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WITH THE THEOLOGICAL REMAINS OF THX REV. ALEXANDER S. BYRNE, BT REV. JOHN CARROLL. WRITTIir AND COMPILXD AT THE RE^VKST OF THE CONFERENCE. ** While he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father." 2 Chron. xxit. 3. « # PUBLISHED BY ANSON GREEN. AT THE CONFERENCE OFFICE. No. 9. Wellinoton Bdiudiros, Kino Street. 1853. w . "in'i 0'K.l.iHmT:^^ t \^ i- r. J: ' ? :)' .i]''r :. ifV i-r ■■^i ""^ 4' J ^,3 >' ^^ ■■;'3 « J "i f ^ i '.i 4-:|n /|,i,^M| 7,:5 i^.^^'■••'f.- ; :: . .^. # M«iJ'.A_.;^ ^'^A* :="• -^^ n: ' rj", .^ .t"i>'-v,*' »;- Jf, H. ]|BNTIJ£T, PRINTER, ■•Si * .■ (. . ■'i-)'">^KKfr;fT I .... ;r- '.'^;; ^ -IJfr V^^'%l.><.^■:i(?T>j'f^i irji- ;'>'.^"' rj^Jf * /^' ;^fWv-r* 'ri>' INTRODUCTION. m t ■'^j}Tu; History in general, but especially personal history, or bi- jography when >vritten with propriety, abounding so much in incident^ and furnishing so much vaiiety to the mind, is an interesting sort of writing to most readers. And it must be as instructive as it is interesting. " History," it has been said, ** is philosophy teaching by examples." Yet what are the "examples" in general history so instructive, but instances of individual biography with which it is interspersed, or, we might even say, of which it is composed? I^ therefore, the instances of personal history, inci- dentally brought out) in works of a general character are so pleasipg and profitable, may it not be reasonably inferred, that works written expressly to illustrate the principles and actions of individual men miist be pre- eminently so? The experience and testunony of all confirm this. It is freely granted, that many productions of this kind, through defects in the subjects of which they treat, or in the execution of the works themselves, even where the intention is manifestly good, are futile. Iv INTRODUCTION. and som^ are positively injurious. We also concede, that it would be impracticable and useless to publish the life of every good man, or even minister, who may have faithfully "served his generation by the will of Gbd." There is such an undeniable sameness in the general features of the history and character of most pious persons, that to read the life of one would be to read the lives of many. A few histories of such ordinary-good people, perhaps^ is enough. While, however, this is admitted, it must be main- tiuned, there are others whose mental constitution' and talents— ^whose religious character and usefulnesis — or the circumstances of whose history, are altogether so remarkable as to constitute an exception. Such an exception, if his piety and endowments are con- sidered, we humbly conceive, was the youthful subject of this biographical sketch. These considerations, joined to the request of his brethren, have influenced the Editor of these papei*s to undertake his present task. A work on which he enters with the sincerest diffidence; not only from its being to him an untried department, but from the fact, that the most important of all materials for such a production, namely, a private dia/ry or journal, is wanting. The only personal record left by the de- ceased was the dates of a few important events connected with his natural and religious life, on a detached piece of paper not four inches square. As a substitute for this, however, it is but just to say, I 'l INTRODUCTION. I! that his biographer has been furnished with a short connected histoiy from his bereaved father; and also a written communication from each of the other two superintendents with whom he laboured during the short but brilliant and useful period of his itinerancy, expressive of their views of his character and of his labours while associated with them in the work of the ministry. Of the sentiments, and sometimes words, of these valuable productions, he has availed himself as occasion required. After all, it is with extreme distrust, that he submits his lucubrations to the public. Still, humbly confident of the purity of his motives^ and the goodness of his subject, he is not without hope, that, in answer to earnest and oft-repeated prayer, the Divine Being will make it a blessing, in prompting some at least to imitate the virtues of this youthful saint This object gained, the author will rest satisfied and thankful The plan of the work adopted by the writer hi' been, to consider, his early history ; his conversion^ and indpunt efforts to be useful; his itinerant life and labours; and liis sickness and death — with a review of his mental and moral character. >.*-• ' i(.n :r^ "•• >'| V »( 't-^^H^■■:,W^. • .•if • I ■..■<;;: (. K\ '*f-Ay •j..iv>f' (.i; (•■ ■fiji'l'ij..^!!:'' K •;,* l.j;i- 'i JO- i.*t«'- 'ir»,':/.M. ■I,! »■ V (V. vc W ,t ihlffilMi^,.- \ fAVl : VJ iji: 'h'i. ;.^.:'-iuy tU >-«'^w .f;;l >iU 'i<'t- .'\i "I a (,vr (.i'''"**-- >•', fiit^ 'tMl !U>M,;i^. ".'i; -;•! I >t\kr< ,KMr V .?>.tr| j^;'^ i 1 biH: ;.:jr;v ■ t i; mv'i •; ),'«/ir ■i*v t ■ iji.'ji' •1 T I'iUv/A .J)i»» ,^■i^vA:♦"*,:^v•Ml<^\ ^.'^V'VV. \\ .A ^■ ■■.fc-'A\ ^1. 4VJ14 ,»■•.!• 1 i ' ■ 1 * * •• i '1, ' >,•• • J}>'Wi'1.r ••'■' <»':''',,;H-iy;., ; 1 lity;; ■•■,;,;■ .»'+•- ■ »^ '- 5l<{' ;i .>V,V '1' i-;fj ,h ", .«« ■ ..K hii^ THE STRIPLING PREA.CHER, &c. "• •■»'.-.- '11 *». '. t 'Itf -1 ii»i .' .i -^^>^v ./W>/N/V« ^ \t .tr^) h: '{<-Vj _ •altt •:>''i^>'-^;^j Vf.fO I ■ "" £&:'?• -p7-t «tW' Willi :•<"■!.• -••: ^:i ■..(^^ ':- ''»i .'/i;tW'' iSARLY HISTORY. ALBXANDEk Sturgeon Btrne, the subject of this memoir, was the son of the Rev. Claudius Byrne, who was fot about twenty-four years a laborious and useful minister of Christ, in connexion with the Irish Wesleyan Confer- 'ence, and who at the present time is ezerciang his ministry in Canada in the Wesleyan Methodist Church. The younger Byrne was also born in Ireland, in the town of Dungannon, County Tyrone, which event transpired, June 20th, A. D. 1832. He was called at his baptism, after the Rev. Alexander Sturgeon, his maternal grand- father, who was for many years a highly esteemed and useful Wesleyan Minister in Ireland. As he was descended from a pious stock, and the immediate son of exemplary, pious parents, so also there was something remarkable in his history and character from his birth. His very introduction into the world was attended by circumstances corresponding with his after-holy life, and which go to show, that the blessing of Jehovah is be- stowed upon those that acknowledge him. What we refer to shall be stated in the words of his father. — " A 8. KARLY IIISTORy< few hours after his birth, the late venerable Gideon Ousley, who happened to be passhig through the (own, colled to see the family; and was introduced into the apartment where the mother and babe were lying. After making remarks which had reference to the goodness of God in mercifully preserving life in the hour of nature's sorrow, and the 'joy' permitted mothers * when a man-child is born into the world,' he kneeled down, and devoutly returned thanks to the Father of Mercies for her stifc delivery; at the same time, par- ticipating in our feelings as parents, be dedicated our darling one to Him ' in whom we live and move, and have our being.' " '^ ■ From so auspicious a birth-day scene, we are not surprised to learn, from the same source, that ** even in helpless infemcy, he was remarkable for the placidity of his disposition, and long before he could articulate, his manner of taking notice of objects around was indicative of a mind of more than ordinary promise." Nor does it appear that these early buddings of intellect were left by his truly assiduous parents to unfold themselves in au unpropitious mora) atmosphere; but on the contrary, every effort was made to direct his precociously active and inquiiing mind to things sacred and divine. And if a similar course were pursued by parents in general, similar results, so far as piety is concerned, would be usually witnessed. ' His parents, with a right appreciaticoi of their obli- gations to their covenant God, to -^hom they hud dedicated their child in baptism, introduced him, from the time he was able to profit hy them in the smallest degree, to all the ser\'ices of the Christian church, and to those social means also which aie peculiar to the denom.- X KAHLY IlISTOUY. M- ination to which they belonged. It is oven said, that a pious nurse, who was a faithful domestic in the family for many years, and to whom no doubt this cliild owed much, took him in her arras to cluss-raeeting from the time he was capable of being taken out at all, as well as to all the other means of grace. And the only instance of his ever being known to disturb the exercises at all was once after he was able to talk, when observing his nurse to weep passionately in class-meeting, he judged it the result of something severe the leader had spoken to lier, his childish indignation was aroused, and he expressed his sympathy for his beloved nurse by begging " Jenny " not to " cry for him." Such a mistake, the result of his inexperience, and displaying so much nobility of heart, was easily forgiven by the leader; and was made the occasion by his ever watchful parents of " instructing him in the way of the Lord more perfectly,'* by telling him the cause of Jenny's tears. His father remarks, " We do not recollect that he was ever absent from class-meeting from this period, except when some of the complaints incidental to children (which was seldom indeed) rendered it necessary to detain him at home." Nor did his religious tendencies and dispo- sitions appear from his punctual attendance on the means of grace alone. He was scrupulously exact in the observance of the christian Sabbath. His parents do not remember of a single instance in which they had to chide him for a word or action incompatible with its sanctity. He was also religiously observant of the quarterly fasts ot the church, which he heai-d announced from the pulpit On these occasions it is said his pai-ents found it difficult to induce him to take a sufficiency of nourishment to prevent illness. 'J •• a2 10 BARLY HISTORY. He was taught from infancy to entertain the greatest respect for all office-bearers in the church of Christ, especially for the ministers of the gospel And in this particular his profiting appeared unto all that knew him. He would never allow any minister to be spoken of depreciatingly in his presence, without defending the absent person, and perhaps reproving his censurer. Nor did he " let any man despise himself," young though he was, after he had entered on the sacred ministry himsel£ His facilities for intellectual improvement were not less than wei'e those for his religious ; nor was his improvement less. On this subject we will listen to the statement of the elder Mr. Byrne. " When the time came for making the first efforts in his mental training, no child could have afforded a mother more gratification than he, by his close attention to his lessons, and the readiness with which he comprehended every idea presented to his mind. When he had got sufficiently advanced in English, she introduced him to the French grammar. And my astonishment was greatly excited, one evening, but a short time after he had begun to apply himself to this study, to hear him read in that language, and translate into English, a whole psalm, with a facility that appeared truly wonderful." " When he was eleven or twelve years of age, I was appointed to the town of Enniskillen, where there was a good classical school, which he attended. Here he made considerable proficiency in the rudiments of the Latin and Greek languages. It is surprising with what rapidity he went through the elementary studies in these depaitments of literature. At my next station, I was specially favoured by being introduced to a venerable gentleman, who was 1BARLY HISTORY. 11 « graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. This aflFectionate person took a peculiar interest in the welfare of our dear boy ; and frequently did he say to me, that he never had a pupil who afforded him higher satisfaction." Mr. Byrne's, jealous watchfulness over the religious principles of his son, prevented him from avaifing himself of still higher Bterary advantages in that son's behalf; presented by an introductory letter from the benevolent gentleman last referred to, to a certain learned Doctor at the head of a college situated in the town that constituted his last Circuit in Ireland, as Mr. B. had reason to fear, that that eminent and amiable mdividual was tinctured with some of those doctrinal errors which have of late years proved so baneful to the Protestantism of what are called the churches of En^and and Ireland; judging rightly, that literary improvement bears no comparison in importance to " soundness of faith," and the salvation of the immortal soul. This was a noble-minded prefer- ence of spiritual to temporal interests, and a commendable instance of caution, which, had it been always imitated on the part of Methodists, aye, and of Methodist ministers also, there would not have been so many painful instances of childi-en forsaking the truth in which they were early instructed, and the church of their fathers, to become the adherents and advocates of a powerless and soul-deluding ceremonialism. ■ ired Iwas ^m" 12 CONVERSION AND INCIPIENT m 4 CONVERSION AND INCIPIENT EFFORTS BE USEFUL. TO ^ Having looked into his boyish history and employ- ments, which have always an important relation to a person's after-life and character, we come to contemplate the unfolding of that spiritual life, that constitutes the more interesting subject of inquiry. Man by nature i» possessed of two kinds of life — ^physical and mental — which commence unfolding as soon as he is bora : the renewed man b distinguished by another — spiritual life, — ^which originates in convei-sicm, and which, thencefor- ward, is susceptible of progress till it receives its full development Conversion, therefore, is an event most important in its character and engaging in its contem- plation. To the consideration of this event, as it occurs in the history of this pious youth, we now come. Its date and place of occiu-rence ai-e thus laconically set down by the subject of our narrative in the brief autographic memorandum referred to in our introduc- tion ; — *' Just^ed in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland, on 15th Feb, 1846." Although he had been the subject of a gracious influence, and more or less of the fear of God from infancy, and sometimes of deep religious emo- tions — particularly once when about five years old, after venerable Matthew Tobias relate in a revival- } touchina: circumstances connected with the conversion of a little boy, he " thought," as he expressed himself to his little sister, two years older than himself, the next raoniiiig ; he would have " got his new heart at the meeting" the night before — yet he was never before. hearing t) meeting iUi'ORTS TO Bit USEFUL. 13 up to tliis period, able to rejoice in God as his reconciled Father. The exercises through which he passed immediately previous to this interesting change, and the change itself, are thus described by his affectionate father : — " About Christmas season, 1846, he became very anxious re- specting his spiritual state ; and although we knew it not at the time, for nearly a week immediately preceding his being blessed with pardoning mercy, he was up to a late hour each night wrestling with God in prayer for a revelation of peace to his soul. One Sabbath evening, I preached from Rona. viiL 1.; under which sermon he was much impressed. After service, he retired to his chamber, and resumed his agonizing exercises, and continued them the greater part of the night, and before break-of-day he was permitted to feel, that to them that believe, ' Jesus is precious.' Next morning, his counte- nance glowed with what was expressive of great mental enjoyment; but liis natural reservedness and modesty caused him to conceal from his mother and rae what had transpired. But at the next Sabbath class-meeting the whole was fully developed, when, to the astonishment of all who were present, it was evident that out of his youthful mouth * the Lord had ordained praise.' He then spoke (for the first time in this social means of grace) in a strain of sublimity, and with a scriptural propriety that would almost have made it appear that he had been caught up to the third heaven. The day pre- ceding the Sabbath on which he had thus spoken, he wrote and posted (for the first time that we knew) a letter to his sister, who at the time was residing at the house of her paternal uncle, through whose kindness she was attending a musical academy, giving an account of 14 CONVERSION AND INCIPIENT the happy change that had taken place with him.** I ^^ here subjoin a copy, as an exhibition of the love and zeal which always attend the introduction of a bel|ever into the favour of God : — 'Mr Dear Mary, — '. •s«, I ■ 'As it is now a long time since I had the pleasure of addressing yoii, and this being Saturday, I embrace the opportunity of writing you. I hope that Uncle, Aunt, and Cousin are all well Thank God, Papa, Mamma, and all at home are well ! I suppose by this time you have made great proficiency in music ; but, my dear Mary, what signifies the proficiency we make in any department of science, or an accomplishment how- ' ever useful or Adequate to the furtherance of our interests in this life, if we remain strangers to the power of religion m the soul, in a state of rebellion against God, and without a sense of his pardoning love? And, again, of what great advantage, either in this world, or that which is to come, would our education be to us, if not combined with that religion which alone can make us really happy? It is this alone that is adequate to support us under every trial and temptation through which we have to pass. You may wonder why in this letter I address you on a subject and in a strain which I never before adopted. My dear Mary, it is with feelings of holy joy I inform you, that on last Sunday night, while engaged in prayer, and burdened with a deep sense of guilt, sin, misery, and a need of redemption thi-ough a Saviour's blood, I found joy and peace through believing. And, thank God! although nearly a week has elapsed since that event, and I have had many temptations to unbelief, yet I feel, that in that ' EFFORTS TO BE USEFUL. 15^ short period I have been growing in grace and in the future knowledge of my Lord and Saviour in all things ; and I enjoy more peace of mind and am even happier than when I first believed. It occurred to my mind, that I ought to write to you, in order that you might be a partaker of like precious faith. For, believe me, Mary, you lie very near my heart — you who have been the subject of so many prayers and so much parental anxiety. I beseech you by all the prayers that have been offered up by me and others, who are concerned for your welfare, that you remain no longer a stranger to true happiness ! — but when you read this letter, go to your closet, and there pray to God, if you have not yet got a clear view of yourself as a lost sinner, that he would show you your real state; and that your sins might be all forgiven you, and that you might find peace with God. Be assured, " * All the fitness he requires, ■ ' Is to feel your need of him,' " Then you will be happy, and know by heart-felt experi- ence, that ' Godliness has the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come.' And now, I pray God, that this letter may accomplish the purpose where- unto it is sent ! Remember me to Uncle, and Aunt, and Cousin. >, 11 "I remain your affectionate Brother, "Alexander Byrne. "P.S.— Read your Bible daily.'" * The reader having accompanied us from the birth of the subject of our contemplation, up to the period of his saving conversion, and thus traced the operation of those Id CONVIUUSION AND INCIl'IENT principles of divine truth that were early implanted in hia infant mind, by parental care, and which were assiduously cherished by the various agencies of the church, pro- ducing first that " fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom," till they ripened into the full enjoyment of " the love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost given unto him," we proceed now to contemplate those first eflforts to be useful to which this glorious change gave rise. The language which the soul under the impulses of its first love feels to utter, is — - . " Oh, that the world might taste and see, The riches of his grace ! The arras of love that compass me, Would all mankind embrace." This it seems^was the feeling thjit possessed the soul of BvRNE at this interesting period. "' t 's - The manner in which he was first led to address others by way of exhortation or preaching, and the manner in Avhich his talents were brought into exercise and his powers of thought and delivery were developed, are thus related, substantially, by his then deeply interested father : — " A few weeks after his conversion, then entering on his fifteenth year, he was urged to address the teachers of the Sabbath School, which he did in a strain of simple eloquence that greatly surprised his hearers; they almost felt as if an angel hud appeared among them. At this period my own raind became peculiarly impressed respecting him, and I resolved as soon as possible to avail myself of an opportunity of hearing him. The first time I accomplished my purpose, it was by getting into the congregation in a concealed manner. He preached from Prov. xiv. 14.; 'The backslider in heart shall be tilled with his own ways.' 1! \ I EFFORTS TO BE USEFUL. 17 I cannot now describe what my feelings were then. While this mere stripling was developing the solemn truths which the text embodied, a deep impression pervaded my mind and many others that night, that in him was the ' nucleus of ' a workman that needed not to be ashamed.' At this period of his procedure, knowing his reservedness towards me and others of mature years, I proposed a plan for drawing out fully his theo- logical views. It was this, that we should commence a series of letters upon the great leading doctrines of Christianity, and especially those of them to which the Wesleyan Church gives prominence. My own epistles were generally of an interrogatory chai'acter; and he had ten or twelve days to prepare his reply to each communication. During these pleasing and profitable exercises, I can truly say, I passed some of the happiest hours of my life; especially when perusing the effusions of a mind scarcely passed infantile years, manifesting a maturity of thought, an accuracy of expression, with a chasteness of style, that, both I and other ministers of special acquaintance, could not but regard, as the bril- liancies of a dianaond of the first water. From this time forward, generally on Sabbath, (for his time during the week days was occupied with his books) he preached once a day with increasing acceptance. And it was to us cause of unfeigned gratitude to God, that, while large congregations pressed upon him, we could not perceive in any instance a disposition to self-importance, or a forgetfulness, that tlie foot of the Cross was tlie tru$ position of safety," The Wesleyan Chm-ch, constructed on the model of the primitive one, feels that she needs the exercise of every particle of available talent in her members, in \ 18 CONVERSION AND INCIPIENT carrying out her plans of aggression on the kingdom of darkness ; while she furnishes an appropriate sphere for ^^ its operation. In her lay agencies of prayer and class- leader, of exhorter and local preacher, to say nothing of the Sunday-school teacher, tract-distributer. i • • ' Praise him all creatures here below : r* ; ; Praise him above ye heavenly host, ,;,. _. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.' " According! to Alkxandkb's memorandum, they ** landed in NewYork, Friday, the 25th of August, 1848." In this city the family was treated with the hogpitaUty and kindness which distmguish its Methodist citizens ; and the youthful subject of this 1 istory preached several times in some of the most ]n-ominent pulpits connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, with great ap- proval, to immensely large congregations. As the uncle of Mr. A. Btrnb, an able minister, late of the Irish Conference, took up his abode in the United States, so he and his family were requested to remain in that iepublic. Especially the younger Mr. Byrnb, received the ofifer of a University education, free of all expanse to him or his friends, if he would only stay and ^roa his ministry there. But their purpose was to ; - :.uc interests of the Wesleyan Church in Canada ; and for Canada they left in a few days, and, (we quote from Mr. A. E.'s memoranda) "Arrived in Toronto, Thursday, 15th ot^^snteiijbeiv 1848." ^ .>..„^ ^ . '.vv^„r.tr.^:>:^/.H;i 1'^ EFVORTB TO Hi. USKFUI.. 28 In thii city and neighbourly J, Mr. A. Ut «nb preached several times, much to the §»tiafactiori nd profit of those that heard him — making one eicursion, to Attend a chapel anniversary, hi company with the Rev. Dr. Riouxir^ as far west as London. In the last mentioned tuwn his services were lauded in the highest terms ; and he retiirnt J to Toronto, followed by the good wishes of its n>. 't . 13, and hearing still more substantial evidences 01 their favoiu*. it was on the occasion of this visit, that the compiler of this little work, then stationed m London, formed his f rsL acquamtance with him. I was out, attending to sense pastoral duty, when he and the distmguiahed minister whom ho had accompanied, arrived at my house. On returning, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Doctor and his youthful companion. I was struck with the extremely juvenile appeai^nce of the latter. "Juve- nile," not in comparison with his age (for he was not yet seventeen years, by some months); but juvenile, compared with the solemn character of ^e functions he had assumed. He was short, though rather stocky, with a round boyish face. But there was a neatness and gentility in his dress, an intelligence in his conversation, and a dignity in his deportment, which at once com- manded respect A course of successful revival meetings being then in progress, he without a moment's hesitation, consented to preach that (Saturday) evening. Nor was ever a sermon better adapted to an occasion. It was founded on the well known, and somewhat difficult text, — Luke XV. 7. ; "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." AfUr clearing up the difficulties of this . » /•• 24 CONVERSION AND INCIPIENT, AC. passage, by a method the most satisfactory to myself of any that I had ever heard adopted, he proceeded to inculcate, in a didactic way, the Necessity of Repentance, in a manner so simple, lucid, and faithful, as to furnish (I thought at the time) the best specimen of a gospel homily I had ever had the happiness of hearing. He preached the first two, of the three anniversary sermons defivered the next Sabbath day. These, though I had not the privilege of hearing them, being engaged out of town, I have reason to believe, were equally excellent and appropriate. His address in the social tea meeting, which followed on Monday evening, was indicative of deep seriousness and piety, as well as of superior ability. After his return from London, he remained with his &mily m our western capital till "Saturday, 18th of November, 1848," when he was "appointed to supply the place of the Rev. Lewis Warner," then laid up by disease, "on the Yonge Street Circuit" This event, together with the account of his labours in that portion of the Lord's vineyard, naturally belongs to the next chapter. ... -, '■^ •^5 4.- •■■ ITINERANT LIFE AND LABOURS. 25 iv.....:.'^ ITINERANT LIFE AND LABOURS. '^^ 'U-Ji-r h ^Ti^H-^^*^ 't.Y ■•■f \i* • V > His itinerant labours began, as we have seen, on the Yonge Stieet Circuit, to which he was sent by the Rev. John Rtkrson, Chairman of the Toronto District, to sup- ply the place of the Rev. Lewis Warner, the then Superintendent of that Circuit, laid by from his work by severe indisposition. He went there, according to his own memoranda, "November 18th, 1848." His labours on this his first Circuit, and the estimation in which they were held, are well described in the following excellent letter from the Rev. Mr. Warner, now Chairman of the Barrie District, to the compiler, which he gives entire^ and without any remai-k of his own: — !; ;.« .P.br*?i -.<. » Rev. AND Dear Sir,- ^^_^.. , ^^ ^^^,.^ .u...;^r.« , r s;; ; "It affords me a kind of mournful pleasure to give you any information of one I so highly esteemed and so dearly loved, as the late Rev. A. S. Byrne. Al- though I am painfully conscious of my inability to do justice to a being so gifted. " I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Byrne preach shortly after his coming into the Province. His father, the Rev. Claudius Byrne, being a friend of Dr. Reid, of Thornhill, with his family, paid the Doctor a visit soon after arriving in Toronto. A strong desire having been manifested by many of our friends at Thornhill to hear so young a person preach, an appointment was announced. I went, expecting, from what I had heard, to hear emphatically a boy. His appearance confirmed my impressions. There he stood — a small, slight figure, boyishly dreased, with his shirt collar 26 ITINERANT LIFE AND LABOURS. li tamed down over a plain black cravat; and the head, though respectable, was by no means remarkable for intel- lectual developments ; altogether he presented a fine specimen of a boy of sixteen.* Yet there was a shade of sadness, it might be of deep thought, on his countenance, which would have caused a careless observer to look again. The lining of the first hymn changed my impressions.— He read with calnmess and propriety, and brought out its «^_^,.force and beauty with a correctness and power, that showed he possessed, not only an intimate acquaintance with the subject, but an appreciation of poetry far beyond his years. His prayer displayed a depth of religious ^- perience, a correctness and expansion of thought, and a familiarity with public exercises, that quite astonished me. It was characterized by nearness of access, a consciousness of need, and a striving in faith, that the sins confessed might be forgiven, and that the blessings sought might be imparted. What a prayer fiora a child! The church, with her various institutions ; the world, and all the nations thereof, passed in review before his mind. He seemed earnestly drawn out, that the whole earth might be filled with the glory of God. The sick and the distressed, the stranger and the fatherless, were all remembered, and blessihgs sought in their behalf which none but God can * In two particulars the compiler cannot bat think, his friend's int- pressionsof Mr. Bykne's personal appearance decidedly at fault. First, be describes him as " a si:iall, slight tigiirc." He was not tall, but, for his age, he is what we should call rather stoekey. He says, "his head was by 1:0 means remarkable for intellectual developments." We neither know much about, nor attach much importance to phrenological prominences ; but we know that he had a f\ill, high forehead, which gradually widened to the top. And his head, as a whole, though without any reiuarliabie prominences, was full on all sides, well balanced, and remarkably large. Twenty-two inchra and a half is .he average size of a man's bead ■, but his could not have been less than twenty-four. The writer's head is iwenty.two and a half, yet Mr. BvaNB's bat (as he knows by frequent experiment) would slip down on his ikce over boib nose and ears. r RS, and the head, irkable for iutel- resented a fine » was a shade of bis countenance, ir to look again. J impressions.— brought out its id power, that te acquaintance jetry far beyond of religious ^- bhought, and a astonished me. a consciousness e sins confessed ought might be The church, d all the nations d. He seemed might be filled distressed, the nembered, and e but God can ik, his fViend'fl ini* y at fault. First, be all, but, for his age, bis head was by 1:0 neither know much oiniitenccs; but we widened to the top. e prominences, was iTwenty-two inches auld not have been and a half, yet Mr. lid slip down on hi« ITINERANT LIFE AND LABOURS. ' " I rose from my knees concluding that prayer was his fort. But the text was announced with the same calmness and dignified self-possession that had distinguished the first part of the service. It consisted of the following impor- tant words of scripture : * For Christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.' 1 Pet. iii. 18. The introduction was grave in thought, and correct and chaste in language. I give the division, which was natural and perfect : — " I. The Pei-son who suffered; •' : " II. The Persons for whom he suffered ; " III. The Object for which he suffered. I have regretted since his death, that I had not solicifed him to write that sermon for me in full. I cannot pretend to do it justice, as I took no notes at the time ; nor shall I attempt it. But there were some thoughts so beautiful and impressive, that I cannot foibear referring, to them. After dwelling for some time with calm earnestness on the sufferings ot our blessed Lord, sketching graphic and af- fecting pictures of- the circumstances and scenery of his final passion, he said, ' He suft'eielace of his lonely birth, to present their worship and offerings. Looked , he for s«jme intimation of some Iwnignify from the Heavenly J^. \ './ 128 ITINERANT LIFE AND LABOURS. Throne, when he went down into the river Jordan and submitted to the rite of baptism ? Behold the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descending upon him like a dove, and resting upon hire ; while a voice from the excel- lent glory exclaims, ' This is my well beloved son in whom I am well pleased.' Asked he for supernatural intei-po- sition when on Tabor's Mount he spent that mysterious night in prayer ? Lo, his disciples look upon him, and the fashion of his countenance is transfigured before them, and his raiment becomes radiant as the light, and the approv- ing voice is heard again. Prays he for celestial manifesta- tion when in the garden of Gethsemane he sweat great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 'There appeared an angel from heaven strengthening him.' But now is the hour and power of darkness. The people cry, * Away with him ! ' He faints under the burthen of his cross — the multitude clamour for his blood — the soldiere transfix his limbs to the rugged wood — and the heavens gather darkness above him. While thus sinking under the pressure of that awful weight, the sin of all, he turns his anxious gaze to the throne of mercy, and expects to meet the approving eye of his Father, and to catch a beam of sympathy and encouragement. But the heavens ai-e brass: no Father's smiie he sees — no angel voice he hears; and turning away from the heaven of his former a'^^'^ss and former consolation, he shrieks, 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me!" " The effect upon the audience cannot be described. His manner, which at the fii-st was calm and' passionless, had been gi'adually growmg warmer and more earnest, till he approached this part of the subject. His voice, as well as manner, gave indication of a mini labouring with sup- presed emotion. The expressioiiof sadness which I had V'l ITINERANT LIFE AND LABOURS. 2» at first remarked became sterner and more severe, till it settled into a look of intense anguish. His voice grew deeper and more tremulous at times till quite low. He sustained it by a strong effort through a description of the last mysterious scene ; and then burst that wild, waiHng cry, *My God, ray God, why hast thou forsaken me!* The unmitigated anguish of a bursting heart seemed em- bodied in that one piercing cry. *' Soon after my first interview with him, he unfolded to me his views of the ministry ; and his desire, if the Con- ference would receive him, to devote his life to the service of the church in Canada. During the same week, that I had the first conversation with hiin, I was laid aside from the itinerant work by an illness so severe, that my phy- sicians and friends despaired of my recoveiy. The official members of the Yonge Street Circuit met to consult on what was to be done in this emergency ; and a resolution was passed recommending the Chairman of the District to employ Brother Byrne to fill my appointments for at least one quarter. How he discharged his duties I need not re- late. His labours still live in the affectionate remembrance of all who came within their sphere. The longer hy re- mained on the Ciiciiit the higher he rose in the esteem of the church. And for six months he performed the duties of a travelling preacher on that Circuit with great accepta- bility and usefulness, preaching to large and admiring audiences the 'unsearchable riches of Christ.' " So soon as my health permitted of my going out, we became daily companions; and I had, I presume, more frequent opportunities than any other minister of hearing hira preach. I never heard from him what could be called an ordinary sermon : all were superior, both in thought and style. He never seemed at a loss; ana would never >-i>- > I \ t^ 30 ITINERANT LIFE AND LABOURS. consent, without much entreaty, to preach the same ser- mon in my hearing which he had preached before me. "He was entirely original. Give him but retirement, the Bible, and some commentator, (he preferred Henry) from which to gather materials, and he would come forrii from that retirement with a sermon replete with deep, powerful, and pereuasive thought, conveyed in words tlie most appropriate that our language supplies. Yet lie <.Ud , not commit his seimons to memory ; for in preaching from the same text at different times, he was far from using the same language. Words with him were emphatically wliat philosophers have defined them, * the signs of our ideas,' always just; and as chaste and euphonious as the most elaborate composition. They fell from his lips with the ease ai^d indifference of the most unrestrained conversation. Knowing no paucity of words, he was still sparing in their use — every one Avas part of a thought. There was never any effort after rhetorical effect— no attempt at poetic dis- play. At times his illustrations would be filled with tlie most gorgeous imageiy, and glow with the most genuine poetry ; but it was only the out-breakings of a soul sur- charged with the most beautiful thoughts and the loftiest conceptions. It would have been more difficult for him to suppress than it was to produce them. His eloquence consisted in the vigour, freshness, and justness of the thought. 'Twas what a great writer calls, ' Logic on fire.' He possessed in an eminent degree, that highest peifection of oratory, the ability of withdrawing the attention of the audience from himself and fastening it on the subject. This, in his case, was no small achievement: it re<|uirwl - peculiar attrjictiveness in the discourse to call off the thoughts from the inspired boy who was delivering it. "In hopes of recruiting our health, for even then his ITiNElUNT h\V£ AND LABOURS. 31 constitution w>w far fiom being sound, I proposed a journey to the Falls in the month of May. There his pulpit mmis- trations were highly eataeraed; and, although the Stam- foixl Circuit lias been favoured witli some of our ablest ministe)"8, the friends declared to me, that they had not heard his equnl as a preacher in that part of tlie country. " Being recommended a8 a candidate for the ministry by the Quarterly Meeting of the Yonge Street Circuit, he was proposiKi at the District Meeting, May 30th, 1849. In proposing hiiu, I stated, what appeared greatly to startle some of the ministers who knew nothiiierfeetion he did as a pulpit orator. Oiatory, however, was his least praise? !»is earnest and enlightened zeal for the salvation of man- kind declared him to be deeply imbued with the spirit and wisdom of Christ Other young christians may often be as zealous in obeying the command of the apostle, ' Be instant in season and out of season ;' but they are seldom so consistent, and still less frequently so judicious- His piety seemed subject to none of the fluetuntions of '"motions and parp^si^ which usudly mark the religious exp'^rience of young persons. He appeared like an aged pilgrim, the waywardness and passion of whose youth had been chast- ened and purified by affliction, and" whose affections by long continued elVoit and deep experience were fastened on heaven with a tenacity which smiles at the eftbils of earth to disengage 'hem; and who has struggled up above the clouds, mists, an«I doubts of this lower world, and has reached that clearer atmosphem that floats around Pisga'a ■•*"■ \ r 32 ITINERANT LIFE AND LABOURS. top, enabling him to view with serene joy the fertile hilT» and valleys of the Iwaw^enly Canaan, beyond the svrellinga of Jordan. ,;Vi,,i"i:r^,yuW-''^-y "I knew him from his first corning to this country. We ti'avelled, and lodged, and conversed, and worshipped together. I loved him as a child, and I believe the affec- tion was reciprocated. I never saw anything wrong in his spirit or conduct : and I can bear my humble testimony, that whilst I knew liim, be was one of the most fanttless of characters. Little did I think when I parted with him after the Conference, when he received his appointment to London, that I should see him on earth no more. In his death the church militant has lost a most brilliant orna- ment, but in the clmrch triumphant, he will shine with a still brighter and purer light. '*' Revolving hfs mysterious lot, ' ■ ' ^ "• I mourn him, but I praise him not— ' ' " '■ V:;," To God the praise be given ; Yi. o sent him like the radiant bow, Hia covenant of peace to show, Athwart the passing storm to glow — Then vanish into heaven. , .i , O Church, to whom the youth was dear. The angel of thy mercies here. Behold the path he trod ! '' -^ A milky-way through midniglit skies. Behold the grave in which be lies I • E'en from the dust the prophet cries» Prepare to meet thy God I * -K: "Respectfully Yoni-s, " Wesleyan Parsonaget, " Barrie, Sept. ^Uth, 1851." "L. Warnek, The excellent letter gi\en abovev supercedes the necessity of any remarks from the biographer on the fir.t year of Mr. ItlNKBANT LIVK AND LAB0UH8. 83 i. Warnek. Byrne's itinerant life, or, more properly, the first portion of a year he spent upon a Circuit The last LordVday of that year, or the Conference Sabbath, June the 10th, it appears from his " Reraemberancer," as he called it, of sermons preached, he assisted in supplying the pulpits of the East Toronto City Circuit. During the following week he came up to (he Conference, which was holding its sessions in the City of Hamilton; and was appointed to preach on the evening of Tuesday, the 12 th, which he did, before a large concourse of persons, including many of the ministers of the connexion. His subject was the " Spirit of adoption," from Galatians, iv. ,.v ^* His boarding was provided for, by three pious families, taking him as an inmate each of them a proportionate part of the year, without any outlay of money by the Circuit Stewards. To this arrangement he submitted in a spirit and manner which might be instructive to many young preachers of much inferior calibre. But this humility and alacrity in accommodating himself to circumstances was not unappreciated by the pe')ple in the Circuit ; for though the Steward's accou.its showed a deficiency of a few pounds on his salary at tlie District Meeting, this was more than made up, and sent to him after he had removed from the Circuit Besides this, many other private acts and tokens of friendship showed the higli estimation in which he was held. During the winter of this Conference year he went to a number of places to preach Missionary Sermons ; and he was one of the Deputatation to hold Missionary Meetings in several Circuits. In all of which instances, his minis- trations were listened to with the most admiring attention, and attended with the richest unction from above. On the platform, he was able, eloquent, and very effective. ' It is, however, a mournful consideration, that in one of these towns he met with a damp bed, which, it is supposed, was the originating cause of his early death. Although few persons knew it, so uncomplaining was his manner, yet he was never after perfectly well. It is to be hoped, that the addition of this precious victim to the deadly t«n- ITINKKANT LlKft AND LABOUHS. ay dendeH of a longunoccnpiod bed, when not thoroughly dried , vrill remind thoso wlio * entertain strangers" of the nece«- sity of taking projw precautions to prevent the reeurrenoe of any more siu h lamentable fatalities in the future. The last Sabbath of this year, before the District Meeting, he spent among the truly amiable Methodist people of Si, Thomas, when he preached one of the anniversary sermons in behalf of the flourishing Wesleyan Sabbath School which then existed in that interesting town. He had preached several times during the year to the friends in that place ; and always with unbounded pleasure and ap- proval on their part; but never more so than on the occasion referred to, although he was labouring even then under the depressing, prostrating, incipient attacks of that disease which afterwards laid him low. The Meeting of the District taking place during the course of that week in St Thomas, he consequently continued throughout the interN'ening time; and was treated with the greatest hospi- tality and kindness by the considerate Wesleyan people of that place. At the examinations preparatory to the meeting referred to, which took place the day before, he so acquitted himself, in the accomplishment of his yearly course, indisposed as he was, as to excite astonishment and produce delight in the minds of his senior brethren. His responses exhibited, not only study and coiTectness, but originality and grasp of mind. In that delicate state of health he remain* d at his post in London, while his superintendent was absent at the ensuing Conference, never once pleading his infirmities, as most young men would have done, as a reason for spending the interval with his friends; and continued during the period of Conference session to preach no less than seven times. ^ Indeed, he seemed incapable of rest, while he was at all .'*/ ) s .3« ITINERANT LIFE AND LABOURS, able to labour, and any thing was to be done in his Mast^rs's work. During the very few days he spent with his friends in Brantford, we find him occupying the pulpit once. 'i-AhiV -.r! ^!: K- ^ ;;, '^^'i*^ ?<;-:; r x/'-f/v- /.vn'*: .^{ The writer had the pleasure of seeing him in that town on his return to London for the third year, on the 28th of June, having been detained in the lower part of the Province about two weeks after the rise of Conference. Mr. Bfrne had anticipated the pleasure of spending several days longer in the society of his parents and friends; but a summons from the Superintendent of the East Toronto City Circuit, to which Mr. B. had been ap- pointed by the recent Conference, urging the necessity of his being there the following Sabbath, was promptly i-espond^d to by this ever willing servant of the Lord. The last sight of him the writer ever had, was that after- noon, in the coach, in which he was rolling away towards what proved to be his last Circuit. -.,,,:: TORONTO OITY EAST CIRCUIT. Three days after his departure from Brantford, we find from his " Remembrancer of Preaching," that he opened his commission in the Toronto JEast Circuity by bespeak- ing the people's prayers, from that appropriate text, Second £pistle to the Thessalonians, third chapter, and the first verse. The delivery of this sermon, in the Adelaide Street Church, was attended, we are told by an intelligent and pious gendeman who was pre«^ent on the occasion, by a large concourse of persons, and among the rest, several members of the Legislature, then in session in Toronto ; all of whom listened to it with that fixed and admiring attention its merits, both as to matter and dehvery, so justly deserved. It might be a matter of lawful curiosity to ITINKRANT UF£ AND LABOURS. f^m some, to know how much preparatiot), in the way of writing at least, such a sermon as many will remember that to have been, cost this youthful divine. The writer is pleased, that he has it in his power to gratify this innocent wish, by here transcribing his notes, all he ever wrote on that text verbatim et literatim. The text, we have said was from 2 Thess., iii. 1., "Finally, bretheren, pray for U3, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you." The sermon, the mere o'ltline of which is all we have to give, he entitled, ,:.,.* "The Gospel Extended by tite Prayers of the Saints." " Though surrounded by many cheerless circumstances, Paul had a strong hold in the church militant. , ., "I. — The Object Proposed. ? >* '" - " The object is twofold. ^ ^ ' ■' - '^ " 1. That the word of the Lord may run, or have '■free coursed ■' - ' • -> - • ■' ■ ■ ■ '' 2. That it may '' be glorified' ' -<>1.V" "II. — The Influence of the Church's Prayers. " 1. Peculiar promises are made concerning their •prayers. " 2. They are infitienced by great zeal for the salvation of soids, "3. They have more faith. "4. They have greater affection for ministers. "5. They are more interested in the establishment of the Redeemer's Kingdom. ^.j j ,j, . "III. — Enforce the Exhortation — . , ., f " * Finally, brethren, pray for us.' " ; r ; < ?fii 40 ItlNfiHANT LIFK AND LAfiUtKS. ^ • "Although his health was such, that he knew, if we may Judge , from a hint thrown out in the hearing of spine friends, that his days were nearly numbered, yet he entered upon the Work of the Circuit — study, preaching, attending class and prayer-meeting, and visiting from house to house, with the intention of fulfilling the purpose, orally ^ expressed by him on the occasion refeiTed to, oi preaching while he lived. Of his stud'es, if we may judge fi-om the plan of his sermonizing for that year, we may say, they were methodical and thorough. The plan to which we refer, is found in a manuscript-book of h' entitled, " Sermons by Alex. S. Byrne, commenced on the Toronto East Circuit, C. W., July, 1850. * Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of God.* 2 Tim., ii. 15. " The order obsei-ved in the composition of these dis- courses shall be — ''I. Selection of Text. ■: .. . "2. Designation of the Subject. ■", v "3. The Division. "4. The Connexion. "5. Meditation on the Passage. ' ♦'G. Examine Coramantarias and the Oriennal. " 7. Collect all the passage:^ of Scripture which bear upon the Subject. « 8. The Sub-Division. • . • r ■ ^ ^'\ - " 0. The Discussion. • ' ' ■« 10. The • Peroration.' ^ - •• •, ' " ■' «11. The 'Exordium.'" . - v Besidas the most assiduous attention to every part of his ministerial work, about his fidelity in which there was but ITINEKANT LIFE AND LABOURS. 41 of these dis- one opinion among those who shared the burden of those labours, or their benefit, he found time for corresjwnding Avith a few acquaintances in tlie Circuit from which he had lately removed, as well as with his father's family, and friends whom he had left in Ireland. He was methodical and exact in this, as in eveiy thing else, which will appear from th. ..: • :; If *i "1. Rev. Chakles L. Grant. ' • u- i «'^^^;i " 2. Joseph Stephenson, Esquire, Roan Mills. ' "3. Rev. Robert Jossup, Foisyth St., New York. " 4. Mr. James Moore, Dungannon. " 5. Mr. John Murdoch, Dungannon. "6. Mr. George Beaumont, Benburt. ' " 7. Rev. Claudius Byrne, Brantford. "8. Mr. jAME5i Duncan, Dungannon. "9. Mr. George Whitehouse, London. " 10. Mr. James Oliver, London. "11. Mr. J. W. Van Wormer, London. " 12. Rev. S. Nelles, A.M., London. A few short epistles from his pen have fallen into the compiler's hands, which he transcribes, as specimens of Mr B.'s easy and profitable manner of writing; as well also to supplement the narrative. - »■ Ul " Mr. George Whitehouse, London." ' ' ' = ' '■ • >' Yorkville, 5th July, 1 850. "My Dear Sir, — • f ::>■■'■ -.;! ^ -■"•.' ■; -r-oti-^^ " Prompted not less by a sense of my extreme obligations to your kindness, than by a desire to fulfil my promise, I here send you a few lines. I was obliged to leave home for my station sooner than I expected, as it was necessary for me to preach hero last Sabbatli. So I I Vr 4» ITINERANT LIFE AND LABOURS. you see, after all, I had not the pleasure of spending a Sunday at home. But I must be content. So far, my sphere of labour seems comfortable and pivspcrous. I ani living with Rev. G. Sanderson, in Yorkville, a vil- lage in the suburbs of the city. This is much more healthfal and retired, than the confinement and bustle of Toronto. Mr. Sanderson is not yet married: so that we keep a bachelor's hall. Oh ! it is miserable to live without ladies. I hope we may not be long in this predicament, " Would you have the kindness to inquire at the Post- Office,, if there be any Icttei-s forme; and direct thoni to ine, or enclose them with a line from youi-self ? Direct t() the Wesleyan Book Room, No. 9, Wellington Buildings, King Street, Toronto. When I get better acquainted with the friends, I will write you again. 1 hope shortly to hear from you. May God pour down his Spirit abun- dantly on all our societies, the coming year! Present my wannest regai-ds to Mis. W. and every member of your dear family; Mr. and Mi-s. Glass; Mr. and Mi-s. Olfver; Mr. and Mrs. Wiomokk ; Mrs. Anderson ; Mr. and Mi«. Abdott ; and all the ' old friends.' . X "And believe me, dear Sir, • ♦' Your moat affectionate friend, " A. S. Byrne. **Mr. G. Whitehguse.'' The following: note was addressed to a orentleman in whose house he found a comfortable home for several months of the preceding yeav. The estimable lady of this gentleman h not "a member of class;" and they have no children. The note seemed to hfve l»een en- closed in the same envelo])© with that to Mr. Whitehouse. The above remarks are necessarA to the understanding of ITINERANT LtFU AND LABOURS. 43 Lss;" and they .'■■*: one or two things, playful and sciious, in the letter itself; and to account for the following humorous inscription on its back: — " Mr. John Wesley Van Wormeii, " At the Old Wesleyan Methodist Vicarage, "London, C.W." J .. « Yorkville, 5th July, 1860. "Mv Dear Sir, — *' I here enclose a few lines to sav, tliat I have arrived at my station in safety. I am living with Rev. G Sanderson, Editor of the €hri8tian Guardian. He has taken a beautiful cottage in Yorkville, about a mile from the city. The situation is very agreeable and healthy ; but, alas I we have no ladies. Mr. Sanderson is not vet married. Do you mind? . ;, I hope you are living near to God, in regular attendance on the means of grace. Without diligence in this matter, we must decline in the divine life. I shall never forget the happy, peaceful hours I spent in the beautiful vicarage ; nor the kind attention and care I experienced while living with you. I pray God, my dear friend, that those plea- sures may be consummated in the joys of an everlasting glory. Our society in this Circuit appeare interesting and prosperous; and in reliance on divine grace, we antici])ate a blessed year. I hope you may have the same iu London. Look unto Jesus. Remember me aft'ectionately to Mre. Van Wormer, and all the childieu. Tell Mre. V., I wish she would meet in class. " Believe me, dear Sir, ■ "Your sincere friend, " A. 8. Byrnk. *' Mr. Van . "'P.S. — Mr. Whitehouse will gi\e you my address.'" ■ t m ITINERANT LIFE AND LADOL'BS. The two letteis which <,ccur next, were addressed to individuals possessed of many excellorcies, and for whom Mr. B. entertained a liich rejjard ; but whom, he feared, were living beneath tlieir religious privilege. The close and faithful manner in which he wiites to these ir\timate friends, speaks well for his conscientiousness and fidelity. "Mr. if -, Dundas Street, London." "Yorkvillc, 22nd July, 1851. "My Dear Friend, — " I wnte you a few lines, not only because I promised to do so; hut because I am deeply interested in your welfare. I have thought anxiously ccmcerning you, when none could read my feelings but the Infinite Searcher of hearts. You know Iw' often I faithfully opened my mind on spiritual things. And though now removed in pei-son, I would with pen and i."k enforce the same important truths. You want more decision of pur- pose ; and it is the want of this tliat keeps you out of God. The spirit of conviction has been operating graciously upon your heart ; nor are you obstinately disposed to reject salvation. But you v» ant the prompt determination of the returning protligal, when he said, ' I will Jirise and go to ray father.' When you overcome this evi , I fear not for your acceptance with God. I intend to wiite you a much longer letter on these subjects. Time prevents me now. Remember mo affectionately to Mrs. and family; and to Miss D . " May God bless you and yam's ! is the fervent prayer, of yours, most sincerely, "A. S. Byune." «Mr. London." ITINERANT LIFE AND LAB0UR8. 46 ..fj a *♦ My Dear Sir,— " "I have not forgotten you. Your character ranks among that rare class, whom I always regard with feelings of affectionate though painful interest. I think you have, not only an Irish, but, may I not say a Metho- dist heart? and 1 write you this short note, to remind you of an incumbent duty which I frequently and earnestly urged upon you— -that you should give yourself up fully to God. Renounce every besetting sin; and embrace all the privileges of His church ! The salvation of your own soul demands this. The comfort and prosperity of your interesting family demand it. The satisfaction of your interesting partner, and the prayers and anxieties of your friends in the family of Christ demand it. I think of you at a throne of grace. 0, my dear friend, let me entreat you to exercise de- cision of purpose in the things which make for your peace. I know you have an attachment to the cause and the people of God. But this will never atone for negligence concerning inward holiness. May God ble^i you, and lead you to himself! I would be glad to hear from you occasionally. Mr. Whitehouse will tell you my address. Remembei rae affectionately to Mrs. and every member of your dear family ; and believe me, * r " Yours, truly, «A. S. Byrne. "Mr. "• A^:A The following letter, addressed to his little brother, is al once a refreshing instance of fraternal piety, and a woithy model for those who would recommend religion to the young:— r m '>-r?m ITINERANT LIFE AND LABOURS. "Master Francis Byrne." ^v j'J vj/ "Yorkville, 27th Aug, 1860. ''Dear Francis, — "Allow me, as one who loves your soul and is deeply interested in your happiness, to write you a few lin .-8 on subjects of great importance. Although I have not so much experience in the world, and therefore am not ftble to give you such wise counsels, as your dear Father and Mother; perhaps the more familiar advice of a Bro- ther, might, with God's blessing, have some good effect upon your mind. You are fast approaching the age when you must exchange the studies of the school, and the play- ful days of your home, for the business and temptations of this wicked world. Now, I cannot say in what branch of businiBss or profession God designs you to engage ; but I would just remind you of a few things too important to be neglected in any sphere of life in which we may move. I say * remind,' for what I am going to say, you have often heard enforced upon you by your loving and pious parents. First, I would say, pray God that he might give you a ne(/> heart. You know what I mean by tliis. I do not refei- to the heart of your body : that ojgan which you feel beating on the left side of your chest, and which is the seat of life. This is a very good heart, it needs no. change. It is made of flesh ; and because flesh is matter, it cannot sin, and therefore does not need to be made holy. You kuow nothing can be sinful, or commit sin, or be punished for sin justly, which lias not a soul. Neither wood, nor stone, nor beasts can sin. But man has a soul. You cannot see it; for it is spiritual: just as you cannot see the wind. I cannot tell you what a soul is. But you have one ; and so has every man, woman, and child, which God has create*!. Moses will tell von in the l)Ook of Genesis, the ITINERANf LIFR AND LABOURS. 41 second chapter, the 'Tth verso, how this soul was given to man. God said to Adam, • 0*' .lie tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.' Adam dis- obeyed this law. But his body did not die. How then did he die ? In two ways. He lost the life of God out of his soul, which was holiness ; and he was in danger of hell. Then his soul, or his heart as we say, figuratively, became sinful. He loved God no more. He delighted to do hia will no more. Now we all derive from Adam a sinful nature. Read the 12th verse of the fifth chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. If we die with this nature unchanged, we shall be punished forever in hell. If our sins be pardoned and our hearts made holy, God will take us to heaven. He sent Jesus Christ into our worid, who died in our ste.ad ; and made it possible for us to be saved. Read the 16th verse of the third chapter of St. John's Gospel. If Jesus Christ had not died, our sin would not have been our fault; but by his death he has procured grace for us all. And if we do not pray for tliis grace, we must perish. 0! Francis, it is an awful thing to perish. Pray God to * create in you a clean heart, and to renew a right spirit within you.' I will write you more at another time. I have written this in a singple style, and a plain hand, that you may understand it Now, read it attentively ; and then go to your room, and shut your door, and pray God, by his spirit, to convince you of sin. The Lord bless you ! so prays, " Your affectionate brother, " A. S. Byrnk. "Mr. F.Byrne." This letter, which we follow with but one more, it is to be believed, had a useful effect ; as we lia\e reason to hope, r 48 ITINRKANT LIFE AND LABOURB. ' ; that the lad to whom it was wntten, is now wal Icing in the path his brother trod. May he be as faithful to the end ! The letter subjoined is interesting, as having been wntten after the first serious attack of that disease, which soon after laid him aside from his beloved work ; and as conse- <|uently evincing his state of mind under those affecting circumstances. li i..,„ , .w„-,:r,, .!>»•..; ,;j»< .#«rwu;^ It is addressed to "■ Mr. G. Whitehousb, of London," and dated, «Yorkville, 16ih Sep., 1860." K .l*i?u« "My Dear Sir, — ,,i ,.,|,4- ,,, - ,. *; i:^y ,;, "I was glad to meet my esteemed friend, Mr. Tyas, in Adelaide St Church yesterday morning; but doubly so^ when I found that he was the bearer of an af- fectionaite communication from you. My joy was not less on hearing of your gracious recovery, than was my sorrow on hearing of your recent illness. May God prolong your valuable life to his church, your family, and the good of those around you ! . "I am highly gratified to hear of the prosperity of your church. I need scarcely tell you the deep interest I feel in it. May your Shiloh be ever the seat of tranquillity and joy ! And upon you, may God ' command the bles- srag, even life forevermore I ' .•-,t'i^i s, " My health has been very bad of late. I have been the victim of severe liver-afiection. But by the good providence of God, under the treatment of a kind medical friend here, I hope soon to recover. Oh, how these vile bodios affect the immortal part! Thank God, though they damp feelings, they cannot shake principles; and one day they shall be fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body. Let us wait and hope this glorious ultimatum of our warfare. Scarcity of time, holds my pen within the ITINBRANT LIFB AND LABOURS. 4» K, of London," bounds of this sheet. But you know my heart Reraem- ^^> ber me in love to all the dear friends, especially Mrs. M. and family. Tell Mr. Wigmorb, I visited his brother; and found him well. "Believe me, dear Sir, '■',». .. I : "Yours, as ever, in Christ, .a "A. S. Byrnb. "Mr. G. Whitbhousk." •>.; i- 1 ? : V ... . • C •- . This letter was written near the close of his dis- tinguished public career. After this he preached hnt Jive times in all. His last sermon was delivered in Yorkville, October the 10th, from Psalm xix. 11. The last skeleton he wrote (in pencil mark) was entitled, " Christ * pi'ecious' to the believer," and dated October 12th, 1850. Thus «nded the labours of one, of whom his sober and enlight- ened, Idst su;^ntendent, the Rev. John Ryerson, says, " It would be easy to pass high encomiums (and do it in ti'uth) on the varied excellencies and singular endowments ■of this young man; whose 'prmse,' as far as he was known, was in all 'the churches;' and who was so early and mysteriously taken from us." VI ;; • t [.■ :jpni-jnr\. v ■+.0 . 60 mi LA0f SIOKirilt AND PMAJU, HIS LAST SICKNESS AND DEATH. The reader has Already learned, that for at least six months before the date of the last letter given above, in which he itatea a partial recovery from a late attack of ]ive^a(fection, he had been more or less under the influence of disease. But from the period of the attack referred to in the letter just mentioned, he continued to sink more yisibly, till death terminated his sufferings. The progress of his final illness shall be told substantially in the wx>rd8 of his affectionate father, -who was more particularly ac- quainted with eveiy phasis the disease assumed ; and who must be supposed to have watched every symptom with the most anxious sdicitude. In quoting ftem his manu- script> ooe or two things may be mentioned which we had in substance stated before ; but if so, they will be i^ diversified an"^ oonflrmed. The elder Mr. Btrnb remarks, <'WheQ be was ap>- pointed to the Toronto Circuit, and passing through the town [Brantford] for his new station, I did not fuUy like his appearance; although he was not disposed then to complain, but regarded himself competent for his work. Accordingly he left home in anticipation of increasing usefulness. Early in the fall, very unfavourable symptoms commenced showing themselves. He rested for about three weeks ; and then resumed his Circuit engagements — assuring me and his mother, that he felt himself adequate to his duties. The following week he was attacked vio- lently with dysentery. This species of disease, after some time, appeared to be considerably conquered, by the treat- ment of Dr. Robinson, of Toronto; whose unremitting HI8 LAST 8I0KMKS8 AND DEATH. 01 attention to him for nearly six weeks, showed his christian anxiety, if ixwaible, to be the instrument in the hands of (iod, of preserving so vahinble a life. We shall ever rera^^mber with emotions of gratitude, the generous attendance of this kind-hearted gentleman. As it was then hoped, that he was in a state of convalescence, we brcught him home; in expectation that a change of air and scenery, would con- tribute to a speedy recovery. ;*> J^.' :» >; ** For two weeks or so, after his return, we were beginning to be sanguine of his final restoration to health. But, alas, how mistaken ! The short, dry cough, the frequent hectic flush, the heavy night perspirations, the quickened pulsation, the almost total loss of appetite, were to me indi- cations, that the relentless dart was penetrating the org^ans of vitality ; and that his mortal career was hastening to a close. During this season of increasing suffering, a murmur never escaped his lijie — his mind was constanly stayed on G<>d. From the influence of medicine, designed to mitigate his pain, (which, thank God, at no period was excessive) his mind, naturally tending to sombriety, was not the subject of extraov linary emotions of joy. He was possessed of settled peace. " A letter from the Hev. J. Carroll, who had been his superintendent on the London Circuit, was read to him by his esteemed friend Mr. Whitkhouse, of London, (a gentleman, who, though undij^omied, is very skilful in the healing art) ; who had kindly come to see hira, and to asceitain if it were possible for him to render the butferer any assistance. We shall not soon forget how his fine intelligent eyes, now sinking in their sockets, were fastened upon the reader, while the accents of the reader's voice scarcely penetrated the organs of hearing, which were now banning to be so enervated, that it required a special 52 HIS LAST SICKNESS AND DEATH. effort on his part to catch every syllable. His feelings of . gratitjicle for the author of this more than ordinarily af- fec^onate production was evinced, by his calling for the letier a short time before his release, and holding it in his hand with a firm grasp.* ' ; n. ♦'The Sunday prior to his departure he said to me, in a tone and with an emphasis I can never forget, ' The name of Jesus is delightful.' He lingered all day on Monday ; and towards the evening of that day, he wan- dered a little. But all his sayings duiing his slight aberrations showed most clearly, that his soul was in his hallowed work to the last. He frequently referred to his I ' !i^ * Ab it has been the earnest request of the father of the deceased, that this letier should be published ; and as it expresses the writer's sentiments towards one whom he had the best means of Icnowing, he is induced to give it, in this note form, unaltered, though written in a few hurried moments while the bearer was waiting for the coach. " London, Feb. 8, 1861. •♦ My dear, afflicted youno Brother,— " Being informed, that Mr. Whitehocse is to start in a few hours to see you in Brantfnrd, I avail myself of his going, to drop you a line. I have often purposed it before, but my many engagements Iodine to defer it. I am impelled from the accounts 1 have received, though unusually busy to- day, to delay no longer. It is with extreme regret, that I, and many others here, where your ministry is so much esteemed, have learned of your inability to prosecute your work ; and that it is doubtful whether you will ever be able to resume it. To me it is very mysterious, that you, so young and promising, should be laid by ; while / should be sufiered to exercise my feeble, clumsy ministry. " • God's thoughts,' however, ♦ are not as ours ;' and ' though darkness and clouds are round about him, righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.' What he does we ♦ know not now, nut we shall know here- after.' God is not dependent on any of us *, (or, * though he buries his workmen, he carries on his work.' I hope, my dear Brother, you are resigining yourself to the will of God ; and that you are casting all your care upon him (7) I think yon are not constitutionally sanguine— {)erhaps I might venture to say, you are constitutionally despondnig ; or at least, more inclined to look on the dark than on the bright side of things. But, O ! my dear youthful sufferer, though tried in the furnace, encourage yourself in your God, who is all goodness, and faithfulness, and power. Honour him with a simple, direct, and unshaken reliance on his mercy and fidelity. ' J^et patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.' * May God sanctify you wholly ! And may your body, soul, and spirit, be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ !' But why do 1 talk of a dark side in your case at all ? Surely it is all bright. It is not impossible with (Sod, that you may be raised up from * the gates of the grave.' I pray earnestly, that our friend W.'s acknowledged skill may, under the Divine blessing, avail to your restoration to health and many years of active, successful labour in the Master's cause. And if not, the Church's losa will be your infinite gain. What n source of consolation to you, that H. HIS LAST SICKNESS AND DEATH. 69 His feelings of , ordinarily af- calling for the Iding it in his le said to me, ir forget, 'The Bd all day on it day, he wan- ing his slight soul was in his referred to his e decensed, that this writer's sentimentB ie is induced to give w hurried moments idon, Feb. 8, 1861. start in a few hours drop you a line. I ts ledinc to defer it. Ii unusually busy to- ll and many others ned of your inability ;r you will ever be you, so young and ;red to exercise my hough dariiness and It are the habitation vc shall know herc- uugh he buries liis r Brother, you are ,re casting all your janguine— {jcrhaps [ ; ; or at least, more lings. But, O ! mv age yourself in your Honour him with a and fidelity. ♦ I^t and entire, wanting our body, soul, and Jesus Christ !' But ely it is all bright. ) from * the gates of wiedged skill may, Ith and many years if not, the Church's ilation to you, that horse; the preparing of his valise; and the filling of ^^■. tickets for the members of the church. Of him it may be. • truly said, that with his latest breath he * gasped the name' of Jesus. The week previous to his demise, our family was favoured with a short but most profitable visit from the Rev. Enoch Wood, returning to Toronto from official engagements in the West. In answer to aftectionate inquiries from that truly sympathizing man of God, our dear boy repHed, *I have no extatic joy; but I have peace, and lie in the hands of God submissively.' If these are not his identical words, they are critically the substance of them. Our friend, before he left us, engaged in prayer with the family ; truly it was a sweet season of access to the throne of giace ; and cheering was the influence of the Divine presence that remained when he retired, at the call of the driver of the stage, which had been waiting for him at the door. ' ' you were led to ' remember your Creator' in the days of childhood ; and that, thouiih now so very young, you have had the privilege of crying, ' Behold the Lamb!' so long and so successfully. If you die now, you will not have lived in vain. Your Divine Master will surely sustain you in the ' swrllinuB of Jordan ;' and * an abundant entrance shall be ministered unto vou, into the everlasting kingdom of your G d and Saviour Jesus Christ.' And, oh 1 tliink of the bliss and rapture of Joining— •A world of spirits bright, Who taste the pleasures there : They all are robed in spotless white. And conquering palms they bear ; Adorned by tl eir Redeemer'?- grace They close pursue the Lamb ; And every shining front displays The unutterable name.' God bless you ! T rather envy you, than mourn for you. For your dear, anxious ])nrentt), 1 feel that I have most cause to sorrow. But if you go first, that will be another tie to heaven ; and another stimulus to their exertions to reach that blissful shore. May the Almighty support them ; and prepare them for every cup they may be called to drmk! Give them my kind and syriipnthiziiig reg.irds. Mrs. Carroll (and even little Mary) wish to be remembered kindly to you. If you gain the blest shore before I do, still look out for the couiing ot an unworthy friend. I never tried harder, nor with more succosis, for entire consecration to God than (he present year. Br. WHiTKiiotJSK will give you all the news. Adieu! "John Carroll. •' Rev. A. 8. Byrne." fti HIS LAST SICKNESS AKD DEATH* " Hei-e I should gratefully mention, that the ^^quent visits of the Rev. Peter Jones during the latter days of our dear son's illness, weie always grateful to him, and con- soling to the family. The beautiful simplicity of this native minister's prayers, were a balm to his spirit. "On Tuesday moining, Febniai-y 11, 1851, at about one o'clock, the awful crisis seemed rapidly approaching. His pulse at this time ceased from its feverish rapidity; and I knew the struggle would soon be over. His reason but slightly affected at any time, now appeared to fully re- sume its seat The familv, with four affectionate members of the church, who remained with us thmughout that anxious night, engaged in prayer. We commended his spirit to Him, who had only lent this precious child to us for a season. When we arose from our knees, being per- fectly composed and re-collected, he said, ' I know that my Redeemer liveth,' which he repeated several times. OUier sentences, which had reference to tlie Lord Jesus, he endeavoured to utter; but, the * weary wheels of life' being then nearly motionless, he failed in articulating them. After this, lie turned on his back; stretched himself at length ; reclined his head on the pillow ; and, placing his hands across upon his breast, he sweetly fell asleep in those everiasting arms, which during his protracted illness we»e so graciously around and beneath him. Thus con- cluded the earthly career of one of the most amiab'e of children, whom I fondly hoped would have been long spared to proclaim the great salvation when my bones should be mouldering in *the honse appointed for all livin«r.' But the 'Loi-d of all,' has in his inscrutable ■wisdom and unfathomable love, ordered it otherwise* Deeply are we, his bereaved parent i, persuaded, that our Heavenly Father hath done all things well ; and, therefore, HIS LAST 8ICKMBS8 AND DEATH. ^m9"' by his consoling grace, we from our hearts are enabled to sav, a.j v The writer of this work was written to at once by the father of the deceased to attend his funeral; but being absent from home^ attending missionary meetings, the letter did not reach him till the very day on which his friend was interred. Unavoidable circumstances also prevented the Rev. Mr. Wood and the Rev. John Bterson, who had been snmmoned to attend his obsequies, from being present. Their lack of service, however, was ably taupplied by others. We give a description of the funeral services {torn the pen of the Rev. G. R. Sanderson, then Editor of the Christm 7 '; -w/s: — ■ -. ^ >:'.■ ■ rs ■--■.. ->-■,'.; .': <' From the letter of a correspondent, wo learn that the funeral of our departed and lamented brother took place on Thursda'^ last. The cortege proceeded from the resi- dence of hib afflicted and bereaved parents to the Wesleyan Church-yard at Springfield. It was the largest funeral ever known in that section of the country. "Early in the morning, the bell of the Town-Hall began to send forth its deep and solemn and dirge-Uke tones. At ten o'clock tiie church to which the body was to be borne, was crowded. The pulpit was clothed in mourning, and when the corpse was placed withi.i the altar, the Rev. K. Creighton ascended the pulpit, and corameneed the solemn services of the hour. His text was the last words of the dying servant of God, whose lifeless form was enclosed in the coffin before the audience, * I know that my Redeemer llveth.' The sermon was an eloquent and powerful one, delivered by a man of God, who spoke to the deeply affected congregation as if from the interior of the tomb. r -i>- \ u HI& LAST SICKNESS AND DEATH. \ "From the cniirch the cortege proceeded to the burial ground. The procession was arranged by Mr. Baboock, and was of unusual length, testifying respect to the memory of the departed, and sympathy with the afflicted family. The I ly being committed to its final resting place, the Rev. ii. Hetland impressively read the funeral service, and the tomb closed over all that was mortal of one of the most promising and pious youthful ministers of the Wesleyaa Church in Canada " Funeral sermons were preached in memory of his vir- tues, the first or secouv . Sabbath after his death, in his late Circuit, in the two principal churches. The one in Yorkville, by the Rev. Enoch Wood, now President of the Conference ; and the one in the Adelaide Street Church, in the C^ty of Toronto, by the Rev. John Rtbrson, the President's Co-Delegate, who had been his last Super- intendent. On Sunday, February the 23rd, the writer preached two seimons in improvement of the solemn dispensation from the pulpit in London, which the deceased had so Hbly and acceptably filled in his turn, for the space of a year : in the morning, from Heb. xi. 4. : *' He being dead yet speaketh ;" and in the evening to the young people, from the text which constitutes the motto in the title page, from 2 Chron. xxxiv. 3. : " TVTiile he was yet young, he set his heart to seek after the God of David his father." Large, highly respectable, and deeply affected congregations shewed their sorrow for losing him, by loud sobs and floods of tears ; while the sable drapery in which the interior of the church was clad, portrayed the sadness of the occasion. But they did not sorrow as those without hope; and the sun-shine of sacred joy for his final triumph shone through their tears. " < •■ ' . ;^ ■••'« .'Hr, The young people of this congregation evinced their regret for his death, and their respect for his memory, by HIS LAST SICKNB8S AND DEATH. 67 placing 10 the church an elegant tablet of white marble, boidered with black, which bears the following inscriptioa: Bitched TO THE MtdMOKY «/i OP tavi REV. ALEXANDER S. BYRNE, SOlf OF IHC BBV. CLAUDIUS BYRNE, t * *#< BORjr IN DI7NOAIIRON, IRSLAinD, DZBD IN BBANTFORD, 0. W», February 11t0, 1831, n ..v*.- ■ ■ j Aged 18 Years, 8 Months. EKECTED AS A TRIBUTE TO EXTRAORDINARY WORTH AND TALENTS, BY THE '•^- '-'''' JuvENiLK Members of the Ccnorboation. Hebrews xi. 4 1 ■ ^ , " He being dead, yet epeakeik*^ The sorrow felt and expressed for his death was uni- versal in all places wliei-e he was known. The following poetical tribute to his memory, from the pen of a highly resipectable and pious professional gentleman, who knew and esteemed the family of Mr. Byrne in Ireland, and who enjoyed this youthful preacher's ministrations on the Yonge Sti-eet Circuit, appeared in the columns of the Guardian for March 12th, 1851 : — ••FRIENDSHTP»S TRIBUTE. to the late rev. ALEXANDER S. BTRRE. " Thou friead of mankind, though they soon may forget thee. My muse shall her tribute of friendship record ; And my harp, though it mourn, with my theme shall enwrap rac. To sing of thy virtues and glorious reward: But Jehovah alone, who illumin'd thy spirit, Awhile to revolve in mortality's sphere. And gave thee so richly himself to inherit, • / Can scan thy perfections and virtues while here. ' I but sing of his grace, thy perfections inscribing v"f , On memory's tablet, secure to abide ; c2 ,»«*••' HIS LAST 8ICKKSSS AND DEATH. ' ; AndJKHov AH adore, while the tribute ascribing;, , .,;- ^ To virtue and worth which in thee did reside ; - With thy greatness of Boul, and talents transcendent, '"■' Humility, meekness, and patience combin'd ; ' While faith, hope, and charity reigned ascendant, And with bright corruscations adorned thy mind. > Thuii tt'3 bow on the cloud, end the rose in the valley, .b< . uely exhibit each softening ray ; '.\ ue :. J speak the Creator, but thou as his ally, | The grace of thy Saviour didst truly portray. ; Munificent nature with lavish bestowment. Enriched thee, to witness and honour her cause ; But vastly surpassing each mental endowment. Was thy hearty submission to piety's laws. ''^mrlv ' Angelic thy sojourn, divine thy commission, i Thy errand and message was mercy to man ; And pregnant thy soul with the heav'n-bom ambition. To spread the glad tidings through every laud. The fire pf thy word, while thy bones were consuming. Give light and salvation, and life to the dead ; And thy theme, and thy strain, so divinely alluring. Won trophies around for thy great living Head. Th 18 prophets of old, and apostles succeeding. The signet of heaven their converts proclaim ; And though, as by miracle, they be exceeding, <: The fruit of thy labours shall ever remain. Pure and spotless thy graces, much more thy example, ^ '• Where the youth and the sage were so nobly combin'd ; And the fruits of thy life, so matur'd and so ample, Approv'd thee the Christian completely rcfin'd. The Chariots of Israel! of Israel! my brother, I bid the farewell, while their rumbling I hear ; May thy spirit and mantle descend on some other. Whom the Church and the world may as truly revere. In regions congenial thy soul is progressing From glory to glory, through infinite years ; And thy homage, and worship, thanksgiving, and blessing. Forever outvie thy seraphic compeers. Wcli tuned be thy lyre for the heavenly concert. While mine on the willow doth pensively wave ; And my muse, now bereft of her spiritual consort. Shall silently trickle a tear on thy grave. ThomhUl, February 28, 1851. " „ > , . Al :'-I?> HIS LAST 8I0KNBBS AND DEATH. 10 The foliiowiDg letter of oondolenoe from the compiler to the elder Mr. Btrnb, though written in haste, will perhaps furnish the best conclusion to this sectioDi and transition to the next, we can make. ** London, Friday, 14th Feb., 1861. «^t "Mt dbar, bbrbavbd Brother, — *^ I arrived at home yesterday, after an absence of several days, and received your note of the 10th instant from the hand of Mr. Whitehoubb ; who gave all the affecting, interesting particulars of your dear son's depar- ture. You will perceive, that I did not know of his death till about the hour when you must have been attending his burial; to be present at that interesting solemnity was then impossible. This absence I feel dee|^y to regret I would like to have gazed — '^*^ «- -^ i ' --^^ '>'!^ "" * On the beiutifiil day, ="^^ ' ■ ''^ '^'-^ ' The corpse wh«n the spliit was fled,' --^ !.;;;fit as some small compens? a to my feelings for not having seen him in his last sickness; and to have tried to alleviate the burden of your grief, by sharing it with you. I am glad to perceive from the tone and temper of your letter, as well as to leara from the statements of Br. W , that you and your dear family have met this dispensation in so submissive a spirit.. I can perceive many reasons why the sunshine of holy joy may well gleam through the showers of nature's tears that are now streaming from your eyes. 'To the righteous there ariseth light in the darkness.' Not only is your 'loss' his infinite, eternal 'gain;' but it may, and will I trusc, be gainful to you all. He has gone before you, like another Joseph, to welcome you hereafter to the land of eternal plenty. Heaven will be dearer to every owe of you, now your dear * Alick' is there. And thereby, for his own sake, I believe you would not call ^r HIS LA8T SIO^NXSa AND DEATH. ^ , him thence, if it were in your power. He was a being too ethereal and refined for this rude world. No more, will he meet the winter's blast — ^no noore, will he traverto the gloomy forest — ^no more, will he endure the cheeriess lodging — no more, will bis sainted soul grapple with the powers of darkness; but hi» freed spirit now — ^">.c(n^: 'Claps tbe glad wings and towers away, k-,i.-rHnf r^ To mingle with the blaze of day I' My own soul catches fii'e at the thought of finally meeting my late youthful colleague, having put off the harness myself in that radiant, blissful world, where the toil-worn soldier of the cross shall rest forever in the enjoyment of his God. :. *^ Though early bereaved, it will never be an unpleasant reflection^ but a most agreeable one, that you have been the father of such a son. For, aside from his prodigious talents and extraordinary genius, he was one of the most faultless, religious character I ever knew. I will not say he had no infirmities — that would be perhaps too much to say of any mortal; yet, if there was ever an instance of an individual's ' failings leaning to virtue's side,' he was the pei'son. An apparent tenacity of his own opinion, with which some might charge him, arose from the deci- sive character of his views on all moral questions; and his scrupulosity in adhering to what he thought was right. Few persons, however, could maintain their conscientious convictions in a more becoming spirit and manner than he. In him there was a rare combination of talent and taste; of genius and judgment. Indeed, 'take him all for all, we ne'er shall look upon his like again.' ****** " I am, with sentiments of sympathy with you and family, and in which Mrs. C.imites^ your affectionate Brother, "John Carroll. "Rev. C. ByvxtRj BranifdrcL" ,.., ., ...r r MXNTAL AKD MORAL CBARAOTlll. 61 ft.' MENTAL AND MORAL CHARA.CTER. ■tin'--*' Chapters with such a heading as the above are fo roost biographical works very dull, from the formality with which they are drawn up; but the writer intends nothing formal in the present instance. It would be quite super* fluous, for one reason, after the natm^ tendency, as he thinks, of the preceding sketch, to leave an impresion of Mr. B/s character on the reader's mind. It is therefore intended in this section only to glance at a few features in a miscellaneous way ; and to close with a quotation from each of two documents which bear on the subject of hi» general character. First, we have to observe of him, that he was a preacher naturally. He was not only early designated to the work by the Great Head of the Church, but he evidently had a great partiality for the vocation. Like Paul, he magnified his ofQce. He is said to have had a partiality for this work ft-om childhood. When quite a little boy, he would always claim the privilege of selecting the lessons and hymns for his father's junior colleagues, who usually re- sided in the family ; and having been once put in posses- sion of the subject or the text» his selections were always singularly appropriate. Often was he at an early age overheard by members of the family declaiming earnestly to the furniture of his room, arranged in the order of a congregation. Another peculiarity was, his excellence in prayer: the solemnity of his manner, the fervour of his spirit, and the felicity of bis expressions were quite remarkable ; but he especially e:xcelled in what might be called— opj^ropr/a/e n MSNTAL AND MORAL CHARAOTKM. praying. His prayer was not about every thing else before he came to the matter in hand. A penetrating hearer might always predict the subject of the coming sermon from the opening prayer. This with him was a natural gift, which he had taken pains, in accordance with the opinions of some of the best divinoa, to improve. Among his papers are found a few written prayers on specific subjects, or for particular occasions. We must not be understood to say, that he studied his prayers — none possessed more abundantly the spirit of prayer ; but we mean to assert, that he laboured to cultivate the gift he exercised on every sudden emergency with such remark- able facility and power, f, . ♦ > .. ri, „=l .r He was ayatemaiically sttuiUouSf but not slavishly so. His was not so much the system, that assigns such a par- ticular subject to a particular hour of the day (although in this he was not wanting) ; but that systematic manner of examining a subject to the best advantage, which his original and philosophic mind enabled him to adopt in- stinctively. He did not receive implicitly every thing stated by a standard author. His searching mind pen^ived at a glance what might be urged on the other side of a given question ; and he never held any opinion with comfort till he knew perfectly how to account for and defend it The more difficulties there were in an inquiry, the more attractions it had for him ; as it furnished the greater exercise for his active and powerful mind. He often complained, that he found the text books prescribed in the probationer's "course of study" — ^"too easy." His was not, however, the sort of mind for bminess mattersj which, compared with his cleverness in other things, he was not quick in comprehending. He would have been rather the philosophic and intellectual, than the practical MKNTAL AND MORAL OHARACTKR. 4i man— flo far, at least, as any thing aside from mere minia> terial duty was concerned. Considering his youth and the extreme modesty natural to him, his moral courage was truly admirable— as dis- played in the composure with which he faced the largest congregations on the most important occasions, and the fearlessness with which he opposed and rebuked whatever was wrong in rich and poor, both publicly and privately. This led him sometimes^ through his want of experience and knowledge of the manners and customs of this coun- try, to unjust censures on individuals and communities, although his judgments were usually as just as they wera wise. But along with this, strange as it may seem, he was rather wanting in physical courage than otherwise. His timidity of bodily danger prevented his being a skil- ful horseman ; and exposed him to much mental suffering in performing the sometimes arduous journeys of a Methodist itinerant The wi-iter has since learned, that while with him in the London Circuit, Mr. Byrnb suffered excessively in mind, while performing some of the bush rides that we had to take in executing our work in that field of labour, from a fear of being attacked and devoured by wolves.* In all these infirmities of the man) the principles of the christian sustained him. - -* '• His humility and aversion to notoriety were uncommon. This was manifested in one instance in a way we regret; as, but for his decision in this case, the biographer might have been able to present his readers with what now must ever remain a desideratum : viz., his personal portrait^ r * His want of what might be called business tact, made him very unob- servant of roads and places, ami very iiicompctetit to And his way, which he several times lost ; and once he had to accept the hospitality at nighlfnll of a friendly Presbyterian fomily, far from the place of his appointment. . -^ . , 64 IISNTAL AND MORAL OMARAOTBR. as he appeared while alive and in health. A lady in London oftered to be at the expense of taking his likeneas by daguerreotype, for the sake of possessing it ; but could never persuade him to sit . Having endeavoured to satisfy tlie reader's curiosity and inspire him with a desire to emulate the excellencies of the deceased, by presenting a few of his characteristics, we now furnish an extract from two different documents, drawn up by the writer immediately after his death when the image of Btrns was fresh in his memoiy and imagi* nation : the one a letter to the elder Mr. B. ; the other a sketch of his character in one of the two funeral sermons preached in memory of him in London. We first present so much of the letter referred to as relates to our present purpose: — '■'•' ^^''j'^/Vk. •• . •.fii-'Jivi^f i. '-i i-i?^ KTii-' '^^,■^.■ ut i ;;;-r fW "London, April 1st., 1861. "Dear Bkother Byrne, — rf t, ^.j *:; | ■ :v . .1^.' " It is now ten or eleven days since your letter of the 20th uH. wa? received. But yesterday was the first day in which I found a moment to devote my thoughts to the subjects you mention : viz., some account of your late excellent son's character, and of the funeral services for this place. " I shall ever regard it as one of the many mercies of my life, that I had the honour of having that extraordinary person, Alexander Byrne, associated with me in the ministry for one of the two years which constituted his brief itinerant life. I say extraordinart/ ; for I must pro- nounce him, by far, the most remarkable person I ever knew — I had almost said, of whom I ever read. * * * ♦ On his appointment as my colleague, I had frequent op- portunities of hearing him, though it was usually on a week-night, when, it may be supposed, he had made less MENTAL AND MORAL CHARACTER. 60 preparation than for the Sabbath ; and it was always with astonishment. Ahhoiigh the religious eflfect was excellent, hearing him had the tendency to depress the mind about any ettbrts of my own. The sentiment that continually pervaded my thoughts while listening to him was, ' It is high — I cannot attain unto it.' Indeed, he must be pro- nounced to have excelled in homoletica, using the term to include the composition and delivery of sermons. His sermons were admirably fitted to fulfil the ends of preach- ing : viz., to convince and convert sinners, and to ed' y the church of God. He displayed the greatest talent, com- bined with the most exquisite taste — a most original genius with an excellent judgment. In his preachm^ were to be found learning without pedantry ; fertility in language without verbosity; information without osten- tation ; and earnestness without extravagance. From the most intimate conversation oft repeated with him on all subjects, I hesitate not to say, that he possessed a mind capable of grappling with the most difficult questions, — joined to the most humble piety and the most uncompro- mising moral integrity. There was but one defect that I knew of in his moral constitution ; and even this * failing,' if such it might be called, *■ leaned to virtue's side.' This was a slight tendency to censoriousness, or to bear hard on the moral infirmities of professors of religion, ^nt this was the result of his extreme conscientiousness, anU . ■ most acute perception of the presence of moral turpitude, joined to a want of experience^ which nothing hnt years can supply, and knowledge of the habits, mau'iers, and cir- cumstances of this country. As to his labours, he was methodical, punctual, aud exact. He united care for his health with the truest industry. His fidelity to his work in a new country like this^ combined with the extreme 66 MBNTAL AND llOEAL CUARAGTKR. i: delicacy of his habits and the tenderness of his feelings, I have no question, was to him the cause of intense suffer- ing. But he endured it all without a murmur. He was held in the highest respect in this Circuit; but especially in the town, where he was exceedingly and deservedly popular. Yet popularity never elated him. He never took on himself any airs; and all pomposity and affectation were objects of his ' implacable disgust' No person had more friends and fewer intimates. He knew how to con- descend without encouraging improper familiarities. In a word, his gifts, and graces, and excellencies, were oply not superhuman. ^ - Our second extract is from one of the two funeral sermons before referred to : — " Having illustrated in a general way the doctrines laid down, I proceed to attempt it, — ■ . < v ^Secondly, — By repbbbnck to the case of our DEAR DEPARTED BROTHER. — *■ He being dead yet speaketh.' How consoling, how improving the thought ! Yes ; though his fair form is now low in the grave, and his eloquent tongue paralyzed in death — ^though we shall listen to the measured accents of his musical voice no more; yet 'he still speaketh' to us — in what we remember of his living ministrations — in the example of his blameless deport- ment — in the incidents of his remarkable career — and in the touching circumstances of his early and lamented death. « We say he speaks to us, — " 1. — Jn what we remember of his living ministrations. —If the ministry of God's faithful servants was no longer MENTAL AND MORAL CHARACTBA. 67 efficacious, than while they were present or living, ita utility M'ould be very small. For often they have not the satisfaction of witnessing much immediate fruit. The apostle Paul informs his Corinthian brethren, that the gospel which he had preached unto them would be instru- mental in establishing them, only by ' keeping in memory what he had preached unto them.' So he exhorts the Hebrew converts to remember them that had had the rule over them, who had spoken unto them the word of God, whose faith he recommends them to ' follow, considering the end of their conversation, Jesus Chirst, the same yes- terday, and to-day, and forever.' And in my humble opin- ion, it would be peculiarily profitable for you to call up in your recollection the characteristic features of our departed brother's preaching among you. It was distinguished for its practical character^ its faithftdness, its fearlessness, and its kindness. Few ministers, however matured, have attained to such a rare combination of the above mentioned excellencies as he, young as he was. And you ought to be reminded of your great responsibility m being permitted to sit for the space of a year under the ministry of one so wonderfully endowed with the requisite qualifications for a profitable exhibition of divine truth. With all his ex- traordinary powere of mind and gifts of utterance, he never indulged in fanciful speculations or the least display, of wliich gifted young preachers are so liable to be fond ; but his preacliing was purely and pre-eminently practical. It will be in the recollection of some before me, how that in the delivery of that very useful sermon on the Saviour's caution, * Take heed how ye hear,' he broke out with the impassioned exclamation, ' Would God there was no other preaching, but that which is practical !' His faithfulness was manifested in adapting his discourses to the exigencies \ r 68 MEKTAL AND MORAL CHARACTER. !|l i of the times, and the wants of his hearers. He did not t appear ever to have made the inquiry, ' On what subject will / appear to the best advantage ? ' But his language was rather, ' What do the peoj)le need for their benefit ? ' He, unlike the faithless hireling, lifted up -his voice in faithful warning when he saw the wolf coming. The in- cidents in confirmation of this remark will be in the recollection of many here to-day. — He was a» fearless as he was faithful. He manifested this by calling delinquen- cies and vices by proper names — in never remaining silent when an en-oneous or .injurious opinion was put forth, but always stoutly opposing it — and in the promptitude and boldness of his private reproofs and admonitions, sparing neither young nor old, poor nor rich, when they needed it. Indeed, though possessing but little physical courage in facing bodily danger, his moral courage knew no flinch or failure. But he understood how to temper both faith- fulness and fearlessness with kindness. To this the softening influences of deep christian affection, and the native urbanity of his manners contributed. With him there was no sinful levity, nor any vulgar blun: less. No person ever, perhaps, combined more of the snaviter in modo, with the true fortiter in re. It was his extreme conscientiousness in opposing what he thought to be i»rong, whether in principle or practice, that presented an apparent tenacity of opinion, which to a stranger might have given him the appearance of being self-opinionated. But from thi'^ charge any person who knew his real humility and kindness of heart would at once exonerate hira. Would it not be a profitable employment to call up in our recollections the giacious words we have heard from his lips, pressed upon us with his own peculiar earnestness of manner ; ^nd ask ourselves, ' Have we profited as we MENTAL AND MORAL CHARACTER. 69 might have done ? ' It would be an unspeakably awful occurrence, to have one so loving and beloved brought forward to witness against us in the day of final judgment. May God in mercy avert such a catastrophe ! " 2. — He speaks to its in the examples of his blameless deportment. — It was once said by a faitliful minister of Christ, ' My people observe me all the week, to see what I mean on Sunday.' The evil efiects of any discrepancy between precept and practice on the part of a preacher of the gospel are incalculable. And no person seemed to understand and feel this truth more than this youthful minister. We may boldly challenge any person to arise and point out the instance m which he deviated in action or word from what he enjoined on others. How truly was he ' a pattern to believers, in doctrine, showing uncor- ruptness, gravity, sincerity.' How justly might he have adopted the language of the apostle — yea, methinks I hear him uttering it from the skies, ' Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly, and unblameably, we behaved ourselves among you.' Considering his youth and inex- perience — ^yes, leaving them entirely out of the account — who ever saw a person more discreet and circumspect, uniting so much affability and pleasantness with so much dignity? He has bequeathed us his excellent example; and calls upon us to ' follow him, as he followed Christ.' " We are also spoken to, — " 3. — By the incident of his remarkable career. All who knew him must confess, that he was an extraordinary person, a real prodigy. Only think of an individual exercising acceptably in pulpit ministrations, among the best informed in the mother country, at the early age of fourteen. Then think of the stores of information, and the fires of genius displayed by him, during his sojourn among us a year ago. Reflecting on the ripeness of his judgment, \ \ m MKNTAL AND MORAL CHARACTSR. fii^d the fiftenees of taste, joined to the splendour of his pulpit talents, we may well exclaim, ' Take him all for all, we ne'er shall look upon his like again.' What then is the lesson we learn from the contemplation of such astonishing mental precocity, but to adore the power of that God whose m vrkmanship he was ? We also learn, that the highest ^'evelopments of mind can co-exist with the most humble piety. But more of this in another place. Is it not also a most irrefragable argument for a Aiture state of existence? Can it be, that powers and capabilities so vast became extinct at the end of eighteen 8h(»1; years? Who can believe it ? Is not the extraordi- nary development of the mental faculties manifested in this case a faint specimen of the inconceivable expansion which the human mind is destined to undergo in the heavenly worid, and through the countless ages of eternity ? Doubtless it is ; and no question the powers of our departed brother will find entertainment and expanding exercises in the endless variety of the celestial state of existence. But as his greatness was the result partially of early and ju- dicious training, as well as the inspirations of genius, the mental phenomenon before us goes in part to show the mighty results of well directed parental guidance upon the infant and childish mind. May all fathers and mothers be induced to listen to the voice which his history speaks to them ! How much greater reason have the parents of this departed youth to rejoice in the career of such a son, early as was his removal from this stage of action, than the parents of a conquering Albxander, a Tambrt.an£, or a N'apoleon. But we are perhaps anticipating, in some measure, the following head. " He speaks to us,— - ^* 4.— •/ft the circumstances of his tarly and lamented dttUh.'^l will not preftume to say, that pa^^sibly his death MENTAL AMD MORAL CHARACTER. a may speak to the authorities of the church, in the way of caution, against the impohcy and cruelty of dragging a youth, physically immature, into the hardships and ex- posures of our itinerant work, however the exigencies of that work may seem to urge its necessity ; nor will I venture to afSrm, that this is the voice of admonition to those on whose hospitalities the hapless itinerant is cast^ against consigning him, reeking with perspiration from recent exertion, to some open and cheerless sleeping apartment, and to the deadly tendencies of a damp bed : but it plainly speaks of the certainty of death to all, and its possible occurrence to the young as well. If there were any exceptions made, surely his youth, and talent, and loveliness might have pleaded the exemption. But none of them availed: ' Death loves a shining mark;' and the * insatiate archer' levelled his dart but too successfully at the fair and youthful form of our engaging friend, and laid him low beneath the clods of the valley. Oh, what a lesson to the young and the giddy, the ardent and the as- piring, to prepare to meet their God. Yet while his death thus chastens and admonishes us, the circumstances of that calm, peaceful, lamb-like, triumphant departure, illustrates the power of the christian religion, and the sufficiency of the grace of God to support and cheer in nature's last extremity. Oh, who would not die like Alexander Btrne ? Then emulate his example ! Seek the same sup- plies of grace which he possessed ! Live and walk like him ; watch and pray like him ; mortify the flesh and wrestle like him ; and then your dying chamber, like his, will be — • Privileged beyond the common walks of virtuous life. Quite in the verge of heaven.' " Witu the above extract, the author closes his brief sketch of the life and character of the subject of this memoir. it*'-'-*. Vij ,'./.«V'!»a :^-M- li -li.; s' - -i'-i i' >'; I7J.>»^, a»»t/ ' •■•:<■ '(d,;t '■/•C r,iV ■ !'■• 'I.J ■■*; .■;<;Hti*.'.i'U'-S' :♦ 4> I' :•;..« • ••Vi '■ ■ u;-' ■:!>» K 'tr; I . " *v it. •■■; 'i I ,■ .-(; ■• U , I ti » . i- ■'(»'■,: )■ i -.* ■iMfWi ■ l\ ADVERTlSEMEm? TO THE REMAINS. We have furnished the reader with selections from the Sermons and Sketches of Mr. Btbns. They are mostly of the latter description, mere skeletons, although headed " Sermons," by their author. The Editor has given them in the order in which they were set down in Mr. B.'s manuscripts, with the time and place of their composition, or re-cast, as given by himself. We say "re-cast," for some of the outlines here given were drawn up before the period mentioned at the bottom, as spears from evidence among his papers; but we have endeavoured to give the latest modification of every subject Each sermon was composed or re-cast immediately on the eve of its being preached. From the dates, it will be seen, that several were often composed in a day. The Editor has taken hberty with nothing scarcely in any of them, excepting the points, which were not in all instances complete. And he has even left the exordium at the end of a discourse, when he found so. The reader, therefore, has these productions verbatim et literaiim as their author left them. It was thought this course would be more satisfac- tory to the curious and intelligent reader, who would be anxious to see the man and his mind, with its habits of thought and modes of expression, as undisguised as possible. ^^'f.i'.if/rwn :\h'- '?•• 1 /.m'7^' r/'i ^ tilr '. . f) •/■, vi . .(; f> " "t '••.■.; ' l^. t->.';rr' li ,} (iuiH' 'Af '(i'm; - . !( 't ,ij (» ,•''■',''■- ■' * •f>{\, > < '■ u •t'lV-i.' .'?>>:;•»'•■•:! i; SERMONS AND SKETCHES il- ■)! ?:} .-"V li'"* . r^ ' > < Wi SERMON I. •■>?'- i'fo«r>^ 1 . *. . . s PURITY OF HEART. i • li ■') ■( BIcBsed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." — Matt. v. 8. The ministry of Jesus Christ had long been awaited by men as a test of his Messiaship and the divinity of his reli- gion. In his infancy and childhood, they had traced astonishing developments of wisdom, prudence, and benevo- lence ; but now the burden of prophecy was 'jO be revealed. The faint reflection thrown upon Divine ti iii'>f^8 from Him, ** the way, the truth and the lifie." Oommencing on this simple basis, he leads them from the lowest rudiments to the highest point in Divine knowledge. This climax we have in the text Let us then, not less interested in this great doctrine, with the sincere attention of that multitude, consider the vuUure and blessedness of purity 0/ heart. I. " Pure" means simple or uncompounded, and is prob- ably here used to express that exalted state of grace in which sin is entirely separated firom the soul, usually termed entire sanctification or Christian perfection. This view is contirmed by the gradation observable in the passage. Our Saviour proceeds from the sorrow <^f the poor in spirit and mourning, to a state of piety preceding that mentioned in PURITt or HBAI.L 11 the text It therefore appears he alludes to perfect holmese. Perfection in holinees is nothing more tlian an increase or strengthening of those sacred principles already established in the soul at the time of justification. It is a continuation of the same structure on its original foundation, Jesus Christ. ■'.■•• • ■^yi-..'.:t\ ,.-...:■ ^^ [v,'' ■'".:. 'J :' ,^f^i>i-> •< ■ 1. Purity of heart is an increase of love. Love in every stage of the Christian course is a supreme desire for God. It is the essence of true religion — ** the bond of perfectness," uniting the soul to God and eveiy principle of grace together. The exultation of the disburdened penitent, wlion firet he renders the hosannas of thanksgiving to his reconciled Father, are replete "with love, while his earliest steps in the same narrow path evince the same hallowed principle. But the death-blow to carnality is not struck immediately. Sin is cast down, but not completely de- stroyed. The usurper is dethroned, but still he struggles beneath his demolished empire. But in perfect love there is eradication of all guilt, and the full establishment of Christ's spiritual kingdom. The character of Jehovah is revealed in the most interesting and glorious relations, not only as God appeased and reconciled, but imparting from an inexhaustible fountain the streams of knowledge, com- fort, joy, and holiness. The soul recognizing in him the origin and sustenance of its spirituality, ardently aspires after him — its sanctified desires struggle for him. It nothing desires, nothing esteems, "but Jesus crucified." Being daily assimilated to its living Head, it " beholds as in & glass the glory of the Lord, and is changed into the asun^ image, from glory to glory, as by the Spu-it of the Lord." With this expansive view of the Divine attributes, the soul imbibes that universal benevolence, which gathers th« whole human family in our embrace. '' We know that we 78 PURITY Of HKART. have passed from death unto life, because we love the breth- reij"— -too feeble a test of entire holiness — perfect love ref^ards the world — it crosses the bounds of Christian com- munion, bursting the native j)rejudice8 of the soul, and reiterating the compassionate invitations of its God, exclaims, " O taste and see that the Lord is good !" " Let the people praise thee, Lord ; let all the people praise thee. ,;i i,.,.. .( ,, ..,,, ••-.■•.v. vifr-.i, . ^, , "O that the world might tapte and see. The riches of his grace ! The arms oi love that compass me, Would all mankind embrace." ' 2. This leads to an increased faith. Faith may be re- garded as our spiritual vision. The eye with which we behold our names inscribed in the " Book of Life" — " see the King in his beauty" — ^and " behold the land that is very far off." The natural man hath neither part nor lot in the matter. Tangible and visible objects engross his attention — ^while the idea of a spiritual change, a spiritual Iiope, and a spiritual world, is regarded as enthusiasm. And such were we before we were washed and regenerated. At first we could scarcely comprehend the plainest defi- nition of that mental act which confides in Jesus for pardon ; and when with trembling hand we clung to our only hope, the ejaculation of the soul was, "Lord, increase our faith!" "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief!" That eye was for the first time opened — we saw not heavenly things before — and astonished with the marvel- lous light, which beamed upon us in wondrous contrast with our previous darkness, we almost doubted. "The glory of the Lord shone round about us, and we were sore afraid." And is this trembling principle to be the vitality of spiritual Hfe2 The substance of things hoped for? The evidence of thuigs not seen ? No — it must be mightily PUKITY OF HKART. 70 strengthened before it can triumph over the suggeetions of Satan — the discouragements of a scoffing world — and the condemnation of a fearful heart. That maturity it attains in perfect holiness. The ignorance and unbelief of the human mind is dispersed, by brighter manifestations of the love and power of God, and the sufficiency of his grace. Temptations and afflictions lose their direful aspect. The night becomes light about us. Death is challenged ; and eternity is clearly anticipated with steadfast hope. ** Be- hold, God is our salvation; we will trust and not be afraid." 3. Purity of heart implies an increase of holy dispo- sitions. So transforming are the internal operations of religion, that they build on the ruins of pride, selfishness, and sensuality, the most amiable and noble dispositions that can adorn humanity. One of these is meeknesa: That which destroys revengeful resentment, and subju- gates the latest animosities of our nature. We see it not always in its beauty in the first stages of the Christian character. Envy and prejudice are often vented in dis- pleasure, and sometimes in sinful, though apparently, godly anger. But when the love of God is shed abroad in the heart, illuminating and expanding every recess of the soul, the lion becomes a lamb — enemies are viewed with love — insults are answered with pity — and constitutional infirmi- ties, are regulated by this sanctifying grace. Another of these dispositions is patience. How often do we behold in the babe in Christ the murmuring expressions of discon- tent. Repining sorrow is evinced by a doleful countenance ; and a cloud of melancholy intercepts the rays of joy and hope. We do not expect an exemption from all sorrow and affliction. Wounded nature must bleed. Our sym- pathies must recoil at the blow of adversity — yet darkness \ 80 PURITY OF HBART. Ui may become twilight., aiid melancholy depression may be reduced to resignation. Thus it is with puiity of heart. Here David weeps for his child ; yet rejoices^ that, though it shall not return to him, he shaQ go to it Job groans beneath his aching tumours; yet placidly avows, " Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." Paul groans in this tabernacle, being burdened ; yet rejoices, that he shall soon be clothed upon with his house which is from heaven. By patience we glory in tribulation also— we scan the designs of Providence — ^hope for eternal bliss — and submissively bend to the rod of affliction, and say, "Even so, Father, for it seemeth good in thy sight." Purity of heart is an increase of the disposition of hwmlity. Humility is a relative term ; and is nothing more than a correct estimate of our sinful state. The peniteiit feels it when he earnestly cries for redemption ; and yet more, when he is relieved by pardon and peace. Not less pun- gently does it influence the sanctified soul. Futile is the objection of the opponents of our doctrine, that it tends to pride and self-exaltation. Reason and experience de- monstrate the contrary. Holiness is an increase of know- ledge. The majesty, purity, and beauty of the Divine character are more vividly revealed to the mind; and, contrasting the degenerate soul, in its contracted faculties and innate pollution, with the spotless nature of Jehovah, it exclaims with awe, " Woe is me, for I am undone !" And while it beholds the last stain of iniquity extracted by the efficacious blood of a Lamb without blemish and without spot," it responds in humble adoration, " Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us; but to thy name, we give glory" " God forWd that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by \,axmi the world is crucified uuto me, and I unto the world." PURITY or HEART. 81 . » 4. This purity implies an increase of spiritual desires. Paradox as this may appear, associated with the idea of perfection, it is true. Perfection in holiness precludes not, but rathei' stimulates to advancement. From the largest substance to the most insignificant atom, God's works are complete; yet, though his finishing touch is evinced in every stage of every work, it prevents not progression. The perfect acorn may grow to an oak. The perfect grain of mustard seed, may rear a stately trunk ; and widely extend its sheltering branches. Or the tender sapling may be strengthened to a mighty tree. So it is with holiness: ever ripening, but never ripe; ever growing, never grown ; ever maturing, but never arriving at a cli- max. The nature of holiness, contrasted with its receptacle, the heart, accounts for this. Holiness is an infinite attribute of an infinite God — the heart is limited and imperfect in its capacities — and must fail to embrace all this grace in the present life, or in any period of it. Eternity alone must comprehend the eternal subject ; and through its endless ages we must increase in its experience. As the heart is daily satiated at the living fountain, it will expand. Its powere strengthened by exercise, and its desires supplied with heavenly riches, will increase.-— ** More of thy life, and more I have. As the old Adam dies." The thirst for variety, peculiar to the human iiiiiid, ac- counts for the necessity of the increase of spiritual desires. God has sanctioned this desire by gratifying it in the variegated beauties of nature. And if the spiritual appetite be but the natural one rectified, its desires must be satisfied^ We cannot stand continually at the door-posts of justi- fication, or even sanctificatton, and rdmire only a few priii- ciples of the love -.vhich redeemed and saved us — we must d2 82 PURITY OP HEAHT, advance. These rudiments of repentance ind faith are too simple for us now : we must go on to perfection — to the possession of the fuhiess of God. Eteraity itself will not stem the torrent of our desires — ^we, with angels, must attain the comprehension of "the length, and breadth, and height of the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge." Such then, is the state mentioned in the text, one of exemption from all iniquity; and a full establishment of grace. It is connected with an encouraging promise, " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see OodJ'^ Therefore we proceed, — II. — To consider its blessedness. " They shall see God." This is the most comprehensive expression of Christian happiness found in the word of God. It comprises every intellectual and spiritual delight. But were this presented to the ungodly, as a motive to forsake sin and seek righteousness, they would soon reject it So opposite is sin to holiness, that our greatest joy, is their deepest misery. That countenance of Jehovah, to us reconciled and smiling with approbation, is to them clouded with wrath and condemnation. This favours the view we advanced in the beginning, that this language was especially directed to believers. 1. The sight of God is their chief joy, because of their affinity to him. In universal nature, a unity subsists be- tween members of the same species. Vegetables of the same nature, must be cultivated in the same soil. Beasfc? of the same class eagerly associate. And among mankind, every spirit seeks a kindred disposition. Where shall the believer go to gratify this aftection ? To the world ? A night of darkness and death meets his gaze — sin in i* most hideous aspects revealing the awful degeneracy of the heart. To the church? To angels? Desparingly PURITY OF HEART. 83 he turns from them exclaiming, ** Whom have I in heaven but thee; and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee ?" He finds the origin of holiness in God. 2. His blis» is enhanced by beholding God, through the means he has appointed, — In nature, in his word, in his ordinances, in his provi- dences. 3. But thrice " blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" in glory, in judgment, in endless joy — perfectly, unobstructed by sin — ^the imperfections of hu- manity. " It doth not yet appear what we shall be ; but when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." " Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face ; no^' we know in part, but then we shall know, even as we also are known." ** Him, eye to eye, we therh shall see, Our face like His shall shine ; O what a glorious company. When saints and angels join !" 1. Sinner, is not this happiness? This is that gloomy religion you have so often rejected. 2. In conclusion, let me apply this doctrine to jii ufied believers. Are we aspiring after this ? The inten^sts of the chui-ch are connected wiin it. — "Let us go on to perfection :" 1 Thess. v. 23. LondoUf C. W., *7th July, 1849. tt ':•:. ■- U 84 THB WARNIMO OF LOT SERMON II. THE WARNING OF LOT TO HIS FRIENDS. ** And Lot went out, and spake unto bis sons-in-law, wbicb married his daugliters, and said, Up ! Get ye out of this place *, for the Lord will destroy this city. But be seemed as one that moclted unio liis aons-in-law." Gbnbsis xix. 14. Amid the ** clouds and darkness which are round about" the providences of Jehovah, man is occasionally permitted, by a ray of heavenly instruction, to view the wisdom, justice, and benevolence of God. That the sword of Divine indignation should sacrifice the righteous and the wicked alike, is astonishing to the side-glance of those imperfect minds, which if not checked by the mandates of revelation, would question the righteous judgments of God. But the problem is ^alved, in some degree, by two considerations. National sins must be punished with national calamities ; and the righteous in their national relations must submit to deser/ed wrath. Again, in not a few instances, the righteous are guilty— of much negli- gence, compromise, and declension in their spiritual rela- tions. No wonder then that the Almighty, in " breaking the bow and cutting the spear in sunder" of the wicked, should reserve an arrow of chastisement for his children. That while he vents "the thunder of his power" upon his enemies, he should pour the remnant of his anger upon his delinquent church. This is illustrated in the history of Lot. Avariaoi and parsimony had stained his christian TO HIS FBISKD8. 85 character. When Abraham presented to his choice two tracts of country, raying, **!£ thou wilt take }he left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart io the right hand, then I will go to the left." Lot selfislily selected the more fertile soil, regardless of the evil society of the place ; which would surely mar his spiritual privileges, and injure the religious interests of his tJEtmily. Time soon revealed the danger and misery of his position. Frequent associa- tions produced familiarity ; and familiarity connexion, till he found himself allied to " men," who " were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly." Their sins arose to heaven, and were now come to a climax : justice, triumphing over mercy, and the intercessions of the faithful Abraham, now prepared his weapons for severe judgment, and refused to be appeased, ^ That in his wrath he might con- demn them." His ministering angels had received their dread commission, and were now arrived at Sodom ; and doubly incensed by the daring resistance of the inhabitants, who pursued them to the house of Lot, they determined speedily to execute the Divine decree. But He, who " in the midst of wrath remembers mercy" to his humblest and most unfaithful followers, was mindful of Lot, and his ungodly friends, for his sake. " And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides ? Son-in-law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatever thou hast in this city, bring them out of this place." " For we will destroy this place, b«K5ause the cry of them is waxen great before the face *" * ^he Lord." In compliance with this command, "Lot v.ijiit out, and spake unto his sons-in-law, which married his daughters," &c. This Scripture, which was " written aforetime for our learning," comprises doctrinal and practical truths. Nor is their importair lessened by the typical character of the passage. 86 THE WARNING OF LOT We observe,— . - I. Lot addressed this warning to his relatives—" He went out and spake to his sons-in-law, which married hia daughtei-s." To them he was endeared by family ties, and for their rescue he was peculiarly interested. With a Chiistian heart he recoiled from the persevering blasphe- mies and transgressions of the Sodomites and Gromorrahites ; yet, though his sons-in-law were citizens of the place, he 'rsikes one last desperate effort for their deliverance. Here a. principle of vital importance to the progr<;\Asion of Christianity is established — religion begins at liome. 1. The peculiar affection for our own, exhibited by Lot, forms a noble and beautiful trait in humanity, and staimps ^he relics of its departed glory with admirable dignity. While we bewail the inherent depravity of our nature, and behold its outbreaks in univei-sai vice, we may trace some footprints of beauty and excellence, if not divinity, in the soul of man. And is tliei-e to be found one more plausible than that which unites man to man in the bonds of family connexion ? The Governor of the universe, seeing that the affections of his creatures could not be equally placed on every object and individual, has wisely classified us into nations, communities, societies, and familie/S ; and under the covenant of grace, he has made these divisions to subserve his purposes in the evangelization of the world. We admire the solicitude .of the father, as he perseveringly toils for the temporal subsistence of his family ; and if there be a palliation to that war which desolate? and destroys our country, it is the virtuous patriotism which instigates the warrior to sacrifice life and comfort for the land of his fathers. But how meagre are these thrilling examples, compared with the far more impoi-tant influence of this principle in spiritual concerns. Here is ti-ue affection — TO MIS FRtfiNUS. m genuine patriotism — see it in the nation: common and not individual interest is the i-uling principle of legislation ; and eloquence, genius, and every excellent qualification, conspire t/O promote the welfare of the people^mutually connected. See it in societies and communities. Benevo- lence, philanthropy, and self-denying zeal, cordially unite to meet the wish, indulge the infirmities, and maintain the honour of every member. See it in families. How beau- tiful the parent, pleading for the conversion of the child, and carefully implantinir the seeds of Divine truth in the youthful mind, anxiously and prayerfully awaiting the harvest of salvation and eternal life. Never was a human prmciple enlisted in so sublime an exercise. " What God hath joined, let no man put asunder." 2. The affection of Lot for his own is sanctioned by reason and experience, as well as humanity. No end can be accomplished without the employment of means. And this is not less true of Christian than worldly systems, seeing the Head of the Chui-ch almost universally co-op- erates with human power. Philosophy and science, with all their fascinating embellishments, have not at once secured the approval or patronage of the world. Their advocates have been called to encounter many obstacles, in the educational prejudices and distaste for knowledge among men. Nor do their most conclusive arguments avail, till by experiment after experiment, they refute their objectors. Is it then to be expected, that the Gospel operating on man as a moral agent, will overwhelm the world in a day ? Do we suppose, that doctrines unadorned by rhetoric or science, — ^ bringing not peace on the earth, but a sword, and making a man's foes those of his own household," opposed to every desire and propensity of the carnal mind, and waging war with hosts of visible ^.nd invisible enemies — ~m^ \ 0d ttIS WABMlirO OV tOT do we suppose that they will miraculously evangelize andi convert the world in a day ? No, beloved, time is given that it may be occupied, and means are instituted that they may be employed. The world was not made in a day— philoHophy will not instruct in a day. Nor will the sound of tlie Gospel reach it in a uay. God works by system ; and his religion must ^ ogress in the steps he has appointed, from one division of the human family to another, until " righteousness shall cover the earth, as the waters do the face of the great deep." 3. This principle of peculiar affection for our own, is sanctioned by the character and operations of Christianity. Expansive and lofty ideas are indeepelif ' 'r\ Hcoarfe'^ so expanbivc, by the incommensurate influence of tamily religion. Yet review the past, and see what IjKxI has wrought. How upon the smallest foundations he has n^ir.d the most stately edifices, and made these div) non» of the human race to operate on© up jb, another till all '^'lall be saved. 4. Tiiis peculiar affection for cur OTvn is sanctioned by the authoritative examples of the Patriarchs and the Apostles, and o^ our Lord himself. These sacred characters we reverently contemplate ; and from then;L we infer the many of the most salutary directions. Thus ancient is, in some degree, tlie standard of modern piety. To the faith- ful maintenance of family religion we are momentously indebted for the foundations of those religious blessings which now, "in the fiilness of time," have reuched us» Abraham commanded his household in righteousness. Joshua, " As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." David, " I will walk within my house with a peyfect heart." Philip said to his brother Nathaniel, "Com^ and see." Christ "came to his own," lived with, taught, suffered, died among them. The Apostles were commissioned first to preach the Gospel " at Jerusalem." " Go rathei' to the lost sheep of the house of Isi-ael." In Jerusalem, on the day of Pentecost, was kindled the glorious five, which ignited the Gentile world. Here were no wild Sj-^ulations -^no enthusiastic dreams — consequently each impressed with his individual responsibility, lent his aid to the further- ance of the truth. Thus was the foundation of C>. nstianity laid ; and thus the glorious stmcture must be carried up till its final consummation in heaven. " Thus the little on© shall become a thousand." -A% 90 THE WARNING OF LOT TO HIS FRIENDS. t 1 ! i II. We remarV the danger from which he exhorted them to flee. This Wit le destruction of S(xlom and Gf tu; >>rah. It is symbolical of a doctrine — suggests the m .di awful incentives to flee from the wrath to come. T lie Lord will destroy our city. It was just, sudden, universal. " Know- ing these terrors of the Lord, we persuade men." 2 Peter, iii. 10, 11. The realities of this great and dreadful day of the Lord, are still necessary to arouse mankind from the slumber of carnal security, and to stimulate the believer to perseverance. III. We observe the warning itself. " Up, get ye out of this place." It was midnight. Drowsiness and incon- venience strongly induce them to remain. Sin is a state of sleep : the Gospel an awakening trumpet. In two impor- tant particulars, this warning prefigures the way of salvation. 1. In haste, time, influences of the spirit, importance of the subject demand this. " Now is the accepted time." 2. Personal exertion. " Up, get r/e out of this place." It was not a mere submission to the Divine will. Lot here urged upoT; lUent. It was an exhoitation to depart. Faith is an acv of the mind. IV. Lastly, it concerns us to contemplate the awful reception of this warning. " He seemed as one that mocked to his sons-in-law." Thus it is still with man. It arises from pride, unbelief, procrastination. Still truth meets with such a reception. The Church has improved in wealth aiid influence ; yet, " to the Jews it is a stone of ofience— to the Greeks foolishness." Be warned by the consequen- ces. " See that ye refuse not him that speaketh," &c. London, July 28, 1849. CHRISTIAN LIBERTY. n SERMON III. CHRISTIAN LIBERTY. "Siand fast tlicrcfore in tlie liberty wherewith Christ l ,^„ and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."— GAtA-riAKs free, 1. r'^^ The Ministers of Christ are his ambassadors. As such, tliey must subordinately represent him in his relations to his people. One of the most endearing of these is patenial solicitude for their steadfastness and prosperity. Hence he prays, " Thine they were, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy word." " Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one »s we are." Such affection is necessary to counteract the pei-severing assiduity of the tempter, whose hosts are exerted strenuously to demolish his kingdom. By various channels does he invade the probationary terri- tory of the sincere Christian. Sometimes powerfully influ- encing the mind. Again, cunningly alluring the affections of the soul. Sometimes presenting the terrific aspect of the " roaring lion," and frequently the dissembling gk>s8 of " an angel of light." By the latter stratagem he strewed his tares with the precious wheat of the Galatian Churches. His Judaizing apostles, fleeing from the restrictions of inward religion, sought a substitute in the abrogated ceremonial law, and thus endeavoured to re-unite the shattered remnants of that veil, rent by the expiring groans • > ^. %:^. >.^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^/ k :/. ^ ^ «' 1.0 I.I iS "^ 12.2 IL25 HII 1.4 — 6" 1^ 1.6 Hiotographic Sciences Corporation •'^ iV \ c\ ^ '^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. M580 (716) 87ll-4503 '% 4*^ 5 v\ ^ •t-- CHRISTIAUr UBBRTT. !l of the Mbssiah, which had so long intercepted the blessed privileges of Christianity from the Gentile world. They had succeeded in destroying the faith of some, and in quenching the zeal of others. When, lo ! the scheme of apostacy is discovered to the Church, and the evangelical doctrines of St Paul ai'e again declared and practically enforced. In the preceding part of the epistle, he had refuted the misrepresentations and arguments of ids oppo- nents. He fii'st declares his unwavering adherence to the simplicity of Christianity, even despite the repulsion of his prejudiced brother Peter, He then shows the Mosaic economy to be a preparatory system. Its " law was but« a school-master to bring ub to Christ.'' Its types were but the entrance to the hallowed services of the "latter day." In a word, it h^ but ''the shadow of good things to come," and was in every respect superseded by the Chris- tian dispensation, in this chapter, he earnestly applies the doctiine he had just defended. An admirable sum- mary of this application we have in the text : *^ Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty," &c. ^ I. The Christian's Liberty. From the immediate connexion of the words, we may easily perceive that the Apostle specially alludes to a liber- ation from the restrictions of the ceremonial law. It was^ truly a state of bondage. The awful majesty of Jehovah mantled with terror all their religious services and divine instructions. The very structure of the temple was indica- tive of a great disparity between the worshippers and the Deity adored. There was the outer-court, then the taber- nacle, then the " holy of holies" " within the veil." These, with their censers and altars, their burnt offerings, sin offerings, and thank offerings, were so many sad evidences of the intricate labyrinths they must pass in order to CURIBTIAIf UBJAETY. 9S oommime with God. ^'Thelawwas ihe xmnistnttion of death." Its exactions were ■ptomfi obedience, or the severest penalty; it demanded rigid attention to the typical character of the minutest sacrifice. No flaw was oveiiooked. "The lamb must be without blemish and without spot" Vat was the poorest member of the con- gregation ^empt from fornishing an offering. And even when the oblations were offered, ** there was remem- iHranoe again of sins every year." Was not this a state of servitude? Answer, thou trembling and quaking lioees ''—ye fearfully reverent priests — ye dazzled and affrighted Jews! From Uiis bondage they were delivered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ *^ Lo, I come to do thy will, O Qod.l" to consummate these types by the offering of myself once for all, and to open up a new, hving, and simple way of access to thee. We turn with delight fitnn the study of an obstructed and tediously performed disqui- sition, to the relieving perusal of plain and simple subjects. So well might these slaves of ceremony tium from the elaborate mazes of their symbolical religion, to the simplar and happier privileges of Christianity. " In Christ Jesus, neither circumcision availeth anything^ noruncircumcision, but faith which worketh by love." ctf- . - >* -.: y; «->'.; This ceremonial bondage, however, was but a lively figure of the moare awfiil bondage of sin, under which we groan by nature. But, blessed be God, as the sacrifice of Christ has liberated the Jews from their servile ritual, so hath he " made us free." 1. This is a dominion and influence of sin. Sin is an inherent principle: it dwells in the affections; sways the judgment, and directs the practice. Thus if left in our natural condition, unalarmed by the trumpet of Gospel truth, we remain ignorant of this our dangerous I'elation to r 94 CHRISTIAN LIBKRTTc God. Whatever ideas men unaided by revelation, though assisted by tradition, have formed of a Supreme Being, and the worship necessary to appease his wrath and secure his favour, they have never discovered this radical doctrine. The solemn verity, that man is enslaved to sin, is either completely exploded, or, what is equally unscriptural, is explained as merely referring to practical iniquity. Hence motives have been suggested, and principles established to moralize mankind. But the result of these superficial antidotes has only corroborated the doctrines of the Bible : that man's sin is coeval with his existence, and that he demands an iiltemal application of the ** blood of sprink- ling." By such an effective regeneration does Christ liberate the believer from his bondage. They are uncon- scious of their slavery, but his Spirit convinces; they cannot realize themselves, but he assists them ; and believing, they have life through his name. The ** strong man," Satan, is disarmed, bound, and cast out from the heart: his goods are despoiled, and his kingdom demolished. ^ Sin shall not have dominion over them ; for they are not under the law, but under grace." 2. It is a liberty from the accusations of conscience. Deep as we are plunged in iniquity, and firmly as we. are bound by the chains of the adversary, we are not absolutely governed by him. This earth is the arena of conflict between heaven and hell for the soul of man. Our carnal slumbers are frequently disturbed by the voice of an inward monitor. -• f ^ tv.i -"• -i isji- Believers are free from this. Their spirit or conscience, acquiesces in the Divine testimony; all slavish fear is removed; their feet is set upon a rock. - :> * .^ .*• • v^.^;,^ " Exults our rising soul. Disburdened of her load ; And swells unutterably full. Of glory and of God." ,(.!> ah * s-v m W-- ORBISTXAN LIBKltrr. 05 man, « 3. The Christian's is a state of liberty, inasmuch as his desires and a£fections are made congenial to the law of God. Terms Indicative of severe restraint and servitude are sometimes in the New Testament applied to the service of Christ: ** Take my yoke upon you and learn of me." But these are either used in relation to sin, or in parallel with the Jewish ritual. The Christian's law, is a '< law of liberty": his ** yoke is easy, and his burden is light" His meat and drink is to do his Master's will. Religion has its rules, and every believer is amenable to them; but to those in Christ, they are approving and not condemning. 4. Holiness is a state of of liberty, because of the am- plitude of its pleasures and privileges. Religion is a restraint only upon sin. While it inspires its subjects with the solemnities of eternity, it withholds firom us no happi- ness which a spiritual taste can desire. '■'' ' ■■ "•••'' ' f Some imagine that holiness consists in deep melancholy and sighing solicitude. And thus the '^ways of pleasant- ness" have been misrepresented to the world; and the " paths of peace" have been deprived of their most enticing beauties. Such moody devotees have secluded themselves from the world, and pined and wept a life of pretended religion in caves and monasteries. Many in modem times cast similar erroneous reflections on their piety, by incessant mourning and complaining, while they should ** Rejoice in the Lord always," and " in every thing give thanks." It was never the design of the religion of Christ to destroy the principles of nature, but to rectify them; and to turn in a heavenly direction the desires and propensities of the human heart. We must banish from this religion the ideas of gloom, uneasiness, and miserable solicitude. Here the faculties of the soul are called into the noblest and freest exercise. John x. 9. n^ 96 OBRtBTIAN LIBBRTY. ft*' n IL— W« come to «nferoe tbe apostolic «!xhfortation to tteadfiutnMB, which in his words are powerful and ex* pranive. **^ Stand fiut, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.** 1. ^ Stand,*' by firmly manifestmg the doctrines of Christianity. In them are embodied the standard of your liberty, the fire of your love, the centre of your hope, and the basis of your fiiith. All Christians should have clear, sCeadfiut views of the Uuth of our holy reli^on. Hence the apostle^ previous to this exhortation, vehmnently contends for the feith. '*w ^J^^-ixi in ; -t^^A 2. "" Stand fast," by adhering to thy faith in CflRisT. ' ' '8. ** Stand fast," by faithfully observing practicfd piety. ' The text teaches, that the lughest estate of holiness on earth is fUIible. i ,>. ,. .. , ...-.,,, . ... .,,,„^.. .. V-i '.^i ..-.•' 'P.r'.?'ti,-K uxii [Conclude by warning sinners.] .; > v ; - . 1 LondoHt 2nd Auguit, 1849. / .:,;;,, -, '■■ ''■■:■■ ■ 1',;. ';»i:; \t:^'..Y,f^ir-,'.' lU' '.'•■ ■' ;.-^- ' • ., .,:':■{,,•'•.■: ■ '■ ■.;. ..•■.•••' ;•',»;' •^;-> ' .■fM--^';ii 'Vf ..;• Hf p -.' \ t ■ V '■•-"' ■ •';^.o^^^ ■'■; ':-iu, r^'^y'.^ib u. ' * ' -J .• • ' -il 1, ■• .■■•^r. ••■ ".!;:'"•>' ^-^i f;r'"'-A v-i-;„>: iv ... ^ ;■. •■ ii. , '; f' * 1 * \-'-'. -' v;i,t t • ■•'Jji ,'>.- ■ i-^..'^"v,!*'! • '■'■■' ' »!- i .-.' ■ ' ; ■' 1 - : V- '•,-;".r>!: lijii <: '.5ii:i .i^ il' j'i(,r /' -'/*.-. ( • HH 1 • . ' THB REVIVAL OF THB OHUROH, ETC. 97 , i-u^ ri •i'f'. :i I SERMON IV. - ' ^'^ THE REVIVAL OF THE CHURCH PREPARA- TORY TO THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL. "Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your tins may be blotted out, when the time of refyesbing shall come fW)m the pretence of the Lord."— AoT0 iii. 19. Man is a being influenced by various passions and various circumstances. The tale that affords him pleasure and elicits his admiration to-day, will to-morrow be tedious and devoid of interest Such are the effects of Divine truth upon the human mind, unregenerated, the sound of salvation soon loses its harmony; and the tragedy of the cross its pathos. The text was not received with such listless feelings. They had beheld a miracle. Astonish- ment opened their minds to instruction, and instruction to conviction. We purpose j^rst^ making a few general observations on this address of the apostle; and, secondly ^ establishing its importance, as connected with the extension of the work of God. I. — ^The address. " Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." 1. Its simplicity. This highly contrasted with the dispensation just completed. Here is no allusion to golden censors, gorgeous temples, or costly oblations. " The word is nigh thee" — ^it is easily connected with its great end. 98 THE REVIVAL OF THE CHURCH, ETC. 2. Its humiliating tendency. The persons addressed were not the ofi-scouring of the world, profane Qentiles. "They had Abraham for their father." Yet this did not avail. " He only is a Jew, who is one inwardly ; whose praise is not of men, but of God." 3. The doctrines here proposed are absolutely necessary. Nothing short of this radical change, here expressed by the blotting out of sins, can fit us for the kingdom of grace or glory. 4. The apostle here shows that our salvation does to a great extent depend on our will. Repentance and faith are the gifts of God; yet he places the work in their hands. II. — Establish its connexion with the extension of the work of God. " When the times of refreshing shall come from the preserice of the Lord." " Times of refreshing," a Hebrew phrase, expressing any remarkable deliverance. Dr. Whitby supposes it refers to the day of Judgment. Others, that it alludes exclusively to the bringing in of the Gentiles. While others view it as the residt of repentance and conversion, reading it thus : " and times of refreshing." The general extension of the work of God, is dependent on the spiritual life of the church. Because, — 1. His church is the appointed agency for the diffusion of truth. 2. There is a mutual dependance of feeling in the minds of communities. 3. There is a dependance in the relations of social life. London, 5tA Augukf IMd. r f > • /"i ,i ft r * it (X\it<--',- -i .:-.4--vr;: 7i,'H • i--' [■ THB HBAVBNLY RB8T. 90 'utH ^i-iHir i.v -.; ;< f!',iiiitpn>._ »=t .tfuN^. i 1 .",'«*• J>',5» :•■■ ."-«>»»»-' / M^i;. •>r'.«;v;' ; f.r,^:v:;.- ;;>0;> '.:(!;: ''U^'V • 4.'--.iJ Ait"; ;;>'»'•(! Si « SERMON V. y} • '■ (^■»/-'i. »h wA--i' ■■:ni ' i( <-'Al ..O/U-^' i':' THE HEAVENLY REST, '■■'.'■n C.U.M ;,••■;• i.v f ■ .li.t'h. i^^' Ic •«/T>aW(v', •"#■'■• ' ' '■ ■• ■ ■ -■■ ■'•vi'L • .')'■ ••There remaineth therefore a rest to tlie peoople of God."— Hbb. iv. 9. r::■y^:■■,^l■ ;-;«,.,?(■.• •-r^XWi'fer.?.. (if .liiUllif. iniu' iV.' ; 'Vf!i »;'■*' ' ;!'< The certainty of rewards and pumshments, is an essential pillar in the Divine government. If we remove it, every virtuous principle is overturned — every stimulus to holiness is extinguished. The standard of moral rectitude becomes variable, and consequently useless. The fortress of truth is thrown down ; and the ways of life and the way of death are indistinguishable. It is because of this, that the scriptures so emphatically seal their doctrines and admo- nitions, with the promise of happiness, and the denunciations of wrath. Awed by the danger of damnation, and cheered by the prospect of eternal bliss, we flee from the path of perdition, and pereevere in the course of righteousness. " "We walk by faith and not by sight." Thus clouds of perplexity and tribulation are dispersed ; and, impelled with holy ambition, we " seek our better inheritance." The Apostle was im- pressed with these important considerations, when he wrote this epistle. In other lettera he had strenuously contended for simple Christianity, to the apparent exclusion of other dispensatioas. And now, lest his Hebrew converts, in rejecting their ancient rites, should depreciate many great 100 THK HKAVBNLY REST. t truths symbolized in them, he institutes a beautiful and striking connexion between Judaism and Christianity. The Gospel dispensation was ** the fulness of the time." Types were substantiated; prophecies were fulfilled: and thus the law " passed away," surrendering to the Gospel, which *^ continueth." Yet some emblems remained without their substance; and some promises were but partially yerified. And just as the moral code, dispensed on Sinai, still maintains its rigid demands, so these symbols united to Christianity, remain to beautify its doctrines and promises, and to participate in the brightness of our blessed consummation. One of the most important of these figures was the rest promised to the saints. Although it was pre-figured by God's rest from the work of creation on the seventh day, and allotted to the Israelites in Ca- naan; and enjoyed in the weekly Sabbath's of the church, he argues it <' still remaineth." "If Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterwards have spoken of another day." Our text contains the glorious conclusion of the discussion: "There remaineth, therefore, a rest for the people of God." Your prayerfiil attention is invited to the consideration of this rest and its inheritors. I. — Without amplifying on the term rest, in its appli- cation to the abiding spiritual peace of the believer, or to his numerous delightful privileges on earth, we shall confine our remarks to its direct and ultimate reference to that glorious heaven, which constitutes the home or rest of the Israel of God. 1. Heaven as a rest will be a cessation from toil. Life is at best a wearisome and laborious joiumey. The history of man is a sad verification of the curse originally imposed by ofiended Justice. "I ' • sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, until thou return unto the ground." The most TUB HBAVXNLT RB8T. 101 miserable earn a scanty subsistence by the severest drudgery And if here and there we meet an indolent epicure, he of fashionis dozing on a couch softened by the slavery of his forefathers ; or recklessly enjoying the harvest of a toilsome seed-time. The honours of intellect and literature are procured with a still 'greater expense. The mental faculties are disordered by the prostration of physical strength : and the pleasures of genius and imagination become damped by sorrow, dis- appointment, and disease. Mental and bodily health are not generally combined ; as to attain the one, we must almost forfeit the other. The ruddy complexioned peasant, — ^by healthful exercise, by dissipation and amusement, deprives himself of the nobler gems of profound study ; and unhinges his mind from the delights of solitude and meditation. Facts, the most practical and simple, are deduced by great exertion and tedious calculation. Mark the student ! his pallid cheek, his thought-worn eyes, and his writhing brow, all indicate the inward struggle to wrest from the wreck of a confused understanding, some plain or beautiful idea. The path to heaven, though plain and well defined, is strewed with many sorrows and difficulties. Only by diligent watchfulness and prayer can we preserve the humblest spark of piety. And we are ever " labouring" and " enduring hardness, till emancipated from our earthly tabernacle." These evils shall be redressed in the realms of bliss. Our powers shall be capacitated for our employ- ments; and sickness, opposition, and sorrow, shall not impede our progress, or disappointment our hopes. Severe toil shall be reduced to innocent and profitable amusement. The body shall no longer " groan, being burdened ;" but invigorated with resuiTection power, and 102 THK HCAVKNLY UK8T. I •• fashioned like unto the glorious body of Christ," shall apply its energies to heavenly duties. Enervating dineases shall not impede our intellectual pursuits. The exploring genius shall not there be arrested by distracting cares ; or stopped in its onward march, by withering diHuppointment, or sudden adversity. The brilliant imagination, no longer clogged in its eager ascent, by the chains of a diseased and dying body, shall aspire to the iticoncelNable heights of Divine knowledge; and ever satiate its eternal thirst at the streams of tiie living fountain. The wearied Christian traveller shall there recline on " green pastures," and forget his troubles in evorbv^ing joy. The warrior shall there receive his lo.ig-sought crown ; and shall heal his s])iritual wounds with the' balm of celestial peace. The world shall no longer annoy. The scoffer shall echo his shrieks in hell, but they shall be unheard in heaven. And the "Old Serpent," with disappointed jealousy, shall en\iou8ly behold his long hunted prey safely harboured in eternal rest. But " no lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon. The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." 2. Heaven will be a rest from anxiety. Contemplate the human family in all circumstances, and say, Who is free from anxiety ? It is felt in every breast, and depicted in eveiy countenance. The richman in his mansion, over- whelmed and pei-plexed with wealth, exclaims, " Wliat shall I do ? for I have not where to bestow my fruits and my goods." The eager eye of the merchant and stjitesman evince the inward struggle and suspense of tortured ingenuity. The honoui-s of dignified offices are propor- tionately mingled with cai-es. TUB IIBAVKNLY KE8T. loa The poor man in his hovel, askH, '^ What shall we eat, and drink; and wliorewithal shall we ho clothed.**^ - Finn ;w is the rock of salvation, sure as are the promises of the (tos^hjI, and hright as is the hope of immortality, we have our spiritual cares. Arise from ignorance, uncertainty, suggestions of the tempter. But there we shall have rest from these. ,„ .. . ., , . .. ,< : ., ( 1 1 /.> *' There we shall bathe our weary soula, In seas of heavenly rest ; And not a wave of trouble roll. Across our peaceful breast." 3. In this heavenly rest, satisfaction will be suggested by the retrospect of completed labour. This feeling is enjoyed at the completion of our earthly toils; and greatly tends to hush the discontent and smother the asperities incident to life. The labourer, the warrior, the minister of Clirist feels it. Much more so there, where life with its sorrows and joys shall be reviewed ; personal and relative. This is perfectly consistent with that humility, M'hich ascribes the glory of our present salvation to Divine grace. 4. This rest will prepare the saint for future employ- ments, by adapting and immortalizing our mental and bodily faculties. Heaven is not a place of idleness. The intermediate state, may be termed our night of sleep. The body will be in the tomb ; the soul will flutter on the confines of eternal bliss. Both shall be united on the morning of the resurrection. Delightful pleasures will be developed to the expanding mind, mysteries will be solved, difficulties will be explained. Eternity shall be occupied with the study of Divine things. II. — We proceed to consider the inheritor of this rest. "The people of God." This title, formerly applied to the Jews, was either a national or religious distinction. But •WD m .ri-«- 104 THK HEAVENLY REST. now, when every man must bear his own burden ; whnn the piety of ancestors ; and the ceremonies of devotion are alike unavailable to admit us to the ''holy nation," the term refers exclusively to believers in Christ. They are his by redemption and sanctifying grace. Heaven is guarded by conditions. 1. The righteous alone are entitled to it The beauty of the scheme of redemption consists in its conformity to aD the Divine attributes; and this conformity is necessary to support Gx)d's moral government The blood of Christ procured no more than the possibility of our salvation. Only thus can " God be just, while the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus." 2. The righteous alone are capable of its pleasures- Happiness may be teraied the gratification of our desires* The desires of the ungodly are sinful. Happiness consists in a sense of right to projiriety. This the sinner cannot have. Then murmur not, the plan is laid, mercy as well as justice. ■ ■ • \ Such is the reward of the righteous. Encourage your- selves with the prospect of Canaan — it is promised. Be steadfast, immoveable, and courageous. Soon thou wilt find rest! See that your title is clear! We **see they could not enter in because of unbelief." "Let us, therefore, fear lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of us should seem to come short of it.'* Landou, 23rc2 Augunt, 1849. V , - - ' * ' ^ ^ 1 • i. ,;i' f'} As : '.''•. ' .:.,y.^m^ ii-l'»'.i'?'v;?-;As''nf ••<>, ..-';•;>,- 5 *V DIFFERENT RECEPTIONS OF THE GOSPEL. 105 »;> '^9l)''i^>il.^j!6^C^i'^p\f '' r-ffj h'M\ ibf."'<^t! H^Hi r-^^-' SERMON VI. DIFFERENT RECEPTIONS OF THE GOSPEL, ifK _, fiJ.'i-- . j. . *• And some believed the tbisga tbat were spoken, and lome believed not' * ... ..> Acts xxviiL 24. .. .;,.^.r The unbeaten path is invariably trodden with cautious fear. In any undertaking', the simple fact, that another has performed the same, inspires the mind with confidence and courage. The mariner, the traveller, the projector of a new enterprise. Such, doubtless, were the feelings of the Apostle Paul, the pilot of Gentile evangelization . Opposed by his brethren ; afflicted with the rigorous examination of magistrates and frequent imprisonment; fatigued and discouraged with a perilous voyage, he commences his Gospel message. The result of it upon the Jews, finally persuaded him, that the time of the Gentiles was fully come. I. — ^The text states two different receptions of the Gospel. 1. "Some believed." Hitherto, perhaps, they had strenuously adhered to many of the rites of the Levitical economy, though these were sadly interpolated with error and traditions of men. But seeing, by the conclusive argument of the Apostle, a plain connexion established be- tween theirs and the new and better dispensation, throwing off the trammels of prejudice, they acquiesced in the truth ; e2 >■ im*mimm 106 DIFFERENT RECEPTIONS OF THE GOSPEL, i V and admired this nobler and more expensive display of Divine compassion and infinite, love. ; Perhaps their belief led them, further, * to avow thoir principles not merely by words and declamations, but by sincere penitential sorrow. Paul preached unto them "Jesus and the resurrection ;" and it reached their hearts " in the demonstration of the spirit" And they anxiously inquired, " What shall we do fcD be saved ?" Possibly they evinced their faith still further, by accept- ing the terms of salvation, «nd " believing with hearts unto righteousness" — ^ ; 2. " S^me believed not*" They rejected the truth, as that which crucifies carnal propensities; quenches Pharisaic pride ; and disappoints delusive hope. Ignorance, din, and prc^udi^ oi^ercame the dictates of calm reason, and enlightened understanding. They either discarded the Gospel completely, or doubtingly halted between two opinions. Some circumstances seemed favourable to the genuineness of his sacred mission ; some were derogatory to ii' A minister of Christ, yet imprisoned : an em- bassador of peace, yet exciting riot and commotion : an adherent to the moral law and the prophets, yet upljraided and persecuted by son e of his fdlowjews. f II. — Such haa^been the reception of the Gospel in all ages of the world. It, therefore, i>ecome8 us to account for this solemn circumstance. In all our religious assemblies and communities, great and small, we have li^^ng, fearful demonstration of this. How is it? ;^v-Mh^ j\m^yv>nm^- 1. Not because of the difference of rainisterikl agency. This may account foi' some instances of. carnal slumber, but, comparatively few. The eloquent Apollos, and the leartied Paul ; the practical Peter, and the doctrinal James, all adapt their hallowed forces, to the variety of DIFFBRBNT REOEPTIONS OF THE GOSPEL. 107 human intellect and taste; and yet where these character- istics are combined in one minister, the same result follows. 2. Not because of different intelligence or acquired knowledge in the hearers. The Oospel is simple; ita profoundest depths may be digested by the peasant as by the scholar. 3. Nor because of the weakness or deficiency of solid, conclusive evidences of truth. The scruples of tortured ingenuity, kindled by aversion to the light, have all been ridiculed and confronted ; yet is there not always saving faith. 4. Not because some, more than others, are predisposed for salvation by religious training. 5. It is not necessary to accomplish any design of Pro- vidence. 6. Nor fulfil prophecy. ' ^ ' ' ^j^ ' 7. It is not necessitated by the fore-knowledge, cw thd predestination of God. How then is the problem solved ? The burden turns on man's own obstinacy. ^ Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." Salvation depends on our own volitions. And, what is more reasonable! What better corresponds with thy relations to Him; or with thj eternal happiness? ^^. ^r^^ 1. This twofold view of G-ospel heiarers, should excite in the church joyful giiatitude, commingled with previous anxiety. •;.-»•;-,./,,/•: J,. : ^,;.. ,--,.„.. .. 2. Exhort the sinner. Lmdon, 25th August, 1849; yni<*i'<:- Utii-^^--^ x.3i4K^ 108 OBBDIBNOB REQUISITE TO THE PE&FEOT K:^ SERMON VII. OBEDIENCE REQUISITE TO THE PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF RELIGIOUS TRUTH. " If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whetlier it be ofGod,or whether I speak of myself."— JoBM vii. 17. -r. .n»4.: i- r The evidences of Christianity are suited to the sinfuhiess as well as ignorance of man. Arguments, plain and conclusive, rise in rich abundance from history and science, and boldly confront every stratagem of scepticism. These may be regarded as the main pillars, or external barriers of truth, which defend Scripture from the invasion of ingenious subtility. But there is a hidden energy, lurking in the inmost recesses of every soul, which stands firm and daring before the array of all external evidence. That enemy is sin — ^inherent unbelief; and nothing but experimental holinesi?, practical piety, can destroy his do- minion. Most of the objections to a Divine revelation, arise rather from this natural aversion, than from any doubt of its authenticity ; nor can they be better answered than in the evangelical language of the text, "If any man, &c." The Jews had beheld our Lord's most extraordinary miracles; and had seen prophecy literally fulfilled, in the daily events of his life, and yet they acknowledged not his KNOWLEDGE OF RELIOXOCS TRUTH. 109 divinity. They had heard the whimsical objectioiu) urged by Scribes and Pharisees ridiculed and exposed; but their infidel inquiry still was, <*!£ thou be the Christ, tell us plainly." Christ selected a special occasion to propound a new evidence of his misdon — ^the Jewish feast of Tabernacles. He delayed his coming, to excite their curious expectations. " About the midst of the feast, Jesus went up into the Temple and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them and said, My doctrine is not mine but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." The doctrine proposed is, that obedience to the truth is essential to a perfect knowledge of Divine things. We shall jirst consider this "doing of his will," as forcibly strengthening other arguments ; and secondly, as furnishing a class of evidence peculiar to itself. I. — " Doing the will of God," is an aid to the external arguments of Christianity, In the study of all human sciences we must be disposed by a natural taste. But as we can have no taste for Divine subjects, till we acquire it by inward holiness, it follows, that the religious knowledge of the mere scholar, is superficial compared with that of tlie true believer. The former examines the sacred subject to detect errors; the latter to discover the excellencies. To the one it is a tedious duty; to the other it is a delightful privilege. 1. The existence, wisdom, and goodness of Gkxl are demonstrated in nature. To man, unbiased by carnal enmity, this would conclusively appeal to his understanding and heart. But mark the difference between the conclusion of the sinner and the Christian I Let a disbeliever in Revelation study the works of nature, no OBBDIBNOE REQUISITE TO THE PERFECT and induce the existence of a first cause; not only will his knowledge be insufScient, but will involve many dif- ficulties and contradictions. The dominant sin of his heart will sooner surest objections than evidences. Or let one satisfied of Scripture truth examine nature. In his religious inquiries, he will judge sacred subjects at the bar of human reason. Neither the judge nor witnesses are competent to the task — and his conclusions will be very indifferent. But hand the book of nature to the believer, and with different feelings will he peruse it, and extract its testimony. 2. The providence of God display hia moral government to man. Appropriate and just as these are, they require to be viewed with a more penetrating instrument than reason or philosophy. DiflSculties are solved, mysteries are received by the believer. "This is the Lord's doing; and it is marvellous in our eyes." 3. The authenticity of Scripture, is established by the fulfilment of prophecy. Plain and authoiitative as this evidence is, alas ! how has it been abused ! Figures have been misconstrued ; and that which was designed as a key to unlock sacred truth, has doubly closed it in ignorance and uncertainty on the sons of unbelief. They were not studied by prayer — flight was not sought through the proper medium. But with ease and delight can the believer recognise, not merely in the genei-al progress of the Go^el, aftd the history of the Church, but in his own happy experience, their fulfilment. 4. The Divine inspiration of the Bible is demonstated by miracles. But how differently are these viewed by the unregenerated sinner, and the meek, obedient disciple. Christ restores a manjac. The former says, "He casteth out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of the devils:" the latter," How can a man th^t is a sinner do such miracles f } ' ' KNOWLEDGE OF RELIGIOUS TRUTH. Ill And so in all evidences; — carnal enmity will hide the beauty and force of religion. II. — But there are many arguments peculiar to practical holiness. Enter within the vail, and there you will find many precious gems, which, though connected with other arguments, are characterized by &x more beauty and force. l.'To him, the Justice of God appears — rather, it is felt in his heart He has carefully examined the whole basis of his atonement ; and being sprinkled with his precious blood, he glorifies the scheme which acquits God as just, and yet provides for the justification of him that believeth m Jesus., ft- .,^-i.ij!^-.ii; i.*,i", ■ :. i;^xf«i.- •; 2. He realizes the love of God. Woixls cannot describe it The spirit of truth testifies his adoption into the Divine ftmily. 3. The fulfilment of the Divine promises, is, to a great extent, dependent on practical righteousness. 4. The facts of Christian biography, and our dwn ex- perience prove this. 1. If these things are so, how important it is, that we do his will. Belief is based upon knowledge; and the exquisite departments of religious knowledge can only be developed by practice. ♦ 2. How flimsy and invalid are all objections to Christi- anity. The uiibeliever judges concerning that which he knows not -n- i^ii^V^i-^. .'^■>f^■•;H^^! ■!■^}.^.f'l'l;,ii,■^.^^ r-^-»i^i-^( London, ZUtAugtiat, \8► jtoh 1'^ ^ie- :f ' , . * '■. (•»;•< , ■ f ■ - t ■ * ■•? ■- • ' i ' - " ' ' ■ '" '"'i ■ « * I ' ■' ... ..-V ■ ''■TNfei:S'^(:rV.,j»! >^■^^/!'»«rj^m^^^t6^iw■^ - . -s * ■ ■■■. ji'" •4*''-'*f * i '-•■'* ' ■^*' *> 112 SPIRITUAL WORSHIP. * ,,;^ A' .'♦I/', ;k?» '• SERMON VIII. *>•;•! *;.:•; SPIRITUAL WORSHIP. •f.; (PRBACHBD AT AN OFEITINO SERVICK.) '• Jaus aaith unto lier, Woman, believe me, the hour eometh, when ye ■hall neither in thia mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem worship tlie Father. ** Ye worship ye know not what ; we know what we worship \ for Salvation is of the Je^f . «, ::■ .-J9?f>imy>^k\r}!^' W lj>- r.:- ' r v\ ;t,;.,,".. v ;-n -. .I.V?.'. '\\'HV-">\\''/-,ii i'r -.■I -'> ■ j'- ^^'- u^i)-':i<.< ?• M' ij.^r (.j-fA d !■•• M ( 1 ■ ' i,,^ i .<>'?!H l';:';'''1 fii'*;.>il ;;.»!;>' '■■■iu^ii '♦■ ji'" ■!»!f'''^;."'>''ViJ' I i CHRIBTIAM IIOOBRATION. 117 4 ii-'- -ij 1 SERMON X. CHKItTIAN MODERATION. " Let your tu the allotments of rewards and punishments. 4 astly, it points us to a new state of being in the invisible world. Then let this moderation be made known. In us the world expect the standard of a holiness they know not. Sinner, the Lord is at hand! •,. . ],, , /ji , London, 2\st Oct., I9i9 ' ' 118 THK SANCTUARY, THB PLACE OF SERMON XL THE SANCTUARY, THE PLACE OF THE DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS. ." Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary."— Psalm Ixxvit. 13. .ufj'i; si^ t V5 '> i "t'< ^^^^'^ hX-C^S The nature and attributes of Jehovah far transcend human) conception. " As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." He is " glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders." From this solemn and humiliating view, the cold philosophy of un- sanctified reason would suggest a being, so glorious, as to despise the minute concerns of man — so mysterious, as to preclude any knowledge of his character — and so majestic, as to be utterly inaccessible to man. Such absolute ideas of the Divine perfection are derived from the vain notions of earthly honour. But inspiration induces feelings and thoughts far more worthy the character of God. Here the condescension of his majesty — the love of his gi-eatness — the partial clearness of his mighty designs — and the com- passionate justice of his moral government, demand the blended reverence, obedience, and love of his creator. Judaism, with her pompous ceremony, developed the Almighty in some of his most glorious relations to the world. Nor were the sublime contemplations of his glory h ) THE DIVINE MANIFEBTATIOKS. 119 restricted to the poetry of David. The humblest faith could always realize " a part of the ways" of Deity. Three manifestations of the Deity are comprised in this Psalm : his guardian providence^ his control and influence over the material elements, and, especially, his peculiar ex- hibition to his people. We will not maintain that the Psalmist in the word " Sanctuary" referred exclusively to the public temple or place of worship. Doubtless, he alludes to his manifestation to his people under any cir- cumstances. However, by using the term "Sanctuary," he clearly indicates the solemn importance ever associated with public worship. It will be profitable for us to illus- trate and account for the truth contained in these words : I. — "Thy way, O God, is in the Sanctuary." The enmity between God and our sinful race has screened the ways of his Spiritual presence from a degene- rate world ; but upon the Church, the footstool of his heavenly throne, he has ever abundantly reflected his glory, and in " very deed dwelt with men on the earth." This is illustrated in the revelation of his will. Gen. XV. 9 ; Ex. iii. 6. Here the Israelites consulted the de- cisions of his will — plagues were averted — Judgments re- voked. Isa. vi. 2. His way of convincing sinners is in the Sanctuary. Not only under the Jewish dispensation. 3,000 at the Pentecost. 3. His way of converting sinners is here. The peace of God is obtained by faith in Christ. The society of his worshipping people, admiringly adapted to call it ii.to exercise. 4. His way of edifyfng his people. Psa. Ixxiii. 3*7 ; Ixviii. 6 ; Ixiii. 2. 5. His way of extending his work is here. 120 THK SANOTUARY, diO. r r f... t 1 ;. 1 IL — ^We inquire the reason of God's peculiar favour to the Sanctuary. 1. That the glory of his kingdom may be impressively revealed to the world. Psa. xlviii. 12, 13. 2. Because in the Sanctuary many sacred principles and feelings are induced — ^form of worship, unity of people — excite rememberances — stimulate to action. 3. That his presence may be long remembered. 4. Because it is a type of heaven. 1. Let us be frequent in our attendance here. 2. Let us be reverent in our devotion. 3. Let us be encouraged to faith and zeal. . -J Jv: 1 _ We solicit your contributions. London, 27th Oct., 1849. .4h -t i^' j ■: . V' >:■<}■ V " -_'... >_ -yii hyl^^)AV->f^^r ■■■: -■; ; / ;h i \ f GOOD WINS A-I THB BND OF THB FEAST. 121 / SERMON XII. GOOD WINE AT THE END OF THE FEAST. ** Every man at the begianing doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now."— John ii. 10. The miracles of Christ are eminently distinguished from the impostures of magic, by their sacred design and ten- dency. While eager curiosity is fully satisfied, and Divine power f".lly established, some important principle connected with his kingdom may be profitably induced from them all. The connexion of the text is an illustration of all this. Had the governor of the feast pursued this principle further, it would have developed a glorious characteristic in Christianity. The characteristic is the aggressiveness we may trace since the world began. We purpose, ^r«#, to present you with some illustrations of this feature ; and secondly f to assign some reasons for it L — We direct you to a few illustrations of this feature. 1 . In the revelation of his will to the world. 2. In the prosperity of his Church. 3. In the displays of his Providence. ' 4. In the history of the believer. II. — We assign some reasons. - • 1. In order to distinguish his kingdom from the world. 2. To impress the world with its importance. ' ' 3. To evidence the tmth of Christianity. ; ' 4. To stimulate us to advancement. " The end is not yet." ;; London, llih Nov., 1849. F 122 THB IKTBRCE88ION OF CHRIST. 1 i w:^- SERMON XIII. , THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST. " Wfaerefinra he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing be ever llveth to malce Intercession for them."— Hbb. vii. 35. I t. I.— We consider the intercession of Christ. The ,word signifies a pleading, or coming between. It is the continual presentation before the throne of the atone- ment once made at his death. Considered in this light, it implies no defect in his propitiatory sacrifice. Neither is it designed as an assistance to that sacrifice. The inter- cession of Christ is an indispensable o£Sce of his priesthood ; and only shows the continual efficacy of a sacrifice, ofiered once, and fully satisfying the demands of justice. As the entering of the Levitical priesthood into the holy place from time to time was not considered from the ofiering of the oblation ; but essential to the acceptable sprinkling of the blood before the mercy-seat: so the intercession of Christ is only the carrying out of his redeeming plan — a sprinkling of the blood before the throne for us. We are accustomed to concentrate the whole importance of re- demption in the act of death alone; yet this detracts not at all firom the value and necessity of his intercession. True, the point of atonement and expiation lies in his death. In expiring on the cross the great ransom was paid, and the work of re xjnciliation was eminently " finished ;" yet f THE INTBRCESSION OF CHRIST. 123 he must continue to plead our cause. And just as certain legal proceedings — as signing documents, and employing witnesses, tliQugh comparatively minute and unimportant in themselves, are strictly necessary to a valid and perma- nent title to property : so was the " entering of Christ into the holy-place," though not a part of the atonement, was requisite in order to our insurance of the provided salvation. Hence the sacred writers associated the collateral events of his resurrection, ascension, and intercession with the pri- mary and essential event of his death. "Who was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justifi- cation." — Rom. iv. 25. " For I delivered unto you, first of all, that which I received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." — 1 Cor. xv. 3, 4. "Who is he that condemn- eth ? It is Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again, who is ever at the right hand of God, who also m^eth intercessions for us." — Rom. viii. 34. " When he had by himself purged our sins, he sat down on the throne of the majesty on high." — Heb. i. 3. O, infinite wisdom ! O, boundless compassion! O, rigid justice! how gloriously have you conspired in securing the validity and perma- nency of the redeeming scheme,— answering every demand, .ind sealing every covenant — establishing yet more firmly thy righteous, moral government — ^and blessedly ensuring a " strong consolation" to us, " who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us !" II. — We, secondly, observe the efficiency of Christ's intercession. " He is able, also, to save them to the utter- most, that come unto God by him." 1. By the fact of his intercession he proves himself as God to be the proper object of faith. The many proofs of N ., 124 THS IKTBR0B88ION OF OURIST. i ( !' ; t ! his Divinity which accompanied his incarnation constrain us to " behold him the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth;" but all these evidences are sealed and consummated by his appearance on the mediatorial throne. It shows he has fulfilled the Father's will; he has entered into "the joy set before him;" he has conquered the powers of death and hell. Here is a firm and ample basis for Uving faith. Gome, thou impenitent sinner, present thy heart to God I Repent and be converted ! The inex- haustable fulness of grace will supply all your need. Come, trembling penitent ! " God is your salvation, trust and be not afraid .^' The treaty of reconciliation is signed : your sins, which are many, will be forgiven. ^ ■- . -' ^i 2. His ability to save is farther seen in the access which he has procured to the Father for us. <* Through him, we have access by one spiiit unto the Father." Th« oblations of Israel could not be accepted unless the high- priest entered into the holy place. Nor can our suppli- cations and services be available without the mediation of the Son of God. We may acknowledge the supremacy and power of God ; yet this cannot cancel the guilt of our innate and practical rebellion. We may determine and avow future obedience to his grace; yet justice would spurn the sacrifice without a mediator. We might appeal to every attribute of love and compassion, but in vain. The atonement of Christ must be seen. The incense of our sacrifice must be purified, by a passage through his intercession. " There is one mediator between God and men, that man Christ Jesus." The frequent infirmities and unfaithfiilness of believers require " such an High-Priest." 3. By his intercession, the promised spirit, and his accompanying blessings are sent down. " Thou hast as- THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST. 125 cended on high, thou hast led captivity captive : thou hast received gifts for men ; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Loi'd might dwell among them." — Ps. Ixviii. 18. "It is expedient for you, that I go away, for if I go not away the Comforter will not come to you ; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." — John xvi. 7. But that his interces- sion was the means by which the Spirit was sent, appears from John xiv. 16: "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter, tliat he may abide with you forever." Mark the fulfilment of this crowning promise — in the extension of truth, the success of the Gospel, and the scantification a' id edification of the saints. He is called the " Spirit of Christ." All the blessings of " the latter day glory" are pendant on the meditorial Uirone of Christ. 4. Christ is able to save to the uttermost, because of the permanence of his intercession. " He ever liveth to make intercession for them." The ardour of the Church may decline — prayer may dwindle to cold formality ; but Jesus is " the same, yesterday, to-day, and forever." 5. The place of his intercession assures us, — III. — Lastly, observe the condition on which we partake of this salvation. We must " come unto God by him." Coming unto God, here as elsewhere, signifies faith. It is this which brings us morally near the Saviour. Your prayers will not be forced through the channel of a Saviour's mediation. Your salvation has been rendered possible. The way of acceptance is open. " Come, for all things are now ready !" 1. Your capability to perform these conditions de- mands it. 2. The means which God has employed for your salvation demand it. Where then, you ask, is the impor- 126 THS INTERCESSION OF CHRIST. t 1 i tance of such a Saviour's intercession ? In the way he has oj>ened to the Father, and the blessings he pours upon us. This interferes not at all with your moral agency. ■"■ From what has been said, learn, — 1. The sinfulness of sin. ; 2. The nature of genuine prayer. ^- , 3. Be encouraged by Christ's intercession. ■ ■■■■^A '"" 4. Come unto God by him. London, 24lh Nov , 1849. '. . .K ' ■'.•i'-'j'" ' -/'h :'";'(/^-, : " ■' J'-^Y r:.>*iiti* \:\i '.iil^Ti r,'- ;JJ.- ji- •'•'f/-^V ■. i';ki.''iti^:'l- '^ ,;■■! •.^i'■c.;^ ], ■il\^\-\h " '.li' .'.i'-'.V!?'? 'J i . I'h. • li : '.* ' !.' ."'^aV •". 1 nvtK" -.;■■;:; lir ■ Xl'f -4 •"(*,■< ■■ '■■'-'•»:•?% :.:|- ■ -ki '5^'' '■ '^^ '■ ,'* ' \^ 'f^: ■;:-;^;**f'' .,.?■■'>. • . ' i"'"' w^^^> I -■ ^*; . ;'!«> '^i*' ■ jK;iii- '<■! ■. .:''^;^^}m) .*/ <...(-•'• ^«'•,■ /(• V^- ■ » CHRIST TESTIFIED BY TUB PROPHETS. 127 -f.' ■■i''>:VV>-;tj tondon, Ibth Dec, 1849, m'' ' 128 THE YOUNQ MAM 8 WAY OLSANSEP. ■^ ■ ^ ♦. .■'••r SERMON XV. TlIE YOUNG MAN^S WAY CLEANSED, v ** Whercv\'ithal ;ihall a ynuni; man cTeanse hiH wny 7 By taking heed thereto according U) thy word."— Psalms exix. 9. The brevity of human life is a humiliating and important consideration. Every stage of it comprises a serious part of a solemn and interesting drama. Man, with all his in- firmities, from the cradle to the tomb, is the most highly favoured object of the Divine regard. If one stage / his history be more responsible and attractive than another, ic is youth. In infancy and childhood, the dawn of inteDect is carelessly regarded as an omen of future gi'eatness ; and men generally disdain to criticise the promising features of In's character. In mature manhood and old age, few, except the poet and the sage, contemplate a state so com- mon, and so seldom in> iting admiration ; and so the hoary headed mortal is allowed to descend this declivity of life, and to rest peacefully in his native dust. But the youth lies between these two extremes. On him is spent the opinions and forebodings, whether of good or evil, of all. His physical energies have attained their full development. His education is completed ; and like a bark fitted for the voyage, he is prepared to meet the changes and the difii- culties of the sea of life. Friends look on him with TBS YOUKO MANe WAT 08BANSJED. 129 affectionate interest^ and strangers with eager curiosity. His qualifications and calling are the theme of conversation. Satan secretly devises destruction. His associatea fondly wish him prosperity ; but cannot point the way. He thoughtfully purposes to himself a solemn question, " Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way f " A voice from the sacred oracle responds, ** By taking heed thereto according to thy word." Ist, The young man's way; 2nd, A question proposed concerning it; 3rd, An appropriate answer. I. — The young man's way. . \ •. . ..>.,,-. It is of vast importance. — 1. The future interests of life are based upon it Habits formed now, will stamp the future man. All experience goes to show the misfortune of neglecting this auspicioua period. 2. It may be a way of personal happiness. The morning forebodes the day. ^ 3. It may be a way of usefulness. Thousands may be benefitted by his influence, or destroyed. 4. It will be a way of changes. They are the lot of all. The most prosperous must submit . *. 5. It tends to an eternal destiny. He must go the way of all flesh. This is the end of all. How important the young man's way ! II. — Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way ? A question distinguished from that of many peculiar to Christianity. 1. It supposes the poUution of the natural heart. 2. This question inquires concering his future interests in life. 3. It refers to his eternal welfare. f2 ^^1^-. I w 130 THK YOUNO MAN B WAY CLKAN8KD. III. — An admirable answer. " By taking heed thereto, according to thy word." This word is the beat interpreter of Providence. 1 . By obtaining at the commencement a change of heart. X 2. By studying the path of Providence. '8. Quarding against the seductions of the adversary.' 4. By continuance in the way of holiness. ' '»*• ' "^^ [Address young men. Urge the claims of Sabbath Schools.] ,^,,,.^, „^,^.., V^^'-j;■ London^ I9th Dec.t 1849. .()■■■•- i. 'Al' •»■;•<• •• • V. , ■ ■ •; I 'It ' t 1 »:•;. OOO IN THE MIDST OF THE CHURCH. 131 ■--■'- nil f.. : . t \:!i;.., fu^m '.innt' SERMON XVI. .'. Mn' tflMit ft'>» >.'erveth Ohrirt, is acceptable to God, and ap- proved of men."— Rom. zir. 18. Man, a dependent and social being. Religion teaches us to secure the favour of God and the approval of each other. This can be done without compromising any prin- ciple of truth. State the connexion. I. — ^The Christian "acceptable to God." The whole work of Christ was in conjunction with the Father's will. And he that serveth Christ is approved of God. 1. Serving Christ " in these things," we fulfil the pur- pose of God in our creation. 2. In our redemption. . ,, .... 3. In the gift of the Holy Ghost ; ,. 4. In the means of grace. *. , „ V • , II. — He is approved of men. That is, by all men. „ 1. There exists in man a principle that appreciates virtue. 2. The happiness of the believer appears to reason. 3. It is the interest of man. 4. Or the Apostle may speak prosp+Hitively, in reference to his final approval of men at the judgment day. 1. Let us learn a proper regard for the true disciples of Christ. , ^ ., . ,. 2. See the standard of a Christian. , 8. Let us feel our responsibility. Brantf0rd,* 1st March, 1850. * He was there at the time'of the composition of this sketch, on a visit to his mother and family, while his father supplied for him. li- 136 A 0I1ARO8 TO TBB BlCtC^ SERMON XIX. A CHARGE TO THE RICH. ** Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor (nut in uncertain riche*. but in the living ^^lod, who giveth ua richly all thiqgs to enjoy t That they do good, he rich in good wor]iB, t«ady to dialribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselvea a good foundation •gainst the thoe to come, that they may lay bold on eternal lift." 1 Tix. Ti. 17— i». The authority of the Gospel to rebuke the rich. I. — ^The dangers incident to their state. 1. Pride- 2. Anxiety. 3. Neglect of Christian ordinances. 4. Spiritual ease. II. — An important ch-^rge. 1. " Be not high-minded." 2. "Trust not in uncertain riches." 3. Trust " in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." 4. " That they do good, that be rich in good works." 6. " Ready to distribute." 6. " Willing to communicate." 7. " Laying up in store for theriselves a good founda- tion against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." London, 9tk JMarcit, 1850. CHRISTIAN CONFIDENCE. 187 /■ ■^ ■■t'lr. 'tii\'>' •'• ■ • 1..',' ji«r y- '-■: ■'. SERMON XX. CHRISTIAN CONFIDENCE. - .•.'•4'>!^.; ' .j;ti? *• Cost not away thereibre your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward."— Heb. x. 35. ■.I.. . Clearly established principles are essential to moral rec- titude and abiding happiness. We have many reasons to presume, that notwithstanding the imperfection and de- generacy of man, the human mind cannot rest complacently on erroneous theories. Look at the heathen world, and mark the indecision and uncei*tainty exemplified in their opinions and practice, plainly depicting the conflict of speculation and tmth in their breasts. Socrates, though admitting the immortality of the soul, was utterly perplexed as to the character of man's eternal destiny: and thus neither he nor his disciples were impelled by any solid and elevating motive to pursue the path of virtue. Cicero, though superior to the superstitious age in which he hved, had but little stronger stimulus to virtue, than the happi- ness which it conferred on earth. His mental visions could view rewards no higher, and his anticipations settled on earthly good, and feasted their desires on the limited pleasures of this trancient scene. Look at the" infidel ! Tortured by the light that shines into his darkness, his spirit writhes in uneasiness, and groans in terror. While he dares present his ingenious speculations to the v^orld, r 138 CHRISTIAN CONFIDENCE. an inward voice proclaims his guilt ; and leaves him trem- bling in bewildering uncertainty. Look at the impenitent sinner. Though in the society of the scorning multitude of transgressors, he assumes their maddening laugh and hellish blasphemies ; yet in the reflections of solitude, conscience spreads the cloud of guilt around him, and all is misery and disquietude. With terrific, though unseen power, the awful voice of sacred truth thunders its tre- mendous verdict to his heart, and shakes the empire of the man of sin. ** In vain his trembling conscience seeks. Some solid ground to rest upon; With long despair his spirit breaks. Till he applies to God alone." Look at the contrite sinner. His self-righteousness has been shivered by the lightning of the law ; and his soul trembles in anguish and uncertainty, till his faith builds upon the rock of salvation. Therefore, by the moral evils and sore miseries attendant upon error and uncertainty, Christianity, displaying doctrines the most excellent, sub- lime, and unequivocal, demands our universal veneration and attention. The all-wise Jehovah, seeing that clear and decided views of himself; the duties incumbent upon us; and the final rewards annexed to those duties, were essential to our happiness, and the maintenance of his moral government, has established his tmth upon im- moveable pillars; and presented it to us for our confident reception. The Apostle Paul, deprecating the dangers to which the Hebrew church was exposed by the means of of Judaizing impostures, fairly discusses every objection to our favoured dispensation ; and establishes its divinity by incontrovertible arguments. Then, appeahng more person- Ally to the past experience of the church, and warning CHRISTIAN CONFIDENCE. 139 them of unsteadiness, he says, " Call to remembrance the former days:" verse 32. By the simplicity with which you once received a faithfully dispensed Gospel ; by the steadfastness you evinced to your living head ; by the joys of holiness that glowed within your breasts ; by that stead- fast hope, which ever pointed your faith to "the better in- heritance." " Cast not away therefoi*© your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." The nature and value of the Christian's confidence. The exhortation funiished in the text concerning it. I. — ^The nature of the Christian's confidence. The word indicates deep conviction: firm persuasion. It is not a natural but a spiritually implanted principle. A veil of thick darkness separates the dignities of the Divine nature, and the glories of the spiritual kingdom from the vision of the natural man. " The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God ; for they are foolishness unto him ; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned:" 1 Cor. ii. 14. Ii is a confidence which is of the operation of the Divine Spirit. 1. It is induced by a knowledge and clear conviction of the truth of the Gospel. Had the evidences of Christianity been left wholly in mystery, in vain we had groped for the light of truth, or sought some solid basis for our faith and hope. Blessed be God ! we are not left in this predica- ment. " We have line upon line, precept upon precept." Were it not for the inveteracy of prejudice and the selfish- ness of sin, none would doubt the authenticity of inspired truth. Absolute ignorance is incompatible with any state of grace. Our faith is not an illusion of fancy ; the dream of a morbid imagination, " it stands in the power of God." 2. It is promoted by a personal experience of the blessings of salvation. It was to this experience that the H 140 CHRISTIAN CONFIDBNOE. Apostie appealed in the connexion of Uie text. Such are the influences of grace, that the vision of faith cannot bo satisfactory and clear, till we have felt the renewing ener- gies of the Holy Ghost, y .. ;* T i M ..t;.i*<;i>* '. 3. It is a believing expectation of all the precious promises of truth. To the believer they are " yea and amen." 4. It is an hope of immortality. " Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, aiid which entereth in to that within the vail." II. — The value of his confidence. It "hath great re- compense of reward." The expression is peculiar and forcible. Its value is unspeakable. And in dwelling on this feature of our subject, I must appeal to the special subjects of indwelling grace : — « . 1. It brings with it that basis of all true happiness, a satisfaction of our acceptance with God. This is the foundation of the superatructure of grace in the heart. The grand remedy of the perplexity and luiseiy of sin. It carries an unequivocal evidence. Constitutional diffidence, or melancholy, cannot drown the testifying voice of the Spirit of God. The privilege of all. The accusations of conscience cease. The conflict of flesh and spirit is over. " Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" Rom. v. 1. 2. It opens to the mind vast funds of spiritual know- ledge. The discoveries of the mind in a state of indecision are opinions, not settled truth. Many of them tend rather to annoy than satisfy the soul. But let faith be once satis- fied of its acceptance with God, and it will explore with reverence, yet confidence, the deep things of God. Eph. iii. 16— 18. . : . 3. It stimulates to spiritual ambition, in the attainment CHRISTIAN OONFIDENCK. Ul of spiritual good: in the performances of ..^iritual duties; in the endurance of trials. 4. It brings an earnest of future bliss. Cheered by the glorious prospect of immortality, " We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." 6. But what are these preparatory principles of joy, to that heavenly felicity which it opens to the believing soul. " There, faith in sight is swallowed up, "And prayer in endless praise." III. — ^The Apostle's exhortation. "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which Iiath great recompense of reward." The peaceful Church had been invaded by the seduc- tions of Judaizing teachers. 1. " Cast not away," because of these erroneous doctrines. 2. Because of the wordly pleasures you might secure. 3. Because of trials and afflictions. 4. Because of gloomy reflections. 1. Let me urge this duty on you as Christians. ' 2. Sinnerj I exhort you by the value of this confidence to secure it! • < i •' Londqn, 15th, Marcht 1850. r 142 ^ HKAVBKLT WISDOM. ■'l^t"- i,.,W' ' •'■^A^-tn^^^ . K' ■*-.. .'• ■ •-*', I*. - .-'W \ SERMON XXI. HEAVENLY WISDOM. ■,.•5:; ^..Vfl' is . ^^.;r "But the wiidom that is from above, la first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, Aill of mercy and good fruits, without (xirtiality and hypocrisy."— Jamu ill. 17. \xeitf<. ',-* ■ Earthly wisdom deceptive ; true wisdom from God. 1. The nature; 2. The properties of this wisdom. , \ I. — The nature of this wisdom. Wisdom in its common acceptation, signifies either natural intelligence, or acquired knowledge. In consistence with both these meanings, it may be defined, "" a faculty exercised in forming the best plans, for the attainment of the best ends." This definition will appeal with equal force to every man's candid judgment Arguments drawn from experience would attest the claims of religion to this. But enough to say, it is derived from God. If this wisdom of the world be from God, why is man so miserable ? 1. But here is a principle imparted by a being of infi- nite knowledge. ' 2. Whose foresight extends through ages. 3. The displays of his wisdom are connected with the utmost compassion of benevolence. II. — ^The properties of this wisdom. \ 1. It is "pure;' 2. "Tlien peaceable." i. HKAVSNLY WISDOM. r 143 8. " Gentle, and easy to be entreated." 4. " Full of mercy and good fruits." 6. "Without partiality." /" 6. " And ithout hypocrisy." 1. Enforce the practical exemplification of this wisdom on all believers. ' ' ^ "■' ' 2. Urge the importance of its attainment on sinners. London^ 22iid Marck^ 1850, *, * »■■ f ;• ■! i; >'A ^■■s-'.ff;' fk !"» ' ,fH" ^-f'- ' r- 144 THK HUMILIATION OF CHRIST. S, ' SERMON XXII. THE HUMILIATION OF CHRIST. " He hath no form nor comeliness, and when we ihall see hhn, there it no beauty, that we abould desire biiii."— Isa. liii 9. The evidence of prophecy. I. — The aspect in which Christ is presented to us in the text " He hath no form nor comeliness." Some suppose these words refer to the personal appearance of the Messiah. Others, that they refer only to his humiliation. How appropriately may they be used, — , 1. In striking conti'ast with his pre-existent glory. 2. As a disappointment of the erroneous expectations of men. 3. In reference to the peculiai* sorrows of his Ufe. 4. With regard to his passion and death. II. — But the text, by implication, teaches there is some beauty in Christ. Though not detected by the eye of sense. It lies under the veil of humanity. There is beauty — 1. In the principle by which he was moved to offer himself. 2. In the design of his life. .3. In the object of his death. 4. In the glorious result«<. London, ^7th Mar'Jt, 1850. THE RS8URIUI0TION OF I.AEARU8. MJVi't r . ■•»i.'r. "'»•' 145 r SERMON XXIII. vl THE RESURRECTION OF LAZARUa .'•.•.'. ./• ,* ** Jesui wept"— JoBN xi. 35. ,/ ,X:-\ 7 ifV^rv.. Our Lord identified himself with families, as well as public circles of society. His most stupendous miracles were rare, yet striking. Tou will regard this text rather as a clue to the interesting narrative with which it stands in connection, than as the immediate foundation of our present remarks. I. — ^Mark the circumstances preceding the death of Lazarus. 1. A pious, respectable fiumly. 2. Was the brother of Mary. 3. Jesus refused to raise him itom. sickness. 4. He went to his usual ministerial duties. IL Contemplate the circumstances connected with the miracle. 1. He knew though absent the event of the death of Lazarus. 2. He tries the faith of the sisters. 3. Mark the sorrow of our Lord. ^ He groaned in the G 146 THX RBSURRBOTION OF LAZABU8. spirit and was troubled.'' He '^wept" in sympathy; in contemplation of death, because of their unbelief. 4. Martha disbelievefi — is reproved. 5. Christ acknowledges the token that his prayer was heard. ^ IILp-Obeerve the miracle. 1. It was performed by his own inherent, Divine power 2. ** Lazarus, come forth !" Apply the subject spuritually. ■'■frfi-myi ■ London, ^(k MareK l^^* II iiU. BBLIBVSIUL RISBN WITH OBRIST. HI SERMON XXIV. BELIEVERS RISEN WITH CHRIST. ** If ye then be risen with Ghrist, seek tbpw thlngi which are above, where Christ sitteth on the ri^t hand of God>'— Col. iii. 1. Insufficiency of human reason — Errors which it pro- duced — ^Types unnecessary under the Christian dispensation — ^Paul's argument, and exhortation. We have, Believers risen with Christ — Heavenly things presented to their view — ^An exhortation founded on their dignified position. I. — Believers are risen with Chr'it. This is the pre- rogative of the Christian dispensation. 1. In the scale of being. 2. In the attainment of Divine knowledge (1.) Our knowledge of God is increased — ^his will^ ,«,r-,'v .,5. ;;;,;..' ;---U.> 1.1, iij .rfltK»a\ti)i};^i " ;,.v*t' l-»"^; ■>...'. , ■ ' . . V ^vvi;4i,A'^,;;i •■'^K^'Cri!.- JiU'it^t: ' Hi •^-jIH;^ t-«iui^ >«.i ^i '&'V'.-i b"{|<^-: ii>n^»-' >■! J- THB 8PIRIT OF CHRIST, ETC. 140 SERMON XXV. THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, THE ESSENTIAL •V PORTION OF EVERY TRUE BELIEVER. ■' Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his.'* Rom. Viii. 9. We propose t' .lin, and to enforce this requisition. I.— We proceed to explain the terms of the text. 1. « He is none of his." That is, of Christ',^. Wliat is it to be his ? The context shows them to bo the acceptable children of God ; thv y are created by his power — preserved by his providence — fed from his table — and clothed from his ward-robe. But this general meaning cannot be ap- plied to the terms — " of his" — or the children of Christ. "■ They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts:" Gal. v. 24. Christ is the anointed of the Father, and in order to be his, we must fulfil the saving purposes of him, " who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity ; and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works:". Tit. ii. 14. (1.) To be Christ's, is to be a believer in his doctrines. By his doctrines I do not mean all those minor opinionp, which to some extent, may be entertained without affecting the essential truths of Christianity; but those great doc- 160 THE SPIRIT OF CHUI8T, TH£ KS8ENTIAL •I trines which are intekwoven with our redemption and salvation. In them all true believers are united ; and they mutually recognize " One Lord, one faith, one baptism :" the being of God, depravity of the human heart, the atonement c Jhrist, inward holiness, necessary to present and eternal happiness. These doctrines have reflected an instructive light upon their understanding; an^I thence proceeded to convict their conscience, and to renovate their heart. " Qod who comman'^.cd the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in their he^rto to give the light of the gloiyof God in the face of Jesus Christ:" 2 Cor.iv.6. They believe with hearts unto righteousness; and believing, they have life through his name. . (2.) To be his, is to be adopted in his family. Christ, by his sacrifice, has procured all the privileges of the sons of God. "Ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." Through him they have constant access unto the Father. Through the merit of his sufferings and death all their guilt is cancelled. " There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the fledh, but after the spirit:" Rom. viii. 1. (3.) It- is to walk in accordance with his will. As they are his property, he claims their service ; as they are his children, he claims their obedience : and as in redeeming them, he procured every thing necessary for entire con- formity to his law, he demands their allegiance in right- eousness as his due. "Ye are bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and spirits which are his." The covenant of gi-ace, m superseding the covenant of works, demands perfect holiness ; and its commandments are not grievous but joyous. (4.) Being Christ's, also implies that we are heirs of his kingdom. By him "we have access unto this grace, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." " If children PORTION OF BV£RY TRUE BELIEVER. ut then heirs, heirs with God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with hira, that we may be also glorified together:" Rom. viii. 17. Indwelling grace pro- motes and cherishes a hope of this; and the abiding testimony of the Holy Ghost, which is the earnest of our redemption, ever points us in cheering promises, to that "inheritance which is incorruptible, and undefiled, and tliat fadeth not away " 2. We inquire, further, as to the Apostle's meaning : " If any man have not the Spirit of Christ" The Spirit is the third person in the everblessed and glorious Trinity : not a quality nor an appellation of Christ. He is called the Spirit of Christ, because he has proceeded from the Father and the Son ; and his influences have been more specially manifested, since the Son of Man was glorified. He has been sent by Christ. He is the Great Agent of the covenant of grace. What is it to have the Spirit of Christ? In one sense, all have hira. The former part of the vei-se explains it: "If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you." Agreeable to this are the woi"ds of our Lord. John xiv. 17:" Even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him": for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you." (1.) This implies that he is satisfied with us. Light cannot dwell with darkness. The heart in a state of un- belief is closed against God. (2.) That he continues to instruct us. " He will guide you into all truth." (3.) That he continues to sanctify us. Mai. iii. 3. 11. — Enforce this requisition. " Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Unless this Divine agent dwell in us, we cannot be the sons of God, accepted in the Beloved. 152 THE 8PIBIT OF CHRIST, ETC. 1. Did we say, to be Christ's, was to be a believer in his truth? (1 .) Ignorance demands the Spirit (2.) The darkness of unbelief. 2. Did we b&j^ io be his, was to be adopted into his family? If- o «ons, God must send the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying Abba Father." 3. Did we say it was to walk conformably to his will ? 4. Did we say it was to be heirs of his kingdom ? 1. 'Learn to distinguish between external and internal holiness. 2. In order to true holiness, you must be constant pos- sessors of the Spirit of Christ. M INTRODUCTION. There is a variety in the characters of believei-s. Yet all must be measured by this rule. London, \dth AprU^ 185'i. iV'- ' ■■• .cyi;f?i;*.U', /> :^}}:l ■>■■ ■ '-J i ' ■■k i'-\r,' THK OMNISOIBNCK OF 60D. 153 UVX./i / i:-^ SERMON XXVI. THE OMNISCIENCE OF GOD. » rnf!->' '^■C -f'.; •>'?■" " Neither is there any creature, thai ia not manifest in his ttight ; but al 1 tilings are naked and open to the eyes of him with wliom we have to do." Hbb. iv. 13. (,■''■■ 'V '"I '■' I' I ---■•• ' ■ ■ -: ■ '-•' ■''■'''•'■ ' ■■ .\'. ' ■■ : ,' ' ,, , ., ■: ■-,.■• ( , . • ' . * .* - .. ■ '. ' '.' I. — Demonstrate the Infinite Knowledge of God. 1. It is seen in the wise disposal of all created things in the natural world. . .^.^ , .s^^: : « a fV j^, ^ 2. It is manifested in his mor government. • ,; #,01 3. It is evident from the cha^dcter of his word. 4. It appears in the manner of extending his kingdom. 5. It is exhibited in the operations of his grace. II. — Deduce a few important reflections. 1. How should it humble us in all our pursuits of know- 2. It should make us fear to oppose his purposes. 3. It should teach us implicit confidence in his word. It should strengthen our faith in his sustaining and sanctifying grace. INTRODUCTION. s • Men in proportion to their virtue secure our confidence : but God, a being of infinite holiness and wisdom, claims ' our implicit faith. London, 25tfi April, 1850. g2 ■>.'i \) , t 1/^4 THE WJSARY AND HBAVY LADBN, KTC. I ' SERMON XXVII. THE WEARY AND HEAVY LADEN INVITED TO CHRIST. '* Coino unto me, all yc that labour and arc heavy laden, and I will give you rest."— Matt. xi. 28. Tte tender compassion of our blessed Lord. 1 . The Characters invited ; 2. The Invitation given ; 3. The encouraging Pioraise. I. — The Charactere invited : " Ye that labour and are heavy laden." 1. The Jews were at this time in subjection to the Romans. 2. The ceremonies of the Jewish dispensation were grievous. 3. But here our Lord expressly refers to the penitent. 4. The words may be applied to the afflicted believer. II. — The Invitation given : " Come unto me." 1. Receive my doct'i ties. 2. Believe upon me with a heart unto righteousness. (1.) This implies the rejection of eveiy other atonement. (2.) An implicit confidence in the atonement of Christ. III. — The encouraging Promise: "I will give you rest." 1. Rest from the influence of conflicting opinions. 2. Rest from the allurements of Satan. 3. Rest from inward condemnation. 4. Rest in a life of 1 oliness. 5. Rest in everlasting glory. " Why art thou cast down, O my soul ?" London, 25th April, 1850. 'ii r '^'^ IITTLB 8INB. ■'•'*' 156 SERMON XXVIII. LITTLE SINS. " Behold now, thid city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one ; O ! let in« escape thither, (la it not a lltte one 7) and my soul shall live." Gkn. xix. 30. The visitations of God's wrath, while they are sevcire judgments to the rebellious and ungodly, are frequently chastisements to the righteous. In illustrating this subject we shall consider some of the criteria, by which men judge of little sins ; and the danger of so doing. I. — Those sins do not appear so heinous, which are not individually prohibited in the moral law. From the Divine law we must deduce principles for our whole practice. II. — By contrast — see Lot, and the imperfect obedience of seme believers. III. — By viewing minor sins and their consequences alone. We forget they bring a motley train behind them. London^ 25 . I. — As ye have received him in humility. \, . , II. — As ye have received him in faith, so retain. " The just shall live by faith." III. — As ye have received him in the use of his ap- pointed ordinances, continue to observe them. Spirituality must be sustained by the grace supplied through them. IV. — As ye have received him in simplicity, so walk in him : verse 8th. V. — As ye have received him expecting additional supplies of grace, seek to realize them. " Grow in grace." 1. Let us frequently review the time of our conversion. 2. Sinner, be not discouraged. London, li^tli April, 1850. TUK CHRISTIAN COMFORTSD, STC. 157 r SERMON XXX. THE CHRISTIAN COMFORTED BY THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. " Therefbre, JeauB alao, that he might aanctify the people with his own blood, luifered without the gate. •* Let us go forth, therefore, unto him without the camp, bearing bis re- proach.— Heb. ziii. 13, 13. I. — ^We have here a striking example. 1. "He suffered without the gate." This refers to the sin offering, which, when the Jews were in the wilderness, was carried without the camp. And when the Temple was built at Jerusalem, was carried without the gate of the city. See this in the sufferings of Christ. 2. The design : " That he might sanctify the people with his own blood." 11. — Our obligations are enforced : " Let us, therefore, go forth, &c." 1. Here our sufferings are dignified. 2. This is a reasonable demand. 3. It is connected with abundant consolation. 1. How ungrateful is impatience. 2. Self-denial is incumbent on all Christians. Lu,^:lon, 25tA April, 1850. 158 AOKNOWLBDOINO GOD. n SERMON XXXI. ACKNOWLEDGING GOD. ** In all things acknowledge him, and he ihall direct thy patlia." «. , . ' . Prov. Hi. 16. \ /' ii Promises in Scripture are connected with the injunction of religious duties. I. — The Duty : "In all thy ways acknowledge him." This acknowledgement must be adapted to, — 1. Avowed infidelity — ^by believing the truth. 2. To practical infidelity — ^by obeying the truth. ' ' " ' 3. To sinful shame — by confessing him in all our Ways, business, and conversation. II. — Its connection with the Promises: "He shall direct thy paths." 1. Here is a necessary connexion. Virtue is its own reward ; obedience is happiness. 2. Religion prepares us for the Divine will. 3. This direction is the reward of obedience. London, Q,7th AprU, 1850. ATTAIMIMO THE FULL RKWARO. 169 SERMON XXXII. ATTAINING THE "FULL REWARD." ** Tiook to youraclves, that wc low not the things that we have wrought ; but that we receive a full reward."— tl John 8. Ambition stimulates mankind in the pursuit of Wealth, honour, happiness, and ease. Not always in the attain- ment of spiritual blessings. I. — A danger supposed : " losing our full reward." 1. A great portion of many blessings may be forfeited. 2. Our whole reward may be lost II. — ^The danger may be averted by attention to the exhortation : " Look to yourselves !" 1. This will promote humility. 2. Diligence in the improvement of privileges. 3. An aspin'tion after entire holiness. 4. A conscientious and persevering observance of the practical duties of religion. Enforce the duty of seeking the full reward. tondon, 27th April, 185U. M 160 CHRIST PRECIOUS TO THIS BXUEV£K< SERMON XXXIIL CHRIST PRECIOUS TO THE BELIEVER. " Unto you, therefore, which believe, be ia precioua."— 1 Pkt. ii. 7. Christ wa^ the theme of Paul's epistles. The believers mentioned in the text are the regenerated. I. — ^To them Christ is precious as a Redeemer. II. — Christ is precious as an Intercessor. . III. — Christ is precious as an Instructor. — ., ^ IV. — ^He is precious as an Example. », V. — He is precious as our Hope. ' . , Are we thus firmly united to him as our head ? As we grow in grace, the value of Christ will be more thoroughly felt. London, 27t& Aprils 1850. < SPIRITUAL MBLANCIIOLY CONSOLED. 161 SERMON XXXIV. SPIRITUAL MELANCHOLY CONSOLED. •• Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within ineT Itope thou in God: tor I bball yet praise hiui, who is the health of t my countenance and my God."— Ps. xliii. 5. Salvation is a great deliverance. Yet some monuments remain to remind us of the " rock whence we were hewn, and of the hole of the pit whence we were digged. — These are the aflBictions of which we all are the common partakers. This and the preceding pathetic psalms were written by David, when Absalom rebelled. Here we have— The Christian cast down by trouble, and lifted up by hope. I. — ^The Christian cast down by trouble. 1. By constitutional infirmity. ^^ - - 2. From a sense of sin remaining in us. ^ ''3 3. From the reflection of unfaithfulness. >#'S :*i S 4. From the state of the world. ^^'' -^^^^ ^* 5. From personal afiiictions of a temporal character. II. — ^Why ai-t thou cast down ? ,».>•>' f^M* We should be comforted, — •' "^M^^^ - vr 50; -^^iV-fiM 1. By the consideration of his providential care. 2. By the rich provision made for our entire holiness. 3. By the promises which authorize us to expect the universal spread of the Gospel. 4. By the sufficiency of divine grace for our various adversities. 5. By the hope of exemption from trouble. . ^^hf. London^ ^7 th Aprils 4850. a A^'^W^*.^- 162 COMFORT FOR THE BEREAVED, c \V SERMON XXXV. COMFORT FOR THE BEREAVED. (funeral OCCASION.) r. '■!. ''.'.'• -; (>; \i , t'n- '* Whcrerorc comfort otie anotlier with these words."— 1 Thehs. iv. 18. Death, a source of terror to man— Dark to the Pagan — Gloomy to the Jew — Bright to the Christian. State the words. We proceed to consider their truth and comforting tendency. ^<, '.tiiUniU-;: I. — The doctrine to be pre /ed is the Resurrection of the .- body, and the eternal happiness of the Believer. 1. It is evident from the design of God in the creation of man. 2. From the unequal distribution of happiness aod misery in the world. 3. From the work of Redemption. ,; >-: ;^ 4. From the Resurrection of Jesus Christ The body must be raised to accomplish the happiness of the soul. II. — Their contorting tendency. .'; 1. They speak of the way prepared by Jesus. 2. By allusion to the j rsonal appeamnce of Christ. 3. By the honour promised to the saints. — " The dead in Christ shall rise firat." * .!!»:.,:> di^-; 4 ;■ .y -^ ;• , .: 4. By the assurance of eternal bliss. — " So shall we ever be with the Loi*d." .•..;•,?! Address the believei's and the unrighteous. •■ '' . London, 27 tk April, 18d(J. ■'V KASK IN ZION. -::»■■ 163 SERMON XXXVI. EASE IN ZION. ■* Woe to tliein that are at case In Zion, and trust in the Mountains of Sainnna, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came."— Amob vi. 1. The degeneracy of modem from primitive religion. _ j I. — The characters described. — "Them that are at ease in Zion" • They may enjoy some of the love of God. 4y:'::^;;j.^' II. — The evils which they incur. '?v j-rfj 1. The purposes of God ai-e frustrated, and thereby our usefulnes is prevented. 2. Declension in spirituality. -^ i )^■^,:, <.].... 3. They are preventing the pleasures of zealous co- operation with Gtxl. ,, , ., . . ; s*r vJf 4. They are excluding the ultimate reflection of a well spent life. ,... ,„,., ,,. •.■^■^ ; . .■:.?; ,'; ,, ,-._ v.j.^- vii -/ London, 'ilth April, 1850. 164 ERROR. .,.ih M. . . ^^ _ >■ -v. SERMON XXXVII. y< ERROR. - ^ -^ 'NV; ' Do not err, my Moved brethren.'^— James i. 16. ■>■ »,« a. The necessity of practical direction to tlie church. 1. The nature; 2. The remedy of religious enor. - I. — The nature ot error. .^T'C!- '.i' Signifies to wander. ^m'^ m Sometimes consists in error in — ■ ' '^- '>'l''* ': *^' V" j-j>i •f^i^:i'i^MVf^h%:ieiX':%^^ {i ^,i.. i,^:v)pxy^ii ^K'l-r V- 1. Doctrine. 2. In feeling. 3. In practice. II.— It may be prevented and remedied. '^'** *^ i 1. By the the careful study of inspired truth. '■ 2. By the diligent study of Divine Providence. ''>■'" 3. By persevering prayer. fti"»''; i* *. 4. By >valking in the light and following after holiness. li.ndon, 27th April, 1850. HBARINQ THB OOSPBL. 165 SERMON XX3CVIII. HEARING THE GOSPEL. ^Bn,)^; " Take heed, therefore, how ye hear."— Linu viU. 19. '^'^ Necessity of a livii^ ministiy. — ^The manner of hearing. I. — Hear frequently. ; , , v n. — Hear reverently. >- ' ,.;.;., III. — Hear attentively. IV. — ^Hear prayerfully. V. — Hear in a spirit congenial to the subject, j-r- p; VI. — Hear for et<^mity. « Take heed." London, 27th April, 1850. • ' f - ■ »•• » •*■ -I^i^K; ' ■■ ' ' ". - •* ; ' " , ■ - ', ■ f< -■ ^'i" ; ..." ■,fr 166 THE PHARISBR AKD THE PUBLICAN. sv SERMON XXXIX. THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN. .f'--. Two men went ar, into the Temple, &c."-~1.ck* xvlil. 10-15. Christ's knowledge of the human mind. Connection. 1. The similaritios; and 2. The differences, between them. I. — ^The similarities between them. 1. They agreed that the object of worship was OcJ. 2. That the place of worship was the Temple. 9. That righteousness was acceptable to God. II. — ^Tbe differences between them. 1. In manner. "The Pharisee stood with Iiimself:" " the Publican afar off." 2. In spirit The Pharisee proved selfwsufficient : "the Publican smote upon his breast." 3. In prayer. The Pharisee's long: the Publican's shoru. 4. In the result. " I tell you this man, &c. -M T ■•) Iidarn the true spirit of prayer. London, 27«/« April, 1850. THK DANGER OF HARDENING THE NECK. 167 ;i >i(iiiM ''J lii-v^ -'U'^' , ■< at-*' .:■••,'! "■; ,i ;Ti-f: SERMON XL 'H'i "i.>!i; ,}'\jf ',t'^M THE DANGER OF '« HARDENING THE NECK." " He that being often reproved, hardenetli die neck, Bhall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."— Pkov. xxix. 1. " "'' In improving these solemn words, your attention is in- vited to the demonstration of these two propositions : — 1. That frequent warnings and Gospel instructions, when neglected, tend to hardness of heart 2. The punishment to which this impenitence leads will be sudden and irre- vocable, y I. — Frequent warnings and Gospel instructions, when neg-. lected, tend to hardness of heart. 1. The mind, frequently brought under the influence of Divine knowledge, judges itself in elevating and pleas- iug ideas. 2. The heart has consequently a partial change in its feelings. This inspires presumption. ,, 3. The life also is changed. 4. New associations in life are formed. 6. Accustomed to the teiToi-s of the law, the conscience becomes seared ; and — 6. The heart careless. 168 THB DANOBR OV HAKDENINO THE N80K. II. — ^The punishment to which this leads will be sudden and irrevocable. Amplify on Destruction. 1. It will be sudden. 2. It will be without vamedy. (1.) Repentance cannot remedy it. (2.) The atonement and mediation of Christ cannot remedy it. ^^r^ (3.) Time cannot remedy it. INTRODUCTION. The free-agency of man is not derogatory to the power ^ auu wisdom of God. London, 5th May, 185X . , 'J v^< r .■.4"; *'•£'' ''>!>'fr ^''-fUU"^;'-'^? U"''t>'\'!'i'; -^ ■.'. itf*J<>flfe,i *:(..; :'-*n-iV!^v:.:i^ ,1; 61., ^,., , _v * .Oil fi/y'!^ ■'»! ' ' ' .V-rUi-^'- •-■■-Mi':;' •'■;.;:^•■!:y■-^^ -^^ ^i^ J ( <*- ■ ft'"'- • THB NSW ORKATION. SERMON XLI. THE NEW CREATION. 169 <* Therefbre, if any mnn be in Chriat, he Is a new creature t old things are pasied away ; behold nil thlngn are become new."— S Coi. ▼. 17. ^ In our text the new creation is — 1. Stated; and 2. Described. I. — Mark the new creation as stated here : *' If any man t; be in Christ." This phraseology is frequently employed by the Apostle, and is full of meaning. I Thess. iv. 16 ; Phil. ii. 1 ; Rom. viii. 1, 2; 1 Cor. i. 30; Gal. iii. 28. 1, Under the Christian dispensation. 2. He is inseparably united to Christ This union produces a new creation. ** He i •> a new creature;" or, as Mr. Wesley rendeis the words, "a new creation." 1. This presupposes the depravity of the human heart. If the heart were not totally depraved, it would need re- formation, not regeneration. But such is the influence of sin, that it is interwoven with the whole faculties of our intellectual and moral nature. " By grace are ye saved through faith ; ar»d that not of yourselves, it is the gift of 2. This ciiange is promoted by the renewing grace of God. The Trinity con^ult^ concerning the material W... tt 170 THB NEW ORKATION. n ::A^. creation. So each of them is prominently engaged in thia. The Father sends the Son, and accepts his sac- rifice. The Son becomes ^ obfe^ 4. He is new in his regard for the means of grace. 5. In his associations : "This people shall be my people." '* d. In his practice : " By their fruits ye shall know ihem." 1. Entire holiness must be the privil^e of believers on ' earth. 2. The continuance in any sinful habit is inconsistent I with this change. This change may be yours. Look for it to-day. " O li y(. |be my Uiem." Kers on isistent TUK MEW OUKATION. l7l thou who desirest truth in the inward parts, purge us with h^asop, and we shall Ih3 clean 1 Wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow f Create within us dean hearts, and renew right spirits within us 1" May God grant it for his mercy's sake ! j. ^h ' 7/ 11-** I"' ■ ^^...i,i IKTRODUOTION. 4i i ■It Man on this side eternity, is called to be the subject of two kingdoms : the kingdom of this world, under which he is placed either by the sanction or permission of Provi- dence; and the kingdom of Christ, under which all true believers are placed by grace. In the one, men are es- teemed in proportion to their office, wealth, and education. In the other, men are esteemed according to the merits of their holiness, humility, integrity, and faith. Yet as many of the laws of civil government are founded on the principles of the law of God, a certain similarity exists be- tween these two kingdoms. And this similarity renders it possible fo conform to the law of God, and generally to the ordinances of man for the Lord's sake. Christianity interferes not with the regulations or courtesies of civil society ; but rather enforces them by the purer principles of that love which is the fulfilling of the law. She inculcates "Honour, to whom honour; and tribute, to whom tribute is due." " Dearly beloved, if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." . ►. , , However, when the incumbent duties of our holy religion interfere with the dignities and social order of any community — and cross the boundaries of politeness and fashion, we ought to obey God rather than man. And though our obedience to his requirements may sting the pride and rouse the vanity of the haughty, we must brave all oppositions and bow to the mandate of the Supreme. 172 TIIK NEW CRBATIOK. i I il^ When the Apoetie Paul preached the Ooepel to the re- fined sons of literary Corinth, hlB '^ speech and his preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." They, doubt- less, wondered, tliat he, a man of humble pretensions and the minister of a persecuted and despised sect, should use such plainness of speech to them, re^rdless of their literary honours, or their dignified ofiices. He a{X)logizeH for his faithfulness in this chapter upon three considerations: ''We must all stand before the judg- ment of Christ ; The love of Christ constraineth ns, because wo thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead ; and that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose again." And in the con- nection of the text he says, " Henceforth know we no man after the flesh." As men we are willing to pay all defer- ence to your dignity and all submission to your power ; but as the ministers of Christ we must perform our duty irrespective of your worldly honours. We must view you as your God views you, sinful souls redeemed by the blood of Christ We must for the time being forget all earthly distinctions; and address to the peasant and the king — the learned and the unlearned, the whole counsel of God. *♦ Therefore, if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away ; behold all things are become » new; Brethren, in the name of God, I will thus faithfully warn you to-day, as the objects of a Father's love — ^the purchase of a Saviour's blood — and as the candidates of an unexplored eternity. London, RtA May, 1850. .'J:» '•■'.>n,','ij.>'-jtic!, 'tii ;' • . .i.r ' M TUB BXCU8K8 OF SINKKRS AM8WKRBD. 173 ■ r,^!!' ..f ♦•! Ii SERMON XLII. . THE EXCUSES OF SINNERS ANSWERED. '5.1 i, , ._.... •1. .. " And they All with one connent began to make excuie."— Loek siv. 18. W?'i:/t(ifli Ji'J'U The excuBes of sinners are too many to enumerate; but we would direct your attention to a few of the most usual and important. I. — I have too many worldly possessions. II. — I have many temporal embarrassments. ' III. — I have ungodly relations and friends. IV. — The opinions of Christians disagree. V. — ^The professors of religion are inconsistent. VI. — Religious restraints are too severe. VII. — I am too unworthy. VIII. — I do not feel my need of conversion. _ In proclaiming the Gospel of Christy the messenger of mercy is discouraged by two classes of characters: the profane Infidel and the formal Christian. In the Infidel he has to contest with a variety of ingenious objections to the authenticity and the doctrines of Holy Scripture; and to overpower the subtihty of carnal reasoning with the manly force of reasonable and sacred arguments. This can be done with comparative ease. Had we to deal with reason only, truth would soon triumph in the conquest and the salvation of many souls. V" 1 1 lU 174 tH^ 'SkCtfBEiS OF StN^llRf) ANSWEKliD. In the formal Christian, he meets with other difficyhies. Distorted arguments, chased from their " refiig:e of lies," are exposed and ridiculed to his view ; and reason is com- pelled to acquiesce in the force of reason and Scriptural truth. But still he is unwilling to leave the pleasures of sin, and seek an experimental acquaintance with the plea- sures of renewing grace. Argument after argument reflects its beams upon his understanding in vain. The spiritual banquet of Gospel blessings is spread before him, but it fails to attract his attention. Sabbath after Sabbath, sermon after sermon, either by argument, instruction, or warning, convey the joyous invitation. " Come, for all things are now ready," Nevertheless, now as formerly, "They all b^in with one consent to make excuse." London^ 11th May^ 1850. -;f> •; ^^-MfJl(r .-Jfl; j-hff"; \\ !', , • /m > / i t X-,)Ri- t';(j'>}i!.'';'."'ii':'' {■ * .'.{.U,'Cfc>'-f'' ;;;r: i' •• ••'•!;; !, u-i v jWjIitOi- vaJ Mad -.{^ ■'hi- i:--n;i ••.■ •■, ^ijn ,?; <: U^H -n THE OMNIPOTENCE OF GOD. '..a; i«Oi{i; Jjljiiit ,Iife«? ,;>^»'iVHfH "..If >.--nvjrJ r S ; .y , ^- J ** Behold, I mil the I^ord, tlie Uod of aU flesh : i* there aaythiiig too hard for ine V — Jkk. xxxiL *i7- * ,4 ■>}'■' ikX-^i'i} M''- i'5? The doctrine of our text is the Onini|.»otence of God. In the consideration of this subject, our conter.iplations may encroach upon other attributes of the Deity; for these attributes are all essentially connected as the several links of a chain ; so that in surveying one, we are let to glance at many, or of the rest May the Spirit of truth be given to guide us into all truth ! Let me then invite your atten- tion to a few of the most impressive illustrations of Divine power. I. — We present to you its displays in creation. The Mosaic account of the cresUion, though simple, can- not fail to induce the reverence and humble gratitude of every spiritually-enlightened mind. 1. " God said, let there be light, and there was light'* Light immediately obeying the mandate of the Sovereign Jehovah. Here we see no chemical process, no tedious machinations, but Divine power commanding darkness into light. And let m survey the glorious firmament, be- spangled with all its glittering orbs, and see the wisdom and grandeur which every observation develops to our gaze, and what is the conclusion of every candid mind, 170 TII£ OMNIPOTSHCB OF OOD. unbiassed by the philosophy of haughty reason? Like the Psalmist, he devoutly sings : — " The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handi- vrork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor lan- guage where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out througii all the earth, and tlieir words to the end of the world. Ps. xix. 1, 2, 3, 4. 2. When light had thus irradiated the universe, being distributed by some bodies, and being reflected by othere, the vegetable kingdom next appeared. " God said. Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fmit-tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself upoa the earth : and it was so.'* ■ * . t ;. ,':•■ - 3. Irrational animals. m , ' * - . , .. i ..;. 4. Man. '<■:?■,.•:.,.'-.■ '■■■■.u ..- .,.;, ;-•., IL — ^The Providence which controuls and preservea the human family. > . . it . 1. See it in nations and communities. . ?^, 2. See it in individuals. III. — Redemption. IV. — The fulfilment of his designs in the atonement. V. — In the preservation of his Church. L This subject should induce alarm. 2. It should promote humility. 3. It should inspire confidence. London, \6tA Mayt 1852. N ., CHRISTIAN ENDURANCE. 177 SERMON XLIV. CHRISTIAN ENDURANCE. *' Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 3 Timothy, ii. 3. The trials of a Christian, especially of a Christian Minister. I. — ^The hardness we are called to endure. Our difficulties are divided into classes — enemies, temp- tations, and trials or hardness. 1. Poverty or secular embarrassment. 2. Sickness or depression. 3. Opposition. II. — The advice of the Apostle. 1. He urges to endurance. (1.) Because hardness is of Divine appointment (2.) It tends to promote holiness. (3.) By it God may be glorified. 2. He presents a model — " As a good soldier." (1.) A soldier endures with royalty. (2.) He endures with bravery. (3.) He endures expecting promotion. (4.) In hope of his final reward. London, 2ith. May^ 1852. h2 178 THE GAINFUL TENDENCY Of GODLINESS. SEKMON XLV. THE GAINFUL TENDENCY OF GODLINESS. ** But godllneas with contentment is great gain. "~1 Tim. vi. 6. These words open to our consideration two questions. 1. Godliness is accompanied with contentment. 2. Godliness with contentment is gi'eat gain. I. — Godliness is accompanied with contentment. 1. Because it satisfies the soul with its chief good. 2. It leads us to an acquaintance with the purposes of Divine Providence. 3. It teaches us to place a proper estimate on earthly good 4. It leads us to regard our blessings as the gift of God, II. — Godliness with contentment is great gain. Contentment itself is an important part of that gain. It is great gain : 1. Because it promotes in the believer decision of purpose. 2. It fortifies us with prudence. 3. It tends to promote to habits of industiy. 4. Temporal gain is frequently the reward of righteous- ness. APPLICATION. Here you see a connection between spiritual and tem- poral affairs. " Seek ye first the kingdom of God," &,c. INTRODUCTION. Gain not always a consequence of virtue. LondoHt 8th June, 1850. ■ ! THE GLORIOUS I^BPSCTfil, ETC. 179 SERMON XLVI. THE GLORIOUS PROSPECTS OF THE SONd OF GOD. " Beloved, now are we the sons of God ; and it dotli not yet appear what we shall be ; but we know thnt wlien he shall appear, we shall be like Mm ; fbr we shall see him as he is. And every man that bath this hope in biro, purifleth himself even as he is pure."— 1 John iii. 2, 3. I. — A grateful acknowledgement of the present relation of believers. " Beloved, now are we the sons of God." How worthy of gi-atitude is such a contemplation, when we view this adoption ! 1. In its original cause — the love of God. 2. In the means by which it has been accomplished. 3. In the privileges it secures. II. — The unspeakable glory of their future state. " It doth not yet appear what v^e shall be," TO PERSE VERX, ETC. 181 SERMON XLVII. BELIEVERS STIMULATED TO PERSEVERE IN WELL DOING. ** And let ua not be weary in well doing ; fbr io due aeaaon we shall reap if we fiiint not."— Gal. vi. 9. The text teaches us that — 1. Religion is the busings of life. 2. It implies that we are liable to weariness in well doin^. 3. It stimulates us to pei-severance by an important exhortation. I. — Religion is the business of life. It is not merely a state, but it is a practice. Pious feelings are commu- nicated that pious actions may be promoted. It is a mistake on this point that has occasioned so much backsliding. If the service of God be not regarded as the great primary object of our being, we are likely to be influenced by indecision ; and that inde- cision is a sad omen of our speedy fall. That we may be saved from it, let us consider — 1. The duties we owe to ourselves. However hum- bling a view man may entertain of himself in a state of contrition, he is a being of value. The soul, though sinful, h immortal. The understanding, though contracted, is capable of the knowledge of God. Life is a state of preparation. 182 ' BiBLlEVKR^ BfltKLATISto TO '1 2. Consider the duties we owe to others. Our relation to thera is fraternal, and we are called to invite them to Christ. This may be done by prayer, exhortation, exam- ple. Life is but short enough for the peiformance of these benevolent duties. 3. Consider the duties we owe \ God. He is an infi- nite Being; we are laid under infinite obligations to him. " None of us liveth to himself." These duties are love, obedience, faith. Here then is work for every hour. Long as we have a soul to save — long as others lie round us " in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity" — and long as we have a (Jod to glorify, " let us not be weary in well- doing." II. — We are liable to weariness " in well-doing." 1. This may arise from the difficulties connected with the performance of duty. The opposition of the world to Christianity is trying to every Christian mind. The temptations of the adversary. — ^These difficulties by the inconstancy of others. 2. From the length of the way. To the believer few thoughts are more elating, than the brevity of life. Life would ever be thus regarded if we consider it in contrast with eternity; but alas ! we grow weary and faint in our minds, and say, " My Lord delayeth his coming." 3. This may arise from ignorance. Ignorance ehervates the soul, and renders us almost insusceptible of those en- nobling feelings of benevolence and zeal which adorn the Christian chaiacter. Well instructed Christians than mere enthusiasts. 4. This may arise from neglect of the means of grace. They cannot as means be toi^ deeply appreciated. One of their most excellent tendencies is to enUven, encourfiige, and strengthen the drooping soul. This is specially true t(V t»BR>}i:VKRB 19 WBLLDOINO. 183 in 16 of social worship. « Not forsak-' jj the aflsembling of otir- «e]ve8 together an the manner of some is; but exhorting one a*^oth* 'lai] y ; ^ad so much ni'» more as we see the day approaching." III. — Mark the important exhortation by which we are stimulated to perseverance : " Let us not be weary in V elldoiog ; for in due season we shall re&;), if we faint not." 1. In tliis we have an instructive view of ihe wisdom of Divine pi-ovidente. — Tha time of our reward is in due season. Our tim is not yet come — God's puiposes are not yet fulfilled : let us endure to the end. 3. In this we have an encouraging consideration of our reward. — "■ We shall reap." Blessed assurance ! The seed is planted in good ground : no winter blast can. destroy-— no scorching sun shall wither it God is ju'^t; he will " give unto us a crown of life." > - :. 3. These words also contain a solemn condition : ^ if we faint not" On this pends our safety. Past zeal and benevolence will entitle us to no reward, if we d.> not per- severe. Nothing short of a life of holiness can oiitie you to an eternity of bliss. " He that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption ; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." APPLICATION. 1. We ai-e called to action. 5. We are required to persevere in well-doing. 8. We are warned by the danger of spiritual indulgence. 4. We are encourj^ed by the hope of eternal life. " Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immove- 184 BELIBVEkS STIMULATED TO PEHBBVKRB, ETC> able, always abounding the work of the Lord, for a« much as ye know that ) our labour is not in vain in tbe Lord." -*'.v,it; INTRODUCTION. J';i It 18 a sad proof of the moral degeneracy of man, that duties, once the most ennobling and pleasurable, are re- garded with indifference and distaste, while other employ- ments — grovelling and unimpoitant, absorb his thoughts. Intellectual culture, an exercise, which seems to glisten with its own excellencies and rewards, is a weariness to the flesh ; and the student must be urged to application, by the stimulus of emulation or pride. Religious duties, once the most exalted pleasures of the immortal mind, have be- come a drudgery to carnal sloth. And it might be said to many, " What I could ye not watch one hour ?" Hence warnings and exhortations are necessary for the church. Our text is of this qvickening spirit Qod grant that it may graciously inf1uc?rtc ...r Londont 19th June, 1850. THE christian's WARFARE, ETC. 186 r^s I.U'-.'V >»'r»MJ>.l(r) It;;'— H ' ',:'■;'; '"• sermon xlviii. ""• ' '' * ■ ■ ' " *■ . . w • 1 THE CHRISTIAN'S WARFARE AJSD P ^UEK " He thnt ovCTcoinetb, the Bame iihall be clothed In white raii. rid I will not blot out hii name out of the l)Ook of life, but 1 will confcva iu« ua before my Father, and before bis angels."— Rev. ill. 5. !'•»'. ,-(5o!;«. 1 •>').■•.<; ' '«, God's peculiar regard for his church, illustrated by his counsels to the church of Sardis. 1. The Christian's warfare. 2. The Christian's reward. I. — The Christian's warfare. " He that overcometh." 1. A warfare implids enemies. (1.) Invisible spiritual agencies. '' Spiritual wickedness in high places." (2.) The carnal mind. It is enmity against God. It is a foe. [1.] Because of its sinfulness. [2.] Because of our imperfections. (3.) The opposition of the world to Chi-ist. (4.) " The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." 2. A warfare implies weapons of defence. See Paul's description of a Christian's armour, Eph. vi. 14-17. Describe the different parts. 3. The Christian's warfare issues in a glorious conquest. Of this " what we know not now, we shall know hereafter." The greatest glory of our victory i3 that it is through the IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) &o A *«^ /■ 1.0 I.I |45 US 2.2 Ui 1(8 IM 1:25 III 1.4 1 1.6 < 6" ► Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 87^-4503 ^ «^?^ <^i^ % svfc/ -'ii:. ); <^ O^ r 186 THE CHRISTIAN 9 >«'ABF,AR£, ETC. I ; blood of Christ. " Nay in all these things we are nioifl than conquerors, through him that loved us." II. — The Christian's reward. 1. The same shall be clothed in white raiment Coloura among the ancients were emblems of qnality. An olive branch was peace : white, domestic purity, happiness. This seems to be an allusion to the ceremony of a priest's expulsion. 2. " I will not blot out his name out of the book of life." This alludes to another pait of the ceremony of expulsion. Heaven is a state of infallibility. - 3. "I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." -^i?' '^.V Sr^rti -vmxyvx^ ^^<<:yi^ 1. Let the Christian be encouraged. 2. Remember the reward is only to him who is a final conqueror. 3. If you have not been united in Emanuels army, come now ! London, lOtit June, 1850. ^•..•■,'>tt ■!:" Mtr.' -flj; '•."' ,-.-i'.;'V'j« ! 'J <" ■ 1 ■ ' - ( ■•■^r'lV:; Jri' ;-:»Hii' y;;: •^j;'; ■<-Al -l.'-T THE f6rM OF SOUND WORDiS. '-^ SERMON XLIX. 187 /• ^ a'i' THE FORM OF SOUND WORDS. f / " Hold faat the form of Munrl words, which tbou taaat heaM of me, in faith and love whicli ia in Christ JesUB."— 'i Tim. i. 13. .1 '•« 1. An expressive designation of the Gk)spel. iff < ^■•ii* 2. An exhortation to steadfastness therein. »,jj^| I.— An expressive designation of the Gospel. — '*The form of sound words." The pattern or model of Christian doctrine. . :;i(vj.-,.i 1. They are sound because of the'r truth, -^^..^^i 2. Sound because of their importance. i| j. 3. Sound because of their permanent value. 4. They contain the elements of all spiritual truth. II. — An exhortation to steadfastness therein.— ** Hpjd fast, '^i' '■'■[ rA /!jK/ "■ &C., in faith and love.'V.H/i< 1. In "faith;' ^^ 2. "In love, which is in Christ Jesus." jja J'irtV'*'^ INTRODUCTION. The liuman mind desires novelty. This is inadmissible in the Gospel of Christ. ' ..^t.-..,;;) "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace ; and the God of l3ve and peace shall be with you." Londony 20//t June, 1850. iJJi ^;rA j^y,^i? ,4':'-%j("% V /- 188 CONVSRjSATION BKCOMINO THE GOSPKL. :7 SERMON L. CONVERSATION BECOMING THE GOSPEL. ' Only let your conversation be as it bccometh the Goepel of Christ." Phil. i. 27. "'■V--'" 1. The text implies the Gospel sustains a peculiar re- lation to every believer. 2. And on that relation is founded the exhortation: "Only let your conversation be as be- cometh the Gospel." I. — The Gospel sustains a peculiar relation to e\ery believer. 1. It is his spiritual light. ". t - > v> i U;-:' - 2. It is his consolation. =^ * i - -; >. Mr; -^ 3. It is his great directory. • ' '- • ■ ,:•;' ; ' 4. It contains his assurance of heaven. <■:/;.'--..!. II. — "Only let youi- conversation be as becometh the Gospel," <^nt^'!'' vj \ 1. Be joyful. ■•■■V i y''\'J .' •; -I- ;;!'.'- ',.i . isl '• .,;; 2. Be serious. 3. Be zealous. r 4. Let all your actions be performed in reference to You are called to illustrate the principles of that religion which you profess. '1 *!.'*!* 'i> i^ . ."/^vjni HI J., LondoHt iOih June, 185a. THS UX8PEAKABLR GIFT. 189 /-> SERMON LI. .' s,*; .if tit*' THE UNSPEAKABLE GIFT. .;.:l;. ,.„ .--MX A "Thanks be unto God for hia unspeakable gift."— 3 Cos. ix. IS. Gratitude id one of the noblest exercises of the human mind. The ancient patriarchs and prophets were in- fluenced by it It ushered in songs the advent of Christ. Paul urges it upon the benevolent Christians of Corinth. 1. The claims; 2. The nature; 3. The benefits of Qhris- tian gratitude. I. — The claims of gratitude. « The unspeakable gift." This is Christ. 1. Unspeakable in the greatness of his character. 2. In the love in which he was given. r. .* 3. In the sufierings whereby he procured our ransom. 4. In the results of those sufierings. ^^ ,^v ,,,4^1 II. — The nature of Christian gratitude. ^ < 1. It must arise from calm reflection. , > 2. It must be accompanied with a personal use of the blesssngs of the covenant of grace. 3. It must be accompanied with communication to others. . III. — The benefits of Christian gratitude. 1. It expands our conceptions of Divine things, . 2. It strengthens faith. 8. It promotes humility. . r . u.., ,, ,^,' . , .3 , 4. It promotes zeal. ■ r , ,, , .... ... [ , ^. . ^ ,^ . London, 2Qth June, 1850. '/,:, ido 8BLF-DBDI0ATI0N TO OOO. SERMON LIT. SELFDEDICATION TO GOD. If* " I beweeh you, tberfore, by tbe mercies of God, that ye preMut your bodies a liTiog sacrifice, boly, acceptable unto God, which Is your reasonable service."— Rom. xii. 1. ]=■/.;••;;>■ '.ii'y .rt' J\^' :<-l •pf. 'I Our text enforces self-dedication to Qod. We shall consider — 1. The nature; 2. The reasonableness; and 3. The con- siderations by which it is urged upon us. I. — ^We claim your attention to the duty here enjoined. The terms employed in this exhortation of the Apoede were remarkably appropriate to the Levitical prejudices of many of the Roman church. In his al- lusion to sacrifices, he seems to say, Why are ye so desirous to continue the abolished rites of a finished dispensation ? Was there anything pleasing to the fie^ in the severe duties it imposed upon you? Should you not rather rejoice, that the la^ having a shadow of good things to come, has been superseded by the bringing in of a better hope ? But if, not- withstanding all my entreaties and arguments, you adhere in affection to these sacrificial offerings, then offer yourselves. 1. Pi-esentyourbodiestoGodalivingsacrifice. The body here expresses an unreserved dedication of all our eneigies SECF-DEDICATION TO GOD. 101 to his service. While in sin the members of these bodies ate the agents of wickedness: after our espousal to Christ we become his property. ** Know ye not that your bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost ?" ** Let not sin there- fore reign in your mortal bodies, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instru- ments of unrighteousness unto sin : but yield yourselves unto Qodf as those that are alive from the dead) and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God:" Bom. vi. 12, 13. Believers are ordained priests unto God. " Ye alsoy as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ:" 1. Pet. ii. 6. The sacrifice you are called to offer is not one of atonement, but of acknow- ledgment — as Noah, Gen. viii. 20. Jacob, on his way to Padanaram : and after his meeting Esau, he erected an altar and called it El-elohe-Israel. You are called to bring a living sacrifice. 2. Present your bodies "holy" — separated from the world, d^ to sin. 3. Present them *♦ acceptable to Gk)d." Their accepta- bility is through Christ. How encouraging. II. — ^The reasonableness of this duty. - : 'iv . 1. It is reasonable because of our many obligations to God. 2. It is i-easonable because of its simplicity. 3. It is reasonable when viewed in contrast with Jewish and Heathen ceremonies. 4. It is reasonable because of the happiness resulting fram it. III. — The considerations by which it is urged upon us: " I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies" — or rather, the tender compassion — *♦ of God." Mighty Il t ; 192 8KLF-DKDICATI0N TO GOD. inirry iheme! Where shaU we begin to investigate its ijh^ ample contents ? There is here an evident allusion to H'iUi the doctrinal truths discussed in the former part of the epistle. A -*.-, ..-■^i.; .^*,.-. • 1. By his impartial love to universal man. 2. By the blessings which flow from the atonement of Christ ' 3. By your own e!xperience of his grace. ^^ ,{^,o ..iay , ; Need I apply what has been said ? These tender com- passions, increased by the experience of another week, appeal to you to-day. Are you a believer? — dedicate yourself to Ood ! Are you in the gall of bitterness and in the |t)ond of iniquity? — feel thy obligations, and offer thy sacrificee to God in the presence of all his people. Uj t>'t''it> •■>':.v; J;-- '' INTRODUCTION. , , The ultimate design of Christian doctrine is Christian pmctice. The Scriptures recognize this. Especially the writings of St. Paul. The character of the Boman church. 1 t ^' W.f'f :^V ftt *rf' YorkeUU, 6th July, 1850. ■m-U MtiV) .iv,,t;>,ii; .,{ vj;if.j ■ >•!>'■' Jl iJK-"l'' THE LITTLS FLOOK OF CHRIST BTO. 198 ■K' ' ' .*i ■:)■ SERMON LIII. THE LITTLE FLOCK OF CHRIST ENCOURAGED. " Pear not little flock ; fbr it la your Father's good pleasure to give you ' the kingdom."— Luke xli. 33. r I , . ; Your prayerful attention is invited — 1. To the characters addressed; 2. The ground of their consolation ; and 3. The encouragement given then). I. — We shall consider the charactere addressed. This is necessary to counteract the dangerous propensity of many, to apply to themselves indiscriminately the precious promises, which are yea and amen only to those who believQ, The comfortable words of our text were addressed to the disciples of Christ, and through them are transmitted to his church in every age of the world. 1. Our Lord here designates his church a "flock." This figurative expression implies many characteristics of the people of God which we cannot now consider. Over- looking these, we would direct your contemplation to on^m important feature which it indicates : and that is, the unity of the church. The primitive disciples of ou* Saviour were of "one heart and soul." No doubt this unity derived much of its familiar affection from .thf^|li|i^in- stances in which they were placed. Derision, :peTjg%ition, ' v'-^i • t r M 194 THE LITTLE FLOCK OF and imprisonment were the lot of all ; and each was led to sympathize in the other's sorrows. Their unity may also have been strengthened by frequent association. Zion did not in their age extend her borders over the vast ter- ritories she now occupies; and her smaller fields of labour were more congenial to the occasional and personal inter- course of the apostles. Thus, though separated from the world by the requirements of holiness, they learned to de- light in each other's society ; and to love each other as brethren. But their unity, my brethren, originated in a nobler source than sympathy or communion. They were united to Christ as their living Head, and to their brethren as members of one body. And this connection arose neither from a selfish nor a social principle, but from a spirit of holy love. They had passed from dearth unto life. They loved the brethren. The doctrines expressed by them they had Wmed and believed. Nor was their faith the blind deference of one to the opinion of another. Each examined for himself; and each bore his cross on the genuine strength of his own convictions. Thus you see their unity was rather in feeling than in sentiment. Such a unity still exists in the true church of Christ. Christ is still the shepherd of his sheep; and they hear his voice and they know and follow him. Since the days of the prinaitive church, differences of opinion may have created prejudice; and that prejudice may have prevented the familiar intercourse between the different branches of Zipn, which the early disciples enjoyed. But wherever godliness is to be found, the church will ever be a flock ; one in zeal, one in love, one in every good word and work? 2. We further observe, our Lord regards his church as a Hittle fJocV \v u..t an humbling consideration is this! Thftt abpdy, o^led hy thp n^me of Qhrist, seeking happi- CHRIST BNOOURAOKD. 195 ness where alone it could be found, and aspiring to a noble state of existence, should be imitated by so few, and derided by so many. The church is a little flock — (1.) Compared with our expectations respecting it Viewing God as a being of infinite power and compassion — ^tenderly regarding man, and employing the most ef- fectual means for his rescue from death — as the controller and director of the human will, one might expect him to exert a compulsory power over the human soul, and thus, gather the «vorld into his fold. But grace, though influ- ential and persuasive, is not compulsory. The Spirit of Ood works in and not over the human will : and man is left to " choose whom he will serve." But oh, the influ- ence of sin ou such a choice ! ^ Light is come into the world ; but men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil." Hence the church is a little few, while sinners are a mighty multitude. From the glorious predictions with which the Messiah had been foretold, we would suppose nations in universal suspense would have awaited his coming, ready to hear the first lessons of his grace, to embrace the conditions of salvation and bow in adoration at his feet. But it was not so. The Deity en- shrined in human flesh did not so speedily break the spell of carnal darkness; and multitudes remained in impeni- tence and unbelief. So that of his little group of followers it might be asked, " What are these among so many ?" The eaithly ideas of men concerning the Son of God were disappointed; and he was derided as an impostor. If we survey the sublimities of Christian doctrine and the blessed effects produced on those who embrace them, well may we wonder that they should be so commonly rejected. But consider, these doctrines are too humbling to the selfish pride of humanity. They unfold too hon- M 106 THE LITTLE FLOCK OF estly the blackness of the human heart. ** And men come not to the light lf«t their deeds should bo reproved." The self-denial im))Osed upon the followers of these doc- trines are too ungrateful to the luxurious taste of the carnal mind. That taste must bo spiritualized before it can delight in spiritual things. Be not surprised then that Israel is a " little flock." (2.) The church is a " little flock " compared with the human family. Behold the vast continent of Europe, where the most signal triumphs of Christianity have been achieved I There the champions of by-gone centuries have wielded the swords of truth and error in defence of true and false doctrines. There the foundation of Reformed Ghristiahity was laid; and there, seminaries combining human sciences with religious knowledge have been erected. And yet how few the number of the sa\'ed! O Europe, thy sacred institutions — thy mighty theologians, rise to condemn thy spiritual sterility. Asia with its teeming millions presents to the eye of true philosophy a dismal aspect There the seeds of patriarchal piety were sown; and to-day it is one vast moral wilderness. There Jehovah in former dispensations appeared in terrible and glorious majesty to his servants : now on its once favoured plains might be written Ichabod — tlie glory is departed. There the Divine victim of Calvary expired in agony and was buried in shame : yet few of the results of that great atonement are seen. And little but the crumbling monu- ments of the East remind us that there he lived and there he died. From that land iRsued the first rays of (Gospel light ; and while they have shed their healing beams on distant climes, she lies mantled in the darkness of idolatry. And notwithstanding the victories of missionary enterprise, how vast the dominion of the man of sin — how few the I' CliKIST BNCOURAOED. 107 kingdoinw of our God and his Christ. What Christiau soul w\ OHRISt ENOOUIlAGKDv 20» fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodneas, and the work of faith with power, rfwVi«> III.— ^Hear then, in the third place, the cheering encour- agement of your Lord: ^ Fear notj little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the king- dom," This cheering, well grounded assurance should hush in silence every gloomy apprehension, and inspire you with a constant Uving faith. 1. Fear not the temptations of the adversary. He often beclouds thy joy, he need not molest thy peace. Your peace is your Saviour's legacy. " Peace I leave with you, ray peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you : Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." True, Satan is deceitful, but your God is omnis- cient; he is diligent, but your Saviour "ever liveth to make intercession for you." " We are not ignorant of his devices." But we hear a voice overwhelming in consolation all his subtilities: "Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God." 2. Fear not the opposition of the world. Had we no spiritual perception, it would indeed be a terrible conside- ration, that mankind are arrayed in arms against us. The ruler uses his power — ^the man of respectability hii influence— rthe man of wealth his riches — and the scholar his learning, to dethrone our King^ and to demolish our beloved Christianity. But we have an eye of faith, be- holding the fulness of sustaining grace and power which dwells in Christ We have an ear of £uth, and it hears his precious promises. " My grace is sufficient for thee.** " If Gbd be for us, who can be against us ?" " Greater ia he that is in you than he that is in the world." \- 3. Fear not because of the fewness of your number. Were the church left to hope for prosperity and safety j^^'.'; 204 THE LITTLE FLOCK OF from external circumstances, now dark and fearful would be her prospects. How can we a little band, humble and despised, overcome the prejudices of men — ^break the massive gat«s of their carnal prison — and spread the light of Gospel truth ? Or how can we permanently exist ? The persecutions and contaminations of an ungodly gene- ration, will ceiiainly weaken our little flock. Away with such gloomy forebodings. " Fear not 1" " God is in the midst of us : he shall help us, and that right early." *^ Trust in the Lord Jehovah ; for in him is everlasting strength." >!««» ^^.^^y ? ■ m^ 4. Fear not your temporal afflictions. You may have bereavements, and worldly disappointments, and losses, and cares. They may come in as a flood and threaten your destruction. Fear not, all things shall work together for good to them that love God. 5. Fear not heaviness through manifold temptations. Spiritual melancholy is occasioned by various causes. Sometimes by bodily infirmity ; and often by complications of sorrow. This dai'k feeling is at times the lot of the most devoted and cheerful saint. But you are called to rise above it. " Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servants, that walketh in darkness and hath no light ? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God." " Ye now have sorrow for a season, but he will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice ; and your joy no man taketh from you." Had you no other promise for your encouragement than that of our text — ^ It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" — even this would reach to all your necessities; fathom your deepest rivers; and always shed its sacred beams on your afflicted path. " Thou wilt guide me by thy council ; and afterwards receive me to glory." \u CUKIST BNOOCRAOKl). 205 I t, ifr?,i"' >y ,-/■•■■ J-f APPLICATION. 1. If you are of the little flock, gladly do 1 address to you the consolitary words of the text. Take them. Apply them to your all-sufficient solace — to your various afflictions and trials. " It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." O all-comprising promise ! It cheers us in all our gloom, and directs us to the land that is very far c^. You have seen the displays of this ** good pleasure " in the natural world. " Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap ; which neither have storehouse or bam ; and God feedeth them. How much more are ye better than the fowls." " Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Listen then to your Saviour's appeal : " If God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven ; shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith ?" See the iroral world to which you belong: his good pleasure ip the same in its nature — ^the same in its benevolent designs — though it operates in a different manner. Then have faith in God. Let all your expectations of present grace and future glory be founded on this rock — " It is your Father's good plea- sure to give you the kingdom." * *<'■-/> 2. But some of you are not of the " little flock." You have no claim upon the consolations of the gospel. De- ceive not yourselves, my brethren. When we hear of the j)rospects of the saints, and the glory which God hath reserved for those that love him, there is danger of our cherishing some vogue passing extacy, without calm exa- mination. Are ye renewed in the spirit of your minds ? Have ye put on the new man, which after God is created 206 THE LITTLE FLOCK, ETC. in righteousness and true holiness ! If not, ye have neither part nor lot in the matter. This moment, awake from thy slumbers, and seek the salvation of Ood ! ^ Come thou with us " — the "little flock " — " and we will do thee good; for the Lord haih spoken good concerning Israel." i;>- INTRODUCTION. A' ■^ A careful perusal of the history of our blessed Lord, will discover a striking difference between liis address to the multitude, and to his disciples. To the former he taught as one having authority ; to the latter, he maintained that authority with more social affection. To the former, he spake as a sacred philosopher; to the latter he conde< scended tu» a benign parent. To sinners, he unfolded the terrors of his judgment in all their naked grandeur. But to his followers, he addressed these astounding doctrines, with assurances of love and promises of providential care* The first paragraph of this chapter contains a tender admo- nition to his disciples. At the thirteenth verse, he was interrupted by one of the company, 'who said unto him, " Master, speak to my brother that he divide the inheri- tance with me." This he repelled, not only by his reply, " Man, who made me a judge or a divider over thee ?" — but by the solemn parables of the covetous rich man, whose earthly hopes were disappointed by the awful veto -of Heaven, "this night thy soul shall be required of thee." In the twenty-second verse, our Saviour resumes his dis- course to the disciples ; and gliding from the solemnity of the narrative first uttered, he cheers his children by an encouraging view of his gracious providence; and closes with the passage before us: — ^ Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." YorkvUUt 19th July, 1B50. DAVIO^S ACKNOWUBDOMENT OF ODD. 207 ■'\~\U. ,'Hv.i': SERMON LlV. •t I • >,, DAVID'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GOD. ■'■jii,tnv^. :Mi' V.«-'ty-i,. " A* for €k>d, bis way is perfect < the word of tbe Lord is tried : he !• buckler to all those tbnt put their trust in hiin."— 8 Samdkl szii. 31. •:i;Mir;ff. :.i: ^iIVi/iV-'iT:**?. :};>?{ '!i*fl , ..'. .""iith ■ ■.j> Three things are stated in the text :— . The perfection of God's way ; ;. The trial of his word ; and -,',.•■ The defence of his people. I. " As for God, his way is perfect." The way of God signifies his work — ^his manner or plan of accomplishing his purposes. In this state of partial knowledge, we can only contemplate his way as it pei tains to ourselves, and earthly circumstances. The development of his unveiled glory, and his sacred revelations to an unseen world, too far transcend our limited conceptions. There is indeed much mystery enshroiiding many of his purposes relating to man; but the view of Divine perfection and benevolence therein revealed, so far as we can penetrate, is full of in- struction and encouragement. ; ; >h; ^^ ^ij^ 1. "The way of God is perfect," in the works of nature. (1.) Survey the expansive firmament: and whether viewed by the unassisted eye of sense, or minutely exa- mined by the criticisms of science, the perfection of 206 David's acknowlkdumekt or ouD. Jehovah will be written there. Mark the order observed in the positions and revolutions of every planet, and the adaptation of their numberless changes to the varied cir- cumstances of man ; and say what attributes but the infinite wisdom and power of God could have called them into existence. The sun shines by day; the moon and stars irradiate our earth in his absence. *^ The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handy work." But the astronomer tells us of many terrific ap- pearances of irregular comets, supposed to be the shattered remnants of once existing worlds, which evince at least some confusion, if not imperfection. Admit it, though it be only an opinion. The disorder of the moral universe, and the vengeance of Heaven consequently inflicted on his rebellious subjects, would reasonably be expected to pro- duce such changes and commotions in the planetary system. Our position remains unmoved ; " the way of God is per- fect." (2.) Look you to the earth which we inhabit, and say, does it not reveal the Deity ? Behold the abounding trees, and plants, and herbs, provided for our necessities ; and the vegitative powere by which they are produced ; and consider, that since the third day of creation, not a single species of the vegetable kingdom has been lost. O Lord, in wisdom hast thou made — in benevolence hast thou pre- served them ail ! But " why," asks the geologist, " are somiB soils barren, while others are luxuriant ? And what mean these poisonous herbs ?" Again we answer, these apparent deficiencies cannot be attributed to imperfection in God. No wonder the natural world should sympathize in the cruel degredation of him whom once she fed, and cheered, and clothed. Behold the irrational creation. From the mighty elephant to the smallest animacule, the DAVID U ACKNOWLEDGMENl OF GOD. 209 I>erfection of God appears. The inhabitants of earth, and air, and sea, all wait on him ; and he gives them meat in due season. Here too disorder appears. Ferocious mon- sters vent their hatred of each other and of man, tell the sad story of man's depravity. But still the way of God is perfect. (3.) Do you contemplate man ? Here the perfection of Deity is grandly exhibited. As he ramo fiom his Maker's hand, he was the image of God. As he is now, he is under the curse of the law, degiaded and sinful. That mind, once capacious, is contracted by ignorance. The soul, once glowing with moral purity, is now buried in " th3 gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity." Had we no Bible, the present state of man would remain unaccounted for ; and unenlightened reason might question the perfec- tion of its God. But from the sacred page we learn that these defects in man are but monuments of Divine displea- sure against sin. And then our conclusion establishes the perfection of his way ; for to punish transgression with pain, disease, or natural death, is the perfection of justice. 2. "As for God, his way is perfect" in his moral government 1 hat God exercises a special controul over his moral subjects, cannot be doubted by the most super- ficial obsei-ver, Avho can trace misery to its cause — vice ; and happiness to its parent — ^virtue. Such mai'ks of his aversion to sin, and his pleasure in uprightness abound in the history of nations and individuals. Sometimes how- ever, for wise though mysterious purposes, God does not immediately pursue vice with judgment, nor virtue with its due reward. Thus the antediluvian world were permitted to pei^severe in transgression for. an hundred and twenty yeai-s, before " the flood came and swept them all away." Thus the citizens of Sodom and Gomon-ah were not r-n*'^ 210 DAVIDS ACKNOWLBUOMUNT QV UOD. immediately dentroyed ; but after a series of exhortations and warnings from (Jod, their uprverwness provoked him to anger, and in hi^ wratli he consumed them. Job was long left tossing in the billows of affliction; but finally the anchor of relief came, and Ills la^t state was better than the first. Likewise the church in ymt ages was loft to groan under the rod of the oppressor for many years; her mem- bers were persecuted, imprisoned and maityred at the stake ; the armies of Brial apjKsarod for a time to tnumjdi : but soon the terrible Htorm subsided, the enemies of Zion were vanquished, and Jerusalem became " a quiet habitii- tion." Thus it is often with ourselve:*: clouds and darkness are fre(i[uently round about many of his providences to- wards us. We are i»eq)lexed for a season, while scoflers ask, " Where now \< thy God ?" We see the " wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay-tree ;'* and we are almost ready to murmur. But wait patiently for the Lord, your deliverance will soon come. And in your present afflictions you will one day adora the wisdom and compassion of your infinite Saviour. . " His purposes will ripen fast, ' ^ "' ', Unfolding every hour ; : ' i • :,• • ii The bud may have a bitter taste. But sweet will be the flower." r.'f And every gradual development of his designs will con- vince you more impi-essively of the perfection of his way. Think not then, sinner, to escaj)e, if you continue in unbe- lief. Vengeance^ thoujrh long delayed, will soon appear ! Fear not, O true believer ! Dark and perplexed may be thy path; lut follow the leadings of Providence, and the light of life will &?on shine upon you. '■'■-.' '' ! ''* 3. "As for Or ■ iJs -ay is , jifect," in the scheme of redemption. A qu'i^Lion more i"<)jncntou8 waft never pro- DAVID d ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF aOD, 211 ptKsed by tlie companion to the justice of Oo«l than tlii^ — ** How shall man be redeemed /" Angels lu heaven, or devils in hell might have waited its solution in trembling suspense. The Divine threat has been issued : — " In the day thoTi eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." It cannot bo recalled. Inf li'^ ;n8tice and the purity of his moral government r.rt "^t ini.o. Man must be lost or a remedy provided, iint where shall that remedy b* found? Bring tl'c bu)o<1 i)f bu ts and of goats to the altar of God, and mfV !•) ; ropitiat<» the Divine anger, it is in \nin. 'J'hey cannot take Jiwj»y sin. •r. O ( "Riverfl of oil, and BeaH of blood, i^ . ■'}')' -" i Alas, they all must flow in vain." i''<^,r"<, -. : ., . U.I !•-■>• '■.-•( ' You promise repentance. Endeavour in vain. The debt of violated law demands satisfaction. If you ofter a human sacrifice, it must be rejected. It could not make atonement for the individual otiered, much less for the whole progeny of man. What shall we do? Angels, assist lis by your wise counsels, and save us from im- pending wrath! They cannot. The mighty problem baffles the ingenuity of all created intelligence. But hark ! The ofl'ended God undertakes our cause. One attribute contends with another, till Mercy triumphs over Justice. The union of God with man is projiosed. The Father sends tlio Saviour. The Son joyfully assents. "Lo I com . y do thy will, O God !" Then comes the glorious j^romise to our guilty race. " The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head." Here is the perfection of God's way. " Thy debt's dierharged, ivV . > Thy sansom's paid, . -. ,^, Thouinayrsi be justified." ii) 'Ui'y ■■^'■-' >/ 212 DAVID S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GOD. 4. " As for God, his way is perfect " in the mode of extending the Gospel. In order to the eftectual, universjd spread of evangelical truth, the doctrines proclaimed, and the manner of their propag'ition, must dilier in nature fiom human systems. A great work is here to be done. Ob- structions and future difficulties lie before us. But the per- fection of Jehovah has provided for all these evils. Knowing that men demand clear e^ idence of the Divinity of the gospel, he accompanies it with miracles, signs nnd wonders. And these exhibitions of supren)e power were adapted to the s})irit and circumstances of every age of the church. Minister are sent forth — institutions are estab- lished for the extension of gospel light; and to-day the past history of the church, and the present blooming aspect of her wide-spread harvest, attest the fulfilment of the Divine promise :— " Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Human sciences and moral institu- tions have been patronized by ihe authority and wealth of the earth, and no wonder they have prospered. But here is a system revealing the innate depravity of man, and thus dispising the esteem of men ; and yet it has over-run tlie mightiest nations, and ha\ ing surmounted all opposition, it looks with majestic contempt upon its dethroned rivals, and defies the hostility of earth and hell. How do you account for this ? Let our text answer :—*' As for God, his way is perfect." 5. Again, we observe, the perfection of the Divine way is dedared in the present and eternal sahation of his people. We have just led your minds to a general view of the univei'sal spread of the grspel. But to be more specific, let us contemplate the universal operations of grace in the hearts of behevers. The fii-st of these is conviction. Now, is it not remarkable that the Spirit of God, opeiating in the DAVID S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GOD. 213 same manner upon different constitutions of mind, should produce the same results ? And it is the more striking, because the Spirit of God does not change the natural bias or various dispositions of the hearts upon which he exerts his influence. Yet the same contrite pangs throb in the breast of every awakened penitent. The pardon of sin,»nd the accompanying grace which renews the soul, produce the same peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, and effects the same new creation wherever it is experienced. The pro- raises of his truth, and the consolations of his grace, are adapted to every afflicted believer. They all speak with the same voice, and are heard with the same filial joy. The hope of glory kindles a brighter flame of love in the heart of the dying; and his language is, "I desire to depait, and to be with Christ, which is far better." God works in him " exceedingly, abundantly, above all he can ask or think." At last the weary pilgrim is safely landed in the Canaan of promise. O what a glorious process of grace is this ! purifying the soul from all sin — cheering the gloom of despondency in troubles — ^implanting a clear prospect of glory in the breast, and finally admitting the ransomed spirit to be for ever with its Lord. Sinner, I cannot lead you to glorify the perfection of God's way in this work of grace ; but I will appeal to the experimental Christian — What think you of Christ? What is your testimony to the renewing power of holiness ? Have you experienced his power to save? I am pei'suaded you would respond, " Yes." And cherubims would swell their united Hozannas of praise with your response : " as for God, his way is perfect." II. The next statement of our text is " The word of the Lord is tried." His word is a revelation of his character, and an expression of his will. The sublime contents of the 214 DAVID S ACCNOWLEDOMENT OF GOD. inspired volume commend themselves to every intelligent, much more to every sanctified mind. But we are not left to presume its sacred authority merely from its nature. It is a "tried" word; and its trial is a proof of its truth, divinity and excellence. 1. "The word of the Lord is tried," by time. If antiquity can give authority to a system, and inspire man- kind with a veneration for its principles, Christianity has eminent claims upon the faith of the world. The Bible is an old book. I grant that the long existence of an institu- tion is not always a proof of its Divine authority. Sin is nearly coeval with the beginning of the world ; and many of the most corrupt principles have exerted their baleful influence for ages. But the antiquity of the Scriptures forcibly proves their divinity ; for no book has existed so long under the same circumstances. The writings of ancient philosophers and poets have been applauded by the learned and honourable of their age — they have flourished in public and private libraries — yet many of them to-day are as silent as the mouldering ashes of their authors. But here is a book, containing no allurements to the pride and fancy of men, committed to the trust of the Israelitish tribes, a wandering and changing nation, and yet it has lost none of its original truth. After numerous transmissions from generation to generation, it stands immovable as its God ; and to it, in a lower sense, words once applied to him may be a])p]ied : " They all shall wax old as doth a garment ; but thou art the same, and thy years fail not." 2. " The word of the Lord is tried," by opposition. Divine truth owes not its standing in the world to any human assistance. It has ever been waging war with motley enemies. The profane sons of vice, fearful of the i DAVID S ACKNOWLBDOMKNT OP GOD. 215 anotbemas it denounces against them, ridicule and despise its warning voice; but still it cries aloud and spares not: — " Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Infidelity has winded her specious objections and cunning ai'guments against the truth of God ; but that truth has baffled her subtilties in every attack, and now beholds her almost retired in blushing silence. Others have intei'woven the superstitions of paganism, and the absurdities of human tradition with the doctrines of the Gospel ; but this word, bursting from all these chains which would trammel her authority, pursues her Heaven-commissioned course. The defenders of this word have been pei'secuted and slain for its sake; but its precious promises have irradiated their dungeons, and established them more and more in the faith. The hypocrisy of the professing church, not less than other causes, has hindered the Gospel ; but it has not, and never shall, destroy it. And should the essence of piety be quenched in cold formality and nominal religion, the purity of this unadulterated word would rise to con- demn the dissembling sinner ; just as the moon, though sometimes nearly hidden by passing clouds, soon reveals her light again ; so this lamp of life, though at seasons bedimmed by opposition, shall break through all, and spread its hallowed beams upon our fallen world. " Hea- ven and earth shall pass away ; but my word shall not pass away." 3. " The word of the Lord is tried," by the fulfilment of its promises. Observe the predictions of the Old Testa- ment : and though you cannot always discover their imme- diate accomplishment^ by carefully tracing them, you will gradually behold them realized. Christ was promised to Adam, to the patriarchs, to Israel, and the prophets. We follow this promise, varying in language, and the sublime 216 DAVID 8 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OP GOD. emblems in which it was expressed, through many ages and dispensations. In the time, many events incurring the Divine displeasure take place ; and crimes, if he were not God, would have led him to retract his engagements. But after the lapse of four thousand years, Christ appears — ^the pledge of Heaven is verified. Blessings were promised, or curses threatened to the Church of Israel, on certain con- ditions, and never did they fail. In the New Testament, other predictions may be found. One of these related to the destruction of Jerusalem. In allusion to the temple, the Son of Man declared, " One stone shall not be left upon another that shall not be thrown down." And that the calamitous event occuiTed in literal consonance with the phraseology, is evident, from the impartial account of heathen historians. But there is another class of promises, which more strikingly illustrates this position of our text : that is, the promises made to the people of God. Here your experience will lend her aid to our argument, and proclaim, " The word of the Lord is tried." To the peni- tent, the Gospel says, •' Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Lives there a man who ever complied with the condition, and did not realise the pro- mise ? Ye are told to " ask and ye shaM receive, that your joy may be full." Tell me, did you ever prove that pro- raise vain ? You are told " the Lord God is a sun and a shield : he will give grace and glory ; and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." When you availed youi-self of this promise, were you ever sent empty away ? No, your Lord was not " slack concerning his promise." But time would fail me to enter into the list of promises, threatenings, and assurances, which God has fulfilled. S'/aphs in the cuurch triumphant, saints in the church mili' mt, and ghastly fiends in the torments of DAVID'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF GOD. 217 the damned, would rise to corroborate the song of David, "The word of the Lord is tried;* " '-^ ; *.' 4. " The word of the Lord is tried," in the salvation of sinners. That the main design of the Gospel is the salva- tion of souls, appears not only from its character, spirit^ and tendency, but also from its gracious results. We do not lead you, my brethren, to contemplate and admire a mere system of well-organized principles, nor to applaud only the adaptation of the Gk>spel to the mental constitution of man — ^we have a more decisive evidence of its power, and that is, the good it has effected. Apart from the instructive and moral benefits \«ith which it has ever adorned its recipients, look at the spiritual victories it has won. Be the Gospel true or not, it certainly must be confessed, that it has accomplished no unimportant changes in society. By it, ignorance has been dispelled, new feelings have been , promoted, and a reformation of practice over cases which baffled the power of other institutions. Li our own land, we see these things ; sinners have been converted to God, and hundreds have been added yearly to the church. In foreign lands, it is the same. Well may we take up the triumphant language of the Apostle, and say, ** I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." 5. "The word of the Lord is tried " by the experience of believers. For ages the church has walked to Zion by the light of the lamp of truth, and still she adheres to it as her infallible guide. The press has issued its volumes of invaluable instruction, and the tone of piety has been thereby elevated; but no book of human authority baa superseded the lively oracles of God. When buffeted by the world, the flesh, and the devil, here is your invulnerable refuge. When groaning under the severities of bereave- K 218 David's acknowlxdomknt of god. ments and teiQpora} losees, here is your balmy aid. When hungering and thirsting after righteousness, here are the evernduring beacons^ which point you to the fuhiess of sanctifying grace. When walking through ** the valley of the shadow of death, here is the staff of yov support; and here the light which shines upon your dreary path. If yoM have tasted that the Lord is gracious^ you can heartily respond to the sentiment of the Psalmist, ^ The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul ; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wifo the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandmeiit of the Lord is pure^ enlightening the eyes." IIL We must hasten to the the third pomtion of the doxology, ** He is a buckler to all them that trust in him." This allusion to a weapon of defence, supposes that we have enemies. The remaining evils of our nature, the spiritual influence of the powers of darkness, and the hostility of mankind to the things of God, are each arrayed in terror against us. In the world we have tribulation. *^If ye were of the world, the world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world.> therefore the world hateth you." 2. But God is our defence. '^ He is a buckler to all them that put their trust in him." The buckler, in the armour of Oriental warrior^ was synonymous with the shield or dypeas. It was buckled to the left arm, and then wielded so as to protect the whole body. Paul speaks of" the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." "The Lord God is a sun and shield; he will give grace and glory, and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." De- fended by his almighty and victorious grace, "we are more than conquerors through him that hath loved us." DAVID'S AOKNOWLBDOMCNT Of OOD. 219 "This promise is to be realised by trusting in him. There is the grace of fiuth, and the act of faith. The former is absolutely the gift of God; by it he shields us from all our foes. The latter is exercised by ourselves; and it is to this act our text refers. This is " the victory that dVeroometh the world, even our faith." Without such a trust, religion could supply no solid, no abiding peace. The Christian's fortress lies behind the veiled spiritual world; and nothing can behold it but that faith which is ** the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen." This is the foith which gives a consoling im- petus to the promise of Jehovah. ^ The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace." PERORATIOK. In conclusion, let me briefly ftpply what has been said. You have heard of the perfection of God's way. You are convinced of it. Perhaps you have often admired it. But this is not enough. Have you walked in that way ? A contemplation of the perfections of Jehovah may elevate your thoughts and spiritualize your affections. But this is vain, unless it influence your daily walk with God. Let God's way be your constant example. "For this is the way, walk ye in it" 2. You have heard of the trial of God's word. Perhaps you never doubted its authenticity; and the argument advanced this morning may have only established your confidence in its excellence. But kt me ask you, has that word been tried in your conversion ; and can you this day clasp it to your heart as the " perfect law of liberty ?" If not, you have never fully pi-oved it. O, my brethren, doubt not the fulness of grace, held forth in this blessed 220 David's agknowlbdqment of god. Goepel. Others have tried it, and their ransomed spirits sing joyfully to the God of their salvation. You may try it, and try it now, and prove that it is " the power of God iinto the salvation of every one that believeth." 3. You have heard that God is a " buckler to all that put their trust in him." If you are of the accepted children, rely upon the strong arm of your deliverer — ^he is mighty to save. If you are yet in unbelief, oh, bring thy soul to the cleansing laver of the atoning blood. Roll thy burden in humble faith upon the sacrifice of Christ; then shalt thou know the value of this promise; and thy inmost soul will exclaim, "Blessed are all those that trust in him." May God impress his truth upon every heart for Christ's sake! • • '. ' EXORDIUM. These words, and the chapt - in connexion with them, fonn a sublime doxologj of David to God, after a series of gracious deliverances from the hand of his enemies. It would appear that the Psalmist, having now arrived at a late period of life, indulges in a grateful retrospect of the mercies that had crowned his path. He saw in the perils of his complicated history, the treacherous usurpation of his son Absalom fmstrated by a dreadful death ; and his frequent escapes from the jealousy of the tyrant Saul, whose malice he survived. These, with the conquest of many heathen nations, and the eventual establishment of the throne he now occupied in peace, led him with joy to recount the tender mercies and providential care of God. The words of our text are not a burst of unmeaning enthu- siasm : they are the sincere acknowlegments of a calmly contemplative mind. You may observe a beautiful depen- dence between each of these clauses. The perfection of davjd's ackmowl&dqmknt of god. 221 God's way recommending his word ; and the trial of that word enforcing the promise of protection to liis saints. The eulogiums passed upon some conquerore are fulsome and imaginary. Lest this should be suspected of David's doxology, wo shall examine its parts carefully, and then submit the whole to your candid judgment. Yorkville, 30/A July, 1850. '"'■ " t i •* n ' . ; . ^ >' . > . I . 1 ■ • I ; ' '■.' f"i :■! 222 PRACTICAL H0UNS88 SERMON IV. PRACTICAL HOLINESS ESSENTIAL TO THE PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF RELIGIOUS TRUTH. ** If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether 1 speak of myself."— John iii. 17. " If any man will do his will," or, as the words may be translated, ^ If any man be willing to do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of Qod, or whether I speak of myself." The doctrine of our text is, — that practiced holiness is essential to a perfect knowledge of religious truth. In demonstrating this proposition, we shall Ist consider Christian practice, as strengthening all other arguments in favour of the doctrines of Christianity ; and 2ndly, as furnishing a class of evidence peculiar to itself. I. — ^In the first place we view practical holiness as strengthening all other arguments in support of Christianity. You are aware that some of the evidences of our holy religion appeal so powerfully to intellectual man, that candid reason cannot resist their force. And yet, even in these evidences, there is a beauty and power indescribable by any but the experimental Christian. Nor does this make Chris- tianity assume a suspicious aspect, to say that none but the subjects of its influence can fully test its BS8INTIAL TO RXLIOIOUS TRUTH. 223 truth and Divine excellence. For if it be objected that they are partial to tlie doctrines of their profes- sion, we «an retort, that unbelievers are partial to the ways of sin. In the study of any science, we must be predispose'! for It by a natural taste; and oi|r pro- ficiency in learning will bo projmrtionate to the influence of this peculiar bias. But as man in his natural state has no taste or inclination for the things of Qoif it follows that the soul, renewed in righteous- ness, when prepared by spiritual faculties and dispo- flitione^ must in ita^sacred researches far surpass the superficial knowledge of the merely intellectual Christian. 1. The existence, character, and attributes of God are displayed in the works of nature. They are stamped with incontrovertible evidence of his wise and benevolent designs. And were man unbiased by sin. the spontaneous acknowledgment of every rationd mind would be, " The heavens declare the glory of Ood, and the firmament ahoweth his handy work. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the worid." The natural world may be studied by man in three different ways. It may be r^arded as the only revelation of the Divine will; or it may be regarded as a very impeifect revelation of that will ; and yet the evidences which it does contain may not be suffi- ciently understood; or it may be regarded iu its true character, as revealing much of the wisdom and power of Jehovah, and verifying the clear revelations of the inspired volume : and it may be contemplated with grateful admi- ration, so long as our opinions and feelings are held in 224 TEUFBCT U0LIME88 subiniFsiuii to the oracles of God. When natvire is regarded as the only revelation of the Divine will, the orrorH of the speculative Deist are us numerous as they are dangerous. For "while many of the beauties of creation are grand monuments of the wisdom, power, and goodness of God, many other appearances in the natural world would seem to contradict these attributes; and if they are not explained, they must lead to the most absurd notions of the Deity. " Why," asks the Deist, " do I behold, in con- nection with the beauties of nature, many teriific and revolting soenes? What mean these nigged mountains, these broken cliflij, these ban-en wastes ! Whence proceed these terrible storms, devastating countries and endangering the lifo of man ? Such bewildering problems will ever arise to the mind of him, who studies the doctrines of Christ, unaided by the light of revelation. Led by the deceptive meteors of a vain imagination from one confused notion to another, till, lost in the intricate labyrinths of error, he will finally sink to Paganism, if not to Atheism itself. But there are oth^-s who profess all the doctrines of Christianity ; and they regard the works of nature as a very imperfect revelation of the Divine will. They con- template with profit and delight the expansive firmament above, and the verdant earth beneath. With scientific minuteness they examine the philosophy of the wonderfii) works of God, till they have obtained a summit of know- ledge far transcending the conception of ordinary minds. Yet, while their philosophy fathoms the bowels of the earth, and rises to the glittering orbs of heaven, beaming on every step some new evidence of the Divine per- fections ; alas ! how seldom is their knowledge applied to a spiritual use. In their scientific works, the name of God is scarcely ever mentioned \ his power and wisdom are sel- ESSENTIAL TO llELIOIOUS TRUTH. 225 dom tnaghiflod. There is a barrier between God and the natural man ; and though every creature lives and movefs and has its being in him, his infinity seems hid from th« carnal conceptions of mortals. Thus far, but no farther, can unsanctified reason proceed. But hand the book of nature to the true believer, and it will speak a language unknown to others. From it he will extract a testimony to the wisdom and omnipotence of Ood, utterly undiscem- able by the darkened hearts of the ungodly. The know- ledge it cannot supply, he finds in the inspired oracles; and the light it does reflect upon sacred things, beautifully illustrates the doctrines of Divine truth. Human reascm is not strained beyond its proper limits ; but guided by the lamp of that living word, and submitting all his opinions to its authoritative dictates, he steers a pleasing and a well-defined couhse. Science and religion go hand in hand ; and the constant acknowledgment of his adoring spirit is, '^ O Lord, in wisdom hast thou made them all." 2. The Providences of God display his moral govern- ment to man. To a mind disposed to ridicule^ few subjects will afford more ample scope than Divine Providence. Its mysteriousness. • Did man delight in the knowledge of God, every circumstance in life would ■ History and personal experience conspire to disclose his benign But how seldomis Providence studied aright. The sceptic despises it as superstition. A life is saved — it is a coincidence. The wants of man are regularly sup- plied — it is a mere accident. The arm of Jehovah is made bare — at an important juncture, armies are defeated — it is by chance. So obstinate is unbelief. With a little more reverence does the Christian scholar — But " the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God." But the true believer discerns wisdom and love with perepicuity and gratitude. k2 226 PRACTICAL HOLINESS His ^lumble ascriptions of praise rise, " This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes," Thus circum- Btances which pass, elicit his moderation and gratitude. 3. We further remark, the authenticity of Scripture is established by the fulfilment of prophecy. This evidence is too decisive to be questioned by4he most critical. Alas, how has the study been misapplied ! The believer traces the fulfilm^t of prophecy, not only in the history of the church, and the spread of the Redeemer's kingdom, but in his own experience. 4. The divinity of Christianity is proved by miracles. Mark with what different feelings these are regarded by the mere scholar and the believer. Sinners study truth to detect eiTor: believers, to discover the will of God, and adore the manifestations of his love. n. — ^But practical righteousness contains evidences of . Christianity peculiar to itself. - nr ' 1. To him the justice of God is strikingly displayed. Rather it is felt in his heart. .; j ;, , . . >u; i / > i ; ; 2. He realizes the love of God. > r 3. The fulfilment of the Divine purposes, to a great extent, depends on the practical holiness of believers, -.j v. ■ (1.) Spread of the Gospel. . ,. , ; •> ! ; . (2.) Personal experience. Well might an eminent divine remark, " Were I to define divinity, I should rather call it a divine hfe than a divine science. The facts of Church history, Christian biography, and our own experience prove. i ; t. )■'):'! U,- . ...;f r, PERORATION. 1. How flimty and invalid are all objections to Chris- tianity! .,:.;; ..■,*■,;: ••;.,.,... . ./ ',...!..■,: -:,:,;■: 2. How impoiiant it is that we do his will. ESSENTIAL TO RBLIQIOUB TRUTH. 227 I INTRODUCTION. The evidences of Christianity are adapted to the sinful- ness of the human hearty as well as the ignorance of the human mind. Illustrate. YotitviUe, 10th August^ 1850. •_,',H^; .-v ; V • :■>}■!>■ ■^' '. .-'{jJii' } ' ' ' 11,!; ..iU. - 'ii« .(■•.■ i> . , 3. It contains encouragement for all. . .i , ■>;'t. EXORDIUM. :, 'If :*: -!^ Man's veneration for sacred things good, but abused. They are designed for practice. Paul's circumstances. YorkeilU, fiith August^ 1850. 380 THE CHRISTIAN RACK SERMON LVII. ;: ' ; THE CHRISTIAN RACE. JIA , t " Whererore seeing we also are compassed 8b(>Mt with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that dotn so easily beset us ; and let us run wHb patience the race sel before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."— His. xii. 1, 3. The Christian's life is spiritual, and can be maintained only by spiritual sustenance. It is well described by the apostle, who says, '^ I am crucified with Christ : neverthe- less I live ; yet not I, but CHrist liveth in me ; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of Gtodf who loved me, and gave himself for me. — Oal. ii. 20. His conversation is in heaven ; and his k now- ledge, his joys and his hopes, refer to things inviable. Hence, while the unrer^enerate man endeavours to amuse the immortal part with g'audy fascinations of external scenes, the believer can draw aside the curtain which intercepts the sight of the spiritual world, and feast his enraptured vision on the vast contents of '^life and immortality brought to light in Christ by the Gospel." How mighty is the influence which the Christian exerts around him I While he lives in despised obscurity, he is by example and affectionate counsels the cheerful co/npanion of his fellow- travellers to Zion ; and by silent admonition he adds not a little aid to the destruction of sin, and the establishment of righteousness in the earth. Nor does his gracious influence i TBK CHRISTIAN RACK. 231 r-\ cease with tliis short period of life. Death may gather him to his fathers, and translate him to his God; but still his spirit lingers in affectionate visits to the heirs of salvation below, beckoning them to mansions in the sky, and stimu- lating them to zealous exertions in the Lord's vineyard. When to this we add the hourly savour which they leave behind them, who will not exclaim, " The memory of the just is blessed." ** Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord ; for they rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." In the chapter preceding the text, the apostle Paul had been describing faith, and illustrating it by the example of numerous ancient worthies, who <* died in the faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and em- braced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." — Heb. xi. 18. Taking one grand view of the assemblage of spirits before the throne, he rises with rapture on the pinions of an ever vigorous faith; then looking down upon the Hebrew church, he closes the doctrinal discussion of his epistle in the earnest exhortation of the text, " Wherefore, seeing, &c." The whole passage is an allegorical allusion to one of the ancient Grecian games. Heathen mythology informs us, that these exer- cises were instituted by Jupiter, after his victory over the Titians; or, as a more probable opinion, that they were first established by Hercules in honour of Jupiter Olympus, after a victory obtained over Augias. These games were of various kinds; and one, not the least important, was racing. In keeping with this figure, we shall direct your attention to the words of our text, by considering — 1. The race prescribed ; 2. The cloud of witnesses; and 3. The influence they should exert upon us. . II 232 TH& CHRISTIAN ftACK. i I. — Hew we have a race set before us. On the festive occasions to which we have just alluded, a course was marked out by the director of the proceedings, and none were allowed to transgress its limits. In tliis passage the race represents the course which God has prescribed for the Christian while sojourning in this lower world. To the believer alone id life a race : hd alone is qualified to run in the way of Gbd's com- mandments. This is in striking accordance with the ' requirements strictly observed in the selection of can- ; didates for the Olympic races. None were permitted to engage in them, or any other games, bnt persons of unexceptionable morals, and high reputation. And each candidate underwent a preparatory discipline ' before he was admissible to the sacred celebration. " ' They were severely examined by three interrogatories : ' 1. Were they freemen? 2. Were they Grecians? ■ 3. Were their characters free from tdl infamous and immoral stains? And their qualifications strictly depended upon a satisfactory answer to each of these ' interrogatories.^ A spiritual preparation is not less • necessary to every unrenewed man, before he enters ' the lists of Christ's genuine church. The guilt of sin must be cancelled* the heart must be renewed in righteousness, and the soul emancipated from the ■ ! bondage of sin. When this great change takes place, and not till then, we become candidates for heaven. The sacred course marked out by Jehovah is ever guarded by repentance and faith; and however the external government of the church, in the admission of nominal members within its pale, may violate this rule, the law remains the same. " He that entereth not in by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." THE CHRISTIAN RAOB. 233 —John X. 1. The « highway " of the Lord « shall be called the way of holiness ; the unclean shall not pass over it ; but it shall be for those : the way-faring man, though a fool, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there; but the redeemed of the Lord shall walk there." — Isaiah xxxv. 8. 9. >■' ■' 1. That life is a race, supposes our present existence to be a state of trial. We live in a state of preparation for immortality; and our final glory will bo measured by our righteousness on earth. If there be no reality in the future state of existence, the unsatisfying nature of earthly things would lead to question the wisdom and goodness of God, in appointing to his creatures a sphere too contracted for the full exercise of the noble capacities imparted by him- self. For however much may be done or enjoyed in this vale of tears, some spiritual principle within us ever tends to a more exalted kingdom. The inspired volume regards earth and earthly things in relation to man as transitory, and prefatory to another state of existence. Its doctrines pour contempt on the gaudy toys of sense, and stimulate us to holiness, by the presentation of a crown of life. Its frequent and faithful admonitions, remind us of the dangers to which we are exposed ; and warn us to " take heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." And its promises, fraught with glittering allusions to our celestial diadem, urge us onward by the inculcation of duty and the assurance of glory. "Arise, this is not thy resting place; for it is polluted." " Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." 2. Life as a race, is of short duration. 3. Implies competition. — 1 Cor. iv. 24, 26. 4. Continual reference to the prize. — Phil, iii, 13, 14» I t 1 1 234 TUB CHRISTIAN RACE. II.— The "cloud of witnesses." ^ ^ Cloud," — ^Hebraism for a great number. Witnesses may be those who testified of Christ, or those who behold us. 1. They are the spirits of just men, made perfect — Once like us — have finished their course — ate conversant with our world — are interested in us by reason of benevolent relation — ^former acquaintance — daily accumulating. 2. Angels are there, who remained in their first purity — ^their knowledge of earthly things — interest in man — one of sympathy — benevolence — near to us. 3. Jesus is there— omnipotent — ^mediator of the new covenant—his interest and sympathy. >' 4. " Qod the judge of all," is there. i . , If I might extend the application of this figure, — church militant— devils — ^your families — the world. III. — ^The influence they should exert upon us. . 1. "Let us lay aside every weight." 2. " And the sin that doth so easily beset us." 3. " Let us run with patience." 4. " Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." This subject addresses itself to— 1. The believer. Faith is the test of your state. 2. To the backslider. — "Ye did run well, who did hinder you?" 3. To the impenitent You, too, run a race— broad Witnesses^ Warn, Invite. YorkvUle, 3lst August^ 1850. ACQUAINTANOS AND PBAOE WITU GOD. 235 SERMON LVIII. ACQUAINTANCE AND PEACE WITH GOD. "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace} thereby good shall come unto thee."— Job xxih 31. 1. The grossly absurd ideas which we frequently en- tertain of the Divine nature and government, are a sad proof of the weakness of the human understanding, the consequence of our moral estrangement ^m God. 2. What man would have been, without the assistance of Divine revelation, may be estimated by what he is with it. For notwithstanding the efitilgence of clear instruction which the inspired oracles reflect upon our minds concern- ing the things of God, how dim is our vision of hi^ majestic glory ; how confused are our notions of his all- pervading power; how childish our conceptions of his unerring though mysterious providence. 3. These absurdities may arise, either from the haughty assumptions of human reason, refusing submission to the dictates of heavenly wisdom, or from a negligence in the studies of sacred truth, and the principles of Jehovah^s government To the latter cause may be attributed erroneous doc- trines, propagated by many pious and devoted, though mistaken ministers, who so badly reconcile the afiaira of , iji :! 230 ACQUAINTANCE AND PEACB WITH GOD. mankind with tho justice and benignity of the Supremo Being; and insinuate opinions contradictory to some or all of his attributes. 4. Eliphaz, tho Temanite, was probably one of tliis class. His sincerity and righteousness we do not question ; but his ignorance and misconception of Gotl's purposes in the sore afflictions of Job, we condemn. Unable to dis- tinguish between afflictions of punishments, and afflictions of trial, he breaks forth with vehement poverity in a strain of terror and admonition, better adapted to the obdurate conscience of the impenitent sinner, than to the refined and pious feelings of the venerable patriarch. And but for the poweiful counteraction of indwelling grace, teaching him correctly the will of God, and cherishing resignation to his painful circumstances, such unreasonable words might have proved fatal to his peace and confidence. 6. Nevertheless the piety of Eliphaz should recommend to us his words in the text ; which though inappropriate to an afflicted saint, are perfectly applicable as an evangelical message to every unconvinced and unconverted heart. Nor will they be found of little force to the believer, who can practically apply their doctrines to his attainment of higher degrees in holiness. Your devout attention is invited to these words as con- taining an important exhoitation enforced by a gracious promise. I. — 1. In the first place, we are exhorted to an acquaint- ance with God. These expressive words strikingly indicate communion with God ; and that clear per- ception of his will and the power of his renewing grace, which he has presented to us in the Gospel as the common privilege of our redeemed race. Such an acquaintance Adam possessed, in the primitive ACQUAIKTANOB AND PEACE WITH GOD. 237 innocence and purity of his once happy Paradise. His relation to God was filial, and his intercourse with Deity was frequent and familiar. When he by transgression fell, the reciprocal union of God and man ceased. Nor was it restored till Christ by his propitiatory sacrifice, reconnected the disjointed foot- stool of earth with the throne of God ; and opened " a new and living way" to the " holy of holies" by the merits of his own priesthood. In this hallowed path you and I are graciously invited to tread, as the only acceptable communication between our sinful souls and an ofiended God. To this the author of our text, if he were an evangelical instructor, tliough only enjoying the limited privileges of the patriarchal age, must have referred. (1.) This acquaintance with God imphes such a com- prehension of his character and purposes in the present life, as is consistent with our capacities, and essential to our happiness. It must be acknowledged, that while terror and mystery enshrined many features of his nature and government^ and forbid the investigation of finite minds, nothing vitally connected with the grand princi- ples of our salvation is withheld from our conception — all is so plain that ^ the way-faring man, though a fool, shall not err therein." And are not the very restrictions which our All-wise Governor has placed upon the exemplifications of reason, equally a proof of his fatherly wisdom and love ? In as much, as by limiting the range of our intellectual capacity, he fixes our attention more steadily upon the way of salvation as the great business of our short life ; and thereby precludes those intricate speculations of genius, as uninstructive to the understanding as they are detri- mental to the spirit of piety. But though it is for us only i n\ :t !' 288 AOQUAIMTANCB AND PSAOB WITH OOD. to comprehend the rudiments of Divine science here, we shall find in them sufiicient to occupy our contemplations, and promote the work of grace in our hearts. To assist us in the attainment of heavenly knowledge, Ood has furnished us with two valuable revelations of himself. One of these is the natural world, displaying the most stupendous monuments of creating power; and declaring by the circumstances of a daily life, the control of an Al- mighty sceptre, and the defence of a providential arm in the government of the universe. A pious survey of na- ture and providence will always furnish the meditative Christian with subjects of delightful contemplation; and will strengthen his confidence in the grandeur of things invisibles, by the discovery of material beauties in the wonderful works of God. Reflection and careful observa- tion on the occurences by which we are continually sur- rounded, should be carefully cultivated by every follower of Christ; as they tend to enliven the feelings of the renewed heart — ^to fortify us against the allurements of the World—even to make comparatively trivial incidents as beacons to point us by warning and encouragement to the "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.'* But seeing the insufficiency of this reve- lation to guide us into all truth, God has given us another instructor to bring us to himself. That instructor is his inspired word, a light in simplicity and importance, super- seding every secondary oracle, as far as the dazzling brightness of the meridian surpasses the glitter of the twinkling star. Here, my brethren, you see, not only God, but God in Christ, " reconciling the world unto him- self, not imputing their trespasses unto them f and never was a maifestation of the Deity so glorious and compre- hensive as that exhibition in his redeeming and media- AOQUAINTANOB AKD PIAOB WITH OOD. 230 never torial relations. In this, all the attributes of his nature^ the majesty of his dominion, and the benevolence of bis purposes, conspire to rescue man from death, and raise him a sanctified spirit to the throne of God. By a plain delineation of the plan of salvation — ^by a solemn incul- cation of the duties of a Christian profession— -and by the presentation of a celestial diadem, as the ultimate of your labours and pains below, the words of inspiration will ever prove themselves to be ** profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of Qod may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works:" 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. Then let me urge you to acquaint yourself with Ood, through this blessed me- dium. ** Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;" let its saving truths be engraven on your minds, your memories, and your affections; let it be '^ a light to your feet, and lantern to your path:" and like David, your joyous experience will be — ^"Thou through thy com- mandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies." " I have more understanding than all my teachers." Never can we too highly appreciate the oracles of Qod. Their sacred truths making wise the sim|>le ; and founding upon an immovable basis the things that make for our peace, are admirably calculated to fortify our judgments against the seductions of vain philosophy, and to fortify our opinions against the intrusions of infidelity. (2.) But acquaintance with God implies something more than an intellectual view of his character. Tlie teachings of Divine truth could never sufficiently convey the doctrines of salvation to the understanding, unaided by the power of heart converting grace; and even if they could, sacred knowledge, destitute of inward grace^ would only be an ornament to the soul. In Scripture language^ i ZiO AOQUAINTANOB AND PSAOB WITH QOD. I; .' the knowledge of God slwayB si^iifies, with in&eparable meaning, the instruction of the mind and the sanctification of the nature. That Paul knew '^in whom he had be- lieved;" but it was not a mere sentiment— it was the in- ward persuasion, the intimate acquaintance of the renewed spirit with its God. Unhappily in modem times we are obliged to establish a dear distinction between the Christian scholar and the genuine believer — between the knowledge of the head and the knowledge of the heart. This dis- tinction is Scripturally authorized. And be assured, my brethren, that though religious literature should rise to a summit of grandeur and perfection unparalleled by the attainments of the less highly favoured sons of former ages, it itould never surmount the barrier or quell the obstinancy of innate unbelief! y^ik^^a|j| >fe ' 5j]«afe#w " No man can truly say, i Hm:m^m^'-V*^>^ V#»<^iiiS»;^'* : '''**** Jesus " the Loi^ j/if£. .f0^^tJw^^' „ . * And breathe the living word." Think ndt by mental culture, or the frequent advantage of pious society, moulding your feelings, and elevating your taste^ to substitute that great radical change without which you cannot see the kingdom of God." You must be adopted into the family of God, and made a new creature in Ohrist Jesu8,.before you can fathom the profundities of Divine science, or become fully acquainted with your God. ** The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him ; and he win show them his covenant" hs^--^ (3.) This acquaintance vnth God is to be cherished and perpetuated by a diligent use of the means of grace. The strongest earthly Mendships are soon forgotten, unless cultivated by frequent intercourse. The same observation will apply to acquaintance with God. If not frequently ACQUAINTANCK AND PISACE WITH GOD. 241 renewed by spiritual oommuiiioii, it will sooti become weak and languid ; yea, it will finally expire. The flame kindled in our breasts when we are initiated into the heavenly family, will soon be quenched by opposing influence, if not fanned by constant breezes from the throne of God. To preserve an acquaintance with him vigorous and fa- miliar, the Head of the church has instituted certain sacred ordinances, as channels through which he communicates his grace; and our attention to these means is not less «in incumbent duty than a blessed privilege. One of these means is the constant and dilijijent perusal of the Word. — ** Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life ; and they are they that testify of me." Let me impress upon your minds the importance of this duty. We have already shown the adaptation of Holy Writ to introduce you to the knowledge of God. Remember, that the continual use of that inspired volume is equally neces- sary to mature your piety, and perpetuate your aequaint- anco with him. Let it be " the man of your counsel " — your "meditation day and night" Another of these instituted means is prayer — " If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." It is at the mercy seat God reveals himself in unspeakable glory to his people. Here we learn his counsels, obtain a deeper insight into his char- acter, and experience a larger measure of his grace. *' Pray without ceasmg; in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Chiist Jesus concerning you :" lThess.v.17, 18. To these ordinances, God has added the Raeramenta of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. We use the former as an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace; while in the latter we comineraorate the sacrifice of Christ, and " sliow forth the Lord's death fill ht' come." t ? 242 ACQUAINTANCE AND PEACE WITH GOD. However indifferently these hallowed institutions may be regarded by many who bear the naine of Christ, they are evidently essential to the attainment of eminent holiness. For though, in common with other means, tliey can com- municate no grace of themselves: as the medium by which that grace is prefi^red, and through which it is imparted, we should faithfully observe them. Oh ! what aliowers of quickening grace — what baptisms of heavenly life, have the saints enjoyed in these sacraments, especially when partaking of the elements of the Saviour's body and blood I Let me enforce upon you another spiritual duty : it is meditaticoi. A duty, alas ! too frequently neglected ; yet absolutely necessary as the habit cf an eminent Christian. The Psalmist testified to the value of this exercise, when he said, "My meditation of him shall be sweet." This would be your experience, if you embraced your privilege. By it your faith would be strengthened, your thoughts spirit- ualized, and your hopes of glory brightened : yea, by this you might live in unintemlpted converse with your recon- ciled Father. ■ \l " v, ;,,'■: •- .;m- .,- ];-; iru^:; All these means receive their authority from two plain arguments. One is, they are instituted by God, who cannot err. The other is, that in the experience of the church, they have always answered their great design. Obey then the exhortation of the Apostle, and think not to retain the life of God in your souls while you habitually noglect the ordinances of his house: "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhort one another daily, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching." 2. Mark how Eliphaz urges immediate attention to this important duty, — "Acquaint ^low thyself with him." ACQUAINTANOB IITD PEACE WITH OOD. 243 Delay not & moment ! Protnptly execute thy resolutions, follow thy pious impressions, and enter into the friendship of thy God! (1.) This promptitude is demanded by the brevity of life. This is a trite subject. The warnings of the Gospel dwell on it continually. Time after time, is it enforced in various ways upon your attention, and often in vain. " Life is a passing shadow" — stands engraven on the tombs of your cemetries ; it blends its cries with the chime of every dismal knell ; and it is written on almost every fea- ture of our transient world. But man pureues his down- ward course. I can do no more than reitemte the momentous verity in your ears. May God apply its solemn force to y " roarts I " Man that is bom of woman is of few days, ai ' ' ili of trouble. He cometh up like a flower, and is cut down; he^eeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one stay." (2.) " Acquaint >o thyself with him," because of the importance of the work assigned. Were the work of sal- vation of little moment, immediate attention to it would not be so essential. But is it a work of little moment ? . Considered as a science ; : As a warfare; , . -. . As a duty. (3.) Remember, that in proportion to the intimacy of your acquaintance with God, will be your reward hereafter. An idle evasion. (4.) " Acquaint now thyself with him," because of the restrictions placed upon the influences of the Spirit — -^ My Spirit shall not always strive with man." 3. Farther, we observe the text contains an exhortation to reconciliation : *' Be at peace. Sin is a state of enmity and discord. 244 APQUAINTANCfi AND PEACB WITH OO0. J (1.) Be at peace with God. Viu *rj- ; : /.'.^f.* 1^ (2.) Be at peace with conscience, , . '/.- lio* (3.) Be at pear f, with thy understanding-. ,,,;i .J: (4.) Be at pej .tj with Divine Providence. II. — ^We now proceed to examine the promise appended ,, . to the exhortation of our text. — ^ Good shall come unto tl ee." This is one of the many r.istances in which the sacred writers, failing to embellish with ornament, or to illustrate l^ the most sublime figures, the happiness of the saints, descend in their description to the simplest and most comprehensive words. " Good " is a word of infinite meaning; and the experience of the believer in time and through the realities of eternity, will only be s^ifficient to develop the glories it contains. ;.*,,;,..; ,> ■/ j • ■•^ But here we nmist be carq^'ul to regulate our brilliant expectations by reasonable trust The fulfilment of this promise will be t^-e consequence of duty performed. And in proportion to our compliance with the command here issued will be our realization of the promised good. 1. Temporal " good shall come unto thee." The bless^ ings of this life may all be comprised in prosperity and satefaction. By prosperity I do not mean luxury nor wealth — ^for such indeed often prove a greatw curse than a blessing — but I mean such a portion of this world** goods as is consistent with the will of God concerning us. The measure of this portion, will depend much upon the wise decisions of Providence, the peculiarities of your con- stitutioD, and your various circumstances. But be it great or small, if a faithful follower of Christ, you will always testify* " Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." Industry and int^rity shall be rewarded even on ACQUAINTANCE AND PEAOB WITH GOD. 245 this side the tomb. Your path shall be dear and your plans shall succeed, so long as they are subordinate to the direction of your Heavenly Counsellor. But some will ask, How is it, that many of the Church of Christ, whose piety wo cannot doubt f Satisfaction, which carpets the hovel oi poverty with contentment, and challenges the darkest temptations with songs of deliverance, shall be unto you. Arising from the knowledge of God. Conception of his purposes. Filial relation to him. 2. Spiritual "* Good shall come unto thee." Here lies the essence of this precious promise, and the ultimate of all your other blessings. For all the purposes of a gracious God converge to this grand design of his love, that we might be ransomed from death, renewed in righteousnesa^ and reinstated in his favour. - : ^ ■ • :-> i (1.) A satisfaction of their acceptance with him. (2.) Grace leigning in the heart. (3.) The sustenance and guidance of his Holy Spirit. (4.) In everlasting glory. -. • i * , *■, * ;: The hortatory spirit of this passage precludes the neces- »ty of a formal application of what has been advanced. I shall conclude by observing, that its Gospel sentiments powerfully proclaim the ability and willingness of Christ to save. Mark the termsj employed to express the fulness of his grace. " Good shall come." — ^The inexhaustible streams of the water of life are limited only by the conditions of repentance and simple faith. 'Tis thine to open the hving fountain ; and its healing streams shall flow into the soul, cleansing the pollution of inbred sin, and s^teeping before it the empire of unbelief* YorkvilU, 7th Sep. 1 1850. ■4-. 1 ; 246 !"J t'.. THiE TSM LBPIRS. •1. * r i ■ ■>'■! ^^.ilMON LTX. . THE TEN LEPERS. t ,-, :1 % " And it came to pass us he went to Jerusalem, that be passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain vilage, there uiet him ten lepers, which stood afar off. And they lifted up theh- voices and ■aid, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! And when he saw them, he said unto them. Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went they were cleansed. And one of them, when be saw that be was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God. And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan . And Jesus answered and said, Were.tbere not ten cleansed? But where are the nine7 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save tliia stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go tliy way; thy faith bath made the whole." — Lukb xvii. 11—19. A more comprehensive epitome of the life and character of our blessed Redeemer was never perhaps uttered than that by Peter, when he styled him " Jesus of Nazareth who went about doing good." Follow bim where you will, and when you will, through the whole period of his natural sojourn ; and whether instructing in the synagogue, or conversing in the social circle; whether performing mira- cles in the presence of the amazed multitude, or breathing his doctrines in tho retirement of some solitary mountain; whether in the subjection of his youth, or the authority of his manhood ; whether in the denunciation of his wrath, or the invitations of his mercy ; whether in the humiliation of his life, or the agonies of his passion and death — ^the THE tSN L£P£RS. 247 Rame untiring zeal inflamed bis soul, and urged him to constant exertion, " to do the will of him that sent him, while it was day " His very hours of leisure, if leisure they may be called, were distinguished by the same spirit of ardent benevolence. He was always devising some plan, declaring some doctrine, or doing some work per- taining to the spread of his kingdom. Hence, while a guest at a marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, he establishes his Divinity by a striking miracle ; when a visitor to the bereaved sisters of Lazarus, by shivering the bolts of death, he proves himself to be the *' resurrection and the life ;" and when leaning, a wearied traveller, on Jacob's well, in conversation with a Samaritan woman, he deposits an evangelical leaven, which spreads extensively and effectively to numbers around. An example of this feature of Ms character, not less interesting and instructive, we h^ve in the passage before us. We behold him journeying through the midst of Samaria and Galilee to Jerusalem ; Jerusalem, that city whose name associated with his gloomy prospects — with events the most awful and important. One would have imagined, that the terrors of the approaching trial, the dismal scenes of Gethsemane, and the ignominious cruci- fixion of Calvary, would so have absorbed his thoughts, as to render him insensible to all passing circumstances. But Christ was God. His infinite mind was too conversant with the great end of his coming, to tremble at the eventful hour. And while he neared the fatal city, his feelings show him, not a guilty prisoner, but a redeeming Deity. • He enters a village and is met by ten poor lejwrs. His magnanimous soul now yearns with all its native com- passion ; and he stops to hear their cry. Oh, how exemplary the tenderness, the diligence of your faithful High Priest. 248 TUK TEN LEPBRe. In the exposition of this narrative, replete with some of the most important evangelical doctrines, we claim your attentive consideration — ,• ^-i^ ,,;.», * I. — In the first place, to the state of these individuals by wljom our Lord was accosted. 1. They were lepern. Amongst the motley train of diseases in the sultry climate of Palestine, none was more loathsome, nor dreadful than the leprosy. The nature of this awful malady, as described by Moses in the Penteteuch, has been sufficiently corroborated by the testimony of oriental travellers. • (1.) Although the plague is distinguished by several species, some of these more malignant than otliers; they were alii regarded with the most terrible apprehensions. . (2.) On account of its infectious qualities, the unfortu- nate leper was exchided from all society, and treated universally with abhonence and disgust. (3.) It was usually one of the severe visitations of the Almighty, upon those who had grossly violated his law, and thereby incurred his wrath and judgment. Hence laws the most rigid were enacted by God concerning it in the ceremonial code (•'' the Jews; and it was commonly regarded with feelings of religious hoiTor, as the penalty of flagrant transgression. Even as early in the Israelitish history as two years after the exodus of tlie Hebrews from Egypt, we find lepers were obliged to reside without the camp, lest they should defile the place of Jehovah's resi- dence. And so strictly was the law enforced, that Miriam, the sister of Moses, when visited with this distemper, iiotwithstanding her lionourable relation to the sacred Law-giver, was shut out from the camp seven days. It was generally admitted that this awful disease was incurable by any power but that of God— such an THX TIN LKPKRS. U9 opinion having arisen from the frequent instances in which its inroads baffled the ingenuity of all medical presoriptions. Unfortunate outcasts from society, denied the pleasures of social intercourse and esteem^ and uncheered by the hope of humau relief, these wretched beings, sometimes naturally associating with their fellow sufferers, pined a miserable existence, in the dreariness of solitude, or the unfrequented wilds of retirement. . w .. s\..,r .V .1 Here, my brethren, you have an expressive emblem of that moral malady, to which we are all by nature victims^— a malady extending to every principle of our nature, infecting the desires, the affections, the whole inward man, of our universal race. ,._,,, , All are tainted by its direful symptoms. Though in some, its outbreaks may be less violent than m others; and, through the influence of religious education and pious connections, may have smothed its asperities in some, and distinguished them by external morality from the profetne mass around them. Yes, the radix of this fearful plague lies deeply seated in every human heart, making its sub- jects obnoxious to everlasting condemnation, and to banish- ment from the glory of God's power for ever. > ■ The moral contagion has extended its direful ravages through the whole empire of earth ; and the practical intercourse of men with each other has aggravated the power of their latent disease. So that wherever we turn our eyes, we behold the workings of the " mystery of in- iquity," sweeping devastatingly through nations and com- munities, declaring with additional force the sad doctrine of St Paul : " By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin : and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Excluded from holy society. i\ 260 THIS TtK liiPeM. Incurable by any power but grace. "" i5W^'«rf nh<^K\^* 2. Observe their humility : " They stood afar oft" ' ^^i Acconling to law. -»^^v. n... ...... ^mmomU Prompted by genuine conviction. ;•/>'/•.''«' 'jwm^ v-^ 8. Their anxiety for deliverance from their disease: "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us I" •!•• '*■ -■'--" ■'•■*•• They did not cry "wnc/ean." " '^inmir^ II. — Consider the response of Jesus : " Go show your- selves." • 1. He conformed to the law. f'"^' »^ r{<"^^'^-^' ''«^'^>* i^>i^ 2. He tries their faith. "'"^'' III. — ^The result: " As they went they were cleansed." ' 1. Cure immediate. ^*'''' 2. Virtue not in means. ■" ''^ '.''■ '^^'^^^' ^-^ '^^^ IV. — The gratitude of one, compared with the heartless '«>^>' foigetfulness of the rest. •'''' -^'^^ Mv::.''n-'1J JV^f. ' 1. His praise was vohintary. ' - ^ -'1 ' ''• ^ f^fi- . «f >i 2. He was a Samaritan. -'^^^ '■ " "'^^ ? .*{-iifiM;rt H V. — ^The blessed assurance which the grateful leper re- 1. It was a spiritual cure. ' ^' *■" ''• ^H^"^ i^*' ^^'^j. 2. His connection with the others did not prevent it. ,; YorkpiUe, 14th Sept. tl8S^. vjf,;..-io .;'v, «•;!< 4:4v.ni<,-i.iij V^ fi'Tin-K-f) i^fc^^iH :.'■■ "'^ ^^^* -I ^,- •:;!'M.t';ob-,'^f!K/T5f.>: h.-xn .'>/• ••; ' f/i'i {•■■■■•,■>] ^ 4 f' .;•- 'f-'r ■ ;■ -vl,! • -.Uu-H.sh '.ii>,n;:iH H/^.ii lis: 1 i IKDIX. 251 ■ i< ; INDEX. -IJ ' i) K- \ 1 1' 1) 'f^ !|.lf..1flH rAOH. IirnioDUCTioiT,..^ 3 Earlt History, 7 CoMVXRaiON AND IlTCIPISNT ElTORTS TO BS UsEFUL, 13 Itinkrant Lifk and Labours, 35 His Last Sickness and Drath, 50 Mental AND Moral Character 61 INDEX TO THE REMAINS. ' '' Advertisement to the Remains 73 SERMONS AND SKETCHES. SERMON I. Purity of Heart.— Matt. v. 8 75 IL The Warning of Lot to his Friends.— Gen. xiz. 14 84 HI. Christian Liberty.— GaL V. 1 91 Vk The Revival of the Chnrch, Preparatory to the Spread of the Gospel. — ^Acts iii. 19 •. 97 V. ' The Heavenly Rest.— Heb. iv. 9 99 VI. Different Receptions of the Gospel. — Acts xxviiie 34 105 t VII. y. Obedience Requisite to the Perfect Knowledge of Religioat Truth Johnvii. 17 108 VIII. « Spiritual Worehip.—John iv. 21^33 112 (Pffehfd at •» Optning Strviet.) ¥v f ■ i'<-;'.»'!i%>#}''-'-'4 Waiting Upon the Lord.— Ii^ zl. 31.... 113 X. Christian Moderation.— Phil. iv. 5 117 XI. The Sanctuary the Place of the Divine Manifestatione. Ps. Ixjcvii. 13 , 118 XII. ^ Good Wine at the End of the Feast John ii. 10 131 XIII. The Intercession of Christ.— Heb. vii. 35 122 ' XIV. Christ Testified by the Prophets — Acts x. 43 127 XV. The Young Man's Way Cleansed.— Ps. cxix. 9 128 XVI. God in the Midst of the Church.— Isa. xii 6 1 ... . 191 XVII. Simeon in the Temple.— Luke ii. 25—32 188 xvm. The Christian "Acceptable to God and Approved of Men.*'— Rom. xiv. 18 135 XIX. A Charge to the Rich.— 1 Tim..vi. 17—19. 136 < - - ' I xiTOKX. 363 XX. Ik Chriitian Confidence. — Heb. z. 95...^i ..1.. 137 XXL Heavenly Wi8dom.—James iii. 17 148 XXII. The Humiliation of Christ.— Isa. liU. 3 144 XXIII. The Resurrection of Lazarus. — John zi. 35 145 ...'i .... . . I • 'I,'.",-- •■>..\ :i -'.-t-j XXIV. Believers Risen with Christ.— Col. iii. 1 147 XXV. The Spirit of Christ, the Essential Portion of Every True Believer. — Rom. viii.9 149 XXVI. . The Omniscience ofGod. — Heb.iv. 13 153 XXVIL fr .. The Weary and Heavy-laden Invited to Christ.— Matt. xi. 28 154 XXVIII. Little Sins.— €ren. xiz. 20 155 Christian Perseverance. — Col. ii.6 156 • ! ... XXX. ^ ' ■■' '--f'-'-J' -' The Christian Comforted by the Example of Christ. Heb. xiii. 12.13 157 XXXI. Acknowledging God — Prov. iii. 16 158 XXXIL Attaining the Full Reward.— 3 John 8 159 ,. :i 254 nmsx. J- XXXIII. Christ Precious to Belie/ers.— 1 Pet. ii. 7 160 XXXIV. Spiritual Melancholy Consoled — ^Pa. xliii. 5 161 XXXV. Comfort for the Bereaved.— 1 Thess. iv. 18 162 C Funeral Occasion. J XXXVI. Ease in Zion. — Amosvi. 1 163 XXXVII. Error.— James i. 16 164 « ' XXXVIII. Hearingthe Gospel.— Luke viii. 18 165 XXXIX. The Pharisee and the Publican.— Luke xviii. 10—15 166 XL. The Danger of Hardening the Ne6k.— Prov. xxix. 1 167 XLL The New CreatioD— 2 Cor. V. 17 169 XLIL The Excuses of Sinners Answered. — Luke xiv. 18 173 XLIIL ' •■ ' '-■'^^^■^ The Omnipotence of God. — Jer. Kzxii. 27 175 - XLlV^i^'-' Christian Enduraiade.— 2 Tiin. ii. 3 177 XLV. The Gainful Tendency of Godliness.— I Tim. vi. 6 178 XL VI. The Glorious Prospect of the Sons of God.— 1 John iii. 2. . . 179 INDEX. 255 XLVII. BelieTere Stimulated to Persevere in Well Doing — Gal. vi. 9 181 XL VIII. The ChriBtian's Warfare and Reward. — Rev. iii. 5 185 XLIX. The Form of Sound Words.— 2 Tim. i. 13 187 L. Conversation Becoming the Gospel. — Phil. i. 27 188 LI. The Unspeakable Gift.~2 Cor. ix. 15 189 LII. Seli-Dedication to God. — Rom. xii. 1 190 LIIL The Little Flock of Christ Encouraged.— Luke xii. 32. 193 LIV. David's Acknowledgement of God. — 2 Saml. xxii. 31 207 LV. Practical Holiness Essential to the Perfect Knowledge of Religious Truth.— John iii. 17 222 LVI. Christ the Strength of the Believer.— Phil. iv. 13 228 LVII. The Christian Race. — Heb. xii. 1 230 LVIII. Acquaintance and Peace with God. — Job. xxii. 21 235 LIX. The Ten Lepers.- Luke xvii. 11—19 246 .11 ■»"