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Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmte A des taux de reduction dlff6rents. Lorsque Ie document est trop grand pour §tre reproduit en un seul cliche, ii est fiim6 A partir de i'angle supArleur gauche. d« gauche A droite. et de haut en bas, en prenant Ie nombre d'images nAcessaire. lies diagrammos suivants iliustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 I i K 4> k i «■ > [ } \ k \^ SERMON DELIVERED IN St. ANDREW'S CHURCH, QUEBEC: By the late Rev. Alex. Spark, D. D. ON THE 7th March, 1819, The day of his Death » ALSO, A FUNERAL SERMON, PREACHED on that OCCASION, THE 14th MARCH, 1819. )..:'■ Ycft ^ujL '* But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten, " Their bodies are buried in Peace, but their name liveth for evermore." ECCLESIASTICUS. QUEBEC : Painted and Sold by J. Neilson, No. 5, Mountain Street. 1819. ;i; ■H J. 5 ''^ . ■*t*^ ■ T* 'i i p TO HIS GRACE CHARLES DUKE OF RICHMOND, LENNOX AND AUBIGNY, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Governor General, and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces in British North America— The following Discourses are most iiumbly inscribed, ^ By His Grace's most obedient, and devoted Servant, THE EDITOR. , fi .'' I R t, T ,r «' V .■•» 1 INTRODUCTION. D, 'r. Spark received the earlier part of his classical ediica- tion at the Grammar School of Montrose in Scotland. He after- wards attended the University of Aberdeen. Having taken the degree of Master of Arts, he studied Divinity under the celebrated Professors Campbell and Gerard. He came to this country in 1780, by the direction of a Gentleman yet alive. In 1783 he repaired to Scotland, where he received ordination from the Pres- bytery of Ellon, and returned to Quebec the year following. — He was then employed by the Honourable Colonel Caldwell to supierintend the education of his son, the present Honourable J. Caldwell, by both of whom, he was deservedly held in very high estimation. At the same time iie officiated in the Scotch Church in place of the Reverend Mr. Henry, then in an infirm state of iiealth- On the death of the latter, he succeeded to the very moderate emoluments of that Church, and continued during the remainder of his life, to discharge with most exemplary diligence and fidelity, the important duties of a Minister of the Gospel. In IBQ^k he obtained the degree of Doctor in Divinity from the College at which he had studied ; and in i 805 was married to the amiable person who is now left to deplore his loss. In 1809 a patent was obtained from Sir J. H. Craig, then Governor General, for the spot of ground on which St. Andrew's Church I VI. c r Church now stands, and on the 30th of November 1810, that house was opened as a place for pubh'c worship. From that pe- riod the congregation gradually increased, till the late event which we all lament announced the termination of his earthly labours. He died on Sunday the seventh instant, in circumstances aw- fully impressive. After delivering the first of the following dis- courses, than which nothing can be more truly characteristic of a solemn farewell, he attended a funeral. Returning to the Church, and being arrived within a hundred yards of it, he was seized with an apoplectic fit, and expired without a groan. The shock occasioned by his death was universally felt in this city, and the neighbourhood, and even in many remote parts of the province. Scarcely have we yet recovered from the deep distress into which we have been thrown. On the following Thursday, his remains were followed to the <* House appointed for all living," by an unexampled assemblage of persons of all ranks and ages. Though a profound scholar and an excellent writer, he has ne- ver given any thing to the public besides a few occasional Sermons. But it is confidently hoped, that his friends will permit a volume or more, of his excellent and truly edifying discourses to be print- ed with all convenient speed. The following list comprehends all that has hitherto appeared from his pen. Ao Oration delivered at the dedication of Free Masons' Hall, in the City of Quebec, in 1787, and the following Sermons ; namely, 1, A Thanksgiving Sermon for the Victory at the Nile, preached January lOth, 1799, with the form of Thanksgiving. 2* The Duties of Piety and Loyalty recommended ; preached to the Society of Ancient York Masons, June 24th, 1801. 3. A Fast Sermon, preached February Ist, 1804, on the re- newal of the War, 4. A i 4t, A Sermon preached before the Society of Free MasoiU, 1809. 5' The Connexion between the civil and religious state of Society; preached November SOth, 1810| at the opening of St. Andrew's Church. 6. A ThanlcRgivik j Sermon ; preached April 21 at, 1814. The following Sermon is printed without alteration, from his own copy ; and, therefore, besides other claims of a higher inter- est, must be considered as exhibiting uncommon proofs of correct- ness and precision in his ordinary stile of composition. The pub- lic, who have anxiously expected its appearance, will further re- collect that it was not written for publication, a circumstance which cannot fail to enhance its otherwise extraordinary value. In my own which follows it, I have made a humble attempt to portray the character of this excellent man. The candid reader will know what allowance to make for a composition hastily writ- ten, in very unfavourable circumstancest and almost immediately sent to the press. The discourses are both published at the express desire of the Elders of the Congregation, and of many other respectable per- sons who heard them. Upon the solemn appearance of a Minister's last address, follow- ed by his funeral Sermon at the distance of no more than one week, I forbear to make any commenti but leave the Reader to make his own serious reflections* Quebec, 1 March 24(1;, 1819. J DANIEL WILKIE. ,::t ..; '-J '* . . * /} > r/ >•'. L A SERMON FREACIIED IN St. ANDREW'S CHURCH, ON THE SEVENTH MARCH, 1819. By the Rev. Alex. Spark, D. D. LATE PASTOR OF THE SCOTCH CHURCH, QUEBEC. I »« FIMAIXT, IRXTHRIN, FARIWELL. UK PlKrECT, BE OF OOOD COifPOKT, Vt " or ONE Mini), Live IV PEACE ; AND THE GOD OF LOVE AND MACE SHALI, St. PAUL. •• WITH YOU. QUEBEC: Printed and Sold by J. Neilsoh, 3, Mountain Street. 1819. .- ■ * :i-r:>*M^''i ii;\)l|':iB:. ^:'{l'dnav\J::-f€^'di ir- '.■'' i> .•„i.l:i .^>5iT/M> '.x:iaK j:iJ{ -m:t-'^M itv":-^jxi rri .r ■-■ -. Vi»'. •■ ^''i ' ■ ''-^ :-t.-i!' ' - i- .* .14^.. :f ... ./i:- 1 ^ri. f::'''--- '"'-^ ,1 . ■■ 'i' ' • A SERMON. t : , „.;.•'•;••':=:;,•, - "" ■ GEN. XLV.-24. ■•' r^'' ,_ ;, .,• : ' ' ^ .' ■ ■ r' " See that 7/e fall not out b?/ the waj/." , JVIUTUAL agreement or cordial good- will, among those who live in society together, is one of the greatest blessings of human life. It viQt only prevents much trouble, pain and vexa- tion, which unavoidably spring from disagree- ment, but it is also a source of real enjoyment and of improvement to the mind : It is consenta- neous to the best affections of our nature, and fosters the most generous passions. It was a conviction of the advantage of mu- tual agreement, and of the evil and danger of discord, which made Joseph admonish his Breth- ren in the words of our Text. AVe I I We need not now detain you by a recital of the history of this distinguished Patriarch. Having been sold as a slave, & carried into Egypt, tli rough the malice of his Brethren, he was promoted to the highest rank and office in that Country, under Pha- - raoh the King. Owing to a Famine in the Land of Canaan, where Jacob and his Family then lived, ' he sent his Sons, thr Brothers of Joseph, to buy Corn in Egypt ; " and at the second time, Joseph " made himself known to his Brethren." He received them with kindness, though they had meditated evil against him. He furnished them with waggons and provisions for the way ; with money and changes of raiment ; directing them to bring down their Father, and all his household, that they might enjoy the plenty of the Land of Egypt. It was when he sent them away with this charge, that he admonished them in the words of our Text, saying, " see that ye fall not out by the <( way »> It is the intention of the present discourse to apply this admonition, which was addressed to the Sons of Jacob, upon their journey from Egypt to Canaan, to the state of mankind in general, in the journey of human life. Those to whom this admonition was addressed were Brethren j the Children of the same parent ; / interested s interested in the same cause, and travelling to- wards the same Country. This is also true of all mankind, who meet together in society, and tra- vel together in the road of human life. We have all one Father ; we are the Offspring of God : We are one family, being sprung from the Stock of Adam ; and we all travel towards one place, namely, the realms of Eternity. We are formed also with like faculties both of body and mind. We have the same corporeal endowments, and al- so the same mental affections, appetites, and passions ; for the varieties of natural temper and character depend only on the different proportions and combinations of those original faculties. We were all formed, likewise, for the same end, name- ly, " to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." Similar duties are assigned us here, and similar hopes are set before us hereafter. : And not only are we united by the commdn ties of nature, by similarity of duty and of hope, but while we remain in this world, we are also par- takers of the same blessings, and liable to the same misfortunes and calamities. The rich and exuberant goodness of God is extended to us all ; ** In him we live, and move, and have our being." " He maketh his Sun to rise on the evil and on ** the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on " the unjust." Though some may be more abun- dantly supplied with the gifts of Providence than others, yet none can say that they are overlooked or n ■\t » or neglected, by the gracious Parent of mankind. " He is good unto all, and his tender mercies are " over all his works.'* On the other hand, all are equally liable also, to the assaults of affliction and distress. Wiio can say that he is exempted from the stroke of mis- fortune ? Whert; is the breast, which hath never had occasion to bleed for human woes ? Which hath never felt the power of anguish ? We are united by our sorrows as well as by our joys ; and, as was said of Saul and Jonathan of old, ** even ** in our death, we are not divided." We have all the same end to look for, and the same kind of difficulties to apprehend, in the course of our pro- gress towards it. As former generations were swept from the face of the earth, and have taken up their abode in the " house appointed for all ** living," such will be the case with the present generation also in their turn, and with the gene- rations that are yet to come, so long as time may endure. In the journey of life, we also form social con- nections, which constitute an additional band of union, and draw the ties of humanity still closer. There are the ties of patriotism, of neighbour- hood, of education, of friendship, of consan- guinity; all of which tend, more or less, to strength- en the bands of nature, which unite mankind tpgether, as children of the same parent, under the care of the same Providence. Above > Above all, true Christians are united as DIs- ciples of Christ Jesus, and members of his mysti- cal body. They are the Children of God, not by nature only, but also by grace and adoption. They are " all one in Christ Jesus," as the Scrip- ture expresseth it ; and they are heirs of the same promises, through faith in his blood. This was our blessed Lord's request unto the Father, res- pecting all his true Disciples, " that they may be " all one," saith he, " as thou. Father, art in " me, and I in thee, that they also may be one ** in us ; I in them and thou in me, that they " may be made perfect in one ; and that the " world may know that thou hast sent me, and ** hast loved them as il.ou hast loved me." a This Christian union, if rightly understood; if founded in true charity as it ought to be ; in the true Faith of the Gospel, and practice of ho- liness, is of the most sacred and interesting na- ture. All the Disciples of Christ Jesus hence appear as children of the same family j of the household and family of God, who are ruled by love, and required to distinguish themselves by their mutual good-^will, towards one another. .'hi ;,: When we consider those various ties, by which mankind in general, and Christians in particular are united among themselves ; without fatal ex- perience to the contrary, we should be apt to .conqlude that there could be no danger of their • «* falling G tt fiilUng out by the way," in the journey of h'f'c. But, in adopting this persuasion, how sadly should we be deceived ! " ''-''' ^• iji' \\ ,t" IK m As Joseph apprehended it possible, and not im- # probable, that his Brethren might " fall out by " the way,*' as he had had experience of their disagreement before ; so, in like manner, in the general course of human life, notwithstanding the ties by which we are united, there is too great reason for the admonition in our Text. Every day's experience shews us this necessity. *..!■• ' •I .! Pride, self-importance, and worldly interest, like the Demon of Discord, set men at variance with each ether, and fill the world with misery and crimes. Instead of following the direction of the Apostle, not to " think of ourselves more ♦* highly than we ought to think," but to " es- ** teem others better than ourselves," we are too apt to look for more respect and attention from others, than we have any just title to expect : and when we are disappointed in this expectation, it whets our anger and resentmentt •.uii: A competition of interests, is still a more com- mon and fruitful source of disagreement. This gives rise to wars between States and Kingdoms j to inhumanity, hatred, treacheiy and violence be- tween man and man. So wide and general are its ravages, that the Apostle call^ it, " the root of aU evil tf evil." This is too often found to extinguish every sentiment of humanity ; to rend the closest ties of ;iature ; to steel the heart against the calls of pity and benevolent . ; to set the father against the son, and the son against the father. We may hereby perceive the natural bonds of society in a great measure dissolved. The social affections of the heart, which ought to unrte mankind as Children of the same Parent, and as Brethren in Christ Je- sus, are divested of their genuine power and effect, and in their room is substituted a kind of union founded on interest. Men are not kept together by the native principles of benevolence and huma- nity, which were implanted in their nature for that purpose ; but frequently, more by expectations of gain or private advantage ; by an artificial and mer- cenary bond of union, which they have formed to themselves. Hence it follows, that where interest is concerned, other considerations have but small power to influence the conduct ; and when this bond is dissolved between man and man, they are . set at variance with each other. It was this principle which raised the envy of the other sons of Jacob, against Joseph at first, because he shared more of their Father's favour and bounty than they did ; which made them me- ditate his destruction, and afterwards sell him as a slave to be carried into Egypt. Another source, from which discords have also frequently C . I frequently arisen, is a difference ot religious opi- nions. i Such is the unaccountable blindness or perverse- ness of man, that even religion itself, whi "h, above all things, ought to softer and humanize his tem- per, and inspire him with principles of peace and humanity, is too often made the subject of conten- tion and discord. That Gospel, whose voice is ** peace on earth, and good- will towards men," is most sacrilegiously converted into an instrument of strife and disunion. In the road of human life, how often have men " fallen out," — ^how often have their passions been sharpened against each other, merely for the sake of some small, and per- haps unimportant difference in their religious faith? In contending for religion, how often have they violated its most sacred and important duties ; the duties of justice and charity ? All ages of the world have witnessed this evil, in a greater or less degree ; and we can scarcely indulge a hopq of ever seeing it entirely removed. There may be various other causes of inferior consideration, which make men " fall out by the ** way," in the jouiney of human life ; but those which we have mentioned, are, as it were, the sour- ces, from which they all proceed. And what hath been mentioned, is certainly sufficient to convince every man, that there is a danger of our ** falling " out," notwithstanding the ties of nature and grace, m.* grace, by wliich we ought to be united. Need •we, farther, direct your view, for this purpose, to the pages of history ? You will observe them to be chiefly filled with the discords of nations, and the consequent effusion of human blood. If you examine the temper of society, in smaller circles, how many little jealousies, private animosities, and looted resentments, may you not find to poison the cup of social contentment ? If you come even to the closer connections of life, to domestic society and relations by birth, among whom the bonds of union ought to be strongest, there also you may too often find some " leaven of malice," some seeds of discord. And here the evil, where it does exist, is most severely felt. The closer the con- nection between man and man, the more reason they have to be alirmed at any appearance of ** falling out," because, in that situation, the poi- son operates with double ibrce. " A Brother of- " fended," as saith Solomon, " is harder to be won " than a strong city ; and their contentions are like ** the bars of a castle." Considering the actual state of man, and the ge- neral course of human life, we cannot but see am- ple reason for the admonition in our Text ; we perceive a danger of contention and disagreement, in every sphere and relation of life. Though form- ed for union and charity, various causes conspire to set men at variance with each other, the evil consequences C 2 I 10 I ll 3 consequences of which are very great and nume- rous. ** It was from an apprehension of the bad effects " that might arise from their quarrelling, as well " as from a knowledge of their particular temper, *' that Joseph was induced to admonish his Breth- " ren,"t not to " fall out by the way." Consi- dering the state of the world at that time, a jour- ney like that which the sons of Jacob had before them, could not be safely undertaken without the utmost precaution ; especially as they carried pro- perty of so much value along with them. In the wild tract of country, which they had to pass through, it was to be apprehended that some wan- dering tribes might fall upon them. Union among themselves was therefore highly requisite, to ena- ble them to resist the attacks of any such enemy. Disagreement and separation, might have proved fatal to them. Our condition in this world. Christians, and our danger in the journey of life, is in a great measure similar to what theirs then was. Those who travel towards the Heavenly Canaan, have also a wild and dangerous wilderness to pass through. Many ene- mies lie in wait, to watch every opportunity, and to seize every advantage against them. And disa- greement among themselves is equally dangerous to them, as it would have been to the sons of Ja- cob. Could f Kippis, S. 11. Could you but form to yourselves, for a inoinent, an idea of the state of this world, were all quarrels, hatred and discord, banished from the face of the earth ; what a change would it not produce in the temper of society ! How would it augment our joys, and improve our happiness ! But this is an idea too favourable to be indulged ; a scene, wiiich exists only in imagination ; and which unhappily we can scarcely ever expect to see realized in tins life. Who does not here bewail the miserable fate of man, deprived of so much good, by his own wayward temper ; and by an excess of selfish pas- sions, most effectually destroying tlie object which he strives to obtain ? It would be endless to recite the evils which spring from discord. In destroying the pleasures of friendship, the complacency of mutual confi- dence, and the satisfactions which flow from social union, peace and harmony, it robs us of the purest enjoyments of human life. And besides this, it hath a most unhappy effect upon the mind itself. It excites base and malig- nant passions j and tends to establish habits and seniimen's, the most unfriendly to virtue. Considered in a religious view, nothing can be more inconsistent with the spirit of the Gospel, or more contrary to the precepts and example of Christ. The Christian RevelUtion presses no duty on r I 'J ' t 12 on the disciples ofC'lirist more earnestly tluin this, that they slioiihl " h)ve one another," and live in mutual harmony and concord among themselves. This is also conformable to the character and de- portment of our blessed Lord himself, who hath set UH an example that we should follow his steps. His character was composed of mildness, benevo- lence and humanity : his deportment was peacea- ble, kind and courteous. Without murmuring, without complaint, " he endured the contradic- ** tion of sinners against himself.'* He was ever disposed to cultivate peace and good understand- ing with all men, even at the exj)ense of pain and sulfering to himself. If, therefore, we shew a con- trary disposition to this ; if we are disposed to strife and contention ; if we foment quarrels and divisions among our neighbours ; take causeless lunbrage against them, or bear the>n malice in our hearts ; if we are disi)osed to *' fall out with our ** brethren," in the journey of life, or give them cause to " fall out'* with us j it is plain that our conduct is not conformeil to the example of Christ : it is a strong evidence against us that we are not led by his spirit ; and, " if any man have not the " spirit of Christ," saith the Scripture, *' he is *< none of his." As an additional motive to induce us to comply with the admonition of the Text, to guard against " falling out by the way," and to cultivate peace and harmony among ourselves, in the journey of life, ft I 13 life, we might urge that ven/ principle, which men too often convert into a source of* iliscord, name- ly, a regard to their own interest. If we judge aright, we must conclude that a person's true /'//- terest does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesseth, but in the degree of happiness which he enjoys. And, as we have be- fore briefly remarked, no circumstance in human life, contributes more to the happiness of it, than mutual agreement, good wilt, and compla- cency, between man and man. By living in a state of union and tranquillity with our fellow men, we enjoy a degree of satisfaction, which, without that, no abundance can procure. By pre- serving the genuine ties of nature inviolate, and living in harmony one with another, as becometh Brethren, heirs of the same inheritance, and tra- vellers towards the same country ; we secure to ourselves the purest joys, which tliis earth can sup- ply. By these means, we also improve our tem- per and dignify oUr minds : we form in our dispo- sitions a nearer resemblance to our blessed Lord ; apd, to adopt the language of the Psalmist, we prove in our own experience, ** how good and how " pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in " unity." ii One other consideration we yet beg leave to suggest to you, which, if duly considered, ouglit to have a very powerful effect upon our minds, in persuading us to cultivate peace and harmony among ■ i 1 I i 11 i '. *' hi I "y; I among ourselves, in the journey of human life, namely, the short time during which we are per- mitted to travel together upon this journey. We are creatures of a day ; the time allotted us in this world is short and uncertain. We are but as strangers and Pilgrims upon the Earth, who seek another anc' a better country. We are here to-day, and away to-morrow ; and whatever we possess, 've hold but in trust for a little time. We know not how soon we may be called upon to re- sign it. In this situation, then, how unbecoming must it appear, upon reflection, that we should, on account of any worldly concerns, be induced to " fall out " with each other by the way ?'* What is there here worthy of such anxious regard as to make us fall out, for the sake of it ? Suppose you have willingly injured your friend j your fellow traveller in the journey of life ; or that you have " fallen out** with him, without a cause, or on some slight and frivolous pretence ; and sup- pose, that he is soon afterwards taken away from you, (a circumstance wihch is not improbable of unlikely to happen) : in this situation, when you look back on your conduct, and reflect how you have acted ; if you have reason to accuse yourself of having been the cause of your disagieement ; of having deprived yourself and him of the happi- ness ; J :. • \ f 1 ^ ness you might have enjoyed, during tLe time you walked together ; while these reflections possess your mind, what must your feelings be ? What must be your regret and remorse ? Or, on the other hand, when you find yourself now approaching to the close of your own race ; when you expect soon to be removed from the companions of your journey ; how must it wound your departing spirit, should you then be conscious of having causelessly " fallen out with them by " the way ?" If you have ever remarked the dis- position of a dying person ; of one who knows his journey is nearly closed ; you have had occasion to observe how anxious he is to compose all dif- ferences, which may have existed between him and others before. That he may die in peace, he de- sires to forgive and to be forgiven. I ) But why should this desire be deferred to the end of our journey ? It is proper that it should be found at tliat period, but it ought not to be pe- culiar to that period. Let the same mind and prin- ciple actuate us, during the whole course of our lives. Let us now act as we shall then wish we had done. As the Apostle exhorts, let us, ** as much as ** possible, live peaceably with all men.** And to promote this desirable end, so conducive to the glory of God, and to our own good and happiness, D le. I HE ll let us put away pride and avarice ; for these, asr we have seen, are fruitful sources of disagreement among mcii. When a person indulges too high an opinion of himself, it disposes him to take offence at small and trifling circumstances, which good sense and a lowly mind, would teach him to overlook. He who has had occasion to observe the general con- duct of human life, with ^.ny degree of attention, must have remarked ; that the greatest quarrels, the most rancorous animosities, which blast all the fruits of social felicity, often originate from mere trifles ; from things, which in themselves appear hardly worthy of notice. Offences and affronts are often given, through mere inadver- tency or inattention. It is proper that all should know this circumstance ; that they should reflect upon it, and make proper allowance for it. Let us also put away all uncharitableness, in matters of religion ; for this is likewise too com- mon a cause of discord, in the journey of human life. Let our temper and disposition be that of the religion which we profess; which speaks peace and good-will to men. As Disciples of " the " same heavenly Teacher," and Children of the same Parent, let us " walk in love " and unity, " as Christ also hath loved us." Let us " put •* on, as the Elect of God, holy and beloved, " bowels of mercy, long suffering, gentleness, ** kindness. ! t ' 17 " kindness, charity, forbearing, and forgiving " one another ; " even as we expect forgiveness of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. If the peace of God reign in our hearts, it will dispose us to live in peace with onf another. Finally, as we profe s to be the Disciples of the Lord Jesus, let us follow his example and respect his Law. Let us learn, more and more, to be " meek and lowly in heart " as he was j to be just and upright in our conduct to all men ; to give them no cause of offence against us ; nor to take up a causeless offence against them. And now unto God, the witness and the Judge of all our actions, be glory and dominion, through Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 'L A SERMON PREACHED / •. IN St. ANDREW'S CHURCH, ON THE FOURTEENTH MARCH, 1819, ON OCCASION OF THE DEATH Of the Rev. Alex. Spark, D. D. « ' LATE MINISTER OF THE SCOTCH CHURCH, QUEBEC. " Forbearing, fair, and candid, he never failed to put the best constructioa ** upon the motives and actions of all around him ; he studied to gain his bro> « ther by kindness, and knew how to turn away wrath by a soft answer. The " world can ill spare such spirits as his." HILL'S ADVEKTisEMEMT TO GILLESPIE'S Skshoks. QUEBEC! Printed and Sold by J. Neilson, 3, Mountain Street 1819. KfVM] A SERM O N. HEBREWS, VI. 12* «— " Be not slothful, but follozccrs of them who through Jbith and patience inherit the promises" XiiVERY thing in us, and around us, de- monstrates that man was intended, to be at once an active being, subject to change and governed by example. In the Heavens, and in the Earth, every thing is in rapid stir and circulation. Day succeeds night, and night gives place to day. The Sun, the Moon, and all the host of Heaven, con- tinually mark out days and months, and years and ages. Spring and Summer, Autumn and Win- ter, succeed each other in undisturbed revolution. Neither delays its appouited period, nor encroach- es on that which comes after. So also, in the life of man, infancy, .youth, manhood, and old age, invariably 1 invariably succeed, and give way to, each other ; except when death, as it very frequently happens, interrupts and terminates the series at an earlier stage. Still neither anticipates the other. No fol- lowing part of the series can intervene, till the for- mer has been completed. ~ ) m Not only does this circulation go on, but the period of each is indispensably necessary to that which succeeds. If the order of the seasons should be inverted, if day and night should no longer suc- ceed to one another ; we should know, that nature was approaching to dissolution. If Spring should put forth no buds, in Summer we should look for neither verdure nor fruit. And, if the fruits of Summer, by any means, were blasted, where should we look for the treasures and beneficence of Au- tumn ? m n i.i2 Even so, in man, if the seeds of virtuous indus- try and knowledge, be not cultivated in his tender years, we need not expect in manhood, the vig- our of exertion and fidelity in duty that become advanced life ; and if, from any causs, religion, duty and faithfulness be neglected in manhood, we cannot expect that age will be revered, or that the consciousness of virtue, or the prospect of a happy immortality, will brighten the evening of life. In short, if we sleep not in the night, we can hardly devote the day to the appointed la- bours of life ; and if the day be spent in idleness or i or disorder, the night will be sleepless and mise- rable. Nature even teaches us that we ought to imitate those who have preceded us in well doing. This day, as to continuance, is the same as yesterday ; and this night will be the same as the last. The tender plant that now springs from the root of the broken oak, will be clothed with leaves of the same form and verdure, with those which covered the parent stem j it will spread similar roots in the ground; and, in like manner, direct its lofty bran- ches towards tHe impending skies. All things, therefore, my brethen, announce to us, the importance of the Apostle's advice : " be " not slothful, but followers of them who through ** faith and patience inherit the promises.^ y» In considering this subject, it is natural to re- flect, first, on the duty recommended, the dili- gent imitation of those, who have gone before us, in the path of virtuous life; secondly, on the more conspicuous parts of their example, faith and pa- tience ; and, thirdly, on the rewards which they have reaped, the promised blessings that they in- herit. 1. With regard to the first of these subjects, the diligent imitation of those who have gone before us, nothing can be more striking, than the in- E struction .1 Ik: struction which the observation of human life, enables us to draw from the different courses pur- sued, by the righteous and the wicked. We have seen the sinner spend his life in folly, in idleness, or in guilt, and end his days in shame or misery. By, the total vacuity or utter insignificance of his life, he has left no cause for remembrance behind. It ia well, if he has not left reliks of his mischie- vous disposition. No tears are shed but for his wretchedness. Our only regret is, that he has lived so long to heap disgrace upon his connec- tions, and to dishonour human nature. We wish we could forget what God has denounced against the workers of iniquity. We follow his funeral as a duty of charity or alms giving, or for the sake of his relatives, pr because we wish to practise to- wards others, that mercy which we implore from God for ourselves. The sooner he is forgotten the better; for we cannot speak well of him, and to speak evil might injure our own souls. Compare with this sad picture, the life of the worthy and the good. His life has been full of usefulness and acts of duty. All have witnessed his integrity, his correctness, his steadfast prin- ciples and honourable conduct ; and therefore all experience the sentiments of approbation. Many have experienced his kindness and beneficence ; and will therefore remember him with gratitude " while memory holds a seat in the heart.** At the hour of his dissolution we weep with tears of true true affection for the sad loss we have sustained. At the same time, if we are wise» we thank God for ** relieving our dear friend from the miseries " of this sinful world." We strive with the ut- most care to preserve his remembrance, and set a value upon the most indifferent object, if, by be- longing to him, they serve to recal his memory. If the sculptured stone, or the breathing canvass, should not transmit a record of him ; still the " father speaks of him to his children, and they again to theirs.** His memory is blessed upon earth, and his soul is blessed of the God of Hea- ven. « Your own hearts must tell you, my friends, which of these two examples, you would choose to follow. You will hardly, I think, refuse to acknowledge the justice of the Apostle's advice, and say that it is better to be followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the pro- mises. If any additional argument can be wanted to induce us, to make this choice, let us reflect 5 that those whom we so much respect, are gone, and that the best tribute that we can pay to their memory, is to receive their advice, and pursue the course which they. held. And whether we follow them in their conduct or not, we must fol- low them in their decease. We are just as cer- tain, that our time is coming, as that theirs is over. E 2 2. We a 2. We are required to follow them in their faith and patience ; in their steady regard to the com- mands and promises of God, and in their patient continuance in well-doing, amidst all the trials and oppositions which the world may throw in our way. il We are to follow their faith. And as an induce- ment to do so, consider, I beseech you, through what an illustrious series our faith has been hand- ed down ; through the hands of Patriarchs, Pro- phets and Kings ; Saints, Apostles and Martyrs, Jesus Christ himself being the author and finisher of it. How many pious, how many benevolent, how many worthy men, how many great and illus- trious characters, have, in later times, been form- ea by Christian principles ! How many of our fathers have trode the path of virtue before us, looking back with steady faith to the history, ins- truction and miracles, to the death and resurrec- tion of the Son of God, and forward with the con- fidence of hope, to the day of his second and glo- rious appearing ! How many worthy ornaiments of our native country, did not the last age pro- duce I Men who joined the firm faith of the Gos- pel, to the practice of its just and upright maxims, and infinitely benevolent principles ; who raised their voice against much abounding iniquity, who strove in behalf of knowledge, justice, liberty, loyalty, and human happiness; who contended ^hu8 in peace and in war, in the senate and the field, field, in great and eminent stations, and in the humble walks of private and domestic life. They are deceased, they inherit the promises, and the greatest good that we can render to the coming age, is to follow the illustrious examples that have been handed down to us. We are to imitate not only their faith, but their patience ; a virtue for the exercise of which there is the greatest need during every period, every step, and movement of our Christian warfare. When calumny and slander assail us, from with- out, when passions rise within, we need to ** pos- " sess our souls in patience.*' When we see in- justice triumph, as it sometimes does in this state of trial and probation, when innocence and virtue suffer; when afflictions, public, private, or do- mestic assail us, even when the weariness of life exhausts, or the difficulties of our situation press hard : in all these cases, we " have need of pa- " tience, that, afler having done the will of God, " we may receive the promise." Ileb. 10. — 36. When the hopes of nations are blasted, when Sov- ereigns sink from their thrones, and the brave and the wise are cut off in one hour ; when pa- rentis, are torn from their weeping infants. Pas- tors are severed iio.. spiritual flocks, and the dis- consolate widow mourns ; what can we do, what ought we to do, but arm ourselves with patience, and trust in the Omnipotence of God ? In short, >yhen death stalks around us on every hand, when every every step may be our last, and every sent, nee that we pronounce may be our dying testimony ; what ouglit we to c!o, but to wrap ourselves up in a good conscience to be at peace with God and with man, and in mat state wait patiently for the coming of our Lord ? 3. Of the rewards bestowed on those who have been faithful and patient, of the promises of which they inherit the accompiishmrit, I need not say much. You all know whpt, the Scripture has declared concerning the happiness of that un- seen world, to which the righteous, after death, are translated. You also know that the little which is revealed, is wrapt up in figurative allu- sions, suited to the present weakness of our un- derstandings. Enough, however, is unfolded, if we listen to it with attention, to rouse the activi- ty of our souls, to animate our fortitude, and con- firm our patience. We are assured, that it is a land of rest, from which all sin, and its necessary concomitant, mi- sv^ry, is for ever expelled. We are assured, also, that it is a state of society, in which there is room for the exercise of charity, benevolence, and love, and in which there is peace for evermore. Con- sequently, the inhabitants have intercourse with eurh other, may have gratitude for their former benefactors, love and affection for the former ob- jects of their deserved esteem. It is a state of m- perior perior knowledge of the works and ways of God, of gratitude to the Aiithor of all good, and to the mei'- ciful Saviour of the human race. The inhabitants look back on their toils, and sufferings, and dan- gers, and bless the common Father of the human race, for their preservation while hefe, and for their final and blessed release. Instead of lament- ing their fate, as we do, they congratulate one a- nother, on their safe arrival in that land of Promise. They regard their arrival there, as the consum- mation of their hopes, the commencement of their highest joy, and the brightest era of their existence. Into those regions of delight our late worthy Pastor, my fri.^nds, has long been directing your steps. and mine. He described to us the journey, marked out the road, set us an excellent example in his own conduct, and animated our drooping spirits by holding out the prospect of this eternal reward. Now he has gone before, and left us be- hind, to finish our pilgrimage in the imitation of his faith and patience. Yes, the lips wnich so long taught wisdom from this place, are closed. The eyes which beamed animation, are now fixed That heart which felt for the happiness of us all, now beats no more. He who, as a friend, a companion, or Pastor, had so long enlivened and edified, and as a Gentle- man had ornamented, this society, is removed from the stage. . He 10 lie has gone to receive his Lord's reward. But, though dead, he yet speaks to us. From the grave " fresh, opened " to receive his remains, he calls to us tp follow his example, to make our peace with God and with man, and to be prepar- ed for the summons of death, at what time soever it may appear. Yet, i^ is by merpory only we can now receive the benefit of his instructions or example. ' His lips to yis are closed, and his steps move no more befbr^.us. How busy, then, ought we to be in treasuring up in oiir minds, the wisdom that he taught us, and the yirtues that he exemplified! For even the wise must die, and, to us, " they " ai'e as water spilt on the ground, which cannot " Joe gathered up again ;" unless their words and .example dwell in our hearts, and animate us to follow their stjps. * In the account which I may be expected to give of our late, and much regretted Pastor, I can say little, I believe, that is new to any of you. But it id easy for us all to remember much ; and it may not be unprofitable for us, to proceed for once in our recollections in the same train. He had received, as you know a regular univer- sity education, and he must have profited well by it He vas admitted a Probationer, and after- wards regularly ordained a Minister of Christ iu the 11 the established Church of Scotland. And during more than thirty years, has laboriously and faith- fully discharged the duties of that most important but difficult station. ive ;ay lut it ice ler- by ler- iu \ It has been said with great propriety, that emi- nence in every profession, must be founded in a thorough knowledge of the principles of that pro- fession. Di. Spark possessed a rather more than ordinary acquaintance with all those branches of kn'^wledge, which, in the diflferent Churches, are esteemed necessary preparations for the Christian Ministry. But his knowledge was not limited to these, for he possessed a very studious , turn of mind, and whenever the duties of public and private life were discharged, and sufficient atten- tion given to social and friendly intercourse, he uniformly devoted his time to some useful, impro- ving or elegant acquirement. Hence, he became an eminent scholar, and familiarly acquainted with in-^st of the general branches of lodern science. Hin principle was, to undertake no more than he j'^mIvI reasonably hope to accomplish, and what- ^ • r he did, to do well. It it also known to most ot you, that he never omitted, where it could be done, to employ his knowledge in the cause of suffering humanity. For example, when electric shocks were supposed to convey relief to those who laboured under various distempers, his door was ever open to the sick, and especially to the indigent, who sought relief from that means. : . P Ho \u !i il- U 12 He had an ease and an elegance in his studies, and in the distribution of his time, which are seldom surpassed. But the science which, above all others, he was anxious to understand well, was his own darling province of Theology. In this he was very emi- nent. To an accurate acqu intance with the Greek and Hebrew languages, he added a general know- ledge of the manners and customs of eastern na- tions, and a mini '"'juaintance with ancient and Sacred Geography. klong with those, he had studied all the eminent Biblical Critics, who flour- ished during the last century. By these means, he was enabled, as you often heard, to reconcile many apparent inconsistencies in our version of Scriptures, and to explain many difficult texts, which, with such illustration, he showed to pos- sess peculiar beauty and energy. He was familiar with many of the early Christian Fathers, and ac- tually translated some of them into English. He understood the Deistical Controversy in all its branches and turned his knowledge of it to good account. But it' was in illustrating and enforcing the practical duties of human life, that his talents were pecularly conspicuous. The solidity of his reasoning, and the cogency of his arguments, on these subjects, appeared, to me at least, to be almost, if not altogether, unrivalled. He appear- ed to draw his arguments from the broad universal principles of human nature, from that high ground of 1^ of* morality which lies beyond the doubts of the sceptic, or the specious speculations of infidelity. His sentiments on the disputed subjects that have tortured the zeal of polemics, and unfortunately divided the Christian world, were regulated by those liberal principles which he stated to us in one of his nublic discourses a few months ago. " If you wish to know," he said, " whether any new opinion that may be advanced, is true j con- sider whether it is agreeable to the known attri- butes of the Deity, and whether it serves to pro- mote the great object of all religion, the practice of real piety and virtue. If it con'uadicts, or opposes, either of these, it is to be considered as a groundless innovation, and must be rejected." In subjects that are above the reach of the human understanding, he kept close to the words of Scrip- ture, avoiding all subtlety of explanation, and all dogmatism of opinion. As he possessed the knowledge and all the ta- lents requisite for the iniportant office of a Chris- tian Pastor; so Was he most assiduous, most con- scientious in the performance of its duties. It is now fifteen years since I heard him say, in the simple and unaffected manner which distinguished all his conversation ; *' I know not how a man ** can be easy or happy, while his duty is neglect- ^* ed." In the course of the same period, his pul- pit has never been empty at the usual hour of Divine Service. In the course of his Ministry, ¥2 how u I "' ii' i 11 how many persons think ye, has he received intof the Church of Christ by the rite of Baptism ? And with what simple yet persuasive eloquence, did he press upon parents, the all important du- ties which they then undertook to perform ? How many persons, here present, or absent, or de- ceased, has be bound in the sacred bonds of wedlock? And with what manly firmness, did he urge upon the parties, the indispensable obli- gation of the duties which that relation involved ^ Did he not frequent the abodes of the sick and the languishing, and enliven their spirits *with cheerful conversation, and the hopes of religion ? How many of our friends has he accompanied to the silent mansions of the dead ? And has he not animated the drooping survivors against the grief w^hich, but for religion, has no hope ; and against the terrors of the grave, which, indeed, could have few for him. " Let us not sorrow,' * h6 would say, " as those that have no hope, but ** remember that those who sleep in Jesus, the " Lord will bring with him:" "therefore," he would add, " with this hope and confidence, we commit the body to the dust, in full expecta- tion of a blessed and glorious resurrection to eteriial life ! " That duty has been done for him, which he has done for so many of our friends and near connections. It would be extremely difficult to do justice to the virtuei of his private life. But we may most nearly t< t(- it 15 nearly approximate to that object, by referring them to the two most general principles from which they appeared to flow, a sincere and na- tive humanity of heart, and unaffected piety. You all know what a deep impression he appeared to have of the close bond of relationship by which all mankind are bound together, by their common nature, by their common Wants and infirmities, their common and universal dependence on one great Parent, their travelling together in the same great journey of life, and awaiting, in one shape or other, the same inevitable termination, and all professing the betieficent spirit of the same blessed gospel. This impression was, on his mind, certainly as pure and constant as could be expec- ted in our frail estate, and much more so than it is found in most men ; for it might be read in le- gible characters in all his actions. He was imi- versally. considered as a very polite man. But his politeness was the offspring of the native hu- manity and gentleness of his heart, improved' still further by the well digested influence of Christian principles. Instead of having learned it in the school of the world, he was himself a model to the world. How could he be otherwise than polity. It was not in his nature to offend. Yet his man- ners, gentle as they were, were perfectly consis- tent with firmness. Few men have been more firm to their purpose, or more steady to the reso- lutions which they have once deliberately adopted. And, I] le li'. And, further, these manners, pleasing, win- ning, and prepossessing, were yet free from the slightest tincture of insincerity. I never knew a more upright man, and the breath of calumny has not even insinuated the contrary. One leading precept of the Apostle, he cer- tainly never violated ; namely, that which says, " speak evil of no man.** We have high autho- rity for ranking Peace-Makers among the Chil- dren of God, and most certainly his place was among them. m I i ' Indeed the natural humanity of his disposition, was conspicuous in all the relations of life. He was an excellent husband, a cheerful and plea- sant companion, an easy but a steadfast friend, a kind and an equitable master. In short, he made it his business ta lighten the burdens of human life to us all, and to soflen the asperities that lay in the way of all bis fellow travellers, in the path of life. Could a more amiable sight, or one more animating to benevolence, be seen, than that of a venerable person mingling in the harmless plea- sures and enjoyments of social life, for no other purpose apparently, than to bestow happiness, and to check by his presence and example, all improper levities and all tendency to excess? I. cannot well find better proofs of the innate benevolence of his heart thafn in his conduct to- wards 17 wards the youthful part of the society. To the young, wherever he met tliem, he was easy, and kind, and friendly. As fur as his influence ex- tended, he was a father and guardian of schools ; and, I am sure, without distinction of sect or party. Many persons now alive, and probably others, owed great part of their welfare and pros- perity to his assistance, advice, and protection in early life. On him, dying parents relied, as a friend, and protector, and counsellor to their help- less orphan race. Nothing delighted him more than the good conduct of children ; even their innocent playfulness amused him. Certafnly, he followed him who said, " suffer little children to *' come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such ** is the Kingdom ot Heaven." His method of bestowing charity, was prudent, discriminate and liberal. He did not throw it away indiscriminately upon all. He selected the objects of it with judgment according to their ne- cessities, and bestowed it in the most effectual way to secure their comfort. By the regularity of his method in this, as in every thing else, he per- formed much good in less time than most people could, with less apparent trouble, and certainly with less embarrassment. He was really " eyes " to the blind, and feet to the lame, and the cause f* which he knew not he carefully searched out." . Time will not serve me to expatiate on his meek^ ness. EVi 18 I,.' ness, his contentment, his affiibihty, his temper, ance, his checrfuhiess, his unshaken loyalty ; for all which virtues, he was eminently conspicuous. I must add, however, that his meekness was hardly ^vcr, perhaps never, known to have been laid a- side : it is said that he never had a quarrel with any man. His loyalty was equal to the aifection of a son to a father. His temperance Was most exemplary, and cannot be too strongly recommend- ed in this ag6 and in this society. Its limits were never overstepped by him, yet it was perfectly free from austerity. It deprived him of no ration- al enjoyment. Truly, he was " moderate in all ♦* things." • 15" I But I must not omit a few observations on his Piety. In him it was sincere and unaffected. It was free from parade, free from superstition, free frpta illiberality. When he lately' discours- ed to us on this very subject, heobscrved, that, "to ♦* ascertain the true* amount of our devotion, we ** mustliave out of the account every thing in M which we had been influenced by the appear- " ance, the applause, or the opinions of men. And if you think few, men can possess this pure untainted piety ; I answer," said he, " you know not the amount of the genuine and ardent piety that may be in the hearts of other men." (< i( i( (( This piety, as we have observed, and his reli- gious sentiments altogether, were entirely free from every 19 3 e 1 u it *f n every the least taint of illiberality. No man had a higher opinion than he had, of the right of pri- vate judgement. And he was just as ready to concede that light to every human being, as to claim it for himself. I appeal to yourselves, if it was not one great object of his public instructions, to persuade us, that the spirit of the gospel should lead us to embrace persons of all descriptions, of all names and denominations, in the bonds of cha- rity and affection. And I ask you, if ever one sentence of his private conversation, or one action of his life, could be brought to impeach the sin- cerity of these public declarations? Or, rather, I may ask, whether the whole tenor of his conversa. tion, and the whole course of his conduct, did not serve strongly to confirm them? I come now to speak of the nature of his public instructions, to which more than any other part of his character, I feel myself altogether inadequate to do justice. The subjects of his discourses, were extremely numerous and diversified. At one time he treated of some of the more luminous evidences of the Christian religion, or of the Being and per- fections of the Deity. At another time, he illus- trated the different dispensations which God hath given to man. Again he would prove and explain the various doctrines of the gospel, and point out the practical lessons which they ought to teach us. And indeed whatever was the subject of discourse, he constantly adverted in strong and impressive G terms. 80 terms, to itH practical consequences, and use, as a rule of life, or a motive to virtuous conduct. He showed that a life consecrated to our duty, was the happiest of all lives, and that a true christian had the best right in the world, to be cheerful and con- tented. In his observations on Providence, he clearly justified the ways of God toman ; and pro* ved the infinite beneficence of the Deity ; even in those coses, which, to the generality of mankind, seemed most gloomy and unpropitious. It was his constant study to convince us, that the means of grace are given to all, that the mercy and assis- tance of God are held out to all, and that it was in- variably' our own fault, if we were not good and virtuous, and consequently as happy as the present state of things would admit. Above all things, he urged the necessity of good and holy lives, if we wished to live in peace and comfort in this world, or hope for that inheritance which no vicious man can enter into, nor enjoy if he were permitted to enter. i The illustration of the language of scripture, was an object to which he paid unvaried attention, and it W£^8 hardly possible to hear a discourse from him, without acquiring a better understanding of some part of the^saored writings. ; u A good many years ago, he preached frequently from the eleventh chapter * See that ye fall not *♦ out by the way." Let us receive the words, and the illustration that he gave us of them, as the le- gacy of our Father and Benefactor. Let us tct upon them with all our hearts. Then by the as- sistance arid direction of our heavenly Protector, we may expect to weather the storms of that tem- pestuovis sea, upon which we are embarked. Hear also, to the same purpose, the words of the great apostle: t " Now we exhort you, breth- " ren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the " feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient t 1st, Tli««. V. 14. ** toward mi!.' 14!; m 11 ar S6 ** toward all men. See tliat none render evil for " evil unto any man ; but ever follow that which " is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. ** Pray without ceasing. In every thing give ** thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Je- ** sus concerning you." I " And the very God of Peace sanctify you wholly: And I pray God your whole spirit " and soul and body be preserved blameless unto " the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful " is he that calleth you, who also will do it." << t-i I Now may the God who preserved Joseph's brethren from the ravenous beasts of the desart, and from the violence of wicked men, and brought them in peace and safety, to their father's house in Canaan; preserve us from all enemies bodily and spiritual, and present us spotless and unblamable with exceeding joy, before the throne of infinite and eternal mercy. Amen. il for vhich men. : give St Je- 7 you spirit \ unto lithful seph*9 lesart, ought house ly and imable nfinite