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Times, ■■© •■I.- ■ A :sl. •■ w- '^'- ■ i. ,-| ,S, ■:^-ii lEACHES if PICTl, IRIDAI, MY U; M eft , •,. nv THQMA v-i \yi^h.^-;i'^|V'': ,"/' INTiiyOTORY REMAIIS, VV u \\ #ir i Ai' : ' t E V . RO B mi G R A N 1^ ■t ' ...) ^ 1 8;8'2^ i '''■■■ New Gla$gpwrJ^"S<. •/■''''. -^ -.31 the X J m FREAC TH ■i''-r; 1 The Prosperity of the Church in Tr&ublous Times. A SERMON, mtsm AT mm. ibdat, rbt ssit, m, (The Year Before Waterloo) BY THOMAS Mcculloch, WITH INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY REV. ROBERT GRANT> EAST RIVER, PIGTOU, K. S, t 882. S. M. Mackenzie, Printkr, New Glasgow, N. S. \' Ai I " ■•,!Tmi'-c /, •• . f' • • . i . •: •^. , " ' *«,^ •'t- -6iitX.^i,a*'- INTRODUCTION. served it from oblivion was little better than .-> when the future sta*-" years of age, and t Under the generate been driven out of with his life frcir. a . bones of 400,000 of " SiSTE PAULISPER QUI PRAETERITURUS ES."*—CoU'per. The sermon to which these lines are an introduction, like its- distinguished author, has had a peculiar history; and though possessed of merits of the first order, the merest accident pre- i A u f^«^ ^KiWrJor. It was preached m Pictou waen Fictou r, '^er swamp. It was printed in Halifax, '"Nova ScotJi (Joseph Howe) was 10 - ir, V o* *' t- a comparatively a forest. *hp ' V . Duke," the French had just t'^e Cc :a.- adventurer had escaped *^^ ;■:• ; ^ 'uins of Moscow, while the uui.cs m 4u..,u.w v.. .... Mieru w-re whitening the plains of Russia. The sanguinary battles cf LutzCn, Bautzen Dresden, and Leipzig had been lought. In a lew weeks, the Emperor ot Russia and the King of Prussia made their entry mto Pans ; and Wellington and Blucher tlMi entry into London, amidst the re- joicings of emancipated Europe. Agricola had, as yet, not land- ed on the shores of Nova Srotia. Neither had the Youngs, the S. G. W. Archibalds, the Johnstons, and the Howes, immortalised their names. . . u ..• f Such is a reference to events transpiring among the nations ot Europe 67 years ago. But, even then, it might be said of Nova Scotia, " Thou hast a few names even in Sardis." Chief among the number, were the apostolic names of a James and a I homas— - the one a McGregor and the other a McCuUoch. At the date ot this sermon, the former had, as an evangelist, acquired a repu- tation that shall ever entitle him to be considered the VVhiteheld of Nova Scotia. The latter was distinguished for more originality of thought. In his younger days, there was no species of style in which he did not excel— "from grave to gay, from lively to tacetious." In inflexible firmness he was not inferior to John Knox himself. His "Popery Condemned", secured for him I TnmHlUntic famt. Hli ^' \/ilUam and MelvlUe " it iuperlor to PoUok'g '♦ Ellen of the Glen/' What he was in the pulpit in the time of danger—" the day of battle and of war," let the accom- panying discourse serve for an illustration. To the undersigned, it would be a labor ol love to specify some pf the literary achievements of such men as Rev, Kenneth John McKenzie, Rer. Donald Allan Fraser, and Rev. John McRae. Even ''ad nauseam*' \ have their faults— whether xtiS. ox imaginary — been commented on. But, for scholarship and manly eloquence, lh« time it commg when their names shall yet be enshrined in th« " Temple of Fame." Robert Grant. Bust River, Pictou, January joth, 1882. * Not quite so £ut. tT»»tiety. ^'•jgA'- THE PROSPERITY OF THE CHURCH, DAN. IX, 25. THE STREET SHALL BE BUILT AGAIN, AND THE WALL, EVEN IN TROUBLOUS TIMES. THE affairs of the Jews in the days of this prophet, had been very far removed from their former splendour. Disregard for rehg'on, and those crimes which flow from impiety, had ex- posed that nation to the judgments of God ; and they were groan- ing in captivity m the midst of their enemies. They had seen Mount Zion, beautiful for situation and the joy of the whole earth- again, they had beheld even its sanctuaries a prey to the devour- ing flames ; the Lord had measured out to them the bread and the water of affliction ; and they who had once joined in the songs of Zion, «ow hanged their harps upon the willows by the rivers of Babylon. These events, you will perceive by this chapter, engaged the at- tention, and aroused the feelings, of the prophet's mind. He had been himself exalted among the princes of Babylon : but th« daughte'- nf Zion was dwelling in the dust ; and his heart burned with ailection for the captives of Jacob : in his own prosperity he remembered Jerusalem, and approved himself, to be the friend of Israel and of Israel's God. Aware of the causes of the Divine displeasure, and also, of the mercy of God in the corrections of the ^hiirch, he poured out his heart to Him who had often mani- fested his salvation m troublous times ; and the preceding veises' contain a humble confession of the sins of Israel, and fervent sup- plications, that the Loi-d would arise and have mercy on his of- fending people. ^ I • -issail^* f To the prc.phe., this devotionar exercise was succeeded by such y display of tiic goodness of God. as afforded him a cheering prospect^ of the approaching prospcrit) of the Church. Captivity and dispersion had not separated Israel from the loving kindness of the Lord ; they were still the objects of His affectionate regard, and Jerusalem was graven upon the palms of h-. hands. In the painful discipline of the Church, His designs were mercy ; and the nrophet is consoled with a disclosure of the glorious result. I he period approached, which would conclude the adversities of the Church in Babylon. The Lord would then manifest his remem- brance of the rubbish and the stones of Zion, encompass his people with songs oi deliverance, and add splendour and dignity Jo the cause of religion. The sighs of the prisoner had ascended before Him ; and the nations would know, that Israel had not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God. At the time appointed the ransomed of the Lord would return to Zion, and Jerusalem be builded upon her cwn heap; and this work, opposed and impeded, would surmount every obstacle, and arise the ornament and the defence of the Church : The street shall be built again, and the vail, even in troublous times. Of the completion of these words, ve are largely informed in the books of Scripture. The^e contain the history of the restor- ation of the Jews, and of the re-building of Zion ; and, at the same time, record those discouraging events which impeded its progress. Now, Jerusalem, you know, was an emblem of the C.iurch. It was the centre of ordinances, of worship, rnd of communion with God The family of Jacob, assembled there at the holy solemni- ties, represented the whole household of faith : and that ancient -ity prefigured the Jerusalem which is from above, and is the mother of us all. Widi respect to both, therefore, we may expect a general similarity in the nature of the divine dispensations. In scripture, accordingly, the history of former events is proposed tor the instruction and improvement of succeedmg ages ; judgments, for warning; and mercies, for the hope and consolation of the Church. Viewing these words, then, as written for our ad- monition. I have laid them before you ; not to show their accom- plishment in the restoration of the Jews, but to connect them with some of those arrangements of providence which have been, arid are still, passing before us. . • . , i - You know, brethren, that the Lord has been visiting the worla, as the avenger of His law. He that dasheth in pieces, nas come «■ uf) upon the nations : and justice and judgment have been the habitation of His throne. You are not ignorant of those dread- ful convulsions which, in many countries, have burst arunder every social tie. You are every day hearing, and it is our privilege only to hear, of wnrs, which, fo • carnage and ruin, have been seldom equalled. A detail of the peaceful avocations ot social intercourse, has not, for many years, been the hlstor>' of nations ; but the vengeful contendings of man with man ; the marches, confli-i-.ts, and^destruction of armies. Such are the visitations of God, when He pours indignation upon p.uilty lands : God c=''»^'i from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Befor 'im went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at His .a. He stood, and measured the earth ; He beheld, and drove asunde- the nations ; the everlasting mouniains were scatt<-ed, the perpetud hills did bow. Of the immediate effects of those wars and commotions with which the Lord has been chastising many parts of the world, we know but little ; nor is it possible for us, in present circumstances, to know with accuracy. They only who feel, can estimate the havoc which they make in the happiness of men. From their very nature, however, it may be easily conceived, that they must implant pangs of misery in the breasts of multit'ides. Even when conquest and triumph adorn the operations of war, it is fraught with calamities. The very shouts of rejoicing add to its wounds. After them is heard the cry of the v Idow and fatherless, announc- ing what war is, and what pains it inflicts. Wasting and desolation attends its steps. It ts like a sweeping pestilence to the happiness of men. Though the land before it be like the 'garden of Eden ; all behind it, is a desolate wilderness. These things hav^e been abundantly fell by many nations in Europe ; and Europe is the principal seat of the Christian Church. Its members, therefore, mingled with the nations, have drunk the same cup, and experi- enced the adversity of troublous times. But the Church has been also subjected 'o troubles peculiar to itself. The apostle Peter, unfolding the events of the last days, had announced the appearance of scoffers, denying and under- mining the Christian faith ; and the completion of thi^ prophecy, affording an additional proof of the truth of revelation, has been exemplified before us. The revolutions in Europe at the con- clusion of the last century, were connected with an extensive dif- femination of the principles of infidelity. At that period also, I .w i: 8 various circumstances combined, to give these principles an un- usual influence. They were interwoven with what at first seemed to be a dignified vindication of the liberties of men. Besides, they were emblazoned with the glare ot a false philosophy ; * and under this guise, multitudes ignorant of religion, were allured to embrace them. The specious pretext of regenerating the world, veiled the introduction of designs which destroyed the peace of society, and threatened the destruction of the Christian name. Appearances too, in some parts of the Church, seemed to augur success. Many who kne-.v little of the foundation of their faith, were caught in the toils of sophistry ; and many, entangled in the snares of sin, gladly turneil from those holy doctrines which had curbed their vices and interrupted their pleasures. In the niean- 'i'l.Ae, the enemies of religion boasted, that, a few years hence, and Christianity would be known only as a superstition which had once prevaded a great part of the world. These things have befallen the Church ; and they are sure indications of troublous times. But farther, the Church had experienced a mournful decay o^ the power of religion. A defection from Christian doctrine is it- seh a suiifirient proof of the decrease of its influence. Christian- ity, as a system of religion, contains luminous views of its own ex- cellence. In itself amiable and dignified, it embraces the honour of God and the true interests of men ; and the experience of ages has proved its merits. Besides, as a revelation from God, it pos- sesses an operative influence of which no human system can boast. Designed alike to instruct and reform, it has a blessing from above ; by which it expands the intelligence, and, at the same time, secures the affections of the mind. The spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ, applying its doctrines, produces belief ; and wherever it is really believed, it is loved and practised. It is, therefore, easy to conceive how conviction might reach the mind of an infidel. But, when Christians in name turn to the intricate and dark mazes of infidelity, it must be, because they do not feel the illuminating and benevolent operations of re- vealed religion. Accordingly in those nations who profess Christianity, various causes had contributed to add to the numbers of the Church ; and, at the same time, to diminish the knowledge of its doctrines and attachment to its duties. In this state, the Church was exposed to the shock of civil commotions and the tumults of war ; and these, too, were connected with speculations in religion, by no L f ^^s an un- seemed Besides, y ; and ured to 2 world, leace of 1 name. D augur ir faith, d in the ich had e mean- ice, and ad once befallen mes. iecay o^ ne is it- hristian- own ex- : honour J of ages , it pos- ^n boast, ig from le same wisdom jctrines, ved and m might me turn because is of re- various ;h ; and, nes and exposed T ; and by no Weans calculated to increase the piety or animate the devotions of men. The minds of multitudes were eventually unhmged. Many renounced chfistianity ; and not a few, who retained their profession, ceased to be its zeaJotJfs and affectionate friends. Real or pretended grievances engrossed theit attention ; the bitterness of p^fly aroused their passions ] and, when some were conteriding for reform, arid cfthers opposing innovation, disregard fo. religion im[.erceptibly extended its influence. Christianity was »tript of its flowers and fruit ; and " a name! to live," was almost all that remained in many parts of the Church. Besides, infidelity extended its pernicious influence, where its doctrines were disbelieved. These are more calculated to pemlex i\iM id refoim. It is their very nature too, to destroy those motives whit^ emh the vices and stimulate the virtues of men. Infidelity, therefore, by leaving the natural propensities of the mind unrestrained, cherished a train of vices, destructive to the good order and peace of society ; and members of the Church who opposed its principles, became imperceptibly a prey to its practical influence. • Yielding conformity to the world, they quench the flame of ardent and affectionate piety ; and " the things which remained, were ready to die." Even where Christianity retained possession of the mind, com- paratively few members of the Church, could exult in those pow- erful and cheering consolations which it has often administered. " The dew and the rain " were with-held from above ; and " the glory of Lebanon," and " the excellency of Carmel and Sharon," languished below. In many parts, its sincere and devout mem- bers found the path of religion strewed with adversities. Some, amidst the wreck of nations, were torn from every social enjoy- ment of life ; others were assailed by the pangs of infidelity m the very bosom of their families ; and many, pondering upon the state of religion in the Church, were " mourners in Zion ;" and, like Eli, " trembled for the ark of God." In these respects, the Church has experienced the adversity of troublous times. Yet these times of trouble are the very period, which an over-ruling Providence has marked out for the revival of the spirit of religion, for the abundant enlargement of the pros- perity of Zion. This coincidence illustrates our Lord's care of religion. It shows, also, that, under His administrations, glo«my prospects may. introduce a res»ilt, honorable to His grace, aiid M>' « :> m lO glorious to the Church. Chastisement is a necessary part of re- ligious discipline : but the divine corrections are mercy ; they are designed to purify and reform ; and, for this reason^ the shades of the evenmg are always the harbinger of " tht day spring from on high." This you will learn from the history of the Church. You may observe it also, in that series of events which is passing be- fore us. At a period when the judgments of God had shaken terribly the nations, burst the bands of superstition asunder, and set multitudes free from those ties which mislead the judgment and enslave the passions ; He has aroused the friends of religion, to disseminate its pure and undefiled principles ; and is thus say- ing to Jerusalem be built, and to the cities of Tudah, be ve in- habited. ^ This, brethren, is a subject upon which, for different reasons, you will ponder with sensations of delight. It addresses itself to every Christian and patriotic principle of the mind You are not ignoi int of the dignified and commanding attitude, in which our native country has appeared among the nations of the world. Bri- tain has been the bulwark of liberty, and the refuge of oppressed nations ; and what British heart does not thrill with pleasure, when his country is receiving the homage of gratitude from emancipated kingdoms. But our native country is invested with honours more transcendant and glor:ous : it has " a witness in Heaven," and " a recoid on high." The churches of Britain are the glory of Christ ; and, by divine grace, they have become the centre of a zeal for religion, which is spreading like the torrent, and arousing the activity of men to the very ends of the earth. Permit me, brethren, to turn your attention to the labours of a nation through whom we possess all that is dear in society, and every consolation which religion affords. Our native country has not been enjoying a season of peaceful prosperity. Contending with tyrants, m the cause of humanit), Britain has endured pri- vations and distresses of no ordinary kind ; and, in the mean time, has sustained a character which commands the admiration of the world. Our brethren at home, amid their own privations, have felt for the misenes of men ; and approved themselves the imita- tors of a Father who is rich in mercy and ready to relieve Tried by adversity themselves, they have presented to the world a splen- did pattern of diffusive benevolence. In the domestic history of mtain, you will find traits of g-oodness and iJeaceful avocations o f i mi i nH I JW XI mercy, which are seldom exemplified admist the tumults of war. While one part records the victories of fleets and armies ; another exhibits the formation and progressive execution of plans of uni- versal goodness ; to emancipate men from the servitude of sin, to establish the reign of religion, and to communicate its peaceful consolations even to their foes. An earnest desire lO promote these excellent purposes, has pervaded every order in society, and every denomination of Christians. These, united in affection and design, are displaying a beneficence, honourable to themselves and to the Christian name. Their plans, also, are conducted upon principles which are well calculated to produce desirable and permanent effects. Connecting the wisdom with the benevolence of religion, they have concentrated their labours ; and every cit) and almost every village has its social unions, according with the spirit of the gospel, and tending to promote its important designs. I cannot pretend to specify at present, the particular nature and uses of these numerous societies. They embrace a variety of ob- jects, and exhibit a diversity of operation ; but, in the rtibrmation and happiness of mankind, they have one common centre : in this great and good work, they all unite and co-operate. Some of these societies are reclaiming ihe outcasts of the world, and smoothing their return into the paths of virtue. Others are tending the education of those, who, without the means of instruction, were exposed to the ravages of vice and infamy : And others again, by useful publications and a variety of other means, are calling the attention of men to the duties of life, and the important concerns of the eternal state. There are, you know, societies in Britain, zealous for the dissemination of the knowledge of Chri.«t ; and the benevolent activity of these, embraces the whole family of man : Christians and heaihon, Jews and Gentiles, are all the objects of their affectionate regard. None of you are ignorant of those societies, whose sole object is the publication of the oracles of truth. This mode of extending the knowledge of religion in purity, is beginning to attract a degree of attention, proportioned to its importance ; those who befriend it, are rapidly encreasing ; and their exertions are giving to the word of afe, a publicity un- equalled in the annals of the Church. The Lord gave the word, and great is the company of them who publish it. Whatever bte the result of tKe labotirs of the!?e sotietles, the de- ,'** sign is excellent. .It embraces the grand ends of human existence, the honour of God and the happiness of men. The means em- ployed for promoting these purposes, also, are such as religion prescribes and experience approvet?. Ignorance, vice and misery, are links of the same chain. It is, therefore, by a removal of the first, that men cease to become the victims of the last ; and these societies are exerting themselves, by a diftusion of the holy prin- ciples of the Christian religion, to illuminate the mind and rectify the conduct of men ; and by these means, to guide them to hap- piness pure and eternal : and these principles are the true basis of human felicity ; the only principles, which can eradicate the de- pravity of the mind, harmonize its affections, and by a union of hearts, establish concord and peace in the world. They are the message of Him, who is a light to enlighten the gentiles, and the salvation of God to the ends of the earth ; and, sealed by His spirit, all the blessings of religion attend them : As the rain cometh down, and the snow from Heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give feed to the sower, and bread to the eater ; so shall My word be ihat goeth forth out of My mouth : it shall not return unto Me void ; but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Besides, the social union of Christians is the scriptural plan, for giving success to those means which are employed for promoting religion. Of this, Christianity is itself a pattern ; and the history of the Church discovers, that the union of the friends of religion, has usually introduced an extensive diffusion of its power. The dispersed of Jacob might in secret mourn over the long deso- lations ; but, gathered from the nations, their prosperity returned, and Jerusalem arose in her walls and bulwarks. The primitive times of the Church, also, are celebrated for affectionate union among the friends of Christ ; and not less, for the splendid triumphs of the gospel over the powers of darkness. As a rational mode of promoting religion, the social plan re- commends itself In the relations and engagements of life, the importance of union is well understood, and every day exper- ienced. For the same reasons, religion enjoins the unity of its friends, and the consolidation of their activity. These add energy to its operations ; and produce extensive and permanent effects, at which no insulated acts of beneficence can grasp ; they enable 1 I jxistence, 2ans em- religion d misery, 'al of the md these oly prin- [id rectify 1 to hap- e basis of I the de- union of r are the and the i by His n Cometh ther, but I, that it shall My ot return ;ase, and 1 plan, for romoting le history religion, er. The )ng deso- returned, primitive ite union splendid plan re- life, the ly exper- ity of its id energy It effects, ey enable ^ it to surmount opposition, and to appear with a lustre and dignity, worthy of itself, and calculated to command attention and esteem. But the principal excellence of religious union, consists in its con- nection with the promise of Christ ; a promise, which gives effect tc means, and a result glorious to the Church. Even where two or three are assembled in His name, they enjoy His presence, and His blessing attends them. But, upon this point, it is not necessary to recur to ancient ex- amples. Passing events enable us to trace the connection be- tween Christian unity and the progress of religion • we can ob- serve existing societies and mark their effects. Permit me, then to point out to you a few of those circumstances, which indicate the success of religion in these times of trouble. In the present st'^: e of the world, a great deal remains to be done for the diffusion of Christian doctrine ; and this work, under the direction of Christ, is entrusted to the care of His friends. Every person who has felt the power of religion, has ako under- taken the charge of this sacred deposit ; and is strongly obligated to lend his aid, that the gospel may illuminate the whole family of man. Observing, then, the present state of religion in the Church, you will find an encreasing zeal for the performance of this im- portant part of practical Christianity. Growing multitudes are administering to the world those means, by which all men may see, and know, and rejoice together in the goodness of God : And, certainly, this is itself an evident proof of the progress of religion in troublous times. But farther, an attentive view of the operation of this duty, will show you a number of circumstances arising out of it, which tend to promote the interests of religion. It will be always found that whatever flows from a religious principle, adds to its energy. The benevolent operations of the mind re-act upon itself; so that those persons who do good, are themselves the giiiners : sowing the seeds of religion in the world, they participate the fruits and joys of the harvest. Such a result, then, may be expected among the members of those societies who are exerting themselves to pro- mote this important purpose. Indeed, the very nature of their pursuit, encourages congenial sentiments and conduct. Their union, also, introduces Christian conversation, acquaintance, and aff^Qtiqn I and these are invi|[orating means for promoting ani- 14 mation and activity in the paths ■>f religion : As iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the countenance of a man, his friend. It is to be remembered too, that, as these means are app3inted ior producing habits of rehgion in the mind, they are connected with that divine blessing which iecures their efficacy. Besides, those whose labours terminate in the honour of God and the hap- piness of men ; who behold the Lord, by their means, speaking peace to the nations, and sinners bowing before the sceptre of mercy, must enjoy sensations more delightful than all the pleasures of the tents of sin. Members of those societies have accordingly published to the world, that their satisfaction in this great and good work, is such as religion alone can communicate ; such joy and peace, as the spirit ot promise descending from above, dif- fuses in the habitations of Jacob : and the truth of this testimony is proved by their encreasing zeal and activity. These are proofs of their own progress in the duties and consolations of religion ; and they exemplifj the rebuilding of Zion in troublous times. Again, you will farther perceive, that, by the same means' Christian affection and zeal are pervading the Church. The power of religion is gradually breaking down those barriers which have long separated its friends. Those whom the influence of party and its unchristian spirit, had robbed of the benevolence of the gospel, are beginning to manifest that mutual affection, which be- comes Christianity. As one family of love, they are drawing more closely together ; and their united labours illustrate the nature ot the principles by which they are animated. A view of the present state of those societies which have been formed for the advance- ment of religion, will show you what affection and zeal are growing among Christians. Every day affords them an encrease of num- bers, ^nd of the means .of doing good. Their benevolent labours are attracting general attention ; and many in almost every part of the Church, by cofdial co-operation, or by the formation ot othex- societies equally benevolent, are manifesting a union of hearts, and a zeal for religion which knows no exceptions in the whole family of man, and no limits but the ends of the earth. These dispositions are evidences of the power and progress of religion ; for, when the disciples of Christ are of one heart and one mind, He builds up His Church and appears in His glory. It is the established order of religion, that the revival of its spirit in the commonwiealth of Israd,i^ecfedes the enlargement of the botder » « ' PIW "■T^- • • • ' • <• ■' '• *^ 4 [ sharpeneth e appainted ; connected y. Besides, ind the hap- is, speaking : sceptre of he pleasures accordingly 5 great and i ; such joy above, dif- is testimony e are proofs 3f religion ; 5 times. ime means' The power which have ce of party mce of the 1, which be- rawing more le nature ot f the present le advance- are growing Lse of num- lent labours every part of ion ot othei' f hearts, and r'hole family progress of i heart and iis glory. It its spirit in >fthebotdet oi Zion- The beilign influences of the spirit are pourbd upon the Church ; and then the reign of religion extends upon every side : He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth, From this state of religion in the Church, we naturally turn to the result of the exertions of these societies with respect to the world. The means. \Vhich they ^re lismg to promote religion, drS such as itself prescribes,; and, therefore, connected as they aire with the blessing of God, they will ultimately produce berieficial consequences : sent abroad into the world, they will return to the Church, loaded with the spoils of the nations. It is a circumstance deserving attention, that this affectionate concern for the best in- terests of men, has its centre in Britain ; where the friends of re- ligion, sharing the dominion of the seas, can extend their oper* ations to almost every part of the world. The Church, then has certainly reason to exult in the divine promise ; and, from this partial accomplishment; to expect a consummation which will place every kindred and people under the authority of Christ : Then shalt thou see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged ; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. Such associations, from their very nature, must possess a moral influence upon the conduct of society. Classed upon the side of virtue, their example and labours tend alike to discourage the practice of vice and to prevent its encroachments ; so that, in this point of view, they must have already diminished the crimes and miseries of men. But beside the diminution of evil, much good, it is evident, has also flowed from their exertions. They have exemplified the be- nevolent nature of the Christian religion ; and a pattern of (Chris- tianity is a fruitful recommendation of its principles. From its nature it is calculated both to reach conviction to the mind, and to engage its affections ; and it is rarely without a congenial re- sult. For the?e reasons, it is enjoined in scripture, as one of those means by which persons are induced to glorify God in the day of visitation ; and, therefore^ it is reasonable to conclude, that the Christian benevolence of these societies has not been exempli' fied in vain. .*'' i; i6 Besides, their exertions have confen-ed upon ♦he world, benefits i^hiQh mv u serial in- le house oi ts, therefore, i feelings of attainments, participate mercy, rch, and to • fallen race; jmplify that Multitudes d down by '•the day- that work orth before ion in this the divine shall dwell I'.tful fieid : »e effect of le Lord will ; and Fe e garden of [giving and u the walls v. I