confining their views to the objects of Kidron, the sacred historian informs us, sense, place their whole dependence upon (ver. 25, 26.) that the king addressed weak and mutable creatures like them- Zadock in the following words: " Carry selves. They court the smiles, and trem- back the ark of God into the city; if I ble at the frowns, of those who are raised shall find favor in the eyes of the Lord, a little above them; and have no higher he will bring me again, and show me both aim than to recommend themselves to the it and his habitation. But if he thus say, favor and protection of such persons as I have no delight in thee, behold, here are most likely to gratify their ambition am I, let him do to me as seemeth or covetousness; whereas the believer, good unto him." —What shall be the knowing that God is supreme, and that issue of this formidable conspiracy I the highest creatures are only instruments know not; but I cast my care, my all, which he employs at his pleasure, keeps upon my God: in the mean time, let the his eye continually fixed upon him, and ark of the covenant be carried back to its hath no other concern than to be found place. The presence of the God of Israel walking in those ways which he hath ap- is not confined to this symbol of his pointed; being fully assured, that all grace; and that I trust shall encompass events, of whatever kind, are ordered by me whithersoever I go, to support and his reconciled Father in Christ Jesus, and cheer me in this melancholy flight. Whe. 216 SERMON XXXIII. ther or not I shall be restored to my house 4th place, To cast all our care upon and throne, I cannot at present foresee: God, implies a full and unsuspecting debut this I know, that in either case it pendence upon his wisdom and goodness; shall be well with me. If I return to such a dependence as quiets the mind, disJerusalem, I shall again behold this ark, posing it to wait patiently upon God, and and enjoy the Lord my God in his or- to accept with thankfulness whatsoever he dinances; but if my God hath no farther is pleased to appoint. The Christian who service for me on this earth, I shall go to hath learned this important lesson, not that place where there is no occasion for only brings his cares to the throne of external means of correspondence and in- grace, but there also he leaves them, and, tercourse. Behold, here I lie at the dis- like Hannah, returns with his countenance posal of my Father and my King, equally no more sad. Having, " by prayer and prepared to live or to die; to reign once supplication, with thanksgiving, made his more in the earthly Jerusalem, or to take requests known to God," his mind is at up my eternal residence in the Jerusalem rest, " he is careful for nothing; " he hath that is above. —This unlimited resignation put all his interests into the best hands; to the will of God makes an essential part he hath committed them to One, who is of the duty which my text recommends. too wise to bestow what is hurtful, and It further implies, too kind to withhold what is good. In con3dly. That we renounce all confidence sequence whereof, " the peace of God, that in the creature, and place our trust in God passeth all understanding, keeps his heart alone. We are required, you see, to cast and mind through Jesus Christ." This ALL our c,;re upon himn; not a part, but gracious temper brings not only rest, but the whole. For thus it is written, (Jer. liberty to the soul. It breaks all those xvii. 5, 8.) "Cursed be the man that fetters in pieces, by which the covetous, trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, the ambitious, the voluptuous, are chained and whose heart departeth from the Lord. to a present world, and dragged at the For he shall be like the heath in the de- heels of those worse than Egyptian tasksert, and shall not see when good cometh, masters, " the lust of the eye, the lust of and shall inhabit the parched places in the flesh, and the pride of life." Whatthe wilderness, in a salt land and not in- ever God willeth is pleasing to the sanctihabited." Whereas, " Blessed is the man fled believer; and the light of his Father's that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope countenance, amidst the deepest and most the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree complicated distress, puts greater gladness planted by the waters, and that spreadeth into his heart than the sensualist can feel, out her roots by the river, and shall not or is capable of conceiving, when his corn see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall and wine do most abound. It is this that be green, and shall not be careful in the gives the Christian the true enjoyment of year of drought, neither shall cease from life. No man can have the proper relish yielding fruit." A divided trust between of any earthly comfort, who is not preparGod and the creature, is as foolish and ed to part with it. This looks like a paraunsafe, as to set one foot upon a rock and dox, but will be found upon examination the other upon the quicksand. We must, to be a weighty truth. Where fear is, there as I formerly observed, be diligent in the is torment; and nothing mars our joy so use of means; for thus the commandment effectually as the prospect of being separuns, "Trust in the Lord, and do good;;" rated from what we greatly love. Talk but at the same time we must look beyond to a carnal man of death, and the poor and above all means to God himself for creature's spirit dies within him; the awsuccess; saying, as David did, " My soul, ful prospect of dissolution, like the handwait thou only upon God; for my expec- writing upon the wall which Belshazzar tation is from him. He only is my rock perceived while he was drinking wine with and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall his princes, his wives, and his concubines, not be moved. In God is my salvation and will, in the height of his gayety, change his my glory; the rock of my strength, and countenance, loosen the joints of his loins, my refuge is on God." Once more, in the and make his knees to smite against one THE CHRISTIAN CHlRIST'S CARE. 217 another. Whereas the man who hath been ed abroad throughout Pontus, Galatia, taught to cast his care upon God, can sit Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia." Such cheerfully at the feast which Providence persons were not likely to enjoy much affords him, and think of his dying hour worldly ease or affluence; and indeed we without diminishing the relish of his pre- have positive evidence that they did not; sent enjoyment. Like David, (Psal. xxiii.) for we are told expressly, that " they were he can look forward without dismay, to in heaviness through manifold temptahis walk through the valley and shadow tions," reproached as evil-doers, and cruelof death; and, while the gloomy object is ly persecuted for the name of Christ. in his eye, he can say to his God with Nay, as if these trials had been only the thankful praise, " Thou preparest a table beginning of sorrows, the apostle forebefore me in the presence of mine enemies; warns them, at the 12th verse of the prethou anointest my head with oil, my cup ceding chapter, that they were soon to runneth over: surely goodness and mercy enter upon a new scene of sufferings; the shall follow me all the days of my life; severity of which should far exceed any and I will dwell in the house of the Lord thing they had yet felt. " Beloved," saith for ever." he, "think it not strange concerning the THus have I opened the meaning of the fiery trial which is to try you, as though exhortation, and at the same time attempt- some strange thing happened unto you; ed to give you a general view of the dig- but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers nity and excellence of the temper it re- of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory commends. But the most persuasive shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with motive to the practice of this duty, is that exceeding joy." which the apostle himself maketh use of We can hardly doubt, that such an awin the close of the verse, where he giveth ful prospect would beget many anxious, full assurance to believers in Christ, that disquieting thoughts. Cares it behooved God, in a peculiar manner, careth for them to have; not about the trivial acthem. To this I shall proceed in my next commodations of a present life, theirs discourse. May God lead us by his Spirit would be of a more serious and important to the knowledge of our duty, and dis- nature: How they should quit themselves pose us by his grace to the love and prac- like men, and maintain theirground against tice of it, for Christ's sake. Amen. the craft of seducers, and the furious attacks of persecuting zeal; how they should — t — adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour, and "cut off occasion from those who SERMON XXXIV. desired occasion to blaspheme that worthy name by which they were called;" above THE CHRISTIAN CHRIST'S CARE. all, how they should recommend religion 1 PETER V. 7.-" Casting all your care upon Hrf, to the esteem and choice of their enemies, for uE careth for you." and become the instruments of saving from eternal death those who thirsted for THESE words contain a pressing exhorta- their own blood, and treated them like tion to an important duty, and a most per- the filth and offscouring of all things. suasive argument to enforce the practice Such, we may suppose, would be the prinof it. It was an apostle of Christ who cipal cares of persecuted saints; and all gave the exhortation, and he addressed it these they are exhorted to cast upon God: to believers in Christ; not to those who For, adds the apostle, God careth for you. barely professed Christianity in opposition This is the argument' which I shall now to Heathenism, but to real saints, as dis- endeavor to illustrate, tinguished from mere nominal Christians, 1. By laying before you the evidence " who have a form of godliness, but deny of its truth; and, the power thereof." What their condition 2. By showing its propriety and strength was with respect to external things, partly for engaging us to cast our care upon God. appears from the inscription of the epistle, I. WHEN we consider the character of where they are called " strangers, scatter- the persons to whom this exhortation was 218 SERMON XXXIV. originally addressed, it will readily occur Our Father in heaven hath in a manto us, that the apostle means something ner laid open his heart to us, and told us more by the care of God, than that gene- plainly what we may lawfully ask and hope ral providence which extends to all the to obtain. He hath published his good-will creatures he hath made. The care he in a variety of great and precious prom. speaks of, is that peculiar and affectionate ises; promises that extend to all the neregard to the saints which he had before cessities of his children; insomuch, that described, (chap. iii. 12.) " The eyes of be their condition what it will, they may the Lord are over the righteous, and his find some gracious declaration of what ears are open unto their prayers; but the God hath purposed to do, which suits their face of the Lord is against them that do case with as much precision and exactness, evil." Thus it is written, that," he with- as if their particular distress had been the draweth not his eye from the righteous." immediate occasion of it. Or if any " The Lord is God," saith the prophet calamity should present itself to their imNahum, " a strong hold in the day of agination, against which no effectual protrouble, and he knoweth them that trust vision appears to have been made, there in him." Many other passages might be is one promise upon record, to which the quoted which assert, in the most explicit believing soul may at all times retreat, terms, that God car'etlh for his saints in (Rom. viii. 28.) "' We know that all things another manner than he doth for the rest work together for good to them that love of the world. But that you may have a God, to them who are the called according more extensive and encouraging view of to his purpose." These are the words of the evidence of this truth, consider him who is unchangeable, " the same yesHow intimately the saints are related terday, to-day, and for ever, without any to God. " Behold," saith the apostle variableness or shadow of turning."' Hear John in name of all the faithful," behold, what he saith, (Isa. xlix. 15.) " Can a what manner of love the Father hath be- woman forget her sucking child, that she stowed upon us, that we should be called should not have compassion on the son of the sons of God." Nor is this a mere her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will title of honor; the persons on whom it is I not forget thee." And that we may conferred are invested with a full and un- have fuller assurance of this, we are told alterable right to all those privileges which by the prophet Malachi, that a book of rethe title imports; for, as St. Paul reasons, membrance is written before God, for them " If children, then heirs, heirs of God, that fear the Lord, and that think upon and joint heirs with Christ." And can it his name." Nay, the Scriptures inform be supposed, that the Father of mercies us, that there is One in heaven, infinitely will abandon his own offspring? Do earth- dear to the Father, who is not only a ly parents care for their children? and faithful Remembrancer, but a powerful can he who hath implanted that disposi- Advocate, and unwearied Intercessor, in tion in their nature, be unconcerned about behalf of all who come to God by " him." those whom he hath adopted into his And this may be considered as, an adfamily, and regenerated by his Spirit? Is ditional ground of assurance that believers it possible that the streams should have are the objects of God's peculiar care. more sweetness than the fountain whence " We have a great High-Priest, who is they flow? No, surely. " If men, being passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of evil, know how to give good gifts to their God, who constantly appears in the prechildren, much more will the Father of sence of God for us." Thus John beheld mercies give good things unto them that him in vision, " standing in the midst of ask him." And is not this a solid ground the throne, as a Lamb that had been of confidence and hope? Every believer slain," displaying those wounds which he in Christ may expect all from God, and received, when " he bore our sins in his infinitely more, than any child can expect own body on the tree," as so many mouths from the most affectionate and tender- filled with the most prevailing arguments hearted parent upon earth. But this is for mercy and grace to his redeemed ones, not all: for whom he then did, and still doth, repre THE CHRISTIAN CHRIST'S CARE. 219 sent. We have a specimen of his inter- of his peculiar people? Nothing can be cession recorded by that apostle in the conceived more formidable than Pharaoh's 17th chapter of his gospel; where, among preparation against the Israelites; the other tender and affectionate requests, we whole strength of an extensive and potent find the following remarkable words: empire employed against an undisciplined "Now I am no more in the world, but company of fugitives, who had long been these are in the world, and I come to thee. dispirited by oppression and slavery: but Holy Father, keep through thine own though the bush was all in flame, yet it name those whom thou hast given me. I was not consumed. when the enemy said, pray not that thou shouldst take them out " I will pursue, I will overtake, I will diof the world, but that thou shouldst keep vide the spoil, my lust shall be satisfied on them from the evil. Neither pray I for them, I will draw the sword, my hand these alone, but for them also which shall shall destroy them:" —then the sea opened believe on me through their word." In a passage for their escape, and overwhelmsuch terms did our Lord recommend his ed their enemies; " God did blow with his immediate followers, and all his disciples wind, the sea covered them, they sank as in succeeding generations, to the protec- lead in the mighty waters." How wontion and care of his heavenly Father. derful were the steps of Joseph's advanceAnd may not this beget in us the fullest ment to which his father and brethren owed and most joyful assurance, that God doth, their preservation in a time of famine? and always will, care for them? And And no less wonderful was the defeat of still more, when we consider, that he who Haman's wicked attempt to cut off the thus intercedes in their behalf, is himself whole nation of the Jews as one man. In possessed of all power in heaven and in either case the failing of one circumstance earth, and is constituted Head over all would have varied the event; and yet each things for the church. " I am he," said circumstance in both, when viewed apart, he, " that was dead and am now alive, and seems purely accidental; nay, some of behold I live for evermore, and have the them appear at first sight rather adverse keys of hell and of death." than favorable. And lest any should These are some of the evidences which imagine that these, and other deliverances the Scriptures afford us, that God careth of the like nature, were really casual, and for sanctified believers. The relation he therefore no proofs of God's gracious probears to them, the promises he hath given tection, let it be observed, that in two of to them, the constant prevailing interces- the instances I have mentioned, the events sion of his Son, together with the power were the direct and immediate answers of committed to him as King of Zion, all prayer. Thus the Red Sea was divided concur to secure this important benefit. when Moses and the children of Israel But I have further to add, that we have "cried unto the Lord." And Haman's the evidence of facts, as well as of argu- plot was detected and broken on that very ments, to establish our faith of the divine day which Esther and Mordecai had set care and protection. The sacred records apart for fasting and prayer. To which I bear witness, that God hath been the may add, that Asa obtained a complete dwelling-place of his people in all genera- victory over his enemies, after he had uttions, and give us abundant reason to say, tered that fervent supplication, " Help us, with David, " Our fathers trusted in thee; O Lord our God." And the apostle Pethey trusted, and thou didst deliver them. ter was brought out of prison by the minThey cried unto thee, and were delivered; istry of an angel, on that very night they trusted in thee, and were not con- when prayer was offered up by the church founded." And God is always in one in his behalf. mind: " He is the rock, his work is per- You see, then, upon the whole, that the feet, and all his ways are judgment; a truth of the apostle's assertion in the text God of truth and without iniquity, just is supported and confirmed by every kind and right is he." of evidence we could wish to obtain. Let What signal appearances hath he made us now consider, in every age for the protection and safety II. THE propriety and force of the argu 220 SERMON XXXIV. ment for engaging us to cast our care in what proportion, pain, or sickness, or upon God. This branch of the subject poverty, or reproach, are necessary to exwill need little illustration. For, pel some spiritual distemper, to exercise 1st. If God caret/h for us, then we have and strengthen some languishing grace, or one to care for us who is infinitely wise, to make room in the heart for his own diwho is perfectly acquainted with all our vine presence. Again, let our enemies wants, and can never mistake in judging plot against us in the most secret manner; what is best for us. We may choose many let them shut themselves up in the closest things apparently good, the possession of retirement; yet it is impossible for them which would prove hurtful to our souls; to hide their consultations from God, for, as Solomon observed long ago, (and "who discovereth deep things out of daily experience confirms the observation) darkness, and bringeth to light the shadow " No man knoweth what is good for man of death." When Benhadad had failed in in this life." There are many latent seeds his repeated attempts to cut off the armies of corruption in our hearts that we do not of Israel by surprise, his heart was sore at present suspect, and perhaps shall never troubled; and suspecting treachery in his discover, unless a proper temptation bring own court, he called his servants together, them forth to our view. David, whose and said unto them, " Will ye not shew conscience was so tender in the wilderness, me which of us is for the King of Israel? " that it smote him for cutting off the skirt To which one of his servants replied, of Saul's garment, continued insensible for " None, my Lord, O King; but Elisha the a long time under the most aggravated prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king guilt, after he was fixed in the peaceable of Israel the words that thou speakest in possession of a throne. Hezekiah, whose thy bed-chamber." Nay, he can preserve devotion was so humble and ardent in the his people from the effects of their own time of his sickness, waxed proud and folly, as well as from the craft and malice vain-glorious when restored to health; in- of their enemies. " The Lord knoweth somuch that "he brought wrath upon how to deliver the godly out of temptahimself, and upon Judah, and upon Jeru- tion:" —" He leadeth the blind in a way salem." Many who, in a low estate, were that they knew not:"-" He giveth underhumane and kind, and did good with the standing to the simple:"-" The meek will little they possessed, have been so intoxi- he guide in judgment, the meek will he cated with the full cup of prosperity, that, teach his way." And if infinite Wisdom for a season at least, they have forgotten take the disposal of our lot, if he who canthemselves, their neighbor, nay, their God, not err vouchsafe to become both our and become quite the reverse of what they guardian and our guide, with what unsusformerly appeared to be. One thing is pecting trust may we commit ourselves certain, that if left to our own choice we into his hands, and cheerfully acquiesce in should never feel distress or affliction of all the determinations of his Providence? any kind; and yet the Scriptures assure Especially when we consider, us, and our own observation may convince 2dly. That his power is equal to his us of the truth of it, that adversity is more wisdom. " Whatsoever the Lord pleaseth, friendly to religion than prosperity. Our that doth he in heaven, in the earth, and diseased nature requires bitter medicines in the sea, and in all deep places."' He much oftener than cordials; even the best causeth the wrath of man to praise him; need frequently to be dieted, and brought and the remainder thereof he is able to low., to keep their feverish passions and restrain. All the power of the creatures appetites within bounds. Now God is is derived from him, and dependent upon perfectly acquainted with all the tenden- him. The haughtiest tyrant upon earth cies of our nature, and can therefore judge is only the rod of his anger, which he with unerring skill what things are best employs for a season, and then breaketh for us, and most conducive to our interest. in pieces, and throws it away. When He knows what measure of health, or Pilate said to our Lord, " Knowest thou riches, or honors, we shall be able to bear, not that I have power to crucify thee, or be disposed to improve; when, and and power to release thee? " he at once THE CHRISTIAN CHRIST'S CARE. 221 detected and reproved his ignorance and face, and lo! God hath showed me thy pride, by answering him, " Thou couldst children also." " When the apostles had have no power at all against me, except it the sentence of death in themselves," God were given thee from above." And as dispelled their fears, and preserved their the power of God is supreme, so is it like- lives, in spite of all the rage and cunning wise everlasting. " The Lord, the Creator of their persecutors. And thus, "in the of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, mount of the Lord " it hath often " been neither is weary." His arm is never seen:" deliverance came when death was shortened that it cannot save; neither expected; or, according to the prophetic age nor exercise can impair its vigor; style of Zechariah, (chap. xiv. 7.) "at evenwhat he did yesterday he can do to-day, ing time:" when, according to the course and repeat it as often as his people have of'nature, nothing was looked for but occasion for it. This was the foundation deepening shades and increasing darkness. of that expostulatory address, (Isaiah li. "light" hath suddenly sprung up, and 9.) " Awake, awake, put on strength, O the thick clouds have fled and vanished arm of the Lord; awake as in the ancient away. Here then is a solid ground of days, in the generations of old. Art not confidence and hope: He that caret/h for thou it that hath cut Rahab, and wound- us, not only knoweth all things, but can ed the dragon?" To which God replied, do all things. He giveth power to the " I, even I, am he that comforteth you: faint, and to them that have no might he who art thou then that thou shouldst be increaseth strength. "Fear not," saith he, afraid of a man that shall die, and of the " for I am with thee: be not dismayed, son of man which shall be made as grass? for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, and forgettest the Lord thy Maker, that yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid thee, with the right hand of my rightthe foundations of the earth? and hast eousness." Have we not then the most feared continually every day, because of powerful encouragement to cast our care, the fury of the oppressor, as if he were our whole care, upon God? And still ready to destroy? And where is the fury more, when I add, of the oppressor? I am the Lord thy 3dly. That he who is so wise in heart, God, that divided the sea, whose waters and mighty in strength; so wonderful in roared: the Lord of Hosts is my name." counsel, and excellent in working; is His power reacheth to the heart of man, likewise possessed of infinite goodness. to which no creature can have immediate Like as a father pitieth his children, so access: even the hearts of kings are in the Lord pitieth them that fear him. his hand, and he turneth them as the " God is love," said the apostle John; rivers of water. Thus he promised to and well might he say so, who was one of Jeremiah, "''that he would cause the the heralds of that joyful proclamation, enemy to entreat him well in the day of " God was in Christ reconciling the world evil." Who but the Lord of man's heart unto himself, not imputing their trespasses could have said unto Moab, and said it unto them." Here theil is a foundation with efficacy, " Let mine outcasts dwell that is able to carry all the weight a bewith thee, Moab; be thou a covert to liever can lay upon it; for " if God spared them from the face of the spoiler?" not his own Son, but delivered him up for Thus, when it pleaseth him, he can open us all, how shall he not with him also a sanctuary for his people in the midst of freely give us all things? " What can he their foes, and make these very foes the withhold from those upon whom he hath protectors of his people. In short, "with already bestowed his own dear Son, and God all things are possible." He is able enabled, by his Spirit, thankfully to reto do exceeding abundantly above all that ceive him as the "unspeakable gift" of we can ask or think. This good old Ja- God to men. How firm then are the cob gratefully acknowledged, when he grounds of the believer's hope? With met with his darling son Joseph, whose what humble, but triumphant confidence, supposed death he had long and bitterly may he cast his care upon God, whose lamented: " I had not thought to see thy wisdom knoweth all things, whose power 222 SERMON XXXIV. can do all things, and whose unbounded hearts, and even fight against him with the goo4ness doth constantly incline him to be- fruits of his bounty? If you think coolly stow every needful blessing upon his people? upon the matter, I am almost persuaded As I have made it my business, in every you will blush to ask it. branch of the subject, to keep the persons How then are you to dispose of your in your eye to whom the exhortation is ad- cares?-What shall I say? I might tell dressed, it is almost unnecessary to remind you, that your anxiety will do you no you, in the conclusion, that the comfort of good; and therefore it were best to lay all I have said must be confined to those it aside, and take things as they happen, who are Christians indeed. None else are without murmuring. But this were only the objects of that peculiar care which the to amuse you; for the burden would still apostle speaks of; and therefore to them press you with its weight, and all my reaonly the privilege belongs of casting all soning would amount to nothing more than their care upon God. Permit me now to a cold, unavailing advice to struggle with add, that as it is their privilege, so it is it as you can. But if your cares be very likewise their duty; and they dishonor painful, though I cannot encourage you to themselves, and reproach their Father, go directly to God with them in your prewhen they give way to anxious, disquieting sent state, yet I shall suggest a hint which cares upon any account whatsoever. We by the blessing of God may be of use to may justly say to such, as Jonadab said you. It hath often been observed, that one to Amnon, " Why art thou, being the great care will swallow up many others of king's son, lean from day to day?" Carry smaller importance, and even banish them all your grievances to him who is both from the mind altogether. Thus, in a able and willing to redress them. Make storm at sea, the most covetous worldlings use of thy birth-right, O Christian! and have been known to throw their most cast thy cares upon him, that careth for precious goods overboard with their own thee. Your very reliance upon him, in the hands, when no other means could be way of duty, your leaning upon his arm, if found to keep the ship above water. This I may so express it, while you are using points out a remedy; and it is the only the appointed means, insures his protection remedy that occurs to me. Were you according to that gracious promise, (Isaiah awakened to a proper concern about the xxvi. 3.) " Thou wilt keep him in perfect life of your souls, this would have a powerpeace, whose mind is stayed upon thee, be- ful influence to cure your anxiety about cause he trusteth in thee." lesser things. Were you brought to cry But what shall those do who are of an out with the jailor, " What shall I do to opposite character? May not they too cast be saved?" you would find neither leisure their care upon God, as the God of nature, nor inclination to ask these disquieting, the Father of their spirits, and the former anxious questions, "What shall I eat? of their bodies, in whom they live and and what shall I drink? and wherewithal move? Doth not his providence extend shall I be clothed? " All these would be to all the creatures he hath made? Doth swallowed up in your concern for " the one he not clothe the lilies, and feed the thingneedful. " And give me leave to add, ravens, and hear the lions when they cry that when this becomes your care, I shall to him for food? All this is true; and, in then be at full liberty to invite you to cast one sense, all men without exception are it uplon God; nay, I shall be able to assure the objects of his care. But this can yield you, that he will not only accept the charge, no comfort to impenitent, unbelieving sin- but likewise give you what yon care for, ners; for the same God who sustains them even a complete and everlasting salvation. in life, and gives them what they possess, 0 then " seek the Lord while he is to be and most ungratefully abuse, hath express- found; call upon him while he is near." ly declared, " that though hand join in MAY God determine and enable you to hand, the wicked shall not pass unpunish- take this course, and make your worldly ed." I appeal to yourselves, is it reasonable cares the means of leading your hearts to expect, that God shall take the burden beyond and above this world, to seek rest of your cares, while you deny him your and happiness in himself. Amez. SUFFICIENCY OF GOD'S GRACE. 223 rial for us to know. The words plainly SERMON XXXV. import, that it was both violent and pain. ful; and the effects it produced as eviSUFFICIENCY OF GOD S GRACE. dently show, that it was appointed in mercy, and wisely calculated for his spir2 CORIN. XII. 9.-" He said unto me, MY grace itual advantage. This eminent saint, who is sufficient for thee." but a little before was caught up into paradise, now humbles himself as low as IN the foregoing verses of this chapter, the dust. He falls down upon his knees, the apostle relates an extraordinary reve- and earnestly implores deliverance from lation he had been favored with, above four- this trial. Once and again he repeats his teen years before the date of this epistle. supplication, but gets no answer. This He informs us, that "he was caught up could not fail to heighten his distress. A into paradise," or "the third heaven imessenger of Satan is sent to buffet him; (whether in the body, or out of the body, and God, by his silence, seems deaf to his he could not tell), where he heard un- entreaties. But still this is made to work speakable words, which it is not lawful," for his good: He becomes more and more or possible, "for a man to utter." This sensible of his own weakness; he draws probably happened soon after his conver- nearer to a throne of grace, and renews sion; and was graciously intended, either his suit with increasing fervor and importo remove those doubts and fears which tunity. " For this thing," says he, (verse the resemblance of his former conduct 8.) "I besought the Lord thrice, that it might naturally occasion, or rather to for- might depart from me." At length the tify his mind against the trials and suffer- answer comes in the words of my text: ings he was afterwards to meet with in And ihe said unto me, My grace is su/ithe course of his ministry. One should cient for thee. imagine, that such a glorious manifestation You will observe, that, after all his encould not be liable to any abuse. When treaties, the Lord did not grant him the Satan would have tempted our Lord to precise thing he had asked; but he gave worship him, it was by giving him a sight him what was better, and more suited to and offer of all the kingdoms of this world; his condition. Paul needed an antidote and we readily admit, that such a tempta- against spiritual pride; and as the thorn tion might prove very fatal to us. Earth- in the flesh was necessary for that end, it ly objects have indeed too powerful a ten- would have been no act of kindness to dency to inflame our sensualappetites, and have taken it away: and therefore our to alienate our hearts from God; but sure- Lord, who knew his servant better than ly no danger can be apprehended from a he knew himself, prolongs the trial, but view of heaven. The glories of the up- at the same time assures him of grace to per world, a display of those things above support him under it. This messenger of upon which God himself hath commanded Satan must not be sent away, lest thou us to- set our affection, cannot be supposed shouldst forget thy dependence upon me; to have any bad effect. but I will stand by thee, and strengthen And no doubt this will be the case, thee to bear his assaults and buffetings; when we shall be perfectly freed from all that, feeling thine own weakness, and the remainders of corruption. But we learn, power of my grace, thy soul may be kept from what follows, that in our present at an equal distance from presumption on state of weakness and depravity, even a the one hand, and from distrust on the view of heaven might prove a snare to our other; both which extremes are utterly souls. Holy Paul, as we read (verse 7.) inconsistent with the duties of my service, was in danger of being " exalted above and the happiness of my people. measure through the abundance of the According to this view of the words, revelations; for which cause " there was I propose, in dependence upon divine aid, given to him a thorn in the flesh, the mes- I. To guard you against pride and selfsenger of Satan to buffet him." What confidence, by giving you a true representthis particular exercise was is not mate- ation of that weak and impotent state into 224 SERMON XXXV. which we are fallen by our apostasy from to do of his good pleasure?" Surely, God; and, my brethren, if we judge of the Scriptures II. For your encouragement, I shall by the same rules that we judge of any lead your thoughts to that all-sufficient other books; nay, unless we suppose that grace which is treasured up in Christ, they were artfully contrived to mislead whereby the weakest of his people are en- us; we must be sensible, that the absolute abled to endure the buffetings of Satan, necessity of supernatural grace, is not and shall finally prevail against all their only clearly asserted in Scripture, but that spiritual enemies. this doctrine is so intimately connected I. THAT I may guard you against pride with all the other parts of divine revelation, and self-confidence, I shall lay before you a that the whole must stand or fall with it. plain and scriptural account of that weak This is further confirmed by the conand impotent state into which we are fall- curring testimony of all the saints of whose en by our apostasy from God. experiences, in the spiritual life, we have It were easy to quote a variety of pas- any accounts recorded in Scripture. They sages which expressly assert the corrup- all join in the most humiliating acknowltion of human nature, and man's utter in- edgments of their guilt, pollution, and ability to do any thing that can be effec- weakness; disclaiming the praise of any tual for his own recovery: but I need only good thing that was in them, and ascribappeal to every man who reads the sacred ing the undivided glory of all that they oracles with seriousness and impartiality, possessed, or hoped to enjoy, to the free whether this doth not appear to be a unmerited grace of God. How patheticalScriptural doctrine from the very face of ly did David bewail the corruption of his the revelation, and the uniform strain of nature, (Psal. li. 5. ) " Behold, I was the word of God. shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my moDoth not the method of salvation by ther conceive me." And what a deep Jesus Christ necessarily suppose the whole sense did he express of his inability to human race to be in a state of guilt, pol- cleanse or purify himself, when he addresslution, and weakness? Do not the pro- ed God in such terms as these, (verse 10.) mises of taking away the heart of stone, " Create in me a clean heart, O God, and and giving a heart of flesh, plainly imply, renew a right spirit within me." But lest that these works are peculiar to God, and any should be so injurious as to suspect that man is unable to do such great things that David might have spoken after this for himself? Would God command us to manner, to apologize for his criminal conpray to him for these inestimable bless- duct in the matter of Uriah, which gave ings, if we were able to procure them by occasion to that psalm; let us hear what our own wisdom and strength? nay, would the apostle Paul saith of himself, whose it not be a mocking of God to apply to character is not liable to any such objechim for that which we are already pos- tion, (Rom. vii. 18. et seq.) " I know, that sessed of, or may acquire when we choose, in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no without his interposition or aid? Besides, good thing; for to will is present with me; are we not told, that "every good and but how to perform that which is good, I perfect gift is from above, and cometh find not.-I find then a law, that when I down from the Father of lights?" Is would do good, evil is present with me. not our sanctification every where attri- For I delight in the law of God, after the buted to the Spirit of God? and are not inward man. But I see another law in my the saints denominated " God's workman- members, warring against the law of my ship, created in Christ Jesus unto good mind, and bringing me into captivity to works, which God hath before ordained, the law of sin, which is in my members." that they should walk in them? " Are Upon which he cries out, " 0 wretched not "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gen- man that I am, who shall deliver me from tleness, goodness, faith, meekness, tem- the body of this death!" Here then is perance," expressly said to be " the fruits one who was not behind the very chief of the Spirit?'7 nay, are we not told, that apostles; who, before his conversion, it is God who worketh in us " to will and lived a Pharisee, and afterwards could say SUFFICIENCY OF GOD'S GRACE. 225 at the bar of the Jewish Sanhedrim, " I put in remembrance of these things, though have lived in all good conscience before God they know them, and be established in the unto this day;" who, conscious of the grace present truth." Have you experienced the he had received, expressed himself thus in power of divine grace? have you tasted the presence of Agrippa, " I would to God, and seen that the Lord is good? then that not only thou, but all that hear me this surely it is meet that your souls should day, were both almost and altogether such as bless him. But, O be humble! and give I am, except these bonds." Yet this chosen check to any self-exalting thoughts. Convessel ingenuously confesseth his natural sider both where and what you are. You depravity, mourns over the remainders of are still upon earth, part of the wilderness a body of sin, and ascribes those eminent lieth before you, and you must pass through gifts and graces with which his soul was the valley and shadow of death before you so remarkably enriched, to God, and to can enter into the promised land. Many him alone, saying, (1 Cor. xv. 10.) "[By seeds of corruption still lodge in your nathe grace of God I am what I am: and his ture; many enemies beset you, both withgrace which was bestowed upon me, was in and without; the fiery darts of the not in vain; but I labored more abun- wicked one fly thick on every side: and dantly than they all: yet not I, but the nothing less than Omnipotence can protect grace of God which was with me." Now and sustain you, and carry you forward in what should have induced Paul to speak safety to the end of your journey. If you after this manner if it had not been true? trust in any measure to yourselves, if you Surely this was not the way to make a depend upon the grace you have already figure in the world. Had that been his received, as if that would be sufficient for aim, it would have answered his purpose the time to come, you shall soon get a far better to have represented his high at- proof of your ignorance and folly. You tainments as the fruit of his own labor need daily grace as much as daily bread; and diligence, rather than a mere alms to for, separated from Christ, you can do which he had no previous title. Surely nothing. Beware, O Christians! of unnothing but a regard to truth could have dertaking any thing in your own strength; drawn from him such humble, repeated ac- for that which is begun in self-confidence knowledgments; and therefore his testimo- will most assuredly end in shame and ny is altogether beyond exception. And disappointment. Go forth in the name when I add, that he wrote under the of the Lord of hosts, saying, with good immediate direction and influence of the king Jehoshaphat, (2 Chron. xx. 21.)' O Spirit of God, we are furnished with the Lord, we know not what to do, but our most convincing evidence of the absolute eyes are towards thee." And for your ennecessity of divine grace, for beginning couragement, I shall now, and carrying forward a work of sanctifica- II. In the second place, Lead your tion in the soul of an apostate creature. thoughts to that all-sufficient grace which is They whose religion lies wholly in spec- treasured up in Christ; whereby the weakest ulation, who have acquired a refined of his people are enabled to endure the bufsystem of opinions, but never tried in good fetings of Satan, and shall finally be made earnest to reduce them to practice, may to triumph over all their spiritual enemies. dispute against this doctrine, and flatter This is a most comfortable doctrine, and themselves into a vain conceit of the vigor cannot fail to beget joy and confidence in and sufficiency of the natural powers they every believing soul. How completely possess. But all who are exercised to wretched would the discovery of our weakgodliness, who have put their strength to ness make us, had we no knowledge where the trial, (and they only are competent help is to be found, or no hope that help judges in a question of this nature) know would be granted to us! But, blessed be the truth of what I have been proving, and God, neither of these is the case. For, will be ready to attest it from their own 1st. An overflowing fountain of grace experience. Nevertheless, as pride is the is set open to our view. "The Word was last part of the old man that dies, it will made flesh," saith the apostle John, " and be profitable even for such persons to " be dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, 15 226 SERMON XXXV. the glory as of the only begotten of the is willing and ready to impart his grace Father) full of grace and truth." "It unto them according to their need. Ighath pleased the Father," saith the apos- norance of this keeps many Christians in tle Paul," that in him should all fulness a languishing, dejected state. Though dwell." Nay, " In him dwelleth all the they know that the fulness of the Godfulness of the Godhead bodily." Coloss. ii. head dwelleth in Christ, and that all 9. Here then is not only fulness, but all grace is treasured up in him for the benfulness; nay, the whole fulness of the God- efit of his people, they are nevertheless head dwelling in Christ Jesus: and what haunted with fears and jealousies about words can import a sufficiency of grace, his willingness to communicate this treasif these do not? But may we hope that ure to them. These partly arise from the this grace shall be imparted to us? Yes, sense of their own unworthiness, and we may. For, in the partly from the misrepresentations of 2d place, The Scriptures assure us, Satan, the great adversary, who doth that all this grace is treasured up in Christ every thing in his power to cherish and for the behoof of his people. I need not strengthen those evil surmisings which mention particular passages of Scripture keep sinners at a distance from the founfor the proof of this, seeing it evidently tain of mercy, and drive them away from appears from the whole strain of divine that Almighty Saviour upon whom their revelation, where Christ is uniformly re- help is laid. But, blessed be God! the presented as a public person, sustaining Scriptures furnish us with arguments more the character of Mediator or Surety, liv- than sufficient to refute all the suggesing and dying, not for himself, but for the tions of Satan upon this head. The good sake of those whom the Father had given will of our Lord shines with such glory him. Hence he is called the head, and in every page of this sacred book, that believers are styled the members of his there can remain no rational ground to body. He is compared to the vine; and, doubt of it: "In the last day, that great in a suitableness to this figurative repre- day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, sentation, believers are denominated bran- saying, If any man thirst, let him come ches which grow out of this vine, and de- unto me and drink. He that believeth on rive all their sap and nourishment from it. me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of livThat remarkable prophecy of Isaiah, (chap. ing water. This," adds the evangelist, lxi. 1,-3.) which our Lord applied to " spake he of the Spirit, which they thatbehinself in the synagogue at Nazareth, is a lieve on him should receive." John vii. 37, clear and strong confirmation of this truth: 38, 39. He is represented, in the book of " The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, the Revelation, as standing at the door, and because the Lord hath anointed me to knocking, with these gracious words in his preach good tidings unto the meek; he mouth, " If any man will hear my voice, hath sent me to bind up the broken-heart- and open the door, I will come in to him and ed. to proclaim liberty to the captives, and sup with him, and he with me." How sweet the opening of the prison to them that are is his name, Jesus, a Saviour! how endearbound; to appoint unto them that mourn ing the relations he stands in to his people, in Zion, to give unto them beauty for as their Shepherd and Friend, their Husashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the gar- band, their Brother? Was he not temptment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; ed, that he might succor those who are that they might be called trees of righteous- tempted? And can we have any reason to ness, the planting of the Lord, that he question his love to us, who became flesh might be glorified." Here is a plain de- of our flesh, and bore our griefs, for this claration, that Christ was anointed, and very end, that he might be gracious? filled with the Spirit, for this very end, Nay, we may appeal to facts for the proof that he might dispense to his people those of this doctrine. All the ransomed supplies of grace which their various cases around the throne, who overcame by the and necessities might require. We are blood and Spirit of the Lamb, give testifurther assured, mony to this great and important truth; dly. That Christ, upon all occasions, and I trust there are many thousands up SUFFICIENCY OF GOD'S GRACE. 227 on earth, who, with humble gratitude and How completely amiable doth the joy, can attest the same, and say with the Lord Jesus appear when viewed in this apostle John, " Of his fulness have all we light! How safe and happy are they who received, and grace for grace." More are vitally united to him! "The young might be said upon this head; but you lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they have heard enough to show, that believers that fear the Lord shall not want any in Christ have all possible encouragement good thing." " O sing unto the Lord a to come boldly to a throne of grace, in new song, and his praise in the congrethe assured hope that they shall ob- gation of his saints: Let Israel rejoice tain mercy, and find grace to help them in him that made and redeemed him; let in every time of need. And therefore I the children of Zion be joyful in their shall only add, King." These reflections are just and 4thly. That this grace of Christ, when natural; but as I must not stay to enonce obtained, shall infallibly prove vic- large upon all the uses that might be torious, and finally prevail against all op- made of this subject, I shall at present position. He who is the author, is like- confine myself to what appears most imwise the finisher of his people's faith; portant and seasonable; namely, a few for "his gifts and calling are without re- advices to Christians in general, and pentance." "He will not break the more especially to those who have newly bruised reed, nor quench the smoking entered upon a religious course. And, flax, till he bring forth judgment unto 1st. I would forewarn you of the opvictory." Grace, though a small rivulet position you are likely to meet with in in appearance, is fed with an everlasting your way heavenward. You have begun spring. Where the Lord Jesus begins a a warfare; and "every battle of the wargood work, he will carry it on to perfec- rior is with confused noise, and garments tion, and never leave the objects of his rolled in blood." Corruption will no love till he hath made them like himself, doubt assail you from within; but I am all glorious both within and without, and to warn you of danger from another quarpresented them to his Father without ter. We read, that when Jesus was born, spot and blemish. " Herod the king was troubled, and all THus have I laid before you two im- Jerusalem with him." In like manner, potant points of Christian doctrine; first, when Christ is formed in any heart, all Our weakness in ourselves; and, second- hell is in an uproar, and the malignant ly, That sufficiency of grace which is to brood of the old serpent upon earth will be found in Christ Jesus. The Spirit not fail to spit out their venom against was not given by measure unto him; and that person as lavishly as they can. The the precious oil was poured upon his wicked among whom you live will mock head, that from thence it might flow and ridicule you; and it is probable that down to the remotest skirts of his gar- your former companions in sin will taunt ments, and be communicated to all the you with past and pardoned faults (for members of his body. Nay, he is, upon pardoned they are if you have come to all occasions, most willing and ready to Christ), and will exert their utmost dispense to his people this inestimable strength and cunning to mar your confiblessing: none who come to him under a dence, if they cannot carry you back into sense of need shall be sent empty away. the same excess of riot with themselves; And the first fruits of his grace are a cer- nay, with hellish spite they may even tain pledge and earnest of future glory; forge lies to blacken your character, that for "whatsoever is born of God over- they may not seem to have suffered any cometh the world." It is not so much loss by your revolt from their party. the Christian that lives, as Christ that All this you have reason to expect; and liveth in him; and because he lives, all I speak of it beforehand, that when it who believe in him shall live also. "'They happens, you may not be surprised or are kept;" not by their own strength, but discouraged, as though some strange and "by the power of God, through faith un- unusual thing had befallen you. It is, to salvation." and always hath been, the lot of God's 228 SERMON XXXVI. children; and when you suffer in this saith God, " will I be inquired of by the manner, you have the honor to suffer in house of Israel to do it for them."' Paul, the best of causes, and with the best of you see, besought the Lord thrice before company. " Marvel not, my brethren, he received the answerin my text. Prayer if the world hate you; " it hated your keeps the communication open between Lord before it hated you, and the servant the head and the members; it is the mesis not greater than his Master. If ye senger that goes from earth to heaven, were of the world, the world would love and returns with all necessary blessings its own; but because ye are not of the from thence. Beware, then, of neglecting world, and because Christ hath called this necessary duty. Pray in faith, pray you out of the world, upon these accounts in the name of Christ, pray without ceasthe world hateth you. " Rejoice, there- ing: and beg of Christ to teach you to fors, and be exceeding glad; for great is pray aright, that you may ask and reyour reward in heaven." ceive, and then your joy shall be full. 2dly. Maintain a constant sense of your Now, brethren, I commend you to God, own weakness. Remember that caution " and to the word of his grace, which is of the apostle, " Be not high-minded, but able to build you up, and to give you an fear." You can only work to purpose inheritance among all them which are when you work upon a present strength; sanctified." And to him who is able to the grace you receive to-day will need a keep us from falling, whose grace is sufifresh supply of grace to revive and actuate cient for all his people, at all times, and it to-morrow; for Christ always dispenseth in all circumstances, to the only wise God his peculiar gifts in such a way as to re- and our Saviour, be glory and honor, domind his people of their constant depend- minion and power, for ever and ever. ence upon him, and to render them diligent Amen. in the use of all the means he hath appointed for promoting the divine life in their souls. At the same time, 3dly. Think honorably of your Lord, SERMON XXXVI. in whose service you are engaged. Believe it, whatever Satan may suggest to THE GREAT TRUST. the contrary, that his heart is kind, and his hand liberal. It is of the highest im- 1 THESSALONIANS, iI. 4.-" But as we were allowed of GoD to be put in trust with the gospel, portance to have just conceptions of even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but Christ, and to know what mercy and GOD, which trieth our hearts." strength are laid up for us in him. Look not so much to your enemies as to the WHEN we compare ourselves with the Captain of your salvation; set his promi- primitive Christians, we are obliged to ses against their threatening, his omni- confess, that, in every respect, we fall potent grace against their impotent malice. greatly short of their attainments. We Be ye therefore bold and very courage- seem to be creatures of a lower rank, inous; victory is insured to you; it is capable of reaching the same degree of already sown in that new nature you have perfection with them: And indeed it is got; and ere long the Prince of Peace, to be suspected, that through a false and the Lion of the tribe of Judah, shall vicious modesty, we look upon these anbruise Satan underneath your feet, and put cient worthies as examples which, though that triumphant song into your mouths, we ought to imitate, we can never hope to " Now is come salvation and strength, and equal. Hence we rest satisfied with any the kingdom of our God, and the power distant resemblance we can attain, thinkof his Christ; for the accuser of our ing, that if we are not altogether unlike brethren is cast down, which accused to them, it is all that a modern Christian them before our God day and night." can expect. 4thly. Remember, that all this suffi- This is a gross and most pernicious cient grace is only to be obtained by mistake. The gate of heaven is no wider prayer and supplication: " For this," now than it was seventeen hundred years THE GREAT TRUST. 229 ago. The law of God extends as far as supported him under the ignominious treatit did when the apostles lived; and I ment he met with at Philippi, which he know of no indulgence granted to us mentions in the second verse of this chapwhich did not exist in the earliest times ter, and encouraged him to persist in of Christianity. The church of Rome preaching that gospel which he had reindeed hath taught, that some eminent ceived in trust from God. It was this Christians have done more than was which rendered the first Christians supestrictly necessary for their own salvation. rior to adversity in all its frightful forms; But no such doctrine is to be found in and it is the same divine principle, which, Scripture: Nay, on the contrary, we are if once it got the entire possession of our told, that when we have done all, we are hearts, would be a constant spring of holy still unprofitable servants, and have done obedience, and enable us, by the blessing no more than what was our duty to do. of God, to follow the cloud of witnesses To this day, therefore, we are bound to who have gone before us, through the most the same strictness and purity, to the rugged paths of virtue, untainted with same mortification and self-denial, to the that meanness and inconstancy of behasame zeal and steadfastness, which dis- vior which are the reproach of so many tinguished the primitive Christians; and professing Christians in our days. it is impossible to devise any excuse for I propose, therefore, through divine asour degeneracy from their bright example. sistance, 1st, To open the nature and exThey were all men of like passions with tent of the divine principle mentioned in ourselves: they had the same corrupt na- my text; 2dly, To represent the happy ture to strive against, the same tempta effects which would flow from our being tions to resist, the same enemies to over- animated with this steady and prevailing come. Their advantages for performing desire. After which I shall conclude with their duty were not greater than ours: on a practical improvement on the subject. the contrary, besides all that they possess- I BEGIN with opening the nature and ed, we have the benefit of their example extent of the divine principle mentioned and experience. God's hand is not short- in the text. And to prevent any misened, the blood of Christ hath lost none takes on this head, it may be needful to of its virtue, his intercession is no less observe, that our making the approbation prevalent, nor is the power of his Spirit in of God our principal aim, does not exthe least impaired by length of time and elude all regard to the opinion or judgconstant exercise. " He is the same yes- ment of our fellow-creatures. We are terday, to-day, and for ever: " So that we certainly bound by that great law of our are entirely without excuse, if we do not religion, " Thou shalt love thy neighbor both aim at it, and actually attain the as thyself," to make the pleasing of our same degrees of holiness and purity with brethren. by every lawful means, an obany of those that have gone before us. ject of attention, and a subordinate end of Let us then consider all those persons our conduct. And as our neighbor is comcelebrated in Scripture history, as exam- manded to love us as himself, both reason ples which we not only ought to copy and religion teach us to render ourselves after, but may, through God's grace, hope as amiable to him as we can, that so we to equal: and, instead of being dazzled may facilitate his performance of that imwith the lustre of their virtues, let us portant duty. search into the principles which influenced Neither, on the other hand, are we their conduct, that, by cherishing these, wholly to disregard the censures of men, we may be animated to go on, and do as or be altogether unconcerned, when our they did. reputation is blackened by injurious caThe apostle mentions, in the text, one lumnies. "A good name is better than of distinguished efficacy, which I propose precious ointment." It is a special blessto make the subject of this discourse: A ing which we are to receive with thanksupreme desire to please God, who trieth fulness from the hand of God; and it is the heart, without regard either to the our duty to preserve it as carefully as we praise or censure of men. It was this which can. Without a good name, no man can 230 SERMON XXXVI. be useful in the world. To neglect it or say of me, if I act in this manner? therefore, where it does not proceed from a Will it endanger my reputation, or hurt consciousness of guilt, is certainly in most my interst, or prevent my rising in the cases a very culpable indifference. Thus world? You will easily see that a considfar, then, the judgment of men is to be erable time must elapse before all these regarded; but then we must please our difficult points can be settled. Weheras brethren only so far as it is pleasing to the man whose single aim is to please God, God. In every case we must state the is at once freed from all these incummatter thus: Whether it is wiser to obey brances. He no sooner discovers the will God or man? to fear those who, after of God, than he proceeds immediately to they have killed the body, have no more action; and whilst the other is bewildered that they can do? or to fear him who, with numberless conjectures, he goes after he hath killed, can destroy both cheerfully forward, leaving all his temposoul and body in hell? We must not ral concerns in the hands of that God by only contemn the favor of men when com- whose law he is governed, and to whose pared with the approbation of God, but disposal he is entirely resigned. And is learn to value it among those transitory not this an unspeakable advantage, towards things which are only desirable as means abounding in the fruits of righteousness? for attaining a higher end. How free is the mind of such a man? how In like manner, the displeasure of men, firm are his steps? He walks straight if unjust, must be reckoned among our forward, without deviating into by-paths; light afflictions, which are but for a mo- and whilst his conscience tells him that he ment. In such circumstances, it must is accepted of God, he enjoys a pure and appear a small matter to us to be judged unmixed tranquillity, which the world can of man's judgment: " We have one that neither give nor take away. judgeth us, even God." That prophecy A 2d happy effect that would flow from of our Saviour must be constantly remem- our being animated with a steady and prebered, that the world will hate us; and vailing desire of pleasing God, would be, his example must be ever before our eyes, that our conduct would thereby become who condescended to be scorned, and buf- consistent and uniform. God alone is infeted, and slandered as an impostor and variable. What pleased him yesterday, blasphemer; who made himself of no re- pleaseth him to-day as well; and though putation, but endured the cross, and de- his commandments are exceeding broad, spised the shame, leaving us an example yet they perfectly agree among themselves, that we should follow his steps. In a and make one beautiful and harmonious word, God must be pleased by all means; system. Whereas men not only differ his approbation is the one thing needful; from one another, but at times from themhe is now our Witness, and will ere long selves also, and require opposite and conbe our Judge; and in these two characters tradictory things, which makes it absolutewe ought constantly to set him before us. ly impossible to please any number of them This is the temper which the apostle at one time, or even to continue long in expresseth in the text. I proceed now, the favor of any one of them, without the in the most disgraceful inconsistencies in our Second place, to represent the happy conduct; but he, whose single aim is to effects which would flow from our being please God, in some measure resembles the animated with this steady and prevailing Father of lights, "with whom is no variadesire of pleasing God. bleness, neither shadow of turning. " "His And, in the Ist place, This would make path is as the morning light, that shineth us ready to every good work, by remov- more and more unto the perfect day." ing all those grounds of hesitation and His character is still brightening; he adsuspense, whereby double-minded people vanceth from one degree of grace to anare perplexed and retarded in their way. other; and is every moment drawing nearA man must be very slow in his motions, er to the enjoyment of that God whose when every step is burdened with such approbation he constantly sought. questions as these: What will men think In the 3d place, The divine principle THE GREAT TRUST. 231 mentioned in my text would produce an portunity of showing my regard to my universal obedience to the laws of God, Lord, as by serving him now that I am because they are but various ways of com- brought to the test? He is now saying passing the important end at which it aims. to me, as once he said to Peter, " Lovest The man who is truly animated with it, thou me more than these? " Awake then, will, like David, have a "respect to all O my soul, and answer with that apostle, God's commandments; " and instead of " Thou, Lord, who knowest all things, complaining that they are grievous, will knowest that I love thee;" and I adore rather rejoice at being furnished with such thy goodness in granting me this oppora variety of opportunities for promoting tunity of testifying the strength and sinthe glory of his heavenly Father. This cerity of my love, to thy glory and my divine principle will have influence upon unspeakable comfort. Such will be the him in the most secret retirement, as well sentiments of the man whose single aim as when he acts in the open view of the is to obtain the approbation of God. He world. The hypocrite, who courts the ap- will continue firm and unshaken amidst probation of men, may be very exact and the greatest sufferings; whilst the hypopunctual in the outward exercises of reli- crite, like the base multitude who followed gion; but he who seeks to please God will Christ only for the loaves, will be offended, not rest in these. He knows that his Fa- and fall off, when a day of trouble comes. ther seeth him in secret; he rejoiceth in I shall only add, in the the thought of it, and therefore omits no 5th and last place, That this divine duty that bears the stamp of his author- principle will make a man easy and satisity: Yea, his heart is as much engaged fled, whatever be his outward condition in in the severest acts of self-denial, as in the world. He knows that his lot is apthose instances of obedience which are ac- pointed by God, and his only anxiety is companied with the most immediate plea- to perform that part which hath been assure and advantage. And this leads me signed to him; being fully assured that to observe, in the God, who is no respecter of persons, will 4th place, That a sincere desire of pleas- graciously accept his sincere endeavors to ing God would likewise lessen the difficul- please him, whether his station be high or ties of obedience, and support us under all low, whether his circumstances be rich or the sufferings to which our duty may at poor. His only concern is, that Christ any time expose us. Perhaps our duty may be magnified in his body. Like a may be accompanied with much pain and determined traveller, he takes the road as trouble in the world; perhaps, like Paul, he finds it, and makes no complaints, prowe may be shamefully entreated, and, like vided it lead him to the end of his journey. the rest of the apostles, looked upon as These are some of the advantages which the filth and offscouring of all things. But would flow from a sincere and steady destill the Christian reasons thus: "What sire of pleasing God, and him only. But are these things to me? Is it not better to set these advantages in a more striking to please God, than to indulge this corrupt light, let us a little examine the opposite flesh, or to seek the approbation of man, principle, and take a view of the man " whose breath is in his nostrils? " Should whose great aim is to obtain the approbaI please men, I could not be the servant tion of his fellow-creatures. Consider, of Christ. Those hardships and difficul- then, ties which I now suffer will soon be at an 1st. To what a drudgery he subjects end; and though my good things are not himself, and what a strange and inconin this life, yet hereafter I shall be com- sistent part he must act. He makes himforted in that- state, "where the wicked self the servant of every man, whose cencease from troubling, and the weary are at sure he fears, or whose praise he covets. rest." Was I not forewarned by my He renounceth his own will and reasonblessed Saviour, that the way to his king- and to whom? Not to God, who requires dom lay through many tribulations; and nothing but what is holy, just, and good; shall I now faint because I find it to be but to creatures like himself, ignorant, so? Where can I enjoy so good an op- perverse, and capricious. He who is re 232 SERMON XXXVI. solved to please men, must follow them end; but if he attempts to manage so as through all their jarring inconsistent hu- to please them, he will be miserably dismors. He must undo to-morrow what appointed. For though the few that shared he does to-day; he must assume a dif- of his bounty may possibly be satisfied ferent appearance in every company; he with their proportion; yet the rest, who must be the servant of servants, con- got nothing, will revile, and perhaps curse temptible in the sight of God, and often him as penurious and unmerciful. Bedespised by those very men whose appro- sides, the different parties and interfering bation he courts. For it is to be observed, interests of men, make it impossible to that respect and esteem are sooner found please all. If, in any case, you join with by an honest indifference about them, one party, the other, of course, will be ofthan by an anxious pursuit of them. They fended; if you keep yourself disengaged who are satisfied with the approbation of from either side, you will probably incur their heavenly Father, who seeth them in the resentment of both; or, if you think to secret, are for the most part rewarded by keep the good-will of both by trimming, him openly, according to what the wise making each believe that you are on their man saith, "When a man's ways please side, besides the baseness of the practice, the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to which must set a man at irreconcilable be at peace with him." Whereas it holds variance with himself, you must live in a almost universally true, that men lose re- perpetual fear of discovery; and when you spect in proportion as they are observed are detected, both will hate you worse to court it with anxiety, and sink thereby than they do each other. Nay, in the into greater contempt than otherwise they 4th place, Should you give up the idea would have done. But, of obtaining universal favor, and content 2dly. Let us suppose that they obtain yourselves with pleasing a few; yet such what they covet so earnestly. How trivial is the mutability of men's tempers, that is the acquisition! " Verily," saith our your success, even in this limited attempt, Lord concerning men-pleasers, " they have is very precarious. For how variable is their reward." Ah! poor reward! to obtain the mind of man? ever shifting about, and the favor and friendship of dying men, in- alternately pleased and displeased with the stead of the approbation of God, and the same thing. When you have spent the testimony of a good conscience; to remem- best of your days in building upon this ber, in hell, that they were well spoken of sand, one blast shall throw down the on earth, and that the sentence of their laborious fabric in a moment. For diffiJudge was the first thing that undeceived cult as it is to gain the favor of men, it is their fellow-creatures as to their true still more difficult to preserve it, or to recharacter. This is the whole amount of gain it when it is lost. Serve them as their gain, even supposing that they suc- submissively as you can, yet some cross ceed in their pursuit. But I must now accident, some failure in gratifying their add, in the unreasonable expectations, may suddenly 3d place, That this is only a supposi- turn all your honors into disgrace, and tion; for so great is the difficulty of pleas- leave you to complain, as cardinal Wolsey ing men, that, after all your pains, it is did, " Had I served God as faithfully as ten thousand to one but you shall fail in man, he would not thus have forsaken me the attempt. The very number of those in my old age." Nay, the perverseness whom you would please, renders it almost of many is so great, that they require conimpossible to succeed in it. tradictions ere they will be pleased. If We cannot at one time observe all who John come fasting, they say, " he hath a observe us, and expect to be pleased by devil:" If Christ come eating and drinkus. We are like a person who has but a ing, they say, " Behold a man gluttonous few pieces of money in his pocket, and a and a wine-bibber, a friend of publicans crowd of beggars about him. If, accord- and sinners." If your judgment and pracing to his best judgment, he divides the tice be accommodated to your superiors, whole among the most needy, that he may some will call you supple and temporiz. please God, he is sure of attaining his ing: if it be otherwise, you will perhaps THE GREAT TRUST. 233 be reproached as discontented and sedi- Christ." To him you owe all your homtious. age; him only you are bound to please. Thus, you see, that it is impossible to And is not his favor a sufficient portion? please all men, or even any considerable Did he suffer, and bleed, and die, that number of them at one time. Nor have your hearts might be his, and will you rewe cause to wonder at this, when we con- fuse him that which he hath so dearly sider, that our blessed Saviour himself, bought? Where can you find a better notwithstanding his perfect innocence and Master, or one that you can be so certain wisdom, was more reviled than any man. of pleasing, if you apply yourselves to it? Can you do more to deserve the favor of He requires no contradictory or impracmen than Christ did? or can you expect ticable services. He hath left you in no to please those who are displeased with uncertainty about your duty. You need God himself? For is not God daily dis- not say, " Wherewith shall we come bepleasing men in the course of his Provi- fore the Lord? He hath shewed thee, O dence? and what is there that they quar- man, what is good, and what he requires of rel with more bitterly than with his word? you," even in his written word, which he In fine, how can we expect to please any hath given to be " a lamp to your feet number of our fellow-creatures when we and a light unto your paths." He makes cannot even please ourselves constantly? also the most gracious allowances for your And for the truth of this, I appeal to infirmities. The willing mind is accepted your own experience. You must be sin- by him; and although through weakness gular indeed, if you never fall out with you fall short of your own good purposes, yourselves; I mean singularly inattentive yet he will say to you as he did to David, (to give it no harsher name), for with the when he purposed to build him an house, best I am sure there is too often just " It was well that it was in thine heart." cause for it. If then we are not able to Who then would not apply himself to gain preserve our own esteem at all times, how the approbation of such a master? This can we expect to preserve the approbation aim, well established, would be a constant of other men? principle of holy obedience, and make us And now what is your judgment upon to abound in all those fruits of righteousthe whole? Is not man-pleasing both a ness, which are through Christ to the mean and fruitless attempt? Is it wise praise and glory of God. Let this henceto have for your aim a thing so disquiet- forth then be our sole ambition, to aping, and so very precarious? Is it not prove ourselves to him, by whose senby far the wiser course to seek the appro- tence our final condition must be deterbation of God. who trieth your hearts, mined. And let it be our constant rewhom you please most effectually when quest at the throne of grace, that God by you pursue your own best interest? He his almighty Spirit may exalt our souls is not variable in his affections, like men. above every mean and sordid view, and Whom he loves, he loves unto the end. enable us always so to speak and act, " Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor " not as pleasing men, but God who trieth principalities, nor powers, nor things pre- our hearts."-Then the peace of God, sent, nor things to come, nor height, nor which passeth all understanding, shall depth, nor any other creature, shall be keep our hearts and minds through Christ able to separate us from his love, which Jesus; and amidst all the changing scenes is in Christ Jesus our Lord." of life, we shall have this for our rejoicing, Let me then address you in the words even the testimony of a good conscience, of this same apostle on another occasion, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not " Ye are bought with a price, be not ye with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of the servants of men." Remember what God, we have had our conversation in the our Lord said to his disciples while he world. Amen. was on earth; " One is your Master, even 234 SERMON XXXVII. to us, supposeth that we have already SERMON XXXVII. chosen the ways of God; so it implies also, that our choice is the fruit of mature THE APOSTLE S EXHORTATION, and solid consideration. " This purpose of heart," with which we are to " cleave ACTS xI. 23.-"And exhorted them all, that unto the Lord," is not a blind and obstiwith purpose of heart they would cleave unto nate bigotry, which pusheth men headthe LORD." long in a way which they know not. Persons of this character may have a fair IT is not easy to conceive a more corn- show in the time of prosperity.; but when plete or amiable character than that which they are brought to the trial of adversity, is given of Barnabas in the following verse: they will relinquish against reason what " He was a good man, and full of the Holy they began without it; and will turn as Ghost, and of faith." And as a good man, violent in opposing religion, as ever they out of the good treasure of his heart, seemed zealous in promoting it. In the bringeth forth good things; so this faith- 2d place, The exhortation in my text reful minister of Christ, who had been sent quires the habitual exercise of all the graces by the church iu Jerusalem to visit the of the Christian life; the constant performnew converts at Antioch, having seen anceof every commanded duty. It is not those real effects of the grace of God enough that we draw near to the Lord on among them, of which he had formerly some stated occasions, orhave some tranheard the agreeable report, was filled with sient flashes of devotion, like the Israelites joy; and, like a true " son of consolation," of old, concerning whom it is said (Hosea which his name signifies, he " exhorted vi. 4.) that their goodness, like "the them all, that with purpose of heart they morning cloud and early dew," appeared would cleave unto the Lord."-My design for a little, and then "vanished" away. in discoursing from these words is, We must cleave to the Lord at all times; ist. To explain the exhortation con- devotion must be the prevailing temper tained in them; 2dly. To enforce it by of our minds; and our habitual practice some motives and arguments; and, 3dly. must correspond to it. It must be our To offer some directions which, through the fixed design, and sincere resolution, to blessing of God, may be useful to those keep all God's commandments, at all who are desirous of complying with it. times, and in all places and circumstances. I BEGIN with explaining the exhorta- Some there are who lay down resolution contained in the text. And, tions for the performance of certain duties, Ist. It is obvious, that it supposeth with a designed exception of others: Or those to whom it is directed to be already perhaps they purpose to perform all the entered upon a religious course of life. branches of duty for a particular seaBarnabas addressed his discourse to per- son, with a secret reserve, that when that sons who were real converts to Chris- time shall be elapsed, they will then retianity. It appears from the 21st and 22d turn to their former course of life. But verses, that the tidings which had come all such resolutions are an abomination to Jerusalem concerning them, expressly to God, as being hypocritical and insinaffirmed, that " agreat number had believed cere; and plainly show that the first step and turned unto the Lord:" and Barnabas, in religion is not yet taken. For at the soon after his arrival at Antioch, received least, it is essential to the character of a full conviction that this report was true; true Christian, that there be a fixed and for " he saw the grace of God, and was peremptory design to adhere to all duty glad." The form of his exhortation in- at all times. Grievous failures and sins deed sufficiently distinguisheth the char- there may be, even where there are such acter of those to whom it was addressed; honest and upright purposes; but if these for such as had never been joined to the are wanting, our profession of religion must Lord could not, with any propriety, be be altogether vain. In the exhorted to cleave or to adhere to him. 2d place, The exhortation in my text And as this exhortation, when addressed requires that we make an open and honest THE APOSTLE'S EXHORTATION. 235 profession of our adherence to the Lord. without wearying, and walk without faintAnd I mention this, not only because of ing, " pressing toward the mark, for the the importance of the thing itself, but prize of the high calling of God in Christ also on account of the shameful and per- Jesus." We must not give up religious nicious failure even of some good people exercises, either because of the frequent in this matter. Instead of confessing repetition of self-denying duties, or of the Christ boldly before men, they take as bodily decay which old age brings on, or wide steps as their consciences will allow. of the increasing infirmities of the mind. them, to speak the language, and to act We must not give over our work in desthe manners, of a corrupt generation, from pondency, because of the slowness of our the dread of appearing singular, or of in- progress, the smallness of our success, or curring the charge of ostentation or hypo- the number and strength of our enemies. crisy. But this method of concealing, or For all these discouragements will soon rather indeed of giving away, a part of be over, " and in due time we shall reap, our religion, to secure the reputation if we faint not, a glorious and everlasting of the rest, is neither honest nor wise. reward." Having thus explained the exHonest it cannot be; for it is just as hortation in my text, I proceed now, in the fraudulent to impose upon men, by seem- Second place, To enforce it by some ing worse than we are, as by seeming motives and arguments. Consider then, better: and surely it is not wise; for if 1st. That the same reasons which at we resolve to have the appearance of no first determined you to choose the ways of more religion than corrupt minds will God, are equally forcible for inciting you allow to be sincere, I am afraid we must to persevere in them to the end. Upon give it up altogether, and preserve the what grounds did ye embrace your religopinion of our honesty, by appearing to ion at first? Why was it that ye ratified, have no religion at all. Hypocrisy is a when ye came to years, that profession inbad thing, not because it wears the form to which ye were baptized? Was it beof religion, but because it wants the cause of the divine authority upon which power of it; and the way to avoid hypo- your religion rests? This reason surely crisy, is not by doing less than the hypo- still holds to make you adhere to it amidst trite, but by doing more and better. Our the strongest temptations; for divine auSaviour, who spent whole nights in prayer, thority is always to be obeyed, whatever cannot be supposed to condemn the Pha- difficulties lie in the way; nay, though the risees for praying long; but for making commands of the highest powers on earth their prayers a cloak to cover their covet- should interfere with it. Was it concern ousness and oppression. He does not for your eternal salvation, and a convicfind fault with them for their outward tion that " there is noI other name under beauty, but for their inward pollution and heaven, given among men, whereby you can deformity. If holiness be really within us, be saved, but the name of Christ?" and we have no occasion to dread any harm from does not this reason bind you as much to its appearing outwardly. It will at length cleave to the Lord as to come to him at overcome the malice of the world, and prove first? " The Lord is with you while ye its divine original, both by its native lus- be with him; and if you seek him he will tre, and its powerful influence, upon those be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he who behold it. Once more, in the will forsake you." He that endureth to 4th place, The exhortation in my text re- the end," saith Christ, " shall be saved." quires, that we persevere in our adherence "But if any man draw back, my soul to the Lord to the end of our lives. It shall have no pleasure in him." Nay, is not sufficient that we begin well, and the case of apostates is represented continue faithful for a while; we must hold every where in Scripture as inconceivably on our way, and wax stronger and stronger more dreadful than that of any other sinas we proceed. We must not be wearied ners. Once more, did you enter upon a with the length of the way, but, "lifting religious course of life, because your up the hands that hang down, and strength- consciences would not suffer you to be ening the feeble knees," we must run at peace till you had done so? This rea 236 SERMON XXXVIL son also binds you to persevere as you 3d place, What obligations you lie unhave begun; for the more faithfully you der to this Lord to whom you are exhortcleave to the Lord, the more steadfast- ed in the text to "cleave with purpose of ly you resist temptation, the greater peace heart." He it was that befriended you in and tranquillity you will have in your own your greatest necessity, and that brought minds. Nay, the obstacles which now salvation with his own arm, when there make your progress difficult and painful, was no other eye to pity you, nor any will gradually disappear, and at length you other hand that could help you. Think shall find, that " Wisdom's ways are ways on the greatness of the love of Christ, and of pleasantness, and that all her paths are on the costly proofs he gave of it, in conpeace." In a word, whatever good reason descending to become a man. and " a man we had to set out in the Christian course, of sorrows," and at last to die under the bitthe same reason will hold for our perse- terest agonies, for the redemption of your verance in it. If we began it from bad or souls; and then let gratitude suggest to from worldly motives, our religion is but you what returns may reasonably be expectan empty profession, without any reality. ed from creatures so infinitely indebted to In this case we are not yet Christians; him as you have been. Did the Lord and therefore the exhortation in the text Jesus, without any importunity from us, doth not belong to us. Consider, in the and even contrary to our desires, persist 2d place, That all the bribes which can in his gracious design of saving us, till he be offered, in order to seduce you from could say upon the cross, " It is finished?" your adherence to the Lord, are vain, pre- and shall not we persevere with steadfastcarious, and unsatisfying. How often ness in our duty and allegiance to him? have men " made shipwreck of faith and Surely, if his heart clave to us, when he of a good conscience," for a mere shadow had nothing to merit or invite his love, much of expectation, which was never realized more should our hearts cleave to Him, to them? But though you should obtain who is not only infinitely amiable in himall that this world can present to you, yet self, but, which is still more interesting, how bitter is that advantage which is pur- infinitely kind and gracious to us. Once chased at the expense of inward peace and more, in the tranquillity? Nay, how vain and precari- 4th place, Consider that this duty, alous are the enjoyments of this world at though difficult, is by no means impractithe best? " Riches often make to them- cable. Thousands of our brethren, all men selves wings and flee away;" and then of like passions with ourselves, have perthey leave the person much more unhap- servered to the end in cleaving to the py than they found him, under the domin- Lord, and are now enjoying the glorious ion of inflamed appetites, without the reward of their steadfast adherence to him. proper objects to satisfy them. The joy of All necessary aid is provided for you, and the wicked is like the':crackling of thorns ready to be conveyed to you as often as under a pot;" vain whilst it lasts, and you shall ask it. For " God is faithful, soon at an end. Balaam loved the re- who will not suffer you to be tempted ward of unrighteousness, and he obtained above what ye are able to bear, but will it: but what did he reap from it at last? with the temptation also make a way to he returned to his own country loaded escape, that ye may be able to bear it." with riches, but all his enjoyments were Indeed, had you no other strength but embittered by " an evil conscience," and your own, to exhort you to " cleave unto he himself was soon after brought to an the Lord," would only be to mock your untimely end by the victorious arms of misery. But help is laid for you on One the Israelites. - So deceitful are the offers who is mighty, and is no less willing than with which this world would seduce you powerful, to support you under all your from your adherence to the Lord. But trials. He can perfect strength in your in cleaving to the Lord, you can never be weakness; and whilst you are stretching disappointed in your expectations; for he forth your feeble arms to embrace him, he hath said, "I will never leave thee nor will inclose you in the arms of his Omniforsake thee." Consider, in the potence, and work in you effectually THE APOSTLE'S EXHORTATION. 237 "both to will and to do of his good plea- ing must not therefore be extended to sure.7" those whose understandings are visibly Having thus explained the exhortation weak, and unapt to receive or to retain inin the text, and endeavored to enforce it struction; for out of the mouths of such by some motives and arguments, I pro- babes and sucklings, God may, and often ceed now, as was proposed, in the doth, perfect his praise. But when men Third place, To offer some directions, are quick enough to learn other things, which, through the blessing of God, may and yet remain ignorant of the great truths be useful to those who are desirous of of Christianity; when they discover no complying with this exhortation. And, anxiety, nor use any proper endeavors, to in the acquire the knowledge of them; this 1st place, Labor to have your minds as voluntary ignorance, whatever they may richly furnished as possible with true pretend, is a plain prodf of an unconverted Christian knowledge. Study the nature state. Let none who acknowledge and and the reasons of the religion which you lament their ignorance, and who use the profess, that you may be able to confute means to have it removed, be discouraged gainsayers, or at least to withstand their at what I have now said; for they are not attempts to seduce and pervert you. the persons concerning whom I speak. Knowledge must lie at the root of our But if I could meditate a reproof of more steadfastness; otherwise, let the cause in than ordinary sharpness, I would address which we are engaged be ever so good, it to those who, amidst Bibles and Serour adherence to it is nothing else than mons, and other excellent helps for their obstinacy of temper; which can neither spiritual improvement, remain stupidly please God, nor bring any real advantage ignorant of the most essential points of to ourselves. In such a case, if a man is Christianity, without any shame and conin the right, it is merely by accident: he cern. And, alas! what numbers of this might as readily have been in the wrong; description are to be found among us? and it is very possible, nay extremely How many claim the peculiar privileges likely, that some new "wind of doctrine " of Christians, who know little more of may seduce him, and that he may become Christianity than the name? Nay, is it as violent in his enmity to the gospel as not to be feared, that many who partake he was once warm in supporting it. It is of the holy sacrament of the Lord's Suptrue, indeed, there may be a great deal of per are so grossly ignorant of the nature sound knowledge in the head, where there of that ordinance, that, with respect to is no real grace in the heart. A foreigner them, the communion-table itself may bear may learn to speak the language of Zion the same inscription which Paul found so well, that it will be difficult to dis- upon the altar at Athens, " To the untinguish him from one who is " an Israel- known God." This, my brethren, yields ite indeed." But, on the other hand, it us a very melancholy prospect: for surely is absolutely certain, that grace cannot they are not likely to prove steadfast consist with gross ignorance: For the Christians, who know so little of Christifirst operation of the Spirit of God is to anity, that it is hard to find out upon open men's eyes, and to turn them from what grounds they are Christians at all. darkness unto light: Consequently, where I would therefore recommend it to you, there is no light, it must be concluded with the greatest earnestness, to study that there is no grace. Some exceptions the principles of that religion which you there may be; and there have been ex- profess. Spareno pains that may be neamples of persons, in whose temper and cessary to get a thorough acquaintance practice the lineaments of the New Crea- with them, and then you will be in less ture could plainly be discerned, who, by danger of forsaking them when an hour of reason of their natural dulness, were in- trial comes. " They that know their God," capable of acquiring any distinct know- said the angel to Daniel, " shall be strong ledge of the principles of religion, or at and do exploits." "For understanding least of expressing what they knew to the shall keep thee," saith Solomon, " to desatisfaction of others. This rule of judg- liver thee from the way of the evil man, 238 SERMON XXXVIL from the man that speaketh froward things, tle considered by the generality of Chriswho leave the paths of uprightness, to tians. We commonly think ourselves sewalk in the ways of darkness." But, cure when out of the way of external 2d1y. Besides the speculative know- temptations, and suffer our minds to roam ledge of divine truths, you must also at large wherever fancy presents an amuslabor to acquire an inward experience ing object. Whereas we ought to consider, and relish of them. Did we truly feel that whatever inflames our passions, or their influence upon our own hearts, it gives them an improper direction, is would serve in place of a thousand ar- equally hurtful to the soul, whether the guments to prove their divine original. cause be real or imaginary. Nay, I am He would be a cunning sophister, indeed, persuaded, that the tempter doth often who could persuade a man that honey was make greater havoc in our hearts, by bitter, whilst he tasted the sweetness of it mingling his poison with the suggestions in his mouth. It is an experimental con- of our own minds, than by all the other viction of the truth of the gospel, which methods of temptation. If we would keep fortifies the true Christian against all the our hearts indeed, we must watch their arts of seducers. He hath a witness motions as carefully when we are alone, as within himself, and can bring a proof from when we are abroad, and in the midst of his own heart, both of the truth and ex- danger. The presence of God should concellence of the religion which he pro- stantly overawe our most secret thoughts, fesseth. It was a stubborn question which and have equal influence on us in our reAthanasius put to the heathens of his tirement, as when we act in the open view time, who denied the resurrection of of the world.-A Christ. " If Christ be not alive," said he, 4th direction I shall give you in the "how doth he yet destroy your idols, and words of the apostle Paul, (Romans xi. cast out devils, and convert and subdue 20.) " Be not high minded, but fear." the world to himself? Are these the Remember what our blessed Lord said to works of a dead man?" In like manner his disciples, "Without me ye can do can the sanctified soul say, " Have I felt nothing." Nothing is more offensive to Christ opening my blind eyes, binding the God than pride. When our hearts begin strong man, and casting him out? Have to swell with an high opinion of our own I felt him stamping his image upon my strength, he is provoked to withhold his soul, and bringing me with boldness into grace from us; because all that is poured the presence of that God whom I had of- into the proud soul runs over in self-apfended? And after this, shall I doubt plause, and so is like water spilt on a whether there be a Christ, or whether this rock, with respect to any good that it doth Christ be able to save me? " Thus can to a man himself, or any glory which it the true believer, who hath felt the power brings to God. The proud heart, like the of Christianity, bring unanswerable argu- towering cliff, is never fruitful. If we ments for its truth from his own experi- would in due time be exalted, we must ence: arguments which neither the temp- first humble ourselves under the mighty tations of Satan, nor the cavils of wicked hand of God. This is the way to obtain men, will be able to overthrow. fresh supplies of his supporting grace. 3dly. If you would cleave with stead- "Happy is the man," saith Solomon, fastness unto the Lord, attend constantly " who feareth always." A holy diffidence to the inward frame and temper of your of ourselves is the true temper of a Chrishearts. Make conscience of watching tian, and will both serve to keep us out of over your most secret thoughts. Suffer the way of temptation, and teach us to act them not to wander without control, or to with the caution of men who perceive their spend their strength upon things which danger, and are careful to shun it. cannot profit you; otherwise you will open 5thly. Avoid, as much as possible, the a wide door to the enemy, and even fur- fellowship of wicked men. This is an adnish him with weapons which he will not vice which I am inclined to repeat as often fail to improve against you. I am afraid as I can find occasion for it; and indeed the importance of this direction is too lit- it is scarcely possible to insist upon it as THE APOSTLE'S EXHORTATION. 239 much as its importance deserves. A man all this we must add constant and fervent who is careless of his company, disregards prayer to God. By this we maintain corhis own soul. If therefore you would respondence with the "Father of lights, cleave unto the Lord, imitate the holy from whom cometh down every good and Psalmist, and give charge to evil-doers to perfect gift." Prayer is the messenger depart from you. Let the saints, the ex- which he hath appointed for conveying to cellent ones of the earth, be the men of us help in every time of need. He hath your counsel. We stand much in need of promised his Spirit to them who ask it. all the assistance which we can derive from Let us "ask and receive, that our joy may our fellow Christians: " Woe tohimthatis be full." alone when he falleth," saith the wise Thus, my brethren, I have suggested to man, " for he hath not another to help you a few plain directions, which, through him up." Whereas, when Christians join the blessing of God, may be of use to together in holy communion, like trees assist you in maintaining that firm adheplanted in a thicket, they shelter and de- rence to the Lord which my text recomfend one another. They have boldness to mends. All that now remains is, that I face their adversaries, as well as strength entreat you to reduce them to practice. to baffle their attempts to seduce them. And what motive can I present to you " Let us then exhort one another daily, so powerful as the consideration, that " to lest any of us be hardened through the them who, by a patient continuance in deceitfulness of sin." Like brethren, let well-doing, seek for glory, honor, and imus dwell together in love and unity, having mortality, God will render eternal life."all our spiritual goods in common, being " To him that overcometh," saith Christ, "' ready to distribute, willing to communi- " will I grant to sit down with me on my cate," according to the measure of gifts throne, even as I also overcame, and am and graces which it hath pleased our set down with my Father on his throne." heavenly Father to bestow on us.-In the The time draweth near, when you shall be 6th and last place, If we would obey placed beyond the reach of temptation, the exhortation in the text, we must be- when your warfare shall be accomplished, ware of neglecting the instrumental duties and your struggles at an end; and who of religion. Let us carefully read the would not sustain a short, though it were Holy Scriptures, which God, in mercy, hath a sharp conflict, that he might obtain a given us to be a "lamp to our feet, and a triumphant victory? Some of us perlight unto our path." " The law of the Lord haps have but a few more efforts to make, is perfect, converting the soul: the testi- and a few more assaults to sustain, before mony of the Lord is sure, making wise the Christ shall call us home to receive the simple." To reading you must join the enriching reward-a reward not of debt hearing of the word preached; that power- but of grace; even that exceeding and ful ordinance which God hath so remark- eternal weight of glory, with which our ably countenanced in all ages of the light and momentary afflictions are not church, and made effectual, by his blessing, worthy to be compared. Let us all then both for the conversion of sinners, and for be persuaded, " with purpose of heart to the establishment of his own people. Un- cleave unto the Lord." Let us count all der this head I would particularly recom- things but loss, that we may win Christ, mend to you a devout attendance upon and be found in him, not having our own the holy sacrament of the Lord's Sup- righteousness, but that everlasting rightper, which is so peculiarly calculated to eousness which he hath prepared for them strengthen our faith, and to build us up in who "cleave to him." Let us go from holiness and comfort, unto eternal life. this place, saying as Peter did, only with This hath been found, in the experience more humility, " Though all men should of all the saints, to be a most blessed in- forsake thee, yet will not we." And "now stitution, which hath in every age enabled unto him that is able to keep you from men to hold on their way with alacrity falling, and to present you faultless beand joy, and in every situation hath as- fore the presence of his glory with exceedsisted them to renew their strength. To ing joy: To the only wise God our Sav 240 SERMON XXXVIII. iour, be glory and majesty, dominion and to conclude, that the evidence of his goodpower, both now and ever." Amen. ness must be clear and irresistible, when he offers it to trial before the most partial tribunal, and submits his vindication to those very persons who cannot justify him SERMON XXXVIII. without condemning themselves? But as sinners are naturally supposed to shun the light, and to turn away their eyes from every thing that hath a tenMICAII vi. 3.-" 0 my People, what have I done dency to humble and abase them; it may unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? be of use to bring this cause to a fair and Testify against ME." open trial: Which, through divine assistance, I propose to do. IT is impossible to predict what impres- First. By giving you a direct proof of sion the same truth will make upon the the goodness of God, and of his tender different minds of men. That word, which concern for the welfare of his creatures. will pierce one man to the " dividing asun- Secondly. By examining some of the der of the soul and spirit," may have no most plausible objections which are urged edge at all when addressed to another. against the mildness and equity of the But were I to judge from my own feelings, divine administration. I should think, that all the terrors of God I will then conclude with a divine and could not more effectually awe the heart practical improvement of the subject. of a sinner, than the passage of Scripture I BEGIN with giving you a direct proof which I have now read. It strikes my of the goodness of God, and of his tenear like the last sound of God's mercy. der concern for the welfare of his creaDoth the Almighty command andthreaten? tures. This appears, in the I fear and tremble: yet I have still some 1st place, From the unwearied patience expectation that his compassion may in- which he exerciseth towards transgressors. terpose in my behalf.-But doth he put How easily could he arrest them in the off his terrible Majesty, and, instead of midst of their mad career, and hurry them vindicating the authority, condescend to to judgment with all their provocations on plead the reasonableness of his law? then their heads? Might not God have seized I am sure that his forbearance is almost thee, O sinner, in the very act of sin, with exhausted, and that my day of grace is a curse or a lie in thy mouth, and have drawing near to an end. For as he neither stopped that breath with which thou wast wants power to punish, nor provocation to insulting his name and his laws? How justify the punishment he might inflict, often might he have summoned thee to his his design in stooping so low, can only be dread tribunal in a fit of drunkenness; and to render my condemnation consistent with made thee sober in that place of torment the utmost extent of his mercy. In the where there is not a drop of water to cool words of the text, the Supreme Lord of the thirsty tongue? Ah, how easy a heaven and earth appeals to sinners them- matter it is for the Almighty to bring selves for the mildness and equity of his down the proudest of his foes? to silence government: and challengeth them to pro- the profane, injurious railer? to bind the duce one instance of undue severity to- hands of the oppressors, and to make them wards them, or the least shadow of excuse know that they are but worms? We read for their undutiful behavior towards him. of one angel destroying in one night an " O my people, what have I done unto hundred and fourscore and five thousand thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? Assyrians; and myriads of angels stand Testify against me." And doth the in- continually before his throne ready to exefinitely wise God condescend to be tried cute whatever he commands. He is the at the bar of human reason? Can it then Lord of Hosts, " who doth according to be supposed that his cause is doubtful, or his will in the army of heaven, and among that he runs the least hazard of being the inhabitants of the earth." How easily cast in judgment? Have we not reason can he throw thee into a bed of languish THE IMPORTANT INQUIRY. 241 ing? and waste thy strength under such a impending fate of Jerusalem, and bemoanpining sickness, or racking pain, as to ing the hardness of heart of those who make thee cry for mercy to him whom attended his ministry; view him in his thou blasphemest, and even beg the pray- agony, and in his conflict with the powers ers of those whom thou wast wont to of darkness; hear him on the cross prayscorn? But God hath as yet done none ing for his enemies; and then suppose, if of these things. By his merciful visita- you are able, that your ruin can be pleastion he preserves thee in the land of the ing to him who hath done so much to preliving and in the land of hope. He sup- vent it. But, in the plies all thy wants, and loads thee with 3d place, The various means which God increasing benefits. He gave thee that employs for reclaiming men from their breath which thou hast breathed out ways of folly and vice, afford another against him, and every moment of that proof of his goodness, and of his tender time which thou hast squandered away in concern for their welfare. He is not only idleness, sensuality, and the works of the the Author of the gracious plan of our flesh. Why doth he yet wait to be gra- redemption, but he hath likewise set becious, if he were not tenderly solicitous fore us the most powerful motives to perfor thy welfare? Surely his sparing mer- suade us to embrace his offered favor, and cy must be intended to bring thee back to to comply with his designs of mercy. himself: He restrains his wrath, that his Every consideration which can be sup. goodness, like coals of fire, may melt down posed to work, either on our hopes or our thine impenitence, and thy hardness of fears, is set before us in the most striking heart: ~" The Lord is not slack concern- light. The veil is removed from the ining his promise, (as some men count slack- visible world; the joys of glorified saints, ness) but is long-suffering to us-ward, not and the torments of despairing sinners, willing that any should perish, but that are made the subject of a clear revelation. all should come to repentance." How affectionately doth he invite men to 2dly. The goodness of God, and his turn unto him and live? " Come now, tender concern for the welfare of his crea- and let us reason together, saith the Lord: tures, is still more illustriously displayed though your sins be as scarlet, they shall in the sufferings and death of our Lord be as white as snow; though they be red Jesus Christ, whom God sent into the like crimson, they shall be as wool." world for this very end, "that whosoever " Wherefore do ye spend money for that believeth on him might not perish, but which is not bread? and your labor have everlasting life." There we see a for that which satisfieth not? Hearken proof, the most strong and convincing that diligently unto me, and eat ye that which God himself could give, of his having "no is good, and let your soul delight itself in pleasure in the death of the wicked, but fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto rather that he should turn from his way me; hear, and your soul shall live." Even and live." Would he have ransomed sin- the threatenings of God are not so much ners at so costly a price as the blood of the thunderings of his justice, as the loud his only begotten Son? would he have rhetoric of his mercy. He shakes the rod astonished angels with so wonderful an act over us, that, by a timely submission, we of condescension, as to send Him who was may avert the stroke. And when all the the'" brightness of his glory, and the ex- methods used to reclaim a sinner have press image of his person," to assume the proved ineffectual, with what reluctance likeness of sinful flesh, to submit to the doth he at last execute his threatened infirmities of our low nature, nay, to the vengeance? " How shall I give thee up, ignominy and pain of the cross? had not Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, our everlasting welfare been an object of Israel? how shall I make thee as Adhis tenderest concern. This surely, if mah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? duly considered, must remove all suspi- Mine heart is turned within me, my recions of his goodness, and destroy the pentings are kindled together." Nay, jealousies even of the most mistrustful after the fierceness of his anger hath conmind. Behold Christ weeping over the sumed the transgressors, what regret doth 16 242 SERMON XXXVIII. he express that they should have extorted one another daily," saith an apostle, from him their own punishment? "0 " while it is called to-day, lest any of you that my people had hearkened unto me, be hardened, through the deceitfulness of and Israel had walked in my ways! " He sin." " Brethren," saith the apostle James, utters these words as it were with a sigh, " if any of you do err from the truth, and lamenting the folly and perverseness which one convert him, let him know, that he had compelled him to such measures of which converteth a sinner from the error severity against them: Not that God is of his way shall save a soul from death, and influenced by any human passions; but shall hide a multitude of sins." Nor shall because he could not otherwise communi- this labor of love pass without a reward; cate, in a manner intelligible to us, the for, " they that be wise shall shine as the deep concern which he takes in our wel- brightness of the firmament, and they that fare. turn many to righteousness as the stars Nor are these mere expressions of kind- for ever and ever." But that nothing ness, which are unaccompanied with deeds may be wanting to beget in us the firmest to prove their sincerity, and to render persuasion of the goodness of God, and them effectual: he hath instituted an of his tender concern for the welfare of order of men to carry the glad tidings of his creatures, let it be observed, in the salvation to every corner of the earth; to 4th and last place on this head, That beseech sinners, in his name, to lay aside he hath selected some of the most nototheir enmity to him, which can only hurt rious offenders in the different ages of the themselves, and to return to that Al- world to be monuments of the riches of mighty Being, who, though he stands in his grace, that the chief of sinners might no need of them, is most sincerely willing be encouraged to apply to him for pardon to receive them into his favor, and to be- and eternal life; who, without such exstow on them everlasting happiness. I" We amples, might have been ready to look on are ambassadors for Christ, as though their case as desperate. How many, who God did beseech you by us; we pray you were once sunk into the lowest degenin Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to eracy, are now in heaven, singing that God." We are commanded to "preach grateful triumphant song, " Unto him that the word, to be instant in season and out loved us, and washed us from our sins in of season, in meekness instructing those his own blood, and hath made us kings that oppose themselves, if God peradven- and priests unto God and his Father; to ture will give them repentance to the ac- him be glory and dominion for ever and knowledging of the truth." And to excite ever. Amen." There is Manasseh, one us to be diligent and faithful in the exer- who used enchantment and divination, and cise of this office, he hath assured us, who deluged the streets of Jerusalem " that when the chief Shepherd shall ap- with innocent blood. There is Saul, once pear, we shall receive a crown of glory a blasphemer and a persecutor, who thus that fadeth not away." testifies of himself, "For this cause I obIs not this then an unanswerable proof tained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ that God hath no pleasure in the death of might shew forth all long-suffering, for a sinners? What stronger evidence of it pattern to them which should hereafter could he give, than to send to them so believe on him to life everlasting." There many messengers, to beseech them in his are some of those Corinthians who were name to turn and live? to employ on this once the scandal of their country, and the kind errand creatures of the same nature reproach of human nature, (1 Cor. vi. 11.) with themselves, subject to the same pas- but being " washed and sanctified, and sions, exposed to the same temptations, justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, who have the advantage of familiar inter- and by the Spirit of our God," are now course with them, and who are always at walking in white, following the Lamb hand, to help, to comfort, and to quicken whithersoever he goeth, and contemplatthem? Nay, he hath made it the duty of ing with wonder and joy the extent of every man, in his place, to do all that he that love "which passeth knowledge." can for the conversion of others. " Exhort Nay, there are some of the murderers of THE IMPORTANT INQUIRY 243 the Lord of glory, three thousand of whom had given him to copy; or, than if a trawere converted by the ministry of Peter veller should quarrel with his guide, for in one day: and now they are rejoicing in directing him with too much exactness in the presence of that Jesus whom they the way. crucified, and ascribing their eternal sal- 2dly. Do you complain of the threatenvation to that blood which was shed by ings with which this law is enforced? their own wicked hands. In one word, Doth God appear severe, because he hath with such examples as these the Scripture said, that the wicked must either turn is replenished; and God every where ap- from his evil ways or die? This compears, like the father in the parable, plaint is surely as unreasonable as the stretching forth his arms to the prodigal former. Shall God be reckoned an enemy son, and delighting to display the riches to your happiness, because he useth the of his grace. most effectual means to promote it? Can Such then are the positive and direct he be supposed to desire your misery, who evidences of the goodness of God, and of so earnestly warns you of your danger, his tender concern for the welfare of his and who so warmly pleads with you to creatures. I proceed now, as was pro- avoid it? Should one find you running posed, in the towards a precipice in your sleep, would Second place, To examine some of the you blame him for stopping you, though most plausible objections which are urged perhaps he might interrupt you in the enagainst the mildness and equity of the joyment of some pleasant dream? Were divine administration. you ready to sink in deep water, would Say, then, O sinner, wherein hath God you not reckon that man your friend who dealt rigorously with you? and what cause should save you from drowning, even he hath ever given you to charge him though he dragged you out by the hair with severity? "Testify against him," of the head? This is the very purpose, in what respect he hath shown himself an or the friendly design of all God's threatenemy to your happiness? enings. He publisheth them, that they 1st. Is it the holiness and perfection of may never be executed; he makes them his law that you complain of? Hath he terrible, that the terror of them may given you too accurate a rule of life? and persuade men to avoid them. Had God laid too many restraints upon your na- published a law, and concealed the imtural inclinations? This complaint is both portance of it, with respect to our happifoolish and ungrateful. The law of God ness or misery; would not the objection, requires nothing but what tends to make in that case, against his goodness, have us happy; nor doth it forbid any thing been far more just and rational? If his which would not be productive of our threatenings prevail with you, never shall misery. The very design of it is to de- you have cause to complain of their scribe and recommend that holiness, severity; and if they do not prevail, with " without which no man shall see the what face can you allege, that the penalLord: " so that the perfection of it is no ties are too high, when, at the same time, less a proof of the goodness than of the your own practice confutes you, and wisdom of its Author. Were holiness proves, that they are not high enough to indeed unnecessary, or were vice the road restrain you from incurring them. But, to happiness, the objection would in that 3dly. Perhaps your objection doth not case be just. But as there is an insepara- lie so much against the publication of the ble connection between sin and misery; threatenings, as against the final execution and as holiness is indispensably necessary of them. You see their use to overawe to qualify us for the enjoyment of God; mankind in this world; but you think that it must follow, that to find fault with the it would be cruel in God to inflict them in purity of his law, is to find fault with it good earnest, and to punish men eternally, for being too much adapted to our inter- for sins committed during the short period est. It is not therefore less absurd, than of their abode on earth. -Now, in answer if a scholar were to blame his master for to this, let me only ask you, whether those the excellence of the example which he threatenings would be of any use at all, if 244 SERMON XXXVIII. the sinner knew that they would never be not reclaim or convert yourselves? that executed, or even if the execution of them man can do nothing towards his conversion, were in the least degree doubtful? He unless he shall receive power from on high? who can make subjects believe that their that therefore you are excusable until governor means only to frighten them with God shall impart his assistance? and that his penalties, will easily make his laws of if you perish, it is not your fault? no effect, and set offenders loose from My brethren, we must not speak falsely every restraint. The belief of the execu- even for God; nor suppress or disguise the tion is therefore absolutely necessary to doctrines of his word, however they may be the efficacy of the law, which otherwise abused by carnal and obstinate sinners. could only be an engine to work upon It is true that man in his natural state fools. And if it be necessary in all cases cannot do any thing that is spiritually that subjects should believe that the law good; for " they that are in the flesh canwill be executed, then it follows in the pre- not please God." It is equally true, that sent case, that the threatenings of God God is a debtor to no man, but is the free shall certainly be executed at last. For disposer of his own grace, giving it when God cannot lie, nor make it the duty of and to whomsoever he pleaseth. But it is mankind to believe a lie. He has no need of no less true, that there are certain means such base means to keep the world in order. of his appointment, in the use of which If the penalties, as they are describedin the alone we have reason to expect his aid; law, be consistent with the goodness of and he who doth not improve these faithGod, the inflicting of them at last cannot fully, complains with a very bad grace, at in reason be sustained as an objection least, and is justly chargeable with his own against it. Say then, O sinner, what far- damnation. ther hast thou to allege against God? The You cannot convert yourselves; —but appeal is made to you in the text, and a cannot you forbear to curse and blaspheme challenge given to you to bring forth all the name of God? Cannot you restrain your objections against his laws and gov- yourselves when your nature is duly reernment. Do you blame him, in the freshed with meat and drink? Cannot 4th place, For the temptations you meet you keep at a distance from evil company, with in the world, and those circumstances and avoid many occasions of sinning, and of danger with which you are surrounded? temptation to sin? It is certainly in your Let us consider a little the justice of this power to perform many of the external complaint. The strongest temptations, acts of religious worship. You can go to you must allow, have no compulsive effi- church, if you are so disposed, as easily as cacy; all that they can do, is to solicit and you can stay at home, or ride about for entice us: And are there not addressed amusement. You can go to your closet to us far more weighty arguments and so- as easily as to the tavern. What hinders licitations to forsake sin, and to walk in. you to read your Bible as well as any the paths of wisdom? If we cannot re- other book? to meditate on what it consist the devil and the flesh, how can we tains, and on its vast importance to your refuse what God demands, who pleadeth everlasting interest?. with us by infinitely stronger motives than Have you then done these things, or they can present to us? for he sets before have you not done them? Have you us the endless joys, or the endless torments, avoided the tempting occasions of evil; of a future state of existence. Doth not Have you used the means of grace, and the undefiled inheritance of the saints in attended seriously upon the ordinances of light infinitely transcend all that earth or God's worship? If you have neglected sense can promise us? and yet shall we to employ the powers you possess, whom pretend to justify ourselves, when, contrary can you blame for it, that you have not to all reason, we prefer the pleasures of obtained more extensive powers? God sin, which are but for a moment, to the will make you one day to know, that it eternal happiness and glory of the world was not he who carried you to the haunts to come? Once more, in the of riot, intemperance, and lewdness; that 5th place, Do you object, that you can- it was not he who tempted you to swear THE IMPORTANT INQUIRY. 245 profanely, or to rail at goodness, or to live? when he shall view that precious quarrel with the Word that should have fountain, in which thousands, as guilty as saved you; but that all this was owing to himself, have been washed and made clean; the voluntary and obstinate wickedness of and shall reflect that all these advantages your own corrupt hearts. And, whatever are for ever lost; how shall he then hang excuses sinners may now feign to them- down his head, and smite his guilty and selves, they must all stand speechless at despairing breast? saying, in the bitterlast. None shall be able to plead, " Lord, ness of his soul, " How have I hated inI applied to thee for converting grace, but struction, and my heart despised reproof? it was refused me." No, God will be clear and have not obeyed the voice of my when he judgeth; and every mouth shall teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them be stopped in that day when he passeth that instructed me? " Prov. v. 12, 13. sentence on an assembled world. Then shall all his complaints be turned Thus have I examined and endeavored against himself; and, instead of resting to refute some of the most plausible ob- on his wonted excuses, he shall then call, jections which are commonly alleged but call in vain, " on the mountains and against the mildness and equity of the di- on the rocks to fall on him, and to hide vine administration; and from all that has him from the face of him who sitteth on been said, I hope it now appears, that no- the throne, and from the wrath of the thing can be more unreasonable and blas- Lamb." 0 that men were wise, and phemous than to lay the blame of the sin- would consider these things, so as to prener's destruction upon God. " The fool- vent, by a timely repentance, the horrors ishness of man," saith Solomon, " pervert- of that awful day which is hastening fast eth his way; and his heart fretteth against to surprise a sleeping world. the Lord." Prov. xix. 3. This is the My brethren, I have represented your true account of the matter. The sinner danger to you as plainly as I could. I destroys himself by his own wilful and have endeavored to expose the weakness obstinate folly, and then he accuses God, of those pitiful evasions by which many as if he were the cause of his misery; al- of you endeavor to support a vain hope, though God hath done every thing to save or at least to lessen the awful apprehenhim, which could have been done by the sions of a judgment to come. I have righteous Lawgiver and Governor of the spoken to your ears: God alone can speak world. to your hearts; and to his mercy and grace The lying lips shall ere long be put to I commend you.-Allow me, before I consilence. The workers of iniquity shall elude, to beg your attention to the followstand self-condemned before the awful ing considerations. tribunal; and all their vain and impious Consider, that to be your own destroypretexts and excuses, instead of availing ers is to counteract the very strongest them in that day, will only serve to in- principle of your natures, the principle crease their shame and confusion. With of self-preservation. Every creature nawhat inconceivable remorse and anguish turally desireth its own felicity; and will will the sinner then review his past con- you obstinately rush upon manifest ruin duct? How contemptible will those temp- through all the obstacles that are placed tations then appear to him, which he once in your way? Assistants you may find magnified so much, when he shall compare in accomplishing this desperate purpose; them with the powerful motives and en- but without your own consent and active couragements to a holy life, which were concurrence, it never can be accomplished, in vain so often and so plainly set before even though the whole world, and all the him? when he shall recollect the various host of apostate spirits, were combined means and instruments which were em- against you. Will you be worse than ployed to save him from ruin; the full and devils to yourselves? What pity can you free offers which were made to him of par- expect to meet with, who have no pity doning mercy and of sanctifying grace; for your own souls? The unfortunates the earnest calls and invitations which he are objects of compassion; but wilful selfreceived to turn from his evil way and destroyers neither deserve compassion, 246 SERMON XXXIX. nor can expect it. Consider what an ag- could lead them into such a scrutiny of gravation this will be of your misery in a themselves as this text suggests to us; or future state? How terrible will it be to persuade them to inquire, whether their recollect, in the regions of everlasting woe, works, which are apparently good, are such that ye have brought all your misery on as will abide the test: whether they proyourselves? that you were forewarned re- ceed from the Spirit of God, or from the peatedly, and awfully forewarned, of the spirit of the world: whether they are fatal issue of your conduct, but without animated by a " simplicity and godly sineffect? that Christ and eternal salvation cerity," or by the unhallowed principles of were freely offered to you, but were con- self-love, and the desire of recommending temptuously despised and set at naught? themselves to the esteem of men. These considerations will add a continual 2dly. It is evident from Scripture, that fuel to the tormenting flames, and will a man may go far in the outward performmake them burn with insufferable violence. ance of his duty, and yet be actuated by O then be wise in time! " Seek the Lord such motives as afford him greater cause while he may be found, and call upon him of grief and of shame than of that rewhile he is near. Let the wicked forsake joicing which is mentioned in the clause his way, and the unrighteous man his following my text. I read in the precedthoughts, and let him return unto the ing verse, that it is possible for a':man Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, to think himself to be something when he and to our God, for he will abundantly is nothing." I find in fact, that the Laopardon."-To conclude: Ponder the diceans imagined themselves to be "rich wholesome advice recorded in Prov. viii. and increased with goods, and having need 33, 36. " Hear Instruction, and be wise, of nothing," when, in truth, they were and refuse it not. Blessed is the man " wretched, and miserable, and poor, and that heareth me, watching daily at my blind, and naked." And there are too gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. many reasons to suspect, that, like those, For whoso findeth me, findeth life, and multitudes of this present generation are shall obtain favor of the Lord. But he " pure in their own eyes, and yet are not that sinneth against me, wrongeth his own washed from their filthiness; " have a soul. All they that hate me, love death." "name that they live " while "they are Amen. dead;" and have " the praise of men " while "their hearts are not right with God." 3dly. I foresee the time when thousands SERMON XXXIX. shall wish that they had followed the apostle's advice in my text. " Yet a litPreached on the Evening of a Communion Sab- tle while, and he that shall come will come, bath. and will not tarry."-" The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, OUR WORKS TO BE VERiFIED. with the voice of the archangel, and the GALATIANS VI. 4.-." Let every Man prove his own trump of God; to judge the world in Work." righteousness. In that day many shall say to him, Lord, Lord, did we not eat BEFORE I enter upon the subject of this and drink in thy presence, have we not text, it may not be improper to mention prophesied in thy name, and in thy name some of the reasons which have led me to done many wonderful works?" But when it at this time. they receive that awful reply, " Depart 1st. As many, who call themselves from me, I know you not whence ye are," Christians, discover so little of Christiani- with what inconceivable anguish will they ty in their lives, that we are often at a then cry out, Oh! that we had tried and loss to reconcile their conduct with their proved those specious works in which we professions; I thought it might be of use trusted. We thought them good and neto those who are in any degree distin- ceptable to God; alas! too late, we find guished by their religious conduct, if I our unhappy mistake. The time was, when OUR WORKS TO BE VERIFIED 247 this discovery might have profited us; but mind be soothed! Instead of looking innow the doom is passed; our state is fixed; wards for positive evidence of our favor and nothing remains for us but a fruitless with God, we learn to regulate our judgremorse, and the galling remembrance of ment of ourselves by what we perceive in our former sloth and security.-And, the characters of other men. If the imLastly. When I consider that I was to age of the devil is more visibly formed on speak to communicants, who have this others than on ourselves, we have little day sealed either their friendship or their anxiety to discover the image of God upenmity with Christ at his own table, it de- on our own hearts. The bulk of men termined me to address to you a pressing think it enough to know that some of and earnest call to prove this part of your their brethren are worse than they are, as work in particular; that such as have been if their characters would rise in proporproperly employed in this holy service tion as the characters of others are demay, after trial of themselves, lay hold of based. We must relinquish this false the comforts which belong to them; and rule of judging, if we would either enter that others may receive such a view of into the spirit of the exhortation in the their guilt and of their danger, as, by the text, or would not be fatally disappointed grace of God, shall constrain them to have at last. We must learn to rejoice in ourimmediate recourse to that injured, but selves and not in others; and we must call compassionate Saviour, whose blood, in- in our thoughts from the state of other stead of crying for vengeance, pleads for men, and "prove every man his own mercy to the chief of sinners. On all work."-" Every man," saith the apostle, these accounts let me entreat, not only the " shall bear his own burden." Each of hearing of your ears, but the attention of us shall give an account of his own your minds, whilst I endeavor, through conduct to God, and shall be judged divine aid, according to his own personal behavior, 1st. To explain the full meaning or im- without regard to any comparative goodport of the apostle's exhortation —" Let ness or attainments which may belong to every man prove his own work." him. 2dly. To give you some directions with But here, perhaps, some may ask the regard to the manner of conducting the question, To what works do you refer? If inquiry to which the exhortation relates; they are works of a doubtful nature, we acand then to point out to you the practical knowledge that they ought to be tried, improvement of the subject. I begin and that those are highly to blame who with the exhortation itself, " Let every neglect to try them. But are there not man prove his own work." other works, so eminently good and excelThere is a particular emphasis in these lent in themselves, that the person who words, which must not be overlooked. It doth them may conclude, without hesitais his own work that a man must p0ove. tion, that they are certainly pleasing and We are sufficiently-ready to examine, and acceptable to God? This, my brethren, is to pass sentence upon the works of others. a rock upon which thousands have made We are often abroad, but are seldom at shipwreck. It would make one sad to home, where our chief business lies. Like think what multitudes will be surprised some travellers, who are well acquainted with the everlasting burnings, who, in conwith foreign countries, but shamefully ig- sequence of this very opinion, flatter themnorant of their own, we know more of selves, while they live, with the hopes of others than we are willing to know of our- heaven. You must therefore allow me to selves, and persuade ourselves, that the retort the question, and to ask, What are study of our own hearts is a dull and those works which are so eminently good melancholy business, which may incite with- and excellent, that there is no need to in us many uneasy thoughts, and can give prove them? or rather, Are there any us no pleasure at all. duties of an external nature, which an byAlas! how low are we sunk by our pocrite cannot perform as well as you? apostasy from God! and with what little Do you frequent the church, and attend and false consolations may a degenerate upon the preaching of the word? So did 248 SERMON XXXIX. the impenitent Jews in the days of the from the hypocrite: But the question will prophet Ezekiel, with as much decency, return, May we not join all these works perhaps, and apparent devotion, as are together? and in that case, may we not seen in you. For thus said the Lord unto draw from them a certain conclusion? that prophet, " They come unto thee as My brethren, if I were now speaking of the people cometh, and they sit before the judgment which others ought to form thee as my people, and they hear thy of your characters, from what they see in words, but they will not do them: for your actions, I would certainly say, that with their mouth they show much love, those favorable appearances ought to perbut their heart goeth after their covetous- suade them that you are real Christians. ness." Are you strict observers of the But as I speak of the estimate which you Sabbath? We read of some who persecut- are to make of yourselves, I must tell you, ed our Saviour for working a miracle of that all this fair show may certainly conmercy on the sabbath-day: and surely you sist with a heart that is not " sound in pretend not to a greater degree of strict- God's statutes. " For Amaziah the king ness than this. Do you pray? So did the of Judah was not far short of this, of Pharisees; they made long prayers, and whom we read (2 Chron. xxv. 2.) that they prayed with a loud voice. Do you he" did that which was right in the sight fast before the observation of the Lord's of the Lord; " but (observe what follows, Supper? The Pharisees did more: They he did it) " not with a perfect heart." fasted twice in the week. Do you partake What a promising appearance was here of that holy sacrament? Many think that blasted! Amaziah gave God every thing Judas did so too: we know at least that but his heart; the very thing which God he was present at the passover, which was valued, and without which all that he also a solemn rite of religion: And there- could give besides was insignificant. Does fore no certain conclusion can be drawn not this shake the foundation of your confrom the outward exercises of religious fidence, and make you, like one newly worship. awakened out of a flattering dream, sumWhere then shall we go next? Will we mon up all your attention to see whether judge with more certainty from the duties you are in the unhappy situation of Amaof the second table of the law of God? ziah, or are really in the circumstances in Here, my brethren, the matter may be in which your own fancy hath represented brought to a very short issue. We read you? This, my brethren, is the very thing of a young man who professed, in the pre- which I have been aiming at. I foresee the sence of our Lord, that he had kept all day, when many who were something in these commandments from his youth: and their own eyes, and trusted in themselves yet we learn from the sequel of his story, that they were righteous, will present their that he preferred the possessions of this specious roll of outward duties to the earth to the enjoyment of God; for he re- heart-searching Judge, saying, Lo! this fused to sell his lands for the relief of is the life which we spent in the flesh; the poor, although our Saviour had assur- who will not be able to add, This life ed him of treasure in heaven. But you was " by the faith of the Son of God." have perhaps to say for yourselves, that Methinks I hear the Judge say to them, you are charitable and kind to the poor; These are indeed the duties which I enand ask if this is not a duty applauded in joined; but where is the spirit which Scripture? I confess it is much applauded. should have animated them? These are But were not the proud and hypocritical the sacrifices which I appointed; but the Pharisees also charitable? They gave strange fire with which you offered them alms; and more liberal alms than most can find no acceptance here. Ye have not of us; otherwise, I suppose, they would served me, but yourselves. "I never have sounded the trumpet as little as we knew you." And therefore ye can receive do. We may therefore conclude, that no reward. none of all these outward deeds are suffi- What hath been said may be sufficient cient, by themselves, to distinguish us to explain the apostle's exhortation; and OUR WORKS TO BE VERIFIED. 249 to show both the reasonableness and the we also know the thing to which it must necessity of proving even our best works. be applied; in vain do we read and study I proceed now, the Scriptures, unless we likewise read Secondly, To give you some directions and study our own hearts. The duty I with regard to the manner of conducting am recommending, consists in comparing this important inquiry. them together, that we may discover how Now, before a man can be qualified for far they agree, and wherein they differ. proving his own works, two things are in- This is indeed a work of great difficulty; dispensably necessary. The but, though difficult, it is not impractica1st is, That he should be well acquaint- ble. He who gave the command, will likeed with the holy Scriptures; for it is by wise grant his assistance to those who, in the Scriptures alone that we know with a humble dependence on his grace, apply certainty what is good and acceptable to themselves heartily to this necessary duty. God. " Wherewith shall a young man Let it then be your cleanse his way? " said David. The an- First care, to get your minds thoroughly swer is, "By taking heed thereto accord- awakened when you enter upon this work. ing to thy word." Scripture is that un- Never was time put to a higher improveerring rule which points out to us the ment; never were thoughts spent upon a road of duty, and which discovers to us more important business. Compared with the straightness or the crookedness of our this, the trial of men for their lives at a own paths. A considerable degree of ac- human bar is a mere trifle; for here noquaintance with it, is therefore absolutely thing less than an eternal interest depends necessary to enable us " to prove " and to on the issue. Summon up all the powers judge of our own works. But, of your souls, bring your thoughts to the 2dly. It is also requisite that we should subject as intensely as you can, let your be constant and diligent observers of what minds be divested of every other care; passeth in our own hearts; for ", out of and above all-O be honest with yourthe heart are the issues of life." The selves, and resolve to pass an impartial heart is the fountain from which all our sentence, as the evidence shall appear, actions flow, and from which alone they whether it should be in your favor or can be truly denominated either good or against you. Remember that your great bad. I observed formerly, that there is Judge knows the truth of your condition, no outward duty which a hypocrite may and that therefore you can gain nothing not counterfeit: And we have a remark- by hiding it from yourselves. able example (2 Kings x.) of the same ac- When your hearts are once seriously tion being good in one man and bad in engaged, then fall down before God, and another, from the different dispositions plead the assistance of his good Spirit, to with which it was performed. We find enlighten and direct you in the knowledge two men riding in the same chariot, and of yourselves; to keep you from mistakes, both of them engaged in the same expedi- both on the one hand and on the other; tion, Jehu and Jonadab. But though the and to guide you to a just and an affectwork they were executing was the same, ing view of your true condition. the different ends which they aimed at, Having thus prepared yourselves by me made that which was an excellent duty in ditation and prayer, proceed immediately Jonadab an act of mere cruelty, and of vile to the inquiry itself, before your hearts hypocrisy, in Jehu. Jehu was impelled, begin to cool, or the impressions of the dinot by zeal for the Lord, but by ambition vine presence are effaced. Set the word to wear a crown. We must therefore retire of God before you as the rule, and then into our own breasts, and carefully ob- put the question, Do my actions and disserve the various operations of our minds. positions correspond to this rule, or are We must consider the motives that influ- they inconsistent with it? Take your acence our conduct; the ends we propose in tions, and the sources of them, one by one, our actions; and the temper and frame of and bring them to this standard; suffer spirit with which every duty is performed. not your hearts, in any case, to start aside, For in vain do we know the rule, unless till they have given an explicit answer; lay 250 SERMON XXXIX. the command of God upon them, and charge and sure of being saved. What more can them to obey upon pain of his wrath. you desire? Doth not the assurance of When, by these means, you have dis- such a blessed condition deserve all the covered the truth, then pass the sentence labor and pains which the inquiry can cost on yourselves, and labor to have your you? One caution, however, I must give hearts properly affected with it. Do not you. Do not trust so much to one discovthink it enough to have discerned your ery of this kind as to give up all further true condition, but endeavor to feel what trial. No. "To prove your own works" God hath made you to know. If you find must be your daily employment. Renew that you have been all along formal and the inquiry often; make frequent proof of hypocritical in your obedience; that in- yourselves; compare the result of your obstead of serving God, you have been serv- servations at different times, and let them ing yourselves that instead of seeking his serve to rectify one another. approbation, you have been courting the Thus, my brethren, I have given you applause of men; that instead of sowing the best directions which I could think of, to the Spirit, you have been sowing to the with regard to the method of conducting flesh;-O lay this conviction home to your this important inquiry. And here it might hearts. Think what a dreadful state you be proper to subjoin some of those Scripare in; unpardoned, unsanctified, and, if tural marks or characters by which " every death should now surprise you, ruined for man ought to prove his own works." But ever. this would lead me beyond the limits of But, whilst you thus endeavor to know one discourse. I mean therefore at prethe very worst of your condition, beware, sent to confine myself to the circumstanat the same time, of giving way to gloomy ces or marks by which you ought to try and desponding thoughts. Let none of the important duty in which you have been you say, " Because I am ungodly, I shall this day employed. die so; because I am an hypocrite, I shall Allow me then, in the conclusion of this continue so;" for such despondence is no solemn service, to put a few plain, but neless unwarranted than your former pre- cessary questions to you, and to call on sumption. You have another work to do, you to answer them, as you hope to speed which is to flee speedily to Christ, and to at the bar of God's judgment. break off your hypocrisy and wickedness 1st. By what motives were you deterby repentance. If you find that you haye mined to come here this day? Was it by been hitherto out of the way, do not sit a sense of duty, and in obedience to the down and despair, but make the more haste command of a crucified Saviour? Was it to turn into it. Christ is still in your of- from a mind "hungering and thirsting" fer, and you cannot be more willing to re- after Christ and his righteousness? Or ceive him than he is to accept of you. was it only in compliance with the custom But, on the other hand, if you find rea- of the country, and from a desire of appearson to conclude, after a strict and impar- ing religious in the eyes of men? Would tial examination, that you have been sin- to God there were less cause than there is cere in the practice of your duty, that for this question, gross and reproachful as your inward dispositions have correspond- it may appear! ed to your outward actions, and that both 2dly. What pains were you at in prehave been according to the rule of Scrip- paring yourselves for this near approach ture, take the comfort of so happy a dis- to God? Were you careful to stir up in covery. This is a good evidence that you yourselves those holy and humble disposiare sanctified and renewed by the Spirit of tions which constitute the " wedding garGod: This is a proof that you are united ment " of those who are bidden to the to Christ, who is "the true vine; " for feast? Or, have you, without any prenone but those who are united to him can vious examination, or any regard to the bring forth such good fruit. Consider awful fence which surrounds this table, into what a blessed state the Lord hath fearlessly taken your seat among faithful brought you; to be his children and his disciples, without asking the Master's welfriends; to be pardoned, and sanctified, come, or dreading his displeasure OUR WORKS TO BE VERIFIED. 251 3dly. WThat benefit did you propose to you have felt no grief for sin, no love to reap from your attendance upon this so- the Redeemer, or only such a grief and lemn ordinance? Did you only wish to love as a moving tale might have occasionpacify your natural conscience, by doing ed; if what you have felt hath not led you what,you apprehended to be an acceptable to bind yourselves irrevocably to the serduty? Or did you mean to offer an out- vice of that Redeemer who encountered ward compliment to the Almighty, in order the wrath of God for you-this was not to to induce him to pardon what is past, that eat the Lord's Supper. Alas! my heart you might sin, as it were, on a new score? bleeds for you. Ye have been mocking Or, on the other hand, did you come here him who hath declared that he will not be in the hope of meeting him whom your mocked with impunity; and who, unless soul loves, to take upon you " his yoke you repent, will certainly convince you of which is easy, and his burden which is this in another world. light? "-to implore, over the pledges of These are all the questions which I your Saviour's love, his mercy to pardon, shall put to you at this time; and in whathis Spirit to sanctify, and his grace to ever way you may find reason to answer strengthen you? Did you come that this them, the inquiry must turn out to your holy service might have some influence to advantage. If, upon search, you discover assist you in crucifying " the old man with the unsoundness of your hearts, even in his deeds," and to confirm the image of that very sad discovery you have the God on your souls? Once more, greatest advantage for salvation that you 4thly. How were you employed while have ever had in the course of your lives. you sat at this holy table? Did you seek For now, your vain confidence being overthe Lord with your whole hearts? Did thrown, you lie open to a deep and effecyour " souls follow hard after him? " And tual conviction, which is the mercy introif any vain intruding thought arose within ductive of all other mercies to your souls. you, did you instantly check it with abhor- Your chief danger lies in judging too farence, and renew your repentance for that vorably, or in judging falsely, of yourmixture of infirmity in your holy service? selves. But if you do so, how severely When you heard these affecting words, will you suffer for the short-lived deceit, " This is my body broken for you, this is when God shall himself prove your works, my blood shed for the remission of your or when he shall say to you as he said to sins," were your hearts wrung with grief the carousing king, " Thou art weighed in for the sins which were the cause of your the balances, and art found wanting!" Redeemer's sufferings? Did you give How confounded will you be if this senyourselves entirely up to him who gave tence shall be pronounced? and how pashimself for you an offering and a sacrifice sionately will you then wish for such an to God? Did you accept of him as your opportunity of " proving your own works" only peace-maker with the Father, and re- as you now enjoy? solve to build all your hopes of happiness But if, on the other hand, you can, upon the merits of his sufferings and obe- upon good grounds, conclude, that notdience? Did you renounce all his enemies, withstanding many imperfections in your and devote yourselves entirely to his ser- holy service, you have been sincere and vice, to be governed by his laws, as your upright on the whole, how great may your only Lord and King? comfort be? For God will not cast off Finally. Was all this done from a de- the upright man. That which is the terliberate and a confirmed choice, and not ror of the wicked will be your joy. As from a mere transient flash of devotion? tihe son of a king rejoiceth in his father's Then, indeed, you have been well employ- power and magnificence, so may you reed; and we desire to give glory to God joice in those displays of the divine Maon your account. jesty, which scare a guilty world. How But if, on the contrary, your hearts comfortable will the thoughts of a Saviour have been cold and insensible, and your be, when you can say, "My beloved thoughts have been wandering without is mine;" when by faith you can, like control upon the mountains of vanity; if Thomas, " put your hand into his side, 252 SERMON XL. and your finger into the print of the nails, what is called a harmless inoffensive life, and say unto him, My Lord, and my as if it were virtue enough not to be abanGod?" With what joy will you read doned to vice. They seem to aim at noththe Holy Scriptures, as the charter of ing higher than that of which the Pharisee your future inheritance, and ponder that made his boast, when he gave thanks to "'exceeding and eternal weight of glory," God that'he was not as other men, nor which you shall one day possess? With even as the humble publican. But, in what holy boldness may you approach the passage which I have now read to you, the throne of Grace, when you can ad- the apostle directs us to 4 much safer test dress God as your reconciled Father in of our conduct; a test which leaves us no Jesus Christ? How cheerfully may you room for mistake. The question is not, endure affliction? How calmly may you What vices have you forborne? but, leave this world? What virtues have you practised? You If then any of these comforts are dear say that you are not idolaters.-Well — to you; if you would enjoy them in a but do you reverence and love the true sound state, or would have a clear and God? You are not adulterers;-but do lively impression of them, let me beseech you study temperance and sobriety in all you to comply with the apostle's exhorta- things? You are not slanderers; —but tion, and to " prove your own works." So are you as tender of your neighbor's good shall ye have your rejoicing in yourselves, name as of your own? If ye are strangers and never be ashamed. Amen. to these positive virtues, then all the advantage ye can pretend to is this; ye are sinners of a lower order, than if ye had added positive transgressions to your neglect of doing good: but still you are SERMON XL. sinners; for, according to the apostle, not to do good is sin. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF KNOWLEDGE. This text evidently contains the two following propositions: JAMNES IV. 17. —"Therefore to him that knoweth 1st. That men sin not only when they to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." positively transgress the law of God; but also, when they do not fulfil the THE unfruitful lives of professing Chris- duties which the law requires to the utmost tians is a very general and a just cor- of their power. And, plaint. But few of those who retail this 2dly. That our guilt is more highly complaint are heartily inclined to re- aggravated, when we neglect the duties move the cause of it. We are melancholy which are known to us; or when we deexamples of that which we pretend to la- cline opportunities of doing good, though ment; and we cease not to strengthen we know that it is our duty to embrace the interests of a party which we con- them. demn. David, when he was treating with These propositions I will endeavor to Araunah the Jebusite, for the purchase illustrate and confirm; and will then conof his threshing floor, in order to rear an elude with a practical improvement of the altar to God, refused to accept of it with- subject. out a price, because he would not " offer First. I begin with showing you that burnt-offerings unto the Lord his God, of men sin, not only when they positively that which cost him nothing." But, alas! trangress the law of God, but also, when our general contest seems rather to be, they do not fulfil the duties which the who shall be most penurious in his offer- law requires to the utmost of their power. ings to God, and who shall purchase Were we to look upon God as. an heaven with the easiest service. Many austere and selfish Being, who employed have unhappily deceived themselves into his laws only as a fence about his own an opinion, that nothing but positive acts private interests; then indeed, not to of rebellion will subject them to punish- violate them might be considered as sufmoent. They place much confidence in ficient to comply with their design. The THE RESPONSIBILITY OF KNOWLEDGE. 253 kings of this earth are forced to inclose must be sparing of consolation. I must their little allotment of honor, and to use remind him, that it is the heart which their authority as a flaming sword, to God requires; that God hath respect to ward off insults from their prerogatives. the offering of a liberal giver; but that he But it is not so with God. The Creator hath no regard to the churl, or to his offerof heaven and of earth can have no depen- ing. dence on the workmanship of his own Thus far I might argue upon general hands. His prerogative cannot suffer, principles, that we ought not only to abnor can his glory be impaired, by the fee- stain from what the law of God prohibits, ble and impotent attempts of his crea- but also to fulfil, to the utmost of our powtures. His laws therefore could never er, what the spirit or intention of the law be intended for his own security, but for requires. But as I speak to Christians I our benefit. They are expressions of his will now resort to an authority which they goodnessr ather than of his sovereignty; must acknowledge to be valid, and suffiand his great view in enacting them, seems cient to decide the question. to have been, to bind us by his authority The proposition which I have laid down to consult our present interest, and to then, is not deduced by remote inference, render ourselves capable of everlasting neither does it depend upon a single testifelicity. Judge then whether a law which mony; but is both supported and illushath in view this kind and generous ob- trated by a multitude of clear and express ject, doth not challenge our most cordial declarations of Scripture. acceptance and entire subjection; and We are commanded not only to "depart whether gratitude, as well as duty, should from evil," but "to do good; " not only to not prompt us to fulfil every part of it to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the the utmost of our power. flesh and spirit, but also "' to perfect holiIndeed, if we consider God as a severe ness in the fear of God." Christ is protask-master, as I am afraid too many of posed to us as our example; and what us do; in that case, whatever he enjoins, was his character? " He went about doing will appear to be an hardship or a burden. good, and persisted, till he had finished But if we view him in his true character, the work which was given him to do." as a wise and good parent, who in every Nay, he saith himself (John ix. 4.) "' I thing consults the real advantage of his must work the works of him that sent me." children, then his yoke will appear to be And if he, who voluntarily came under easy indeed, and his burden to be light. the law, was bound to this active and exThe cords of love will draw us on to obe- tensive service, shall we who are its necesdience; and gratitude, which is ever in- sary subjects, plead an exemption from it? genious in finding out ways to express Paul, in his epistle to Titus (chap. ii. 11.) itself, will constantly prompt us to the informs us, that "the grace of God, which most dutiful observance of his will. hath appeared to all men, bringing salvaShow me the man whose ingenuous tion, teacheth us not only to deny ungodmind, not only expects a future reward, liness aind worldly lusts, but to live soberly, but feels a present joy in the service of and righteously, and godly in the world; " his God; and to that man I will address and that Christ gave himself for us, for the words of unfeigned salutation. I will this end, " that he might redeem us from say to him, " Hail thou favored of the all iniquity, and purify to himself a pecuLord," thine is the true " spirit of liar people, zealous of good works." adoption," which deviseth liberal things; These passages of Scripture need no thine is that soul which is born from on commentary, all of them point out the nehigh, and which doth not commit sin; cessity of a positive and active obedience. thine is that love which fulfilleth the law, But this is not all: Our blessed Lord, and which perfecteth the saints. who well knew what was in man, seems to But show me the man whose servile have directly calculated some of his dissoul is moved only by the fear of punish- courses to prevent the possibility of a ment, to yield a grudging and penurious mistake on the subject. The parables of service to his Maker; and to that man I the rich man and Lazarus, of the talents, 254 SERMON XL. and of the barren fig-tree, plainly appear show: who hath slept, and trifled, and to have been delivered with this view. squandered away all his time? " O that We are not told that the rich man was men were wise, that they understood this, in any respect injurious or oppressive to that they would consider their latter Lazarus: his guilt lay in his not extending end! "-" How long, O ye simple ones, will his kindness to supply his wants. The ye love simplicity?" How long, O sinunprofitable servant was cast into outer ner, shall that precious time on which eterdarkness, not for losing or squandering nity depends, be wasted in the pursuit of away his talent, but for hiding it in a nap- lying vanities? O think, how swiftly it kin, and neglecting to improve it. And passeth away, and how passionately thou the fig-tree was cut down, and cast into the wilt one day wish to recall it. Who can fire, not for producing bad fruit, but be- assure thee that the decree is not already cause it produced no fruit at all. But gone forth against thee, " Cut him off, why lest the allegorical dress of these instruc- cumbereth he the ground."-" Thou fool, tions should leave men at too great liberty this night thy soul shall be required of to explain away the force of them, this wise thee." and provident Teacher, in a serious and Pardon me, then, if I speak to you as awful discourse on the process of the last short-lived, or as dying creatures; some judgment, resumes the same argument, of whom I may never see again till we (Matth. xxv. 31.-) There he tells us ex- meet before the judgment-seat of God. pressly, that men shall not only be punished Under this impression, let me deal freely for doing evil, but also for neglecting to with you, and call on you to review your perform active service; and in particular, past conduct, as if the Lord himself were for neglecting to perform the offices of hu- demanding an account of it. inanity to their brethren. For the charge Say, then, hath it been suitable to the runs in these words: " I was an hungered, rank you hold in life? Hath it even been and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, rational? such as became those high inteland ye gave me no drink; I was a stran- lectual powers by which you are raised ger, and ye took me not in; naked and ye above the beasts that perish? Would you clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and consent to have it published before this ye visited me not."-" For inasmuch as congregation? Or rather, are there not ye did it not to the least of these my some parts of it which you would wish to brethren, ye did it not to me." And then hide from your most intimate friends? follows the doom to be pronounced on those lest, partial as they are to you, the knowagainst whom this charge is brought; ledge of them should quench their affection, "'These shall go away into everlasting and render you contemptible in their eyes? punishment." Are you then ready to appear in judgFrom these passages of Scripture, we ment, and to have all your thoughts, and learn with assurance, that unless life is words, and actions laid open and canvassfilled up with good works, death, which ed before an assembled world? introduceth us to judgment, must ap- I shall not suppose you guilty of gross proach to us with a dark and gloomy acts of wickedness. Perhaps the influence aspect. When conscience, awakened with of education, the power of natural conthe dawning of an everlasting day, shall science, and the restraints of Providence, prompt us to inquire, What we have done? have hitherto kept you back from these. How we have improved our time, our ta- I at present charge you with nothing worse lents, and the means of grace with which than the omission of duty, and the neglect we have been favored? If in this review of opportunities for cultivating and imof ourselves, we shall be able to discover proving the talents which God hath given nothing but the traces of vanity and im- you. You have been thoughtless and inconpertinence; how must we shrink back, and siderate, unmindful of the God who made tremble on the awful state before us? If you, and of the Redeemer who bought God will judge every man according to you with his blood. You have forgotten his works, alas! what must become of the the end for which you were sent into the unhappy sluggard, who hath no works to world. You have suffered the cares and THE RESPONSIBILITY OF KNOWLEDGE. 255 pleasures of the present life, the business fully neglects it, must contract greater or amusements of this fleeting scene of guilt, and be liable to a severer punishvanity, to divide your hearts, and engross ment. If that man be culpable, who is your time, as if the soul had been destined careless of doing all the good which by an to serve the body; or as if this earth had exertion of his talents he is able to do; been designed for your only residence and is not that mnan much more culpable, who portion. presumptuously omits to do the good to Can you then review such a life without which he has opportunities to solicit him? blushing and shame? When you think But why should I spend time in establishof it, doth it not appear mean and despi- ing so plain a truth, especially when it is cable even in your own eyes? And can it confirmed by the highest authority? Our then be pleasing; or rather, must it not blessed Lord himself expressly tells us, be highly offensive, to that Almighty (Luke xii. 47.) that "the servant who Being, who gave you a nature fitted for knew his Lord's will, and prepared not the performance of nobler services, and himself, neither did according to his will, for the relish of higher enjoyments, than shall be beaten with many stripes." any with which your have been hitherto The only question that remains then is, acquainted? Whether this be a supposition that can be For the Lord's sake open your eyes, made? Is it to be thought, that any man and take a serious and impartial view of is capable of deliberately resisting his own your condition. Blessed be God it is not conviction, and of declining obedience to yet too late. The door of mercy is still a law which he both knows and believes open; and though, like the prodigal son, to be binding on him? you have hitherto been feeding upon I confess, indeed, that a superior Being, husks; yet when, like him, ye shall re- if we could imagine him to be altogether turn to your Father's house, and to the unacquainted with human affairs, might faithful and affectionate duty of children, reject this supposition as improbable. your past wandering and unprofitable life But surely we have no cause to object shall be forgiven; and ye may yet enjoy against the representation as forced, or bethe honors and privileges of your Father's yond the life. Our own observation, unless sons. we have been extremely inattentive, canHaving thus confh'med and illustrated not fail to furnish us with numberless the first propositions contained in the proofs of this determined neglect of duty. text, namely, that men sin, not only when We need not go from home to bring our they positively transgress the law of God; examples from persons in high and public but also when they do not fulfil the duties trust, who have been known to sacrifice which the law requires to the utmost of the acknowledged interest and honor of a their power; I now proceed to show you, whole nation to their own private resentas was proposed, ment or personal advantage. They are Secondly. That our guilt is more highly farther seen, for no other reason but beaggravated, when we neglect the duties cause they are placed higher. The imwhich are known to us; or when we de- portance of their station renders their cine opportunities of doing good, though faults the more conspicuous, while a groanwe are convinced that it is our duty to ing community points out, as with the finembrace them. ger, the authors of its distress. But let He who doth not seek for opportunities each of us look into his own breast; and of doing good, is a sinner; that is, he if conscience is not asleep, it will say to counteracts the obvious intention of his us as Nathan said to David," Thou art Maker in sending him into the world: the man." Thou thyself hast neglected and therefore shall be dealt with as an un- the fairest opportunities of doing good, faithful servant, who hath not applied his when thou hadst the strongest conviction talents to the purposes for which they that it was thy reasonable duty. were given him. And if this be the case, I mean not to pry into the secrets of then surely the person who hath a known your hearts, any more than to divulge the opportunity of doing good, and yet wil- secrets of my own. But I speak from a 256 SERMON XL. thorough conviction, that all of us pass evidently the disposition of a slavish and too slightly over our omissions, even in mercenary mind? You do no more in the the most serious review which we take of service of God than you suppose to be neour conduct. We are, alas! too fruitful cessary, in order to escape eternal misery; in excuses, and too ready to gloss over and this is the only consideration which deour most culpable neglects, with the spe- ters you from open transgressions of his cious color of ignorance or incapacity. law. You have therefore no regard for him, But God, to whom the night shineth as but only a concern for your own safety. the day, knows the conviction of mind Your plan of conduct is to offend God as against which we sin; and our most dex- far as you can, without incurring his venterous arts of concealment cannot screen geance: So that any appearance of goodus from his penetrating eye. A just im- ness about you is nothing more than the pression of this would prevent many fatal effect of a natural timidity. Do ye thus mistakes in our conduct. requite the Lord, 0 foolish people and I have now, for example, an oppor- unwise? Doth his goodness challengeno tunity of doing good; and my conscience better return from you, than merely to retells me, that I ought to improve it. On frain from acts of open rebellion against the other hand, I have many strong temp- him? Consider, I beseech you, the basetations to neglect it. It would put me to ness and ingratitude of this conduct; and too much cost or trouble; it would involve if your hearts retain any spark of inme in a train of action against which my genuity, you will surely be persuaded to indolence revolts; or it would divert me yield him a more faithful and generous from other employments more agreeable service in time to come. But, to my inclination. On which side shall I 2dly. This subject administers reproof resolve? May I not so manage it that also to the slothful and inactive servant, the neglect shall escape the observation who rests contented with low attainments of my neighbor? Or if he should per- in religion. You perhaps flatter yourself, ceive it, may I not put a good face upon that although you are remiss in seeking it, and find out some excuse to save me out opportunities of doing good, yet you from his censure? Ah! but here is the are not unfaithful to any known obligacheck. The Searcher of hearts knows my tion. But in this case you greatly deceive present conviction. In vain shall I at- yourself. For is it not a known obligatempt to prevaricate with him. I may tion, that we should aim at as much perelude the censure of man; but I never fection as we are capable of attaining? can escape the just judgment of that God But you have renounced this desire altowho is greater than my heart, and know- gether. In other words, you have deeth all things. Such reasoning as this, if liberately left off that work to which our it were once become habitual to us, would Saviour hath expressly commanded us to be a constant and powerful incitement to devote ourselves. For, are not these his all holy obedience; and would prevent the words? " Be ye perfect, even as your deep guilt of neglecting to do good, even Father who is in heaven is perfect." when we know the extent and obligation Once more, of the law of God, and are convinced that What hath been said on this subject it is our duty to comply with it. ought to quicken the zeal and activity Having thus endeavored to illustrate even of those who have made the greatest and confirm the two propositions contain- progress in the good ways of God. ed in my text, I proceed now to the priac- The declining state of religion calls tical improvement of the subject. And, loudly on all who are its real friends, to 1st. THIS subject administers a sharp exert themselves to the utmost, in order reproof to those who, in any case, attempt to revive its influence in the world. Noto evade their convictions of duty. " To thing, be assured, will be so effectual him that knoweth to do good," saith the for accomplishing this desirable object, as apostle, "and doth it not, to him it is the bright and exemplary lives of prosin." For, consider what kind of dispo- fessing Christians. Are you then zealous sition this conduct betrays. Is it not for the glory of God? be "zealous of THE ANT AN INSTRUCTOR. 257 good works." Let it appear that your re- SERMON XLI. ligion gives authority to your conscience, by your being more just, and humane, and THE ANT AN INSTRUCTOR. generous than other men. C Ye are the salt of the earth, ye are the light of the PRovERBs vi. 6, 7, S.-"Go to the Ant, thou sworld." tYour divine Master hath in- Sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: with the honor of that rel which, having no guide, overseer, or ruler, trusted you with the honor of that reli provideth her meat in the summer, and gion which he taught on earth, and ex- gathereth her food in the harvest." pects that you should display it in an amiable light. But surely a mere nega- MAN was created with more understandtive degree of virtue will never convince ing than the beasts of the earth: But our men that your principles have any ex- minds are so debased by our apostasy from cellence superior to their own; and that God, that the meanest creatures may beprofessing Christians satisfy themselves come our teachers. And accordingly, the with a virtue of this sort, is, I am afraid, Spirit of God, in the Scriptures, doth in no small degree, the cause to which the frequently send us to learn our duty rapid growth of infidelity in these times from the example of the beasts of the must be ascribed. field, and of the fowls of heaven. Thus, If this is at all the fact, doth it not ingratitude is reproved by the example afford us a subject of the most serious of those animals which are accounted lamentation? " It is impossible but that the most stupid and intractable, (Isaiah offences will come, but woe unto him i. 3.) " The ox knoweth his owner, through whom they come. It were better and the ass his master's crib; but for him that a millstone were hanged Israel doth not know, my people doth not about his neck, and he cast into the sea." consider." An inattention to the conduct O then, study to adorn the doctrine of of divine Providence, and a neglect of the God your Saviour in all things. " Let proper seasons of activity, are in like manyour light so shine before men, that they ner condemned by the example of the may see your good works, and glorify your fowls of heaven. " The stork knoweth Father which is in heaven." " Whatso- her appointed times, and the turtle, and ever things are true, whatsoever things the crane, and the swallow, observe the are honest, whatsoever things are just, times of their coming; but my people whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever (saith God) know not the judgment of the things are lovely, whatsoever things are of Lord." Jerem. viii. 7. To cure us of exgood report, if there be any virtue, and cessive carefulness and anxiety, our Savif there be any praise, think on these iour sends us to " consider the ravens things," and do them. This will admin- they neither sow nor reap; they have nei — ister to you true pleasure in life, and solid ther storehouse nor barn; yet God feedeth. hope in death; and hereafter the sound them: How much more," saith he," "are of the last trumpet, the terror of the neg- ye better than the fowls? " Luke xii. 24. ligent and unfaithful servant, will be the And in my text, to cure us of neglitriumphant signal of your release from gence and sloth, Solomon sends us to a the grave, and the summons of your Lord creature of the smallest size, but of most to enter into his joy. Amen. wonderful activity. "Go ta the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which, having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." In discoursing of these words, I will, 1st. Consider the character of the person whom the wise man here addresses. And, 2dly. The counsel or advice which he gives him; and will then conclude withk a practical improvement of the subject.... 17 258 SERMON XLL I BEGIN with the character of the per- room to doubt that it was drawn from son to whom this advice is addressed. the life. " Go to the ant," saith Solomon, "thou Whether there are persons in the presluggard: " and the character of the slug- sent state of society to whom all the parts gard is so minutely described in this book, of this character agree, is a question and in the book of Ecclesiastes, that any which every man will answer to himself, of us may soon be acquainted with it. either from his knowledge or experience. Solomon observes in general, that sloth The charge is indeed so complex, that it casteth into a deep sleep; and he represents might be difficult perhaps to prove it in the sluggard in this state in the verses its full extent against any one individual. immediately following my text. When it We know well who they are whose is said to him, " How long wilt thou sleep, hands refuse to labor, who are clothed O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of with rags, and make poverty not only thy sleep? " Instead of being affected their complaint, but their argument. But with the just reproach, he begs earnestly though the idle vagrant is plainly defor farther indulgence, " Yet a little scribed and condemned by these articles, sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of there are other parts of the charge against the hands to sleep." " As the. door turn- which he might offer a plausible defence. eth upon its hinges, so doth the slothful He might answer to the charge of exman upon his bed." At length, when cessive sleep, that he riseth as early, or sleep itself hath become wearisome, and at least is as soon abroad, as any from he hath risen from his bed, he hath whom he can expect an alms: and that changed his situation only to give a new he is so far from hiding his hand in his indulgence to his sloth. " He hideth his bosom, that he stretcheth it forth from hand in his bosom," and will not so morning to night, to levy contributions much as "bring it to his mouth again." from every passenger he sees. Nay, to He spends his time in fruitless wishes: strengthen his defence, might he not arThe soul of the sluggard "desireth and gue, that as the Preacher was a king, hath not." To-morrow is always a day persons of a higher rank were far more of labor, to-day is always spent in idle- likely to be the objects of his attention, ness: And thus " the desire of the sloth- many of whom eat the bread of idleness, ful killeth him, because his hands refuse and labor as little as the beggar? And as to labor." He is discouraged by the he speaks of fields and vineyards, that this least opposition; " The way of the sloth- shows him to have had sluggards of a sufull man is as a hedge of thorns." Every perior order in his eye, who originally difficulty furnisheth him with an excuse possessed some property, and a station for his idleness: " The sluggard will not above the lower tribes of the people. By plough by reason of the cold." Nay, this defence, he will certainly elude some rather than want an excuse, he creates articles of the charge. Enough, however, imaginary dangers to himself: he saith will still remain to evince his right to the' There is a lion without, I shall be slain character in the text. And what he in the streets." At length, "By much throws off from himself doth not fall to the slothfulness the building decays, and ground, but will bear hard on the idle through the idleness of the hands the house and voluptuous in the higher ranks of life. droppeth through."-" His field and his At the same time, there are some articles vineyard are grown over with thorns: net- in the charge, to which those of a better ties cover the face thereof; and the stone- station would no doubt object in their wall is broken down." Thus,' Poverty turn. They might attempt to evade the cometh upon him like one that travaileth, charge of sluggishness, by alleging, that and his want as an armed man, till drow- though indeed they apply themselves to no siness at last clothes him with rags." active business or employment, yet the Such is the picture which Solomon fatigues of dress, of ceremony, and equidraws of the sluggard; and the features page; the anxieties of gaming, and the atare so strongly marked. that there is no tendance on fashionable amusements, ren THE ANT AN INSTRUCTOR. 259 der the pursuit of pleasure in the present vain and fugitive pleasures of this world. age as toilsome and laborious as any me- I will add, that even those who have chosen chanical employment whatsoever. And the better part, and who seek the kingdom that so far from being clothed in rags, of God and his righteousness in the first which Solomon makes the badge of a slug- place, do often incur the imputation of gard, the fact is, that Solomon himself, in sluggishness, by the omission or careless all his glory, was not arrayed like one of performance of what God hath required of them. them. For, alas! where is the man who Were this a controversy of any impor- doth " whatsoever his hand findeth to do" tance, it would be an easy matter to detect in the business of religion, "' with all his the fallacy of these reasonings, and to might?" Where is the man who c"strives," show, that the defences on both sides are as in an agony (for so the original word weak and frivolous. But this would be an imports) " to enter in at the strait gate? " idle waste of time; for as neither of the or who "gives all diligence to make his parties can deny that some parts of the calling and election sure?"? We see description apply to them, it is of little much activity in the pursuits of the world; consequence to which of them the larger but a very small portion of it, indeed, in share of it belongs. that pursuit which most requires and deBut sloth is not confined to the com- serves it. mon affairs of life, nor the character of a I may therefore venture to affirm, that sluggard to men in any particular station. there is not one in this assembly to whom There is sloth in religion as well as in my text is not addressed in one view or common life; and the description in my another. And, therefore, without questext applies to all, without exception, tioning the propriety of the description, who, however active and industrious in let us go on, as was proposed, their secular employments, neglect the Secondly. To consider the counsel or one thing needful, the care of their pre- advice which the wise man hath given us: cious and immortal souls. " Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider The laborious mechanic, the busy mer- her ways, and be wise; which, having no chant, the painful student, and the bust- guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her ling statesman, are all sluggards in a meat in the summer, and gathereth her spiritual sense, unless they are active in food in the harvest." the love and service of the God that He directs us to a creature, indeed, of made them; and unless the advancement the most diminutive size and appearance, of his glory, and the final enjoyment of but whose sagacity and unremitting achis favor, are the ends to which all their tivity strike the eye of every beholder. pursuits are directed. The ant instructeth us, not by speech, but Here we are only to sojourn for a short by actions; and therefore we are called time. Our great Creator hath made us upon " to consider her ways;" how she for higher occupations and better joys is employed, and for what end she is acthan the present world affords us. He tive: not merely that we may gratify our hath formed us for the knowledge and en- curiosity, or even extend our knowledge joyment of himself in an eternal and un- of the natural world; but that we may changeable state, and hath instructed us become wiser and better. The wisdom how we may attain this glorious object of we learn from the ant is the wisdom of our being. And therefore, however busy living well: the wisdom of acting suitably a man may be for himself, however indus- to our superior nature, and our glorious trious for his family, however active for hopes. the public; yet if all his views terminate There are three very important lessons in this present life, he is still a sluggard which we learn from the conduct of the in the eye of God. For he who labors ant. The only for the meat that perisheth, doth as 1st is, A foresight and sagacity in fatally counteract the end of his creation, making provision for the time to come. as he that sleeps on the bed of sloth, or as The ant gathereth more than she hath he that fatigues himself in pursuing the present occasion for; and in the summer 260 SERMON XLT. and harvest lays up a store for the ap- knows that it will be effectual. Unlike to proaching winter. Thus she arms herself man, whose folly prompts him to neglect against the rigors of the inclement season; the season in which his talents might be and whilst the grasshoppers, that sung and usefully employed, till he hath lost it for sported in the summer and harvest: nay, ever; and who spends on trifles the day whilst many creatures of larger size and of his merciful visitation, till the things greater strength, perish for want of food, which belong to his peace are for ever hid she lives on the fruits of her industry, and from his eyes. reaps the reward of her care and provi- All this foresight, diligence, and sagadence. O that this wisdom were more city, the ant employs by an instinct of common among men! and that we could nature, untutored and unawed. She hath be persuaded, while the season of action neither guide, overseer, nor judge: There lasts, to "lay up in store for ourselves a is none to go before and mark out her good foundation against the time to come, task; none to superintend and prompt her while the evil days come not, nor the to her labor; none to require an account years draw nigh, when we shall say we of her industry, or to punish her either have no pleasure in them." How dreary for her neglect or miscarriages. This must the winter of life be, when the pre- circumstance the wise man mentions with vious seasons have been passed in sloth, in a peculiar emphasis, on purpose to draw idleness, or in folly; when the body lan- the sluggard's attention to it. For surely guishes under poverty and wretchedness; nothing can be suggested of greater force or when the mind, unfurnished with know- and efficacy to rouse him from his lethargy, ledge, and virtue, and faith, and devotion, and to convince him that his sloth is not sojourns in a crazy tabernacle, tottering to only criminal, but without excuse. the dust? A The ant hath no guide; but we, my 2d lesson to be learned from the con- brethren, have many guides. " There is duct of the ant is activity and diligence. a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the The ant never intermits her labors as long Almighty giveth them understanding." as the season lasts. In summer, when the Our Maker hath endued us with reasonweather is hottest, at sultry noon, as well able souls, capable of discerning betwixt as in the cool of the morning and of the good and evil. He hath favored us with evening, this busy creature is continually a complete revelation of his will, and hath in motion, either seeking her food abroad, showed us " what is good, and what the or disposing it in her cells at home. Nay, Lord our God requireth of us."-" The her labors end not with the day, but, as law of the Lord is perfect, converting the naturalists have observed, she often takes soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, the benefit of the moon, and plies her making wise the simple." He hath sent work with a surprising alacrity. Happy his Son into the world to show us the were it for man, that he as faithfully em- path of life, not only by his doctrine, but ployed that precious time which is given by his example too. And he offers us his him, either to render himself useful in this Spirit, to lead us into all truth, to open world, or to prepare for eternity. Then our eyes, and to turn us from darkness to would he not be seen encroaching on the light, by taking of the things of Christ, day by sloth, nor turning it into night by and showing them unto us. He hath asintemperance and riot. The sured us of his willingness to assist and to 3d lesson which we learn from the con- guide us. " If any man lack wisdom, let duct of the ant is sagacity in making use him ask it of God, who giveth to all men of the proper season for activity. Oppor- liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall tunity is the flower of time; or it is the be given him." If men therefore are most precious part of it, which if once lost sluggards, and loiter in their work, they may never return. This the ant knoweth can neither pretend ignorance of their how to seize with admirable skill. She duty, nor the want of a guide to direct goeth forth in quest of food when it can them in it. be had with ease and certainty: She em- Again, the ant "hath no overseer;" ploys her labor at the time when she but man acts under the immediate inspec THE ANT AN INSTRUCTOR. 261 tion of him, " whose eyes are as a flame the interest of his Lord: he was, in short, of fire."-" The eyes of the Lord are in the sluggard here addressed by the wise every place, beholding the evil and the man; and his doom was just. For it is good."-Can any man hide himself in se- only c" to those who, by a patient continucret " places that I shall not see him? do ance in well-doing, seek for glory, honor, not I fill heaven and earth, saith the and immortality, that God will render Lord? "-" Yea, the darkness hideth not eternal life, in the day when he shall from thee, 0 Lord, but the night shineth judge the secrets of men by Jesus as the day." Besides, God hath placed Christ." an overseer in our own breasts, which Thus, then, the ant, which, without a acts within us as his deputy; for the guide, overseer, or judge, labors with such voice of conscience is the voice of God. diligence, sagacity, and foresight, for the This bosom-witness marks our steps, re- preservation of a life which must soon minds us of our duty, condemns us when come to a final period; instructs, reproves, we do wrong, and never fails to render and condemns those who, having all the those unhappy whom it fails to keep faith- advantages which are denied to her, are ful to their duty. For conscience at first yet remiss and negligent in the great buspeaks forcibly to every human being; siness assigned them: on which depend and many. a hard struggle doth it cost not their present interests only, but the even the worst of men, before this awful interests and the life of their immortal monitor can be silenced. Thus we have spirits-of their spirits, which shall surnot only a guide to point out the way to vive the dissolution of their bodies, and us, but an overseer to attend us in every shall last through eternal ages. step; and therefore, if we either loiter or These observations may be sufficient turn aside, we must be without excuse: both to illustrate the meaning, and to show " our own hearts condemn us, and God is the propriety of Solomon's advice. Let greater than our hearts, and knoweth all me now, as the improvement of the subthings." ject, press you to reduce to practice the Once more, the ant "' hath no ruler " lessons which I have been considering. or judge to call her to account for her And for this end, I would represent to conduct; but every one of us must give you, an account to God. " God hath appointed 1st. THAT the sluggard sins against a day in which he will judge the world in the very nature which God hath given righteousness, by that Man whom he hath him. For what are all the high powers ordained, whereof he hath given assur- and faculties with which we are endowed, ance unto all men, in that he raised him but so many tokens that we were formed from the dead." "We must all appear for active service? The nature of things before the judgment-seat of Christ, that has evidently in this respect the force of a every one may receive the things done in law; since it is impossible to conceive, the body, according to that he hath done, that powers and capacities were given us, whether it be good or bad." And it de- which were not meant to be exerted and serves ohir notice, that the sluggard is improved. Even in the state of innocence, particularly pointed out in Scripture as man had his task assigned him, whilst the one of those who shall certainly be con- inferior animals were left to roam at large, demned in that decisive day. This is without being accountable for their conclearly intimated to us in the parable of duct. And as our natures are formed for the talents. The unprofitable servant, action, so our inclination evidently prompts who is condemned to utter darkness, is us to it. This is plain from the various not accused of having squandered his talent, methods by which those who will not laor of having applied it to wicked pur- bor endeavor to relieve themselves from poses: on the contrary, he had preserved the oppressive load of idleness. Their it entire, and returned it unimpaired to time itself is a misery: and there is nohis master: his crime was, that he had thing so impertinent to which they will not improved it. He was a wicked ser- not fly, that they may be free from it. The vant, because he had not been active for burdens of the most laborious slaves are 262 SERMON XLII. light, when compared with the burden great Redeemer, who shed his blood for which the sluggard carries about with him the ransom of our souls, and who gave in an enfeebled body, and a vacant, dis- himself for us, not to purchase our release contented mind. from duty, but to " purify unto himself a 2dly. The sluggard sins against the peculiar people, zealous of good works." manifest design of Providence. God hath Christ spoiled principalities and powers, indeed made a liberal provision for the " that we, being delivered out of the hands supply of all our returning wants. But of our enemies, might serve him without he hath done this in a way that requires fear, in holiness and righteousness before industry on our part, in order to render him all the days of our lives." Let us that provision effectual. The earth, by hear and reverence the language of the the blessing of God, is fruitful of herbs Gospel. " Ye are not your own: ye are and grain for the use of man. But man bought with a price: therefore glorify God must be careful to do his part in the labor in your body and in your spirit, which are of the field, that it may yield him a re- God's. Work out your own salvation gular or a certain produce. The rough with fear and trembling: for it is God materials of all things necessary and con- that worketh in you, both to will and to venient for the purposes of life are laid do of his good pleasure. And beside plentifully at our hands; but the skill and this, giving all diligence, add to your faith industry of the workmen must bring them virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to into form, and render them fit for use. knowledge temperance, and to temperance " All things are full of labor." Who then patience, and to patience godliness, and to art thou, O sluggard, to counteract the godliness brotherly kindness, and to brothdesigns both of Nature and of Provi- erly kindness charity. For so an entrance dence? shall be ministered unto you abundantly, But some may say, perhaps, We have into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord nothing to do. Our wants are abundantly and Saviour Jesus Christ." supplied from the patrimony which we have Let us then be no longer'" slothful in inherited; and nothing remains for us but business, but fervent in spirit, serving the to enjoy what we have. Do you then in- Lord."' Amen. deed believe, that any human being can have a right to live idle on the earth? If 0 ye believe this, ye have yet to learn this fundamental principle of common sense, SERMON XLII. That all obligations are reciprocal. Ye sluggards, why cumber ye the ground? FATALITY OF PROCRASTINATION. Shall God give you all things richly to enjoy, and is there no active service which JAMES IV. 13, 14, 15. — "Go now, ye that say, he requires of you? Must the labor of to-day to-orow we illgo into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, the husbandman nourish, and the art of and get gain. Whereas ye know not what the manufacturer clothe you? Must all shall be on the morrow. For what is your ranks of men labor for your convenience lifel it is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For and are there no obligations which ye are little tie, and then vanisheth aay. 1or bound to disc e to tm i. n f that ye ought to say, If the LORD Will, we shall bound to discharge to them in return for liand do this or that." so many, and so important services? For what end then do you live? Your being THE obvious design of this passage is to is an embarrassment and burden to the detect the folly and presumption of those creation. "For if any man will not work, who lay schemes for futurity, without a neither should he eat."-Once more, in proper acknowledgment of their depenthe dence on the providence of God. The 3d place, The sluggard sins against the particular scheme, which the apostle regreat design of the Gospel. For we have presents and condemns, is one of the most not only a Guide to instruct us, an Over- plausible that can well be imagined. A seer to observe us, and a Judge to whom merchant resolves on a journey to some we are accountable; but we have also a city, in which he can carry on his trade to FATALITY OF PROCRASTINATION. 263 advantage. That he may lose no time, he If this remark is just, we have already saith, " To-day," or, at farthest, " tomor- discovered one capital error in the expresrow, I will go into such a city, and con- sions before us.-To seek gain by honest tinue there a year, and buy and sell, and industry, either for the supply of our own get gain." There is no intimation that wants, or to enable us to relieve the nehe meant to enrich himself by fraud or cessities of others, is not only lawful but extortion. The gain he had in view may honorable: But to seek wealth for its own be supposed to have been the profits of a sake, and merely for the sordid pleasure fair and honorable commerce; the honest of possessing it, betrays a mean and selfish reward of his attention and diligence. spirit, unworthy of a man, and much more I apprehend that none of us would be unworthy of a Christian. greatly startled, though we should hear Supposing this then to be the end in some of our friends talking in the manner view, there can be no doubt that it is in a which is here represented. There are few high degree culpable. But as the apostle of us, perhaps, who have not on some oc- is silent on this head, we shall admit, that casions held such a language, without sus- *the persons who hold the language before pecting that it was either presumptuous us, might intend to make a proper use of or wrong. Inl order, therefore, to discover their riches. and proceed to examine the what is faulty in it, and to enter into the means by which they propose to obtain spirit of this text, let us examine with at- them. " To-day," say they, " or to-mortention, row, we will go into such a city." These 1st. The form of expression which the words may pass in common conversation: apostle condemns. And, but when we seriously weigh the import 2dly. The amendment which he sug- of them, as at present we are called to do, gests. And if it shall please God to we shall find that they are chargeable both afford us the assistance of his Spirit, I with folly and presumption. am persuaded that several remarks will The great Lord of all has no part in occur to us in the course of this inquiry, this scheme. These little arrogant words, which may be " profitable for doctrine, for WE WILL, thrust him out at once, and ocreproof, for correction, and for instruction cupy his place. And for what do the perin righteousness." Let us then attend, sons here described undertake? They.Ftrst. To the form of expression which undertake, without hesitation, to insure the apostle condemns. "Go to now, ye their lives against death, their bodies that say, to-day or to-morrow we will go against sickness, and their effects against into such a city, and continue there a year, every casualty or hazard. They speak of and buy and sell, and get gain." the morrow as if they had the absolute In general, we may observe, that this property of it. They promise themselves, language relates altogether to a worldly that to-morrow they shall not only be project. The principal object is gain: alive, but in health, to set out on their "not the true riches;" or "that good journey; that they shall meet with no part" which shall never be taken from cross accidents bythe way; that the goods those who choose it; but the gain of this which they carry along with them shall be world, the gain which is acquired by buy- protected against thieves and robbers; ing and selling. They say nothing of the and that in due time they shall arrive at measure of gain that would satisfy them, the city where their plan of business is to and nothing of the use to which they be carried into execution. But what folmeant to apply their wealth. For any lows is still more extravagant. Thev thing that their expressions imply, their promise upon life for a full year: " We desires might be without bounds, and their will continue there a year:" and not upon sole aim might be to "'heap up silver as life only, but on health of body, and the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the soundness of mind, during all that time. streets;" or, in the language of Isaiah, No allowance is made for the change of " to join house to house, and field to field, climate, or the fatigues of business: they till they were placed alone in the midst of are always to be in a condition te buy and the earth.' sell, and to manage their affairs with ac 264 SERMON XLIL tivity and prudence. Nay, more, they need only to stretch forth our hand to assure themselves of success. " We will take hold of them. God knows, that we buy and sell, and get gain." They under- have much work to do, and little time to take, not for themselves alone, but for all do it in: and therefore, that we may lose whom they shall employ, or with whom no part of it, the most useful and necesthey shall have commerce-that they shall sary things are scattered around us with have diligent and faithful servants; that the greatest profusion. Were it otherthey shall have large profits from those to wise, the opportunity of acting might frewhom they sell, and cheap bargains from quently pass away before the means of those of whom they buy. In a word, action were ready. Yet such, alas! is they speak as if every thing relating to our folly and perverseness, that overlookthemselves and others were so dependent ing what is near, we roam abroad, and on their will, that they might command always grasp most eagerly at those things the events which they desired, and dis- which are farthest from us. Thwarting pose of all things according to their own the merciful designs of God, we despise pleasure. common truths, merely because they WVell might the apostle give this the are common; and wander in pursuit of name of boasting, as he doth at the 16th abstruse and intricate speculations, which verse of this chapter; and had it suited puzzle the understanding, and amuse the the gravity of an inspired writer; he might fancy, but leave the heart cold and insenhave examined the different parts of the sible. How much better was the course scheme, computed the risks which were which the apostle took with those who plainly against them in every step, and held the language of the text, in order to thus turned the whole design into matter bring them to a sense of their folly? He of contempt and ridicule. But instead of doth not go about in quest of remote obthis, he arrests them at the very first out- jects, nor seek to surprise them with new set. You talk of " going to such a city, and uncommon discoveries; but he surof continuing there a year, of buying, of prised them most effectually, by pointing selling, and getting gain:' —" whereas ye to an object just at hand, one view of know not what shall be on the morrow." which was sufficient to check their preThe present moment is all that ye can call sumption,-an object which stood always your own. This night your souls may be before their eyes, though overlooked required of you: to-day you are; but to- through the pride, or inattention, or permorrow ye may be numbered with those verseness of their minds. who have been. He would not trifle with It hath already been observed, that the miserable men, who might die whilst he matter of the project, here represented was speaking to them. He therefore by the apostle, is in itself plausible; and seizeth one important truth, the force of that his reproof is chiefly aimed at the which could not be denied, and instantly form or manner of expressing it. And if placeth it full in their view. " What is he treated this with so much severity, your life?" saith he, "it is even a vapor." what would he have said, had the end At present it appears; but while I yet proposed been criminal in its own nature, speak to you it may vanish away. Cease or the means of obtaining it base and disthen, vain boasters, to talk of a year hence, honorable? What would he have said to until ye can say something with certainty those who puzzle themselves with schemes of the succeeding day. Thus the visionary to get rid of their money, or to throw it Babel falls to the ground. This plain pro- away upon the most ridiculous trifles? position, "' Life is a vapor," undermines it who have no higher objects than the suat once, and overwhelms the proud builders perfluities of dress, the luxury of enterwith shame. tainments, the multiplicity of diversions, It hath often given me pleasure to ob- and all the expensive arts of dissipation serve. that the truths which are best fit- and sensuality? What would he have ted to touch the heart, and to influence said to those who, in the same presumptuthe life, are universally the most simple ous style, lay deliberate schemes for low and obvious, and lie so near us, that we vice and debauchery, for drunkenness FATALITY OF PROCRASTINATION. 265 and whoredom, and other works of the it had brought forth sin. And I am perflesh? What would he have said to suaded, that if men were faithfully to those who devise methods of making practise this one easy and reasonable pregain by secret fraud or open violence? caution, they would at least avoid many to those who practise deceit in buying of those presumptuous offences which lay and selling, or who, without either buy- waste the conscience, and destroy the ing or selling, support a useless and peace of the soul. pernicious life by the base and infa- 2dly. This amendment, which the mous occupation of gaming? Compared apostle suggests, teacheth us to consider with these, the scheme which the apostle the shortness, and particularly the uncercondemns is wisdom, and honor, and tainty, of life. "Ye know not," saith he, virtue. "what shall be on the morrow. For But the apostle doth not rest in censur- what is your life? it is even a vapor ing what was wrong. He goes on at the which appeareth for a little time, and 15th verse to correct what was faulty, then vanisheth away." Thus David deand to supply what was defective. " For scribes the life of man by those things that ye ought to say," adds he, " If the which are most frail and fugitive in naLord will, we shall live, and do this or ture. "As for man, his days are as that."-This amendment, suggested by grass." Nay, as if the grass, which enthe apostle, was the dures for a season, were too permanent Second thing which I proposed to con- an object of comparison, he immediately sider.-And, corrects the similitude, " As the flower 1st. It furnisheth us with a rule by of the field, so he fiourisheth:" As the which all our undertakings ought to be flower of the field, which is exposed to. examined. Whatever scheme we have in the foot of every passenger, to the tooth view, to which we cannot prefix this pre- of every wild beast, to the wanton hand face, "If the Lord will," we may be of every destroyer. It is not by rare and assured is essentially wrong, and ought to striking events only that the thread of be abandoned without delay. There is life may be broken. There is no need nothing truly good or profitable to us, for that the thunder should break on you, or which we may not address God by prayer. that the fire should devour you, or that Let us then convert the views which we the earth should open and swallow you up. have in any undertaking into the form of Things far more common and familiar are a petition, and try whether we can, with sufficient for so easy a purpose, as that decency or propriety, offer up such a pe- of cutting off your days. There is not an tition to God. Let us consider, whether element so friendly, nor a circumstance so the means by which we propose to corn- trifling, that it may not become the minpass these views are of such a nature, ister of death. Ought not this manifest that we may ask or expect the divine uncertainty of life, then, to cool our purblessing to accompany them. Happy suit of earthly projects? We are apt to were it for us, that all our schemes and meditate great and complicated schemes projects were brought to this test. We to attain wealth, or power, or honor in the should then be seasonably delivered from world. But could we penetrate a little that fatal enchantment which first enga- into futurity, we might perhaps see our geth us in unlawful pursuits, and then grave opened far on this side of half way stimulates us to persist in them against to the objects of our keenest pursuit. the remonstrances of our own consciences. " For what is our life? it is even a vapor We should then escape from those fatal that appeareth for a little time, and then snares into which our rash unadvised vanisheth away. For that we ought to plans betray us. For who would dare to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and say, " If the Lord will, I shall live," and do this or that." rob and steal, game and defraud, oppress 3dly. This amendment, suggested by and overreach my neighbor? Such a the apostle, teacheth us to live in an haconnection of thought would startle the bitual dependence on God, not only for mind at the first conception of lust, before life, but also for activity and prudence to 266 SERMON XLII. carry our lawful designs into execution. as much as light excelleth darkness; and There are two assertions in the 10th chap- that without proper means being used, ter of the book of Proverbs, which have a we have no title to expect the blessing of seeming opposition to each other. At the God upon our affairs. But they ought to 4th verse, it is said, that " the hand of the teach us to "': commit our ways unto God " diligent maketh rich;" where it would in well doing; to trust also in him that appear, that prosperity, in our worldly he may bring it to pass; to acknowledge callings, is to be ascribed to our own acti- him in all our ways, that he may direct vity and skill. On the other hand, it is as- our steps."-In the serted at the 22d verse, that " the bless- 4th and last place, This amendment, ing of the Lord, it maketh rich; and he suggested by the apostle, teacheth us to addeth no sorrow with it." These two as- resign ourselves entirely to the will of sertions are not opposed; but the one is God, and to submit all our schemes to subordinate to the other; and the mean- him, to prosper or to disappoint them as ing is, that the hand of the diligent, by seemeth good to him. This is the true spirthe blessing of God, is the means of gain- it of the text. " If the Lord will, we shall ing wealth and honor. Accordingly, we live, and do this or that." Resignation find that God gave this caution to his to the will of God frees the mind from a ancient people. " Beware that thou say grievous bondage, the bondage of earthly not in thine heart, when thy herds and pursuits and expectations. Whatever thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and God wills, is pleasing to the resigned thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou soul; and when a Christian hath, by hast is multiplied, My power, and the prayer and supplication, made known his might of my hand, hath gotten me this requests to God, then the peace of God wealth. But thou shalt remember the which passeth all understanding keeps his Lord thy God, for it is he that giveth heart and mind through Jesus Christ. thee power to get wealth." How often Then only is life truly enjoyed, when we do we see the best laid schemes miscarry; relish its comforts, at the same time that while others, far less flattering, succeed we are prepared to part with them. The in a wonderful manner? One man shall anxieties of the worldly man torment him toil with incessant industry, rise early, with the pangs of a thousand deaths. and sit up late, and eat the bread of care- His soul dies within him as often as he fulness, and yet all in vain. Another, conceives the apprehension of losing those who, compared with this man, hath neither good things which he would wish always a head to contrive, nor hands to execute, to enjoy. Whereas he who hath resigned shall prosper in all his plans. " I return- his will to the will of God, "eats his ed, and saw under the sun, that the race bread with joy, and drinks his wine with is not to the swift, nor the battle to the a merry heart." Even the thought of his strong; neither yet bread to the wise, nor dying hour throws no damp on the joys of yet riches to men of understanding, nor his mind From the contemplation of yet favor to men of skill; but time and God's goodness to him in life, he can chance happeneth to them all." Men are pass without terror or amazement to the too apt "to sacrifice to their own net, thought of his protection in the dark and to burn incense to their own drag." valley and shadow of death. Even in In great mercy, therefore, God denies that gloomy passage he fears no evil; riches to those who may be said to live but commits himself to the Lord his for no other end but to obtain them; shepherd, who will make goodness and while, on the other hand, they sometimes mercy to follow him all the days of his drop, as it were, into the lap of others, life, and at last will bring him to dwell in who have no talents and little anxiety to his house above for ever. acquire them. These observations are These are some of the instructions which not meant to discourage industry or skill we may derive from the amendment here in the management of our lawful business. suggested by the apostle:'" For that ye For it is still true, notwithstanding what ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall hath been said, that wisdom excelleth folly, live, and do this or that." THE SABBATH REMEMBERED AND KEPT. 267 FROM what hath been said, let us learn, plan for eternity, and let us choose the in the unchangeable God for our portion. Know1st place, To guard against that extrav- ing that we have here no continuing city, agance in laying down schemes for the let us seek one to come; a city which time to come, which, upon cool reflection, hath foundations, whose builder and appears so unjustifiable in the example be- maker is God. Let the Lord Jesus be fore us. Had the persons here described, our leader and guardian; under his conduct upon finding it inconvenient to set out im- let us presently set out for the heavenly mediately, asked themselves this question, Jerusalem; and in due time he will bring What assurance have we of another day? us safe to the city of the great and univerthis might have given them a timely sal King, where we shall continue; not for a check. But their imagination having year only, but for ever; and where we shall taken possession of the morrow, it carried get possession of substantial gain, even them forward without the least interrup- that glorious inheritance of the saints tion, brought them safe to the end of their in light, which is incorruptible, and undejourney, fixed their residence, transacted filed, and which fadeth not away. Ammzen. business, and reaped the profits of the whole ensuing year. One presumptuous step leads on to another. The first object is near, and appears to be within our SERMON XLIII. reach: but if we assure ourselves of possessing that before it actually become THE SABBATH REIMEMBERED AND KEPT. ours, then we see another object a little farther on, which appears as near to it EXODUS XX. 8. —"Remember the Sabbath-day, again; afterwards a third but a little be- to keep it holy." yond that; and thus we proceed step by step, till we have passed the utmost bounds TIIE too general and growing abuse of the of probability, before we begin to suspect Christian Sabbath, must render a discourse that we have gone any length at all. Let on this subject both seasonable and necesus then, in the sary; and I propose therefore, in depend2d place, Realize this awful and impor- ence on divine aid, tant truth, That our life is but " a vapor, 1st. To inquire how far the precept in which appeareth for a little time, and then this text is binding on us. vanisheth away." Die we must, and we 2dly. To show how this commandknow not how soon. Our worldly enjoy- ment ought to be kept or observed. And, ments must be relinquished, our worldly 3dly. To enforce the observance of it by plans and projects must perish. " The some motives and arguments. wind shall pass over us, and we shall be First. I begin with inquiring how far gone, and our place shall know us no more." this precept of keeping holy the SabbathNature will look on the day of our decease day is binding on us. as it ever did; the business of the world Although your stated attendance on will go on as briskly as before; our habi- this day, for the worship of God, may, be tations will make our successors as wel- interpreted as a public declaration on your come as they made us; and even our names, part, that you reckon this commandment in a few years, shallperish as ifwe had never binding on you, yet the inquiry I have been. What wise man, then, would build proposed is by no means superfluous. We his house on such unstable sand? How are exhorted in Scripture, not only " to wretched must that man be, whose inherit- sanctify the Lord God in our hearts," but ance lies wholly upon earth? What pangs likewise "to be always ready to give an must he feel at the parting hour? with answer to every man who asketh us a reawhat horror must he hear the summons of son of the hope that is in us." And if we dissolution? should at all times be ready to declare the Let us then be persuaded to raise our grounds of our hope, we should certainly be affections above the things of the earth to at least equally ready to explain and to justhose things which are above. Let us tify the reasons of our practice. Besides, 268 SERMON XLIII. although in the judgment of charity, the disposal of it: But if we cannot draw " which thinketh no evil," your weekly one breath without his aid; if his conattendance on this day for public worship stant visitation is necessary to preserve may be supposed to flow from a religious us; the consequence is unavoidable, that principle; yet in our present situation, it the whole of our time is due to God, and is easy to conceive, that something else that his right is absolute to reserve any than a sense of duty may occasion our part of it which he pleaseth for his own meeting together in this manner. The worship. And this leads me to observe, laws of our country not only permit, but in the require, the observance of the Christian 3d place, That God hath actually interSabbath: so that human authority, the posed his authority in this matter: and by manner of our education, a regard to de- a clear and positive law, part of which I cency, or even motives inferior to any of have now read to you, hath reserved for these, may bring people to church who himself one day in seven; that he hath have never seen themselves to be bound consecrated or set apart this portion of our by any divine law to keep holy the Sab- time, by his precept, example and blessbath-day. And I am sorry to add, that ing, for a holy rest or cessation from secuthere is too great cause to suspect this to lar employments, and for such acts of rebe the case with many who frequent our ligious worship and adoration as creareligious assemblies, from their defective tures owe to their great Creator. and partial observance of this holy day. It is confessed by all who admit the inI therefore judge it to be of the highest spiration of the Old Testament, that this importance, to set the authority of this law was strictly binding upon the Jews, precept in a clear and striking light. For to whom it was delivered by the ministry until we view the Sabbath as a divine in- of Moses. But some have made it a stitution, we shall never either pay to it question, whether it continues to be bindthat regard which it deserves, nor reap ing under the Christian dispensation. We any spiritual advantage from the most ex- maintain that it is still in force, inasmuch act outward observance of it. I suppose as it contains a declaration of the will of it will not be denied, in the God, that one day in seven, or the seventh 1st place, That some part of our time part of our time, should be separated from should be employed in the immediate wor- common use, and dedicated to religious ship of God. Reason must necessarily purposes. With regard to the particular teach us, that such homage is due to that day to be observed, all days being alike in Almighty Being on whom we depend for themselves, the appointment of it must be life, and breath, and all things. In order of a positive nature, and may therefore be to secure the regular performance of this varied at the pleasure of the Lawgiver. worship, the same principle of reason Accordingly we find, that in this circumwill naturally suggest the propriety of stance the law hath received an alteration. allotting certain stated seasons for that The seventh, or last day of the week, is purpose. If any shall dispute the necessi- now become common; and in commemoraty of this, they will at least allow us to tion of our Saviour's resurrection from the affirm the expediency of it: for it is a com- dead, the holy rest is transferred to the mon and true observation, that whatisleft to first day of the week; which hath ever be done at any time is in great danger of since been called, by way of eminence, being done at no time. I may likewise The LORD's day. Whether this remarktake it for granted, in the able change is sufficiently supported by 2d place, That the right of determining divine authority, admits of farther inquiry. what proportion of time, or what stated What I have hitherto said, is only intendseasons should be employed in divine ed to prove our obligation to keep one worship, will be readily admitted to belong day in seven holy to the Lord; and for to God. This is so evident, that it this, I think I have given you very satisscarcely needs an illustration. If we can fying evidence. It is a natural principle, live one moment independent of God, we that God ought to be worshipped; and as may call that moment our own, and claim it is highly necessary to secure the per THE SABBATH REMEMBERED AND KEPT. 269 formance of such an important duty, rea- churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon son farther teacheth us, that some stated the first day of the week, let every one of times ought to be set apart for that end. you lay by him in store, as God hath The right of determining these doth cer- prospered him, that there be no gathering tainly belong to God himself; and he hath when I come." In this passage, there is actually been pleased to give a plain inti- not only a practice of the church describmation of his will in this matter, claiming, ed, but likewise the appointment of an inby a distinct and peremptory statute, one spired apostle ratifying and confirming it. whole day in seven, for the peculiar exer- For if the words extend to the religious cises of religious worship. Thus far, observance of that particular day, then we then, the commandment is strictly moral; have a plain scriptural command for our and therefore still binding upon us, inas- warrant: or if they refer only to the colmuch as it only enjoins a natural duty, lecting almhns on that day, which is the lowand prescribes the most effectual means est sense that they will bear, they necesfor securing the performance of it. sarily imply, that this was a weekly holy Having established this point, the way day then in use, on which Christians lies more open to the other subject of in- ceased from their worldly business, and quiry; and I expect to find less difficulty met together for the social worship of in satisfying you about the alteration of God; that the apostle justified and approvthe day. Some Christians, indeed have ed of this practice, and thereby testified maintained, that both days ought to be his opinion that it was perfectly agreeable kept; but I reckon there will be no need to the will of Christ. to guard you against a mistake of this Besides, we find that this day was, in kind. You will easily convince yourselves the earliest times, distinguished by the that there is but one Sabbath in the week. title of The LORD's day; for this appears As to our practice in observing the from Rev. i. 10, where John informs the first, instead of the last day in the week, churches, that he " was in the Spirit on which was the Jewish Sabbath, the rea- the Lord's day;" that well known day, sons of it may be reduced under these fol- sacred to the memory of the Lord Relowing heads. deemer; the day on which he triumphed 1st. We learn from Scripture, that this over death, and which he dignified, by his was the day on which the apostles and resurrection, above all other days. From primitive Christians held their solemn as- these circumstances taken together, it apsemblies for the public exercises of reli- pears, that this change took place in the gious worship. Thus we read, (Acts xx. apostolic age; and that the first day of the 7.) that " upon the first day of the week, week was then esteemed holy to the Lord, when the disciples came together to break and separated from the rest for religious bread," i. e. to celebrate the sacrament of purposes; so that though we cannot find our Lord's Supper, "' Paul preached unto any express command, appointing the althem, and continued his speech until mid- teration in so many words; yet we have night;" where it is observable, that their the most convincing evidence, that it was meeting together on that precise day is either part of the instruction which Christ not spoken of as a thing extraordinary, or gave to his disciples before his ascension, merely occasional, but as a stated and or- when he was seen of them forty days, as dinary practice. It was their custom so the sacred history informs us, and spake to do; and Paul being on the spot, met of the things pertaining to the kingdom of with them, and presided in their assembly. God; or else that it was afterwards enIt farther appears that this was the day acted by the apostles, in virtue of their on which they laid up their public charity, authority derived from Christ, and under and contributed for the relief of their the infallible direction of his blessed needy brethren; and this by an express Spirit. apostolical injunction. For thus Paul 2dly. There appear to be many great writes to the Corinthians, (1 Cor. xvi. 1, and weighty reasons for such a change. 2.) " Now concerning the collection for Under the Old Testament, the seventh the saints, as I have given order to the day was kept holy in memory of the crea 270 SERMON XLIII. tion, because on that day God rested from spirit of prophecy, and had visible repreall his works; and is it not equally rea- sentations of the various revolutions in sonable and fit, that the first day should the church of Christ, down to the final be sanctified under the gospel dispensation, consummation of all thinogs. And in latseeing on that day the great God and our ter times God hath signally blessed his Saviour rested from all the labors of his people when met together on this holy suffering state, and rose from the dead, in day; making all his goodness to pass betestimony that man's redemption was ful- fore them, and giving them such views of ly accomplished? Surely the renovation his power and glory in the sanctuary, that of the world, after sin had in a manner they have been obliged to say with Jacob broken it in pieces, is a work as glorious at Bethel, " This is no other than the and divine as the first creation of it, and house of God, and this is the gate of as worthy to be gratefully remembered heaven;" a foretaste of the everlasting by us. Sabbath, an earnest of that rest which re3dly. It is of some moment to observe, mains for the people of God. And is it that this day has been uniformly kept as to be supposed, that the holy and righteous the Christian Sabbath from the apostolic Governor of the world would countenance age down to the present time. This fact his creatures in a superstition of their own is proved by the concurring testimony of'contrivance, to the open and weekly nehistorians in all the different periods of glect of a plain and positive law? No, the church. At the same time, they tell surely: These tokens of the Divine preus what hot disputes arose about other sence and favor dispensed on this day, are matters, particularly about the institution sure indications that this is the day which and observance of holy days. We find God himself hath made, and which he hath the Eastern and Western churches so separated, by his authority, for the Chrisdivided with regard to the time of keep- tian Sabbath. ing Easter, as to proceed to excommuni- Thus have I finished the first thing procate each other: but we hear of no con- posed in this discourse; which was to introversy about observing the first day of quire how far the precept in the text is the week; for in this they were all agreed. binding on us; and I hope I have said Now, what could have produced such per- enough to satisfy every unprejudiced mind, feet uniformity, especially in those ages, that it is still in force, as to the great when there was no Christian magistrate to scope and design of it; and that the interpose his authority, but a clear convic- change of the day, which is only circumtion, and a well-grounded belief, that this stantial, bears such evident marks of was really a divine institution delivered divine authority, as sufficiently justify the by Christ, or his apostles, to the church? uniform opinion, and uninterrupted pracOnce more, in the tice, of all the Christian churches. I pro4th place, God hath remarkably hallow- ceed now to the ed this day, by many acts of grace done Second thing proposed, Which was to to his people, when employed in the re- show how this commandment ought to be ligious observance of it. On this day, kept or observed, "Remember the Sabwhen " the disciples were all with one bath-day, to keep it holy." accord in one place," the Spirit of God This, as it is the first, so it is likewise descended upon them, insomuch that they the principal and most important branch were filled with the Holy Ghost, to their of the precept. Nay, the full scope and own unspeakable comfort, and the admira- design of the law is probably expressed in tion of all who saw and heard them. On these few significant words. For I canthe same day, " the arm of the Lord was " not help thinking that the bodily rest or gloriously " revealed," in the conversion cessation from labor, which is afterwards of three thousand souls, who were brought enjoined, derives its chief value from its from a state of enmity to Christ into the subserviency to those spiritual exercises bosom of the church, by the plain and by which the Sabbath is most eminently powerful preaching of the apostle Peter. sanctified; and that it ought principally On this day John was inspired with the to be considered as a description of the THE SABBATH REMEMBERED AND KEPT. 271 means to aid us in the duties of religious also be of considerable use, to render worship. I think it proper to mention these several kinds of religious worship this distinction, because some have con- more beneficial to us, that, when occasion tended, that resting from labor is all that offers, we should discourse together on is meant by keeping holy the Sabbath: divine subjects, in order to increase our but surely it cannot be thought that God, knowledge of spiritual things, and to fix who is a pure and holy Spirit, would de- upon our minds a more lively sense of God liver a law with such solemnity, for so and of our duty. mean and low a purpose as this. He who 1st. I say, we are bound to sanctify this so frequently declares, that the rites and day by a punctual and devout attendance ceremonies of his own appointment were upon the public ordinances of religion, no farther acceptable to him than as they assembling together in the name of the represented spiritual blessings, and were Lord, to offer up the sacrifices of prayer improved for promoting internal purity, and praise; to hear his word explained cannot be supposed to take pleasure in and applied; and especially to partake, mere inactivity, or to have appointed a as often as we have opportunity, of the weekly day of rest, solely for the indul- holy sacrament of the Lord's Supper, the gence of the body. Besides, this expres- memorial of our Saviour's death, and the sion of sanctifying or keeping holy, not pledge of his second coming. In such only imports a separation froam common duties as these, did the people of God in use, but likewise a consecration to a sacred former times chiefly employ themselves on or religious use. In this sense it is always the Holy Sabbath. Under the old disemployed in the Old Testament, either pensation, sacrifices were offered, and when it is applied to the persons of the incense burnt in the temple, and the law priests, or to the vessels of the sanctuary; was publicly read and explained, both at and no reason can be given why it should Jerusalem and other cities of Judea, where be taken in a lower sense here, or why it synagogues were built for that very end. should import any thing less than that After the resurrection of Christ, the aposthe day is set apart for the service of God, tles and primitive Christians muet together and ought to be employed in the duties statedly on the first day of the week, that of religious worship-I shall, in the they might join in celebrating that great 1st place, Give you a general account and propitious event, and in performing of these duties. And then we shall see other acts of social religion. And ought more clearly, in the not we to sanctify the Lord's day in the 2d place, What things ought to be same manner? We are blessed with the avoided by us, as inconsistent with the ordinances of the gospel regularly, and I scope and design of this commandment. hope, purely dispensed. We have places In general, then, we are bound to sanc- set apart for public worship, and are tify this day, by assembling together for countenanced in the exercise of it by lawthe public worship of God, that as many ful authority, and therefore it must disas can conveniently meet in one place may cover a strange perverseness of temper, join in paying homage to their common and an unpardonable contempt both of Lord; and thus contribute their endea- God and man, to withdraw from the place vors to make him glorious in the eyes of of public worship, and, on any pretence the world around him. For this we ought whatsoever, to refuse to bear a part in to prepare ourselves, by the more private such a becoming and rational service. exercises of family worship. And be- But, cause our hearts are naturally indisposed 2clly. That the public worship may have for such divine and heavenly employments, a greater efficacy, and that our minds may it is both reasonable and necessary, that be better disposed to enter into it, it is each person apart should spend a compe- the duty of each family apart to spend tent time in reading and meditating on some time, both before and after the pubthe word of God, and implore his presence lie service, in reading the Holy Scriptures, and his blessing, by humble prayer, in the and in joining together in prayer and secret retirements of the closet. It will thanksgiving to God. Were this practis 272 SERMON XLIII. ed in a serious and devout manner, we Bethlehem to his burial on Mount Calvary. might expect to see better days, and more Thence we should proceed to view the fruitful and joyful Sabbaths than any we triumphs of his cross, where he bruised have yet seen. A congregation composed the old serpent's head, finished transgresof a number of holy families, just come sion, made reconciliation for iniquity, and from conversing with God at home, to brought in everlasting righteousness.' To worship him together in the house of confirm our faith, and increase our joy, prayer, would be indeed a lovely sight, our meditations ought to follow this and could not fail to be honored with the Mighty Conqueror, and to contemplate special marks of divine favor. We have him breaking the bands of death, and somle illustrious examples of family re- rising from the grave on this first day of ligion recorded in the Old Testament; the week, ascending up to heaven in the but what chiefly ought to engage the at- sight of his disciples, and sitting on the tention of Christians is, that our blessed right hand of God the Father; from Lord himself was pleased to become a whence he shall come, in power and great pattern to us in this matter. In the'in- glory, to judge the world in righteousness, tervals of his public work, we find him according to this gospel which is now frequently retiring with his little family, preached in his name. When, by such praying with them, and teaching them to meditations as these, our hearts are warmpray, and instructing them in things per- ed and enlivened, we should then, with all taining to the kingdom of God; in this, humility and reverence, approach the as in all other things, leaving us an esx- throne of grace; imploring those mercies ample that we should follow his steps. which we need for ourselves, and begging Family-religion, therefore, a duty incum- a divine blessing to accompany the outbent on us at all times, must be in a very ward means of grace, that with our fellowpeculiar manner seasonable and necessary worshippers, we may be made to taste of on the holy Sabbath. It deserves our the fatness of his house, and may find his notice, too, that this command is particu- ordinances to be indeed the wisdom and larly addressed to heads of families; and the power of God, " the savor of life unto as they are expressly enjoined to suffer life" to our souls.-The nothing to be done by any under their in- 4th. and last particular which I mention, spection, which is inconsistent with the is mutual conference upon divine things. due observance of the Sabbath, this in- This is of great use to make the truths of junction plainly implies, that, in their religion plain and familiar to us. It stirs station and character, they ought to em- up our affections, and makes our knowploy their natural authority, as well as ledge more lively and more operative, every other means, to promote the great both on our hearts and lives. It confirms ends of this holy commandment. I add, and strengthens our faith, and brings much in the joy and comfort to our souls, by showing 3d place, That as our hearts are natu- us, that as face answereth to face in water, rally indisposed for spiritual exercises;,we so doth the heart of one true Christian to oughit each of us, by ourselves, to make that of another. In this exercise holy conscience of the secret duties of the men of old have employed themselves, and closet. There we ought to meditate on met with singular tokens of divine favor the marvellous works of God; on his glo- and acceptance. At no time surely can rious perfections, as they are displayed to such conference be more seasonable than us, in creation, providence and redemp- on the Christian Sabbath: and it is owing tion; above all, on that great " mystery probably to the neglect of this, that the of godliness, God manifest in the flesh, preaching of the word, and other parts of justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, public religious service, are so generally preached unto the Gentiles, believed on fruitless and unsuccessful. I have thus in the world, received up into glory." In given you a general account of the manthis sacred retirement, we ought to re- ner in which the Sabbath ought to be volve in our minds the various steps of sanctified. In the next discourse, I shall our Lord's humiliation, from his birth at consider the prohibitory part of the com THE SABBATH REMEMBERED AND KEPT. 273 mandment, and endeavor to enforce the which cannot be done the day before, nor observance of it by some motives and ar- delayed till the day following. Thus, for guments. Amen. instance, should a fire break out on the Sabbath, we may and ought to use every mean to extinguish it. Should our enemies attack us, it is lawful to resist them: SERMON XLIV. if we are at a distance from church, we may travel as far as is necessary, in order THE SABBATH REMEMBERED AND KEPT. to hear the word of God, and to join with others in public worship. For, as our EXODUS xx. 8. —" Remember the Sabbath-day, to Saviour tells us, "the Sabbath was made keep it holy." for man, and not man for the Sabbath;" and the means are never to be set above I HAVE already endeavored to prove that the end; nor is resting on the Sabbath to we are strictly bound by this divine pre- be interpreted so as to exclude the relicept to keep one day in seven holy to the gious employment of it. Lord; and that the change of the Sab- In like manner, works of charity and bath, from the seventh to the first day of compassion are lawful on this day. Our the week on which our Lord rose from the Lord wrought many miracles of mercy on dead, bears such evident signatures of di- the Sabbath, and vindicated his conduct vine authority, as are sufficient to justify against those who found fault with him, the uniform opinion, and uninterrupted by such maxims as plainly show, that offipractice of all the Christian churches in ces of charity are not only allowable but this matter. I have also endeavored to praiseworthy, and are perfectly consistent explain the commandment itself, and to with the rest which is here enjoined. give you an account of the manner in But then it is absolutely unlawful to which the Sabbath ought to be sanctified. pursue our worldly business on this day; I now proceed to consider the prohibitory because this thwarts the great end and depart of the commandment, and to enforce sign of the commandment, which ordains the observance of it by some motives and the seventh part of our time to be statedly arguments. employed in the immediate service of God, The prohibition chiefly respects bodily that we may thereby become better aclabor. " The Sabbath-day is the Sabbath quainted with him, and may become more of the Lord thy God," saith the Supreme fit for an eternal communion with him in Lawgiver; " in it thou shalt not do any heaven. The very intention of the law is work." It is expressed, you see, in very to set apart a certain proportion of our strong and absolute terms, and was for a time for the care of our souls; which, long time understood by the Jews in amidst the hurry of our secular affairs, wo a very rigid sense, insomuch that they are too apt to neglect. thought it even unlawful to defend their To apply ourselves therefore to our orlives when they were attacked by their dinary business on the Sabbath, to talk enemies on that day. So universally did of it, or even to spend our thoughts on it, this opinion prevail among them in the is doing what we can to frustrate the grabeginning of the wars of the Maccabees, cious designs of the Lawgiver, and must that, in some instances, it proved fatal to necessarily be of infinite hurt and prejumany of them. But this was afterward, dice to our souls. And if our worldly by the universal consent of the learned in employments, which are not only lawful, their law, declared to be a mistake: and but even necessary on other days of the indeed, from the design of the precept, week, are criminal on this day, you will from other passages of Scripture, and es- easily perceive, that sports and recreations pecially from our Saviour's instruction must certainly be considered as included and example, it appears, that some kinds in the prohibition: for these are still more of work are perfectly consistent with the opposite to the proper business of the Sabrest which is here enjoined. Of this na- bath, and have not the remotest pretence ture are works of necessity, i. e. works either to necessity or usefulness. To have 18 274 SERMON XLIV. recourse to amusements on this day, is God should say to you, How much of your wantonly to throw away our time without time will you consecrate to my service in any advantage; and carries in it a plain future, if I shall now be pleased to restore declaration, that we have no relish for you to health again? I suppose most of spiritual things; and that, rather than you would reply, without any hesitation, think of God, and the concerns of our Lord, I make no conditions: I put mysouls, we will banish reflection altogether, self wholly into thy hands: demand of and study to forget both God and our- me whatsoever thou wilt. Hear how Heselves. It was the judgment of one of the zekiah expresseth himself, after his mirafathers, that it was more lawful to plough culous recovery from a deadly disease, than to dance on the Lord's day; and the (Is. xxxviii. 19, 20.) " The living, the same thing may be said of all other diver- living, he shall praise thee as I do this sions, which entirely withdraw us from day. The father to the children shall the business of religion, and will not suf- make known thy truth. The Lord was fer our minds to be serious and composed. ready to save me; therefore we will sing If it is criminal to work or to labor on my songs to the stringed instruments all this day, it must evidently be still more the days of our life in the house of the so to waste the time in carnal mirth, or in Lord." He doth not limit his resolutions indolence and sloth, or in vain and trifling of thanksgiving and praise to the Sabbathamusements. In a word, whatever is fo- day: he thought all the days of his life a reign to religion, or has not a direct ten- tribute of consecrated time small enough dency to glorify God, and advance our in return for the goodness which had resown spiritual interest, ought carefully to cued him from the grave. And is it posbe avoided on this holy day, as we regard sible, that any of us should judge one day the approbation of God, and our own pre- in seven too much, even though the duties sent and eternal happiness. required on it were in their own nature Having thus laid your duty in this mat- disagreeable, and had nothing to recomter before you, it only remains, in the mend them but the mere authority of the Third and last place, That I enforce Lawgiver? Nay, my brethren, I shall the practice of it by some motives and ar- put the case a little stronger. Suppose guments. And, yourselves in the immediate prospect of 1st. Allow me to observe, that though death, either by sickness or some external this commandment were to be considered cause, and that God should say to you in as a mere positive institution, or only as these circumstances, I will save you from a test of our obedience and subjection to this danger, on condition that every seGod; yet the portion of time which is venth day you will quietly submit to the thereby separated from common use, is so torments of some acute distemper, as long very moderate, that we have not the re- as I shall continue you in the world. Do motest cause to complain of it. I am you imagine that you would reject these even persuaded, that were God to refer terms? God knows, and yourselves know, the matter to ourselves, and, after having that you would not reject them; the offer represented that he had brought us into would appear too good to be refused. If being, and would allow us a certain term God then requires nothing more severe of life in his world, were to ask us what than this, your own reason must tell you portion of our time we would freely re- that there is no cause to complain. But sign to his disposal, as an acknowledgment what are the duties which God requires of his righteous title to the whole, we of us? Are they disagreeable in their own should be ashamed to offer so little as he nature? Have they no value or excellence hath been pleased to demand. I am apt to in themselves? On the contrary, they are think, that, instead of every seventh day, we infinitely fit and reasonable, and every should have thought every other day, or way calculated to give the truest satisfacthe full half of our time, the least that tion, the most sublime pleasure, to the could be offered in return for such unde- soul of man. This I shall state as a served goodness. Put the case, that any 2d Argument for enforcing obedience of you were lying on a death-bed, and to the commandment in the text. What THE SABBATH REMEMBERED AND KEPT. 275 can be more rational or delightful to a 3d Argument to enforce this command. well-informed mind, than to contemplate ment shall be taken from the many adthe wonderful works of God in creation, vantages which flow from the religious providence and grace? What can be observance of the Sabbath. Hereby we more becoming, than to join with others shall obtain the blessing of God, accordin adoring the perfections of the Father ing to that large and comprehensive proof our spirits, and in ascribing that glory mise, (Isaiah lviii. 13, 14.) "If thou which is due to his name? Can any thing turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from be more pleasant, than to retire from the doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and hurry of a vain world, that without re- call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the serve we may pour out our hearts, and Lord honorable, and shalt honor him, not lay open the secret desires of our souls, in doing thine own ways, nor finding thine the presence of that great Being, whose own pleasure, nor speaking thine own nature disposeth him to pity us, and whose words; then shalt thou delight thyself in power enables him to bestow upon us, in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride the fullest and most effectual manner, upon the high places of the earth, and every blessing that can promote our most feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy important interests? Can any entertain- father; for the mouth of the Lord hath ment be more rational, more truly divine, spoken it." If we honor God on this than to read the lively oracles of God, and separate day, which he claims as his speto converse with our fellow-Christians, cial property, then may we expect to be upon the most interesting of all subjects, honored by him on the other days of the the salvation of our souls, and the means week, which he hath given us for our own of securing an "inheritance incorruptible use. The truth of this hath been freand undefiled, and that fadeth not away? " quently experienced by the people of God; One should think that a bare counsel, nay, and among these, too, by some of the even a permission to spend one day in most eminent characters, not only for piety, seven in such pleasant and profitable ex- but also for learning and taste, and knowercises, would be regarded as a singular ledge of the world. I shall mention one privilege that deserved our warmest re- who was highly respected in his own time, turns of gratitude and praise. The force and whose character and writings are to of this argument is not weakened, because this day universally esteemed. The learnthose who are alienated from the life of ed Judge Hales, speaking of his experiGod have no relish for the pleasures ence on this subject, hath these words: which arise from the exercises of devotion. " I have found," saith he, "by a strict and It is not the reason of the thing which diligent observation, that a due observing leads the depraved mind to account " the the duty of this day, hath ever had joined Sabbath a weariness," or to say, " When to it a blessing upon the rest of my time; will the Sabbath be over?" After six and the week that hath been so begun, days spent in provision for the body, is hath been blessed and prosperous to me. one day too long to care for the soul? And, on the other side, when I have been Nay, after deducting the time which is negligent of the duties of this day, the necessarily employed in sleeping, and eat- rest of the week hath been unsuccessful ing, and drinking, can we not find as much and unhappy to my secular employments; in God, in Christ, and in heaven, as may so that I could easily make an estimate of afford us entertainment for the scanty re- my successes in my own secular employmainder of twenty-four hours? Alas, my ments the week following by the manner brethren, how shall we employ an ever- of my passing this day. And this," adds lasting Sabbath, if one Sabbath in the he, " I do not write lightly or inconsiderweek is so tedious and burdensome? Can ately, but upon a long and sound observathose be candidates for immortal glory, tion and experience." Nay, the right obwho think one day too long for the work servance of this duty will procure national of heaven, unless they relieve themselves, as well as personal blessings: for so God by consuming the greater part of it in idle promised to his ancient church, (Jer. xvii. conversation or trifling amusements?-My 24, 25.) " If ye diligently hearken unto 276 SERMON XLIV. me, to bring in no burden through the it shall not be quenched." Accordingly, gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but Nehemiah imputes all the calamities which hallow the Sabbath day, to do no work befell the Jewish nation to this, as one of therein; then shall there enter into the the principal causes of God's anger against gates of this city kings and princes sitting that people. " Then, (saith he) I conuponthe throne of David, ridinginchariots, tended with the nobles of Judah, and said and on horses, they and their princes, the unto them, What evil thing is this that ye men of Judah, and the inhabitants of do, and profane the Sabbath-day? Did Jerusalem, and this city shall remain for not your fathers thus, and did not our ever." I do not mean by these arguments God bring all this evil upon us, and upon to bribe you into a mercenary or political this city; yet ye bring more wrath upon observance of the Christian Sabbath. Israel by profaning the Sabbath.' And Should you spend the whole day in read- I am verily persuaded, that many of the ing, praying, praising, or any other forms national calamities with which we have of religious worship, merely, or even prin- been visited, may justly be attributed to cipally from a regard to your own private the same cause. Nor is it greatly to be interest, or to the public prosperity of the wondered at, when we consider, that this nation to which you belong, I must be so sin is not only an act of rebellion against faithful as to tell you, that it would not the authority of God, but also a bold and be accepted. Nay, God would number sacrilegious invasion of his property, in these hypocritical services amongst your applying to common use that proportion most provoking sins. For it is the heart of time which he hath reserved for himwhich God requires; and if that be with- self, and set apart for the immediate exheld, he will accept of no outward homage. ercises of his worship. But I mention these things to show you, But besides this, the abuse or neglect that Sabbath-breakers must be utterly in- of the Sabbath must be attended with excusable, when they transgress a law, pernicious consequences on several other which is not only most reasonable in itself, accounts. To this gracious institution it but which hath also peculiar promises an- is in a great measure owing that any nexed to it, of temporal prosperity and sense of God, and of divine things, is prehappiness. And with the same view I am served in the world. Were this day rennow going to add a dered common, the bulk of mankind would 4th Consideration for enforcing obedi- soon sink into Atheism or utter profaneence to this commandment, namely, That ness. What would become of the lower the transgression of it is attended with ranks in society, whose servitude and many sad and fatal consequences. God bodily necessities oblige them to work hath frequently punished this sin, by in- hard for daily bread, were it not for this flicting very awful judgments both upon separated day, on which they are invited societies and particular persons. There and commanded to care for their souls? was an express statute in the Jewish law, I am even afraid, that the tyranny and appointing the Sabbath-breaker to be put covetousness of many masters would into death, (Exodus xxxi. 12, 16.); and this cline them to deny their servants any punishment was actually inflicted upon one leisure whatsoever, either for the rest of who was found gathering sticks on that their bodies, or the improvement of their holy day: " all the congregation brought minds, had not God, in mercy, made a law him without the camp, and stoned him for one day of rest and liberty in the with stones, and he died, as the Lord com- week. In proportion as this law is demanded Moses." Num. xv. 32, 37. How spised and neglected, in the same proporalarming is that threatening, (Jerem. xvii. tion will religion fall into decay, the im27.) " If ye will not hearken unto me to pressions of God become feeble and lanhallow the Sabbath-day, and not to bear guid; while ignorance, brutality, oppresa burden, even entering in at the gates of sion, and all the evils which unrestrained Jerusalem on the Sabbath-day; then will corruption can produce, will prevail, and I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it render this earth the very suburbs of hell. shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and These are all the arguments which I THE SABBATH REMEMBERED AND KEPT. 277 shall at present use with you, for enforc- member the Sabbath-day to keep it holy; ing the observance of the Christian Sab- six days shalt thou labor and do all thy bath. The proportion of time is so mod- work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath erate, that even upon the supposition that of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not the duties required were painful, there do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy could be no just cause of complaint. Yet daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maidso far is this supposition from being true, servant, nor thy cattle, nor the stranger that, on the contrary, the work assigned that is within thy gates." You see that us on this holy day is most pleasant and you are charged with the immediate indelightful; insomuch that were our minds spection, not only of your children and in a right temper, we would count it our servants, but likewise of the stranger who happiness to spend our whole time, nay, sojourns with you, over whom you have a whole eternity, in such heavenly employ- no jurisdiction or authority through the ment. Besides, the religious observance rest of the week. of this holy day is accompanied with many I should be glad to know what those signal advantages, and is a mean of de- who keep houses of public entertainment riving the blessing of God, both upon in- think of this doctrine. A respectful comdividuals and communities; whereas the plaisance and readiness to serve are the profanation or neglect of it is in every re- general duties of your station. But there spect pernicious, both to particular persons is one day of the week on which God perand to societies. mits, nay, commands you, to take rest to And if these things are so, how many yourselves, and to keep your doors shut who now hear me ought to blush, and be against the idle and profane, of what ashamed to lift up their faces either before rank soever, and to restrain such as necesGod or man? But as reformation is the sity brings to your houses from every great object which I have in view, I shall thing that is profane, either in speech or spare the reproof which I once intended behavior. If any shall question your to give; and instead of upbraiding you authority, this precept is your charter, for the time past, I shall rather entreat vesting you with the same power over the you by the meekness and gentleness of stranger that is within your gates, as over Christ, to behave more dutifully for the your own children and servants; and time to come. And my exhortation shall even charging you to exercise that power, be chiefly directed to parents and masters as you would not incur the wrath of Alof families, to whom the commandment mighty God. Did you know that you posseems to be principally addressed. It is sessed so high a privilege? I hope, for true, the expression "within thy gates," your own sakes, that you did not; and may relate to the gates of a city as well now that I have told you the secret, I as of a particular house; and then it would pray that God may give you wisdom and intimate to us this truth, that it is the courage to improve it. duty of magistrates to secure the observ- To conclude: Let all of us be persuaance of this day, by the exercise of that ded to pay a proper regard to this divine power and authority with which their pub- precept. If we have any concern for the lie station invests them. But as there glory of God, for the honor of our Rewould be less occasion for the interposi- deemer, for the welfare of our country, or tion of civil authority, if parents and for our own comfort and happiness, either heads of families would mind their proper in this world or the world to come, let us work, to these I shall more directly ad- make conscience of the important duties dress what I have to say. And I must of the Lord's day; that after having tell you in the name of God, that you are finished our course on earth, we may be strictly accountable, not only for your own fixed as pillars in the temple above, and conduct, but likewise for the conduct of may spend an eternal Sabbath in the preall within your houses on this holy day. sence of God and of the Lamb. Amezn. Hear how the commandment runs: "' Re 278 SERMON XLV. SERMON XLV. We have an account, in the preceding verses, of David's bringing up the ark of DAVID'S DOMESTIC PIETY. God from the house of Obededom into his own city. This was done with shout2 SAMUEL VI. 20. —"Then David returned to bless ing, and with the sound of the trumpet; his household." the king himself, girded with a linen ephod, attending the solemnity, with the FnoM the example of this great and good highest expressions of thankfulness and man, I propose to recommend to you the joy. When the ark was set in its place, important, but much-neglected duty of in the midst of the tabernacle that was family-worship. And I have chosen the prepared for it, then David, as we read in example of a king for two reasons. the 17th verse, offered burnt-offerings and 1st. Because the actions of one in that peace-offerings before the Lord, and afterelevated station are commonly more re- wards dismissed the assembly with pregarded than those of a meaner person. sents, which he dealt among all the peon" The poor man's wisdom is despised, and ple, having first blessed them in the name his words are not heard;" but if one of the Lord of Hosts. This he did as arrayed in royal apparel make an oration the Father of his people. But he did not from a throne, the people shall give a shout, stop here. The duties of his public office saying, " It is the voice of a god, and not and character did not make him forget of a man." This partial regard is indeed what was incumbent upon him in his pria sore evil under the sun; but in the pre- vate capacity; for, as my text informs us, sent case, it is possible to bring good out " Then David returned to bless his houseof it, by making that pomp or splendor, hold; " i. e., to pray with them and for which so often covers the deformity of them, and probably to offer up his familyvice, a means of throwing a lustre upon thanksgivings for the great national mercy religion, and of rendering a thing, so truly which he had been celebrating in the pubexcellent in itself, more respectable in our lic assembly. From this plain and ineyes. structive passage of Scripture history I 2dly. It is but too obvious, that the shall take occasion, in the neglect of family-worship prevails chiefly First place, To prove, that it is the among those who either are, or imagine indispensable duty of all to whom God themselves to be, of a better rank than hath given families, to worship God pubothers; nay, some who were punctual in licly in their own houses; or, that every the performance of this duty while their man is bound, according to the example station and circumstances were low, have of David, " to bless his household." In been observed to lay it aside, when, by the the bounty of Providence, their state be- Second place, I shall show you the reacame more prosperous. This presents us sonableness of this duty. And then, in the with a very melancholy prospect, and Third place, I shall represent to you threatens nothing less than the utter ex- the advantages which accompany the practinction of family-religion. For if once tice of it, and the pernicious consequences it becomes a maxim, that this duty is be- which must follow from the neglect of it. low the rank of a gentleman, then every I BEGIN with proving, that it is the inone who affects to be thought of that rank dispensable duty of all to whom God hath will forbear it. In this case, it is impossible given families, to worship God publicly in to see where the evil may stop; as there their own houses. This is a truth which are few people in the world who do not even the light of Nature doth very plainly imagine that they either are, or deserve teach us. A family is a society connectto be, of equal consideration with their ed together by such strict ties, that every neighbors. I have therefore thought it argument for the propriety of private necessary to pitch upon nothing lower prayer is equally conclusive for that of than a royal example, that the vanity of family devotion. Of this even the heano man may take it amiss when I call thens were sensible; for besides their upon him to follow it. tutelar deities, who were supposed to re DAVID'S DOMESTIC PIETY 279 side over cities and nations, and who had up early in the morning, and offered burntpublic honors paid to them in that charac- offerings for each of them." And lest it ter, we read of household-gods, whom might be thought that his family-worship every private family worshipped at home was only occasional and accidental, it is as their immediate guardians and bene- added at the close of the verse, " Thus factors. did Job continually." Nor was this pecuBut the light of Scripture affords us a liar to the patriarchal state, when each more clear and satisfying discovery of our family was a church by itself; but the obligations to this duty, as well as of the same good practice was continued after proper manner of performing it. It re- the Jews were formed into a national veals to us that great Mediator, by whom church, and had priests appointed to prewe have access to the throne of grace, side in the public worship. Thus Joshua and through whom all our religious ser- vowed, not only for himself, but likewise vices are accepted by God. It not only for his house, that they would serve the represents prayer as a privilege which we Lord: which plainly imports a resolution are permitted to use, but expressly re- on his part to use all the means in his quires it as a duty which we are bound to power to make his family do so: parperform. Thus we are commanded, " In ticularly to worship God before them, and every thing, by prayer and supplication, to take care that none should dwell in his with thanksgiving, to make our requests house who would not join in this holy serknown unto God; to pray always, with vice. The example of David in the text all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, is abundantly plain; for though he had and to continue in prayer." And it is priests and Levites about him, yet did he observable, that this last exhortation is not devolve the work upon them, but he particularly addressed to masters of fami- himself, as head and master of the house, lies, as you may read, (Coloss. iv. 1, 2.) " blessed his household." "Masters, give unto your servants that In the New-Testament writings it is which-is just and equal, knowing that ye very usual to give private families of dealso have a Master in heaven." The vout Christians the name of Churches. apostle goes on, still addressing them in But surely this would have been a most the same character; " Continue in prayer, improper appellation, if God had not been and watch in the same, with thanksgiv- publicly acknowledged, and the daily sacing. " In the same strain Paul writes to rifices of prayers and praises had not been Timothy, (I Tim. ii. 8.) " I will therefore, offered in them. that men pray every where, lifting up holy These, I think, are sufficient intimations hands, without wrath or doubting." And of the will of God in this matter; and surely, if in all places men ought to lift may serve to convince any man, who acup holy hands unto God, much more knowledgeth the divine authority of the ought they to do so in their own families, Scriptures, that it is the unquestionable which are immediately under their care, duty of all who have families, to maintain and for whose spiritual as well as temporal the worship of God in their houses. The interest they ought to be chiefly concern- reasonableness of this duty was the ed. Accordingly, we learn from the sa- Second thing which I proposed to show: cred history, that this has been the uniform and this, I hope, will appear from the folpractice of good men in all ages of the lowing considerations. world. The care of the ancient Patri- 1st. Families are natural societies, archs, to keep up family religion, is very formed originally by God, and held toremarkable. We find Abraham rearing gether by his Providence. Previous to up altars wherever he came: And for all civil or religious establishments famiwhat end did he this, but that on these lies subsisted. All the obligations inaltars he might offer sacrifices, and call cumbent on communities of any kind were upon God with his household? We have originally, and still continue to be, inanother bright example of this in Job, of cumbent on particular families. Were whom we read, (Job i. 5.j that " he sent the present state of society to be disfor his sons, and sanctified them, and rose solved, and the patriarchal state restored, 280 SERMON XLV. it is evident that family-worship would be of many family sins against him; and the only worship of God: Is it possible, ought therefore to join together in the then, that this original obligation can penitent confession of our sins, and in deever be cancelled? What is there to be precating the judgments'which we have plead as a reason for cancelling it? Will deserved. In a word, whatever reason you say, that the private duty is super- there is for single persons to worship seded by the public ordinances which we God, there is the same reason for families have the opportunity of attending? This to do it. As there are personal sins, and argument might as well be used to dis- wants and mercies, so there are family approve the obligation to secret and per- sins, family wants and troubles, family sonal devotion: and therefore, by proving mercies and deliverances: and therefore too much, it proves nothing at all. For it must appear highly reasonable, that can any person seriously be of opinion, the members of each family should unite that the providence of God hath bestowed together in humiliation and prayer and these public advantages on us, in order to thanksgiving. Those who sin together, relax the obligations which we owe to him should ask forgiveness together; and in our houses and in our closets? But, those who receive mercies together, should 2dly. As God is the founder, so he is join in praising their common benefactor. likewise the gracious benefactor of our Thus have I endeavored to show, that families. All the blessings which we family-worship is not only a duty by enjoy flow from his bounty, and depend virtue of the divine command, but is so entirely on his favor. Surely, then, if fit and becoming in itself, that although personal blessings claim the private ac- the authority binding us to it were less apknowledgments of the person who receives parent, yet every man who allows himself them, family blessings ought in like man- to think, must immediately be convinced, ner, to be acknowledged by united thanks- by his own reason and conscience, that givings in our household. Were a man, such homage is certainly due to God, and having a numerous offspring, to receive that they are highly criminal who refuse some signal favor from an earthly bene- or neglect to offer it. I proceed now, factor, by which his circumstances were in the changed from meanness and want to an Third place, To represent to you the easy or a decent competence; would it manifold advantages which accompany the not be a natural acknowledgment for him practice of this duty, and the pernicious to bring his family and children in their consequences which flow from the neglect best apparel, and present them to his be- of it. nefactor, fed and clothed with his bounty, 1st, Then, the practice of this duty to offer him their united thanks? Would would be of great us to promote even not such a scene be delightful on both your temporal and worldly interest. I sides? Would it not be enjoyed as a address myself to you who are parents or very lovely appearance, even by a mere masters; and surely this consideration spectator? And is there less beauty or must appear in your own eyes to merit propriety in the same acknowledgments some regard. I need not stay to prove to offered to the God in whom we live and you, that your prosperity, as well as your breathe, and who giveth us all things comfort, depends very much upon the richly to enjoy? Doth he set the hedge dutiful behavior of your children, and of his protection around us, and defend us the fidelity of your servants. This, I from the many evils to which we are con- suppose, you will readily acknowledge. tinually exposed; and shall he yet have Now it is evident to a demonstration, no tribute of praise offered up from those that nothing can contribute more effechouses in which he maketh us to dwell in tually to this than the good practice safety? How disingenuous and unrea- which I am recommending to you. Bring sonable must this appear to every candid the fear of God into your families, and and grateful mind! that will secure your authority better 3dly. As we receive all our family than any thing else can do. The inblessings from God, so we are guilty also fluence of a religious principle will be as DAVID'S DOMESTIC PIETY. 281 powerful and operative when you are and then they shall become utterly conabsent from them as when you are pre- temptible, and may curse on without sent, because God is always present; having any person to regard them, till and consequently the obedience which their own curses overtake them. But, flows from a regard to him, must in every 2dlfy. As the practice of worshipping place, and at all times, be the same. God in your houses would contribute Hereby, too, you will gain their esteem much to your worldly prosperity, in the and love; which are the most powerful manner I have just now explained; so it and permanent of all bonds of duty. has likewise a manifest tendency to proThere is a certain majesty in the image mote your spiritual and eternal interest. of God, which commands reverence to It is not only a considerable branch of itself, even from the worst of men. Thus, that homage which you owe to God, but we are told of Herod (Mark vi. 20.) that it may be also of great use to restrain you he feared John, because he knew him to from sin, and to render you cautious and be a holy and just man. And if this circumspect in every part of your bewicked prince was so much overawed by havior. A man will be ashamed to do the exemplary holiness of a mean sub- any thing against the honor of that God ject, how venerable must a devout parent whom he so publicly acknowledges before or master appear in the eyes of his own his family; and the very desire of appearfamily, when, besides that authority which ing consistent with himself in the eyes of his station gives him, they see him adorn- his children or servants, will hardly fail ed with that piety and regard to God, to produce at least an outward decency, which of themselves would dignify him, and to restrain him from many of those and render him worthy of their esteem scandalous sins, which he might otherand honor? How must it endear him in wise be in danger of committing. So that their hearts, to behold his anxious con- though family-worship served no higher cern for their welfare; to hear him morn- purpose than to hedge in our practice being and evening commending them to the fore our household, I should even think protection of Almighty God, imploring that a considerable recommendation of the pardon of their sins, and earnestly it; and every wise and good man must soliciting the same blessings for them esteem and value it upon that account. which he begs for himself? And how But this is one of the least of its happy must this esteem and love influence their effects. The practice of this duty would whole behavior, and make them not only not only render our outward conduct caufaithful, but cheerful, active, and zealous tious and decent, but would also tincture in every part of the duty and service our minds deeply with a sense of God, which they owe him? I am aware, that and of divine things. It would give us many think to maintain their authority in greater boldness, too, in our secret aptheir families by other sort of prayers proaches to the throne of grace. How than those I am recommending: I mean, can that man have any confidence or enby horrid curses and imprecations; yea, largement of heart in secret prayer, whose some are so abandoned as to plead the conscience reproacheth him with never necessity of these to render their orders having honored that God in public, from effectual. But this practice must appear whom he is now going to ask the most unso absurd and odious to every thinking merited favors? It is true indeed, that person, that, I am persuaded, I need not our Lord, in great condescension, granted spend your time in exposing it. Such a a private audience in the night season to vile and impious habit must evidently Nicodemus, who had not the courage to destroy at once all that esteem and love, own him in the face of the day; but no which are the only sure and permanent man hath reason to expect the same inprinciples of obedience. Their whole au- dulgence now. Nay, however uncharitathority, therefore, must lean on the pre- ble it may be thought, I must declare it carious foundation of a servile fear, which as my opinion, that the neglect of public God, who hath the hearts of all men in duties gives too just ground to suspect, his hands, can remove when he pleases; that those of a more private nature are 282 SERMON XLV. either little minded, or superficially per- are ready to perish for ever, to come upon formed. For, did you. obtain access to you; if you desire that your children and God in secret prayer, and taste the sweet- servants should be pious and happy; if ness of holy communion with him in your you would have your whole domestic soclosets, there can be no doubt that you ciety blessed;-let your household be would thereby be disposed to the duties daily consecrated by fervent prayer to of social worship.-A Almighty God.-The 3d Advantage of family-worship is, 4t-h and last advantage of family reThat under the influences of the divine ligion which I shall mention, is its tenSpirit, it is one of the most effectual dency to form an holy church and means of promoting the salvation of all people, and to propagate religion from your household. Many godly persons generation to generation. The public have ascribed their own vital impressions state of religion in the world must entireof religion to their living in a devout fa- ly depend on the care bestowed on the mily; and many a sinner, ruined by vice cultivation of it in private families. If and evil habits, has too justly laid the the nursery be neglected, how is it possiblame of it on the wickedness of those ble that the plantation should prosper? with whom he dwelt. What numbers of Such as the families are, of which congrechildren and servants have been lost for gations, churches, and kingdoms are comwant of that good example which it was posed, such will be the flourishing or the the duty of their parents or masters decayed state of religion in these larger to have given them? As in a profane communities: And consequently it is as and sensual family there are continual clear as noon-day, that the disregard temptations to sin, to swearing, lying, in- shown to God in our households, is the temperance, and contempt of God; so in fatal source of that amazing corruption a devout, well governed house, there are of manners in the present age, which continual incitements to a holy life, to almost every one pretends to lament, but faith, love, sobriety, and heavenly-minded- almost none sets himself in earnest to reness. The authority of the heads of the form. Would you then put a stop to family, and the conversation and example abounding iniquity, and promote the of all the members of it, are powerful in- cause of God and religion, begin at home, ducements to a religious temper and be- and let your Maker have that honor in havior. As in a well discipled army, your families to which he is entitled. even the cowards are constrained to stand Had we, who minister in the public to their arms, and to act valiantly, by the worship of God, only to lay those stones general order of the whole; so in a re- in order in the building, which parents and ligious household, a wicked man can masters of families had previously polishscarcely contrive how to live wickedly, ed, how easy and delightful would be our but seems to be almost a saint, by being task? how comely and beautiful would continually among those who appear to our worshipping assemblies appear? how be saints. 0 how easy and well-paved pure and comfortable would their commu(if I may use the expression) is the way nion be? But if these shall neglect to exto heaven in such a gracious society, in ert their proper influence; if the work of comparison of what it is to those who hundreds or thousands shall be left to be dwell in the houses of the profane and performed by one or two, what a tedious sensual! In the former, the advantages labor must it prove? What effect can of instruction, authority, example, and divine truths, delivered once a-week, have, conversation, are all on the side of God unless the impression of them be afterwards and religion: in the latter, the same kept alive by family-devotion and domestic powerful circumstances are all on the side religion? It is no wonder that a tender of corrupt nature, and push men forward plant should wither and die which is selin the broad way that leads to destruction. dom visited or watered: and it is as little If then you would not be guilty of wonderful, that those should continue bringing ruin on immortal souls; if you wicked and impenitent, who but once awish to have the blessing of them who week come under the influence of a relig DAVID'S DOMESTIC PIETY. 283 ious ordinance; and who neither see nor Others plead, that it has not been the hear any thing of God, but when the stat- practice of their families, and that they ed season of public instruction returns. If are not inclined to bring a new custom inreligion die in families, how can it live in to it. To these I answer, that the reason nations? Is it not an inevitable conse- of this duty is as old as eternity itself, and quence, that all our pubic devotions must the practice of it is as ancient as the first in this case dwindle away into mere hypoc- family of mankind. In every succeeding age, risy and lifeless, unavailing forms of wor- down to the present day, there have been ship? families in which God was worshipped, I have thus endeavored to represent and there will be such until the end of the to you the manifold advantages which world. Nay, I dare venture to affirm, that would arise from maintaining the worship there are few now hearing me, whose faof God in your families. And I have thers or grandfathers did not at least now only to add, that though you were maintain the form of this duty. For, howwilling to be without these advantages, ever much it is despised now, it is certain, yet this loss is not the whole penalty that it was in reputation about an hunwhich must attend the neglect of that duty. dred years ago, and generally practised by This avowed disregard of God will not al- men of all ranks. It deserves, therefore, ways pass unpunished. The day is com- to be inquired into, when, or by whom, and ing, when " God will pour out his fury for what cause, this good old custom was upon the Heathen that know him not, and laid aside? what was the shameful period upon the families that call not upon his in which the worship of God was turned name."- " Consider this, ye that now out of doors to make way for irreligion, forget God, lest he tear you in pieces, and a contempt of divine things? Then, when there is none to deliver." indeed, a most base and dishonorable inno. I would now conclude the subject by vation was made in your families: and pressing you, with all the earnestness of therefore it must be your glory to restore which I am capable, to the performance of things to their ancient state, and to give this necessary and important duty, were the worship of God that room in your it not that I think it may be of use to con- houses which it formerly possessed. sider some of those excuses by which the But if it be really true, that this imporneglect of it is commonly defended. tant duty has been always neglected in Some plead their rank and station in the your families, believe me it is now high world, but on what principles I could ne- time to introduce it. Your danger is ver yet discover. I cannot conceive any greater than you are aware of. Punishprinciple of reason more strong and obvi- ment loseth nothing by delay; the slower ous, than that uttered by our Saviour, it advances, the heavier it will prove. (Luke xii. 48.) "Unto whomsoever much And therefore you have reason to fear, is given, of him shall much be required; that the wrath of God, which has been so and to whom men have committed much, long restrained, shall at length break forth of him will they ask the more." And with double violence, if it is not prevented certainly if benefits conferred deserve any by a speedy reformation. return, they at least deserve thanks: if Another excuse, by which some defend God hath placed us in a more distinguished their neglect of this duty, is their inability station, we owe to him a more solemn and to perform it well. They cannot pray to devout acknowledgment. Riches and God in public in so decent a manner as honors, instead of setting a man above the they would incline. In answer to this, I obligation of family-worship, rather bind need only observe, that, next to the divine it more strictly on him: and that it is be- blessing, nothing contributes more to teach low no man of any station whatsoever to men to pray than frequent practice and perform this office, appears by the example use. So that, if upon this account you in my text; the example of one in the neglect the duty, your inability can pass most elevated station known among men, for nothing else than a feigned pretence returning from the public worship of God to cover your unwillingness; for, were you to bless his household. as willing to learn to pray, as to acquire 284 SERMON XLVI. the knowledge of any art, you would soon by diligent endeavors obtain a competent SERMON XLVI. measure of this excellent gift. Besides, if there is first a willing mind, it is accept- Preached before the Society in Scotland for pro-. ed according to what a man hath; it is pagating Christian Knowledge, January 4, the sincerity of your desires which God 1784. regards, and not the expressions with which you clothe them; and if you set PRAYER FOR 1. IST'S KINGDOm. about this duty in good earnest, and in MAILErW VL 10.-"Thy Kingdom come." the best manner you can, though perhaps you may come short of what you wish, God THE correspondence between heaven and will both accept and assist you in your earth is preserved and conducted by Christ humble and well-meant attempts to honor alone; "For no man cometh." or can him. th come, " to the Father but by him." John Upon the whole, then, may I not hope xiv. 6. It is he who presents all our that you will hearken to what I have said? homage to God; it is he who transmits to God is now offering himself to be your him all our petitions; and by his hands all guest; and is, by us, demanding an en- mercy and grace are conveyed to us. Our trance into your hearts and into your most fervent prayers, the devoutest houses. And can you resolve on refusing breathings of our souls, must not only be him? Shall the great King of heaven purged from that defilement which cleaves thus stand at your doors and knock, and to them, but even in their greatest purity, yet meet with a repulse? If the authori- they must be offered up in his censer, in ty of God has any weight with you; if order to their acceptance, and can only your reason can prevail with you; if your ascend by the incense of his sacrifice. own immortal souls, or the souls of those It should therefore be our first care, in who dwell with you, appear worthy of all our approaches to the throne of grace, your regard; in a word, if duty, gratitude, to solicit the favor of this powerful Mediaor interest, can move you, all these con- tor, and to procure his friendly interposispire to enforce my exhortation, and to tion in our behalf; and then we shall have plead the cause of family-worship. And no cause to dread a repulse; for his intermust these powerful advocates plead in cession is, and must be, always prevalent. vain? must they turn evidences against The dignity of his person, his relation to you, and appear at last in judgment to the Father, and especially the perfection condemn you? God forbid. I desire to of that sacrifice upon which his interceshope better things of you, and things that sion is founded, effectually secure acceptaccompany salvation, though I thus speak. ance to us; so that if once we are fully May the spirit of all grace seal these persuaded that our requests are framed instructions, and powerfully determine you according to his will, we need have no disto the practice of this duty, that, by the trustful anxiety about their success, for he exercise of social worship here below, you will enforce them with all the merit of may be gradually prepared for the more his own blood; and therefore we may conexalted worship of the triumphant society fidently hope to obtain what we ask, in above, who all with one heart, and one that time and way which unerring Wisdom voice, ascribe salvation to him that sitteth sees best for us: "For this," says the on the throne, and to the Lamb for ever apostle John, "is the confidence which we and ever. Amen. have in the Son of God, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know that he heareth us, we know that we have the petitions we desired -+ of him."-l John v. 14, 15. This, my brethren, is an abundant source of consolation and joy; and though our desires are limited to such things as are agreeable to the will of our Redeemer; PRAYER FOR CHRIST'S KINGDOM. 285 yet by this very limitation our comfort is a sincere resolution on our part to put extended, and prayer becomes a privilege ourselves in the way of those blessings, of infinitely greater value than otherwise and to use all proper means for obtaining it would be An unconfined liberty in them. Thus, when we pray for daily our addresses to God would, in most cases bread, we do not mean, that God should (to such ignorant and unthinking creatures indulge our idleness, and feed us in a mias we are) amount to nothing better than raculous way; but only, that he would the choice of the means and manner of countenance our honest endeavors, and our own destruction. (Eccl. vi. 12.) "For prosper them by his blessing, which alone who knoweth what is good for a man in maketh rich. In like manner, when we this life?" Whereas our glorious High pray, as in my text, that the kingdom of Priest, who is perfectly acquainted with God may come, we certainly intimate our our state, can never be at a loss to know own consent to be employed as instruments what is good for us; and the costly proofs in carrying on this design, and must be he hath already given of his mercy and understood as binding and obliging ourlove, leave us no room to suspect his con- selves, by this petition, to do every thing cernfor our welfare. The leastreflection on in our sphere that may contribute to prohis sufferings may easily convince us, that mote it. he sincerely intends our happiness, and Accordingly, I shall endeavor, in decan disapprove of nothing but what is pendence upon the divine aid, hurtful to our interest. Neither hath he Figrst. To explain and illustrate the peleft it to the uncertain conjectures and tition itself. And, doubtful reasonings of our own minds, to Secondly. To show what may reasonfind out what is agreeable to him; this is ably be expected from us in consequence clearly revealed to us in the holy Scrip- of our using it. Or rather indeed, what tures: and to render the discovery of it is absolutely necessary to prove that we still more easy to us, he hath furnished us are sincere, when we thus pray " thy king. with a short but perfect model of devotion dom come." in this comprehensive prayer which he IT is scarcely to be supposed, that any taught his disciples; by attending to which, who read their Bibles, can be ignorant of we may learn from his own mouth after what is here meant by the kingdom of God. what manner we should address the throne This form of speech was very common of grace, and what ought to be the matter among the Jews, especially about the time and order of our desires. Hereby the of our Saviour's appearance; and was used surest foundation is laid for our confidence by them, to signify that grand revolution and hope; and whatever is according to foretold in ancient prophecy which was to this divine pattern, we may ask with full be brought about by the Messiah, their assurance of faith, being confident that he long expected king. Thus we find the who hath secured for us all the blessings Pharisees (Luke xvii. 20.) inquiring "when whichwe need, will certainly listen to those the kingdom of God should come; " that desires which he himself hath excited and is, as the context explains it, when the authorized. " And if we know that he reign of the Messiah should commence. heareth us," we may from thence certainly And John the Baptist proclaimed the apconclude, "that we shall have the petitions proach of this glorious Person in the same we desired of him." style; saying, " Repent ye, for the kingdom I shall not detain you with any account of heaven is at hand." Matth. iii. 2. of the several parts of this excellent pray- There are several other passages in the er, nor the particular design for which our New Testament, where the same phrase Lord introduced it in this sermon: Only, occurs; from which it doth still more to make way for the instructions I propose plainly appear, that by the " kingdom of to lay before you on this occasion, I shall God" is meant the gospel-dispensation, in observe in general, which subjects were to be gathered to God That prayer is not only an acknowledg- by his Son as the reconciling MIediator, ment of our dependence upon God for the and by him formed into a church or spiritblessings we ask, but it likewise imports ual kingdom, against which the gates of 286 SERMON XLVL hell shall never prevail: which is to sub- call him blessed." And that remarkable sist on earth, and enlarge itself in spite passage (Dan. vii. 13, 14.) is a clear and of all opposition, till at length it shall be- express declaration on this head. " I come perfect in heaven, and triumph in saw," says the Prophet, " in the night viseternal glory. ions, and behold, one like the Son of man Now, this kingdom is either External, came with the clouds of heaven, and came comprehending all who make an open pro- to the Ancient of Days, and they brought fession of faith in Christ, and submit to him near before him; and there was given the ordinances which he hath instituted; him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, or Internal, consisting in that dominion that all people, nations, and languages, which he exercises over the hearts of his should serve him." Now, it is evident, subjects, converting them by his grace to that the extent of his kingdom doth not the faith and obedience of the gospel, en- yet equal these magnificent descriptions of lightening their minds, renewing their it. There are still many dark corners of wills, and purifying their affections; filling the earth upon which the Sun of Rightthem with " righteousness, and peace, and eousness hath never arisen; others, which joy in the Holy Ghost;" that is, with true were once visited with his healing and Christian virtue, and all the blessed fruits comforting light, have had their candleand effects of it. And no doubt the peti- stick long removed; and the Jews, whose tion respects both these views of the king- return to their own Messiah shall so redom of God: for though the last, viz., the markably enrich the church, and give dominion of grace in the heart, or the do- such life and beauty to it, that Paul comminion of God within us, is beyond com- pares it to a" resurrection from the dead," parison the most valuable of the two, and (Rom. xi. 15.) do still retain their prejutherefore chiefly to be desired by us; yet, dice against him, and obstinately refuse as the kingdom is introduced and establish- subjection to him. ed by means of the ordinances which Christ We ought therefore to pray that the hath appointed, we ought likewise to be gospel, which hitherto has been confined much concerned for the preservation and within very narrow bounds, may gradually enlargement of the visible church, or that spread and extend itself on every side, till external kingdom within which these ordi- at length it obtain possession of the whole nances are dispensed, and to pray for the earth, and "' all the the kingdoms of this one in order to the other. world become the kingdoms of our God, So that this petition may be considered and of his Christ." Rev. xi. 15. But, as directing us to pray for these following 2clly. We are more especially to pray things: for a divine blessing to accompany the 1st. That the gospel may be propaga- means of grace, ted throughout the world, and all nations That the gospel may come to men, not brought to the knowledge of the only in word only, but also in power, and prove true God, and of Jesus Christ whom he effectual for turning " them from darkness hath sent. unto light, and from the power of Satan It appears from the prophetic writings unto God." That where Christ doth alof the Old Testament, that no less than ready reign in his external ordinances, universal dominion was promised to the there he would also erect his throne in Lord Redeemer. " Ask of me," says the hearts of men, subduing sinners to God, (Psal. ii. 8.) " and I shall give thee himself, and training up his saints, by the the Heathen for thine inheritance, and the influences of his holy Spirit, to a meetness utmost parts of the earth for thy posses- for that undefiled inheritance which he sion." It was foretold, (Psal. lxxii. 8, hath purchased for them. And, 11, 17.) " That his dominion should 3dly. We are likewise authorized by reach from sea to sea, and from the rivers this petition to pray, that whatever stands to the ends of the earth; yea, that all in opposition to the kingdom of our Rekings should bow down before him, and deemer, either with respect to the extent all nations should serve him; that men or influence of it, may be removed out of should be blessed in him, and all nations the way: PRAYER FOR CHRIST'S KINGDOM. 287 Particularly, that Antichrist, that " man come the subjects of this kingdom, not in of sin and son of perdition, who opposeth name only, but in deed and in truth, and exalteth himself above all that is call- otherwise we cannot wish the prosperity ed God," (2 Thess. ii. 3, 4.) and hath long and advancement of it. been " drunk with the blood of the saints,' This King of Zion, who sways a sceptre (Rev. xvii. 6.) may be brought to the of grace over those who cordially submit ground, and never arise any more: that to him, is likewise armed with a rod of the delusions of the false prophet, and iron, to dash in pieces his obstinate eneblasphemous impostor Mahomet, which mies; and therefore, to all such, his coming have overspread so great a part of the must be most terrible; and neither their world, may at length be detected, and his inclination nor interest will suffer them to kingdom of darkness and violence plucked desire it. No man can wish the increase up by the roots. of a power which he knows to be opposite And though it doth not belong to us to to him, especially when the opposition is choose the time, or means, or manner of so great, and the difference so irreconcildoing it, for these must be wholly submit- able, as that which subsists between the ted to Him 1" who is wonderful in counsel kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of and excellent in working;" yet surely it Satan; for the one must necessarily be is lawful for us, to desire in general, " that built upon the ruins of the other. God would arise and scatter all his ene- Let us then, my brethren, throw down mies" (Psal. lxviii. 1.): and even to make the weapons of our rebellion, and yield mention of those enemies in particular ourselves to this gracious Sovereign; and whom he hath described in Scripture by then the increase of his power shall besuch plain and legible characters, that come the matter of our joy. Let us invite we can be in no danger of mistaking him into our hearts, and erect a throne them; and to plead, that what he hath for him there; or rather, let us beseech purposed and spoken concerning them may him to erect one for himself, to cast down be fulfilled in the most speedy and effect- every thing within us that would exalt ual manner. In a word, whatever is con- itself against his authority, and to take ducive to the present glory of the Redeem- the full and perpetual possession of our er, and the prosperity of his kingdom upon souls. Let us unfeignedly accept of him, earth, may justly be comprehended in this in the whole extent of his office as MIediapetition; and it will never cease to be of tor; that, standing related to him as the use in the church, till all the Redeemer's members of his body, we may derive from enemies are made his footstool; and then him wisdom, and righteousness, and sancit shall be exchanged for that triumphant tification, and every thing necessary to song, (Rev. xii. 10.) " Now is come sal. our complete redemption. Let us secure vation and strength, and the kingdom of to ourselves a title to the protection and our God, and the power of his Christ. privileges of his government, by submitAlleluia! for the Lord God Omnipotent ting to the laws and constitutions of it; reigneth. Let us be glad, and rejoice, and then it will become easy and natural and give honor to him; for the marriage to us, to pray for the prosperity of a kingof the Lamb is come, and his wife hath dom to which we belong, and the glory of made herself ready." Rev. xix. 6, 7. a Sovereign who employs all his power Thus I have endeavored to give you a and authority for our good. short account of the sense and import of 2d Duty incumbent upon us, in consethis petition. Let us now proceed, in quence of our using this petition, is to enthe deavor, by all the methods we can, to perSecond place, To consider more largely suade others likewise to become the subwhat may reasonably be expected from us jects of this kingdom. in consequence of our using it; or rather, Many indeed call Christ, " Lord, Lord; indeed, what is absolutely necessary to but few," alas! " do the things which he prove that we are sincere when we thus says: they profess that they know God, pray, " Thy kingdom come." And, while in works they deny him,-being 1st. It is necessary that we should be- abominable. and disobedient, and to every 288 SERMON XLVI. good work reprobate." And shall not this before men, that they may see your good move our pity and compassion? Can we works, and glorify your Father which is in look around us, even within the limits of heaven." the visible church, and see human nature 3dly. If we sincerely desire the prosexposed in every deformed and sickly perity and advancement of Christ's extershape? Can we behold multitudes of nal kingdom, we will manifest this by our men, who are called by the name of Jesus, endeavors to support and maintain it counteracting the most sacred obligations where it is already established, especially of conscience, and even pouring contempt among ourselves. upon the only Saviour of lost sinners? This is an evidence which may reasonCan we see all this, I say, and not afford ably be expected from us; and indeed our helping hand? Do we pray that the without it, all our professions of love to kingdom of God may come, and will we the Redeemer, and of zeal for his glory, do nothing to introduce it into the hearts must pass for vain and flattering pretences, of others, who by nature are less disposed which deserve no credit. We only mock to entertain it than we ourselves once God, when we pray that the religion of his were? If we are sincere in using this Son may become universal, and fill the petition, let us show our sincerity by our whole earth, if at the same time we do endeavors to obtain what we ask. Let us not discover, by our conduct, a hearty labor, with all our might, to awaken poor concern for its continuance in our own sinners to a sense of their danger, that land; yea, if we do not actually resist and they may fly to the protection of that oppose all attempts whatever to carry it merciful Saviour, who hath expressly said. away from us. "Him that cometh unto me I will in no It hath pleased God to distinguish us wise cast out." (John vi. 37.) by our religious privileges above most Various are the means which may be other nations in the world. They were used for this purpose: I shall mention purchased by our fathers, with the exone, which all of us may employ, and pense of much blood and treasure; and it that is a holy and exemplary life. There would be highly criminal in us to resign is grandeur and majesty in the image them tamely, but far more to throw them of God, which exacts homage to itself away with our own hands: yet forgive me from every heart. There is something to say, that they are chargeable with a within us, which, in spite of our degen- crime not less than this, who either openly eracy, confesses and approves of what attempt, or secretly wish, to bring one to is right; truth in our speech; justice the throne of these kingdoms, whose prinand honesty in our commerce with others; ciples oblige him to pull down what we patience under affliction, and pity to the apprehend to be the kingdom of Christ, afflicted; a generous contempt of the and to carry us back to that anti-christian world, and a readiness to do good to all. slavery, from which we have so happily esThese are virtues which the worst of men caped. secretly honor, and the practice of them There is such a manifest inconsistency explains them better, and enforces them between this petition and the practice of more, than words can do. Would we then such people, that it is surprising they do prevail with men to become Christians in- not observe it; and it must appear still deed, let us draw out Christianity in our more wonderful, when we consider that lives, and make it visible to their eyes, the persons who are chiefly chargeable and it will speak for itself more intelligi- with this inconsistency among us, cannot bly and convincingly than we can do: for be supposed ignorant of the meaning of men, by beholding it, will see at once, this excellent prayer, which, by their crthat it is not only excellent, but, by the dinances, they oblige themselves to use so grace of God, practicable too. This is an frequently, and even press as a necessary argument that hath more persuasion in it form upon others. But surely to prothan any other can have; and then it is nounce the words of it cannot be of such recommended to us by our Lord himself, efficacy as to atone for actions which con(Matt. v. 16.) " Let your light so shine tradict the sense of it; nor indeed do I PRAYER FOR CHRIST'S KINGDOM. 289 suppose that they expect this from it. I Here then is an opportunity, which God, rather believe, that inveterate prejudice in his providence, affords us of obtaining and strong delusion hinder many of them the answer of our own prayer. By this to perceive this obvious inconsistency. Society, he demands a proof of our sinBut let us, my brethren, " stand fast in cerity, and, as it were, offers us the honor that liberty wherewith Christ hath made to become fellow-workers with himself in us free, and not suffer ourselves to be en- gaining new subjects to his Son. Let us tangled again with the yoke of bondage." with thankfulness embrace the offer, and Let us show our sincerity in using this contribute as liberal an assistance as we petition, by resisting all attempts to re- can for carrying on this glorious design. move the candlestick from among our- You must all be sensible, that your selves; let us bless God for the religious substance cannot be employed to a better privileges we enjoy, and not suffer them to purpose, nor indeed laid out in a way be violently wrested out of our hands, un- more truly advantageous to yourselves. der any pretence whatever: let us not This is charity to the souls of men, and, even expose them to the smallest danger, in the noblest sense, " lending to the Lord," but guard them as the most valuable part (Prov. xix. 17.) who will not fail to repay of our property; and especially, let us be with usury. careful so to improve them, that we may There is a certain way of laying " up never provoke God himself to deprive us for yourselves treasures in heaven, where of them. In the there is no corrupting moth nor rust, and 4thA and last place, Let us extend our where thieves cannot break through to regards to those dark and miserable cor- steal." What is thus devoted to the imners of the earth, which are full of the mediate service of the Redeemer, can habitations of cruelty and wickedness. never be lost to the giver, but shall deLet us not only pray, that the gospel scend in showers of blessings upon his may be sent to them; but let us do what own head. "The liberal soul shall be we can to make our prayers effectual, by made fat, and he who watereth shall be embracing every opportunity which the watered also himself." (Prov. xi. 25.) providence of God affords us, of conveying Such liberality will afford us, in the to them this inestimable blessing. It is mean time, a most refined and delicate our honor and happiness to have a Society pleasure; an enjoyment not confined to a for Propagating Christian Knowledge day, but which lives and improves by reerected among us by-royal letters patent, flection: and then it shall be amply recom(and countenanced by an annual donation pensed at the resurrection of the just, from his majesty of one thousand pounds (Dan. xii. 3.) ", When they that are wise sterling) whose business it is to attend to shall shine as the brightness of the firma — this very thing. The progress they have ment, and they that turn many unto rightalready made, is at once a convincing eousness as the stars for ever and ever." proof of their fidelity, and a manifest to- Yea, this will bring down the blessing ken of the divine favor and acceptance; of God upon our land; the vigorous prohitherto, indeed, their pious endeavors secution of this noble design will be a bethave been mostly laid out in the remote ter defence to us than the most potent and barbarous parts of our own native fleets or numerous armies, as it will enland, though they have not been wholly gage the Lord of Hosts on our side, "who confined to these. They have been ena- will be a wall of fire about us, and the bled to employ some missionaries abroad; glory in the midst of us." of whose success among the Indians, es- But I hope I need not multiply argupecially of late, they have received such ments to persuade you to so reasonable a agreeable accounts, as gives the delightful duty: the glory of the Redeemer, the prospect of a large accession to the king- salvation of precious and. immortal souls, dom of our Redeemer. The fields are our own present and eternal interest, all already growing white in those parts, and unite their force in exciting us to it. Let promise a rich and plentiful harvest, were us then, whilst we pray." Thy kingdom more laborers employed to gather it. come," do every thing ia.our sphere that 19 290 SERMON XLVIL may contribute to promote it; and then the very end for which those accepted shall we triumph in eternal glory, when prayers were recorded, was to regulate the body of Christ shall be completed. our hearts instead of directing our lips; Amen. and that it is our most immediate business, when such petitions occur to our minds, to try our hearts by them, that we may truly feel what they express, before we adventure to present them to God. SERMON XLVII. It is the character of hypocrites, whom Preached IDec. 12, 1776, being the first God abhorreth, that they " draw near to Preahed Dec. 12,1,eipublic him with their mouths, and honor him Fast after the commencement of the American with their lips, while their hearts are far War. with their lips, while their hearts are far from him." This is to add abuse and inSUPPLICATION FOR ZION. suit to all their other sins; and those PSALM li. 18. —"Do good in thy good pleasure prayers which have proceeded from unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem." feigned lips, will, in the great day of judgment, stop the mouths of transgressors THERE is an advice becoming the wisdom more effectually, than all the other offenof Solomon, (in Eccl. v. 2.) " Be not rash ces with which they shall be found chargewith thy mouth, and let not thine heart able. be hasty to utter any thing before God; The articles of a man's belief may not for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: always be present to his mind; or at therefore let thy words be few." To least the practical inferences which may pray to the Most High God is a very so- justly be drawn from them, may not be all lemn thing, even when we view him as so obvious as to command his uniform atseated on a throne of mercy. He is al- tention. To counteract indeed a plain ways present with us, whether we think and positive law, is such a flagrant rebelof him or not: but when we pray, we, by lion as admits of no excuse: and yet even our own deed, place ourselves in his sight, in this case, the sinner may pretend to and solicit his attention. And is not this plead, in alleviation of his crime, that the a very solemn and awful thought? We law appeared to him so strict and rigorous, speak to one who looks immediately into that he could not bring his mind to conthe heart, and who requireth "truth in sent to its demands. the inward parts." Nay, we appeal to But what evasion can a man find for him as the Searcher of hearts, for the contradicting his own prayers? Or what truth of every word which we utter before shall he be able to answer, when God him, and challenge his omniscience to take shall say to him, "Out of thine own cognizance, whether what we say doth not mouth do I condemn thee, thou wicked express the real sentiments and desires servant?" Every request which we make of our hearts. I say the desires of our to God, is not only an explicit declaration hearts; for these, and not the language that we highly esteem, and ardently dein which we clothe them, are our prayers sire the benefits we ask, but likewise imto God. Nay, the better the words are plies an obligation on our part, to put which we use in prayer, the more insolent ourselves in the way of receiving what we is the profanation, if they are not anima. ask, and to use all the means in our own ted by the desires which they ought to power to obtain it. When therefore we express. Too many are apt to imagine, do not endeavor to obtain the blessings that they have succeeded well in the exer- which we ask, we plainly declare that we cise of devotion, if they have been able do not heartily desire them. And by to address God by his proper titles, and asking what we do not desire to obtain, to recollect those words indited by the we make it evident that we are presumpSpirit of God, in which holy men of old tuous dissemblers, who use greater freeexpressed their desires, and which they dom with the all-perfect Being, than we committed to writing for the use of the dare to use with any of our fellow morchurch. But they do not consider, that tals, who is possessed of sufficient power SUPPLICATION FOR ZION. 291 to resist such unworthy and abusive treat- own right hand wrought for us in the days ment. of our fathers, at the two illustrious eras I have just now read to you a prayer of the reformation from popery, and what of the royal Psalmist, which none of us, is justly styled the Glorious Revolution; I suppose, will hesitate to adopt. It con- That the word of the Lord may have free sists of two distinct petitions; the one course, and be glorified in these lands, respecting the spiritual, the other the as long as the sun and moon endure: temporal prosperity of the people over That the great truths of the gospel of Christ which the providence of God had placed may be faithfully published, and successhim. And it will readily occur to you, fully defended, both against the attacks that both these important interests of the of open enemies, and the secret artifices nation to which we belong, are recom- of those who lie in wait to deceive: That mended to our attention in the royal pro- the ordinances of religion may not only clamation which hath brought us together be dispensed in purity, but may be accomthis day. What I propose in the follow- panied with power, and rendered effectual ing discourse is to make a few remarks, for the conviction of sinners, and for First. On the matter of David's prayer. building up saints in holiness and comfort Secondly. On the order observed in through faith unto salvation: That the the petitions contained in it. wickedness of the wicked may come to an Thirdly. On the temper of mind with end, and the just be established: That which this prayer appears to have been the spirit of division may cease, and that accompanied. I will then show what is the whole multitude of believers may be incumbent on those who address the same of one heart and one soul, " following afrequest to God, in order to prove the up- ter the things which make for peace, and rightness of their hearts, and that they sin- things whereby one may edify another." cerely wish to obtain what they ask. In fine, that our Zion may be a " quiet I begin with the matter of David's habitation, and a tabernacle that shall not prayer; " Do good in thy good pleasure be taken down, none of the stakes whereof unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jeru- shall be removed. neither any of the cords salem." broken: that God may appoint salvation The first of these petitions hath an ob- for walls and bulwarks to her, and be vious reference to the tribes of Israel, himself the glory in the midst of her " considered. in their spiritual state. as a " Clothing her priests with righteousness, religious community, or the true church that all her saints may shout aloud for of God. To those who are acquainted joy." In these, and such particulars, with the language of Scripture, it will consisteth the good of Zion. " Christ not be needful to prove, that this is the loved his church, and gave himself for it, common acceptation of the term Zion, that he might sanctify and cleanse it when it is used in distinction from Jeru- with the washing of water by the word; salem. Zion was the unalterable station that he might present it to himself of the tabernacle, the city of David, and a glorious church, not having spot or the emblem of that spiritual kingdom wrinkle, or any such thing; that it might which David's Son and Lord was to erect be holy and without blemish." For this in future times. The blessing prayed for end he lived, and for this end he died, by the Psalmist is, that it would please " That he might redeem us from all iniGod to do good unto Zion. quity, and purify unto himself a peculiar This short, but comprehensive request, people, zealous of good works." in the mouth of a British and protestant The other petition contained in the Christian, includes more particulars than text, " build thou the walls of Jerusalem,:' the limits of one discourse will permit me hath a reference to the civil state of the to enumerate. I shall select a few lead- Jews as a commonwealth or kingdom, and ing petitions, in which all who come un- is a prayer for their national safety and der this description will cordially unite; prosperity. namely, That God, of his infinite mercy, This request, like the former, compremay establish and perpetuate what his hends a great variety of particulars. 292 SERMON XLVI. It will be readily admitted, that a form to fill up the gap which hath separated of government, by which the natural rights Great Britain from her American coloof men are most effectually secured, and nies; but if it seem good in his sight, he can, in which the impartial administration of with infinite case, make this temporary established laws guard the life, the liberty, separation the -occasion and the means of and the property of the meanest individ- establishing a firm and permanent union; ual, may, without straining the metaphor, an union which neither political artifice, be included in the idea of walls and bul- nor selfish ambition, nor the pride of inwarks, which contribute at once to the de- dependence, will be able to dissolve. This fence and ornament of a city. With regard is the desirable issue to which our wishes to the (" walls or bulwarks " of our civil may lawfully direct us, when we pray, in constitution, it gives me pleasure to ac- the language of the royal Psalmist, knowledge that they are not only entire, " Build thou the walls of Jerusalem." but in several respects more fair and du- Having made these remarks on the im.rable than those of any other nation upon port of David's requests, let us attend, earth. In other lands, the walls of gov- in the ernment are built on the surrender of Secondcl place, To the order in which some of the most precious rights of human they are placed. Ile begins with praying nature: but in this happy country, we for the good of Zion, and then offers his have not bought the protection of govern- supplication in behalf of Jerusalem. Nor ment at so dear a rate; nor is the hard is this an accidental or arbitary arrangehand of the oppressor either felt or feared ment. The same subordination of ternby the meanest member of the community. poral to spiritual blessings, is uniformly And must not the heart of that man then observed through the whole of the sacred be hard and unfeeling, who doth not wish record, both in the promises of God, and and pray that such an invaluable consti- in the accepted prayers of his people: tution may be built up and preserved en- and it deserves our notice, that, in this tire to the latest generations? order, we are called upon by his majesty's But the expression used in the text, calls proclamation to conduct the devotional upon us to look with weeping eyes and sor- exercises of this day. For, previous to rowful hearts, upon that awful rent in the any particular request respecting the poBritish empire, which is the immediate oc- litical state of the British empire, we are casion of our meeting together at this time. admonished by our gracious sovereign, We have seen a cloud rise out of the west, "' To humble ourselves before Almighty at first no bigger than a man's hand; but, God on account of our sins: to implore like that which the Prophet's servant his pardon, and to send up, in the most saw, it hath overspread the face of hea- devout and solemn manner, our prayers ven, and carried tempest and desolation and supplications to the divine Majesty, in its progress. When I mention this for avertingthose heavy judgments which great calamity, I do not mean to fix your our manifold sins and provocations have attention on it as an object which presents most justly deserved." nothing to our view but complicated dis- It may be remembered by some now tress and danger. Much as I disapprove present, that in the year 1759, when of that levity which " despiseth the chas- Great Britain sat as queen among the tening of the Lord," I am yet no friend nations, we were called together by a proto that despondency which would make us clamation from the throne, to return pub"faint when we are rebuked of him." lie thanks to Almighty God, for the great The same expression in my text, which and public blessings which enriched and reminds us of the alarming breach which distinguished that memorable year. we deplore, doth at the same time lead us It was then my object, to warn my felto look beyond and above it, to him who low citizens against the criminal abuse of is able to repair it; to that God who our national felicity, by perverting, into "hath the hearts of all men in his hands, weapons of rebellion against God, the and turneth them as the rivers of water." fruits of that success with which he had With him it is a small matter, not only been pleased to favor us. SUPPLICATION FOR ZION. 293 Since that time we have enjoyed a Now, whatsoever things were written period of very uncommon prosperity as a aforetime, were written for our admonikingdom. While riches have been flow- tion, upon whom the ends of the world ing to us from all quarters, luxury and are come. God is always the same. He dissipation, advancing with an equal pace, is in one mind, and none can turn him. have proved at once the propriety and the His love to righteousness, and his hatred neglect of that warning. Enormous for- of sin, are both unchangeable, and theretunes, suddenly acquired in our foreign fore, the truth of that assertion must be settlements, have accelerated that cor- equally unchangeable, that righteousness ruption of manners, which is the usual exalteth a nation; whereas sin is the reconcomitant of prosperity. Successful ad- proach, and without repentance must, in venturers, coming home with sums almost the issue, be the ruin of any people. beyond the calculation of a moderate Would we then pray with acceptance for mind, produce a disdain of the slow and the peace and prosperity of our Jerusober paths of industry: and " men has- salem, let us begin with praying for the tening to be rich fall into temptation, and good of Zion; that it may please God to a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful pour down the spirit of repentance and lusts, which drown them in destruction reformation on men of every rank. Until and perdition."' Our table hath indeed be- we thus turn to God, solid prosperity will come our snare; and the uncommon bless- not return to our land. There may be ings conferred on us, instead of heighten- gleams of transient success: but these ing our gratitude, have only caused us to interruptions of calamity will only aggraforget the hand that bestowed them, and vate our final doom. Whereas, if we sinproved the means of alienating our hearts cerely repent of our evil ways, and return from God. to that God from whom we have revolted, For this abuse of prosperity, the land he will stay his hand, now lifted up in doth mourn this day. They must be blind wrath, " and God, even our own God, shall indeed, who do not see the uplifted hand bless us."-" Behold the hand of the Lord of God, and even read, on the rod with is not shortened, that it cannot save; neiwhich he hath smitten us, our national ther is his ear heavy, that it cannot hear; guilt engraved in such deep and legible but our iniquities have separated between characters, that it may be truly said, us and our God." We have a most gra" Our own wickedness hath corrected us, cious and explicit promise to encourage and our backslidings have reproved us." us, (Jerem. xviii. 7, 8.) " At what inDo we complain of the ingratitude of stant (saith God) I shall speak concerning our American colonies, which have flour- a nation and concerning a kingdom, to ished so long, and prospered so much in pluck up and pull down, and to destroy a state of union with the mother-country, it: if that nation against whom I have and as the free subjects of a free state? pronounced, turn from their evil, I will In what words can we utter our complaints repent of the evil that I thought to do more expressive than those which are pre- unto them." occupied, if I may so speak, by the great Here then is a large field, in which Lord of heaven and earth, in that solemn every man may labor for the good of his appeal which is recorded (Isaiah i. 2.), country. In this view, the meanest sub" Hear, 0 heavens, and give ear, O earth, ject has the consolation to think, that he for I have nourished and brought up chil- may become useful to the community with dren, and they have rebelled against me." which he is connected. The meanest subSo that the very expressions with which ject may so order his life and conversawe would naturally reproach our rebellious tion, as to render himself, in the eyes of colonists, may justly remind us of that his Maker, one of the " excellent ones of more aggravated rebellion, wherewith we the earth," one of that " holy seed which ourselves are chargeable againstthat God, is the substance of the land." The who hath not only planted, but cherished, meanest subject may put up the fervent and protected us in a good land unto this supplications of a pious, pure, and humble day.!soul, to the throne of grace; and with 294 SERMON XLVII. that holy ardor, which alone will find view an approved example for our imitaacceptance, solicit the Supreme Disposer tion in similar circumstances. of all events, for blessings and benefits of It now only remains that I should inevery kind to his country. The meanest quire, what is incumbent on those who subject can "walk with God" in the du- adopt the Psalmist's prayer, in order to ties of devotion, can display the beauty prove the uprightness of their hearts, and of holiness, and stir up others to imitate that they sincerely wish to obtain what the example of his virtue and piety. they ask. Thus far I have considered both the I observed, in the introduction to this matter and order of the two petitions in discourse, that every request which we my text. The make to God, is not only an explicit deThird thing proposed was, To make claration that we highly esteem, and arsome practical observations on the temper dently desire, the benefits which we pray of mind with which they appear to have for, but doth likewise imply an obligation been accompanied. And it is obvious, in and promise on our part to use all the general, that David had a just impression means in our power to obtain them. of his absolute dependence on God, and As to what concerns the public state of that he did not trust in the arm of flesh, the nation, and the means of building up but looked for help from God alone. No and cementing the walls of our Jerusalem, man possessed larger measures than David, these matters I leave to those who have either of political wisdom or warlike skill; the constitutional charge of them. The but he did not confide in his own talents best aid I can contribute in my sphere, is for building or defending the walls of to pray for wisdom to direct the public Jerusalem: He knew, as he expresseth it counsels, and to do what I can for the in another of his Psalms, that "' except good of Zion; and in this you all may and the Lord build the house, they labor in ought to be workers together with me. If, vain that build it; and except the Lord then, we have any love for our country, or keep the city, the watchman waketh in any sincere desire of saving her from imvain." He therefore looks directly to the pending calamity, let us now form hearty God of Zion, and commits Jerusalem, and and vigorous resolutions of correcting her walls, to his keeping, who neither and amending our ways. Let our reformaslumbers nor sleeps, even the Creator of tion begin in those points from which our the ends of the earth, who fainteth not, corruption may be traced. Remember, neither is weary. that piety towards God is the best supThe form of his address doth likewise port of all those virtues which form the discover the deep conviction he had of his good man, or the useful citizen. Legislaown unworthiness. He pleads with God, tors may devise what regulations they as a humble supplicant, with that penitent please; but if there is no sense of a God and contrite heart, of which he speaks in or of a providence among the subjects, the verse preceding my text. He claims they will never be able to execute their nothing upon the terms of justice, but ap- plans, or to attain their ends. Let personplies solely to the mercy and free favor of al reformation, therefore, be our first care; God. " Do good," saith he, "in thy good and having given all diligence to make pleasure, unto Zion." our own calling and election sure, let us, This expression may be further con- in our respective stations, join heart and sidered, as denoting that submissive and hand to discourage vice in every form, and resigned frame of spirit with which he puts to promote the interests of pure and unup his requests both for Zion and Jerusa- defiled religion in our land. Unless we lem. Hie did not presume to limit the do this, our national fast, instead of asHoly One of Israel; but left it entirely cending to God with acceptance, will sink to his own wisdom and goodness, to grant down into the measure of national guilt, the matter of his prayer at what time, and and will only hasten the execution of that in what manner, or by what means, he fatal sentence, " Put ye in the sickle, for should choose. the harvest is ripe, the press is full, and In all these respects, he presents to our the fat overflows, for their wickedness is WHO MAKETH THEE TO DIFFER? 295 great," On the other hand, by turning to mitted. Men are apt enough to boast of God through Jesus Christ, and bringing the improvement of their faculties; but forth fruits meet for repentance, we may the faculties themselves are universally not only avert those heavy judgments with acknowledged to be the gifts of God. which we are threatened, but on scriptural " There is a spirit in man," said Elihu in grounds may take encouragement to hope, the book of Job, " and the inspiration of that God will return in mercy to Zion, the Almighty giveth him understanding." and will yet make our Jerusalem a praise A quick apprehension, a retentive memory, on earth. Amen. a lively imagination, and other mental powers, these are favors which the great Author of our being dispenseth to whom, and in what measure it pleaseth him; and SERMON XLVIII. never was any man so arrogant as to pretend, that he bestowed these qualities upon Preached before the Mfanagers of the Orphan himself. Hospital of.Edinburgh, August 7, 1775. It is no less evident, that the light of divine revelation is an additional blessing, WHO MAKETH THEE TO DIFFER? which flows immediately from the same fountain of beneficence; according to that 1 CoR. iv. 7.-" Who maketh thee to differ from.,! CoR. iv. "/. —"Who m.aketh thee to differ from grateful acknowledgment of the Psalmist, another? and what hast thou that thou didst grateful acknowledgment of the Psalmist, not receive ":' He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel: IT is not to be supposed, that any person HIe hath not dealt so with any nation." endowed with reason can be in suspense And we must be sensible, that it is purely for a moment about an answer to these owing to "the tender mercy of our God, questions. I am confident that there is that the day-spring from on high hath not one in this assembly who is not ready visited us, to give light to us, whose fathers to reply, It is God alone who maketh me sat in darkness and in the shadow of to differ from any other; and I have no- death, to guide our feet into the way of thing which I did not receive from his peace." bountiful hand. No man who believes that Nay, we are taught, that the virtue and God is, will hesitate to confess, with the efficacy of this external light must be apostle James, " that every good gift, and wholly attributed to the blessing of God. every perfect gift, is from above, and This is plainly and strongly asserted at cometh down from the Father of lights." the 6th and 7th verses of the preceding Yet so little attention is paid by the bulk chapter: " I have planted, Apollos waterof mankind to the consequences of this ed; but God gave the increase. So then, commonly acknowledged truth, that I shall neither is he that planteth any thing, make no apology for employing the first neither he that watereth; but God that part of my discourse, in reminding you of giveth the increase."-" It pleased God," the evidence by which it is supported:-I saith our apostle, speaking of himself, shall then lay before you some of those (Gal. i. 15.) " who separated me from my practical lessons, equally obvious and im- mother's womb, and called me by his grace, portant, which with ease and certainty may to reveal his Son in me." And in another be deduced from it:-And conclude with part of his writings, " By the grace of God that improvement of the subject which I am what I am." Nor did these expreshath a more immediate reference to the sions of humility take their rise from the occasion of our meeting together at this peculiar circumstances of his own convertime. sion; for he applies the same principle to First. I begin with reminding you, that the Christians at Corinth, and urgeth it every blessing we possess is the gift of as an argument against every degree of God, and that we have nothing which we boasting or self-attribution, (1 Cor. i. 26, did not receive from him. &c.) " For ye see your calling, brethren, That this is the case with respect to how that not many wise men after the natural endowments, will readily be ad- flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, 296 SERMON XLVIII. are called. But God hath chosen the power and might, and in thine hand it is foolish things of the world, to confound to make great, and to give strength unto the wise; and God hath chosen the weak all. Now therefore, our God, we thank things of the world, to confound the things thee, and praise thy glorious name. But which are mighty; and base things of the who am I, and what is my people, that we world, and things which are despised, hath should be able to offer so willingly after God chosen, yea, and things which are not, this sort? for all things come of thee, and to bring to naught things that are: that of thine own have we given thee. O Lord no flesh should glory in his presence." our God, all this store that we have preAnd then adds, "But of him are ye in pared to build thee an house for thy name, Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto cometh of thine own hand, and is all thine us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifi- own." cation, and redemption: that, according as I might quote many other passages to it is written, He that glorieth, let him the same purpose; but you have heard glory in the Lord." enough to satisfy you that I am supported Were it necessary to descend to other by the highest authority when I say, that particulars that might be named, it would all the blessings we possess are the gifts be easy to show, that all our advantages, of God, the effects of his free and unof what kind soever, whether they belong merited liberality. to the body or outward estate, are equally This doctrine, as I observed in the enderived from God, and dependent upon trance, hath none of the charms of novelty him. Hear what God said to Moses, to recommend it. But is it on that ac(Exod. iv. 11.) "Who hath made man's count less needful to be insisted upon? mouth? or \ho maketh the dumb, or deaf, Most assuredly it is not. I believe we or the seeing, or blind? have not I the shall find, upon inquiry, that the most Lord? " How sublime, and how just were obvious truths are universally the least the sentiments which Hannah expressed! regarded, and therefore have most need to (1 Sam. ii. 3. &c.) " Talk no more so ex- be frequently brought in view, that men ceedingly proudly, and let not arrogancy may be constrained to bestow some attenproceed out of your mouth: for the Lord tion upon them, and to consider the inis a God of knowledge, and by him actions fluence they ought to have upon their are weighed. The Lord killeth, and temper and conduct. I am afraid that maketh alive: He bringeth down to the we judge of spiritual things in the same grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh absurd manner that we judge of temporal poor, and maketh rich; he bringeth low, things; I mean, that we put a fanciful and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor value upon them, and do not rate them out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar according to their intrinsic worth and real from the dunghill, to set them among usefulness. princes, and to make them inherit the We see every day, that earthly things throne of glory; for the pillars of the are estimated, not by their use, but by earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the their scarcity; insomuch that, in common world upon them." And with what hum- language, the words raire and pr'ecious are ble, but elevated devotion did David, in convertible terms; though, in fact, the the height of his prosperity, ascribe all things that are truly precious, because that he possessed to the free bounty of most necessary, instead of being rare, are God, when he blessed the Lord, and said scattered abroad with the greatest probefore all the congregation of the children fusion. Thus doth God dispense temporal of Israel, " Thine, O Lord, is the great- benefits; the best, that is, the most useful, ness, and the power, and the glory, and are universally given out in greatest the victory, and the majesty; for all that abundance. And it may justly be affirmis in the heaven, and in the earth, is thine; ed, that spiritual blessings are dispensed thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou in the same way. The most comprehenart exalted as head above all. Both sive blessing, the unspeakable gift of riches and honor come of thee, and thou Jesus Christ, is of all others the most free reignest over all; and in thine hand is and liberal, being offered "without money WHO MAKETH THEE TO DIFFER? 297 and without price," to every sinner of our study and labor. Life is short, and mankind, without exception; and actually souls are precious; and therefore things conferred upon all who, feeling their need of eternal consequence ought in all reason of a Saviour, are made willing to receive to be preferred. They who choose to gratand rest upon him alone for pardon, and ify the curious, by telling them new and peace, and complete salvation. In like strange things, may indeed raise the remanner, the great rules of duty, and the putation of their own invention; but they truths that are best adapted to purify our do it upon the ruins of a far more excelhearts and reform our practice, are dis- lent thing, I mean, that charity "which persed as it were around us in the greatest vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, and plenty and variety. God, who hath ap- seeketh not her own;" and as they have pointed our work, hath likewise limited no higher aim than to serve themselves, it the season for doing it; and therefore, is but just they should be left to reward that we may not lose a moment, the most themselves as they can. useful and necessary instruments of action We are commanded in Scripture, to be are laid so near us, that we need only "'ready to every good work: " that is, to stretch forth our hand to take hold of them. be in such an habitual posture for service, Were they placed at a distance, the op- that with facility we may enter upon action portunity of acting might frequently pass so soon as an opportunity presents itself. away before the proper means and instru- But we shall never acquire this promptments were got ready. But such wise and ness and facility, till the mind be furnished effectual provision is made, that no man with some fruitful principles of action; shall have it in his power to plead this ex- and the more simple and obvious these cuse. If any piece of duty be left undone, principles are, the more readily will it cannot be owing either to the want of a they occur to us, and the greater auplain rule to direct our conduct, or of suf- thority and influence will attend them. ficient arguments and encouragements to Of this kind is the proposition I have been move us to action, but to the inattention, endeavoring to illustrate. The truth of or pride, or stubbornness, of our own it is obvious to the meanest capacity; and hearts. yet such is its fruitfulness and energy, This affords a glorious display of the that some of the sublimest duties of the wisdom and goodness of our great Law- Christian life are virtually included in it, giver and Judge. But, alas! we thwart and may with ease and certainty be dehis merciful intentions. Overlooking duced from it. what is near, we roam abroad in quest of To select some of these practical lessons other things, that lie at the remotest dis- was the second thing proposed; to which tance from us, and have the feeblest in- I now proceed. fluence upon our temper and practice. 1st. If all the blessings we possess be Such is our folly and perverseness, that, the gifts of God, the effects of his free and despising the most important truths, be- unmerited bounty, then surely we ought cause they are common and obvious, we to be humble. This is the particular imrun away in the vain pursuit of abstruse provement which the apostle directs us to and intricate speculations, which have no make of this doctrine in the close of my other effect than to puzzle the head, or to text: "Who maketh thee to differ from warm the imagination, while they leave another? and what hast thou that thou the heart dark, and cold, and insensible. didst not receive? Now if thou didst To correct this false taste, by recalling receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou men's attention to the most simple and prac- hadst not received it? " tical truths, ought, in my apprehension, to This reasoning is so plain and simple, be the principal aim of a gospel-minister. that a child may understand it; and yet When these have got full possession of so perfectly just, that it will abide the semen's hearts, and appear in the fruits of verest trial; nay, the more accurately it is a holy life, then, if we find leisure, we may examined, the stronger will it appear. seek after now discoveries; but surely ne- Did we keep this single principle in our cessity should have the first disposal of eye, that it is God who inaketh us to dif 298 SERMON XLVIII. fer, tha.t alone might be sufficient to give stances, or acquiring the good things that a check to our pride, and to inspire us with belong to a present world; and even in humility. Did we view all our present using the means that are lawful, we should advantages as gifts freely bestowed, to constantly look up to God for success, and which we had no previous title or claim; implore his blessing upon our honest enthen every additional blessing would only deavors; remembering, on the one hand, remind us of our indigence before we "'that the getting of treasures by lying received it; and the greater and more lips, is a vanity tossed to and fro of them numerous the benefits conferred upon us that seek death; and, on the other hand, were, the greater debtors should we judge that the blessing of the Lord maketh rich, ourselves, the more deeply should we feel and he addeth no sorrow with it." Which our dependence upon God, and the less leads me to observe, disposed should we be to glory in ourselves. 5thly, The importance of enjoying the 2dly. From the same principle, and with blessing of God, with all the gifts which equal ease and certainty, we may deduce his bounty bestows upon us. From this our obligation to thankfulness and praise. alone ariseth their value, and nothing else Humility and gratitude, those kindred can impart to them that sweetness which graces which constitute the proper temper renders the possession of them so truly of a Christian, are inseparable companions. desirable. Happiness cannot be extracted They give mutual aid and support to each from the creatures themselves; they are other, and both take their rise from the all broken cisterns that can hold no water: persuasion of this truth. For how can we "The eye is not satisfied with seeing, think of our kind and unwearied benefactor, neither is the ear filled with hearing."who condescends to make us the objects " He that loveth silver, shall not be satisof his care, who daily loads us with his fled with silver; nor he that loveth abunbenefits, though he is altogether indepen- dance with increase." Solomon records dent of us, and can neither be enriched by it as one of the evils he had seen under the our services, nor impoverished by the want sun, namely, " riches kept for the owners of them; how can we think of him, I say, thereof to their hurt." And he supposeth without the most fervent love and humble it a very possible case, that amidst the gratitude? greatest abundance of earthly things, "a 3dly. To humility and gratitude, I add man may all his days eat in darkness, and.9esignation to the will of God. This was have much sorrow and wrath with his sickthe inference which holy Job drew from ness." How awful is that threatening, the doctrine I have been illustrating: (Mal. ii. 2.) "If ye will not hear, and if " Shall we receive good at the hand of the ye will not lay it to heart to give glory Lord, and shall we not receive evil also? unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken will even send a curse upon you, and I away, blessed be the name of the Lord." will curse your blessings!" And when Surely if no wrong be done us, we have no this threatening is executed upon any, then right to complain. We ought rather to "I their table becomes a snare to them; and adore that goodness which at first be- that which should have been for their welstowed the gift, gave us the comfortable fare becomes a trap," insomuch that their enjoyment of it, and continued it with us prosperity proves both the occasion and so long; and to say with the saints of old, instrument of their destruction: "W herewhen our distress is greatest, "I will bless as the Lord blesseth the habitation of the the Lord at all times; his praise shall just; " in consequence whereof, " the little continually be in my mouth." Wherefore that a righteous man hath, is better than doth a living man complain, a man for the the riches of many wicked." It is a signipunishment of his sins?" " It is the Lord, ficant saying of David, (Psaln xxxvii. 22.) let him do what seemeth him good; " and, "Such as be blessed of the Lord shall in"Good is the will of the Lord." herit the earth." They hold their portion 4thly. Did we attend to this truth, we of it by a different tenure than other men; should not dare to employ any means that they possess it as the children of him who are unlawful for improving our circum- is Lord of all; and their Father, while he WHO MAKETH THEE TO DIFFER 8 299 feeds them with food convenient for them, own than it originally was. God is the gives them at once the proper enjoyment, entire and absolute proprietor of all things: and the sanctified use of it. This is the they are his, because he made them; and peculiar privilege of believers in Christ what is styled property among men, must Jesus; for " as many as receive him, to necessarily be derived, limited, and dethem gives he power to become the sons pendent. This dominion is so essential of God, even to them that believe in his to God. that he cannot divest himself of it. name." And as the apostle Paul reasons, Earthly rulers may resign part of the ju"If children, then are they also heirs, heirs risdiction that belongs to them. Thus of God, and joint-heirs with Christ Jesus; " Saul proclaimed, that whosoever should so that, in the most common bounties of fight Goliath the Philistine, and kill him, Providence, they can taste the sweetness " he and his house should be made free in of special love, and may lawfully consider Israel." But no creature can be released every benefit conferred upon them as a to- from its obligation to serve God; for abken of their Father's affection, and a solute dependence and unlimited subjecpledge of that fulness of joy that awaits tion are so intimately connected, that they them in a future state. How much then cannot exist separately. As we necessadoth it concern us, even as we regard our rily depend upon God, so we are necessapresent comfort, " to give all diligence to rily bound to submit to his authority, and make our calling and election sure," that to serve him to the utmost extent of the on every gift, whether small or great, read- powers he hath given us. No creature ing the precious name of him who bestows can say of any thing he possesseth, This it, we may have the true relish of the pro- is fully mine, to dispose of it as I please. vision afforded us in the course of our The benefits conferred upon us are so far journey through this strange country, till our property, with respect to our fellowwe arrive at our Father's house above, servants, that, unless they can produce an where we shall obtain possession of that order from the great Master of the family, glorious inheritance of the saints, which none of them may take them from us, is incorruptible, and undefiled, and fadeth neither can they righteously possess them not away. without our own consent; but, with reThese are a few of the practical lessons, gard to God, they still belong to him, and which, with ease and certainty, may be are ours only for the ends and purposes deduced from the doctrine of my text. he hath appointed. They were not given PERMIT me now to apply the subject to merely as an alms to the needy, but as inthe particular occasion of our meeting to- struments are given to a servant for doing gether at this time. his Master's work. This is clearly exHitherto I have been speaking of the pressed, (1 Peter iv. 10.) "As every man blessings we possess as gifts freely be- hath received the gift, even so minister stowed. But there is another important the same one to another, as good stewards light in which we ought likewise to view of the manifold grace of God." them. They are talents committed to us The nature of the gifts bestowed upon for special ends and purposes; and it is men, plainly shows, that they were not inboth expected and required that we be tended for pomp, but for use; and it apdiligent and faithful in improving them, pears from the manner in which they are as it becomes those who must one day distributed, that none of them are bestowgive an account of their stewardship. ed to gratify the pride of individuals, but There is an essential difference between to establish such a mutual connection and God's giving to us, and our giving to our dependence, as may render every one in fellow-men. We renounce our interest in his place useful to the community. We what we give to another: it ceaseth to be have a lively illustration of this, (1 Cor. ours, and becomes the property of the per- xii. 8. et seq.) "' To one is given by the son upon whom we bestow it. But God Spirit the word of wisdom; to another giveth nothing away after this manner. the word of knowledge by the same SpirHis giving to his creatures doth not make it; to another faith by the same Spirit; the benefit conferred a whit the less his to another the gifts of healing by the same 300 SERMON XLVIII. Spirit; to another the working of mira- store for themselves a good foundation c]es; to another prophecy; to another against the time to come, that they may discerning of spirits; to another divers lay hold on eternal life."'" And how prokinds of tongues; to another the interpre- voking it is to God, when men abuse the tation of tongues. But all these worketh gifts of his providence, we learn from that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing that complaint and threatening, (Hosea ii. to every man severally as he will." Thus 8, 9.) "' She did not know that I gave her each hath his distinct office and use, that, corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied as it is expressed, (ver. 25.) " there her silver and gold, which they prepared should be no schism in the body; but for Baal. Therefore will I return, and that the several members should have the take away my corn in the time thereof, same care one for another," and maintain and my wine in the season thereof, and mutual love, whilst all in their way con- will recover my wool and my flax given tribute to the good of the whole. " The to cover her nakedness." eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no The application of these truths to the need of thee; nor again the head to the purpose for which we are at present asfeet, I have no need of you." To every sembled, is so obvious, that I am confione something is given, to recommend dent it must already have occurred to the him to the respect of others; and from most inattentive of my hearers. Were every one something is withheld, to keep we to consider the good things we poshim modest and humble; for God hath so sess, merely as gifts freely bestowed, and ordered the distribution of his benefits, left entirely to our own disposal; yet that each may feel his need of that excel- gratitude should prompt us to employ lence which he hath not in possession, and them in such a way as might be most acat the same time have the aid of those ceptable to our kind and generous Benegifts, by the ministry of others, which he factor. But I am furnished, you now see, himself wants. with a more persuasive argument; the " The rich and the poor meet together," plea of gratitude comes enforced with the saith Solomon, " the Lord is the maker of claim of justice, while regard to our own them both." Hence, "he that mocketh interest solicits our compliance with their the poor " is said " to reproach his Ma- united demands: " For we must all appear ker; " that is, he throws an injurious before the judgment seat of Christ, that reflection upon the wisdom and good- every one may receive the deeds done in ness of divine providence, which hath his body, according to that he hath done, appointed this inequality of conditions whether it be good or bad." In that day, among men, for exercising, on the one "' unto whomsoever much hath been given, hand, the patience and resignation of the of him also much will be required: " and poor; and that the rich, on the other the unprofitable servant, who did not imhand, may be furnished with constant op- prove the talent committed to him, but portunities of acknowledging tlieir obliga- buried it under ground, or wrapt it in a tions to God, and their dependence upon napkin, shall be cast " into outer darkhim for all they possess, by distributing ness; there shall be weeping and gnashwhat they can spare from their own ne- ing of teeth." cessary uses, for the relief and comfort of Seeing then these things are so, ought their needy brethren. That this is the we not to reckon it an additional ground proper improvement of wealth, and the of thankfulness to God, when, besides the purpose for which it is bestowed, appears favors conferred upon us, he is at any from Paul's directions to Timothy, (I Tim. time pleased to afford us an opportunity vi. 17.) " Charge them that are rich in this of employing the fruits of his liberality in world, that they be not high-minded, nor such a manner as contributes most effectrust in uncertain riches, but in the living tually to answer the highest and most imGod, who giveth us all things richly to portant purposes for which they were beenjoy: that they do good, that they be stowed? An opportunity of this kind is rich in good works, ready to distribute, just now presented to you by the muchwilling to communicate; laying up in to-be respected Managers of the Orphan THE GOOD SHEPHERD'S GREAT SACRIFICE. 301 Hospital, at whose desire I address you words, " lent to the Lord, and that which this day. The objects of their care are they give will he pay them again." there placed in your view; and surely to Upon the whole, then, let it be our first provide for the Christian education of so care to have our own hearts filled with many helpless children, and for their love to God, as the Father of our Lord decent clothing and maintenance, till they Jesus Christ, and our Father in Christ; be trained up to earn a subsistence for for unless this be the source of our charity themselves, as it is an exercise of the to others, our beneficence may be profit. truest mercy to them, so it cannot fail to able to them, but cannot avail ourselves. be highly acceptable to that God who dis- And if once this principle be deeply rootdains not to style himself the Father of ed in our hearts, then it will become easy the fatherless. and delightful to us, to comnlunicate good The peculiar excellencies of this species to our fellow-men, in obedience to the of charity were fully illustrated, on a for- command of God, and in imitation of his muer occasion of this kind, from that prayer example. Let us always bear in mind of the Psalmist in behalf of the Jewish " the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, nation, (Psal. cxliv. 12.) " That our sons though he was rich, yet for our sakes bemay be as plants grown up in their youth; came poor, that we through his poverty that our daughters may be as corner- might be rich." Let us consider the unstones, polished after the similitude of a certainty of all earthly things, and this palace." * Then it was shown, That a will dispose us to employ them with greatpermanent provision for the Christian er cheerfulness for the relief and comfort education of destitute children, is a chari- of our needy brethren, before they be ty which tends to prevent misery; and taken from us, or we by death be divorced must therefore be preferable to that which from them. Above all, let us beg of God only alleviates present distress, or pro- the influences of his Spirit, which alone cures it a short and uncertain relief. This can vanquish. that selfishness which is the is charity to the souls of our fellow-crea- great opposer of charity, and incline our tures, and the noblest imitation of Him hearts to all those acts of compassion and who came from heaven to earth, to seek kindness which adorn our Christian proand to save that which was lost. Besides, fession, and by their beauty and usefulit is a charity which, of all others, is in ness engage others to glorify our heavenleast danger of being misapplied or defeat- ly Father. Amnen. ed. This renders the prospect of doing good by it in the highest degree probable. And then its influence is of the largest extent; for while it serves to advance the glory of God, and the interests of pure and undefiled religion in the world, it RMON X promotes at the same time, in the most Preached on a Comm71uqlion Sabbctlt. effectual manner, the spiritual improvement and happiness of individuals, and even the temporal prosperity of the nation THE GOOD SHEPHIERD'S GREAT SACRIFICE. to which we belong. To such powerful recommendations any JOHN E. 11. "I am the Good SnIEPIIERD: the Good SHEPHERD giveth his life fot the Sheep." addition would be superfluous. And they who, influenced by these motives, contri- TIOUGI Christ is in every view precious bute according to their ability for the sup- to them that believe, yet some of the port of an institution so pious and saluta- characters which he sustains, present him ry, may be assured, that what they give to us in a milder light than others, and is, in the most proper sense of Solomon's render him comparatively more lovely and * Dr. Erskine's Sermon, preached before the estimable. And amidst the variety of titles Managers of the Orphan lHospital, at Edinburgh, given him in Scripture, there is perhaps 2fay, 18, 1774. none more expressive of condescension 302 SERMON XLIX. and grace, than that which he is pleased life in our behalf, but voluntarily resigned to assume in my text. it, that we might live through him. " All As many of the Jews were shepherds we like sheep had gone astray," says the by occupation, language of this descrip- evangelical prophet, " we had turned every tion would be obvious to them all. And one to his own way." But " he was they who were enlightened by the Spirit wounded for our transgressions, he was of God, would not only perceive the pro- bruised for our iniquities; " or, in the priety, but likewise relish all the sweet- language of the New Testament, " He ness of this endearing designation. who knew no sin " became a sin-offering To us, indeed, an allusion to the pasto- for us; the just One suffered for the unral life can hardly appear with equal beauty just, " that he might bring us to God." and strength. Many circumstances of Had our case been merely unfortunate, resemblance would strike those who were like that of a weak and harmless lamb acquainted with rural affairs, which must seized by a lion, whom it could neither necessarily be supposed to escape our ob- resist nor avoid, pity might have inclined servation. But though we cannot trace a generous heart to attempt something them all with a critical exactness, yet by for our deliverance. But our misery was the light which the Scriptures afford us, I the effect, not of weakness, but of volunhope I shall be able to bring as many tary wickedness. We chose it in its cause. proofs of our Lord's care and tenderness, We sinned, though we were forewarned as may suffice to illustrate the propriety that death would be the issue. We were of the allusion, and show with what jus- not caught by surprise, but deliberately tice this title of the Good Shepherd is surrendered, or rather sold, ourselves to claimed by our Redeemer. the adversary. Yet in this situation, when I BEGIN with that to which our Lord we had nothing to invite, far less to dehimself appeals in the text. "I," says he, serve, his regard and affection, did the "am the good Shepherd: the good Shep- blessed Jesus fly to our relief; and deherd giveth his life for the sheep." scending from the throne, put on the form It was a signal proof that David gave of a servant, that in our place he might of his care and tenderness, when he ven- suffer and die on this earth which he had tured his life for the sake of his sheep, made. and encountered a bear and a lion in their Besides. the fatal deeds which forfeited defence. But though the attempt was our happiness were sins committed directhazardous, it was not altogether desperate; ly against himself. It was his own law he had hope of success, and actually pre- we transgressed, his own royalty we invailed. Besides, the charge committed vaded; we fought against him with his to him was his father's property, part of own arms, and joined in confederacy with which would one day fall to his own share: his most inveterate enemies. So that so that his personal interest was connect- every obstacle that can be imagined lay ed with the preservation of it; for if the in the road of mercy; the blackest inflock decreased, his part of the inherit- gratitude, the most outrageous insolence; ance would have been diminished in pro- in a word, all the circumstances were portion. united which could aggravate our guilt, But our blessed Lord had no induce- and inflame the wrath of him against whom ment of this nature. His interest was in we sinned; and conspired to render our no shape connected with our welfare; his punishment not only a righteous, but even glory and happiness were independent of a wise and necessary exercise of severity, us. He could neither be enriched by our for vindicating the honor of the Sovereign,'omage, nor impoverished by the want of and for maintaining the credit and influit. Besides, we had forfeited all title to ence of his government. Nay, as the his protection, and, by the most wicked threatening was published before the and unprovoked rebellion, had rendered penalty was incurred, truth as well as ourselves the objects of his just displea- justice demanded the execution of it. sure. Yet such was his free and unmerit- Such were our circumstances, when this ed goodness, that he not only hazarded his Friend of sinners, but the enemy of sin. THE GOOD SHEPHERD'S GREAT SACRIFICE. 303 came upon the wings of love to save us. shepherd seeketh out his flock, so will I "Deliver them," said he, "from going seek out my sheep, and will deliver them down to the pit,"' and against me let the out of all places where they have been sword of justice be unsheathed. Here scattered in the dark and cloudy day. I was goodness, generous, disinterested good- will seek that which was lost, and bring ness, that never had, and that never can again that which was broken, and strengthhave, a parallel. "Scarcely for a right- en that which was sick." Of the same eous man will one die, peradventure for mild and gracious import is that tender rea good man some would even dare to presentation in the prophecy of Isaiah: die; " but who hath ever heard of one " He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; dying for an enemy? Or if such a pro- he shall gather the lambs with his arms, digy could be found among men, yet the and carry them in his bosom, and gently generosity even of this person would fall lead them that are with young." In alluinfinitely short of the example in my text. sion to these prophetical descriptions of Such a one might be said to resign a life; the Messiah, our Lord himself hath declarbut then it is a precarious, dependent life; ed in the New Testament, that, "the Son a debt payable on demand; a lease re- of man is come to seek and to save that vocable at pleasure. A mere creature can which was lost." And having in this chapgive away nothing that is properly his own, ter assumed the title of a Shepherd, he because he has nothing but what he re- says in the 16th verse, " Other sheep I ceived. Whereas our dearest Lord not have, which are not of this fold, them also only died in the room of enemies, but by I must bring, and they shall hear my dying resigned a life that, in the strictest voice." sense, was his property: for so he says in And indeed this exercise of his pasthe 18th verse of this chapter, " I have toral office is no less necessary than it is power to lay down my life, and I have kind; for such is the enmity of our hearts, power to take it up again." He had an such the perverseness of our natures, that estate of his own, (so to speak) an original, after all he has done without us, to bring and therefore an absolute right to his life. us to God, yet if his Spirit did not work This, as it gave merit and efficacy to his within us, none of us would ever think of death, so it qualified him to exhibit that returning to him. " The carnal mind is mystery of love, which angels contemplat- enmity against God; for it is not subject ed with increasing wonder, when he as- to the law of God, neither indeed can be." sumed our nature, and became our Shep- Accordingly Paul reminds the converts herd, and in that character gave his life at Ephesus, that till Christ quickened them, for the sheep. they too were " dead in trespasses and But did the blessed Jesus stop here? sins, and children of wrath even as others." Did he merely restore sinners to a capa- Hear the language of our Lord to his city of happiness, by expiating their disciples of every tribe of men," Ye have guilt, and paving the way for their return not chosen me, but I have chosen you; " to God? Or, to carry forward the allu- and that assertion of the apostle which is sion, does the good Shepherd satisfy him- universally true, " By grace are ye saved self with rescuing his sheep from the jaws through faith, and that not of yourselves, of the lion, and then leave them to their it is the gift of God." And does he not own conduct, to find the road back to the merit the designation of a good Shepherd, fold from whence they had strayed? No who not only saves his flock from destruc-For in the tion, and opens to them the door of his 2d place, He also becomes their Guide; sheepfold, but goes after them into the and, as it is beautifully expressed in the wilderness, pursues them whilst they are 23d Psalm, " He leads them in the paths flying from their own happiness, and never of righteousness for his name's sake." gives over his search till he finds them, How amiable does he appear when in- and then leads them in safety to a place troduced by Ezekiel, speaking after this of rest, where every thing is provided manner: " Behold I, even I, will both that their necessities require? For this search my sheep, and seek them out: as a is a 304 SERMON XLIX. 3d proof of his love to his sheep: Hav- 51st and following verses: " I am the ing brought them into his fold, he supplies bread of life, the living bread which came all their wants, and feeds them with food down from heaven; if any man eat of convenient for them. How sweetly did this bread, he shall live for ever: and David sing under the sense of this pri- the bread that I give is my flesh, which vilege, " The Lord is my shepherd, I I will give for the life of the world: shall not want: he maketh me to lie down Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye in green pastures; he leadeth me beside eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink the still waters." " The young lions may his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso lack and suffer hunger, but they that fear eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, the Lord shall not lack any good thing." hath eternal life: for my flesh is meat "I will feed them," (said God by the indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." prophet Ezekiel, chap. xxxiv. 14.) " I Nay, is not this precious food to be diswill feed them in a good pasture, and pensed to us this day, in the holy sacraupon the high mountains of Israel shall ment, under the significant emblems of tiheir fold be: there shall they lie in a bread and wine, when the good Shepherd good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they shall say, and say it with power, to those feed upon the mountains of Israel." Here who believe in him, and know his voice, peace and affluence are represented in the " Take and eat; this is my body broken most striking and agreeable colors. And for you: and this cup is the New Testathat this promise has a spiritual meaning, ment in my blood; drink ye all of it." I and extends to the gospel church, appears suppose I need not inform you, that these from verse 23d, where the Messiah, under expressions are figurative. You have the well-known title of David, is brought long been taught, that the Lord's supper is fully into view, as the person by whose a sacrament, wherein by giving and rehand these blessings are dispensed. " I ceiving bread and wine, according to will set up one shepherd over them, and Christ's appointment, his death is showed he shall feed them, even my servant Da- forth, and the worthy receivers are not vid, he shall feed them, and he shall be after a corporeal and carnal manner, but their shepherd. And I the Lord will be by faith, made partakers of his body and their God, and my servant David a prince blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritamong them: I the Lord have spoken it. ual nourishment, and growth in grace. And I will make with them a covenant of This is not the worldling's portion, the peace, and cause the evil beasts to cease whole amount of which is vanity and out of the land: and they shall dwell vexation; no, this is substantial food, safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the even all the blessings of the new and well woods. And I will make them, and the ordered covenant, the justification of our places round about my hill, a blessing; persons, the renovation of our natures, and I will cause the shower to come down adoption into the family of God, assurance in his season: there shall be showers of of his love, peace of conscience, joy in the blessing. And I will raise up for them Holy Ghost; in a word, allthe unsearchaa Plant of Renown, and they shall be no ble riches of his grace. Thus doth Christ more consumed with hunger in the land."' feed his sheep; he invests them with a It is not improbable that our Lord had right to all the blessings of his purchase, this prophetical description in his eye, and distributes these blessings as their when he said in the 9th verse of this chap- necessities require, till, as Paul hath exter, " I am the door (of the sheep:) by pressed it, (Eph. iii. 19.) " They are filled me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, with all the fulness of God." —But farther and shall go in and out, and find pasture." in the But how must it amaze us, to hear from 4th place, It belongs to a good Shepherd his own lips, that he is not only the to defend his flock, as well as to feed them. door by which the sheep enter into the And this office he likewise performs in pasture, but is himself the pasture upon the most effectual manner. He watches which they feed; yet these are his words, over them by night and by day; for " he in the 6th chapter of this gospel, at the that keeps Israel, neither slumbers nor THE GOOD SHEPHERD'S GREAT SACRIFICE. 305 sleeps."-" Fear not," says he, " for I am lively and unexpected view of the promwith thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy ises of God, and of the great redempGod: I will strengthen thee, yea I will tion, sustained and even elevated a dying help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the saint, who from the infirmities of the right hand of my righteousness." Their body, or other causes, was, through fear of enemies indeed are many and strong, but death, subject to bondage all his life! The he is mighty on whom their help is laid. sensible presence of the good Shepherd, Ile makes his grace sufficient for them, in these awful moments, will support the and will keep them by his power through most fearful, and the feeblest of the flock. faith unto salvation. Hear his own words It will enable him that hath no might, to in the 27th and following verses of this triumph over death. and him that hath chapter, "' My sheep hear my voice, and I the power of death; and, even in the preknow them, and they follow me. And I sence of the king of terrors, it will teach give unto them eternal life, and they shall him this song of victory, " My flesh and never perish, neither shall any pluck them my heart faileth; but God is the strength out of my hand. My Father who gave of my heart and my portion for ever."them me, is greater than all; and none is " Thanks be unto God, which hath given able to pluck them out of my Father's me the victory, through Jesus Christ hand. I and my Father are one." He my Lord."-" For I am persuaded, that foresees the trials which are coming upon neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor them; and prays for them effectually, principalities, nor powers, nor things prethat their faith may not fail. He gives sent, nor things to come, nor height, nor power to the faint, and to them that have depth, nor any other creature, shall be no might he increases strength. And able to separate me from the love of God, when at any time they stumble and fall, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord." It he comes seasonably to their relief, lifts is true, the saints of God have not all the up their hands which hang down, and same degree of sensible comfort at the strengthens their feeble knees; and having hour of death. The wisdom of heaven enlarged their hearts, enables them to run may sometimes permit them to shut their in the way of his commandments. Thus eyes, without perceiving the full extent of does he conduct them through the slippery the blessedness of them who die in the paths of life, and continues to be their Lord, or without having received those guardian even until death. Neither does sensible tokens of their victory over death. he leave them at the hour of death. For, But " though weeping may endure for a 5thly. When they walk through the night," while they are yet struggling to bevalley of the shadow of death, his rod released from the mortal tabernacle, their and his staff comfort and sustain them. spirits shall awake to everlasting Soy He fortifies and cheers their departing For, in the spirits; and when the evening shadows 6th and last place, AWhen the morning gather thick around them, the Holy of the day that never ends shall dawn, Ghost, the Comforter, is sent to say to they shall again see the good Shepherd them, that death as well as life is theirs. stretching out his arms to receive them Nay, "the good Shepherd himself, who into everlasting habitations. " They shall gave his life for the sheep," will say to see him as he is:" they shall "be satisthem in this awful hour, "Fear not, I fled with his likeness." The mansions am he that liveth and was dead; and be- which he is now preparing for them will. hold, I am alive for evermore, and have then be ready. Each of them shall enter the keys of hell and death:-I am the into the blessed abode provided for him. resurrection and the life: he that be- " They shall go no more out for ever;'s lieveth on me, though he were dead, yet I and " the Lamb which is in the midst of shall he live." What a multitude of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead saints who now inherit the promises, have them to living fountains of water: and, in their last moments experienced the God shall wipe away all tears from their effect of these gracious and joyful assur- eyes." Then shall they sing together, ances! In how many instances hath a with united gratitude and joy, the trium — 20 306 SERMON L. phant and eternal song of praise, saying, seals and applies them to each believer in " Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to particular, that, having this security sureceive power, and riches, and wisdom, peradded to the unchangeable promise and and strength, and honor, and glory, and oath of God, they may "have a strong blessing: for thou hast redeemed us to consolation, who have fled for refuge, to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, lay hold on the hope set before them." and tongue, and people, and nation. Sal- With this view, then, let us approach vation to our God, which sitteth upon the the table of the Lord, and pray, that this throne, and unto the Lamb." gospel-feast may prove effectual, by his And now say, my dear brethren, in the blessing, to confirm our faith, to inflame review of what you have heard, is not our love, and to enliven our hope; that, the Lord Jesus a good Shepherd indeed? by the nourishment it affords, we may be He redeemed his flock with his blood, and strengthened to pursue our journey guides them by his Spirit, and feeds them through this wilderness, till, having passwith all the rich fruits of his purchase. ed the Jordan of death, and arrived at He defends them in life, accompanies the heavenly Canaan, faith and hope shall them through death, and conducts them become sight and enjoyment, and love, to those regions of light and love, where ever growing with the ages of eternity, they shall dwell in his presence for ever- shall embrace, with increasing vigor and more, eating the fruit of the tree of life, delight, the good Shepherd, who gave his and drinking the water of the river of life for the sheep. Amnzen. life, following the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. Thrice happy they who are the sheep of his pasture; who, allured by his love, and aided by his grace, have returned to SERMON L. him as the "Shepherd and Bishop of their souls." Let me then call upon such; for of THE IMMUTABLE PROMISE. such, I trust, a goodly number are assem- HEBREWS XnII. 5. —" He hath said, I will never bled in this place; let me, I say, call leave thee nor forsake thee." upon them to reflect, with gratitude and joy, upon the proofs they have already re- THIS comfortable declaration or promise ceived of his care and tenderness. Re- is introduced by the apostle, to enforce member how he found you wandering in the duty of contentment, to which he had the wilderness, exposed to every beast of exhorted the Hebrews in the preceding prey, insensible of your danger, and un- part of the verse. Nothing can be more able to avoid it. Remember how he open- unbecoming in a child of God, than dised your eyes to see your misery, and not satisfaction with his present condition, or only discovered the all-sufficient remedy, anxiety about his future provision in the but powerfully determined and enabled world. It is no wonder to see worldly you to apply it. And let these past ex- men, whose portion of good things lies periences endear him to your souls, and wholly upon earth, loading themselves strengthen your dependence on him, for with thick clay, and eagerly grasping whatever else may be necessary to con- every thing which their craving appetites plete your salvation. demand. Such persons cannot but be unThis is the natural tendency of the re- easy when they meet with disappointpresentation I have given you, and this is ments; because, having nothing desirable the improvement of it that best suits the in prospect beyond the grave, in losing occasion of our present meeting. The their present enjoyments they lose their good Shepherd is this day to feed his own all. But the Christian, who knows of a sheep, in the fattest part of that pasture treasure in heaven, a treasure incorruptiwhich his love hath prepared for them. ble in its own nature, and which no fraud The ordinance now before us, doth not nor force can take from him, may and merely exhibit the riches of his grace, but ought to look down, with a holy indiffer THE IMMUTABLE PROMISE. 307 ence, upon every thing here below, resign- things may forsake us; for in this proming himself entirely to the disposal of his ise God plainly intends to distinguish Heavenly Father, who not only knows himself from the creatures, by claiming what is best for him, but hath likewise this perfection of constancy or unchangeaobliged himself, by covenant and promise, bleness, as an attribute peculiar to himto make all things work together for the self. Vanity is engraved in deep and legieternal advantage of those who love him ble characters upon every thing below the and confide in his mercy. sun. All things on earth are perishing It was this argument which Christ used in their own nature; and so fleeting and with his disciples, to dissuade them from deceitful, that they who lean upon them, an anxious solicitude about their temporal only secure to themselves a more intense concerns, (Matthew vi. 31.) "Take no degree of pain and vexation; for sooner thought, saying, What shall we eat? or or later they will slide from under them, what shall we drink? or wherewithal shall and leave nothind in their room, but the we be clothed? For after all these things disgrace of a foolish choice, and the bitdo the Gentiles seek, and your Heavenly terness of disappointed hope. History Father knoweth that ye have need of all affords us innumerable proofs of this. these things. But seek ye first the king- The wisest men in every age have observdom of God, and his righteousness; and ed and lamented the mutability of all all these things shall be added unto you." earthly things; and we need only keep our God will support and maintain his own eyes and our ears open, to learn this truth, people as long as he has any service for by some fresh example every day we live. them in this world. He knows all their How often do we see riches take unto wants; and as his goodness constantly in- themselves wings, and fly away as an eagle clines him, so his power doth at all times towards heaven? What a variety of accienable him, to bestow every needful sup- dents may suddenly deprive a man of all ply in its season. And can our interest be his substance, and reduce him to the lowlodged in better hands? Who that be- est state of poverty and want? A storm lieves this, would choose to be the disposer at sea or a fire at land will in a few hours of his own lot? " The Lord reigneth," consume the labors of many years; and says the Psalmist, " let the earth rejoice." he who, whilst I speak, possesseth plenty And surely they who can say, This God of all things, and promiseth himself a long is our God, our Father and our Friend, succession of prosperous days, may, before have cause to rejoice in every condition, to-morrow's sun, find himself stripped of and must act very inconsistently with their all his substance, and obliged to depend profession and hopes, if any thing from upon the bounty of others for the comwithout can disturb their inward peace and mon necessaries of life. How many who tranquillity. I propose, therefore, in de- boasted that their mountian stood strong, pendence upon divine aid, have suddenly been thrown down from the First. To show the import of this gra- highest pinnacle of power and greatness? cious promise, "I will never leave thee Even princes, when they least dreamt of nor forsake thee." it, have been forced to exchange their Secondly. I shall inquire who the per- palace for a prison; and have learnt, by sons are that may apply the comfort of sad experience, that crowns are but totterthis promise to themselves. ing emblems of power, and that royalty Thirdly. I shall lay before you some ot itself hath no exemption from the vicissithose grounds of assurance on which the tudes of sublunary things. Reputation people of God may depend for the accom- and friends, health and all bodily advanplishment of this promise; and then direct tages, yea reason, with all the endowments you to the practical improvement of the of the mind, are so uncertain and mutable, subject. that no man can promise on the possession I BEGIN with the import of the promise of them. The fairest character may be itself, "I will never leave thee nor forsake sullied with the breath of calumny; our thee." And, friends may prove false or abandon us 1st. It is here supposed, that all other through mistake; or, when they are faith 308 SERMON L. ful, and in all respects comfortable to us, necessarily implies, that the presence of yet death may snatch them from us one God with his people is a sufficient ground after another, till we are in a manner left of consolation -in every state and condition solitary in the midst of the earth. Health of life. David was sensible of this when and strength, and whatever else belongs he said in the 23d Psalm, " Though I to the body, are of all things the least du- walk through the valley of the shadow of rable, and the most subject to change. death, I Bill fear no evil, for thou art Life itself is but a vapor, which, for any with me: " and upon the same principle, thing we know, may vanish into air the the prophet Habakkuk triumphs in the very next breath we draw. We see fre- name of the church. " Although the figquently also, that the mind, as well as the tree shall not blossom. neither shall there body, is liable to many sad disasters. In be fruit in the vines, the labor of the olive some men, the intellectual powers are so shall fail, and the fields shall yield no blunted and impaired, that they seem to meat, the flock shall be cut off from the fold, be almost totally extinguished; and, in and there shall be no herd in the stalls; others, so strangely disordered, that, in- yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy stead of being of use to them, they serve in the God of my salvation." only to render them more completely We read in the book of Daniel, that wretched. In a word, our condition upon after Nebuchadnezzar the king had caused earth is liable to continual alteration, and Shadrach, Mleshecll, and Abednego, to be there is nothing we can be secure of so cast into the burning fiery furnace, lie was much as for one moment. How foolish, astonished, and rose up in haste, and said then, are they who promise themselves unto his counsellors, "Did we not cast any durable happiness in this world? Such three men bound into the midst of the fire? persons may truly be said to build their And lo! I see four men loose, walking in house upon the sand; and though, perhaps, the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; they may be allowed to raise it to some and the form of the fourth is like the Son height, yet, ere long, some sudden unfore- of God." Is there a man who reads this seen storm shall lay it in ruins, and bury passage, that does not prefer the condition all their vain expectations under it. of these captives to all the splendors of the But what I would chiefly observe on Babylonish throne? How little does the this head is, that frequently the people of trembling monarch seem, though surroundGod are exercised with the severest trials, ed with his counsellors? How glorious do and meet with the sharpest afflictions while the three young Jews appear, whilst walkthey remain upon earth. For this muta- ing amidst flames with their God and bility of the creatures is not the effect of Saviour? How would they rejoice in chance but of design. God thereby de- this exalted privilege? And yet, my signs to render all those inexcusable who brethren, all the saints who have God choose them for their portion: and when really present with them, although they his own children are in danger of being cannot see him with their bodily eyes, ensnared by them, he pulls them, as it have equal cause to rejoice in the midst were, with violence out of their hands, of tribulation. For if God be with them, that they may be aware of contracting too then he is with them who is infinitely wise, close an alliance with them in future. He who is perfectly acquainted with all their will not suffer them to continue long in so wants, and can never be at a loss to know dangerous an error; and he sends the rod what is good for them. He is with them to undeceive them: he frequently repeats who is infinitely powerful, and can easily the stroke, to remind them that they are perform whatever his unerring wisdoln only sojourners in a strange land, and to shall suggest. He is with them who is quicken their desires for their Father's perfectly good, yea goodness itself; who house above; —for their Father's house, is always disposed to employ his wisdom where alone they shall have fulness of joy in contriving, and his power in executing, and pleasures for evermore. whatever is necessary for their interest 2clly. As the inconstancy of the crea- and happiness. Yea, he is with them who tures is here supposed, so this promise hath already bestowed on them the great THE IMMUTABLE PROMISE. 309 est of all blessings, even Jesus Christ his,under the various trials and afflictions to unspeakable gift; and as the apostle rea- which they are exposed in this world. All sons, "If God spared not his own Son, who are acquainted with their Bibles, will but delivered him up for us all, how shall remember to have read such passages as he not with him also freely give us all these: " When thou passest through the things?" And is not the presence of waters, I will be with thee; and through such a God sufficient for the comfort of the rivers, they- shall not overflow thee; his people at all times? Who would when thou walkest through the fire, thou mourn the loss of a taper, who enjoys the shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame light of the sun? All the creatures are kindle upon thee; for I am the Lord thy nothing without God; whereas he is all in God."' When the poor and needy seek all: "In his favor is life, and his loving water, and there is none, and their tongue kindness is better than life." Even Ba- faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear laam was constrained to confess this truth them, I the God of Israel will not forsake in the presence of Balak (Numbers xxiii. them. I will open rivers in highi places, 23.) "' Surely," says he, " there is no en- and fountains in the midst of the valleys: chantment against Jacob, nor any divina- I will make the wilderness a pool of wation againt Israel; for the Lord his God ter, and the dry land springs of water." is with him, and the shout of a king is " The Lord will be a refuge for the opamong them." If the happiness of Solo- pressed, a refuige in time of trouble." mon's courtiers excited the admiration of " The Lord will not suffer the soul of the the queen of Sheba, because they had ac- righteous to famish." " He shall dwell cess to the presence of so wise and mag- on high, his defence shall be the munition nificent a king, how inconceivably more of rocks. Bread shall be given him, his happy are the friends, nay, the children waters shall be sure." "The Lord will of the King of kings, who have the infi- strengthen him upon the bed of languishnitely perfect and all sufficient Jehovah ing. Thou wilt make all his bed in his continually near to them? Which leads sickness." " A father of the fatherless, a me to observe, in the judge of the widows, is God in his holy 3d place, That the constant presence of habitation."-" Fear not," saith he, " for God with his people is the blessing esx- I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I pressly contained in his promise, " I will am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, never leave thee nor forsake thee." All I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee other things may forsake you. Riches with the right hand of my righteousness." may take wings and fly away; friends may I might quote many other texts, where desert you, or they may die; your reputa- God promiseth to be with his people in tion may be blasted; your health and every case of distress that can be supposstrength may fail and decay; yea, memo- ed; but I shall have said enough to give ry, judgment, and all the faculties of your you some notion of the vast extent of this mind, may be weakened or destroyed: comfortable promise, when I have added, " But I will never leave you, I will never that it reacheth beyond the grave, and forsake you;" my friendship is unchange- comprehends no less than eternity itself. able; " And whom I love, I love to the As God will not leave his people in life, end." All this, saith the apostle, God as he will not forsake them at death; so hath said; but he doth not tell us when he will at last receive them into glory, or where he hath said it, because he hath and make them to dwell for ever in his said it so often, and upon such various oc- immediate presence. But who are his casions, that it is to be met with almost people? Who are the happy persons that every where in Scripture, and in a man- may apply the comfort of this promise to ner sounds through the whole revelation themselves? This is the of his will. And indeed I cannot illus- Second thing I proposed to inquire trate this head better, than by reciting into. some of those passages where this general And, in general, this promise is addressand comprehensive promise is particularly ed to believers in Christ Jesus, and to applied for the comfort of God's people, them only, exclusive of all others; for 310 SERMON L. this is the order which God hath establish- and only Mediator between God and man; ed. He first gives us his Son; and when if they have never fled to him as their this' unspeakable gift" is thankfully re- city of refuge, nor accepted of him as the ceived, then, together with him, he freely " Lord their righteousness and their gives us all other things." Men may strength;" it is certain that they have no fancy themselves in good terms with God part nor lot in this matter. For nothing upon account of some moral qualifications can be more express than those words of of which they are possessed; and I great- John the Baptist, (John iii. 36.) " He ly suspect, that many among us are ruined that believeth on the Son hath everlasting by this mistake: but I am not afraid to life; but he that believeth not the Son, affirm, that no moral qualifications what- shall not see life, but the wrath of God ever can reconcile a sinner to God, or en- abideth on him." Whereas, on the other title him to plead any one promise from hand, if, from a deep conviction of your the beginning of the Bible to the end of guilt and misery, you have cordially acit. The reason is plain: All the bless- cepted the Lord Jesus Christ for all the ings promised in the gospel were purchased purposes of a Saviour; if you can say by Christ with the price of his own blood. without any known guile, that, renouncing To him they belong of right; for in regard all other grounds of confidence, you depend of "his humbling himself, and becoming on him alone for pardon and peace, for obedient unto death, even the death of the grace and glory, and every good thing; if cross, God hath highly exalted him," and you have the evidence of your faith in " hath put all things under his feet, and Christ, and of your union to him, which hath given him to be head over all things arises from the sanctifying power of the to the church." Accordingly Christ him- Holy Ghost on your tempers and your self says (Matth. xi. 27.) " All things are lives, determining you to deny ungodlidelivered unto me of my Father;" and ness and worldly lusts, and to live sober(Matth. xxviii. 18.) " All power is given ly, and righteously, and godly in the unto me in heaven and in earth." Every world; then are you the friends of God, good and perfect gift, therefore, must be and may lawfully consider yourselves as conveyed to us through his hands; and it the persons to whom he hath said, " I will'is not only a vain, but I may even call it never leave thee nor forsake thee." And, an impious attempt, to address God imme- for your farther encouragement, I shall diately for those blessings which he hath now go on to the already given to his Son, and committed Third general head, and briefly suggest to his disposal as King of Zion, for the to you some of those grounds of assurance behoof of his true and spiritual subjects. upon which you may confidently rely for All the promises in Scripture must neces- the accomplishment of this promise. Consarily be explained in a consistency with sider, then, this great fundamental truth: and when 1st. Who he is that hath said this. the persons to whom they are addressed " He is not man, that he should lie, nor are described by any moral qualification, the son of man, that he should repent." such as righteousness, mercifulness, and These are the words of God himself, who the like, it must always be understood, is incapable of deceit, and with whom that they are previously in a state of "there is no variableness, neither shadow friendship with God; and that these qual- of turning."-" He is the rock, his work ifications are mentioned, not as the terms is perfect, for all his ways are judgment, of their acceptance with him, but only as a God of truth, and without iniquity, just the fruits and evidences of that faith which and right is he."-" The mountains shall unites them to Christ, in whom all the depart, and the hills be removed; but my promises are " Yea and Amen." kindness shall not depart from thee, neiWTould any then know, whether they may ther shall the covenant of my peace be reapply to themselves the gracious and com- moved, saith the Lord, that hath mercy fortable promise in my text, they must upon thee." And is not the word, the first of all try their relation to Christ. If promise of such a God, a sufficient ground they are still unacquainted with this great of trust? Yea, he hath not only said it, THE IMMUTABLE PROMISE. 311 but he hath also sworn it. " For God being with such earnestness and affection? Eswilling more abundantly to show to the pecially if it be considered, in the heirs of promise the immutability of his 4th and last place, That his own glory counsel, hath confirmed it by an oath, that is interested in the accomplishment of by two immutable things, in which it was this gracious promise. I mean that glory impossible for God to lie, they might have which consists in making effectual the a strong consolation, who have fled for re- purposes of his grace towards those whomi fuge to lay hold on the hope set before he hath chosen out of the world. For them." And can our souls desire a better were he to leave or forsake his people, security? What can establish our faith, they must fall a prey to their spiritual if this doth not establish it? enemies, and yield to the adversary of 2diy. Believers in Christ Jesus are the God and man, that triumph which he hath children of God, adopted into his family, sought from the beginning. That aposand beautified with his image: and this is tate spirit never deserts his purpose of enanother pledge of his gracious promise; snaring and destroying the souls of men. for surely he will never abandon his own He is ever on the watch to seize them in offspring. "Can a mother forget her a defenceless moment; so that were God sucking child," saith God, " that she should to leave them without his protection, they not have compassion on the son of her would fall easy victims to his artifices. womb? Yea, she may forget, yet will And will he suffer his purposes thus to be not I forget thee." The affection and baffled by his declared foe? It cannot tenderness of an earthly parent are but be; and therefore he never will leave nor faint resemblances of God's paternal love. forsake his people. In him love is an infinite overflowing I shall now conclude this discourse fountain of beneficence. And then his with a short practical improvement, adlove is as permanent as it is extensive. dressed to two different classes of people. He is always in one mind, and therefore And the can never leave nor forsake his people. lst Sort of persons to whom I will ad3d1/. The constant intercession of our dress myself, are those who are yet in a glorious High-Priest effectually secures state of alienation from God. It is the accomplishment of this promise. By possible, that at present you may not see his death he obtained the Holy Spirit to the value of this promise which I have dwell in his people, and to abide with been unfolding. You have never, perhaps, them. This he intimated to his disciples, been sensible of the vanity of earthly enfor their comfort and encouragement, joyments; or if you have been weary of when they were about to lose his bodily some of them, you promise yourselves a presence, (John xvi. 7.) " It is expedient permanent satisfaction in others. Alas for you that I go away; for if I go not this is a delusive expectation; for happiaway, the Comforter will not come unto ness never can be extracted from the creayou; but if I depart, I will send him unto tures. God hath pronounced an irreveryou." And, in another place, " I will sible decree of vanity upon them all. Ye pray the Father, and he shall give you are therefore pursuing what will for ever another Comforter, even the Spirit of flee from you;-ye are feeding upon mere truth, who shall abide with you;"-who husks, which can neither nourish nor satshall abide with you, and that not for a isfy you. But though you should even be season only, but " for ever." contented with this poor and empty porWith what tenderness did he recom- tion, yet you cannot always enjoy it; for mend them to his heavenly Father, in his what will you do when every earthly prop last intercessory prayer upon earth, (John is tottering and ready to sink under you' xvii. 11.) "And now I am no more in the What will ye do at that period, when neiworld, but these are in the world. Holy ther riches, nor power, nor friends, nor any Father, keep through thi.ne own name thing that this world affords, will be able those whom thou hast given me." Is it to give you the least relief? Let me therepossible, then, that God should forsake fore entreat you speedily to seek the favor those for whom his well-beloved Son pleads of that God who is the only adequate por 312 SERMON LI. tion of an immortal soul. Listen to that kind expostulation and advice, (Isa. lv. 2, SERMON LI. 3.) "Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken Preached on a Day of Tlhanksziving, after the disror t~at ~wiCh satiset not p Hearkenensation of the Lord's Supper. diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto CRUCIFIXION OF THE FLESH. me; hear, and your souls shall live: and I GALATIANS V. 24. —"And they that are CHRTST'S will make an everlasting covenant with you, have crucified the flesh, with the affections and even the sure mercies of David."' But I lusts." now address myself, in the 2d Place, to those happy persons who No man, who bath experienced the deceitare in a state of friendship with God. To fulness of his own heart, will think the you then I say, that this gracious promise subject of this text improper for the presshould both excite and encourage you to ent occasion. It is true this day is set steadfastness in the way of religion. " For apart for thanksgiving; and with the highif God be with you, who can be against est pleasure would I enter on the delightyou?" "Be strong then in the Lord, ful theme of divine love and condescension, and in the power of his might." All ne- which shall employ the praises of the recessary aid is provided for you in the tenor deemed through endless ages. But a soof the well-ordered covenant, and will licitous concern, that your joy may be well not fail to be imparted to you in the time founded, hath induced me to propose to of your need. Your help is laid on one you a strict examination of yourselves, who is mighty to save, and who is no less whether you have indeed an interest in willing than able to support you under all him, through whom all favor and goodyour trials, " Wherefore, gird up theloins will to sinners is conveyed. The text of your mind, be sober, and hope to the furnisheth us with an infallible rule to end. " But the principal improvement direct our judgment in this inquiry. which you ought to make of this promise, " They that are Christ's," not all who are is to put away from your minds all dissat- called by his name, but they who are isfaction with your present condition, or united to him, as the branches are united anxiety about your future provision in the to the vine, who are governed by his world. God hath charged himself with Spirit, and have a right to the benefits of the care of providing for you while you his purchase, are distinguished by this atare here. He hath not, indeed, promised tainment, "' They have crucified the flesh you an exemption from poverty, hardships, with the affections and lusts." or afflictions; but he hath assured you, In discoursing on these words, I prothat these things are no tokens of his dis- pose, pleasure; nay, on the contrary, that they First, To show what is meant by cruciare intended for your greatest good, and fying the flesh, with the affections and that he is never nearer to his people than lusts. when they are in the furnace of affliction. Secondly, To show, that it is the disWhat abundant reason then have you to tinguishing character and the real attainbe contented with whatever lot he is pleas- ment of all who are Christ's, to crucify the ed to appoint you in the world, and to flesh, with the affections and lusts. And look beyond all the momentary distresses then to conclude with an improvement you now suffer, to that incorruptible inher- suited to the occasion of our present meetitance which is reserved for you in heaven. ing. " Let your conversation then be without I BEGIN with inquiring what is meant covetousness; and be content with such by " crucifying the flesh, with the affecthings as ye have: for he bath said, I will tions and lusts." By " the flesh," we are never leave thee nor forsake thee." to understand the corrupt nature of man; and by " the affections and lusts," those depraved appetites which maintain their CRUCIFIXION OF THE FLESH. 313 power within us, until the renewing grace who, by the grace of God, hath obtained of God implant in us those seeds of holi- the victory over his corrupt appetites and ness, by which the image of God is formed inclinations. He is in a great measure in our soul. When manl came first from rescued from the ruins of the fall. and the hands of his Maker, his reason, pure is no longer a servant of sin, that he and uncorrupted, was the governing prin- should obey it in the lusts thereof. " He ciple of his mind. But by transgressing hath put off, concerning the former conthe original commandment, and eating the versation, the old man, which is corrupt forbidden fruit, in compliance with a mean according to the deceitful lusts; and becorporeal appetite, the sensitive part of ing renewed in the spirit of his mind, hath his nature obtained that dominion or pre- put on the new man, which after God dominancy which it still maintains in is created in righteousness and true holievery unrenewed man. Accordingly, we ness." —" The law of the spirit of life, find our natural condition opposed in which is in Christ Jesus, hath made him Scripture, to our regenerated state, under free from the law of sin and death." the metaphorical expressions offlcsh and Conscience, long dethroned by imperious spirit. " That which is born of the passions, hath reassumed its authority; and flesh is flesh; and that which is born of all the faculties of his mind, purified and the Spirit is spirit." The meaning is exalted, unite in the pursuit of spiritual plainly this: the temper and dispositions enjoyments. which we bring with us into the world by And now, my brethren, let me entreat ordinary generation, are, since the fall, you to stop your ears for a little against carnal and depraved; whereas the temper the suggestions of self-love, and let conand dispositions which we receive by the science bear testimony, whether you have regeneration of the Holy Ghost, are, like indeed a claim to this character. Alas! if their original, spiritual and holy. The you have no claim to it, this can be no day same idea is expressed in the 17th verse of thanksgiving to you. If you have adof this chapter; where it is said, "the ventured to approach the table of the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the Lord with all your unmortified lusts about spirit against the flesh; and these two are you, ye have been guilty of the body and contrary the one to the other." It ap- blood of Christ; ye have sealed the senpears, then, that by the " flesh, with the tence of your own condemnation; and laaffections and lusts," we are to understand mentation becomes you better than the the corrupt state of man's mind since voice of praise. You may, perhaps, comthe first transgression, and all those de- plain of this as a severe and heavy mespraved dispositions and affections which sage; but dare any of you say that it is a naturally flow from the corrupt principle, message without a warrant? Shall I and which incline us to seek happiness speak peace to those to whom God hath from earthly things, independent of God. not spoken peace? Shall I soothe you We learn too what is meant by " crucify- with false comforts, which might lead you ing the lusts and affections of the flesh; " down to the grave with a lie in your right namely, that this natural depravity of hand? No; Iremember too well the woe mind is subdued; that the carnal princi- pronounced against the prophet " who ple, like a crucified malefactor, languishes dealeth falsely, and healeth the wound of and decays; until, by degrees, gracious or the daughter of God's people slightly." I renewed habits are formed in us, which at should not wish to be an eternal subject last obtain the full possession of our of imprecation to hopeless souls, which I minds. should well deserve to be, if I spoke any What hath been said may suffice to give other language to you than what I now a plain and intelligible explanation of the speak. terms in the text; and to pursue the meta- But you have as yet no cause to coinphor farther, would neither be profitable to plain: I have indeed set before you the you nor agreeable to myself. The words danger, but I have not said you must dethus explained give us a very distinguishing spair. On the contrary, my only object is character of a true Christian. He is one to prevent your everlasting despair, by 314 SERMON LI. awakening your fears ere it be too late., by blunting the edge of conviction with and the door of mercy be shut against you. the fair shows of outward decency and That door is still open, and the call is yet, formality. " To-day hear his voice." 0 then harden Be persuaded then to go deeper into not your hearts against conviction. De- your inquiry. Search the very inmost dine not an impartial scrutiny into your corners of your hearts. Put the authority real state. Let this passage of Scripture of God in one scale, and the interests of inform you, whether you indeed belong to the flesh in another, and see which of the Christ. If you do possess the marks of two weighs heavier in your affections. those who are his, take the comfort of You frequent the church, you attend on your sincerity, and give God the glory. ordinances, and perform the external parts But if the issue of the inquiry should turn of religion with an apparent relish and out otherwise, 0 beware of resting in this alacrity. All this is good; but beware dreadful condition. Give no sleep to your of building too much on it. Consider eyes, nor slumber to your eye-lids, till you that these observances do not in any great have secured an interest in that blood of degree thwart the interests of the flesh. sprinkling which cleanseth from all sin. The laws and customs of the land favor Need I enter on a detail of those lusts you; your estates are not thereby imand affections which flow from a corrupt paired, nor your lives endangered; nor is and depraved principle within? " The your reputation hurt, but rather advanced. works of the flesh," saith the apostle, (at But suppose the case to be otherwise, and the 19th verse of this chapter) are " mani- let your hearts give the answer. Would fest; which are these, adultery, fornica- you persist in the same course at all risks, tion, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, though your estates were exposed to conwitchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, fiscation, though your names were to be wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, branded with every term of reproach that murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such malice could devise; yea, though all the like; of the which I tell you before, as I engines of torture lay in the road of duty? have also told you in time past, that they Would no prospect of gain, however sewhich do such things shall not inherit the cure from human discovery, tempt you to kingdom of God." encroach on the divine rules of justice and I am sensible, that, after the recital of equity? Can you bless them that curse so black a catalogue of crimes, the most you, and render good for evil, and forgive of you will already have acquitted your- the most galling injuries, even when Provselves of such enormous degrees of guilt. idence puts your enemies in your power? And I am afraid, that this general acquit- Did the objects of criminal desire not tal from the charge of heinous transgres- only tempt but solicit you; were you fa. sions, lulls the consciences of many into a vored with every circumstance of time and fatal security. I will not go so far as to place, could you check the career of passay, that it were better for the unconverted sion, with Joseph's reflection, " How can I sinner, that his conscience could charge do this great wickedness, and sin against him with some of these glaring iniquities, God?" These, indeed, are sure signs although our Saviour's saying seems to that the flesh is crucified with the affecimply as much, viz., That the publicans tions and lusts. But if, on the contrary, and harlots go into the kingdom of heaven the fear of man's censure or punishment before the scribes and pharisees. All that would turn you aside from the practice of I assert is, that you ought not too hastily your duty, if the prospect of secret gain to conclude that the flesh is crucified with could tempt you to lie or cheat or disseomits affections and lusts, merely because ble; if any injury appears too great to be your lives have not been spotted with any forgiven, or any sensual appetite too imof those gross and scandalous sins. In portunate to be denied; in a word, if any these days of light and knowledge, Satan temptation, be its circumstances what they doth not find it for his interest to push will, would prevail on you to indulge your. men to the extremities of vice. He rather selves in the deliberate omission of any endeavors to keep the garrison in peace, known duty, or in the practice of any CRUCIFIXION OF THE FLESH. 315 known sin; then, whatever your pretences to whom they were originally addressed. are, the flesh, with its affections and lusts, For had our Lord ever intended to relax is not yet crucified in you. But do not or mitigate them in any degree, he would mistake me, as if I meant to assert, that certainly have done it in favor of his first none have crucified the flesh but those disciples, when his church was yet in its who are perfect in holiness. No; the infant state, and therefore stood in need righteous man falleth seven times a day, of greater indulgence. But these seemand riseth again. Nay, there is not a just ingly hard sayings express the true spirit man upon earth that doth good, and sin- of Christianity, and afford the most conneth not. And therefore I speak not of vincing proof of its divine original. MIan those false steps to which the best are fell by seeking himself, and must thereliable through the remainders of corrup- fore be raised in the way of self-denial. tion; but of known and habitual sins, He forfeited his innocence and happiness committed with the full bent and inclina. by hearkening to the solicitation of a tion of the will. These plainly betray fleshly appetite; and, before he can regain the predominancy of the flesh, with its af- happiness, the flesh must be crucified with fections and lusts; and show, that the the affections and lusts. person who is under the dominion of them, Accordingly, we find that our Saviour's has no just or scriptural claim to an in- meaning was well understood by his iaterest in Christ. For a worldly Christian, imediate followers; and their practice is or a carnal Christian, or a dishonest the best commentary on his injunctions. Christian, are as gross contradictions in What he recommended, they labored to terms as an infidel Christian. And this attain. Thus Paul writes to the Corinnaturally leads me to the thians,' I keep under my body, and bring Second thing proposed; which was to it into subjection, lest when I have show that it is the distinguishing charac- preached to others, I myself should be a ter and the real attainment of all who are cast-away." The remainders of corrupChrist's, to crucify the flesh, with the tion within him, made him cry out with affections and lusts. This is so much the all the emphasis of distress, " O wretched uniform language of the New Testament, man that I am, who shall deliver me from that one should hardly think it required a the body of this death?" Nay, so sensiproof. The great lesson which our Lord ble was he of the importance and necessity taught his disciples was expressed in these of this deliverance, that, as he expresseth words: " If any man will come after me, it himself, " He counted all things but let him deny himself, and take up his loss and dung;" first, "That lie might cross and follow me." This he repeated win Christ, and be found in himn not on various occasions, as a subject that having his own righteousness, but that ought to employ their constant attention. which is through the faith of Christ, the " He that taketh not up his cross and fol- righteousness which is of God by faith." loweth after me, is not worthy of me."- And next, " That he might know Christ" " If any man conic after me, and hate not experimentally, " and the power of his rehis father and mother, and wife and chil- surrection, and the fellowship of his sufferdren, and brethren and sisters," those ings, being made conformable unto his nearest and dearest relations according to death." Nor was this only his wvish; we the flesh,: yea, and his own life also," find also that it was his real attainment. when the preservation of it becomes in- "I am crucified," says he, "with Christ: consistent with the duty he owes to God, nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ " he cannot be my disciple." And again, liveth in me: and the life which I now " Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the not all that he hath," namely, habitually Son of God, who loved me, and gave himin affection, and actually too, when God self for me." " And God forbid that I calls him to it, " he cannot be my dis- should glory, save in the cross of our ciple." These are the permanent, the in- Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is variable laws of Christ's spiritual kingdom, crucified unto me, and I unto the world." and are equally binding on us, as on those Neither was Paul singular in this. It 316 SERMON LI. appears to have been the common attain- deny him this, we can give him nothing ment of all true Christians in his time. that is worthy of his acceptance. For it is spoken of in my text as the An inoffensive outward deportment may badge of Christianity, the very thing soothe your consciences, and prevent the which distinguished Christians from all uneasy feelings of remorse, but will not other men. " They that are Christ's have save you from final ruin. The very incrucified the flesh, with the affections and terest of the flesh may make a man forlusts.' I have given a recital of these bear disgraceful sins, and may, for a time, passages of Scripture, as they serve to ex- chain up, without weakening, the vigor of plain one another: and I hope that when corruption. You may be possessed of they are compared together, and duly many amiable qualities, by which you deconsidered, they will appear to be a suffi- serve well of society, and yet be total cient demonstration, that none whose flesh strangers to that character of real Chrisis not crucified, with its affections and tians which is given in this text. If temlusts, can, with a Scriptural warrant, lay porary good impressions, or restraints of claim to an interest in Christ. the flesh for a season, would amount to Thus have I endeavored to explain that character, then Felix, who trembled what is meant by "'crucifying the flesh, under conviction, and Herod, who did with the affections and lusts:" and have many things in consequence of the Bapshown you, that this is the actual attain- tist's preaching, had been real Christians. ment of every true Christian. Allow me If the estimable qualities of social life now to conclude this discourse with a were a proof that Christianity had its full practical improvement of the subject. effect on the mind, then the young ruler, From what has been said, then, we learn who had kept the second table of the law in the from his youth upwards, would have had 1st place, What is the true nature of an unreserved approbation from our Lord. our holy religion. It is not a mere bodily But Felix and Herod relapsed under the exercise, consisting only in external cere- dominion of their lusts; and through the monies or observances. Earthly rulers love of this world, the young ruler fell can ask no more but an outward hom- short of the kingdom of heaven. In the age: but the Searcher of hearts chal- 2nd place, From what hath been said, lengeth the sincere adoration of the inner let each of us be prevailed on to try how man. lHe who is a Spirit must be wor- matters stand with himself. You see that shipped in spirit and in truth. So that to it is not a point to be lightly taken for attend the church, to partake of religious granted, that a man hath a real interest in ordinances, and to perform the external Christ. I have already mentioned several duties of religion, will be of no avail in things under my first head of discourse, the sight of God, unless those outward which may serve as hints to direct you in services proceed from a heart warmed this trial. All that I have further to beg with his love, in which every usurping of you is, that you would judge yourselves lust, that would share his place, is van- impartially, as those who expect a judgquished and dethroned. To be a real ment to come. Try every ground of hope Christian, therefore, is not so easy an at- upon which you have hitherto rested; let tainment as many seem to imagine. Flesh every rotten pillar be removed, or else the and blood mnust be wrestled with and whole building, however glorious in apovercome; "for flesh and blood cannot pearance, will shortly fall to the ground. inherit the kingdom of heaven." Every Self-love may, for a season, blind your gratification that is contrary to the holi- eyes; but remember, that it will throw no ness of the divine nature, although dear veil over that impartial judgment which to us as a right hand or a right eye, must will overtake you at the bar of God. be denied. Nay, the very inclination to Compare, then, your actions and disposivicious indulgences must be subdued, tions with that holy and spiritual law otherwise our abstaining from the out- which flatters no man; and then, if conward acts of them will be of no avail. It science gives an urbiassed judgment, I is the heart that God requires; and if we have little doubt that numbers in this as CRUCIFIXION OF THE FLESH. 311 sembly will discover, that " the flesh, with them in their first tendencies to evil. A its affections and lusts," is not only alive, spark may easily be quenched, which, but in full vigor. Nay, the very best will after it hath kindled a flame, will baffle find cause to conclude, that the corrupt all your industry. Improve that holy orprinciple is not yet crucified as it ought dinance, which you have been celebrating, to be. to this salutary purpose. The conternAs for those of the first class now men- plation of a crucified Saviour, is an extioned, if the text itself does not furnish cellent mean to assist you in crucifying them with a sufficient motive for crucify- the flesh. When your appetites solicit ing the flesh, I despair of being able to any unlawful indulgence, remlember him offer any other which will be more power- who had not even the common acconi/ ful. I might tell you, how mean it is to modations of nature. When your flesh let sense give law to reason, and to prefer requires ease and pleasure, think of him the earthly tabernacle to its immortal in- who pleased not, or minded not himself, habitant. I might assure you that you but for your sakes submitted to hunger are serving an ungrateful master, whom and thirst, weariness and watching, pain you can never satisfy; that, while you and reproach, and at last to an ignominfeed one lust, you must starve another, ious death. When riches inflame your whose importunate cravings will destroy desires, reflect on the history of Jesus, the relish of your imagined happiness. I " who, though he was rich, for your sakes might tell you, that the flesh must ere became poor, that ye through his poverty long be reduced to rottenness and dust, might be made rich." When the desire and be buried under ground, that it may of applause, or the fear of censure from be no offence to the living. But what are man, tempt you to desert the path of all these arguments compared with that duty, then remember him, who for you motive which is implied in the text, that, made himself of no reputation, gave his unless you crucify the flesh, you do not head to be crowned with thorns, and his belong to Christ; and if you have no in- body to be arrayed with the garb of deriterest in Christ, God is a consuming fire? sion, and was suspended on the cross in So that this furnisheth me with an ad- the company of malefactors. In all these dress, to the same purpose with what a views, let your eyes be directed to Jesus, brave officer made to his soldiers in the the author and finisher of your faith. day of battle, " Unless ye kill your Above all, depend much on the grace of enemies," said he, "they will kill you." God, and pour out your souls in fervent In like manner, I say unto you, Unless ye supplication for the Spirit of Promise, crucify the flesh, it will be your everlast- by whose assistance alone you can mortify ing ruin. " For if ye live after the flesh, the deeds of the body, and crucify the ye shall die." flesh, with its affections and lusts. PrinAs for you who are mourning over the ciples of philosophy may restrain our evil remainders of corruption, and struggling passions; but nothing less than the Omto get free from them, I know that you nipotent power of divine grace can overwill require no motives to engage you to come them. Plead, therefore, earnestly, go on in this opposition to the carnal that he who is now ascended up on high, principle. I shall therefore only offer you and hath received gifts for men, may grant a few directions, with which I will now you every needful supply in this difficult conclude. warfare; that so when you have fought Keep a strict watch over your senses. the good fight, and overcome your eneLet nothing enter into the soul by these mies, both within and without you, you avenues without a strict examination. may be publicly acknowledged and acAvoid with the utmost caution all those quitted in the day of judgment, and made things which may inflame your passions, perfectly happy in the full enjoyment of and accustom yourselves to contradict God for ever. Amen. 318 SERMON LII. "Who will show us any good?" any SERMON LII. thing to fill up the craving vacuity of our minds: a plain intimation that hitherto TIHE CONTRADICTING WITNESSES. they have been miserably disappointed in their pursuits, and that at the time of the PSALM Tv. (, 7. —"There be many that say, Who question, they cannot find any thing in will show us any good? LORD, lift thou up their lot that deserves the name of good. the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou They are unacquainted with happiness, hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine i- though they have been always in search creased." of it, and neither know wherein it consists, nor how it is to be obtained. It deTtIE chief distinction between a child of serves our notice, God and a man of the world, lies in the 2d/y. That the only good which they prevailing tendency of their desires. Both inquire for is some present sensible enof them are engaged in the pursuit of joyment, which may be pointed out to happiness. But the one aims at nothing the eye of sense, and may be immediately higher than the present gratification of his laid hold of. "Who will show us any appetites, while the other rises above this good? " They are strangers to the operaworld, and aspires at the supreme felicity tion of that faith, which is " the substance of his immortal nature. The one seeks of things hoped for, and the evidence of information from every quarter concern- things not seen." They look not " at the ing the object of his pursuit; the other things which are unseen and eternal;" asks the blessing directly from the Giver their views are confined within the narof all good. The one seeks a happiness row limits of this present life; and they separated from God: the whole earth, covet no other portion than they suppose without the light of God's countenance, may be found in the world of sense. It would appear to the other a barren wilder- may be observed, ness, and a place of exile. I propose, in 3dly, That they make no discriminadiscoursing on this subject, tion of the objects which they seek after. First. To make a few remarks on the Any good will be welcome to them; let Psalmist's description of these opposite it be good food, or good clothing; a good characters. estate by lawful means, or a good estate Secondly, To illustrate the two follow- by any means whatever; a good bargain ing propositions which naturally arise in business, or a good booty by theft or from the text, namely, That worldly men plunder: no matter what it is, provided it have little cause to rejoice in the temporal gives them pleasure in the mean time, or advantages which they possess; and that relieves them from the irksome labor of the light of God's countenance is sufficient thinking on themselves, and on the great to gladden the heart of a saint in all cir- end for which they were made. Once cumstances whatsoever. more, in the The illustration of these particulars 4th, place, You observe, that amidst will give rise to a practical improvement all their dissatisfaction with their preof the subject. Let us, sent state, and their eager desires after First, Attend to the description of something better, they do not turn their worldly ien in the first part of the 6th thoughts at all to God, but seem rather verse, "There be many that say, Who determined to banish the remembrance of will show us any good?" It is obvious, him from their minds. They seek counsel in the from others, but none fiom him: they inIst place, That this question betrays a quire at weak and erring mortals like great degree of inward dissatisfaction and themselves, but they neither ask wisdom perplexity. They speak like men who nor grace from God. have no relish for what they possess, and Such is the representation which the who are utterly at a loss to what hand to Psalmist gives us of the temper and of turn to for enjoyment. They do not ask, the language of worldly men. He further Who will show us the chief good? But, tells us, that the character of which he THE CONTRADICTING WITNESSES. 319 gives this description was a common suit of every delusive image of good; and one in his time: "There be many that when disappointed in one object, only say, Who will show us any good?" feels a more intense desire to seek its graAnd it is but too apparent, that multi- tification in another. tudes of men do still exhibit the same But the enlightened mind seeth vanity temper. They have no relish for spiritual engraved in deep and legible characters, and divine enjoyments; their only care on all things below the sun; and therefore is, "What they shall eat, and what they looks beyond and above them for its porshall drink, and wherewithal they shall be tion, saying with the devout Psalmist, clothed."-" They labor abundantly for " Whom have I in heaven but thee? and the meat which perisheth, but not at all there is none upon earth whom I desire for that meat which endureth unto ever- beside thee. My flesh and my heart lasting life." And thoughtheymeet with faileth; but God is the strength of my repeated disappointments in every new heart, and my portion for ever." I obexperiment; yet instead of seeking after serve, in the happiness where it is alone to be found, 3d place, That a child of God goes dithey still renew the fruitless search among rectly to God himself, and begs the blessthe creatures around them, and cry out ing from him. He loses no time in wanwith as much keenness as ever, "Who dering among the creatures, or in making will show us any worldly good?" experiments of sensual pleasure; but Let us now turn our eyes to a different takes the shortest road to the object he object, and consider the temper of a child pursues. He flies to the arms of his faof God, as it is beautifully described by ther, and implores that he would smile on the Psalmist. Whilst others say, " Who him, and grant him his salvation. Senwill show us any good? " the language of sible at the same time of his unworthihis heart is, " Lord, lift thou upon me the ness, he claims nothing as a debt; but light of thy countenance." He, too, seeks what he asks, he prays for as a free unwhat is good; for the desire of happiness merited gift, fetching all his arguments is common to all. But you will observe, from his mercy, and pleading with him 1st, That it is not any good that will for his own name's sake, " O Lord, lift satisfy him: he cannot feed upon husks; thou upon me the light of thy counteit is a real and substantial good that he nance." Once more, in the seeks after. Nay, it is the chief good. 4th place, It deserves our notice, that He disdains the thought of having any the Psalmist, in the name of all the godly, thing less than this for the portion of his useth this prayer in direct opposition to soul. He knows that all other sources of the carnal language of worldly men, who enjoyment are no better than "broken are continually crying, "Who will show cisterns, which can hold no water; " adapt- us any good?" Hereby intimating to us, ed indeed to supply the wants of the body, that a child of God can relish no sweetbut in no respect suited to the immortal ness in any inferior good, till he be assured spirit, either as the objects of its choice, of the divine favor; and that when this or the sources of its happiness. And as great blessing is obtained, nothing amiss nothing can satisfy him but a real and can come to him. Even amidst the abunpermanent good, so we find, dance of outward things, he mourns and 2dly, That he knows where that good languisheth, as long as he apprehends is to be found. He has no need to solicit God to be at a distance from him. And information from every one he meets. He no sooner doth he behold his reconciled knows that the favor of God, and the sense countenance, than he forgets every outof his loving kindness, are the only sources ward calamity, and can rejoice in the of true happiness. Here therefore he lowest state of poverty and distress. fixeth his choice, and is perfectly satisfied In a word, to the spiritual man the that he is right in doing so. favor of God is the one thing needful. As The worldly mind is in a state of per- to other things, which may be either good petual fluctuation. Having no determi- or bad, as they are used, he dares not be nate object in view it runs wild in pur- peremptory in his choice; " For who 320 SERMON LII. knoweth what is good for man in this naked," who think themselves, and perlife?" But the favor of his God he haps are thought by others, to be "rich, cannot want. Here all his desires centre, and increased in goods, and to stand in and here he hath treasured up all the need of nothing." And will any wise wishes of his heart. man, then, rejoice in these outward cirHaving thus considered the Psalmist's cumstances, which may so easily consist description of these two opposite charac- with the real misery of the person who ters in the text, let us now proceed, possesseth them? Especially if we conScconclly, To illustrate the propositions sider, which arise from this comparison. The 2(ly, That these very things are freFirst which I mentioned was, That quently the means of making men miserworldly men have little cause to rejoice able, and of fixing them in that deplorable in the temporal advantages which they state. How many have been fruitful in possess. the low valley of adversity, who have Stretch your imaginations to the utmost; proved barren, after they removed their fancy to yourselves a man raised above all habitations to the high mountains of proshis fellows, enjoying every thing that his perity? And should any man rejoice, heart can wish, obeyed and honored by all because he must pass to heaven as a camel around him; let luxury furnish out his must pass through the eye of a needle? house and table; let prosperity attend Is it not difficult enough to keep our his steps and crown his undertakings with hearts and affections above, even when we glory. Add to these advantages, if you have little or nothing to confine them bewill, the splendid titles of king and hero; low? And should we, who already stumand when you have finished the gaudy ble at a straw, rejoice that we have rocks picture, say, what doth the value of it of offence, and mountains of provocation amount to? cast in our way? How few are advanced 1st. May not all these outward things to higher measures of faith and holiness, consist with present misery of the person by their advancement in the world? who possesseth them? May not the man How strangely doth prosperity transform who hath reached the summit of earthly men, and make them forget their former grandeur be the wretched slave of his apprehensions of things, their convictions, own passions, and suffer all the torments their purposes, and their vows; nay, their of a diseased mind? Who have, in fact, God, their happiness, and themselves? held the most complaining language on While men are low in the world and live the subject of human life? Have not by faith, they do good with the little those who have drunk deepest of the cup which they possess, and have the blessing of prosperity, and whose minds, satiated of a willing mind: Whereas, when they with pleasure, have become the prey of are lifted up, they often lose the inclinaspleen and disappointment? Unless, there- tion, in proportion as they increase in the fore, we can finish the description of the inability of doing good, and use their suprosperous man, by saying, that his soul perior talents only to bring upon themis as flourishing as his body, and that his selves a heavier condemnation. The careternal interest is as well secured as his nal mind commonly grows with the carnal temporal advantages seem to be, all that interest, and the greatest opposers of God we have supposed him to possess must go have in all ages been the very persons for nothing. He is indeed more sump- who were most indebted to his goodness. tuously miserable than any of his fellow- Rejoice not then in the possession of these creatures, but cannot be allowed to have common mercies for their own sake; and the least reasonable cause of joy. learn to value them only as they are made God seeth not as man seeth. Mlan subservient to your real usefulness and looketh on the outward appearance, but to your spiritual joy. For, in the God searcheth the heart. Accordingly, 3d place, All these things may end in he speaks a language very different from misery, and leave the owner in everlastthe men of the world, and calls those ing woe. He who to-day " is clothed in " wretched, and miserable, and poor, and purple and fine linen, and fares sump THE CONTRADICTING WITNESSES. 321 tuously," may to-morrow "lift up his calamity, and mocks when their fears are eyes in torments." "Weeping, and wail- come upon them. It is the awful appreing, and gnashing of teeth " may succeed hension of this which constrains me to be to his carnal mirth. If this shall happen, earnest with you in my present argument. he shall then cry out, O that I had lain The pleasure which you take in the enin mendicinal rags, instead of having got joyment of sense, is that which makes this mortal surfeit of prosperity! Alas! you careless of the pleasures of religion. are all my pleasant morsels to be for ever Could I for once prevail with you to enexchanged for this gall and wormwood? ter into your own breasts, to abstract O deplorable state! O wretched issue of yourselves from the business and pleaa carnal life! sures of this vain world, and to think Think not that I am an enemy to your seriously for one day upon your everlastjoy in urging these remonstrances. My ing state, I should not despair of console aim is to lead you to that fountain, vincing you, that this earth can afford which will at all times supply you with nothing which can be an equivalent for the most exalted delight; the sense of your immortal souls. But, alas! your the love of God, and the sure prospect of sensual dissipated mirth banishes all reimmortal felicity. Were you in this flection, and makes you deaf to the sober happy condition, then should I bid you voice of reason. When you are confined rejoice even in those temporal mercies, as to a bed of sickness, indeed, or languishthe gifts of your Heavenly Father, the ing under some painful disease, it is possitokens of his love, and the pledges of ble for a religious monitor to obtain someyour future inheritance. I would then thing like a patient hearing from you: address you in the words of the preacher, but when your flesh is in vigor, and ca" Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and pable of relishing outward pleasures, this drink thy wine with a merry heart; for docile season is no more, and all the God now accepteth thy works." But truths which relate to another world beuntil you have made sure of this one come grating and offensive to your ears, thing needful, I must be an enemy to like the sound of an instrument out of your secure and carnal joy. The frantic tune. I have only to add, on this head: mirth of a madman is an object that will that were your mirth, such as it is, to encast a damp on a mind most addicted dure for any time, I should wonder the to gayety; and I appeal to yourselves, less at your rejecting this admonition. whether it be reasonable for a man to re- But, alas! to be jocund, or even happy, joice, who, in the midst of all his pleasures, for a day, and then to lie down in endlesscannot have the smallest assurance that torment, is a dismal prospect indeed. To, he shall be the next moment out of hell. see a man laugh and play, and brave it A wicked man, suffering the horrors of out, in a vessel which is so swiftly running an awakened conscience, is indeed an ob- down a stream which terminates in a gulf ject of commiseration: but a far greater of endless horror, is a shocking spectacle, object of commiseration is that man, who, and calls loudly on every one who sees it in the depths of misery, and on the very to warn the unhappy person of his danbrink of perdition, still retains his thought- ger. This hath been my office to you; less and insensible gayety of heart. This and could I be your friend if I did less? is that laughter of which Solomon might If I did not obtest to you, with all the well say, "It is mad;" and that mirth of earnestness of which I am capable, to sewhich he saith, "what doth it?" How cure your interest in another world than many are now in sorrow, by reason of this this, and to derive your joys from someunseasonable and sinful joy? They were thing better than the. portion of the sen — too gay to listen to the grave admoni- sualist? tions of God's word; too eagerly bent Let us now turn our eyes to a more upon their delusive pleasures to attend to agreeable object, and survey those solid the motions of his Holy Spirit; and, grounds of joy which belongto the people therefore, because when God called they of God.-For the would not hear; so now he laughs at their Second proposition which I proposed 21 322 SERMON LIL to illustrate was, that the light of God's prayer and supplication, with thanksgiv. countenance is sufficient to gladden the ing, make your requests known to God; heart of a saint in all circumstances what- casting all your care unpon him, because soever. For this purpose let us consider he careth for you. He is yours who posfrom what sources the joys of a saint pro- sesseth all things, and what can you ceed. want? He is yours who can do all things, 1st, Then, he is possessed of the joy and what should you fear? He is yours which results from comparing his present- who is goodness and love itself, how then happy condition with the misery in which can you be miserable, or what imperfeche was once involved. He remembers a tion can there be in your felicity? His time when, like others, he wandered in faithfulness is pledged to make all things the vanity and darkness of his mind, still work together for your good. The most putting the anxious question, " Who will afflictive events, like the furnace or prunshow me any good?" When, like a sheep, ing hook, shall only purge away your he went astray, in the dark and howling dross, or render you more fruitful. So wilderness; when he fed upon mere that you may glory in tribulation, "knowhusks, and spent his money for that which ing that tribulation worketh patience, and is not bread. " But now he is returned patience experience, and experience hope to the Shepherd and Bishop of his soul." that maketh not ashamed." To conclude He is passed from death to life: the this detail of the privileges of a saint, Judge of the universe is at peace with hear how the apostle to the Corinthians him, and hath cast all his sins into the describes them, (1 Corinth. iii. 24.) "All depths of the sea. He hath got within things are yours, whether Paul, or Apolthe walls of the city of refuge, where the los, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or avenger of blood cannot enter; the sword death, or things present, or things to of justice is put up in its scabbard; and come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; that Almighty being, upon whom he con- and Christ is God's." Once more, stantly depends, hath laid aside his wrath, 3dly. The joy of a saint proceeds from and beholds him with a pleasant counta- the contemplation of those future blessnance. And, therefore, "Although the ings which as yet are only the objects of fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall hope. But in speaking of these, where fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall we begin? Shall I pass beyond the shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; dark and lonely grave, which Job hath the flock shall be cut off from the fold, styled " the house appointed for all livand there shall be no herd in the stalls; ing," and lead you upwards at once to yet will he rejoice in the Lord, he will the realms of light and joy, to survey that joy in the God of his salvation."-But a house, with many mansions, whither 2d Source of joy to a child of God con- Christ is gone to prepare a place for his sists in the actual honors and privileges people? No; in the passage I last quoconferred upon him. He is advanced to ted, we find death reckoned among the the dearest and most intimate relation to possessions of believers. To those who God, adopted into his family, and in- belong to Christ, death ceaseth to be the vested with all the rights of a son. In king of terrors. The stroke he gives him that life is begun, which, being hid doth indeed put an end to the existence with Christ in God, shall be preserved of the old man; but by that very stroke, and improved, till at length it be perfect- the fetters which galled the new man in ed, in the heavenly world. Rejoice in Christ are broken asunder, and the life the Lord, O ye righteous; and shout for imparted by the second' Adam comes to joy, all ye that are upright in heart." full maturity, when that which was deTo you it belongs to come boldly to a rived from the first Adam concludes. throne of grace, in the assured hope that When, therefore, we view death and the _you shall obtain mercy, and find grace to grave as consecrated by Christ, who died help you in every time of need: by and was buried, they are no more to be the blood of Jesus you can enter into ranked among the articles of the curse the holiest, and in every thing by denounced against the original apostasy, THE CONTRADICTING WITNESSES. 323 but fall to be enrolled among the "' things Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inherito come;" of which every believer may tance incorruptible, undefiled, and that say, They are mine. In this light did fadeth not away." Paul behold them, when he said, " To me These are the peculiar sources from to live is Christ, and to die is gain.-I which the godly man derives his joy. desire to depart, and to be with Christ, And may I not now appeal to you, whewhich is far better." —'" While I am at ther they are not of such a nature, as that home in the body, I am absent from the no outward distress or calamity can take Lord. I am, therefore, confident and them away? Even when the heavens shall willing, rather to be absent from the be rolled together like a scroll, and the body, and present with the Lord."-" O elements shall melt with fervent heat, he death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, will be able to look at the mighty desowhere is thy victory? The sting of death lation, and say, when all these materials is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. are consumed, I shall have lost nothing; But thanks be unto God, who giveth us " God liveth, blessed be my rock." " The the victory, through Jesus Christ our Lord is the portion of mine inheritance," Lord." and in him I possess and enjoy all things. But it is the resurrection which shall And now what improvement are we to complete the triumph of the saints, when make of this subject? —In the that which is sown in weakness, in dis- st place, Let us inquire which of the honor, and corruption, shall be raised in characters described by the Psalmist bepower, in glory, and incorruption. In longs to us. Are we among the many that day of the manifestation of the sons that say, "'Who will show us any good?" of God, when our vile bodies shall be or are we among the happy few who seek changed and fashioned like unto Christ's the light of God's countenance above all glorious body, "when this corruptible things? There is no neutral person in shall have put on incorruption, and this this case. Every man that liveth upon mortal shall have put on immortality, the earth is either " carnally minded, then shall be brought to pass the saying which is death; or spiritually minded, that is written, Death is swallowed up in which is life and peace;" either a child victory." But how shall we speak of the of God, or a drudge and slave to the glory yet to be revealed, " which eye hath world. To which party, then, do you benot seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it long? What are your hearts principally entered into the heart of man to con- set upon, and whither do you bend your ceive." Should I attempt any descrip- chief and most vigorous endeavors? If tion of it, I should only " darken counsel you can find but little leisure for the serby words without knowledge." —" It doth vice of God, and the care of your souls - not yet appear," saith the apostle John, if you can spend whole days without call"'what we shall be: but this we know, ing upon God, or reading his word; if that when he shall appear, we shall be the Sabbath appears burdensome to you, like him; for we shall see him as he is." and you join in your hearts with those Here, then, let us stop. To be made like profane persons whom the prophet Amos the Son of God, to behold his unveiled describes, as saying, (viii. 5.) "When glory, and to be for ever with him: these will the new moon be gone, that we may particulars must surely include every sell corn? and the Sabbath, that we may ingredient which can belong to the high- set forth wheat?" If you are conscious est perfection and happiness of a crea- that it is thus with you, I need scarcely ture. With this great object in our eye, inform you, that you must be classed how well doth it become us to adopt the with those whose language it is, "Who language of the apostle Peter, and to say will show us any good?" A with fervent gratitude, as he did, " Bless- 2d Use, therefore, which I would make ed be the God and Father of our Lord of this subject, is to exhort you,, who are Jesus Christ, which according to his yet carnally minded, to think seriously abundant mercy hath begotten us again of your condition. Ye are pursuing what unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of will for ever flee from you. Ye are com 324 SERMON L.II. bating with a decree of him who is Al- them." " The work of righteousness shall mighty, even that irreversible decree be peace, and the effect of righteousness, which hath pronounced vanity on all quietness, and assurance for ever." As things below the sun. Ye are opposing many as walk according to this rule, the experience of all who ever made the peace shall be on them, and mercy, and on same trial before you; ye are struggling the Israel of God. Amen. with the very feelings of your own hearts, which as yet have never found that permanent satisfaction which they require. 0 then be persuaded to relinquish tlose false plans of happiness by which you SERMON LIII. have been hitherto deluded, and to seek the favor of that God who is the only Preached on the Evening of a Communion Sabadequate portion of an immortal soul. Author's dearch 1, 183, a few dys before the Listen to that expostulation and advice, (Isa. Iv. 2, 3.) "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread ECOD COMING OF CHRIST. and your labor for that which satisfieth BREWS ix. 28.-" CHRIsT was once offered to not? Hearken diligently unto me, and bear the sins of many; and unto them that eat ye that which is good, and let your look for him shall he appear the second time, soul delight itself in fatness. Incline without sin, unto salvation." your ear, and come unto me; hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an THERE are two things which we are taught everlasting covenant with you, even the to believe concerning Christ. The first sure mercies of David." is, That he once appeared in this world, Lastly, Let me call on those who have clothed with our nature; that he published been taught to value the light of God's to sinners of mankind a pure and heavenly countenance above all things, to be hum- doctrine; and after exhibiting, in his own ble and thankful. Often recollect that conduct, a fair and unblemished example mercy which plucked you as brands out of holy obedience, at last offered up himof the burning, and set you apart to see self a sacrifice to God, to expiate our ofthe glory of the Lord, and to show forth fences, and purchase our eternal redermphis praise. Often acknowledge that Sov- tion. The second is, That this same Jesus, ereign grace by which you were arrested who was dead, is now alive, and sitteth in the broad way that leads to destruc- on the right hand of the Majesty on high, tion, and led to him who alone hath the from whence he shall come at the end of words of eternal life. " Who made thee the world, crowned with glory and honor, to differ, and what hast thou that thou and attended with all the host of heaven, didst not receive? " If he who com- to judge the quick and the dead. manded the light to shine out of darkness We were this day commemorating. in hath shined into your hearts, to give you the Holy Sacrament of the Supper, what the light of the knowledge of his glory, as Christ hath already done for the redempit shines in the face of Jesus; adore and tion of his people. There we beheld him praise this distinguishing goodness; ac- "evidently set forth as crucified before knowledge, with humble gratitude, that it our eyes," bearing our griefs, and " woundwas the doing of the Lord. And if you ed for our transgressions." And now to would continue to enjoy the comfort which display the riches of his grace, and our ariseth from the light of God's counte- infinite obligations to love and serve him, nance, be careful to abound in all those let us with joy contemplate what he is " fruits of righteousness, which are through farther to do, as it is shortly expressed in Christ to the praise and glory of God." the latter part of my text: " Unto them Our duty and our comfort are wisely and that look for him, shall he appear the secgraciously connected together. "Great ond time, without sin, unto salvation.' peace have they that love thy law," saith The the Psalmist, "and nothing shall offend First thing that claims our attention is SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. 325 the certainty of our Lord's return. " HIe sentence of the supreme Judge will rectify shall appear the second time." And, all mistakes, and at once put an end to blessed be God, this comfortable truth the presumptuous hope of the hypocrite, doth not depend upon any doubtful pro- and to the fears and anxieties of the humcess of reasoning, but is both supported ble self-suspecting soul. Whom he then and illustrated by a variety of the most justifies, none can condemn; and whom clear and express declarations of holy he then condemns, none dare justify, neiwrit. The apostle Jude informs us, that ther is there any that can deliver out of Enoch, the seventh from Adam, by faith his hand. What a mighty influence ought foresaw this great event, and said by divine this to have on our temper and practice? inspiration, "Behold, the Lord cometh Were any of us to be tried for our lives with ten thousand of his saints, to execute at a human bar, I am persuaded that the judgment on all." It was Christ's pro- thoughts of it would so fully possess our mise to his disciples, " In my Father's minds, as to leave room for almost nothing house are many mansions; if it were not else. Yet the most that a judge can do so, I would have told you. I go to pre- in such a case, is to determine the day bepare a place for you. And if I go and yond which we shall not live; while neiprepare a place for you, I will come again, ther he, nor any man in the world, can say and receive you unto myself, that where I with certainty, that we shall live till that am there ye may be also." The angels day come. One of a thousand accidents who attended him at his ascension into may cut us off, and prevent the execution heaven bare witness to the same truth. of his sentence; so that the legal date of " Ye men of Galilee," said they, "why our lives may be considerably longer than stand ye gazing up into heaven? This the term which the Author of our lives same Jesus, which is taken up from you hath appointed. But the issue of that into heaven, shall so come in like manner as trial, which we must undergo at the seye have seen him go into heaven." Nay, cond appearance of Christ, is of eternal we are told, that the Father hath appoint- consequence to us. Our final state is deed the very day in which "he shall judge termined by it; aad no power in heaven the world in righteousness, by that man or on earth is able to defeat or alter the whom he hath ordained." In a word, this sentence. And is it possible that we can doctrine is not only frequently asserted in banish the thoughts of this for one moScripture, but is so intimately connected ment, or that we can think of it with cold with all the other parts of revelation, that and unaffected hearts? The the whole must stand or fall with it. Is Second thing that deserves the peculiar not the Sacrament of the Supper a visible notice of believers, is the gracious design pledge of our Lord's return, as well as a of our Lord's appearance.-" He shall ap. memorial of his sufferings and death? pear the second time unto salvation." And do we not profess an equal belief of Some may, perhaps, be at a loss to conboth; every time we partake of that holy ceive what should remain to be done for ordinance? " For as often as we eat this the salvation of the saints, after their bread, and drink this cup, we do show the souls are admitted into heaven. But if Lord's death till he come; " that is, we we reflect a little, we shall be sensible, commemorate his death in the faith of his that even after the soul's admission into second and glorious appearance. heaven, there are several things to be done This, my brethren, is an interesting by Christ for his people, which will intruth, and d'oth justly challenge our most crease their happiness, and render their serious attention. It is not more certain salvation more perfect. —For, that we are met together in this place, 1st, At his second coming, Christ will than that we shall all meet again at the raise the dead bodies of his servants, tribunal of Christ, where every one of us which will, without doubt, be a considershall appear in his true colors, without able addition to their felicity. The souls any mask or disguise. At present we are of the saints are represented in Scripture but little acquainted with ourselves, and as waiting and longing for the resurrection frequently mistaken by others; but the of their bodies. Hence their flesh is said 326 SERMON LIII. to rest in hope; and, therefore, when this 4thly, To complete the happiness of the hope is fulfilled at Christ's second appear- saints, then shall there be the clearest ance, we may justly conclude, that the discovery of all God's works, and the joy of the soul shall be heightened and most full and open manifestation of his improved; especially when we consider glorious perfections. When all his great the wonderful change which shall be designs are accomplished and brought to wrought upon the body itself. When, in their intended issue, then shall the wise the morning of the resurrection, the order, and harmonious contexture, of ditrumpet shall sound, and the graves shall vine Providence be clearly discerned, the be opened; when that which was sown in most intricate and perplexed dispensations weakness and dishonor, shall be raised in shall be explained and vindicated; and it power and glory; when the formerly vile shall then appear, to the full conviction body shall not only be refined, but fashion- of the whole admiring family of God, that ed like unto the glorious' body of the Re- all things have wrought together for their deemer, with what triumph and exultation spiritual improvement and eternal felicity. shall that song be sung! " Death is swal- This shall be the day of solemn triumph, lowed up in victory.' —" O death, where the grand jubilee, upon the finishing of is thy sting? O grave, where is thy all God's works from the creation of the victory? The sting of death is sin, and world, upon which ensues the resignation the strength of sin is the law. But thanks of the MIediator's kingdom. For although be to God, which giveth us the victory, Christ shall continue through eternity to through our Lord Jesus Christ." be the head of his church, yet the present 2dly. In that day the Church, which is manner of his administration shall then called the body of Christ, shall be com- cease. He shall then deliver up the kingplete; which must add to the happiness dom to the Father, that God, or the unof every saint in particular. For the se- divided Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy veral members of that spiritual body Ghost, may be all in all. This fact is being closely united, not only to the head; distinctly asserted (1 Cor. xv. 24-28.) but also to one another, each of them " Then cometh the end," saith the aposmust necessarily partake of the happiness tie, "when Christ shall have delivered up and glory of the whole. Must not every the kingdom to God, even the Father; child of God be more joyful when the when he shall have put down all rule, and whole family is assembled in the immedi- all authority and power. For he must ate presence of their Father, and not one reign, till he hath put all enemies under member is wanting? If there is joy in his feet. The last enemy that shall be heaven at the conversion of one sinner, destroyed is death. For he hath put all though afterwards he hath a waste and things under his feet. But when he saith howling wilderness to pass through, and that all things are put under him, it is many a toilsome and dangerous step to manifest that he is excepted which did take, ere he arrive at the end of his jour- put all things under him. And when all ney; how much greater joy shall there be things shall be subdued unto him, then in the heavenly Jerusalem, when the many shall the Son also himself be subject unto sons of God are all brought home to glory? him that put all things under him that 3dly. Then also shall believers be sol- God may be all in all." emnly acquitted by the Judge himself, Thus you have heard how Christ's and publicly acknowledged in the pre- second coming shall complete the salvasence of an assembled world. " They tion of his people, and increase that hapshall be mine," saith the Lord, "in that piness at the resurrection which commenday when I make up my jewels." Having ced at their new birth; and which, though washed them with his blood, and sancti- greatly improved by the release of the fled them by his Spirit, he will not be soul from the earthly tabernacle, was not ashamed to call them brethren, but will carried to its full perfection at death.confess them before his Father, and pre- The manner of our Lord's appearance, sent them at his throne without spot and when he comes upon this gracious design, blemish.-And is the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. 327 Third particular in the text, which and the trump of God." And he who on comes now to be considered.'" He shall Mount Calvary was lifted up on the cross appear the second time, without sin, unto between two thieves, shall then ascend salvation." When in the fulness of time his "great white throne, high and lifted God sent forth his Son into this world, up; " from whence, with unerring wisdom, although he was absolutely pure and spot- and almighty power, he shall separate the less in himself, yet then he "bare the sins righteous from the wicked, adjudging the of many; " and " he who knew no sin, was one to everlasting life, and the other to made sin for us." Appearing in the like- endless misery. ness of sinful flesh, he was numbered with Thus shall he appear, when he' comes transgressors, and treated as if he had the second time, without sin, unto salvabeen the worst of criminals: But by his suf- tion." And ought not the prospect of ferings and death, having fully expiated the this to have a mighty influence upon us in guilt of sin, he obtained a public and legal the mean time? " Behold he cometh with discharge, by being released from the pri- clouds, and every eye shall see him, and son of the grave, and "set at the right they also who pierced him, and all kinhand of God in the heavenly places, far dreds of the earth shall wail because of above all principality and power, and him." How great will be the confusion might and dominion, and every name that of ungodly men, when they see that Jesus, is named, not only in this world, but also Whose grace they despised, coming to fix in that which is to come." When, there- their everlasting state. The multitude fore, he cometh again, he shall appear that came determined to apprehend him "' without sin," without that guilt which in the days of his flesh, went backward, was charged upon him, while he sustained and fell to the ground, when, with an air the character of Surety, and stood in the of majesty, he only pronounced these few place of sinful man. words, "I am he." And if the Lamb's He shall likewise appear without any voice was so terrible, how dreadful will of the effects of sin, such as pain, poverty, he appear when he roareth as a lion? If reproach, or infirmity of any kind. It his voice shook the earth when he pubshall not be such an appearance as his lished the law from Mount Sinai, how first was, when he "made himself of no must it shake the hearts of his enemies, reputation, took upon him the form of a when he pronounceth the sentence of the servant," and submitted to all the indig- law, and dooms to those punishments nities attending that mean condition. He which the law hath awarded? will not come to be buffeted and scourged, But the prospect of this appearance is and spit upon, and crowned with thorns. no less comfortable to believers, thian it is He will not come, 0 careless and ungrate- terrible to the ungodly. Then shall his ful sinners! to be despised and rejected own people lift up their heads, and behold in all his gracious offers. No; he shall his glory with exceeding joy. His comrncome in the clouds, with great power and ing shall be to them the dawning of an glory; he shall be revealed from heaven everlasting day. They know that he with his mighty angels; he shall appear brings salvation with him, the full harvest in all the splendor of Zion's King, array- of that light and gladness which were ed with that glory which he had with the sown for them in time. He comes to Father before the world was. Then shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, to the reproach of the cross be wiped off, complete their victory over death and and all his sufferings fully recompensed. hell, and to put their whole persons, souls In this humble state, he was attended by and bodies, in full possession of that heatwelve poor and illiterate men; but then venly inheritance, " which is incorruptible, shall he come with " ten thousands of his undefiled, and that fadeth not away." saints, and all the holy angels with him.:' If it is comfortable at present to hear He was introduced to his public ministry of him, to think of his love, to conimemoby the 1" voice of one crying in the wilder- rate his death, and to behold his beauty ness; "but then shall his approach be an- in the ordinances of his grace; what must nounced by the " voice of the archangel it be to see him in all the glory of his ex 328 SERMON LIIL alted state? When a dear relation, who his heart is right, will say, like the mother hath been long absent in a far country, of Sisera, when she cried through the latreturns to his kindred and friends, how tice, "Why is his chariot so long in do all concerned hasten to meet him, and coming? Why tarry the wheels of his to express their joy at his arrival? And chariot?" At the same time, will not the saints then rejoice at the 3dly, This expression imports a patient comling of their Saviour? With what waiting for his appearance, in spite of transports of gladness will they cry out, all discouragements. Love makes the Behold, yonder he comes He whose believer to long; but faith enables patientblood hath redeemed, and whose Spirit ly to wait for his Lord's coming. What hath sanctified us. Yonder he comes in though he dwells in an unkind world, whom we trusted, and for whom we have wounded with sharp afflictions, harassed long waited; and now we see that he hath with temptations, and oppressed with a not deceived us, and that he hath not body of sin and death? Yet all this notmade us wait in vain. " Even so come, withstanding, he still looks and waits with Lord Jesus." And this leads me to the patience and resignation. He knows that Fozerth and last particular in the text, the second coming of his Lord will abunwhich is the character of those to whom dantly compensate all his present delays this second appearance of our Lord shall and discouragements; and "that this trial be comfortable. They are such as "look of their faith, being much more precious for him." This short but significant de- than of gold that perisheth, though it be scription may be considered as including, tried with fire, shall then be found unto 1st, A firm belief of this event. One praise, and honor, and glory." But the who looks for it in the sense of the apos- most essential part of the character of tle's words, is as thoroughly persuaded of its those to whom the second appearance of certainty, as he is that the sun, which sets our Lord shall be comfortable, is, in the to-night, shall rise again to-morrow. His 4th and last place, An habitual prepafaith is built on the surest foundation, the ration for this event. They will endeavor word and promise of his Saviour himself; "to have their loins girded about, and and, therefore, his heart is impressed with their lights burning, and themselves like Christ's second appearance as much, at unto men that wait for their Lord, that least as really, as if he already saw him when he cometh and knocketh, they may coming in the clouds of heaven. But, open unto him immediately." The best 2dly, The expression denotes the love evidence which we can give that we truly and desire of this event. The saints take look for him with faith and love, is our pleasure in the prospect of it, and accord- being diligent, that we may be found of ingly are described by the apostle Paul, him in peace, without spot, and blameless. (2 Tim. iv. 8.) by this very circumstance. As the proper improvement, therefore, of They are such as " love his appearing." all that hath been said, let me address to If the saints under the old dispensation you this concluding exhortation. " Give longed for the manifestation of our Lord all diligence to make your calling and in the flesh, how much more ought we to election sure."-" Take heed to yourselves, long for that more glorious appearance lest at any time your hearts be overchargwhich he shall make in the end of the ed with surfeiting and drunkenness, and world. The Atheist rejects this doctrine the cares of this life, and so that day come altogether; the profane scoffer says, upon you unawares."-" Let your whole "W AV he)re is the promise of his coming? " conversation be such as becometh the gosCarnal sinners are afraid of it, when pel of Christ." Never think " that you alarmed with the rebukes of conscience; have already attained, either are already as when Paul preached of righteousness, perfect; but forgetting the things which temperance, and judgment to come, Felix are behind, and reaching forth to those trembled. But to the godly it is not things which are before, press towards the matter of terror, but of delight. Nay, mark, for the prize of the high calling of they would even hasten its approach, if God in Christ Jesus."-" Set your affecit were in their power. A believer, when tions on things above, not on things on THE FAITHFUL STEWARD. 329 the earth, that when he who is your life ministers of Christ, and stewards of the shall appear, ye may also appear with him mysteries of God. in glory." Anen. And in order to have clear apprehensions of this subject, it will be necessary to look back to the origin of the office, and see wherein it differed, at its first appointment, from the circumstances in SERMON LIV. which it exists at present. I set out with observing, that the ministry of the word Preached at the Author's admission at South is in all essential points the same, ever Leith. since it was ordained as an employment. At the same time it is plain, that several THE FAITHFUL STEWARD. circumstances attending it are considerably varied. The ordinary call to the of1 CoRN. iv. 1, 2. —" Let a man so account of us as fiee, which now takes place, is very differof the ministers of CHRIST, and stewards of the ewhich mysteries of GOD. Moreover, it is required enrom the miraculous mission by which in stewards that a man be found faithful." men were consecrated to it in former times. Their vocation was more immeTHE just conception and faithful discharge diate, more striking, attended with more of the reciprocal duties in society, are the ample powers, as well as more splendid effoundation both of private and public hap- fects. From their immediate inspiration, piness. In this respect, the church of an authority was derived to their words, Christ is not different from other commu- to which none of us can justly pretend. nities among men. Although Christians They promised, and the blessings of time acknowledge but one supreme Master, yet and eternity were conveyed with their they are taught to acknowledge among words; they threatened, and vengeance themselves subordinate degrees of autho- from heaven followed without delay. Berity on the one hand, and of submission sides, the first teachers of the gospel enand respect on the other. The God whom joyed from their divine Master the comwe serve is a God of order, not a God of munication of his own powers over naconfusion; and he hath pointed out, both ture. " Having called the twelve disciin his word and in his providence, the ne- ples, he gave them power against unclean cessity of doing all things decently and in spirits, and to heal all manner of sickness good order. The text, and the occasion and disease." Accordingly, the whole likewise, lead me to speak of the mutual history of their lives is one train of miraregards and duties which ought to subsist cles, verifying the reality of these powers, between a minister of Christ, and the peo- and displaying the fulfilment of that splenple committed to his charge; in doing did promise, " Verily, verily, I say unto which I shall, through divine assistance, you, he that believeth on me, the works First, Explain the account given us in that I do shall he do also, and greater the text, of the nature of our office as works than these shall he do, because I ministers of Christ, and stewards of'the go to my Father." All these extraordimysteries of God. And, nary powers have now ceased. The pasSecondly, Point out the corresponding tors of the Christian church, in these later obligations incumbent on Christians, with ages, are neither possessed of the immeregard to those intrusted with this minis- diate inspiration, nor of the power of worktry. ing miracles, enjoyed by the apostles. The illustration of these particulars They are now men in all respects like will tend to produce a just conception, and yourselves, to whom God hath conveyed, I trust, through the blessing of God, the by the hands of other men, authority to faithful discharge of those important duties preach the word, to dispense the sacrawhich you and I will henceforth owe to ments, and to preside over the congregaeach other. tions in which his providence may place I am first, to explain the account given them. Here then is a very manifest difin my text, of the nature of our office as ference, and an evident inferiority on our 330 SERMON LIV. side. Still, however, the original propo- important respects.? These considerations sition stands true, that the office is in all may well give rise to that emphatical quesessential points the same as exercised both tion, " Who is sufficient for these things?" by them and us. For it is easy to con- especially when to all this we take likeceive, that the superior prerogatives which wise into view the awful threatenings dehave been mentioned, vary some circum- nounced against the unfaithful discharge stances in the ministry only, but do not of this office. " Son of man,"' saith the in any degree alter its nature. The es- Almighty to each of us, as he said to his sence of this sacred office, the foundations prophets of old, "I have made thee a of the pastoral authority, remain unim- watchman unto the house of Israel, therepaired. The mission is one and the same fore hear the word at my mouth, and give by Jesus Christ, to all his faithful ser- them warning from me. When I say unto vants in this employment. His promise the wicked, thou shalt surely die, and thou is unalterable, " Behold I am with you al- givest him not warning, nor speakest to ways, even to the end of the world." warn the wicked from his wicked way, to From his holy hill, where he sits as King save his life, the same wicked man shall of Zion, he provides for the perpetuity of die in his iniquity, but his blood will I his church, "giving some apostles, and require at thine hand. Woe be to the some prophets, and some evangelists, some shepherds of Israel that do feed thempastors and teachers, for the perfecting of selves; should not the shepherds feed the the saints, for the work of the ministry, flocks? Thus saith the Lord God, Behold for the edifying of the body of Christ." I am against the shepherds, and I will reThis then is the origin of that sacred quire my flock at their hand, and cause office, which is still exercised among you. them to cease from feeding the flock, neiThis is the source from which the autho- ther shall the shepherds feed themselves rity is derived that is necessary for sus- any more." taining the character. It is this which Thus have I endeavored to set before constitutes our mission the same with that you the nature of our office, as ministers of the apostles, and confers on the truths of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries which we deliver the authority of the of God. No man can boast of a more word of God. So that if the doctrines honorable employment. At the same which we set forth are agreeable to the time, none can aspire to one that requires Scriptures, if the morality which we en- higher attention, involves more difficulty, force is a conversation becoming the gos- or subjects to a more awful account. pel, we are in all respects to be accounted But you are not to imagine, my brethof as " ministers of Christ, and stewards ren, that while such high obligations are of the mysteries of God." laid on the ministers of the gospel, no But these titles, so ennobling to him duties are, on the other hand, required of who supports them, are not without very you towards those who hold that station. solemn considerations to correct the levity " Let a man," saith the apostle, "' so acof confidence and self-applause. " It is count of us as ministers of Christ, and required in stewards," saith the apostle, stewards of the mysteries of God." The "that a man be found faithful." What a plain meaning of which exhortation is, variety of important duties are included in that Christians are required to entertain this requisition? When we speak of a sentiments corresponding to that relation faithful minister, we speak of the rare and in which they stand to those who labor happy union of ability and attention, of among them in word and doctrine. zeal and knowledge, of meekness and I. The same authority which lays such firmness, in the same character; for all arduous obligations on your pastors, rethese are necessary to sustain the office quires of you to entertain a spirit of equity with propriety. And are these qualities and candor towards them. It is certainly to be attained with a slight degree of ap- but fair to judge of every person accordplication? Is it a small demand on the ing to the character he assumes, and the conscience of a ma.n, to give its testimony pretensions with which he sets out. What to his faithfulness, in such arduous and these are on our part, you have already THE FAITHFUL STEWARD. 331 heard. I have shown those circumstances throne of God? Why should you be disin which we acknowledge our inferiority satisfied, except we can employ all the to the first teachers of the gospel. I have most exquisite arts of oratory to soothe pointed out those also, in which we main- your ears, and amuse your imaginations? tain our commission to be equal to theirs. Where are you taught to expect this from The sum is this, that, on the one hand, us? These are not our pretensions; this we profess ourselves to be no more than is not the character we assume. For let ordinary, uninspired, fallible men, like not any man account of us as orators or yourselves; but at the same time contend, declaimers, plausible and artificial dison the other hand, that we possess the coursers, who have nothing in view beyond same authority to preach the doctrines of their own credit, and are eloquent and inrevelation, and to dispense the ordinances genious by profession. We profess a charof religion, which the most distinguished acter more humble indeed, as to any perapostle ever enjoyed. What we expect sonal importance we can assume from it; then of your equity and candor, is, that but, at the same time, infinitely more seyou would judge of us on these grounds, rious and weighty, even that of ministers and expect nothing from us but what is of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries consistent with them. You may perhaps of God. But, ask, In what respects is there any danger 2dly, This rule of equity and candor of your transgressing this rule? To which is transgressed in a still higher degree, I answer, 1st, That this rule is transgress- when you expect of us to preach doced, when you confine the respect to which trines accommodated to your passions, or the office itself is entitled, entirely to the to refrain from delivering those truths personal qualities and accomplishments of which are unacceptable or alarming. You mind bestowed on those who are invested complain, perhaps, that we disturb your with it. When I speak of personal qual- repose, and interrupt your pleasing dreams ities, I do not mean that you should un- of happiness; but this complaint is both derstand me as referring to sanctity of unjust to us, and injurious to yourselves; conduct. You cannot make any demand and though at first sight it may seem levon us on this head, beyond what is just elled against us, is in truth levelled against and incumbent. God forbid that any of God himself. For whose words, I beus should incur the application of our seech you, are these words? " He that Lord's saying, as to the scribes and phari- believeth not, shall be damned."-" If sees: " The scribes and pharisees sit in ye live after the flesh, ye shall die."Mioses' seat; all therefore whatsoever they " Without holiness no man shall see the bid you observe, that observe and do; but Lord." These, indeed, are alarming sendo not ye after their works, for they say tences; but you will keep it in mind, that and do not." We acknowledge that we they were not devised by us. They are ought to be ensamples to believers, not among those mysteries of God, which are only in word, but in conversation, in char- intrusted to us as stewards, and surely no ity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. In this less can be expected than that we should respect, therefore, your severest demands dispense them faithfully. God hath asdo us no injustice. But is there not a want sured us, that if we do not speak to warn of equity in withholding your respect from the wicked from the evil of his way, that those who do not embellish this office with wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but shining and superior endowments of mind? his blood he will require at our hands. Is not this the very thing against which Would you then in good earnest desire you are warned, when you are told that that we should forfeit our own souls, and you have the treasure of the "gospel in incur the wrath of Almighty God, from a earthen vessels, that the power and excel- false tenderness to your delusive peace? lency may appear to be of God? " Why No, my brethren, this cannot be done; or should it be expected, then, that ministers if it be done, eternal woe will be our porshould understand all mysteries, and all tion, eternal reproaches will pass between knowledge, even as the superior intelli- us. I had rather hear from one in the gences of heaven, who stand before the spirit of Ahab, " Feed him with the bread 332 SERMON LIV. and water of affliction; " or from one in hand, and the other on his left. But bethe spirit of Amaziah, " Forbear, why sides this grand division, it seems probable shouldst thou be smitten;" than to hear from the analogy both of reason and from my own conscience, Thou hast be- Scripture, that those who were members trayed souls to damnation; than to hear of the same Christian society, and enjoyed from an incensed God, " Their blood will the same ordinances and means of grace, I require at thine hands;" than to hear shall then be brought together and confrom the chief Shepherd, when he shall fronted, that the evidence upon which the appear, " Cast the unprofitable servant different sentences shall proceed, may be into outer darkness, there shall be weeping, the more unexceptionable and convincing and wailing, and gnashing of teeth." Let to all. The impenitent sinner shall then a man, therefore, so account of us in the have nothing to plead in his own defence, spirit of candor and equity, " as ministers when it shall appear that many of those of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries with whom he lived have been converted of God." and saved by those very means which he II. Christians, you are required to en- neglected and abused. It will be impostertain a just esteem for the office and sible for him to plead any singularity in character which we bear. I am aware his own case, when he shall behold some how delicate a subject it is to talk of that of those persons crowned with glory, estimation which we claim from you on whom he remembers to have seen in the this account. I am sensible that our same church he frequented, receiving the highest glory consists in our humility, and same ordinances of religion which he did, our best dignity in stooping to be useful: and who perhaps, in many outward re" For we preach not ourselves, but Christ spects, had fewer advantages for salvation Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your ser- than himself. This, my brethren, is a vants for Jesus' sake." We claim no ob- very solemn consideration, and, if duly sequious homage, we arrogate not dominion attended to, can hardly fail to have a powerover your faith, but we expect that no ful influence on our minds. We who are man should despise us; we account our intrusted with the care of your souls, office venerable enough to entitle those to shall then be called to give an account of respect, who do the duties of it with pro- our stewardship. But you, too, my dear priety. Indeed we have not diffidence friends, must then appear with us; and as enough to apprehend, in the least degree, we must declare the message we have dethat such respect will be denied, where livered, so you must answer for the recepthe proper virtues of our station appear tion you gave it. Woe will be unto us in our conduct; and we know it to be both if we did not preach the gospel, and if we vain and absurd to expect it on any other did, woe will be to you if you did not reterms. ceive it. In these views, it is no slight Leaving therefore a theme, which can- or transient relation which was solemnized not be pursued long to advantage, we are so lately in this place; and happy indeed still more desirous, will it be, if the same sentence of the III. That you would make a proper Judge shall acquit us both at the great improvement of the truths which we de- day. liver. Take heed then, brethren, how ye In the mean time, remember, and lay hear. The time is coming, when we must it to heart, that my task is not to please all meet before the judgment-seat of God, or to amuse you, but to dispense to you to give an account of the advantages which the word of life, which is able to save your we have enjoyed, and of the manner in souls. which we have improved them. In what Many, I doubt not, will come to this, way this decisive trial shall be conducted, as to other churches, merely to sit in cannot be certainly known in the present judgment as critics of the speaker's abiltime. We are told in general, that the ities. But I hope God will save us from great Shepherd, who shall then sit in an undue respect to any of you in this judgment, will separate the sheep from capacity. the goats, placing the one on his right I hope he will save you from that dis THE TRUE SOVEREIGN OF THE BODY. 333 dainful nicety which scorns to be instruct- them to a strict and universal holiness. ed with plain exhortations. A professed This he argues from the nature of Chrisdeclaimer may justly be censured if he tian baptism, the initiating seal of the fails to entertain his audience. For this covenant of grace, showing, that by this purpose, it is his part to make what ex- rite we are solemnly engaged to die unto cursions he pleaseth into the regions of sin and'live unto righteousness, in conforimagination. But we have a dispensation mity to Christ's death and resurrection, committed to us, a form of sound words, signified in that ordinance. Afterwards he from which we must not depart; a doc- goes on to dissuade them from giving intrine which we must deliver with uncor- dulgence to sin in any kind or degree, and ruptness, with gravity, with sincerity. to enforce the obligations to universal Permit us, therefore, to aim only at the purity by a variety of weighty arguments. praise of faithfulness, wishing indeed to " Let not sin therefore reign in your morplease you, but at the same time to please tal body." Sin is said to reignz, when you only to edification. it bears chief sway in the soul, and the Brethren, pray for us that we may be person is wholly subject to its influence. found faithful. Pray for yourselves, that The best and most sanctified Christian on ye may be able to suffer the word of ex- earth hath still some remainder of corruphortation, and profit thereby. And may tion abiding in him: For perfection doth the great Master of the vineyard watch not belong to the present state; and he over us with a propitious care, to direct that saith he hath no sin, deceiveth himour labors, and in you to give the increase self, and the truth is not in him. The of fruit unto holiness, and in the end ever- apostle therefore expresseth himself in lasting life. Amen. this qualified manner, Let not sin reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Beware of giving way to your sensual appetites, otherwise SERMON LV. you forfeit all the comfort of the doctrine which I have been teaching, and must be concluded strangers to that grace of God THE TRUE SOVEREIGN OF TH~E BODY. which effectually teacheth those who are ROMANS vI. 12, 13.-" Let not sin therefore reign partakers of it, to " deny ungodliness and in your mortal body, that ye should obey it worldly lusts, and to live soberly, right. in the lusts thereof: neither yield ye your eously, and godly, in the world." members as instruments of unrighteousness Let not sin therefore reign in your moruinto sin; but yield yourselves unto GoD, as tal body, that ye should obey it in the those that are alive from the dead, and your lusts thereof: neither yield ye your memmembers as instruments of righteousness unto GOD." bers as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin; "'but yield yourselves unto THE apostle had, in the preceding part of God. " It is this last exhortation which the Epistle, opened at great length that I propose to make the subject of the prefundamental doctrine of our holy religion, sent discourse: and I intend, in the the justification of a sinner through faith First place, To explain what is implied in Jesus Christ. In the chapter from in yielding ourselves to God; which the text is taken, he proceeds to Secondly, To offer some directions as guard the Christians to whom he wrote to the right manner of performing this against those false conclusions which they duty; and might be in danger of inferring from this Thirdly, To enforce the exhortation by doctrine. And, that -none might pretend some arguments. to turn the grace of God into lascivious- I begin with explaining the duty itself. ness, he shows, with great strength of evi- And, in general, it implies, that whatever dence, that the truths which he had been we possess, all that we are, or have, or can stating, so far from giving encouragement do, should be consecrated to God, and deto a licentious life, on the contrary, laid voted to his service and honor. The being peculiar obligations on all who embraced which we have is derived from him; every 334 SERMON LV. blessing which we enjoy is the fruit of his grievous, so that we finish our course with bounty; every talent with which we are joy and true honor. WVe must yield ourdistinguished was freely bestowed by him. selves to God in all capacities and relaTo him, therefore, they ought to be entire- tions wherein his providence may have ly surrendered, and in the advancement of placed us, and improve the advantages of his glory at all times employed. When we our different conditions in life for the adserve God with the best of our faculties, vancement of his glory. Are we masters and with the most valuable of our posses- or servants, parents or children, pastors sions, what is the whole amount of our or people, rulers or subjects, let us, in all offering? Surely if ever self-complacent these relations, be devoted to God, and thoughts on this point might have been in- discharge the various duties which result dulged, David might have indulged them, from them with fidelity and zeal, that we when he, and a willing people with him, may glorify our Father in heaven, who offered unto the Lord of their most pre- hath appointed to every man his proper cious substance with a perfect heart. Yet work, and will at length demand an achear how humbly he speaks of all the cost- count of the manner in which we have perly oblations which he had brought. " Who formed it. am I. and what is my people, that we If it be inquired for what purposes we should' be able to offer so willingly after are thus to yield ourselves unto God, the this sort; for all things come of thee, and following particulars will furnish the anof thine own have we given thee. Thine, swer. O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, 1st. We are to yield ourselves to God, and the glory, and the victory, and the to do whatsoever he commands; in all inmajesty; for all that is in the heaven and stances of duty, to give a prompt and the earth are thine: thine is the kingdom, cheerful obedience to his authority. It and thou art exalted as head above all." ought to be sufficient for us, in every case, More particularly, we must yield to God to know what God hath pronounced to be our immortal souls, with all the intellec- an obligation, whatever the world or the tual powers which they possess. We must flesh may have to say against it. This is dedicate our understanding to the Father the true way to keep our minds in a steady of Lights, to be illuminated by him with decisive frame. " A double minded man saving knowledge, to be employed in con- is unstable in all his ways." He who seeks temrplating his nature and perfection; to ascertain other points besides his duty, above all, to know Jesus, and him cruci- will find himself perplexed with perpetual fled, in whom are hid all the treasures of difficulties. Embarrassed with attending wisdom and knowledge. We must dedi- to distracting and opposite counsels, his cate our will to that holy rule of resigna- conduct will neither be firm nor graceful; tion which David expressed when he said, and, even when he does what is right, he " Here am I, let the Lord do unto me will be unable to enjoy the satisfaction of what seemeth good in his sight;" and it, conscious that he did it not in that simwhich David's Lord expressed in circum- plicity and godly sincerity which alone can stances infinitely more trying: "Father, render our obedience acceptable, We are not my will, but thine be done." We must therefore to yield ourselves to God as our consecrate our memories to be treasuries supreme Lawgiver, who hath an unquesof divine truth, our affections to the pur- tionable title to the service of all our acsuit of those things which are above, our tive powers, saying with Samuel, " Speak, senses to the salutary discipline of self- Lord, for thy servant heareth;" and with denial, and our members as instruments the apostle Paul, " Lord, what wilt thou of holiness to God. have me to do?" All our possessions and enjoyments must 2dly. We must yield ourselves to God be devoted to God. Our wealth and not only to do but to suffer his will. The power, our time and our faculties, nay rewards of active obedience are not found life itself, which is the foundation of all in the present life: on the contrary, the our comforts, must be entirely resigned to most faithful servants of God are often him. Neither must we count death itself visited with the severest dispensations of THE TRUE SOVEREIGN OF THE BODY. 335 Providence. We must therefore not only made us the hand or the head, and rejoice have our loins girt about for cheerful obe- that we are found qualified for being even dience, but our minds prepared also for the least honorable member in Christ's patient suffering. We must be ready to mystical body. We must not envy our resign our most valuable possessions, and brother for being wiser or better than we, our dearest comforts, the moment that they more than for being richer or nobler. And are reclaimed by him who first bestowed though we may covet earnestly the best them, saying with Job, " The Lord gave, gifts, yet if, in the use of appointed means, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be we cannot attain to them, we ought, with the name of the Lord;" and, with David, resignation to the Father of lights, to "I know, 0 Lord, that thy judgments make a diligent and faithful use of what are right, and that in very faithfulness God hath given us, trusting that they who thou hast afflicted me." have been good stewards over a little, shall We are already in the hand of God, by not fail to receive their proportional reour essential dependence, as the clay is in ward in the day of retribution. Every the hands of the potter; let us likewise be vessel of honor hath not the same capaciso by our own consent and choice. This ty, but every vessel of honor shall be is the true balm of life. It is this that completely filled. None shall have a mean softens adversity, and alleviates the load station in the heavenly temple, although of sorrow. In this we unite the noblest some shall be more gloriously distinguishduty which we can perform, and the most ed than others. They shall all be kings precious benefits which we can reap. and priests unto God, and mansions shall What wisdom can compare with the wis- not be wanting to accommodate every dom of resignation, which not only softens class of guests in the New Jerusalem. inevitable evils, but turns them into real I proceed now to give you some direcand permanent good; which not only tions as to the manner in which we ought soothes the sense of suffering, but secures to perform this duty, of yielding ourselves a happy and a glorious reward. unto God. 3dly. We must yield ourselves to God, I. Before we can perform this duty in to be disposed of by his providence, as to an acceptable manner, it is necessary that our lot and condition in the world. "He we have just views both of God and of hath made of one blood all that dwell ourselves. In a particular manner, we upon the face of the earth." He hath must have a deep sense both of our origifixed the precise issues of life and death, nal apostasy, and of the actual transgresand hath appointed where we shall dwell, sions with which we are chargeable. We and what station we shall occupy in the must yield ourselves to God, like condemnworld. To one he saith, Be thou a king; ed rebels, who cast themsleves on the and to another, Be thou a beggar. All mercy of their sovereign. Yet while we these things come forth of the Lord of are sensible of our miserable and condemnHosts; and in his will we must cheerfully ed state, we must also have a view of those acquiesce, with a firm and meek resolu- riches of mercy which are open to the chief tion to be disposed of as he sees meet, of sinners. We are to remember, with and to glorify him in the place and station faith and gratitude, that God so loved the which he hath assigned us; to serve world, as to send his only begotten Son, him cheerfully, while he hath service for not to condemn the world, but that the us to perform in this world; and at last world through him might have life; that to resign our souls into his hands, when he only is the way, the truth, and the life; he shall require them. that he is able to save to the uttermost f4thly. As we must be resigned to the all who come unto God by him; that in will of God with respect to our outward him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead lot, so we must be satisfied with his dispo- bodily; and that he is made of God to all sal, as to the measure of spiritual gifts that believe on him, wisdom, and righteouswhich he is pleased to bestow on us. ness, and sanctification, and redemption. Should he make us but as the foot, we The knowledge of these fundamentaltruths must be as well contented as if he had tmust influence the surrender which we 336 SERMON LV. make of ourselves to God, that it may be and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a an act of our understanding, accompanied perpetual covenant that shall never be forboth with humility and with hope. But, gotten." God will not accept of us, unless II. We must yield ourselves unto God we be truly weary of our burden, and sensiwith serious, attentive, and awakened ble of our absolute need of a Saviour. To minds. It is seldom that any permanent such, the calls of the gospel are peculiarly good is obtained, in consequence of a hasty addressed: " Come unto me, all ye that choice. Even when the object of our labor and are heavy laden, and I will give choice is just and valuable, our esteem of you rest."-" For thus saith the high and it is apt to decline, if it has been embraced lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose at first with too rash and violent an affec- name is Holy, I dwell in the high and holy tion. In proportion as the charms of place; with him also that is of a contrite novelty fade, our attachment to it subsides, and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of and indifference or aversion succeed to the the humble, and to revive the heart of the eagerness of a prompt and hasty passion. contrite ones." If therefore we would prove steadfast and 4thiy. We must yield ourselves unto faithful, we must not be precipitate, but God without any secret reserve or limitaweigh every circumstance with care, and tion, imploring that he may take the full ponder well ere we fix our choice. We possession of our hearts, and cast out of must remember, that yielding ourselves to them whatever opposeth or exalteth itGod, will involve in it the renouncing of self against him. We ought to say to many favorite engagements, the performing him, O Lord, our Lord, other lords have of many difficult duties, and the mortify- had dominion over us; but henceforth we ing of many desires, which hitherto, per- will make mention of thy righteousness, haps, it has been the whole plan of our even of thine only." He who hath only lives to gratify. Let us, therefore, re- consistent pursuits, may follow them with present to ourselves the probable conse- a prospect of success; but a mind divided quences, before we embark in so important between contrary principles of action, can and solemn a transaction. Consider the expect nothing but to be for ever drawn self-reproach, the censures of others, and, backward and forward, as they happen above all, the displeasure of God, which alternately to prevail. In this view it is you must incur, if you retract from such impossible to yield ourselves to God, if at a deep engagement. God doth not wish the same time we yield ourselves to sin to ensnare you into his service. He does in any degree. Perhaps indeed we pronot allure you by flattering prospects of pose to dedicate ourselves to God in genease. He does not conceal from you the eral, and only to spare ourselves the morhardships which you must endure. It is tification of renouncing a few trifling plainly therefore his will, that ye should indulgences. But these indulgences have consider these things, and that before ye unforeseen connections with others that are devote yourselves to him, ye should count not trifling, and these again with more. the cost, and see whether ye are able to Or supposing that they had not, yet the fulfil the engagement. truth certainly is, that when we deliber3dly. In yielding ourselves unto God, ately become unfaithful to our consciences our hearts must be humbled, with serious in any one instance, we lose every firm and deep repentance, for having so long ground on which we can withstand tempgone astray from him and his service. tation in any other instance. We lose We ought to imitate the example of those gradually both the power and inclination penitents mentioned in the 50th chapter to resist evil. God withdraws the good of Jeremiah, (verse 4.) " In those days, aids of his Spirit, we decline from evil to and in that time, saith the Lord, the worse, and our last state becomes worse children of Israel shall come, they and than our first. Such only, therefore, as the children of Judah together, going and yield themselves wholly to God, and acweeping, they shall go and seek the Lord knowledge, after all, that they are but untheir God. They shall ask the way to Zion profitable servants, entitled to acceptance with their faces thitherward, saying, Come only through the merits of a gracious THE TRUE SOVEREIGN OF THE BODY. 337 Redeemer, have cause to hope well. All Consider, in the 2d place, the reasonothers build on the sand, but they on a ableness of this duty. This is the argurock. Their superstructure may be rais- ment of the apostle to the Romans: "I ed to the greatest height, and stands both beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the firim and graceful. God will pardon their mercies of God, that ye present your unavoidable infirmities, and assist their bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable endeavors. They will of course make con- unto God, which is your reasonable sertinual progress, and for every step of that vice." And what can be so reasonable as progress enjoy an increase of peace and joy to consecrate to God that being, those here, and of unfading glory hereafter. faculties, those possessions and enjoyments, 5thly. All this must be done with an which we derive from his bounty. If explicit regard to the Lord Jesus Christ, there is reasonableness in acknowledging through whom alone we have access to the our debts, and in being thankful for our Father: " For there is none other name benefits; if there is reasonableness in subgiven under heaven whereby we can be mitting to be guided by unerring wisdom, saved, but the name of Jesus." Without and to be disposed of by infinite goodthis Mediator, God could have no friend- ness; in a word, if there be any thing ly intercourse with man. The weapons superior in reasonableness to any other of our rebellion must be surrendered into that reason requires, it is this, that we his hands; for it is in him alone that God should yield ourselves to that God who reconciles the world unto himself. It is made us, who preserves and hath redeemby the blood of Jesus that we have bold. ed us, and hath pledged his faithfulness ness to enter into the holiest. We are to conduct all those to happiness who put accepted only in the beloved. The Father their confidence in him. And this leads receives no offering but at the hand of me to the last argument which I shall use this great High Priest. for enforcing this exhortation, which is HAVING thus explained the duty of the advantage with which it will be attendyielding ourselves unto God, and shown ed. At the same time that we yield ourin what way it ought to be performed, selves to God, he gives himself to us in what remains but that I enforce the ex- all the fulness of his grace; for this is the hortation by some motives and arguments. tenor of his well ordered covenant, "I Need I to represent to you the neces- will be your God, and ye shall be my peosity of this duty? Can you withdraw ple." And what an infinite portion is this? yourselves from being the property of God If all the treasures of grace were open to as his creatures? Can you evade the dis- our choice, would it be possible for to pensations of his providence, or snatch pitch on any blessing so rich and compenfrom him those issues of life and death, dious as this, that God would accept of which are uncontrollably in his hands? If us as his property, and provide for us as, so, then you may consult whether you he provides for his own? Surely then we should yield yourselves to him or not? cannot want any good thing. His wisdom But if your present and your eternal can guide us through all the perplexing happiness depends on his favor; if you paths of life; his power can support us cannot secure an interest in his favor in every danger and difficulty; and his otherwise than by complying with this ex- goodness is more than sufficient to bestow hortation; if you must otherwise be left on us all things richly to enjoy. to struggle as you best can, with all the I have only to add, that the exhortation evils of life, and at last be banished his in the text belongs in an especial manner presence for ever, to spend a miserable to you who are as yet in early and vigoreternity with reprobate spirits, what choice ous years. Now your understandings are is left? Can you hesitate a moment to capable of the firmest impressions. Now comply with what you cannot alter, and to your wills are most pliable. Now your surrender yourselves to Him, who will affections are most patient of discipline. either glorify himself in you as vessels of Now your bodies are most useful to your mercy, or as vessels prepared for destruc- minds. Now your minds are most untion? fettered, and your whole man. most sust 22 338 SERMON LVI. ceptible of good impressions, and most which our Saviour, in this passage, encapable of exerting them in action. Lose courageth us to expect. not, therefore, your irrecoverable advan- I BEGIN with opening the nature of tage. Answer now when God calls you true humiliation. This takes its rise from with most affection. Offer yourselves while spiritual discoveries of the evil of sin, as you are most worth the offering. Govern the transgression of a law which is holy, your appetites before the evil day come. just, and good; as an act of outrageous Now you may gird them, and carry them and unprovoked rebellion against the mildwhither you will; but if you neglect this est, as well as the most righteous admiuprecious season, they will hereafter gird istration; as the basest ingratitude to our you, and carry you whither you would not. kindest Benefactor, the Author of our An early virtue is the most worthy and being, and of all that we possess; and esvaluable offering,honored and blessed with pecially as it renders us unlike to him the kindest acceptance of God. But when who is not only the standard but the a man shall look into himself, and find his source of perfection, and consequently infaculties depraved and weakened, stained capable of any friendly correspondence with the pollution, wearied with the ser- with the Father of our spirits, the Founvice, sick with the disappointments, and tain of light, of life, and of joy. darkened with the impostures of sin, how These spiritual discoveries of the evil comfortless a task must he have in prepar- of sin, produce a fixed and solid appreing an offering to God from among such a hension of our own ill deserving because lame and diseased herd. " Remember of it. We see the justice of the sentence therefore now thy Creator in the days of which condemns us, and cannot help acthy youth, ere the evil days come, and the knowledging that we are unworthy of the years draw nigh in which thou shalt say, least of all God's mercies, and liable to I have no pleasure in them." Amden. that tremendous wrath which is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness and ungodliness of men. Hence arise grief and shame, and all that inward distress which necessarily attend the conSERMON LVI. sciousness of guilt, the present sense of forfeited happiness, and the fearful prosPreached on a Day of Humiliation before Celebrat- pect of that unknown misery which awaits ing the Lorads Supper. transgressors in the world to come. To all which must be added, such a deep THE REWARD OF HUMILITY. conviction of our utter inability to do any thing that can be effectual for our own reLUrE XVIII. 19.-" He that humbleth himself covery, as issues in a despair of relief shall be exalted." from every other quarter but the free mercy of God, extended to sinners through As man fell by pride, it is reasonable to Jesus Christ, and the effectual operation conclude that he can only rise again by of his renewing grace. We are not truly humility: and here we are taught that humbled, till we feel ourselves wretched, this is the express ordination and appoint- miserable, poor, blind, and naked, equally ment of God; for thus saith the faithful destitute of righteousness and strength, and true Witness, "Every one that ex- incapable of making any satisfaction for alteth himself shall be abased; and he past offences, and having no power of our that humbleth himself shall be exalted." own to rectify that fatal disorder in our I cannot therefore employ your time to frame, which is the bitter fruit of our better purpose, especially upon such an apostasy from God. occasion as this, than in opening the nature Such was the state of the publican's of true humiliation, and endeavoring to mind, who is presented to our view in the illustrate the necessity and use of it, to foregoing parable, as an approved example prepare our hearts for those enriching for our imitation; whilst the Pharisee, communications both of mercy and grace, who trusted in himself that he was right THE REWARD OF HUMILITY. 339 eons, standing apart from his fellow-wor- tress of sin. Still self is worshipped in a shippers, as one who disdained to hold different form; and, though he sees that it communion with them, boldly addressed cannot possess the throne by violence, yet the Divine Majesty, and, under the spe- he hopes that it may be able to purchase cious form of thanksgiving, poured forth it with a price. Thus the homage that the pride and uncharitableness of his heart. was paid to sinful self, is only transferred The publican, we are told, stood afar off; to righteous self; and now the idol which and, though his face was turned towards was formerly black as hell, being whitethe mercy-seat, yet, conscious of his un- washed, and decked with some forms of worthiness, he would not so much as lift godliness, is permitted to wield the seepup his eyes unto heaven, but smiting upon tre in peace, till either grace or vengeance his breast, as the seat of his disease and wipe off the false coloring, and stripping pain, from whence he despaired of fetching the deceiver of his gorgeous apparel, cast any relief, he as it were flies from himself him down to the ground, and put a final to the God of all grace, and gives vent period to his usurped domination. to his penitent and humble hope, in these Of all the parts of mortification, selffew but emphatical words, "God be merci- denial is by far the most painful and diffiful to me a sinner." But the nature of cult; indeed all the rest are virtually true humiliation will more fully appear contained in it. Were it only riches or from the salutary purposes for which it is honors, or even the fruit of the body for intended, which was the the sin of the soul, a carnal mind, stung Second thing I proposed to illustrate; with remorse, and terrified with the prosand hence likewise we shall discover how pect of impending wrath, might be brought necessary it is, in order to our regaining to part with them; but to part with his that happiness we have forfeited. And, all, with his life, with his self, this indeed I. It is of use to disgrace and mortify is a hard saying, and more than enough carnal self, that usurping idol which sits to make him go away sorrowful. on the throne of God, and reigns in the Now herein appeareth the end and the heart of every natural man. Herein lies necessity of such humiliation as I endeathe essence of man's apostasy. He is vored to describe. This layeth the whole fallen from God to self. Dissatisfied with load upon self, and breaketh the very the rank which God had assigned him, he heart of the old man; it setteth the house attempted to break loose from the Author on fire, in which we both trusted and deof his being, and to seize upon knowledge, lighted, and maketh us not only to see, immortality, and happiness, without any but to feel that it is time for us to abandependence upon the hand that formed don it, lest we be consumed. This then him. This, my brethren, is the original is the first office of humiliation, to hide disease of our nature; in this consisteth pride from our eyes, by showing us that the sinfulness and the misery of man. He we are our own destroyers, and giving us loveth himself supremely, he liveth to such discoveries of our guilt and pollution, himself ultimately: the genuine language that we are made to abhor ourselves in of his heart is, "Who is the Lord, that I dust and in ashes, and to cry out with the should obey him?" publican, God be merciful to us sinners. He begins indeed to alter his tone, when This leads me to mention a conviction, like an armed man, forceth its Second, and more salutary end of huway into his soul; then he feels his de- miliation, which indeed may be called its pendence, and wisheth to be at peace with ultimate end, because the self annihilation that Being whom he finds he is unable to I have been speaking of, derives its chief resist. For this end he will part, at least importance from its tendency to promote for a season, with many of the members it, and that is, true humiliation prepares of the body of sin. Nay, so far as the ex- the soul for the honorable reception of ternal act extends, there are few duties Christ and his grace. perhaps which he will not consent to per- I say, for the honorable reception of form. But, when he is driven from the Christ; it is not meet that he should outworks, he only retires to the chief for- come into an unhunmbled heart; for, though 340 SERMON LVL his errand be to heal us, yet he must have the Lord, a fit habitation for the King of the welcome that is due to a physician. Glory. He comes indeed to save us, but he comes From this account of the nature and at the same time to be honored in our use of humiliation, you may be able to salvation. Though his grace be free, yet judge what measure of it is absolutely he will not expose it to contempt, but necessary. It must at least go so deep as have the fulness and the freedom of it ac- to undermine our pride, and bring us so knowledged and glorified. Faith indeed low, that the blood of Christ, and the faaccepts the gift, but then it must be a vor of God, shall become more precious humble faith that is sensible of its worth; in our esteem, than all the riches, and a thankful faith, that magnifieth the Giver; honors, and pleasures of a present world. and an obedient faith, that will practically At the same time, we must beware of asimprove the mercy bestowed. Christ cribing to our own humiliation any part hath no grace so free as to save those who of the office of Christ, or of the honor that neither feel their need of it, nor know its is due to him. We must not think that worth. Christ's benefits are not applied we can recommend ourselves to the favor in the same way they were purchased. of God by the worth of our sorrows, When he came to ransom us, he consented though we should weep even tears of to be a sufferer; for then he bore our blood. It is not true humiliation, if it griefs, and carried our sorrows; the chas- lead us not wholly beyond ourselves, to tisement of our peace was laid upon him, seek pardon and life from Christ alone; as the substitute and surety of guilty and, therefore, it would be a plain conman; but when he comes, by his saving tradiction, if humiliation should assume grace, into the soul, he will not then be the place of satisfaction and merit, or be entertained with contempt. He came in in any degree relied upon instead of the the flesh on purpose to be humbled; but Saviour, or so much as associated with when he comes in the spirit, it is that he him in procuring our salvation. may be exalted. On the cross he was re- Hence likewise we learn, that humiliaputed a sinner, and bore the punishment tion becomes excessive, and counteracts that was due to sin; but, in the soul, he its chief end, when it confines our attenis the conqueror of sin, and comes to take tion so entirely to our own unworthiness, possession of his own, and therefore must as to darken our views of gospel grace, be treated according to his dignity. It and prevent or obstruct our application to was the hour and power of darkness while Christ. But as few, comparatively speakhe suffered; but, when he enters into the ing, err upon this side, I shall rather take heart by his quickening Spirit, that is the occasion, from what has been said, to hour of triumph, and the prevailing power point out some of the symptoms of the of heavenly light; and, therefore, though opposite extreme, and then call upon those in the flesh he submitted to contempt and whose humiliation, upon trial, shall apreproach, yet he will not endure to be pear to be defective, to beg of God the slighted in the soul. No; there he must blessing of a broken and contrite heart, be enthroned in our most reverend esteem, which is the professed design of our asand crowned with our highest gratitude sembling together this day. and love. The cross must there be the 1st, then, They may certainly conclude portion of his enemies. The crown and that they are not sufficiently humbled, sceptrewhich he purchased must be yield- who suffer their hearts to be lifted up ed to him; and every thought must be with their duties or attainments, and are captivated to the obedience of his will. not suitably affected with those imperfecThis is the end of humiliation, to em- tions and blemishes which necessarily ploy the soul for the fuller entertainment cleave to their best performances. The of the Lord that bought it; to prepare true Christian grows downward in humilthe way before him; to whip the buyers ity, in the same proportion that he abounds and sellers out of the living temples of our in the fruits of righteousness. The nearer hearts, that they may become holiness to he approaches to a holy God, the more THE REWARD OF HUMILITY. 341 clearly he discovers his own guilt and pol- to yourselves, that you need a sharper rod lution. Thus holy Nehemiah, after he than you have ever yet felt, that you may had been recounting, to the praise of di- be effectually taught to know your true vine grace, the many eminent services he home, and to take greater pleasure in the had been enabled to do for the church, fellowship of your Father and brethren, addresses to God this humble prayer, " 0 than in strangers and enemies to God and spare me, according to the greatness of your own souls. Once more, in the thy mercy!" 5th place, When, instead of feeding 2d. When you are apt to murmur and upon ordinances, and receiving them thankrepine, because your duties are not accom- fully, you rather pick quarrels with them, panied with a present reward; when you and those that dispense them; when you are ready to say, in the language of the cannot bear to have your faults laid open, Jews of old, " Wherefore have we fasted but hate and revile the faithful reprover; and prayed, and thou regardest not; " when you grow censorious and uncharithis is another symptom that secretly you table, like the Pharisee in the context, entertain an opinion of some worthiness in treating others with contempt, aggravating yourselves; for, where nothing is due, their failings, and extenuating their graces; there can be no right to complain when especially when men begin to grow wanton the favor is either delayed or refused. in matters of religion, itching after novel3d. When you begin to think that any ties, and affecting singularity; when they of Christ's sayings are hard, and to wish think themselves fitter to teach than to that his laws were less strict and exten- learn, and that the church is not pure or sive, and are hesitating whether you good enough for their company: all this should yield to them or not; when you cries aloud for farther humiliation. And, are unwilling to take up his cross, and to when it shall please God to lead them into forsake all for the hopes of glory, but are the chambers of imagery, and expose the set upon a thriving course in the world, hidden contents of them to their view, he and suffer your hearts to be overcharged will make them to stoop to the very perwith the cares of this life, and are cum- sons whom once they slighted, and to judge bered about many things through your themselves unworthy of the communion own choice, this shows that you are not of those whom they formerly despised as yet sufficiently humbled, otherwise you unworthy of theirs. would not stand thus trifling with Christ; These are a few marks by which I and, if God have mercy upon you, he will would have you to try yourselves; and, bring you down, abase your earthly appe- if you find that any of them are partly aptite, teach you to know that one thing is plicable to you, or, if by any other means needful, and constrain you to choose the you can discover that pride and self-exalbetter part. tation still retain too much power in your 4th. When you grow heartless and dull hearts, let me now beseech you to cry in the service of God, and relish no sweet- earnestly to God for that humble and conness in the exercises of religion; when trite spirit which he expressly requires, you begin to be indifferent about commu- and hath graciously promised to accept. nion with God, and have little anxiety to Grief, I know, is an unwelcome guest to know whether your services be accepted; nature; but grace can see reason to bid it when you can pray without looking after welcome, as a necessary consequence of your prayers, and attend upon ordinances our past sins, and an essential preparative almost merely from custom, or to keep con- for our future recovery. science quiet, without a real concern to You will submit to the severest regimen, find God in them, or to receive benefit and take the most loathsome potions, for from them; especially if you are so far the health of your bodies; and should you indifferent about the spiritual consolation not submit to the bitterest sorrows, and of the saints, that vain company, or amus- the keenest rebukes, for the saving of your ing diversions, can make up for the want souls? It is true, as I formerly observed, of them, and keep your minds easy and that your deepest humiliation merits nosatisfied without them; it must be obvious thing, and can make no amends to God for 342 SERMON LVIL your sins; neither is it for any want of Christ and all his benefits be to you while sufficiency in the blood of Christ that it you live. One taste of his healing love is required: but it is part of the fruit of will make you bless those medicinal sorhis blood upon your souls; for if his blood rows that prepared for it. Christ is not do not melt and break your hearts, you equally esteemed by all whom he will have no part in him. save; and would you not rather be yet Consider whence you are coming. Is more emptied of yourselves now, that it not from a state of enmity against God? hereafter you may be fuller of Christ and and is it decent, is it ingenuous, to leave his grace? for our Saviour here assures us such a state, without lamenting that you in the text, that a thorough humiliation is staid in it so long? a certain forerunner of future exaltation. Consider what sorrows they be which "Every one that humbleth himself shall these sorrows are intended to prevent, and be exalted." When men propose to build what those are now suffering in hell; who high, they dig deeper for the foundation. felt not this godly sorrow upon earth. Paul was laid exceeding low at his converYours have hope, but theirs are sharpened sion, that he might be better fitted for the with despair; yours are medicinal, but important services to which he had aftertheirs are tormenting; yours are of short wards the honor to be called. duration, but theirs are eternal. Grudge Let these considerations reconcile you not then at the opening of a vein, when to the humbling work of the Spirit of God. so many shall bleed at the heart for ever. And if any thing you have heard hath Besides, who was it that brought you to touched your hearts, seek not relief among the necessity of this sorrow? Who was foolish companions, but retire to your cloit that sinned, and laid in the fuel of after sets, and on your bended knees beseech remorse? God did not do this. All the the Lord to perfect the good work he hath pain you can feel, is of your own prepara- begun; and He who comforteth those that tion. God only undoes what you have are cast down, will not leave you in the been doing. Red Sea, but carry you safely through to Consider farther, that you have a wise the farther side, and put the Song of and tender-hearted physician, who perfect- Moses and of the Lamb into your mouths, ly knows what sorrow and grief are; for " giving you beauty for ashes, the oil of he himself was a man of sorrows, and ac- joy for mourning, and the garments of quainted with griefs, and is therefore dis- praise for the spirit of heaviness." Amen. posed to pity them that are in sorrow. He delighteth not in your trouble, but in your cure and after consolation, and therefore you may be assured that he will deal gently with you, and put no more bitterness SERMON LVII. into the cup than is necessary for your recovery. He was sent to heal the broken- Preached after the Celebration of the hearted, and he invites the laboring and Lord's Supper. heavy laden to come to him for rest. When he hath wounded you, he will bind DAVID'S CHOICE AND DELIGHT. up your wounds as tenderly as you can desire. He hath not, indeed, that blind fond- PSALM cxix. 173, 174, 175.-"Let thine hand ness for you which you have for yourselves. help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. I He will not be so cruelly merciful as to he longed for thy salvation, and thy law is my delight. Letmy soul live, and save you from that sorrow which is neces-it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments sary to save your souls from perdition; help me." but at the same time, he will not suffer you to taste one drop of vinegar and gall, THESE words were immediately addressed nor to shed one tear, but what tends to to God, most High, whose workmanship your future comfort and joy. we all are, even to him that quickeneth Remember that the more you are hum- the dead, and calleth those things that be bled after a godly sort, the sweeter will not as though they were. Here David DAVID'S CHOICE AND DELIGHT. 343 appeals to the Searcher of hearts, and lays ties that result from that relation; and before him not the product of his own la- therefore the choosing the law or precepts bor and skill, as though he possessed some- of God, for regulating the heart and life, thing whereof he might glory before God, is, of all others, the most discriminating but what he gratefully acknowledges to be character of a true child of God; for there the doing of the Lord; a heart in some can be no doubt, that one who sincerely measure renewed after his image, and pant- devotes himself to the service of God, will ilg after a nearer and still more perfect most sincerely and ardently wish to be resemblance. happy in the possession of the promised I shall therefore consider this account, inheritance. which, in the form of a solemn address to Let us next attend to the object of the God, the Psalmist here gives of his own godly man's desire. "I have longed," temper and conduct, as an approved model said David, " for thy salvation;" a preor pattern for our imitation. What this sent salvation from the guilt and power holy man was, that ought we to be; and of sin; and future salvation, in the full such we shall certainly endeavor to be, if and everlasting enjoyment of God in heawe aspire to the character whereby David yen. David was already possessed of the was distinguished by the Supreme Judge first of these; for he spake from his own himself, when he dignified him with the experience, when he said, " blessed is the most honorable of all appellations, even man whose transgression is forgiven, whose that of the man after his own heart. sin is covered, unto whom the Lord imThe passage contains, puteth not iniquity, and in whose spirit I. The distinguishing character. And, there is no guile." He had the happiness II. The leading requests of a truly to be a partaker, both of pardoning mercy godly man. and of sanctifying grace; yet still he Each of these I shall briefly illustrate longed for more of this salvation, that is, and improve; the one for the present for a more assured faith of pardoning trial, and the other for the future direc- mercy, and larger measures of sanctifying tion, of those who have this day made a grace. It is a just observation, with republic profession of their faith in Christ, spect to earthly things, that NATURE is over the sacred symbols of his broken contented with a little, and GRACE with body and shed blood, in the holy sacrament less. But it is quite the reverse as to of his supper. spiritual things. Here grace is not conI BEGIN with the distinguishing charac- tented with a little; on the contrary, it is ter of a truly godly man: and you will insatiable; the more it hath received, the observe the following particulars distinct- more it desires to receive. Enjoyment, ly marked, viz. The matter of his choice instead of surfeiting, sharpens the appe-The object of his desires-and, The tite. Nay, so sweet is their relish, that source of his joy. every renewed taste of it abates and The godly man's choice-is the precepts quenches the thirst for other things. of God. David had said, (verse 3.) That " There be many that say, who will show he had chosen the testimonies of God for us any good? " This is the voice of the his heritage; by which he probably meant mere child of Adam. But what saith the the promises of that everlasting covenant, new man in Christ? " One thing have I ordered in all things and sure, to which he desired of the Lord, and that will I seek afterwards resorted in the immediate pros- after.-As the hart panteth for the brooks pect of death, as all his salvation, and all of water, so panteth my soul after thee, his desire. These promises areindeed ex- O God.-Whom have I in heaven but ceeding great and precious, suited to all thee? and there is none upon earth that I the necessities of the saints, and extending desire besides thee." to every blessing that can be denoted by This leads us forward to the source of these two significant and most comprehen- the godly man's joy. " Thy law," saith sive words, GRACE and GLORY. But one David, " is my delight." Here he chooses may choose, or rather covet, the heritage the term law for denoting the whole reveof a child, who hath an aversion to the du- lation of God's will, to remind us of the 344 SERMON LVII. inseparable connection between privilege salvation of an inward growing light, and and duty, faith and obedience, holiness love, and purity; as well as the future and comfort; and to teach us, that we salvation of deliverance from the fire that ought to be thankful to God for the di- is not quenched, and the enjoyment of rection he hath given us in the road to those positivepleasures which are at God's heaven, no less than for the promises by right hand for evermore. which we are assured of the possession of Do you know what it is to hunger and it. But what I would chiefly observe is, thirst after righteousness? " They that that the joy of a saint is not extracted are after the flesh do mind the things of from such base and perishing materials as the flesh, but they that are after the spirit corn, and wine, and oil; it flows sponta- do mind the things of the spirit.-If you neously from the fountain of living water, be risen with Christ, you will seek the from the pure source of that word of things that are above." You will never God, which liveth and abideth for ever. think you have alreadc attained, either Nay, so little is it dependent upon, or are already perfect; but forgetting the even connected with, any thing that be- things that are behind, and reaching forth longs to the present world, that " although to those things which are before, you will the fig-tree should not blossom, neither press towards the mark for the prize of should fruit be in the vine; the labor of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. the olive should fail, and the fields should Once more, from whence do you derive yield no meat; the flock should be cut off your comfort and joy; from the wells of from the fold, and there should be no herd salvation, that issue forth from beneath in the stall; " yet still the saint can re- the throne of God and the Lamb, or from joice in the Lord, and joy in the God of the polluted streams that spring out of his salvation. Nay, when the heaven shall this footstool upon which we tread? be shrivelled up like a scrawl when it is By this unerring touchstone of God's rolled together, and every mountain and word let us examine and prove ourselves; island shall be moved out of their places; and if the Spirit bears witness with our he can look at the universal desolation, spirits, that these lineaments of the new and say, when these materials are con- creature, though too much blended and sumed, I shall have lost nothing. "All marred with the features of the old man, things are mine, for I am Christ's, and are nevertheless legible on the fleshy Christ is God's.-God lives, blessed be tables of our hearts, let us give glory to my rock-The Lord is the portion of my God, who hath thus far formed us for inheritance," and in him I possess and himself, and trust, that he who hath begun enjoy all things. a good work in us will carry it on till it These three particulars, respecting the be perfected in the heavenly glory. And matter of the godly man's choice, the ob- let the many blemishes we must unavoidject of his desire, and the source of his ably discover, while they humble us in joy, may help us to form a just estimate the presence of a holy God, urge us forof ourselves; and this is the improve- ward, at the same time, to a throne of ment I would have you to make of this grace, that we may obtain mercy for the branch of the subject. pardon of past offences, and find grace to How are your hearts affected towards help us in every future time of need. the precepts of God's word? an outward HAVING thus endeavored to illustrate, reluctant obedience there may be, com- and to improve, for self-examination, the pelled by the slavish fear of wrath: but distinguishing character of the godly man, do you serve God from choice, with a free as it lies before us in this passage, let us and liberal mind? Doth the Lord Jesus now attend, for our direction, to his leadappear as amiable with the crown upon ing requests. his head, and the sceptre in his hand, as 1st. He prays for strengthening and when clad with his garments rolled in upholding grace, " Let thine hand help blood? me." Is salvation, in all its extent, the chief Dependence upon the Creator belongs object of your desire? even the present to the essence of every creature. None DAVID'S CHOICE AND DELIGHT. 345 of them subsist by themselves, neither do flesh, dwelleth no good thing:" in another they possess any thing that they can claim place, setting his foot upon the neck of as their property. The highest seraph his enemies, utters the shout of victory that ministers before the throne, must in those triumphant words, " I can do all adopt the language of the apostle Paul, things through Christ which strengthenand say as he did, " By the grace of God, eth me." Let us go and do likewise. To I am what I am." We read of " angels the prayer for upholding grace, David who kept not their first estate, but left adds, their own habitation, being reserved in 2dly, A desire for quickening grace; everlasting chains under darkness, unto for this I take to be the true import of the judgment of the great day." Adam, the request, " Let my soul live." Somecreated after the image of God, and fur- times, indeed, we find him praying for the nished with every advantage suited to his life of the body, as when he says, " O rank, seduced by an apostate spirit, for- spare me that I may recover strength, befeited at once both his innocence and hap- fore I go hence and be no more:" But piness, in consequence whereof all his pos- here the expression is too strong to be terity come into the world involved in the limited to a sense comparatively so low. forfeiture he incurred, equally destitute Life, or conscious exercise, though a of righteousness and strength, according valuable gift in itself, is a gift we possess to that saying of the apostle Paul, (Ro- in common with the worst of our own mans v. 6.) "When we were without kind, and with the meanest and most noxstrength, in due time Christ died for the ious of the inferior creatures. Nay, devils ungodly." And though this weakness is partake of it in a higher degree than man. in part removed by the renewing influences Besides, the life of man, since the aposof the Spirit of God, yet there will al- tasy, is become short and precarious; and ways be need for that caution, " Be not though it holds true in general, that "skin high minded, but fear." Who can say, for skin, all that a man hath will he give " My mountain standeth strong, I shall for his life:" yet the bitterness of afflicnever be moved?" The most eminent tion hath caused many to grow weary of saints have not only failed, but failed in it, insomuch that their souls have chosen those very graces for which they were strangling and death rather than life. But most eminent, and that too by means of in all these respects, the life of the soul temptations far inferior to others which is entirely the reverse. It is not a privithey were enabled to resist. The faith of lege common to all, but the gift of special Abraham: the patience of Job, the meek- distinguishing love. It was purchased for ness of Moses, and the courage of Peter, condemned sinners by the blood of were all found unequal to the conflict, Christ; and is produced in dead sinners when left alone in the hour of trial. These by his renewing Spirit. So far is it from examples are recorded for our admoni- being short and precarious, that its duration; and on each of them we may read tion is eternal. It is a "life hid with the solemn warning, " Let him that think- Christ in God; and because he lives, all eth he standeth take heed lest he fall." who believe in him shall live also." The Remember who it was that said, " With- longer it is enjoyed also, the more it is out me ye can do nothing. As the esteemed. Who was ever heard to say branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except of spiritual life, " I loathe it-I would not it abide in the vine, no more can ye, ex- live always? " Nay, it is the life of the cept ye abide in me." Blessed be God soul alone that gives a relish to the life for the assurance we have that help is laid of the body, and enables the believer, for us upon one that is mighty; upon under the heaviest pressure of affliction, him let us lean in our journey through the either to possess it with thankfulness, or wilderness; to his hand let us look for to resign it with joy. the help we need, and he will make his This was the life for which David praygrace sufficient for us. Animated by this ed; a confirmed sense of pardoning mercy, hope, the same apostle who said in one larger measures of sanctifying grace, complace, " I know that in me, that is, in my munion with his God in a present world, 346 SERMON LVIII. and the full and everlasting enjoyment of wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness him in heaven. The life for which he and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearprays, is no other than the salvation for ing one another in love. Adding to your which he longed. He had tasted of its faith, virtue; andto virtue, knowledge; and sweetness, and he thirsted for more. " Let to knowledge. temperance; and to tempermy soul live," saith he; to which he sub- ance, patience; and to patience, godliness; joins, "and it shall praise thee." From and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and which words we learn, for our farther di- to brotherly kindness, charity: "-aboundrection, ing in all those fruits of righteousness, 3dly, The ultimate end for which Da- which are through Jesus Christ, to the vid was so earnest in his requests for help praise and glory of God; shining as lights and life, and the improvement he proposed in the midst of a perverse and a crooked to make of both. There were no doubt generation; holding forth the word of life. blessings that would greatly contribute to After this manner improve the help and his own honor and comfort; but every life you have received, in your attendprivate and personal interest was in him ance upon this precious means of grace. subordinated to the glory of God. He " Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever prayed for upholding and quickening things are honest, whatsoever things are grace, that he might be better qualified just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsofor the service of his God, to whom he ever things are lovely, whatsoever things are had devoted himself and his all. Thus of good report; if there be any virtue, and he prays, (Psal. li.) "Restore unto me the if there be any praise, think on these joy of thy salvation, and uphold me by things." And "let your light so shine thy free Spirit; then will I teach trans- before men, that they may see your good gressors thy way, and sinners shall be works, and glorify your Father which is converted unto thee. Lord, open thou in heaven." Amen. my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise." And the principal reason for which he was desirous to obtain divine consolation, appears from the use he intended to make of it, (verse 32 of this SERMON LVIII. Psalm) "I will run the way of thy commandments. when thou shalt enlarge my Preached at the Celebration of the Lord's Supper. heart. " I shall therefore make this my conclud- CHRIST'S PRAYER ForP IHIS PEOPLE. ing exhortation to you.-By your solemn profession at the table of the Lord, you JOHN xvI. 26, 27.-"At that day ye shall ask in have publicly acknowledged that you are my name: And I say not unto you, that I not your own, but bought with a price; in will pray the Father for you; for the Father coseuence whereof, you are strictl himself loveth you, because ye have loved y me, and have believed that I canme out from obliged to live not unto yourselves, but GOD." to him that bought you; to glorify your Redeemer, both with your bodies and THESE words spake Jesus, to support the spirits, which are his. He says concern- drooping spirits of his disciples. We are ing you,' T-his people have I formed for told in the 6th verse, " that sorrow had myself, to show forth my praise." He filled their hearts." Although they did calls the world to take knowledge of you, not fully understand the intimations he had as the persons by whom he expects to be given them of his approaching sufferings honored. " Ye are a chosen generation, and death, although their warm affection a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a pecu- for him made them slow to believe an liar people; that ye should show forth the event so contrary to their expectations praises of him who hath called you out of and desires; yet the manner in which he darkness into his marvellous light. I had been speaking to them for some time beseech you therefore by the mercies of past, and the unusual tenderness which God, that ye walk worthy of the vocation had of late appeared in his discourses to CHRIST'S PRAYER FOR HIS PEOPLE. 347 them, left them no room to doubt, that undertaking for the redemption of the some sore and heavy trial was at hand. world, and my sufferings and obedience Jesus perceiving their grief, begins to tell are so meritorious and acceptable in his them more plainly of his departure from sight, that even though I were to conceal them; but at the same time gives them from you that I am to be your constant such good reasons for it, as could not fail intercessor and advocate in heaven, all of to quiet their minds, and to convince them you who love me and believe in me, have that his leaving them, instead of being a abundant reason to expect a favorable disaster, was every way necessary for hearing from the Father himself: "for their best interests and happiness. "' It is the Father himself loveth you, because ye expedient for you," says he, in the 7th have loved me, and have believed that I verse, "that I go away; for if I go not came out from God." And if the Father away, the Comforter will not come unto is already so much disposed to hear our you; but if I depart, I will send him unto prayers, how great must their encourageyou."' As if he had said, " The work ment be, and how strong thzeir' consogiven me to do is not yet finished: I lation, who know besides that their Remust yet suffer more before I can reign; deemer liveth to enforce their requests; but after my exaltation, to which my that he maketh intercession for them, acdeath is a previous and necessary step, I cording to the will of God; that his mewill send forth the Comforter, who shall diation must be always effectual; and fully supply my place, and make up to that him the Father heareth always. you for my bodily absence. What though These are joyful tidings indeed, and must you shall no more hear instruction from make a strong impression on every one these lips, you shall have a teacher within whose conscience testifies that he loves you, even the Spirit of truth, who shall the Redeemer, and believes that he came guide you into all truth. Whilst I am out from God. The Father is fully reyet with you, you have indeed ready ac- conciled to him, the Son constantly prays cess to me, for counsel and direction, in for him at the throne of heaven; and every case of hazard and perplexity and what may he not then expect from the perhaps you fear that when I am taken fulness of him who filleth all in all? But from you, you shall want a friend to apply that we may have a more complete view to; but know and rejoice, that I go to my of the comfort which this text presents to Father who is greater than I, to him you us, I shall separately consider shall have free access for my sake; and I. The love of the Father. whatever ye shall ask in my name, he II. The intercession of the Son. shall give it unto you. If I have be- III. The security which believers defriended you so much in my present hum- rive from them both, as inseparably united ble condition, what may you not expect together. from me, when I am exalted at my Fa- I. then, Let us take a view of the love ther's right hand." of God separately from the intercession It is this last ground of comfort which of our blessed Redeemer. And, for our our Saviour enlarges upon in the verses better conceiving of this, let us consider now under consideration; and the design that remarkable declaration which we of them is, to confirm his disciples in the have, (John iii. 16, 17.) "God so loved belief of this, that whatever suitable the world, that he gave his only begotten prayer they shall offer up to the Father Son, that whosoever believeth in him in his name, they may assuredly expect a should not perish, but have everlasting gracious answer. The argument he uses life; for God sent not his Son into the for this purpose is very conclusive, and is world to condemn the world, but that the no where else in Scripture, that I know world through him might be saved." It of, expressed with the same degree of was the Father who laid the plan of our energy and force. " I say not unto you, redemption. It was he who sent his Son that I will pray the Father for you, for into the world, not in anger, but in love, the Father himself loveth you." That is, that his poor lost creatures might be reMy Father is so fully satisfied with my covered and saved from that dreadful gulf 348 SERMON LVIIL of misery into which they had plunged were less certainly revealed to us than themselves. Many look upon the Father it is. Let us now, in the as an austere and rigid Being, who has no II. place, Take under our consideracompassion, who delights in punishing, tion the intercession of Christ, than which and even suffers a sort of violence in ad- there is nothing more clearly held forth to ieitting Christ to be surety for sinners. us in sacred Scripture. He himself says But it appears from the fore-cited passage, to his disciples, in the 16th verse of the that this is by no means the light in which 14th chapter of this gospel, " Y will pray the Scriptures represent him to us. No; the Father, and he shall give you another goodness and mercy are the attributes in Comforter." This is a special part of his which he glories. " God is love," saith office, as our great High Priest, to interthe apostle. He is not only represented cede for his people; and his saving ability as accepting the offer when made by the is particularly concluded from this, " that Redeemer, but as being the first mover he ever liveth to make intercession for and spring. How does he rejoice that he us." Heb. vii. 25. Indeed, we have has found out a ransom! what special de- both an example and proof of his interceslight does he express towards the Son, sion in the chapter following, which is when employed in this favored under- wholly employed in prayers for his peotaking! "This," says he, by an audi- ple. Let us now make the supposition ble voice, "is my beloved Son, in whom that the Father's love was more doubtful; I am well pleased." He sent forth his yea, that there were even some ground to angels from heaven to proclaim the news suspect that his affection was quite alienof good will to men, to minister to the ated from the children of men, yet, untempted Saviour, to strengthen him under less we were to suppose that he had likehis agony in the garden, and at last to wise thrown aside all regard to his only conduct him in triumph to his own right begotten Son, we have still ground enough hand. All these are unquestionable to conclude, that for HIS sake he will beproofs of the Father's love. And if God stow whatever he asks upon those who so l6ved mankind whilst they were enemies, love him and believe on him. When he how much more must he love them when presents that body in which he suffered so they become friends, when they comply much-when he pleads the merit and sufwith the terms which he has graciously ficiency of that sacrifice which he offered established for their recovery, by loving up-when he urges the memory of the and believing in him whom he hath sent? shame, the pain, and the cursed death he With what delight and complacency must underwent to satisfy the justice of God, he look upon them? He views us now as and to magnify his law, how prevalent ransomed by the blood of his own equal. must his suit be! Can the Father turn a He looks upon us in the face of his deaf ear to his beloved Son, whilst he enAnointed; and whilst he does so, how forces his plea with such powerful reasonwarm and affectionate must his regard be! ings? Can he behold the prints of that And O what comfort arises to us from bloody punishment which himself inflicted this! If our hearts do not condemn us, upon him, and be insensible of their merit? what confidence must we have towards Now that the most rigorous demands of such a God! When the sight of our dis- stern justice are answered, will not mercy tress, worthless and wicked as we were, be awakened at the entreaty of such a moved him to find a Redeemer, will he suitor? It were absurd to think so. No; now reject us when we cry to him, and the Father's love to our Redeemer, nay, plead the merit of his own gift? No: impartial justice itself, secures the suc"He that spared not his own Son, but cess of the Saviour's intercession, though gave him up to the death for us all, will God were more averse to a reconciliation certainly with him likewise freely give us than the most gloomy self-tormenting mind all things." Thus the love of God, con- can conceive. sidered singly by itself, gives us the We have a famous story recorded of greatest ground of expectation from him, two brothers at Athens, which as it serves even though the intercession of Christ to illustrate what I have been saying, I CHRIST'S PRAYER FOR HIS PEOPLE. 349 shall briefly relate it to you.-One of to you, in a few particulars, the natural them, for some high misdemeanor, was use and improvement of this comfortable condemned to lose his life, and was going subject. to be led to execution, when his brother, AND now, my dear brethren, upon the who had lost his hand in the defence of review of all that has been said, is not his country, and had been a great mean this the secret language of your hearts:of gaining a victory which was of the last These indeed are blessed news, but what importance to the state, came suddenly interest have I in them? Does the cominto the court; and without saying a fort of them belong to me in particular or word, but barely holding up his mutilated not? This is as it should be. In so far arm, so prevailed with the judges by this you are on the road to the best and most remembrance of what he had formerly necessary improvement that I can suggest done, that they instantly discharged the to you. The Scriptures will inform you, delinquent brother, though he had forfeit- that this is the children's bread, in which ed his life. Thus far does the interces- the dogs can pretend no share. You see sion of man prevail with men; and shall it is not a common privilege. It is pecunot the constant presentation of the Lamb liar to those who love the Redeemer, that was slain, for so our Saviour's ap- " and believe that he is come out from pearance in heaven is described in the God." This is the test. book of Revelation, shall not this be as Here then is the great and important operative and powerful with the loving question, which in the name of the living Father? The Redeemer thus pleads, God, the Searcher of hearts, I put to " Behold me, O my Father, behold me in every soul who now hears me. Is it your a form thus different from that in which character, or is it not? I do not ask you I originally was! Behold me now dwell- if you believe the existence of a God, or ing in human flesh, which I have assum- even the truth of the Christian religion. ed; and how it was treated for the atone- This is a faith which may go down with ment of thy justice, and the salvation of you to hell, where the devils themselves these my people; and now, let not all my believe and tremble. sufferings be in vain, but for my sake re- Neither do I ask you, if you have felt ceive them into thy favor, and bestow some passing motions of love to Christ, upon them those blessings which have some faint desires after an interest in him. cost me so much." Can any consider the There is a desire of the slothful, says force of this intercession, and yet doubt Solomon, that kills him, while it only of its success? Let us, in the serves to increase his present uneasiness, III. place, join both these together, and his after punishment. But do you viz. The assured love of the Father; and really know Christ, and love him in sin-The constant prevailing intercession of cerity? Do you cordially approve of the the Son. And 0, howgreatis the amount! methods of his saving grace? Do you Either of them singly give us good ground know what it is to lay down your guilty to hope; but when the two are united. souls, as under the effusion of his blood, how certain, how infallible is our assur- and the covert of his righteousness? Do ance? When the advocate's plea is just you know what it is to strip yourselves of and fairly urged, when the Judge is suffi- pride and self-confidence in his sight, that ciently qualified, and perfectly well dis- your nakedness may be clothed with his posed, how safe is the client, how secure most perfect righteousness? Do you know of success! If God himself loves you, and what it is to bow to his sceptre, as his the Redeemer never leaVes importuning obedient subjects; to take the law of your him for you, how is it possible that your direction from his mouth, and to rejoice prayers should be rejected, or any of your that you have such a governor or instrucinterests miscarry? It is needless to in- tor? And do you feel the necessity of a sist any longer in the proof of this; the constant application to him as your great conclusion is so strong and evident, that Head, on whose influences you live, and you must all of you have made it before I by whose Spirit you must be perpetually could speak it. I shall therefore suggest aided to all the purposes of a divine life? 350 SERMON LVIIL Can you say to him, as Peter did, " Thou, vince us, that comparatively there are few, Lord, who knowest all things, knowest that very few, that shall be saved! O how so, I love thee?" Does this faith and love licitous should every one of us be to know govern your practice, and appear in the whether we be of that happy number! and fruits of holy and virtuous conversation? how utterly inexcusable are they who Have you, by these, been kept only from neglect it. Well then, let the time past the grosser habits of falsehood, drunken- suffice. Speedily set about the most seriness, swearing, uncleanness. and other ous examination. Never be at rest till rank sins? but is the very inclination to you have come to a just sentence on your them mortified, and can you say that it is case. The discovery will repay all the your principal aim and study to maintain time and pains you can bestow upon it. consciences void of offence both towards 2dly. As for you who are past doubtGod and man? Do you know what it is to ing in this matter, whose full-blown sins pray in the name of Christ; not barely to testify to your foreheads, that you cannot pronounce the words, as many do a spell, lay the most distant claim to the character as if God were to be charmed by a sound; in the text; who neither love the Rebut with a humble sense of your own un- deemer, nor believe to any saving purpose worthiness, a firm persuasion of his infi- that he came out from God, how deploranite merit, and a hopeful expectation of ble is your present case! What! cannot being graciously heard for his sake? self-love conceal your condition from you? These are the marks by which each of Has it no covering to throw over you, no you may be known to himself. lurking-place to hide you in? O then beAnd now that I have held up the mir- think you, how open you must be to that ror, I suppose I may warrantably class God, whose eyes are as a flame of fire, this whole audience into three different penetrating into the innermost foldings of sorts of people. the most deceitful heart, and marking him 1st. Those who are yet doubtful of for a hypocrite who calls, yea thinks himtheir state, and know not what judgment self just? How does this discovery affect to pass. your souls? Canst thou dwell with de2d. Those who are sensible that the vouring flames? Canst thou lie down in marks that I have given do not at all agree everlasting burnings? Canst thou bear to them. And, the heavy hand of Omnipotence upon thee 3d. Those with whose spirits the Holy without shrinking? or, if thou canst not, Spirit doth witness, that in truth they say, hast thou the most distant hope that love the Redeemer, and believe that he possibly thou mayest be saved, notwithcame out from God. And this directs me standing thy unbelief and wickedness? to a threefold address. The issue of this matter is very short, and Ist. As for you who are yet uncertain requires no great degree of penetration to about your state, who have not accustom- perceive. If the gospel be not true, thou ed yourselves to this strict reckoning, and canst have no ground for any hope at all. therefore know not what judgment to And if it be true, thou art utterly cut off form of yourselves, What have you been from all the hope of it, so long as thou doing? How can you answer this neglect.? continuest in thy present state. The Ah! shame upon you, to delay an inquiry Saviour, the almighty Saviour himself upon which all the comfort and safety of cannot save thee. He cannot overturn the your souls does depend. How inexcusa- whole tenor of the gospel, and make himble is this? If the Scriptures had told us self the minister of sin. that it was only some few that should And are thy unavailing hopes cut off2 miss salvation; yea, if it had been said, What course wilt thou then betake thythat it was only one of ten thousand that self to next? Even while I speak, thou was in danger of hell-fire, yet methinks art on the brink of destruction, the wrath the hazard is so dreadful, that each of us of God abideth on thee. Behold a black should be crying out, " Lord, is it I? " storm of vengeance is gathering around But when the Spirit of God tells us, that thee, and thou art excluded from the only the common course of the world must con- ark in which thou canst escape. And CHRIST'S PRAYER FOR HIS PEOPLE. 351 what excludes thee? Hear, and blush, 0 loveth thee, and makes thee welcome to sinner, even thine own obstinate folly. use the prevailing name of his once sufferNothing else can; all the devils in hell ing but now exalted Son. In all thy dificannot shut thee out unless thou wilt; culties come freely to him. " Be careful and from heaven thou canst meet with no for nothing, but in every thing, by prayer hindrance, where all is love and goodness; and supplication, with thanksgiving, make so that, if thou dost perish, it must be by thy requests known to God." The Rethine own merciless hands. And wilt deemer, too, enforces thy requests, and thou be thine own murderer? Wilt thou is more mindful of thee than thou canst destroy an immortal soul? Desperate be of thyself. He sympathizes with thee madness! O stop in time, and yet re- in all thy infirmities and distresses; and pent and believe, and all that is past shall when thou canst not uttter thy desires, be forgiven thee. This is the voice of the yet he understands the groanings of his gospel. These are the tidings which I am own Spirit within thee. He forms thy pewarranted to deliver. The much injured titions, and urges them with all their Saviour himself shall pray for thee-and force; yea, thy very need has a language he has been praying for thee. For had he which he can interpret. He foresees the not, from year to year, procured saving trials that are coming upon thee, when mercy by his intercession, thou hadst been thou dost not. Thus, whilst Peter was long ere now cut down as a cumberer of glorying in his strength, his Saviour, knowthe ground. 0 then, let this melt down ing his weakness, and the malice of Satan, thy heart to an ingenuous sorrow for what was praying for him that his faith might is past, and sincere resolutions of amend- not fail. The like provident tenderness ment for the future. Throw thyself at will he show to thee. the feet of this compassionate Saviour; Even now, O believers, he is pleading commit thy cause to this prevailing High- on your behalf, whilst the Father. listens Priest. None ever perished that did so. with delight and approbation. He kindly Neither shalt thou, unless almighty power accepts of this testimony of your love, in be weakened, or infinite compassions ex- keeping up the memory of his bitter pashausted. Let this be the day of thy re- sion; and no doubt all your well qualified turn. Speedily break covenant with hell prayers have been this day powerfully enand death, that thou mayest be enrolled forced by your faithful High Priest. among those whom the Father himself What shall I say more to you? Praise loves, and for whom the Son does in a pe- and thanksgiving is your duty at this culiar manner constantly pray. time. Let your souls, and all that is 3Sdy. As for you who sincerely love within you, be stirred up to bless your the Redeemer, and believe that he is come heavenly Father, whose love was the founout from God, to you belongs all the com- tain and spring of your happiness, and is fort of these gracious words: Whatever still the foundation of your truest comyou ask in the name of Jesus shall be fort. freely given you; for the Father himself Let your souls, and all that is within loveth you, and his blessed Son constantly you, be stirred up to bless your gracious prays for you. Whatever carnal men may Redeemer, who hath ransomed you by his think of this, yet surely it is a privilege of blood, and who, amid the exaltation of which I hope you know both the value and heaven, the splendor of his Father's right use. To be allowed access to God at any hand, still kindly remembers his humble rate, is a prodigious favor; but to come followers, whose ears are ever open to before him hopefully, with good assurance their prayers, whose mouth is ever ready of being accepted, this is a signal blessing, to plead their cause, and, as if it were not which is peculiar to yourselves. Lift up love enough to die for them, who also lives thy head, then, O sincere believer. Does and reigns for them, yea, and even glories thy conscience bear testimony that thou in being made head over all things to the lovest Jesus, and believest that he is the church. Alas! our praises are so feeble sent of God? Apply then these gracious and low, that we may blush and be ashamwords to thyself. The Father himself ed to offer them. 352 SERMON LIX. But do you not long for heaven, that bly connected. and the latter uniformly with a more elevated song than this dull inferred from the former. This connection state can admit, you may join in praising is clearly established in the passage I have this object of your love? Continue yet a read to you, which contains, little longer-have patience for awhile, I. The distinguishing privilege of begive some farther testimonies of your faith lievers in Christ.' We," saith the aposhere, and he who intercedes for you will tle, in the name of all true Christians, receive you to himself; and that you may "receiving a kingdom which cannot be not doubt of this, read and ponder these moved." gracious verses with which I conclude, II. An exhortation to duty, founded (John xvii. 24.) " Father, I will, that upon this privilege, and the motives with they also whom thou hast given me, be which it is enforced: " Let us have grace with me where I am, that they may be- whereby we may serve God acceptably hold the glory which thou hast given me; with reverence and godly fear: for our for thou lovedst me before the foundation God is a consuming fire." of the world." BOTH these subjects are so extensive, To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, one that each of them might furnish materials God, be glory and honor, dominion and for many discourses. All I can at prespower, for ever. Anzez. ent propose is, to give some assistance to your minds when you meditate upon them in private, by weighing the import of the words in which they are expressed; every one of which appears to be strongly SERMON LIX. emphatical, and full of the most instructive and comfortable meaning. THE KINGDOM, GRACE, AND SERVICE. I begin with the privilege of believers in Christ Jesus, expressed in these words, HEBnREws xi. 28, 29. —"Wherefore we, receiving L We receiving a kingdom that cannot be a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have moved." Where you will observe, grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably st h ve with reverence and godly fear: for our God is s The designation that is given to a consuming fire." their portion. It is styled a kingdom: which, among earthly possessions is uniTHE gospel of our salvation, which con- versally admitted to hold the first rank; tains the wholesome words of our Lord but what is the highest dignity, and the Jesus Christ, is expressly styled the doc- greatest affluence that this earth can afford, trine which is according to godliness. It when compared with the kingdom whereof manifests the grace of God to sinners of my text speaks? Would you know the mankind; but all who receive that grace extent of it? you may learn it from (1 are thereby taught effectually to deny un- Cor. iii. 21, &c.) "All things are yours." godliness and worldly lusts, and to live And it must be so, for God himself is the soberly, and righteously, and godly in this portion of his sainst; for as many as receive present world. It abounds with great and Christ, "to them gives he power to beprecious promises; but all these promises come the sons of God, even to them that have a practical tendency, that by the be- believe on his name;-and if sons, then lief and improvement of them, we may be are they also heirs, heirs of God, and made partakers of the divine nature; hav- joint heirs with Christ Jesus." Accoring escaped the pollution that is in the dingly they are said, by the apostle Peter, world through lust. Hence that exhorta-'! to be begotten again to the lively hope tion, (2 Cor. vii. 1.) " Having therefore of an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, these promises, dearly beloved, let us and that fadeth not away." Which last cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the expression agrees with the description flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the here given by the apostle, where he calls fear of God." If we look through the it a kingdom that cannot be moved; and whole of divine revelation, we shall find the stability of it is explained by Peter, in every part, privilege and duty insepara- in the passage I just now alluded to, THE KINGDOM, GRACE, AND SERVICE. 353 where he not only informs us, that this in- fluences of the divine Spirit, till, being heritance is reserved in heaven, beyond released from the prison of the body, the reach of every adverse power; but they shall no more see darkly as through likewise, that all who are begotten again a glass, but face to face; and by seeing to the hope of it, " are kept by the power him as he is, shall be fully transformed of God through faith unto salvation." into his image, which will render them You will further observe, that believers completely happy, as it is written, (1 John are said to receive this kingdom. They iii. 2.) " Beloved, now are we the sons of have no natural right to it; on the contra- God; and it doth not yet appear what we ry, by the fatal apostasy they are children shall be, but we know, that when he shall of wrath and heirs of destruction. They appear we shall be like him, for we shall have no price to give for it; for they are see him as he is." not only wretched and miserable, but poor, Thus have I opened the import of the and blind, and naked. It is a gift alto- terms by which the apostle describes gether free and unmerited on their part. the dignity and happiness of believers in " It is your Father's good pleasure," said Christ Jesus. By their new birth, and Christ to his disciples, " to give you the in consequence of their union with the kingdom; " and eternal life is expressly Lord Jesus Christ, they are constituted said to be " the gift of God through Jesus heirs of a kingdom, which it is their Christ our Lord." Father's good pleasure to bestow upon Once more, you will observe, that this them by free gift; this kingdom cannot inheritance is not altogether future. The be moved; it was prepared for them beapostle speaks of it as a present posses- fore the foundation of the world; it is resion. HIe doth not say, We looking for a served for them in heaven, and they are kingdom that cannot be moved; but, we kept for it through faith by the power of receiving it in the mean time. This is per- God: and though the full possession of fectly agreeable to what he had said, (ver. it, in all its glory, awaits them in a future 22.) " Ye are come unto mount Zion, and state, yet they have their maintenance unto the city of the living God, the heaven- and provision out of it in the mean time; ly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable corm- the new nature they have got is not only pany of angels, to the general assembly the pledge, but the interest of the inherand church of the first born, which are itance, being of the same kind with that written in heaven, and to God the Judge glory which is afterwards to be revealed; of all, and to the spirits of just men made they at present receive eternal life, a life perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the that cannot die, but, like the morning new covenant, and to the blood of sprink- light, shall continue to shine with increasling, that speaketh better things than that ing brightness, till in heaven it shall ar — of Abel." Believers have not only a title rive at the perfect day. to the glory that shall afterwards be re- Such is the present dignity and happi,vealed, but they possess the earnest and ness of all true believers in Christ Jesus; first fruits of it in the mean time. Hea- in this sense the weakest, as well as the ven is already begun in their hearts; the strong, receive a kingdom which cannot kingdom of God is within them, that king- be moved. dom which "' consisteth not in meats and II. Let us consider the exhortation to drinks, but in righteousness, and peace, duty, founded upon this privilege, "'Let and joy in the HIoly Ghost. —He who us have grace." loved them, and washed them from their 1st. We are called upon to serve God. sins in his own blood, hath also made them Believers, though kings, are still the subkings and priests unto God.-By behold- jects of the King of kings; and the ing his glory with the eye of faith, they honor conferred upon them, instead of reare " changed into the same image, from laxing their obligation to duty, rather glory to glory," while they sojourn here binds them to serve him with greater below, as we read 2 Cor. iii. 18. This re- zeal and activity. Their very royalty semblance, at present indeed imperfect. consists in their release from the enemies shall continually advance, through the in- of God, which formerly enslaved and led. 23 354 SERMON LIX. them captive at their pleasure. Hence awful than he is amiable to the pardoned that exhortation of the apostle, " Let not sinner. The sacrifice of Christ, while it sin reign in your mortal bodies." They manifests the love of God in giving his are styled, in the book of the Revelation, Son to be the propitiation for our sins, "kings and priests to God, even the affords, at the same time, the strongest Father:" and dominion is given them, proof and demonstration of his holiness not in respect of God, to render them in- and justice. The new and living way of dependent on him, but in respect of sin, access to God is consecrated for us Satan, the world, and death, over all through the veil of Christ's flesh. The which they are made conquerors through blood that cleanseth from all sin, by him that loved them, and washed them which we have boldness to enter into the from their sins in his own blood. They holiest, is the blood of Emmanuel, the are indeed a chosen generation, and a Word made flesh, by whom all things royal priesthood; but for what end? It were made, and without whom was not is, that by bringing forth the fruits of any thing made that is made. A proper righteousness, "they may show forth the attention to this, will show both the praises of him who hath called them out meaning and propriety of the apostle's of darkness into his marvellous light." direction to serve God with reverence and 2dly. We are reminded of the qualifi- godly fear; not the tormenting fear cation that is requisite for serving God which cherisheth that enmity against acceptably. We cannot do this by any God, whereby the carnal mind is characterstrength that is inherent in us. " We are ized; but that filial reverence which flows not sufficient of ourselves to think any from a supreme love to God, as a reconthing as of ourselves." WVe are indeed ex- ciled father, and desire to please him, horted to work out our own salvation; which consists in a holy jealousy of ourbut at the same time we are told, " that selves, an abhorrence of every thing that it is God who worketh in us both to will is offensive to God, and produceth a careand to do of his good pleasure." The fulness to avoid every temptation to sin, apostle's words are chosen with the most and to shun not only the forbidden, but significant propriety. He doth not say, even the doubtful ground, according to Let us take strength to ourselves; or, let that just description which is given of it, us purchase it from another; but, let us ( Prov. viii. 12.) " The fear of the Lord have it; i. e., Let us ask it of him who is to hate evil." And the genuine effects giveth liberally-Let us possess it, by re- of this fear are fully expressed in those ceiving the gift that is offered; or, hav- advices of the Wise Man, which are reing received it, let us hold it fast, as the corded, (chap. iv. at the close) " Keep word is rendered in the margin, and im- thy heart with all diligence-Let thine prove it to the purposes for which it was eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids bestowed. look straight before thee. Ponder the 3dly. We are directed to the manner path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be of serving God, so as to be accepted of established. Turn not to the right hand him, viz., "with reverence and godly nor to the left; remove thy feet from fear:" i. e., with a deep sense of his in- evil." Such is the reverence and godly finite greatness, and of our own meanness fear with which we are directed to serve and unworthiness. We are indeed ex- the Lord. horted and encouraged to come boldly to Let us now briefly consider the argua throne of grace; but it must be such a ments with which the exhortation is enboldness only as becometh those who forced; and these are two-The one restand in need both of mercy and grace; specting the matter of duty in generalof mercy to pardon what hath been amiss, And the other, the manner in which the and of grace to help them in every time service that is due to God ought to be of need. " There is forgiveness with thee," performed. said the Psalmist, " that thou mayest be 1st. We are exhorted to serve God, in feared." And indeed mercy is dispensed testimony of our gratitude for the inestiin such a way, as renders God no less mable benefits his grace hath conferred THE KINGDOM, GRACE, AND SERVICE. 355 upon us. This argument is plainly ad- by believing on his name, the power, or dressed to believers in Christ, who have rather the privilege is given them, to bereceived that kingdom which cannot be come the sons of God. His grace is sufmoved. The apostle doth not say, Let ficient for them at all times, and in every us serve God that we may obtain a king- situation. He is gone to his Father's dom; but, having received it as the free house to prepare a place for them; and gift of God, through faith in his Son, who he will come again and receive them to purchased it with his blood, let us ex- himself, that where he is, there they may press our thankfulness, by devoting our- be also, to behold that glory which his selves, and all that we have, or can do, Father hath given him. " Wherefore we, to his service. This is the plain and ob- receiving a kingdom which cannot be vious meaning of the apostle's argu- moved, let us have grace whereby we may ment; and in order to make this passage serve God acceptably with reverence and of Scripture speak the language of that godly fear.":' scheme of religion which is too current 2d. The argument, which respects the in the world, the words of it would need manner of our service, is continued in to be transposed and varied in some such these words, " For our God is a consummanner as this: ing fire." This, at first sight, does not Prompted by self-love, and the tor- seem to accord with the other argument, menting fear of future punishment, let us which is addressed to the ingenuity and resolve in our minds, for we neither need gratitude of a renewed heart; but apnor expect supernatural grace, that hence- pears rather adapted to the spirit of bondforth we will serve God, as well as the age, than to that spirit of adoption which world and the flesh will permit, that so believers in Christ receive, whereby they we may escape damnation, and procure a are disposed and enabled to call God, title to, or at least the probable chance Father. But I shall direct you to two of a kingdom, which, after all, may not passages of Scripture, which, I appreonly be moved, but so agitated and sha- hend, will remove this difficulty, and lead ken that without a vigorous exertion of us to the true meaning and intent of the the powers we possess, we ourselves may apostle's argument. be tossed out of it, and fall into perdition. One is Isaiah xxxi. 9, where it is said -Thus ridiculous are the best efforts of as a ground of fear to the enemies of human wisdom, to corrupt the plain Zion, and consequently as a ground of enmeaning of Scripture language, and to ac- couragement to her children, that "the commodate the constitution of gospel Lord hath his fire in Zion, and his furgrace to that pride and self-idolatry, nace in Jerusalem." which, ever since the apostasy, reign in The other is Mal. iii. 2, where the mesthe heart of every natural man. senger of the covenant and King of Zion Whereas the gospel of Christ binds us is compared to a refiner's fire, and fuller's to duty by the cords of love; and while soap. " He shall sit as a refiner and puit presseth holy diligence and activity in rifler of silver, and he shall purify the the service of God, by the most persua- sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and sive arguments, it animates us, at the silver, that they may offer unto the Lord same time, with the most comfortable as- an offering in righteousness." In this surance that our labor shall not be in sense, he is a consuming fire to the godly; vain in the Lord. Help is laid for us he refines them by consuming their dross. upon one who is mighty, even that good This view of God indeed is terrible to the Shepherd who laid down his life for the wicked, who are all dross; but it hath ansheep, who gathers the lambs in his other aspect to the godly, who are made bosom, and gently leads those that are partakers of the divine nature. The fire with young. Therefore they shall never that burns up the enemies of God altogeperish, because none are able to pluck ther, shall only consume the dross that them out of his hand. He gives unto still cleaves to them, and from which they them eternal life, and they enter upon the will never be wholly separated, till death possession of it at their new birth, when, dissolve their earthly tabernacles. Never 356 SERMON LX. theless, this is urged, with great propriety, tical improvement we all ought to make as an argument for serving God with re- of it. verence and godly fear: for the means of THE first thing that occurs is the call purifying may be very painful in the mean to repentance, (verse 12.) " In that day time, and it is written, (Psalm xcix. 8.) did the Lord of Hosts call to weeping, "Though he forgives their sins, yet he and to mourning, and to baldness, and to will take vengeance of their inventions." girdiQg with sackcloth." The children of God may be assured of it, The day here referred to was a season that the rod shall not be withheld-their of abounding iniquity, as we learn from own backslidings shall be made to reprove the first chapter of this book of prophecy, them; "for whom the Lord loveth he which begins with a heavy charge against chasteneth." And therefore they should the nation of the Jews, published with awserve God with reverence, that a moderate ful solemnity by God himself, in the folfurnace may suffice to purge away their lowing words: " Hear, O heavens, and dross, and that it may not become neces- give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath sary that God, for their correction, should spoken! I have nourished and brought wound their hearts in the tenderest part, up children, and they have rebelled against by taking from them their dearest earthly me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the comforts, or withdrawing the light of his ass his master's crib; but Israel doth not countenance utterly from them. "Where- know, my people do not consider. Ah, fore we, receiving a kingdom that cannot sinful nation! a people laden with iniquibe moved, let us have grace whereby we ty, a seed of evil doers, children that are may serve God acceptably with reverence corrupters. They have forsaken the Lord, and godly fear; for our God is a consum- they have provoked the Holy One of Israel ing fire." to anger, they have gone away backward." Accordingly the prophet, in bespeaking their attention to the message he was about to deliver, addressed them, in terms SERMON LX. of severe reproach, (verse 10.) " Hear the words of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye peoPreached on a Public Fast —Day, in the time of ple of Gomorrah." And the lamentation the American War. of ple of Gomorrah." And the lamentation he utters, (verse 21.) shows with what justice and propriety those titles of ignoTHE ALARMING DEPNUUNCIATION. miny were applied to them. " How is the faithful city become an harlot! It Is.IAII xXII. 12-14.-" And in that day did the LORD GOD OF HOSTS call to weeping, and to Was full of judgment, righteousness lodged mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with in it, but now murderers. Thy silver is sackcloth; and behold joy and gladness, slaying become dross, thy wine mixed with water. oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh and The princes are rebellious, and companions drinking wine; let us eat and drink, for to- of thieves every one loveth gifts, and morrow we shall die. And it was revealed in hieves; every one loveth gifts, and mine ears by the LORD OF HoSTS, Surely this followeth after rewards." iniquity shall not be purged from you til ye Their boldness and impudence in sindie, saith the LORD GoD OF HOSTS." ning are particularly taken notice of, as high aggravations of their guilt, (chap. iii. THIS passage is introduced with a loud verses 8, 9.) " The show of their counand pressing call to repentance. It de- tenance doth witness against them, and scribes the contemptuous behavior of the they declare their sin as Sodom; they people to whom the call was addressed; hide it not. Their tongue and their doings and concludes with an alarming denuncia- are against the Lord, to provoke the eye tion of wrath against those perverse and of his glory." Neither was this accusaobstinate transgressors. tion limited to the men in that age; for, Each of these particulars I shall briefly (ver. 16.) even the daughters of Zion are illustrate, and then point out our imme- represented as "haughty, walking with diate concern in the subject, and the prac- stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, THE ALARMING DENUNCIATION. 357 walking and mincing as they went," under are no further acceptable than as they the cumbersome load of tinkling orna- truly express the sorrow and contrition ments, chains and bracelets, and the many of the heart, yet, in the case before us, other superfluous articles of dress, of they are expressly required of that imipuwhich a catalogue is left on record from the dent and hard-hearted people, that as 18th verse downward, till, at the 24th their tongue and their doings had been verse, the fantastic inventory is closed against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of with that humiliating doom: " It shall his glory, so their shame and sorrow might come to pass, that instead of sweet smell, be proclaimed as openly as their sin, and there shall be stink; and instead of a gir- their penitent return to God might be no die, a rent; and instead of well set hair, less apparent than their proud and insobaldness; and burning instead of beauty." lent revolt had been. This leads me to mention another cir- Having made these remarks upon the cumnstance, by which the day referred to import of the call, and the state of the in my text is distinguished. It was a Jews in the day it was published to them, day of sore rebuke, as well as of abound- let me now, ing iniquity.;" Look away from me," said II. Lead forward your attention to the the prophet, ver. 4 of this chapter, " I account that is given us of the reception will weep bitterly, labor not to comfort it met with, (ver. 13.) C" And behold!" It me, because of the spoiling of the daugh- is introduced, you see, with a note-what ter of my people; for it is a day of trou- shall I call it? —Whether doth it bespeak ble, and of treading down, and of perplex- our admiration or astonishment? The ity, by the Lord God of Hosts in the val- object must surely be wonderful, either ley of vision." for beauty or deformity, to which the Such was the day in which the Lord great God himself demands our attention God of Hosts did call to weeping and with such solemnity. mourning, and to baldness, and to girding Say then, my brethren, were you not with sackcloth, i. e. to the deepest humil- already acquainted with what follows, iation on account of their sins, to the most would you not expect to see a multitude unfeigned repentance, and amendment of of humble penitents, prostrate on the life. That this is the true import of the ground, and covered with sackcloth, while, call, appears from a similar exhortation, with weeping and mourning, they say one (Joel ii. 12.) where, after the Lord had to another, in the language of genuine regiven commandment to blow the trumpet pentance, "Come, and let us return unto in Zion, and to sound an alarm in his holy the Lord, for he hath torn, and he will mountain, that all the inhabitants of the heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind land might tremble in the prospect of that us up." But what do we really see? Be day of darkness and gloominess, which astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be was soon to be spread over them; he ad- horribly afraid. Instead of mourning and dresses them in these words: " Turn ye weeping, behold joy and gladness; instead even to me with all your heart, with weep- of baldness and girding with sackcloth, being and with mourning, and rend your hold every kind of riotous excess, slaying hearts and not your garments, and turn oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh, and unto the Lord your God." drinking wine. In every age, and in every climate, There is no room to suppose that they weeping and mourning are the natural ex- had given no attention to the message depressions of inward sorrow. In the eastern livered by the prophet. It would rather countries, and especially among the Jews, appear that they had attended to it with when grief rose to a great height, tears of accuracy, nay, studied its meaning, on lamentations were usually accompanied purpose to counteract it; for a contrast so with rending their clothes, plucking out minutely exact, a scheme of contradiction their hair, and covering their bodies with so completely adjusted, could hardly have sackcloth. And though these outward been stumbled upon by mere accident. signs are only the trappings of woe, which And indeed the latter part of the verse 358 SERMON LX. puts this beyond all doubt. "Let us eat cause I have purged thee, and thou wast and drink," said they, for to-mor~row we not purged, thou shalt not be purged from shall die." thy filthiness any more, till I have caused We are not to imagine that these words my fury to rest upon thee. I the Lord were spoken seriously by one of those pre- have spoken it, and it shall come to pass, sumptuous and boasting rebels. The most and I will do it. I will not go back, neidaring amongst them must have been con- ther will I spare, neither will I repent, scious, that the aspect of the king of ter- saith the Lord God." rors, at their most sumptuous entertain- These wicked men had not only resisted ments, would leave them no appetite for the means of conviction, but they had perflesh or wine. They meant it as a scoff, a verted those means and extracted poison witty saying, for turning into ridicule the from the medicine intended for their cure. warning they had received, but which they They drew iniquity with cords of vanity, did not believe. The prophet hath been and sinned as it were with a cart rope. telling us of desolating judgments just at By their scoffing reply to the call that hand, and with the same breath he calls was given them, in the name of the Lord us to weeping, and mourning, and girding God of Hosts, they said in effect, with inwith sackcloth. How absurd, how unrea- solent contempt and proud defiance, "' Let sonably cruel is the demand! XWill not him make speed and hasten his work, the evil day come soon enough, though we that we may see it; and let the counsel should not anticipate the sorrows of it, by of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and afflicting ourselves unnecessarily before come, that we may know it." The proits arrival? Nay, rather, if life is to be phet therefore proclaims, as on the house cut short, let us make the most of it while top, what God had revealed in his ears, it lasts. If we must die to-morrow, let that from that time forward, vengeance us eat and drink, and be merry to-day, should pursue those impious men, till, and crowd into the few scanty hours that like their rebellious forefathers, whose remain as much festivity and pleasure as carcasses fell in the wilderness, they we can. should be utterly consumed from off the Surely it is not needful that I should face of the earth. lengthen out this picture of deformity in Thus have I endeavored briefly to illusall its dimensions. Its most distinguish- trate the several parts of the passage being features are abundantly obvious; and fore us. I am confident, that the few sketches I But what concern have we in these have given you, will suffice to render the things? and what improvement shall we generation it represents, the objects of make of them? contempt and abhorrence to all; those For an answer to these questions, I very persons not excepted, who, in the need only refer you to 1 Corinthians, portrait drawn for them, may perhaps chap. x. where, after reciting some of discover their own true likeness. For it those awful judgments which God had inis common enough to condemn with just, flicted upon his ancient church, the apostle though partial severity, the same faults in subjoins those memorable words, (verse 11.) others, which we easily forgive, nay cher- " Now all these things happened unto ish in ourselves. At any rate, I suppose them for ensamples, and they are written none of us will be surprised to hear the for our admonition, upon whom the ends alarming denunciation of wrath against of the world are come." those perverse and obstinate transgressors; "The Lord is known by the judgments which is the which he executes." God is always the III. Particular contained in my text, same: with him there is no variableness, (ver. 14.) "It was revealed in mine ears neither shadow of turning. And thereby the Lord of Hosts, surely this iniquity fore, in his past acts of government, as shall not be purged from you till ye die, they are explained by his word, we behold saith the Lord God of Hosts." a plan of righteous administration; fromn We meet with another threatening of whence we may learn, with sonme degree the same import, (Ezek. xxiv. 13.) " Be. of certainty,,what kind of treatment, in THE ALARMING DENUNCIATION. 359 similar circumstances, we ourselves have often republished, and as often refuted? reason to expect. Now, union is the strength of the reliThey must know little of what passes gious, as well as of the civil community; in the world, who do not observe a very and there is reason to fear that God will striking resemblance between the present suffer that candlestick to be removed from state of our own nation and that of the among us, about which we quarrel and Jews, in the day to which my text refers, fight with one another, instead of walking Ingratitude to God, for the great things by the light it affords, and performing the he hath done in our behalf, and for the work which was given us to do. distinguishing privileges we have long en- I shall not waste any part of your time joyed, is too apparent to require any proof. upon the mere triflers of either sex, who Our deliverance from popery at the Re- literally walk in a vain show, and ought formation, and the full establishment of rather to be regarded as the scenery or our civil and religious liberties at the Re- decorations of the theatre, than as actors volution; these marvellous doings of the sustaining any character upon the stage. Lord are either forgotten by many, as a Yet even they, light as they may seem. dead man out of mind, or at least remem- make some addition to the load of national bered with cold indifference; nay, treated guilt, as we learn from the passage respectwith marks of disaffection by some, while ing the daughters of Zion, in the third the character of those illustrious men, chapter of this prophecy, which I formerly whom God honored to be the instruments quoted. Enough has been said to prove, in bringing about those glorious events, that we are a sinful nation, a people laden have been canvassed with the utmost se- with iniquity, and that the call to repentverity of criticism, and under the specious ance is proper and seasonable, and belongs pretext of candor and impartiality, set to the very day in which our lot is cast. forth to public view in the most unfavor- Indeed our very meeting together in able light. this place is a public acknowledgment of Have not vice and immorality grown it. For what purpose are we convened by up among us to an amazing height? Do royal authority? Is it not that we may not multitudes proclaim their sins as humble ourselves before Almighty God, Sodom; and, instead of hiding them, do and send up our prayers and supplications they not rather glory in their shame, as if to the divine Majesty, for obtaining parthey accounted it an honor to excel in don of our sins, and for averting those one species of wickednesss or another'? I heavy judgments which our manifold prodo not aggravate the charge: every one's vocations have most justly deserved? observation may convince him of the truth Thus far we may be assured, that the of it. Is there not a visible and growing call of the Lord of Hosts hath been discontempt of the blessed gospel? Are not tinctly and faithfully echoed fiom the its ordinances despised by some, and pro- throne. And lest, after all, we should faned by others; nay, is it not by many turn a deaf ear to his voice, the Lord of deemed a mark of superior genius to re- Hosts hath written the same call upon the ject the whole of divine revelation as a face of providence, in characters so legible, cunningly devised fable, and to employ all that they must be worse than blind who their influence in proselyting others to do not read and understand them. their opinion? The little cloud, like a man's hand, What small success attends the preach- that arose a few years ago on the other ing of the gospel even among those who side of the Atlantic, hath ever since been profess to believe? Into how many sects increasing both in size and in blackness. and parties are they divided? With Our envious and deceitful neighbors, what zeal do they build up their walls of who, by secret artifice, have endeavorpartition? With what animosity do they ed from the beginning to keep the uncontend for their own peculiarities, as happy breach open between Great Britain points of new and important discovery, and her colonies, have at length laid aside though in fact most of them might lay the mask, and are now straining every claim to a very ancient date, have been nerve to spread the desolations of war 360 SERMON LX. through the whole extent of the British context. They used every precaution to empire. put their city into a proper state of deThe sword that was drawn for coercion fence. They inspected their magazines, abroad, now finds employment for self- they repaired the breaches in their walls, defence at home; and the measures hith- and provided large store of water for a erto pursued have been so ineffectual, siege. In all this they acted wisely, and that after much expense of blood and did no more than was their duty. But treasure, we may say with the Jews in the herein lay their fault, (verse 11.) they redays of Jeremiah, (chap. xiv. 19.) "W e lied upon the preparations for the safety looked for peace, and there is no good; of Jerusalem, and "did not loock tunto the and for the time of healing, and behold Iricaker theereof, neither had r'espcect cunto trouble." him that fashioned it long cago." What shall we say to these things? I have therefore endeavored to lead Do they bear no impression of God's holy your attention to God himself, and to and righteous displeasure? " Will a lion trace up all the penal evils we feel to the roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? several instances of our criminal departure Will a young lion' cry in his den, if he from him, as their true origin and source; hath taken nothing? Can a bird fall in a and though perhaps I may have erred in snare upon the earth, where no gin is for the illustration of particulars, yet I cannot him? Shall one take up a snare from the help thinking that the general truth will earth, and have taken nothing at all? appear with sufficient evidence, that our Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and own backslidings are reproving us, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be that we ourselves have made the rod with evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done which we are smitten. it? The lion hath roared, who will not By this time we may all see our confear? The Lord God hath spoken, who cern in this subject, and the improvement can but prophecy? " we ought to make of it. Our own wickedness is made to correct It is righteousness alone that exalteth a us, and our backslidings reprove us, that nation. Repentance towards God, flowwe may know and see what an evil thing ing from faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, it is, and bitter', that we have forsaken the is the only effectual means for preventing Lord oar God. the ruin of a sinful people. Without this This, my brethren, is the primary aim we may obtain a temporary respite from of all God's corrections. He doth not punishment; but the clouds will return afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of again after the rain; and all the while we men; but when transgressors will not are filling up the measure of our iniquity, learn the malignity of sin by gentler the consumption is advancing, and every means, then he causes them to feel the day we draw nearer and nearer to dissoluevil of it in the bitterness of affliction. tion. Whereas, if we accept of the punHence it appears, that temporal judgments ishment of our iniquity, and put away are acts of mercy as well as of justice, es- from us those evil doings which provoke pecially when they are of such a nature as the Lord to jealousy, then may we hope to bear the stamp and signature of those that he will return to us in mercy, and resins which are the cause of them. Till joice over us to bless us and to do us we discern the hand of God in the suffer- good; according to that encouraging proings that befall us, we shall never have re- mise, (Jer. xviii. 7.) " At what instant I course to the true and the only effectual shall speak concerning a nation, and conremedy. When public measures are de- cerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to feated, we shall sometimes blame the con- pull down, and to destroy; if that nation, trivance, and at other times the execution; against which I have pronounced, turn but still we shall look to the creature for from their evil, I also will repent of the help, and place our trust in the arm of evil that I thought to do unto them." flesh. It is this which should always give This was an express article of indict- check to any desponding thoughts. We ment against the Jews in the preceding have but ONE to please, ONE whose favor JOHN'S IMPORTANT COUNSEL. 361 is desirable, and ONE who is most easily bleness or shadow of turning. He is pleased; because he hath told us, without God's witness to the sons of men; and as ambiguity, what will please him; and at he is perfectly acquainted with the Father, the same time hath declared his readiness so he faithfully reports the Father's mind to aid our feeble endeavors, by working in and will to us. His testimony is infallius effectually both to will and to do of ble; for as he cannot be deceived himself, his good pleasure. so neither is he capable of deceiving others. Let us then hearken to the call of the I need scarcely observe to you the vast Lord God of Hosts. Let us, with weep- importance of this part of his character. ing and mourning, return to him, from Indeed without it, our faith, and consewhom, alas! we have deeply revolted, and quently our hope and comfort, would be ask of him, this day, the spirit of repent- mere delusion; but blessed be God, the ance, and grace to walk in newness of truth and faithfulness of this divine witlife, by bringing forth fruits meet for re- ness, doth infinitely remove from us every pentance. possible cause or ground of suspicion. In this way only can we hope, that he Men may utter falsehoods through miswho hath the hearts of all men in his take and ignorance; or even when they hands, will give judgment to them who sit know the truth, they may be induced, by in judgment, and strength to those who selfish views, to conceal or disguise it. turn the battle from the gate; and cause But neither of these grounds of distrust our eyes once more to see our Jerusalem are applicable to our Lord. His knowa quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall ledge is unlimited, and absolutely perfect; not be taken down, none of whose cords and his infinite fulness and self-sufficiency, shall be broken, neither any of the stakes raise him above all kinds of dissimulation thereof ever removed. Amen. or artifice. And probably this is the reason why he styles himself, (in the close of the 14th verse) the Beginning, or first Cause of the creation of God. He can have no dependence upon the workmanSERMON LXI. ship of his own hands. As their goodness cannot profit him, neither can their JOHN'S IMPORTANT COUNSEL. malice hurt him; so that he can be under no temptation, either to overawe them with REVELATION III. 18.-" I counsel thee to buy of imaginary terrors, or to allure them with ME gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be vain and flattering promises. Well then, rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest the character of Counsellor is fair and be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear: and anoint thine eyes untainted; and, if the advice he gives us is with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." kind and obliging, there is no room to question the sincerity of his good-will. BEFORE I enter upon the consideration of Here, therefore, my brethren, is one great this gracious counsel, I conceive it may be point gained; and as I am afterwards to of use to give you some account, First, of lay a considerable stress upon it, I beg the person who gave the advice; and, you may attend to it in the mean time, Secondly, of those to whom it was ad- and consider, as I go along, that the perdressed. son who spoke in this passage, and in The person who gave the advice was whose name I now speak to you, is the our Lord Jesus Christ; that W\Tonderful Faithful and True Witness, the indepenCounsellor, and Prince of Peace, foretold dent Creator and Governor of the world. by the prophet Isaiah, of the increase of Let us next inquire who the persons whose government there shall be no end. were to whom the advice or counsel was Here he styles himself the Amen, the addressed. In general they were memFaithful and true Witness: One whose bers of Christ's visible church, and inhabword may be depended upon, who does itants of the ancient city of Laodicea; it not come and go, say and unsay, but who appears also from the description given of is always in one mind, without any varia- them, that with respect to their spiritual 362 SERMON LXI. concerns, they were in a very degenerate because of its unworthiness; on the conand wretched condition. The first thing trary, this very temper lays it as it were taken notice of is their lukewarmness and in the way of his mercy; for though the indifference-a temper which is peculiarly Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto loathsome and offensive to Christ, and the lowly. —He resists the proud, but therefore he threatens to " spew them out giveth grace to the humble.-Yea, he of his mouth," that is, to testify his dis- dwells with those who are of a contrite pleasure against them by some very awful spirit, and that tremble at his word. The and remarkable judgments. Their state use I intend to make of this is to obviate is more fully represented in the verse pro- an objection which frequently proves hurtceding my text, where the Faithful and ful to newly converted sinners. They are True WVitness tells them that they were tempted to think that their case does not wretched, and miserable, and poor, and admit of any hope; having dark and imblind, and naked; and which prodigiously perfect views of the grace of the gospel, aggravated both their guilt and misery- they put away from themselves the sweetest they knew it not-they were insensible of and most condescending offers of mercy, it; though they might have known it, yet supposing that they are not addressed to they would not. Such was their woful in- them, but to others whose guilt is less difference, that they did not examine their aggravated than theirs: but give me leave spiritual condition, but took it for grant- to assure you, in the name of the Faithful ed, and boasted of it, that they were rich, and True Witness, whose message I now and increased with goods, and had need bear, that the counsel I have read to you, of nothing. And now judge, my breth- and which I am farther to open, is directren, whether these persons were worthy of ed to every soul within these walls, the any notice or regard, I mean in a way of vilest not excepted. Are you. wretched, mercy; for that they merited wrath, I and miserable, and poor, and blind, and suppose you will readily allow. Behold naked-hearken to the advice of your then, and admire the amazing grace and gracious Lord, an advice which he gives condescension of our Lord. Though the to every one of you in particular, as if he wickedness of the Laodiceans, aggravated called you by your name: by their pride and loathsome indifference, "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried cried aloud for vengeance, and nothing in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and but vengeance, yet, lo! he vouchsafes to white raiment, that thou mayest be clothcounsel them as a friend!-O how en- ed, and that the shame of thy nakedness couraging may this be to those who are do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with burdened with a, sense of their guilt and eye-salve, that thou mayest see." pollution-who see their need of Christ, It is needless to inquire very critically and pant and long for his great salvation. into the precise meaning of these figurative You say you are unworthy of his aid, and expressions. I reckon that every necesyou are right when you say so; but such sary blessing, even all the unsearchable is his grace, as appears from this epistle, riches of Christ, are comprehended in that the greatest unworthiness is no bar these three articles. It is sufficient to in the way of it. He not only counsels, observe, that the supply here offered is but entreats those Laodiceans, whose con- exactly suited to the sinner's wants-that dition was as bad as can well be imagined. it is not scanty and penurious, but full and " Behold," says he, in the 20th verse, " I complete-and that all the parts of it are stand at the door and knock; if any man perfect in their kind. Let us dwell a little hear imy voice, and open the door, I will upon each of these heads. come in to him, and sup with him, and he I. Then, you will observe, that the with me." Here then is sufficient evi- supply here offered is exactly suited to the dence, that there is mercy with Christ for sinner's wants. As we come into the world the chief of sinners. This was his very we are poor bankrupt creatures. Adam errand, to seek and to save that which was had a vast stock put into his hands; but lost. And therefore every soul that feels by his apostasy from God, he lost it for its misery has no reason to be discouraged, himself and for all his posterity; so that JOHN'S IMPORTANT COUNSEL. 363 nothing is lef;. at we can call our own, it, "' He is made of God unto his people, but guilt and ni,' ry. The image of God, wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctificawhich was the glory and riches of man in tion, and redemption." 1 Cor. i. 30. his first creation, is quite effaced; so that, II. It deserves our notice, that the supas the apostle expresses it, " in us, that ply here offered is not only such as we is, in our flesh, dwelleth no good thing." need, but likewise full and complete. A Well, then, to supply this woful defect, poor man may get an alms to keep him Christ here tells us that he hath gold to from perishing, a naked creature may get enrich us-even all divine and saving a rag to cover his nakedness, and to screen graces. The spirit was given to him with- his body from the inclemency of the out measure, to be communicated to his weather; but our bountiful Lord doth not people. He is able not only to expel that deal with his people in such a sparing and corruption which hath got possession of niggardly manner. HIe gives them gold our natures; but he can give us a new to enrich them-not merely to relieve their heart stamped with the image of God, and wants, to answer their pressing necessities make us partakers of the divine nature. -but to raise them above poverty. He The truth of this is attested by the apostle advances them to a large and opulent esJohn, from his own experience, (John i. tate. The raiment he clothes them with 16.) where he says, " Of his fulness have is fair and complete, so that the shame of all we received, and grace for grace." their nakedness can no more be seen. He Another branch of our misery is NAKED- covers them from head to foot, spreads his NESS. We have nothing to cover us either whole sanctification over them, so that no from shame or hurt. We are exposed to the part is left exposed to the sword of justice. wrath of an holy, justand omnipotent God, They are made righteous by his righteouswho infinitely hates sin, and hath pledged ness imputed to them, and comely by his his faithfulness, that he will not suffer it comeliness put upon them. And, to pass unpunished. To relieve us inthis III. As this supply is suitable and full, case of extreme necessity, Christ hath so I farther observed to you, that all the raiment to clothe us, that the shame of parts of it are perfect in their kind. His our nakedness may not appear. He can gold is the most fine gold, gold tried in spread his righteousness over us. He the fire, not only precious in itself, but can sprinkle us with his atoning blood, so thoroughly purged from all dross or alloy. that the destroying angel, the minister of His raiment is white, without spot or his Father's justice, shall have no power blemish; not only a covering, but an ornato hurt us:" For there is no condemna- ment to the soul. —His eye-salve has a tion to them who are in Christ Jesus — sovereign and never-failing virtue. Other being justified by faith, we have peace with medicines may strengthen the eye, or reGod, through our Lord Jesus Christ." cover a weak sight; but this cures blindAgain, we are BLIND creatures, having ness itself, and gives such vigor to the our understandings darkened, being alien- eye that is anointed with it, that the perated from the life of God through the son can even look within the veil, and read ignorance that is in us. his name written in the Lamb's book of To remedy this, our great physician hath life. And now let me ask you, What think eye-salve to anoint our eyes that we may ye of Christ? Is he not a gracious, as see. By his Holy Spirit, he can dispel well as a faithful Witness? Are not his the thickest darkness, and diffuse heavenly offers great, inconceivably great? and is light through the whole soul. " Ye were not this counsel most kind and obliging? sometimes darkness," says Paul to the But what is his counsel, and how does converted Ephesians, "but now are ye light he direct us to obtain this full and allin the Lord." In a word, something is to sufficient supply? Let us hear his own be found in Christ that exactly suits us in words: every case we can imagine. He hath "I counsel thee," says he,'" to buy it bread for the hungry, water for the thirsty, of me." wine for the faint, medicine for the sick; I frankly own to you, there is something or, as the apostle beautifully expresseth in this expression which startles one at the 364 SERMON LXL first sight; but when we examine it more price; that is, in plain language, to buy acutely, the difficulty vanishes. It is and pay nothing, which is only another evident that the word buy cannot be taken way of expressing the humble and thankin a strict and literal sense, unless we sup- ful acceptance of a gift. It is even propose it to have been said by way of ridi- bable that our Saviour chose this rather cule; for the description of those to whom than any other expression, to signify that the advice was addressed necessarily im- their acceptance should not be rash and plies that they had nothing to give. They hasty, but deliberate and well advised; were in the greatest extremity of misery and at the same time to assure them, that and wretchedness, not only blind and upon their acceptance, these invaluable naked, but poor, without money to buy blessings should become as truly and irreeither clothing or medicine. Where then vocably theirs, as if they had really bought could they find a price that bore any pro- them, and given a full and adequate price portion to the blessings here spoken of? for them. I think I could challenge the most san- Tius have I opened the meaning of this guine advocate for merit to tell me what counsel or advice-an advice seasonable these people had to give, unless it was at all times, and peculiarly adapted to the self-conceit, of which indeed it appears occasion of our present meeting. The they had enough, and to spare; for poor character of those to whom it was originand naked as they were, they boasted of ally addressed, would lead me to speak to great things, saying they were rich and proud self-justifiers, who, like the lukeincreased with goods, and had need of no- warm Laodiceans, imagine themselves to thing. Indeed I am of opinion, that this be rich and increased with goods, and to hint may help us to the meaning of the stand in need of nothing. Might I stay expression; for the very notion of buying, accurately to examine your supposed necessarily includes in it that something righteousnesses, I think I could say several must be parted with, and as these Laodi- things to make you ashamed of them, and ceans had nothing to dispose of but their to convince you that they are all but filthy pride, our Saviour's advice might be in- rags. But this would require more time tended to intimate this much to them, that than we have to spare. All I can do for in order to their receiving these invaluable you is to pray, and beg that others would blessings, it behoved them to forego their pray, that God may pity you, and open self-conceit in the first place, and then to your eyes.-I hope there are some now come to him naked and empty as they hearing me of a different character, to were, under a deep and humble sense of whom I reckon myself more immediately their poverty and wretchedness, and on a debtor, I mean those whose eyes are so their knees to accept those offered mercies, far opened, as to see that they are wretchas the free unmerited gifts of his bounty ed, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and grace. This accordingly is perfectly and naked. It is to you, my dear friends, agreeable to other passages of Scripture, that our Saviour doth this day address the particularly to that gracious proclamation advice in my text: and call, (Isa. lv. 1.) to which the counsel " I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried here offered has a very near resemblance: in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; -" Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye and white raiment, that thou mayest be to the waters, and he that hath no money, clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedcome ye. buy and eat; yea, come, buy ness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes wine and milk, without money and without with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." price." Which last expression, "without What have you to object against this price," seems to have been added, on pur- advice?-Are not these the very things pose to guard against any wrong sense you need? are they not exactly suited to that might otherwise have been put upon your state and circumstances?-Would the word buying. A person who wants you not think yourselves bound to bless money, may have other things of value to God eternally, for giving you such a rich trade with, but here they are called to and full supply? I think I may reasonbuy, not only without money, but without ably take all this for granted.-What dis JOHN'S IMPORTANT COUNSEL. 365 courages you then?-You say you are be accepted. Alas! brethren, it is plain unworthy. I ask you, Where does Christ from this, that pride is at the root of your speak as if lie supposed you to be worthy? objection, though it has artfully put on the NWere this a secret known only to your- form of humility; at the bottom, you are selves, you might indeed have cause to pleased with the notion of buying, and arc dread a discovery: but the Lord Jesus only vexed that you have not enough to knew this before you knew it. Nay, if he give. You secretly dream that, by dilihad not told you of it, I dare venture to gence and good management, you may at affiran you should never have found it out, length acquire something that may deserve I mean in this world, for death and judg- the favorable regards of the Redeemer; ment will clear up all mistakes. Why and therefore, once for all, I must tell then do you make objections where Christ you, that, notwithstanding your mournful makes none?-Is his honor dearer to you complaints of poverty, you are really far than to himself? —Does he not know how poorer than you suppose yourselves to be. to dispense his mercy till you have taught You not only want a price in the mean him? I charge you to beware of such time, but you shall never be able to find presumptuous conceits. It is because you a price that bears the smallest proportion are poor, and blind, and naked, that he to the blessings you need; and Christ, counsels you to come to him for the sup- who shed his blood to purchase these plies here offered. benefits, will never sell then below their But does he not speak of buying; and value. The truth is, he does not intend what price can I offer him for such inesti- to dispose of them in that way. Though mable blessings? I have already told he bought them at a high rate, he gives you what I take to be the meaning of that them away freely, and gives them only to expression; —but as this objection is of a those who, disclaiming all merit and very deadly nature, and commonly proves worthiness in themselves, are willing to one of the strongest bars in men's way to receive them merely as an alms, to which Christ, it is necessary to examine it with they neither have, nor can have, any title. some more accuracy. And, first, I must a.sk Let me therefore entreat you to come those who make the objection, Are you to him, poor and naked as you are. It is really willing to take these blessings for his own counsel, and, as I told you, he is nothing, if you can get them? Do not an- the true and faithful Witness. You may swer rashly, for I apprehend there is a depend upon his word, and shall never secret deceit within you, that you are not have cause to repent your following his aware of.-Say, would it not give you a advice. Come, then, O sinners, at his mighty satisfaction, if you could discover call, and believe it, that he is more willing something in yourselves that might entitle to give you the blessings here spoken of, you to these blessings, or, at least, that than you are or can be to ask them from might incline or dispose Christ to bestow him. You honor the truth of Christ when them upon you? Would it not give you you obey his summons; whereas, you some courage, if you could shed more directly give him the lie, and call him a penitent tears for sin, if you felt more love false and flattering witness, when, upon for God and the Redeemer, or if you were any pretence whatever, you keep at a dismore exact and blameless in your conduct tance from him, and question his readiness and behavior? And are you not secretly to perform what he hath promised. He displeased with yourselves, that you cannot not only counsels, but invites; he not only attain to these things before you apply to invites, but entreats; and to remove every Christ for his aid? If this is the case, ground of suspicion or jealousy, he adds allow me to put your objection in its pro- his oath to his promise, and to both lie per form. It is not, as you apprehend, I superadds his seal, and is now ready to have nothing to give to Christ as a price hold it out to you in the holy sacrament, for his benefits; but I have not enough. — Let me therefore, once more, beseech you My stock is too small to buy such an in- to hearken to his advice. First come to heritance; and till it is better improven, himself by an humble faith, and then come it is vain for me to hope that my offer can and receive the New Testament inhis blood. 366 SERMON LXII. As for you who have already been de- This last is the method adopted by termined by grace to listen to the advice Solomon, in the passage with which the of this faithful Witness, I this day invite text is connected. In the preceding you, in his name, to come anew, and draw verse, he had expressed, in the strongest water out of the wells of salvation. For terms, the full assurance he had that it you, he hath again covered a table in the should finally be well with them that fear wilderness, and instituted this ordinance God. N any, indeed, in the present time, for your spiritual nourishment and growth are the afflictions of the righteous. In in grace. You have formerly tasted that the world, they are generally despised, the Lord is gracious, he is now waiting to and reviled, and persecuted. And what give you some farther experience of it. is the reason of this? Our Lord tells his Come forward then with thankful hearts, disciples the reason: " If ye were of the and enlarged desires. Devise liberal world, the world would love his own; but things, for he is a liberal Giver. Open because ye are not of the world, but I your mouths wide, and he will fill them have chosen you out of the world, thereabundantly. Amen. fore the world hateth you." But what is the hatred, the calumny, or the persecution of the world, to those whose minds are raised above it, to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not SERiM~ON LXII. away; whose light affliction, which is but for a moment, works out an exceeding AWMFUL DESTINY OF THE WICKED. great and eternal weight of glory? Let us now change the view. The ECCLESTASTES VIII. 13.-" But it shall not be well may do evil an hundred times, and with the wicked, neither shall he prolong hi sinner may do evil an hundred times, and days, which are as a shadow, because he fear- as often prosper in his schemes of iniquity; eth not before GOD." yet, in the midst of all this outward success, he is still the object of pity and comTIE promiscuous distribution of good and passion, rather than of envy. To real evil, in the present life, has always tended happiness his heart is a stranger; he to weaken the influence of moral and re- grasps at enjoyment, and embraces vanity; ligious motives among mankind. Our his days fly away as a shadow; they see minds are so framed, that pleasure or pain, no good; and he himself is fast hastening immediately or soon to be experienced, to those regions of darkness, where noaffect them in a much stronger degree, thing is heard but the voice of fruitless than greater measures of either, removed lamentation, and everlasting despair. by distance of future time. There is a This, it must be confessed, is a gloomy prodigious difference between certainty, subject; but gloomy as it is, we must not as the imere object of our understanding, forbear to press it on your attention. The and the strong impression produced by same God who commands us to say to the the consideration of those things which righteous, It shall be well with him, comare not only certain, but near at hand. mands us likewise to deliver this awful The former merely produces assent of the warning: " It shall not be well with the mind; the latter lays hold of the heart, wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, and influences the conduct. Accordingly which are as a shadow; because he feareth we find, that all who have aspired to the not before God." art of persuasion, in moral or religious But, before I proceed to illustrate the discourses, have endeavored to heighten threatening in the text, there is a previous the influence of distant motives, by placing point to be settled, without which, all that the objects of them in the strongest light. I can say must have very little effect, and This may be done either directly, by re- that is, who the wicked here spoken of presenting their superior and infinite im- are, who are the persons against whom portance, or implicitly, by lessening our this threatening is denounced? conceptions, and thereby lowering our so- Were I, in answer to this inquiry, to licitude, as to the intervening period. begin with describing those gross and AWFUL DESTINY OF THE WICKED. 367 flagitious crimes, which the natural con- to improve the talents committed to them, science of every man abhors, I should are reckoned among the wicked, by the only spend your time, and offend your ears infallible Judge, in conformity with that to no purpose; for who is there in all the decisive sentence of the apostle James, society of mankind, not to say in a Chris- " To him that knoweth to do good, and tian assembly, that will dispute the justice doeth it not, to him it is sin." This at of this appellation, as applied to thieves once undermines the foundation upon and robbers, oppressors and murderers, which thousands of deluded mortals build blasphemers, false swearers, and open all their hopes of the divine favor and acconternners of all laws, human and divine? ceptance. In vain, 0 misguided men, I may safely presume on your assent, that will you plead at the great day, even characters such as these, so obnoxious though ye could prove that plea, that ye even to human society, may properly be abused no talent bestowed on you-that classed among the wicked, against whom you did harm to none of all God's works. the threatening of the text is denounced. Was it for this negative purpose only, do I may even take it for granted, that the you think, that your Maker gave you a greater part of my audience will advance place in his world? Was it for this only, a step farther, and permit me to pass the that he conferred the active powers of same censure upon those who are guilty your nature; that he gave you reason to of the more prevailing sins of the present preside over these powers; and his word time, such as profane swearing, unclean- to guide that reason? Was it for this ness, drunkenness, breach of the Lord's only that he placed you in a situation day, and habitual neglect of divine insti- where activity is necessary for your own tutions. Thus far, I suppose, we are happiness, and for the happiness of all generally agreed. But if we consult the around you? Is it nothing that your Scriptures, the only infallible rule of judg- being as a chasm in creation, where ining, we shall find that the term wicked is finite wisdom intended that nothing should of a still more extensive signification, and be void, nothing cumbersome nor unprofitcomprehends a great many characters be- able? The tree that bears no fruit, as sides those already named. Of this I well as that whose fruit is pernicious, is cannot give you a more convincing proof, cut down and cast into the fire. In like than by referring you to that plain and manner, if your lives have not been fruitinstructive parable of the talents, (Matt. ful in the works of righteousness, if they xxv. 14.) There we read of one who digged have not exhibited positive evidences of in the earth, and hid his lord's money, love to God, and benevolence to men, and at his return digged it up again, and your abstinence from gross transgressions restored it to him in the same state he got will be of no avail. You will not indeed it. In this, according to the general style be ranked with those who proclaim their of judging, there seems to be nothing cul- sins as Sodom; but yet you will be pable. The man, though not profitably numbered with the wicked, and with them active, was at least harmless. He took expelled for ever from the presence of the nothing from his master's talent, neither Lord. did he put it to any bad use. But what But what shall we say of those who character did his lord give him, when he are not only harmless, but also good and came to call for his account? This you useful members of human society; decent may read at the 26th verse. " His lord in their conduct, upright in their dealings, said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful beneficent and obliging to all around servant; " and, in conformity with this them? Of such persons we are certainly character, he pronounces on him this awful bound to speak and to think well. Where sentence, " Cast ye the unprofitable ser- those good fruits appear, we ought to convant into outer darkness, there shall be elude, that the tree which produces them weeping and gnashing of teeth." Hence is good likewise. It is a bold and imit appears, that not only the gross and pious invasion of the divine prerogative flagitious transgressors of God's law, but to judge the hearts of others; and nothing even the slothful and careless, who neglect can be more opposite to the spirit of Chris 368 SERMON LXII. tianity, than to harbor any secret suspicion he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, of men's inward tempers, when their con- because he feareth not before God." duct is proper, inoffensive, and useful. 1st. It cannot be well with the wicked, But if the question be put in another because the consequences of their own conshape, What ought these persons to think duct naturally involve misery. Indepenof themselves? the word of God obliges dent of all the sanctions of the divine law, me to give another answer. sin is in itself the destroyer of our happiThere we are taught to exercise a per- ness. There is so much slavery and dispetual jealousy over ourselves, and to take traction in obeying our corrupt passions, no credit fromn particular acts of virtue, the consequences are so inconvenient and if our character be not entirely formed by ruinous, that none ever followed such a those principles which it alone inspires. course without a secret consciousness of Of these, one of the most commanding is fatal mistake. To be happy, it is necesmentioned in the text itself. It shall sary that we be at peace with ourselves. not be well with the wicked, because he But how can the wicked have this peace? fearleth, not before God." Were all the Their minds, torn by contending passions, combinations of language to be studied, it are like the troubled sea, which cannot would be impossible to devise an expres- rest, whose waters cast up lmire and dirt. sion more significant than this, or more They may indeed dethrone their reason, calculated to discriminate the steady and and trample on their conscience; but yet commanding motives of virtue, from those the voice of these degraded faculties will which are unsound, accidental and fluctu- at times be heard, and even in their scenes ating. of riot and frantic mirth, will, like the The openly profane fear not God at all. hand-writing on the wall of Belshazzar's The unprofitable servant, who buries his palace, embitter all their joys. MIany sins talent in the ground, fears him as an aus- are destructive of bodily health, as well as tere master, and by that slavish fear is re- of peace of mind. This is confessedly the strained from making the proper improve- case with sensuality and intemperance. ment of it. The man who aspires only to Others expose men to dreadful hazards, decency, and outward propriety of conduct, weary them with incessant toils, and at is actuated by a fear which respects some- last plunge them in infamy and ruin. times God, sometimes the reproofs of con- " Come, say they, let us lay wait for science, but most frequently the opinion of blood; let us lurk privily for the innohis fellow men. In contradistinction to cent; let us swallow them up alive as the all these partial and inadequate principles, grave, and whole, as those that go down to the truly good man fears before God. He the pit; we shall find all precious subdreads him not as an enemy, but, conscious stance, we shall fill our houses with spoil." of his inspection at all times, he dreads But behold the issue of these criminal every thing that would make this thought projects. " They lay wait for their own a terror to him. To this decisive test I blood; they lurk privily for their own must therefore lead you. Is the authority lives. Knowest thou not this of old, since of God become the great consideration to man was placed upon the earth, that the which you bend all your sentiments and triumphing of the wicked is short, and conduct? Have you been led to renounce the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? the maxims of the world, and the inclina- They have sown vanity, and they shall tions of nature, and to make the will of reap the whirlwind." God the standard of all you do, regardless 2dly. It cannot be well with the wickof present danger or advantage? Unless ed, because they are in a, state of distance this be the habitual frame of your souls, and alienation from God. The glorious all your seeming virtues are no better than attributes of his nature are to them obdead works; ye are still in the bond of in- jeets of terror and dismay, and the secret iquity, and have every reason to tremble wish of their hearts is, that there were no at the denunciation in the text: " It shall God. But there is a God, 0 sinner! a not be well with the wicked, neither shall God who hateth wickedness, and who will AWFUL DESTINY OF THE WICKED. 369 destroy all the workers of iniquity. He God justifies, them he also sanctifies. hath bent his bow, and made it ready; he There is indeed no condemnation to them hath also prepared for them the instru- that are in Christ Jesus; but, on the ments of death. But O how hopeless a other hand, these are such as walk not warfare is it to contend with him! Who after the flesh, but after the Spirit: for if ever hardened himself against God and any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he prospered? Is there any strong hold, is none of his. where the enemies of his government may 4thly. It cannot be well with the wickbe safe? Go try the whole extent of crea- ed, because, while they remain in this tion. Ascend to heaven, and he is there in state, nothing they do can please God. I the brightness of his majesty. Go down to mean not to affirm, that they cannot perthe regions of darkness, and he is there in form actions materially good, the substance the severity of his justice. Take the wings of which is commanded by God. The moof the morning, and fly to the uttermost rality of Christ's religion is so much acparts of the sea, even there his boundless commodated to the interest of individuals, dominion extends; even there his right and to the good of society, that even they, hand shall hold thee a prisoner to his who have no higher motives, may find it vengeance. Listen, O sinner, to the tre- profitable to comply with some of its inmendous declaration of this omnipotent, junctions. Far less is it my meaning. omnipresent God. " I, even I, am he, and that it would be better, or as good, for there is no God with me; I kill and I such persons to neglect or disobey these make alive, I wound and I heal, neither is injunctions. But my meaning is, that there there any that can deliver out of my hand; are so many defects, and so much unsoundfor I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, ness of motive in their best actions, that I live for ever. If I whet my glittering God can have no delight in them, such as sword, and mine hand take hold on judg- he has in the obedience of his own people, ment, I will render vengeance to mine who are reconciled to him by the great enemies, and will reward them that hate Mediator. me. I will make mine arrows drunk with They cannot so far please God as to blood." render their persons acceptable to him; 3dly. It cannot be well with the wick- nor have they any promise that this pared, because they lie under the guilt of all tial obedience of theirs shall be recomthe sins which they have ever committed. pensed with any favor or reward. The A dreadful load! One sin ruined myriads truth of these observations is confirmed of beings superior to man; how shall they by a multitude of passages of Scripture. escape, then, who from their youth up- There we are told, that the thoughts of wards have drunk iniquity even as the ox the wicked are abominable to him; that drinketh water? It is possible that you the ploughing of the wicked is sin; that may soothe yourselves with the thought of the sacrifice of the wicked is an abominahaving repented of the grosser sins with tion; yea, he that turneth away his ear which your lives have been stained; you from hearing the law, even his prayer, trust that these are forgiven, and presume saith Solomon, shall be an abomination that a merciful God will overlook the rest. unto God. And how can it be well with But I must be allowed to inform you, that the man, whose whole life is a perpetual. this is a rash and groundless thought. offence to the God that made him There is no such thing with God as par- Consider this, ye that now despise retial forgiveness. If all your sins are not proof, trample on the blood of Christ, and. pardoned, not one of them is; and unless resist the motions of his Spirit. In vain you have been renewed by the grace and do you rest on the favorable parts of your Spirit of God, those sins you committed character, as a compensation for this un — in your earliest years, are as much in force grateful abuse of the divine goodness and. against you as those of the most recent long-suffering. In the sight of men, in — date you can name. Conversion and par- deed, this balance may be of some avail; don are inseparably connected; and it will to you; but God seeth not as man seeth. ever remain a certain truth, that whom In his sight your whole character is- de24 370 SERMON LXIII. praved, and every part of your conduct everlasting covenant, even the sure mercies offensive. I shall only add, in the of David." Amen. 5th and last place, That if you die in this state, your perdition is inevitable. *' Except a man be born again," saith our Lord, "he cannot see the kingdom of God." " Verily, verily, I say unto you, SERMON LXIII. except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye cannot enter into the CONSEQUENCES OF APOSTASY. kingdom of heaven." These passages are plain and decisive; and I have selected REVELATrON II. 5.-"Remember from whence them among innumerable others to the thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, same purpose, for this reason, that they and remove thy candlestick out of his place, were uttered by the firmest and tenderest except thou repent." friend of the human race, the truth of whose warnings we can have no reason to THESE are the words of our Lord Jesus -doubt. Christ to the church at Ephesus. They IN reviewing what has been said, the contain a call to repentance and reformaimpression left is undoubtedly gloomy, tion, with a severe and terrible threatenand nothing but a sense of duty could ing in case of disobedience. In the have prevailed on me to deliver so harsh second and third verses, we have an aca message. But that watchman would be knowledgment of what was good in that very unfaithful to his trust, who would church, " I know thy works, and thy not call the alarm of fire, because of the labor, and thy patience, and how thou unpleasant sound it has in men's ears. I canst not bear them which are evil: and have not been sternly delivering truths in thou hast tried them which say they are which I have no concern myself. Wre are apostles, and are not, and hast found all embarked in the voyage of life upon them liars, and hast borne, and hast pathe same conditions. These conditions I tience, and for my name's sake hast laborhave endeavored to set before you, accord- ed, and hast not fainted." Nevertheless, ing to that commandment of God, "Say says he, in the 4th verse, " I have someye to the righteous, it shall be well with what against thee, because thou hast left him, for he shall eat the fruit of his do- thy first love." Their affection was cooled, ings; but woe to the wicked, it shall be their zeal was abated, they were become ill with him, neither shall he prolong his more remiss and lukewarm in the duties days, which are as a shadow, because he of religion. Now, this our Saviour could feareth not before God." Knowing, there- not bear; he therefore calls them to refore, the terrors of the Lord, I have been member their first estate, to consider their endeavoring to persuade you to fly from present degenerate condition, to mourn the wrath to come. over it, and to rise from it by a speedy The way to escape all this misery is repentance and reformation. And to give patent, even to the chief of sinners. The this summons the greater efficacy, he door of mercy is open. God is seated on threatens them with the removal of the a throne of grace, ready to receive every gospel from them, if they did not repent: humble penitent; and this is his call to "I will come unto thee quickly, and rethe sons of men, " Turn ye, turn ye, why move thy candlestick out of his place, exwill ye die? —Seek ye the Lord while he cept thou repent." may be found, call upon him while he is Many useful observations might be near.-Let the wicked forsake his way, and made from this passage; as,first, that our the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let Lord Jesus Christ takes special notice of him return unto the Lord, and he will have those to whom the gospel is sent. His eyes mercy on him, and to our God, for he will are in every place, beholding the evil and abundantly pardon.-Incline your ear, the good; but he walks in the midst of the and come unto me; hear, and your souls golden candlesticks, and carefully observes shall live,; and I will make with you an the improvement which men make of CONSEQUENCES OF APOSTASY. 371 this precious light. This teaches us what Christ's promise to his apostles, " Lo, I manner of persons we ought to be. We am with you always, even unto the end are placed here, as it were, on a theatre, of the world; " not with their persons, and act in the immediate view of our for these were soon to be removed out of King and Judge. Yea, he hath in a man- the world by death, but with their docner intrusted us with his glory, and called trine, which was to endure throughout all the world to take notice of us, as the per- generations; so that we have the fullest sons by whom he expects to be honored, assurance, that the Zion of God, or the and therefore our behavior cannot be in- universal church, shall never perish: that different to him. He may wink at others, the light of the gospel shall never be exbut cannot wink at us. The husband- tinguished; but that the King of Zion man is not dishonored by the unfruitful- shall always have subjects to serve him ness of a wild tree, upon which he has be- in some corner of the earth or other. But stowed no culture; but the barrenness of though the gospel shall never be removed what is planted in his garden, or inclosed out of the world altogether, yet it may be field, reflects upon himself, and therefore removed from particular places. -The canhe cannot be unconcerned about that, but dlestick is a movable thing, and not an must vindicate his honor upon it, by cut- entailed inheritance. ting it down, and casting it out as a cum- The Jews are an eminent instance of berer of the ground. this. Never was a nation so highly favorSecondlly. We may observe, that not ed as they. To them pertained the adoponly gross apostasy, but even the smallest tion, and the glory, and the covenants, decays among his people, are highly offen- and the giving of the law, and the service sive unto him. This church had many good of God, and the promises; theirs were things among them, and after the com- the fathers, and of them, as concerning mendation that was given them in the sec- the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, ond and third verses, one would be ready God blessed for ever. They were God's to put the question, What lack they yet? chosen people, his peculiar treasure, his But our Lord remarks the coldness of first born, and his spouse; for by these their hearts, and resents that inward and honorable titles were they long distinsecret declension from their former love guished from the rest of the world. Nor and zeal, and threatens them with swift were they only distinguished by titles, but destruction if they did not repent. O actually blessed with all the privileges how does this magnify God's patience to- which these titles imported. God was inwards us! and what cause have we to deed a father and husband unto them: he tremble and be afraid of his judgments, cherished them in his bosom, and employseeing we have not only fallen from our ed his almighty power for their preservafirst love, but by gross and open acts of tion. He conducted their arms, and enmity have made it extremely doubtful, dictated their laws; he formed their whether there be any remains of love state, and was present among them by a abiding with us at all? But, without in- visible glory, and established a method sisting upon these, my design is, to con- of correspondence, by which they might sider this threatening separately by itself. have constant access to him for counsel And my method shall be, and direction in every case of difficulty. I. To show that God may be provoked Never had any people such illustrious disby the sins of a people, to remove the plays of the divine providence in their gospel from them. favor. Some nations have had a long If. I shall represent to you the terri- tract of prosperity, a series of lucky acbleness of this judgment. And, cidents, as it were, by the help of which III. Direct you to the proper use of they have grown up to a very flourishing this awful subject. condition; but the various steps of their IN the Scriptures we have many com- advancement were visible, and easy to be fortable promises of the church's stability: accounted for, and were nothing more exit is built upon a rock, and the gates of traordinary than a plentiful crop after a hell shall not prevail against it. It was favorable seed-time and harvest, or the 372 SERMON LXIII. riches of a skilful and industrious mer- a people, to remove their candlestick out chant. But it was not so with the nation of his place, and punish them with darkof the Jews; their prosperity was the ness, who would not walk in the light of admiration of all that beheld it, and it whilst they enjoyed it. forced them to acknowledge that the Lord The seven churches of Asia, mentioned was with them of a truth. God brought in this and the following chapter, are anthem out of Egypt by a high hand and an other instance of this. These had their outstretched arm; the sea opened a pas- day, but are now benighted; the judgments sage for their retreat, and overwhelmed threatened in these gracious epistles, which their enemies; bread was given them Nere directed to them, have been long ago from heaven, so that man did eat angel's inflicted. The banners of a blasphemous food; and the flinty rock yielded them impostor have long triumphed over the water to quench their thirst. At the standard of the gospel. Nor is the once prayer of Joshua the sun stood still; and famous church of Rome a great deal betat the same time God slew his enemies ter; for though the gospel is still professbefore him with hail-stones from heaven, ed and honored by them in appearance, and gave his people a miraculous and yet the light of it is so much obscured, complete victory over them. And after and buried amidst the rubbish of idolathey were put in possession of the pro- trous opinions and practices, that it is mised land, they did not grow up like scarce discernible; and without breach of other states; they were oftentimes brought charity we may say of them, that God so low that they seemed past recovery, hath given them up to strong delusions to and as often did God interpose for their believe a lie; so that they have all the relief; and the various changes they un- marks of a people whom God hath abanderwent were so sudden and surprising, doned, though wrath be not as yet come as made it evident to themselves and all upon them to the uttermost. By these about them, that their affairs were con- examples we see that the gospel is not the ducted, not by the skill and strength of inheritance of any particular people, but men, but by the immediate hand of God, that it frequently has been, and therefore who, by his irresistible power, governs all may still be forfeited, and that God may creatures and things, so that none can be provoked, by the sins of those who stay his hand, or say unto him, What enjoy the light of it, to strip them of all doest thou? Yet, notwithstanding all these their privileges, by removing their candletitles, and privileges, and providences, stick out of his place. Let us now prowhereby God distinguished them in such ceed, in the a remarkable manner, they are now pulled II. place, To consider the greatness of up by the roots, abandoned by God, and this punishment. And if we view it aright, despised among men. No spiritual dew we shall soon be convinced, that a more falls upon those mountains of Gilboa. terrible judgment cannot be inflicted upon Those that were as pleasant to God as any people or nation. What can be more the grapes in the wilderness to a thirsty terrible than famine? Parents have been traveller, are now of as little regard as forced, against all the ties of natural afthe heath or the bramble. Of a tender fection, to devour their own children, and father he is become their enraged enemy; children to feed upon the flesh of their and flings vengeance down upon those parents. The extremity of hunger hath heads which before he crowned with reconciled very delicate people to things mercy. He caused the land in which he that are most loathsome and -nauseous, had planted them, by a series of miracles, carrion, dung, and vermin of all sorts; to spew them out because of their sins; yet this is accounted a small judgment and now they wander as miserable vaga- when compared with the other, (Amos viii. bonds over the face of the world, a stand- 11.) "Behold the days come, saith the ing monument of God's righteous judg- Lord, that I will send a famine in the ment, and a sad proof that spiritual privi- land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst leges are not entailed to any nation; but for water, but of hearing the word of the that God may be provoked, by the sins of Lord." The want of spiritual food is so CONSEQUENCES OF APOSTASY. 373 much worse than the want of natural food, terribleness of this judgment. And now as the soul is better than the body; the I come to point out your concern in this one makes the body weak, the other starves subject, and to direct you to the proper the soul, and leaves it both weak and improvement of it. And if these things wicked; the one may be a means to make be so, have not we in these lands great us seek the Lord, but the other leaves us reason to fear, that our iniquities may in gross darkness, without either help or provoke the Lord to inflict this punishhope. The gospel is the sun that enlight- ment upon us? Are we better than ens the mind, the rain that waters the Ephesus or the other churches of Asia? heart; it is that divine seed by which the Are our privileges greater or better securquickening Spirit renews the soul, and im- ed than theirs were? yet their candleplants a principle of spiritual life, which stick has been long removed; and who shall issue in a glorious and eternal one. dare affirm that ours may not bQ removed By this our souls are refined, and our likewise? My brethren, I have no design lusts consumed; without this, we can have to alarm you with groundless fears; but no prospect of a world to come, nor any my duty as a watchman obliges me to blow knowledge of the way that leads to it, the trumpet when I see danger approachfor life and immortality are brought to ing; and that I may give it a distinct light by the gospel, and by it only we are sound, I shall briefly unfold to you the told, that God is in Christ reconciling the grounds of my apprehension of approachworld to himself, not imputing their tres- ing danger in these following remarks: passes; and therefore the want of it must And, be the sum of all misery, and infinitely 1st. Is it not evident, that vice and imworse than any other calamity we can morality have grown up to an amazing either feel or fear in this world. God may height among us? Do not many proclaim take notice of a people under the sharp- their sins as Sodom, and hide them not? est afflictions, but when he takes away his Yec, do not many glory in their shame, word, then he knows them nolonger; then and count it their honor to excel in all gracious correspondence or intercourse some branch of wickedness or other? I is broken up. This, O this, is the very do not aggravate the charge; every one's dregs of vengeance! Yea, when the gos- observation must convince him of the pel departs from a people, all other bless- truth of it. Now, what must be the fruit ings commonly depart with it. This is of this? Hear what God says by his the charter of all our privileges, both prophet (Joel iii. 13.) " Put ye in the spiritual and temporal; and therefore in sickle, for the harvest is ripe, the press is losing it we lose all that depends upon it, full, the fats overflow; for their wickedat least we forfeit our title; and any out- ness is great." I do not say we have just ward mercies that are continued with us, come this length, that we are already are only like food and raiment to a con- arrived at a fulness of iniquity; but demned criminal, which the King's clem- surely we have for a long time been adency allows him till the fatal sentence be vancing towards it by very hasty steps. executed upon him. And this, I think, is one reasonable ground The gospel is not only the glory, but of fear. the strength of a nation; when it departs, 2dly. Is there not a visible contempt God ceases to be their protector. The of the blessed gospel? Are not the ordiflourishing condition of the seven churches nances of religion slighted and despised? soon withered when the candlestick was yea, is it not become fashionable among removed; and their deplorable and abject many, to reject the whole of Revelation state ever since, even with respect to ex- as a cunningly devised fable, and to use ternal enjoyments and worldly advantages, all their influence to proselyte the more is a melancholy proof that the gospel does simple and unthinking to their opinion? not take flight alone, but is attended with Has not Deism, which began at,court in every other thing that contributes to the King Charles II.'s reign, been still deglory or happiness of a people. scending through all the inferior ranks, THUS have I represented to you the till now it has got low enough? And 374 SERMON LXIII. what does this presage? The Gadareans and have taken nothing at all? Shall a besought Christ to depart from their trumpet be blown in the city, and the peocoasts, and got their request. The gos- ple not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a pel is of too much worth to be always ex- city, and the Lord hath not done it? The posed to the injuries of men, and forced lion hath roared, who will not fear? the upon a people against their will. When Lord God hath spoken, who can but prochildren throw a precious jewel in the dirt, phesy? " My brethren, God has been what can be expected, but that their father speaking to us in a very awful manner for should take it from them, and lay it in these six months past; and that we might another place, and punish them too for not mistake his voice, most of the events their folly and ingratitude? A that have fallen out in that space of time 3d Sign of approaching danger is the have been altogether surprising and unsmall success which accompanies the expected. Our enemies themselves were preaching of the gospel, even among those amazed at their success, and ascribed it who profess to believe it. How few con- to the immediate hand of God, which verts are born into the church! Is it not favored their enterprise; and the hand of visible, that numbers who attend upon God has been no less remarkably displayordinances are still lying in the gall of ed in our benign deliverance. The retreat bitterness and the bond of iniquity? How of the rebels, immediately after a victory, few are seriously inquiring after the way without facing an army they had so lately to Zion, with their faces thitherward? overcome, was so contrary to the general And is not this too a presage of a depart- opinion, that I believe the wisest heads ing gospel, when God ceases to pour oil were afraid of some cunning artifice, some into the lamp, to accompany the ordi- deep laid plot, to draw our men into a nances of religion with the influences of snare, from which they should not easily his Spirit? Surely we have reason to escape. In a word, man's part of this fear, that he intends to remove the candle- whole affair has been so small and inconstick to some other place, and to give' it siderable, that it is evidently the Lord's to those who will value it more, and make own doing; and though he has employed better use of it than we have done. A instruments both to distress and relieve us, 4th Ground of fear is the present divid- yet he has done it in such a sovereign ed state of our church. Union is the manner, that he seems to have used themi strength of the religious, as well as of the upon no other design but only to convince civil society; for a house divided against us that he can work without them. I conitself cannot stand. It is a weighty say- fess, my brethren, the care which God has ing of one upon this head, that when chil- taken to make himself observable in the dren fall out, and fight about the candle, conduct of these occurrences, is one of the parents come and take it away, and the principal grounds of my fears at this leave them to decide their differences in time; nor are my fears a whit lessened the dark. We may justly fear that God by the late favorable dispensation. I look will take away that light which we abuse upon it indeed as an intimation, that he in quarrelling, instead of walking and who is a God of judgment is also a God working by it. Add to all these, in the of mercy; and that, notwithstanding all 5th place, The threatening aspect of our past provocations, he is yet willing to divine Providence, the success of our be reconciled to us upon the terms of the enemies abroad, and the bold attempt, gospel; and therefore I view it in the which is still carrying on, against our re- light of an encouragement to repentance, ligion and liberties, at home, and then but not at all as a sign that God's anger judge whether there be not sufficient is turned away from us, or a security that grounds of fear. " Will a lion roar in our danger is over. No, my brethren, the forest when he hath no prey? Will a the sun rose upon Sodom the morning of young lion cry out of his den, if he have that very day in which it was consumed taken nothing? Can a bird fall in a snare by fire from heaven. We have got a upon the earth, where no gin is for him? breathing time, a respite from judgment, Shall one take up a snare from the earth, but not a perfect deliverance; and if we THE WORSHIP AND GLORY OF GOD. 375 do not improve the day of our visitation, this mixture of goodness with severity SERMON LXIV. makes it only the more probable that the last exercise of God's patience is at hand, THE WORSHIP AND GLORY OF GOD. and that the things which belong to our peace are in the greatest danger of being 2 CRosNICLEs v. 13, 14.-" It came even to pass. hid from our eyes. as the trumpeters and singers were as one to Thus then you see what grounds there make one sound to be heard in praising and dreadful judgment thanking the LORD, and when they lift up are to fear, that the dreadful judgment their voice, with the trumpets and cymbals, threatened in the text may be inflicted and instruments of music, and praised the upon us; and this, I hope, will dispose us LORD, saying, For he is good, for his mercy all to listen to the exhortation here given endureth for ever, that then the house was us, " Remember, therefore, from ~wbhence filled with a cloud, even the house of the LoRD: So that the priests could not stand to thou art fallen, and repent, and do the minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory first works." of the LORD had filled the house of GOD." This is the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the only way to prevent the TIIE day of Petecost excepted, when the ruin of a sinful people. The substance Holy Ghost made a visible descent upon of this exhortation I have frequently the apostles of our Lord, I look upon this pressed upon you, and therefore I shall to have been the brightest day of heaven not now enlarge upon it; and every thing upon earth that ever the church of God I have just now delivered to you, may was favored with. It is impossible to serve as motives to induce you to comply conceive the joy, the wonder, the ecstasy with it. The candlestick may be removed of these devout worshippers, when they from you. This deprivation of the gospel beheld the cloud, that well-known symbol is the most terrible of all God's judg- of the Divine presence, and saw the temments; and as our sins deserve it, so God ple filled with his glory. Solomon himby his providence has actually been threat- self, as we learn from the 18th verse of ening us with it. 0 then let us be awak- the following chapter, was so overpowered ened from our security, let us value the with this extraordinary manifestation, that gospel dispensation, and improve it to the he made a sudden pause even after he had obtaining a gospel nature. Let us not begun to pray; and, like one doubtful loiter while the sun shines, lest we be be- whether he should believe the testimony nighted. It will not stand still at our of his own senses, abruptly asks the quespleasure, but will go its course according tion; " But will God in very deed dwell to the command of its Governor, and lis- with men on the earth? Behold! heaven, tens not to the follies of men, nor tarries for and the heaven of heavens, cannot contain our delays. Let us then stir up ourselves thee, how much less this house I have to call upon our Lord, who is the Lord built!" of Zion, and the protector and safeguard It appears, from the last chapter of the of our Jerusalem. Let us plead with book of Exodus, that when the tabernacle him, as the disciples that were going to was first erected in the wilderness, God Emmaus,'; Lord, abide with us, for the was pleased to take visible possession of evening begins to come, and the day is far it in a way similar to what is here recordspent." Our Saviour did so, and gave ed; and the effects (though not precisely them his blessing. He may do so with us the same) were very much akin to those likewise. He may return with a rich I have now read to you: For we are there blessing to our land and church, and abide told, that Moses, the man of God, was not with us and our posterity till the day of able to enter into the tent of the congreglory break, and all the shadows fly away. gation, because the cloud abode thereon, Amen. and the glory of the Lord had filled the tabernacle: But here the cloud not only filled the tabernacle, but the whole temple; and the Divine presence was displayed with such glory and majesty, that 376 SERMON LXIV. the priests who burnt incense at the gold- own people with righteousness, and peace, en altar, were obliged, at least for some and joy in the Holy Ghost. time, to intermit the service. They could But, alas! How is the gold become not stand to minister by reason of the dim, and the most fine gold changed? cloud, for the glory of the Lord had filled These blessed fruits of gospel ordinances the house of God. are rarely to be seen in our day, and I suppose I need scarcely observe to therefore is just ground for that mournful you, that such pompous and visible man- complaint, " The bellows are burnt, the ifestations of the Divine presence are not lead is consumed of the fire, the founder to be expected in gospel days. The dark- melteth in vain; for the wicked are not ness of the former dispensation required plucked away from their wickedness." those external aids, and rendered them Few, comparatively speaking, are now not only desirable but useful and necessa- converted by the means of grace. And ry; but now that the darkness is dispel- even among the few who have a name to led, and the dayspring from on high hath live, the decayed and languishing state of visited us; the great objects of faith vital Christianity is too observable to being freed from the thick veil of types need any proof or illustration. and shadows, penetrate the mind without To what cause shall we impute this? the assistance of our bodily senses, and Is God's arm shortened that it cannot make a deeper and more lasting imprcs- save; or is his ear heavy that he cannot sion upon the believing soul than the most hear? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? splendid scenes the eye could behold. doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath Zion's glory doth not now consist in the Lord forgotten to be gracious? Hath outward pomp and magnificence, but in he in anger shut up his tender mercies? the spiritual though invisible presence of No, God is unchangeably the same, yesterher King, according to his own gracious day, to-day, and for ever, without any promise, " Lo, I am with you always, variableness or shadow of turning. He is even unto the end of the world; " and the rock, his work is perfect, and all his " where two or three are gathered together ways are judgment; a God of truth and in my name, there am I in the midst of inviolable fidelity. The blame, my breththem." When a divine power accompa- ren, lies at our own door. Our iniquities nies the ordinances of religion; when have separated between us and our God, these waters of the sanctuary are impreg- and withhold good things from us. We nated with a healing and quickening vir- do not cry to him with our hearts; we tue; when the souls of believers are en- do not stir up ourselves to call upon God; lightened and purified, revived and com- our prayers are cold and lifeless; our forted, by the use of those means which praises languish and die on our lips; we Christ hath appointed, then is the temple rush upon ordinances without any serious filled with his glory; and there is no need preparation, and are neither suitably conof any visible cloud to convince the de- cerned to obtain the Divine presence, noa vout worshipper that his Lord is with duly affected when we miss it. him. That this is too frequently the case It has long been lamented, (would to cannot be denied. Our own observation God there was less cause for it,) that this and experience must convince us of the gracious presence of our Redeemer is sen- truth of it. But may I not be allowed to sibly withdrawn from our public assem- hope that some, nay that many, have come blies. We have heard with our ears, and up to this solemnity with longing desires our fathers have told us, what work the to behold and admire the beauty of the Lord did in their days, in the times of Lord, and to feel the power of his grace old; how his steps of Majesty have been in the sanctuary? May I not hope, that seen in the sanctuary, and his arm reveal- there is a goodly number in this large ed by its glorious effects, turning the assembly, who have been pleading, like disobedient to the wisdom of the just, Moses, in their secret retirements, " I beenriching and beautifying the souls of his seech thee, O Lord, show me thy glory? " THE WORSHIP AND GLORY OF GOD. 377 Well, then, to such the passage I am weakness. Thanksgiving expresseth our now to discourse upon affords matter of relish of the sweetness of benefits receivuseful and seasonable instruction, as it ed; but praise rises above all selfish renot only relates an extraordinary manifes- gards, and directly terminates on the tation of the divine glory to his ancient greatness and amiableness of God himself. church, but likewise informs us how the He loves our prayers, he loves our pen, worshippers were employed at the time itential tears and groans; but nothing when that extraordinary manifestation pleases him so much as the cheerful adowas made. And I think the inference is ration and praise of his people. Nay, perfectly just and natural, That if we de- penitential tears are no otherwise valuable sire and expect to share in their privilege, than as they purge our eyes from the filth we ought, in so far as the difference of of sin, that we may behold more clearly our circumstances will permit, to follow the loveliness of God, and give him that their example, and do what they did. glory which is due to his name. All the " It came even to pass, as the trumpet- other duties of devotion are only means ers and singers were as one, to make one of preparation for this sublime exercise. sound to be heard in praising and thank- The habitations of the blessed continually ing the Lord; and when they lift up their resound with the high praises of God. voice with the trumpets and cymbals, and There the most perfect creatures, in their instruments of music, and praised the most perfect state, have this for their conLord, saying, For he is good, for his stant unwearied employment, "they rest mercy endureth for ever, that then the not day nor night, saying, Holy, holy, house was filled with a cloud, even the holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and house of the Lord, so that the priests is, and is to come." could not stand to minister by reason of We are too backward, my brethren, to the cloud; for the glory of the Lord had this heavenly exercise, and perhaps that is filled the house of God." one reason why we enjoy so little of heaven Where you may observe, in the upon earth. Did we praise God more, he I. place, That the glory of God began would give us greater cause to praise him; to appear when the assembly were em- but this we seldom think of. We beg hard ployed in praise and thanksgiving. This for relief when we feel our necessities; but is a striking circumstance, and deserves alas, how slowly do we return to give glory our peculiar attention. Much time had to God. Let me therefore entreat you, in been spent in solemn duties of another all your addresses to the throne of grace, kind. Numerous and costly sacrifices to give praise and thanksgiving their due had been offered up, as we read in the 6th proportion. In days of humiliation, or in verse of this chapter, even sheep and oxen some special cases of distress, our sins and that could not be told for multitudes. our dangers may have the greater share; But these ritual parts of worship were all but ordinarily, as much of our time and concluded before the cloud entered into thoughts should be employed in the humthe Temple. God delayed to honor them ble and thankful adoration of the divine with this token of his favor till the spir- greatness and goodness, as is spent in conitual and heavenly exercise of praise was fessing our sins, or begging those supplies begun. This is by far the most accepta- which our wants require. That excellent ble service we can be engaged in. " Whoso model of devotion which Christ bath left offereth praise," says God, "glorifieth to his church lays a solid foundation for me." David knew this when he said, this remark. It both begins and ends (Psalm lxix. 30, 31, &c.) "I will praise with adoration; and of the six petitions the name of God with a song, and will which make up the body of the prayer, magnify him with thanksgiving. This three directly relate to the advancement also will please the Lord better than ox of God's glory. Nay, these three are first or bullock that hath horn or hoof." Praise in order; and we are taught to pray that honors God, and therefore puts a distin- God's name may be hallowed, his kingdom guishing honor upon this duty. Prayer come, and his will done on earth as it is is an expression of our indigence and in heaven, before we ask any thing for 378 SERMON LXIV. ourselves in particular. Would we then their song, who know that the mercy feel the divine presence, would we see the promised to the fathers, the consolation of glory of God in his Sanctuary, let us ad- Israel, is already come? especially while we dress ourselves to this high and heavenly attend upon that sacred ordinance, which work. The occasion of our meeting gives is both a solemn commemoration of his us a fair invitation to it. The great object past sufferings, and a pledge of his return which this day presents to us is the Lamb to complete our salvation. Here, indeed of God which taketh away the sin of the we have the brightest display of the goodworld. We are to behold Christ in the ness and everlasting mercy of God. holy sacrament, evidently set forth as cru- "God so loved the world, that he gave his cified before our eyes. And can we refrain only begotten Son, that whosoever believfrom adoration and praise, whilst we con- eth in him might not perish, but have template Him who is the brightness of his eternal life; for God sent his Son into the Father's glory, and the express image of world, not to condemn the world, but that his person? Should we not rejoice and the world through him might be saved." give thanks, when we are called to comme- Our great Redeemer is the liveliest image morate the unspeakable gift of God to of infinite goodness, the messenger of the men? Every Lord's day bespeaks our most unsearchable astonishing love, the praise and thanksgiving; but the peculiar perchaser of the most inestimable benefits language of a communion Sabbath is evi- that ever were revealed to the sons of men. dently this, " Let Israel rejoice in him " Greater love than this hath no man, that that made him: Let the children of Zion a man lay down his life for his friend; be joyful in their King. Praise ye the but God commendeth his love towards us, Lord, for it is good to sing praises to our in that whilst we were yet sinners Christ God; for it is pleasant, and praise is died for us." Can we doubt of the divine comely." goodness after this costly expression of it? II. It deserves our notice, that the "He that spared not his own Son, but subject of praise, which God honored with delivered him up for us all, how shall he this token of his acceptance, was his own not with him also freely give us all things?" goodness and everlasting mercy. And Behold, likewise, this adorable perfection this, my brethren, is a most ecouraging shining through the whole of that gracious circumstance; for it plainly enough tells covenant, whereof this holy sacrament is us, that God is best pleased with our the external seal. There you may see praises, when we adore and celebrate those such sure, such great and wonderful merperfections of his nature, which dispose cies, freely given out to a world of sinners, him to pity the miserable, and have the as may remove all your suspicions of the kindest aspect towards the children of divine goodness and mercy, and afford you men. The song that the priests were constant matter of praise and thanksgivsinging when the cloud entered into the ing. There you may see how unwilling Temple, had none of that rhetorical pomp God is that sinners should perish. There which a cold heart may borrow from a you may see an act of pardon and oblivion warm imagination; it consisted of a few granted, upon the easy and reasonable conplain but gracious words, " The Lord is dition of a believing, penitent, and thankgood, and his mercy endureth for ever." ful acceptance. The sins that men have And whilst they sung this plain and art- been committing for many years together, less song, God made a sudden display of their wilful, heinous, aggravated sins, you his glory, and caused them to feel the may there see pardoned by ascendant unhappy effects of that goodness which they wearied mercy; the enemies of God repraised. And shall not their success en- conciled to him; condemned rebels saved courage us to follow their example? from hell, nay, brought into his family, They adored and celebrated the divine and made his sons. 0 what comfortable goodness when the Ark was brought into discoveries are these! The Old Testament the Temple, which was only a typical repre- saints saw them darkly through a veil, sentation of the Messiah who was to come: whereas we behold them with open face. And shall we need any solicitation to adopt God appears in his Son and covenant, to THE WORSHIP AND GLORY OF GOD. 379 be not only good, but love itself. Let us there came a sound from heaven, as of a then adore him in this amiable character; rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the let us give him the glory of all his perfec- house where they were sitting." Every tions; but especially let us praise him one will be sensible that there is a very with thankful hearts, "because he is good, striking resemblance between these two and his mercy endureth for ever." A illustrious events; and I cannot help III. Circumstance in the text. which thinking, that the oneness and harmony claims our attention, is the seriousness of the worshippers. on both these occaand fervor of this devout assembly. It is sions, is mentioned with peculiar emphasis, said, that they lifted up their voice, and as a distinguishing characteristic of those praised the Lord. Here they exerted religious assemblies which God delights their whole strength and activity, as if to honor with his presence. they had been ambitious to spend them- We are told in cxxxiiid Psalm, that selvesin thisheavenly employment. Would where brethren dwell together in unity, we then this day obtain a token of the di- there God commandeth the blessing; and vine acceptance, let us learn from their ex- our blessed Lord lays such stress upon ample to seek it by a fervent and lively unity of affection among his disciples, that devotion. Great is the Lord, says David, he makes it an essential qualification of and therefore greatly to be praised. Ac- an acceptable worshipper; nay, he tells cordingly, when he enters upon this im- us, that where this is wanting, the person portant duty, in Psalm ciii, he begins with is disqualified for performing any service a solemn address to his own soul, " Bless that is pleasing to God, (Matth. v. 23, the Lord, O my soul, and all that is with- 24.) " If thou bring thy gift to the altar, in me bless his holy name." The devo- and there rememberest that thy brother tion of the soul is the soul of devotion; hath aught against thee, leave there thy it is the praise and homage of the heart gift before the altar, and go thy way; which God requires. If that is withheld, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then we have nothing else to offer him that is come and offer thy gift." If this doctrine worthy his regard. We are commanded of brotherly love has not an obvious founto love the Lord our God with all our dation in the text, yet I can hardly think heart, with all our soul, and with all our I need make any apology for mentioning strength, and with all our mind; and it, seeing it has a broad foundation in what is the measure of our love, ought other passages of Scripture, and is strictly likewise to be the measure of our praise; connected with the great ordinance before for it is as impossible to exceed in the one us. The sacrament of the supper is not as in the other. As we cannot love him only a solemn commemoration of our Satoo much, so neither can we praise him too viour's death, and of his wonderful love highly. His greatness and his goodness to sinners of mankind, but was likewise ininfinitely surpass all that our minds can tended to be a badge of love and union conceive, or our tongues express. But among his disciples. Of old, they who there is yet a feasted upon the same sacrifice laid aside IV. Circumstance in the text, which de- all enmity, and professed to be knit toserves our particular notice upon this oc- gether in love and friendship. In like casion, namely the harmony and unanimity manner, all who partake of the great gosof these ancient worshippers. " They were pel sacrifice in the holy sacrament, are supall as one, and made one sound to be heard posed to be members of one body, united in praising and thanking the Lord." The under one head, our Lord Jesus Christ. importance of this circumstance will ap- " The cup of blessing which we bless," pear in a stronger light, if we compare the says the apostle, " is it not the communion passage now before us with that extraordi- of the blood of Christ? the bread which nary manifestation on the day of Pente- we break, is it not the communion of the cost, which is related in the 2d chapter of body of Christ? for we being many are the Acts of the Apostles. There we are one bread and one body, for we are all told, that when the " apostles were all partakers of that one bread." It would with one accord in one place, suddenly be monstrous to see one member of the 380 SERMON LXIV. natural body hurting and destroying presence by prayer; let us now go a little another; the mouth devouring the hand, farther, and seek it in praise and thanksor the hand plucking out the eye. It is giving. The EUCHARIST was the ancient no less monstrous and unnatural for one name of the sacrament, which tells us that member of Christ's mystical body to be at the sacramental devotions of the primitive variance with another-to see those who church chiefly consisted in those laudable partake *of the table of the Lord, at the exercises I am now recommending; and same time partaking of the table of devils, certainly their example should have conby entertaining hatred and malice in their siderable weight with us. hearts, by doing, or purposing to do, or Let none say, I am a guilty, depraved even by wishing, any hurt to their breth- creature, and therefore groans, and tears, ren in Christ. Would we then obtain the and sorrowful lamentations, become me divine presence and blessing on this so- better than the voice of praise; for if you lemn occasion? do we expect or desire are penitent, believing sinners, if, despairing that the King should sit at his own table of relief from any other quarter, you have this day, and impart to us the fruits of his fled to Christ, as your city of refuge, and favor and love, let us be one among our- taken sanctuary in his atoning blood and selves; let every bitter passion be put sacrifice,-praise is not only lawful, but away; and let us put on, as the elect of highly becoming, nay, a necessary part of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercy, your present duty; —the design of your kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness redemption, the tenor of the Gospel Coand long-suffering, forbearing one another, venant, the glorious privileges to which even as we look for forgiveness through you stand entitled, loudly demand. this the merits of Jesus, remitting to others grateful return. " We are built up," says their hundred pence, whilst we plead with Peter, " a spiritual house, an holy priestGod for the discharge of our ten thousand hood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, actalents. ceptable to God by Jesus Christ." 1 Peter But the oneness here spoken of seems ii. 5. And that praise is one of these more immediately to respect their harmo- spiritual sacrifices appears from the 9th nious agreement in the great subject of verse, " Ye are a chosen generation, a their praise. They made one sound to be royal priesthood, an holy nation, a pecuheard in praising and thanking the Lord, liar people, that ye should show forth the saying, "For he is good, and his mercy praises of Him who hath called you out of endureth for ever." And, when they thus darkness into his marvellous light." concurred with heart and voice in extol- But alas! says one, what is all this to ling the goodness and mercy of God, " it me? My harp must still hang upon the came even to pass," says the sacred histo- willows; for how shall I, a wretched caprian, " that the house was filled with a tive, presume to sing the songs of Zion? cloud, even the house of the Lord; so that No evidences of grace are legible in my the priests could not stand to minister by heart. Grief and fear have so thoroughly reason of the cloud: for the glory of the possessed it, that the love of God can find Lord had filled the house of God." That no room. How then, or to what purpose, agreement in prayer has a mighty efficacy should I lift up my voice, whilst my soul appears from the gracious promise of the is cast down and disquieted within me? Lord, (Matt. xviii. 19.);" Again, I say Now, to such I would answer in general, unto you, that if two of you shall agree, that, let your case be as bad as you supon earth, as touching any thing they shall pose it, yet still you have cause to bless ask, it shall be done for them of my Fa- the Lord. If you cannot thank him for ther which is in heaven." And my text his special grace, yet surely you ought to affords a convincing proof, that agreement praise him for his unwearied patience, and in praise has an equal efficacy to bring these offers of mercy which are daily tenthe glory of God into the assemblies of dered unto you. Bless him that you are his people. We may at least take en- still on earth, in the land of hope, and not couragement from it to make the experi- confined to the regions of everlasting des. ment. We have been asking the divine pair. MAN'S VIEW OF HIMSELF. 381 But I must not stop here. Come for- standing in the sunshine brings warmth ward into the light, thou dark, discouraged to the body, or as the sight of a dear soul, and, in the presence of God, give a friend rejoices the heart, without any true and proper answer to these few ques- great reasoning or arguing in the case. tions. Thou complainest of the want of Come then, my dear friends, and make love to God, and thy complaints indeed the experiment. Obey that voice which show that thou hast no delighting, enjoy- proceedeth out of the throne, saying, ing love: But answer me, "Praise our God, all ye his servants, and 1st, Hast thou not a desiring, seeking ye that fear him, both small and great." love? A poor man who desires and seeks Let no voice be amissing on this solemn the world, shows his love to it as convinc- occasion, but let us all be as one, praising ingly as the rich man who delights in it; and thanking the Lord, while we commem-the tendency of the heart appears as orate his goodness and everlasting mercy; truly in an anxious pursuit as in a delight- and then may we hope that he will grace ful enjoyment. But, as the weakness of our communion table with his presence, hope is frequently mistaken for the want proclaim liberty to the captives, and the of desire, I must ask you, opening of the prison to them that are 2dly, Do you not find a moaning, lament- bound, and fill all the guests with the fating love? You show that you loved your ness of his house. Amen. friends by grieving for their death, as well as by delighting in them whilst they lived. If you heartily lament it, as your greatest unhappiness and loss, when you think that SERMON LXV. God doth cast you off, and that you are void of grace, and cannot serve and honor MANtS VIEW OF HIMSELF. him as you would, this is an undoubted evidence that your hearts are not void of EZEKIEL XXxvI. 31.-" Then shall ye remember the love of God. Once more, your own evil ways, and your doings that 3dly, SWould you not rather have a were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for heart to love God than to have all the your abominations." riches and pleasures in the world? Would it not comfort you more than any thing THE Jews were at this time captives in else, if you could be sure that he loveth Babylon, and so dispersed through that you, and if you could perfectly love and vast empire, that they said of themselves, obey him? If so, then know assuredly in the language of despair, " Our bones that it is not the want of love, but the are dried, and our hope is lost; we are want of assurance, that causeth thy de- cut off for our parts." Even the prophet jection. himself looked on their case as so irreAnd therefore I charge thee, in the coverable by human means, that, when name of God, to render unto him that tri- God gave him a visionary representation bute of praise which is due. To be much of their state, by a valley covered with employed in this heavenly duty, has an dry bones, and put the question to him, evident tendency to vanquish all hurtful " Son of man, can these bones live? " his doubts and fears;-by keeping the soul answer was, "0 Lord God, thou knowest." near to God, and within the warmth of With thee indeed all things are possible: his love and goodness; —by dissipating Omnipotence may do this great thing; distrustful vexing thoughts, and diverting but whether it shall be done, or by what the mind to sweeter things; —by keeping means it may come to pass, thou, 0 Lord off the tempter, who usually is least able God, and thou only knowest. to follow us when we are highest in the Thus abject and hopeless was the conpraises of our God and Saviour;-and es- dition of the Jews, when God published pecially by bringing out the evidences of his gracious design to take them from our sincerity, while the chiefest graces are among the heathen, and to bring them in exercise. back into their own land, (ver. 28.) " Ye Praise brings comfort to the soul, as shall dwell," saith he, "in the land that 382 SERMON LXV. I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be but had also profaned the name of God my people, and I will be your God. I among the heathen whither they went, will also save you from all your unclean- and continued to do so, until He whom nesses: and I will call for the corn, and they had offended had pity on them for will increase it, and lay no famine upon his own name's sake, and gave them a new you. And I will multiply the fruit of the heart and a new spirit, having taken away tree, and the increase of the field, that ye the stony heart out of their flesh, and shall receive no more reproach of famine given them a heart of flesh. A among the heathen." And then, even at 2d Instruction which we derive from this season of returning peace and plenty, this passage is, That the grief and selfat this season, which so often misleads and loathing of true penitents, do not flow so intoxicates the mind of man, " Then shall much from their feeling that sin is hurtye remember your own evil ways, and ful to themselves, as from the considerayour doings that were not good, and shall tion of its own base nature, and especially loathe yourselves in your own sight, for of the ingratitude which it carries in it your iniquities and for your abominations."'towards a kind and merciful God: For THE account which we have of these when were the Jews to remember their penitents furnisheth us with some very own evil ways? When were they to loathe important instructions with regard to the themselves in their own sight for their nature of true repentance, which I pro- iniquities and their abominations? Was pose, in the first place, to illustrate; and it when they felt the rod, and lay under then to recommend their example to your the feet of their cruel oppressors? No; imitation. And the it was when they should be delivered out 1st Instruction which we obtain from of their hands, brought back to their own this passage is, That true repentance is country, and enriched with the multiplied the gift of God, and the peculiar effect of fruits of their trees, and the increase of his holy Spirit. The course of Provi- their fields. Then were their sins to rise dence is indeed admirably adapted to re- up in their remembrance, filling them with claim the sinner from the error of his ways. grief and shame, for having offended a Bitterness is written as with a sunbeam Being of such transcendant goodness, and on the line of folly; and certain degrees unmerited condescension. of misery never fail to accompany our de- Times of calamity do indeed often viations from the path of duty. Yet so produce a temporary humiliation and redead are men naturally in trespasses and pentance, which for a time resemble the sins, that nothing less than a divine power real feelings of penitence; but self-love can render the best means of reformation alone is at the bottom of the appearance. effectual. Without this, judgments will The man is wearied of the inconvenience, harden rather than humble or reclaim the but not weaned from the love of sin. But transgressor. We read of Ahaz, king of true penitence hath its source in a nobler Judah, that in the time of his distress, he principle, and is rather the child of love did trespass yet more against the Lord. than of fear. It is the melting of the And we are told in the book of Revelation, soul at the fire of divine love; it is the rethat the vials of wrath, which the angels lenting of the prodigal son, when his inshall pour out upon the men who have the jured father runs forth to meet him; it is mark of the beast, instead of leading them the tear of gratitude, which bursts from to repent and give glory to God, shall only the condemned criminal, when a pardon cause them to blaspheme the name of God, from his offended sovereign is put into his who hath power over these plagues, and hands. It appears, in the to curse the God of heaven, because of 3d place, from this passage, That the their pains and their sores. The calamities soul's conversion to God is the great inwith which the Jews were visited in their troductory blessing which renders all captivity to the king of Babylon, were in other blessings valuable. This is evident like manner unproductive of any genuine from the order in which God arrangeth repentauce in that stiff-necked people. his promises to his captive people. He They had not only polluted their own land, first engageth himself to take away the MAN'S VIEW OF HIMSELF. 383 provoking cause of his anger, and then found, and to call upon him while he is to put away his indignation, to receive near, having the certain assurance that he them graciously, and to love them freely. never said to any of the seed of Jacob, The disease began within, and the cure seek ye my face in vain. And this leads must begin there likewise. Their captiv- me to the ity by men was the fruit of their volun- II. Thing proposed, which was to retary captivity to sin, and therefore deliv- commend the example of these penitents erance from sin must precede their deliv- described in the texts to your imitation. erance from the hands of men. This God In the undertakes to perform by the powerful 1st place, then, Let me call upon you agency of his Holy Spirit. " A new to remember your ways. The neglect of heart," saith he, " will I give you, and a serious consideration is the ruin of almost new spirit will I put within you, and I every soul that perisheth eternally. Hence will take away the stony heart out of your it is that we continue in our sins, and that flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh; we relapse after having forsaken them; and I will put my Spirit within you, and that we decline from our religious attaincause you to walk in my statutes, and ye ments, and being again entangled in the shall keep my judgments and do them," pollutions of this world, that our last state verses 26, 27. After which he gives the becomes worse than our first. All these promise of temporal deliverance in the evils flow from a thoughtless unreflecting verses immediately preceding my text. life. A great part of mankind pass their And to show that this was no accidental days in a course of perpetual dissipation, arrangement, he declares with great solem- without once reflecting on their actions, nity, at the 33d verse, that in this very until the near view of an eternal world order he had meditated to dispense his awakens them from this fatal security. mercy. " Thus saith the Lord God, in Then, indeed, the case is extremely alterthe day that I shall have cleansed you ed-then the remembrance of his ways from all your iniquities, I will also cause forceth itself upon the sinner-then he you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes sees his error, and laments his folly, and shall be builded." prays for mercy, and even asks the prayers These are the instructions which we of those whom once he derided as precise may derive from this passage with regard and fanatical. He would not reflect to the nature of true repentance; and it upon the great truths of religion while he is only to be added, although not expressly might have done it to a good purpose. contained in the text, that as this great Now he reflects, and reflects at leisure; and valuable blessing cometh down from but it is a cruel leisure, for the fruits of it the Father of lights, who is the author of are perplexity and dismay. every good and perfect gift, it is therefore God is represented, by the prophet to be sought by our humble supplications Jeremiah, as putting this question, "Why and prayers: " For thus saith the Lord is the people of Jerusalem slidden back God," at the 37th verse of this chapter, with a perpetual backsliding? They hold "I will yet for this be inquired of by the fast deceit, they refuse to return." Jer. house of Israel, to do it for them." God viii. 5. The answer is given in the folindeed is often found of those who seek lowing verse,' I hearkened and heard, but him not. His powerful grace sometimes they spake not aright; no man repented arrests the sinner in his mad career, while him of his wickedness, saying, What have he is equally unmindful of God and of I done? The consequence of which was, himself. But let none despise the use of " Every one turned to his course, as the means, because He who is almighty at horse rusheth into the battle." Whereas, times acts without them. It is our part did we seriously ask ourselves that importo place ourselves in the way of his mercy, tant question, What have we done? we and to wait patiently at the pool until the would soon discover so much guilt in our angel trouble the waters, and communi- doings as to be compelled to ask ourselves cate to them a healing virtue. It is our another question, What shall I do to be part to seek the Lord while he may be saved? 384 SERMON LXV. Let me then prevail with you seriously and even he could pay it in no other way and impartially to examine your past con- than by suffering the penalty which thou duct. Consider what hath been the pre- hadst incurred. 0 how hateful doth sin vailing course of your life; and rest not appear when viewed in this light! Adam's satisfied with a general conviction that it expulsion from paradise, the deluge of the hath been wrong, but labor to recollect as ancient world, the burning of Sodom and many passages of it as you can. Review Gomorrah, loudly proclaim its pernicious all its different periods since you came to nature and heinous demerit. We feel it the years of understanding. Consider the to be hurtful in the natural evils of sickvarious relations in which you have been ness and pain to which it hath subjected placed, the special duties which arose from us. Death, which is its wages, is an awthose relations, and the manner in which ful monitor of its malignant effects. It you have performed them. This will be appears terrible in the worm that never a task displeasing indeed to the flesh, and dieth. and in that fire that is not quenched. mortifying to the natural pride of your But no where doth it appear so deformed hearts. But you must not hearken to and odious as in the sufferings and death these pernicious counsellors. The more of Christ; for how deep must that stain they cry out, Forbear, the more resolutely have been, which nothing could wash away must you persist. Charge your con- but the blood of the Son of God! How sciences with it as a religious duty, and deadly that disease which no other mediimplore the HIoly Spirit of God to assist cine could cure! your endeavors. When by such means But as these considerations are applicayou have discovered your own evil ways, ble to all sins in common, it will be nethen proceed to consider attentively the cessary, in order to your forming a just nature and degree of that evil which is in estimate of your own evil ways, to look them. Let it not suffice to know that more narrowly into the aggravating ciryou have been sinners, without pondering cumstances with which they have been the dreadful malignity and demerit of sin. attended. View it in its natural turpitude and de- Have not many of your transgressions formity, as the plague and leprosy of the been committed with knowledge and desoul, which renders you loathsome and liberation, nay, with artifice and cunning? abominable in the sight of your Maker. Have they not cost you no small degrees View it as a daring act of rebellion against of study, before those desires which lust the most righteous authority, as the trans- conceived were accomplished in actual gression of a law which is in all respects sin? Have you not courted temptation, holy, just, and good; the precepts of which and wearied yourselves with committing are not only reasonable in themselves, iniquity? Consider what degrees of rebut also most kind and salutary to us. sistance from your own minds you have View it as the basest ingratitude towards vanquished; what obstacles in Providence your best and most unwearied benefactor. you have overcome; what strivings of the View it, above all, in the severity of the Holy Spirit you have defeated in the punishment which it deserves, exempli- course of your transgressions. Nay, have fled in those mysterious and inconceivable not some of your sins been still more agsufferings which the Son of God under- gravated by the breach of express vows went to expiate its guilt. and resolutions against them, often reSee here, 0 sinner, the awful demerit peated with the greatest solemnity? Hide of thy transgressions. Thou wast doomed not your eyes from any of these aggrato the wrath of God, and to everlasting vating circumstances which have attended banishment from his presence; and thou your offences. Every sin which you wilwast not only incapable to deliver thyself fully cover, or extenuate, will thereby by any works or sufferings of thy own, gain an invincible addition of strength. but all the angels in heaven could not Every lust which you conceal in your have offered a price that would have ran- bosom, will become a viper which one day somed thy perishing soul. None else will sting you to the heart. Every good could pay thy debt but the Son of God, disposition, which you magnify, shall lan MAN'S VIEW OF HIMSELF. 385 guish and pine away; and those treasures seem to loathe both himself and his sins, of grace, with which the humble are en- he doth neither truly, and there is nothing riched, shall be of no advantage to you, genuine or promising in this kind of retill you feel your poverty and wretched- morse. If the world would be reconciled ness. Let me therefore call on you to to him, he would soon be reconciled himexercise the self; for at bottom he hath no other quar2(1 Branch of repentance, which is here rel with his sins, but that they happen to exemplified to us, viz. Loathing your- be disgraceful in the eyes of those whose selves in your own sight, for your iniqui- esteem he would wish to preserve. ties and your abominations. And say, O In like manner a natural conscience, irsinner, is there not cause for this? Dost ritated by some flagrant violation of the thou loathe that which is deformed and law of God, may severely sting the offender filthy? " We are all," saith the prophet with shame and remorse. Yet when narIsaiah, " as an unclean thing, and all our rowly examined, this shame amounts to no righteousnesses are as filthy rags..The more than a proud vexation, that he canwhole head is sick, and the whole heart not think so well of himself as he would faint. From the sole of the foot, even wish to do. If the exchange could be unto the head, there is no soundness in us, made, he would rather part with that conbut wounds, and bruises, and putrefying science which gives him uneasiness: than sores." Thou art displeased with thine with those sins which occasion its reenemies who seek to injure thee; but proofs; and his only motive in condemning where is there such an enemy as thou art his sins is, that he may pacify that awful to thyself? Men may wrong thee in thy monitor. Nay, a man may advance a step temporal interests, but no man, nay, no farther, and make still nearer approaches created being, can ruin thy soul without to the gracious temper described in the thine own concurrence. It is thou, and text, without fully attaining it. He may none else, that hast wounded thy con- see the baseness and deformity of sin, and science, and thrown away thy peace, and be deeply afflicted at the remembrance of exposed thy soul to everlasting misery. his multiplied transgressions, and yet, Thou abhorrest him who hath killed thy through ignorance of the inbred corruption dearest friend; but where hadst thou ever of his nature, he may be far from loathing such a friend as the Lord Jesus Christ, himself in the spirit of true penitence. whom, by thy sins, thou hast crucified and What a beast was I, may he say, to act slain? Thy sins brought him down from in a manner so reproachful to my facul — heaven to earth; thy sins subjected him ties? Had I not reason to direct me?to poverty, persecution, and reproach; Could I not have governed my will and. thy sins involved him in conflicts dreadful affections? Was I not master of my own and unutterable, nailed him to the cross, heart and ways? Thus he may complain, and laid him low in the grave. By thy and seemingly condemn himself; but this sins thou hast often trampled on his blood, self-condemning language is in truth the crucified him afresh, and put him to an expression of reigning pride, even as none open shame. Is there not cause then to are more severe in blaming themselves for loathe thyself in thy own sight for thine in- misconduct in their worldly affairs, than iquities and for thine abominations? But those who have the highest opinion of as there are several counterfeits of this their ability to manage them aright. penitent disposition, it may be proper to In opposition to this, the truly'conmention a few of them, that you may have vinced sinner sees himself to be all guilt, a clearer view of that self-loathing which pollution, and weakness, destitute equally I am desirous of recommending to you. of righteousness and strength. He is led A man who, by his base, unworthy be- to see that corrupt fountain of inward enhavior, has forfeited the esteem of the mity to God, which is manifested in the world, may feel much inward shame and issues of his outward conduct. He is uneasiness on that account, which may be made sensible, that he " was conceived in mistaken by others, and even by himself, sin, and brought forth in iniquity, and. for true humiliation. And yet, though he that in him, that is in his flesh, dwelleth 25 386 SERMON LXVI. no good thing." On these accounts he In this your Christianity doth consist, loathes himself in his own sight, not par- and on this your justification depends. tially or occasionally only, for having acted This is the sum of your conversion, and a wrong part, which he supposes that by the very soul of the new creature. Other prudence he might have avoided. but uni- things are only preparatives to this, or versally as a degenerate and corrupted fruits that grow out of it. Christ is the being. He can find nothing to be proud end and fulfilling of the law, the substance of, nothing that he can call his own, but of the gospel, the way to the Father, the guilt, disorder, and weakness. And under help, the hope, the life of the believer. If this conviction, he falls down before God, you know not HIMi, you know nothing; if saying with Job, "I have heard of thee by you possess not HIra, you have nothing; the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye and if you be out of HIM, you can do noseeth thee, wherefore I abhor myself in thing that hath a promise of salvation. O dust and gshes." then fly to him as your refuge and sanctuThis is that self-loathing which I now ary, and commit your souls into his hands, call upon you to exercise. And the ne- that he may purify and form them for cessity of it is apparent; for until you himself. Plead in the language of David, are brought thus low in your own estima- (Psal. li. 2.) " Wash me thoroughly from tion, you will never esteem the Lord Je- mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sus Christ, who alone can save you from sin. Purge me with hysop, and I shall be the wrath to come. Who is it that values clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter a physician while he feels no disease, and than snow." And look by faith for the hath no fears of death? Will any fly to accomplishment of that promise, (Ezekiel Christ for refuge, who is not sensible that xxxvi. 25.) " Then will I sprinkle clean he stands in need of such a Saviour? No; water upon you, and ye shall be clean they only who are perishing in their own from all your filthiness, and from all your apprehensions will welcome the tidings of idols, will I cleanse you." Amen. a Redeemer, and look to him, as the stung Israelites looked to the brazen serpent, lying prostrate at his feet, and resigning themselves wholly to his disposal and gov-SERMON LXVI. ernment. LET me then conclude with exhorting you to repair to that fountain which is CHOICE BETWEEN INIQUITY AND AFFLICTION, opened for sin and for uncleanness, to that. 1oo which 1 an cleanse yo. f rom all si.. * JOB XXVI. 21. —"Take heed; regard not iniquity; blood which can cleanse you from all sin. for this hast thou chosen rather than afflicThis is the proper use and improvement tion." of all that hath been said. Here is a remedy for all your diseases, a full'supply THESE words were addressed to Job, who for all your wants. Here you will find from the height of prosperity was suddenly gold tried in the fire, that you may be plunged into the deepest and most compli-,rich; and white raiment, that you may be cated distress. They are the words of clothed, and the shame of your nakedness Elihu, the youngest, but by far the wisest do not appear. The Lord Jesus is a com- and most candid of all Job's friends. The plete Saviour. Be your burden what it other three were indeed, as himself had will; he is able to support it. His merit styled them, miserable comforters. It surpasseth your guilt by infinite degrees; was their belief, that adversity was in all and his victorious Spirit can subdue and cases a certain token of God's displeasure; mortify your most imperious lusts. Let and, upon this principle, they endeavored what hath been said, then, lead you to to persuade this excellent servant of God, him. Dwell on the consideration of your that his whole religion was false and own vileness, till your self-confidence is counterfeit, that divine justice had now entirely destroyed, and your hearts dis- laid hold of him, and that he was suffering posed to receive him as the unspeakable the punishment of his hypocrisy and inigift of God to man. quity. CHOICE BETWEEN INIQUITY AND AFFLICTION. 387 At length Elihu interposes; and moved as to render sin more odious, or affliction with zeal for the honor of God, and with less formidable, I shall gain one of the compassion to his friend, he unfolds the noblest ends of my office, and we shall have mysteries of Divine Provicence, asserts reason to acknowledge, that our meeting and proves that affliction is designed for together has been for the better and not the trial of the good, as well as for the for the worse. punishment of the bad, directs Job to the In proof, then, of the general proposiright improvement of his present distress, tion, That there can be no greater folly and comforts him with the prospect of a than to choose sin rather than affliction, happy deliverance from it, as soon as his let it be observed, heart should be thoroughly moulded into I. THAT sin separates us from God, the a meek and patient submission to the will only source of real felicity. That man is of his God. At the same time, he re- not sufficient to his own happiness, is a bukes him with a becoming dignity for truth confirmed by the experience of all some rash and unadvised speeches which who have candidly attended to their own the severity of his other friends, and the feelings. It is the consciousness of this sharpness of his own anguish, had drawn insufficiency of the human mind for its from him; and particularly cautions him own happiness, which makes men seek rein the passage before us, " Take heed; re- sources from abroad; which makes them gard not iniquity; for this hast thou cho- fly to pleasures and amusements of various sen rather than affliction." kinds, whose chief value consists in filling The latter part of the text contains an up the blanks of time, and diverting their heavy censure, for which some of Job's uneasy reflections from their own internal impatient wishes for relief had no doubt poverty. But these are vain and deceitgiven too just occasion. But these ex- ful refuges of lies. The want remains; pressions, uttered in his haste, he after- and we have found out only the means of wards retracted, and finally came out from putting away the sense of it for a time. the furnace of affliction, like gold tried God alone can be the source of real hapand refined by the fire.-What I propose, piness to an immortal soul, an adequate in discoursing on this subject, is to illus- supply to all its faculties, an inexhaustible trate and prove the general proposition, subject to its understanding, an everlastthat there can be no greater folly than to ing object to its affections. seek to escape from affliction by comply- Sin bereaves the soul of man of this its ing with the temptations of sin; or, in only portion. "Behold," saith the Proother words, that the smallest act of de- phet, " God's hand is not shortened that liberate transgression is infinitely worse it cannot save, neither is his ear heavy than the greatest calamity we can suffer that it cannot hear; but your iniquities in this life. have separated between you and your God, That the greater part of mankind are and your sins have hid his face from you, under the influence of the contrary opin- that he will not hear." Affliction, on the ion, may be too justly inferred from their other hand, instead of separating the soul practice. How many have recourse to from God, is often the means of bringing sinful pleasures to relieve their inward it nearer to him. Let a man be ever so distress? What unlawful methods do poor, diseased, reproached, persecuted, others use for acquiring the perishing still if he hold fast his integrity, if he be riches or honors of this world? while, in a real saint, he is near and dear to God. order to evade suffering for righteousness The eyes of the Lord are upon him, and sake, thousands make shipwreck of faith his ears are open to his cry. The angel and a good conscience, through sinful of the Lord encampeth round about him, compliances with the manners of the world, and a guard of angels wait to carry his against the clear and deliberate conviction departing spirit into Abraham's bosom. of their own minds. These things plainly Whereas sin renders us loathsome in the show, that the subject I have chosen is of eyes of God. He is angry with the wicked the highest importance; and if what may every day; and even their prayers and sabe said on it shall be so far blessed to any, crifices are an abomination to him. He 388 SERMON LXVI. hath bent his bow, and made it ready; he spect, is the greatest curse we can possihath also prepared for him the instruments bly bring on ourselves; and the most desof death. God looks on them with abhor- perate condition in which a human crearence, and, when conscience is awake, they ture can be placed before his everlasting think of him with horror, and dare not doom be pronounced, is when God saith come into his presence, knowing that he of him, as he did of Ephraim of old, " He is a consuming fire to the workers of ini- is joined to his idols, let him alone." quity. Affliction, on the other hand, though a II. AFFLICTION may not only consist bitter, is yet a salutary medicine; and with the love of a father, but may even be though no chastening for the present the fruit of it. " Whom the Lord loveth seemeth to be joyous, but grievous, neverhe chasteneth, and scourgeth every son theless afterwards it yieldeth the peacewhom he receiveth.-By this," saith the able fruit of righteousness to them who prophet Isaiah, speaking of affliction, are exercised thereby. Affliction is the " shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, discipline by which we are trained to and this is all the fruit to take away sin." glory, and honor, and virtue. If this David could say, " It is good for me that world, indeed, were our only portion, there I have been afflicted, that I might learn would be some reason, or at least some thy statutes. Before I was afflicted I excuse, for choosing the pleasures of iniwent astray, but now I have kept thy quity, rather than those sufferings which word." A good man may even glory in would embitter the short period of our extribulation, knowing that tribulation work- istence in it. But the greatest error we eth patience, and patience experience, and can possibly fall into, is that of taking it experience hope, and hope maketh not for the place of our rest. To cure this ashamed, because the love of God is shed fatal mistake, God visits us with afflictions. abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost They are his messengers sent to teach us which is given unto him. But sin is al- our true condition, what this world is, a ways both evil in its own nature and per- fleeting scene of vanity and illusions; and nicious in its effects. This contrast is what we ourselves are in it, pilgrims and very strikingly displayed by the apostle strangers, hastening to another land of Paul. Of the one he speaks as a privi- perpetual abode. lege, and a token for good to those who IV. IN affliction we are commonly pasare exercised thereby. " Unto you," saith sive, but always active in sin. The one he, (writing to the Philippians, i. 29.) " it is left to our choice: the other is not. is given in the behalf of Christ, not only When we suffer in the cause of virtue, we to believe on him. but also to suffer for are in the hand of our most faithful and his sake." But what doth he say concern- everlasting friend; but when we sin in oring the other, (Rom. vii. 24.)," O wretch- der to avoid suffering, we commit ourselves ed man that I am, who shall deliver me into the hands of that malicious, cunfrom the body of this death?" If any ning, and eternal enemy, who goeth about had ever reason to complain of the burden seeking whom he may destroy. Affliction of affliction, Paul had more-" in labors only hurts the body, but sin affects the more abundant, in stripes above measure, health and well-being of that immortal in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft." principle, which is destined to survive the But in the midst of these sufferings, we ruins of this earthly tabernacle, and to never hear him crying out, Who shall de- inherithappiness or misery for ever. Which liver me from this unremitting distress? leads me to observe, in the last place, His inward corruption gave him greater THAT the evil of affliction is of short pain than the evils of his outward condi- duration, but that of sin perpetual. tion; and his captivity to the law of sin Weeping may endure for a time, but joy was worse to him than prisons, and tor- cometh in the morning; and these light tures, and death. afflictions, which are but for a moment, III. SIN is evil whether we feel it or work out for us a far more exceeding and not, and worst when we are most insensi- eternal weight of glory. Should they ble of it. To be past feeling, in this re- continue throughout our whole lives, yet CHOICE BETWEEN INIQUITY AND AFFLICTION. 389 even that is but a moment compared with Let us then be warned, ere it be too eternity. The evil of sin, on the con- late, against the fatal error referred to in trary, goes beyond the grave, and lasts as the text; the preference of the momenlong as the soul itself, which it has pol- tary pleasures of sin, to the salutary disciluted. The delight of it is soon gone, pline of affliction. Let us never allow but the sting remains; the guilt and pun- ourselves to imagine, that any present ishment of it pass with us into the other pleasure or advantage of sin will compenworld, and there constitute the worm that sate the dreadful evils which it carries in never dieth, and the fire which is not its train; but uniformly oppose to every quenched. such suggestion of a diseased mind, that THESE observations may suffice to il- important and solemn question which our lustrate the general proposition, that there Lord addressed to the multitude, " What can be no greater folly than to seek to shall it profit a man if he shall gain the escape from affliction, by complying with whole world, and lose his own soul? or what the temptations to sin; or, in other words, shall a man give in exchange for his soul? " that the smallest act of deliberate trans- 2diy. Let us examine ourselves caregression is infinitely worse than the great- fully, whether our judgment and choice est calamity we can suffer in this life. have been rectified on this important What hath been said, ought, in the 1st point. What is it that affects us with the place, to serve for reproof to those who, deepest concern and sorrow; the adverse so far from considering iniquity as more to events in providence, or the sins by which be dreaded as a greater evil than afflic- we have incurred the loss of the divine tion, will not refrain from their ungodly favor? When the hand of God lies heavy and vicious practices even when their sin on us, what do we desire with the greatproves their affliction. To many, alas! it est earnestness? whether is it to have the seems to be as their meat and drink to trial sanctified, or to have it removed? obey the commands of sin, by fulfilling What is the chief object of your ambithe lusts thereof. In vain hath the word tion? Is it to grow in grace, and in conof God and providence admonished them, formity with the image of God? or is it that naught but bitterness is to be found to become great, and prosperous, and in the path of folly. They still pursue powerful in the world? Were God now that path, in defiance of their own experi- to put wisdom or riches in our choice, as ence, and weary themselves with commit- he once did to Solomon, would we deterting iniquity. They break through all mine as he did? or would we grasp at the restraints, not only when an angel stands riches, leaving it to age and experience to in the way, but where ruin, misery, and bring wisdom along with them in the ordestruction, stare them broad in the face. dinary supposed course of things? In How many are to be seen bound with what character does Christ appear most the cords of their own sins, from which amiable to us, as a Saviour fvrm punishthey have neither the inclination nor ment, or as a Saviour from sin? Finally, power to free themselves? How many in what view does heaven appear most wasted and maimed by criminal indul- worthy of our desires and wishes; as a gence? How many brought to poverty place of deliverance from suffering, or as and rags, by riot and intemperance? a state of perfect freedom from sin and "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who infirmity of every kind, where we shall hath contentions? who hath wounds with- be enabled to serve God with the entire out cause? who hath redness of eyes? affections and powers of our whole nature? they that tarry long at the wine, they that By these marks let us try the real state go to seek mixed wine." Sin has had its of our characters, that so we may not pass martyrs as well as godliness, who, in pre- through life with a lie in our right hands; mature old agc, have been made to possess but knowing that we are of the truth, the transgressions of their youth, in all may assure our hearts before God, lookthe bitter fruits of a body tortured with ing for his mercy unto eternal life. Amen. diseases, and a spirit wounded with remorse. 390 SERMON LXVII. Christian hope, which he calls a building SERMON LXVII. of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. And, THE SAINTS' PRESENT AND FUTURE HOME. III. IIe expresses the firm persuasion which he had, in common with all true 2 CoRIN. v. 1.- "For we know, that if our believers, of being admitted into that gloearthly house of this tabernacle were dis- rious and permanent dwelling-place, as solved, we have a building of GOD, an house oo a the earthl taberale not made with hands, eternal in the hea-soon as the earthly tabernacle should be yens." dissolved. Each of these particulars I shall briefly THE prospect of a blessed immortality is illustrate, and then direct you to the pracone of the most powerful supports to the tical improvement of the whole. people of God, amidst all the trials of the I BEGIN with the first of these heads, present state; and therefore hope is cornm- which respects our state and condition on pared to an anchor, which being cast with- earth. And in the description here given in the veil, keeps the soul firm and un- us, there are several things that deserve moved, so that nothing from without can our notice. disturb its inward peace and tranquillity. 1st. The body is called a house; and it This was the true foundation of that cour- may well get this name, on account of its age and constancy with which the apostles curious frame and structure, all the parts and primitive Christians endured and over- of it being adjusted with the greatest exactcame the most grievous sufferings. Faith ness, insomuch that there is not one memlpresented to their view a far more exceed- ber redundant nor superfluous, nor any ing and eternal weight of glory; in com- thing wanting that is necessary, either for parison of which their present afflictions ornament or use. appeared so light and momentary, that But it is principally with relation to the they were incapable of giving them much inward inhabitant that the body gets the pain or uneasiness, as the apostle more name of a house in the text. It is a fully declares in the close of the precced- lodging fitted up for the soul to dwell in. ing chapter. And being unwilling to leave It is the residence of an immortal spirit, such an agreeable subject, he further en- and from thence it derives its chief honor larges upon it in the words of my text: and dignity. As God created this earth, " For we know, that if our earthly house before he made any of the creatures which of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have were to inhabit it, and as the world was a building of God, an house not made completely furnished with every thing with hands, eternal in the heavens." necessary and desirable, before man, its Death itself can do us no real prejudice; intended sovereign, was introduced; so on the contrary, we have reason to wel- likewise, in the formation of man, God come it as a friend, because, when it beats began with the body, and first completed down these tenements of clay in which we the outward fabric, before he breathed are lodged, or rather imprisoned, upon into it a living soul. How foolish then are earth, it only opens a passage for us into they who spend all their thoughts and a far more commodious and lasting habi- cares upon the bodies, and overlook those tation, where we shall possess the greatest immortal spirits within, for whose use and riches, the highest honors, and the most accommodation they were solely intended; transporting pleasures, without intermis- especially when it is considered, in the sion, and without end. 2d place, That the body was not only I. He compares the body to an earthly made for the service of the soul, but that it house, yea to a tabernacle or tent, which is likewise composed of the meanest mateis still less durable, and more easily taken rials, even that of the dust which we down; and therefore the dissolution of trample under foot. Upon this account such a. frail thing ought not to be reckon- the apostle calls it in the text, not merely ed a very great calamity. To this he a house, but an earthly house. Thus we opposes, in the are told, (Genesis ii. 7.) "' that the Lord II. place, The glorious object of the God formed man of the dust of the THE SAINTS' PRESENT AND FUTURE HOME. 391 ground." None of us can claim an higher 3d. It deserves our notice, that the extraction. We may all say to corruption, apostle not only calls the body an earthly Thou art my father, and to the worm, house, but the earthly house of a taberthou art my mother and my sister. And nacle, to make us still more sensible of its as the body is an earthly house with re- meanness and frailty. A tabernacle or spect to its original, so it is constantly tent, you know, is a very slender habitasupported and repaired by that which tion-a few slight poles put in the ground, grows out of the earth. " The king him- and a piece of canvas, or painted cloth, self," says Solomon, "is served by the thrown over them; yet such is the body field; " yea, after a little time, we must of a man, a fair but frail tenement, liable all be reduced unto earth again. These to be thrown down, or torn in pieces by bodies will shortly mix with the common every blast of wind. At any rate, we are clay. Dust we are, and unto dust we shall told, in the return. This, I confess, is a very hum- 4th place, That these earthly tabernacles bling representation; but as it is true, it must at length be dissolved. Death will ought not to be slightly regarded by any soon plant its batteries against them; this of us; and young people, in a peculiar king of terrors will storm them with manner, may reap much advantage from troops of pains and diseases, and shall in it. You perhaps are strong and healthy, the issue so far prevail, as to dislodge the and, with respect to outward form, either soul from the body, and throw down the have, or fancy you have, advantages be- house of clay, crumbling it into that dust yond others. Come hither, then, and from which it was taken. This is not a view yourselves in the glass of my text. bye-law that binds only a few, but an uniYour bodies, in their highest perfection, versal royal statute that stands in force are but earthly houses; and after all the against the whole human race. " It is appains you can take upon them, their pointed for all men once to die," saith beauty will shortly consume like the moth. this apostle; hence the road to the grave If age do not wrinkle it, death will dis- is called the way of all the earth, and the solve it. The comeliest body shall ere grave itself is styled in Scripture, the long be as loathsome as the dirt on the house appointed for all living. Even the streets, and must be buried several years bodies of the saints, which have been the out of sight too, before it can be borne temples of the Holy Ghost, are subject to with as well. Need I tell you then, that this awful decree; they too must be disthe noble inhabitant within is by far most solved and see corruption; but with this worthy of your care and attention. Here material difference, that in due title they your labor can never be lost: for when shall be raised up again in glory and inthe dust shall return to the earth as it corruption. Nor shall their souls for any was, the spirit shall return to God who space be destitute of an habitation; for, as gave it; it survives the ruins of this the apostle here informs us, "they have a earthly tenement, and, if adorned while building of God, an house not made with here with the beauties of holiness, it shall hands, eternal in the heavens." And this flourish eternally in the presence of God, is the in whose presence is fulness of joy, and II. BRANCH of the text, upon which I at whose right hand are pleasures for shall offer a few obvious remarks. I supevermore. Be persuaded, then, my dear pose you have already observed, that this friends, to make the improvement of your figurative description of the future happy souls your principal study. They were state of the saints, is conceived in terms made at first after the likeness of God, of opposition to their present state of and herein consisted both their glory and frailty and mortality. Once, indeed, the felicity. Let this then be your highest apostle calls the body a house, but he ambition, your constant unwearied endea- immediately explains his meaning, by callvor, to get this divine image re-instamped ing it a tabernacle, a slender thing which upon them, that being purged and refined is easily taken down, or moved out of its from all your dross, you may become meet place; whereas their future abode is stylfor the inheritance of the saints in light. ed an house, without any diminishing 392 SERMON LXVIII. epithet, a place of rest and safety, where saints and sinners, meet together, and are they dwell with God the great Master of promiscuously entertained. Here the godthe family, and enjoy the sweetest cornm- ly live as in a strange land, amidst the munion with the Father of their spirits, enemies of their Father and their King, and all those social pleasures which the cor- where their righteous souls are vexed from pany and conversation of their brethren day to day, with the unlawful deeds and and fellow-servants can be supposed to filthy conversation of those among whom give them. they are obliged to dwell. But heaven is Our blessed Lord, in his last consola- a place of perfect purity, where there is tory discourse to his disciples, made choice nothing that defileth, nothing to hurt or of the same similitude, as best adapted to destroy. None shall be able to ascend dispel that gloom which was hanging over into that hill of God, none can dwell in their minds. " In my Father's house," that holy place, but such as have clean said he, "are many mansions; if it were hands and pure hearts: who are washed, not so, I would have told you. I go to and sanctified, and justified, in the name prepare a place for you; and if I go and of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of prepare a place for you, I will come again our God. And, and, receive you to myself, that where I Last of all, this house in the heavens is am, there ye may be also." And is not farther described and commended by its this, my brethren, a delightful representa- duration. It is not subject to decay or tion of the saints' felicity? Every word dissolution, it is an eternal house, an inis full of melody. The very notion of an corruptible inheritance, a kingdom that house or home is agreeable, especially to a cannot be shaken. All other things shall poor pilgrim, who is tossed and persecut- wax old and perish, but this shall endure ed in a malignant world, and perhaps, like for ever and ever. his great Master, has not where to lay his But who are the persons for whom this head. But to what a height must our joy building of God is prepared; or how shall arise, when we hear that this is the house we know whether we belong to that happy of God himself, the house of the Father of number?-This, my brethren, is a most our Lord Jesus Christ, where we shall important inquiry, which I propose to dwell with our dearest friend and benefac- make the subject of another discourse. tor, and have a place allotted us in those happy mansions which his blood hath purchased, and his infinite love hath prepared for us. This house is farther described by the SERMON LXVIII. builder of it. The great God is the architect; and therefore we may be assured that nothing is wanting that can render it THE SAINTS PRESENT AND FUTURE HOME. a fit habitation for his people. It is a house not made with hands; it was not 2 Con. v. ].-"For we know that if the earthly built by any creature, neither was it form- house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of GOD, an house not made ed out of any pre-existent matter, but with hands, eternal in the Heavens." created immediately by God himself. It is called his building by way of emi- IN the first part of this verse, the apostle nence. All things were made by him; compares the body to an earthly house, but this was intended for the master-piece yea, to a tabernacle or tent, which is still of his works, the brightest display of his less durable, and more easily taken down; creating power and goodness. and therefore the dissolution of such a This house is farther described by its frail thing ought not to be reckoned a very situation; it is a house in the heavens. great calamity. To this he opposes the The earth which we now inhabit is a val- glorious object of the Christian hope, ley of tears, a place of exile, a common which he calls " a building of God, an inn as it were, where clean and unclean, house not made with hands, eternal in the THE SAINTS' PRESENT AND FUTURE HOME. 393 heavens." At the same time expresses ture we are all children of wrath, and can the firm persuasion which he had, in com- look for nothing but judgment and fiery mon with all true Christians, of being ad- indignation, to devour us as adversaries; mitted into that glorious and permanent but immediately upon our believing on the habitation, as soon as the earthly taber- Lord Jesus Christ, the great Mediator nacle should be dissolved. " We know." between God and man, we pass from death He does not say we think, or we hope so, to life, God receives us into favor, adopts but we are assured of it; we are firmly us into his family, and invests us with a persuaded that this shall be our lot, as if title to all the privileges of children, of we were already entered upon the posses- which this is the greatest and the best, sion of it. In handling this important that we shall dwell with him for ever in branch of the subject, I propose, through the building here spoken of, this house divine aid, not made with hands, eternal in the heaI. To describe the persons for whom vens. this building of God is prepared. 2dly. Another qualification by which II. To inquire how, or by what means the heirs of glory are distinguished, is this, they come to know that they shall certain- that they are new creatures, born from ly possess it. above, born again of the Spirit of God. And then direct you to the practical " If any man be in Christ, he is a new improvement of the whole. creature: old things are passed away, beTiE Psahlmnist proposes a question in the hold all things are become new." Where24th Psalm, which you must all be sensi- as, " If any man have not the Spirit of ble deserves our most serious attention. Christ, he is none of his." —" Except a " Who shall ascend into the hill of God, man be born again," saith the faithful and and who shall stand in his holy place?" true Witness, " he cannot see the kingdom This is the question which I am now of God," (John iii. 3, and verse 5.) "Exgoing to answer; and as God enables me, cept a man be born of water and of the I shall follow the light of his own word, Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom and bring in nothing as a mark of the of God." None but such as are born anew heirs of glory, but what is clearly express- shall find access into this building of God, ed in the Scriptures of truth. that infalli- when death pulls down these earthly table rule by which we must all be judged bernacles. Heaven therefore is styled the at last. inheritance of the saints in light. Nothing 1st then, We are taught that this build- that is unclean can enter into that holy ing of God, this house in the heavens, is place. There must be a thorough change prepared for believers in Christ Jesus, and wrought in us before we can be admitted for them only, exclusive of all others. into the presence of God; for the Scrip" This is the will of him that sent me," tures are peremptory on this head, that says our blessed Lord, (John vi. 40.) without holiness no man shall see God. " that every one that seeth the Son, and Christ must be formed within us, before believeth on him, may have everlasting we can entertain the hope of: glory. We life, and I will raise him up at the last only delude ourselves, if we look for hapday. He that believeth on the Son, hath piness till our souls are renewed by the everlasting life; he that believeth not Spirit of God; for flesh and blood can the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath never inherit the kingdom of heaven. A of God abideth on him." It is faith which new heart must be given us, a new spirit unites us to the Lord Jesus Christ, who must be put within us, before we can be is the heir of all things; for,' to as many fit for the sight and enjoyment of a holy as receive him, to them gives he power to God. become the sons of God, even to them who A partial reformation of manners will believe on his name;"-and if once we are be of no avail-far less a mere abstinence made sons, then are we likewise heirs, from some grosser kinds of sin. The very heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, frame and temper of our minds must be and may confidently expect that inheri- altered. Our corruptions must not only tance which he hath purchased. By na- be restrained, but mortified. In a word, 394 SERMON LXVIII. we must put off the whole old man, as the ye have done it unto me." Upon this acapostle beautifully expresses it, "and put count, Paul exhorts Timothy, to 1" charge on the new man, which after God is created them that are rich in this world, to do in righteousness and true holiness." good, to be rich in good works, ready to 3d. None shall dwell in this building distribute, willing to communicate, laying of God. this house not made with hands, up for themselves a good foundation against eternal in the heavens, but those who live the time to come, that they may lay hold as pilgrims and strangers upon the earth. on eternal life." To the same purpose is If we seek the things which are above, that affectionate address of the apostle where Christ sitteth on the right hand of John, (1 John iii. 18, 19.) "MIy little God, then, and then only may we hope, children, let us not love in word, neither that when he who is our life shall appear, in tongue only, but in deed and in truth; we shall likewise appear with him in glory. and hereby we know that we are of the It is one of the distinguishing characters truth, and shall assure our hearts before of the wicked, that they mind earthly him." Not that any thing done by us can things. The children of God, on the other merit a reward at the hand of God; for hand, have their conversation in heaven. after we have done all, we are but unproThey look upon that as their home, and fitable servants, we have done no more view this world merely as a strange coun- than was our duty; but these acts of obetry, through which they must necessarily dience prove the sincerity of our faith and pass, before they can come to their Fa- love. They are the genuine fruits of the ther's house. This heavenly temper is one new nature, and may lawfully be considered of the most substantial evidences that are as evidences of our union with Christ, born from above; for every thing tends to " who of God is made unto us wisdom, and the place of its original. And as it proves righteousness, and sanctification, and retheir divine birth, so it is likewise a cer- demption." Thus have I laid before you tain pledge of their future glory; for God a few distinguishing characters of the heirs will never abandon his own offspring:- of glory. These are the persons for whom " If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus God hath prepared this glorious building from the dead dwell in us, he that raised whereof my text speaks, this house not up Christ from the dead, shall also quick- made with hands, eternal in the heavens. en our mortal bodies, by his Spirit that And what I have said upon this head, will dwelleth in us." He will certainly re- very much facilitate the build his own temples, and not suffer them II. INQUIRY proposed, namely, How, or to continue always under the ruins of by what means, the saints come to know death. I shall only add, in the that they shall certainly possess this glo4th place, That a constant readiness to rious inheritance, when the earthly house do good to all, especially to those who are of this tabernacle is dissolved. of the household of faith, is another Scrip- Whatever proves our relation to Christ, ture mark by which the heirs of glory are at the same time proves our title to all the distinguished. This plainly appears from blessed fruits of his sufferings and death; the account which our Saviour gives us of for all the promises of God are in him, the process of the last judgment, (Matt. yeaand amen. "He that spared not his own xxv. 34.) " Then shall the King say unto Son, but delivered him up for us all, how them upon his right hand, Come, ye bless- shall he not with him also freely give us ed of my Father, inherit the kingdom all things." Whoever, then, can discover prepared for you from the foundation of in himself those gracious qualifications the world; for I was an hungered, and ye which I formerly named, has a sufficient gave me meat; thirsty, and ye gave me warrant to conclude that he is vitally drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me united to the Lord Jesus Christ, and conin; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, sequently an heir of that kingdom which and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye he bath purchased. Thus Paul says of came unto me." Which he afterwards the primitive Christians, that "'they took explains thus: "inasmuch as ye did it joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowunto one of the least of these my brethren, ing in themselves that they had in heaven THE SAINTS' PRESENT AND FUTURE HOME. 395 a better and enduring substance." They the heavens." I now come to the practiknew it in themselves; by looking inwards, cal improvement of the subject. they discovered such traces of the divine And, 1st. I must speak a few words to image, they felt such a supernatural life those who call themselves Deists. I know begun in their souls, as could be produced if you could you would stop our mouths, by no other agent than the Spirit of God,'and bury the name of the Lord Jesus and might therefore be looked upon as a Christ; and yet I shall not cease to seek sure presage of their future glory. You your good, and say from time to time what see then how this assurance is commonly I can for your conviction. I seldom read obtained. The Scriptures describe the the threatenings of the word, but I think persons who shall infallibly be saved. The of you with trembling; and I never read Christian compares himself with this un- the comforts of it, but I think of you with erring rule; and finding that the essential pity. Pray, what assurance have you got characters agree to him, from thence he of a happy eternity? In what house are concludes the certainty of his own salva- you to take up your everlasting abode? tion.-He proceeds after this manner: Alas, every thing beyond the grave must God, who cannot lie, hath said, "' He that be dark and fearful to you.. You have no believeth shall be saved; "-after the most promise to build upon-no Mediator to serious and impartial examination, I find take hold of-no atonement to plead-no reason to conclude that by grace I have covenant to depend upon. You know that been enabled to believe-therefore I am God is just, and you know that you are persuaded that I shall be saved, sinners-thus far you can proceed in your The first of these propositions is abso- own scheme with certainty; but I defy lutely sure, having the truth and faithful- you to move one step farther upon sure ness of God for its foundation; the second, ground. You cannot prove that God is as it is a judgment or sentence of our own reconcilable, far less can you tell upon minds, must in its own nature be fallible, what terms he will be reconciled to you; and hence it is that believers have not all so that your causes of fear are real and of them an equal assurance of their salva- certain, whereas your hopes are mere guesstion. Though they are all persuaded. that work, having no other foundation than the he who believeth shall be saved, yet every doubtful conjectures of your own darkenone cannot say for himself, I am persuaded ed minds. What will you do when you that I believe, and therefore I shall be come to die? A Christian can say, " I saved. Before a person can say this there know that my Redeemer liveth; and bemust be a farther work of the Spirit of cause he lives, I shall live also." But God, even a divine light shining upon our what will you be able to say, who have no faith and other graces, and making them Redeemer, no intercessor, into whose visible to ourselves. We may derive good hands you can commit your departing ground of hope from a strict and careful spirits? who have nothing in your view examination of our own temper and prac- but a tribunal of justice, a tribunal from tice, but cannot arrive at a full assurance, which there is no appeal. Be entreated, till, as the apostle expresses it, (Rom. viii. my dear friends, to think of this in time. 16.) " the Spirit himself bear witness with " Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye our spirits, that we are the sons of God." perish from the way." If once his wrath But when this divine Witness concurs begin to burn, then shall you find that with his testimony, irradiating his own they, and they only, are blessed who put workmanship within us, and discovering to their trust in him. But, our own minds such lineaments of the new 2dly. This comfortable subject doth creature, as plain evidence that we are born principally direct me to speak to Chrisof God, then our assurance is full and, tians; and I shall address my exhortation complete; and we can joyfully say, with to you in the words of the apostle Peter, the apostle in the text, "We know, that 1 " Give all diligence to make your calling if the earthly house of this tabernacle and election sure." That this assurance were dissolved, we have a building of God, { is attainable you have already heard. Let an house not made with hands, eternal in I me then press you, by some motives, to 396 SERMON LXIX. seek after it. Consider how much it is sires to depart, and needs as much patience for your present interest. 0 the joy to to live as other men do to die. Let us be assured of the favor of God! this is then, my brethren, press after this attainheart ease, this is the very rest and sab- ment, and not only seek to be in safety, bath of the soul. I-How sweet and com- but to know that we are so. And as it is fortable will the thoughts of a Saviour be a gift of God, let us, by humble and imto you, when once you can say, " My be- portunate prayer, ask it of him who giveth loved is mine, and I am his." Then will to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. it do thee good to view his wounds by the And, eye of faith, and to put, as it were, thy Last of all, Let those who have got this hand into his side, when thou canst call invaluable mercy, improve it for those him, with Thomas, my Lord and my God. purposes for which it was bestowed. " I The holy Scriptures will then have a will run the way of thy commandments," double relish. With what delight will said the Psalmist, "when thou hast enyou turn over this charter of your future larged my heart." Make swift progress inheritance, and ponder that exceeding in the way of duty, if you desire the conand eternal weight of glory which you tinuance of this comfortable privilege. shall one day possess. With what holy Let it appear to all that your conversation boldness may you approach the throne of is in heaven. Live above this world, and grace, when you can call God your recon- be daily "adding to your faith, virtue; ciled Father! What would a despairing and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowsinner, who feels the burden of guilt, and ledge, temperance; and to temperance, the foretastes of everlasting misery, give patience; and to patience, godliness; and for such a privilege, especially in a dying to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to hour. How will this sweeten the diffi- brotherly kindness, charity: "-And then culties of obedience. It was this that kept shall an entrance be administered unto the apostle from fainting, as we read in you abundantly into the everlasting kingthe close of the preceding chapter. What dom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, can quicken us more than to know, that to whom be glory for ever. Amen. after we have gone through a short life in this world, everlasting happiness shall be our portion in the next? Who would not mend his pace, who is assured that every step brings him nearer to heaven? SERMON LXIX. What a mighty cordial will this be, under the sharpest afflictions, to consider Preached at the Celebration of the Lord's Supper. that God meaneth us no hurt, but, on the contrary, hath pledged his faithfulness, to GOD'S GREAT MANIFESTATION. make them all work together for our good? One who hath eternal life in the eye of 1 JOHN i.."In this as manifested th loe One who. ahtenalfeintof GoD towards us, because that GoD sent his his faith and hope, can look through tri- only begotten Son ihto the wotld, that wve bulations, and see sunshine at the back might live through him." of the darkest cloud. And then, what comfort does it give in THE value of different truths, like that of the hour of death? How miserable is the all other objects, is to be estimated by the soul, that must be turned out of doors different degrees of their usefulness and shiftless and harborless, and is not pro- importance. Judging by this rule, there vided of an everlasting habitation, or a are none which better deserve our atten better place to go to; but assurance makes tion, than those which relate to the charthe soul to triumph over the grave, and acter of the Supreme Being. If our take death cheerfully by the cold hand, ideas of him be different from what he and even long to be gone, and to be with really is, it is impossible that we can love Christ. Dark and doubting Christians him truly, or serve him with acceptance. may indeed shrink back, and be afraid of There may be qualities in the imaginary the exchange; but the assured soul de- being which we adore, utterly repugnant GOD'S GREAT MANIFESTATION. 397 with the perfections of the true God; and I. That the redemption of mankind the mode of worship by which we strive was an act of the freest and most unmeritto please him, may of consequence be as ed grace. absurd as the ideas which we entertain of II. That it is a full demonstration of his character. Various are the means the unbounded love and goodness of God. which God hath provided for guiding us As these are truths of the greatest imto the true knowledge of himself. The portance, and very properly suited to our heavens declare his glory, and the firma- meditation at this time, I will lay the ment showeth his handy-works. The in- evidence of them before you in as clear a visible things of him, even his eternal manner as I can, and then conclude with power and Godhead, are clearly seen, an application of the subject. being perceived by the things which he I. then, THIE text implies, that the rebath made. His moral perfections may demption of mankind was an act of the be learned from his general administra- freest and most unmerited grace. God tion of the world, and especially from his was under no obligation to provide a Saconduct towards his rational creatures. viour for his fallen creatures. Without Had we capacities sufficient to take a com- any imputation on his justice, he might prehensive view of all his works and ways, have left them to eat the fruit of their such a review would result in a full con- own doings, and to be filled with their viction, that righteousness and judgment own devices. He stood in no need of our are the habitation of his throne, and that services, nor could he be injured by our mercy and truth continually go before rebellion. Our perdition would have him. But as we see only a small part of made no blank in his works, which his the great system which he is carrying on, power could not have supplied in one moand of consequence are liable to mistaken ment. Man was indeed miserable enough and partial conceptions, he hath been gra- to excite compassion; but he was deservciously pleased to rest his character on edly so, and therefore compassion might one great fact, which it is impossible to have been restrained, and justice have had misunderstand. This fact the apostle its course. lie had left the station in places in our view in the passage before which he was placed, insolently thrown off us. He is engaged in an argument for his his dependence on his Maker, questioned favorite doctrine of universal benevolence. his veracity, and dared his power. NothTo enforce this doctrine, he reminds his ing therefore but sovereign mercy could readers of the love and benevolence of have interposed for his relief. But to God, and of this he can find no other way make this point perfectly clear, let it be to express his strong conceptions, than by observed, denominating him love and goodness itself. 1st, That God's designs of mercy could " Beldved,' saith he, at the 7th verse, not arise from his thinking the constitu"let us love one another, for love is of tion he had made with Adam, as the head God, and every one that loveth is born of and representative of his posterity, severe God, and knoweth Gdd. He that loveth and unrighteous. It is certain, on the not, knoweth not God; for God is love." contrary, that had it not been holy, just, To prove this, he enters into no refined and good, God could never have been the disquisitions, or abstract reasonings, on author of it; and if it was once righteous, the divine nature. These, he knew, were no failure on the part of his creatures but little adapted to the general appre- could alter its nature. There is no insinuhensions of mankind. He thinks it suffi- ation that God changed his opinion of cient to appeal for a proof of it to that that transaction, or that he hath ceased wonderful expedient which God devised to consider man as justly condemned by for saving lost sinners. " In this," says the first covenant. In fact, the method he, " was manifested the love of God to- of our recovery through Jesus Christ, conwards us, because that God sent his only tains a virtual ratification of the sentence begotten Son into the world, that we might by which we were condemned; for it live through him." These words then hath appointed the second Adam to be imply, the head of an elect world, that through 398 SERMON LXIX. the merit of his sufferings and death, call only serve to render us more vile and mercy might be dispensed to the guilty, odious in his sight. Had we indeed lost in a consistency with the rectitude of the the affection of love altogether, had our divine nature, and the honor of his law. natural powers been quite destroyed by 2dlly. God was not moved to provide a the fall, our case might have moved comSaviour for his creatures, by any sense passion; but this case was not ours. The that his law was too strict in its demands affection of love still remains, and we exfor them to be able to obey. We find ert it with ardor and vivacity towards a that the word of God still denounces a variety of objects. Our natural powers, curse on every deviation from that perfect though impaired, are not destroyed, for rule. There is no mitigation of the pen- we employ them successfully in our worldalties annexed to disobedience. The law ly concerns; so that our inability to love which requires perfect obedience is in full God, when translated in its true language, force. The exactions of justice are not amounts just to this. that we love those in the least abated. How indeed is it things which are contrary to his nature so possible that they could? for consider much, that it is impossible we can love how the case stands. God is infinitely him; and how this should extenuate our amiable and perfect; and what does he guilt, let those who plead it explain. require of his creatures, but that they 4thly. God was not moved to this act should love him with all the soul, strength, of unmerited grace by any foreknowledge and heart, which he hath given them? he had that mankind would receive it with Can this ever cease to be an obligation? thankfulness. He foresaw, as appears by What should make it cease? Nothing, the prophetic writings, the ingratitude but that God should become less amiable, and contempt that would be poured upon that his perfection should fade, his good- his Son. He foresaw that he should be ness be exhausted, or his greatness im- despised and rejected of men; that his paired. On the other hand, what is it person should be insulted, his name dethat he threatens to those who withdraw rided, his blood shed, and the calls of his their hearts from him? Is it not the loss grace rejected. All this was full in his of his favor and friendship? Can either eye when he laid the plan of our redenipthe obligation or penalty be accused of tion; so that in all views, you see it was severity? Surely in this God does nothing an act of the freest and most unmerited unbecoming a wise and righteous gover- grace. It took its rise from no good in nor. Nay, with reverence be it said, he the creature, either existing or foreseen. could not do otherwise without denying Unmerited, unsolicited, and ill requited, himself. Is it conceivable that he should the fountain of all this grace was in God retract his word, that he should compound, himself; for his goodness is like himself, like earthly creditors, for a part of what unsearchable. "His thoughts are not is owing to him; that he should depreci- our thoughts, neither his ways our ways." ate the honor of his law, or dispense with I now proceed, in the the exactions of his justice? No; he hath II. place, To show that the redemption said, and never will unsay it, " that the of mankind is a full demonstration of the wages of sin is death; " but he hath pur- unbounded love and goodness of the Diposed to display his compassion to fallen vine nature. " In this," saith the apostle, man, in a manner that should reconcile "was the love of God manifested towards all his perfections. " And in this was us, because that God sent his only begotmanifested the love of God toward us, ten Son into the world, that we might live because that he hath sent his Son into the through him." Consider then, world, that we might live through him." 1st, The dignity of the person whom 3dly. The inability to perform his duty, God sent on this gracious errand. Had which man contracted by his fall, did not he sent one of the meanest of his servants render his case in the least more deserv- to sympathize with us in our forlorn state, it ing of compassion. This inability, as it would have been an act of great condescenproceeds entirely from the depravity of sion and goodness. Had he commissioned our tempers, and the enmity of our hearts, one of the least considerable of those GOD'S GREAT MANIFESTATION. 399 spirits who surround his throne, to minis- mit some intervals of ease and relief. At ter some relief to us in our miserable sit- worst, the mind of man, inl its most opnation, with what gratitude ought we to pressed moments, anticipates the bright have received such ar instance of his com- side of things; or, ignorant of futurity, passionate regard. But who is this that feels, but the weight of the present mocometh in the name of the Lord to save ment. But this consolation of human us? W~hat are his rank, his titles, and weakness, the prophetic mind of Jesus dignity? Let a prophet declare: " Unto did not admit. He foresaw the approachus a child is born, unto us a son is given, ing hour of suffering, and was fully aware and his name shall be called Wonderful, of every bitter ingredient in the cup that Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlast- was prepared for him to drink. He being Father, the Prince of peace." Let held the lowering cloud of darkness and an evangelist declare: " The Word was distress. He knew the malice of his enemade flesh, and tabernacled among us, lilies, the perfidy of his betrayer, and the and we beheld his glory, the glory as of unfaithfulness of his friends. He saw the the only begotten of the Father, full of accursed tree, the torturing scourge, the grace and truth. "'-Let an apostle declare: piercing nails, the hour and the power of 1" God who at sundry times, and in divers darkness. manners, spake to our fathers by the pro- Behold him in that unutterable conflict, phets, hath in these last days spoken to which wrung from him those complaining us by his Son from heaven —who is the accents, " My soul is exceeding sorrowful, brightness of his glory, and the express even unto death." Behold him at his image of his person." Or if all these tes- Father's footstool, offering up prayers and timonies are insufficient, let it be declared supplications, with strong crying and by a voice from the excellent Majesty, tears, unto him that was able to save him. " This is my beloved Son, hear ye him." Behold him going forth to meet his eneSuch was the person whom God sent to mies; receiving the treacherous kiss; save us. " In this was manifested the stretching forth his hands to the shackles; love of God toward us, because that God forsaken of all his friends; buffeted, sent his only begotten Son." But whither scourged, and spit upon; at last nailed to did he send this divine person 2 This is a a cross, and insulted, even in his expiring 2d Circumstance that cannot fail to moments, with a derision of his woe. When heighten our gratitude. He sent him you have beheld this complicated scene into this lower world. He came from of anguish, say if there was ever sorrow heaven to earth, from the throne to the like unto this sorrow; and yet far beyond footstool, from the bosom of his Father to all this must have been those mysterious this guilty and polluted world, which de- feelings of the Son of God, when he cried served to be visited with an executioner out," My God, my God, why hast thou of justice, instead of an herald of peace. forsaken me?" And in what circumstances did he appear Such was the treatment which the Son on earth? Was it in the pomp of royalty, of God met with on earth, and which he to receive the homage and services of his was prepared to meet with for our sakes; creatures? No; his life on earth was one and can we doubt, after this, of the love continued scene of suffering. From his of God in sending him into the world? birth to his death he was a man of sor- " Greater love than this hath no man, that rows, and acquainted with grief. He was a man lay down his life for his friend; but even so destitute of the common accom- herein God commended his love towards modations of life, that he said of himself, us, in that while we were yet sinners, " The foxes have holes, and the birds of Christ died for us." Consider, in the the air have nests, but the Son of man 3d place, The gracious design on which hath not where to lay his head." Yet he came into the world. It was, " that these sufferings, though great, were light we might live through him." Life, you in comparison with what he afterwards know, is the most important of blessings, underwent. The bitterest sorrows which and the foundation of all other enjoythe common lot of humanity knows, ad- ments. To purchase life, we reckon no 400 SERMON LXIX. expense or loss too great. "Skin for FROM what hath been said, the first and skin, all that a man hath will he give for most obvious inference is, our obligation to his life." But life, in Scripture language, love that God who hath thus loved us. And is generally used to signify happiness in is he not worthy of this affection in himself? general, and in this sense it is to be under- Has the perfection of beauty and goodness stood in the text. It is here opposed to no charms to move us, while with so much all that misery which we had brought ardor we run after the faint traces of upon ourselves by our apostasy from God. these qualities in creation? Especially By nature we are dead in law, lying under what are our hearts made of, if they can a sentence of condemnation, the execution resist the impression of a benefit so inesof which is only suspended by the brittle timable as I have been describing, conferthread of life. We are also spiritually red with a bounty that even prevented dead, alienated from the fountain of life our requests. We value ourselves. we and happiness, dead in trespasses and sins. esteem others, for their grateful and afTo complete our miserable situation, we fectionate feelings. We can hardly enare liable to the second death, that awful tertain any regard for a character in death which subjects both soul and body which'we see no marks of sensibility. to everlasting punishment in the world to Shall this defect, then, excite our disapcome. Now, the death of Christ delivers probation in all cases, excepting in that us from. all these evils. By him all who where it is most glaring and odious? believe on his name are freed from con- Shall we exert our affections with ardor demnation, and obtain a right to live: on many inferior objects, and reserve " For Christ hath redeemed us from the none for him whose power made us, and curse of the law, being made a curse for whose goodness has made us happy? You us." Through him we also are made spi- excuse yourselves, perhaps, by saying, ritually alive. " You hath he quickened," that your affections are engaged to your saith St. Paul to the Ephesians, "who friends and benefactors, because they are were dead in trespasses and sins. The objects of perception, and you have seen old man is crucified with Christ, that the and conversed with them; whereas God body of sin might be destroyed, that is unseen and spiritual, so that your feelhenceforth we should not serve sin." To ings with regard to him cannot be so livecrown all, through him we have the gift ly. Is nothing then an object of your afof eternal life, being begotten again unto fections but what you have seen with the lively hope of an inheritance incorrup- your bodily eyes? Is it only the outbward tible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. form of your friend that you love? Is it And is there now aught wanting to de- only the hand that confers the benefit, or monstrate the unbounded love and good- the feet that move to serve you? Is it n.ot ness of God? How warmly does lfeze- rather the soul, the heart of your friend, kiah speak! with what gratitude does he that engages your love? even that kindexpress himself on a few years being add- ness which never fails, that sincerity ed to his natural life!-" The living, which you can always trust, that faithfulthe living, they shall praise thee, as I do ness on which you can at all times dethis day. The fathers to the children pend, that sympathy which makes your shall declare thy truth. Upon a stringed griefs and joys his own? Do you cease to instrument will I praise thee, and upon love your friend after his body is laid in the harp with a solemn sound." What the dust? Sure I am, none who ever then ought to be our feelings of grati- knew a friend will say so. tude! what ought to be our language of It is then the soul that engages affecpraise, to whom God hath granted length tion —And is not the soul visible? Are of days for evermore! you not as certain of the existence of God I have thus endeavored to show you as you are of your own soul's existence, that the redemption of mankind is an act or the souls of those you converse with' of the freest grace; and that it is a full True it is, that God is not to be discerned by demonstration of the unbounded love and our senses; but is he then afar off? Doth goodness of God. he not fill heaven and earth with his pre GOD'S GREAT MANIFESTATION. 401 sence? Do not kindness, faithfulness, and Having done so much, he is unwilling to sympathy, belong to his character, more leave his work imperfect; he makes him than to any earthly friend? Who is it that worthy of his care, by instilling good hath said, "' I will never leave thee, nor principles into him. In time he adopts forsake thee?" Who is it that hath him into his family; at last he mankes said, " Call upon me in the day of trouble, him his heir, and leaves him all he has. and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt Whoever knows the human heart, knows glorify me?" Who is it that hath desir- that this is the natural progress of affeced us to cast all our care upon him, be- tion. He that gives, cherisheth his own cause he careth for us? Who is it that benevolence by the gift; and to have hath said, " He that toucheth you, touch- conferred one favor, is a reason for coneth the apple of mine eye?" Say not, tinuing and adding others. I say not then, I cannot love God, because I have this, as if God's thoughts were to be meanot seen him; say rather, if thou hast the sured by ours. I have a better warrant heart to say so, I cannot love God, be- for using this comparison —"being conficause that love is already engaged to his dent," as an apostle has expressed it, rival. I love the world too much, I love " of this very thing, that he who hath bemy sins too much, i. e., I love his enemies gun a good work in you, will perform it too much to have any remaining affections until the day of Jesus Christ.-Behold to bestow on him. In the what manner of love the Father hath be2d place, We may infer from what stowed upon us, that we should be called hath been said, if God so loved us while we the sons of God-and if sons, then heirs, were enemies, how much more will he heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus love us, now that we are reconciled to Christ.-God commended his love tohim by the death of his Son? There are wards us, in that while we were yet sinbut few points on which I am sanguine ners, Christ died for us.-Much more, enough to think I could argue to the con- then, being now justified by his blood, we viction of a person disposed to evade the shall be saved from wrath through him: force of evidence; yet if there is any, I for if when we were enemies, we were rethink it is in proof of this sentiment of the conciled to God by the death of his Son, apostle, "He that spared not his own much more, being reconciled, we shall be Son, but gave him up to the death for us saved by his life." all, how shall he not with him also freely But here, my brethren, I find the subgive us all things." Allow me that God ject rising and widening beyond the has sent his only begotten Son into the reach of my thoughts, or feeble illustraworld, that we might have life through tions. " How great, 0 God, is that goodhim; and then say, is there another favor ness which thou hast laid up for them~ so costly that you should think it beyond that fear thee, which thou hast wrought the reach of his benevolence? You may for them that trust in thee, before the perhaps say, that he hath already done so sons of men! " much, that you cannot conceive how he One other inference from what hath should do more. But I will ask you this, been said we cannot omit, being the inWhy did he confer the first favor? Was ference of the apostle himself in the conit only to save appearances to his crea- text. " Beloved, if God so loved us, we tures? Do you conceive of it as of that con- ought also to love one another." I will strained kind of benevolence which we not inquire whether this is an exhortasometimes see in the world-a man pay- tion to universal benevolence, or an exing the debts of another, and then setting hortation to Christians to love their him adrift to do as he best can in the brethren; certain it is, that the disciples world? No; I will tell you what it of Christ are exhorted to both of these rather resembles, if a resemblance to it amiable dispositions. Of whom are we can be found in this selfish world. It re- bold enough to say, that he may not be sembles a man taking up a helpless orphan. one of those'for whom Christ died; that He at first clothes and feeds him; by he may not become, through grace, one and by, he conceives an attachment for him. of the excellent ones of the earth? If. 26 402 SERMON LXX. thou art a vessel of mercy, consider who ty, by the ministry of Philip the Evangeit was that filled thee; and may not the list, is circumstantially related in the presame fountain fill him-fill any of the ceding verses; and as there are several race of Adam? Let your benevolence striking incidents in this passage of histothen extend to the whole of mankind: ry, I shall point out a few of them which but let your love be special towards the are chiefly remarkable. household of faith. Love them for the 1st. We are told, that when this officer image they bear-love them for the ties of the Ethiopian queen was about to take by which you are connected together. Let his departure from Jerusalem, God sent your love to them be fervent and active. his angel to Philip at Samaria, with a peImpart to them every assistance of friend- remptory order to leave that place, and ship, especially of that friendship which to travel southward till he should come regards the interests of their souls. Ex- upon the road that goeth down from Jehort one another daily, lest any of you be rusalem to Gaza; which place he had no hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. sooner reached, than lo, the illustrious Continue together in one accord, in stranger appears in his chariot, pursuing prayer and supplication, forwarding one his journey to his own country. another in your way to Zion, and singing 2dly. It deserves our notice, that at songs of comfort as you go along. the precise moment when Philip, by a diOn the whole, you see how much the vine impulse, ran to meet him, this dereligion of Christ applies itself to the best vout proselyte was reading aloud a part affections of the human heart. To whom of Isaiah's prophecy, which speaks plainly does it direct our worship?-To the God and directly concerning the Messiah of love, the God who is love, and who The place of Scripture which he read was manifested his love to us, in that he sent this: " He was led as a sheep to the his only begotten Son into the world, slaughter, and like a lamb dumb before that we might live through him. What his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: doth it require of us, but that we should In his humiliation his judgment was talove him who first loved us; that we ken away, and who shall declare his geneshould yield ourselves to be his, and trust ration? for his life is taken from the in him for all good things. Are ye wil- earth." Upon hearing these words, Philip ling? The pledges of the covenant are at accosted him with this question, " Underhand, and may God seal them to your standest thou what thou readest?" The souls. Amen. other ingenuously confessed that he did not; and having, with uncommon courtesy, taken the Evangelist up into his chariot, begged to be informed who the SERMON LXX. person was whom the prophet had in his eye. "Then," as we read in the 35th Precachke after the Celebration of the Lord's verse, " Philip opened his mouth, and beSupper. gan at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." THE ETHIOPIAN AND PHILIP. Thus both the preacher and his subject were very remarkably ordered in the provACTS viL. 39. " and he went on his way idence of God; and, as might be expected rejoicing." from such favorable presages, the discourse THE person of whom this account is was accompanied with the powerful influgiven was a man of Ethiopia, who pos- ences of his grace: For upon their coming sessed a place of great trust and authority to e certain place where there was water, under the queen of that country. It ap- the new disciple, of his own accord, mopears from the history, that he was a pro- destly signified his desire to be baptized, selyte to the Jewish religion; for he had and after professing his faith in Christ, in come as far as Jerusalem to attend on these few but solemn words, "'I believe the worship of the God of Israel. The that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,"manner of his conversion to Christiani- the chariot was stopt, and Philip went down THE ETHIOPIAN AND PHILIP. 403 with him into the water, and baptized this wilderness, toward the promised land him. A of rest. In these circumstances I think 3d Incident, no less remarkable than the that, without apology, I may take occasion, former two, is recorded in the verse where from the words that have been read, to my text lies. "When they were come up address you with a twofold exhortation: out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord I. To go on your way heavenward. caught away Philip, that the Eunuch saw And, him no more." How admirable, how per- II. To rejoice as you go. feet are the works of God! These two I TRUST I need hardly inform you, that were brought together by the agency of the spiritual repast to which you have an angel, and now they are parted asunder been this day admitted, is purely intended by a miracle, but a miracle of wisdom as to strengthen you in your journey to the well as of power. For this sudden and heavenly country. God sends us these supernatural removal of the preacher, was grapes from the Canaan above, not to dea powerful confirmation of the doctrine tain us in the wilderness, but to allure us which he taught, and had an obvious ten- out of it, and to make us hasten our steps dency to impress on the mind of the new towards that country of which they are convert this important truth, that although the natural and spontaneous product. My a man had been employed as the instru- first exhortation, therefore, is both seasonment of his conversion, yet the work itself able and necessary-Arise and go forward. was truly divine, and the glory of it due Many who mistake the nature of this ordito God alone. nance, are very anxious and busy for a few Accordingly we learn, from the latter days, in making a sort of formal preparapart of the verse, that all these wonderful tion for it. Then their countenances are events had a most happy influence on his demure, and their steps are solemn, and mind. He was transported with what he their conversation is precise, and their athad seen, and heard, and experienced; his tendance upon the most protracted servijudgment approved the wise choice he ces of devotion indefatigable; and this had made, and he went on his way rejoic- they call religion, and trust in its merit ing. He went on his way, i. e., he pro- to absolve them from all the dishonest, ceeded on his journey homeward. The worldly, uncharitable, and ungodly pracnew persuasion he had received into his tices, of which they are guilty in the other mind did not mislead him into fanciful periods of their time. But I trust, my plans of action, inconsistent with, or per- brethren, that ye have not so learned haps opposite to, the duties of his station. Christ, and I trust that we, who are your No, he knew that the religion he had em- spiritual guides, shall never encourage you braced, instead of releasing him from these in so fatal a delusion. I address you now, duties, rather bound him to a more faith- as the disciples and friends of Christ. I ful and diligent performance of them. He speak to you in his name; and that his therefore went on his way, and he rejoiced authority may be the more unquestionable as he went. He felt his soul enriched in the exhortation I am to give you, I with heavenly grace. He had now got a shall deliver it in the very words which treasure which he could properly call his his own Spirit hath employed. " I beseech own, even that pearl of great price, with you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies which all the treasures of Ethiopia were of God, that ye present your bodies a livnot worthy to be compared. ing sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, Your condition, my brethren, is in which is your reasonable service." And several respects similar to the condition beware of a sinful conformity to this world, of this man. He had solemnly avouched " but be ye transformed by the renewing the Lord to be his God: You, with equal of your mind, that ye may prove what is solemnity, have this day done the same. that good, and acceptable, and perfect will He had just received one seal of the cove- of God.-As ye have this day received nant of grace: You, this day, have re- Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him," ceived the other. He had a long journey in a manner suitable to the vocation wherebefore him: Ye also are travellers through with ye are called, with all lowliness and 404 SERMON LXX. meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing gation to obey them, and consequently one another in love, endeavoring to keep give a greater weight to my present adthe unity of the Spirit in the bond of dress than any arguments that I could peace. Add to your faith, virtue; and to possibly devise. Let me therefore once virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, ter- more repeat the exhortation, and call upon perance; and to temperance, patience; and you to make progress in your Christian to patience, godliness; and to godliness, course. Let your present attainments, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kind- instead of satisfying you, only incite your ness, charity." Think not that ye " have zeal and ambition to rise still higher in the already attained; but this one thing do excellencies of the divine life. Carry ever ye, forgetting those things which are be- in your minds, that the design of the hind, and reaching forth unto those things solemn and instrumental duties of religion which are before, press towards the mark, is to beget and strengthen those principles for the prize of the high calling of God in and habits of goodness in your souls, by Christ Jesus.-And I beseech you, breth- which they will be gradually ripened for ren, that every one of you do shew the the life of heaven. Stir up your faith to same diligence, to the full assurance of behold him who is invisible, that you may hope unto the end; that ye be not sloth- walk before him in the light of the living, ful, but followers of them who through having no other anxiety but to do what he faith and patience do now inherit the pro- commands; no other ambition but to enmises.-Whatsoever things are true, what- joy his favor now, and to receive his apsoever things are honest, whatsoever things probation at last. Let your meditation are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatso- on those sufferings of the Redeemer, which ever things are lovely, whatsoever things ye have been showing forth to-day, instruct are of good report, if there be any virtue, and you what you are to expect in the present if there be any praise, think on these things. life, and how you ought to behave under -And let your path resemble that of the all its trials and afflictions. Do not flatter just —a shining light, that shineth more yourselves with the prospect of uninterand more unto the perfect day.-Finally, rupted ease, and unclouded enjoyment; my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and but consider him who endured such conin the power of his might. Put on the tradiction of sinners against himself, when whole armor of God, that ye may be able at any time ye are weary or faint in your to stand against the wiles of the devil- minds; and study to know him in the having your loins girt about with truth, power of his resurrection, and in the feland having on the breastplate of righteous- lowship of his sufferings, being made conness, and your feet shod with the prepara- formable to his death. Exercise yourtion of the gospel of peace; above all, selves daily in mortifying the deeds of taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye the body; in crucifying the flesh, with its shall be able to quench all the fiery darts affections and lusts; and in opposing your of the wicked. And take the helmet of inclinations as often as they oppose your salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, duty. Thus laboring to be examples of which is the word of God: Praying always patience, meekness, contentment, and to with all prayer and supplication in the come behind in no good thing to which Spirit, and watching thereunto with all you are called; go on in the strength of perseverance." the Lord, making mention of his righteousThese few passages of Scripture, which ness, even of his only: " And may the speak to us directly as soldiers and travel- God of peace, that brought again from the /lers, who, under the conduct and tuition dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the great Captain of Salvation, must of the sheep, through the blood of the force their way to the Zion above, fully everlasting covenant, make you perfect in express the meaning of my first exhorta- every good work, to do his will, working tion; and as they are not my words, but in you that which is well-pleasing in his the words of the living and true God, the sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be divine authority with which they are glory for ever and ever. Amen." marked must necessarily imply our obli- Having thus exhorted you to continue THE ETHIOPIAN AND PHILIP. 405 your progress in the good ways of God, God hath taken the charge as his peculiar let me now exhort you, in the property, and for whom he provides as for II. place, To rejoice as you go on. his own? Is not his wisdom sufficient to After all the comfortable topics that guide you through all the perplexing paths have been suggested to your meditation of life? Is not his power sufficient to in the solemn service in which we have support you under every danger and diffibeen engaged, it should be almost un- culty? Is not his goodness sufficient to necessary to recall to your minds any of bestow on you all things richly to enjoy? those copious sources of joy which belong In what shape, then, can any real evil to the redeemed of the Lord. Yet, lest assail you; or what imperfection can there there should be some mind so dark, some be in your prospects of felicity? In the apprehension so slow, as to be at a loss 3d place, Rejoice that God hath made in discovering its own comforts; I will with you an everlasting covenant, well ormention in their order, a few of those that dered in all things and sure. He hath not are most obvious and solid, and best fitted only assured you, in general, of his good to fill the mind with peace and joy in be- will and gracious purposes on your believing. In the half; but hath also given you a variety of 1st place, then, If so be ye have tasted exceeding great and precious promises, so that the Lord is gracious, (and to those that there can be no possible exigence in only who have had this experience do I your situation, in which you may not find speak) then rejoice that ye have passed a suitable and abundant relief, in these from death to life, and that there is now gracious assurances of a faithful God. no condemnation for them who are in Were I to descend to particulars, it Christ Jesus. Rejoice in that distinguish- would be necessary for me to repeat the ing grace which hath plucked you as greater part of this sacred book, every brands from the burning, which hath page of which contains some reviving debrought up your soul from the grave, claration of what God hath already done, which hath kept you alive, that ye should or promised to do for his people. And not go down into the pit. Look around " the words of God are pure words, like among your fellow-creatures, and behold silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified the multitudes who walk in the broad seven times. He is the rock, his work is way that leadeth to destruction, who go perfect, and all his ways are judgment; a on headstrong and blindfold in the paths God of truth, and without iniquity, just of folly, until their eyes are opened in and right is he." Have not those, then, the everlasting burnings. Then consider good cause to rejoice, who have such an your own better choice and safer condition, ample charter put into their hands by the and rejoice in that mercy which found King of kings, a charter investing them you, when you were wandering from peace with a full and unalterable right to every and happiness, which arrested you in your necessary blessing, even to all the unmad career, and brought you back to the searchable riches of Christ? In the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. In 4th place, Rejoice that the life which the is begun in you is an immortal principle 2d place, Rejoice that you have not that can never be extinguished. Ye are only passed from death to life, but are born again by the Spirit of God; and ye also advanced to the dearest and most in- are kept by his mighty power, through timate relation to all the Persons of the faith unto salvation. United as you are ever blessed Godhead. By your new birth to Christ, by a living faith, ye can never ye are become the sons of God, members perish. His charge to preserve you is as of Christ, and temples for the Holy Ghost. strict and binding as his charge to redeem And what an overflowing source of con- and renew you at first. Ye were given solation is this? Can there be any cause unto him from eternity by his heavenly of fear or disquietude to those who dwell Father, and will he not keep those whom in the secret place of the Most High, and the Father hath committed to him? Hear abide under the shadow of the Almighty? his own words: " All that the Father hath Can they want any good thing, of whom given me shall come to me, and him that 406 SERMON LXX. cometh to me I will in nowise cast out." present we come from scenes of anxiety Christ formed in the heart of a true be- and vexation to keep our solemn feasts; liever, resembles, in some measure, Christ and our wedding garments are stained incarnate in the world. The divine nature with the pollution, or torn by the briers may be obscured for a season; it may, through which we travel. Even amidst and probably will, have its season of hu- our most sublime delights, we are conmiliation; but though it may seem to die, scious of a certain blank in our feelings, yet it shall have its resurrection likewise, which reminds us that this is not our rest; and afterwards its ascension into glory. but in the presence of God there is fulThis it was that enabled Paul to say, " I ness of joy, and at his right hand are therefore run, not as uncertainly; so fight pleasures for evermore. The poor afflicted I, not as one that beateth the air." Per- broken spirit, which now breathes in trouseverance is not only the duty, but the ble as in its daily air, and scarcely knows privilege also, of all who set themselves any other rule for computing the periods in good earnest to travel for heaven. And of time, than by the revolutions of sorrows though the law of God obliges them, and and disappointments, shall then be tuned their new nature inclines them, to work to the high praises of God; and its love out their own salvation with fear and to him, who is the Lord of love, shall feel trembling, yet they have a far better no bounds, and fear no end. O how the security for their success than any efforts unveiled glory of God will then brighten of their own. Omnipotence is their guar- many a face which is now darkened with dian: "the eternal God is their refuge, and grief, and stained with tears, and daily underneath them his everlasting arms." wears the hue of melancholy! There is My brethren, time and strength would not a sorrowful countenance in all the fail me, were I to attempt enumerating all courts of Zion's King; their doubts and the sources of joy which belong to the re- fears have dropped off with the veil of deemed of the Lord. I trust, that in your mortality, and sorrow and sighing have own frequent meditation you revolve fled far away. Lift up your heads, then, them, and that in your frequent addresses ye that travel towards the heavenly Zion, to the throne of grace, you comnmemorate and rejoice in the hope of the glory of them with thankful hearts before the God God. It is not more certain that the sun and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. doth shine in the firmament, than that ye Do you not then express the joy and grat- shall live for ever in the heavenly Jerusaitude of your souls, for the benefit of lem, and join in the innumerable company your Redeemer's example, for the prom- about the throne, in the everlasting praise ised aids of his Spirit, for the assurance of of your God and Redeemer. Then shall his intercession, for the gracious appoint- you understand the happiness of believers, ment of him as the Judge of the world, and know better than I can tell you, what for the access yot now have by him to the God did for your souls, when he called throne of grace, for the means of com- you out of darkness into his marvellous munion with the Father of your spirits, light. and the pleasing fellowship of those who Rejoice then in the Lord always, and are travelling with you in the same road again I say, rejoice. Let it appear, by to the Zion above? Leaving these, then, the serenity of your countenance, and the to be revolved in your own minds, I will alacrity of your steps, that your salvation now only exhort you, in the is already begun, and that, though the ful5th and last place, To rejoice in the hope ness of your joys be reserved for another of the glory of God. "Fear not, little world, yet even in this you can remark, flock," said the blessed Jesus, "for it is with a satisfaction unknown to the mere your Father's good pleasure to give you sons of earth, how sweet is the face of nathe kingdom." Ere long your trials and ture, how delicious are the fruits of the sufferings shall come to an end, and your field. " Go your way, eat your bread with light afflictions, which are but for a mo- joy, and drink your winewith a merryheart, ment, shall be followed by an exceeding for God now accepteth your work." Amen. great and eternal weight of glory. At ADVANTA GES UNIMPROVED. 407 The case of the Hebrews, as represented SERMON LXXI. in these words, is by no means singular. The neglect, at least the slow improveADVANTAGES UNIMPROVED. ment of the means of knowledge, has not ceased to be a reproach in these latter HEBREaWS v. 12. —"For when for the time ye days. Although blessed with the most ought to be teachers, ye have need that one abundant means of becoming wise unto teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of GOD; and are become suchsalvation, how trifling are our attainments as have need of milk, and not of strong how ill arranged are our religious ideas, meat." how little established are we in the faith, and how ill qualified to give a good reason THE apostle having, at the 10th verse, of the hope that is in us! Amidst all compared, in general terms, the priesthood these infirmities, how disdainful are we of Jesus with that of Melchisedek, finds often of common truths! how desirous to himself obliged to break off the argu- be gratified with novel speculations! how ment, not from any defect of his own fantastical in our taste for religious inknowledge, but from the dulness of those struction! I hope I may be allowed to to whoml he wrote. Their minds were not offer some observations on these topics, as yet prepared for such sublime instruc- without being supposed to aim at any petion, and that not owing to any natural culiar censure, my sole design being to infirmity, but merely to their neglect or stir you up to further improvements, even misimprovement of the best advantages. to aspire to the wisdom of the perfect, " For when for the time ye ought to be and of those who, by reason of use, have teachers, ye have need that one teach you their senses exercised to discern both good again which be the first principles of the and evil. oracles of God; and are become such as The text naturally gives rise to the have need of milk, and not of strong meat." three following observations: Accordingly, he tells them very plainly I. That all who are favored with the how disgracefully deficient they were in light of the gospel, shall be utterly inexthe improvement which might have been cusable, if their improvements in knowexpected, from the time that they had ledge do not bear a proportion to the time been in the school of Christ. Instead of they have continued to enjoy it. being in a capacity of teaching others, II. That those who are not careful to they were themselves in the lowest class add to their knowledge, will be in great of learners. Instead of making progress danger of losing what they have formerly in the knowledge of divine truth, they had acquired. forgotten what they once possessed. In- III. That without a proper acquaintstead of growing to the stature of perfect ance with the first plain principles of relimen in Christ Jesus, they had shrunk gion, men are unfit to receive doctrines of again to the condition of babes, whose a higher and more speculative nature. weak and tender organs must be nourished These observations I will confirm by with the simplest food. Instead of ex- some reasoning, and then make a practical panding with a regular and solid growth, application of the subject. The qpening and enlarging their faculties, I. observation was, That all who are through disuse, had become so contracted favored with the light of the gospel, shall as to refuse admittance to the plainest be utterly inexcusable, if their improvetruths, much more to doctrines so deep ments in knowledge do not bear a proporand involved as those which he had begun tion to the time they have continued to to state. Such is the spirit of the apos- enjoy it. tle's reproof contained in the text: " For This is one of those propositions which when for the time ye ought to be teachers, neither needs, nor will admit of much ye have need that one teach you again positive proof. There cannot be a plainer which be the first principles of the ora- dictate of common sense, than what our cles of God; and are become such as Saviour hath taught us in these words: have need of milk, and not of strong meat." " Unto whomsoever much is given, of him 408 SERMON LXXI. the more shall be required." Every ad- we expect to become masters of religious vantage bestowed on us by Providence is truth, with less diligence and application a trust, of which we must give an account than we bestow on the most trifling scihereafter. The advantages which tend to ence, or the meanest mechanic art? 1 our improvement in heavenly wisdom, are mean not that it is either necessary or a trust of the most important kind; and possible for every private Christian to attherefore the guilt of neglecting or abus- tain a thorough knowledge of theology. ing these must be of the deepest nature. The leisure and the capacities of men are But let us hear what may be said in oppo- so different, that an equal progress in disition to this. Every objection that can vine knowledge cannot be supposed in be stated, may be resolved into one or every individual. This much, however, other of these two-either that Christian- may be reasonably required and expected, ity is not worthy of our study; or that, that persons soliciting the outward privifrom its incomprehensible nature, it is im- leges of religion, should know the great possible to make any considerable pro- truths to which these privileges refergress in the knowledge of it. To maintain should be able to tell what benefit they the first of these, is in fact to deny the expect from them-should be able to divinity of our holy religion; for certainly show some fruit of all the instructions a revelation proceeding from infinite wis- they receive. Yet how often is even dorn, with this merciful intention, to direct this moderate expectation disappointed? wandering sinners to everlasting and un- How many are there to be found in this speakable felicity, must be allowed to de- land of gospel light, almost as ignorant of serve all the time and attention we can Jesus and his religion, as those who never possibly bestow on it. As to the second heard his name? How deep must be their objection, relating to the mysterious na- shame, how heavy their condemnation, ture of Christianity, it must partly be ad- when at last it shall appear in what manmitted, but in no sense that will apply to ner their time has been employed? This the point in question. There are indeed will stop the mouths of all ignorant Chrisdoctrines taught in it far surpassing the tians, and expose their vain apologies, extent of our understandings, which must when their consciences, awakened by the be received with the obedience of faith, dawn of an everlasting day, shall reproach resting on this solid principle of reason, them with the hours, days, and months, in that they are revealed by him who cannot which they fatigued themselves with vice lie. But though there are deep and in- and folly, instead of studying how to bescrutable mysteries in Christianity, it is come wise unto salvation. The far from being mysterious in all its parts. II. observation from the text was, That Its discoveries of the moral character of those who are not careful to add to their God, and of his gracious purposes toward knowledge, are in danger of losing what the human race; its precepts, promises, they have already acquired. and sanctions; and its general influence This was the very case of the Hebrews. upon human conduct, present the noblest They had not been at due pains to increase and most improving subject of contempla- their knowledge, in consequence of which tion, in which the faculties of man can be neglect, they were even decayed in their engaged. In these a well formed mind former attainments. "Ye are become will taste a pleasure and satisfaction far such," says the apostle, " as have need of beyond what all the treasures of science milk, and not of strong meat." He does and philosophy can bestow. It is true, not say, Ye are still in the condition of that even in this study, certain difficulties babes; but ye are returned or shrunk back will at first be experienced; but shall it again to that condition, thereby plainly form an objection to the pursuit of heavenly intimating that there had been a time wisdom, that it bears an analogy to every when the case was otherwise with them improvement of which the human mind is And as this proposition is well founded susceptible? Where is the valuable ad- in the text, so it is sufficiently supported vantage that is to be acquired without both by reason and experience. Our own patience, method, and application? Shall observation, if we have not been extremely ADVANTAGES UNIMPROVED. 409 inattentive, cannot fail to furnish us with pecially if this cannot be done without instances similar to what is here recorded. much labor and attention. Accordingly, The truth is, a comprehensive knowledge it is never supposed in Scripture, that we of the whole, in all its connections, is the should remit our application to make faronly security for the distinct knowledge, ther progress, through a lazy satisfaction or remembrance of any one part. Nothing with our present attainments. No saint is so difficult as to retain the rudiments ever set such an example of indolent selfof any science, unless we pursue them to contentment. "I count all things but their proper use, and discover their sub- loss," said the apostle Paul, " for the exserviency to the general scheme to which cellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus they belong. my Lord; for whom I have suffered the Let a man be introduced to the view of loss of all things, and do count them but a complete piece of machinery, without dung that I may win Christ, and be found being acquainted with the general purpose in him, not having mine own righteousness it is intended to accomplish; let him sur- which is of the law, but that which is vey every part of it with the most minute through the faith of Christ, the righteousattention, and labor to imprint the idea ness which is of God by faith; that I may of each as deeply as possible in his mind; know him, and the power of his resurrecyet if he fall short of comprehending the tion, and the fellowship of his sufferings, intention of the whole, all that he has seen being made conformable unto his death; will be equally useless to himself and to if by any means I might attain unto the mankind. His observations, unconnected resurrection of the dead: not as though I with any leading principle, will float with- had already attained, either were already out method or application in his mind; or perfect; but I follow after, if that I may if they have any effect, it will be only to apprehend that for which also I am appremake him rash and petulant in hazarding hended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I opinions on a subject which he imperfectly count not myself to have apprehended; understands. but this one thing I do, forgetting those Our pursuit of religious knowledge, things which are behind, and reaching under the disadvantages of our present forth unto those things which are before, dark and degenerate state, may be corn- I press toward the mark, for the prize of pared to a person swimming against the the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." current, who has no other way to maintain The his advantage but by pressing forward. III. and last observation from the text Our faculties, by disuse, contract a rust, was, That without a proper acquaintance a disability either for discerning or pursu- with the plain principles of religion, men ing those things that are excellent. Hence are utterly unfit for receiving doctrines of the apostle says, at the 14th verse, a higher and more speculative nature. "Strong meat is for those who, by reason This is the precise argument of the of use, have their senses exercised to dis- text, and needs only to be mentioned to cern between good and evil; " thereby in- force our assent. It is saying nothing timating, that the mind must be kept in more strange, than that a person, in order constant exercise, otherwise we may lose to be able to read, must first know letters; the faculty of distinguishing between a proposition so plain and obvious, that it things the most widely different. But would be ridiculous to attempt a formal this is not all: A person who stops short proof of it. The operations of grace, as in his pursuit of religious truth, plainly well as those of nature, are, for the most discovers that he has lost that relish part, gradual. Miraculous gifts indeed which alone imprints it in deep and last- have been enjoyed, and miraculous proing characters on the mind. It is well gress hath been made in divine knowledge, known how slowly we imbibe, and how beyond what the common use of means quickly we forget, those parts of learning could have produced; but these have been which we study with reluctance. No rare instances for special purposes in Proman will be careful to preserve a matter vidence, and are by no means to be exabout which he is become indifferent, es pected in the common course of things. 410 SERMON LXXI. If, therefore, we aspire to eminent know- much the more miserable for the neglect ledge in religion, we must begin by culti- of the opportunities which you have envating distinct apprehensions of its first joyed. Let me beseech you to bringthis principles. Nothing has been of more honme to your minds. In all other subprejudice to Christianity, than the prema- jeets, you desire to be well informed. ture indigested reasonings of novices, You would not prostitute your time to a about its more speculative doctrines, be- ceremonial attendance of any other kind, fore they have been well established in without some solid and useful object. its great and fundamental articles. Hence You would not give up four hours in every have arisen all those odious names with week, merely to hear words, without inwhich particular sects have stigmatized tending to derive some instruction from one another, while, in contending for the them. " Take heed then how ye hear." name of disciples, they have thrown away Be assured we do not speak in vain. Our that badge of charity by which the true defects indeed are many: we do not preach disciples of Christ are most effectually nor live as we ought to do —may God pardistinguished. don and amend us; but we dispense the Justly, then, does the apostle say, that ordinances of God; and his word, though strong meat belongeth only to them who, dispensed by weak unskilful hands, shall by reason of use, have their senses ex- not return void, but shall accomplish the ercised to discern between good and evil. thing whereunto he sent it: it shall either The metaphor is highly proper and sig- be the savor of life unto life, or death nificant; for as strong meat, administered unto death to your souls. to a weak stomach, contributes only to Again, ye have heard that they who are increase its infirmity; in like manner the not careful to add to their knowledge are more difficult doctrines of Christianity, in danger of losing what they had formermeeting with weak presumptuous under- ly acquired. Beware then of resting satisstandings, have no other effect than to fled with your present attainments, but swell the natural vanity of the heart, which follow on to know the Lord. Be assiduous afterwards vents itself in words and beha- to improve the advantages ye possess, for vior, equally dishonorable to God and growing in grace, and in the knowledge offensive to man. of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Having thus endeavored to confirm the that ye may walk worthy of God unto all observations which naturally arise from pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, the text, it remains only to make a prac- and increasing in the knowledge of God tical application of the subject. — Strengthened with all might, according IN this application, the hearers of the to his glorious power; continuing in the gospel seem to have the first and principal faith, grounded and settled, and not moved concern. Ye have enjoyed this advantage from the hope of the gospel which ye have from your earliest years. For the time, heard. ye might have been teachers of others. Once more, Ye have heard that, withLet us suppose that ye had attended as out a proper acquaintance with the plain punctually upon instruction in any other principles of religion, men are unfit to rescience, would you not be ashamed, after ceive doctrines of a higher and more ten or twenty years, to own you were as speculative nature. Expect not, then, ignorant as the first month, and much more that we should study your amusement at ashamed to have it thought that you were the expense of your edification. There contented to be so? Let me ask how you are persons, perhaps, who expect us to would tolerate such carelessness and in- discuss some nice points in casuistry, or sensibility in your children, whom you to clear up some controverted points in educate at a great expense for the purposes divinity; in short, who would take it of this world? Yet how do the cases kindly, if, dropping the common topics differ? Much indeed in one respect; for which have been long and much worn in a man may be happy without human learn- the service of religion. we provided some ing, but without the knowledge of religion, fresh ones always for their entertainment. you must be miserable for ever, and so This may be very proper in its season, DIVINE AND HUMAN AGENCY. 411 and, so far as it is fit, a faithful minister ter. There God is represented in the of Christ will not be wanting to their ex- characters of condescension and grace, so pectation; for he has gathered nothing in perfectly suited to our necessitous and all the stores of divine knowledge of guilty condition, as must render him the which he is not willing that they should object of our supreme love and unreserved partake. But in common, this indulgence confidence. is entirely out of place. The plainest The first question that will always occur and most practical truths are first of all to an awakened sinner, hath been expressto be inculcated. Many more stand in ed by the prophet Micah in these words: need of these than of novelties in specu-'- Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, lation; and even of those who call out and bow myself before the High God " for such, many make the demand with a And the only answer to this question, very bad grace. They might be amused, which an unenlightened mind can suggest, perhaps, with a curious discussion; but lath also been expressed by the same prowhat if their sense of divine things be phet, in the form of another question: dead? What if they need to have their " Shall I come before him with burnt-ofminds stimulated, and their consciences ferings, with calves of a year old? Will alarmed with the terrors of God's word'? the Lord be pleased with thousands of When our Lord was asked by a curious rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil? inquirer, if there were few that should be Shall I give my first born for my transsaved? instead of answering directly to gression, the fruit of my body for the sin the question, he addressed the person with of my soul? " A conscience alarmed with a practical exhortation, " Strive to enter a sense of guilt, naturally represents the in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto Most High as clothed with terrible mayou, shall seek to enter in, and shall not jesty, as a God of vengeance, a stern unbe able." If any of a similar character relenting creditor, demanding payment should attend our assemblies, let them even to the uttermost farthing. And hownot think it strange if we imitate so high ever the advocates for the light of nature an example, by preferring to impart to may boast of their discoveries, it may be them the plainest and simplest, because pronounced impossible for unassisted reathe most necessary truths; especially as son, proceeding on sound principles, to it cannot be doubted that the apostle's re- discover any means whereby guilty creaproof in the text is still applicable to many tures can hope to satisfy the justice, or hearers of the gospel: —" For when for regain the friendship of their Maker. the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have All our knowledge, with regard to this need that one teach you again which be subject, must flow from revelation alone. the first principles of the oracles of God; The sanctions of justice may indeed be and are become such as have need of milk, comprehended by human reason; but jusand not of strong meat." Amen. tice demands inexorably the punishment of transgressors. Justice admits no claim for the exercise of mercy. Nay, more, mercy does not even come within the strict conception of legal administration, SERMON LXXII. but is an act of pure prerogative having no other measure than the will of the DIVINE AND HUMAN AGENCY. sovereign. " And who knoweth the mind 2 COR. vi. 1.-"We then, as workers together of the Lord, or who bath been his counwith him, beseech you also, that ye receive sellor?" None else but the only begotten not the grace of GOD in vain." Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, and bath declared him unto us: and this NOTHING can be conceived more encourag- is the name whereby he hath made him ing to creatures, in our feeble and deprav- known, God is love. ed situation, than those views of the Su- What the apostle says, (chapter v. verse preme Being disclosed by the apostle in 18.) has a stronger signification than is the concluding part of the former chap- commonly attended to. "All things are 412 SERMON LXXII. of God." It not only imports, that all struments; and accordingly he styles himthings owe their existence to God, and self, in the text, "a worker together with are the effects of his creating power; but God," and in this character beseecheth farther, that all the motives to exercise the Corinthians, in the most earnest manthat power are of himself likewise. He ner, "not to receive the grace of God in finds them in his own perfect nature; and vain." every exertion of power, whether for pro- The same exhortation I now address to ducing being or happiness to any of his you, deeming it peculiarly seasonable, in creatures, is the spontaneous act of his the near view we have of celebrating that essential goodness and benignity. Why solemn ordinance of our religion, in which did God create a world? No other the grace of God appears in all its lustre answer can be given to this question, but and glory. It seems unnecessary to emthat it was his sovereign pleasure so to do. ploy many words in explaining the exhorNo other reason, but the same sovereign tation, its meaning being so clearly ascerpleasure can be assigned for man's exist- tained by the connection in which it stands, ence on earth, with all the honors con- as to be obvious to every intelligent reader. ferred on him at his first creation. And All that is needful to be observed, is, that now that man hath forfeited these honors, we are to look for the true import of the and incurred the penalty annexed to his grace of God, which the apostle beseecheth disobedience, whither shall he resort to the Corinthians not to receive in vain, in find an inducement for his Creator show- that ministry or word of reconciliation, ing him mercy? Can rebellion, outrageous which he had already said was committed unprovoked rebellion, furnish a motive to to himself, and to his brethren in the pity? Can deformity and pollution pre- apostleship. This plainly appears to consent any attractions of love? No; it is sist of two parts. manifest, that after all our researches, we 1st. The declaration of an important must finally have recourse to what God fact, " God was in Christ reconciling the himself said to Moses of old, " I will be world unto himself." And, gracious to whom I will be gracious, and 2dly, An exhortation founded on this will show mercy on whom I will show fact, " We pray you in Christ's stead be mercy." Upon this principle the apostle ye reconciled to God." Hence it is eviproceeds in the passage I have quoted: dent, that receiving the grace of God im-' All things are of God," saith he,' who ports neither more nor less than believing hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus the fact, and complying with the exhortaChrist, and hath given to us the ministry tion; and consequently every thing short of reconciliation, to wit, that God was in of this is receiving the grace of God in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, vain. Without any further explanation, not imputing their trespasses unto them." therefore, I shall now proceed to press the He it was who graciously spared those exhortation, by the most powerful argurebels whom his righteous vengeance might ments that I am able to present to your have crushed; and who, instead of requir- minds. ing the fruit of our body for the sin of Let me beseech you, then, not to reour soul, withheld not his own Son as the ceive the grace of God in vain, by the conransom of our transgressions, but gave sideration of the misery and abject bonhim up to the death for us, that we might dage of your condition, while you continue live through him. Having thus by his thus perverse and ungrateful. I will not infinite wisdom, and self-moving goodness, enter into any speculative disquisition opened a way for extending mercy to of- with regard to the pretensions of natural fenders, consistent with the honor of his religion. Whether those who never heard perfections, he proceeds to complete the of the grace of God revealed in the gosgracious plan, by sending forth some of pel may yet be saved, by the efficacy of the apostate race, as ambassadors for an unknown atonement, is a question with Christ, to beseech sinners in his own name, which we have little concern. I speak and in Christ's stead, to be reconciled to at present to those whose fate has nothing God. Paul was one of these chosen in- to do with the determination of this ques DIVINE AND HUMAN AGENCY. 413 tion. What say the Scriptures of truth freedom from those restraints to which with respect to them? " He that believeth the religious part of mankind are subject. on the Son hath life." Ponder what fol- But be assured this is no proof that your lows, " he that believeth not the Son shall shackles are not real and binding. The not see life, but the wrath of God abideth tyrant to whom you are subject rules by on him." How awful are these words! deceit still more than by force; and- all his "God is angry with the wicked every day. artifices are used to blind the eyes of his He hath bent his bow and made it ready; prisoners. Nay, it may be asserted with he hath also prepared for him the instru- confidence, that if you have not felt your ments of death." And O how hopeless chains, if you have not been conscious of a warfare is that which you have under- a struggle in getting free of them, your takJen! Is there any that ever hardened redemption is not yet begun; for violence himself against God and prospered? Is there must be, and violence that cannot there any stronghold or lurking place, but be felt ere the usurper of your liberty where the enemies of his government may bb dethroned. Such then is your unhappy be safe? Go, try the whole creation round. and disgraceful condition, while ye receive Ascend to heaven, and he is there in the the grace of God in vain. And let me brightness of his majesty. Go down to remind you, that this is no painting of the regions of darkness, and he is there mine. I have only declared what the orin the severity of his justice. Take the acles of truth have pronounced; and to wings of the morning, and fly to the ut- their sentence you must submit, or take termost parts of the sea, even there his the bold step of calling God a liar. In boundless dominion extends; even there the his right hand shall hold thee a prisoner 2d place, Let me beseech you not to to his vengeance. Go, ask protection from receive the grace of God in vain, by the the highest angel, and he will tell you that consideration of the happiness of those one sin ruined myriads of his companions; who give it a full and cordial reception. and how then should he protect you from Every one of this happy number is justithe penalty of multiplied transgressions? fled from the guilt of all his iniquities; And if so exalted a being cannot help you, and say, whether you have well weighed what can you hope from any other part of the value even of this lowest privilege of the creation? " Surely in vain is salva. believers? I am aware that thoughtless tion looked for from the hills and from transgressors can have no conception of the mountains." There is no other deliv- its importance; in their mad and desperate erer than this Jesus whom we preach. folly, they even make a mock at sin, and He is the alone surety that can pay all deride the fears of the contrite and peniour debt; and even he can profit us nothing, tent. But go ask the pardoned sinner till we receive him into our hearts by what he thinks of the benefit of forgiveness. faith. Till that happy moment, the weight Hear the grateful accents of one who of all our sins lies on ourselves: and spoke from deep and thorough experience: nothing but the brittle thread of life sus- " Blessed is he whose transgression is forpends us from sinking for ever into the given, whose sin is covered; blessed is the pit where there is no hope. man to whom the Lord imputeth not inBut the prospect of impending misery iquity:-For day and night thine hand is not the only circumstance that charac- was heavy on me, so that my moisture is terizeth your unhappy condition. Present turned into the drought of summer. O bondage, distracting and disgraceful bon- Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou dage, is no less a just description of your hast healed me. Thou hast brought up state. The enemy of God and man rules my soul from the grave; thou hast kept in your hearts, and by his imperious com- me alive, that I should not go down into mands, all your inclinations and actions are the pit; thou hast put off my sackcloth, swayed. It is possible, indeed, that this and girded me with gladness. Therefore shameful slavery may be unknown to your- shall every one that is godly pray unto selves. You may flatter yourselves with thee, in a time when thou'uayest be a supposed liberty, and even boast of your found; and I will give thanks unto thee, 414 SERMON LXXIL 0 Lord my God, for ever and ever." But to behold his glory, and to partake of his this forgiveness, precious and invaluable as bliss. it is, is only the introductory blessing be- And shall these considerations be still stowed on those who give the grace of insufficient to determine your choice? O God a full and cordial reception. Being wonder not at the unbelieving Jews, who justified by faith, they have peace with persecuted and slew the Lord of life. Let God, and peace with their own conscience. not your indignant sentiments rise at their The cause of enmity being removed, they injustice and cruelty. Their sin and folly are restored to friendship with their Maker. were light compared with yours, who now God is not ashamed to be called their reject his counsel and despise his grace. Father, nor reluctant to bestow on them Their scorn was excited by his mean apall the blessings and honors that pertain pearance, and they hid their faces from to his children. Hence the rapturous him, because disguised in the form of a gratitude of the apostle John, too big for servant. But I will tell you a thing more expression, and yet, by the very want of horrible and astonishing. The Son of expression, more forcible than the most God, clothed in all the mild glory of an descriptive eloquence. " Beloved, now exalted Saviour, and stretching forth his are we the sons of God; and it doth not hands to bestow all the blessings puryet appear what we shall be, but we know chased with his blood, is still despised and that when he shall appear we shall be rejected. And thou, 0 impenitent sinner, like him, for we shall see him as he is." art the man guilty of this contempt and The meanest individual, nay, the most ingratitude; yet, blessed be God, though abandoned sinner that now hears me, may you may justly be charged with this almost yet become an heir of God, and a joint incredible guilt, I am still warranted to heir with Christ, a king and priest unto beseech you, in the God, and a pillar in the heavenly temple, 3d and last place, Not to receive the never to be removed. Let your desires grace of God in vain, by the consideration soar to the greatest height, stretch your of the riches of his long-suffering and imaginations to the utmost-yet the liber- forbearance. Long as his mercy has been ality of God will be still more unbounded. insulted, it is still in your offer. I need MIluch he hath promised to bestow on his not appeal to particular passages of Scrippeople, and many similitudes he hath con- ture to confirm this comfortable truth. descended to use, that their slow minds It appears conspicuously through the might be assisted in conceiving his bounty; whole tenor of revelation, every page of but nowhere hath he said, this is all your which contains the language of love and portion, or beyond this no more is to be compassion to sinners. Review the hisexpected. No, his bounty will be an ever- tory of Jesus, and after you have seen lasting fountain, and benefits for ever shall what he hath already done for our sakes, nourish eternal gratitude in the bosoms of try if you can possibly question his goodthe redeemed. "For he that spared not will. Did he condescend to be clothed his own Son, but gave him up to the death with our mortal flesh, and will he disdain for us all, how shall he not with him also the entertainment of an affectionate and freely give us all things." Peruse the grateful heart? Did he bleed and die on valedictory discourse of our Lord to his the cross for our sins, and will he fail to disciples, and learn from it what you may perfect his work in our salvation? It was lawfully expect from a reconciled Father. a powerful argument which the apostle All your prayers shall be heard. The Paul employed on a certain occasion with Comforter, even the Holy Ghost, shall Agrippa, "Believest thou the Prophets?" come into your hearts, and lead you into So say I to you, Do you believe the histhe knowledge of all truth. Ye shall be tory of your Saviour, as recorded by four made fruitful in the works of righteous- evangelists? How do you read them? ness. God himself shall make his abode What was it that affected him with grief? with you. Ye shall be kept from the evil was it not the hardness of men's hearts? of the world while in it, and at last ye What was it that drew tears from his comshall be where your exalted Redeemer is, passionate eyes? was it not the view of THE IMPOSSIBILITY. 415 Jerusalem, that impenitent city, which the youngest of you of another opportunity. knew not, or regarded not, the day of its Before to-morrow your doom may be fixed merciful visitation? Nay, what was the unalterably. May God enable you to profit errand on which he solemnly declared him- by these instructions, and to his name self to be come into the world? was it not be praise. Amen. to " seek and to save them who were lost? " and O will ye counteract by your obstinate folly, all these gracious intentions on his part? Will ye persist in rejecting his grace, until ye have extorted vengeance SERMON LXXIII. and indignation from him whose heart is love? How dreadful, in that case, must TIIE IMPOSSIBILITY. your doom be! As ye love your souls, be warned in time against this desperate, 1 Joh I. 15. —"Love not the world, neither this ruinous madness. The grarcious call the things that are in the world: If ally man love the world, the love of the FATIER is not still resounds in your ears, " To-day, if in him." ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." And we, as ambassadors, are FRoM these words I propose, by divine asstill charged to " beseech you, in Christ's sistance, stead, be ye reconciled to God." I. To describe that excessive or sinful And now let me ask, what impression love of the world, from which the apostle these plain and obvious remonstrances here dissuades us. have made on your minds? What may II. To inquire wherein the malignity be their effect, I cannot foretell. This I of this sin consists. know, that could I hope to succeed better, III. To lay before you a few sympI would with pleasure come down, and ad- toms of a worldly mind, and examine some dress each of you, evenon my bended knees, of the apologies upon which men flatter obtesting you by every solemn, every ten- themselves with being free of it. And, der argument, to fly from the wrath to IV. To enforce the exhortation, and come. I easily foresee the time when the give some directions how to get this undue remembrance of this offered grace shall affection towards earthly things mortified either fill you with joy unutterable, or and subdued. with fruitless and everlasting anguish. I. IT will readily occur to you, that the For whatever thoughtless sinners may exhortation is to be understood under cerimagine, no word of God shall ever return tain restrictions. The place of his works to him void, but shall accomplish the pur- which God has appointed us to inhabit, pose for which he sends it. " We are a cannot in itself be supposed an object desweet savor to God," saith the apostle serving our aversion or dislike. This Paul, "in you that believe, and in you would be to impeach the goodness of our that perish; to the one we are the savor Creator, and to tax his handiwork with of life unto life, and to the other of death imperfection. We may lawfully love the unto death." I am aware that pleadings world, as it is the workmanship of God, of this kind are sometimes treated with and the mirror in which we behold the ridicule; but the time is at hand when the perfections of the invisible Creator. Creasecoffer shall be made sober. The view of tion is a large instructive volume, and the death may do it —the day of judgment sense of every line is God. The proper certainly will. use of all the creatures is to lead us Now then is the accepted time. Now upwards to him that made them, and to you may obtain an interest in this Saviour; kindle in our souls the warmest gratitude and if you apply to him, as sure as God to that unwearied Benefactor, who has liveth, you shall find mercy. Thus far I provided so liberally for our comfort and can go, but one step farther I cannot pro- happiness. They are naturally the means ceed upon sure ground. I cannot promise of supporting our bodies while we are emyou on any future time. If you reject the ployed in those duties which we owe to counsel of God now, I cannot assure even God, and they also enable us to supply the 416 SERMON LXXIII. wants of others, to lessen the miseries, and choice, and engages the whole man in purto heighten the lawful joys of our fellow- suit of its own ends. It is not an error creatures. On all these accounts we may about the means, it is not seeking a right and ought to value them as real blessings, end in a mistaken way; but it is pursuing which may be improved to the most im- a false and pernicious end, with care, portant purposes. anxiety, and selfapprobation. Hence it But our love of the world becomes ex- is called in Scripture IDOLATRY, not from cessive and sinful, when we give it that any resemblance it has to the outward act room in our hearts which is only due to of falling down before stocks or stones, but God; when it is desired for its own sake, because it entirely displaces our affections as a sufficient portion independent of his from their proper object, and leads them favor and friendship. If the world will to the preference of an unjust and delukeep its due place, it may be valued and sive rival. Hence it is asserted, by the esteemed in that place; but if it usurp an apostle James, that "the friendship of higher station, and promise more than it the world is enmity to God." It is not is able to give, it must be rejected, as a merely a want of affection to our Maker, deceiver, with abhorrence and contempt. which more or less characterizes every When we seek after earthly things, merely sin; but it is an absolute opposition and that our inordinate desires may be grati- hatred to him, so that, in the language of fled, that the pride of our hearts may be the text, " if any man love the world, the cherished, or our ambition attain its ob- love of the Father is not in him." ject; when we are not contented with our From these considerations it is evident, daily bread, and that portion of the good that this sin stands as it were at the most things of life which is sufficient to sustain remote distance from repentance. It overus during our pilgrimage to a better spreads the mind so entirely, as to leave country-then is our love of the world in it no sound principle to withstand the undue and excessive; and the more we progress of complete alienation from Qod. desire it under such views, the worse, the It resembles those diseases which do not more corrupted and estranged from the attack one part of the body only, but love of God, will our hearts become. This which invade the whole constitution; and leads me, resembles such diseases in another respect II. To inquire wherein the malignity also, that the person is seldom convinced of this sin consists. This will be most of their reality, until the approach of a effectually illustrated by considering how fatal termination renders it impossible for deeply it taints the whole character and him longer to deceive himself. principles of action. This reasoning is confirmed by expeThere are sins which only engage parti- rience. No fault in the mind is in fact so cular faculties of our nature in their ser- rarely cured as a worldly disposition. Age vice. Thus the love of pleasure is chiefly and experience, which often bring a remedy seated in the senses and the imagination. with them for other follies, only confirm While these are strongly agitated by a and increase the habitsof an earthly mind. particular enticement, conscience may in- Even on the brink of the grave, when deed be totally overpowered for a season, every other passion and desire has been exand the person be carried along by an tinguished, it has been known to occupy headstrong irresistible impulse: But the the departing spirit with an anxiety little, moral faculties have afterwards leisure to if it all inferior, to that which animated resume their influence; reason is again at its most active pursuits. liberty to represent the pernicious conse- Such is the peculiar malignity and danquences of transgression; and experience gerous nature of this sin. But as few will is always at hand, to convince the sinner defend this criminal disposition directly, how inconvenient and dangerous his for- and as many who are enslaved by it are bidden pleasures are. ready enough to join in generally conBut no such checks are ready to occur deimning it, I proceed, to the man in whom the love of the world III. To lay before you a few symptoms predominates. His sin is of deliberate of a worldly mind, and to examine some THE IMPOSSIBILITY. 417 of the apologies upon which men flatter the true state of your souls, whether they themselves with being free of it. be growing in the favor of God, and in 1st, then, We love the world plainly to meetness for the heavenly inheritance? excess,. when we use any unlawful means If so, the world has deceived you, and to obtain its advantages. This is a mark God has little room in your affections. which cannot well be controverted; and 3Jly. The world predominates in your yet how many will it involve in the charge hearts, when it engrosses the principal of a worldly mind! Prove yourselves, train of our thoughts; when it is the last then, by this characteristic. Would any idea that possesseth us when we lie down, prospect of gain tempt you to cheat or dis- and the first when we arise; when it dissemble? Will your consciences allow you tracts us in our attendance on the duties to go beyond or defraud your neighbor, of religion, interrupts our devotion in providing you can do it in a way so secret prayer, diverts our attention in hearing, as to defy human discovery? Does it and fetters our minds in meditation. I seem a light matter to you, to take ad- mean not to assert, that every degree of vantage of the simplicity or ignorance of influence which it has in these respects beothers in the course of business? If so, trays its absolute ascendency over the your minds are indeed deeply corrupted; mind; for who then could free himself of and it is not regard to God or his law, but this charge? But when these worldly to your own credit and safety, which re- thoughts engross the mind by its own constrains you from the most flagrant acts of sent, when they make us grudge the time injustice. Such persons may assure them- bestowed on religion, and eager to resume selves, without further examination, that our earthly occupations, as soon as we have the love of the Father is not in them, and lulled our consciences with an unmeaning that their hearts are wholly alienated from attendance on its ordinances-when, like God: For, as the apostle to the Romans the Jews of old, we say of the Sabbath, argues, "Know ye not, that to whom ye " what weariness! when will it be over, yield yourselves servants to obey, his ser- that we may sell corn?" This is not only vants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of a preferring of the world to God, but in sin unto death, or of obedience unto right- reality a solemn mockery of him, not less eousness." And " no man can serve two provoking than open profanity itself. The masters; for either he will hate the one 4th and last mark of a worldly mind and love the other, or else he will hold to which I shall mention, is unmercifulness the one and despise the other,; ye cannot to the poor. Those who have a large measerve God and Mammon." sure of temporal goods bestowed on them, 2dly. We love the world to excess, ought certainly, in proportion to their when in the enjoyment of its good things abundance, contribute to the necessities of we are ready to say, with the rich man re- their fellow creatures. presented in our Lord's parable, " Soul, This is evidently the design of Provitake thine ease, thou hast goods laid up dence in permitting, or rather appointing, for many years, eat, drink, and be merry." such extreme diversities of condition in Too much complacency, in what we possess, the world. But too many of the opulent is no less an evidence of a worldly mind seem to think no such duty required of than an excessive desire of more. Ex- them. They flatter themselves that they amine yourselves, then, with regard to do all that is incumbent on them in this the source whence you derive your plea- respect, if, by the plenty of their tables sures-from heaven or from earth-from the splendor of their dwellings, the sump the abundance of corn and wine, and oil, tuousness of their equipage, and other ar or from the light of God's reconciled ticles of their luxury, they find employ countenance. Can you surrender your- ment for the poor by providing for their selves to the relish of earthly enjoyments consumption. This, indeed, is an evenwithout any acknowledgment of him who tual benefit to society, but is far from abbestows them? When riches increase, do solving them from the obligation they owe you yield yourselves to the satisfactions to it, much less does it acquit them of arising from them, without considering their duty to him who favored them with 418 SERMON LXXIT. such distinguished blessings: For what extensive acquisitions in it; very small mark of gratitude to God is it, that we matters would satisfy him, and a moderate consume his bounty upon our own plea- competence is all that he desires. But if sures, although, in so doing, we cannot your hearts are more set on these supposed avoid distributing a part of it to our fellow moderate matters than on the heavenly increatures? heritance, you are still slaves to the world; Such persons, whatever they may think and the more mean and inexcusable you of themselves, how remote soever they may are that your object is so trifling and inthink a worldly character from being ap- considerable. plicable to them, are in fact deeply charge- Besides, this is a very indecisive mode able with it. Perhaps they even do give of reasoning. He that engages to seek a part of their superfluity for the relief of only a competence, takes on himself a very their brethren, and estimating that by its easy engagement, because he binds himproportion to what others give, and not to self only to a condition which is to be asthe extent of their own means, think them- certained by his own opinion. The most selves uncommonly bountiful. But this covetous man on earth may make the same is a gross deception, and will be found so profession, provided you leave him to be in the day when every false pretence shall the judge of what that competency amounts be detected before the judgment-seat of to. Look above you to the superior ranks Christ. Then shall they be found among of society, and see whether their extensive those who loved the world, and in whose possessions extinguish their desires for hearts the love of the Father had no place. more. Is not the reverse the fact? The These symptoms, if properly attended richest are often in as great necessity as to, may be of considerable use towards dis- the most indigent-as often, at least (and covering the true state of your characters it is not seldom) as the imaginary wants in this respect. But as the heart is deceit- created by luxury exceed their means of ful, and as we are extremely prone to flat- gratifying them. The decisive inquiry is ter ourselves that we are free of this crim- not how much vou desire, but for what inal disposition, it may be proper to en- ends you desire it. deavor, before closing this head of dis- A third conceives a favorable opinion of course, to detect some of those false apolo- himself, because he uses no unlawful means gies upon which men flatter themselves to rise in the world. Now this is in so that they are not chargeable with it. far good, and would to God we could all One concludes thus in his own favor, say as much for ourselves. But even this because he is poor, and necessity obliges is not decisive in the point; for a man may him to work for his daily bread. How love the world inordinately, who would (says he) should I be suspected of a crim- neither steal nor rob, nor dissemble, in inal love to the world, when I possess so order to enrich himself. The fact is, that little of it, and can, by all my labor, pro- those who have a just and steady sense of cure so few of its advantages? But this their interest, find that these are by no is a very deceitful ground of reasoning. means the best ways of advancing it. He who lacks riches, may love them as A good character is so necessary to well as he who possesses them: And carrying on worldly business of any kind therefore if you be discontented with your with success, that a wise man in his genstate; if you envy those above you; if, in eration, will be fair and honest in his dealyour habits of thought, you consider ings, from mere regard to his own advanwealth and happiness as inseparable; and tage. But with all this prudential regard, if your diligence to prepare for another coinciding with seeming virtue, his affecworld be not superior to your industry in tions may be entirely placed on the world endeavoring to obtain a share of this: the to the exclusion of things spiritual and world is still your idol, " and the love of everlasting; which is the very character the Father is not in you." described and condemned in the text. Another flatters himself that he has no But, saith a fourth, it is impossible that undue attachment to the world, because he I should love the world to excess, for it is does not project for himself any great or the very vice which I principally hate and THE IMPOSSIBILITY. 419 condemn in others. But, alas! so do many world is no greater than it ought to be. thousands who are themselves abject slaves I now proceed to enforce the exhortation, to the world, to the conviction of every and to offer a few directions for the help person but themselves. It would indeed of those who are desirous of having their be utterly astonishing to observe, how affections weaned from the world, that they keenly worldly men inveigh against the may rise upwards to spiritual things. Consame dispositions in others, if this account sider then, of the appearance did not offer itself, viz., I. THAT this undue attachment to the that the more they are rivals in this love, world is absolutely inconsistent with the the more mutual jealousy and resentment love of God. This is the apostle's argumust arise in their minds; or, to speak ment in the text: " If any man love the without any figure, the more covetous their world, the love of the Father is not in neighbors are, the more they stand in the him." " No man," said our blessed Lord, way to prevent their obtaining the emolu- " can serve two masters; for either he ments they desire for themselves. will hate the one and love the other, or I will mention but one more pretence else he will hold to the one and despise the by which men deceive themselves in the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. " respect we are considering, and that is the Hence covetous men are styled idolaters. resolution of leaving their substance to They reject the true God, and substitute charitable purposes when they die. But an idol in his room; they put the creaah! what an absurd delusion is this, to ture in place of the Creator, and make the offer their worldly possessions to God af- gifts of his bounty, which should knit ter they have abused them as they could, their hearts to him, the occasions of alienand can now retain them no longer. But ating their affections from him. upon this point I need not dwell longer; I am aware that worldly men are very for although an abuse very common in for- unwilling to acknowledge this charge, and nmer times, it is one with which the present would be highly offended should any acage is not peculiarly chargeable. " Be not cuse them directly of hating the God that deceived then, God is not mocked. What- made them. There is something so monsoever a man soweth, that shall he also strous and shocking in the idea of hatred reap. He that soweth to the flesh, shall and enmity against God, that it is scarceof the flesh reap corruption; but he that ly to be supposed any thinking man can resoweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit concile himself to it. But be assured this reap life everlasting." Amen. charge, however odious it may appear, will be made good against every worldly man _ ~ at last; and, therefore, as you would avoid the shame of standing before the judgS ER ll O4N LXXIV. ment-seat in such a character, labor to get your affections divorced from earthly things, and henceforth let God be supreme THE IMPOSSIBILITY. in your hearts. Consider, II. THAT an immoderate love of the 1 JOHN IL. 15.-" Love not the world, neither the world is not less foolish than sinful. " All things that are in the world; if any man love the world, the love of the FATHIER is not in that is in the world, " saith the apostle, him." in the verse following the text, " the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the I HAVE already described that excessive pride of life, is not of the Father, but of love of the world, from which the apostle the world. And the world passeth away, here dissuades us, and represented to you and the lust thereof." Many of its enjoythe greatness and malignity of this sin. I ments are imaginary as well as transient. also laid before you some symptoms of an The pleasure and happiness we expect from earthly mind, and endeavored to detect them have no foundation in the nature of the falsehood of those pretences, by which things, but depend entirely on a diseased too many impose on their consciences, and corrupt fancy. If we look back to the flatter themselves that their love of the history of mankind in all ages, the discon 420 SERMON LXXIV. tented and miserable will be as often found joy to contemplate those possessions, from among the prosperous and affluent as which you are presently to be divorced for among the poor and depressed conditions ever? You cannot think so. You must of life. Those situations which appear so be sensible, that all things below the suln desirable as objects of expectation, are of- will prove miserable comforters in dying ten in experience found marvellously bar- momlents, and that the favor of God will ren of real happiness. Whence does this then appear infinitely more desirable than arise? Is it not from the wise appoint- ten thousand worlds. What infatuation nient of God, that nothing here below then is it to set your hearts supremely on should satisfy the desires of an immortal that which you know will appear most creature? Vanity is, for this reason, en- contemptible at last? Consider, graved in deep and legible characters on III. THAT as the love of the world to all things below the sun; and he that pur- excess is sinful and foolish, so it is also sues the good things of this world as his pernicious and fatal. " They that will be only portion, will inevitably find that the rich," saith the apostle to Timothy, "fall mlost fortunate experience of life will into temptation, and a snare, and into many never amount to a solid happiness, in foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown which the heart of man can find rest and men in destruction and perdition; for the satisfaction. "He that loveth silver shall love of money is the root of all evil." not be satisfied with silver, nor he that It were an endless task to enumerate loveth abundance with increase." There- all the dismal effects of this sordid dispofore said our Lord to the multitude, sition. " From whence come wars and " Take heed, and beware of covetousness, fightings?" saith the apostle James; for a man's life consisteth not intheabun- " Come they not hence, even of your dance of the things which he possesseth." lusts which war in your members? Ye Nature is easily satisfied; but when men lust and have not; ye kill and desire to create for themselves imaginary wants, have, and cannot obtain." It is this which they only provide an inexhaustible stock engenders strife and contention, and almost of solicitude and disappointment. The every evil work. It destroys the tranquilcraving appetite will still be crying, Give, lity of the person possessed by it; it ingive; and in the fulness of their sufficiency cites him to trespass on the rights and enthey will be in want. What hasthe world joyments of others; and on both these ever done for its most devoted servants, accounts is often punished with remarkable that should make you desire it so greedi- judgments, even in the present life. How ly? Solomon went as far as any man ever awful is that curse pronounced by the prodid, both in the acquisition and enjoyment phet Habakkuk! "Woe to him that coyof earthly things, and in the conclusion eteth an evil covetousness to his house, passed this sentence on the review of all that he may set his nest on high, that he his experience, "Vanity of vanities, saith may be delivered from the power of evil. the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is Thou hast consulted shame to thyself, and vanity and vexation of spirit." And have hast sinned against thy soul; for the stone you discovered an art of extracting com- shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out fort from the creatures beyond what the of the timber shall answer it." How diswisest of men was able to do? What do mal was the fate of Ananias and Sapyou seriously expect from the world? phira! How horrible the end of Judas Will it prevent or remove sickness? Will Iscariot! In both these instances the sayit ward off the stroke of death? or will it ing of the wise man, (Prov. i. 19.) was even administer any consolation to you at remarkably verified, "the greediness of that trying season? Should one come to gain taketh away the life of the owners you on your death-bed, when your spirits thereof." But although they should esare languishing, your hearts failing, and cape in this world, yet they shall not esyour bodies possessed with racking pain, cape the damnation of hell. Then shall and begin to console you by representing they find that riches will not profit them your vast acquisitions of wealth, would his in the day of God's wrath. words be reviving? Will it afford you any There is a striking passage to this pur THE IMPOSSIBILITY. 421 pose, (James v. 1.) " Go to now, ye rich tering a picture of the world into our men, weep and howl for your miseries that minds, or of expecting more from it than shall comie upon you. Your riches are it is able to bestow. Let us correct our corrupted, and your garments are moth- florid and gaudy expectations, and make eaten; your gold and silver is cankered, a sober estimate of its real amount. For and the rust of them shall be a witness this purpose go sometimes to the house of against you, and shall eat your flesh as it mourning, rather than to the house of feastwere fire. Ye have heaped treasures to- ing. Behold there the untimely hand of gether for the last day." Such is the pre- death, taking away the desire of the eyes sent wretchedness and the miserable por- with a stroke, blasting the most virtuous tion at last of an earthly mind. Whereas, joys of humanity, tearing asunder the dearIV. AN heart disengaged from this ex- est connections, denmolishing the painted cessive love of the world, would not only tapestry, and hanging up in its place the prevent all this misery, but likewise, give solemn sable and escutcheon. us the true relish of life, and make death Such objects, viewed with seriousness itself easy and comfortable. Take away and attention, are far more profitable than earthly things from a worldly man, and the gilded scenes of mirth and gayety; they yhou take away his all; but the same things check that wantonness which is the growth withdrawn from an heavenly minded of ease and prosperity, and lead us to reChristian, do not annihilate his fund of fleet that this world is not our home, but a happiness. When the streams of created foreign land, in which our vexations and comforts fail, he resorts to the fountain; disappointments are designed to turn our when the creatures forsake him, he can re- views towards that higher and better state joice in the Creator, and joy in the God which we are destined to inherit. of his salvation. The good things he pos- 2dlly. Be very suspicious of a prospersesseth have a peculiar relish, which earth- ous state, and fear the world more when ly minds are incapable of feeling. He sees it smiles than when it frowns. It is diffithe bounty of God in every gift, and the cult to possess much of it, without loving faithfulness of his covenant in every com- it to excess. The great enemy of our souls fort he enjoys. He, therefore, eats his is well aware of this, and therefore would bread with joy, and drinks his wine with give all his servants liberal portions in this a merry heart; and while he thus sits world, were it in his power. This was his cheerfully at the feast which Providence last effort in the train of temptations which has set before him, he fears not the intru- he addressed to our Lord in the wildersion of any unwelcome messenger to inter- ness. and when this failed he immediately rupt his peace. He is not afraid of evil departed from him. tidings, his heart is fixed, trusting in the There is not a more salutary maxim in Lord. Prepared for all the vicissitudes religious concerns, than always to suspect of life, adversity can take nothing from danger where we feel much delight. If him, which, in the discipline of his own our situation be such as entirely pleases mind, he has not resigned already. Nay, our natural desires, it is high time to look death itself, that presentiment so dreadful well to the soul, and to set a strict guard to the worldly mind, is to him, in a great on our heart, lest, by these pleasing enjoymeasure, divested of its terrors: For he ments, they should be betraved and alienknows, "that if this earthly house of his ated from God, who alone has a right to tabernacle were dissolved, he has a build- them. ing of God, an house not made with hands, 3dly. Make a wise improvement of the eternal in the heavens." afflictions with which you may at any time Having thus endeavored to enforce the be visited. Beware of repining under them, exhortation in the text, it only remains or thinking them greater evils than they that I offer a few directions for the help really are; but rather believe that they are of those who are desirous to have their af- graciously sent for the benefit of your fections weaned from the world, that they souls, to mortify your inordinate affections may rise upwards to spiritual things. to the present world. " Whom the Lord 1st. Let us beware of receiving too flat- loveth he chasteneth."-Nay, the season 422 SERMON LXIV. able visitation of temporal calamities, is final state shall be allotted according to his included in the tenor of that everlasting present behavior? Must not the forecovena.nt, which is well ordered in all sight of this awful trial disengage his mind things and sure. Does the world then from the world, and cure his anxiety about frown on you? Are you afflicted with earthly things, by producing in him an poverty, sickness, pain, and reproach? anxiety about matters of infinitely greater Do relations grieve you? Do friends consequence? " Let your moderation be prove unfaithful? or are you bereaved of known unto all men," saith the apostle; them by death? Neglect not so fair an " THE LORD IS AT IIAND." A more opportunity of instruction, when you ihave powerful argument could not be used. experience itself to disgrace the preten- An habitual impression of this awful truth, sions of the world, and your very flesh is that the Lord is at hand, that he standeth made to feel that it is both vain and vexa- before the door, would effectually cure our tious. Remember that God has sent these feverish desires after earthly things, and rough mnessengers to bring you home to awaken us to a deep concern about the in. himself. Gratefully, then, comply with his terests of our precious and immortal souls. call, and choose him for your portion, leav- Finally, let us be wise in time, and give ing the world to those who have no better the supreme affections of our hearts to sources of satisfaction. God, who alone is worthy of them; im4tihly. Look forward to eternity, and ploring, for this purpose, the aid of his take a serious view of that world, wherein Holy Spirit, to enable us to comply with you must dwell for ever, after you have his own gracious expostulation, (Isa. lv. 2.) spent a few more days and nights in this. " Wherefore do ye spend money for that Remember that heaven or hell must be which is not bread, and your labor for that your everlasting abode; and must it not which satisfieth not? hearken diligently be of the last importance to know which unto me, and eat ye that which is good, of these different states shall be your lot? and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Can that man spend his time and strength Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear, in the pursuit of trifles, who believes and and your souls shall live; and I will make who considers that he is hastening to ap- with you an everlasting covenant, even the pear before God in judgment, when his sure mercies of David." Aimen. SERMONS AND EXPOSITORY LECTURES. BY THE LATE REV. JOHN LOGAN, F.R.S., OF EDINBURGIT, SCOTLAND. WITH AN INTRODUCTION, BY REV. D. D. WHEDON, D.D. EDITED BY " THE MIINISTER'S LIBRARY ASSOCIATION." SIXTH EDITION. NEW YORK: D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 346 & 348 BROADWAY. M.DCCC. LV. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION...................................... 5 SERMON X. SERMON I. ON THE DANGER OF SMALL TRANSGRESSIONS. ON THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS, MATTHEW V. 19.-Whosoever therefore shall break one of PSALM xxvii. 4.-One thing have I desired of the Lord, that these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the shallbecalledtheleastin the kingdomofheaven... 54 Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple............. SEMON XI. ON THE DELIVERANCE FROM RIEMORSE. SERMON IE. HEB. xii. 24.-The blood of sprinkling, which speaketh betON TIIE IMPORTANCE OF DEVOTION. ter things than that of Abel........................ 58 RoM.. xii. 11.-Fervent in spirit; serving the Lord..... 18 SERMON XII SERMON III. ON T'HE VALUE OF TIIE SOUL. ON EARLY PIETY. MARK Viii. 86.-For what shall it profit a man, if he shall ECCLES. xit. 1.-Remember now thy Creator in the days of gain the whole world, and lose his own soul........ 62 thy youth........................................ 23 SERMON XIII. SERMON IV. ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF TIME, PSALM xliii. 4.-I will go unto the altar of God, unto God COLOSS. iv. 5.-Redeeming the time.................. 26 my exceeding joy........................... 65 SERMON V. SERMON XIV. ON REVERENCE AND HOLY FEAR. THE GOSPEL A SYSTEM OF SPIRITUAL JO'. PSALM iv. 4.-Stand in awe.......................... 33 LURKE ii. 10.-Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy............................................... 70 SERMON VI. SERMON XV. ON DEATII. JOB xxx. 23.-For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, ON THE DANGER OF DELAYING REPENTANCE. and to the house appointed for all living............ 37 2 COR. vi. 2.-Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation........................ 78 SERMON VII. ON THE CHRISTIAN'S VICTORY OVER DEATH. SERMON XVI 1 COR. xv. 55, 57.-0 death I where is thy sting? O grave! ON THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON. where is thy victory?-Thanks be to God, who giveth LUKE XV. 18.-I will arise and go to my Father....... 82 us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ....... 41 SERMON XVII. SERMON VIII. THE SPIRIT WHICH IS OF GOD AND TIIE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD ON THE DOCTRINE OF A PARTICULAR PROVIDENCE. DESCRIBED. PSALM xcvii. L.-The Lord reigneth, let the earth re- 1 CORINTHIANS ii 12.-Now we have received not the spirit joice............................................. 45 of the world, but the spirit which is of God......... of the world, but the spirit which is of God......... 85 SERMON IX. SERMON XVIIL ON CHARITY. ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. IsAIAH lviii. 7.-Deal thy bread to the hungry;-hide not LURE Xi. 13.-How much more shall your heavenly Father thyself from thine own flesh.................... 51 give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?....... 88 4 CONTENTS. SERMON XIX. SERMON XXX. ON RELIGIOUS RETIREMENT. ON GLORYING IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST. GALATIANS Vi. 14.-God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.................. 124 chambers, and shut thy doors about thee teo fu rd s.i........... 9124 SERMON XXXI. SERMON XX. ON TEIE SALVATION OF MAN BEING ACCOMPLISIIED. ON TIIE UNHIAPPY STATE OF THE WICKED. JOIIN xix. 30.-It is finished.......................... 12S ISAAIA lvii. 21.-There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.......................................... 95 SERMON XXXII. JESUS CHRIST THE RESURRECTION AND TIlE LIFE. JOHN xi. 25.-I am the Resurrection and the Life..... 135 ON OBEDIENCE TO TILE DIVINE LAW. SERMON XXXIII. PSALM lxxxviii. 1.-Give ear, 0 my people, to my law. 98 ON THE SUFFERINGS OF JESUS CIIRIST. LUSE ON X xxii. 44.-And being in an agony............... 140 SERMON XXII. r- zn ON JESUS CIIRIST DYING FOR SINNERS. SERMON XXXIV. BIOMANS v. 7, 8.-For scarcely for a righteous man will one ON THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIIIST. die; yet peradlventure for a good man some would even MATTIIEW. xxviii. 6.-Come, see the place where the Lord dare to die. But God commandeth his love toward us, lay.............................................. 145 in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 100 SERMON XXXV. SERMON XXIII. ON A LIFE OF PROGRESSIVE VIRTUE. ON TIIE CIIARACTER OF TIIE RIGIITEOUS. PROVERBS iv. 18.-The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 150 PROVERBS xii. 26.-The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor................. 103 SERMON XXXVI. ON REPENTANCE. SERMON XXIV. ACTS xvii. 30.-And the times of this ignorance God winked RELIGION AN ANTIDOTE TO TYIE DANGERS AND TEMPTATIONS at; but now commandeth all men every where to reOF TIlE WORLD. pent.................................... 158 DANIEL xi. 82.-The people that do know their God shall SERMON XXXVII. be stron g...................................... 105 ON TIIE VIRTUE OF MEEKNESS. SERMON XXV. MATTIIEW V. 5.-Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth...................... 166 THE DANGER OF FOLLOWING A MULTITUDE TO DO EVIL. ExoD. xxiii. 2.-Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil............................................. 107 LECTURE I. SERMON XXVI. TIlE CONDITION OF THE GOOD MAN AND TIIE BAD MAN DESCRIBED. ON LOVE OF OUR COUNTRY. PSALM i.-Blessed is the man, &c..................... 170 PSALM cxxii. 6.-Pray for the peace ofJerusalem..... 109 LECTURE II. SERMON XXVIL ON THE DEDICATION OF TIIE TEMPLE. ON DEATHI. PSALM xxiv. 1-7.-The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof, &c.................; 174 HEBREWS ix. 27.-It is appointed to men once to die; but thereof &c after this the judgment....................... 112 LECTURE III. SERMON XXVIII. ON TIIE PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. LUKE xvi. 19-31.-There was a certain rich man, &c... 1TS THE CIIRISTIAN LIFE A LIFE OF EASE AND PLEASURE. LECTURE IV. MATTIIEW xi. 30.-My yoke is easy and my burden is light.......................................... 117 ON THE PARABLE OF THE FOOLISH VIRGINS. MATTHEW XXV. 1-10.-Then shall the kingdom of heaven SERMON XXIX. be likened unto ten virgins, &c..................... 182 THE EXPEDIENCY OF JESUS CHRIST APPEARING IN A LECTURE V. SUFFERING STATE. ON TIlE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS CHRIST. HEBREWS ii. 10.-For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many LUKE ix. 28-36.-And it came to pass about an eight days sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation after these sayings, he took Peter, &c............... 185 perfect through sufferings........................ 120 INTRODUCTION. BY REV. D. D. WHEDON, D. D. IT is now about three quarters of a century since the following discourses were delivered by their eloquent and accomplished author in the ordinary routine of pulpit duty in one of the provincial towns of Scotland. Though he won thereby a deserved celebrity with a wide circle of friends and admirers, and enjoyed the personal intimacy of some of the nmost distinguished men of his native country, yet his name has not obtained a conspicuous place in the literary world; and even these sermons, on which his claim upon our notice principally depends, have been known and appreciated mainly by the comparatively few, even of professional readers, whose, taste leads them into an, extended perusal of pulpit literature. An American edition, published some fifty years ago, having long since been out of print, it is believed that a republication will be acceptable to our American public. We venture to present them not only as a choice model for the aspirant for professional excellence, but as a valuable addition to our religious literature, well calculated to exert a purifying influence upon the public mind, and fully entitled to take an honorable and permanent position in our libraries, as a standard SACRED CLASSIC. JOHN LOGAN was born in the parish of Fulla, county of Mid-Lothian, in the year 1748. His parents belonged to that class of dissenters, who call themselves Burgher Seceders; and were distinguished for rectitude, benevolence and piety. As John exhibited, in addition to these qualities, early proofs of superior genius, his gratified parents fostered his love of learning, and resolved to educate him to the sacred profession. Having prepared at the parochial school, he entered the University of Edinburgh, where he formed a friendship with Dr. Robertson, which continued through life. The congeniality.of'genius cemented a friendship also between Logan and Michael Bruce, a young poet, whom premature death deprived of his 6 INTRODUCTION. fame. Logan paid to the deceased young poet the tribute of publishing his poems in a small volume, in which he inserted also some poems of his own, leaving the respective shares of the two a matter of doubt among the friends of both. Having completed his theological course, and entered the ministry, Logain soon became celebrated for his eloquence, and received a unanimous call from the kirk-session, and incorporations of South Leith, to become one of the ministers of that church and parish; and he was accordingly ordained in the year 1773. He discharged the duties of his ministerial office with steadiness and fidelity. His talents won the admiration and friendship of such men as Robertson and Blair. It was during his ministry at this place that the sermons forming the collection of this volume were preached. The elegant taste and fervid genius of Logan looked with longing eyes to the attractive fields of general literature, poetry and belles-lettres. Having delivered, with much success, a course of Lectures on the Philosophy of History, his friends proposed him for that chair in the University, but without success, as that Professorship scenes by custom to have been appropriated by the legal profession. He subsequently published the substance of his Lectures. He published at different times poems lyric, elegiac and dramatic. The same genius which shines so resplendently in his sermons, sheds its clear and beautiful light through his poems, but not with the same degree of splendor. An imagination pure and mild rather than intense; a taste refined and perfect; a sensibility alive to the gentler aspects of nature pervade his poems. Something of the excessive sensitiveness of the poet, too, we are sorry to say, resided in the personal character of Logan. The want of the full tide of literary success deeply im)ressed him with feelings of disappointment.'Melancholy brooded over his spirit. Dissatisfaction arose between his parishioners and their pastor; in anguish of heart he resigned the ministry, and devoted his few remaining days exclusively to literary pursuits. In the bloom of his years his health declined, and he closed his life December 25th, 1788. The tears of friends warmly attached to his memory mingled with the regrets of those from whom he had suffered, over the grave of the lamented Logan. Two years after his death, in 1790, a volume of his sermons was given to the public under the inspection of Drs. Robertson, Blair & Hardy. A second volume followed in the following year. Both volumes attained a fourth edition in 1800. Several of his literary writings, we believe, have never been published. In regard to his secular productions, posterity will not change the verdict of his contemporaries. A measure of merit, a degree of beauty, a gentle attractivenesss, will be readily conceded them; but amid the crowd of aspirants for the attention of the world, that mighty INTRODUCTION. 7 arbiter has no time to spend on secondary merit. Less and less are growing the chances of respectable poets. To a choice quire of superlative genuises alone, does a glutted and fastidious Public daily incline to confine its ear. For the gentle spirit of our friend as a poet then there is no hope. But why not be satisfied with the clustering honors that gather and must gather around the pulpit orator? Did he undervalue-we cannot believe it-or did he not anticipate, that while all his literary efforts would be abandoned to perish, the world would never let those sermons die? We shall not condemn him, that his sympathizing breast sighed at the thought of being forgotten by his fellow men; for even scripture promises it as a blessing to the just to be held in everlasting remembrance. But we seem to ourselves to wish that the despondencies that withered his life could have been cheered away with the presentinent, that though the memorials of himself which he wished to perpetuate, should perish, there were other memorials in which he less trusted, which should stand the test of time. Or rather that his soul might have listened to the voice of the divine spirit, teaching him wherein his great strength lay, and guiding him back to his lofty post of duty and honor, to put on a mightier manhood still, and raise still nobler monuments in the field of pulpit literature. For our own part, we think a great sermon to be quite as noble an intellectual performance as a great poem. It is as great a genius that produces it. There are thousands we know to whom the name of sermon is a synonim with tedium. And as many thousands to whom poetry is just what the beauty of the starry firmament is to a herd of chewing kinenothing. But a sermon just as truly as a poem, to gain our suffrage must not be respectable. And we aver it costs just as much genius to lift a sermon out of the respectable as it does a poem. We suppose the number of sermons delivered is immensely greater than that of poems written; and the immense mas~ of these are respectable. They must be so, and can afford to be so, for they are produced for plain, practical, homely use. And this utility is, in the more complimentary and the less complimentary sense of the term, respectable. And the very fact that of the immense number of sermons printed, so few survive their generation, fully proves that lie who raises a sermon into an imperishable elevation, is greater than he who writes an immortal poem. Poorly do we think of an earthly immortality, such as men bestow on genius, compared with that immortality and eternal life which God bestows on goodness. Yet if the Saviour promised to the Mary who anointed him for his burial, that her alabaster box should be spoken of in all the world for a memorial of her, it may be in accordance with the great Master's purpose, that his servants, even in this world, shall have no cause to envy the monuments of the worldly great. There are minds to whom the aspiration or endeavor after excellence in 8 INTRODUCTION. pulpit performance is esteemed an unhallowed ambition. To aim at a cultivation of the natural powers, to study the models, or practise the precepts of masters in that department, to form rules of criticism and apply that criticism to another's or own pulpit productions, in fine,to construct a homiletic art, or accumulate a pulpit literature, is in their view, either in fact or in tendency, a vainglorious desecration of the sacred office, and a dishonor and dismissal of the Divine Spirit, by whose direct promptings alone the preacher should spontaneously speak. Now that there are dangers here, against which the preacher should carefully guard, we would not only concede, but most solemnly and warningly maintain. But our present purpose is to suggest to these mistaken consciences, that there is just as great a danger on the other side. He who would avoid an unholy ambition by discarding all endeavor after excellence, or would honor a divine aid, by abdicating the proper cultivation and energetic use of his own powers, will neither secure thereby his own higher holiness, nor attain the divine approbation on his own inertness. The danger also is that this prohibition of pulpit criticism and culture will produce an indolent presumption and a crude coarseness; which will forfeit all power over an intellectual age by clothincg religion in the garb of a repulsive ainaticismn. The true rule on this subject is a plain one. A pious divine of the last century gave this striking- advice to a young minister "Prepare yourself as laboriously for preaching, as if there were no Holy Spirit; and then fling yourself as fully upon Divine aid, as if you had made no preparation." This embraces the whole case. In his educational preparation, let the young minister labor, and in preparing her ministry let the church work, 1as if man must do all; and pray then and trust, as if God would do all. This secures us equally from the Antinomianism of expecting God to honor our indolence; and from the Pelagianism of setting up an independence of the Divine Spirit. It leaves us under the obligation to use all human appliances to secure excellence in the sacred profession. It opens wide the field for homiletic study, for criticism, model, and pulpit literature. It bids us use all these means in glad trust for the Divine blessing upon the whole. He who, in the engrossment of his preparations, forgets orloses that spirit of trust, loses, in fact, the deepest, richest, divinest delight in duty as Wvell as the truest aid to his sacred eloquence. Let him never fear to shape his periods to the most finished perfection; but let him never forget that, be his periods ever so rhetorically perfect, without that divine element impregnating them, they will not be divinely eloquent. The rhetorical round and sound will be there; but there are tests by which he may sadly know, that the life and soul are wanting. It is not the minister alone who is in danger of a dishonest forgetfulness of the bounden object of his efforts in the mere literature of his profession. The advocate may, as some most eminent advocates have done, most unjust INTRODUCTION. 9 ly sacrifice the true interests of his client to the glory of a splendid oratorical performance. The Parliamentary debater often forgets the success of the measure he supports, in the acquirement of fame as an orator or place as a politician. The minister has an immortal soul for his client, and the attainment of salvation is the measure he supports. Either of the three may forget his cause and remember only himself. Yet it may be affirmed as a general truth that in all these departments, a literature, a critique, and models are the highest means of the most complete success. In rude times and in extraordinary emergencies, the natural orator of the backwoods may entrance the border jury, congregation or legislature, with a magic eloquence. But it is not in view of extraordinaries that we must make our ordinary provisions. Ordinarily, the entire arrangements of professional training are productive of the highest powers of performance. And with the cautions we have stated if our positions are correct, we may apply the principles of criticism as honestly and as purely, as keenly and as coolly, to the performnances of the pulpit, as to those of the bar, or the senate-to the productions of the pencil or the chisel. WVe may analyze a sermon as we would a symmetrical piece of architecture or a finished poem. We may discuss what powers of mind are brought to bear in the performance; what faults are committed and excellencies attained; and especially what effective adaptations it has for its purposes; how well it is calculated to win attention, to fasten conviction, to stir up the deeper feelings of our nature. Why should the children of light be less wise in their generation than the children of this world? Against what an intellectual competition must the pulpit of the present day contend! What a vivid polished spirit-stirring literature is starting up on every side, around us! Almost every class of people are, now, readers; and every class of readers are met, at every step, by the fascinating, stimulating, intoxicating aliment just suited to their tastes and appetites. From the yellpw-covered twenty-five-cent pirate tale, engendered by the satanic press and hawvked by the devil's colporteurs, through an incessant succession of periodicals,-newspaper, magazine and quarterly,-tup to the sleek-coated novel, poem, history or travels; there is a most formidable power of literature, all-alive and active, fresh from the perusal of which our congregations come to the presence of the pulpit. This literature is a rival with which the preacher is forced to compete. Nor has it any scruple or any difficulty to unite the most elaborate power of language to the most intense development of passion. It has, too, a class of most excitable passions, to which it can appeal, for which the pulpit can show no quarter. Yet, undismayed by this formidable array, let the preacher take on his armor of celestial proof, burnished wvith all the appliances of human diligence and skill. Knowing that from this war he has no retreat, let him learn, even from his foe, the policy of success; and appropriate to a holy 10 INTRODUCTION, purpose that equipment, and those tactics, which may be as effective for good as for evil. Let him clothe himself with every possible accomplishment; let him not hesitate to avail himself of all the precepts and all the models of the great masters; let him appropriate all the advantages of natural and acquired elocution; let him task the powers of language wherewith to clothe his conceptions; and let him be assured that if his heart be warm, and his genius susceptible of a kindle, there are within his reach themes of beauty, sublimity and power, to fascinate, to thrill, to- excite the deepest emotions of the heart, to arouse the utmost profound of the human soul. And if mastery in any department is to be learned from the masters, to few masters of pulpit style in our language, can our ministry resort, superior to Logan. He possesses the power of so analyzing the topic he selects, as to present, with a natural, and even inartificial division, the varied phases of which it is susceptible, constructed into a symmetrical whole. He exhibits, in a rare degree, that imagination, which, under the law of truth, shapes powerful conceptions of eternal realities; or unfolds in vivid colorings, the varied events, characters and sceneries so richly abounding in the volume of revelation. Though loving not the rugged paths of controversy, lhe firmly and faithfully expounds and applies to the conscience, heart, and life the great practical doctrines of our common Christianity. In the richness and range of his language, in the graceful swell of his ever varying periods, in the animated expansion of his climactic paragraphs, he satisfies the fancy while in the chasteness and manliness of his style, in the purity of its diction, and the burnish of its texture, he may challenge the severest taste, and assert himself a place among the English classics. And the whole is so warmed and liying with a deep devotional feeling, a rich and fervid zeal, as, coming most manifestly from the heart of the preacher, searches, pervades, and fills the heart of the hearer. It may by some be thought that, in accordance somewhat with the lax theology of his time, the way of faith is not sufficiently developed, in his sermons.' Yet he, certainly, belonged not to the school of pulpit moralists, who borrowed their text from Paul, and their sermon from Epictetus. Christ and his cross, heaven and hell, repentance and reformation, are his momentous themes. He may, like St. James, have fused the doctrine of faith into his system, rather than brought it out with genuine Pauline pungency. At the present day, when the preacher would bring the sinner to close quarters, and elicit from his soul the immediate act by which he consigns himself to Christ for salvation, he will perhaps find some exhibition df the doctrine of faith more explicit, than was usually found in the preaching of those times, necessary to his purpose. The sermons of Logan are eloquence, purely within the central truths of INTRODUCTION. 11 the gospel; within the legitimate range of the pulpit; and within the comprehension of our ordinary congregations. We know not what was the style of Logan's delivery; but if the delivery was in any way commensurate with the composition, we know not how they could have failed of being most impressive. We know not how a people could well sit under such a ministry without being made better. We know not how men within reach, could fail to feel their steps attracted to such a ministry. We know not how such a ministry, spread over this and every other land, could fail of being a rich blessing, if not the saving of the world. His is not so much that originality which startles us with the announcement of a new truth, as that more practical originality which invests established truths with new zest and freshness. Under his lucid touches, the rust of common-place disappears from that old truth, a new clearness beams upon it, a new beauty beams from it. Then a brighter lustre and a richer glow; then a more radiant glory and a blaze of splendor new and dazzling. Our attention is arrested; we are borne along on the tide of increasing interest; our feelings rise with the opening vistas; and we close the discourse, dissatisfied with its brevity, yet with hearts warmed, with views brightened, and with a grateful trust, that we are being made better Christians and better men. And, then, there is such a variety and spontaneousness as to make him seem inexhaustible. We learn to love the mind which was the ceaseless fountain of such beauty and power; and we drop a tear at the thought that his closing days were shaded with sorrow. S E R 1i ON S. SERMON I. of the Lord all the days of my life." Whenever his favorite subject presents itON THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGIOUS self, he takes fire, and speaks of it, not INSTITUTIONS. only with zeal, but with transport.;' How PSAL. XXVIT. 4. —"One thing have I desired of amiable are thy tabernacles, 0 Lord of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even dwell in the house of the Lord all the days fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, heart and my flesh cr out for the living and to inquire in his temple." God." God.:' DAVID, the author of this psalm, is much It becomes then a subject worthy of our celebrated in the sacred Scriptures. As a attention, to inquire, W/hat there is in the man, he was not without faults; but as a public institutions of religion, to have king, he shines with uncommon lustre. He rendered them an object of so great imdistinguished himself in early youth, as portance to the king of Israel? This the champion of his native land; in fight- will appear, if we consider their influence ing the battles of Israel he became the on men, with respect to their religious cahero of his age; and at last he ascended pacity; with respect to their moral charthe throne, on which he sat with much acter; with respect to their political state; splendor during many years. He was the and with respect to their domestic life. founder of the Jewish monarchy. From In thefirst place, let us consider the inbeing separate tribes, he made the Jews a fluence of religious institutions upon men, nation. Their judge in peace, as well as with respect to their religious capacity. their leader in war, he secured by his There are many qualities which we share. councils what he had gained by his arms, in common with the inferior animals. In, and gave to Judea a name and a renown the acuteness of the external senses, some among the kingdoms of the East. To the of them excel our species. They have a, bravery of a warrior, and the wisdom of a reason of their own; they make approach — statesman, he added what in all ages has es to human intelligence, and are led by been no less admired, the accomplishments an instinct of nature to associate with oneof a poet or bard. " The sweet Psalmist another. They have also their virtues, of Israel " consecrated his harp to the and exhibit such examples of affection, of praises of the Lord, and composed to it industry, and of courage, as give lessons sacred strains, that have ministered to the to mankind. But in all their actions they improvement and to the devotion of suc- discover no sense of Deity, and no traces ceeding times, till this day. of religion. It was reserved to be the Notwithstanding all his other engage- glory of man, that he alone should be adments, he found time for the exercises of mitted into the presence of his Creator,. religion; notwithstanding all the pleasures and be rendered capable of knowing and. and honors of a throne, he found his chief adoring the perfections of the Almighty. happiness in the house of the Lord. " One As piety is the distinguishing mark of thething have I desired of the Lord, that will human race, a tendency to the exercise I seek after, that I may dwell in the house thereof is in some degree natural to the: 14 SERMON I mind. When we look up to heaven, and pointed other festivals in which the people behold the sun shining in glory, or the should assemble together in order to join moon and the stars walking in brightness, in the services of the sanctuary. In what untaught nature prompts us to adore Him concerns the celebration of the Sabbath, that made them, to bow down and worship Christianity confirms the Mosaic law. in the temple not made with hands. When Our Saviour, whose practice ought to be we are surrounded by dangers on every a rule of life to Christians. attended upon side, overwhelmed with deep affliction, by the public worship in the Jewish synathe law of our nature we tend to some gogues; and the apostles followed his exsuperior Being for safety and relief: or ample, till by their labors in the ministry, when we are surprised with a sudden flow they had gathered together, in one place, of unexpected prosperity, spontaneously a sufficient number of converts to form a we lift up our eyes and hands to heaven, church. Then they constituted regular to pour forth the grateful effusions of the assemblies of Christians, they ordained heart to our unseen Benefactor. proper persons to preside in the public worAs there are principles, then, in human ship, and both by their precept and examnature, which incline men to religion, and ple, recommended a constant attendance principles also which incline them to soci- on these meetings of the faithful. ety, it would not have been extraordinary, That there must be an established reif the combined influence of the religious ligion in every state, is a principle in and associating principles had been so which not only Christians, but infidels, strong as to have prompted men to have have been agreed. In order that the pubassembled in public, for the purposes of lie religion may be productive of any good devotion, although no law had been given effects, it is necessary that it make a deep to that end. But it was not left to this. impression upon the minds of the people. Among all the nations of the world, the, But if it were not for our assembling topublic interested itself in the cause; the gether on the Lord's day, for public worlegislative authority interposed its sanc- ship, that form of Christianity which is estion, and kings and lawgivers encouraged tablished in this country would pehaps the propensity of the people to religion. take too feeble a hold of the mind, to proIt required no profound wisdom to foresee duce its proper effects. The Christian the manifold advantages that the public religion is very different from those sysworship of a Deity would introduce among tems of superstition which prevailed in men. Accordingly temples were every the Pagan world. The Heathen religion where built, sacred ceremonies were insti- had attractions for every feeling of the hututed, an order of men was appointed to man frame. It contained every thing officiate in holy things, and certain days that could strike the senses, or please the were set apart for the people to join in the imaginations of men. All the apparatus celebration of divine worship. Indeed, as of false religion, which at once amuses and to the objects, and the manner of worship, engages the mind, was exhibited; ceremolittle care was taken. The magistrate nies, pompous festivals, costly sacrifices, gave his authority to the current belief, were continually passing before the eyes of though ever so absurd and ridiculous, and the worshipper. In the majesty of the established that form of religion which the temple, and the splendor of the worship, people were best disposed to receive. It the Deity seemed to be present. Ancient was thought sufficient, if by public and superstition introduced the fine arts into solemn acts of piety, a sense of Deity, and her train, called the powers of genius to feelings of religion, could be impressed, her aid, and employed the painter and the and frequently renewed in the minds of poet to hold out her charms to the world. men. But in some nations this practice, so Very different was that religion of which highly beneficial to mankind, was enjoyed Jesus Christ was the author. When the by an authority superior to that of human Son of God descended, he appeared not governors. God himself, in the system of like the idols of the nations. The Chrislaws which he delivered to his ancient tian religion is pure, spiritual, divine. It people, hallowed the seventh day, and ap- is the religion of the mind and the heart; ON THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTiONS. 15 the worship of God, who is a spirit, in in virtue, have you not found yourselves spirit and in truth. There is nothing as if translated from earth to heaven, and here but the simplicity of truth and the experienced the emotion of mind which majesty of reason to persuade the world. the Patriarch felt, when he awoke from Man, however, is not a pure intelligence, his dream, and cried out in rapture, and reason is not the only attribute of his " Surely the Lord is in this place! This nature. Mrere it not, therefore, for the is none other than the house of God, and mode of communication by discourse in this is the gate of heaven? " public assemblies, Christianity, in its sim- Secondly, Let us view the effect of replest form, could never be a popular relig- ligious institutions upon men, with regard ion. It might employ the leisure of phil- to their nzoral character. osophic men; it might operate its effect Whatever brings men together, and upon the few who are given to inquiry; connects them in society, has a tendency but it never could engage the generality to civilize and improve them. Especially of mankind. They, who have not consid- when they assemble together for such imered the subject, cannot possibly conceive portant purposes as the worship of a Deity, the astonishing difference there is between this will be the effect. There is somewritten and spoken language; between the thing in the very idea of drawing nigh to dead letter that appears to the eye, and God, that inspires virtue. When men acthe living voice that comes to the heart. customed to meet together as busy and The same discourse that in a popular as- as social creatures, assemble at stated sembly would raise the passions of the times as rational and immortal beings, a audience to the highest pitch; send it sense of propriety will prompt them to act abroad in print, and it will often have no up to that high character. When the effect at all. Add to these, that it is to sons of God come to present themselves the meetings of the faithful, that the prom- before the Lord, whatever is displeasing ise of the divine presence is made. In the to God, and hostile to men, will vanish gates of Zion, God delights to dwell; and from their mind. The connection between when his disciples are gathered together, such exercises of piety, and the practice Jesus has promised to be in the midst of of virtue, is nearer and more intimate them. True piety indeed is not confined to than superficial reasoners are apt to imthe sanctuary. High is the pleasure, and agine. There are indeed pretences to regreat the benefit of private devotion. But ligion, without any virtue, as there are sure I am, that they who have entered in- pretences to virtue without any religion; to the spirit, and tasted the pleasures, of but whoever in reality possesses the fear devotion in secret, will not be thereby of God, will be thereby determined to prevented from approaching to God in the keep his commandments. It must be obordinances of public worship. Society vious at first view, that the sense of a heightens every feeling, and improves Supreme Being, the inspector of human every delight. All that charms the eye affairs, the patron of virtue, the avenger or the ear, or the imagination or the heart, of sin, and the rewarder of righteousness, is attended with double pleasure, when has a powerful tendency to strengthen we share it in the company of others. In moral obligation, to annex a new sanction the presence of striking and exemplary to the laws, and to inspire purity into the piety, the careless worshipper will become manners of a people. devout, and the devout will become fer- By the operation of such a principle, vent. A holy emulation will rise in the open violence will be restrained, and secret bosoms -of the faithful: the ardor will enmity will be checked. Society yvill asspread from breast to breast, and the pas- sume a happier form, the insolence of the sions of one inflame the passions of all. oppressor will be humbled, and the wild May I not appeal to your own experience, passions of the licentious be subdued. and ask, When you have been in the Spir- What the Scripture calls, " the power it on the Lord's day, when the word of of the world to come," is felt strongly life was spoken from the heart to the heart, through every corner of this world. have you not felt that there was a divinity Heaven improves the earth, and the life 16 SERMON I. which is to come, is a source of happi- his providence? It is the public instituness to the life which now is. There tions of religion; it is the observance of are, indeed, I acknowledge, to the honor the Lord's day; it is our assembling toof the human kind, there are persons in gether in this place, for the celebration of the world who feel that the possession of divine worship. The people, in general, good dispositions is their best reward, who have no religious principles, and no rule would follow goodness for its own sake, of life, but what they learn here; and if and do their duty, because it is their duty, these churches were once shut up, the although there were neither rewards nor hand of the civil magistrate would soon punishments to come. But I know as force them open, in order to reclaim the well, that the world is not composed of criminals that would thus be let loose such persons. Men in general are govern- upon the world. ed by their passions, their interest, the In the third place, let us view the effect prevailing bias of their minds; and when- of religious institutions upon men, with reever their passions, their interest, or the gard to their political state. bias of their mind, stand in one scale, and The political systems that take place in their duty in the other, it is very evident the world, the facility with which the where the balance will incline. To such many are governed by the few, is one of persons you might declaim for ever to no the most wonderful things in the history purpose, on the beauty of virtue, and -tie of man. That mankind in all ages, and harmony of a well governed mind; they in all countries, should allow a few of hear you not; they are deaf to the voice their number to divide this globe among of the moral charmer: nothing less than them; to appropriate to themselves the "Thus saith the Lord," will influence possessions, distinctions and honors, and their conduct. The unjust judge in the leave nothing to the majority but burdens parable represents and characterizes the to bear, if we had not beheld it from the great body of mankind; if they fear not first, would have appeared one of the most God, neither will they regard men. astonishing of all events. Would it be at Thus, if the public institutions of re- all suprising to hear a man struck with a ligion were laid aside, private virtue would sense of this state of things, complain not long remain behind. Men in general thus: " Is nature unequal in the care of have no principle of moral conduct but re- her children? A mother to some, and a ligion, and if that were taken away, they stepmother to others? Has she appointed would work all impurity with greediness. me to labor in the sweat of my brow, and whenever they could withdraw from the another to riot in the fruit of my labors? public eye. Human laws would often be No. The fault is not in nature. She has of little avail, without a sense of divine no favorites. She gives to all her sons an legislation; and the sanctions of men have equal right to inherit the earth. The little force, unless they were enforced by fault is in them who tamely bend their the authority of God. There would then necks to the yoke, who kneel and kiss the be no security for the public peace; the rod which the haughty lord waves over mutual confidence between man and man their heads. It never surely was the will would be destroyed; the bond which of Heaven, that the worthy should be keeps society together would be broken; scorned by the vile, and the brave be oaths would become mere words of course, trampled upon by the coward. Cannot I and an appeal to the Great God of Heaven then find a band of men as valiant and as no more regarded, than if he were an image determined as myself, to rectify these caof stone. Human life would be thrown prices of fortune, to vindicate the rights into confusion, the safety of mankind would of nature, and restore mankind to their be endangered, and the moral world totter original inheritance? JBy doing violence to its ruin, if such a pillar were to fall. at first, this usurpation on nature was And what is it that maintains and spreads made; and by a similar violence, nature religious principles in the world? What requires that her reign be restored." is it that keeps alive on the minds of the What is it that prevents such a spirit as people, the fear of God and the belief of I have been now describing, from fre ON THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS, 17 quently breaking out? What prevents It is chiefly on account of their domtabloodshed and devastation, and all the tic situation, that we can pronounce men evils of war? What prevents the world happy or miserable. Here the pleasures from being turned upside down? Nothing are enjoyed which sweeten life; here'the so much as the influence of religious prin- pains are felt which embitter our days. ciples upon the minds of men. Christian- No uneasiness abroad will sit heavy on a ity gives honor to civil government, as man, when the pleasing reflection rises in being the ordinance of God, and enjoins his mind, that he has happiness at home: subjection to the laws, under his own aw- no enjoyment from without will give real ful sanctions. and lasting satisfaction, when he knows And not only by particular precepts, that he has a curse in his own house. but by its secret and less visible influence, It is no small advantage attending the it prepares the minds of men for submis- institutions of divine worship, that they sion to lawful authority. When we meet minister to the happiness of domestic life. together in this place, under the sanction A new bond will be added to the conjuof law, and under the protection of the gal union, when those whom it connects civil magistrate, we are put in mind of our walk to the House of God in company, relation to the state and of our duty to the take sweet counsel with one another, and higher powers. Fear God and honor the set out jointly in the way that leads to King, have more than a local connection life. - Watered by the dews of heaven, in Scripture.* Obedience to spiritual au- which fall here, the olive plants will thority paves the way for subjection to the flourish round your table. What sacred civil power. Hence wise legislators have, sensations will fill the bosom of a parent, even on this account, favored the pro- when, viewing his family sitting at the gress of religion: hence those who have feet of Jesus, he says, in the fulness of a attempted innovations in government, ap- grateful heart, "Lord! behold me, and plied, in the first place, to the ministers the children whom thou hast given of religion, and endeavored to gain the me! " pulpit on their side. Julian, known by There is a beauty, also, when the rich the name of the apostate, the most formi- and the poor, when the high and the low, dable enemy the Christians everhad, was so who seldom meet together on 6ther occasensible of the influence and of the effects sions, assemble here in one place, one great of preaching to the people, that he appoint- family, in the presence of their common ed a similar institution among the heathen. Lord, when they are stripped of every ad" My son, fear thou the Lord and the ventitious circumstance, and where virtue. King," (said the wisest of mankind), makes the only distinction among theim. " and meddle not with them that are It is the image of those golden times, given to change." In confirmation, we may when society began; it is the image of theobserve, that men, characterized as given state which is to come, when God shall beto change, have either, from infidelity, not all in all. attended upon ordinances, or from enthu- Such are the effects of religious institusiasm, been above them: for, who have tions upon men, with respect to their rebeen innovators anddisturbers? who have ligious capacity, their moral character, been the authors of seditions and rebel- their political state, and their domestie lions? who have been the enemies of order life. and civil government, in many an age? a Whoever, therefore, habitually absents mixture of atheists and fanatics; two himself from attending on public ordiclasses of men, who, though seemingly nances, has to answer for it to his God, to. opposite, have been found in close bonds his neighbors, to his country, and to his. of union. family. He partakes with other men in In thefouurth and last place, we have to their sins; he associates with the enemies consider the influence of religious institu- of mankind; and does what in him lies, tol tions upon men, with respect to domestic undermine the basis of which the orderlife. and happiness of civil society is built. He * See 1 Peter ii. 17. teaches the false swearer to take the name 2 18 SERMON II of God in vain; he directs the midnight extolled the times of antiquity, and derobber to his neighbor's house; and he cried the age in which they lived, as the delivers into the hand of the assassin a worst that ever was known. " These dagger, to shed innocent blood. wicked times;" "This degenerate age," But, blessed be God! that, corrupted are phrases that have rung in the public as the world is, there are not wanting in- ear almost since the general deluge. The stances of exemplary piety, in every sta- ages of antiquity are always ages of gold; tion of life; not only in the middle, the the present always an age of iron. lower, and the higher, but in the highest The origin of these opinions I take to of all. While piety shines, as it now does, be this. As customs and manners are from the Throne; while it has the beam perpetually fluctuating, the reigning mode of Majesty to adorn it; let none of the is always reckoned the best, because subjects fail in copying the pattern: and they have no other standard but fashion. while we meet together in this place, let But fashion is not the standard of morals. us remember, that many who have wor- The hand of the Almighty hath written shipped, in times past, within these walls, the moral law, the standard of virtue, are now in the Higher House, in the upon the living tablets of every human Church of the First-born, in the assem- heart. Here then the standard is fixed bly of Angels, and in that Temple where and eternal. Accordingly, as quite a difthe beatific presence of the Lord displays his ferent set of virtues and vices prevail in glory, in a manner which it hath not enter- one age, from what prevail in another; as ed into the heart of man to conceive. we are naturally disposed to bury the faults of our forefathers in oblivion; as we insensibly contract a veneration for whatever is great in antiquity; hence arises the opinion, that the virtues of a SERMON II. former age are greater than those of a following one. We think we degenerate ON THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVOTION. from our fathers, because we differ from them. But were I to pronounce of the ROM. xni. 11.-"-" Fervent in spirit; serv- times in which we live, I would say that ing the Lord." the present age is not inferior in virtue to the past. We have improved upon our THE manners of mankind are perpetually ancestors in humanity, charity and benevovarying. Two nations differ not more lence; we have exchanged the rage and from one another, than the same nation rancor of animals of prey, for the meek differs from itself, at different periods of and gentle spirit of the dove. The gall society. This change of customs and man- of asps is transformed into the milk of ners has given rise to two opinions, both human kindness. Gfeat and enormous of them generally received, and both of crimes are less frequent than they have them founded on mistake. These are, been; we are better members of society, that we are always improving upon our better neighbors, better friends than our ancestors in art and in science, and always ancestors were. People of different opindegenerating from them in religion and ions and sects in religion, who some hunmorals. When we talk of any work of dred years ago would have been putting ingenuity or of industry, composed or per- one another to death, now live together in formed by our forefathers, from the high- amity and peace. est liberal science, to the lowest mechanic Would to God I could carry on my art, if we allow it any praise at all, our panegyric, and add, that we are more repanegyric runs in this style: " It is very ligious and devout than our ancestors well for the time in which it was done." were, that our zeal for the honor of God, On the other hand, we always allow our and the interests of religion, shines with ancestors the preference in virtue. For a brighter lustre, and burns with a purer these five thousand years past, the philoso- flame. But alas! my brethren, I must phers and moralists of every nation have here change my strain. Your own eyes, ON THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVOTION. 19 your own hearts, will tell you the dismal Piety is adapted to the notions of haptruth. Is it not a deplorable fact, that piness and chief good which all men eninstead of being fervent in spirit to serve tertain, although these notions were as the Lord, an indifference about religion various in themselves as the theories of almost universally prevails? The very face philosophers have been about their object. of seriousness is banished from society, If we are actuated by the mild and gentle and were it not for this day, on which we affections, lovers of nature, willing to reassemble together to worship the God of tire from the bustle of the world, and to our fathers, the very form of godliness steal through the vale of life with as little would be exterminated from the earth. noise, and as much peace as possible, reTo induce you to the practice of devo- ligion sanctifies our choice, and doubles tion, it is proposed in the first place, To all the joys of life with the peace of heaillustrate the importance and the advantage ven. Are we lovers of society, delighting of serving the Lord; and, in the second to enlarge the sphere of our acquaintance place, To explain and to enforce, with a few in the world, and to cultivate universal arguments, the duty of serving the Lord friendship with all ranks and degrees of with fervency of spirit. men? Here too, religion befriends us, as In the first place, let us consider the it unites all men under one common interimportance and the advantage of serving est, that of being probationers for eternithe Lord. ty. Are we ambitious of fame and honor We are urged to the practice of some among men? This is indeed the universal virtues, by our strong sense of their in- passion. Nothing more distinguishes the violable obligation; we are allured to the nature of man, than this restless desire of love of others, by the high approbation of rising above his fellows, of becoming fatheir native beauty, which arises in every mous, and acquiring a name. But it does well-disposed mind; we are engaged to not lie in the way of every one to rise in the performance of others, by our experi- the world, by being advanced to honor ence of their utility and influence upon and distinction, and commanding the apthe public good. Piety is equally enforced plause of attending multitudes. Fame in all these respects. Its obligation is in- unbars the gates of her temple but to a dispensable; its beauty is supreme, and chosen few; the candidate will infallibly its utility is universal. It is not so much meet with many a disappointment, and a single virtue, as a constellation of vir- many a downfall, in climbing the steep astues. Here reverence, gratitude, faith, cent; but the paths of religion, that lead hope, love, concentre their rays, and shine to glory, honor and immortality, are ever with united glory. Whatsoever things open and safe. By piety we already enare lovely, whatsoever things are pure, joy a reputation among the just, and the are honest, or of good report; if there be approbation of our own hearts, and have any merit, any praise in human action, the certain expectation of that immortal piety comprehends the whole. There is honor which cometh from God only, who not a disposition of the mind which is writes our name in the book of life. Himore noble in itself, or is attended with ther let the man of the world turn, that greater pleasure than piety. It is accom- he may find durable riches, more to be panied with such inward satisfaction, that desired than gold and all earthly possesthe duty is sufficiently rewarded by the sions. Here the man of pleasure may performance; and it hath such true gran- find a perpetual fund of enjoyment, in deur in it, that when duly performed, it drinking of that stream which proceeds exalts us to a state but little lower than from the river of life; a stream whose the angels. The most illiterate man, fountain never fails, which has no sediunder the impressions of true devotion, ment at bottom, and which runs for ever and in the immediate acts of divine wor- unmingled with the waters of bittership, contracts a greatness of mind that ness. raises him above his equals. Thereby, says Piety is the foundation of virtue and an admired ancient, we build a nobler tem- morality. True devotion strengthens our ple to the Deity than creation can present. obligations to a holy life, and superadds a 20 SERMON II. new motive to every social and civil duty. happiness. But all of us can be pious; Upon an impartial observation of man- and by serving the Lord with fervency of kind, it will be found, that those men who spirit, can become universally useful to are the most conscientious in the public our country and to the world. By piety, and private exercises of divine worship, like the Prophets of old, we can shield will be most diligent in performing the our country from the wrath of heaven; duties they owe to their neighbor, and in we can interest Omnipotence on its side, observing the rules of morality. Our and even derive blessings to ages unborn. holy religion lays us under strong obliga- A good man is the guardian angel of his tions to duty; the spirit of Christianity country. dwelling in the heart, must of necessity I shall only add on this head, that by inspire it with an ardent desire to perform serving the Lord here, we have an earnest whatever things are virtuous and praise- and anticipation of the happiness of the worthy; and the example of Jesus Christ, heavenly state. It is a pleasant reflection, which the true Christian sets continually and well worthy of our most serious before his eyes, will engage him by all the thought, that we are now entering upon a laws of love, to walk as he also walked, course of life that will be our employment who, according even to the testimony of through eternity. As man is aprogressive his enemies, "did all things well." On being, gradually tending to perfection, it the other hand, impiety and immorality is a law of his nature, that he should ennaturally go together, as cause and effect. deavor to act, beforehand, the part to Who is it that is altogether corrupt, and which he is destined in a higher state of a worker of iniquity? It is the fool, who being. The child, from his earliest years, hath said in his heart there is no God. anticipates in sport the employment of When we read of the unjust judge in the maturer age, loves to imitate the. actions Gospel, who feared not God, we naturally of men, and is pleased with the name. infer that he regarded not man. Under We are all of us children, with respect to this particular, we may likewise take our future existence; and should it not be notice, that serving the Lord with sin- as natural for him who is born from above, cere piety, is the most successful method to act over the exercises and enjoyments of becoming publicly useful in the world. of that state of being to which he is adMan, fallen as he certainly is, is still a vancing? Piety is the beginning of heaven benevolent being. Formed for society, in the mind: here the sun faintly beams, he delights in the exercise of his social as in the dubious twilight; there he shines qualities; he aspires to be eminently use- forth in full meridian glory. What an ful in the station in which he is placed, inestimable privilege then is this, which and is in his proper element, when he is God hath put into our power? A life dispensing happiness around him. The sacred to piety, and to the observance of sympathetic emotions that rise in the true and undefiled religion, introduces us bosom at the sight of an object in distress, beforehand into the world to come, and the smile that wakens on the cheek, the gives us an acquaintance with the state tear that starts spontaneous from the eye, and society of the angels and blessed at the representation of scenes of human spirits who dwell in light. joy or sorrow, are indisputable indica- I come now to the second thing propostions of the benevolence of our nature. ed, which was, To explain that fervor of But the low station of many checks the spirit so requisite in the exercises of benevolence of their hearts, and circum- devotion, and enforce it with a few arguscribes it to a narrow sphere. Few have ments. it in their power to become useful to their By fervor of spirit, in general, is meant country, by contriving or effectuating pub- an uncommon application of mind in the lie-spirited designs; few have it in their performance of any thing, a warmth borpower to save their ountry from the miseries dering upon transport, that moves every of war, by being its shield in the day of bat- spring of the heart, and carries all before tie; few can act as the instruments of it, to gain its end. So that by a fervency Providence, in bringing about national of spirit in serving the Lord, must be un ON THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVOTION. 21 derstood, an ardent and active desire of most as beautiful strains of poetry, or loving the Lord, of worshipping him in raptures of devotion. " As the hart pantsincerity, and obeying his commands with cth after the water-brooks, so panteth all our heart, with all our soul, with all my soul after thee, O God. My soul our mind, and with all our strength. It thirsteth for God, yea, the living God: consists not in a.few transient fits and starts when shall I come and appear before God? of natural devotion, when we are in jeo- How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord pardy, without help of man; neither is it of hosts! My soul longeth, yea fainteth, a wild blaze of religious passion, that for the courts of the Lord. For, a day in flashes and vanishes. Much less shall it be thy courts is better than a thousand. The profaned by confounding it with those furies, desire of my soul is to thee, O God, and Enthlusiasm and Superstztion, who would to the remembrance of thy name. With drench a country with innocent blood, my soul have I desired thee in the night, under a pretence of serving the Lord. yea, with my spirit within me will I seek " Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, thee early. My soul waiteth for thee, O and their wrath, for it is cruel. O my Lord, more than they that watch for the soul, enter not thou into their secret." morning; yea, more than they that watch True fervor of spirit proceedeth from for the morning." above. It is a beam from the Father of To engage us more effectually to the lights, pure and benign, which at once en- performance of this part of our duty, let lightens and warms the mind. It is a ray us consider the general obligations we lie from the Sun of Righteousness, bright under, as rational creatures, to serve the even at the beginning, and which shineth Lord with fervency of spirit, and then the more and more unto the perfect day. It particular obligations that arise from is a temper wrought into the heart by the Christianity. Holy Spirit, compounded of love to God, And, in the first place, as the Almighty and of zeal for his honor, attended with is the Creator of the world, and the Father charity to mani. of the human race, he is likewise their This fervor of mind, in its full extent, Preserver, and the Author of order and is one of the brightest ornaments of the harmony in the universe. Christian. It enters into the heart, and In his Providence, he takes us, the chilengages the whole man on the side of de- dren of men, into his particular tuition, in votion; it gives a double measure of force giving us, from his immediate hand, all and alacrity to that religion which before things requisite for our subsistence, wellwas sincere. In a word, it is to the being and delight in this world, our wellspiritual life, what health is to the natural; ordered habitation; in making nature it makes that spirited and cheerful, which spontaneously unlock to us her hidden otherwise would only breathe and move. stores; in causing the wide creation, one Conscious that religion is his grand con- way or other, to administer to our pleascern, the fervent Christian will set about ures, as if heaven and earth contended the duties of it with suitable ardor and which should be most liberal of their faintenseness of mind. The passions and vors to happy man; and in fine, admitting affections which God hath given man, as us, above all the other inhabitants of our the springs of action, will in him be exert- earth, into the plan of his creation, and ed to their noblest purpose, to inspire him making us spectators of that beauty, origiwith alacrity and cheerfulness in the ways nal and supreme, the image of himself, of the Lord. He will be in pain till he which he hath poured forth over all his has performed his duties of devotion, and works. labors of love, holding nothing too dear, But when we consider his particular which will procure to him that robe of Providence, with respect to every one of holiness, which is beautiful in the eyes of us, our obligations will be infinitely heightheaven. He feels in his heart all the uened. Here we discern the finger of God. devout affections and desires so passion- His goodness lent a favorable ear to all ately described by the holy Psalmist, our feeble cries and complaints, when we which we know not whether to admire were upon the breast; he guarded us from 22 SERMON I. a thousand dangers and diseases which we not then render to our Supreme Benehung over our heads, and cut off more factor, who hath translated us from the than one half of our equals in age. He kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of hath led us, as it were, by the hand his Son; who delivered up his Son unto through the various stages of life, afford- the death for us, and with him freely gives ing us many deliverances, and many tokens us all things! of his loving-kindness, which only our- We have abundance of ardor and zeal selves and Heaven were privy to; and in our temporal concerns. We rise early, when all things in the world seemed to and sit up late: we deny ourselves the combine against us, he was a friend that pleasures and comforts of society: we never failed. Seeing then he upholds our forego our native country, and all the dear existence, and is the parent of so many connections of early life: we traverse the mercies, has he not, as our Supreme Bene- whole terraqueous globe, expose ourselves factor, a title to the service of our whole to the mercy of winds and waves, and bear lives, and to all the fervor of our spirits? alternately the extremities of heat and This will appear still more, in the next cold: we breathe in the regions of infecplace, when we consider the superior obli- tion and of death, to amass a few pieces of gations which we are laid under by Chris- shining dust, whose acquisition costs us tianity. While many nations are sitting such sore trouble, and whose possession in darkness, and the shadow of death, on gives us so little happiness. Almighty us hath the Sun of Righteousness arisen, God! shall we be thus fervent and zealous in full glory. We are let into the mystery in every temporal, in every trivial concern, kept hid from ages. We have seen the and remain cold and dead unto thee! If Deity, in human form, descending upon thus we continue, my brethren, the very earth, to teach the benighted nations the heathens, issuing forth from their regions knowledge of salvation; to set a pattern of darkness, will set up a tribunal, and of goodness and perfection for the world call us before them. " The men of Ninto imitate; and, by expiating the guilt of eveh shall rise up in judgment with us, sin upon the cross, to finish our redemp- and shall condemn us; because they retion. We have now a new and living way pented at the preaching of Jonas, and beopened into the Heaven of Heavens, by hold a greater than Jonas is here! The the blood of Jesus. Life and immortality Queen of the South shall rise up in judgare brought to light, and promised to all ment with us, and shall condemn us; for who sincerely believe and obey the gospel. she came from the uttermost parts of the So that we may now rejoice with the Poet earth, to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and of Israel, " As the heaven is high above behold a greater than Solomon is here! " the earth, so great is the mercy of the -" Verily, it shall be more tolerable for Lord towards us; for as far as the east is the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, in the from the west, so far hath he removed day of judgment, than for our city." from us all our iniquities: he redeemeth Do ye consider, my brethren, the dignity our lives from destruction, and crowneth and importance of that religion, to which us with loving-kindness and tender mer- your attachment is required? Do ye recies." fleet, that this is the master-piece of infiWhen we are obliged to any of our fel- nite wisdom; that here the Almighty low-creatures for an important favor, what made bare his holy arm, and put forth all pleasure is it to a generous heart to be his strength? The introduction of this able to make the least return! If our religion was the object of all the dispenbenefactor be above us in his station in sations of the Deity upon earth. This is life, if he bestowed the favor without any the centre in which terminates every line solicitation on our part, and promises still in the great circle of Providence. If one to continue our friend, shall we not take nation was victorious, and another put unevery occasion of showing that we are not der the yoke; if war was commissioned to ungrateful, and search for opportunity of ravage and lay desolate the earth, or peace serving him, as for hid treasure? What to make the joyful inhabitants sing bethanks, what praises, what services, shall neath the vine; if kings were crowned, or ON EARLY PIETY. 23 were dethroned; if empires rose or fell, gels charge concerning him, to preserve all was preparatory and subservient to him in all his ways, lest at any time he this grand event. The monarchies which should dash his foot against a stone. He prevailed in the world, whether Assyrian, delights to speak his praise, in the assemPersian. Grecian, or Roman, were erected blies of his saints and angels above: he as introductory to the Messiah, whose writes his name in the book of his rememkingdom was to be without bounds, and brance, and gives him the honorable title whose reign was to be without end. That of the friend of God. He makes all things great image which the monarch of the work together for his good in this world, east beheld in his dream, whose head was and, in the dark vale of death, opens his of gold, whose breast was of silver, whose eyes to discern the dawning of heavenly thighs were of brass, and whose feet were day. In fine, he holds his very ashes saof iron, was set up by Providence, to pre- cred; and, raising him up at the last day, pare the way for the Stone which was cut carries himn to his throne in heaven above, out without hands, which was destined to with the glorious company of the redeemsmite the image, become a great moun- ed, to be made partaker of his own haptain, and fill the whole earth. All events, piness. whether prosperous or adverse, whether These are thy palms, 0 Piety! Thine malignant or benign, have co-operated to- is the kingdom prepared above, thine the wards the advancement of our religion. power with God and with man, and thine Saints have established it, by their lives: the crown of glory that fadeth not away. martyrs have confirmed it, by their deaths: hypocrites have added strength to it, by their dissimulation: tyrants have purified it, by their persecutions: infidels have cor- SERMON III. roborated it, by their opposition: the arrows of its enemies have served for its ON EARLY PIETY. protection: the resistance which it has met with, from the combined wit and ge- ECCLES. II. 1. —"Remember now thy Creator nius and malice of mankind, have brought in the days of thy youth." forth those illustrious and immortal defences, which establish its truth upon the WHEN Solomon, in early youth, had asbasis of demonstration. cended the.throne of Israel, the God of Shall we not, then, reckon ourselves his fathers appeared to him in a dream. eternally indebted to the infinite good- The Almighty was graciously pleased to ness of God, and stir up all that is condescend thus to visit his creature. He within us to bless his holy name? say- put in his offer all the pleasures of the ing, in the language of true fervor of world, and desired him to ask, and he spirit, " We will praise thee, O God! we should receive; to wish, and he should will praise thee with our whole heart! enjoy. The young king possessed a wisOur lives shall be thy sacrifice! We will dom beyond his years, and a greatness adore thee in death, and through eternity." above his crown. He did not ask to God, from his throne in heaven, doth have his palace filled with the beauties of not behold an object more noble, and more the east, to have his treasury stored with worthy of his view, than a pious man; a the gold of Ophir, or to wear the laurel man who, conscious of the dignity and imr of victory over the nations. He asked a mortality of his nature, employs himself greater boon than all these. " Give thy with fervor and zeal, in those devout exer- servant, O Lord," replied the wise prince, cises which assimilate him to the Divinity: "Give thy servant wisdom and underwho, measuring time by his improvements standing." What he then made the object in devotion and virtue, never loses a day. of his own choice, he recommends to you He is the favorite of Heaven. The arm of under another name, in the words of the the Almighty is stretched out on his be- text. "' Remember now thy Creator in the half. The Lord loves him, and keeps him, days of thy youth." as the apple of his eye; he gives his an- This is the last chapter of the works 24 SERMON III. of Solomon, and these words may be re- that our earliest passions are on the side garded as his dying advice to the young. of virtue, and that the good seed springs The philosophers of antiquity, who held before the tares. Malice and envy are yet out the lamp of wisdom to the heathen strangers to your bosom. Covetousness, world, gave the same advice to their fol- that root of evil, hath not yet sprung up lowers. But between them and Solomon, in your heart; the selfish, the wrathful, there is this remarkable difference. They, and the licentious passions, have not yet from the obscure retirement of the schools, obtained dominion over you. The modesty declaimed against pleasures which they of nature, the great guardian of virtue,'is had never tasted, and affected to despise not seduced from its post. You would honors to which they never had it in their blush, even in secret, to do a deed of dispower to ascend. But Solomon, a great honesty and shame. High sentiments of and powerful prince, in the pleasurable honor and of probity expand the soul. time of life, had in his own person tried The color comes in our cheek at the the experiment. He made the tour of smallest apprehension of blame; the ready the sensual world. He went in quest lightning kindles in the eye at the least of happiness through all the scenes of appearance of treachery and falsehood. life. He extended his search over the Hence, says our Lord to his followers, broad and flowery way, as well as in the Unless you become as a child; unless you narrow path, as it should seem by a par- assume the candor, the innocence and puticular permission of Providence, to save rity of children, you cannot enter into the the pains of future inquirers. Solomon kingdom of God. Therefore, whilst you acted the libertine upon a principle of in- are yet an offering fit for Heaven, present quiry. The result of his researches was, yourselves at his altar, devote yourselves to that all unlawful pursuits began with van- his service. How beautiful and becoming ity, and ended in vexation of spirit, and does it appear for young persons, newly that the true happiness of man, consisted arrived in this city of God, to remember in that understanding which teacheth us the end for which they were sent into it, to depart from evil, and in that wisdom and to devote to their Maker's service the which instructeth us to fear the Lord. first and the best of their days? When It is common in Scripture, to express they are in the prime of youth and of all the acts of devotion and virtue by health, when the mind is untainted with some part or principle of religion, some- actual guilt, and alive to every generous times' by wisdom and understanding; at impression, to consecrate to religion the other times by faith, love, the fear of God, vernal flower of life? The virgin innowalking with God, and many other phrases; cence of the mind is a sacrifice more acall of which express the same meaning, and ceptable to the Almighty, than if we should denote the whole economy of a religious come before him with the cattle upon a life. So that remembering our Creator in thousand hills, and with ten thousand rithe days of our youth, implies an early vers of oil. If there be joy in heaven and an entire dedication of ourselves to over a great and aged sinner that repenmtthe service of God. eth, how pleasing a spectacle will it be to In further discoursing upon these words, God, to angels, and to the spirits of just I shall enforce the exhortation in the text, men made perfect, to behold a person, in and endeavor to persuade you to remem- the critical season of life, acquit himself ber your Creator in the days of your youth, gloriously, and, despising the allurements, from the peculiar suitableness of religion the deceitful and transitory pleasures of to the early period of life. And in the sin, choose for himself that better part first place, let me exhort you now in the which shall never be taken away! days of youth, to remember your Creator, Dare then, 0 young man, to remember from your being as yet uncorrupted by the thy Creator in the days of thy youth; world. have the courage to be good betimes. BeAlthough both Scripture and experience ware of falling into the usual snare of the testify that man is fallen, and that our na- inexperienced; beware of thinking that ture is corrupted, yet it is equally certain you have time enough to be religious, and ON EARLY PIETY. 25 for that reason may defer the work of vation, when you are fit for nothing else; your salvation to maturer age, when, as and when you cannot make a better of it, you foolishly imagine, seriousness and you will seek the kingdom of heaven. sanctity will come of their own accord. In Is it thus that ye requite the Lord, O answer to this, let me ask you, my friends, people, foolish and unjust? Is this your How often have you observed time reform gratitude to your Benefactor? Is this any one? Did time reform Saul? Did your love to your Father? Is this your time reform Ahab? Did time reform Je- kindness to your Friend? Whilst he now zebel? On the contrary, did they not calls upon you in the sweetest language of grow bolder in wickedness? You gener- heaven, " My son, give me thy heart," ally, indeed, observe a greater decency in ought it not to be the natural movement maturer age. The ebullition of youth is of your heart, to answer with the good then spent, its turbulence is over; but, too man of old, "' With my soul have I desired often, I am afraid, the wild passions have thee in the night; with my spirit within only given place to an external sobriety, me, will I seek thee early;"-" Whom whilst the heart is as far from God, and as have I in heaven but thee? and there is carnal as ever. If you suspect this to be none in all the earth whom I desire bea hasty decision, examine what passes in side thee." the world. Do you not observe great In the second place, Let me exhort you part of men in the decline of life, as earth- to early piety, from the consideration of ly-minded as before? The passion for those evils which await you in your pleasure has indeed abated, but the love future days. of lucre, the most sordid of all passions, Now is your golden age. When the hath come into its place. If such persons morning of life rejoices over your head, have any regret for their past life, it is every thing around you puts on a smiling only because it ispast. Even then they appearance. All nature wears a face of look with envy upon the gay and the beauty, and is animated with a spirit of flourishing state of the young. With joy. You walk up and down in a new what joy and triumph do they talk over world; you crop the unblown flower, and the excesses of their early days, and seem drink the untasted spring. Full of spirit, to renew their age in the contemplation and high in hope, you set out on the jourof their youthful follies? Alas, my friends, ney of life: visions of bliss present themIs not God the Lord of all your time? Is selves to view: dreams of joy, with sweet there one of your days which doth not delusion, amuse the vacant mind. You pertain to him? Why would you then listen and accord to the song of hope, take the flower of life, and make it an of- " To-morrow shall be as this day, and fering to the enemy of souls? Is your much more abundant." But ah! my time too long, to be all employed in the friends, the flattering scene will not last. service of God? Is the prime of your The spell is quickly broken, and'the endays too precious, to be devoted to Hea- chantment soon over. How hideous will ven? And will you only reserve to your life appear, when experience takes off the Maker the refuse of life; the leavings of mask, and discovers the sad reality! Now the world and the flesh? If you would speak thou hast no weariness to clog thy waking it out, the language of your heart is this; hours, and no care to disturb thy repose. that whilst you are good for any thing, But know, child of the earth, that thou you will mind the world and its pleasures; art born to trouble, and that care, through that you will crown yourselves with rose- every subsequent path of life, will haunt buds, before they are withered, and let no thee like a ghost. Health now sparkles flower of the spring pass away; but if at in thine eye, the blood flows pure in thy any time the world shall forsake you, if veins, and thy spirits are gay as the mornyour passion for pleasure shall have left ing: but alas! the time will come when you, you will then seek the comforts of diseases, anumerous andadireful train, will religion. Any part of your time, you assail thy life; the time will come, when think, is good enough for God; you will pale and ghastly, and stretched on a bed, apply yourselves to the work of your sal- "chastened with pain, and the multitude 26 SERMON IV. of thy bones with strong pain, thou wilt life to smile, and make your departure like be ready to choose strangling and death a setting sun. rather than life." I shall conclude With one consideration, You are now happy in your earthly which I hope will have weight, and that is, companions. Friendship, which in the if you seek God now in the days of youth, world is a feeble sentiment, with you is a you are certain of success. Go out in the strong passion. But shift the scene for a morning of youth, and you are sure to few years, and behold the man of thy gather the manna of everlasting life. God right-hand become unto thee as an alien. himself will bend from his throne, and Behold the friend of thy youth, who was teach your spirits to approach unto him. one with thine own soul, striving to sup- They who seek him early shall find him, plant thee, and laying snares for thy ruin! and shall be guarded from evil on his holy I mention not these things, my friends, to mountain. make you miserable before the time. God forbid that I should anticipate the evil day, unless I could arm you against it. Now remember your Creator, consecrate SERMON IV. to him the early period of your days, and the light of his countenance will shine up- ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF TIME. on you through life. Amid all the changes of this fluctuating scene, you have a Friend CoLoss. iv. 5.-" Redeeming the time." that never fails. Then let the tempest beat, and the floods descend, you are safe AMONG those who have their time most at and happy under the shelter of the Rock their own disposal, there prevails a maxof ages. im very different from that which is reTh/irdly, The season of youth devoted commended in the text. The maxim of to piety, will yield you a comfortable old the world is, to spend time in idleness a e. and folly, or, to speak in their own lan-'When the fire and spirit of youth are guage, "to kill time " by dissipation and decayed; when sober age retires from the amusement. Life, which appears so short noise and bustle of a busy world, and upon the whole, is nevertheless so long in loves to spend in peace the tranquil Sab- particular parts, that vast numbers of men bath of life, what joy will it afford to be are overstocked with its days and hours; able to look back with pleasure on the ac- their time hangs heavy on their hands; tions of other years! Worn out and weary they know not how to employ it, or what of his pilgrimage, the traveller now enter- to make of themselves. As they have no tains himself by recalling the times that fund of entertainment within, and for that are past, and recollecting the scenes of his reason, no happiness at home, they naturearly days. In particular, he now loves ally look out for it abroad. Hence every to recall the period of childhood and of pastime is greedily sought after, that can youth, when he wandered up and down, a banish thought, and save them from their stranger to care and sorrow, and passed own company. Hence places of public his days in innocence. Often does the entertainment are frequented, parties of fond idea recur; often the pleasant period pleasure are formed, plans of dissipation are return. It will add much, my friends, it concerted, and amusement, frivolous amusewill add much to the pleasures of the re- ment, becomes the serious occupation of flection, if you have it in your power to life. Only look around you into the recall to mind that your early days were world! Observe what policy and contrivnot only innocent, but useful, and devoted ance are continually put in practice by to the service of your Creator. To look men, for pre-engaging every day in the back on a life, no season of which was week for one idleness or another; for dospent in vain; to number up the days,-he ing nothing, or worse than nothing, and months, and the years, spent in the ser- that with so much ingenuity and forecast, vice of God, will be inward rapture, only as scarce to leave an hour upon their to be felt. This will cause the evening of hands to reproach them. ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF TIME. 27 Such, my brethren, is the life of what is their highest power, moves in a narrow called the world, a repetition of the same sphere; its objects are few in number, childish conceptions, a perpetual round of and gross in kind, and therefore not only the same trifling amusements. If you had come more quickly round, but also grow been sent on earth to play the fool; if imore insipid at every revolution. your pilgrimage through life were merely But man is endowed with nobler facula jaunt of pleasure; it would be cruel and ties, and is presented with nobler objects injurious to awaken you from the delu- whereon to exercise and employ them. sion. But as you profess to be Christians, The contemplation of all divine truth to and believe this life to be a state of moral engage his understanding; the beauties of discipline and probation for the next, it the natural and moral world to attract will be proper and seasonable to warn you and captivate his affections; the power, of the folly of such a course, and to point the wisdom, and the goodness of God, out a nobler and a happier path, where at manifested in the works of Creation, of once you may see the world, and may Providence, and of Redemption, to exalt adorn it; where at once you may improve his admiration, and call forth all his praise. your time, and enjoy life. What employment can be more worthy of In order to this, I shall, in the first a rational being, or better adapted to the place, give you some directions for re- faculties of an immortal spirit, than thus deeming or improving the time; and, in to search out the order, the beauty, and the second place, set before you the obliga- the benevolence of nature, to trace the tions to the practice of this duty. Everlasting in his works, and to mark the We begin with directions for redeeming impression of his creating hand, yet recent the time. In the first place, treasure up on a beautiful world? Or if we turn our in your memory a store of useful know- eyes towards the moral system, to observe ledge, as a proper foundation of employ- a higher order of things, and a greater ment to the mind. exertion of Divinity, in adjusting the plan It has been the complaint of discon- of Providence, in bringing light from darktented men in all ages, that life is a scene ness, and good from evil, in causing the of dulness, not worth a wise man's care, most unconnected and contrary events to where the same things come over and over co-operate to one great end, and making like a tale that is told, which, however en- all to issue in the general good. Here is tertaining it miay appear when it is new, a noble path for a rational creature to yet, by frequent repetition, at last becomes travel in. Whilst day unto day thus tedious and insipid. The consequence of teaches wisdom, night unto night will inwhich has been, that many, viewing the crease pleasure. The man who is thus picture in this disagreeable light, have trained up to the qdmiration of the works been inclined to throw off all serious con- of God, and who has tasted the spirit of cern about their duty, to give themselves these sublime enjoyments, will not comup to habits of indolence and languor, and plain of the insignificance and languor of to make no other use of their time, but to life. These studies will afford an occustudy how to trifle it away. True it is, pation at all hours. They will make your indeed, that the days of many have thus own thoughts an entertainment to you, been spent in vain; that their life has and open a fountain of happiness at home. been a barren circle, within which they They will diffuse somewhat of heaven have been enchanted, going round and over the mind; they will introduce you round, ever in motion, but never making beforehand into the society of angels and any advances. But although many have blessed spirits above, and already prepare made life a dull round of insignificant ac- you to bear a part in that beautiful hymn tions, yet no man had ever occasion to of heaven, " Great and marvellous are thy make it so. It is indeed so to the brutes, works, Lord God Almighty; just and true who soon arrive at that pitch of perfec- are all thy ways, thou IKing of Saints." tion which is allotted to their natures, Secondly, Have some end in view; where they must stop short without a pos- some object to employ the mind, and call sibility of going farther. Sense, which is forth its latent powers. 28 SERMON IV. In devising, or in executing a plan; in like the path of a cloud in the air, whichengaging in the whirl of active life, the leaves no trace behind it. It was the soul seems to unfold its being, and to en- custom of the great Alfred, one of the joy itself. Man is not like the soil on English kings, to divide the day into which he lives, which spends its powers in three parts, which he measured by the exercise, and requires repose, in order to burning of tapers. One part he employed recruit its wasted strength, and prepare it in the cares of the government; another for new exertions. Activity is an essen- part he dedicated to the cultivation of tial attribute of mind. Its faculties exist the liberal arts; the third he devoted to only when they are exercised; it gains a religion. It would be happy for you, my new accession of strength from every new brethren, if, in this respect, you would exertion, and the greater acquisitions it imitate such an illustrious example. Let, makes, it is enabled to make still greater. at least, one part of your time be devoted It is not a brook formed by the shower; to the service of God. When the morning it is a living fountain, which is for ever ascends from the east, let it be your first flowing, and yet for ever full. This will care to offer up your earliest thoughts as account for an observation that we have incense to Heaven; to add your praises often occasion to make in life, that none to. the hymns and hosannas of the angels have so little leisure as those who are en- in light, and spirits of just men made pertirely idle; that none complain so much feet. When the shades of the night fall of the want of time as those who have around you, let it be your constant care nothing to do. The fact is, they want to implore the pardoning mercy of God that energy of soul which is requisite to for the errors of the past day, and to comevery exertion, and that habit of activity mit yourselves to the protection. of His which applies to every thing. Indolence Providence who slumbers not nor sleeps. unmans the faculties; impairs and debili- In particular, let this day, which is sacred tates the whole intellectual system. Those to the memory of a Saviour's resurrection who, under its influence, become a kind of from the dead; which is a memorial of perpetual sleepers, degrade themselves the full accomplishment of our redenipfrom the honors of their nature, and are tion; let this day be set apart for holy dead while they live. A habit of activity contemplation on the wonders of redeemis a most valuable acquisition. He who ing love, on the height and depth and is possessed of it, is fit for all events, and breadth and length of the love of Jesus to may be happy in every situation. This our race, which passeth all understanding; habit is only to be acquired by pursuing which prompted him to forego the glories some great object that may agitate the of his divine nature for a time, to take mind. Think not that your labor may be upon him the robe of humanity, to lead a spent in vain. Nothing is in vain that life of sorrows upon earth, and to suffer a rouses the soul: nothing in vain that cruel and ignominious, and an accursedI keeps the ethereal fire alive and glowing. death. Let us contemplate this amiable The prospect of something coming for- and divine love, till we are changed into ward; the pleasure' and the pride which the same image, and feel within ourselves the mind takes in its own action, beget in- an earnest and anticipation of that eversensibly that habit of industry which will lasting Sabbath of joy which is reserved abide through life. for the righteous in the world to come, Thirdly, Set apart fixed and stated when time shall be no more. hours for the important duties of life. In the fourth place, Endeavor to disIt is the misfortune of great part of tinguish your days by some good deed. men, that they have no fixed plan of acting. As those who are intent to amass a for They live extempore. They act at ran- tune, attend to small sums, in like manner, dorn. They are always led by instanta- if you would wish to improve your time, neous impulse, and are driven to and fro you must take care not to lose a day. as inclination varies. Their life rolls on Many are the ways, and frequent the octhrough a course of misspent time, and un- casions, which daily present themselves, connected years, and appears upon review, of adding to your true happiness, of im ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF TIME. 29 proving your natures, and promoting the I delivered the poor that cried, the fatherinterests of society. You have all the less, and him that had none to help him. world before you where to act, and the I was eyes to the blind, feet was I to the whole of human life as a theatre of virtue. lame: I was a father to the poor, and the Through the assistance of divine grace, cause which I knew not, I searched out. conquer the excess of passion, correct The stranger did not lodge in the street; some irregular desire, and obtain a, vic- I opened my doors to the traveller. The tory over the vices that war against the loins of the naked blessed me, and were soul. Let your goodness extend to society, warmed with the fleeces of my flock. The and spread over the land, like the light blessing of him that was ready to perish of the morning. Can there be any em- came upon me, and I caused the widow's ployment so agreeable to a benevolent heart to sing for joy." mind, and so congenial to the spirit of In the last place, Accustom yourselves Christianity as to assuage the boisterous to frequent self-examination. passions, and reconcile the jarring interests Call yourselves to an account at the of men; to open the eye which prejudice close of the day. Inquire what you have has shut; to charm down the spirit of been doing; whether you have lost a day party, and to unite all your neighbors in or redeemed the time. Have you learned one great family of love? Is not the any useful truth? treasure it up in your employment god-like; is not the joy di- heart, as a valuable acquisition; make it a vine, to brighten up the face that was principle of action, and bring it into life. overcast with sadness; to wipe the tears Have you done a good deed? then enjoy from the cheek of sorrow; to turn the the self-approving hour, and give thanks voice of mourning into the notes of joy; unto God for the pleasures of virtue, and to make misery and woe vanish before us the testimony of a good conscience. Have like darkness before the sun; to refresh you been led astray by temptation; and with showers of blessings the dry and bar- overtaken in a fault? repent sincerely of ren land wherein no water is, and, co- your past transgression; implore the meroperating with a beneficent Providence, to cy of God, through the merits of Jesus watch for the happiness of the world? Christ, and resolve, through divine grace, Where is there any one so destitute of to be more guarded in the time to come. the gifts of grace, of nature, and of for. Did we, my brethren, thus make a study tune, as to have no mite to throw into the of a holy life; were we as much in earnest public treasury? He who cannot pretend about improving the soul in piety and virto enlighten or reform the world, may tue, as we are about many trifling concerns, instruct his ignorant, or comfort his to what high degrees of sanctity might we afflicted neighbor: he who cannot com- ascend! How pleasant would it be at the municate instruction, may give alms. If close of any period of time, to look back even these are not in your power, the gate on a life no season of which was spent in of heaven is ever open; the throne of vain; to number up the days, the months, grace is ever accessible; and by your in- the years, that are marked with good tercession with God, society may reap deeds; to behold our youth, our manhood, more benefit, than from the bounty of the and our age, as so many stages in our jouropulent, or the labors of the learned. It ney to the land of Emmanuel? This was thus that Job improved his time, as would inspire us with that peace of God we learn from his affecting complaint, which passeth all understanding. This when he reviewed the days of his pros- would cheer the traveller in the decline perity: " O that I were as in months past, of his days. His evening would be bright as in the days when God preserved me; and pleasant, and his sun go down in glory. as in the days of my youth, when the can- Life thus spent would make us triumph in dle of the Lord shined upon my head, death. Time thus improved would niake when the Almighty was yet with me, when us rejoice through all eternity. my children were about me; when the I have thus given you some directions ear heard me, then it blessed me, when the for the proper imprbvement of time. The eye saw me, it gave witness to me, because second thing proposed, was to set before 30 SERMON IV. you the obligations to the practice of this called them forth, discover a spirit to duty, which I shall do by considering, in which they were strangers before, and disthe first place, your nature as men, and, in play to the world abilities and virtues the second place, your expectations as which seemed to be born with the occasion? Christians. While there are so many splendid obIn thefJirst place, Let us consider our jects to allure the mind, why trust your nature as men. character to be evolved by accident; why It is a study full of instruction to the leave your glory in the power of fortune? curious or the pious mind, to contemplate This activity is not only the source of the appearances in the universe, and trace our excellence, but also gives rise to our the laws by which it is governed. All greatest enjoyments. Even the lower class nature is busy and active. Something is of enjoyments, animal pleasures, are not ever coming forward in the creation; in only consistent with a life of activity, but the moral world, as well as in the natural, also derive from it additional sweets. there is a design going on. The great Hours of leisure, suppose hours of employ-. purpose of nature in our system is to dif- ment; they alone will relish the feast, who fuse existence; to multiply all the forms have felt the fatigues of the chase, But of matter and classes of being. Every ele- mere animal pleasures are not of themment is stored with inhabitants. Even selves objects for a wise or a good man. theloneliest desert is populous, and putre- Unless they are under the direction of faction is pregnant with life. Worlds are taste; unless they have the accompaniinclosed in worlds, and systems of being ments of elegance and grace; unless they going on, that escape the eye of sense. promote friendship and social joy; unless Such is the plan of Providence in this they come at proper intervals, and have inferior world. The order established at the additional heightening of being a rethe first of time is still advancing. The lief from business, they soon pall upon the divine Spirit, who at the beginning moved appetite, and disgust by repetition. Has upon the face of the deep, and turned a sensuality a charm when thy friend is in chaos into a beautiful world, still contin- danger, or thy country calls to arms? ues to move, inform, and actuate the great Who listens to the voice of the viol, when machine. Nothing in nature is at rest: the trumpet sounds the alarm of battle? all is alive, all is in motion in the great When the mind is struck with the grand system of God. Thou too, O man! art and the sublime of human life, it disdains appointed to action. The love of occupa. inferior things, and, kindling with the occation is strongly implanted in thy nature. sion, rejoices to put forth all its strength. One way or another, thou must be always Obstacles in the way only give additional employed. Woe to the man, who by his ardor to the pursuit; and the prize appears own folly is doomed to bear the pains and then the most tempting to the view, when penalties of idleness. Rest is the void the ascent is arduous, and when the path which mind abhors. An idle man is the is marked with blood. Hence that life is most miserable of all the creatures of God. chosen, where incentives to action abound; He falls upon a thousand schemes to fill hence serious engagements are the preferup his hours, and rather than want employ- able objects of pursuit; hence the most ment, is contented to lie upon the torture animating occasions of life are calls to of the mind, while the cards are shuffling, danger and hardship, not invitations to or the die is depending. The glory of safety and ease; and hence man himself, our nature is founded upon exertions of in his highest excellence, is found to pine activity. From the want of them, those in the lap of repose, and to exult. in the in the more affluent stations of life, whose midst of alarms that seem to threaten his fortune is made at their birth, so often being. All the faculties of his frame enfail in attaining to the higher improve. gage him to action; the higher powers of ments and honors of their nature. Have the soul, as well as the softer feelings of you not, on the other hand, seen men, the heart; wisdom and magnanimity, as when business roused them from their well as pity and tenderness, carry a maniusual indolence, when great occasion fest reference to the arduous career he has ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF TIME. 31 to run, the difficulties with which he is it is the case with a great part of men, destined to struggle, and the sorrows he is what better are ye than the animals of the appointed to bear. Happiness to him is field or the forest? Like you they sleep an exertion of soul. They know not what and they wake; like you they eat and they say, who cry out, " Let us build ta- they drink; like you they perform the bernacles of rest." They mistake very various functions of nature. Alas! my much the nature of man, and go in quest brethren, did Almighty God create you of felicity to no purpose, who seek for it after his own image, that you might sink in what are called the enjoyments of life; that image to the resemblance of a beast? who seek for it in a termination of labor For, what have you done since you came and a period of repose. It is not in the into being, to distinguish yourselves from calm scene; it is in the tempest; it is in the brutes that perish? Have you glorithe whirlwind; it is in the thunder that fled God in all your actions? Have you this Genius resides. When once you have made your calling and election sure, by a discovered the bias of the mind; when lively faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, by once you have recognised your path in repentance from dead works, and by unilife; when once you have found out the versal purity of heart and life? Have object of the soul, you will bend to it you enriched your mind with the treasures alone; like an eagle when he has tasted of wisdom? Have you adorned your life the blood of his prey, who disdains the with the beauties of holiness! Have you objects of his former pursuit, and follows laid up many deeds of piety and charity, on in his path through the heavens. as a good foundation against the time to Thus have I set before you your obliga- come? Unless you have done these things, tions as men, to make a right use of life, you have done nothing. You have been and have shown you, from the principles blanks in the universe. You are as if you of nature alone, without having recourse had never been. You have been fast to Christianity, that the excellency and asleep; nor has your sleep been the less the happiness of man consists in a virtuous sound, that you have dreamed you were course of action, and in making a proper awake. improvement of time. Letus now, in the I now call upon you to arise, or be second place, take in the considerations for ever fallen. It is now high time to suggested by the Christian religion, and awake. Almighty God now calls upon see what new obligations arise from it, to you to finish the work which he hath given urge us to redeem the time. you to do. Glory and honor and immorIt is the doctrine of revelation, then, tality are set before you. Up then and that the present life is a state of probation be doing, and the Lord shall be with thee. for the life to come; that we are now With such views of your duty, and upon training up for an everlasting existence; these principles of action, you will never and that according to our works here, we join in the apology which some make for shall be judged in a future world. Ac- themselves, that the general tenor of their cording, therefore, as you now sow, here- life is innocence, and that they have at after you shall reap. The time is now least the negative merit to do no harm. passing that decides your fate for ever. Perhaps this account may be true; but The hours are at this instant on the wing, let me ask such persons, Have you ever upon which eternity depends. In this considered the parable of the master who view, let me exhort you to look back upon called his servants to account? He deyour past life. Call your former hours livered talents to each of them, according to an adcount. Ask them what report they as he saw fit, with this charge, " Occupy have carried to heaven. Is there any till I come." The servant who received the thing in your life, to distinguish it from one talent, was negligent and slothful. He mere existence? Do you discern any wrapt up his talent in anapkin, and hid it thing but shadows in that mirror which in the earth. He thought he did well, if remembrance holds up? Is the book of he secured the capital till his Lord's rememory one vast blank, or blotted all turn. But the master received the talent over? If this be the cases and I am afraid with indignation. He cast the unprofit 32 SERMON IV. able servant into outer darkness, and con- abyss of eternity; to that awful abyss, to demned him to weeping and wailing and which all things go, and from which nothgnashing of teeth. The poor wretch was ing returns. The great drama of life is neither a thief nor a murderer. He had perpetually going on. Age succeeds to not wasted his Lord's goods. Ile had age, and generation to generation. Not your plea, he had done no harm. But he long ago, our fathers trod the path which was found guilty of idleness and sloth; he their fathers had trodden before them; received his sentence, and was condemned we have come into their room, and now to punishment. That which is the ground supply their places. In a little time we of your security, could not save him from must resign to another race, who in their condemnation. turn also shall pass away, and give place But in good earnest, Do you no harm? to a new generation. The race of men, Is it no harm to wander from the cradle saith a Jewish writer, is like the leaves to the grave, in a labyrinth of amusements, of the trees. They come forth in spring, either vain or childish? Is it no harm to and clothe the wood with robes of green. waste in dissipation and expensive plea- In autumn they wither; they fall; the sure, that wealth which might have saved winter wind scatters them on the earth. an honest family fronm beggary and want? Another race comes in the season, and Is it no harm to squander in one con- clothes the forest again. tinued round of vanity and folly, those pre- Consider the world, my friends, as you cious hours on which your future happi- saw it at first, and as you see it now. You ness depends? If there be harm in humnan have marked vicissitude and alteration in actions, this is harm. It is a criminal all human affairs. You have seen changes negligence which will turn the scale of in almost every department of life. You your eternal doom. have seen new ministers at the court, new To you, my younger friends, this duty judges on the bench, and new priests at recommends itself under the most in- the altar of the Lord. You have seen difteresting claims. You are now in that ferent kings upon the throne. You have period, when time can be improved to the seen peace and war, and war and peace best advantage. With you, every hour of again. How many of your equals in age life is precious. The misimprovement of have you survived? How many younger youthful days is more than the loss of than you, have you-carried to the grave? time. It were of little consequence to Year after year bath made a blank in the throw away a few days from your life; number of your fiiends. Your own but along with these, you cut off the sub- country bath insensibly become a strange stantial improvements, the real joys of land, and a lnew world bath risen around maturer age. Figure to yourselves the you, before you perceived that the old loss which the year would sustain, if the had passed away. The same fate that spring were taken away; such a loss you hath taken your friends, awaits you. Even sustain. No tears, nor lamentations, nor now the decree -is gone forth. The king bitter upbraidings, will ever recall that of terrors hath received his commission, golden period. The star sets, to rise no and is now on his way. If you have mismore; the flood rolls away, never to return. employed your time, that talent which Your own experience, my aged breth- God hath put into your hand; if your life ren, will urge the instant necessity of re- is marked with guilt or folly, how will you deeming the time. Consider the fate that answer to your own heart at that awful awaits you soon. A few steps will bring hour? For previous to the general doom, you to the threshold of that house which Almighty God hath appointed a day of is appointed for all living. Man that is judgment in the breast of every man. The born of a woman is of few days. He last hour is ordained to pass sentence on cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down; all the rest. The actions of your former he flieth as a shadow, and continueth not. life will there meet you again. How will By the unalterable law of nature, all you then answer at the bar of yvour own things here hasten to an end. An irresisti- heart, when the collected crimes of a ble rapidity hurries every thing to the lengthened life, at one view, shall flash ON REVERENCE AND HOLY FEAR. 33 upon the mind; when the ghosts of your where he tarried all the night. Agreeadeparted hours, of those hours which you bly to the simplicity of the ancient world, have mnurdered, shall rise up in terrible he laid himself down to rest on the open array, and look you in the face? What plain; without any pillow but a stone of the would you then give for that time which field; and without any covering but the you now throw away? What would the curtains of heaven. A stranger he was wretch who lies on a bed of agony, extend- to the elegance and luxury of after times, ed and groaning, who feels in his heart the but he enjoyed pleasures of a higher kind. poisoned arrow of death; who, looking The God of his fathers was with him. In back on his past life, turns aside from the the patriarchal ages, before a public revview; whlo, looking forward to futurity, elation was given to the world, the Deity discerns no beam of hope to break that frequently appeared to holy men in dreams, utter darkness which overwhelms him; and visions of the night. Accordingly, what would he then give for those hours Jacob, in his dream, beheld a ladder set which you now despise, to make his peace upon the earth, the top of it reaching unto with Heaven, and fit him for his passage the heavens, and upon it the angels of God into the world unknown? Remember, ascending and descending; and behold! my friends, that this is no imaginary case; the Lord stood above, and said, "I am it is a case which may soon be your own. the Lord God of Abraham, thy father, Be wise, therefore, while wisdom can avail, and the God of Isaac; the land whereon and save yourselves from the agony of thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to repenting in bitterness of soul, when all thy seed; and thy seed shall be as the repentance may be in vain. dust of the earth; thou shalt spread abroad To sum up all; my friends, the time is to the east and to the west; to the south short. We are as guests in a strange land, and to the north, and in thee, and in thy who tarry but one night. We wander up seed, shall all the families of the earth be and down in a place of graves. We read blessed." the epitaphs upon the tombs of the de- Did the Patriarch awake in a rapture ceased. We shed a few tears over the of joy, when he had been thus so highly ashes of the dcead; and, in a little time, favored of the Lord? You shall hear: we need from our surviving friends the " And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and tears we paid to the memory of our friends he said, Surely the Lord is in this place, departed. and I knew it not: and he was afraid, Time is precious. The time is now pass- and said, How dreadful is this place!. ing that fixes our fate for ever. The This is none other but the house of hours are, at this instant on the wing, God, and this is the gate of heaven."' which carry along with them your eternal Though he had ascended in the visions of' happiness or eternal misery. God, and beheld scenes of glory which, Time is irrecoverable. The clock is few are admitted to see; though he had wound up once for all; the hand is ad- received the most gracious promises of vancing, and, in a little time, it strikes your personal safety, of prosperous increase last hour. to his descendants, and of the Messiah. who was to spring from his race, neverthe-: less an impression of reverence and awe was the last which remained upon his SERMON V. mind. In like manner, my friends, although ON REVERENCE AND HOLY FEAR. you have the near prospect of commemorating the most joyful event which sigPSALM IV. 4.-"Stand in awe." nalizes the annals of time, yet if, at the approaching solemnity, God shall be in WHEN the Patriarch Jacob departed from this place, you will experience that state his father's house, and entered on that of mind which the Patriarch was in when~ state of pilgrimage, which only terminated he awoke from his dream, and an impreswith his life, he lighted on a certain place, sion of seriousness and awe will keep its 3 34 SEnMON V. hold of your hearts. There is a degree society at first was instituted; hence, atof reverence and holy fear which ever at- tachments are daily formed; and man is tends religion. Even when God manifests cemented to man by every feeling of nature, his mercy, it is, that he may be feared. and every tie of the heart. But, as we Hence we are called to serve the Lord abuse and corrupt every thing, the blesswith fear, and rejoice before him with ing of society is often turned into a curse. reverence. All objects make an impres- To innocent cheerfulness, a wanton levity sion upon the mind correspondent to their succeeds, which banishes sober thought, own nature. A beautiful object calls and laughs at every thing that is serious. forth pleasing ideas, and excites a gay How often, in life, do we meet with the emotion. A grand object leaves upon the sons and daughters of folly, whose sole mind an impression of grandeur. In all business is amusement; whose life is one sublime scenes, there is a mixture of the continued scene of idleness and dissipation; awful. The view of the skies by night; everlasting triflers, whose volatile minds the moon moving in the brightness of her are perpetually on the wing, as if they course; and the host of heaven in silent had been sent to this earth merely to play majesty performing their eternal rounds, the fool? strike an awe and adoration into the mind; Not that I condemn cheerful society we feel divinity present; we bow down and innocent enjoyment. When God and worship in the temple which the Most gives, let man enjoy. Let us drink from High God hath built with his hand, and the fountain of joy, when we are sure hath filled with his presence. The pres- there is no poison in the cup. But, my ence of a respectable character raises a brethren, I must remind you, that but a similar impression on the mind; and the narrow interval, often but asingle step, man, who sets the Lord always before him, lies between enjoyment and excess; bewill feel his heart impressed with that tween the voice of mirth, and the roar of mixture of seriousness and holy fear, riot; between innocent entertainment, and which the Psalmist here recommends, when a loose and licentious indulgence. Look he says, " Stand in awe." back on your past life, and tell me, O man! In further treating.upon this subject, I when was it that you felt yourself most shall, in the first place, point out the ad- strongly inclined to go astray? When was vantages of this seriousness and reverence it that you found yourself seduced in which we ought to maintain upon our thought, to wander from the paths of puriminds; and in the second place, show you ty and uprightness? Was it not in the the suitableness of this temper of mind to hour of levity and indulgence? Did not our present state. your heart betray you when your spirits Thefirst thing proposed, is to point out were elevated; when you had banished the advantages of this seriousness and rev- sober recollection, and delivered yourself erence which we ought to maintain upon over to the delirium of excessive joy? our minds. Here then is the advantage of seriousness The great art of happiness consists in and reverence. It places a guard upon regulating, with propriety, the various the heart. It keeps the world and its offices of human life. To allow no duty temptations at a due distance. It conseto interfere with another; to prevent de- crates the mind in which it resides, as votion from growing austere; and to re- with the presence of the Deity. A heart strain enjoyment from being criminal, is thus impressed with the fear of God will the mark of true wisdom, and of true not so readily be assaulted by the tempter; piety. Every department of life is beau- nor so easily yield to the temptation. All tiful in its season. There is a time to be impure and profane guest will hardly vencheerful, and a time to be serious: an ture upon hallowed ground, or dare to hour for solitude, and an hour for society. violate the sanctity of a temple. The Providence hath appointed great part of presence of a good man is a check upon our happiness to consist in society. We the turbulence and uproar of the giddy; find, in every situation of life, that it is they are inspired with a reverence for his not good for us to be alone. Hence, civil character; they feel how awful goodness ON REVERENCE AND HOLY FEAR. 35 is, and restrain themselves from those in- giddy, and the volatile, who are the sport decent levities to which they are accus- of caprice, or the prey of passion. Pertomed. If a regard for man has such in- sons of such a character have no permafluence upon the mind, what may the fear nent principle of action; they are the sinof God be supposed to have? The man ners or the saints of accident; and assume who is possessed of this holy fear, sets every folly to which the fashion of the the Lord always before him. He enters world gives its sanction. Very different beforehand into heaven, and dwells in the is the serious man, who communes with presence of God. And canst thou, O his own heart. He follows not the multiman! defile the purity of heaven with the tude. He possesses that strenuous and deeds of hell? Darest thou violate the steady mind, which walks by its own light, law in the presence of the Lawgiver? which holds its purpose to the last; that Darest thou sin in the very face of thy self-deciding spirit which is prepared to Maker? Wilt thou make the Judge of all act, to suffer, or to die, as duty requires. the earth the witness of thy wicked actions, Being thus, by the grace of God, the masthe beholder of thy loose moments? No. ter of his own mind, he is above the In such a presence thou wilt banish all world; and through prosperity or adverimpure thoughts, and all unhallowed affec- sity, through life or death, goes forth contions, like Moses at the burning bush, be- quering and to conquer. He is not guided cause the place whereon thou standest is by events like the giddy multitude, who holy ground. fall into any form by the fortuitous conThus, of itself, this serious frame of course of accidents; but, imitating the mind is the guardian and the protector of providence of Heaven, he takes a direction religion; and it also associates with other of events, and makes the course of human virtues which belong to the Christian affairs bend to his purposes, and terminate character. Those who are acquainted in his honor. with the nature of the mind, know the in- Further, this temper and disposition is fluence and extent of association upon hu- no less favorable to the milder virtues of man life and manners. It is not a single humanity. A serious mind is the comquality that marks and characterizes a panion of a feeling heart. It is akin to man; the virtues and the vices come in a that virtuous sensibility, from which all train; it is the temper of the soul which the sympathetic emotions are derived; is all in all in the conduct of human life. and readily associates with those good But to the temper and disposition here affections which constitute the most amiarecommended, the most respectable attri- ble part of our nature. The thoughtless butes of the mind, and the most amiable and the dissipated are unconcerned specqualities of the heart, are allied and pe- tators of human happiness or misery; they culiar. mar not their enjoyments by rushing into In the first place, this serious frame of foreign woe; and are never so much in mind cherishes those higher virtues of the earnest, as to give a tear to the distresses soul, which, in the emphatic language of of mankind. " They lie upon beds of the sacred Scripture, are called "the ar- ivory," saith the prophet; "they stretch mor of God." In the solemn silence of themselves upon their couches; they chant the mind are formed those great resolu- to the sound of the viol; and they anoint tions which decide the fate of men; that themselves with the chief ointments: but magnanimity which rises superior to the they are not grieved for the affliction of events of life; that fortitude -which bears their brethren." But he who feareth God up under the pressure of affliction; and will also regard man. The hour of incense that Christian heroism, which, neither has always been the hour of almsgiving. moved with the threatenings of pain, nor Whilst the heart is lifted up in devotion with the blandishments of pleasure, holds to God, the hands will be stretched out in on rejoicing to the end; are all of them beneficence to man. Think not, my friends, but expressions of this character, varied that these are duties of inferior importand diversified according to the occur- ance, and not proper to be called up to rences of life. They are the light, the your remembrance upon this occasion. 36 SERMON V. The ordinance which you are soon to cele- it will always endure, an invisible hand inbrate, is the communion of saints, and the terposes, and overturns it from the founfeast of love. The cup of blessing which dation. Who knoweth what awaits him we bless, saith the apostle, is it not the in life? Who knoweth the changes through communion of the blood of Christ? The which he is destined to pass? Son of prosbread which we break, is it not the cornm- perity! Thou now lookest forth from thy munion of the body of Christ? As we high tower; thou now gloriest in thine are all partakers of that one bread, so by excellence; thou sayest that thy mountain that participation, we being many, become stands strong, and that thou art firm as one body. Being thus the members of the cedar of Lebanon-But stand in awe. one body, the great law follows, which he Before the mighty God of Jacob, and by afterwards lays down, that if one member the blast of the breath of his nostrils, the suffers, all the members should suffer with mountain hath been overturned, and the it; and if one member rejoices, all the cedar in Lebanon hath fallen like the leaf members'should rejoice. before the whirlwind. At this very moThe second thing proposed, was to show ment of time, the wheel is in motion that you the suitableness of this temper of reverses the lot of men; that brings the mind to our present state. prosperous to the dust, and lays the mighty And, in the first place, it is suited to low. Now, O man! thou rejoicest in thy that dark and uncertain state of being in strength; but know, that for thee the bed which we now live. Human life is not of languishing is spread; pale, ghastly, formed to answer those high expectations, and stretched on thy couch, thou shalt which, in the era of youth and imagina. number the tedious hours, the restless tion, we are apt to entertain. When we days, the wearisome nights, that are apfirst set out in life, we bid defiance to the pointed to thee, till thy soul shall be ready evil day; we indulge ourselves in dreams to " choose death rather than life." Thou and visions of romantic bliss; and fondly now removest from thee the evil day, and lay the scene of perfect and uninterrupted sayest, in thy heart, thou shalt never see happiness for the time to come. But ex- sorrow: but remember the changes of this perience soon undeceives us. We awake, mortal life; for thee the "cup of tremand find that it was but a dream. We bling" is prepared, and the wine of asmake but few steps in life, without finding tonishment is poured " out." How often, the world to be a turbulent scene; we in an instant, doth a hand unseen, shift soon experience the changes that await us, the scene of the world? The calmest and and feel the thorns of the wilderness the stillest hour precedes the whirlwind, wherein we dwell. Our hopes are fre- and it hath thundered in the serenest sky. quently blasted in the bud; our designs The monarch hath drawn the chariot of are defeated in the very moment of ex- state, in which he was wont to ride in tripectation, and we meet with sorrow, and umph, and the greatest who ever awed the vexation, and disappointment, on all hands. world have moralized at the turn of the There are lives besides our own, in which wheel. we are deeply interested; lives in which In the second place, The propriety of our happiness is placed, and on which our this temper will appear, if we consider hopes depend. Just when we have laid a the scene that soon awaits us, and the plan of happy life; when, after the expe- awful change of being that we have to unrience of years, we have found out a few dergo. The sentence of the Lord is passed chosen friends, and have begun to enjoy upon all fiesh. Man, who art born of a wothat little circle in which we would wish to man! one day thou must die. The decree live and to die, an unexpected stroke dis- is gone forth, and the time appointed for appoints our hopes, and lays all our its fulfilment is approaching fast. Short is schemes in the dust. When, after much the period which is allotted to mortal labor and care, we have reared the goodly man. In a little time the scene changes, structure; when we have fenced it, as we and the places that knew us shall know us fondly imagine, from every storm that no more. We bid an eternal adieu to all blows, and indulge the pleasing hope, that below the sun; we enter on a new state ON DEATH. 37 of being, and appear in the immediate before you. When he blesses men with presence of God. After death comes the the greatest testimony of his love, it is by judgment. Thou must answer, O man, to smiting his own Son; when the gate of the Searcher of hearts, for the deeds done heaven is set open to the world, it is openin the body. The actions of thy past life ed by the blood of One who is higher than shall rise up to thy remembrance; the se- the heavens. Whilst thou rejoicest therecrets of thy soul shall be disclosed; and thy fore at the remembrance of thy redempeternal doom be fixed by God, the Judge tion, think with wonder upon the ransom of all. In thy last moments, thou wilt be by which it is accomplished, and implore serious, and stand inp awe. The most the assistance of the Divine spirit, that thoughtless sinner will stand aghast, and you may serve God acceptably, with revthe stoutest heart will tremble at that erence and godly fear. awful, that parting hour, when, to the closing eye, God appears, with as full conviction, as if the curtain between both worlds was withdrawn, and the Judge in SERMON VI very deed descended to his tribunal. How serious wilt thou be when surrounded by the sad circle of thy weeping ON DEATH. friends, thou readest in their altered looks that thy hour is come; when cut off from JoB xxx. 23.-" For I know that thou wilt bring thatthy. horicmct ome to death, and to the house appointed for all connection with mortality, thou takest all living." thy last look of what thou heldest dear in life; when the cold sweat, the shivering THIs book of Job contains the history of limb, and the voice faltering in the throat, a righteous man, fallen from the height announce thy departure into the world of prosperity, into scenes of great distress. unknown! What manner of persons ought Almost every affliction which falls to the we to be, who have such events awaiting lot of mortal man embittered his life. us! Ought we not to stand in awe; to His goods were taken away by robbers; join trembling with our mirth; to com- his body was smitten by a loathsome and mune with our hearts alone, and be still tormenting disease; his family was cut off, as in the presence of that God, before and all his company made desolate by a whose tribunal we have soon to appear? sudden stroke from heaven; his surviving In the third place, This frame of mind friends proved miserable comforters, and, is peculiarlyproper for you now, as a pre- instead of relieving, added to his afflicparation for that solemnity which you are tions. His head was bare to every blast soon to celebrate. Holy is every ordinance of adversity, and his heart bled with all of the Lord; but this is the holiest of all, the varieties of pain. In the course of and should inspire us with reverence and his complaint, he utters the genuine voice godly fear. You are to be engaged in the of sorrow, and pours forth his soul in lamost solemn ordinance of our religion. mentation and woe. He sets before us You are to be employed in the most im- the evil day; he shows us the dark side portant work of your lives, to seal your of things, and presents to view those vows in the faith of everlasting redemp- shades in the picture of human life, which tion. You are going to transact with the must one day meet our eye. From these God of Glory, before whom ten thousand calamities, he passes, by a natural transitimes ten thousand angels and archangels tion, to the consideration of the last evil bow down and admire and adore. You in human life: " I know that thou wilt are about to commemorate the most tre- bring me to death, and to the house apmendous event which is to be found in the pointed for all living." records of time; that scene which made Man is a serious being. There is a the sun grow dark, and which the earth string in the heart which accords to the trembled to behold. God shows himself voice of sorrow, and impressions of grief to be awful, even when he manifests his take the strongest hold of the mind. mercy, and causes all his goodness to'pass There is a time when solitude has a 38 SERMON VI. charm; when cheerfulness gives place to dust from whence he was taken.- Since melancholy; and when the house of that time, as soon as our eyes open on the mourning is better suited to the soul than light, we come under the law of mortalithe house of mirth. Even our amuse- ty, and the sentence of death is passed. ments often partake of a serious turn. In the morning of our day, we set out on For the sake of amusement, we give our our journey for eternity; thither we are attention to histories of woe; we sit spec- all fast tending; and day and night we tators to the scene of sorrow, and devote travel on without intermission. There is the hours to melancholy and to tears. no standing still on this road. To this And yet, by a strange perversion of mind, great rendezvous of the sons of Adam we though we rush into foreign woe, and take are continually drawing nearer and nearer. delight in weeping for the fate of others, Our life is for ever on the wing, although yet our own departure excites little at- we mark not its flight. Our motion down tention or regard, notwithstanding the the stream of time is so smooth and simany warnings which tell us that here we lent, that though we are for ever moving, have no continuing city. Although few we perceive it not, till we arrive at the weeks elapse without being marked with ocean of eternity. Even now, death is the funeral of a neighbor or a friend, doing his work. At this very moment of we remain in a criminal indifference; the time, multitudes are stretched on that bed tear is soon dried upon our cheeks, and from which they shall rise no more. The we muse upon the fate of our friends with blood is ceasing to flow; the breath is unconcern. If, by removing the thought going out; and the spirit taking its deof death, men could remove the day of parture for the world unknown. death, their conduct would admit of an When we look back on our former excuse. But whether you think of it or years, how many do we find who began not, death approaches, and the want of the journey of life along with us, and propreparation will only serve to sharpen the mnised to themselves long life and happy sting, by the surprise with which it may days, cut off in the midst of their career, strike. and fallen at our side! They have but Since we know then assuredly, that gone before us; one day we must follow. God will bring us to death, and to the 0 man! who now rejoicest in the pride house appointed for all living, let us con- of life, and looking abroad, sayest in thy sider, in the first place, the certainty of heart, thou shalt never see sorrow, for its approaching soon; secondly, the time thee the bed of death is spread; the and manner of its arrival; and, thirdly, worm calls for thee to be her companion; the change which it introduces. thou must enter the dominions of the In the first place, let us consider the dead, and be gathered to the dust of thy certainty of death's approaching soon. fathers. If then death be certainly apAll the works of nature, in this inferior proaching fast, let us learn the true value system, seem only made to be destroyed. of life. If death be at hand, then certainly Man is not exempted. There is a princi- time is precious. Now the day shines, and pie of mortality in our frame, and, as if the Master calls us; in a little time the we were only born to die, the first step night cometh, whenno man can work. Towe take in life is a step to the grave. It day, therefore, hear the voice which calls you was not always so. Adam came from the to heaven. " Now is the accepted time; hands of his Creator perfect and immor- now is the day of salvation." Whatsotal. The Almighty created man after his ever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy own image. He planted in his frame the might; for there is no work, nor device, seeds of eternal life,-to grow and flourish nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, through a succession of ages. This noble whither thou goest." shoot, Which the hand of the Most High In the second place, we may consider had planted, was blasted by sin. When the time and manner of the arrival of man became a sinner, he became mortal. death. The doom was pronounced, that, after few Death is called in Scripture, the land and evil days, he should return to the witlout any order'; and without any or ON DEATH. 39 der the king of terrors makes his ap- Solomon, "They make the strong men proaches in the world. The commission bow themselves, and the keepers of the given from on high was, "Go into the house tremble; make the grinders cease; world: Strike; strike so, that the dead bring the daughters of music low; darkmay alarm the living." Hence it is, that en the sun, and the moon, and the stars; we seldom see men running the full scatter fears in the way, and make desire career of life; growing old among their itself to fail, until the silver cord be children's children, and then falling loosed, and the golden bowl be broken, asleep in the arms of nature, as in the when the dust returns to the dust as it embraces of a kind mother; coming to was, and the spirit ascends to God who the grave like a shock of corn fully ripe; gave it." like flowers that shut up at the close of In the third place, We have to conthe day. Death walks through the world sider the change which death introduces. without any order. He delights to sur- Man was made after the image of God; prise, to give a shock to mankind. and the human form divine, the seat of so Hence, he leaves the wretched to prolong many heavenly faculties, graces and virthe line of their sorrows, and cuts off the tues, exhibits a temple not unworthy of fortunate in the midst of their career; its Maker. Men in their collective capahe suffers the aged to survive himself, city, and united as nations, have displayed to outlive life, to stalk about the ghost of a wide field of exertion and of glory. The what he was, and aims his arrow at the globe hath been covered with monuments heart of the young who puts the evil day of their power, and the voice of history far from him. He delights to see the transmits their renown from one generafeeble carrying the vigorous to the grave, tion to another. But when we pass from and the father building the tomb of his the living world to the dead, what a sad children. Often when his approaches are picture do we behold! The fall and desoleast expected, he bursts at once upon the lation of human nature; the ruins of man; world, like an earthquake in the dead of the dust and ashes of many generations night, or thunder in the serene sky. All scattered over the earth. The high and ages and conditions he sweeps away with- the low; the mighty and the mean; the out distinction; the young man just en- king and the cottager, lie blended togetering into life, high in hope, elated with ther without any order. The worm is the joy, and promising to himself a length of companion, is the sister of him, who years; the father of a family from the thought himself of a different species from embraces of his wife and children; the the rest of mankind. A few feet of earth man of the world, when his designs are contain the ashes of him who conquered ripening to execution, and the long ex- the globe; the shadows of the long night pected crisis of enjoyment seems to ap- stretch over all alike; the monarch of disproach. These and all others are hurried order, the great leveller of mankind, lays promiscuously off the stage, and laid all on the bed of clay in equal meanness. without order in the common grave. In the course of time, the land of desolaEvery path in the world leads to the tion becomes still more desolate; the tomb, and every hour in life hath been things that were, become as if they had to some the last hour. never been; Babylon is a ruin, her heroes Without order too, is the manner of are dust; not a trace remains of the glory death's approach. The king of terrors that shone over the earth, and not a stone wears a thousand forms; pains and dis- to tell where the master of the world is eases, a numerous and a direful train, laid. Such, in general, is the humiliating compose his host. Marking out unhappy aspect of the tomb; but let us take a man for their prey, they attack the seat nearer view of the house appointed for all of life, or the seat of understanding; hur- living. Man sets out in the morning of ry him off the stage in an instant, or his day, high in hope, and elated with joy. make him pine by slow degrees: blasting The most important objects to him are the bloom of life, or, waiting till the de- the companions of his journey. They set cline, according to the pathetic picture of out together in the career of life, and, 40 SERMON VL after many mutual endearments, walk the earth as it was, the spirit thall return hand in hand through the paths of child- unto God who gave it." Life and immorhood and of youth. It is with a giddy tality are brought to light by the Gospel recollection we look back on the past, of Christ. "We know, that if our earthly when we consider the number and the house of this tabernacle were dissolved, value of those, whom unforeseen disaster we have a building of God, an house not and the hand of destiny have swept from made with hands, eternal in the heavens." our side. Alas! When the awful man- The periods of human life passing date comes from on high concerning men, away; the certainty of the dissolution to change the countenance, and to send which awaits us, and the frequent examthem away, what sad spectacles do they ples of mortality, which continually strike become! The friends whom we knew, and our view, lead us to reflect with seriousvalued, and loved; our companions in the ness upon the house appointed for all path of life; the partners of our tender living. Death is the great teacher of hours, with whom we took sweet counsel, mankind; the voice of wisdom comes from and walked in company to the house of the tomb; reflections, which show us the God, have passed to the land of forgetful- vanity, will teach us the value of life. ness, and have no more connection with Such meditations are particularly suited the living world. Low lies the head that to beings like us, who are subject to inwas once crowned with honor. Silent is firmities and defects. For such is the the tongue to whose accents we surrendered weakness of human nature in this imperthe soul, and to whose language of friend- fect state; such is the strength of temptaship and affection we wished to listen for tion in this evil world, that frail man is ever. Beainless is the eye, and closed in often led astray before he is aware. The night, which looked serenity and sweet- enemy of the soul attacks us in every ness and love. The face that was to us quarter; approaches often under false as the face of an angel, is mangled and colors, and tries every disguise, to dedeformed; the heart that glowed with the ceive and to destroy. Vice often borders purest fire, and beat with best affections, on virtue; the narrow path and the broad is now become a clod of the valley. way lie so near, that it is difficult to disBut shall it always continue so? If a tinguish them, so as to order our goings man die, shall he live again! There is aright. Inadvertence may frequently behope of a tree if it be cut down; but tray; the impetuosity of passion may man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? precipitate, and the gentleness of our own Has the breath of the Almighty, which nature mislead us into steps fatal to our animated his frame, vanished into the air? peace. I speak not of wicked men, who acIs he who triumphed in the hope of im- knowledge no guide but their passions, mortality, inferior to the worm, his com- and submit to no law but what one panion in the tomb? Will light never vice imposes upon another. I talk of the rise on the long night of the grave? Does sincere and the good. The most watchthe mighty flood that has swept away the ful Christian has his unguarded moments; nations and the ages, ebb to flow no more? the most prudent man speaks unadvisedly Have the wise and the worthy; the pious with his lips, and the meekest lets the and the pure; the generous and the just; sun go down upon his wrath. Alas! the great and the good; the excellent Man in his best estate is altogether ones of the earth, who, from age to age, vanity, and always stands in need of the have shone brighter than all the stars of lesson from the tomb. " O that they were heaven, withdrawn into the shade of an- wise," said Moses, " that they understood nihilation, and set in darkness to rise no this, that they would consider their latter more? No. While " the dust returns to end! ON THE CHRISTIAN'S VICTORY OVER DEATH. 41 SERMON VII. It is the glory of the Christian religion, that it abounds with consolations under ON THE CHIRISTIAN S VICTORY OVERt DEATH. all the evils of life; nor is its benign influence confined to the course of life, but 1 COn. xv. 55, 5.-' deth! Where is t ~ thy even extends to death itself. It delivers sting? 0 grave! Where is thy victory? — Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory, us from the agony of the last hour; sets through our Lord Jesus Christ." us free from the fears which then perplex the timid; from the horrors which haunt THE Messiah is foretold in ancient pro- the offender, though penitent, and from phecy, as a magnificent Conqueror. His all the darkness which involves our morvictories were celebrated, and his tri- tal state. So complete is the victory we umphs were sung, long before the time of obtain, that Jesus Christ is said in Scriphis appearance to Israel. "Who is this," ture to have abolished death. saith the prophet Isaiah, pointing him out to The evils in death, from which Jesus the Old Testament Church, " Who is this Christ sets us free, are the following: in that cometh from Edom; with dyed gar- thefirst place, The doubts and fears that ments from Bozrah? This that is glorious are apt to perplex the mind, from the unin his apparel, travelling in the greatness certainty in which a future state is involof his strength? "-" I have set my King ved. Secondly, The apprehensions of upon my holy hill of Zion. I shall give wrath and forebodings of punishments, him the heathen for his inheritance, and proceeding from the consciousness of sin. the uttermost parts of the earth for his Thirdly, the fears that arise in the mind possession." As a Conqueror, he had to upon the awful transition from this world destroy the works of the great enemy of to the next. mankind; and to overcome death, the In the first place, Jesus Christ gives us king of terrors. victory over death, by delivering us from The method of accomplishing this vic- the doubts and fears which arose in the tory, was as surprising as the love which minds of those who knew not the gospel, gave it birth. " Forasmuch as the chil- from the uncertainty in which a future dren are partakers of flesh and blood, he state was involved. himself likewise took part of the same, Without Divine Revelation, men wanthat through his own death, he might de- dered in the dark with respect to an after stroy him that had the power of death, life. Unassisted reason could give but that is the devil, and deliver them, who, imperfect information on this important through fear of death, were all their life- article. Conjectures, in place of discotime subject to bondage." Accordingly, veries, presumptions, in place of demonhis passion on the cross, which you have strations, were all that it could offer to the this day commemorated, was the very vic- inquiring mind. The unenlightened eye tory which he obtained. The hour in could not clearly pierce the cloud which which he suffered, was also the hour in veiled futurity from mortal view. The which he overcame. Then he bruised the light of nature reached little farther than head of the old serpent, who had seduced the limits of this globe, and shed but a feeour first parents to rebel against their ble ray upon the region beyond the grave. Maker; then he disarmed the king of ter- Hence, those heathen nations, of whom the rors, who had usurped dominion over the apostle speaks, are described as sorrownations; then triumphing over the legions ing and having no hope. And whence of hell,.and the powers of darkness, he could reason derive complete information, made a show of them openly. Not for that there was a state of immortality himself, but for us did he conquer. The beyond the grave? Consult with appearCaptain of our salvation fought, that we ances in nature, and you find but few inmight overcome. He obtained the victo- timations of a future life. Destruction ry, that we may join in the triumphal seems to be one of the great laws of the song, as we now do, when we repeat these system. The various forms of life are inwords of the apostle; " O death! where is deed preserved; but while the species rethysting? Ograve! where is thyvictory? " mains, the individual perishes. Every 42 SERMON VII. thing that you behold around you, bears miserable. The world appears a chaos the marks of mortality, and the symptoms without form, and void of order. From of decay. He only who is, and was, and the throne of nature, God departs, and is to come, is without any variableness or there appears a cruel and capricious shadow of turning. Every thing passes being, who delights in death, and makes away. A great and mighty river, for ages sport of human misery. and centuries, has been rolling on, and From this state of doubts and fears, we sweeping away all that ever lived, to the are delivered by the Gospel of Jesus. The vast abyss of eternity. On that darkness message which he brought, was life and light does not rise. From that unknown immortality. From the Star of Jacob, country none return. On that devouring light shone even upon the shades of death. deep, which has swallowed up every thing, As a proof of immortality, he called back no vestige appears of the things that were. the departed spirit from the world unThere are particular appearances also known; as an earnest of the resurrection which might naturally excite an alarm for to a future life, he himself arose from the future. The human machine is so the dead. When we contemplate the tomb constituted, that soul and body seem often of nature, we cry out, " Can these dry to decay together. To the eye of sense, bones live? " When we contemplate as the beast dies, so dies the man. Death the tomb of Jesus, we say, " Yes, they seems to close the scene, and the grave to can live! " As he arose, we shall in like put a final period to the prospects of man. manner arise. In the tomb of nature, you The words of Job beautifully express the see man return to the dust from whence anxiety of the mind on the subject. " If he was taken. In the tomb of Jesus, you a man die, shall he live again? There see man restored to life again. In the is hope of a tree if it be cut down, that tomb of nature, you see the shades of it will sprout again, and that the tender death fall on the weary traveller, and the branch thereof will not cease. Though darkness of the long night close over his the root thereof wax old in the earth, head. In the tomb of Jesus, you see light and the stock thereof die in the ground; arise upon the shades of death, and the yet, through the scent of water it will morning dawn upon the long night of the bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant: grave. On the tomb of nature, it is but man dieth, and is cut,off; man written, "Behold thy end, O man! Dust giveth up the ghost, and where is he? thou art, and unto dust thou shalt reAs the waters fail from the sea; as the turn. Thou, who now callest thyself the flood decayeth and drieth up; so mnan son of heaven, shall become one of the lieth down, and riseth not; till the clods of the valley." On the tomb of heavens be no more, they shall not awake, Christ is written, " Thou diest, O man! nor be raised out of their sleep." But but to live again. When dust returns what a dreadful prospect does annihilation to dust, the spirit shall return to God present to the mind! To be an outcast who gave it. I am the resurrection and from existence; to be blotted out from the the life; he that believeth in me, though book of life; to mingle with the dust, and he were dead, yet shall he live." From be scattered over the earth, as if the the tomb of nature, you hear a voice, breath of life had never animated our " For ever silent is the land of forgetfulframe! Man cannot support the thought. ness? From the slumbers of the grave, Is the light which shone brighter than all shall we awake no more? Like the the stars of heaven set in darkness, to rise flowers of the field, shall we be as though no more? Are all the hopes of man come we had never been? " From the tomb to this, to be taken into the councils of of Jesus, you hear, "Blessed are the dead the Almighty; to be admitted to behold that die in the Lord, thus saith the part of that plan of Providence which Spirit, for they rest from their labors, governs the world, and when his eyes are and pass into glory:-In my Father's just opened, to read the book, to be shut house, there are many mansions; if it for ever? If such were to be our state, were not so, I would have told you: I we would be of all creatures the most go to prepare a place for you, and if I ON THE CHRISTIAN'S VICTORY OVER DEATH. 43 go away, I will come again, and take you sins; the tears of contrition may be ununto myself, that where I am, there ye available to wash away the stains of a may be also." guilty life, and the Divine favor may be Will not this assurance of a happy im- implored in vain by those who have bemortality, and a blessed resurrection, in a come obnoxious to the Divine displeasure. great measure remove the terror and the If in the calm and serene hour of inquiry, sting of death? May we not walk with- man could find no consolation in such out dismay through the dark valley, when thoughts, how would he be overwhdlmed we are conducted by a beam from heaven? with horror, when his mind was disordered Mlay we not endure the tossings of one with a sense of guilt? When rememstormy night, when it carries us to the brance brought his former life to view, shore that we long for? What cause have when reflection pierced him to the heart, we to dread the messenger who brings us darkness would spread itself over his mind, to our Father's house? Should not our Deity would appear an object of terror, fears about futurity abate, when we hear and the spirit, wounded by remorse, would God addressing us with respect to death, discern nothing but an offended Judge as he did the Patriarch of old, upon going armed with thunders to punish the guilty. to Egypt, " Fear not to go down to the If, in the day of health and prosperity, grave; I will go down with thee, and will these reflections were so powerful to embring thee up again." bitter life, they would be a source of agony Secondly, Our victory over death con- and despair when the last hour approachsists in our being delivered from the ap- ed. When life flows according to our prehensions of wrath, and forebodings of wishes, we may endeavor to conceal our punishment, which arise in the mind from sins, and shut our ears against the voice the consciousness of sin. of conscience. But these artifices will That there is a God who governs the avail little at the hour of death. Then world, the patron of righteousness, and the things appear in their true colors. Then avenger of sin, is so manifest from the light conscience tells the truth, and the mask is of nature, that the belief of it has obtained taken off from the man, when our sins at among all nations. That it shall be well that hour pass before us in review. Guilty with the righteous, and ill with the wick- and polluted as we are, covered with coned; that God will reward those who dili- fusion, How' shall we appear at the judggently seek him, and punish those who rment seat of God, and answer at the bar transgress his laws, is the principle upon of eternal justice? How shall dust and which all religion is founded. But whether ashes stand in the presence of that uumercy be an attribute in the Divine nature created Glory, before which principalities to such an extent that God may be ren- and powers bow down, tremble, and adore? dered propitious to those who rebel against How shall guilty and self-condemned creahis authority, and disobey his command- tures appear before Him, in whose sight ments, is an inquiry to which no satisfac- the heavens are not clean, and who tory answer can be made. Many of the chargeth his angels with folly? This is Divine attributes are conspicuous from the the sting of death. It is guilt that works of creation; the power, the wisdom, sharpens the spear of the king of terrors. and the goodness of God, appear in creat- But even in this view we have victory ing the world; in superintending that over death, through Jesus Christ our world which he has made; in diffusing Lord. By his death upon the cross, an life wide over the system of things, and atonement was made for the sins of men. providing the means of happiness to all The wrath of God was averted from the his creatures. But from no appearances world. A great plan of reconciliation is in nature does it clearly follow, that the now unfolded in the gospel. Under the exercise of mercy to offenders is part of banner of the cross, pardon is proclaimed the plan by which the universe is govern- to returning penitents. They who accept ed. For any thing that we know from the the offers of mercy, and who fly for refuge light of nature, repentance alone may not to the hope set before them, are taken into be sufficient to procure the remission of favor; their sins are forgiven, and their 4 a4 SERMON VIT. names are written in the book of life. by our Creator for enjoyments even in Over them death has no power. The king this life, we are endowed with a sensibility of terrors is transformed into an angel of to the objects around us. We have afpeace, to waft them to their native country, fections, and we delight to indulge them: where they longr to be. we have hearts, and we want to bestow This, 0 Christian! the death of thy them. Bad as the world is, we find in it Redeemer, is thy strong consolation; thy objects of affection and attachment. Even effectual remedy against the fear of death. in this waste and howling wilderness, What evil can come nigh to him for whom there are spots of verdure and of beauty, Jesus died? Does the law which thou of power to charm the mind and make us hast broken, denounce vengeance against cry out, "It is good for us to be here." thee? Behold that law fulfilled in the When, after the observation and experience meritorious life of thy Redeemer. Does of years, we have found out the objects the sentence of wrath pronounced against of the soul, and met with minds congenial the posterity of Adam sound in thine ears? to our own, what pangs nrust it give to the Behold that sentence blotted out, that heart, to think of parting for ever? We handwritin)g, as the apostle calls it, can- even contract an attachment to inanimate celled, nailed to thy Saviour's cross, and objects. The tree under whose shadow left there as a trophy of his victory. Art we have often sat; the fields where we thou afraid that the cry of thy offences have frequently strayed; the hill, the may rise to heaven, and reach the ears of scene of contemplation, or the haunt of justice? There is no place for it there; friendship, become objects of passion to in room of it ascends the voice of that the mind, and upon our leaving them, blood which speaketh better things than excite a temporary sorrow and regret. If the blood of Abel. Does the enemy of these things can affect us with uneasiness, mankind accuse thee atthe judgment-seat? how great must be the affliction, when He is put to silence by thy Advocate and stretched on that bed from which we shall Intercessor at the right hand of thy rise no more, and looking about for the Father. Does death appear to thee in a last time on the sad circle of our weeping form of terror, and hold out his sting to friends! How great must be the affliction, alarm thy mind? His terror is removed, to dissolve at once all the attachments of and his sting was pulled out by that hand, life; to bid an eternal adieu to the friends which, on mount Calvary, was fixed to the whom we long have loved, and to part for accursed tree. Art thou afraid that the ever with all that is dear below the sun arrows of divine wrath which smite the But let not the Christian be disconsolate. guilty, may be aimed at thy head? Be- He parts with the objects of his affection, fore they can touch thee, they must pierce to meet them again; to meet them in a that body, which, in the symbols of divine better world, where change never enters, institution, was this day held forth cruci- and from whose blissful mansions sorrow fled among you, and which at the right flies away. At the resurrection of the hand of the Majesty in the heavens, is just; in the great assembly of the sons for ever presented in behalf of the redeem- of God, when all the family of heaven ed. Well then may ye join in the trium- are gathered together, not one person shall phant song of the apostle, " 0 death! be missing that was worthy of thy affecwhere is thy sting? 0 grave! where is tion or esteem. And if among imperfect thy victory? " creatures, and in a troubled world, the In the third place, Jesus Christ gives kind, the tender, and the generous affecus victory over death, by yielding us con- tions have such power to charm the heart, solation and relief under the fears that that even the tears which they occasion arise in the mind upon the awful transi- delight us, what joy unspeakable and tion from this world to the next. glorious will they produce, when they exist Who ever left the precincts of mortality in perfect minds, and are improved by the without casting a wishful look on what he purity of the heavens! left behind, and a trembling eye on the Christianity also gives us consolation scene that is before him? Being formed in the transition from this world to the ON THE DOCTRINE OF A PARTICULAR PROVIDENCE. 45 next. Every change in life awakens how. If they look around them, they be. anxiety; whatever is unknown, is the ob- hold the earth clothed with an infinite ject of fear; no wonder then that it is variety of herbs and fruits, subservient awful and alarming to nature, to think of to their use, or administering to their dethat time when the hour of our departure light. If they look above them, they beis at hand; when this animal frame shall hold the host of heaven walking in brightbe dissolved, and the mysterious bond be- ness and in beauty; the sun ruling the tween soul and body shall be broken. day; the moon and the stars governing Even the visible effects of mortality are the night. If they attend to the course not without terror; to have no more a of nature, they behold with wonder the name among the living; to pass into the various revolutions of the year; the graddominions of the dead; to have the worm ual return of the seasons, and the constant for a companion, and a sister, are events vicissitude of day and of night. Whilst at which nature shudders and starts back. thus they are employed, they behold in But more awful still is the invisible scene, the heavens the glory of their Creator; when the curtain between both worlds they discover in the firmament the handishall be drawn back, and the soul naked work of Omnipotence, and they hear the and disembodied appear in the presence voice that nature sends out to the ends of its Creator. Even under these thoughts, of the earth, that all things are the workthe comforts of Christianity may delight manship of a supreme and intelligent thy soul. Jesus, thy Saviour, has the Cause. As from these events they conkeys of death; the abodes of the dead elude the Almighty to be the Maker of are part of his kingdom. He-lay in the the world; from the same events, they grave, and hallowed it for the repose of conclude that he is the Governor of the the just. Before our Lord ascended up world which he hath made, and that Divine on high, he said to his disciples, " I go to power is as requisite to preserve the order my Father and to your Father, to my God and harmony of the world now, as it was and to your God;" and when the time necessary to establish it at the first. But of your departure is at hand, you go to when experience unfolded to them the your Father and his Father, to your God powers of natural bodies; when they saw and his God. machines contrived by human skill, exEnlightened by these discoveries, trust- hibiting motions, and producing effects, ing to the merits of his Redeemer, and similar to those which they observed in animated with the hope which is set be- nature, by the impulse of matter upon fore him, the Christian will depart with matter; and when they saw these machines tranquillity and joy. To him the bed of regularly exhibiting such motions, regudeath will not be a scene of terror, nor larly producing such effects, although the the last hour an hour of despair. There head that contrived, and the hand that is a majesty in the death of the Christian. put them together, were removed from He partakes of the spirit of that world them; -this raised an opinion, in some to which he is advancing, and he meets speculative minds, that the world resembled his latter end with a face that looks to such machines; and that, as a clock will the heavens. show the hour of the day, in virtue of its original frame and constitution, without any further interposition of the artificer SERMON VIII. that framed it, so nature, in virtue of its original frame and constitution, may and ON THE DOCTRINE OF A PARTICULAR does produce every effect which we see PROVIDENCE. around us, without any further interposition of its Divine Author. PSALM xcVII. 1. —" The Lord reigneth, let the tion of its Divine Author earth rejoice." This opinion is frequently mentioned and confuted in the Sacred Scriptures. To thinking men, the universe presents a Those men are condemned whose belief scene of wonders. They find themselves it was, that, in the course of human affairs, brought into the world, they know not the Lord would not do good, neither would 46 SERMON VIII. he do evil. Although I seldom choose tablished by God at the creation from to carry you through the barren and un- which all the various effects in nature pleasant fields of controversy, yet, as this may be deduced, and into which they question affects so deeply our religious may mechanically be resolved? Can you comfort in this state, and our hopes of show the immediate cause of lightning happiness in a future world, I shall con- or of rain, or of any other phenomenon in sider it at large, and shall, in the first nature, and from the immediate cause place, Show you the absurdity of that ascend to the second, from the second to opinion which would exclude God from the third, and so upward till you come to the government of the world. Secondly, the last link of the chain, which hangs Establish and confirm the doctrine of a immediately upon the throne of God? particular Providence. Thirdly, Show This can be done in the works of art. An you the grounds of joy arising to the artist will show you the dependence of all world from such a Providence. the movements in a machine upon one anIn the first place, I am to show the ab- other. And when you are as well acquaintsurdity of that opinion which would exclude ed with the facric of the world, as you may God from the government of the world. be with the structure of a machine, you It has been thought by some, " That may then speak of your chain of mechanthe Creator of the universe formed the ical causes and effects. But, alas! the constitution of nature in such a manner most improved philosophy can do no more at the beginning, as to stand in need of no but skim the-surface of things; and in its succeeding change; that he established progress from the immediate visible to the certain laws in the material and in the first invisible cause, at one or two removes, moral world, which uniformly and invaria- itfinds its period, beyond which it cannot go. bly take place, producing all the effects Further, This mechanical system of which he ever intended they should pro- governing the world without the immediduce; as when an artist frames a machine ate interposition of the Deity, undermines for certain purposes, and for a limited du- the foundation of all religious worship. ration, the effects which result from it When we pray for our daily bread, what spring not fronm the immediate direction do we ask but the blessing of God upon and influence of the artist, but from the the earth, to yield her fruits in due season? original frame and composition of the When we ask the blessing of God upon machine. Such,. is the opinion of those our meals, what do we less than recognise who hold what they call a general Prov- his supreme power, and implore him to idence. We, on the other hand, maintain, make the gifts of his Providence the means that "Almighty God, upon special occa- of our sustenance and refreshment? This sions, directs and overrules the course of disclaims every notion of natural causes events, both in the natural and moral and effects that shuts out God; it supposes world, by an immediate influence, to answer his concurrence and co-operation directing the great designs of his universal govern- all the operations of nature. Again, when mnent." we pray for the graces and virtues of the With respect to a general Providence, spiritual life, what do we ask but the this mechanical system, this engine, by Divine aid to strengthen the good dispowhich some persons would throw out the sitions he bath already given us, and so to superintending Providence of Heaven, is direct and order the course of events, that a creature of the brain. It is a mere we may be kept from temptation, or not be presumption. It is by its own nature in- overcome when we are telnpted? But this capable of proof. From whence should supposes the superintendence of God over the evidence arise? Art thou who exclu- us; supposes his interposition in hudest God from his works, intrusted with man affairs; supposes his providence the secrets of heaven? Wert thou pre- continually exerted in administering to the sent when God laid the foundations of the wants of his creatures, according as their world? Wert thou privy to his counsels? circumstances require. If this account be Or do you now see, or can you show, that just, then our worship is a reasonable seroriginal cause, or those original causes, es- vice. But if these are vain words, then ON THE DOCTRINE OF A PARTICULAR PROVIDENCE. 47 our worship also is vain. Then every one planets in their respective orbits; we must that goes into his closet to pray, goes only own him in the earth; and in the seas, to to act foolishly; then all the good and the keep them within their proper bounds, and pious, every where over the face of the we must own him through the whole system whole earth, that are calling upon the of nature, to support and maintain that Most High God, are as uselessly, as ab- gravitating force which gives consistency surdly employed, as if they were falling and stability to all material things. Readown before a dumb idol, and paying son tells us, that it is not probable that the their devotions to images of wood or stone. Creator of the universe would forsake that Further still, this mechanical system, in world which he hath made; that it is not a great measure, annihilates the moral per- probable that a Being possessed of infinite fections of the Divine nature. It places the perfection can be an idle and unconcerned Almighty in a state of indolence, which is spectator of his own works. inconsistent with every idea of perfection; But our chief evidence for this doctrine it makes him an idle and unconcerned rests upon revelation. Mankind obtained spectator of his own works, and represents early notices of the Divine superintenhim as beholding virtue and vice, the sin- dence, by peculiar interpositions. In the ner and the saint, with an equal eye. history of the Old Testament, we have an There are many scenes in human life, at account of the loss of Paradise by sin; of which, if we were present, it would be the banishment of Cain for the murder of criminal for us not to take a part. Did we his brother; of the translation of Enoch, see the hands of the violent raised to shed as the reward of his righteousness; of the innocent blood, and not rush to prevent wickedness of the old world, and its dethe horrid deed; did we know the retreats struction by the deluge, Noah hnd his faof the robber and murderer, and not en- mily only excepted, who, by the eminence deavor to bring them to public justice, we of his piety, found grace in the sight of would be reckoned in part guilty of their God to become the father of the new world. crimes, as, by a criminal omission, we When this new world revolted from God, should endanger the peace of the public, and ran into idolatry, we see Abraham and the interests of society. If we, being called out to be the head of a mighty naevil, would abhor such a character, shall tion, which grew up and flourished, by a we impute it, can we impute it, to Him series of the most wonderful providences; who is infinite in goodness, and who is governed by laws of God's own appointpossessed of absolute perfection? To ment; with promises of protection and what purpose is God every where present, blessing, so long as they should be obeif he is not every where employed? Where- dient, and threatenings of punishment and to serves infinite power, if it must be for destruction, if they fell off to serve other ever dormant? Whereto serves infinite wis- gods; which in the event were punctually dom, if it is never to be exercised? To verified. This was a visible and standing what purpose are the Divine goodness, evidence of a governing Providence. The and the Divine justice, if we only hear of doctrine was thus established upon a higher their names? Are all the Attributes of authority than reason, and upon better the Godhead in vain? How false, how evidence than the light of nature. God absurd, how blasphemous, is an opinion revealed himself to men as the Governor thatwould destroy every Divine perfection! of the world, the avenger of the wicked, I have thus shown you the absurdity of and the protector of the good. But. althat system which would exclude God from though, in administering the affairs of the the government of the universe; and I am universe, the object of Providence should now, in the secozd place, to establish and I be to depress the bad and to favor the confirm the doctrine of a particular Provi- good; yet an exact retribution of rewards dence. This doctrine is founded both and punishments was none of the ends of upon reason and the Scriptures. his administration in this scene of things. Reason and true philosophy never This would have defeated the plan of his attempt to separate God from his works. Providence, and superseded the necessity We must own him in the sky, to hold the of a day of judgment. Nevertheless, he 48 SERMON VIII. would frequently interpose to punish sig- of his hand. And all this he performs, withnal wickedness, or reward illustrious vir- out unhinging the general system, and tue. Thus, in the early ages of the world, without any visible tokens to us, that he he did often miraculously interpose, to let is at all concerned, though in truth he is the nations understand that he took notice the effective agent. In like manner, we of their righteous or unrighteous deeds; may comprehend, in some measure, how that he had power to vindicate the honor God may direct, not only the motions of of his laws; and to make examples when- the inanimate and passive part of the creaever it was requisite, for the correction tion, but also the determinations of free and reformation of men. Miraculous in- agents, to answer the purposes of his proterpositions were not intended to be per- vidence. The hearts of men are in the manent or perpetual; yet the providence hand of the Lord, as much as the rivers of God was not to cease. Accordingly, of water. This does not in the least dehe took care to inform us, that what in the stroy the freedom of human actions. Every first ages he had done visibly and by mni- one knows that the acts of free agents are racles, he would do in the latter ages by determined by circumstances; and these the invisible direction of natural causes. circumstances are always in the hand of The Scriptures are so full of this notion, God. The dispositions and resolutions of that it would be endless to be particular. men are apt to vary, according to the difYou may read the 28th chapter of Deute- ferent turn or flow of their spirits, or their ronomy, where you will see all the powers different situations in life, as to health of nature summoned as instruments in the or sickness, strength or weakness, joy or hand of the Almighty, to execute the pur- sorrow; and by the direction of these, God poses of his will; where you behold them may raise up enemies, or create friends, commissioned to'favor the good with na- stir up war, or make peace. Take, as an tional prosperity, with domestic comforts, instance, the history of Haman. That with safety from their enemies, with fruit- wicked man had long meditated the deful seasons, with a numerous offspring, and struction of Mordecai the Jew, and rather with an abundance of all blessings; com- than not satiate his vengeance upon him, missioned to punish the wicked with na- would involve the whole Jewish nation in tional distress, with indigence, with slavery, utter destruction. He at last obtained a with destructions, and molestations of decree, sentencing this whole people to every kind, by war, by famine, and by all the sword; and the day was fixed. In this sorts of diseases. From all which, the crisis of their fate, how was the chosen plain inference is this, That the most nation to be delivered? Was God visibly common and most familiar events, are un- and miraculously to interpose in favor of der the direction of God, and by him are his own people? This he could have used as instruments, either for the hurt or done; but he chose rather to act accordfor the good of men. ing to the ordinary train of second causes. How this particular Providence oper- He who giveth sleep to his beloved, withates, may, in some degree, be conceived by held it from Ahasuerus, the monarch of us. Man, in his limited sphere, can take Persia. In order to pass the night, he some direction of natural causes. You called for the records of his reign. There can direct the element of fire either to he found it written, that Mordecai had dewarm or to consume; the elements of air tected a conspiracy formed against the and water to cherish and to annoy. Does life of the king, and that he had never not that power, then, in a more illustrious been rewarded for it. By this single cirmanner, belong to God? Is it not as easy cumstance, a sudden reverse took place. for Him, think you, to give laws to the Mordecai was advanced to honor and retempest, where to spend its force; to di- wards; the villany of Haman was detectrect the meteor flying in the air, where to ed; the decree fatal to the Jews was refall, and whom to consume? Are the ele- voked; and the nation of the Jews was mental and subterraneous fires bound up? saved from instant destruction. In like He can let them loose. Are they broken manner, in the history of Joseph, and othloose? He can collect them as in the hollow er histories of the Old Testament, you see ON THE DOCTRINE OF A PARTICULAR PROVIDENCE. 49 the most familiar events made instruments life. Many persons are accustomed to in the hand of God to effect the purposes complain concerning their situation and of his will. circumstances in the world. Their desires There is then a particular Providence. and their fortune do not correspond; they The arm of the Almighty, reaching from think that they are misplaced by Proviheaven to earth, is continually employed. dence, and look upon the lot of their All things are full of God. In the regions neighbors as more eligible than their own. of the air; in the bowels of the earth; and It is impossible, in the present system of in the chambers of the sea, his power is things, that all men can be alike. Nature, felt. Every event in life is under his di- through all her works, delights in variety. rection and control. Nothing is fortuitous Though every flower is beautiful, and or accidental. Let me caution you, how- every star is glorious; yet one flower exever, against abusing this doctrine, by celleth another in beauty, and one star judging of the characters of persons from exceedeth another in glory. There are their outward circumstances. It is to be also diversities in human life, and a beautiremembered, that the present life is not a ful subordination prevails amongst manstate of recompense, but a state of trial; kind. The Father of Spirits hath comconsequently, men are not dealt with in municated himself to men in different outward dispensations according to their degrees. But although all men cannot be true character. The goods of Nature and alike; yet all men may enjoy a great Providence are distributed indiscriminately measure of happiness. Every station in among mankind. The sun shines, the rain life possesses its comforts and advantages. falls, upon the just and the unjust. It is In those comparisons you make of your a dangerous error, therefore, to judge of life with that of others; when you would moral character from external condition in wish to exchange places with some of your life. This was the error of Job's friends; more fortunate neighbors. do you not althis the foundation of the censures they ways find something in which you have the cast against this excellent person, and for superiority? Is there not some talent of which they were reproved. The intention the mind, some quality of the heart, someof the book of Job is, to show the false- thing where you think your strength lies, ness of that supposition, by representing some one source of enjoyment, which you the incomprehensible Majesty of God, would wish still to retain? Is not this the and the unsearchable nature of his works. testimony of:-ature, that you are happier Many instances in Scripttre confirm the in that path of life, than you would be in truth of this observation. Who, that saw another? Wherever you are placed by David reduced to straits, wandering for Providence, the station appointed is the refuge in the rocks and dens of the wilder- post of honor. A general, in the day of ness, would have believed him to be the battle, marshals his army according as he. prince whom God had chosen? Who, sees proper, and distributes the posts of that beheld Nebuchadnezzar walking in danger and importance, according to the his palace, surrounded with all the pomp courage and conduct of his soldiers. Your and splendor of the east, would have be- Commander knows your abilities better lieved him to be the objeet of Divine dis- than you do yourselves; he prescribed to pleasure, and that the decree was gone you the duty you have to execute; and he out, that he was to be driven among the marked out the path in which you are to beasts? Who, that beheld our Lord in seek for honor and immortality. It is the form of a servant, would have believed from your discharge of these offices assignthat he was the Master of Nature? ed to you, that the happiness of your life, I am, lastly, To deduce the practical and the perfection of your character, are consequences from the doctrine, by show- to arise. It is not from the sphere they ing you the grounds of joy and consolation hold in life, but from the lustre they cast that it gives to the world. around them in that sphere, that men rank In the first place, The doctrine of a in the Divine estimation, and figure in thesuperintending Providence yields us joy annals of eternity. If, with five talents,, and consolation with respect to our lot in you gain five more, or if, even with one 4 50 SERMON VIIL talent, you gain another, you are as praise- from being marks of the Divine wrath, worthy as he who, with ten talents, gaineth the afflictions of life are tokens of the other ten talents. Divine love. While heedless and unthinkFurther, As in a'kingdom, every high- ing we go astray, God interests himself in way leads to the capital; as in a circle, our favor, and sends these his messengers every line terminates in the centre; so, to bring us to himself. It is but a narin the wide circle of nature, every line row and imperfect view we take of afflicterminates in heaven; and every path in tions, when we consider them only as trials. life conducts alike to the great city of God. They are not so much intended for the The present state is intimately connected trial as for the cultivation of virtue. They with the future; the life which we now are sent by Providence, to mortify your lead, is an education for the life which is unruly passions; to wean you from the to come. If your mind were enlarged to world; to prepare you for heaven. They comprehend all the connections and de- are sent for the improvement of your napendencies of things; if your eyes were ture; for the increase of your graces, and opened to take in the whole of your im- for the superabounding of your joy to all mortal existence, you would then see and eternity. When under the afflicting hand acknowledge, that Providence had assign- of Heaven therefore, you are standing a ed to you the very station you would have candidate for immortality; you are singled wished to fill; the very part you would out by Providence to exert the part of a have chosen to act. Trusting, therefore, christian, and you are called forth to in that God who presides over the uni- exhibit to the world a pattern of the sufverse; assured of that wisdom and good- fering virtues. He is but a novice in the ness which direct the whole train of the school of Christ, who has not learned to Divine administrations, each of us may suffer. The best affections of the heart, express our joy in the words of the Psal- the noblest'graces of the soul, the highest mist: " The lines have fallen to me in virtues of life, the offering that is most pleasant places: I have a goodly heritage: acceptable to Heaven, arise from the prothe Lord is the portion of mine inherit- perimprovement ofadversity. The blessed ance; the Lord will command the blessing, above, whom the Prophet saw arrayed in even life for evermore." white before the throne, came out of great In the second place, This doctrine will tribulation; the blessed above, whom he yield us consolation during the afflictions heard singing the song of Moses and the which we meet with in life. If we believed Lamb, learned the first notes of it on the that the'universe was a state of anarchy, bed of sorrow. confusion and uproar, that the Governor Such is the intention of afflictions which of the world was a cruel and malignant Providence sends, and even under these being, who made sport of human misery, afflictions God is with his people. You and took pleasure in punishing his un- are ever under the hand of a merciful happy creatures, such a thought would Creator, who doth not afflict willingly, nor overwhelm the mind; it would turn the grieve the children of men. He knoweth gloom of adversity into the shadow of your frame; he remembereth that you are death, and mingle poison in the cup of but dust; he will afflict you no further bitterness which we are doomed to drink. than you are able to bear; and as your But the Scriptures inform us, that the days are, he hath promised that your dark dispensations of Providence are part strength shall be. Nay, in all your afflicof that plan which has the good of the tions he is present with you, and the hand world for its object; take their rise from that bruised you binds up the wound. Let the goodness of our Father in heaven; are not then your hearts be troubled. Bear intended for the reformation and final up under the pressure of wo. Rejoice beblessedness of his children. The same cause the Lord reigneth, and exult in the word of life which says, "' Blessed is the language of the Prophet; " Although the man whom thou choosest and makest ap- fig-tree should not blossom, nor fruit be proach unto thee," says also, " Blessed is found in the vine; though the labor of the man whom thou chasteneth." So far the olive should fail, and the field should ON CHARITY. 51 yield no meat; though the flocks should port thy spirit. Thou canst not go but be cut off from the fold, and there shall be where God is. Around thee is infinite no herd in the stall, yet will I rejoice in love, and underneath thee are the everthe Lord, I will joy in the God of my sal- lasting arms. vation. " Thirdly, With respect to appearances of moral evil and disorder, it is afflicting to the mind to behold disorder in the uni- IX. verse of God: bad men often exalted, while the good man's lot is bitterness and ON CHARITY. pain: virtue depressed, and vice triumphant. He who caused light to arise out of IsAIAH LVII. 7. — " Deal thy bread to thehungry. darkness, and order and beauty to spring -hide not thyself from thine own flesh." from chaos and confusion, can correct these irregularities. He not only restrains, and WHY there are so many evils in the world, says, "' Hitherto, and no further." He is a question that has been agitated ever also overrules and makes the wrath of men since men felt them. As God is possessed to praise him. Hear how he gives cornm- of all perfections, he could have created mission, and sends Sennacherib against the universe without evil. To him, reIsrael, as a general sends a weapon of volving the plan of his creation, every war. "0 Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, benevolent system presented itself; how I will send him against an hypocritical came it then to pass, that a Being, neither nation, and against the people of my wrath, controlled in power, nor limited in wisdom, to tread them down like the mire of the nor deficient in goodness, should create a streets. Howbeit he meaneth not so, world in which many evils are to be found, neither doth his heart think so; " that is, and much suffering to be endured? It neither doth his heart think that he is a becomes not us. with too presumptuous a mere instrument in the hand of God. curiosity, to assign the causes of the DiDavid was raised to the throne of Israel vine conduct, or with too daring a hand, by those steps which his foes devised to draw aside the veil which covers the against him. The enemy of mankind, councils of the Almighty. But from this seducing our first parents, was the means state of things, we see many good effects of their being elevated to a greater degree arise. That industry which keeps the of happiness and glory. world in motion; that society, which, by Lastly, With respect to our departure mutual wants, cements mankind together; from this world, and entering upon a new and that charity, which is the bond of state of being, we know that the time is perfection, would neither have a place nor appointed, when dust shall return unto dust, a name, but for the evils of human life. and the spirit unto God who gave it. But Thus the enjoyments of life are grafted it is awful, it is alarming to nature, to call upon its wants; from natural evil arises up the hour when the union between soul moral good, and the sufferings of some and body shall be dissolved; when our contribute to the happiness of all. Such connection with all that we held dear in being the state of human affairs, charity, life shall be broken off; when we shall or that disposition which leads us to supenter upon a new state of existence, and ply the wants and alleviate the sufferings become inhabitants of the world unknown. of unhappy men, as well as bear with their But even then the providence of God will infirmities, must be a duty of capital imgive us comfort. The Lord reigneth king portance. Accordingly it is enjoined in for ever and ever. The dominions of the our holy religion, as being the chief of the dead are a part of his kingdom; time and virtues. There is no duty commanded in eternity, the world that now is, and the Scripture, on which so much stress is laid, world that is to come, confess him for as on the duty of charity. It is assigntheir Lord. When thou goest through ed as the test and criterion by which we the dark valley, be will go with thee: in are to distinguish the disciples of Jesus, the hour of dissolving nature, he will sup- and it will be selected at the great day, as 52 SERMON IX. being that part of the character which is, pests of society, useful subjects of the most decisive of the life, and according to commonwealth. If it be merit, and no which the last sentence is to turn. Chari- small merit it is, to improve the face of a ty, in its most comprehensive sense, signi- country; to turn the desert into a fruitful fies that disposition of mind, which, from field, and make the barren wastes break a regard and gratitude to God, leads to all forth into singing; it is much more merithe good in our power to man. Thus, it torious to cultivate the deserts in the takes in a large circle, extending to all the moral world; to render those who might virtues of the social, and many graces of be otherwise pernicious members of societhe divine life. But as this would lead ty. happy in themselves, and beneficial to us into a wide field,, all that I intend at the state; to convert the talent that was present is, to consider that branch of wrapt up in a napkin into a public use; charity which is called Almsgiving; and, and by opening a new source of industry, in treating upon it, shall, in thefirst place, make life and health to circulate through Show you how alms ought to be bestowed; the whole political body. Such a person and, secondly, Give exhortations to the is a true patriot, and does more good to practice of this duty. mankind, than all the heroes and man-deThefirst thing proposed gas, To show stroyers, who fill the annals of history. you what is the most proper method of The fame of the one is founded upon the bestowing charity. This inquiry is the more numbers that he has slain; the glory of necessary, as, in the neighborhood of great the other arises from the numbers that he cities, we are always surrounded by the preserves and makes happy. needy and importunate, and it is often dif- Another act of charity, of equal imporficult to distinguish those who are proper tance, is to supply the wants of the really objects of charity, from those who are not. indigent and necessitous. If the indusThe best method of bestowing charity trious, with all their efforts, are not able upon the healthy and the strong, is to give to earn a competent livelihood; if the prodthem employment: Almighty God created uce of their labor be not proportionable to us all for industry and action. He never the demands of a numerous family; then intended that any man upon the face of they are proper objects of your charity. the earth should be idle. Accordingly, he Nor can there be conceived a more pitiahath placed us in a state which abounds ble case, than that of those whose daily with incentives to industry, and in which labor, after the utmost they can do, will we must be active, in order to live. One not procure daily bread for themselves half of the vices of men take their origin and their household. To consider a pa. from idleness. He who has nothing to do, rent who has toiled the live-long day in is an easy prey to the tempter. Men hardship, who yet at night, instead of must have occupation of one kind or other. finding rest, shall find a pain more insupIf they are not employed in useful and portable than all his fatigues abroad; the beneficial labors, they will engage in those cravings of a numerous and helpless famiwhich are pernicious and criminal. To ly, which he cannot satisfy; this is sufficient support the indolent, therefore, to keep to give the most lively touches of compasthose idle who are able to work, is acting sion to every heart that is not past feeling. contrary to the intention of God, is doing Nor can there be an exercise of charity an injury to society, which claims a right better judged, than administering to the to the services of all its members, is de- wants of those who are at the same time frauding real objects of charity of that industrious and indigent. which is their proper due, and is foster- Another class of men that demand our ing a race of sluggards, to prey upon the charity, is the aged and feeble, who, after vitals of a state. But he is a valuable a life of hard labor, after being worn out member of society, and merits well of all with the cares and business of life. are mankind, who by devising means of em- grown unfit for further business, and who ployment for the industrious, delivers the add poverty to the other miseries of old public from a useless incumbrance, and age. What can be more worthy of us, makes those who would otherwise be the than thus to contribute to their happiness, ON CHARITY. 53 who have been once useful, and are still Concerning one class of the indigent, willing to be so; to allow them not to feel vagrants and common beggars, I have the want of those enjoyments, which they hitherto said nothing. are not now able to procure; to be a staff About these, your own observation and to their declining days; to smooth the experience will enable you to judge. furrows in the faded cheek, and to make Some of them are real and deserving obthe winter of old age wear the aspect of jects of your compassion. Of others, the spring? greatest want is the want of industry and Children also bereft of their parents, virtue. orphans cast upon the care of Providence, The second thing proposed, was, To are signal objects of compassion. To act give exhortations to the practice of this the part of a father to those upon whose duty. This duty is so agreeable to the helpless years no parent of their own ever common notions of mankind, that every smiled; to rear up the plant that was left one condemns the mean and sordid spirit alone to perish in the storm; to fence the of that wretch whom God has blessed with tender bloom against the early blasts abundance, and consequently with the of vice; to watch and superintend its power of blessing others, and who is yet growth, till it flourishes and brings forth relentless to the cries of the poor and fruit: this is a noble and beneficial em- miserable. We look with contempt and ployment, well adapted to a generous abhorrence upon a man who is ever amassmind. What can be more delightful than ing riches, and never bestowing them; as thus to train up the young to happiness greedy as the sea, and yet as barren as and virtue; to conduct them with a safe the shore. Numbers, it is true, think they but gentle hand, through the dangerous have done enough in declaiming against stages of infancy and youth; to give them, the practice of such persons; for upon the at an age when their minds are most sus- great and the opulent they think the ceptible of good impressions, early notices whole burden of this duty ought to rest; of religion, and render them useful mem- but for themselves, being somewhat of a bers of society, who, if turned adrift, and lower class, they desire to be excused. left defenceless, would, without the extra- Their circumstances, they say, are but ordinary grace of God, become a burden just easy, to answer the demands of their and a nuisance to the world? family, and therefore they plead inability, But there is a class of the unfortunate and expect to be exempted from the pernot yet mentioned, who are the greatest formance of this duty. Before this exobjects of all; those who, after having cuse will be of any avail, it behooves them been accustomed to ease and plenty, are, to consider whether they do not indulge by some unavoidable reverse of fortune, themselves in expenses unsuitable to their by no fault or folly of theirs, condemned rank and condition. Imaginary wants are to bear, what they are least able to bear, boundless, and charity will never begin, the galling load of poverty; who, after if it be postponed till these have an end. having been perhaps fathers to the father- Every man, whether rich or poor, is conless, in the day of their prosperity, are now cerned in this duty, in proportion to his become the objects of that charity which circumstances: and he that has little is as they were wont so liberally to dispense. strictly bound to give something out of These persons plead the more strongly for that little, as he that hath more is obliged our relief, because they are the least able to give more. What advantage was it to to reveal their misery, and make their the poor widow, that she, by giving her wants known. Let these, therefore, in a one mite into the treasury, could exercise peculiar manner partake the bounty of the a nobler charity than all the rich had liberal and open hand. Let your good- done! The smallest gift may be the ness descend to them in secret, and, like greatest bounty. the providence of Heaven, conceal the The practice of this duty, therefore, is hand which sends them relief, that their incumbent upon all. To the performblushes may be spared while their wants ance of it you are drawn by that pity are supplied. and compassion which are implanted in 54 SERMON X. the heart. Compassion is the call of our of obedience to his Creator, has cherished Father in heaven to us his children, to each generous and liberal movement of put us upon relieving our brethren in dis- the soul, with a head ever studious to tress. This is an affection wisely interwoven contrive, a heart ever willing to promote, in our frame by the Author of our nature, and hands ever ready to distribute to the that whereas abstracted reason is too se- good of his fellow-creatures, should notdentary and remiss a counsellor, we might withstanding be doomed to be an assohave a more instant and vigorous pleader ciate for ever with accursed spirits, in a in our own breasts to excite us to acts of place where benevolence never shed its charity. As far, indeed, as it is ingrafted kindly beams, but malice and anguish, in us, it is mere instinct; but when we and blackness of darkness, reign for ever cultivate and cherish it, till we love mercy; and ever. No, the riches which we have when we dwell upon every tender senti- given away will abide with us for ever. ment that opens our mind and enlarges The same habit of love will accompany us our heart, then it becomes a virtue. Who- to another world. The bud which hath soever thou art whose heart is hardened opened here will blow into full expansion and waxed gross, put thyself in the room above, and beautify the paradise in the of some poor unfriended wretch, beset heavens. perhaps with a large family, broken with misfortunes, and pining with poverty, whilst silent grief preys upon his vitals; in such a case, what wouldst thou think it SERMON X. reasonable thy rich neighbors should do? That, like the Priest and the Levite, they ON TIIE DANGER OF SMALL TRANSGRESSIONS. should look with an eye of indifference, and pass by on the other side; or like the MATTHEW V. 19.-" Whosoever therefore shall anod pass by ontheother side;orlike the,break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least wounded mind? Be thyself the judge! in the kingdoru of heaven." and whatever thou thinkest reasonable thy neighbors should do to thee, go thou THE Roman Catholics divide sins into and do likewise unto them. two classes, the venial and the mortal. Consider next the pleasure derived from In the first class, they include those slight benevolence. Mean and illiberal is the offences which, as they say, are too inconman whose soul the good of himself can siderable to offend the Deity, and, in the entirely engross. True benevolence, ex- second, those great and aggravated transtensive as the light of the sun, takes in gressions which expose men to the Divine all mankind. It is not indeed in your vengeance in the world to come. A1power to support all the indigent, incura- though this distinction, which overthrows ble and aged; it is not in your power to the law of morality, is abjured by all Protrain up in the paths of virtue many friend- testants, yet something like it is still reless and fatherless children: but if, so far tained by great numbers of men. What as the compass of your power reaches, the Papists call venial sins, they call sins nothing is deprived of the influence of of infirmity, human failings, imperfections your bounty, and where your power falls inseparable from men. And their own short, you are cordially affected to see favorite vices, whatever they be, they call good works done by others, those chari- by these names. Cruel is the condition ties which you could not do, will be placed of the human kind, say they, aDd rigorous to ydur account. To grasp thus the the spirit of the christian law, if we are to whole system of reasonable beings, with lie under such terrible restrictions; if an overflowing love, is to possess the breaking one of the least commandments greatest of all earthly enjoyments, is to shall exclude us from the kingdom of God. make approaches to the happiness of Will the Great Creator be offended by a higher natures, and anticipate the joy of few trivial transgressions; with little libthe world to come. For it is impossible erties, which serve only for amusement? that the man who, actuated by a principle If others take a general toleration, shall ON THE DANGER OF SMALL TRANSGRESSIONS. 55 we not have a.n indulgence at particular permanent and governing; they sleep and times? If we are prohibited from turn- wake upon their bad designs, and carry ing back in the paths of virtue, may we them along in their going out and coming not make a random excursion? If we in; and thus forming evil habits, make are not allowed to taste the fruits, may their lives a system of iniquity. Whowe not at least crop the blossoms of the ever does so, though it be only in the forbidden tree? While the waters of violation of what he reckons the least cornpleasure flow so near, and look so tempt- mandment, shall be called least in the ing, shall we not be permitted to taste kingdom of heaven; that is, shall be exand live? Will the Great Judge of the eluded altogether from it. world condemn us to eternal punishment, It is proposed, at this time, to set befor the indulgence of a wandering inclina- fore you the evil nature and dangerous tion, for the gratification of a sudden ap- tendency of the least transgressions. And, petite, for a look, a word, or a thought? in the first place, it may be observed, that As this is the apology of vice, which, at it is a series of little actions that marks one time or another, all of you make to the characters of men. Human life is not yourselves, I shall now show you the composed of great events, but of minute dangerous nature and fatal tendency of occurrences; and it is not from a man's those offences you call little sins. And in extraordinary exertions, but from his orentering upon the subject, Christians, I dinary conduct, that we form our judgmust observe to you, that the attempt to ment of his character. When a great join together the joys of religion and the event is transacting, a man is on his guard, pleasures of sin, is altogether impracti- he is prepared to act his part well, and cable. The Divine law regulates the en- often, on such occasions, in the hour of joymnents as well as the business of life. exhibition, he appears to the world a difYou are never to forget one moment that ferent person from what he really is. But you are Christians. The joys which you in the series of little actions, in the detail are allowed to partake of, are in the train of ordinary life, the turn of mind disof virtue. While you are pilgrims in the covers itself, the temper unfolds, the chawilderness, if you return to Egypt again, racter appears. It is then. when man is you forfeit your title to the promised land. himself, the mask falls off, and the true You have left the dominions of sin, you countenance is displayed. Human life have come into another kingdom; and if then, being a circle of petty transactions, now you revolt to the foe, you are guilty and the temper of men being known from of treason, and may expect to meet with their conduct in little affairs, our character the punishment which treason deserves. for virtue will depend on our performance How shall we distinguish then, you say, of what the world calls the least of the between the sins of infirmity, into which commandments. This is not peculiar to the best may fall, and the violation of virtue. What is it that constitutes the those least commandments which exclude happiness of domestic life? Not the singufrom the kingdom of God? I answer, lar and uncommon situations, but the faThe text makes the distinction. Sins of miliar and the ordinary: not the striking infirmity proceed from frailty and sur- events that fly abroad in the mouths of prise. The temptation comes upon men the people, bnt the daily round of little unexpected; the foe meets them unpre- things which are never mentioned. A miser pared; and, in such cases, the most cir- may have a feast, and be a miser still; he cumspect may be off their guard, and the only is a happy man who has his enjoybest natures may fall. But those sins ments everyday. With very great talents, which exclude from the kingdom of God, and without any remarkable vice, a man are from deliberation and full consent of may become a most disagreeable member the mind. The persons who commit them, of society, by his neglect of the attenas the text says, " teach men so;" that is, tions and civilities, and decorum of life. they justify themselves in what they do, In like manner, without being guilty of and sin upon a plan. Their evil inten- any enormous sin, by the habitual neglect tions are not occasional and transient, but of inferior duties, and by the practice 56 SERMON X. of little offences, a man may sin unto in those commandments as in these? Have death. you a dispensation granted you to take A good life is one of those pictures the name of God in vain in common conwhose perfection arises from the nice and versation, any more than you have to swear the minute strokes. It is not one blazing falsely before a civil magistrate? Have star, but the host of lesser lights, which you more liberty allowed you to wound forms the beauty of the heavens. In like your neighbor's character than you have manner, How does the great Judge at to shed his blood? No, the prohibition the last day decide the fate, and deter- extends to the one as well as to the other. mine the characters of men? You reckon The same authority that forbids the acsins of omission but little sins, yet, on ac- tion, forbids the desire. The same law count of these, the sentence of everlasting which says, Thou shalt not steal, says also, condemnation is passed. Because ye gave Thou shalt not covet. But you say, that no bread to the hungry, no water to the the indulgences you plead for, are with thirsty, and no raiment to the naked, re- regard to things in their own nature inlieved not the oppressed, and visited not different. Alas! if you had proper ideas the prisoner, therefore " depart into ever- of a God possessed of infinite perfection, lasting fire, prepared for the devil and his nothing that he commands or forbids angels." In like manner he determines would appear indifferent. To you it may the character of the righteous, not from appear a matter of little moment or conthe striking and splendid virtues they ex- cern, what the strain of your thoughts is, hibit to the world, but from the perform- or how the tenor of your conversation ance of the inferior duties of daily life: runs; but when you learn that your " Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit thoughts are known in heaven, and that the kingdom prepared for you from the by your words you shall be justified or foundation of the world." Why? Is it condemned, these assume a more serious for the splendid works of piety, for build- form, and become of infinite importance. ing temples to the Deity, or dying as mar- But if the things for which you beg an intyrs to the Christian Faith? No. Men dulgence are in their own nature small, may build temples, without love to the why do you not abstain from them? If Deity: they may die as martyrs, without the prophet had commanded you to do a real religion; but because ye have given great thing, you might have murmured food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, against the precept; but when he only enand raiment to the naked; actions of life joins what you yourselves reckon a little in which ye must have been sincere; be- thing, what pretence have you for a comncause ye never expected that such actions plaint? In place of being an excuse, this would be heard of, and the practice of is an aggravation of your offence. With them grew so much into habit, that ye your own mouth you condemn yourself. scarcely thought it a virtue to perform Can there be a stronger proof of a dethem. generate nature and a stubborn mind, than Secondly, These little sins attack 1he this inclination to disobey your Creator, authority of the Divine Legislator as in things that you reckon of little consemuch, or perhaps more, than great sins. quence? What can show a heart hardenEvil thoughts are as expressly prohibited ed against God, and set against the heain the Divine law as evil deeds. The same vens, so much as this refiactory and God who says, Thou shalt not kill, says rebellious disposition, which leads men also, Thou shalt not hate thy brother in to violate the majesty of the law, to inthy heart. What sentiment must you en- suit the authority of the Lawgiver, to risk tcrtain of the Majesty in the heavens, the vengeance of the Omnipotent, and to when his commands cannot restrain you pour contempt on all the perfections of the from the commission of the least sin? Divine nature, rather than part with what Hath not God forbidden the impure de- they themselves reckon small and inconsire and the malicious intention, as well siderable. as adultery and murder? And is it not In the third place, You may contract as much his will that he should be obeyed as much guilt by breaking the least of the ON THE DANGER OF SMALL TRANSGRESSIONS. 57 commandments, as by breaking the great- many small wounds, or by one great. est of them. You start back, and are wound? What great difference does it affrighted at the approach of great iniqui- make, whether the devouring fire and the ty; the heart revolts from a temptation everlasting burnings are kindled by many to flagrant sins; yet thousands of lesser sparks, or by one fire-brand? When God sins, evil thoughts, malicious words, petty shall reckon up against you at the great oaths, commodious lies, little deceits, you day the many thousand malicious thoughts, make no scruple to commit every day. slanderous words, dqceits, oaths, iinprecaBut the guilt of such reiterated sins is as tions, lies, that you have been guilty of, great, or greater, than that of any single sin. the account will be as dreadful, and the To hate your neighbor in your heart with- wrath as insupportable, as if atrocious out cause, to take every opportunity of crimes had stood upon the list. blasting his character, and defeating his In the foturth place, These little offences designs, makes you as guilty in the Divine make life a chain and a continuation of eye as if you had imbrued your hands in sins, so that conversion becomes almost his blood. To use false weights, and a impossible. Often, upon the commission deceitful balance, is as criminal as a direct of a gross sin, a sober interval succeeds; act of theft. He, who defrauds his neigh- serious reflection has its hour; sorrow bor daily in the course of his business, is and contrition of heart take their turn; a greater sinner before God, and a worse then is the crisis of a man's character; member of society, than he who once in and many improving this favorable opporhis life robs on the highway. The fre- tunity, have risen greater from their fall. quency of these little sins makes the guilt But if these little sins then come in; if great, and the danger extreme. The con- between the commission of one gross sin stant operation of evil deeds impairs the and another, there intervenes a constant strength of the soul, and shakes the foun- neglect of God, a hardness of heart, a dation on which virtue rests. Wave suc- vanity of imagination, and unfruitfulness ceeding wave undermines the whole fabric of life, you stlll add to the number of of virtue, and makes the building of God your sins, and treasure up to yourselves to fall. The thorns, which at first could wrath against the day of wrath. Such scarcely be seen, spread by degrees over little sins fill up all the void spaces; so the field, and choke the good seed. The that, by this means, life becomes an unlocusts, which Moses brought over the interrupted and unbroken chain of iniquiland of Egypt, appeared at first a con- ty. Thus you render yourselves incapable temptible multitude; but in a little time, of reformation, and put yourselves out of like a cloud, they darkened the air; as a the power of Divine grace. How is it posmighty army, they covered the face of the sible that you can ever come within the earth; they devoured the herb of the field, reach of mercy? How can the voice of the fruit of the tree, and every green God reach your heart? IIe speaks to you thing, and turned what was formerly like in the majestic silence of his works; but the garden of Eden into a desolate wilder- you reckon it no sin at all to- shut your ness. Thus these little sins increase as ears against the voice which comes from they advance; they blast where they heaven to earth, and reaches from one end enter; by degrees they make the spiritual of the world to the other. He speaks to life decay; they lay waste the new crea- you by the voice of his providence; but tion, and turn the intellectual world into you reckon it of little moment to regard a chaos, without form, and void of order. the doings of the Lord. He speaks to you And yet we are not on our guard against in the holy Scriptures; but you reckon them. It fareth with us as it did with the the precept to read these one of the least Israelites of old. We tremble more at commandments. He speaks to you iu the one Goliath than at the whole army of the ordinances of his own institution, but alas! Philistines. One gross scandalous sin how many hold it a little sin to absent makes us recoil and start back; and yet themselves from these altogether? And we venture on the guilt of numberless how many of those who attend, think it smaller sins, without hesitation or remorse. but a little sin to spend their time as unWhat signifies it whether you die of profitably as if absent! He speaks to you 58 SERMON XI. with the still small voice; his Spirit sons at their first setting out, would have whispers to your spirit. HIe seeks to trembled at the very thought of thesesins, enter in by your thoughts; but vanity, and which in time, and by an easy transition, folly, and vice, swarms of little sins, stop they have been brought to commit with up the passage. Thus every corner of life boldness. The traitor consigned to eteris filled up. Every avenue to the heart is nal infamy, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed shut. You no where lie open to the im- the Lord of glory, had at first only his pression of Divine grace, and the soul is covetousness to answer for. Fly, thereso full, that there is no room for the Holy fore, I beseech you, fly from the first ap. Spirit to enter. proaches of sin. Guard your innocence, as In the last place, These lesser sins in- you would guard your life. If you adfallibly lead to greater. There is a fatal vance one step over the line which sepaprogress in vice. One sin naturally leads rates the way of life from the way of death, to another: the first step leads to the down you sink to the bottomless abyss. second, till, by degrees, you come to the Come not then near the territories of perbottom of the precipice. Deceit, duplicity, dition. Stand back, and survey the tordissimulation in different matters, which rent which is now so mighty and overflowmany persons who maintain what is called ing, that it deluges the land, and you will a decent character, make no scruple to em- find it to proceed from a small contemptiploy, have a tendency to render you in- ble brook. Examine the conflagration sincere on more important occasions, and that has laid a city in ashes, and you will may gradually destroy your character of find it to arise from a single spark. integrity altogether. He, who tells falsehoods for his own conveniency, will in the natural course of things, become a common liar. The spirit of gaming perhaps you reckon a small sin. But whenever gaining is made a serious business, and the love of it be- ON THE DELIVERANCE FROM REMORSE. comes apassion, farewell to tranquillity and 1E. xi. 24.-" The blood of sprinkling, which virtue. Then succeed days of vanity and speaketh better things than that of Abel." nights of care; dissipation of life, corruption of manners, inattention to domestic REASON and philosophy have applied their affairs, arts of deceit, lying, cursing, and powers to external objects with wonderful perjury. At a distance poverty, with con- success. They have traced the order of tempt at her heels, and in the rear of all, nature, and explained the elements of despair bringing a halter in her hand. things. By observation and experience, Thus have I set before you the evil na- they have ascertained the laws of the uniture and the dangerous tendency of the verse; they have counted the number of least transgressions. And do you ask an the stars; and following the footsteps of indulgence in little sins, when you see how the Almighty, have discovered some of fatal they are? Do you still ask to make the great lines of that original plan acan excursion from the path of virtue? cording to which he created the world. Such an excursion if you make you will But when they approach the region of fall in with the road to perdition. Do spirit and intelligence, they stop short in you still wish to taste the waters which their discoveries. The mind eludes its unlawful pleasure presents to your eye? own search. The Author of our nature has Taste them you may; but be assured that cheked our career in such studies, to teach there is poison in the stream, and death in us that action and moral improvement, the cup. Alas! if we calmly indulge our- not speculation and inquiry, are the ends selves in the cool commission of the least of our being. Accordingly, the moral sin, who knows when or where we shall part of our frame is the easiest understop? If once we yield to the tempta- stood. Having been placed here by Provtion, in whose power is it to say, Hitherto idence for great and noble purposes, virtue shall I go, but no further? Many per- is the law of our nature. This being the ON THE DELIVERANCE FROM REMORSE. 59 great rule in the moral world, God has then, Let us consider the nature of that enforced it in various ways. He hath en- remorse which is the companion of a guilty dowed us with a sense or faculty which, mind. viewing actions in themselves, without re- Almighty God having created man after gard to their consequences, approves or dis- his own image, intended him for moral approves them. He hath endowed us with excellence and perfection. Hence all his another sense, which passes sentence upon passions were originally set on the side of actions according to their consequences in virtue, and all his faculties tended to society. He lhath given us a third, which, heaven. Conscience is still the least corruptremoving human actions from life, and the ed of all the powers of the soul. It keeps world altogether, carries them to a higher a faithful register of our deeds, and passes tribunal. The first, which is the Fmoral impartial sentence upon them. It is apsense, belongs to us as individuals; is pointed the judge of human life; is investinstinctive in all its operations; approves ed with authority and dominion over the of virtue as being moral beauty; and dis- whole man, and is armed with stings to approves of vice as being moral deformity. punish the guilty. These are the saneThe second, which is the sense ofzutility, tions and enforcements of that eternal law belongs to us as members of society, is di- to which we are subjected. For even in rected in its operations by reason, and our present fallen state, we are so framed passes sentence upon actions according as by the Author of our nature, that moral they are favorable or pernicious to the evil can no more be committed than hapublic good. The third, which is con- tural evil can be suffered, without anguish science, belongs to us as subjects of the and disquiet. As pain follows the inflicDivine government, is directed in its ope- tion of a wound, as certainly doth remorse rations by the word of God, and considers attend the commission of sin. Conscience human actions as connected with a future may be lulled asleep for a while, but it state of rewards and punishments. It is will one day vindicate its rights. It will this which properly belongs to religion. seize the sinner in an hour when lie is not Upon this faculty of conscience, the happi- aware; will blast him perhaps in the midst ness or misery of mankind in a great mea- of his mirth, and put him to the torture sure depends. A good conscience is a of an accusing mind. For the truth of continual feast, and proves a spring of joy this observation, let me appeal to your amidst the greatest distresses. A conscience own experience. Did you ever indulge a troubled with remorse or haunted with criminal passion, did you ever allow yourfear, is the greatest of all human evils. selves in any practice which you knew to Accordingly, the Christian religion, which be unlawful, without feeling an inward adapts itself to every state of our nature, struggle and strong reluctance of mind and carries consolation to the mind in before the attempt, and bitter pangs of every distress, has presented to the weary remorse after the commission? Though and heavy laden sinner, "the blood of no eye saw what you did; though you sprinkling, which speaketh better things were sure that no mortal could discover than the blood of Abel." The meaning it, did not shame and confusion secretly of which expression is this: as the blood lay hold of you? Was not your own of Abel, crying to Heaven for vengeance, conscience instead of a thousand witnesses? filled the mind of Cain with horror, and Did it not plead with you face to face, and as every sin is attended with remorse; so upbraid you for your transgressions? the blood of Jesus is of power to deliver HIave not some of you perhaps, at this the mind from this remorse, and restore instant, a sensible experience of the truths peace of conscience to the true penitent. which I am now pressing upon you? In In further treating upon this subject, I these days of retirement and self-examinashall describe to you the nature of that tion, did you not feel the operation of remorse which is the companion of a guilty that powerful principle? Did not your mind; and next the deliverance which the sins then rise up before you in sad rememgospel gives us from it, by means of " the brance? Has not the image of them pur. "blood of sprinkling." In the first place, sued you into the house of God? And 60 SERMON XI. are not your minds now stung with some and they said one to another, " We are of that regret which followed the first cor- verily guilty concerning our brother, in mission? that we saw the anguish of his soul when My brethren, there is no escaping from he besought us, and we would not hear, a guilty mind. You can avoid some evils, therejbre is this distress come upon us." by nmingling in society; you can avoid But that the prosperous sinner may others, by retiring into solitude; but this not presume upon impunity from the enemy, this tormentor within, is never to lashes of a guilty mind, and to show you be avoided. If thou retirest into solitude, that no situation, however exempted from it will meet thee there and haunt thee like adversity, and that no station, however a ghost. If thou goest into society, it exalted, is proof against the horrors of will go with thee; it will mar the enter- remorse, I shall adduce two remarkable tainment, and dash the untasted cup from instances of persons who felt all the horthy trembling hand. Whilst the sinner rors of a guilty mind, without meeting indulges his vain imagination; whilst he with any judgments to awaken them. The solaces himself with the prospect of plea- first is that of Cain, referred to in the sures rising upon pleasures never to have text. When the offering of Abel ascended an end, and says to his soul, Be of good acceptable and well-pleasing to God, Cain cheer, thou hast happiness laid up for was seized with envy; from that moment many years, a voice comes to his heart he meditated vengeance against him, and that strikes him with sudden fear, and at last imbrued his hands in the blood of turns the vision of joy to a scene of hor- his brother. There was then no law ror. Whilst the proud and impious Bel- against murder; and if antecedent to law shazzar enjoys the feast with his princes, there is no original sense of right and his concubines, and his wives; whilst he wrong implanted in the mind; if concarouses in the consecrated vessels of the science, as some affirm, was not a natural sanctuary; in a moment the scene changes; but an acquired power, the mind of Cain the handwriting on the wall turns the might have been at ease; he might have house of mirth into a house of mourning; enjoyed the calm and the serenity of inthe countenance of the king changes, and nocence. But when he was brought to the his knees smite one against another, tribunal of conscience, was his mind at whilst the Prophet, in awful accents, pro- ease? Did he enjoy the calm and the nounces his doom; pronounces that his serenity of innocence? No. He cried out hour is come, and that his kingdom is de- in- the bitterness of remorse, " My punparted from him. ishment is greater than I can bear.?' What It is in adversity that the pangs of con- punishment did he complain of? There science are most severely felt. When was then no punishment denounced against affliction humbles the native pride of the murder, and the Lord expressly secured heart, and gives a man leisure to reflect him from corporal punishment. But he upon his former ways, his past life rises had that within, to which all external punup to view; having now no interest in the ishments are light. He was extended on sins which he committed, they appear in the rack of reflection, and he lay upon the all their native deformity, and fill his torture of the mind. Hell was kindled mind with anguish and remorse. Men within him, and he felt the first gnawings date their misfortunes from their faults. of the worm that never dies. and acknowledge their sin when they meet Another remarkable instance of the dowith the punishment. The sons of Jacob minion of conscience, we have in the hisfelt no remorse when they sold their tory of Herod. John the Baptist, the brother to be a slave; they had delivered harbinger of our Lord, sojourned a while themselves from the foolish fear that he in the court of Herod. This faithful was one day to be greater than they; they monitor spared not sin in the person of a congratulated themselves upon the mighty king, but reproved him openly for his deliverance. But the very first misfortune vices. Herod, although he disliked, yet which befell them, a little rough usage in he respectel the Prophet, and feared the a foreign land, awakened their guilty fears, multitude, who believed in his doctrines. ON THE DELIVERANCE FROM REMORSE. 61 But on Herod's birth-day, when the hbers of the grave; it reanimates the bodies daughter of Herodias danced before him, of the dead; exerts a dominion over the he made a sudden vow, that he would invisible regions, and summons the inhabgrant her whatever she desired. Being itants of the eternal world to haunt the instriucted of her mother, she asked the slumbers, and shake the hearts, of the head of John the Baptist. One of the wicked. Tremble, then, O man! whosoconmmon arts by which we deceive our ever thou art, who art conscious to thyself consciences is to set one duty against of unrepented sins. Peace of mind thou another. Hence sin is generally committed shalt never enjoy. Repose, like a false under the appearance of some virtue, and friend, shall fly from thee. Thou shalt hence the greatest crimes which have ever be driven from the presence of the Lord troubled the world, have been committed like Adam when he sinned, and be terriunder the show of religion. Such was flied when thou hearest his voice, as awful the crime which we are now considering. when it comes from within, as when it The observance of an oath has, among all came from without. The spirit of a man nations, been regarded as a religious act; may sustain his infirmity; but a spirit and here a fair opportunity offered itself wounded by remorse who can bear? to one who only waited for such an oppor- The second thing proposed, was, to show tunity, to make religion triumph at the you the deliverance which the Gospel expense of virtue. If Herod had no in- gives us from remorse, by means of the clination to destroy the Prophet, and no " blood of sprinkling." This expression interest in his death, his conscience would alludes to the ceremonial method of exhave told him that murder was an atro- piating sin under the Old Testament, by cious crime, which no consideration could offering sacrifices, and sprinkling the blood alleviate, nor excuse; it would have told of the victim upon the altar. But as this him that vows, which it is unlawful to was in itself only typical of Christ, How make, it is also unlawful to keep; but welcome to the soul is the glad tidings of Herod was already a party in the cause; the Messiah, who did, what these sacrihe determined to get rid of his enemy; fiecs could not do,-actually save his peohe satisfied his conscience with some vain ple from their sins! By the atonement pretences, and gave orders to behead the and blood of Christ, the sins of men have Baptist. But were all his anxieties and been completely expiated. It is the voice sorrows buried with the Prophet? No: of the Gospel of Peace, " Take, eat, and the grave of the Prophet was the grave live for ever." What relief will it give of his peace. Neither the splendor of to the wounded mind, to hear of the blood Majesty, nor the guards of state, nor the of sprinkling, which speaketh better things noise of battle, nor the shouts of victory, than the blood of Abel! The Gospel could drown the alarms of conscience. being published to the world, and the That mangled form was ever present to offers of mercy through a Redeemer being his eyes; the cry of blood was ever in his made to all men, the sincere penitent acears. Hence, when our Saviour appeared cepts these offers, and flies for refuge to in a public character, and began to teach the hope set before him. Then Jesus and to work miracles, Herod cried out, in saves his people from their sins, he heals the horrors of a guilty mind, " It is John the mind which was wounded by remorse, the Baptist whom I slew; he is risen from and bestows that peace which the world the dead." cannot give, and cannot take away. There How great, my brethren, is the power is joy in heaven, we are told, over a sinner and dominion of conscience! The Al- that repenteth, and the joy of the heavens mighty appointed it his vicegerent in the is communicated to the returning penitent. world; he invested it with his own author- When he beholds God reconciled to him ity, and said, " Be thou a God unto man." in the face of his Son; when he hears, in Hence it has power over the course of secret, the blessed Jesus whispering in time. It can recall the past; it can an- sweet strains to his heart, " Son, be of ticipate the future. It reaches beyond good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee." he the limits of this globe; it visits theeham- is filled with peace and with joy; with peace 62 SERMON XII. which passeth all understanding; with up to listlessness; and others soon lose all joy which is unspeakable and glorious. remembrance of what they have heard, in His sins being forgiven, he is accepted in the next amusement, or in the news of the the Beloved. He is an heir of immortality, day. Even he who spoke as never man and his name is written in heaven; to him spake, and while he discoursed on points is opened the fountain of life. He has a of such importance as the loss of the soul, title to all the pleasures which are at God's had occasion often to take up the comright hand; to the treasures of heaven, and plaint, that in vain he stretched out his to the joys of eternity. He looks forward hands all day long to a disobedient people. with a well-grounded hope, to that happy To call your contemplation, then, to day, when he shall take possession of the these subjects, for they need no more but inheritance on high; he anticipates the to be considered aright, in order to be felt, delights of the world to come, and breaks I shall endeavor to show you the value of forth into strains of exultation, similar to the soul, from its native dignity, from its those transports of assurance uttered by capacity of improvement, from its immorthe apostle, " Who shall lay any thing to tality, and from its unalterable state at the charge of God's elect? It is God death. that justifieth; who is he that condemneth? Let us consider then, in thefirst place. It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is The native importance and dignity of the risen again, and who now sitteth and in- human soul. It is the mind chiefly that tercedeth for us at God's right hand." is the man. Our souls properly are ourselves. Thle bodily organs are the ministers of the mind; by these it sees and hears, and holds a correspondence with SERMON XII. external things. It is by our souls that we hold our station in the scale of being; ON THE VALUE OF THE SOUL. that we rank above the animal world, and MARK wV1. 36.-" For what shall it profit a man, claim alliance with superior and immortal if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his natures. As the soul is superior to the own souln " body, so intellectual pleasures exceed the sensual; as heaven is higher than the THERE is not a person in this assembly, earth, so the joys of a heavenly origin are but who assents immediately to the truth superior to earthly enjoyments. I mean of the maxim implied in the text. You not in the common way, to depreciate temall agree, that religion is the one thing poral possessions, as being insignificant in needful, and that above all things you themselves, and unworthy the cares or laought to seek the kingdom of God, and bors of a wise man. Such discourse is the righteousness thereof. But there is a mere declamation; it is against nature, wide difference between the assent of the contrary to truth, and makes no impression mind to the truth of this principle, and at all. Let all the value be set upon that deep conviction of its importance, wealth and temporal possessions which which, in Scripture, obtains the name of they deserve, as affording a defence from faith; sufficient to influence the heart, and many evils to which poverty is liable; as to determine the life. A great part of' ministering to the convenience, the consomankind seem to have no steady belief lation, and the enjoyment of life; as supthat they are endowed with souls which porting a station with decency and dignity are immortal; an eternity to come is with in the world, and as accompanied with an them merely a matter of speculation, and importance, by which a good man may find their faith in a future world has little much pleasure arising to hii;mnself, and have more influence upon their lives, than their the power of doing much good to his felidea of a distant country, which they are low-creatures; let all the value which never to see. Hence spiritual and eternal reason allows, be set upon temporal acquithings are heard with little emotion or sitions and enjoyments, still they are inconcern, while they are delivered in the ferior to those of an intellectual and moral house of God. Some can give themselves kind; still the maxim remains true, That ON THE VALUE OF THE SOUL. 63 he would be an infinite loser who should narrow limits, and the hero has often gain the whole world and lose his own wished for new countries to conquer: but soul. " Thou hast put more gladness into the empire of the mind has no limit nor my heart," saith the Psalmist, "than boundary: and we can never arrive at worldly men know, when their corn, and that period, where we may say, Hitherto their wine, and their oil abound.' And can we go, but no further. Never have do not your own feeling and experience we learned so much, but we may learn bear witness to this truth? Who will not more. Suppose life never so long, if the acknowledge that there is more excellence powers remain, new paths to science may in wisdom, than in mere animal strength? be struck out, fresh acessions to knowledge Who will not own that there is more hap- may be made. And we know from experipiness in the improving conversation of ence, thatthe largest measure of knowledge the wise, than in the tumultuous uproar proves no burden to the mind, nor weakof the debauched and licentious? Are ens its powers; but that, on the contrary, the rays of light as pleasant to the eye the capacity enlarges with the acquisition, as the radiations of truth to the mind? and that men, the more they have learned, Have sensual gratifications a charm for the more apt they are to learn; the less the soul, equal to intellectual and moral is their labor, and the easier their progress. joys? While the former soon pall upon Improvements in goodness keep pace the appetite, are not the latter a perpetual with improvements in wisdom. Repeated feast? While the remembrance of the acts of obedience grow into habit; the one is attended with no pleasure, is not penitent is confirmed in righteousness, and the remembrance of the other a repetition he that is holy becomes holier still. From of the enjoyment? the fulness which is in God, he adds grace But great as the dignity of the human to grace. The day of small things shineth soul is, it may be still greater; for, in the more and more; and that day is succeedsecond place, It possesses a capacity of ed by no night. The pilgrims, who at improvement. This constitutes one essen- first set out feeble and faint, grow vigortial difference between the intellectual and ous as they advance, going forward from the material world. All material things strength to strength; ascending from one soon reach the end of their progress, and degree of goodness to unother, they ap-, arrive at a point beyond which they cannot proach the everlasting hills, and, coming go. Instinct grows apace, and the animal within the sphere of heaven, they inhale is soon complete in all its faculties and the spirit of their native region, they feel powers. Man ripens more slowly, because the attractions of the uncreated beauty, he ripens for immortality. Those enjoy- they receive a foretaste of the fruits of ments and pursuits of man also, which do life, and with hearts already full of heaven, not belong to him as an immortal being, and ivith tongues already tuned to the songs come soon to their period. Amusement, above, they put on the brightness of angels, when continued too long, becomes a fa- and enter into the mansions of paradise. tigue. In pleasure there is a point, beyond In the third place, The value of the which, if it be carried, it is a pleasure no soul will further appear, if we consider more, it turns into pain. The pursuits of that it is immortal. All human things greatness too, are very limited, and the soon come to an end. Temporal possesrace of honor is soon run. After many a sions and earthly greatness have a short weary step, the votary of ambition finds date. The world itself is for ever changthat he has been running in a circle, and ing; the fashion thereof passes away, and that he is come- to the self-same point he who knows it in one age, in the next from which he set out. Mind, mind alone, would not know it again. How shortcontains in itself the principle of progres- lived are the enjoyments of this mortal sion and improvement without end. There state! Although the flowers of transient is no ultimate power in the progress of joy, more hardy than the gourd of Jonah, man: there is no termination to the career may outlive the heat of the morning, and of an immortal spirit. The dominions of glow amid the blaze of noon, yet when earthly greatness are circumscribed within the blast of evening comes, they are nipt 64 SERMON XII. and wither away. Ambition too has its the character for eternity. This is the day, and often a short one. Its votaries spring-time of everlasting life; according seem to be raised, but the more sensibly as we now sow, hereafter we shall reap; to feel their fall. The same whirlwind on our present conduct, depends our hapthat snatches them up from the crowd, piness or misery for ever. There is neibrings them down at even with tenfold ther repentance nor apostasy beyond the fury. Not to mention these more violent grave. The righteous can never fall away, revolutions, its natural period soon comes. and to the wicked there remaineth no He who runs the race of human glory, is more sacrifice for sin. From the judglost in the very dust that is raised around ment-seat of the Immutable, the voice is him. And such is the sudden end of all heard, "He that is righteous, let him be terrestrial enjoyments, when, after the righteous still; and he that is unjust, let study and the labor of years, we have him be unjust still." with much pains and care gathered to- But even here, too, appears that goodgether the requisites and materials of a ness of God which is over all his works. happy life, and say to yourselves, " Soul, For while we know not of any addition to take thine ease, thou hast goods laid up the torments of the wicked, the happiness for many years," the warning voice is of the righteous shall be for ever on the heard, " Thou fool, this night thy soul increase. That capacity of improvement shall be required of thee." So transient which we formerly ascribed to the soul, is is the date, so short the day of power, and a capacity of improvement without end. pleasure, and greatness! But wisdom The progress which begins here, is carried never dies; but virtue is immortal. We on hereafter. Heaven is indeed the resihave a higher life than that which beats dence of the spirits of just men made perin the pulse, and when the dust returns to feet; but it is not to be imagined; that the dust as it was, the spirit returns to they are all at once advanced to a perfecGod who gave it. It is indeed an awful, tion which they shall not to eternity exthough a pleasing thought, that we have ceed. They will indeed find their state an eternity before us. When the sun shall happy, when they are taken from this be extinguished in eternal darkness, when world; they will all be presented without the heavens shall be rolled together like a spot or blemish in the presence of God, scroll, when the earth with all its works with exceeding joy; but still there is shall be dissolved, the soul shall survive room left for their improvement in perfecthe general wreck, and exult in the enjoy- tion and happiness. It cannot, indeed, be ment of youth immortal! To think of an otherwise. For the more we know of the infinity of years of existence enduring be- Divine perfections and works, our venerayond all the numbers which we can add'tion and love of God will increase the together, beyond all the millions of ages more. Now, it is impossible that we can which figures can comprehend, and that, ever know so much of God and his works, when all this vast sum of duration is ex- but that we may know more. As our pended, our existence is but just begin- knowledge of God, therefore, and our ning, is, indeed, beyond imagination to views of the Divine glory will be enlarged grasp. Never to come to an end, never without end, our love and admiration of to be nearer an end, is indeed amazing, him will also increase for ever. And in overwhelming, and incomprehensible to the proportion to our love, our assimilation to mind. But such is thine inheritance, 0 the Divine nature, and our joy in the man! "Because I live," saith the Lord, Lord, will be. What a prospect, 0 Chris"ye shall live also." Our duration shall tian-, does this open up to thy mlind be coeval with His years who sits upon Here thou art at liberty to expatiate at the throne for ever; the Ancient of days, large! Here is a noble field for thy conwho is, and was, and is to come. temnplation! There is a time appointed In the last place, To show you the when thou shalt occupy that station which value of the soul still more, after death is now occupied by the highest angel in its state is unalterable. This is our state heaven. Not that we shall overtake the of probation, and now is the time to fix angels in their course, or, in the career ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 65 of immortality, press upon natures of a banquet for his friends; when the Spirit superior order; but that we shall make saith, Come; when the Church saith, advances in moral perfections, and im- Come; when he that is athirst is invited prove in the beauties of immortality. to come; and happy will it be when the God shall behold his great family for ever friends of Jesus prepare to meet with brightening in holiness; for ever drawing their Lord, if those who have hitherto nearer and nearer in likeness to himself. been strangers to the holy hill, shall be The river of their pleasures increases as it attracted with the beauty which is in true rolls. The fulness of their joy grows holiness, also to come and to take the more and more full. Throughout all the waters of life freely. For thus runs the ages of eternity, there is still a heaven gracious promise of Heaven: " The stranwhich is to come; still a glory which is gers who join themselves to the Lord, to to be revealed. love him and to serve him, even them will If the soul then be of such infinite I bring to my holy mountain, and make value, how inexpressibly great must the them "joyful in my house of prayer." loss of it be! Over the mansions of utter In further treating on this subject, what darkness, the Scriptures draw a veil which I intend at present, is, in the first place. does not authorize our conjectures. What To explain the nature of that approach is comprehended under these awful em-. which the devout make to God; and, in blems, the worm that never dies, the fire the second place, Set before you the adthat is not quenched, everlasting destruc- vantages which accompany such an aption from the presence of the Lord, and proach. the glory of his power, we do not know. I am, in the first place, then, To exMay the Almighty forbid, that any of us plain the nafure of that approach which should ever know! But of this, the Scrip- the devout make to God. tures assure us, that from these mansions This earth is not the native region of there is no return; that the gates of the that spirit which is in man. It finds not eternal world shut to open no more, and objects here congenial with its nature, nor that when the soul is once lost, it is lost a sphere adequate to its faculties. It for ever and for ever! wants room to expand to its full dimensions; to spread so wide, and stretch so - far, and soar so high, as its immortal nature and unbounded capacity will admit. SERMON XIII. Descended from heaven, it aspires to heaven again. Created immortal, nothing ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. that is mortal can satisfy its desires.. Made after the image of God, it tends to. PSALM XLIII. 4.-" I will go unto the altar of that God whose lineaments it still bears.. God, unto God my exceeding joy." When we approach to God, therefore, wefind objects suited to our nature, and en — CHRISTIANS, as we are next Lord's day to gage in the employment for which the go to the altar, and approach unto God, it soul was made. Here we are at home in. may be proper for me now to explain the our Father's house. Here our spirits asnature, and set before you the advantages, pire to hold communion with the everlastof such an approach. ing Spirit; and we tend to heaven with. The pleasures of devotion have been exceeding joy, as to out native country. the theme of good omen in all ages; and The sense of Deity is akin to the percepthey are pleasures of such a kind as good tion of beauty and the sensibility of taste.. men only can feel. In what I am now to We are formed by the author of our nasay therefore, I must appeal to the heart, ture to feel certain movements of mind at to the hearts of those who, in times past, the sight of certain objects, Even inanihave felt the joy of spiritual communion, mate things are not without their attrac — and who will again feel that it is good tions. The flowers of the field have their still for them to draw nigh unto God.' beauty. Animal life rises in our regard.. This is the time when Jesus prepares a Rational excellence and. moral perfectiont 5 66 SERMON XIII. rank still higher in our esteem, and when ing and adoring, as Moses to the burning expressed in action, and appearing in life, bush, and as the High Priest of old to awake emotions of the noblest kind, and the holy of holies. They look beyond the beget a pleasure which is supreme. Let externals of a sacrament, and, under the any person of a right constituted mind symbols in the communion, they discern place before his view a character of high the mysteries of redeeming love. Noteminence for generosity, fidelity, forti- withstanding the veil with which a greater tude; let him see these virtues tried to than Moses covers himself on this holy the utmost, exerted in painful struggles, mountain, they behold his beauty, and overcoming difficulties, and conquering in cannot bear the brightness of his countea glorious cause, and he will feel their ef- nance. When they sit down with him at fects in his admiring mind; he will be ac- his table, they are sensible of his pretuated with respect and love to such illus- sence: while their hands receive the trious virtues. We account that faculty sacred symbols, their eyes behold the of the mind which gives us a relish for Lord of Glory. In the spirit of devotion, these pleasures, a perfection in our nature, and on the wings of faith, they rise from and a high one; we look upon an insen- earth to heaven; they pierce beyond the sibility to such enjoyments as a radical clouds, and enter within the veil. The defect. Let us apply this principle to everlasting doors are thrown open; the religion. Who can behold the vastness King of Glory appears upon his throne; and magnificence of the works of God Angels and Archangels cover themselves without emotion; and infinite perfection with their wings, and all the pillars of the without wonder and awe? Can our firmament tremble. thoughts be fixed upon infinite goodness But not to heaven is the Divinity and everlasting love, without affection and confined. He fills the earth; he dwells without gratitude? Can we behold Divi- with men. Look around you, and behold nity in a form of flesh; the Son of God the marks of his presence, and the impresextended on the cross for the salvation of sion of his hand. In the gay and lovely the world, and our hearts not burn within scenes of nature, behold him in his beauty us with love to him who loved us unto the smiling on his works. In the grand and death? Can we behold the veil drawn awful objects of creation, in the tempest, aside from the invisible world, the hea- in the thunder, in the earthquake, behold vens opened over our head, and the trea- him in the Majesty of Omnipotence. sures of eternity displayed to view, and When, like the prophet who retired to after all continue cold and dead; cold to the wilderness, you hear that voice which the beauty of the heavens, dead to the rends asunder the mountains, which breaks love of immortality? Where there is any in pieces the rocks, and which shakes the sensibility at all, where there are any af- pillars of the world, you hear behind it fections that become humanity, they will a still small voice, saying, " It is I, be not be excited to their most lively exercise afraid." by the presence of spiritual and divine Thus, good men see the Creator in his things. works; they have the Lord always before Under the influence of these objects, them. They know where they can find and the impression of Deity, the devout him, and can come nigh to his seat. They enter into their chamber and shut the go forward and he is there, backward, and door; they turn aside their eyes from be- they perceive his footsteps; on the right holding vanity; they charge their passions hand his wonders are seen; on the left to be silent, their minds to be still; and his goodness is felt. They cannot go but pour out their hearts to Him who made where he is. The Great Universe is the them, in all the fervency of prayer. Thus temple of the Deity, built by his hands, prepared to seek the Lord God of their consecrated by his presence, bright with fathers, they come to his temple to meet his glory. with him there. They are seized with a The second thing proposed, was, To set religious awe in the presence of the sane- before you the advantages which accomtuary, and approach to the altar wonder- pany this solemn approach to God, which ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 67 are the following: there is honor in ap- among the trees of the garden; they held proaching to God, there is joy in approach- converse with him face to face, and found ing to God, there is consolation in ap- that th.e chief honor of their nature conpreaching to God, there is preparation sisted in drawing nigh to God. Nay, it for heaven in approaching to God. is the happiness of higher natures, it is First, then, There is honor in approach- the glory of superior beings, of the prining'to God. The superiority of man to cipalities and powers in heaven, to dwell the animal world has been inferred from in the presence of their King, to worship the structure and formation of his body. at the throne of infinite perfection, and While the inferior animals, prone and draw xnearer and nearer to the fountain grovelling, bend downwards to that earth of all felicity. But this honor have all which is their only element, man is formed the saints. To thee, O Christian! it is with an erect figure, and with a counte- given to hold communion with the Creanance that looks to the heavens. His tor, and to become the friend of the Alerect figure is given as the indication of mighty. Truly your fellowship is with an elevated mind, and the countenance the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. that looks to the heavens is bestowed, If it be great and honorable to be near in order to prepare us for the contem- the person and round the throne of an plation of what is great and glorious. earthly king, how truly glorious are they WNith this formation of body, and with whom the King of heaven delighteth to this tendency of mind, man feels that honor! No wonder then, that though exthe earth is not his native region; he alted to the highest dignity which the looks abroad over the whole extent of world can bestow, the king of Israel was nature; he has an eye that glances from ambitious of higher still: " One thing earth to heaven, and a mind, which, un- have I desired of the Lord, that will I confined by space or time, seizes on eter- seek after, that I may dwell in the house nity. The eye that glances from earth of the Lord all the days of my life, to to heaven, the mind which seizes on eter- behold the beauty of the Lord, and to nity, draw the line between the intellect- inquire in his temple." ual and animal world. The beast of the Secondly, There is joy in approaching field, indeed, beholds the face of the to God. " I will go to the altar of God, heavens; the bird of the air is cheered to God my exceeding joy." The idea of with the splendor of the sun; but man a perfect being is the most joyful subject alone has the intellectual eye, which be- of contemplation that can be presented to holds in the heavens the handiwork of man. Moral qualities, even when they Omnipotence, and which traces in the sun shine in a lesser degree, have a charm for the glory of its Creator. To him, high- the soul. The prospect of natural beauty favored of his Maker, a scene opens, un- is not more pleasant to the eye, than the seen by the eye of sense; a new heaven contemplation of moral beauty to the mind. and a new earth present themselves; the A great and good action, a striking inintellectual world discloses its rising won- stance of benevolence, of public spirit, of ders, and seen by his own light, in the magnanimity, interests us strongly in bemajesty of moral perfection, God appears. half of the performer, and makes the heart It was reserved to be the glory of man, glow with gratitude to him, although he that he alone, of all the inhabitants of be unknown. We take delight in placing this lower world, should be admitted into before our eyes the illustrious characters the presence of his Creator, and hold in- that stand forth in history, wise legislatercourse with the Author of his being. tors, unshaken patriots, public benefactors Accordingly, in the happy days of the of mankind, or models of goodness in prihuman race, when the age of innocence vate life, whose virtues shone to the past, lasted, and the Garden of Eden bloomed, and shine to present times, whose lives there was an intercourse between heaven were glorious to themselves, and beneficial and earth, and God did dwell with man. to the world. If an imperfect copy gives Our first parents in Paradise were. sen- so much satisfaction, how will we be affected sible of his presence; they heard his voice at the contemplation of the great Original? 68 SERMON XII. If a few faint traces and lineaments of Hence, the good men of old, in ap. goodness, scattered up and down, yield us preaching to God, broke forth into the so much pleasure, the pleasure will be su- language of rapture, " As the hart panteth preme, when we contemplate His nature after the water-brook, so panteth my soul in whom every excellence, every moral after thee, 0 Lord. O God, thou art llmy perfection, all Divine attributes, reside as God, early will I seek thee. My soul in their native seat, flow as from their eter- thirsteth for thee. My flesh longeth for nal source, and ever operate as vital and thee in a dry and parched land, wherein immortal principles. For all created no water is; that I may see thy glory as I beauty is but a shadow of that beauty have seen it in the sanctuary. Because which is uncreated; all human excellence thy loving-kindness is better than life, my but an emanation of that excellence which mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. is Divine; all finite perfection but a faint Surely we shall be satisfied with the copy of perfections which are infinite; and goodness of thy house, and thou wilt give all the traces of goodness to be found us to drink the river of thy pleasures.among men or angels, but a few faint rays Whom have we in the heavens but thee, from the Father of lights, the uncreated, and what is there upon the earth that we unclouded and unsetting Sun of nature, can desire beside thee? My flesh and who at first gave life to the universe, who heart shall fail, but thou art the strength kindled the vital flame which is still glow- of my heart, and my portion for ever." ing, who supplies all the orbs of heaven Thirdly, There is consolation in apwith undiminished lustre, and whose sin- proaching to God. Alas! in this world, gle smile spreads joy over the moral afflictions so abound, that consolation is world. I often our greatest good. In how few Thus, the very idea of a perfect Being days of this mortal life do we not feel the is a source of high pleasure to the mind; want of a comforter? Ever since the inbut to us there is more implied in the troduction of sin into the earth, human idea of the Deity. For these perfections life hath been a scene of misery. Man is are not dormant in the Divine nature, they born to trouble, and sore is the travel are perpetually employed for the happi- which is appointed to him under the sun. ness of man. This glorious Being is our We come into the world the most forlorn Father and our Friend. He called us in- of all beings; the voice of sorrow is heard to being at first, to make us happy; he from the birth; man sighs on through hath given us many proofs of his goodness, every path of future life; and the grave is and he hath allowed us to hope for more. the only place of refuge, where the weary He is soon to give us an opportunity Of are at rest. Sometimes, indeed, a gleam commemorating the most signal display of of joy intervenes, an interval of happiness his grace, his noblest gift to the children takes place. Fond man indulges the faof men. And, if he spared not his own vorable hour. Then we promise to ourSon, but freely gave him up to the death selves the scenes of paradise; perpetual for us all, may it not be depended upon, sunshine, and days without a cloud. But that with him he will give us all things? the brightness only shines to disappear; Entering into these ideas, and animated the cloud comes again, and we awake to with this spirit, the pious man is never so our wonted anxiety and sorrow. much in his element, as when he is draw- Not limited to our own personal woes ing nigh to God. The mind never makes we are doomed to suffer for sorrows not nobler exertions, is never so conscious our own. We are not unconcerned specof its native grandeur and ancient dignity, tators of human life. We are interested as when holding high converse with its in every event that befalls our fellow men. Creator: the heart never feels such un- Sympathy makes us feel the distresses of speakable peace, as when it is fixed upon others, and the best affections of the heart him who made it, as when its affections go become the sources of woe. How many out on the supreme beauty, as when it deaths do we suffer in mourning over the rests upon the Rock of ages, and is held friends that we have lost! While we lawithin the circle of the everlasting arms. ment their unhappy or untimely fate, we ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 69 cut short the thread of our own days. The of what is grand and sublime. By daily cords of love are broken, one after another; converse with the world, and familiarity string after string is severed from the with material things, the soul is alienated heart, till all our early attachments are from the life of God, and man, setting his dissolved, till our sad eyes have wept over affections on things below, becomes qf the every friend laid in the dust, and till we earth, earthy. But when we engage become lonely and wretched as we at first in the exercises of devotion, we counterbegan. work the charm of material objects, we Under these afflictions, and from these retire from the world and its temptations, sorrows, devotion opens a retreat; the and shut the door of the heart against altar of God presents a place of refuge; every intruding guest that would disturb the ear of the Eternal is open to thy cry; us in approaching to God. Standing upon the arm of the Almighty is stretched out holy ground, we put off unhallowed affecto relieve thee. There is a sanctuary tions, and impure desires. From the prewhere no evil can approach; there is an sence of the Lord every sinful thought asylum where no enemy can enter. In the flies away. Our attention is turned from pavilion of his presence, God will hide those things that would raise guilty pasthee in the time of trouble; in the secret sions in the mind. Pure and spiritual of his tabernacle, he will cover thee in the ideas are presented to view, and the perday of danger. There the prisoners rest fections of Almighty God, are set before in peace, and hear not the voice of the op- our eyes. WVhen these are before us, our pressor. There are the small and the admiration of them will increase, our love great, and the servant is free from his to them will be kindled, and we will enmaster. There the wicked cease from deavor to resemble them in our own life. troubling, and the weary are at rest. Thus, by approaching to God, we become It is some consolation, it is somne relief, like God. By devotion on earth, we anto open our hearts to men, and tell our ticipate the work of heaven. We join sorrows to a friend, who can give us no ourselves, beforehand, to the society of relief, but by mingling his tears with ours. angels and blessed spirits above; we alWhat consolation, what relief will it then ready enter on the delightful employment give to open our hearts, and tell our sor- of eternity, and begin the song which is rows to that Friend above, who is ever heard for ever around the throne of God. gracious to hear, and ever mighty to save! Such, Christians! are the advantages To that friend who never fails; who is af- of approaching to God, and encompassing flicted in all our afflictions, and who keeps the altar. And if, with pious affections, us as the apple of his eye! Art thou and a pure heart, we draw nigh unto God, therefore oppressed with the calamities of God will draw nigh unto us. To the life; is thy head bowed down with afflic- wide extent of his creation, to the great tion, or thy heart broken with sorrow? temple of heaven and earth, JEHOVAH preapproach to the altar, go to God, present fers the heart of the pure and the pious. to him the prayer of thy heart, and he There he takes up his abode; where he will send thee help from his holy hill. delighteth to dwell. In the divine disLastly, In approaching to God, there course which our Lord delivered to his is preparation for heaven. The objects diciples, the same night in which he was among which we are conversant, have a betrayed, there is a promise rich in conwonderful power over the mind. Exter- solation. "If a man love me, he will nal things make such an impression with- keep my words: and my Father will love in, that the character is often formed from him, and we will come and make our the situation. The soul is assimilated to abode with him." While this promise surrounding objects, and proportions it- sounds in your ears, I hope that your self to the sphere in which it moves. hearts correspond to the strain, and that When employed in little and in low things, you recall those precious hours when God it is contracted; when occupied in earthly manifested himself to you, so as he does matters, it is debased; but acquires en- not unto the world. When on former oclargement and elevation in the presence casions, be sent his light and his truth { 70 SERMON XIV. when the fountain of living waters has appeared, all the angelic host broke forth been opened, and the voice came to your into strains of gratulation, ascribing glory ears, " Drink, and live for ever;" Did you to God in the highest, peace on earth, and not feel emotions which came from no good-will towards fallen men. created source, and taste a joy which con- Unhappily, the Jews, who were a gross fessed its origin from heaven? Who can and carnal people, misinterpreted the describe the blessedness of that time, when prophecies concerning the kingdom of the a present Deity is felt? It is the joy of Messiah, took the magnificent style of heaven upon earth; the happiness of eter- prophecy for literal description, and nity in the moments of time. fondly imagined that these glad tidings of great joy announced temporal and earthly blessings. They looked for no better a country than the land of Canaan, and expected no other redemption than SERMON XIV. to be redeemed from the Roman yoke. The veil is now taken off from the ProTHE GOSPEL A SYSTEM OF SPIRITUAL JOY. phets, and we discern the Gospel, not as meant to procure us possession of the LUKE II. 10. —"Behold, I bring you good tid- earth, and dominion over the nations, but ings of great joy." as intended to make us partakers of eternal life, and to give us an inheritance in THE coming of the Messiah is always the heavens, which is incorruptible, undeforetold in scripture as a period of joy and filed, and fadeth not away. triumph. The Patriarchs rejoiced when The Gospel, then, is a system of spiritthey saw his day afar off. All the Pro- ual joy. And, in treating of it in this phets take fire at this great occasion, and light, I shall, in the first place, consider rise into the strains of rapture when they it as a method of instruction, enlightendescribe the glory of the latter days, and ing the darkness, and dispelling the ignothe happiness of the Messiah's reign. In rance of human nature: In the second the most beautiful colors they paint its place, As a plan of redemption from the arrival as a new era of happy time, and guilt of sin: In the third place, As a as a general jubilee to the world. They scheme of comfort and relief during the represent it as accompanied with universal afflictions of life; and, in the fourth place, peace and prosperity; as effecting a re- As a system of consolation against the fear novation of nature, the return of innocence of death. Here are comprehended all the to earth, and the descent of God to dwell evils of human life; and if we find that the with men. " In those days the wilderness Gospel brings us relief from all of them, and the solitary place shall be glad; the then it will appear to contain, indeed, desert shall rejoice and blossom like the'" Good tidings of great joy." rose. They shall blossom abundantly: I am to show you, then, in the first and rejoice with joy and with singing. place, That, as a system of joy, ChrisThe glory of Lebanon shall be given tianity enlightens the natural darkness of unto it; the excellency of Carmel and of the mind, and gives us all requisite inSharon. The parched ground shall be- formation concerning the truths necessary come a pool, and the dry land springs to our happiness. of water. In the wilderness shall waters Curiosity, or the desire of knowledge, is break out, and streams in the desert. one of the earliest emotions of the human The light of the moon shall be as the soul. No sooner does the mind arrive at light of the sun, and the light of the sun the exercise of thought, than it proceeds shall be sevenfold." When the heavens to examine the objects around it, and to and the earth at first arose in beauty from extend its researches wider and wider over the hands of the Creator, the morning the whole circuit of nature. One of the stars sang together, and all the sons of most obvious dictates of reason is the belief God shouted for joy. In like manner, of a God. There are so many indications when these new heavens and this new earth of wisdom and contrivance in the works of THE GOSPEL A SYSTEM OF SPIRITUAL JOY. nature; such striking displays of order these fill the mind with joy and with conand beauty; such splendid demonstra- solation. The weary traveller has now tions of a plan established, that an intel- got a shelter from the storm. He has ligent Mind is at once recognized, and a found a sanctuary in the time of trouble; Deity, though invisible in himself, is every and he looks to the heavens from whence where seen in his works. Accordingly, cometh his aid. The heart is fully at ease all nations have agreed in acknowledging while it rests on him that made it, and reand worshipping a supreme Power, the poses with perfect peace under the protec. Creator and Governor of all things. But tion of the everlasting arms. although the light of nature reveals to us Further, Man in a state of nature is the existence of a God, it gives us no mate- equally ignorant concerning himself. He rials whereon to form an opinion concern- finds himself here a stranger in a wide ing his attributes. A mixed dispensation world, where the powers and operations of things seems to prevail in the world. of nature are very imperfectly known; There are many indications of goodness, where both the causes and the issues of but there are also many appearances of things are wrapt up in much darkness, evil. Providence seems equally to favor and where he can only form uncertain conthe good and the bad. All things come jectures from whence he comes, for what alike to all, and there is one event to the purpose he was brought into being, and righteous and to the wicked. Reason is whither he is to go when he departs from at a loss what conclusion to draw from hence. If he looks back to his origin, he such contradictory appearances, and amidst is lost in uncertainty. Born to be at the the clouds and the darkness that surround head of the inferior creation, and to be the the paths of the Almighty, cannot discern masterpiece of the Almighty in this lower that justice and judgment are for ever the world, he hath at the same time appetites habitation of his throne. But a state of and passions, the abuse of which degrades uncertainty and suspense, especially about him below the level of the brutes that an object of such great importance, is the perish. His dignity and his meanness; most deplorable of all situations. To live the excellence of his frame, and the deand to die in ignorance and uncertainty, generacy of his nature; the elevation of whether the Governor of the world be a his understanding, and the corruption of tyrant or a friend, or whether we are un- his heart, form a contrast which the phider the misrule of hate, or the govern- losophy of ages could never reconcile. ment of love, must sit heavy upon the How could such a creature come into the candid and inquisitive mind, and give ad- world? If he be the work of a wise and ditional smart to all the sorrows which good being, whence come the seeds of evil embitter human life. What beams of joy that are latent in his heart? If he be the will break in upon such benighted minds, production of malignant beings, whence when the Sun of Righteousness appearing, the seeds of goodness, and the lineaments scatters the clouds of ignorance and error, of heaven, which, however obscured, are to and lets in the pure light of heaven upon be found in his frame? Whatever supthe darkness of the human condition? To position we take, we are beset with insumake the discoveries of the Gospel to such perable difficulties. But, change the scene, persons, is to reveal to them a father and and look forward to his future lot, and he a friend. To discover that God is love; is still more distressed and forlorn. He that he is a God in Christ reconciling sees his friends and companions, one after the world unto himself; that he adminis- another, continually disappearing. But ters the affairs of the universe so as to whither do they go when they depart? issue in the general good; that he is for ever Have they withdrawn into everlasting employing the attributes of his nature, his darkness, or do they still act in another infinite wisdonm, his boundless goodness, scene? Is the beam of heaven for ever and his Almighty power, to favor the extinguished? Is the celestial fire which cause of righteousness, and to promote the glowed in their hearts for ever quenched, happiness of the good throughout the and naught but ashes left to mingle with whole creation. Such views of Deity as the earth, and be blown around the world 72 SERMON XIV. Are their hopes limited to this life. Or, of the tomb; the dead shall hear the voice beyond the horizon which terminates their of the Son of God: the celestial fire shall present prospects, does a more beautiful again reanimate these ashes. and a gloand a more perfect scene present itself, rious body spring forth from the bosom of where- the wicked shall cease from trou- corruption. What a source of consolation bling, and where the weary shall be at does this open to us in all the afflictions of rest? If we consult our affections, we life? Can that man despond and sink shall be inclined to believe in a future under the evils of life, who has the prosstate. Nature is loath to quit its hold. pect of a blessed resurrection and a happy The heart still wishes to be- kind to the immortality? friends whom once it loved. Imagination It has been thus endeavored to show takes the hint, and indulges us with the you the advantages that we derive from pleasant hopes of one day meeting again Christianity, in point of instruction. It the companions which we dropped in life. was never my intention to exalt revelation The perfections of the Deity also favor at the expense of reason, or to establish these wishes of nature. If God be infi- Christianity upon the ruins of natural renitely wise and infinitely good, he would ligion. The light of nature affords us not have brought us into being only to see many discoveries, and the religion of nathe light, and to depart for ever. Would ture suggests many obligations to virtue. a wise builder have erected such a noble The heathens reasoned well concerning the structure, to last but for a moment? On existence of a supreme cause; from the the other' hand, if we consult the analogy things which are seen, they inferred his of nature, the horrors of annihilation sur- eternal power and Godhead, and gave round us. The leaf that falls from the many excellent lessons for the conduct of tree revives no'more. The animal that human life. But their discoveries had not mingles with the earth never rises to life the authority of uncontroverted truth, and again. their precepts wanted the obligation of These doubts and horrors are now re- laws. They were the private opinions of moved, and this darkness destroyed, by mere men, who had no commission to the gospel of Christ. No sooner did the enact articles of faith, and who had no day-spring arise from on high, but it be- authority to establish laws for the conduct came a light to lighten the Gentiles, and of human life. Their discoveries did not extended its radiance.over the region and even carry conviction to their own minds. shadow of death. The nature of man is They doubted concerning points the most now unfolded, the origin of evil accounted important and the most essential to the for, and life and immortality brought to happiness of a rational mind. If, from light. Our Saviour did, not propose these the order and beauty of the natural world, doctrines as the controvertible opinions of they inferred the existence and the power a private man: he taught them with the of God; from the irregularities and evils authority of God. Of his peculiar doc- of the moral world, they were led to doubt trines he gave us a proof in kind. Did he concerning his wisdom and goodness. The teach that the dead were to arise? As immortality of the soul was rather the oban infallible confirmation of it, he himself ject of their wishes, than of their firm arose from the dead. The good man need belief. The law of nature, amidst the not now be in anxiety about his future ex- multiplicity of vicious and criminal cusistence. Come and behold the place where toms, was almost totally obliterated. The the Lord lay. Come and behold the place sense of moral good and evil, amidst the from which the Lord arose. You do not universal degeneracy and depravity of mourn as those who have no hope. You manners, was in danger of being altogether commit the bodies of your deceased friends lost. So general, so gross was the darkto the grave in the hopes of a blessed re- ness which long involved the nations, so surrection. For.we know that our Re- deep and thick did the cloud sit over the deemer liveth, and we know that we shall moral world, that the wisest of the ancient in like manner revive. The sound of the philosophers thought it was a necessary last trumpet shall pierce even the caverns step in the Deity, in order to ascertain his THE GOSPEL A SYSTEM OF SPIRITUAL JOY. 73 perfections, and vindicate his ways to men, paired so, that no man can yield perfect that a prophet should descend from hea- obedience to the law of God. It would ven, clothed with a divine commission, to therefore be of little consequence to blot make a revelation of the Divine will. out our transgressions for the time past, But they labored under a difficulty still unless we were also to be delivered from more dreadful than ignorance, that was, a the dominion of sin in the time to come. To sense of guilt. This leads us to the second be always falling into sin. to be always head of discourse, To consider the gospel standing in need of new acts of indemnity as a plan of redemption from the guilt of and forgiveness, is neither consistent with sin. the dignity of the divine government, nor When the sins of a criminal life rose up with the perfection of a rational and imbefore them, horror of conscience over- mortal nature. Accordingly, the great whelmed them. Unenlightened nature atonement proposed in the gospel, not presented nothing to their eye but an of- only provides for our redemption from the fended Judge, arrayed in all his terrors. wrath to come, but also for our restoraThe violated law called aloud for repara- tion to the image of God. From the cross tion. Justice unsheathed her flaming of Christ, virtue flows to the world, and sword. The mercy of the Judge was al- healing to the nations. In consequence of together unknown. All was darkness and his sufferings and death, our Saviour is dismay, without one beam of hope. It was now ascended to the right hand of the in this dreadful dilemma that, in order to Majesty in the heavens, to administer the appease the wrath of the incensed Deity, affairs of his kingdom, and dispense the they had recourse to sacrifices and to the treasures of the new covenant. IHe reshedding of so much blood. It was this tains our nature, and represents our perthat drove them to violate the strongest sons in the presence of God, and makes and most sacred laws of nature; drove intercession with the Father in our bethem to torture their own flesh before the half. He sends down his sanctifying shrine of the offended God, and terrible Spirit to repair the ruins of our nature; to tell, drove them-drove the tender to create in us the clean heart; to renew parent to take his son, his first-born son, within us the right spirit; to lead us on and, with his own trembling hands, to shed from grace to grace, and from strength to his blood as a ransom for his soul! The strength, till we perfect holiness in the grand inquiry of the heathen world was fear of the Lord. Having thus recovered that with which the prophet Micah intro- the original honor of our frame, and beduces the king of Moab, "Wherewith ing restored to the image of God, he shall I come before the Lord, and bow translates us to the mansions of iumormyself before the High God? " tality above, where these good tidings of As a sense- of moral good and evil is great joy are a subject of praise amidst implanted in the mind, and as a principle an innumerable company of angels, and of conscience, condemning sin and approv- the spirits of just men made perfect. ing righteousness, is universally felt, we We proceed to the third general head see and we feel, by sad experience, that of discourse, To consider the gospel as a all men have sinned, have come short of scheme of comfort and relief during the the glory of God, and that, without an afflictions of life. atonement, there could be neither joy nor Ever since the introduction of sin into peace in the heart of man. the world, human life hath been a scene Further, It was necessary that, in this of misery. Man that is born of a woman atonement, provision should be made for is of few days; and few as they are, they delivering men from the state of degen- are full of trouble. He is doomed to suferacy and imperfection, that they might fer from the womb. When he comes into not again fall into deadly sin, and stand the world, he enters on a state of pain; in need of a new atonement. In conse- and from the cradle to the grave, his life quence of that original corruption derived is a pilgrimage of sorrow. Where is the to us from our first parents, our nature is kingdom; where is the city; where is the degenerated, and our moral abilities im- family; where is the individual that is 74 SERMON XIV. exempted from affliction? It enters the which are equal to the government of the palaces of the great, as well as the cot- whole system of nature, more than suffitages of the low; it invades the throne cient to direct my little concerns? My of the king, as well as the hut of the pea- God is a present help in time of trouble. sant; and scarce are the sanctuaries and He is not far off when grief is near, nor the altars of the Lord asylums againstits like an absent friend to the distressed. approach. The calamities of life are al- Let the darkness of the tempest surround ways great; but when the mind is under me; let the winds blow, and the waves the impression of melancholy, and bleeds rage, I have an interest in the Ruler of from recent sorrow, then are they felt in the storm; I have an interest in him who extreme. The cloud sits deep upon. the can say to the winds " cease," and to the face of things; the prospect before us is waves "be still." dark and lurid; and the mind, if not sup- In the next place, afflictions take their ported, would sink under its woes. It is rise, not from the wrath, but from the love the great excellence, my brethren, of the of God. Did we believe that the world Christian religion, that it abounds with was governed by a malignant being, who consolations in all the evils of life. To made sport of human misery, and took a the upright, says the Scripture, light shall malicious pleasure in punishing his creaarise in the midst of darkness. Those tures; did we consider ourselves as under who are weary and heavy laden with their the dominion of hatred, as objects of the woes, if they come to Christ, he will give Divine vengeance, and pursued by the them rest. Almighty as victims devoted to perdition, The first consolation which the gospel such thoughts would make us miserable proposes to us, is, That there is a par- indeed. They would sharpen the arrows ticular Providence wvhich watches over hu- of adversity, and mingle poison into the man affairs. It is part of the glad tidings bitter cup which we are doomed to drink. revealed to us in the gospel, that the Lord Then might we cry out with Job, in the God omnipotent reigneth; that although hour of despair, "I will speak in the his throne be in the heavens, and though anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the heaven of heavens, cannot contain him, the bitterness of my soul. The terrors of yet he condescends to visit the earth, to the Lord set themselves in array against take up his abode and dwell with men. me. The arrows of the Almighty are He who counts the number of the stars, within me, the poison whereof drinketh numbers also the hairs of our head; a up my spirit. Why hast thou set me as sparrow cannot fall to the ground without a mark against thee? My soul chooseth the will of our heavenly Father. The strangling and death rather than life." most. ordinary, as well as the most casual These doubts and terrors are now reevents, are under the direction of that arm moved. Fear not, O man! who strugwhich reaches from h'eaven to earth. Ever glest under the adversities of life, I bring watching over the world, there is an eye you good tidings of great joy; the afflicabove, which slumbers not nor sleeps. tions which thou endurest are not the The archer may draw the bow at a ven- stripes of an hard master, who seeks thy ture; but the arrow is directed by an destruction; they are the chastisements higher hand. This will administer relief of a kind father, who punishes only to reto the nmind in all the afflictions of life. form. The God of love has no pleasure Trusting to the providence of God, the in the misery, or in the death of his creadevout mind will rest in hope, and break tures. His eye overflows with pity forth into joy, "The Lord reigneth, let whilst his hand is lifted up to strike. the earth be glad; the Lord reigneth, let Whilst he bruises, he binds up the wound. the multitude of the isles rejoice. His This surely will administer consolations kingdom ruleth over all, and he will make to the wounded in mind, and speak peace all things co-operate for the good of those to the broken in heart, when they reflect who love him." Shall not I therefore trust that the evils in their lot are a part of in him who is ever present to help me in His providence, who doth not afflict wiltime of need? Are not these perfections, lingly, nor grieve the children, of men THE GOSPEL A SYSTEM OF SPIRITUAL JOY. 75 that they are not marks of his wrath, but in an infinite system, which must and indications of his love. ought to be disposed of according to the Further, as a consolation to the afflicted good and the conveniency of the whole. and distressed, Christianity assures us, Lastly, As a ground of joyful consolathat the various occurrences in human tion to the distressed, let me remind you, life are not accidental, nor detached events, that afflictions are not only requisite parts but parts of a great plan that was con- of our education for heaven, but that they certed in the councils of Heaven before arc also necessary means of our improvethe world began, and is going on from age ment in the virtues and graces of the dito age. If the moral world were a chaos vine life. Adapted to the progressive and without form, and void of order; if every probationary state of fallen man, the ad. event in life was separate, unconnected ministration of Providence assumes a vaand final, men, under the pressure of afflic- riety of forms. Light and shade, the tion, would often have occasion to com- sunshine of prosperity, and the storm of plain. But, when we take in the dis- adversity, succeed each other, and checker coveries of revelation, and behold a general the scene of human life. In this mixed order of things established, and a great dispensation of suffering and enjoyment, plan going on; when we consider that the wisdom of Providence shines conevery particular event is a part of the spicuous. Weie we always to be favored great system of Providence, and conduces with the smile of prosperity, and the canto form a perfect whole; when we call to die of the Lord ever to shine upon our mind that no part of our life is an ulti- head, we would be apt to grow intoxicated mate event, but has a reference to a future with pride, to prove ungrateful to the state, and is only the means to an end, we Author of our being, and reserve to ourwill acquiesce in the established order of selves some part of that incense which we nature, and follow on, active and cheerful, ought to burn upon his altars. On the wherever we are called by Providence. other hand, were we always to be under In the early part of our life, when we are the cloud of adversity, were Providence under the discipline of a master, we are for ever to frown upon our designs, we instructed in arts, and trained to exer- would be ready to resign ourselves to decises, of which we knew not then the spair, and cry out Ivith the good men of meaning, nor the use. This life is but old, " Is the mercy of Heaven clean gone? the infancy of our being, and a state of Will he be favorable no more?" This moral discipline for a better world; let mixed dispensation of Providence is not us not therefore be surprised or murmur, only most favorable to religion, but is also if many things fall out which seem ad- best adapted to the nature of man. Man verse to our present good. When the is made for suffering as well as for action. Christian considers that the sufferings of There are many principles in the human the present life are connected with the en- frame, many faculties of the mind, and joyments of heaven, and with the improve- many qualities of the heart, which would ments of eternity, the unfavorable and lie for ever latent, were they not called hostile appearances of this world will forth to action by the adversities of life. vanish from his view. Familiarized to Man was never destined by his Maker to this grand and magnificent system of slumber on the couch of repose, and to things, he will not complain concerning bask in the sunny season: he was appointed the conduct of Providence, nor think the to labor and to action; to struggle with universe in confusion when he is in dis- the tempest; to weather the winter of order. He does not look upon himself, as affliction; to encounter peril; to endure self-love would suggest, as a whole sepa- pain, and by Christian magnanimity and rated and detached from every other part heroism, by patience, by perseverance and of nature; he regards himself in the light invincible vigor, to reach the crown of in which he imagines the great Spirit of glory which is reserved on high for all the world regards him. He enters into the sons of God. The afflictions of life the sentiments of the Divine Being, and present an occasion for this spirit to exert considers himself as a particle, as an atom itself, and for these graces to appear. If 76 SERMON XIV. there were no adversities in human life, mountains, a greater than patriarchs, than the scene of action would be'limited, the prophets, than martyrs appeared. career of virtue would be shortened, and The fourth and last thing proposed, a wide field of moral glory be lost to the was, To consider Christianity as affording world. Had we no trials in our lot, what a joyful consolation against the fear of need were there for the exercise of pa- death. tience and resignation to the Divine will, Many and various are the evils to which which form such a striking part of the human life is subjected. To finish the Christian character? Had we no afflic- mighty sum of them, and to make the tions to encounter, and no evils to fear, scene end with pain, as it began with sorwhat occasion would there be for that row, comes the evil of death. The king strength of mind which enables us to brave of terrors, with his black train of attendthe dangers of life, to bid defiance to the evil ants, even when seen at a distance, makes day, and to repose, at all times, firm and the firmest knee to shake, and the stoutest unshaken, upon the arm of the Almighty? heart to tremble; and, when exerting his Were there no dangers to combat, why influences upon feeble minds, and assisted should we take unto ourselves the whole by the power of the imagination, has kept armor of God, the sworid of the Spirit, the multitudes all their days under the cloud of shield of faith, and the helmet of salva- melancholy, and under subjection to bontion? Not only does adversity present dage. It is the great excellence of the the occasion of spiritual improvement, Christian Religion, that as it affords conbut has also in every age produced an host solation in all the evils of life, so it also of saints, who, clothed with this divine ar- provides a remedy against the fear of mor, have fought the good fight, and have death. Hence the prophet, looking forcome forth conquerors. You have re- ward unto the days of the Messiah, breaks corded to you the faith of Abraham; you out into these strains of exultation: " I have recorded the meekness of Moses; will redeem them from death: I will ranyou have recorded the patience of Job; som them from the power of the grave: but had it not been for the trials which O death, I will be thy plague: O grave, they underwent, the dangers they had to I will be thy destruction." Hence says combat, and the distresses' they had to the Apostle Paul, " Forasmuch as the bear, their glory might have perished, and children were partakers of flesh and blood, their names been lost in oblivion. As the he himself also took part of the same, that nightingale, it is said, when bereft of her he might destroy him that had the power young, fills the woods with the music of of death, that is the devil, and deliver woe, and from the impulse of sorrow, war- them who, through fear of death, were all bles her sweetest strains; so, from the their lifetime subject to bondage." wounded mind, and from the broken spirit, The evils attending death to men, in a the fervor of devotion, and the eloquence state of nature, are manifold. of prayer, come up with such pathetic me- One of these is the uncertainty of our morial before the throne, that the Divine future destination. Reason gives us little ear listens delighted. True religion, true information concerning the state of the virtue, brightens in distress; she emerges soul when it departs from the body. We from the deep with tenfold radiance, and see the body mingle with its kindred elenever shines with such transcendent, such ments, and return to the dust from whence triumphant, such immortal beauty, as when it was taken. But what becomes of the wandering through the darkness of an soul? Does it too cease to exist, and eclipse. You see then, that in these paths vanish into air? Or does it still live and you are in the company of the good, and act in another scene? Here we are lost are encompassed with a cloud of witnesses. in conjectures and uncertainty. We see You are not left alone to climb the ar- the traveller involved in the cloud of duous ascent. On these mountains, the night, but we know not assuredly of any feet of patriarchs, the feet of prophets, and morning that awaits him. The ocean the feet of martyrs, have trod. On these spreads before us vast and dark, but we THE GOSPEL A SYSTEM OF SPIRITUAL JOY. 77 know not with certainty if it will waft us afraid lest thy judgment should confirm to any shore. What a disconsolate situa- the sentence of my own heart. But thou tion of mind is this! Afflicted with the art merciful and gracious. Thou hast no view of our past life; tormented with pres- pleasure in death. I am unworthy of the ent pain; and hovering over an abyss from least of all thy mercies. But worthy is the which we are uncertain if we shall ever Lamb that was slain, to receive blessing emerge! To pass for ever into the do- and glory and honor and power. In his minion of darkness; to go we know not death I see the price of my redemption. where! Lost in these doubts, troubled In his life I see the path which leads to with the fears of futurity, the Roman Em- immortality. In his resurrection I see peror addressed his departing soul: " 0 the proof of my own, and evidence of my my soul, thou art leaving thy once loved immortal existence. I have accepted the haunts, thy former companions, and thy offers of thy mercy, and have endeavored wonted joys; but into what unknown re- to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith gions and dark abodes art thou now going? I was called. With whatever failings Alas! thou canst not tell!" These doubts I may have been encompassed, thou knowand perplexities are now removed by the est that it has been the study of my life coming of Christ. When the Sun of to approve myself to thee, and to obtain Righteousness rose in our region, it dis- the testimony of a good conscience. Trustpelled the shadows of the everlasting even- ing to thy mercy, and relying on the mering; it poured its radiance upon the path its of my Redeemer, Father of all, I come of immortality, and brought full to view to thee! With the joy of the Patriarch, the scenes of the invisible world. The I follow thy call into the land unknown." future scenes of happiness and glory are Thus, my brethren, I have endeavored not only discovered by the gospel of Je - to set before you some of the joyful consosus, but are set before our eyes. In the lations derived from the Gospel of Jesus; inspired oracles, we hear the voice of the consolations which not only serve to suparchangel and the trump of God; we see port and animate us under the afflictions the dead arising from their graves; a of this present life, but which also enter mighty army of saints and martyrs spring- within the veil, and constitute our happiing with joy from dust and corrup- ness through everlasting ages. But betion. We see Jesus upon the throne, and fore I conclude, regard to my duty the faithful at his right hand. We hear prompts me to warn and admonish you, the happy sentence pronounced upon them, that though the glad tidings of the Gos" Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit pel are proclaimed to all, yet the consolathe kingdom prepared for you before the tions which they contain are not intended foundations of the world were laid." We for, and are not conferred upon, all who see them with palms of victory in their hear the Gospel. It is only they who behands, and with crowns of glory on their lieve, who repent, who reform, that will heads, ascendingus on highwiththeir Lord, ever reap any solid advantage from the and sitting down with him upon his throne. Christian religion. The profession of Another evil attending on death is Christianity will avail us nothing. It will the sense of our sins and transgressions, avail us nothing to say that we have faith. which then rising up to our memory in We may easily deceive ourselves, and black colors, overwhelm us with horror of make a lively imagination pass for a mind. But to those who receive the priv- strong faith. But unless out faith puriileges of Christianity, the bed of death fy the heart, unless it work by love, unwill not be a scene of terror. With a faith less it produce the fruits of righteousness, which overcometh the world, they give up it is no better than the faith of the devils, their souls into the hands of him who who believe and tremble. Let me theremade them. "I have indeed sinned, most fore persuade you, never so much as in merciful Father, against Heaven and in thought, to separate ideas of faith and thy sight. Mine iniquities compass me morality; of belief in Christianity and a about.. I am covered with confusion, and good life. If you make the attempt, you condemn myself, and often have been are undone for ever. 78 SERMON XV. call to your remembrance, that in the SERMON XV. language of Scripture, the period of our probation is called a time, a season, or a ON THE DANGER OF DELAYING REPENTANCE. day. There is an accepted time, there is a season of merciful visitation, there is a E Con. vi. 2.-"Behold, ngw is the accepted day of grace, which, if we let slip, the time; behold, now is the day of salvation." night coineth, in which no man can work., in which we shall grope for the wall like THERE is not a man upon the earth but who the blind, in which we shall stumble at has some sense of religion upon his mind, noon-day as in the night, and be in desoand intends one day or another to work late places as dead men. This does not out his salvation. When we look into the arise from a defect of mercy in God, from world, we find that all men are just about a defect of merit in Christ, or from a deto reform. However loose in their prin. feet of grace in the Holy Spirit; it arises ciples, however profligate in their lives, from ourselves and from the nature of they seriously purpose to amend their things. Almighty God hath appointed conduct, and the sinner of to-day resolves this life to be our state of probation. He to be a saint to-morrow. Seeing then hath set apart a time to fix the character that all men are so favorably disposed to- for eternity. When, therefore, by repeated wards religion; seeing that all men are acts and by long habits, this everlasting in earnest one day to repent; how does it character is fixed, no alteration can suecome to pass that so many men never re- ceed. To give an instance that may have pent; that such multitudes live and die occurred to the observation of you all; in their sins? It is because they delay you have seen, or you have heard of, their repentance; it is because they put criminals who have been trained up from off the day of salvation; because they be- their youth in the practice of vice, who gin not a course of reformation, but are have advanced from less to greater only about to reform. This infatuation is crimes, who have been punished accordnot confined to the inexperience of our ing to law, who have been imprisoned, early years, it extends through every pe- who have been banished, who have reriod of life. In this the hoary head is no turned from banishment, and for greater wiser than the youth of yesterday; and crimes have been condemned to die, who the same lying spirit that deceived us at from some artifice or incident have estwenty, is believed at threescore and ten. caped in the critical moment, and who, inIn this, experience does not make us wise, stead of being reformed by all these punand when we buy instruction it avails us ishments, have fallen into the same crimes not. The fool, who, wanting to cross the again, and even grown bolder in wickedriver, lay down on its bank till the waters ness. There have indeed been instances all ran by, is but a just emblem of that of great sinners who have turned peniman who delays his repentance from time tents, and been good Christians; but it is to time, who is always purposing but ne- much to be questioned if there be any ver performing, and who, neither warned such instance among those who have been by the past, nor alarmed for the future, long sinners, who have committed iniquipurposes on to the last, and dies the ty, not by fits and starts, but upon a fixsame. Such is the life which numbers of ed and determined plan, who have spent men lead in the world, spending the in the service of sin all the fire of youth prime and vigor of their life in vain pur- and coolness of age. suits; letting all their religion evaporate Having explained to you the meaning in empty resolutions, till, in an hour in of the phrase used in the text, before prowhich they are not aware, the warning is ceeding further, take next a view of life, given. At midnight is the cry made, and and you will see, that a great part of men let when they seek to enter in with the slip the accepted time and day of salvabridegroom, the door is shut! tion, till it be too late. It is the happiThat you may understand the expres- ness of most men in countries where the sions made use of in the text, I must re- Christian religion is professed, to receive ON THE DANGER OF DELAYING REPENTANCE. 79 a good education, and to be trained up are no more affected with the prospect from their youth in the principles of re- of a world to come, than with a tale that ligion, and in the practice of virtue. But is told. But whilst thus they dance when this period of discipline is over, round in a circle of folly; whilst they when a man sits out in life, and becomes solace themselves with tile prospect of, his own master, he frequently becomes a pleasures rising upon pleasures, never to different person in that different state, and have an end, and say in secret to their looks upon the good habits of his youth souls, " To-morrow shall'be as this day, as some of those childish things which he and much more abundant;" whilst, like ought now to put away. If his educa- the foolish virgins, they slumber and tion has been severe and rigorous; if his sleep in the arms of this Delilah, at midparents restrained in him that gayety of night is the cry made, 0 man, thy hour is heart and flow of the spirits which is the come! And the trembling soul takes its portion of youth; if'he pined in his closet, departure unawares and unprepared to whilst his equals in age frequented those God the Judge of all! entertainments which can be enjoyed with To guard you against the fatal error innocence, he then generally goes to the which has undone its thousands, allow me other extreme, and plunges with a precip- to recommend to your practice the necesitant step into all the follies and vices of sity of instant repentance and reformathe age. The prisoner having got loose, tion. In the Jirst place, No time is so grows wild and extravagant. Being for- proper as the present; secondly, If you merly shut up, he now wants to know the delay, your reformation will be difficult; world; and, in order to this, ventures on thirdly, If you delay long, it may become forbidden paths, resigns the reins of con- altogether impossible. duct to inclination, and gives a loose to In the first place then, There is no all his desires. Having found his former time so proper as the present. principles to be inconsistent with the en- The prodigal son exhibits to us a scene joyment of life, he confounds his early which we often see realized in life. A prejudices with true piety; for which young man, who had been educated in the cause he throws off religion altogether; paths of virtue, declining from these paths, he becomes a patron and defender of vice; and going astray into forbidden ground, he laughs at every thing that is serious; from the fond expectation of meeting with and perhaps out of contempt to this day, some strange, vast, unknown happiness in in which we assemble together to worship the gratification of sensual desire. In the God of our fathers; out of contempt the course of this unhallowed pilgrimage, to the sacred rites of his country, which he gives loose reins to his mind, he inall wise heathens have revered; out of dulges every wandering inclination, he contempt to the venerable institutions of denies himself nothing that his heart our holy religion, spends this day in dis- wishes for. At last he comes to himself, sipation and profaneness, and open im- he sees the folly of his ways, he repents, piety. he resolves, he amends. Such a change But, not to draw the character with of life we can easily conceive. In his forsuch black stains, let us suppose men at mer situation, he knew not what he did, that period passing their days in -folly he was transported by passion, he went rather than in vice, at the head of every headlong down the torrent. But when idle scheme, first in every fashionable once he began to reflect, he found that amusement, and as the Scripture happily that was the critical moment of life, expresseth it, "'walking in vain show." which, if he had neglected, his return Behold them making amusement one of would have been more difficult. In his the cares of life; spending those precious former situation, he went forward in the hours, which no dower can ever recall, path which seemed right in his own eyes, which no future labor can ever compen- without looking back. He did not act sate, spending those precious hours in against the admonitions of conscience, he vanity and folly, whilst all along they for- did not think at all. But if, after his get the business of their salvation, and eyes were opened to discern the state of 80 SERMON XV. wretchedness and guilt into which he had year, that postponing the work of your fallen; if, after this, he had returned to salvation to some future period of time, folly again, it would have been much is little better than a fixed determination more difficult to restore him by repent- that you will never begin it at all? Do you ance. Let this then be your conduct; reflect, that the time to come, if it ever whenever you come to the knowledge of comes, will be the same to you then, that your sins, whenever you perceive any the present time is to you now? There thing amiss in your lives, seize the favor- will occur the same difficulties to deter able moment, as the proper time to re- you, the same pleasures to allure you, the form. same dangers to terrify you. Objects will What is it, I beseech you, that you do then be as present, and strike the senses by delaying? You allow corruption time as strongly as ever; and the time of reto strengthen and fortify itself; you give formation will still be to-morrow. Nay, temptation double force, by yielding to it, it will then be more difficult to be saved not from suprise, but with deliberate con- than it is now. You will have more sins sent; you weaken the power of con- to repent of; more bad habits to subdue; science, that check which God appointed a more corrupted nature to put off. It is to you in your evil courses; and, with a remarkable fact, and deserves your your own hand, you throw obstacles in most serious attention, that, among all the the way of your conversion. You now conversions recorded in Scripture, there see you are sinful and undone; you now is not one of a sinner who delayed his resolve to repent and amend; you are repentance. Among all the returning now setting out in the path which leadeth penitents there mentioned, there is not to life; you are not far from the kingdom one in the situation of a Christian, who of God. But if you resolve and perform daily hears the Gospel without its having not; if, when you are once engaged, any effect upon his life. Zaccheus, upon you draw back; you then fly off from the hearing Jesus Christ proclaim the glad path of life to the way of destruction; tidings of salvation, yielded to the influyou throw yourself farther from the king- ences of that grace to which he had hitherdom of God than if you had never set out. to been a stranger, and surrendered himAt once, then, at once make your escape self to a call which had never been made from the allurements of sin; break the before. The apostles, in the course of chains by which you are held; cut off all their ministry, converted Jews and Genthe avenues and approaches to the sin tiles. They converted the Jews, by prothat besets you; give no time to the ene- posing to them an idea, which was new to mies of your soul to collect their strength; them, the Lord of glory, whom they with by faith and repentance now enter on the wicked hands had crucified and slain. way that opens into the heavens; when They converted the Gentiles, by working you say, with sincere purpose of heart, miracles in proof of their divine commis" I will arise and go to my Father," in sion, and by preaching the doctrines of that moment arise and go to thy Father; salvation to them, which they had never now is the accepted time, now is the day heard before. of salvation. But what new methods can we attempt In the second place, By delaying, your with yoZu? Is there any motive to repentconversion will become extremely diffi- ance which hath not already been urged cult. upon you? Is there one avenue to the Thou sayest, O man! that thou wilt heart which has not already been tried, repent in some future period of time; but and which has not already been tried in thou knowest not the danger of such a vain? Shall we address ourselves to your resolution. It is amazing to think with conscience, to give you the alarm? But what ease we can impose upon ourselves. alas! you have often heard its voice, you In spite of all his boasted wisdom, man have often disregarded its voice, and by is more simple than the beast of the field. efforts too successful, have lulled it into a Do you consider, my friends, that delay- profound sleep. Shall we address ouring from day to day, and from year to selves to your hopes, by describing to you ON THE DANGER OF DELAYING REPENTANCE. 81 the joys of heaven. the rivers of pleasures moral good and evil is almost totally exwhich are at God's right hand, the happi- tinct; when conscience is seared as with ness of the blessed, the triumphs of eter- a hot iron; when the heart is so hard that nity? All these have been already pre- the arrows of the Almighty cannot pierce sented to your eyes, and to all these you it; and when, by a long course of crimes, have preferred the enjoyments of an hour. we have become what the Scripture most You have sold your birth-right to immor- emphatically calls, " vessels of wrath fitted tality for a sordid gratification, and you for destruction; "-then we have filled now only mind earthly things. Shall we up the measure of our sins; then Alendeavor to alarm your fears, by setting mighty God swears in his wrath that we before you the horrors of hell, the worm shall not enter into his rest; then there that never dies, the fire that is never remaineth no more sacrifice for sin, but a quenched, everlasting'destruction from the fearful looking for wrath, and indignation presence of the Lord and the glory of his which shall devour the adversary. Alpower? These have been traced out to mighty God, weary of bearing with the you an hundred times, and you have sins of men, delivers them over to a reprolearned the fatal art of freeing yourselves bate mind, when, like Pharaoh, they surfrom the fears of them. Shall we implore vive only as monuments of wrath; when, you by the grace of the Gospel, and by like Esau, they cannot find a place for rethe tender mercies of the God of Peace? pentance, although they seek it carefully But alas! you have undervalued his mercy, with tears; when, like the foolish virgins, you have turned his grace into wanton- they come knocking, but the door of mercy ness. Shall we set before you the image is for ever shut. of a Saviour dying on the cross for the Further, Let me remind you, my brethredemption of the world? But alas! a ren, that if you repent not now, perhaps crucified Redeemer hath been often preach- you will not have another opportunity. ed to you, the memorial of his sacrifice You say you will repent in some future hath been renewed in your sight, and after period of time; but are you sure of arall you have counted his blood as a com- riving at that period of time? Have you mon thing, you have looked upon the Son one hour in your hand? Have you one of God suffering on the cross with as much minute at your disposal? Boast not thyunconcern as the Jews of old, when they self of to-morrow. Thou knowest not what cried out, " Away with him, away with a day may bring forth. Before to-morrow, him! " multitudes shall be in another world. Art In the third place, By long delaying, thou sure that thou art not of the numyour conversion may become altogether ber? Man knoweth not his time. As impossible. the fishes that are taken in an evil net, as Habit, says the proverb, is a second the birds that are caught in the snare, soi nature; and indeed it is stronger than the are the sons of men snared in an evil hour. first. At first, we easily take the bend, Can you recall to mind none of your comand are moulded by the hands of the panions, none of the partners of your master; but this nature of our own making follies and your sins, cut off in an unconis proof against alteration. The Ethiopian verted state, cut off perhaps in the midst may as soon change his skin, and the of an unfinished debauch, and hurried, leopard his spots; the tormented in hell with all their transgressions on their head, may as soon revisit the earth; as those to give in their account to God the Judge who have been long accustomed to do evil, of all? Could I show you the state which may learn to do well. Such is the wise they are now in; could an angel from heaappointment of Heaven to deter sinners ven unbar the gates of the everlasting from delaying their repentance. When prison; could you discern the late comthe evil principle hath corrupted the whole panions of your wanton hours overwhelmcapacity of the mind; when sin, by its ed with torment and despair; could you frequency and its duration, is woven into hear the cry of their torment which asthe very essence of the soul, and is become cendeth up for ever and ever; could you part of ourselves; when the sense of hear them upbraiding you as the partners 6 82 SERMON XVL of their crimes, and accusing you as in SERMON XVI. some measure the cause of their damnation i-Great God! how would your hair stand on end! how would your heart die within you! how would conscience fix all LUKE xv. 18. —"I will arise and go to my Faits stings, and remorse, awaking a new ther." hell within you, torment you before the time! Had a like untimely fate snatched THE parable of the prodigal son is one you away then, where had you been now? of the most beautiful and affecting pieces And is this the improvement which you of composition which is any where to be make of that longer day of grace with found. The occasion on which it was which Heaven has been pleased to favor spoken, and the persons to whom it was you? Is this the return you make to the addressed, are well known to you. DropDivine goodness for prolonging your lives, ping therefore what was peculiar at the and indulging you with a longer day of first narration, I shall consider it as rerepentance? Have you in good earnest presenting in general the return of sinners determined within yourself that you will to God by true repentance. weary out the longsuffering of God, and Such a return is not a single act in the force destruction from his reluctant hand? Christian life; it is the habitual duty of I beseech, I implore you, my brethren, every man who is subject to infirmities in the bonds of friendship, and in the and defects. For such is the weakness of bowels of the Lord; by the tender mercies human nature in this imperfect state, such of the God of Peace; by the dying love is the strength of temptation in this evil of a crucified Redeemer; by the precious world, that frail man is often led astray promises and awful threatenings of the before he is aware. Alas! in our best Gospel; by all your hopes of heaven and estate we are but returning penitents; and fears of hell; by the worth of your im- to the last hour of this mortal life we mortal souls, and by all that is dear to stand in need of amendment. men; I conjure you to accept of the offers We may observe the following steps in of mercy, and fly from the wrath to come, the return of the prodigal to his father's "Behold now is the accepted time, behold house; first, His restoration to a better now is the day of salvation." All the mind, by means of consideration.':Whenl treasures of heaven are now opening to he came to himself, he said, How many you; the blood of Christ is now speaking hired servants of my father's have bread for the remission of your sins; the church enough, and to spare!" Second, Ingenuon earth stretches out its arms to receive ous sorrow for sin, accompanied with faith you; the spirits of just men made perfect in the Divine mercy. "Father, I have are eager to enroll you amongst the num- sinned against Heaven and before thee." ber of the blessed; the angels and arch- T'hird, A resolution to return to a sense angels are waiting to break out into new of duty. "I will arise and go to my faalleluiahs of joy on your return; the ther." And, fourth, His immediate perwhole Trinity is now employed in your be- formance of that resolution. "And he half; God the Father, God the Son, and arose and came to his father." God the Holy Spirit, at this instant call First, His restoration to a better mind upon you, weary and heavy laden, to come by means of consideration. "He came to unto them that ye may have rest unto your himself." souls! With great propriety is this expression used; for a wicked man is beside himself. Madness, saith Solomon, is in the heart of the sinner. As madness is a disease of the rational powers, so is vice of the moral. Sin, in like manner, unhinges the whole frame of the moral being, tinges with its baleful colors every sentiment of the heart. and presents to view a spectacle more ON THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON. 83 melancholy still, a being, made after the friend; when memory presented only welimage of God, sinking that image into the come images to the mind; when, under resemblance of a brute, or the character the wings of paternal care, he was blessed of a fiend. Mad, however, as such per- in his going out and coming in; when his sons are, they are not always so. Sin father's eye met his with approbation and cannot always keep its ground. The evil delight. principle has its hour of weakness and de- Having veiwed the picture, he compares cine. Thefe is no man uniforiily wicked. it with his present situation. Sad contrast! The exertion is too strong to last for ever. By his own folly, a vagabond in a foreign Nature does not afford strength and spirits land; banished from all that he valued sufficient to keep a man always in energy. and held dear; cut off from the joys of his The most abandoned have fits and starts better days; languishing out life under of soberness and recollection. There are the most abject form of misery; pining lucid intervals in the life of every person. under poverty; sunk into servitude; feedAt such a time is the crisis of a man's cha- ing swine, and himself desiring to partake racter. At such a time the prodigal son with them in their husks; miserable withcame to his right mind. At once the spell out, but more miserable within; a spirit wa sbroken and the enchantment dissolved. wounded by remorse, a heart torn by reHe is amazed, he is confounded to find flection of itself, an accusing conscience, himself degraded from the rational charac- which told him that he merited his fate, ter; cast down to the herd of inferior ani- and which held up to him his past life in mals; making one at the feast where the its blackest colors of folly and guilt. As. vilest of brutes were his associates and tonished at himself, startled at his own companions. Then the false colors with image, which, in its true colors, he had newhich fancy had gilded his life, vanish ver seen before, he was ashamed of his away. The flattering ideas which imagin- conduct, and came to a better mind. Such ation and passion presented to his mind, were the effects of consideration, and such disappear in a moment. Disenchanted will ever be the effects of consideration to from the delusions of the great deceiver, those who duly exercise it. Why does the what he esteemed to be the garden of sinner go forward in the error of his ways? Eden, he finds to be a desolate wilderness. Because he does not consider. " Hear, 0 "Then he came to himself." heavens; give ear, 0 earth: the ox knowYou know that when a man recovers eth his owner, and the ass his master's from a fit of lunacy, and is restored to his crib; but my people do not consider." reason, the mind annihilates the lurid in- Consider your ways, is the voice which terval, forgets the events of such a state God addresses to mankind in every age; like a dream, and resumes the train of ideas and unless you consider, the calls of the it had pursued in its sound state. Thus, gospel and the offers of grace are made to the penitent in the parable, awaking as no purpose. The world which is to come from a dream, recovering as from a delir- has no existence to you but what you give ium, transports himself into the time past, it yourselves; the eternity that is before his former life recurs to his mind, his you, the happiness of heaven and the pains father's house rises to view, he recalls of hell, are no more than dreams, unless the first of his days before he went astray. you realize them to yourselves, unless you Happy days of early innocence and early give them their full force, by bringing piety, before remorse had embittered his them home to the heart. When a man rehours, or vice corrupted his heart! Hap- views the error of his ways, nothing is py days! when the morning arose in peace, wanting to a further reformation but reflecand the evening went down in innocence; tion and thought. Think, and the work when no action of the past day disturbed is done. "I have considered my ways," his slumbers by night; when no reflection saith the Psalmist. What was the conseon the riots of the night threw a cloud quence? "I turned my feet unto thy tesover the succeeding day; when he was at timonies." peace with his own heart; when conscience The second step in the return of the was on his side; when reflection was a prodigal, is ingenuous sorrow for sin, ac 84 SERMON XVI. companied with faith in the Divine mercy. debted for the care of my infant years; " Father, I have sinned against Heaven against that goodness to which I owe my and before thee." preservation; against him who visited me We are formed by the Author of our while I was flying from his presence; who being to feel contrition for the offences supported nmy powers while they were emwe commit. This pungent sense of in- ployed against him. It is my Benefactor firmities, this penitential sorrow for errors whom I have offended; it is my best and defects, is a beauty in the nature of Friend that I have injured; it is my man. It is an indication that the sense Father himself against whom I have risen of excellence exists in its full vigor, and in arms. the mark of a nature that is not only im- This sorrow for sin is accompanied with provable, but that also ismaking improve- faith in the Divine mercy. To wicked ments. When a man seriously considers men laboring under the agonies of a guilty that the tenor of his life has been irregu- mind, the Deity appears an object of terror. lar and disorderly; that much of his time They figure to themselves an angry tyrant, has been misemployed, and great part of with his thunder in his hand delighting to it spent altogether in vain; that he has punish and destroy. Like Adam when walked in a vain show, unprofitable to he had sinned, they are afraid, and flee himself or others, an idler upon the earth, from the presence of the Lord. But a cumberer of the ground; that by his from the mind of the penitent these ternegligence and perversion of his powers he rors vanish, and God appears, not as a has been lost to the world which is to cruel and malignant power, but as the come, has marred the beauty of his im- best of beings, the Father of mercies and mortal spirit, and stopped short in. the race the Friend of men, as a God in Christ rewhich conducts to glory, honor, and im- conciling the world unto himself. Encour-'mortality; when he further considers that aged by these declarations, the penitent his offences have extended to his fellow- trusts to the Divine goodness, and flies men, that by his conduct he has been the for refuge to the hope set before him. It cause of misery to others, has disturbed is the wicked man only that despairs. the peace of society, done an injury to the Horrors of conscience and forebodings of innocent, such reflections in a heart that wrath affright and overwhelm the sons of is not altogether callous, will awaken con- reprobation. Such horrors felt Cain and trition and sorrow. Judas Iscariot. But the penitent hever This penitential sorrow will be increas- despairs. He sinks indeed in his own ed when he considers against whom he eyes, and throws himself prostrate on the has offended; that he has sinned against ground, but still throws himself at the infinite goodness and saving mercy and footstool of mercy, not without the faith tender love; that he has resisted the and the hope that he will be taken into efforts of that arm that was lifted up to favor. The language of his soul is, save him; that he has rebelled against " Though I am cast out of thy sight, yet the God who made, and the Saviour who will I look again to thy holy temple. I redeemed him. This is one of the cbar- will arise and go to my Father, for though acteristics of true repentance. The pen- I have offended him, he is a Father still. itent does not mourn for his sins as being He now sits upon a throne of mercy, and ruinous to himself so much as for their being holds a sceptre of grace. At thy tribuoffensive to God. The returning prodigal, nal former offenders have been forgiven, in the address he makes to his Father, and former sinners have been taken into dwells, not upon the misery he had brought favor. To thy cars the cry of the peniupon himself, upon the ruin to his'char- tent has never ascended in vain. Thou acter, his fortune and his expectations in art ever nigh to all who call upon thee in life. " I have sinned against Heaven and sincerity of heart. When we tend to in thy sight." What grieves me most is, thee, at the first step of our return, thou that I have offended thee; that I have stretchest out thy hand to receive us." sinned against goodness unspeakable; So different is that repentance which is against that goodness to which I am in- unto life from the sorrow of the world THE SPIRIT OF GOD A~ND THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD. 85 which worketh death. Different as the look and covered with confusion, how shall he of melancholy upon the face of the vir- appear before his friends and acquainttuous mourner, is from the unkindly glow ance? "I know (might he have said) the which burns the cheek of shame: different malice of an ill-judging and injurious as the tender tears which a good man world. The sins which are blotted out sheds for his friends, are from those bitter from the book of God's remembrance are drops which fall from the malefactor at not forgotten by them. Let me fly rather the place of execution. to the uttermost parts of the earth, retire The third step is a resolution to return to the wilderness untrodden by the foot to a sense of duty. " I will arise." of man, and hide me in the shades which Without determined purposes of amend- the beams of the sun never pierced, than ment, contrition is unavailing and ineffec- be exposed to the scorn and contumely tual. The Deity is not delighted with the and reproach of all around me." sufferings of man. Sorrow for sin is so But the penitent was determined and far pleasing, as it softens the heart, and immovable. * * * makes it better. It is the resolution of [ The'rest of the 1J1S. was not legible.] amendment, the purposes pointed to reformation, that make the broken heart and the contrite spirit an acceptable sacrifice; such is the nature of true repentance; it flows not so much from the sense of dan-SERMO XV ger as from the love of goodness. In true repentance, there is not only a THE SPIRIT WHICI IS OF GOD AND THE SPIRIT change of mind, but a change of life. OF THE WORLD DESCRIBED. When the day-spring from on high arises j CORINTHIANS IL 12.-"Now we have received, on him who is in darkness, when God says, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit Let there be light, the scales fall from which is of God." his eyes, a new world breaks upon his sight, futurity becomes present, and in- THERE are two characters which, in Sacred visible things are seen; then first he be- Scripture, are set in perpetual opposition, holds the beauty which is in holiness, and the man of the earth, and the citizen of tastes the joy which flows from returning heaven. The first character pertains to virtue. In that happy hour he forms the that class of men, who, whatever speculapious purpose, and seals the sacred vow tive opinions they entertain, yet, in practo be holy for ever. Then he prefers the tice, consider this life as their only state peace which flows from virtue, and the joy of being. A person of this character which arises from a good conscience, to centres all his regards in himself; conevery consideration. Then the servants fines his views entirely to this world, and, of God appear to him the only happy men, pursuing avarice, ambition, or sensual and he would rather rank with the'meanest pleasure, makes these the sole objects of of these, than enjoy the riches of many pursuit. Good dispositions he may poswicked. " Great God, withhold from me sess, but he exercises them only when they what thou pleasest, but give me to enjoy are subservient to his purposes. Virtues the approbation of my own mind, and thy also he may cultivate, not for their own favor. I would rather be the humblest sake, but for the temporal advantages they of thy sons than dwell in the tents of bring along with them. The citizen of wickedness." None shall enter into the heaven moves in a nobler sphere. He New Jerusalem, and sit down at the right does not indeed affect the character of hand of the Father, but they who prefer sanctity, by neglecting his temporal conthe testimony of a good conscience, the cerns. He looks upon the maxim of David, smiles of Heaven, and the sentence of the as inspired wisdom. " If thou art wise thou just, to all the treasures of the world. art wise for thyself." But although he has Had the penitent not been in earnest, his temporal interest in his eye, he has a false shame might have prevented or re- higher interest in his heart. What is tarded his return. Conscious of guilt, necessary, what is useful, will often be a 86 SERMON XVII. subject of attention; but what is generous, and the vilest means; he gives up the what is lovely, what is honorable, what is manly, the spirited, and the honorable part praise-worthy, become the chief objects of of life; he makes a sacrifice of fame, and pursuit. He cultivates good dispositions character, and dignity, and turns himself from a sense of their beauty, previous to into all the forms of meanness, and basehis experience of theirutility; he esteems ness, and prostration. The Prophet the possession of virtue more than the Isaiah, with infinite spirit, derides the earthly rewards it procures; he lives in a idols of the heathen world. " A man," constant discharge of the duties of life in saith he, " planteth a tree, and the rain this state, and with a well-grounded faith, doth nourish it; he heweth him down and an animating hope, looks forward to a cedars, and taketh the cypress and the better world, and a higher state of being. oak; and of the tree which he planted These two characters, which divide all he maketh to himself a god. The carmankind, are always represented in Scrip- penter stretcheth out his rule, he marketh ture as inconsistent and incompatible with it out with a line; he fashioneth it with each other. It is impossible, says our planes, and maketh it after the figure of Lord, at one and the same time to serve a man; and then he worshippeth it as a God and to serve Mammon. If any man god. Part thereof he burneth in the love the world, says the apostle John, the fire, with a part thereof he maketh bread, love of the Father is not in him. The and with the residue he maketh a god." principles that actuate these characters Similar to this is the creation of these are represented in the text as two spirits earthly gods. Read the pages of their opposite to one another, the spirit of the history, and behold them rising to divinity world, and the spirit which is of God. by compliance, by servility, by humiliatThe spirit of any thing is that vital prin- ing meanness, and the darkest debaseciple which sets it agoing; which keeps it nients. How dishonorable often is that in motion; which gives it its form and path which conducts to earthly grandeur; distinguishing qualities. The spirit of and how mean a creature frequently is he the world is that principle which gives a whoul the world calls a great man! So determination to the character, and a form low and grovelling is the spirit of the to the life, of the man of the earth. The world. spirit which is of God is that vital prin- It is a spirit of a different kind that ciple which gives a determination to the animates the citizen of heaven. He is character, and a form to the life, of the born from above; he derives his descent citizen of heaven. O(ne of these spirits from the everlasting Father, and he reactuates all mankind. While therefore I tains a conscious sense of his divine origirepresent the striking lineaments in these nal. Hence, Christians, in Scripture, are opposite characters, take this along with called "noble;" are called the " excelyou, that I am describing a character lent ones of the earth." It is unworthy which is your own: a character which of their celestial descent, it is unbecoming either raises to eminence, or sinks down their new nature, to stoop to the meanness to debasement. of vice. The citizen of heaven scorns the In thefirst place, then, The spirit of the vile arts, and the low cunning, employed world is mean and grovelling; the spirit by the man of the earth. He condescends which is of God is noble and elevated. indeed to every gentle office of kindness and The man of the earth, making himself the humanity. But there is a difference beobject of all his actions, and having his tween condescending and descending from own interest perpetually in view, conducts the dignity of character. From that he his life by maxims of utility alone. This never descends. He himself ever feels, and being the point to which he constantly he makes others feel too, that he walks in steers, this being the line from which he a path which leads to greatness, and supnever deviates, he puts a value on every ports a character which is forming for thing precisely as it is calculated to ac- heaven. Such is the difference between complish his purposes. Accordingly, to the spirit of the world, and the spirit gain his end, he descends to the lowest which is of God. Suppleness, servility, THE SPIRIT OF GOD AND THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD. 87 abject submission, disgrace the one; dig- other covering. Supported by the connity, elevation, independence, exalt the sciousness of rectitude, he holds fast his other.- The one is a serpent, smooth, in- integrity as he would guard his life. Such sinuating, creeping on the ground, and is the difference between these characters. licking the dust: the other is an eagle, The man of the earth turns aside to the that towers aloft in the higher regions of crooked paths and insidious mazes of disthe air, and moves rejoicing in his path simulation; the citizen of heaven moves through the heavens. along in the onward track of integrity and In the second place, The spirit of the honor. The spirit of the world seeks conworld is a spirit of falsehood, dissimula- cealment and the darkness and the shade; tion and hypocrisy; the spirit of God is a the spirit which is of God loves the light, spirit of truth, sincerity and openness. The becomes the light, adorns the light. life which the man of the earth leads is a Thirdly, The spirit of the world is a sceneofimposture and delusion. Show with- timid spirit; the spirit which is of God is out substance; appearance without reali- a bold and manly spirit. Actuated by ty; professions of friendship which signify selfish principles, and pursuing his own nothing, and promises which are never interest, the man of the earth is afraid to meant to be performed, fill up a life which offend. He accommodates himself to the is all outside. With him the face is not manners that prevail, and courts the favor the index of the mind, nor the tongue the of the world by the most insinuating of interpreter of the heart. There is a lie in all kinds of flattery, by following its exhis right hand. He is perpetually acting ample. He is a mere creature of the a part, and under a mask he goes about times; a mirror to reflect every vice of deceiving the world. He turns himself the vicious, and every vanity of the vain. into a variety of shapes; he changes as His sole desire is to please. If he speak circumstances change; he goes through truths, they are pleasing truths. He dares all the forms of dissimulation, and puts not risk the disapprobation of a fool, and off one disguise to put on another. He would rather offend against the laws of does not hesitate to counterfeit religion Heaven than give offence to his neighbor. when it serves a turn, and to act the saint To sinners he appears as a sinner, to saints in order to gain his ends. Hence the he appears as a saint. In the literal sense spirit of the world hath often passed for he becomes all things to all men, without the spirit which is of God, and Satan un- aspiring to that faith which would set him der this disguise hath been mistaken for above the world, or to that spirit which an angel of light. Such is the spirit of would enable him to assert the dignity of the world. the rational character. He is timid beThe spirit which is of God is a spirit cause he has reason to be so. Wickedof truth, sincerity and openness. The ness, condemned by its own vileness, is citizen of heaven esteems truth as sacred, timorous, and forecasteth grievous things. and holds sincerity to be the first of the There is a dignity in virtue which keeps virtues. He has no secret doctrines to him at a distance; he feels how awful communicate. He needs no chosen confi- goodness is; and in the presence of a virdents to whom he may impart his favorite tuous man, he shrinks into his own innotions; no private conventicles where he significance. may disseminate his opinions. What he On the other hand, the righteous is avows to God he avows to man. He ex- bold as a lion. "I fear my God, and I presseth with his tongue what he thinketh have no other fear," is the language of his with his heart. He will not indeed im- heart. WNith God for his protector, and properly publish truths; he will not pros- with innocence for his shield, he walks titute what is pure and holy; he will not, through the world with an erect posture, as the Scripture says, throw pearls before and with a face that looks upwards. He swine; but neither will he on any occa- despises a fool, though he were possessed sion, partake with swine in their husks. of all the gold of Ophir and scorns a vile man, He is what he appears to be. Arrayed in though a minister of state. The voice of the simple majesty of truth, he seeks no the world is to him as a sounding brass or 88 SERMON XVIII. tinkling cymbal. The applauses or the tion which makes the human nature apcensures of the high or the low affect him proach to the Divine, he considers as the not. Like distant thunder, they vibrate dreams of a visionary head, as the figon his ear, but come not to his heart. ments of a romantic mind that knows not To him his own mind is the whole world. the world. There sits the judge of his actions, and he But the spirit which is of God is as appeals to no other tribunal upon the generous as the spirit of the world is sorearth. He possesses the spirit which rests did. One of the chief duties in the spiriupon itself. He walks by his own light, tual life is to deny self. Christianity is he determines upon his own deeds. Sup- founded upon the most astonishing inported by the consciousness of innocence, stance of generosity and love that ever and acting with all the force of Provi- was exhibited to the world; and they dence on his side, he has nothing to fear; have no pretensions to the Christian chaknows that he can no more be hurt by the racter who feel not the truth of what their rumors of the idle, impious, and hypo- master said, " That it is more blessed to critical, than the heavens can be set on give than to receive." This is not comfire by the sparkles that arise into the air, prehended by worldly men, and the more and that die in the moment they ascend. worldly and wicked they are, the more it Animated with this spirit, the feeble be- is incomprehensible. " Does Job serve. come strong in the Lord. The apostles God for naught? " said the first accuser who on former occasions had been weak of the just. Yes, thou accursed spirit! and timid, whom the voice of a woman he serves God for naught. Thy votaries frightened into apostasy, who deserted their serve thee for lucre and profit and filthy Master in his deepestdistress, and hid them- mammon; but the children of God serve selves from the fury of the multitude; him from reverence and love. Rewarded these apostles no sooner felt the impulse indeed they shall be in heaven, while thine of this Spirit, than they appeared openly are to be tormented, and by thyself, in in the midst of Jerusalem, published the hell; but they account that to be a suffiresurrection of Jesus to those priests and cient reward which they have even here elders who had condemned him to death, in their own hearts, the consciousness and and discovered a boldness and magna- the applauses of generosity. nimity, a spirit and intrepidity, which shook the councils of the Jewish nation, and made the kings of the earth to tremble on their thrones. In the last place, The spirit of the SERMON XVIII. world is an interested spirit; the spirit which is of God is a generous spirit. The ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. man of the earth has no feeling but for LUKE X. 13.-" - How much more shall your himself. His own interest is his only ob- heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them ject; he never loses sight of this; this is that ask him! " his all; every line of his conduct centres in this point. He has a design in every IN the beginning of this chapter, our Lord thing he does. As the.Prophet Malachi prescribed to his disciples a pattern of says, "He will not shut the doors for prayer. He discovered the Deity to them naught." He deliberates not whether an under the tendei name of a Father; and action will do good, but whether it will he taught them to approach the throne of do good to him. That generosity of sen- Grace with the affection and the confidence timent which expands the soul; that of children. To encourage them still charming sensibility of heart which makes more to practise this duty, he assures us glow for the good and weep for the them of success upon their perseverance in woes of others; that Christian charity devotion; and to impress his instructions which comprehends in its wide circle all in the strongest manner upon their minds, our brethren of mankind; that diffusive he delivers a parable to them, which he benevolence reduced to a principle of ac- concludes with these words: "Ask, and ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 89 it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall Spirit, which extends to every generation; find; knock, and it shall be opened unto which is the principle of the spiritual life you. For every one that asketh, receiv- within us, and continues with the faithful eth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to in all ages. Reason and revelation conhim that knocketh, it shall be opened. cur in assuring us, that the great Creator If a son shall ask bread of any of you that hath never withdrawn himself from his is a father, will he give him a stone? or works. Above us, around us, and within if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him us, God is seen. God is felt. The vast a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will universe is one great temple which he fills he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being with his presence. As he is ever present evil, know how to give good gifts unto in the world, he is ever employed. The your children, how much more shall your hand that at first stretched out the heaheavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to vens, still supports the pillars of the firthem that ask him? " As if he had said, mament. The breath which kindled the " I have told you that God is your Fa- vital heat of nature, still keeps the flame ther; that his ear is ever open to your alive and glowing; God still acts through cry, and that his hand is ever stretched all his works, preserving and upholding out in your behalf. You that are fathers the whole system of things, and carrying can judge of the paternal affection. If forward the designs of infinite wisdom you see a child in distress, will your bow- and goodness. His providence is a conels of compassion be shut against him? tinued exertion of creating power. As When he utters the voice of sorrow, will he is employed in the material, he acts you turn a deaf ear to his complaint? also upon the moral world. The Father Will you refuse to stretch out the hand of spirits communicates himself to holy to save him from the pit, and instead of men, enlightens their understandings with relieving him, push him down into. de- divine knowledge; by secret ways, at struction? There is no father so barba- once strengthens and ravishes the mind, rous, and no heart so cruel. If you, then, and fills them with a conscious sense of evil and corrupted as you are; if, clothed his own presence. Hence the wisest as you are with human frailties and infir- among the heathens, guided only by the mities, you know how to give good gifts light of nature, acknowledged the necesunto your children; if the workings of sity of supernatural aids, and taught that nature, and the yearnings of paternal af- nothing great or good could be performed fection, prompt you to perform good offi- without the influence of a divine Spirit. ces, how much more will the infinite be- But as this doctrine hath been by some nevolence of the Deity prompt him to denied altogether, and by others involved bless all his offspring, and open his boun- in mysticism and absurdity, it will be tiful hand to the whole family of heaven proper to give you that just and rational and earth! As the Most High God who account of it which the Scripture authoriinhabiteth eternity, excels his meanest zes. creature, the being of a day, so far doth There is hardly any one thing of which the infinite benignity and everlasting love mankind may be made more sensible from of your Father in heaven exceed the fond- their own experience, than the necessity est affection of an earthly parent." of divine aids. For alas! the balance in In further discoursing to you upon this human nature, between reason and appesubject, I shall explain what is meant by tite, between the powers of the mind, and giving the Holy Spirit. the inclinations arising from the body, is Perhaps these words may refer to the in a great degree lost. There may be, extraordinary effusion of the Holy Ghost and there once was, a more harmonious upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost, temperament in the human frame. The when they received the gift of tongues, rational part of our nature was better enand were endued with the power of work- lightened and more vigorous; the passions ing miracles. Though these words may and appetites of the animal part moved include this meaning, yet they chiefly re- under its control. But that state of infer to the ordinary influence of the Divine nocence is no more. Our nature is now 90 SERMON XVIII. degenerated; we find a law in the mem- life, are entirely rational, and have oinly a bers warring against the law of the mind. persuasive and moral influence. They do This disorder of our frame is more and not resemble the inspiration of the promore increased by those false notions of phets of old, which was sudden and viohappiness which we are apt to imbibe, and lent, and overpowered the mind; which by the many bad examples among which superseded the use of reaso n, and suspended we pass our early years, insomuch, that for a while the exercise of the natural by the time that we are grown up to the faculties. The prophets were but the infull power and exercise of reason, we find strumnents of the Spirit, but we work toourselves brought under the dominion of gether with God. The grace of Heaven sensual and wicked inclinations. How does not take away the powers of the then shall we recover our liberty? How mind, but exalts them. It does not deshall we regain the original rectitude of stroy the natural liberty of the mind, it our nature, and obtain a victory over the makes us free indeed. If a man loses his vices which war against the soul? Is na- free agency he ceases to be a man. lie is ture, such as it now is, sufficient for these a machine, and is acted upon. In opposithings? Is reason alone an equal match tion to this, God is said in Scripture, to for the passions' and desires of the heart, draw us with the cords of love, and with broke loose from all their restraints, au- the bands of a man: that is, in such a thorized by custom, and inflamed by ex- manner as is most consistent with freedom ample? Can we cease to do evil and learn of choice, and agreeable to the constituto do well, purely of ourselves, and be tion of a reasonable nature. Reason being able to turn the stream of our affections the noblest faculty of the human frame, from sensible and earthly things, to ob- it first partakes the influence of the divine jects worthy of the choice and pursuit of Spirit. Its views are enlarged to take in a reasonable nature? Can we, in short, the system of divine truth, and its power convert ourselves by our own strength, is increased to govern the whole man. and turn from the power of Satan unto These divine aids extend to the heart the living God? Are we sufficient for and the affections, place them on proper these things? objects, and give them their noblest joys. We are not. When we would do good, In short, they take in the whole of the evil is present with us; the sensual part Christian life. They inspire good resoluof our nature obtains dominion over the tions and purposes of new obedience; they rational; we are chained down to the carry us on, and encourage us in the ways earth, while we attempt to soar to the hea- of righteousness; they render the pracvens. Here, therefore, God hath graciously tice of our duty easy and delightful, and interposed for our recovery. As he sent bring us at last to the enjoyment of unhis Son into the world to redeem us from interrupted and everlasting happiness. the guilt of sin and the curse of the law, Thus you see, that the influence of the he gives us his Holy Spirit to deliver us divine Spirit is in a way agreeable to the from the dominion of sin, and to translate frame of human nature, gentle and perus from the bondage of Satan into the suasive; not controlling or obstructing family of Heaven, and the glorious liberty the use of reason, but by the use of reaof the children of God. Hence he is said son influencing the will, moderating the to work in us both to will and to do that affections, and regulating the whole conwhich is his good pleasure. We are said versation. It is no argument against the to receive the Spirit, and our bodies are reality of such divine aids, that they are styled the temples of the Holy Ghost. not distinguishable from the operation of Concerning this Spirit given to those our own minds, and that we feel them not that ask him, I observe, in thefirst place, in a sensible and striking manner. How that his influence is consistent with the difficult is it in our own character to disfreedom of a reasonable being. The as- tinguish what is natural fronm what is aosistance which we receive from above, both quired; to distinguish between the natural in our first conversion from sin, and treasures of the mind, and those foreign through the whole course of a religious stores which she imports from education. ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 91 The Spirit of God acts in such a manner hatred in this world, and consigns them as is most agreeable to the faculties of the over to eternal pains in the next. This is mind. It is in this manner also, that God a spirit which hath slain its thousands. acts in the material world. Whatever is Fire and sword mark its approach; its done in the heavens, or in the earth, or in steps are in the blood of the just, and it the sea, is brought about by divine Provi- shakes the rod of extermination over the dence. Yet all that chain of causes and affrighted earth. But the Spirit of God effects, from the lowest up to the throne is the Spirit of love. It fills us with afof God, we call by the name of the course fection and benevolence towards all our of nature. But what is this? The course brethren of mankind. For he that dwellof nature is the energy of God. eth in love, dwelleth in God, and God In the second place, I observe, concern- dwelleth in him. ing the influence of the Spirit, that its This doctrine of the Spirit dwelling in reality is only known by its operation and us, and assisting us to perform good effect upon our lives. " Marvel not," said works, furnisheth a strong argument for our Lord to Nicodemus, " that I said unto humility. Why boastest thou, O man? you, Thou must be born again. The wind What hast thou which thou hast not rebloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest ceived? From God descendeth every good the sound thereof, but canst not tell and every perfect gift. We can do nowhence it cometh, and whither it goeth. thing of ourselves, not even so much as So is every one that is born of the Spirit." to think a good thought. It is by the That is, as if he had said, the influences grace of God that we are what we are. of the Spirit are indeed imperceptible to He graciously accepts of our sincere ensense, and cannot be distinguished in the deavors to please him; and at last rewards precise moment of their operation, but those services, which by his grace he enthey are visible and certain in their effects, ables us to perform. Let us therefore be and in the fruits which they produce. A sensible of our own imperfections, and life of obedience and holiness, therefore, give all the praise to him. Let this stir is the proof, and the only proof, that the us up to activity in our Christian course. Spirit dwells in us. The fruit of the The proper use and improvement of this Spirit, say the Scriptures, is goodness and doctrine is not to sit still and take our righteousness and truth. The fruit of the rest, because God gives us his Holy Spirit, Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, but relying on the assistance of his Spirit gentleness, meekness, and temperance. to move forwards in our Christian race. The life, then, my friends, the life is the Seeing God worketh in you, therefore criterion and test by which we shall know work out your salvation. Up therefore if we are born of the Spirit. There are and be doing, seeing the Lord is with you. indeed other marks, easier attained, which You not only act with the force of Provisome people have found out to themselves. denuce on your side; you have not only A light within, a call from heaven, a secret the Captain of Salvation fighting with voice, and an extraordinary impulse, these you; but you have also his Spirit within are often the effects not of a divine fervor, you, leading you on to victory. but of a weak understanding and a wild In the last place, Let us express our imagination, and often of something worse, gratitude and praise to this divine Guest, even of arrant hypocrisy and unblushing who vouchsafes to be our guide and our impudence. These indeed are the marks comforter; let us be careful not to grieve of a spirit which hath often appeared in and offend him by wicked actions, lest he the world, but which is very different from withdraw himself from us; and let us althe Spirit of God. These are the symp- ways remember, that he who is a pure and toms of that intolerant and persecuting holy Spirit, cannot dwell in polluted spirit, the offspring of darkness and of hearts, and in temples that are not his demons, which, excepting a few favorites, own. pursues the human race with unrelenting 92 SERMON XIX. SERMON XIX. for a time, to return with greater improvement. To retire at times into the closet for these purposes, is of general obligation upon all Christians. To induce you, ISAIAH xXVI. 20.-" Come my people, enter thou therefore, to the practice of this duty, I into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about shall now show you the advantages which thee." thereby you may expect to reap. The advantages attending religious reWITHOUT viewing these words in connec- tirement are these: it takes off the imtion with what goes before or follows after, pression which the neighborhood of evil I shall consider them as containing an example has a tendency to make upon the exhortation to religious retirement. Man mind; it is favorable for fixing pious purwas intended by his Creator for society. poses in the mind, and strengthening our All the powers of his frame, the faculties habits of virtue; it brings us to the knowof his mind, and the qualities of his heart, ledge of ourselves; it opens a source of lead him to the social state as the state new and better entertainment than we of his nature. But although man was meet with in the world. made for action, he was also intended for In the first place, Religious retirement contemplation. There is a time when takes off the impression which the neighsolitude hath a charm for the soul; when borhood of evil example has a tendency to weary of the world, its follies and its make upon the mind. The world, my cares, we love to be alone, to enter into friends, is not in general a school, of virtue, our chamber, to shut the door about us, it is often the scene of vanity and vice. and in silence to commune with our heart. Corrupted manners, vicious deeds, evil Such a retirement, when devoted to pious communications, surround us on every purposes, is highly useful to man, and side. From our first entrance into life, most acceptable to God. Hence the holy we become spectators of the vicious, and men are represented in Scripture as giv- witnesses to the comlnission of sin. This ing themselves to meditation; hence Jesus presence of the wicked lessens our natural Christ himself is described as sending the horror at a crime, it renders the idea of multitude away, and going apart to. the vice familiar to the mind, and insensibly mountain. lulls asleep that guarded circumspection An opinion dnce prevailed in the world, which ought always to be awake. Besides and in many parts of it still prevails, that this contagion of evil example, the unall virtue consisted in such a retreat; that happy proneness of men to imitate the the perfection of the Christian life con- manners of those with whom they live, sisted in retiring from the world alto- adds strength to the temptations of the gether, in withdrawing from human con- world. Our favorable opinion of the perverse, in shutting ourselves up in the soli- son extends to the action he commits, and tude of a cell, and passing our days in by our fatal fondness of imitation, we do barren and unprofitable speculation. Such what we see done. Our way then in the notions of a holy life have no foundation world lies through snares and precipices; in the word of God. Moses and the pro- we see and we hear at the peril of our phets, Jesus and the apostles themselves, souls. The contagion in which we live, acted a part in public life, and enjoin their transfuses itself into our own minds. disciples not to withdraw from the world, How often is the purity of the closet lost but to go about doing good; not to wrap amid the pollution of the world! The up their talent in a napkin, but to improve good resolutions of the morning give way it by their industry; not to put their light to bustle and business, or to the career of under a bushel, but to make it shine be- pleasure, and the day that began with infore men. The retreat, therefore, which nocence and devotion, ends in vanity and scripture recommends, is temporary, and vice. Temptations in every form assault not total; it is not the retreat of a monk your innocence, and the adversary of your to his, 6ell, or a hermit to his cave: but soul is for ever on the watch. One false of men living in the world, going out of it step may send you to the bottom of the ON RELIGIOUS RETIREMENT 93 precipice. One word spoken in passion, he ranges; so the character of the man hath given rise to quarrels that have lasted who never thinks, who never retires into through life. A single glance of envy, of himself, arises from the, mode of life in revenge, or of impure desire, hath raised which he is engaged. His mind is in sllba conflagration which could only be quench- jection to the objects which surround ed by blood. To avoid the pollution with him. He passes from object to object as which the world is infected, to keep off the scene changes before him, and he is the intrusion of vain and sinful thoughts, delivered over from passion to passion acenter into thy chamber, and shut thy doors cording to the events which vary his life. around thee. There the wicked cease Thus in society we are in a great measure from troubling, there the man who is governed by accidents, and the mind is wearied of the world is at rest. There passive to the impressions which it rethe glare of external objects disappears, ceives. and the chains that bound you to the But in solitude we are in a world of world are broken. There you shut out our own. We can call up what ideas, the strife of tongues, the impertinences of and converse with what objects we please. the idle, the lies of the vain, the scandal We can say to one desire, " Go," and to of the malicious, the slanders of the de- another, " Come." Dazzled no longer famer, and all that world of iniquity which with the false glitter of the world, we proceeds from the tongue. In this asylum open our eyes to the beauties of that betthy safety dwells. To thy holy retreat, ter country which is a heavenly one; an impurle guest dares not approach. En- stunned no more with the noise of folly, joying the blessed calm and serenity of we can listen in silence to the still small thy own mind, thou hearest the tempest voice. Escaped from the broad way, we raging around thee and spending its set out on the narrow path. That is the strength; the objects of sense being re- place, and then is the time to seal the moved, the appetites which they excited, useful truth, and to fix the pious purpose. depart along with them. The scene Then you can best recollect your native being shifted, and the actors gone, the strength, and stir up the grace of God passions which they raised die away. which is in. you. Then at leisure you can In the second place, This devout retire- reflect by what temptations you were forment is favorable for fixing pious purposes merly foiled, that you may guard against in the mind, and strengthening our habits them in the time to come; foreseeing the of virtue. We are so formed by the Author evil day, you will look out for the best of our nature, that the material objects support when it comes; and putting on with which we are surrounded raise ideas the whole armor of God, you will be able in us, and make impressions upon us to resist the fiery darts of the evil one, merely by their own nature, and without and to go forth conquering and to conquer. any assistance from ourselves. There are By these means the good thoughts which motions in the body which are involuntary were scattered up and down your life will and spontaneous, and there are impres- be collected together, and settle in a fixed sions in the mind which are as much out purpose of now obedience. The various of our power. At the presence of certain rays thus converging into one, will kindle objects, we feel certain passions whether into a fervent flame. we will or not; we cannot command the In the third place, By means of reemotions which arise in the mind; on ligious retirement, thou wilt be brought many occasions we are merely passive to to the knowledge of thyself. This is a the influence of external things. When part of our superiority to the other creaimminent danger threatens, or the shriek tures, that we are not confined to present of jeopardy is heard, the heart throbs, the objects, that we can extend our view beblood takes the alarm, and the spirits are yond the province of sense, and turn our agitated without our direction or consent. attention wherever we please, throughout As the nature of the plant is affected by the whole system of nature. The mind the soil where it grows; as the nature of can arrest itself in its motion, and become the animal is affected by the pasture where the object of its own contemplation. The 94 SERMON XIX. noblest of sciences is to know ourselves. world, without stripping off whatever is But however useful and important this artificial about thee, without throwing off study is, there is none with which we are the veil which thou wearest before men, so little acquainted. Delighting to wan- and devoting thy secret hours to serious der abroad, and familiar every where, consideration. Enter then into thy chamyou are strangers at home, strangers to ber, shut the doors about thee, commune your own character, strangers to your own with thine own heart, be still, say with the heart, strangers to all that is most im- Psalmist, " Search and try me, O Lord; portant for a rational creature to know. see if there be any evil way in me, and You give your thoughts to wander through lead me in the way everlasting." the whole world; on the wings of imagi- In the foutrth place, Retirement and nation you fly from pole to pole; but you meditation will open a source of new and never descend into yourself. For what better entertainment than you meet with reason art thou so averse to know thy- in the world. You will soon find that the self? Because thou art afraid of losing world does not perform what it promises. thine own good opinion; because thou The circle of earthly enjoyments is narrow wantest to impose upon thyself, and then and circumscribed, the career of sensual to impose upon the world. For this pleasure is soon run, and when the novelty cause, thou darest not appeal to thine is over, the charm is gone. Who has not own mind, thou darest not meet thy heart felt the satiety and weariness of the king alone. Thou avoidest the light, lest thine of Israel, when he cried out, "All is vanity evil deeds should be made manifest. and vexation of spirit! " Unhappy is the Thou fliest from the God within, as Adam man who in these cases has nothing withwhen he had fallen, fled from the Lord, in him to console him under his disapbecause thou art afraid. What can be pointment. Miserable is the man who more suspicious than for reasonable crea- has no resources within himself, who cantures to decline the bar of reason? What not enjoy his own company, who depends can be more shameful than for those who for happiness upon the next amusement, have an understanding, not to be able or or the news of the day. willing to give an account of their actions But the wise man had treasures within to themselves? What can be more re- himself. He has a spring shut up, and a proachful than for men to allow themselves fountain sealed. The hour of solitude is in a course of life, which they have not the hour of meditation. He communes the courage or the confidence to reflect with his heart alone. He reviews the acupon? tions of his past life. He corrects what is Sinner! deal plainly with thyself. If amiss. He rejoices in what is right, and thou wert not ashamed of thyself, Why, wiser by experience, lays the plan of his in the name of the all-knowing God, future life. The great and the noble, the shouldst thou decline conversing with thy- wise and the learned, the pious and the self? If all were well at home, what good, have been lovers of serious retirement. should make thee so fond of rambling On this field the patriot forms his schemes, abroad, and losing the remembrance of the philosopher pursues his discoveries, thyself in a crowd of vain amusements? the saint improves himself in wisdom and Here, here is the cause of thy love of goodness. Solitude is the hallowed ground noise and hurry, and tumult and dissipa- which religion in every age has adopted as tion, and perpetual diversions: thy aim is its own. There her sacred inspiration is by this means to escape from thyself, to felt, and her holy mysteries elevate the employ and divert thy mind, that it may soul; there devotion lifts up the voice: not be forced upon such an ungrateful there falls the tear of contrition; there subject. Yet, here wisdom begins. Thou the heart pours itself forth before Him who never canst ascend to the knowledge of made, and Him who redeemed it. Apart Him, whom to know is life eternal, with- from men, you live with Nature and conout knowing thyself; and thou canst never verse with God. know thyself, without retiring from the ON THE UNHAPPY STATE OF THE WICKED. 95 SERMON XX. of things, by what happens in their own lot. When we are in a prosperous situaON THE UNHAPPY STATE OF THE WICKED. tion, when the candle of the Lord shineth upon our heads, all nature puts on a face ISAIAH LVII.21. —"There is no peace, saith my of beauty and wears a smiling appearance. God, to the wicked." But, when adversity and a train of afflictions come in their turn, the eye of the IT is universally agreed that the works of impatient sufferer tinctures every thing creation demonstrate the being and the attri- around him with its own baleful' colors. butes of the Deity. The invisible things of To his disordered mind, darkness seems to God, even his eternal power, his unerring involve the system of nature, malignant wisdom and his infinite goodness, are every demons to usurp the sceptre of Providence, where legible throughout the great book of and invade the throne of God. Hence Nature. It is very astonishing, however, the many complaints of good and holy men that many persons who from the creation in sacred writ, that the righteous were cut of the world infer the existence and per- off from the earth, whilst the wicked fections of the Deity, should, from the flourished like a green bay-tree. But government of the world, infer the necessi- these were not the maxims which governed ty of a day of judgment to rectify the their lives, they were only sudden exclacourse of Providence, and vindicate the mations made in the moments of impaways of God. The worksof God must cer- tience under distress. The universal tainly be uniform and of a piece. Accord voice of Scripture is expressly on the ing to the representations of Sacred Scrip- other side. " Say ye to the wicked, It ture, the day of judgment was not appoint- shall be ill with him; say ye to the ed to account for the conduct of Providence, righteous, It shall be well with him. There but to pass sentence on the actions of men. is no peace, saith my Gods to the wicked. All the administrations of God are con- Great peace have they who love the laws of ducted with supreme wisdom and goodness. the Lord." He is forever employing the power of his In further treating upon this subject, I providence to favor the cause of righteous- shall endeavor to show you, that there is ness, and to diffuse happiness over the no peace or happiness to the wicked, world. When the blessed above sing the whether you consider him as a subject of wonders of creating power, and cry out, the divine government, as a member of " Great and marvellous are thy works, society, or as an individual. Lord God Almighty;" they also add, In the first place, then, Let us consider " Just and true are all thy ways, thou the wicked in his religious capacity as a King of saints." If the Almighty is pos- subject of the divine government. sessed of infinite perfection; if, as the Religion is the distinguishing quality Scriptures assert, he loveth righteousness of our nature, and is one of the strongest and hateth iniquity, we may naturally in- features that marks the human character. fer it to be one of his eternal decrees, that As it is our distinguishing quality, so it righteousness and happiness, that sin and possesses such extensive influence, that misery, must be inseparable in the course of however overlooked bysuperficial inquirers, things. it has given rise to more revolutions in Notwithstanding the force of the argu- human society, and to more changes in ments that prove this truth, opinions pretty human manners, than any one cause whatgenerally prevail to the contrary. Many ever. View mankind in every situation, persons are of opinion that the wicked from the earliest state of barbarity, down man has more enjoyment in life than the through all the successive periods of civgood man has, that virtue exposes us to ilization, till they degenerate to barbarity many evils, and that if it were not for a again, and you will find them influenced future state, Christians would be of all strongly by the awe of superior spirits, or men the most miserable. The origin of the dread of infernal fiends. In'the heathis opinion it is not difficult to unfold. then world, where mankind had no divine It is natural for men to judge of the course revelation, but followed the impulse of 96 SERMON XX. nature alone, religion was often the basis one against another, whilst the prophet in of the civil government. Among all classes awful accents denounced his doom: " 0 of men, the sacrifices, the ceremonies and man, thy kingdom is departing from thee!" the worship of the gods were held in the Although Providence should not now parhighest reverence. Judge what a strong ticularly interpose to punish thee, O hold religion must have taken of the hu- guilty man! yet the sentence of thy doom man heart, when, instigated by horror of is written in thy heart, and there is a proconscience, the blinded wretch has sub- phet within, who upon the commission of mitted to torture his own flesh before the crimes will tell thee, that for these the shrine of the incensed Deity, and the fond kingdom of heaven is departed from thee. father has been driven to offer up with his In the second place, As wickedness own hands his first-born for his transgres- makes a man miserable in his religious sion, and the fruit of his body for the sin character, so does it also in his social. of his soul. It is possible to shake off the However corrupted men may be in their reverence, but not the dread, of a Deity. lives, their moral sentiments are just and Amid the gay circle of his companions, in right; that is, although from an immothe hour of riot and dissipation, the fool derate self-love we may excuse wickedness may say in his heart that there is no God; in ourselves, yet such is the force of conbut his conscience will meet him when he science within, so deeply rooted in the is alone, and tell him that. he is a liar. mind is the eternal difference' between Heaven will avenge its quarrel on his good and evil, that by the very frame of head. Judge then, my brethren, how our natures, we abhor wickedness in miserable it must be for a being made others. When we are conversant in the after the image of God, thus to have his world, or give our attention to a story glory turned into shame. How dismal that is a faithful picture of human manmust the situation be for a subject of the ners, from the impulse of natural feeling, divine government to consider himself as we attach ourselves to the side of innoacting upon a plan to counteract the de- cence, we take part with the virtuous hero, crees of God, todefeat the designs of eter- and consider his enemies as our own. nal Providence, to deface in himself the There is-no vice but what tends to make image and the lineaments of heaven, to a man contemptible or odious to society. maintain a state of enmity and war with Against the greater and more atrocious his Creator, and to associate with the in- crimes, the sword of the law is forever fernal spirits, whose abode is darkness and drawn, and its stroke is death. Other whose portion is despair! vices which come not under the cognizance Reflections upon such a state will give of the laws, either have ways of punishing its full measure to the cup of trembling. themselves, or are marked with public inWas not Belshazzar, the impious king of famy. Pride makes every affront a torBabylon, a striking instance of what I am ment, and puts a man's happiness in the now saying? This monarch made a feast power of every fool he meets with. The to a thousand of his lords, and assembled envious man is literally his own tormentor, his princes, his concubines and his wives. and preys upon his own bowels. The In order to increase the festivity, he sent drunkard exposes himself to the derision for the consecrated vessels which his father of mankind, and falls into follies that Nebuchadnezzar had' taken from the tem- cover him with shame in his sober hours. ple of Jerusalem, and in these vessels, Does not a habit of intoxication deprive a which were holy to the Lord, he made li- man of all sense of decency, indispose bations to his vain idols, and in his heart him for the business of life, and render bade defiance to the God of Israel. But, him a sorrow to all his friends? Will the whilst thus he defied the living God, forth atheist conciliate the love of men by showcame the fingers of a man's hand, and on ing us that he possesses not the fear of the wall, which had lately resounded with God? Is not the miser pointed at with joy, wrote the sentence of his fate! In a the finger of scorn, and doomed to the moment his countenance was changed, his double curse of hoarding and guarding? whole frame shook, and his knees smote Is not a liar universally odious, and does ON THE UNHAPPY STATE OF THE WICKED. 97 he not prepossess us against him even and which could only be quenched by the when he speaks truth? Do not fraud and effusion of human blood. One drop from dishonesty mar a man's fortune, ruin his the cup of this powerful sorceress, has reputation, and hinder his success in life? turned the living stream of joy into waters In truth, my brethren, there is not a of bitterness. " There is no peace, saith sin but what one way or other is punished my God, to the wicked." in this life. We often err egregiously by If a wicked man could be happy, Who not attending to the distinction between might have been so happy as Haman? happiness and the means of happiness. Raised from an inferior station to great Power, riches and prosperity, those means riches and power, exalted above his rivals, of happiness and sources of enjoyment, in and above the princes of the empire, fathe course of providence are sometimes vorite and prime minister to the greatest conferred upon the worst of men. Such monarch in the world. But with all these persons possess the good things of life, advantages on his side, and under all but they do not enjoy them. They have these smiles of fortune, his happiness was the means of happiness, but they have not destroyed by the want of a bow, usual to happiness itself. A wicked man can never those of his station, from one of the porbe happy. It is the firm decree of IHea- ters of the palace. Enraged with this neven, eternal and unchangeable as JEHOVAH glect, this vain great man cried out in the himself, that misery must ever attend on pang of disappointment, " All this availeth guilt, that when sin enters, happiness me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai sittakes its departure. There is no such ting at the king's gate." This seeming thing in nature, my brethren, there is no affront sat deep on his mind. He medisuch thing in nature, as a vicious or un- tated revenge. A single victim could not lawful pleasure. What we generally call satisfy his malice. He wanted to have a such, are pleasures in themselves lawful, glutting vengeance. He resolved, for this procured by wrong means, or enjoyed in a purpose, to involve thousands in destrucwrong way; procured by injustice, or en- tion, and to make a whole nation fall a sajoyed with intemperance; and surely nei-. crifice to the indulgence of his mean-spither injustice nor intemperance have any rited pride. But, as it generally happens, charm for the mind; and unless we are his wickedness proves his ruin, and he framed with a very uncommon temper of erected the gallows on which he himself mind and body, injustice will be hurtful was doomed to be hanged! to the one, and intemperance fatal to the In the third place, If we consider man other. Unruly desires, and bad passions, as an individual, we shall see a further the gratification of which is sometimes confirmation of the truth contained in the: called pleasure, are the source of almost text, " That there is no peace to the wicked." all the miseries in human life. When In order to strengthen the obligations. once indulged, they rage for repeated gra- to virtue, Almighty God hath rendered tification, and subject us, at all times, to the practise of sin fatal to our peace as intheir clamors and importunity. When dividuals, as well as pernicious to our in — they are gratified, if they give any joy, it terests as members of society. From the is the joy of fiends, the joy of the torment- sinner God withdraws his favor and the ed, a joy which is purchased at the ex- light of his countenance. How dark will pense of a good conscience, which rises on that mind be, which no beam from the the ruins of the public peace, and proceeds Father of lights ever visits! How joy.from the miseries of our fellow-creatures. less that heart which the spirit of life The forbidden fruit proves to be the ap- never animates I When sin entered into, ples of Sodom and the grapes of Gomor- paradise, the angels of God forsook therah. One deed of shame is succeeded by place. So from the soul that is polluted years of penitence and pain. A single in- with guilt, peace and joy and hope, those: dulgence of wrath has raised a confilagra- good angels, vanish and depart. What: tion which neither the force of friendship, succeeds to this family of heaven?. Connor length of time. nor the vehemence of fusion, shame, remorse, despair. intercession, could mitigate or appease, Ccetera desunt. 98 SERMON XXI. leave him to act at random, or to live in a SERMON XXI. state of anarchy. He gave him a law, the emanation of eternal wisdom and the ON OBEDIENCE TO THE DIVINE LAW. transcript of Divine perfection. The same fingers that upon Mount Sinai wrote PSALM LXXXVIII. 1.-" Give ear, 0 my people, to the commandments upon tables of stone, my law." had written them beforehand upon the living tables of the human heart. The THIS is the call which God addressed to foundation of morality is laid deep in huhis ancient people, and which at sundry man nature; its principles result from the times and in divers manners he addresses constitution of our frame; and its authoto the world. It is the voice of the Al- rity will be supreme, while there is a mind mighty to mankind in every age. His to discern, or a heart to feel, or a convoice all nature hears, and his law all na- science to judge. Darkness is not more ture obeys. The sun moves in the path different from light, nor bitter from sweet, marked out to him by his Creator; the than good is from evil, and virtue from moon keeps her appointed course, and the vice. You are no more masters of the host of heaven proceed from age to age in emotions that rise in the mind, than of their original beauty. The seasons know the sensations which rise in the body. You their time, and the earth obeys the law can no more give the law to internal naimpressed upon it at first. The elements ture than to external nature. You may confess their Lord; the tempest hears his as well call the sun to come down from voice, and the sea submits to the mandate the firmament, as aim to extingish the which said, " Hitherto shalt thou come, light of heaven which shines in the breast. and no farther; here shall thy waves be Inferior animals are incapable of morality. staid." The orders of celestial spirits, They have no law but instinct; they are the principalities and powers of heaven, left to obey the call of appetite, and to obey the command of their King, minister follow blindly the prevailing impulse. But to the purposes of his providence, and in it is not so with man. Reason is his law; acts of goodness, or on errands of mercy, and the dictate of virtue is the dictate of perform his pleasure. nature. The question with him is not, Throughout all nature, one being alone what is the call of appetite? but, what is is deaf to the voice and disobedient to the voice of reason? Not what is the the command of God, that is, the sinner. prevailing impulse? but, what is the imHe alone has departed from his sphere, pulse which ought to prevail? has rebelled against the law of his nature, If, therefore, you disown the obligation and rejected the universal dominion of the of this law, you renounce your nature and Deity in the universe. To recall him unman yourself. If you claim an exempfrom this rebellious state, to replace him tion from the authority of reason and senin his original station, and restore him timent and conscience; if you take the again to the kingdom of God, is the end of license to indulge every appetite and every true religion. For this purpose Moses passion without restraint or control; you and the prophets were inspired, Jesus and may;-but first come down from your the apostles were sent. For this purpose rank in the scale of being; break off all the heaven was opened, the Almighty ap- intercourse with rational creatures; depeared, and the voice uttered to the world, part from the society of men; go to your "Give ear, my people, to my law." equals; herd with the animals of the Your obligation to obey this law will field, and eat grass with the brutes that appear, if you consider that it is the law perish: there display humanity degraded: of your nature, that it is the law of hea- exhibit thyself a monument of folly and ven, that it is the law of society, and the guilt, to be pointed at by the hand of law of happiness. scorn, and to be shunned like the pestiIn the first place, It is the law of your lence. If ever, like the Monarch of Babnature. ylon, thou shalt rise from thy degraded When God created man, he did not state; if ever thine understanding shall ON OBEDIENCE TO THE DIVINE LAW. 99 return, and thou shalt be able to lift up not to Mount Sinai, but to Mount Zion. thine eyes to heaven, like him thou wilt At the publishing of the gospel no fire depraise and extol and glorify the King of scended, no thunders rolled; at the pub. heaven, and give ear to that law which he lishing of the gospel, when our Saviour, promulgates to the armies in heaven and being baptized, entered upon his ministry, to the inhabitants of the earth. the heaven was opened over his head, the In the second place, Your obligation Spirit descended upon him in the form of to obey this law will further appear when a dove, the messenger of peace, and a voice you consider that it is the law of Heaven. came from the overshadowing cloud, " This It comes to you not only recommended is my beloved Son in whom I am well by your own authority, but it comes en- pleased." Revelation then concurs with forced by a higher authority, that of God reason in establishing the law, and to the himself. The appearances of the Almigh- voice of nature is added the voice of God. ty to confirm the law, the prophets and Such an authority you will not despise. the gospel, were made for the instruction You will not join with the impious king and improvement of those who saw them, of Egypt, who hardened his heart, and said, and are recorded for the instruction and " Who is the Lord that I should obey his improvement of those who read them. voice?" The mighty God, even the Lord, hath In the third place, Our obligation to spoken, and called the earth from the obey the law will be further manifest, rising of the sun to where he goeth down. when we consider that it is the law of The first promulgation of the law was society. from Mount Sinai. To strike a rude and That righteousness:exalteth a nation, barbarous people, to reclaim a perverse and that vice is not only a reproach but and obstinate generation, it was requisite also a depression to any people, are truths that the arm of power should be stretched so universally received as to require no out, and that the majesty of terror should confirmation. All lawgivers in all ages be displayed. Accordingly, when the law have thought so, and made it their object was given from Sinai, there was blackness to cultivate justice and temperance and and darkness and tempest; there were fortitude and industry, conscious that pubthunders and lightnings and a thick cloud lie virtue is the source of public happiness. upon the mount; and when Moses brought Philosophers and moralists have been of the people from the camp to meet with the same opinion; and have taught, with God, they trembled as one man; and hill one consent, that the good morals of the Sinai was altogether on a flame, and the people were the stability of the governsmoke thereof went up as the smoke of a ment, and the true source of public prosfurnace, for the Lord descended upon it in perity. Practice and experience have fire, and the mountain quaked; and when confirmed the truth of these speculations. the voice of the trumpet sounded long, If we consult the history of the most reand waxed louder and louder, God called nowned nations that have made a figure Moses up to the top of the mount, and in'the world, we shall find that they rose gave the law. to greatness by virtue, and sunk into conThe same precepts that were given up- tempt through vice; that they obtained on Mount Sinai, Jesus Christ came to dominion by their temperance and probity confirm and to extend. At his first pub- of manners, and a serious regard to relic appearance, in his sermon on the mount, ligion, and when they grew dissolute, he republished, restored and perfected the corrupted and profane, they became slaves law. The new dispensation indeed was to their neighbors, whom they were no different from the old. The God of Abra- longer worthy to govern. Public depraham dwelt in darkness, and was clothed vity paves the way for public ruin. When with terror. The God and Father of our the health and vigor of the political conLord Jesus Christ dwells in the light, stitution is broken, it is hastening to its and is clothed with grace. Miracles of decline. When internal symptoms of weakpower confirmed the one; miracles of ness appear, the least external violence grace distinguished the other. We come will accomplish its dissolution. 100 SERMON XXIL It is a duty, then, which we owe to society and to our country, to observe SERMON XXII. the rules of righteousness; for in order to be good members of society and true ON JESUS CHRIST DYING FOR SINNERS. patriots, we must be virtuous men. To show your obligation to give ear to ROMANS v. 7, 8.-" For scarcely for a righteous this law, let us, in the last place, consider man will one die; yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God that it is the law of happiness. commendeth his love toward us, in that, This, in some measure, follows from while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." what has been already said; for if virtue be necessary to the happiness of public THE Apostle Paul, the author of this societies, it is also necessary to the hap- qpistle, was bred at the feet of Gamaliel, piness of private families and of private and instructed in all the learning of the men, unless we can suppose the body politic Jews. To his Hebrew literature he superto be Nourishing, while every individual is added the erudition of the Gentiles; for in misery and distress. In consulting for we find him in his epistles quoting their others, all agree that virtue leads to hap- celebrated authors, and alluding to their piness; but if for others, why not for remarkable customs and the events in their you? When you consult for them, you history. These verses which I have now have no passions to darken your under- read, carry an illusion and reference to a standing and perplex your judgment. distinction of characters which prevailed When you consider with coolness and among the Jews, and to some illustrious with candor, the observation and ex- actions performed by the Romans, to perience that all of us have had oc- whom he addressed this epistle. casion to make, it will be sufficient to con- The Jews distinguished men with resvince you, that the law of the Lord is pect to their characters, into sinners, just truly favorable to the interests and friend- men, and good men. Sinners are those ly to the happiness of man; that it cor- who violate the laws of God and man, who responds to the just dictates of the mind, disturb the public peace, and are bad memand consults the best affections of the bers of society. A just man is one who does heart. What does it forbid? Desires, pas- no injury to his neighbor, who pays his debts, sions and vices, from which for our own who conforms to the letter of the law, and sakes we should abstain, though there was who is not deficient in anyofthe greatduties no such prohibition. It forbids the grati- of life. A good man is one who goes farfication of desires which would lead us to ther; who is not only innocent but useful, ruin; the indulgence of passions which are who is not only decent but exemplary, the troubles of human life, and the source who is generous, beneficent, public-spiritof our greatest misery; the commission ed; who sacrifices his ease, his pleasure, of vices which waken remorse, and deliver his safety, and, when his country calls for us up to the tormentors. What does the it, who sacrifices his life for the public law of the Lord command? What is love- good. Such was the character of this ly and pure and praise-worthy; what tends apostle himself. In order to propagate the to make men peaceable, gentle, humane, Christian religion among the nations, the merciful, benevolent and happy. greatest blessing of God to the world, in order to diffuse the knowledge of this religion, he gave up all that was dear in life, undertook long and hazardous journeys, exposed himself to the dangers of the deep, to the chains of captivity, to the sword of the persecutor, to the derision and hatred of Jews and Gentiles. Accordingly, he met with this return, which he here mentions as being sometimes made to superior goodness; for we read in the sixteenth chapter of this epistle, that ON JESUS CHRIST DYING FOR SINNERS. 101 he found persons who for his life would to death for the good of others, only anhave laid down their own. ticipates the evil day, only resigns a life The apostle also in these verses alludes which he must soon part with, and subto some illustrious actions performed mits to a doom which sooner or later he by the Romans, to whom he addresses must lay his account to endure. But Jethis epistle. The love of their country sus Christ was the King eternal and imwas the darling passion of that great peo- mortal. His outgoings were from everple. All the soul went out in this gener- lasting, and be is God blessed forever. ous ardor, and every private affection He would have remained happy in himself, flowed in the channel of the public wel- happy in the contemplation and enjoyment of fare. Judge what a strong hold it must his own perfections, happy in the adminhave taken of the heart, when it glowed istration and government of the moral even in the female breast; when the wife world, though he had never cast an eye of encouraged the husband, and the mother pity upon mortal man. He would have exhorted the son, to die for their country. inherited the praises of eternity though It was a principle in the breast of every man had never been redeemed. Yet for Roman, that he owed his life to his coun- our sakes he left the glories of the heatry. This being the spirit of the people, vens, he veiled his Divinity in a form of gave birth to many illustrious and heroic flesh, he took our nature with all its inactions. The spikit of patriotism glowed firmities upon him, he submitted to every among the people for many ages of the re- affliction which embitters human life, and public; one hero sprung from the ashes he suffered an excrutiating, an ignominiof another; and great men arose from age ous and an accursed death. For the salto age, who devoted themselves to death vation and the happiness of the world for the public good. These being the which he had made, the King of kings apmost celebrated actions in the history of peared in the form of a servant, and the mankind, the apostle here compares them Lord of life was crucified at Jerusalem. with the death of Jesus Christ. Follow- A crown of thorns was put on that head ing the train of thought suggested by the where the diadem of nature was wont to apostle, I shall show you the infinite su- sit. Where is the deed of human virtue periority of that love which prompted Je- thate-can stand in comparison with this sus to die for the sins of the world, to that meritorious exertion of the Divine benevpatriotism which prompted the heroes and olence? All the perfection of created great men of old to die for their friends nature fades before it, and is but a foil or for their country. to set off the brightness of redeeming In the first place, then, Those who de- love. voted themselves to death for their friends In the second place, Those, among or their country, submitted to a fate the sons of men who devoted themselves which they must one day have suffered. to death for the good of others, made But Jesus Christ, who is the true God the sacrifice for their friends, for those by and possesseth eternal life, submitted to whom they were beloved; but Jesus died death for our redemption. for his enemies. We are allborn mortal creatures. Sprung We are united to our friends by the from the dust, we return to the dust again. strongest ties of affection, we are interestThe sentence of the Lord is passed upon ed in all that befalls them, and adopt their all flesh, and there is no exemption from joys or their sorrows. Long habits of the law of mortality. We know not attachment, and a mutual intercourse of how soon our last hour may come. The good offices, draw close the cords of frienddarts of death are continually on the ship, and make them twine with every wing; the arrow of destruction flieth by string of life. Hence we are fellow-sufnight, and smiteth at noon-day; victims ferers with our friends in distress, we are are daily falling at our right hand and at afflicted in all their afflictions, so that sufour left, and we know not how soon we too fering a great temporal evil for them, is in may fall a sacrifice. He, therefore, who ex- reality removing a load from our own poses himself to danger, or devotes himself minds. Thus strongly are we attached to 102 SERMON XXII. our friends, nor is the charm less which opens its gate, his name is repeated with binds us to the community. The sacred applause, honors are paid to his memory, name of country, strikes us with venera- and he is the heir of perpetual praise. tion; we feel an enthusiasm for our native Circumstances of such a nature take away land; when it is in danger, hardships are the terror of death. The secret concheerfully undergone, and death scarce sciousness of a great soul, the approach appears an evil in such a glorious cause. of an event which is so glorious in itself, Such inducements there are to him who and so beneficial to the world, the anticidies for his friends or his country. But pation of the praises of succeeding times, Jesus died for the redemption of his ene- exalt the man, and fill him with the elevamies, for those who threw off their allegi- tion and magnanimity of virtue. Few enance to him, who rebelled against his au- joyments in life can be compared with a thority, and rose up in arms against their death so glorious. But Jesus Christ subbenefactor. Their groans would never mitted to the ignominious death of the have reached his ear, nor afflicted his cross. The greatest trial and exercise of heart, had he not graciously inclined to virtue, is when an innocent man submits sympathize. The misery of mankind would to the imputation of a crime that others never have disturbed the happiness of the may be free from the punishment. This Divine nature, would never have thrown a our Lord did. In his life he was brandcloud over the serenity of the heavens, ed with the blackest names, and accused nor made a pause in the alleluiahs of the of the most flagitious crimes; branded blessed, had he not chosen to bear their with the name of publican and sinner, sorrows. It was unmerited goodness, it accused of associating with the profligate, was sovereign mercy, it was pure benevo- and of being in compact with the powers lence, it was love truly divine, that moved of darkness. But at his latter end, in a him to interpose in our behalf. He saw peculiar manner, he endured the shame. the race of men on the very brink of de- He was betrayed like an impostor by one struction, he saw the bottomless pit just of his own disciples, apprehended like a opening to swallow them up, and in the robber by a band of soldiers, led like a moment of danger, the Redeemer appear- malefactor through the streets of Jerued, gracious to pity, mighty to save. A salem, nailed like a murderer to the accloud had long been gathering over the cursed tree, and in the sight of Israel died nations, the hand of the Omnipotent was the death of a traitor and a slave, that he stretched out in wrath, the thunder of his might atone for the real guilt of men. In power was ready to burst over a devoted all these respects the merit of Jesus was world; when the Patron and the interces- infinitely superior to the heroism of men. sor of the human race stepped in, and As the heavens are higher than the earth, stayed the avenging arm with the words as the Most High God excels the offspring of mercy; " Lo I come to do thy will. of the dust, so much superior was his love Sacrifice and burnt-offerings thou dost not to their beneficence. desire. On me let thine anger fall. Let To conclude, Let me ask you, my brethme die that these may live." ren, what impression does the love of Jesus In the third place, He who dies a make upon your hearts, what influence martyr for the public good, departs with does it exert upon your lives? They honor; but Jesus made his departure whose minds are dazzled with the idea of with ignominy and shame. false glory, with arms and conquests and It is honorable, it is glorious, to die for fields of battle, and triumphal processions the public good. He who falls a martyr and songs of victory, may not be disposed to the happiness of mankind, is supported to relish those acts of heroism which have by the native fortitude of the soul, is car- nothing of the sword in them. But to ried forward by the consciousness of a the mind that is freed from vulgar pregood cause, is encouraged with the ad- judice, and acquainted with true glory, miration and applause of the world, and the triumphs of Jesus will appear the becomes famous to all succeeding times. greater that they are the triumphs of To him the temple of fame spontaneous peace, that they were not obtained at the ON THE CHARACTER OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 103 expense of slaughtered thousands, nor improve or reform their countrymen, the erected on the ruin of nations, but rose on lights of one age shone to another. the the basis of general happiness, and everlast- great and the good not only left their exing life to all good men. ample, but lifted up their voice to ages Are you then actuated with a proper which were to come. sense of gratitude to this Captain of our Religion gives its powerful sanction to salvation? The temporal hero and de- the maxims of morality, and this volume liverer is received with a tribute of ap- was written to republish that law which is plause; every heart beats with admira- engraven on the heart. tion, and every tongue is vocal in his The book from which these words are praise. Let us also celebrate the Prince taken, was the work of a great king who of Peace, the Redeemer of our fallen race, sometimes left the throne to adorn it the who delivered us from everlasting wrath, more, and, retiring from the splendid and opened a way to the heavens by the follies of a court, consecrated his hours to'blood of his cross. Beautified with his the benefit of all posterity. It'was adsalvation, let us rejoice in the Saviour, dressed by Solomon to his son, and consaying with the apostle, " God forbid that tains such ideas of religion, and urges such I slhould glory, save in the cross of Jesus motives to virtue, as are most effectual Christ." Let us also love Him who first with the young, representing them as the loved us. Let us give the chief place in perfection of human nature, and the true our hearts to that Divine Friend of man- excellence of man. " The righteous (says kind, whose affection to us was stronger he) is more excellent than his neighbor." than death. With great propriety is this picture set before the young; for the love of excellence is natural to the youthful mind. What is manly, what is generous, what is SERMON XXIII. honorable, are then the objects of admiration and pursuit; fired with noble emulaON THE CHARACTER OF THE RIGHTEOUS. tion, each ingenuous disciple aspires to be more excellent than his neighbor. PPOVERBS xII. 26. —"The righteous is more ex- T4e objections against a holy life have cellent than his neighbor." proceeded on maxims directly contrary to the text. The inducements to vice, which THE sentiments of men concerning virtue, have been powerful in all ages, are the and their own particular practice, form a same that were presented by the tempter very strange and striking contrast. Not- to our first parents. Wisdom was prowithstanding their own irregular or im- mised, " Ye shall be wise to know good perfect conduct, a general feeling, with re- and evil;" the attractions of ambition gard to morality, pervades the human were presented, " Ye shall be as gods;" species. Philosophers have differed about the allurements of pleasure were added, the origin of moral distinctions, and de- and the forbidden fruit recommended as livered various theories concerning virtue; " good for food and pleasant to the eye." but the people who judge from their feel- If in opposition to these it shall be shown, ings, have no system but one; and when- that the righteous man is wiser, and ever right and wrong become the subject greater, and happier, than his neighbor, of decision, if the fact be fully explained, the objections against religion will be rethe voice of mankind is uniform and con- moved, the ways of Providence will be stant. vindicated, and virtue established upon an Without this moral sense or sentiment, everlasting foundation. the question with regard to virtue had In thefirst place, The righteous man is never been started at all, nor exercised wiser than his neighbor. the ingenuity of -the greatest and best There is no part of his nature in which spirits in every age of the world. For, in- man is so earnest to excel, and so jealous dependent of the national religions, men of a defect, as his understanding. Men arose among the heathens who strove to will give up any part of their frame sooner 104 SERMON XXII. than this; they will subscribe to many in- fled with those fruits bordering the path firmities and errors, they will confess a of virtue, which they may taste and live, want of temper, and the proper govern- they put forth their hand to the forbidden ment of their passions, they will even ad- tree. One criminal indulgence lays the mit deviations with regard to the lesser foundation for another, till sinful pleasure moralities, but never yield the smallest becomes a pursuit that employs all the iota in what respects their, intellectual faculties, and absorbs all the time of its abilities. votaries. No wonder that man is jealous of his There is no moderation nor government understanding, for it is his prerogative in vice. Desires that are innocent may be and his glory. This draws the line be- indulged with innocence; pleasures that tween the animal and the intellectual are pure may pe pursued with purity, and world, ascertains our rank in the scale of the round of guiltless delights may be being, and not only raises us above inferior made without encroaching on the great creatures, but makes us approach to a na- duties of life. But guilty pleasures beture which is divine. This enters into come the masters and tyrants of the mind; the foundation of character, for without when these lords acquire dominion, they intellectual abilities, moral qualities can- bring all the thoughts into captivity, and not subsist, and a good heart will go rule with unlimited and despotic sway. wrong without the guidance of a good un- Look around you. Consider the fate of derstanding. Without the direction and your equals in age, who have been swept the government of wisdom, courage de- away, not by the hand of time, but by the generates iLto rashness, justice hardens scythe of intemperance, and involved in into rigor, and benevolence becomes an the shade of death. Contemplate that indiscriminate good nature, or a blamable cloud which vests the invisible world, facility of manners. Where then is wis- where their mansion is fixed for ever. dom to be found, and what is the path of When the sons of the Siren call you to the understanding? If you will trust the banquet of vice, stop in the midst of this dictates of religion and reason, to be vir- career, pause on the brink, look down, and tuous is to be wise. The testimony of all while yet one throb belongs to virtue, turn who have gone before you, confirms the back from the verge of destruction. Think decision. In opposition, however, to the of the joyful morning that rises after voice of religion, of reason, and of man- victory over sin, reflection thy friend, kind, there are multitudes in every age memory stored with pleasant images, thy who reckon themselves more excellent thoughts like good angels announcing than their neighbors, by trespassing peace and presaging joy. against the laws which all ages have Or, if that will not suffice, turn to the counted sacred, the younger by the pur- shades of the picture, and behold the ruin suit of criminal gratification, the old that false pleasure introduces into human by habits of deceit and fraud. nature, Behold a rational being arrested The early period of life is frequently a in his course. A character that might have season of delusion. When youth scatters shone in public and in private life, cast its blandishments, and the song of pleasure into the shades of oblivion; a name that is heard, " Let us crown ourselves with might have been uttered with a tear, and rose-buds before they are withered, and left as an inheritance to a race to come, let no flower of the spring pass away; " consigned to the roll of infamy. All that the inexperienced and the unwary listen is great in human nature sacrificed at the to the sound, and surrender themselves to shrine of sensual pleasure in this world, the enchantment. Not satisfied with those and the candidate for immortality in the just and masculine joys which nature offers next, plunged into the irremediable gulf and virtue consecrates, they rush into the of folly, dissipation and endless misery. excesses of unlawful pleasure: not satis- Cete)ra desunt. RELIGION AN ANTIDOTE TO THE DANGERS OF THE WORLD. 105 SERMON XXIV. to the feeble-minded, it is said in the text, that they who know their God, or are truRELIGION AN ANTIDOTE TO THE DANGERS ly religious. are strong. Religion, when AND TEMPTATIONS OF THE WORLD. rightly understood, and virtue, when properly practised, give nerves and vigor to DANIEL Xi. 32. —" The people that do know their the mind, infuse into the soul a secret God shall be strong." strength, and, presenting a future world to our faith, make us superior to the dangers THE follies and vices which disfigure hu- and temptations of the present. man life, do not always proceed from a To show what this strength is, I shall principle of depravity. The thoroughly set before you some of the most remarkabandoned, who sin from forethought and able scenes in human life in which the contrivance, who commit iniquity upon a feeble-minded give way, and in which they fixed plan, and who are wicked merely from who know their God are strong. This a love of wickedness, I hope and believe strength then, inspired into the mind by are not a numerous class. The indiscre- the knowledge of God, makes us superior tions and vices into which men fall, I am to the opinion and fashion of the world, apt to imagine proceed often from a weak- superior to the difficulties and dangers of ness of mind rather than from a badness the world, superior to the pleasures and of heart. There is a certain feebleness in temptations of the world, and superior to the springs of actions, a facility of disposi- desponding fears at our departure from the tion, a silliness of soul, which marks the world. character, and runs through the life of many In thefirst place, It makes us superior men, as pernicious to them in the conduct to the opinion and fashion of the world. of life, as a principle of actual depravity To sustain an amiable ceiaracter so as could be. Persons of this class, properly to be beloved by those with whom we live, speaking, sustain no character at all. They to maintain a sacred regard to the approassert not the rights of an independent be- bation of the wise and good, and to follow ing, they make no original efforts of mind, those things which are of good report, when but patiently surrender themselves to acci- at the same time they are pure and lovely dent, to be guided by events, and to be and honorable, is the duty of every honest fashioned by those with whom they live. man. But unhappily the bulk of the world They have not strength of mind to stand is not composed of the wise and the good; alone, they dare not walk in a path unless religion and virtue are not always in the it is beaten. Feebleness, fluctuation, tim- fashion; to fix the rule of life, therefore, idity, irresolution, fill up the period of by the public approbation or dislike, is to their insignificant days, and often betray make the standard of morality uncertain them into crimes as well as indiscretions. and variable. According to this doctrine, This weakness of the mind is not only per- the Christian life would be the work of nicious but criminal. There are mental mere caprice, there would be a fashion in defects that are inconsistent with a state morals as well as in dress, and what is virof virtue. The Sacred Scriptures never tue, or vice in one age or country, would draw the line of distinction between intel- not be so in another. In such critical lectual and moral qualities, but prescribe cases, when truth is to be defended, or ipboth as requisite to form the character of tegrity to be held fast against the current the righteous man. Hence a sound mind, of popular opinion, the feeble-minded are as well as a good heart is mentioned as an apt to make shipwreck of the faith. The ingredient in the character of a saint. feeble-minded man rests not upon himself, Hence, in the sacred books, religion and he has nothing within to support him, he virtue go under the name of wisdom, vice thinks, and acts, and lives by the opinion and wickedness under the name of folly. of others. " What will the world say? " is Hence intellectual qualities become the the question that he puts to himself on all subject of divine precept, and we are called occasions. Thou fool! look inwards, thine upon to be wise and to be strong, as well own heart will tell thee more than all the as to be holy and to be pure. In opposition world. This pusillanimous deference to 106 SERMON XXIV. the opinion of others, this criminal compli- Very different is the character of him ance to the public voice, will make you lose who is strong in the Lord. When he is your all, your soul. assured he is in the right path, he sees no Hence, in certain companies, men are obstacles in the way. Nothing is difficult ashamed of their religion. They lend a to a determined mind. Through the dipleased ear to arguments that shake the vine aid, resolution is omnipotent. To foundations of their faith: they join in the the unwearied efforts of persevering courlaugh that is raised at the expense of all age, art and nature have yielded: and that they hold sacred and venerable, and there is a ladder by which the heavens themselves assume the spirit, and speak may be scaled. Through Christ strengththe words of profaneness, while the heart ening him, the man of God can do all often secretly agonizes for the liber- things No appearance of difficulty, no ties of the tongue. In opposition to such form of danger, no face of death, terrifies characters, the man who is truly religious, him from doing his duty. He gives up performs his duty through bad report as his possessions, his country, his parents, well as through good. The applause of his friends, his wife and children, his own such fools as make a mock at sin, he de- life also, rather than desert the post of spises. His standard of moral conduct, is honor assigned to him by Providence. his own conscience well informed by the " None of these things move me," saith word of God. He knows that the fashion an apostle, " neither account I my life of the world passeth away, and vice or folly dear unto myself, so that I may finish is not recommended to him by being prac- my course with joy. What mean you to tised by others. He remembers the words weep, and to break my heart? For I am of his Master, "Whosoever shall be willing not to be bound only, but to die ashamed of me, of him shall the Son of at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord man be ashamed." He dares to be singu- Jesus." lar and good: " Though all men forsake This was not the vain boast of men thee, yet will not I." who were brave when the day of battle In the second place, This strength in- was distant, and who in the midst of transpired by true religion, makes us superior quillity, talked of despising danger. It to the difficulties and dangers we meet was the speech of one who acted what he with in the world. spoke. To the confirmation of it, we can The feeble-minded man is intimidated adduce a cloud of witnesses, an host of upon the slightest occasion: he starts at martyrs, multitudes of all nations, and difficulties, and shrinks from dangers, when- ages, and conditions, for whom the flames ever they present themselves. Happy to of the tormentor were kindled to no purcatch at any subterfuge, he finds or makes pose; against whom the sword of persecua thousand obstacles to the discharge of his tion was drawn in vain; who held fast duty; and when any thing great is to be their integrity, though they knew death done, there is " a lion in the way." What to be the consequence, and followed their infinite mischief has this pusillanimity Redeemer in a path that was marked with done in the world! How often has the blood. Among these martyrs, doubtless best and most generous cause been lost by there were many who naturally were as t}e weakness of its defenders! - How often feeble, and flexible, and timorous, as any of hav'e the most innocent and worthy cha- you are: but when they were inspired with racters suffered by the shameful cowardice this hidden strength, and were supported of their friends! How often have men by the everlasting arms, the timorous purchased an inglorious ease, an infamous waxed valiant, and the feeble became tranquillity, at the expense of character strong in the Lord. and conscience, and every thing great and Cateara desunt. good! THE DANGER OF FOLLOWING A MULTITUDE TO DO EVIL. 107 in the same key, and sound the same note. SERMON XXV. As this principle is implanted in us by the Author of our nature, it must no doubt be intended for great and important purTHETO DANG OF EVIL. A MUTI poses. It serves to strengthen the bonds of society, to promote friendship and love, EXOD. xxIII. 2.-" Thou shalt not follow a multi- and is the aptest and most successful tude to do evil." means, not only to teach wisdom and goodness, but also to inspire them. IMITATION is one of the great characteris- But as all principles have their unfatics of the human species. As the passion vorable and vicious extreme, to which they for society is strong in the breasts of all may be carried, so likewise hath this. rational creatures, the gratification of it is Here, therefore, hath the Almighty intersought after as one of the highest enjoy- posed, and set bounds to it which it ought ments of life. The same passion that im- not to pass, and on the farthest verge of pels us to society, impels us to take part innocence hath engraven this inscription, with our companions in their interests " Hitherto shalt thou comne, and no farand inclinations. Insensibly and without ther; here shall the progress of thy imitathought we fall into their customs and tion be stayed;" or, as it is expressed in their manners; we adopt their sentiments, the words of our text, " Thou shalt not their passions, and even their foibles, and imitate men in their wickedness; thou follow the same course as if we were ac- shalt not follow a multitude to do evil." tuated by the same spirit. This principle In further treating on this subject, I appears in children even in the infant shall, in thefirst place, endeavor to show state. From their earliest years they love you by what means we are to keep ourto mimic whatever strikes the organs of selves from following a multitude to do sense; and soon as the young idea begins evil; and, in the second place, adduce to sho6t, and the embryo of the manly some arguments that urge the necessity character to appear, they form themselves of this duty. insensibly upon the model of their parents, The first thing proposed, was to show and the persons with whom they converse. you by what means we are to guard ourTo this, and not to any fancied physical selves from the multitude that do evil. cause, is owing that strong and striking And, in thefirst place, In order to this, resemblance, which we frequently find be- let us be early and firmly established in twien the parents and the offspring; a the principles of our holy faith. When resemblance as remarkable in the temper we look about us into life, and behold and character, as in the features of the how many persons enter into the world, face. without having their minds instructed, or This principle is not confined to indi- their hearts established in the great prinviduals, it extends to nations. There is ciples of virtue and religion, we cannot be a national character, a national spirit, and surprised that they go astray on occasion even a national mode of thinking, down of the first temptation, and follow the the current of which we are insensibly multitude to do evil. Perhaps they have carried. When any novelty, any improve- acquired some general knowledge of Chrisment in art or in science, makes its ap- tianity, but their knowledge of it is.merepearance in a nation, it flies from man to ly speculative, has played around the man, and from place to place by a kind head, but has not reached the heart. Acof contagion, till it has overspread the cordingly, as mere speculation is utterly whole country. So powerful is sympathy, unfit to combat the strength of passion, and the love of imitation among men: and and the violence of temptation, they soon thus are our minds framed by the hand fall off and sink into all the corruptions of our Maker, to accord with those of of the world around them. This course others; like the strings of musical instru- of life is well described in the beautiful ments in unison, when one is struck, the parable of the sower and the seed.-" Berest correspond to the impression, vibrate hold a sower went forth to sow; and as 108 SERMON XXV. he sowed, some seeds fell upon the stony sons our confidants and companions. It places, where they had not much earth, is the grand secret of life, both with reand forthwith they sprung up, because they spect to virtue and happpines, to select had no deepness of earth; and when the good and worthy persons to be our friends sun was up they were scorched, and because and companions; such persons with whom they had no root, they withered away." we would not only wish to live, but also That is, they had received the knowledge desire to die. Such persons whom we of the Christian religion, but they had not would not only choose to be the companattained to that true faith, which is not ions of our careless hours, but also the barely an assent of the understanding to partners of our enjoyments through all speculative truth, but which is also a prin- eternity. ciple of action which purifies the heart, There is something in the friendship works by love, and regulates the whole and familiarity of good men, extremely conversation. great and honorable to human nature; It is education chiefly that forms the and there are some considerations in human character; and it is a virtuous and Christianity that carry these to their religious education that forms the charac- highest perfection. The great commandter of the Christian. The mind, at that ment of our Lord to his followers, was to early and innocent period, being untainted love one another. In the holy sacrament with actual guilt, and all alive to every of the supper, we are united together in generous impression, bends without labor such intimate bonds of union, as to beto the force of instruction; is easily come members of one body. We have formed to all the beauties of holiness, and one faith, one hope, one baptism, one by frequent and repeated acts, acquires Lord, the Father of all, one Saviour who habits of devotion and virtue. The prin- died for the sins of the world, one Spirit ciples that are then imbibed, and the who dwells in the hearts of the faithful. habits that are then acquired, although We are fellow heirs of the same grace of they may be sometimes shaken and weak- life, fellow expectants of the same heavenened by the contagion of evil example, ly rewards. are seldom or never entirely obliterated. Under these considerations, the friendWhen the good seed is thus sown, we ship of good men would be attended with have the promise of Almighty God, that the most beneficial effects. They would he will grant it the increase, and cause it support each other in the temptations and to spring up into everlasting life. When afflictions of life, and by quickening each the Christian doctrines are thus received, other's diligence, provoke one another to. not merely as articles of belief, but also as love and to good works. Such associaprinciples of action, through the blessing tions of good and worthy persons, in times of God, they will attain the ascendant of public degeneracy and corruption, are over the unruly passions, and exert such spoken of in Scripture with the highest an entire influence over the mind, as will honor. " Then they that feared the Lord, enable it to resist temptation, and to come spake often one to another, and the Lord off triumphant. When the good founda- hearkened and heard it; and a book of tion is thus laid, the winds may arise, and remembrance was written before him for the rains may descend; the tempest may them that feared the Lord, and that blow and beat upon the house, but the thought upon his name. And they shall be foundation of the structure shall not fail, mine, saith the Lord of I-osts, in that day for it rests upon a rock. when I make up my jewels; and I will Next, In order to preserve our inno- spare them as a man spareth his own son cence and integrity uncorrupted from the that serveth him." world, let us beware with what company Further, In order to keep ourselves we associate. Evil communication cor- unspotted from the world, let us acquire rupts good manners. It is not indeed al- firmness and fortitude of mind. There is ways in our power to avoid falling into no principle in human nature that is atthe company of the wicked, but it is al- tended with a train of more dreadful conways in our power not to make such per- sequences, than that facility of manners, ON LOVE OF OUR COUNTRY. 109 that simplicity of disposition, that weak- fore us, with the same alacrity and zeal. ness of soul, which is easily persuaded Did we frequently and seriously call up from its resolution, to comply with every to our remembrance, the lives and the virproposal. This good nature, as it is falsely tues of those who are now inheriting the called, is the worst nature in the world, promises; did we, by faith and contemand is the occasion of more calamities, plation, represent to our minds those unand of more crimes, than the actual incli- seen rewards of which they are now in nation to wickedness. To oppose the ac- possession, we should feel our hearts burn tual vicious inclination, Almighty God within us; with zeal and emulation, we hath indued us with an understanding to would inhale a p.ortion of the same divine discern its evil, and with a conscience to spirit, and beholding as in a glass reflectcheck its progress; but this pernicious ed, their virtues and victories, we would feebleness of mind has the appearance of be changed into the same image, from glosociableness and of virtue, and, by that ry to glory, as by the Spirit of the living appearance. deceives us to our ruin. God. Persons of such a character make no Ccetera desunt. original efforts of mind. They seem born to enlist under a leader, and are the sin- N. B. The Sermon which was delivered in ners or the saints of accident. Fortitude its finished state, by the Author, from this Text, of mind, and strength of resolution, are *was much admired by his hearers. The above of mind, and strength of resolution, are is only a part of it, and a first copy. requisite for every purpose of human life. In particular, they are necessary to keep us from the contagion of evil example. Let us be cautious in laying down resolutions: let us be cautious in concerting SERMON XXVI. plans of action: but when we have once resolved, let us be immutable. When we have chosen our path, let us hold on, ON LOVE OF OUR COUNTRY. though the temptations of life should beset us on one hand, and the terrors of PSALM CXXIL 6. —"Pray for the peace of Jerudeath on the other, not suffering the commotions of the world, nor even the changes FELLOW-CITIZENS, we now assemble, in of nature, to shake or to disturb the more obedience to the command of our Sovesteadfast purpose of our souls. The most reign, to pray for the peace of Jerusavaluable of all possessions is a strenuous lem, and for the prosperity of those that and steady mind, a self-deciding spirit, love her. Loyalty to our king, and love prepared to act, to suffer, or to die, as bto our country, are the passions which occasion requrires. occasion requi al chares. ought to animate us on this day.* That This is not an ideal character, which attachment which good citizens bear to exists only in description. God hath ne- their country, has ever been esteemed a ver wanted his thousands who have not virtue of the highest class. Not to menbowed the knee to the idols of the world. tion the Greeks and Romans, the history We can reckon up a venerable company of the Israelites, with which you are of Patriarchs, and a sacred society of Pro- better acquainted, presents us with grand phets, a holy fellowship of Apostles, an in- and. striking instances of patriotism and numerable army of Martyrs and Confes- public spirit. They never mention the sors, who were found faithful in the midst names of Zion and Jerusalem, without of the faithless, who approved themselves gladness and rapture. The words which the sons of God without rebuke, in the I have now read to you, seem to have midst of an evil and profane generation, come from the heart, and breathe this and having received the recompence of re- spirit in the most lively manner. ward, are now sitting on thrones, and During their captivity, when they sat singing hosannas in the heavens. by the rivers of Babylon, the Jews The contemplation of their lives should animate us to run the race that is set be- * Upon a fast-day during the American war. 110 SERMON XXVI. thought upon Zion and wept. When they pattern to succeeding times. Liberty is prayed to heaven, they turned their faces the birthright of every Briton. That towards Jerusalem. At their return from grand charter of Nature to her children is captivity, they are described as halting on established and confirmed by law. The a hill, over which they had to march, tak- constitution, like the providence of Heaing a fond look of Judea, from which they ven, extends its gracious regards to all: had been banished so long; bursting into while it protects the poor in the possestears at the view, weeping as they went sion of their legal rights, it checks the forward, at the recognizance of their an- insolence of the great, and sets bounds to cient country, and their native land. Our the prerogative of majesty itself, saying to Saviour, who was a pattern of all good- the king, " Thus far, and no farther, does ness, set us an example of this virtue. thy power extend." All the members of He loved his country, and uttered that the state are represented in the great celebrated exclamation of patriotism, " O council of the nation, and have a voice in Jerusalem, Jerusalem, How often would the legislature; the subjects are taxed by I have gathered thee, as a hen gathereth their own consent. There is no despotic her brood under her wings." or discretionary power in any part of the As we now meet to pray for the peace constitution. No action must be deemed or welfare of our Jerusalem, (for in the lan- a crime, but what the laws have plainly guage of Scripture, peace is put for all determined to be such; no crime must be kinds,of prosperity,) I shall endeavor to imputed to a man, but from a legal proof show you at this time, wherein the public before his judges; and these judges must welfare consists. be his fellow-subjects and his peers, who It consists in the national liberty, the are obliged, by their own interest, to have national wealth and industry, the national a watchful eye over encroachments and defence, and the national character. violence. "We must ever admire, as a The first ingredient in the public hap- masterpiece of political wisdom, and as piness is liberty; a privilege invaluable, the key-stone of civil liberty, that statute but frequently misunderstood, and still which forces the secrets of every prison more frequently abused. Absolute liberty to be revealed, the cause of every cornto do what we please, is absolute power. mitment to be declared, and the person If one alone, or a few possess this, the rest of the accused to be produced, that he are in slavery; if all have it, the whole may claim his enlargement, or his trial, must be in confusion. In order to prevent within a limited time." By these means, mutual encroachments, and ascertain each Great Britain hath become what ancient person's claims, liberty must be secured patriots wished, a government of laws, by a constitution, and guarded by law. In and not of men. Highly favored nation the state of nature, men are not only free, and happy people, if they knew their felibut independent; among the wandering city, and did not upon occasions, by their tribes of savages, none claim authority own fault, turn the greatest of civil blessover others; but as such a state cannot ings into a curse! subsist long, whenever men enter into In the second place, The national welformed society, they give up some of their fare consists in the national industry and natural rights, in order to preserve the wealth. It is a vulgar error to suppose rest: they no longer wield the sword of that the greatness of a nation depends justice themselves; it is given to the ma- upon the number of its inhabitants. It gistrate; they intrust their property ta is not the number of the people, but their the laws, and their protection to the king. being usefully employed, that adds to the Still, however, that is the happiest form true grandeur and felicity of a state. A naof government, which best secures the na- tion is a great family, where every member tural rights of men. It is here that the has a sphere marked out and a part to British constitution triumphs. Possess- perform, and which, if it abounds with ing advantages which no other form of the idle, must fall to ruin. " Men crowd government ever possessed, it stands forth where the situation is tempting, and multhe envy of the neighboring nations, and a tiply according to the means of subsist ON LOVE OF OUR COUNTRY 111 ence." Present the proper objects; let defence, it must fall an easy prey to every the mechanic arts be cultivated; let manu- invader. It was the intention of nature, factures abound, and commerce flourish; that nations, as well as men, should guard and citizens will come from the east and themselves. Hence lessons of war are from the west, and from the south and delivered in sacred Scripture, and prinfrom the north. Every thing in the world ciples of emulation and dissension are is purchased by labor and by industry. strongly implanted in the soul of man. Our passions and desires are the causes Human nature has no part of its character, of labor and industry. When a nation in- of which more striking examples are given troduces manufactures and commerce, new in every part of the globe. What is it desires are created, and new passions that stirs in the breasts of ordinary men raised; men increase'the enjoyments, and when the enemies of their country are refine upon the pleasures of.life. Not named? Whence are the prejudices that satisfied with what is necessary, which is subsist between different provinces and a vague term, and has a reference to the villages of the same empire and territory? fancy, and.to the habit of living, they look What is it that excites one half of the out for what is comfortable, what is ele- nations of Europe against the other? The gant, and what is delicate in life. In statesman may explain this conduct upon order to supply these recent wants, the motives of national jealousy and caution; possessor of land, the manufacturer, and but the people have dislikes and antipathe merchant, redouble their labor and at- thies, which proceed from sentiment, not tention. Thus new industry is excited, from reasoning. Among them the mategreater numbers of men are employed, the rials of war and dissension are laid withgrandeur of the sovereign, and the hap- out the direction of government, and piness of the state, come to coincide. By sparks are ready on every occasion to this means, a stock of labor comes to be kindle into a flame. laid up for public use. This being the disposition of the peoTrade and industry are in reality no- ple, happy is that institution which prething but a stock of labor, which, in times vails in a part of this island,* of putting of peace and tranquillity, are employed for arms into the hands of the people, of the ease and satisfaction of individuals; making every citizen a soldier in his turn, but in the exigencies of state, may in part and by this means having a force at hand be turned to public advantage. The cul- to rise in arms at any sudden emergency. tivation of these arts is favored, and for- When such a system of military arrangewarded in our country, by that security ments takes place, the prosperity of a state which we enjoy. What every man has is becomes independent of single men; there his own. The voice' of the oppressor is is a wisdom which never dies, and a valor never heard in our streets. The hand of which is immortal. A state may hire rapacious power is never stretched out to troops, but valor is not to be bought; the rob the industrious of the fruit of his wealth of a nation will procure soldiers to labor. fight its battles, but let it not be forgotThirdly, The public welfare consists in ten, that the possessions of the fearful are the national defence. The police of every easily seized, that a timorous multitude well-modelled state has a reference to war falls into rout of itself. Ramparts may and to national safety. The legislator of be erected, and the implements of war Sparta, one of the most famous of the an- may be furnished, by a pacific people; cient republics, thought that nations were but let it be remembered as an eternal by nature in a state of hostility; he took truth, that there is no rampart which is his measures accordingly, and observing impregnable to valor, that arms are only that all the possessions of the vanquished of consequence when they are in the pertain to the victor, he held it ridiculous hands of the brave, and that the only to propose any benefit to his country, be- price of freedom is the blood of the free. fore he had provided that it should not be When an ancient Spartan was asked, what conquered. A most necessary provision; * Originally published before the institution for unless a state be sufficient for its own of the Scottish Militia. 112 SERMON XXVII. was the wall of his city? he pointed to a SERMON XXVII band of brave men; a defence more permanent and more effectual than the rock and the cement with which other cities ON DEATH. are, fortified. HEBREWS IX. 27.-" It is appointed to men once Lastly, The public welfare consists in to die; but after this the judgment." the national character. That righteousness exalteth a nation, and that vice is DEATH is the conclusion of all events; not only a reproach, but also a depression of all that ever have been, and of all that to any people, are truths so universally ever will be. The schemes of the base, received, as to require little confirmation. the plots of the ambitious, the projects All lawgivers in all ages have thought so, of the visionary, the studies of the learnand made it their object to cultivate jus- ed, all terminate here. However different tice and temperance, and fortitude and the paths be that we take in life, they all industry, conscious that public virtue is lead to the grave. Whilst, therefore, we the source of public happiness. Phi- make death the subject of contemplation, losophers and moralists have been of the and meditate upon the house which is apsame opinion, and have taught, with one pointed for all living, let us take this consent, that the morality of the people thought along with us, that we shall bear was the stability of the government, and a part in those scenes which we now dethe true source of public prosperity. scribe, and that we are meditating on a Practice and experience have confirmed fate which will one day be our own. the truth of these speculations. If we In the fi:st place, Let us consider death consult the history of the most renowned as an event, the period of which is unnations that have made a figure in the certain. world, we shall find, that they rose to In the days when Noah entered into greatness by virtue, and sunk to nothing the ark, they did eat, they drank, they by vice; that they obtained dominion by married, they were given in marriage; their temperance, their probity of man- and the flood came, and destroyed them ners, and a serious regard to religion; and all. On the day that Lot went out of that when they grew dissolute, corrupted Sodom, they did eat, they drank, they and profane, they became slaves to their bought, they sold, they planted, they neighbors, whom they were no longer builded; and it rained fire and brimstone worthy to govern. Public depravity paves from heaven, and destroyed them all. As the way for public ruin. When the health it was in the days of Noah and in the and vigor of the political constitution is days of Lot, even thus, my friends, shall broken, it is hastening to its decline. it be to you when the day of death When internal symptoms of weakness cometh. In the present state of things, appear, the least external violence will the soul of man is blind to futurity. Suraccomplish its dissolution. Besides the rounded with material objects, and ocnatural tendency of virtue to make nations cupied in present affairs, we make these great and happy, if we have just notions the sole objects of attention; we find in of divine Providence, if we believe that them the only sources of attachment, and the perfections of God are at all concern- overlook those spiritual and distant events ed in human affairs, virtuous nations will on which our future life and happiness be his peculiar care, and under his im- depend. Hence, we are always surprised mediate protection; he will counsel their with our latter end, and the day of the counsellors, cover their armies in the day Lord cometh like a thief in the night. of battle, and crown them with victory No instruction can make us so wise as to and peace. consider our latter end; no warning can incite us to set our houses in order, that we may die; and no example give the alarm so strong, as to set us on serious preparation for meeting with God. Void of thought, and careless of futurity, we ON DEATH. 113 live on from day to day, like the victim as mortal; we form schemes to ourselves that plays and dances before that altar upon their decease, but forget all the while where its blood is to be shed. Even after that we ourselves are to die. O foolish the longest life, and under the most linger- and infatuated race, will you always coning sickness, death comes unexpected; the tinue deaf to the voice of wisdom? Will arrow is still unseen that strikes through neither the instructions of the living, nor the heart. the warnings of the dead, induce you to This is not peculiar to a few men; it serious thoughts? Will you continue to describes a general character, and is ex- lengthen your prospects, when perhaps emplified in all the classes of life. This you stand upon the very verge of life; infatuation does not arise from ignorance. and can you enjoy the feast, when the You all know that death is certain; you sword hangs over your head, by a single all know that it is generally unexpected. hair? Who knoweth what a day may You assent to every thing that we can say bring forth? The morning has smiled upon this head, that there is no action of upon multitudes, who before the evening life, but what may lead to its end, and have slept the sleep of death. Who knowno moment of time but what may be your eth how soon you may be hurried to the last. You need not be informed, that judgment-seat of God? The ears which death spares no age; your own observation hear these sayings may soon be shut for presents you with many instances of per- ever; and the heart which now throbs at sons cut off in all periods of life. In the thought, may, in a little time, be minthat churchyard you see graves of every gled with the clods of the valley. Some length; on those monuments of mortality, who last Lord's day worshipped within you read the histories of the promising these walls, are now gone to the eternal boy, of the blooming youth, of the man world, and God only knows how soon some in middle life, and of the hoary head, of us may follow. mingled together in sad assemblage Seeing then that life is so uncertain, amongst the abodes of the dead. You that the thread thereof breaks at every can reckon up instances of persons cut blast, let me exhort you to set apart some off in a sudden and unexpected manner; time for serious meditation upon your of a Herod who was struck amidst the mortality. Let it be on some solemn ocapplauses of the people; of a Jezebel who casion, in the silent hour of night, when was thrown headlong from that window deep sleep falleth on man, when midnight where she had prepared to display her- closeth awful all the world, and naught in self to the people; of a Belshazzar who nature is awake but God and thee: there, was slain at a banquet, when he was in deep and solemn meditation, think over carousing with his princes, his concubines, the terrors of that house which is appointand his wives; and of a Holophernes, ed for all living, and with the ancient. who met his fate surrounded with his patriarch, say to corruption, Thou art my army, and crowned with victory and fame. father, and to the worm, Thou art my With all these in your memory, you mother and my sister. Ask seriously at. act as if you were immortal. Even the your own heart, " Should these eyes never death of those who fall around us, and open upon the light of another day; should before our eyes, affects us not with serious the awful mandate issue forth from the concern. One person opposed us in a Almighty Arbiter of life and death,favorite object, and we rejoice at his de- This night, this night thy soul shall be cease; another stood in our way to pre- required of thee;" could you, without ferment and power; the death of a third fear and trembling, face the tribunal of opens to us a prospect of rising to wealth God, the Judge of all? If frighted nature and fortune: we profit not by all these les- starts back and trembles at the thought. sons of mortality; the voice from the of instant dissolution, make your former tomb sends us back to the world, and life pass before you in review, compare it. from the very ashes of the dead there with the law of God:. if your former miscomes a fire that rekindles our earthly pent time comes up before you in sad redesires. We look upon all our neighbors membrance; if your past transgressions, 8 114 SERMON XXVII. stare you in the face, and point to the in the general tenor of your life. Keep a lake that burneth with fire and brimstone, conscience void of offence towards God instantly and without delay, whilst the and towards man. Let not the sun go gate of heaven is yet open, whilst the down upon one unrepented sin. Make it throne of mercy is yet accessible, pros- your business every night to review the trate yourselves before God in deep humil- actions of the foregoing day. If, through ity and abasement, mourn over the sins the frailty of nature, or the force of tempof your past life in bitterness of soul, be- tation, you have sinned against God, proslieve in a crucified Redeemer, who died trate yourselves before the throne of grace, for the sins of the world, implore compas- and ask pardon through Christ. As you sion and forgiveness from the Father of would not wish to yourselves distress and mercies, through the merits of Jesus anguish and tribulation at the day of Christ. Thus continue fervent in prayer death; as you would not wish to bring and supplication, and in the exercise of down your gray hairs with sorrow to the faith and repentance; give not sleep to grave; beware of persisting in a course your eyes nor slumber to your eyelids, of unrepented sin. till you have made your peace with God, Notwithstanding, however, of the utility till you feel within yourselves that peace of such meditations, there is no subject which passeth all understanding, that joy on which we are so reluctant to fix our which is unspeakable and glorious. Thus attention as our mortality. We shift from continue at solemn and stated occasions, one speculation, and from one pursuit to to consider your latter end, till death shall another; we give our thoughts to wander grow familiar to your mind, till the grave through immensity, but cautiously avoid shall gradually lose its terrors, and the this theme which touches us so near; but Sun of Righteousness arise upon you in this is the point where wisdom begins. full glory. We can never live as we ought, till we In the second place, Let me remind you, have learned how to die. I mean not by that a good life is the best preparation this, that we should make death the confor death. You may lay it down as a stant subject of our meditation, and have maxim confirmed by universal experience, funerals always passing before our eyes. that every man dies as he lives; and it is This would withdraw us from life altoby the general tenor of the life, not a par- gether; would indispose us even for its ticular frame of mind at the hour of death, business and its enjoyments; but although that we are to be judged at the tribunal we cannot always employ ourselves in such of God. It is a dangerous mistake which meditations, let us at times give this subprevails amongst men, that it is sufficient ject its full weight; that certainly merits for their eternal happiness, if they feel some place in our thought which is the some serious emotions at their latter end. great close of our being here. It is awful, If your life has been wicked, what will it indeed, I acknowledge, my friends, to make avail you, that on your death-bed you have approaches to the mansions of the dead; been actuated with sorrow for your of- it is melancholy to think upon the fall of fences? Judas Iscariot felt such a sorrow this goodly structure, which was built by when he went to his own place. Late the hand of the Most High; but fall it conversions are not to be trusted to, and assuredly must. The present moment death-bed repentances are generally no- hastens us on to our last hour. Let us thing more than the first gnawing of the therefore prepare for an event which we worm that shall never die. Suppose cannot avoid. We may learn some lesdeath to halt a little, the sick person re- sons from the tomb, which will avail us covers, washes his couch with floods of through all eternity. penitential tears, a thousand vows of In the third place, I shall consider amendment are made; but if repentance death as becoming present to us, and enlasts no longer than sickness, the disease deavor to give you that view of it, which and the devotion go off together; the man you will one day have. returns to walk in his former ways. None, indeed, ever returned from the Be blameless, therefore, and harmless invisible world to describe the bed of ON DEATH. 115 death, and tell us the agonies of the last life, have no choice in the objects which hour. But up to that hour we can trace present themselves, but give the loose the man, and survey him stretched upon rein to a wandering inclination, and follow the bed from which he is to rise no more. on without thinking, where accident points A death-bed discovers the real character the way. Here, therefore, let us often of men; dissimulation is then at an end. pause and seriously ask ourselves, Is the At the close of the scene, the mask drops course of life which I am now engaged in, off, and the man appears in his true colors. of such a nature that it will bear a review Then, then, often for the first time, a man upon the bed of death? Are the motives turns a serious eye upon himself; cut off of my present conduct, and the reasons from all connection with the living world; which now determine me to action. so strong bidding adieu for ever to all below the and well founded, that I could plead them sun; entering within the dominions of the in my defence at the bar of eternal jusdead, and about to appear before the tice? If that is not the case, consider judgment-seat of God; surounded by the and be wise before it is too late. Why sad circle of his friends and attendants, should you vex yourselves in vain? Why he reads in their trembling looks, that all should you pass your time in such a manis over with him, that his hour is come; ner, as to make its end bitter? Why then the illusion vanishes that was spread will you treasure up to yourselves anguish upon all earthly things; then the past and remorse and tribulation, and make no rises up, often rises in bitter remembrance; other use of the present time, but to emthen the future rushes upon his view with bitter your last hour? Be consistent all its dark and unknown terrors; then the with yourselves. You cannot live the life sense of Deity revives, which, however of the wicked, and die the death of the disguised, lies at the bottom of every righteous. Let, therefore, your course of heart; then conscience, rising up in majesty action be of that kind, that draws no resupreme, holds out such a picture of the pentance after it; then shall your path in eternal world, as convinces the most un- life be like the morning light, which shinbelieving mind; convinces him that a fu- eth more and more unto the perfect day. ture state is not the dictate of a wild im- Having thus set out, and made progress agination, is not the figment of priests in the ways of righteousness, you will and lawgivers, to terrify the ignorant, and look forward with joy. This will cause keep the people in awe; he sees and feels the evening of your days to smile, and that it is an awful reality. When the the stream of life to run clear to the last. time of his departure is announced bythe Let this consideration moderate our atcold sweat and the shivering limbs, and tachment to earthly things. What profit the voice faltering in the throat, he casts hath a man in that sore travel- to which a last look, perhaps a sad one, on all that he is appointed under the sun? Why he leaves behind. Then the whole crea- should we vex ourselves in vain, deny ourtion fades from his view, the world seems selves to the enjoyments of life, withdraw to be dissolved, and, to the closing eye, sleep from our eyes, and peace from our nothing appears but God alone; that God, minds? Why should we add to the evils before whose tribunal he is summoned to of life, and carry about with us a burden appear. to the grave? Even with a view to preIf this fate shall one day be ours, what sent tranquillity and enjoyment, this is manner of persons ought we now to be? folly of the first magnitude; but, when At that hour, the very best shall wish we take in the consideration of a fixture that they had been better, and after all life, it is worse than folly, it is sin. If the preparation that we have made, we we are entirely immersed in the concerns shall wish that we had made more. Let of this world; if earthly things occupy this thought have its influence in deter- and engross our whole attention, what mining us to the choice of objects which shall we do when God taketh away the we pursue, and the course of life which soul? How will the closing eye contemnwe embrace. The greatest part of man. plate the pomp and glitter of life, the kind, having no fixed or certain plan of evil of avarice, the bustling of ambition, 116 SERMON XXVII. and all this circle of vanity to which we a different light; honest and candid men are now enchanted? Use this world, will then look back with pain upon those therefore, as not abusing it; let not the excesses to which they have been carried business or the pleasures of it take hold by the impetuosity of passion. However of your heart, make them not essential to some men choose to live, all men would your happiness, sit loose to them, remem- wish to die at peace with their neighbors; ber that the fashion of this world passeth there is no enmity in the grave; there is away, and that death soon puts a period no discord in the house which is appointed to the scene, which no wise man would for all living: there friends and foes rest wish to last for ever. together in peace, and the ashes of those In the fourth place, By making the who were mortal enemies, mingle together thought of death present to us, regulate in friendly alliance. Let us, therefore, our conduct with respect to the friendships now cultivate those benevolent disposiwhich we form, and concerning the ani- tions to all men, and live in those habits mosities which we entertain. with our neighbors, which we would wish Affection and friendship are the best to prevail in us at the hour of. death. and most valuable part of human nature. These exhortations, my young friends, I The heart of man wishes to be kind, and address particularly to you. You are looks around for objects. This fund of apt to reckon yourselves privileged from generous love is often misapplied; this death; you put the evil day far off; you favorable bias of humanity is often per- promise to yourselves a length of happy verted; sometimes by that general and days, and think that melancholy reflecindiscriminate good nature which looks tions upon mortality are ill suited to the upon all men as alike; sometimes by friv- bloom of your years, and the gayety of olous attachments, founded upon a con- your spirits. "Let the old," you say, formity of trifling dispositions; and some- "think upon death; let those who are times by a more criminal alliance, by a drawing nigh to the grave, prepare for partnership in iniquity. In the course that better world to which they are adof business, indeed, we must converse with vancing; but sure it is the duty of the persons of all kinds. No man has the young and the gay to make the most of choice of the companies into which he life." True; and in order to make the may fall; but every man has the choice most of life, you must conquer the fear of of the friends with whom he cultivates death. The king of terrors, when not more intimate connections. In forming subdued, is the most formidable of all these connections, therefore, let us look foes. In every path of' life he will meet forward to the time when they shall be you, and haunt you like Pa ghost: even dissolved, and let us live only with such at the banquet his form will appear; he persons with whom we would desire to will blast you in the midst of your joy, die. and turn the house of mirth into a house This thought should also check us in of mourning. Trust not, O man, to thy the animosities which we are apt to enter- youth, nor presume upon impunity from tain. In the present state of things, the destroyer. How often, when the tree where men think so differently, where op- puts forth buds, and spreads its blossoms posite passions are felt, and interfering to the sun, does the wind of the desert interests occur, dissensions will naturally come and blast the hopes of the year! arise. And, where men have not the aid The widow of Nain wept over her son, of philosophy to restrain, or the influence who died, fair in the prime of life; and of diVine grace to subdue their passions, many a parent hath followed his child to these will often be attended with dismal the grave, crying with bitter lamentation, effects. From this root proceeds the " Would to God that I had died for thee, wormwood which embitters the cup of my son! my son!" Your own experience human life. But when the blood begins to may enforce this truth. None who now cool, when the passions grow calmer, and hear me, but have seen their equals in age reason reassumes its office, greater mode- cut off, and younger than they laid in the ration will prevail; things will appear in grave. As, therefore, you are always in THE CHRISTIAN LIFE A LIFE OF EASE AND PLEASURE. 117 danger, be always on your guard. Instead that you came to Jesus in hopes of finding of filling you with gloom and melancholy, rest to your souls; and that you were rethis is the true way to prevent them. solved to learn of him, and to take his Having subdued the last enemy, you have yoke upon you. The good confession, my none other to fear. Adopted into the friends, which you then witnessed, the family of God, interested in the merits of happy choice which you then made, you Christ, entitled to the glories of immor- will never have cause to repent. The tality, you go forward through life and world, indeed, will represent religion to death, conquering and to conquer. Then you as a heavy burden and a galling yoke; all things are yours; death is a passage but I assure you, upon the authority of to a better life, and the gate to immior- Jesus Christ, and upon the testimony of tality. all his disciples, that his yoke is easy, and Much more is it incumbent on you, my his burden is light; that his commandaged friends, to consider your latter end. ments are not grievous, and the ways he Why stand you here all the day idle? points out to his followers, are ways of Consider how vain, and foolish, and sinful, pleasantness and paths of peace. it is to be forming schemes of long life, The ease and pleasure of the Christian when you are within the threshold of the life, is to be the subject, of the present house of death? Consider how terrible discourse. But, before I enter upon it, I will be the hour, if you have never thought have one observation to make, which is, of death till you come to die; like Jonah, That in order to taste the joys of religion, to be awakened from a sound sleep, and we must have been accustomed to its govto be cast into the ocean. Look into life, ernment, and made advances in the divine behold a young generation rising around life. We can never have a taste for any you, and you yourselves left alone in a pursuit till we be acquainted with it: we new world. Look into the records of can never enter into the spirit of any scimortality, into the repositories of the dead, ence, till that science be familiar to us. and hear your equals in age calling to you To those who have long engaged in a from the tomb, and warning you to pre- course of wickedness, the duties of religion pare for that fate which is theirs to-day, will at first be grievous and irksome, beand may be yours to-morrow. Embrace, cause they oppose strong prejudices and therefore, the opportunities of grace which confirmed habits of vice. But when these you now enjoy. Whilst the Prince of bad habits are removed, and good ones are Peace extends the golden sceptre, kiss the contracted, when a man acquires the temSon, lest he be angry, and ye perish from per, and enters into the spirit of religion, his presence. Be wise, and consider your he then feels the joy which a stranger inend that is so near. termeddles not with. Give a musical instrument to an unskilful person, we hear nothing but harshness and discord from every string: the artist alone makes muSERMON XXVIII. sic and harmony accompany all the motions of his hand. Religion is an art, and like an art is to be learned before it be THE CHRISTIAN LIFE A LIFE OF EASE AND understood. In the first place, The Christian life is NMATTHiEW XI. 30.-I"My yoke is easy and my a life of ease and pleasure, on account of burden is light." the principle from which the Christian acts. JESUS hath lately been addressing to you The Christian is not a slave who obeys the gracious invitation which here he from compulsion, nor a servant who works gives to penitent sinners. With his in- for hire; he is a son who acts from ingenvitation you have testified your compli- uous affection and filial love. When the ance. Last Lord's day you confessed Christian contemplates the goodness, and at these tables, that you were weary and tender mercies, and loving-kindness of heavy laden with the yoke of the world; God, particularly his inexpressible love in 118 SERMON XXVIIIL the Redemption of the world by Christ the sincerity of their heart. To those Jesus, he is constrained to new obedience who wait at the salutary stream, an angel by the most powerful of all ties, by the descends to stir the waters. God never cords of love, and the bands of a man; said to the seed of Jacob, Seek ye my thus reasoning, and thus feeling, that if face in vain. He never neglected the one died for all, then they which are alive prayer that came from the heart. He ought not to live to themselves, but to never forsook the man that put his trust him who died for them. Gratitude to a in him. benefactor, affection to a father, love to a If you were left to climb the arduous friend, all concur to form the principle of ascent, by your own strength alone, then evangelical obedience, and to strengthen the Christian life would neither be easy the cord that is not easily broken. Love, nor pleasant; then you might sit down in then, is the principle of the Christian despair of ever attaining the top. But life: love, the most generous passion that whatever duties God calls you to, he gives glows in the breast of man, the most ac- you abilities to perform them. Accordtive principle that works in the human ing as your days are, he hath promised frame, the key that unlocks every finer that your strength shall be. His grace is feeling of the heart, the spring that puts sufficient for us; his strength is made perin motion every power of the soul. Pleas- feet in our weakness. No, my friends, ant are the labors of love. Short is the God hath never withdrawn himself from path and cheerful the journey when the the world. The Father of spirits is ever heart goes along. A determined mind, present with his rational offspring; he enamored of the object it pursues, re- knows their frame, he helps their infirmoves mountains, and makes the crooked mities, assists their graces, strengthens path straight: the fire cannot extinguish, their powers, and makes perfect what connor the waters quench its force; it reigns cerns them. He assists the feeble, he supreme in the heart, and diffuses a revives the languishing, he supports the gayety over every path of life. By its strong. He aids the efforts of the capinfluence labor is rendered easy, and duty tive, who endeavors to break loose fromn becomes a delight. the fetters that hold him; he favors the In the second place, The ease and plea- ascent of the devout mind, that with the sure of the Christian life will appear if we confidence of faith rises to himself, and he consider the assistance we receive from forwards the pilgrim, journeying to his above. native country. The good husbandman " Work out your salvation; for it is superintends the vine which his own right God that worketh within you every good hand planted. He waters his vineyard with work and word." There are difficulties dews from heaven, and breathes ethereal in the Christian life: I have no intention influence on those trees of righteousness to deceive you, my friends; you will often that shall adorn the paradise of God. find it difficult to act the proper part; Hast thou not felt him. 0 Christian! to maintain a conscience void of offence restraining thy evil inclinations, suggesttowards God and towards man; to keep ing holy thoughts, kindling heavenly affecyour passions within the bounds of reason; tions, and drawing thee to thy duty with to subdue your irregular inclinations to a hand unseen? Hast thou not felt him the obedience of faith, and to hold fast as a Spirit within thy spirit, imparting your integrity uncorrupted amid the temp- secret strength, animating thy frame as tations of the world. These and many with new life, actuating thy faculties, puriother difficulties will beset you in running fying thy passions, begetting in thee an the Christian race. But let'me remind abhorrence of sin and a love of righteousyou, that one half of the pleasures of hu- ness, and making all thy graces shine out man life arise from overcoming difficul- with fresh beauty? How easy and deties; and to overcome these difficulties lightful then will the Christian life be, which surround us, God bestows the in- when you have divine aids to strengthen, fluence of his Holy Spirit. The Lord support, and assist? It is God himself is ever nigh to them who call upon him in who is on your side, it is God himself who THE CHRISTIAN LIFE A LIFE OF EASE AND PLEASURE. 119 works with you; his wisdom is your guide, tranquillity. The air may be calm and his arm is your support; his Spirit is tranquil, when the day is dark; the sea your strength; you lose your own insuffi- may be smooth, when there is mist upon ciency in the fulness of infinite perfection. the waves; the sky may be tranquil when In the third place, It will appear, that it is overcast with clouds: but the pious the-Christian life is easy and pleasant, if and virtuous mind resembles a sky that is we consider the encouragements the good not only calm, but bright; resembles a man receives. sea that is not only smooth, but serene; The good man waits not for all his hap- resembles an unclouded sky, beautiful with piness till he come to heaven: he hath the rising sun. There are joys in the treasures in hand, as well as possessions in Christian life, unknown to transgressors: hope: he hath a portion in the life that there is a spring shut up, and a fountain now is, as well as in that which is to come. sealed, that refreshes the city of God; There is a sense of moral good and evil there are secret consolations reserved for implanted in the mind; a principle of the just; there are silent pleasures that conscience which condemns us when we flow into the pious mind; there is a still do ill, and applauds us when we do well. small voice that comes to the pure in This principle is the chief foundation of heart, and bids them be of good cheer; our happiness, and gives rise to the greatest there is an inward peace of God that pleasures and the greatest pains in human passeth all understanding; there is a joy life. By means of this moral sense, there in the Holy Ghost, resulting from the is no peace to the wicked. Inward well-grounded hope of a happy immortastruggles, strong reluctance and aversion lity, that is unspeakable and glorious. of mind, precede the commission of sin. When the heart is thus pure, it beSin, when committed, is followed by guilty comes the temple of the Deity; and, as a blushes, alarming fears, terrible reviews, temple is consecrated with the presence startling prospects, and remorse, with all of God; " If a man love me, and keep my its hideous train. Against the sinner, his words, my Father will love him, and we own heart rises up in judgment to con- will come and make our abode with him." demn him; the terrors of the Lord set Who can describe the joy of those happy themselves in array agsinst him; a fire moments, when a present Deity is felt, not blown consumes him. "There is no when God manifests himself to his people, peace to the wicked." The foundations so as he does not to the world, when our felof peace are subverted in his mind; he is lowship is with the Father and with his at enmity with himself; he is at enmity Son Jesus Christ? Then a foretaste of with his fellow-creatures; he is at enmity immortality is given, the joys of the blessed with God. It is not so with those that are let down, and heaven descends to men. take upon them the yoke of Christ. When In the fourth and last place, The ease pure religion forms the temper, and governs and pleasure of the Christian life will apthe life, all is peaceful and serene; the man pear, if we consider the joyful prospect is then in his proper element; the soul is that is set before us. in a state of health and vigor; there is a The Christian has joys in this life; but beautiful correspondence between the he is not confined to these. His hopes do heart and the life; all is serene without, not terminate with life; they extend beall is tranquil within. Delivered from yond the grave. Death puts a final period the anxieties that perplex, and from the to the happiness of the wicked man; but terrors that overwhelm the guilty man, it is then that the happiness of the rightthe Christian resigns himself to peace and eous man begins. We are assured in joy, conscious that he possesses a temper Sacred Scripture, that there is a kingdom of mind which is acceptable to God, and prepared for the righteous from the foundaleads a life which is useful to men. In tion of the world, when they shall enter the heart of such a man there is a blessed into rest from all their labors, and suffercalmness and tranquillity, like that of the ings, and sorrows of this mortal life; when highest heavens. they shall enter into a state where no But there is more than a calmness and ignorance shall cloud the understanding, 120 SERMON XXIX. and no vice pervert the will; where noth- in the happiness of the good; the hills and ing but love shall possess the soul, and the mountains breaking forth into singing, nothing but gratitude employ the tongue; and all the trees of the wood shouting for where they shall be admitted to an innu- joy. All concurs to prove the truth in merable company of angels, and to the the text, " My yoke is easy, and my burgeneral assembly and church of the First- den is light." born; where they shall see Jesus at the right hand of the Father, and shall sit down with him upon his throne; where they shall be admitted into the presence SERMON XXIX. of God, shall behold him face to face, and be changed into the same image, from THE EXPEDIENCY OF JESUS CHRIST APPEARglory to glory; that glory which eye hath ING IN A SUFFERING STATE. not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man to conceive. HEBREWS I. 10. -"For it became him, for To conclude, It may be observed, that whom are all things, and by whom are all it hath been the fate of Christianity in all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to ages, to sufer more from its friends than make the Captain of their salvation perfect ages, to suffer more from its friends than through sufferings." from its enemies. Attacks from the enemies of our faith have generally proved WHEN Christianity was first published to subservient to its propagation and suc- the world, the earliest objection that was cess; but the misrepresentations and in- raised against it, arose from the low and juries of its friends have often wounded suffering state in which its Author apit in a vital part. One of the greatest of peared. It was a stumbling-block to the these misrepresentations, and one of the Jews, and seemed foolishness to the most flagrant injuries that ever was done Greeks, that a prophet sent from heaven to religion, was to represent it as a bur- to enlighten and reform the world, should densome service; as a grievous and a lead a life of indigence and obscurity, and galling yoke, to which no man would sub- make his exit with ignominy and with pain. mit, but from the terror of eternal punish- If we consider the character and prement. What adds to the injury, this has vailing opinions of the Jews and the sometimes been done by persons of real Greeks at the time when our Saviour apseriousness, who, unhappily possessed of peared, we shall see the reason of the una gloomy imagination, and who, proba- favorable reception which they gave to bly, in some period of their days, having his doctrines. The Jews had been the been guilty of crimes, have been so deeply favorite people of God. By signs and affected with remorse and contrition, that miracles, and mighty works, he had dethey have continued all their lifetime sub- livered them from a state of slavery in ject to bondage. But blessed be God, Egypt, had conducted them through the my friends, that such unfavorable and for- wilderness, and at last given them a setbidding delineations of religion have no tlement in the promised land. The arm foundation in truth. In these volumes, of the Lord was made bare in their beChristians are called upon to rejoice ever- half, the sea was divided to make way for more. Religion promises happiness to us them, and the waters stood as a wall on in the life which now is, as well as in the their right hand and on their left. Durlife which is to come. The Wisdom that is ing their wanderings through the wilderfrom above, is represented as having length ness, a pillar of fire conducted them by of days in her right hand, and in her left night, and a pillar of cloud by day. hand riches and honor. The prophets and Manna descended to them from heaven, apostles ransack heaven and earth for and water sprung from the flinty rock. images to express the joys of the just. Accustomed to these great and marvelThey bring together the most beautiful lous exertions of the Divine power, in the and most delightful objects in the whole days of the Messiah they expected still compass of nature, and introduce the in- greater and more marvellous. If a God aninate parts of the creation as joining was to descend, they looked for him in TIE EXPEDIENCY OF CHRIST APPEARING IN A SUFFERING STATE. 121 the whirlwind, they looked for him in the doctrines of the cross. As they had thunder, they looked for him in the earth- been a stumbling-block to the Jews, to quake, and when the still small voice the Greeks they seemed foolishness. came, it was neither heard nor regarded. It is then a subject worthy of our conBesides this, they had imbibed false no- templation, to inquire into the reasons tions concerning the Messiah, and the na. that might move Almighty God, thus, in ture of his kingdom. They misinterpret- direct opposition to the prejudices and ed the ancient oracles, which foretold his expectations of both Jews and Greeks, to coming; they took the magnificent style appoint the Captain of our salvation to of prophecy for literal description, and, be made perfect by a state of sufferings. in place of a spiritual Saviour, expected It is hence proposed to show the expea temporal prince. Accordingly, at the diency and propriety of appointing such a time when our Saviour appeared, the Captain of our salvation. This will apwhole nation was intoxicated with the pear, from considering our blessed Saidea of a triumphant conqueror, who was viour in these four capital views of his to deliver them from the Roman yoke, to character: as the founder of a new relierect an universal monarchy on earth, and gion, as a pattern of all perfection, as a to make Zion the seat of empire, and cap- priest who was to make atonement, and a ital of the world. To persons under the king who was to be crowned with glory. influence of these prejudices, a suffering In the first place, If we consider our Messiah was a stone of stumbling, and a Saviour as the author of a new religion, rock of offence. his appearance in a suffering state frees A different set of prejudices prevailed his religion from an objection which apin Greece. The Greeks were an ingen- plies with full force to every other reliious and an active people. Situated in a gion in the world. fortunate climate, and blessed with the Amongst all the nations whose history highest degree of liberty which mankind we have recorded, the laws gave birth to can enjoy, they bent their genius to the the religion. The public faith was modelcultivation of the arts. Smitten with the led by the sovereign authority, and eslove of wisdom, they gave up their pater- tablished by the sovereign power. The nal estates to attend the school of philo- prince was also the prophet. The relisophy. They journeyed from region to gion which he established, was such as region, and traversed the world, to bring suited the genius of the people, the nature home fresh accessions of knowledge, and of the climate, or the views of the sovnew improvements in the arts. Under ereign; and, in short, was nothing more these favorable circumstances, Greece than a mere engine of civil government. arose to fame, and beheld an age of glory, When we take a view of Christianity, a which is unrivalled in the records of his- different scene presents itself. Here we tory. The ideas of virtue and of merit see a religion published by a person, obamongst any nation are founded upon the scure and unknown, amongst a nation splendid examples with which their histo- hated and despised to a proverb, one day ry abounds, and upon a perfection in to become the religion of the world, and those arts which they cultivate, and in to be propagated by the efforts of a few which they excel. The Greeks excelled illiterate fishermen, who had to combat in the arts to which the imagination gives against the prejudices of the Jews, the birth, as well as in the sciences, which superstition of the Gentiles, the wisdom reason brings to maturity, and their his- of the philosophers, the power of armies tory abounded with the most splendid in- and of kings, the ancient systems of relistances of public spirit, of heroic friend- gion established over the whole world, ship, and of intrepid valor. Dazzled with and the combined wit and genius and the lustre of these arts, and with the malice of all mankind. glory of these virtues, they fixed the Had our Saviour appeared in the pomp standard of excellence by them, and had of a temporal prince, as the Jews expectno admiration to bestow upon the humble ed him; had he appeared in the characProphet of Nazareth, and the mortifying ter of a great philosopher, as the Greeks 122 SERMON XXIS. would have wished him, often had we selves, and by copying after these, come heard of his power and of his policy, and short of that perfection to which they been told, that our religion was more might have arrived. nearly allied to this world than to the Both these defects are remedied in the other. But when we hear the Author of example of Jesus of Nazareth. His exour faith declaring from the beginning, ample is perfect, and, at the same time, that he must suffer many things in his has all that effect upon us which the exlife, and be put to an ignominious and ample of one of our brethren would have tormenting death; when we hear him had. When we behold the man Christ forewarning his disciples, that they were Jesus involved in distresses similar to to meet with the same fate, these suspi- our own, clothed with all the innocent incions must for ever vanish from our mind. firmities of our nature, and groaning like Thus our religion stands clear of an ob- ourselves under the sinless miseries of jection, from which nothing, perhaps, life, we are touched with the feelings of could have purged it, but the blood of its his infirmities and his pains; our passions divine Author. take part with the illustrious sufferer, In the second place, If we consider our and we behold him in some measure Saviour as a pattern of virtue and all per- brought down to our own level. It is fection, the expediency of his appearing from these shades that this picture dein a suffering state will further be evi- rives its beauty, derives its effect upon dent. the world, and that, notwithstanding the One great end of our Saviour's coming glory that surrounds it, we recognize our into the world was to set us an example, own image, we trace the features and the that we might follow his steps. But, un- lineaments of humanity, and by these, are less his life had been diversified with suf- drawn to copy after such an illustrious ferings, the utility of his example had pattern of excellence and perfection. been in a great measure defeated. What The suffering state in which our Lord we generally call a perfect character, is a appeared, not only conduced to the efficold insipid object, that does not interest cacy of his example, but also to its more mankind. Were it possible for nature to extensive utility, by presenting an ample realize the man of virtue, as drawn by theatre for the sublimest virtues to apthose who misrepresent the Stoic philoso- pear. It is observed by an historian, in phy; a man without the feelings of na- relating the life of Cyrus the Great, that ture, and the weaknesses of humanity, there was one circumstance wanting to proof against the influence of passion, and the glory of that illustrious prince; and the attacks of pain; we would turn aside that was, the having his virtue tried by from such a caricature of humanity, and some sudden reverse of fortune, and strugexclude the faultless monster from the gling for a time under some grievous canumber of our species. No example can lamity. The observation is just. Men make any impression upon the minds of are made for suffering as well as for acman, but the example of men of like pas- tion. Many faculties of our frame; the sions with themselves. Let us suppose, most respectable attributes of the mind, that the life of an angel were exhibited to as well as the most amiable qualities of the world, it might afford a pleasant sub- the heart; carry a manifest reference to ject of contemplation. But the question the state of adversity, to the dangers would naturally arise, What is this to which we are destined to combat, and the me? This does not belong to my nature; distresses we are appointed to bear. Had I discover here no traces of my own cha- the Greeks consulted their own writers, racter, no features of humanity. On the they would have given them proper inother hand, to set up an imperfect example formation on this head. To approve a for our imitation, would be attended with man thoroughly virtuous, said one of the still worse consequences. WVe know, sages, he must be tortured, he must be from the instances of the saints recorded bound, he must be scourged, and having in Scripture, how apt men are to quote suffered all evils, must be impaled or their imperfections as an excuse for,them- crucified. THE EXPEDIENCY OF CHRIST APPEARING IN A SUFFERING STATE. 123 Who are the personages in history that his sufferings and death, will be manifest. we admire the most? Those who have suf- It is one of the doctrines revealed in the fered some signal distress, and from a host New Testament, that the Son of God was of evils have come forth conquerors. If the Creator of the world. As therefore we look into civil history, need I call up he was our immediate Creator, and as his to your remembrance the patriots of design in our creation was defeated by Greece, the heroes of Rome; the wise, the sin, there was an evident propriety that he great, and the good, of every age, who himself should interpose in our behalf, grew illustrious as they grew distressed, and retrieve the affairs of a world, which and in the darkest hour of adversity shone he had created with his own hands. But out with unwonted and meridian splendor. it is evident, at first sight, that redempIf we look into sacred history, we shall tion is a greater work than creation; that find that the good and holy men, who are it requires a more powerful exertion to there pointed out as patterns to the world, recover a world lying in wickedness, to like the Captain of their salvation, were happiness and virtue, than to create it at made perfect through suffering. The most first in a state of innocence. In the work illustrious names that are recorded in the of redemption, therefore, it was expedient book of life, the patriarchs of the ancient that there should be a brighter display of world, the prophets of the Jewish state, the divine perfections, and a greater exerthe martyrs of the Christian church are tion of benevolence than was exhibited in witnesses on record of this important the work of creation. Now, if God, withtruth, that the most honorable laurels are out a satisfaction by sufferings, and by a gathered in the vale of tears, and that the mnere act of indempity, had blotted out crown of glory sits brightest on the brows the sins of the world, such a display of of those who have gained it with their the divine attributes would not have been blood. Jesus of Nazareth, too, was ap- given. But by the Son of. God's appearpointed to learn obedience by the things ing in our nature, and suffering the punthat he suffered. All the virtues of ad- ishment which was due to our sins, a versity shone forth in his life. The pa- scene is presented, on which the angels tience that acquiesces with cheerfulness, desire to look. This, in the language of in all the appointments of Providence, the Scripture, was the glory that excelleth; magnanimity which triumphs over an here the Almighty made bare his holy enemy by forgiveness, the charity which arm, and gave testimony to the nations prays for its persecutors, are striking and what was in the power of a God to effectconspicuous parts of his character. But uate. Hereby all the perfections of the we injure his merit as a sufferer, if we divine nature were glorified. That imconsider it only as breaking out in single maculate purity, which cannot look upon and occasional acts of virtue. His suffer- sin, and that astonishing love, which could ings themselves, his condescending to be- not behold the ruin of a sinner, were come a victim for the sins of men, and to awfully displayed. The majesty of the die for the happiness of the world, is an divine government was sustained, and the infinite exertion of benevolence that ad- rigor of the law was fulfilled, justice was mits of no comparison, that is transcend- satisfied, mercy without restraint, and ent and meritorious. The consideration without measure, flowed upon the children of this, more than the circumstances of of men. In short, more glory redounded his departure, more than the rocks which to God, and greater benevolence was made were rent, than the sun which was dark- manifest to men, than when the morning ened, than the dead which arose, had we stars sung together at the birth of nature, been present at the scene, should have and all the sons of God shouted for joy. made us cry out with the centurion, In the last place, If we consider our "Surely this man was the Son of God." Saviour in that state of glory to which he In the third place, If we consider our is now ascended, the propriety of his being Saviour as a priest, who was to make an made perfect by sufferings will more fully atonement for the sins of men, the expe- appear. Because he humbled himself, and diency of his making this atonement by became obedient unto death, therefore 124 SERMON XXX. hath God highly exalted him, hath given him a name above every name, and com- SERMON XXX. mitted to him all power in heaven and in earth. By the appointment of Providence, Preached at the celebration of the Sacrament of suffering hath ever been the path to the Lord's Supper. honor. Ought not Christ, therefore, also to have suffered, and to enter into his ON GLORYING IN THE CROSS OF CHHIST.glory? As, upon earth, he submitted to GALATIANS VI. 14.-'God forbid that I should the lowest degree of abasement, and ap- glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus peared in the form of a servant, he is now Christ." in heaven, exalted to the highest pinnacle of honor, and appears in the form of God. " MY ways are not as your ways, and my As, in his state of humiliation, he was thoughts are not as your thoughts," said poor, and had not where to lay his head, he the Lord to the Old Testament church. is now the Lord of nature, and inherits the And never, surely, did the Eternal Wisdom treasures of heaven and of earth. Instead so disappoint the expectations and blast of the mock title of King of the Jews, the hopes of men, as by the cross of our which they wrote upon his cross, he is now Lord Jesus Christ. Had men been conin very,deed the King of kings, and the Lord sulted concerning the state in which it of lords. Instead of the crown of thorns, was most proper for the Messiah to apwhich pierced and wounded his blessed pear, they would have introduced him into head, he is now for ever encircled with a the world with all the circumstances of crown of glory. external pomp and splendor; they would What dignity does it reflect upon all have put into his hand. the sceptre of doour race, that one who wears our likeness, minion over the nations, and subjected to who is not ashamed to call us brethren, his kingdom all the people of the earth, now sits upon the throne of Nature, now from the rising to the setting of the sun. holds in his hand the sceptre of Provi- A Messiah, whose glory should not strike dence, and exercises uncontrolled do- the senses, whose kingdom was not to be minion over the visible and invisible of this world, who was to be made perworlds! What abundant consolation will feet through sufferings, who was to triit administer to Ch'ristians in all' their umph by humiliation, who was to become afflictions, what openings of joy will it let victorious by a shameful death, and in down into the vale of tears, when we re- whose humiliation, and sufferings, and collect that the Governor of the world is cross, the world was to glory; that was a God who partakes of our own nature, an idea which never presented itself to who, in the days of his humanity, had a their minds, and which, if it had presentfellow feeling of all our wants; who, like ed itself, would have been immediately reourselves, was a man of sorrows, and ac- jected, as having no form nor comeliness, quainted with grief; who, by consequence, for which it could have been desired; will be more apt to sympathize with his yet, such was the method contrived by Infellow-sufferers, and to send relief to finite Wisdom to accomplish the redempthose sorrows of which he himself bore a tion of the world. One great end of all part. the divine dispensations, has been to humble and confound the pride of man. It was pride that at first introduced moral evil into the world. It was pride that tempted the angels to rebel against their Maker, that brought them down from the mansions of light, to the abodes of darkness and despair. It was pride that tempted our first parents to disobey the divine commandment. The language of their apostasy was, "I will ascend into the heavens, I will rise above the height of the ON GLORYING IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 125 clouds, I will exalt my throne above the In the first place, then, We are to glory stars of God, I will be like the Most in the cross of Christ, by frequently mediHigh." Pride, although not made for tating upon the circumstances of his death man in his best estate, hath not forsaken and passion. him in his worst. Even the fall did not The human actions and events in which efface the strong impression from his we glory, become often the objects of conmind. As if he had continued the same templation; they present themselves sponnoble being he came from the hands of taneously to the mind, and become the his Creator; as if he had been still the favorite ideas of the soul. We turn them happy lord of the inferior world, he re- on all sides, we view them in every light, tained the consciousness of hig original we delight in them, we dwell upon them, excellence, when that excellence was no we make them our meditation day and more; he surrendered himself to delu- night. Surely, then, it becomes us to sions which flattered his vain mind; he revolve often in our mind this great mystried new paths to elevation and worldly tery of godliness, God manifested in the greatness; he even appropriated to him- flesh, and dying on a cross for the salvaself the attributes of the divinity, and, tion of the world. The angels in heaven, possessed with the madness of ambition, as we are told in Scripture, desired with arrogated to himself those honors which earnest eyes to look into the sufferings of are due to' God only. Hence the world Jesus; much more should we make the deified mortal men, worshipped as its sufferings of Jesus the object of our mecreators those to whom it had lately given ditation, for he took not on him the nabirth, and adored as mortal and divine the ture of angels, but of the seed of Abrahuman creatures whose death it had beheld. ham. As man fell by pride, it was the ap- Call up to thy mind, then, 0 Christian! pointment of Heaven that he should rise the doleful circumstances of thy Saviour's by humility. This doctrine was early passion, the sad variety of sorrows which delivered to the world. God testified by he suffered, the torment of body and his prophets, that he knew the proud afar agony of mind which he underwent, the off; that the proud in heart was an abom- cruel, the ignominious, and accursed death ination to him, but that he would hear which he endured. Make these things the cry of the humble; that though he present to thy mind, till the blended emodwelt in the high and holy place, he would tions of contrition and sorrow, of awe and dwell also with that man who was of a wonder, of joy and pleasure, of gratitude humble and contrite spirit. But more and love, take possession of thy heart. than instructions were requisite to reform " Can you not watch with me one hour? " the sentiments, and change the spirit, of said our Lord to his disciples, when he a world which had been so much intoxi- entered into his agony. " Can you not cated with dreams of earthly greatness, watch with me one hour? " saith our Lord and so long enchanted with spectacles of to his disciples in every age, when they human glory. Accordingly it pleased are about to renew the memorials of his God, in the fulness of time, to send death and passion. Agreeably to his dyforth his own Son into the world, in fash- ing charge, accompany thy Redeemer, 0 ion as a man, in the form of a servant, to Christian! in the last scene of his sufferbecome obedient unto death, even the ings. Look to him with such a lively death of the cross, and hath appointed all sense and feeling of his sorrows, till, like Christians to glory in his cross, nay, to Paul, thou art crucified with Christ. glory in nothing else. " God forbid that While all nature is thrown into disorder, I should glory, save in the cross of our while the rocks are rent, and the dead Lord Jesus Christ." arise, wilt thou continue unmoved? Wilt These words might give occasion to thou continue harder than the rocks, and many useful discourses. All that I in- more insensible than the ashes of the tend at present is, to show you by what dead? No; while thou thus musest, holy means we are to glory in the cross of affections will be kindled, and the heavenChrist. ly fire will burn; from the altar which 126 SERMON XXX. was erected on the hill of Calvary, a living our Redeemer. This merit we must do ember will touch thy lips, and purify thy more than admire; upon it we must rest heart. as the ground of our acceptance with God, In the second place, We are to glory in and the foundation of our title to eternal the cross of Christ, by giving his death life. The blessed above ascribe their salthat rank in our estimation, and that place vation not to their own righteousness, but in our affections, which its importance re- to the merits of their Redeemer; " Unto quires. him that loved us," is the strain of their When we glory in any thing to an ex- song, " Unto him that loved us unto the traordinary degree, we prefer it to all death, and washed us from our sins in his others, we give it the chief place in our own blood, be praise and honor and blessheart, and rest our happiness in a great ing.": "These are they," said the angel measure upon it. And thus it becomes to the apostle John, " who have come out us to glory in the cross of Christ; thus it of great tribulation; they have washed becomes us to prefer it to all things, to their robes, and made them white in the give it the highest place in our heart, and blood of the Lamb, therefore are they to rest our eternal happiness on it alone. before the throne." The manifestation of the Son of God is, Our virtues are insufficient to procure in all regards, the most wonderful of the our acceptance with God, or merit a title to divine works, and to us in particular is happiness in the life to come.'Even man, the most important event that distin- in his state of innocence, could not preguishes the annals of time. His death tend to have merit with his Creator. By upon the cross was the most splendid part the law of his nature he was bound to of his mediatorial office; the most illus- render obedience to that God from whom trious instance of his love to men, and the he received his being, and to whom he most meritorious act of his obedience to owed his preservation. The moral law was God. By his death, the wrath of God the law of his being. When he had done was averted from the world, and the his best, he did no more than was his atonement requisite for the sins of men duty. If man, then, in a state of innowas made. By his death the glories of cence, could not claim the crown of heathe Godhead shone out with new lustre, venly glory, as the reward of personal the majesty of the moral law was not only merit, shall man in a state of guilt pretend sustained, but rendered illustrious, and a to have merit with a holy God, with whom dignity was reflected on virtue which it evil cannot dwell, and who is of purer had never known before. To his death we eyes than to behold iniquity? Supposing are indebted for the pardon of our sins, the day of judgment arrived, where is the for adoption into the family of Heaven, man that durst face the tribunal of the and for our hopes of a happy immortality Almighty, and demand one of the thrones in the future world. His death upon the of heaven upon the footing of personal cross quenched the fire of hell, and set righteousness? The most arrogant preopen the gate of heaven for a repenting sumption durst not aspire so high. But, world to enter in. blessed be God, that though we are unIn the cross of Christ, therefore, we do worthy, yet worthy is the Lamb that was not glory aright, if we admire only the slain, to receive blessing, and honor, and circle of virtue which shone out in his suf- praise, because he hath redeemed us by fering state; if we admire only the pa- his blood, and hath given us a right to sit tience with which he submitted to all the down with him upon his throne. To appointments of Providence, the fortitude fallen man the cross is the tree of life; with which he encountered all the dangers there grow the fruits which are for the of life, the magnanimity which induced healing of the nations; fruits, which, if him to forgive his enemies, the charity we take and eat, we shall live for ever. which prompted him to pray for those In the third place, We are to glory in who had bound him to the accursed tree, the cross of Christ, by commemorating and that noble principle of love to man- his death in the holy sacrament. kind, the spring of all his undertakings as Those events in which a nation glories ON GLORYING' IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 127 the most, those events which restored or lemn, more awful, to witness a good consecured to them their liberties, from which fession at these tables, than to appear bethey begin an era of happy time, are fore the judgment-seat of God? Do you commemorated with a laudable spirit of think, that they ought to be received to the joy. A day is set apart, that the memory society of the blessed above, who nev;er of such glorious deeds may be transmit- joined themselves to the communion of ted down to posterity, and that the names the saints below? Do you think thlat of those who distinguished themselves on Jesus will admit those to sit down with the occasion, as patriots or as heroes, may him on his throne in heaven, who were receive a just tribute of praise from all suc- ashamed to sit down with him at his table ceeding times. Agreeably to this, the Chris- on earth? What is, then, I beseech you, in tian church hath in all ages set apart certain the holy sacrament, to banish any decent times to keep in remembrance this most and good man from these tables? We sit important event, the death and passion of down at the table of the Lord, to give our Redeemer. It was the commandment thanks unto God for his inestimable love in of our Lord himself; it was his command- the redemption of the world; to express ment, given in that night in which he was our regard and gratitude to our Redeemer, betrayed; it was his last commandment who loved us unto the death; to unite ourto his disciples, "Do this in remembrance selves to all the faithful and the good, as of me." And surely the disciple who being members of the same body, and to loves his Lord, will be cautious how he bind ourselves by solemn vows to the pracdisregards his dying charge.. There are, tice of whatever is amiable and excellent indeed, persons in the world, who bear the and praiseworthy. And if there be any Christian name, and who, notwithstand- man so void of gratitude and love to God ing, never join in this solemn ordinance. his Creator, and to Jesus Christ his ReAlthough they were baptized into the deemer, as to be averse to acknowledge the faith of Jesus, and have never publicly favors he has received; if there be any man renounced Christianity, yet, instead of so dead to the feelings of the heart, to beglorying in the cross, they seem to be nevolence and love, as to have no bowels ashamed of it, and testify plainly to the of love for his brethren of mankind; if world, that they pay no regard to the dy- there be any man so lost to the sense of ing charge of their Lord, and that they virtue, and to the beauty of holiness, as to would blush to be seen at a communion- see no charms, to feel no attractions, in table. How such persons can reconcile those things which are lovely, and pure, their conduct to any sense of duty, to any and honest, and of good report; then, inidea of Christianity, is beyond my capaci- deed, he is unfit to sit down at the table ty to discover. Sure I am, if they have of the Lord, he has neither portion nor any conscience, if they have any refiec- lot in this matter; he is also unfit to join tion, if they have any feeling at all, it will with Christians in any religious duty; interrupt their peace of mind in life, it nay, he is unfit to perform a decent part will shut up the chief avenues to comfort as a member of civil society. in their last moments, and prevent that I address these things to those who tranquillity and fulness of joy which is absent themselves from this ordinance, then the portion of the Christian, to think from a wilful disregard. To those who that they have lived in the wilful neglect are restrained by their unhappy fears and and contempt of an express injunction of scruples, I speak in a different language, their Lord, and may have, in some degree, and such persons I can assure, that they incurred the guilt of those whom the apos- who, after serious, and diligcat, and matie declares to have trodden under foot the ture preparation, still think themselves Son of God, and to have counted the blood unworthy, are not the least acceptable of the covenant wherewith they might guests at the table of the Lord. Do you have been sanctified, an unholy thing. feel a grateful sense of the love of Jesus You say you are unfit to approach the to mankind, particularly that amazing act table of the Lord. Let me ask you, Are of his love, in giving his life as a ransom you fit to die? Do you think it more so- for the world? Have you such a value 128 SERMON XXXL for the covenant established by your Sa- a tear to the distresses you cannot relieve, viour's blood, that you are resolved to ac- you are glorying in the cross of Christ; cept of it with gratitude, and adhere to it for he, upon the cross, exhibited a most ilwith all your soul? Have you such a lustrious instance of benevolence, in givregard to holiness and universal goodness, ing his life for the happiness of the world. that you determine to lead decent, and When you yield to the sweet impulse pious, and exemplary lives? If you have of natural affection, when you indulge the these, come to express that gratitude, to tender sensibilities of the heart, when you accept that covenant, and to seal those cultivate the spirit of a generous friendvows at the foot of the cross. Jesus ship, and join in the endearing offices of breaks not the bruised reed, nor quenches social life, you are glorying in the cross the smoking flax. The humility of the of Christ; for he, upon the cross, gave us heart will not banish the Eternal Spirit a most amiable display of these virtues. from taking up his residence with you. One of his last acts on earth was an act In the fourth and last place, We are to of natural affection and friendship; from glory in the cross of Christ, by living to the cross he recommended his mother to those purposes and for those ends for the care of the friend whom he loved. which Jesus died. In short, whenever you make advances We glory in the Reformation from in the divine life, and add to your faith Popery, when we maintain and defend that virtue, and to virtue, patience, and tempure religion which was then established. perance, and brotherly kindness, and chaWe glory in the Revolution, when we rity; whenever you do a good deed, whensupport the rights and maintain the liber- ever you think a good thought, you are ties which were secured to us at that me- glorying in the cross of Christ; for he, morable period: and, in like manner, we upon the cross, perfected this character, glory in the cross of Christ, when we ful- and finished the pattern of universal goodfil the intention, and answer the purpose ness for the world to study, to imitate, for which Jesus died. Jesus died, that and to admire. he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify us unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. In this view, SERMON XXXI. Christians, your whole life is glorying in the cross of Christ. When you suppress Preached at the celebration of the Sacrament of the motions of irregular desire, when you the Lord's Supper. conquer the excess of passion, and subdue the vices which war against the soul, you ON THE SALVATION OF MAN BEING ACCOMare glorying in the cross of Christ; for he, PLISHED. upon the cross, crucified these your enemies, and died that you might be delivered JOHN XIX. 30. —" It is finished." out of their hands. When you check in yourselves the spirit of animosity, when THESE are the last words of Jesus. The your heart relents towards him against words which he uttered when his hour whom your wrath was kindled, when you was come; when in the presence of a great forego resentment, forgive an injury, and assembly, he breathed out his soul in hold out the ready hand of reconciliation agony upon the cross. It was ordered by to your offending brother, you are glory- the providence of God, that as Jesus by ing in the cross of Christ; for he, upon his death was the Saviour of the world, the cross, displayed a most amazing in- lihe should die publicly, when all Israel, stance of forgiveness, in praying for those from Dan to Beersheba, were assembled who brought him to that accursed death. at Jerusalem. When your heart expands with benevolence There is something grand and awful in to mankind; when you feed the hungry, assembled multitudes of men, especially clothe the naked, and rescue the oppressed; when convened on any great occasion, when you feel *the distresses of your un- such as to pass sentence of life and death. happy brethren and relieve them, or give In that silence of the mind, that awful ON THE SALVATION OF MAN BEING ACCOMPLISHED. 129 pause of thought, the human genius is thee, and lead us joyfully up into thine agitated strongly; it labors in expectation, holy altar! and fills up the dreadful interval with " It is finished," said our Lord when he emotions of terror and astonishment. expired upon the cross. What was then When, therefore, at this period, all Judea finished? The following events. God was present to celebrate thepaschal solem- had early manifested to the fathers his nity; when the great council of the nation, purpose of grace to redeem the world. He the chief priests, the scribes and the elders, chose a peculiar people from whom the Reconvenedin Sanhedrim, added dignity to the deemer was to descend, and appointed a multitude; when Pilate the Governor of dispensation of religion to prepare the world Judea, and Herod the Tetrarch of Gali- for his appearance. By the death of Jelee, with their attending armies, displayed sus, this ancient dispensation was finished. the grandeur of the Roman empire, and Jesus Christ, foretold by all the prophsustained the majesty of the masters of ets, had now appeared unto Israel. As the the world; when all these were assembled Prophet of the world, he published a new at the time of the death and crucifixion of religion which he adorned by his life, which a Prophet of the Lord, how great would he confirmed by his miracles, and which be the agitations of the multitude! What he had now sealed with his blood. By astonishing ideas would strike the mind, the death on the cross, his mission to the when they heard the expiring Prophet Jews, as the Author of a new religion, cry out, "It is finished!" When in a was finished. moment they saw that the face of nature From the beginning of the world, God was changed; when they felt the earth- had appointed sacrifices to make atonequake which shook the nations; when ment for sin. These could not by any they were struck with the darkness which virtue of their own propitiate the Deity, veiled the sun; when they were surround- or purify the soul from pollution. A ed with the inhabitants of the eternal more perfect sacrifice, therefore, was neworld who arose from their graves, would cessary in order to atone the divine wrath. not they then think, indeed, that all was By the death of Jesus, this atonement was finished, that the last hour of nature was finished. Jesus Christ, thus constituted come, and that the world was departing the Prophet of the world, and the Priest with its Creator? who was to make atonement for the sins of Never from the time that the idea of men, was to be made perfect through sufcreation rose in the Divine Mind, did an fering. By the appointment of Provihour revolve that labored with such vast dence, he was to suffer before he entered. events. To this great point of view, as into his glory. By his death on the, to the deciding hour in the annals of time, cross, these sufferings were finished. as to the crisis of the moral world, all the That is; the Old Testament dispensapreceding ages looked forward, and all tion was finished, the mission of Christ to succeeding ages looked back. The grand Israel, as the Author of a new religion, question was now deciding, Whether hap- was finished, the atonement requisite for piness or misery should finally triumph in the world was finished, and the sufferings the universe of God? From this event of the Messiah were finished. the powers of hell dated the rise or fall of In the first place, then, The ancient distheir dominion. The fate of the creation pensation which had been erected, and the was now weighing in the scales. All eter- plan of Providence which had been carrynity rested upon this hour. ing on to introduce the time of the Mes — Whilst we are now assembled to com- siah, were now finished. memorate these great events, and to re- When our-first parents had broken thenew the memorials of thy death and pas- covenant of innocence, had forfeited their sion, be present with us most blessed title to immortality, and exposed themJesus! May we behold thy face, not as it selves to the sanction of the violated law, was then covered with anguish and tears, the judge descended to pronounce their senbut smiling upon us with heavenly com- tence. But along with the terrors of the placence! Fill our hearts with love to Judge he mingled also the grace of the 9 130 SERMON XXXI. Saviour; and when he pronounced their fulness of time when Christ was to pubdoom, he comforted them with the hopes lish the whole counsel of God." What a of mercy. He discovered to them his be- magnificent conception, iny friends, does nevolent design of redeeming the world by it give us of the divine government, when a Mediator who was to interpose in their we behold the princes, the kings, and the behalf, and gave them the gracious masters of the world, entering one after promise, that the seed of the woman should another upon the stage of time, to prepare bruise the head of the serpent. Thus the way of the King of kings! no sooner had man fallen, than the Re- If, in the Gentile world, a plan was deemer was promised who was to re- carrying on to prepare the nations for the pair the ruins of his fall. In the follow- coming of the Messiah, among the chosen ing ages, the providence of God seems to people a dispensation was erected to typihave been entirely occupied in preparing fy and prefigure the great events of his the world for this great event. If he life. The economy which was established, manifests himself to the patriarchs, it is to the sacrifices which were appointed, the show them the day of the Messiah afar off; if ceremonies in their church, and the events he inspires the prophets, it is to foretell his in their history, all concurred to this appearance; if he chooses a peculiar peo- great end. Do you read of a continual pie, it is to render them the depositaries of burnt-offering? It was a type of him who the promises concerning his coming; if he through the eternal Spirit offered up himappoints sacrifices, ceremonies, and relig- self a sacrifice without spot unto God. ious rites, it is to trace beforehand the Do you read of the paschal lamb? It history of the Messiah. Do you read of was a type of that Lamb which was slain the blood of the paschal lamb, which being from the foundation of the world. The sprinkled on the doors of the Israelites, law only paved the way to the gospel. secured them from the destroying angel? Moses and the prophets were but the harIt was a figure of Jesus Christ, the Lamb bingers of the Messiah. This ancient slain from the foundation of the world, dispensation was now come to a close: who, as our passover, was sacrificed to and when our Saviour on the cross cried deliver us from eternal death. Do you out, It is finished, "the law ceased, the read of a rock, which being smitten, fur- gospel commenced." nished waters to a great people? That In the second place, The mission of rock, says Paul, was a figure of Christ, Christ to Israel as the author of a new refrom whom proceed fountains of living ligion was finished. waters springing up into everlasting life. Do God had never left the nations without you read of a brazen serpent lifted up in a witness of himself. In the early ages the wilderness which cured the Israelites? of the world he sent forth his light and It was a type of the Son of man, who was his truth. He manifested himself to the lifted upon the cross for the salvation of fathers, and taught them the knowledge the world. In short, the whole legal econ- of the true religion. From time to time omy, the whole system of Levitical wor- righteous men were raised up, and a sucship was intended to prefigure, and to in- cession of prophets and of martyrs was cartroduce a better dispensation. ried on, whose lives and doctrines disThe plan of Providence which had been tinguish and adorn the several ages of the carrying on to prepare the world for this world. One nation was chosen above the great event, was not confined to the Jew- rest, to whom the living oracles was comish nation; it extended over the whole mitted. The particular revelations which earth. This was the great end of all the had been delivered in the patriarchal ages, designs of the Deity, and furnishes the the various rays from the Father of lights key to all the divine dispensations. " If which had been scattered over the earth, empires rose or fell; if war divided, or were here collected, and shone out with peace united the nations; if learning civiliz- new splendor. Nevertheless, though God ed their manners, or philosophy enlarged was the Author of this dispensation, their views, all was, by the secret decree of though he himself was the King of JeHeaven, made to ripen the world for that shurun, and a Lawgiver to Israel, the econ ON THE SALVATION OF MAN BEING ACCOMPLISHED. 131 omy which he established among his own put my words in his mouth; him shall ye people, was not intended to be immutable, hear in all things." Accordingly, the Old or make the comers thereunto perfect. Testament church never rested upon any It is one of the great laws by which this revelation which was made to them, but world is governed, that no perfection of always looked forward to the promised any kind is attained of a sudden. There era when the great Prophet should arise, is a rise and a progress in the works of who was to fill Zion with judgment and nature. This holds in all the produc- righteousness. tions of the natural, and in all the im- As the Old Testament economy, in its provements of the moral world. This also bets estate, was but a temporary instituseems to have regulated the divine conduct tion, in the progress of time it was greatly with respect to the dispensations of grace. corrupted. After the return from the " The light of religion was not poured Babylonish captivity, there was a strange upon the world all at once, and with its degeneracy among the people of God! The full splendor; the obscurity of the dawn spirit of prophecy ceased, and the interwent before the brightness of the noon- course between heaven and earth was shut day. The will of God was at first made up. The Jews had been at all times remarkknown by revelations, useful indeed, but ably prone to superstition and idolatry. dark and mysterious. To these succeeded Neither the instructions of their lawgiver, others more clear and perfect. In pro- nor the thunders of Sinai, nor the sword of portion as the situation of the world ren- the heathen, nor the chains of captivity, dered it necessary, the Almighty was could cure them of this perverse spirit. pleased further to open and unfold his The true prophets had always endeavored gracious scheme." The light increased as to lead them from the observance of those it shone. Star after star arose to enlight- precepts which were " not good, of those en and bless the earth, till the day-spring statutes by which a man could not live;" from on high appeared. As in the early but in the decline of the Jewish nation, period of our days the instructions their public teachers, the Scribes and which we receive look forward to manhood, Pharisees, accommodated themselves to and the various steps we take conduct us the prejudices of the people. They collectto future life; so in this infancy of the ed the various rites and traditions of antichurch, a dispensation took place which quity, and formed them into a regular was only intended to introduce a better. system of superstition. They explained Every thing in the Jewish dispensation away the sense and spirit of the Sacred testified that it was not intended to last Scriptures. They had recourse to what for ever. The presence of God circum- they called the oral law, never committed scribed to one nation, the place of accept- to writing, but delivered, as they pretendable worship confined to Jerusalem, the ed, to Moses, and from his time handed numerous rites and burdensome ceremo- down by tradition from age to age. By nies of the M.osaic law, the typical and this they subverted the moral law, and shadowy nature of the whole dispensation, made the word of God of none effect by showed that it was nothing more than a their traditions. temporary institution, appointed to intro- If the situation of the Jews called thus duce a most perfect worship, and to pre- loudly for reformation, what might be expare the world for a new dispensation, pected in the Gentile world? If such was which was to comprehend every nation of done in the green tree, what would be done the earth, and to extend through all the in the dry They were without God, and ages of the world. without hope in the world. Their religion Accordingly Moses, the Jewish legisla- consisted entirely of superstitious obsertor, after he had established their govern- vances, and had no connection with virtue: ment and formed their laws, tells them that their worship was a system of abominable another prophet should arise among them, rites; their temples were haunts of lewdand deliver a new revelation: " Thus ness and impiety; their gods were monsaith the Lord, I will raise up a prophet sters of cruelty, rage, and all the vile pasto you from among your brethren; I will sions which disgrace humanity. The 132 SERMON XXXI. doctrine of the soul's immortality, which Inquire at the dead whom he raised from had been but obscurely revealed to the their graves. Inquire at the seas and Jews, was only a conjecture among the tempests which heard and obeyed the voice heathens. Their wise men saw the evil, of their master. Inquire at the heavens, but could not discover the remedy. They which thrice opened over his head, to pubconfessed their own ignorance, and with lish to the world that he was the beloved humble expectation looked for a prophet of of the Father. And if these suffice you the Lord, to make a revelation of the divine not, inquire at hell itself, and receive the will to man. testimony of the devils whomn he disposWhilst thus the people wandered in gross sessed, -That he was" the holy one of darkness, whilst the cloud sat deep over God." the moral world, at last the groans of the Having thus confirmed his doctrine by his nations reached the ears of mercy; the miracles; having adorned it by his life, it voice of nature mourning for her children, only remained that he should seal it with his was heard in heaven. He who dwelleth blood. And when now he bowed the head there, rose from his throne. The Almighty upon the cross, his mission to Israel as the rose in mercy, and sent his Son to be a Author of this new revelation was finished. light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the In the third place, The atonement which glory of his people Israel. The Sun of was requisite for the sins of the world was Righteousness arising in our region, dis- finished. pelled the darkness which involved the As Almighty God created the world, nations, revealed all the heavens to mor- he claims the right of taking it under the tal view, and poured its radiance upon the superintendency and direction of his path of immortality. The great Prophet providence. In order to attain the ends discovered the mystery which had been of his administration, he acts upon a fixed kept hid from ages. He declared the plan: and according to wise and righteous whole counsel of God. He spoke as never laws. If there were no fixed plan of man spake, and he lived as never man Providence, and no system of laws to lived. His mission from God he proved govern the world, the order of society by performing miracles and works which would soon be subverted, the happiness of God only could perform; to these he con- the human race would be destroyed, and stantly appealed as a testimony from the earth be reduced to one vast scene of heaven, and as the finger of God witness- anarchy, confusion and uproar. That ing in his behalf. Accordingly, when the these laws may have their full effect, they high-priest askedhim, Art thou the Christ, must be guarded with the terrors of a the Son of God? he answered nothing. penal sanction, and when violated be put Had his disciples been standing by, they in execution, in order to intimidate offendmight have replied, What need is there ers, and prevent transgression in the time for the inquiry? You who have the key to come. The Judge of all the earth ofknowledge,search the Scriptures,inquire would not do right unless he executed his at Moses and the prophets who foretold righteous laws, and punished those crimes and described his coming. Inquire at which tended to the subversion of order, John the Baptist, whom you held to be a and extinction of happiness in human prophet, and who pointed him out to the society. If men, then, throwing off their people as the sent of God. Inquire at allegiance to Heaven, violate his righteous the companions and witnesses of his life, laws, and expose themselves to his if an impostor had ever so many works of wrath and vengeance, justice requires that innocence and sanctity. Inquire at the they be punished for their sins, and the lost sheep of Israel whom he brought back honor of the Godhead is pledged for the to the path of life. Inquire at the multi. fulfilment of the threatening denounced tude whom he fed with a few loaves. In- against sin. But all of us have thus inquire at the blind whom he restored to curred the divine displeasure, and become sight. Inquire at the dumb, who now obnoxious to the sanction of the moral speak his praise. Inquire at the diseased law. Our first parents disobeyed the diwhom he raised from the bed of affliction. vine commandments, broke the covenant ON THE SALVATION OF MAN BEING ACCOMPLISHED. 133 of innocence, and involved us, their pos- all the perfections of the Deity were gloriterity, in the ruins of the fall. We have fled. That immaculate purity which canadded innumerable transgressions of our not look upon sin, and that astonishing own to that original apostasy. We have love which could not behold the ruin of neglected the good which it was in our the sinner, were awfully displayed. The power to perform, and committed the evil majesty of the divine government was from which God commanded us to abstain. sustained, the honor of the law was vindiWTe have sinned against the clearest light; cated, justice, in its rigor, was satisfied, in opposition to the greatest goodness, and mercy without measure and without rein the face of direct threatening, times and straint flowed upon the children of men. ways without number we have exposed The gate of the heavenly paradise was set ourselves to the wrath of God. open wide to a returning world, the angel But it is one of the most obvious dic- with the flaming sword, who guarded the tates of reason, that punishment must ever tree of life, was removed, and a voice attend on wickedness, that the soul which heard from the throne of mercy, " Take, sinneth ought to die. But if sin be thus eat, and live for ever." severely punished, if sinners be dealt with As this doctrine concerning the atoneaccording to the maxims of rigorous and ment and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is one unrelenting justice, What shall become of of the fundamental articles of our holy the human race? Here lay the difficulty faith, God, in the course of his providence, that stood in the way of our redemption. had prepared the world for its belief and If, on the one hand, sin was forgiven with- reception. A sense of guilt lying upon the out satisfaction, and the sinner taken into mind, and the fear of punishment from favor upon every new application for that Judge, who will render to every man mercy, such an undistinguishing exercise according to his works, drove the sinner of lenity, such a facility of forgiveness, to some expedient for atoning the wrath would only serve to embolden offenders of an offended Deity. It is very extraorand multiply crimes. If, on the other dinary, that among all the people of the hand, rigorous justice held the balance, world, the method of making atonemenlt if the thunderbolt was aimed at the head for sin was invariably the same: All the of every offender, the race of men must nations of antiquity, that are to be found perish from the earth. Hence, the Divine in the records of history, all the modern Being is introduced in Scripture, as de- nations whom recent discoveries have liberating with himself, as being straiten- brought within the sphere of our knowed how to reconcile the seemingly jarring ledge, however they may have differed in attributes of mercy and justice, and how customs and manners, have universally and to make the happiness of men accord with invariably agreed in making atonement the honor of his laws.'" How shall I give for sin by offering sacrifices to the Deity. thee up, —Ephraim? How shall I deliver This fact is the more extraordinary, as thee, 0 Israel? How shall I make thee such a method of propitiation is not foundas Admah? How shall I set thee as Ze- ed on nature, is not the dictate of reason, boim? Mine heart is turned within me, nor the result of any feelings of the human my repentings are kindled together." frame. If we consult with reason, reason Herein appears the wisdom of that plan will tell us, that the Deity can never take concerted for our redemption, through the any pleasure in the tortures or in the sacrifice of Christ, by which these seem- blood of innocent animals; reason will ingly jarring attributes are reconciled, in tell us that it is impossible that the blood which mercy and truth meet together, of bulls arid goats, or the ashes of a righteousness and peace kiss each other. heifer can avail to satisfy the divine justice, Hence, in that eucharistic hymn which or purify the soul from sin. A practice the angels, at the nativity of our Lord, therefore so universal, not founded on sung to the shepherds, when they ascribed nature, nor deducible from reason, can glory to God in the highest, they also pro- be accounted for no otherwise, but by claimed peace upon earth, and good will considering it as the remains of those antowards fallen man. By this atonement, cient traditions delivered to the descend 134 SERMON XXXI. ants of Noah, and by them handed down the new relation he acquired in virtue of to succeeding ages. Here we cannot but his redemption. In the first view, he admire the wisdom and watchful care of styles him the image of the invisible God, Providence, that whilst many other tradi- the first-born of every creature; for by tions perished in the course of time, and him were all things created, and by him are in the gulf of oblivion, this was kept all things consist. In the second view, entire all over the world, in order to pre- he calls him the head of the body, the pare the nations for the reception of church, the beginning, the first-born from Christianity, which establishes the capital the dead, that in all things he might have doctrines of an atonement for sin upon a the pre-eminence. " For it pleased the sacrifice. Father that in him should all fulness Not only were sacrifices in general use dwell, and having made peace by the among the heathen, but also, among the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile most celebrated nations of antiquity, il- all things to himself." lustrious personages had arisen, who, in. The scheme of thought which runs spired with generous patriotism, had, in through the passage, seems to be this, that cases of danger and calamity. devoted as we owed to Christ our first life, it was themselves to certain death, to save their also expedient that we should owe to him country. These self-devoted heroes, these our second; that, as he was the head of martyrs to the good of mankind, were the creation, and made all things, so when held in admiration by their countrymen, God thought fit to redeem the world, it first in the song of praise, and highest in pleased him that Christ should also be the the temple of fame. After the publication head of this new work, the first-born from of Christianity, it was no difficult task to the dead himself, and the giver of life to' transfer the praise and veneration which every believer. This much we collect from was paid to these temporal deliverers, to,the apostle's reasoning, and plainly discern, that Divine Lover of mankind, and Re- that the pre-eminence of Christ, as head of deemer of our race, who offered up himself the Church, is connected with his pre-emia sacrifice for our sins, and died for the nence as head of the creation, and his being happiness of the world. Hence the atone- set over the great family of God. Jesus ment requisite for the sins of the world Christ, thus constituted the Redeemer of was finished. mankind, and the Captain of our salvaIn the fourth place, The sufferings of tion in the discharge of his office, was to the Messiah were now finished, and naught be made perfect through sufferings. but glory was to follow. In the present state of humanity, the It seemed expedient to Infinite Wis- character cannot be complete without the dom, to set up the Son as head over the virtues of adversity. We are made for great family of God. It was in this ca- suffering, as well as for action; there are pacity that he created the earth: for it is many principles in the human frame, many one of the doctrines rpvealed to us in the faculties of the mind, many qualities of the New Testament, that the Son of God was heart, which would be for ever latent, were the Creator of the world. As he, there- they not called forth to action by danger fore, was our immediate Creator, and as and distress. There is a hidden greatness his intent in our creation was defeated in the mind of man, which afflictions alone by sin, there was an evident propriety, can bring to light. When we are bereft that he himself should interpose in our of all human help; when heaven seems to behalf. The fall of man was the loss of so forsake us, and the earth to fail beneath many subjects to Christ, their natural our feet, it is then that the soul asserts Lord, in virtue of his having created them. her native strength, summons all her virRedeeming them, was recovering them tue to her aid, and exhibits to heaven and again, was re-establishing his power over earth an object worthy of their contemplahis own works. In the epistle to the tion and regard. Afflictions thus supported Colossians, the apostle Paul runs a paral- by patience, thus surmounted by fortitude, lel between the relation in which Christ give the last finishing to the heroic and the stands towards us as our Creator, and virtuous character. Thus the vale of tears JESUS CHRIST THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. 135 is the theatre of human glory; that dark the order of nature destroyed; the laws cloud presents the scene for all the beau- of Heaven overturned; his once beautiful ties in the bow of virtue to appear. Mo- and happy creation defaced and laid in ral grandeur, like the sun, is brighter in ruins. He beheld his rational offspring, the day of the stornm, and never is so tru- whom he had adorned with his own image, ly sublime, as when struggling through the whom he had appointed to immortality, darkness of an eclipse. fallen from their primitive innocence, debased with ignorance, depraved with guilt, subjected to vanity, and appointed to dissolution. Following the footsteps of sin, which had thus laid waste his works, he beheld death advancing with swift steps; extending his dominion over the nations, Preached at the celebration of the Sacrament of the and shaking his dart in triumph over a Lord's Supper. subjected world. He saw, he pitied, and JESUS CHRIST THE RESURECTION AND THE he saved. LIFE. Although offended with the guilty race, he would not cast them off for ever. His JOHN XI'25.-"I am the Resurrection and the time of visitation was a time of love. In Life." mercy to mankind he devised a scheme for our restoration and recovery. But man I sAw in the right hand of him that sat was not now, as in innocence, in a condion the throne," said the Prophet of the tion to treat with God by himself. BeNew Testament, —'" I saw in the right tween sinful dust and ashes, and infinite hand of him that sat on the throne, a purity, therecould be no communication. A book written within and on the backside, Mediator, therefore, was requisite to make sealed with seven seals. And I saw a peace betwedn heaven and earth, and where strong angel proclaim with a loud voice, was such a Mediator to be found? Who is worthy to open the book, and to Accordingly, at the declaration of the loose the seals thereof? And no man in gracious purpose of God, for the future heaven, nor in earth, neither under the happiness of the world, when the book of earth, was able. to open the book, neither life sealed with its seven seals was brought to look thereon. And I wept much, be- forth, a strong angel proclaimed with a cause no man was found worthy to open, loud voice, "Who is worthy to take the and to read the book, neither to look there- book, and to open the seals thereof? " on. And one of the elders said unto me, Who is worthy to mediate between an ofWeep not. Behold, the Lion of the tribe fended God and guilty man; to unfold of Juda, the root of David, hath prevailed the secret purpose of the Most High, and to open the book, and to loose the seven to give life to a world that is dead? There seals thereof." was silence in heaven, and silence in heaIn this mysterious manner, the apostle, ven there might have been for ever; but who ascended in the visions of God, and in that moment of mercy, the crisis of our saw into past and future time, represents fate, the Son of God interposed; " I am the restoration of mankind to life. When the resurrection and the life, by me shall man had fallen from his state of innocence, the world live. I will forsake these manand all flesh had corrupted their ways, Al. sions of glory, and dwell with men. They mighty God, with eyes that for ever over- who now wander in darkness, I will bring flow with love, looked down upon the earth. to light, and life, and immortality; they He beheld the world; not as he had beheld are now under sentence of death; that senit at first, when the morning stars sang to- tence shall be executed on me, and I will gether, when all the sons of God shouted purchase for them life everlasting; they for joy, and when he himself pronounced have now gone astray into the paths of that all was fair and good; that very world perdition, I will point out to them the way he now beheld involved in confusion and that leads to the heavens." uproar; the original state of things marred; In this manner did Jesus Christ be 136 SERMON XXXII. come the resurrection and the life. As mourner, where the wicked shall cease the Prophet of the world, he gave us the from troubling, and the weary be at rest? assurance of life and immortality; as the If we consult our affections, we shall Priest of the world, he purchased for us be inclined to believe in a future state. life and immortality; and as the King of Nature is loth to quit its hold. The the world, he set before us the path that heart still wishes to be kind to the friends leads to life and immortality. whom once it loved. Imagination takes In the first place, then, as the Prophet the hint, and indulges us with the pleasof the world, he gave us assurance of life ing hope of one day meeting again with and immortality. the companions whom we dropt in life. Curiosity, or the desire of knowledge, The perfections of the Deity favor these is one of the earliest and one of the wishes of nature. If God be infinitely strongest emotions of the human soul. wise and infinitely good, he would not No sooner does the mind arrive at matu- have brought us into being only to see rity, but it proceeds to examine the ob- the light and to depart for ever. Would jects around it, and to extend its re- a wise builder have erected such a noble searches wider and wider over the whole fabric to last but for a moment? On the circuit of creation. With peculiar ear- other hand, if we consult the analogy of nestness man turns his attention to his own nature, the horrors of annihilation surnature, and becomes the object of his round us. All the works of nature seem own contemplation. But here clouds and only made to be destroyed. The leaf darkness surround him. He perceives that falls from the tree revives no more. himself a stranger in a wide world, where The animal that mingles with the earth the plan of nature is very imperfectly never rises to life again. Appearances known, where the system of things is in- also make against us. The mind seems volved in much obscurity, and where the to depend much upon the body. The temper Author of the universe is a God who of the one arises from the state of the hideth himself. Life appears to him as other. When the external senses decay, an intermediate state, but he is ignorant the faculties of the soul are impaired. of what was before it, and is as ignorant When the blood ceases to flow, the spirit of what is to come after it He observes evaporates, the last stroke of the pulse symptoms of decay and marks of mortali- seems to put a final period to the whole ty on all the productions of nature, the man. human race not exempted from the gene- Between these fears and these wishes ral law. -He sees his friends and com- of nature, no conclusion can be drawn. panions, one after another, perpetually After the maturest investigation, and disappearing; he sees mankind, genera- deepest reasoning, all that we arrive at is tion after generation, passing away; pass- uncertainty. We see the traveller ining to that awful abyss to which every volved in the cloud of night, but we know thing goes, and from which nothing re- not of any morning that awaits him. turns. But whither do they go when The ocean spreads before us vast and dark they depart? Have they withdrawn into and awful, but we know not if it will waft everlasting darkness? Or do they still us to any shore. What a disconsolate act in another scene? We see the body situation is this to a serious inquiring incorporate with its kindred elements, mind? These thoughts would perplex us and return to the dust from whence it at all times, but if they affect us with was taken. But what becomes of the anxiety in the gay and smiling scenes of soul? Does it, too, cease to exist? Is the life, how will they overwhelm us with horbeam of heaven for ever extinguished? Is ror, when our feet stumble on the dark the celestial fire which glowed in the mountains, and the shadows of the everheart for ever quenched? Or beyond the lasting evening begin to close over our horizon which terminates our present head? In that hour of terror and dismay, prospect, does a more beautiful and per. how shall the wretched man support himfect scene present itself, where the tears self, who knows not the hope of immortalshall be wiped from the eyes of the ity? Afflicted with the view of his past JESUS CHRIST THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. 137 life, tormented with present pain, and In the second place, Jesus Christ as hovering over an abyss from which we the Priest of the world, purchased for us know not if we shall ever emerge, How life and immortality. must it embitter the last hour, and mingle When man came from the hands of his despair with the pangs of dissolution, to Creator he was innocent, and therefore think on our bidding adieu to the living happy and immortal. For although, in world; to go perhaps for ever into the the present degenerate state of human nadominion of darkness, into the region of ture, the imperfect virtue of good men shadows, into the land of forgetfulness, neither insures their happiness here, nor where, for any thing we can tell, we shall merits an everlasting reward hereafter, be as though we had never been! To such yet if we suppose them in a state of innopersons, the end of life must be insup- cence or confirmed goodness, we can neiportable. Their setting sun goes down ther set bounds to their enjoyments or in a cloud, and the long night closes over their existence. The ideas of perfection their head in its darkest and deepest and felicity are inseparable; wherever shade. pure virtue is, it is in paradise; all good But when the Sun of Righteousness beings throughout the universe are haparose in our region, it dispelled the sha- py. Righteousness is by its own title, dows of the everlasting evening; revealed immortal. The spring of innocence and all the heavens to mortal view, and pour- the fountain of life, for ever mingle ed its radiance upon the path of immor- their streams. tality. Our Saviour did not propose his Accordingly, as the world when it was doctrines as controvertible opinions, he first created, contained in it no principles of confirmed them by proofs and miracles. decay, so man, its noblest inhabitant, Did he teach the immortality of the soul, harbored in his nature no seeds of dissoluand the resurrection of the body? As an tion. The world, if it had not been infallible confirmation of these doctrines, cursed, had moved on in its original beauhe himself arose from the grave, and be- ty, fresh, in undecaying vigor, and fair ing the first-born from the dead himself, with perpetual youth; and man, if he had he gives life to the world. The good never fallen, would only have exchanged man need not now live in a state of anxie- an earthly paradise for a heavenly one. ty about his future existence, or mourn For, as we are told, God created not death, for his deceased friends as those who have and there was no poison of destruction in the no hope. We know that our Redeemer world which he made. Immortality was liveth; we know that we shall in like a part of his image, which he conferred manner revive. upon our first parents. Amid the garden There is a time appointed, when the of Eden a tree arose, the sacramental year of the redeemed shall come; when pledge of life, and sign of immortality to the everlasting morning shall dawn; man. And if man had never fallen by when the voice of the Son of God shall tasting of its fruits, he would have lived pierce the caverns of the tomb; shall be for ever. But, by the fall, death entered heard over the dominions of the dead; into the world. On the day that man beshall reanimate the ashes of all that ever came a sinner he died. The man who lived upon the earth, and raise a glorious was made after the image of God, died; and immortal army from the bosom of the man who was created immortal, died; corruption. and there remained a lifeless form, a In the name, and by the authority of guilty and a mortal creature, doomed to Him who was once dead, but is now alive, earn his bread with the sweat of his and lives for evermore, I am this day to brow, to drag out a threescore and ten give you the bread of life, and deliver in- years of wretchedness and pain, and then to your hand the pledges of immortality. to return to the dust from which he was It is the voice which Jesus this day ad- taken. dresses to you from these tables, "I am How art thou fallen from heaven, son the resurrection and the life. He that of the morning! How is the gold become believeth in me shall never die." dim, and the most fine gold changed! The 138 SERMON XXXIIL celestial spirits, appointed the guardians committed; and by the righteousness of of Eden, knew our first parents no longer, his life, by the efficacy of his sufferings, they recollected no traces of original in- by the merit of his death, he satisfied the nocence in a form so fallen. They dis- justice of God; he blotted out the sins cerned none of the lineaments of heaven of the world; he abolished death; he in a face so clouded with guilt. They purchased life; he quenched the fire of drove out the man; drove him out from hell, and opened the heavens for the rightthe garden of Eden, where he had access eous to enter in. Thus, what the first to the tree of life; drove him out from Adam, the man of the earth, had lost, the the society of all those good beings who second Adam, the Lord from heaven, rewere at once happy and obedient; drove stored again. By the sacrifice of himhim out from the presence of the Lord, self, which we are this day to commemwith which, in paradise, he had been of- orate, he ransomed us from destruction; ten blessed. by his death upon the cross, of which we Behold him now in his fallen state! are this day to renew the memorials, he Behold, O man! and mourn over this purchased the life of the world. image. Fallen from the dignity of his Yes, 0 Christian! the ransom was nature, and in ruins; the beauty of inno- paid. While thousands of rams, and ten cence defaced; the splendor of heaven thousand rivers of oil were insufficient, a obscured; cut off from the career of glory price of higher value was given; while and immortality; his name erased from the blood of bulls, and of goats, and the the book of life, no more to claim alliance cattle upon a thousand hills, were unavailwith the Father of spirits, no more to able, a sacrifice of greater efficacy was rank among those happy sons of God, who offered up. The fund of heaven was expresent themselves before the Lord; no hausted; the treasures of eternity were more to behold His countenance in bliss, bestowed; the blood of the Son of God in whose presence there is fulness of joy, was shed upon the cross-Yes, 0 Chrisand at whose right hand there are plea- tian! the ransom was paid. Liberal to sures for evermore! Such was the state you is the divine benignity; free to you into which man was brought by the fall; the blessing of life flows. But the anguish the sentence of death passed upon him; which thy Redeemer felt, when his soul the gate of heaven shut against him; the was exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; wrath of an offended God hung over his the groans which he uttered; the tears head. To persons in this state, what con- which he shed; the fears which came upon solation would it bring, to hear of an im- him in the hour of darkness;,his bloody mortality beyond the grave, if it was to sweat during his agony in the garden; the be an immortality of misery and torment? earnest prayer which he offered up, that To hear of heaven, and be cast down to the cup of wrath might pass from him for hell; to be told of the rivers of pleasure, a time; his complaint of dereliction upon which are at God's right hand, while they the cross, when he cried, " My God, my were doomed to drink the unmingled cup God, why hast thou forsaken me?" These of his wrath! testify at what a price the blessing was But the Great Restorer of our race, bought. Yes, 0 Christian! the ransom the Redeemer of mankind, not only as a was paid. When this awful event was Prophet, discovered to us a future state, transacting; when the great hour of sacbut also as a Priest purchased for us rifice was solemnizing, astonishment seizeternal happiness in that future state. It ed the world. All nature labored in exwas the guilt of our sins that shut the pectation, when the eternal life of her gate of heaven against us, that subjected children was procuring. An earthquake us to the wrath of God, and to misery in rent asunder the rocks, and shook the the world to come. But Jesus Christ, as earth from its foundations. The sun, beour Surety and Redeemer, fulfilled that yond the course of nature, suffered eclipse law which we had broken; endured that in the heavens; unusual darkness, at noon, wrath which we had deserved; made an overspread the nations; the invisible atonement for those sins which we had world, through all its mansions, felt that JESUS CHRIST THE. RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. 139 tremendous hour. The dead arose from ed him in the mount. No less faithful in the grave. With astonishment the host his house was the Prophet like unto Moses, of heaven looked down. Man alone, for the Minister of the true tabernacle which whom these wonders were wrought, man the Lord pitched, and not man. He hath alone was an unconcerned spectator of the given us the purest and most effective event.-Yes, O Christian! the ransom was precepts, for the regulation of our life. paid. Behold the victim led to the sac- He hath pointed out our duty in every rifice, patient, uncomplaining, marking instance with such clearness, that he that the way with his own blood. Who is it runneth may read. The King of that futhey drag like a murderer to Mount Cal- ture world which he hath purchased by vary? Who is it they are stretching on his death, hath made the path that leads a cross, and nailing to the accursed tree? to it, not only plain but luminous. Prince of life! Lord of glory! Saviour It shall come to pass in those days, of men! Great High Priest of the world! saith the prophet Isaiah (describing the we cannot call upon thee to come down times of the Messiah), that the " eyes of from the cross, for thou art now purchas- the blind shall be opened, the ears of the the eternal life for us!-Yes, O Christian! deaf shall be unstopped; the lame shall ing ransomn was paid. The sacrifice which leap as an hart, and the tongue of the was offered up, was accepted by God. dumb shall sing. For in the wilderness Jesus, before he bowed upon the cross, shall waters break out, and streams in cried out, "It is finished." As a full the desert.-And ahighway shallbe there, confirmation that the merit of his sacrifice and it shall be called the way of holiness; was available to purchase everlasting life, the unclean shall not pass over it; but he rose from the dead on the third day, the redeemed shall walk there, and wayand is now ascended up on high, to take faring men, though fools, shall not err possession of those heavens he hath pur- therein." Such is the perfection of the chased for his people, and is now prepar- Christian law; such the purity of those ing a place for them in those mansions, morals which Jesus delivered; such the which are in his Father's house. beauty of the Gospel, as a rule of life, as In the third place, as the King of the to have gained the love and admiration world, he sets before us the path that leads of many who have disbelieved its docto life eternal. trines. But he gave them a still higher Having, as a Prophet, opened up a lustre by his example. The perfection of future world to mortal view; having, as a the Christian law, the purity of those Priest, purchased life eternal in, that fu- morals which Jesus delivered, the beauty ture world, as a King he marks out the of the Gospel, as a rule of life, appear noway by which we may ascend to take pos- where to such advantage, as in the life of session of that eternal life which he bath our Lord. There you contemplate holipurchased for us. The gate of heaveni is ness, not as a dead letter, but as a living set open, by his blood; but they alone who form; substantial, present, speaking to walk in the path which he hath appointed the world. He trode before you the path shall enter in. You come to these tables, that leads to heaven. It is pointed out not only to receive instruction from Jesus by his precepts; it is marked by his exas a Prophet, not only to profess your ample; it is consecrated by his blood. faith in him as a Priest, but also to recog- Would you learn what virtue is, would nize his authority as a Legislator, and to you.be in love with virtue, would you vow obedience to him as a King. practise virtue, contemplate the life of One of his first appearances on earth Jesus; study the life of Jesus; imitate was in his legislative capacity. One of the life of Jesus. He to whom the Jews the first acts of his ministry was to pub- preferred a robber and a murderer, was lish a system of laws for regulating the fairer in his life than the sons of men, and life of his disciples. Moses is celebrat- purer in his heart than the angels of Vod. ed for having been faithful in his house, That head which they crowned with and for having ordered every thing in his thorns, was ever intent on benevolent tabernacle, according to the pattern show- deeds, and at that very moment of time 140 SERMON XXXIII. meditated their good. Those feet which ment-seat of Pilate, with that majestic sithey bound to the cross, went about on lence which is sometimes the best expreserrands of mercy. Those hands which sion of fortitude, he answered not a word. they, nailed to the accursed tree, were lift- Nay, when he underwent the severest of ed up in devotion to God, or stretched his bodily sufferings upon the cross, he enout in beneficence to men. Jesus, through dured them with a tranquillity, a firmness, his whole life, marked out the path which and magnanimity, which display a mind leads to the heavens. Walk in that path, truly great and undaunted. How, thereChristians! You shall arrive at heaven; fore, on some other occasions, his spirit and be of that happy number, who are to was overwhelmed, is a subject worthy of inhabit the mansions prepared for you, by our inquiry at all times. More particular. Him who is "the resurrection and the ly on this day, when we have assembled life." together to renew the memorial of his death upon the cross, and to recall the remembrance of all his sufferings. In further discoursing upon this subject, SERMON XXXIII. I shall, in the first place, set before you the account which is given of his sufferON THE SUFFERINGS OF JESUS CHRIST. ings: and, secondly, endeavor to assign the causes of them. LUKE SXIL 44.-" And being in an agony." In the first place, I am to set before you the account which is given of his sufTHE agony of our Lord in the garden, and ferings. his complaints upon the cross, are the most That night in which he was betrayed, extraordinary parts of his life. A dread the Saviour of the world went into the of those sufferings which he was to under- garden of Gethsemane and ascended the go, appears to have made a strong impres- mountain of Olives, as he was wont to do. sion upon his mind. Forebodings of them This had been his accustomed retreat from frequently disturbed his repose, and over- the world; here was the hallowed ground whelmed his spirits. Many days before to which he retired for prayer and conhis passion, he cried out, "Now am I templation; here he had often spent the troubled, and what shall I say? Father night in intercourse with Heaven. He save me from this hour." It was proba- was accompanied by Peter, James, and bly with a view to console his mind in such John, the very same disciples who had a dejected state, that he was transfigured; been the witnesses of his glorious transthat he re-assumed the glory which he had figuration, when Moses and Elias had ap. with the Father before the foundation of peared to him, and a voice had come from the world, and was favored with the pre- the overshadowing cloud, " This is my besence of Moses and Elias from the man- loved Son, in whom I am well pleased." sions of immortality; for, as we are in- What a different scene now presented formed by the Evangelist, they talked of itself! the rays of glory shone no more; that decease which he was to accomplish the Divine presence was withdrawn; the at Jerusalem. Magnanimity in all its ex- voice from heaven ceased; that time was ertions was a conspicuous part of his char- now come, which is so emphatically called acter. He who walked upon the water, the hour and power of darkness. who slept in tranquillity amid the storm, He had lately partaken of the passover and who encountered the foe of mankind with his disciples; that passover which, in the desert, cannot be accused of a de- with so much earnestness, he had desired feet in courage. When a band of soldiers, to eat; he had instituted the holy sacrawith Judas at their head, came to appre- ment of the supper; he had delivered hend him, and inquired for Jesus of Naza- those divine discourses recorded in the reth, he said unto them, "I am he," and Gospel of John; he had warned them' by the dignity of his demeanor, struck against deserting him in the hour ofternpthem with awe. When he was accused by tation; he had selected three of them to the chief priests and elders before the judg- attend him in his sorrows: nevertheless, ON THE SUFFERINGS OF JESUS CHRIST. 141 even these three, thus favored. thus honor- all the colors of distress. What shall we ed, thus warned, forgat all that had been say, then, to account for this dejection said and done, and unconcerned sunk into which our Lord felt, and for this desire sleep. He was left alone to endure the which he expressed to be saved from his bitterness of that hour. sufferings? In the ordinary course of The severity of his sufferings in the human affairs, an innocent man of common garden, the anguish and the horror which fortitude, resigns himself with acquiesthen overwhelmed him, appear from the cence to his fate; his integrity supports strong colors in which they are drawn by him; a good cause and a good conscience the sacred writers. They speak of his sor- carry him onwards through life and death, row, " My soul is exceeding sorrowful, undaunted and undismayed. Hence, many even unto death." They speak of his illustrious and virtuous men in the heathen agony, that is, the most inexpressible tor- world, supported by the native fortitude ment of mind: " And being in an agony." of the human mind, poured contempt upon They speak of his fears: "He was heard all the forms of death, and departed with in that he feared." They speak of his magnanimity and with glory. If a man cries and his tears: "He offered up who had only innocence to support him, prayers and supplications with strong cry- might thus acquiesce in his doom, one ing and tears." They speak of the pro- whose sufferings were to be publicly usedigious effects his agony had upon his body: ful, whose death was to be glorious to " His sweat was as it were great drops himself, and beneficial to the world, might of blood." They speak of the desire he rejoice in the midst of his sufferings, and had to withdraw from his sufferings for a exult in the prospect of death. In the time: "Father, if it be possible, let this early times of the Christian Church, the cup pass from me." first disciples followed their Lord in a path They who are acquainted with the style that was marked with blood; persons of of the Holy Evangelists, know how re- all ranks, of all ages, and of both sexes, markable they are for simplicity of narra- braved the rage of the enemy, the sword tive. They make use of no oratorial arts of the persecutor, the fire of the tormento interest the passions of their readers, tor, became candidates for the crown of they affect no threatenings or embellish- martyrdom, and with triumph embraced ments of eloquence, but place the plain ac- that very form of death at which our tion before our view, devoid of all orna- Lord, to appearance, now trembled and ment whatever. Historians contempo- stood aghast. rary to the events which they record, This leads us to the second thing proand who beheld the actions which they posed, which was to account for these apdescribe, usually give free vent to their pearances; to assign the causes of our passions in relating the occurrences of Lord's peculiar sufferings. In general, their history, and enter with the zeal then, there were circumstances in the pasof parties upon the various subjects sion of our Lord, of a singular kind, fully which engage their attention. The adequate to produce the effects here mensacred writers, on the other hand, lay tioned. What these were, will appear aside every thing that looks like passion when we consider that our Lord died in a or party zeal; they relate events not like state where he was abandoned by his men who were interested in the facts which friends, and by mankind; that he died in they describe; not like men who had act- a state of ignominy; and that he died in ed a part in the history they write; not a state, where, after suffering an agony of even with the ordinary emotions of specta- spirit, he was at last forsaken by his Father tors, but with all the simplicity, and con- in heaven. While the two former of these ciseness, and brevity, of an evidence in a can hardly be paralleled in all their circourt of justice. The torments which our cumstances, the last is entirely peculiar to Saviour endured in the garden, therefore, our Lord, and constitutes the chief branch must have been great and amazing, when of his sufferings. the sacred writers clothe them with all the First, He died in a state where he was circumstances of terror, and paint them in abandoned by his friends and by mankind. 142 SERMON XXXIII. From the beginning he found the world alone. Of the people there were none against him. He came unto his own, and with him. When he died for all, he wan his own received him not. He was to be pitied by none. made perfect through sufferings, and many In the second place, He died in a state were the distresses which wrung his heart, of ignominy. The death of the cross was before the decease which he accomplished not only painful and'tormenting, but ignoat Jerusalem. This was the severest of minious also, and accursed. A death that all, from the manifold terrors that were was never inflicted upon free men, but renow combined together. He had not only served for slaves and malefactors, for the to carry his own cross, to have his head basest and the vilest of the human kind. crowned with thorns, to be derided and There is implanted in the mind of man a buffeted, to be extended upon the accursed strong abhorrence of shame and disgrace. tree, to suffer the scourge, the nails, and The sense of ignominy is more pungent in the spear. All this he was superior to; a noble nature, than the feeling of pain. but to be abandoned by his friends, and To want the appearance of innocence, by all mankind, at the very time he was while, at the same time, we preserve the suffering for their sakes, was the peculiar reality; to lie under the imputation of and forlorn fate of the Saviour of the heinous crimes; to die the death of a world. criminal, and leave the world with an inThe presence of our friends, in the hour delible stain upon our name and memory, of trial, gives a secret strength to the is one of the sorest trials that virtue can mind; it affords a melancholy pleasure to meet with upon earth. Yet even this our die among those with whom we lived. Lord had to suffer. He had to endure But this consolation our Saviour had not. the cross, and submit to the shame. It He had chosen twelve friends to be the was foretold by the Prophet, that he partners of his life, and the companions should be "numbered among transgresof his death. One of these betrayed him, sors." And although he was holy, harmanother denied him; all forsook him and less, undefiled, and separate from sinners, fled. yet he was impeached of the highest It is some relief to the unhappy sufferer, crimes: not only as a violator of the dito have the passions of the spectators on vine law, in breaking the Sabbath, and his side; from their sympathy he derives frequenting the company of sinners, but courage, and the pain that is felt by many also as an impostor, deluding the people; is alleviated to the one who suffers. as a blasphemer, assuming to himself the But the high and the low, the Jew and prerogatives of God; and as a seditious the Heathen, entered into the conspiracy person, perverting the nation, usurping against Christ. The priests and elders royal authority, and forbidding to give accused him. The High Priest cried out, tribute to Caesar. " If he had not been a "He is guilty of death." Pilate, his judge, malefactor," said the Jews to Pilate, "we though conscious of his innocence, though should not have delivered him up to thee." he washed his hands from the guilt of his The resentment of'such a situation our death, ordered him to be scourged, and Lord felt strongly, and discovered in that allowed him to be crucified. The people, remarkable speech, " Are ye come against with a frantic ardor, sought his death. me as against a thief, with swords and That very people who, a few days before, with staves?" Thus, our Lord was not upon his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, only a sufferer, but in appearance a crimhad strewed the way with palm-branches, inal: he had not only to endure the pain, and cried out, " Hosanna to the Son of but the ignominy of the cross; not only David;" that very people, such is the to be wounded and tormented, but also to giddiness of the multitude, now cried out, be mocked, reviled, and scorned by the " Crucify him, crucify him." Thus, in his vilest of mankind. Then were fulfilled sorrows, he stood by himself, a wretched the words of the mystical Prophet, " I am individual without a friend. When the a reproach of men, and despised of the Shepherd was smitten, the sheep were scat- people. All they that see me, laugh me tered abroad. He trode the wine-press to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they ON THE SUFFERINGS OF JESUS CHRIST. 143 shake the head, saying, He trusted on the to endure in succession, now crowded into Lord, that he would deliver him: let him one moment, and his soul was overcome. deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." At this time, too, the powers of darkness, There is not a circumstance in the history it should seem, were permitted to work of mankind so ignominious, and to an in- upon his imagination, to disturb his Spirit, genuous nature so tormenting, as the fol- and make the vale through which he was lowing, which is recorded by the Evange- to pass, appear more dark and gloomy. lists. Pilate said, " Shall I release Add to this, that our Saviour having Jesus?" " They all cried, Not this man, now come to the close of his public life, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a his whole mediatorial undertaking presentrobber." ed itself to his view; his eye ran over There is a misapprehension into which the history of that race which he came to we are apt to fall, in considering the suf- save from the beginning to the end of ferings of Jesus Christ. Whenever he time; he had a feeling of all the misery, appears before our eyes, the splendor of his and a sense of all the guilt of men. If he Divinity overcomes the mind, and in the looked back into past times, what did he Lord of Glory the man of sorrows is for- behold? The earth a field of blood, a gotten. But, my friends, you. are to re- vale of tears, a theatre of crimes. If he member that as God is by his nature in- cast his eyes upon that one in which he capable of pain or sorrow, in all scenes of lived, what did he behold? That nation distress, the Divinity withdrew, that the to whom he was sent, rejecting the counsel Iumrnanity might suffer. Yes, Christians, of God against themselves, imprecating the man Christ Jesus was like one of our- his blood to be upon them and their chilselves, as encompassed with the same in- dren, and bringing upon themselves such firmities, and subjected to the same dis- a desolation as has not happened to any tresses; as accessible to sorrow, and as other people. When he looked forward sensible of ignominy and pain. to succeeding ages, what did he behold? Thirdly, Our Lord died in a state, He saw that the wickedness of men was where, after undergoing an agony of spirit, to continue and abound, to erect a Golgohe was at last forsaken by his Father in tha in every age, and by obstinate impeniheaven. The presence of God, and the tence, to crucify afresh the Son of God. aids of his Holy Spirit, have always been He saw that in his blessed name, and unthe consolation of good men in their afflic- der the banners of his cross, the most atrotions. They experienced the fulfilment cious crimes were to be committed, the of these promises, " As thy days are, so sword of persecution to be drawn, the best shall thy strength be. When thou goest blood of the earth to be shed, and the nothrough the waters I will go with thee, and blest spirits that ever graced the world to through the rivers, they shall not overflow be cut off; he saw that for many of the thee. Our fathers trusted in thee," saith human race all the efforts of saving mercy the Psalmist, " theytrusted, and thou didst were to be defeated; that his death was deliver them.:' Butin the sufferings en- to be of no avail; that his blood was to be dured by the Redeemer in the garden, shed in vain; that his agonies were to be and on the cross, God departed from lost, and that it had been happy for them, him, and the Divine presence was with- if he had never been born. He saw that drawn. he was to be wounded in the house of his Christians! what an hour was that, friends; that his name was to be blasphemwhich our Saviour passed in the garden ed among his own followers; that he was of Gethsemane! In the time of his passion, to be dishonored by the wicked lives of his torments succeeded one another. He those who called themselves his disciples; was not at the same time betrayed, mocked, that one man was to prefer the gains of scourged, crowned with thorns, pierced iniquity, another the blandishments of with a spear, extended on a cross, and for- pleasure, a third the indulgence of malisaken by his Father; but here all these cious desire, and all of you, at times, the torments rose before him at once: all his gratification of your favorite passion, to pains were united together: what he was the tender mercies of the God of peace, 144 SERMON XXXTII and the dyinglove of a crucified Redeemer. the severest of all which he was now exWVhile the hour revolved that spread forth periencing. From him came the cup of all these things before his eyes, we need trembling, which he was now doomed to not wonder that he began to be in agony, drink, and the vials of vengeance which and that he sweated as it were great drops were now poured upon his head. Abanof blood. doned and smitten, and overwhelmed, he On the cross that agony returned, and cried out, "' My God, my God! why hast was redoubled. Judge of what he felt, thou forsaken me?" by the expressions of the Prophet in the The measure of his woe was now full: mystical psalm, ", My God, my God, why the sufferings of Christ were completed. hast thou forsaken me, why art thou so Before he bowed the head and yielded up far from helping me, and from the words the ghost, he looked up to the heavens, of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the and saw the darkness disappearing from day-time, but thou hearest not. and in the before the throne of God. Filled with night-season I am not silent. Our fathers celestial satisfaction, " Father," said he, trusted in thee; they trusted, and thou'" into thy hands I now commit my spirit." didst deliver them. But I am a worm, There was but one pang more. The last and no man, a reproach of men, and de- cloud was vanishing from the sky, and all spised of the people. I am poured out was to be serene for ever. like water. My heart is melted like wax From such a subject, Christians, what in the midst of my bowels; thou hast sentiments arise in your breasts and what brought me to the dust of death." reflections ought we to conclude with? This constituted what the ancient How is the condition of our Redeemer church called the unknown sufferings of now changed! From a scene of terror and Christ. In the cup which the Father gave distress, he is exalted to the right hand him to drink, there was something sharper of the Majesty in the heavens. As the than the vinegar, and more bitter than sun broke out from the eclipse which it the gall. The darkness which at that time then suffered, so did the light of his covered the face of the earth, was but a Father's countenance upon his soul. faint emblem of that blacker cloud which Shame, and sorrow, and suffering, were overwhelmed his soul. What the degree succeeded by glory, and victory, and triof these unknowi sufferings was, how they umph. were inflicted, or how they were sustained, What consolation does not this yield to we cannot tell. But the complaint of de- Christians in all their afflictions! The reliction which the Saviour then uttered, high-priest under the Law was taken from the sense which all nature had of its Cre- among men, that he might have compasator rising in wrath, when the earth trem- sion on the ignorant, and on those who bled, the rocks were rent asunder, and the were out of the way; for that he himself grave gave up its dead, testify that they was also compassed with infirmity. So were such as God only could inflict, and likewise "we have not a high-priest who the Son of God only could sustain. cannot be touched with the feeling of our Never was there sorrow like unto this infirmities, but was in all points tempted sorrow wherewith the Lord now chastened like as we are, but without sin." " It behim in the day of the fierceness of his an- hoved him to be made like unto his brethger. Upon luis agony in the garden, an ren, that he might be a merciful and faithangel from heaven strengthened him. ful high-priest, in things pertaining to But in this hour, when he bore the sins God. to make reconciliation for the sins of his people, when the pangs of death of the people: for in that he himself hath took hold of him, when the sorrows of hell suffered, being tempted, he is able to sucencompassed him; in this hour of unut- cor them that are tempted." terable woe, where were the heavenly mes- I shall conclude with another reflecsengers, and where was the countenance tion. Persons of humane and compasof his Father, which used to comfort him, sionate feelings, when they hear the acand to smile upon him? Alas! from his count of their Saviour's sufferings, are apt Father' proceeded those very sufferings, to be moved with pity for his distresses, ON THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. 145 and to be actuated with indignation against breaking of bread. He shall say unto his enemies. But these passions, in the your souls, " Be of good cheer, thy sins present case, my brethren, are misapplied. are forgiven thee;" and inspire into you' Weep not for me, ye daughters of Jeru- the well-grounded hope of sitting down salem," said our Lord, when in the midst with him at his table above, where in his of his sufferings. These sufferings were presence ye shall rejoice for evermore. not intended to excite the sighs of sensi- Which may God grant, and to his name bility, and the tears of distress. Sympa- be the praise! —Let us pray. thy is not the proper return for his love. His sufferings are the objects of your faith, and ought to awaken your gratitude. Neither vent your wrath against the enemies and the crucifiers of your Saviour. SERMON XXXIV. Look inwards, O man! search thine own bosom: there dwell the murderers of thy ON THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. Lord. Thy sins, thy crimes, thine unhallowed desires and unmortified passions MATTHEW XXVIII. 6. —"Come, see the place were the actors in that dreadful scene. where the Lord lay." The Jews and Romans were but instruments in their hands: but the feeble exe- WHEN our Saviour expired upon the cross, cutioners of that wrath which they pro- the cause of Christianity seemed to be voked and drew down. On these, there- lost. Rejected by that nation to whom fore, exhaust thy vengeance: bring forth he was sent, condemned under the forms those enemies of thy Saviour, and slay of a legal trial, and crucified as a malethem before his eyes. factor before all the people, an effectual How will it affect the mind with con- bar seemed to have been put for ever to trition and godly sorrow, when, on this all his designs. It then seemed that all solemn occasion, you call up your past was over. A people whom their prophets sins to your remembrance! How will it taught to look for a king, did not look for grieve you to think, as one by one they him to come down from a cross; a nation pass before you in review. that each of who expected the appearance of a Messiah, them added a pang to your Saviour's did not expect him to appear from the agony, and formed the bitter ingredients grave. His followers were few in num — of that cup which he drank! Will not ber, and feeble in spirit. Although he, this consideration break your covenant had frequently foretold his death, the ideal with death, and disannul your agreement of a temporal prince was so strong in their with hell? Can you ever again cherish minds, that they could not reconcile them-. those sins in your heart, which not only selves to the thought of a suffering Sacrucified the Lord of glory upon Mount viour; and though he had also on various Calvary, but which even now crucify him occasions foretold his resurrection, they afresh, and put him to open shame? were so much under the power of prejuBut, Christians, I hope better things dices, deeply rooted, that they either did of you. On this occasion, let me beseech not understand, or did not believe, his you, by the sufferings of your crucified predictions. When he was apprehended Redeemer, to break off your iniquities by by a band of soldiers, they forsook him repentance. Resolve sincerely, by the and fled; they had not courage to attend grace of God, to live no longer in sin. him in the last hour of his life; to go Finally, implore the assistance of the Di- with him to the tribunal and to the cross: vine Spirit, to renew your wills, and pu- afar off only, they followed with their eyes, rify your souls. Then may ye rejoice in and beheld with tears, him whom they exthis the day of your solemnity, and be pected to behold no more. Then they welcome guests at the table of the Lord. gave up all for lost. The sun, which was Then shall ye be joyfully invited to the soon after darkened by a preternatural marriage-supper of the Lamb. Then shall eclipse, and the rock which was rent asunJesus manifest himself to you in the der by an earthquake, appeared to be the, 10 146 SERMON XXXIV. sad tokens of a glory that had departed, desire to look." Much more then doth it and of a kingdom that was to be no more. become us to contemplate the life and Dark and dismal were the shades of that death and resurrection of our Lord; for night which descended on the Saviour's he took not on him the nature of angels, tomb: the hearts of the disciples were but of the seed of Abraham. Christians! troubled, and their Comforter was gone. you have this day beheld your Saviour set All the scenes of their past lives, the forth crucified among you; let us now miracles they had seen, the discourses contemplate him as arising from the dead, they had heard, the hopes they had en- and appearing in glory: you have already tertained, were like a dream; they aban- sat at the foot of the cross, and I hope doned themselves to despair, and, as we reaped benefit from the commemoration of learn from the evangelist Luke, they were your Redeemer's passion; let me now about to leave Jerusalem, and betake carry you to the tomb, to behold "the themselves to their old employments. place where the Lord lay." While the enemies of Jesus triumphed, Behold then, in the first place, in the and his friends lamented, the counsels of resurrection of your Lord, the proof that heaven were executing, andthe operation of the redemption of the world is accomthe Almighty was going forward. We read plished. in the Gospel of Matthew-" In the end Our salvation is every where ascribed in of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn to- Scripture, to the death and passion of our wards the first day of the week, came Saviour. As our great High Priest, he Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, to made an atonement for the sins of the see the sepulchre. And behold, there world upon the cross; his death was our was a great earthquake; for the angel of redemption, and his blood the ransom that the Lord descended from heaven, and was paid for the soul: but his resurrection came and rolled back the stone from the was the proof, that the sacrifice which he door, and sat upon it. His countenance offered up was accepted by God, and that was lilke lightning, and his raiment white the price which he paid, was available for as snow. And for fear of him, the keep- our recovery. By his suffering unto death, ers did shake, and became as dead men. we were freed from condemnation; but And the angel answered and said unto our freedom was not made manifest till the women, Fear not ye: For I know he arose from the grave. His resurrecthat ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. tion then is the basis of the whole ChrisHe is not here: For he is risen, as he tian institution, and the ground of our said: Come, see the place where the faith and of our hope in him. That Christ Lord lay." appeared on earth as a Great Prophet; The nativity of our Lord had been an- that he passed his days in instructing and nounced by an angel to the shepherds reforming the world; and that after a life of Bethlehem. " While they were abid- of eminent and exemplary goodness, he ing in the field, and keeping watch over died the death of a malefactor, was comtheir flocks by night, Lo, the angel of mon to him and others, whom God had the Lord came unto them, and the glory raised up to be the lights of the world, of the Lord shone round about them; and and patterns to mankind. Thus the prothe angel said unto them, Fear.not, for be- phets of old were persecuted and destroyhold I bring unto you glad tidings of great ed by sundry kinds of death; thus the joy, which shall be unto all people; for martyrs, since the time of our Lord, were unto you is born this day, in the city of cut off in a cruel and ignominious manDavid, a Saviour, which is Christ the ner: but in their deaths there was no exLord." In like manner, his second nativ- piation for sin; the blood of the prophets ity, his resurrection to a new life, was and of the martyrs spoke no such lanhere announced by an angel. What emo- guage; their blood cried, indeed, to heations would arise in the minds of these ven-not for mercy, but for vengeance ministers of heaven, who had attended him against a guilty world. If Christ had died through his life, we cannot tell: this only like one of them, and been heard of no we know, that " into these things they more, how should we have believed that ON THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. 147 his death had atoned to the penitent, for demption of the world. The wrath of God all the blood that had been shed from the is atoned; the guilt of sin is taken away; foundation of the' world? How should peace is nmade between God and mall; and we have believed that the whole earth had there is joy in heaven over the world of obtained remission of sin from God, by de- the redeemed." That this sacrifice was stroying one prophet more? Although he acceptable and meritorious in the sight of had declared, that he was to be offered up God, he hath testified unto all men, by as a sacrifice, and to give his life a ransom raising his Son from the dead, by exalting for many, if he had never appeared again, him to his own right hand, and commitHow should we have known that the sacri- ting to him the sceptre of Providence, to fice was accepted, or that the ransom was rule and govern for the good of his Church. paid? The natural conclusion then to be In the second place, Christians, behold drawn was, that his labors had been in your Saviour at his resurrection, entering vain. Then might we have said with the into his glory. disciples, who were going to Emmaus, His first appearance was not distin"We trusted that it had been He who was guished by marks of greatness or splento have redeemed Israel;" but now all our dor. The wise men who came from the hopes are buried in his grave. When he east to worship the King of the Jews, exburst the bands of death, and rose victo- pected not to find him a babe at Bethlerious from the tomb, then it was manifest hem, lying in a manger. Descended of to all, that he had finished the work which humble parents, and born in a mean conthe Father gave him to do. For if he had dition, he passed his early life in obscunot accomplished his undertaking, and ex- rity, and in the labors of poverty. What piated the sins of the world, he had never the Prophet calls the " stem from Jesse," been released from the prison of thegrave. was, at its first appearance, but a root WThen he arose, therefore, and brought out of a dry ground; it had no form nor back with him the pardon which he had comeliness, for which it could have been sealed with his blood; when, instead of desired. Hitherto it had been only unexecuting wrath upon his enemies, he sent known and obscure; and at the time of again the offer of peace and reconciliation, his appearing unto Israel, he was a man and took upon himself to be their inter- of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. But cessor, as he had already been their sacri- even while he stood forth in the power of fice, what room was there to doubt of the the Lord, and confirmed his mission by efficacy of his death, the efficacy of which the miracles which he wrought, the oppowas so undeniably confirmed by his resur- sition to him increased, and every act of rection? charity he did to others, became a new Here, therefore, we hail the completion source of misery to himself. During this of that plan by which the world was to be time in which he went about doing good redeemed; here we rejoice over the finish- to all the sons of men, he had not where ing of the new heavens and new earth, to lay his head. When he cast out devils, wherein righteousness is to dwell, and he was immediately charged with being in come to the close of the celestial song, league with the prince of them. When he which ascribed glory to God in the high- sat with publicans and sinners, he was est, peace upon the earth, and good will called a glutton and a wine-bibber. When towards men. Now we may join in the he healed the sick of their infirmities, and triumphant language of the apostle, "It forgave their sins, then was he called a is God that justifieth, Who is he that con- blasphemer, and an encroacher on the predemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rogative of God. When he restored the rather that is risen, who is even at the withered hand, and cured the blind or the right hand of God, who also maketh inter- lame on the Sabbath-day, then is he no cession for us." As if he had said, "Who longer fit to live. These were such can condemn those whom God hath justi- offences as nothing but his death could fled, and for whom Christ hath died? Our expiate. And to death at last they brought great High Priest hath now offered up the him. He is betrayed by one of his own sacrifice which was requisite for the re- disciples, and carried to judgment. He 148 SERMON XXXIV. is charged with the most opprobrious has all power committed to him in heaven crimes. In cruel sport they pay him the and in earth. mock honors of a prince; they crown him In the third place, Christians, behold with thorns; they put a reed into his in the resurrection of your Lord, your nahand; they bow the knee before him, and, ture restored to its original dignity. with profane and impious derision, cry, Man was at first made after the image " Hail, King of the Jews." And that of God, clothed with the robe of innocence, nothing might be wanting, to show how and crowned with the honors of immortalmuch he was despised and rejected of men, ity. There was no discord among the the question was put between him and a principles of his frame; no darkness in his murderer, which should be released; and mind, and no disorder in his heart. Hapwith one voice, the people answered, py and harmonious was the temper of his " Release unto us Barabbas." He was soul. Order, the great law of heaven, then nailed to the accursed tree, and died was also the law of man. He had a parathe death of a malefactor. dise without, and a fairer paradise within. And is this the Messiah whom the Jews But by his disobedience and fall he beexpected, and whom the prophets had fore- came a different person: his nature was told? Is this He, concerning whom degraded, and his dignity was lost. He Isaiah had prophesied, " Unto us a Son is who was the Lord of the inferior world, born, unto us a Child is given, and his and was invested with dominion over the name shall be called Wonderful, Counsel- works of nature, was now sunk into a state lor, the Mighty God, the everlasting little superior to the beasts that perish. Father, the Prince of Peace?" Is this This change was the death of the man he who was to raise up the tabernacle of whom God had created; the divine life David; who was to repair the desolations was no more; the image of God lay buof many ages; who was to sit upon the ried under the ruins of iniquity. Hence throne of Zion, extend his dominion from the human form in Scripture is called a sea to sea, and from the river to the ends " body of death; " and the world is said of the earth? Yes, it is he! But, as the to be " dead in trespasses and sins." But Scriptures foretold, he must suffer before as by man came death, by man came also he enter into his glory. Hence, saith the the resurrection to life. As in Adam all same prophet, when he shall be stricken for die, so in Christ all are made alive. " The the transgression of the people, and make creature was made subject to vanity, not his soul an offering for sin, then he shall willingly." We consented not to the deprolong his days, and the pleasure of the gradation of our nature; and he who subLord shall prosper in his hand. At his jected us in hope hath restored us again. resurrection, the prophesies of the Old Christ rose as the representative of all his Testament are understood, and the scan- people; as the Leader of an innumerable dal of the cross is wiped away. The his- multitude who shall follow him into the tory of the man of sorrows ends, and the heavens. Hence we are said in Scripture Lord of Glory appears. A brighter train to be begotten again by the resurrection of years begins, and a new era of happy of Christ from the dead; to be made alive time revolves. From the cloud which had with Christ; to be risen with him; and concealed him long, he now issues forth sit with him in heavenly places. Here in the beauties of immortality; from the then you behold your nature rising anew veil which had obscured him in the days from the tomb of Christ; fair as when it of his flesh, the splendor of his divinity first came from the hands of the Creator, now shines forth; celestial rays circle and when he saw his own image, and pronoundistinguish his head; and he appears to ced it good. Here you behold it rising be the Son of God with power, when he with additional honor; made at first a litcomes in triumph from the tomb, having tie lower than the angels, it was assumed subdued the powers of death, and leading by one who was greater than they, and is captivity captive. He now sees the tra- now dignified in heaven by him before vail of his soul, and is satisfied; he enters whose throne the angels of God worship. on the joy that was set before him; and In the last place, Christians, behold in ON THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. 149 the resurrection of Christ, the proof and they triumphed over pain, and ignominy, the earnest of your own resurrection. and death, and looked upon fires and racks, Our Saviour not only taught the immor- and gibbets, upon every engine of torture, tality of the soul, but also the resurrec- and every form of dissolution, as so many tion of the body. This doctrine was new doors opening into the kingdom of glory. to the world, and contrary to the observa- They were invincible, because they knew tion of mankind; for there is nothing in they were immortal. the whole compass of nature, that yields From the doctrines which have been a similitude to dust and ashes rising up now laid down, let us conclude with some again into oreanised bodies, and to perpet- inferences and reflections. ual life. It required therefore a proof of Christians, you are the disciples of a a particular kind, which it obtained; for risen Redeemer. As we glory in his cross as a proof that the dead were to arise, our and passion, let us also rejoice in his reSaviour arose from the dead. Hence God surrection. The disciples were glad when is said to have given assurance to all men they saw their Lord restored to life again; of the general resurrection, by raising his and the first Christians considered it as Son from the dead. This subject is han- such a joyful event, that they used to died professedly, and at great length, by greet one another with this salutation, the apostle Paul, in a most eloquent dis- "Christ isrisen." He who was once dead, course to the Corinthians, part of which is now alive, and lives for evermore. He I shall now read to you. I Cor. xv. 20, hath removed the terror and the sting of 21, 42, 23. " But now is Christ risen death; he hath hallowed the grave as a from the dead, and became the first fruits place of rest for all his followers, and of them that slept. For since by man risen as the Forerunner of the faithful, came death, by man came also the resur- who shall rise to eternal life. He left the rection of the dead. For as in Adam all vestments of mortality behind him. Death die, even so in Christ shall all be made hath no more dominion. And if ye be alive. But every man in his own order: risen with Christ, put off the old man and Christ the first-fruits; afterwards they his affections; let sin have no more dominthat are Christ's, at his coming." ion over you; walk in newness of life. As In the times of the apostle, this doc- ypu have set out in the paths of righteoustrine was more felt than itisnow; a strong ness, continue your course therein. Reliimpression of immortality did then animate gion was not intended for extraordinary the disciples of Jesus. From whence, but occasions. Holiness is not a robe which from this doctrine, proceeded the zeal and you can put off and on at pleasure. You spirit of the primitive Christians, who em- must never lay aside the wedding garment. braced the religion of Jesus at the expense Transient emotions which you may now of all that was dear, and at the peril of feel, will not change the heart. Starts and their lives. The sword of the persecutor sallies of goodness which you may now exhad no terrors, when they saw it succeeded perience, will not form the character. The by a crown of glory. When they looked temper of the mind, and the tenor of the on the shore of bliss and immortality, life are all in all. When religion and virthey trembled not, though they knew they tue have been matured by time, and grown had to swim through a sea of blood. Even into habit, then we can pronounce them to when death was before their eyes, their be sincere and genuine. Let him that is hearts sprung with joy, and their hopes righteous then, be righteous still. Let him began to bloomn. Not the frown of the that is holy, be holy still. Let the spirit tyrant, nor the face of the king of terrors, of this day accompany you all the days of nor the executioner that thirsted for blood, your lives. Carry into the world, into the could rob them of their peace. They business and into the pleasures of the looked upon these as messengers sent by world, the purity of this ordinance, the Providence, to carry them to that better dispositions you now feel, and the purworld where their hearts longed to be. This poses you now form. Be faithful unto was the armor by which the saints and death, and God will give you the crown martyrs overcame the world; by which X of life. Further, As ye have gained the 150 SERMON XXXV. victory over death, through our Lord Divine goodness to give you the spirit of Jesus Christ, therefore be assured, that a that better country to which you tend, and life of faith and duty will effectually con- to bless you with a foretaste of the joys duct you to happiness. " Therefore, my which are to come. And in the strength beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immova- of Heaven, go forth from this assembly, ble, always abounding in the work of the immortal; go forth into the world, the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your la- sons of God, the heirs of heaven, candibor is not in vain in the Lord." Miser- dates for a cr wn of glory which fadeth able indeed would be the condition of the not away. Then you will have good cause human kind; feeble would be our efforts, to remember this day, as one of the days and few our attainments, if after awell-or- of the right hand of the Most High, and dered life, we were obliged to sit down with to endless ages you will bless the time the sad confession, that virtue was but an *when you retired from the vanities of the empty name; that we had cleansed our world, and learned to meditate at your hands in vain, and purified our hearts to Saviour's tomb. no purpose. But, Christians, our labor Now may the God of peace, who brought shall not be in vain; our works of faith again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that and love, our exertions of magnanimity, great Shepherd of the sheep, make you our efforts of patience in the cause of good- perfect in every good work, to do his will, ness; the tender offices of humanity, char- working in you that which is well-pleasing ity, and pity, that we have performed, the in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to kind dispositions that we have cherished whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. or improved, the upright intentions which we have maintained, even the silent aspirations of a good heart, the warm wishes of the benevolent, for the happiness of the human kind, are now well-pleasing in the sight of God. We know, even from our own experience, that there is a reward for ON A LIFE OF PROGRESSIVE VIRTUE. the righteous. Never have we done a good PROVERBS IV. 18.-" The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto of our own conscience, and enjoyed the tri- the perfect day." umph of the mind. Let the wicked call upon the mountains HUMliN life has been often compared to a to overwhelm, and the rocks to hide them journey, for this as well as for other reain the day of the Lord. Let infidels look sons, that we are always making progress for the shades of annihilation to conceal in our way. In whatever path we set out, them, and the curtains of the dark night there is no standing still. Evil men wax to be drawn around them for ever. Better worse and worse: the corruptions of their prospects are presented to us. The hope nature gather strength: the vices whichof immortality is set before us, and heaven they have contracted grow into habit; the opens its everlasting gates to receive us to evil principle is for ever on the increase, its mansions. till having attained the ascendent over the Because of this our heart is glad, and whole man, it subjects him entirely to its our glory rejoiceth. The Everlasting own power, the willing and obedient serFather will not leave us in the grave, nor vant of sin. Good men, on the other hand, suffer his holy ones to see corruption. make advances in the paths of righteousHe hath shewed us the path of life. In ness. The grace of God, which is given his presence there is fulness of joy, and at unto them, lies not dormant. The better his right hand there are pleasures for ever- mind with which they are endowed, incites more. Know then thyself, 0 man! Make them to virtue; the new nature which thyself acquainted with thy future state. they have put on, pants after perfection. Enter early, my brethren, upon your eter- They give all diligence to add to their nal life; and now think, and act, and live, faith virtue, and to virtue temperance, and as the heirs of immortality. Implore the to temperance brotherly-kindness, and to ON A LIFE OF PROGRESSIVE VIRTUE. 151 brotherly-kindness charity; until, having and has been but a short time in the abounded in every good work, they perfect school of Christ, who is blind to his own holiness in the fear of the Lord. Such imperfections. Our fall from innocence a life is here called the path of the just. was by pride, and we must rise by humil3By the just in Scripture, are not meant ity. " He that humbleth himself shall be those who merely abstain from doing un- exalted," is the doctrine which our Lord just and injurious things to their neigh- delivered upon all occasions. Till we feel bors. The just man is he who possesses our own weakness, we can never be strong that sincerity of heart, and that integrity in the Lord; we never can rise in the of the whole life, which God requires of Divine sight, till we sink in our own estiman. mation. We often meet with persons in The life of such a man is here compared life, who talk very strangely upon this to the light of the morning. Nothing in subject. They tell us that they are as nature is more lovely than the light. Igood as ever they expect to be; that in When the Spirit began to move upon the looking back upon their past life, they see face of the deep, light was the first effect nothing done which they would wish unof his creating power; and when the six done; and that if they were to begin life days' work was finished, light, collected anew, they would act precisely as they and centred in the sun, continued to be have acted. Concerning such persons, we the grandest and most beautiful work of may safely pronounce that they have made nature; so grand and beautiful, that but little progress in the path of the just. among many of the heathen nations it was They are strangers to their own hearts, worshipped as the visible divinity of the and have not proper ideas of the Divine world. What light is to the face of esx- law. They measure the law of God by ternal nature, the beauty of holiness is to the laws of men, and think that if their the soul. It is the brighest ornament of external conduct is blameless, they have an immortal spirit; it throws a glory over acted their part well; not considering that all the faculties of man; and forms that the law of God extends to the heart, and robe of beauty with which they shine, who punishes for the omission of duty as well walk in white before the throne of God. as for the commission of sin. Such errors But it is chiefly on account of its pro- the Pharisees taught of old; and such nogressive nature, that the path of the just tions of duty Paul had imbibed before his is here compared to the shining light. conversion to Christianity. "After the In order to illustrate this, I shall, in the straitest sect of our religion," says he, fir-st place, show you how we shall know "I lived a Pharisee; touching the law, if we have made progress in the paths of blameless. I was alive without the law righteousness. Secondly, give you some once:" That is, when I did not know the directions how to make farther progress. law in its true sense, I thought myself Thirdly, exhort you to a life of progres- alive and a saint. The Pharisaical docsive virtue. trines in which he had been educated, I am first, then, to show how we shall taught him that God required no more know if we have made progress in the than a conformity of the external behavior paths of righteousness. to the letter of the law. But when he In the first place, Let me ask you, are discovered that the Divine law extended you sensible of your faults and imperfec- to the heart, when thus in its power, the tions? The first indication of wisdom is commandment came, " sin revived and I to confess our ignorance, and the first step died; " then I saw myself to be a sinner, to virtue is to be sensible of our own im- and died to the self-conceit which I forperfections. The novice in science is merly entertained. puffed up witli his early discoveries; when Secondly, Let me ask you what is the the first ray of wisdom is let in upon his strength of your attachment to the cause mind, he thinks that by it he can see and of righteousness? As you are sensible of know all things; deeper views and maturer your faults, and have seen the deformity reflection convince him how little he knows. of sin, are you enamored with the beauty In like manner, he knows little of religion, of holiness? Do you desire nothing more 152 SERMON XXXV. earnestly than to put on tne graces of the converts, they set about a thorough reGospel, and be conformed to the image of formation. They wonder how they have God? Men will never imitate what they been so long blind to their true interest; do not love; if then you are not lovers of they mourn over the time that they have goodness and virtue, you never will be lost in vain, or in sinful pursuits, and now good and virtuous. So long as they keep seem fully determined to follow religion Lo generals, men may easily deceive them- as the one thing needful. With many, selves. Let us then come to particulars, this course continues not long; the first and let me ask you with what regard and new object engages their attention, and estimation you view those patterns of piety turns them aside from the path of the which you see exhibited in life. Are the just. But true religion, my friends, does good and righteous, to you the excellent not consistin such fits and starts of devoones of the earth? The wise do not pro- tion; in random resolutions, made in the portion their respect to men according to fervor of zeal; in the wavering, desultory, the rank they hold, or the name they bear and inconsistent conduct which marks the in the world. It is the character of the character of multitudes in the world. He just.man, as drawn in Scripture, that he alone is a good man who perseveres in scorneth the vile, however exalted, and goodness. When the vernal year begins, honoreth them that fear the Lord, how- and the shower of summer descends, all ever depressed. Do you then scorn the nature bursts into vegetable life; the vile man, with all his attributes of rank noxious weeds rival the trees among and wealth and power? Do you despise which they grow; but these sudden the rich, the noble, the right honorable growths as suddenly disappear; while villain, and choose for your companion the favored by the influences of heaven, the righteous man, although he has not where trees arise to their full stature, and bring to lay his head? Could you sit down with forth their fruit in season. Are you then virtue in her cell, contented with her as much in earnest now, as when your first homely fare, with her poor abode, and love to God began to bring forth the look down with a generous contempt upon fruits of righteousness? Without this the splendid roof, where luxury and guilt undiminished ardor, without these unrelead on the festive hours? When you be- mitting efforts, you never will run the hold the wicked great in power, and race set before you, so as to finish your flourishing like a green bay-tree, does your course with joy. At the same time, I heart revolt from giving him that homage must take notice, that as you advance in which the favors of Mammon never fail to years, all the passions will gradually cool. extort from the venal multitude; and can'When, therefore, the fervor of youth has you say, in the sincerity of your heart, subsided, and mature age hath given a so" I would not exchange the peace of my ber cast to the temper, you will not feel own mind for the wealth of the world? that degree of ardor in your devotions Whatever thou art pleased to give, Father which you experienced in your early Almighty, may I possess it with honor: years. Many serious persons have been The world approaches to thine altar, and alarmed at this appearance, not considerbends before thy throne for temporal ing that it was the effect of their constitublessings; the prayer of my heart is, tion, and not a mark of apostasy from Lord, lift up on me the light of thy God. But your devotion will continue as countenzance.'" sincere, though not so inflamed, as before, Thirdly, Let me ask you, are your re- and religion will be as effectual as ever in solutions as firm, and your application as the regulation of your life; like a mighty vigorous now, as when you first set out in river, before it terminates its course in the spiritual life? There are times in the ocean, it rolls with greater calmness, which all men are serious, —in which the but at the same time with a greater most obdurate minds feel impressions of strength, than when it arose from its religion, and in which persons of the most source. abandoned character form resolutions of Fourthly, Another mark of increasing amendment. With all the zeal of new grace is, when you obey the Divine com ON A LIFE OF PROGRESSIVE VIRTUE. 153 mandments from affection and love. They respect to the institutions of the Church; who, from the fear of hell, put on a form and they attend upon the ordinances of of religion for a time, find it to be a hard Divine worship with all the marks of exand a painful service. They are out of ternal reverence. So far their conduct is their place, when they strike into the path not only decent, but laudable. But if of the just; they consider religion as a they go no farther than this; if they conheavy burden, which they would not bear fine their sanctity to these walls; if they but from necessity, and look upon the du- think that they have done their duty, ties of the Christian life, as so many tasks when they have complied with the external which they have to perform. Whoever ceremonies of the Church, and have entertains such notions of religion, will adopted this as the easiest and imost cornnot rise to high attainments in righteous- pendious method of being religious; the ness. The passions and affections are the religion of such persons is ratlher a kind powerful springs of action in the soul; of good manners than real devotion. The and unless these are put in motion, the true Christian will not be deficient in his machine will move heavily along. He attention to the externals of religion; alone will make progress in the path of but he will not rest there; he will attend the just, who is drawn by the cords of upon the ordinances of public worship, not love. Pleasant are the labors of love; because it is the custom of the country, and sweet is the precept when the duty but because it is his duty to God; and'he pleases. The yoke is easy, and the bur- will observe the institutions of Christianiden light, when the heart goes along. ty, not from complaisance to established The Christian is not a slave who obeys usages, but from a sincere desire of from compulsion, or a servant who works making progress in righteousness. We for hire; he is a son who acts from filial must make piety more than a matter of affection, and is happiest when he obeys. form; we must make a study of a holy The love of Christ alone constraineth life, in order to advance from strength to him. The beauty of holiness allureth strength, in the ways of the Lord: it is him: though rewards and punishments with religion, my friends, as with the were set aside, he would follow religion other pursuits of life. In those arts and virtue for their own sake, and do his where success depends upon genius and duty, because therein he found his happi- industry, unless a man have an enthusiasm ness. Do you then, my friends, feel this for his own profession, unless he follow it affection, this passion for righteousness? from choice, and prefer it to all others, Can you say with the Psalmist, " How do I he will never rise to eminence and fame. love thy laws, 0 Lord? They are my In like manner, unless a man have an atmeditation all the day. More to be de- tachment of the heart to the cause of virsired they are than gold, than much fine tue; unless he be fervent in spirit to serve gold; sweeter than honey from the honey- the Lord; unless he prefer a good concomb." science to everything upon earth, he will I now come to the second thing pro- never obtain that crown of glory which is posed, to give you some directions how to reserved for the righteous. In his journey make further progress in the path of the through life the pilgrim may turn aside just. to behold a beautiful scene, or enjoy a In thefirst place, then, in order to this, passing delight; but he will never forget make a serious business of a holy life. that his chief object is his journey to the There are many persons in the world who promised land. give a sanction to piety by their example, In order to attain eminence in the arts but who feel very little of its power. just mentioned, the candidate devotes his They think religion an exceedingly decent best and happiest years; lives laborious thing; they see it patronized by all wise days and restless nights; makes a sacrifice men, and they know it to be necessary for of ease, and health, and social joy; and the purposes of society. For these reasons at last consoles himself by the triumphant they follow the faith, and conform to the prospect of lying down upon the bed of usages of their fathers: they pay a proper fame, and living to future ages. If, then, 154 SERMON XXXV. studies of inferior importance become such all controversy, shall he be, who shall oba serious concern; if the desire of an tain a place, though the lowest, in the imaginary immortality has such power heavenly mansions; but for men to mark over the mind; will this noblest of studies, out to themselves boundaries in the path the science of being good, have no attrac- of virtue, beyond which they are resolved tions for the soul? Will this passion for not to go; for men, with impious prea real immortality have no power over the sumption, to cut out to themselves just heart? Under the influence of this prin- such a portion of duty as they think will ciple, will not every one who has the faith entitle them to an inestimable reward; of a Christian, or the feelings of a man, this is undervaluing the pearl of great join with the apostle, " Yea, doubtless, I price; it is sacrificing the riches of the count all things but loss, for the excellency Divine goodness to their own indolence; of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my it is doing despite to that Spirit of grace Lord, —that I may know him, and the which might have been a powerful principower of his resurrection and the fellow- ple of advancing holiness in the heart. ship of his sufferings, being made conform- Had he to whom in the parable ten talents able to his death, if by any means I may were given, gained no more than he to attain to the resurrection of the dead." whom five were given, can you think that Under the influence of these principles, he would have obtained the title, and rewill not every person who desires to make ceived the reward of a good and faithful advances in the path of the just, adopt servant? No, but of a slothful and unalso the resolution of Job, " While my profitable one, who had not improved breath is in me, and the Spirit of God is aright the deposit of his Master. What in my nostrils, my lips shall not speak saith the apostle upon this subject? wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit; "Brethren, I count not myself to have till I die I will not remove mine integrity apprehended;" to have already attained from me: my righteousness I hold fast, perfection; "but this one thing I do; and will not let it go; my heart shall not forgetting the things which are behind, reproach me so long as I live." and reaching forth unto those things In the second place, in order to make which are before, I press toward the progress il the path of the just, you must mark, for the prize of the high calling of never rest satisfied with any degrees of God in Christ Jesus." holiness or virtue which you attain. The "Forgetting the things that are behind," law of the spiritual life is to aim at per- saith the apostle. What things had this fection: the intention of Christianity is apostle to forget? He had to forget his that we may stand perfect and complete labors in the course of his apostolical in all the will of God. " As he who hath functions, his unwearied zeal, his unremitcalled you is' holy, be ye holy in all man- ting industry in discharging the trust ner of conversation." Absolutely perfect, committed to him; his perilous journeys indeed, we can never become in this life; and voyages over the greatest part of the but we must be always aspiring and en- known world, to propagate the religion of deavoring after perfection. There is no Jesus; the many noted persons he conend of your journey till you come to hea. verted by his ministry; the many flourishven; there is no place by the way where ing churches he erected in the course of you are to expect a termination from his travels; the many famous nations he labor, or a period of repose. It is not brought over to the Christian Faith — he uncommon to hear persons express them- had to forget what of all things the best selves in terms of great indifference about men pride themselves most in, the persethe higher attainments in sanctity and cutions which he suffered for the sake of virtue. They seem to be much afraid of the Lord; the imprisonments which he being better than their neighbors; they endured, the wounds which he received, have no ambition, they say, to be saints; and the stripes which he bore as a winess they do not desire to rank among the very of truth, and a preacher of righteousness; best; and they would be content with the -he had to forget that he was not behind lowest place in heaven. Happy, beyond the very chiefest apostles; the many mira ON A LIFE OF PROGRESSIVE VIRTUE. 155 cles which hewrought; the frequent revela- pier climes, to adorn the paradise of tions that were made to him;-he had to God. forget that, in the vision of God, he had In the four'th and last place, in order ascended into the third heaven, and was to make your endeavors effectual, you admitted to scenes, the beauties and the must abound in prayer to God for the asjoys of which, eye hath not seen, ear hath sistance of his Holy Spirit. "No man not heard, and the heart of man cannot becomes good without the Divine influence. conceive. If, notwithstanding such a No man can rise above the infirmities of high degree of grace and favor; if, after nature unless aided by God. He inspires a life of such extraordinary piety, this great and noble purposes. In every good apostle forgot the things which were be- man God resides. The strength which hind, and reaching forth to the things renders a man superior to all those things which were before, pressed toward the which the people either hope or dread, mark, for the prize of the high calling of descends from him. So lofty a structure God in Christ Jesus; where is the man cannot stand unsupported by the Divinity." who can pretend to say, " I am already as These, my friends, are the words of a perfect as I can ever expect to be??" heathen, and express a doctrine equally Where is the man who is entitled to set agreeable to reason and to revelation. In a boundary to himself in the path of consequence of our. corrupted nature, we righteousness, saying, "Hitherto shall I are unable of ourselves to produce the go, but no further?" virtues and graces of the Divine life. In the third place, in order to make But we are not left without a remedy. progress in the path of the just, be always- In the gospel of Jesus Christ, aids are employed in the improvement of your promised from above, to- repair the ruins souls. There is no standing still in the of our nature, and to restore the powers path of heaven. - Your evil habits, those of the soul: God hath not forsaken the cords that hold you in captivity to sin, earth: as at the first of days, the Divine you may not perhaps be able to cast away Spirit is still moving over the- world to at once; but through the Divine grace, produce life. The Lord is ever nigh to you will insensibly weaken, and at last them who call upon him in the sincerity break them asunder. Your inclinations of their heart. While we strive against that may have taken a wrong bent, you sin, we may safely expect that the Divinity may counteract, and at last recover to will strive with us, and impart that their original rectitude. Where nature strength and power which will at last favors a particular exertion, or habit has make us more than conquerors. As he formed you to a particular virtue, the one who continues in wicked devices shall be you may cherish, the other you may culti- sure to find Satan standing at his right vate; upon both the fruits of righteous- hand, so he who begins a good life, shall ness will grow. Afterwards, be still at- find God befriending him with secret aid. tending to the culture of the soul, and Hie will assist the spirit that is struggling meditating improvements, by calling forth to break loose from the bonds of its capgraces that have not yet made their appear- tivity; he will aid the flight of the soul ance, and bringing forward to perfection that is taking wing to the celestial manthose that have. Thus will your minds sions; he will support our feeble frame resemble those trees, in which, at one and under the trials and conflicts to which we the same time, we behold some fruits are appointed, and lead us on from grace arrived at full maturity; some half advan- to grace, till we appear in Zion above. ced and others just formed in the opening " They that wait upon the Lord shall reblossom. By cultivating these graces in new their strength; they shall mount up the soul, you will not only have an earnest, as on eagle's wings: they shall run and but qso an image of heaven. The trees not be weary; they shall walk and not which thus grow up by the rivers of be faint." water, which bring forth their fruit in I come now to the last thing proposed, their season, and whose leaves continue to exhort you to a life of progressive virtue. ever green, shall be transplanted to hap- In thefirst place, then, it is your duty 156 SERMON XXXV. to make progress in the ways of righteous- require the exercise of different virtues. ness. In your sanctification, you are ena- What is accepted from the young soldier bled more and more to die unto sin and will not be excused in the veteran; what live unto righteousness. It is not enough is an " ornament of grace" to the youththat you continue steadfast and immov- ful brow, will not be a "crown of glory" able; you must also abound in the work to the hoary head. of the Lord, if you expect your labors to Secondlly, Let me exhort you to this be attended with success. It is not suf- life of progressive virtue, from the pleasing ficient that you continue in well-doing; consideration that you will be successful you must also grow in grace, and increase in the attempt. In the pursuit of human with all the increase of God. This pro- honors and rewards, the successful candigressive nature of righteousness is implied dates are few. In a race many run, but in all the figures and images by which a one only gains the prize. But here all good life is represented in Sacred Scrip- who run may obtain. In the career of ture. It is compared to the least of all human glory, time and chance happen seeds, which waxes to a great tree, and unto all, and many are disappointed. " The spreads out its branches, and fills the race is not always to the swift, nor the earth. It is compared to the morning battle to the strong; nor riches to men of light, at first faintly dawning over the understanding; nor favor to men of skill." mountains, by degrees enlightening the There is a concurrence of circumstances face of the earth, ascending higher and required to raise a man to reputation; higher in the heavens, and shining more and when these circumstances concur, if and more unto the perfect day. We are the moment of opportunity be not emsaid to be here at the school of Christ; braced, the field of glory may be lost for and in order to attain the character of ever. In human life there is a favorable good disciples, we must not only retain hour which never returns, and a call to what we have acquired, but also add to fame which is repeated no more: even the acquisitions we have made. The in its best estate, men ought to lay their Christian life is represented as a warfare, account with disappointment and vexation. and in this warfare we shall never gain What thou hast set thy heart upon from the victory, unless we not only maintain thy youth; what has been the aim of all the ground we have got, but also gain thy labors; what has been the object of upon the foe. It is represented as a race thy whole life, accident, artifice, ignorance, set before us, and in running it we must villany, caprice, may give to another whom continually press forward, or we shall thou knowest not. Whenthy ambitionis all never gain the prize. Every degree of on fire; in the utmost ardor of expectagrace which you receive, and every pitch tion, in the very moment when thou of virtue to which you attain, is a talent stretchest out thy hand to grasp the prize, for which you are accountable; a talent, fortune may snatch it from thy reach for which if you only retain, but not improve, ever. Nay, thou mayest have the nmortifiyou will receive the doom of a slothful cation to see others rise upon thy ruins, and wicked servant, and be cast into to see thyself made a step to the ambition outer darkness. The Christian life is a of thy rival, and thy endeavors rendered life of continued exertion. At every the means of advancing him to the top of stage in our pilgrimage on earth, new the wheel, while thou continuest low. scenes will open; new situations will pre- In the pursuits of ambition or avarice, sent themselves; and new paths to glory you may be disappointed; but if by a prowill be struck out. The sphere of action gressive state of righteousness, you seek varies continually. We have, one while, for glory and honor and immortality, I in to support adversity; another while, to the name of God assure you of success. adorn prosperity; sometimes to approve Never was the gate of mercy shut against ourselves to God in solitude; at other the true penitent; never was the prayer times, to cause our light to shine before of the faithful rejected in the temple of men in society. Different situations in heaven; never did the incense of a good the world, and different periods of life, life ascend without acceptance on high. ON A LIFE OF PROGRESSIVE VIRTUE. 157 Liberal and unrestricted is the Divine to strength; and the greater acquisitions benignity: free to all the fountain flows. we make, we are enabled to make still There is no angel with a flaming sword to greater.' How pleasant will it be to mark keep you from the tree of life. At this the soul thus moving forward in the brightmoment of time, there is a voice from ness of its course! In the spring, who Heaven calling to you, "Come up hither." does not love to mark the progress of naAnd if you are obedient to the call, God ture; the flower unfolding into beauty, assists you with the aid of his Spirit; he the fruit coming forward to maturity, the lifts up the hands that hang down; he fields advancing to the pride of harvest, strengthens the feeble knees, and perfects and the months revolving into the perfect his strength in your weakness. You are year? Who does not love in the human not left alone to climb the arduous ascent. species, to observe the progress to maturiGod is with you, who never suffers the ty; the infant by degrees growing up to spirit which rests on him to fail; nor the man; the young idea beginning to shoot, man who seeks his favor, to seek it in vain. and the embryo character beginning to unYour success in the path of the just will fold? But if these things affect us with not only be pleasing to yourselves, but also delight: if the prospect of external nature to all around you. Inthe struggles ofhuman in its progress, if the flower unfolding unambition, the triumph of one arises upon to beauty, if the fruit coming forward to the sorrows of another; many are disap- maturity, if the infant by degrees growing pointed when one obtains the prize. But up to man, and the embryo character bein the path of the just, there is emulation ginning to unfold, affect us with pleasurable without envy, triumph without disappoint- sensations, how much greater delight will ment. The success of one increases the it afford to observe the progress of this happiness of all. The influence of such new creation, the growth of the soul in the an event is not confined to the earth: it is graces of the divine life, good resolutions ricommunicated to all good beings; it adds pening into good actions, good actions leadto the harmony of the Heavens; and is ing to confirmed habits of virtue, and the the occasion of new hosannas among the new nature advancing from the first lineainnumerable company of angels and spirits ments of virtue to the full beauties of hoof just men made perfect, who rejoice over liness! These are pictures that time will the sinner that repenteth. not take away. While the animal spirits Thirdly, Let me exhort you to make fail, and the joys which depend upon the advances in the path of righteousness, from liveliness of the passions decline with the beauty and the pleasantness of such a years, the solid comforts of a holy life, the progress. Whatever difficulties may have delights of virtue and a good conscience, attended your first entrance upon the path will be a new source of happiness in old of the just, they will vanish by degrees; age, and have a charm for the end of life. the steepness of the mountain will lessen As the stream flows pleasantest when it as you ascend; the path, in which you approaches the ocean; as the flowers send have been accustomed to walk, will grow up their sweetest odors at the close of the more andmore beautiful; and the celestial day; as the sun appears with greatest mansions, to which you tend, will brighten beauty in his going down; so at the end with new splendor, the nearer that you ap- of his career, the virtues and graces of a proach them. In other affairs, continued good man's life come before him with the exertion may occasion lassitude and fa- most blessed remembrance, and impart a tigue. Labor may be carried to such an joy which he never felt before. Over all excess as to debilitate the body. The the moments of life, religion scatters her pursuits of knowledge may be carried favors, but reserves her best, her choicest, so far as to impair the mind; but neither her divinest blessings for the last hour. the organs of the body, nor the faculties In the last place, Let me exhort you to of the soul, can be endangered by the prac- this progressive state of virtue, from the tice of religion. On the contrary, this pleasant consideration that it has no pepractice strengthens the powers of action. riod. There are limits and boundaries Adding virtue to virtue is adding strength set to all human affairs. There is an ul 158 SERMON XXXVI. timate point in the progress, beyond with its shade, was once an acorn, conwhich they never go, and from which they temptible to the sight; the philosopher, return in a contrary direction. The flower whose views extend from one end of nablossoms but to fade, and all terrestrial ture to the other, was once a'speechless glory shines to disappear. Human life infant hanging at the breast; the glorified has its decline as well as its maturity; spirits who now stand nearest to the from a certain period the external senses throne of God, were once like you. To begin to decay, and the faculties of the you, as to them, the Heavens are open; mind to be impaired, till dust returns the way is marked out; the reward is unto dust. Nations have their day. prepared. On what you do, on what you States and kingdoms are mortal like their now do, all depends. founders. When they have arived at the zenith of their glory, from that moment they begin to decline; the bright day is succeeded by a long night of darkness, ignorance, and barbarity. But in the pro- SERMON XXXVI. gress of the mind to intellectual and moral perfection, there is no period set. ON REPENTANcE Beyond these heavens the perfection and happiness of the just is carrying on; is God winked at; but iiow commandeth all carrying on, but shall never come to a men everywhere to repent." close. God shall behold his creation for ever beautifying in his eyes; for ever Tins is part of a sermon which the apostle drawing nearer to himself, yet still infi- Paul delivered at Athens. The Athenians, nitely distant from the fountain of all were the most ingenious and most illusgoodness. There is not in religion a trious people of Greece. Situated in a more joyful and triumphant consideration happy climate, and blessed with the highthan this perpetual progress which the est degree of liberty which mankind can soul makes to the perfection of its nature, enjoy, they bent their genius to the cultiwithout ever arriving at its ultimate pe- vation of the sciences and arts. These riod. Here truth has the advantage of they carried to such a pitch of perfection, fable. No fiction, however bold, presents as gained the palm from the contending to us a conception so elevating and aston- world, and has attracted the eyes and adishing, as this interminable line of heaven- miration of all succeeding ages. But to ly excellence. To look upon the glorified show the darkness and the ignorance of spirit as going on from strength to strength; the human mind when not enlightened by adding virtue to virtue, and knowledge to the wisdom which cometh from above, as knowledge; making approaches to good- soon as they turned themselves to religion, ness which is infinite; for ever adorning they displayed nothing but their own abthe Heavens with new beauties, and bright- surdities and follies. In place of a rationening in the splendors of moral glory al and liberal form of religion, a gross through all the ages of eternity,-has and stupid idolatry universally prevailed; something in it so transcendent and inef- in place of the true God, they bowed the fable, as to satisfy the most unbounded knee to a dumb idol; and instead of the ambition of an immortal spirit. Christian! worship of the heart, consecrated to his does not thy heart glow at the thought, service impure and profane observances. that there is a time marked out in the an- Zealous to destroy this fabric of supernals of Heaven, when thou shalt be what stition, the apostle Paul, rising in the the angels now are; when thou shalt shine midst of an assembly that was convened with that glory in which principalities on the hill of Mars, reproved those masters and powers now appear; and when, in the of science, those lights of the Heathen full communion of the Most High, thou world, with the boldness and the majesty shalt see him as he is? of an apostle of the Lord. " Ye men of The oak, whose top ascends into the Athens,'I perceive that in all things ye heavens, and which covers the mountains are too superstitious; —the times of this ON REPENTANCE. 159 ignorance God winked at; but now cor- guilt of his own. " God, I thank thee,1" mandeth all men everywhere to repent." says he, "that I am not as other men Repentance towards God is the great are." He was conscious, it seems, of no and leading duty enjoined both in the sin, though inwardly full of rottenness and Old and in the New Testament. Along hypocrisy. Such insensibility is a certain with every revelation of the Divine will, sign of a hardened and impenitent heart, along with every new commission to pro- and can proceed from nothing but a gross phets and holy men to preach this Divine and conceited ignorance, a wretched incon-'will, the duty of repentance is alway incul- sideration, or a long continuance in sin, cated in the strongest terms. The Patri- that has rendered the conscience callous arch Noah preached repentance to the and past feeling. This first step of repentworld bofore the flood. John the Baptist ance supposes the sinner, in the first place, began his public ministry by preaching to be feelingly affected with a sense of his the doctrine of repentance. " Except ye sins; to have his mind enlightened and repent, ye shall perish," was the awful de- his conscience awakened by the word of nunciation of our Lord. And his apos- God; to be convinced from thence of the tles constantly began or ended their irregularity of his ways, and their contrasermons with exhortations to this duty. riety to the holiness of the Divine nature; This message, so often delivered to the to labor under the load of his guilt; and world, I now address to you; and demand in the consciousness of his own ill deservyour serious attention to this most impor- ing, to be ready to sink under the number tant subject. And, in further treating and the weight of his transgressions. upon it, I shall, in the first place, Explain Such were the sentiments of David's heart, to you the nature of repentance; and and such the confession of his tongue. secondly, Lay before you the motives "I acknowledge my transgressions; my which ought to influence your minds to sin is ever before me; mine iniquities are the practice of this duty. gone over my head; as a burden they are Thefirst thing proposed, was, To ex- too heavy for me." This sense of sin is plain the nature of true repentance. often accompanied with the emotions of Repentance unto life, as it is well de- fear. For when the sinner, already confined in that excellent. summary of theol- victed in his own conscience, begins to reogy, the Shorter Catechism, is "a saving flect upon his past life, and at the same grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense time to look up to God whom he has ofof his sin, and apprehension of the mercy fended, and forwards to eternity, upon the of God in Christ, doth, with grief and ha- brink of which he daily stands shivering; tred of his sin, turn from it unto God, what a spectacle of terror must this be to with full purpose of, and endeavor after, a man who has been long spiritually blind, new obedience." According to this defi- and whose eyes are but just opened to see nition, repentance includes, first, A true this startling scene! And behold, behind sense of sin; secondly, Grief and hatred him a formidable troop of sins; sins red of sin; thirdly, Apprehension of the mercy as crimson, and numberless as the sand of God in Christ, the forsaking of sin, and upon the seashore! Above a holy and a endeavoring after new obedience. just God, the Judge of the world, armed, First, A true sense of sin. This must with the thunders of his wrath! Before be the ground-work of all the rest, because him the infernal world disclosing all its it is impossible to hate what we do not horrors, and ready to swallow him up in feel. It is impossible to conceive a hatred perdition! Doubtless the terrors of the and aversion against a thing of which we Lord, when thus set in array against a are not sensible, or to flee from a danger self-condemned sinner, will fill him with of which we have no apprehension. Where fear and dismay, especially when he conthere is no sense of sin, therefore, there siders that God is greater than his heart, can be no repentance. Accordingly the and knoweth all things. Pharisee, who trusted in himself that he The second step of repentance, is being was righteous, was too proud, even when affected with a grief and hatred of sin. he was praying to God, to confess any The former was a selfish feeling; this is 160 SERMON XXXVI. a generous passion. The former respects liest of all being set open by the blood of sin as ruinous to the sinner; this regards Jesus, the true penitent flies for refuge to it as offensive to God. When the penitent the hope set before him, and lays hold on is already affected with a deep sense of eternal life. He forsakes his sins, and the danger of his sin, how will it wound walks in newness of life. He begins with his mind, and pierce him to the heart, to alacrity to run the race set before him. consider that he has not only been long an and feels, to his blessed experience, that enemy to himself, but also an enemy to the ways of wisdom are ways of pleasantGod; to consider that he has trespassed ness, and that her paths are peace. This so far upon infinite goodness; that he has is the crowning act of true repentance, dallied so long with infinite justice; that and the test of its sincerity. That is not he has misspent the precious talents com- true repentance, when the sinner, after mitted to him of Heaven, that he has feeling some compunctions of mind, some abused the faculties of his immortal soul; touches of remorse, forms a few feeble that he has been defacing the image of resolutions, which he breaks at the first God his maker; and that with his own approach of temptation. He is not a true hands he has been excluding himself from penitent, who, after mourning over his old happiness, from heaven, and from the sins, begins a new course of wickedness. presence of the Lord. These, and such This is only changing one sin for another. alarming thoughts, pierce to the dividing A man who has spent his youth in profuasunder of soul and spirit; enough to con- sion and extravagance, may devote his strain the sorrowful penitent to lift up his riper years to avarice and the cares of the eyes in the midst of his torment, and to cry world. Such a person is indeed a different out with Job in the bitterness of his soul, man, but he is not a penitent. In like " I have sinned, and what shall I answer manner, a person who has been at the head to thee, O thou Preserver of men? Alas! of the follies and the vices of the world, the arrows of the Almighty are within who has taken the lead in all fashionable me! the poison of them drinketh up my and crinimal gratifications, may grow tired spirit. But what grieves me most is, that of such a course of life, as human nature I have offended thee, the Author of my will tire of every thing: Such a person life, and the Preserver of my being; that may take a fit of devotion, and rush into I have sinned against so much goodness, a variety of gloomy superstitions and seand provoked such tender mercy. Mine verities; but this is not true repentance. iniquities deservethy wrath andvengeance. This is only passing from one error to But thy goodness reacheth from heaven to another. This is only giving a different earth. Thy mercy, like thyself, is infinite. direction to your passions. Repentance Let this remorse which I now feel, be the must effect a thorough change, or it is no only punishment of my sin; and let me repentance at all. Neither is he a true not be finally delivered over to the tormen- penitent who, after being affected with retors. This I request and pray on account morse for sin, falls into the same course of the merit of my Redeemer. His right- again; who is always sinning and always eousness is all-sufficient and meritorious. repenting; and who goes on in a sad cirBy it may I obtain favor and acceptance cle of making resolutions, and breaking with thee, and be translated from the king- them as soon as they are made. True redom of darkness into the kingdom of God.' pentance is repentance from dead works The third step in repentance towards to serve the living God. It consists in God, is an apprehension of the mercy of confessing and forsaking our sins. It conGod in Christ, and a forsaking of sin. sists in denying ungodliness and worldly This is properly an act of faith. Faith and lusts, and abounding in the fruits of rightrepentance are twin graces of the soul, eousness unto eternal life. and can never be separated. True repent- I do not mean by this, that any man in ance includes faith, and true faith includes this life is altogether free from sin. Imrepentance. The mercy of God through perfections cleave to the best. Who a Redeemer being proclaimed in the Gos- can say that he has made his hands pel, and a new and living way to the ho- clean, or his heart pure? Good men ON REPENTANCE. 161 oftentimes may be off their guard; they strong motive and inducement to repentmay be surprised in the hour of temp- ance. God indeed never left himself withtation, and be overtaken in a fault; but out a witness in the world. He made the they will never sin upon a plan; they will firmament bright with his glory, and comnever make a system of iniquity; they manded the heavens with all their host to will not deliberately concert plots of wick- declare his handiwork. With his own edness upon their beds, and rise up to exe- finger he inscribed the laws of justice and cute with warmth what they have contriv- of virtue upon the heart of man. Attened with coolness. The grace of God does tive to this voice of God within, and assistnot act by fits and starts; is not a transient ed by those impressions of Divinity withbut an abiding principle. The Christian out, the moral teachers among the Genis fixed and immoveable, and abounding tiles struck out many useful discoveries, in the work of the Lord. He is not of and taught many valuable lessons of wisthose apostates, mentioned by the apostle dom to the world. They wandered not in Jude, who resemble the morning clouds, the dark concerning the essentials of natthat are ever varying their form, and are ural religion. They were not ignorant carried about with every wind: who of the chief duties of life. The invisible resemble wandering stars, to whom is things of God, even his eternal power and reserved the blackness of darkness for Godhead, they discovered by the works ever. But he advanc6s from strength of creation; and having the law of nature to strength: his path is like the light of written in their hearts, they were a law the morning, which shineth more and unto themselves. But the defeat which more unto the perfect day. they labored under, was the want of auThere is one other part of repentance thority to enforce the discoveries which which I have not yet mentioned, and they made, and the want of a proper sancwhich merits your serious attention; that tion to the rules of life which they estabis, making restitution and reparation, as far lished. When keen and violent, the as lies in your power, for, the evils you passions of men push them forward; they have done. " If I have wronged any will not be restrained by the voice of reaman," said Zaccheus when he repented, son and philosophy. On these occasions, " lo I restore him fourfold." Have you men will reply to such an instructor, wronged any man in his property? Have " Who gave thee a commission to teach you taken away his goods? Make resti- and reform the world? Did the voice of tution. Htave you wronged any man in heaven come to thine ears? Who investhis reputation? Have you taken away ed thee vith authority and dominion over his good name? Make reparation.: con- the mind? Who appointed thee instrucfess that you were a defamer: confess that tor of the nations, and legislator of the..you were a liar. Have you offended and moral world?" The heathen teachers. injured any one? Ask his forgiveness. could pretend to no such authority. But Let no false shame hinder you from doing Jesus of Nazareth was invested with a your duty. You have good cause to be divine commission. He descended from ashamed. Be always ashamed to offend; heaven to teach the will of God upon but never blush for your returning virtue. earth. He performed miracles in confir — Let no false shame, therefore, no foolish mation of his religion. He set the seal obstinacy, no pride of heart, prevent you of heaven to the doctrines which he taught, from a thorough reformation. Better be and guarded the laws which he establishexposed to shame here, than be doomed ed with the sanction of rewards and pun — hereafter to everlasting pains. ishments. Such was the difference be — The second thing proposed, was, To lay twixt a human teacher and a prophet of before you the motives to repentance. the Lord; and such ought to be the differAnd, in the first place, The superior ence betwixt the lives of heathens and the light and information derived to the world conduct of Christians. What signifies by the Christian religion, concerning the the superior excellency of your religion, rule of righteousness according to which unless its superiority appear in your life? we ought to conduct our lives, suggests a What avails the light to you, if ye conu11 162 SERMON XXXVT. tinue to walk in darkness? Unless ye re- and a contrite spirit; a broken and a conpent, it had been better for you that the trite heart the Lord will not despise. kingdom of God had never come amongst "Thus saith the high and lofty One that you. If ye still walk in the region and inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, shadow of death, it had been better that I dwell in the high and holy place; with the Day-spring from on high had never him also that is of an humble and a contrite risen over your benighted land. The spirit, and who trembleth at my word." heathens shall rise up in judgment against Seeing then that the favor of God, and all you, and shall condemn you. It shall be the blessings of the new covenant, are more tolerable in the day of judgment for promised to true repentance, will you by the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, your impenitence and unbelief cut yourthose cities of sin, those monuments of the selves off from these blessings? When vengeance of God to all succeeding times; such strong consolation is offered, will you it shall be more tolerable for these, than not fly for refuge to the hope set before for those wicked Christians, who have dis- you? When heaven is opened for your regarded the voice which spoke from hea- reception, will you refuse to enter in? ven; who have profaned that blessed name When the fruits of the tree of life are preby which they were called; and who, by sented to you, will you not put forth your their obstinacy and impenitence, have hand, and take and eat, and live for ever? counted the blood of the covenant where- A third motive to repentance is the aswith they were sanctified an unholy thing. sistance of the Spirit, which the Gospel A second motive and encouragement to offers. Christianity is called the ministrarepentance, is the hope and prospect of tion of the Spirit. The effusion of the success. Before the introduction of Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost upon Christianity, when the world lay in dark- the apostles, which enabled them to speak ness as well as in wickedness, a sense of all languages, and to work miracles, was guilt burdening the conscience, and a dread extraordinary, and intended to cease with of future punishment as consequent upon that age. But the heavenly Comforter that. guilt, drove the nations to a variety still abides with all the disciples of Christ, of expedients, in order to avert the ven- to guide them into all truth, and incline geance of Heaven, and make an atonement them to the practice of every duty. The for their sins. Hence various rites and prophet Zechariah, foretelling the glory ceremonies were instituted. Hence so of the latter days, or times of the Messiah, many sacrifices were offered up, and so says, " It shall come to pass in those days, much blood was shed. Reason indeed that I will pour out upon the houtse of could have told them that these means David, and upon the inhabitants of Jeruwere unavailable, that the blood of bulls salem, the Spirit of grace and of supplicaand of goats, and the ashes of a heifer, tion, and.they shall look upon me whom could never take away sin. But reason they have pierced, and they shall mourn could not assure them that any other and be in bitterness." The Spirit of grace means, that even their repentance, would and of supplication, then, poured out be effectual to that end. Here Revelation abundantly, shall impress men with sorrow steps in to our aid. The Gospel assures and contrition for their sins; shall incline.us, that the. wrath of God is not only them to renounce their former sinful ways, averted from men, that he is not only re- to repent of their past transgressions, and conciled, but also that he is a God in to walk in newness of life. This operation Christ reconciling the world unto himself. of the Divine Spirit upon the mind, does The gate of mercy is set open by the not impel men to action by mechanical inblood of Jesus; and an inheritance that fluence, and obstruct the exercise of their is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth natural powers. The grace of God does not away, is promised to all those who sin- not turn a man into a machine. It draws cerely repent of their sins, to all who be- him, as the Scripture happily expresses it, lieve and obey the Gospel. He that con- with the cords of love, and with the bands fesseth and returneth shall find mercy. of a man. It acts in such a manner as is The sacrifices of God are a broken heart adapted to the powers of a rational being, ON REPENTANCE. 163 and to the liberty of a free agent. When head, and addressing his last words to you, such gracious aids are offered to us, when " Sinners, behold your Saviour! behold the Spirit of God strives in order to re- him who was persecuted by Satan and by claim and reform us, it must be a highh"ag- wicked men; behold him who was forsaken gravation of our wickedness to resist his by God; behold this head which was operations, and by our hardness and im- crowned with thorns; behold these hands penitence of heart, to treasure up wrath which were nailed to the tree; behold against the day of wrath, and revelation this side which was wounded with the of the righteous judgment of God. What spear; behold the blood that flows from more could the good husbandman have every part; sinner, it was shed for you." done to his vineyard than he has done? Canst thou, O man! behold that scene He calls upon you to repentance by the without emotion? Canst thou continue voice of nature; he calls you by the voice impenitent in the practice of those sins, of reason; he calls you by the voice of which brought thy Saviour to that painful providence; he calls you by the voice and ignominious death? which spake from heaven. He sends down Lastly, It is another motive to repenthis Holy Spirit to second these Divine ance, that God "has' appointed a day in calls, to help your infirmities, to enlighten the which he will judge the world," as is your darkness, to strengthen your feeble mentioned in the verse following the text. powers, and to work in you both to will That the soul of man survives the body, and to do that which is his good pleasure. that there is a state of rewards and punishNot only does he prepare the crown of ments beyond the grave, has been the glory, but he'also assists you to fight the general belief among all nations. Testigood fight, and to finish your course, that monies of this truth everywhere abound. you may obtain that crown. Not only Whether we turn to the east or to the does he open the heavens to receive you, west; whether we consult the history of but he also stretches out his hands to con- ancient or of modern times; whether we duct you thither. And if, after all, you listen to the accounts of the old world or resist his Holy Spirit; if you counterwork of the new, we are presented with proofs his saving plan; if you defeat the efforts and evidences of this important doctrine. of mercy, the labors of Heaven used for How this opinion came to be so general, your recovery, your guilt is upon your own as to form an article in the popular creed head, your ruin is owing to yourselves, of all nations, is a question of some diffiwith your own hand you push yourselves culty. To those who have no guide but overthebrink into thepit ofutterperdition. the light of nature, and who have no SuIn the fourth place, as an inducement pernatural aids to assist the efforts of their'to repentance, consider the cross of Christ, own understanding, the arguments on both who suffered the punishment due to our sides seem to be so equally balanced, that sins. How great must be the evil of sin, upon principles of reasoning, it is almost and how strong the obligation for us to re- impossible to come to any determination. pent of 6ur sins, when such a sacrifice was But, in all inquiries concerning humnan required in order to expiate our guilt, and nature, we ought to attend to the heart atone the wrath of Heaven! Burnt offer- more than to the understanding. Man is ings, thousands of rams, and ten thousands oftener guided by sentiment and feeling of rivers of oil, the first-born offered up than by abstract reasoning, Almighty God for the transgression, the fruit of the body hath endowed us with a sense of moral for the sin of the soul, could not suffice. good and evil. He hath placed within us The Lamb of God could alone take away a principle of conscience, which passeth the sin of the world. Look then on him judgment upon human actions, approving whom thou hast pierced, and mourn. the good, and condemning the bad. This Every groan that he utters, every tear tells us, that in the Divine administration that he sheds, every drop of blood that he it ought to be well with the righteous, and pours,' calls thee to repentance. View him ill with the wicked. In confirmation of stretched out on the cross, groaning under this, we see that, by the original appointthe pains of death, inclining his blessed j ment of Heaven, and in the daily course 164 SERMON XXXVI. of Providence, there is no peace to the will reanimate the ashes of thousands of wicked, and that they have great peace generations, and sist an assembled world who love the law of the Lord. At the at the seat of judgment. By the unaltersame time, we frequently observe in the able appointment of Heaven, every thing course of human affairs, that the lot of the has its period. The cedar of Lebanon wicked falls to the righteous. We see fades away like the leaf upon its top. many instances in life of good men de- Lebanon itself decays in the course of pressed, and bad men exalted; of vice years. States and empires have their day, holding a sceptre, and virtue pining in like mortal man. Limits are set to time, chains. How often have we seen the best and the world has its last hour. A few of men reduced to eat the bread of sorrow, generations more having passed away, the and to drink the waters of affliction, whilst day comes which God hath appointed to the worthless and the infamous have judge the world; the great day for which rioted in the abundance of life, and enjoy- all other days have revolved. When this ed what their hearts could wish! When period approaches, heaven opens wide its such scenes are presented to our eyes, our everlasting doors, and behold the Judge heart rises within us. Shall it always con- comes forth! He comes in the glory of tinue thus, we say within ourselves, shall his Father; in the effulgence of unveiled it always continue thus in a world that is Divinity he comes, attended with all the governed by God? Shall oppressed right- host of heaven! Before him the harbineousness never be taken into the protec- ger of his appearance, the destroying antion of Providence, and triumphant wicked- gel of nature, descends, clothed with a ness never fall under his censure? Shall cloud, having his face like the sun, and the cry of the innocent, of the oppressed, his feet like pillars of fire. He sets his and of the persecuted, never reach the right foot upon the sea, and his left foot throne of justice? Are the wrongs and upon the earth; he lifts up his hand to heangrievances of the good and the righteous, ven, and swears " by him that liveth for never to be redressed? Is wickedness ever and ever, that time shall be no more!" finally to triumph over oppressed virtue; As the doom of nature is denounced, the to triumph over the laws of nature; thunders of heaven for the last time utter to triumph over the providence of Hea- their voices: the laws of nature are disven? Will the time never come when the solved; the stars fall from the firmament; Almighty shall rise from his throne to ad- the moon is turned into blood; and that just and rectify the affairs of the moral sun, whose beams you'now behold, sinks in world? If not in this, certainly in some the darkness of eternal night; the earth future state, he will assume the part of a hears its last sentence, and shakes to the Judge, to reward the just, and to take centre; the four corners of the world hear vengeance upon the wicked. it; all that are alive hear it; all the dead All this has at last been fully revealed. hear it, and live; from the presence of It was reserved to the Divine Prophet, their Creator, the heavens depart like a who came from the bosom of the Father scroll rolling itself together; the earth to bring life and immortality to light by vanishes, and there is no place found for his Gospel. He taught that God had ap- it; every mountain and every island is pointed a day in which he was to judge the fled; creation fades away, to give place to world; that the dead were to be raised, uncreated glory; the great tribunal is and all that ever lived upon the earth to erected; the books are opened; the Judge appear at his tribunaL Of this doctrine descends; the world is assembled; the he gave assurance unto all men by his sentence is pronounced; the sentence is own resurrection from the dead; and as executed: down to the prison of darkness surely as he arose, shall we at the time and despair, the habitation of unquenchappointed arise. When the mystery of able and everlasting fire, the wicked are God is finished, the last trumpet will driven, where, bound in chains, they feel sound. The voice of the Son of God will the torment of the worm that never dies, pierce the caverns of the tomb, will be and suffer in the flames of the lake whose heard over the kingdoms of the dead, smoke ascendeth up for ever and ever; ON REPENTANCE. 165 whilst, enthroned in glory above, and not last for ever. If mercy reclaims you adorned with the beauties of immortality, not, you are delivered over to the hand of the righteous ascend with their Lord, and justice. If you reject the golden sceptre approaching to the fountain of life, par- when it is held out to you, a rod of iron take of those pleasures at the right hand succeeds, to destroy the children of disof God, which shall occupy and animate obedience. Repent you must, in one form the praises of eternity. or other. If your sins affect you not with Let me now ask you, my brethren, do sorrow and contrition here, they will fill you believe what you have now heard? you with unavailable remorse and despair Do you believe that there is a judgment hereafter. You must either be affected to come, and that each of you shall bear a with the kindly emotions of that repentpart in that tremendous scene? I appeal to ance which is unto life, or be tormented a witness that cannot lie. I appeal to your with the stings of the worm that never own conduct. Do you live and act in such dies. a manner as becomes those who have one Knowing these terrors, we endeavor to day to answer for their lives and their ac- persuade men. Happy for men, if they tions? Is your conversation in heaven, would endeavor to be persuaded! If these from whence you look for the Saviour and things, my brethren, which you have been the Judge? Are your loins girt about, now hearing, be true; if it be true that we your lamps burning, and you yourselves shall be raised up at the last day; that like unto men who wait for the coming of the day of judgment shall as surely arise their Lord? Were the general judgment as this morning arose, in obedience to laws to begin, were these heavens to open, and which can no more fail to bring it forth the sign of the Son of Man to appear over- than the sun could th:s morning refuse to head, could you face his tribunal? Could arise at the command of its Creator; if it you lift up your heads with confidence and be true that all of us who are here assemjoy amidst the ruins of nature, and the bled shall be assembled again around the crash of a dissolving world? If not, I call judgment-seat of.God; if it be true that upon you to repent, and to reform your this is our only state of probation, and that lives. You are still under the administra- life and death are now in our choice, that tion of grace, and have the hope of glory heaven and hell are now set before us; if set before you. Heaven and immortality these things be true, (and true they are, are in your offer. God graciously calls otherwise this book is a collection of fayou to repentance and newness of life. bles,) if these things be true, —then, O my The Spirit helps your infirmities, and brethren, what manner of persons ought strives to conquer the stubbornness of your we to be! —then, O my God, what manner spirits. But he will not always thus wait of persons ought we to be! to be gracious. Your day of grace does 166 SERMON XXXVII. you the happiness with which it is attendSERMON XXXVII. ed.-I am, in thefirst place, then, to describe to you the character of meekness ON THE VIRTUE OF MEEKNESS. which is here recommended. Every virtue, whether of natural or reMATTHEW V. 5. —" Blessed are the meek, for they vealed religion, is situated between some shall inherit the earth." vices or defects, which, though essentially different, yet bear some resemblance to the THEY mistake the nature of the Christian virtue they counterfeit; on account of which religion very much, who consider it as sep- resemblance they obtain its name, and imarate and detached from the commerce of pose upon those who labor under the the world. Instead of forming a distinct want of discernment. This meekness profession, it is intimately connected with which is here recommended, is not at all life; it respects men as acting in society, the same with the courtesy of manners and contains regulations for their conduct which is learned in the school of the world. and behavior in such a state. It takes That is but a superficial accomplishment, in the whole of human life, and is and often proceeds from a hollowness of intended to influence us when we are in heart. It is also quite different from conthe house, and in the field, as well as stitutional facility, that undeciding state when we are in the church or in the clo- of the mind which easily bends to every set. It instructs men in their duty to proposal; that is aweakness, and not a virtheir neighbors, as well as in their duty to tue. Neither does it at all resemble that God: It is our" companion in the scene tame and passive temper which patiently of business as well as in the House of bears insults and submits to injuries; that Prayer; and while it inculcates the weight- is a want of spirit, and argues a cowardly ier matters of the law, faith, judgment, mind. This meekness is a Christian grace and mercy, it neglects not the ornament wrought in us by the Holy Spirit: it is a of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the stream from the fountain of all excellence. sight of God is of great price. All that A good temper, a good education, and just refinement which polishes the mind; all views of religion, must concur in forming that gentleness of manners which sweetens this blessed state of the mind. It becomes the intercourse of human society, which a principle which influences the whole life. political philosophers consider as the ef- Though consistent in all its operations fects of wise legislation and good govern- with boldness and with spirit, yet its chief ment; all the virtues of domestic life, are characteristics are goodness, and gentlelessons which are taught in the Christian ness, and long suffering. It looks with school. The wisdom that cometh from candor upon all; often condescends to the above is " gentle." The fruit of the Spir- prejudices of the weak, and often forgives it is "' meekness." As the sun, although the error of the foolish. he regulates the seasons, leads on the But to give you a more particular view year, and dispenses light and life to all the of it, we may place it in three capital planetary worlds, yet disdains not to raise lights, as it respects our general behavior, and to beautify the flower which opens in our conduct to our enemies, and our conhis beam: so the Christian religion, though duct to our friends. chiefly intended to teach us the knowledge With respect to his general behavior, of salvation, and be our guide to happiness the meek man looks upon all his neighon high, yet also regulates our conversa- bors with a candid eye. The two great tion in the world, extends its benign in- maxims on which he proceeds, are, not to fluence to the circle of society, and diffu- give offence, and not to take offence. He ses its blessed fruits in the path of domes- enters not with the keenness of passion tic life. into the contentions of violent men; he In farther treating upon this subject, I keeps aloof from the contagion of party shall, in the first place, describe to you the madness, and feels not the little passions character of meekness which is here recom- which agitate little minds. He wishes, mended; and, in the second place, show and he studies, to allay the angry passions ON THE VIRTUE OF MEEKNESS. 167 of the contending; to moderate the fierce- turn the blow. Such are the dictates of ness of the implacable; to reconcile his the natural temper. But pursue this neighbors to one another; and, as far as principle to its full extent, and you will lies in his power, to make all mankind one see where it will end. One man commits great family of friends. He will not in- an action which is injurious to you; you deed descend one step from the dignity of feel yourself aggrieved, and seek revenge. his character; nor will he sacrifice the dic- If you then retaliate upon him, he thinks tates of his own conscience to any consid- he has received a new injury, which he also eration whatever. But those points of seeks to revenge; and thus a foundation obstinacy, which the world are apt to call is laid for reciprocal animosities without points of honor, he will freely and cheer- end. Did this principle and this practice fully give up for the good of society. Ie become general, the earth would be a loves to live in peace with all mankind; field of battle, life would be a scene of but this desire too has its limits. IHe bloodshed, and hostilities would be immnorwill keep no terms with those who keep no tal. Legislative wisdom hath provided a terms with virtue. A villain, of whatever remedy for these disorders and for this station, of whatever religious profession, havoc which would be made of the human he detests as abomination. Thus you gee, species. The right of private vengeance, that though softness, and gentleness, and which every man is born with, by common forbearance, and long-suffering, are the consent, and for the public good, is resignchief characteristics of this virtue, yet at ed into the hands of the civil magistrate. the same time it is very consistent with ex- But there are many things which come ertions of spirit. When it acts, it acts not under the jurisdiction of the laws, and with vigor and decision. Moses, who has the cognziance of the magistrate, which the testimony of the Divine Spirit, that he tend to disturb the public peace, and set was the meekest man upon the face of the mankind at variance. Private animosities earth, yet when occasion presented itself, and little quarrels often rise, which might felt the influence of an elevated temper, be productive of great disorder and detriand slew the Egyptian who was wounding ment to society. Here, therefore, where his countryman. A meeker than Moses, legislative wisdom fails, religion steps in even our Lord himself, though gentle and and checks the desire of vengeance, by enbeneficent to all the sons of men, yet joining that meekness of spirit which diswhen the worldly-minded Jews profaned poses not to retaliate, but to forgive. He, the Temple, he was moved with just indig- therefore, who possesses this spirit, will nation, and drove the impious from the not answer a fool according to his folly. House of God. Nothing is often more calm He will not depart from his usual maxims and seren'e than the face of the heavens; of conduct, because another has behaved but when guilt provokes the vengeance of improperly. Because his neighbor has the Most High, forth comes the thunder been guilty of one piece of folly, he will to blast the devoted head. not reckon that an inducement for him to Such is the influence of meekness on be guilty of another. He will regulate our general behavior. It ought also to his conduct by the standard of virtue regulate our conduct to our enemies. which is within, and not by the behavior There is no principle which more strongly of those around him. Accordingly, inoperates in human nature than the law of stead of harboring animosities against retaliation. This appears from the laws those who have done him ill offices, he of all nations in the early state, which al- will be disposed to return good for evil; ways ordained a punishment similar to the remembering that our Lord adds at the conoffence; eye for eye, tooth for tooth, and elusion of this chapter, " I say unto you, life for life. This appears also from our love your enemies, that ye may be the chilown feelings; when an injury is done us, dren of your Father which is in Heaven; we naturally long for revenge.' Our for he maketh the sun to rise on the evil heart tells us, that the person offending and on the good, and sendeth rain on the ought to suffer for the offence, and that just and on the unjust." the hand of-him who was injured must re- This meekness ought also to appear in 168 SERMON XXXVIL. our conduct towards our friends. In the " many good deeds among you, for which present state of things, where human na- of these do you stone me?" And ture is so frail, where the very best have when, after persecuting him in his life, their weak side, and where so many events they brought him to the accursed death of happen, which give occasion to the pas- the cross, his last words were, "Father sions of men to show themselves, there is forgive them, for they know not what they great scope for the exercise of meekness do." Go thou! and do likewise. and moderation. The faults of mankind, The second thing proposed was. to in general, present a most unpleasant show the happiness annexed to this charspectacle; but the failings of those we acter, expressed here by "inheriting the love, of those on whom we have conferred earth." The meek are not indeed always obligations, are apt to fill us with disgust to be great and opulent. Happiness, God and aversion. If it had been an enemy be praised, is not annexed, and is not conwho had done this, I'could have borne it. I fined, to the superior stations of life. would have expected no better; but thou, There is a great difference between posO my familiar friend, how shall I for- sessing the good things of life, and enjoying give thee? Such, at the time, is the them. Whatever be his rank in life, the language of nature. But better views, meek man bids the fairest chance for enjoyand more mature reflection, will teach us ing its advantages. A proud and passionate to throw a veil over those infirmities man, puts his happiness in the power of which are inseparable from the best na- every fool he meets with. A failure in tures, and to frame an excuse for those duty or affection from a friend, want of errors, which proceed not from a bad respect from a dependant, and a thousand heart. little circumstances, which a candid man In all these instances of meekness, Je. would overlook, disturb his repose. He sus of Nazareth left us an example, that is perpetually on the fret, and his life is we should follow his steps. In his gener- one scene of anxiety after another. On al behavior, he was meek and lowly, and the other hand, the meek is not disturbed condescending. lie went about doing by the transactions of this scene of vanity. good, and received testimony from his IHe is disposed to be pleased at all events. enemies, that "he did all things well." Instead of repining at the success of those To the errors of his friends, he was mild around him, he rejoices in their prosperity, and gentle. When, moved by false zeal, and is thus happy in the happiness of all in which they are still followed by many his neighbors. Such are the, blessed efwho have the assurance to call themselves fects of meekness on the character. This his disciples, they besought him to cause beam froAn heaven kindles joy within the fire to descend from heaven, and consume mind; it spreads a serenity over the couna city which believed not in his doctrines; tenance, and diffuses a kind of sunshine all the rebuke he administered was, " Ye over the whole life. It puts us out of the know not what manner of spirit ye are of; power of accidents. It keeps the world at the Son of Man came not to destroy men's a due distance. It is armor to the mind, lives, but to save them." When he suffer- and keeps off the arrows of wrath. It ed his agony in the garden, in the hour preserves a sanctuary within, calm and and in the power of darkness, when he be- holy, which nothing can disturb. Safe sought his disciples to watch with him in and happy in this asylum, you smile at this dreadful scene, and when, instead of the madness of the multitude. You hear giving him comfort, they sunk unconcern- the tempest raging around, and spending ed into sleep; instead of reproving them its strength in vain. As this virtue conwith severity, as their conduct deserved, tributes to our happiness here, so it is alhe himself sought for an excuse for them: so the best preparation for the happiness " The spirit indeed is willing, but the which is above. It is the very temper of flesh is weak." Though he was the friend the heavens. It is the disposition of the of all mankind, yet he had enemies who saints in light, and angels in glory; of sought his life. " I have done," said he, that blessed society of friends who rejoice ON THE VIRTUE OF MEEKNESS. 169 in the presence of God, and who, in mutu- meek." Upon this our Lord rests his al love, and joint hosannas of praise, en- own character: " Learn of me, for I am joy the ages of eternity. meek." In the epistles of Paul, there To conclude: There is hardly a duty is a remarkable expression: " I beseech enjoined in the whole book of God, on you by the meekness and the gentleness which more stress seems often to be laid, of Christ." The Holy Ghost, too, is callthan this virtue of meekness. "The ed "the Spirit of Meekness." Implore Lord loveth the meek.-The meek will then, O Christian! the assistance of the he beautify with his salvation.-He arises Divine Spirit, that he may endow you to save the meek of the earth." Christ with this virtue, and that you may show was sent to preach " glad tidings to the in your life the meekness of wisdom. LECTURES. LECTURE I. from the advantages attending it in this life, and in that which is to come, but THE CONDITION OF THE GOOD MAN AND THIE likewise from the pernicious tendency of BAD MAN DESCRInED. sin to embitter our earthly enjoyments, and to render us unqualified for inheriting PSALM I. the joys of heaven. The gradual deviation 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of of a sinner from the onward path of virthe ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth tue, till he is inextricably bewildered in in the seat of the'scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law the insidious mazes and winding ways of doth he meditate day and night. 8 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of iniquity, are here most beautifully dewater, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his loaf scribed. also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which The first step in reality, though it be the wind driveth aysecond in the description, is, He stand5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, the second description, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. eth, in the way of sinners. Frequenting 6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the company of the wicked is a certain inthe way of the ungodly shall perish. the company of the wicked is a certain introduction to a life of wickedness. ManCHIRISTIANS and Brethren! The most kind are oftener led astray by the comcritical period of human life is when we pany of the profligate than by their own set out into the world. Frequently the depraved inclinations. This unhappy first step is decisive. The young adven- bias to associate with the profane arises turer, set free from the authority of pa- from two causes, which operate powerfully rents and of guardians, becomes his own on the minds of inexperienced youth. The master, and follows his own inclination. first is that vigorousness and austerity It is then that he begins to form his cha- which some gloomy-minded Christians racter; and the character that is then attach to their religion. There are many formed generally lasts through life. Man- persons of such an unhappy constitution, kind for the most part continue in the as to indulge themselves in perpetual mosame path in which they set out. The roseness and melancholy. Those sons'of passions of youth may resign to the pas- sorrow turn every house into a house of sions of age, and one set of vices or of vir- mourning, and behave in life as if it were tues give place to those of a similar kind; one of their principles, that mirth was but seldom does the formed character un- made for reprobates, and cheerfulness of dergo an essential change. Our first heart denied to all those who have the steps ought therefore to be ordered with best title to be cheerful. Mly brethren) the greatest care and deliberation, as upon there is no connection; God and nature them, in a great measure, depends not have established no connection, between only our present, but also our eternal hap- sanctity of character and severity of manpiness. ners. To rejoice evermore, is not only It was with a design to direct us in this the privilege, but is also the duty of a important period, that the Psalm before Christian. A cheerful temper is a perpetus was written; in which the practice of ual hymn to the Divinity. A gloomy righteousness is recommended, not only cast of mind is not only a certain source THE CONDITION OF THE GOOD AND THE BAD DESCRIBED. 171 of misery and discontent, but, is really in erence; patriots, the guardians of the itself sinful, by deterring others'from a laws, who have stemmed the torrent of holy life, by representing religion -in an corruption in every age: heroes, the saunfavorable and forbidding light, as if it viors of their. country, who have returned conjured up a spirit to darken the face of victorious fronm the field of battle, or more the heavens and the earth, to trouble the than victorious, who have died for their peace and the harmony of nature, and to country; philosophers, who have opened banish gladness from the circle of human the book of nature, and explained the society. Very opposite is the conduct of wonders of alinighty power; bards, who the votaries of vice. To betray unwary have sung the praises of virtue and of virinnocence into their snares, they put on tuous men, whose strains carry them the masks of mirth; they counterfeit glad- down to immortality; with a few excepness amidst the horrors of guilt, and bor- tions, have been uniformly on the side of row the accents of pleasure, and the air goodness, and have been as distinguished of joy. " Let us crown ourselves with in the temple of virtue as they were illusrosebuds," say they, " let us crown our- trious in the temple of fame. It was one selves with rosebuds before they be with- of the maxims which governed their lives, ered, let no flower of the spring pass away, that there is nothing in nature which can let us devote the present moments to joy, compensate wickedness; that although the and give thought and care to the winds." rewards and punishments, which influence By their flattery and fair speeches, too illiberal and ungenerous minds, were set often are the innocent ensnared. They aside; that although the thunders of the mark the fair attire, and the smiles upon Almighty were hushed, and the gates of the cheek of the deceiver, Sensual plea- paradise were open no more, they would sure; but they discern not, till too late, follow religion and virtue for their own the pains, the diseases, and the destruc- sake, and co-operate with eternal Provition that follows in her train. They dis- dence in perpetual endeavors to favor the cern not that her steps lead down to the good, to depress the bad, and to promote grave, and that her bower is an antecham- the happiness of the whole creation. ber to hell. The second stage in the perversion of a There is a second cause which has oft- sinner, is walking after the counsel of the en been known to make men associate ungodly. It is a maxim established by with the profane, and that is, an opinion the sad experience of ages, that evil comthat wickedness, particularly some kinds munication corrupts good manners. The of it, are manly and becoming; that dis- power of nature and of conscience, and soluteness, infidelity, and blasphemy, are the influence of a religious education, may, indications of a sprightly and strong mind. for a while, withstand the shock, but these By the most unhappy of all associations, gradually will be overpowered, and yield they join together the ideas of religion to the impetuosity of the torrent. Hence and dulness; and if they have a good follow the painful struggles between reaopinion of a man's faith and his morals, son and the senses, between conscience they are led to have a very bad one of his and inclination, which constitute a state understanding. This opinion, although it of the utmost misery and torment. Such has gained ground where it might not persons, when they are carousing in the have been expected, is without foundation gay circle of their acquaintance, when the in nature-or in fact. Some instances there blood is warm, and the spirits high, will may have been of great men who have then go all lengths with their fellow-debeen irregular; but the experiences of bauchees, and give a loose to every wanages is on the other side. Those who ton and every wicked desire. But when have shone in all ages as the lights of the the fumes of intoxication have forsaken world; the most celebrated names that the aching head; when the calm forenoon are recorded in the annals of fame; legis- hour of reflection comes, then conscience, lators, the founders of states, and the faithful to its trust, summons them to her fathers of their country, on whom succeed- awful bar, fills them with confusion and ing ages have looked back with filial rev- remorse, and condemns them to the sever 172 LECTURE I. est of all tortures, to be extended on the concerning a system of speculative opinrack of reflection, to lie upon the torture ions, which of themselves were of no imof the mind. This is a state in which great portance to the happiness of mankind, it part of mankind live and die. They have would be uncharitable to include them all as much corruption as to lead them to the under this censure. But on the Christian commission of new sins, and as much reli- religion, not only the happiness but the gion as to awaken in them remorse for virtue of mankind depends. It is an unthese sins. They repent of their old doubted fact, that religion is the strongest vicious pleasures, and at the same time are principle of virtue with all men, and with laying plans for new ones, and make their nine-tenths of mankind is the only prinlives one continued course of sinning and ciple of virtue. Any attempt therefore to repenting, of transgression and remorse. destroy it, must be considered as an atThe third and last stage of impiety is tempt against the happiness and against sitting in the chair of the scorner, or the virtue of the human kind. If the laughing at all religion and virtue. This heathen philosophers did not attempt to is a pitch of diabolical attainment, to subvert the false religion of their country, which few arrive. It requires a double but, on the contrary, gave it the sanction portion of the infernal spirit, and a long of their example, because, bad as it was, experience in the mystery of iniquity, to it had considerable influence on the manbecome callous to every sense of religion, ners of the people, and was better than no of virtue, and of honor;'to throw off the religion at all, what shame, what contempt, authority of nature, of conscience, and of what infamy, ought they to incur, who God; to overleap the barrier of laws di- endeavor to overthrow a religion which vine and human; and to endeavor to contains the noblest ideas of the Deity, and wrest the bolt from the red right hand of the purest system of morals, that ever the Omnipotent. Difficult as the achieve- were taught upon earth? He is a traitor ment is, we see it sometimes effected. to his country; he is a traitor to the huWe have seen persons who have gloried man kind; he is a traitor to heaven, who in their shame, and boasted of being vi- abuses the talents that God has given him, cious for the sake of vice. Such charac- in impious attempts to wage war against ters are monsters in the moral world. Fi- Heaven, and to undermine that system of gure to yourselves, my brethren, the an- religion, which, of all things, is the best guish, the horror, the misery, the damna- adapted to promote the happiness and the tion, such a person must endure, who must perfection of the human kind. Blessed consider himself in a state of enmity with then is the man who hath not brought heaven and with earth; who has no plea- himself into this sinful and miserable state, sant reflections from the past, no peace in who hath held fast his innocence and inthe present, no hopes from the future; tegrity in the midst of a degenerate who must consider himself as a solitary world; or if, in some unguarded hour, he being in the world; who has no friends hath been betrayed into an imprudent step, without to pour balm in the cup of bitter- or overtaken in a fault, hath made ample ness he is doomed to drink; who has no amends for his folly by a life of penitence friend above to comfort him, when there and of piety. is none to help; and who has naught with- VERSE 2. His delight is in the law in him to compensate for the irreparable of the Lord. He makes religion and and irredeemable loss. Such a person is virtue the grand business of his life, and as miserable as he is wicked. He is in- his business becomes his delight. He sensible to every emotion of friendship; does not take it up occasionally, and by he is lost to all sense of honor; he is sear- fits and starts, it is his employment day ed to every feeling of virtue. and night. In the morning he riseth with In the class of those who sit in the chair the sun, and joins with the choir of angels of the scorner, we may include the whole and archangels in celebrating the great race of infidels, who misemploy the engines Creator. He looks around him with a of reason or of ridicule to overthrow the pious pleasure on the living landscape Christian religion. Were the dispute which the hand of the Almighty hath THE CONDITION OF THE GOOD AND THE BAD DESCRIBED. 173 drawn for his delight, and he adores that and the eye that sees him gives witness to benevolent power who makes all nature him, because he delivereth the poor, the beauty to his eye, and music to his ear; fatherless, and them that have none to but he has a fairer prospect within, than help. He is eyes to the blind. He is nature can furnish without, and the still feet to the lame. The loins of the naked small voice of conscience whispers peace to bless him. The blessing of him that is his heart in sweeter strains than all the ready to perish comes upon him, and he music of the morning, which hails him on causes the widow's heart to sing for joy. every side. With a cheerful and a grate- All he doth shall prosper well. Among ful heart, he contemplates the wonders of the Jews, to whom this Psalm was addresscreating bounty, he recollects the instances ed, this held invariably true. There was of preserving goodness, and he traces the a particular dispensation of providence exannals of redeeming love. He looks ercised towards that people, distributing through the veil of created things, and temporal rewards to righteousness, and raises his thoughts from this world to that temporal punishments to sin. In the orstate of happiness and immortality which dinary course of providence now, this does is reserved for the spirits of just men not always hold. Success and disappointmade perfect. His religion does not con- ment are administered variously to the sist in contemplation alone. He goeth sons of men. But still, in all his endeaabout doing good. He instructs the igno- vors, the good man bids the fairest for rant in the light that leads to heaven; he success. While he acts in character, he pours the balm of consolation into the will attempt nothing but what is just and wounded mind; and he wipes the tears honorable in itself, or beneficial to the infrom the cheeks of the distressed. He terests of society; he will always have the distinguishes every day with some good, good wishes of mankind on his side. And some memorable deed; and he retires to although he should sometimes be disappointrest with that inward, serene, and heart- ed, the consciousness of his good intentions felt joy, that sober certainty of bliss, will keep his mind at ease, and his faith in which is only to be found in a life of holi- the good providence of his heavenly Father ness and piety. will fill him with a contentment and peace VERSE 3. And he shall be like a tree of mind, that is a stranger to the breast planted by the rivers of water, that bring- of the wicked man, even when he obtains etlh forth his fruit in his season; his leaf his wishes. also shall not wither, and whatsoever he VERSE 4. The ungodly are not so: doth shall prosper. A tree planted by But are like the chaff which the wind the rivers of water, is a beautiful object in driveth away. The Psalmist hits upon all nations; but to the Jews, who lived in the distinguishing feature in the character a hot country, and were scorched with the of a wicked man. He never acts upon a heat of the sun, it was an object both of plan. He lives and acts at random. He signal beauty and of signal utility, by has no rule for his life but the veerings of affording them a shadow from the heat. passion. Present gratification being his Hence, when they describe mankind in only object, different and contrary passions their happiest state, they represent them solicit him at the same time. One appeas sitting under their vines and their fig- tite saith unto him, Go, and he goeth, trees. This allusion expresseth well the another says, Come, and he cometh. flourishing state of the righteous man. The slave of sense, and the sport of pasPlanted in the garden of his God, and sion, he is driven to and fro like the chaff watered with the dew of heaven, his leaf before the whirlwind, and his life is one is ever green, and he brings forth the continued scene of levity, inconsistency fruits of righteousness in due season. His and folly. goodness is liberal and unconfined and his VERSES 5. and 6. Therefore the ungodbeneficence is shared promiscuously by ly shall not stand in the judgment, nor friends and foes. He is clothed with right- sinners in the congregation of the righteousness, and his judgment is a robe and eous. —For the Lord knoweth the way of a diadem. The ear that hears him blesseth, the righteous: But the way of the ungod 174 LECTURE II. ly shallperish. The miseries which the ing foe. Guard your innocence as you wicked endure here, are but the beginning would guard your life. If you advance of their sorrows. That God, whose grace one step over the verge of virtue, unless they abused, whose mercy they underva- the grace of heaven interpose, down you lued, and whose power they despised, is sink to the bottomless abyss. Come not now their awful and inexorable Judge. then near the territories of danger. Stand The wicked have no cause to complain of back. One sin indulged, gathers strength the sentence that is passed upon them. and abounds; it increases, it multiplies, They have brought it upon their own it familiarizes itself with our frame, and heads. They have been the instruments introduces its whole brood of infernal inof their own ruin. They have brought mates, worse than pestilence, famine, or themselves into a situation in which it is sword. impossible for them to be happy. Let us suppose them to be admitted into the company of the blessed, their situation would be still deplorable. They would LECTURE II. pine in the mansions of bliss, and search for heaven in the midst of paradise. We ON THE DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE. may venture to say, that it is even impossible for Omnipotence to make a wick- PSALM XXIV. 1-7. ed man happy; it implies an express con- 1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the tradiction. They have put themselves world and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established out of the reach of divine mercy, and be- it upon the floods. conme what the Scripture most emphati- 8 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? and who shall stand in his holy place? cally calls, " Vessels of wrath fitted for 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath destruction." "Therefore they shall not lift up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. destructlon." Therefore they shall not 5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and rightstand in the judgment." The poor and eousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek distressedc whom they refused to relieve, thyface, OJacob. Selah. the widow and the fatherless whom they 7 Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye oprsewidow d theinn hen s whom theyi e everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. oppressed, the innocent whom they injured, the unhappy wretches whom, by their ar- THIS Psalm was composed when David tifices, they betrayed into the paths of de- removed the ark of the covenant from the struction, shall rise up and witness against house of Obededom to Jerusalem. But them. Their own hearts will condemn though it was composed for that occasion, them. The final sentence is pronounced, it is evident, from the latter part of it, they are driven from the presence of the that it was ultimately intended for that Lord, they are cast into outer darkness, more illustrious event, when Solomon where the worm dieth not, where the fire transferred the ark from the tabernacle inis never quenched, and it had been happy to the temple which he had built. As for them that they had never been born. David was not only the poet, but also the I shall conclude with one reflection. Prophet of God, he foresaw the future You see, my brethren, from what has been events of the Church, by the inspiration of said, that a life of wickedness is gradual the Divine Spirit; and by the same inspiand progressive. One criminal indulgence ration, he. composed songs and pieces of lays the foundation for another, till, by music adapted to these events. These he degrees, the whole superstructure of ini- committed to Asaph, Hemon, and Jeduquity is complete. When the sinner has thun, the prefects of sacred poetry, to be once put forth his hand to the forbidden sung as opportunities required. fruit, and thinks that he can taste and The occasion of this psalm is one of the live, he returns with greater and greater grandest and most illustrious that any avidity to repeat his crimes, till the poison where occurs in history. Solomon, by the spreads through all his veins, and all the divine direction, had now finished the balm of Gilead be ineffectual for his cure. temple, that superb monument of oriental Fly therefore, I call upon you in the magnificence and glory, which drew the name of Heaven, fly, from the approach- princes of neighboring nations to come ON THE DEDICATION OF' THE TEMPLE. 175 and contemplate. The feast of taber- ting forth their entire subjection to his nacles, the most solemn and most frequent- power and providence. ed of the Jewish festivals, was now at VERSE 1. and 2. I'lThe earth, is the hand. All the tribes of Israel, from Dan.Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the worlcl, to Beersheba, were now assembled at Je- and. they that dwell therein. —For he hath rusalem to the feast. It was then that founded it upon the seas, and established Solomon proceeded to dedicate the tem- it upon thefloods. David ascertains the ple, and to fix the ark in its appointed sovereignty of God over the world, and place. The procession to the temple was its subjection to him, from his' having grand and triumphant. Solomon, arrayed created it at first; from his having estabin all his glory, attended with the elders lished it upon the seas, and founded of Israel, and the heads of the tribes went it upon the floods. By this he opposes before; after him marched the priests in the skeptics and infidels of those tinies, their sacerdotal robes, bearing the ark; to who withdrew nature from the Divinity, them succeeded the four thousand sacred and denied the interposition of Provimusicians, clothed in white robes, and di- j dence in human affairs; by this he disvided into classes, some of them singing tinguishes the God whom he adored, from with the voice, others playing upon the idols of the Gentiles around him, who harps and trumpets, and psalteries and were confined to one part or province of nacymbals, and other instruments of music; ture: by this he endeavors to inspire the behind them followed the whole congrega- Jews with gratitude and love to their God tion, with palms in their hands, rejoicing and King, who chose them fiom among and wondering. Solomon had, on this all the nations whom he governs by his occasion, made an oblation of twenty-two > providence, to be his favorite people, the thousand oxen, and one hundred and twen- object of his particular providence, and ty thousand sheep, of which the Almighty peculiar loving-kindness. The Psalmist testified his approbation and acceptance, next determines where that God whose by causing the sacred fire to come down perfections he had been describing was to anew from heaven, and consume the sacri- be worshipped, and which of his worshipfice. The Priests and Levites, as they pers were to be the objects of his favor went along, sprinkled the ground with the and approbation. blood of the victims, and perfumed the VERSE 3. Who shall ascend into the air with frankincense and sweet odors. hill of the Lord? and who shall stand in This, with the fumes of incense which rose his holy place? It was usual among the in clouds from the altars, had diffused Jews to add the name of God to any thing such a potent perfume through the air, that was great, that was wonderful, and that people at a distance reflected on the of which they would give us a high idea. breath they drew as a celestial influence, Lofty cedars in Scripture, are called the and regarded the strains of harmony which trees of the Lord: high hills are called the they heard, as something more than mor- mountains of God: wine, on account of tal; actually imagining that the God of its generous, joyous, and exhilarating the Hebrews haddescended from his heaven qualities, is said to cheer the heart of God to take possession of the temple which they and man. In this place, the phrase is not had dedicated to his service. Nor were to be taken in its usual sense. By the they mistaken. For after the priests had hill of God, is here meant the hill of carried the ark into the holy of holies, had Zion, which the Almighty had chosen to be placed it between the cherubims, and had the place of his worship, and where he had reverently withdrawn, the cloud of divine commanded his temple to be built. Near glory descended and rested upon the the same tract of ground there were three house. The Shechinah or divine presence hills. Zion, where the city and castle of took up its abode in the most holy place. David stood; Moriah, where the temple Animated by this sublime occasion, the was built, and Calvary, where our Saviour Psalmist begins his ode with celebrating was crucified; but these, for the most the dominion of the Deity over this vast part, went under the general name of universe, and all its inhabitants, and set- Zion. By the phrases of ascending into 176 LECTURE II. the hill of God, and standing in his holy eyes of infinite perfection. True religion place, the Psalmist would point out the is the religion of the heart; it is a principersons who are to be admitted to worship ple dwelling in the mind, that extends its God in his temple here, and in conse- influence through the whole man, and regquence of that, to be received into the ulates the. life. Unless our religion enter temple of his glory above, and to dwell into the heart, we have no religion at all. for ever with the Lord. We have The form of godliness is insufficient the character and qualities of these per- and unavailing without the power thereof. sons expressed in the following verse. We can never attain to the true beauVERSE 4. He that hath clean hands, ties of holiness, unless, like the king's and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up daughter, we be all glorious within. On his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitful- the other hand, when clean hands and a ly. It is very observable, that in ascertain- pure heart are united in the same person; ing the qualifications of the citizens of the when a conversation without blame, and a spiritual Jerusalem, the Psalmist does conscience void of offence, coincide, they not so much as mention the external ob- are in the sight of God of great price. A servances, the costly and laborious rites life sacred to devotion and virtue, sacred of the ceremonial law, in which the Israel- to the practice of truth and undefiled reites generally prided themselves, but ligion, joined to a heart, pure, pious, and dwells alone on the great and essential benevolent, constitute an offering more acduties of morality, which are of universal ceptable at the altars of the Most High God, and eternal obligation. The fond affec- than whole hecatombs of burnt-offerings, tion and attachment of the Jews to the and a thousand hills of frankincense in a rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic law, so flame. as to neglect other duties, is the more re- By lifting up the soul unto vanity, the markable, as God, by the mouth of his Psalmist means making riches and honor, Prophets, frequently declared that he had those vanities of the world, the object of no pleasure in them, calling them precepts our affection and pursuit; saying to the which were not good, and statutes by which gold, thou art our trust, or to the most fine a man could not live. In the fiftieth gold, thou art our confidence. Or it may Psalm, we have an express declaration to mean the worshipping of idols, which, in this purpose; " Hear, 0 my people, and Scripture, go under the denomination of I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify vanity, as in Jeremiah, " Are there any against thee: I am God, even thy God. among the vanities of the Gentiles that I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices, can cause rain?" Swearing deceitfully, inor for thy burnt-offerings, to have been eludes all manner of perjury. This vice continually before me. I will take no is always represented in Scripture in the bullock out of thy house, nor he-goats out most dreadful colors. He that sweareth of thy folds. For every beast of the for-.falsely, and he that feareth an oath, is an est is mine, and the cattle upon a thou- equivalent term for the wicked and the sand hills. I know all the fowls of the righteous. As an oath is the greatest mountains: and the wild beasts of the pledge of veracity, and the end of all strife, field are mine. If I were hungry, I would general and customary violations of it not tell thee, for the world is mine, and must have the most pernicious effect upon the fulness thereof. Will I eat the flesh society. Such a practice would entirely of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? banish religious principles from the world; Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy it would dissolve the bands of society, vows unto the Most High, and call upon it would shake the fundamental pillars of me in the day of trouble, and I will de- mutual trust and confidence among men, liver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." and destroy the security arising from the The qualifications here required are those laws themselves. For human laws and of the heart and the life, " Clean hands human sanctions cannot extend to numand a pure heart." It is not enough that berless cases in which the safety of manwe wash our hands in innocence before kind is essentially concerned. They would men, we must be pure in heart before the prove but feeble and ineffectual means of ON THE DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE. 177 preserving the order and peace of society, tion, who, in obedience to the commandif there were no checks upon men, from ments of God, and in the methods of his the sense of divine legislation; if no be- appointment, seek his face, that is, his falief of divine rewards and punishments vor and friendship, and to whom he never came in aid of what human rewards and said, "Seek ye my face in vain." punishments so imperfectly provide for. Animated by his subject, the Psalmist We have in the next verse, the rewards proceeds to higher strains, and, in the subpromised to the persons possessed of these lime spirit of eastern poetry, calls upon qualifications. the gates of the temple to open and admit VERSE 5. He shall receive the blessing the triumphal procession. fromn the Lord, even righteousness fronm VERSE 7. Lift up your heads, 0 ye the God of his salvation. This alludes to gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting the appointed custom of the Jewish priests, doors, and the King of glory shall come who, on solemn and stated occasions, in. To illustrate this part of the Psalm, were wont to bless the people. Their form we must take a short view of the Hebrew of blessing we have prescribed in Numbers psalmody. The Psalms of David are of vi. 22. " And the Lord spake unto Moses, various kinds. Some of them are dramasaying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons tic, having speakers introduced making a saying, On this wise shall ye bless the kind of musical dialogue. Of this the people of Israel, the Lord bless thee and ninety-first psalm is a remarkable instance. keep thee; the Lord make his face to In the first verse, the high priest, rising shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; up, declares the happiness of him who putthe Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, teth his trust in the Almighty. In the and give thee peace." But as the priest second verse, David himself, or one of the was a fallible creature, his blessing might singers, representing the faithful among be indiscriminately bestowed, and fail of the Jews, declares his faith and confidence its effect. But the person who hath clean in God. From the third to the fourteenth, hands and a pure heart, who hath not lift the ode was performed by the sacred singup his soul unto vanity, nor sworn de- ers, both with the voice and instruments of ceitfully, shall receive the blessing from music. The three last verses were spoken God himself, whose favor is better than by the high-priest alone in the character life, and whose blessing maketh rich, and of God Almighty. addeth no sorrow. These blessings are Many of the Psalms are intended to be summed up in the eighty-fourth Psalm, sung by two divisions of the sacred singers, "The Lord God is a sun and shield; the the chorus and the semichorus. Such is the: Lord will give grace and glory; no good Psalm before us. Every verse is divided thing will he withhold from them that walk into two members, exactly of the same uprightly." Righteousness from, the God length, and generally representing the. of our salvation, may either mean the re- same thought, expressed in a different ward of righteousness, as the word in manner. "The earth is the Lord's and, Scripture is frequently put for the reward; the fulness thereof; —the world and theyor it may mean kindness, mercy, and the that dwell therein." When we come to benefits from righteousness, as in 1 Sam. the seventh, the verse is evidently altered. xii. 7. " Now therefore stand still, that The verses are not divided into two mem — I may reason with you before the Lord, of bers as before, and for a very good reason. all the righteousnesses of the Lord, which The semichorus asked the question, and he did to you and your fathers: "- where it the chorus made the reply. Apostrophes,, is evident, from what follows, that by or addresses to inanimate nature, are righteousnesses of the Lord, he means the among the boldest figures in poetry, and deliverance that God had wrought for when properly introduced, as in this place,. them. are in the highest manner productive of VEnsE 6. This is the generation of beauty. The simple thought, when stripthemn that seek him, that seek thyface, 0 ped of its poetical ornaments, is no more Jacob, or, O God of Jacob, as it might than this: When the priests had carried. better be rendered. This is the genera- the ark to the temple, Solomon ordered 12 178 LECTURE IIL the gates to be thrown open to admit the tions. Both physical and moral causes ark. How much this thought is improved, contributed to introduce and to support when embellished by the fine imagination this custom. The people of the east have of the singer of Israel, and clothed in all always been more under the government the graces of poetry, let persons of the of the imagination and' fancy, than the nasmallest critical discernment judge. In tions of the north. They use the liveliest short, the passage is too well known, and and the boldest figures of speech in their too beautiful, to need or admit of any il- ordinary conversation; and their writings lustration. Like the meridian sun, it shines are all in the manner as well as in the in its own light, and to endeavor to adorn spirit of poetry. What the influence of it, were wasteful and ridiculous excess. the climate made natural, the form of As we are assured by an authority that their government rendered necessary. As cannot err, that the ceremonies of the Jew- the form of their government has always ish law were a figure of good things to come, been despotic and tyrannical, they were and as the ark has been considered as afraid to speak out their sentiments with a type of our Saviour, it is highly probable, openness and with freedom. Truth durst that its introduction into the temple prc- not approach the throne, nor appear in figured to the faithful among the Jews, public. that solemn and triumphant period when Such was the origin of parables. This our Saviour ascended into the heaven of method of instruction possesses many adheavens, to take possession of the glory vantages. It is obvious to all capacities, which he had with the Father before the and has a charm for every hearer. It is world was. well adapted to strike the fancy; it interests the passions, and thus makes a deeper and more lasting impression than LECTURE III. mere moral instruction could convey. It likewise possesses one advantage peculiar ON TIHE PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND to itself. It makes a man his own inLAZARUS. structor. When the parable is told, we LUE XVI. 19-31. ourselves draw the moral, and make the 19 There was a certain rich man, who -was clothed in application. Observations and reflections purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. 2() And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, who that we make ourselves, are of more avail to was laid at his gate, full of sores. US in the conduct of life than any in21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell us in the conduct of life, than any infroni the rich man's table: moreover, the dogs came and struction we can learn from others. licked his sores. T parable now before us contains 22 And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was car- The parable now before us contains tied by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man many useful and important lessons. We also died, and was buried. 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and have here represented two characters not seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom, uncommon in the world; a rich man, who en24 And he cried, and said, Father Abraham, have mercyx on me. and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his joyed the pleasures and the luxuries of life, finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented and a poor beggar, who lived and who died in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy in poverty and in distress. This man was lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he,is comforted, and thou art tor- a signal object of pity. He was a beggar, mented. aznd he was full of sores. Notwitlistand26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a and he was full of sores. great gulf fixed: so that they who would pass from hence ing this double call to sympathy and comto you, cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would passion, the heart of the rich man was come from thence. on, the hea 2T Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou hardened against him. All the advantage wouldst send him to my father's house: reaped from 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto he reaped from lying at the great man's them, lest they also come into this place of torment. gate, was, that his ho had more 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the dogs, w prophets; let them hear them. feeling than their master, came and licked 30 And lie said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went his sores. Nevertheless this rich mlan was unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the not a miser. He was not a niggard of the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose gifts of Providence. He enjoyed life. from the dead. gi He was arrayed in purple, which, in those THE method of instruction by parables, days, was the vestment of kings. HIospiwas much in use among the eastern na- tality presided in his hall, and luxury ON THE PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. 179 reigned at his table. He made sumptuous the great chain of Providence. We live entertainments for his friends, and he but in the infancy of being. The great made them every day. He seems to have drama of life is but begun. When the been one of that class of men, and a very catastrophe is brought about, when the numerous class they are, and very fre- curtain between both worlds is undrawn, quently to be found in life, who are very the morn will arise that will light the Alhospitable to those who do not want, but mighty's footsteps in the deep, and pour very unfriendly to those that do; who full day upon all the paths of his proviprepare rich and splendid entertainments dence. for those tribes of flatterers and sycophants VERSE 22. And it came to pass that who always crowd the mansions of the the beggar died. He died, and all his great, and at the same time have nothing miseries died with him. He whom this to spare to a real object of distress. How- rich man would have disdained to have ever, he acted very agreeably to the prin- considered as his fellow-creature, had a ciples of his sect; for, as we learn from company of angels sent down to transport the sequel, he was a Sadducee, or what him to the regions of the blessed, to the in Qur days we call an infidel, that is, one bosom of Abraham, where all his sorrows who has no religion at all. He did not had an end, and the tears were for ever believe in the immortality of the soul. wiped from his eyes. Let the needy and He did not believe that there was either the oppressed take consolation from this a heaven or' a hell. Accordingly, he en- salutary doctrine. With God there is deavored to make the most of this life, and no respect of persons. Let it be the acted up to the maxims of his sect, "Let great business of your lives to be rich in us eat and drink, for to-morrow we shall faith and in good works, and to lay up die." treasures in heaven, and then you may Learn hence the folly and the danger of rejoice in hope, that though you have endeavoring to establish virtue upon any nothing here, yet yours is the kingdom foundation but that of true religion. Peo- of God. ple may tell us that social affection is the VERSE 23. to 26. inclusive. Before our law of our being; they may talk of virtue Saviour's incarnation, the Greek language being its own reward; they may sing the had made its way into Judea. Along praises of disinterested benevolence; but with the language of the Greeks, their if you take away the rewards and punish- opinions in philosophy, and the fictions of ments of the world to come, you set the their poetry, had been introduced, and greatest part of mankind free from every made part of the popular belief. This moral obligation, and open a door to uni- part of the parable which we have now versal depravity and corruption of man- read, is evidently founded upon the fictions ners. If the beauty of virtue is laid in of the Grecian poets concerning the state one scale, and interest in the other, it of departed souls. They, as well as our will not be difficult to determine to. which Lord in this parable, represent the abodes side the balance will incline. of the blessed as lying contiguous to the The accusations of conscience will be regions of the damned, and separated only little regarded, unless they are considered by a great impassable river, or deep gulf, as an earnest of the worm that never dies. in such a manner, that the ghosts could Take away the doctrine of a world to talk with one another from its opposite come, and you make this world a scene of banks. In the parable, souls, whose bodies universal depravity and open wickedness. were buried, know each other, and conAt first view we would be apt to won- verse together, as if they had been emder at the ways of Heaven, and perhaps bodied. In like manner, the heathens tempted in our minds to arraign the introduce departed souls as talking toconduct of Providence, in crowning this gether, and represent them as having worthless and wicked man with wealth pains and pleasures analogous to what and prosperity, whilst all that diversified we feel in this life; and they thought the good man's lot was scene after scene that the shades of the dead Lad an exact of poverty and pain. But let us suspend resemblance to their bodies. The parable our judgment. We see but one link in says, that the souls of wicked men are 180 LEOCURE III. tormented in flames; the Grecian poets acter in this world. The fact is, my tell us, that they lie in a river of fire, brethren, we retain the same dispositions where they suffer the same torments they hereafter, that we cultivate here. It is would have suffered while alive, had their utterly impossible, that the mere sepabodies been burnt. From this account, ration of the soul from matter, can make therefore, we are to draw no inferences any alteration upon the essential qualities concerning the real nature of heaven or of the soul. We carry to the other world of hell. A parable is no more than an the same qualities, the same temper of instructive fable or tale, and the only mind, and the same character, that we thing to be regarded in it is the moral have on earth. What manner of persons that it conveys. We cannot therefore doth it become us then to be. As we now conclude from this parable, that there is sow, hereafter we reap. Our heaven or material fire in hell, or that the abodes of our hell is already begun within us. The the blessed and the regions of the damned worm that never dies hath already begun are contiguous to one another. The word to gnaw the heart of the wicked; and the of God gives us no materials wherein we good man hath already begun those hymns can make a description either of hell or and hosannas of praise which shall employ heaven. It was never the intention of him through eternity. scripture to satisfy our curiosity, but to Son, remember that thou in thy lifeinfluence our practice, and for that pur- time reccivedst thy good things. This pose to awake our hopes and our fears, by answer of the Patriarch is remarkable for representing the one as being the region mildness. When a person by his impruof the greatest torment, and the other as dence and folly hath involved himself in the scene of unmingled and everlasting a scene of distress, there is nothing more joy. common than for those who visit him at The rich man died, and was buried. such a time, to upbraid him with his byWe read not of the burial of the poor man. past conduct in the severest manner, and He would be thrown into a common grave, to administer rebukes with acrimony and and niingled with vulgar and obscure dust. bitterness. Instead of giving their assistBut the rich man was buried with pomp ance to extricate him from his distresses, and with splendor. Crowds of mercenary those miserable comforters push them mourners would attend his funeral, and deeper into the pit, and take a cruel pleavenal tears be shed uponhis tomb. Every sure in adding affliction to the afflicted, amiable and every respectable quality conscious that whilst they are insulting would be ascribed to him by those ready over their unfortunate brother, they are flatterers, who have always a character at paying encomiums to their own superior hand for the deceased of quality. But, prudence and discretion. This rich man insensible to this incense, in hell le lift had brought himself into the last of evils, up his eyes. How astonishing and how into an evil that admitted of no remedy, awful must it be, my brethren, for a per- by his own wickedness. Yet Abraham son who believes not in a future state, to did not address him in this severe and inreceive his first conviction from the flames suiting language. He calls him son, his of the lake which burneth for ever, and descendant according to the flesh. The from the guawings of the worm that never good Patriarch wanted not to add to the dies. The request of the rich man is very horrors of hell. The spirit of rage and remarkable. He does not acknowledge rancor never gains admittance into the the justness of his punishment, nor confess bosoms of the blessed. This shows us the greatness of his sins. He does not how different the meek, the gentle, and show any remorse of mind for the offences the benevolent temper is from that cruel he had committed against God, for the in- and merciless zeal which often passeth juries he had done to society, or for the for it upon earth. ruin he had brought upon his own soul. His own petition being refused, the rich He had no sorrow for sin, he had only a man now applies for his relations. VERSE feeling of pain. He did not want to be 27. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, delivered from his guilt, but only from Jfather, that thou wouldst send him to punishment. But such had been his char- nmyfather's house. Let no wicked man ON THE PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. 181 boast himself of,possessing some virtues the history of Saul. When the Lord amid the number of his crimes. You would not answer him by his prophets, he see there is even some goodness in hell. went in quest of a woman who had a faThe rich man retained still some affection miliar spirit. She raised up to him an for his brethren, and had a desire for their apparition, which he believed to be the conversion. Though they had been par- ghost of Samuel the prophet. The appatakers with him in his sins, he did not rition assured him that his kingdom was want them to be partakers of his punish- departing from him, and that he had only ment. The repetition of the request one day longer to live. What effect had shows he was in earnest. this upon the king? Did he repent of his VERSE 31. Neither will they be per- sins? At first he was sore afraid, and suadedl, though one rose from the dead. was melancholy; but through the persuaAs this is a point of great consequence, it sion of his attendants, he soon resumed requires to be illustrated at some length. his joy; and, on the morrow after the Let us suppose, that in order to convince battle was lost, in order to fulfil the proa person of the immortality of his soul, phecy of the devil, he proceeded to comAlmighty God sent one of his deceased mit the most deliberate crime that can be friends, either in his unembodied state, perpetrated by man: he raised impious or with the same body he had in life. As hands against his life, and plunged his no person would require such a proof, but sword in his own breast. one who was very much addicted to skep- The fact is, my brethren, mankind are ticism, it is very probable, that even then not always in a mood to be convinced. his doubts would not be removed. He In spite of speculative opinion, men act might say, this may be an impostor, per- from their passions, and bad passions will haps this may be some evil spirit who has always produce bad actions, to the end of assumed the shape of my deceased friend. the world. The reluctance of mankind to But let us suppose that these doubts assent to evidence, when it makes against are removed, that he is convinced of the their preconceived opinion, is remarkably reality of the apparition, and the truth of apparent in the reception the Jews gave a future state. Let us then see what to our Saviour. All the prophecies coneffect it would have upon his life. He corning the Messiah were fulfilled in him. goes into company. He tells the story of He appeared in the world in the precise the apparition to his companions. They time predicted for the coming of the hear it with derision and ridicule, and Messiah; he was descended of the lineage consider him as a visionary enthusiast, of David; he was born in the city of Bethdisturbed in his imagination. As the ex- lehem. A prophet went before him in the perience of all mankind is against him, spirit and power of Elias. He performed and the laws appear to be fixed for ever, miracles and mighty works, which no man of no intercourse between this world and could perform. But after all these proofs, the next, in whatever companies he tells after all these miracles, the Jews, who exit, it meets with the same treatment, and pected their Messiah to be a temporal all the effect of the apparition is, that it Prince, still demanded more evidence. makes every one to conclude him to be " Show us," said they, " a sign from heabeside himself. You all know how diffi- ven." A sign from heaven they obtained. cult it is to remain single in opinion Now, in the presence of multitudes, a voice against the whole world. It is still harder came from heaven, the voice of the Eterto become the object of laughter and ridi- nal, piercing the clouds, and proclaiming cule; so that with these difficulties in his aloud, "This is my beloved Son! " Were way, it is ten to one but he falls in with they then convinced? No: they persethe opinion of the world, and believes the cuted him with reproaches in his life, and apparition to have been the phantom of at last brought him to an ignominious his own fancy. That this is not a mere death. And when they had nailed him conjecture, but what would really happen, to the accursed tree, they still affirmed appears from undoubted matter of fact, they would believe on him on proper evithat did really happen. You remember denuce. "Let him come down from the 182 LECTURE IV. cross, tnd we will believe on him." If he hold of every avenue to the human heart, had come down from the cross, the re- frequently addressed himself to this part demption of mankind would have been de- of our frame. He spiritualizes the whole feated, as it was to be accomplished by system of nature, he turns the most comhis death; but he did more than come mon and familiar occurrences of life into down from the cross. He rose from the vehicles of Divine truth, and in the gendead. Did they then believe on him? tlest and most insinuating manner, leads No: they charged the soldiers who us from earth to heaven. brought them the news of his resurrection, In the parable which I have now read, to give out that his disciples stole him the kingdom of Heaven, or di1spensation away while they slept. Well then may of the Gospel, is likened to a marriage we adopt the maxim of the Patriarch solemnity. On such occasions it was a Abraham, and affirm, That if ye believe custom among the Jews, that the bridenot Moses and the Prophets; if ye believe groom, in company with his friends, came not Christ and his Apostles; ye will not late in the night to the house of the bride, be persuaded though one rose from the where, upon a signal given, she and her dead. bridemaids went out in procession to light him into the house, with great ceremony and splendor. It is said thatfive of these LECTURE IV. virgins were wise, and thatfive of them were foolish. I explained to you, on a former occasion, that, in a parable, we are ON THE PARABLE OF THE FOOLISH VIRGINS. not to apply particular expressions, but to MATMrw XXV. 1-10. consider the intention and design upon the whole. If we understood and applied 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the this expression literally, we should be led bridegroom. to conclude that under the New Testa2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. to conclude that, under the New Testa8 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no ment, the number of the good and of the oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. bad was equal. But to settle this point, 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and to ascertain the number of those who are slept 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the to be saved, and of those who are to be bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. damned was not the intention of our 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. damned, 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil, Lord in the parable. For, by the same for our lamps are gone out. way of arguing, we might infer from the 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be y of we infer from the not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that parable of the talents, which immediately sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; follows this, that the number of the good and they that were ready, went in with him to the mar- was double the number of the wicked, as iags; and the door was shut, there were two faithful servants who imIN a former lecture, I explained to you proved the talents committed to them, for the nature, the origin, and the use of one slothful servant who wrapt up his in parables. They were the common vehi- a napkin; and in the parable of the marcles of instruction among the oriental riage supper, in the foregoing chapter, nations. The wisdom of the east loved amongst all the number of the guests who to go adorned with flowers and with were called to the feast, there was only figures, and by means of the imagination one who wanted the wedding garment: to make its way to the heart. This mode only from this general scheme of thought of instruction was frequently honored by which runs through all our Lord's parables, our Lord's adopting it. Accommodating from their being always framed with a himself to the practice of the east, and view to the charitable side, we may safely to the manners of the Jews, he wrapt up draw two conclusions. In the first place, his wisdom in this veil, and delivered his Let us always form a favorable judgment doctrines to the people in parables. As concerning the character and state of those men are much under the guidance of the who are externally decent, whether they external senses, and strongly impressed agree or differ from us in opinion; and, by the material objects around them, he if we do err, let us err on the side of who knew what was in man, and who laid charity. There are a set of men to be ON THE PARABLE OF THE FOOLISH VIRGINS. 183 found in the world, who are remarkably but upon the soundness of their belief, fond of passing sentence and judgment such a man's charity must be narrow and upon the external state of their neighbors, constrained. And this may sometimes be and in passing this judgment, they attend owing, not to the badness of his nature, not so much to the general tenor of life, but to the badness of his religious prinand integrity of conduct, as to the system ciples. And I have sometimes seen such of doctrines which a man believes, and persons, though I must acknowledge very the sect or party in which. he arranges rarely, striving and struggling to get the himself. Unless you believe in every better of their system; the heart and the point precisely as they do, down you go affections true to Christianity, whilst the in their estimation. mind was enslaved by the prejudices of Rash and profane mortal, who gave thee education. a commission to fix the mark of election VERsE 3. They that were foolish took and reprobation upon men? Did Almighty their lamps, and took no oil with them. God depute thee to draw the line betwixt The foolish virgins seemed at first to rethe kingdom of darkness and the kingdom semble the wise, and shone out for a while of light, to fill the heavens, and to people with the same lustre. They made the hell? We are astonished, and stand aghast same profession and appearance at first. at the boldness and impiety of the Roman Themselves were awake, and their lamps Pontiff, who pretends to open and to shut were burning. But they had no supply the gate of mercy, and who arrogates to for the future. Their goodness was like himself the keys of the kingdom of hea- the morning cloud, and soon vanished ven. And yet thou who accusest him, art away. They had no real religion in the thyself equally guilty. Thou rushest unto heart. They wanted that inward printhe throne of the Eternal, and darest to ciple of grace, which can alone enable us direct the thunders of the Divine ven- to stand fast in the Lord. They were not geance. Thou prescribest bounds to the rooted and grounded in the faith. They mercy of the Omnipotent, and sayest to had no steady principles of conduct, nor his saving grace, " Hitherto shalt thou settled habits of action. Like the seed come, and no farther." Vile worm! dost which was sown in the stony ground, they thou not tremble at thine own impiety? forthwith sprang up, because they had no Fall prostrate in the dust. Shrink into deepness of earth, and when the sun arose thine own insignificance.' Let thy time they withered away. be employed in working out thine own But the wise took oil in their vessels salvation, rather than in dealing of dam- with their lamps. They sought and obnation to thy neighbors. tained the influences of the Divine Spirit At the same time, though I condemn to abide with them through life. They this rage which some men discover to con- made a serious business of religion. They demn their neighbors, as, in my opinion, laid up a store of useful knowledge. They entirely inconsistent with the genius of acted upon fixed and steady principles, the Gospel, and the spirit of Christianity, and acquired habits of religion and virtue. nevertheless I would not go into their ex- They kept the heart well, knowing that treme, and pass the same sentence on them out of it are the issues of life. They which they pass upon others. To pass a looked forwards to the time to come; they judgment upon characters is a difficult provided against the evil day, and extendtask, and requires a very delicate hand. ed their view to take in all the temptaWe ought to distinguish what flows from tions and afflictions of human life. a narrowness of mind, from what flows VERsE 5. Whilethebridegroom~tarried, from a badness of heart. We ought to they all slumbered and slept. Whether make great allowances for the prejudices we interpret this coming of the brideof education. If a man be educated in groom, to be the second coming of our the belief, that none are to be saved but Lord to judge the world, or whether we those who believe every article of that apply it to our appearance before his trisystem which he embraces; if his judg- bunal at death, is a subject of no consement concerning the characters of men quence; the material point to be considerrest not upon the goodness of their lives, ed is, that while the bridegroom tarried, 184 LECTURE IV. all of them, the wise as well as the foolish salvation, to the standard of the prince virgins, slumbered and slept. The wise of darkness: but the good soldier of grew remiss and careless, and the spiri- Jesus will make head against the enemy; tual life declined within them. The he will encounter his spiritual foe; he foolish virgins returned again to foolish- may be foiled for a moment, but he will ness, and because the Lord. delayed, be- never be subdued. cause sentence against an evil work was In the second place, Let me ask you, not speedily executed, were fully bent to what is the state of your mind during do evil. Seeing then that the wise virgins these relapses? Are you in total subjecslumbered as well as the foolish; seeing tion to the sins which have dominion over that good men, as well as bad men, may you? Is your conscience lulled in a profall into sin; a question, a very serious found sleep? Do you roll iniquity like a one, naturally arises: how shall we dis- sweet morsel under your tongue? Do tinguish between those temporary relaxa- you find the ways of sin to be ways of tions in the Christian race, into which a pleasantness, and all her paths to be peace? good man may fall, from the final apostasy Is your bondage sweet, and are the chains of the wicked; how shall we distinguish of your captivity become pleasant to you? between the sins of infirmity, into which Then I pronounce that there are no sympthe best men may fall,' from those sins toms of spiritual life within you; then which are unto death? And to this I beg your sleep is unto death. But, on the your attention, as one of the most impor- other hand, is the dominion which sin has tant subjects which can ever occupy your over you, against the bent of your soul? thoughts. In order to decide this ques- Whilst you sleep, does your heart wake? tion, Let me ask you, in the first place, During your captivity, is your face toWhat was the nature of your relapse into wards Jerusalem? Do you lament the sin? There are times in which all men deceitfulness of your heart, the feebleness feel religious impressions and devout dis- of your resolutions, and your own impopositions of mind. The seed is sown in tence to save yourself? Do you strive to stony places, as well as on the good burst asunder the bands which detainyou? ground. The influences of heaven de- Then there is hope in Israel concerning scend on the barren desert, as well as on you. the field which is to be fruitful. On such In the third place, Let me ask you, occasions, the seed which was sown on what is the nature of the sins into which the stony places will spring up for a time, you fall? Are they contrived beforehand, and the barren desert will seem to bloom. deliberate? Do you commit them with To speak without a figure, the Spirit of coolness and with consideration? Or are God in one manner or another, in his com- you led astray on a sudden by the strength mon or in his special influences, descends of temptation, and power of prevailing upon all men. After such times of refresh- passion? The best of men are subject ing, the saint of a day, as well as the per- to the impulse of passion; may yield to severing Christian, will receive the word the strength of temptation, and be overwith gladness, and set about a thorough taken in a fault. But he is a wicked man reformation. And as both of them receive who sins upon a plan; who makes a systhe word with gladness, so both of them tem of iniquity; who contrives scenes of are subject to sin. Yet they are not mischief upon his bed, and who rises to alike in their errors. The sinner having execute with ardor what he has contrived no real principle at bottom, having no with coolness. If the sun goes down upon fixed plan of life, and but doing every thy wrath, or any other bad passion; if thing by fits and starts, may, at the first day unto day uttereth speech of your evil approach of temptation, advance with deeds; if night after night findeth you in swift steps to ruin. But the true Chris- the service of sin, then you are a sinner tian, laying his account to meet with hard- indeed, then you are in the gall of bitterships and temptations, prepares against ness and in the bond of iniquity. them, and will not wholly fall off. The Let me ask again, What are the sins coward may at once desert his post, and that most easily beset you? The sins of fly from the banners of the Captain of men may be divided into two classes. ON THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS CHRIST. 185 The one kind flows from a good principle state and the happiness of the good, and wrong directed, from the perversion and desire to partake in it. There is a time abuse of laudable inclinations; the other coming when those who scoff at religion, kind flows front evil principles and a bad and laugh at every thing that is serious, heart. Of the latter kind, are malice, will gladly say to those humble and conenvy, treachery, cruelty, malignity, deceit, trite ones whom they now despise, " Give and hypocrisy. These indicate a mind us of your oil." " Let us die the death which neither fears God nor regards man. of the righteous; let our last end be like The best Christians will at times fall into his." " Would to God our souls were in sins; but they will never harbor in their your souls' place.;' Feeble and ineffectual heart the dark offspring of hell. They wishes! which discover their misery, but may have the failings and the faults of which cannot save them front it. men; but they will never have the crimes VERSE 9. Lest there be not enough for of devils, nor the spirit of the damned. us and you. There are no works of superVERSE 6. At midnight there was a cry erogation. After we have done all, we heard. At midnight, the hour of silence are unprofitable servants; and though we and repose, when the operations of nature were perfect, we can assign no part of our seemed to stand still, and all things were righteousness to you: "go to those that at rest, when there was no expectation of sell." Go to the ordinances of Divine apany event, then was the cry heard, then pointment; improve those means of grace was the alarm given-Behold the bride- which you formerly despised; break off groom cometh, go ye out to meet him! your sins by repentance; who knows if it And indeed, my brethren, it often hap- be yet too late?-Ccetera desunt. pens, that our last hour comes unexpected. When we are busied in some favorite scheme, when we are laying a scene of happiness which we expect' will last for years, the awful voice comes, " This night LECTURE V. thy soul shall be required of thee." I mention not this as if I thought it one of ON THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS CHRIST. the evils of life. If we are prepared to die, a sudden death must be the most LUKE IX. 28-36. agreeable of all. The servant who is doing 28 And it came to pass, about an eight days after these his duty, will be agreeably surprised at an sayings, he took Peter, and John, and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. unexpected visit from his master. The sol- 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was dier whose arms are crowned with conquest, altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. er whose arms are crowned with conquest, 804) And behold, there talked with him two men, which would be happy if his prince should sud- were Moses and Elias; 381 W ho appeared in glory, and spoke of his decease which denly come to be the witness of his victory. he should accomplish at Jerusalem. VERSE 7. Then all those virgins arose, 32 But Peter, and they that were with him, were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his and trimmed their lamps. Their lamps glory, and the two men that stood with him. 33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter were not gone out, though they were said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here; and let not burning bright. They soon arose us make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what lie said. and trimmed them, to meet the bride- 34 While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overgroom. A good man is always habitually shadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. prepared for death. He has an inter- 35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This eat in the righteousness of his Redeemer, is my beloved Son, hear him. esthich~~~~~~~~ pca i m th386 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone: which purchased life and immortality to and they kept it close, and told no man in those days any men; and he is possessed of those good and holy dispositions which fit us for the IN these verses, we have an account of a inheritance of the saints in light. Such very remarkable event. Our Saviour hava person is ever in a state of preparation ing foretold his sufferings and death, in to meet with his Lord. order to keep alive the faith and hopes of VERSE 8. And the foolish virgins said his disciples, who would be apt to despair unto the wise, Give us of your oil. Mark under that mournful event, also foretold here, my brethren, the triumph of reli- them, that some of their own number, gion. Wicked men at the last envy the before their departure, should behold him 186 LECTURE V. coming in his kingdom. " But I tell you devotion! worthy the study and imitation of a truth, there be some standing here, of the world. If the eternal Son of God, which shall not taste of death till they see the Mediator between God and man, who the kingdom of God." had no errors to be corrected, who had no As an accomplishment of this prediction, sins to be forgiven, and who had few wants he takes his three favorite disciples, Peter, to be relieved, if he entered upon no imJames, and John, and having carried them portant work without prayer to Heaven, to an high mountain, was transfigured be- if he spent whole nights in the fervor of fore their eyes, that he might give them devotion, shall men, shall feeble, indigent, some idea of the glory of that kingdom to and sinful men, dare to attempt works of which he was afterwards to ascend. The importance, or rush into scenes of danger, mountain here mentioned, by tradition, is without lifting up their eyes and hearts to Tabor, a hill of great beauty, and, accord- Heaven, and imploring the protection ing to Josephus, very high. and assistance of Providence? And yet Many magnificent events in the Divine it is to be dreaded that there are many dispensations, have been transacted on persons who go under the name of Chris. hills. It was on mount Sinai that God tians, who live in the constant and habitdescended to give the law: it was on the ual neglect of this duty, who go out and hill of Moriah that he commanded Isaac come in, who rise up and lie down, without to be sacrificed: it was on the hill of Zion once bending the knee to the God of Heathat he ordered the temple to be built: ven, and who, unless on this returning day, from the mount of Olives, Christ was wont when they join in the public devotions of to send up his prayers to Heaven; and on the Church, never acknowledge their dethe mount Tabor he was transfigured, and pendence upon God. Far be such conduct appeared in glory to his disciples. This from you, my brethren. is founded upon nature. There is an air Peter, James, and John, were also of grandeur in a lofty mountain, that loses chosen as the witnesses of our Saviour's itself in the heavens, and casteth its sha- agony. If they rejoiced with him on mount dow into distant lands, which accords Tabor, they also suffered with him in the with the natural greatness of the soul, and garden of Gethsemane. And indeed it awakens a feeling that is highly favorable seems to be one of the general laws by to devotion. The grandeur, the awfulness, which this world is governed, that those the silence, and the solitude of the scene, who have the highest enjoyments should assist sentiments of religious adoration. also have the deepest afflictions. ProviRemote from man, and exalted above the dence has wisely balanced human affairs, turbulence of the inferior world, we breathe and set the day of prosperity against the celestial air, we feel divinity more present, day of adversity. The most enchanting and bow down and worship in the temple hopes give rise to the most mortifying disnot made with hands. Hence men, actu- appointments; the most transporting enated by their natural feelings, and under joyments end in the cruelest lassitude and the impressions of religious awe, have so disgust; and the highest honor is succeedoften been guided to erect their temples ed by the lowest disgrace. The same upon hills, and to consecrate to the Deity lively passions and fine feelings that give such places as those, on which he had ap- the greatest relish to prosperity, give also peared, and where his footsteps were seen. the severest smart to the wounds of adWe are told, that our Saviour went up versity. to this mountain to pray. Christ began The transfiguration itself is next relatall his great works with prayer to Heaven. ed. The evangelists seem to vie with one Before he entered on his public ministry, another in describing the glories of this he retired into the wilderness, and devoted scene. During this period, we are told, forty days to contemplation and prayer. the fashion of his countenance was alterWhen he was about to suffer his last ed; hisface did shine as the sunit, and agony, he went and prayed in the garden. his raiment was white as the snow. And here, when he enters upon his trans- When Moses received the law upon mount figuration, he went up to a mountain to Sinai, his countenance shone in such a manpray. Illustrious example of piety and ner that the Israelites could not behold ON THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS CHRIST. 187 him. But a greater than iMoses was here; ation, as both of them were eminent types and he was invested with greater majesty. of Christ, acceptable to God for their faith The splendor of his Divinity shone through and holiness, and admired by the Jews the veil with which it was clouded; he re- their countrymen, for the miracles which assumed some rays of that glory which he they had performed. Both of them were had with the Father before the world was; admitted to conference with God in Horeb; and he stood confessed the Son of the both of them had fasted forty days; both living God. of them had divided the waters; they had To heighten the grandeur and the so- been both the nessengers of God to Kings; lemnity of the scene, Moses, the giver of and as they were marvellous in their lives, the law, and Elias, the greatest among the so there was something extraordinary and Prophets, descended from heaven, and con- miraculous in both their departures. ferred with him concerning his kingdom. Moses died at the commandment of the It is usual for the chief ministers of a Lord, and was buried in a place which no kingdom to resign the seals and badges of man knew. Elias, without seeing death, their authority to their successors in office. was translated to heaven in a chariot of Thus, Moses and Elias, who had been the fire. ministers of the kingdom of God under When this celestial triumvirate had asthe Old Testament, the one representing sembled, what was the topic of their conth4 law, the other representing the pro- versation? Did their discourse run upon phets, resigned their authority to Jesus the fate of empires and the fall of kings? Ch'rist, who was to reign for ever and ever. Did they converse about the progress of Had we, my brethren, been present on the the human genius, about the improvements mount of transfiguration: been spectators of society, the inventions of art, and the of this wonderful scene; had we beheld discoveries of science? Did they talk of the glorified spirits of Moses and Elias, the glories of that heaven from which they arrayed in the robes of heaven, and adorn- had descended, or attempt a description ed with the beauties of immortality; had of those mansions above, whose beauty we beheld the Son of the Most High eye hath not seen, and whose joys ear hath clothed with uncreated light, and appear- not heard? No, my brethren, an event ing in the glories of Divinity unveiled; greater than all these engaged their attenhad we heard the voice of the Almighty tion. They talked of that decease or proclaiming from the overshadowing cloud, departure which our divine Redeemer This is mny beloved Son, hear him; would was to accomplish at Jerusalemn. The we not have been thrown into that delight- prospect of suffering an ignominious and ful amazement of soul that trance and an accursed death, had always appeared ecstasy of spiritual joy, which the disciples to our Saviour a circumstance of distress, were in when they cried out, not knowing and filled him with dismal forebodings of what they said, Lor'd, it is good for us to mind. As the event drew nearer, these be here; let us build three tabernacles, one forebodings increased. The prospect of for thee; one for lloses, and one for Elias! being forsaken, denied, and betrayed by The evangelist tells us, that the disciples his friends; of being mocked and torwere heavy with sleep, or rather heavy as tured and crucified by his enemies; the with sleep; and Mark says that they were terrors of the hour and power of darkness; sore afraid. From comparing them to- the agony in the garden; the horrors of gether, it appears to have been a rapture the cross; the assault of devils and wicked and an astonishment that suspended all spirits; and, far above all, the hiding of the powers of the soul, with a stillness his Father's countenance, and drinking the similar to sleep. The sublime appear- cup of the wrath of God; these were cirances which they saw struck a sudden ter- cumstances of tremendous suffering, suffiror into their minds, and occasioned that cient to have overwhelmed his human naecstasy of soul which holy men were gen- ture with horror and despair. erally in when they were favored with the But as an angel was sent to comfort him visions of God. Moses and Elias were in the garden, so here two illustrious saints properly chosen as messengers to our descended from heaven to allay the terrors Saviour, and witnesses of his transfigur- of that decease which he was to accomplish 188 LECTURE V. at Jerusalem. They might represent his ness, may become to us the wisdom and passion to him as entering into the councils the power of God. of heaven before the world began; as the VERSE 36. And they kep7t it close, and hope and expectation of all the patriarchs told no mcantz. Though they were so highand prophets and righteous men under the ly favored of their Lord, allowed to belaw; as the accomplishment of all the pro- hold' him in the glories of his future kingphecies delivered to the Old Testament dom, and to hold converse with two illusChurch; as the fulfilment of all the types trious messengers from the mansions above, and prefigurations of the Mosaic institu- nevertheless they made no merit of the tion; as the consummation of the legal preference that was shown them, and even economy, and period of the Jewish Church; concealed from the world that they were and as the commencement of a new age distinguished from the rest of the apostles. and higher order of events. They might Such, my brethren, is the uniform conduct place it before his eyes as confirming his of good Christians. The manifestations doctrine from above; as magnifying the of heaven only inspire them with humility. law and making it honorable; as rendering He is but a novice in the school of Chrisglory to God in the highest, and restoring tianity, who is puffed up by any privileges peace on earth, and good-will towards men; which he has attained. Greater degrees as conquering the principalities and pow- of grace, and higher attainments in virtue, ers of darkness, and setting open the gates banish all self-conceit and spiritual pride. of paradise for all the faithful to enter in. This holds in other matters as well as in They might set it before his eyes as the religion. Tile pretender always outdoes means of overthrowing the kingdom of the real character. The actor always exSatan; as diffusing light and life and sal- ceeds nature, and goes beyond the life. vation through the world; as uniting the In friendship, those who have least of the nations in the bonds of charity and love; reality, have generally most of the appearas being the great theme to the Church ance and pretence. Men of the greatest universal under the New Testament; as talents and abilities appear in conversation affording a subject for new hymns and an- but like other men; whilst fools and coxthems to the heavenly host; as reaching combs assume those airs of superiority, and beyond the circle of time, and drawing that tone of solemn pedantry, which hosannas of praise from the heirs of im- amazes the ignorant. This holds even in mortality, through the round of everlast- infidelity itself. Those wretches, who set ing ages. These considerations would their mouths against the heavens, and procomlfort our Redeetmer under the forebod- fess open impiety, are generally hypocrites ings of his passion; and the prospect of in wickedness, who believe and tremble the joy that was set before him would ani- when alone, and are in the horrors whenmate and strengthen him to endure the ever they are left in the dark. cross, to despise the shame, and to finish Beware therefore of a form of religion the work which the Father gave him to do. without the power thereof. The voice of Seeing then that the death and passion true piety is not heard in the streets. She of our Saviour is an event of such infinite sounds no trumpet before her, affects no importance, let us, my brethren, make it appearances, and lays claim to no distincthe theme of our praise, and the subject tions. Those persons are always to be of our contemplation. Let us frequently suspected who covet the public eye; who call to mind that scene which mount Cal- make a show of their sanctity, and who envary beheld, the sufferings that our Saviour deavor to dazzle the world with the pomp there endured, the groans that he uttered, and the parade of godliness. Let men and the blood that he shed on our behalf. discover your piety and virtue; do not you Let us dwell on that marvellous love which discover them yourselves. There is all moved him to undergo such unutterable the difference in the world betwixt being agonies, till we feel its transforming power exemplary and being ostentatious. When and efficacy, and are changed into the same the angels descended of old, they were in image from glory to glory: that so the form and appearance like men; but when cross of Christ, which was to the Jews a the devil appeared, he transformed himself stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolish- into an angel of light.