^'
»»--
J^JJ ^'^-
t;
THE
AMERICAN PREACHER;
Q R A COLLECTION of SERMONS
FROM SOME OF THE
MOSTEMINENT PREACHERS,
NOW LIVING
IN THE UNlTETirSTATES,
OF
DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS
IN THE
CHRISTIAN CHURCH^
VOLUME IV:
NEW-HAVEN: Printed
BY ABEL MORSE, for the Editors, who
HOLD THE Privilege of CoPY-RiGinv
M,DCC,XCIII^
PRE FACE of Vol. I.
TO THOSE who have feen the plan and cir- cular letter lent abroad for the execution of this work, little information will be necefT- ary; but for the information of thofe who have not feen them, it may not be improper, or out of place, to fay— that the following were the objects in view, and thofe which were pub- lifted as the foundation and intention of the work.
^^ I. To hrlnir into public view many excel- lent difcourfes now in manufcript, promifing great benefit to the interells of religion.
^^11. To unite in one work fome of the beft performances of the day, as a fpecimen of the pulpit talents of the time.
*^'II1. By uniting the feveral moft important religious denominations in one work, to open the door for the more exteniive excrcife of Christian Charity among Chritian Bre- thren.
'*^I V. To afford Chriftian families a compendi- um of Chriftian inlhnidtion.
*'V. To prevent the farther importation of printed {.ermons, by encouraging the publica - ■''>'i3of our own roimtry/'
i'. PRE F A C E.
Such were the real, and, we trull, juftifiable reafons, by which the public were invited to en- courage, the plan.
Beside the influence the plan itfelf might ' be fuppofed to claim, it was fu{)ported by the following recommendation.
**Having duly confideredthe plan of the Ame- ^*Ri c A N Pre A CH E R, 7idw q^credforthe approbation ^ ^ if the public , we take the liberty (f fignifying our "concurrence in thefdme; ?iot doubting but it may ^*"d'cU execute the objedts it propofes,
William Livingston, Govenor cf the State
of Ncw'jerfy, Geop.ge Clinton, Governor of the State of
New- York. William Samuel Johnson, Preftdent of
Columbia Collrge, and one of the Senators of
the United States. Eli as Boudinot, X. X. JJ, Member of
Congyefs/'
, The fuccefs of the plan and circular letter is fufficiently tcftified by the exiftence . of the work in its prelent form, as well as by the re- fpe^lable lill of iubcribers who have lupport- ed it.
It is not pretended that all the preachers of i. e pofpei in the United States, who are juft- ;y ^fifitled to diftindion, both for the purity
preface; V
of their do6lrines and elegance in ilyle, are among the number of thofe who have lupport- ed this work : but we believe, that thole who appear in the following pages, will be pronoun- ced to have well fupported the caufe they were fo indulgent as to undertake.
Such has been the reception of our plan in the prefent inilance, that we feel ourlelves juftified in announcing to the public, a fourth VOLUME ; and in a word, a succession of vo- lumes, fo long as the prefent difpolition to en- courage the work Ihall continue.
In fupport ot this plan, we plead an inclina- tion more fully to execute the objects ju ft now recited, as giving origin to the work ; *and we add a defire,
I. To form fuch a colledion of difcourfes, as may amount to a fyftem of Chriftian fliith and pracStice.
II, By this fyftem to raife an oppofition to error and herefy of every kind.
III.Tq dire6t the prefent prevailing dilpofiti- on to liberality in matters of religion, into a proper channel ; and open the door for Chrii- tian communion upon principles acknowledg
ED and UNDERSTOOD.
IV. To lay a foundation for the univerfal a-
vi r R L • C E.
greement oi the Chriftian churchj when tht. high pi ofpe6ts of fv-JturUy fnall be unfolded.
i •. ,- ; W r p r e t c n ; -. ■ i ■ l to a f pir i t o f p r o phe c y ; but find a willingnels to hazard a conje6ture, that^ under tlie fupreme and fuperintending provi- dence of God, fonie fuch Imall beginnings or dawnings of light nuiy, eventually, be conlid- eredas announcing the approach of Meridian Day.
We are not backward to fay^ that fuch re- ligious,union and influence as this work labors to acconipliih, will add no imall dignity and
SUPPORT to the VULITICAL INTERESTS of OUl'
country. To the influence of law, it will add the energy ofconfciencc and moral duty ; to the fubjeet, it will adminifLer fafety and pro- tection from the encroachments of arbitrary powci - d to ail under its influence, will (lied the richcil of civil and social bleilings/'^
'^ '' A tranfient view of thole flakes and kingdoms., ^'ivhichhive n^,i(ie tlie nioit (IrikiDg figure in the hiftory ^orthe uDrlri, and .vvluth have been nvjft renowned for *'the fditify of their goverafnenr, will convince us, thatf *'rcligi(»n was by them alwa^'^sconfidcrcd as a matter of ''rrreat import tnce t<j Civil Sociktv.
'*The grcatcil politicans and moll celebrated Icgifla- ^'tors of aniic]uity depended muchontliis, lo give fanc- '^tion to tiieir laws, and make them operate with vigour and iaciliry.^*
'*v i.. ;;; '> i<: • . -j^ i ^ ^^Y regulating and compoiing the '^pafHons, eniighrcniilg and oxaiting the mind, anJ pu- *'rir"ying and meliorating the Iieart, conduces, in a high
PREFACE.
Vii
With the dcpeft veperation, we dedicate our labors, and thofe of our brethren, to the GOOD PROVDENCE of Almighty God,. and to the PATRONAGE of the PIOUS of every denom- ination, into whofe foands this work may tome ; trufting that thofe who favor it, will, in the perufal, find their attention amply rewarded; and, in the end, enjoy the high profpe6l:s it permits them to entertain.
We return our grateful acknowledgments to thofe Reverend Gentlemen who have contributed to the execution of this work thus far — not doubtiug, thm Uic contem'platioh of
'^'degree, lo the peace and well being of fecial life : It ''makes good men — from thence tke tranfiticn is eafy ''and natural to regular citizens and obedient fubjeds. ''Wheie private virtue cannot be fpund, it is in vaiia to **Iook for public : and laws are of little efficacy without <'good example.'*
Governor PattersoK'S anfvjerto tj e cofi^iratuluhry addrefs of the Prejhytery of Ncw-Et^vnfvyick,
''Another important confequence of this difcovery, is, ^'an enlarged liberality of fentiment among men. The "liberality to which I refer, is difcernible in the fpirit ^'of religious toleration, which fpreads like a flood over **the face of the earth. This toleration, when it he- "comes univerfal, cannot but accomplifii matters of the '^higheft importance to the world. Truth and reafon "will then burft with irrefiflible energy from the dark "clouds of fuperftition and bigony- — difpel the mift of "error and abfurdity, and bring the^GREAT famtly of *'THE WORLD to an uniformity of religious belief and worihip."
Alferd : Ontheprogrefsofintcfnr.chks^frres- dotriy and good govcrninen!.
Vlll
P R E F A C K,
having added fomething to the fupport of the great truths of the gofpel— of having adminif- t€red inftru6tion t© the ignorant, warning to the impious, and edification to the faints — but above all, the contemplation of having laid a foundation for the progrefs, unity and perfec- tion of the kingdom of the Redeemer, will af- ford higher reward for their fervices, than it is in our power to give.
In behalf of the interefts of this work^ fubfcribe,
to the caufe of truth, a friend> and to the public, a devoted fervant—
DAVID Austin*
Elizabeth-Towii^ Jan. I, 179*
njTifMTti-.g'att.-fc >tT iT"iViwriitBrt»rian ii>«,ii»
CONTENTS,
SERMON LXL
The Nature of faving Faith,
By Robert Smith^ D. D.Paftor of a Prefby- terian Congregation^ Pequea, Pennfylvania.
II. Pet. i. I. — To them that have obtained like frecious faith with iis^ P^ge 9
SERMON LXIL
The Excellency of faving Faith .
By the fame,
II. Pet. i. I.— T(9 them that have obtained like pre- cious faith with us,
I. John, iii. 23. And this is his commandment^ that wefhotdd believe on the name of his Son Jcfus Chri/l. 4.3
SERMON LXIIL •
V Practical Ufei; frdm the Nature and Excellen- cy of fa vi n g Fa i tli .
By the fame.
The Subject continued, 6"^
X* CONTENTS.
SERMON. LXIV.
The Chriftian Religion attefted by the Spirit of Prophecy,
By Theodore Hinsdale, A. M. Paftorofa Congregational Church in Windfor, Con- ne<5ticut.
Revelation of St. John, xix. lo. I am thy fel- low ferjant, and of thy brethren, who have the tcfii- mony of Jefus : woffhip God : for the tefimojiy of Jefiis is the spirit of prophecy. 93
SERMON LXV.
The Subject continued.
By the fame 119
SERMON LXVI.
The Efficacy of the Gofpel above all worldly
Wifdom.
By Samuel Langdon, D. D. Minifter of a Congregational Church, Haniptonfalls, New* Hamplhire.
I. Cor. i. 21. For after that in the wifdom of God, the world by wifdom knew not God, it ple'afed God by the foolifJmcfs of preaching tofave them that fnlieve,
^37
CONTENTS. xi
SERMON LXVII.
The Bufinefs of Life, and Hope in Death.
By the fame.
A6ls, xiii. 36. For David, after he hadfervcd his own generation by the will of God, fell onflecp, and was laid unto his fathers, andfaw corruption.
16 f) SERMON LXVIII.
The divine Government Matter of univerfal
Joy- By Charles Backus, A. M. Paftor of a Con- gregational Churchy Somers^ Connedicut.
Pfalm, xcvii. i . The Lord reigneth,. let the earth rejoice ; let the multitude ofiflcs be glad thereof
SERMON LXIX.
Human Depravity the Source of Infidelity.
By Jonathan Edwards, D. D. Pafior of the fecond Congregational Church, New-Haven, Connecticut.
John, vii. 17. If any man will do his willjjeflxill know of the doBrine, whether it be of God, or whc* ther Ifpcak of myfelf 1 1 5
KH CONTENT S, SERMON LXX.
The Chriftian Hope.
By Achilles Mansfield, A. M. Paftor of a Congregational Chyrch at Killingworth^Con- iic6i:icut.
^oin. V. 4. And Hope maheth not q/ha?ned—2 ^y
SERMON LXXL
Family Prayer-
By Samuel Spring, A. M. Paftor of a Con- gregational Church at Newbury -Port, Mafla-
chaletts.
Gen. viii. 2 1 . Ajid ibe Lord fmclled afwect favour-
S E R M O N LXXIL
The Subjtf6t continued.
By the fame. 267
SERMON LXXIIL
On the Chans^c of the Sabbath.
By MosEs Mather, D. D. Paftorof a Church of Chrjlt in Stanford, Cojinc6iicut.
C O N T E N T &\
xiu
Hebrews, x. 24, 25. And let us confider one another to provoke unto love and to good works ; not forfaking the ajfemhling of our/elves together, as the manner offome is ; but exhorting one another : Andfo much the more^ as ye fee the day approach-- ing, 281
SERMON LXXIV,
The Subje6l continued.
By the fame. 299
V
I
SERMON LXXV.
Chrift the Way, and the Truth, and the Life.
ByNATHAN Perkins, A. M. Pallor of a Con- gregational Church, Hartford, Connecticut.
John, xiv. 6. ]lsvs faith unto him, lam the way, and the truth, and the life : No man cometh unto the Father, hut by me, 323
SERMON LXXVI.
The Subject continued.
By the fame. 344
SERMON LXXVIL
(Sod's Sovereignty in conferring Means iind
Grace,
XIV
CON T E N T S.
By Nathan Kerr, A. M, Minifter of the firft Prelby terian Church, in Gofhen, State
of Ncw-Yorlk.
Romans, ix 2 r . Hath not the potter power 0- ver the clay, of the fame lump to make one vefjel un* to honoTy and another tinto dipyonor f 35^
SERMON LXI.
THE NATURE of SAVING FAITH.
B Y
ROBERT SMITH, D. D.
Pajlor of a Frejhyterian Congregation, Peqi/^a, Penfylvania
mamaaasasaESxmmm
II. Pet. I I.
^-To them that have obtained like precious faith with us,
IN the facred oracles five obje6ls, efpccial-- ly, are called precious. The Holy- Ghost faith, the redemption of the foul is precious (a) The blood of christ, the price of our redemption, is precious blood ( b ) Christ, the glorious ransomer, is preci- ous to his ranfomed people (c) The promis- es of the gofpcl, in which he is exhibited to Vol IV B
(aPfa.xWin, 8 J (/; i Pgt. i. 9.) (cI Pet. ii. -.
i{^
10 SMITH.
us, are great and precious promifes ( d ) And, in our text. Faith, which taketh hold of the promife of'Mfe in Chrift Jefus, is called ^re-
eious faith.
That is accounted precious which is of aa excellent quality, efpecially, if it be rare. — Gold is prefered to brafs, moral virtue to gold; but the faith of God's ele6t ( which is the theme of our text ) infinitely furpafseth thtfe, and every acquifition below the fun. It is a rare jew^el indeed; fox who hath believ ed our report ? to whom is the arm of the Lord rcvmled ? (e) And, in its operations and ef- fects, it is moil execllent, as, we doubt not, will appear in the fequel of thefe xiiicourfes.
What tends farther to raife the value of fav- ing faith in our efteem, is^ ( i ) the manner in which we are made partakers of it, namely by the gracious and fovereign difpofal of heaven. ^ctxoi.<ri, which our tranflation renders obtain- ed, fignifies to get or obtain a thing by lot. But the ordering of a lot is the fole prerogative of Jehovah, who giveth the prize to whomfo- ever he will. Sofiith is 7iot of ourfelves : it is the gift of God. (f) The peculiar donation of heaven . ( 2 ) That the weakeil real believ- ers Jliare the bleffing together with the llrong- eft Apoltles themfelves, greatly magnifieth
{d II Pet, i. 4.) {e JfM, liij. i.) {f Eph ii- 8.)
SMITH, II
our idea of it's worth — To them that have ob- tained like precious faith with ns. The faith of believers in common may not be equal to that of Apoilles in degree ; yet, as well in it's origin, objects, caufe^ and effects, as in the na- ture of it's operations, it is the very fame with theirs. It is the glory of chriftianity, that God revealeth the mylleries of the kingdom to babes and fucklings, while they sire hid from the wife and prudent ; (g) and diftributes to the weakeft babe in Chrift a fliare with Prophets and Apoftles in the communion of grace. — That which we havefeen and heard declare we unto you, that ye may have fellowfhip with us : and truly our fellowfhip is with the Father, and zvlth his Son Jefus Chrijl, (hjf
Do6l. Saving faith is a moll exoellent dona- tion of heaven to all who become partakers of it. In treating this fubje6t, I fhall,
I. Explain the nature of faving fiiith.
IT-. lilullrate the excellency of it.
III. Apply the whole in fome pra6lical ufes .
I. I am to explain the nature of'fr.ving faith.
The proper idea of faith, is a credit given t9
{g Matt. xi. 25.) (hi John i. 3.)
12 SMITH.
teftimony^ grounded upon the veracity of the witnefs ; which luppofeth as well a truft in the perlon fpeaking, as a belief of his word. In this, faith difFereth from every other fpecies of evidence. Agreeably to this general idea of it, we obfervc, that faving faith confifts in the credit the heart yieldeth to the tellimony of Chrift, and its truji in him for falvation. Some good divines have obferved, that^^Svher- ^'^ever faving faith is mentioned in the new ^^teilament, it generally, if not always, iigni- ^'fieth trufl in a perion^ as well as the belief of ^'a do6lrine."
First, faving faith confifts in the credit the heart yieldeth to the teftiiiiony of Jefus, ^'^thb
AMEN, THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE W' ITNESS. "
Thisisfometimes called the mind's perfuafion of, fonietimes its afTcnt to, the truth of divine teftimony. This tcftimony we have deliver- ed to us in the law and the gofpel, each of which is neccfiary to be believed in order to ialvation. By thefe the fpirit ofChrift re- vealeth to our hearts the glory and will of God, which are the general obje6ts of faith. By the gofpel, particularly, Chrift is revealed to us in his mediatorial chara6ters, or, the glory of Godihining in his face, i. e. in his perfon and mediation, which is the peculiar and dirc6t obje6t of faving faith ;— more elpe- fially Chrift as a prieft, is the immediate ob-
SMITH. 13
jea of faith, as juftifiing. Faith in it's gene- ral as well as its more fpecific nature, will necellarily come into the defcription to be given of it, notwithftanding, we have it chief- ly in view, to give as brief a defcription of it's operations and efFeas, with the pradical ini- provement, as may be confiilent with per- Ipicuity and profit. ^
In faving faith the heart yields it's afTent to the. divine law as holy, juft, and good. By this glafs tlie Holy Spirit reflects, as it were, rays of the majefty, purity, andjuftice of God, upon the iinner's confcience. In the light thereof he reads the righteous claims of Jehovah upon him ;— the llri61nefs of the de- mands of the law ; the depravity of his nature and praaice, with his utter inability to raife himfelf from the ruins of his fallen Hate. He tries to pay the law it's due ; but in vain. He iinds his heart averfe to the duties it requires, and prone to the evils it forbids. —Then he tries to foften and clenfe his hard and polluted heart, that he may offer to God a more acceptable fer- vice; but in vain. The ftone within him will neither break, nor melt; and the more he endeavours to wafli himielf, the deeper his ftain appears.— No way of relieYnow appears for hirn, but Chrift. Not daring, however, to venture to apply to the Saviour, in all his guilt and pollution, he tries to prepare hin>
14 S M I T H.
felf for. Chrift, by working fonie good difpofl- tions-in^his heart. This he alfo finds to be vai(i. For could. one penitent ligh^ one ho- ly defiire;, one n-^eltlnginipreffioji of love favc himji h^ .cannot comniandj it. Now he is lliut up to the necellity of coming as a totally ru- ined and helplefs iinner ; therefore at the call of the gofpel^ guilty and unworthy as he is, he attempts to take hold of Chrill. But, alas I The hand is withered, he has no pow- er to ilvetch it out. --He can as ioon tear ftrong mountains from their roots, or create a world, as root out his unbelief, aiid create faith in liis dead and barren heart. Hence, at laft, falling at the feet of his Judge and .his Savi- our., he cries, Lordy be merciful to im a fmner I A. poor, worthlefs, helplefs, undone fmner ! This is true convi6lion of fin, oj a faith of the law: wrought in the . heart.by the fpirit and word of God.
That fuch a failh of tlie iaw i:> necefiary to a true faitX.of.the gofpcl, orin other words, that a convi^^ion cS i^r\ is nec^ffary to induce us to. ficD lo C. or falvation, is evident
from m?^y,expr.efs tejiimonies of fcripture. -- Fo: . .■ '^ laiv is the bwwledge of Jin . { i )
I was alive zviMiit th^ faw pnce ; but when the comma7uImcnt ca?ne,Jinxevived, and I died" (k) I through the law am dead Jo the law, that 1
(i Row. iii. 20. ^ h. . '• " i. 9.)
SMITH. j^
might live unto God. (I) Tlie operations of faith with the images by which they are iliuft- rated, clearly evince the truth, of this doc- trine. It is dclcribed by flying to Chrift for refuge, whidh fuppofes a fenfe of danger. It receiveth him in all his offices, which fup- pofes a fenfe of the need of him in alibis mc- jdiatorial characters. The fame truth alfo iliines wi-th ir re li liable evidence from the great defigns of redemption by Chrift, which were to ftain the pride of man, and magnify free ,grace ;~to humble the linner, and exalt the faviour. That mercy might have a tri*mxph in thefaved iiriner'sbofom. he is Hung with a fenfe of his fin and guilt, and-made to glo- ry only in the Lord.
One thing here merits your fpecial notice, namely,*' ''although they that are regenerate ^^''and believe in Chrift, be delivered from the '*^moral law as a covenant of works, fo as there- ''by they are neither juftified nor condemn- ^^ed; yet It is of general ufe, common to *^^*^them with all men, to inform them of the ^^holy nature and will of God, and of their **^^duty, binding them to walk accordingly, to ^*^convince them of their difability to keep it; '^and of the finful pollution of their^ature, *^^hearts, aiid lives, and thereby help them to "ix clearer fight of the need they have cS
(J CaL ii. 19.)
i6 ' SMITH.
^'Chrill, and of the perfe6tion of hif obedi- ence/'(w^
The law is of perpetual ufc to believers, not only as a rule of life^ but to keep awake in their hearts a fenfe of their need of Chrift, in every relpe6t_, and for every thing. They cannot indeed be convinced that they are in a iiate of condemnation^ though they may greatly fear it; (for the fpirit of God is not the author of contradi6lions) but they Ihall be taught^ more and more, the iinfulnefs of their nature, with the abfolute neceffity of the blooci and grace of Chrift, to purge the guilt and ftain of their corruptions ; and the more they become acquainted with God and their own hearts, the more fully will they be con- vinced of this, and the more deeply abaled under a fenfe of their own unworthinefs. The moft holy men are ever the moft hum- ble, have the deepeft fenfe of the depravity of their nature, and make the fulleft confeflion of their lin and guilt. This is moft evident in the cafe of Job, David, Ifaiah, Jeremiah, and Paul. (71) Believing views of God humble them in the duft, pour the filth of their corruption before their eyes, make them re- ject all their own righteoufnefs as filthy rags,
(vt IV. M. C- Chat, quefl's. 95. 6" 97.) n Job. xl. 4. 6- xlii. ij,6. Pfa. cxxx. 3 Jfa. vi. ^ 64. 6. Jer. xvii. 9. Phi, iii. 8. Row. vii. 18; 24.^
SMITH.
17
and groan for deliverance from the remains of fin, as a moft olfenlive body of death. ^'
But what more efpecially ckiims your no- tice, is the credit which, in believing, the heart yields to the teflimony of the gofpel ; the fub- Itance of which is glad tidings of falvation through Chrifl, to whomfoever of our fallen race Ihall believe in his name. — The believing foul accepts it as a faithful faying, ajid worthy of all acceptation, that Chrifl Jefiis came into the world to five finners,( 0 ) the chief of fiUJiers ! AndGod fo loved the world, that he gave his only
*By thefe, with many other iriflances which might be adduced from the word of God, their fallacy plainly appears, who aflert the perfection of grace in this life, and tell us they live without fin. If we /ay we have no Jin, (faith the apoftle) we deceive ourfelves, and the truth is not in us, I John, i. 6. Such prof ffors de- ceive themfelves indeed, and plainly manifeft their ignorance of God and his law, of their own hearts, of the nature of fin, and what it is that confcitutes aper- feclion in grace. To evade the force of the argument againft them, from Pjj^^l's complaint of the body of death, Rom. vii. 24. lome of them tell us, the apo^ile fpake this of himfelf in a fiat e %f unregeneracy^ or in a fate merely of convtflion. Had they any jult difcern- ment, or were they difpofed to learn, they might be ea- lily convinced of their error from the context. We hear Paul«leclaring in the 22d verfe, I delight tni he law of God after the inward man. Is this the temper
of an unregenerate man ? or of one in a mere fta^e of
( ^ / Tim. I. K.) Vol. IV. C
i8 SMITH.
begotten foil, that whojoever believeth on him,Jh6uld not perlJJj, but have everlafiing life, (p ) Whofoe*^ ver believeth, even the guiltieft of the guilty, and the vileft of the vile ! For it pleafed the Father, that in himfhould allfullnefs dwell, that ofhisfulnefs we might receive, and grace for grace ^ (q) This gracious publication invites your at- tention to t\ie power, mercy, and faithfulnefs of Chrift, the precious obje6ls as well as grounds of evangelical faith ; to which we fhall add, the light or evidence by which thefe glorious ob- je6ts are difcerned.
I . In believing the foul is perfuaded of the power of Chrift to fave it, guilty and wretched as it is ; for God hath laid ^elp upon one that is mighty to fave ; (r) One who is able to fave them to the iittermqjl, all that come unto God by him, fee- ing he everliveth to make intercejfion for the7n,(s)
convi(5lion ? The law of fm in hi? members, the body of fin and death, the thorn in his flefli, even after he had been in the third heaven, all unite to give Paul the moft full conviction of hi$ imperfection. He was no per.ectionift in principle, though a Itrong one in defire--A^o^, fays hCy as though Phad already attained, either were already perfe6i — But this one thing I dOy forgetting thofe things which are behind, and reaching forth unto thofe things which are before, I prefs towcrd the mark for the prize of the high calliiig of Cod in Chriji Jefus. Phi], iU, 13, 14.
(p John Hi. 16.) (q Col i. 19, John i. 16.) (r Pfa. Ixxxix. 19. Jfa. Ixiii, i.) (j" Heb» vii, 25.)
SMITH.
19
JFears are apt to rife in the heart of a con- vinced linher, that Chrift cannot, conliflently with his glory, pardon him ; becaufe he has fo often clofed his heart and ears againfl: the moil alluring motives and prefTing calls to turn and live. But no fooner is he enlightened in the all-fullicient fullnefs of Emmanuel, than he perceives an infinite virtue in his blood and grace to purge out guilt of the higheft aggra- vations, and fins of the deepell dye. Now he fully believes that the righteoufnefs and aton- ing blood of the Saviour have completely an- fwered the demands of a broken law,-fatisfi» ed the claims of juftice, quenched the flame of incenfed wrath, glorified God in the higheft, and procured heaven for the moft heinous of- fenders, with all the influences of grace to prepare them for it. Therefore in Chrift he finds a remedy for all his maladies, and a rich fupply for all his wants— Pardon for his guilt; cleanfing for his pollution; liberty for his bondage ; cloathing for his nakednefs ; fight for his blindnefs ; ftrength for his weaknefs ; riches for his poverty ; comfort for his for- row ; the bread of life for his hunger ; and the water of life, for his thirfty foul. — And all this for the praife of infinitely rich grace ! How do thefe views of a Saviour raife his fink- ing foul, and become to it as life from the- dead I
20 SMITH.
?.. In faving faith the foul gives full cre- dit to this great gofpel truth, that the mercy of Chrift is equal to his power to fave. Never will a convinced fmner take fancluary under the crofs, until he believes that Chrift is as willing as able to fave him, and God is well pleafed for his righteoufnefs' fake. It is a property of nature to rife againlt, and be averfe from, an enemy viewed as irreconcilea- ble. But no fooner does an inclination to kindnefs and reconciliation appear in him, than it melts the heart and begets confidence. This is evident in the linner's cafe. The more liopelefs he is, the more hardened his heart grows. — The deeper his convi6lions, the more lively his corruptions; at leaft, he percieves them more fenfibly . JVhcji the commandment came, fin revived, and I died, (t)
So great a fenfe of guilt feiz;eth the trem- bling confcicnce of the convinced fmner, that he fears if God couW, coniiftcntly with his honour, forgive him ; yet he will not ; be- caufe his fms have been committed againft lo much light, fo many mercies, warnings, calls to repentance, ftrivings of the Spirit, re- proofs of confciencc, and refolutions to a- mend. Such a link of every abomination docs his'heart appear, andfo odious his crimes^
(/ Rom. v'li, 9.)
SMITH. 21
that he thinks hell itfelf can fcarcely ex- ceed his bafenefs. It is eafier for him to be- lieve that any iinner lipon earth may be laved, than himlelf. What increafeth his fears, is, that inftead of an humble and penitent frame under his convi6tions, as he hoped and ftrove for, his infenliblity, his enmity, and other plagues of his heart gather ftrength. In this condition, fome have found their hearts rif- ing againll the heavens. Some have funk down into the very borders of defpair; and it is common for convinced finners to fly from the prefence of infinite holinefs, as fugi- tive Adam, when he ran to hide himfelf from the face of his maker among the trees of the garden. But no fooner does the diilrefled finner really believe in his heart, that God's tender mercies are over all his works, (ii) and mercy rejoiceth agaiiift judgment ; ^z;) no fooner does he believe this, than the chains of his cap- tivity drop off, unbelief, the head of his body of death, dies, and all his other corruptions, which ^received ftrength and nourifhment therefrom, w^eakenand die with it — his heart of ftone is melted, his enmity broken, and his ioul is reconciled to the crofs and fceptre of Chrift.*
If thefe obfervations be true, and both fcripture {u Pfa. cxlv. 9.) {v Jam. ii 13.)
22 SMITH.
The Holy Spirit gives to believers thofe Ipiritu al views of mercy and grace in the Sa- viour, by revealing to their hearts the excel- lency of his adorable characters; — the gracious defigns of redemption; — the love of the fa- ther in fending his Son, and the love of the Son in coming to die for finners ; — the riches and freedom of goipel promifes and over- tures; — or by impreliing them with his earn- eft and tender entreaties and expoftulations with them to hear and live. By all, or by any of thefe, or by whatfoever word of the gofpel he pleafeth, Chrift reveals to inquiring fouls his tender mercy and grace to fa ve the worft of finners, and draws them into a cor- dial union with himfelf^
I have been the more particular here, be- caufe fome honeft chrillians perplex them- felves, and queftion their own fincerity, if
and experience evince the truth of them, how abfurd thentheir notion, who aflert, that the flames of hell will produce penitence in the hearts of the damned, up- on which God willdifcharge them from their prifon. Were this dodrine true, hell would long fincc have been cleared of it's inhabitants. A fmiilar error are they guilty of, who tell us, that if God makes ufe of means at all in the change of a foul, it is the law ex- clufive of the gofpel. This plainly manifeffcs their ig- norance of the holy fcriptures, of the nature of fm, of the human heart, and the manner of divine operations upon it.
SMITH. 23
they may not have obtained their iirfl relief in the fame manner others have obtained their's, and from the very fame words. The queftions are not^ in what manner, or by what word of the golpel have you been delivered from the fpirit of bondage ? Whether by a particular promife applied to your hearts, or by a fpiritual defcription or view of gofpel truths, in general, powerfully imprefTed on them ? Kut the queftions are, what has been the nature of your views of divine objects, and what their efFe6ts upon your fouls ?
3. In believing the heart fully confides in the faithfulnefs of Chrift to perform his promife of eternal life to all thofe who believe on him. The truth of the promife, founded upon the faithfulnefs of the promifer, is a glo- rious obje6l of credit. Truth and mercy are ever celebrated in the fongs of believers, and
infeparably united as grounds of their truft.
/ willfing of the mercies of the Lord forever ; with my month will I make known thy faithfulnefs to all generations. For Ihavefaid mercy f hall be built up forever : thy faithfulnefs floalt thou eftabliflo in the very heavens, (w) The promifes originated in mercy, and fliall be fulfilled in faithfulnefs. What eternal love hath fpoken, eternal truth will hind. And O ! what relief to the convin-
(ly Pfa. Ixxxix r. 2.)
24 SMITH.
ced iinner to behold rich mercy united with invariable truth inviting him to fly into the arms of a powerful Saviour !
The felicitous inquirer for falvation feeks the firmeft grounds to go upon in believing. Here he finds it — The word of him who can- not lie I The whole gofpel may, in a general fenfe, be viewed as one large proi^iife given as our warrant to believe. All it's invitati- ons, offers, calls, and every motive offered to perfuade us to lay hold of eternal life, not on- ly make a tender of mercy, but imply a prom-^ # iie to thofe who fhall accept the offer. But more fpecifically and directly, the exprefs promifes, or thole parts of fcripture deliver- ed in a promiflbry form, fanctioned by the oath of God, and enforced with his command to*^believe, afford us the ftrongeit warrant to appropriate Chrift and the whoje of his lalva- tion to our own fouls.
His promifes I fay, as well the more gene- ral and abfolute promifes^ of grace, as the more fpecial and chara6leriftic . Convinced fmners often find great relief and clear di- re6tions from the more general, or abfolute promifes; fuch as the pardon of lin ior God's OWN name's fake, {x) of cleanfing from all our //7^/)/;uyi^-of giving ^ new heart, and tak-
(x Jfa. xliii 25.
SMITH. 2j
ing away the Jloney heart, (y) For although they may not plead an intereft in the bleflings contained in them as iheir own a6lual right, becaufe they have never embraced the ofier ; yetasthelepromifesmanifeftJehovah'swining nefs to bellow mercies, and contain a iree and generous offer of them, tb.ey afford the ffrongeft encouragement to apply, and the firmeit ground to plead for, the promiied fa- vours. Perfuaded of this, the diflrelTed fm- ner arifeth from his finking difcourage- ments, and ventures to approach a gracious and fin-pardoning Saviour, pleading his own word. Lord, do as thou halifaid. Here is the very heart, the hard and filthy heart ! Melt it with thy love, and cleanfe it with thy grace ! According to thy word, pardmi mine iniquity^ for it is great, (z) Let a trembling iinrhr live, O- Lord, and I will forever praife thee. Let rich grace forever fiiine in the falvation of ^wretch fo unworthy, and lo hell deferv* ing 1
The fpecial and chara61erifiic prcmifes af- ford the affli6ted foul the molt pointed and peculiar encouragements to apply to Chrifl lor relief— Such as thefe : come v?ito me at ye that are heavv laden, and I will give ycu reji (a)
VOL IV. D
(V Ezek. xxxvi. 25. 26.) (z P/a, :<xv, iu}(a Math. ii. :;8.)
26 SMITH.
Him that comeih. I "will iti no wife caji out, (b) For they not only hold up the rich grace of God to weary and heavy laden finners, and in- vite them to Chrift for it ; but they give them the llrongeft fecurity that they fliall be ac- c^pteJj and find reft, upon their conjing. From any, or from ail theie, Chrift perfuadeth diftreiTed fouls of his faithfulnefs to preform his word, and excites their truft in him for fal- vation.
4. For the farther illuftration of this fub- jedt, I Ihall briefly take notice of the light or evidence by which true believers difcern, and yield their aillect to, the truths of the gofpel. Now this is wholly fupernatural. — lor Cod, 'who coMmanded the I'ght tojlnne cvt of darknefs^ hath Jl:ined in our hearts, to gwethelghtofthe knowledge of the glory of God in iheface cfjefus Chrift^ (c) That power only wliich produced natural light, and no exertion of natiral abil- ities in the fubjedl of it, nor mere moraHua- fion, can prcdut e this fpiritual light in the foul. The gofpel is a glafs by which the Ho- ly Spirit reliects the divine glories upon our hearts, as they (liine in the tace of our Lord Jefus Chrift ; therelore it is our duty to pay acaretul attenton to every mftru6ion of it; for by motives divine power operateth up- on our fouls as moral agents. But every
(b John. VI, 37.) [cWCor. iv. 6.)
SMITH. 2
niotive and every mean will prove mefre6lu»« al, until that energy which at firft caiifed light to (hine out of darknefs, rends the vail from our darkened hearts, and reveals Chriil in them. 1 heir opinion is wholly unfounded, who fuppofe there is no ditFerence between the allent of real and that of mere nominal be- lievers^ and that refting in Chriil is the only elFential act of faith. The full credit given by the heart to the teftimony of the Spirit in his word is peculiar to faving faith ; there is there- fore an eOential difference between this an4 the allent of mere common profeflbrs. This difference chiefly confiits in three things.
I. The tranfcendent glories of faith's ob* jed^ are truly dircerned by the one; the other has only fome dark ineffe^tuil notices of them. The dilFerencc is as real and as great, as that of feeing an object and hearing of it only. I may hear of lomething at a diftance, which I never faw, and may not doubt the truth of the account given of it ; but if I fee the thing itfelf, my perceptions of it will be quite chan- ged. So by a general faith of the gofpel, I may accept the report of it as true, without being fenfible of any doubt as to the reality of it; yet never perceive the nature nor the tranfcendent glories of the obje<5ls it ex- hibits. In faving faith there is a juft difcern- ment of the nature and fuperior beauties of the
t8 SMITH.
obje6t itfelf. To the true believer Chrift ap* pears as the pearl of great price ("^ jindeedj for which he is willing to part with every thing below the Sun. But to the believer in name only, he is as a root out of dry ground, that has nofor?n nor comelinefs, ?w beauty that we fhould dejire htm. (e) (2.) The objeds of fa th are moft agreeable to the faculties and condition of true believers. In them they perceive every thing for their entertainment and prof- it—A gracious fcheme in which God is glori- fied in the higheft, and finners laved to the uttennoft— Promifes originating in mercy, and fulfilled in truth— An all-iufficient and gracious Saviour, in whom there is every thing fuited to his defires and deplorable cir- cumftances. Thefe are objedts of his de- lightful contemplation, upon which his faith feeds as hidden manna. But graceiefs pro- feflbrs have reliflies of a very different na- ture; for they only mind (fcivour) the things of thefefj. (e) {2,') They differ widely in the etlecls they have upon the mmds of their re- fpective fubjecfs. The impreffions the ob- je6ts of faith make upon the mind of tempo- rary believers, are fls a morning cloud, and as the early deiv it goeth away, (/) leaving their hearts flill unchanged, cold, dead, blind, car- nal and unbelieving. But lincere believers,
(d Math. xiii. 46 J [e <fa, liii. a-) {e Rom. viii. 5?) (fHof vi. 4.)
S M I T H. 29
xvltb open face, beholding as in a glafs the glory of the Lord, are changed into the fame wi-^ age from glory to glory, by thefpirit of the Lord, (g) The fpirit of the Lord^ reflecung upon their fouls, by the glafs of the gofpel, rays of the divine glories, fhining and fweetly harmonizing in the perfon and mediation of Chrift, tranfforms them into the image of the glory relde^ted, and draws them into a lalling and comfortable reft in the Saviour.
t.
II. I fliall proceed now to exp^ain the nature o{ trujl m Chrift, the fecond confti- tuent of favmg faith. No fooner does the foul fully perceive how fuitable and well qual- ified Chrift is to fave ruined iinners, than it trufts in him for it's own faivation. * Ths a6t of faith is called a receiving Chrift, embracing him, accepting him, coming to him, leaning upon him, and refting on him for faivation. This truft or reft of the foul in Chrift confifts in two a61s, approbation and acquiefcence.
* Were T to treat this point fcientifically, as fomeaf- feft to treat all thur fubjeds, even the moft pradlical, I would fay, that the full credit we give to the tefti- mony of Chrift, is the primary mode of faving faith, which conftitutes it's very effence; and trnft or reft in him, it's fecondary eflential mode^necelTari'ly arifing from the primary. From the fame fource do repen- tance, love, defire, and all the raligiousafFedionsflow.
(^11 Cor. til iZ.)
30 SMITH.
I . It implies a hearty approbation of the fcheme of redemption in the blood of Chrift, as originating from, and infinitely worthy of, the wifdorn, mercy, and love of God. O the depth of the riches both of the wi/dom and know^ ledge of God y dilplayed in the falvation of lin- ners by Chrift! is the language of a believing heart— It chearfully receives, and gives ail the praiie to, rich and free grace. Not unto us, O Lord, net unto us, but to thy name give glory, for thymnercy, and for thy truth ' j fake . (h) Were it left to the believer s own choice, he would choofe no other method of falvation. None but what flows from rich mercy and exalts the Saviour, fuits either his wretched ftate, or his wifl:es. Had he ten thcufand fouls, he would venture them all upon Chrift. Had he ten thoufand hearts, they lliould all be giuen to
They, therefore, wholly miflake th? qu^ftion, and ail the r wrangling d fpiites apon it have no proper ob- jeft, who contend for repentance going before fairh. If they mean a legal rrpentance, or convi(5tion of fin, this wfe own is necefTary to faving faith ; yet even this is the effedt of a general belief of divine teftimo ny. But if they mean a genuine gofpel repentance, (and no other repentance properly deferves that name, or fliould come into the queftion,) this it is evident, is the fruit of a believing view of Chrift, and cannot be n\-\tecedent to it ; for the Saviour himfelf teltifieth, th^V Pjallloikup'mme ivhom ihey have pierced, And they JJmll mourn for kim,
(h Pfa. cxv. 2.)
S M I T H.
a^
him* Had he ten thoufand tongues^ they Ihould all be employed in his praife . And all too little 1 all infinitely beneaths his praife, his glory, or his worth.
2. Truft in Chrift more fpecifically confifts in the hearty acquiefcenve of the foul in him for falvation. It*s leading exercife is, a reft in his propitiation for pardon, and then, being accepted in the beloved for grace, for glory, and for every mercy. He is all in all — all things to all believers. Content that he do all the work, and have all the praife, they em- brace him and his whole falvation, with all their hearts, conmiitting themlelves wholly to him, foul, and body, as his trufi, and to be employed wholly at his pleaiure. In this ndl of truft, they return to him, and to God in him, as their foul's everlafting reft ; and, ac- cording to his gracious promife, find reft to their weary fouls. Retiini unto thy refl, O my foul y for the Lord hath dealt bount fully zvith thee, (i) exprefseth the exercife of a foul reft ing in Chrift. With a joy which the world knoweth not of, they feed, as on hidden manna, upon fuch precious v/ords of grace as thofe; / have fatiated the weary foidy and I have rcplenifb-ed e- very forrowf id foul, (k) Hence iome inteligent and very fpiritual divines have deicribed faith,
(iPfa, cxvi. 7.) (k Jer, xxx). 25}
3i SMITH.
as a well pleafednefs with Chrift andfalvation through him. A well plealednefs it is indeed, an entire fatiffa<Stion in Chrift and the fruits of his mediation-- /y^^ down under his fad ow with great delight, and his fruit xvasfweetunto my tqfle. (I)
In order to a more full and diftin61: per- ception of the nature of truft in Chr.ft, let it be obferved, that ive receive and reft vpon him alone for falvat ion , as he is offered unto us in the gqfpel. (m) Faith is the very echo of the foul to the gofpel oWer—fo we preached, and foye believed, (n) In like manner as we de- livered unto you the teftimony of Chrift, ye received it, and refted upon him for falvation*
I. The gofpel offers Chrift fully in all his offices, for wifdoni, r.'gbieounefs, fanctificati'* on and redemption. And faith correfpond- ing fully v/ith the offer, accepteth him as the only remedy for ignorance, guilt, ila- very and every milery to which fm hath fub- je6ted a fallen world. Beholding, his iulnefs, the foul replies. In the Lord have I righteouf 7iefsand ftrcngth. (o) Not only juftifying righ- teoufnefs, but grace and ftrength for every duty, and every gracious exercife. The gra- cious heart thirfts as well for holinefs and
(IC^ftt. ii. 3.) (7n W f. Con, Qtt^ft, 86. ) (n IL C%r. •XV, II.) [^oJfa xlv. 24.)
SMITH.
33
iiiftrudtion^ as for pardon ; as well for deliver- ance from fin^ as from wrath ; and in one word, for every bleiling the Saviour has to beftow. But hypocritical profeflbrs, like the harlot, would divide the Saviour ; — would take pardon from him^ without holinefs; — lalvation from hell, without qualifications for heaven. Nay, nothing do they more difrelifh than holinefs and communion with Chrift ; JFithoiit ivhich no man JJjallfee the Lord.
2. The gofpel offers Chrift iivdue order, — Chrift himfelf firft, and then his gifts. It invit- eth us to come to him, and promifeth reft upon our coming. To as many as received h i m to^ them f^avc he power to become the 'fons of God, even to them that believe on his fiame. (p) Chrift himfelf is the immediate obje6l of a believers truft ahd affedionsj the fecondary object is the promife of being heirs of God, and joint heirs of the inhe- ritance with him. He is high in their efteem above every created object, the chief ainong ten thoufand, and altogether lovely, (q) Whereas ^he hypocritical profeflbr looks totheblefiingonly, but neglects the difpenfer of it— Snatcheth at the promife, but reje6teth the promifer — Gives Chrift his hand, but with-holds his heart.
, 3. The gofpel offers Chrift and all the blcflings of his pur chafe , freely, ivith out money and ivith out price: (r) and faith, difclaiming all goodncfs
(pJohn.L \2.) {qCant.i, 10. 16.) (r Ifa. Iv. U
Rev. xxii ]"■/.) Vnl IV. ' E
34 SMITH.
wrought in or done by the creature, as a ground of truft, in whole or in part, dependeth lolely up- on the righteoufnefs and grace of Chrift for par- don and complete falvation — Yea, doubtlefs.and I count all things but lofs,for the excellencyof theknow- ledge qfChriji Jefus my Lord, for whom I bavefuffer" ed the Iqfs of all things, and do count them but dung that I may win Cbri/l, and be found in him, nothavmg mine own ngbteoufnefs, which is of the law, but that which IS through the faith of Chrift, the righte- nefs which is of God by faith, (s) Here itise- videntthe Apoftle rejedleth all his own righ- teoufnefs of every kind, both inward frames, and outward duties, as lofs and dung y—as fit- tbyvags. Iiiflead of trulling any thing in him- felf or done by him, as righteoufnefs, or as giving him a right to believe, or hope for accep- tance tlirough Chrift, the true believer fees that Ills beO; dtities and frames are fo deeply ftained Vith fin and felf, that he wonders God had not mingled Ms blood with his facrifices. — He is per- fuiided that his tears ,his repentance, his prayers, and every duty, all need wafliing in the blood of Chrilt,, as well as his perfon — therefore he comes to him as poor, ivr etched, miferable, blind aad naked '^ — for Gold tried in the fire, that he may be rich', for white rainwit, that he may be cloathed; and for; eyi^-folve, that he may./i'^; (t) taking his encouragement to believe from the gracious call of the gofpel, only— and they who expe6l falvation upon any other terms, bewray their ignorance of the Gofpel, and deceive their
own fouls.
{s Phil, lit, 8. 9.) {t Rom- Hi* 17. 18.)
SMITH.
3S
The only ground of real truft in Chriil fliines with bright evidence in the faith of Abraham, the father and example of the faithful in believ- ing, who agaM hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to ihsit word which was fpoken, fo fhall thy feed be, A?id being not weak in faith, he confidered not his own body now dead, being about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadncfs of Sarah* s womb, He Jlaggered not at the pronufe through unbelief; but was firong in faith, giving glory to God : and heing fully perfuaded that what he had promifed, he was alfoable to perform, (u) His faith, laying hold on the naked word of pronufe, rofe fuperior to every objection of reafon from the ftrong- ell natural impediments. In like manner his fpiritual feed, neither trufling their own righ- teoufnefs in any (liape, nor kept ofFby difcou- ragement from the deadnefs and barrennefs of their own unbelieving hearts, take hold of the word of promife, and plead to it. Lord do as thou hajifaid. (v)
But the falfe profelTor builds on a very dif- ferent foundation — He trufts as his righteouf- nefs, his convidions, his repentance, his frames, and his duties performed with fome ferioufnefs— or he hopes thefe will recommend him to Chrift, that on account of them, the righteoufnefs of Chrift may recommend him to the favour of God. Thus he makes a laviour of his religious exercif- cs, fubftituting them inftead of the righteouinefs
{u Rem, IV, 18, 19. 20, 21.) (vll Sam. vii, 25.)
36 S M 1 TH.
of Chrift; or uniting them with his righteoul'- nefsj as the ground of his pardon and acceptance with Qod, lie divides his falvation between him- felf and the Saviour. Miftaking the defign of fuch promifes as this ; come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rejl, (iv) he conne6ts the promife of reft, with his diitrefs, not with coming to Chrift ; whereas the promife is to be connected with believing, or coming to Chrift^ not with his diftrefs as a condition either of his right to the blefiing, or his right to come for t; and his diftrelsful cafe is mentioned^ to point him out as it were, by name, and invite him to come to Chrift for a free fal- vation. As though our Lord had laid, ye labour- ing and fm-fick fouls, who can find reft no where, come unto me, and I will eaie you of all your burdens, and give reft to your weary fouls. But miftaking the delign of the offer, as we have obferved, the decieved finner takes hold of the promife, not of the Saviour ;~appropriates, the blefling, not becaufe it is freely offered, but . becaufe he has fomc thing to offer for it. This is a fubtle deceit of the heart, a fine fpun thread of felf righteoufnefs, with which m.any decieve themfelvcs, ei'pccially in fealons of common a- wakenings. Upon this liidden rock they dafh to pieces, juft when they feem to be arriving to the haven of reft. Thefe are the fital miftakes, I doubt notof toomapy zealots in our day. I fliall conclude this dilcourfe with a fewbrief obfervationy.
SMITH 37
I . What ground of lamentation is it, and how furprifing, that the far greateft partof thofe who profefs the name of Chrift, and the fcrip- tures to be his word, have, notwithftanding, fo little of him i^ their religion, and are fuch ilrangers to the doctrine of faith in his blood, for falvation. Chrill is the fubftance of both the old teftament, and the new — Hisato.nement, with the nature and neceiiity of faith in a cru- cified Saviour, are leading do6lrines of re- velation, and none are more frequently held up to view in the oracles of God. Is it not then amazing, that thofe do6lrines, frequent- ly taught as they are, and important as they are, fiiould be treated by multitudes, as mere idle and ufelefs tales of the day ? — And that ma- ny who are blefTed with favourable advantages for jnitruelion, and pay a refpe6t to the gofpel, in profelTion ; yet, in practice, do ftill go about ta eflablifh their own light eoiifnejs, and will not {\xhrmt thanfelves to the righteoiifnefs of God. (x) Outward rites ofworfhip, either of man's devil- ing or God's appointing, duties, frames of the mind, or ^ny deception whatfoever, will qui- et their confciences, without the fprinkling of the blood of Chrift ! How ftrong muft their deception be ! How fubtle the operations of legal pride in their deceived fouls ! How deep- ly rooted their unbelief! How thick the veil of ignorance that clouds their carnal and blind- ed hearts.
(.V Bom, X, 3.)
38 SMITH.
2 . From what hath been faid^ many profefs- ors of religion might be eafily convinced, did they yield to the evidence of it, that they have not the true faith of the gofpel, but are ftill held in the chains of unbelief and condenmation ! For he that believeth not is condemned alra* dy, {y) They who reft in a general belief that Chrift is the Son of God, and Saviour of the world- without a fcnfe of their need of him and without a particular application of him, to their own fouls, have never embraced the Saviour, by a living faith— They who reft in a general blmd notion of mercy without refpe6t unto juftice, neither believe his juftice nor his mercy; but are under the curfe of the woe denounced rgainft them that are at eafe in Zion (z) and fetling on their lees, fay in their heart, the Lord will not do good nor will he do evil (a) They who feed upon empty fcientific fpeculations, without fcriptural difcoveries of his glory, and all whoy^^ no beauty in him that we Jhauld defire him, have never fed upon him, as hidden man- na, nor had the arm of the Lord revealed to them, {bj The fervants of fin, either of heart or life, are under the power of unbelief; for it is the promife of Chrift to the faithful, thatfinfhall not have dominion over them, (c) All who reft in any thing fliort of Chrift for falvation, have noin- tereftin the Saviour— On a forced, or furious zeal, for certain opinions, or for a fe6t that might have obtained fome character for purity
(y John. lit. i8.) (z Amos. vi. i,) (^ Zeph, L 12) (b Ifa, I'm, I. 2.) {c Rom, vi. 14.
SMITH
39
and zeal — On the piety of anceftors ; we have jibraham to our father {d) on the outward pri- vileges of their Church, as the boaftful Jews of old, who cried, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, are thefe \e) or thofe who reft on their outward duties and fanctity, as the felf-righteous Pharifee ; God I thank thee that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjiift, adulterers, or even as this publican; Ifafi twice in the week, and pay tithes of all that Ipoffefs (/*) Thofe who put their band, to the plough, and look lack, are not fit for the kingdom of heaven, {g) but clearly nianifeft that there is in them an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. {h) Thefe feem to tegin in the Spirit, but end in the flefii ; and it is happened to them accordidg to the true proverb, the dog is turned to bis own vomit again, and the fow that was ivajhed to her wallowing in the mire, [i) Of all the clafles of unbelievers thefe fink deepeft into the gulph of apoftacy ; and, of all others fome of them be- come the moft ungenerous and bitter enimies to chriftianity. Moft dangerous, indeed, and deplorable is their cafe;/(9r the earth which drink- itb in the ram that cometh oft upon it ;'-but bearetb thorns and briers, is rejedled, and nigh unto curfing; whofe end is to be burned, {k) Thefe various cha- racters, and each of you who have never expe- rienced the operations of a living faith, are yet in unbelief, and fhall die in yourjins, (/) unlefs
{d John. viii. 39.^ (^ Jcr. vii. 4.) {fluke, xviii. n. 12.) (g Luke. ix. 62 ) (h Feb. iii. 12,) (/ il Pet. ii. 22.) (k Hcb. vi, 7. 8.) {I John, viii. 24. ^
40 SMITH.
youfpeedily apply for pardon to that blood, which you have profanely trodden under foot»
3. I moft earneftly beleech unbelievers, ofe- very defcription, to acknowledge your charac- ter fully and freely. Admit the conviction of your guilt and danger, fall at the feet of mercy, and beg for the lite of your fouls. By all the terrors of perilliing, by all the joys of falvation, and by all the regard you Ihould pay to the hap- pinefs of your never dying fouls, I intreat yon to deceive yourfelves no longer, but awake from your fatal fecurity, & flee from the wrath to cm-ne unto the Lord Jefus Chrift, as your only fafety. Many have a teftimony in their confcience, that they are in a ftate of fin and awful condemnation, who, neverthelets, do not fully own their guilt to their Judge and Savi- our but with infidel Jews, in our Saviour's day, quench the convidion, and would gain the time, by Hill requiring further figns of what they al- ready have fufficient evidence, did they not clofe the r eyes againft the light. Their averlion to the pangs of conviction, and the felf-deiTying ex- erciies necelTary to their relief, are the reafons of their foul-ruining delay, untill a more' con- venient fcafon. Sad infatution ! Dangerous, awfully dangerous condu6t. Which are hard- eft, the momentary pangs of convi^ion now,.©r the pahis of //>^ worm thatjkill never die, and0fc fire thatjhall never be quenched. And if you re- folve to enter thorouglily upon the work at a- ny time, is it not better to do it foon than at a
^ SMITH. 41
late period. How do 3/ou knov/ whether ye «fliall ever fee the time you hope will be a more convenient feafon ? An hour's delay may coll you an eternity of iufferings. Or if ye were certain of the time to come^ will repentance -be lefs bitter, or fm the more eaiiiy fubdued^ the longer it is in acquiring ftrength. For God's fake, for your precious fouls' fake, I intreat you to im^prove the prefent moment, let not the prefent opportunity flip. New is the accep- ted tunc, now the day of falvatmi. (?n) Therefore to day if ye will hear his voice, harden 7iotyour hearts. Now, and not hereafter ; to day, and not to- morrow, is ever the language of fcripture calls —Molt carefully, therefore, improve the day of life, while it lafts — Improve the day of grace, while it fhines upon you ; leil your fun fet in everlafting darkriefs.
'^Seize the kind promife while it waits,
'''And march to Zicns heavenly gates;
''Believe and take the prcmif'd reft,
''Obey and be forever blcft." VOL. IV. F
{m 11 Cor. vi. 2.)
*-
f „
SERMON LXIL
THE EXCELLENCY of SAVING FAITH.
B Y
ROBERT SMITH, D. D.
Fqflor of a Prejbyterian Congregation, Pequca, Pennfylvaiiia,
II Pet, i, 1.
—1^0 them that have obtained like precious faith
with lis,
I John, iii. 23.
And this is his commandment, that wefJwuJd believe on the name of his Son Jefus Chrifl,
The apoftle, having treated of obedience to the commands of God, as an evidence of our being heard and accepted of him, left we ihould be deceived in a matter of fo great im- portance, informs us in our text of the nature of that obedience, which is an evidence of our being accepted; It is the obedience of faith. — This is his commandment, t/jut we Jhould believe on
44
S M 1 T H
the n^fni .qf bi'$ Son ijefus Chrijl. Faith itfelf is an obedience to a divine command ; and all that obedience \yhich iiows from taith^ and that only^ will prove our iincerity. No mere out- ward forms whatfoever will conftitute a real character of grace. This is his commandment^ as though it. were the only Command^ it being the chriilian compend of all the commandments. The- excellency of the grace and duty of faith is the great obje it exhibited in thefe words — Of the grace and duty of faith, we fay ; for as it is be- ftowed, it is a grace ; as commandedj it is our duty. The excellency of it appears from it's being, as it were, a fummary of all the other comm.ands ; as well a^ from it's immediate ob- J.eci:, the name of the Lord Jisus Christ; or his perfon and mediation, and whatfoeyer as mediator he makes himfelf known by. On thefe accounts it is an invaluable gift of heaven to all that have obtained this precious favour of the Lord.
n. I proceed, irr the fecond plaiie^ to illuflrate the excellency of faving faith.
I . The fuperior excellency of faving faith ap- pears from it's being the mean ofinterefting us in Chrift, and all the blefnngs of his purchafe. Through faith we are acquitted of an*obligati- on to eternal punifliment, and receive a firm ti- tle to all <^he bleiFrngs of grace and everlafting glory— Tbenf ore being }Uj}if.£d by faith, we have
A>-,vrc';/6 (7p7. fhr.^uir'^ nuv Lord T'/)/c ChriM
SMITH. 45
^ywhom alfo we have accefs by faith into this grate wherein wejland, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (a) By faith we become heirs of God and joint heirs with Chrift ; forye are all the children of God by faith in Chriji Jefus; (b) All the ends -of the earth are invited to look unto Chrift, and befavcd, (c) But faith is the eye that beholds his fuinefs, and the glory of the precious blelF- ings contained in the promife. Chrift is ten- dered to us as the gift of God, and eternal life in him ; and faith is the hand that takes hold of the gift and appropriates it to ourfelves. (d) God has fo conftituted the new covenant plan of life, that the moment we are united to Chrift by faith, we are freed from the curfe of the broken law, and received as favourites and chil- dren of his family. O believers ! could I, in law threatnings let hell and deftru6lion naked before youreyes ; could I let you hear the groans, and fee the flames, from which you are faved through faith — Could I in gofpel promifes lay open the third heaven, to let you hear the Hal- leluias, and fee the fliining ranks, with which you fliall fliortly mingle--Or could I difclofe to you the uniearchable riches of Chrift, and all the fearchlefs treafures of grace and glory, to which by faith you have received an indefeafi- ble title— Each of your hearts muft cry out with wonder and praife; How precious is the gift I have received of the Lord ! O ye expectants
(a Ram. v, i. 2.) (b Ceil. iii. 26.) {c Jfa. xlv. 22.) (^ J JoJm. V. II. Juhn iv. I2; 14. 6" i. I2» Rev» Xxii. ly. rompared.)
46" SMITH.
of glory ! fee that ye live as the heirs of fuch bleliings.
2 . The excellency of faith appears from the glory of it's object, Gcd m Chnft reconciling the world unto hmifeif—Ov the glory of God, Ihin- ing in the face of Jefus Chril, {e) is it's pre- cious obje(i:t. I doubt not of the propriety and necellity of means to give adifplay of the divine perfections to intelligent creature?. For the invi- fible things of God from the creation of the world are clearly feen, being underwood by the things that are 7nade, even his eternal power and Godhead, (f) And wliofocver are wife to obferve the good and righteous a6ts of providence, even they Jhall underjland ike loving -kindnefs of the Lord, [g) But redemption is the maiter-piece of all the divine workmanfliip. In this plan of peace and good will to mtn, glory to God m the higheft {h) is proclaimed with loudeft accents^ And not only is the glory of God in the higheft illufta- ted by this laving plan; but from it arifcth, in the higheft degree, the happinefs of rational creatures— Not the happinefs of men only, but even of h6ly angels themfelves, who need- ed not a Saviour, becaufe they never had tranfgrelled. For the knowledge and enjoy- ment of God are necellary to happinefs. The more of his glory is known, the fuller the en- joyment of him : And the more full the enjoy- ment, the greater muft be the happinefs rciult-
{e II Cor. V. TO. ^-iv, 6.) {f Rom. i. 20) {g Tfet. cvii,- 43.} (^ /.«/<€. ii. 14.)
SMITH. 47
ing from it. But in Chrift all the moral perfeift- ionsof Jehovah harmonize, and are moll cieuriy difplayed. In the groans of an expiring Sa- viour, inflexible juftice fliines with infinitely brighter and (Ironger evidence, than in ail the flames of Sinai, or the more terriblt; flames of Tophet. Eternal love flows Itrongeft and fweeteft in his blood : Herein is love, 7wi that ctv^ loved bini, but that he loved us, andfent bis Son to be the propitiati07i for our fins, (i) And where would mercy have had a medium of difcovery^ had it not been for the defpifed crofs of Chrift ?-- Mercy, which is over all his works. (^^/ And is not Chrifl: crucified emphatically called the pow- er of God and the wifdomof God, (I) for the fal- vation of all who believe in him ? Law and juftice required fatisfadion, not only adequate to the infinite malignity of fin, and the infinite claims of juftice upon the flnner; but that this fatisfaflion be made in the fame nature in which the offence had been given. An angelic offer- ing would not be accepted for a human olTence. But were it accepted, and united with the fa- crifice of all the human race, the offering would have been infinitely beneath the claims of jufi- ice^ The whole race of men, with all the angel - ic hoft, muft have funk down under the guilt of fin into everlafting perdition. But all Ihefe claims are fully anlwered by the facrificc of Chrift. For the infinite dignity of the divine nature ftamped an infinite worth on what he did and fufFered in his human nature, on account
{iljohft.iv. 10.) (^Pfa, cxlv. 9.) (//<:«r, i. -4.)
48 SMITH.
of it's union with the divine nature in his facred perfon. Now law and juflice triumph in the falvatioh of guilty linners by the propitiation of Chrift : For hereby they receive more honour than they could receive by the fufferings of all the creatures to eternity ! A llroke of wifdom this infinitely out-reaching every conjecture of created intelligences ! All their proje6ts^ during eternal ages, to fatisfy juftice and fave the iin- ner, would have perilhed in the very embryo ! This great myftery of godlinefs, God manifell- ed in the flefli, to atone divine jullice, and fave the guilty iinner , ftrikes all the angels of glory into everlafting aftonifliment, while they fall at the leet ofthe God-man adoring and, with angelic raptures look into the myileries of redemption in his blood. fVhich things the angels dejhe to look into. (?h) Mylleries, at which faith humbly bows and adores ! --Faith which feeth hun who is invifible, (n) and by which alone we can be- hold Emmanuel's glories, and the glories of fal- vation purchafed by his blood ; as we fliall more fully fee in the next particular. When Peter confeflTed to his Lord, Thou art Chrift, the Son of the living God, his Saviour replies, Blejfedart thou Simon Barjo?ia :forfle[h andMood hath ?iot reveal- ed it unto thee, hut ?ny Father which is in heaven, (o) From a heart impregnated with a fenie of this bleOTednels, no doubt Peter in our text hails all who had obtained like precious faith with him- felf and his fellow-difciples.
(m/ Pet, i. 12. ) (n HibyyCu 27.) (0 Math, xvi. 17.)
S M I T H. 4.;^
3, We learn the luperior excellency of faith from the ftrength and brightnefs of it's evidence. The power of fiiith is the moft noble poiTelled by mortals^ .and it's evidence the brighteft this flde eternal vifion ; unleis we (hould except in- fpiration. The evidence of fenfe onl^y reaches to material objcffs,, and the evidence of reafon is confined within the limits oi the falleh crea- ture's power ; but faith fees him who is inviftbl'C, and IS the evidence of things not fecn. (p) not feen either by tire eye of fenfe, or reafon. It penetrates into the invifibilities of the o- ther world. ■■Exiyyj'^' rendered evidence, fignifies a clear convidive proof, or demonftratiion. Inviffble glories appear evident to the eye of ftiith, and are more imprelTive than any obje(5ls which daily offer to our fight : For it perceiveth them by a fpiritual light; --a light immediately infufed into the foul by his almighty power, who commanded the light tofinneoutofdarknefs. (q) The fpiritual man judgeth (or difcovereth) all things. ( ;) • Inftrufted from on high, by the pow- er of the Holy Ghoft, he hath a Iplrituai dif- cernment of, and relilli for, the tranlcendent g-lory of divine objeds.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of ihefpirit of God ; for they are fooliflmefs nnto him ; neither can he know them, hecaife they are fpiritually difcerncd ; (s) and no unrenewed man hath a, fpiritual eye to difcern them. Thedo6irinc of Vol.Ti. IV. G
fp HeK:^. i; 27.) (q II Cor. iv. 6\) fr I Cv. fi. 14.)
' •■ ii. 14.7
JO S M I T IL
the crofs of Chrift is foolipnefs to the learned Greek, and a flurnblwg bicck to the felt righteous Jew. (t) Was the natural man pofieiled otail thelubliniity ot a Longinus and a Homer, all the power of a Dtmoithenes and a Cicero, all the wifdom ofaboion and Lycurg':;s, and With ail thephilofophy and improved knowledge of a Soc rates and a Plato ; ail this notw ithlt^nd- ing, without a prmciple of faith, thelullimemyf- ter esof the gofpel will be foolilhnefs unto him. Yea^ did he unite with all thefe advantages the Itudy oftLe oracles of God; yet, as to unbe- lieving Jewifh rabbles, who knew not the Lord of Glory, [u) the gofpel would be a hidden myf- tery to him, and the preaching of the crofs a ftumbling block.
But why need we run back to heathen philof- ophers and jewifli do<!^tors ? 1 he whole tribe of inndels, in this and the preceding aLes,(fome of whom were men of the moll acute and im- proved genius,) are ftriking exan pies of this meiancholly truth. And niany who reject the name infidel, fon^.e of them by their corrupt o- pinions, everlive of the gofpel of Chrift ; fonie by their vile practices; and others by their a- veriion to the power of godlinefs, proclaim to the world that they have dark and unbelieving hearts. Oh! fin has an awfully blinding and hardening tendency. Therelbre are finners called children rfdarknefs, and Satan's territories <ikn\gdom of darknefs.
(t I Cor. i. 2j.; {u I Cor, ii. SJ
SMITH. 51
But it is the glory of chriflianity, that while the niylteries of the gofpel are hid from the wife and prudent, they are revealed unto babes, (v) The weakeil child of grace knows more oi God, of Chrill, of the fcheme of falvation and opera- tions of Grace, than the moft inftru^ted and rul- tivated finners. He may not be as aV.le as they to reafon upon thole topics; but he lees tiieir attractive beauties, feels their power, and re- lilhes the comforts of them, which they do not. He may not be able to trace the operations of nature in their caufes and eiTeds ; yet he lees more of, and is more affected with, the divine glories ihiiiing through a fpire of grafs, a fingle flower, or a drop of cold water, than the grace- lefs philofopher can perceive in all the ftupen- dous works of God, and by the alnilance of all his tubes and glailes. For even through faith -we widerliand that the worlds were framed by the power of God, (w) and fee more of his powxr and glo- ry in their frame, than all the efforts of feeble reafon can diicern. Let faith behold the glory of God in the face of Chrift, aiid the heart will be prepared to read his glory in all the works of his hands.
4. The excellency of faith appears with ilrik- ing evidence from it's power and 'njiv^nce to brmg heaven down to earth, (fo to fpcak,) and give us a prefent tafte of the bleilednels to be enjoyed there ; for it is thefubflance of things, hoped for. {x) It gives them a prefent fubfiftence
{v Mat. xi. 25.) {w Heb. yj. 3.) (x Hth. xi. i. )
52 S M I T H.
in the heart. Faith receives, and is itfelf,^;; carneji of our inheritance , the jirjl fruit s of fhefpirit of glory. An earnell being part of the promife given in hand, to enfure the whole, is of the very- lame kind of the thing itfelf for which it is pledg- ed. Like the .believing fpies of old, the faith of true believers brings down fome clufters of the iieavenly Canaan, by the delicious tafte of which their fouls give a good report of the proniifed land, and become earneft to Uke polieilionofit. It bears no more proportion, indeed, to the iiappinefs of heaven, than a drop to the ocean, or a.iingie ray to the whole body of light in the iun; norfo much. Yet as a ray isofthefame nature-with the fun, and a drop with the ocean; io iaith and it's fruits are of the fame nature of heaven itfelf. Grace is glory begun, and glo- ry is grace perfedted.
A brief view of the delcription given of hea- ven in the word of God, with the nature and ef- fci^ts of faving faith, may ferve toilluftrate this fubjedl more fully. Heaven is defcribcd as a Hate of pexfe6l rell, (y) and perfe6l holinefs {z) There the lervants oi^ ChriH fee bis face ;-Aec him face to face, (a) and there isfulnefs of joy, and pleafure for^evcrmore. (b) But faith, as wc have ieen, not only receives tiie at'cdunt of it's orf- jc(5t from teftimony, but (by the operations of tlie Hply Ghoft) 'through thnt teftimony fees
i5.c!^xxi. 27.) {a F<rj.xxi, 4. / Cor. xiii. 12.) {h P/^^ XV i. 16
SMITH. 53
tjie object itfelf, beholdsit's glory.* It produceth fweet 1 elt & comfort in the foul, (c) purificth the heart, (t^) and worketh by love, (e) and believ- ing in Ckrijl, ive rejoice with joy iinfpeakaMe , and full of glory, if) Viewing the glory of it's obje<!;^
(c MaU xiv 28. Pfa, cyiyi,' y.- Cant. ii. -^J (/iJ^s, XV. o.) {eCai. V. 6.) ff J Pet. i. 8.)
* The difference between immediate vifion, and feeing the objed by faith, feems to confifl principally, if not wholly,, in the mode of difcovery, and the denrree of their efFecTts refpectiveWupon the mind. Here we are as well encumbered with fieih, as weakened by fm, and view the ob'iefts through mediums of fenfe. 'i'he gofpel and vi- fible ordinances are glaifes through wjuch we view the glory of God, and by which the Hofy Spirit reflec'^s the image of that glory upon our minds. But in heaven there will be no need of a glafs ; aglafn would only ob- fcure the vifion ; as to look at the fun through a glals would v/eaken and difturb rather than afiid the fjghr. Ifiji&aven we fhall fee the glory of God with evidence as bright and powerful as a frame^drengthened with im- mortality and enlightened with vilion can fee and enjoy the infinitely glorious objed. By immediate vifion I do not ni'jan, that the glorified faints will never behold the glory of God through any of his works. New worlds and new wonders may forever arife, through which he will manifelt his glory to them. Nor would I be underftopd to mean, that they fhall look, or that it is polTible^or any creature to look, direcllv into the divine elTence, without any medium of difcovery. How that may be, I cannot tell. However, if they fhall behold his glory thrdUgh means, the means, as well as the ca- pacity for happinefs, v. ili be ivited to that ftate of per- feftion. But when this mcrraK^all put on immortality, and this corruption incorniption, fhe ufe of figures to ftrikc the fenies fhall have for ever ceafed. . Nor ihnll the faints in glory, as in the prefent flare, atta-in to the. knowledge of God by weak and tedious dedudions
54 SMITH.
with the grounds of truft given by a promifing Saviour, the foul is irreiiftibly, but Iweetiy drawn to a fatisfying reft in him. Blefled pre- lude of heaven ! And viewing this glory, they love it, tlieir hearts are delighted with it. But love to God is the purity of a foul, and joy the triumph of love. Ti.e one will ever be in pro- portion to the other. O believers, would you live free from the bitter reproaches of confci- ence, and enjoy a heaven upon earth, be much in, the exercife of taith. By this you may tra- vel through the promifes, and pluck a flower here and a flower there, from which you Ihall fuck the fweets of celeftial blelTednefs.
5. The excellency of faith is derived from it's being the fpring of fpiritual liie, the moving prin- ciple of all the other graces and holy affe(!:tions*" The life wbicb I live in tbefe/Jj, I live by tbe faith rf ibe Son of God, wbo loved me, and gave buhfelf^ for me. (g) Faith zvorketh by love, as we have feen; for the faith of being loved begets love to it*s ohjecl. JVe love bim, becanfc hefirji loved us. (h)
this fountain of light ^ ill pour, with fulleft evidence, the inexpreilibly bright b;;a!ns of his glory into their fouls^ as the funi^is rays upon the earth, wliether dire^l- ly from tlic divine elTence, or through his works. Their knowledge will be intuitive, without the lealt degree of cbfcurity.
^' There arethcfc thrte fifter graces, /ly//^, hope,cI}arl-
ty ; hut the greo.ttjt r>f ihtj'e. IS charity . I Cor. xiii. i^.
Charily or chriftian love, is the greatefl in point of du-
{g Gal. ii. 20.) ('; I John, iv. j«.)
S M I TH. 55
It produceth true repentance ; they Jl:all look upon me whom they have pierced, and mourn for htm. (i) To believe that Chrilt was pierced by and for our iins, opens the lluices of godly for- row, and lays the fou: low at his feet; andtruft- ing the mercy and truth of his proniife, believ- ers are encouraged to look to the living head for gracious intluences, to quicken them to theexerLife of every grace and chriftian vir- tue, by which they are gradually ailimulatedto and prepared for glory.
My chriftian brethren, the more you learn the fpiritual art of living upon Chriil by faith for Itrength, and for the whole of your fanctifi- cation, as well as pardon, the ealier will your journey to heaven be, and the greater Ipeed will you make in your way. You make little progrefs in your way, perhaps, by frequently difputing whether you are in it ; and your com- plaints of darknefs and deadnefs remain, be- caufe you do not come immediately to the fountain for light and life. You examine your- felves, and ufe many means to quicken your fouls unto the a6ls of fpiritual life. All this is your duty. But the exercife of faith, the ilioft noble means of all, being too much neg-
rarioi ; for faith (lull h? turned into vifion, hope into fruition, while love ih^ll eternally enjoy the rewards ot victory. I^ut in this life fa th takes the lead; for as well love itfelf, as all the other graces, flow from it, as a fpring, and will be in flrength in proportion ^-o ^•'"^ ftrength ai faith.
(f. Zac* xii. 10./
5^ SMITH.
Ie(5Ted, your complaints continue, and they will continue until you apply to Chrift by a prefent direct a6t of faith. This would change your night into day, and your deadnefs into life. By this you will obtain light to difcern clearly what Chrill has done for your fouls, and enjoy the comforts of it. And by this you will obtain victory over the body of death, and a growing conformity to our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift.
6. Faith is, moft excellent as it is an a&ive principle of all holy obedience. For this is his commandment, that ivejhould believe on the name of his Son Jefus Chrijl. It is a compend of all chriftian duties, and the life and fpring of them all. Viewing the excellency of the divine law, efpecially as made honourable by the obedience of Chrift, believers delight in it after the inward man, (/?) and are fully reconciled to it as an eternal rule of righteoufnefs. Love is the fulfil- ling of the law, (I) and their faith worketh by /ai;<?;--lupreme love to God, [m) and love one io a7iother,ashegave lis conwiandment. [n) Their obedience is the willing offering of love ;--not forced, but free ;--not of conftraint, but with a ready mind. The end of their obedience is the glory of God, who is honoured by the fruits of it ; and the powerful motive to it, the Saviour's love. For the love of Chrijl confiraineth us. {o) And viewing the perfection of his righteoufnefs
{h Ro^ '2.) (J Row. xiii. lo.) (m Math, x. 37.) (n
J^ J*h^- ]■)('> ^i Coi\ V. 14.)
SMITH. '57
and grace, they reft in him for the acceptance of their ferv ices as well as of their perfons, and ftrength for the performance of them. In the Lord hai'-e I righteousnefs and ftrength, (p) is the Chriftian's motto. / will go on in the ftrength of the Lord God, making mention of thy righteousnefs, iven of thine only , {q) is his firm refolution. In the ftrength of the Lord, or by influences of grace derived from him for the difcharge of du- ty, making mention of his righteoulnefs as the only ground of their acceptance in the per- formance of it. / believed, faid David, therefore have Ifpoken. (r) PFe alfo believe, iaidFcul, and therefore fpeak. ( s) Then do minifters preach with perfuafive power and influence, v/hen they are under the powerful influence of faith; and hearers, receiving the word as a meilagc fent from God, drink it in, and feed upon it, as hidden manna. Sweet are thy words unto my tafle, (t) By faith both preachers and hearers endite good matter in all their religious diAies. This di6lates prayer andpraife in their hearts before they come upon their tongue. This makes one preacher differ from another, one hearer differ from another, and the fame perfon to differ from himfelf, at different tim.es. When his faith is not in exercife, he is languid, cold and without fpiritual adivity, in the performance of duty ; b|it when faith is awake he feels, and others feel with him, life and vigour in all his religious duties. VOL. IV. H
(p Ifa. xlv. 24.) [q'Pf^- Ixxi. \(i.) (; Pfa .... . 10) (s II Cor. iv. 3.} {t Pfa. cxix. 103.)
58 S M I T H.
What has been faid on this point at once teacheth the nature of holy obedience, and the neceility of faith to produce it. The princi- ples, motives and ends of fach obedience are all evangelical. How different, how widely diff- erent from this is the formal, the dead and iel- fifii obedience of carnarprofelTors ! O believ- ers ! do you thirll for life and communion Avith God in duty ? to that end try to have foith in lively exercife in your fouls. This will make Chrift's yoke lit eafy upon you^ and his burden light. This gives fuch ftrength and enlargment to the heart, that, though the youths ^fl?all faint and be -weary, and the young men JImU utt erly fall,- - they thativait upon the Lord (hall renew thelrjirength ; theyjhall mount up on wings as eagles, they Jhall run, and not he weary, thcyJJoall ivalk, and not faint, (u)
7. Faith is the mod e^^e6iua\ aniidote againft temptation! to (in from the devil, the world, or thetiefh. Purifying the heart, it produceth in it an habitual reliQi for holinefs, and a fixed oppofition to the lufts of the flelh and of the mind. And the more this principle is culti- vated by believers, the greater their vi6lories over iin, and the more difpofed will they be to fight the good fi'ght of faith ^ until they v/in the eternal crown . And this is the zndqjpi that over- Cometh the world, even our faith, (v) While faith \ views invifible glories, neither the pleafures nor the fuffefings of the prelent time appear
(u /fa, xl. 30, 31.) {v I John. v. 4.}
SMITH. 59
#
wcTfthy to be compared with the glory which fhall be revealed in iis. Neither Ihali the chil- ling damps ofadverfity fmk you into dcfpon- dency, nor the empty puif of profperity fwell your minds, while you keep the promife and faithful promifer in view. Faitli v;ill perceive in the world nothing but the lufi cfthejiejh, ihe hijl of the eye, and the pride of life — all it's prolits uncertain ; ail it's pleafures bewitching ; all it's honours empty bubbles, eafily broken by every blail ; and all it's applauie an infe6tious breath, apt to corrupt wherever it imites. And the apoftle afcribes a peculiar influence to the pov/- er of faith, to repel the attacks of our grand adverfary. Above all taking thejhield offaitb, U'herezvith yejballbe able to quench all the f cry darts of the wicked, {iv) Thefe darts are, in general, the temptations of Satan, that wicked one ; but more efpecially blafphemy and defpair in- jected into the he^rt—QciW^d fiery darts in allu- fion to the pra6lice of fome barbarous nations, who dipped the points of their arrcAVs or darts in poifon, that they might inflame the flefli, and more certainly, do execution. Thefe le- cret darts of the malicious fee, inflamed v.-ith the venom of Jiell, create fear and tormenting anguifh in the confcience. But no fconer does faith get a clear viev/ of tlie faithfulnefs and mercy of an all-fufflcient Saviour, than the af- .fli6led combatant rifes vidorious, and Satan, as ^a vanquifhed foe, flies the flcld. Believers! always hold up your fhield, and learn more and
(« Epl\ vi. i6.)
6o SMITH.
more the due ufe of it, that with fafety and grea- ter eale you niay make your way to the crown^ through an oppoling crowd of fnares and pow- erful enemies.
8. In the laft place, faith brings into the louls of believers the noblefl confolation sind fifp- port under all the forrows and trials of the pre- fent life. The apoftle Peter, fpeaking of the joy of believers in the falvation to which they are kept through faith, adds, though now for a fcafon [if need be) ye are in heavinefs through mani- fold temptations. That the trial of your faith, heing viiich more precious than of gold that perifJoeth, though it be tried with fire, nrght he found untopraife, and honour, and glory at the appearing of Chri/i. ^ x) God choofeth and refineth his people in the 1 urnace of affli6lion ; their affli6lions try their faith, and their faith fupports them under the trial. By faith yio{^^ forfook ^gypt, not fearing the wrath of the king : for he endured as feeing him who is invijlble. {y) By faith many of the wor- thies endured cruel mockings,fcourgings, bonds and imprifonments- -ivere ftoned ,.fawn afunder, tempted, Jlain With thefivord ;--wandered about infJoeepfliins, and goatfkms, being defiitute, affiicted, torme?ited; —wandered in dejarts, and in mountains, and in caves and den s of the earth. ( z )
Accountingr their lot hard, we even at this day feel a fympathy v/ith martyrs of old, who endured trials fo fevere. If taken;* however, upon the large Icale, it will be found, that God Vi^as peculiarly kind to them. For the Son of
(v //V/. i.6, 7') (yilcb.y^- 27.) {zHch' xi-36;37, 38.)
SMITH. 6i
God walked with them in the midft of the fur- nace -; many of them fung in the fire, and fome of them have declared, that the flames were to them as a bed .of rofes, 'fhe joy of the Lord was their fir ength, and they experienced the truth of that promife their faith built upon. As thy days, fo Jhall thy Jirefigth be., (a) I doubt not but the glories of the reward which their faith looked to ;ind' tailed, poured fuch confolation into their hearts as quenched their pain, and was a pre- fent reward for their fufferjngs. But if we look into heaven, what diftinguiflied glory fliall we fee on the martyr's crown ! What fuperlative blellednefs poured into their glorified fouls ! For a well inftru6led witnefs to this truth faith. Our light affliction, which is but for a moinent, work- ethfor us afar more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, (b) Nothing can exceed the ftrength and glory of this beautiful climax. Human lan- guage cannot rife higher. Every Hep of it throws ftrength and glory forward upon the fucceding ftep. Not only far more, but far vaovQ. exceeding; nor only far more exceeding, but an eternal weight of glory fhall arifc out of the afflication of the faints; and the weight of the glory fliall be proportioned to the weight of their affliclions, and the degree of faith's im provment of them.
In our d^y the faith of believers has not tri- als of fo fevere a kind as the antients had to en- counter, which may be a reafon why it does not
[a Dent, xxxiii. 25.) (b II Car. iv. 17.
62 S M I T H.
commonly fhine with fuch diftinguifhcd bright- nefs as theirs. Yet every one will have his tri- als of various kinds^ and faith is a bleiled mean of fupporting him under them all. Is he pain- ed in body or in mind? Faith fixes upon the fare word of promife for relief, and looks for- ward to the glorious period, when God Jhall ivipe awoiy all fears fioni their eyes, {c) Does he bear reproach? In patience he pOiTelleth his foul, in the belief that Chriil efteems him , and in due time will make his righteoufnefs Ihine a;s the noon day. Do houfes, lands, or any worldly poflellion fail? Faith looks to the purchafed inheritance that fadeth not away, 2.ndi feeds upon the firlt fruits of it. Do near and dear relations die ? Faith fays, your bell friend is in heaven, Chriil your elder brother, yourhufband, your Saviour, and your God, who, as Elkanah faid to Hannah, is not only bet- ter to you than ten fons ; but infinitely better than all creature comforts.
Believers I abound in the exercife of be- lieving the promifes, and refting in Chrift for tiie performance of them; then iliall your af- fiiiStions lit lighter upon you, and thofe bitter waters ihall be changed into fweetnefs. Then fliall you experience the truth of his promife v/ho cannot lie, that all things (even their fliarp- eft trials) work together for good totmrn that love God. (d) Then though ycu walk through the water and lire of affliction, it's flood Hiall not
— .'^ (a Ron. viii. -8.) ^
SMITH, 63
overflow ypu^ nor it's flame kindle upon you. (e) And then fl]all you fay with patient Job, M k^f't ? Jhall we receive good at the hand of God^ an4fiall we 7iot receive evU? -"The Lord gave, and the Lord hath take?i away ; bleffed be the name of the Lord, (/) On the whole.
Is faith aniean of intereftingus.in Chrift and all the bleliings of hi^ purchale ? Is it's objedl rnoft glorious^ and it's evidence moft bright ? Does it give to the foul an earneil of heaven ? Is it a fpring of fpiritual life ? a principle of all holy obedience ? the beft antidote againft temptations ? and the nobleft fupport and com- fort under affli(^ion ? How rich then is your treafury, who have obtained this precious gift from the Lord. Although you were ftripped of every earthly polTeiiion, and, as a poor La- zarus, picked up crumbs at the foot of a rich man's table ; you are, notwithilanding, rich. Chrift fays to you, as to poor Sardis, I k?ww thy poverty ; but thou art rich, rich in faith- -par- takers of the foul enriching grace of God, heirs of glory ! rich inheritance ! what is it s price ? Or what can equal it ? No mention jkall be made of coral or of pearl : The price of it is above, rubies — The Topaz of Ethiopia f hall not equal it, iieither fidahl it be valued with pure gold. The fruit thereof is betm" than gold, yea than fine gold ; a:id the revejiue thereof than choice, ftlver. All the things thou canfl dejirc are not to be cojnparcd ivith it. (g)
{f ^fa. xliii. 2.) {fjfiif. ii. 10. 6-i, 11.) (r Job, xxviii. 18, 19. PrQV. iii. 15. <dr viii. 16.)
64 SMITH.
Believers^ of whatfoever condition in life you arCj high or low, rich or poor, you have infinite reafon to praife God for the diftinguifh- ing favour. Faith is not of yourfelveSy it is the gift of God. (h) May your hearts, imprelfed with a fenfe of the riches and freedom of grace, unite in Paul's grateful, but humble profeliion. By the grace of God I a??i what I am. {i) Ye have been pluckt as brands from everlafting burning, and in the dillributions of grace a moll precious and foul- enriching lot hath fallen unto you. That Reverend man of God, Mr Thomas Bradbury, was in youth as a wild afTe's colt ; but after he was converted and in the miniflry, when he vv^ould fee any profane debauchee ftrol- ling through the ilreets of London, he ufed to fay> with tears and great tendernefs. There goes poor Tom Bradbury, had it not been for the grace of God. So each of you, the very bell of you, may fay. Of all rakes I had been the moll brutifli and vile, had it not been for the grace of God. O grace ! infinitely rich and free grace, eternity can never exhauft it s praife.
(/? Eph. ii. 8.) (z / Cor. xv. lo.)
SERMON LXIIL'
PR ACTIO A L U S ES FROM THE NATURE AND EXCEl LENCY OF SAVING FAITH.
ROBERT SMTiH, D. D.
P(jfior of .1 Prefhytenan Churchy Pcquea, PcnnJylvanlA,
II Pd. i. I.
--7;, : ■. ' ■.. i:hfabicd like /m-,--^.'/-
•ith T^s —
I John, iii. 25.
Jtui iji^ /i /.>/-^ lOinniandmcnt, ibat'cvcjhoidd bcliivr "• '^-^ rame of ^^'"^ Si^?' 7c^''^ Cbrij},
leaving ill the preceding diicourfcii cxplaiu- iTjLcd the nature and excellency oFfavimi faith, and made a few pradlical rcflc6llons, 1 iU'occed to a move full imprnvrnif^nt of tlio ^ "
I. I befeech } ou^ brethren, moft Avioiiflyai'K! ':erately to cviY/^/^/w^ -.c'/jf^/Z)^/' V(' ':e fjii:\
-our ownfdvt'sr hnoxv yr V'
66* SMITH
bow that Chrifl is in you, except ye be reprobates (a) It is a matter of the greateft moment, and ihould be attended to with the greateft care. A deception here will be of everlaftingandmoft terrible confequence to your fouls. To affift you in this important duty, to what hath alrea- dy been luggefted in illuftrating the doctrine we fliall add the following chara6lers of a living faith.'''
I. If ye be indeed in the faith, your faith hath an influence upon all your religious duties, as Abel's who offered a more acceptable facri- fice than Cain, as having refpe6t to the atoning facrifice of Chrift. (b) You fall at Jehovah's feet humble and felf emptied, as nothing, and lefs than nothing, before him who piitfetb ?w tnifi in his faints, and chargeth his angels zvitb folly. Your only confidence in approaching a holy God, is the throne fprinkled with the blood of the lamb, and his gracious invitation to draw near to it for mercy and grace. Your only truft for the acceptance of your fervices, as well as your perfons, is the righteoufnefs of Chriil, and in his ilrength alone you attempt e- very duty. Senfible of your infufliciency f or
(a 2 Ccr. xiii. ^.j (/; [{c^. xi. 4. Cen. iv. 4.)
* The marks of hhh wc have taken from the characflers of the worthies recorded in the facred pages, as well be- caufc they were of the cloud of witnefl'cs whofe faith is lifld up for our example; as becaufe in them v.ehave the moll: lively pi^Tuure cf tlic native operations and effects af laving faiih.
S M I T H. 67
any fpiritual exercife. and encouraged by the promife of his grace, you look up to him tor the gracious aids of the holy fpirit. In duties per- formed from fuch a fpiritual principle, petitions are put up withdefire for the bleffingsrequefted; fins confeded with forrow for them ; and mer- cies acknowledged with thankful hearts. Ve* ry different from this is the facriiice of ungodly worfliippers. They pray without delire; con- fefs without forrow; and offer praife on a thoughtlefs tongue. Nay, their hearts are op- pofed to the anfwer of their own prayers, ex- cept it be for temporal favours, or merely to be laved from wrath ; as Auguftine's in the days of his unregeneracy, when he prayed to, be made challe, his heart faying ''Not yet. Lord, ''not yet/' O ye mockers of God ! who expe6i: favours for your polluted fervices, can fuch h}*- pocritical fuits fucceed with him ? Will hypoc- rify and lies procure his favour ? Is it any won- der if God caft the dung of your facriiice in your face, faying, IVho hath required this at your- bands f
2. Your faith, like Enoch's, will appear in a life of communion and holy walking with God. (c) By believing views of his amiable glories lliiningin the face of Chrift, your fouls are drawn to him in holy^%ffe6tions, correfpondent to his divine glories, in which the life of communion with God confifts. And, impreffed with a fenfe of his immediate prefertce and univerfal provi-
{c Heh. xi. 5.^ Gen. v. 2Z.)
6. S M I T H.
clentc,. you walk before liim to all weiVpleai • jtig, as always in his light: Your converlc is ill heaven, from v/hence you look for the vioiir ; and yoiir" foals t.hirfl for Gott>, the iiv- ijig God. But gracclefs profeflbrs, allena- cd iVomthe life of God^ are llrangers to thofe u.- yout breathings of a pious heart.
>. 1 our ftiiLii, ris i\Octii Zy v*-' y Nviii l>j.v.. i .. . ^ ill an holy fear of God. This is frequently I.'i. ! down in the word of God as a character of i\\': faithful. . Not tfie fear of a- ilave, who c cireads GiDrreclioi, ot the fottifh foiil->har'J
cnlng defpair o^ the fearful^'-and- viihelicvitig, fiail have their part in the lake that burneth wifi' li'id brinijlone^ unlefs they lliall fpeeclily obtain lepentance unto life: ' But fuch an awe 'oi' theniajefty, righteoufnefs and goodncfs of tl ? Lord, {c) as will make you tremble at hiii judgments, while you confide in his mercy, an(' het.ike yourleives to Chrifc for iafcLy from tin delurjre of deierved wrath. The fear of the re-
o
probate drives him from the Saviour, and tor- ]::cnts hisloiil wi-th horror and dread of God as an riven'ging judge. This eoniifls v.ith the povver and love of fin rciffnin.^ in the hicart . h\-\ ^he pious foul dreads linning more than fuf- rcririg, and lays, v.ith faithful Jofcphj Hcc I'^ni: I do this great zvickcclnefs, and ^ againfiC << ) His' fear, as in the dutiful child, oper: ::s well i;; love and iioly obedience to his Goci
S M I rT II.
give him any olfence in thought, in word, or, in deed.
4. Your faith, as Abraham's, (j ) ..... be pro duclive of fclf denial;, and a ready obedience to (lie divine commands, even thofe that are mofc dirJicult and crofs to flefli and blood. Tr lifting the power, mercy and truth of a promifing God, lie left his own country and kindred at the call of heaven, and fojourned in a lAnd of Itran^cr:; and enemies; and (which was uiil more tryirg to nature) he attempted at the comn^and of God to offer his beloved liaacin facrificc. — IfaacI the fon of prcmife, the fon of his old age, the only Ion ot his beloved Sarah ; accmrai- ing that God v:as able to raifc bmi up from the dead, from ivbence alfo be received b'lm in a figure.- If ye ;. re ChriiVs^ many facriiices have you made for ^Ms name's fake. — Huibands, wafcs^, parents, chii ^ ^\"':^i"», brotliers, lifters, houfes, lands; yea, and :Ietermined to part with your own lives. ' than deny his name and religion, (g) Nci :hat piety gives a difrelifii ibr lawful enjoy- I- .':nts, or leiTens our aflecliQi^s for, much IciV. ::::kcs us bitter again fl, our relatives. tlier fweetens them to us by the lawful ciijov- iircnt of them ; and excites our gratitude ior
iKin, as the undclervcd gifts of heaven to us., i doubt not -.but Adam loved his Eve with a .nahifold purer and flrouger (lame before, 1'*' •
ver he did after his fall. Bat frrace will ri
^o SMI T H.
your hearts fay, Tbcfe are not my'gods. Giving Chrift the throne in your hearts, it will difpofe you to leave earth, with all its enjoyments, or yeiidthem up at his call. Yes! it will caufe you to pluck out a right eye, and cut off a right hand, for bis fake; {h)\. e. not only to part with allure- ments of the world, but with lins as dear and as pleafant to you as thofe members of the bo- dy. V/hat have I to do any more with idols ? {i) fpeaks the refolution of a truly penitent and believing heart.
But the mere nominal or temporary believer is Hill wedded to his lufts and carnal pleafures, and by repeatedly turning a deaf ear to the calls and warnings of heaven, is in danger of having the fearful, but juft fentence pronounced againfl him, Epbraim is joined to his idols, let him alone, (k) Freely would he embrace houfes, lands, and carnal enjoyments as his only portion, did he not fear the wrath of God. Take the fe from hini, and his heart cries with Micah, 7^e have taken away my gods^ and what have I ?noref (l^ But to the iincerci^ believer thefe are all tafte- Icfs without the Lord. Nay, heaven itlelf would be emptincfs to him, fliould he not find his Sa- viour there. To he with Chriji, which is far better, (m) is a leading rcafon of his dciire to be abfent from tlie body. Whom have I in hea- ven but thee} and there is none upon earth I defirc
[h Ma>k. i::. 4:;; 47.) (/ Huf xiv. 8.) {k Hof iv. i-T.) (/ ]J Ki?:(r.^ V. I'S.) (:-; Phi. i. 2?.)
SMITH. ^ 71
btfide thee, {n) is the native breatliing of a gra- cious ioul,
5. Belie vers, when it is juft and necefTary, chuic a lot with the dcfpifed and afflicted people of God before any earthly pomp and riches. By faith Mofesrefufed to be called the So?i of Fbaraob's daughter; chiffng rather to fuffcr ajjlicilon with the ■people of God, than to enjoy the pleqfures of Jin for a feafon ; e/leeming the reproach of Cbrifl greater riches than the treafiires in Egypt. {0) All the power and wealth, the honours and pleafures of the world are empty bubbles, palling (liadov/s, in their cftee.m, compared with the unfearchable riches and honours of Chrift, Communion with him o?ie day in his courts is to them better than a thoufand {p) {pent in all the tents of van- ity and fin. The faints of whatever condition or degree, they efteem as the excellent of the earth, in whom is all their delight. {q) His cauie they fet before any worldly or private intereft ; If I forget thee, O Jerufaleni ! let my right band forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my moufh ; if I prefer not Jerufaleni before^ my chief joy. (r) Chrifl's people are their people, his intereft theirs, and what gives a wound to it, toucheth the apple of their eye. The Humbles and fills of religious pro- fcllbrs, and the unavoidable weakncfs and mfir- mities of the rigtcous, are their diftrels, be- caufe a wicked world take occafion from thence
{n Pfa. Ixxiii. 25..) {0 FIcb. x*. 24, 25, a6.) fp Pfn, ^Kxxiv. 10.) {q PfH' ^'vi. '?.) {rPfa. cxxxvi"'. 5, 6.y'
■r S M 1 T H.
to reproach the caufe of Chrift, and make 'thciu- eafy in their linning. But they rejoice orojperity of Zion ; they long, they pray
iOY . I revival of religion in churches, and the
ipread of the gafpcl in poAver throughout the
-■ ^- ' ^ earth.
\ .,.:.; uiiferent from this is the charac^ter c.i iaitiilefs profeifors, however fober fome of th'cirj raay^appear before men.' They choofe re- v/hen fiie treads in her filver ilippers; unwilling to take up their crofs, and jw the lamb zvbithcifoever he goeth, in good re - adHn bad, Ablaft of perfecution would ■']!ow' multitudes of thofe hypocrites off Mil Chriil^alnd turn them to be bitter cue- uiiasXo his caufe. Give to fome of tlicni titles^ honours,, pleafur.es arid riches, with an empty 5?arade of language or plauiiblc elocution in the Mni.if ; give to others of them,, though it were .. beggab-ly portion of this world, with dull }na]lty% fiivnfey diilcrtations^ or dry fpecula- . •"•'da:»'lCy unintelligible and fpurious novel- rnilpit/ and they may continue to :d of religious profefiions. But ' viiinot intereft thenifelves about the pow~
rgdiinefs, except it be in oppofition to it. ■ ' " od they dcteft ; fpiritual and iiiicus, efpccially niinifters, are' apt oiiic objcd^s of their jealouiy, their fneer, • ^ ,^. ^" 'laiit rcDroaclie& : and the more
•(•IS-V
S M I T H. 73
and judgment may be fo ftrong as to fupprefa their vifible oppoiition. Inftead of being griev- ed, they watch with an eagle's eye for the acci- dental ilips, or unavoidable infirmities of pious people, and magnify their pimples into blotches, as a cover to their own offenfive fores; not con- lidering thsrt their /pots are 7wt the /pais of Cod's people. And, if they cannot get viiible blemifiies to hold up, they will, with diabolical malice and fubtlety, twill and turn every word and adion into every fliape in order to makefome. Like their predeceflbrs of old, they clothe the faints in bear ikins, and then hunt them with dogs. Inftead of laying it to heart, as an evidence of God's controverfy with the church, when the righteous, efpecially able and faithful minifters, are taken from the earth, thofe hypocrites re- joice, as though the day would be all their own, 'thefe troublers of Ifrael being removed out of the way. This is the temper efpecially of un- godly clergymen.
6. In the laft place, afteady perfeverance and progrefs in piety are among the beft evidences offaving faith. The hearty friends of Chrift go from firengtb tojlrcngth, fill they appear before GodinZion. {s) Of the patriarchs the apoiUe lays. If they had been inindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportu- nity to have returned ; hut now they dr/ire a bet- ter country, that is an heavenly. (/) A lively Vol. IV. K
(i- Ppdni. K-vxiv. 7.) (; y^y -:i. i", 16.)
74 SMI TH.
emblem this of the chara6ler of the godly in all ages and places of the world, who, as Paul,/or- getling thofe things which are beh:nd, and reaching forth unto thofe things which are before, prefs towards the mark for the prize of the high callirg of God which is in Chrijl Jefus. (ii) Their backfliding^ and returns again to God they will have, their winters and their fummers, their nights as well as their days. Yet, in general, the path of the juft IS as thefbining light, tbatfbineth more and more tinto the perfect day . [w] And the exprefs tefti- mony of Chrift himfelt is. Every branch in me that b ear eth fruit, he piirgcth it, that it may bring forth moi-e fruit, [x) They may not always feel the lame lenlible alFedlions, as at their firft ac- quaintance with Chriit; yet their views of di- vine objeds will be more fpiritual and diftin6t, their faith more fteady, their love more folid, their humility Tnore deeply rooted, and their obedience more uniform. Their life is a life cffiith on the Son of God, and by repeated atis ot faith they grow in grace, and in the know- ledge cfour Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrifl.
But they who ftop in their courfe, or turn back, have never fet their foot upon the narrow way which leadeth unto life. And they who think they have religion enough, or content themfelves with juft as much of it as they fup- pofe will barely take them to heaven, or fave
{u PhU. iii. 13, 14J (lu Prov. iv. i8.) {x John.
XV. 2.)
SMITH. 75
them from hell, have never as yet had a tafte of the pleaiures of piety. For there is every motive in faith's object and the experience of grace, to excite thofe who have obtained it, to prefs lor a more fu I enjoyment of it's comforts. Many who have all the vilible marks of believ- ers in Chrifl, know no more of religious im- preilions upon their minds, than thole they felt many years fince. — To them they are obliged to recur back, in order to fupport their falfe hope. Or, perhaps, to this end they try to work up in their fouls impreflions iimilar to thofe they felt when they firit made an attempt to fet out in religion; and there they reft, though their impreflions quickly die away, without leaving a- ny lalting change upon their minds. Dange- rous deception !
II . Is faith a moft excellent gift ? Then let thofe of you who have obtained it, learn ^-^our advantages and obligations to make a due im- provement of the talent God has gracioully put into your hand. He hath beftowed on you an ho- ly principle, the exercife of which will produce a gradual alFmiilation to himlelf, & meetnei's for heaven ; and, for thofe very purpofes, hath promifed the influences of his holy fpirit. You ought therefore to endeavour moft carefully to have your faith invigorated and ftrengthened. In order to this be conftant in the exercife of faith ; for every habit grows by repeated ads. Be diligent in your attendance on ail the means of grace for the cultivation of faith. For the
76 S M I T H
harJ of the diligent makcth rich, (y) Pray earneft- ly, as the apcltlcs did^. Lord, incrcafe our faith. (z) Get clear and dirtin6l views of the nature and defign of the plan of falvation, with the nat;ire, extent and freedom of gofpel promifes ; as well thofe made to Chrift in your name, as thofe made to you for his fake.
For motives to excite you to thofe improv- ing excrcifes, confider that a ftrong faith gives glorv to God, and will enable you to live be- coming your high calling. It will filence your unbelieving fears, and produce for you ftrength in Vv-eaknefs, light in darknefs, comfort in for- ro'vv, and relief in all your frraits. It will make your journey to Zion eafy, and {mooth all the ru^^cd ileps of vour wav, Qpen for you a com- for table palTage throvgh the valley of the foadoiv cf death, {a) and a joyful eritrance into eternal life, lb) And this will enable you with liumblc boldnefs to approach the divine throne for mer- cy and grace to help you in every thne of need.
To plead for purchafed mercies upon the fircngth of a promiic is a moll uleful exercile of taith for promoting t]ic fpiritual life, aud ob- taining all the j)rccious fruits and comforts of it. Did time allow, I would point out the ufc- fulncfs, and give directions for tiie exercile of faith in every circumftance in which you can be ])iaccd, and to obtain every mercy you crave
{y Pf'^w M. 4.) {z Luhr. xvii. 5.) {a Pfi, xxlii. 4.) /;•/:/■' > // 7/-'. iv. 7, g.j
SMITH. 77
for time or eternity, for yourlelves or others,
for individuals or for the church in general.
There is not a fingle cafe with refpecl to which
your prayers are required, but there is fome-
thing in the promifes fuited to it, which you
ought to hold up as a plea in prayer. To il-
luftrate this in a few inftances only. Do you
want pardon for backiliding, and the cure of a
backfliding temper ? Plead that gracious prom-
ife, / Vinll heal theh- backjliding, I will love them
freely, (c) Do you lament that your fouls are
as the barren heath in the defart, which dees not
fee when good cometh ? Plead this and fuch like
words of grace ; Their foidfJ.mll be as a watered
gardeji. (d) Do you feel your need of ftrength
for duty and warfare ? Hold up to Chrift his
own precious word. My grace is fi/fficient for thee .
(e) Do you long to fee the profperity ofZicn,
and rejoice in her joy ? Ple^d the gracious
promiles of Zion's God to make her a crown of
glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem
in the hand of our God ; (f) To be as the dew to
Ifrael, to make him revive as the corn, grow as the
lily, and cqfl forth his roots as Lebanon. {g)\w.
thisloul-quickening exercife, faith, looking to
the mercy from which the promife originated,
and the truth engaged for the perforniance of
it, is ftrcngtheiied to take hold of the Saviour,
laying, I will not let thee go, except ihoublefs me.
(h) Such a wreftling Jacob Vv'ill be a prevailing
Ifrael.
(c Hof, xiv. 4 J [d Jcr. r.xxi. 12.) (r JI C^.r,i6\, 9.) (ftfa, Ixii. 3.) {g Hrf, xiv. 5, y.J {h Ccri. xxxii. iG.)
78 SMITH.
Some of you, perhaps, are faying/^ I fear I ''have no right to plecid the promiles. Had I ''tefider aild ipiritual atte :iions, or a.Turance of *'n\y perfonal intereftiii Chrift, I might ventuie ''to reit m him> and plead the promiies of his ''grace. But, alas! my heart is lo dark and "coid, and ftupid, I dare not, I cannot ap- "proach him with confidence." Your fears, brethren, indicate that you labour under nii^- takies injurious to your comfort and progrefs in piety. You wiih to know how good you are, and look for fp:ritual atFe6tions, or afiiir- ance of adual interell in Chrilt, as your war- rant, at lead in part, to apply to him for par- don and grace. But he will let you fee how bad you are, and make you come felf emptied to the fountain of free grace for all your fup- plies. Your hehtation about your right to come, becaufe of your want of powerful fpiritual af- fedions, is a dreg of that pride and unbelief, which at firft held you off from a clofure with Chrift, until you fhould be better prepared to apply to him. You Ihould come immediately to him for thofe affedions, which you wifh for as your encouragement or warrant to come. It will be ufeful for you to take notice of the diftindion between an a6lual right in 'the blef- fingsof the promife, and a right to come to Chrift for them ; between the grounds of truft, and an aflurance of actual intereft in him. Af- furance of a6tual intereil is founded, in part, up- on p'ousfexercifes of the heart as evidencesof a gracious flatc, the agreement of which with the
SMITH. 79
marks of true piety laid down in the wcrd of God is cleared and confirmed by the witnefs of the fpirit. But the fole ground of truft in Chrift for pardon and grace is the full and free tender thereof in the oilers and proniiles of the golpel. Therefore if you cannot afcertain your actual intereft in thei'e ; yet you may be allured they give you a right or warrant to* apply for the blellings contained in them. Thereibre if you cannot come as a faint, come at the call of the gofpel as a linner, as one of Adam's needy and ruined family. The judicious and ipiritual Do^for Owen obferves, that * 'the grounds and ^'eifential a61:s of faith are always the fame." In evelry fuccceding 3.61, as well as in it's firft a6l, you mult come to Chrift for grace and fal- vation as guilty, unworthy and helplels linners, upon the encouragement of gofpel overtures only, without refpe6l to any goodnefs that is in you, or done by you, as giving you a right to the bleffings of the prcmile, or to apply for them. And as long as you attempt to come upon any other footing, fo long will you be dif- appointed, fo long will your preplexing doubts and fears remain.
A prefent dire61: a6l of faith, upon the en- couragement of the gofpel offer alone, is the Avay of fafety, and the only way of relief from all your complaints. . This will make what was darknefs beiore fliine with evidence as noon day. And without this in vain will you look for fpiritual affedions, or aflurance of perfonal in-
8o SMI T H.
tereft in Chrift and his falvation.
III. Is it the command of God to believe on the name of his Son Jefus Chrift ? and is the grace of believing his unmerited gift ? what a precious door of hope does this open to the con- vinced linner, who is folicitoufly enquiring, Whatjljall I ddto befavcd? The anfwer is rea- dy ; Believe on the Lord Jefus Chriji, and thou JJmU bejhved. {k) Here you have the encou- ragement of a command withapromife. The command is much ; for it makes it your duty to believe^, and fecures you againft a charge of prefumption ibr atte^mpting your duty. A pro- mife united with the command much more; for it fecures the blelfing, when by grace you fliall have complied with the order. Believe, and THOU SHALT BE SAVED. Enter in at this door, take hold of this hope, and you Ihall have inheritance with apoilles themfelves, in the fame manner they obtained it, and upon the very iamc grounda.
Perhaps fonie affli6fed foul may be faying ^'What grounds have I to expc6l that the Lord *^would make me welcome ? Although he be *^*able and willing to lave other penitent and '^^tender hearted iinners, I fear he will never *'fave me, my heart is fo vile, my pra6lice has '^bcen fo bafe, and my lins fo heinous, being '''committed againft much light and love, many
(/i JcYs, xvi. 31.^
S M I -BH. 8r
'''flrivings of the holy Spirit with my conicicnce, '*^and many calls of grace repeatedly retried. '^What lliaii I do ? If I knew that my name wiis '^written in the lamb's book of life ; or if I had ^^2L broken heart and tender affections^ I would '*^venture to believe on Chrift. But how can I *^'truft that he will receive me, hardened as I **^am_, filthy as I am, guilty, uncommonly guil- ^*ty, as I am ? ah, my heart is harder than ad- ^^amant, viler, if poffible, than hell itfelf!" Pi- tiable cafe indeed, but not defpcrate. Your cbje^lions, hov/ever, arife from fome miilakes dilhonouring to Chrift, and injurious to your own fouls. ( 1 ) You place the decre(^ of God as a bar in the way of your duty, and wiflifor the knov/ledge of your ele(^l:ion as your encourage- ment to believe ; whereas faith is the way to allure a foul of it's calling and elecPcion. Was there but one elec'^ veflel upon earth, it is your duty to believe at the divine command, and prove by your faith that you are that one. You refufe to obey the revealed will of God, which makes it your duty to believe in the murjc of his Son, unlefs he will difclofe iinto you his fecret counfel. This is rebellion, and a bold invafion of jeiiovah's right. For fccrct things belong unto the Lord our God ; but revealed unto us, and to our children, (I) By all the regard you owe to his authority and your own falvation, I beicech you to invade the divine perogative no longer, nor refufe the mercy fo gracioudy ten- Vol. IV. L
n
82 SMITH.
dered to you. (2) You look for encourage- ment to believe, in part at leaft, from your- felves, and not wholly from the Lord. You feek for religious frames as your recommenda- tion to Chrift ; whereas you Ihould come to him witliout money and without price. You muil come to him juft as you are, or never come at all— come as hard hearted, polluted, guilty and helplefs linners, upon the encouragement of free grace only. But you try to warn your- felves, that you may come to the fountain to be waflied more clean—to heal yourfelves, in part, and then come to a phylician to perfedl the cure. ("3) This implies afecret diftruft of the power and grace ofChriilto fave linners fo guilty and vile as you are, unlefs you do fomethingto leiTen the aggravations, and dimin- ifh the ftrength of your iins. I aili you, bre- thren. Is Chrift an imperfe6l >Saviour .? Can he only fave linners of a fmaller lize ? Is the ef- iicacy of his blood and grace limited ? Do they need the aid of your obedience and merit ? Is he a lyar, and his word a lie ? All thefe blafphe- mies your unbelieving hearts impute to the Lord. To fay you are willing to be faved by Chrift, but he is unwilling to fave you, isafian- der thrown out againft the heavens— Yes, it is a lie ! For he that believeth not the record God gave of bis fan, hath 7nade him a lyar. (m) And this is his record, that Chrift is able and willing to fave the chief of linners. Te ivijl not come
{m I John y V. 10.)
S M I T K. S
J
unto me, that ye might have life, {n) is the teili- mony of the bleiled Jefus himfelf. Hoxi) often, fays he, would I have gathered thy children toge- ther, as a hen gathereth her chickens nnder her wings, and ye would not. (o) Thefe, with niany other divine teftimonies, charge the Unwillingnefs wholly to the finner's account. Chrifl is wil- ling to fave you ; but you are unwilling to be faved by him on his own terms. The enmity of your hearts againft God and the fcheme of falvatipn by Chrift is the fole caufe of your non-compliance with the calls of the gofpel.
Ceafe then to caft ftumbling blocks in your own way. The command of God to finners without exception to believe, is a fufficient war- riint for you to go upon, and there is every motive in the glorious obje6l of faith held up to
you, THE NAME OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST, tO
excite your truft in him. He is Emmanuel, God in our nature ; therefore complete in of- fice-chara^lers, and there is an infinite virtue in each of them for your falvation. In hitn dwell- eth all thefullnefs of the Godhead bodily ; {p)xor he is the hoRD,the Lord God, mere fid and gracious, long fiiffering , and abundant in goodnefs and truth, forgiving iniquity, tranfgreffwns, and fin, and that will by no means clear the guilty, (q) This is his name; for God's ;z(2w^ is in him. (r) Are you mod wretched and miferable ? He is mod mer- ciful I And his mercy reacheth down to the
{njohn.v. lo.) (o Mat. xxili. 37.) (p C<t!. li'i. 9) {q Exo. xxxiv. 6) (r Exo<'!. xxiii. 21.)
84 S M I T H*
very border of hell, to raife up objects of its e- ternal praiie. Ai e you moil undeferving and hell-delerving ? He is nioft gracious ! and his grace waits not for the creature's goodnefs^ but bellows it, and infinitely rifes above all the deferts of fin. For zvbere fin abounded, grace did much more abound, {s) Have you long with- ftood all the calls of grace, and all the perfua- fives of redeeming love ? He is long suffer- ing ! his calls continue until the eleventh hour, and till the laO: moment of that liour. In the fame hour he raifed the penitent thief from the crofs to the crown. Has your life been a fcene of countlefs and moll bafe abominations ? eve- ry aclion, every word, and every thought a polluted ftrcam ! He is abundant in good- ness : Inliitely great in goodnefs, and infinite-* ly good in greatneCs^lHis pardoning love and g-oodnefs is an ocean without a bottom, a fea without a fliorc. It purgecj a Magdalene of feven devils, and formed her into a fhiningllar of glory. It waflied the blood of perfecution out of Saul's guilty conlcieflce, and changed him from aperfecuting Saul iiito a preaching Paul. It has laved millions of Adam's ruined family ; and is it not fufficient for the faivation of one pcrilhingfinner ? Were you chargeable with the guilt, and ini'e6lcd with the ftain, of the whole fallen race, the blood and grace of Chrift are iafinitcly more powerful to fave, than all this would be to deRroy you. And he who is a- r.T;\'nANT IN tt^t'tt:, ]i;>-- i^lv^dn-rrl ]-it'-: f'v.fhrnl
SMITH, 85
word, that if ye be obedient to the call of grace,
though your fins be asfcarkt, theyfimll be -white as fnow ; the they be red like crimfon, they JIjClU be as' wool, (t) He invites him that willeth, to take thewater of life freely, {u) Do you wantfalvati- on ? come and take it as the gift of God. How extenllve that generous call^ Look unto vie, and he yefaved, all the ends of the earth ? {w) If ye be in the earth at all, this gracious invitation takes you in. Do not then caft yourfelves out by unbelief. He counfels you to buy of him gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eyefalve. {x) Did tl^is wonderful counfellor ever give wrong advice ? He intreats you to be reconaled to God, (y) Shall the heavens come down to you in fup- plications ? and will not you cry to the hea- vens, and truft an in treating Saviour for grace? — It is his own gracious promise, H/;;j that Cometh, I will in no wife cafi out, {z) Shall THE A ME'N, the faithful and true wit?tefs,he ex- pofed to the difadvantage of man, to lay, and not to do ; to promife, and not perform ? Unbe- lief fays, he will caft you out ; the promife fays, he will not call you out. Satan fays, he will caft you out ; Chrift fays. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wife caji out. Now which is to be credited, unbelief, or the promife ? — Satan, or Chrift ? and his promife he has fealed with his OATH, that by (thefe) two immutable things, in which it ivas impojjlble for God to lie, we might have a firong confolation, who have fed
(t Jfa. i. 18.) {u Rev. xxii. 17.) {w //^, xlv. 22.) \x Rev, 'ill. 18.) {yll Cor. v. -20.) {z jQ'nn, 6. 37.)
8$ S MI T H.
for refuge to lay hold on the hopefet before us, (a) Here you have the promife of Jehovah, fan 61- ioned by his eternal oath, to excite you to flee to Chrift for refuge from the purfuitof aveng- ing jullice. As I live faith the Lord, I have no pleafiirein the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live, (b) As though Jehovah had faid, I pledge my eternal life upon it, I forfeit all the glories of Godhead, if ye fail of eternal life, who turn to me by faith and repentance. Search all the records of earth and heaven, and will you, can you, find lecurity equal to this ?
Let unbelief then hide its head, and never more utter its reproaches againll the God of truth and grace. I befeech you by all the tears and blood of the fon of God, by all his glorious characters, by all his gracious offers, by all his preffing calls, by all his alluring invitations, by all his moving intreaties, by all his tender mercies, by all his redeeming love, and by all the ftrength of his promife, confirmed with his almighty oath ;— by all thefe I befeech, I obteft, I adjure you, in his great name, no longer to refufe the tenders of rich grace ; but give glo- ry to God by believing the record he hath given of his fon, and embrace him as vour Saviour with all your heart.
It may be, fomc of you are faying, Thcfc faHek. 6. iS.) [b Ezek, 3:.. ji.)
SMITH. 87
mefTages of peace and love are joyful tidings in- deed ; but^ alas ! my ftupid heart will not re- ceive them. Ah ! this heart, this hard, this unbelieving heart J Ten thoufand worlds for an heart cordially difpofedto embrace Chrift as my Lord and my Saviour ! O ye qfflldled, tojjed with tcmpejf and not cotnforted ; lay your hearts at the foot of the crofs, and fee if pardoning blood and love will not melt and foften them. Earneilly and inceflantly plead the promife of the holy^ fpirit, to create in you a new heart, and take the heart of ft one out ofyotirjiefjj. O Lord ! heal me, and Ifiall be healed ; turn me, and I pall be turned. Beware of fufFering your convi6lions to die, left, like Ephraim, ye be unwife fons, tar- ry mg long in the dangerous place of the breaking forth of children. Steadily perlevere in im- portunate fuits, until ye obtain the bleffing.
Grace, indeed, is fovereign, and nothing done by the creature can deferve it. This you muft know and acknowledge. At the fame time, continue to plead the riches and freedom ©fit, with humble hope in divine mercy. To this end were all the examples and overtures of It exhibited in the gofpel. Did you ever read, is there any record in the facred oracles of one fpurned from the feet of mercy, who would abide by her door poft's, and would not go without a bleiling ? Did not the publican, pleading mercy, go to his houfe jjjftijied rather than the other ^ {c) rather than the felf-righte-
(c Luke, xviii. i, '4.)
88 SMITH.
ous pharilce ? When Ephraini, bemoaninp* himfelf, and ftruggling with a perverfe heart, as a bullock unaccuftomed to the yoke, prayed^ Turn tbou me, and I fhall be turned -^ the Lord anfwers. Is Ephraim my dear Jon ? Is he a plea/ant child f For fince the day that Ifpahe agamji bim, I do earnejlly remember him ftill : therefore my bowels are troubled for himy I will furely have mercy upon bim, faith the Lord, (d) And when the perilTiing, felf-condemned prodigal refolved to confefs his guilt, and plead grace, the father of mer- cies,/aw him a great way off', and had compaJfioUy ar.d ran, and fell on his neck, and kijfed him. {e) Did you follow the allufion here, you might (fo to fpeak) fee the quick eye of mercy dif- cerning the iirft movements of a returning linner towards God, the fwift feet of mercy run- ning to meet him, the kind arms of mercy ex- tended to receive him, a kifs of mercy to hail him, and feal a fenfe of pardoning love upon his heart. May the' Lord increafe your fenfe of the need of mercy, excite your hope of it, aid your wreftling for it, and receive you with the like diilinguifiiing marks of favour and love.
IV. In the lait place, from the nature and excellency of the grace and duty of faith, let unbelievers learn their guilt, their danger, their remedy, and their duty. Faith is a moll ex- cellent grace ; unbelief, therefore, wiiich is it's direct oppofite, muft be a moft heinous fin. When Chrill promifeth the holy fpirit to co7i*
(d Jtr.y.y^\. i8; lo .) {c Luke . y>.v , 17; 20.}
SMITH. %<^
vince the world of fin, he adds, with peculiar cm- phalis. Of fin, becaiifc they believe not in me ; (f) as though it were, as indeed it is, the bafeft, the molt dangerous crime. Of all others, it is a fin ot the higheft aggravation. For v/hile o- ther iins ftrike at the law of God, this ftrikcs more immediately at the grace of the gofpel : It denieth all the perfedioris of God, efpecial- ly his mercy and tr^ith': Itrefufeth Chrilt the honour of your falvation : It contemneth his threatnings, difcreditethhis promifes, reje6^eth his grace, flighteth his love, infulteth his pangs, and, with infidel Jev/s, cries, Crucfy him, cruci- fy him. It opens his clofed wounds, and makes them bleed afrefli ! What a difmal tragedy is a6ted over again, in all our congregations, e- very fabbath, and every facrament I every un- believer coming with the dagger concealed in his heart, to thruft into the heart of the Lord of glory ! The privacy of the enemy renders it the more dangerous to the foul. It lies deeply concealed in the heart under many niafks; and is therefore the laft foe difcover- ed by the convinced linner. But when difco- vered, how horrid does the monfter appear ! It addeth malignity to all his other crimes; for it not only pierceth the Saviour in a peculiar fenfe ; but bindeth all his other fins fail upon him, and puts an aggravation into all the pains due for fin. If ye believe not that lam he, ye f mil die in your fins, (g) He that belicvcth not,f:all :i>..f Vol- ' IV. ^ M
(f John. xvj. g.^j (^r John, viii, 24 }
90 ' SMITH
fee life; but the zvratb of God abidetb on him. (h) And He that bcUcveth 7iotfJ.mll be damned, (i) is the tellimony of the holy Gholl himfell.
Awful condemnation ! The punifliment of Tyre and Sidon, of Sodom and Gomorrah, Ihall be light compared with yours, O ye neg- lecters of the great falvation, purchaled V/ith the blood of God ! If ye remain in unbelief, ye fhall fink down in Tophet's burning gulph, far below the vileft Sodomite. With the weight of iaw-curfes, you fliall link under the much heavier weight of the gofpel fcm6lion, damna- tion FOR UNBELIEF ! Fearful fentcncc ! Wrath aggravated to the higheft by rejeaing the only begotten fon of God, the richeil gift of ever- lafting love! For if be that defpifed Mofes' law died without mercy, of how muchforcrpunilldment, fuppofe ye, flxill be be accounted worthy y who bath trodden underfoot the fon of God, and bath counted the blood of the covenant wherewifb he was f unci- fied , an nn- bdy thing. "^ Dreadful, iiiexpreliibly dreadful will be the enquiry after blood, the flighted blood of the Son of God I
('> John 'ii. 36.) (z Mark xvi. 16 •)
* Heb. X. '28, 29- Some hive adduced this text in fupport of their miicriptural doctrine of the faints' falling totjlly ,and finally from grace. Others have been at much pains to adapt it to the cDmmon fanftification of trrarelcfs profelTors, from which many fall away. But the fenfe of the words will appear very natural and eafy by a due attention to the fcope of the apolUe's argument in the context, and throughout the epillle. For, as the
SMITH. 91
Hear this^ ye Chrift* defpifers, and tremble. That blelTed name, in which you are conimiincl- ed to believe, proclaims joy to trne believers, and opens a blefied door of relief to convinced linners ; but it fpeaketh terror to all who con- tinue in impenitence and unbelief, ile is the Lord God, merciful a?id gracious ; but be will by no means clear the guilty. Beivare of him, (iaith his Father^) and obey his voice, for he will not for* give your tranfgreff}ons,for my name is in him. (k) My juftice as well as mercy is in him. Thefe always unite in perfe6t harmony. Mercy will not pardon the iinner to the prejudice of juftice; and juftice neceHarily exa6leth punifhment of impenitent offenders. If, therefore, ye would be faved, ye niuft yield obedience to thegolpel
fk Exod. xxiii. 21.)
learned and judicious doclors, Owen and Guv SE, ob. ferve, the blood of the roiwnant luhet ewith he was fan^I'ifi- edy rather relates to Chriil, who was confecrated to his prieltly oiHee by his own blood, than to him -luho counted the blood of the covenant cm unholy thing : for the fon of God is the immediate antecedent, and the apoitle's de- fign was to aggravate thchn of apoftates,froina conlid- eration of tt)e worth and dignity of the pcrfon they flight- ed and abufed. And as the father is faid 4:o have fancli- fied Chrift, or fet him apart to his mcdiaroral office, and Chriftto have findified or dedicated and fet apart h'm- felf to itby hi^ death, (John x. 36. & xvii. 10.) fo he vvas fmclifiedto hisprielHy office in heaven, bv th" blood " of the new covenant, anfwerable to the fandtification of Aaron and his fons to tfie high priefthood for the fervice of the fandluary, by the blood of ilie Mo- faic covenant, Lev. viii. 30. And the Ichcme of this e- piifle for comparing Chrift and the high prieft under the law naturally leadeth us to this fenfe.
92 S M I T H.
call, by accepting the offer of falvation through Chriil:. His blood is the only propitiation for iin, and it is all-fufficient to fave the vvorll: of you: Fortbe blood of Je/usCbri/i cleanfeth its from all Jin. (/) And linners, without exception, are commanded to believe in his name. Mercy reacheth down to you in the hand of a promife^ pardon bought and fealed with the blood of Je- fu& !
Kifs then, O guilty finner ! kifs the Jon, lefi he be angry, and ye pen/Jjfrvfn the way. (m) This blood fpeaketh better things than that of Abel. {?i) Abels blood cried for vengeance ; Chriil 's blood fpeaks peace and good will to rebel men. But tfyc refiife him that fpeaketh from heaven, prefently the peace fpeaking voice of the lamb, will change into the rage of the lion of the tribe of Judah, roaring for his prey ! Hafte then, bre- thren, and Vv'ithout delay iiee to Chrift as your 0!i]y refuge from the ilorm of impending wrath. May the Lord of his infinite mercy convince you of your need of the Saviour, and by the al- mighty power of grace perfuade your relu<51:ant hearts to believe in the name of his ion Jefus Chrift. Amen.
ill John, I. 7.) (mPfu.xy. nj {nHeb. >;ii.24.)
SERMON LXIV.
The christian RELIGION
attejled by the SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.*
BY
THEODORE HINSDALE, A, M-
Pqfior of a Coigregational Church in JVindfor^ Connedicutt,
Revelation cfSt, John, xix. lo.
— / am thyfelloiv/erva?it, and of thy brethren, who have the teftimony of Jefus : worfhip God : for the te/limony of Jefus is thefpirit of prophecy.
We may not imagine that the Father of our fpirits requires us to receive the Chriftian religion without fufficient evidence of its divine origin; nor, on the other hand, that it can be rejected by any perfon, to whom it is thus offered, but at his utmoft peril.
* This fermon was preached at New Haven, Septem- ber ir, 1792, by appointment of the general associ« ATiON of the State of Connefticut,
94 HINSDALE.
This con fi deration is of the rioft ferious im- portance ; and, at a time like the prefent, when infidelity is ftruggling for reputation and domi« nion, pleads loudly with the miniilers of Chnft, to call the attention of their hearers to the fol- emn atleftations, which authenticate the reli- gion of the bible.
If we take for granted the fuperlative excel- lence of the Chriftian fyfiem, which recommends itfelf to every confcience as worthy of God, and conducive to the perfection and felicity of men^ the chief external proofs of it's divine original refult from miracles and prophecy.
The former of thefe having been difcufled by a reverend brother, who has gonebefore me in this le6ture,, it is propofed, on the prefent occaiion;, to attempt an illuftration of the latter.
We learn from the mouth of a holy angel, what a mighty ftrefs is laid in heaven, and ought to be laid in earth, on fcripture prophecy, as the ftandingtcllimony, which the divmc Father gives to his holy Son Jefus ; & of confequence, to that religion which bears his name. For it is a holy aii<i:el who declares in the text. The iefUmoiiy of Jefus is fhefpirit of prophecy; that fame angel, ao doubt, to whom Jefus Chrift commit- ted the revelations contained in this book, to Jlxw tobisfervojiis tKwgs which mufljhortly /:ome lo pafs, and by V/hom he frnt io figmfythem to his J e want John.
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This miniftring fpirit firft raifes in the mind of the apoftle a tide of grief and allonifliment, by a vifion of the horrid Roman anti-chrift ; and then an extacy of joy, by a difplay of the hallelujahs, which should refound in heaven on occalion of his fall and ruin. The holy apoftle fo far forgets himfelf in his rapture^ as to offer him an a6t of religious adoiation. I fell at bis feet to worfJnp him. The humble feraph refuf- es the offer with thefe words, See thou do it not. And the reafon follows: For I am thy fdlais) fervant, and of thy brethren, who have the tejlimony of JefiiS"for the tefiimony of Jefus is the fpirit of prophecy.
That this declaration and teftimony may have their full efFe(5t^ it is defigned, as divine grace Ihall enable,
I. To make fome remarks on the fpirit of pro- phecy,
II. Obferve the fmgular propriety with which it is called tho. tefiimony of Jefus.
III. Exhibit the evidence by which it proves to us the divine authority of the Chriftian re- ligion.
I. I am to make fome remarks on the fpirit of prophecy.
The word prophecy in the text is taken in it's ftri^l and moft proper fenfe, for the vncrring
95 Hinsdale:
forepght and prcdiclion of future ev ents. In thift lenfe it niuft be confidered to be the peculiar prerogative of the omnifcient God,andof thofe who are commiffioned by him. As fuch he is pleafed to challenge it, when he fays, / aryt God, and there is none elfe, I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginnings and from ancient times the things which are not yet done.
The prophets of God have accordingly with one conlent utterly difclaimed all ability in themfelves to remove the vail from future events, and profefled to fpeak in the facred name neither more nor lefs than was imparted to them by the holy Spirit. When Pharaoh fays to Jofeph, / have heard of thee that thou canjl iinderjland a dream to interpret it ; It is not in me, he replies, it is not in me : God floall give Fhara- oh an anfwer. God hathfJjeived to Pharaoh what he is about to do. And when on a fimilar occa- fion the king of Babylon enquires of Daniel, Art thou able to make known to me the dream and the interpretation? what is his anfwer ? Thefecret which the king hath demanded, the wife 7nen cannot fldcw unto the king; but there is a God in heaven who revealethfecrets, and ?nakcth known to the king what fjjall be in the latter day. But as for me, thisfecret is not revealed to ?nefor any wifdom which I have more than any living.
Nothing can be more folemn than the man- ner in which the divine prerogative thus chal-
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leiiged by the most-high, and confefled by hh prophets, is reprefented to St John in his ie- cond vifion recorded in the book of Revelation. He firft hears a voice, as of a trumpet, iaying. Come up hither y and IivillJJjew thee things which mujl be hereafter. Then he has a vilion of God the Creator, on a glorious throne furrounded; by the heavenly holt ; having in his right hand a fealed book, in which were written the divine counfels refpefting future events. He then hears a voice of a mighty angelic herald, pi'o- claiming a challenge to the v/hole creation, lay- ing. Who is worthy to open the book, and loofe the feals thereof. The refult is. No oni in heaven^ 7wr on earth J nor under the earth, is found able to a- pen the book, nor to look therein. All ftandlilent and aghaft, as coniciouily infufficient tor the arduous attempt. I wept mz/6^/), lays the apofllc ; bccaufe none were found worthy to open and read the book, nor to look thereon. At length he is con 7 joled by one of the elders who faith to him. Weep not : Behold, the Lion cf the tribe ofjudab hath prevailed to open the^bcok, and loofe itsfevcn feals. And immediately he beholds in the midit of the throne, a Lamb as he had beenf.ain ; and be came and took the book out cf the hand of Him who fat on the throne ; and proceeds to open the fccils one by one, and difciole tliGiv profound contents.
Thus doth the fcript.ure afcribe the certain forefiglit and predi6tion of future ayents to God only : And do not the common fpnfe and ex<« pcrience of mankind fublcribc to tliis decilion r Vol. IV. N
58 HINSDALE.
Some future events, indeed, fo depend on the known laws of nature, that whoever i« ac- quainted with thofe laws, may be as certain that they will exift, as he is that the courfe of nature will continue the fame. Of luch events, however, the Spirit of prophecy pretends not to inform us; nor of any others, of Vv^hich we may obtani a fatisfa6fory knowledge by other means. It dwells chiefly on fuch events as imme- diately depend on the free actions ofGod, orof men, or of both conjointly. To foretel with cer- tainty ///r/j events requires that we be perfe6l;y acquainted with the fecret purpofes and defigns of all thofe Free agents, on whom thofe events de- pend. And wnerc is the man on earth who dares profels this knowledge ? Or if any could be fo ar- rogant as to profefs it, who would believe him ?
Let the trial be made. — Here is a man who ])rofeires, from his own xertain knowledge, VvitViout any information from heaven, to fore- tclHuture events. He tells a venerable man of an hundred years old, and his conlort of ninety, who have lived together from their youth without illue, that they fliallyet be fruit- ful ; and within one year iliall have a fon, who fliallbe a father of many nations, and of many kings — that their poflerity (hall be numerous as the ll:ars of heaven, and lliall fall under oppref- iions for four hundred years in a Itrange land — that then God will intcrpofe in a remarkable manner, deltroy their opprefibrs, and bring them from under their hand with great riches;
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99
difpoffefs feven powerful nations of a fertile country, and give it them for a poiTeillon ; and that, two thoufand years after, one fhall be born of a branch of their pofterity, v/ho fhall be a great blefling and benefactor, not only to his brethren, but to all nations of the earth. Can the fmalleft credit be given to fuch a pre- diction, in the circuniftanccs fuggefled ? All men willanfwerin the negative. Why ?--Be- caule ail believe, that no man can know fuch events before they come to pafs, but by revela- tion from HIM who knoweth all things. And tho angels are vaftly fuperior to us in nature and knowledge ; yet, to the forelight oifuch fu- ture events as depend on the free volitions of God, and, under Him, on other free agents, they are as incompetent as we, unlefs they were omnifcieot. For zvho knoweth the things of a man, but thefpirit of man, which is in him ? c- venfo, and much more, the things of God knoweth no one, but the Spirit of God. But the Spirit reveal- eth all things, even the deep things of God,
Doth any wiflito remind us, that the ancient heathen nations had their oracles and diviners, who profefsed to foretel things to come; and that fome of their' predictions were jullified b}^ the event ? Our anfwer is. It is true, they had them ; but the ipirit of prophecy claims no al- liance with them. Divination is the counter- fiet of prophecy, even as falfe ligns and lying wonders are of true miracles. It fecms to have begun >vith the defe6lion of the fons of
100 HINSDALE.
^ loah from tlie true religion, and to ha^e kept •1 it. thro all idolatrous nations, utitil the days of Clmft. It was undoubtedly a de- vice of Satan to defeat the dcfign of true pro- phecy, and fupport falfe worfhip. It was a-fo employed by the lordly tyrants of the gentile nationR, as an engine of ftate, to procure a blind fubmiuion from their enfiaved fubje6ts. V\^e find diviners in Egypt as early asthe'time3 •<)f Jofeph ; tho'none of them was able to inter- pret the dream of Pharaoh.
Balak, tlie king of IMoab, attempted in vain to employ divination agalnft ifrael, and expref- fed the high veneration in which he held it, when h.e fiiid to Balaam , I Irnozv that be ivhoju thou hlejjcfl, is hlejfed, and he zvbom thou curfejl is curjed. At the fame time, it was held in like veneration nmong the devoted nations of Canaan. For tbcfc nations, fays JSTclcs to ifrael, which thou jhalt'pclJc.fs, bcarkncd unto obfcrocrs of times, and vnto diviners ; but as for thee the Lord thy God bath notfuffl'red thee Jo to do.
But, ar; in many oiher mftances, fo particu- larly in t]m, tljat which was highly rffcejficd a- vwn.g men, is on ahojuinatioh to the Lord. That holy onmifcioit Being, to whom all the deceit and wickeduefs of this infernal plot for the ru- in of ionls was naked and open, thus expreflefh his mind to his people. IVhcn thou comejl into the imd^ which the Lord thy God giveih thee, thou Jhalt ncilcarntodo after the abominations of th{/:
H I N S D A L E. loi
nations. ThereJJ.mil not be found ainong yoii any that ufeth divination, or an ohfej-ver of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a confidter with familiar /pints, or a wizard, or a ?iecroman- cer ; for all that do thefe things are an abomination tiuto the Lord thy God ; and becaufe of thefe abomina- tions the Lord thy God doth drive them outfro?n before thee — But, as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not fujfered theefo to do.
It is worthy of a particular notice, that it is in immediate connection with this, and in per- fe<^t contrail with the whole catalogue of impof- tors recited above, and to prevent the fliadow of a plea for confulting or hearkening to any of them, that the promife of Chrift, the great Pro- phet, is introduced, a mandate given out to all men to hearken to hmi, and an awful curfe denounced on him who fliall prefume to fpeak a word in God's name, which He hath not com- manded him to fpeak. See Deut. xviii. 9; 22.
Need we, then, wonder that the better in- formed among the heathen themfelves explod- ed ail pretenlions to divination, as unworthy ei- ther ot eiteem or belief? Cicero, the celebrat- ed Roman orator and philofopher, is an exam- ple. When in one book, and under a feigned (•haradler, he had colle(5led what could be faid i^ favour ot divination; in another he confutes it all, and fliov/s plainly that he had the whole afFa-ir in the utmoft contempt. When lii^ged with this plea in favour of diviners, that many of theni often gave out true prcdiciio''- Iv^ replir:;,
102 H I N S D A L £•
''Will you then compell me to give my belief ''to mere fables ? — I will grant there is as much ''amufement in them as you pleafe : But cer- ''tainly we ought not to give authority or taith ''to mere fi6tions. And ipeaking ofthedivin- crs of Mars and Apollo; '*Nor do I think "them worthy of any credit. Part of their re- ''fponfes are manifeft iidlions, and a part are "uttered raihly at adventure. Nor were they '^ever approved, (I fay not, by any man offa- ^'gacity ; but) by any man of common lenfe.^
Supported by fuch authorities both divine and human, we hefitate not to affirm, that the refpoiifes given by the heathen oracles and di viners were no real prophecies ; nor any thing better than mere human conje6luresand abom- inable delufions. Nor could any thing have maintained their reputation fo long, but the grofs ignorance and fuperftition of the people, duped by the craft of their deceivers ; who ufed to conllrudt their predictions info artful a man- ner, as to admit of an eafy accommodation to the event, whatever it might be.
It is accordingly a notorious fa<5t, that as
"^ At miilti fape vera vaticinati. Nnm igitur meco- gis etiam fabulis credere ?^ quae deleflationis habeant quantum voles. Aucloritatcni; quidem, niillam debe- i'ir:s ncc fidem commentitiis rebus adjungcre. Ncc Martis varibus, nee Appollinis opertis credendum cx- iflimo ; quorum pariim ticta aperre, partim cfTutitaie- mere, rinnquani ne mcdiocri cuiquam, non raodoprudei'- ti probnta lunt.-Cic. de divin. lib. IJ. fed. 113.
HINSDALE. 103
foon as the evangelical light had lliined upon the benighted heathen, thefe birds of dai knefs were put to flight. The moft renowned hea- then temples were fhut, and their oracles fo eiFe6lually lilenced, that they have not lince dared to open their mouths ; leaving it, as the indifputable prerogative of Jehovah, and thofe who are commiffioned by him, to forefee and foretell future events.
On this ground it is farther obferved ; When any one, in the name of God, predicts a ftiture event, and it comes to pafs, if but in a fingle inflance, it affords a ftrong prefumption that he fpakeby divine infpiration. The proof would be perfe6l, were it not for the poflibility that fome wicked impoltor may prefume, in Gods name, to give ©ut a bold conjedlure, v/hich, for the trial of his people, God may permit to be luccefsful ; as he permitted the magicians to imitate fome of the miracles of Mofes. But whenever the circumftances of the predi6tion and accomplifliment avefucb, as to be evidently above all rational conje6lure, or lucky contin- gence, nothing certainly can be a llronger proof of a perfon's acting by divine conmiificn, andfpeaking by divine infpiration. The fcrip- ture confiders it as fuch, when it exprefsly af- ligns it as the capital teft of difcrimination be- tween a true andfalfe prophet. For thus it is written, on the one hand, When a prophet fpcaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing fallow not J nor come to pafs, that is the ihino- i^jhich the
I04 HINSDALE.
Lord hath notfpoken ; but the prophet hafhfpoken it prefumptuoif/ly. A?id thus on the other hand ; I'he prophet who prophefteth of peace, when the word of the prophet fhall come to pafs, then fhall it bs liuoivn that the Lord ijath truly fent him.
Now if the accomplidiment of a prophecy, in bnt a fingle inilance, may be fo decilive a proof of divine infpiration, what ihall we fay, ■when the inllances are next to innumerable of e- vents molt circumftantially foretold- -S?/cZ? e- vents as at the time when they were foretold, were, to human view, the moil unlikely ever to have come into exiitence, which yet were paricularly foretold in one age, and moft ex- actly fuifiU'ed many ages alter ? All this is fo wonderfully true with regard to a multitude of fcripture prophecies, that infidels themfelves have unwittingly contelied it, when they have ailed ged, tho in direct oppolition to the clcarell: evidence of th^e contrary, that they were written after the events.
Indulge me but a lingle remark more. —
The teftimony arifmg from the Spirit of pro- phecy \s moft excellently adapted, even beyond that of miracles themfelves, to confirm a writ^ ten Jlanding revelation. Miracles were the great proofs to thole who faw them performed ; prophecies are the great proofs to thofe who fee them fuliilled. /Some of thefe latter were of things whivh fliortly came to pafs. By far the
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greater part, and thofe of greateft importance, were of things not to come into event until after many days, or ages ; in the latter days, or not until the time of the end. Accordingly ^mce miracles have ceafed, as well as before, pro- phecies have been fulfilling from age -to age; arid the more propliecies are fulfilled, the more and more confirmations we have of the truth ot revelation.
In this, my brethren, we are iingularly happy above even the -prophets themfeives ; fmce what to them was only matter oi faith, is fiovJ to us a matter offa& and otjight, Bleffed are cur eyes, for they fee the things which many prophets defired to fee, but could not fee them\
Thus far we have confidered the Spirit of prophecy as the teftimony of God to his own word. We are nov/,
II. To obferve thefingular propriety with which it is called the tejlimony of Jefus,
Were we to underltand the phrafe as import- ing the teftimony which Jefus ^/WZ?, we muft confefs in it a ftri(5l propriety. For in ail the revelations which Jehovah hath made to men, the Melfiaii has been, in all ages, the great pro- phet. This Lion of the tribe of'Judah--ihis Lamb, who is in the ?nid/i of the living creatures, and of the elders^ and he alone, oi\ill in heaven, or in earth, or under the earth, is found worthv to fuhe the booh Vol. ' IV. O
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of prophecy out pf the hand of hlmwho fttteth on the throne, to open its feals, and difclofe the le- crets therein written. And the communica- tions of thofe fecrets which he has beeii pleafed to make, have been juft what St John calls that whlcl> was made tohm.— The revelations of Jefus Chrijl, which God gave unto him, tojhew unto his fervants. A part of thofe communications, both before and after his incarnation, he made im- mediately by himfelf ; and a part by angelic and human prophets and apoftles, who are there- fore/^'//^^it'-y^rrwz/^ and brethren, as haying the tejiimony of Jejiis. Thefe were his mouth, and [pake only as the Spirit of Chrifi, which was in them, didfgnfy, ■'
Were we further to confidcr the acco?npUfJjment of prophecy as a part of the teftimony, this al- fo belongs to Chrift as the great minifter of providence, to whom is given, of the Father, all authority both in heaven and on earth.
But the t'.xt feems rather to fpeak of tlie Spirit of prophecy as the teftimony which Jefus receivcth. Let us attend to it in this fenfe, as it reipe6ts the times both before and after his incarnation.
In all ages fmcc the fall, Chrifi is the only Mediator. At no time could the hope of fiilva- tion for linners be fafely built on any other; In all times before his incarnation it was there- fore ncccniiry, th/at the faith and expectation
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of mankind Ihould be directed to his coming. Accordingly, until that period, it was the great office and end of the Spirit of prophecy to Ipcak of him ; to tejiify before-hand the fuffering of Chriji, and the glory which fJjoidd follow .
What a tranfport of joy and wonder does it niinifter to the pious mind^ to contemplate that compleat image of the great Son of righteoul- nefs, which before his riling had been refiedted oh the darkned world by the Spirit of prophe- cy ! — To obferve it beginning in a fmgle trait or two, drawn by a fingle beam of light! — Then after the lapfe of ages, receiving another, and another, until at length the outlines are form- ed ! — And thence forward more rapidly filling upwith one point of refemblance after another, as the dawn flione more and more toward tlic perfe6l day — Until at laft the finiHied portrait has become a perfe6l likenefs of the great o- riginal ; — incapable of an application to any o- ther Being in the univerfe of God, but to Him,
who is A CHILD B0RN--A SON GIVEN, ON WHOSE SHOULDER IS THE GO V E R N M E N T — WHOSE
NAME IS, Wonderful, Counsellor, The MIGHTY God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace !
Thus, my brethren, thus was the fpirit of prophecy the teflimony of Jefus before he came in the flefh. And fince he is come, the punc- tual accomplifliment in him of all the prophe- cies of the Mefliah, hath pointed him out to
io8 H I N S D A L K.
thofe who law him^ to us^ and to all the world, as the A^'ERY One J cfidwm Mofes in the law and the prophets did xvrite, The Messiah a nd Sa -
VIOUR OF THE WORLD.
To this teftimony among others^ how often did Jefus appeal ? Thefon of man goeth, as it is written of him ? Search the fcriptiires; for fhefe are they zvhich icfify of me. This day is this fcripturc fulfilled in your ears. Thefe are the words, which I Jpake unto you zvhile I was yet with you, that all things muft be fulfilled, which arewHten in the law of Mofes, a fid in the prophets, and in the pfalms concerning me. And beginning at Mofes ajid all the prophets, he expounded to them, in all the fcrip- fures, the things concerning himfelf; aiidfaid, Thus it IS written, and thus it behoved Chrifl tofuffer, and io rife again the Hhird day.
To the fame teftimony did the apoitles ever appeal in all their lermons and epifties ; and ef- ])ccially when addrelling the Jews, who ack-^ nowledged the prophetic wTitings.
And to tilt lame teiliinony ir^ the appeal now folemnlyniade, hefore the prcfent generation, and all the world, for the proof that Jksus is THE Christ; and that the religion which he 1 aught is from heaven.
Only with attention let men compare the prophetic image with the great original ; let ihcm compare with candor and diligence, and
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the proof is invincible — convi6lion inevitables^ fatista6tion compleat. For what is thegenuine hiftory of Jeius, as delivered in the writings of the evangelifts and iipolUes, but a perfect com- ment on the prophecies refpe6ling the Meifi- ah ?—
Here, with joy, we recognize the promifcd
feed of the woman, the feed of Abraham, of jvdah and of David ; and the great prophet like unto MofeSy who fhould [peak all the words of Jeho- vah ; — The priefi after the order of Melch fed ek, who was to make his fold an offering for fin : — The anointed of the Lord, on whom his fpirit refts^ tliat he may preach to the meek, releafe the prif on- er, and bind up the broken-hearted.
Here, we admire the child to be born of a vir- gin--in the town of Bethleheni"to be called im- MANUEL ; who was to grow up before the Lord as a tender ^ plant , as a root out of a dry ground. With fuprize we find him coming precifely at the time when the fccptre w^as departing //w;/- Judah — ^juft before the latter temple was de- itroyed, and juli: at the end of the feventy weeks of Daniel. We confels in him the perfe6l plenitude of grace and v/ifdom, as anointed v/ith the oil ofgladnefs above his fellows — full of the Spirit cfwrfdoni, of counfel, of might, and the fear of the Lord, who fhould not /hive nor cry, nor caufehis voice to be heard in the fircets. We con- fefs in him the peculiar works afligned by the fpirit of prophecy to \he Mcfliah, by whom the
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eyes of the blind were to be opened^ the ears of the deaf unftopped, the lame man to leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb to fmg.
But we farther behold in Jefus, what was too llrange to be believed before he came; what few or none ever believed, tho' it had been abun- dantly foretold, until by the event it was ex- plained and fealed- -We behold him defpifed and rejeBed of men, a man of f arrow, and acquainted with grief. He is fold for thirty pieces of fil- ver — The (Iiephcrd isfmitten, and the iheep are Icattcred — Tho' hq had done no violence, he was taken as a prifoncr to judgment — When oppreifed and afflicted, he opened not his mouth--They pierce his hands & his feet--They gape upon him with their mouth, and wag their heads — He looketh for fome to take pity, and there is none; for comforters, and he findeth none — In his thirft they gave him vinegar and gall to drink — He cries out in his agony. My God, my Gcd, zvhy hajl thou forfaken me ! He was numb ere d with the iranfgre[Jbrs — He made his foul an oiTerinj; — He was cut off from the land of the Uving-'Thcy parted his garments, and ca/i' lots for te tTy?//;r.-^-Ncvcrthelefs, becaufe he had done 710' violence, neither ivas deceit found in his mouth, he maketh his grave wit!) the rich in his death. But God leave th not h^5 holy One among the dead — He lays tolrim. Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thyfoot-JIool And be- hold, one lilic the Son of man, crneth in the clouds ff heaven, and ccmeth to the Ancient of days, and
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tbey bring him near before him ; and there is given him dominion, and glory , and a kingdom; that all people, nations and languages JJjould feroe him. His dominion is an everlqflmg dominion, and his kingdom that which Jhall never be dejlroyed.
Such abundant proof refults from the Spirit in the ancient prophets^ that Jefus is the Chrift, But no notice hath yet been taken of the ac- complilhment of to own predictions. So capital a branch of the argument mult not be forgot- ten, tho' to do it juftice would require a vol- ume.
The Mefiiah was to be a great prophet. Je- fus not only was the fubje61: of prophecy, but was himfelf an illullrious prophet. The pro- vidence of God hath attefted,, and ftill attefts him 3.S fitch ^ by a pun6tual accomplifhment of all his predictions.
How often did Jefus foretell his own deaths with the manner and ciixumllancesof it, juftas they afterward happened, and are related by thofe who were witnefTes of the whole tranfac- tion ?— That he fhould be delivered to the chief priefts, and to the fcribes; that they fliould con- demn him to death, and deliver him to the Gen- tiles ;— that they lliould mock and fcourge, and fpit upon, and crucify him. —that he lliould be betrayed by Judas Ifcariot, one of the twelve; that the reft (liould be olTended that very night becaufe of hi*ii : and, notwithftandinir their r>ro-
112 HINSDALE.
tcftations to the contrary, fliould forfake him and flee :— And, particularly, that Peter, who was more confident than the reft, before the cock crew twice, fliould deny him thrice.
Wonderful it is, that he uttered thefe pre--, dictions to the very perions who v +-. "^jI'^I them, and with tolemn and repea. .... ,tv.ijiwiii- tions to avoid the very crimes which he fore- told they would commit. To Judas himielf he beforehand denounced the doom, which Jliould follow his treafon ; and to tlie reft re- peated the admonitions, TFatch and pray, that ys enter jioi into temptation. Had he not feen that in them, which none but God coiddkt, furely he would either not have given out fuch pre- di6lions, or not have urged his difciples with fuch inducements to defeat them.—
Jefus foretold alfo his own rcfurre<5lion, and that he would appear to his difciples in Galilee. Here is an inftance which hath no parallel. What impollor would have dared to venture on fuch a prediction ? Had Jefus been an im- pollor, the event would have dete6ted him, and blailed all his deligns. For however common it is for men once to die, a refurre6tion from the dead is confelFedly the work of none but God ; and fuch a work as, from his known truth and goodnefs, we have the utmoft afTur- ance he would never perform, to lan6lion a deceiver. But Jefus, knowing who he was, and whence lie came, confidentlv grave out
HINSDALE. 113
his predi6lion, and relied the whole proof of his preteniions on the event. And evident it is, that his adverfaries joined iflue with hini on this fingle point. For the morning after his crucifixion, they come to Pilate, faying. Sir, we remember that that deceiver /aid while he was yet alive y after three days I will nfe again ; com- mand therefore that the fepidchre be made Jure until the third day, le!i his difciples come by night, andjkal him away ; andfo the lajl errorpall be worfe than thefir(i. Can any mortal conceive it pofhble for Deity himfelf to have given a more niani- feft decilion in favour of Jefus, or a more de- monllrative proof of all his preteniions, than he then gave, when, in exa(5^ agreement with his prediction, on the third day he loofed the bands of deaths and brought ogam from the dead our Lord Jefus Chrtfl, and prcfented him alive af'er his pq/fwn, by many infallible proofs, to be fcen by his difciples for forty days, and to fpeak to them the things concerning the kingdom of heaven f—
Jefus foretold to his apoftles, that the holy Gholt lljould come upon them, and that they lliould receive power fi'om on high to ipeak with new tongues, and work miracles. liow won- derfully did this predi6lion begin to be accom- plillied on the feaft of Pentecoll, when they were filled with the holy G holt, and ber^an to fpeak with other tongues, and immediately af- ter to perform fucli mighty works as their Lord had done before them }
He foretold the perfecution-:: and fulFcrlngs Vol. IV P
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his apoftles (liould undergo, and particularly the manner of that death by which Peter, in his old age, fliould glorify God ; and that John fnouid furvive the deftruction of Jerufalem.
He iiUo foretold that his apollles fiiould be his witnefses, not only in Judea, but to the ut- ternioft parts of the earth: That the kingdom pf heaven fliould be taken from the Jews, and given to the Gentiles, who fiiould bring forth its fruits : That the number of his difciples fliould wonderfully increafe from the fmalleft beginnings, as the feed groweth up to a large tree ; and as a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump : And that his church fliould be fo found- ed on a rock, that againll it the gates of hell fliOuld not prevail.
It is well known how exa6tly thefe prophe- cies have been accompliflied; the moft of the things predicted in them., when predided, were contrary to all human probablity; impohible to be forefeen by human lagacity, or effected by human power. Efpecially that which re- lates to the wonderful progrefs of the gofpel and church of Chrift, from the fmallell begin- nings, by tlie weakeft inftruments, and notwith- ftanding all oppofition. What events can be imagined more improbable, or with men more nipollible, than that twelve peafants, def- tituteof all worldly advantages, without pow- er, without riches, interell, policy, learning or eloquence, fliould propagate, and give pre- \'alcnce to, a religion which difclaims allfecular
HINSDALE. 115
m,otives, and that in oppofition to the ftroogeii: prejudices, and reigning powers of Jews and Gentiles ? yet fuch was the predidion of lefus ; and fuch the marvellous event !
I cannot difmifs this part of our fubje6t, but with an earneft requell to every hearer to ob- ferve the exa6t correfpondence between our Lord's prediction of the deftru6tioti of Jerufa- lem, and that remarkable hiftory, which fo mi- nutely records the events in which that predic- tion was accompliflied. How minutely partic- ular is the predi<5tion ? It notes the figns which were to precede, the circumllances which fliould attend and follow, that horrible devaftation, and limits the time within which it iliould be made. What iingle circumflance of that predi61ion, minute as it is, may not be read in the hiftory which relates that memorable event. We are at a lofs which moil to admire, the omnifcience of the Saviour, or the providence of God in so exadlly verifying his predi<5iion. The inter- pqtfiion of providence is not lefs confpicuous in its care to preferve the evidence of the events, than in bringing to pafs the events themfelves. For the principal author, who has recorded thofe events, was a Jew, a prieft, and an eye,- witnefs, being prefent, and ading an impor- tant part in the fcene which he defcribes; con- verfant alike with both Jews and Romans ; and, in point of literature and information as well as integrity, the beft furniflied, perhaps, of a- ny man of that age to give the account.--
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In a word, as Vefpafian and Titus were raif- ed up and prelervedtoaccomplifii our S;j.viour's prediiiion; fo was Jolephus to exhibit to the world the evidence of that accon.piilhment. Ke v as leveral times relcued from imminent defcruition. His hiltory^ having been examin- ed and approved by Vefpafian and Titus, and o- ther principal actors on both fides, was pub- lished, and has beerf' tranfmitted to us intire.-- And tho' it is certain the author defigned no- thmg lej's, yet if he had defigned nothing more, his hiftory could not have been a better com- ment on the predi6tion of Jefus, concerning the deflru6lion of Jerufaiem. But had hiftory been filent, the ruins of the city and temple, the defolation of Judea, and the difperfion of the Jews, which are flill to be feen, would have tell i 'led to all men, as they now do, the fignal accornplilliment pf that predi6lion.
What the defign of Jefus was in all his proph c- cies we learn from his own words-- Now I tell you before it come, that when it is conie to pcifs, ye ??iay believe that I am be. Divine providence, in their completion, hath alfo a tongue, and a voice, which fpcaketh plainly. It is the voice of wif- dom, which flie putteth forth in the chief place oftleconcourfe-, V?ito you, O ?ne}i, I call, and my voice IS to the fans of men. Tlio' it be a fliU, /mall voice, and for that reafon little regarded by ma- ny ; yet it is majeftic and folcmn as the rolling of the fplieres, or as that which breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. What doth it fpeak ? '^I am
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''Jehovah : I have confirmed the words of my '^meiTenger, that ye may know that I have **fent Him. "--The very fame which came from the excellent glory ; This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleafed. hear ye him.
In view and review of all thofe things, muft not all men fee and confefs the Angular pro- priety with which the angelic witnefs pronoun- ces. The tejiimony of Jefus is the Spirit of prophe- cy ?— Who can forbear to exclaim with St Tho- mas, when he had feen in his mailer's hands the prints of the nails, and was bidden to thruft his hand into his fide. My Lord and my God ?-
SERMON LXV.
The christian RELIGION attejled by the SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.
BY
THEPDORE HINSDALE, A. M.
Pq/lor of a Congregational Church in JVindfor^
Connecticut,
Revelation of St, John, xix. i o.
^"i am thy fellow fervant J and of thy brethren, who have the teflimony of Jefus: wor/hip God : for the tejlimony of Jefus is thefpirit of prophecy.
Having made fome remarks on the fpirit of prophecy, and obferved the lingular pro- priety with which it is called the Testimony OF Jesus; it remains,
III. That I more fully exhibit the evidence, by which the Spirit of prophecy proves to us the divine authority of the Chriftian religion.
In a remark already made, it has in effeft been proved, that whenever God, in the events of his providence, fulfilleth a prophecy, which has been given out in his name, it is meant, on his part, and therefore to be received by us, as his teftimony that the perfon who fpake or
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wrote the prediclio.n, is cornn-iiCione^^ h-^r V|ni as his prophet. The. teftimon^ ' tendeth to all things fpokeii or v :
peiTon in the name of God. it . ture of a royal feal, which ftamps -i. f-
lion of an embaflador; and hath the. 5jj: a
command to ail men, to give full evidence to all communications, which that perfon hath made, or fliall make, in the name of l»i.s royal mailer. And this, in faft, is the ftylebf God's commiffion to his prophet. / will put my yc eras in his mouth, and heJJjall /peak all that I command him ; and whofoever JJjall 7iot hearken unto my word, which hejhall /peaky I will require it cf hm.— Therefore, when we find in thofe facred books, which have come to us in Gods name, andpro- fefs to reveal to us his whole mind, innumerable prophecies of things to come ; and that a great number of thefe hath been, in ages paft, exa6l- ly fulfilled, and others are at the prefent day fulfilling before our eyes, it certainly behoves us to confider thcfe accomplilhments as fo many divine teftimonies, that thofe writings are, what they claim to be, his own oracles; and that the religion, which they teach, is from
HEAVEN.
How mighty a confirmation, then, have the ancient prophetic writ ngs received from the exa6l accompliflmient of fuch a multitude of predi6lions in Jefus Chrift ? In a review of what was faid relative to this point under the preceding head of difcourle, with what grow-
H I NiS D A L E. 12 i
ing afTurance may we fay, in the words of St. Peter, TP^e have the word of prophecy more Jure,
And while, with fuch irrefiflible force of e- vidence, the fpirit of prophecy hath proved Je- fus to be the Meffiah, by the accomplifliment, both of all thofe ancient prophecies and his own, it juft as forcibly confirms whatfoever he taught in the days of his flefh, and therefore all the leading principles of that religion which bfears his name, and rells on him as its foun- dation.
From Jefus thus fealed by the holy Father as the great prophet, the faithful and true WITNESS, arifes a new and additional confir- mation of the books o{ both teflaments : Of the former, by his repeated appeals to them as the oracles of God ; and of the latter, from his ex- prefs appointment of his apolUes to be his wit- nefTcs to the world, and his promife to them, for that purpofe, of the unerring guidance of his Spirit.
Here let it be remembered, that the apoftles and evangelifts, who were employed to write the books of the new teftament, befide their other lupprnatural powers, were moft, if not all of them, endued with the gift of pro- phecy ; and particularly, four of them, viz St. Paul, John, Peter, and Jude^ who wrote all the books of the new teftament, exce'^t Vol. IV. Q
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five, have left on record prophecies of their own, which have received, or are 7iotv receiv-' ing, their accomplifliment. Thus thefe facred writers, and the books which bear their names, in addition to all the other proofs of their di- vine authority, are fealed by the teftimony of Jefus.--
In the mean time, each teftament has re- ceived a continual and growing confirmation, from the accomplifliment of a vail multitue of prophecies rcfpe6ting other things in the con- dition of the church and of the world.
Here opens an unbounded field, on which at prefent want of time forbids to enter. Permit me, my brethren, * only to remind you of a prophetic fcene opened in each tefta- ment; the one, two thoufand five hundred years ago by Daniel in the dream of the king of Babylon, and repeated in the vifion of the beaits ; the other, one thoufand feven hun- dred' years ago by St. John in his Revelation. Each in a different manner, but both in per- fedt agreement, exhibit not a fingle event--not the ts ents of an age--but an orderly and accu- rate epitome of the hiftory ot the church and world, from its own time to the prefent, and from the prefent to the confummation of all thmgs. Let thefe prophetic fcenes be examined by allthe light ofdivine and human hiftory. The more you will examine and compare, the more you will believe and wonder.
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t>
The paft ages of thefe prophecies are not buried in darknefs, like thofe which went be- fore them. ^*^Their events are the fubjeft," as one*well obferves/'of the moll celebrated pens, *^'both of former and latter ages. Thefe hif- '*^tories are the belt written and the nioft read *^ofany. They are the ftudy of the learned, '''and the amufement of the polite. We learn ^'themwhen youngs and forget them not when ''we are old, while very little is known of other ''times and nations.''
We cannot lay too much llrefs on the argu- ment from the accomplifliment of prophecy.— It is impoffible we fliould be mifled by it, unlefs wx will put out our own eyes. Prophecy is like the rod of Mofes : It works wonders to prove and eftablifh the true religion ; but de- vours all impoftors which come in its way. In the hand of a true prophet it is the rod of God, which fmiteth the rock, and bringeth forth the waters of life. But a pretence to it in the hand of an impoftor (and a pretence is all an impoftor can have) is a fword; and he zvho takcth the fwprdyjball penjh with thcjword.
We have^obferved the fate of the pretenders to propl;ecy among the ancient heathen.-- How they melted away at the prefence of the fun of righteoufnefs, the great prophet. Since that day no prudent impoftor has dared to take np this^fword. Among nations wholly uncn-
*Newton on Prnpherv.
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lightened and favage, fome mayj perhaps, he found, who pretend to prophecy. Among ^hriftian nations a few wild fanatics have given out predictions ; but the event hath uniformly blown them up, and expofed their delufions. But which of the more crafty and projecting impoftors has dared to rifk his reputation^ and his caufe, on the event of a prediction ?--Ma- homet indeed called himfelf a prophet ; but we do not find that he ventured on prophecy. The roman pontiffs, thro' a long fuccellion of a- ges, have been grafping at every advantage, which the moil; profound policy could fuggeft, to give credit, prevalence and permanence to their corruptions. But when have they pretended to the fpirit of prophecy ? i . They have long pretended to miracles, and made the power of working them one mark of their church. Mahomet pretended to have wrought f^iveral. It is comparatively eafy to obtain credit to fuch pretences. But whatreafon can be given that they have not claimed the gift of prophecy ? Is it not this, and only this ? they could not find how they could get any advan- txige by it, and they durlt not run the rifk of that detection and de(lru6tion, which muft have been the certain confequence of events not an- Iwering their predictions.
I therefore repeat it, there is no danger of being mified by oiir argument, by daylight, and with our eyes open. Mere pretences to j)i'op]iccy can never obtain credit but in the
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dark.— The true fpirit of prophecy loves the light. The more you will put it to the tell by the lights the more you will admire and adore him^ who revealeth the deep andfecret things; and the more readily believe in your heart, and confefs with yourmouth_, t\\3itt\\^ prophecy caine not of old time by the will of man ; but holy men fpake as they were moved by the holy Ghojl.
But why fo confident ? — Some cannot bear the light. It ftares them too itrongly in the face. They turn their backs, and complain, '^The correfpondence between the predications and events is fo perfe61:, that the predictions mull have been forged, and written after the events.''
To fuch diftrefs is infidelity reduced. Here is the laft refuge of a deiperate caufe. — For in this very plea there is a confedion, which, if the plea fail, muft confound the cauie forever*
May we be permitted to a(k thefe obje6lors, Where ? when ? by whom were thofe predic- tions forged ? Ye cannot, ye pretend not to tell. Why then is it alledged ? Becaufe it feemeth to you incredible, that events fliould be fo .accurately defcribed before they exifl. Is it then incredible that divine omnifcience fliould dcfcribe events to come as perte61:ly, as human hiftory can events which /^^z'^ come to pafs ? Ye muft recede from the objG6lion, or believe Jiothing but what ye fee with your own eyes
126 H I N S D A L E,
For the books which contain thefe prophecies are now in the hands of millions in two quart- ers of the globe. All of them have been read in public weekly aflemblies for feventeen hun- dred, and hioft of them for more than two thoufand years. They have been tranflated in- to many languages, and difperfed into many countries. They have I)een quoted and com- mented upon by writers ancient and modern ; by Jewifli, Chriftian and infidel authors, whofe books, or facraments have come down to our times. Yet will ye pretend they have been forged and impofed upon the world by a fraud i
Thofe v/ho have written againft revelation aiFe6l the honour of knowing more, and feeing farther, than others. But doth it not betray an ignorance altogether unworthy of a liberal mind, and a free inquiry, to alTert things with- out the ihadow of a proof.? Doth it not be- fpeakfomethingeven worfe than ignorance, to aifert and adhere to aiTertions, which are con- fronted by the united voice of all ancient hift- ory facred and profane .?
But fmce you have fo little faith in ancient hlftory, what if the appeal be made to your fen- fes ? — To the prcfent condition of the world, and to monuments and events fo recent as to preclude a poflibility that the prophecies, which are fulfilled in them, fliould have been written ciftc.r the events ? The appeal hath been made
H I N S 1? A L E. 127
in the face of the world, and by an able pen* your obje(5tion h^s been fairly taken up by the. ropts; and the caufe of infidelity left without a cloak to cover its weaknefs.
Be pleafe^ to ppe,n your eyes, and obferve howexadly the late and prefent condition of the delcendants of Noah anfwers their deftiny pronounced by him. Behold the fons of Ja- phet enlarged^ and ruling in Europe and Ameri- ca ; and, ever iince the calling of the Gentiles, dwelling ifi the tents of Stem; while the curfe of. llavery to this day refts on the po/ierify of Ham,
Take notice of the wandering Arabians—See how the deftiny of the fons of Ilhmael, fore- told by an angel, is anfwered in them. Have they not been midtiplicd exceedijigly ^ and be- conie a great nation^ Is not their Jjand againji every man, and every mans hand againjl them f And yet,to the jull aftonifliment of all the world, after all the mighty attempts which have been made tocruflithem as common enemies of man- kind, do they not ftill dwell as a free people in the prefence of all their brethren ?
Of Amalek it was faid by Mofes, His remem- brance fhall utterly be put out from under heaven ; and of the houfe of Efau, by another prophet, that it fl\ould be cut off forever. And where do you find on earth a fingle defcendant of either
Bp. Newton,
128 Hinsdale;
of thofe flocks, though once fuch great nations ? But you fee the fons of Jacob exifting at the prefent day, precifely in that condition which by all the prophets, was predi6led of them. Be- hold ! how they are punifhed for reje6ling their great prophet — Scattered among the heathen, among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other ! opprejjed ayidfpoiled evermore — made a proverb, and a by-word, and an afionijhment among the nations; while thofe, who at one time and another have been their enemies and conquerors/ have long lince been brought to their deftined ruin.
Where are now thofe renowned cities, Ni- neveh, Babylon and Tyre, whofe delolation was fo often denounced by the prophets ? What is now the condition of Jerulalem and Judea ? Are they not trodden dozvn of the Gentiles, and likely to be ftill trodden down, until the times that the Gentilesfhall befullfilled ? How remarkably do the a6tions and ftate of the Turks, who have fo long trodden them down, agree to what was predicted of them ? Hcfiall come with horfc- men and many flnps, and fJoall overflow a?id pafs o- ver. HcJImU enter into the glorious land, and ma- ny countries JJjall be overthrown. Do ye not find it even fo ? And tliat he hath ftretched out lus hand over the land of Egypt, with the Ly- bians at his flcps, while the Arabians ftill efcape out of his hand.
Hath not the ftate of Egypt, for many pafl ages, beenjuft as was foretold ?— a ^fl/^ and the
HINSDALE. 12^
bafell of kingdoms y without a ruler of her own, and wafted byjirangers,
Obferve the fourth kingdom of Daniers vifion broken into ten. Behold, that v/onderful pow- er > diverfe from the fir ft ^ which hath arifen up a- niong them, with a look more ft out than his fellows, and a mouth fpeaking great things, e\en great words againfl the Mqft-High —TYidit pow-er, which wear- etb out the faints of the Mo ft- High, and changeth times and laws. Behold him cajiing down the truth to the ground ; forbidding to marry, and com- mandmg to g^bftainfrom meats. Yea, behold him fitting in the temple, the church of God, andflocw- ing himfelf that he is God ; whoie coming is with Jigns and lying wonders. And remember, that the ieat of this horrid tyrannical power is that great city, which ftandeth onfeven mountains, and which, in the days of the prophecy, reigned over all the kings of the earth. In fine.
You fee the church of God at this day fub- iifting in the world.— The fame church, which before Chrift was continued in the feed of Abra- ham; and which, at, and after his coming, took that new form, which Daniel iliw under the name of the kingdom of heaven, and hath ever iince fubfifted amongft the Gentiles. You know the prefervation and final prevalence of this fociety, together with the hoftile attempts and final ruin of all her enemies, have been predi<5fed by all the prophets from Mofes to St. John. Now when ye fee this very church in pre- Vol. IV, R
I30 HINSDALE.
Jent exiflence and enlargment, after all the at-^ tempts w hich have been made, in all manner of ways, and thro' a longfucceilion of a^es, ior her deftrudion ; and notwithftanding Ihe has all the feeds of diffblution in herfelf, has often been extremely feeble, and in the hand of her ene- mies^ and at the point of death.— When you fee this, you behold an event, which, tho' perfectly correfponding to hundreds of fcripture-prophe- cies and promifes, is yet unparalleled in the HISTORY OF THE w^ORLD. /Suffer mc to repeat.
It is UNPARALLELED IN THE HISTORY OF THE
W0RLD--The moft unlikely event when it was foretold, ever to have exiftcd ;--and which, in- deed, never could have exijled, but by the mar-vellous providence of God, defeating the influence of iiatural caiifes, that he might fulfil the defigns of his mercy ;— that he might confirm the words of his fervants, tnd perform the counfelofhisineffengers; and at tiie lame time, that he might f ruff rate th^ tokens of the liars; and make diviners mad, and clofe the mouth of infidels in Perpetual Silence. Thus is the Spirit of prophecy the teftimony of Jehovah to the facred fciuptures as His Own Oracles, and to Jefus as the Chrift ; and of conicqucnce, to the Chriftian religion as di- \- 1 N E .
And what, my brethren, is the conclufion of the whole ? Is it not plainly this? That the religion of the bible, which tcrxhcth all men to believe, love, obey and worfhip the o?ie true Gou, through the one Alediator, the man Chrijl Je- fus, is the only true religion r"— That the works and
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fulFerings affigned to the Mefliah on earth are lininied?--That when the gofpel, which bring- eth the glad tidings, and calleth us and all men to repent, believe, obey and be faved, fliall have finiflied its courfe, the lame Jclus, whom God the Father hath thus fealed, and received up to glory, Ihall come again, to raife the dead and change the living, and render to both according to their works? In the mean time, that we and ail men are candidates for the immortal honors and rewards of the heavenly kingdom, or the never-enaing iorrows of damnation^ ac- cording as we 720x1^ obey or difobey that awful mandate, which once came from th.^ excellent glory. Hear Ye Him. Should not the ua- Ihaken truth, importance and excelJency of this reiigion animate the minifters of Chrift, not only firmly to believe and practile it themlelves ; but with unwearied diligence and conilancy to publiih it to the world ? Supported by Jucb e- vidence, what realon have they to tremble be- fore unbelievers, or to be aihamed of the gof- pei of Chrift ? Let us not be at all difmayed or diicouraged, that there are fo many who be- lieve not our report. So furely as Jef)'s is the Chrilt, his gofpel will finally triumph over all infidelity. And is it not a glory worthy oui* highelt ambition, to contribute all we can, tho' it were but a mite, to advance yi/cZ? a triumph ? We are ready to fay, we labour in vain ; yet, if we labour faithfully, let us remember, Oia- ivork is with the Lord ; and in due time xveJJjall rciip, if -we faint not.
1-32 HINSDALE.
Let 4ir who have believed the teflimony of Jefus, and built all their hope of falvation on the foundation of the apoftles & prophets, rejoice in the confolation which may be taken from the preceding dilcourfe. Be allured, Oye believ- ers. This is the true grace of God in which you Jland. Ye are building on a rock, againft which the gates of hell/hall not prevail. Only v/alk Wor- thy of the gofpel, and add to your faith thofe other moft excellent virtues which it recom- mends, and you fnali never fall ; for fo an en- trance fhall be minijhed to you abundantly info the everlajling kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrili.—
Have any to this time neglected to examine the evidences of the Chriftian relioion ? Have any foundv^d their faith on tradition ? Hath the belief of any -been fiaggered by the cavils of iniidelity ? ■ They ^re now moft earneftly in- vited to attend with care and candor to the ar- gument, which hath juft been exhibited. And not to that only, but to that in its due connedt- ion with all the reft. For tho' this by it- felf is conclulive and unanfwerable, it is ftill but one of a cloud of witneiscs, which all give in their united tcftimony, to authenticate the ] cliy/ion of J el us.
Be in treated \\\en to examine them with care. k is a matter of infinite and evcrlafting impo^- t;siice to vou , as well as others. If Jcius be <!)eChrift, if the gofpel be from God, you are
H IN S D A L E. 133
happy or wretched forever according as you embrace or rejeft its molt gracious oiFers. For fuch are the deciiive words of Chrift himfelf, wljich his minifters may not fupprefs ; He that believethjhall befaved : but he that believetb not,Jhall be da?nned.
But let none reft in a cold afTent. Uat faith only will fave the foul_, which embraceth Chrift as a whole Saviour, and the gofpel truth in the love of it: That faith which transformeth the foul into the image of Chrift, and reduceth the life into a real conformity to his command- ments.
Finally, my brethren, have we feen the fcrip- tures fealed by paft events ? Let it exalt our faith into a full afllirance, that all the prophe- cies which remain, and particularly thofe which fpeak of Jcfus' future glory, fhall receive, in due time, their perfeft accomplifliment.
With joy we behold Chrift reigning, while with grief we obferve it is as yet in the midflofhis enemies. As yet he finds but little faith on earth. Among even thofe who call him Lord, how many believe not ? The gloomy fliades of heathenifh darknefs overfpread many na- tions* The mipofture of Mahomet ftill ftretch- cth out its cruel hand over many countries. The Jews abide ftill in their unbelief The man of fin is ftill in power. The witneffes yet prophecy in fackcloth.
134 H I N S D A L E.
But blefTed be God, he hath opened to our faith brighter pro^pe6ts, and a more glorious or- der of things. When infidelity and dilcord, a- mong thofe who are called by his nanie^ fliall ceaie, then there fliall be one Lord, and his name one ; and he will give to them one heart and one way, that they may fear Him forever,— -when idol gods fijall perifJj from the earth, and from under the heavens. — when the lung of the north, who hath planted h:.s tabernacle in the glorious holy mountain, Jhall come to his end, and none JJmU help him." lichen the Lord fjall confume that wicked 0?ie with the Spirit of his mouth, and the bright nefs of his com-* ing— when the vail fhall be taken from the hearts of the Jews^ and they fliall return unto the Lord. Then fliall commence the glorious era, when the kingdoms of this world floall become the Lord's ; and be given to the faints of the Mqfl High, and they fliall live and reign with Chrijl a thoiifand years.
This GRAND ERA Is approaching with a fpeed rapidastheflight of time. The ?iight isfarfpent, the day is at hand. In this profpecl, with what ardor fliould we pray. Thy Kingdom come ? And tho' we may not live to fee that glorious day of the Son of Man upon earth, God will haften his work. And if we fliall die watching and praying for the coming of the Lord, we fliall be found cf him in peace at lafl, and have a part in the perfccl light, perfect love a/id con- iummate joys of heaven ; with wliichthe prefent \Vorki, in its vcrv belt elhUc, is not w^orthv to
HINSDALE. 13^
be compared. For if we believe that Jefus died and arofe, even Jo them aljb whojleep in Jefus, God will bring witb him. NorfJoall thofe who live and remain until the coming of the Lord, prevent thofe who are afleep. For the Lord himfelffhall defcend from heaven with afhout, with the voice of the arch- angel, and With the trump of God ; and the dead in. Chrt/ifhall rife firfl. Thenfhall thofe, who are ^- live and remain, be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air ; andfofhall we ever be witb the Lord,
Wherefore, my brethren ^ Jet us comfort one ano- ther with tbefe words.
SERMON LXVL
The efficacy of THE GOSPEL , ABOVE ALL WORLDLY WISDOM,
JBY
SAMUEL LANGDON, D. D.
Minifler of a Congregatioiial Churchy Hamptonfalls^
New-HampJIdire .
/ Cor, i. 2 1, '
For after that in the wifdom of God, the ivorld by wifdom knew not God, it pleafed God by thefoolifJo- nefs ofpreachi?ig tofave them that believe.
By the preaching of the apoftle Paul, a fa-* mous church had been formed at Corinth, one of the molt tiourifhing cities of ancient Greece;, very conveniently fituated for trade, and even vying with Athens in arts and learn- ing. That church was abundantly furnifhed with the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, and enriched with the graces of Cjiriftianity ; but was foon divided into parties, by* paying. more regard to the different gifts of thofe who had preached among them, than to the plain, eilen- tial do6lrines and duties of the gofpel. In this Vol, IV S
138 L A N G D O N.
refpe6l they retained too much of the fpirit of their philofophers, who made themfelves heads of different fe6ls, and led their difciples, ranged into diftin6t parties, to carry on continual dif- putes and contentions againft each other. This was far from being agreeable to the defign and fpirit of the gofpel ; which plainly taught them to trufi: in one only Saviour the Lord Jelus Chrift, learn his holy dodrines, do whatever he has commanded, and love one another as bre- thren of the fame family. Nor had Paul given them the leall occalion of breaking into parties : For he had not called them to look to him as their faviour,nor baptized them, as his diiciples, in his own name : Nay, fo far was he from dif- covering any fuch defign, that he had confidered it as a matter of little importance, compared with his great work of preaching the gofpel, whether he baptized converts with his own hands, or left this to be done by the evangelifts who accompanied him in his travels ; and it gave him no fmall fitisfa(5lion, confide ring the prefent diipolition of the Corinthians, to refle(5l that he himfelf had baptized but two lingle per- fons and one houlhold of that whole church. And as to his preaching, they had much lefs reafon to fuppofe he was aiming to gain applaufe, and forni a party for himfelf, like their cele- brated piiilolophers : For his preaching was not alfededly embelliflied with the enticing charms of eloquence, or recommended by a fhow of deep learning and curious reafoning, which would have been inconfillent with the efficacy
•L A N G D O N. . 139
'of the plain do6lrine of a crucified Saviour; but, dire6lly contrary to the well known man- ner of philofophers and the prevailing tafte of the world, he had with the greatefl iimplicity preached the crofs ofChrl(i, tho' it appeared to the wife men of the world the mod foolifli me- thod which could be taken to gain profelytes, and teach men religion and virtue. Here therefore the apoftle begins to triumph over the wifdom of the world, with an evident allu- lion to thofe remarkable words of Ifaiah ; Be- hold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work amoJig this people, even a marvellous zvork & a wonder I for the vutfdom of their wife 7ncn [hall per fh, and the un- der/landing of their prudent tJienfJjall be hid.-- Thine heart Jhall meditate terror : Where is the fcribe ^ where is the receiver f where is he that counted the. towers ? From thefe text s the apoftle borrows his exultation over all that wifdom which the Greeks admired and were feeking after ; and thus exclaims. Whore is the wife ? where is the fcribe? where is the difputer of this world? hath not God madefoolijh the wifdom of this world ? Im- mediately after this our text follows, to jullify the exultation. For the apoftle affirms it to be afurprizing evidence of the wifdom of the di- vine government, thatGod permitted the world lirft of all to try the utmoft force of their own wifdom, in order to find the knowledge of the tru^e God, and the way to happinefs ; and when, after a complete experiment, their continual ef- forts tailed of thofe important ends, that he him- felf took a method quite different from all the
140 L A N G D O N,
vain reafonings of philofophers, and which they treated with the greateft contempt, as foolifh- nef^^ to enhghten, reform and fave mankind ; yiz^ by the preaching of Chrifl crucified.
Therefore^ my prefent defign is to give feme particular illuftration of the fentiments con- tained in the text, by endeavouring to lliew^
I. That the wifdom of God was confpicuoufly manifefted in permitting the world, for many ages before the gofpel, to feek the knowledge of hiniielf and the way to happinefs, by trying the utmoft ftrength of human wifdom ; the re- fult of which experiment was, that mankind were never able, in this way, to gain the true knowledge of Gpd, or fave themfelves from the deltru^tive power of fm.
II. That the method which God was pi eafed afterward to take, tho' quite difFerentfrom that wnfdom which the world ilill admires, and is in- clined to feek after, and which appears in their viey^/foolffhnefsy is a moft glorious difplay of his wifdom, and moft eifedual to anfwer the im- portant purpofes of bringing men to the know* Itidge of himfcif, delivering them from the pow- er of fin, and making them forever happy ; viz, by this puhlic univerfal proclamation, — That Chrift crucified was the Son of God and the /Sa- viour of mankind; and that the belief of this proclamation is the principal thing neceffary in ovdQv to our being faved, Hei"e I have taken
L A N G D O N, 141
the liberty to fubftitute the word proclamation inftead of preaching ; becaufe the latter is too weak to exprefs the full force of the original word K«6^7.ie<«e'roc^ whlch propcrly fignifies that which is pubjiihed by the voice of a crier, or in other words, the proclamation made^
I. I am to fhew, that the wifdom of God was confpicuoufly manifefted in permitting the world, for many ages before the gofpel, to feek the knowledge of himlelf and the way to hap- pinefs, by trying the utmoll ftrength of human wifdom ; the refult of which experiment was, that mankind were never able, in this way, to gain the knowledge of the true God, or fave themfelves from the deftrudive power of fin. A fimilar experiment had been made long be- fore by king Solomon, under divine direction, with all the advantages of wifdom, riches and honor, whether man could find any good which might give him full fatisfadion in the prefent world ; and, to fave all others the trouble and difappointment of trying the fame experiment under far inferior advantages, he gave his full teftimony that all things under the fun are va- nity. And knowing how much men were in- clined to think their own wifdom fufficient to teach them all things relating to religion and good morals, v/ithout any revelation from hea- ven, God faw it beft to have an experiment rnade in this refpe6t alfo, before he fent his Son to be the liglit of the world ; and when the gofpel came, it moft evidently appeared that fuch a
14^ L A N G D O N.
revelation was abfolutely necefTary for the world.
But it has been made an obje6lion againft di- vine revel^tion^ that if it is fo necelTary and im- portant to the worlds it is unaccountable that it fhould be fo long confined to one nation, ot the perfe6lion of it poltponed tor fo many ages, while all the nations were left rn ignorance ; that it ought to have been made known, in the moll complete manner, from the earlieft ages, publiflied univerfally, and, by the fpecial pro- vidence of God, continued every where, and thro' all generations.
To this objeftion it is a fufficient anfwer. That the divine government cannot be directed by human reafon. For men are not competent judges of the beft order of the univerfe, or the moft proper methods of bringing moral agents, when blinded and vitiated, to the right exer- cife of their rational powers, and due fub- je6lion to the laws of tlieir Maker. An infin- ite mind has an unlimited view of all things at once, fees all caufes and efFe6ls, and can de- termine, without the leaft error, what rules of proceedmg are moft fuitable to make his wif- dom, power, jullice, goodnefsand mercy known to men, and ail intelligent beings: Nor does Jic govern moral agents in an arbitrary, defpo- tic manner. Therefore, when we are fure that he has really proceeded in this or that way in his moral government, we ought to be fully
]L A N G D O N.
43
fatisfied that it is right, becaufe God hath done it, whatever obje<5lions might otherwife arife in our minds. We may be ready to imagine the infinite goodnefs of God would have led him to place man at firft in an immutable Hate of wif- dom, innocence and happinefs ; but we have moft melancholly proof that it was not fo. We might as well fuppofe man ought to have been made with greater pei-fedlion in all his powers, and continued forever infallible in his reafon- ings, and fecure from all error in condu6t. Or let our proud fancies have full fcope, and we may wonder man was not made with higher powers, and had not equal rank with angels in the fcale of beings. But wx know that God made him to fill his proper place, in creation ; that he was made upright, furnifhed with fuffi- cient capacities to fecure his own happinefs; but liable, as a free agent, to mifimprove the favours of heaven ; and that all the folly and mifery to which he is fubjefted, muft be attributed to his own difregard to his Creator's will. Men may think they reafon well from the benevolence of the Deity, efpecially fince the firft promifeofa Saviour, when they conclude his defign was to make every individual of mankind happy, with- out propofing any farther conditions; but the revelation of mercy in the golpel plainly limits it to fuch as hearken to this revelation, believe it, and comply with the defign of it by turning fromfin to righteoufnefs. And fince the rea- foning fiiculties of man fall fo far fliort of thofe attainments in knowledge and good morals..
144 L A N G D O N.
which feem to be moft fuitable to our nature^ and conducive to our happinefs,fomemay think it hardly reconcileable with the idea of the in- finite goodnefs of God, that the greater part of mankind (hould be left, thro' a long fucceilion of ages, in fuch grofs ignorance and barbarity as degrades them almoft to the rank of fagacious brute animals. The great God, acting in a fovereign manner, according to his own g<;jpd- nels and boundlefs power, without regard to a- ny rules of wildom in his government, might have given equal ftrength of mind to every in- dividual of mankind, and equal advantages of improvement. He might, from the very firft, have taught them the whole extent of fcience, and all the arts and accommodations of focial and civil life, and opened to their view every thing relating to the glory and felicity of the world to come. But God's thoughts are not as our thoughts, nor his ways as ours. He go- verns the univerfe, not by conftant immediate exertions of power; but by certain laws or rules of proceeding which his wifdom hath eftabliflied, all fuited to the natures and fituations of- the .variety of creatures ; and by thefe laws all things go on in conftant order, and his vaft de- figns in the creation are accomplifhed. Juft fo in the government of the moral world, God pro- ceeds by certain rules of wifdom, adapted to the powers and| lituations of rational beings, fo that they may be led to the proper exercife of their own faculties, while he richly beftows on them the blefiings of his goodnefs and grace. He
L A N G D O N. 14-
does not lavifli on men fpccial favor.v: ,, Vvhilc they are quite infenfible of their value ; but re- quires them to know their own waivts, that. they may joyfully and thankfully receive the' tokens of his goodnefs and mercy.
God fuffered ignorance, idolatry and wick- edncfs to prevail for many ages in the world, that the effe&s of man's apojlacy might become mojl apparent, and that all might fee and feci the ncccjjity offome remedy for fuch iiniverfal corruption and mifery. As all manner of vice prevailed more and m.ore \vithoutJ30unds, to the difgracc of human nature, and the great detriment of fo- ciety, the fev/. who remained more virtuous than the reft, at length began to fee the necell- ity of giving fonfe check to the licentious reign of immorality, and cultivating the principles* of natural religion and virtue. This induced their wife men to bend their ftudies this way ; to en- quire into the great' difference between virtue and vice as to the happinefs of man ; to form fyftems of morality according to their various views, defend them by learned arguments, and endeavour with great zeal to make profc^lytes to their lentiments. Thus moral philofophy began in Greece feven or eight hundred years before the coming of Chriit :— and it grew nr^re and more into efteem. It was the favorite ftu- dy and unwearied labor of the moft learned men; and they wrote many things admirably well. But their fyftems were vciy dilFerent, and often quite contradi(!^ory to each other : VoT. TV. ' T
146 L A N G D O N.
Each contended for his own hypothefis, and dif- puted againft all the reft : Each boafted of his own wifdom, and the number of his followers. But after all their great labors and improve- ments, their wifdom had very little effe6l on the bulk of the people, to reclaim them from endlefs fuperftitions and vices. Nay_, idolatry and vice prevailed more and more as learning increafed, and roie to the greateft height a- mong the multitude when human wifdom gain- ed its fummit.
The antient philofophers, after all their en- quiries, were never able to difcoverand repre- fent clearly the unity, the fpirituality, and the eflential characters of the eternal God, free from all unworthy conceptions of him; to point out that pure and rational worfhip which his nature requires, without mixture of fuperftition ; to afRire men that forgivenefs of fms is confiftent with his moral government; and give full evi- dence of the rewards of virtue and the punifli- mcnt of vice in a future ftate ofexiftcnce By their utmoft wifdom they were n«ver able to difpollefs their temples of the innumerable gods worlhipped by the vulgar, nor free their own minds from the prevailing fuperftitions. They realoned well on the principal branches of vir- tue; but tliey did not teach pure and perfe6l 3norality. In their fyftems they allowed the pra(^\ice of lomc great vices, and countenanced them in others by their own condu6l ; and not- withftanding their reaionings in favour ofvir-
L A N G D O N. 147
tue, very few among the multitude were per- fuaded to comply with their labored inftru6t- ions.
By the law naturally imprelTed on their minds, men are confcious of the good or evil of their adtionSj at lealt as far as rehites to the preient life. They know it is criminal to Ileal', abufe one another, commit adultery or murder, or counteract any of the laws and rules without which men cannot live fafely and comfortably in fociety and neighbourhood. They are rea- dy to complain of injuries which they receive, and in their refentments charge one another with many faults ; and in their more fober tho'ts they have a general view of the principal branches of locial virtue. They have alfo fome apprehenfions of the anger of God, or the gods whom they worfhip, for the offences which they commit, and the neceffity of appealing them by iuch offerings and rites of worfhip as they im- magine molt acceptable. But their pallions and appetites, lufts and evil habits, prove top flrong tor reafon and confcience, and ftill prompt them on to all kinds of wickedneis. When men have contracted ftrong habits of vice, all attempts to perfuade them out of their courfc by the molt learned reafonings will be in vain. You may urge, with unwearied .addrefs, the beauty of virtue, and the deformity of vice; the high fatisfa6tion in doing well, and the pain- ful reflections on immoral conduCt ; the advan- tages of honefty, fobriety, chaltity &c, and the
148 L A N G D O N.
many inconveniences, forfbws and fufFerings, which men bring on themlelves by going on in. vicious courfes; but you will not prevail with 17^ en, captivated by their own lulls, by mere " : — s, to renounce their way of life, and .. . c« a ic»ry to thofe ftrong inclinations which ix'dhrd them the higheft pleafure. There mult be fomcthing to itrike the mind with fotce fu- Dcrior to the violence of the paflionsand fenfu- al inclmations, before men will hearken to the Hill voice of re^fon and confcience, and forfake the ways of fm. There mull be fome power- ful alarm to the mind; fome extraordinary terrors difplayed in full view ; fome glorious hopes and profpe6ls preicnted; fome wonder- ful news communicated, vi^hich will roufe the attention, and atFe6l all the powers of the foul. Thus the carnal and lenfual images may be o- verpowcred, which continually haunt the mind, and hold the government of all the nobler fac- ulties. But fuch methods are beyond the fphere of mere philofophy.
Nov/ was it not a wonderful evidence of the wifdomofGod, that he fliould permit this great experiment to be made. Whether human wifdom could recover a w orld of rational beings from a moft unhappy ftate of ignorance and aliena- tion from God, to the knowledge of him, and a condu6t fuitable to the dignity of man's na- ture, and necellhry for his happinefs ? If no fuch experiment had been made before the gof- })cl was publiflied, the wife men of the world
L A N G D O N, 149
would not eafily have been perfuaded, but that reafon and learr^ing might have been effeftual, without fuch a revelation from heaven to en- lighten and retbrm mankind. To this very day many are glorying in the fufliciency of rea- fon.alone for all the purpofes of religion and morality,, carry on the experiment ftill, and reje<5l: revelation as quite unnecelfary. But after all the trials which they have been re- peatedly making,* with many improvements on the antient philofophy, borrowed from that ve- ry revelation which they defpife, they cannot yet agree among themfelves in their feveral fyilem.s of infidelity, and have had no better luc- cels in reforming the world than their heathen predecelfors. The force of the molt rational arguments, and all the charms of eloquence were tried for many ages, and human nature inuft have been pronounced irrecoverable from it's inveterate diforders, if God had not taken the work into his own hands, and in an extra- ordinary way, adapted to the ftate of mankind, ihewn his power by the proclamation of a Sa- viour. What this method is, io efficacious a- bovc all human wildom, is the fecond thing which our text calls us to coniider.
II. The method which God has been pleafed to take, tho' quite different from that wifdom which the world flill admires, and is inclined to feek after, and which in their view appears fool- ifliuefs, is a moil glorious difplay of his wifdom, and moft effe6lual to anfwer the great purpofes
i^o L A N Cf D 0 N,
of bringing men to the knowledge of himfelf, delivering them from the power of fin, and making them forever happy, viz,--By this pub- lic univerfal proclamation, *^'That Chrift Cruci- iied is the Son of God, and the Savior of man- kind ; and that the belief of this proclamation is the principal thing necelfary in order to our eternal faivation."
I have obferved, that in order to overcome the power which lin has ov/er mankind, there
niuil be fometbing to roufe and alarm the mi?id ; fome extraordinary terrors difplayed ; fame glorious hopes prcjcnted to vieiv ; fome wonderful news com- municated, fuificient to overpower the carnal and fenfual images which continually haunt the mind, and hold the government of the nobler facul- ties.
Now this very method God in his infinite wildom has taken, to conquer the fouls of fin- ners, and bring them under his righteous go- vernment. After all the learning of the world had been employed, with all pollible advantag- es, to reafon mankind out ot the pra6lice of vice, and teach them virtue and pure religion, without any great effe6l; God took the work into his own hands, and, in a way which human wifdom could never have thought of, awakned the attention of mankind, prefented things fpi- j'itual and eternal in the cleareft view, tending to fill their minds with wonder, terror, hope and Joy. And this was by fending out a proclamati-
L A N G D O N. 151
on through the world. — That Jefas of Naza- reth, who was crucified by the Jews, was his owB'-. Son, and the appointed Saviour of the world ; that he rofe from the dead, afcended into heaverT, and will appear again with divine glory and majefty at the end of the world, to judge all mankind, receive the righteous into heavenly glory, and punifh all wicked men in flames of eternal fire.
The proclamation confifted of one principal fa6l, viz,That Jefus, who fuffered- on the crols, was rifen from the grave, and gone up into heaven. For if this fa6l was true, then the whole character which Chrift afTumed was true, as attefted by many aftonifliing miracles; his doctrines were from God, and to be received with full credit ; his commands are to be obey- ed with entire fubje6lion to his authority ; and the exceeding great & precious promifes which he has made will moft certainly be performed.
Nothing could appear more foolifli to the wife men of the world, than to hear of a num- ber of illiterate perfons going every where to reform mankind, only by publifhing a procla- mation of a certain fa6t; a fa6l which they im- agined in itfelf to be very incredible, and which they did not coniider in all it's connections ; a fa6f accompanied with the moft fliameful cir- cumftances, however extraordinary. To pro- claim a man who had been accufed, tried, con- demned and crucified as a notorious malefa(51or^
152 L A N G D O N.
-to be a faviour for mankind, when he could not fave himfelf; to declare him to have rifen from the grave by his own power, when he ap- peared to be but a man, and that of the loweft rank and chara6ler ; and to depend on this proc- lamation to oppofe the current opinions and pra(5tices of the world, appeared to philofophers fuperlative folly. Wliat they expe6led from men fetting out to be great inftru6i:ors of the world, was, profound learning, a labored invef- tigation of truth and morals, line drawn argu- ments and ingenious dedu6lions, which might entertain highly cultivated minds, and lay the foundation for new improvements in theoretic wifdom. But to fee poor illiterate fifhermen going about every where only to publifli this ftrange ftory, That a criminal, whom the Jews crucified, rofe again after he was dead, was in their view molt ridiculous ; nor could they con- cieve what great and good effc^l it could have on mankind. But notwithftanding the con- temptuous opinion which the philofophers en- tertained of the proclamation of a crucified Sa- viour, it was moil eire6tual to the great pur- pofes of bringing men to the knowledge of the true God, delivering them from their fins, and making them forever happy.
Let us confider this proclamation in connex- ion with the chara6tcrs which Chrift claimed, when he preached and wrought miracles among the Jews, and the do6lrincs he taught. What could be more wonderful and alarming ? What
L A N G D O N. i^s
greater news couM be brought to men, than that the Son of God, by whom he made the world, came down from the Father m an hu- man form, was a partner in ourhelh and blood, converfed familiarly v/ith men, declared liis Father's will, and died tor the ialvation of lin- ners ? What can be more alarming or encou- riiging than to know, that he came to warn finners to efcape from the wrath to come on all the ungodly at the end of the world; to call all men every where to repent, return to God, and live a fober, righteous and godly life according to his Father's wall ; to aflure them, that God is full of compallion and gracious, willing to forgive ail the trefpahes of repent- ing linners, and receive them fully into favour as children ofhis family ; and that he will fup- ply all their neceifities while in this worlds fup- port them under every affliction, comfort them with his prefence when they walk thro'the dark lliades of death, raife them at the lafi: day from the grave, and bring them into a new and glo- rious world of everlafting light, joy and felicity ?, That man muft be very much unacquainted with hinifelf and with human nature, who does net know that a melFenger, fent from heaven in the open view of the world on fuch an important errand, would arreft the attention of all man- kind, and have a fur prizing efledl on every fac- ulty of the foul, if, in the midil of the great- eft corruptions of the world, fome angel ihould n\ake his appearance in the upper regions, clothed with all the radiance of an heavcnlv fpi- Vol. IV. U
154 LANG DO N.
rit, and viiible every where; and, with a voice like thunder, ihould proclaim the anger of the great God againft all wicked men, aflure them that the molt awful deftru(5lion from the Al- mighty is coming fpeedily upon them, exhort them to repentance, promife them divine m.er- cy, teach them that obedience which God re- quires, inform them ofall the glory of the hea- venly world from which he came, and that all good men fliall he admitted there, when the earth and all the works therein fliall be burnt up, and the wicked caft into the lake of fire ; Would this furprizing appearance have no more efFe6t than calm reaforiing on the fame truths ? Sure- ly all the fenles would be ftruck with awe and amazement, as well as man's rational nature wrought upon ; and we might expect lome remarkable change in the fentiments and mo- rals of mankind.
But the gofpcl contains fomething f^u' more
wonderful, tho' not fo evident and alarming to
the fenfes, viz, That the eternal invilible God
was manifefled in our flefiily natures, in the per-
fon of one who is fuperior to all the angels of
' heaven, and declared to be the only begotten a?id
beloved Soji of the Father- -That he is the fame
perfon, whole voice was heard in the beginning
of the creation conunanding all things into ex-
1 fie nee, who is the image of the invifible God, in
whom the brightnejs of his glory Jlnnes ; who was
horn before every creature ; by whom and for whom
■ill things were created , that arc in heaven, and that
L A N G D O N. 155
are in the earth, vifthle and invijible, whether they be thrones, or dominlo?is, or principalities, or powers ; who is he/ore all things, and by whom all things conjifl. So Paul gives the glorious rhara6ter of Jefus Chrift in the firft chapter of his epiftle to the Coloffians, and again farther illuftrates it in the beginning of his epiftle to the Hebrews : And the beginning of John's gofpel gives the fame high chara6ter, which may be much bet- ter underftood by the plain language of the in- fpired writings, than by any metaphylical jar- gon of fome antient creeds, or of more modern Icliolaftic divines- The gofpel declares, that this wonderful perfon ivths madeflejh, and in hu- man nature familiarly converfed with men, preached right eoiffnefs in the molt perfect!; view of his Father's law and government, tellified a- gainft the evil works of the world, called all men every where to repent, and fear that God who is able, not only to kill the body, but to deftroy both foul and body in hell. He made a full revela- tion of the future refurreBicn of the dead, the great folemnities of the day of judgment , "when he himfelf will fit as' judge in his Father^s glo- ry, the happinefs which the righteous will then obtain in the heavenly world, and the dreadful fentcnce v/hich will be executed on the wiclced,- Departfvom me, ye ciirfed, into everlafiing fire, pre- pared for the devil and his angels. He confirm- ed his chara6ler and do6lrine by allonifliing miracles; by healing ^/Z ?na?mer ofdifeafcs, com- manding winds and feas into obedience at his pleafurc, and raftng dead bodies to life, cqfting
15^ L A N G D O N. *
out devils, and other evidences of almighty pow- er. This fame divine perfon, tho' he was the glorious Lord cf all,, call contempt on all the wealth a id fplendor of this worlds and fubmit- ted to poverty and conftant labour and travel : Yov he went about doing good, and endured hun- ger, and thirl and wearinefs^ that he might work t\\Q: zvorks of his Father who Jent him into t)ie world. And when he had iinidied the meiiage he was to deliver, he meekly lurrendered hinilelf into the hands of his malicious enemies, and humbLed hiinlelf to death, even the ignominious death of the crofs, that he might make a perfect atonem.ent for fin by the iacrifice of himfelf. But he gave the n^oft complete proof that he was indeed the Son of God, as he had all along declared himfelf to be, by riftng to life again from tlie grave, /Z)^ third day, as he had told his difciples before his crucifixion ; and then, having /(?/'/^r- iy days together flocwed himfelf alive after his paffion, hy majiy infallible proofs, and farther inftrudted his difciples in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, by afccnding into heaven in a cloud '\i\ th.e plain view of iiis difciples, with a teftimony of angels that he will come again in lihe manner as PC afcended.
0
All this taken together is the moft wonder- ful, news that was ever proclaimed to mankind, in the proclamation, the divine character of Je- ius Chrift, his heavenly doctrines, his mira u- lous v/orks, his aftonilhing humiliation and fuf- ferii^HQ foj- the fake of finful men, and the glo-^
L A N G D O N. 157
ry to which he is nowexalted as the head of the church, Lord over all things, and the appoint- ed judge ot the woriJ, are ciofely corneOed; and ii, m this connexion, men pay due attenti- on to it, it is luihcient to awaken and reiorm an ignjraat and vicious world.
By this revekition all the charaders of the inviiible God are clearly maniieHed. We have full evidence of his exiitence, the perfect purity of his nature, his moral government, his abhor- rence of the wickednels of mankind, and his de- light in mercy as tar as may be confiilent with wddoni and juftice. We are taught to fear, and love and obey him. We are c'eterred from In by the 'declaration of future deltru6ti- on from the Almighty ; and are encouraged to repentance ahd a life of godlinefs and virtue, by the promife of pardoning mercy, the energy of the Spirit of God, ?.nd a glorious immortality in heaven. Our minds are enlightened with hea- venly truth, and our hearts fubjedted to the au- thority of the Son of God. Inftead offuperfti-' tion, we are taught that worfliip which is a- greeable to the fpiritual nature of the fupreme Being; and inftead of former ignorance, we arc brought to fee clearly every thing which relates to right condud^ and our happinefs in this world and the future. In this revelation we have a moft perfed fyftem of divine truth and moral righteoufnefs, far more excellent than the befl inlh u(5lions of the moll celebrated philofophers, and beyond comparifon more powr crful on the mind.
i^-B L A N G D O N.
The power of this gofpel was evident imme- diately after the lirft publication, in opening the eyes of multitudes who had been ignorant of the true God, and devoted to the fervice of idols, and turniyig them from darknefs to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, fo that they receiv- ed remijfion of fins, were cleanfed from the defile- ments of vice, became holy, and obtained a title to the glorious inheritance of thefaiiits. It con- quered ftrong prejudices, call down all proud imaginations and reafonings, which exalted them-- felves againfl the knowledge of God, and brought into captivity every thought to the obedience of Chrifi, It prevailed more and more, notwithftanding the violent oppofition made by the powers of the world; and numerous converts became worOiippers of the true God, and obedient to his will. And notwithflanding the gradual a- batement of that attention due to the gof- pel, which might naturally be expected from length of time, and the great corruptions which infeniibly have been mixed with original Chrif- tianity, the proclamation continues to have great eifc6t from age to age, on all who heark- en to it, and is the power of God to the falvation of every one who believes.
What proc iajjiation from heaven, how^ won- derful, important and powerful foevcr, can have any ciFcc^t, nnlels it is believed ? If we do not believe it, our calc is the lame as if we had never heard it. But our l^elief of that won- derful meflage, brought from heaven by the Son
L A N G D O N. 159
of God, muft be anfwerable to the important defign of it : For according to our faith, fo is the efFe6t. If our belief of the glorious gofpel is weak and doubtful, and we are infenfible of our fins, and of the danger of everlafting de- Urudion, the news of pardon and falvation will be received with dull indifference. A procla- mation, publilhed every where by the higheft authority, muft certainly demand very folemn attention. The contents of it cannot be mat- ters of fmall moment; it muft be defigned to gain full credit, and to anfwer fome great pur- pofe. In the very nature of it, the accom- plifliment of the end propofed muft depend on its being well known, underftood, and fully be- lieved ; and for this reafon the new teftament every where requires faith as the firft and great thing neceflary in order to falvation. There is not the leaft hint in the proclamation, that it will fave men whether they believe it or not ; but it worketh efFdually in them that believe it with all the heart.
The knowledge of the glorious chara6lers of Jefus as the Son of God, the Creator, Lord, and heir of all things, who came into the world as the only Redeemer and Saviour of men, and of- fered himfclf on the crofs as an atoning facri- fice for our fins, fliining clearly into the mind, difpels the darknefs, prefcnts to the foul new objeds of love, fear, hope and joy. It brings Ipiritual & eternal things into clear view, and turns men from all their Iiifts and evil courf-
i6o L A N G D O N.
es^ to live foherly, righteovjly and godly in the pre- fent world: And this is the beginning of that falvation which will be perfected in heaven.
And now I beg leave to mention two or three plain inferences from what has been faid, and conclude with an addrefs to miniflers and chriftian profeflbrs.
Inf. I. If the original proclamation of the gofpel, publilhed through the world by the apof- tles, contained in it foniething fo alarming as that the Son of God came from heaven with a furprizing meliage of mercy, and that l.edied on the crofs for our iins, and is now rifen and glorified at his Father's right ban i in heaven^ exalted far above all principality, and power^ and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but alfo in that which is to come. — If thisiurprizing proc- lamation was what produced a moft extraordi- nary change in the moral ftate of the world, which could not be effe6ied by all the learned labours of the wifeft men for many centuries before ; how can they be thought to preach the true goipel, who degrade the charader of Je- fus Chiiit to that ot a meer man, and deprive him of that glory which he had with the Father before the world, or angels, or men exifted ? They may allow him to be a greater prophet than all who came before him ; to have deliv- ei*ed a more perfect iyftem of morals than a- ny before taught ; to. have pradiled his own
L A N G D O N. i6i
precepts in the moft exemplary manner ; to have confirmed his dodrine by the molt alton- illiing miracles; and to have died as a dilliii- guiihed martyr for truth and rightcoufricls. But all this tails far fliort of that proclamation which the apoftles publilhed Concerning him, and would not have produced fuch immediate and marvellous effe6i:s. The character ot iut h an extraordinary man might excite fomc admi- ration, and lead the wife men of the world, to enquire into the fyftem of morals which he de- livered, compare it with their own, and re- ceive it as a great improvement in philoiophy ; But it would not overpower the mind with the irreiiftible authority of a meflcnger fent directly from heaven, God's agent and reprefentative, whom he has employed in all his works, by whom God himfelf fpeaks to men. The apoftles moft certainly proclaimed, that God, who at fundry t'unes, and in divers manners /pake unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in thefe la/f daysfpoken wito us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir rf all things, by whom alfo he tnade the ivorlds. This was what arrefted the attention of mankind. Take away this exalted character of Jefus, and the peculiar glory and power of the gofpel is gone.
Inf. 2. They who- define the gofpel only as a moft complete fyftem of morality delivered by Chriftj and preach it only in this view, are trying over again the fame experiment made by the antient philofophers, viz, to perfuado Vol. IV. X
i62 L A N G D O N.
and reform men by rational arguments, and inftruct them in the virtues of focial life. Some minifters in the Chriftian church, to avoid the fneers of deifts at the peculiar doctrines of Chrifiianity, and their contempt of the clergy, have feemed willing to compromife matters with them on thefe terms ; viz, that if they will agree to treat the clergy with decency, and confent to be hearers^ they will engage not to offend their ears with any difagreeable doct- rines, but entertain them merely with lec- tures on moral virtues. But however fuch may flatter themfelves that they are minifters of Chrift, they have really given up the true gofpel, and very far advanced to the lide of it s adverfaries.
Inf. 3. When we hear great complaint, that vice is prevailing more and more in Chrift- ian countries, we may conclude, either that the gofpel is not generally proclaimed in the orig- inal grandeur of it's dodrines, with proper zeal and conftancy ; or that the hearers confider it as fomething worn out with age, have grown dull of hearing, and by long withftanding the moft powerful means of converfion & falvation, are at length given up, in the righteous judgmeiit of God, to bardnefs of heart, and blindnefs of mind, to ircafure up wrath againfi the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. It is to be hoped the former is not generally the caule of prevailing wickednefs at this day in our own land, however it may be in fome other na-
L A N G D O K 1^3
-tions. And fince there are flill good numbers bf ferious Chriftians, difperfed thro' all our towns and parilhes, who appear willing to hearken to the word of Chrill, and obey his commands, we have reafon to hope God will not wholly forfake us; but revive his work in thefe declining years, and again awaken all or- ders and ages to attend to the news of falvation by his Son Chrilt Jefus our Lord.
I will now fay a word or two to my fellow labourers in the gofpel.^ Permit me to remind my felt and you of the important work to which we are called, and the hope we have of good fuccefs, if we faithfully preach Chrift Jefus the Lord. We are ilill to continue that fame proc- lamation, which was at lirll: publifhed by the apollles ; viz, that God hath exalted that fame Jefus, who was crucified, to the hiuheft hon- ors of heaven, and that he was anointed of God to be the prophet, priefl and king of his church, according to the fcriptures of the antient pro- phets, and the wonderful atteftations from hea- ven to his divine and mediatorial charaders. We muft conftantly affirm that he is the Cre- ator and Lord of all, and that he is the only Sa- viour from lin and future wrath. We muft de- clare that when God beheld the whole world ly- ing in wickednefs, and {lri6t juftice demanded the dellruction of the whole human race ; when all the wifdoni of man could not difcover any way of deliverance, or reclaim mankind from their
*This ferrnon ivas preached before an affociat'ion of nitmjl- frs Viet at Greenland^ in the vicinity of Portfinoutb, New- Harnpjhire, May the o, 1792.
i(;4 ^I. A N G D O N:
woful ilate of ignorance and alienation from him, he fo loved the world that he gave his only be^ gotten Scm, that ivhofoever helieveth i?t himjhould 7wt perii'h, but have everlafting life ; that he now commands all men every where to repent, plead the virtue of the great facrifice ottered on the crofs for a free pardon, and heartily commit them- ielves to the care and government of the glori- ous Saviour, that they may be conducted in the way of holinefs by his word and Spirit to ever- lafting happinefs. We muft declare that the Lord Jefus, having fuffered on the crofs for our fins, arofe again from the dead, afcended into heaven, liveth Ibrever to make intercellion for us, and will come again at the laft day in the glory of the Father, with his holy angels, to judge the world, deftroy his enemies, and re- ceive his taithful difcip]es into his eternal hea- venly kingdom. We muft repeatedly and con- ftantly proclaim the glorious chara(5^ers of the Saviour, and infift on his high authority, and by this call men to repentance and newnefs of life. We muft teach Chriftians to obey their Lord's commands, and follow his perfect exam- ple, and -jarge them, in confequence af their j'aith, to all manner of holy converlation and godlineis. Le^s take heed of preaching mo- rality like mere phikfophers ; but command and cxhortr Chriftians by the Lord Jefus, that tiiey walk worthy of their holy vocation, and be fruitful ifi every good work, looking lor his le^ond coming, that they may be found of him without I'pot and blamelefs. And let us depend on God to^nake his gofpel the power-
L A N G D O N. 165
ful means of faving the fouls of our hearers. We have no reafon for difcouragement, while we preach the original gofpel faithfully. We fliall be unto God a Jweet favour of Chrifl in them that arefave4, a?id in them that perifh. His word will not return unto him void, but will accompliOi the great delign of faving all that believe it; or make manitjeft the divine juftice in the con- demnation of thofe who refufe to hearken to the gracious mellage which he has lent by his beloved Son. Let us preach Chrift, once cru- cified, and now glorified, as the apoftlcs did, and God will give us fome ieals of our miniftry to crown us with joy at the laft day.
I will conclude with a brief addrefs, as a min- ifter of Chrift, to all Chriftian profefibrs.
We proclaim in your ears, that God hath fent his >Son into the world that we may live through him. AH have finned, and become guilty of high offences againfl the King of hea- ven, and the laws of his government. The liearts of men are full of evil, and the vices of the world openly Ihew the oppofition of man- kind to the holy nature and declared will of God ; and he might juflly have fent his Son with *n mefTage of wrath, to declare his determina- tion to bring fpeedy deilruction upon all the inhabitants of the earth. Your own conlcien- ces' teftify, that you have ferved divers lufts and vanitie'=;, and liave tranfgreiied ngainft the pre- cepts of wifdom and righteoufnel s. The wrath
i66 L A N G i) O >J.
of God is revealed from heaven againft all un- godlinefs and unrighteoufnefs of men, who hold the truth in unrighteoufnefs; and unlefs you repent, you mull certainly perifli. But God is willing to pardon and fave you, and is recon- cilmg the world to himfelf in Jelus Chrift, the Mediator of the new covenant. He hath not fpared his own Son, but delivered him up to death for our otfences, and raifed hmi again for our juftification. Juflice and mercy are magnified together. He has given the full- eft teftimony againft fin in the fufFerings of his well beloved Son, when onr iniquities were laid upon him ; and promifed remiilion of fins for his fake to all that truft in the facrifice which he has offered. He calls you to confefs your fins with godly forrow, renounce them, and be- come fervants of righteoufnefs, and have your fruit unto holinefs, that the end may be eternal life. See that you relufe not to hearken to the glorious medenger fent from heaven. Be- lieve and obey the gofpel of Chrift, and you will be delivered from wrath, and obtain eternal falvation in heaven. But how can you.elcape, if you negle6t and defpife a Saviour of fuch an exalted character, and go on ftill in your evil ways .(^ Turn ye. turn ye, why will ye die? If any of you have believed the gofpel with all the heart, depart from all iniquity, manifeft your faith by obferving all things whatioever Chrift has commanded. He is your glorious king, and you mull honour and obey him : His government is wife and juft, and all hs iervants
L A N G D O N. 1^7
efteem themfelves happy in their abfolute fub- jedtion to him. Never perluade yourfelves you have attained to the faith required, unlefs the great defign of the gofpel proclamation is an- fwered. You are called^to attend to it, that you may be faved from* your fins, and live un- to God ; and this is the efFedl of that faith which faves men. You are called to glory and vir- tue ; to feek glory, honour, and immortality by patient continuance in well doing : and the more you abound in every good work, fo much the firmer will your alTurance be that you fhall never fall, but have an entrance adminiftered abundantly into the everlafting kingdom of ourLord andSaviour Jefus Chrift.
God grant that Chrift's minillers and people may be acknowledged by him at his appearing, and rejoice together in his prefence forever* Amen»
%l
SERMON LXVII.
THE BUSINESS of LIFE, and HOPE in
DEATH.*
EY
SAMUEL LANGDON, D. D.
Minijler of a Congregational Church, Hamptonfalh, New Hampjhire.
AiJts xiii. 3^.
For David, after he hadfervedhls own generation by the will of God, fell on^fleep, and was laid imto his fathers y and faw corruption.
p
aul, that eminent apoftle of Jefus Chrift, having an opportunity ofpreaching the gof- pel at Antioch in Pifidia, :n a fynagogue of the Jews, reafons from the fcriptures, and by feve- ral remarkable paliages clearly proves, that God had raifcd up a Saviour, Jefus, the prom- ifed fon of David ; and declares that after his
* Thisfennon was preached at HamptoiifalI>, }an iiy 1786 ; being the Lord's day iollowing after the'funenJ of Mf,shech Weark Efq. J'lelidcin uf ibe Statr of N e:\v-Hanipili ire, wl-iolV charadcr was i'lfertrd but now ■ is omitted; as tlie fubjed is dcligacil for more genpra^ liff*. Vol. IV. Y
1 73 L A N G D O N.
crucifixion by the malice of the jewifli elders, God had railed him from the dead, and fent the word of falvafion both to Jews and Gentiles, promifi ng to all believers juftification unto life eternal.
In the courfe of his argument he takes par* tlcular notice of two or three remarkable paflT- ;iges in the old teftament, which plainly fpeak of the Melhas. His firft quotation is from the fecond pialm ; where the eternal Father, jpcaking of the McIFias, fays. Thou art my Son, ibis day have I begotten thee : This he brings as plainly implying the high dignity of God's a- nointed above all creatures, and alfo his endlefs life, or fure recovery from death and the grave to fupcreminent glory in God's prefence. He then produces another palTage from Ifa. Iv. 3. Avherc God fays by the prophet, Incl'meyour ear, and come vnto me ; hear, and your foul fjatl live; and Iivill mahean cverlqfting covenant ivith you, e- ven the fure mercies oj David; and then goes on to defcribe the Meilias as a leader and com- mander of the people fent from heaven. This text the apoltle mentions as implying, that the Mcllias was to be a perfon on whom all man- kind might depend, even to the end of the world, jbr the enjoyment ofall bleflings, and unerring condu6t in the way to eternal happinefs ; which could net be true, if that great perfon was to l)e a mere man, liable, equally with earthly monarchs, to be ftript of all dignity and autho- rity ])y death. Then lalily, he refers his hear-
;L A N G D O N. 171
ers to thofe words in the fixtcenth Pfalm^ ror thou wilt not leave my foul in hell, neither wUt ibou Suffer thine Holy One to fee corruption. As this text was generally undcrltood by the jewilh Rabbles of that day to have rcfpc6t to the Mel- iias, the apoftle prelTes it upon them_, as evi- dently implying that he was to fuficr death ; but that he fliould not fee corruption,, but be railed from the grave by the divine power, in a manner which fhould diitinguifli him from all other men. And to prevent every evafion of this capital argument, he particularly proves that David could not be fuppofed to fpcak thcfe things of himfelf; becaufc if he had reference to his own exemption from the corruption of the grave, and his reftoration from the Hate of the dead, what he faid was plainly proved falfc by the event : For however great and good a man he was, and however favoured by heaven, he was not in any refpe6t exempted from the common law of mortality ; but having been a fervant to the will of God in his own generati- on, he fell afleep in death, was buried ni the le- pulchre of hie fathers, and like them cor- a'upted in the grave without a releafe. There- fore the apoftle's inference was undeniably jull, that thefe words arc not applicable to any other perfon than that Jefus, wlio was railed from the dead by divine power, before he had Icen corruption, of which fa 61: all the apoftlcs were appointed to be fpecial witnelles.
:^ 7'hc defign and connexion of our text appears
1^2 L A N G D O N,
by what has been obferved : But I fhall not coniider it in an argumentative view. The liniple affirmation of what was plainly verified in David, is fufficient to afford us very ufeful inftrudlions as to the life and death of the moll eminent men. While they live, they ferve their own generation by the will of God ; or, as the greek may as well be tranllated, they min- ifter to the will of God in their own generati- on ; and then fall afleep in death, are laid unto their fathers, and fee corruption. If we attend to the text, and digeft it well on our thoughts, it teaches us our duty in life ; our true hon- our and happmefs ; v/hat forms a great and good character meriting univerfal efteem ; how lim- ited our time of fervice in this world ; and what realon we have to rejoice that the gofpel foftens down the terrifying idea of death, by the alTurance of a refurredion of the dead ; that notwithftanding the moft eminent fervants of God mull fee corruption, they only fall a- fleep, to awake at the ialt day, and live forever with Chrift.
»
I. We may obferve in our text, what is our duty in iite, viz, to ferve our own generation by the wi 1 of God ; or, in another conftruc- tion of the words, to minifter to the will of God in our own generation ; and that this is our true honor, as great a chara6fer as we can aim at.
Every man has fome part of fervice to per-
L,A N G D O N. 175:
form for the benefit of the world in his own day. God, who originally fixed the conltitu-- tion and order of things, requires every man to a£t in fubierviency to the general plan, and do every duty for which he is qualified, and which arifes from our various fituations, con- ne6tions and fubordinations in life.
Whether we pay regard to God the univer- fal Kin^r^ and perform the work v/hich we have to do in the world as his fervants, with rever- ence of his authority, and a defire of his appro- bation ; or from no other views than to pro- vide for our own comfort and pleafure, and fe- cure the advantages of focial intercourfe with mankind : we find it necefiary to be employed in one way or another, and cannot pafs thro' life wholly una(5f:ive.
There are indeed fome perfons who feem to have come into the world for almoft no fervice„ They fpend their days in folly and idlenefs, make no good improvement of the pov/ers of body or mind, pay little attention to their own intereft in any refpe(5t, and, after having made their appearance among mankind for a time, juft to fill up an empty place, die unlamented, and are immediately forgotten, as if they had never been. But he that, in the loweft Situa- tion of life, contributes tlie fmalleft part to the general bufinefs of the world, to the utmoft of his talents and opportunities, fo far minifters to the will of God, and anfwers the purpofesof his prefent cxiftence.
174 L A N G D O N.
The world in general is continually in a6lion, engaged in a vaft diverfity of labors and defigns ; in providing thenecellaries of life, purfuing con- veniences, or luxurious and pleafurable grati- fications, cultivating the ground^ carrying on manufadures and mechanical arts, and mana- ging the various branches of commerce ; or in- riching their nunds with treafures of knowledge, and tracing the boundlefs openings of fcience; or engaging in the many public offices neceffa- ry for the welfare of civil and religious fociety, and managing the arduous affairs of kingdoms.
It is impofTiblc for multitudes to live toge- ther in fafety and comfort without the form & order of civil fociety. The providence of God points out the necelTlty of government ; the world in general is fenfible of it ; and tho' ty- ranny oiten ufurps the place of rational autho- rity, yet men willingly fubmit to the heaviell yoke, rather than fuffer the.miferable confe- quences of anarchy by the dilTolution of govern- ment. But when civil fociety is formed on rational principles, plainly tending to promote the happinefs of the whole body, it refembles the order which takes place among the angels of hqaven, and the fupreme government of the King of kings ; and every man who fills a ftation of eminence in fuch a government, and difcharges the duties of it wifely and iaithfully, merits high efteem and honor. Civil rulers, in exalted ftations, who ufe their autliority for a icnor io evil doers, and an encouragement to
L A N G D O N. 175
ibem that do well, art as gods to their fellow men; and, to excel in comnnunicating the bleffings of good government to the multitudes of mankind, deferves far greater renown than that of mighty heroes, whofe only glory was that they deluged the earth in blood, and tri- umphed in the diftrelTes of their fellow mor> tals.
The military man performs a necefTary and honorable part, and mull rife high in the ef- teem of his country, when he employs hi3 mar- tial courage and Ikill to defend it from unpro- voked hoftile invalions and depredations. So long as the lulls of men are warring ^yithin them, and breaking thro* all reftraints, nations, as well as individuals, will commence enemies to each other, and from time to time fill the world with the din of arms. No nation can be fecure of uninterrupted peace ; and to be al- ways prepared to repel invaders, is the furefl way to keep all enemies at a diftancc. There- fore the virtues ot a great general, whofe mar- tial ardor is infpired by love to his country, dire6led by fuperior wifdom and prudence, and tempered with all the^feelings of humanity and principles of jullice, cannot fail to place him in a very exalted point of view, both to his coun- try and the world : For he ferves his genera- tion in matters of great concern, in detcnding liberty, property, and life, while he cxpofcth himfelf to every hardfliip and danger ; and his officers and foldicrs claim lome Ihare ip his
J76 L A N G D O >T.
honor, as far as they copy the fame chara6^fers. Who can rival the dignity of a WASHING- TON, whofe patriotifm was completely difin- terefted, and in whom all excellencies united to fave thefe american States ?
The minifters of juflice alfo, and all fubordir nate officers of civil fociety, who alTift in pro- 'motingthe important ends of government, and extend it's falutary influence through all par- ticular bodies and orders of people, are fixed by- divine providence in their feveral polls of fer- vice, that they may accomplifli the will of God, and do good in their generation by fecuring the peace and order of the world.
Likewife men of fuperior learning, who car- ry arts andfciences to greater perfection among mankind, and enrich the world with new difco- veries, and all the uleful improvements of geni- us; whether they are employed in the inftruc- tion of youth, or as divines, phylicians, or law- yers,do great fervice in their generation, when they direct their learning to the glory of God, and the benefit of men.
The merchant fervc's his generation agree- ably to the wi,l of God, by the prudent, honeft, and indullrious management ot that commerce which encourages agriculture and all kinds of labor, and fupplies us with every comfort and convenience of life.
Tradfemcn of almoft every fort, who dili-
L A N G D O N, 17
/ /
gently, and honeftly puifuc their feveTal occu pations, are likewile to Lc conlidered oS miiiir tring to the divine will, by promoting ihc \viie de(igns of his good providence in their dny . Their various callings are neceiikfy -Ibr (!<.■ general benelit of the world, and liC, Wh. ' infinite wifdom orders all the aflairs of in^n, hath appointed them to thefo different employ- ments.
The fame maybe faid of thofe whofe bufinefs is on the feas, who hazard their lives to main- tain an intercourle among the nations, or by the toils of the iifliery bring in the wealth of the ocean ; and likewife offuchas by daily la- bor on the land procure their necedary i'ap])ort, and aflift in the bufinefs of the world. All thefc arc uieful in their generation. No man is to be defpiied who acts his part wx^ll, and improves his natural pov/ers in that way which provi- dence has pointed out to liim, tho' in the low- eft fervices of the great family.
Tlie hufljandm.an, however his enploymcnt may be defpifed by men of pride and picalurc, is doing that work for which man was origiiiiul|i- ly deiigned. Adam was fen t into the garden of Ivden to drefs and keep it, and wa&- command- ed to replenilh the earth and fubduc it. ' Oct of the ground God caufes every tiding to grow which is nccelfciry for food, and liatli made in\ irien dependent on the increafe of t".'.9 field : It is the fu])port ofkinj-s, as well as the iov/er Vol. IV. '}]
1 78 L A N G D O N.
Tanks of men; and without the continual la- bors of the farmer, all muft foon perifh under the curfe pronounced on the earth in confe- quence of the entrance oflin. Far the greater part of men are called to this primitive employ- ment; and it might greatly increafe the happi- nefsofthe nations, if multitudes, who are now bufy only i n miniftring to the moft foolifli and pernicious luxuries of the world, could be indu- ced to quit their bufy idlcnefs for the ufeful employjncnt of tilling the ground, which, in it's very nature, is free from temptations to vice, and friendly to virtue and religion. Therefore let not the farmer be afhamed of his employment, or envy the inhabitants of po- pulous cities, as living an cafier life, and enjoy- ing more pleafure ; but be content with the bleflings with v/hich God rewards his labors, and thankful that he hath every thing necefla- ry for his comfort, and power to contribute his part towards the expences of fociety, and the liipport of the world.
While we ferve our generation in any fuch ways as have been mentioned, we are minift- ving to the will of God, as fervants under him to do what he, who governs all things,hath made neceflary for the general order and benefit of mankind. The divine will hath appointed, and continually regulates, the frame and all the movements of the univerfe ; evei*y relation and connexion of human affairs ; and every part which is proper to be aded among- the many
L A N G D O N. 179
millions who inhabit this globe ; and every thing is 'balanced fo as may bell concur with the great ends of his univerfal empire : Nor can thefe ends be defeated by the weaknefs or wick- ednefsofmen; but his wifdom, goodnefs and juftice will be manifefted in the final illue of things.
But if we confider our relation to another world, and would hope for a reward hereafter for all our fervice in the prefent world, we muft govern our condu6l, even in the common con- cerns of life, by a religious regard to God, and a lincere habitual defire to do every thing a- greeable to his will. All Chriftians ought to obferve that apoftolic dire6fion : Whether there- fore ye eat , or drink, or whatfoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. We belong to Chrift, and mull be devoted to his fervice, who hath re- deemed us by his own mofl precious blood ; and, aiming to know the whole compais of our duty in life, we muft attend, not only to the more immediate exerciies of godlinefs, but to every part of that work to which we are called in common life^ according to our feveral flations and capacities. Whether our talents are more or lefs, they muft be faithfully improved. He that hath but one, muft not neglect it ; and he to whom God hath given greater abilities, and who is called to more difficult and diftinguilhing fervices, muft not decline the labor, but do his work with a6livity and patienc'e ; not merely Avith a view of gaining human applaufe, but
8o L A N G D O It
i6o
-that he may have his mailer's approbation, wheit he is- called to give -an account of himfelf to God.
This v/as the great honor of David and Solo- mon, that they were obedient to God's will, and fought his glory. This adds peculiar luf- tre to the character of luch as are in elevated ftations. The fear of God gives the great and good man a6livity, firmnels of mind, courage in the grcatefc difficulties, and patience and per- feverance in the mod arduous labors; and raifes him equally above the flatteries andcen- lures of the world : By this even our common employments become acts of religion ; and dili- gence and fidelity, even in the loweft bufinefs of this life, will fecure the rewards oi" the future world.
What has been faid prepares the way for the farther intlru^tions contained in the text ; therefore I lliall now lay before you a fecond obfervation, viz.
II. That we have a very limited time offer- vice in this world, and i^iufl: loon be gathered to our fatlicrs, and lee corruption in the grave.
The inhabitants of tliis earth remain the fame but a Ihort ipace of time; they are continued by a conftant fucceflion of generations. Ojir, generation p'lffeib aivay, fays the royal preacher^
L A N G D O N. i8f
and another generation Cometh ] but the earth abid- .eth forever. There are now hundreds of milli- ons of men living on this globe, all biiiily em- ployed, and as thoughtleis of any change as if their relidence were fix'd here forever. Yet it is evident, by repeated oblervations on the numbers of deaths and births in populous plac- es, that, taking one with another, the life of man is iinilli 'd in about forty years, and that the whole number of the inhabitants is changed in that fhort period, & a new generation appears on the ftage. We ourielves, who have by divine goodnefs continued in the bulinels of the world forty or fifty years, may plainly obferve in the places which we have known, how the fathers are generally gone> and a young multitude is rifen up in their room. Yet the alfairs ot the world keep their courie ; as foon as one man is called OiTfrom his ftation bv death, another takes his place, and all the deligns of providence and grace are carried on by a fucceflioai of in- ilruments.
Therefore men can only ferve God in their own generation. They are called to work in their own day, until the night of death comes, when their labor is over. David was railed to the throne, to complete the ccnqueft of the C;- nemiesof Ifrael, perfect the government which God had eftabliflied among them, and prepare the rich materials for a magnificent temple, that the name of Jehovah might be univcrially known and glorified among tb.e Gentiles,
i82 L A N G D O N.
Great was the work which he accomplifhed, and he had the honor of being a remarkable type and progenitor of the expe6led ^Saviour of Ifrael : But his day at length was finifhed : Tho* he reigned forty years^ and was conftant- ly active in war and government, yet nature could not hold out longer, and he yielded his crown with all it's cares to his fon, and fell a- ileep in death. The fame period of years fin- ifiied the glory of Solomon's reign, bro't on an unhappy change in the kingdom, and made way for a feries of national calamities. Thus all the following kings a6ted their feveral parts ; feme well, many of them very wickedly ; and di- ed, feme V, ith honor, after having done many worthy things; others, with infamy, having been guilty of the greateft crimes, and leaders in the corruption of religion. The antient pro- phets were ient^ one after another, as melfen- gers oiGcdtohis people; and when they had finifhed their teftimony, were called away by death. And the'apoftles of our Lord Jefus in a few years accompliflied their miniftry, and left the churches to be taken care of and con- tinued thro' all future ages by a fucceflion of pallors. Thus we fee all focieties going on^ continually, all offices in kingdoms and ftates changing from hand to hand, as death puts an end tothefervice of one, arid then of another. None are lufFered to continue long, either in pnblic or private life.
Thatfcntence, Dii/l. thou art, and unto duji
L A N G D O N. 183
Jhalt thou return, extends to every defcendant from Adam, high and low, rich and poor. The empire of death is univerfal ; it has a commif- jfion againft the wife, the noble, and^ mighty, as ^yell as againft the lower dalles of men, often arrefts them in an unexpected hour, in the midft of flattering fchemes and opening profpedts, and lays them in the duft.
Human life once had a long period of many hundred years ; but it gave encouragement to an univerfal fpread of wickednefs, which, ia . righteous jtidgment, God punifhed by deilroy- ing the world with a flood. Therefore when the earth was reftored, and proper time allow- ed for repeopling it, the great Lord of all re- duced the life of man to the prefent contracted mealure. And now the days of our years are three/core years and ten y and if by reafon of/lrengtb they be fovif core years, yet is their Jlrengtb labor and forrow ; for it is foon cut off, and we fiee away. But even of this fliort courfe of years we have no aflurance. Very few continue to fuch ad- vanced age ; our bodies are fubje6ted to a mul- titude of fatal difeafes, which at the earlieft years may finifli our life. Neither are we fe- cure a day or a moment from fome fudden at- tack of our grand enemy, which, without warn- ing, may join us with the congregation of the dead.
When we look back, how foon have we run thro* our early youth 1 How fpeedily have we
i84 L A N G D O N.
pafs'd along to thirty, forty, or fifty years f And how very (liort does all our paft life ap- pear ! We comprehend the whole of it in one glance of thq't ; it is as yefterday when it is paft, or the dream ot a night, or a tale that is told. And if we look forward, and number our re- maining days with wiidom, ive fliall fum up the account in the lame conciie manner, and be ready to join heartily with the pfalmill, and fay. My days are an band-breadth, and mine age as no- thing before thee ; verily every man at his beji eflatis m altogether vanity.
When our minds and hands are engaged in bufinefs which we are earneft to finilh, time pafles away fwifter than we are aware. We find it is gone before the work is acccomplifli- ed,' and fee the neceliity of improving every moment. Jull fo, if our hearts are intent upon ferving God and our generation, we ihall think life very Ihort, and fee the necefTity of doing with our might whatever our hands find to do. Our day will foon be over. It highly concerns us to make the belt improvement of life, that we may not loie the reward of good fervants. It requires much time, at firft, to furnilli our- ielves for any diftinguifliing fervices. Know- lege is acquired by continual ftudy, obfervation and experience. We can fcarcely perform great things, until we have advanced to tlie niidfi ot life ; and then, as foon as we feel fomc ftrength ot mind to difchargc the duties of more important ftations^ the fymptoms of natural
L A N G D O N. iQ
lifejhall appear, then fljall we al/o appear unib bun in glory, and live forever with the Lord. Let iis blefs the God and Father of our Lord Jeiiis Chrilt, who, of his abundant mercy, hath begot- ten us again to a lively hope, thro* the refiirreaion of Jefus Chrijlfroni the dead, to an inheritance in-^ corruptible, and iindefiled, and which fadeth not a- way, referjed in heaven for believers, who are kept by the power of God for that flilvation, which is made ready to be revealed at the end of the world. Let this hope be our comfort in the near views of our own death, and when we mourn for our deceafed Chriftian friends. ,
Vol. IV Bb
SERMON LXVIII.
THE DIVINE GOVERNMENT MATTER OF UNIVERSAL JOY.
BY
CHARLES BACKUS, A. . M.
Pq/ior of a Congregational Church, Somers, Conne&iciit.
Pfalm, xcvii. i.
The Lord reignefh, let the earth rejoice ; let the multitude of ijles be glad thereof.
Thefe words are part of a defcription of the awful and glorious Majefly of Jehovah, and call upon mankind to rejoice in hisuniver- fal dominion. Clouds and darknefs are round a- bout him : Righteoufncfs and judgment are the hab- itation of his throne. Aflregoeth before him, a?id burneth up his enemies round about. His li^J)t- nings enlightened the world : The earth faw and trembled. The hills melted like wax at the prefence (fthe Lord, at the prefence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare his righteoif/wf^, and hit the people fee his glorv.
1^6 ' BACKUS
llje earth, and the multitude of ijles, are proba- bly uled by the Pfalmift for the two general divifions of the inhabitants of the world, Jews and Gentiles. The earth is fometimes ufed in a limited fenfe in the facred writings. I lies is an appellation frequently given in the old teftament to the Gentiles, or to the nations who did not defcend from Abraham. Haiah writes, when prophelying of Chrilt and the ex- tent of his kingdom, Hejhall not fail, nor be dif- c our aged, till he have fet judgment in the earth ; and the ifles fhall wait for his law. In looking back to the origin of nations, in Genifis xth. we find that the ifles of the Gentiles were firft in- habited by the defcendants of Japhet; who re- mained in paganifh darknefs for many hundred years after the Pfalmift 's time. Enlightened by the ipirit of infpiration, he looked forward to the day when the lamp of divine truth would be carried beyond the bounds of Canaan, and calls not only upon the people who now enjoy- ed revelation, but alio upon the multitude of nations who (hould hereafter be vifited with the day fprin^ from on high, to be glad and rejoice in the univerfal and gracious dominion of the on- ly true God.
Let us at this time confider the divine go- vernnient, and the caufes of rejoicing which it altbrds.
In confidering God's -government of the v.'orid, we are led,
BACKUS. 197
r. To acknowledge his right" as its Author. It is irnpoiiible to account lor the exiftence of creatures, without having recourfe to an uncre- ated, eternal, independent Spirit as the caufe, who muft poilefs the higlieft perfe6lion. The Lord he is God, It is he zvho hath made lis, and not we ourfelves. He created the heavens and the earth, and all the variety of inhabitants which people the air, the earth, or the lea. His right to govern the world muft be original and unalienable. The earth is the Lords, and the fidlnefs thereof ; the world and they that dwell therein.
n. God alone can uphqld creatures in being. All the power which they can poffefs, mull be wholly derived from their Author. There can be but one Being in the univerfe who is inde- pendent. This Being muft be God : He will not give his glory to another. Could creatures fupport themfelvesin exiftence, they would be- come independent, would ceafe to be under the divine government, and might overthrow it, or at leaft prevent the accomplifl:iment of it's de- i\gn?^. To afcribe independence to creatures, would be as abfurd as to predicate of them a duration which has no beginning.
The infpired writers are abundant in I'cpre- fenting thcabfolute dependence of all creatures on God. When the apoftle Paul, in the >4vii. of A6^s, is reproving the fuperftition of the Athenians, and fliowing their ignorance in worfliipping the unknown God, he calls their at-
198 BACKUS.
tention to the only true Deity, the Creator of all things. He goes on to infer the obligation of all to ieek the Lord, from reafons which they might find in their own poets, drawn from the light of nature, and conformable to the doclrine revealed from heaven. For in him we live, and move, and have our being.
III. The government of God is univerfal. He hathjhiit up thejea with doors-- And faid hi- ihertojhalt thou come, but no further, and herejhall thy proud waves be flayed. He commandeth the morning, and caufeth the day fpring to know his place. He hath made the fun to rule by day, and the. moon and Jiars to ride by night. The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in thejtorm, and the clouds arc the dujlofhisfeet. He is the father ff the rain, and he ^begetteth the drops of dew. He Wat e ret h the hills from his chambers ; the earth IS fatisfed ivith the fruit of his works. He caufeth thcgrafs to grow for the cattle, and herb for thefer^ vice of man, that he may bring forth food out of the earth. The eyes of all creatures wait en God ; and he giveth the^i their meat in duefeafon.
The divine government extends to man ; and that not merely as a clafs of creatures, but to each individual of the race. To fay, as lome have, that divine providence mult be general, and not particular, is to involve ourlelves in ini'uperable ditlicuities, and tends to plunge us into t!ie depths of infidelity. The friends of this creed muft be obliged to tell when any
BACKUS.
99
number or combination of men becomes large enough to attra6l the attention of the fupreme Ruler. But where will they find the fcale marked with fuch nice gradations, as to an- fwer their defign ? Again, if we can argue at all from the things which are made, concern- ing him who created them, we muft admit that there is uniformity of defign amidft all the end- lefs variety of his works. The phrafe, "The beauties of nature," can have no meaning on ti- ny other plan. Hence the conclufion is obvi- ous, that general providence muft be made up of particular things, or events : And therefore a denial of a particular providence, will go to the denial that God governs the world.
When we look on the page of infpiration, we find the divine government extending to the fmalleft concerns of man, and at the fame time embracing all the affairs and changes of nations. Chrift, in comforting the hearts of his difciples againft the malice of their enemies, reminds them of the particular providence of their great Preferver. , Are not two fparrows fold for a farthing? and one bfthemjhall not fall' on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not there- fore, ye are of more value than many fpar rows. The rife and fall of individuals and empires depend on the fovereign pleafure of the Almighty. The Mofl'High ruleth in the kingdom of men ^ and giveth it to whomfoever he ivilL Promotion com- ctb neither from the eafl^ nor from the wcjl^ nor from
200 BACKUS.
thefouth : But God is the Judge ; he puttetb down one, andfettetb up another.
We may go up to an higher order of intelli- gences, and behold angels minillring before the throne of God. The chariots of God are twenty thoiifand, even thoufands of angels. The Lord is a- mong ihetn, as in Sinai, in the holy place. Thefe holy beings are fervants to execute the purpo- fes of divine providence and grace. They are all ?ni?iiflring fpirits, fe?it forth to miniflerfor them whofhall be heirs offalvation.
The angels who rebelled, and were call out of heaven, are not removed from the univerfe, nor have they efcaped from the eye of omni- fcience, or the arm of the Almighty. The an- gels who kept jiot their fir/l ejiate, but left their own habitation y he bath refervcd in ever la/ling chains un- der darknefs, unto the judgment of the great day. The dominion of Jehovah extends to all events, to all creatures,, and to all worlds--heaven, earth and hell.
IV. All fecond caufes are under the direc- tion and control of the Moil High. This is a necefTary confequence of the abfolute depend- ence of the whole creation on its Author, and the univerfal extent of the divine government.
Second caufes are of two kinds, natural and moral. It does not appear that perpetuity was defigned for any part of the natural world;
L A'N G D O N. \^c;
decay begin to come on ; and before v c 'an proceed far in the greater labors of life for tlie glory of God and the good of mankind,, old age with all it's infirmities weakens' ^ur powers^ and haltens us to the end. of our work.
Where are all our fathers, who a few years ago werebufy as we are in all the afiairsof the world ?— They are gone I The dujl is returned, to theidiift, as it was; andthefpint to God who gave it. They reft in their graves/and at the re- furredion v/ill recie"^e the due reward of their labors. And our bodies mull fliortly bie jkid with them, and their whole curious form and texture futfer a diirolution. The grave is the hpiife appointed for all living. In a fliort time we all fliall bfi lodged in that dark abode, Let us frequently (^ntertirin thefe fober thot's, and refolve to improve the fliort day of lire vvith th;e greateil diligence, that we may finifii well the work now ailigned us ; and io be ready to depart, and die in the joyful hope of an admiili- on into the glorious fociety o-f heaven, and of obtaining the honor and felicity of God's eter- nal kingdom.
For our comfort under juft apprehenfions oi the ihort time to which our fervices^are limit- ed, we will now attend to the lall head of in- ftruction deduced from the text, viz.
III. '1 huL V.e luive i^^uuii i..^, i*^r"~
^oipel foftens dov. n the drc^'^'' "^ ' • Vol. IV. Aa
iS6 L A N G D O N.
by alluring us of the refurre6tion of the dead ; that the' the moft eminent fervants of God muft i'ee corruption, yet it may with propriety be affirmed, that they only fall afleep, to awake a- jrain at the lall day, and live tor-ever with Chrift.
If death were the total deftruction of man, of his nobler part together with his bodily frame, and no prcfpecl of a future life had been opened to us, no words cou'd be fufricient to pcrfuade us to conlider it in a friendly view, and baniih our dread. To beings who are contin- ually extending their defires and hopes, and cannot be fatisiied with the prefent moment of enjoyment,, but alv/ays conne61: it with the tho't of it's continuance, and anticipations of good things yet to come, it mufl be ihocking to con- lider, that the Vvhole of life is but a delufive dream, which will foon, and mayiuddenly, end in abiolute non-exiilence, without leaving the leaft trace behind ; nor would the diOieartening idea admit of any palliation. Yet it feems e- vident from the icriptural account of the prim- itive ftate, and the condition on which life and happlneis depended, that the threatening of death implied the total deftruction of the firfl ])air, and in them the whole intended race. We have reaion to fuppofe this would have been really the elicct of the fentence pronounc- ed upon man after he had fmned, that it would immediately have reduced him to non-exif- tence, if Jcfus the Son of God, the fcccnd
L A N G D O N. 187
Adam,had not been conftltutcd a new head of the human race ; who in the fulnefs of tifnc aiiuni- ed our flefli and blood, and humbled himfeifby fuffering death, that he might obtain a com- plete triumph over this formidable enemy of our iiature, by his refurreclion from tl\e dead^ and give us an alfurance of final deliverance from it's power. What idea cou'd Adam have of death, but what he would naturally conceive from the death of any infe6t which might be crulhed under his feet ? He mull fuppofe there was an end of it's exiftence, and that to hira death would be the fame. He could know no- thing of a refurre6tion ; for this comes by Chrift, the new head of mankind, astheapoftle plainly affirms, I Cor. .15:. 21,22. Forfniccbymaii came death, by man came alfo the refurreclion of the dead. For as in Adam all die, evenfo in Cbriji fhall all be made alive. But if Adam could know nothing of the refurre6tion, he cou'd entertain no expectation of exiftence in a future ftatc ; for this hope is introduced folely by the refur- rection of Chriil, and depends on the certainty of the refurredion of our bodies, in confc- quence of a promife given by our Lord Jefus, agreeably to the fame apofile's argum.ent from the twelfth to the twentieth verfe of the fore- mentioned chapter. All our hope of eternal life in another world is grounded upon tl^.c ex- prels promife of the gofpel, according \o th^, repeated declarations of the new tcftament. — That eternal life is the free gift of God by jefus Clmf. '^^That we have received the future inheritance
i88 L A N G D O N*
''by prq;iiife' — And '''that the gofpel contains •'the record of this gift proinifed only in Chrift.' Therefore he that hath the Son, or fmcerely believes on him, hath life ; and he that believ- eth not on the Son of Gpd, hath no claim to the promife of eternal happinefs. Life and immortality are bro't to light by the gofpel, after the more obfcure revelation of them un- der theold teftament. No^y we depend not on the uncertain conje6lures of our own minds, or dark hints. dven from which we mufc make re- mote dedu6tions, or the plaufible reafonings ot philofophers on the prefent ftate of things in- troduced by the Mediator's reign. All fuch arguments for a future life would be incpnclu- iive, ifw^e hadnot an exprefs revelation to confirm our belief of it. We accordingly find tlic greatcft philofophers of antient times, after ifiey liave produced the ftrongelt: arguments which reafon cou'dfuggeft in favour of an hap- ]^y exiftencein another world, yet difcovering iome remaining doubts which they could not vv'holly remove. Therefore every man who l«ts himfelf to oppofe the revelation given from heaven, mufc at the fame time renounce the only poiitive evidence of a future life, and de- ftroy the foundation of man's higheii; hope and' comfort.
h\ confequencc of what the Mediator has done and fuffered for us, fmccre believers are reltored from the ruins of human nature, to tlie hope of a more glorious Ihite of happineis
LA N G D O N. 189
than that From which Adam fell. We look not fotan earthly paradile again, but an heavenly ; and tho' we futKer in the prcient world, com- plain of vanity in all enjoyments, and muft be bro't down to the duft in confequence pf the original fentence againft fin; yet we fhall be recovered fEom the corruption of the grave, receive pure and fpiritual bodies at the refur- rection, and be in every refpe6l fitted for the life of angels.
In this view of the refurrection, death bears the refemblance oijlecp, and may well be called b}^ tlie fame name. The fleep is long indeed; but it has a certain period, and we fhall awake again with new life and vigour. Death has but a limited power over our bodies, and cannot deftroy the fpiritual part of our nature. When the dull returns to the dufl as it was, the fpirit goes to God who gave it. The old habitation is taken down, that it may be framed anew, and appeal" in greater perl^6lion ; and the foul Vv^ill re-enter, with heavenly tranfport, and find it made ready for endlefs and mofl refined enjoyments.
When our Lord Jefus had afiured Martha
that her brother Lazarus fliould rife again, and
declared himfelf ta be the refurre(51:ion and the
life, he affirms, that whqfoever llveth and believ-
b 0)1 bhUy flmlt never die. According to the
nimon notion of death, this is not verified in ia;-: ; for believers die as other men : But when
190 L A N tJ D ON.
death is confidered, not as the end of our ex- iitence, but as a fleep, in order to a more per- fect renovation of our nature & a refurrejftion to eternal life, there is great propriety in what our Lord affirms, that -whofocver believeth on him, pall never die. It was in this view that he laid to his difciples, Our friend < Lazqf us Jleepetb; hut I go that I may awake him out ofjleep. And on this depends the propriety of that frequent phrafe in the old teftament, Hejlept with bis fa- tiers ; and the almoft invariable ufe of the word feep inltead of death thro' all the new teftament.
Have we not therefore abundant reafon to rejoice, that death is thus really difarmed of it's greateil terrors; that we are aiTured it will not be utter deftru6lion, that it will be only as the reft of a night; and that, when the glorious morning comes, we fliall a- wakc w^th delightful rapture, and find all for- rows paft away, and uninterrupted heavenly pleafures fucceeding. This glorious hope we have by the fecond Man, the Lord from hea- ven, who hath aboliflied death, and bro't life and immortality into the cleared view of faith by the gofpel. Surely our hearts muft be filled with gratitude to the God and Father of our Lord Jcfus Chrilt, that by appointing fo glori- ous a Mediator at the head of the human race, indcad of fallen Adam, he hath mercifully de- livered us from that total deftru6lion with which death threatened human nature, and af- fured all wlio heartily embrace the promifes of the new covenant, that they Hiall rile from the
L A N G D O N. 191
grave, as from a bed of deep, at the laft day, and live for ever in an heavenly paradife.
We have been led by our text to confide r the various fervices to which God calls us in tms world, according to the ranks and Itations in which HWhas placed us^ and the abilities and opportunities which he has given ; and that it is our honor to do the work afligned us with di- ligence and fidelity, knowing that we ferve the Lord Chrift. By this let all Chriftians be quick- ened to perform their proper part of duty in their generation. Let none think themfelves fo much below notice iji the world, or the part which they can perform fo infignificant, as to be carelels of their dutv. The meanelt ler- vant in God's great family is under his notice, and will receive a reward according to his la- bor. All are capable of doing fomething to promote the common good of the world and of the church, and ihould have regard to the pre- fent conftitution and order of the whole ; and if they difcharge their duty, as his fervants, agree- ably to his will, he 'will finally grant them a glo- rious immortality in heaven. But if he has given us greater capacities, advantages and op- portunities than other«f let us remember that he expe6ls we fliould diftinguifh ourfelves by being more remarkably uleful in our generati- on ; and that that is our honor among men, and will give us a more joyful hope of exalted hippinels in the future v.orM.
193 L A N G D O N.
You have attended to the thought, that we can only ferve our own generation ; that the time of our ferviccis fhort ; and that we muft foon ileep with our fathers in the grave. There- fore be diligent in bulinefs, fervent in fpiiyt, ferving the Lord. Wbatfoever thy hand find eih to do, for God, or man, or thine. pWn foul, do it with thy might ; for there is no work, 7ior device, nor knowledge, nor wifdom in the grave whither thou goe/i. Let a fliort life be filled with the bell employment. Prize every paffihg mo- ment ; and hold on in well doing to the end, with conftant prayer and watchfulnefs. Blejf- ed is thaifervant, whom his Lord zvhen he cometh^ JJm tlfind Jo doing .
You have heard what a different idea of death is given us by o\ir Lord Jefus, from that which was implied in the original fentence pro- nounced on man for {in ; that it no longer con- . tains in it the horror of anabfolute defl:ru6lion of human nature, but may be viewed as a ty- rant»difarmed and fubdued, whofe captives are fct free, and advanced to higher felicity by what they have fufFered from him. Tho' we die, it is^only like falling ^flcep; for we ihall live again. Therefore let us not fear to allow death fome entertainment in our tho'ts ; it will make us wifer and more. diligent, and fortify our minds to meet it. Our day will fliortly be ended. We fliall be wearied with labor, and . . mull fall afleep, and reft till the glorious morn- ing of til e rcfurrcction : ])nt when he who is our
BACKUS. . 201
The changes^ wafte and decay, to be difccrned ^s far as difcoverics have gone, forbid the idei. Undefigning, periihing matter can have no e-^ nergy withui itlelf ; but mult necedarily be un- der the dire6tioh of the Creator. The more at- tentively we examine the laws of nature, the more evident it appears that their powers of action are wholly derived from tiie fird caule. Hence Chancellor Bacon very juftly obfcrvcs, '*That aiittle orluperficial knowledge may in- *'clinc the mind of man to atheilm ; but aiur- '*^ther proceeding therein doth bring the mind /'back again to religion. For in the en- '^trance of philofophy, when the fecond caufes '^wliich are next unto the fenfes, do offer them *^'felves to the mind of man, if it dwell and ftay ''there, it may induce fome obligation of the ''firft caufe ; but when a man palleth on further, ''and feeth the dependence of caules, and the ' ''works of providence, then, according to the "allegory of the poets, lie >vill eafily believe "that the highelt link of nature's .chain muft be "tied to the foot of Jupiter's chair." We muft rebel againft the cleareft light, if we do not join with this great mailer of fcience in im- proving the allufion borrowed from pagan fa- ble, for the purpoie of engaging 'our attention to the agency of the only true God, conllant- ly operating in his own world. A devout man cannot withhold confelling th.e power of a pre- lent God, difplayed through nature, when he contemplates the appearances in the flues, the earth and the ocean. Is if poilible that Vol. IV. Cc
202 BACKUS.
lifelefs clay can maintain fuch order ? If one can be found who is ftupid enough to indulge fuch thoughts, let him take reproof, and learn wifdom, from the grafs and the lily of the field,, and from the growth^ changes, death and re- furredion of flies and worms.
In tracing the operation of fecond caufes of the fuoralkind, whatever fcheme of moral agen- cy we adopt, we are driven back to the firft caufe, to account for all the powers of adiion in rational creatures. Faffing all controver- iies on this intricate fubje6t, two things are ve- ry plain. One is, that our dependence on God muft be perfe6l ; the other is, that no violence can be offered to' cur volitions. We are fur- niflied with indifputable arguments|to prove thefir/i ; and of the Iq/l we have full and irrefift- ible evidence, when we recur to the operati- ons of our own minds.
'The fcriptures are full of inftances, which iliow that the hearts of all men are in the hand of the Lord, and that, as the rivers of water, he tiirneth them ivhitherfoever he ivilL
That the Spirit of God can breathe on the heart, and fupport piety and integrity amidft an overflowing deluge of wickedncfs, is plain from the inflances of Noah, Abraham, Lot and others. Divine wildom and grace are confpic- uous in forming per Ions for high and impor- tant llations^to which theirthoughts never turn •
B A:Q^K US. 203
ccl, till providence, in its myfterious courfe, raif- ed them to the eminence for which they were born. In the. moll illullrious mortal ehara6ters, Avhich are handed down to us in (acred hiftory, we may plainly difcern early traits, which laid a foundation for influence, for enterprize, and en- countering difficulties with fortitude. Genius is not created by the renovation of the heart ; nor is it buried by infpiration. We find a great diverfity of gifts among the prophets ^ndapof- tles. Paul was formed by the God of nature for intenfe application to lludy and bulinefs. By the former, he was fitted to diftinguifli truth from error ; and by the latter, to encounter perils by lea and land, perils from pretended friends and open enemies, and from the learned and unlearned. From the day when Jefus ap- peared to him on the road to Damaicus, and the fcales fell from his eyes, he commenced an apoftle and minifter of Chrift, and labored more abundantly than all the other apoflles in the propagation and defence of Chriftianity.
While illuftratingthe divine government, in dire6ling and controlling fepond caufes of the moral kind, we may not pafs in filence inftan- ces, in which idolaters and wicked men have been made inftrumentsof good to the church of God.
Was not the hand of God confpicuous in pret " ferving the important life of Mofes in his in- ^ fancy, by the daughter of Pharaoh ? She
^04 B A C K U 5.
with her maidens were walking on the banks of the river, where flie happened to fpy the ark a- mong the flags, which contained the future fe' viour of his nation. She fends her maid to fetch the little cheft, which had excited her cu- riolity. We tremble for the precious treafure, while on its way to the daughter of a monarch, who had hardened his heart againll parental feelings, and had doomed to inftant death every male child born among the Hebrews. We fear, that in a few moments Mofes will be thrown into the river, to drown with the other infants of his nation. The ark is brought— it is open- ed--the babe weeps — his artlefs tears plead for him — the young princefs of Egypt has compaf- fjon on the helplefs, perilhing infant, commits liim to a nurfe, adopted him as her fon, and gave him an education in that court which he w\is one day to deftroy.
God called Cyrus, though Cyrus knew him not, to fubduc nations, and overthrow Baby- lon ; to make way tor the return of the Jews to their own land, after a long captivity of fe- venty years. He let them go without price or reward. He encouraged their return, and the rebuilding of their city and temple, by a generous proclamation, by reftoring the vef- fcls of the houfe of the Lord captured by Neb- uchadnezzar, and by treafures colle6led from his own people.
In the reign of Ahafuerus, a plot was laid
BACKUS. 205
to cut off, in one day, the Jews who were dif- perfed throughout the vaft empire of Per- fia. Before the day came for the cruel trage- dy to be acied, the flumbers of the monarch were difturbed — On a certain night deep de- pared from his eyes. For his anmfement inhis wakeful hours, he called his fervants to his bedfide^ and commanded them to read ^a por- tion of the chronicles of the realm. The read cr, under unknown influence from Him who hath the hearts of all men in his hand, opened on a pafTage which narrated a confpiracy form- ed againll the king\s life, and wliich had been cruflied by the difcovery of Mordecai the Jew, the great patron of his nation. Mordecai was the man who provoked Haman, the prime min- iiler of Ahafuerus, to procure the bloody de- cree, which was defigned foon to be executed on all the Jews in the kingdom. The king en- quired whether any honor had been done to Mordecai for his fidelity. On hearing that he had not been rewarded, he calls upon Human to prefcribe a mode of conferring honor on a favorite. This proud man, ignorant of his royal mailer's defign, and fluflied with the im- aginary profpe(5l of blazoning his own glory, pointed out a mode, which comprized a dif- play of all the pomp which would charm a fa- vourite in an eafrern court. To his unspeaka- ble confufion, he was dire6ted to be the minif- ter who fliould confer fuch honor on Morde- cai. This event was an important incident in the train of events, which brought ruin on Ha-
2o6 BACKUS,
man, and faved the people of God from deftruc- tion.
Often has the wrath of man been made to praife God, while the inftrument was intent on gratifying his own pride and malevolence. The Chriftian can never forget the bloody fcene dif- played'bn mount Calvary, where Herod, Pon- tius Pilate, with the Gentiles and people of Ifrael, were the perpetrators of a deed, which caufed the fun in the firmament to hide his face, and all nature to utter a groan. Yet on this event depends the ranfom of the fouls of men.
Having made a few obfervations on the di- vine government, let us proceed in the fecond place, to confider the caufes oi rejoicing which it affords. Thefe are comprized under two general heads — the benevolence of its defign, and the certainty of its accomplifliment.
We cannot doubt the perfe6tion of the pre- fent fyftein, when we confider the boundlefs knowledge, wifdom and goodncls of its Author. Evil had not been fnfFered to exift, had its per- million been incorififtent with the wifdom and benevolence of the Deity, or the fullefl difplay of his moral prrfcclion;*. Thefe conftitute the ulory of the Moft High, and render hun an ob- ject infinitely defcrving the love, homage and contidepce Qt all the intelligent creation. The pcrfecVions of God ai e d'rlplaycd in harmony ;
BACKUS. 207
and ^ the .infinitude of knowledge and power which he poireiTeth, is employed in doing good. The Lord is good to all ; and his tender mercies are overall his zvorks. When we confider. the cha- racter of the God of love as opened in his word, we are fure that his condu6t is governed by an ultimate regard to the higheft felicity and glo- ry of his moral kingdom ; whether he pardon tranfgreffors, or make them feel his wratii in the prefent world, or exclude them from hap- pinefs in the next.
God hath chofen to difplay his attributes in the face of Jefus Chrift, who is-the brightmfs of his glory, and the exprefs linage of his perfon, Glorioufly did the divine chara6ler fliine, when Chrift was condemning fin in the flefli, and un- folding the charms of infinite love/ by his dif- courfes, his obedience, his agony, and by pour- ing out his foul imto death. The fame glorious purpofe is advanced by his refurre6lion and al cenfion. He is featcd at the right hand of tlie Father, and is exalted/^r above all principality and power yand might, and dominion, and every Jiamcibat is named, not only in this world , but alfo in that which is to come. And God hath put all things under bis feet, and gave him to be the head overall things to the church, which is his body, the fulnefs of hivi that filleth all in all. Hence alfo the apoftle Paul, fpeaking of the final vi^ory of all believers through Chrill their head, declares this to be the way in which God is glorified : For all things are for your fakes, that the abundant grace might.
2o8 BACKUS.
through the thank/giving of?na?iy, redound to the glory of God.
It is very obvious from the current of fcrip- ture, that this world ftands as a theatre for the difplay of redeeming love, and that the whole of its government is made fubfervient to the good of the church. If an empire rife or fall, the change is defigned, in fome way or other, to plead the caufe of Zion. The ten kings, which John in a vifion faw riling up to fupport Anti- chrift, for a time g'^ve their power and ftrength unto the beaft ; till at length the period comes when their friendfliip is turned into hatred, and they deftroy the domination, which they had lent their wealth and their arms to eftab- lifh and aggrandize in paft ages. Thefe things take place to inflidl full vengeance on thofe who corrupt the gofpel, and to manifeft divine mer- cy to thofe who keep their garments undefil- ed. The policy and power of the ten kings are made to praife God, inaccomplifhingthe defigns of his love. For, as John writes, God hath put in their hearts to fidfil his willy and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beqfi, until the words of God f jail be fulfilled.
On every furvcy of the defign of God's gov- ernment, we tind it terminatmg in the fullcil display of the excellencies of the divine mind, and opening the only fource of real happinels toman. Though none by learchingcan hnd out the Almighty unto perfection ; yet all
BACKUS. 209
may be convinced, that right eoufnefs and judg- ment are the habitdtion of bis throne; aud tliat none who put their truft in hini ihall be con- founded. This leads me to oblerve.
That the benevolent defign of God's govern- ment will be accomplilhed. Moral goodnefs mufc involve faithfulnefs : They are often ex- prefsly united in tiie proclamations which Jc-- hovah maketh of his great name, and in tlie thankfgivings which are offered to him in tlic facred volume. The Lord is good, his mcrcv is everlajling ; and his truth endureth to all generations . His dominion is accompanied with boundlefs knowledge and almighty power. Great is our Lord, and of great pozver ; his under/landing is in- finite. He hath declared, Aly counfelfljalljtand, and I ivill do all my pleafure. If our hearts be warmed with the love of God, we cannot re- frain from rejoicing in his government under all its appearances. It proclaims "^/(^r)' to God in the highsft, and good will towards men : It i'j promoted by all events in providence ; and will fill its enemies with contulion, and its friends with joy, in the day when all creatures Ihall appear at the bar of God, and his righteous judgment ihall be revealed before the allem- bled worlds.
I M P R O V E M E N T.
I. It appears from the fabjcfl or this dif- courfe, that the plan of the divine government Vol, IV. D d
BACKUS.
mull be unchangeable. Whei'e is thefe room for change ? God cannot ceafe to be the Au- thor or iupporter of his own world. All crea- tures derived their exiftence from him, and muft depend on hinifor its continuance : All fecond caufes mult remain forever under hisdire6lion and control. No caufe can be devifed, to ef- fc(5t the leali change in the plan of divine ope- ration. Men of the moft extenfive. capacities and information may fee juft reafon to vary their pin'pofes and the courfe of their condu6l, 'from the errors of pall life, and from the dif- clofure of events which had been concealed I'rom the eye of human wifdom. But the mind of Jehovah can admit of no obfcurity or enlargement. Who hath been his coitnfellor f ills knowledge is intuition, and vail as imm- cnftty : No thought can be withholden from him, and he can do every thing which is poifi- blc : His goodnefs is infinite, and is involved in all his counfels. With the Father of lights there . ariahlenefs, neither Jhadow of turning,
'i/>-' counfel' of the Lord ^(iandeth forever , and the ihoi/ghts of his heart to all generations^
'■'■'•• lay infer the great evil of murmur- iug under the dealings of our heavenly Father. We mult, be ftrangers to our own hearts, not \o dif'.xrn that we have a llrong propenfity to . bel ag'ainft the will of God, when the events . liis providence proceed in a courfe which n^ilitates againft the attainment of the glory of ;.i;!^: world. How criminal muft all complaints
B A C K U S.
jjgainft the condu6l of the Moil High appear, \rhen we consider his right and ability to go- vern, and the benevolence which guides all his ' Iminiilrations ? The language of murmur im- peaches the wifdom, juftice and goodnefs of God. Who art thou O man ! who expdflulatell with the Sovereign of the world I Shall the thing formed fay to him that formed it, ivhy hqfl thou made me thus ^ Shall not God do what he v/ill witli his own ? Hearken to the voice of Him who lit- eth on the throne of the univerfe : Be still, ANDJCN0W THAT I AM GcD. The Moft High is conftantly holding up before the intelligent creation the infinite excellencies of his nature, and is proclaiming the riches of his love throughout his vaft dominions. Every devout man muft adopt the language of holy David : O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name-in all the earth ! who hafifet thy glory above the heavens.
3. On a review of the extent, ability "and end of God's government, his church may derive confolation in the darkeft feafons. If, like the bufh which Mofes faw at Horeb, fhe be in the midft of devouring flames, fhe fliall not be con- fumed. Faithful is the Holy One of Ifrael. He hath promifed, I will never leave thee, nor for- fake thee. Nothing can defeat the purpofes ot infinite wifdom , rectitude and goodnefs ; but all things are governed in fubordination to the d- vine plan. Job believed in this dodrine, an(t his heart was comforted from it, when all his children were flain, and his whole fubftanre was
SI3 BACKUS
deftroycd, in one day, by the fword^ by fire from heaven, and the fury of the tempeft. In this day of mourning, he gave glory to God, and rejoiced in his government, faying, The .Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blejfed be the name of the Lord.
In this world we behold the diftrefs of nations, and the church threatened by the luke- warmneis of her friends, and the malice of her enemies ; but let us check all anxiety, by call- ing to mind that the Lord reigneth, and that he is'the refuge and Itrengih ot his people. He will bring good outof evil, light out of darknefs^ and order out of confufion. The righteous en- dure auii6tion but for a fliort time : They will not long behold the trium])hs of the wicked ; but will foon rife to dominion, and /Z?/;/^/<9r/Z) as the fun m the kingdom of their Father. If we be reconciled to tlie government of God, we need not iear the power and n^alice of wicked men and devils. All things -will becojne ours, whether the world, or Ife, or aeath, or things prefent, or things io co7ne. Ye children of forrow ! repair to tne fountain of wifdom, power and grace, breathe the fpirit oi' fubmiirion and praile, and dry up your tears.
To conclude •. Our fubjed fiiows, that offering praife to God isafublime and glorious employ- ment. It hath for its objects the perledtions ol' Jehovah, and the works of his hand. We cannot contemplate fuch tliemes with juft af-
BACKUS. 213
fe(5lions, without joining in the ftrains of the fweet finger of Ifrael ; Blcfs the Lord, O my foul, O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou a^t clothed with honor and 7naje[ly. Meditations on the wonders of providence, and the myfteries of the kingdom of God, will often lead us to break out in the pious and reverent exclamation of the apoftle Paul ; O the depth of the riches both of the wifdom and biow ledge of God ! how unfearch- able are his judgments, and his ways pqfl finding cut! All the Ions of fcience, did they a6t wife- ly, would become true Chriftians. The gofpel alone holds out fubftantial reafons for the im- provement of the mind, by the field which ito- pcns, and the crown which it promifes to the faithful. Happy! thrice happy glorified faints and holy angels, who are ftudents forever in the wonderful works of God ! Praife can never faulter on their tongues, in the world of light and joy. To the world of love and praife let us all afpire. God grant, of his infinite mer- cy, that we all may be fitted for that ftate, where fljall be no more death, neither forrow, 7ior crying, neither ^floall there be any more pain; and may mingle our voices with the heavenly choirs, //3'//?^^^ Alleluia! for the Lord God omnip- ^fentreigneih. Amen.
•s
SERMON LXIX.
HUMAN DEPRAVITY THE SCOURGE OF INFIDELITY.
BY
JONATHAN EDWARDS, D. D-
Pqflor of the fecond Congregational Church, New- Haven^^ Connedticut.
John, vii, 17
Jf any maji will do his will, hejloall know qfibc do&rine, whether it be of God, or whether ifpeak
Our Lord taught as one having authority, and not as thefcribes. Even his enemies were compelled to admire his abilities and his doc« trine. Seethe 14. & 15. th verfes of our con- text : Now about the midfi oftljefeaft, Jefm went up into the temple and taught. And the Jews marvelled, faying, How knoweth this inan Utters, having ?ievcr learned ? It was marvellous to tliem^ that t\ man who had had no advantage of edu- cation, who was a carpenter's fon^ and was himfelf a carpenter, and of courfe could not have had much advantage of converfatioa with
21^ EDWARDS.
men of karning, even after he had arrived at mature age, Ihould be able to teach fo excel- lently, and to exhibit a ly Hem of morals and theology fuperior to all that had been taught, not only by the Scribes and Pharifees, but even by Moles and the prophets.
The folution which our Lord gave to this queflion, is, that he received his docl:rine from God. See verfe i6th. Jefu? anfwered them, and fiiid. My doctrine is not mine, but his that fent me. If this were fad, no wonder his dodrine was fo excellent, and that he exhibited it in fuch an extraordinary mianner. At the lame time that our Lord thus profeiTed to be a teach- er fent from God, he informed them how they might know whether he were right in this pre- tention : viz. by a willingnefs to obey God. If any ??ian ivill do his will, hefiall know of the doc- trine, whether it be of God, as I fay ; or whether I fpeak of my f elf , as you imagine.
And doubtlefs what our Lord faid on this head to the Jews, is equally true concerning us oi* any other men in thefe days. If any man be willing to do the will of God, or if he be fincerely difpofcd to obedience, or to piety toward God and to true virtue toward men, he Ihall know wliether the go! pel be a revela- tion from God, or a mere human invention; and no man will be an infidel, unlefs he be of a depraved heart. Tins is manifellly the doc- trine of our text; and to illuftrate it I purpofe.
EDWARDS.
M. 1
J.': To conlider more particularly the import of thefe words, IJ^any man will do bis unit,
• i-
II. To conlider the evidence of the confe- quence thence drawn. That if any man he fuicere- ly difpofcd to piety and virtue, he fliall know whether the gofpel be indeed a revelation from God.
I. I am to conlid'er the import of thcfe words. If any man ivill do his will.
It is manifeft by the preceding verfe, that the will of God is intended. The words imme- diately preceding are. My doclrine is net mine but his that fent me. Then follow the words of the text : Jf any man -will do his will &c, that is, the will of the eternal Father, who fent Chrill. Now to do his will is to be really aud fincerely obedient to him, in the various' duties of piety and true virtue. I {iiyjincerely obedient; For no other obedience than that which is lincere, is worthy of the name of obe- dience, or is confidered as any obedience at all by him who looketh on the heart, and by that determines the actions and characters of men ; and not as we do, by the mere outward appear- ance or verbal profeffion. That real and cor- dial fmcerity of obedience is here intended, is evident, not only by the very nature of the cafe^ as no other is any obedience at all ; but by the form of expreliion in the original : «/ ^'f ^o-.Jfany man bs ivilling to do bis j.vill. So Vol. IV, Ee
210 EDWARDS,
that our Lord plainly meant a fincere and wil- ling obedience, in which thG.ivill and heart are engaged, and not thajL^hich is external and vi- fible only.
The parts of tliis obedience are two ; the firic refpecting God ; the fccond our fellow crea- tures. The iirft is piety or gocilinefs, the o* ther is morality. Godlinefs is compliance with the firil and chief command of the divine law_, Thoufiali love the- Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all Ihyfirength, and with all thy mind ; and from this fupreme love to God, to attend on all ordinances of his worflnp. Therefore this attendance rauft not be rendered relu6tantly, as if it were a burden, a tafK necefTary indeed to be performed, but difagreeable and weari- fome : But it mull be rendered cheerfully and willingly, with fatisfatSiion and delight. Indeed it wiii be rendered in this manner, if, according to the text, we be willing to do his will; or if Ave comply with the iirli: and chief command be- fore recited.
"i'hc other branch of obedience refpects our , fellow creatures, and includes all the duties of morality ; as benevolence, jullicc, truth, faith- fulnefs and beneficence. The foundation of all thefe duties is that cordial love or benevolence required in the following diviiie conmiand; Thcnjhalt love thy neighbour as thyfelf; which our Lord tells us is the fecond, and like unto thr jirft. All the ibrcnientioncd duties of morali
i; D AV A R D S. 219
ly muft be performed from the f^imc :: .:.;i^ mind, as tbe duties of piety. It is by no mcaivs enough, that they arc performed externa ily from the motives of I'ear^qf human laws, judg- ments, and executions ; or of fliame and regard to our reputation. They may be thus performed, and yet by no means be performed willingly, aa our text requires ; but with great relu(!:{;ance; with no pleafure inthofe duties themlclves, but with real difguit at them. Then only Oiali we perform them willingly, wlien we perform them from that love to our neighbour, whicli is cor~ refpondent to the love which we bear to our- felves. Then only fhall we have a talle or re- lifii for thole virtues, or for the real beauty of them.
Thus we fee what it is to be wilUne; to do the will of God : It is to have a heart to the prac- tice of fincere piety and true virtue : Or in o- ther words, to love God fupremely, and man- kind lincerely, or with direct and proper bene- volence.
II. I proceed to fliov/, that he who v^ of v.\:.. charatSter, ftiall know whether the gofpel be in- deed a revelation from God. This I con- ceive to be evident by both fcripture and rcaicn.
I. By fcripture. Our text feems to l^c very- clear and pertinent to the prefent purpofe. The qucllion between our Saviour and the Jews Avas. Whether he were a teaclier fcnt from
220 EDWARD S.
*
God. He affirmed it: They denied it. And in the text he afferts^ that if they had a heart to ohey God, they would know whether his preteniion were well-founded, or whether his doc^trine, which is the Gofpel, were really from God. This text alone, therefore, if there were no other text in the Bible in favour of our doc- trine, is a full proof of the truth of it. One divine aifertion of any dodrihe is a fufficient proof. If one be not fufficient, neither is any greater number.
But this is by no means the only text which fupports this do6lrine. The general current offcripture implies, and many particular texts exprefsly allert, that the blindnefs, darknefs and unbelief of mankind are wholly of the mo- ral kind, voluntary, and the refult of depravi- ty of heart. I fnall mention fome of them. John. V. 40. Te will not come tmto me, that ye might have life. Ye will not ; the original is more explicit and detterminate, «y ^tx»-ri,ye are uot willing to come to me.- But this unwilling- ncfs is aliigned by our Lord as the reafon of the unbehef of the Jews. And are we not to believe that unbelief in modern times proceeds from the fanhe caufe from which it proceeded anciently? II. Theif. ii. 10. Them thai perijlj, be- cavjhthey received not the -love of the truth, that ihey ni'ght befaved. In other pallages the Scrip- ture abundantly teaches that they who believe not ,f}mll perifJj, flndl be damned, are condemned at- trady &c. And this text affigns the reafon why
EDWARDS. 221
they periih; viz. That they have not the 1.0 VE of the truth. But all who are cordially diipofed to piety and virtue, or to real obedi- ence to the will of God, do loye the truth. Therefore they will not perifli^ but will believe the gofpel,and be iaved. Again, (verfe 12.) That they might be damned^ who believed tiot the truth, bid had pleajure iji nnrighteoiifnefs. This text (liows, that no man will be damned, unlefs he have pleafiire in unrighteoiifnefs. But all un- believers will be damned. The conlequence is plain, that all unbelievers have pleafure in unrighteoufnefs. The reafon why the heathen world were given over to a reprobate mind, was, that they did not like to retain God in their knowledge. And alienation is the only afligna- Lie reafon, that when they knew God, they glorifi- ed him not as God ; but became vain in their imag- inationSy and their foolijh heart was darkened. The apoftle Peter afligns the fame thing, as the rea- fon of the unbelief of the fcofFers, who fiiould come in the lall days, and fhouid difbelieve the fecond coming of Chriil, faying, JVhere is the promife of his coming ? The realon which he af- ligns, is, a willing ignorance of the agency of God in creation and providence. But to be willingly ignorant of the molt remarkable works of God, in which he has moll remarkably ex- hibited himfelf anid his infinitely glorious per- ,fe(5tions, argues a fpirit of impiety. Now we have received, not the fpirit of the zvorld, but thefpi- nt which is of God ; that we might know the things tKot are freely given us of God, This text inplies.
222 EDWARD S.
that li >ve be undci^ the government of a \verld- ly ipitit, ve cannot know the golpel, and the truths itcontains; and therefore cannot truly believe them. Tbefecrei of the Lord is zvith them that fear him. If tlierefore any have not the fe- cret of the Lord, as no inildcl has, it muft be becaufc he does not fear God. I.John ii. 20, Te have an imBionfrcm the holy One and know all things. But the anointing which ye have received, ahidcih in you; and ye need not that any jnan teach you; hut as the fame anointing teachetb you of all things,' and is truth, and is no lie ; and even as it hath taught you, yefjjall abide in him. It is man- ifell, that this anointing or undion means fome kind of inftrudion or teaching. But it cannot mean the common infer u6lion' in do6trinalkno\v- ledo'c ; bccaufe it is faid that the former abides in thofe to Vvhom it is given, and that they need not any further inftra6\ion, and that they who enjoy the inftru61ion wiiich is by this anointing, Ihail abide in Chrift. But none of thefe things can be truly faid concerning mere common dodrinal inflru61ion ; nor concerning the mi- raculous teaching of inlpii'ation, which was en- joyed in the days of the apoftles. Judas was thus taught; yet he needed further teaching, and he did not abide in Chrifl:. This anointing therefore muft mean that teaching, which is by the fan6tifying influences of the holy Spirit. They who have this teaching, know all things, therefore they will know whether the gofpel be a divine revelation : And if any man know not this, it muft be through the want ol fan61iiica-
EDWARDS. Z23
tion^ or an obedient heart. If ye continue in my word'—ye fljall know the truth, Thefe v/ords are ot the fame import with our text, and very limilar in the form of cxprellion. To continue in Chrift's word, is to be obedient to him ; and fuch Ihall know the truth ; of courfe they will know whether the gofpel be true. Te beiievs not, becaufe yc arc not of my fljcep. To be the fheep of Chrift is to be obedient to his laws and commandments, as the iiock is governed by the fhepherd : And the reafon why the Jews be- lieved not the gofpel, was, that they were not obedient to his laws. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wifdom ; a good underftanding have all they that do his commandments. IVifdoin, in the language of fcripture, always implies a belief of the fcriptures. The fame is obfervable of good iinderflanding . Thofe who reje6l the fcrip- tures or the golpel, are lo far from being ever in fcripture reprefented to be 'pofleiTed of v/if- dom, or a good underftanding, that they are e- very where called fools, and are faid to be blind ^ darkened, knowing nothing as they ought. All thofe therefore vv^ho poUefs wifdom or a good underftanding, believe the fcriptures. The fource of this wifdom and belief is the fear of the Lord; and the' fcurcc of infidelity mufl be the want of that fear. Bat that fear in- volves a fpirit of true piety and virtue, and without it there can be no true piety or vir- tue. Having the underftanding darkened,'^ hein^r alienated from the life cf God through the igrtO ranee ibai IS in ih-w, J-i^raiffr nf the //''>v';/-A^. '-...,. - .
224 EDWARDS,
or as it is rendered in the margin hardnefs, and Blight be more ftridly rendered calloiifiiefs, of their hearts. The ignorance and unbelief there- fore of mankind with refpect to divine fubie6ts is becaufe of the hardnefs or depravity of their hc<ixts.'- If our go/pel be hid, it is hid to them that are loll ; in whom the God of this world hath blind- ed the minds of them which believe 7iot,lefi the light of the glorious gofpel ofChriJl, who is the image of God fhould fhine unto them. ^ Who the God of this world is, is manifeftfroni John, xii. 30. Now is the jiidgmeiit of this world : now is the prince of this world cqjl out. Chap. xiv. 31. The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in 77ie. A* gainjl the rulers of the darknefs of this world. The God of this world then is Satan, the great ene- my of mankind : and all to whom the gofpel is hid, and all who believe it not, are under the influence of the God of this world, blinding their minds ; and this blinding influence is the caufe why they fee not the light of the glorious gof- pel and believe it not. But this malicious be- ing can have no fuch blinding influence on any man, only fo fiir as he is depraved, and is un- der the influence of his depravity. Therefore the whole of that blindnefs, which induces or implies infldelity, is built on the foundation of depravity of heart. And this is the condemnati^ on, that light is come into the world, and men have loved darknefs rather than light, becaufe their deeds were evil. The light here intended is the light of tlie gofpel ; and the reafon here given, why men did not love nnd receive this light, is, that
E D W A. R D
o
their deeds Ijucre evil. JVberefore it is contained in thefcripture. Behold I lay in Zion a chief corn- er [tone, eleB, previous ; and: he that believeth on bun Jhall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which ■ believe, he is precious ; but unto them which be dis- obedient, theftone ivhich the builders' difcil lowed the fame is made the head of the corner^ and a [ione ofjhwiblingy and a rock of offence ^ even tot" them which flumble at the wordy being difobedient. . No- thing is more evident^ tlian, that difobedience is here reprefented to be the caufe of Humbling atthev/ord, I, John iv. 6. Hethat knowetb God hearetb us ; he that is not of God, bearetb not us. Hearing the apolUes implies a belief ot them. Therefore this text allerts^ that he that knoweth God, believeth the apoilolic doc- trine ; and that he that knoweth not God, and adhereth not to his caufe, believeth not tliat do(^rine ; and the former is given as the rea- fon of the latter.
Thus we fee how clearly and abundantly the fcriptures teach, that infidelity is the ef- ^(i(^ of a depraved -lieart and life, and that a fpi- :t of real piety and virtue will forever pre- vent or abolifli it. Therefore,
2. I am to confider how far the voice of j'eafon coincides with the voice of Scripture. If the gofpel be a revelation from God, there is doubtlefs evidence of it. It would be abiurd to imagine that God has taken care to give a re- vchiHon of his v;ill to mankind. ■'-^■^ '- -' ^ "-^r V<>r IV. Ff
226 E D V/ A R D S.
taken care that there fliould be evidence fuffi- cient to fatisfy the rational, the attentive and candid, that it is indeed a revelation. A reve- lation fo circumftanced conld anfwer no pur- pofe of a revelation, nor could it be reafonably cxpe6ted that it fliould be received and regard- ed, at all as a revelation. Nay, in fact it would be no revelation from God to mankind, becaufc it would exhibit nothing as coming from God. If a kind prince fiiould make known his will to his fubje6ts, but in fuch a manner that there fliould be no credible evidence that it was his will, as they could not in this cafe know that it was his will, io they would be juft as ignorant of what his will really was, as they were before, or as if the exhibition fup- pofed had come from another prince, or from any other perfon. If therefore the^ofjiel be from God, and were defigned to be received as fuch, there is undoubtedly evidence that it is from God_, fuch evidence as a rational^ atten- - tive and candid inquirer will fee ; and all who have a fpirit of piety and true virtue will be candid and attentive to divine truth, and to every thing which with any probability or plaufibility claims to be divine truth; and their candour and attention will be proportioned to their piety and virtue. All fuch therefore will fee the real evidence that the gofpel is from God, and will receive it accordingly. And if any fee not that evidence, it muft be owing ^ to the want of candour and attention, and there- fore to the want of piety and virtue*
EDWARDS. 227
If it fliould be faid, a man may be induced by prepoileffion of education, by enthulialm or blind zeal, to receive a falfe lyftem for truta, contrary to evidence, or at lealt without evi- dence ; and that in this cafe he is not govern- ed by a perverfe bias ;
I anfwer, nothing but fome perverfe bias, feme party attachment, fome criminal indor lenceor prepoirellion, can make a man io enthu- lialHt , fo full of groundlefs zeal and fo attached to the ways and habits of his education, as to be blinded to real evidence exhibited^ or to imagine that he fees evidence which has no ex- iftence.^
*Wlience arifes entliufiafm ? Not furely from a prin- ciple of true virtue and piety. There will be perfect piety and virtue in heaven, but no enthufiafm, no vihon- aries. An3 doubtlefs if a man were completely fancti- lied in this world, it would preferve or deliver him from all enthufiafm. If fo, then enthufiafm will, other things being the fame, be diminilhed in any man in proportion to the degree of his virtue and piety. If honefty, virtue and piety would not preferve all men of common capa- cities from enthufiafm, then God has laid fome men of common capacities under a neceifiiy which depends not on their wills, but is a natural, evincible neceffity, of rejecting true religion, and embracing enthufiafm : And then thefe confequences will follow ; that they are un- der no obligation to be truly religious ; that enthufialm or falfe religion in them is no fin or fault ; that true re- ligion, as oppofed to enthufiafm, is as to them no duty; and that enthufiafm in them is as true and genuine reli- gion as any^ and confequentiy is not enthufiafm. On the whole therefore we are obliged to come to this conclufion, that all religious enthuhafm, and all vifionary fehemes of religio n, do and muft arife from depravity.
N. B. The noie in this page was by the author in- tended to be printed as part of the text.
228 EDWARDS.
Thus, the truth of our dcnSlrine^ that if any niian be porieiled of a proper fpirit of piety and true virtue, he fhall know whether the gofpel be a revelation from God, or a mere human ii^vention, appears not only to be confirmed by fcripture, but necedarily to follow from the piaineit dictates pt reafon and comnion fenfe,--
If this do61rine be true, and if the gofpel be a revelation from God, or a fyftem of truth, all who believe it not are blinded by fome per- verle bias, or by a depraved heart, and they are not willing to do the will of God. No. o- ther realon can be aiiigned for their unbelief. They may be challenged -taaffign any other. On the other hand; if the gofpel, be not a rev- elation from God, as there neither is nor can be evidence, that it is from him ; all who be- lieve it as from him, are therein a6tuated by fome perverfe bias, or by an unwillingnefs to do the will of God. On this fuppofition all who have ever believed the gofpel, the primitive Chriftians, thp apoflles^ even Paul himlelf, who iuftered the lols of all things that he might win Chrift, either did not at all believe the gofpel, and were the vileft impoftors, or they believed the goipel from a fpirit of difobedience to the divine, will. Nay, the fame is true of Jefus Chrill himlelf. Either tlicrcfore Paul, Peter and John, nay Jefus himfelf, if they were not dci gning impoftors, believed as they did from ci fpirit cf dilobedicnce to the divine will ; or from thcfiime fpirit Shy ftcfbury, Bolingbrokc
EDWARDS. 229
cTiid Hume believed as they did. There is no medium in this cafe. And who, it is molt like- ly, were influenced by a fpirit of difobedience and impiety, let every one judge, who is ac- quainted with their reipc(5tive writings. Let every fuch perfon judge> whether a fpirit of obedience, or of piety and virtue, breaths moll in the writings of Paul,. Peter and John, and in the difcourfes of Jefus Chrift ; or in the wri- tings of Shaftefbury Bolingbroke and Hume. The iirft of thefe lail mentioned authors holds, that ridicule is the tell of truth. He ironical- ly declares, *^that when the fupreme civil pow- ers have given their fan^lion to a religious re- cord or pious writ, it becomes immoral and protane in any one to deny or difpute the di- vineauthority of the lead line orfyllable con- tained in it"; and reprefents the fcripture dodrinfe of rewards and punifliments as mean, felfifli, mercinary, and hurtful to the intereft of virtue. He applies his own avowed teft of truth to the fcripture^ and endeavours to ridi- cule the Ipirit of prophecy ; and implicitly ;ccufcs our Saviour of being actuated by ambi- tion and a p^rfecuting fpirit. He places the obligation to virtue in its conducivenefs to our prefent happinefs ; and feems to erect fuch a ^cheme of virtue as is independent on religion and deltitute of proper regard to God. Boling- broke denies a providence extending to indi- viduals ; holds that modefty and challity have no foundation in nature, and arc owing to hu- man vanitv; that man is no more than a fu-
2SQ EDWARDS,
perior anin^al, whofe views are confined to this prelent iitc, and tias no reafonable profpe6l of exitting in a future ilate ; is not accountable, and has no moral ienfe or feeling naturally im- planted in him; that his fuprenie end is his own pleafure in this life, &c. The other wri- ter Hume, denies that we can argue the ex- iftence of an intelligent caufe of all things from the exiftence .of the world ; denies that we have any evidence of moral perfection in God, any evidence of a providence, or a future Hate of rewards and punifhment; reckons mortifi- cation, feifdenial and humility among the monk- illi virtues, and pride among the real virtues; denies the diilincliion between natural endow- ments or talents, whether mental or corporeal, and moral virtues ; and holds that mental ca- pacity, llrength of memory, wit, cleanlinels and bodily ftrength are as real virtues as juft- ice, chaftity and benevolence. Now, I fay let any man of tolerable underftanding and candour judge, wliether thofe who embraced and taught inch theological and moral principles as thefe, were moll likely to have been blinded to truth by alpirit of impiety and diiobedience ; or he who <ieUvered the sermon on the Mount, and thofe \/ho wrote the gospels, and other books of the New Testament.—
I have now fininiOied what was propofed from our text; and therefore fhalf clofc the difcourfe with fome inferences.
EDWARDS. ixt
O
1. Our fubje6l teaches us, that if the gofpel be true, there is no necefllty that any man be ^n iniidel. Iniidelity is not neceflkry, but vo- luntary. Men are infidels, becaufe they are willingly ignorant of the truth, and fliut their eyes againft it. Doubtlefs all depravity of heart is voluntary ; and that, on the fuppolition that the gofpel is true, is the real caufe of all infi- delity. This is indeed a do6trine grating to the pride of unbelievers ; yet it is the doctrine offcripture, and the do(?trine of reafon too; nor, as has been alTerted, can they themfelves fupport any other theory with refpe6l to this fubje6l. They can, on the fuppolition now made, give no other account of their unbelief, which will bear examination. In vain will any of them pretend to be a6ted upon mechanically in this cafe ; that what they fee, they fee, and cannot but fee ; And what the y do not fee, they cannot fee, and therefore are not to be blamed : that men can no more think alike, than they can look alike. The truth is what they do not fee, as to this fubje(51:, they might and would fee, were it not for the depravity of their hearts ; and therefore for that blindnefs they are moft juftly to be blamed and condemned.
2. This fubje6i: teaches us, not only that no man is under a neceflity to dijhelicve chriftianity, but that no man is under a neceirity to be in doubt or uncertainty whether chriftianity be true orfalfe. There is a plain and fure way to the folution of all fuch doubts, and every man may
z^z E D W A R D S,
in that way obtain a full fatisfa6lion concerning the truth. If Chriftianity be true, he may ob- tain full evidence of it : If it be falle, he may obtain full evidence of that. All that is necef- fary to this, is, that he be willing to do the ivill of God. Therefore to be in a ftate of uncer- tainty in this cafe, to halt between two opin- ions, is utterly inexcufable ; equally fo as dif- obedience itfelf.
Yet is not this the cafe with many ? They profefs to be inquiring whether Chriftianity be true or not. They are not fatisfied; they want further time to weigh the evidence, the arguments in favour of Chriftianity and the ob- je<5lions againft it. But though fuch men may flatter themfelves that they are a6ting a very rational and commendable part; the truth is, that they betray the wickcdnefs of their hearts, and their unwillingnefs to do the will of God. For, as on the iuppolition that Chriftianity is true, they who poiitively difbelieve its truth, hereby prove that they are under the influence of a difobedient fpirit ; fo in the cafe which is now before us, they who are unfettled and halt i)etween the truth and falfliood of Chriftianity, prove that they are under the influence of the fame I'pirit. Were they difpofed to obedience, they would foon come to a determination, and fee the evidence which cxifts, either that Chrif- tianity is true, or that it is falfe.
3. Hence we fee the reafon why unbelief is
J£ D W A R D S.
'33
every where in fcripture reprefented as a fin, and is threateiaed with fevere punifliment ; as it is in fuch pafFages as thefe. He that believeth and is baptized JJoal I befaved ; but he that believeth not.Jljall be damned. He that believeth on him is not condemned : but he that believeth not, is con- demned already ; becaiifc he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the ivork of God, that ye believe on him, whom he hath fent, J^his is his commandment that wejhoidd be- lieve on the name of his Son jefus Chrifl. So in numberlefs other texts. Now it hath been made an obje6i:ion to Chriftianity, that it re- q.uires mankind to believe it; that it conflant- ]y exhorts to faith as a duty, and diirbadcs from unbehef as a lin, and condemns it to theiever- ell puniflmient. It hath been pleaded, that this is abfurd ; equally fo as to condemn and punifli a man for not feeing the light of tiie fun ; or to exhort him to believe a theorem in ge- ometry. But this is a grofs mifreprefentation, unlefs it be fuppofed that the man fees not the light of the fun and the truth of the geometrical theorem, becaufe he voluntarily fiuits or blinds his eyes againft the former, and will not pro- perly attend to the latter. The condemnation of linners is, that light is come into the world, and they love darknefs rather than light ; and that bc-- caiife their deeds are evil. Surely as a difobedi- cnt fpirit is fin, and as fuch to be warned again ll ; fo is that unbelief which is the refult of it. As an obedient Ipirit is a duty, and as lucii is witii
rood reaton to be inculcated ; io is that ii\\\:^
Vol. IV, C7g
i -4 EDWARD S,
which depends on it. As an unwillingnefs to do the* will of Goddeferves puniihment, if any- thing doth ; fo does that unbelief which is the effe6t of it. Thefe obfervations are equally true, whether by faith we mean a belief of Chriftianity, in oppofition to deifm ; or that cor- dial receiving of Chrifl^, to which the promife of lalvation is made.
4-
Hence alfo we learn the true fourceof alldifputes concerning any of the efTential doc-' trines of Chriftianity . It mull: be fome deprav- ed principle. The fame realbning holds good liere, as with regard to Chriftianity itfelf. We can no more fuppofe that God would leave the effential dodrines of a revelation without evi- dence that they are really do6lrines of truth, than that he would leave the revelatign in gen- eral without inch evidence. And if there be fuch evidence/ not to lee it muft proceed from fome depraved principle. No other caufe of unbelief in this cafe can be ailigned. I know it hath often beenfaid to be owing to different modes of education, different inftruction, afToci- ations of ideas and habits of thinking &c, that fome chriftians do not believe all the elfential do(51rines of Chriftianity. But if any or all thefe caufes influence them to reje6t any ellential do6irine of Chriftianity, of the truth of which there is real and fufficient evidence, they muft: ftill produce this effed by rendering them un- jcandid and inattentive to the evidence ; and this want of candour and attention is depravity.
EDWARDS, 233-
If therefore we be duly attentive and candid, we fhall fee this evidence, fhall be eftablifned in the belief of the do(^trines, and fliall iurmount our doubts. If our hearts be not eflabliflied by faith, but be driven about v/ith every wind of doctrine y and craftinefs of men ivhereby they lie in wait to deceive; it nmft be owing to fome want of attention or want of candour, or, in the lan- guage of the text, to unwillingnefs to do the will of God.: And if all profciled Chriltians were free from all depravity of heart, they would be a- greed in all the eflentials of Chriftianity.
5. Let us adore the goodnefs of God, that he hath put the evidence of Chriftianity and of the eflential do6lrines of it thus within*the reach of every good man. This evidence is within the reach not only of the learned, but of the unlearned ; not only of the wife and great men of this world, but of all who are willing to do the will of God. , Therefore we have not to inquire, who fliall afcend into heaven or dcfcend into tlie deep, to bring us evidence of the truth of the gofpel : But the evidence is nigh us, and will be received by all, if it be not flmt out by the depravity of their hearts.— For if any man will do his will, he fhall know of the doctrine, whe- ther it he of God, or whether itbe a n^er^hnn^'ni invention.
S E R M Q N LXX.
THE CHRISTIAN HOPE.
BY
ACHILLES MANSFIELD, A. M.
Pajiorofa Congregaiional Church at Killing fio or th, Connedlicut,
' Horn, V. 5. And Hope maketh not ajhamed —
Hope is a paflion peculiar to a ftate of pro- bation and trial : There will be no place for it in that future world to which we are haflening. There the faith of the righteous will be fwallowed up in vifion, and their hope in enjoyment ; and there the wicked will be fhut out in outer darknefs, where light and hope fhall never come. But in this prefent ftate of imperfe6lion and fufferings, hope is ne- ceiTary to every probationer for immortality. Were it now fecluded from human enjoyment, it would convert mankind into furies, and our world would become as gloomy as the regions ofdefpair. Without this there would be lit- tle or nothing, either to ftimulatc the mind to the difcharge of the duties of the prefent life, or to prepare for a better.
13S MANSFIELD.
Therefore this pafTioL is kindly impkftied in the human mind by the great Creator. Apd* it pervades the whole world. It palpitates in every breaft. Methinks there is no affli6lion fo finiihed, no clouds fo dark^ as to be impene- trable to its cheering beams. It not only ftim- iilates the victorious warrior, but eales the chains of the dungeon captive. It fweetens the cup of profperity, and keeps the heart from finking under the weight of adverfity. It enters into the abodes of diftrefs, and cheers the difconfolate with the profpe6l of days of Iit>ht, peace and comfort, more than according to the days wherein they have feen affli6lion.
Though hope animates all, yet all are far from having the fame-hope. There is an hope that will difappoint its votaries, and terminate in confulipn and fliame. .. J^nd there is an hope t^iat ?mheth not aJJjamedf which will more than anfwe ^xpedtatioiiis, and lead to honor,*
gloiyaiiU immortality. Therefox'e I fliail en- deavour to iiiufir^te;,
I. 'j^\:c ,LvU...^ ^j ii^.^L ui,.j.c fpoken of in the text; and .^^' '/' ^'"' ''y^CfUrnry: rf it^ as it maketh not aJJoam- cd.
I. \Vc are to illuftrate the nature of that ■ hope Ipoken of in the words before us.
Hope in general, as was obferved above, is of univerfal influence. It operates in anal-
MANSFIELD. 239
nioft infinite variety of ways, and takes ciidor- €ftt denominations^ agreeably to the different principles and objects of its operation. That hope wliich fpends itfelf inunediately upon worldly obje6ts/is denominated a woi'ldly hope ; and it may be lawful or fmtiil according to the meafure of our dependence upon it.
When we feek the objects of time and fenfe as the fupreme and ultimate gced, and place our highellexpe<5tation%of happinefsupon tiieni, this is a carnal and linful hope, and involves iii its nature the aggravated guilt of downright i- do4atfy. In perfons of this defcription, the love of the world is the predominating princi, pie, and whatever comes in the way of this^ they will have the audacity to facrifice, whether it be the love and the duty which they owe to their Maker, or to their fellow creatures. But even a worldly hope becomes harmlefs and in- offenlive, when exercifed in due fubordination to higher interefts and concerns, and is doubt- lefs allowable. He that cultivates the earth, and cafts his feed into the foftened ridges, iiiould do both in hope. We may hope for inccefs in all our lawful fecular occupations. But thefe things are not uppermoft in the heart and af- fe6tions of the truly good man. They are not the obje6ts upon which he reds his higheft expe<5tations and dependance. He feeks them only as affording fuftenance, in this Itate of pafTage to higher enjoyments and a n:ore glorious country,
240 MANSFIELD.
Hope when limited to the fphere of religiojt is called reiigioas hope. This again is divided into two branches^ the hope of the hypocrite, and that of the true Chriftian. The fon?ier is reared upon relation to father Abraham, felf- righteoufnefs, or fome of the rituals of religion, as was that of the Pharifees, and hath no e§e6l in iiibduing corruption, and purifying the heart : Therefore it muft terminate in difap- pcintmcnt and lorrow. But the latter, in joys unrpcakable and full of, glory. The latte?' is fpoken of by our apoflle, of which only it can be predicated, that it mahcth not aJJoamed, This hope hr.tii for its object that weight of glory, tliat great falvation, which is freely tendered to all in the gofpel through Jefus Chriii, and which is iirnily proniifed to all that believe in him. It fixes upon the enjoyment of the divine prefcnce and favor, as the fupreme and unbounded good of man. --Therefore it is faid by St. Peter, that our hope is in God ; i. e. as the ultimate obje(5l of it. Chrift is called our hope, as it is only by him that the fountain of God's grace and mercy is fet open to us, and as he hath not only revealed the great and pre- cious promifes of the gofpel, the foundation of hope; but rendered them yea, and amen, in- his own blood. Had it not been for his inter- ]iOlition, no beam of light or hope had ever dawned upon the kviman eye.
Further, we are faid to abound in hope through the poivcr of the Holy Ghoji, as it is by his divine
MANSFIELD, 241
agency, that this virtue is prodL],ced and cherifli- ed in the heart. This he does by perfu^di-ig the mind of the power and laithfuhiefs of God, the fure accomplilhment of his proniifes, and by raifmg it above anxious doubtings and diltract- ing defpair. Thus he adiniuircers/i^r^/i^:!^ confo- lation to tbem who have fled for refuge, to lay bold upon the hope fet before them in the g of he I.
The pillars upon whi^rthis grace isfupport- edare^ the promiles, the inmiortality, tlvd truth and almighty power of God. J^Ian may be- tray the truft we repofe in him : But God is true, and will neither deceive our faith, nor dif- appoint bur hope. He is almighty, and upon this foundation the apoftle built his aiilirancc of hope. For I know, faith he, whom' I have be- lieved, and I am perfiiaded that he is able to keep that which I have coinniitted unto hi?n agairft that day. Chriflian hope always prefuppofes faith in the divine promifes. We cannot rationally hope for any thing in which we do not believe. But we proceed,
II. • To illuftrate the excellency of this hope, as it maheth not ajbamed.
The fuperior excellencies of it to every o- ther hope will appear from various conlidc ra- tions.
I . From the incomparable excellency ofuts objects. The increafe of corn and wine, the en- Vol. IV Hh
242 MANSFIELD,
joyments and treafures of thisperiOiing world, form the objects of worldly hopes : But the Chriilian hope hath in view a treafure that en • dureth unto eternal life ; which eye hath not feen, nor ear heard, and which never entered into the mind of man to conceive. Yea^ it looks up to the throne of Jehovah^ and feeksa ])iace in his favour and love as the /up re me good. And i$ there any thing that will bear a conipa rifon with this ? Are th^^^^ ^"7 among the an- gels, or among the fonsof the mighty, who may be compared to God ? ^Behold, he looketh un- to the fun. and it fliineth not 1 The heavens are not clean in his light, and angels are charg- 'able with comparative folly. Is there any- worldly honor or inheritance, that will admit of any comparifon with being made the fons and heirs of God through Jefus Chrift ? So ex- alted andfo divine' are the objedts otour hope. Surely then it maketh not afliamed.
The fupereminence of it will alfo appear, when we contemplate the ft ability of it's foun- dation. How very precarious and uncertain is the foundation of all worldly hopes.? Long iince this world hath received from the mouth of infpiration that humiliating motto. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. And experience Ihews that the fafhion of it palFctli away : Therefore all thofe hopes and joys which reft upon it, mud be delufivc and tranfient.
To appearance how well founded were the
MANSFIELD, 243
liopes of the eailern monarch, who flild, h
not this great Babylon that I have buiU? Thev
were founded upon the bafis of a mighty and
vaft empire ; and yet, alas, a few days taught
him, that their foundation was in the liUid.
The mighty empires of the world are fo far
from aflbrding an unfailing foundation to our
iimbitious hopes, that they are continually fub-
jeft to change themfelves^ and muft foon be
fwept away before the hand of time. Many
places, which once '>vere honored with tlie
throne of kings and the feat of empire, are now
Itripped of every veilige of ancient glory, and
become places tor fhepherds to pitch theh-^
tents. Thus pafs all glories beneath the fun.
Are we buoyed up with the hopes of world- ly riches or honor ? The former reft on a ba- lls which fire may confume, or thieves deftroy ; and the latter, on the breath of popular applauie^ than which nothing can be more uncertain — an airy foundation indeed I And as certainly as a- ny place their chief dependance upon it, it will break under theri like a ipidcr's web, and their towering hopes will fall upon them in over- whelming delpair.
But perhaps, my hearers, you are ready to felicitate yourfelves, that your higheft hopes reft on far different foundations ; on a beloved con> panion, a dear child, perhaps an only fon ; or •'. friend that fticketh clofer than a brother. A- . u^ ! thefe are but a precarious foundation of
244 MANSFIELD,
hope. Before we are aware^ they may fall vic> thus to the laft enemy^and leave us to mourn, with Racliel, for our children, or our friends, refufing to be comforted becaufe they are not* But the Chriftian hope is built upon a foundati- on whicli no llorms can fliake, no length of time can weaken. It cannot be overthrown, either by life or death, powers or pr'mdpalities, things prefent or things to come. Yea, though heaven and earth fliall pafs away, this fhall en- dure. This is the only hope that can be our fupport in a dying hour. In that hour, a well grounded hope is worth ten thoufand worlds, and would infinitely more than compeniate the toils of a whole age in its acquifition.
But remember, O fmner ! all thy groundlefs prefumptions and worldly hopes (liall then leave thee. The hope of the Ungodly Jha II peri/h . You may now be promifing yourielf, that you have goods laid up in Rore for many years. 'But what will all that avail, when thy loul fliall be required of thee ? It will fervconly to render lliy fall into the regions of defpair the deeper apd the itiore dreadful. But on the other hand, Mark the perfeB man, and behold the upright ; for the end of that man is peace. He hath that hope in death, which, having call anchor upon the immortal fhore, becomes both fure and ftcdfali, and enables him not only with a calm fortitude to meet the lad enemy, but to hang out the cnfigns of vi<^l:ory and triumph ; faying, O death, ivbcre is thyjlmg ! O grave, where is ^''>^' -^i^orv f
MANSFIELD. 245
The purifying nature of the hope of the gof- pel will alfo fliew that it is a glorious hope^ an^ niaketh not ailiamed. All the obje6ts of it are pure and holy. Its fir 11 and fupreme obj e6l is, a Being of immaculate purity. Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, So heaven, which terminates all our defires^ is a region where hoiinefs reigns univerfal. Nothing that defiles, or that works abomination, fliall ever pafs through the gates into that city. Now he that is begotten again unto a lively hope of this glorious inheritance, by the refurrecStion of Jefus Chrilt from the dead, muft purify himfelf even as he is pure.
^
Dire6lly the reverie is the efFe6l of worldly hopes, when they predominate in the heart. How often do we fee them breaking over all the reftri6lions ofreafon and revelation? The afpiring tyrant, who hath a throne in view, will not helitate to plunge the fatal dagger in- to the breafts of all that may Hand in his way. Deaf to all the calls of humanity, Abimelech flew three fcore and ten perfons of his father's houfe, upon one ftone, that he might be left in the quiet enjoyment of a throne, polfelled by ufurpation, cruelty and opprcifion. Far too many initances of this nature might be adduced from facred and profane hiftory.
And if we turn an eye upon the man given to tlie love of gain, whofe god is the world; what injuftice, overreaching, fraud and dupli- city mark his ftcp.^ ?
2^6 MANSFIELD.
Again, the vile ftralagems to accomplilli the deligns of thoie who are lovers of pleafure more than of God, are difplayed by Solomon in inimitable colors.
Now all thefe Itreams of human depravity are powerfully checked and controled by that facred virtue that is the fubjecl of difcourfe. Hear what faith the apoftle. For the grace of God that bringethfalvation hath appeared to all men ; ':'Mcbing lis that denying ungodlinefs and worldly lulls', we fhoiild live foberly, right eoiijly, and god lily in th:s prejcnt world ; looking for that hleffed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God^ and our Saviour Jefus Chnft,
Once more, the hope of the gofpel maketh not aflianied, as in f tuition it more than anfwers our 7no/l exalted expectations. The dell re of hap- pinefs is what puts all the hopes of mankind into motion. And as worldly hopes lead de- luded mortals to feek for happinefs where it ne- ver can be found, they always terminate in difappointmGTjt and fliame. In queft of happi- nefs, king Solomon exhaulled all the foui'ces of fublunary joys, whether of an intellect! ual or fiefhly nature. He gave his heart to fearcb out by wifdom, concerning all things that are done un- der heaven. He builthoufes, planted vineyards and orchards, had great poffe/pons, gathered Jilver and gold, and the peculiar treafure of kings and of thr provinces^ had men-fingers and women fingers, and the delights of the fans of men. He gave an un-
MANSFIELD, 247
bounded licence to fleflily defires^and withheld not his heart from any joy. In theie^ broken cifterns he faught for liVing waters. But alas ! he fought the living among the dead. In the review of his follies, in what pathetic terms does he ekprefs his difappointment and fliame ? Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought y and behold, all was vanity and vexation of fpint, and there was no profit under the fun. Tliat it fliould be thus with worldly hopes, when they have our chief dependance, is very obvi- ous; as there is nothing in this vifible* world that matches the nature of the foul^ that can fill its vaft capacities, or anfwer its unbound- ed defires.
But the hope of the ' gofpel leads to the fource and fountain of all good, which corre- fponds to the nature of the foul^ and like it is fpiritual, inexhauftible and eternal. Here every defire is anfwered, and every capacity is filled with joy. Well might the Pfalmift lay. In thy prefence isfulnefs of joy ; at thy right hand there are pleafures for ever more.
I fliall now clofe with a few reflection
s.
I. As the hope of the gofpel is of a purifying nature, it is worthy of obfervation that in every view perfonal holincfs isiecured upon the gofpel plan. Chrill came into .the world to dellroy the works of the devil, td redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify unto himfelf a peculiar
348 MANSFIELD,
people, zealous of good works. And until this end of his incarnation be accomplifhed in the heart, there* can be no rational hope of an in- tereft in him. For any to fuppofe that they may indulge in fin all their days, and yet Hand fair candidates for the kingdom of heaven, is a delulion, than which none can be more fatal, with which the god of this world blinds the minds of the children of difobedience. Believe me, firs ; Chrift Jefus formed in you is your only hope of glory. Unlets you partake of his Spi- rit, and in your meafure difplay thofe fublime virtues which (hone forth from him like fo ma- ny fun beams in unclouded glories ; unlefs you are humble, holy, chaile, juft, lovers of God and of holinefs, your hopes are unfounded, and more dangerous than real defpair. They will ferve only to fi:rengthen your carnal iecurity, and render your final ruin the more certain and dreadful. However high they may now rife, on whatever fuppofed experiences they may reft, they will furely break upon you one day in tormenting defpair.
2. The animating hopes which are fet before us in the gofpcl, fliould call fojth our Alleluias and praifes to redeeming love> through all the ages of time. For a moment let us look back into far diftant antiquity, and meditate what was the dreadful condition to which miferable man was reduced by his apoitacy from God. Above, was the Iword of divine wrath; within, the lafli- es of a guilty confcience, and darknefs and
MANSFIELD.
249
defpair all around. But behold, from the gathering tempeft abeam of light breaks in up- on his altonifhed view. The feed of the woman fhall bruife theferpcnfs bead. H ence man became a prifoner of hope, who might have remained for ever a prifoner of defpair. Is it a pleafant and de rable thing to behold the light ? then let our hearts afccnd in praifes to the fountain from whence it iiows.
3. As we are all candidates for the celeftial Canaan, and hope finally to go over and fee the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon, it is our duty to examine our hope, whether it be evangel- ical. What are its objecl:s ? Is it our heart's defire rather to fccure the love and friendfliip of heaven, than the friendfliip of the world? to appear virtuous and holy 1n the fight of God, rather than rich, honorable and great in the light of men ? Is it built upon a foundation, which no change of fortune can overthrow? which fhall ftand fecure, when the heavens fliall pafs away with a noife, and the elements melt with fervent heat ? Does our hope work by love, and purify the heart ? Does it prompt us to feek for happinefs ultimately in him whole favour is life, and whofe loving kindnefs is bet- ter than life } Then may we have confidence in Chrift, and not be alhamed before him at his coming.
r
4. Let me entreat you earnellly to feek for a Vol, IV. li
:35o MANSFIELD,
well grounded, evangelical hope. The great importance ot this hope will appear, ii we con-' lider, that for the introduction of it among n»en; the Son of God allumed our nature, d ed for our lins, and rofe again for our juftification : For the encouragement ot it the gates ofgof-. pel grace and mercy Hand open to us night and day : And upon the acquifition of it our peace of mind cilentially depends. May we there- fore fcek it asfilver, andfearchfcr it as for bid treafures.
Hope, in general, is a moft foothing com- panion in this changing world. Without it no iituation in life can be delireable, and with it none can be infupportable. This is one of the nTildeft of all the pailions. Like a gentle ftream, it tiows in a calm, unruffled courle ; but when once obftruiled, it riles and foams, and fpreads ruin and dellrudion all around. Of all the pailions difappointcd hope is the moft painful. How awful then muft be the iinal cataftrophe of the ungodly, wiien all hope fliall be taken a- way, and fucceeded by the biacknefs of defpair for ever and ever. Defpair eternal ! O fear- ful and alarming found I This is a fire that is inextinguilhable, and a worm that never dies. Now as we would avoid its tormenting pangs, let us fee to it tlrat our hope be that ofthegof- pcl, which maketh not alhamed. If we be pof- ielied of that, we fhall find it a pleafant com- panion through all the vicilTitudes of time. It will attend us in death, and adminifter a cup of
MANSFIELD. 2jr
confblation in that hour, which this world can neither give, nor take away. It will accom- pany us to the gates of the new Jeruiaiem, where faith friall be fwallowed up in vilion, and hope in full enjoyment.
And art thou, O my foul, the fubje61: of this glorious hope ! Then great is thy reward. The inventory of thy treafure is what no tongue can defcribe, no imagination conceive. What is thy petition ? and what is thy requeft ? and it fliail be granted, to the half of the Redeem- er's kingdom : Yea, to the whole of it ; for all things are thine; for thou art Chrilt's, and Chriit is God*s. Amen.
SERMON LXXI.
FAMILY PRAYER.
BY
SAMUEL SPRING, A. M.
Pq/lor of a Congregational Church at Newbury ^Port, Majfacbufetts,
Gene/is, viii. 21. And the Lordfmelled a fwcet favour-^
As Noah was one of the bellmen both in the old world and the new, io it is probable that he made the laft family prayer in the old world and the iir^ in the new. For he built the arkof fafety for his trembling family before the flood, and the altar of devotion for his joy- ful family after the flood. As God approved the arkof falvation which was made according to his diredion ; fo he both approved the altar of devotion, and the firft family ofl^ering which was made upon it. For the great Benefador and Preferver of men is always pleafed to fee family worfliip fucceed family danger and fal- vation.
254 SPRING,
That building the firfl altar upon the new world and making burnt offerings upon it were fiuiiily aclions, no one will difpute who candid- ly and ini martially examines the connexion, Fji* immediately upon the exit of Noah and his fatnily from the ark, the infpired hiftorianjays, And Noah built an altar unto the Lord, and took cf' every clean heal, and every clean fowl, and offer* cd burnt offerings upon the altars and the lord s^^eLled a sweet i^avour. The do(5lrine therefore obvioufly contained in the text is
this^ GOD IS pleased WITH FAMILY WORSHIP,
In //j/5 difcourfe I fliall treat of the duty of fami y prayer; and in the next improve the fubjed by ieveral inferences. For though f imily worfiiip is as neceflary now as it was in tlie morning of the world, yet it is by many fa^niiies, even in a land of gofpel light, both negle(!;ted andlhamefuily defpifed.
I. That family prayer is a duty, is evident from the example of the moft devout and reli- gioi.is men in every period of the church. Gcod men not only love private and public de- votion, but they alfo love family devotion. There is nothing more grateful to religious parents than humbly bending the knee in a fo- cial manner before God with their children. For the bonds of the moft tender affection im- pel therji to confider their children as members or their own bodies. It is impoifible for pious parents to live without praying for tlieir chil-
SPRING. 255
dreti ; and as they love to pray for them, they love to pray with them as opporttmity prefents. What enlightened parents on earth do not love to begin and end every day with iamily prayer ? I am fenhble that there are fome parents who call themfelves Chriilians, and yet live in the conftant neglecSt of this duty. But I chailen^^e the world to furnifh an inftance of parents who are unitbrm examples in other refpeds^ and yet live in the negle^ of family prayer. For thofe parents and heads of families who have be^n the moil fliining examples of good works, have alfo diftinguifhed themfelves by their [tri6t and devout attention to family prayer. Fam- ily prayer is in fa(5l a leading, principal fea- ture in the face of every diftinguiflied Chrift- ian. To difpute this we muft difcard the moH valuable part of church hiilory^ and the lives of the beft Chriitians. v
Were it necelTary in a cafe fo obvious, we have liberty to recur to the example of Noah, who at leaving the ark immediately built an al- tar for family devotion upon the new world. We have liberty alfo to mention the pious example of Job, who made a fimiily facrifice for his fons at the clofe of their feftival, fearing that they had in fome inllanccs offended God, We have authority alfo to improve an exam- ple of Jofliua. For when he faid to the houfe of Ifrael ; Choofe ye this^ day ivhojn ye willferz'e; but cis for me and my house, "vce will Jerje the Lord ; who but the Heeled infidel will deny that
2^6 SPRING.
Jofliua maintained family devotion ? David U another bright example. For after fpending the day in public folemnities, when all the peo* pic returned every man to his hotife, he returned with a devout heart to hlefs his houfe. This id a royal example, and is worthy of royal imita- tion. P'or the king upon his knees in family prayer is more honourable than the king up- on his throne. Like jewels, kings fliine the brighteft in the duft, at the feet of their Maker. But as it is needlefs to have recourfe to the bible to prove that the fun fliines, and that we have liberty to fee it, we (hall only remark further, that the Saviour of the world, the Father of the mod exemplary family that ever lived on earth, not only taught his children to pray always ; but frequently called them to join with him in family and locial prayer. If, therefore, the example of the mo(t judicious and pious menin every period of the church ; if the example of good men under the guidance of the Holy Ghoft ; if the excmiple of Chrift and his holy and devout fimiily, will authorize the pra6tice, the duty of family prayer is obvi* ous. But
II, That family prayer is a duty, is evident from the neglect and contempt with which it is treated by profligate, wicked men. That prof- li^rate men, who are deflitute of religion and conviction both, negle6tfemily prayer, is need- lefs to prove ; for it is an obvious fa(5t. Wicked men arc oppofed to family prayer, becauie it
SPRING. 257
is a holy exercile, and, like all other religious exerciles, affords them no delight. They are to every good work reprobate. The exerciles of their hearts are all wrong. They are not only deftitute of moral goodnefs, but they are full of moral evil. Sinners invariably choofe what God has forbidden. Like loft men, they always at heart take the wrong way. Hence fays the fcripture ; Tbcy arc all gone out of the XV ay — the way of peace they have not knoivn ; there is no fear of God before their eyes. Since there- fore there is no moral a6lion which is neither holynor linful ; lince there is no moral medium between virtue and vice, when we fee family prayer negle(51:ed and defpifed by proiiigcitc men, whofe external conduit correfponds with the depravity of their hearts, we are obliged to conclude tliat family prayer is a duty. For ii'it Were not a duty, fuch characters w ould not dc- fpifeit. It is as certain that wicked men, who a<5l openly according to the dictates of their hearts, will defpife every duty, as that good men, v/hile acting in chara61cr under the guid- ance of the divine Spirit, will hate every iin. For the hearts o\^ good and wifcked men are dia- metrically pppofed to each other. When we therefore know what a good man, acting in character, approve*, we alio know what a wick- ed man diiapproves; and when we know what a wicked man loves andefteems, wc alfo know what a good man hates and abhors ; confequently afcertain the nature of duty In proportion- to the flagrant neglect with which fami-y prayer^ Vol. IV. Kk
258 SPRING.
as well as the Lord's fupper, is treated by prof- ligates, we are furnifhed with incontellible e- vidence that it is a duty. For thofe moral ac- tions which wicked men hate, are certainly right; becauie they hate, every thing that is right, and love every thing that is wrong. In a word, we have juft as much evidence that family prayer is a duty, feeing it is negle61ed by wicked, abandoned chara6ters, as we have that darknefs and light, holinefs and iin, are oppo- iites. The evidence therefore of this duty ^3 not only a hundred but a thoufand fold. But alas ! how folemn the thought, and how alarm- ing the confideration, that the duty of fam- ily prayer flial] be proved and urged upon us in confequence of the negle6t of it by thoufands, who Itand upon the verge of ruin !
III. The happy fruits and confeqiiences of fa- mily prayer obviouOy prove that it is a du-
,ty. For what food can be given to the hun- gry, what drink can be given to the thirfty, and what cordial can beadminifteredtothofe whoare
. iaint, better calculated to aniwer the benevo- lent purpoie of providence, than family prayer is to ieafon on the minds of children and ier- vants, of the old and young, through the houfe } The happy fruits and elfe(!:ts^of family devotion are lo numerous and obvious, that the leaft hint refpecting them will authorize the argument. Morning and evening feafons of family devo- tion are the moft prohtabie and precious fea- (ons which the day prcfcnts. By family devo-
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tion, properly regulated and condu6iedj every perlon in the houie is taught to receive the bi- ble, that endlefsfource of heavenly inftruction ; and by hearing a fuitable portion of the fcrip- tures read every day, the memories of the a- ged are refreflied, and the opening, teachable minds of children are infenfibly imprelied with divine truths which are necelFary to lalvation. Family worfhip is a domejlic Bethel. It is to pubiick worlhip what bloUbms are to ripe fruit. Who can teach his children to adopt a fuitable form of words in prayer, better than by praying frequently and properly before them ? What has a more direct tendency to enforce the neceflity and importance of fecret prayer, than for the father or minifter of the houfe to pray lolenmly and devoutly before his children, night and morning, that the Spi- rit of God may attend them, not only in the duties of the family, but alio in the duties of thfe clofet ? When children frequently hear their pious father earneflly beg God to give them new hearts, and to forgive their fins, for the fake of Chrift, their tender minds, according to the courfe of providende, are more or lefs imprefied with the importance of praying for themfelves. While the father devoutly ad- dredes the throne of grace in family prayer, he fows the feeds of convi<5lion round his houfe. There are infiances of this nature properly au- thenticated. Many of the children o^ God, v/hile relating the courfe of the divine opera- tions on their confciences and hearts, gratetui'
26o SPRING.
ly refer to the early leafons oi family wor- ihip.
In actdition to ti\Q^e i^^^i^py confequences of fcimily worihip, "we iuive reafon to beiieve that God has Irequentiy anlwerecl thelamily requefl of parents in the conviction and converlion of their children. For parents are never under more happy advantages to approach the throne of grace, nnd to intercede with God for their children, than in the time of family \vorihip_, when they are kneeling with tliem before their Tvlaker. If parents ever devote their children to God, they do it in fan^ily prayer. For v»hat Chriftian parent can wait on God in family prayer, encircled with his tender children, and not ardently delire the lalvation of tlicir fouls ? Let the argument, if you pleafe, be impartially examined by praying parents, and I prelume their grateful experience will teftify, that fami- ly prayer is moft happily calculated to prepare them to dedicate their children to God, and to train the in up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. For, as prcvloufiy rem.arked, thofe parents who have excelled in family ])rayer, have alfo generally excelled in all other parental duties. Praying for jaithfulnels has a moll dirc6t tendency to make parents faith- ful. For who can iincerelv af»v God for .q-race to enable him totrain up liis children for Chrifl, and yet flagrantly neglect i\W\t precious and immortal ioul?. ?
SPRING. 26\
Other lovely effeds of fannly prayer, as it refpects children, are obvious even to the pub- lick eye. For no children are fo lealonably acquainted with the nature, defign and exten- iive advantages ot public worfliip, as thofe who are acquainted with the foleninities of family worlhip. The children of a domeftic fan6tua- ry early learn how to behave in the houfe of God, and in what light they ought to view the minifters of the goipel, and the, holy ordinances which they adminifter. For,' as in theinftance of Noah and his houfe, family worfliip is pub- lic w^orfliip in miniature. Every father is, by the ordination of heaven, the minifler of his own houfe ; and ought regularly and uniformly to adminifter all the domeilick ordinances.
. In a word, family worfliip is the nurfery of religion, and every feafon of family w^orfliip is the feed time of falvation ; and where it^is main- tained with the moll regularity and devotion we reafonably expert the mod ripe fruit. For the Tix)ft fiourifliing and fruitful trees in the warden of the Lord were taken from the blelled nurfery of family worfliip.
IV. That family prayer is a duty, is evident from the evil confequences which attend the negic6l of it. The courie of providence is u- niibrm fiotli in the natural and moral world. That zz'hicb iSydone, is that ivhicb JJjall be done ; and tbere. is no neiv ibing under tbefun. As thofe men therefore, who neglect to fow and plant, to eat
2^2 SPRING.
and drink, to read the bible and hear the gol- pel, have nothing to expect but a full harveft of bitter and mortal fruits ; lo thofe parents who neglect family worlhip, expofe and even fubjCLit ttiemfelvesand their children to innume- rable temptations and evils. Are children taught to read the bible, and to treat it as the word of lile, by leeing their parents negledt it ? Are chiidren taught to pray always, agreeably to the ,uiH:ru<^tions of Chrift, by never hearmg their parents pray at all r Are they taught^ by the conftant neglect of family prayer, the duty of fecret and public prayer ? In a word, were children ever taught to pray by parents who never pray with them ? Will parental negledl inculcate filial duty ? It is needlefs to anlwer. Hence, as prayerlefs parents are always unfaith- ful, it is generally the cale that they have thoughtlefs children, whofe minds are deftitute of conviction, aud whofe lives are full of youthful vanities and irregularities, which threaten the deftru6tion of their fouls.
Thefe remarks, refpe6ting the evil fruits of neglecting' family prayer, by no means imply that all children are regular who attend to the folemnities of family devotion. For there are many who maintain nothing but the bare form of family prayer : And there are others, who, tho' they pray in faith, yet, like Eli and David, are unfaithful in fome refpe6ts, and do not reftrain their children. The argument neither fuppof- es that all the children of praying parents arc
SPRING. 2(^3
even the fubjeds of convi(5lion, nor that all the children of prayerlefs parents are deftitute of re- ligion. For God is a fovereign in the opera- tions of his Spirit : And tho' good Jofiah was the fon oi: wicked Anion, and tho' wicked Abialom was the fon of holy David ; yet the hiftory of man is full evidence that children are infenii- bly influenced by the example of their parents. Hence the moil thoughtlefs, the n^oft llupid and vicious part of mankind^ are generally the chil- dren of parents who have neglec^ted the great duty of family prayer. As family worfhip, re- gularly and devoutly performed, is a check up- on every youthful extravagance and vice ; fo the negle6l of it opens that door of temptation, which proves fatal to thoufands of young perfons. Satan loves to reiide in thofe families where he is notdifturbed wdththe folemnity of morn- ing and evening devotion. Fc^r his influence with families, as well as with individuals, is al- w^ays proportionate to the prayerlefs fpl^rit which obtains. When the adverlary has influence fufticient to prevent family prayer, it is eafy to prevent fecret prayer, and all other religi- ous duties. For that houfe which is deftitute of prayer, is deftitute of religion, and full of fin. Though a houfe of prayer is not free from fin ; yet a houfe which is deftitute of prayer, is defti- tute of religion.
V. That ^mily prayer is a^luty, is evident from the nature and defign of focial duties. As there are duties which pertain to kingdoms;^
.2(^4 SPRING.
Rates and towns, to churches and individuals, io there are duties which, in a peculiar manner, pertain to families. It is evidently the duty of parents and children to live together in the fame houfe, to labor together to promote the intereft of the family, to eat and drink toge- ther at the fame common table, to rejoice to- gether in profperity, and to mourn together in adverfity : And who can reafonably deny that it is their duty to pray together ? For what is the defign of focial prayer, if part of the fame moral whole, if members oF the fame family, who are all made one by the moll interefting and endearing bonds of natural and domeftic atfe6lion, and by the reception of common ben- efits and mercies, fhall not be one in family prayer ? It is certainly as eafy to prove that parents and children ought to pray together in a focial manner, as it is to prove that they ought to eat, and drink and live together. For funnily mercies call for family thankfgiving and praife. Bat let the reafonableneis of family prayer be examined before the following cafe. Is it not the duty of a father to pray for his child v/ho is dangeroufly fick, when the child de- fire the prayer of his father, as well as the prayer ot his minifter ? The aVifwer is obvious. But fliall he pray for his fick child before the/amily ?- or direct the family to leave the : hamber ? It is evident in this tender cafe, that he ought to lift up holy hands before his family. - But further, if God gracioufly hear his prayer, and reflore the child to health, fhall he, at the grateful re- ^uefl of the child, give tl^::nks before his familv ?
SPRING. 2^3'
Every one is impetled to fay, let the father/ with the common mouth of his gratetiil faniiiy, give thanks to God, before the folemn circit?, for the merciful reftoration of the child. This is all natural and eafy. But this eitabliflies the duty of family prayer. For this is not only fo- cial prayer, but itis family prayer. Ihus ail religious parents conduct in limilar caufes^ They love to unite with their families in alkihg God for all needful blellings; and v/hen they receive mercies, either of a ipiritual or tempo- ral nature, they love to join with them in giving thanks. This was evidently the practice of Noah. For as foon as he and his faraily had efcaped the univerfal deluge, which deirroyed all the reft of the human race, he built an altar for focial worfhip, and gave thanks, to God for his profperous voyage acrois the vait and awful deep, from the old world to the new.
To eftabliOi the duty of fiimily prayer we have authority to improve every inilance of focial prayer mentioned in fcripture. For if it was proper for Mofes, Samuel, Solomon and the prophets to unite with the church and family of God in prayer, for needed mercies add blel- fings, it is equally proper tor parents and chil- dren to be focially ^engaged in acklrelling the throne of grace. Family worlhip is as proper in every houfe, as it is upon a delolate illand, where a family i$ unfortunately lodged. For as the body is one, and hath many meUibers; and all the members of that one body, being many, Vol. IV, LI
266 S P R I N G.
are one body, fo alfo is Chrift ; and fo ought pa- rents and children to be in every family. E- very boufe ought to be a Bethel,, every fa- ther a private minifter^ and every family a- domeftic church.
VI. The duty of family prayer is obvious from the import of feveral texts of fcripture. Men are taught to pray always, with all prayer andfupplication. But to pray always with all prayer and fupplication is not only to pray at all times, but in every Itate, conditon and relation of life. The inftru6tion therefore points at the duty of family prayer, as well asfecret and publick prayer. For families, as well as indi- vidiuals and churches, have common mercies, wants and iins, which loudly call for focial grat- itude, prayer and confeliion. Than this, no- thing can be more obvious. Hence all prayer includes family prayer. Again, while the a- poftle inculcates the duty of hufbands and wives living together as heirs of the grace of life, he affigns this reafon for it, that their prayer be not hindered. W^^therefore conclude, that he urges the neceliity of focial duties with par- ticular reference to the duty of focial and fa- mily prayer. For hufbands and wives cannot harmonize in family prayfejr, if they do not har- monize in the particular d'utjcs of conjugal life. To pray together as Chriftinns, we mult live togctlicr as Chriftians.
SERMON LXXIL
FAMILY PRAYER.
BY
SAMUEL SPRING, A. M.
Pajlorof a Congregational Church, Newbury- Port,
MaJJcichufetts,
GenefiSy viii. 21. And the Lord fmelled a fweetfavoitr^-*
1m provement.
I. If family worfliip is one of the leading features of the Chriftian character, we infer that thofe perfons who think themfelves Chrif- tians, and yet live in the^ilfe^lofit, are defti- tute of religion, and thoflrcp^sof ftrong delu- fion. For Chrill fays; ^Thm are ye my friends, if ye do wbatfoever I command you ; and if ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. As faith without works is dead, ever/ man's faith is proportion- ate to his obe^cncc. He therefore who thinks himfelf /Chriftian, while he lives in the Gonftant neglj^ of one of the cardinal duties of the gofpel, does but dream about religion. For Chriitians cordially love and faithfully
26b S P R I N G.
practife all the duties of the gofpel. For it is obedience to Chriii oniy, v hich confututes a Chriitiaii. if the courfe of things were altered and revericd, corrupt trees would bear good fr Liic, corrupt fountains would afford pure ftreams, good hearts would bring forth bad things, and Chriltians would be manifeft by the neglect and contempt of duty. But the divine coriuitutioq is not reverfible. The laws of the natural and moral worlds are unalterably fixed. Hence, as a good tree always bears good fruit, and as a pure fountain iilways affords a pure ilreani ; f > (^.hriit, tiie author of nature and all her laws, fays, ji good man, out of the good trea- fun' (f his hi'urt, brnigeth forth good things. For 07ft of ibe abiaidance if the heart the fnouth fpeak- dh. When we therefore . fee a man living in the violation of tlie fixth command^ we cannot call iiim a Chnftian : When we fee another liv- ing in the violation of the eighth command, we cannot call him a Chriftian : When we fee a t.jid living in the violation of all the laws of the fabbath, cha]:^Mtt|||Hll not permit us to call j'iim a Chriftian : 'J^^Krben we fee others neg- ieci and defpife feoH^i^d family prayer, we have no more grounJ^^k think they are Chrif- t'ans, thtin v/e have tl^Bink they arc angels. For bv tbcir frints, Ciij^Bfeys, yc (hall know ihcm. The confequencdUBbvious, that thole mon who efteem themfelves ChriHians, while tliev comrantly neglet^i: family prayer, which is one of the principal duties or the golpel, are the fubjects of llrcng and d-nngerous delufion
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We ought, in cafes of this interefting nature to the fouls of men, to let the fubje6t fpeak its own native language, agreeably to the fpirit of infpiration. For guilt will fooner or later {ting and pierce the fubjeds of fuch fatal deluii:- on. Mult we not fay that a man is grosfly de- luded, who thinks himfelf poflelledof fli ininga- bilities, when he is r»iifed in the fcale of being but juft above the level of ideots ? Do we not think another deluded, who eftimates himfelf a man of fortune, while he is clothed with the rags and fubjecled to all the diftrefs of poverty ? W hen we fee another, who values himfelf up- on his fuperior knowledge, while he is deftitute of common information and grofsly ignorant, do we not fay that he is ftrangely deluded ? And does reafon, does Chrift, and will the day of judgment, call him a Chriftian, who lives in the conftant neglecl of family prayer ? No, my friends, he is the fubje(5t of delulion : He is the lubjedt of deep and ftrong delulion; for he be- lieves a lie ! and will inevitably be loft, except he fpeedily repent and beg for mercy. For as a manfoweth, fofliallhe reap. He who fows the feeds of delulion and deception, mufr reap an anlwerable harveft. For the judge of all the earth will do right.
n. If family worfliip is the nurfery of reli- gion, which furniflies the garden of the Lord with the moft flour idling and fruitful trees, we infer the exceeding great wickednefs of parents who negle6t it. The bell method we can a-
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dopt to furvey the guilt of men, is to afcertain the evils, as far as poilible, which are iniepa- rabJy coiVne<!:tecl with their difobedience. The man who commits a fault which injures him- ■felf, is guilty ^f wronging his own foul. He who performs ''an a6tion which is injurious to o- thers, is proportipnably guilty. How exceed- ingly guilty then are parents who neglect fa- mily prayer ? For than family devotion, pro- perly regulated, no practice can be adopted which has a more direct tendency to promote thebeft intereft of families, and the higheft proiperity of the church. It tends to unite the hearts of parents and children to each o- ther, to invigorate the hearts of thofe who de- voutly pray, and to ieafon and folflfcpnize the minds of all others. In a word iince family devotion tends to mfike good hearts better, and to make bad hearts good; lince it tends to build up the church, and the negle6l of it tends' to deftroy the church, andconfequently the louls of thoufands, it is eaiy to-lee that thofe pa- rents who negle(5l it, are incomparably guilty. Every one lees that a minifler is very guilty indeed, who*, by neglecting his duty, is chargea ble with the blood of but one foul : And are not parents guili^% who, by negle6ting domeftic fo- lenmitics, train up their children for Satan and deftruction, rather than for Chrift and heaven ? Who, without fublime pleafure, can think of the blelling conferred on children in confequence of the united prayers of devout parents ? And who can think of the evils brought upon children
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by prayerlefs parents^ without a bleeding, pain- ful heart? But, as the influence of exanlple is is powerful and exteniive^ let us trace it lor a moment in reference to pofterity. For the fubject is the moft interelting. According to the courfe of providence, all thole children who are made the fubje<^l:s of grace, m conle- quence of family prayer, will be Ihining exam- ples themfelves in the fame branch ot duty. The next generation will, according to the di- vine conllitution, tread in the fame blelTed fteps, and fo on from generation to generation, from generation to generation. For God has promiied his mercy to thoufands of generations of them that love him and keep his command- ments, ifbraham was a blelling to Ifaac, and Ifaac to Jacob, and Jacob to Jofeph, and Jofeph was a blelhng to millions. Agreeably to this gracious courie of providence, the family blef- fing has obvioufly defended, in many inftances, from father to fon, even fince the days ot in- fpiration were brought to a period. There are inftances of pious children, who grate- fully repeat the hiftory of their religious pa- rents and grand parents, and even of de- vout anceftors more remote. As Timothy was the child of the child of tJiecHiLD of God; fo, to the honour of divine grace, there are fome pious children, even at this day of great delulion, who can modeftly and juftly fpeak of the pious line of their fami- lies. What religious heart docs not glow with delight, to hear a pious child fpeak cf the de*
zjz S P R I N G.
vout prayers and pious example of his parents and grand parents ? For in this connexion we fee the bleiling defcending from tlie parent to the child. But it we turn the tables, and trace tlie influence of example, which is fet by irre- ligious, prayerlefs parents, we fliall find it ex- ceedingly fatal, not only to children, but to children's children, unto the ±ird and fourth generation. The hiftory of the family of Ham, Amnion, Moab, Jeroboam, Ahab, and many others, are but lively pictures of the righteous coui^fe of providence refpe6ting the families that call not on the name of the Lord. The bible, and even the whole volume of time, is full of inftances of the moft pernicious and fa- tal eireds of the bad examples of parents. The biindnefs, the ignorance, the brutality and i- dolatry, of all the heathen tribes and nations, are but the natural fruits and concequenfes of the impious examples of the parents of the hea- then world. The evil which is brought upon families, tribes, nations, and upon the world, in confequence of the prayerlefs, irreligious example of parents, is infinite. For many families of children, and not only fo, but many nations, are no doubt going ra- pidly to deftru6fon in confequence of this fatal negle6l of their parents. How inex- prelFibly wicked then are parents, who, though they live in the blaze of the gofpel light, fee and read the deftru61:ive confequences of parental negle6f, yet live in the conftant negle(5l of family devotion 1 Prayerlefs parents
S ? R I N G. 273
varc not only going to de{lru<5lion thenifelves, and carrying their children with them; but they are leading generations ot men down to cndlefa burnings. And what mutt be their doom, who are guilty of the blood of their chil- dren and childrens children, whom they are bound to lead, by pious examples, into tlie path of life P Attend a moment to the lolemn con- lequences of reprobated children riling up in judgment againfc their parents, and charging them with the lofs of their fouls ! Who can en- dure the thought of the dreadful fc en e ? But this will, no doubt, be the faft. For, though vain and thoughtlefs children boaft of indul- gent parents, becaufe their jovial evenings are not interrupted by f^imily prayer ; though they now congratulate each other that they are not perplexed with the authority and influence of ftri6t, religious parents ; yet, alas ! alas ! the day, the dreadful day is coming, when Ions and daughters will rife up, and accuie their pa- rents for their indulgence and negligences. For childhood and youth are vanity : And parents cannot adopt a more ready method to ruin the fouls of their children, than to fet them the prayerlefs example, and permit them to in- dulge their vain and forbidden deOres. Pa- rents therefore, who do not love the fouls of their children now, muft expe6t that their chil- dren will hate and defpife them in thejudgment of the great day. If parents will not blefs their children, now in family devotion, they muft expe(51: to be curfed by their children at Vol, IV. Mm
274 SPRING.
the bar of God. Let prayerlefs parents put the queftion : Are we willing to ftand before the tribunal of God ia judgment with our chil- dren, with whom we never flood in prayer at the throne of grace ? Are we willing to hear the voice of our children teftifying againll us before the Judge of all the earth, becaufe they never heard our voice in family devotion ? O prayerlefs parents ! make peace fpeedily with the confciences of your children in family de- votion and every other parental duty. For the time of probation is fliort, and the great Judge of the quick and the dead is at the door / And you will not only meet the defpairing eyes and dreadful reproaches of ruired chil- dren ; but you mull meet the great God, cloth- ed with infinite majelly, to execute the piir- pofes of vindictive juftice. Before him you muft Hand ; by him you mull be examined and judged, and, without fpeedy repentance, condemned anc^baniflied from all good to all e- viL Under the infinite burden of your guilt, and the infinite^ infinite weight of almighty wrath, you mull lie forever and ever. For what evil can you fuffer which is greater than the fin of negle6lingand defpifing family prayer ? Can thine heart endure, or can thy hand be flronp-, in the great and* terrible day of the Lord.? Pray then now, and without fainting, for yourfelves and children. For children are the heritage of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is his reward. But
SPRINT,, 27^
3. The fubjedl fliews us that children of de- vout parents are under fingular obligations to devote themfelves to God. For they are train- ed up in the way they iliould go : They are taught every day to read and confiilt the bi- ble. Every day they are carried to God, in the arms of prayer, for a bleiling ; and not on- ly prefented with the bell: example, but with a happy opportunity to anticipate the focial en- joyment of heaven. The children of devout and faithful parents are under the befl advan- tages to grow in grace, and ripen for immortal glory : For they live at the threfliold ofheaven* Though lome children of religious parents fel- ' dom think of their lingular advantages, yet thofe who love Chrift, and realize their privi- ligesj are full of grateful and humble afcripti- ons to God, that he has given them Chriftian parents, and call their lots within the circle of family devotion. The lambs of Chrid's flock, who, like Timothy, are from the cradle taught to read the holy fcriptures, and the duty of focial prayer, tremble at the danger ot living in prayerlefs, gracelefs families* Their tender, devout hearts frequently bleed, while only thinking of the little heathens who never faw the bible ; and alfo when they lee the rudenefs and ignorance of other children, who never heard the voice of a parent in prayer. The children of family devotion therefore will ne- ver be too thankful, that they were neither born in a family o^ rude nor civilized heathens. For nothing but the mere fovereign grace of
2^6 S P R I N G.
God makes the difTercnce between the advan- tages of the young heathens, and the advantag- es of the children of devout, Chriftian parents. Cod is not obliged to grant the leaft privileges to any of the talJen race, becaule u e all deferve Jiis eternal wrath. Since therefore he has not on- ly given (onie of you all other gofpel privileges ; but has alfo given you the privilege of family* devotion with your faithful parents, your ob- lif^ations to love Chrift are exceedingly great. The children of praying parents are exalted to heaven in point of privileges. To them much is given, and of them much will be required » Therefore,
4. We infer from the fubjecl, that the prayerlefs children of devout, praying parents are exceedingly wicked. For though their tender mothers have, hundreds of times, bath- ed their infant cheeks wath the tears of fervent prayer; and though they have been, thouiands of times, taught to pray, by devout example, yet they negled: their duty. Children of this defcription arenot only guilty, like others who never heard a family prayer, but they are ex- ceedingly and aggravatedly guilty. For guilt is always more or lefs ttggravated in propor- tion to the light and advantages which are reje6l- edandabufed. It will therefore be more tole- rable, \\\ the day of judgment, for the children of the lavage, and tor the children of Sodom, than for you who arc the prayerlefs children of devout parents. The children of the hea- tlic;i will rife up againft you and condemn you.
SPRING. ::77
And what have fuch gracelefs children to ex- pe6t, but that their tender parents, who have frequently wept over them and prayed for them, will be called, in the day of judgment, to condemn them ? Now you refufe to join with them in prayer, though they invite you with bleeding hearts ; but then they will refufe to join with you, or even to hear your doleful cries. When diftrefs and anguifli fliall come upon you, then your praying father and mo- ther will forfake you, and treat you with the deepeft abhorrence. No longer then mifim- prove your opportunity for focial prayer with your parents : But arife, O children, and call upon your God, that you perifli not. For how, with a prayerlefs fpirit, can you meet your praying parents at the tribunal of God? How can you endure the thought, that all their fer- vent prayers for the laivation of your fouls will only ferve to make your damnation the more in- tolerable ? For if you die in your lins, the pray- ers of your parents, which you now forget, will be remembered with bittcrnefs and anguifh in the flames of hell. For praying breath will never be fpent in vain. If you wall not let the prayers of your parents be anfwered in your falvation, th^y mull; be anfwered in your deftrucl:ion. Every prayer will be anfwered. Pray then for yourielves, and the prayers of your parents will be anlweredin your falvation : But if you reluie to pray, God will anfwer their prayers, even In your deftruclion. For the will of the Lord be done, is the Alpha and Omega of eve- ry acceptable prayer. But
278 S P R I N G.
V. We infer from the fubje(5l our great ob- ligation to pray for the heathens, and all the families in the earth who do not call upon the name of the Lord. How many millions of ig* . norant, prayerkls fouls are there in the heathen world ! The heathens are as numerous as the fands, and as ignorant of God as the beafts of the field. And (hall not Chrillian parents and children remember them in prayer ? Can you hear of the vail multitudes of ignorant Africans, who are every year moft wickedly torn from the bofom of their native land, and brought and fold in the common market, and driven about by monfters of cruelty Jike mere cattle, arid not pray. for the gofpel liberty of their precious fouls ? As the deftru6lion of the poor is their poverty, fo the daitru6tion of the poor blacks is their ignorance. If Africa were blefled with the light of the gofpel, the flave-trade muftceafe. For it is their ignorance which expofes them to the cruelty of the unrighteous part of the in- formed world. But has not God promifcd that Chrill flmll have the heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermoft parts of the earth for his pof- feliion ? And fhall we not pray fervently for the glorious period when the fun of righteoul- nefs fliall rife with healing in his wings, and difpel all the moral darknels which broods over the pagan world? What Chriftian family will not pray for the converfion of pagan parents, that they may pray for 'their children ? Is it not defirable that the thoufands of heathen pa- rents Ihall be enlightened with faving grace.
SPRING. 279
and fee their children become Chriftians, and flouriih like living plants round their tables ? O God, how long, how long before the prelent ignorant Ethiopia fliall Itretch forth her with- ered hand to Chrift tlie King of glory ? Let us then, while attending to the duty and advantage of family prayer, think of the poor blacks in Af» rica and America, and of all the gracelels fami- lies of the earth, and pray that their fuuls may be wafhed in the blood of the Lamb, and clothed with the garments of falvation. For the time is at hand, and blefled are thofe families whofe fervent, effectual prayers fliall haften it. For they that be wife fhall lliinc as the brightnefs of the firmament for ever and ever.
To conclude, let me afk you, my hearers, whe- ther you maintain family prayer. The quef- lion is not, whether you maintain the form of prayer : For tho* prayer, like all other duties, has a form and method, yet God who heareth prayer looketh on the heart, and accepts no man who does not Worfliip him in fpirit and in truth. Are your prayers fuch as God requires, and will apr^ prove in the judgment of the great day? If you who are parents, have the fpirit of prayer in your families, you have the prefence of God, and it is probable, if you pray without fainting, that your children will be bleffed : But if you have not the fpirit of prayer, you are deflitutc of the prefence of God, and it is probable that your children will, be curfed. For when God pours out his wrath upon nations which call not upon his name, he does not fpare gracelefs
i8o S P R I N G,
families. Like David then, after the public fo^- lemnities of the day, let us return and blefs our houfes. Like Noah, let us this evening make our family offering, and the Lord will fmell a fweet favour, and for the fake of Jefus Chrift grant us his blefling. For this is the confix dence which we have in him, thatifw&ajk any thing according to his will, he heareth us.
;*-'•
SERMON LXXIir.
ON THE CHANGE of THE SABBATH.
' BY
MOSES MATHER, D. D.
Faflor of a Church of Chri/l in Stanford^ Conne&lciit,
Heb, X. 24_, 25.
And let us confider o?te another to provoke unto love and to good works^; not forfaking the affcni- blingof ourfelves together, as the manner of fonieis ; but exhorting one another : And fo much the tnorc, tLS ye fee the day approaching,
THE apoltle, having fliown the all-fufficicncy of the facrifice of Chrift, who by one olf- cring hath perfe Bed forever them that arefanBiji- ed, proceeds to obferve upon it, that we have holdnefs to enter into the holiefl by the blood of Ji-- fus. That is, we have free admittance into heaven it felf by the blood of C^hrifr. And if fo, then iurely './e may have free liberty, by the fame blood, to draw near to God now in the feveral exercifes of religious worihip,with a true heart, in full aflurance of faith : Elpecially feeing; v/e have fuch an high prieft over the houfe of God, (the church) as the Lord Jefus Chriltis. Vol; IV. ' N n
282 M A T H E r:
And upon this reprefentation he predicates this exhortation in the text. Let us confider one a- nother to provoke unto love and to good works ; not forfaking the ajjembling of oiirfelves together ^ as the manner (ffome is ; but exhorting one another : Andfo much the more, as ye fee the day approach- ing.
The dcrtru6tion of the temple and the na- tion of the Jews were then drawing neat; and the apoftie here alludes to it, and improves it as an argument to excite them to the greater dih'gence in at<?ending upon the exercifes of Chriftian worflaip; left their negle6l in that matter fliouid be a leading ftep toward their falling away from the Chriftian faith, and turn- ing back to judaifm ; in which cafe they would become fnarers in the calamities that were coming upon that peopl(3.
We may more particularly here obferve,
1. That Chriftians, in the days of the apof- tlesy pra6tiled meeting together for the purpofe of rehgious wordiip. It was not only their pra6tice, but it was a duty enjoined upon them in our text by an apoftolic command.
2. Our liberty of drawing near to God in rehgious worfiiip is a privilege purchafed for us by the blood of Chrift ; as appears from the conne6lionof the text with the preceding ver- fcs, as before obferved, and is therefore a pri- vilege highly to be prized.
MATHER. 283
3. The practice of holding public alTemblies for the pnrpofe of performing the feveral ex- ercifes of Chriitian worfhip appears very ne- celTary and ivfeful for promoting religion in ourlelves and others. For it is by fo doing that we are to provoke one a?iother to love and to good works,
4. Although it is a very criminal pra6tice to neg:e6t public worfhip ; yet we here fee 'it is nothing new. It was the manner of fome in the apoftles' days^ as well as at this day; which fhows how little we regard the great lal- vation offered in the gofpel.
5 We may obferve from what follows the text, that a negle6l of public worfliip is a lead- ing ftep to a moft dangerous and fatal apoftacy from the Chriftian faith, and the pradice of all true religion. For (faith the apoftle) if we fin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there rcmaineth no more facrifice for fin ; hut a certain fearful looking for of jiidgfiicnt, and fiery indignation, which floall devour the adverfarics.
But what I am chiefly to offer from thefe words will be included under the following heads.
I. I fliall lliow what times of affembling were obferved by believers in the apoftlcs* days, to which our text refers.
z84 MATHER.
IT. Show the grounds and reafons of thefe times of affenibling which were obferved at that day. *
III. Show the purpofesfor which thefe times of alFernbling for religious worfliip were obferv- ed.
IV. Show the duty and importance of our colitinuing in the lan^ie pradice, together with the danger of negle61ing this duty.
I. I fiiall fliow what times of affembling were obferved by believers in the apoilles' days^ to which our text refers.
It is evident that from and continually after the refurre6tion of our Lord Jefus Chrilt from the* dead, the difciples made it their pra6lice to meet together for religious worfliip upon the firit day of the week, which was the day on which Chrifl arofc from the dead. And they not only pra61ifed it themfelves ; but led all the cluirches which they planted and formed, ipto the fame obfervation. We find that our Lord, on the day that he rofe from the dead, appeared to his difciples. John, xx. 19. Thai the fame day at evening, being the firfl day of the ivreh, ti'hen the doors ivereflmt, where the dfciples zvere ajfernbled for fear of the Jews, came Jefus and Rood in the 7nidft, and faith unto them. Peace be unio you. And in the 26 verfe, we are told, that after eight days, (that is, the firft day of
MATHER. 285
the next week) again his difciples were within, apd Thomas, with them. Then came Jefiis, the doors being fliut, and ftood in the midft, and laid. Peace be unto you. We read alfo in A6ls, ii. i . When the day o[ Pentccofi was fully cane, they were all with one accord in one place. The day of Pentecoft was, according to the law of Moles, the day after the leventh fabbath from the palT- over, which was therefore the firfl day of the week. And Chrift has put honor upon the firft day of the week, not only by riling from the -dead upon it; but alfo by chooling repeatedly to appear to his difciples on that day ; on that day to pour down upon his apoftles the holy Ghoft in his miraculous gifts and powers. And thus the firft day of the week became diltin- guiflied from other days, and was known among Chrillians by being called. The Lords Day. It was on this day the apoftle John received the Revelations. Revel, i. 10- I was in the spirit on the Lord's Day. It was on this day the Chriftians held their religious afTemblies for the purpofe of gofpel-worfhip. See A6ls xx. 7. A7id upon thejirfl day of the week, when tJje difciples came together to break bread, Paul preached vnto them. Although the apoftle hadbeen there lixdays before, yet the difciples did not come together till the firft day of the week, which is here re- prelented as the ufual time for them to come together to break bread ; that is, to receive the lacramcnt of the Lord's fupper.
3o likewife we find the apoftle gives dirc(5li-
z%6 MAT HER.
on to the clmrch at Corinth, to have a contri- bution for the poor upon thefirfi day of the week; becauie on that day the church would aflemble. And the fame orders were given to the churches of Galatia. Now concern'mg the coUeciion for the Qiints, as I have given orders to the churches of Ga- latia, cvenfo do ye. Upon the fir ft' day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in [tore, as God hath profpcred him, that there be no gather i?ig when I come.
And to this evidence from the facred fcrip- ture we may alfo add the teftimony of the mod ancient writers of the Chriftian church, who, with one voice, teftify that Chriitians made it their prac5lice to allemble together for the pur- pofe of religious worfliip, upon the flr/l day of the week.
Indeed, we find that the apoftle Paul made it his practice to go into the fynagogue of the Jews on the fabbath day ; that is, the JewiOi fabbath ; taking that opportunity to preach the gofpel to them. But that affords no evidence that he taught fuch as were con- verted to the Chriftian faith to obferve any o- ther than the fxrft day of tlic week as the Chrifti- an'fabbath. And no other rcafon can be af- iigned why or how the firft day of the week cam,e to be lo univerially obferved by Chriftians, as the day of alfembling together for the pur- pofc of attending upon the exercifes of religi- ous worlhip, and continually after the days of the apoftles, bxit only the dire6tionof the apol-
MATHER. 287
ties fo to do. All therefoi^ that is neceiTary to our determining whether the firft day of the week is to be obferved as the Chriftian fabbath, is to inquire whether the apoftles were veRed with fufficlent authority for the appointment of this day for that purpofe.
II. I fhall therefore proceed to fliow the grounds and reafons of thefe times of afiem- bling for religious worfliip^ which were obferv- ed in the primitive church.
As the obfervation of the firft day of the week as the Chriftian fabbath principally de - pends upon the precepts and example of the a- poftles ; I fhall effay to fliow how great the au- thority was, that Chrift vefted them within his church, in a few obfervations.
I . The apoftles were appointed to bear wit- nefs for Chrift to the world. Chrift 's appear- ing in our nature, his holy life, his fufferings, death, refurredion from the dead, and his af- ceniion into heaven, are very important fads, which need to be known, and well attefted to the world. And the apoftles were well prepar- ed for teftifying to the truth and certainty of thefe things. For they were his conftant fol- lowers ; they faw his miracles by which he proved himfelf to be the Son of God; they faw his fufferings and death ; and he was feen of them forty days after his refurredion. To whom alfo he Jheived himfelf alive after his pajfwn,
288 M A T H E R,
hy many infallible proofs^ being feen of them fort') days, and /peaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, And they were eye-witnelTes of his afcenfion ; for while they beheld, he was taken tip, and a cloud received him out of their Jight. And it was the end for which Chriit appointed them, that they fhould be witneifes to the truth of thefe things. And ye alfofhall bear witneCs, hecaufe ye have been with me from the beginnings And again, at the time of his alcenfion, Chrift tells them, Tefljall be witnefjes unto 7he, both in Jerufalem, a?id in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermofi part of the earth,
2. The apoftles were fent by Chrift to pub- lifh his gofpel, and to fet up his church among all nations. This is the command which he gave them when he afcended; Go, teach allna" tions, baptizing them in the natne of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghqjl : Teaching them t(9 obferjc all things whatfoever I have commanded you : And lo, I am with you ahvay, even unto the end of the world. They were to declare the whole counfel of God, to lay open the way of life, and to preach unto all men repentance toward God, and faith toward the Lord Jefus Chrift. They were to make difciples, gather churches, fet up gofpcl-worfliip in them, and prefcribe rules for the regulation and govern- ment of the church. And tliey were fitted and inftru6ted in this work by Chrift himielf^ not only before his fuffe rings, but alfo after his refurredlion, being feen o\^ them forty days.
MAT HER. 289
fpeaking unto them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
3. The apoftles were further qualified for their work by the infallible guidance of the holy Ghoft. Our Lord gave many promifes to his apoftles,, of the influence of the holy Spi* rit, to furnifh them for the v/ork for which he defigned them. See John^ xiv. 16, 17. I will pray the Father, and he Jhall give you another Com-- forter, that he may abide with you forever ; even the Spirit (f truth, whom the world cannot receive. So alfo the 26th. verfe of that chapter. But the Comforter,^ which is the holy Ghqfl, whom the Father will fend in my tiame, he floall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance what- foever Ihavefaid imto you. To the fame purpofe alfo in John xvi. 13, 14. Howbeit, when be the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth : For hefJoall notfpeak ofhimfelf; but what- foever hefhall hear, thatfhall hef^cak : And he will fjjew you things to come, HefJoall glorify jne : For hefhall receive of mine, and foallfheiv it unto you. Now thefe, and many other fuch like prom- ifes which might be mentioned, which our Lord gave to his apoftles, do plainly fliow that they were as efFedlually fecured from error, and rendered as infallible in their teaching, guidinp- and dire6ling mankind, as if Chrift himlelf had been always with them, to tell them what to do, and teach. And as our Lord had given them fo many gracious and large promifes of the Spirit, after he fhould depart from them; Vol. IV. O o
290 MAT H E R.
fo when he afcended up into heaven, he told them not to proceed upon their work, till thefe |>romifes Ihould be fulfilled unto them. And behold, I fend the promife of my Father upon you ; but tarry ye in the city ofjerufalem until ye be endu- ed with power frojn on high. And purfuant to this promife, we find that upon the day of Pen- tecoft this promife was fulfilled by the delcend- ing of the holy Spirit upon them, according to the many promifes which Chrift had given them. When we confider how greatly the world of mankind were interefled in the apoftles' faith- fully difcharging the trull, and performing the work which Chrift had committed to them ; it lliows how fuitable it was, that they fliould be thus fitted for it by the gifts of the holy Ghoft ; who fliould teach them all things, and bring all things to their remembrance, which Chrift had fpoken to them, and fliould lead them into all truth ; that thereby the world might be fur- niflied with a true and infallible account of the way to life by Jefus Chrift. How fully then ought the example, as well as the inftru6lions, of fuch divinely authorized and furniflied teach- ers to be received and obferved by mankind ?
4. We have alfo the teftimony of Godhim- felf fet as a feal to the do6lrines and inftru<5ti- ons of thefe divine teachers, in the various mi- racleswhich God wrought by them. Thajtmi- raculous power given to the apoftles, to work all forts of miracles, fuch as reftoring tiie maim- ed, healing the fick, cafting out devils, ftriking
MATHER. 291
fome dead with a word, and calling others back
again to life from the dead, of which various
kinds of miracles we have an account of their
working; this miraculous power, I fay, thus
conferred on them, together with power to
confer the gifts of the holy Ghofc upon others,
by the laying on of their hvands ; are all to be
regarded as a divine feal fet to their miniftry ;
to lead mankind to reverence, regard and
hearken unto them, and receive all things what-
foever they taught, as melTengers fent from
God upon this defign. And that the apoftles
might, with quicker difpatch and greater clear-
nefs and certainty, make difciples among all
nations, and teach them to obferve all things
whatfoever Chrift had commanded them, they
were, by the defcentof the holy Ghoft upon
them, enabled to fpeak with other tongues ;
that is, to fpeak all languages, of which they
had before no knowledge,with equal eafe, plain-
nefs and exa6tnefs, as they could the language in
which they had been educated.
Now what greater authority can any one be veiled with ? Or who can more juftly challenge regard and obedience from mankind to all their do61rines, inftru6lions and examples, than perfons thus authorifed, and thus owned of God ? And who can juftify or cxcufe himfclf in negle6ling to regard and obey them ? To which agrees the admonition of the apoftle in Heb. ii. 3, 4. Howjhall we efcape, if xvc iiegleclfo great falvation ; -which at jirjl began to befpoken by the
Iji
MATHER.
Lord himjelf, and ivas afterward confirmed unto us by ihem that heard him ; Godalfo hearing them wit- lufiy both ivitbftgns and wonders, and with divers piiraclesy and gifts cf the holy Ghojl^ according to his own will,
^.. As fuch divinely authorifed peiTons juft- ly might, so we find they really did, challenge obedience from mankind to their precepts and examples. They required mankind to believe and receive the doctrines which they taught, not as tlie words of man ; but (as they were in truth) the word of God. As they were com- miflionedby Chrift to teach mankind all things whatfpever he had commanded them ; and as they were furniflied with all fuch gifts and pow- er by the Spirit, as were needful both to fet forth and confirm the great do^rines of the gospel; therefore we find they challenge regard to their do(5^rines, as being of divine authority. To this purpose are the words of the apoflle. If any man think hi mf elf to be a prophet, or fpiri- tital, let him acknowledge that the things which I write are the coinmajidments of the Lord. So like- wife the apoille John fcts forth, that an agree- ment or disagreement with his dodrines was to be the rule, by which we may judge of truth and error ; and obedience or difobedience to his do6lrines is the tell of a good or a bad man.
JVe are of God; he that knoweth God heareth us : He that is not of God heareth not ys • Hereby know we the Spirit of truth, a?id the fpirit qf error. Yea, fo great Hrefs doth the apoftle lay upon this matter, that he makes it a term
MATHER.
93
of communion to the churches, and requires, Jf any man obey not our word by this epi/ile, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ajhamed^
And as the apoftles infift upon it, that intire faith and credit fliould be given to their word and do(5lrines ; fo they likewife propofe them- felves as an example to mankind. To this purpofe are the apoftle's words in Philip, iii. 1 7. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk fo, as ye have us for an example. So again, II. TheiT. ii. 15. Therefore, brethren, fiand fajl, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epiftle. And we find in a particular inilance, that the apoftle al- ledgeth it as a fufficient decifion of the cafe, that the churches of Chrift, formed by the a- poftles, had not been led into fuch cuftoms. But if any man feem to be contentious, we have no fuch cufiom, neither the churches of God. He com- mends the Corinthians for their fteadily adher- ing to the traditions he had given them. Now I praife you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you. Yea, he declares thofe cuftoms, into the obfervation of which he had led the church- es, to be of fuch weight and moment, that he requires the churches to feparate fuch from their communion as fiiould walk contrary there to. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jefus Chri/l, that ye withdraw.yourfelves from every brother that walketh dif orderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
^94
MATHER.
Thus we fee how great the trull was^ which Chrift committed to his apoftles ; of what great confequence it was to mankind that they fhould fully and faithfully difcharge that truft ; and alfo how well and fully Chrift furniflied them for this work, by the gifts and profnifed influ- ences of the holy Spirit, and power of working miracles in teftimony of their divine miffion and do6lrines ; that fo intire credit fhould be given to all they taught in Chrift's name, whether by precept or example. What reverence and re- gard then is due from us to the do6lrines and writings of thefe melTengers of Chrift ?
*There are many other arguments and rea- fons which might be urged in proof of the truth and divine original of the writings of the apoftles, which they delivered to the churches : But from what has been now offered, it appears that these writings carry a fufficient evidence with them, to recommend them to our high efteem and regard, and to fet their authority far above all pretenders to the fpirit in our days, who bring with them no other evidence of their having the fpirit, than only their own bare word.
Indeed, it has been obje<5led by fome againft the authority of the writings of the apoftles, that Paul ufeth fomeexpreflions, which appear as if he himself was doubtful about his having the Spirit to teach him tlie truth in lomc par- ticulars. The moft plaulible text alledged to this purpofe, is, I. Cor. vii. 40. where the a-
MATHER,
29
poftle faith, I think I have the .fpirit of God, In that chapter the apoftle is treating of the duty of marriage ; where, from the conlideration of the various fufferings to which Chriflians were exposed in that day, he fums up the mat- ter in this form, He that marrieth, dotb well; and be that marrietb not, doth better. That is, he leaves them at liberty, that every one might Sidi in that matter difcretionally. If they mar- ried, they muft expe6l to meet with greater trials in that day of fufFering, than if they con- tinued in iingle life. Therefore he efteemed fuch as continued fingle, to be, in that refpe6t, more happy perfons; to which he adds, / think I have the fpirit of God, I thittk, that is, I appear to^bave. The word I think, in the orig- inal, fignifies, to prove, or confir^n opinion, as well as to think ; and it would be more agreea- ble to the original, if that fentence had been tran dated, I appear to have the fpirit of God. It is evident this muft be the meaning of this fen- tence in this place ; becaufe in this fame epis- tle. Chap, xiv. 37. he alferts, i/'fl/z^; ;?/fl?z think himfelf a prophet, orfpiritnal, let him acknowledge that the things which I write, are the cof?imandme?its of the Lord, And thefe two places compared together, fliow it to be a very injudicious in- terpretation of the firft, to take it in luch a fense as reprefents the apoftle to be in any doubt whether he had the guidance of the fpirit in that matter.
Upon the whole, then, it appears that all
296: MATHER.
the writings of the apoftles are to be received as divinely true, and regarded as the command- ments of the Lord; becaufe therein they teach us, according to their commiflion, to obferve all things whatfoever Chrift had commanded them.
And it is efpecially evident, that what they taught by example is to be regarded, as well as what they taught by precept. We are therein to confider them as a6ling according to the com- mandment which they received from Chrift. And of how much authority this ihould be ef- teemed, with refpe6l to the religious obfer- vation of the day upon which Chrift arofe from the dead, which was the firft day of the week, is eafily feen. The religious obfervation of this day, was the uniform pra6tice of the apof- tles, and the churches under their guidance and infpe6tion.
Inafmuch therefore as the apoftles taught the primitive Chriftians to allemble together for the purpofe of religious worfliip, and led them into the pra6lice of obferving the firft day of the week, as the fet time for thefe af- lemblings • their example herein is afufticient warrant and foundation for our obferving this day as the Chriftian fabbath. And as the com- mand given us in the text,**not to negled the ''allembling of ourlelves together, as theman- ''ncr of fonie is," has a manifeft reference to thefe fct times of public worlhip, into the ob-
fer-
MATHER. 297
fervation of which the apoftles had led the churches ; confidered in this view, we have as fufficient foundation to a6l upon in this matter, as we have in many other branches of the du- ty of Chriftian life. If there was nothing more to be offered for the religious obiervation of the firfl day of the week, as the Chrillian lab- bath, we need be at no lofs to find out our duty. If it is an error to obferve the firll day of the week, as the Chrillian fabbath, it is wh.at v/c are led into by following the example of Lhofe whom Chrift appointed to be the firll builders of his church; a pra6lice built upon the foun- dation of the apoftles and prophets, Jefus Ghrid himfelf beinsf the chief corner Hone.
o
'There are many other arguments which may be brought in proof of the duty ofobferv- inga fabbath, and that the firfl day of the week is the day to be obferved as the fcibbath under the gofpel difpenfation, befide what has been now urged from the example of the apoftles; fome ofthefel will mention in the next dil- courfe.
Vol. IV. Pp
SERMON LXXIV.
ON THE CHANGE of THE SABBATH.
BY
MOSES MATHER, D. D.
Pa/lor of a Church ofChrift in Stanford, Conne&icut,
Heb, X. 24, 35;,
And let us conftder one another to provoke unto
love and to good works; notforfaking the ajjem-
*bling of oiirfelves together, as the 7nanner offome is ;
but exhorting one another : Andfo much the more,
as ye fee the day approaching,
HAVING, in the foregoing difcourfe, confide ered fome of the arguments in lupport of the obfervingof thefirflday of the week as the Chriftian fabbath, which arife from the example of the apoftles; I now proceed to fiipportjthe in- ilitution by arguments which may be brought fi'om different fources —
I. The great and wonderful works of God feem plainly to call for this duty from us. The work of creation is a great and a wonderful work, that is worthy of a thankful re mem-
00 M A T H E R.
brancc. And God's taking fix days for the pcribrniance of it^ and re ft in g on the feventh^ feems defigned to point out^ by example, that it is our duty to work fix days,and to reft on the feventh. For it was equal with almighty power to have made the world in one dayasinfix. iBut asinfinite vvifdoni fa,w that a feventh part of time was a fuitable proportion for the children of .men to obferve as an holy reft^ therefore it feems that God ipent fix days in the creation of the world/ and refted on the leventh, to teach us^ by his own example, how much of our time we fhould keep as an holy reft ; all which feems to be exprefibd in the fourth command, ^'Remember the labbath-day,to keep it" holy. Six 4ays hialt thou labour, and do all thy work ; but the feventh day is the fabbath of the Lord thy God ; in it thou ihait not do any work,thou, nor thyfon,nor thy daughter, thy man-fervant, nor thy maid-fervant, nor thy cattle, nor thy ftr-anger that is within thy gates : for in fix days the Lord made heaven and earth, the fea, and ail that in them is, and refted the feventh day: Whcrctforc the' Lord blejfed the fabbath -day, and hallo-wed ?i. It ieems tjo he one fpecial de- iian of the fab^^ath at firft, that it fliould be a , day of thankful rcmem-brance of the work of creation.
So like wife the dcljvercnce of the children of 1 irael out ot'the land of Egypt v as a great and remarkable deliverance, woilhy of a thankful re membrarce. And as it was in thankful remem»
MATHER. 301
brance of the work of creation that God at firft appointedthe iabbath ; fo his fpecial appointment of a fabbath to the children of Ifraelwas to be in thankful remembrance of their deliverance out of Egypt, as well as of the creation ; as appears from the form in which Mofes repeats the fourth command in Dut. v. 12. &c. Keep the fabbath day tofandlify it, as the Lord thy God hath com- manded thee. Six daysjhalt thou labour, and do all thy work ; but thefeventb day is the fabbath of the Lord thy God ; in it thoufhalt not do any work, thou nor thyfon, nor thy daughter, nor thy man-fer- vant, nor thy maid-fervant , nor thitie ox, nor thine afs, nor any of thy cattle, nor thyftranger that is within thy gates ; that thy man-fervant and thy maid-fervant may rejl as well as thou. And remember that thou wafl afervant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hafid, and by a Jiretched out arm : Therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep thefabbath-day. Here Mbfes repre- fents the deliverance of the children of Ifrael out of Egypt as the reafon of their obferving . the fabbath, even as the fourth command re- prefents the work of creation as a reafon of obferving the feventh day as the fabbath at firll.
■ Again, the work of redemption is a much more glorious work than either the work of creation, or the deliverance of the children of Ifrael out of Egypt, and much more worthy of a thank- ful remembrance. As God's refcing on the feventh day from the work of creation pointed
302 H A T H E R;
. out which day fliould be the fabbath, while the fpecial defign of it was a commemoration of the work of creation ; and as the day on which the children of Ilrael came out of Egypt was appointed unto them as the fabbath, while one fpeciai defign of it was to commemorate that deliverance ; fo Chr ill's finiihing the work of redemption, in his riling from the dead on the firft day of the week, with equal evidence points out which day of the feven ftiould be the fabr bath under the gospel-difpenfation, while the more fpecial'defign of it is to commemorate the work of redemption.
Thus it appears that the great and wonder- ful works of God call for the obfervation of a fabbath, and plainly point out the firft day of the week as the day for this purpofe.
To this it may be obie6led, that the fourth commandment expresfly points out the feventh day as the sabbath ; and that we have no fuf- licient proof of the change of the day from the feventh to the firil.
In anfwer to this it muft be obferved, that the aboliihing of the feventh day labbath, and the inftitution of the firft day fabbath, are two diftindt things. As to the nature of time, there is nothing in one day more tRan another, why one day fliould be kept lioiy rather than another. And the general law and rcajon of a fabbath may be binding, and of laliing iorcc.
MATHER, 303
although theparticular fet time Ihould be chang- ed. Thus, if the fabbath be changed from the feventh to the firft day, this change is not in- conliftent with, but as well anfwers the general law and reafon of a fabbath, as if there was no fuch change.
As to the abolifhing of the feventh-day fab- bath, I fhall mention a few texts. Gal. iv. 10, II. Te obferve days, and months, and times, and years ; lam afraid of you, left I have befwwed upon you labor in vain. If we read the whole cpiftle, we fhall fee that the danger to which thefe Chriftians were expofed, was their fub- mitting to the law of Mofes, and taking upon them the obfervation of the rites and cerema- niesofthat aboliflied difpenfation. And this evidently fhows that the obferving of days, and months, and times, and years, which the apof- tle blames them for, was the Mofaical ap- pointments of fabbatical days, new moons, and fabbatical years. Col. ii. 16, ij. Let 710 man judge you in meat or in drink, or in refpeB if an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the fabbath days ; ^ which are afhadow of things to come, but the body is ofChrifl, Here the apoftle joins the feventh- day fabbath with the jewifli meats and drinks, and declares their fabbaths, as well as their laws about clean and unclean meats, to be a Ihadow of things to come. And therefore he tells them, that their not obferving thefe days, as well as their not obferving thefe di(tin6f ions about meat and drink, was no matter of ccn-
304 M A T H E R.
lure or condemnation. The apoftle again de^ dares the obfervation ofthe (eventh-day hhr bath to be a matter of the fame indifFerenee>as to obferve the legal diftindlion betweea meats clean and unclean, in Rom. xiv. 5, 6. One man efleemeth one day above another, a7ioiher e^$emetb every day alike. Let every man be fully perfuaded in his own inind. He that regardeth the iay^re^ gardeth it unto the Lord,; and he that rega/detd not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard iL He that eatethy eateth to the Lord, for he givetk God thanks ; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth ?iot, and giveth God thanks. It is ma- nifeft that in all thefe texts^ the apoftle putteth the feventh-day fabbath upon the fame footing as the other ceremonies of the legal difpenfa- tion were. Conlequently^ the one can be no more binding upon us under the gofpel-difpen- fation than the other. And therefore the jewifli fabbath is as much repealed as the o- ther jewiHi rites.
I am fenfible^ thefe texts have been alledged by fome^ to fliew that no particular day is to be obferved under the gofpel. But fuch a fenf& cannot be put upon them without manifeft vi- olence. For it is evident, that in all thefe places, the apoftle is fpeaking only of the jew- ifli days : For the days fpoken of are conned- ed with other jewilh rites : Therefore they afford no argument againft the Chriftian lab- bath ; which day was not called a -fabbath at that time, but was diftinouiflied from other
M A T H E R. 30^
days by being called The Lord's day. See- ing therefore the jewifli fabbath isfo expresfly abolifhed in fo many facred texts, and the iirft- day fabbath lo plainly eflabliihed by the apof- tolic example, it is afufiicient evidence ot the change of the fabbath.
That the day of the fabbath was changed by Mofes, when he brought the children of If- rael out of Egypt, is very probable. For al- though it is faid, that the feventh day was ap-^ pointed the fabbath at the creation, and man- kind were thereby led to divide their days by feven; yet, as the world fell into idolatry, and loil the knowledge of the true God, io with it they loll the knowledge of the true end and defign of the ftibbath, which v/as at fir ft appointed in remembrance of God's making the world. And as mankind fell into idolatry, and worfhipped the hoft of heaven, the fun, moon and ftars ; fo they confecrated the feven days of the week to the feveral planets and deities which they worlliippe*d ; one to the fun, ano^ ther to the moon, &c. — from whence the names funday, monday, &c. did originally arile. And as from the beginning mankind were trained up to have a fpecial regard for the day which at firft was appointed as the fabbath ; lo when they fell into idolatry, and confecrated the day?* of the we9k to their feveral deities, it is moft reafonable to fuppofe " they confecrated that day, for which they had been taught to have a fpecial regard, to the brighteft luminary of the Vol. IV. Oq
3o6 *^I A T H E R.
heavens.'the fun ; the next to the moon • and the reft to their other deities, according to their apprehended dignity. And what much ftrength- ens the probability of this opinion, is, that all nations have gone into this pra(5^ice ; and all have pitched upon the fame day as facred to the fun. There is nothing in the courfe of na- ture to lead mankind to divide the days by fe- ven ; but the declination of the fun, and the changes of the moon, might teach them the di- vifion of years and months. There is no rea- fon can be aillgned for the unanimous confent of all nations to divide the days by feven, but only tradition, handed down from the beginning, to have a fpecial regard for one day in feven. And therefore they conie crated the day for which they were thus taught to have a fpecial regard, to the brighteft of the hofts of heaven, into the worfhip of which they had fallen, in ftead of the true God.
Admitting this to be the cafe, it is evident that the jewiili fabbath was not the fame day as the original fabbath was, but the day be- fore it. And then it follows, that the change of the fabbath under the gofpel, from the feventh to the iitft day, has brought it to the day of its original inftitution. For it is the firft day of the week as it is now called, which the heathen had confecrated to the fun.
And what ftrengthens the probability of the change of the lixbbath by Mofes, when he
MATHER. 307
brought the children of Ifrael: out of Egypt, is the account we have of their beginning to ob- ferve the fabbath, * together with the form in which Mofes repeats to them the fourth com- mandment. It was upon the fifteenth day of the third month of that year, according to the common computation, that the children of Ifrael came out of Egypt. And God ordered Mofes, upon that account, to change the be- ginning of the year, and call it the firfc month. Exod. xii. And we have no account of their obferving any fabbath, till they came to the wildernefs of Sin, which was upon the fifteenth day of the fecond month, jufta month from their coming out oi Egypt. And then the people murmured for want of bread : At which time God began to rain manna for them, and ordered that they fliould gather it iix days ; and that on the lixth day they fliould gather enough for two days ; but on the feventh day from that time, and fo forward, there fliould be no manna ; but it fliould be obferved as the fabbath. (It feems as if the children of Ilrael, in the time of their bondage in Egypt, which lafted one or two hundred years, had, in a man- ner, loft the knowledge of the fabbath, and did not obferve any till it was renewed by Moles at this time.) And if they numbered their months by weeks, that is four weeks to a month, which it is moft probable they did, (which oc- cafioned them to have an intercalary month in their years) then the twenty fecond day of the month, which is the iirft fabbath they obferved.
3o8 M A T H E R-
that we have any account of, fhows, that the day which they obferved as the fabbath? was the day upon which they came forth out of the land of Egypt. So that^ as the beginning of the year^ fo was alfo the day of their fabbath, changed in remembrance of that deliverance. To which agrees that form in which Mofes repeats the fourth command in Deut. v. which is^ that becaufe God had redeemed them out of the land of Egypt, therefore he commanded them to keep the fabbath day.
Froii. the things which have been mentioned, it appears highly probable, that as the begin- ning of the year was changed upon this account ; fo aifo was the day of their fabbath ; that by the obfervation of their fabbath they might, not only be reminded of their deliverance out of Egypt, and their being taken to be the cove- nant-people of God ; but alfo might be there- by further guarded, leparated and diftinguiihed from the heathen nations. This would be a means to perferve them from falling into idol- atry, a vice to which the children of Ifrael were very much addi6ted.
Although the reafons mentioned do not a- mount to a full proof that tlie fabbath was chcUiged by Mofes; yet they render it highly probable ; and therefore quite uncertain which day was the original fabbath ; whether it was tlic jewifh inbbath, or the Chriftian fabbath. But as the greatcft probability lies on the iidc
MATHER. 309
of its being changed, therefore we have good reafon to luppofe the firft day of the week, which is the Chriftian fabbath, is the fame day of the feven as was appointed at firft to be ob- ferved as a fabbath.
2. There are fonie ftrong intimations that the day of the fabbath fliould be changed under the gofpel-difpenfation in the prophecies of the old teftament. Particularly, Pfalm. xcv. 7. To day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not yoilr hearts. This pafTage will appear a plain inti- mation of the change of the fabbath, if we at- tend to the explanation of it, given by an in- fpired apbftle, in Heb. iv. 4, ^, 7, 8, 9. For he /pake in a certain place of thefeventh day on this wife. And God did reft thefeventh day from all his works. And in this place again, Ifthcyfloall enter into my re/l. — Again he liiniteth a certain day, fay- ing to David, To day, after fo long a time ; as it is f aid. To day, if ye will hear his voice hard- en not your hearts. For if Jefus (Jofhua) had given them reft, then would he not afterward have fpohen of another day. There remameth therefore a reft to the people of God ; or, as it is rendered in the margin i akceping cf a fabbath to the people of God ^ A fabbath is intended, not only in remembrance of the great works of God, from which it takes it's rife ; but alfo as a pledge of a better reft. The apoftle is here proving that there is a hea- venly reft to be entered into,in the future ftate, by the people of God. And as a pledge of it, Ve here faith, /Z?^/*^ remaineth a keeping of a fab-
3IO MAT HER,
hatb to the people of God. And this^ he faith, is another day, than that which was the fabbath in David's time.
Another intimation of the change of the labbath we have in Pfalm cxviii. 22,23, 24. The fi one which the builders refufed, is become the headjlone of the corner. This is the Lord' s doings it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. That this is a prophecy concerning Chriit is evident from many places in the new teftament, where it is applied tb him. And it is here foretold, that the day when Chrift be* came the head Hone of the corner, is the day which the Lord hath made. The day which the Lord hath made fignifies the day that he hath confecrated, or fet apart. And it is equal- ly evident, that it was by Chrift 's rifing from the dead, that he became the head ftone of the corner ; that is, the foundation of his church. This is a day to be oblerved with joy and glad- nefs; We will rejoice and be glad in it; which properly defcribes the bufinefs of a fabbath, which is a day of religious joy and gladnefs. Here the grand event which was to be the oc- caiion of the change of the fabbath, is pointed out; and the day on which this event fliould take place, is the day which the Lord hath :-nade to lie remembered with religious joy and j;]adncis.
^ The ^luthoritv of Chriil over the fabbath^
< MATHER, 3IS
his putting fpecial honour upon the firfl day of the weeki and appropriating it to himfclf as his day by way of diftindion from oth^ (^^iys, ilrongly evidenceth the duty of oblerving this day holy to the Lord. All power in heaven and in earth is committed to the Lord Jefus Chrift, who is made head over all things to his church, whofe authority therefore to prefcribe a fabbath to his people is indisputable. He is veiled with fufficient authority to aboliffi the feventh-day fabbath, and appoint another day ; which power our Lord afTerts, Luke, vi. 5. And he /aid unto them, that the Son of man is Lord alfo of the fabbath day. And we accord- ingly find, He has put his name upon another day, Rev. i. 10. I was in thefpiriton the Lord's day. Which is a title by which the firft day of the week w^as then and has been ever fince known. Chrift has put fpecial honor up- on this day, not only by putting his name upon it ; but alio becaufe on it he arofe from the dead ; and on this day he repeatedly man- ifefted himfelf to hisdifciples after his rcfurrec- tion from the dead; %nd upon this day, in a moft wonderful manner, fent to his difciples the promife of the Father, in the plentiful ef- fufion of the holy Spirit ; upon which account we have reafon to fay. This is the day which the Lord hath made ; we will rejoice and he glad in it.
Now the evidence of the change of the fab- bath, which has been exhibited, fliows that the
312
MATHER.
church of Chrifl has not a6led without fufficienfc reafon, in obferving the iirft day of the week as the fabbath under the gofpel-difpenfation* This has been the pra6lice of the church from the apofdes' days to this time. Such therefore who deny that the apoftles eftabliflied the ob- fervation of the iirft day of the week as the fabbath, ought in all reafon to fhew how^ and when the change of the fabbath was made in the church. Surely fuch a change of the fab- bath from the feventh day to the iirft could ne- ver be brought about, and introduced into all the churches, in fuch a ftill and iilent manner, as not to be taken notice of by any of the Chriftian writers in all ages of the church. If one or two churches had corrupted themfelves in this matter, yet furely fome would have continued faithful, to bear teftimony againft fuch corruption. But that all the churches, in all parts of the world, iliould agree in fuch a change, and fliould bring it about without raifmg any difpute, is a fuppolition fo extrava- <]cant as to be altogrether ridiculous.
But fome fay (becaufe they can fay nothing bet- ter) that this change of the fabbath was brought about by the authority of the Pope. And all they can oiFer in proof of this aflertion is, that they find the firft day of the week mentioned among the days prefcribed by popiih decrees, to be obferved by the church. But if the iirft day of the week had been obferved from the beginning, it muft of courfe be included
MATHER, 31 J
in the number of days prefcribed by popiOi de- crees : So that this is no evidence at all in the cafe. But if the change of the day was made by the authority of the Pope, in popiih coun- tries, how came it to take place in other parts of the world, where the popes authority ne- ver extended r
But to aicribe the change of the day to the authority of the pope, is dating the matter a great deal too late ; becaufe Chriilian writers plentifully declare the obfervation of the firft: day of the week long before the pope of Rome was called the head, or univerfal billiop of the church ; or even before the popifli corruption had arifen to any conlidcrble heighth in the world. Add to this, the firft day of the week has had the fandion of civil authority, as the Tabbath, ever fince the civil rulers embraced the Chriftian faith. Conftantine, the firft ChriRi' an Emperor, put the fan6iion of civil authority upon this day. And it has ever fince, in all Cliriitian countries, had the fan(5lion of civil pov/ers, as thefabbath.
IH. Proceed we now, agreeably to our iniRDpropofition^tofliowthcpurpofesfor wiiic:i thefeleafons of public worlhip arc to be obfcrv
The naincsARBATir figniiics a rcfi. It there - fore rcquiics that we rclt, or ceaic from la- bor, and the ordinary employments of thi- life. In the iV-'^r^'i '"c.^.imr''':! ^^'^ "'''* '''''Miir- VoL. IV. R r
314 MAT HER.
ed, Six days Poalt thou lab or, and do all thy work ; but ihefeventh day is the fabbath of the Lord thy God ; in it thoujhalt not do any work. We are to lay afide all our worldly concerns, and free our minds, as well as our hands, from the em- ployments of this life. Much more then ought we to ceafe from pleafures anddiverfions* If we obferve the day, we mufl obferve it to the Lord. The fabbath is a day fet apart for religious purpofes, and ought to be fpent in the public and private exercifes of God's wor- Ihip.
I . The fabbath is to be obferved as a day of thankfgiving. This was one defign of the appointment of the fabbath at firft, that> it fliould be a memorial of the work of creation. That great work of God, by which he gave be- ing to the world, and to all things in it, and framed all things in their beauty, order and ufefulnefs, juftly chaljengeth our gratitude to the author of all being and bleiTednefs. There- fore when God had finiflied the work of cre- ation in fix days, he relied on the fcventh, and hallowed it as a day holy to himfelf, that it might be obferved by the children of men as a thankful memoriiil of that great work. *
This alfo was manifcftly one defign of the Cibbath, as it was appointed to the children of ifracl, that it fliould be obferved as a day of thankfgiving ; that it fhould be unto them,not or^v as a memorial of the work of creation ;
MATHER. 3X^
but alfo of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. This feems plain from the words. Dent. V. i^. And remember that tbouwa/l afer- vant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence, through a mighty hand, and by a Jlretched-oui arm ; therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the fab- bath-day^
The fame view of the fabbath^ as a day of thankfgiving, is Itill to be retained under the gofpel. The work of redemption by J el us Chrift is a Very great and glorious work, far exceeding in glory the work of creation , and the deliverance of the children of Ilrael from Egypt ; and is therefore much more worthy of our molt thankful remembrance. As the day of the fabbath feems to have been changed by Mofes from that day which was the feventh from the creation, and fixed upon that day on v/hich tlie children of Ifrael came out of Egypt, that it might be to them a day of thankfgiving in commemoration of that deliverance ; fo the change of the day, under the gofpel dif- penfation, from that which was obierved by the church of the Jews, to that on which our Saviour finifhed his fufferings, in his riling from the dead, intimates tons, that the more fpc- cial defign of the fabbath is to be a day of thankf- giving for the work of redemption.
Hence then it is one part of dufy on the fabbath to furvey thefe glorious works of God
.^iG M A T H E R.
tj •
m creatipn, providence and grace ; efpecially the glorious work of redemption by Jefus Chrift, in all its parts; and lb to view and nieditate upon thefe things, as that our hearts may be affected with a ienfe of the glory of God^and a grateful trame enkindled in us tb the author of our being, and fountain of all our comforts.
2. The fabbath is to be obferved as a me- morial of cur obligation and covenant relation to God. The appointment of a fabbath at lirfc, in remembrance of the work of creation, was to admonifii mankind that God was the author of their being, and remind them of their obli- gation to him as inch. And had mankind been careful to remember the fabbath day and keep it holy, according to the manifeft intention of its appointment, it would have had a dire6l tendency to have preferved the knowledge of the true God and of their obligation to him, and would have been a fpecial means to have preferved them from idolatry. So likewife the appointment of a fabbath to the children of liraei was to ferve as a iliemorial of their co- venant-relation and obligations to the true God; as is expresfly declared, Exod. xxxi. 13. Verily my fabbalh Jball ye keep : For it is ajgji he tureen me and you ibrougbout your generations ; thai I am tbc Lord il^at doth fantiify you. The iabhath under the gofpcl is alfo to fefve the Inme ipecial ])urpofe. It is to be regarded as a (irxn of the covenant between God and us.
MATHER. 317
Jt is appointed as a memorial of that great work of redemption, in which Chrift hath pur- chafed us to himfelf, and redeemed us to God with the price of his own blood. It becomes us therefore to keep the fabbath day in thank- ful remembrance of that glorious work ; that areturn of the fabbath may revive in our minds a folemn remembrance of the price of our redemption, and the facred bonds of the cove- nant of our God which are upon us,
3.- Another purpofe of the appointment of the fabbath is, that it lliould be the fet time for us tp attend upon, and unite in, the feveral ex- ercifes of public worfliip. It is expreslly re- quired of us in the tcxt,'^not to forfake the af- ^"^lembling of ourlelves together." It is a mat- ter of public honour due to God, and an open acknowledgement of Chrift as our Saviour ; that Ms people fliotild aflemble themfelves to- gether on that day, on which the Lord has re- corded his name, to pay theii- joint honour to him, attend upon his inftitutions, and the feve- ral parts of his worfliip. It was to this pur- pofe the children of Ifrael were commanded to keep the fabbath day. Upon this day they were required to have an holy convocation. And we find that their pra6lice was according to this precept. For to this end they built their fynagogues, or houfcs of public worfliip, where they reforted on their iabbaths for re- ligious purpofes, as is mentioned. Ads, xv. 2 r . For Mofes of old tunc hath in every cityy them that
3i8 Mather:
preach him ; being read in the fynagogues every fah- bath day. And it has been already fhown, that the gofpel-fabbath, the firft day of the week, was oblerved by the apoftles and firil Chriftian Churches as the day to aifemble for the pur- pofe of public worlhip. We ought therefore to efteem the fabbath, not as a day to be fpent in (loth and idlenefs at home ; but as a day on which we are to ailemble with the people of God, to unite in the feveral exercifesof gofpel- worfhip.
4. Another defign of the fabbath is^ to be a lign and pledge to the people of God of ever- lafting reft in the future ftate. Whatever may be faid of the fabbath appointed to Adaifi in paradile, as to its being a pledge of an hea- venly reft, this was evidently the cale of t\\Q fabbath appointed to the children of If- rael. The covenant God made with thatpeo- ple included a promife of a temporal reft in the land of Canaan, as well as a future reft in hea- ven. A"^ ^s ^^ fabbath was to be to them a memorial of that covenant, fo it was likewifc a pledge of the bleflings promifed in it, pro- vided they were obedient to it. Hence the ])rophet Ifaiah urged the fantStification of the fabbath as a method to fecure the continuance <^r God's prote(51:ion over them in the land which l^.c had given as an heritage to Jacob. Ifa. Iviii. I ^^ 14. IJ'ibou turn away thy foot from the fab hath, front doing thy pleafure on iny holy day; -nd call the fabbath a delight , the holy of the
MATHER.
319
Lordy honourable ; and JJoalt honour hhn, ?iot doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own plea- Jure, nor /peaking thine 'own words ; thenjbalt thou delight thyfelf in the Lord ; and I will caufe thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob, thy father : For the mouth of the Lord hathfpokcn it.
So likewife the fabbath under the gofpel is a fign and pledge to true believers of everiaft- ing reft in the future ftate. Thus the apollle points out the fabbath, in all the appointments of it^as a fign and pledge of future and heaven- ly reft, in Heb, iv. In this chapter he refers to the original fabbath at the creation of the world, to the fabbath of the Jews, and to the Chriftian fabbath ; fliewing that they all were to be confidered as pointing to, or pledges of,a future heavenly reft.
IV. It remains to fhew the duty and im- portance of our keeping holy to God theChrif- tian or firft day fabbath ; together with the danger of negledting it.
The feveral purpofes which have been men- tioned, for which the keeping a ftibbath has been enjoined upon mankind, may be confidered as lo many arguments to enforce the practice of this duty upon us.
Creating goodnefs, providential mercies, and above all the glorious difplays of re-
320 M A T H E R.
deeming grace by Jefus Chrift, lay us under llrong obligations, in point of gratitude, to pra^life this duty. This is the appointed way for us to exprefs our thankfulnefs to God for all his benefits towards us. How criminal then, how bafe, and how ungrateful muft it be in us, to treat the fabbath, or the facred privi- lege of God's worlliip, on that day to be at- tended, with carelelTnefs and neglecSt ! And as it is very bafe and criminal in us, fo it muft be very olfenfive and provoking in the fight of God.
Or if we view the fabbath as a fign and token of our covenant relation to, and intereft in God, our treating of it with carelefTnefs and negle6l muft appear to be a breach of covenant, a pra6tical renouncing of our covenant-interefl in God, and a forfeiture of all covenant-privi- leges and bleilings. Or on the other hand; if we delire to fecure to ourfelves a covenant-in- tereftin God, or the privileges and;bleffings of the covenant, a due fan<Sl:itication of the fab- bath muft be carefully attended to.
When we like wife coniider the fabbath as the appointed time to attend and unite in the fcveral exercifes of public worfhip, our obli- gations to carefully oblerve it, v/iii appear in a ftrong light. Chrift has fet up his church as his viiible kingdom among men ; has required us to join ourfelves to it; has appointed vari- ous exercifes of religious worOiip, by which he
MA T H E R, 321
performs the part of a Mediator among men, to bring them to be reconciled to God; and by which he imparts to them the influence of the holy Spirit andbleilings of redeeming grace, and makes then) p:irtakers of his favingtulnefs. That we are to view the religious exercifes prefcribei to the church, as that by v/hich the Lord Jefus Chrili:, in his mediatorial office, ap* plies to mankind, to reconcile them to God, is evident from the apoftle's reprefentation of a preached goipel, which is one of thefe religious exercifes. II. Cor. v. 20. Nozv then wc are cmhdffadors for Chri^, as though God did be fee ch you by us ; we pray you in Chrijl s flead , bg ye reconcil' ed to God, if therefore we diiVegard the lab- bath, and turn our back upon the public exer- cifes of gofpel worfliip, we therein turn our back upon Chrift, and thruft ourfelves away from his mediation. Ard if, by fuch conduct, we will not fufFer Chrift to apply his mediation to us in his church in this world, we cannot cxpe6t he will apply to God for us, as our ad- vocate with the Father. For this is what he hath alTured us in this cafe. PVhofoever there- fore fnall confefs me before men y him will I alfocon- fefs bforc my Father which is in heaven. But Tjuhofoever fioall denv me before men, him will I alio deny before my Father wlT.ch is in heaven. And if we exclude ourfelves from the mediation of Chriil, what is there remaini:ig for us to hope in ?
A due ^andification of the fabbath will have Vol. IV. Ss
322 M A T H E R.
a great influence upon us, and an happy ten-. dency to promote the practice of religion ii> the various parts of it. But decays in reli* gion, and even a total apoftacy from the Chrifv tian faith, commonly begin by ilacknefs, care* leflnefs and negUgence in fandifying the fab- bath, and treating the public exerciles of God's worlliip with coldnefs and indifference. But if we mean to receive real benefit from the fabbath and fabbath-privileges, we mull not content ourf^lves with an outward atten- dance upon them ; but mult take heed to draw near to God in them with a true heart.
The fan6lification of the fabbath is not on- ly the way to promote religion in ourfelves, but alfo in our fellow men. The upholding public worfhip among a people has a ten- dency to call their attention to divine things, to fpread the knowledge of the golpel, and to enlarge and advance the kingdom of the Redeemer, in the converfion of finners, and the edification of believers. How powerfully then do all^ thefe conliderations enforce the practice of this duty upon us ? I fliall therefore clofe my fubje(5t^ by repeating the exhortation in the text. Let vs confider one another to provoke vtito love and to good works ; not for/a king tbcajfembling of oiirf elves to-- gether, as the vianner offome is ; but exhorting one^anothcr : Atidfomuch the more, as ye fee tbs day approaching.
.SERMON LXXV,
CHRIST the WAY, and the TRUTH, and the LIFE.
BY
NATHAN PERKINS, A. M.
Pq/ior of a Congregational Church in Hartford j ConneBicut,
Johnj xiv, 5.
yESUS faith unto him, lam the way, and the truth, and the hfe : No man cometh unto the FATHER but by me.
THE whole defign of religion is to point out the road to real happinels, and to put man- kind in polTeflion of it ; to engage them to a life of piety and morality in this world, and to train them up for a fulnefs of glory and per- fe6tion of peace in that which is to come. Viewed in its true light therefore, feparated from all abufes, fuperftition on the one hand, and enthufiafm on the other, it has the nioft benign influence on the welfare of civil focie- ty, and is the moft promotive of the belt inter- cft of the human race. The evils which have
324 PERKINS,
flawed from a pcrfecuting fpirit, and the wars commenced, and the blood Ihed by nations in religious quarrels are not the native efject, but the horrid abufes of religion. 1 he belt things on earth are liable to be perverted by the corrupt pafiions and ignorance of man. The candid mind of philofophy, that forms a juft eftmiate of human life, when contempla- ting moral fubje6ts, will attribitte tlie cvi!s which it beholds to the true caufe. So far is the fpirit of true religion trom being a difad vantage to, or increaiing the miferies of, fociety, as fome fuperficial, half-thinking men have af- firmed, that its whole fyftem of duties and doctrines directly tends, and is wifely caici! la- ted, to mitigate every wo, taioften every for- Tovv, to inipire every rational joy, and to dif- fule over tne world humanity and benevolence ; to purity and refine, to tnnoble and exait hu- man nature and human happipels. Confe- -quentiy , one of tlie mcft inteiefling queliiona wnich can be propofed on the fubject of religion, }s, how iliall we fecure to ourleives its blef- lings ? or what is the way for us acceptably to ferve God in time, and to be fitted tor the en- joyment of him in eternity ? This grand qnef- tlon is latisfacforily anfwered by our Saviour in the words now read, jcfus faith imto hnriy I am the WO:}' y and the iruih, and the tife : No man. com^tb unto the Father but by mc.
He begins his difcourfe with his difcip!es, by conloling their hearts with the thoughts and
PERKINS, 32J
hopes of heaven. Let not your heart be troubled; ye beUe-Oe in God, believe aljo in me. In my Fa'* tber 5 boujC are many manfions ; if it were notfo, I woui.d:have told you ; I go to prepare a place for you ; and if I go and prepare a place for you, I Will came again, and receive you unto my/eif, that where I am, there ye may\ be alfo. And wbi" iber I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas faith unto him. Lord, we know not whither thou, goet, and how can we know the way? Then conie in the voids of the text. 'Jefus faith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life : No man Cometh unto the FATHER but by ME.
I. It is propofed, in the fequel, to Ihow how Chrift is the way, and the trutii, and tlie life. And,
II. To point out the impoITibility of our obtaining acceptance with God but by him.
. I. In what refpedl our Saviour is the way, the triith, and tlie life is what is intended, firil^ to be conlidered and illuftrated.
He declares to his difciples in general, and to Thomas in particular, that he is the way to happinefs for all mankind. For he mull be the way, and the truth, and the life to one as much as to another ; becaufe all the world c- qually need his guidance, inftru<51ion and a- tonemcnt. His gofpel is as neceflkry for one as for another, and no man can obtain the fa- vour of God, or reach the peaceful abodes of
32^ PERKINS,
ablefTed immortality,, but by him. When Chrkft fays he is the way, how are we to urt-i fleritiind him ? What ideas does he intend to tonvty to his difciples of himfelf? I AM THE WAY.
He is the way of accefs to God in prayer and other a6is of homage, — of pardon for the guilty, -'-of juftification and peace with God^— of the expiation of fin,— and of happinefo.
He is the way of accefs to God in prayer and other acls of homage. W^ can acceptably ferveGod only through the mediation andinter- ceflion of his Son. As fallen creatures, we are in ourfelves utterly unworthy to approach the divine throne, or to come before a holy and fin- hating God. He is of purer eyes than to be- hold fin, or the linner, but with deteftation. He hates with perfe6t abhorrence all the work' ers of iniquity. His wrath, indeed, is reveal- ed from heaven againft all ungodlinels and un- righteoufnefs of men. No SL6t, either of im- piety or injuftice, can be concealed from his knowledge, or efcape his refentment. An in- hocerit "and perfectly holy creature, who had never loft his re6titude, or offended his Creator, would in his own name dire6lly addrefs him- felf, without any Mediator, to the all- wife and fovereign Lord of nature. But a fallen and guilty creature, who- has loft the favour and offended the Majefty of heaven and earth by innumerable fms, cannot draw near to him in
PERKINS. 3^1
his ov/n mme. He, on the other hand, is al-» ^together unworthy fo much as to lift his voke> to the eternal throne for mercy, and can have no alTurance of a gracious audience and ajcceptance.
The anxious inquiry of conlcienceis, Wheri^. with Jhall I come before the Lord, or bow myfelf kef ore the high God ? Jhall I come before him with hurnt-^offerings, with calves of a year old? xvillibc i^ord be pleafcd with tbonfands of rams, or with tai tboufand of rivers of oil? Jhall I give myfirflboru
for my traufgreffion ? tbefriat of my body for the
[fin of my foul?
This anxious inquiry may be fatisfadorily anfwered. All fuch expenlive and painful ex-^ pedients are utterly unavailable. Jefus Chriil is the appointed medium of worfiiip, is the on* ly way of accefs to the Father. In him our prayers, our praifes, our gratitude, and con- feiiion of tin may be accepted. He is all-wor- thy, though we be infinitely unworthy. With him the Father isever well-pleafed, though he cannot look upon us out of him, but with ab- horrence. His merits are infinite, and his in* tei'celhons all-powerful. For through him we both have accefs by one Spirit ttntothe Father. Xhere is one God, and one Mediator between God and man. He is the only medium of aC' cefs to HIM who is the hearer of prayer, and fountain of grace. No other is appointed or, permitted. Our perfons and frrvices, our
328 P E R K I N §:
thankfgivings, and all our religious duties and ordinary conduct can be acceptable only in the name of Chrift. And wbatfoever ye do in word or deed, do all m the name of the Lord Jefus Chril, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Onr Lord gracioufly promdes all his followers, that the Father will always hear them in his name, and beftow upon them every needed blelling. A'ld what foever ye pall ajh in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified m the Son. If yefjall ajk any thing m my name^ I will do it.
And there is an abfolute promife that all our prayers, which flow from faith as the principle, which are aimed at the divine glory as the end, and which are guided by the word as the rule, Hiall be anfwered. Therefore I fay unto you. what things foever ye deftre when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and yefhall have them: He ever ac is in the capacity of an intercelTorat the the right hand of the Majefty on high. And another an- gel came and flood at the altar, having a golden cen- fer\ and there was given unto him much incenfe, that he (Iwuld offer it, with the prayers ofallfa-nts, vpon the golden altar, which was before the throne^ All our religious duties, prayer, praife and o- ther aCls of homage can afcend to the throne of the univerfe with acceptance only in the name of Chrill. He is, then, the way of accefs to the Father, and no man can come unto God but by him. Having therefore, brethren, boldnefs to enter into the holiefl by the blood of Jefus, by a new and living way which he hath con-
PERKINS.
3^9
Jecratedfor us through the veil, that is to fay, his Jlejh, And having a high priejl over the hcufe of God, let us draw near with a true hearty mfull affurance of faith, having our hearts fprinkled from an evil confcience, and xur bodies wafhcd with pure water.
2, Jefus Chriftis alfo the way of pardon for the guilty. The very idea of pardon always prefappofes guilt. An innocent being needs no torgivenefs. He who has never offended in thoughtj word^ or deed, can have no guilt to be v/afhed away by a pardon. But linful crea- tures Hand in perifhing need of a remiflion of all their tranfgrefllons. And this can be had only in the Mediator. We have no me- rit of our own to |)urchafe the forgivenefs of fin. Though, as tranfgreflbrsj we Hand in ab- folute need of a pardon, tho' we muft finally and forever periOi without it; yet we cannot have it from ourfelves. Can we rely on our own good deeds, on our own virtues for pardon, or on the juftice of the Deity, or the mere clemen- cy of his nature ? Some have carried their no- tions of human merit fo high, as to take to it alone for introduction to the favour of God, and admiflion into glory, when they Ihall bid adieu to this mortal fcene. I remember to have heard, that a very noted infidel of our own country was wont to exprefs himfelf with regard to acceptance with his Maker, on this wife ; '*l would rather, fays he, loofe heaven, and ^'incur damnation ; I would rather mils ot the
Vol. IV. Tt
J
330 PERKINS.
''favor of the Deity^ than not merit it by my *'own virtues. If my dignity/if my merit **^will not procure for me a feat in the maniions ^'of blifs, then farewel happinefs. I will ac- **^cept of happinefs only as the fruit of my own *^*^good deeds.'' The humble Chriftian fhuddersat fuch language and fentiments. He feels his utter unworthinefs of eternal life, or a pardon. He has no merit to plead; no virtue of w^hicli toboaft. The more he fees of the fpotlels pu- rity of the divine nature, and unlimited extent of the divine law, the lower is his opinion of the pretended merit of man. He feels that nothing he ever has done, or ever can doj^ can procure the forgiving pity of God. Not on works, but grace, doth he rely. If his ini- quities v/ere to be ftri611y marked againft him^ he is confcioushe could not anfwer for one m a thoufand of them, and therefore pleads that God would not enter into judgment with him ; for in his fight no flefli living could be juil- ified. He feels that Chrifl is the way of pardon. Jn whom we have redemption through his blood, e- veil the forgivenefs of fins. Through his blood all our tranfgreflions may be done away, fo that they fliall neither rife up in this world to our Ihame and confufion of face, nor in the world to come to our utter and final condemnation.
How ardently do good men defire to be freed from the guilt of fin, and penalty of a righteous, but violated law. Have mercy on ?ne, O Lord, according to thy loivig-kindjiefs ; accor-
PERKINS. 331
ding to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my tranfgrcjfwns ; zvajlome throughly from mine i- fiiquityi and cleanfe me from my Jin, Again, in the words of the fame pious faint, who was deepiy alfe6ted with a fight and fenfe of the number and henioufnefs of his fins. Hide thy fac" from my fins, and blot out all mifie iniquities. Ail who are burdened with a fenfe of the number and greatnefs of their follies and fins, cannot but prize forgivenefs from a holy God. Blejfed is he whofe tranfgreffion is forgiven, whofefin is, cover- ed^ Bleffed is the man to whom the Lord impu- ieth not iniquity,
3. Further, our Saviour is the way like- wife of j unification and peace with God. Our jufl:ification before God is a point peculiarly in-' terefting to all mankind, and equally concerns all of every age and condition. It confifls of two parts, acquittance from guilt, and a title to life. It is an a6l of God's free grace, viiere- by we are liberated from the penalty of a bro- ken law, and accepted as righteous in his fight, only on account of the righteoufnefs of a Me- diator. When a finner is convinced of his fin, of his loft and undone condition by nature, and is brought to believe in the mediation, and to accept of the atonement of the Son of God, ac-- cording to the covenant of grace, or method c i life conftituted in the gofpel, a juftifyng a6t is pafled upon him by his Maker in heaven ; he is declared to belong to his kingdom, and no long- er liable to bear the penalty of a broken law.
-;2 PERKINS,
Juftification literally fignifies judging one to be juft. A man is laid to juftify himfelf, when he aflerts liis innocence^ or denies that he has been to blame in any inftance. We juftify a- n other, wlien we appear on his behalf, and un- clertake his vindication. Among the Jews, this was a, law-phrafe, or was ufed in reference to their courts of juftice. If there be a co?itro- verfy behveen men, audi hey come into judgment that ibe judges may judge them, then they Jhall juflify the righteous, and condemn the wicked. The word jfw,/2/^y was borrowed from courts of juflice, and applied to the cafe of mankind in regard to the fentence of the lupreme Judge; and in order to have its primary meaning duly preferved, when ufed with reipe6l to the juftification of fallen man before a holy and juit God, it muit imply an acquittance from fm, as expofing to eternal death, and the grant of a fure title to evcrlafting life. And we are juftified in the mmie, as well as pardoned through the blood, of Jefus Chrift. As we are fanciitied by his Spi- rit, fo we are juRifled by his Tighteoufnefs. Pardon, juftification, fandification, and peace with God all fro toeether. Thefe invaluable bleliings all flow to us, as well as every other fa vour, whether temporal or fpiritual, through a Mediator, ylndjuchwerefomeofyou; but ye are wajhedy but ye arcfanciified, but ye are juftified, in the na?ne of the Lord Jrjus,a7id by. the Spirit of our God. Here juftification and fan<5lification arc fpokeh of as coming to us in the name of a r \^' '^n-^^r *-' Paul is moil full and clear
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on this great fubje6l, thcit Chrift is the way of juflification. Being juflijicd freely by. his grace, through the redemption that is in Jefiis Chrifl, whom God hath fet forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blcod, to declare his^-ighteovfnefs for the re- viiffion of fins that are pqfl, through the forbearance of God, that he might bejufl, and the jujiifier of him that believeth in Jefus, That Chrill is the way of juflification and acceptance with God is moft clearly exprelTed in the following words. Be it known unto you, therefore, ?nen and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgive- nefs of fins ; and by him all that believe are juft fled from all things, from which they could fiot be jufli- fled by the law of Mofes,
We have peace as well as juflification by him. Therefore being jullified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jeius Chrift. He is the way of peace, as he is our peace-maker ; as he Reconciles us to God ; as he appeafes the divine anger towards us; and gives us his own peace. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle ivall of partition between vs. He preach- es the doctrines of peace. He opens the coun- fels of eternal peace. By him we have peace and joy in believing. Feace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you ; not as the world giveth, give Imitoyou, He is the way of juftification, acceptance and peace with God, as it is by iiim all thefe rich and invaluable blefiings come to 0.. In him our perfons are jufliHedj our fer-
334 p E R K r ir s.
vices accepted^ and our peace eftabliflied, Hc is THE Lord our righteousness,
4. Again, our Saviour is the way of the ex- piation of (in. Sin niuft be expiated, or fa- vour can never be extended, with conliftence, to the tranfgreiror. It is of fo odious and vile a nature, and fo ruinous in its confequences, that the finner can never be liberated from its guilt, till full and ample fatisfadion be made to the jufiice and holinefs of God. The rights of the Godhead muft be fecured. As the rul- er of the univerfe, he mult "fee that virtue is countenanced through all his extenfive domin- ions ; that vice is frowned upon ; that his laws and government are maintained ; and that re- bellion is efFedtually difcouraged. For him, in his re6toral charader, to do any thing by which it might appear to the intelligent crea* tion that he did not hate iniquity and love righteoufnefs to an infinite degree, would be an injury to the public good, the glory of the u- nlverfe. We may f^iirly conclude, therefore, that he will take the wifefl and heft pofTible meafures to convince the intelle6lual fyftem, that none can infult his government, oppofe his authority, or trample under foot his laws, with impunity. As the fovereign Lord of na- ture, he is the revenger of evil ; and his cle- mency can nevfer be exercifed, in any cafe whatever, ir} a manner which is incompatible with the riglits of juftice. But when his law, , which is holy, juil and good, is magnified, and
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made honourable ; when the awful dignity of his government is fully vindicated; when the infinite glories of his character are moftfignal- ly difplayed, and his facred authority openly manifejftedj then fin is expiated, a pardon may be extended, and a holy God left at liberty to fave and blefs. By the blood of a crucified Sa- viour, the law, character, perfection, govern- ment and authority of the Deity are all vindi- cated and honoured ; and conlequently fin is expiated. All is done that was requifite to be done in order for mercy divine to flow down upon a guilty world. When John the fore- runner of Chrift faw him, he fpeaks of him as the expiaton of fin in the following manner^ pointing his difciples to him : The next day, Johnfeefh Jefiis conmg unto him, and faith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the fin of the world. How did he take it away? Not by ex- pelling it from the fyftem ; for we flill behold Us ravages in the moral world. Not by changing its nature ; for its nature is always the fame ; and its inherent turpitude can ne- ver be diminfhed, and our Lord's fuflerings, manifold and exquifite, as they were, altered not the nature of things; but he took away the fin of the world by making an atonement, or do- ing what laid a Sufficient foundation for God, in the character of the righteous Lord of hea- ven and earth, to extend pardon, peace and falvation, in a manner compatible with the facred claims of juftice, to all penitents ; or, in the languge of infpirution, that God niight
33^ PERKINS.
bejufl, and yet the jiifiifier of him that heliev- eth ill Jefiis. The Redeemer of man died and fulfered what was neceffary to be done and fulFered, in order that repentance and remifli- on of fins might be confiflently preached to all nations, and offered to all finners. He left no part of the work, which was affigned him, undone. He completely performed the will of the Father. He did not fail in one fingle point. Accordingly, he fays, in his tender and pathetic addrefe to the Father ; / have glorified thee on earth : J have finiJJjed the work which thou gavejl nie to do. And when we go forward, and view the aftonifliing Icene of his crucifixion, which caufed the fun m the firmament to hide his face, and all nature to utter a groan, we find that he did not expire, till he could fay. It is finished. The will of God was fin- ished ; the falvation of man was finished; the jewifli difpenfation of rites and forms was finished. All was finished that was in the eternal counfels of the parent of men and an- gels to be done, in regard to the way of life for loit men, dead in trefpafies and fins. All was finifhed which the Saviour had undertaken to perform.
How full is the fcripture of this idea, that Jefus Chrift has made an atonement for human guilt ? The few following palTages will be par- ticularly cited, out of many more that might be adduced with equal propriety. But if ive walk in the light, as he is in the light, wc have fellowjhip
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Cfie witb another, and the blood of Jefus Chrijlhis Son cleanfeth us from allfm. It has a purifying and cleanfing power. It wafhes away the deep- eft ftaiii of guilt; cleanfeth us from all fin. A- gain J he is the propitiation for our fins, andiiot for ours only, hut alfofor the (ins of the whole world. His propitiation is infinitely full. It has afuf- ficiency of merit for the pardon of all fin, and bears tbe fame afpe61: on the fins of all, without any exception. We may not limit the merits of the precious blood of the Son of God. Un- to him that loved us, and zvafhed jisfrom our Jin s in his own blood, and hath made us kings andpricjls unto God and his Father, to him be glory and dO" minion forever and ever. We are told, that he tailed death for every man ; that is, he has, by hi-: lufferings and death, procured pardon and peace for every one without exception, who will comply v/ith the terms upon which pardon and peace are offered. Thele terms are failii and repentance. The gofpel points out a way for all, and offers mercy to all who will accept. No one is excluded. An honorable door of falvation is opened to all. And none who are difpofed to enter, will be excluded. JVcfee Je- fus, zvho was made a little lower than the angels, for ihefuffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that he by the grace of God Jhould tqfle death for e- very man. In thefe words we find no limita- tion or exception. The gates of the celeilial paradife will be barred againlt none, on account of a deficiency of merit in him, who Gained the crofs on mount Calvary with h'-s 1^^;^^- '•<> ^ -o- Vol. IV. Uu
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cure falvation for loft man. There is no want of readinefs on the part of Deity, or of merit on the part of the Redeemer. Man alone, if he pcriih, muft to all eternity bear the blame of his own deftru6lion. God has an ear to hear, and an arm to fave. Jefus Chrift has an infinite fulneis of merit. The true reafon why finners mifs of falvation is afligned in. thefe words : Te ivill 7iot come unto me, that yc might have life.
The apoftle to the Hebrews declares, that as the blood of the jewifli facrifices availed to purify the ^.e^a, fo the blood of Chrift avails to expiate lin, or to purify the confcience. For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ajhes of an heifer fprinkliiig the v7iclean,fanBifieth to the pu- rifying of thejieflj, how much morefloall the blood of Chrift, who through the eternal Spirit offered himfelf without fpot unto God, purge your con- J'ciencefrojn dead works to ferve the living God.
5. And laftly, Jeius Chrift is the way of true happinefs, in oppofition to all the falfe fchenies of happinefs, which mankind have ftruck out for themfelves. The firft and ilrongeft delire of nature is after happinefs. All ligh after, all wifh for^ all purfue the dear objecl. The high and low ranks of life equal- ly feek it, though in different ways. The young and old are ardent in their enquiries af- ter it. The. learned and unlearned are reft- lesfly engaged in the fearch.
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But it is a refledtion that forces itfelf upon the contemplative mind^ when furveying the human race in general, looking back on the paft ages of the world, and among the various nations that people the globe, that the moft have been unfuccefsful in their endeavours af- ter the attainment of the wiflied-for objecSt. They have erred wide fronl the mark. Wil- dom here failed. The higheft philofophy of the wifeft heathen was here confounded, and had innumerable falfe notions of happinefs, but none the true. It would be no fmall labor c- ven to enumerate their widely differing and contradi6tory notions of the Ch i e f g o o d . And it would give us pain, as it would be a full proof of the weaknefs of human reafon, and folly of human purfuits. The world by wifdom knew not God. JVhcrs is the wife ? Where is thefcribe ? -whox is the difpiiter of this world? Hath not God made fooli/h the wifdom of this world ? For after that in the wifdom of God^ the world by wifdom knew not God, it pleafcd God by thefooltfJjnefs of preaching tofave them that he^ lieve. For the Jews require ajign, and the Greek r> feek after wifdom. But we preach Chrifl crucified, unto the Jews aflumbling-block , and unto the Greeks fooliflmefs ; but unto them which are called, ho lb Jews and Greeks, Chrifl the power of God , and the wifdom of God. He is then the only way oi true happinefs, of fpiritual wifdom. It. is no where elle to be found. But where Jhall wfdom be foimd ? and where is the place of undei [land- ing ? Man knoweth ?iot the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth
34c» ' P K R K i N S.
jaitb, Jtisruot in me : And the fia faith. It is not in me. It cannot begotten for gold ; neither fhall ' } ti.:cighed for the price thereof. It cannot ::cd with the gold ofOphir, with the precious cnyx crfapphire. The gold and the cryjial can?iot equal it; dnd the exchange of it fhall not be for jew- tls (f fine gold. No mention Jhall be made hf co- ral or of pearls : For the price of uifdom is above rubies. The Topaz of Ethiopia flja II not equal it; neither fhall it be valued with pure geld. Whence then Cometh wifdcm ?' a?id where is the place of un* derilandi.ng ?, Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living y ana kept clofefrom the fowls of the air f De-^ Jlructwn and death fay, TP e have heard the fame thereof with our ears . God underftandeth the way thereof, and he knovoeth the place thereof. The way of true wiidom or happinels is in Chrift. Of God he is made unto us wifdom^ as well as righteoufnels^ fan 61 ifi cation and redemption. In him is our happinefs; happinefs here and hereafter, — in both worlds. As from him we liave help, llrength, righteoufnefs, forgivenefs ;;nd peace ; fo in him is true happinefs. In him .ire hid all tl^e tr^afures of wifdom and know- ledge, and all the eflential ingredients of felicity. The bcau.ty of holinefs is its tendency to hap- l^inels ; and no religion can be of any fervice lan, or be genuine, or can claim a celeftial rigin, but what lays a certain foundation for blelledncfs, but what tends to-make its votaries nhcrently good, and to lead them to the pof- jclllon 6t a lubftanti.*! good, a permanent blifs. *".Mikindin general,, j^nd efpecially half-think-
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ing and conceited philofophers, are prone to place all religion in external rituals^ in fome- thing which is wholly foreign to its nature. Its ve^y genius is to make us virtuous and hap- py, to blefs man on earth, and etalt him to glory >after death. Well may we fay then to Chriil, as the difciple did in the days of his Jlefh, Lord, to whomjhoidd we go? for thou hajl the'words of eternallife. No thing, no perfon under the fun,. ho nor the collection of all to- gether, can give any folid, fatisfa6lory happi- nefs to any child of man. The world itfelf, the gay, giddy, thoughtlefs world allow this unawares, while they acknowledge, nay vehe- mently maintain, no man upon earth is content- ed. Difcontent fills all the ftations of life from the highell to the loweft. Where is the man who is contented with his lot ? And if no man on earth be contented, it is certain no man is happy. For whatever ftation we fill, difcon- tent is incompatible with happinefs. Not only the giddy, but the thinking part of the world allow, that no man is contented. The melan- choly proof of which we fee on every fide, in high and low, rich and poor. And generally the more any know, or higher their minds and manners are poliflicd, the greater will be their difcontent. **They know with more diftin6tion to complain, and have fuperior fenfe in feeling paito." It is true, indeed, every one has fome fancied fcheme of blifs, which pleafes for an hour or day ; in which he hopes to be happy ; but though
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Hope blooms eternal in the human breail, Man never is, but always to be bleft— He is walking in a vain Ihow^ which.wili foon van- ifli away. So that univerfal experience, both of our own and that of all our acquaintance and friends, clearly proves that, as God made our hearts for hinifelf, fo they cannot reft till they reft in him; that till we acq aint ourfelves with him, we cannot be at peace. As a icorner of the wifdom of God feeketh wifdom and findeth it not, fo a fcorner of happinefs in God feek- eth happinefs> but findeth it not. All on earth is empty and fading. Nought below the fun can open to us the treafures of real and durable blifs. In Jefus Chrift alone is real blefTednefs to be found. He is the way of happinefs for a ruined world.
SERMON LXXVI.
The preceding fubje(5t continued
JohrijXiy, 6.
JESUS faith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: No man cometb unto the FATHER but by me.
IN difcourfing upon thefe words, what was propofed, in dependance on divine help, was to Ihew how Jefus Chrift is the way, and the truth and the life. And then point out the impoffibilty of obtaining acceptance with God but by him. We have already attempted to ihow in what refpeds he is the way. I am, favshe, the way.
II. We proceed to confider in what refpe(5ts he is THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE, the other two points included under the firft divifion of the fubje(5t.
He is the truth, in oppofition to the types and fhadows of the jewifh difpenlation ; in op- pofition to all falfe do6trines and religions ; and as he revealed the only true fyllem of faith and pra6lice.
I. He is THE TRUTH, in oppofition to the
^44' P £ R K I N S.
types and fhadows of the jewifh difpenlktion. That difpenfation, in its very ftrufture, was wholly typical. Upon the very -face of it was written^ in charaders legible to every difcern- ing eye, imperfe6lion. Its frame was only temporary, not deligned either for a perpetu- al duration, or an univerfal extenfion. It was, indeed, wifely contrived by its Author, the true God, who never does any thing in vain, to effect the purpofes he had in view, to pre- pare the way for, and to introduce in due fea- fon, a more complete and full manifellation of his infinite love and rich grace. One peculiar nation was to be called out, and diftinguiilied from all the reft of the world. They- were hedged and fenced in by a fyilem of laws and ordinances, both civil and facred, which would always keep them a diftin6l people from the reft of mankind; and by them was the know- ledge of the true God and his worfliip to be com- municated to other nations, at different times. Abraham the fon of Terah, who lived at Ur, a city in Chaldea, was the perfon upon whom the divine wifdom fixed to be the head and founder of this favourite jiation. Accordingly, in the feventy fifth year 6f his age, and in the year of the world two thoufand-twenty and two, God appeared to him, and commanded him to leave his country, and his kindred, and his father^'s houfe, and prepare to go into the land which God fliould fhow him ; at the fame time promifing to make him a great nation, to blefs him, and to make his name great; and more-
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over, that in him all the faniilies of the earth IhoLild be blelFed, that is, from him. the Meliiah fhould defcend. After the lapfe of many years, at the time appointed m the decrees of the fu- preme Being, Mofes is raifed up to be the lead- er of the opprelFed Ilraclites from Egyptian bondage, and made the infLTurnent of revealing to them the fyfteni of their laws and ordinances, civil and facred. Hence the jewifh difpenfati- on is frequently called the Molaic oeconoiny. This was well fitted to accomplifh all its own purpofes. All its fyftem looked forward to the Melfiah. He is the fubftance of the antient types and fhadows of the legal difpenfation. All the offerings, facrifices, purifications,wafh- ings and other ceremonies under the law, were only to prepare the way for our Saviour to come in the flefh ; to introduce the Chriftian difpeniation ; and to prefigure the gofpeL Chrift is the fubftance, they were the fhadow. He is the truth, they were only types. For the law having only afjadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never, with thofe facrifices which they offered year by year con- iimially, make the comers thereunto perfedi. For then would they not have ccafed to be offered^ becaufc that the -u^orjhippers once purged fhoiild have had no more confcience of fin. But in thofe facrifice$ there is a remembrance agai?i made of fin every year. For it IS not poffible that the blood of bulls and goats fhould take away fins. Therefore, when he comethinto the world, he faith, Sacrifice and offerificr thou wouldfl not ; but a body hafl thou prepared mc^ Vol. IV, Xx
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In bumf offcr'mgs andfacrificesforfm thou hajl had nopleafiire. Then /aid I, Lo, I comeijn the vo* lume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God. Above when he /aid. Sacrifice and offerings and burnt of erings for fin thou woiildfl not, neither hadjl pleafure therein, which are offered by the law, Thenfaid he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God; he iaketh away the iirst: that he tnay eflablifh the SECOND. Thus it appears that the legal was wholly fuperfeded by the Chriftian difpenfation; and that Jefus Chrift is the truths in oppofition to, and diltin6tion from, all the types and flia- dows of the Mofaic fyftem.
^ He is the trvith, in oppofition to all falfe do6lrines and religions. He ftiles himfelf the true and faithful witnefs. The law was by Mofcs,but grace and truth came byJefus Chrift. And unto the angel of the church of Laodicea, write thefe things, faith the Amen, the true and faithful witnefs, the beginning of the crea- tion of Godl He was the faithful witnefs for God, and to man. John his harbinger teftified of him, under the metaphor of the true lighf^. That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. The true light in the moral world, in diflindion from all falfe lights and impoftors, which have, in vari- ous ages and countries, rifen up and deceived many, to the difgrace of human nature and re- proach" of religion.
He is the truth, in oppofition to all error.
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delufion^ falle religions, and falfe modes of wor- ihip and idolatries among mankind. All idols and idolatries are called in fcripture van- ity and a lie. But Jefus of Nazareth is the truth.
Error and impofture, in all ages, have over- fpread the world, and obftru^ted human liberty and human happinefs^as dark and gloomy clouds, overcafting the Iky, fhut out the pleaiant and cheering beams of the natural fun, the parent of the light and pauce of day. How uiany falfe religions have there been ? and how nmch fuperftition blended with truth ! painful (ight to the eye of benevolence, and the loathing of rational philofophy ! What daring impollors, in one age and another, have arifen to lead a* Way the unwary and ignorant, and to eftablifh themfelves in power and riches ! Nay, how many in the Chriftian world have pretended to extraordinary light and communications with the inviiible world, to vifions and impulfes ; and fay, lo ! here ; and lo, there is ' truth ! In dif- tindion, therefore, from all error and impof- ture, falfe modes of worfliip, idolatry and fu- perftition, is our Saviour the truth.
And as he was the the true witnefsof theFa- ther, fo he always declared his mind and will plainly and clearly, without difguife or fraud- ful deligns. He always fpoke the truth. He always a6led according to the truth. He ne- ver, in his fermons and inftru6lions, counfels, warnings and do6lrincs, departed from tlie ruth, — And further.
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3. He is the truth, as he revealed the only true lyltcTii of taith and practice. He receiv- ed his conimuilon trom the God of truth, and ever conducted agreeable to its tenor, without going beyond or tailing Ihort of it. To have exceeJed it,- would have been prefumption. To have left any part of it unfinilhed, would have betrayed uniaithtulnefs. It was his meat and drmk to do his Father^s will, to. which he was all attention and obedience. The do(!:trine» which he taught were precifely what God would have revealed. 1 he ordinances which he iniiituted were exa6lly what he was order- ed to ellabliih. The modes of worfliip which he enjouied were, not only fuch as reafon appro bates, but fuch as he was authorifed to appoint. He came not to do his own willj but the will of II I M that fent him. Accordingly, he that receiveth him, receiveth the Father that fent him. Whofoever denieth the Son, the fame hath not the Father. Every de- parture, confequently, either from his doc- trines or ordinances, or v/ay of worfliip, is. a departure, from God. His defign in coming into the world, among other important objeds, was to be a light to it ; to teach the way of life in truth :--to call mankind off from all idols and idol-worfliip ; and to bring them bade to truth and duty, from which they had widely it rayed ; to reflore the worfiiip of the one on- ly hving and true God. Long had the world been buried in idolatry and ignorance, in dark- riefs and fuperlHtion. They were loft in a labyrinth of eri'or. They were wandering in a wildcrncfs of delufion and falfc religions.
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He came therefore as a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of the people of Ifrael ; to give knowledge of falvation unto his people by the remiffion of their fins through the ten- der mercy of our God ; whereby the day-fpring from on high hath vilited us ; to give light to them that lit in darknefs and in the fiiadow of death ; to guide our feet into the way of peace. He came to proclaim peace on earthy good will to men, and glory to God in the higheft ; to re- veal the whole counfel of heaven, the mind and will of theDeity ; to tell us what to believe and how to live. His religion may be thus con- ciiely chara(5lerifed, the fcience of truth and duty ; the art of living virtuoullv in time, and happy in eternity. He is the only infallible guide. Under his teachings we need not fear delufion. In his fchool is the fublimell philo- fophy ; in his life is feen the fweeteft philan- thropy ; from his gofpel arifes the purell joy. No other guide is perte<^l:ly lafe, becaufe liable to err ; if liable to err, of courfe liable to be- wilder and millead us. No man or body of men, however pious and learned, can be an in- fallible guide to fouls beclouded with darknefs, and ftraying in the paths of folly and error. Alas ! poor blinded man, corrupted by pallions, feduced by interefi, loving to wander ! In a Re- deemer mayeft thou, O wretched man, im- plicitly confide. Look to him, there, in that blelfed teacher come from God, is no error ; no falie do6trine ; no ufelefs ceremonies. With , him thou needefl not fear impofition. He is the
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only fafe and infallible guide to felicity. H<! has unequivocally told thee, what to believe and how to live, and revealed the only true iyl- tem of faith and practice.
Thc-e remains but one particular more to be eluciaaied, uader this head of difcourfe, and that is, to enquire in what refpeft Jefus Chnft is *htJM^ We have ieen how he is the way, and tne truth. We are now to enquire how he- is the Ixk.Jefusfatth unto him, I am the ffay, and the Truib, and the Life.
Ana he may, in a remote though proper
fenfe be denominated the life, as he has hfe in
himfelf, and imparts to all the living. As God,
clothed with all the divine attributes, he has
life in and of himfelf. For as the FaHnr hath
life in him/df, fo hatb he given to the Son to have
life in himfelf. He inhabits eternity ; is the
King of kmgs and Lor4 of lords; dwelleth m
light unapproachable and full of glory. As he
is God we received from him our natural lite,
rational exiilence, with all its variety of rich
bleffmffs. In him we live and move. He
^ives to all life, and breath, and being, and all
thinjrs His omnipotent arnvftretched out the
heavens over our heads, as a curtain ;eftab-
liflied the earth ; fixed the fun in the firma-
irenf bid the moon to iliine ; and ipread a-
round in gay profufion, the beauties of nature.
Is not' this an orthodox creed } Is it placing
our Redeemer on an eminence too lotty and
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magnificent ? What faith the fcripture, the on- ly rule of faith and pradice with rational Chrif. tians I Thus we read ; /// the beginning was the word,& the word was with God, & the word was God, The fame zvas in the beginning witb God, All things were madebyhlm ; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was Fife^ and the life was the light of men.
He has life therefore in himfelf originally and independently ; and gives to all life and breath, and being, and all things, and of courfe may fitly be called life.
In a flill higher and more exalted fenfe is he the life, as he purchafed by his atoning blood, and bellows by his purifying grace, fpiritual life. The natural life >yhich we enjoy is deri- ved from him as God ; and the life of grace which believers have is immediately from his Spirit. For the Spirit of Chrift dwells in all be^ lievers. He is then the believer's life in a di- rea and glorious fenfe. He lives in them by his grace and Spirit; not only procures for them the blefling of a rational exigence, but the far fuperior blefling of fpiritual life. / am cruci- fied with Chrijiy may every believer fay, after the example of the apoftle, and in the fame fenfe precifely; ncverihekfs I live ; yet not I, but Cbriji liveth in me ; and the Ife that I now live in the fiejh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himfdf for me, Jefus Chrift is therefore moft eminently the believ- er'slife. He is the fountain of it; It ^oy^^^
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from him: It is maintained by him, as the? branches are maintained by the nutritive juice oi- the vine; For, according to his own beautiful fimiie, h^ is the vine, and believers the branch- es. It is increafed by him: For wherever a good work of grace is begun, it will not be left, but be carried on from one degree to another, till it reach perfection. And when death ar- rives in ail its awful glooms and folemn fliades, it will be confumma'ted by him in life eternaU Jf'Se thai be rifen with Chrift (this is the very rea- foning of St. Paul) feek thofe things which are a- bove, where Chrifl fitteth on the right hand of God^ Set your affecfion on things above y 7iot on thuigs on the earth. Foryeaie dead, and your hfe is hid with Chriji in God. V/hen Chrift who is our lifi fhall appear, thenjhall ye alfo appear with hirn in glory. He, in brief, is the believer's life in re- generation, in juftification, in progreifive fanc- titication, and in glorification. By his dying merits he bought lite for believers. By hi& living example he marked out the path of life. By his righteoufnefs he intitles them to ever- laitin? life. By his Spirit he nouriflies up the lilb of faith. And, as the final Judge, he will lliy unto them. Come ye blefied of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Further,
He may be denominated with great propri ety the life, as after tlie wafres and gloom* of death he will raife all to life again. It is appointed for all men once to die. The debt
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of nature mufl be paid. The decree is pad, the dreadful fentence hath gone forth, Diijl we are, and untodiiji we mujl return : And Oh, how often is it fulfilled before our eyes! Man, poor frail man, goeth to his long hoitie, and the mourners go about the ftreets. Around us we every where behold a bufy multitude : Rel- iefs and uneafy in their prefent fituation, they are incefTantly employed in accomplifhing a change of it; and, as ioonas their wifli is ful- filled, we difcern by their behaviour that they areas dilTatisfied as they were before. When they expe6ted to have found a paradife, they find a defart. And after all the vain fliow of life has paffed, death clofes the awful fcene. There k not only no dillin6tion in, but no ex- emption from, the grave. There mingle pcr- fons of every age and character, of every rank and condition in life, the young and the old, the poor and the rich, the gay and the grave, the renowned and the ignorant. The fmiling infant, the blooming youth, and the hoary head mull all do homage to the king of terrors. Our friends who have gone before us to the folitary manlions of the dead, walked about in their day as we do now on the earth, enjoyed, their friends, beheld the light of the fun, and were forming defigns of future days. — But now to them all is finally clofed. To them no more fliall the feafons return, or tlie funarile. Ko more fhall they hear the voice of mirth, or be- hold the face of man. They are fwept from the world, as though they had never "been. Vol. IV. Yy
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They are carried away with a flood ; the wind has pajjed over thcmy atid they are gone. What defo- lations has death made of the human race ! How are all paft generations gathered into one lonely abode ! Muft not our hearts be deeply afFe6ted with this awful lot of man ! But when we open the inlpired volume, another world difclofes itfelf to view; our faith finds a refur- re61ion there; we are taught that this is notour final ftate; and that at the end of the world^when the heavens fliall pafs away with agreat noife, and the elements melt with fervent heat, man fliail come forth from the chambers of putrifac- tion and duft. The whole human race, both the righteous and the wicked, ihall, the fecond time, have life from the Son of Man. For the Lord himfelf fhall defcend from heaven with a fhout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Chrift fhall rife firft. Behold he cometh with clouds; and every eye fhall fee him, and they alfo which peirced him ; and all kindreds of the earth fhall wail becaufe of him. The bending heavens and burning world will proclaim his advent. And his almighty voice fliall found through all the regions of the dead, and the countlefs mil- lions of the human race fliall ftart into life^ but for purpofes infinitely diverfe. Marvel not at this , for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in their graves JJmll hear his voice, and fliall come forth ; they that have done good, to the refnrredlion oflfe ; atid they that have done evil, to the refurrec- tion of damnation. The lea Ihall give up the
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dead which are in it: And death and hell fliall deliver up the dead which are in them. Again, Jefus faith unto her, I am the refurrediion and the life. That all mankind ihall have a relurrec- tion from the dead is mod evident from the following pallkges of inlpired truth : But now is Chrifl rifeiiy and become thefirfl-fruits of them that Jlept. For ftnce by man came death, by man alfo came the refurreciion of the dead. For as in Adam all die^ even fo in Chrijljhall all be made alive. And futher on ; So it is written, Fhefirjl man Adam was made a living foul, the laft yidam was made a quick- ening fpirit. Howbeit that was 7iot firfi which is fpiritual, but that which is natural, and afterwards that which is fpiritual. Thefirff. man is of the earth, earthy; the fecojid man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, fuch are they alfo that are earthy ; and as is the heavenly , fuch are they alfo that are heavenly. Now this I fay, brethren, thatfafJ) and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God ; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I fhew you a myjlery : wefball not allflecp, but we fjjall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the Iqfi trump, (for the trumpet f jail found) and the dead foall be raifcd incorruptible, and wejball be chaiiged. For this carruptible mujl put on incorruption, a7td this mortal mujl put on ifnmortality. So when this corruption fxiU have put on i ncorruption, and this mortal foall have put on immortallity, thenfhall be brought to pafs the faying that is written, Death isfwallowcd up in vic- tory. O death, where is thyjling ! O grave, where is thyvi&oryl Becaufe our Saviour will raife all
35^ ? E R K r N S.
the human race from the dead, he is faid to be the plague of death and deftruelion of the grave. The calling- up the body from its ruins in death is an article no where to be found in nature's creed. The moft enlightened in the pagan world did not even think of or hope for it. When the body was depofited in the^uft, they bid a fmal and eternal farewel to it. The Chriftian religion alone enables us to look through the waftes and glooms of death, with the pleafing hopes of a refurredion of the bo- dy ; and it will be railed in fuch a manner too, as to be not only a fit and commodious, but iplendid manfion for the reiidence of the im- mortal foul. So alfo is the refitrreMio7i of the dead. It is fown in corruption , it is raifed in incorruptio?i : It is fown in difljonor, itjs rafed in glory : It is foivn in weaknefs, it is rafed in power :. It is fown (I natural body, it is raifed afpiritual body.
Again :, Jefus Ghrift may fitly be called thi life, as he gave his life a ranfom for all. He laid down his life for the children of men. He became obedient unto death, even the death of the crofs. He condefccnded to take upon him our nature, to live in obfcurity, to undergo pov- erty, Ihame and reproach,and to expire in ago- nies lor us. Man had finned, had forfeited life and the favour of God, became expofed to death temporal and eternal : And no way could he be reilored to the loft image and forfeited fa- vour ol God, be reicued from the ruins of the grave, and railed to life eternal, but by the I^on of God undergoing for him the pains of
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death. No arm fliort of the divine could af- ford relief. And fuch was his grace, fuch his benevolence, fuch his pity for linning, guil- ty, dying men, that Jefus Chrift condelcended to lay down his own life tofave him. He gave bimfelf a ranfom'for all, I am, fays he, the good Jhepherd ; the good Jhepherd giveth his Life for the JJoeep, He died that we might live. He left his :»hrone of glory and tabernacled in clay, ex- changed the hofannahs of angels for the re- proaches of linners, a crown of glory for a crown of thorns, and the form of God for that of a fervant, in order to redeem fallen lin- ners. Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God ; but fnade himfelf of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a fervant, and was made in the likenefs of men; and being found infafhion as aman^ he humbled himfelf, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the crofs. Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name, which is above every, name ; that at the name of Jefus every kneeflooidd how ; of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue floould €onfefs that Jefus Chrifl is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. He became poor that we might be rich ; rich in Chriltian graces here, and heaven- ly glories hereafter. For ye Imow the grace of our Lord Jefus Chrift, that though he was rich, yet for your fakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich, '
Lafily, Jefus Chrift is the life, as he will be-
355 P E R K I N S,
ftow, at the conciufion of the prefent fcene of things, eternal life on all his difciples. This is life eternal, to know God and Jefus Chrift, whom he hath fent. And this is the promife that he hath promifed us, even life eternaL He is called the true God^ and life eternaL This is the true God and Ufe eternal, W hen his friends and followers ihail leave this world; when the places that now know them fhall know them no more ; K\ hen they Ihall cometo walk through the Valley of the ihadow of death ; when their proba- tion-ftate fhall be terminated, and time and the things of time be no more as to them, then he will recejve them, to the joys and glories of his kingdom, that they may be where he is, and behold his glory, — will admit them to partici- pate of all the fublime felicities of eternal life, -But the righteous fliall g©^ into life eternal. .After pronouncing the blefled fentence of ap. probation, as the fmal and univerfal Judge, he will retgn in life forever and ever with them, in that world where all tears fliall be wiped a- way ; where forrow and iighing fhall never en- ter ; where all the foul fhall feel, fliall be per- fect blifs; where all k fliall exprefs, fhall be per- fect praife; where love divine fhall fill every heart, and hofannas exalted employ every tongue tlirough the ceafelefs revolution of e- ternal ages.
II. The other branch of the fubjc6t was t o point out the impoifibilty of obtaining accept- ance with God, but by Chrift. No man cometh
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unto the Father, but by me. As we have dwelt lo long on the iirft divifion of our fubje61:, to a- void repetition a few words only need be faid on this.
Jefus Chrift then is the only way to the Fa- ther, to pardon, to peace, and to glory. He came to feek and fave that which was loft. Man loft to God, in one fenfe, and loft to hap- pinefs, wanted a way opened for his return to God ; reftoration to his image, and re-inftate- mentin his favour; to be renewed andjuftifi- ed ; to be reconciled to God, and to have God reconciled to him ; and to have a friendly in- tercourfe commenced. This is done by the Saviour. And mankind can truly know, ac- ceptally worfliip, and rightly ferve thefupreme Being, or finally fee his face, and enjoy his prefence, only by him. A mediatory falvation, a propitiatory facrifice, an atonement for fin is of abfolute neceflity. The divine nature muft be placated, the divine law honored, di- vine juftice fatisfied, and divine holinefs difplay- ed. We cannot come to the Father, but by the Son. He muft be our mediator to intro- duce us to the throne of grace, and his Father's favorable regards. He muft mediate and plead for us, be our advocate and patron, hope and dependance. And this is the record, taht God hath given to us eternal life ; and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life ; and he that hath not the Son hath not Ife. Whofoever denieth the Son^ the fame hath not the Father, Neither is there
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Jalvation in any other ; for there is non6 other name iinder heaven given among men whereby we mujf h
Javed.' Other foundation can no man lay, than that is laidy even Jefiis Chrijl,
This is a do6lrine of the higheit poffible mo- ment in itfelf, and efpecially feafonable in the prefent day, when fo many are calling off ftri6l and pure religion, are recurring back to NATURE^s LIGHT, boaftiug that it alone is adequate, denying the Lord that bought them, and deluding and llattering themfelves with the idea, that there is no need of a Saviour to ex- piate fm, and open the way to heaven and its felicity. Whatever high notions of the digni- ty of man and of human merit any may be dif - pofi^d to entertain, to whatever vain refuges men may refort, whatever contempt they may aiFe6l to caft on the gofpel and a mediatory in- terpofition, it is an eternal truth, that no reli- gion can be acceptable to the Deity, which doth not embrace the atonement of his Son. No man cometh nnto the Father, but by ?ne. He is the only ark of fafety. He is the only foun- dation of hope laid in Zion, upon which we may reft our eternal all. He is the fole depend- ance of loft man. Out of him there is no help, no hope, no remedy for the guilty. Pardon, faivation, peace and acceptance with the fu- preme Being out of him it is impollible to ob- tain. He is the way, the truth, and the life : No man cometh unto the Father, but by him. He is the help of the hclplefs, the hope of the
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hopelefs, the health ot the fick, the ftrength of the weak^ the riches of the poor, the peace of the difquieted, the comfort of the afflicted, the light of thofe that fit in darknefs, the compan- ion of the difconlolate, the friend of the frieiid- lefs, the way of the bewildered, the wifdom of the ignoratit, the righteoufnefs of the guilty, the fan<5lification of the unholy, the redemption of the wretched, and, to fay all in a word^ the falvation of the loll.
In the review of this pleafing fubje6l, can we refufe to admire the riches of a Saviour's con- defcenfion and grace ? We know not how to think or fpeak worthily upon fo delightful and beautiful a fubjeft. Could we fpeak with the tongue of men and angels, in ftrains of celeftial eloquence, the half of its praifes would be Hill unfpoken. All is llupendous humiliation, from his Father's throne to the accurled tree. All is aftonifhing exaltation, from the forrow of dea;tb, and the tomb of Jofeph of Ariuiathea, to the joys of heaven, and the riglit hand of tlie Majefty on high. All his inniienle progrels of condefcenfion and love was for us. *'Ilis myf- '•"terious incarnation unites and endears us to '^God ; his natural birth procures our regcncra- ^'tion ; his unfpotted life rellores^us to a blilf- ''ful immortality ; his bitter agonies give uc ' "calm rcpofe ; his bloody fwcat waflies away '""our ma'nifold pollutions; liis deep wound dif- '■^tils tiie balfom whicli heals our dii orders ; ''hisperfe6t obedience is our i\vi\ title to tMul Voi. IV. 7.7.
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"'lefs felicity ; his full atonement purchales our *^^free juftification ; his cruel death is the fpriftg ^'of immortal life; his grave tlie gate of hea- ^*^ven; his refarre(5lion the pledge of glory; ^'hisafcenfion the triumph of our fouls; his fit- ^'ting at the right hand of the Majefty on high ^^the earnell of our future coronation and exalt- ^'ed felicity; and his prevailing interceffion *^*the mexhauftible fountain of all our bleffrngs/' What grace ! what benevolence ! what mer- cy infinite, incomprehenfible, unparallelled in all the records of eternity, are difplayed in the redemption of a ruined world by a Saviour ? Well might he fay of himfelf, / am the -way^ and the truth, and the life : No man cometh unto the Father y but by me.
The whole difcourfe will be clofedby a fhort exhortation to all that hear me; to repair to the Son of God for help and hope. Children of men, hear the voice of mercy and redeem- ing love. This day you have had fet before you Chriit Jefus the Lord as the way, the truth, and the life. No do61;rine can be more impor- tant; no fubjetSt can be more interefting. Hear then the glad tidings of falvation and pardon. Behold him who is the way of life; the only path to eternal felicity ; the wonder of angels; the joy of all heaven; the refuge of poor, peri filing mortals. O I fly to this Saviour. Hear his fweet voice. Receive his of- fered grace. Be convinced of your need of- help, and rcfort to him for pardon and peace,
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asi.your teaching prophet, atoning prieft and ruling king, the almighty friend of man. Then will your lives, ill your relpe<5live placeig and ftations, be ufeful ; your death, whe never it fliallcome, peaceful ; your account at the en- lightened tribunal joyful ; and your eternity blefled.
SERMON LXXVIL
GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY inCONFERRING MEANS and GRACE,
BY
NATHAN KERR, A. M.
Minijler cfthefirji Prejbyterian Church, in Gqfljcn, State of New-York,
Rom. ix. 2 1,
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the fame lump to make one vejfel unto honor, and another unto dijijonor ^
ST. Paul had plainly afferted, and largely- proved, in this epiftlc, that juftification and falvation were only to be obtained by faith in Chrift, and not by the law. In the beginning of this chapter he exprefleth his great and ten- der concern for thejewifh nation, who fo gen- erally rejeded Chrift. / fay the truth in Chrift^ I lie not, my co.ifcience alfo bearing me witnefs in the holy Ghqjl, thai I have great heavinefs and con- iinualforrow in my heart. For I could wijh that my- Jelf were accurfed from Chn/l for niy brethren, my kinfmen according to the Jiejh : Who are Ifrael-
2^i^e K E R R.
lies'^ to whom pertaineth the adoption y and the glo- ry y and the covenants, and the giving of the law^ and thefervice of God, and the promifes.
Here it is obfervable, that among many great favors confered upon that people, he mentions the promifes. The promifes were made to A- braham and his feed, called afterwards the Ifra- el of God. The great fundamental promife was, / will be a God to thee, and to thy feed after ibee.
St Paul, as he intended and did largely treat of the reje61ion of the Jews, and calling of the Gentiles to be the people of God, gives a dif- tini5l anfwer to fundry obje6lions that might be made to the divine conduct and faithfulnefs in this matter.
Firft, With refpen^ to the promifes, and par- ticularly the great one before mentioned, I will be a God to ihee^ and to thy feed after thee. It might be objected. This proinife was not fulfil- led, for great numbers of them had periflied ; and if the Jews were to be rejeded, many more would perifli.
To this the apoflle fays, they were not to conceive the wordof Godhadtaken no efFe6t,or that God was unfaithful. For they are not all Ifrael, which are of Ifracl ; neiihrr hecaife they are of the feed of Abraham, are they all children.
KERR. 3^7
Thus he teacheth, what is alfo plainly aiTert- ed in other parts of holy writ, viz. That tbey arc of the feed of Abraham, in the mod im- portant lenfe, who are made partakers of A- braham's faith, and that thefe, and thefe only, are intituled to the iaving, fpiritual bleflings promifed to Abraham and to his ieed : To thefe God has proanifed to be their God in the higheft lenfe. This bleffing God hath not promifed to all the natural offspring of Abraham ; but that he would give them the land of Canaan, the divine oracles and inftitutions, and own them asfuftaining a covenant relation to him, fo long as they walked in his ways, and obferved his commandments to do them.
That God's promife doth take effect St. Paul proves, not only by faying. They are not all Jf- rael that are of Ifrael ; butaiTerts, In Ifaacfiall thy feed be called.
He farther illuftrates the matter by intro- ducing the affair of Rebecca, who had conceiv- ed by Ifaac. For the childreti being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil^ that the pur- pofe of God according to eleBicn might fla?id, not of works, but of him that callcth, it was faid mito her. The elder floall ferve the younger ; as it is writ- ten, Jacob have I loved, but EJau have I hated.
Thus the apoftle reconciles the difriculty that arifeth from a confideration of the rejeo tion of the unbelieving Jews, aud the word of promife.
368 KERR.
I. By explaining the true meaning of the promife ; viz : That it was not made, in the higheft fpiritual lenfe, to all the natural feed ; but only to thofe who fliouldbe the feed of A- braham by faith.
II. By alferting and proving the abfolute fovereignty of God, in difpofing of the children of men ; and at the fame time, anfwers a cavil againft the do6lrhie exprelfed in the X4th verfe and on : IVhat fjjall we fay then ? Is there nnrigh" teoyfnefs zvith God f God forbid. For be faith to Mofes, I will have mercy on whom I will have mer- cy, and I will have compaffion on whom I will have compel ffion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth; but (f God that Jheweth mercy.
This he illuflrates alfo by the inftance of Pharaoh. For the fcripture faith tmto Pharaohy Even for this fame piirpofe have I raifed thee i{p,that Imightfieiv my power in thee,, and that my name might be declared throughout all. the earth. God had determined to withhold his grace from Pha- raoh, and to allow, or permit him to take the courfe to which his proud, llubborn heart prompted him.
/Vll the children of men are plunged alike i%itc) a ftate ot fm and miiery, equally under guilt by the apoltacy, and expofed to wrath. CTod in a love reign way picks out fome of the fallen, apoltatizcd race, and makes them
K E R R. 3^9
Vefiels of grace and glory. The apoftle's ar- gument is, there is no unrighteoufnefs in God's proceeding thus. Then in the 19th. verfe he introduceth another obje<5^or. Thou wilt fay then unto Jne, JVby doth he yet Jind fault f JVbo hath refifled his will? To which he anfwers, iSlay hut, O man, who art thou that replieft againfl God f Shall the thing formed fay unto him that for- med it. Why hafi thou made me thus ? Haib not the potter power over the clay, of the fame lump to make one vefjel unto honor, and another to diJJsojiosf Thus the apoftle alTerts God's right, as the {o- vereign owner and ruler of the world, to bcftov/ fpe.cial flivors on fome, which he withholds from others of the fame defcripti6n.
In difcouriing from thefe words, I propofe to (how,
I. That all mankind, Jews and Gentiles, are in a ftate of fin and guilt, expofed to wrath^ and fo are juftly as abfolutely at the dilpofal of God, both with refpe6l to his giving them external means, and befcowing on t\\Q.m fpecial grace, as the clay is at the difpofal of the pot- ter.
II. Shall briefly confider the principal ii.i;.iii.4 which God, here reprelented by the potter, ufeth, in forming fome to be velTcls nntc* jionor.
III. Conclude with foiue improvement.
A {\ a
j>jo K E R R»
I. That all mankind, Jews and Gentiles, are in a ftate offm and guilt, expofedto wrath, and foare jullly as abiblutely at the difpofal ot God, both with reiped to his giving them external means/ and bellowing on them fpecial grace, aa the clay is at the difpofal of the potter, will ap- pear from the following confiderations,
I. That God made Adam in his own image, a free voluntary agent, capable of Handing, but liable to fall ; and that he was placed as the public head or reprefentative of his pofterity : That God gave him a law, as a rule of his obe- dience, annexing death to him, and his pgjlerky, as the penalty. That we take great care, and have our ideas of this matter regulated by the holy fcriptures, and fo be prepared to conient to the truth of it ; and acknowledge humbly, that in Adam we finned and died, is' of great importance. That we be able alfo to fee and ack nowledge that Adam was to blame for hislin, and that there is juftice and propriety in imputing it to us. That it is a juH; and glorious thing in God to determine, that the poilerity of Adam ihould, becaufe of their connection with him, come into the world devoid of the holy moral image of God ; and, inftead thereof, have fuch iin indwelling, permanent, powerful propenfity to iin, as willcetainly lead them to eternal ru- in,unlefs it be counteracted by means and divine
1
grace
Thefe are indeed fome of the leading truths
KERR. 3^1
of divine revelation. And we acknowlede-e there are iome difficulties involved in the al- fertion, thatGod hath foreordained wha,tfoever comes to pals, and yet that Adam was in fuch a fenfe a free agent as conftitutedhim a prop- er fLibje<5l of praife and blame. Adam, having received his exiftence from another, conmm- nicates the idsa of his being very inferior to his Creator, who is abfolutely perfe<^^ and un- changeable. God faw proper, in his infinite wif- dom, to place in the icale of being fiich a cre- ture as man, endowed^ as he was, with certain degrees of wiiat may be called natural and mo- ral excellency" or ability. An independent, felf-fufficient, almighty creature cannot exift. Great degrees of dependency on God, theCre- ator and Preferver of all things, are infepara- ble from creatures, both with refpe^t to the exiftenee and exercife of every kind of power.
Some have afTerted, that there is in the hu- man will a felf determining power, or that the human will is free, and that this was neceilkry to conftitute man a moral agent, or render him a proper fubje(5l of blame or praife. Others deny this, in the fenfe in which it is aflerted, and affirm it improper to fay at all, the human will is free ; but that man is free to do what he wills ; or is a voluntary freeagent, at liberty to a6tor not a6t, according to the didates of his wiJI. It is alfo aflerted, that human volitions are to be ranked among effe&s, which are produced by caufcs foreign to them, and fo conclude, that
37-
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the will is determined by fome extrinfic caufe, that is, by Ibmething without, or cliftin(^l: from, itfeir. Thus,, in the chain of caufes that pro- duce effe6ls5 they-run up to the firft caufe of all thingvS, which is God ; and exculpate the e- ver-bleifed and holy God from blame, in intro- ducing, by a neceifary conne6lion of caufes and events, Ithe iirll linful human volition, by fay> ing, that the iinfulnefs of it, and of every one elfe, lies, not in its caufe, but in its nature. Therefore, though the volitions and actions of a moral •agent are nece-frary, with 'that kind of necellity which exifts between moral caufes and effeds, yet they may be blameable and praife- worthy.
This aflair mayalfo^be reprefented by faying, that God placed Adam as the public head and rcprefentative of his pofterity, with fuch abili- ties as it pleafed God to give him, conftantly however dependent upon his Maker, in every poilibleView; andfthat it pleafed God,in his in- finite wiidom, to withold fromhimthat divine in- fluence which was neceliary to his continuance • in his holy fiate, and that immediately being left, he fell.
Others fay, that God made man in liis own image, capable to iiand and liable to fall; that God permitted his faifjand overruled it in a wife and powerful man-ner, fo that he has brought i^vccit good out of great evil.
KERR. 373
The Chriftian world are very fenlible that the introdu6tion of fin is a matter of great niyftery, and that clouds and darknefs hang o- ver it. I fhall at prefent fay nothing more concerning it : — Nor Ih all I attempt to illuf- trate the wifdom, jiiltice and goodnefs of the divine conftitution, which placed Adam as the foederal head of his pofterity. Let it fuffice to fay it was do?iehy the infinitely wife, holy, juft and merciful God, the glorious head of the u- niverfe. And Jhall not the Jtldge of all the earth do right ^ Let it fuffice alio to fay, that Adam thus placed did fin ; was truly and really to blame for his fin; and that his pofterity finned and died in him. So that it is afa6l, an awful and lamentable truth, that we have been Jhap^n in iniquity, and conceived in Jin ; — are difpoled, as foon as capable of moral exertions, to do evil, and averfe from that which is holy and good.
The old teftament, no doubt, teacheth, that Adam's pofterity were included with him in the covenant God entered into with him, and the denunciation of the threatning, as appears from the curfe upon the ground, which was to be inhabited by his pofterity, and by the effe6ts which foon took place in confequence of the fall. But the new teftament, which explains much of the old, throws great light on this matter, and aflerts, that by one tnanjin entered into the world, and death by Jin ; and fo^lcath pajf- ed upon all men, for that all have Jin ned.
374 KERR.
But to make the matter Hill more clear, and leave no room to fappofe that none lufFered the penaltyof death, but thofe who were guiltyof aduai lin againll aknown law, the apoftle adds. For until the law, that is, before the giving the written law by Mofes, fin was vi the world : but fm is ?iot imputed where there is 7io law: And farther adds. That death, which was the penalty, reigned from Adamto Mofcs, even over them thathad notfnned after the fimilitude of Adam's tranfgref fion.Thcit is, death, the wages of fin, was fuffered by infants, who had not, as Adam had, actually broken a known law. This one man, by whom fin entered, was Adam. For Paul fays^ I . Cor. 15.22. Li Adam all die,
II. It will appear that all mankind, Jews and Gentiles, are in a Hate of fin and guilt, and io are juilly expofed to wrath, from a confide- ration of the univerfal wickednefs of mankind, which I fiiall not now take time to defcribe.
III. From the holy oi'acles of God.— Of the
old world it was faid, that every imagination of the thoughts of majis heart was only evil continual^ ly. In .another place, The imagination of man s heart is evil from his youth. Very remarkable is that pallhge in Job. What is man, that he fculd be dean ? And he that is born of a woman, that hefjould. be righteous ^ Behold, he putteth no inifl in his faints ; yen, the heavens are not clean in
KERR, 37^
bisjtghf. How much more aborninable and jiltby is ma?i, which drinkeih iniquity like water f The Pfalmift lays. Behold, I wasfmpen in iniquity ; and in fin did my mother conceive me. Jeremiah declares. The heart is deceitful above all things, and defpcrately ivicked , who can knoivitf Our Lord fays, Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, inurder &c, as out of their native fountain. The fame truth is taught by bur Saviour, when he affirms. Except a man be born again, he can- not fee the kifigdoni of God. And when the au- thor of our text is proving that j unification cannot be obtained by the deeds of the law, but by faith in Chrifl, he fhows, that both Jews and Gentiles were under fin, though the lat- ter had not the written law ; That all had dene wickedly ; — there is none righteous^ no fwt one ; yea, there is 7ione that doeth good, no not one.
Thus it appears, that all mankind, Jews and Gentiles, are in a ftate of fin and guilt. We have finned in our reprefentative, and all, who have obtained a capacity for perfonal, ac- tual fin, have broken God's law. Now if the law is good, -the penalty proper, and if all have broken it, then all are jullly obnoxious to punifimient, and nothing, but an a6t of grace, can prevent the execution of the fentence. The law declares the Imner fliall die.
True, and a glorious truth it is, that Chrilt our Mediator has perfec^tly kept tlie divine law; died the death of the croTs : ' inifen
y^6 K E R R;.
from the dead ; has afcended into heaven ; and is there clothed with authority^ with full pow- er, as the great executor of the divine purpofes> to give eternal life to men. — But to whom ? To all men ? No. Chrift teacheth us what to be'-^ * lieve concerning this. Juft before his fuflf-. ering, he lift up his eyes to heaven, and faid. Father, the hour is come ; glorify thy Soti, that thy Son alfo may glorify thee: As thou hajl given him. power over alljleflj, that hefJjoulcl give eternal life to as many as thou haft given him. Agreeably to thisvve are told in the Ads, That when Paul and Barnabas were reje6led by the Jews, they turned to the Gentiles, and informed them. That Chrift wasfetto be a light of the Gentiles, thai hefhoiild he for falvation to the ends of the earth : And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: And as many as were ordai?ied to eternal life, believed. Be- lievers in Chriil are frequently fpoken of as thofe who were under the law, were dead in fin, and under the curfe ; but they are wajhed zvith the waddng of regeneration, they are renewed by the holy Ghoft. Repentance is given to them, faith is given, according to the divine, eternal pur- pofc which he purpofed in Chrift before the world began.
We do not know, nor can we know, who thcfe veilels unto honor arc, until ,they are called and fandifyed, bring forth fruits meet ■■ov repentance, and fo by an holy life and con- veriation catile their light to Ihine in the world.
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377
This effe&util calling, thhzmjhing of regeneration, and renewing of the holy Ghqft, is not. of him that ivilleth, nor of him that runneth ; but of God that fJoeweth mercy. Agreeably to this^ John, fpeak- ing of them who had power to become thefons of God, adds, Who were born, not of blood, nor of the tvill of man, but of God,
Seeing then that all have finned in Adam, that all, who have been capable of a6tual fin, have tranfgrefled, and fo are juftly dead in law; and God is not bound by any promife to fhow mercy to all, and none deferve it ; feeing alfo that God gives his written law and other means only to fome nations; and by his Son gives fpiritual and eternal life only to a part where his gofpel is : Therefore we may conclude, that men are as abfolutely at the difpofal of the great Jehovah, both with refpe6l to grant- ing the external means, and the bellowment of fpecial, fandifying grace, as the clay is at the difpofal of the potter, who can, and does, with great propriety, take parts of the fame large lump, and make veffels to diiierent ufes.
We now proceed to iho: fecond head, which is briefly to mention fome of the principal means, which God, here reprefentedby the potter, uf- etl^in forming lome to be vej]els unto honor.
JefusChrift hath been from eternity defign- cd of God a Mediator between God and man. By him God made the world. By him fnmrr^ Vol. iV. Bbb
578 KERR.
of Adam's race are enlightened, redeemecJ, f^nclified, and faved from wrath. Chrift has gracioufly interfered in the chara6lers of pro- phetj prieft and king. As a Prophet, he has given men much inftru6tion. In ancient times, before his incarnation, he appeared as the an- gel of the covenant, and gave falutary and ne- cefiary ini!ru6lions. By the influence of the holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of Chrift, wc have the holy fcripturc, that infallibly v/ritten guide, which giveth true information refpe^l- ing our apoftacy, and the ijiethod of recovery. In due time Chrift afflimed the body God prepared ; came into the world, a light to lighten the nations ; and invited thofe that la- bored, and were heavy laden, to come unto him that they might find rcjl to their fouls. As a PRIEST, he, once for dl, made a fufficient, a full and fatisfa6lory facrifice of himfclf to God for the fins of thofe whom God had given him, and is afcended into heaven, there to make continual intercefTion for thofe who are difpof- ed and enabled to come unto God by him. As a KING, he is, according to antient promife, ex- alted upon God's holy hill of Zion;— thrones, dominions and principalities aremadefubje61: to him. All power in heaven and on earth is given into his hand, that he may give eternal life to as many as the Father has given him. We are alfo told that he has the keys of hell and of death. So that he is ruling in lieaven^ earth and hell ; in the hearts of his people , and over all
KERR, 379
his and their enemies. As the great head of his chufch> Chrift hath inftituted ordinances to be obferved by it; baptifm as the door of ad- miflion ; the Lord's fupper for commemoration^ inrtru6lion, growth in knowledge and grace ; which ordinances are ;God's covenants ot pro- mife ; * in which he promifeth ilill to be a God to his people, and calls upon them to ac- cept of offered mercy.
Father, before Chrift's afcenfion, he, airur- ing his apoftles of his authority for the purpofc, faid. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptiz- ing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghofl ; teaching them to ohferve all things whatfoever I have commanded you ; and lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world. They went according to thofediredions ; they taught, baptized J planted churches^ watered them, governed them, and ordained others al- fo to teach, to preach, to adminfter ordinances and govern, in conjun6lion with fuch other rul- ers as the new teftament calls govcrnmcfits, or governors, who did not labor in the word and do(5lrihe.
Here it is worthy of obfervation, the apof- tles carefully give the character of a gof pel- bifliop, and dire6t thofe they had ordained to lay hands luddenly on no man. Even the deacons
■*^ Vide Doclor Guife on Eph : ii. 12, with his note. •With bim I agree in calling the ordinances of the gofpcl God's covenants of promile.
380 K E'R R.'
??;?//? Jirjl be proved Thus we are taught, that thofe to whom the power of ordination is ct>mmitted, niuft carefully examine as to the prerequilite qualifications for teaching, preach- ing and governing in the church of God.
«
I fiiall here alfo mention the divine provi- Jences, which are admirably calculated to re- prove and inilrucl men. thefe By often are the ways of linners hedged in, as with thorns, and they are not allowed to proceed in that profperity with which the human heart is moft picaled ; and by them frequently are the peo- ple of God much benefited. Before I was of- fiBed^ I went qflray ; but now I have learned to keep thy law.
1 Ihall conclude this he^^d by ob- ferving, that the cooperations of the Spirit are eiTeritially necefikry^andtherefore Chriilprom- iied, John 16:8 &c. that after his afcenfion he would fend the Spirit, to reprove the world of ^In, and of righieovjnefs, and of jndgerne?it ; and be f:all guide you into all truth, and he fJjall glorify we ; for he Jhall receive of 7nine, and f hall Jheiv it unto ycv. Thefe are fome of the principal means which God, here reprefented by a potter, uieth in forming velfels unto honor.
I nov/ proceed to an improvement of the iiv.jecc.
Here I am naturally led,firff., to addrefs you, dciVr nnd Rcvd brethren, '' in the gofpel of
i Ilis fermon was fiifl nreached before" a jaumber or .
KERR. 3Sr
our Lord Jefus. What has been faid offers to our mipds the great importance of the ofBce and work in which we are engaged. We are taught to confider mankind in a Itate of fin and guilt, expofed to the wrath of an almighty and Koly God; that Chrift is, by a variety of means, and by our inftrumentality, forming veflels to honor out of the great corrupt mafs. This is an alarming thought, viz : That all thofe who are not by the word, providences, gofpel and Spirit of Chrift, formed unto honor, ar vedels unto difhonor. Nothing more is neceilary to form men to an extreme of wickedneis, than for God to withhold from them his grace. Thus, I fuppofey God hardened Pharaoh's heart ; thus God fends ftrong delufions to fome, that they may believe a lie, and be damned. If we are to judge that none are coming to honor, but fuch as are, by the forming influence of means and divine efHcacious grace, conformed unto the divine image, then how few vefiels unto honor in our day ? Secret things belong unto the Lord ; his revealed will is the rule by which we are to deport ourfeJves in the golpel min- iftry. It is pofTible we may be glorious in the eyes of our Lord, though very unfuccelsful. We know not whom, among thofe who have not given evidence of fan6tification, he hath chof- en or ordained to eternal life ; but our bufinefs is, knowing the terror of the Lord, to pcrfuade men to be reconciled to God ; to reprove, rebuke and exhort zvith all long fi{jfering and dodtrin^. As srood ftewards of the myftcries of God, we are
382 K E R R.
to endeavor rightly to divide the word of truth. We are to hold up to the view of our fellow men the ftri6lnefs, the fpirituality and unchang- eablenefs of God's law, carefully to defcribe the depravity of the human heart, and the danger of the ways of fin. We are to fearch out all the lurking places of difguifed hypocrites, and inform them, that nothing Ihort of holinels of heart, true repentance, an humble dependence upon, and^ choice of Chrift, the Lord our righ- tcoufneis, will anfwer. No doubt it will be highly proper to dwell much upon the excel- lency, glory and all-fufficiency of Chrift, and of the great atonement he has made. We will alfo do well frequently to recolle6t what Chrift faid to the primitive minillers of his re- ligion. Without me ye can do nothing, Paul may ■plant, a7id A polios water, but Godgiveththe increafe. Our time to a6l as inftruments for Chrift in this world is fliort, we are dying daily ; there- fore, to do whatfoever our hands find todowith our might, will furely be pnoper.
Secondly, Let all fuch as have fcriptural rea- fon to believe that divine grace hath been al- ready, in lome degree, communicated, be thankful; becaufe you entertain hope that God is forming you into the divine like iiefs, and preparing you for eternal honor. Let fuch review the corrupt lump from which they were taken, What maketh any cf vou to diller from oll)ers- more wicked in
KERR- 383
pra^lice ? Is it not that you have had means, and the transforming, fandifying grace of God ? By the grace of God ^ I am what lam^ faid theapoftle
3. I fliallfay a few words to thofe who are yet in their fins, unregenerate, and poflibly more un likely, by appearance, to be formed unto honor than formerly. You have heard in this dif- courfe, that God made man in his , own holy image, that Adam was placed as a public head, that in him we linned and died ; that all have linned, and confequently that all be at the mercy, at the difpofal of God. The blelled God fhows by his conduct that he conliders this the cafe. He has taken church privileges from the Jews, and given them to the Gentiles ; he gives his grace to fome, and withholds it from others. His reafons for this condu6t are above us. It will nioft certainly be dan- gerous to reft fatisfied in the belief of fuch principles, and continue difpofed to make fuch obje6lions to the dodrines held to view in this dilcourfe, as are prevalent in the world.
The objedion. Why doth he yet find fauli ? is ftill in the hearts and mouths of men. Why fhould he not find fault ? Did not God make man upright ? Has he not fought out many inventions ? Was not Adam to blame for hii fin ? Were you not reprefented in Adam ? Is not fin imputed to you ? And have you not fiwned in your own proper perfons ? And ar^
384 K E R R,
you not to blame ? Molt certainly. If yea are^ you ought to confels guilty, and throw yourfelves upon the mercy of God.
But It may be queried. If God has given to Chrift a certain number 07ily, and the others are not chofen to- life, and God does not in- tend to communicate his grace to them ; then how are they to blame, and how can the fince- rity of God be vindicated in making offers to the multitude? Here it mull be remembered, that God is infinitely wife ; that his ways and thoughts are far above ours ; that he calleth thofe things which be 7iot, as though they ivere. That infLru(51ions, invitations, remonltrances &c. &c. are defigned as means, by the all-wife God, for forming his cholen ones to glory. The wicked are to blame for not loving God fu- premely ; for their not loving his holy law; for their loving andchufing lin. Their rejec- tion ot Chrift is to be confidered, not as their firll fin ; but as the higheft manifeftation of the de- |)ravity and ftubbornnefs, yea, the rebellion Of tne heart.
Let it be confidered, that all the inability fin- ners are under is a want of dvfpofttion, not a natural inability, or a want of power to do that which they have a heart or difpoiition to per- form. Men are able to love what pieafeth them, what is agreeable to them. Are we not to blame for our oppoiition to the great God and his laws ? Are we not to blame, in
K E R R.
that we do not love and approve oF^hat, wliicli every juftj holy and excellent being in the iini- verfe approves of? And in that we approve oi" what is abhorred by every wife., holy, jull and excellent being ?
With regard to the fincerity of God in mak- ing overtures to the multitude, jet what has been laid in the preceding part of tlie difcourfe be recoIle6ted; viz. That God made man up- right, and he has, through his ov/n default, loft a holy difpoiition ; that all men are jaftly condemned by the law ; and that the oilers of mercy are free, undeferved grace. Let it ba remembered alfo, that God hath thought pro- per to give thofe, whom he hath ordained to eternal life, their exiftence in different ages, in different countries and places ; and, as the great and wife difpofer of all things, he has fixed up- on rert^iin means, which he defigns to render effectual for the eternal liilvation of his chofen ones. It is to be obferved too, that the pro- phets of old called upon a whole nation to whicii they were fent. Chrift preached to promilcu- ous multitudes : The apollles were direOled to teach all nations, and hold up the terms offal- vation: Chirft's minifters now are to infitatc them. Where is the inlincerity of this ? is there any injury offered to men, when th.cy have propoials of mercy and pardon made to them, who ftand in fo much need of both ? efpecially when the r^aion of non-ac- ceptance is their ownblameabie oppofition t^> Vol. IV. C c c
38(J K E R R»
God, his law and holinefs, and their approbation or choice of fin. And let it be remembered too, and we muil infill upoji it, that there are no promifes of regenerating grace and eternal falvation made to the doi/igs of unregenerate nren. The promifes of lalvation are only made to believers, fo that God is not chargeable with any breachofpromife made to them. Chrift ex- prelsly fays. Many Jhall feek to enter in, andjhall n'ot be able ; that is, in the way in which they leek.
Indeed, there are promifes that God will pour out of his Spirit abundantly, and that he will wafli with clean water, and give the new heart; Tetfor all this I will be enquired of by the houfe of Ifrael to do it for them. But who are the houfe oflfrael, that lliall thus wreftle with'God in prayer and prevail? Not the unfan6lified, the unbelieving and unholy, I fuppufe , but the true fpiritual Hrael of God ; yea, all who are the children of Abraham, by being made par- takers of his faith. ThefeGod itirrefli up to fearch after him with all their hearts, when in mercy he intendeth to pour out of his promifed Spirit, to convince and _ to fandify ; while others are indulging their natural pfopenfities, and per- haps very thoughtlefs of God and of eternal things.
We will fuppofe now, a finner finally and irretrievably loft, and enduring the wrath of GofI, and taking a retrofpedive veiw ofhis
KERR. 3S7
paft fituation and circumftances, and of his pre- lent Hate. I conceive his remarks would be as follows : '^ I was once on earth for a fhort fpace ; I waa taught my days there would be few ; I was diredted to ^attend to my fpiritual and eternal intereft ; I was informed that A- dam reprefented me and all his pofterity ; that he broke the law under which he was placed ;. that his fin was imputed to me^ fo that I was guilty; that when I became capable of moral a(5lIon, 1 was difpofedto evil. I did live in the love and pra6lice of fin againft God, contrary to the di<^lates of my confcience. ^ Chrift did come into the world, did keep the law of God perfedly, died in the room offinners of Adam's race ; he arofe, and had power to give repen- tance, pardon of fin, and eternal life. All this and much more of his ability and willingnefs to fave 1 heard, and was very inattentive and unconcerned. My heart fought after the then prefent enjoyments : I did not love the terms on which falvation was offered : I could not brook ofat God fliould be a fovereign,and, in the fituation I w^as, fave or damn me as it pleafed him. I never did feel a difpofition from my heart to come down fo low as to acknow- ledge that I really and juftly meritted hell; and therefore, in all my endeavors to feck fa- vor, I fecretly thought that God would be im- properly fevere, if 1 perifiied finally. I Vvas told that fecret things belonged to the Lord ; and that his revealed will it was my duty to o- bey. I did not know but I might liave obtian^
**' »^ o
K £ R R,
ed mercy; but I did not like the terms, nor did I, agreeably' ta thetii, earneftly ar.d perfe- vcringly feek'\ Pvage, defpair,and every im- proper temper, I fuppofe;, would in fuch a mind prevail.
But to return ; I think there are fully fufficient Teafons why fanners of Adam's race ihould be eternally punillied^even if Chrift had never been promifed. Surely then, though Chrift hath thought proper to publifli the terms of falvation to the promifcuous multitude, thoCe to whom propofals or offers, of pardon and mercy are made, are not injured or affronted, feeing they really are guilty, and need pardon : Efpecially if we add to all this, that God deals with men as reafonable creatures^ and gives much infor- mation> mapy rebukes, counfeis, v/arnings and remonilrances, and that, in the prefent frate of things, the wicked are much benefited by Chrift's kingdom, and the inilru<5iions, ordinan-*
ces and government of it. ^
As to the reprefentation frequently made of a prince binding a numher of men with ftrong chains, in a prifon, and then calUng upon them
01
(ine out, oflering rewards, &c. it is zm- fair andunjiffL For all the chains,-with which iinncrs are bound, are of their own making rmd putting on, and confift pnly in the difpoli- •jion nv choice of their own hearts. We are to blame primarily and principally for our love of lin, and averfion trom God and his law. The.
KERR. 389
wore we have of this, the more we are toblame* Therefore Tinners are fo often exhorted to turn from fin^ and turn to God,
Another obje6lion frequently made to this fcheme of doftrine, is. That Chrijt is the propi- tiation for our fins, a?id not for ours only, hut alfo for the fins of the whole world, I. John ii. 2* To which I anfwer, the apoftles of Chrift v/ere Jews. The Jews had been directed to keep , themfelves feparate from the Gentiles. To the Jews the promife of the Mefliah had been in a particular manner dire6led, and they had no idea that the other nations were to be be- nefited by Chrift, as abundantly appears in ho- ly writ. When the apoftles obtained convic- tion that the bleflings of the gofpel were com- municated to other nations equally with them- felves, they break out in afionilhrnent. Then hath God alfo to the Gentiles granted repentance un- to hf el And He is not only a propitiation for our fins, but for the fins of the whole zvorld. I. John, ii.2. Every body knows that the univerfal terms all the world, all men, 8cc. can, in fundry places, only mean great numbers,, and fo are ufed in a refi:ri6tive fenfe.
What fhould we do then, the finner v/ill lay ? I anfwer : life every poffible mean to obtain juft ideas of God, of his law, of yonrfclves, your fin, your guilt ; of Chrift and bis rightcoiifnefs, of heaven and of hell. At- tend carefully ; By the law is the knoivledge of fn. Faith Cometh by hearing. Liften then to the gof \)v\. Wc have no idea that God ever reo-cn- erates a perfon, while utterly ignorant of all
3SO K E R Re
cifed, where there is no knowledge. Therefore the careful ufq of means is neceffary, and is calculated to remove a barr out of the way of your falvation.
Attending then to thefe truths that refpe^t your eternal falvation^ come, how before a ho- ly and merciful God; confefs the truth; lie in the dull, and cry with the anxiety which the nature of the cafe requires; Lord, for Chrift's fake, be merciful to me a lihner jullly con- deaiined,
God, ki the exerciie of grace in a fovereign WSLJ, is giving the means to fome, which he "Withholds from others, and conferring effica- cious grace upon fome, which he withholds from others of the fame defcription. By means, and by grace conferred, veflels are formed ur.to honor. Let your prayer be. Lord, without thy grace I fnall be aveifel unto diHionor.
Finally, let all remember, that as Jtojie by fearcbhig can find out the Almighty unto perfect io7i, fo we are very incompetent to know and judge of all the reafonsefthe divine condu6t in many cafe^. To folve clearly all the diiiicui- ties that may be ftated concerning the foreordin- ations of heaven, and the liberty of moral a- gents, is no eafy taUi. Clearly to fee into the rcafons v.'hy God hath left fome nations in great ignorance, while others enjoy great light and m^ans, and why fomc are formed
KERR, 391
veflels unto honor, and others left to be veff- els unto diflionor^is not for us weak, fhort-fight- edj imperfect mortals. Chrift hath taught us mo- defty here. Tthapk thee, O Father^ that thou hq^ hidden thejc thlng^^from the wife and prudent, ani hajl revealed them unto babes : ^EVejifo^ Fat her, far fo it feemed good in thy fight. And the apoftie fays, O the depth of the riches, both of the wifdom and knowledge of Gnd I How iinfearchable are hit hidgments, and his ways pqft finding otit I For wb9 hath known the^ mind of the Lord ^ Or who baib been bis counfellor^
The end of the FOURTH VOLUME
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