vl35Mcl

SCRIPTURAL CONVERSION ;

THE

MODERN STYLE OF PREACJHING,

AND THH

STATE OF THK CnV RCllKS.

JOHN (i. MAHSliALL,

I'RiNTKD nr

HALIFAX. N. 8. . »

WIMJAM MACNAH, Jl PHINCE ST. ^ ^y'

I«7I.

SCRIPTURAL CONVERSION

THE

MODERN STYLE OF PREACHING,

AND THE

STATE OF THE CHURCHES.

JOHN G. MARSHALL.

i ' • • '. • •

• * I * « t «

• » » '

> • • • . 1 1 1

halifax, n. s.
Printed by William m acnab, u prince street.

1871.

» « « «

* *

• 4 »

■ « «

« • «

ON SCRIPTURiL CONVERSION, &c.

*• Let the wicked forsake liis way and the unriKhteous man his thouiyhts, «nd
let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our
God for He will abundantly pardon." Isaiah, Iv. 7. "Repent ye, therefore, and
be converted, that your sins may he blotted out when the times of refreshln;r
shall come from the i)rescnce of the Lord." — Acts, iii. li). " Ye are the salt of
the earth ; but if the salt have lost his savour, vrherewith shall it be salted ?"—
Matt. 5. 13.

Tho first and second of tho above texts, one contained in
the old, and tho otlier in tho new covenant Scriptures,
though differently worded, will be seen, as to meaning, to
be in perfect agroeuieut. The same is true of all tho Scrip-
tures under each dispensation, relating to tho doctrines and
precepts as to the faith and practice essential to tho attain-
ment of present and eternal salvation. This harmony is also
clearly apparent in the following passages: " lie that covorcth
his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsakcth
them shall have mercy. " Prov., xxviii. 13. — «' If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins." John, i. 9. —
** Ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with
all your heart.'' Jer., xxix. 13. — " Draw nigh to God and He will
draw nigh to you." James, iv. 8.—*" Ceaso to do evil ; learn to
do well." Isaiah, i. 16-17. — " Beloved, follow not that wiiicii is
evil, but that which is good." 3 John, xi. There cannot but bo
this pcfect agreement between tho two revelations, as both were
given by the same infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable God.
Let none, therefore, be deceived by the thought, or belief that
they are not bound equally by the old as by tho new Testanient
Scriptures, in regard to the doctrines relating to vital saving
faith, and the precepts regarding pious and moral duty.

It will bescrn from the first and second texts, and tlio other Scvip-
tmv s riU'd, that not only a re])cntance tor all past transgressions,
bnt tnrninj:^ from all sinful works and ways, must take place at the
same time, Avith a seeking and hoping for divine forgiveness, through
the atoning sacrihce rendered by tiie Lord Jesus Christ. Accord-
ing to the plan of salvation, as declared in tiiosc texts, and
])assages, there can be no well grounded hope of prayer being
favorably lieard and pardon obtained withont the resolve and
the effort to cease to do evil, and follow that which is good.
Scripture declares : " If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord
will not hear me. "* Mucli worse will it be if it is carried out iu
the practice.

In the present day nearly all who address the unconverted,
merely exhort them to come to the Saviour, saying — " Come to
Jesus just as you are," A^ithout mentioning a word as to for-
saking sinful ways and habits. There is no Scriptural authority
to sanction such a style of limited or single exhortation to the
worldly and unconverted. It is unscriptural, and consequently
unsafe and improper. It does indeed frequently have the effect of
making additions to church membership ; but very often they are
either sfi//'-(/eceu-er6' or worse. All the exhortations by the pro-
phets and other true teachers under the previous dispensation as
shown in the Scriptures, include not only a turning to God, but
an immediate forsaking of all evil courses and practices. These
two must be concurrent acts. Either of them singly observed
will not suffice to obtain the promised blessings leading to, and
connected with, a Scriptural and sound conversion. The Baptist,
foretold in Scripture, as the forerunner to prepare the way for the
Saviour, proclaimed the new dispensation by exhorting and com-
manding : " Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ;"
and bring forth, therefore, fruits meet for repentance." The Lord
and Saviour himself proclaimed the same words: "Repent for
the kingdom of heaven is at hand ;" and again : " Repent ye and
l)elieve the Gospel."* The same was the substance and tone of
the primary exhortations and teachings of all the apostles. The
highly gifted and zealous Paul declared, as seen in Acts 20, that
s.uch teachings by him consisted in testifying both to the Jews,

' ' ' Fsm., Ixvi, 18.

arifl also to the Greeks — " Repentance towards God, and faith to-
wards our Lord Jesus Christ." Through all ages, since the same
has been the plan and method of all Christian ministers, truly en-
lightened and skilled in the Gospel plan of salvation, and faithful
to the most solemn responsibility with which they were charged,
to "rightly divide the word of truth ;" and without fear or favour
to " declare the whole counsel of God." The Scriptural invita-
tions and promises for obtaining spiritual rest and peace, are ad-
dressed to the " weary and heavy laden " with their sins; — to
those who are " thirsty" to " come to the waters;" and those
who hunger and thirst after righteousness."* "They are not fot
those who neither form or express any intention of forsaking every
evil course and practising the self denial, and observing the right-
eous conduct scripturally enjoined. That eminent Christian minis-
ter, so deeply skilled in the things of the heavenly kingdom, the
Rev, John V 'esley, in remarking on the conduct of those who hold
forth to all, ivdiscvitninaleh/, the promises of the Gospel, emplo3'ed '
the following language : " They know and use but one medicine
whatever be the cause of the distemper. They preach the Gospel,
as they call it. To give comfort is the f^inyle point at which they
aim ; in order to which, they say many soft and tender things con-
cerning the love of God to poor helpless sinners, and the efiicacy
of the blood of Christ. Now this is quackery, indeed, and that of
the worst sort. It is hard to speak of these ' daubers with un-
tempered mortar,' these promise-mongers, as the}' deserve. They
do, in effect, make the ' blood of the covenant an utdioly
thing.'" * * ♦ The ordinary method of God is to convict sin-
ners by the law, and thai only. The Gospel is not the means which
God hath ordained, or which our Lord himself used for this end.
We have no authority in Scripture for using it thus, nor any
ground to think it will prove effectual. " They that are whole," as
our Lord himself observes, " need not a physician but they that are
sick." It is absurd to ofler Christ to them whose heart is whole,
having never yet been broken." In addressing such persons, the
first effort should be to show them that they are really diseased
and in need of a cure, before proposing or applying the healing
Gospel remedy. Our Lord's sermon on the mount was almost eu-

♦ Matt,, iii. 2 8— iv. 17 ; Mark, i. 15. t Matt. xi. 23; Is., Iv. 1 ; Matt., v. 6.

tircly of a legal dcccription. As a proof of that general indiscri-
minate nictliod as to public preaching*, and of failure to enforce re-
ponlance and expoHc, plainly, prevailing evils, and exhort to their
ubandoumcnt as primary Scriptural injunctions, the writer of this
discourse can truly say, that he has not for ten or a dozen
years, or more, heard a sermon on repentance, although regu-
larly attending on public religious services in diflerent coun-
tries and various denominations. Yet repentance, both as a
doctrine and a duty has, by inspired truth, ever been mcst
fitrictly enjoined and placed at the very foundation and com-
nicnccment of a religious life. It will readily be admitted
by all that in every congregation there arc very many, in-
deed the vast majority, who need repentance and conversion ;
and therefore it is the more essential that both, more especially re,
pcntance, should be frequently taken as subjects for pulpit and
other religious addresses, and be fully explained and urgently en-
forced. On every such occasion, indeed, repentance should mako
a part of the earnest and pointed exhortations.

It will hero be well to explain the nature of genuine re-
pentance, what it includes, and produces as its fruits. Scrip-
ture declares that it includes a "godly sorrow." It has a
reference to the Divine Being, and gives a view of sin aa
liuving been wickedly and ungratefully con^iyitted against hia
righteous authority and laws and gracious foVii^ea'rance. It pro-
duces contrition of spirit and more or less humiliation of feeling
before God, for having oUended against his mercy and goodness,
and is ever accompanied with a sincere desire and resolution to
abandon all ways of transgression : and in accordance with the
divine injunctions, "Cease to do evil, and learn to do well."
'IHirough grace and strength imparted in answer to prayer, and in
the use of the other means scripturally enjoined, especially search-
ing and obeying the inspired records, the penitent even at the out-
set of his religious course is enabled in some degree to carry into
eflect that good resolution, by refraining from his former external
transgressions, and by bringing forth " fruits meet for repent-
ance." As true repentance is through the operation of the Holy
Spirit, let every individual beware of continuing in sin, lest tho
grace or power to repent bo withheld or withdrawn, and hardaesa

of licart and final impenitence ensue. If any desire for such true
repentance is felt, let it be cherished as of itself a gracious incli-
nation, and prayer be offered that it may early result in the truly
penitential feelings scripturally described. Let all, however, bo-
ware of resting merely in a reformation of esternal conduct, suppo-
sing that this is all that is comprehended in the repentance re-
quired. Like every other part of religious experience, it must have
its operation and effects on the spirit and the heart. There must
however, as already intimated, be an immediate abandonment of
every sinful course, and every form of iniquity and evil. It ia
only to him, who both " confesseth and forsakcth his sins,"* that
the promise of mercy and pardon is made. Throughout the gos-
pel invitations to the unconverted, repentance is mentioned as pre-
ceding that faith in the Saviour through which forgiveness is ob-
tained. They are given in the following and similar terms : " Re-
pent ye and believe the Gospel ;" — " Repentance towards God,
and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ." f The word repent-
ance as used in the Scriptures, implies of itself, and includes a
turning from the ways of sin, as well as sorrow towards God for
all previous transgressions. The latter without the former would
liot only be inconsistent and hypocritical, but would greatly in-
crease the previous guilt. '

The thorough ^inversion of the contrite and repenting sin-
ner is also ^i^Snii. The word conversion as applied to re-
ligion is of very largo and comprehensive meaning. In several
passages of Scripture it is described as a new creation, that is of
the spiritual and moral nature of the human being ; and bo
thorough and complete that it is said, — " Olf' things are passed
away, and behold all things are become new." § Whatever were
the previous selfish, scnsui^ or other sinful desires and pursuits
of the individual, whether for thoacquisitionof worldly honors, or
wealth, or pleasure, in seeking and fulfilling "the lust of the
flesh, the lust of the eye or the pride of life," or all combined, they
must and will, in the true convert, be subdued and pass away
through the powerful influence of the new affections and pursuits
.produced by the divine spirit's operations and the convert's faith
and obedience. The change may be more or less rapid, or gra-

* Prov., xxvili. 13. t Mark, 1. 15; Acts, xx. 21. $ Cor., v. 17.

dual, according to the degree of faith imparted and exercised, the
inward qualities of the person, his ordinary conduct, and difllercjit
external occurrences. Instead of the previous imde and ambition,
there will be humility and desires andeflbrts for obtaining sf)iritual
graces and enjoyments, especially the divine spirit's witness of
pardon and acceptance. Instead of the love and pursuit of worldly
gain, there will be the desire and zealous endeavour to secure
'' durable riches and righteousness," for the faith which produces
love to God and the Lord Jesus, — to all of the household of
faith, — as well as of all mankind, — and for the wisdom which is
profitable to direct on all occasions. There will be constant prayer
for grace and strength to resist and endure, under every form of
temptation and trial ; to be ever faithful and fruitful in the service
of his God and Saviour ; and finally, the employment of all means
to attain that " holiness, without which none shall see the Lord,''
and thus be qualified for admission to those scenes and mansions
" whore there are pleasures for evermore." If the convert had
been a sensualist or votary of pleasure, seeking happiness in
fleshly indulgences, or in vain frivolous and dissipating courses,
in amusements of the theatre, the ball room, the card table, dice
board and billiard room ; the book of romance, tales of imagina"
tion and fictions narratives ; the vain and frivolous conversations,
and various other employments of sensual and fashionable life, he
will, by the inward change he has experienced, feel a disgust and
contempt for all those sins and follies. lie will immeJiately enter
upon a new career for obtaining enjoyment. lie will seek it at its
true fountain, — the sacred oracles of truth, wisdom avid righteous-
ness. These he will find and esteem as wells of salvation, for sa-
tisfying his spiritual desires and affections. They will constantly
stimulate and enlarge every gracious emotion ; inspiring and main-
taining faith, hope, and confidence, and increasing love to his God
and Saviour, while meditating on the numerous promises of divine
loving kindness, guidance and protection. Prayer and attend-
ance on other religious observances instead of being, as with
many, burdensome exercises, will be highly esteemed and found
to convey spiritual refreshment and solid enjoyment through com-
munion with his reconciled God and Saviour. In meditation, also,
he will be able to adopt the language of the Psalmist, -'' My me-

ditation of Ilim is sweet, 1 will bo glad in the Lord ; I will delij^lit
myself in thy statutes ; I will not forget this word ; it is a lamp
unto my feet, and a light unto my path,"

At the commencement of his new creation and spiritual course,
he will not, indeed, experience all those clianges and deliverances
from the evils of the ohl nature, and all the blessings and enjoy-
ments ot the new. But even the desire and hope of such freedom and
happiness will yield a measure of gratification, and of courage for
persevering efforts to obtain further blessings, especially the divine
spirit's witness of pardon, through faith in the at<)ning sacrifice of
the Lord Jesus. AVhen thus justified and accepted, the convert
will joyfully go forward in all the exercises and duties of his spi-
ritinil life. His new desires and affections will produce a similar
and corresponding change throughout his external conduct. If
he was previously neglectful in the family relations, as to morp'
instruction, or kindly intercourse, or severe and unreasonable,
he will by the inward change become earnestly concerned for the
spiritual and moral welfare of all under his domestic charge, and
will bo constantly employing means and efforts for promoting that
welfare ; and by various tokens and instances show his sincere and
affectionate desire for their real and permanent good. In all his
intercourse and dealings with others he will, in acccordarice with
scriptural injunctions, not by constraint, but freely and sincerely,
act w'.th the strictest fairness and' honesty ; abstaining from all
selfish desires and attempts to promote his own temporal interests
to the injury or unfair diminution of the interests of others. If
previously he had followed any noxious employment, such as the
sale of intoxicating drinks, or any other which is injurious as to
religion, morals, or other good objects and interests, ho will imme-
diatcd}' abandon it. lie will according to his mciins be liberal in
contributions to the poor ; will feelingly sympathise with the 1)0-
reaved and afllicted ; will abstain from all slanderous or reproach-
ful speaking, and without strictly justifiable cause will avoid ex-
posing their errors or faults ; will make duo and charitable allow-
ance for their ignorance and imperfections, and will, as to all,
with wdiom he holds public or private intercourse, maintain a
kindly spirit and behaviour. He will not yield to any resentful
feeling, or commit any act in retaliation for any oflencc given or

wrong done to him, but will sincerely forgive, and endeavour as
opportunities serve, to " overcome evil with good." He will strive
to live peaceably with all men, and as occasions offer, try to
promote their welfare, especially their religious interests, by ad.
vice, exhortation and other means. In short, throughout the
whole of his conduct, he will endeavour to act in conformity with
the divine injunctions, to — " Love his neighbor as himself;" and
" Do unto all men, as he would they should do unto him." In all
his conversations and conduct, he will bo carefully truthful, and
avoid all jesting, and language bordering on indecency, or rude
and indecorous. He will be diligent in all his occupations, re-
deeming time for good and useful purposes ; refraining from all
reading, public performances, exhibitions, and exercises, merely
amusing and gratifying to the sensual passions and desires. If
laying aside suitable portions of money for assistance to children,
at commencing to earn their own subsistence, or a comfortable
provision for the probable widowhood of her to whom he is united,
he will avoid investing such monies in shares or securities on
opera or theatrical buildiugs, or halls, or other places in which
vain fictitious and dissipating scenes and performances take place.
This offence against christian principle and duty, especially as to
example is committed by some members of evangelical churches
who complacently pocket their portion of the gains sinfully ob-
tained l.om the rents or use of ^5mb» places. The true spiritual
convert will ever strive to restrain all his lawful natural passions,
desires, and appetites, under the control and rule of religion and
reason ; avoiding all excess in eating and drinking, extravagance
in apparel and displays in ornamental personal appendages of any
description, and in luxurious furniture and decorations, and other
things not re(iuired for reasonable use and comfortable subsist-
ence.

Although the christian graces and duties hero described have
been mentioned as forming the character of the male converts ;
nearly all of them are equally requisite and obligatory as io female
professors. They need the like repentance, regenerating and con-
verting grace ; and in conformity with the new spiritual creation,
and gracious dispositions and atfections thereby implanted, they
are scripturally required to be " grave and sober in their deport-

ment ;" " not slanderers," or " wanderers from house to house ;'
or "■ tattlers or busy bodies, speaking things which they ought
not." If married, they are to " love their husbands and their
children ; tc be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient
to their husbands ; guide the house, and give none occasion to the
adversary to speak reproachfully." Both married and single must
adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and so-
briety ; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly ar-
ray ; but which becometh women professing godliness with good
works." Their adorning is to be that " of the heart, in that which
is not corruptible, of a meek and quiet spirit which is, in the
sight of God of great price." Now let none, either woman or
man, say that these directions as to apparel and ornaments are of
no importance as to vital christian principle and religious con-
duct. They are all literal and plain divine commands, recorded
in the inspired epistles of Paul to Timothy and Titus, and the first
by Peter. Indeed, all the injunctions, commands and directions
herein beforementioned as to christian principles, aflections and
conduct, are literally set forth in the Scriptures as required by di-
vine authority^ to conaiitute the character of the genuine Christian,
producing in him and her that holiness, " without which none
shall see the Lord," and become partakeis of the glories and joya
of his eternal kmdom. No partial conversion or change will suf-
fice to fulfil the claims of scriptural and spiritual chistianity. It
must be thorough and complete, both as to inward principles and
graces and practical conduct ; so complete, that as Scripture de-
scribes it, "• Old things are passed away, and behold all things are
become new." The Church of the faithful and fiiudly saved, — the
bride of the Lamb, — the Saviour King, — will be brought unto him
" in raiment of needle-work ;" * every grace and holy dispositiou
and affection, patiently and persevoringly wrought and fashioned
according to the divine pattern ; and her whole person and adorn-
ments, " without spot or wrinkle or any such thing ;" the immor-
tal spirit having, tiirough heavenly inlluence, been thoroughly
created anew in that holy and happy imago in which it was first
formed and united forever to a glorified body. There must, of ne-
coasity, be such a thorough and perfect renovation for the whole

♦fa., XV. 15.

of tho roiloemed, with the innumorahlc company of the hii'ly orders
who never sinned, will forever dwell in the presence, and under
the giiidanee and favour of the infinitely wise and Holy One, who
sitteth on the throne, and of the Redeemer and King- of Saints.

But uidiappily it is too apparent, that even in tho present day,
with such increased and abouuvling means for obtaining- tho re-
quired meetnesa for that holy and happy eternity, vast numbers,
not only of mere congrej^ational attendants, but members of the
churciios are restinj^ on a foundation, and satisfied with a standard
framed, it would seem, each one for himself, or by common con-
sent, or with slight class or personal dilforencca, but all deevpfivey
and very far below the scriptural and only safe standard. Like
the Laodicean church, " they are neither cold nor hot," not know-
in*^ that they are " poor and Idind and naked," but thinking that
tliey are sufficiently "rich, and have need of nothing." * All this
aifords melancholy evidence of the truth of the scripture testimony,
that the natund " heart is deceitful above all things." f They
have not earnestly sought and acquired by prayer and searcliing
the Scriptures, a spiritual conception and knowledge of the strict
and holy requisitions and standard of true chrit^tianity, which tho
unchangeable God will neither reduce nor relax in accommoda-
tion to their desires and purposes. Their continuance in some or
many of the various modes of sin and folly, of sensual indulgences
and merely vain and forbidden " worldly conformities," have
chiefly contributed to deceive and blind them as to the perception
of that sublime and holy standard. They " come and go to tho
place of the holy," and may, — and some of them do, — abound in
attendance on public religions ministrations and services, but yet,
from that native blindness still remaining through continuance in
forbidden ways, the ibllowing scripture applies to their state :
"The labour of the ibolish wearieth every one of them, because he
knoweth not how to go to the city." \ Their outward religious
services are not acceptable to the High and Holy One, who has
declared that ho requires "sincerity and truth in the inward
parts;" and that if any " regard inicpilty in the heart," He " will
not hear them ;" by which is meant that Ho will not bestow tho
solicited blessings. His word to Israel of old, by His prophet

* Rev., ill. XV, f Jer., xvll. 9. J Eccles., x. 13,

Isaiah (chap i.), applies to all such persons in every apfe r " Hriii!?
no more vain uoiatiohts ;" * ^ + '• when ye iiuiko many prayers ;
I will not hear ;'' * * * " put away the evil of your doiujjfa from
before mine eyes ; cease to do evil, learji to do well." Such in-
consistent and disobedient professors belong to «!ome of the classes
predicted in scripture to appear in the last '• perilous times," and
described by Paul to Timothy as being " lovers of their ovvn selves,
covetous, truce breakers, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure
more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying
the power thereof," and from such he was commanded to " turn
away." Nearly all the male portion of such formalists are in
various modes votaries of Mammon in ardent pursuit of gain.
They " will be rich " if at all possible, and with most of them plea-
sure or amusement also is added, except of the gross or more gen*
erally cDudemned descripions. These two objects, either singly
or cond)ined, engross the thoughts and form the desires, and di-
rect the pursuits of all those carnal formalists, and may be said
really to constitute what is called the " spirit of the age." The
public musical performance, as well as that of the private luxurious
entertainment, they readily attend, though some or all of the mu-
sical pieces celebrate merely earthly loves or feats of heroism, bat-
tles and coiujuests ; or are only fanciful or weak sentimental etlu-
sions gratifying to the ear, but enfeebling and otherwise injurious
to the responsible and immortal spirit, instead of conveying to it
edifying and chcei*ing truth. They know not or disregard the
6crii)ture directions for recreation iu this form : "Is any merry,
let him sing psalms ;" " singing and making melody in j'our hearts
to the Lord."* But further, most of these formali.ils think it
quite allowable, to indulge in various other forms of gatitication
to the sensual desires ; the boat race, the circus, the card table,
chess, l)ackgammon and draft board ; also intoxicating litjuors and
tobacco excitements ; thereby incurring the guilt of unfaithful
stewards in wasting the means employed in procuring those need-
less and pernicious indulgences, and exhibiting fifi/ instead of good
example; also by some, books of liction and romance contrary to
useful edilication, and otherwise injurious. Gossiping, evil speak*
iug', and foolish talking and jesting, are also common with many

• Eph; V. 10— Matt., lii, 3(J--Jame», I. 26.

of these formalists, these "lovers of pleasure more than lovers of
God," and his word and ways though they profess bis worship
and service. They either do not know, or forgot the Scripturea
which gay that "ever}' idle word that men shall speak, they shall
give an account thereof in the day of judgment ;" and that "if
any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his ton-
gue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."
More than a few of such formalists are not alway truthful in their
speeches, upright in their dealings, and as benevolent as they ought
to be to the poor and afilicted. To all such disobedient pro-
fessors, the word of the Lord directly applies — " In vain do
they worship" while following " the traditions of men " and
worldly conformilies, instead of His holy and rigliteous commands.
Many of these last described vain and injurious amusements and
worldly conformities, are equally, or indeed more generally follow-
ed by iho female formalist, especially the musical performances,
reading books of fiction and romance, attending the circus, the
theatre, public scenes and exhibitions of legerdemain and juglery,
and indulging in various other modes of vanity and dissipation, gra-
tifying to the desire of the flesh the merely sensual propensities.
The scripture direclions regarding female christians, especially as
to apparel and ornaments, have been given in a previous part of
this discourse. There are man}', and some of them even in the
ministerial order, who rashly aud irreverently speak of these direc-
tions Ub to apparel and ornaments, as of being of no importance ;
that it is quite needless to say anything about them in religious
ministrations, or at all in relation to christian principle and prac-
tice. They say, " preach the Gospel, that is what is re(iuired."
Do such persons know the meaning of the word gospel. It has a
meaning as comprehensive as the whole system of Christianity. It
is derived from the old Saxon word, God'aspel, meaning Qod's word^
spel signifying \oord ; and, therefore, gospel means and includes the
whole of divine revelation. But these obiectors, generally from
defect of knowledge, limit the word gospel merely to the sublime
and gracious truths, that " God so loved the world that he gave up
His only begotten son ;" and the Lord Jesus, the Son, so loved us,
that he gave himself to the death of the cross to atone for our sins
and procure our everlasting salvation and happiness. The true

meaning of the word being as above explained, the directions and
commands in the Scriptures as to unsuitable and improper apparel
and ornaments b}' professors of Christianity, are just as much a part
of the Gospel, and to be obeyed, as that which says : " Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ" *' who died for our sins and rose again for
our justification," If those re/;ea/e^ prohibitions and commands,
regarding female apparel and ornaments, are so unimportant as
those apologists say, why did the Lord, b}' his evangelical prophet
Isaiah in chap, iii., so minutely specify and condemn those vanities
and sins by the women of Israel ; and why did He do the same by
his servants Paul and Peter, in their inspired epistles. The truth
is, that all those displays and ornaments, clearly manifest that na-
tive pride and vanity of the mind and heart which are directly op-
posite to the required love to God and the Saviour, and entire con,
secration to their service ; and also to the self denial and humility
indispensably enjoined ou the christian. But it is said, " preach
the Gospel and get them converted, and then they will of course
abandon those vanities." But is it so with those said or supposed
to be converted. Not at all, but they remain on the point just as
before. Those vain and extravagant displays are so palpably evi-
dent at all times, and are so contrary to the scripture directions on
the subject, that any minute or detailed description of them need
not here be given. They are so numerous and various, that it
would occupy quite too large a space. For a somewhat similar ex-
hibition of female vanity and folly, the reader is referred to Isaiah,
chap, iii., before alluded to, where some of the modern particulars
In those vain exhibitions will be literally found. One of these mo-
dern displays of worse than folly may here be mentioned ; — the pre-
posterous and disfiguring appendage of false hair or other material
in addition, or in place of the fine and beautiful hair given by the
Creator, as one of the chief ornaments of the female, espe-
cially the youthful maiden. Not a few elderly matrons
display the same disfiguring or even disgusting appendage. Doubt,
less all do it because it is fashionable. Those in the various trading
employments who make, and those who supply those forbidden va-
nities in female apparel, and most of them are members of churches,
incur on christian principles equal culpability and censure with those
who display tbem. As to those already mentioned, who seem to

think so lightly of those female vanities, and apeak of them as of
liLiic <.»r Ui) itii[)()rLaiic;i', una say •' preach the (iospel to gain an
reform tiie unconverted," it may be answered ; by all means, let
this be frequently and fait, .fully done, but oiili/ according to the fol-
lowing and othrr directions of our Lord himself and his apostles:
" Repent ye, and believe the Gospel ;" — " Repent, and believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ;" repentance being always placed first, and
including as previously shown, the commands to " cease to do evil,
and Ijarn to do well." But further do not those persons know, in-
deed they cannot but know, that nearly the whole number of those
suppoifed to be converted, and who are in church membership, are
just as deeply involved in the constant display of those vanities of
apparel and ornaments, as merely wordly persons, making no spe-
cial profession of religion, by being members of any church. The
former show that such is their state, even at Sabbath worship, and
when partaking of the sacramental ordinance. It has indeed been
said that some of these persons who have superiar means for making
such vain displays, exhibit them more profusely than many gf the
merely worldly class. It being then, manifestly true, that those
•vanities in dress and ornaments are almost universal within chiu'ch
membership, surely it is a needful and proper subject for public ad-
monition, instruction and discipline according to the divine com-
mands : " Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet and
show ray people their transgressions," giving to all a portion of
meat in due season," and declaring " all the counsel of God"* as
faithful stewards and dispensers of His word ; and as solemnly re-
sponsible to give an account to Ilim as to their fulfilment of every
part of that counsel and duty. ,

Now each and all of those scenes and modes of sensual and world-
ly indulgence and pleasure, and of vanity and folly which have been
described, are directly contrary to the scriptural divine commands
to practice " self denial," to " mortify the deeds of the body," to
" redeem time," to be "watchful," and " walk circum.spectly," to
" work out salvation with fear and trembling," " giving all dili-
gence to make our calling and election sure," to be " faithful stew-
ards of the manifold grace of God," and to be " always abounding
in the work of the Lord." In truth those sins and vanities are in

♦ la., Ivlii. 1— ii. Tim., iv. 2—1 Tim., v. 19— Lulce, xii, 62— Acts, xx.27.

direct opposition to the whole spirit and precepts of ©ur pure and
perfect Christianity, as revealed in the inspired Scriptures, which
alone fom the sure and safe standard for religious faith and prac-
tice. Large numbers of such formalists, especially the female por-
tion of them, readily attend special or stated gatherings for reli-
gious services, and some of them through excitable circumstances
and exercises generate a fervor in themselres as to conversion, or
receive it from others, but to all such it may well be recommended
to ponder most solemnly the following scripture : '* Behold all ye
that kindle a lire, that compass youi selves about with sparks, walk
in the light of your tire, and in the sparks ye have kindled. This
shall ye have of mine hand, ye shall lie down in sorrow." • If all,
both male and female, old and young, in the several churches to
whom some, or many of the before-described sins and vanities and
evil ways apply, were accurately numbered, they would be found to
compose the vast majority ; and of others, the mere congregational
attendants, nearly the whole. Here, then, arise the solemn consi-
deration and inquiry ; what means are the best, and should be di-
ligently employed to draw those lovers of gain and pleasure, and
vain and heedless formalists out of their state of self-deception and
impending ruin ? It is true that the chief, and indeed only perfectly
available means for deliverance, are the operations of the divine
spirit applying llis word as a " two-edged sword," piercing the
conscience and convincing of sin ; arousing fears of impending eter-
nal wrath and punishment ; enlightening the mind in revealed truth,
and leading the person to seek for pardon and peace. The public
ministration, however, of that truth, if appropriately and faithfully
applied is, as scripture declares, like to a hammer breaking the
stony heart ; and also, " quick and powerful " for ejecting those
gracious purposes.

In view therefore of the sins, vanities, and other evils before de-
scribed, and the many others which abound throughout the churches,
what an awful responsibility rests upon the ministers of the sanc-
tuary to declare the inspired word as divinely commanded, with
earnest and fearless aeal and fldelity, dividing and adapting it to
the various conditions and the sins and vanities of the people ;
neither fearing their frowns or displeasure, nor seeking their favor

Zaai., 1. 11.

or applause ; but declaring the whole counselor God, giving to each
and all an appropriate portion. Under the former dispensation
those who were divinely called and appointed to declare the word
of the Lord to the people, were commanded, under the most awful
warnings and penalties, to do it fully, and with the utmost plainness
and fidelity. The following are especially pointed and explicit :
"• He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully." " And
thou shalt speak my word unto them. * * * Be not thou rebelli-
ous like that rebellious house." ' ' The priest's lips should keep know-
ledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth." Of those who
have failed to perform faithfully those solemn duties as messengers
of the Lord to the people, it is said : " Their shepherds have caused
them to go astray." And under our more spiritual christian sys-
tem the injunctions on the subject are equally imperative. Hear
our Lord himself: — " Teaching them to observe all things whatso.
ever I have commanded you." Again, by his apostles : " Warning
every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may
present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." * " Reprove, rebuke,
and exhort." * * * " Study to show thyself approved unto God —
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the
word of truth," * All in this most solemn and responsible of all
official relations, should ever remember and strive to follow the ex"
ample of the greatest of the apostles who, realising hit, deep re"
sponsibility and final account of his ministeral charge, declared to
the assembled ministers of the Ephesian churches, as recorded in
Acts, XX. : " I kept back nothing that was profitable." * * * «' j
am pure from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to de-
clare unto you all the counsel of God."

Even in these degenerate times, as to the like faithful preaching
adapted to the general contrariety between the spirit and lives of
professors of Christianity, and its Scriptural character, — there
are some, however, though comparatively few, who are indeed
bold and faithful in appropriately dividing and declaring that
whole divine course. These are zealous and pointed in publicly
rebuking and reproving prevalent sins and vanities, and exhort-
ing to genuine heartfelt repentance, and the exhibition of its cor-
responding fruits, of forsaking all evil ways, and yielding obedi-

* Jer., xxiii. 28-Ezek. , ii. 7— Mai,, U. 7-Matt., xxvili. 20— Col., I. 28. f 2 Tim., 2, 15-4, 2.

encG to all the divine roqnisitioua, both as to the spirit aiiJ letter
of the Scriptures. iT all, or even a very large proportion of the
ministerial order, were equally fearless and faithful ; where now
there are so very rarely, any improvement in the spirit and con-
duct of members of churches ; and so very seldom one real spi-
ritual conversion, through the public ministry of the word, there
is plain Scriptural warrant fur believing that there woidd soon
be a vast increase in real piety, and practical christian conduct,
in the membership, and dozens or scores of such conversions. It
would seem as if it was one of the chief designs in that public
ministration, to afford an extensive and gratifying variety in the
subjects presented and discussed.

Every minister, if spiritually and truly converted, cannot but
know, that not only among the great body of mere congrega-
tional attendants, but among those in church membership, there
are large numbers who need repentance, and real conversion.
Yet how very rarely is there a discourse expressly on the first
subject, expounding and explaining it, though, according to
Scripture, it is the primary and essential requisite to true con-
version ; and to suceeding christian principle and conduct. With
reference to the females who generally compose the larger num-
ber of every religious assembly, the eyes, alone, of the minister
will tell him of the extravagant and varied displays of pride, and
vanity, in merely ornamental apparel, and appendages, botii
among the members of his church, and the rest of the assembly ;
for, indeed, in this matter, except in extremely few instances, is
there any difference between the two classes, both being involved
in the like disobedience to Scriptural principle and precept.
Most especially will he have a full and saddening knowledge of
those prohibited, and if persisted in, ruinous evils, when they
appear at the solemn Sacramental ordinances, thereby expressing
<xn entire dedication to the disposal and service of God. Those
displays, showing the inward vanity, are only consistent with tiie
theatre, the opera house, or ball room, but certainly not with the
humility of spirit and demeanor, which are becoming in sinful
creatures, in the sanctuary of a heart-searching and holy God,
Yet, the prohibited evils are permitted to continue, without re-
proof, exhortation., or notice in any of the public religious minis-

li-ations or Ecrvices; nor probably by church officials, in any
])iivate communications.

In the oriiinary and special prayer meetings, earnest invitations
are being very generally given, for persons to ofler* themselves as
Biibjpcts for united prayer for their conversion, and in most in-
stances some do so present themselves ; and either then, or siiort-
]y after, profess to be converted ; or in a good hope of early ob-
taining the blessing of a conscious sense of pardoning mercy. Thus
additions are from time to time made to the churches. But un-
Iiappily it often occurs that in no long time intimations or alia*
sions are heard as to hackulUhng and unfaithfulness, and a return
to tiie ways of sin and folly. But in nearly all such instances
there is good reason to conclude that the persons were not in-
fluenced or impressed by the Div:ne Spirit, but were brought into
a state of excitement or impulsive feelings through those public
urgent solicitations, or perhaps, the equally ardent entreaties of
relatives or friends, to enter into the church fellowship as a ready
or available means of securing salvation. Now, let it not be sup-
posed, that by what is here said, there is meant or intended, any
disapproval of special religious meetings. They are not only ex-
pedient but extremely needful and proper. But it may well bo
suggested, whether it would not, as to enduring good effects, bo
much better in conducting the exercises in those meetings, to ap-
ply suitable and awakening passages of the inspired word, with
faithful exhortations as to the abandonment of all sinful ways and
works ; all contaminating associations and other injurious and evil
courses ; with entreaties to a resort to frequent private prayer,
searching the Scriptures, and other religious means'. All thesef
are in full accordance with the texts — " Let the wicked forsakd
his way," &c. ; •' Repent and be con^-erted ;" and the following
and other similar Scriptures : " Repent ye and believe the Gos-
pel ;" " cease to do evil, learn to do well." * In all these and
the like passages, repentance and turning from evil precede, or
form essential parts in a real spiritual conversion. It was by such
Scriptural instructions and exhortations, fervently employed, es-
pecially by the pointed application of awakening and alarming'
passages, given forth under the personal unction of the Holy

Mark i. \bt Uti. i. 10.

Spirit, that the wise and faithful Wesley and others as watchmen
and leaders on the walls of Zion, were blessed and honored in
being made instruments of great and true revivals of spiritual ami
Scriptural Christianity. Similar genuine revivals, and a perma-
nent increase of members and piety in the church, by tlie employ-
ment of the like means by a zealous and ftiithful ministry, would
undoulitedly often, if not always follow. One of the suljjects in
the last meeting of the Evangelical Alliance, was " intercession
for the visitations of tho Holy Spirit on the churches and the
world." That gracious Being, in accordance with the character
of His promises, is always ready and willing to bestow Uis graces
and blessings on all who sincerely aiid earnestly desire and seek
them. If they are not imparted in answer to supplications for
their bestowment, the withholding cause is with ourselves, with
the churches, ministo- s and people, especially the latter. Each
and every one who fails to receive the desired gracious answer,
will do well to examine whether the Scripture in Ps. xvi. is not ap-
plicable, which says : " If I regard iniquity in my heart, tho Lord
will not hear me." Still worse will it be if this is carried out in
the conduct. Of many, both within and outside the churches,
the formalists, worldlings, sensual and vain persons previously de-
scribed, it may also bo said as of revolted and disobedient Israel :
" Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and
your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear."
" Ephraim is joined to idols, let him alone ;" or like those of Lao-
dicea they are " poor, and blind, and naked," as to spiritual
graces and riches ; and yet, " not knowing" it. * All such car-
nal and disobedient persons have need first to adopt the penitent
Psalmist's cry : " Make me to know my transgressions ;" and
also to entreat, preserve me from being " hardened through the
deceitfulness of sin ;" and like the Psalmist again: " Be not si"
lent to me, lest if thou be silent to me I become like unto them
that go down into the pit." They must also according to the di-
vine commands, put away all their idols, and no longer follow
''that which is evil, but that which is good." Then and only then,
will they be scripturally warranted and encouraged, to expect the
gracious answors of that Holy Spirit, whom they have resisted

♦ t.j. lix. 2. II08. iv. 17. Rev. iii. 17.

and insulted by their iniquities and Vanities, and general worldli-
ness of spirit and conduct.

Here, with all due deference and respect, it may be suggested
that to all the vain formalists and the other disobedient before
described ; and all the other unconverted, both within and out
side of church membership, that style of public preaching is es-
pecially needed and most appropriate, which is in accordance with
the texts of this discourse and with such further scriptural exhor-
tations and commands as the following : "Awake thou that slcep-
est, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."
" Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord."
" Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns."*
" Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where
is the good way and walk therein, and ye shall find rest unto your
souls." But they said, "we will not walk therein." "Return
unto me and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts."
" Repent and turn yourselves from all j'our transgressions, so in-
iquity shall not be your ruin." Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and
do not the things which I say." " He that hath my command-
ments and keepeth them, he it is that lovetli mo." " Ye cannot
serve God and ^lammon." " Let every one that nameth the
name of Christ, depart from iniquity." " But be ye doers of the
word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." " Unto
them that are ccnitentious, and who do not obey the truth, but
obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and
anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil." f

Such a style of preaching as here intimated, will, of course, bo
objected to by many, as being of what is called a legal character,
and not suited to gospel limes and purposes. But let such ob-
jectors look at our Lord's first and most extended discourse, call-
ed the Sermon on the Mount, and they will see it to be, almost
entirely of this legal description. It is an exhibition and en-
forcement of the old covenant law, and duties, personal and rela-
tive ; with higher and more spiritual motives and demands ; and
more severe penalties and punishments for disobedience and vio-
lations. He then declared ; — " Think not that I am come to dis-

•Epli.v. 14, Pnm. iii.40. Jit. iv. 3. fjcr. vi.16. Mnl. ill. 7. Eiek. xvlll. 30. Luko vl.
40. Jobii xiv. 21. MaUi. xvi. 24. Luku xvi. 13. 2 Tliu. ii. li\ Jutuea i. 22. Kuiu.ii. 8-U.

obey the law or the prophets, I am not corao to destroy but to
fulfil, for verily I say uuto you, till heaven and earth pass, one
jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be ful.
filled." Surely those objectors, as the Lord's professed disciples
ought to be satisfied with his divine and authoritative pattern, or
method, for producing the inception and regulation of the chris-
tian life.

Such awakening and appropriate passages of Scriptures, as
those before cited, are not, however, in harmony with the almost
universal style of pulpit discourses in the present day ; and com-
paratively, but seldom form the subjects of such discourses. The
subjects, now almost universally introduced and dwelt upon, are
the abounding love and mercy of God, and the Lord Jesus, for
sinners; and the divine willingness and readiness to forgive their
sins ; — the sufferings and death of Christ, to atone for their ini-
quities, and procure their pardon ; — the divine, earnest desires
for their salvation and happiness ; with other kindred subjects,
all of a gracious and encouraging nature. Now all these are
sublime and blessed truths, but as previously shown, they are
chielly adapted, and suitable, to be held forth for the encourage-
ment and hope of true penitents ; though doubtless they are in-
tended for the benefit of all others, as being deeply interested in
them. With passages of Scripture on such gracious subjects, a«
the above, and discourses on them, none can be offended ; but all
the unconverted, both within and outside of church membership,
will sit and hear them ; some with unmoved complacency, and
others with cold or dozing indiflerence, because of their frequent
repetition. But let earnest and faithful discourses on any sue!
awakening and alarming texts, as those given above, be deliver-
ed and suitably applied, and some, or probably many of the un-
converted formalists will be highly displeased, and think thom-
selves to be pointed at, and considered as requiring conversion ;
and in danger of being eternally lost ; wliereas they feel satisfied
that they are very fair christians ; quite as good, or even better
than their neighbours, either in the church, or outside of it.
They may for a time, bo displeased with the minister, and think
of attending some other place of worship, or joining some other
church ; but on further consideration, they will think it as well,

or best, to remain where they are. Under a continuance of ap-
propriate and faithful preaching, they may be led to conclude that
all, with them, is not as it ought to be, and may be shaken out of
their false security ; and be brought earnestly to seek, and ere
long obtain, true spiritual conversion. Now, such self-deceived
formalists are the very persons for whom such awakening preach-
ing is most desirable ; and it is best adapted to produce such
happy results, not only with them, but with every other class of
the unconverted. Those within the church, and those outside,
•who are less reliant than were the others, as to a safe condition,
and are naturally rather humble and tractable, will be sure to re-
ceive benefit by such appropriate and faithful preaching; and
some or many of them, will, most probably, according to the di-
vine promises, sooner or later, also become true converts ; and
thus increase of members and of piety in the churches will be the
permanent results. The preachers will also be blessed, with the
testimony of a good conscience, for having faithfully "declared
the whole counsel of God ;" and given to all " a suitable portion
in due season ;" and in being prepared, when called away, to
give up their final account, " with joy and not with grief"

In addition to all the other good results of such an appropriate
and awakening style of preaching, as before described, it would,
through the increased number of true converts, and of advanced
piety in the churches, have also the effects of a general increase of
spontaneous liberality, for the support of all christian institutions
and purposes. For some time past, there has been on the part of
the " lovers of pleasure," and other formalists, in the churches,
such a defect of free and liberal contributions for religious objects,
that there has been a constantly increasing resort, to tho very ex-
ceptionable means of bazaars, soirees, musical concerts, and similar
modes of festivity and amusement, to induce members of churches
and others, to contribute to those institutions and objects. In-
stead of giving, *■' not grudgingl}', or of necessity," but freely and
heartil}', for needed christian purposes, they must be allured and
enticed to do it, by some of those modes, gratifying to their bodily
senses, and desires of pleasureable excitement. If a chapel, or
school house is to be built, repaired, or furnished ; a minister's
house to bo improved or supplied with furniture ; an orgaii to bo

bought, or other purpose, rehiting- to the church and its affairs to
be accomplished, there must be the bazaar, a tea party, or other
public entertainment, to obtain the pecuniary means for eflecting
it. At the bazaars, twice or four times the value of a fancy, or
other article will occasionally be given which, most probably
would reluctantly, if at all be givcu, independent of the visit to
the pleasurable scene. As for the tea party and the concert, there
are the good feastings and speeches, and the companionable hila-
rities at the first, and the enjoyment of the ear and other senses at
the latter, which, pleasures in each case arc considered to be
well worth the money bestowed. Such alluring and enticing
modes of procuring the means of effecting religious objects, can
scarcely be reconciled with the scripture exhortation : " He
that giveth, let him do it with simplicity," meaning with that
spontaneous liberality, which accords with the gracious reminder,
" freely ye have received, freely give." It has been said, and
with too much trulh, that without the employment of such me-
thods, the people would not give as needful, for the required re-
ligious purposes. Admitting this, it may fairly be suggested,
would it not be every way better, by such awakening discourses
as have been intimated, and through the divine spirit applying the
Word, to get them truly converted, and tlien they would, inevita-
bly, be led to see it their christian duty and privilege, to contri-
bute liberally to promote those purposes, and would freely and
cheerfully do it. Thus, insteixd oi descending for such contribu-
tions to their sensual modes and standards, or rather no standard
whatever, they would bo brouglU tip to the true and only divinely
acceptable standard oifree heart liberality.

There is anotiier subject in which those formalists and lovers of
pleasure and amusement are combined, and possess much in-
fluence in the churches, on which a few words, by way of sugges-
tion, may here be offered. It is that of the musical part of tho
public worship. Select members of this class under the na"ie oi'
choirs, partly through the approbation and aid of the rest seem, iu
most, if not all of the churches, to have got th management and
direction of the whole of this cheering and delightful part of the
divine service. In this, as in every other part of the public wor-
ship, all should unite. There should indeed be a few better skill-

eJ than others, in general, to attune and commence the exercise ;
but there is no absolute necessity for those regularl}' organized
bands or choirs, now existing in all the churches. The chief evil,
however, in the matter is, that in general, the female portion of the
choirs, is composed of the vain, gaily decorated, and frivolous
young persons described in a previous part of this discourse ; in
some of the churches just emerging from childhood. It is painful
to any truly spiritual mind to sec, as the writer has several times
seen them, with all their gaudy decorations, whispering, laughing,
and gossiping with each other in their seats, and in a few minutes
after starting up and almost shrieking forth the sublime and beau-
tiful psalm or hymn, given out for their performance. But what
is by far the most exceptionable and improper regarding these
choirs, is thoir musical performancee during certain pauses in the
pulpit service, when they have it all to themselves ; and pour
forth in vociferous strains, some composition unknown to nearly
all but themselves. Certainly, this is not according to the scrip-
ture direction, " making melody in the heart to the Lord;" but
it is a select few at their own will, singing and making artistic
music with their mouths for the entertainment of their for-
malist sisters and brethren of the congregation who love to have
it so. Thus the public worship is, si far, perverted and defaced.
Some ministers have occasionally made efforts to remove the evil
innovation, but through defect of proper and persevering firmness
they did not succeed, and the choristers have still remained mas-
ters of the field. Now, it may just be further remarked, that if
organized choirs must and will be suffered to remain, they ought,
in consistency with due decorum and propriety in the divine wor-
ship, to be composed of persons of rather mature years, and of es-
tablished piety and truly religious character ; and no musical
service should be permitted but such as forms a part of the wor-
ship of the whole congregation.

That eminent and learned divine. Dr. Adam Clarke, in his com-
mentary of the Scriptures, remarking on musical choirs, has used
the following words ; " Those who are well skilled in music have
seldom a devotional spirit, but are generally proud, self-willed,
contentious or arrogant. Do not these persons entirely over-
rate themselves ? Of all the liberal arts, surely 7nusic is the least

useful, liowGver ornamental it may be. And should an3't]iing bo
esteemed in the House of God, but in proportion to its utility ? A
good singer among the people of God, who has not the life of God
m his !ion\,\s vox et 2?rce(erea nihil, as Ilcliogabalus said of the
nightingale's brains, of which he desired to sup — he is nothinrj hut a
sound. Some of those persons, I mean they who sing with the
understanding without the spirit, suppose themselves of great
consequence in the Church of Christ, and they find foolish super-
ficial people, whom they persuade to be of their own mind, and
soon raise parties and contentions if they have not everything their
own way, and that way is generally as absurd as it is unscriptural,
and contrary to the spirit and simplicity of the Gospel?

The same venerable Dr., in his comments on 1st Chron. xvii ,
remarking also on instrumental music, in connection with the
choirs in the public worship, has thus written : — "Query: Did
God ever ordain instruments of music to be used in his worship ?
Can they be used in Christian Assemblies, according to the spirit
of Christianity ? Has Jesus Christ or his Apostles ever command-
ed or sanctioned the use of them? "Were they ever used any-
where, in the Apostolic Church? Does it ever appear that bands
of musicians, either in their collective or individual capacity, are
more spiritual, or as spiritual as the other parts of the Church of
Christ '{ Is there less pride, self-will, stubbornness, insubordina-
tion, lightness, and frivolity, among such persons than among the
other professors of Christianity ? Is it ever remarked or known
that musicians in the House of God have attained to any depth of
piety, or superior soundness of understanding in the things of
God ? Is it always found that the ministers which affect and re-
commend them to be used in the worship of Almighty God are the
most spiritual men, and the most spiritual and useful preachers ?
Can mere sounds, no matter how melodious, where no word or
sentiment is or can be uttered, be considered as giving praise to
God ? Is it possible that pipes or strings of any kind can give
God praise ? Can God be pleased with sounds which are emitted
by no sentient being, and have in themselves no meaning? If
these questions cannot be answered in the affirmative, then, query^
Is not the introduction of such instruments into the worship of
God anti-Christian, and calculated to debase and ultimately ruin

the spirit and influence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? And
should not all who wish well to the spread and establishment of
pure and undefiled rch'gion, lift up their hand, their influence and
their voice, against them. The argument from their use in the
Jewish service is futile in the extreme when applied to Christian-
ity."

Again in his comments on 2nd Chron. xxix. he has thus writ-
ten : " Mosos had not appointed any musical instrument to be
used in the divine worship ; there was nothing of the kind under
the first tabernacle. The trumpets or horns then used were not
for song, nor for praise, but as we use bells, i. e., to give notice
to the congregation, of what they were called to perform, &c. But
David did certainly introduce many inwtruments of music into
God's worship, for which he was solemnly reproved by the prophet
Amos, chap. vi. 1-6, But were it even evident, which it is not,
either from this(meaning2nd Chron. xxix.) or any other place in the
Sacred writings, that instruments of music were prescribed by di-
vine authority, under the law, could this be adduced, with any
semblance of reason, that they ought to be used in Christian wor-
ship ? No ; the whole spirit, soul and genius of the Christian re-
ligion are against this; and those who know the Church of God
best, and what constitutes its genuine spiritual state, know tiiat
these things have been introduced as a substitute for the life and
power of religion ; and that where they prevail most, there is least
of the power of Christianity. Away with such portentous baubles,
from the worship of that iiilinite Spirit, who requires his followers
to worship him in spirit and in truth, for to no such worship are
those instruments friendly."

The same pious and learned divine, in further remarking on the
subject in his comments on Amos, chap, vi., has written as follows
— " I believe that David was not authorized by the Lord to intro-
duce that multitiide of musical instruments into the Divine wor-
ship of which we read, and I am satisfied that his conduct in this
respect is most solemnly reprehended by this prophet ; and I fur-
ther believe that the use of such instruments of music in the Chris-
tian Church is without tlie sanction and against the will of God ;
that they are subversive of the spirit of true devotion, and that
they are sinful. If there was a woe to them who invented instru-

mcnts of milsic as did David under tlie law, is there no Woo to
them who invent them and introduce them into the worship of
God in the Christian Church ? I am an old man and an old min-
ister, and I here firmly declare that I never knew them to be
productive of any good in the worship of God, and have
had reason to believe that they were productive of much evil.
Music as science I esteem and admire, but instruments of music
in the House of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of
music ; and here I register my protest against all such corruptions
in tlic worship of the Author of Christianity. The late venerable
and most eminent divine, the Rev. John Wesley, who was a lover
of music and an elegant poet, when asked his opinion of instru-
ments of music being introduced into the chapels of the Metho-
dists, said, in his terse and powerful manner, ' I have no objec-
tions to instruments of music in our chapels, provided they are
neither heard uor seen.' "

Now, whatever may be thought or said, as to other religious
denominations, on this point of instrumental music in public wor-
ship, surely all, both ministers and laymen — even in these dege-
nerate days — \Vho bear, and rather gh)ry in the name of original
and t7'ue Weslcyans, ought to defer, and submit to the judgment, of
two such learned and eminent fathers and authorities as Dr.
Clarke, and Mr. Wesley ; most especially the latter, whose name
they haVe adopted as their distinctive church appellation. But
it is not 80, but, nearly everywhere, just the opposite. The pas-
sages in the book of the prophet Amos, to which Dr. Clarke has
referred, as conveying a censure on David, for his inveuting in-
struments of music, and introducing them into the divine worship,
are contained in chap, vi., where the prophet, in describing those
■who were " at ease in Zion," ajid were sensual and disobedient, says
of them : " that they lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch them-
selves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the Hock, and
the calves out of the midst of the stall ; that chant to the sound
of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, liko
David ; that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the
chief ointments ; but they are not grieved for the affliction of
of Joseph. Therefore, now shall they go captive, with the first
that go captive." Viewing the whole context, it does, indeedj

seem, that the prophet has intended and conveyed, a. ,onsurc of
David, regarding those musical instruments. But wiiatcver may be
said as to their being permitted and used, in public worship, un-
der the Jewish dispensation, it is quite certain that there is not a
Word in the New Testament Scriptures, to intimate, or sanction,
their use in any Christian worship.

Both those subjects,— choirs and musical instruments, — are, in
all the churches, except those of the state establishment, chiefly,
or it may ratlier be said, exciusivebj, under the authority and re-
gulating decision of the ministers, in their various organized
associations. In the matter of the choirs, it is for very good
reasons, essential that they should introduce such a reform, or
rather entire change., on the subject, as well render that part of
the worship conformable to Scriptural Christianiiy ; and restore
to it that solemnity, reverence and decorum with which it should
be performed, and prevent those musical performances during the
period of public worship which the choirs are now in the habit of
giving, at their own will, during the pauses in the services, and
which form no part in tiic worship of the whole assembly.

But although the suggested reformatory changes as to choirs
and musical instruments arc most desirable and needful in order to
the proper celebration of that part of divine worship, yet they are of
minor importance in comparison with the essential preliminary to-
wards a general revival of pure Scriptural Christianity, namely a
reclaiming and reformation of the vast numbers of inconsistent and
disobedient members of Churches from those ruinous evils before
described. A reform from their insatiable desires and seeking for
secular gain ; from their vanities and the love and practice of for-
bidden sensual indulgences and wordly maxims and conformities.
These are the great and almost insuperable hindrances to any
such revivals of spiritual religion. They have also most injurious
effects as regards religious and moral reform in general society.

We hear it frequently repeated, and with perfect truth, that
even in the countries where Evangelical Ciiristianity is most gen*
erally professed, the most vitally important subject is, the refor-
mation and deliverance of society from the numerous crimes and
other evils by which it is now constantly endangered and afllicted.
tn all those countries there arc vast proportions of the people

who arc living not only in utter ignorance of the true religion,
but in greater or lesser degrees sunk in depravity and vice in all
their various forms, injurious to others, as regards example and
influence, and hostile and dangerous to the welfare, or even the
existence of orderly and peaceable society. Altiioughjin this our
favored land of comparative freedom from the dangerous prevalence
of those great evils, in reference to social security, there are large
numbers in all, especially in this city, who arc living in almost
utter ignorance of religious truth, and neglect ot the means and
appliances for attaining to its knowledge and practice. Now, not
only for these, but for all others, the Christian Church by its min-
isters and members, is designed by its Divine Author and Head,
to be the enlightening and efficient instrumentality, for removing
and preventing all individual and social crimes and evils ; and es-
tablishing and maintaining pure scriptural religion, and thereby
Recuring truly moral conduct and social security and happiness.
All the plans and methods of philosophers, so called and well-dis-
posed moral reformers, have ever utterly failed to produce in any-
thing like the required degree, those blessed results. Genuine
scriptural Christianity, alone, can secure them. Its infinitely wise
and gracious author has, in the various symbols of " salt of the
earth" — " lights" in a dark world — " a city set on a hill," repre-
sented his church, as his intended power for ciTecting true spirit*
ual conversion, and pure chrisstian morality throughout the world.
But, unhappily, the Christian Church itself, requires in a very
large degree, the like conversion, and a scriptural reform as to
moral conduct. Even within this sacred institution there is much
needed, a very great increase of vital christian principle ; a self
denial and fro.edom from vain worldly customs and conformities,
and from thQ<a]mJjfft:uniYersat dcsirr) and striving for secular gain
and sensual Ihnui^eaccs, and 'also other diyinely forbidden ways
and works •;«.an(i (Jii.tiiQ other liAnd, an eniire consecration in heart
and practic'e,*t6 t?i(;'pl;|in'r'e4i^ij5itions and vai-ious personal and re-
lative duties of scriptural Christianity. ' ' .'

When a general abandonment of those evils, and an observance
of those duties, shall take place in the churches, through the di-
vine blessing accompanying the appropriate and faithful preach-
ing of the Word, then, and not till then, according to scripture

truth, can there be an}' well founded expectation of any extensive
operations of the Holy Spirit, and consequent general revival in
the churches, and numerous accessions of truly converted souls.
Tlio Lord is now, in cffoct,.8aying' to the churches, as he formerly
did, by his prophet to hil^edient people : " Your iniquities have
separated between you ind your God, and your sins have hid his
face from you, tliat he will not hear." " Return unto mo, and I
will return unto you saith the Lord of Hosts."* When they shall re-
member, and hearken to those solemn expostulations, and comply
with the commands, to " stand in the w*ays and see, and ask for
the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein;" " be-
come doers of the \Vord, and not hearers only;" "abhor that
which Is evil, and cleave to that which is good ;" " cease to do
evil, and learn to do wcll,"f then will the gracious Head of the
Church, who is ever ready to pardon and bestow his grace, abund*
antly fulfil his munificent and enduring promises : " Behold I will
pour out my spirit unto you." " Then shall thy light break forth as
the morning ; and thine health shall spring forth speedily ; then
shalt thou call and the Lord shall answer ; thou shalt be like a
Watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose Waters fail not;
and thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of
paths to dwell in ; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."§

*l8ai. lis.2— Mat. lii. 7. t Jer. vi. 16— Jaraea i. aS— Rom. xil. O—Isai. i.lO. § Prov.i.S—
Ii<ai. Iviii. 8., &e.

< • *