PAW. SEAM- TWO SERMONS, DELIVERED BEFORE THE NEW-YORK MISSIONARY SOCIETY ; The Firft on April 23d, in the SCOTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, By the Rev. Dr. LIVINGSTON. The Second on April 24th, in the NORTH DUTCH CHURCH, ‘ ^ , f , 1 > By the Rev. Dr. M‘KNIGHT. TO WHICH IS ADDED, A CHARGE given to the FIRST MISSIONARY, Br the Rev. Dr. RODGERS; TOGETHER WITH THE • INSTRUCTIONS to MISSIONARIES, AND THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS. NEW-YORK: PRINTED BY ISAAC COLLINS, No. 189, Pearl-street. 1 799 - At a meeting of the New-York Missionary Society, April 2 6, 1799, . 1 u " . ? . v Resolved unanimously, THAT the thanks of the Society be ; • : i given to the Rev. Dr. Livingston and Dr. M'Knicht, for the Sermons delivered by them refpe&ively on the evenings of the 23d and 24th inft. agreeably to appointment; and that they be requefted to fumilh copies of the fame for publication. ExtraEl from the Minutes of the Society, SAMUEL MILLER, Clerk. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. A SERMON, PREACHED BEFORE THE » j NEW- YORK MISSIONARY SOCIETY IN THE SCOTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 23d of April, 1799, By JOHN H. LIVINGSTON, D. D. S. T. P. One of tho Ministers of the Reformed Dutch Church of the City of New-York. — Christ is all and in all. CoLOSSIANS III. 11. T HE Obligation to love and obey God which arifes from the perpetual depend- ence of men, as intelligent creatures , upon God, confidered as their Creator, is the religion of nature. The relation formed by this de- pendence obliges them to be devoted to the fervice and glory of him who made, preferves and governs them. In this religion God the Creator is all and in all. A 2 Revealed 4 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. Revealed religion is that obligation to love and obey God, which refults from the total dependence of men, as Jinners, upon God confidered as their Redeemer. The rela- tion produced by this dependence obliges them to be devoted to the fervice and glory of him v/ho has atoned for their fins, and is become the Lord -their Righteoufncfs. In this- -reli- gion God the Redeemer is all and in all. The Apollle adopts this very principle, and confirms it in the text by terms the moll com- prehenfive and unequivocal. — “ There is nei- ther Greek nor Jew, circumcifion nor ur.cir- cumcifion, barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free : but Christ is all and in all," Believers are rifen with Christ. They are therefore to place their afFedions upon things above — to mortify their members which are upon earth — to put off the old man — and put on the new. — From thefe duties, no exemption an be pleaded ; for the omiflion of them, po excufe admitted- The learned and the igno- rant, the civilized and the favage, the Greek and the few, all who believe, without diflinc- tiou of nation, name or condition, are brought into the fame relation to God, renewed into the fame image, and bound to univerfal obedi- ence and holinefs by the fame principle — -for Christ is all and ip all. The THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. $ The phrafe exprefles in a fummary manner every thing that can be predicated of the fub- je£L It is applied in the paflage before us and in Ephef. i. 23, to the divine Redeemer, and in 1 Cor. xv. 28, to God in the moll extenlivc view, comprehending every relation he (uftain6 to his intelligent creatures. 1 . ! i' Vt/. .1 JA £1 1 ') Christ is all, he is every thing cflential in the falvatidn bf linners ; he is this to all and in ell, the happy objefts of his loVc. There are no loeal or perfonal diferiminations. ' No rxclu- five privileges or monopoly of benefits. “ Nei- ther is there falvation in any other : for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we mull be laved.” He is the fame Lord, and his power and grace the fame for all, and to all who call upon him. . ]> „ .. . ...... The fulnefs of the Redeemer is frequently inculcated, in fimilar comprehenfive fentences. David fays of him, “ all my fprings arc in thee ”* — “ the Lord is my rock, and my fortrefs, and my deliverer, my God, my ftrength’t — “ the Lord is my light and my falvation — the Lord is the {trength of my life.”* Paul calls him “ the captain of falva- tion”^ — “ the author and finiflier of our faith.”j| And * Pfd. lxxxvii. 7. f Pfal. xviii. 2. f Pfal. xxvii. J. $ Hsb. ii. to. fl Heb. xii. 2. £ TTHE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER.’ And thc : bleffe4 Saviour declares concerning limfelf, I am Alpha and Omega — the begin- ning jpid the ending. — the firft and the laft.'’5 Thefe, and innumerable paffages which afcribe £ 0 ) f frirn the glory of pardon and peace, of pre- sent comfort and future happinefs, are fum- med up in the emphatical words of the text, Christ is all and in all. • ’ ' 1 •_ Christ is an official name. It refpe&s the exalted offices the Redeemer fuftained, and the vaft work, which as God and man in one perfon he accomplifhed. . • nlj He mull be man, a perfe£t man, that the law may be obeyed and fatisfied, in the fame nature which had finned. He mull be God, the true God, becaufe no mere creature pof- feffes a right to lay down his life and affign his merits to othersrr-becaufe, it requires infinite wifdom, love and power, to procure for and ap- ply, falvation to the guilty and depraved and becaufe, redemption conftitutes a new claim to an exclufive property in, and dominion over the redeemed. But the Lord w r ill not give his. glory or alienate his claim to another. “ I looked,” faith he, “ and there was none to help — therefore mine own arm brought lalva- tion.”* — “ I, even I am the Lord, and befidcs me Rev. i. 8, 17. * Ifai. Ixiii. 5. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 7 me there is no Saviour.”+ — “ A' juft God ana a Sftviour, there is none befidcs me."£ naqo rfii/r gii!**' J «-f L 1 .*.• t • :ii t **»•»«•* So’ much of the myfterious manner of the divine exiftence is revealed; fo much of God the Father, of God the Son, and of God the Holy Ghoft, the one, the only living and true God, as fuffices, not to gratify unfan&ified curiofity, but to inform believers in what In confequence of the union between the divine nature of 1 the Son of God and the hu- man nature which he aflumed, his whole per- fon as God manifefted in the flefh, is de- fignated by the name of Christj The Apoftle therefore, in the words before us, adopts and confirms the principle, that in revealed religion, God the Redeemer is all and in all. No fubjeft can be more acceptable to thofe who love the Lord Jesus Christ. None more feafonable when adverfaries openly blaf- pherne that iacred name. And none more fuitablc to the chara£ler in which we now ap- pear in his houfe and the work in which we profefs to be engaged. — Father of lights, fource of every good and every perfeft gift, remove the flfai. xliii. 11. f lfai. xlv. 21. 8 THE GLORY -OF THE REDEEMER. the covering which, iiides thy glories from our view. Increafe and ftrengthen our faith to enter within the vail, that beholding with open face, we may be changed into the fame image, from glory to glory { . . cd: n f , 0 lo r fu* .•••'»£ 1 v J 'to e » Christ is all and in all. Every thing great, interefting and neceflary in falvation is juftly predicated of him. — Of a proportion fo general, which comprehends the whole fyftem, Ipreads over all the dodrines, and blends with every article of our creed, the details cannot poffrbly be confidered in the prefent hour. As g fummary of firft principles, it mull fuffice to fhew, that Christ is all and in all, — in the f acred feriptures — in the religion of finners — » and in providence. r t . r : : rzi: : ' r • l£> I. In the facred feriptures Christ is all and in all. The Scriptures teflify of Christ — in the law of Modes, in the Prophets, and in the Pfalms, it is written concerning him, that he was to come, to fuffer, and to rife from the dead, and that repentance and remiffion of fins fhould be preached in his name among all na- tions. — In the Gofpels and Epiftles the ac- complifhmcnt of thefe predidions is recorded, and the dodrines of Iris grace explained and confirmed. — The Ads of the Apoflles exhibit him THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 9 him in his majefty riding profperoufly, fending the rod of his ftrcngth out of Zion, and ruling in the midll of his enemies. — The lafl book of the faored canon is tire Revelation of Jesus Christ, the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almichty. It foretels the profperous and advcrfe date of his Church, the rife and deftrudtion of his ene- mies, and his complete and the final triumph. The volume opens with the promife of his firft appearance. It clofes with an aflurance of his fecond coming. The Scriptures are full of Christ. — Look at every part of the Sacred Word. The Historical pajjaga even of the Old Teftament, refer to Him. The hiftory of creation — the fall of man — the univerfal deluge — the call of Abraham — and the lives of the patriarchs. The feries of events which refpeft that people, of whom as concerning the flelh Christ came, and the mention of other na- tions with whofe fate that people was in fome meafure connected, all point to the fame ob- je6t. They are all introduced, to demonftrate the neceflity of a Saviour, and difeover the marvellous Heps by which providence gradu- ally prepared for the coming of Messiah. The Promises are all in Christ, yea, and in him amen. In him they unite, for his B fake io THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. fake they were made, and through him they become valid and fure. What refpe&s him- felf is the principal promife. The repetition, explanation and confirmation of this, engrofs the chief attention of the facred writers, and run, as golden threads, through every leaf of the infpired volume. The Worship under the law was defign- ed to direct believers to the Messiah. — The municipal inftitutes of a nation in which the Church and State were united, mull of neceflity be comprifed in the fame code with the ecclefi- aftical, and ultimately refer to the fame object. For his fake the theocracy was formed. To fecure the fulfilment of the promifes refpetting him, that people were feparated and dwelt alone until Shiloh came. The moral law was efpecially magnified by his a&ive and paffive obedience, and proved to be holy, juft and good. In the whole, lie is intended. To him it is calculated to lead loft finners. Christ is the end of the law.* The devotional paftages of Scripture all look to Him by whom alone finners find accefs to the Throne. It was faith in him as yet to come, which infpired the fong of the Old Tef- tament Saints, and tuned their harps to praife. It is faith in him who has come and wafhed us from * Gal. iii. 24. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER, n from our fins in his own blood, that now raifcs the voice of rejoicing and falvation in the ta- ' bernacles of the righteous. The Doctrines in Scripture, like fo many bright lines within the lame circle, unite in one glorious point. It is in the face of Jesus Christ that the light of the knowledge of the glory of God fhines moft illultrioully. Banilh Christ from the do&rines, and a fyfteni lu- minous, connetted and fnnple, becomes dark, perplexed and broken. There are detached fa£h, individual doc- trines, moral precepts, which, in themfclves, are excellent, and independently on Christ or his glorious gofpel, cannot fail of claiming approbation and applaufe. — But it will be found, when viewed in their connexion, that thefe fafts are all combined with others which have an immediate refpect to the Saviour — that thefe doctrines either appertain to the re- ligion of nature and are adopted of courfe into the ChriRian fyftem, or they form a part cf other dottrines which dire&iy relate to Christ. And that thefe moral precepts are calculated to convince of guilt and direct fijiners to feek an interefl in his atonement ; or they preferibe a rule of life, by which his people are to ex- prefs their gratitude for faving mercies. — They are all, it is confelfed, excellent in themfclves ; B » but i 2 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. but their higheft excellence, their extenfive and true meaning, can be difcerned alone, by obferving the exprefs relation they bear to the divine Redeemer. There are in the Scriptures, “ fome things hard to be underllood, which they that are un- learned and unftable wreft unto their own de- ftruction.’' (2 Pet. iii. 16.) — The prophecies, antecedent to their accomplifhment, mull of neceflity be, in a great meafure, obfcurc. — ■ The do6trine3 which rcfpe£t the Holy Tri- nity — the Word made flcfh — the operation of the Spirit — the fovereignty of Gon, and a total dependence upon him, are too fublime and myfterious to be fully comprehended by finite minds. And what relates to the depra- vity of human nature, with the infeparable confcqucnces of guilt and fin, are dire&ly op- poled to the pride and prejudices of men. Tfacle are fo many fources of difficulty. Thefe render fome things hard to be underllood, and Hill harder to be cordially embraced. Yet, thefe notwithllanding, all who are taught of God difeover a perfpicuity luflicient to render them wife unto falvation, and they delight to meditate upon the word. None cavil but the ignorant and profane. None but they com- plain, that clouds and darknefs reft upon the Scriptures. — Whatever it may be in regard to other matters, it is certainly beyond contra- diefiart THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 13 diflion that in Christ the hiftory ot the Bible terminates — he is the fum of the pro- mifes — the end of the law — the fpirit of the devotion, and the principal obje& to which the whole is uniformly diredted. He was meant in the types, fhadowed forth in the rites, and exprefsly intended in all the facri- fices. He is the fum, the fcopc of the Old and of the New Teftament. In the Sacred Scriptures Christ is all and in all. The man, therefore, who reads the Bible without finding the Saviour there, is blind. And the mini Her of the gofpel who, to avoid offence, or recommend himfclf to the wicked, conceals the exalted Redeemer, is a mad- man ; cfpecially as, II. Christ is all and in all in the religion of finners. That religion which removes the fatal con- fcquences of fin — permits the guiity and de- praved to worlhip in an acceptable manner — reflores to the favour and communion of God — adminifters confolation, and produces in the iffue, perfection and happinefs, that, and that alone, can be denominated the religion of finners. Every thing fhort of this muff be inadequate to their exigencies, muft be infuf- ficient for their falvation. The 14 THE glory of the redeemer. The religion of nature is far from anfwering thefc exalted purpofes. — From the definitions with which this difcourfe was introduced, and fome obfervations that have tranfiently occur- red, you may perhaps already anticipate what appertains to this part of the fubie£t. It is however of too great importance to be flightly treated. It draws a line of diflinftion, with which many are evidently unacquainted. And it luggefts a principle, of all others the moll effential, in refuting the falfc philofophy of infidelity. No obligation, and confequently no reli- gion, can exifl without fome relation to conllitute a bafis or foundation upon which it rcfls. The foundation of the religion of nature is the relation which arifes from the depend- ence of men confidered as intelligent creatures, upon God as their Creator. This relation will not fuflice for finners. The religion of nature is universal and un- changeable. It preferibes perfect and perpe- tual obedience, as its only polliblc condition ; and it enfures happinel's as long as a perfe- verauce in fucli obedience is uninterruptedly maintained. But it contemplates no deviation from the divine law. It knows ot no rrmedv for tranfgrdlors. A (inner is a monllcr un- known and unacknowledged in the religion of nature. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 15 nature. A Saviour is a gitt in finitely, beyond its province or prerogative. Sin conftitutes a new chara&er. It pro- duces ell'ential embarralfinents. It requires help which nothing in the relation between creatures and their Creator, as fiich, can fuggeft or fupply. The new character renders a ?iczu relation rieccflary. There mull be a Redeemer, Or the evils produced by fin can never be removed. He alone who made them can redeem them, form the relation, and bring them into it. The religion of nature is neceflarily and for- ever binding upon all men as intelligent be- ings. The original obligation can never ceafe or abate. Nothing can infringe, nothing can deftroy it. The religion of nature, in this re- lpecf, is as much the religion of men, after they become finners, as it would have been had they continued holy and perfeft ; and yet by not providing happinefs, is eflentially deficient in a moll important article. — If it obliges the firmer to obedience, while it condemns, and leaves him to all the direful confequences of his tranfgreflion — if the relation upon which it is founded does not reach the new charafter — if the only condition it prescribes, of do this and live, cannot poffibly be complied with, and if the principle that invefligates this obligation, 4 . 1 . O O’ is iC THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. is not competent to the difcovery of any other, that will obviate the complicated miferics pro- duced by fin, then the religion of nature can- not fave; then it is not, and cannot be, the religion that will fuffice for Tinners. Two obligations, each demanding the whole heart, arifing from two diftinft relations, would interfere and prove inconfiftent, were they due to diltin£l Beings. No man can ferve two mailers.' — But if both relations originate from the fame fource, and terminate in the fame ob- ject ; if he who is the Creator, be alfo the Redeemer, no different interefts, no clalhing of authority, no inconliltency can arife from the additional obligation. The duties may lweetly blend, and one harmonious, rational and divine fervice be the bleffed refult. All thefe defeats are compcnfated, all thefe important ends obtained in revealed religion. This fully recognizes and cordially embraces, as of neceffity it ought, the religion of nature. But it does much more. It meets the new charac- ter. It reveals a new relation. It opens a new accefs to God and happinefs. And in this, its effential peculiarity confills. Revealed religion confiders men as finners, and exprefsly treats with them as fuch. Christ came to call riot the righteous, but Turners to repentance. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 17 repentance. The whole need not a phyfician, but the lick. This is the religion which pro- fefledly provides a remedy again ft fin. l'he only religion that informs finners what they muft do to be faved. That procures accept- ance for their perlons and fervices — affords comfort in affli&ion — affuages the pangs of an accufing confcience^promotes holinefs in heart and life — and opens a profpeft of eternal reft and glory. This therefore, with propriety, may be called the religion of sinners. # Now, in this religion Christ is all and in all. With refpeft to the foundation upon which it is built — the benefits derived from it — and the duties to which it binds. What is the language of the Prophets in regard to the Foundation of that religion which can fave finners ? Of what importance do they confider Christ the divine Redeem- er ? — Hear them ££ the Stone which the Builders refufed is become the head (tone of the corner.”* — ££ A foundation, a ftone, a tried ftone, a precious corner ftone, a furc founda- tion. ”t £S I have redeemed thee — I am the Lord thy God — thy Saviour — your Re- deemer.”! — ££ Behold the man whofe name is the branch — he fhall build the temple of tfie C Lord, * Phi. cxviii. 22. f Ifai. xxvii. 16. $ Ifai. xJiii. f , 3, 14. 18 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. Lord, even he {hall build the temple of the Lord, and he {hall bear the glory."* — “ The man that is my fellow. ”t “ His name {hall be called Wonderful, Counfcllor, the Mighty God, the Everlafting Father, the Prince of Peace. “ They {hall call his name Em- manuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”§ How do the Apoflles fpeak upon this fub- je£t ? Who do they declare to be all and in all in the religion of Tinners ? — “ The Word was made flefh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as the only begot- ten of the Father, full of grace and truth. "Jj “ Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. "II Jesus Christ himfelf being the chief comer ftone, in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord. t; The fulnefs of him that fillcth all and in all."** “ In him ye are complete. "ft “ Re- deemed with the precious blood of C h r i st.”££ “ Christ is our life."§§ What is the teflimony of the Lord Jesus Christ refpc&ing himfelf? — “ As the Father hath * Zach. vi. 12, 13. f Zach. xiii. 7. % Ifai. ix. 6. § Ifai. vii. 14. Man. i. 23. || John i. 14, id. «U 1 Cor. iii. II. ** Ephef. ii. 20, 21. | j Eph. i. 23. H 1 Pet. i. 1 8, 19. §§ Colof. iii. 4. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 19 hath life in himfelf; fo hath he given to the Son to have life in himfelf."* “ I and my Fa- ther are onc.”t “ I lay down my life for the fheep."! “ I am the way, and the truth, and the life : no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."§ “ I am the refurreftion and the life.”U — Can any believe the Sacred Scriptures, can they affix a confiftent meaning to thefe paflages, and hefitate a moment in determining the charafter of the Saviour — what relation he bears to the redeemed — and of what impor- tance he is to Tinners ? The Bi n ef its of the everiafting covenant are all ratified in him, and bellowed for his fake. The new heart is his gift. The new birth is produced by his fpirit, and effectual calling ac- complifhed by his grace. He makes his peo- ple willing in a day of his power, and he alone gives reft to the weary and heavy laden. Pardon and peace are the fruits of his pur- chafe. It is in the beloved alone the unwor- thy are accepted. By faith they are juftified as they receive Chicist and become united to him thereby ; not for faith or any merit in be- lieving. The righteoufnefs of the Redeemer C 2 imputed * John v. 26. f John x. 30. J John x. 15. 6 John xiv. 6. |J John xi. 25. 20 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. imputed to his people is the foie meritorious caufe of their j unification. — As by one man’s difobedience many were made finners, fo by the obedience of one fhall many be made righ- teous.* He “ who knew no fin, was made fin for us, that we might be made the righteoufnefs of God in him.’T He is the Lord our Righ- teoufnefs. J Santtijication flows from the fame opened fountain. For holinefs believers are as de- pendent upon Christ as for their pardon and right to eternal life. He is made to his people fan&ification. “ He delivers his captives from the mighty and his prey from the terri- ble.” Deflroys the dominion of fin in them, and begins, carries on and perfects what con- cerns the reltoration of his image to all the redeemed. To him his followers owe their fafety and perfeverance ; he feeds the flock, gathers the lambs with his arms, and none can pluck them out of his hand. His counfel guides, his arm defends, and his prefence cheers and animates them on their way. Strengthened by him, they run and are not weary, they walk and faint not. • ?T In * Rom. v. 19. f i Cor. y. 21. f Jcr. xxiii. 6. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 21 In Death they are comforted by his rod and ftaff. To him they commit their departing (pints.* They enter into his peace, they reft in their beds of duft. + And dying in him, their death is blefted.J His voice will burft the tombs and raife the dead. All who are in their graves {hall hear and come forth. The Redeemer of Abraham, and of the children of Abraham, is the Sa- viour alfo of the body. Becaufe he lives they fhall live*alfo.§ From his mouth the fentcnce {hall proceed which abfolves from guilt and welcomes to the manfions he has prepared. And it is he who is to prefent the redeemed family, wafti- ed in his own blood and freed from fin and forrow, to be fatiated with the full fruition of the love of God the Father, with the uninterrupted participation of the grace of God the Son, and the continued communion of God the Holy Ghoft. In all the benefits of the covenant of grace, in all the bleflings conferred upon thofe who are faved, either in this life or hereafter, Christ is all and in all. He has procured them. He beftows * Atfs vii. 59. Pfal. xxxi. 5. f Ifai. Ivii. 2. + Rev. xiv. 13. § John xiv. 19. 22 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. bellows them. From him and through him they are all derived. The Duties to which revealed religion binds, are equally related to the adorable Sa- viour. Faith, in its firft appropriating a£l, has an immediate refpeft to him, and it continues to honour him in the whole fubfequent life of the believer. “ I live,” fays the Apoftle, expref- fing the experience of himfelf and of all the children of God; “ I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flefh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himfelf for me.”* — In repentance , the contrite and bro- ken in heart look unto him whom they have pierced and mourn. t — Hope refts upon his word, with a firm perfuafion that he is able to keep what is committed unto him againfl that day.J — We love him becaufe he firft loved us.§ His love conftrains to affeflionate returns ; and fo effential are thefe, that all who love not the Lord ]esus Christ are ftigmatized with an anathema — maranatha.[J — In every aft of worjhip, in prayer, in praife, in celebrating the ordinances, ft ill the Redeemer is acknow- ledged. In his name addrelles are prefented to the * Gal. Ii. 20. f Zach. xil. io. f 2 Tim. i. 12. § i John iv. 19. || J Cor. xvi. 22. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 23 the throne ; through him believers draw near ; baptifm and the fupper arc the figns and feals of what he has accomplifhcd. In all he is cx- prefsly remembered. — “ Whatfoever his people do in word or in deed, they do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.’’* “ As the branch cannot bear fruit without the vine, no more can they without him.”+ By adhering to him, depending upon him, and deriving flrength from him they become fruitful. “ Without him they can do nothing. Is it not evident, that in pra&ice, as well as in theory, all religion centres in Christ? — that he is the foundation of the whole ? — that the benefits proceed from him ? — and that eve- ry duty has a regard to him, is accepted for his fake, and performed by flrength derived from him? — In the religion of finners Christ is all and in all. How little do infidels know of the founda- tion and properties of that very religion in which they profefs to truft, and how much lefs of that which they oppofe ! how ignorant are they of the Saviour, who deny his divinity and atonement ! W ith a profeffed fubmiffion to re- velation, and various modifications, the Soci- nian fyftem flill remains the religion of nature. — Over * Colof. iii. 1 7. f John xv. 4. f John xv. 5. 24 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. — >Over this fame ftone of {tumbling all un- converted men, however found their profefiion of the truth may be, are actually falling. Strangers to the new relation, to the only foundation which God has laid, they (till reft upon the old balls. This is all, by nature, they can know. III. Christ is all and in all in Provi- dence. The whole adminijlration of providence is in his hand — he is alfo the End to which its move- ments are fubfervient, and in which all the feries of events will finally terminate. In both thefe refpefts Christ is all and in all. l. He is inverted with the a£lual adminijlra- tion of providence. Christ, the eflential Word, “ was in the beginning with God, and was God. All things were made by him.”* “ All that are in heaven and that are in earth, vifible and invifi- ble, whether they be thrones, dominions or powers, all things were created by him and for him.”+ AsS he is before all things, fo “ by him all things confift.” He is the glorious dif- penfer of providence, die foie ruler and go- vernor of the world. “ The father judgeth no , • man, * John i. i, 3. f Colof. i. 16, 17. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 25 rmn, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son, that all men may honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.” — He is the kin^ of nations in the molt extenfive fenfe, as it refpc£ls the divine prefervation, co-operation and government. And he is the king of faints, and head of his Church, in confequence of a more intimate and fpecial relation which fub- fifts between him and the redeemed family. Of the kingdom of nature and the kingdom of grace Ch,r i st has the foie direttion. In the ac- tual adminiftration of both he is all and in all. With regard to the former, it is faid of him — ■“ a king fliall reign and profper, and fhall execute judgment and juftice in the earth”* — “ The Lord reigneth’T — “ Thy throne of God is forever: a feeptre of righteoufnefs is the feeptre of thy kingdom.”^ — As in the be- ginning he laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens were the work of his hands, fo to him the government of the whole is com- mitted. He employs them as inflruments to fulfil his pleafure, and when his work is ac- complilhed, he fhall fold them up as a veflure, and they fhall be changed. But he remains the fame and his years fhall not fail. The mediatorial kingdom of Christ is dif- tindf from that eternal dominion over all worlds D which * Jer. xxiii. 5. \ Pfal. xciii. I. J Heb. i. 8. 2 6 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. which appertains to him as God. It is a kingdom peculiar to the new relation which redemption has formed, and is difpenfed in the moft perfeCt harmony with the other. — It has pleafed the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghod, that in Christ all fulnefs fhould dwell.* And becaufe he humbled himfelf and became obedient unto death, even the death of the crofs. God hath alfo highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee fhould bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that eve- ry tongue fhould confefs that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.f - The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hands.J All power is given unto him in heaven and in earth.§ The union of two natures in Christ, ren- ders the independent and the delegated power perfectly confident. Nothing contradictory or improper is implied in committing the twofold adminidration to the fame hand. — What is pe- culiar to either nature, is always in feripture af- cribed to the whole perfon of the Redeemer. To inculcate the mydery of God manifed in the dedi more forcibly, things are frequently predicated, with the mention of one nature, which * Color, i. 19. t Phil. ii. 8, 9, 10, 1 J. J John iii. 35. § Matt, xxviii. 18. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 27 which can of neceffity be applicable only to the other. Thus God is faid to have pur- chafed the Church “ with his own blood.”* And thus, it was no robbery in Christ to be equal with God, while at the fame time, he was a man, a fervant, made under the law and amenable to its demands. And hence alfo, he may polTefs an independent and divine right to the government of providence, and yet be cloathed with a delegated authority expxefsJy committed to him as mediator. The origin, nature, and dignity of this king- dom which Christ adminifters, maybe luf- ficiently gathered from the terms by which it is diftinguifhed in feripture. It is called the kingdom of GW,+ bccaufc God is the immediate author and founder of itj — God himfelf is the king — and the per- fections of God are more difplayed in this, than in all his other works. It is called the kingdom of heaven becaufe it is great, precious and excellent — more fpi- ritual under the New Teflament than it was under the Old — approaches in its privileges and benefits as near to the worfhip and joys of heaven, as it can on earth be brought — and fce- D 2 caufe * Adis xx. 28. f Pfa!. xlv. 6. Ifai. Hi. 7. Luke xvii zc* ± Daniel ii. 44. Ffal, cx. 1. $ Matt. iii. 2 28 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. caufe this is the laft difpenfation, which fhali change the ftate of grace into that of glory. It is declared to be a kingdom not of this world* as — it is a fpiritual kingdom and re-> fpefts the heart, principles as well as conduct — is not propagated by external violence, but by the power of the truth and an appeal to confcience — the benefits it confers are of a mo- ral nature and have an immediate relation to a future ftate — it in no meafure interferes with the governments . and kingdoms of this world, in their policy, laws, or adminiftration-?— it pof- feffes no earthly luftre, makes no ftiew of dia- dems and purple, and is dire6lly oppofed to the carnal expe&ation of the Jews, who looked for fplendour, conqueft, and nniverfal domi- nion over all other nations. — It promifes no temporal emoluments, no exemption from trou- bles, pains or Ioffes — it affures its fubjetts that in this world they (hall have tribulation, while it referves for them a recompenfe of joy and everlafting reft, beyond the graye. The adminiflration of this kingdom com- menced, when the Saviour was firlt promifed. From the beginning he has had the charge both of the world and oi tire church. But, af- ter his refurre&ion it was difplayed in a more illuftrious and fingular manner. Having fi- nilhed * John xviii. 36. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. a 9 nifhed the atonement and overcome, the man Christ Jesus, the exalted human nature united to the perfon of the Son of God, fat down with his Father upon his throne.* Agreeably to the predi&ion : I have let my king upon my holy hill of Zion.t The duration of his dominion is unlimited. “ Of the increafe of his government and peace, there fhall be no end/’J His name lhall en- dure for ever. His name fhall be continued as long as the fun, “ he fhall reign throughout all generations, and the change in the admi- niffration at the clofe of the difpenfation of grace, will not divert, him of his effential ho- nours. The kingdoms of the earth, every empire and nation have a date fixed for their rife, con- tinuance and diffolution. But this kingdom is founded upon a balls which defies the alfaults, and foils the power and policy of all its ene- mies. Other governments have parted away, and all in their turn fhall fall, but this will ftand, and with increafing glory remain for- ever. — Where are the mighty monarchies of Aflyria and Chaldea ? Where the vefliges of the rapid vi&ories of Alexander, or the fplen- did triumphs of Caefar, the conquefts of Mace- donia, ‘*'"Rev. iii. 21. f Pfal. ii. 6. j Ifai. ix. 7. $ Pfal. lxx^i. 17. 3 o THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER* donia, or the domination of Rome ? They are all gone. They are vanilhed like the empty vifions of the night, and barely flalk in hiflory, as the ghofls of fallen empires. Where will be the pomp and power of emperors, kings and republican rulers who now defolate the world, with wars, revolutions and havock ? like their predeceflbrs, they will foon be crumbled to the dull, and leave not a wreck behind. — Cities once celebrated for their extent, riches and po- pulation, are razed, and the remnant of their ruins l'carcely exhibit a proof of their former exiftence. Babylon, the metropolis of the world, the glory of kingdoms, the queen of cities, is fwept by the befom of deftru&ion. Her walls and turrets which lhadowed the plains of Shinar, her gorgeous palaces, her lofty hanging gardens and fumptuous terraces, are all demolilhcd. It is only known, that amidfl the fens and marlhes, dragons now howl and fatyrs dance, where Babylon once flood. — It is not fo with the city which hath foundations, whofe maker and builder is God. It is not fo with the kingdom whofe government is ad- miniflered by the bleffed mediator. This fhall remain and furvive all the fucceffive empires and cities on earth. No weapon that is form- ed againfl Zion fhall profper.* God is in the midfl of her, flic fhall not be moved.t * The * Ifui. liv. 17. f Pfal. xlvi. 5. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 3 i The extent of this kingdom will correfpond with its dignity and duration. It is a light thing for the glorious Redeemer to raife up the tribes of Jacob only, he is given alfo for a light to the Gentiles, to be the falvation of God unto the end of the earth.* All Ifraei fhall be faved and the fulnefs of the Gentiles alfo come in.t The heathen arc given to him For his inheritance, and the uttermofl parts of the earth for his poffeffion.J He fhall have dominion from fea to fea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. The fmall glean- ings from the multitude of finners which has hitherto been made for Christ, cannot com- port with the glorious extent intended in thefe promifes. The time will therefore come, when ** the face of the covering caft over all people, and the vail that is fpread over all nations fhall be deftroyed.”|| When the earth fhall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters O cover the fea.5 t It is to effeft this interefting purpofe, that Christ the Loud, the Saviour reigns. For this the government is in his hands. Every event is under his controul. In the admini- Itradon of providence, he is all and in all. 2 . But Christ is alfo the End of provi- dence. *■ Ifai. xlix. 6 . f Rom. xi. 25, 26. J Pfal. ii. 8. § Pfal. lxxii. 8, ii. || Ifai. xxv. 7. f Ifai. xi. 9. 32 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. dence. To him the whole difpenfation has an immediate refpeft. To fulfil the divine decree of bringing glory to the Redeemer, all the vaft feries of events are rendered fubfervient, and to this point, in all their intricate move- ments the wheels are forever turning. The world is eflablilhed in Christ that it cannot be moved.* For his fake it is fpared and daily bleffings beftowed even upon the re- bellious ; the world, even for this, has caufe to rejoice that the Redeemer reigneth. But it is efpecially a reafon for joy, and the multitude of ifies may be glad, that the whole earth will at length fubmit to Christ, that the darkefl: corners will be enlightened by the Sun of Righteoufnefs, and all flefh lhall fee the glory of the Lord. The event is determined. From the rifing of the fun, even unto the going down of the fame, his name lhall be great among the Gen- tiles.t All the ends of the world lhall remem- ber and turn unto the Lord ; all the kindreds of the nations lhall worfhip before him.£ The kingdoms of this world lhall become the king- doms of our Lord and of his Christ.^ — Heaven and earth lhall pafs away, but thefe promifes lhall not fail. He will overturn, overturn, * Pfal xciii. i. f Mai. i. it. % Pfal. xxii. 27. $ Rev. xi.' 15. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 35 overturn, overturn, until he come whofe right it is, and he will give it him.”* This is the great fcope and end of providence, and fhali moft afluredly be attained. Infinite wifdom will employ the belt means for producing the belt end, and almighty power enfure fucccTs. The different Itagcs through which the Church inufl pafs, the progrelfive manner in which all this will be obtained, are indifputa- bly marked in the prophetic vifion which Da- niel interpreted.f — “ A flone was cut out without hands, which fmote the image — and the Hone which fmote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth — in the days of thefe kings fhali the God of hea- ven fet up a kingdom, which fhali never bo deftroyed, and the kingdom fhali not be left to other people, but it fhali break in pieces and confume all thefe kingdoms, and it fhali Hand forever." Let it fuffice to remark upon this celebrated prophecy : that the Church, the vifible king-, dom of Christ in the world, is here exhibited as remaining for a feries of ages, — fmall and circumscribed in its limits moveable and changing its place — fullering and expofed to bufferings and infults. A flate, very aptly de- fignated by comparing it to a flone. But a E feafost * Ezek. xxi. 27. f Daniel ii. 34, 35, 44, 34 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. feafon will arrive, when it Shall triumph over all its adverfaries, extend its boundaries and fpread throughout the world. Expreffed in the ■prophetic emblem, by a great mountain that (hall fill the whole earth. During the firlt period, (by a learned expo^ fitor* called the kingdom of the flonc) the wicked have been permitted to exert their ut- moft efforts of malice and power again!! the anointed King of Zion. Enemies from with- out have affaulted the Church with violent persecutions ; and an enemy within, more for- midable from his Situation, has made deeper thrufts, corrupted the truth, and worn out the faints with cruel oppreflion. But, when thefe have wafted their ftrength, and the gates of hell oppofed in vain ; at the period fixed for the difplay of the Saviour’s grace and glory in the world, his Church will Suddenly affume a new form. Her mourning be turned into joy, her widow’s weed exchanged for the garment of Salvation. The ftone will rapidly grow into a mountain. The kingdom of Christ literally fill the whole earth. — Thus it will be grateful- ly acknowledged that he adminifters the go- vernment ; it will then be Seen with rapture, that his gloiy is the end ; and mankind will hail the divine Redeemer as alio, all and in all in providence. . And * Jo seth Medf. — Regnum hpldis — Regnum wont it. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 3$ And now, my Brethren, what think ye of Christ ? what think ye of him who is the principal fubjetf of the bible, the only bafis of redemption, the adminiftrator and the end of every difpenfation ? is he not the chief among ten thoufand and altogether lovely ? is he not all and in all — in the facred feriptures — in the religion of finners — and in provi- dence P and ought he not to be all our falva- tion and all our defire ? Ihould not our hearts glow with gratitude while we contemplate the amazing work ? Can we look with cold indif- ference upon what infinite wifdom has plan- ned, upon what love pafling knowledge has accomplilhed ? — Prejudiced infidelity may pro- nounce the gofpel folly, and the humble mani- feftation of the Messiah prove a Humbling block to his ancient people. But to us the fcandal of the crofs is more than compenfated by the glory which fucceeded. We know the man of forrows is now exalted “ on the right hand of the throne of the majefty in the heavens.”* His adverfaries may then blafpheme, and the impious fay, “ we will not have this man to rule over us.” But we with cheerful fubmifiion and adoring confidence, reply — come Lord Jesus — K ing of kings and Lord of lords — - thou art worthy to receive glory and honour and power — rule thou in the midft of thine E 2 enemies. * Heb. viii. 1. 3 6 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. enemies. Reign in our hearts.” Let this he our firft impreffion, this our firft fentiment. Diminutive as man appears when compared with the univerfe, and lefs than nothing when likened unto God ; mean as a creature in the fcale of beings, and ftill lefs and unworthy as a finner ; there is neverthelefs no ground for cavil againfl the infinite price at which falvalion is obtained, or the amazing method by which the work is accomplilhed. An immortal foul ca- pable of receiving the divine image, of know- ing, loving, and ferving God in confummate blifs forever, is not a little thing. Millions of fuch are not beneath the notice and care of the Supreme. — Small and great are comparative terms. No part of the moral creation is in it- felf inconfiderable. The harmony which nTuft fublilt in the divine government, the connec- tion of fyftems, the influence of worlds upon worlds, of every part of the vaft dominion of God upon the whole, of prefcnt tranfa&ions upon the ages of eternity, render it abfolutely impoflible for finite minds to eftimate what is ftnall or great, or determine upon the queftion of propriety and right. — If God defigns to magnify his love and difplay the riches ot his grace, in faving even the leaft, the youngeft ol the family, it may be cxpe£ted, that in the plan and accompli fliment, it will be worthy of him- felf. No flop can be too marvellous, no part of THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 37 of the work too aflonifhing, nor need it offend the highefl intelligences to find that, in be- coming a Redeemer, he performs a new work, and affumes the very nature he redeems into a perfonal union with himfelf. Nothing is too great for God. The ends hereby attained may not only reach the redeemed, but in their blef- fed confcquences extend to the whole creation, and produce moft glorious and falutary effeCls to all eternity. Whatever it may be, his thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are our ways his ways. Far then from exclaiming, how can thefe things be ? or raifing objections from the character and relative infignificance of man, it becomes us to believe and adore. The difficulty of reconciling fuch proceedings in the moral government to our views and expec- tations, ferves rather to enhance the value of this great falvation, confirm its certainty, and prompt us with cheerfulnefs to fubmit to the glorious gofpel of the Lord Jesits Christ. * if , I The angels of God worfhipped him.* At his birth they fung “ glory to God in the highefl during his humiliation on earth they attended ; and are now, through all their fhin- ing hierarchies, fubjeCled to his authority and employed by him to minifler to the heirs of falvation. He is their Lord, but he is our Redeemer. To us the child was born. To us * Heb. i. 6. 3 s THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. us the Son was given. He took not upon him the nature of angels, but the feed of Abraham. He came to fave Tinners of mankind, the chief of finners. Let finners then, let the chief of finners bow before him, and praife God their R edeemer. Praife him for his unfpeakable gift. Praife him for becoming man and fuffer- ing, the juft for the unjuft. Praife him for en- tering within the vail, as their forerunner and intercelfor. Praife the King eternal, immortal and invifible, exalted far above all principali- ties and powers, the head over all things to the Church. Praife ye him all his angels. Praife ye him all his hofts. Let every thing that hath breath praife the Lord. And be not ye filent who have tailed that he is gracious. Let the redeemed efpecially fay fo, “ and the children of Zion be joyful in their King.'’* 2. Are the Sacred Scriptures infpired of God, do they reveal a Saviour, are they able to make us wife unto falvation, why then are they neglefted, why traduced by thofe who are within the reach of information and might rea- dily obtain convi£lion of their origin and au- thority ? — It is not the want of evidence, my brethren ; it is not any rational obje&ion that creates this averfion or ftimulatcs to oppofition. An enmity againft God, an impatience under conftraint, a licentious fpirit, prompt them to rage * Phi. cl. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 39 rage and take counfel againft the Lord and his anointed. Nothing, that can be deviled neccfTary to fupport the teflimony of Scripture, is lacking. But the precepts are too fevere, the dottrines too humbling, and the Saviour too holy, to meet their unfan&ified approba- tion. They hate the Author and wreak their malice upon his book. Had the Bible been only a republication of the religion of nature ; had no other relation but that of Creator been revealed, the fyllem would have been more acceptable, the refi fiance lefs ftrenuous. But provoked to be treated as finners, enraged at the hand that brings the balm to heal the wound«d, they fpurn the Redeemer, and pour contempt upon his proffered bleffings. v Know, ye profane, ye infidels be warned, that to rejett revealed religion is in the ifl'ue to cafl off alfo that of nature. He that hates God the Redeemer cannot love God the Creator. Deifm verges faft upon Atheifin. There is but a flep between the virulent ene- my of the gofpel and the wretch who defies the Maker of heaven and earth. — Look at the philofophifls of the prefent age. See the point at which they aim, the goal at which many of them are arrived, and fhudder at the fatal con- fequences that await your infidelity. Fly from the dreadful precipice upon which you fland. 4 o THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 3. Has the everlafting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth become a Redeemer ? Has he, whom the heavens and the heaven of heavens cannot contain, conde- feended indeed to dwell on the earth and af- fume our nature ? Has the blelfed Emmanuel finifhed a work, too great for men or angels ? Did he come to fave Tinners ? Is his call ex- prefsly addreffed to them, as fuch ? Is he able to fave to the uttermoft ? And, has he promif- ed in no wife to caft out thofe who come to him? — What glad tidings of great joy! With bended knees and adoring hearts, pronounce him welcome. With the exulting multitude exclaim : “ Blelfed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord; hofanna in the higheft- j| — But let the external homage of profehion, be attended with the fincere dedication of the foul ; or in a day of trial your hofannas may change into blafphemies, your cry oi welcome into the horrid Ihout of crucify him, crucify him ! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou ihalt be faved.f In revealed religion faith is elfential. That faith which refpedls the per- fon of the Redeemer, while it cordially em- braces his truths. That which receives Him as offered in the gofpel, and completes an union, which is the foie bafis upon which the imputa- tion of his meritorious Rightcoulncfs can pro- ceed. — |] Matt. xxi. 9. f Afts xvi. 3T. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 41 I «eed. — Reft not therefore fatisfied with a name to live: your benevolence, temperance, re£ti- tudc, and all the train of perfonal and public virtues, which endear you to the commu- nity, and render you valuable to fociety, will not avail to procure pardon with God, or pu- rify your polluted fouls. It is the blood of Christ alone that cleanfeth from all fin. He is all and in all in the religion of linners. Look then unto him and be ye laved. 4. Hath the Father loved the Son and given all things into his hand ? — his people love the Son alfo, and have entrufled him with their all. His fulnefs is their fecurity ; his power and government their choice ; and they gladly crown him Lobd and King — behold then, be- lievers, the glory of your exalted Head, and whatever others do, rejoice ye that the Lord the Saviour reigns.. Is he all and in all in providence ? Then what you have committed to him is fafe. Your life is hid with Christ in God, and nothing fhall feparate you from his love. He hath faid, I will never leave you nor forfake you.* He careth for yout — go in his name. Be flrong in his flrength. Be faithful unto death, and he will give you a crown of life. . F * Heb. xiii. 5, 6_ f 1 Pet. v. 7. I.s I 42 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER.' Is he all and in all in providence ? Then his Church is fafe ; his trembling faints may filfi pend their anxiety for the iffue of her conflicts. What, if the wicked combine and (train every nerve to undermine the City of God! What, if the enemy with co!le£ied (Length and in- creafed fury come in like a flood! There is a banner ready to be lifted up, which has waved - in triumph over former foes, and will again be the fignal of defence and victory. The ftone that was cut out without hands may fuftain in- numerable indignities and be expofed to immi- nent dangers. But it will relift every (hock, and affuredly break in pieces all who fall upon it. That ftone is referved to become a moun- tain. The Redeemed is enthroned in power to attain this very end. The decree is paffed, and the zeal of the Lord of hofts will fulfil his promife. 5. Every part of this fubje£t has an imme- diate refpeft to the work in which we are now engaged. Had the Miftionary Society any temporal purfuits in view ; did the profpe&s of gain, of policy or ambition, mingle with the motives which have aft'ociated us ; fomc other topic would have been chofen this evening, and arguments of a different complexion, de- rived from other fources, claimed your atten- tion. But, what is our work, what our objeft ? Is it not to honour the divine Redeemer — to make THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 43 make known to the heathen that a Saviour reigns — to extend the kingdom of righteoul- nefs, peace and truth to idolatrous lavages — and change the habitations of ignorance ^nd cruelty into enlightened dwelling^ of purity and comfort ? This work, like the kingdom to which it appertains, is nor of this world. It partakes of nothing that is cenfurahle ; oppofes no interefl but that of hell ; and is entitled to the prayers and benedi&ions of all who aferibe glory to God, or cherilh good will to men. Acting upon fuch principles, and with the anfwer of a good and well informed coqfcience, wh# inftrudhon, in regard to duty, and what encouragement to perfeverance, need now be added ? Hope for the heathen, the certainty of their future converfion, and the obligation up- on Clariftians to be attive and zealous in pro- pagating the gofpel, have, upon a. former oc- cafion, been urged with fuch llrengtb of ar- gument, and enforced with fo much energy, that the impreffion then made muft be indeli- ble. To prefent the fame obje£!s again to your view, would anfwer no valuable pur- pofe. If you believe indeed that Christ is all and in all, your hearts have burned within you while contemplating the glory which fucceeded his iufferings, and you are ready to cry out, “ Let the heavens rejoice, F 2 and 4+ THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. and let the earth be glad — fay among the hea- then the Lord reigneth.* The mailer whom you ferve is worthy of every return that obedience and love can dic- tate. Your moll painful labours, perfevering indullry, and ftrenuous exertions to promote his gofpel, are infinitely lefs than is due for his diftinguilhing grace. — The falvation you llrivc to promulgate is great and worthy of all ac- ceptation. It imparts peace and confolation here ; it enfures perfe£tion and glory hereafter. The fouls of favages are immortal and precious as your own. Their elfential interells the fame. — Every fentiment of gratitude to your Re- deemer and of benevolence to men — the ob- ligation to communicate to others what has been freely bellowed upon you, and the ex- prefs command to “ teach all nations," which is Hill unrepealed, confpire to confirm the du- ty, fix your refolves, and animate you with courage in this laudable enterprife. May your labours be crowned with fuccefs, and the wil- dernefs, under your cultivation, rejoice and bloffom as the rofe ! The promife annexed to the divine com- mand fuggells the moll ample fupport. The prcfcnce of the Lord, like the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night, will prove a guide, proteftion * Pfal. xcvi. 10, 1 1. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 4j prote&ion and comfort to his fcrvants. If he be “ alway with them, even unto the end of the world,” they may proceed with confidence and anticipate profperity. While fome unite their counfels, others can boldly go forth in his name. The root of Jefle will Hand for an enfign of the people. To it fhall the Gentiles feek, and his reft Jfhall be glorious.* The difpenfations of providence in connec- tion with the furc word of prophecy, juftly raife our expettations, and may be confidered as unequivocal tokens of fignal fuccefs. — What- ever may be the period from which the rife of Antichrift is to be dated, it is evident his ufurpations and tyranny are drawing to a clofe. That wicked power which has fo long refilled the progrefs of the gofpel, but which for fome time has been gradually confirming, will foon be deftroyed by the brightnefs of the Re- deemer’s coming. The laft ftruggles of the monfter may be violent, and his expiring ago- nies protra&ed, but he is certainly dying. The weftern and eaftern Antichrift, which with their combined influence, are perhaps confidered in feripture as one, arofe nearly at the fame time and will fall together. The vials of wrath now pouring upon thofe nations which gave their aid and fupport to the man * Ifai. xxi. i o f 46 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER, man of fin. The defolations of War, the revo- lutions, terrors ancl convulfions, unrecorded before in hiftory, announce the approach of fome period, new and interefting. The Re- deemer is fhaking the nations, and fyis people hope, it is to prepare the way for his coming. We prefume not with confidence to afcertain “ the times or the feafons which the Father hath put in his own power.’’* But as we know, that, when the fig-tree putteth forth leaves, the fum- mer is nigh ; fo when we fee ^11 tbefe things, we know that the coming of the fon of man is near, even at the door.f Under the frown of infidelity, and in defi- ance of that infernal power which, with accu- mulated ftrength and fury, is making havock of the churches, the fpirit of the Lord is poured out upon them as waters upon the dry ground, and they unite with a cordiality and come forward with a zeal before unknown. In the Indies, in the iflands of the Pacific Ocean, and in Africa, the precious name of Jesus is now proclaimed by their heralds. Our feeble efforts, although late, have not been difowncd by our Lord. We have fucceeded in ob- taining one mifiionary, and he is now on his way to a tribe of favages upon our frontiers. The Lord dirc& the fteps of his Tenant, and render this beginning of our labours as “ the handful * A As i. 7. f Matt. xxiv. 30, 32, 33. THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. 47 handful of corn upon the top of the mountain, the fruit whereof fhall (hake like Lebanon !”J Take, my brethren, a deliberate view of afl thefe events. Collect them in a point, and feel the encouragement which they are calcu- lated to infpire. Whatever may be the imme- diate confequencc of your efforts, it will be ac- cepted of the Lord, that it was in your hearts to build him an houfe. Whatever may be the iffue of the individual or joint exertions in this good work ; it will not be long before the morning will break, and with its rifing luftre difpel the fhades of night. Another feafon of refrefhing is at hand. Another Pentecofl will awaken the churches and amaze the world. The cruel conflift which muft terminate in killing the witneffes, can afFord the adverfary but a fhort triumph. The fpirit of life from God will again enter into them. (Rev. xi. 11.) Order will fpeedily arife out of confufion, light fucceed to darknefs, and the Redeemer take to himfelf his great power and reign. His breath will fhake the flain multitudes, and na- tions be born in a day. The Jews are ready to hail their own Messiah, and all the ends of the earth will fee the falvation of God. — Hear the decree which enfures the final fuccefs of the gofpel and the glory of the Redeemer : “ He muft reign until he hath put all enemies under J PfJ. lxxii. 1 6. I 48 THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER. under his feet— then cometh the end when he fhall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father— that God may be all in all” Amen.