PAUL ON MARS HILL : SWM. OR, A CHRISTIAN SURVEY OF THE P4GAN WORLli. A ’ SERMON, PREACHED AT NEWBURYPORT, JUNE 21, 1818, AT THE ORDINATION * * OF THE REVEREND MESSRS. SAMUEL J. MILLS, JAMES RICHARDS, ED- WARD WARREN, HORATIO BARDWELL,,^N-* JAMIN C. »1EIGS, AND DANIEL POOR,^ " TO THE OFFICE OF Cljtisitian Missionaries:, By SAMUEL WORC ESTER, d.d. PASTOR OF THE TABERNACLE CHURCH IN SALEM. _ . u . S PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. ANDOVER : PRINTED BY FLAGG AND GOULD*. 1815. A SERMON. ACTS xvii. 16 . u KOW, WHILE PAUL WAITED FOR THEM AT ATHENS, HIS SPIRIT WAS STIRRED IN HIM, WHEN HE SAW THE CITY WHOLLY GIVEN TO IDOLATRY. The history of the first propagation of Christianity eminently deserves the attention of all men. Singularly interesting in its subject, it is replete with various and momentous instruction. It furnishes ample and most de- cisive evidence, that the gospel is from God ; it affords opportunity for bringing many different and discordant opinions to the test of fact ; and it shews in a strong light the fallen condition of mankind, the necessity of a special interposition of Heaven for their recovery, the wisdom and the benignity of the divine dispensations, and the sovereignty and the plenitude of divine grace. The Apostle of the Gentiles, after planting the gospel in many provinces of Asia, passed over into Europe, and preached with success in Macedonia, particularly at Phi- lippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. In each of these places flourishing churches were planted ; hut in each, he met with determined opposition, and violent persecution. Driv- en from Macedonia, he directed his course southerly into the province of Achaia, and came to Athens ; whence lie I 4 sent back an order to his two assistants, Silas and Timo- thy, to come without delay, and join him there. Athens was the light of Greece, and the glory of the gentile world. Her heroes, statesmen, and sages — ^her poets, orators, and artists were renowned in all nations ; and their renown has descended to our day, and will de- scend to latest time. Though, when visited by the apos- tle, she had passed her meridian ; yet even then she was the mistress of science, the model of taste and refinement, the acknowledged and venerated preceptress of the Roman empire. To a literary, philosophic, or curious mind, no place on earth could have been more interesting. Monu- ments of other times, and works of late production ; tem- ples, statues, and paintings ; schools, books, and musea ; scholars, artists, and connoisseurs, come from different countries for improvement or amusement, and enjoying the luxuries of learned or of polite leisure : — all these would solicit attention, and offer rare and diversified entertain- ment. Paul is universally allowed to have been a schol- ar, and a man of taste ; and from the vigour of his facul- ties, the warmth and culture of his mind, he must have been eminently susceptible of the impressions of the objects and scenes around him at Athens. He knew well where he was, and his mind was awake ; but his observations and his feelings were widely different from those of the mere philosopher, critick, or man of the world. He knew that he was at the very centre of earthly glory, amid the proud- est monuments of the human faculties : but in the light of that glory, and by the aid of those monuments, he saw human nature in most deplorable degi’adation and wretch- edness : without God, without holiness, w ithout happi- ness ; — following after vanities, feeding on wind, and per-, ishing in its own deceptions and corruptions. He observ- ed that, with all its dazzling splendours, that far famed city was wholly given to idolatry ; and his spirit teas 5 utivred in him. His emotions were such as not to be re- pressed ; his holy zeal was raised to a fervour, not to be restrained. It cannot, iny brethren, be unsuitable to the present occasion, to consider more particularly the cause of the strong emotions, which the apostle when at Athens felt ; and then to contemplate what he was impelled to do, and the eflects which ensued. I. His spirit was stirred in him, because he saw the city wholly given to idolatry; or, as some would choose to read, filled with idols. Either of these renderings is good, and neither of them disagrees with well established fact. Greece at large was famous for the immense multi- plicity of its gods, and its excessive devoted ness to idola- trous superstitions ; and in both the one and the other, Athens was scarcely less preeminent, than in arms and arts. By one classic author,* she is said to have had more images than all the rest of Greece,’’ and to have exceeded all other people in her assiduities towar ds the gods by auother,t to have had twice as many sacred festivals as any other city and by a third J she is call- ed “ the Altar of Greece.” With these testimonies the voice of all antiquity agi’ees. Athens, in addition to the gods peculiarly her own, adopted those of Egypt, Phenicia, Syria — of the pagan nations indeed, generally, in Asia, Africa and Europe. These deities were the luminaries of heaven, — the elements of nature, — dead heroes, and other men and women, distin- guished in their days, — animals of various kinds, — human faculties, virtues and vices, — and imaginary beings of mon- i strous form and character. For these gods, images were ] made, temples were built, altars were erected, and rites of worship were instituted. To some of them the worst of passions, and tlie worst of vices were attributed ; and co.r- * Pausaniiis. + Xenophon. t .^lian. f 6 respondent to the attributes, with wliich they were invest- ed, were the rites with which they were worshipped. Their images were symbols of enormity ; their temples were high places of abomination ; their festivals were scenes of licentious revelry. Such were the gods, and such was the religion of renowned Athens. The city was wholly given to idolatry : all classes of the people were idolaters. For ages, indeed, this city had been the seat of philosophy, and the residence of sages ; and for several hundred years some correct and sublime ideas of the One Supreme God were to be found in her schools. Many of her philosophers saw great defects in the established religion, great absurdities in the customary superstitions, great corruptions in the general manners ; but those defects their wisdom did not remedy, those ab- , surdities their philosophy did not correct, those corrup- tions their virtue did not withstand : with all their fine sentiments, their vaunted reasonings, their imposing pre- tensions, they themselves worshipped lords many and gods many, communicated in the abominations of the mysteries and of the temples, were influenced by the reigning delu- sions, and contaminated with the prevalent enormities. All this, and more, St. Paul, wlio had the best opportuni- ties for knowing the facts, and wrote as he was moved by the Holy Ghost, most forcibly declares. He docs not de- ny that those celebrated wise men, had some correct know- ledge of the Supreme Being ; but he affirms that when they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, neither were thankful ; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.’^ Though they had at- tained to some just notions of the one True God, and could discourse sublimely concerning his existence, his attributes, his providence, and the homage and service, due to him from his creatures ; yet they did not supremely love and reverence him : did not pay even their external homage. 7 exclusively, nor principally, if indeed at all, to him — did not openly avow and endeavour to propagate what they knew of him ; but, alienated from him in their minds, they contented themselves with curious speculations upon his nature and character, gloried in their fancied preeminence in wisdom, and made a merit of joining themselves, and inculcating upon their disciples to join, in the established worship of the innumerable idols of their city and nation. Thus, while they professed to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incomiptible God in- to an image made like to corruptible man, and to binls, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.’^ This is true even of Socrates and Plato, as the most authentick records of antiquity attest. Socrates, when arraigned be- fore the high court of Athens, and accused of innovating in religion, expressly pleaded in his defence, that he had always, both in private and in publick, worshipped, and taught his disciples to worship, the many gods of his coun- try ; and for the truth of his plea he confidently appealed to those who had best known the course of his practice, and the tenour of his instructions. If such was the prac- tice of the best of the philosophers, we should rationally conclude, and the conclusion is supported by abundant * evidence, that the practice of the rest w'^as certainly no better. Of this enormous inconsistency and impiety, the conse- quences were most deplorable and fatal. As with all their knowledge, they changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature, more than the Crea- tor ; God also gave them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts to vile affections,’^ the very vilest, indeed, which have ever polluted and disgi’aced bur fallen nature ; to a reprobate mind, to do those things which w ere not convenient ; being filled with all unrigh- teousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, ma}i- 8 ciousness, envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity ; wliis* perers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boast- ers, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, cove- nant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, un- merciful : who, though they knew the judgment of God, that they that commit such things are worthy of death ; yet not only did them, but had pleasure in those who prac- tised them.’’ Is this, my brethren, high colouring ? Let it be remembered, it is a picture sketched by the pencil of God. Though shocking in the extreme, we may rest as- sured, it is faithful and true. Of its truth, they, if any such there are, who place more reliance on classical than on scriptural authority, may find sufficient proof in the most unquestionable classical records. If, indeed, reli- ance is to be placed on those records, the very best of the sages were chargeable with some of the very vilest and most abominable of the enormities, which the apostle so solemnly charges upon the wise men in general. For the rest of them, that they were given up to a reprobate mind,” the monstrous doctrines which they invented, the endless mazes in which they were bewildered, and the flagitious impieties and vices which they practised them- selves, and approved in others, most decisively evince. If such was the character of those who held the high- est pretensions to wisdom and virtue — of the philosophers, legislators, and magistrates — what must the character of the great mass of the people have been ? It appears, in- deed, from the phrase, given wjv,” repeatedly used by the apostle, and with particular application to the wise, men, that they, for atrociously perverting their wisdom and knowledge, were judicially left of God to spiritual blhidness, and to “ their own hearts’ lusts and, no doubt, in the sight of God, whom they would not glorify, and by whose direction their character has been so strik- ingly depicted, they were in a state of deeper corruption. 11 S/f iu the highest veneration for wisdom and authority, not hy the Athenians only, but by all the Greeks, and even by other nations, and liad cognizance of all important causes, especially of all matters pertaining to the publick religion. It M^as at this bar that Socrates, four hundred years be- fore, had been arraigned and condemned, for alleged in- novation in religion, and contempt of the gods. Paul, however, was brought thither, not so much, probably, for judicial trial, as for curious inquiry. May we know, said they, what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakcst, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears : we would know, therefore, what these things mean.’^ They seem to have been part- ly in raillery, and partly in earnest. They regarded the apostle and his doctrine with scorn ; yet they would have the court hear and judge concerning the new deities : but their principal motive was curiosity. For,’^ says the sacred historian, all the Athenians, and strangers w ho were there, spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing some new doctrine ; or some philosophical, or literary, or curious novelty. Too many, alas ! are the Jitlienians of our ow n age : too many they, who attend upon the preached gospel to hear what the babbler will say ; Avho listen to the momen- tous truths of salvation, and of eternity, from no higher motive than the gratification of an idle or vain curiosity ; and who, when they have lieard these truths, are ready to treat them as old things, and to seek for something newer. Paul, however, though beset with triflers, w^as himself serious : and though pressed, impertinently, to deliver and explain, his new doctrine, he was ready to do it ; but for purposes infinitely higher, than that of gratifying an idle curiosity, or aflbrding matter for vain speculation. He stood in the midst of Mars Hill,” in the very centre and on the highest tower of gentile religion and philosophy ; 13 and his audience^ composed of the members of that august court, and of others, senators, statesmen, philosophers, rhetoricians, and professors and students of various learn- ing, might well have been the boast of the gentile world. In the introduction of his address, he availed himself, with singular felicity, of two important circumstances : the un- common devotedness of the Athenians to the worship of the gods, and a remarkable inscription on one of their altars. Ye men of Athens,” said he, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious exceedingly addicted to the icorship of invisible powers. The word which he used was ambiguous, and might be understood by them as expressing a trait of character, which they could con- sider, not as reproachful, but as highly honourable to them. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription : ‘ to the unknown God.’ ” So great was their addictedness to the worship of lords many and gods many, that they would even erect ail altar to one, of Avhose character, being, or even name, they had no certain knowledge. Whom, therefore, ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” You sup- pose me to be a setter forth of strange gods,” and de- mand of me information respecting them : but he, to whom your mysterious altar is inscribed, is the God whom I serve. Him would I make known unto you ; and what relates to his will and worship is the ^ new doctrine’ which I preach. This supreme Deity is the Creator of all things visible and invisible : for the world neither existed from eternity, us some of your wise men have supposed, nor was form- ed by Chance, or by Fate, as others liave imagined. But the God who made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and cartli, dwelleth not in temples piade with hands.” This Infinite Being, the 9 and of heavier guilt, than were in general, the other clas- ses of the people. Their case, in this respect was similar to that of the scribes and pharisees among the Jews. Odious, however, as those scribes and pharisees have been made to appear, by the great Teacher from heaven, who looked into their hearts, and stripped them of their dis- guises ; they were nevertheless, in comparison with the people in general, outwardly and in the sight of men, fair and beautiful.’^ So too were the wise men of Athens. Not only did they hold out lofty pretensions to virtue ; but they really appeared to be comparatively virtuous. What then, I ask again, must the character of the great mass of the people have been ? Vicious — openly and dis- solutely vicious. — How could it be otherwise ? They were of the same depraved nature with the rest of mankind ; they had not the word of God to teach them the way of life ; they had no publick instruction, religious or moral ; in the examples of those who claimed to be their guides, and even in the character of their gods, they had incen- tives to vice, rather than motives to virtue. Their reli- gion consisted in merely external observances ; in ablu- tions, sacrifices, and festivals ; in rites and devices, some of which, though sacred to their gods, were yet most li- centious in their nature, and most corrupting in their ten- dency. They walked, like other gentiles, in the vani- ty of their mind ; having the understanding darkened, be- ing alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that was in them, throngh the blindness of their heart.’’ All classes of the people were infected with the vices, were sunk in the corruptions, so strikingly depicted by the apostle, in the first of Romans, and elsewhere. They lived without God in the world, were devoted to their idols, were enveloped in darkness, w'ere immersed in pol- lutions, were emphatically dead in trespasses and sins. Such was the 'State, in which the apostle saw the whole 10 city of Athens ; and such was the cause of his spirit be- ing stirred in him. Let us now, then, II. Contemplate what he was impelled to do, and the effects which ensued. Even in Athens there was a synagogue of the Jews, and to them and the proselytes who consorted with them, the apostle, in the fulness of his heart, first applied himself ; with what success we are not informed. Not confined, however, to the synagogue, he disputed daily in the mar- ket place,” or publick forum ; a place of general resort, where the philosophers and students, as well as others, were accustomed to meet for conversation and debate. His discourses drew attention, and he was soon encoun- tered by certain philosophers of the Epicureans and of the Stoicks two rival sects, of discordant principles and manners, but ready to unite in opposing the apostle, and spurning the doctrine, of Christ. At the debates in the forum, the serious reasonings of the apostle were answered with raillery and derision. Some said, “What will this babbler say ? Other some, He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods.” It was no uncommon thing for new and foreign deities to be in- troduced at Athens ; nor should it be thought incredible, that, among a people who had altars erected to Honour, Liberty, Fame — to Fear, Shame, Famine, and Fever — Anastasis, or Hesurrection should be mistaken for a deity. Such was tlie fact. Paul “ preaclied Jesus and the re- surrection ;” and some of the Athenians, some even of the philosopliers, it should seem, supposed not only that Je- sus was a god, but the Resurrection also a goddess, whom he wished to have introduced and worshipped among their thirty thousand deities. Under this mistake, they con- ducted the apostle to Areopagus : the high court of the Athenians, which had existed for ages, was composed of a large number of the first characters of the city, was lield 15 ing era has commenced ; a new and most stupendous scene is opening upon the world. No longer winking at the ignorance-) the delusions) the corruptions of the idol- atrous nations) “ God now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Under his commission) his messen- gers are sent forth to proclaim his namC) to testify his truth) to publish his salvation : — “ to preach to the Gen- ' tiles, as well as to the Jews, repentance towards God, and J faith in his Son Jesus Christ.” And to give to this great commission the most impressive sanction, He liath ap- pointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained ; whereof he hath given assurance unto men, in that he hath raised him from the dead :” — a fact of the most weighty import, attested by the most decisive evidence, and solemnly proclaimed, as an irrefragable proof of the divine authority of the new doctrine which I now declare unto you. This, my brethren, was a discourse, such as before had never been heard at Athens. Short as this abstract is, (for it is doubtless only an abstract of w hat the apostle de- livered,) it presents more of just views of God, and of sound religious doctrine, than was to be found in all the writings of the wise men of Athens, and of the whole gentile w'orld ; without any of those disgustful adulterations, — those my- thological vagaries, sophistical subtilties, or panderly ac- commodations to human depravity, which spoiled their best systems, corrupted their purest doctrine, vilified their highest gods, and debased their w isest men. lu a man- ner, clear, forcible and sublime, it asserts the being, the unity, and the perfections of God ; his creation of the world and all things therein ; his sovereign providence, extending to all nations, creatures, and events : the com- mon relation of all men to him as their original Father and rightful Disposer, and to one another as his offspring 16 and of one blood ; their common dependence upon him for life, and breath, and all things, and their common obliga- tions to acknowledge, serve, and glorify him. It displays in a strong light the folly, the absurdity, and the guilt of image worship, and of every species of idolatry. It al- ludes, most impressively, to the forbearance and the wis- dom of God, in affording opportunity for a full exhibition of the imbecility and the perversity of reason in depraved human nature ; and of the fitness and the necessity of a special interposition of Heaven for the recovery of man- kind. It announces with emphatical distinctness, a mo- mentous change of divine dispensations, the opening upon the world of a new and most interesting scene, and the high authoritative call upon all men every where to turn from their vanities unto the living God. It refers, with awful solemnity to the glories and the terrors of the ap- pointed day, when all men must stand before the judg- ment seat of Christ, for final audit and everlasting retribu- tion. In a word, it explodes, at once, all the vaunted sys- tems of gentile philosophy and religion, — the productions of human wisdom in the long succession of ages j and de- monstrates, incontestably, tlie infinite importance to all mankind of divine instruction — of a religion from heaven — of such a dispensation as that of the gospel. But, alas ! the light shone in darkness, and the dark- ness comprehended — admitted it not.” Having, in so ad- mirable a manner prepared the way, and just brought for- ward the gospel of Christ, the apostle, beyond doubt, in- tended to proceed to a more distinct declaration of its prin- cipal doctrines. But no sooner did he touch upon the doc- trine of the resurrection, than his wise auditors stopped him short in his course. Some of them mocked,” — be- gun to laugh ; derided him and bis doctrine, and would e followers of him even as he was of Christ. Imitate him in love to God, in devotedness to Christ, in benevolence to men ; in faith, in self-denial, in patience, in fortitude, in courage ; in zeal, in wisdom, in lilbonrs; in prayerfulness, in perseverance. Do this, and you will not run in vain. Do this, and the Lord God of the holy apostles and prophets will be with you ; he will never leave you nor forsake you ; and to him you may safely commit your persons, your interests, your hopes, your work, and your reward. Your dear and honoured brethren, who have gone be- fore you, though they have been painfully tried, have not repented of their enterprise : though they have met with many discouragements, they do not faint, or waver in their purpose. Who does not admire the noble, the apos- tolick spirit which they have displayed ? Who does not daily give thanks to God for the abundant grace bestow ed on them ? They call for you ; they encourage you to follow them. They have seen — they have seen ! — and their eyes have affected their hearts. Go forth, then, beloved brethren, in the name of Him wlio is to have the heathen for his inheritance. Go, with the dear partners of your hearts, — destined to be partners also of your sorrows and your joys, your fears and your hopes, your conflicts and your triumphs, your labours and your rewards : — destined, we devoutly trust, to an enrol- ment with HER, w hose memory is so dear to all our hearts, and whose spirit now rests from her labours, in the bosom of her Saviour God ! — Go — preach to the poor heathen the Saviour who loved them also, and died for them, though they have known him not. — Go — communicate to them the Avords by w^hich they and their houses may be saved, and kindly guide theii- feet into the way of glory, and honour, and immortality. Go — and may the God of all grace go with you, and open to you a great door and eflectual ; make you successful in turning many from dark- ness unto light ; enable you to prepare an abundant bless- ing for the generations to come ; guide you evermore with his counsel; — give you grace to he faithful unto death;~ and; in the final day; award to each one of you a crown of glory which shall never fade away. Brethren and friendS; you see these dear Missiona- ries; and your hearts are touched for them. While; then, this holy sympathy is warm, let us with one heart recom- mend them to the giace of God, for the momentous work to which they are appointed. Here, too, in this hallowed temple, let us solemnly record the inviolable vow, that we will never cease to remember them, or to pray for them : and particularly, that on the first Monday of each month, the season appointed in Europe, in Asia, in Africa, and in this country, for special missionary prayer, we will meet them at the throne of grace, and unite with them and the many thousands of Israel, in fervent supplication for them, for all engaged in the same great work, for the con- version of the nations, and for the prosperity of Zion in all lands. Jehovah hath not said unto the seed of Ja- cob, Seek ye me in vain.” In answer to the prayers of his people, he has already done great things, and he will do still greater. At this very day, he is sending down showers of heavenly influence upon our land, and partic- ularly upon our public seminaries ; raising up many of our sons for pastors, and of our young men for missionaries ; and preparing the hearts of multitudes, for more and more abundant freewill offerings, for his holy service in the spread of his great salvation. The work will prosper : — it will proceed until to an extent and conspicuousness at which the world will be amazed, persons and property will be HOLINESS TO THE LouD. Aiul from the East unto the West, and from the North unto the South, the song shall be heard, sweet as the song of angels, How beau- tiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringefli good tidings, that publisheth peace ; that bringcih good 35 tidings of good, that publishetli salvation ; — that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth ! — Break forth into joy, — sing together, ye waste places : for the Lord hath comforted liis people ; — hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations ; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.’^ Hallelujah. AMEN. CHARGE BY DANIEL DANA, D.D. PASTOR OF A PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN j^ewburtpout. Dear Brethren, T he great Head of the Church has given you the desire of your hearts. By solemn prayer, and imposition of hands, you have now been constituted Ministers of Jesus Christ, and Missionaries to the heathen. Yes, ray breth- ren, to you, humbly esteeming yourselves among the least of saints, ‘‘ is this grace given, that you should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.’’ No sublimer honor can mortals impart, or receive. With the honor, are connected responsibilities and duties, whose magnitude the mind can but faintly conceive, and eternity alone can fully unfold. In this tender, aAvful moment, suffer me to stand up as your monitor. Suffer me, as the humble organ of this Council, and in His adorable name to whom you and we are equally accountable, to charge you to be “ faithful unto death.” As you would take heed to your ministry, take heed, first of all, to yourselves. See that your hearts be right witli God ; that your bosoms burn with love to the Re- deemcr, love to his gospel, and love to the souls of men. See that you esteem even the reproach of Christ, with the self-denials, the toils, and the sufferings of your office, greater gain than all worldly treasures or distinctions. W retched is that minister, though in comparative ease and affluence, who is a stranger to these principles of action, and these sources of comfort. But you, who arc so soon to part with friends, with country, with earthly delights ; and whose future lives must be one scries of exertions and 37 sacrifices where can you find a refuge, but in simple, ardent devotion to your Master, and your work ? ^\ e trust, indeed, that you have anticipated us in these, reflections. We trust that that omniscient Being wliose eye is this moment on your hearts, knows their sincerity. Nor could we give a stronger pledge of our confidence, than you have received this day. But in you, my breth- ren, ordinary piety would be insufficient. To be faithful and successful Missionaries, you must be eminent Chris- tians. In purity of heart, in simplicity and elevation of purpose, in faith, in zeal, in self-denial, in courage, in fortitude, in humility, in discretion, you must far exceed the common standard. To this sublime object be your efforts and prayers incessantly directed ; and here let a holy ambition have all its scope. AVhen, under the guardian care of Providence, you shall arrive at your allotted stations in the distant Bast and AV'est, you will witness scenes the most painful. You will see rational creatures immersed in ignorance, in su- perstition and idolatry. You will see immortal beings living w ithout God, and dying without hope. But let not your hearts despond. You will carry with you the sove- reign balm, the universal remedy, for human guilt and wretchedness. You will go clothed with a divine com- mission to open the eyes” of these unhappy beings ; “ to turn them from darkness to light, and from the pow er of satan unto God.^’ Think of Him w ho, from age to age, has raised up from the dry bones of human nature, armies of living Christians. And remember that though the power which has accomplished these stupendous changes has been all of God, the instrument has been his holy w’ord. Go then, and preach this blessed gospel. Preach it in its power. Preach it in its native simplicity and purity. It is the w isdom of God ; and surely needs no human admixtures, or ornaments. In erecting the temple of 38 Christianity among the heathen, see that its foundation and superstructure, its materials and proportions be all correspondent with the divine model. Your preaching, to accomplish its end, must be flam. It must present the elementary truths of Christianity, in their simplest form. Be content to lay aside the stateli- ness of learning, and to lisp awhile with those uuinstruct- ed immortals whom you may address. Feed them with milk. Conduct them, by the gentlest gradations, up the heights of Christian knowledge. Having taught them the character and perfections of God, with the truth and in- spiration of the scriptures, be principally emphatical upon those doctrines wliich constitute the basis of the Christian system, and the grand support of vital piety. Frequently and faithfully inculcate the utter depravity of man, the divinity and atonement of Christ, the influence of the Holy Spirit in conversion and sanctiflcation, together with the distinguishing nature and evidences of saving re- ligion. While you conceal no important truth, however morti- fying or humbling, be especially solicitous to exhibit the grace and kindness of the gospel. Let the love of Jesus be often on your lips, and let it deeply imbue your spirits. Convince, if possible, those unhappy pagans of your wil- lingness to impart to them not the gospel of God only, but your own souls.” Be assured, that sermon is essen- tially defective, which does not leave on the mind of the hearer the distinct impression, that the gospel, and the preacher too, is his friend. In a word : preach by your practice. Let the doctrines and duties you inculcate, be embodied in your daily de- portment. O how eloquent, how persuasive, is a uniform, pious, Christian example ! Here you w ill be understood without an interpreter. The beauty of holiness, like the sun, is seen by its own light. If you are the living epis- tles of Christf you will be known and read of all men. 39 Happy indeed will you be, if, in the close of your mis- sionary career, you may make to those around you, the apostolic appeal : “Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblamably we have behaved our- selves among you.’’ Your first wish, we trust, is to approve yourselves to your GREAT Master’s eye. Next to this, your hearts will pant for success in converting the heathen. But this success no fidelity or efi'orts of yours can secure. Should you go forth with the abilities and zeal of a Paul, and the fervid eloquence of an Apollos, you would but plant and water. The increase must come from God. To God, then, pour out your ceaseless prayers for his blessing on your labors. Nor be discouraged, though you should per- ceive no immediate fruit of your pious exertions. It may be the purpose of God more signally to try the faith of the friends of missions in America, before he will grant suc- cess to their designs. It may be his will to train you, his ministers, by the discipline of adversity and disappoint- ment, to superior degrees of humility, of faith, and of ul- timate usefulness. Should you, after months, and even years, of anxious, indefatigable, and apparently fruitless exertion, perceive some symptoms of success ; should the Lord make bare his arm for the conviction and conversion of the heathen ; this will be like life from the dead. You w ill then be employed in gathering Churches, and admin- istering the sacraments of the New Testament, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In determining on the subjects of these Christian privileges, you will need much know- ledge of the scriptures, much attention to the human heart, much accuracy of discrimination, andimpartiality of judg- ment. May the Spirit of truth be your Guide ! May you neither reject those whom Christ has received ; nor by a vague, or precipitate application of the seals of the cove- nant, wound the Redeemer’s eaiise, and injure the souls of men ! 40 Surveying the magnitude and complexity of your work, with its everlasting consequences, not to yourselves alone, but perhaps to millions yet unborn, you tremble ; and sometimes you are even ready to despond. But let not a sense of your insufficiency dishearten you. The cause is less yours, than the Lord’s. Without his gracious pre- sence, angels might shrink from so arduous a work. But blest with his almighty succor, you, feeble in yourselves as worms, shall be made strong and prosperous. Often ponder the Redeemer’s promise, made to all his faithful ministers, and emphatically to his faithful missionaries : £o, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world. Let this promise be your anchor of hope, and shield of defence. Let it impart comfort in despondency, and un- shaken courage in danger. Go forth, then, our dearly beloved brethren, in the name and strength of the living God ; and carry with you the prayers, the solicitudes, and the sympathies of all who love our common Lord. Go, cross the Atlantic wave, or penetrate the Western wild, fraught with tlie riches of the glorious gospel. Unfurl the standard of the cross on the mountains of idolatry. Bear the flaming torch of inspira- tion into the gloomy recesses of ignorance and supersti- tion ; and pour the light of heaven on the benighted, des- olate minds of pagans and savages. May the wilderness and the solitary place be glad for you, and the desert re- joice and blossom as the rose ! May the God of the sea and of the dry land go with you, and w ith the friends of your souls ! May his kindest angels guard you ! May his richest consolations everniore refresli you ! May you be faithful unto death ! And in the great rewarding day, may you, in the midst of thousands rescued from the jaws of destruction, address your Redeemer and your Judge ; Lord, here are we, and the spiritual children thou hast given us !” Amen. THE RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP BY THE REV. JUSTIN EDWARDS, PASTOR OF THE SOUTH CHURCH IX .iJ^DOVER. A. principle runs through the Kingdom of Christ, which binds the hearts of its members to one another, and to God. This lays a foundation for intimate fellowship : for the members of Christ’s Kingdom are one. However divided by seas, or continents ; climes, or ages ; the moment they become citizens of Zion, they are all ONE. Patriarchs, kings, aud prophets ; apostles, and martyrs ; — Europeans, Asiatics, Africans, and Ameri- cans ; Jews, and Greeks ; Barbarian, Scythian, bond aud free, all one in Christ Jesus. They have one God, one Redeemer, one Sanctifier ; are pursuing the same object, and inspired by the same spirit ; contend with the same enemies, and meet the same trials ; march the same way, under the same Leader ; will arrive at the same place, and join forever in the same employment. This lays a foundation for endearing communion, not only with one another, but with God. United by a prin- ciple, which, like attraction in the system of nature, binds all to the centre ; and pressed forward by the force of in- finite love, they w ill revolve, till drawn closer and closer, ' — they are swallowed up in the eft'ulgeuce of that lumina- ry, whose glory fills the universe, and God is all ix all. On this ground. Dear Brethren, viewing you as mem- bers of the Kingdom of Christ, and commissioned by him to preach the gospel to the gentiles, we, now in the pre- sence of God, angels, and men, give you this right hand : a token that we receive you as ministers of Christ, and that his ministers are one : that we acknowledge your equality Avitli us ; and with all ministers of Christ, through- out his kingdom : and your right to all the authority, and privileges of the sacred office. We also express our cor- dial approbation of the service to Avhich you are appoint- ed ; our readiness to assist you by all the means in our power ; and to embrace, in bonds of Christian affection, all, of every nation, kindred, people, and tongue, Avho by your instrumentality shall be turned to righteousness. Go then, in the name and strength of Christ, and may the Lord God Omnipotent, make you the means of turn- ing many from darkness to light, and prepare you, to shine as the stars forever. But, Brethren, your work is great, difficult, and dan- gerous : and requires no ordinary share of self-denial ; fsiith, and patience ; wisdom, prudence, humility, bold- ness, perseverance, and prayer. You must forsake all : give up houses and lands ; par- ents and country : commit yourselves, and your compan- ions to the mercy of the winds, and the waves ; go into a land of darkness, and the shadow of death ; penetrate the very heart of satan’s empire ; and that too for the purpose of disenthroning him, and turning his subjects to God. Your ol)ject is, not to lead the heathen to adopt a few new gods, but to aliandon all tlieir old ones ; to declare eternal war against gods whom they have worshipped from their infancy ; against all tlie gods of their fathers : and fathers’ fathers ; condemn themselves, and all others 43 lor embracing them ; aiul embrace one, who was crucified, by a band of soldiers, on Calvary, and who, you say, has risen again. In doing this, you must contend, not only w ith flesh and blood, but with principalities, and powers ; Avith the rulers of the darkness of tliis Avorld ; and Avith spiritual Avickedness in high places. • But, Brethren, /ear not. Behold the fishermen of Gal- ilee : commissioned, like you, to enter satau’s dominions, and bring out his captives into the liberty of tlie sons of God. Helpless, they raised theipeye, and surveyed un- numbered millions, bound in the chains of sin, and guard - ed by all the powers of darkness, — yet, rising in the strength of God, and putting on the shield of faith, the breast-plate of righteousness, and the helmet of salvation, they dreAv the SAVord of the Spirit, and Avent forward, CONQUERING AND TO CONQUER. Satan, aiid all his le- gions, driven out from strong holds Avliich they had forti- fied for ages, retired in dismay before this band of mar- tyi’s, — and they Avaved in holy triumph the ensigns of of God, and not of them. Deliverance to captives, broke from their tongues — and millions, bursting the chains of death, came out from tlieir prisons — tears of repentance dropped from their gazing eyes, — and they melted before the cross of Jesus. If the Lord has assigned ijou a Avork among the heath- en, you Avill live to perform it. He Avill give his angels charge concerning you : Avill bear you in his arms ; and carry you to the desired haven. Already Ave see your vessel, Avafted, by the breezes of heaven, across the At- lantic : see perishing heathen, touched by the spirit w hich goes before you, burdened Avith sin, rising on their hil- locks, and looking round for a Saviour they catch a vieAv of the ark, press dowm to the beach, and stretch out their arms to receive you : and, as you go up the hills of 44 India, we hear the song of the Hindoos, ‘‘ Mow beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that hringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good ; that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth” And, lo, the mountain of the Lord^s liousc rises on the tops of the mountains — the flame of ho- ly love kindles on everji altar, — and a great cloud of in- cense goes up from the whole earth.