E N L A R G E M E N T OF CHRIST’3 KINGDO^r, THE OBJECT OF A CIIRFiTIAN’s PRAYERS AMD E X E R T I O X S. A DISCOURSE, DELIVERED in the DITTCH CHURCH, IN ALBANY; BEFORE THE NORTHERN MISSIONARY SOCIETY IN THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, AT THEIR O R G A X I Z A T I O X, Fes. 14, 1797. Bv JOHN BL^IR SMITH , D. 7). President of Union-College, at Schenectadt. . A/. SCHENECTADY ; FEINTED EV C. F. V/VCKOFF, IN GTATE-STlUiii'**. 1 7 97- y At a mating oj the Northern M.ijJionary Society in the State of Nezu-York, at Albany, Feb. 14, 1797* "O E SOLVED, that the thanks of this Soci- ety be given to the Reverend John B. Smith, Prefident of Union College, for his ex- cellent Sermon delivered at the organization of the Society, and' that a copy be requefted for publication. ExtraB from the Minutes, JOHN BASSETT, Secretary. r O THE NORTHERN MISSIONARY SOCIETY IN THE STATE OF NEAV-YORK, Tkc following Dijcourje DELIVERED and PUBLISHED AT THEIR REQUEST, IS, WITH GREAT RESPECT DEDICATED By The AUTHOR. A D V L R T 1 S E £ N T. -fc. ^iiL.fuufti:r.cc nf the J'ollo’Jiin^ Rffcourfe "Ji'ns deliv- er/ I at the or^anL atir-n cf tie Noi tlieni IViiflionarr Society in the llntc cf IN’ e\v- York, atnl is no'.vJubn:itted to the perttfal end candor of the public. The Author, vuoccrp.ouicd to the puhlication of his thoughts in this r.anner, has •■jcrtturtd, u ith great rcluBiir.ee, to comply •xith the reqncfl of his friends upon the prefent cccafto.:. 'J he fiihjecl, indeed, is fufficieniiy important to demand repeated attention from Cbrifiians ; and it was certainly fuited to the dfign of the meeting at which it wms hand- led ; but it is fo fimiliar and common, that it was not prefumed, it could now be clothed W'ith fueb appendages, as would render it reriarlahly intere fling in the perujal. On this ground principally , the Author was diffident in committing to the prefs, what was intended only for a ftn- gle hearing on a particular occefon. However, he has beer, induced to rcfgn the difpofal of it, to the judgment of the Society, whofe piety and %cal, no doubt, have inclin- ed them to hope, that even common topics and arguments on filch a fubjeci, might he vfefulio the mafs of readers. When the difeourfe was delivered, the author had com- pofed nothing more than fhort notes of its principal parts ; and having been prevented from writing more fully for feveral months afterwards, by fcknefs, extreme dehi'.ity, and numerous indifpenfalile engagements, he hopes to be excufed for any defepis. Whatever fight variations may be perceived with regard to the prefent illitf rations of the fiihj'eci when compared with the difeourfe as it was preoch- ed, he can afj'ure the reader, that the fihfance of that difeourfe, as fur as it was penned, or could he afterwards recollcdcd, is now given to the public. The whole is committed to the hlejfing of Cod, and re- commended to the prayers of the pious. Scliene&udy, July i, 1797. • V ( ' >,’t' » >. ^’©'■''■^: ■■ ■ V . 1 •, : ..,1 . „ . rfl • .. I* /\,,\Wr'.-.NA- r';. .• >u ‘j*"l'^-v t,.,-,-n .-.. '■mV-v .AV"'-’ t' tI ki iM . f ■ vh ’ • 4c*^iVV 'I *'' \ ' • .»;\i - .V -V .r -o*;- .' ti. .,V,;*, ' #.'< -M -.’. \v>'* ' V v'T.,- ,v mf. \ 4 t'* *,' a/'fiT f 4 * 'I'A 2M" ■ .’:\; ^ 5 ! '^'‘- " *i 4 ' liW ' ' gH ' i , I A DISCOURSE, &c. Math. vi. lo. — Thy kingdom come ! C HRISTIANS regard the objeftof this peti- tion as a matter of the hi^hoft importance. It is their ardent deCre, that the o’ivine authority and dominion may be perceived and achnowleg- ed throunhout the Univerfe ; that (he kin ;doia of God may be vilibly and exten lively promoted. But, efpecially, their regard tor the glory cf their Lord and Savior induces them to pray, that the peculiar di-'penfation cf the kingdom of grace which he has introduced amongd rebelli- ous men, may have an unobhruthed progress. They perceive that, in this way, the divine cha- rader will be moft remarkably difpiayed ; the divine foverei i^nty will be mofl efFeduaily main- tained and promoted ; and the order and bap- pinefs of the creation be befl fecured. Hence their Chriflian zeal and philanthropy prompt them to an earned folicitude with regard to this great objed, which excites both their prayers and correfpondent exertions, to fecure it ; to obtain the increafe and liability of the Redeemer's C 8 ] kingdom. In this petition, therefore, which foruis a part ot that model of prayer, prefcrib- ed by our Savior to his difciples, the divine teacher combines, both, the duty and the incii- i;ation of his people ; and commands them to pray for that, which is habitually the firfl and dearefi wifh of their heart. Altho’ this injundtion of our Lord w'as addref- fed to his immediate dilciples ; and had perhaps a peculiar reference to the intereh which it became them to take, wdth regard to the introdudion of that fpiritual kingdom which had been early pre- dicted, and of which the eriablilhinent was ex- pected under the Mefliah ; yet we may fairly ]>reiume that it has a more general intention. The analogy ct the cafe fufiicicntly fhews, that it embraces, within its diredlion, Chrilliaus in all fucceeding periods, and alludes to the con- cern which they ought to feel for the enlargement of his Church, until the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of God, and of his Chrill. In this view, therefore, the command of Chrifl extends to us alio, my Jarethren ; and it is our indifpcnlable duty, to promote, with carneffnefs and zeal, the vilibie advancement of his king- dom amongfl mankind. That you regard it iu this light and have felt the force of the ^injunc- tion, the appointment of the prefent folemn con- vention of various denominations of Chriflians, and of the prefent cxcrcife, is a lirong indication. As it is to be prefumed, that a pious difpofi- tion to glorify God, and to fee the bltCcd domi- nion (jf Jefus Chrid over the human heart wide- ly diffufed, has produced the dcfirable coalition T 9 ] and concert which wc perceive, 1 cannot doubt of tl)c ferious attention of this alFcmbly to the prefent dircufhon, which has an iininc- ciiaie relation to thefe great objetds. It is no part of my dclign on the prefent oc- cafion, to explain the general principles of that , epneife and comprehenfive form of prayer, Ifoin which I have lelefted the text ; nor to en- large upon the connexion and circnnillanres of our l.orJ's difeourfe to lus DiCciples when be gave them this direclory. Neither will 1 now liand to enquire, whether Chriftians, at this pc- j^iod of th.e Church, can ule it precifely in the fame fen fe, and with the fame rcterencc as the ApoTiles ; nor whether they ought to conceive th^nfelvcs obliged to confider it as a Uated form in their culfoipary atfs of devotion*. Confining our attention hngly, tlierefovc, to that importairt objed: which the wards of the texf prclent to our contemplaUon, I propofe in iJie liiuflration of it, I. To fliew what is implied in this petition. II. To fuggefl fome confiderations which ought to engage us habitually in the ul'e of it. ' III. Point out thofe meafures which will bed demonftrate our iincerity m that prafHce. • B * Perhaps the onaiffion of that capital eircumft-ance of Chriilian prayer, the alking in the narne of Jefus hlmfelt, which was afterwards preferibed, is a fefiicicKt intimatiQii of oux general duty upon dhs point. 5 C 10 ] I. It is propofed to fhew what is implied ift this petition. The general objeft of requeft is the advance- ment ot the kingdom of God. This phrafe in its primary and mofl extend- ed fenie, denotes that univerfal dominion of God which embraces all ranks of being and pervades all fpace. The kingdom of God, in this view, has been eftabliflicd from the begin- ning, with incontrollable fupcriority and glo- rious fovereignty ; and it has been uniformly adrr inidered withfuch confummate wifdom, as to ^ caufe ever)' part of the complicated machine to fulfil, eventually, his vaft defigns. It is not, therefore, the Ipecial object propofed in the text, under the denomination of the kingdom of God the coming of which was to be fought by prayer. But the -words of the petition have a more inmiediate lefercnce to that peculiar difpenfa- 4 tion of grace and mercy which Jefus Chrift in- tioduccd amongft mankind, and which was in- tended to Kcluce them, from a ftate of rebel- lion, to a cordial fubmilhe-'n to the divine will and management, and rule. This is frequent- ly called the kingdom of God, in the Scriptures; - and com.prehcnds the whole plan and adminiftra- tion of ChiilL’s mediatorial office, from its com- -mencement to its confummation. It is the cm- ' pire of Jeius Chrift over the heart of converted lirntrs ; and is, therefore, cxprelsly denominated the kingdom of our Lord and Savior jeius Chrift. wh.o being fupreme in the adminiftration of the gracious purpofesof the Deity, with re- C it ] g.ird to fallen man, is_ filled Kiafrin Zion, and lullains tlic chara£lcr botli of a Savior, and a Prince. . 'I'his is a fplvitual kingdom, more rcflrl£led in its nature. and extent, and more uniform in its appearance, than the Univcrfal Government of God which has been noticed. I'he lubj\>cls under its fpecial adminillration and protetlion,* conbll of reclaimed finners ; of rebellious foes lubdued, by uufpeakable grace, and made cor- dial friends and wdlling fervants of their adored Lx>rd. Ignited into a holy community by the ^.inds- of a common taith and love, they arc governed on peculiar principles of purity and holincls, righteoulnels, peace, and happlnels. Their immunities, blelfings, and privileges are moll ample ?nd delirable ; and thefe are enlar^- « ed and lecured with glorious advantages toeter-p nity. , ■ . i In. a word, tfic kingdom of God, to which? die text refers, is that mediatorial adminillration, which was received by delegation,* and which has the promife of a luccelslul enablilhmcnt and univerlal prevalence amongll all. nations of the globe, t until after a full accompli (hment of all its purpofes, it fliall be terminated by a furren- der to the eternal father, and blended wii.h the. general Government of God over all holy be-p To this peen’iar kingdom of grace, in all its connexions and coaitquenccs, our Savior al’ud- • Matt: xxvii. i8, f : vii. 13. 14. % i Cor: XV. 24, 2S. C ] td, when I’.c taught his difciplcs to pr.it^ for its profperityi. From the fliort illuflration of its f eneral nature and charafter, which has now cen given wfe inay'eafi^y pemitje tvhat is im- plied in the petition for its coming or prevalence in the world. '• 1. It is obvious, that it can Tnean nothinji lefs than, that this divine difpenfatiOii' may have its full efFeft upon every human heart ; that it may he cordially received and be diffufed throughout the v.'orld. When vre pray “ thy kingd-om come,” we exprefs an camefl defirc, that the word of truth, or the preaching of the Gofpel which is called the rod of God’s power*; may,’ through the Almighty energy of ihe-invincible fpirit of the Lord, fubdue theproiid, revolting foul of man’, and reduce myriads of oppofing finners,' in every nation of the h;vbitahle globe to the obedience of faith, and a happy participa*» tion of the privileges'of Chrill's peoprc; “ We pray that the kinedom of Chriftmay he advanc- cd.” It is mod evident that the dominion of Jefus Chrill which, accending to the divine promife, is intended to be very extenlive, has hitherto obtained but a partial eftablilhment. My hear- ers -will at once rccolledl immenfe rec’ons and a- prodigious population where out bieli’ed L.ord and his Golpel arc never named, or named only ior the purpofe of fcorn and infult : wherfe his holy atid lelf-denying fyftem, humiliating to human pride ; and hoflilc to human corruption, • * Pf. CX. 2. [ *'3 ] is rcjeftetl with abhorrence by thofe ignorant, lerocious or voluptuous children ot darknels. But bc(id<2 the nhllions of the human race who are profelicd Infidels, they will alfo rtcol* left witii pain, that there are millions more, who are only nominal i'ubjefts of our Lord, wlnMl in principle and prafticc they are utterly oppoL td to the Holy Conllitution v. hich he has or* ilained. How numerous arc the Churches, cal- led Chrinian, which have introduced and clier- ifhed luch abominable corruptions of the reli- gion of jefus, as have changed ite very nature ; and have fortaken the Scriptures lor the tradi- tionsof men ! What numbers alfo belong to thole pernicious and increaling fefts wdiich have re -i nounced the fundamental articles of the Golpcl! Unhappy crforifls-! who pretend to the Chriltiaii name, whilll they deny the moft important prin- ciples which dillinguifh thejr proteffion ; and, wlio falfely boaft of fuperior fcience, whilRthey rCifort to a pretended phiidfophy as their guide iuReadof the Scriptures of truth ! But even ahrongll thofe who profefs to regard the facred Scriptures as the only flandard of re- ligious tmth, and to derive their principles whoL ]y from that fource, how few are there who ap- pear to embrace the Gofpel in its native fimpli- city, and to aft habitually under its influence ! What a fcanty remnant receive, even in profef- fion, its unadulterated dotlrines;, much Ids bear an open teftimony to their importance ! And, alas !, how much fmallcr flill is the num- ber, amongfl all denominations of Chriflians^ who appear to pofiefs the Senpiurai Characters I u ] o[ the real fubjecls and menibers of Chrlft’s bin.^dom ! There are comparatively few, indeed, who have experienced the Savior’s power chang- ing their hearts into his own likenefs; who are united to him by a living faith ; who yield a chearful obedience to his will and divine inili- tutiorts, in their true Spirit and defign ; who conicientioully lubmit to his difeipliae ; and live to his glory ! When we reflect upon thefe circumRances, ive perceive that Chrifl’s real followers, a?e Hill but a little flock. • Tor “ the kingdom of God con- fifts not in word only but in power alfo”'* ; not ?n a mere formal profelhon or acknowlegement of Chrifl. as Lord, but in knotving a nd,chea;'f al- ly performing his wilit. It is evident, there- fore, that the prayer of the petition for the com- ing of Chrift’s kingdom implies an eariiefl defire, that the plain, the powerful, the praflical truths which the Gofpel reveals, may univerially pre- vail ; may produce their intendedi effefts. Jt implies, that wc ardentl)' foiicit the Almighty Spirit, who is the great agent in the cflablilh- jnent of the empire of jelus Chrifl in the hearts of men, to accomplifh his cffeclu.il work in the mofl extenfive manner : to imprefs a general convicllon not only of the divine Authority of- t.he Gofpel, but of the importance of thofe pure dodliines wliicli are eifential to its conflitulion ; to “ take of the things of Ciirifl, and flicw them ^ in all tlieir confiflcnt beauty to the view of the mind : to “ w'ork the workof faith with power”; * I Cor : iv. 20. I Mat: vii. 21* [ <3 ] !o exhibit the nature, oflices, relations ami glo- ry of Chrid. in his charr.flcr of the Savior, ir» tuch a manner as elFe6tually to imlucc multitudes to accept his grace, and lubmit to his gentle iway ; to create the world anew in Chrift Jelus ; niouldinsi men into his imac>e and forming them after his pure example ; to fend forth the oflicers of this Ipiritnal kingdom fo qualified as that they fhall be holy, able and faithful men ; animated by an ardent, iho’ pnident zeal; ‘‘ de- termined to know nothing but |efusChrifl and him crucified”; adhering to the firnple doctrines of the Gofpol, unadulterated by foreign mix- tures ; “ not preaching themfelvcs but Chnfl Jefus the Lord”; exhibiting a venerable pattern of fpirituality, and evangelical purity ; and preferving impartial ftridlnels in dilciplinc and government: in a word, to engage all mankind to become Chriflians ; fuch Chriflians, I mean, as will maintain a converfation becoming the Gofpcl, as will “ deny ungodiinds and worldly lufts, and live foberly, righteoufly and godly in the prefent evil world looking for the blcfled hope and the glorious apoearing of Jefus Chnft*”. Thus in praying for the advancement of Chrifl's kingdom the mind ought to gralp its fpiritual and true nature, and ardently defire its univerfal eflablilhment in every human heart, that “ all flefh may fee the Salvation of God.” 2 . In leeking this great and defirable object k is alfo plainly implied, that we carneflly pray Tit; ii. 12, rg. [ i6 ] for the removal of all thofc impediments which obflrufl the pvogrefs of the pure GofpcU The prejudices of Infidels are amongft thq principal of thefc obflacles. Their pride op- poles the humiliating lefTons which the Gofpel enjoins ; it will not lubmit the high prctenfions of corrupted reafon, to the revealed authority of Gocl himfelf. Their licentious paflions, are kindled into rage agaiufl a fyftem lo pure as to condemn impurity, even, of thought or defire. Both united, become the occafion of the rnoll inveterate op"pofiliot\ againfl; that kingdom of righteoufnefs which is hoflile to every principle of corrupt nature. Thefc malignant principles not only excite in the brcafl of an Infidel the inofl rancorous hate, but prompt him to difFufe the Tiiofl wicked prejudices againfl its authority- and inlluence, into the minds of others. Hence, the grofs nulreprefentations of Chriftianity which have been obtruded upon the iv’orld; hence too it has fo often happened, tliat invec- tive has been fubflitutcd for argument and that raillery has been employed inltead of folid rea- foning, on the mofl ferious fubjedls. By fuch unworthy means, the cfFe61; of deteflable preju- dices. which cannot , be fufficienUy deplored, the principles of thoufands have 'been corrupt- ed and the progrefs of Chrift’s kingdom im- peded. The enormous Cflions of fuperflition alfo ; the pompous hierarchies which have been falli- dioufly erefled in the Chriflian Church ; and the tyrannical impofitions of ccclcfiaflical ellablifh- ments, have confiderably obllru6lcd the increafe C >7 3 of real religion in the world. Tjiefe give an odious caricature of the fyflcrn which Chnft or- dained ; they change the ground of genuine faith and religious prattice ; and they Ihacklc that fpiiitual liberty wherewith our Lord has made his people tree. Wliere thefe prevail, the fim- plicity of the Gofpel is loll or obicured ; the power of God'inels is ufually denied ; and the realonable dilcharge ot duty, troin choice and delight, which is ctfential to ChriRianity, is aU moft unknown. It is obvious, tiicrefore, that whiltl thefe impediments remain, the fuccefs of the Golpel cannot be great. Again, the imperfections, the weaknefs, or the carnality of the olhcers and private members of the kingdom of Chrill, prove a greater obllacle to its triumphant progrefs, than all the realon- ings, the ridicule, the lophilms, or bi; ter inveQives of avowed Unbelievers. The religion of Jefus is-not merely an admirable {peculation, but was intended to produce a practical, ameliorating, moi'al effetl upon thofe who embrace it. Any thing, therefore, which contradifls this idea, gives a deep wound toits influence upon the world. The majority of corrupt minds poHefs neither fuU ficient difeernment nor candor to diflinguifh be- tween the Chriftian fyftetn as delineated by its holy author, and that diflorted exhibition ot it which is feen too often in the lives of its minif- ters and other profelfed members. For this rea- fon, the dilgufting formality and negligence of many ot thele charaflers ; th^irungod.y and antichriftian tempers and conduft ; their animo- lities and ielhih divilions ; their unfleadiuefs, C [ 3 their imprudence, their want of fpirituality and clifintcrefled zeal for the caufe of Chrifl, create fuch agencral fufpicion, in the world, to the.dif- -advantage of vital Chriftianity, as to harden multitudes in a date of difaffcdion to our glo- rious Lord, and render the means of convidlion comparatively ineffectual. Under a full impreffion of thefe lamentable truths the prayer of the text implies a deep concern for the removal of ail thefe obffrudlions ; “ that Satan’s kingdom may be deftroyed” ; that every oppofition being checked or abolifhcd, the GoL pel may have a free courfe and be glorified*; and “ that the earth may be filled with the knpwlege of the Lord, as the waters cover the feat”. Again, as our blcffcd Lord will not be per- fedlly glorified on earth in any flate of his Church ; and as his people will not be intirely happy, ’till they be united in that pure Affembly of the Spirits of the juft made perfett which he afftmbies round the throne ; the prayer of the petition may imply, 3. In the laft place, an ardent defire to fee the kingdom of grace con fummated in the king- dom of Glory. It may imply the an.xiety of a Chriftian’s foul to fee his divine mafter in all his glory forever; to be delivered from every imper- K’^ion by a full conformity to his living head ; and to be brouoht as the ranfomed of the Lord O to Zion with fongs and everlafting joy upon his * I ThclT: ill. I. 'j- If; II. XU [ »9 ] hCcTd ; when he {hall obtaiti joy and ^jladncfs, and I'orrou’ and fishing fhall flee away”.* I have not particularly noticed, as a dininfl; obie61 of this petition, the iucreaie and enlarge- ment of what is commonly called the vilible Church, with its apparatus of Officers and pro- vilion for adminiflering the ordinances ; becaiife lofaras this is valuable, it will always corref- pond in extent with that Spiritual kingdom which has been deferibed ; and where it is fup- pofed to exifl without this exaQ coiTefpondence, it is rather a nuifance than a benefit. 1 he vifi- ble Church of Chrifl, ought to be, from the very terms, a plain and obvious reprdentation of his kingdom in the foul and condufled ac- cording to the limple pattern Cvantaiiied in his word. It it not merely the having a form of worfhip and religious order, where the doctrines of the Gofpei maybe al'ubjeclof carelefs, gen- eral fpeculation, or the Ordinances be loofely adminiflered ; nor is it the union of profcilors of Chrifl’s name in religious communities for maintaining the external inftitutions ot Chrifli- anity, that will conflitute a proper vifible Church ; but it is the conducling of thefo ex- ternal circumftances in fuch a manner as to be happy indications of the power and p science of * If. XXXV. lo. The weakrefs or tl.c "bfence of faith may caufe men to cleave to this iinperfe-rt and uiiU'ippj ftate of exigence, and to fear a change into a future Hate as the v/orll of evils ; but a lively Chrifl ia i n^der the clear difeoveries of faith, will err, “ Come J. rJ, Jefus, come q^uicklj”; “i delire to depart ar.j, to be with Chrifl.” C so ] Chrift %vith his ordinances and people. To re- gard any other exhibition of our Savior’s fub- jecls and Inftitutions, as the vifible Church, is a palpable mi Hake ; it might rather be called a vifible oppofition to the Spirit of the Golpel, to thecaule of religion, to the kingdom of Chrift. We are concerned to pray for the increafe of the T'ifible and external appendages of Chriftianity only fo far as they will be a juft reprefentation to all the world, of what Jefus Chrift has or- dained and of that fupreme dominion which he has eftabiilhed in the hearts of his people. No- thing but this exact correfpondence of real Chriftianity in the foul, with its vifible profef- fion can fufficiently obviate the odious charge of hypoenfy and infincerity. Nothing but this is fui table to the pure and holy chara6ler of Chrift and his heavenly fy Item. Nothing but this will fave him from being deeply wounded in the houfe of his friends ; or from being charged as the Minifter of fin. Finally, nothing but this will imprefs conviction upon the minds, of an obferving, but, unbelieving world, or extort a confeffion from their lips of the excellency of the Gofpel, and bear down all oppofition. The general prevalence of thofe inward fpi- • ritual impreffions and difpofitions w'hich have been noticed as the effect of Chrift’s dominion in the fouls of men ; and ti e external regulation and adininiftration of the Church in conformity with thefe, is that coming or advancement of his kingdom to which our Savior alludes in this petition. This is that efficacious leaven whicb will eventually penetrate the whole mafs [ ] of men on earth, in the latter days. This is that powerful domixiion which cafts down every hi^h thought and lofty imagination, and brings proud rebels, like little children, to lit at the Icet of )efus and learn of him ; to take his crofs ; tol'ubmit to his yoke. This is that Hone cut out of the mountain without hands which, according to the declaration of a prophet, “lhall nwer be deftroyed”; but, “ lhall fill the whole earth and Hand forever”. For the coming of this kingdom we are taugh t to pray ; and tor its fuccel'sfui pro^rds and triumphant maniieftatiou evciy pious heart ejaculate a hearty Amen, II. To fuggell Tome confi derat ions which ought to enga^it lis, habitually m the uCe of this petition, wai the iecoad General Diviiion of the lubjetl. I. The glory of that exalted Lord whom we ferve : and the honor ot iiis divine religion, being intimately concerned in the event to which the text refers, ought to excite the moft; ardent prayers tor its accomplilhment. This refletdion ought to move us beyond a thoufand other arguments. To love him with all the heart, and to prefer him before the dcarell objetl on earth, is the cbarafterillic of real Chriflians*. But the prayer of the petition is nothing elfe than the natural exprellion of this fentiment. If he appear, to the enlightened View of faith, fupreme in excellence ; it he fill * Matt. 2. 37. Luke xiv. 16, 33. [ 22 J an unrivalled throne in the afFcclions of his re- deemed people ; they cannot fail habitually to pray that he may occupy the highefl place in the afifeftions of all mankind. They'rviii molt ear- neltiy defire that the Univerlemay perceive and acknowle'^^e the excellence of their Redeemer’s o character and work. Do they behold him as the brightnefs of the father’s glory, full of grace and truth ? do their fouls adore him as the e.xalted God-man, v/ho is all their Salvation and all their defire ? and can they forbear to wilh and pray that all the v/orld may view him in the fame light ? My fellow Chrillians ! do we rea- lize our flron^, uncancellable obligations to his generous, his unfpeakable love in our re- demption, and will we, can we reft fatisfied without the moft enlarged defires, that every human being may experience the fame grateful Icnfations with ourfelvcs ? Is he not the chofen fove reign of our hearts which he has won by love and fubdued by grace ? Has he not the jull- eft title to that crown of praife which v/c have placed upon his head ? and (hall we not habit- ually feek his exaltation, in the enlargement of his blelied kingdom in the v/orld ? It is impof- fible that we fhonld not be anxious that our glo- rious Lord may fee of the travel of his foul and be fatisfied; that the great objefts for which he lived and fuffered, and died, may be accompiifh- ed in their fulled extent. Surely then, wc ought in daily prayer to fnpplicatc in the Plalin- ift’s words’*" “ Gird thy Ivvord upon thy thigh, •* Pf: xlv. 3 , 4 , c. [ 23 ] “ O mod niiglity ! with thy g’ovy anti tiiy ma- “ jcfly. Anti in thy.rnajeity ride prolperouQy “ becaufe of truth and incckncfs and righteouf- “ nefs : and thy right hand (hall teach thee ter- “ riblc things. Tliipo arrows arc lharp in the " lieart of the king’s enemies ; whereby the peo- “ pie fall under thee.” 2. The peculiar excellence of this dilpcnla- tion of grace; and the incalculable benchts which relult from it to mankind, is a coniider.ijt tion of great importance upon this fubjeft. The Gofpel is a perfect lyldem of trutli and grace, and righteoufners. d'here, all thole doc- trines in which rational creatures are intcreflcd and with which they ought to be acquainted, arc plainly revealed. Jelus Chrill is that divine, t.-eacher, that faithful and true witnel.s v/ho has manifeded tlic nature, charafter, and govern- ment of God in the mod perfect light. Ilis Gofpel unfolds tlie nature, the circurn dances, the relations and the duties of man. It difplays the origin, the progrcls, and the confumrnation of all things which relate to our fpiritu.al and eternal datp. It exhibits a jud reprefentation of our condition as accountable, guilty, depraved and ruined creatures. It publifiaes the adonifliing method of our redoration thro’ the intervention and atonement oTCodmanifededinthe defh; and the fanclifying induence of the Holy Spirit. It opens the trea- fures of divine grace ; difplays them in all their fulnefs and freenefs ; and dates with clcarnclk and precifion the method of obtaining all faving bleUings. It explains the nature of acceptable L' ^4 ] ■worrhip, and teaches the of acccfs tn the throne of grace. It unveils futuritv and brings its amazing fcenes to light. It cfVablilhes iho immortality of the loul ; the genera) reiu .-' ec^ioii of the (lead and the eternal judgment. It points us to the glorious rewards of the righteous in the confummation of holinefs and liappine^s for- ever ; and denounces, in terms of awful import, the wrath of God which fiiall be revealed againft' all ungodlinefs and unrighteoufnefs of men. Thefe are points of the utmofl importance to creatures in our circumflances. They are points with regard to which the fages of antiquity, guided merely by the light of unaided realon, long labored with fruitlefs toil ; but which are now clearly and fatisfaflorily fettled by the au- thority of God himfelf in the divinely attefted Gofpel. i5ut if the Chriflian Syflem be important on account of the truths which it communicates, it is no lefs valuable, as a fyflem of duty and dif- cipline for moral agents. In this n peft it is corr.pletc; it tends to perfcfl human nature and prepare m.an tor intercourfe with his pure and holy Creator. No ryllem of law, of Govern- ment, of philofophy, of religious, but human, inflitutions was ever fo fnccelsful in producing moral good. They all re(lefe gran.l and lorci- ble motives wlucli e.xcite onr arlive powers; it furnifhes the molt perfect and exteufive flandard [ 25 ] \ oF dutv both with regard to piety and morality : And, it reveals the Almighty, invincible Spirit of the Lord, as an effectual agent prompting to duty and working in us to will and to do of his good plea l ure. When we contemplate the peculiar excellen- cies of this difpenfation and juitlv Jtppreciate its important ad\>antages, we ought certainly to feel lor the liiua'icn of thole who are vinacquainted with it. The Philanthropy of Chnllians will induce them to pray with importunity, and la- bor with exertion, that all mankind may fhare in the Ipiritual bleffings w'hich they enjoy. Grace enlarges the heart. It loftens our rugged nature into generous compaffion for human wretchednefs. When Chriftians remember their former ignorance^ and danger ; when they recol- letl the wormwood and the gall of that milera- ble ftate from which they have been delivered, they cannot but feel a fympathetic concern for thole who are in fimilar circumftances. Surely they, cannot be infenfible with regard to the condition of thofe perilhing multitudes who Hill remain in the region and Ihadow of death from which they have efcaped. With a mournful eye, they will often furVey the immenfe valley of dry bones from v/hich they have been railed ; ‘and w'ith anxious, aching hearts they will cry, *“ come from the tour winds O Breath and breathe upon thefe flain that they may live.*” They will experience the greateff anxiety that the blelFings of the Golpel may be realized by thofe who arc deftitute of them : That the Geirtiles who are D • , * Ezek. xxxvii. L 26 ] far from God may be brought nigh by the blood of Jelus ; that the univerfal corruption of the world may be fubdued by the purifying fpirit of grace, and that the holinefs of the may Gofpel fupplant the abominable luffs of the carnal mind : that univerfal love and peace may prevail ; when “ the wolf and the lamb fhall dwell together*”; when all mankind as one band of ranfomed bro- thers, united in love, “ fhall have but one heart and one wayt” ; and when “ they fhall not hurt nor deffroy in all God’s holy mountain^”. 3. Confider how much our own happinefs, fpiritual profperity and liability would be pro- moted by the event to which the prayer of the text refers. Whim the new nature which the Chriflian receives in Regeneration, feels the force of that motive which is derived from the glory of God our Savior ; whilfl his focial principles are in- fluenced by a benevolent regard to human hap- pinefs in general ; our gracious Creator allows him alfo to pay a due regard to his own interefl. This will be befl enfured by the general profperity of the Church. When mul- titudes embark in the fame caufe with ourfelves, it infpires confidence ; it often produces emu- lous exertion, from the force of example ; it infufes alacrity. Thefe and innumerable other advantages of focicty are experienced, when the Spirit of the Lord is pleafed, as on the day of Pcntecofl, to enlarge the kingdom of the Redeemer, in any confidcrable degree, at a given time. It infpires the heart with unufual • If. xi. 6, t Jer. xxxii. 39. t If. xi. 9. C 27 ] deliglit to witnefs the triumphs of the Crofs, It Simulates thefinccre difciples of Chrift, to / peculiar exertions in his caufe, when they per- ceive a vifible fuccefs attending tlie Golpel-mi- niflry. A mutual communication of experien- ces in the Chriflian life, which is then very com- mon, confirms and aflifls the members of the Church. Miftakes are often thus detected ; the heart is moved by fympathy ; it glows by the union of neighboring fires. Relieved from the irkfome difficulty of finyle oppofition to a hof- tile world ; or a toilfome march thro' a lonely defart ; the Chrillian is cheated by the counte- nance and fociety of multitudes engaged againfl: the fame Ipiritual enemies that he oppofes, and who are travelling the fame road to the heaven- ly Zion, which he has chofen. He is encour- aged and llrengthened ; he holds on his way re- joicing ; he runs without wearinefs and walks without fainting. Since fuch are the advantages to our own fords, my Brethren, from the enlargement of the kingdom of our Lord Jefus Chnfl, we are called to the exercife of prayer for its accom- plifliment, by one of the ftrongeft principles of human aftion. Let it be our conftant petition, then, that the happy time may loon arrive, when “ Zion’s watchmen fhall lee eye to eye*" ; when, according to the divine promife, “ The inhabi- tants of One city lhall go to another, faying, let us go fpcedily to pray before the Lord, and to feek the Lord of hoflst" ; When “ all fliall know the Lord, frorn the leaf!: to the greatefL.^Ji" • If. Ui. 8. f Zech, viii. ao, X viii. ii. [ 28 ] 4- Confider further, the encouragement which is held out in the proinlfes of God, with regard to the extent of the Redeemer's kingdom. The prolpe6f ol luccefs in any undertaking al- •ways invigorates exertion. W^hen are per- fuaded that our labor will not be in vain, we aJ- drefs ourfelvcs to it with the utmofl alacrity. Particularly, with how much confidence and iat- isfaftion, do we afk of our friends thole favors which we are alTured, that they are ready to grant ? Thus, therefore, the promiles of God with regard to this point ought lo to enliven the hopes and raife the expe£lations of Cbiiltians, as to excite to dail)' and fervent prayer for their accomplifhment ; nay, they ought to be made the very arguments which they will plead upon the occafion, and the grounds on which their laith will rely. So far from rcfling in an indolent le- curity, becaufe the faithfulnefs of God has en- gaged to accomplifh what he has prelcribed to himfelf and revealed to his people, as his deter- mined purpofe, real Chriftians are animated there- by with greater vigor in prayer. Far from relem- bling thofe proud & blind objeffors, who weakly imagine that belief in the divine decrees, fuper- cedes the neceflity of active exertions in thofe who entertain it, they are by this very circum- flance, engaged with greater eamcflnels in feck- ing the promifed blelfings. Whilft they arc convinced, that all the promifes of God are yea and amen in Chrifl jefus and (hall iurely be iul- filled, they believe it to be a part of the divine arrangement that “for all thele things will God be enquired of by his people*”. With David * Exek. xxrvi. 57. [ 29 ] thcv' pray, “ Remember the word unto thy fer- vant upon which thou hall cauled me to hope*”. Like holy Daniel, who was infpired with rclolu- tion to pray for the rcUoration of jerulalem, becaufe the time cxprdsly promifed, for its ac- complifliment was anived.t they plead the pro- iiiifc ; their language is, ‘‘ do as thou haft faid" ; “ lie it unto the Church according to thy word”. The alfurancc w'hich they derive from the divine promil'es, inipires them with fervor, ftrengthens their refolutions and enables them to reft upon the faithfulnefs of (iod. How ought it, then, my Chriftian Brethren, to enlarge our hearts in the duty which is preferib- cd in the text, and to inipire us with hope and expeftation, when we remember the extenfive promifes which are made, to Jefus as Mediator? Confider that though much has been accomplifti- ed, yet it is ftill far fhort of what %ve are war- ranted from the Scriptures,:* to expeft. Shall we not be infpired wdth alacrity, then, to pray for the coming on Chrift’s kingdom, when we read the following5lant foul fhrinks from the talk which hejiates, and from the ty- rant who impofes it, refufe fubmiffion wherever he can hope to efcape with impunity; but the language of your hearts, I trufl, my brethren, will be very different. With your l.ord, upon another occafion, you will cry, “ To do thy will 1 take delight”. With the declaration of the Apofllc you will chearfully agree, that “ you arc not your own, but bought with a price”, therefore, to glorify your redeemer by difcharg- ing the duties which he prefcribes, fhall be the * If. Iv. 4, j. f Zech. ii. 10, ii. J Mai. i. zz. J Rev. xi. 15. [ 31 3 unremitting Oudy of your lives. You will re* col!e 6 l alfo, that the eternal God, by an infpir- cd Prophet hath faid, “ \e that make mention of the Lord, keep not filence ; and give him no reft, 'till he cftablifti, and 'till he make Jerufalem a praife in the earth*". “ Aflc of me things to come concerning my fons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye met". Let the awful mandate of Jehovah arreft your attention and roufe you to atlivity : then, may we expefl that “ the fet time to favor Zion may be come, when God’s fervants, in obedience to his com- mand, take pleafure in her ftones, and favor the duft thereof];". 6 . The laft confideratlon which I ftiall fuggeft as an inducement to pray earnellly that Chnft’s kingdom may come, is the prolpc61; that arifes from the prefent afpecl of providence, and “ the figns ot the Times.” W'^hen we perceive by comparing the prefent ftate of the world with the predidlions which have pointed to it, that the events fo long expefted by the moft pious obfervers of the coude of providence and the moft judicious interpreters of the Scripture, are haftening on ; it becomes us to co-operate by earneft prayer, with the other agencies which God is pleafed to employ in a'ccomplifhincr his defigns^- If ..the predi61icns of the infpired pro- phets led Daniel to feek their fulfilment, at the expetled time, by importunity in prayer; if the devout jews were induced, by the indications of providence, compared with the prophecies in their facred books, to continue waiting at If. Ixii. 6, 7 . f If. xlv. II. J Pf. cii.- i^, 14 , [ 32 ] the temple, with continual fuppjication, for the manifellation of the long-expe6led Mdfiah ; furely we, my brethren, may with great propri- ety be employed in the fame exercife at the pre- lent period. Without entering here into a mi- nute and ufelefs detail of obfervations, let it be oblerved only, that an expeftation, almoll uni- verfal, has long been entertained in the Church, of prodigious increafe, and remarkable purity as about to take place in the kingdom of Chrill at the latter days, \vhich are fuppofed to be now at hand. This expc6lation has been tounded, chiefly, upon the predi6lions in the book of Re- velations, confirmed and explained by the hillo- ry of the v/orld and the Church. Tho’ luch of them as relate to events winch are yet to take place, be covered with the ufual veil ’till the de- flined period of their accomplillnnent arrive ; yet v/ith regard to the reft, there appears to have been inch a ftriking correfpondence between them and certain important events to which they are fuppoled to refer, as to produce a remarkable co- incidence of opinion amongft divines in making the application. In tracing this correfpondence, between the prophecies and their accomplifh- ment, the moft judicious commentators have con- cluded, that the preditled period is at length nearly arrived*, in which the Antichriftian cor- * From a view and comparlfon of the fccnes deferib- cd in the book of Revelations, it appears probable, that the judgments of God, inflided for a long fucccflion of years, during the founding ol fix out of the feven trum- pets which denounced them, have been completed a very confiderable time fince ; and therefore, that \vc may cx- ped the events under the feventh trumpet, will foon be t S3 ] fuptions and tyranny of Popery ; and therxtra- ordinan' influence of Mahometan deluhon fliall be efFcftually deftrdyed. The recent tranfac- tions on the EaRern continent Teem to favor this opinion ; and we are animated with the hope that thofe great obflacles to llic advancement of Chrifl’s kingdom will be fpeedily removed. W'hen the triumphant wickednefs andoppref- fions of thefe enemies to the truth, Avhich have been (b long myfterioufly permuted to e.^ifl, fhall be brought to a concluiion! then may we cxpefl the rapid advancement of the kingdom of our Lord and Savior. When God *• by ter- rible things in righteoufnefs is pouring out his wrath upon thole enemies that have been often “ drunk with the blood of the Saints,” and un- folding thole fcencs that are to precede the hap- py time •vvhen “ the kingdoms of this world fliaU become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Chrifl,” we may rejoiccin the e.xpeffaiion that the day of redemption draweth ni^h. Whillt we la- ment, on one hand, the fearful deftruclion of hu- man beings which has taken place ; and the peace and profperity of To many nations, fatally inter- rupted or ruined ; we may on the other, pierce the dark cloud with joyful faith, anddifeovera boundlefs prolpetl of iinivcrl'al liberty, univerfal reformation and univerfal peace. Tru fling that the Almighty God will give a happy iffue in fa- vor of his Church, to the prefent commotions ; we ought to exercife ourfelves to godlinefs, to fleadfafl hope and diligent prayer. ^^'hat tho* E fulfilled alfo. Thefe arc generally allowed to intend the deIlru£tioa of Popery and Mahometanilm. [ 84 ] * Infidelity be employed as the inflrument to root out the deep rooted prejudices of fuperfli- tion and delufion, God “ will make the wrath of man to praife him”, and caufe the pure rays of Gofpel-truth, to pervade the dark habitations of the earth. The convulfions in Europe are indeed terrible ; thrones and kings, and kingdoms are rufhing to their fate ; the potlhrcds of the earth are dafhed againft each other to mutual de- flruftion and the man of fin has fallen from his inviolable throne in the Ihock ; but in the midll of all the fe revolutions, Chridians in that hemi- fphere are watching, praying and, with united, efforts, planning new meafures for extending their mafter's kingdom. They are awaking as from a fleep of many generations. The fpi- rit of primitive Chriftianity appears to revive in the Mifiionary bufinefs. Party fpirit has become extinfl in that important concern ; and the pious, of various denominations and in very diftant places, appear to a€l; with an unanimity and concert before unknown. In our own countiy, a fmall portion of the fame zeal and liberal Chriflianity has animated a number of the friends of [efus Clirifl and of mankind. Our brethren of the Mew- York Mifiionary Society, coinpofed of various denominations of Chrifiians, have led the way in concerting common meafures for extending the knovvdege and the benefits of the * The Vchabis in Arabia are a new fe6l of Infidel? who apjiear to aim at the fubverfiou of the Mahometan fyfiem of ] tbo world and willing to put every thing to hazard for Chrill’s Cake. Let us rejeft with honeft in- dignation, the idea of maintaining ufelefs drones, much Icfs, worthlefs, vicious men in Millions, defigned to convert the heathen and others al- molf as deflitute of the means ol religious know- lege, to the felf-denial and holincfs of the Gol- pcl. I.et us ill this Evangelical hufinefs, beware of weak and vain attempts at ple.ifing the tafte, or confulting the views of men of corrupt, car- nal minds. Let us raife the necefl'ary funds for fufp orting Millionaries, from the contributions of rhe pious and liberal ; reminding all Chrilli- ans, that their Mafler, tho’ rich, yet for their fakes bec.uTie poor ; and that to offer freely of their fubflancc in promoting his caule, is the leall which they can do as an exprellion of their gratitude. Let it be our grand, habitual object as ChrilHans, to promote the glory of God; and in confulting this, let us endeavor to fpread the kingdom of righteoufnefs, and peace, amongfh the poor and deflitute who are ready to pcrifli in their fins, on our frontiers, and in the unculti- vated forcfls of America. In the good provi- dence of God the Inflitution of this Society is propofed, for arconiplifliing this benevolent pur- pofe. Every pious heart mufl wifh well to a co- alition of Chriflians in fuch a caufe, and contri- bute towards the attainment of its- objeft. Per- haps the temporal and eternal happinefs of mil- lions of God's rational creatures may be con- nedfed with the* fuccefs of this Inflitution ; and fhall any feeling heart withold its countenance ;md aid ! Neither our exertions, nor our fuccefs may be great, at firft ; yet at length they may C 42 ] ’ exceed all pvefent calculation ; and the falvatioti 0^004 beient, thro’ our aoe.cy to the erjds of the earth. God will raile, and quality m- ftruments for carrying into etFe 6 l his gracious purpofes ; and will engage proper oj his glorious caufe. Let us befeech »o nor us fo far as to give us a p.ace amongtl thefe and infpire us with the Spirit of fuch a ier- ' ^Tconclude with offering up my vows to God. tor the profperity of this Society an couragement of the Churcii of J exertions. May a tuccefs tranfcending oar ^off fanguine be the f nut of our "ounfels^and our^rayers ! May the happy period foon approach when the lj^eat..en fnail Lcoine the hentage of Jefus and the u termoff parts of the earth, his fure pohdhon . Amen. finis.