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32X
SERMONS
ON
'I
SOME OF THE PRINCIPAI,
DOCTRINES AND DUTIES
or
CHRISTIANITY.
BY JOHN G. MARSHALL.
>..
HALIFAX.
■PRINTED BY W. CUNNABELL, TJPPEE WATER STREET,
AND SOLD RY THE BOOKSELLERS.
1862.
^-^^e^ y^
^
<3>
.1. 13
i .V '1 11 ;>■'»'. . 'i i «.; N
13
No Justilication, or Aijoloi^y, can i)c vr(iuisite, or will be,
jffercd by the Author, lor the Publicalinn of the Dlscoiirsof
cuntained hi this \'ohimo, hccauKC he does not bchmj^ to the
Clerical Order, but is merely a TjaijDViv. We are infonnod
in Scripture, that when a Persecution of the Christians arose,
immediately after the Martyrd;)m of the zealous and faithful
iStcplien, the Ajjostles remained at Jerusalem ; but all others
bclong'ing to the Church, — beinji; many hundreds, — " were
scattered abroail," and " went every where, prcachin«"?//-
men foUowinfj; the various ordhiarrj Headar Occnpatinns. In
all succeeding- a<^cs. of the Church, the l^ublication and Ex-
positions of Sacred Truth, have, in like manner, been made,
more or less extensively, by similar characters. All this
accords with the declaration of Scripture, — " The Lord p^avc
the Word, great was the company of those that published it."
If, therefore, Laymen, spiritually qualified, have Hcriphtrol
Authority to preach Oral Discourses, surely, they have an
equal warrant, to publish, them in priiit. The case is alto-
gether different as to the administration of the Sacraments
and Ordinauccs. These, are to be dispensed only by such as
have been duly admitted, and belong to the 3[iuisterial Order.
It may be interesting to some, to be informed of the par-
ticular circumstances, Avhich first led to the Author's design,
to compose and publish these Discourses. Many years ago,
in his private and prayerful search into the Sacred Scriptures,
he commenced transcribing, — under the aj)})ropriate heads, —
Passages on all the principal Doctrines and Duties ; intend-
ing them to form a Manual for Personal reference, instruc-
tion, and guidance. After persevering in this edifying, and
pleasing exercise, for a number of years ; and when the
Manual had become largely extended, the thought arose, that
he would publish it, merely in tlial form, for the like benefit
to others. While this was in contemplation, the idea wag
suggested, that a series of Discourses, on some of the princi-
IV
pal subjects contained in the Manual, miglit, in some deofroe,
prove aih'litionaUy useful ; and, tlierefore, in the earlier part
of the year wliich has just closed, he commenced the prepara-
tion of these Discourses. It no other benefit should follow from
their publication, the numerous ]\assacj;es at the Head of each
Discourse, — taken from various parts of the Inspired Volume, —
will serve to show, the perfect Analofjy and Harmony, of
the whole of llevealcd Truth, on each, and all of the Sacred
Doctrines and Duties therein set forth. As repjards the Sen-
timents expressed by the Author, on the Several Subjects, he
must of course be responsible ; and will only say, that they
ajc those which he has most decidedly formed, after very
many years of perscveringly prayerful and studious examina-
tion of the Holy Scriptures, on those Subjects.
Under these views and explanations, it only further remains
for the Author to say, that the Discourses arc offered to the
Public, with a sincere Prayer, and fervent desire, that they
may prove instrumental, in furthering the spiritual interests of
some of his fellow men ; and, thereby, assist the Cause of his
Graciov.s God and Saviour, to whom he is under such injinite
Oblicjations, for all the Grace and Goodness, both as to Spi-
vitiial and Temporal Blessings, wliich have followed him all his
dajs.
Halifax, 2nd Jamiary, 18G2-
CONTENTS
.Skrmon 1. On Divine Kevchition 1,
2. On The Divine Beinj^j, As He Is lleveuled
In The Holy Scriptures IS,
;j. The Holiness of God, And Tlie Natural De-
pravity of Man, Scripturally Contrasted. . oG.
4. The Divine Phm And Methods, For Tlie
Spiritual Ilencwal, And Salvation of Man. -lU.
5. On The Scriptural Course For The Awak-
ened Sinner, In Seekinf^ Conversion. ... 71.
C. On Self-Denial 10;3.
7. On Certain Pcr5o?iaZ Graces And Duties. . . 127.
8. On Ministers And People 143.
9. On Civil Government, In Relation To Re-
ligion 106.
10. On Certain Reli<,'ious Duties of A llclalice
Nature 18,').
II. On Sanctification 202.
12. On The Temporal Retributions of God, For
Sin ; And His Agents, And Means, For
Effecting Them 2;]1.
U. On The Resurrection Of The Dead 251.
14. On The Final Judgment 203.
15. On The " Evcrk sting" Happiness of The
Righteous; And T ic "Everlasting" Punish-
nicnl of Th( AN'ickcd 27^'),
I
if
SIOIJMO.N I.
OX |)|\iN!^: KFAKLATloN
1
*' Tliis hook of tlic hnv slialt not dopart out of tliy mmitli,
hut tlioii shah nu'dltatc (herein, (hiy and niijjht. that thou
niavest ohsrrvc, to do aucordiuj.; to all that is written theru-
in.'"'— Josh. i. H.
"Add thou not unto His ^\•ords, lost Ho rt'jn'ove tliof, and
thou he found a liar." — l*ro\ . xxx, (i.
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak tiot ae-
uccordinj^ to this word, it is because there is no lij^ht in
them." — Isaiah viii, L'O.
"To this nnin will I look, even to him that is poor, and of
a contrite Spirit, and tremhletii at my word." — Is, Ixvi, 2.
" Ye do err, not knowin;j;the Scriptures."" — Math, xxii, L".>.
" Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eter-
nal life, and they are they, which testify of mc." — John \, o\).
" Whatsoever things were 'written aforetime, were written
for our learninL,f ; that wo, throns^'h ])atienco, and comfort of
the Scrii)turos, mi<,dit have hope."' — Rom. xv, 4.
" Now, all these things happened unto them for cnsamplcs :
and they are written for om- admonition, njion whom the entls
of the world are come. — 1 C"or. x, 11.
" l^'rom a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which
arc able to make thee wise unto Salvation, through faith which
is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitahlc for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instrnction in righteousness ; that the man of God may be
perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." — 2 Tim.
iii, 15, 16, 17.
" The prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but
holy men of God, spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost.,'— 2 Peter, i, 121.
" For I testify unto every man that hearcth the words of the
prophecy of this book, if any man >
htiok : And if any inau shall takf man.
:j
ti ill thih.
(Is of the
lit of the
If thin{2;s
in ("hris-
■li a state
t or deny
ill visible
inj^s, who
,vei"sal, in
V and trii-
icriptions,
c common
, dark and
Uincnt, at
o lis, this
itest glim-
all up that
; the fonn-
lUit, bc-
i or efforts,
cd science
ever ])cn-
that great
our rcla-
e worship
iny beyond
s, towards
the human
requisite,
n the first,
all man-
in, indeed,
intelligent
cts around
constantly
,hat might
elv occur.
.liat some revrlaflon from thai original Author orailwDidd lie
given, regarding man*.; present existence, and his ihities, and
interests, in relation to hi.; Maker, and, especi.illy, as to any
future state. Ancient historical, and other records, as well
as traditions, have shown the necessity wliieh was ahnost
iinivi'rsally fell, for some such revelation ; and have exhibited,
a variety ot moch's, in which it was supposed to liave been
given. How, or wiien, such a supposition, or sentiment, had
its origin, or was implanted, it maybe difficult, or impossible,
to discover, or explain. There have, doul)tlcss, been various
conclusions on this part of the suliji'ct, l)ut what is tlie real
truth concerning tiiat origin, is now of little or no importance.
In accordance with that general sentiment, among ancient
heathen nations, the supposed revelations o a supernatural
description, which they held to be true, were founded on tra-
ditions, the commencement of which they did not seem to
know precisely, but believed, that such traditionary revela-
tions were originally made, by the deities in whom they be-
lieved. Several of the pagan nations have long had writings,
which they believe in, and revere as such su])ernatural or
divine revelations. The Hindoos have their Beids, their In-
stitutes of Menu, and their Geeta ; in which latter work, the
sayings of their divine and incarnated Crecshna, is held to be
recorded. The Parsee worshippers of fire, have also, their
original writings, which they consider as supernatural or in-
.spired revelations. The Chinese have the writings of their
Confucius, and others, which they consider and venerate, as
of the same character. The most modern of all such supjjoscd
supernatural, but false revelations, is that of the great im-
poster, Mahomet, in his l)ook called the Koran.
As to the possihilifj/ of a revelation being nuule to men,
by the Deity, it must, surely, be clear to every rational
mind, that He can, if he pleases, convey to them the know-
ledge of his will, either by dreams and visions, — by an audi-
ble voice, — or by an immediate impression npon the higher
faculties of their reason. And that He can accompany His
own Itcvelations, with such a clear and powerful light, as shall
discover the divinity of them, and convince us of their reality,
no one can doubt, that considers the vast power and influence
which he who made the soul of man, and perfectly knows its
frame, must needs luive, u[>on the mind and iiiKhrslanding
of man.
4
may ih\1 consider, wiiicli is most jn-ithnldr, and most aj^rcc-
ahlc to the orij^inid ihoui^dits or opinions wc have conccrn-
injjf liim. whether he wouhl, or would not, make such a reve-
hition. It has l)ecn alroad}' uitinuited, tliat it has ever heen
tlie common sentimeiit of all mankind, who helicved in tlie
existence of a divine Heinj^', that He woidd hohl some kind uf
eommnnication ■witli them, 'and allord them some needful re-
velations. This was, indeed, the huindation of all the reliffi-
ous rites and ceremonies which heathen nations ])retendeil ^o
rer(>i\-e from their j^njds. ^Vhat j^^ave rise to all their sujier-
stitious arts oi' (Ucliuidoii, was the helief, tiiat their ^ods had
intercourse witli men, and, hy various means, gave them in-
telliy-cnco of things to come.
IndecMl, it can hardly he imagined, that a Supreme Being
would nudce reasonahle creatui'es, on ])urpose to know him,
ami to be ha])py in the knowledge^ and love aiid admiration of
liim, and yet, Avithdraw himself from them, witlunit giving
them any visible token of his presence, or any other means of
obtaining information as to his cluiracter, but what they might
perceive in the reflection of his works. If we must live in
another Avorkl, and be happy, or juiserable there; if that gi'eat
Creator, exercises any care and providence over mankind ; or,
if he luis any regard to his own honour and worship: it seems
absolutely necessary, that he should give some sensible tokens
of his beiiir/ and /ircsince ; and instruct them, more perfectly.
In his nature and will, than what anv reasoning of their own
mintls, without a divine assistance and direction, can possibly
reach them. In forming any notion or ap]n'ehension, at all
just or ])roper concerning a Cod, we must believe him to be
infinite in power, knowledge, and holiness, mercy and truth.
We may, tlien, as well believe, there is no God, at all, as im-
agine, tiuit infinite knov.Jedije should take no notice of what
is done here below: — that infinite j:ioav/' should suffer that
attribute^ to be insulted and des])ised, Avithout recpuring any
.satisfaction : — that infinite /lolincss^ should behold the Avholc
world overspread witli wickedness, and find out no way to re-
Tuedy it : — and that superstition, and idolatry, and all the
tyranny and effects of sin, for so long a time, should enslave
and torment the bodies and souls of men : and there should
be no compassion in iiijiniu: /n' /•■■i/. nor any care over a deluded
•vorld. ill a (iod of Trulh.
I ■
.)
!Si7y/r, we
ost a^n-cc-
■ conccvn-
ch a ri've-
cvrr been
vcd in tlu'
\\c kind oi'
\ec(U'ul rc-
the rvYv^i-
eteiidecl to
icir snpcr-
T i-'iinj and 7^•o/•/V/(•/;'V'. about his inspec-
tion of human actions : — his being jileased, or disjjk'ased with
them, — about the immortality of the soul, and its final con-
dition after deatli ; and on other most importar.t points. They
speculated, and reasoned, constantly, and deeply, concerning
them, but seem never to have arrived at any conclusions,
which, even to their own minds, gave entire satisfaction. In
matters of moral good and evil, though some of their rules and
reflections are just und commendaljle, ami form a reju'oach to
many professors of Christianity. — who s(^ greatly fail in nuuiy
of the moral duties it enjoins, yet those heathen moralists, al-
lowed ol' many actions, which were manifestly vicious and im-
moral, such as I'cveufjv, and ,se//" ninrdcr, ])()pularity and vain
glory ; and the gratification of several base desires and ])ro-
pensities. In proof of this, need only be mentioned, the judg-
ment of Cicero, one of the wisest and most improved among
them, who says, — " Do you think that these things, fmeaning
the precepts of morality.) had any iniiuence ujion these men,
(except only a very few of them) that thouglit, and wrote, and
disputed about them ? Xo : who is there of all the philoso-
phers, A\hose mind, and life, and nianners, were confornuible
to right reason r Whoever made his philosopJn/ the lair and nilr
of his lif(\ and not a mere boast and show of his wit and parts r
"Who observed his own instructions, and lived in obedience to
his own precepts ? On the contrary, many of them were slaves
to filthy lusts, — manv to pride, — numy to covetousness, and
the like."
The things which those ]ihilosophcrs were fully ])ersuaded
of, the most obvious and necessary duties of life, they had not
authority enough to enforce and inc\dcate u])on the minds of
{>
others, so as to Influence their conduct. 'l"ho precepts tliey
hiid down, — how reasonable soever in theniselves, — seemed
still to want weif^ht, and to be no more than the pnucjih of
nut II. Hence, none of them were ever able to work any re-
markable chanj^e in the minds and lives of their hearers. 'J'hey
seemed sensible of the defects of their own rules, in this par-
ticular. They saw, and acknowledji;ed, that luunan nature,
was strangely corrupted, but could not discover the true cause
of it, nor find out a sufficient rcKiedy. The ;^reat duties of re-
ligion, seemed to be laid down by them, rather as matters of
spcrnldtioji, than as rules of practice, and not so much urged
upon the hearts and lives of men, as proposed to their adnu-
ration. The Avisest of those heathen })hilosophers, indeed, held
the opinion, that without the assistance of a divine revelation,
the world could never be reformed. " Ye may e'en give over,*'
says Socrates, " all hopes of amending men's manners for the
future, unless God be pleased to send you some other person
to instruct you." " Whatsoever is set right," says l*lato, " in
the present ill state of the world, can only be done by the in-
terposition of God."
A truly divine, and particidar revelation, being, then, so in-
dispensably needed, some may be disposed to think it rather
surprising, that it was not made earlier than the time at which
the first of the inspired records were given. Several obvious,
or sufficient reasons may be assigned for such delay. The
Scriptures inform us, that the divine Being, all along, made
such declarations of himself, to the Patriarchs, as they were
obliged to transmit, and did transmit, to their posterity.
Moreover, there was not, then, that necessity for standing re-
velation, when the longevity of mankind, gave such a strong
and convincing sanction and authority to t radii ion. Adam,
lived 9o0 years, with whom, Methusaleh was contemporary
243 years ; and with the latter, Xoah (500 years, and Shem
100 years. After the flood, Xoah, (who lived till within two
years of the birth of Abraham,) and Shem, (who lived till Isaac
was fifty years old) had fresh revelations given to them ; and
the religion of those times, it would seem, was a mixture of
natural and revealed precepts and sanctions. Abraham, when
called, became the great reviver and restorer both of natural
and revealed religion, by himself and his issue ; and by his
nephew Lot, and liis issue ; all of which, in course of time,
grew up to niaiiy aiul ;j:reut nations. Many learned men have
thou^'ht, that the iiious and patient Job, lived durin*;; this jie-
riod : and wo know, from Seripture, that in tiie <;entile world,
there was. in Abraham's day, a ^Nlelchisedec, a man of renown,
ibr the kninvledge and worship of the true God ; and perhaps,
as to these same points, may also be mentioned, Jethro, the
father in-law of Closes,
A very learned divine, who lived in an early ])eri()(l of the
last eentury, and to whose labours the writer is indebted for
some of the fore<2;oing ideas and sentiments, has written on
the subject, as follows : — " There was not an absolute neces-
sity for a ^tandinredictions concerning those af-
flicting events. The dispersed state of that ])eople, through
so many ages since, to the i)resent day ; and their state of
separation and distinction from all other peojile, form a further,
and an abiding evidence of the inspired and veritable charac-
ter of the Scriptures, in whicli the predictions of that disper-
sion, and separate state, are recorded.
As to what is called the iiitvrniO f^vidence, that the Scrip-
tures arc a divine revelation, it i.s as conclusive and satisfac-
tory, as the extenud ])roof of their authenticity and Sacred
origin. The stijlr of the writings, as a whole, so different
from that of any mere human compositions, of any age or na-
tion.: — the sublimidj of the doctrines and descriptions, re,-
j?nr(lii)'4 tlu^ l)i\iii.* Ijciu.u, ]:[•< attributi'S, ]>(.'rf'ocH()iH. ;mi(1
works ; — the holiuuss ol' the j)riiicl|)k'.s, tlio purif;/ of ihv pre-
(•C'pt.s, unci moral cxceHoice aiul Ijcdn/i/ of the (hities set I'orth
and enjoined in those venerahk' records; and tlir inijKir/inli/;/
of disehjsiire, as to //o(/(/ and '/•// in the eoiuhict ol (lie Servants
of the l,ord; with many other ])artlcuhirs ^\hieh ini;.cht ho
mentioned, all eoneur to exhibit, most i'nlly, thr ili\ ine orJi^nn,
and eonse(]nent truthfulness of the wiiolo of tliesc Saerecl
Oracles.
'J'his precious Kevelation, contains all tlie certain knowied,u,'C
the Avorld possesses, reraved, and hclplcs*
)[' tlu' ]irr-
s .set i'orth
ijiii rl iitl'il ij
c Servants
iiii;.,'lit 1)0
iiK' ()rjjj:in,
•so Sacred
knowledg'c
1 cliaractcr
duties to
and inter-
else inf'or-
5 our con-
. \\y the
eut (d)ser-
, a person,
uents, will
conclude,
final cause
^ever, the
I anythini^
II primary
■ctlcctions,
at original
; responsi-
'ially as to
,', spccula-
idedge, on
ined, even
n and sel-
la n from a
, and other
advanced
lied to any
lite know-
Scripture
V wisdom
d helpless
race, is under infinite oldigations to the (irciit Creator and
I'resi-rver oi" all, who, of his infinite wisdom and benevolence,
lias gi\'en us. in the Sacred Scriptures, such a full and ])erfect
revelation, on all suhjgcts, needt'ul for us to know , regardinj;
lliinsell'; and with relation to all our religious, luoial, and
other real duties and interests, as to this life; and, also, as
regards our expectations ami hopes of h;ipi)iiiess, in a future
and eternal state. Here, alone, can wc tiulv and fullv learn,
and safely repose, as to all our present duties and real inter-
ests, — our mental and spiritual traiupiillity, — and everlasting
welfare. The writings, and other instructions of ])i()us and
good men, largely imbued with divine trutii, may, indi'ed, be
helpful in a subordinate degree : but let mnie who are at all
sensible of the value of their immortal spirits, and desire to
know and do the will of God, and secure their safety and hap-
j)iuess hereafter, fail to search diligently and })rayerfully, into
that only sacred depository of truth, for '• all things pertaining
to life and godliness," and ever abide by it, as their sole di-
rectory for faith and practice. It reveals, ami offers the s})i-
ritual armour, with which we arc warned and exhorted to gird
ourselves in contending against all our visible, as well as in-
visible enemies, and where^^•ith, alone, we can, as promised,
" come off more than conquerors," through the might and
grace of "• Him, who loved us and gave Himself for us." He,
is> therein, revealed, as onr Pro))het, Priest, and King, as
well as our Advocate, in the midst of a throne, not only of
holiness, and justice, but ecpially of love and mercy. This
gi'acious revelation has been given, as divinely declared, that
we may "become wise unto Salvation," through faith in that
Almighty and loving Kedeemer. Instead, therefore, of slight-
ing or neglecting it, let all who are favoured with this Sacred
guide, imitate the example of Him, who exultingly declared, —
" Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my
path." *' () how love I thy law, it is my meditation all the
day;" and of another zealous and faithful soul, A\ho has said
*' thy "Word was found of me, and I did eat it, and it was unto
me the joy and the rejoicing of my heart." This precious
guide and guardian should ever be consulted with the deepest
reverence, and most implicit submission to all its momentous
and infallible announcements. While reading, or hearing it,
we should think, a? is reallv the case, that iti< infinitely wise
1 1
and f^lorlous Author, 1>, then, spcakin;,' to us. aud rc(|ii!riii.L,'
us to luarkeu, aiul receive his iiistructious. It (■oiitaiii> aw Cul
threateuiuf^s, and exauipU's, to alarm, aud restrain Iroui siu :
j)reei'pts, and eoniuiands, to ^'uide in the ])afli of (hit}', and
gracious and aUuriui;' i)rouiises, Ijotli as to time and eternity,
to eneoura;j;e and eiieer us, amidst the (eiu|)(ati()ns, trials, and
sorrows, which, in a ^^reater or lesser de.^ree, are the lot of
all, while ])assini,f tlirou),di this jjrobationary state. There arc-
also many solemn Marnin^s. as to despisin^i' or ne s])irit of light and truth, by whom it has all been
indited. '* The natural man," it is said, " receiveth not the
things of the spirit of God," " neither can he know them, ])c-
caiute they are spiritually discerned." The pious ])salmist
prayed, " open thou mine eyes that I may behold woiulrous
things out of thy law:" " make me to understand the way of
thy prece])ts ;" — " in the hidden part thou shalt nudve me to'
know wisdom." It is said of the Saviour, when instructing
his disci])les, — " then 0])ened he their understanding, that they
might understaiul the scriptures."* Ik'lievers are exhorted to
" take the sword of the Sjiirit, which is the word of God."
Now, Avc know, that in order to any execution ])cing done by
a sword, there must be a power to wield it. In like manner,
the energy and influence of the divine spirit are required, to
make his own word (piick and powerful for the conviction and
conversion of a soul. Let all, then, seek that enlightening
and quickening power: and for confidence of receiving, let them
rely on the gracious promise, which says, — " if ye who are evil,
know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much
l.-)
iiiiis awful
I'roin' sill :
duty, and
I eternity,
trials, and
the lot of
'I'luTc arc
•(■till';' that
)is('tli the
L'diciit, its
III to do to
• covenant
aslctli my
said the
ny words,
)okcn, the
rig] it and
per appli-
red word,
influence,
■; all been
h not the
them, bc-
])salmist
wondrous
le \\ay of
kc me to'
structinj^
that they
liorted to
of God."'
done by
manner,
uircd, to
tion and
gh toning
let them
I are evil,
)w much
more vh.dl xour ucasi'iilv l^'athtr, L;i\i the liolv Spirit tolheni
that a>k him." ()!)>( rvc. that thr nrn loiis gift is hero f'rcthi of-
fcrcd. to nil \\ jio asl< it. .May none, therefore, imjieril their souls,
by rel'iisiii!.:. or dela} int,', to >.cure the inestimable blessiuij;.
'I"h( re is a ureat and often ruinous error, which must here be
noticed, which is committed l)y many, when their minds are
first led into exercises re;^ardinii" relij^ion. Xe'in to search for scripture to sanction and \ crify it. 'i'his
is a most ])erilous mo(l(« of ])rocedure : 'rhrou!nri( by (iod himself. Certain i)ersons, ])y
name, were, by divine selection, specially calkd, and endued
witli skill and power, to make and prepare them all. Not,
even, the number of curtains, or of the bars for the altars, or
of rings for bearing the table, and the Ark, — the number or
placing of the branches, the knobs, and flowers of the candle-
stick, — the garments and ornaments for the priests, the coni-
j)()sition of the oil, or incense, or any other ])articnlar, however
minute, was left to be devised, or performed, 1)} , or at the
will, of Moses, or any other person. After all particulars had
been expressly prescribed, by CJod himself, He gave to Moses,
the strict and solemn command, — " iSee that thou make all
things after the pattern showed to thee In the Mount." For
the erection of the Tabernacle, and taking down and conveying
it, similar divine and special directions were given.
Tlie sacrificial offerings, and ritual ordinances and ap])oint-
mcnts, the numerous ])urifications, and deansings, enjoined : —
the uionil and ciril laws and institutions, of every description,
were, in like manner, given by ilirim' and sji('<-uil command.
When made known to Moses, the divine injunctions to him,
for giving them to the peo])le, were in the following, and simi-
lar terms, — " Speak unto the Children of Israel, and say unto
them;" — or "Command the Children of Israel;" — or "the
Lord spake unto Moses, saying, — Speak unto the Children of
Israel, and say unto them, this is the ordinance of the law,
which the Lord hath commanded." Some of these forms of
divine direction, for making known the laws of the people, are
used more than a f^corc of times. Anv one ^ho will look
1
iTtirs. lias I
11 thai iiiN
lavi' all, —
f(l. Now.
L' rccordi'd,
her iiidi'iil,
or irmncii
al matters,
rs — the ta-
-tJR' veils,
r jiart, and
as to niiin-
sli/iii'il, (h-
x'vsons, by
iid indued
all. Not,
c altars, or
nnnilxn* or
the eandle-
s, the coni-
ir, liowever
, or at the
iculars liad
e to Moses,
n make all
mt." For
eonveying
id appoint-
njoined : —
eseription,
connnand.
)ns to him,
;, and simi-
ul say nnto
— or " the
'hildrcn of
of the law,
sc forms of
people, are
will look
tliroujj;h the Sacred hooks, in which tlu)<;r moral, civil, and
corcni'^nial laws are recorded, will sec, that not a solitary on>'
of tli«'m, M as either (hvind or frnnud by Moses, or enjoined
hy his aiithorify. W^' had no more to do with the inakin;; of
them, tluwi a person wlio livi-d a thonsand years, before or
aftci him. Ilf was, hk nlj/, the divinely eliosen imdimn or
■iiifttruin' iif, thronj^h whom, they were made known to the
priests, the elders, and people generally.
As to the jirophetieal Seriiitiuts, it is expressly deelared,
" the proi)iieey came not in old time, by the will of man, ImiI
holy men of (Jod, spake as fhey were moved by the Holy
Ghost;" and a^'ain, "the Holy (ihost spake by tiu" month of
David." Tlio preeej)ts, warninj^s, and threatenin;,^s, ad-
dressed to the people, by those inspired men, wen- all, by di-
vine intimation, or express command.
We, occasiomdly, hear, even from Mvanjfelieal pnlpifs some
such lanf^uaije an this, — " Moses has enjoined," — '• .luhn lias
declared;" — " Paul has commanded." To say the least, all
such lanrjua^^e, re<;arding the laws and institutions, the iKx-.
trincs and ])recepts of the inspired volume, is viniiinrtlnl and
iinsnltaiilf, and has a tendency to lessen, in many minds, tiiat
reverence and sense of obliiiation and authority, which should
ever be entertained for the Divine Oracles. Some, on hearing
such lanjjfuaj^e, ;ind not adverting' to the direct inspiration of
the writers, may even he inclined to think, (hat they might h(>
mistaken, on certain points, and, thus, injurious serii})les, and
doubts, may arise. The great and deeply learned St. Paul,
referring to his efforts to communicate gospel truth, has writ-
ten ; — " My speech and my j)reaching was not with enticing
words of mans wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and
with power ;" and again, — " which things, also, we speak, not
in the words which man s wisdom teaclieth, but which the
Holy Ghost teaclieth ;" and, in another place, he says, — " the
things that I write unto you, arc the commandments of the
Lord."
To conclude, lot all who desire to be sound in the Christian
faith, regard and obey these inspired warnings and eommands ;
— " Be not wise in thine own eyes ;" " take fast hold of in-
struction and let her not go ;" — " desire the sincere milk of
the word that yc may grow thereby ;" — and also bear in mih.'i
this solemn announcement, " He will judge the world in righ-
Jl
tcousncss and the people with liis truth.'' And with equal
sincerity and earnestness, let theni ever yield a ready and im-
plicit obedience to all the precepts and injunctions of tliat sa-
cred revelation, rememberindclli(/i'iit
cxislcnci', and, yet, even a short exercise of sound reason, will
show, that it must be a truth, for how could non-cxistcncCy
or entire varuitij, originate or produce any being or object
Avhatever r Such a sup])osition is altogether opposed to any
exercise of reason, and quite impossible of conception, or
belief.
Before proceeding to rejaark on the divine attributes and
perfections, as set forth in Scripture, it seems appropriate, to
show what revelation declares, as to the nature of the Divine
Being, in his friunt^ and yet united existence. On this sublime
subject, there is abundance of scriptural evidence, showing,
in clear and precise language, that there arc a plurality of
persons, united in, and composing the one eternal and glorious
Deity. Some may, probably, be disposed to say, that it would
be better, to avoid, here, any examination of this sublime and
awful subject. When, however, it is duly considered, what
numbers there are, wlio profanely deny, or doubt, this Sacred
truth ; and, also, how much there is, of real ignorance of
scriptural proof concerning it, even among evangelical Chris-
tians ; and, further, Ashat a ruinous error, such a denial, really
is ; and, yet, again, what numerous means are in operation,
to extend this heresy, and other unscriptural and profane
opinions, concerning the fundamentals of our divine religion,
it seems, indeed, not only suitable, but an incumbent duty, in
all appropriate modes, to contend for the true faith, " delivered
to the Saints," of old, and to exhibit in their scriptural purity,
the essential doctrines of the gospel plan for man's salvation.
In this way, such erroneous and destructive opinions, may, in
:il)
$onie irio.'isure, bo exposed and restrained ; and their extension,
and ])crnl('i()u.s influence, limited. Moreover, with reference
to the Series of Discourses, on the principal doctrines and du-
ties of our divine religion, which tlie Writer proposes to pub-
lish, it seems recjuisite, that tnis sublime doctrine o{ a, phtraliti/
of p<'rsons, in the one J)eifi/, should be introduced, and scrip-
turally ex])lained, for it lies at the very foundation of true
C'hristianity. Indeed, the Scriptures invite, and command us,
to exercise the duty of stiulying, and ascertaining^, in their
storehouse of Sacred knowledf^e, the true nature and character
of the glorious God, our Creator, Benefactor, and Saviour.
There, we find it declared, — " Acquaint now thyself with
Him and be at peace ;*' '■" This is life eternal, that they might
/otoiv thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou
hast sent ;" " All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for dodrino., for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be per-
fect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
With regard to reverent and appropriate enquiries, relative
to the nature and attributes of the Divine Being, a very learn-
ed, and truly orthodox divine of a former age, in the English
Churcli, lias -written as follows : — " Though we must forever
despair, o( fuidinr/ out the Almir/hfi/ to jierfccfio)), yet, we
ought not, for this reason, to give over our disquisitions after
him, since the pleasure and advantages wherewith they arc
rewarded, do more than compensate, for all the pains of our
attention and researches. To meditate upon subjects which
we cannot com]irchend ; and to enquire, even into the nature
and attributes of God, himself, is far from being offensive to
him, so long as our enquiries are tempered with humility, and
a godly fear. Wc are not only allowed, but encouraged to
make the nafvrr of God, the subject of our contemplations."
The same pious A\Titer, in treating of the Divine Trinity, says,
" This doctrine, is, as it were, the Shihholefhof the Christian
Church, and that, wherein the professors of Christianity, are
distinguished from all other worshippers in the world. And
as it is the peculiar, so it is the great and fundamental doc-
trine of the Christian system, and that, which virtually com-
prises all the rest."
Plurality of Pi:rsons ix the Deity. — "And God said,
lj(jt inhuiake man in our image after our likeness." Gen. i, 26. —
" Mi
of "I
Tiordj
langil
Lord!
n
xtcnslon,
reference
s unci du-
s to pub-
pJiiraUti/
nd scrip-
n of true
mand us,
, in their
character
Saviour,
self Avith
ley might
lom thou
L of God,
ction, for
ly be per-
;, rehitive
ery learn-
English
t forever
yet, M-e
ons after
they arc
ns of our
ts which
le nature
nsive to
ity, and
raged to
ations,"
^y, says,
hristian
lity, are
.\nd
tal doc-
ly com-
l.
lod said,
li, 26.—
" And tlic Lord God, said, behoUl the nuui is become as one
of '/.v, to know good, and cviL" Gen. iii, '22. " And the
Lord said, vVc Go to let hs go down, and there confound their
language." Gen. xi, 0, 7. "Also, I heard the voice of the
fjord, saying, whom shall I send, and \vho will go for ns .''"
Is. vi, 8, — " For there are ^///w that bear record in heaven, — .
the Fa/h<'i\ the Iln/v/, and the 7/o//y (jhost ; and these tkreo.^
are nw ." 1 John v, 7.
The foregoing, with several other passages of Scripture,
plainly shov,-, that ixplHrallh/ ofpertions, exist in the onr De'itij.
No expressions, can, possibly, make this jilioidifi/, as well a:;
jii'isonal and j)rr/('c( unlon^ i'l the o;/e glorious Godhead, more
plainly a})parent, as a fact, or tmtli, than the words contained
in the last of the passages, above cited. We arc not required
to scrutinl/.e, and comprehend, the mystery of this Sacred
Tnion, which cannot be done, by any created being, but it is
our duty to believe it, as a truth, divinely revealed, in words
of plain and positive meaning, it is an essential truth of our
holy religion, and one, o;i which our faith should rely, with
implicit confidence.
Let us now, with all becopiing reverence, examine the de-
clarations of Scripture, regarding each of the Sacred i'ersons,
existing in that otic united Dcifij.
Peksoxauty of the Divine Father. — " The Father
loveth the Son." John iii, 35. " As the Father raiseth up
the dead, and quickeneth them, eveu so the Son ([uickeneth
whom he will."' John v, 21. -r — " Do not think that I will ac-
cuse you to the Father."' John v, 4o. " Every man that
hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me."
John vi, 15. — "• As the Father knoweth me, even so know I
the Father." John x, 15. " That the world may know that
I love the Father."' John xiv, :U. "All things that the
Father hath are mine." John xvi, 15. "Wait for the pro-
mise of the Father, which saith he, ye have heard of me."
Acts i, 4.
These, and many other passages of the Xew Testament
Scriptures, expressly show, that the " Father" is, by a dis-
tinrfirc name, (ino of the Sacred Persons, in that eternal and
glorious Being, who is the Creator, and God of the Universe.
Xt will be seen, that all these texts, have an exclusive refer-
ence, to his relation to his divine " Son ;'' and to the perfect
^i
')•)
:uiii<)u ill wliicli 'ilicy both subsist. In llic hinguaj^fc oCsoine of
these passages, separate relatii)ns, feelings, and acts, arc at-
tributed to i-ach of the Sacred Persons, and in others, an iminit,
and a roiinmiuifi/ of action, are as clearly shown. In some of
them, the Father is said to love the Sou. and in one of thcni,
the lov(! of the Son to the Father is mentioned. Now such
lanjj^uage would be without any consiste.yt meanin*^, and, (with
reverence be it said) — (juite absurd, if the Father and Son were
not dht'iiirl PcrKoiiH. I'lach o//f, is said to love the oflicr. A^^ain,
the Father is said to Jatoir the Son, and the Son as fully to
/.iioir the F'ather. Here, also, would be lauf^aiage without any
reasonable or sensible meaning, if tliere Merc no such /irrsoiial
^lisfinclloii, as the words plainly express. As there is an
equality in l-DDir/ech/c, in thci-e divine persons, as to each other,
so there is tlic same e(piality as to /^o.sses.s /<>//, for in one of the
passages, the Son, says, — "All thinj^s that the Father hatli
arc mine." Here, pcrsonaj iuid separata possession is men-
tioned, though, in reference to the divinely declared, but to
us mysterious union in Deity., it is a voujohd and iiidlrisUde
possession. lii one of the ])tvt:sages, there is mentioned, a pro-
mise of "• the Spirit,'' as givc:i, and to he fulfilled by the Fa-
ther, (ndif, but, in several other places, the Son says, that he
will send that divine Spirit, the C'omforter ; all which language,
taken together, shows an njnafifi/, and nuiori oi possession, of
power, and o( action. F'urther, there are acts of power and
goodness mentioned, as personally, and separately, performed
by each. The Father is said to " quicken," and raise the
dead, and the Sou hath said, that he also " (juickeneth whom
he will." The distinction of persons, is also shown, in the
cited i)assage, where the Son, (the Saviour), in arguing with
the Jews, his opjioncnts, declares, that he " Avill not accuse"
them " to the Father." Again, similar separate conduct, or
action, is seen, in the passage which says, " every man that
hath heard, and hath learned of the /'«/'/;''/■, cometh unto me."
It is worthy of remark, that in the discussion which our
Lord held with the Pharisees as related in John viii, he
speaks, throughout, of the Father and himself as two distinct
persons. Therefore, the Father is not the Son, nor the Son
the Father, as some have most erroneously imagined, though
it is plain enough, that the completcst unity and equalitij subi-
sist between tlicm. A sufficient portion of Scriptural truth has
I
had
oi'somc of
ts, arc ut-
, an II UK I H
w some of
:■ of them,
Xow such
and, (witli
I Son Avcrc
■/•. Af^ain,
IS fully to
ithout any
h jii'i'sonal
lerc is an
'acli otlicr,
one of the
ather hatli
n is men-
>d, but to
ijifJlrislble
led, apro-
)}• the Fa-
s, that he
kmfifuage,
"icssion, of
)owcr and
performed
raise the
eth whom
n, in the
uing with
)t accuse"
)nduct, or
man that
,into me."
\hich our
viii, he
;o distinct
>r the Son
d, though
alitij subi-
truth has
•2:J
no\A' been given, to sUcav that lie wha is flius called '* the
Father" is one of the ilicllncticc persons, in the om, united,
and glorious Deity.
The Divine "■ Sox," on "■ Woui^." — " Unto us a ehild is
born, unto us a Son is given ; and the government shall be
upon his shoulder : and his name shall be called Wonderfid,
Counsellor, tiie Mirjhlii God, tlir J''nrlas(l/n/ Fa(lii'i\ the
Prince of Peace." Is. ix, 0. " But thou Bethlehem, I-lphra-
tah, though tiiou be little amonqj the thousands of Judah, yet
out of thee, shall he come forth unto me, that is to be ruler
in Israel : whose goings forth have been from of old, from
eri'riastiiiii." Micah v, 2. '•' How say they, that Christ is Da-
vid's Son ? And David himself saitli, in the book ol' Psalms,
the Lord said unto my Lord. Sit thou on my right hand, cVc.
David, therefore, calleth him Lord, how is he then his Son:'"
liuke .\x, 41, 2, 4. — "In the beginning was the Word, and
the Word was with God, and the Word wa;' God. The same
was in the beginning with God» All tliinprs were made by
him, and without him, was not any thing made, that was
made." — " And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt Jimong
us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten
of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of
him, and cried, saying ; this was he, of whom I sj)ake : He
that Cometh after me, is preferred before me.- far He was be-
fore me." John i, 1, 2, 8, 14, 15. "Destroy this temple.
and in three days I will '-aise it up." " He spake of the tem-
])le of his body." John ii, 19,- 21. (In connection with Acts-
ii, .'32. — " This Jesus hath God raised up.")---*' Verily, verily 1
say unto you, before Abraham was I am." John viii. 58. — " 1
and my Father are one." John x, ;5(). — " And now O Father'
glorify thou me, with thine own self, with the glory which I
had with thee, I" ft ire the World inis.'' John xvii,- 5. "Of
whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who is over all,
God blessed for ever." Rom. ix, .'). — " Who being iiv thc^
form of God, thought it not robbery to be rijiial with God.'
Phil, ii, G. — " For i)y him were all things created, that are in
heaven, and that are in earth." Col. i, IG. — " Hath in these last
days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir
of all things, hi/ icliom, ahn, hr made ihr. Worlds.^' Heb. i,
2. — "That which was from the beginning, which we have
hcaKl, which we have seen with our eves, whicli wehuvel/iok-
•^4
t'U 11
poll
and our liaiuls liiive luuuUcd ol'tlic Word of Lite; (f'
Ihc lite was manit't'stcd, and we liavt,' seen it,
aiK
I be
ar wii-
ness, and shew unto you tliat vOrnaJ lite w hieh was M'ith the
Father, and was manifested unto us.") 1 John i, 1. 2.
"And M'C know that the Son of God is come, and liath ^ivcn
us an understandiim, that we mav know him that is true, and
't^'
N\
c are in him that is true, even in liis Son. Jesus Ciu-ist.
This is tlie Irur God, and (fcrual ///''." 1 John v, 20. "To
the only wise God our Surioxr, lie glory, and Majesty, do-
minion, and power, both now and for ever. Amen."' Jude
XXV. — "I am Al])ha and Omega, the beginni
ni: anc
I tl
10 en(
ing, saith the Ijord, whicii is, and whieli was, and which is
to come, the Al)iii(jhf I/.'' llev. i, 8. "I am the Jloot and the
Offspring of David." ]{ev. xxii, IG.
In all these passages, the divine firrsoncdif)/ of the Lord
Jesus Christ, is expressly shown; in some of them, under the
name 6f "thcSon," andof " the Word," in others. Itis perfectly
dear, that in both of these terms, the same Sacred Person
is meant; Looking at the passage first cited, we see, that
the inspired prophet, uses language, at the commencement, as
referring to /iroJieings, and by the words immediately follow-
ing they are considered as being united in one Person. There
is, — the " Child born," which serves to designate the human
nature of the Saviour ♦ and the " Son given," as shoAving his
divine Personality. This divine Being, mentioned in the
singular number, is here called, the " Mighty God," and the
" Everlasting Father." No stronger and plainer words could,
possibly, be used, to mark his divine and eternal nature and
character. They were recorded, hy inspiration, iqnvards of
700 years before the human nature of the Saviour was formed
and brought into the world. In the next mentioned propheti-
cal passage, also, seveial hundreds of years before the appear-
ance of the Saviour in the World, Bethlehem is nanied, as the
place for the birth of his humanity, and the succeeding words
" whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting,"
also evidently declare his pre-existing and divine nature. In
the text, in Luke xx, the Saviour in referring to David, pro-
phetically calling him Lord, intimates plainly enough, his own
divinity, as though he had said, — how can I be considered
merely the Son of David, accordiif to the flesh, for he calls
me, " Lord'" and " my Lord,"' aj.J 'Iji^ is language never u.sed
I
by a
ployc|
next
expliil
me I ml
nitical
eterni
by wl
the tr|
there
is hr
"Wii
And,
etern:
wor(h
us.
tween
son, n
hercti
the 11!
'2r>
■ Lifo ; (f'ji-
bear wii-
M'ith the
at}) '^[ycn
triK , and
IS Christ.
). '^To
iesty, do-
i." Jiide
the cnd-
which is
it and the
the Lord
inder the
perfectly
d Person
5CC, that
?ment, as
y foHow-
Therc
c Jinnian
wing his
I in the
and tlie
Is couk],
ture and
\-ards of
5 formed
ropheti-
appear-
1, as tlic
^ M'ords
listing,"
re. In
id, pro-
his own
sidered
be calls
er u,>ed
hy a l-atlur to a S(»u ; and, moreover, DhvuI cvidentlv em-
ployed the word, with reference to a divine j^■rson. The
next cited and connected passages, in .John i, are so pcrfectlv
explicit and ])lain, that without the utmost violation of tlie
meaning of words, they cannot be lield to liave any other sir Socinians, or other
heretics and infl.lels, with all their })rofane ingc-nuity, can, in
the mind of any i)erson, not blinded l)y determined ]n-ide and
prejudice, and aversion to ])lain scriptural truth, explain away,
or alter the meaning, wliich tlie v/ords em])loye(l, so fully con-
vey, of the d/rii/i' uiiture 'diu\ jicrf^oiialili/ of Jlim, who is here
called, " the Word." In the same chajiter, vvhich contains
the foregoing ])assager-, is the testimony of the inspired -folm
the IJaptist, concerning the Saviour, declaring, '' He was l)e-
fore me." These words, evidently refer to the Saviour's di-
vinity, for in his human nature, he was younger tlian the Ha])-
tist, of which fact, the latter A\as fully aware. The words of
the Saviour, — ''destroy this temple, (meaning his body,) and
in three days I will raise it up," convey, also, a proof of his
(Uvinili/: for in Acts ii, it is said, " (iuJ rahud him from the
dead, on that '• third day." I'rom all this, we see, that the
same ])crson, is both Jesus the Christ, and (iod. His solemn
and em])hatie words, — "Verily, verily, before Abraham was,
I am" afford another most express proof of his divine ludnri',
!xnd ricrsoiiali/ij. The words, — "lam," are the same which
God revealed to Moses, as the appellation by winch he Avas to
make Him hnown to the Children of Israel. The words of
the Saviour, in another cited ])assage, — " I and my I-'ather
arc one," alsc; fullv show, Ijoth his nrrxniuiUhi and ilir'nr na-
•i(;
t
i
t 1
1 :
1
1
Ji.: '
tUrc, and his clcnuil ami inseparal)U' union witli iiw Kallur
The pussajio in Hum. ix, makes the distinction between the
divine and human nature, in the ])erson of the Saviour, by tiic
words, — "Ot" whom as concerning' the ilesii, or liinn, ruiture,
Christ (the Anointed) came, and, then, by deehirin<;- as to the
divine nature, "who is over all, God blessed for ever." The
texts next cited, in Colossians, and Hebrews, declare of the
Saviour, tiiat " all thini^s were created by him, and for him,"
whicii clearly show his dirifnlii, for none but God, is, or can
be, the Creator of all; and, mcu'covcr, it must be borne in
mind, that the human nature of the Saviour, had no existence,
until, by a divine power, it was conceived in the Mr^in, and,
consequently, that nature had nothing to do with the Creation
"of all things," mentioned in the texts. In the cited passage s,
in John i, the Saviour is styled, the "Word of Lifc" and
"that Eternal Life, which was froni the beginning," and,
"which -was with the Father;" and further, he is called, "the
true God and eternal life;" each, and all of which expressions,
plainly denote his dicui" and cfcnidl existence, and also his
licrsuiialifijj as distinguished from the divine Father. In the
passage in Judc, He is expressly called, " God our Saviour,"
which inspired language is, of itself, quite sufficient to prove
his divine nature, and also I.^nion in ])elty.
In one of the cited texts, in "Revelation," the Saviour says
of himself, that he is "tlie beginning and the ending, wdiich
is, and was, and is to come, the Almighty;" and in another
place, says, that He is the "Hoot and the Offspring of David."
All these expressions plainly denote his divine and personal ex-
istence. A ruof, we know, is the foundation of the tree, or that
from ■svhlch it springs forth, and on which its existence and sup-
port depends. Christ is the root of David, as to his divine na-
ture, for from that nature, all the human race spiang, and as we
have seen, he is declared to be the Creator "of all things,"
and that "without him, was not any thing made that was
made." And he is the OjfNjiring of David, as to his human
nature, for he took that nature on him, of the stock of David.
The Saviour calling himself, the '■' Al)ni liis liunian
ck of David,
proof of his
ly, afford. —
o any other
passage in
l" and that.
•liis name is called tiie Word of God." Connort those say-
ings, with the texts in John Chaj). i, which declare, that,
"the Word was God"' and that "all things were made by him"
and that "the Word was made flesii"' and, thus, also, we have
the clearest testimony of tlie Saviour's diriuifi/. Mention is
made, in Scripture, of our Saviour, while on earth, being wor-
sliii)ped by liis (lisci])les, and others. He never objected *ir
refused to receive such worship, or made tiie least intimatiiju
of its being imjirojier, which it is certain he would have done,
if lie had not been, indeed, a divine person. Tiiis affords ad-
ditional evidence of our Lord's divinity, for the Scrij)tures
plainly declare, that none but the Divine liein.g is an object
of w(n-ship. We, further, find, in Scrii)ture, that on several
occasions, Angels expressly forl)id any worshi]) being offered
to them, saying, — "See thou do it not;" and one of them, ad-
ding, "Worship God," evidently meaning, tliat none but lie
siiould be worshipped.
From the numerous passages of Scripture which have hero
been commented on, as well as from others, which might be
mentioned, it is perfectly evident, that our Lord and Saviour
is a Dirinr Being; and oi i)rrso)ialifi/, as well as of Cniuti of
existence with the Divine Father; and, as presently will be
shown, from Scripture, in union also, with the other divine
Person, the Holy Spirit, in the one eternal and glorious Deity.
The Holy Giiost, — a Divine Person. — "He shall bap-
tize you with the Holy Ghost." Math, iii, U. "Whatso-
ever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is
not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost." Mark xiii, 11.
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, Mhom the
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and
bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said
unto you." John xiv, 20. " This Scripture must needs have
been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost, by the mouth of David
spake before concerning Judas.*' Acts i, 8. "Ananias,
why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?
Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." Acts v, 3, 4.
"Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost." Acts vii, 51.
"And walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of
the Holy Ghost."' Acts ix, 31. " The Spirit said unto him.
Arise, therefore, and get thee down, for I have sent them."
.Acts X, 19, 20. "The Holy Ghost said, separate me Bar-
4
5.-
-" Wlicrcforc as i\\v llolv (jliost saitli." ITcli. iii, 7
" Holy Men of (lod si)ake as tlicy were moved by tlie Holy
(iliost." 2 Pet. i, LM.
The fovcgoinii passai^cs of Scriiituro, as well as many others,
('\c:\v]y show thv jn'i'soiial if If, and iliriin' nature of tiie lEoly
Sjiirit. In most of tliem, tlie language is so extremely plain,
and ]iointed, that only the most ]n-ofanc ingenuity, and ]n-oud
and hardened ])rejudiee, Avould think of douhting as to its
meaning, on tliose most sublime, and imjiorlant partieulars of
r(-ligi()ns kn(a])-
tisl, does not say of the Saviour " ll(, will baptize you" with
iiiiiiHcIf, or with the divine ludln-r, but " with the //nfi/
(rhosl," — another SjiirJlual l-5eing. Tn the other passages citetl,
ViWiouH /cell iK/s, oj)( rallons, and f/r/s, of a y/c/vs'^z/'v/nature, and
in language solely employed, in a pcrHOiial manner, arc men-
tioned, as originated by, and ]iroeeeding from, that divine
Spirit. In some of them, the her of the S])irit, the Joy and
ritiiiforl of tlie S])irit, being sfmc/ijiiJ by the Spirit, are men-
tioned, as being the cffeets of the personal presence, and influ-
(>nce of that holy and benevolent ]>eing. Tn other places. He
is mentioned, in jiersonnl language, as s])eaking of the things
relating to the Church. The following ]')assages are of that
descri])tion. — " It is not ye that speak, but the Holy (jhost :"'
"The Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake:" — "Ho-
ly men of God, spake, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
Again, tiiis blessed Sjtirit is mentioned as a distinct })erson,
•J.s
nal)as and Saul, for the work whereunto J have called them.'"
Acts xiii, '_'. — "So they being sent Ibrlb l)y the Holy Ghost."
•1 V. " And were ibrl)idden of tiie Holy (ihost to preach the
Word in Asia.*' *,Ve. Acts xvi, (i. — "I»ut the Spirit suffered
them not." 7 v. "Take heed, iherclbre. unto yourselves.
and to all the flf)ck, over which the Holy (ihost hath made
you Overseers,"' Acts xx. 2S. " Heing sanctified by the
Holy Cihost." Kom. xv, H). "And for the love of the
Spirit." ;»() V. "Not in the words which man's wisdom
teaclieth, but which the Holy Giiost teacheth." I Cor. ii,
1.''. "Know ye not, that ycnir body is (he tem]>le of the
Holy (ihost." I'Cor. vi, 19. "And grieve not the Holy j
Sjiirit of Ciod." I-lph. iv, .')0. "Having received the Word ;;
in much athietion, with joy of the Holy (ihost." I 'I'hess. i, \
•X)
led llioiii.*"
1\ (;1h).s1."
prt'ac'li the
it sutfcrcd
yourselves,
latli made
cd l)y flu-
)vc of ihe
"s Mi'sdoin
1 Cor. ii,
]de of tlie
the Holy
the Word
'I'lioss. i,
iii, 7.
the Holy
nv others",
tl'ie Jloly
icly plain,
and ])roud
; as lo its
ticulars of
V ex ami lie
ired ]iap-
^•oii" M'ith
the Jlohi
ij^^es cited,
iture, and
are men-
lat divine
:' j(>D and
are men-
und influ-
accs, He
he things
c of that
■ Ghost :"
'— " Ho-
y Ghost."
•t })erson,
:;ivin<; his own fiusmnil commands, ;iiid dirrrti* is, IT -.-(id
to J'eter, — " (io with tiiem, for 1 have sent thcni:"" an.
l/'ioriii/, to ha\{' made the " overseers" of the Chureli. On out
occasion, the disciples were, hy tlie Holy (ihosl, in the same
p( rsonal hin^uaj^'c, and manner, forhidden to ])ri'ach the Gos-
pel in a certain country : and on another occasion, thev were
iihout Id j;() lo a certain jdace, but, in like manner, " the Spi-
I'it suffei'cd them not." In some of the cited ])assages, tlie
Holy Spirit is /ifrsoual/i/ mentioned, as a Trac/icr, instructing
in the thin:4;s of tiie divine kinj^dom, and tlu^ ways of ri^-Jiti'-
ousness. Accordingly, it is said, — "He shall teach you all
thinj^s ;" and further, as declared by an Apostle, " w hich thin^^s
ue s])eak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, hut
which the Holy Ghost teacheth." 1'here are, also, jKissa^vs,
mentloninu: the (Iirv/fii,;/ oi' the ]Ioly Spirit, in true Christians,
and solemn cautions aj^ainst (/ricriii(/, or ojfi ihHikj him, and
eausiu"; his departure : and awful declarations, and in-
stances, of sins committed vKire ryjirrliilli/ a^^ainst that Divine
J^erson. On these ])oints, the foUowin;^' cited passa,i;'es, are
( X])ress ; — "Know ye not that your Ixxly is the temi)le of the
Holy (ihost," — " Grieve not the Holy S])irit of (iod ;" — " \o
do always resist the Holy Ghost:" — •• Why hath Satan filled
thine heart, to lie to the Holy Ghost : thou hast not lied unto
jiiiu, but unto (li)d." In this last ]iassa;.i'e. both the firrson-
tdili/ and the dirine iKitun of the Iloly Spirit are expressly
shu\N-n. In all of the cited passa^'es, indeed, as well as in many
others, in Scri])ture, the same Sacred doctrines, are plainly re-
vealed for our belief, and instruction.
COKQIALITV, AND I'mTV, 01' THE TlIKKK DlVrXK PeU-
St)XS, IX TIIJ; OXE I'iTEKXAE DeITY. < Jot ijU'll il IJ, d'C.
" Go ye therefore and teach all nations, l)apti/inu; them in the
name of tlu^ h'atlier, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.*'
^latt. xxviii, 11). "That all men should honour the Son,
even as they honour the Father." John v, 23. " I and my
Father arc one." John x, JJO. " He that hath seen mc,
hath seen the Father." John xiv, 9. " The grace of the
Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion
^5;
4
' I
:{0
ofthellolyCiliost, bt'withyouall." 2Cor. xili, M.-
\V1
HI,
ht[\\\f in the form of (iod, tliou^'lit it not nihlxTy to he n/iml
with God."' IMiil. ii, " Why liath Satan tilh'd thine heart
to lie to the Holy (ihost r" '* 'i'hon hast not lied unto men,
hut unto (jod." Aets v, 15, 1. *' If so \y: that tli(> S]»irit of
(iod dwell in vou." Kom. viii,9. — '* The tiunus of (iod knowcth
no man, hut the S])irit of (iod. 1 Cor. ii, 11. " How nnicli
more shall the blood of Christ, who, throuLrh the ilhrinil
iSjiirif^iAi'vrvd himself without spot to (iod," i
liOl
is fi
in
nail
A
81
— '• WIu.,
) he I ijiiiil
lunc liciirt
mto men,
' S])irit of
I knowcth
lou iniicli
'• I'll ir Hill
•I), ix, 1 \.
Ill' iiniit>v,
vn imiij;-(',
, *-'7.
18.
lie said,
J//; liatli
«on, and
^ or in-
i created
tless, it
but the
we can
J
readily see, liiat it \\ouUl be impiety, or blasphemy, to suppose
that in such a solemn act of dedication to the Deitv, anv ere-
ated, or inferior beinj,', would be conjoined w ith ilim, as boin^
entitled to tipial worship and obedience. In another text»
tl
U'se words
,— '-'ri
le ^r
ace of tlu- liord Jesus Christ, and th
love of (iod, and tlu' communion oC the Holy (Jhost," slu)w tlu'
8anu' rifinilif'/, in all the three divine Persons. The Lord
Jesus Cin'ist, is even named first, and he is called, — "Tlie
Lord." which is one of the names, by wiiich the Divine I'ein^^
is fre(|uently desi^Miated in Scripture. There is not a sentence
in any |>art of the Scriptures, in which any created beiii^', is
nam-'d, or jdaced, in e(piality of conjunction, with the Deity.
A supposition of the kind, would be directly imi)ious. In one
passai^e, we tind the Saviour sayinjj; of Hinjself, "That all nuMi
should honour the Son, even (or llir same) as they honour the
Father;"' — and a<^ain "L and my Father, are one;" aiul
furtiier, it is said of him, He "thou^;ht it not robixry to be
c(pial with God, " — mcanin^^ the Father. All of these expres-
sions, show a ])ertect iiim/liti/, between them; aiul one of the
j)assaf;es, expressly declares their perfect ('nil;/.
Then, if we look at some of the texts relating to the Holy
(ihost, we see, that He is called the "Spirit of (iod," and
"the efi'i'iKt/ Spirit," which words clearl} show, both his ih'-
I'ti' nntiivf and His perfect ci/inilili/ with the other sacred
Persons, in the o//f! Deity. The "Spirit of (iod" cannot, in-
deed, of necessity, be other or less than of perfect njiinlily with
Ilini, whose Siiirif He is.
As to the inr/rrl, but to finite belnj^s, inystirinKs I'nlon of
the three sacred ])ersons, in the one (iodhead, or Deity, seve-
ral of the texts cited, are eiiually express and conclusive. In
the foUowinjij cited passages, both a plural ily and a nn'dym
the (Jodhead, are shown, — "And God said let im make man
in Dur imap;e, after our likeness." "So (jod created man, in
/y/.s own imaue." And in these cited passages, the Divine
IJeing is mentioned, in the sinij'iJar wtmlur; — "I will make
him an help-meet for him;" — "The liOrd our God is o-ie Lord;"
and in the solemn words by the Lord, to Moses, — "I Am
T'hat 1 Am." All these, fully show, that there is but oiip Divine
Beinu;, or Deity. It would, indeed, be (piitc su])erflu()us to
multiply texts to show that sublime truth, for in many hun-
dreds of passages of Scripture, the Deity is mentioned a.s our.
'V:.
lir
Jiriiii/, uudcr the nanic of **(jl()d,"' or '' Lord," or othci' a]»j)(.'Il;i-
//'/"/• Jiuinb'jr, //'■ ;ui(l
■SI. II'
tion; and where the words, in the
////// are applied.
The worcls of llic cited ])assaii'\" — are so pointed,
and express, as to the perfect ci/ii
numbers, calling themselves Christians, who hold the dis-
honouring and ruinous heresies, directly o])]')oscd to the plain
words of inspired truth, on these sacred subjects. Such per-
sons, are now to be found, in nearly every place, in countries
called (J/irisflaii, and there is good reason to conclude, that
there are some of them in this community. It is a common
peculiarity of all kinds of heretical characters, that they are
ever strenuously active to spread their destructive errors : and,
therefore, it is constantly needfid that in all suitalde modes,
the young, as well as all others, should be instructed and
guarded both against t/ioit, and their pri)f^.
AVith regard to tlie mysterious nature of the sublime doc-
trines, which have here been treated of, this furnishes no ob-
jection whatever, as to their truth. The only point to b(^
considered, regarding them, is this — Are they, or arc they not.
set forth in Scripture, as trvfhs, iu language, such as plainly
conveys to the understanding, the knowledge that such (ruths
i
i \
r ;ij>])C'll;i-
r, //'' luul
And tluTc
lio Word.
poiiitfd,
tllC lln'fi;
irr Scrip-
ectly cuu-
It seems,
lich could
^vliicli the
; the very
ipjjeurs to
:-et"ute tlie
doctrines,
Saviour.
:redit and
\\ o-enuine
tlieni, in
e religion.
(Christian
Saviour,
in^- hn-<;'e
tlie dis-
thc plain
ich pcv-
countries
ude, that
eonimou
tliey are
lors : and,
modes,
cted and
ime doc-
s no ob-
nt to b(~
laey not,
; plainly
h truth's
1
'i
?.rc there declared : A.s to the my-ii.i.ri/ involved in the re-
vealed fact, of //i)endent ibr our natural existence.
Why shoidd our //;;//'■ ujulerstanding, presume to comprehend
that %vluch is iii/iiiiO\ or to know all the real dil/'crences whicii
arc consistent w itli the tnii/i/ of the Divine Nature, when,
with all our search and labour, we are so little acquainted
with the powers, operations, and productions, of the most
common beings, that are daily and hourly before our eyes ?
On this subject, a learned Divine, and a Philosopher too,
has M-ritten as follows: — "You believe there is such a thing
as L'kjIiI, whether flowing irom the Sun, or any other lumi-
nous body. ]jut you camiot comprehend, either its nature, or
the manner in mIucIi it flows. J low do the ravs of the Can-
tile, instantly disperse into every corner of the room ? Again,
here arc lhr*ie Candles, yet there is but o/jc light. Explain
this, and 1 will explain the Thnc-Une God. You believe
there is such a thing as ,!//•. It covers you, as a garment, but
can you com})rehend how r If we will not breathe it, till we
can comprehend it, our life i^ very near its ])eriod. Yon be-
lieve there is such a tljing as Earth. Here, you fix your foot
upon it. You are supported by it. But, do you comprehend
what it is, that su])ports the Earth ? We know, that it is
God that ' spreadeth the North over the empty space, and
hangeth the earth upon nothing.' This is the fact. But how ?
Who can account for this ? You believe you have a SouU
connectinl with the house of clay. But, can you comprehend
how 1 What are the tics that unite the heavenly fiame, with
the earthly clod : You understand just nothing of the matter.
You, surely, believe you have a liodij, together with your (Sou/,
and that each is dependent on the other. Run only a thorn
into your hand : immediately pain is felt in your Soul. On
the other side, is shame felt in your Soul r Instantly a blush
overspreads your cheek. These, ?.lso, are fact;*,, which you
ol
ciinnot deny, nor can you account i\n- tiicin. Those mIio will
not believe any tliini;-, !>ut what they can coiiijinhrui/, must not
believe that there is a Sn,/. in tlu; Hrnuiinent, — that tiiere is
/jiisi('ry lies, — ^I know nothing about it, I believe no-
thing about it."
With reference to the attributes and perfections of the Di-
vine Being, it will, only, be needful to mention them, here, in
the words in which they are expressly declared in the Scriptures.
Therein, it is said, that he is " ^i/mii/li/i/ T that "Nothing is
too hard for him;" — that "witli God, all things are possible."
His " ]17.sr/o?/i" and ^' Knoirlcdf/e,''' also, are declared to be
equally unlimited. It is said, — "His understanding is infi-
nite," — that, "He knoweth the secrets of all hearts," — that
"all things are naked, and open, before the eyes of Him, with
"whcm WT have to do," — and that, "He -will bring every work
into judgment, with every s'icrtt thing, wdicther it be isfirc, it is said, that, "He is a just God,"* —
that, — "just and right is He;" — that "justice and judgment
arc the habitation of his throne;" with many other declara-
♦lons of Scripture, to the same cffoci
.'jo
wlu) w ill
must not
there is
;]i it rn-
: I'Jarfli,
:hat they
/irrr thai
the IIolv
juired to
J believe
cry does
I Ijelievc
this, the
ng about
fact be-
to reject
what he
this fact
— wherc-
ieve no-
thc l)i-
hcrc, ill
L'ipturcs.
thiiifij is
)ssible/'
ed to be
is infi-
,""— that
im, with
:ry Avork
/ood, or
lie is. al^o, C(|Ufili\- infinite aiul jicrfeet in /,
T
iif
Scrip
hires declare, in sevtr.il ])laces. that "God is love." There
cannot b(> a str()nu.'er exprc -^sion, to denote that ;,Tacious
Attribute.
Me is, also, rcj^cat'dly declared, in Scripture, to be
/'"/," '• 'hdi'iiii's ' and ■■ '/'
iiirr-
CI
ant in uoodnt
'/."" — ".nood to all," and "ubun-
plenieous in
Mercv:" — "rull of c
oiu-
assion,
and
iracious.
He declares of Himself, that He
\\
ill iraiL that he mav l)e iira
and "trm
wi
thout
'ircifiou!^.
Also, He is '' fa ill) /'ill'
van
bl
eness, or
shad
o\v o
ft
urnintr.
It is further declared; that "though Heaven and Earth pass
away,"' Ids "Word shall not pass away," and that all His
iirom
ise.s" in "Jesus Christ" arc, "Yea, and in Him Aniei
Such, in l)rief, are the attributes, and perfections of that
eternal and glorious Being, the God of the L'niversc, as he has
graciously made himself known to us in that am])le and per-
fect revelation, contained in the Sacred Scrii)tures. Let all,
then, who are blessed with this precious gift, earnestly and
constantly endeavour, by its safe and clieering light, to know
more and more of Him, who is thus revealed to us, as our
(Jrea/or, Frencrri r, .Ihncfiifloy and rictlccimr ; and who will,
hereafter, be our Ji(ilL<>N nil.
h If
rwE rioLiXKss of fioi).
AM) THE XATrilAL DKIMIAVITY OF MAX,
feCKIPXrilALLY C'()XTRASTj:D.
Holiness of God. — " Who is liko tlicc, fflorioiis in lioli-
ncss." Exod. xv, 11. — " Yc shall therefore he huly. for 1 am
holy." Levit. xi, 4'). "Exalt ye the Lord our God, and
worship at liis footstool, for he is lioly." I's. xeix, o. '■Tiie
Lord is righteous in all his Mays, and holy in all liis works."'
Ps. cxlv, 17. " Ahove it stood the Seraphims : and one
cried unto another and said holy, holy, holy, is tlic Lord of
hosts : the whole earth is full of his f^lory." Is. vi, o.'].
"And they rest not day and night, saying, — Holy, holy, holy.
Lord God Almightv, whieli was, and is, and is to come."'
Kcv. iv, 8.
Natural Depravity, cVc. — "The imagination of man's
heai't is evil from his youth." Gen. vlii, 21. " They go
astray as soon as they be ])orn, speaking lies." Ps. Iviii, o. —
" Yea, also, the heart of tlie sons of men is full of evil." Eccl.
ix, {]. " The lieart is deceitful above all things, and des-
perately wicked, who can know it?" Jer. xvii, 9. " As by
one man's disobedience, many were made sinners," &c. Horn.
V, 19. " The carnal mind is enmity against God ; for it is
not suliject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Rom.
viii, 7. " And Avere by nature the chilcken of wrath, even
as others." Epli. ii, 3.
These, and numerous others, of the same import, are the
plain and awful declarations, of sacred and infallible truth,
concerning these all-impor<-.; all merely self dependenee, v\e ])rayerfully and dili-
j^ently search the records "f t)'uth, r.s \\ell eoneerninu,' tliose
primary doctrines o( IkiHik :<;< and (Jciirarlli/, as on all other
])oint.s, of reliu'ioui I'aitli and duty.
In re,u,'ard to the holiness of the Divine ^Majesty, it is true,
the hi<;hest Angels can hut comprehend it in an alto,ii;ether in-
ade(]uate de<;r(,'e, for ''who hy searclun;.;- can lind out Ciod:"'
"\V'ho can find out the Alnii;^hty to })erfection:'" Those ])uro
and exalted hein^'s, in celehratin.Li; his praise, fall prostrat(>
before Hini. and continually cry, — "Holy, holy, holy 1 ' ISurely,
then, as we, a\ ho are blind aed sinful creatures, can only con-
ceive of that lu)liness in a I'ar iid'erior de<;Tee, it well becomes
lis, in imitation of those Anj^-elie hosts, devoutly to contem-
plate, and most ltuml)ly adore, this imnuiculate attril)ute, with
every other peifecti(jn of the glorious So\erei!i,'U of tlie Universe.
The passages at tlie head of tlus discourse, declaring his IkjU-
iicss, are but a few of the announcements in tlie sacred records,
(m that sublime and awful subject. While in this state of
mental and n}oral imperfeetion, we can, with our best efforts,
by contemplation (ihnic, obtain but a very feeble conee])tio)\ of
that holiness, or indeed of any other fjcrft'cliim of that eternal
and incomprehensible Ik'ing. For obtaining the most correct
and am})le knowledge of His character, and of all his ways
and requisitions, concerning ns, — we must ever prayerfully, and
with most sulnnissive attention, examine the precious volume
He has in mercy given us. There, we shall find numerous
instances, in which that attribute of holiness has been dis-
played, under circumstances of the most awful descriptions.
Throughout the history of our rebellious World, similar
proofs of that holiness, and of the divine hatred of sin, have,
also, been frequently exhibited, — in the destructive pestilences
and earthquakes, — the tempests, famines, and other desola-
ting scourges, which have been sent to reclaim or punish our
guilty race: and, further, in the diseases and sufferings of all
;;o
.". ivaii;-
u- coii-
!)Otil of
i)riivi;y.
1<|- i)iu-
stunccs,
ruinous
uiL, dis-
lul clili-
u,' those
11 other
is true,
•tlicr iii-
; (iod:"
use pure
rostrate^
Surely,
nly con-
bccomos
contem-
itc, with
niverse.
his holi-
rccordt;,
state of
efi'orts,
L'ptio)\ of
t eternal
t correct
lis ways
ully, and
^ A-olun\c
umcrous
een dis-
)tions.
similar
11, have,
stilenccs
■ desola-
nish our
igs of all
(i>!ih]_\ creatures, aiul their uui\ersal dnom lo decay a*l act of rebellion, cast out from that hi;>'h
estate, aiul became utterly ljerea\ed of every holy and moral
(•ndov.nuut : antl transtbrmed into spirits, tilled with every
malignant and hateful (]uality; and doomed to experience the
never emlin,!^ torments of the divine indignation. It was lor
the oi/r (li-l of direct disobedieui'c to a divine ])roliil)ition, that
our ])rimeval jiarents fell I'roni their first exalted aiul iKi])py
condition: and in consecpience, they, and all the myriads of
their j)osterity, down to the end of time, have been sentenced
to the \arious diseases and aHlictions which belong to liu-
manity; and idtimately to a painful (le])arture i'rom life. By
that act of disobedience the whole hiunan race, became also
as to their highest interests, blinded in all their nuMital liicul-
ties, and corrupt in all their moral pcnvers, in their ailections
and desires, ami all the other (jualities of their spiritual being.
In these t\\() instances as to Angels and men, through a Jirst
sin are strikingly manifested, the inflexible holiness of the
divine eharacter; and the heinous and ruinous nature of every
transgression of the will ami c(.unmands of that righteous
Being who "vuleth over all."
'i'lie universal deluge of waters, which destroyed all living
crea.tures remaining on the earth. — the punishment of the
guilty inhabitants of the Cities of the ])lain: — the blotting out
of the corrupt nations of Amalek and Kdom, Moab and
Ammoii: — the destruction of idohitrous and ])rofliga' ; Nineveh,
and Babylon: — i)f proud and presumptuous Kg'^«c; — of Tyre
and Sidon, and of other corrn])t Nations and Cities, as recorded
in the inspired volume, all loudly testify to the holy character
of the Almightly Kuler, and to his just indignation against
every wilful and daring infringement of his righteous authority
and laws.
I'A'cn in relation to his own chosen ]ieople, the descendants
of the faithful .Vbraliam, we see the same immutable holiness
and e(piity exhibited, in the various inflictions upon them in
the wilderness: — in the 10 years wandering in that dreary
waste: — and in the whole of the numerous generation which
came out of ])ondage, with only /»-o i'Xce))tions, not being per-
initted to enter llie promised laiifl. l)ut. lur tlieir-repcat'^d mur-
■4.
U)
h f
juuriii'^s unci rebellion. Iniii^ cut oil' in tlial wilclernL'ss, In
the subsctjuent history of the same ch(j.son ])eo])l(', wc liiul that
rif^htcouH Jieinp;, nianil"c'stin<^ the same holy character, — and
his just indii^nation a«j;ainst all inicinity. We. there Ix'hold
the signal displays of his holiness and justice, — in the numer-
ous instances of his ^ivin,!^ them over to the o])pressions of
the heathen nations around them ; — in their ]}al>ylonish cap-
tivity of 70 years; — in their varied afliictions during- those
periods (d' oppression : — in the repeated desolations of their
Country, — the double destruction of their sacred Temple,
M'hich they had so oftert defiled ; — in their unparalleled sutfer-
ings, and the destruction of life, when their beautiful and be-
loved City was taken and destroyed, hy the Romans ; and,
finally, in their wide dispersion, and the execrations and cru-
elties which for so many A<^es they have been compelled to
experience. When such have been the ])unishments of a Na-
tion, called to be the peculiar people of the Most High, and
so highly favonred as they were, both as to temporal and spi-
ritual blessings ; what may not other wicked nations expect
to experience, of severe judicial inflictions, nnder our present
spiritual, and more highly favoured, and, therefore, n\orc re-
sponsible system ? Well does it become all, who are placed
under the light and mercies of this Dis])ensation, to bear con-
stantly in mind, and obey, the solemn injunctions, to " stand
in awe and sin not ;"' — to '* cease to do v\'i\ anil learn to do
well." Thus, alone, can they sal'ely expect to escape the just
retributions of llim, " who changeth not."
]]ut far aljove, and beyond all other manifestations of the
holiness of the Divine Being, is that mysterious instance,, of
the gift of his holy and beloved Son, to a life of humiliation
and deep and varied afflictions, in this robellious world ; — in
Ills agonies of soul and body, and death u])on the cross, to
atone for the sins of our guilty race, and thereby make it pos-
sible for infinite holiness and justice, to extentl to us pardon
and every other needful grace : and finally, if having been
faithful and obedient, to bestow upon us the blessings and
glories of the everlasting inheritance.
Having, thus, thougli with great imperfection, exhibited
some of the manifestations of the divine holiness, attention,
may, next, in the May of rontraiit, be directed to the nature
and conduct of fallen and unregenerate ^Man. And, here, also,
for a true estimate of his native character, we must in the
rcgior
gree,
light
to knd
Ev(
gcnerl
41
very lirst iiistancc, look at llie doscriptlons of lliin, which arc
<,nvcn in the pages of inspired truth. 'I'iien, let us view his
history, as recorded there, and, next, brin^ under notice some
of the otlier extensive and leading events which have ever
marked that history, as one either of ()))en apostacy, or of diso-
bedience to tiie authority and conunands ofCiod, and of wick-
edness in every imaginal)le form. The Lord is called, and is,
indeed, the unerring " Searcher of hearts." His Word de-
clares, tliat, " all tilings are naked and open unto tlic eyes of
Him with wliom we luive to do ;" — that he " searclietii the
hearts and trieth the reins of the children ot men,*' and, even
'* understandeth the thougiits afar oft'.' Thus, knowing us
altogether, He has declared, that " the heart is deceitful above
all tilings and desperati'ly wicked;'' — tliat, naturally, — " tliero
is none righteous, no not one ;" — but all are by nature, " dead
in trespasses and sins,'' and, therefore, " chihlrcn of wrath."
What alarming and humbling descriptions are here ! And let
it be remembered, that they arc set before us for our admo-
nition and warning by that just and Almighty Jieing, who has
declared that He will "render to all according to tlieir works;" —
to the wicked " indignation and wrath, tril)ulation and anguisli,
upon every soul of man that doeth evil." In the same records
of truth, we behold the almost innumerable proofs of that in-
nate depravity of Man, — in the ever prevalent idolatries, and
profaneness, tlie licentiousness, and various otlicr abomina-
tions of nearly the whole of o\ir race. Also, in the constant
wars, and bloodshed; and the devastations, cruelties and o})-
pressions of nations towards each otiier ; even fre(]ueiitly
among that chosen peo])le of Israel, on whom the Lord had
bestowed so many exalted privileges and blessings. In the
pages of secular history, we also find exhibited, through every
age, and in every portion of our world, similar scenes of car-
nage and desolation, and of oppressions and cruelties, the most
revolting to every pure principle, aud Ijenevolent I'eeling. And
these cruel exhibitions, have not been confined to idolatrous
regions, but they have ever prevailed, in nearly an equal de-
gree, in those nations which have long been favoured with the
light of a spiritual and perfect revelation ; and have professed
to know and to serve, its holy and benevolent Author.
Even in the lives of several of the specially favoured, and
generally faithful Servants of the liord, as recorded in the Sa-
F
■ -» ■-»
i ]■■
'U
t 1:1
i'2
^}\
crcd Volume, 'vc sec some deplorahh instances, In ])roof M
Man's innate propensity to evil. Tlnre, we read of llie trans-
gressions of a Lot, described in general, as u " riji;liteous'' ciia-
ractcr ; — of the sin of an Aaron, the llij^h Priest of a divinely
chosen peoj)le ; — of the double crimes of the hi^ddy gifted and
pious Psalmist ; — of the apostasy of him, who was so highly
endowed, as to be declared to be the wisest of men. and yet
fell into idolatries and sensuality, the most gross and degi'ad-
ing; and who, there is reason to fear, died with their giult
remaining cm him. There, also, are impartially recorded, the
offence of ;i i)ious and generally faithful Hezekiah, the fatal
rashness of a clevout and zealous .losiah, the conduct of a Jonah,
who, at first, refused to fulfil a specially commanded duty of his
mostresponsible])ro})hetic ofHee. Lastly, wc arc informed ofonc,
Avho under our most spiritual dispensation, and in the immediate
presence of his Lord and Saviour, with profane asseverations, de-
nied that he knew him, or was one of his disciples. "What alarm-
ing proofs do these instances aflbrd, of the nattiral evil of Man,
and of his unfaithfulness as to allegiance and duty to his God?
Hence, how needful for all of the professed Servants of the
Lord, ever to hear in mind, and ohey, the inspired injr.nction, —
" Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall."'
But, further, if we take but a general view of separate com-
munities, in civil society, in the jircscut day, and in pro-
fessedly Clu'id'mn lands, and examine through the various
ranks and classes, and observe their different avocations and
employments; and look into family circles, and mark the con-
duct of the gi'eat body of individuals anumg whom Ave move;
we shall find, in every (puarter, abundant and deplorable
proofs of the same innate vicious propensities of native hu-
manity. Among them all, natural evil qualities, in some, or
many forms, are being frecpiently shown, in the external con-
duct, for, as Avisdom, has declared "a corrupt tree cannot
bring forth good fruit,*' but ever "bringeth forth evil fruit."
Li general society avc sec to more or less extent, in nearly
every direction, in political and other affairs, alienations,-
strifes, and injustice, through pride, ambition, envy, or some
other corrupt (pudity: also \\\c stromj drink f^/.ac':ri/, that "sum of all human villanies"' as it
A
of til
deee
'Slaud
and
}io\v
])rcvn
i'vivm
All tl
fully c
is by I
infinit
Viu
of nati
tural
they
portan
man
the di\
J'evcalc
every
It is
f ''n be
iind jus
place,
cliaract
has Hii
in the i
ness,'
I^ut, fui
the dcei
i
1
\
I
■iias been most fitly icrnied. These, and all slmilur cxlilhl-
tions of er 11, arc traceable to the same corrupt root of mi/iv'.
f'tljisliii'ss. In the family relations, how IVciucntly are founil,
cither strifes and bitter aversions, or eohkiiess and distance,
evil speakinji;s, and failure of the kindly charities; — the neglect
of due parental restraint and instruction; and the youthful dis-
re^'ard of advice and authority. These, and the many other
evils in the kindred relations, fully manifest the truth of the
ins})ired declarations, — of a destitution, or defect, of even
*' natural affection,"' in the uiu-e<>;enerate heart.
Aijaiii, if we come down to Individual conduct, to say nothlnpj
of the nuire o})enly vicious aiul violent, how much fraud and
deceit, secret or open disliouesty, treachery, falsehood, and
slander, are bein^ constantly ])ractised; — how many corrupt,
and corrujjtinj^ occupations, for the sake of worldly gain; —
how much intemi^erance, and other modes of sensuality arc
prevalent, and of dissipation, extravai^ance, and waste, in re-
ference to the ordinary bounties of a i^racious Providence?
All these, and the countless other exhibitions of moral evil,
fully correspond with the scrl[)tural character of man, that he
is by nature deprav(Ml; immeasurably distant from a God of
infinite ])urity, am, from the ways of trutli and righteousness.
Under such views and evidences of the divine IkjIIncss, and
of native human di'iurivifij. and its abounding fruits, the scrip-
tural fiuestlon ap])lies, — "How can two walk together except
they be agi'eed?" And the still more solemn and all im-
portant en(julry, in the same inspired quarter; — '"How shall
man be just with God r" How shall he become restored to
the divine image and favour, and escape the fulfilment of the
revealed decree of eternally painful retributions in the case of
every soid that departs from life in an unregenerate state?
It is plainly evident, even to reason alone, that before there
C'>,n be any such reconciliation and harmony, br •^wccn this holy
and just God, and sinful man, there must, of necessity, take
place, on the one part or the other, some very great change of
character. Yv'e are fully assured, it cannot be in Him, who
has Himself declared, that "He changeth not;" and of whom,
in ilw inspired Word, it is said, that, "He is glorious in holi-
ness," and "without any variableness, or shadow of turning."
But, further, and what should fill every unregenerate soul with
the deepest alarm, that holy and Almighty Being, has re-
44
p:'atc(lly docliircd in his iiTcvocablo Word, lliat lie "will \mr\ff
every work into jiul;^nnc'iit," wlutlicr "i^ood or evil;"' — will
"judf^e the World in ri^ditcousness and trutli;'" and will "turn
the wicked into hell," where shall be wecpinj,' and wailinp; and
pnashinf^ of teeth, "the worm that dicth not, and the fire that
never shall be (|uenehed."
What, then, is to be done, to avert that wrath, and those
tremendous eonse(|uenees of sin? Divine revelation alone can
disclose, — and blessed be its benevolent Author, it has plainly
and fully informed us, — how that essential reconciliation must,
if at all, be brou'xiitin(/
descriptions, wliicli, therefore, may more readily secure our
attention ; and afford us pleasing information. The writer is
well aware, that such is a very })revalent feeling among re-
ligious professors, in the present day ; and it may be more
than feared, that in public nunistrations, the endeavour is
more frecjuently made, to gratify that craving desire for the
announcement of conceptions aiul discpiisitions novel and fx-
(■i/iiiij, rather tlum l)oldly and faithfully to declare those sacred
truths, which will produce cliirni. and arouse feelings of pain-
ful
app
)renension.
Let the plain scriptural truths which have, here, been set
forth, be called Iniisms, and, undoubtedly, such they are ; but,
reader, if you have frecpiently read or heard of them, and they
have hitherto failed so to affect you, as to lead to the needful
spiritual change, your folly and guilt, arc only so much the
greater, and, if you so remain, your condemnation and future
punishment, will, j
^tly,
he the luore severe
Instead of
lightly regarding, and any longer neglecting the solemn sub-
jects which have been here set before yoii, let it be your im-
mediate employment, to examine yourself by the light of con-
science, but, most especiall} , by that o{' the inspired Word, to
j-iscertain to a certainty, if that inward spiritual chan^' ha?
48
indeed passed upon you. If it has not, that infallible Word
declares, that as to salvation, you are, indeed, " without God
and without hope ;" — still in the native " gall of bitterness,
and bonds of iniquity." Remaining in tliat st:>e, so far from
attaining happiness in the eternal World, into which you may
at any nioment be called, you must " lie down in sorrow,"
having your portion forever in the regions of anguish and
despair.
Think not, and care not, who he is, that has set these sa-
cred truths, and these arguments and exhortations, before you.
He is, naturally, a sinful and fallible mortal like yourself.
\o longer be satisfied to live at such a dangerous venture,
but rather call to mind continually, these awful and immuta-
ble words, of that just and holy Being, who will decree you:
iinal doom, — " Prepare to meet thy God ;" for, '' unless a
num be born again of the Spirit he cannot see the kingdom
of God ;" " he cannot enter therein." Begin, then, at once,
most earnestly to pray and strive, to obtain that thorough
renewal of heart and life, and persevere, until it becomes
your happy experience ; and you are thereby prepared for
admission into the mansions of the heavenly inheritance,
where " is fulness of joy," and at that " right hand," where
arc " pleasures for evermore."
li*!'
man
and
divii
But,
and
or m(
the
Sovei
diatc
the
so he
rebel!
subtle
other,
for, if
i
DIVINE PLAN AN I)
METHODS,
FOR THE yrilUTUAL KEXLWAL, AND SALVA-
TION OF MAN.
I. Love of Goi). — "God so loved the world, that lie j^ave
His only be<^ottcn Son, that whosoever believcth in lliin,
should not perish, but have everlasting lite." John iii, 1 (>.
" God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he
loved us, even when wc were dead in sins, hath quickened as
together M'ith Christ." Eph. ii, 4, 5. "Behold, what man-
ner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should
be called the sons of God!" 1 John iii, 1. "Herein is
love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent
His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John iv, 10.
Our first parents, by the wilful violation of a divine com-
mand, directly and plainly given to them, as a test of loyalty
and obedience, lost, as inspired revelation informs us, that
divine image and favour, in which they stood when created.
But, although, they coidd thus, by their voluntary act, forfeit
and lose their first lioly and happy state, they had no power
or means of their own, to regain it. They had rebelled against
the authority, and violated the law of an eternal and holy
Sovereign, and his attribute of justice, required their imme-
diate and eternal punishment. It is true, their sin, under all
the particulars of temptation attending it, was not, in degree,
so heinous and aggravated, as that of the Angels of light wlio
rebelled. One of the guilty parties, was deceived by the
subtle and malignant leader of that rebellious host; and the
other, though not so deceived, was equally culpable. How
far, if at all, the seducing circumstances attending the rom-
G
*hi
^ ' {
J~4
50
mission of the ofionco, influcnrcd llic divine benevolence, to
forbear immediately inflietinf? eternal punishment, -vvc do not
know, for rccclaliou affords no kno\vleil<^e on the point. We
may, however, with humble dithdenec, venture to conelude,
that perfect equity would not permit the propagation of the
race, under a universal doom to eternal misery. It rested,
alone, with llim who is of infinite wisdom and goodness, to
provide some method for averting that awful result, and by
which, all the attributes of the divine character might be most
illustriously magnified and displayed, and man be restored to
the lost image and favour. The glorious })lan of that salva-
tion, has, througli the inherent love and benevolence of God,
been devised, and, on his part, fully accomplished: and that
love has plainly declared it, in the ample and unchangeable
revelation He has given us. There Avas nothing within the
power of man, after his transgi'cssion, by which he could re-
commend himself to the divine acceptance, and regain the for-
feited happiness. It was merely lore, giving rise to ]nty and
mercy, which could move that glorious Being, to form and
execute that restoring plan; for as one of the scriptures at
the head of this discourse declares, — "Herein, is love, not
that we loved God, but that he loved us;'" — and further, —
"He commendeth his love toward us." Other Scriptures,
indeed, declare, that, "He is angi-y with the -wicked, CA'cry
day," and that, — "Salvation is far from them;" yet, from pity
and mercy conjoined, springing from the same fountain of love,
He does not immediately cut the transgressors down, but,
often, spare>: them through lengthened periods, to afford them
time and means for repentance. He has declared, that He
takes "no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that
the wicked turn from his Avay and live ;" that He is " not willing
that any should perish; but that all should come to repent-
ance." It was pity, arising from the same source, Avhich drcAV
from the benevolent Saviour, the tears which he shed, and his
compassionate address, over that guilty people, who. He
knew, were just about to fill up the measure of their wicked-
ness, by putting lUm to a most humiliating and agonizing
death. The same love and pity, moved Him to direct his
disciples, to convey to the inhabitants of the blood stained
City, tli.' first offers of gospel mercy. Throughout, the history
of thai I ocially cliooeu, but constantly rebellious people, that
Joh
51
lui/ang
let his
Itaincd
liistory
Ic. that
love and mercy never entirely forsook them; but as His Word
deckrcs, "the Angel of his presence saved them, in his love
and in his pity he, redeemed them; and he bare them and
carried them all the days of old." Thus, wc sec, both from
the numerous express declarations of Scripture, and the divine
dispensations that God has ever been loving and merciful, to-
Avards our rebellious and guilty race.
Wc may, now, pass on, to view the precious and sure
foundation of the divine plan, for reconciliation between re-
bellious man, and his Creator and Sovereign; and for effecting
the promised restoration of the image and happiness, lost by
the original transgi-ession. The passages of Sacred Writ,
given at the head of the following scetion, plainly reveal that
costly and all sufficient foundation. They, further show, that
guilty man may be pardoned, and spiritually renewed; and,
even, more than regain the bliss of the forfeited inheritance,
while all the glorious perfections of Deity, shall remain, not
only untarnished, but be gloriously displayed before all intel-
ligent Creation.
2. Atonement of the Lobd Jesus Christ. — "He was
wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our in-
iquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and
■with his stripes wc are healed." "The Lord hath laid on him
the iniquity of us all." "When thou shalt make his soid an
offering for sin." Is, liii, o, G, 10. "The bread tb.at I will
give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the World."
John '.■•., .51. "To feed the Church of God which He hath
purchuocd with his own blood." Acts xx, 28. "Who gave
himself for our sins." Gal. i, 4. "In whom wc have re-
demption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."
Col. i, 14. "Who his own self, bare our sins, in his own
body on the tree: by Avhosc stripes ye were healed." 1 Pet.
ii, 24. And he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for
ours only, but, also, for the sins of the ivliolc ivorkiy 1 John
ii, 2.
While, as we have seen, the love and pity of the Divine
Being, induced him to devise the plan of saving our race, from
the eternally painful consequences of the first transgression,
his equally glorious attributes of holiness and justice, required
to be honored and vindicated. How these several perfection?
could be made to harmonize in man's salvation, no finite mind
i!i
!!
5>
could concoivf. Infinite wisdom, alone, could devise and ac-
complish the measure. A mere act oi'^nh/ and inernj, entirely
independent of //(>//u('s.s and_y''^s/iVe, M'ould, iiuleed, have tar-
jiished tliese last mei.tioned ])erfections. 'J'he sup])Osition
may not be improper, that such an act mi^ht have led the re-
bellious An}j;eis to conclude, tluit tor^iveness, on some pre-
scribed conditions, mi)j;ht have been decreed, and extended to
them: and that they had been dealt with, in (jver severity, in
having' been sentenced to everlasting- re])r()bation and punish-
ment. And, further, it seems nuinilest, that such a mere in-
de])endent and irrespective exercise of mercy, would have held
forth the most dangerous and pernicious example to all other
orders of intellectual beings, who were standing in dutiful al-
legiance. Tlie disine justice and holiness, had to be vindi-
cated, and satisfied, and remain unsullied, before the Avholc
of moral creation. These glorious attributes, with love and
merry, and all the other pcrfecticms of Deity, have, through
infinite wisdom, been preserved in harmonious union, and
most illustriously displayed, in the revealed plan for the re-
demption and salvation of inan. As the Scri])tures declare; —
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved
us, and sent his Son to be the j)ropitiation for our sins."
And the »Son, freely, "gave himself for our sins," agonized in
sold for us, "was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for
our iniquities," "bore our sins in his OAvn body on the tree,"
and "died, the just for the unji;st to bring ns imto God."
However scepticism may doubt, or infidelity deny, there are
no modes or expressions of language, which can make any
fact or truth more clearly manifest, tlum the sublime and con-
soling doctrine of the atonement, on our behalf, by our Lord
Jesus Christ, as declared in numerous passages of the sacred
volujnc. The texts cited above, are only a few, relating to
that glorious and cheering subject. Let them be attentively
pondered, without any sceptical bias, and, surely, none will
fail to perceive, not only the (ruth but the (/rncc and moral
beauty they exhibit. Here, let us consider, who was the
gracious Personage, who made tliat atonement.
Although heretical Arians and Socinians, perverted from
the truth, through priile, and unscriptural reasonings, may
deny to the Saviour his dirinc nature and attributes, there is
no doctrine more clearlv revealed in the records of sacred
.•)«
ig to
[ivcly
will
loral
the
I from
I may
ire is
icrcd
Irutli. In the ])r()[)lie(.y of the inspired Isaiali. C'liap. ix, lie is
called "the iniijlilij d'nd, tiie icrrhtf^l'nnj Father, the Prince of
Peace. " The loilowin^^ connected ])assage.s of Scripture,
mi^lit, alone, suHice, contained in Chap, i, of the gosjjcl hy
Joim: — "In the he^inninu, was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God;" "All things were made
hy him, and witliout iiin\ was not any thing made that was
made."' "And tiie Word was jnade tlesh, and dwelt among
ns." Can language, possibly, declare any two facts more
clearly than these cited passages show, that our Redeemer, is,
intleed, one of the perscms in the eternal and glorious God-
head; and that he took into his Deity, the nature of man, in
the most intimate hut mysterious I'nion ? Neither Arians, or
Socinians, in any age, with all their profane ingenuity, have,
been able to explain away, or to shake, this inspired and clear
testimony, to the diritf nature of our gracious Kedeemer.
For further infallible evidence on the point, look at this i)as-
sagc in Phil, ii, G, 7, — "Who being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself
of no reputation, and took upon him.self the form of a Servant,
and was made in tlie likeness of men." Also maybe cited,
this passage in John xvii, o, "And now, O Father, glorify
thou me with thine ownself, with the glory which I had witlx
thee, hcforr the World ^/;rf,s." Throughout this chapter, the
relation between the two divine persons, — the Father and the
Son, — is kept in view, and treated of; and the Son, — the
Saviour, — mentions the glory which he had with the Father,
hcfure the Creation of the World. Now, our Lord had no
existence in his human nature, until he was conceived in the
Virgin by the "overshadowing" and "power" of the Holy
Spirit, as Avas previously anno;^nced to her by the Angel.
From all this, it is clearly manifest, that the .7/0/7/ which the
Saviour referred to, was (hat of his divine and eternal Being.
Lastly, may be cited, the Scri])ture contained in Heb. ii, 10, —
"For, verily, he took not on him the nature of Angels, but he
took on him, the seed of Abraham." Here, a Being is spoken
of, as taking another nature upon him, and into union with
him. This, of course, shows the previous existence of that
Being, which so took another into Union. Who, then, was
that previous Being; and what was his nature, and character?
IJe was not an Angel, of any degree, for, it is said, — "he took
o4
I ' i)
}K)i oil liinj, (he nature of Ancjols." To say, tliat an Angel
tool:- upon him, the nature of un Anfi,el, would, indeed, be
languaf.'e simply absurd. There would be tiie same absurdity,
in saying tliat a man, look upon liim the nature of man.
There Js indeed no lieing, to whom that inspired testimony of
l)reviouM personal existenee can ap])ly, but the one, divine, and
glorious J'ersonage, even the Lord Jesus Chris« , our Redeemer.
Well, then, might tlie inspired Apostle, exclaim, — "Without
controversy, great is the mystery of godliness, God was mani-
fest in the flesh." So intimate, indeed, is that \inion, that in
Acts XX, it is said, — "God liath ])urchased the Church, with
his own blood;" and, in anotlier place, "in Him dwelleth all
the fulness of the Godhead, bodily."
It would seem that as both of the component parts of Man, —
soul, ami body, — had acted in the first transgression, there
was, therefore, a relf ; not im})uting
their trespasses unto them." 2 Cor. v, 19. " By grace are ye
saved, througli I'uitli, and that not of yourselves ; it is the gift
of God. Not of works lest any man should boast." Eph. ii,
8, 9. " Wherefore, also, we pray always for you, that our
God would c>'unt you wortiiy of this calling; and fulfil all the
good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith, with
power." 2 Tlies. i, 12.
Our Lord has declared, as a condition of salvation, — " If
ye believe not that 1 am He ye shall die in your sins ;" John
viii, 24. And again — '' He that believeth on the Son hath
everlasting life, and he that believeth not the Son, shall not
see life, but the wrath of Tiod abideth on him." John iii, ')6.
JwEnt
HI
.Mi
Many otlicr passuffos of Scripture ^mvo tlio most solemn an-
nouncemcnts and warnings, to the same effect. This all ini-
])ortant, and j^racious doctrine, is, indeed, revealed to us in
terms so precise and jdain, that, to nse scri])tural lanj^uajre,
" he who r\ins may read," and " the \vayfarin<^ men tiioufi;h
fools, shall not err therein." This faith, itself, liowevcr, or
rather the power to exercise it savingly, reciuires a divine in-
fluence, as wiir \yii seen in the two last cited texts, at the
head of tlri^ Hecticm; and in other Scrii)turr' passai^cs. A
mere intellectual belief, derived from scriptural and secular
history, that «uch a person as .Jesus Christ appeareil in our
world, and performed the miracles and other acts recorded of
him, will not suffice, for obtaining that divine justification and
I)ardon of sin. It must, as the Scriptures declare, bo a belief,
'• with the heart unto righteousness," a "■ faith, which worketli
by love." This divinely prompted and justifyinj^ faith, is
ever preceded, in a {^'eatcr or lesser dcjrree, by a consciousness
6fsini and a need of the divine mercy, and forfjivcncss, for
as the Saviour declared — "they that are wliole, have no need
of the physician", but tliey tiiat are sick." The power to ex-
ercise this justify hig faith, — as in the case of every other
needed blessing, — our gracious God and Saviour, is ever wil-
ling to bestow, on all who sincerely and earnestly seek to ob-
tain it.
We see, then, that it is not by any works of our own, not
even, when prompted and performed through a divine influ-
ence, that we can be pardoned, and stand justified before God.
Our Saviour has told us, — "when ye shall have done all things
which arc commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants,
we have done that which was om* duty to do." liut, none of
our fallen race, have been thus obedient. It is, only, as the
sacred Oracles plainly declare, through tlic intinitc merit of
the righteousness, and atoning sacrifice of the immaculate Re-
deemer, and through the exercise of a cordial faith in his
meritorious work, and an exclusive reliance upon Him, that any
can be pardoned and justified, and obtain the divine accept-
ance and favour. Thus, a holy and righteous God, can still
remain Just while He is " the justifier of the ungodly," who
thus believe in His Son.
Reader, if conscience and reflection tell you, tliat you have
never yet, by the witness of ti)e Divine Spirit with your spirit.
jud
for
•) (
n, not
influ-
God.
Ithings
Ivants,
)11C of
las the
;rit of
:c Re-
in his
jat any
jcccpt-
n still
A\'ho
liavc
[spirit 7
fXjicrifncoil that justil'yin;^, lovinu; faith in tlic IvciUcnur, lose
not another moment, in nc;;U>ct of th(! incstinialile l)k'>.-
that is holy, let him be; holy still." " Hehold I come quickly."
-I. Holy SciirrTiiiKs. — "Wherewithal, shall a youn;^ man
cleanse his way? Ry takinj.;; heed thereto, accorditi"; to thy
Word." Psalm cxix, U. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my
feet, and a li^ht unto my path." l*salm, cxix, !()■;. " Search
the Scriptures, &c." John v, o\). "Take the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of
God." Eph. vi, 17. "From a child, thou hast knoM-n the
Holy Scriptures, which are al)le to make thee wise unto sal-
vation, throus^h faith whicli is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture
is given by inspiration of (jod, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God nuiy be perfect, throughly furnished inito
all good works." 2 Tim. iii, 1.3, IG, 17. "lieing born
again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the
Word of God, M-hich livcth and abidcth for ever." 1 Ret. i, 2.3
H
111
I ta
oS
1
Is^?'
Ull
To divine revolution, alone, must we look, lor all the know-
k'll^fc we re(|uire, or ean };:ain, ri';;ar(lin<< our present and
eternal salvation. On every particular, botli doctrinal and
practical, of this momentous subject, no princij)les or opinitms,
not ])lainly founded on this perfect standard, and in accord-
ance with the teachinjfs it contains, are to he helieved and
adojjted. I'ldlke mere human and secular sciei\ce, which nuiy
be derived from experience, or tlu'ouuii otlier means, the know-
led<;i' (jf the various subjects comprehended in the true reli-
gion, ca)i, only, i)e drawn from a single source; — that of the
one Code of revelation, wiiich infinite wisdom and truth has
given. All luiman reasonings aiul conclusions, indc'i)en(lent
of tins liisiilrnl orii/iinil, are uncertain, or illusory, and should
be carel'ully avoided, by the searcher foi' the truths which con-
cern his eternal interests. Such indejiendent reasonings,
founded in pride, and the speculations tliey engender, have
given rise to tlie almost countless heresies, ami erroneous and
profane opini(ms, and practices, which from time to time havu
come forth, to disfigure the harmonious and beautiful system
of revealed trutli. They, often, terminate in what the Scrip-
tures describe, as "the very depths of Satan." As regards
that complete and infallible revelation, none are jiermitted to
add ox diiiiiiils/i. These express commands of its Sovereign
Author, are to be im])licitly received and obeyed, — "Add thou
not unto his ^\'ords lest lie reprove thee, and thou be found
a liar;" — "To the law and to tlu; tcstinu)ny, if they speak not
according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
Jiut, even, possessing tliis inestimable treasure of divine re-
velation, it will, on many points, as to its inward or spiritual
meaning, be, as n fountain scaled, until smitten and opened
by the power that formed it; or as a dark and seemingly
vacant cavern, until tlie beams of eternal light, are brought to
bear upon the naturally dark \indcrstanding, and make that
truth effectual, for the conviction- and conversion of the soid.
The inspired Word declares, that, "the natural man re-
ceiveth not the things of the Spirit of (iod, for they arc foolish-
ness unto him; neither can he know them, because they arc
spiritually discerned." And, again, "God, who commanded
the light to shine out of darkness, hath shinrd in our hearts,
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the
face of Jesus Clirist." Tiic divine Spirit employs his own
' M
i:
.j})
Word, as a sword to arouse and convict tlio consolcnco, and
"takes of tlio tliin;,'s of (Jod," aw revealed in the Word, and,
l)y his enli^liteninf^ heanis. shows tliem to the rationid imhUt-
.standin;;, and elfectually a))[ilicr, tiieni to the eonseienee and
the lieart. Thus,, is the natural man, to he "l^orn aj^'ain, not
of oorruptihle Kccd, but of ineorrnjitihh', hy the Word of (iod,
wliich liveth and ahideth forever." Jiut, ]io\v. is lie to obtain
this essential spiritual li;,dit to shine u])on the Word, and ex)n-
vey it to his soul, with the re(]uisite eonvinein;; and sa\ini^
])ower? Surely, reason alone may tell him, that it is not to
lie obtained by a nej^lcct of the attentive pernsid of the saered
records. The IJeinj^ of intiuite wisdom and benevolence, that
};ave them, says; — " Hlessed is the man that luareth nic,
watehinii; daily at my j,,'ates, waitiu :at the posts oi uy doors;" —
"Search the Seriptures;" — "Taic'? fast hohl of instruction, let
her not ^o, keep her, for she is tl-y lif'\*' '-ut, further, this
spiritual enli^litenment and instruction in the Word, i ust,
like as to every other f^race, be souj^ht l)y sincere id fer\ent
prayer, to the Source of all lij^ht a)id life. The ' •■.i-uple of tho
pious psabnist must be followed, who earnestly entreated. —
"Show me the May of life;" "Opentli/.t .nine eyes tha I
may beliohl wondrous tliin<^s out of thy l\w;' — "Mak(> me to
understand the way of thy precepts," and "my lips shall utter
])raise, when thou hast taugiit me thy statutes," Al)ove all,
there must be an implicit obedience, to all the teachings of
that W^ord, both as to doctrine and practice. Here, aj^ain,
the example of that same devoted Servaia of (iod n\ust be
taken, who declared, — "thy Word have I hid in mine heart
that I miji;ht not sin against thee;" "It is a lamj) unto my
feet, and a light unto my path;" "I have sworn, and 1 will
])crform it, that I will keej) thy righteous judgments."
Through the pride and perverscness which belong to the
imregenerate state, very man-*- •■ io have that sacred light
within their reach, instead of putting forth the commanded
efforts to secure its instruction and guidance, remain under
the deceitful workings of V ■ ir own hearts, and \n\consciously
involved in the snares r',,,! temptations of the father of lies,
and arc, thus, led, deeper and deeper into merely speculative and
delusive reasonings. They are like those of old, described, as
" never able to eome to the knowledge of the truth" and become,
at length, cither dettrmined infidels, as to the true rcligior or
it
' I ,
(il)
i '
r
else enchained in the profiino and fatal hcresio:i, so prevalent
in the present Vi<^i\ oi Soci/tidiiisui, — I'ni versa! ifun, or some
other iinscriptural and rnlnous system. There is, indeed, no
perfect secnrity ajj^ainst such (U'struetive errors, hul in a prayer-
ful, attentive, and obedient adherence to the whole of the
sacred Word. ''Take lieed ivIiKf ye liear,"' and "take heed
how ye hear," are our Ijord's ex])ress injunctions; and He
has further warned us, — " believe iu)t every spirit, but try the
spirits, whether they are of God." We can, only, accurately
try and ascertain their character, by brinroval.
For this, we have the exjiress testimony of Scripture, in llom.
ii, 11, l.j, where it is said of the Gentile world, — "These
having not the law, are a law unto themselves ; which show the
work of the law, written in their hearts, their conscience also bear-
ing witness and their thoughts, the mean while accusing, or else
excusing one another." Frtnn this, and other parts of Scripture,
it will seem, not an nnfbunded, and certainly a charitable opi-
nion, that such, even, of the heathen, as act in accordance witli
the good nu)nition.s of conscience, may finally be saved; the
righteous and atoning work of the Saviour, being for then), as
an eminent Divine has said, " a principle of redemption," for
11
,1
■ M^il
it
(J-2
securing llicir fin;il safL'ty, Anotlicr Icuvned and Ijcnevolent
J)ivino, has thus written on the point : — " All men have what
is called Conscience; and conscience, plainly supposes, the
lif^ht or s])irit of (jod. 'J'liis spirit is ;i;i\en to enli^liten, con-
vince, strengthen, and brin;^ men back to (iod. 'riierelbre, <(ll
men may be saved, who attend to, and coincide with the lij^ht
and convictions communicated; for the (jo(i of the Christians,
does not j^ive men liis Spirit to (■nli<4hten. \c. merely to leave
ihem witliout excuse: but that it may direct, stren,u,then, and
lead them to iiimself that they may l)e finally saved. That
this spirit comes from tliC (jrtK-r of (iod, is demonstrable from
hence : It is a ' frood and i)erfect ;j;ift :' and St. James says, all
such come from the ' Father of lii,dits,' Thus, it a])pears, all
men arc partakers of the }:^*acc of God, for all ackn()\vledill heal
your backslidings, and love you freely."'
Arc any of His ])co])lo in prosperous circumstances : Ho
has so favoured them that they may have, more abundantly,
the means and opportunities of securing their own spiritual, us
M'ell as real temporal welfare, and of all connected with them,
and, also, of all others, far and near, to the utmost that such
pr(»iprrili/ will enable tlicni to accomplish. Are tlu.'V in jiuri rttj.
i
u I I
II I
f]' i
5 If
M
m I
I'!'-
(Ki
adMi. ■.;'}■, or ndiuliuii. micIi tlispcusiilious are also lor llicir
^'u(hI, \)(j'nv^ ^rac'iuusly iiitcnclcd to help thciu to he humble,
and meek ; to withdraw their alleetious Iroin worldly objects,
and to s«','t them on thin^^s above. Such trials are, further, de-
signed, to teach them r(!si^nuition to the iJivine Will, and to
prepare taem more fully for the ghn'ies and blessin[,'s of the
heavenly inheritance ; for as the haviour has declared, " Bles-
sed are
tl
le'
that
mour
n, for thev shall be comforted
" Blessed are the ])ure in heart, for they shall see God."
7. Ol'KRATIONS OF Tin;Il()I,vSl'ITUT IX THE Con VERSION OF
801; I, s. — " If yc then bein;^^ evil, kno-\v hovv- to ^ivc gooil j^^ifts
unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father,
give the Holy S})irit to thenx that ask him r" Luke xi, 13.
'' Except a man be born of Avater, and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter into the kiny-dom ofCiod."' John iii, .1.
—'It is the
Tlie love of (jod
Spirit that qnickenc^th." John vi, ()."}.
is shed abroad in our hearts, l)y the Holy (Jhost mIucIi is i.;ivcn
xinU) us.
llo
m.
.'). •' The Spirit also ]iel})eth our in-
firmities, for we know not what we should pray lor as ^ve
()U,u;ht : but the Spirit itself nudceth intercession for us, with
groanin,us which cannot be uttered." Horn, viii, 2(5. " That
ye may ai)ound in ho]io, throu<;h the power of the Holy (Jhost."
lom.
1;
AVhat ? know ve not th;it vour bodv is the
temple of tlie Holy (Ihost, which is in you r" 1 Cor. vi, 19.
" The manifestation of the Spirit is <,nven to every man, to
profit w ithal." 1 Cor. xii, 7. '" 15ut we all with open
face, beholding as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, arc changed
into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit
of t];e Lord." 2 Cor. iii, IS. •' Grieve not the Holy Sjjirit
of God. wlicreby ye are sealed unto the ilay of redem])t
Lpli. iv, .SO. •- (-iu(>nch ju)t the Spirit." 1 Thcss. v, ID.
u)n.
'• Xot by works {>[' righteousness which we have done, but ac-
cording to his mercy he sa\ed us, by the washing of rcgcneni-
tlon, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Tit. iii, o.
Of all the means already treated of, as divinely emjiloyed,
in the awakening and reiu'wal of souls, this ])recious agency
of the Holy Spirit, is the highest and greatest, and is, indeed.
ind
isp;'iis;il)!y re(]Uisit;
eii'etling that iniglitv and gracious
Vviiik. No man lias i\ power e.f bis own. to rcgenerntc, or
;;ii>e hiiu-cir. U-nm hii uatnrajlv d'U'koned uttd depraved con-
(
IS
s the
but ac-
ployt'd,
indeed,
i^a-aeious
rate, or
•cd cnu-
dllion, into a state of s]nrll;ial /////// and ///"<; and hnliiirsA. In-
spiration declares tliat "• no niun lialli (juic i;ened his own soul;"'
nor even wjien it is divinely hiouixht into that spiritual stale
can he kee]> it so alive, without the continual eneri^y and in-
iluence of the same sacred ])o\\er. It is lie who originates
the first motions of that spiritual life, for it is recorded in the
Word, — " Vou hath He (juiekened wlio were dead in trespasses
and sins." All through tlic blessed work of ret^'eneration, and
Conversion to holiness, the Holy Spirit's intlucnee must be
souifht and enjoyed, for carrying; forward, and perfectly securing,
tliat gracious and blissful result.
It is clearly and repeatedly shown in Scripture, that the
Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, conjoined with the l''atlier and
the Son, in the eternal and glorious (iodhead. He is, there-
fore, a lieing, ])ossessing infinite ii:i:ii', /(iv and jxni-ir, and
all the other iicr/ci-lioiix of Deity. \Viiat a glorious privilege
is it, tlierefore, and what an inestimable l.dessing, that we have
this yVlmighty and benevolent lieing, to enlighten and (piicken,
to strengthen, protect, and comfort us, in tiiis mighty work ol'
our salvation from everlasting misery, and for our preparation
for endless glory and luqipiness I How helpless and undone
should we be, if left to ourselves. Inward corrupt propensi-
ties and passions, would constantly work and prevail : an en-
snaring World would ever delude and enchain : and the subtle
and powerful adversary (.f souls, would easily make us his
miserable prey forever. Hlesscvl forcner be our gracious Ood,
it need not be so witii any of us. That loving spirit is ever
willing and ready, to ^isit and bless all who sincerely and
earnestly seek His i^racious assistance. He is declared, in
Scripture, to be a sj)irit oi llijh/ and /or* ; and to all who believ-
ingly ask, lie will freely im])art, '" the s]tirlt of love, and jmwer,
and of a sound mind."' He will shed abroad in their hearts the
love of (jfod and the Saviour, as well as of all mankind : and, if
faithful to his grace, will enable them to gain the victory over
all their enemies.
The Scriptures show that for 120 years, immediately pre-
ceding the universal deluge, He strove with the atrociously
wicked, to reclaim anil save them. The Lord declared, that
if only f(')t righteous persons had been found in tne protiigate
Cities of the jdain, for (hi'ir .<;a/r''.s- the whole of the guilty in-
habitants would ha\e been spared, and had longer snner \q
^1.:
I !
11 i
I']
m.
i')^
ropont and amend. Tlie Holy Spirit, no doubt, throu<^li tlio
^val•ninL,^s of tlie proplict Jonah, strove witli the idohitrous anil
rovrupt Xinevites, aiid by the repentinj^s he thus kindled, they
were s])ared for a lonu>< was nut vet glorified." He had. indeed, been y'iven.
()i)
and
re-
tho
Him
St,—
tive ;
also,
id in
that
by untic'lpation, In comparatlvoly, limil'd dcp'tcs, throu^di all
j)r(,'vi()us jixncrallons. Hi' had sjjokcn by tho proplicts, and
otiicrs, and had, (Von^. tlic first, convinced and sanctitied every
Servant of (iod, for Jesus was " the land) of (jod, slain I'rom
the foundation of the World;" but tiie Holy Sj)irit did not
come down in his full and richest effusions, until after that
liainh's actual atonint,' death, nameh, on the u..v of l*entecost
wlilch iinnu'diatelv followed. The Saviour ftinsoliii'ih/ said
to his disciples, just before He fulfilled that ])veci(nis offerinji;
of himself, — "It is expedient for you that 1 ^o a'^ay, for if 1
<^o not away, the Comforter will not come mito you, but if 1
tlcpart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he
will reprove the World of sin and of rihy ol'
the whole .subject, that s.uch a direct and conscious testimony
of the Holy S])irit, is a ])crfectly valid and consistent doctrine.
N'ery many jiassages of Scri])ture, not only ])r(nnise tliat it Miay
bo obtained, by genuine believers, — testifying of their i)ardon
and ])eace with (ioil, — but, further, show, that it is the j)rivi-
Icgc of all such, to ])ossess and enjoy it, in -a f< rluKj and )ni-
'jiiisfa/i'cdhlc manner, in a greater or lesser degree, according to
the measure of their faith, and their zealous and active obedi-
ence. Here are a few of such scriptural passages, — "•The
Si)irit itself, beareth witness with our spirit, that we arc the
children of God." Kom. viii, 1(). "Now we have received,
not the s])irit of the world, but the Spirit -which is of God, that
Avc might know the things that are freely given to us of (Jod."
1 Cor. ii, 12. "Know yc not, tliat ye arc the temj)lc of
God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you." 1 ("or. iii,
16. " Who hath also sealed us, and givcu the earnest of
the S])irit in om- hearts." 2 Cor. i, 22. " In whom, also,
after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of
])romisc." Kph, i, lo.
In the f]r.st of the passages, here cited, there is lucntioned a
witness of the Holy Spirit, with the spirit of man. Now, we
know, that a witness, is one who reveals or makes known,
■certain facts or things to others ; and, surely, in every instance
of knowledge imparted by a witness, the person, or i)ersons,
jto Avhom that knowledge is so imparted, must, at the time, be
. .^^ i*iimih ' iPi:^^^^
I
ol
iii,
of
ISO,
t of
da
wo
iwn,
lUce
ons,
be
,t.,nX(!oii^ and hnov: of Its irrfjiflitn. In twci of tlic otluT ])as-
■sii^'t's, an " larncst" of the Spirit is montioncd. 'I'liis cxprcs-
si()n, is in allusion, or analoiiy, to sonictliin;^ j^ivcn as a jilnhir
I'or p( rt'orniancc, or nr-, jmrf jinifiiv nf, in tlic ruse of some cove-
nant or ai^rccnu'nt, between parties; and in every sucli instance,
the j);nfy to whom such pledi^e is "^iven, or payment made,
cannot but know that lie receives it. In the case of the ^ra-
lious witness ^'iven by flie Holy Sj)irit, as an inrursf of further
and future blessinj^s, a nnisrnnis knowlcdiLfc of r>riini,ii that
earnest, is ((pially evident to the individual, to whom it is
j^iven. In another of the cited passa^'es, a (piestion is put, as
thouudi they to whom it was addressed, could not but know,
by the /'/(»v//v/ spiritual revelation ov Irsfinmiiy of the sacred
and truthful witness, that their " bt)(lies"' were his '* teini)le."'
Tliis i)recious <^Mft of the Holy S])irit as a " witness," and an
*' earnest," is not so nientii)ned, as to be ronjinrt/ to the meni-
ix'rs of the lioman, the Corinthian, the l-iphesian, or any other
('lu'i'^tian Churches, or to the eailv or anv future ay-e of Chris-
tianity. 'I'hat universe He has formed
and sustains ; and that in Him, " we live, and move, and have
our bein^." He created and breathed into man, from his own
Spirit, the immortal ])rinciple or cHsence called the Soul. He
constantly sustains and ])reserves that soul in existence, in the
body, while here ; and He has told us, that it will exist for-
ever. Xow, is it not in full accordance with reason, and of
all true philosophy, as applied to the sulject, that He ■who so
formed the human spirit, can, by the operation and influence
of His aim Spirit thereon, either (/nirkoi and ciilijjhlcn, or
sfrciKjlhi'ii, and c/crdle, or f/cy^/vM.s- and ajflicf, that Inuiidu sjiirit ;
OYsus/.diii, clivcr, and com/nii it, and cause it to rcjoife, in a tho-
roughly rf>//r/?<('/»_7co».sr/o?(sne.s.s of the pardoning- mercy, and the
favour od' Him who called it into being, and sustains it therein ?
Surely all this is perfectly rdfiomil and consistent as well as
})lainly Scriptural. Even that philosoi)hical and si)eculativG
theologian. Dr. I'aley, in treating of this inward testimony of
the Holy Sjjirit, to a soul relieved of its burden of sin, asserts,
that a man might as soon forget his escape from a shipicrcc/c,
as not know, or remember, that he had experienced that tes-
timony. He will know, and can call to mind, the (i/nc, placf,
and other circH>iista)ic(:s of that precious comforting witness of
pardoning mercy, and of divine acceptance and tiuour.
We are all fully conscious of the natural feelings oi lore, and
nvcrfiioii : oitou/er, viiv)/, amhilion., and the various other y*a.s-
aioufi and omotiona which arise or dwell within us. Surely,
then, on the ground of reason alone, \\q cannot but be con-
i\
sciouH of* tlic presence, and dlivi-l wilnoss aiwl iiilliu-nci' (»t'thi\t
ijracious S])irit who is I'ssciitial hm . and w 'lo, us the Sci'ip-
turcs dcclari', histow.s on the hearts iuul souls lit' rt'i^cncratcs,
his own fruits of • h)ve, joy and peace," nuikinj^ them to
" al)ound," in every eontidinj; and oI)edient heliever.
('hristians arc soUinnly warned and exhorted, not to
" ^ieve," nor " ipiench"' the S[)irit of C>o(l, whereby tiiey are
" seak'd unto tiie day of redemption." One, or other, »)f thesu
awful evils, they will brinr;; u})on themselves, l)y the commis-
sion of known sin, of any description, for Wisdom, it is de-
clared, is a lioli/ as well as a loiitnj 8i)irit, and " will not abide
w hen unrij^hteousness ( '/nuth in." Every believer constantly
re(iuires the renewin;;, strenj^thenin^, and comfortin;j; assist-
ance of that blessed Spirit. Let all therefore, continually, and
earnestly seek his <;racious influences, and cherisii and obey
all liis intimations and leadin«j;s. Then, shall " their peace
flow as a ri\er," and their " rij^liteousness as the wavi's of the
Sea," and the liro;i(|j
the prj
form,
f>rofc'S!-
I', i;
7o
< f;.H
\)C ol
I say on
i\w\ be
llbr wy
fdv the
" Let
lev, -and
f* _ -
m tlicni
.;ic Lord \v;uL lliat ho may bo p;racious unto you, and, tlicre-
bro. will ho 1)0 exalted, that he may have moroy u})()n you :
or the Lord is ;i Goil of jud^mont : hlossod ;u'o all tlioy that
.vait lor him."" L. xxx, Ls
ihat
wait Tor mo
h
xli>
They shall not ho ashamed
"• The Lord is ^ood unto
thorn that w.iit ibr l:im, tinlo the soul that soeketli him. It is
^ooil that a man sIiouM hoih hoj)e, and (juiofly wait for the
esus answcr-
;iu s.iouiii ooui
salva.iion of the Lord."' Lam. iii, 2o, 20. "J
in,:;', -ailh onto thorn, havo I'ailh in Cod."' ^Lirk xi, 22.
'• Who will lu(\o all mon to ho saved, and to ccmic unto the
kn()wk'di;o of tiio trntli."" 1 Tim. ii, '1. "' ^Vitl\out faith it
is iiii])o^>il;le to jiloa.-e lum ; i'ov he tliat eomoth to Cod, must
liolio\'e that iie is; and that ho is n rowardor of them that dili-
h
j,a'uti}' scoK mm
U
00.
xi, 6.
The Lord is not slack
conoorniiiL;' Iiis ])r(nni>o, as some mon eount slackness, h.it is
lom,^ suflbrin.;' to u>-\- ard, not williu;' that any should perish,
but that all .diould oomo to ro[)ontanoe."' 1 I'ot. iii, 9.
Tho foro,^oin^r ])a>in. and ho finally ruined and
minora hli'. On ihc odntiMry, they mairo known, not moioly
I us M'
ill,
!t
H ;iK
•r the iiamnor of men, his earnest
(losir(\ tlait .dl shoiild tiu'ii from evil, and turn unto llim, and
lind nvrox' and foruivones-
ai
will
)ll
lol
loro. am
lot
(.•)■]]
dl
d every n
h
lapiaiioss lu'roaitei
('0(
iftc
Iful
maco and favour
Lil
CO as on eve
ry
olhor sid)i('(t. oontainod in .Sorii-divc, ro'MrdinL:' the human
race,
tl
di'ponsations of Cod toward us. are in perfect ac-
cordance wiih hi^ iniallihlo ami unchan^oahle Word, Lie has,
in that W'oj'ii, doolarod himsflf to bo. — '' nu'rciful and fi;r'acious,
Ion;.,- : ulll rip.;:- and abundant in ;j'oodness and truth. foru;ivin}i;
iniinnt\'. tran.-'U.To.^sion, and !-in. and that will bv no moans clear
tl
10 U'UlltV
ItA
1"
iU.S
4 oxin'!'.- -ion, — "the uiiiltv,"' doubtless.
refers to tlioso, wlio
hi' < II' II I
h nil
in that state
If
////// rem im \\\ tnoir sias, a
th
ind d
10
MO
ih ft on til'; rharact'i- of Ihc I)i\ino Lc-
m:
ro\\at.'(
I in liis ^\'ol•d,
(^ld of infinite purity, cs.;o
n-
tially and niui'ly o]>posc'd to all manner of nnrlLi;htoousnoss,
wlu thor in thouuiil, or desire, woril, ordo(^d, and, then, look
abroad, and behold tho idolatry, impiot}', and nuL'odlinoss,
the profanity, prolli,i;aoy, and wickedness of every imaginable
form, which so greatly ubomid : and much of them, even in
professedly Chri>tian lands, we camiot fail to perceive, that
.1
m
IT I*
lie, wlio i- of Alnii,u,lity pov, cr. and liii" all clrinnit'^. and moans
at his command, and could, thert'f'oj-c. at rjnc.' luin'.'' all tlicsc
evils to an end, l»y cutting- (.'.iwii and piini'^liinLi' all the trans-
n-essors, is, uk
Iced.
n\v^ snttV'rin;;"" an(
nicrcilul
as
H(
has declared himself" to he: and that he wills tli
e //
'/
'ere lont? spared ; aiul if they had imitated
the conduc, of the royal and ])enitent David, would, ;dso, have
obtained mercy fur tiieir souls. An idolatrous Manasseh,
when i)rou^ht to re])ehtance, in his season of captivity, and
deej) atllietion, also found, that the Lord is " prracious." And
to mention no other instances, a second cruel and ])ersecutinu;
Saul, experienced forgiveness, and was exalted to be the
greatest and most successful Apostolic Messenger of mercy
'.o others.
The great and precious atonement, ordained, from the be-
ginning, to be made at the time ap])ointed, and which has ac-
cordingly been offered, has opened the way for the divine long
suffering and mercy to be exercised, towards a rebellious and
wicked World, in harmony with the sacred attributes of holi-
ness and justice. Through that all sufHcient atonement, it is,
that forgiveness can be extended, even to the chief of sinners,
on their sincere rcjientancc, and turniiig to him, who has
borne witli their ingratitude and crimes, and has thus waited
with long suffering that his f/rarc might be magnified, in cheir
pardon and salvation, instead of his holiness and jnsfire in
their eternal misery. The gracious declarations of the long
suffering of the Lord, and his readiness to receive in mercy, the
soul that he incl'nes to turn towards him, are intended, and
serve, to encourago, not oidy the sinner on his first desires and
efforts to obtain forgiveness, but also the pardoned, and par-
tially renewed spirit, through every stage of its prol)ationary
and sanctifying experience. " Whatsoever things were writ-
ten aforetime, were written for our learning, that we, through
patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."
From the first av/akcning and movements of a soul tow ards a
return to (iod. ;^ id seeking salvation, through every stage of
religious expevi'Mice, it is essentially needful, to cherish and
exercise, faith and hope in the divine mercy and grace. One
of the cited texts, declares, that "without faith, it is impos-
sible to ])lease God :" and another, that " He taketh jdeasure
in them that fear him, in them that hope in his mercy." The
gracious Lord, who wills the salvation of all, and who knows
^1
?
78
the miturul frame of s])irit, of each and cvcvy one of us, has
■von it needful to afford, sueli, and so many [ireeious j)ronnses,
as we find in liis ^Vord, to stinudate and encourage every soul,
Avhom lie (h'aws to seek his favour. If it were not for such
conii)relieu.sive and eheerin.L^" i)roniises, many wlio iiave ])ursue(l
a loni; career of reckless and a,n;ii;rav;ited sin, wouLl be Ciist
down in utter (ies])air, and perish ihrou;-'; ui^'eUef of nhlain-
ini;' mercy. Jjct every soul, then, thai feels a siiu'cre de.-iie
to turn from evil, and seek divine fn-yivenes-', l)e cJictair.i^.jd
hy those {gracious promises. Sucli a de.-^ire, is, of it:,vh', a.
token for yood. It comes from (linrc, from '• li'.o FrJher of
lights'' and mercies, and is tlie drawing of that :\)'w\{ of ii'jiil
and l<)rf wiiose (juickening and saving ojjeralion^ liave heeu
l)ureliascd, by the rigliteousness and atoiiin/ sa'riilee (jf our
Almighty and loving Redeemer. The gracious I'atiuu'. thus
draws the awakened soul to come to the Sa\i()ui', and of Jlim
it is declared, — r" 9, bruised reed shall he tiol break, and
smoking ilax shall he not (]uench, till lie send tort!) judgmeiit
nnto victory," to all M'ho sincerely and earne4ly strive, in the
divinely api)()inted way, to secure the hl('s-^illg•. of !iis great
salvation. liut let none who are living ea''( le,-^' in sin and
folly ; or wh.o are at all awakened to a sense of tlieiv '.11 ill and
danger, slight or abuse the divine mercy and f(.i'bjara;u'r.>, am\
continue in their unconverted and guilty slal;.\ roliiv.; in the
delusive thoughf, that at some future .'-ea>on. eouvenieiiL to
themselves, they will seek and secure an escajn.', from tlic
righteous and final retributions of t)oy. On ;.c\-,'ral oc-
casions, he was favoured with cora])unetions of con- cicuce, and
seemed about to turn and amend; but. by continuing in o])cn
and daring transgressions, he became ber^ a \ed ofewry gra-
cious restraint and desire, and filling up lln^ nu ;bure of his
Avickedness, he was left without hoi)e, to ]Kri-li l)y Ids own
guilty hand. IJalaam, also, and Judas, with iindlltiides of
others, through every age, who had means and warnings to
induce and enable th'>m to turn from evil, and seek and find
forgiveness, have, through continuance in co\etousiicss, pride,
y^"
Brii
|!3i
^J)
the
to
■/,■.
;uil
lly
oc-
lul
)cn
his
Wll.
of
to
find
dc
/
or scnsiiulity, or ot' cr I'onns of \vickcdiics<+, been loft dostitulc
of jfracious operations and restraints; and have persisted and
perished in their impenitence and j^uilt. In all such instances,
is frdfilled, these awful, but ri<>hteous declarations of a just
and holy (iod, — " My Spirit shall not always strivewitlnnan;" —
"lie, that ])ein;^ often reproved, hardenelh his neck, siiall
suddenly he destroyed, and that without remedy." " iieeause
I have called and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand
and no man re,t,ar(led ; but ye iuive set at nout^lvt all ni}' roun-
sel, and woidd none of my re])roof ; 1 will lau^h at your ca-
lamity, 1 \\'1H mock wlien your fear cometh ; wiien yi)ur fear
comelh as dcsnlnfion, and your destruction cometh as a whirl-
wind; when distress e.nd anu;uish cometh upon you: then
shall they call u[)on me but 1 will not answer ; they siudl seek
me early, but tlu'y shall n-^t fiml me." To avoid the wretehed
condition of tliose to whom these awful declarations apply, let
every careless as well as awakened sinner, beware of temi)tino coufesseth, and forsaketh them, shall
luue mercy." Pr()\-. x.wiii, ll3. "Cease to do evil; learn
to do well." U. i, IG, 17. "Let the wicked forsake his
way. "ud tlie inu'ijiteous man his thoughts, anil let him return
u
nto the Lord, and he will liave mercy upon him ; and to our
God, for he will abundantly pardon." Ls. Iv, 7. " llej)ent,
and turn youi'selves I'rom all your transgressions, so iniquity
shall not be your ruin." I'.z. xviii, 30.
Sow to yourselves
in rig]itc(;i;^'iess. and reap in mercy." llos. x, 12 " Repent
ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Math, iii, 2.
" Bring forth Uiereforc fruits meet for repentance," H v.
M
80
r 'i!'
ft
r
^.:
'^ If any man will come after mc, let liim deny himself, and
t-ake u]) his cross, and follow me."' Math, xvi, 21. '* Ko;
pent ye, therefore, and l)e converted, that your sins may be
hlottetl out, when the times of refreshin<^ shall ccmie, from the
presence of the Lord." Acts iii, 19. '' Testifyin<:f both to
the Jews, and also to the Greeks, re|)entanee toward God. and
faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts xx, 21. "Cleanse
your hands ye simicrs, and purify your hearts ye double mind-
ed,- be afflicted, and mourn, and weep, let your lauf^hter be
turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Huml)le your-
selves in the sight of the Lord, and he .shall lift you up."
James iv, H, 9, 10. " lie not deceived, evil communica-
tions corrupt good manners." I C'or. xv, !3i3. " Come out
from among them, and be ye se])arate, saith the Lord, and
touch not the \mclean thing, and I will receive you, and will
be a Father vnUo you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,
saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Cor. vi, 14.
The I'SHcitfial recpiisitcs at the commencement of seeking
salvation, namely, — llvpenlnnci.\ and forsakitm sin, arc so
clearly set forth, in the foregoing Scriptures, diat, it is pre-
sumed, none who have any belief whatever, in divine truth,
can mistake their meaning, or reasonabl"' deny, the necessity
and duty, of the com])liance required, if any number of the
subj^'cts of a civil government, should go into open rebellion
against its authority and laws, none will deny, that before they
could reasonably expect, or ask for pardon, and to be restored
to the privileges and advantages of the government, they must
cease frotn their rebellious acts, — ^^express sincere regret fo'*
their violations of allegiance and duty ; and not only willingl;
and heartily promise, but actually yield, that submission am
obedience, which the constitution and laws of the governmcni
require. Surely, then, they who have, in innumerable in-
stances, disregarded the auiliority, and violated the laws ol
that glorious Kuler of the Universe, Avha gave them existence,
has preserved and sustained them in life ; and bestowed upon
them every blessing they have ever enjoyed; surely, the>/
should humble themselves before their 'liviiie Sovereign and
Benefactor ; acknowledge their rebellion and offences, with
sincere soito\V and regret ;•■ — cease from all their transgres-
sions ; and seek for forgiveness on the terms which he has gra-
ciously jirescribed for obtaining it ; and for his mercy and
SI
ti
I'.-iVouv in tlic I'lilurc. All must admit, that suc-li a course cif
conduct is every way becoming, and just and reasonable. But,
here, let us examine and ascertain, what is meant by the re-
])entanee divinely enjoined, — and what, according to the in-
sj)ired Word, does it re(|uire and comprehend. Some may,
at once, say, it means, of course, a regret and sorrow I'or vio-
lations and neglects of duty. This as a general answer, is
])erfectly correct. l)ut this further point is to be ascert. lined,
what is the dt scrlji/luii, or, nature of that regret and sorrow,
and to what ijiunirr, and to wliixt prtrtindars do they refer?
AVc know that these feelings arise from a great variety of
causes, and arc very diverse in their nature and eifects. Every
individual, who has by his own wilful conduct, brought upon
himself, altticlivc or ruinous eifects; and, especially, one of
that character, wlio is about to die: and has any sense or
feeling whatever, of his guilty state: though he may not
openly confess his sorrow, yrt will inwardly regret, or deplore,
that he Ibllowed such a ccjurse of transgression, as brought,
him into that state of eonscioas guilt, anil of dreail of cons(>-
quent misery in a i'uture state. There are vast numbers who
have all these feelings of regret, of guilt, and ai)j)rehen>ion,
both while in health and strength, and when drawing near to
death : and, yet, have nothing at all of that repentance, which
this scriptural term implies and requires. The repentance
mentioned in Scripture, as preparatory to, and lo-rccn'iiiti the
divine pardon, includes, it is true, a regret and sorrow for sins
committed: but it is not, merely, because of their ilistressing
conse(piences : but it is a "godly sorrow," having a relerence
to the Divine l>eing : aid under a view of tiiose sins, as un-
gratefully autl M ickedly conuiiitted against his righteous au-
thority aiid laws, and gracious forbearance. It is, in Scrip-
ture, expres'^iy called, a " goilly sorrow," working " repentance
unto salvaiion" or leading to it ; — 1\ '• repentance unto life."
Jt ])roduces a sense of shame, and of more or less dee]i hu-
miliation before (jrod, for having disreganled, and olfended
against, his continuetl mercy and goodness : and is ever ac-
companied, with a siiicere desire, and resolution, to cease
from transgression, and turn unto liim, in the way of faith
and obedience, as enjoined in his Word. But, further, such
a repentance, no individual, unaided by di\ine grace, can
originate or produce in himself. It is, in its very inception,
I,
4i
m.
ii;
W-:
s-»
.1 divine ;^"ift. 'l'!io Scriptures decljirc, (hat .)csu« is exulted
*• to be ;i Prince an:l a Saviour, for to ^ive repentance to Israel,
and l'()r;^ivene.ss of sins :'" and that •• (io'l, also, to the (ien-
tiles hath {^ranted re})en(ancc unto life." The ])romise in
J-'i/.ekiel xi, 1'.*. is to the same effect, — '* ! v.ill ltIvc them one
heart, :\\i:\ I will pr.t a nev,' Spirit v>ith:n you : and f will tak(!
the stony heart out of their ll( ^h, and will ''ive them a heart
of flesh." Ciod is the *■ (iiver of evej-y j;nod and perfect f^if't."
Jt is, tiii'refore, as true of all i^C'nnin.e converts at the present
day, as is scrii)turally declared ol' t!ie Mphesian l)elie?crs, —
'• ^'()u liath he (piickened, who ^\■ere dciid in trespasses and
sins."' The Holy S))irit, is, llr vJio rourhi (•!■.■< of sin. From
u consideration of this Altai \\m\ must important truth, that
true rej)entancc i^'. throu;^!! a (l!ri,i<' (>])eration, let every soul
beware of contimiin^' in sin, lest the j^race of rc])entance, be
withheld, or withdrav, a ; and h.ardness and final impenitence,
com])lete its doom and misery. If this jj;race of ,u;enuine re-
jientauce,
nu
leed,
earnestiv an
1
)erseverin'MV souu
ht, by
the awakened sinner, it will, as with reference to every other
needed ble.ssin;j;, be surely trive, that it may early result in a j;'en\une spiritual repent-
i)\ve\er, beware
am
e, unto ;.i,'osi)el life and salvation. Let all, 1:
of resting;' in a mere reformati(e ot tlu' divinely })rom
and assisted repentance, there must, indeed, be a reformation
of tiie external conduct, in tiie Ibrsakin-j,' of every sinful and
unri^t;liteous act, and every form ofiiii([uity and evil. A mere
sorrow for past trans<;ressions, without such an amendment in
-would be of no avail, as to obtaining the
i\ii>f; rnr;.;ivcncss and favur. A nnmbrr '"'f tlie Scriptures
mora! behaviour,
U
evil, t
^aviou)
^irgiufj
ore."'
an invit
«»cc', ai
or at ]ct
^o for so
'incondit
^rcmely
s;;
i-c m
)US."'
not
fed
ad of
thcni
and
>pcnt-
nvarc
. con-
Ltance
CO, it
H,
and let him retui'u unto tli'' Lord." — " ('tii>e to do evil, vm]
learn to do well."" it i> oniv to hiiii wlui both
(■'*//
frSSifir
and "^/iJi'fiii/.i III" his sId, that the promise of jjardon is made.
Throughout the in'ospid in\itations to the unconverted, repent-
ance i.s mentioned, as prin iliini that I'.sith in tlie Saviour,
through which ])ardon is obtained. The rcMaled plan of sal-
vation, has invari.ibly prestribed, the order and method ofob-
tainintf for;^lveness, in the IbllowiPLT, and similar term-. —
'• Repent ye, and belicNc the u'ospel :"" — '• ivepenf. and turn to
God, and do works nutt for re])'.nianei' : *• liepeniance to-
■ward God and faith t(!\\ardour l/ird .lesus ( Inist.'" Mvcy
intelli^fcnt mind, not entirely blinded and enchained by the
j)0wer of evil ])roi)ensities, an(. jiractices. will readily see, and
acknowled;;;e. that, in seekiui; salvation, the re])entance and
external amendment retjuired, ari', on the ui'ound of ri'ason
alone, perfectly appropriate and just. Tlie word /'//'/'/"//'•'',
as ii.sed in the Scrii)tures, imi)lies. of itself, and includes, a
turninfT from the ways of sin, as well as of sorrow towards
God, for all ))revious transgressions. 'I'his hd/rr, without the
former wonld not only be hypocritical, and utterly inconsistent
and absurd, but would greatly increase the ])revious <,fuilt.
Here, may be briefly noticed, an error in the exhortations
and efforts of' some, who are sincerelv deslrinti; and (iideavour-
ing, to induce the unconverted to seek sahalion. Without
saying any thing to them about repentance, or turning from
evil, they, merely, at once Invite them to come to the
Saviour, and give him their hcnis fretjuently inviting and
Mnjinrj them, in these, and similar terms. — " i-omr Jimf us you
are.'' Now, there is no Scrii)tural warrant, or sanction, for
an invitation, thus unattended with any exhortation to rojtoit-
ance, and turning to the Lord, and simultaneously forsaking,
or at least openly declaring, a sincere and firm determination
to forsake all ways of sin and f/jitfvr3. As alnaiiy oIciimhI, not haviiw^ ;iiiy
ciMiscious apj)rc'lifnsi()U of tlu-ir really .siiilul ami ;,'iii!l\ state. —
of the evil and hatefulness, of sin, in the si^^lit of a holy (iod, —
and of the true nature and extent of his laws and r( iiuirenients
eoncernin<; thehi, they are, throuL'h the native deceit (uhn'^s of
tlu ir luaits, soothetl and enchained, in a hclief, that they iin-
i;i a state of security, or, at least, of ^ood and eonsolin;,' hope,
I'oi' the eterTial World. 'I'hus, they deceive tlieinselvi's, and in
very many instances, are finally ruined. They are sinular to
those who build upon the sand: and if they continue in their
s^fijij>»0 /'''iff'^ fi"(i fi conscious sense of pardon,
throuiih the divine witness, has already becri described. It is
ever accompanied, with a conviction of the duty of immediately
ceasin;^ troni all o])en sins and inmioralitu's ; and ])rouuces
desires and endeavours, to w;iik in the ways of integrity and
righteousness.
liCt us, now, in the light and guidance of scriptural truth,
advert to some ))articulars of conduct, which should be ob-
served, by every individual, who is in a state of genuine re-
])entancc ; and is sincerely seeking the divine forgiveness and
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i'.uour. Ifc is conivnauded to •• liu'u lioiii all liis Iraubgies-
sions ;" to " cease to do evil and learn to do \veil." lie must,
therefore, at once, obedic ntly cc)iii))ly. with irill and intdrt^
Avith these sacred and rei: .onable injunctions ; and seek assis-
tance from above, to enable him to do so effectually. Ho
must abandon every ojjenly sinful and inrinoral ]n'actice. in
■\vhicii he l)efore indidii'ed : — every sj)ecies of conduct wluch
rn/isciciirf forbids: anfl. esjiecially, which the divint; WOnl
jirohibits, and shows him to be contrary to religious truth and
duty, lie must al)hor, and avoid, tlie sli.ylitest tendency, or
a])j)r(jach, towards any s]iecies of profaneness, |)rofli;^'acy. or
dissoluteness :" — all disjionesty and unrivip-
"• i
tuviil and injudifiou.s ( xhortutioiis and ad\i{jL; of frii.'iids and
others, heiiiL;" rclinious })rotess()r.s, who, like thvir converts,
have been brouuht into a ])r()l'ession of rcli;^ion, and of beini^
conivr/ril : and into chiiii-h j'l lln/r^/nn^ thr(jULi,'h a ^inuhir
c'onrse of unscri])tural instruction: and. tiius, //i' ms/-lr>\^ were
never truly converted, but, reall\. belonged to the same chi.^s
of .s' //' r/rrT/V'vs. Such persons will ur^'ently [)ress those they
are seekin<; to convert, with these and similar entreaties. —
•• (.'ome to Jesus."" — •• ^■ivc- ycnu' he;irt. at once, to the liOrd,"
without sayin;^ a syllable, about the (li\ ine c()niniamls re;^'ard-
iui^' re])entance, and tui'niuL;' from the ways and associations of
sin and folly, 'i'hey thus speak, and exhort, just as thou;:i;h
it were in the power ol' an intll\Idual, at any time he ])leased,
to chanyje his own xnir,/ and h'url, and unaided b\ urace to
love tlu' Lord, and become a real cou'.crt to true religion.
This cannot be done, t)_\' merely hnin'iii eli'orts. Ibr the inspired
words, still a]iply. — " Xo man hath (|uick( ned his own soul,"
*• Xo man can come to me, except the Father which hath ^,■nt
me, f/i-'iir him, " — -'• Without //;■■, ye can do nothinL,^"" — mean-
in;j,', — w ithout his L;'racious ijnir, r and ui/hnife. 'Idie unscri])-
tural and nn<^uarded exhortations and elforts, which ha\e here
heen noticed, may, and very i'reipnntly do. serve towards in-
crcasint^' the numbers in churches : — to such an extent indeed,
in sonie of them, that, at lenn'th. '^uch s'/j tdrn'r, ,:■<, in the
wdiole, form the very laru^e majority of church mend)ersldp.
From what has here been said, let it not, however, be, for
a moment, su])j)osed, that it is the opiiuon of the writer, that
(ii III
freciuent /mi n fid, and ///■
dressed to the unconverted bv minisleis, auc
'rsuasions, are not to be ac
I all lither reliuio
us
pr
ofcssor;
Xot merelv his opinion, l)ut his full lumrirlinn is
alto^i'ether otherwise, 'i'hey should, by all the j)rofessed friends
of religion, be often, and atiectionately warned, and exhorted,
to seek the salvation of their souls ; but such addresses, should
exhorted to abandon liis
merely sensual indul;4:ences ; his course of seelcim; ^ratifica-
tion, (jr what is called enjoyment, in tlic worse than wan ])ur-
suits, — the ensnaring and dissipating scenes, of an nngodly,
and nm"iglitcous World. The unconverted /(///"f/';, should, in
like manner, l)e warned and exhorted, to kiy aside her giddy and
vain conversation, and ways : her nnseendy and glaring exhi-
])itions, and fooleries in ;iters would there
■•• break out," and " streams in the desert," which would soon
^ rejoice and blossom as the rose ;" — the eves of tlie blind
would be opened and the '"ears of the deaf be unstoi)ped ;" —
the sjiiritual converts woidd be many, and flourish, as •' trees
of righteousness," of the '• planting of the Lord's right hand :"
the people would then, indeed, be " all taught of the Lord:"
and great would be the jn'ace and iirosfirnl ij of his earthl}
Zion.
5,
;». Means or Guack, — Pu.wi.k. — •• The Lord is nigh unto
all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."'
Ps. cxlv, IH. •' Offer unto God thaidvsgiving, and pay thy
vows unto the Most High; and call iipon me in the day of
trouble ; I Avill deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Ps.
1, 11, lo. •• Ask, and it shall be given you, .seek, and
yc shall hnd, knock, and it shall be opened unto you. —
and
litury
there
soon
blind
trees
;;.n(l ; '
>ord :"
arthh
;r
1 nnto
nth."'
ly th>
av ot
"^ Ps.
(V, and
,-ou. —
89
p'or every one that asketh, retcivetli, and lie tiiul st'ekclh^
fiudeth, and to him that knocketh, it sliall he o])ened." " If
ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts imto your
children, how much more shall your heavenly ratiur, give
the Ilol}' iSjnrit to them that ask him."' Luke xi, 'J, 10.
13. " And lie spake a ])arable unto them, to this
end, that men ought always to ])ray, and not to iaint." Luke
xvili, 1. " Continuinginstant ini)rayer."' Rom. xii, 12.
" If any of you laek wisdom, let hini ask of (iod, that giveth
to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given
him ; but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering."" James i,
5, 6. " If I regard inicpiit} in my heart, the Lord will not
hear me."' I's. Ixvi, 18.
The necessity and the duty of prayer ; — of sincere and earnest
su})plieation, to the '• Giver of every good and ])erfeet gift,"
are plainly and rejjcatedly declared and enjoined in Scripture,
as applying, from the lirst thoiight or desire of a soul for
spiritual conversion, through every stage and condition of re-
ligiiuis experience. The nrrcssifi/, is owing to our being
naturally sinful creatiu'cs, and being dependent on (iod, for
every good and blessing we need, or enjoy ; and the (hifi/ is
ecjually plain and imperative, for He has not only 'xlxirhd,
but has cojnniKnih'l us to ask importunately i'or his pardon,
and all the other mercies and favours we reciuire, '• I will yet
for this be enipured of by the house of Israel, to do it for
them,"' says the Lord : and, again, — " i*ray always." '"Ye
liave not, because ye ask not,"' is the ri iiroitrii of divine wis-
dom, and benevolence, and which so often a]i])rK's. In every
age, (^ven the nations and tribes, under idolatrous and false
.systeilis of religion, have felt the necessity of some sui)ernatural
assistance ; and, acccu'dingly, have been frequent and earnest
in their prayerful a]iplications to their deities, or other in-
visible beings, in whom they belie\ed and confided; and from
whom they expected, they would, thus, obtain the protection
and other aflvantages, which tliey felt that they constantly
needed ; and which they believed, those deities, alone, had the
power to bestow. How diii'erent to these, is the eondiu't of
many wiio profess to believe in Christianity, as tlie only truf
religion ; and though favoured with all the gospel niefin:- for
thc' renewal, and salvation of their souls, yet greatly, or wlirilly,
nrjk'ct, i)raycr to a God of infinite (jr'o-p and /imr'.r. for ob
iill
i'^
V
(|5(«
'.Kl
I.
' i
i .
J'h'
tainiiig his .spiritiia'l mcrcirs and l/lcssinj:.-. Siirci}, all siuh
.'iro, indeed, in utter blindnes>, tlirouy-li sin. and, conseijuentl} .
form a part of that vast and unha])j)y multilmle, who, as the
Seriptures deelare. are '" livin;^ without (iod, ^ru\ witiiout ho])e
in the World.'" Probably, most (^f them, dceasionally, or even,
statedly, attend on public reli,u,ious nunistrations •, or, at some
very com-fnlrnt (iiiir, look into a I>ible. Hut, thc>-e outward
perl'ornianees, are very far froni being ii suftieient eoni])liance,
with the plain and striet re(|nisitions of the Divine Jieing, set
forth in his AVord, for earnestly, and eonstantly asking, and
striving, to seeurc the mercies and graces of his great salva-
tion. The condition on which these inestimable blessings are
promised, certainly, cannot be thought of, as an objection, or
a reason for neglecting to seek their fiilHlment in ])ersonal ex-
perience. None are required to macerate, or torment their
bodies, or ])erform long and distressing pilgrimages, or penances,
as the idolatrous and superstitions imagine they are required
to do, in order to obtain the ])ardo]i and other blessings
they desire. With our gracious and benevolent God, the
rondition, tor obtaining his spiritual blessings, merely is, —
" Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find,"
" knock," and the door of mercy ' shall be opened unto you."
C'an any offers, possibly, be more free and gracious r Now,
suppose an individual of \-ery great wealth, and of extensive
worldly advantages and influence ; and well known to be a
))erson of veracity anil t)enevolence. should ])ubliely declare
his will and readiness, to bestow from his possessions, jjifls
and jiiiDtirs gratuitously on all who would merely ask for
them: ^\e shoidd t'eel perfectly convinced, that many a))plica-
ti(nis M'oulrl \cry s[)eedily be made. The promises of the
gospel, are certainly as free, and are. incomparably, greater
and better, than in the case supposed: for they are made by
Ilim, who is tlu- Owner and Lord of lieavtn and Ivarth ; and
the giits jiromiscd. are infinitely mnrc^ valiial)le than the others,
for they are such as *• eye hath not s(>en. nor ear heard, neither
hath it (Mit(n-ed intc, the I'cart of man to coneri\-c." of their i-ich-
ness and I'uIik^-s r.f enjoynuMit ; and what i-^ the best of all,
they are nf i himil iliiyalion . ^'et , wr' know, tliaf nnriads,
who li.'ive (bc^e p;T»mise'< frequently iinri nrrreutlv b''ou,dit t^
their noti( e. and liav(- the l)l("--.in;;s tluN hold lorih. eoii'-tantlx
'vithin iheir ]'facli, iie^^ieff cww in .-isk t<> (iKt.-iin them- —
^)l
1 sail)
iicntly.
us tlu;
.it hopu
n- even,
;i( some
mtwavtl
jliiincc,
int^, set
;!<;■, and
t salva-
lnji;s arc
tioii, or
:>nal cx-
nt llicir
.'uaiiccs,
required
)lessin<2;s
lod, the
?lv is, —
ill find,"
pto you."
No^\^
tensive
to be a
declare;
s, (ji/l!^
ask for
])|)lica-
of the
fj;rcater
nade by
th : and
others,
neither
eir rich-
st of all.
myriads.
ou.:ht t"
iistanth
thcni. —
M.iny. of ,.U( 1j ptrsoir-. .uc niorr or less frecjiiontly \isite(l
uithy)ff///y'V// thouiilits and fi/qiri Ik nsion^. concerning; ((nafli and
■Iriniti/, fceliujj; conscieus. that they are not spiritually pre-
jiared for those awful realities • and luive no \\o\h\ or fit (piali-
lications, fbr the conii)auN and eniftvnicnts ot' the iietivcnlv
stat(\ W'hal a j)roof does all sucli coiuhh t afford, of tiu'
nati\e recklessness of num. ^ith rei^ard to his hij^hest and
most enduring interi-sts I The diviiu> ])roniises of spiritual
blessinj^s, are not only //•''''. but they are held forth to nil, who
sincerely desii'e, and sci'k to obtain tiieir fidfihnent ; fur to all
such tlio jjjracious declaration is niaile, — •* wliosocvcr shall
call upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered." For all
who lack wisdom, or a.ny ollu'r ;^rac(', and sincerely ])ray. it
is written, for full encouraji'eraent avd contidc rce. — "• He
{^iveth to all men liberally, and upbraidcth not." Jiut let all
sucli, see to it, that they ask with pcrsevcrinjj; earnestness,
and in the full belief of receiving: for it is also written, —
*' let him ask in faith, nothin,i; doubtin<,%" " for witluuit faith
it is impossible to please llim." Prayers, for iror/rlli/, oi
temporal ^ifts and advantaj.?es, may not always be precisely
answered, for the Lord nuiy see, that they would not be fcr
the real benefit of the ap])licant ; but we never can err, in
asking for siiirifnal blessings, for the Loi'd is ever ready and
willing to im])art these, to all who solicit them, with faith and
earnest importunity. Lvery burdened and seeking .sovd, may.
therefore, be encouraged and cheered, by the numerous gra-
cious promises of llim, *' who changeth not ;" and jierscvering
in fervent su])])licati(jn, they will ex])erience their full accom-
plishment, in conscious ])ardon and peace. l)Ut every such
soul must beware of cherishing or iiululging in any known
sin, or divinely ibrbidden ccjurse, ibr the s;m\e infallible word
declares, — " If 1 regard inicpiity in my h(>arl, the Lord M'ill
not hear me;" and gives the solemn command, — "Cleanse
your hairds y(^ sinners, and purify your h(>arts ye double
minded."
4. Seaeciiing .VXD Obeying the SciiinrREs. — •• Where-
withal shall a vouna man cleanse his wav : Hv taking heed
thereto, accordinsr to thv Word." Ps. cxix, \).
Thv Word
have 1 hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee
11 v.
unto my ])ath." 10.") v
Thy Word is u lamj) unto my feet, and ;i light
H
ear instruction, and bv wise.
!)'i
:,.t
w
n
' I !
ii'l
Mu\ rcrusc it nui. 1'U's:.;cmI is the man that licareth \m\
wutchinp,' daily al my ^Mtes, waitin;;' at the [losts of my duors."'
Vrov. viii, .'So, 'A 1. •• W'huso ckspi^scth tiie Wcn'd shall be
destroyed ; hut he tliat iearcth the commandment, shall be
rewarded." I'rov. .\iii, l-'J. " Take heed, therelbre, how ye
hear." liuke viii, 1>H. " liut he said, yea, rather, blessed
are they that hoar the Word of God, and keep it."' Luke xi,
28. •• Search the Scriptures." John v, 29. '• Faith
cometli b\' hearing, and hearinf^ by the Word ot" (iod." Kom.
X, 17. "Take the sword ol' the Spirit, which is the; Word
of (jod.'" J'lpli. vi, 17.
The above cited textSj plainly show, that it is indispensably
required of every seeker of salvation, who has the sacred
Scriptures w itliin his reach, to search them dilii^ently, for
instruction, ilirection, ami duty. They afford, indeed, the
only authoritatixc ruk; nnd f^niide, as to religious faith and
conduct. They have been graciously given to us, to be made
'* prcfitable, for doctrine, for reprgyf, for correction, for in-
struction in righteousness ; that the man of CJod may be
[jerfcct, thrcjughly furnislied unto all good works;" and, also,
'• for patience and comfort," that Ave " might have hope."
fJiL'-, in regard to the duty enjoined on all who are favoured
with these sacred oracles, to search them diligently, and obey
their comnuinds, it may be remarked, as was done, respecting
rrai/cr, that vast immbers, thus favoured, greatly, or alto-
getlu'r fail, to avail themselves of the instruction, and other
precious blessings they offer, by neglecting to look into them,
to learn, and secure, (he treasures they contain, and so freely
offer. Here, again, is made strikingly manifest, the reckless-
ness and folly of inan, in his ui.regenerate state. He will
study and toil, early and late, to obtain a knowledge of some
worldly occupation, by which he may gain, and hoard up
V'dltli, which he kno\\s he may at any moment be compelled,
by fli'iilh, to leave to others ; and, yet, though warned and
invited to search the Scriptures, for durable knowledge and
riches, he wilfully neglects and refuses comj)liance.
There are not a few, who have .some desires, for obtaining
.■scriptural knowledge, and direction ; but, through indolence,
or som(> other improper cause, they remain content to receive
vfhose blessings, chietiy, or entirely, in a second hand manner,
^iirough the miniitrv or instruction Ot" ..others. Thev are liko
i
•!n
i
(he ii:f(l sown bv the " wav .suU'," whidi is s])e;'(lilv corricil off,
by the l)inls of prt'V, or jxTishcs uiulcr foot. 'I'lu'v \\vav jit
the moment of ilelivery, but the Word not takinj^ iiohl on the
und'Ts/anilln;/ and com^rnniy', nnd not beinrr treasured up in
tlio IN' inorif, they lose sueh transitory instruction, ahnost as
soon as tiiey reecive it ; and never permanently secure the
recjuisite anrl savint^ knowledj^e of "-the tilings of the Kin;^-
doni." In order to obtain and increase that knowledj^^e, there
must lie a ptirsonnl. and very frequent and attentive examina-
tion, of the sacred orhcles, accompanied with earnest and
believinf? supplications, that the Holy Spirit of lir/lif, and /o)/'',
who indited them, may shine \ipon the understandin.L,' and the
heart ; and convey the truth with power, for instruction and
comfort : givinj:^, as scripturally declared, " the light of the
knowled,i!;e of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Ciirist."
There must, also, be an immediate , and refuse it not ;" and for
encouragement, declares " Blessed is the man that heareth
me, watching daily at my gate*;, waiting at the posts of .my
doors.''
5. Mkditatio?; anp S- s.f Ta-' .viination. — ■' This book
of the law shall not depart out of thy month, but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night ; that thou mayest observe to do,
according to alltljat is M-ritten therein." Jo.sh. i, 8. '* Com-
mune with your own heart upon your bed, and b( still." Ps.
iv, 4. " I commune with mine own heart, and my spirit
made diligent search." Ps. Ixxvii, 6. •• I will meditate
in thy })recepts." Ps. cxix, 1.'5. "• I thought on my ways.
and turned my feet unto thy testimonies." oO v. •• Ponder
-"■ Meditate on these
the path of thy feet." Prov. iv, 26.
things, give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may
appear to all." 1 Tim. iv, !,*).
JM
b
fi\-
:.;!
Duvini^ till- very fir.sf exercises aiul ellurts, lur odtiiiulng tin
tliviiie purilon, and ucceptiuu^e, as well as through the wliolc
of Christian experience, it is essentially needful, that tlieri'
shonld he fre(|uent, and most attentive meditation, on the
divine Word ; and chvse, and faithful examination, as to per-
sonal inclinations and feelinj^.. ; anil the external conduct. —
Ileason, as well as inspired revelation, show the necessity of such
a duty, and ])oint to the spiritual advantages to he secured hy
its faithful ohservance. At the hej^innin^; and close of every
day, some portion of time, however hrief, should be devoted
to its j)erforniance, and, most especially, should sucii exercises
secure extended attention, on the daif of ii
<»!' clcrnal ^'Uirv ami lra)»]»im'SN r 'I'lic answer ti> oxcry such a[)-
pcal, will, (louhtk'ss, l)y all, — i-xccpt the utterly rtckliss, —
l)c to the siimc cfiVct. Jiut, ahis, how low, thou^'h aduiittiuj^
the transconchintly ^Tcatcr iniportaiice oi' spirit mil imd ffcrual,
than of tcmptn-til interests, yield, iti practice, to the claims of
the /'nnii'-r\ and tndy and jxTscverin^ly comply with Wis-
dom s injunrti(»ns, — " Consider your ways, and he wise." —
*' j)r(pare to meet thy (Jod :'* — " giving all diligence to nuike
your calling and election sure I"
(1. Dn ifiF,!T( r, AND j*^;Rs^,^ i,i;an( i;. — "And he, i^Jacoh,'i
said, I w ill not let thee ;^o, exce})t thou hlcss me;" (Jen. xxxii,
LM). •• And he i)lessed him there." '_".) v. " Hut if, from
thence, thou shalt seek the Lonl thy (iod, thou rshalt find him,
if thou seek him with all thy heart, and with all thy soul."'
Dc'Ut. iv, 2\K •• ISlothfulness castetli into a deep sleep : and
an idle soid shall suffer hunger." Prov. xix, 1.1. '• And yo
shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for nu' with
all your heart." .Ter. xxix, ]']. '• The Lord is f^ood unto
theut that wait for him, unto the soul that secketh him."
Lam. iii, 2.'>. "And Jesus said \into him, no man having
put his hand to the ])lough, and looking; hack, is fit for the
kiuLidom of (iod." Luke ix; 02. " Striv(» to enter in at
the strait gate, for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter
in, and shall not be able." Jiuke xiii, 21. "Work out
your own salvation with fear and trembling : for it is (iod
which worketh in you, b(jth to will and to do of his good
pl( asm-e. Phil, ii, 12, L'). " He that cometh unto (iod,
must believe that He is ; and that He is the rewarder of them
that dilij^rcntly seek him." Heb, xi, 0. " Wherefore, the
rather brethren, give diligence to make your calling and elec-
tion sure : for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." 1
Pet. i, 10.
Of the numerous misapprc^hensions, and mistakes, which
prevail regarding religion, there is none more frccpicnt, and,
if persisted in, attended with more ruinous consequences, than
the one which relates to the degvei' of <'fforf and (Uligenrc,
which it is rcfpiisite for man to put forth, and maintain, in
order to gain the divine pardon and acceptance : and seeurr
his soul's .'salvation. There are some, who, from a spirit ol'
jihfirinaic. self ri{?htoousnrss, in a way of their own delusive
•uppnsitlon. ;ind ll(•vi'^in^. think, rind endca\niir. to secure
1-
■' ! 'ir
9i}
ll'W'
i '4
r
m
li
**lit'lr fiiinl sulvutioii. by the pcrlunnaiice ul' certuiu outward
nets ui d' lullitn, Juad'-i , and hiniiod ni'> : luul by tlw.'ir gcnerul
upright, iiiid inor;d bMluivioiir. Few, if any of tlicni, will
j^lainly i.c'kii(j\\lud;,f(',- tliat such is their depeudaiici', but,
throu'^h the natural deceitfulness of the heart, these external
pcrfornumces, in reality, form the chief, if not the only f^round,
on whieli tiuy are secretly, and unconsciously to themselves,
actually relyin;^, for seeurinj^ tiie divine favour, anil their
ultimate safety. On the oth<^r hand, there are those, and,
probably even a much lar^^er numl)(;r, who, in what is called
iin Autinninian, and sfilf ranial .'>pirit. art' chcrishinjr a false
and unsci-iptural faith, or hojie, iu the divine m(^rcy, and the
merits of the Itedeemcr ; while, all alon^', they are involved,
or enchained, in vuirlrflinrss of desire and feelin;^, and are
f^oinj^ to a greater or lesser extent, iiv the ways of sin and
lolly. As one has said of them, they have a " lovirvj Jesus,
often on their //y'5," but they have not a '"^ lio/if Christ in their
/ii'diis." They have never, l)y the .'^Mrit's' power, been fully
convinced of their native depravity, and the maj^niitude and
•^uilt of their actual transgressions. The " fallow f,'ro\ind" of
their hearts, has ncTcr been fully jiloui^died up. The (lond
iiii'd has been sown amon;,' /Ao/'//5, which have prevented it
from takiu';' ])ermanent root, and ])i'oducing the fruits of sj)i-
ritual riji;hteousness. They have not attained to the true
gospel /"(/(V/i, which works by /o)v% " ])Urifies tiic heart, and
overcomes the World," and that indirces and sustains that
self denial, M-hich the Saviour enjoins on alK who would follow
him ; and that recpiired abstinence from all those " fiesjily
lusts whicli war against the soid." ]t is rather difficult to
May, which of these hro (7nfs,s''M of pc^rsons, is in the most
(h'.ngorous state. P)oth of them are in dcej) and ])ornicio''. .
error ; and continuing therein, the eternal coi>se(iuences will
i)e eipially ruinous. The Scriptural direction contained in one
of the passages cited, as to man workinfi out his " own salva-
tion," while G(xl irorks " in him," is directly opposite to both
these errors ; awl if rightly inidci-stood, and faithfully and
persevcringly carried out, by man, his prcs(>nt and eternal
salvation, would, indeed; be fully secured. H7.s«'/o///*.s- ways,
as divinely declarecV, are, indeed, ways of fJvafitniln' ss and
peace and lead to genuine and permanent happiness. They
produce a con«»tantlr etpial movement, and comjiosure of mind.
in
111
like ti) the uiiniUl'.cl tluwiuj; of ;i j/'/(^/(. .s/c' (f//(, antl m-huic ii
••joy with \v'ruli a stran<,'cr intcnnrddlcth not." Hut, still,
it must not 1,'c (iNnulsod, that a truly icli^ious course, is one
of.s'//' ili)i!til, of all nurc fleshly anrin-
rijihs and ;;(o//''' s', an!ritii.allij enlightened and in-
formed ; — the desires, and affections of the heart, are to be
changed; — the jiroud and stubl )rn nadi'c irlll to be subdued,
and to be brought into subjection to tlie (Urine Will, and
<}Hi(Jance. The ncvj feelings and affections, are to be cher-
ished and guarded; — earnest prayer, circiDnspPction, and
icatclifulness, are to be constantly exercised; together with
earnest scarcJi into Scriptural truth ; — frequent and close adf
vxamination ; — regular attendance on the services of the
yanrfnarj/, and other religious nieans and observances; with
frequent, and serious meditation, on divine truth: — and re-
garding the iinrnril spiritual state; — and the tenor and cha-
racter of the external conduct. The duties which justice, and
^1
- »
I 'I I :};
., i
( ! 1
i!,.
■I I'
it
m
DM
mercy, truth and rifrhtcousncs.s. at all times, iinperativcl}^
require ; and as 8crii)turally commanded, must, also, be con-
stantly regarded and obeyed. Wlicn all these exercises and
duties are considered, aiul which, by the inspired Word, are
required of man, when seekin<^ his soul's salvation, it will be
seen, ti. it it is, indeed, essentially requisite, that, while bein<^-
stimulated and assisted by divine f^ace, he should, on his own
part, be perseverin{i,ly careful, to depart from all cuil, ami
learn to S.
** John seeth Jesus cominjif unto him, and saith, liehokl the
Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." .John
i, 29. " God so loved the World, that he gave his on!}
bej^ottcn Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not
perish, but have everlastinfj; life." John iii, 16. " He that
believeth on the Son hath everlastinf]^ life ; and he tliat be-
lieveth not the Son, shall not see life, but the Avrath of (io<]
abideth on him." tJG v. " To him give all ihc projihets
witness, that, through his name, whosoever belicvetli in him.
shall receive remission of sins." Acts x, 4.'). " And by
him, all that believe, are justified, from all things from which
ye could not be justified, by the law of Moses." Acts xiii,
;59. " Therefore being justified by faith, wc have j)eacc
with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." llom. v, I.
'■' For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, to every
one that believeth." " If thou shalt confess with thy
mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart, tliat
God h.ith raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For
with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with
the mouth, confession is made unto salvation." Rom. x, 1, 9,
10. '"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works
of the law, but by the faith of Jesus (Jhrist ; even we have be-
lieved in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith
of Christ ; and not by the works of the law ; for by the work^
of the law shall no flesh be justified." Gal. ii, IG.
From the moment of the very rarlicsf desires and efforts
for spiritual conversion, through the whole course of religious
experience, faith in the fulfilment of the divine promises
of pardon, and all other needed spiritual blessings, is es-
sentially requisite ; and is scripturally commanded. It ma\
truly be called, the foiDxJatloii, or main supporting /lillar,
jof every profession of religion. The inspired Word plainly
declares, that " without faith, it is impossible to please
God ;" and it is the strict command of the Saviour. — '* Have
faith in God." But, here, it niay be well to notice briefly,
what is (o be understood bv the religious faith, so fre-
^ l»!
i..
l;l
'i i
100
(|iuutly mcnliuucil uiui ciijolncil in Scripturt". A.-. ;i i' all the declarations, testimonies,
and ])roinises, contained in tiiat aarrod ivrc/nfion, and a be-
lief, that they will, surely, be fulfilled, accordin<]j to the plain
tenor an'd terms in which they appear. Even from this brief
exposition, it must, clearly, be seen, that to disbelieve or
distrust, as to such fidfilment, is a direct sin afli. " There are, even,
• i/l
: I
1 ()■>
!i ;
l!
\\i :' -:
divine commands to Ix'lievc on the Lord Jesus Christ, that
wc may be saved ; and, for our encoiiraf^cment and comfort,
it is declared, that " beinj^ justified by faith, wc have peace
with God, through our Lord Jesus ('in-ist ;"' and, that " being
justified by his blood, wo shall be saved from wratli, through
him." The divine Saviour, also, freely, and most affection-
ately invites all convinced and burdened sinners, to come unto
him for ])ardon and peace, saying, — " Come unto me, all ye
that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest ;"' —
" Him that cometh unto me, 1 will in no wise cast him out ;"' —
'* If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink ;"^" I
will give unto him that is athirst, of the fountaiii of the water
of life freely." He is declared to be " exalted, a Prince and
a Saviour, to give repentance," and, also, to gi'ant '• forgive-
ness of sins." Let the convinced and penitent sinner, then,
cherish full encouragement and hope from these and other
gracious promises of the infallible Word ; and seek, earnestly,
for divine assistance to confide in them, with that personal
and (ipjiroprlatinf/ fnilh, by the exercise of which, he will
most assuredly receive pardon and deliverance. Through the
exercise of such a faith, his burdened and sorrowing spirit,
will be effectually relieved, and made ha})py in a conscious
sense of forgiveness and acceptance, through the testimony
of the Holy Spirit, according to the gracious declarations, —
" because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his
Son into your hearts, crying Abba P'athcr ;" " The Spirit,
itself, beareth witness with our spirits, that we arc the Chil-
dren of God." If rontiviiuig, to exercise the genuine faith,
which works by /ore, and purifies the heart; and if /((it hf id
to the grace, continually sought and obtained, he will, as
many Scriptural promises declare, constantly enjoy the light
of God's reconciled eountenanco, affording him, an abiding
peace and happiness such as an unrogeneratc heart can neither
understand or attain. Possessing these inestimable blessings,
he will still be encouraged, strengthened, and comforted, in
his Christian course ; and will, thus, be enabled, with (jlach
vefifi, to bring forth the fruits of evangelical righteousness, to
the praise of that grace which has so delivered him : and M'ill
confidently rejoice, in the hope of beholding tiic '* glory of
God," and of inheriting " everlasting life."
ON
(MliiJ S^r 1 A N SE LF-DEN lAL.
'' If any man will come after mc, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross, and follow mc." Matt. \vi, 2-i. " If thy
hand offend thee, cut it oft': it is better for thee to enter into
life maimed, than huvinfjj two hands, to ^o into hell, into the
fire that never shall be quenched ; where their worm dieth
not, and the fire is not (|uenched. ^lark ix, I'l, 14.—' —
" Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come ifter me,
cannot be my disciple." Luke xiv, 27. " He that loveth
his life, shall lose it ; and he that hateth his life in this world,
shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him
follow mc." John xii, 2.j, 26. " Put ve on the liOrd Jesus
Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lust
thereof." Kom. xiii, 14. " It is good neither to eat flesh,
nor to drink wine, nor any thing, whereby thy brother stum-
bleth, or is offended, or is made weak." Rom. xiv, 21
" If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while
the world standeth, lest I make my brother to oftend." I Cor.
viii, 13. "Every man that strivcth for the mastery, is
temperate in all things." 1 Cor, ix, 2.3. " I keep under
my body and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means,
when I have preached to others, I, myself, should be a cast-
away." Verse 27.
Experience has shown, that in very many instances, the
penitent seeker of salvation, so soon as he has received the
inward evidence of pardoning mercy, is inclined to conclude,
that his chief spiritual conflicts and troubles, are well nigh
ended ; and that he will thenceforth go forward in his Chri^-
^i^n course, continuHlly rejoicing. ^lul that in every remaining
<)
Mi
nil
l€i
m
inr
ffforl his t'licmic'S nuiv iiuikc, thev will be readily uNCitumc.
This is II ildud'uKj and most dangerous mistake. It is only
then that the sjiiritual warl'arc may be said to have really and
fully commenced. The " carnal mind,"' and ** deceitful heart,"
are still, in a measure, existini^ : and the j^reat adversary of
souls, who knows what all of us are, by nature, is ever ready
to apply his snares and temptations, and especially, to adajjt
them, to the previous most easily besettinj; sins, and proj)ensi-
ties, of the j)ard()ned soul. With some, the most powerful of
such i)ropensities, has been, tiie inordinate <,n"atification of the
bodily appetites ; with others, — " the lust of the eye," in the
various outward displays of ])ride and folly, in aceoi'dance
M'ith the fashions and customs of a vain and luii^jCKily world ;
in others, — envies, einiilations, and (iinhiticDi ; in others, —
aivji'i', and /ios('s ; and wdl, scarci'ly, en-
dure, CNon for II few moments, any eonversution, or any em-
ployment of their time, altot^^etlier foreijfn to their worldly
affairs, and active en^^agements ; or whicii will dehiy, or i)re-
vent, the sj)eedy and full attainment, of their ardently de-
sired objects of ]iiirsuit. Surely, rne, who has been awakened
to a sense of his ;^niilt and dan 19. " He that utter-
oth a slander is a fool." Prov. x, 18. " Ho that keepcth
his mouth, kcopeth his life, but he that openeth wide his lips,
shall have destruction." Prov. xiii, 3. -"• A soft answer
turneth away wrath, but grievous words stirreth up anger."
Prov. XV, 1. " Every idle word that men shall speak, they
shall give account thereof, in the day of Judgment. For by
thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt
be condemned." Matt, xii, 36, 37. -" Let no corrupt com-
munication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is
g.,:
tha
bra
m ■ i
iibmmi
rn:
j^ood to llu- it>(^ of ctliiyliii^', tluit it may iniiustL'r >^Vdiv uiilo
the licurcrs." Is])li. iv, iMK — .'H v. " Lit all bittenu'ss, uiid
wrutli, and ;ui;:('i-, mid clauK^ur, and evil sj)('akiii<;, he put
awav from von, with all maiicc
Xor foolish talkin;,
nor jcstin;r. which arc no! convenient, but rather ^nvinj,' ot'
thank
Ki)l
pli. V
■I.
To sjjcak evil of no man, to he no
brawlers, but gentle." Tit. iii, '2. " Let every man in'
swift to liear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."' .Ian\es i, li). —
LT) v. " If any man anion'.,' you seem to be reli;,dous, and
bridleth ]i/)t his tonj^ue, l)ut (h'ceiveth his own heart, tiiis
man's religion is vain." ."The ton^uu is a fire, a world oi"
ini(piity, s(f is the tongue an\on;;' our members, that it defileth
the whole body, and setteth on tire the ooursc of nature, and'
it is set on fire of hell." James iii, (3. " Sj)eak not «;vil
one of another, brethren,." .lames iv, 11. "He that will
love life, and see ti()ns,
they may, truly, be said to be more numerous. We all know,
that they are often very malignant and agj^'ravated ; and pro-
duce the most afHicting and ruinous conseciuences. There is,
indeed, scarcely any mode, in which, even, us, con-
cerning absent brethren, or others, where there is no obvious
call of duty, to recpiire the information given, or the remarks
which are made. This, to say the least, is inconsistent with
that Ion' and fltl(' spirit and feeling, which are so plainly
inculcated by the principles and precepts of our pure and be-
nevolent Christianity. Hut. supposing there are no trans-
gressions in speech, of these descriptions; yet many of such
professors, especially those who are naturally, or habitually
talkative, often waste their speech, and time, on merely world-
ly or trivial subjects ; not tending to any real edification ; but
quite unprofitabln, n.> to speaker, or hearers, or in any (jther
waA'.
iri
•ii
i '
,Hi
M )
.iil
TIjirc is !i Wist mi|)iriilMiiulaiic(.' t){ lull, in the world. tlir(iu;*.ti
;iil giaik's ami i-lnsscs in sdcictN. Many ix-rsons. iiuiccci,
sei-iii i\n'\{>' uneasy, or uiiliiitpy. iinliss lluy ai<' constantly
talking, it sefTiis to l»<- /norc nttill'ul. or pleasant, to tlicin,
tu talk, than even tu jjartaku of necessarv Ibotl. or of any other
iirttural enjoynienf. Most icurlil/i/ persons, especially of the
weaker sex, and. eriii. not a very lew of r' Humous professors,
when they meet tt>ii,ether. if time and circumstames will \)vr-
inh,/iist eommenre to tulk of th*' weather, Avhether eold, or
lu>t. eUar, or cloudy, rainy, or dry, with the prospects con-
rernin)i- it, in fuhire. 'Khen, tliey [lass oi\, to empiire, and
j,'ive information, often ol Imtji, re;^'ardin^- their bodily ] ainfl
and complaints, and those of their families, friends, or ac-
(luaintances, \\i»hont ^laving any particular design, or useful
purpose in view, in ^'hin|^ or receiving such intellif^encc.
Next, they will speak, and often lar}j;ely dwell, on the several
present particulars of local, or foreij^n news, ])olitical, social,
or of otiier descri])tions ; remarkinj^ on the mcrils or dnncrils
of men and measure.^, and on the several occurrences of Avhich
they discourse. The female portion of sucli j)erMons, will, of
course, have somethiiig to communicate, or remark, as to
I'ashions, dress, the qualifications, oi- defects, and the conduct
of servants ; and on other trivial stilrjects, not at all tendiiip;
to any useful end oi* purpose, it is well, indeed, if these
(■(illo l.iii'j:il<)m. hy exiiortiii.;' and adxisiiiii' others, for their
wpiritiiul yof I. In short, hi hin\, i \( r, reuai'K ^md eoni|il\
witli, ihe i»is]uri(i conunand, — "1^(1 no eornipt connnunicii-
(j )n proceed «nit ol\\our mouth, hiit that which is ^'ood toliie
Use (d' edify injJT, Hmt it may minister i^race nnto tlie iiearers ;"
and tivoi tin;:, "foolish talliin^'' and jestinLj."'
!{. (iovi.Kr>fi;M AM) I!\iri,'\\ further, the tlioudito of the
/]
they
pray
■
■ »
ll:j
rhristian shouM frofjiicnlly heoniployod. reij^iirtliiiu' the wiriuuii
subjects and maveiiiL'uts, itnuiectecl with, or licarhiL;" on rc-
ti^ion, morality and hcn'-'v^'lcuce, concerninLi' which, hy actively
takin,!^ a i)art, he may he ii!strumental iu i)r()m()tinu- the in-
•:t crests and prosperity of his llcdccmcr's kinL!;(h)m : and reli-
gious, moi'al, and social welfare ^('nerally. Tiiere are, indeed,
in this, our day, v( r • many subji'cts of ])i()us and Ijoncvolmt
descriptions, to cn^a;;'e the thou^'hts of tlie Christian, so as to
stimulate him to /e.Uous activity, for the ^lory of his (Jodand
Saviour, and forfhe real welfare of his family and friends, his
pci^ldjours, and fellow being's f^enerally. Wisdom d(>clarcs,
that " the liberal deviseth liberal things, and by liberal thin5;js
.shall he stand."
We are resjionsible for our voluntary and ])ermitted thou<^hts,
and shall, at last, bo held to account concernin*; them, like as
to our wor^s and actions, as will be seen, from some of the
sacred passages at the liead of this section. The recent con-
vert, and indeed every other Christian, may, therefore, adopt
the prayer of the pious poet, though composed for the child :
" With thoughts of Christ, and thiu^-s (Uvinc,
ym up this fuolish heart of mine."
And, alho, ficcpienlly and earnestly, send up the universally
suitable and excellent ])etition, — '" (Cleanse the thoughts ot
our hearts, by the ini-])iration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may
perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name."
4. Love of the World, and Wuiu.dly Axxietihs.— »•
*' Lay not up for yourselves treasures ipoi; earth." ]\[att. vi, 19.
-" And tl;at which fell among thorns are thcv, which when
they have heard, go forth, and ayo choked with cares, and
riches, and pleasures of thifi life, anc] bring no fruit to perfec-
tion." Luke \iii, 14. '' For what is a man advantaged, if
he gain the whole world, and lose hinaself, or be cast away."
Ijiikc ix, 2.J. " Take heed and beware of covetousuess."
Liikc xii, lo. ''And they all, with one consent, be-
gan to make excuse. The hrst said unto him, — I have
bought a })iece of ground, and I must needs go and see it : I
pray thee have me excused. And another said« — 1 have
bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them : I pray thee
have me excused. And another said, — 1 have married a
wife, and, therefore, I ci^nnot come." Luke xiv, 18, V.K 20.
m
1 1 1
,i! ^
— — ^'" i Miv unto you that nunc ol' those uvii ^\hic•h wvvo^
huhU'ii, shall taste of niv .sui)')er."" v. iM. "Haw hardlv
shall they that have riches enter into the kin.:;(l()ni of ('hh\. For
it in easier for a camel to ^;o throu^^h u needle's eye, tiian for a
rich man to enter into the kingdom of (iocl." Luke xviii,2 1,2.").
'• 'l"he sorrow of the world worketh death.*' 2 Cor. vii,
10. '• Set yom- alFcction on thin<,^s altovf, not on things on
the earth." Col. iii, '2. "Having food and raiment, let us
be therewith content. Jjut they that will he rich i'all into
temi)iation, and a snare, and into many i'oolish and hurtful
lusts, which drown men in destruction and ])erdition. For
the love of money is the root of all evil, which \\hile some
coveteil after, tiiey have erred from the faith ; and have
pierced themselves through wi^h many sorrows. ]iut thou O
man of Gotl flee these things." 1 Tim. vi, 8, I), 10, 11.
•" No man that warreth, entangletli himself with the affairs of
this life, that he may phuise him \\h() hath chosen him to be a
soldier." ;} Tim. ii, 4. '* Love not the world, neither the
things that are in the wt)rld. If aiiy man love the world, the
love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of
life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1 John ii, 15, IG.
The disposition to seek enjoyment in worldly objects and
scenes, to .the exclusion, or neglect, (;f those which arc Spi-
ritual, is common to all, in the native, unregenerate state,
and is one of the injurious consecpiences of the original
offence. This corrui)t pro})ensity, begets many cares and anx-
ieties, to obtain the means and advantages, whereby to se-
cure, the desired M'orldly independence and happiness. In
certain classes of society, with some, are jirrdomindid., the de-
sire and ambition to mount to th(> highest jjossible elevation,
of rank and influence, in the various departments, — political,
or professional, commercial or literary. In the present state of
society, ])robably. more than in any previous age, there is, —
,an almost universal desire to obtain jifcunlanj wcall/i, from a
knowledge, that, almost invariably, this is the most ready and
effectual means, for securing the objects which it is concluded
will yield the proposed enjoyment. Hence the extreme and
.constant anxiety, and efforts, for the accpiisition and increase
.of earthly g.iin : and that love of the world, and of worldly
♦hings, which arc -o entirely contrary to a spirit of piety, and
mg
rain
npo
jniti
chei
• desi
i; . I.
i 1.)
to all rcll^'mii^ ''fri'iu^ anil riVl wclfaro. Such avoidance of sr'ckinx worhlly ^\■ealth uik]
gratifications, unci rci'rainin;^^ I'roni anxious cares and distrusts,
as to a ])r()vidcntial, needful su])|,)ly of temporal wants, Mliile
dili<;ently aud lawfully eiu])loycd, arc inost iniijortant ])artieu-
lurs of (Miristian s'lj'-ilrnin'. None, are more I'reciucnt aiul
formidable hiudiancci;, iju tbc c/,nn-se of faith and duty, of the
recent convert: and us to the re(]uired entire consecration of
every Cliristian, to the Igvc and duty of his God and Saviour.
The temptations to such a worldly vpirit, and to seek in".,^ secu-
lar j^aiu, are more ensnarinij; ixm} i)o\vcrlul, to retard tlie pro-
pired advice of the
A]iostlo Paul, to his spiritual son, TimQthy, is good for every
f'liristian ; — *' Hut thou, man of God, ilee these things ; and
follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,
meekness."
5. FouoiyEXESs OF IsjJrRiEs, &c. — " Love your enemies,
bless them that curse you, do good to them that hato
you ; and pray for them which des})itefully use you, and per-
secute you ; that ye may be the children of your Father which
is in heaven." Matt v, 4 t, 4o. " If ye forgive men their
trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you ; but if
ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father
forgive your trespasses." Matt, vi, 14, 1.5. "Then came
Peter to him, and said, Lord how oft shall my brother sin
against me, and I forgive him ; till seven times r Jesus saith
unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times, but until
seventy times seven." ]\Iatt. xviii, l2I, 22. "And his Lord
was wroth, and delivered hin\ to the tormentors, till he should
pay all that was due unto him. So, likewise, shall my
110 tr
jus
feeli
tlies
Chr
ever
pai./,
circi
and
not
tresi
selvc
goodi
posit
injui
alter
the
11
,-cry
and
mics,
lato
pcr-
lich
their
ut if
athcr
came
r sin
saith
mtil
Lord
lould
1 my
heavenly l''alhi.i' il-). also, unto \'()U, it y.' Iiom your lioaiLs, for-
.").
•• And wlun yc stand prayinii;, forj^ivc if^c havcou^ht a;^ainst
iit'icr, also, who is in heaven, nri\' fovLcive voii
anv
that
\()IU'
1'
your trespass'js.
Mark xi, 2o. '• Pdess the
Ml wliich curse
you,
bk
:1
uri cur^e not
leeom
pens
e to no rhUh; evil, 1
or
nil. He not overcome of evil, but ovei'conie evil with uood.
Jl
o\n. xii,
1 I. 17, lM. " Fori
;carini^ one another, an(
d fur-
;.!,ivin^' orxe another ; if any man have a cpiarrel a,i^ainst any,
even as Christ ^brj^Mve you, so also do ye." Col. iii, 1."). *' See-
that none reni'er, evil for e\il, unto any ilia^i'." 1 Thess. v, lo.
This world i'^so fulVof sin and evil', that injuries of variotis
descriptions, by one to another, are constantly (H■e^^•rinL,^ —
jj^ivinjj; rise to the natural feelinLr** of r(>sentnient, and desire
of retaliation. In some particvdi'rs, the truly j
more exposed than others, to insults and iujiu'ies. Sometin\es,
tiiey are, inflicted, in the way of contempt, or ridicule, slan-
der, reviliuL^s, or some of the various forms of injustice and
oppression; often, in the family relatiofv^, by Irrrliyioxs u\cm-
bers, even in the lieai'cst connexions. Sucli conduct accords
with the Scrii)ture declarations, — "The carnal mind is cnhiity
a,n'ainst God," — '• As l/nit, he that was born after the tlesh,
persecuted him that was born after fhe .spirit, even so it is
noil-."' J'iVen a consciousne?>s of rectitude, and a sense of in-
justice of treatment, are ai)t to arouse an^^ry and resentful
feelings, and to incite to words' and acts of retaliation. All
these, as the Scriptures show, are (pilte inconsistent with the
Christian spirit, and precepts ; and by every believer, must
ever be avoideil. Here, sdf- denial is often difficidt, and evcti
p((i/i/tih but it must be practisetl. In all such cases, prayer,
circumspection, and watchfulness, are most especially needful ;
and a recollection of the words of the Saviour — " If ye forgive
not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses ;" and the strict commanils — "Avenge not your*
selves ;"' " Be not overcome of evil, but overcome uvil w'ith
good.'' We see, here, that our own forgiveness, by God, is
positively suspended, on our forgiving otiiers, for whatever
injuries they may have done to us. There is no avoiding this
alternative. It is, indeed, hard to nalnrc^ but ijrnre can give
tlie victory, which must in /hot way be sought, and can only,
'/'".S-. be obtaiiied. The pU'^bi'Mi of aiii^'er. is natural to alL
1^
I
i:..
m
II
■ I!
|,Si'
v: :
t .
r j
^f^fliiif
.'ilid il' (licrii-lKni and iiitlnli^'d. i-; oiii of tl;( ino.-t tiilal ciniscs
oi'llic loss ot i'''li,L;:()ii.s ])■ ace and ( uj'jyni'iil : Mid one ot' ihc
^\U)sl ready nutans, ot'jiivxlui'in'^' s;"/"'"''/ darknos and d'Htrcss.
Tlif di\in" Spirit, who imparts and su-^tains, cwry ^racc the
CI
U'lstian possesses, is a spn'it ol
h
and
(^■e
an
I will
not
il)id'
in the hi-( i'st, wiiere anyx'r
I -i s U
•red to (Iwc
11;
out w
ill
ho grieved and depart. The forsaken individu;.!, will, then,
like; Sampson, he shorn of his strem;th, and beeonic as M'eak
as any other man : ai>d he liahle to lall unt'er every assanlt and
teiu])tation of his spiritual enemies. 'J'lie ('hristian, then, for
the lionor of his Sa\iour"s cause, — and thi' preservation ot' his
own peaet' and enjoymei't, niu^^t: ever, as comnianded, "• wateii
and pray,"' and ])utaway ah •• an,i;er, wrath, and malice ;"' and
seek for and cherish, that (7/'0'//_y, which "• sutfereth lon<;, and
is kind :" wliich " seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked,
thinketh nu evil," and •' endureth all thin!.rs."'
0. Sensijai, hrnrrcKxcKs and Wokidly C()nformitie.s,
— " He not amonif wine-bibbers, amonj^^ riotous eaters of
flesh."' " Look !><)t thou upon the wine, when it is red, when
it giveth liis colour in tlic cup when it movetli itself aright.
At the last, it biteth like a serpent, and stin". •■And be no!, ninlnrineii tu this -worUI. Ixit he
ye trunsfonned, hy the renewin;; of your mind; that ye nuiV
prove, what is tluit <,food, and aeeeptuble, and perfect will of
Ciod." Rom. xii, 2. •' In like manner, also, that women
adorn themselves, in modest apparel ; with shamefacedncss
and sobriety, not with broideretl hair, or gold, or pearls, or
costly array : but Avhich lieeomcth women professin<^ godli-
ness, with j^ood works." 1 Tim. ii, 1), 10. •" \\'lu)se adorn-
ing, let it not be that outward achn'iiing, of plaiting the hair,
and of wearing of gold ; or of ]nitting on of a])parel.*' 1 l*et.
iii, .'}. " liOve not the world, neither the things that are
in the world." 1 Jo'hn ii, lo.
All mankinil, in fheir native condition, may be denominated
st'usnr^l creatures, be ing far morv inclined to indulge tlw'ir jlrshljf
senses and aj)])etites, than to reitard and obey the calls, and
warnings, and injunctions, of religi()i>, or the suggestions of rea-
son, or any moral considerations, or motives, whatever. This
universal tendency, is one of the evils of fallen and corrupt
humanity and is among the most dithcult to l)c overcome.
It remains in a measure, in the converts by grace. In some
persons, it is more craving and j)owerful than with others,
according to differences in physical constitution, and various
other circumstances. This proncness to sensual gratifications,
gives rise, in the regenerated being, to one of the ])rincipal
and most arduous struggles, between tho jlrsk and the Sjiirit.
With some, it is, indeed, like cutting off a " riglit hand," or
*• foot," or plucking ont, a " right eye." These figurative
words of the .Saviour, include, and ap])ly to this conflict.
With many, the temptations to such indulgences, are almost
continnally being presenteil ; and, therefore, constant watch-
fulness and resistance arc needed. In some the chief pro-
pensity is, to an inordinate or excessive indulgt'ncc infinxf,
and drink; and in others, .s/c'/', and needless bodily repose, or
mere indoli ure and inarfinn. With very many, one of the
most predominant sensual besctments, is tlH; " lust of the
eye," in what is called nif/ht f^finfi, attending at vain and cor-
rupting scenes and exhibitions, which have now, everywhere,
become so extremely varied, and prevalent. All these, must
be entirely avoided, by every true Christian. They are alto-
gether contrary to the spirit and principles of Christianity ;
lieJng one of the most jiornir'O'iy modes, of that gratification
If: .
V
■ I
I -.Mi
.»!' the •• lur>l of llii' ' vr," wli'u-li is so (.'.\[trr>sl\ IbrljicUlcii ; ami'
also a violation of llie (xmuiiaiul, lo " i'cmIcliu l\w tiino.'"
Such oxhil)iliuns, arc chietly, l)y cori'iipt and dcbusetl chu-
ractors ; and f'oi'ni one of the jiciiuipal nunUs of corruption of
morals, Icadini;: to intcniporanct', and iJrollii^ucy, dissipalion.s,
and dlslioiK'sty, and almost cvfry other vice.
Unha])])ily, many, or all of such exhibitions, arc sanclioncil
and attended on, by some members of C'hurclics, or church-
f^oinj^ ])eoplc, and are licensed, and patronized, and the open-
ly i)nijrss(:(( trbiard^ and /r^/( rfhiwnn tricLs, and other i)rui'ane,
immoral, and corruptin,;^ ])eribrniances, of such low and va-
i^rant i)crsons, are attended I'.pon, by civil Rulers, and others in
hi,u;h jiositions. Such attendance, exhibits a most ])ernicious
('xami)lc, to youth, as wcUas others, in every class of society.
There are, oi-^ir, two modes of sensuality, most especially
prevalent; — th.e use oi' stroii'j i)..!.un h(v.n such r"usu,ii and tlcsti'iK'tixc jirachces.
( 'lll•i^tlall-^ arc conimaudul to U( their " //7A/,"' — tiiat is, —
their i/iKxl < .i-(iinj>h\ luid works, " sliiuo he(orc> men."' Instead
of this, however, sueli uiifaithfid ])roiessors, — with the de-
noun"cd "Woe" before them. — put "//////■/• for ,s//'('(7," and
•* //(//■/,// (..s for H'jhl '." and by their exainph', call " evil, ijooil ."
They heed not, tlie '•• Woe,"" as to eausin;;' " offences," and
tiie \\aviiinfj:, that it were '• l)ctter for them, tliat a mill stone
were han^'cd about their neel:, and they were drowned in the
dei)ths of the sea," than tliat the\ sIkjuUI cause (nie of the
Iiord"s ]KH)ple to offend. 'J'hal tliei?- < ninijilr, influenc(\s and
cncoura^ies others, both /*// the Church avA on/^id,' of it, to
commence, and continue the use of tac ruinous drink, there
cannot be a (juestion. ^Tany on beholdhni; sueli example will
reason and conclude like tlie (Jrai/niKn, who had delivered the
strong' drink at the Ministc'-'s (l(M)r : and then, 'ximtiiif/li/,
said lo an abstainer, " you say, liriiihin;/ \\ 111 come to an
end: — no, never while sucli n:en ar /,c, uses it,"" — ])ointin;^ at
the same time to the Minister's (liriP'uKj. Moreover, it is
well known to be the deplerabk truth, that vi-.st midfitudes,
in all, of Ministers ar.d MembcrK of Churches, have become
ruined and wretched victims, throu<,di this sensual indulfronce.
From the same cause, srmulah and destruction of /'nf/iienrr.
and tisi/nlness amon^ the /(iriiier, are frecpiently occurrinji;.
Such sensualisfs, rc«^ard not the solemn warnings, — '• I^et him
that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall ;"" — •' lie not
deceived, God is not mocked; ^\hatsoever a man so^veth, that
shall he also reap ; for he that soweth to ttie iicsh, shall of
the ilesh, reap corruption."
Another most prevalent cause of danger and evil t<: yoiuip;
converts, and indeed, to all other religions ])rofessors, is, — a
ronformibj to mere worldly customs, and fashions, pLiinly in-
consistent with the Spirit and precepts of revealed Christi-
anity. This, is an evil, which is branched out in a great
variety of forms. Let ns, briefly, look at some of thcni. And,
first, as to the apparel, and usual " adornments"" — as they are
supposed to be, — exhibited by the female sex. Doubtless,
many will be ready to say, this matter of apparel, has nothing
■to do with religion, or religion with n. The Divine Spirit of
rj-,>
til
P : I
I' ■ i
mi
perCc'Ct wlsiloin, lui> liol so juil^'cl. KiKiuIiii;', u>j He dof ^.
tlu' strength t)t' tlie (U'cp st-atcil /*/•/'/-' aiul iur jircsent, jnore Sj)iritual system, the Xew Testa-
mi-nt revelation. — as >^vv\\ at liie head of this section. — ,u;ives
speei.d ami plain direitions, as ti» the a])])ar('l of teniale C'hri>-
tians. They are commanded, 'o •' adorn themselves in n/oihsf
ajiparel ; with s/nini fari dni'ss and sobriety, not with broider-
ed hair, or onii-, ,sii}.
is this display, thai (lie (liristim Tiicinlu-r, li:(.' yfu 'Uy »•'
ri-rlcti n„i : and tlu- mcvc (•on;^*(';;at'()n:\l aftf'fj'* i', t-an * tf
in very rare inslanfcs. hr disriniruisi'.cd, tlic < \\n\n ■.,,}!•
other. In, nearly all, there is thf really (M/.s' //s, siijirrjluoH.'i
ril)buns and oilier //•//'/<»'/•/<■«, which may. as ot' course, he e\-
j)eeted from a world, involved in un,u'(ullin('s> and lolly; hut
which is alto,ij('ther inconsistent in a ('livl>tian professor. l>iit
the ^reat evil is that they are directly contrary to the inspired
(iirections, a'^ainst all such vain and e\trava<,'ant displays, and
against roii/nmiif.i/ to an irreli'^ious and a corrupt world. Such
inconsistent {jrot'essors, as niij<, tlu'V iirc even more culpable flum
lliv oilier sf
Al
1 -ucii (iisphiys i)v reunions itrolcssors, luorc;
t'spoclally ill (>ij>i'tl Cli'iniri, r.i in tluwimrrli, are plainly siicli
an iiiiitdllon of the fcndiict ola vain and niiLfodly \\(^rl(l ; and
sncli an i-wniiriitii /m nf to yonllit'uj vanity, as are entirely con-
fi'ary fo llie inspired coniniands, to abstain from (lie '• Insl of
the eye and the pride of life," and from that inn/'uriii !/i/ [u ihr
world, which is so sfrirfly forbidden. Anotiii'r mode of worldly
eonfoniiity. by most rcliijioiis professors, who possess the means
o|' inilulu'eiice, ('(insists, — in siiperlluous, and sumptuous fur-
niture, and decorations of dwellim^s. Some (d' such incon-
sistent and unfaithful j);rsons, si-em, in thest> e\tra\ aidant and
\iun disjilaNs. tally to eipial the mere worldly characters, w ho
possess about the same nuMiis for the like exhibitions. All
suci) modes of conl'ormily to the vain and injurious maxims,
and customs of mej-e worldly pi'ivsons, should be constantly
avoided l)y every christian. iiidulL:eui'(> in any of them, will
iiicriliihlii i^rievethe divine S[)irit of love, and jiurity, and pro-
duce dri-dij, or viiliic h.!> !i he i
(u ll
K' viiriiiii ' I'f Lit Jt)M> I'l'
i
hi- i-i pl.H'i'i! : uiiil sii'kiiiv;. ;>tvil rcl_\in_; on. ili-
viiK' ;issist;m(t , Jiiust c'\i- diitic*.
with ;',m1 .111.1 t'.iitlit'iilncs'i, accurdinjr to the in-«[)ir((l lonnnand
to all i)rotcs>e(l di-cij)! •^, — •• lie w sU.iidl'a.st, muiDwahk', al-
ways ahoiiiidin'' in tlic woik of the Lord."
Tlii'ou;chout the oxcri'isc of .sflt'-di'ni;d, as to forhiddcn .sen-
sual iudul^'cncc's, juxd worldly (ont'onnitics, tlicr." must he li'r-
M'ntly sou^dit, and cluiishrd, the jOi>-ure. be able to say. in llie words of an
eminent Aj)ostle, — •• 1 can do all things through (Christ strength-
ening me;"' aiul "glory in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me."
Merely -KriKdy and s If-ih '-rirtd pronssors, who have not
entered in at the ^' t^lntiqlii ;)-//)//Y to
the world, enjoined Ly Scripture. Tliey will call it, — " tri al:
scriipniosity^" or " w idl( s.< simiKlitriti/." Describing /A/s, as a
frrr and more (idl'jht< )iid ." nv't. iiid td. "thai l!ii\^ niav
I -if)'
II
save sonu' :" l)iit. nicvcly. to avoid tlu: s^lciiiifj. aiul ridicule. oi\
■nut ieemiuf/, and doiiiij, like: tlic generality of those around
them. Sonu' of tliem, will, even, .sti}i;niati/.e and reproach,
the few sell'-ilenyin-^' believers, as beinj; puritans, or pkarisees,
and " rij^'hteous overinueh." If they know the commands to
Christian self-deniul, you will not find them, rcferriny to those
commands. They have, in this matter, as on many other
points of reli<;-ion, formed standards and paths of their owny
wiiieh Mill conform, as closely as conscience will at all permit,
witii the j)revaili!\|; customs and fashions of the worldly pco-
j)le, amon<^ whom they dwell. They are like the disobedient
professors of old, against whom the divine Woe was denounced,
for calling " evil, (jood, and good, evil;" wlio ])ut " bitter for
sweet, and sweet for bitter."' Tiiey have, eltlier, never read,
or heard, or have (piite forgotten, the pointed declaration of
the ISuviour, "■ Ye caniMjt serve (lod and Mammon." Tlie
solemn announcement, — " Ye must be born again,'' and the
self-denial as to all merely sensual propensities and appetites,
and vai7L worldly conforimties, are inseparably united, as essen-
tials in the (iospel plan of Salvation.
Rejecting the delusive sentiments and example, of all car-
nal j)rofess()rs, let tiie sincere convert, who is anxiously desi-
rous of having his soul sanctified, and finally saved, deny him-
self, as divinely commanded, *' of all ungodliness and worldly
lusts;" and strive for " perfecting holiness in the fear of (iod."
Let him, on //a'.s, as on every other subject, relating to his
christian duties, and interests, ever take the sacretl records, as
his only nitf/iorify and guide. Tiie infinitely wise and graci-
ous Author of that revelation, will, as He has promised, sup-
port and preserve him, in every conflict with his threefold ene-
mies, lie will inakc "darkness, light" before him, and
'* crooked things straight :" and prepare him, for those man-
sions of /o'-c and ;;r^rre where, he will be able clearly to. see,
that the c()mi)aratively " light afflictions" and trials lie expe-
rienced, while upon earth, have, through infinite wisdom and
gi'acc, I)eeu made instrumental to work out for him, — " a far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.""
be sa
goodi:
jsi^ir>ii» Nil.
ON CEU'l'AJN PKRSOX Al. (.RACKn
AN J) in; T IKS.
rds, as
far
I. SjNcKiaTv AM) I''j Pi'Mi V. "I kilow al.so my (iod,
lliat thou hast pleasure in upri^uhtncss."' 1 Cliroii. xxl\, 1*7.
-'• With an npri;^ht iiuiii, thou w ill show thysrll' up-
ht." r
S. XVIU, Ij.).-
— •• liCt iiitcu'ritv and
Ps. XXV, 21
n<,'ht
preserve me, for I wait on ihee.'
regard ini((ui(y in my heart, Ihe
l\s. Ixvi, IS. " Into the upritli lit^ht in
the (hirkness."' 1'
upri,L;;htness
^-^ If I
TiOrd will not liear me."
cxii. 1.—
that walk uprif^htly." l'ro\. ii, 7.—
rif;htly, walkcth surely."" Prov. x.
-•• lie is a buekler to them
"" Jle that walketh u])-
'.). " The sacrifice of
tlic wicked, is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayev of
the upright, is his delight.'" I'rov. xv, S. '' Do not my
Avords do good to him that walketh uj)rightly ?"' Micah ii, 7.
''Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse fn-st that which is within the
cup and ])latter, that the outside of them, may be clean also."
Matt, xxiii, 2(). '' "^'e cannot serve (Jod and Mammon."
Luke xvi, L'}. " Let love be without dissimulation." Uom.
xii, 0. " Happy is he that condemneth nol liimself, in
that thing which he allowcth." Jiom. xiv, 22. " It' our
heart condemn us, (iod is greater than our heart, and knoweth
all things, J}elo\ed, if our heart condemn us not, then have
wc confidence towards God."' 1 John iii, 20, 21.
Among the moral (pialitics, none is more estimable, and of
greater value aiul importance, than Slnn'rifi/. It may, indeed,
1)0 said to form flie basis of all the other elements of moral
goodness. Without it, the exercise and endurance of othei-
virtuous princii)les. and feelings, are not to be dejx'nded on.
So far from being a native ([uality of man, the opposite is uni-
versally true, for He who knoNvs us thf)roughly, ha< declared
i'2^
IB '
E.I
of nil, in llie unri''rson^ n"i;initc>.'=''ly \ii\tlor ibc iiilluencc of
such deceits, and vaiu and eorru])! [)ropeiisities. Also, l'ollo\\
them into the usuul scenes and walks of lite, and you will find
them, freely, and habitually, irulul^i^in^^ to a .-till i^nater exti'uL
in the various descriptions of temptation and evil, fron\ which,
under such solemn circumstances, tliey had pnfc.^sfd a desire
to be saved. What is nil this, ])ut the most ])al})able and
^ross hisinc rihj and deceit r Such persons, if jn-esseil, will
admit, that the ]-rii'ciples and i)recepts of the inspired volume,
ibrm the true and i)r()])er standard and rule for tlieir relit^ious
.and moral duties : and. vet. the\ are frec'ueiitlv, or even ha-
hitually, violatinu', or iu'ifiiiay."
Such is the natural deceitfulness of the human heart, that,
even, in the case of the partially renewed Christian, the mo-
tives of his words and actions, on .some occasions, if closely
analyzed and examined, may lie found to have been, in some
degree, of a mixed descri])tion. Some portion of the "• ii-nx'
or " di'etjs'' of selfish or worldly desire, or purpose, has been
present — though not designedly, — among the ^^ pure hom't/,''''
of pious allegiance and duty. How needful is it, therefore,
for all Christians, more csj)ecially, recent converts, constantly,
to pray, — " Create in me ii clean heart, O God ; and renew a
right spirit within me.;" — "Try me, and know my thoughts,
and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the
way everlasting." Let them, also, remember the words of the
Saviour, concerning the same subject of sliirrrily and pxrily
of desire and intention, — " If, therefore, tl nc eye be slrKjle^
J
'I i
:j:;
11
. \
ll
llll^
m
iii-'
i:i()
'liy Mimic body -Imll lie i\\]\ of liL'hl, :i> wiini llio Itrij^^lil
.sliiiiinLT <»f' :i ciindlc dotli uixc llicc li-^dit : Uut il'lliiiic eye; 1)(>
' r//, thy wliok' liody shall he lull of darkness.'"
Ahotlur most iiidispcnslhlc ('hrUlian clcnK'Ut, or |;riiHi|)k'.,
is, — Fi(hlilij. This, ])lainJy. means a zealous, and an nnde-
viutin;^' i)erseverance, in the retei,iti(?;\ riul exercise, of tliorouuh
Christian 'mh [irilij : and in the constant and i'aithful i'ultihuent,
of" every duty, which our holy Christianit}' rcijuires of all its
])rofessors, tiu-ou^liout all the relations and eircuinstanee.s in
which they are ])laced. No less than such entire and eudurin-.t immediateiv, engenders and ci>.
dulg(
who,
true
Ktruc
'• Th
and
was
the s
wliile
JJu
honoi
the Ol
Ihrou;
to be
mean;
sessec
tondi
Aitioj.1
i:U
iu<;-lit
lothinj;
coii-
:lon he
[> as ye
brsake
(1 with
found,
man, in
\t state,
rds the
fancied
ivc dis-
■) attain,
any one
and cu-
couruuf'-; desire -. and cfloris. for a fiirtiior pro^i-css in the same
coursr wliicli lia-> !»fircd iiJl'iin'i' II 1,1 of ])o-><('>s!on and liajifiinfss Such is the
case, with th',' xotarics of anihltion for rani-; and (h^nit}'; or
political enrmcncc and jxiwcr ; or for tlic highest and most
eminent ])rof^'ssional positions and oHircs. iJiit very fi-w of
such ])ersons, will rest contcn^e I. with any conditii'ii below
(lie nio>t exalted attaiiinient. that seems within tlu; hounds of
])ossil)ility.
Amonu;" those, also, who are ardently eriActinij and seekinij;
after worhily wealth, we see so many instances, a> not to
leave a doubt tiiat scarcely e\i'r do they find contentment, in
any L^ixen ineasure of nain. Ijiu the era^•in!:i for more, and still
more, of the idol remains i nsa^iioJ ile . With many, it (untiniu's
as ])owerful as exfr. e\en down to the tiuie when death com-
])els them, reluctantly, to bid adieu to all further de-ire, and
iiope of enjoymen?L.
In like manner, they who are seekinss,
in scenes aiul courses oi' mere aninial iiululj^'ence, or of dissi-
'pation and lolly, are still pantinu' and sc'ckinti; after, new and
more excitin^Lj; nietliods of such sensual pleasures. The wisest
of men, who had in his power the most am])le means of in-
duli^ence, in all the \arioas modes of earthly enjoyment : and
who, as he has told us, " w ithheld not from his heart any
joy,"" but proved to the utmost, those meatis for affordin-^ him
true contentment, and ha[)niness, has recorded, for the in-
struction of all ai^x's, this Manunt; and sa({denin<,f testimony, —
" Then I looked on all (he works that my hands had wroui^dit:
and on the labours that 1 had lal)oure(l to do ; and l)ehold, all
was vanity, and vexation of spirit:"' "yea, also, the heart of
the sons of men, is full of evil ; and madness is in their heart,
Avhile they li\e, and after thai they f^o to the dead."
JJut, ])assin,L;' on I'ronr all those extreme vd/taries of worldly
honour, and wealth, or sensual pleasure, and lookint^ into
the ordinary classes, eom])osin<:; the j^reat body of society, and
throuj,diout their various occupations, how very f"ew arc found
to be contented with the ^)0.s///o//.iippose(l means ot' hjjipiness. 'J'lie indiil-
u;ence iA' such a disposition, \i\n- })rofessors, M'ho, by
early reckless or improvident conduct, or in pursuln t. " If wdien ye do well and
suffer for it, ye take it patiently, tins is acceptalde with God."
1 Pet. ii, 20. " Add" " to temperance, patience." 2
Pet. i, n,
Tliere is scarcely any ;j;ood ipiaiU}', whicii li i>o frecjutntly
acquired lo be called int(^ exerci'ie, as l\i
ti'.u:
Like the one
^
1.;
liisl IrcaLcil (j!, ii is iin' of an imli'i im"^ ilcNcri|>tii-ii. Ii i'-
not ii constituent pari of th(> native human character. Soni".
it is true, are, by natural tenijieranient. more or less piili'ui
or linpuli'iif tlnni others, liut it'll ha\-e in them, tiie evil sc'd
of iiiifidlieini', which,- as creations occur, |)ro(luc(s (he I'ruit of
(inhappiness. or other iiijuVy, ei'thcr lo the impatient person.
')r others, and offen to' both. In the ordinary movements and
affairs of lifi', occasions are eo!^stantly occuvrin,;;', v.hic-li have
ii tendency to be<;et ini])iitiVMce. They arise on joiuTt'ys, — in
business transactions. — in conductinj^ the viivious professions,
trades, and em])loyments : — in household matters, as re;;ards
children, and others, andi' in an almost endless vai'iety of other
domestic ])articulars. With some, they occur in pul)lic af-
fairs ; and at times, in conversations ivnd chscussions witlr
friends, iiC([uaintances, or others. On tlu>se last occasions,
when diflerences of opiiuon exist, and keen arj^unu-nts are ad-
vanced, such in"i])atience may prevail, as even to^'ive rise to n
Ix'clin^ of an<;er.
The inunoral, absurd, or \Vayvva'rd conduct of those, m 1th
whom there is frecpicnt or occasitmal intercourse, will ol'ten
be^ret impatient feelinifs. In short, tl'.e occasions are innu-
merable, on which they may arise : and be carried into jviiii-
ful and injurious exercise. 'J'he christian, hke others, is ex-
posed to all such occasions, and causes of impatience. There
are, however, in addition, some which ore ])eculiar to him,
and the more so, in proportion as he is faithful and obedient. In
most situations, he will at times meet with, the ridicule, and
sneers, insults, and o])positiovis, which mere worldly ))ersons,
or j'oriiKtlisfs in relij^ion refrain from offerinij; to eacli other.
This ditierence of conduct, is, partly, because, such persons,
in {general, are of one mind, respectln;^; temporal objects, and
the custon\s and \\a\s of vanity and follv. If the christian
ventures to oppose, or admonish such persons, with j'tn/h/nl-
Hcas, though in a spirit, and in language, becoming and suita-
ble, ho Mill, in the family circle, or elsewhere, frecpiently be
opposed; and meet with harsh, or otlierwise offensive, ])er-
sonal remarks. Thus the tem))tation will arise, to impatience,
and to such hasty and shar]i expres^idus, in return, as are in-
consistent with the christian spirit and ciiaracter.
In the fan\ily and other relations, the irreligious, immoral,
or othcrwit^r; invpropcr couduet. of those with whom the
ii
i
l:J.
il m"'(l
'nut 1)1'
x'vson.
its iUlll
h hivvc
>-s. — ill
'ssioiis,
){■ other
1)1 ic al'-
is with
Elisions,
ari' :ul-
.-ise to tv
;c, Avith
•ill often
i-e innd-
to jviiii'
s, is ex-
'l'hcrc>
to III III,
lent. In
ule, and
persons,
;li other.
])ersons,
'cts, antl
christian
I'tiilli/iil-
ucl suita-
iiently he
slve, per-
ipaticnee,
as are in-
imnioral,
vhom the
i
Christian liii>; intercourse, or stands eonneclcd, will lend to'
produec impatience, and tempt him to employ in censure, or
reproof, wcjrils of rash and undue .severity. On all such occa-
sions, he sliouhl call to mind, the inspired directions, — '' He
patient towards all men;" — '"In )ii'r/cn''SH instn.ctin<; those
that opj)ose themselves, if (Jod, perad\enture, will j^ive them
repentance to the acknowledirin^- of the trutli ; and that thi-y
may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil."
When witnessi)i
n
\--^
ii
I
i
1:
t '
||ii: 1
'[■
fflj
i f
' mn
,[,; 1,
mm 1
liEk
reference, tlieii, to (iiose interests, and to nvoid ;dl reproach,
us to the holy eunse he hus esjiouscd, and inconsistency re-
;^ardin;^ its precepts, and character, the christian sliouhl sup-
press every rising- of" impatience, and seckini; and relyin;; on
•gracious assistance, shouhl carefully cultivate the ]);uient and
forbearing spirit. Let him often call to mind, that ]»erfect
■jiffllirii set before him who ixilirtdhj endurvd "'the contradic-
tion (jf sinners against Himself;" and "When he was reviled,
reviled not again ; when he suffered, he threatened not, hut
committed Himself unto Ilinx that judgeth righteously."
In waiting on the Lord, in prayer, and other means of
grace, the christian must also beware, of ever suffering any
feeling of impatience, to arise, if the graces' and mercies
sought, arc jiot early imparted, lie nmst, ever, remember
that he cannot really deserve any good thing at the hand of
tlic Lord ; and, moreover, that he docs not know what is truly
for his welfare ; und the most suitable time and mode for his
receiving spiritual and otiier blessings. Let him still, plead,
and confidently rely on the numerous promises, for the com-
munication of the grace and mercies which arc requisite, for
support and comfort, and the performance of duty ; remember-
ing, that " He is faithful who has promised," and that. He
" waits to be gracious." Though the needed blessing seems
to be delayed, it will, as promised, '' sUrely come ; it will not
tarry" beyond the time, which infinite wisdom and grace, shall
sec to be the best, for bestowing it.
4. Mkeknes9 and HiMiLiTY. — " The mcck will He guide
in judgment, and the meek will He teach his way." Ps. xxv,
i). " He will beautify the meek with salvation." Ps. cxli.K,
•I. '" \\\ humility, and the fear of the Lord, are riches,
honour, and life." I'rov. xxii, 4. " Take my yoke iipon
you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart : and
yc shall find rest unto your souls." ^lath. xi, 29. " Who-
soever shall exalt himself, shall be abased, and he that shall
humble himself, shall be exalted." Math, xxiii, 12. "Who-
soever shall not receive tlie kingdom of God as a little child,
he shall not enter therein." ISIark x, 15. " Be not high-
minded, but fear." Rom. xi, 20. " Mintl not high things:,
but condescend to men of low estate." Kom. xii. 10.
' Walk worthv of tjic vocation wherewitli vc are called, with
I
Pad
<'x(cr.
In i
the
but
all t
ly m;
spirit
ence
case
can o
sevcri
good
lonlrh
dispel
cxhib
all of
vine ]
Our
in coi
flueiif
pro;ich,
lu y re-
ild sup-
yin;; en
L'nt and
Horfoft
nfradic-
vcvilcMl,
not, Init
leans of
rin;,' any
mercies
■member
hand of
L is truly
e for his
11, plead,
the conl-
Isite, for
membcr-
that, He
ng seems
: will not
ace, shall
lie guide
Ts. XXV,
Vs. cxlix,
re riches,
oke xipon
leart : and
— " Who-
that shall
— "Who-
.ttle child,
not high-
gh things,
.. U).
Ailed. Nvith
■.dl lowliness; and meekness. " J''i)li. i\-, 1. "J.-
-" Submitting
yourselves one to another, in the fear of Ciod." Mph. v, 'Jl. —
" Let nothing be done through strife, or vain glory, but in
lowliness of mind, ht each esteem other, l)itter tium them-
selves." Phil, ii, ;>. " Showing all nu'ekness unto all
men." Tit. iii, 2. "He clothed with humility, for (iod re-
sisteth the proud, and givulii grace to the Innnble. Humble
yourselves, therefore, untler the mighty hand of God, that lie
may exalt you in dut time." 1 I'et. v, o, (1.
Of all tlie graces, imparted through a divinely regenerating
influence, few, if any, arc comparatively of C(jual importance,
with I[li:i'l:n<'KH and nam Hit if. They may, indeed, be said to
be the most essential, to the formation of a vomplrlo Christian
character. They give to all tlie others, as by a rtjh'cfril lliilif,
additional beauty and excellence. None, also, re(piire a
greater measure of divine power, for their production ; and of
fretpient spiritual influence for their preservation and increas(>;
inasmuch, as none are more directly and powerfully o)>pose(l,
by native pride and hauglitiness, and pcrverseness of the
■i/'/7/. 3[cckncss may be said to bo the grace, whicli undrrlics
Patience, and cherishes and su})ports it ; and makes known
cj'(ct')irdli/, the value and beauty, which they both possess.
In some persons, it is true, those native qualities, which are
the opposite of meekness, are not (juitc so strong, as in others,
but in all, a certain corresponding amount of ])rovocati(m, is
all that is required, to make such opposite (jualities, extreme-
ly manifest. This shows, that a truly, and invariably meek
spirit, is of dicinr origin ; and recpiircs the same sacred influ-
ence to sustain it. It is obvious, therefore, that, as in the
case of all other spiritual blessings, it must bo sought, and
can only be retained, and increased, tlirough fervent and ]K'r-
scvcring supplication, to Him who is "thcCilvcr of every
good and perfect gift." But, also, Mke as to all the others,
v:a(r1ifuJin'ss, and efforts, on tiie part of the Christian, arc in-
dispcnsiiblc, towards its continued ]nTservation : and fur didy
exhibiting it, in the outward conduct. As regards one and
all of the spiritual graces, we arc not wrought u))on l)y tlie di-
vine power, liko unto mere passive rnfirhino^^ or lifeless bodies.
Our own faculties, affections, and efforts, are to Ijc cm))]o}ed,
in conjimction. and liarmony with, the divine regenerating in-
lluence. throughout tlie wlioje ])roces< of tlie soul*^ sahation.
Il
'i'his truth is clearly shown, \>y ahundunt Scripture tcstiiiujuy.
The Christian is conimaiitlrtl to '• iolh)\v alter, " ami to " put
on in»'i'/:n>s.< ;" and to "sh^'W, nut of a ^^ood eouvt rsation, his
works with meekness of wisdom." I''or those, who, hy nati\c
constitution, are alllieted with impatience of spirit, and a has-
tiness of manner, which arc such imitediinents to mceknes;-,
it will be wull when any i)rovocatiou is otIVrcd, that before
•they speak, ur act, tiicy pause, and consider what shonhl be
said, or done, as most becoming the Christian spirit anil ex-
iimple. This prudent, and every way proper exercise, will
jfcnerally ser\e to jjrevent any ebullition of feilin^' and s])eech,
contrary to that spirit, and jialnfully injurious as rc',i;arils the
suggestions uf conscience, and the preservation of inward
peace.
Similar rcuiarks, throughout, arc applicable iis to the grace
,()f IIkiiiIIIIi/. This is both ihv foiiitihidon and one of the chief
croirjihnj excellencies of the Christian character. Whatever
others of then; may be defective, this must supersede and era-
.dicate the native self-will and pride before there can be full
and a!)iding spiritual ])eace, mid enjoyment ; and a due prepa-
ration for the acci'jital'le worship and service of the I^ord, here,
and for his kingdom of bliss and j.lory hereafter. The Saviour
has plainly told us, that there must be the discipline and sub-
mission, as in the case ef a de})eiMlent and liclpless ciiild, be-
fore any can be (jualifi. d to enter that kingdom. Surely, every
human being, whalever may be his position, attainments, or pos-
sessitms, has the most obvious and jiowerful reasons, to dismiss
2)rid(', and cultivate huiniiity. Tiie distance is infinite, between
the eternal and glorious jNIajesty of Heaven, and our sinful
and helpless race. We are dependent on lli^ irill, for our con-
tinuance in life ; on His iri.sdoin and (joaiJucss, for protecting
care, and every temporal blessing we pos.s;.ss ; and on His
■mrri-ij and i/ra-i , for every well grounded hope we can have,
of ha])piness hereafter. He is infinitely /'/.., and we arc na-
turally i(pior f<>rU<'iiriiUj
and iiciirj:c< III : ami \\'e wxv r,irrvry( \\\v\ .'J.
eyc-lid>
for )-e I
12.
tion.
unto all
that tl
Oi).
e(>met]i
tl'at thi
] 1>.
but as \
1 Thes.
versary,
ujiom
u-atehet
tlicy se*
Wlia!
danger,
impeiul
sistancL
])urj)ose
giving aJ
fn/iirrs 1
ami aroi
"rcise. i)
.Jl)
!V('ijt'(,.itly ti) iiuiui, ;i> clui k^ d) scll'-i iUll.lciici mid piidr ;
ami liT piDiMoliii;;- litimility. Ami, l.istly. i; iii.i\ Ic ur;,M'(l,
iliiit ill CM ry (MM- of rilali\tly >iiiKriur wmlill} ail\.iiita>i''s,
liU'l'tal ciiiluw 111. Ills, (.!• •.|iiiilii..I ;;i'at< s, iiml tasmti-., tlit"
Scri|tliirc ia ti'iTuLcatory apidio, '•Who iiial\''tli flicc to diirci-
iViJin another ; and what hast thou thai thou didst not rcciivt-:
now, if tliou didst, rccrlxc it, why dosL thou };h»ry, as it' thou
hiulst not ri'Cfivfd it:" Lft ('lirislians, tspccially, l)car also
ill mind, the command and the warning?: *' IJe clothed with
humility ; for (iod rejsisleth the proud, and ^a\eth i^raee lo tlic
iiumble."'
'). Watciumtm-.ss. — "And in all thini^s that I liave said
unto ihee, he circumspect." ]]\. Nxiii, 1."., " Keep thy heart
witl) dl dili'^'cnce, for out of it are the issues of life." I'rov. iv,
2'.]. \'. 2'), " liCt thine ey( s look ri<;ht on, and let thine
eye-lids look strai;;l't before thee." •• Watch, therefore,
for ye know not wlu't hour your Lord doth come." Matt, xxiv,
■12. " Watcli, and pray, that ye enter not into tempta-
tion." Matt, xxvi, 11. '"And what 1 say unto yon, I say
untc> all, Watch." Mark xiii. ;;7. "Take heed, therefore,
that the li,:^dit ^vhich is in thee, be not darkness." Luke xi,
.'>.'). " Ulessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he
Cometh, shall find watchin,l,^" Ijuke xii, .')7. "Let him
that thinketh he standeth, take heed, lest he fall." 1 (^ir. x,
I'i. "See thenllr.it ye walk circumspectly, not as fools,
but as wise." K])h. \, I'j. " L( t us watcli, and be sober."
1 Tlies. V, 0. " !) sober, \)v ri the ,s.>^//, for discerning
imjieiulin^u: temi)lati(tns, atul (nils ; and i;i\lnj^' warning- for re-
sistance. It may, albo, be likened to a s< .(Iiml, placed for the
l)uri)ose of iookinu,- out for the ajjproach ut, a]iavt i'nv.n siifurno'iinif evil influence, tiie Christian
us,'
our
" Til
5, /.
that!
amiil
sclvi
i:^ ini
1 1 f
,ho arc.
li;is lrf(|irciil (iccasloiv, h\ ;i j^vcutcr or lesser ffi;:,Tcc', to conlc'iKT
^vith the- reinaiuK of htmdr corpujit (lesircs,. passions, uiid i)ri.'''
pcnsitic's ; and to watch and sfrugj^lc, to suppress and subdue
them.
And, further, living; in a wnrW, lyin;; in wickedness, as tlie
scriptures dt'clarc, and obli;;ed, in many occupations, and
scenes, to liave some intercourse with those, who, in reality,
belong' to it, he i<^, almost continually, exposed to temptations
and injuries from (honi, in a <.'rcat variety of modes, some, of
innli'jiKtnl, some, of shnuh-rons^ some, of really p^ii^cviil'uKi ;
and others, of all\u-in in you, except }e be reprobates
)bat(
2 Cor. xui, o.
I''
\\'>
ill ^:
1 ■ in'f
1 ij "jM
■I
llliHwi^f;
|::
Not '^nly (livinf cnnirr.r.nds. as wc. sec, by lli'^ iiltove scn]/-
tural ]iassa,Lf(',-!. l)ut rcasfMi, and comrton i)ni(lc'nf'(', also, re-
(jiiirc of the (!hnsl.iaii, tlio ])(.'vt'ormarcc of this duty of Sd/'
Exniiiiiiation. lOven worldly persons, in pursuing:: their vari-
ous secular emjiloyments, and purjifses, eonsidrr it to be
prudent, and ]iro(ltal)le, to examine themselves, from time lO
time, on certain ])oints, bearinsj^ on the ])artieular pursuits, in
which tliey are en,!j;a^ed. Such is the case, with the literary
student; the .sr/V'u////e, and /^/'o/'r'.s.s/o/^rt/ person; the jiJiHofio-
plicr, and ixiUl'tcuiu ; the (frfizaji, /iirc/Kniic, iind trndcrman,
and persons, in the various other classes of society. They,
all, know, that their success, and worhlly prosper "", depend
in a very important (lefi;ree, on their ad\ancement in skill and
knowledt2;e, in their particular employments, or objects of
pursuit. Therefore, if at all prudent, they will, occasionally,
examine as to the jirofiriniirij they arc attaininj]^, so that they
may not be inferior to others ; and fail of the success they
arc seeking to secure. The niaridine commnnder daily ex-
amines, and calculates, as to his true position on the ocean ;
and the prosjjress he is making on his voyage. In a sinn'lnr
manner, the mil'danj clii<-j'li(!ii examines and exerciser h •
skill, and ability, as to any advance, or disposition o'
forces, under his command ; and as to the prospect of succc..^,
in the campaign in which he is engaged.
Of all persons, the Christian should, afj divinely exhorted,
frequently examine liimself, as to any advance or decline.
This can only be safely done by bringing the habitual current
of his thoughts and desires and the tenor of his conduct to the
standard of revealed truth. It is l)y that system alone that
ho will finally be judged for his words, and works, and his
everlasting destiny be decided.
While seeking after, and clierisliing the gi'accs. and attending
to the exercises which have here been treated of, the Christian
must sec, that they arc ever accom])anied with a firm faith and
hope in his God and Saviour, and an active fuliilment of all
the duties wliich belong to the ]iositions in which he is placed.
Thus will he experience the truth of the divine declaration —
" Great peace have they who love thy law ;"' and find, indeed,
that, — " i^ll the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth imto
such a> keep hi"- c.'V'iiait ant<» % III,
MLNlS^rJiiiS ASD l^ECJPLE
I. (irALiiicATniNs (»r !Mimsti:rs. "A liisho}) then
must 1)0 l)liuuelcss, the husbaiul of one wife ; vijj;iUint ; sober ;
of ^n)0(l behavi(Kir : ^'ivcn to hospitality; apt to teach ; not
ji'iven to wine : no striker: not greedy of filthy Uicre ; but
l)atient ; not a bra\\ lev ; no! covetous." 1 Tim. iii, 2, 8.
V. (1, 7. •• Not a novice, lest beini'- lifted up with pride, he
fall into the ccjiulenniatiun of the devil. Moreover, lie must
have a (;'ood report of them wl)ich are without, lest ho full
into reproach, and the snare of the devil."' " Ijc thou au
example of the l)elievevs, in word, in conversation, in charity,
in sjjirit, in I'aith, in purity."' 1 Tim. iv, 12. " Thou,
therefore, endure hardness, as ;• «;ood soldier of Jesus (Jhrist."
2 Tim. ii, o. \'. (J. " The husbandman that hiboureth.
must be, hrst, partaker of the fruits.
A bishop must
be blameless, as the steward of God, not self-willed ; not
soon angry ; not given to wine ; no striker ; not given to filthy
lucre. But a lover of hospitality; a lover of good hk'u ;
sober, just, holy, temperate."' Tit. i, 7, ''mples to the flock." 1 Pet. v, .'i.
Before [)roceeding to remark on fhe requisite qualifications
for the Ministerial ofhce, as exhibited in the above passages
of Scripture, it may be well t) observe — by way of information
to those who have not a correct knowledge of the subject, — •
that the word, — " Bishop," contained in a few of the passages,
means no more, than the ordinary term, "" Jf//;t.s^'r," as used
in the present day, with reference to a person, holding this
ofhce, in any oi' the \arious denominations of tlie (.'liri-tiaTv
H
i:^
' 1
I !
('liurfli. W licii llic.>r- Sti'ipturcs wi ri' wrilfcii, and (or .soiiu
lime idler, tlii'ic were no sucli dlhtiiul olllces in the Chiireli,
as (he Arclibisliops and Bishops, whieli al'lerwards arose, and
now ( xist. The words "• lUsho}),"' " i'llilci',"" and " Presl)yter,""
as nsed in S(ri])tnre, and at ///v;/ emph)}"ed, were synonomous-
ly, and iat(rr]um(j(ablij, a})[jlie(l to the .same olHee. This
may Le ]»hiinly seen, i'roni several passaix's in the hook of
Acts; and in s( mo of the J'lpisiles. The'X' is, indeed, a de-
cisive ])roof", as to sneli nieanin^u,' of the term, — JUs/i'^p, in the
first cha])ter of tlic Kpistle to Titus ; wliere he is directed to
"• orchiin ciders in every City;'" and, alter describing their
(pialifications for the otHce, it is added, in i'r.nM.'diute con-
nection, for " a Lishcp must be bhimeless, as the steward of
God ;" the wliole of the hin;j;uaji;c employed, apj,iyinqua]
11.
I
to oririi)l(> liionu to I'uiill. — !linui;h will; ihcii' hc-.t i'ii(lrr.\c)',irs.
— till' ii-'i'iii'iiir (lutifs t)t' .siic'li hi,i;lK'r .- itiuitiijus, with the xc-
(juir'd skill, aii'l hviu licial cik cis.
Oi' all thi.' ()tn'\'s and ('ini'-loyniciUs, involvin^a; rrh-jinn-^i/jili-
(I'rr, anil duli's to others, uoiit' is of C([ual iniportancr to that
of tliL' Minister oi' religion, in order to tiic si;iU'iil and failh-
fiil porfonnancc of the ^olcnii' duties of his jii;4-h and iiu>st re-
sponsible oHlce, he ur>i>t, in addition to sjiirilual and re^'cner-
utinf splrilical (jualificaticr.s; the most indis-
pensable refjLiisite for sneh a Minister, is, — th;it lie has beeji
the subject of re;4'eiic}'atin<^ ^'racc ; has obtained tlie divine
mercy, in the ])ard<;n of his sirs: and is enjoyiiig a state of
acceptance with God. Without such spiritual experience,
how is it pos.'^ii:le, that he can be (piallfied, to advise and di-
rect others, in the way of salvation r 'J'he divine Word de-
clares, that, — " the natural man receiveth not the things of
the Spirit of God • for they are foolisimess unto him: neither
can he know them, because they a^'e spiritually di :cerned."
The person, therefore, in the Ministerial ofHce, who has not,
by the operation of the Divine Spirit, been painfully con-
vinced of his own sinful and lost state l)y nature and j)racticc,
cannot, possibly, be (puilified to advise ami instruct, in a
scripturally a])])ro2iriate manner, those who ap])ly to him,
under a feelin;.'' (»f the f^uilt and burden of their sins. He
cannot really understand tlieir lan,ij;uass. Another Scrijiturc says,
he must not be a '• wirirc." ]}y this term is meant, — an
nnahllfid person. The unconverted jierson, who has in ]>art
been dcscril)ed, is alto.i^^ether a norice or unskilftd i)erson, in
s])iritual reliijfion ; and, therefore, according:; to inspired testi-
mony, is alt(),ifcther uiKiualified for the Ministerial office. The
■word will, also, most fitly apply to th(*se, who are both youni;
in years, and of little, if, indeed, any reliLrious experience :
many of whom, but recently out of their tectis, are, in these
days, found in the Christian ^Ministry. All such novices, or
unskilful persons, belong? to the class, described as nmniyuj
before they are sr
v/ord>
m
in nv nl
llVli
H}\^
■i';:m!; •-
:(»n : oi' m
Mil;
/T'.ss m aiiiiDiii'/iii,;,
ji lia;
;>h
cfriiin'.
.r;'\iil
^ V 1
illhl
loilt.
f.|' in /;
icli (»l
iMitli Clin
th
M'l
11,
o lar
(Us(]ual;!'
>li-
I'X'crv ^^;(•ll In.i' i-i»;
i-t.
II'
dlllr,'
i(,;i-
irllc
<|liall! \r
\vll!rli a'.'c tl
w
il in;;il\' nt !i;|- ciiil i\\ -
of a pulilif r
direct ojtpositi's tl) all >;!.!i (I'lrrt.'
iiK'Uts. ot' a IiIl;'!) ordfr, avi' iir.l:s])ciisal)l(\ Inr > iilaMy (iiial;-
I'viiv' ibr tiu' n'l'^al an;l \arlr;l work nl a Ciiri-li tii .M;ii!^.t t.
IjuI, li;rt!u'i'. in allilinii to native mental eiuJuA nii nN. and
also s])iritual stilts and ura;'es. he otiiiht to possess soine '.,;iiod
measure of a jxiwer to di^eenu iind disiaamiiiale, as to luiinaii
conduct and ciiaraetir. A!-.o, sueli a know I'd^-e ol' ilw ]>re-
valent e\iis, and \r;in, and sint'ul (aistoni--; and pi-ael le'cs, w ii ich
■ ire oU.stnutinj^ auil ])i'e'>entin.u,' t'ne iiroorc^^ ,,f true reli",inn!
and the conversion of souls, as to enable hini, aiauralely, and
f'ldly, and with laitld'nl buUlness, to i\|)lain ai'.d exoose thiir
destructive nature ai\d eU'ec.s.
r)Ut, it' possessed ol' the tbi'eL^oini^', and other iin])ortant
(pialiiications. ■which might he nu'Utioued, he must beware,
that in di'sirinu' to enter the Ministry, his eye is " s ///'//. ,"
having (»///_// the design to promote the glory ol'his (i.id and
Saviour, conjoined with a love Ibr souls, and an earnest ])ur-
posc, to be instrumental in labouring tor their ;'
t ) u.>c any kind of int>).\i(;i;Inii wine as a hi nrn'j' . 'I'lic
wonl.i do not r( hit ■, dk rely, lo tiic scri[)tioii of the aiilictin^ effects of the
use of the intoxicating,' licjuor, the express command is j;iven, —
" look not thou upon the wine," *!v:c. If he is not even to '* l(;ok
upon" it, surel\', \\o is not to swallow it. This is the very
stron^'est form of exjiression, that could be used, to si.t^nify,
that a person should not partake at all, but should turn away,
lest, by lookiiiL;' on its temptiw.:^ appearance, ho should be cap-
tivated and ensnared, and he induced to drink it. If, indeed,
there were no other scripture i)rohiI)it!aj>; the use of intoxicat-
ing; liquor, this ])assa,L;o ulni,': should be sufHcient to })revent
every individual, mIio professes to be influenced and <;"uided by
the authority of the inspired volume, from ever partakinj; of it.
The words convey an ex))ress and uncpialitied jirohlhitioii of
its use by the same (li\inc sjjirit, who has indited this com-
mand for the minister — '" not <;iven to wine." There is no
sid)se(}ucnt scrijiture, rrjienlin.;/ or cirtifraduihi;/ this express
prohibition. Neither on tiiis sul>ject, or any other, can there
be any real contradiction, or inconsistency, in the sacred re-
cords. Thcv are in lu-rfect iiarmonv, bein«i- dictated bv the
same infallible spirit of wisdom anil truth. Under the chris-
tian dispensation, all arc called to the hio;hest det he jiv('--uin"il. arc to l»c
■nn,>l;inlly cn^i;! il in on ■ (l'Mrij)!ii)t\ nr im.oilicr, oi' ii Til'; ion.-;
j'Xfrciscs. Scri[):iire ck'chiris •• tlu; I'rir.st'.s »i[)s sIkm! 1 kci-j)
A' .
Know
k'.h
;ia(l t!icv, tlu' poo[>lc, slionhl
t\v \
•A lil.-
inoutli ; lor lie is tlu. nu'ssf'ni^cr c-t' tiic Loivl ;" that they •"inuy
)Ul (
lilt;
•rt'uce l)(.t\\i
hoh
llllllulv
aiu
I •• teach" the
peopkv " all t!ie Stutiitos ol' tho Jiord."
IlV thcrciorc, th' Minister ol' r(li:^Mo!i is not to use intoxi-
catin.Li; n'lnr, surely, lie is \ it at liberty to use the illyiilliil
anil more tiriinl lir^uors, and tlie j'l mriif'd drinks, all ol"
wliich are made by the (Irs/riniin.i (,!' articles ;,dven by the
bountiful Creator i'ur accessary /"<<( 7/ and vnm.fort. And there
is, also, this lurtlier !;eli<;'ious re;.son in jirohibition ol' their
use, that they are iihrays made by a iirofold violation of the
divine law of the Sahl'iif/i, by Avork l)ein;.; done on that holy
day, ill the prejiaration of these llipKiVs. \Vithout sucdi two-
f(jld violation, indeed, they could not be made. IJut, further,
the Mii'jster is commanded to l)e '* an < .ranijilc of tlie believ-
ers, in i)urity ;'' and, "■ a pattern of ,L!;ootl works." While,
therefore, there is so much crinu.-, disease, and misery ; so
much alrtiction, dea/ih, and niiiidf smtls, coutinually occurrin;^;
all around, throu<;h the use of intoxicatii\', the Minister of reli;,don, ou^ht
entirely to abstain from their use. It is painful to think,
what luimbcrs, in all', ii-j the ('hrislinii J[iiiis/ri/ have fallen,
and been ruined ; and that some, even in the most evang'elical
denominations, are still, i'rom time to tim(\ fallituj ; and
scandals, ami other evils, are occurrin;,', from the same sensual
and ruinous cause. Kven as to lawful tf:in,L,fs, un inspired
Apostle has said, — " If meat make my brother to olfend, I
will eat no flesh while die world staiulcth, lest I make my
brother to offend." This is a fit and becomin<^ exani})le, for
every ^Minister of religion to follow. To him, most especially,
the divine command applies, — " Abstain from lleshly lusts,
Avhicli war a;2;ainst the soul." 'J'his i)rohibition, of course,
applies to the use of the jioisonous druf^--, — tobarm. '/'his,
even beyond all others, is a hirr'h/ stitsnal, and, properly
speakin^% disgusting ])racticc : as well as most pernicious, in
a variety of forms. It would be well, indeed, if all in tht;
Ministerial ofliee, \\'erc ivnorcnf as to this abounding evil
practice. Surely, all bulb Ministers ijid members, who ari-
. i'
'ill
ill
«'
A
■!1
l.V)
wiiil'' iii'lii];^iiiii; ill l'i;.t --^ ii nal inMcdc'' : wliii'h l:^ tin! only
contrary to diviiii- cummaiuU ; fmt, also, lo t;:'' (/■.■./••■s'; and
.v'/7/ :■!■', hltii'i riii'is, of liw sili'-il-nyin;;', ami drvot'-d loniulcr
mI" rliaf hrancii of ill" ('lu'is'i.in ( 'lr.i;'c!i. 1: i-; well known.
tiial till' use of foliac'o, t)y
;;i\'atly incn'a^Iir^ : au 1 c^ji'
miiiy. cv 11. in mere •'""/'
other a' Icndaiit ( \ils, t In
iin'.'nrj has, of lati' years, bccMi
Lily am )n,:; yt'iirj prrsmvi ; —
'/(,-/. '1') ill of thcs!', in addition to
pr'ct ;c> •-;. in viirious niodes, most
('Sj)!."rially, injurious ( > tluir /""/7'/, as well as incntnl powers.
If iher.' \'rr(' no hi'.;lier, oi* otii' r rei-;o!i, the one, alone, re-
j^ardiiij,' ' .r-imf/'' oii^ht, surely, to be suHicieiit, to induce
e\ci'y Ministir r.nd oih'r /)>'oJ('Ssor, of our pure and benevolent
( 'hrl--tianity, to abstain alloii:etlier from this sensual and per-
nii'ioiis jiraeiee.
The ;^-eneral coniiuaiid to be '• lemiierate." as a further
([ualibeatlon oi a ("liri>t:aii .Mini.-!er, e\idently TUeans, that he
sliould u.-e, ""lawful tilings," of every deseri])tion, in such :;
iitoicrnlc and r<'asonable manner, that lu> may, at all times,-
and both as to nrntid and lrs, be (jualified, in tlK;
best ])ossible manner, for the most eifective clisehar'^c of all
liis Ministerial duties : and that he may exhibit the best cx-
amiile, in all particulars, of a temperate and Ao/y life. In
eoniieelion with his Loril's coi^imands, to "self-denial," and
abstinence from all " fleshly lusts," he should follow the ex-
ample of that _i;reat and devoted Ai)ostlc, who said, — " I keep
under my body, ami brin,^; it into subjection, lest, that by any
means, when 1 have preached to others, I. myself, should be
a castaway." The (pialiliciiti(ms for the Christian Ministry,
which have here been treated of, on Scrijitural Authority,
Are such, only, as are of the first or ///'///c'.s< order. There are
others, comparatively inferior, which should be possessed, but
they need not be specified here.
On the M'hole, it may justly be remarked, that, as there is
no oflice, or situation whatever, of such solemn importance,
and resi)Onsibility, as that of the sacred ministry, so there is
none, which retpiires, in the pen-son who fills it, such a variety
of irit;-h and excellent (jualiflcations, as are rctpiisite, to com-
[ilete the character of the ir>:<' (.UintniiH;i:;'l tluc : 1
li'-i.i '\(
i ill
\v i\
K -1 I coufoimd
t!ic".
he I
(>W tlKii).
r. I,
'["in y li ^\v hriilcd, al.--(>.
tlic liurt of ti.f i!.i!!::li!( I- i-I my iiMtjtlr, .■ li;^-!ii.l_v, sayiii'^' l''.'a(">',
peace: wiicrc* there is no pcaer." .!■ r. \i, 11. "Soti of
Man. I have r.i'ule tlu'c a \vat'-hni,,ii unto the house of l>fael ;
th
thcretorc, h'. ar the \\()i\l at my m()e.;ii, and ;j;ive tliem warning;
from m.-. W'h; w I say uiit(» the wueUed, thou shalt surely
(lie: and thoii ;:,iv.'>t liini n;>t I'-nniiii'/, nor sfi'd/.-fs' tn WAvn
tiie wicked, iVom \t\> irl, ■!;,■, I t-n;/, to save his life; the same
wicked man shall die in his ini(niify; Imt li!-< hlnoil will I re-
(juire at ///';."■ Iki,:'', yet. if thou '.vavn the wicked, and he turn
not fi'oju his wick"dness nor from his wicked wa_\ ; he shall
(lie in his iiuquity, hut thou luu;t il, llr< ritl tliy sold. A;;ain,
when a lij^lileous man, doth turn from his rit;-lite()usness, and
commit inii|uity ; and I !ay a ^tumhlin^' hhxdv hefore him, he
shall die ; htciuse tiiou hasl iml ijin n, /lim irnriiintj, he shall
die in his sin : and his rii^hteousness which he hf.tli done,
shall not he rememhereil, hut his (iJnnil will I re(|i:ire at Ihlni'.
haul}. Nevertheless, if thou warn tlu" i'i,L;hteous man, that
the rijj,hte()us sin not : and he doth not sin : he shall surely
live, because he is wuriu'd ; also, thou hast ililinrrd thy
soul." E/ek. iii, 17 to 'I'l. '"And that servant which
knew his Lord's will, and jir( purpd not himself; neither did
according to his will, shall be beaten with luinnj strqu's."'
livdic xii, 47. '* Hut as wc were allowed of God, to be put
in trust with the fj;ospcl, even so we speak : not as pleasinj;
men, but God, which trieth our hearts. " 1 Tiicss. ii, 4.
" Take heed nnto thyself, and unto the doctrine : continue in
them ; for in doin^ this, thou shalt both save thyself, and
them that hear thee." 1 Tim. iv. Hi. " For they watch for
your souls, as they that must p;ivc account, that they may do
it with joy, and not with j^Ticf."' lleb. xiii, 17.
The infinitely wise and benevolent Creator, has so arranfj;cd
concernin<; man, that throu<;h all periods of his existence here,
he is, of necessity, under relations to his fellow l)einjj;s. These
relations, (;ive rise to responsibilities of various descriptions,
and de;j;rees, according to the nature, or character, of such
relations respectively. No person, of any class, or in any
situation of life, while moving among others, can, })ossibly, be
free of the vhoh' of such relations ; and of their conseci
i.nd respeciive linbilitl
es.
iiese, again.
plainl}'
(pient
and forcibly.
.ife
e-nll for ilu' rullilii.cnt of iiic tliilii-, fiiiic-i'ondln;; .md iiiniri)-
priiitc to Oiiflj pailiciihir iii-»'. 'l\\v child, is under the re-
fillhi, and hound to the 'f"';/ of yichiiii;! ohcdi<'ncc to
the parcnl. 'I'iic parent is lioiuid to niaiulain, delend, and
in.stnu:L the ehihl ; and do hiiu all tiic i^'eod, hoth teinjxiral
and si)iritual, which the al)ility and incaiis in p'jHscsscs, will
fnuhlc him to impart. In like manner, in ihe relations of
llushand, and Wife ; M;;ster and Servant : Kuh.rs and i'eo-
ple ; and tlu'ou^bout the numerous and varied .'o iV// relations,
appro])riatc' responsil)il;ties and duties exist. l''r(Mn tliesc,
none can relieve themsc Ives, or ij^iore, or ne;.(lc'ct th- m, with-
out incurrin;.j K^^i^^i ''"^ '"^^X ""^ '' tho^e to whom such duties
should he ])eriermed ; hu' as to the ^'reat Moral (jovernor of
all, who has estahlisiied these relations, and responsihilities,
and reipiired tl)e fuli)iritual messenger>:'
Tc;l
I.
)•:
in
luidi r tai-; C'iirist'.iii Disprnsiitioii, rdflTi'd t(» any niiiMniloij.-
or j>rtii>!ifti(al |)()\\tr>, with which they were gil'ti'd; hut, lis
those coiniiKUuls jihiiiily (.'Xpriss, they rchiteil, cxchisively, to
the waiiiiiiL,'^, and othir rtlii;ioiis iiistruclioiis, to he c and nu;;hty (iod, eotdd, if He saw fit, rd h. s i-iiJIkJ, or /xr-
viiffcd, to become stewards or minist- • of his household, he
will, at the last, rc(piire them, to i ii ler a strict account, of
the faithful discharge of al) ^h^ duties ther v imposed and
re(pur(>d. But as the grea est of the Ap(*slies has said, in
reference to the subject, " ^Vho is sufHcient for these *hing.s ?"
In relation to endeavcmrs to fulfil such responsibiiiti -s, it is
manifest, that no " fear of num which bringeth a snare ;" no
desire of pleashifj men, merely to gain their favour or ap-
plauNc; no design of avertin.; )r soothing their unjust resent-
ments, or of yielding to their pride or prejudices, must be ad-
mitted for a moment. ••' If I yet pleased men," said the same
inspired Apostle, " I s-liould not be the servant of Christ."
The truf/i, the ivhole truth, and the i'.pjiropriatc or adapted,
though diiplcasi)iy truth, must be declared, *' wiiether they
will hear, or wh<' '. ,■ they will forbear." We see from Scrip-
ture, that it is al the i)eril of the minister's own soul, for
eternity, that he is rvqmrvd, fa itli/idl 1/ to declare the revealed
truth of thr glorious Sovereign and Judge. There mivt be
no heal'P', if •' the hurt of the people slightly, si'ying, Peace,
peace, wiieii there is no })eace" from the Lord.
There is a twofold responsibility resting on the Ministerial
Teacher : — one to the great Lawgiver, on wliose behalf he
i
I'
:■}
tin !'
Iff:!
i ■' - f\
''¥ '
1 .J -}
•j)rofesscs tu act; uiid t!u.' other, in relation tu t'-iosc, tow aril*
Avhoin his iniiiistrations arc diroct'.'d. In both views, hf;
.stands iindcr the jnost solemn, or, indeed, prrHniiH circmu-
stances. To the Divine I'uler, he will be held to account^
not only for the scriptural purity ot'his teachin;>■. r, li;: i>, a] y mil ;;( ■.■.Ion ■■. i.r pi'ii-
])li('tical j)()v.-crs w itli \'. v.icli nt,- \v;i> i. luhuvi d, Imt .-.iJ.jkv with
M't'crcnce (./////, to Ki.s iii>;nict ioii.s in tlu' initiis of the nrf;it
.'Salvation. Mvcry imliviiliial in llic Sat rt'd Miui.stry, should
tdwuys be ])r('])av('d. lo uuikc, with Iruth. the sanu- taitht'ul
■lud consolii)'^' i.s.scrtion. TLi n . lunl Ihrii, o,il;/. will he he abh-
1o . — "Cry aloud, spare not, lift
lip thy voice like a trunii)et : and shew my j)e()ple their trans-
j^ression, and the house of Jacob their s'.ns." Is. Iviii, 1.
*■ Thou, tlierefore, t;'ird up thy loins, ;in(l arise, and speak
unto them, all that 1 cor.imand thee." .ler. i, 17. "And
thou shall s])eak my words unto them, whether they will hear,
or whether tliey will forbear," V//.v\:. il, 7.— " Cio ye, there-
fore, and teach all nations." Matt, xxviii, I'J. "Teaching
them to observe all tliin,:;s Avhatsocver I have commanded
vou." \'. 2U. "To u'lve them their itorlion of meat in due
sca.son." Luke xii, I'J. " lUit ye denied the Holy One
and the Just, and desirei' a murdercT to be ujranted unto you,
and killed the Prince of Jiife." Acts iii, 14, 1,3. " Repent
yc, therefore, and be con\erted, that yiMU- sins n'lay be blotted
out, when the times of i"efroshin<; shall etJine i'rom the ])re-
scncc of the Lord." \. 1'.). "Ye .stiirnecked and uncir-
cumclscd in heart and ears, ye do always :rcsist the Holy
Ghost, as your father.-; did, so do ye." Act.s .vii, ol. "1
have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."
Acts XX, 27. "Testifying both to the Jew.s and also to
the Greeks, repentance toward God, and f.iith toward our
Lord Jesus Christ." Acts xx, 21. "And a.s he reasoned
of ri<;htcousness, temperance, ajul judgment to come, Felix
trembled." Acts xxiv, 2'). " Jiy the law is the knowlctlgc
of sin," llom. iii, 20. " I was alive without the law once,
but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died."
llom. vii, 9. " That sin. by the comnniudment. mi;.;ht be-
come cxceedin'j; sinful." V. lo. "Knowing- therefore the
terror of the Lord, we persuade men." 2 Cor. v, 11.
"The law was our schoolmaster, to brin^i; us untu Cin-ist.''
If
1
){)
M
V
II i'
' ;'
"Cial. iii. 'Jl. "Study to sliow tliysclf aiiprnvc d nr.to God:
a worl^inuii tliat iic'dcth not lo 1)L' a>l!aiiH'(l, rii^fhlly dividinji;
iho woril ol' truth." 2 Tim. ii, 1-3. '• Jk- instant in season,
out of season: r('])rove, rebuk:', cxhoi-t, with all lons^ sutt'er-
uu
aiK
I doctrine. ■■ 2 Tim. iv, 2.-
^and exhort, and rebuke, with all authority,
despise tiiee." Tit. ii, I').
These things .'■])eak.
Let no man
riiblic instruetior in tlie iJivine V>';)rd is, undoubtedly, the
most im[)ortant and responsible part of Ministerial duty. It
lias been apjjointed by tiod, as one ot' the chief means for the
conviction and conversion of sinners ; and for instructing!; and
jjjuidinji; believers, in the wa} of faith and holiness. It is,
therefore, essential, that the scrij)tural })lan of salvation, and
:the mode and methods of such ministration of the divine
word, should be i^jiiril ndU ij, and well understood; and be ac-
curately, and f.iithfully carried out, by those wIkj fill the sacred
office. Agreeably to that })lan, the first requisites, as to all
the unconverted ; and the disobedient of every class, arc,
repentance, and fcrsakinj; all evil v.ays. Under the preceding;
dispensation of relii,non, these duties were made indisj)ensable
■conditions, for obtaininj^ the divine mercy and forf^ivencss ;
and they are precisely as applicable, and binding, under our
christian and more spiritual system. These were the essen-
tial recpiisites prescribed, and insisted on, by the inspired pro-
phets, whom the Lord, from time to time, sent to his people
Israel, to reprove and warn them ; and bring them back to
his worship, and obedient ser^ ice. The burthen of the cry of
Isaiah, and Jeremiah, of Kxekiel, Ilosea, and Amos, and all
the others was, — as divinely commanded, — to the same effect.
They ojjenly and loudly prockimed, — " Turn ye, turn ye, for
why will ye die;" — "Repent and turn from all your trans-
gressions, so iniquity shall not be your ruin ;" — " break off
your sins by righteousness;" "cease to do evil, learn to do
well ;" " Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous
man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he
will luiAe mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abun-
dantly pardon." All these preparatory duties, were made in-
dispensable to their obtaining the paidon of their sins, de-
liverance from their enemies, and the olher divine mercies
• and blessings their unhappy circumstances needed.
behimi
if not
those
under |
case,
presei]
^le lil
(Jod:
vi(liii;4
cusou,
sutlor-
i-peak,
o man
Uy, the
ty. It
for the
U'l; au'l
It is,
uu, and
divine
. be ac-
; sacred
IS to all
iss, are,
•eccdint;
)cnsablc
veness ;
ider our
c essen-
red pro-
LS people
back to
le cry of
, and all
le effect.
1 vo, for
ir trans -
break off
rn to do
•ighteous
I, and he
ill abun-
made in-
sins, de-
I mcrcicf:
l.n
The boMand hiilil'id l!;r,)t;.- tlie heralil of our (liristian
hv
cr>in^- aloud
L'O.
dispensation, coniiut net d his luiiiistr}
all, — ''llcjjciit yc, lor the kini^dom of iieavcii is at hand;
prt'pare ye the Wiiy of the JiOrd, nuikc his patlis s(riii>, had had his Ordinance-;
and wursidp and service estaldished amon,t; them, liy immedi-
ate Divine a])p()intment. 'J'here were I'/idrisrcs amonu; tiio
multitudes who came to him for baptism, and instruction;
and (lii'sr. he more especially, and severely rei)roaehe(l, and
condemned, and called to rei)ent and turn from their hypo-
crisy and wicked ways. Yet, manv of these I'i'tarisvcs and
others, were very strict and r(\_:;ular, in their outward observ-
ance of worship, attendance on Ordinanees, and performance
of the divine ritual, and ceremonial aiipointments. liut, they
practically disregarded and omitted, the far irriijlilicr mailers
of the moral part of the divine law.
The Saviour, also, commenced his .Ministry, with the same
announcement to all, — *' Repent, for the kinjjdom of heaven
is at hand." And the greatest cf the A])0stles declared, that
in tcacliing ])ublicly, and from house to house, he testified
" to the Jews, and also to the (ireeks, repentance toward
God, and faith toward our Lord .lesus Christ." And, iiere,
it may be asked, are there not now in liii.-i land, and every
other, where all profess Christianity, — iind of the most evan-
gelical character too, — vast numbers, botii members of
Churches, and other attendants on the i>ublic ministrations of
religion, who, as to sti'ictness of outward observances, are far
behind those Pharisees the JJaptist addressed ; and are nearly,
if not quite,, as neglectful and disobedient, as ///cy were, as to
those greater and moral duties, which are strictly enjoined,,
under our higher and more spiritual system r If this be the
ease, among us, and throughout all Christian countries, in the
present day, — as is most deplorably true, — surely, there is
'lie like need, llu.t the jjerformaiur of tiie same iir'utari/ du-
I'i
'till
I'
1 '
W'i i
ii::
m.
1 1>~
l!(.s. should 1)" !rj'i'i'.'ii',ly aivl r,r!!l.:',.i]\ "ii-^isU.' I on. In ih."
nnlill- iniiu-;l".-:iti.)ii oi' \[\v. \\ oivl. In u.-ai'l}' (".^ ry CDnf^vcji'ii-
(loii, it' not univcrsuMy, ;r. Icn-t /'■'//■ : ulii-, if ii )t \m)\\\ in-
cUnlii.'^f both nKMnbvr.-i ol' t'le chai'diL'.;, wrA ntii is, arc in such
a state, as |)()siii\c'ly to vcijuirc to \,' callfjd to I'-n: hIiii/'-c,
and to turn Iroin tli'jir \:',iu';t'-. and IdIII'.'s : ;',nd their other
lUsooeditnt and evil ways. in tiie ])er('orniancc ul' this
solemn and res]) ousibh' ministerial duly, it is by no means
sutUci'n!, to d 'al nrrely in // w )'('•• t"rni^ as to prcrahnt and
predontiiiaiif t\ils: but i; is ab>oli!ti 1)' re'iuisite, in -Aljai'h-
fiflncss to };oint to such evils, i rrrrssli/ and Ay ii(inn\ so that
th'j tniniix! may i^ive such a C'-r/'iin sound, that all may un-
derst uul. This would be in accordance' with the divine com-
'^land, — ••'■ Sh )v,- my peopL' tlieir trans'j;ressit)ns, and sins;" —
•' rij^htly dividini; the w or;l of truth :"" and " .uivinu,' to all, a
portion in due season." If there be no such (i(l,(jilril and aj)-
jirDjir'inh' application oi' the word, l)ut merely declarations
•uul denouncements, as to sins and Irans^^-ressions In (jcnvnd
Ivrin-^, as is most c(Hnmonly the case, none \iill make the «''//'-
'I lipli ration which is nee l"d ; aiul, cunseiiuontly, all will rc-
n\ain as i/inr/hf, and (■(niijda-.i'itll ij as before, in the practice of
their respective ami belo\eil sins, and vanities ; and if they
perish therein, their blood v, ill, as declared, bo required at
the lualr/niimi's hand.
In each .successive cjencration and apjo, there arc certain
tiMnsresent day, amonji; the iua!i' professors of Christianity,
there is almost universally i)r(!valent, a KXirhllincss or covcfons-
ni'ss of spirit, manifested in the constant and insatiable striv-
ing, and <^raspin,i^ after p<'nniicnsirr a/)j>ar<.!, and other personal ap-
penda;;es, directly contrary to inspired commar.ds. Anion*:
;dl classes: .mil in bolli sew-;, (lu'rc i-^ an ■"xlremely prevalent
and
bedi(
as vc\
or m(
in a
It is,
shcu
their
comiil
given
open
their
any r
fion
1:)0
mdul^cnco in vain ami ili.s>i])iUin^; stcnos, rxhibitions. ^ncv
merely scit^ii'il iilri/t^nrcs. In these, as in many other parti-
culars, they are t\iHillin<,f the inspired description of the last
'* perilous days," in whicli we are evidently liv'n;f; and of
which, it is declared, that tiie peojdo shall be " lovers of their
OAVn selves, covetous, proud, haughty, hij;h-minded, and lovers
of i)l*-:asures, more than lovers of (iod."' Does it not, there-
fore, seem most dUvIous, tliat in the faithful ]icrformancc of
Ministerial duty, the [)(o])lc should be pointedly, and, even,
trecjuently warned and admonislied, as to each and all of these
prevalent evils, so injurious to the interests of true and prac-
tical ^■odliness r It could not be objected, that such pointed
exposure and admonition, would be (jf any prrsonal or parti-
cular ap])licatiou ; as thou<^li saying to any individual, —
" thou art the man," or, " the woman."' Ihe condemnation
and warnin;j: would be applied as to the fcils, as divinely com-
manded, and not to any particular person present ; and each
would be left to malse the s' ff-a^'yll'-Kdon, or otherwise, as
conscience mi^ht sujrj^rcst, Tlois, and thus onh/ can the
I'rcacher fulfil his awful responsibility and duty, — to declare
to the people, j^encrall}', ilie sacred truths adapted to their
state ; and of conveyinp; warnin^i^, reproof, and apj^ropriatc
instruction, and giving the needed " portion, to all in due
season."
In the ]dan of salvation, as wc see by the infallable and
unchangeable Word, rcpcndhir'', and iurnimj from evil, arc
expressly a]ipointed, to jir>'''<'(lr justifying faith in the Saviour,
and the divnie forgiveness. All who are living In open diso-
bedience, to any of the principles or prece])ts of Christianity,
as revealed in the Scriptures, whether members of the church,
or merely congTcgatlonal atteiulants, must be considered, a.s
in a state of rebellion, or of opposition to the divine Authority.
It is, therefore, essential, that In the very first Instance, they
shcidd be })lalnly and urgently called to repent, and turn from
their evil ways, as a irr'-rcqnisitc, or a condition of their
coming to the Saviour, and believing on Him, to obtain for-
giveness. The case may be likened, to that of persons in
open and armed rebellion against the lawful government of
their Country. No person will say, that Ihese would have
any right to ask, or could reasonably expect to receive, par-
fion from the govcrnnicnt, until they had ceased from thcif
'{
SI*'.'.
ino
rt'belllouu acts; laid ilnwn tlulr anns ; atul ilcclarf.'d their
readiness to accept the ofi'ered clemency : and return tu their
alle^^iance and (hity. Openly disobedient ]irof'essors, and
other enemies of the Lord, are to Ijc considered and dealt
with, in that character, as the scriptural jdan of n^crcy pre-
scribes ; nntil they r(]K'nt, and cease from transL,'res,sion, and
turn to the patlis of obedience. I'ntil they thus submit
themselves, and render allei^lance, there is no iinmi'isp. in
Scripture for their obtaining; /o/y///7'/h.s.s'. Neither scHptural-
ly, nor reasonably, can tliey ex])ect it ; and, therefore, it
should never be held forth to them, on any terms, which do
not include that condition of rcixml'ui'j, and j'ui\^(tl:iii'j their
sins.
Divine revelation is so full, and perfect, that it contains
truths, adapted to the state of all descriptions of cliaracter, as
regards religion. For the openly lUKjodltj and Kiirii/hlcoia^,
there arc awful dcnunciatioiifi and thrfdtvninns, to alarm and
restrain them. For the penitent., desiring ])ardon, deliverance,
and peace, there arc gracious and encouraging dirrrfioits and
promises. And for the rnrdcss, and u-arldl;/, and the disobe-
dient wanderers from " the way of understanding,"' there are
solemn and alarming varni)i;/s and exJiortations ; and thrcat-
cninfjs, also, in case of refusal to seek or return to the way of
submission and obedience. To these lust, such warnings and
threatenings, should in tlie first instance, be direetetl and ap-
plied, in the public ministration of the word ; rather than
descriptions of the l>enuti/. and f/mrf. and loi-e of the Saviour
and his snj)'crin(js on thch- belialf. His gracious invitations
to come to Him ; and his promises of immediate pardon and
acceptance, are held forth, (ndij to hurdiwd and serkini/ pcn-
itenh. To such, (do)n\ arc directed, and are ap])licable the
following, and others of his comforting promises, — '• Ho every
one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no
money come ;"' — " Come inito me all ye that labour and ar(^
heavy laden, and I will gi\ e you rest :" "' If any man thirst let
him come tuito me and drink :"' "'I will Liive unto him tliat is
athirst, of the fountainof the water of life, freely;" — "Blessed
arc they, who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for
they shall be filled." Hut these gracious and alluring invita-
tions, are not in accordance m itli the drsirrs und fed i>i(/s oi the
careless and v:orldbj re at ease; be troulded ye care-
less ones :" '* woe to tliem that are at ease in Zion ;" your
inicjuities have separatetl between you and your Uod ; yoirr
»sLns have hid liis face Iron; i, ou, that lie will not hear;"' —
" Knf)wini;-, therefore the terrcr of the Lord, we persuade men;"'
" Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead, and
(Mirist shall _L:ive thee li;:ht."" Such are tiie solemii and warn-
ing truths, whicli the di\ij:e commands, reipiire should be
frei/ifoitlij and /aiili/'iilli/ declared in their hearin^^, in the
piihlic proclamation of the Word. liut, «/'rs how seldom
does the '• Trutnpd," ;'.s to Ihiir, ^'ive any such i-i-rUtin, <>.p-
proj/riate, •ii^cit'nco, to Mcl- to (.'iirist, lor
ohtainin;; i)ur(l()n and |)(.>;i(.\\ iucordiiiu' to tlu' >;().sp('I plan.
Tluis, .^Idi/i by the ai)j)li(Mf ion and power of ttu- law, and
euabk'd. thi'oiinh i;ra((', to bclirvc ok the Saviour, tlicy find
niiTCV and dt'livcrau'i'. and arc broiiiiht out ut the inrna'
and rapl/rr state, inlu the treetloni, aiul love, ami joy, r)f the
.spiritual lilt'. Sueh is tli" divim 1\- i-i'\,_,ded jjlaii, tor the
ministration of the word, towards ellvetin-^' t'l-' eonviction and
conversion ol" nnre^LTfucrate souls.
It must 1)0 obvious to all who havr an\ spiritual discern-
ment, and knowle(l;^e, .•,i" tli(> state of the Ciiiuviios, tluit in
all of them, there is but \''ry little x^'irihinHhi of mind, and
feelini^ : and scriinuratly ])ious, ;;nd j)ractical ohi ilir/tri\ 'I'his,
is, indeed, the very i,'(-neral, as well as just oi)inion of those,
who are si)iritually minded, and are best ac(piainted with tho
nature of scriptiu'al Christianity ; and its jircsent state, in tho
countries denominated Christian. Many of these, both amonn;
Ministers and ])eople, are siuhint;, and i)rayinj.', for a revival
of cx])erimental, and pure reli^Mon ; and in several (piarters,
special efforts arc beinic niade, for ol)tainin^ that blessing.
It is manifest, from scriptural authority and instruction, re-
lative to the subject, that, as rej^ards hninan. etforts, the most
effective instrumentalitv, towards obtaininu' the 'rreatlv need-
cd and {,'racious result, is, — that of tlie public ministration
of the Sacred Word. In the performance of this .solemn
duty, it is requisite, that there should be a pointed, and faith-
ful enforcement of the •jrcat scriptural truths, the best adapted
to alarm, arouse, and conricf, those who are " dead in tres-
passes and sins ;"" — to ica r/i. and ri'iinn-f formal and disobe-
dient professors, involved in worldly \ anities and follies, and
pointedly ex})ose, and condemn such evils ; and show their
ruinous tendency : — and to inslrurf and r,<7( or/ professors of
every class, frecjuently and plainly, to the performance of all
the jn-adiral duties of a religious life, as enjoined in divine
revelation. To swch appropriate ixnd faithful ministrations,
the Lord will make his own word, " like as a fire" and
" like a hammer, that breaketh the rock in pieces;" and will
grant the fulfilment of His gracious ])romise, — " My word
shall not return imto me void, but it shall accomplish that
which I please ; and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I
t
't
!« .: ,
](.»
sent it.'' 1-V'ui-lc-is, ;m.l v,,.U udi] '..h; aM|)lii':ttl.>i's < f .>cri|j-
tunil truth, will uIwmvs !);• ^'rratly instruiD.'iitnl. in ()l)tainin«;.
tind promotiiijr, ^eimiiic ami L'.-tiP'j; n-vhaU ol' pure ami prac-
tical rcli;j;ion.
IJcfort' cimcliuliii-; this Mil Jeer, it may \>c excusable, to
offer a few remarks airl su;j;<^ niDUs, rr,:;anlim^ one partkidor
in the iii'inn-r of Uclivcrin'; pulpil addrcssc-,. 'riicrc socm-f
to have hci-u, for soni" tiim- past, iiu iiicrcasiu;;' ('\liil)iti(;u of
oxtremu and varied, and occasionally cvcii violent ha'lihj
action and j/''.s^st iu )nan ;
And most of all in nutn thiA, ministers and
Serves the Altar in my soul I loathe ;dl ajfri'tatlon:
'Tis my perfect scorn ; object of my implacable
Dis^'ust. What I— Will a man play tricks ? Avaunt
All attitude and stare and .s/f. ■' fhoatric
I seek dicinc siiiiplirilif in him, who handles
Thi)ifjii divine : and all besides, thou!:;]i learn'd
With labour, and thougli nuich admir'd by
Curious eyes, and judgments ill-informed,
To VIC is odious."
A hand, from time to time, placed on the side, and alter-
nately changed while the otlier is fulbj extended, and soon
i'hoth of them Jirndij clenelnd, and raised ahove the head,
with violent action and other similar and varied i/esticnlatio?is
'.may pass with little or no offence, on a puhfle platform, in
'declaiming on some jioHticnl, or other merely .sec ?.
li
lUMC-
hracJ,
lirarili/ ..hicli shoulil ever acci>in])aiiy (li(» AnmiiiciiitK.it of'
divine tnitli. In several instanees it i^ l)iit too iJiilpabk', •
that snch vnri:rirn>aiiaii' j;esti:i-es, in ftliul addresses, •
have not ; t all lui -i n, iVom the (/rcnlhrss ot' the stu'iinrttts
iitt'M-ed, f r tiic nrdciit :. at u\ the rpcakcr: Ijiit have been
called into 'Xt iciNC, as mere /""//*/// (\l.iliitlons. These, may
■pass satisl'actorily or i)evliap< a\jpr(niu;;ly with //y/// ov j'ri-
lo/oHH per*; 'MS hut to srlawi :\vo in 1/ iiijnn,ici/ iitinil/i they will
j^dve more or Ic.-i.s otfi-nee ; und even may ttnd to le> youwjcr ]iMrtion of the
Ministry, and in tlie iliss'iit'niij oo'V'.<. It may, therefore, be
lioped, thr.t the I'lmalr and I'-c ni'infj rxcntplo of the elder
member" of the saereil order will check, and prevent, the fur-
ther incrcas'e of sucli nJirnmclif c.r!,il>if\'ons.
This 7'i^rt-'cidar, of action in tlic pidplt, is, indeed, of ])ut
small "mportanee, compar'd witli the subject j)reviously
treatcvl of, tlu.t; of — tli'> pointed ancl faithful adaptation of
pulpit discour.vLS, to the variou-^ (la.-si.'S of characters to
wiumi they are addressctl. Here, It is, that the deep re-
sponsibility of the ])ublic Teacher ;ests, 11 ■ is })laeed in
the awlVd situation ot' an AndKt>.-;ador, or A,Li;ent, between
a, lioly and oifended Clod, and guilty men ; a!id as the cited
{Scriptures show , he is to " slut y t(» sliow himself aj)proved
unto CJod, a workman tha; needeth not to be ashamed,
ripjhtly dv\idin^ the Word of truth." He is to reprove,
rebuke, and exhort, with aL authority ;" tcachin;> the people,
" to observe all thinji;s whatsoever" his Lord has commanded.
He must neither /cfo* i\\o frmnn^, or di.'^jjlcasurr ; nor seek
the favoirr or nj>iiroJ) ot the
liirituiu.'t.'."
everlasting in-
Slllt>l<» IX,
ON riVTl. (i()VEUXMM\T,
TO RKLKilOX.
l. Civil (iovKRXMi'.NT ; ax Ordinaxci: oi- God ; ami
His Puuposks 'rnEiiKix. — " J*ronu)tion conuth neither from
the east, nor from the west, nor froi^i tlic south ; but God i«
the Judge : He putteth down one, and netteth up another."
Ps. Ixxv, G, 7. " He ehose David, also, his servant, and
took him from the sheepfolds : from followinj^ the ewes <^rcat
with young, he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and
Israel his inheritance." l*s. Ixxviii, 70, 71. "By nic,
Kings reign, and Princes decree justice. By me, Princes
rule, and Nobles ; even all the Judges of the earth." Prov.
viii, 14, 15. "And it shall come to pass, in that day, that
I will call my servant J'iliakim, the son of Hdkiah : and I
will clothe him witli thy robe, ;aid strengtlien him with thy
girdle ; and 1 will commit thy government into his hand ;
Hnd he ^liall be a father to t)ic iidiabitants of Jerusalem, ;ind
I) «
ii
in-
M) ihc house ol .Imiiili. " Is. .\:.ii, I'O,
1 litis saitli tht
liord to his iiMiiint'.'il, U) Cyrr.s, v.Iuim" rij^'ht luiiid I Imvc
liohlc'M, ti) siiitdii" iiiitliuis l;i ;' • !iitit. ' U. :;lv, 1. *• Ho-
liold I will •>viu\ ;mii1 talic a!' '[:■: i.imili-'i oT the north, saltli
the JiOrd, and Xronchadnc". sr, th' Ivinu: cf Habylon, my
MTvaiit : aul will briii:^' th' -.u a'_;ai;'. .L this Lmd ; a:v.l against
the iiihaliiiaiil'- llKrcof: nj; 1 a^'ainst all ihos- nations roun (at i^ra.^s as oxeti ; and s^vcn times shall
|)ass over thee, until thou know, that the ]Most Hit^ii ruh.'th
in the kinndom cf mei: : and .'.d'.etli it to whomsoever ];e
will." Da!i. iv, ;'.•.:. •• () thuu Kiau', the Most lliu'ii God
j;ave Xebuehadn"/:/;ir ihy iatlur, a Idn^dnm, r;nd majesty,
and priory, and honour. " I) ;!i. \. li<. '• I<"t every soul
be subject unto t!ie hi^lier jxjweis. i""or there is no power
but ot"(jod: the powers that be, iire ordained oi" (Jod : wlio-
soever, therefore, re.sisteth the power, r'-'sistetlf t!ie Or'linancc
of God."' liom. .\iii, 1. 2. •• I ev.liort, ih/'refore, that, first
of all, supj)licatioiis, jtrayors, intercessions, and j^dving of
thanks, be made for all men; for kin%'>, and for a.!l that are
in authority; tliat we may lead ;; ([uiet and peaceable life,
in all ^{odliness and honesty." I 'J'im. ii, I, 2.
Whatever may be thou'j;!it, o.* 5 a!'.!, by iiu'ldels or sceptics,
it is a divinely revealed tru!!i, that tl.is world, and all its
affairs, are under the mor;d, overrulip.'^ government and di-
rection, of the Almii^lity an 1 wise Creutor. Alth')Uf,di, since
the iir^ t tran.-;;.,a*ession, th" wli"le of our race, has, by nature,
been in a state of >;in and rebellion, u^-ainst its .Soverci^^n and
t;raeious lienefaetor, He has not left i!s to ourselves, to be-
come a prey to each other's eorr'api liesires, and propensities,
Avithout any mcan.i of vetiMint aiul diseipiine, towards se-
curim!; our temporal weltr.re. i-'or c h'eetin'.;' this beni;^m
])urpose. He has established the family relations ; and through
the medium of the affections, and l)y other means, has
nrijiinaied fevlie.'.'s, of the duty of nmfC'iinn and s>i.pporf, on
♦he one hand; ''ud ol '1r,'/>ndcH':f- "^>j€Ctioyi. and o^cdicnr'';
\v
1
li:
p'
I >
rr,s
•TU tlu' utlu [■. Ill a iiioi'c rnhirui-'cl uiaiiiK ;■ ol' iii.'.n.'.riil jiiTari'/''-
liient, lit' has caused to I)'' eslablisii'v d aiiiiiii'^; t!i ■ iiatidn-
and tribes of the ravlh. iiist'Uuli>'n.-, oi' ;•■)■, I'niiiii.ii:, I'ud iaw-,
and r(\i;uhiti()ns. Ir.r the >a!ni" hi.;;':\(,'l- iit ainl exci IL. ;ii. jair-
pose, ol" providiii;.:,' i''>r tii'.'ii' ieiiM-oi' d ^^alLty ;.nd La]>Miies-:.
These institi'.ti'Mis. or avran.uieiiui.l.-:, i' '; tnu', ha\-'.', iiidil-
f'erent aj;x's, and aiuoiej,' ditl"u\u; na/iio,--, 1k;;i i:: a ;j:rea.!.
varictv of fdnns, or lUiide^, lu'cord ;;)■.;■ Im dillr;-; ncL>. a . in t'ur
i)f'i>>e->SLi! by the
.;•, l;:v iii'-titu' ;;)!.;>
i'.riil iiirre'uhl j)ur-
1! \ , !.'■ > ;i couducl -
e\ il iXi-.-ioii>, aiid
(le;i;rees of iiitelll;.;.:"ici', and ci\ih;',ai"i!i:i.
peo[)le, Imt, on the pavl u\ i!." ]>l',:i;.' Iim!
have all been desi;^ued lor iji; .--w.)" w'l-^:
poses. They liave, i'.ul"'/il. ahno:-i eiuver.s
ed iiiijii'ilhi, and n^.,/;'. >\s/'' /k. thro;\i;h Ihc
the wicked eouduel. of men; but ^ivA\ injuriois and aiHielin;;
results, canno' at all impeach the n /.•■lo.n and !abll.-:;inuait of
the institution ItMli'. Lilie all His utl'er rae;>ui'e~ , «!• \ised
and introducetl for owx benefit, and to m'ti^at!' our sinful and
unhappy condition, it has, almost invariabl}'. been perverted
from the divine intention, and lieen \\ ;de instiama ntal, I'ar
more to jiurposes of ,)/•/''■, and r/,,/''<'/o//, ///;'■'./'•■ and criiihij,
than to those of //'.smVc, u-^/r- and 'hay^in-j-. Stdl. Ininian
government, of almost any de r tli
dwelt. Soon alter the Deluge. X
appearcl. who, as Seidnture decl;
ose
mroii
u'e
one in Mie
rfh
an
1 t'
.i\nin'
among v.hom they
tiie mighty hunter.
gan !o be a mighty
l' Y''- ki.m,'i Mn. V, iv-
till'.
Ill II Mi-
ll \','
il (I'll
ni-,.;i
1)1U--
aiivl
l(i!)
I'mI
Ml
otliii' jila<
IllC
uf' 1) mi( (
1. He ^vas tl
\c
S.»\T'i(I^;i i>r t!iat ki!i'4c, liavr ^-ovcrnrc
'liii" vo''ulati(in^ or laws
'I'l
ic
. if t
\'-\ m:\\ 1)" sf) ca
Ih'.l,
i)ro-
Hll)l\ ,
(loul)iU
)arti).)lc holn oi a
l'/!//
y and of a so
'// {'liaractcr : and
\\t re coiul'.ict! (I uMd"r xmv prc^prihed, but low
aufl siin|>K' I'liivs. W'c, aUo, r. ad in Scripture, that m th(*
rariy a'.;i.'s. tii'/rc v.r'rc Dukes, or ( 'hit f-*, of M(h>m ; l\.iri,u;s of
Shiuar, I'llam, Achnali. /.■•Ijolin, and of several f)ther nations
or tribes: all of whuni, would, of course, have laws or rules,
for the !4overnni(nt and obser\'aii','e ot' the jieople. respectively,
over \\ho:;i (h.ey reii:,;icd. J*"rom Scripture history, and other
source.^, it >eein-> proltahlc. tlinr ly'i'ypt. v.as the first country,
where the nearest approach was made, to a rc;^ndar or s(>ttle(l
form of civil ;.'()vcrnm'.!it. Thi' iris<.-!, laost lir,i''iir)h\ nud
ipost /I' :■/'' '■' in>tilu'ion of the kind, however, whicli iias ir-^r
bec'n known, in our world, i--, iind'nibtedly. that wiiicji was
established by (jod, liini'^elf, (/\er His cho<, generally,
lu the land to which He was leading them, and in which,
according to Hi; ))romict laws, rif ti;e moral code, have formed
the -jKiH-i'ii. and l)ern adojUcd, as tb.e nr'jiind ^/'o /•/.•, of the
best laws and regulations, in \.]\v. wisest, and most just and
c(putable Constitutions ol' Civil (jiovirmuent, which have
been established in any part of tlie world. A learned Jurist,
in referring to llicnirf,\ He was able, unijuestionaldy, to have
prescribed whatever laws He pleased, to His creature man,
however severe. But, as He is also a Being of infiniti-
irisdoiii, He has laid down, orily such laws, as were founded
in those relations of jn.-[! I'i-; di'-p^'ii'-atioii -. coiilonus ; uiiJ
which He has cn.ihkd huiiKiii i\ .!-.';ii i > (liscr)\L',. .'•u iav as
ihcy arc ncccs.^ary. iur the cojKhu't of ini laii actions. Sucli
anion;;- otlicrs, are tiifse j^rinciplfs : — f!'at wc slioiihl live
/toiH'.'Ui/ ; sliouhl /(.';•/ noho.ly ; and sh.onhl vcnd'r to cvcrv
one his (/>/<. 'i'iiis law of niiiinc, bcini;' cocNa! with man-
kind; and dicLu(''d by (jod hiinscli', is, of course, sujK-rior
in ol)li;ration to any otlicr. It ;.-: bindin.t,^ over all tiu; g-h)be,
in all countries, and at all limes: So /hiiikhi laws are of any
fnlidilji, il' fOiii r'ii-:i lo t!iis: an , and all tiieir
ire tl
n;
itural
idon^ 01
aiui
lese
are tlie retiuisitc's, l.iat muiU to ue loiuid, j:i ev* ry well con-
stituted fraiue of ;j'o\ (.rnnie;.; .""
Several of tlie t
ex
o: ^cn
section, e.Miresslv show tn>u ci->il (.io\
it ll) • head of this
and i{ulers.
.'ument^
are
Ord
uiances oi
(Jod.
more e->i)eci;iiiv, ih'
foil
owm;,' l)a.s-
sagcs in ilom. xiil : — '-liil every soul be subject to the
l-'cr there is no jx.'wei-, but of (iod: tlic
'• He is a ^Minister of
uulier i)owers
)0W
ers that be. a.re ord.iinfd of God.
(Jod t>) tiiee for U'.
afraid: for he lie;
i.ut,
h nut t!
if thou do th;it wliieh
evi
1,1
)C
iwon.i m v. mi
ior lie 1.':
M
inister of God
(loet
n evi
the
o cxeeut(> wrath upoii him that
uu.s, w;
lo ill II 1 1, (
am
1
idolafioi/s p'jiii rs. to wiic;
an
h(;v:tv and rule, the Chrisli;
ins
\vere su
bjecl. We h
n, that :,inular iiis])ire(l lan;j,-uaifc
was used, re^•ardin^^ Nebuciiadne/.zar, and C
atrous Sovereiifii^, lioih of whom, ar
j
\rus.
also
idol-
servants of (Jod, to effect his i)
e ex])ressly called the
urposes.
Tl
le Jews were
commanded lo ])ut th.emselves under th.e yoke of tlie former;
Tud to pray for the pei'.< c of tii" idolatrous city, whither they
,,,.(.,•(-. oanded. as cniiiv'-...
\iOd
rulethi
2 8aiif
He IS I
'■ I-'or
"Unt
quire(|
1)1«:
I lif- hcwvoii :i: ":.r])ir('S ii; III" iJi>;;ic iviii. r, hv 'iiC ni'-
i!:;.:'.ii!"> ()l'<';\'i ( jo\ ('n.iiy. ;it. ;u..l Ivtiirr^. a''r. also, lurthci
III '(''■ ki'.uwn, i»y ih( i);iss:i;i!-(' in i 'iiip.. cha". ii. wl'icrc Chris-
tians ;ir." c()inin;!::ili'(t. ;m praii, I'.nd i.nki^ •• i)i'< v •i-<>'0/i" and
liivi ••thanks," for ••i-iiitis. and j<,r all ll;at arc in authority,
rliat v:v may h a to be formed.
Jf tiiev were condu'.icd accordin''' to the.-,c' r/icrciful desi'^nis
■jf the Sn])reniC' ilnlcr. h}' /.'•.'•^/"//, . y'si!rr, ;uid "/'""'//, on the
])art of l(.'ir.,iniLri\-. and lit'/'Ts. a'ld hy oiihrl}" and ohediciiv
(•()i\(hict. iiy l!:f pcci'!". .--ucii in.-titutions, \\()vild, indeed, he
iireatlv condi,ci\e to I'lc \\cl)'.,re auil hai)i)iness of all. It is
true, lliat (iod. in liis Snprenie Uide. lias, in a very few
instances, (•(mnii'i uihil, ;uid, in a vast nnmher of others, lias
pi/rniiff'd, heavy iniiietions and sulferini^s, hy human Poten-
tates and Jlulers, belli upon their own ])eoplc, ami on other
nations ; but, th.ese events have been made subservient, for
edeetin,:^ His ])ui-])Oscs of justice, or punishment, or discipline
of other (lescri[)tions, in the earryinj:,' out of His own Cio\ern-
ment over all. As all ])owers and means, throughout the
Inivcrs^', are sul'j'ect to Jlis conirol and command, He may,
as Me has olten dont. elicet His own pe.rposes, of whatever
description, as well by one (iovernment and Natior, as by
any otiier instrumentality. Hut, no such oppressive or af-
ilietive i\enls. imjicach, or aiTect, in th.e least de.^rec, the
wi>" and j^n-acious (It'sian and purp'iscs of the Divine Being,
in. causing gfAernment and laws to b(.' established, for the
regulation an. 1 weliare of the social state. The Ordinances
themselves, '(re of (iod. as v,e have seen: and, as declared by
Ilim, arc irteMded for tlu^ '\elfare of men, tiiat they " may
lead a oule; and peaceable lifr'. In all ^^(jdliness and honcstv."
:?. Tisr, Cnir. I'owr.Tjs, Id sroxsiiiLi: to God. — "The
(iod of Israel s i.id. tii" P.ocl; of Israel spake to me, He that
niletli o\rr i;'.en, imirt l)e just rulinir in the fear < I' God."
2 Sam. .will, ;i. '• I-'or the Kingdom is the Lord's: and
He is tiie (iovernor among the nations.'' Ps. xxii, 2S.
" For God, is flic King of all the earth." Ps. xlvii, 7.
" T'nto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much re-
quired." Luk':- xii, iS. '■' For Uulers are not a terror to
'liP.''^.
!H'
■-.vud woi'l; ■, I. r l" lii' <\'il." '• Hf i. Iiic Mini a. r ul'( ..'(I In
tliL'e ior 'U'ooi.l. ll.it ii t!i:i 1 il'i tiiiit uliiiii is i'\ii, \;r alraiil.
ibr liC It'.'avt'ti ii 't ;!ii' sw.nd ia \aiii : I'oi- lie is tiic MinisttT
of God ; ii i'cr'f . In t'.M i-ut' WiMiii iipi):! Kim th,'[ doi'lli
rvi!." !vnm. xiii. '■'>. 1. ■■ \\'!ii) is ['w l)lrs-,.'(l and oidy I'o-
fenlutr'. fhc Kiiiu i.'l' Kiivj,>, aul Lord oi' Lnid-. I TiMi. \i,
\;,_ _•• .\iid Irniii Jc'sit.s ('lii'isi, who is tii" laii'it'id witir,' -,
;in(l till,' lir-l l)c"40ttf M ( t' til-' d<:Ml •. and liic Prii'ce (j!' llir
IviuuN (n'ilr.' (.I'lli." Kcv. A'vii, 1 I.
'I'iic iruiii. tii.il ( i\ii ( i«)Vfniin'r! Is mi OrdiiKincc of (hkI,
is cUiirlv -,iiov, n. U^• srscial nf (he lla^^a■i(S of Scri])t.urc', cited
i.i tlio iir.'c (111:-' r.cctinii. It ir.ust therefor'', follow :;.-; an
imdouhlfil coiiclii-iMi, tlia' th;' rtdiii,:;- ;md adininis1iali\ c
Powers, in all -acli (-•ovrvuan'iiN. av respon-^ibjc to tiic (Ircat
Riiltv. who ordal:i(ii ihcai. fortiif fail hful fulliliiU'iit of all the
(luac's He i'e(iulres li' h ■ j)';! ioraicd, in tlv exercise of the
.'Uifhoriiv (Mitnist 'd. 'I'le y aae i \iire-sly called, the •• Mlids-
tors of ("iod." and ;;w '-T'/^/Zz/'v/Ia Hini to he, •• not a torror
to Kix'il ^^'^'il^'^- ''''^ ''* ^'•'' <"''!■" '^'I'l are not to '' hear the
sword." or p AVer. " in vain : hut arc to '' execnlc wrath
u])on him that (lo( tli evil." In liie Old TotanK'nt Scriptures,
the Lord is called. '• i^ln'j; of all the l-'.arth.. and (iovernor
anionn' the Xatiou>.'" 'I'hc Sa.vinur lias detdared. '" all power
is tiivcn unto Tue, in Heaven antl in cartlT' ai\d Ho is called
" I\in;j of Kin.u's ;"" and *' the I'rinc'.' of the Kin.u's of the
Ivirtli." No ar;4unient, th.erefore. is needed, to show, th)\t
Civil Towers, of every rank and (lei:-ree, are responsible to the
Divine liuler: and that, if thf-y fail to fultil that responsi-
bility, hy not duly perlbrinini,' the duties, J lis revealcHl will
and connnands rc(piire, they are lialde to His condemnation,
and the appropriate ])unislnnei;t.
In all the relations of life, there is, indeed, a double resjioii-
?ibilit
])0W
V involN'ci
cr
anu ine o
-oa:-, to tiie li"?/vi,: and i/ni/irJ in/e siijierior
snd St/f)7''uii' li'id'f.
)tli"r, to liie
/>.
/■/ /'
Siich is the case, in tne relations
of Ifusband and Wife; —
Parent an
I Child: — .Master and Servant; and. indeed.
throu'diout the whole of tlie various other relations of Ir.anau
life, and its all'air
W
la'.evtr irreli'.;ious, ant
d h;
iu<.:iity, or
so
Itish and \mi)rinciiilcd Rulers, and Civil I'owers, whether of
high, or low decree, nmv tnin
on
th
su
bject
or wiiatever
nrlf.u-UU or nion^ Ino^r'n jioliry. tiny may (^xercise. m enrrv
ol a!
jnllu
sive.
iii.it
///
i\-
D
tne.
accol
alfe<|
to
w
fet^;
I ')
ml.
,ttr
rA\\
\ 1.
tin
.if.;l.
■A{c(]
an
uiIm'
ircat
1 tlic
' the
lliiis-
.'iror
.r liic
kvriith
turcs.
[•>o\v
or
ca
lied
U'
jf tl
, that,
to tl
ir
1 will
\ation.
L'sj)on-
nicrior
i-r
1
Hid
He ; —
idced.
hiiiniiu
ity, or
ther or
uitcvrr
carvv-
Ii..'r t.".i;' l,i;i'!- .til! Ii..ir:.\', thcv
,i\v\\ .(■>iioi-.«i!i!'' V
1 I liM, \Vtl:i 1-
th'' {''.art!:."
tU'V i::iil I)
id of ;;,! ;;
.1 i;o 'xnri.'
•inc- o
. lll'TS O!
uli)iiV(i;;;at;' I'DWcr.s. It
a->.-..'r;':(>!:. i»: authori; v.
on \\\v noni!. : r
M-i !!■'.■( :
!iiri:' '.oil.
as
tn>
i)
i\iii'' alio
siii'i: Ki'ifi--
s;r.iic!; -.il. [.
riu-l.tco'.i.-: {■•
U\'\V.
u'\\ auH
[r)i{'
a::o. tiiai.
•>i:'/>v :-;i{ :i i,ii : 1 1 rr-:)oii>i!)ii!iy ':) iiii:,, ii,i- tnc
'] i;'.itiil'ul i". :iil;!'j. :i'. oi liu- dr.;! s iiivcilvi'd i'.i l!ir
aulhori;
\ , \. .. '
1 \\ :iijn ! I.
•.:i I'M,' i;
U'.
Miliordiiiat- i>i)\\; i-^. V,
Aiitl'oritw li\- w'lirii
ii.'ili'. y. i:i tiii-. (
iiai
o ; 111
•ti'liim-, t!!'.';i.
(
rr
a< W(.
11
u.s everv oiIil'.', 'd lliiii. v.iio i< tiie S-'jir. v.i.' iu;!-'ro! the ( in-
verse
'I'iiaL
■si)olisioiii! V u. {•
v:;lc!:
mo::t solemn am deeiii^' mi^K-rlant cnar
L ^ 1
I
, is iiideeil. of the
leti r ; ami. in eacfi
mstanee, mu.^U oi' eoiir^e. eorre'-;)!;nd in ilruTej, and reijip.re-
nienis. as \wll .i.^ jinai co:i.
n:: t M';' )lo\t il lO
i lis ^vlll ami nurjioses.
■;;L I--. Oi /,'/■';/'. r.sc/'
•1(1 V,!'. .1
er
c . I : :
■r/hi,n, and.
In the case
It
ueeil, ;.eare('i\. i;e i\_:n:
intluenee oi' ( 'i\il (j'ov r
sive, and i)o\\'enul, litli
ini;'ii
.id
u r.
oj)-. .ation- ami
at"-' v,rv exten-
i(jr <■; /'.f or ■ rii : no; oniv
as te
liln-uf
lial (Hi
(■', a nil :^n. /«..', Our as to ;■■////.'
.' i and .iiurn^ intorrsls
;r ie>[)onsil)iIity to tht
lluler, is of ti,e ino>L soii'mn ;:;.aractev. iluu,ardin'
it i.s, ou tiiese ia-'t itoint
Divine
tnese intere>ts. theielore. i;
('V will
leld to tne strictest
account; and tne constMiueiiecs oi iiinr uuM>ii".'t.'
aliecl. or rathe r
I ir
their etei'ii.d (
to
X
n'..,l. A
ino.
■,111 dcepl>
ln\' : V, lif'ther a-
and lai; hi'ul .In iii-.a, and
lest
(-•ncmiali
a ^.'. I'Oi
a .")v| 1 1!. \\ M M ai
'•a iiM.'
•r. n; .:ii
i:i.d i"'Hii!ii(
ui .nnnai
'■: -I ! tiicii
lii'
hi, .
m
ti
^&
\',\
niitliunty. lor pr< .■ !trot(r-tii"f, and i nf'.ipruuin.L,' ph'tv, ami
the moral int .iTsts ami -A-liar-' dt the iic;.]ilc, will roc-iM- thv
Divine ai)|)r()\,il, — •• W'rll (l(,no, u'kxI am' fai; iil'ul >•;•%. .iit>.
On tlic otl.c'i- hand, ii .K'lubor.in, ami a;i Ahah. i ih i-od. and
a Felix, a Henry and a ("iiarlcs ol' I'ai^l.ini!, and a l/.v, 's ci
l-'ranee, Vvith the inultitiides of' (^iurs, hotli iii Antdenl i;nd
Modern A.^es, who, in Ta'kin:: Kiv s a'.ui d 'crees, aed in
oxccutin;^ ])o\V(r, have oppressed and p'.'r>e<'T.lcd ])icly ; and
{<(>rirl!i)ii' if and
fll (■■ I ■!
riiiji il ,v.v vohintai
;iv
■/(//'/.'"/, sonrces and
measures, dire; tly eontrihutin^' fo [)idjiic \!ei' and imnioraliiy,
will, at last, experience the Hivin'' i.uli;;nat:ija, and an c \( r-
histin.<; puiiishnient us awluliy severe, i's their crime :s and
nej^dect of duty, have hem aj:-j,ravated and ndnous. ''The
.iud;^e ()♦' all, will do ri':;ht,'' and linaily, '" reiuU.'r to all ae-
cordinj^f to their works ;"" I'or, lie Is •• no re.>pecter of persons."
o
t).
DrriKs oe riii: (''vu, I'owi.cs iiKsrr/Tixf; Ki:-
t-iGiox. — '• Tiiis hook of the la->v sliall not dejiarf out of thy
mouth : hut thou shalt iiK'dite.te therein, day and ni'.;'ht, that
thou niayest observe io do. aecordiuLi; to all lh;it is written
therein." .Tosli. i, 8. " lie tliat rule lii over men, must be
just, rnlinu; in the fear (>f Ord. ' 2 Sam. xxiii, ."J. "Anil
the Kin^ stood by a i>iHar, and made a c -veiKint htCore the
Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keej) his eommand-
njcuts, and his testimonies, and his statute.^, v.itli all their
licart, and all their soul, to p'-Viorm ti-.e v.errds of this cove-
n
:int, tbat were writt(Mi in this I
)0Ol
And 1
le ]
ai
t d
own
the idolatrous prie:
.M
miliar spint.-
aia
1 thi
\\
;-tls,
(/•■■■jvc;
a id ti
li;
\V01
'K'S.
k"r> \,itli fa-
an'
I I
le i.'o
l.i!--.
and all the ahominatio-.is ti^'.it v/ere ;-i)i'.;i ip the bi'id o
.f.l
J
m .lerusaien!. du
le,
,i;
d .1
osi:
di ]ait
and
form tlie wonls of the law,
that llilkiah the p-riest found in tl
»w;
t!
hv liiiu'i
Hian.
uer-
i;:rli wer'
.inss xxiii, o,
-;. lit,
■ ritlen in rliv book
hfra.'e of th" Lord." li
And Asa did that wliich was «.';oo(l
and right, in tlie eyes of t ^e Jiord h.is (iod: and cMumauded
.fudah, to seek tlic Lord God of their fatlier^
law, and the commandment. Also, lu' look
iW
ad to do th.c
■V out" of all
ic unatres
and
the cities of Judali. the hicii i)l;>ees. and t
the kingdom was quiet ht'fore bim." '_' ('lu-nn, xiv. 2, L o.
v. 0. '• For llie land liad re>'. : a!id he iiad no war in thoN"
vears : lie ■ ius(
the 1
OKI
had
n\f\\ him
A.
And
Qoni'
rclign
there!
tionsj
A
In .soJ
chief]
cial tl
of soj
that
Kociel
the
!he ,\
and
1 "t .")
ami
. ill-
. ami
is Oi
iintl
(i hi
au'l
, UU'l
ality,
I CV( I'-
ll and
-The
all :v.'-
i>ons.'"
c. Rk-
nf thy
\t, that.
written
must bi'
— " And
i'div the
innv.md-
lU their
lis covo-
ut down
with fa-
1k> i.'oh'..
)[■ .Ivdaiu
ip:t }ier-
ii'j hook
Lord." 2
was <.';oo(l
nraaiuled
to do till'
Jilt of all
lI 1 al ihe ^ate;, tli;i; •hcrv -huuld \\.> inirdri
be hr()ii;.^dit in on tin Sahbath day. So tin.' im relia;it.>, and
sellers of all kind of wan-, lodged witliout JernsaUni, once
or twice. Then, 1 testified a;.^ainr-t tiicni, and said unto tlmni,
Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do sd iiuain, I will lay
iiands on you." Neh, xiii, I'J, 'Ji/, iM. "A wise kin^-
scatteretii the wleked, and hriniieth the who( 1 over them."
Prov. xx, 20.
•" For llulrrs arc m
terror to <'ood
works, but to the evil." Ivom. xiii, ',). \. 1. " For lie is
the Minister of (iod to thee for p;ood. Ihit, if tliou do thai
Avhich is evil, be afraiil ; for lie bearcth not the .sword in
viiin : for he is the Minister of (j(m1, a revcnuer, to execute
n'ruth upon hin\ that doeth evil."
It may be r.dmittcd, that it is ratlicr difhcult, as to many
particulars, to fix the i)rccise line, or boundary, of the right
and duty of the Civil Towers, with regard to Religion. It
is clear, that they have no right to interfere with any person's
priratc sentiments, on tlie subject, or to ]K'rsccute or distress
him, in any manner, on account of them. Although, they
are, even, of an infidel, profane, or immoral description, yet,
so hmg as he refrains fn^n making any such evil sentiments
ynhlic, by endeavour inscs:^
'■'.'/"
iiul are mukr
the oltli'jiitijU; to protect Kdlglon it-Lit', wul i!s moral ' lain,.-
;ind dull'..-. iJu', ih'y ur.. imjI a! 'ibi jiy *.■> intt.tftrL wiiJi >iiy
J
\w
i )
M'i
.seiitinu'iils, oi modes nv Inrins of rcli;4;i"!», wliirli do iiol -ic.
ilir(X'tly tend to corrupt and injure society. On these points,
by general admission, tLe law of ri^ht and duty liy tlie civil
j)o\ver, as to reli^^'ioii, seems to bo fairly and justly estaiilish-
ed. X(nv, applyiuL!,- these jiist iirntciii/i Sy to our common
Christianily, it must, surely, bo atlmitted, that in ail its moral
princi])les, precepts, and duties, it forms tiio most secure
foundation, and safeguard, of the social state ; and of the
jnoral welfare of the people, universally. Under that view,
therefore, Christianity, as yuch a system, ou;;ht to be pro-
tected by the Civil Powers, in every Christian country: and
its moral claims and dutic:;, rrr;/ iuid Inippiiicss riui\ <^( ucral ir,//',irr
of the ])i'0])h\ No earthly (Jovernrnfiit, or i'oucr, any more
I ii:iu ;;ii iiidiviihnl, e:iii he af jih'rfy
responsihility to (jod, holli to r
t iijiini-'- ()r iil>.l nil
I' -IS'
!ll(
1 1
o < .(■
'"/' ni'Mus t(»
ii.
})romote the interests ol' Ifis Kin'.rfh.m ii])on Marl
In the Theoeraey nhich He estahlishcd amon;^ His chosen
l^cople Israel, He ftmjily ])rovided for their reliLrious, moral,
and political, safety and welfare, by t!ie jiertl-ct institution.-
anc
1 1;
iw
H(
illed t.
,ive
tl
lem.
Tl
(k
le
th(
]ier;
on-
He, from time to
Hi
\U
innc,
and were commanded to rule, aeeordin'^ to that civil or
])olitical syst(in, II'' had so e-stahlished. We see, by one of
the t^jxts cited, that Joslnia, their second iluler, after their
civil and moral Code was so divinely ctimjdc ted, was char^n'cd
by God, in these worils ; — "This hook of tin.' l;iw, shall not
depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein,
day and ni;j;ht ; that tliou mayest observe to do, accordinj;
to all that is writtea iherein." The same command was,
by the same Divijio Authority, made bindini; on all subse-
(jucnt Rulers of the Xation, both Judf,'es and Kin^s ; and
their duties, accordingly, were the tame as those compre-
hended in that charjjfe to Joshua. Under that Theocracy,
the llulinu; Jude-e, tlu^ King, or other' Governor, was enjoined
by the laws of that Divine System, to jirotect the true re-
ligion ; and to prcrcni and supprrss all open idolatry, hlas-
piicinij and pro/a)!' ivf-'s ; a\\ incaniatioJis, s()rrrri''s, and pro-
fane acts of iii<('ih-irfi/ charac-
ters ; and to punish all those, who practised any such iitijiifti/
ij'id vickciht' s!<. 'IJiey were, also, commanded, to adjudge,
and punish, fur ail violations of the civil and moral laws of
that divinely e.siablisheil code. All the crimes, and abomina-
tions, already m.entioned, with many others, were dishonouring
to God, and directly tended to the injury, and subversion,
of the true religion ; and, therefore, were divinely marked
for piiiilshhi' 111 by the Civil Power. Some few ])i(nis and
faithful llulers, such as David, Josiah, and Hezekiah, carried
these, and the otlu'r divine laws iur) execution, aLcainst
tiioso v.'lio commilted the abominatioi:s and evils prohibited,
but by far the jTi-'iler imm! ?r of the i'ulers, under that sys-
t! :
hi
lii.;
i
I
IV-
II
mi
fi I
i J
W' i;
U'jii, nKnurriL^'f'tl and sn|>])('rU'(l ihdsc alxtiniimf l(m^, and wori
r«)j)r()V('(l iiiul ( MiiilmiM. (I liy tlic |)r(>i>lu"ts, — insidrcd ami
coininaiulf'd lor I he iui'|»iis(', — ;mii! were l»y \t,c divine jiul;^--
nients, puni^^lu'd i'nr Hu ir jircilanii} and wickedness.
AltlMMiuli iliai e tIv 'J'h'. i(tM( y ei?drd, many a^es a;^(), yet,
many <»l' its prineinN •;, ;ind itiost of its nuniil daims and
dMli(.'s, arc e(|nally liindin;^^ nnd' v (»nr Christian system. Oni-
)!' (lie Serllttiu-es ciled in Mil-; DiscoiU'se, is tl'.e Ibllowinj;
eomniand, wliieh applii's. and is of lull foree, thron^^diout all
:i;res, and nnder all dis)>t n-ations of Jii.liL,n()n, and Inrms of
<«()vernmcnl : — "ile t!iai rulvtli avvv men, must, be just;
ruiini,' in (lie tear of (Joil." 'J'lie foliowlii.; passa.'^es oi" (he
Mew 'J'e.stamcnt Script uiv.-, are, even, niori" pointed and
explicit,, to the same eilVif : — " l''or ilulers are not a terror to
j4,'()od works, but to liie tvil. Wilt thou, then, not be afraid
of the Power; do that which is i^ood, anil thou >]ialt have
j)raise of the same: I'oi- lie is t!:( Minister of (iod to thee
for (/(lixl. Ijiit, if thou d'* that which is « r//, be afraiil, for
ho bear(!th not the sword in vain: for lie is the Minister of
Cod, a rcvi I'l/f'r to execute' wra'h upon him that doi'th evil."
All the^c sacred announcements, as to Civil liulers and
I'owers, ai)i)ly to such ivrson-, of (r.cri/ thyrcc, and in < nri/
(Kjc. i^'in^- as horedecla;- 'd. "the ."Mini.Mers of Ood," tlicy art-,
of course. ri"sp(n;s!b1e t'; llim. and bound lo fulfil faithfully,
(ho duties of the otHces w itli *,.hich \\v has invested tl
icm.
Their duties are cU arlv shown, in t!
ci
ted
)assa'':es.
T
o
ihe "yvo,'/," or obedient. IIk y are to bo the " Ministers of
(j()d Un' (jon(l\'^ bat to be " ;•. lerrt r to ct'd o-oru
md to bo
the.MInistei's ofd
loetl
wor(
and r
1 e\il
Is, tl
leir (
11
hit
ere, liien.
in /'
toexeeute wrath ni)mihim tluit
A or
us,
a.re
luit
1
holli ns to f/./n,'i and ( iil iloers, ane
/-
>i'i lic'in I It'
(hied
mil (ic(
larvil. 1
d (jood
1-
n ace on
unco, therefore, with these inspired dccl.iralion-^, it is the
plain duty of tl'.e Kuiinii' Powers, in every christian country,
to protect the true reli,uion : and
am
h
/'/(•
aiu
I iinmii'd' I
Hh
ii'ii'.-ili tn-
aml
In. me and carrv i
)Ut,
ihe civil Institutions and l.nvs. in the bi-t maimer possible,
for rtfectin^ lh(>se excelhnt jmrco^es ; and liavinii', as divinely
retpiired, a reu'ard both to tiu- lumor ot'the Divine lieiui,', and
;he proterlion an.il .r.nni' ii-,li',ir of
H'WJ
n^- ih
JConiL umversain
lb
iihifc
l:ieri
to thjsi' wi'.o are
liOVi
othe:
socit
indc I
.nca^
evil
v'kiJ
cnrrt
8acr(
one
morJ
socici
fact
trie,
it In
mor:
IV)
jiivor^tod wills Hio jiower fif ';,,^(/ ///f/ /(/?r>, it is numift st, ac-
coidin;; to hciiptuiT, tlial. as ilicy uil- milniun/ {,[' (J(;(l, tur
'hat I'lirpos;', it is tlu'ir tliil\, Id iiiak'- siuli laws <»///j',(>i' ; — such a-^ will be lor the rml ln-irji/ (»t' (he ])c()])lc. In
idl Clirlslian Coiuitrus, such laws, — as already .sliowii from
script', vc, — .Mioulil, not only l-i' consisa'ut witli the jirinciples,
flalins and oMij^'ations of clM-i.-tianity, lait as fhi' Irne reli;,don
it .vl'.ould he h. ;;ally protected aj,'ainst n^,* // iujidilili/, lihts-
I'h' ml/, fxwd /'/■'■/I'liriifsft : and, fui-fher. I'l^re shoald be laws,
ada])ted for the jn-' riufimi and sinii,r*'i-sinii of all these, and
similar abominations; and of al! ]>ublic caus's and means
whic'ii prnduc.' irii.ir. i'r<>lliij(nif, and iiiiniinuillt ij amon^ the
people; Mid, thus, endan;'!;)' thr* social fabric, and destroy, or
injuri', its bc; ; interots, I'nder our IJritish Constitution,
those in\•e.^t< d with the jtowevs of leixish.tion, have rfruiinized
their r'spoi.'sibility to (jod, and to tlir piople, to make such
laws ;
. and aceordiiij^ly, a;;( s a,uo, tln'y passed enactments,
uhich have Ijeen contimuHl to the present day, i)rovidin,n' for
the punishment o^opcn hfasjiliriuy and yrnjaneiiess, of various
kinds, dircLlly a<;ainst the J)ivine I'nin.us and ilis Supreme
(iover;nnent : and, also, Ibr jjrewiitin^^' and punishinfT several
otlur oli'ences, directly tending; to corrujjt and demoralize
socie(\'. Ivcnievinu: vicious a_:;encies liy lej^islatlve acti(jn, is,
indcn!, much more luedcd and suitable, than any direct
measures fur tiu> ]/romotioii of reli;^ion. Considering^ the
e\'il passicnis, and the prejudices of nun, any direct and ^pc-
ciid legislation on reli;^'ious subjects, would, — as has often oc-
enrred, — be as likdy to produce i/ijnr!/, as admnUiijc to the
Sacred Cause itself.
Let us, new, look al the vn-]io1c subject, with reference to
one source of evil, \vhicii, all will admit, is j)roduetive of
more projanili/, criiw, and v:ri:lr/ti(Ii)rss, and other injuries to
society, ihan nearly all others, by which it is rorrnjilcd and
(ifl'icfrd. This i\Iini>--i< r Cause of c\'il, consists in the manu-
facture and yiddir siilr of lu(ii.rir(ili)t>i driiih-^. In all coun-
tries, wiiere this scour
rv
-' r'l' ij^ and hnjiiti.
•//"'.v.s of a ])(M)pl(;. From (his stron;^; drink system of evil, vast
mnltitudcs, in projissidlij, the nu'st C'lu-is'aan countries, ar(^
■Nvitlilicld from th'' niiui^ti'atii'ns of rcli^'ion ; and, (jn tlii> con-
trary, indul;^'' in vari(nis niuilc: (,f proi'ani'y and vice. \'ery
lar^'o pro])orlions, also, of diildren, an.d youth, t]a-ou;fh (lie
drinkln,!;' lialjits of tlieir p;ircnts, — en;:,'end(rcd and confirmed
in tlie puhllc //.C'.sr^—reniaii}, not on.ly destitute of rtihiions
instrueti(jn, but, also, of such ::r,-i''(tr kn;uvledue, as -would fit
■them for the ])roper and nseful disclnn-.^'e of social duties.
Iioin,i,% thn.s, lef' to the \investrained indulgence of their
naturally dej)raved pr'jpensitit.'s, multitudes of tliem, s])ec(lily
itarn to drink, and swear, and practise various otlier mode.-" of
crime, and siid: dei'per, and dee]»cr, in prol'anity, ,Li.'uil!, and
hardihood. 'J'hns, beiuL:; Jirst contaniinated tiieniselves, tlniy,
in turn, assist to ruin their youtlii'ul associates, and thereby,
increase the social evils a.'id aillictions. Jt is inuversally
known, tluit in every (Jour.try, where tlio pnUic sale of s^lroinj
drink prevails, the great proportion of crimes, p.an])erisni,
profligacy, and profanity, and, indeed, nearly all other social
injuries, have proceeded from that immorad and destructive
source.
The religions state of a people, must, and will, exhibit,
tlicir true condition, as to crime and immorality, violence and
disorder; and, to a great extent, as to poverty, ignorance,
and imhappiness also, on (he c>//rhand ; or, on tlie ollur, as to
morality, p.eacc, and general prosperity, ti:c })0ssessi()a of
really useful knowledge, and general conteiilment and luippi-
,ncss. If their religious principles and conduct, are lov, or
extremely dcfedive, the vices and evils just mentioned, wiU
unavoidably abound ; while, if their religious stale, is to a
large extent, scripturally >iOand,.'nu\ pio'c, both as io princi-
ple and practice, the virtues and blessing's enumeratc'd, with
every other genuine advantage, will be the principal charac-
teristics of their sociid condition.
It has ever been the common error, even of the most en-
lightened and prudent, — as they were generally esteemed, —
among liulers, and Statesmen, th.at tliey ha .c failed tf) per-
ceive, the important bearing and infbr nee, whicli tr;ie re-
ligion has, upon social [iri.)spf.rity and ]i;:})pinL's<^. fSurely,
bn
re.^
mo
int
pri
bei
cd,
wo
am
rni.r^
pi;
V
del
vai
■()U-
' rv
l!iu
I'jii.S
Hit
Itics.
heir
cdlly
.er-. ()f
, and
tl)cy,
re by,
rsally
1 S 1
.such |n'r>i>u.-, t)iii;nl, by this time, to have maih' ihe discovei/,
of this wise wud ^tacious arrangement, oi' a siuterintending
and overruliaii,- I'rovidence.
^'ie\\ ing aU these truths, as to thv nianifohl piihJir Lnjio'ics
from the traiiic in iiUuxieating chinks, it is ch-arly ;i})parent,
that in accorthmce v/illi (lie ^'cripture authority, as to Civil
Jtulers, with rrhreuce to nJi'ii'ni, i/r>ri(i'f';/, and all tiic other
interests of so'ic t}', it is t!i(_> ciuty (;f lliose entrusted with tho
power of niakin.:; laws, to oi'c/ii' /(, that system of evil. But
has //,/.■; ever been done, e::cept in a very few modern in-
stances ? On tho contrary, tliiit hiuilrpo/;; of duty, in relation to religion, and morality,
and the soci-d welfare, those scriptural declarations most litly
and fully ?pply.-->' S'lall T not visit f(;r all these things, saith.
fhe Lcid ;" — '' T:. \N-hom mucli. is given, of him shall be mucli
recpiircd ;" and, — •• That servant v/hich knew his ]iOrd"s will,
'.nd })rcp;\rcd not iumself, neither did according to liis will,
shall be beaten with many stripes."
t-;;
Slillf M4 >i\ X.
ox ("KUTAIN
liELKMors J)l'^I^J E:^
OF A
KKJ.ATIVE NA'rriUL
Hi
1. HoM.sTv \M) ri'Ki(ini'M;ss, \c. — '• Yc shall do no
unrigliteousness in judirnK'nt, in nietcjaid, in weight, or in
jneasnre. Jnst balances, jnst weights, a jnst ephah, and a
just liin, shall ye have." Levit. xix, ;!."), iU). "Thou shalt
not dciVaud thy neighbour, neitlu r rob hini ; (he wages of
liim that is hired, shall not abide wiih thee all night, initil the
morning." liCvit. xix, 1.'}. " Ve shall not, therefore, op-
press one another." Levit. x\v, 17. " That which is alto-
gether just shalt thou follow." Deut. x\i, 20. " 'J'hou
shalt not pervert the judgment of ihe stranger, nor of the
fatherless; nor take the widow's raiment to pledge." Dent.
xxiv, 17. '-Unto the upright there ariscth light in the
darkness." Ts. cxii, 4. *' A false balance is an aljoinina-
tion unto the Lord, bnt a just weight is his delight." I^rov,
xi, I. " To do justice and judgment, is more acceptable
to the Lord, than sacriiicc." J'rov. xxi, o. ■■' He that, by
usury and unjust gain, incrcascth his substance, he shall ga-
ther it for him, that will ])ity the poor." Prov. xxviii, 8.
" Thus s;iith the Lord, keep ye judgment and do justice."*
Is. hi, 1. "Therefore, all things wliatsoevcr ye would
that men should do to vou, do ve even so to them : for this
is the law and the pro[)hets.'" Math. \ii, 12. " j^rovidc
things honest in (he sight of all men." Jvorn. xii, 17.
"Owe no man anything, but to io\e one another." Kom. xiii,
S. — lii V. " Let Uo \\alk huncL-ll}, ai in the day." " That
V
is-l
ll :
Itlit
SO may walk honestly toward thfni that, arc \\lthout." I
Thcs.s. iv, 12. "That ye may lead a (julet and peaceable
life, in all «;olline.ss and honesty." 1 Tim. ii, 2. " Hav-
ing your conversation honest among tlie (Jentiles." 1 Pet.
ii, 12.
In tlu! dealings anil uitercourse of men with each other,
tliere is no duty more obvious, and imperative, than Ilont.'nti/.
It i.s till; ])lain sujfi!;estion of Conscienco and lleason, oven,
independent of any special command, of a reli^^ious character.
Amonj^ nations in any de;4Tee civilized, though destitute of a
divine revelation, and involved in heathenism, and idolatry,
it has, still, been generally recoj^jnized as a righfroub principle,
though so often violateil in ])ractlco. All such nations, in
their institutions and laws, however imperfect, or unjust, on
many other points, have recognized this duty of honesty, in
all dealings of trade, or barter, or other descriptions of
business ; and have prescribed measures for punishing its
violation. The whole spirit and principles of revealed re-
ligion, under every dispensation, have so fully manifested this
duty of liuiicsnj, and iijivii/hfurss, in our dealings with each
other, that, at fh'st view, it might almost seem that special
commands on the subject, M'ere not at all recpiisite, especially
for those who make more than an ordinary profession, of the
faith and practice of our holy Christianity. JJut that in-
finitely icisc, and JKst JicfiKj, who knows, thoroughly, the
native seJft^lina^s and covelousness of the human heart, has
seen it to be needful, to give to all' of His professed people,
and under each dispensation of His truth, many .s^fV'/rf/jgre-
ccpls, for the strict observance of this primary and righteous
duty. It is, indeetl, one, not only of an ohviouf, but viewed
throughout all its bearings and particular;^, as exhibited in
divine revelation, also of a most exf' nslve description, llc-
fraining from dispossessing anotlier of any of his possessions,
or property, by violence, or by what is calletl theft or rob-
bery, in any form, is, comparatively, but a limited mode c-f
the violation of that righteous principle of hoiicsfi/. There
are, almost, innumerable other modes, in wliich it is con-
stantly violated, even among people called tlie most civilized
:.rif! christian. Some of them may here be briefly mentioned.
■j'o begin wiih fhri inaiiufac'ur'Ts of ^Ijfj'id-^, many of them,
gre£
redi
K^.>
)Ut. ' I
acoable
I- Hav-
l Pet.
/o
1 other,
1, oven,
aracter.
utc of a
(lolatry,
rinciplc,
ions, in
ijust, on
ni-fity, in
tions of
liin^ its
aled re-
sted this
['ith eacli
t special
specially
n, of the
that in-
hly, the
jart, has
1 people,
'cial pre-
'ightcous
t viewed
ibited in
jn. llc-
sessions,
; or rob-
modc ol'
, There
is con-
civilized
i-ntioned.
of ihcnv,
'■^x'lW eniijloy in the ])r(>dactii)n of their articles, the ohl i\nd
jicarly irnni "//,' materials of goods, of I he same or even of
uther and inferior descrii)tions. In the varieties of food, and
other tilings for talde use, the adallcralions, and in some in-
stances, even iioxioui^ mbiztras, are almost endless. On this
.sul)jcct, notwithstanding the legal enactments I'or prohibiting
and ])unishing such fraud, and dishonesty, these practices
still continue to a great extent. In the worlv of tiie trades-
men, there is often had or insit/Jicicnt luatirinls used; undthe
M'ork alif/Jifh/ and imperfectly done; and, tiien, means arc
employed, to give it a fair and shuhiI app''(tra)iri'. In the
production of li(juors, of all varieties, similar dishonest prac-
tices prevail. It is well known, that in these articles, nojlma
and even poisonous iiu/rcrlients arc used, to a great extent,
causing diseases, and death, in numerous instances. Tiicsc
consecpiences, cannot but be known to the persons, who use
those destructive ingredients. In the side of goods, there is
often employed, expressions of high and unjust recommen-
dation, as to qnntihj, and value, commonly called, p>{l)i)>g.
This will often deceive simple and unskilful persons, and in-
duce them to purchase such inferior artieles, at prices much
above value. Now, what is all this, but actual /Vau^Z and dis-
honesty? Suhordinales, serving in shops, learn to practice
this species of icickedness, and, thus, it is extended and per-
.petuated. But, further, when certain articles are risinfj, or
likely to rise, in price, through their scarcity, those who have
the pecuniary means, or the requisite credit, will buy up largo
quantities of such articles, and when the actual and great
scarcity occurs, the selfisJi extortioners, will bring their hoarda
into market, at exorbitant prices. This, goes under the mild
,and favorable name of speculation, or, perhaps, of prudent
cnterprize ; but, in the bahuice of truth, it is one of the modes
of unrighteousness, and real dishonesty. This is often done
in articles of food ; and, thus, ^iciwolin justice and oppression
are committed towards the public, and especially towards the
Jioor., and persons of limited means. Selling by short and
unjust ivei'jhts and measures, is, in some instances, still prac-
tised. This species of dishonesty, formerly prevailed to a
great extent, but by legal regulations it has been greatly
reduced.
Another mode of dishonesty, is that of persons, — knowing
M
isi;
'f A
•^^i rill'
iii;!
u
''ihn'w' uwn iiHolvf'iK'V, l.iklu;!; j^oixj-, on rrtiJif, uiul .■rlli„ij Ihcm
iil)\ soinctiincs even ai rnhifiil y//'/"rv.s ; and payinj;" tlic pro-
ceeds, 7iot to the .sellers of the goods, hut to others, in order
to prevent imnu;diate /laiilriijitri/, and i)rescrvo credit for ;i
little lonj^'cr time. Thus, they will continue to Iradi^ and <,'(>
on, in such a course of tlis/ioiti s/i/, iiavinu,', all the time, i^'ood
reason to know, that ihioli'c/ici/ is impeiuJin;:^, and cannot bo
avoided, ])ut must l)ec(;me jniOlic. 'i'iie conduct oi' .-rr rani. '<,
in wustini; and destroyin.g tlieir masters' property, is so com-
mon, and so universally known, that it is only needful to
mention it, as one of the particulars in the loni;' and variet'
catalogue of dishonest acts. On the other hand, there is the
equal, if not greater injustice and unrighteousness, of, Jia.s-
inrs withholding from tiieir Srrra/ila, or those in their cm-
ploy, their \\ages or stipulated remuneration, at the ])erio(ls
when due ; and, in some instances, failing altogether to pay
for their services. Another mode of (Jkhoncshi, consists, in,
]iurchasing articles on m-tlil, without iiosscssiiHj, or having
any reasonable means of ohlainunj^ the means to pay for
tlieni ; and vl/imn/r/if failing to make such payment. This
kind of dishonesty, in thus living at the expense of others, is
of very frecpient occurrence : and in not a few instances, leads
to serioiis cmbarras.sment, or ruin, in the affairs of the sellers
of the goods. A similar sj)ecies of dishonesty, consists in,
the (lehtor, M'ho has engaged to pay at a certain time, failing
to do so, initil a distant jieriod, after many promises made,
and violated, du.ring the intervening time. This false and
dishonest conduct, also, produces embarrassments, and, at
times, the ruin of the pecuniary affairs of otlicrs. Many
other modes of dishonesty might be mentioned, which arc
practised in the present day, in trcuViuj^ jn-njcssioncd^ and
other cmjiloi/nirn/s, and relations of civilized life; but the
ennincralin)i, or catalogue of them, is ioi> rxiensive, to be given
here. All such fraudnlent and dishonest acts, are committed
in Countries, favoured, in the highest degree, with the means
of relUjious instruction and Improvement, and of intellectual
and moral erdiglUemnevt. And, what is worse, many of such
dishonest i)ractices, are committed by persons, professedly
nnited to Christian churches. But, some mav sav, surely
410 Christian will be guilty of any such unjust and immoral
.conduct. Undoubtedly, no fionulne Chrhtmn Avi,ll thus trans-
I t
L"->1
•.,rC'--> .i!4'.liUit I'liN.. n itii\ mill flli- nniiif i '•luninl ml . 1 illf, tl'c Mil
liinii'TDiis ])i'()(it's, it is (Icplur; l)ly cvidrrt. that (liore arc
mimhiTs in ('iiris!'ui,i Cn/i/ii'H.nDii, who ivc, in reality, hut
'.'•fcriKil /un/'. .s.sM/'.s, nuTcly ohi-crvin;^ soiiu of \\\v rniinnioif
oiihriird Jor//ti of /■■■/li/ioii, bu' arc (l(\stituroducc a righteous
decision, — ''Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself;"' —
"All things wli.itsoever ye would that men should do untc
vou, do ye al,-'> t(^ th^^m likrwise,"
f M
M
'iss
i 'I
'li
^11
'til
U. ]{li.ii:a ix(i TiiL I'o'iii AM) Dlsjiji II .—'• 'i'ljOll shall
?riot wIkjIK rciti) llic (.'(jriicrs of thv Jl(/li.l ; neither shalt thou
;^uthor ilie }j,l(.'uniiij^s ol' thy liarvcst ; and thuu slialt nul j^loai)
thy vineyard ; ncithtT shalt thou p^'athcr every i* and stran-
|?er." Levit. xix, I), 10.
Tiiou Shalt not harden thint*
heart, nor shut thine l.smd from thy poor brotlier ; hut thou
.shalt open tliy liand vide unto him. 'J'htMi shalt surely ^ivi;
lum, and thine heart sl)idt not be j^aieved when thou j^ivest
unto him ; becau<:e that for this tliiny;, the Lord thy C/od
f^liull bless thee i|i all thy works ; and in ul! tliat thou puttest
fhinc hand unto." Deut. xv, 7, H, 10. ^" If thine enemy
be hun;,'ry, j^ive him bread to oat, and if he be thirsty give
him water to drink; ibr thou shalt heap coals of fire on hi>;
head, and the Lord shall reward tliee." I'rov. xxy, 21, 22.
" Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would
horrow of thee, turn not thou away." ^Litt. v, 42. " litit
■when thou makest a feast, call the ])oor, the maimed, the
dame, the blind, and thou shalt bo blessed ; for they cannot
.recompense thee, lor thou shiUt be recompensed at tlie resur-
rection of the just." Luke xiv, \o. — > — '* Distributing to the
necessity of saints." Kom. ;cii, 1.').
So great and deep is the native selfishness of the heart of
man, that the compassionate God, under all the dispensations
of His benevolent religion, has seen it to be needfill, to give,
.even to His own professed people, many express directions,
to the performance qf tlie duty of relieving the temporal ne-
cessities of others- It is, indeed, the duty of our common
hxtmnniiu towards itself, but it is made more solemnly bind-
,ing, by the divine commands. These require, that it be per-
formed towards all persons needing our help, to whatever
.nation, or people, kindred, or class, they may belong ; or,
whatever may be their description, or character. But like
.every other duty, Avhethcr nahiraK rrligious, or social, it is
very frequently overlooked and neglected, or but very in\-
pcrfectly ])erformcd. 8uch neglect, or imperfection, may be
attributed to a great variety of causes. Independent of re-
ligious principle and feeling, some appear naturally to be
■more, and others less sensible of the claims of the poor, and
tiftected as to kind and spontaneous willingness to relievo
,tbcm. Christian ])rinriple and procejiT, however, form the
rh
('!
de
til
dii
in
m
}5(
tllV
.riVd
[)nrsuits lor tin- ac(|iiiNition ot' gain, there is scarcely any
cotnnion duly ol' humanity, more iVcijiu ntly and nnfftlingly
neglected. Many of these, who arc constantly incre.ising
liicir liofirds, and often unriyhli ' ushj too, will grudgo to yield
any anu)unt whateNcr, or merely a pif/aficc fur the relief of
the hungry, or others of the n'edv ami destitute. \'(>t inanv
of such Tie-rsons, make a professiijn t;f the Christian religion;
and attend on its ministrations and ordinaree;*. Such cha-
racters should ihinic of tlicse ;'\vful words of the righteous
Judge, — "''Whoso .sfoppeih his far:'; at tiie cry of th^^ poor, he
sludl also cry himself, hut shall not he heard;" — " I. was
liungry and yo gave me no meat, I was thirsty and \c gave
nie no drink : I was a stranger and ye took me nol, in, naked
and ye (dothed me not: sick, and in jn-ison. and yo vi.sited
mo not ; inasnuich as ye did it not to one* of the least of tliese,
TO did i-t net to nie." Jle has (h'claved that all such unfeel-
ing and disobedient professors '• shall go away into cverhist-
ing punishment."
Mut referring to those who seran to have sr)ine concern for
rlio salvation of their souls; i:nd are in the most intimate
('Imreh fellowship; many of such ])ersons, are more or less
del'icietit in this christan duty of ministering to the relief of
th(; poor. It is but fair, and charitable to contdude, that this
I'ailiuT, is not so much to be attributed to a defect, of kind
inclination towards the needy, and suffering, as to the gr;iti-
fication of tlieir own ruin and impro])C'r desires, in the various
modes of extravagant and sumptuous decor ai ions and display ;
and of confer iint'ns to Avorldly and expensive ja^ldons and
customs. By reason r.f such incohsisfericips, and vanities., they
arc, of course, except in some special in.^tances, vmablc to
contribiite as lilieral'ij as they ought to do, for relieving the
M'ants of their hrctkYin, in the rhmsh, and of the poor and
distressed in general. They seem, by their conduct, to for-
get the divine aimounccments, — " ye cannot servo God and
mammon ;" — If ye have not been faithful in the nnrighteous
mamtnr)!!, who will commit to yonr trust the true riches ?
})eiiig unfaitlifid in tiiis most important duty, of relieving to
m
'1^1
|i
)|
l!)ll
N' I
tiic rcHjiiii'tJ ''\l''iil, lh(' iK'Ct'ssilics . I liif Loiul s pc.jih , aii(>
others, witii the mciiiis I It- iJi-ovidcutifilly pliu 'd in tli'ii- liaiuls,
;iH His Slciniifls, lliry Ikivc no S(ii|,tural reason lo CAitnl..
that He nill adorn thon, with the L^race of His Holy Spirit,
and thus prcjutrc i.nd tjiin/inf theni, lor the realms of \.[hn\
and happiness. Let tliem, instantly, heyin to act, in i'ull and
faithful accordunee with the (li\ine in^lnutinn, — *• Is not this
the fast th;it 1 have ehost'ii, to deal thy hread to the h.unj;Ty,
and that tiioii hrinj^ the poor that are ea>t out to thy house ?
when tjiou seest the nakrd, that thou cover him; and that
thon hide not thy.-cll" from thine own ih'sii :"' In so cictin.y,',
from the true christian ])rinciple, they will experience the.
truth and fulfilment of the j^racious jivomiscs, which are
added, — " then shalt thou call and the Lord shall arswer ;
thy lif^ht shall rise in ohscurity and thy darkness be as tho
noondav : and the Lorsl shall u'nide ihee continuallv, and
satisfy thv soul in (lr(»u<4'ht, and nudve fat thv bones' : and thou
shalt be like a watered iravdcn, and like a sprinu; of water,
^v'hoso waters I'ail not." " Ulessed is he tiiat considei'cth the
poor, the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble."'
.'j. A«sisiTxr. I'l.T.TfiioTs Mi:axs ano IxTiiniisTS. — " Ho-
nour the Lord with thy sid)sfance, and w ith tlie first fruits of
all thine increase."' Prov. iii, l>. •• Is it time for vou, ve,
to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste ?
'I'hus saith the Lord of hosts, consider your ways. Go up to
the mountain, and briuLj wood, and build the house; audi
will lake ■|)U'asure in It : and I will be "glorified saith the
Lord."' Ha;!;, i, l, 7, iirt/(tl.Ni)t(/ between Co?iscicnce and Scljish-
71CSS, as to the ])orti()n of pecuniary and other contributions,
to be surrendered for relij^ious ])ur])oses. There would be no
occasion for any com]iulsory metiiods ; nor yet for the vindeni
i}U'cntl tdhirc to tlie pur-
chase of merely omaiiiciifal Irljhs at <\iii-(tr(t(jaiil prices, for
frivohnis dccordlions ; or the di-^play (>f rnnittj and Jolh/ ; or
for fvslivr. (tnttu'tainmfntn, in order to draw forth the means
required, for orifj^inatin^' and jiromotin^' relifi;ious objects.
Under tiie le.jal dis])ensaLion, the Divine Leuislator ordain-
ed, that each person should contriluite a hiilh of the fruits of
liis labours ; which, to<;cther wi
..lUi
cally
aiid
l. IjuI, it
Is truly dc'plorablr, that \ast uinnbcrs of such professors, fail
in al'brdinu; such assistance, to a.ny, or an adcipiatc and i'aith-
I'ld extent. \'ie'>\in<; this ])arti':ular nl' , i^/^f/ or 'f^/'Vy//*?/.' c>/'-
jcii/i'l, in analoii;y ov (Ouii/'iiiiU/i \vii h the olt'erini;' of a /c///A
.of the jiro'JucIs, under the preceding;' il*s[)ensation, it may be
asked, how many are there jioir, under our nuiro jrce and
spirihid! yijsfrni, who contrib:'.tj in tiiat pn^iiortion, or a[)-
j)roach it, in any ;^\)od dej^rec r To In ik no lower, than a.
vcarlv income or revenue of t'.")()0, liow maiiv contribute f'jO
of it, for rclij^'ious })urpose> ? How uniKij, or rather howy"''?';
enjoying the t'lUOO, annu;dly, yield the t'lOO ; ami so, pro-
portionately, in the hhjhir ye;'.rly sums? Most of such per-
sons, cannot, indeed, (i/ford to tlo it. Ttie numerous rosthj
jK'isofidl and /'untih/ imiuljciiccs and idln (!isj:l((ijs, will not
admit of any such rdhjious o>j'i rin;is, although the /joo/- souls'
jirvScM and (iemaf i/iier
for which He thus suffered on tlieir behalf, that "He might
redeem them from all iniipiity, and purify them unto Himself,
a peculiar people zealous of good works.'' The only sufficient
remedy, or means, for removing this evil, is, to have the
hearts of such cold and iniJ'd'Ulifid proj'i ssors, and others,
changed and renewed by grace, and the lovr of the Saviour
and of souls, so firmly implanted there, as to expel that lore
of the vorld and its vanifivn, which now holds them in such
)2imoTis h<,i,tj(i,jr. 'J'owards eflVrting huch a h.apin d'''li\'>r-
■ • t
,1 '■■
■m
.if
w
"! ^ i'
ill
m
*'iM
i
I!) 4
iiiirc', tlic ])ul)lic ministrations of rclii^ion sliouUi ho pointodly
;iml raitlilully applied, in accordance witii the true Scrii)tural
plan lor ohtainin;^' it. When such a j^^racious chanf];e of clia-
racter is lar^^'cly accom])lished, '' Zion will," indeed, "■ ap])ear
in licr beautiful ^nu'nu'uts ;" and will '* uo forth con(pierin<^,
and to coufpier," on the ri^dit hand and the left ; " her con-
verts will be n^.;iny ;" " her gates will l)e open continually ;"'
she "will become the joy of many ',anierations ;" and " tho
l)lacc of the Lord's feet, will indeed be glorious."
4. Do!X(i (JooD TO Otjieks. — "Withhold not good from
them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thino
luind to do it."' Prov. iii, 27. '; Cast thy bread ujjon the
waters, for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion
to seven, and also to eiglit." Eccles. xi, 1, 2. " Do good
to them which hate you." " Do good and lend, hoping for
nothing again." Luke vi, 27, 35. " Thou shalt in anywise
rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him." Lcvit.
xix, 17. "If thy brother trespass agaln;-,t thee, rebuke
him ; and if he repent, forgive him." Luke xvii, .'). " Let
every one of us please his neighbour, fwr his good to edifica-
tion." liom. XV, 2. " Let no man seek his own, but every
man another's M'ealth" 1 Cor. x, 24. "As we liave,
therefore, opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially
imto them who are of the household of faith." Gal. vi, 10,
" Look not every man on his own things, but every man,
also, on the things of others." riiil. ii, 4. " Edify one
another, even, as, also, ye do." " Warn them that arc un-
ruly ; comfort the feeble minded ; support the weak ; be
patient toward all men. See that none render evil, for evil,
unto any man ; but ever follow that which is good both among
yoiu'sclves and to all men." 1 Thes. v, 11, 14, 15, " Pure
religion and undcfiled, before God and the Fatlicr, is this, —
To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction ; and to
keep himself unspotted from the world." James i, 27.
" Use hospitality one to another, without grudging." 1 Pet.
iv, 9.
The duty of doing good to others, enjoined in Scripture, is
the p radical manifi station of the priinary divine command,
concerning others, — " Thou shalt love thy neighbour, as thy-
self." The Saviour has given the true expUumtion of this
id:)
sublime ]):'ecppt, liy inrovniinj;- us, tlirou';-ii t!i;' nai'iMfive, con-
cerning,' til!' ijoo.l Saniariiii'ii, that we are to consider as our
Xci'jIil'Our, every individual of the huniau liuuily, of whatever
country, or class of cliaracter. W'c iwv, thereibre, \uuler the
oblij^ation of a (Ohunoii JdCinnnlhj, to succour him in all his
distrcf^ses, and extremities ; and to do liim ij:()od in every
form, ficcordin;^ to the means in our ])ower. The wise and
merciful " God hath made of one blood, all naticns of m(>n ;"
anil formed them in this coininon iiuriuiiiiltj, that tlicy might, as
to each other, feel and care for the iraul^ aiul aii.c'hli^x, the
pidiiti, and iijflicli'm^, to wliich all are liahle, in this life of
trial ami c]ian,L!;e. Uut, how seldom is this merciful desij^ni
and arrauL^ement, fullilleil, in acts of kitulness and beneficence
by men towards, one another ? Nations liave, constantly,
been "lifting up swords against nations," and spreading des-
truction and misery; and nuui towards his fellow mcUi, even of
tiic same country, and people, has been, either o/.'yMv.s.s/'/r, and
criuU or 117) j list and siljis/i, and neglectful of his wants and
welfare. IJut, the duty must, ever, remain unchangeable.
The comprehensive command, is ];erfectly pluin, — "Do good
unto all nien, especially to them, who are ot' the liousehold of
faith." There need not be tlie least difiiculty, as to the
various particulars, included in this f/enrnd, and most JfuevO'
lent pn-apt. ]jct us refer to a few of them. And, first, as
the precept directs, with relation to brethren in the christian
faith. Thrsc, on every princijile, are ^!rst entitled to expe-
rience from their brethren, most earnest cares and cfibrts for
tl;cir yoo^/, in every mode in whicli it can he rendered. Are
they in sicL-na^s, or ji-s of manner, but
plainly and with ///•;/(?ies'.s, be offL-red, however disagreeable or
trying the brotherly service may be. The divine commands^
'•1 *
Iff.
■ii '
i'll ,
;r;;
.■I ■
^1 iil
ir
■^1
ii)(i
lit
::i:r w*
S f'
>";n tlie point, ;\rc VJV'ili,;a!:i.(i^ili.j ])l;un: — " I'houslKilr, in any-
w!--''', :• •!)ul;'' fl'_\- l)i-:»tltu', and iiol .suli'cr :-lii u])un iiim; —
•• warn ;iiv:i: tK;,l arc imi'.ilw" U \< rcr:c)rilc'il, in foinniciula-
tion ()♦' llif early l'o:n:in ( 'ia'is'ians, t!ial lli'.'y were '* able tu
aduniiM- !i (/n(' anotlir;'." .l'crlMi)s, t!i;.'re is .seari'i'ly any
I'f.l
r{'li;^u)n:
(lutv, winch i-; so li'f.'r.U'i
itiv
lu^li'cti'd
tin
ol
Jait/ijiil (ul HOiittimi. In all .sii'jh casos nf nc';.',lec;t, char'Jij 'mmX
7/^'d ior (lie i';()od of souls, and for i\v.'. interests of Irntli, are
.!iot as Hi-ihiil and <('fir-' as tliey on;i,'!it to 1/e, and, tiierefore,
the d'lty is ver\' IKtjUL'iill) , .I'.iiil in t:unie instances yi:-;('a//y
iiCf/hC'CiJ.
The conunands tc d'J r
i«r.l e\C'ry niau, also, -mi the tiling's of ollii-r.- •" — " .vs wv have
op])()rtunity, let us do ;j,oo(l unto all men." And 1; t tli" divine
declaration, !)(•, also, over remembered: — "To liim that
knov.'cth to do .u'ood, and doetii It not, to him it is sin."" It"
the Christiiiu's heart is ri<^ht Avitii his (k d, and S;iv:our, and
uith his i'ellow men, he w ill, — und( r the lii^ht and all are
so fully inclined, and so ready to find, or invent, palliations
and excuses {or their own errors and faults, they are, gener-
ally, so prone to impute e^il, and judge sev(>rely, concerning
the motives aiul beha\iour of others. NoLwithstanding such
native ])roiu'ni'ss for self vindication, aiul acqiuttal of blame,'
this })ro[)ensity to judge iDirJiarildUij of others, may, if tho-
roughly analyzed, and examined, — be fou'^d to be chiefly
traceable, to a ce-nsciousness of our own natural inclination
to e\il, geiu'rally, and in .^oiiie, or numy instances, of the
same description of it, as we think M'e see, and thertd'ore
judge and condemn in others. Whatever nujy tje the origin.,
r.^
M
^1 :'(
ID-
!■!'!!
Ill
or prodaciivu; cli'isc nl' .-1:: h hasty v.nd uacharituhlc ja(li.;nKiUs.-
they ari'. under cv-iy \\"\y of the siil)ject, l)ot!i ])rc'.sinnptu()ny
;uul uiiri person who j'nnn>--
them, and often, also, to those a;,Minst whom they iwv Jonncd.
'J'hey ,L;ive immediate I'ise to ])reju(liees. distrusts, and alien-
ations ; and often lead to striles, and bitter eontentions, and
mutual injm-ies. Moreover, if tiie ])erson mIio has formed
nnv sueh I'ash and uneharita1)le indnnient. diseovers, as is
frequently the case, that he lias eommitted this fault, and
should he be ])()ssesse(l of any measure of //'>7 and ijencrt^HH
feelin^^ this will eause him more or less of painful loimilinlion,
and ficlf-ri'proiti-lt. Subordinate to all hi,: conduct of others, there should be
borne in mind; and be permitted to have full operation, that
divine and comprehensive law, enjoining a cliarili/ which
" doth not behave itself unseemly ; thinketh no evil ; bcareth
all things, and hopeth all things." If this grand rule of
benevolent feeling and coiKluct were always consistently and
faithfully observed, by professors of Christianity, there would
be such a dinuindion as can scarcely be imagined, of the pre-
judices, alienations and co7itcntiuiis which now so greatly
di!.
" Hcrdn du I oxcrcist' myself, to luivo always a coiisci •
ciicf.' void of oflriicc, toward (iod, and toward men.*' Acts
xxiv, Hi. '• It is ^^ood, iieitiicr to eat Hesh. nor to drink
wine: nor any thin*.;', wherehy thy hrotlnr stiimhleth, or is
offended, oris made weak." Kom. xlv, lM . "' lirethren,
be followers toj^ether of me, and mark them, which walk so,
as yc ha\e us for an cnsample."' I'hil. iii, 17. "Walk in
wisdom towards them that are witlunit, redeeminj.^ the time.''
Col. iv, ■'). " So that ye were ensamplcs to all that believ,
in Macedonia, and Achaia." I Thes. i, 7. '- Xot because
\\c have not i)ower, but to make ourselves an ensample unt>
you, to follow us." '2 Thes. iii, 9. " ]}c thou an exam-
ple of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in
spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Tim. iv, 12. "In all thin<:;s
showin<^ thyself a pattern of <(ood works, in doctrine showing
ancorruptness, gravity, sincerity." Tit. ii, 7. ""Having your
conversation honest among tlie Gentiles; that whereas they
speak against you as evil iloers, they may, by your good works
which they .shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
1 lY^t. ii, 12. — \. 21. "Because (!hrist also suffered for us,
leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps. "-
'• Xeither as being lords over God's heritage,
samples to the ilock." 1 Pet. v, IJ.
but being en-
The influence of example, generally, but, more especially,
in religious persons, whether for (jood, or ecil, is always more
or less extensive, often, indeed, altogether incalculable. In
all the relations and affairs of life, it is far more influential,
than most ])ersons, by their conduct, seem to imagine. There
can, scarcely, be any iiu'crcourse with others, of a merely in-
different character, ijoth the words, and deeds, and, at
times, even the looks and gestures, will have their certain
etiects upon them, though the influence may not be immedi-
ately discerned, much less fully estimated. It is, indeed,
scarcely possible to estimate, in all its degi'ecs, and varieties,
the influence of any individual, especially one, in an official,
or other important position, as regards the duties and engage-
ments even of a single day. Such a person, cannot move
around among his fellow men, M'ithout exhibiting an exam-
ple, and thereby diffusing an influence, for r/ood or for evil, or
occosional'v for boih. iu soiuc degree. rhoi'''Sjh. porhnp:;. at t!i>?
>>
111, l.>.
•oiisci ■
Acts
(Irinlc
or i.s
tlircii,
Ik so,
("alk in
imc."'
•liovp,
L' cause
lo unto
exiini-
rity, in
tlun<;s
howinir
'JO I
'ume, inipticcptiljlo. His words, aiul liis rulions. will, iii-
variably, liavc citlicr a Iransi'iif. or an nnhiriii'j ctiert, upon
ntlicrs, injurious or otherwise. On certiiin occasions, tlioy
will have a l)earin,u' and intiuenee, not merely tm the /ruipora/
views and cirrinns*-,i; i. •; of some. hut. evi'ii, on their it'nwl
interests. Dut, how lew there aic, who tiiink of this suhjecl
of r.ro//?^(/(', commensurate with its soh nin importance, and
tlicir own res^ionsihility concernin;^' it. How frw, even among
mem1)ers of ('iiri.;tiai\ churches, have jirineiiilc, p.nd courage,
ftuflicient to lead them to censure and a\ jid, the tniyndh/,
'imrij/hli'ijiiN, and rain prariia s of a cin-nijif ,'md (h ontftil
world: and, consistently, exhibit tlie ojijioslte examjile. It
i.s evident, that tlie more any individual is (>levated in station,
or cni])loyincnt, or the ivore he is distinguished, or estimated
for pld I/. Ial< )ifs, or L'Doirh , and as a iitness for
admission into His heavenly Kinj^dom. The two followinp^
])assages may he cited, as mo.^t dirt.'ct and express on the
point, — " J'e ye holy, for I am holy." — "lie ye therefore
]K'r/('c(, even as yonr FallxT who is in Heaven U perfect."
No words, more ])lain and forcihlc than these, can possihly,
he nsed, to rcMpiire 'perfcci IkiUdcss nf In'dri (pal li/c jlere,
it will he well to exaniine, and explain, in what essential
particulars, sanctification, or holiness, consists. It may first
be remarked, that it is not identical, with spiritual or relij^ions
hnon-leiJgc even of the hifjjhest deji;ree : nor of the lar^'cst
mcasin*e of true reli^^ions fnil'i : for as an inspired Apostle
has said, — " Thouijjh 1 have the }j,ij't of ])ropheey, and under-
stand all mysteries, and all knowledj^e ; an(l thouijh I have all
faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity
J am nothinji^." Neither does it consist, in possessinij super-
natural or miracnlous f^ifts and jiowers, of the most exalted
degrees ; for the same Apostie has said, — " Thounh I speak
with the tongues of men and of Angels, and have not charity,
I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cvmbal."
Neither, docs Sandification imply, an exemption from mis-
iakes and errors, in opinion, or judgment, in matters even of
a moral character; especially in relation to others, where a
knowledge of all the circumstances concerning such matters,
is not possessed, and cannot be obtained, so that a true judg-
ment npon them can be formed. In all particulars, indeed,
of plain and commanded duty, the Christian has the promise
•of being taught of the Lord; and, if prai/cr/uJ, icatrh/i ', and
in other respects fnithfiiJ, he will experience its fulfi ment,
through every stage of his spiritual journey. He dot3 not
mistake, as to any matters essential to salvation. He does
•'n:,
Hut, cull csil, 'jnitil, DT .hkh[, > vH ; or knowingly (ran,<*;;;rc.i» 111
any inaiiiur. Hut, lio is still a f(iUill<' beiu^,', an rslfitiilin;i, or iinn'ilmifli/n or other tacultiis ;
in(u:('/r'f>i'(s in lan<4'Uii<,'(> ; Kh'inf' /'iihi'S!<, thou;,'h not rtn/c
///'*s, in bc'luivicjur ; with numy other detects, or iidirnutics;
but none of tlu'se, are sins or in any c(jntrariety, or incou-
bistcncv, with cither inward or outward holiness.
On a view of the whole of '4(ri[)turul truth, on the subject,
it seems sufliciently pluiii, that entire ISunctitication, may,
and, indeed, ifiust l)e resolved, into the prineiide, or leeliiif;,
of /ore. A su])reme and inr/rrl Inn; of ilml^ implanteil in
the sold, throuuh th« j^raee of th'.- Holy Spirit, and ehi-rish-
ed and maintaiiieil there, throu^di the same divine influence;
and a U,r\»ij and fnUhj'al iilif■ M
r^
I' t ' t ,
111
I-
m
m
r: w
:^\ ■'
m^
prufilcth lUL' nothiilti:."' This Charity, or loiC, which is the
source, or movinj^ spring of such entire consecration, and ho-
liness of /wart and //'/'', is brouL'ht into the soul, and main-
tained there, by the divijie power i)ii j'nifli, und its obedient
exercise liy the Christian. To tliis I'nilh, the Holy Spirit of
lovn is given, and continued, according as it is written, —
*' that we might receive the prov-iise of the !Sj)irit, through
faith." This faitiu — tlirnugh the iuHuenee of the Divine
Spirit, tluis imparteil. — gives rise to the lore of God, from a
spiritual peree])tion of the revealed truth, that lie loved us,
and sent His Son, to be the propitiation for our sins ; and
to a love of the Son, tlie Saviour, from a like view of the
similar truth, that He, also, '* loved us, and gave Himself for
us." Such love to our God and Saviour, so originated, and
maintained in the soul, gives rise, as already observed, to the
love of men, as the creatures of God, whose salvation He
wills, and design;-, and for all of Avliom, the Saviour died to
make atonement, and to redeem from sin and Satan, and
eternally save. It is this love of God and ^Nlnn, whicii pro-
duces and maintains, all virtuous, holy, and benevolent de-
sires, dispositions, and affections ; and an entire and devoted
obedience to all the will and commands of God ; and all
works of mercy and goodness towards men. This state of
pious and liohi consecration; of oltedic?ice to God, and benevo-
lence, and artice (/oocbiess towards men, may be said to com-
pose and constitute the CJlnistian holiness and jjerfection,
■svhich the Scriptures so plainly, and imperatively require.
Such love, originates and stimulates z^^al, and increasingly
active efforts, to promote the glory of God, by furthering, in
every possible mode, the interests of His Kingdom in the
earth. And such obedience, and efforts for good, are not
performed by the sanctified Christian, from a mere sense of
(hity, but are joi/Jnlly rendered, as the fruits of that love, and
entire consecration, which he feels, and ever cherishes, for
Him who has so graciously provided for his present and eter-
nal salvation and happiness.
A learned and pious English Divine, of a former age, has
Avritten, as follows, regarding inward Purity, — " The pure in
lieart, are such as regulate, not only tlie cvternal conduct of
ttieir lives, but, also, the inicard frame and haldt of their
minds : and conform. nuL only (heir adicn>:\ but their v:iU?,
Lhc
lin-
lent
of
hgh
ine
111 ti
us,
land
the
•JOT
uiul (hsir'S |]icir /Jinj/^/Jifs, and il^sb/ns, t(i llir rul'' of tlic Law ;
and to the du.tatcs of llic hilcrnal li'^'ht of (iod, in their soul;
siicli as ^nnclifii the Loivl (ioil in tlieir liearts ; compose the
inmost recesses of their minds, into an holy (unr. and rca voice
of the Divine Presence: set a hnv to all their intellectual
])owers ; and suiter not the least tliouLS'ht or pnssion, to vio-
late the ov.':r, either of llcasnn or tl r<"-i' ; such, lastly, as
yield no consent, eitlier lo the lnhxj^ or Hlaij of irrc,u;ular mo-
tions ; as deliLfht themselves, with no pirasin^y; recollections,
no iniaii;inary scenes of lluir ])ast immoralities : hut set them-
selves at the .iirca.test distance from sin, resist the very first
l)e<];in nine's, and as near as they can, abstain from the least
" appearance of evil."
Tiie following; sentiments, of another ])ions Divine, may,'
here, a])pro]n'iately h;; f.;'iven. as (U'scri])tive of the character
of a sanctified Christian : — '' His one ut ' wliat-
soevcr tilings are pure, wliatsoever tilings are lovely, \\hatso-
cvcr things arc just, or of good report,' l;e thinks, s})eaks,
and acts, ' adorning the gospel of God our Saviour in all
things.' "
The love of God, begets and keeps alive, a holy filial fear
of offending Him, in any manner. A\'ith this love, is also
conjoined, a deep and constant revci'cnce of the Hivine IJeing,
which is manifested in all ajiproaches unto Him ; — in His
worship, in reading, and hearing His Word, attending on
His Ordinances ; and in all devotional and religious exercises,
and employments. In none of these, will he practise or
suffer, any lightness or unhccomivfj /rei(Jom, in word or hc-
hav'wur ; as is the case, with some, even in prayer and other
acts of Worshq), as v/ell as in a Uy, in all the paths of a devoted obcdi-
Iiu rit'
If his
^laii.
|) cur-
Kliat-
latso-
fcaks,
:i all
m)
•eiKc to the will and commands of his (Jod: doinu; all, with r.
single eye, to ])leascHim, and forward His cause oi (ruth and
oiifrci/ in the earth.
Towards his fellow-men, in all his intercourse with them,
and in all things concerning them, he cherishes and manifests
that cluirity, which is " kind and envieth not ; doth not be-
have itself unseemly ; seeketh not her OM'n ; hopeth all
things, endureth all things ;" ever desiring, and labouring,
for the good of all men, ia every mode, both as to temporal
and spiritual interests ; more especially, for the good of
" those, who arc of the household of faith." Such a charity,
or love, is expressly called in Scripture, the " bond of per-
fcctness." In the performance of all his duties to his God,
and to men, the sanctijird (JhrlMian, is prompted and guided
by the influence of the spirit of love ; and the unerring light
and precepts of the Sacred Word.
But there are persons, — and of piety too, — who object to
this doctrine of Christian perfection ; and say, that it is not
attainable in this mortal state, and declare to the effect, that
the holiest men, must, and will, continue to commit sins, of
some descriptions, occasionally, during life. AVhcn pressed
in argument, with plain scriptural passages, declaring the
doctrine of Chrlsiian perfection, they will, with an air of con-
fidence, ask their opponent, if he ever knew one, who was
possessed of such perfeetio)) ; and will urge tliia, as a suf-
ficient answer to the doctrine. Now, to those who will look
at the subject, even briefly, without prejudice, but with a
candid desire to ascertain the truth, in the light of Scripture,
it must be evident, that this is no answer whatever. The
question is not, whether any individual ever met with such a
perfect character, but whether, there is scriptural authority
and proof, to show, with suflieient precision and clearness,
that such a character is attainal)le, by any human being,
while in this world. Whether there hun'. been, or may be,
many, or few of them, is of no importance whatever, as to
the truth or faJailij of the doctrine. On these points, scrip-
tural truth, alone, must decide. We do know this much,
however, as to individual instances of such entire Sanctifiea-
tion, that there M'ere persons, under both ihc former, and the
irrcaent dispensation, in whose hiographies, as given in Scrip-
ture, we do not fnd any sin, or fault, recorded against them.
(■ '.;
m
•iio
t f;
Amon^f these, m;iy l)o mentioned, — Jose])!), Joshua, ( ali;t<,
Sunmel, Mlijah, I'llisha, J'^/ra, Xeheniiah, Jeremiah, and
Daniel, under the preccd in ,
man,
,L'(l of
.r prc-
lari;c
■r his
Apol-
" had
being
'Jl 1
and rxlnnslv.' mean-; uvc aliorih'd lur attainint,' that .state, un-
der our Christian, and more Spiritual Sijsdni, than unch'r the
one precedinu; it. I'nder our dispensation, the l)ivii\o Spirit
has been {jiven, in tar more rir/i and ])oirurn of Ciod, doth nut commit sin."
" Every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself,
even at: He is ])ure :" — '' Herein is our love made perfect,
I
1. :
1%
!
P
f ,
■ -
ii
■(- . ■ t
ll
' 1
n\ t
tliat we rnriy liuv l.oldni'.-^s in the iLiy of jiul;j;n-!.'nt, Ijocaiise
!"- He i^, so arc wc in this world :'" — '' 'I'Jio blood of Jesus
Christ His Son, clcanseth us from ull >iii.'" And, a;^iiin, —
" If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to for^'ive iis
our sins: and to cleanse us from all unri;,ditfousness." A
learned Divine in reinarlvin;^' on these two last passaf^os has
tims written; — '' Now. it is evidejit, the Apostle here speaks
of a deliverance, wrought in LhU irnrhl : For he saith not, titc
hlooil of dhriU vill c/nri^r (at the hour of death, or in the
day of jud;,nncnt,) but it d'ans^l/i, (at th(> time ])rcsent) ?^s (liv-
hv^ Q'Aivistums) j'rDiii. all sin. Audit is equally evident, that
li' 1.1)11/ sill remain, we are not cleansed froni all sin.: if a7i7j
unri,t,diteousness remain in tlie soul, it is not cleansed from all
um-ighteousness. Neither, let any sinner against his own soul,
say, that this relates to justification only, or the cleansing us
frcnn the guilt of sin, because this is confounding together,
what the Apostle cle;;/ly distinguishes ; who mentions first, —
' (0 forijive ns our sins ; and these, ' to cleanse us from all
um'ighteousness.'
Moreover, is it not clear, that if God, by His Spirit, can
save from the commission of some sins, He can, also, save
from all sins ; and if the Christian can be thus saved, from
sins of an cxUrnal description, Avhy not, through the same
•power, from those of an inward nature ? If he can be saved, —
as all true Christians are, — from swearing, ii/inr/, slaiiderivg,
tlisiiojicKiy, (jrotiS iinpuj'ilics, and Jlconliousness, Justs of the
yZ(',s/(, of the ('}jc, and the jn'hh of Hfe ; and other outward
sins, and immoralities, there is no reason Avhatcvcr, why he
cannot, through the influence of the same Almighty, and gi'a-
cious Spiru, he pnrifed, -and saved, h'om. pride fhalrcd,malice,
envy, nncharitidilvness ; and the v:i[ful permission, i\m\ cnter-
iainnient of evil desires, inteJilions, and purposes, tiionyltts and
imaginations, and other //iu-anZ emotions of a 5/?(/?i^ character.
The same Divine and benevolent Power, ran, and ^cill, in the
feiitiifnl believer accomplish, not merely a jiart, but the wJiola
work of perfect holiness, according to the exhortation and
command, for " perfecting holiness, in the fear of God."
If the caviller at this doctrine of 2^crfcction, Avill still press
liis question, as to individual instances of its truth, since the
Apostolic Age, h-^ 'n:/, safely, l^e answered, iliat there have
been very hi//' -, coulu
fasten ILO sdilii ('/ si/i : and who tlu'out^h Icn^lhiiied periods,
and to the ch)se ot'Iiie, niaintahu'd a ))erfec(ly hhunck'ss. nw\
IidIiI course of conthict ; \\\ aecorchmce \\\{\\ (he scriptural
dechirations ; — "A ijood tree caniiot hrini; fi)rth < i-il iruli,
ncitlier can a corrupt tree l)rini\ froni Scripture, that after deaths
there is no ylacc, or iit(dn oi j^ttrfjatory ; in which there will
be effected, any such perfect deliverance from sin, and its
fatal consequences. On the contrary, Scripture declares,
that, " if the tr^e fall toward the South, or toward the xVo/7//,
in the place wlicro the tree fiilleth, t/in-c it shall be ;" that
there is no clumge of character, after the grave has received
the dead ; " no work nor device," then ; he, thru, " that is
Jiltlu/,"' will be ''jllfhi/ still ;"' and " he that is Ao///," will be
" Jiolij still." It may, therefore, be asked, — when, and irhcre,
is the perfcet holiness, essentially requisite, for admission into
the eternal kingdom of love and puritij, to be attained ?
Death cannot effect it, for this is no Sdcinnr from the guilt
of sin. If, therefore, d'tdh cannot give this recpiisite holi-
ness ; and there is no picr(/a(ort(d, or intermediate state to
effect it, it follows, as a necessary cojisequence, — even if there
Avere no ScripUu-e on the point, — that it must take place
dariii'j this in'ohationarij stale. The whole tenor of Scripture,
1;;
•ft
I
! 1
. i I ■
^JU
1U(
lecd.
.sliou.-, most ck'aiiv. f!i;it su li
LliC t:ir, h ci.ru
rnini;
<>
the doclriiu'. Tlio coutrarv hclicf, is alwavs of a (lanu'cvoiis
IcikU'IU'V, and in iiimimeral)]:- iiislaiics, Isis l''il to ( t( riially
ruinous n-sults. ](. oi'ten cnuondcrs, a itrnr"./ thmJ/irss, or
di
th
)f
d
di
coniniis^;i()
and maintains, a careless, AniiniDnntii pradicc. I'lvcn, many
sinc('r(.' and partially i)ious, and righteous souls, tbr(Mi,u,ii hold-
in;; tliis erroneous doclrinc. arc lscj)t coiitiniially cryini:', — " O
my leanness, niy leanness."' And no ^vonder, that such is
iheir cr}'. With man}- of them, it will still he their r/'y, and
tlicir jiorfion ; and if lliey are saved ;it last, it will he, he-
cause tln*ouLi,'h ^-race and mercy, their i'r..-. have heen more
hdlij than their cnnl ; and in the words of Joh, they will he
saved, as it were, " hy the skin of their teeth.*'
This section of the suhject, may, her(>, ho closed, ^vith the
sentiments of a pious and learned writer, in remarking on the
text in Mattliew Ch. !). — " l>e yc therefore jierfcct, even as
your Father which is in Heaven, is perfect." He says — "God
calls Himself /jorc, to teach us, that in ////.s consists that per-
fection, the attainment of v, liich lie has made hoth our fhcfij
nndpricilcje ! for these words of our Lord, include hoth a coni-
'iiunid ixnd i\ proitiisc. As in His infinite nature, there is no
sin, nothing' hut j^oodness and love, so in your finite nature,
there shall dwell no sin, for ' the law of the Spirit of life, in
Cjhrist Jesus, shall make you free from the law of si7i and
dCa/li,'' Horn, viii, 2. (jod shall live in, fill, and rule your
liearts ; and in what He ////5 and injluenccs, neither Satan, nor
sin can liavc any part. If men, slightinpj tlicir own mercies,
cry out, — This is impossihle I — whom docs this arguing re-
prove ? — God, who, on this gi'ound, has given a command,
the fulfilment of which is inijiossi'ilc. HoM'ever inveterate the
disease of sin may he, the grace of the Lord Jesus cwnftdly
rare it ; and who will say, that He wlio laid dcwu his life for
our souls, will not use his pov:C7\ completely to effect that salva-
tion which He has died to procure. But ivhero is the per-
son, thus saved ? Wherever he is found, who loves God with
all his heart, soul, mind and strength, and his neighhour as
himself; and for the honour of C/iii.'i(ia7iiii/, and its Antlior,
7nay wc not hope, there are many such in the Church of God;
not known, indeed, hy any ]u-{)fession of this kind, which they
7nake, hut hy a surer testimony; — lliai of uniformly kolij tern-
rolls
ally
or
ices,
n;iny
lold-
' C)
I is
and
l)C-
II ore
ill 1)0
<>
':?i
-tiOD KKQllKES, AND ( UMMANJ)S, TIIK PER.
Fi:CT SANX'TIFK'ATIOX OF HIS Pl-Ol'LK.
I am the .\lmi;^hty (iod; walk befori' mc, and be thou
perfect."' Gen. xvii, 1
Ye shall therefore sanctify
yonrselvcs, and ye shall be holy ; ibr 1 am holy." Lcvit. xi,
•11. "Thou' shall be perfect with the J^ord thy Uod."
iJeut. xviii, 1;5. " Jie ;, e therefore perfect, even us
your Father which is in heaven, is perfect." Matt. v. 48.
'"lie perfect." 2 (.'or. xiii, 11. "According as
he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy, and without blame before him in
love." Fph. i, -1. " And above all these thinns of the linly and i,dorious
God, as revealed in the Scriptures, sutUcicTitly show, that He
cannot^ and shoxltl 7i(d receive I'rom us. His rational creatures,
less than the (julirc consicrdtinn, and full wnd pirfi'vt onpioi/-
ineiif., of the icholv of the powers and (pialities, with which He
has endowed us ; and of all the means with whicii He has
favoured us, for the fulfilment of His will anil service. He is
perfectly holy, just, and ^-ood ; and all the blessinj^rs which
we enjoy, we derive from His mercy and.;:;oodness. "In Him,"
indeed, ''we live, and move, and have our beinu;." His reveal-
ed will, concernin<^ us, declares, repeatedly, and in the most
express and pointed terms, that He recpiires from us, such
(.iilire cousccrddoa and a ])C?'J