-» PAM, flUl /3&&1 Ja JV otliing too precious for Chr \i V/ o V -JLZ ^ MSfJJMJJJjJ-J' SERMON DELIVERED IN JVORRIDGE1VOCK, JUNE 25, 1817 ; BEFORE TQE -* f- . y p^F# MAINE MISSIONARY SOCIETY, AT THEIR TENTH ANNUAL MEETING. BY JOHN W. ELLIXGWOOD v PASTOR OF THE NORTH CHURCH IN BATH. 1IALL O WELL : PRINTED BY N. CHEEVER. • l I 1817. V 3 >%• V ,V •v -V *V1 WV WV WWW V/VVWX VA^.VWWVVA V V\\\w^xw\ V V-V WV WXVVV WV - „ . JIT a meeting of the Maine Missionary Society, at .Yorridgewock, June 25, 1817 — VOTED , That Rev. David Thurston, Rev. William .Tenks, and the Secretary, be a Committee to wait on the Rev. John W. Ellingwood, and present him the thanks of this Society for his Sermon, delivered before them this day ; and request a copy for publication. Attest, E. GILLETj Secretary. 1VUWV \V\ V\ V V\ VVX vww\ \ VWWWWWWWV* % W W* VV\ \W \W\W\AA VWWWW S E II M O N. Matthew ii. 11. iind when they were come into the house , they saw the young child Ufitli Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him : avd when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto hint gifts ; gold, cnid frankincense, and myrrh. Who the Magians or wise men were, to whom the text refers, we are not particularly informed. Whether they were partly, or wholly of Jewish extraction, or whether they were purely Gentile philosophers, or religionists, is, perhaps, not material to ascertain. But whoever they were, they received, and probably by special reve- lation, a knowledge of the Messiah’s birth and character. Guided by a meteor, or luminous appearance in the air, they left the East and came to Judea, bearing as an offering to the infant Savior, the rich- est productions of their country. Before they arrived at Jerusalem, however, the star or meteor disappeared ; and they entered the city, publicly inquiring for Him, who was “ born king of the Jews,” declaring that they had “ seen his star in the east ; and were come to worship him.” But instead of obtaining a ready, and minute answer to their inquiry, they soon perceived that they were relating news, at which the king “ was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” They found none, in the holy city itself, who knew any thing of the birth of their Savior and King. All the information they could obtain, even with the assistance of “ the chief priests and scribes,” was, that “ Bethlehem of Judea,” was pointed out by the ancient prophets, as the place of his future birth. However disap- pointed and perplexed they might be, their faith failed not. Imme diately they left Jerusalem, and set their faces toward Bethlehem. Their friendly star or light once more appeared ; and going before, ** stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary hi& mother, and fell down and worshipped him : and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts ; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” We are now assembled, my brethren, not indeed in the house where Christ was born, but in one dedicated to his service ; and in which, w'e trust, he condescends to dwell. As we have come up hither, professedly to worship his name, and present him our offer- ings, the words just read, may furnish an appropriate subject for our meditations. They suggest the sentiment, that Nothing is too precious to be given to Christ. In iliastrating, and applying this sentiment, it is proposed, I. To inquire how any thing may now be given to the Lord JesuS Christ. II. Mention several things in particular, which we arc bound to give Him, III. Suggest several considerations, which show that nothing is too precious, to be thus appropriated. I. Then, how may any thing, now, be given to the Lord Jesus Christ ? When our Divine Lord was in the flesh his friends might ap- proach his person and bestow their favors upon him. The wise men could open their treasures directly before him, and lay their offerings at his feet. But in this way nothing can now he given him. For though “ he was made flesh and dwelt among us,” yet his stay in this world was short. Long since, he “ ascended up where he was before,” and no mortal eye can see him, nor can any mortal hand minister directly unto him. Still however there are ways in which we may present him our offerings. And 1. Whatever is appropriated, for the benefit of the friends of Christ, because they are such, may be considered as given to him. The world, in which we live, is hostile to the character, and kingdom of Christ. Although he is their rightful Lord, yet all, by nature, are in rebellion against him. By the power and “ sword of the Spirit,” however, the opposition of some has been slain. 5 Their armor in which they trusted, has been taken away ; and they have surrendered themselves to Christ. From enemies they have become friends. They espouse his cause : they seek his glory. For these persons the Savior has strong affection. He acknowl- edges and treats them as children. So closely are they united to him, that he considers them as a part of himself. “ I am the vine,” said he, “ ye are the branches.” Being thus connected with Christ, whatever treatment they re- oeive, as his friends, he views as received by himself. According- ly, addressing his disciples, he 6ays, “ lie that recciveth you, re- ceiveth me, and he that despiseth you, despiseth me : and whosoev- er shall give you a cup of water to drink, in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” He therefore, who appropriates any thing to relieve the wants, or promote the happiness of believers, as such, is considered as giving just so much to Christ himself ; whether it be of personal service, or worldly substance. Hence our Lord, speaking of the final judgment, informs us, that he will acknowledge those on his right hand, as having ministered to his necessities, when he was “ hun- gry,” and “ thirsty,” “ a stranger,” “ sick and in prison and that he will say to them expressly : “ Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” 2. Whatever is appropriated for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom in this world, is given to Him. Christ has a kingdom among men, although, as himself declared, it “ is not of this world.” Though small and feeble, in its begin- ning, it is destined to become great and mighty. It is the “ grain of mustard seed, which grew, and waxed a great tree, so that the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.” It is the “ leaven, hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” It is the “ stone, cut out of the mountain w ithout hands,” which “ be- came a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” It is that, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, when, after describing certain monarchs and kingdoms, he says : “ In the days of these kings, shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed ; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces, and consume all these kingdoms ; and it shall stand forever.” Such, my hearers, is the kingdom of Christ 6 it is & spiritual, a holy, and an everlasting kingdom. It 19 begun in time, and will be finishjed in eternity. Its subjects are true belie- vers, and the divine testimonies are its laws. Under the govern, ment of him, who is the “ Prince of the kings of the earth,” and in whom are the energies ^f Omnipotence, it will continue to increase, till “ all kings shall fall down before him, and all nations shall serve him.” As all are born subjects of the kingdom of darkness, it is obvious, that there is no way of increasing the numbers of the kingdom of light, but by drawing men off from their allegiance to the “ rulers of the darkness of this world.” This work, it is divinely deter- mined, shall be accomplished, by presenting the truth to the minds of men ; for “ it hath pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe.” Accordingly, when our Lord was about to ascend to heaven, he gave to his disciples this extensive com- mand : “ Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” This command will be binding on all believers, till eve- ry creature has, once at least, heard the Gospel. To this end, min- isters arc bound to contribute their exertions. For this, they must renounce the world. Its cares, its business, and its hopes, must be in a good degree relinquished. The command of Christ to them is : i: Let the dead bury their dead ; but go thou and preach the king- dom of God.” They must declare to the impenitent, the native deformity of their characters, and the guilt and danger of their state. They must describe to them, the misery of being in the kingdom of Satan, and the only way, by which they can enter into the kingdom of God. They must, if possible, make them feel their “ bonds of iniquity,” and sigh, and cry for deliverance. To rescue men from the “ power of darkness,” and to “ translate them into the kingdom of God’s dear Son,” should be their great aim. For this, they should pray, and exhort, and preach. And whoever thus attempts to build up the kingdom of Christ, is viewed as laboring fer him. Accordingly wc find him saying to his ministers : “ He that heareth you heareth me.” And while ministers are devoting their strength and lives to preaching the word, others must supply their temporal wants ; for “ Who,” saith the Apostle, speaking of ministerial support , u who go- eth a warfare, any time, at his own charges ?” And whoever rightly contributes for this purpose, as really engages in advancing the kingdom of Christ, as he, who is thereby enabled to communicate the word of life. Such appropriations, he considers as made to himself. When Paul was a missionary at Corinth, the brethren at Philippi contributed to his support : and he declares that their con- tribution was “ an odour of a sweet sine 11, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God/’ II. I am to mention several things, in particular, which should be 2 -iven to Christ. 1. Our supreme love should be given to him. “ The first and great commandment” is, u thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with alTthy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” None can doubt that supreme love is here requir- ed. But it is the divine will, “ that all naen should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.” The Son, therefore, is to receive our supreme love, as one with the Father. In our affections, he can accept no subordinate place ; for the throne of our hearts belongs to him. “ If any man,” said an apostle, u love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maran-atha.” As the u chiefest among ten thousand,” w’e should esteem him : In our love no crea- ture must be his rival. Without this affection, it is in vain to pre- tend that we are liis disciples, or to hope for salvation from him. We may as well speak of living beings without life, as of Christians without supreme love to Christ. So essential is this love, that no other attainment can supply its place. Knowledge, faith, and zeal are nothing without it. The Savior says., “ If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters,” “ he cannot be my disciple.” So ardent must be our love to him, that our love for earthly friends, when compared with it, should be as hatred. All, w ho have heard of his name, should be able to say of him, with truth, This is he, “ whom my soul loveth .” 2. Our personal endowments, both of body and mind, should be devoted to Christ. He, who rightly considers himself, will be constrained to ack- nowledge, that he is “ fearfully and wonderfully made.” Both our mental and corporeal parts, are richly endowed by the hand of God. The limbs of our bodies, and the faculties of our minds, are wisely adapted to the most important purposes ; and if wisely employed, may render us highly and extensively useful. They are talents, 8 committed to our hands, for which we must accouut with our great Benefactor ; and to his service they should all be devoted. That health and strength of body, which are so much prized, we are bound to employ in the service of our common Lord. We should lay them out to the glory of his name, and the promotion of his cause. Our feet should “ run in the way of his commandments.” Our hands should perform the works, which he requires. Our tongues should be employed in his praise. Our mental faculties and improvements, also, must be no less de- voted to him. Whatever of original strength and ingenuity, or ac- quired vigor and acuteness of mind, any possess, they are bound to consecrate to the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing, of all our personal endowments, can be rightfully withheld. We must bring the whole to him, as a living sacrifice ; and thus glorify him, with our bodies and spirits which are his. 3. Our worldly substance should be given to Christ. Devoting our worldly substance to Christ, does not suppose that we put it all out of our power, by bestowing it upon the poor, or giv- ing it to the support of religious establishments ; for every one is bound to provide “ for his own, and specially for those of his own house.” Nor, on the contrary, does the passage of scripture here referred to, require that men should hoard their surplus property, for the benefit of their families, to the neglect of the needy, either of “ the household of faith,” or of “ them that are without.” Many, however, affect to be much afraid, that contributing to charitable ij purposes, would expose them to be ranked with him, who “ hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel ;” who yet are not greatly distressed, through fear that they shall “ rob God,” by with- holding “ tithes and offerings.” If that narrow, selfish spirit, which possesses most men, could be cast out, they would find, com- paratively, little difficulty in ascertaining, when they should give, and when withhold. The truth is, they are bound to appropriate their earthly possessions, just as the interest of Christ’s kingdom and cause requires. For this purpose they were given. And there are few, very few of whom the cause of Christ requires nothing, for charitable purposes. Of many it requires much, who yet give noth- ing, or next to nothing. It has long been a custom, in oriental countries, to approach kings, and great men with gifts. In conformity with this practice, 9 the wise men approached the Messiah with rich presents. Of the greatness and excellence of his character, they seem to have been divinely apprised ; and there is reason to believe, they were not destitute of saving faith. Their long and expensive journey from the east ; their persevering exertions to find the Savior ; their joy when they found him: their readiness to worship him, not- withstanding his unpromising and even mean appearance ; the value of the gifts, which they presented him; and their obedience to the warnings of God, in returning a different way, from that di- rected by Herod ; arc circumstances in favor of the supposition, that their souls, as well as their treasures, were given to Christ. The example of the Magians is worthy of our imitation. W e ought not to approach him, empty-handed. Our worldly substance should be held at his disposal ; and appropriated just as is pleasing to him. This would be giving the whole to him, while a portion of it might still remain in our possession. Although he allows us to provide for our own, we must not forget others. The needy, and “ he that hath none to help him,” must be remembered. “ lie that, honoreth his Maker, hath mercy on the poor.” To the poor, we may show mercy, by relieving not only their temporal, but their spiritual wants. This may be done directly or indirectly. We may support religious instructors, already qualified to teach them ; or may educate those, who in future time shall engage in the great work. In this way, we may cause the Gospel to be preached to the poor; and give our property to Christ. In this way, comfort may be administered to his friends, souls added to his kingdom, and glory brought to his name. And in what way can a portion of our substance be better spent? “ Rather,” says an eloquent writer, “ rather would I meet on the hill of Zion, one, to whose arrival there I had the felicity in the smallest degree to contribute, than be the possessor here of hoarded or funded millions.” By the offerings of the wise men, the holy family were probably supported, during their flight from Herod, and while in Egypt. By our offerings also, individuals of Christ’s family may be provided with living bread, in those places where they are surrounded with tiie darkness of spiritual Egypt ; and the latter is no less a gift to Christ, than the former. If those were the “ messengers of Christ, and the glory of the churches,” who carried the bounty of believers, to relieve the temporal wants of their brethren ; much more may 10 they be thus considered, who carry the means of relieving the spir- itruil wants of Christians, and of souls “ ready to perish.” 4. Our friends should be given to Christ. The poet has well said, “ Poor is the friendless master of a world.” Friends are among the richest gifts, that “ come down from the Father of lights.” By them, the unavoidable sorrows of life may be diminished, and its joys increased. Friends may cheer our desponding hearts, and wipe the tears from our eyes. Their superior value over other earthly blessings, may be seen by the readiness, with which men sacrifice almost every thing for their benefit. Instances have b£en found, in which a man would even u lay down his life for his friend.” But precious as our friends are, they should be devoted to the Savior. If his cause requires, we must be willing to forego their society, and all the endearing otfices of kindness and love. We must, at the call of his Provideuce, yield them up to labor, or suffering, or death. “ If any man,” says he, “ love father or mother more than me, he is not worthy of me. If any man love son or daughter more than me, he is not worthy of me.” If our parents or children, our brothers or sisters, our neighbors or companions, can better serve the Great Redeemer, by being re- moved from us to however great distance, we must not object. If his cause needs them as missionaries, or printers, or instructors of youth in the ends of the earth, we should by yielding a cordial con- sent, give them to him. In this way, churches should devote their members to the service of their Lord. No member is too valuable to be given up, if he can do more fomthe kingdom of Christ in an- other station. The youth of our churches should be held as devo- ted ; and if needed in the special service of the Head of the Church, must not only be relinquished, but assisted in preparing for their work. 5. We should give our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. Short as life is, it is long enough to secure its great end. And if diligently improved, it is, ordinarily, long enough for much active service in the cause of benevolence. “ To do good and to commu- nicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Whoever obeys this command serves Christ ; and in his benevolent service our lives should be spent. Ministers, especially, being “ ambassadors for Christ,” must be 11 engaged for him. Like the apostle, they must determine to “ know nothing” among tlieir people, “ save Jesus Christ and him crucifi- ed.” In advancing his cause, they must not count their lives dear unto themselves. The daily prayer, not only of ministers, bat of every man should be ; “ Lord what wilt thou have me to do ?” The service of Christ ought to be their constant service. Not th..„ they should spend their whole time in what are usually termed religious duties. This would be contrary to his will ; for he requires other kinds of ser- vice. lly giving our lives to Christ, I mean, that we spend them in the way which lie directs. Every day should have reference to his cause. By many, indeed, one day in seven, devoted to Christ, is viewed as quite suilicieut. More than this, they consider as little, if any, short of violating the command, which saith : “ Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work.” If they can avoid immorality during the week, and spend their sabbaths in the formalities of religion, whether they ever have fervor enough, to keep their hearts from freezing or not, they esteem themselves bv no means wanting in piety. But whatever are the feelings or views of such men, aud al- though, it is confessed, we are not to be all our time engaged in what are commonly called religious duties, yet religion should be, in an important sense, the business of every day. “ If any man will come after me,” said Christ, “ let him deny himself ; and take up his cross daily , and follow me.” As soon as men are capable of doing any thing for him, they are required to enter his service, and continue to work, till their eyes become dim, and their limbs feeble in death; and then, like the dying martyr, they should commend their departing spirit to his hands that they may serve him forever in a better world. This would be following in the steps of Him, who even in childhood, felt that he “ must be about his Father’s bu- siness;” who esteemed it his “meat and drink, to do the will of him that sent him ;” and who never allowed himself to say, respect- ing his work, “ it is finished,” till “ he bowed his head” in death. And not only are we bound to spend our lives in the service of Christ ; but if the good of his kingdom, and honor of his name re- quire, w e must be willing to yield up life itself. “ I am ready,” said an apostle, “ not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesu*.” And this is the spirit, which every 12 one should possess. Life must be freely relinquished, when it comes in competition with the kingdom of Christ. “If any man come unto me,” said the Savior, “ and hate not his own life, he can- not be my disciple.” 6. Our souls should be given to Christ. The immediate end of our Lord ? s mission to this world, was to prepare the way for saving the souls of men. This end he fully accomplished. The price of redemption is paid. “All things are ready.” He now stands and makes proclamation to a dying world, of his ability to save ; and declares that whosoever “cometh unto him,” he “ will in no wise cast out.” And not only does he pro- claim his grace, and invite sinners to accept it, but he commands them. He commands them to cast themselves upon his mercy. To refuse, is death ; for it is the unalterable statute of his kingdom : “ He that believeth not shall be damned.” Thus are we required to put our trust in the Son of God. Our very souls must be given to him. Great, indeed, is the confidence necessary to this ; but such confidence, we are required to possess. Yes, our souls, with all our everlasting interests, must be confided to his hands. A voluntary, unreserved, and unconditional surrender of the whole, must be made. Thus it appears, that our supreme love, our personal endowments, our worldly substance, our friends, our lives, and our souls, should be given to Christ. In a word, upon all things, which we possess, whether they relate to our bodies or souls, to time or eternity, we should write, in living, and legible characters; “ Holiness unto the Lord.” I proceed now III. To bring to view several considerations, which show that nothing, we possess, is too precious to be given to Christ. 1. This is evident from a consideration of his character. He, whose star was seen in the east, is, my hearers, unrivalled in dignity and glory. “ He w-as before all things ; and by him all things consist.” “ From everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was,” He was with Jehovah, “as one brought up with him. n His “ goings forth,” therefore, “have been from of old, from everlasting.” By an ancient prophet, it was foretold, that “ His name should be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” By an apostle, it is declared, respecting him, that “ God w as manifest in the flesh.”' 13 Ami Jehovah himself, addressing him, says, “ Thy throne, 0 God, is forever and ever ; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy Kingdom.” He is also divinely declared, to he “the image of the invisible God,” yea, even the brightness of flis glory and the ex- press image of Ilis person.” And, “ being in the form of God, he thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” Suclt being his character, it is not strange, thatholy and intelligent men openlv offered him that reverence, which should be given to no creature. Mary, Peter, and the eleven apostles worshipped him. The martyr Stephen spent his expiring breath, in giving him that homage, which could, with propriety, be offered to none, but the Great Supreme. So universal was the w orship of Christ among early believers, that an inspired epistle has this striking address : “ Unto the Church of God, which is at Corinth, with all, that in every place, call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” The homage and love of the faithful, in every age, have been freely giv- en him. And he is worthy, not only of the worship of men, but of angels. So excellent is his person, and so glorious his character, that even when he was in “ the form of a servant,” a decree was promulged in heaven, whose language is, “ Let all the angels of God worship him.” And since his ascension to the “ glory, which he had with the Father, before the world was,” he has been the object of supreme affection and worship, among holy angels, and glorified men. John, who had a vision of the heavenly world, and its employments, informs us, that he “ beheld and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and the beasts, and the elders : and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a ioud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” If kings, and great men in the east, were deemed worthy to re- aeive presents and gifts, in proportion to their dignity, what gifts should be presented to him, who is the “ Blessed and only Poten- tate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords!” If his character is such, that among angels and glorified men in heaven, he is worthy to receive “ power, and riches, and 'honor, and glory,” surely nothing which we possess, can be too precious to be laid at his feet. £. That nothing, which we possess, is too precious to be given to Christ, is evident from the consideration, that he is the Proprietoi of all things. 14 That Christ is the Creator of the universe, is sufficiently evident. The earth with all its blessings, the heavens with all their glories, came from his forming hand. “ Without him was not any thing made, that was made.” If among men, he, who fabricates any thing with his own hands, and of his own materials, is the sole pro- prietor, as it respects human claims ; how perfect must be the right, which Christ has to the universe by creation. A claim to any thing, founded on having created it, is the highest conceivable claim. On Ilim, also, all things depend for continuance in being. Should he withhold his support, creation would sink in ruins. An apostle declares, that he is « upholding all things, by the word of his pow- er and that, “ by him, all things consist.” If then, the universe was “ not made of things which do appear,” or, in other words, if the whole was made of nothing, by Christ, and by him is preserved, then all things belong to him. He is their great Proprietor. “ By him,” says the apostle, “ were all things cre- ated, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, — whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers : all things were created by him, and fur him.” Every being, therefore, whether animate or inanimate, rational or irrational, is his. Angels and men are his : the heavens and the earth are his. Of whatever we are in any sense possessed, he is the rightful owner. Our silver and gold, our lives and friends, our bodies and souls, are his. When, therefore, we devote any thing to him, we give him nothing but what was his own before. In view of our offerings, presented to him, we may say with David ; M All things come of thee ; and ot thine own have we given thee.” And Surely nothing, which is al- ready, and in the highest sense his, can be too precious to be appro- priated to his service. 3. That nothing, which we possess, is too precious to be given to Christ, is evident from a consideration of what he has done for us. When the Jewish ciders desired our Lord to heal the centurion’s servant, they declared, “ that he was worthy for whom he should do this for, said they, “ he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.” If there was any force in this argument, how strongly will it apply in the case before us. 1 low has the Savior loved our world ! and what has he done for our souls ! His benevolence and power gave us existence. And, from the moment we were born, he has watched over us with more than a father’s care. He haS 15 been our guide by day, and shield by night. At his table we have been fed : from bis flocks wc have been clothed. Through help ob- tained of him, we continue till this time, “ witnessing both to small and great,” that his goodness is unbounded. Had lie bestowed upon us none other than temporal favors, our obligations to him would still be neither few, nor small. But what are these, when compared with those spiritual blessings, presented by him, which “ eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man !” Our race was ruined ; but he provided for their restoration. He beheld our deplorable state ; and his heart was moved within him. He saw us under the curse of the law ; and that we might be delivered, he consented to be « made a curse for us.” He saw us in debt ten thousand talents, with nothing to pay : he paid the amount, and offers to cancel the demand. He saw us in spiritual slavery, holden “ with the cords of our sins :” he paid our ransom, and oilers to make us free. He saw us, “ aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world and he prepared the way for us, to become “ fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” He saw us, in fine, polluted by sin, and loaded with guilt, infinitely removed from God, and on the very confines of hell, with no eye to pity, nor arm to save ; and he procured, and let down to us, that mysterious in- strument of deliverance, the “ top whereof reacheth unto heaven and upon it he sent “ the angels of God” to our help, that we might ascend to safety and glory. All these things the Savior has done for us, and at no cheap rate. His infinite treasures did but barely defray the expense. He stripped himself, that he might load us with favors. “ Though he was rich, for our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich.” Such was his benevolent affection for mankind, that even life itself was not too dear, to be surrendered for them. The sacrifice was necessary ; and he cheerfully made it. He “ gave his back to the smiters, and his cheeks to them that plucked off the hair.” He presented his heart to the spear ; and freely poured out his blood for us. My hearers, behold these amazing works ; and then look round on all you possess ; and ask yourselves, if you have any thing too precious to be devoted to his honor, or spent in his, service ? 16 4. That nothing is too precious, to be given to Christ, is evident, from the consideration, that whatever is thus devoted to him, he will abundantly repay. As Christ is the great Proprietor of the universe, he might re- quire our best things without any promise of remuneration. But he asks for nothing on this condition. He directs no man to serve him for nought. One important reason, indeed, why be ever re- ceives men into his service, is, that he may gratify his benevolence, in bestowing upon them the rewards of mercy. Such being the fact, he will not permit the least service done for him, to go unre- warded. Accordingly we find, that requisitions of sacrifices and services, are sometimes accompanied with a special promise of re- payment. “ Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase ; so shall thy barns be filled with plen- ty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” “ He, that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth to the Lord ; and that which he bath given, u'ill he pay him ogam.” lie, who is “ Heir of all things,” is certainly able to repay the services and sacrifices which are offered to him ; and he is as willing, as he is able. Accordingly we find him saying ; “ Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these lit- tle ones, a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” There is then, no loss, but gain, in giving our most precious things to Christ. lie, who liberally docs it, will know by experience, that “ there is, that scattered), and yet incrcaseth.” This is invariably true of those, who in any way contribute to Christ and his cause. When the apostle received support from the Philippians, as a missionary at Thessalonica, he declares that he desired it more for the good of the contributors, than for his own benefit. “ Ye sent,” says he, “ once and again, to my necessity ; not because I desire a gift ; but I de- sire fruit, that may abound to your account.” And, whatever is giv- en to Christ, will be fruit of this description. “ There is no man,” saith he, “ that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the Gos- pel’s ; but shall receive an hundred fold now in this time ; — and in the world to come, eternal life.” lie, therefore, who sincerely de- votes his precious things to Christ, vests them in the funds of heav- en, which will yield him an hundred fold of real good, even in this world, and procure for him in the world to come, “ an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and thatfadeth not away.” 17 A few reflections will now conclude. 1. llow erroneous are the views of the world in general, respect- ing the person and character of Christ. Our subject teaches us that Christ is a great and glorious being, whose throne is “ higher than the kings of the earth,” and whose “ name is above every name.” It appears that he is worthy of the highest services and honors, which either men or angels can give. But, in regard to the greater part of the world, how little do they think either of Christ or his kingdom ! While the rulers, and chief- tains of this world are sufficiently honored, and their names exalted to heaven ; He to whom belongs the kingdom, and the glory, and the honor ; and upon whose shoulders the government is laid, is disregarded. While the wise men devoutly worshipped the Savior, the Jews in general revered him not. While the eastern sages, whose minds were probably illumined by a brighter star than that which guided them to Bethlehem, presented their offerings to the infant Savior ; the great body of the Jews treated him as their fathers did their first king : “ they despised him, and brought him no presents.” While the Magians from a far country, inquired diligently for him, and found him, and rejoiced in him ; those among whom he was born, the professed friends of Jehovah, were ignorant of his person and character; and knew' not, indeed, that “ God had visited his people.” And bow like this, is the conduct of most men, in this boasted day of wisdom and goodness. How few place any value on the kingdom and glory of Christ. How few, indeed, even in this Christian land, know any thing of him, as the one “ altogether lovely.” Let a company of those truly wise men, in whose hearts the “ day-star” has arisen, come from Africa, the East-Indies, or the South-Sea islands, to this land of vision, to seek the Savior ; and they would, probably, be as much astonished at the prevailing ig- Horance respecting Christ, as the Magians were on entering Jerusa- lem. Let these Christian pilgrims, full of love and zeal for their Deliverer, on landing in this country, repair to our Custom-houses, Houses of Exchange, or places of public resort, eagerly inquir- ing for the Savior ; and they would find few, who knew any more of his true excellence, than the Jews of whom the wise men inquired, did of their kiDg. They Would soon find, as it respects I IS any correct and experimental views of the glory of Christ, that the minds of multitudes are enveloped in darkness, as impervious as that which shrouds the heathen. He, who is altogether lovely, has in fact, in the eyes of most men, “ no form nor comeliness,” and “ no beauty that they should desire him.” They see not his glory : they feel not his love. They have no proper spiritual conceptions, either of his person, his char- acter, or his work. Instead of viewing him as worthy of their love, and property, and talents, and friends, and lives, and souls, they practically esteem him, as worthy of nothing. Such being the fact, if our subject is true, how lamentably, and it is to be feared, fatally erroneous, is the estimation, in which Christ is held by the greater part of mankind ! Did they confess the truth, their language would be, “ He was despised, and ive esteemed him not.” 2. How criminally deficient are most men in regard to the du- ties, which they owe to Christ. Is it true, that we are bound to give so much to him as this dis- course supposes ! Who then performs his duty ? We are bound to give him our supreme love. But, in view of roost men, the world has charms more captivating, than the glory of Christ. “ They love the creature more than the Creator.” The vanities of life, they eagerly pursue, while the name and cause of Christ are forgotten. Our personal endowments should be given to Christ. But the world in general, choose to devote them to other purposes. Their health, and strength, and learning, and ingenuity, and all their va- rious powers, which should be employed for the honor of him, who gave them, are spent in serving sin. Our property should be given to Christ. But how few are there who bestow it upon him ? I ask not how few give all their substance to charitable and religious purposes. No one supposes, that this is now the duty of any man ; though all should appropriate what they have, in the way which Christ requires. But how few give that propor - tion to benevolent purposes, which is evidently their duty? What multitudes give nothing ? They say, we have nothing to give. “There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” They have property for every other purpose, but none for Christ. Though he has given and done so much for them, they have not a dollar to bestow on his suffering cause. Or, if conscience compels therti to 19 give something, it is so much less than he requires, that they have reason for shame and repentance, even in view of their oft'erings- They seem to forget that the “ silver and the gold” are his ; and that “ the Lord loveth a cheerful giver.” We are bound to devote our friends to Christ. But how many are deficient in this duty ? Many have sons, or brothers, or near relatives, who if consecrated to his service, might do much for the comfort and happiness of his friends, and the “ increase of his king- dom.” But they cannot spare them. They need their company, and are not willing to forego its pleasures. Or, it may be, they have calculated much on their pecuniary assistance, and cannot give them up ; — as if they had stronger claims to them, than he, who created them, and who died to save their souls! They need not their service, to procure for them either the necessaries, or com- forts of life, but they cannot make so great a sacrifice, as their ex- pected profit. They know not, indeed, but God may in judgment visit these friends with infirmity, and thus deprive them of their services. This however they do not expect ; and substituting gain for godliness they hold them fast. And how many churches are there, who have members, well cal- culated, if suitably encouraged, to serve Christas his ambassadors. But the church to which they belong, cannot feel willing to relin- quish them. Their brethren suppose, perhaps, that their assistance will be greatly needed in healing future difficulties ; or performing future services in the church to which they belong. Or, if God spare their lives, and give them the means, they may by and by do much toward supporting the Gospel in the town where they live. For the church to yield them up, will but increase its own burdens ; and besides, in such a case, the remaining members may be called upon to contribute something to their support, while preparing for their future work. Or it may be that leading and in fluential individuals are proud of the numbers and respectability of their church ; and cannot bear tlie thought of relinquishing then most reputable and useful members. Or, it may be, they are so inattentive to the general interests of Zion, that they think little of the necessity of increasing the number of her “Watchmen.” Possibly the minister, ai o, if weighed in the balances of benev- olence, might be found as w nting, as his church. He has much to do, and often feels ready to sink under his burdens. His eye has 20 far some tirne been fixed on certain young members of his flock, who, he expects, will ere long greatly assist him. Through them, he hopes to give such stability to his church, that, in future, it shall not be necessary, as hitherto, to spend so much of his time and strength in watchful anxiety. Thousands are perishing for lack of knowledge, but he is not wil- ling to relinquish those, who might administer to their necessities, lie is ready to suggest, that they may do much good in their pres- ent stations : that we need good merchants, good lawyers, and good mechanics, as well as good ministers. Although he has been ena- bled, heretofore, to bear all his burdens without their assistance, and even while they were engaged in the opposite cause ; yet he is afraid lie shall not be able to do it in future. They are so important in their present situations, that he knows not how they can be spared. He feels, as he thinks, the importance of having more la- borers, and he prays the “ Lord of the harvest,’’ to send them forth ; but he hopes they may be found in other churches, rather than his own. Ilis prayer is : “ Send I pray thee by the hand of him whom thou wilt send and however great and distressing the deficiency now is, he trusts that candidates enough will eventually be found, without so great a sacrifice on his part, as giving up the youth of his flock. These pious young men, it is true, he received from God, and when, perhaps, he little expected them ; but he is afraid to trust him in future. He forgets, that “ he that watereth shall be water- ed also himself.” And, was it not for the sacredncss of his charac- ter, one would think he had begun to “ seek his own, and not tho things that are Jesus Christ’s.” These remarks are made, not because it is supposed that every pious youth is fit to become an “ ambassador of Christ,” but be- cause, as is believed, there arc at this moment, hundreds of suitable young men in our churches, who if properly encouraged and assist- ed, might enter the Gospel ministry ; — hundreds, who if not posses- sed of great talents, might nevertheless render infinite service to the cause of Christ. Hut they are withheld by selfishness, or pride, or heedless inattention to the subject. Thus parents, and broth- ers, and sisters, and churches, and ministers, are, it is believed, criminally deficient, in withholding their friends from Christ. They Hope, indeed, that they are themselves the children of Abraham ; but O how little do they possess of that faith, which the patriarch had, when he offered up his only son for a burnt-oftering ! We are bound to give our lives to Christ ; but how few perform the duty ? How few, feel as if every day should be appropriated to t*is service P How few are prepared to “ spend and be spent” for him, or to yield up their lives a sacrifice, if his cause require ? On the contrary, how many devote their whole probation to the work of sin. That life, which they are bound by a thousand obligations, to present to the “ Prince of Life,” they give to the god of this world. Not a day do they ever sincerely and properly devote to him, who spent his whole life for them. And even among those, who profess attachment to his cause, how few give their lives to him as they ought ? Where, almost, is the man, whose conduct declares to the world, that he is not his own, but “ bought with a price r” We are bound to give our souls to Christ. But much the greater part, even of those who hear the Gospel, utterly refuse. The glo- ry of his character is presented before them. His claims to them, as the Proprietor of all things, ar c brought to their view. The be- nevolent and astonishing works, which he lias performed for their good, are clearly and faithfully described. And his ability and willingness to repay all that is given to him, are again and again made known. But they see not his glory : they feel not his right over them : they appreciate not his benevolence : they believe not his promises : they have no true confidence in his name : they are consequently unwilling to commit their souls to his hands. Although apprised that they must perish, unless they comply with his requirement ; they refuse. They seem disposed to leave their souls any where else, rather than at his disposal. Thus they treat with contempt or indifference, the character, the claims, and the salvation of Christ. In these ways, do the greater part of mankind withhold from him, that, which is his due. Instead of giving him all they have, they give him little or nothing. Did they possess the spirit of the wise men, how different would the state of the world be ? And against w hat multitudes, will those men rise up in judgment in the final day, and condemn them ; because they came from a far coun- try, to present their worship and their offerings to Christ ; while the majority of those, who inhabit Gospel lands w ithhold both. S. Our duty and interest are mercifully and closely connected. He, who feels his obligations, and gratefully devotes his all to Christ, finds even here, “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” And if there was no other reward, than this present peace, and satisfac- tion, such persons would find themselves amply repaid, for all that they ever gave to the cause and glory of Christ. But in addition to this, lie often repays them in kind. On him, who gives supreme love, he bestows love. For him, who devotes his friends, he raises up more friends. To him, who contributes of his property, he cau- ses enlargement of property. It is, indeed, seriously doubted, whether any person was ever in the end, and in strictness of speech, poorer, even in this world, in consequence of bestowing his good things on the cause of Christ. Either that which is left is increas- ed, or is rendered more pruductive of happiness, and consequently more valuable. It is, in general, became Christians give so little to the cause of Christ, that they have so little to give. The apostle, speaking of contributions for charitable purposes, says,