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^ ADIHSON ALKXANDKIJ I.lHUAl:?. "J k
t\. which .wd-j pre8eiit«'«l by I r
\l MKS.SK?. H. I. AND A. ?^TI ART f
• _ •
I (Ufsr, Civi.-r.H.v '.. )
^ No ^ ^ -
THEOLOGICAL WORKS,
PUBLISHED AT DIFFEHEXT TIMES,
AND NOW COLLECTED INTO VOLUMES.
VOL. IT.
THEOLOGICAL WORKS,
PUBLISHED AT DIFFERENT TIMES,
AND NOW COLLECTED INTO VOLUMES.
./sCOTT,
BY THOMAJ
RECTOR OF ASTON SANDFORD, BUCKS.
VOL. IL
SERMONS PREACHED ON PARTICULAR OCCASIONS.
FIRST AMERICAN EDITION.
PHILADELPHIA:
PRINTED FOR WILLIAM W. WOODWARD, CORNICR OF SECOND AND CHESNUT STRt-ETS.
I81O.
i
CONTENTS
or
THE SECOND VOLUME.
SERMONS ON PARTICULAR OCCASIONS.
SPage ERMON I.— I-.uke ii. 13, 14. >/ind suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host-y praising God J and saying; Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men - • - 9
SERMON II.— <1 Samuel vii. 12. Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizfieh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us 35
SERMON IIL— -John i. 29. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin oj the world - - 63
SERMON IV. — 1 Corinthians XV. 20. J\rowis Christ risen from the dead - - - - - 90
SERMON V. — Isaiah xxxii. 15. U?itil the Spirit be pour- ed upon us from on high • * • 115
SERMON VL— Acts xi. 18. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life • -137
cosmrBi.
SllRMON Vll.^Psalm li. 4. Jgaitut thee, thee orUt/,heve I tinned • • - 1 6C
SKKMON VIII.— Luke xv. 6. Krjt^ee '...:. rre^ frrr I have/ounti my therfi tffhiek tpat io9i - !74
SKHMON IX.— Luke XK 13. (f ye thm, heimg evU, know hovf /o give g^od gtjf unto your eki/drem; how much more sAuii your heaveniy Father give the Hoty Sfurtt to
•■'icm that a»i' him/ • • • - r .
sI•T?^tf>vs nv vast hays
SKRMON I-
more to my X-: . .. _ i . i* . '.-
/ore when J tucked^ that tt %htiuid bnng Jorth grafiei, brought it forth xeild grafte§T - - - 2i9
SKU.MON IL— JcrcmUh &iv. 7. O Lord, though our hu" gut tie* tcMti/y against us^ do thorn it ft/r thy maane's Mitf, 904
SERMON III.— !M*:.h \x n For the /trof*ie tumetA mt unto him the: «m. r do thry trek the Lord
^ Ii04t% • - . . -
SKRMON L— Pmalni cvi 43, 44. Many timet did he deli- ver ;'■ . ;■"•■..•.•■ ; wcrr .'i. . . .' gard , trArn thnr cry STi
SKRMliN II - X. -- rtr
/'./':r hand^ 'A /i. r • . < , . .-.' it
I not be po.. : of the heathen 395
SKRMON III.— P ,. . ; he hath inclined
hi* ear unto me, . , <- tstil J > -. :.; vi htm a* Ung a* line ... . . 436
CONTENTS- SIGNS and DUTIES of the TIMES, See. - 469
The Doctrines of ELECTION and FINAL PERSE- VERANCE stated from Scripture, and shewn consist- ent with exhortatory and practical Preaching, and con- ducive to Holiness of life.
SERMON. — John vi. 37 — 40. Ml that the Father givcth me shall come unto me: and him that cometh tinto me^ I ivill in no wise cast out. For I came clown from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father* s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath giveii me I should lose nothing, but should raise it ufi again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him w/z at the last day. - - 52 1
SERMON I.*
•->'(
Luke, ii. 13, 14.
f4fid suddenly there was ivith the angel a multitude of the heavenly host^ praising God, and saying ; Glory to God in the highest y and on earth peace, good-will towards men,
s
u
T. Paul, having said, " Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness ; God was mani- ** fest in the flesh," adds among other things, that l>e ** was seen of angels." These heavenly worshippers saw the Lord of glory, their Creator and Sovereign^ clothed with human flesh, and laid as an infant in a manger ; they saw him tempted by the devil in the wilderness, and ministered to him when he had over- come the enemy ; they were spectators of his transfi- guration on the mount, and of his agony in the gar- den ; they beheld him expire on the cross ; they at- tended his glorious resurrection and ascension ; and when he was exalted in human nature to the mediato- rial throne, they did him homage, and joined the re* deemed in singing, *' Worthy is the Lamb that was
• Preached on Christmj^^ D»v, 1795,
Vol. II, " B
10 L r n M o V T .
*' slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdr.m, " and strength, and honour, and glorj*, and bless- ** Ing.*'* For when the Father ** bringeih in the First- *' begotten into the world, he saiih, And kl all the ** angels of God worship him.t*' Finally ihey will be attendant and ministering servants, when Christ shall come to raise the dead and judge the world.
In taking occasion from the present festival to liis- coursc on a subject, with which wc should Ixr con- versant at every season of die year, I sliall,
I. Make some remarks on the event celebra- ted by the lieavcnlv host.
IT. Explain their song of exalted praise and adoration.
111. Fndeavour to bring the matter home lo ourselves by some practical deductions.
And may the Lord himself direct and bless ;.... meditations; that wc may tx- animated and assisted, in ** keeping a day unto the Lord,** after a holy and iieavenly manner ; and not in conformity to the con- rupt and carnal fashion of those, who tuni a Chris, tian solemnity into a bacclunalian carnival !
J. Let us reflect on the c\ent, which was celebra- ted by Uic heavenly host.
A poor woman named Mar}*, of the fan^ily of Da- vid, espoused to a caqxruler re*siding at Nazareth, a place branded with infamy, came w iih her husband to Bethlehem, in obedience to a decree of Cxsor Ai tus : and there Ixing ** no room Jbr them in the inn,'' which was occupied by superior people, they were
• lUr. V. 9—14. t Hcb i 6
S E R JM 0 N 1 . 11
lodged in a stable. In ^lis situation Mary was deli- vered of a son, whom she wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. — Nothing at first sight appears remarkable in this event, except the extremely mean and inconvenient accommodation made for the poor woman and her infant ; and the unfeeling neglect shewn to a person in her circumstances by the inhabi- tants of Bethlehem. Indeed the aftair seems scarcely to have been noticed in that city : and we do not find that it was heard of at Jerusalem, till the child was presented at the temple according to the law of Moses ; when a few persons of eminent piety were made ac- quainted with it. The rulers, scribes, and priests in general knew nothing of these transactions ; till wise men from the east came to enquire after the new-born King, and to do him homage. Then indeed a consi- derable degree of attention was excited ; and the tyrant Herod caused the infants about Bethlehem to be cruelly murdered, in hopes of destroying one, whom he dread- ed as the rival of his authority. Soon after, however, the report seems to have been forgotten. The child born at Bethlehem was brought up at Nazareth with Joseph the carpenter, and doubtless earned his bread at that laborious trade ; till at length he entered on his publick ministry, which he closed by an ignominious death upon a cross. Thus '* he grew up before thr; *' Lord as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ** ground; he had no form or comehness ; and when *' the people saw him, there was no beauty that they <' should desire him : he was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, *'^
• Isa. Uii. 2, 3.
(C
IJ SERMON' I.
And if the Jews knew litllcoflhc infant at Bclhlehcon, and the carpenter's son at Nazareth ; the gentile rulers, conquerors, and pliilosophers were entirely unacquaint* cd with him. All over the earth, which he came to bless, he was disrej^arded or despised : yet ang;cls wit- nessed and celebrated his birih with admiring songs of praise 1
These blessed spirits, free from guilt, and pt rfect in holiness, want not a S:iviour. ** Tliey excel ii\ '* strength, and do the LordN commandments, heark- ** ening to the voice of his words.* " Their capacities for w isdoni and understanding are very great ; iheir judgment and taste, for what is beautiful and glorious, arc exactly conformable to those of the holy Ciotl whom they adore : and the hojK? of Ixring at length made like them, and equal to ihem, should excite a noble ambition and emulation in every human heart. But the event which liad taken place at Bethlehem, and which we this day commemorate, appeared t(» ihem of the greatest possible imjwruince, and worthy to be celebrated with their most rapturous adorations.
In the infant laid in a manger they recognized llic '* Seed of the woman," the spotless offspring of a virgin-mother, who was to come and ** bruise ilic " Serpent's head :" and ** the Seed of Abraham, in *' whom all nations should !xr !)lcssed." Thev knew, that Mary was come to Bethlehem, according to ihc purpose of God, that the ancient prophecy might be uilfilled. '' But thou, Bethlehem- Kphratah, though ** thou Ixj little among the thousands of Judah ; yet '' out of thee shall he come forth unto me, that is to
• Pj cia. :a
SERMON r. ' 13
*^ be ruler in Israel ; whose goings forth have been ** from of old, from everlasting. * " They saw " the ** Desire of all nations,'' actually come ; f and they celebrated the accomplishment of Isaiah's prediction, ^** Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; ** and the government shall be upon his shoulder ; and ** his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, " The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The ** Prince of Peace. J" One of the company therefore said to the poor shepherds, *' Fear not, for behold I " bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be *' to all people : for unto you is born this day, in the *' city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord." They could not say, " Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is *' sriven :'' ** for verilv he took not on him " the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of " Abraham. \ " He came into the world to be a Sa- viour : he was the Christ, the promised Messiah, the anointed Prophet, Priest, and King ; yea, he was ** The Lord," ** The second man is the Lord from ** heaven." ** His name is Emmanuel :" for *' God ** is in Christ reconciling the world unto himself."
" The Word, who was in the beginning with " God, and who was God, by whom all things were *' made, and without whom was not any thing made ** that was made," ** was now made flesh and dwelt *' among us ;" and angels first beheld ^* his glory, ** the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father. || '> They saw him, '' who being in the form of God, *^ thought it not robbery to be equal with God,'* *' make himself of no reputation, take upon him the
•Mic.v. 2. -J-Hag. ii.7. :f Isa. ix. 6, j Hcb. il. 14-^15,
il John, i. 1 — 14-
((
SERMON I.
iorm of a servant, and tlic likeness of man ; llul be-
ing found in fasliion as a man, he mi^hl become '* obedient unlo death, even die deadi of die cross.*** With astonishment, iliey witnessed him, *' by whom ** all diings were created that arc in heaven, and that ** arc in earth, wlicdicr dicy be llironcs, or dominions, •* or principalities, or powers; — for whom all Uiini^s •* arc created; — and by whom all things consist;" they witnessed this glorious Creator and Lord of all " come in the flesh;'* lliat lie might Ixr the visible ** Image of the invisible God;" and as Head of the duirch, inherit all things, and have *' in all things die *' pre-eminence : for it pleased ^^" 1 i^Iu r i!i t in I/nn ** should all fulness dwell, f*
Into ** these things the angel sdesirc to look: here they contemplate with fixed attention and unwea- ried admiration ; lor they behold ** in die church the '* manifold wisdom of God.** The heavenly host knew who tlie infant in die maiiger was, and for what ends he came : they were ready to udckrc the Child born as the mighty God : they recognized their Crea- tor and Lord, under this disguise ; and w ith good old Simeon ihcy viewed him as ** the Light of the gen- " tiles and the Glory of Wis people Israel.*'
In this humble scene they saw the opening of tlut grand design, which had been sludowed forth by the ceremonies of the law, and of w hicli the prophets from the Ijeginnir.g had excited the highest cx|>cctalions ; that design whi<:h had been obscurely intimated when Adam sinntxl, and gradually unfolding for about four thousand years. ** The gaat mystery of godliness,
• Phil. a. 6—8. i C^A. i. 15—19. He^ I 1— a.
SERMON I. 15
** God manifested in the flesh," now actually realized, called fo? di the aniazement, and enlivened the affec- tions of these heavenly worshippers ; and dictated that zealous song of adoring praise, which is the sub- ject of our present meditation.
II. Then, we proceed to explain the song itself. *^ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, *' good- will to m-cn." The angels celebrated the praises of God, and congratulated the happiness of man, with most fervent love and joy. ** To you,^' Oye sons of men, "is born a Saviour, who is Christ, ** the Lord :" we exult in your felicity, " we rejoice ** over one sinner that repenteth :" * how much ' greater then, must be our joy and gladness at tlie
* nativity of Him who is come to stoop, suffer, and
* die, that he may " be exalted as a Prince and Sa- ** viour, to give repentance and remission of sins?'*
It is very affecting to compare the conduct of the heavenly host, in this respect, with that of men in ge- neral, who neglect or oppose the message of salvation, and despise the glorious Redeemer. But angels know our real character and condition : while we are blinded widi pride and prejudice, and are extremely unwilling to be convinced that we deserve destruction ! or so taken up with " the world, and the things that '* are in the world,'* that we disregard the important interests of eternity !
In considering the hymn of praise before us, we may perhaps begin to best advantage with the con- cluding sentence, '^ Good-will to men." — The bless- ed angels had witnessed the creation of the eardi, ** when these morning-stars sang together, and all the
IG SERyON" I.
" sons of God shouted for joy ;*" for in Uiat auguxt transaction they saw the immensity of their Creator's power, wisdom, and goodness. \\'iili astonishment and awe they beheld also tlic fall of their compeers ; and when ** God spared not the angels tJiat sinned, •* !)ut cast them down to hell, and delivered them into ** chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment,!'* ihcy adored his righteous severity against the rebel- lious, and his holy abhorrence of sin ; and tlnry recei- ved instruction of inestimable value from the impres- sive solemn scene. They saw loo the fall of man ; and probably expected that vengeance would, with unabated vehemence, seize in like manner upon him; not conceiving that a God of infinite purity and justice could possibly shew mercy and kindness to rebels and apostates. No doubt they heard the first intima- tion of favour to our ofiending parent**, mixed with the solemn denunciation of death, and all the woes that preceded it : and this must luve excited a pc- culiar attention to so new and interesting a discovery of the dis inc jjcrfections.
From that crisis, thev had Ixxn w itncsses and mcs- scngers, both of the Lord's mercy and of his indigna- tion, towards the human race. Numerous opportu- nities had been afforded them, in the histor)' of man- kind, of learning the fatal effects of transgression, aiul the power of divine wrath. The deluge ; the tremen- dous doom of Sodom and Goniorrah ; the desolations of Egypt; the severities inflicted on the devoted Ca- naanitcs; the judgments executed even on offending Israel, in the wilderness and Canaan, and bv the
SERMOIsr I» 17
Babylonish captivity ; were so many illustrations of the justice of God, and his holy abhorrence of ini- quity. But at the same time his patience and bounty towards sinful men, his gracious interpositions in be- half of his people, the intimations and predictions of a Saviour, the promises given to believers, and the actual salvation of numbers, shewed his good-will to mankind ; and his readiness to pity, help, and re- lieve them, as far as could consist with the honour of his name, and the interest of his universal and ever- lasting kingdom.
Yet in the infant lying in the manger at Bethle- hem, the angels had such a discovery of the Lord's good-will to men, connected with his detestation of their sins, as had never hitherto attracted their notice or raised their expectations, lliey no doubt, before this, had some general conception of the plan formed by infinite wisdom and everlasting love : perhaps the whole had been fully notified to them. Yet when the stupendous design was thus far accompUshed; their previous admiration of the ineffable condescension, compassion, and love of the holy and glorious Lord God towards lost sinners, whose multiplied and hein- ous crimes had so long called loudly for vengeance, was far exceeded, and as it were swallowed up in in- expressible astonishment. Good-will to man! to guilty, polluted, ungrateful man ! to idolatrous, im- pious, and blaspheming man ! This overwhelmed the blessed angels with amazement, and tuned their hearts to adoring praises : and these reflections must have the same effect on all, who have just views of
the majesty and glorious holiness of God, the nature Vol. h, C
18 SERMON I. I
and desert of sin, and the wonderful plan of rcdemp- lign. — " God commcndclh his love to us in ihut ** while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.*' *' Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he *' loved us, and sent his Son to be die propiiialion for ** our sins.*"
This good-will of God to men is mere compasMUJi and benevolence, not approbation or complacency. The crimes, dispositions, and cliaraclcrs of the crea- tures, thus l)cloved, were unspeakably hateful in his holy eyes : and none of his protestations against sin arc- so decided and energeiick, as that which princi|xilly de- clares his love to sinners. The comjussion and tciKkr* ness, which induce virtuous and pious jKrsons, at great exixnce, to relieve those pitiable objects whose crimes have rendered them misc Table j in order that an attempt may be made to rescue them from temiwnil and riernal ruin, is a very distant imitation of the love shewn by our God to sinners, in giving his Son to be their Sa\iour, even while lie declares them to bedesci ving of his evcrlastifig wrath and abhorrence. The heinousness of our crimes, llie contrariety of our dis- positions to die divine purity, the great diingshe hatu done to make way for our salvation, and the inestima- ble blessings prepared for us, combine to illustrate the riches of his mercy and the immensity of his good- ness. The love of tlie Father, in giving his only. be- gotten and wcll-btlovcd Son ; the love of the Son in most willingly assuming our nature, tlial he migl.i j^ivc himself a sacrifice for our sins ; and tlK love ut
• Rom. V. 6—10. 1 John, it. 10.
SERMON I. 19
the Spirit, in preparing our hearts to receive this sal- vation, and in making us meet for the heavenly in- heritance, demand our warmest gratitude and most fervent praises ; while we give " glory to the Father, " to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit," into whose name we were baptized.
Before the coming of Christ, the special tokens of the Lord's good-will to men were principally con- fmed to the people of Israel ; and he had suffered all other nations to walk in their own ways. But in the child born at Bethlehem the angels saw him, who was appointed for ** Salvation to the ends of the earth." The partition-wall was about to be removed ; the good tidings of a Saviour, even Christ the Lord, were speedily to be proclaimed to all people without distinction ; and thus a proposal of mercy and every blessing, ** without money and without price," would be made to persons of all characters and descriptions, not excepting the vilest. Nay, all men every where would be commanded to repent : and the ambassadors of Christ would, in his stead, and as if God besought them by their mouth, beseech them to be reconciled to God. The fullest assurances were thus about to be given, that the loving Saviour would reject none, on any account whatever, who came to him for life and godliness; and exceedingly great and precious promises, together with the institution of sacred or- dinances as means of grace, would concur in encour- aging sinners of every nation to seek the blessings of eternal life, without fearing a denial or disappoint- ment.— All this doubdess and far more was percei- ved by the heavenly host, when they proclaimed
20 SRRMO>^ I.
** Good-ulll to men,** in ccicbraiing the nalhity of our J'.ninianucl !
They s;ing also ** Peace on carlh.** They Iwd wilncbstd the fauil cfllcls of the creature's vciUuring to opi>ose the Creator's will, and become his cnei 'I'hcy had seen angels, us it were, declare war .I'^aimi ihc Almighty ; and even wlicn casl oul of heaven, employing all their liberty in carrying on the same desperate and ruinous hosiililics. I'hey beheld nwn M.'duced to join the apostate rebels, and become cne- Inicsto Gixl by wickcxl works ; and then, ir. d by
enmity to increasing iniiiuity. The earth IiUkI with tears, groans, and mi!>cries; Uic universal victory and triumph of death and Ujc gnive, and the subse- quent doom of imjKnitent and unreconciled sinners* were the const quences w hich angels had w itnesscd of manS infatuated contest against his omniixMent Crea- tor.— They had been spectators likewise of all llic cruel wars, w hich men in every age luid waged against each other : and of all the dire etVectA of ambition, envy, revenge, and insatiable rajwciiy or cruelly, from the day when Cain, U)e first murderer, embru- ed his hands in his broU)er*s blood. Wlut Uien must luvc been tbc sentiments and ftxUngs of these benevo. lent spirits, while witnessing tin: murders, massa- crcs, battles, sieges, and persecutions, which luvc wasted the human species, and increased the miseries of the w orld to a degree that exceeds all calculation ? AN'lut did they think of the lavish encomiums, be- stowed, almost unanimously, on the most skilful, prosperous, and unfeeling of ll^esc butchers of man- kind? Wliat estimate did iJicv form of man's heart.
SERMON I. 21
and of the vaunted dignity of human nature, the milk of human kindness, and the sufficiency of reason to guide us to virtue and happiness ? Beholding inces- santly these horrid spectacles, what could holy angels think of man, but that he was, as it were^^a younger brother of the original murderer, delighting in the same work, and deeming no other employment so honourable ? What could they think of the earth, but that it was in many respects a counterpart of hell ; and that it would have been so more entirely, had it not been for the good-will of God to men ?
I mean not, my brethren, to declaim against the profession of arms, or to condemn all rulers and na- tions that engage in war. Some soldiers have been, and some are. Christians : but their profession is their cross, and its duties their self-denial ; they would not willingly engage in any war of ambition, rapacity, or revenge ; but they readily face danger, and endure hardship, in defence of their country. The more we hate war and long for peace, the greater are our obli- gations to such men, as thus expose themselves to guard us against injurious assailants; and the more fervently we ought to pray for their protection and success. In the present state of the world, war is a necessary evil, and often quite unavoidable : and that not merely when a nation is directly attacked ; for there are many other ways, by which the rapacious and ambitious may render a neighbouring country incapable of defending its liberties and possessions ; and these can only be counteracted by vigorous oppo- sition. Nor are private individuals generally compe- tent to decide what wars are necessary and justifiable,
22 8ERM0.V I.
or llie contran' : in this respect rulers must give an account to GtxJ for ihcir conduct. Hut wars proceed originally from tlu: lusts of mcirs hearts,* and from tlic wicked one : God employs them, as lie does hur- licanes, earth(|uakes, or pestilences, as executioners of his vengeance on guilty nations : and ambuwta conquerors, however acconiplisheil or illustrious, arc llie most liatcful and tremendous scourges of our apos- tate race. We m;iy tlKrcforc deprecate and denounce xrjj itself, as the most horrid and atrocious evil, con- sistently witli the obedience and honour due to our rulers, and iIr* most sincere prayers for tlx: success of llKrir measures, as far as tliey tend to llie protection and welfare of our Ixrloved country. But wc must ^bo maintain, that all the blood slicil in war is murder^ cliargeablc on them, >\ hose criminal projects and poli- ticks render such dreadful methods of resisting tliem necessary ; and tlut it uill certainly be nx|uired at their hands, un wliich side soever the victims were sbughtcrcd.
But to return from this c! lon ; wlien Christ
was born, angels sang, '* I\acc on earth.** Peace between God and sinners ; j)eaee between a man and his neighbour ; peace lK*tween contending nations ; peace in heart and conscience ; and |)eace tliroughout the earth. TIk Saviour is " the Prince of jxxicc;'* the true ** Melchisedeck king of Salem, the King of •' righteousness, and the King of peace :" ** and of his •• government ai^d peace there slall be ik) end/' The , _ ~ -
SERMON I. 23
gospel is *' the vrordof reconciliation," ministers are ambassadors of peace, through the great Mediator be- tvveen God and man. Into whatever house the apostks entered, they were directed to say, *' Peace be to this *' house :" and wherever we are sent, we go *' preach- *' ing peace by ** Jesus Christ." ** He is our Peace," '* he hath made peace by the blood of his cross ; " and he hath pronounced a blessing on " peace- makers, as *' the children of God."
When we embrace his Gospel, ** being justified by ** faith we have peace with God;" he imputes not to us our trespasses, but admits us into a state of recon- ciliation, and a covenant of friendship with himself; and, by the Spirit of sanctification and adoption^ teaches and inclines us cordially to love him, and de- light in his perfections, service, and salvation. Peace is the legacy Christ hath left his disciples. *' Peace I ** leave with you, my peace I give unto you ; not as *' the world giveth, give I unto you.^" Wlien our hearts are stayed on the Lord in fliith and hope, he *' keeps them in perfect peace," and he imparts a *' peace of God which passeth all understanding," to* possess and confirm *' our hearts and minds by Chi'ist " Jesus." A stable peace of conscience, in reliance on the immense and everlasting mercy of God, through the all-sufficient atonement and mediation of Christ ; which will bear investigation, and flourish ia connexion with deep humility, holy abhorrence of sin, and the strictest conscientiousness in all things ; and an inward serenity and tranquillity of mind, in submis-
* John, xiv. 27.
^4. SERMON I.
sion to llic will of God and confidence in him, con- stitute this inestimable blessing.
The Lord hath also assured us, dut *' when our " ways please him, lie makeih even our enemies to ** be ai jKaec with us:'* ami his peace ruling in our hearts disposes us to follow jKracc with all men. The precepts, as well as the promises of Christ, ensure peace to all his true disciples. Tin: most sincere, upright, disinterested, and lurmless conduct, united w iih lender coi ^n, courleousness, ami universal
benevolence; a lii " "^n to make coticessions and reparations for all ii jin i.n, and to fi>rgive and love our enemies in the most unwearied aini geiKrous manner, arc expressly commanded by tlte Redeemer ; and these are al>o ** the fruits of die Spirit,*' who dwells in all true lx:lievers. The most exact attention to all relative duties, according to the rcgubr subordination of families and communities, is also effectually provi- ded for. If therefurc, ail men should at once be made true Cliristians, answerable to the specimen slicwn to the world after the diy of Pentecost ; nay, accor- ding to that lower measure of grace bestowed on thousands in this land at present : the efieet upon hu- man aOairs would be as stujxndous, as tliat produced on the boisterous winds and stormy waves, when tlyc incarnate Son of God said, ** Peace, be still, and tlierc '* was a great calm !'* Wars and all concurrent and similar evils must instantaneously cease ; and peace, equity, purity, truth, and love universally prevail ; if all men were jxutakers of iliC Spirit of Christ, and olKdient to his commandments.
SERMON 1. 25
But hath not he said, " Suppose ye thai I am come ** to give peace on earth? I tell you, nay, but ra- ** ther division: for from henceforth there shall be *' five in one house divided, three against two, and '^ two against three.*" To this it may be answered, that predictions of future events must be distinguish- ed from commands, exhortations, and doctrines : and the latter, not the former, shew the real nature and tendency of the gospel When a few persons are converted, and feel their obligations to love Christ more than father or mother, and to obey God rather than man ; and yet many remain under the influence of *' that spirit w^ho worketh in the children of diso- bedience:" divisions will necessarily be the conse- quence. And when the mad passions of ungodly men take occasion, from Christianity, to vent them- selves; and the distinction, between real believers, and nominal Christians, is overlooked: the tendency of the gospel must be mistaken. The opposition wliich the religion of Jesus has met with from the world; the wickedness that men have committed, under the guise of Christianity ; and the inconsisten- cies and indiscretions of many pious persons, have produced lamentable effects. Hence persecutions and religious wars have been excited, by the professed disciples of the Prince of peace ! Pious, or rather impious, frauds have been practised to subserve the cause of superstition or hypocrisy ! Acrimonious controversies and divisions among professed Chris- tians have been multiplied ; and even serious persons
* Luke, xii. 51—^3.
Vol. II. D
26 bLMMON I.
have Ixcn prejudiced aj^iiisi each ollicr by a narrow and absurd bigolr\ . *' AN'oc be to ll»e world bt cause '* of offences ! it must needs be that oflcnecs come , •' but woe be to that man by whom tl»ey come !*'
We must not, however, ascribe tlnrse lhinj»s to Chrisiianilv. but to llic want of it. If men were real Christians most of tlnrse evils would cease, and all of them would be mitij^-ated : if men were consistent and judicious Christians, they would totally vanish. Lvcn disciples too often ** know not wliat spirit they arc of;** and conteiKl for the truths and ordiiunces of Christ, in a manner contrary to his precepts and ex iunple.
But it may also be ol>scrved, ilul all tlvcse effects spring from the dcpnivity of the human lu-arl as llKir native source ; and if men had not this occasion of discord and selfishness, tlnry would find some other. After all, the world has seldom IxTn more wicked, in the worst ages and pbces distinguislKrd by the Christum name, tlun at otlier times and in otl»er eoun- tries : though unl>elievers have Ix'slowed more fxiins in exhibiting its wickedness. In general, the slate of human society has Ixxn greatly meliorated by the gospel: for where have Christians habitually di\erted themselves by such bloody spectacles, as the gladia- torial shows of the Romans ? \\' here luve pagans manifested such humanity to the poor, sick, and des- titute ; as is dlspbytd in the expensive institutions common in Christian countries ? \'iccs, branded with deepest infamy even in tliis licentious ogc, were patronized and avowed among the politest heathens. War itself has assumed a milder aspect since die c:>-
SERMON I.
tablisliment of Christianity: and even Deists have learned from die sacred oracles, to denounce ambi- tious warriors ; and to give the palm of glory to those who save men's lives, instead of those that destroy them. These effects have evidently been produced by the gospel, even on the minds of multitudes, who never believed it with a living and obedient faith.
Taking, however, our standard of Christianity from the scriptures; we are confident, that in proportion, as it prevails, it will produce " peace on earth,'' in all senses and in all places. We are also assured, that ere long the Prince of peace will possess the do- minion over all nations as his willing subjects: and then they will beat their swords into plow- shares, and learn war no more. Well, therefore, might angels sing at the Redeemer's nativity, " Peace on earth!'' A blessing inestimable in itself, long unknown, or scarcely known, among men : but now about to be vouchsafed by a gradual progress to all the nations of the globe.
For such blessings virtually communicated to sin- ful men in the person of Emmanuel, angels also as- cribed ** Glory to God in the highest.'' — The per- fections of God are his essential glory, which is incapable of increase or diminution : but in his works he manifests this glory to his rational creatures, that they may contemplate, admire, and adore it ; and he is glorified by them, when they delight to celebrate his praises. '^ The heavens declare the glory of God:" and his eternal power and Deity are clearly seen in all the works which he made. His providen- tial care of the universe manifests his wisdom, good-
28 5IKM0.V I.
nestt aiul bounty : his awful justice and holiness arc displayed in his jK-rfcct law and righteous judgments, and his patience and kindness, even to sinners, niay be learned from his dealings with our fallen race in general These ghjries iljc iKavcnly host had wit- nessed and celebrated fur four thousaiKl years.
But the birth of iIk: infant in iIk stable, viewed in its causes and consecjuences, discovered to them glo- ries so resplendent, tlut in some respects they eclips- ed all f(jrmcr displays ; and with rapturous joy and admiration they sang *' CAory to God in the higlicst :" in tiK: highest heavens among all its exalted inlobi- Uats, and in tin: loftiest strains, which ti)ey can pos- sibly reach. Here the glories of the divine justice, holiness, truth, wistlom, knowledge, jwwer, love, and mercy, which they had viewed sejiaralely in odicr objects, shone forth with collected Ixrams in most adorable beauty and splef>dour. TIk* |)erfections, which lxrf(^rc apjxrared irreconcibble, now harmo* nizcd, and reflected glory u|X)n each odier. The dis- tinct honours of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, were displayed at once to djcir admiring view. And as Uiey were always ready, with glowing love, zeal, and gratitude, to celebrate tl\c high praises of God : so iIkt were peculiarly excited to this reason- able and delightful service, on tliis uUeresting occa- sion. Never did Jehovah apjxrar in all rcsjvcta so glorious in holiness, justice, truth, and wibdom, as in his wonderful love to Adam's guilty polluted race. If God so hates sin, that his well- beloved Son sliall become man and bear the curse, radicr than it shall go unpunislied ; and yet so loves sinners, as to cm*
SERMON I. 29
ploy such an expedient, rather than leave them to perish without remedy : if his wisdom could form such a plan of reconciling justice and mercy, and of taking occasion from sin itself to glorify his name in the most distinguished manner : and if his faithful- ness accomplishes such a promise, as that relating to the incarnation of his own Son for these most gra- cious purposes : how transcendantly glorious must He be ! How worthy of universal love and adoration ! Let all creatures then say *' Glory to God in the highest P'
Angels *' rejoice over one sinner that repenteth :" because every event of this nature is a new display of the divine glory in the work of redemption ; a new trophy of the Redeemer's beneficent victories ; a new worshipper to join the heavenly choir to all eternity ; and a new instrument to excite other sinners to seek for the same blessings. — For alas ! men are blind, wil- fully blind, to the glory of God in all respects. Even the displays of his being and perfections in the works of creation fail of suitably affecting their hearts ; " They ** glorify him not as God, neither are thankful." But the gospel, professed, adorned, and preached in the world, calls their attention to an interesting subject : - and when '* God who commandeth the light to shine '* out of darkness, shines into our hearts to give the " light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Je- *' sus Christ,*" that light is reflected, as it were, on every odier object ; and we learn by degrees to glorify God for all the displays he hath made of himself ; and
• 2 Cor. >v. 4-^>
30 SERMON I.
as a ** spiritual priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifi- '' CCS acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.** Thus sinners on earth arc trained up for the worship of licaven ; of which the highest and most delightful strain will be, '* Worthy is the Lamb tliat was slain, *' and hath redeemed us to God with his blood;** ** S;ilvaiion to our God that siiieth on the throne, and ** unto the I<^imb.'* Mallelujak Amen.— The ador- ing praises of the heavenly host may lliereforc be also considered, as an affectioiuitc expression of their long- ing desire, that by ihc gosjxl of C hrist, the divine glor)' might fill ihc earth as well as licavcn ; while pe-ace with God and with each odicr should be en- joyed by all its inlubitants, through the adorable good-will shewn to guilty man.
III. Then, let us endeavour to bring this matter liome to ourselves by some practical deductions.
We may learn from this subject how insignificant all earthly dij>linciions are, in the judgment of thr heavenly host. They sec no glor)* in them, nor dis- honour in the \\anl of ilK-m. The Lord of all dc- sccnds to dwell on earth, to be a Prince and Saviour: and angels celebrate the august event, the most im portant that had ever occurred from the beginning of the world. But he appears not in an im|x*rial pabcc, or with the appendages of royalty ; but in a stable, and laid in a manger ! And let us not forget, that this was the settled purpose of unchangeal^le wisdom and cx-erlasting love ; in order to pour contempt on all that splendour, which we arc prone to idolize.
Not only are vamty ami vfxaUon inscribed on tl»e pomp, wealth, and luxuries of Ukt world, by this re-
SERMON I. oi
ftiarkable appointment ; but they arc pronounced mean, ensnaring, and polluting. We should there- fore enquire, how far our judgment coincides, in this respect, with that of angels and the Lord of angels ? The riqh and noble should remember that their dis- tinctions are as withering flowers ; at the same time that they are talents entrusted to their stewardship, of which a strict account will shortly be demanded. ' Let them not then " be high-minded, or trust in un- " certain riches, but in the living God." ^* Let not '* the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the ** mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man " glory in his riches." Yea, ** God forbid that" any of us " should glory, save in the cross of our Lord *' Jesus Christ; by whom the world is crucified to ** us, and we unto the world. ^" We should well consider the words of the apostle, *' Let the brother " of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted ; but the " rich in that he is madelow.t" — ^* Mind not then," my brethren, ** high things, but condescend to men ** of low estate :" cultivate humility, courteousness, indifference about the world, and self-denying benefi- cence, in the midst of abundance ; this will abate en- vy, secure you from the snares and perils of your situation, and render the talents entrusted to you a blessing to many, and more abundantly to your- selves.— '' How hardly," says our Lord, ** shall they " that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!" But '* the things that are impossible with men arc '* possible with him." Yet this consideration, should
• Jer. ix. 23, 24. Gal. vi. 14. f James i. 9--11.
32 SKtMON I.
excite III yuu peculiar cuutiun, watchfulness, and prayer, lliat your riches may not prove the ruin of your immortal souls.
Think, my brethren, of the stable, the carpenter's shop, the feast on barle>'. bread, and smiill TisIks, the well in SamarLi, and of him who hj«i not where to lay his head : that you may learn not to despise the poor, k-st you reproach your Maker and disd^un the Sa- viour of iIk* world. Heavenly glory and excellency may Ik* clad in coarse raiment, or lodged in a mean cotiage. Loam not to judge of men by outu*ard ap- pearance ; but to estimate cliaractcrs according to tlieir intrinsick w orth : and let it not be thought any disparagement to prefer the company of pious Chris- tians, who arc almost as |)oor as their Master chose to be, above tliat of the most accomplislK*d persons who arc strangers to his saving grace.
And, my brethren of low degree, let mc exhort you to Ix* contented and p;itient in your humble con- dition : watch against envy, rt pining, coveting, and distrust. Seek the true riches, *• the ornament which ** in the sight of God is of great price,'* the ** honour ** lliat comtth from him,** and the pure pleasures which he bestows. \\ iih these, tin.* meajjest accom- modations will make your hearts tliankfiil : aiui if your children Ix- jK)orIy provided for, and you arc overlooked in times of difficulty by your neighlxjurs ; think of tl>e virgin-mother and Ixrr holy inlant in the stable; reflect on your sinfulness; and, instead of mur- muring, lift up your hearts in joyful thanksgivings, for few of you are so poor as liie divine Saviour of sinners was, during the whole of his humilbtiwu.
SERMON I. S3
But, my friends, what do you think of this lowly Redeemer ? Do your ideas of his dignity, excellency, love, and salvation, accord to the views of these holy angels ? Or do you see in him no form or comeli- ness ; nor any beauty for which you should desire him? Do you heartily sing " Glory to God in the ** highest, and peace on earth, good- will towards '* men?" Or is there nothing in this great event to excite vour attention and admiration ? You can never be meet for the joys of heaven, unless you learn on earth to see and admire the glories of redeeming love/ The songs of angels would grate in your ears, and discompose your hearts ; were it possible for you to enter the mansions of the blessed, without having felt your need of a Saviour, and acquired a disposition to love and adore him. And how will the conduct of angels, who, though they never sinned, and need no pardoning mercy or renewing grace, yet glorify God with all their powers for his love to fallen men, rise up in judgment against the ingratitude and perverse- ness of perishing sinners ; who make the very conde- scension of Emmanuel the pretence for refusing him the glory due unto his name.
Let us also enquire, how far wg resemble these heavenly worshippers in the temper of our minds. Exalted and holy as they are, they despise not sinful worms, dwelling in houses of clay ; while they adored the Son of God, as tabernacling in human flesh, and thus ** made a little lower than the angels for the suf- ** fering of death." They complain not of the special honour shewn to worthless man, by this union of the Deity with our nature, not with theii's : they are not
Vol. II, E
34 SERUON (.
reluctant to our felicity, and object not to our being niade equal uiih them. Yea, they willingly and joy- fully minibler to the heirs of salvation, in the mcaiKst cottage, work- house, or dungeon ;' nor do they deem the p<K)rcst believer an unmeet object of their conde- scending and compassionate services. — This is gen- uine excellency : but liavc wc been tauglit to resem- ble and imitate them? Are >vc thus attentive to the needy, ready to symjxithizc with the adlicted, and freed from selfishness, envy, aiul contempt of infe- riors?— Above all, let us rememlKT and imitate ** the •* grace of the I Mid Jesus, wIk) thougti he was rich, *' for our sake^ became poor ; that we, tlirough his •* poverty might be made rich/* He hath said, ** The ** jxx)r ye have always with you ; and when ye will •• ye may do good to Uicm.** He luth ap|)ointcd his needy disciples to Ix: his representatives and receiv- crs ; tlul in supplying their wants wc may express our love and gratitude to him, and copy his roost en- dearing example.
This season is gvnerjlly atteiKled with an interrup* tion of secular business, and siomc additional ex|x-ncc: yci the lime and money arc generally worse than thrown away, while professed Christians, like Israel worshipping the golden calf, ** sit down to eat and ** drink, and rise up to pLy.*' But if we liave a spi- ritual taste, and judge as angels do ; we sliall rather abridge ourselves of customar)' indulgences, than •* make provision for tin; flesli,** when commemora- ting the humble birth of Uic self-denying Saviour. We shall express our joy, aiKl employ our leisure, in m:ts of solemn worship and grateful prui^<cs : and in-
SERMON I. 35
stead of expensive feasts for the wealthy; wc shall abound in hospitality and kindness to the poor, and be glad to contribute to promote the cause, for which the Son of God became incarnate.
The sensual and ungodly mirth of vast multitudes, at this festival, is madness. They abound in the works of the devil, because the Son of God was manifested to destroy them ! when the very event thus comme- morated will increase the weight of their condemna- tion, unless they can be persuaded to follow the apos- tle's counsel ; *' Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and '* purify your hearts, ye double minded ; be afflicted, *' and mourn, and weep ; let your laughter be turned ** into mourning, and your joy into heaviness. Hum- ** ble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall '* lift you up."*
But *' let the heart of those rejoice that seek the " Lord." Let the poor in spirit, the weeping peni- tent take encouragement, from the astonishing in- stance of the Lord's good-will to sinful men, this day commemorated. And let all, that have tasted this grace, and can rejoice in the love of God our Saviour, remember ihat they are subjects to the Prince of peace ; that they may be animated, to pray for uni- versal peace, and by all suitable means, to follow after peace, to seek the peace of the church, and the peace of the world ; and *' by well doing to put to silence
the ignorance of foolish men."
* Jam, iv. 7—10.
((
SERMON II.
1 SAMUEL, vii. 12.
J /icn Samuel took a stone ^ and set it oetzieen Mizpefi and Shrn^ and ealled the name of it Kbcnezcr^ sat/- ingf Hitherto ftath the Lord tulped us.
JL ROM Uic calling of Abraliam to llur lime of Samuel, the Lord liad "Jicun ixrculur Civours of in- cslimnblc value to hischo!>cn people. Kspecially ** He " slKwed his word unto Jacob, liis statutes and his ** judgments unto Israel : lie dealt not so. with any na- ** tion, and as for his judgments, Uiey had not knoun ** lhcm.*'t l^ut ihey had always manifested a per- verse and ungrateful disjx»iiion, and were continually provoking him with their idolatries and rebellions. — *' Therefore was \\v: wrath of tl>c Lord kindled ** agamst his people, insomuch tlut he abhorred his «* own inheritance : and he gave them into the hand " of the heathen ; and they tlut haled them ruled over ** them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and
19. ».
SERMON II. 37
** they were brought in subjection under their hand. " Many times did he deliver them ; but they provo- ** ked him by their counsel, and were brought low ** for their iniquity. Nevertheless he regarded their ** affliction, when he heard their cry."^
Hophni and Phinehas, the priests, the sons of Eli, had by their wickedness caused a most deplorable prevalence of impiety among the people : this provo- ked God to deliver them into the hands of the Philis- tines, who triumphantly carried off the ark of the cove- nant, which had been presumptuously brought into the field of battle. For the Lord was able to vindicate his own glory, and to honour that symbol of his gra- cious presence even among his avowed enemies, with- out countenancing the vain confidence of his hypocri- tical worshippers. The Philistines were soon con- strained to restore the ark ; but while it was neglected in Israel, they retained their superiority. During the space of twenty years, Samuel, who at the beginning of these troubles was very young, seems to have labour- ed with zealous and unw^earied diligence, in bringing the people to repentance, and reviving true religion. At the end of this time it is said, ^'' All the house of *' Israel lamented after the Lord." The narrative of the subsequent reformation is indeed very brief; yet there is reason to conclude, that it was one of the most signal revivals of vital godliness, that stands up- on record : for *' the children of Israel did put away *' Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the Lord only."
• Ps. cvi. 40—44.
28 SF.RMO.V TT.
A gtnfrnl assembly bcinj; convened at Mizpili, where Sunuid was publickly owiicil as judge of Is- rael: while they were earnestly scekin)^ th;; l..ord uilh fabtiiif^, prayer, and ollwrr relii^ious ob-^ervMiices ; ihc Philistines, jealons of their proceedings, marched di- rectly to attack tlK-m. U»it, in answer to the earnest prayers of S.»inuel and the people, these formidable einrmies were enlirtrly defeated. And on this me- morable iKcasion, ** Samuel t(x>k a stone, and set it ^* between Miz{)eh and Slien, and called the name of •• it llben-ezcr, saying, Hitlurtoluththe Lord lKli>cd ** us ** ilc rtct up a monument of God*s kindness to Israel, (noc ol Israers triumph o\rr tiie l*hilistii\es;) U> |K*rpctuate tlk* memory of his gracious interposition in their belialf, and to declare Uieir gratitude, to future gtneiations.
The liistor} of Israel may be ooRsidcrcd as God*s cxperiment.il trial of human nature. The cxjK*rimcnts of tlie chemist on an oimce of gold or mercury, wIrii pro|KTiy re|>eated and establislnrd, authorize gmcral conclusions concerning i\\c properties of all tlic gold or mcreur) in the world. Thus tin: dealings of the Lord with Israel, ;&& a specimen of I Im: human race, \s\itm rightly uiKlerslood, warrant general conclusions con- cerning the dis{)ositions ainl propensities of all man- kind : Tor the whole is, as it were, one mass, and has the same nature and properties. It is therefore mere self.flattcry to suppose, ilut wc should have acted better th:it\ they did, if we had been left to ourselves in exacdy the same circumstances : acd it is a vulgar prrjutlice to imagine that iJie Israelites were more wicked tlian otlKr nations. Their liislor)* was more
SERMON II. 39
impartially written, and their conduct tried by a stricter rule : in all other respects the records of any country tend to establish the same conclusions con- cerning human nature.
The history of the visible church in every age en- tirely coincides with that of the Israelites : special mercies conferred; base ingratitude and rebellion; severe chastisements and the triumph of cruel ene- mies ; humiliation and revivals of religion, followed by gracious providential deliverances, form the com- pendium of the whole : but ** Hitherto hath the Lord '* helped us," and ** the gates of hell have not prevail- ed.'* — The experience likewise of believers harmo- nizes in many respects with the records of Israel : and it is peculiarly useful, frequently to review with care and attention, all the Lord's dealings with us, and our conduct towards him : " For hitherto hath " he helped us." — To assist such a review, at the en-, trance of another year, will be the object of the pre- sent discourse ; in which I shall consider and illustrate,
I. The import of the words ** Hitherto hath " the Lord helped us."
IL Enquire what is meant by " Setting up an ** Eben-ezer," according to the common, and not improper, use of the expression.
L The import of the words, " Hitherto hath the ** Lord helped us.''
1. The Lord hath hitherto helped us all, in his su- perintending providence. We came into the world indigent and helpless ; our wants were numerous and urgent, and we were utterly incapable of making an\
40 SEfelCON II.
provibion for them. All ihcsc \v;intb the Lord alone suj)plicd ; and others were merely the instruments by which he conferred his lx)unty. Numbers die in in- fancy, l>ccause ihey are not projxrrly taken care of and provided for : but wc were preserved ; and in the kindness and ability of parent** or friends supply- ing our wants, wc experienced, and should acknow- ledge, the distinguishing goodness of God. The use of our limbs, senses, and faculties ; the measure of our lutural abilities ; and the advantages of our educ;iiion, by which we were scvemlly brought in- to our present comfortable way of subsistence : as well as our posacttions, with all that distinguishcH even* one's situation in society from tlut of others, should he* traced Ixick to the special kindness of the Lord. We should each of us remember, uith good old Jacob, that ** God hath fed us all our life long *' unto this day. •'• He hath given us our temporal provision, wliatever it hath been ; and if we liavc lived thirty, forty, fifty, or more years, without expe- riencing the want of food or the other necessaries of life ; we have abundant reason to say, '* Hitherto ** hath the Lord heljKrd us." This has laid us un- der as deep oblig;itJons to gratitude, as if wc lud Ixen fed by miracle, according to the kindness of the Lord to Israel : and in some respects ue have liad a decided advantage over them ; for our supply lias been more pleasant, in it's nature aiKl variety, tlian manna from the clouds, and water from the rock would luvc beer]. '* The earth is the Lord's and the fulness of it" ** He openeth his hand and fiUeih all things living
• Gea. jJ^ixlU.
SERMON II. 41
'Mvith plenteousness;" and he hath put it in our power to obtain a portion of his bounty.
Nor have our dangers been fewer than our wants. What muhitudes are swept away by various sick- nesses and disasters, in every stage of human life, even from the earhest infancy ! How many have all their days embittered by perpetual disease ! What frequent instances do we witness of fcuch as have been deprived of their limbs or senses ; or even ren- dered most pitiable objects by incurable insanity ! If then we have been favoured with a comfortable state of health ; if violent maladies have not seized on us, or have been removed ; if the use of our eyes, ears, senses, limbs, and understandings have been continued, or restored to us ; whatever second causes have concurred, we should thankfully say, *' Hither- " to hath the Lord helped us."
Our lives and comforts are likewise exposed to perpetual dangers from wicked men. If then we have lain down in peace, one night after another, and risen in safety ; if we or our dear friends have journeyed from time to time, without having been injured or even alarmed by robbers and murderers : or if, to shew us our danger, and remind us of our invisible Protector ; we have been alarmed, and yet preserved from material detriment, how ought we to bless and praise the Lord for his peculiar kindness to us! Every time that we have gone from home, by land or sea ; or have parted with our beloved relatives, thus called into distant parts ; and on our return have met them in safety, without having experienced fatal disasters, or heart-rending distresses, should excite us to renew
Vol. II. F
42 SERMON il.
our grateful acknowledgments to tJ)e God of our lives
Some of us can say, * \Vc were never, during all
* our past years, dislurlxrd by the midnight alarm of
* fire in our lubiiations ; our property, or jwrt of our
* families were iKver tlius tremendously taken from
* us.* Others may indeed luve lx:en thus alarmed, and endangered ; but were mercifully preserved, and extricated from the difliculties in which tl)ev were
0
involved. And lu\e we not, my friends, abundant cause for gratitude to our kind Protector and Dc- liverer ?
l-rCl us not on this occasion forget tin: special mer- cies we enjoy in diis fa\oured land. The n;itiofi has indeed, within our days, Ixen frequently engaged in war, and great complaints Iiave Ixren made : but few of us know any tiling ex|)crin)enlally of the Ikutots attending on actual warfare. \\c luve not been shut up in Ixrsieged cities, nor witnessed Uk: dismay, car- nage, and dcvaSLition of such a scene. Streets flow- ing with human blood, or strewed widi mangled corpses ; die groans of the wounded and dying ; the ruins or smoke of houses made the graves of U»e in. habitants ; w id) all tlnr dire effects of places taken by assault, and given up to plunder and massacre, luve not been n-ndercd familiar to our senses. We ha^-c not beheld the fields ravaged by lioslile armies, tlie b- bour of the husbandmen destroyed ; tow iis and villa, ges reduced to ashes; and die neighbourhood rcn. dcred almost a desert ; except as die engines of des. truclion, the conflicting armies, the moans of the d} - ing, or the more afTecluig lamentations of surviv* ^
SERMON II. 43
parents, widows, and orphans, give a sad variety to the dreary scene. How few comparatively of the hu- man race have passed so large a portion of their lives, without sharing these sorrows, or having their hearts pained by these woeful spectacles ! Is there then no cause on this account to set up our Eben-ezer, and say, " Hitherto hath the Lord helped us?" If any doubt of it ; a few months' residence in a country that is made the seat of war would effectually teach them (provided they be peaceably disposed) to A^alue a land of peace ; and to be thankful, if henceforth they may know nothing of war, except from newspapers and taxes. — Many apprehensions have lately been enter- tained in our land on this account ; but during another year we have been preserved. " Oh that men would ^' praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his won- ** derful works to the children of men 1"
The same may likewise be observed concerning pestilences, earthquakes, hurricanes, famines, and other dreadful scourges of a guilty world. We have thus far been exempted from them ; and our fears of these dire judgments, which desolate other cities and countries, with complicated miseries that baffle all description, should excite us to bless God, who hath hitherto distinguished us by his special protection.
It would occupy too much time, and prove tedious, to enter into further particulars of the deliverances, comforts, and mercies, which a kind Providence hath vouchsafed us. This specimen may suffice to aid the serious enquirer in recollecting the peculiar favours, that he has received during his past life : and this may prove one of the most useful studies in which he cai^i
Ai SERMON 11.
engage. — It may, however, Ix: proper to ask, whcllKr there has not l>ccn some peculiar trial, which you have dreaded more than any otlur ? Now, if you have cid)er Ixen prescr>ed from this; or have, beyond ex- pectation, been supported and carried through it ; you can scarcely Inrlp considering this as a powerful call on you to say witli gratitude, ** Hitherto hath the ** Lord hel|xd us.'*
But it Ixhoves us also to enquire, in wliat manner l^•e luave received the blessings of a kind Providence, and what returns we luve made for llR-m? Abs, we l»vc generally tlio utmost reason to confess our un- grateful forgctfulness of our IkiKfactor, our dis|)o&i- tion to abuse or idolize his gifts ; to unden-aluc tliem because not answerable to our exorbitant desires ; to ascribe our safety and success lo our own prudence and good conduct; or to spend our abuncbnce in gra- tifying our carnal passions! This subject therefore, if investigated with care, may protxiNy convince us, lliat we luive great cause lo admire the Lord*s good- ness, in preser\ing us from oursehrs, and the conse- quences of our own vices and follies. If we had been kft w iUiout restraint, we might, either directly or by excesses, have long since proved our own murderers : we might luve lx*en hurried on, by violent passion or resentment, or in prosecution of some favourite pro- ject, to murder otlKrs, or liave provoked them to murder us. We might in various ways liave exposed ourselves to tl>c sword of human vengeance : and it is indeed wonderful that God hath borne with our rc- Ixllion and per%ers<. ness, and lulh not cut us off in the midst of our sins. ** It is of Ujc Lord*s mercies
SERMON II. 45
** that Me are not consumed, because his compassions *' fail not." We are infinitely indebted to his patience and long- suffering. He spared, protected, and provi- ded for many of us, during a number of years, when we neither asked him to do it, nor thanked him for his kindness. While multitudes were perishing around us, and several of our companions in ungod- liness were cut oW; while we sinned on amidst re- peated warnings and narrow escapes; our offended God would neither destroy us, nor permit others to do it : nay, he prevented the fatal effects of our own madness and folly, and over-ruled many instances of it for our good. Thus he gave us space for repent- ance : his providential dealings with us had a tendency to excite our attention, and lead us to consider our ways: and every true penitent will perceive that they were actually designed to effect the most gracious purposes. We have been spared by the forbearance of our God, that we might be saved by his mercy I
2. God hath hitherto helped believers by his spe- cial grace.
Ages before we were brought into existence. He forsesaw our wants and miseries, as the descendants of fallen Adam; '' by whom sin entered into the *' world, and death by sin :" and in infinite mercy he had made all things ready for our salvation, in the person and redemption of his beloved Son. In due season he blessed the land, which was destined to be our residence, with the light of the gospel ; and by a variety of wonderful interpositions he hath continued to it that light, while it hath been extinguished or
4r> SERMON II.
frrcally obscured in olhcr lands. WTien we found our lot cast in a country thus distinguished ; \vc had, per- Imps for a lon^ time, no disposition to aitcnd to the word of salvation ; but lived, carelessly or by choice, in Egyptian darkness on the very verge of Goslurn. At lengili \vc were brought to hear Ukt gospel, by events and circumstances in which we liad no u ill'uig concurrence, or at least no intention of enquiring tlu way of life. Many Iwve said, " I will go into sucli a ** city, and continue tliere a year, and buy, and sell. ** and get giiin.** Or * I will go, and uke my fill ol ^pleasure aikl diversion uidi my friends and com *' |>aiuons:' but they liavc been disappointed of their aim ; and in the very pbce of tlK'ir purposed indul genre, giiin, or preferment, luve been induced to hear tin; word of Ciod. and been made part«tkers of bless- in|;s iiRstimably precious. Thus tlie case of Saul, who went to seek the asses, but found lliem not. yet met with Samuel, ainl wasanointcxl king of Israel, lus btxn far exceeded. Secukir inducements liave led others to remove to places favoured u ith the faithful preaching of Cjod*s word, without the least intention of re^^arding it : but after a while, curiosity, or j>cr- suasion, or s<3me otlicr motive, induceii them to give it a hearing, and thus iJiey were made w ise unto eter- nal hfe. Some, having resided a long time in a situa- tion where little regard was paid to religion, they wen.* at length excited to resist, wilJi all their influence, tin- introduction of another kind of preaching, and were much ehagrincd at not being able to cany- the point : yet afterwards attachment to a cuslomarv place of worship, or some motive of coiuenicncy, brought
SERMON II. 47
them to hear the new doctrine, even the doctrine of Christ crucified ; and at length a total change in their views, dispositions, and conduct has filled them with admiring gratitude, and dictated most fervent praises to the Lord. Nay, in some instances, a man's gross misconduct has proved the occasion of bringing him to hear the word of life to the salvation of his soul ! Thus Onesimus, dishonestly leaving his master Phile* mon, fled to Rome, where the ministry of Paul was blessed to his conversion, and he became, as it is generally supposed, an able pastor of the Christian church : and thus, I trust, several, ^vhose vices were the cause of their seeking admission into this liospl- tal,* have here been brought to repentance, faidi in Christ, and newness of life ; and will admire to all eternity the manifold wisdom and inexpressible mercy of God to them, in this gracious dispensation.
In these, and numberless other v/ays, the Lord is ** found of them that sought him not, and made mani- *^ fest to them that enquired not after him.f" And the hints now offered may assist the serious Christiaiu in recollecting the peculiar miCans, by which God fivr^ *' opened his eyes, and turned him from darkness tc " light, and from the power of Satan to God."
We should however, observe, that numbers have been favoured with the same means, who never ob- tained the V same blessing. It occurs therefore to en- quire, " Who made thee to difi'er from another?'* Some of us are conscious, that when we first heaixi or read the doctrine of Christ, which now is " all our
♦ The Lock Hospital. f Rom. x. 20.
48 hERMO.N II.
** salvation, and all our desire,** wc treated it, not nitrcly with indifference, bul uiih decided coniem[)t and aversion. Nay, we opposed and rcasoiKd a^iinst it with all oiirat)iIity, aihimniating or ridiculing those who held it. We can remember how strenuously we tndcavoure-d to silence our convictions, ainl to an- swer the arguments which almost prevailed over our prejudices: how ue tried to (juiet our minds, either by reflecting on our sup|x>scd \irtue; by growin^^ more punctual in a task of religion; or by listening to our own self-complacency and the flatter)' of our friends, in repcct of tlK* inugined superiority of our talents. \\'hen batBed on these grounds, we can re- collect how we attempted to elude the conviction, by listening to dis;idvaniageous re|X)ns concerning those reputedly nit/iusutsticai teachers, who main- tained the humiliating doctrines of grace ; ami by clurging their principles, on some occasions, uiih tending to licentiousness, on otlters, by bbming tlR-m as too precise and rigorous in tlieir requirements and example ! Nay, |x:rlkips sonK* present, when all tlvesc mciluxls failed, luve tried to forget tlie whole in tl^c hurr)' of business, a succession of com|)any and dis- si|xition, an excess of riot, or even a dose application to study. Indeed it would not be woiulerful, if some indi\iduals should Ix* conscious, tliat after all othei attempts to quiet tlK-ir consciences, tltey have at last had recourse to an antinomian or enthusiastical abuse t>f Uk* gosjxl, as tlx last and most desperate exjx- dient for kcxping u|K)n good terms with themselves, without parting with llxir worldly idols.
SERMON II. 4D
Not one of these ways of eluding conviction can be mentioned, which hath not been tried by one or another ; not one of these snares, in which some of us have not been successively entangled: yet in every one of them, numbers are finally given up to *' a '' strong delusion to believe a lie; that they might all " be damned, who believed not the truth, but had *' pleasure in unrighteousness.^" How is it then, my brethren, that any of us have been *' recovered out of *' the snare of the devil, who had taken us captive at *' his will?" We can in no other way account for it, than by saying, that God mercifully *' gave us re- " pentance to the acknowledging of the truth. |" ** God who is rich in mercy, of his great love where- " with he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, ** hath quickened us together with Christ." — " For '' by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not '* of yourselves; it is the gift of God.f" " The *' Giver of every good and perfect gift," not only be- stowed the Saviour, and the free pardon and salvation of all that truly believe in him ; but he gave us re- pentance and faith likewise, and " made us willing " in the day of his power:" and thus he has a claim upon us for the highest possible gratitude and ad- miring praise.
Even since the time, when we first were " warned " to flee from the wrath to come," and to " lay hold ^' for refuge on the hope set before us ;" how nu- merous have been our conflicts, difficulties, and dan- gers ? Many, who appeared to the most competent
• 2 Thes. ii. 11, 12. f 2 Tim. ii. 25, 26. \ Eph. ii. 3—8
Vol. ir. G
judges fjr more promising than wc wcrr, •* in i'lmc ' ' of temptation have fallen away ;•' or ** they have been *' choked with cares, and riches, and the lusts of " other things, and liave brought no fruit to pcrfcc- ** tion.** Some have evidinily returiKrd to ** tlxrir '* wallouing in tlK* mire, ainl their last state is worse ** than the first.'* Others have Ixm ** carried about •* with every wind of doctrine, by tin: sleight of men, *' and cunning craftiness, whereby they Ikr in wail to •' deceive/* Thus they have proved ** unstable in all *' their ways,'* liave become tin: zealous pmjwgators of soHK |K*stilential herx-sy, or liave ** tunKil aside to ** vain jangling.** Many luvc grown lukewarm in tlic grand essentials of religion, and proportioiubly fierce and contentious in sup(xjrting certain dogmas, by which some jxirts of the trutii are puslved to anti- scriptural extremes. In short, in a course of years, if we liave accurately ol)scr\ed the affiiirs of the church, we luve witnessed and bmented many as- tonishing changes, suited to excite our gratitude to Ciod, who ** Iwth hithirto hel{Kd us,** and guided us at a distaiKe from those rocks, quick -sands, ai^l wliirl-jHwls, which have proved Cital to numlxrrs.
Our own experience likewise may help us to form a proper judgment of the divine goodness, in thus far protecting and upholding us. If we have for any length of time ** fought tlje good fight of tiith,*' wc must luve a consciousness, that in many instances wc were ** cast down, but not destroyed.'' Our enemy Iws been sometimes ready to rejoice over us as actu- ally vamjuished. Outward circumstances gave force to our iniintc dcpnuitv ,\\\(\ our customarv or casiiv
SERMON ir. 51
besetting sins : the tempter was permitted " to sift us ** as wheat;" *' we had the sentence of death in our- *' selves, that w^e should not trust in ourselves, but in *' God that raiseth the dead." Perhaps temptation prevailed against us ; and a guilty conscience united Xvith an unbelieving despondency to bring us into deep waters. The insults of enemies, or the censures of friends, perhaps concurred with divin6 rebukes and corrections, to dismay our hearts. Yet amidst all, we determined, even from the belly of hell, to look unto the Lord, and to cry unto him, '' O Lord, *^ I beseech thee, deliver my soul!" We waited on *' him, and he heard our prayer; he brought us out " of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay ; he set our ** feet upon a rock, and established our goings: and *' he hath put a new song into our mouth, even praise *^ unto our God.*" Thus '' he delivered us from so '' great a death, and in him we trust that he will yet *' deliver us.t" Even if our conflicts have not been so severe, if we have not been thus baffled and sham- ed, we know to whom Ave owe our preservation : and we have had so many humiliating proofs of our own perverseness, weakness, negligence, and relapses into idolatrous attachments and various evils ; that we cannot but look upon our escapes as marvellous, and sometimes stand amazed, that we have not been left to renounce or disgrace the gospel! Every year, month, week, or even day, during Vvhich we have been preserved, and every declension from which we
* Ps. xl. 1—3. cxyi. 1—9. cxxx. -f 2 Cor. i. 9, 10^
52 sRRMoy II.
liavc been recovered, is an addition to oljlig-.itiuns al- ready p^rcat beyond all computation.
Indetxl a p^'ncral view of our situaticMi in this evil world must increase our conviction, iliat ihc l#ord akxK hath kepi us, or can keep us, from evil 'l'l>c countless danj;crs of our path ; tJK* course of the world, with its maxims, fashions, examples, and al- lunmcnts ; ilic influence of fi*ar, hojx*, affection, and even j^ralitude to men, upon our religious conduct ; oar natural strong desire of honour, friendship, taae, wealth, or indulgence ; our aversion lo censure, re- proach, contempt, aiul poverty; and the various ws\'s, in which these pro|)ensitics may Ixr addressed to turn us aside from the direct path, stiggcs? many interest- ing reflections to the serious mind. 'l*he infectious examples even of some zealous preaelicrs and profes- sors of evangelical truth, and iIk: worldly spirit sanc- lionetl by them : with the snares, which arc laid in all our employments, connexions, and comlorts ; in solitude and company, and even in religious duties : the number, power, subtlety, and un wearic-d malice of our enemies the powers of darkness : the Cillibility of our judgment, the scantiness of our knowletlgr, the weakness of our purposes, and the dcceiifulness and dcs^rate wickcdiu*ss of our hearts ; all remind us, how greatly wc are iiulebieil to the I.,ord, who hath hitherto helped us. It is indeed a marvellous mercy, if we can say, ** Having obtairxrd help of ** God, we continue to this day;** and have neither made a sliipurexk of our faith, nor brought a scandal upon the gospel ; but still dc2urc widi puqxjsc of heart to cleave unto the Lord*
SERMON II. 53
Much more might profitably be added did time permit, concerning the continued kindness we have received : in the friends raised up for us ; and the way in which our heavenly Father hath made up our loss- es, extricated us out of difficulties, moderated our temptations, renewed our comforts, revived our hopes and earnestness, prolonged our days, and afforded us means of grace and opportunities of usefuhiess. These, and many more subjects may be thought of, in our private meditations, while we endeavour to enter on another year, with thankfully acknowledging that ** Hitherto the Lord hath helped us."
II. Then we enquire what is meant by ** Setting " up an Eben-ezer," according to the common, and not improper, use of the expression.
The nature of the case, and the example before us, concur in proving, that it implies a disposition to give God the glory of all the blessings we have received. We do not ascribe the favourable difference between our situations, prospects, or character, and those of other men, to our own wisdom, management, or ex- ertions ; but to that God, ' from whom all holy de- * sires, all good counsels, and all just worts do pro- ' ceed.' We pretend not to have merited the divine protection, guidance, and blessings ; but feel that all was given us as creatures, without our deserving any thing : and that every good thing bestowed on us as sinners, is contrary to our deserts. We ascribe none of our deliverances or successes to chance, necessitv, or second causes : but trace them all to the great First Cause; to him " who doeth all things after the coun- sel of his own will." Samuel gave not the honour of
51 SERMON It.
IsracPs prcscnaiion to any of the servants of Go<l, wlio bad been raised up from ihc days of Moses, nor did he lake it to himself; but ascrilx-d it to the I-ord alone. ** Who then is Paul, and who is Ajx^llos, but •* ministers by whom ye belie\cd, even as the Lord ** gave to every man ? I iiave planted, AjkjUos water- •* ed, but God ^vc llic iiKrease. So tlnrn, neilhtT is ** he that planted any thiiij^, neither Ik: that walcreth ; ** but God dul givcth iIk increase.*" To set up an Klxrn-ezer therefore implies a dib{>osition to say, in praise as well as in prayer, ** Not unto us, O Loan, •• iM)t unto us, but unto thy name give glor)*, for ihy ** mercy and for Uiy truth's sake :t** and to ascrilx* all our blessings to the everlasting love of the Father, to the atonement and mediation of tlu: Son, and to the sane tificat ion of the Holy Spirit.
It implies also an o|)en acknowledgment of our ob- ligations to iIk: Lord ; a confession of our own unwor- thiness ; and an endeavour, by all projxrr means, to pc r[Kiuate the mcmor)* of his great goodness towards us, in our families, and among all widi whom we are connected. An ojxrn profession of the truth with a consistent example and conversation, attendance on the ordinances of Ciod. diligence in the instruction of children and donu slicks, and the improvement of our several talents to promote true religion, constitute such an avowal of our obligations to iIk: l-oril. 'l'l>esc tilings tend to diffuse {\\c knowledge of hb abundaru kindness, aiui to {^reserve the renitmbrancc of it, for llw encouragement of our brediren, and an induce.
• 1 Cor. m. 5— r. 1 H* tXT l
SERMON II. 55
ment to sinners to seek the participation of our pri- vileges.
We must not, however, be satisfied with thankful acknowledgments of the past; but when we set up an Eben-ezer, and say, '^ Hitherto hath the Lord help- ** ed us ;" we should renew our dedication of our- selves to him in respect of the future. *' Thou hast *' avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and to " walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his ** commandments, and his judgments, and to hear- *' ken to his voice. And the Lord hath avouched *^ thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he pro- " mised thee ; that thou shouldest keep all his com- *' mandments : and to make thee high above all na- ** tions which he hath made, in praise, in name, and ** in honour ; and that thou mayest be an holy people *' unto the Lord thy God, as he hath spoken.*" Having thus far experienced the Lord's faithfulness and mercy, the pleasantness of his ways, and the mi- sery of departing from them ; we thank him for the past, and express our purpose and desire of walking with him all the residue of our lives. Our review of the way which we have come invigorates these deter- minations, increases our simplicity of dependence on his continued grace, and teaches us the necessity of greater vigilance and circumspection; that ** whether ** we eat, or whether we drink, or whatever we do, we may do all to the glory of God."
In these respects the Lord's supper is a stated me- thod of setting up an Eben-ezer. When, with seri-
•Dcut.xxvi.
5G SF. KMO.S 11.
ous recollection and scli exam iiuit ion ; with rincwtU exercises of rcjK-nlance, faith, and love ; with Imiuble confessions, fervent prayers, uikI thankful praises, uc commemorate the sufferings and death of our Kedec- mer : we then join ourselves to ilie Lord and his cho- sen |)coplc ; we avouch him to be our God; wc tliank him for the past, and commit ourseUes to his keeping for the future ; and we declare our determi- neil purjKJsc, by his grace, to walk in his holy ways during iIk* remainder of our liveii. It seems there- fore peculiarly projKT to Ixrgiji a new year, with this I solemn act of adut ing praise, this renew ed dedication i of ourselves to the service of our God and Saviour.
This review should likew isc excite us lo be ** fol- ' *' lowers of God, as dear children, and to walk in | ** love, as Christ also hath loved us.** Our conduct . towards otlwrs ought to be a constant imitation of tlie [ loiig-sufl'cring, comiiassion, rt*adine^s to forgive and I relieve, and [K-rsevering goodiKss, of tlie Lord to- wards us ; lliat '* we may never be wear)* of well-do- ' •* ing,'* or ** be overcome of oil ;'* but dul we may ** overcome evil with good." i
Finally, the recollection and ilunkful acknowlcdg- j ment that ** HitlKrto hath tlie Lord helficd us," ; should encourage our hearts to run with patience the remainder of ** the race set before us." ** The Loao, *' that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and " and (Hit of tlie paw of the bear, will deliver me out ' ** of the haiKl of this Philistine.*'* He, that ludi I preserved and assisted us in so many dangers and dif- |
• I Urn. %y\\ ?r i
SERMON II. 57
ficulties already, will ** never leave us nor forsake ns." ** He fainteth not, neither is weary." His understand- ing is infinite, his resources inexhaustible, his faith- fulness unfailing, and his mercy everlasting. We should therefore comfort one another with these con- siderations, learn *' to cast all our care on him who '' careth for us," and pour out our hearts before him; we should remember that " our Father knoweth what " things we have need of," and that '^ no good thing *' will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.'' *' Clouds and darkness are about Him," and gloomy prospects may meet our view : but the perfections and covenant-engagements of the Lord are unchange- able ; and *' we know that all things work together *' for good to them that love God, to them who arc *' the called according to his purpose." ** He will '' never suffer us to be tempted above what we arc '^ able : but will with the temptation make a way to "escape, that we may be able to bear it:" yea, " The Lord shall deliver us from every evil work, ^' and will preserve us to his heavenly kingdom. To ** whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^"
These are some of the encouragements and instruc- tions, which real Christians may receive from the sub- ject before us. But how stand matters with our souls? Hitherto the Lord hath prolonged our lives, and wc now enter on another year ; while numbers have been removed to the regions of darkness and despair, and some to the realms of endless day. — Many of our ac- quaintance or relatives are gone to their long home ;
♦ICqr.x.lS. 2 Tim. iv. 18.
Vol. 'Ill H
58 -y '■ M ^KN' 1 1.
yd wc remain in the land offaidi, of hope, of mercy, and of prayer. But ** ihe lime is short /* *' iIk: end ** of all thing!! is at hand." — \ liiilc moment, as it were, will terminate our se-fson of probation and pre- paration for eternity ; Uk! continuance of our earthly comforts or trialb, and our opportunities of doing good to men, and glorifying God in this world of sin and misery.
HaNC none of you llien entered on this new yrar, destitute of vital godliness, strangers to repcntaner and works meet for rcjxrntancc, and unaefpiainted with a life of faith in the Son of Cvod, and communi- on with tlic Father through him? Are none of you still loitering and procrastinating, loath to part wiili worldly idols, and averse to diligent piety ? Or are you not trying to persuade yourselves, tliat so much strictness is unnecessar}*, that by attention to decent forms and moral dutii s, or an assent to certain dot* trines, you may reconcile religion with your world Iv spirit and pursuits, and thus serve God and Mam- mon ? — You have indeed Ix-en spared to ertter on another year, and liave great cause, thougfi little heart, for tliank fulness : but what assurance have vou that vou shall live to the close of it f Seve- ral who joined with us last year in the senire of the day, arc now entered on an eternal stale ; and probably many of us will join tlicm before this year shall tcnniiulc. Am\ how terrible will this be to those, who by a j)crversc abuse of the l-.ord*s abundant m< r eics, liavc increased their own condemnation I Still ** iIkt Holv Ghost savs, To-dav if vc will hear hi^ •* voice, Iwrdcn hot vour l>cart«i '* '' '^ •: ' \\v:
SERMON ir. 59
^* Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him, *' while he is near." And we intreat you, join your prayer for yourselves to our supplications in your behalf, that in the present year you may be *' turned ** from darkness to light, and from the power of Sa- " tan unto God."
Perhaps some are blessing God, that this has been their happy case, during the preceding year ; and are now saying within themselves, * Had I died before ' the year 1795, I should have perished in my sins, ' without Christ, and without hope. But the Lord ' who spared me when others were cut off, and rescu-
* ed me from numberless dangers seen and unseen, ' when I habitually trampled on his commandments,
* and neglected his salvation, hath at length, in bound-
* less mercy, *' granted me repentance," enabled me to
* believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and taught me
* by his grace to walk in newness of life.' *' Bless the
* Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits ;
* who forgiveth all thine iniquities, and healeth all thy *' diseases ; who redeemeth thy life from destruction, *'and crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender ** mercy. " — How memorable with you, my brethren, even to eternal ages, will be this '' acceptable year of the Lord," which to many hath doubtless been *' the ** day of vengeance of our God!" Oh, endeavour to ' shew forth his praises, not only with your lips, but
* in your lives, by giving up yourselves to his ser-
* vice, and by walking before him in holiness and
* righteousness all your days.' Then many will glo- rify God on your behalf, and you will be in some de- gree instrumental in bringing others to seek the same
CO StKltOS II.
t)lcssings. Abide in Chri^i ; keep tlu^c lu iliv iii'.tirj of jp^cc; watch against temptation; ** be not high- *• minckd, but fcur,'* for your cncinit-s arc many, ami your hearts deceitful ; ytt ** be sober, and ho|>c unt^) ** the end:" ** For grt-alrr is he thai is in you, than •* he that is in the world." Wait on the l^ord conti- nually, tlial \\c may renew your strength : and mke heed, lest an increase of knowledge and maturity ol judgment sliould bo attended by an abatement in the fcr\our of your afieciions. He not contented with the low attainments of lliis lukeuarm ago ; but follow
those, who have most closclv followetl Christ. And
t
now approach with us to his tabic, lo avow your ac- ceptance of his s:ilvatiou, and surrender of yourselves to his service; that, as ** l>otight with a price, you ** may glorify God with your bodies and spirits which ** are his.**
Some j)erhaps to this ver}* day, may stand in doubt to what class or com|)any they Ixriong. May tin: Lord enable such pcrvjns, to Ixgin this new year, with *' giving all diligence lo make their calling and ** election sure!" Knquirc, my friends, willi im- partial strictness, into the reas^jiis of your uncertiin- ty and darknciis : cast away every idol, hrcjtk ofl*e\x'- ry entangling pursuit or engagement, return from your backslidings, and seek the Lord w ith all your hearts : that should this year terminate your lives ; your setting sun may break forth uiihclK'cring iKams, and gild the dark valley through which you must |>ass; or should you be spared ; that ) our walk may be Ijencefonli more close with God, more honourable
SERMO^^ II. (51
and comfortable, and more edifying and encouraging to thobc around you.
My Christian brethren ! let us enter on this new year, by seriously reviewing the one that we have fi- nished : that we may be humbled for the sins, into which we have been betrayed, and rendered more simply dependant and watchful : and that we may be more thankful for the special mercies, personal, so- cial, and publick, with which we have been favour- ed. Let us earnestly beg a blessing from God on every attempt w^e have made to sow the seed of truth, to speak a word in season, and to recommend the gos- pel : beseeching him also to prevent the bad effect of our mistakes and inconsistencies. We should like- wise remember that time is short : that we may learn patience in tribulation, joyfulness in hope, indiffer- ence about things present, and diligence in our proper work. *' Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with " thy might : for there is no work, nor device, nor ** knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou " goest.*" *' Let your loins then be girded, and ^' your lamps burning;" and be habitually expecting the coming of the Lord. Endeavour to recollect what designs of usefulness you had formed, and intended to have executed during the last year, or in any for- mer period; and set about them without delay : per- severe in every good work, and Christian course, on which you have entered ; and aim to press forward, to grow in grace, and abound more and more in all the fruits of righteousness. Then should this be
* Eccles. ix.lO.
TiJ SKHMON II.
your last year, as it jxjssibly may, and as some have probable reason to cxixrcl; dcalli will be your gain : and while the survivors among us may meet togetlK-r at the return of lljis season to set up another Kbcn- czcr to our merciful Ood ; otlnrrs will have juined tin- company before the throne, and be triumphantly re- joicing and blessing the Lord, tliat he halh lKl|x:d them (juiic through, made them more tlian eoiM|ucr- €>rs, and pbced them for ever out of tl>c reach of dan- gers and enemies, — May wc all, as in suecession rail- ed out of this world, thus join the heavenly worsliip- pen ; till at length,
• Whra aU ihc cImma net • Shall mrr -Scthror^.
\ wooden knOvn ;
WC m:)y be found uf tluit happy numl>cr, aiKl meet once more to set up an Kl>cn-czcr intlie norld above, and to join in eternal adorations of tlie Father, tlic Son, and tlic Holy Cthost, tlie one Ood of our silva- lion, to whom be praise and glory- for evermore. Amen.
SERMON III.
^•
JOHN, i. 29.
Behold the Lamh of God, which taketh away the sin
of the world,
J OHN BAPTIST, the predicted forerunner of the Messiah, was doubtless well informed of his person, offices, and kingdom. He prepared the way of the Lord, by preaching repentance, as indispensably ne- cessary to a participation of the blessings about to be communicated : and while he baptized the people with water, as an outward emblem of their souls be- ing washed from sin ; he declared that the Redeemer would baptize them with the Holy Ghost and with fire. He bare witness to the Saviour as the Son of God, the Bridegroom of the Church, and ** the Lamb '' of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." He cried, saying, " This was he of whom I spake, *' He that cometh after me is preferred before me ; *' for he was before me : and of his fulness have wc
* Preached Good-friday, 1796,
(i-i SF.RMON III.
** all rcciivcd. ' He added on another occasion, ** The Father loveth the Son, and halh given all ** things into his hand. He iliat JK-lievcthon the Son ** halh everlasting life ; and he that believelh not llu *' Son sluill not see life : but the wrath of God abidcth ** on him.*'*
It is evident, that this mti^i « iiiHt.iK ^u^.nu «'i God laboured to communicate to his disciples exalted ap|)rehcnsions of the Lord Jesus, and to cxcift* in thcni large ex|xrclalions from him. In honouring tlu Son of God he was willing to abase himself, *' as un- " worthy to Kx^se his shoe- latchef.'* He was astonish- ed to think tlut the Saviour should come to be bap* tized of him, when he was conscious that as a sinner he sto(Kl in need of his spiritual baptism : and when \vc consider the excellency of John's character, with the extraordinar)' thingb spoken of him in scripture ; wc shall know wliat conclusion:* to draw from hi^ tcs- I'unonv. Certainlv he would not Ijavc concurred witli those, who employ all ilR-ir abilities in trjing to per- suade mankind not to think too highly of Christ, not to honour him too much, and not to depend on hini too entirely in the great concerns of eternal saU'ation. — But the words of the text must be exclusively our present subject ; and from them \\e may enquire,
1. On what account Christ is cnllrd ** The •• Lamb of God.*'
li. The im|)ort ui u.v \iijiu-. \\ ho takcth *' away the sin of the world.'*
sKrmon III. 65
III. The call to *' Behold the Lamb of God."
IV. The peculiar instructions to be derived from meditating on this subject.
I. On what account is the Lord Jesus called " The ^' Lamb of God?''
We should Hot forget, my brethren, that the lan- guage of scripture was dictated by the Holy Spirit, and demands our most reverent attention on that ac- count. If then we interpret it in a general way, and treat those metaphors under which divine mysteries are revealed, as we would do the language of mere men, who often use pompous words and extravagant figures of speech without much meaning ; we shall be found guilty of despising the sacred oracles. No doubt every metaphor or illustration was selected, in preference to all others, for some wise and holy rea- sons ; and suggests important instruction to the teach- able student. This must especially be the case, with that expression of the text, which engages our present attention : because it frequently occurs with reference to the character, sufferings, and salvation of Christ.
A lamb is a well known emblem of innocence, gen- tleness, patience, and purity : and no doubt an allu- sion was made to these things in speaking of the Re- deemer as the Lamb of God. Yet we cannot suppose that this was the principal meaning of that appellation, when we duly consider the various passages in which it is used : for in what sense could a lamb take away si?if except by becoming an atoning sacrifice ?
The slaughter of innocent animals, and consuming the whole or some part of their bodies upon an altar,
Vol. II. I
^ was an cssenlial j>art of religious worship, from the aurancc of sin to the death of Christ. — Those ani- mals alone were used for this purpose, which were tlie valued and useful properly of man, and the most jKrfccl in the kind : but lambs were by far the most common oblation. Thus Abel by faith brouglil the firstlings of his flock as an ofltring unto the Lord, and was accepted ; hnijhuh must luvc reference to a di-
' vine testimony, command, or appointment : tliis Cain disrc^rdcd, ** leaning to his ow n understanding,'* and virtually denying his need of an atonement ; and tiKrc- fore he was rejected. No sooner was Noah liberated from the ark than he offered bunu-oflfcrings to Uk Lord : ^ and doubtless the general opinion, tliat sucii sacrifices were proper to ap|Kase the anger of the gods, was derived from original tradition ; for it seems to tiavc no ground at all in human reasonings. When Abralum, at GodS command, went with full purpose of hc;irt to offer his beloved son for a bunit-ollcriiig, Isaac, as acquainted with die eustom- ar}' oblations, said, ** My fatlier, — wlnrre is the lamb V for a burnl-offcring ? — And Abralum said. My son, *• God will pro\ide himself a lamb for a bumt-offer ** ing.f* Under die law, a Lunb was the daily sacri- fice, morning and exening : and on the sabbath days this was doublet!. Thus liarniless lambs, free from all spot and blemish, were prcsel^ted at tlie altar day b) day ; while tin: priest^ as representative of the congrc- g:\tion, bid his lunds on live head of die sacrifia', and doubtless confessed over it the sins of Israel, which
• Ceo. vul. 20, 21. i ca Cxjiil 7. 9.
SERMON III. 67
typically were by imputation laid upon it. Then the blood of the lamb was shed ; and its body prepared and burnt upon the altar, by the fire which came down from heaven, as an emblem of the divine justice inflicting vengeance on the guilty. And when the blood had been sprinkled and poured out, according to the appointment ; the priest went into the sanc- tuary, and burned incense on the golden altar, while all the people prayed without in the courts of the temple.^
But the paschal Iambs, which immensely exceeded in number all other sacrifices that were offered, (when the law was regularly observed,) were most empha- tically prefigurative of Christ and his atonement. The unblemished lamb for every family was selected four days before the passover, when it was sacrificed in the presence of the elders and congregation of Is- rael : its blood was then sprinkled on the lintels and door-posts of their houses : and its body roasted whole was eaten within by all the professed people of God. The feast was celebrated with unleavened bread, and they were directed to eat it with bitter herbs, and with staves in their hands ; in remembrance of their aiHiction in Egypt, their preservation when the first > born were slain, and their marvellous deliverance from bondage. The apostle teaches us how to inter- pret these things when he says, *' Christ, our Pass- ** over, is sacrificed for us : therefore let us keep the *' feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven " of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened
* Lev. i. 4. xvii. ?h "N^m. xxvill 3—10. I.-akr I 9> 10.
68 SERMON III.
** bread of siuccni) and trudi. * lie is ihc true paschal Lamb, the spotless sacrifice for sin : lie was predicted four thous,md years Ixforc his coining in the flesh : and al length he was crucified for us, at the demand and in the presence of the rulers and people of Israel. His intense sufTerings, from the ficr} wrath of God ag-ainst our sins, answered to the prc- scrilxrd roasting of the paschal bmh. — The profession of faid) in his blood externally places the soul under the divine protection, while vengtancc is denounced against unlxlicvers : but the inward .experience of true Christians, who secretly * feed on Christ in their * hearts by faith with tkmksgiving,' corresponds with ihcir avowed dependence on him. In genuine sin- cerity and simplicity of heart, they exercise rejx-n- tance, and mourn for their sins ; they deny tlicm- selves, take up their cross, and Ixar sanctified afflic- tions ; and, Ixing set at lilxrty from SaUn*s yoke, they set out on their pilgrimage to the lx:avcnl\ Canaan.
\\'ith allusion to these types the apostle says, ** Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as ** silver and gold, — but wiUi the precious blood of ** Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without ** spot ; who verily was fore-ordained Ixforc the foun- ** dation of the world, but was manifest in these last *' times for you."t -^'^^ John saw in liis vision, ** A door opened in heaven." — *' And iIhtc stood a
** Lamb, as it find bcai slain : and iJie four living ** creatures and four and twenty elders fell down be-
— ^ * ' ■
• I Cor. V 7. 8. t 1 Pet. i IS— 20.
SERMON III. 69
" fore the Lamb, — and they sang a new song, saying, <' — Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God ** with thy blood."— The angels also joined these representatives of the universal church, " Saying with *' a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, *' to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and " strength, and honour, aid glory, and blessing.-'' On another occasion the apostle *' beheld, and, lo, a ^' great multitude, which no man could number — ** stood before the throne and before the lamb, clothed ** with white robes, and palms in their hands; and ** cried with a loud voice, Salvation to our God which '* sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb." — " These are they, which came out of great tribula- " tion, and have washed their robes, and made them ** white in the blood of the Lamb ; therefore they "are before the throne of God;- — and the Lamb^ *' which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, ** and lead them unto living fountains of waters. f"
It is evident that the emblem of a Lamb that had been slain, in all these places refers to the death of Christ, as the sacrifice for our sins, and the antitype of all the legal sacrifices. *' Without shedding of " blood is no remission;" but, " it is not possible that *' the blood of bulls and goats," or lambs, '' should^ ** take away sins.f" As therefore all that were par- doned and saved from the first entrance of sin, were partakers of the benefits arising from the one oblation of Christ once offered ; so He is called *' The Lamb '^ slain from the foundation of the world.')"
Rev. iv. 1. V. 6—13. f Rev. vii. 9—17. \ Heb. ix, 22. x. 4, 5 Rev. xiij. 8.
^LiiMV
^ It is my design in these citations, to remove c\ery bliadow of doubt, and ever}' degree of hesitation from your minds, concerning Uje meaning of iIk words *' The Lamb of (lod/* The honour of d»c divine law and government, and the satisfaeiion of iIk: diviiu: justice in saving sinners, required an atonement of in. linile vahie. The \> isdom of God tlK-reforc planned this metiiod of redemption, and Christ is the Lamb of God's appointment. *' When lie cometh inlo tlic ** world he saiih, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldcsl ** not, but a body liast thou prepared me, in burnt- *' offerings and ucrifices for sin tliou hast liad no " pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in tlk! volume *' of the l>ook,** in the ojKning of il)c roll of scrip- ture, ** it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God*" All other methods of expiating guilt and rendering the salvation of sinners honourable to God, were un- ax-ailing : but wlKrn tlu: Lamb of God came, and of- fered himself as an atoning sacrifice, ihc recjuired saiisfaction was made, and no further ol^btions wcre nccessary.
But this appointed utonemcht was iiK(.\usc ui Guu :» providing. The plan of redemption by a sacrifice of infinite value would not liave profited us sinners ; if everlasting love Ivad not provided sucli an oblation. The whole universe could not luve supplied a single individual, whose dignity and excellency qualified him for such an undertaking; or whose love was so inv xnense, as to iri^ucncc him lo interpose in our Ixrhalf. ^^•» •' Otxl spared not his own Son/* He gave liim
* llc^. X. 4-.10.
SERMON III. 71
10 be the propitiation for our sins ; he accepted thp oblation which he had appointed and provided ; and in all these respects, Christ is " the Lamb of God." — ^V^e proceed,
II. To consider the import of the words, " Which ** taketh away the sin of the world,"
The unblemished harmless lambs, wliich were sa- crificed from the beginning, had no guilt of their own; yet they suffered as if they had been guilty. They were substituted in the place of the criminals ; and the guilt or desert of punishment was typically trans- ferred frpm the sinner to the sacrifice. It was impu- ted to the animal, who bare the punishment, while the offerer escaped : and it took away his sin by ex- piating the guilt of it.-— Thus the Lord Jesus was sub- stituted in our place ; our guilt was transferred to him by imputation. He was sinless himself, and yet suf- fered as a sinner, in order *' that whosoever believeth ** in him should not perish but have everlasting lifef ' and in this manner he taketh away sin.
We arc not, however, left to deduce this conclu- sion, from types and shadows, or our own reasonings concerning them : for the sacred writers have most explicitly and energetically declared the same great truth. The prophet Isaiah, in his most wonderful prediction of the suflcrings and glory of the Redeem- er, says, *' He was wounded for our transgressions, ** he was bruised for our iniquities. — All we like " sheep have gone astray : we have turned every one ** to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the '\ iniquity of us all." ** It pleased the Lord to bruise
72 8£llf01f III.
*' him, and to put him to grief: tlioii shalt make his ** soul an ofilriiif^ for si.i — He shall JKar il>cir iniqui- •* lies. He bare the sin of many.'* You see, my brethren, that Christ not only bare our pitmshment, but our iniquities : and this can imply nothing less, than actual translation of guilt from tl)e sinner to the sicrificc. * It was exacted, and lie became answer- able.'* He willingly consented to l)ecome our Surely, to assume our flesh, and expiate our sins by his own suffering and death upon the cross. He was capable of doing this, and willing to do it. The human na- ture Ik- assumed was preserved free from all contami- nation of sin : so that his life was not forfeited, or suffering descr\-ed, by any personal transgression. He had power to lay down his life, and power to lake ir again, and no mere creature ever was or can be placed in a si.nilar situation. *' He loved us, and gave him- •* self for us, an offering and a sacrifice unto God for ** a sweet smelling savour. '*i The imputation of giiiii no moa* implied criminality or pollution, than the sacrificing of the lurmless lamb rendered it sinful aiul defiled : or ttun a man Ixrcomes cliargeable witi) the extravagance and profligacy of tlie poor insolvent whom he liberates from prison by paying his debt, out of the most generous compssioii.
And let us not supjwse, that this language con- cerning Christ lx*aring our sins, was merely that c{ pn>pheey or poetry : for the writers of the New Tes. tament, in didactive prose, arc etjually decisive, or even more so. "lie was made sin for us, who kneT\
• nT<Ko;>i.f^thonit lia r t tf>
SERMON lit. 73
'* no sin; that we might be made the righteousnesa ** of God in him.**' This certainly impHes a rccip- rocal imputation of our sin to Christ, and of his righ- teousness to us. *' Christ hath redeemed us from the ** curse of the law, being made a curse for us.f" '' Who his own self bare our sins in his own body *' on the tree." — " He suffered once for sins, the ** just for the unjust, that he might bring us to " God.J" •' Being justified freely by his grace, ^^ through the redemption, that is in Christ Jesus^ •* whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation^ ** through faith in his blood, to declare his righteous- ** ness for the remission of sins — that he might be ** just and the justifier of him that believeth in Jc- ** sus.^'' — These and many similar expressions) as connected with the institutions of the ceremonial law, and the reasonings of the apostle in his Epistle to the Hebrews, are abundantly sufficient, to prove ; not only that the doctrine of an atonement by the vica- rious sufferings of Emmanuel is contained in scrip- ture, but that it is the most prominent and central part of revelation. This is confirmed by the appointment of the Lord's supper, in perpetual remembrance of the death of Christ ; and for a constant representation of the life of faith, under the figure of ** eating the *' flesh and drinking the blood of Christ." We may therefore confidently afSrm, that they who deny or explain away this doctrine, prefer their own reason- ings to the sure testimony of God, and endeavour to
* 2 Cor. v.'21. + Gal. ili. 13. | Pct.i|. 24. iii. 1$,
§ Rom. iii. 24— :;!(?.
Vol. i'i, K
74 SERXfOK III.
remove the keystone of an arcli, llic wliolc of whi A would at len^h full down, if they eould succeed. So that mere natural religion, which palliates and flatters human pride, will uniformly be preferred to ihc reli- gion of the Bible, by all w ho lose sight of this funda' mental doctriiK : and facts do fully demonstrate that this lus always in process of time lx*en tlK* conse- quence, when persons liavc argued themselves and others, out of the ancient and orthodox interpretation of redemption by the SaviourS atoning blootl
But tin: present occasion admits not a fuller dis- cussion of this im|K)rtant subject. The propitiatory oblation made by the I^n)b of God, being of infutitc value, was sufficient to take aw*ay iIk: origiiul aiul ac- tual sin of mankind, even as if it liad been but one complex transgression. Millions in every age have received the bene lit of it; and if tlK whole human race should at once apply for pardon and salvation by the blood of Christ ; it would suffice to ukc aw ay all their sin. The efficacy of tlK typical sacrificci was confuied whoUv to the Jewisli nation: but tliat of t)>c
0
one atoning sacrifice of Christ, extends c(|ually to other nations. It is sent to tiiem all witlM>ut excep- tion : and we can assure any sinner throughout the. earth, tlwt if he believe in the Son of God he slwll be saved. So that none perish, because there is no iKlp for them ; but because pride, love of sin, and aver- sion to the spiritual service of God, harden tlK-ir hearts in unbelief, and tJiey *' will not come to Christ, *' llul they might have life.'* In tliis sense ** Thr •* Lamb of Godiakeih aw-av the sin of tlic world,"
SERMON IW, 75
But he also taketh away guilt from the conscience by the sprinkling of his blood.* The atonement made upon the cross eventually profits none but those, who apply it to themselves. This is represent- ed in the Lord's supper, as it was of old by the eat- ing of the paschal lamb, with the sprinkling of its blood. We are not communicants merely by hearing of, or seeing, the emblems of Christ's body and blood, but by eating and drinking them. The Lord Jesus ** who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,"t sends his gospel to sinners, and* by the powerful convictions of the Holy Spirit, he effectually destroys their self-confidence ; then their conscience becomes burdened with the guilt of their former sins ; and whatever efforts they use to get relief, all prove ineffectual, till they understand the nature, and see the suitableness and glory of redemption by the blood of Christ. Applying in true repentance and living faith for an interest in this propitiation, they find the load of guilt removed, j»nd obtain stable peace, connected with deep humiliation, hatred of sin, watchfulness against it, acquaintance with the di- vine law in their own hearts, and great tenderness of conscience. *' For if the blood of bulls and of goats, ** and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, ** sanctifieth to the purifying of the fiesh : how much *' more shall the blood of Christ, who, through the " eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot to God, *^ purge your conscience from dead works to serve
* I Pet. 'u2. t 1 Tim, ii. 5, C.
■'V ,\
76 SERMON iii.
•* the living; God?*'* Nothing but thii view ol lliC cross, this application to the blood of spriiiklin)^, tliis washing in *' the- fountuin opened for sin and unclcan- ncss,'* can give that kind of peace ainl confidence which liaih been described : because nothing else cjin shew the enhghtcncd and lunnblcil iKart tJ>e divine justice and hohncss, in harmony with mercy and truth, glorified in pardoning and saving tlK: chief of binners. And \Nhenever this jHracc lias lx*en lost through relapses into sin, tiKre is no oihcf way of recovering it, but tlut in which it was first obtained : nay indeed, it cannot be |ircaerved in the mklst of those numberless imperfections and defilements, that accompany our best days and duties, except by con- tinual application to " the blocxl of Christ which ** cleanselh from all sin. '*
In consequence of ll»e atonement and inicrct > i > \ of Christ, the p<iwer of iIk* Holy Spirit destroys u\ ihc heart of his disci|>les. the dominion, love, and pollution of sin ; l;y mc^ns of the motives, encourage* inents, and ordinances of the gospel. In this sense also, ** the l^mb of God takcth away the sin of the •* world :'' for this is ilie only mcllMxf, by which lljc hearts of men all over tlie w orld can be made holy ; and all men in ever)- nation of tl>e earth, who bclie\'C in the name of Christ, are thus sanctified by faith in him t'' — ** Christ also loved the church, and gave ** himself for it, tliat he might sanctify and ckanse it ** with the washing of water by the word ; tliat he ** might present it to himself a glorious church, no:
• Hcb. ix. rt, 14. X. 23 4 Acn ir»i 1?.
SERMON III. 77
^* having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that ^^ it should be holy and without blemish."^ *' You ' who were — enemies in your minds by wicked ' works ; yet now hath he reconciled ; in the body oF * his flesh through death ; to present you holy, and ' unblameable, and unreproveable in his sight."f ' He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us ' from all iniquity, and purify us unto himself a pe- ' culiar people, zealous of good works. J" Thus will ihe Lamb of God continue to take away the sin of believers all over the world, till there be no re- mains of it left ; and till the whole company shall be ** presented faultless before the preseiijce of his glorv *' with exceeding joy. 5"
III. Then we consider the call to *' Behold the ** Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the *' world." '
I shall not confine myself to the exact import of the words, as spoken by John ; but refer likewise to several other scriptures of a similar nature. *' There ** is no God else beside me, a just God and a Sa- " viour ; — look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends " of the earth. II" *' As Moses lifted up the serpent " in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man '' be lifted up ; that Vv^hosocver believeth in hiiu ** should not perish, but have eternal life. *[f" ** Look- '* ing unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our " faith, who for the joy set before him endured thti
* Eph. V. 25—27. t Col. i. 21, 23. \ Tit. ii. 14. Uude, 24, 11 Is. xlv. 21, 22. John, iii. 14, 1.7
78 5EK.M0.V III.
'* cross, dcspisiiip^ llic shame; and is srt down at iIk: ** right hand of the throne of God.**' The Baptist may be supposed to lia\T addressed his disciples to ihis efilci: ' You want pardon of your sins, and de- liverance from the power and polhiiion of inKjuity : *' Ik hold** then " the Lamb of God who takeili away
* the sin of the world." He alone can confer llxrsc blesbings ; apply to him, iKxome his disciples, My on him entirely , and follow implicitly his di- rections; thus you will be saved, and l)e made instrumental to t}>c salvation of your fellow sin. ncrs.*
But we miy understand the call in a more compre hensive sense, as an exhortation to meditate scriouslr and frcc|uenlly on tlK: great doctrines thus revealed ; to behold and contemplate the jKTson and redemption of Christ with fixed attention and hun)ble faith. He seems to address us from tlie cross, and to say, ** Is " it nothing to you, allyetliat pass by ? Behold, and ** see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, ** which is done unto me; wlnrewiih tin: l<iORD halli *' afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger, j*' Ixrt nsthen turn our thoughts from all other subjects, and with iK'liexing application to ourselves, contemplate' the interesting scene, which wc Uiis day comme- morate.
\Ve cannot well enter on such meditations, witli- out adverting to the language of tl^e sacred writer^, concerning the essential aiid etcnul l>eiiy of Christ,
SERMON III. 79
One with the Father, the Creator and Upholder of ail worlds, the Object of universal worship and ado- ration. We consider this glorious Person coming in the flesh to be the Saviour of the world, to seek and save the lost, from mere love and compassion to de- servedly perishing sinners. The spotless purity of his human nature; the perfection of his obedience to the divine law ; the depth of his voluntary humilia- tion ; the poverty and contempt, and the contradic- tion of sinners, which he endured through life, de- mand our most serious attention He effected not his gracious purposes in our behalf, as a Monarch or a Conqueror ; he taught not as a Philosopher or a Moralist: " but he took upon him the form of ** a servant,'' and *' gave his lifq a ransom for ^* many."
We should, however, especially contemplate the variety and intenseness of his sufferings, in the clo- sing scene of his humiliation : the excruciating pain he endured, from the scourge, the thorns, and the nails, and when hanging on the accursed tree ; with the anguish of mind he felt when agonizing in the garden, and when on the cross he exclaimed, " My ** God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" It is very important for us to reflect on what the Re- deemer suffered from men ; from the base treachery of Judas, the unfaithfulness of Peter, the cowardice of the disciples ; the cruel injustice of Caiaphas, the scribes, priests, council, and even their servants; from the contempt and indignity put upon him by Herod and his men of war; the cruelty and scorn of
80 :,Tr^ut
riljtc*8 soklicrs; the ling^-rin^ lortiirc!) of Uic crosBi iIk: ingrjtidiclc of {\\c iiisuhiiig multituilc, aiu) the fcvilinji^s even of the makTuctora. ^\ c should rtcol- leci hkcwisc, (Iiat this was the hour and po^cr of darkiKsb: and W4);tt gloomy itna^iiuti'ins, an^ de- tested thoughts nii,^h: be prc!*cmcd to tlic mind of Christ, by tlic bubUc and cncrgetick influence of evil :fpirits, nuy be l^est conceived by lliosc who •* arc •* not ignorant of their devices.'* '* He &u fie red, ** being templed, that he mij^ht Ixr able lo succour •* them llwt are tempted :'* and the assaults of Sutaii in the desert mav eofivinee us, ilut lie ^ould do his utmoht, when permitted, to bruise tiK* lieel of liim, %\ho came to crush his lieud and destroy liis frork«i.
But we are also taught, thai " ii pleased the Loid ^' to bruise him, and to put him to grief: and to •* make his soul an offering for sin.** Awake, O •* svor(^ agaifist my SlKplK-rd, and against tlw: Man ** tlut is my l'\ilow, saiih the Lord of Hosts; smite ** the Shq^lnrd.*** ** He spared not his oun Son, " but ikriivered him up for us all." And wlien wc compare our Lord*s agony in the garden, and his fxclamntion on the cross, with the conduct of his own dise- i pies under tlKT severest tortures: \\e must be convinced that his cup was cu>bittered inconceiv- ably more tlun theirs, and that consolaiioiis and sup- ports \^xTe \uuchsaled ihem, of which he i**as tvholly kfl destitute — \\'r rannnt c-n!riin tlii^ subject. —
• Xrch. *
BKRUOlt III. 81
We may be certain, that remorse of conscience, de- spair, and the prevalence of hateful passions, which will eternally increase the misery of condemned sinners, could have no place in the mind of the holy Jesus: but whatever pain, shame, wrath, curse, agony, or misery, he could possibly endure ; what- ever the justice of God, the honour of the law, and the instruction of the universe in the evil and desert of sin, required ; all this the Redeemer suffered, till he could say with his expiring breath, *' It is *' finished."
It should likewise be rememberedj that our Lord most willingly submitted to all these sufferings, from love to our souls and regard to the glory of God. No man had power to take away his life : the prince of this world had no part in him; no personal trans- gression exposed him to the sentence of death ; buX *' love, that passeth knowledge," moved him to give, himself a propitiatory Sacrifice for our sins! The meekness, patience, and persevering fortitude, with which our Lord suffered, should not pass unnoticed* " He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as ** a sheep before his shearers is dumb, so he opened ** not his mouth." " Christ also suffered for us, *' leaving us an example that ye should follow his *' steps; who, when he was reviled, reviled not again : " when he suffered he threatened not.*"
The circumstances attending his crucifixion also form a proper subject of meditation. The sun was
* 1 Pet. ii. 31—23.
Vol. II. L
»2
3 1. 1( ■•} u \
miraculously darkened, as a token of l!»c divine dis- pleasure, and an emblem of ihc gloom which over- spread the Sun of riphleousncss. Yet, in this deep humiliation of the l^ord of glory, he rescued one jxTishing sinner from the jaws of dcslruclion, and look him with him to paradise. When he expired, ** tiic veil of ihe temple was rent;** the rocks were torn by an eartlujuakc, the graves were opened, and the preparation made for tlic resurrection of those saints, who were appointed to grace the triumph of tlie rising and ascending Saviour. For the event of his sufferings in his persoiul exaltation ; and tl)c complete salvation, in body and soul, bf all t))c tin- numlx*red myriads, uhich ever did or ever shall be- lieve in him, is the List fxirticular, to which our prv. sent meditations should l)e directed. — But it is time for us to proceed,
IV. To consider ilu: peculiar instructions, to U* derived from tliese contemplations.
The worth of our immortal souls is most cmplia- tically taught us by the cross of Christ* ** Wliat *' is a man profitetl if he gain the w ho|c world and ** ^'-r his own sOul? or what slull a man give in ex- "•* for his soul?'* Could any one literally gain th;. .......c* universe, as iIk- price of inifjuily, and keep
it with ever}- imaginable advantage during tl»e term of human life; it could neither preserve his body Irom the grave, nor his soul from eternal miscT) I ** It costs more to redeem the soul : tlui must Ix: let ** alone for ever." \'icw tin: Saviour agonizing in Ciethseniane, and expiring on tin: cross ! Did be endure these unknuwn ^ufTcrirr^ to preserve mtn
SERMON III. ^5
from temporal [)Overty, pain, or death ? By no means : but to deliver them from the wrath to come ; where *' their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.'' Who can doubt then, that an immortal soul is man's principal treasure ? It is possessed by the meanest, and it infinitely exceeds in value all the distinctions of the mightiest. He who made the soul knows its worth ; and he deemed it so valuable, that he ransomed our souls from ruin, at the price of his own blood. Shall we not then deem the salvation of them our grand concern, and regard all interfering objects as unwor- thy our notice in the comparison ? If we should never succeed in any one thing all our lives, except in this chief concern ; our felicity will be congratulated by angels to eternity ; if we should prosper in all other respects, and fail here ; our folly and misery will be lamented and execrated for ever.
Our children also have immortal souls. Does then our love of them induce us to use every means of providing for their comfort in this world ; and shall it not influence us to proportionable earnestness in seeking their salvation? O cruel and infatuated parents, who take excessive care about the bodies of your children, and leave their precious souls to pe- rish everlastingly for want of diligent instruction ; or perhaps even help to murder them, by indulging their sinful dispositions, and setting them a bad example ! — Nay, let us further learn to consider, that our rela- tives, neighours, and enemies, have immortal souls. Because they are so valuable, " He that winneth souls is wise :" let us then think nothing too much to ex-
84 SERMON III.
pc'iul or attempt, in promoting that grand object, lor which the Sou of God blurd Ins precious t)lood.
But, viewed in ihib gbss, how vaiu docs the world and all things in it ap|K'ar ! '* God forbid tlut I should ** glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ ; *' by whom the world is crucified to me, and 1 unto *' the world. * W'liat are empires, or the loss of tiK'm ** What renown, or infamy ? Wliat affluence or poverty ? W'lut the most exquisite pleasure or torturing pain, wIku put in comjKtition with eternal happiness, or miser) ^ or u hen viewed m connexion with tlK: cross of (Iirisi? Had he not so loved us, all {x>ssiblc prospcritv could not luve prevented our everlasting misery : if we Ijclieve in him, all {X)ssiblc adversity cannot prevent our everlasting happincvi. Ix*i us not then envy the weal- thy and surces!»ful, but pity ainl pray for them : let us not covet uorldly things, rq)ine for want of them, or lament the loss of them : let us not join in the vaui mirth of condemned siimcrs, or be sati^lkd witl) any thing short of il>e joy of God*s salvatioQ.
By contempbting the cross of Christ, we may Icam the perfect justice and liolinc&sof God, the excellency of his law, and tlu; desert of sinners. In tin: condcm- lution of fallen angels and u icked men, and in nuny other awful ways, the Lord hath proclaimed his ab- horrence of ini(iuity,and his determination to magnify his holy bw ; yet his mercy not Ixing visible in those events, it miglit liave been diought, either diat he was incapable of shewing mercy, or that in exercising mercy he would abate fn)m die demands of jusUce, ^id connive at transgression. But the subject before \is, well undcrbtood, coiifului ail such vain imagin^-
SERMON III. ^5
tioiis. When mercy triumphed most ilkistriously^ justice was most gloriously displayed, the law most honoured, and sin most exposed to universal detesta- tion. * Rather,' says the Saviour, ' will I bear the curse of the divine law, and the punishment of sin, in my own person, and make an expiation of infinite value by my sufferings and death upon the cross; than either leave sinners to perish without help, or allow the law to be dishonoured, and justice to be re- laxed for their benefit.' " Do we then make void *• the law through faith? God forbid, yea, we esta- '* blishthelaw."
Here again \\x may learn repentance, and abhor- rence of our iniquities. '' They shall look on me '* whom they have pierced, and mourn." The more lovely and glorious the divine perfections appear, the more excellent the holy law, and the more hateful and destructive transgression are found to be; the deeper should be our sorrow and remorse, while we recollect and review all our numerous and heinous offences, and all their aggnivations : and the more ought we to dread and hate those evil propensities, from which all our crimes proceed, and which con- tinually aim, as it were, to *' crucify the Lord " afresh, and put him to open shame." When we view the miseries of the world, and the ravages of death, we may well enquire, *' Who slew all these ?'^ And the consideration may help to abase us for sin, and excite us to oppose and crucify our lusts, which are the murderers of the whole human race, and menace our destruction. Yet the cross of Christ, \i'hen duly contemplated, suggests far more powerful
86 G i: R M 0 V T r T .
motives for contrition and self- abhorrence, and uiil far more effectually influence us to seek tin: destruc- tion of thci^c luted enemies, tliat crucified xhc Lord of glc»r\ .
But the same object will likewise teach us, tliat nciihcr our repentance or amendment, nor any diin^ else we can do, will at all serve to exp'iatc our guilt or justify us in the sight of God. ** If righteousness ** come by tl>e law, then Christ dird in vain.*' Mm set up u varkty of reasonings against the express and numerous tcstimoities of God to this leading truth ; and thus vainly ** go about to eslablisl) tlnir own •* rightc*ousiK*ss.'' Hut a serious view of the Lamb of God, as taking away tlxr sin of the world, may eon \ince us tluii ever) hojK tJiey form of escaping con- demnation or obtaining life, except by faith in a cru- cified Saviour, will most surely prove falbcious and ruinous : for if any thing else would as effectually luve answercxi tlie purposes of God, he would doubt- less liave s|)ared lus own Son, and save simicrs in bome oiIkt way.
On t!)c other loitu, «^v here bchokl ui«. iichcs of tlKT divine comjiassion and teiuier mercy towards tlic binful children o( men. ** Herein is love, not that we *' lovc*d God, but tlut he loved us, aiKl sent his Son to *' be the propitiation for our sins.'* If dK*n God so loved us wlurn enemies, wlial may not those expet t from him, who renounce every other plea, and ** fle* ** for refuge to lay hold on this hope set txfore tlKm ? In ever}' penitent who supplicates mercy for tin: sakt of Christ and his atoning blood, tlie Hedevmer " sei *' of llie trav;ul of his soul, and is satisfied ."for liib
SERMON III. 87
very purpose he suffered and died on die cross, *' diat "'he miQ-ht become the Author of eternal salvation to ** all them that obey him." On this groimd we say, ** Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord :'- and *' if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled *' to God by the death of his Son, much more being ** reconciled, we shall be saved bv his life." He that *' spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for '* us all ; how shall he not with him freely give us all ^'things?"
But while we mingle our tears of godly sorrow with joyful thanksgivings, and glory in Christ Jesus amidst all our tribulations : let us also, my brethren, look to the cross, and learn our obligations to the most seif^ denying and devoted obedience. Can we, with this object full in view, deem any expence too great, any sacrifice too costly, any cross too heavy, any labour too severe, which his glory, the authority of his com- mand, or the benefit of his purchased flock, call us to undergo? Surely the constraining love of Christ will render every loss or suffering tolerable, yea, pleasant, to the thankful believer ; while he beholds the Lamb of God, expiring on the cross, to take away that sin, which would otherwise have eternally ruined his soul ; and to purchase for him everlasting and imutterablc felicity !
Here too we must look, that we may learn patience, meekness, spirituality, and every part of that holiness to which we are called. Hence we must draw our motives and encouragements ; and here we must view that perfect example, which we are required to copy. Forgiveness of injuries, love of enemies, perseverance
88 scBMON in.
in wcll-tloinp amidbt insult, contempt, and ingraiitnJe^ md compassion to pcrisliinfsj sinners, arc best kramcd by looking to the cross; by witnessing the triumph of divine love in the suflerings of KmmanucI, and hearing liim n^ngle his d> ing groans, >viil» prayers for his cruel and insulting murderers.
M( dilation on this subject may also convince u<, that wc must expect tribulation in t\yc world, and the enmity or contempt of unlK-lievcrs, if wc belong to Christ, and Ixar his image. His wisdom, holiness, and love were jKrfcet : \ et no one of our race ever experienced such liatrcd and insult from all ranks, orders, and descriptions of men, as tltc spotless Lamb of God ! Malefactors commcmly meet uiih some pity amidst their tortun s, however meriteii : l»ut Jews and gt^ntiles, rulepi, scribes, priests, soldiers, and thr multitude, could unite in enicl mocker) of the holy Jesus, \Nhcn expiring cmi across ! A\i^y then with all those flittering sentiments of hinnan nature, which represent it as loving ami delighting in genuine ex- cellency : Uie cross of Christ, and the sufferings of his most faithful servants in everv age, form a demon- strative confutation of iIk" proud delusion ! And if our hearts luve Inxn clianged by divine grace ; so that wc love and imitate the lowly and humble Saviour : let us count i>ur co!»t, exjxrct scorn and hatred from men. tribulation in tlK world, aiKl ix-aec aiui consolatKMi from the Lord aloiK. Let us also look beyond tlic cross, and contemplate the glorv- which followed: •* that we may not be wearied •uxl faint in our minds.*' We too have a joy set before ••«: • ^'t ns thm ^nf^!r-
SERMON III. 89
our lighter cross, and despise the shame ; assured that if we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with him in glory.
But, my fellow sinners, where will you appear at his second coming to judge the world, if you now ne- glect his great salvation ? If you join his enemies ; and, by cleaving to your sins, prefer Barabbas to Je- sus, sell him as Judas did for a few pieces of silver, or determine you " will not have him to reign over *' you ?*' Still he invites you to come to him, that you may have life eternal : Oh ! that you would seek to him as a Saviour, who will shortly come to be your Judge.
In fine, contemplating the cross of Christ, teaches us most effectually every lesson contained in the sa- cred scriptures. Let us then, my brethren, further prosecute our meditations at the Lord's table : and while we remember the love and sufferings of our Re- deemer, let us renew our repentance, and acceptance of his salvation, and give up ourselves to his service ; that, " as bought with a price, w^e may glorify him ** with our bodies and spirits which are liis.''
Vol. II, M
SERMON IV.
1 CoiIKTMIANS, XV. 20.
\ow is C/irul risen from tha.
w
E icani fa>ra this dwptcr, llut some of die Co rinthians lud denied die doctriiu: of a ixsurrcctioii : probably cx|>laiuii)g away dn- a)K>stolical laiiguagc on dtat subject as figurative ; and as oiily iiKaiuiig cuii vcrbion, or tlut clujigc whicli took pbcc in dK* world by du: introduction of ChrUiianity.t In confuting titib dangerous error, dn: a)>ostk called tlicir attention to tlK' resurrection of Ctuist, as an undcnbbic fact : and Ik* sinewed, tlut the denial of a resurrection was equivalent to saying dut Chribt was not risen ; ami thus tended to subvert tin: foundation of Cliristianit\ and to destroy the hopes and comforts of believers. " If there be no resurrection of the dead, tlKn is not ** Christ rUcn : and if Christ be not risen, then is our •* preaching vain, and your failh is also vain ; yea, ** and we arc found false witnesses of God. — And if
* Ejatcr SuxMbf, I7!>6. t ^ lua- u. 17, 18.
SERMON IV. . 91
'' Christ be not raised, — ye are yet in your sins : then ** they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are pe- '* rished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, ** we are of all men most miserable." All the joys and supports of Christians are inseparably connected with future and eternal felicity ; without the hope of which they would have nothing to counterbalance their peculiar trials and conflicts.
If Christ were not risen, believers were yet in their sins, and even the martyrs had finally perished. But were not the primitive Christians converted from idols to serve the living and true God ? Did they not " repent, and do works meet for repentance ?" Were they not exemplary in the practice of all good works? And did they not meet death for the sake of a good conscience towards God ? How then could they be yet in their sins ? — Because, none of these things could atone for their transgressions ; and, if Christ were not risen, no effectual atonement had been made: they must therefore have still continued under con- demnation, and exposed to the curse of the law which they had broken. A most conclusive proof, that the death of Christ was a vicarious satisfaction for sin ; and that none can be saved, who are not interested in that atonement !
It is deemed uncandid to charge men's doctrines with the consequences resulting from them; yet I ap- prehend we should all consider ourselves bound to warn people against the consequences of taking a poi- sonous mixture, even if he who administered it was not at all aware of its nature : and the apostle has here set us the example of doing the same, in opposing
92 SFRNfOV IV.
thoae erroneous doctrines by which immortal souN arc fatally deceived
He then adds llic words of the text, ** Now is Christ ** risen from the dead,** iind proceeds to treat very copiously on the doctrine of the resurrection. But I skill confine myself to ihc subject before us, and attempt,
I. To prove that Christ is risen from the dead.
II. To shew the inferences which may be drawn from tlut event.
III. To apply the subject lo ourvrlves.
' ! shall prove dial Christ is risen.
i lioii^h true Christians have ** a witness in them-
'* selves,** which in general satisfies their minds, as
to the certainty of die things which they liave Ixrliev-
ed : >Tt in peculiar seasons of tcmpt.ition, an acquaint.
ancc widi the evidences of Christianity would tend
greatly to llKir establishment. And in these times
of infidelity and scq>ticism» all who would ** contend
•* eanwrsdy for the faith once delivered to the saints,'*
should be able in give a reason of tlK*ir hope to every
emjuirer or objector : both to defend themselves from
the charge of enthusiasm and credulity ; to obviate the
doubts of Uiose with whom they converse ; and t'*
preser\e young persons, perhaps their own children,
from tlK* fatal contagion. It is tlnrrefore greaUy to Ix:
lamented, tl\at pious persons are in general so little
furnished with this sort of knowledge, of >\hich they
might nuke such important us<'.
SERMON IV. 9 J
It is commonly said, that the new Testament is built upon the foundation of the Old, and must stand or fall along with it : and there is a truth in this sen- timent ; though it be somewhat diverse, in its nature and consequences, from that which is generally sup- posed. Our Lord and his apostles have so frequent- ly quoted the old Testament, and almost every part of it, as the scripture, the xvord of God, the oracles of Gody and the language of the Holy Ghost ; that their credit must be connected with the divine inspiration of the books thus repeatedly attested by them. — We are able to prove, that the canon of the old Testament in those days differed very litde, if at all, from that which we have at present, yet our Lord referring to different parts of it, says, '' Thus it is written, and thus it "must be," '*the scripture cannot be broken," '' the ** scriptures must needs be fulfilled." And the apostles say, *' All scripture is given by inspiration from God :" ** Holy men of God spake as they were moved b3^the *' Holy Ghost." This single consideration complete- ly establishes the whole of the old Testament as a di- vine revelation, with all those who duly reverence the "words of Christ and his apostles. In all other respects the new Testament stands on its own basis, and is proved to be the word of God by distinct evidence : it affords unspeakably more support to the old Tes- tament than it receives from it ; and the resurrection of Christ alone is sufficient to authenticate the whole sacred volume.
The restoration of a dead body to life is no rriore difficult to omnipotence, than the production of life at first. The divine operation is in both respects alike
9-i SEiiroN IV.
incomprchcnsiljlc : but as wc coiuiiiiially observe life* to be communicated in a certain way, we call thai tlir law of nature : though we understand not our own meaning, and cannot explain how causes produce their effects. But dead Ixxlics do not return to life, in the ordinary course of human aftuirs : we there- fore suppose some law of nature to the contmr}*, the violation of wliich in any [xirticular instance, we sliould call a miracle ; tliat is a divine interposition and ope- ration to produce an effect, above or contrary to the general cncrj^y of second causes. Some |xrrsons in- deed pretend tlut this is impossible : but *' Why •* sliould it be tliought iiK rrtlible with you, that God ** sliould raise Uie dead ?'* 'V\)c power exerted is no greater, than tlut by which thous:uids of infants re- ceive new life every day : and will man prt-sume to ftay, that God cannot, or sliail not, exert his pow- er in any way w hich ilicy luvr never Ixrfore observed? — If a sufficient reason can be assigned for his extra- ordinary interposition, and the (act l)e indisputably proved ; it liecomes as credible as other well attested events; many of which do not coincide with our ex- pectations or ideas of probability.
Universal histor)', observation, and experience prove that ** the world hcih in wickedness.** Idola- try*, superstition, impiety, and every kind of vice and n\iser)\ have in all ages, covered and desolated the ear til. But it hath pleased God, of his infinite mercy. to reveal himself to sinful men ; to make known a way in which tlicy might be reconciled to him and re covered to holiness; and thus to introduce a religion suited to rectify the disorders of the world, and unite
SERMON IV. 95
the honour of his name with the eternal happiness of unnumbered millions. Miracles, and the resurrection of the Redeemer especially, formed a suitable demon- stration that this religion came from God, and served to arrest the attention of mankind : for alas ! sinners for the most part are too much occupied about the affairs of this life, to notice those things which relate to God and their eternal state. — These are reasons assigned for a divine interposition on this occasion ; and more important cannot possibly be conceived.
The Jews, the most inveterate enemies of Chris- tianity, preserve, with profound veneration and scru- pulous care, the books of the old Testament, whicli have been handed down in the same manner from generation to generation, during a long succession of ages. These books evidently contain a system of prophecy, centring in the person and redemption of the Messiah ; and, among other particulars, his suf- ferings and death are circumstantially foretold, with clear intimations of his resurrection and subsequent glorious kingdom.^
We know also, that the gospels were made pub- lick in the earliest ages of Christianity ; for they arc continually quoted and referred to by those writers, whose works have been preserved : and from them we learn, that our Lord predicted his own death and resurrection on the third day, in so explicit a manner, that the Jewish rulers were aware of it, and took their measures accordingly. Yet when the body of Christ was delivered to Joseph, they were so fully
* Ps. ii. xvi. 8—11. Isai. liii. 10—12.
96 SERMON' IV.
baiibficd, by whallhcy siv. unci heard, of his being rcall}- tlcatl, that iIkv made no objection on that ground: but they requested Pilate that the sepulchre inif;ht be securely closed, and guarded by Honun koldicrs, till the third day was jxist ; lest the disci- ples should steal his body, ainl say iliat he was risen aj;ain. After all iheir precautions, however, the Ixxly was gone, and tl^y were never able to vhew bv w honi it was removed, or what Ixxamc of it.
Here kl us pause, lliat we may consider llie crcdi bility of testimony. — One consistent w itiKrss, of sound understanding and fair character, \\\\n lias no ap{>arent interest in deceiving, iti often dccmeil suffieienl to de- termine the sentence of life or death, llic most impor- tant of all tem|x>rjl concerns : but if three or four bueh witiKsacs should agree in deposing, that tiK-y saw such a murder or robbcn* committed by ilic pri- soner at the bar; no sober man could doubt of the fact, or scruple to pronounce him guilty. Now there were twelve appointed witnesses to tl>e resur- rection of Christ, of pbin good understanding, and unexceptionable cliaracter : for Peter's denial of his Lord, through the force of sudden lcmpt;iiion, forms no impeachment of his integrity ; seeing lie so ho- ncsdy confessed his guilt, and so fully proved the sincerity of his repentance by his subsecjuent conduct: und when Judas by transgression fell, anotlKr \\js I liosen in his pbcc These witnesses lud constanll) attended Jesus during some years, and mubtha\c been competent to know him from all otlwr men. 'I'hey were remarkably incrcdulotis respecting his rr-
surrection ; and his crucifixion seems almost to have extinguished their hopes : how then can it be sup . posed, that they would have attempted to overpower or deceive the vigilant and valiant Roman soldiers^ and to steal the body of Jesus ? In so desperate an vmdertaking they must have been sure to excite the combined rage of both the Jewish and Roman rulerst and success itself could only expose them to hatred, persecution, and all kinds of hardships and sufferings. It is manifest, that from the time they began to bear witness to the resurrection of Christ ; they renoun- ced all prospects of worldly interest, ease, or great- ness ; and willingly embraced poverty, labour, cour. tempt, bonds, stripes, and perils as their portion. So that no possible account can be given of their con-, duct, unless it be ascribed to a principle of conscience: while the strict and exact morality of their writings demonstrates, that they could not l^e actuated by false principles : for they do not allow men, in any case, to do evil that good may come ; and they condemn all kinds of imposition with the most decided severi- ty. Is it then possible for human beings deliberately to choose temporal and eternal misery, and to perse- vere in decided adherence to a plan, which on their own principles, ensures tlieir damnation in another world, as well as a complication of miseries in this present life?
The witnesses of our Lord's resurrection survived ihat event for a long time ; some of them nearly forty years, and John still more. They were after a while separated into different parts of the world ; and seem- ed to have no common interest, except in the suq»
Vol. II. N
99 SEBMON IV.
CCS8 of Christianity : they passed through a series of the severest trials, and almost all of them died martyrs in tlic cause : but no change of circumstance or situa- tion, no promises or threatcnings of men, no repeat- ed tortures or impending dangers, induced one of them in the smallest degree, to u-aver in his lesiimo- nv. Thcv declared unanimously, that on the third morning after the crucifixion, a vision of angt Is told some of their company, at llie sepulchre, that their Lord was risen ; that afterwards tliey all saw him re- peatedly : that they examined his hands, feet, and side, and uxre sure it was the same body which had been nailcti to tlie cross ; that \yc ate and drank with them several limes ; that at length, after giving them particular instructions relative to their future conduct, he ascended from among them, till a cloud intercepted their sight of him ; and Uiat two angels appearing to them declared he was gone to heaven. Such an unwavering, persevering testimony of twelve persons, whose holy lives, diligent labours, disinter- estedness, and patient sufferings evince their sinceri ty, forms so complete a proof; that in any other casc» he who should not be satisfied willi it would be deem- ed sceptical almost to insanity.
This is, however, but a very small part of the evi- dence afforded us in this most important cotKcnu — Saul the persecutor was a man endued with superior talents cultivated by education, and possessed of pe- culiar advantages for rising in the world ; of which he was evidenily availing liimself, while gratifying liis implacable enmity to die gospel. Yet was he, all at once, converted into a most zealous preacher of that fdith which he had aiu:mptcd to destroy: and, re-
SERMON IV. ^ 09
nouncing all his former principles and worldly pros- pects, yea, exasperating above measure his powerful patrons and employers ; he spent all the remnant of his days in the most self-denying labours, hardships, and sufferings, endured with the greatest alacrity, for the sake of Christ and the gospel : and at length he sealed his testimony with his blood. How can this fact be accounted for, unless we allow the truth of his narrative concerning the manner of his conversion? And if that be allowed, the resurrection of Christ is demonstrated.
In the chapter whence our text is taken, this man declares, that Christ appeared after his resurrection- to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remained to that time. This was an ap- peal to nearly three hundred living witnesses of that event : but no one ever attempted to disprove the truth of his assertion ; though false teachers would have concurred with open enemies, in such an attempt, had it been practicable.
The testimony of the apostles, to the resurrection of Jesus, implied a charge of the most complicated wick- edness against the rulers of the Jewish nation : these liad the power in their hands, and were every way concerned to vindicate their characters, and punish those who thus accused them. This might readily have been done, had they produced the Roman sol- diers in court, to testify that the body of Jesus had been stolen, or to state in what way it was removed from the sepulchre.
But in fact they had bribed the soldiers to circu- late a self- contradictory report on this subject, which
100 &RRMON IV.
would not !x>ar invcstigulion : and wIro St. Maf- thew soon afterwards charged this publickly iii>on ilirm, and declared diat the slory was generally cur- rent among the Jews to tliat time ; no one attempted to deny or disprove t!»c charge ! In ever)* cjsc of this nature silence must Ire construed into a confession of gtiili : and if the rulers could have accotinied for the removal of the Ixxly, without either admitting the truth of Matthew's charge, or our Ix)rd's resurrec- tion, no doubt can reasonably be made, but they uonid have done it in the most put)lick maniRT.
JCver}* reflecting jxrrson must perceive, that die evidence is com|>letely satisfactory, provided it can he made clear, th:ii these books were published at the lime to which they refer. To obviate therefore ever)* doubt on that head, without engaging in an argtmiciU far too complicated for this occasion, I would en- quire, at what subse*quent time it could have Ikch possible to obtain credit to writings of this descrip. tion ? If a manuscript, said to have been long con- cealed in some librarv*, be produced or published, a*j the work of an eminent author, who flourished two or three centuries ago ; it immetliately b subjected to a severe scrutiny, and imposture in sucli cases seldom escajx's detection. But writings which contain a cir- cumstantial nannUvc of ** things not done in a comer,'' but in the open view of mankind, during %cvenil years ; and connected with an epistolaiy correspon- dence resulting from them ; could never have obtain- ed llic least credit in the world, if published after the limes referred to, with an express appeal to mankind, that they all along had been familiarly acquainted
SERMON IV. 101
with them. Such an insolent attempt, to persuade whole nations out of their senses and understandings must have excited universal astonishment and indig- nation : or had it been possible to conviiTce a few in- dividuals that they had received these books from their ancestors, and been taught from infancy to re- vere them as the writings of the apostles, when in fact neither they nor any other persons had ever be- fore seen or heard of them ; the effrontery of the de- ceivers and the credulity of the deceived must have constituted an unprecedented event, and i^arked the age in which it occurred. As therefore no time can be mentioned, when any attempt of this kind is so much as hinted at, by either Christian, Jewish, or Pagan historians ; we might be confident, that the writings in question were extant, and well known in the church, from the very period in which they are said to have been published ; even had we no other evidence. But no impartial man of learning can be imposed upon by pretences of this kind ; having ac- cess to abundant proof of another nature that the books of the New Testament were extant in the early ages of Christianity : and this argument is principally ad- duced for the benefit of those, who have neither lei- sure nor advantages for these investigations.
We should also remember, that on the day of Pen- tecost, immediately following the resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the assem- bled apostles, with such extraordinary circumstances, as drew together vast multitudes who then resided at Jerusalem. In the presence of all these witnesses they spake, fluently and correctly, in the languages of the
102 SERMON- rv.
several countries, from which tJicir hearers were col- kxlcd ; iliough it was certainly known that they liad not had the opportunity of learning ihcm : and this stupendous miracle, together wiiii Peter's sermon on the occasion, was made effectual to the conversion of three thousand persons. The gifts of tongues, and of working miracles in llic name of Jesus, were ever af- ter contifiutd to them, and were frequently exercised in the niot>t publick and undeniable manner, before numerous witnesses, enemies as well as friends. The H\u\c powers were likewise communicated to m \ Others, by the laying on of tlie apostles* hai ' . i l.c time, place, occasion, and circumstances ot these ex- triordinary transactions arc frequently specified in tliclr writiii • . Thus tlie inhabitants of many cities and countries were apjxraled to ; and the enemies of Christianity were challenged to disprove tlK-ir preten- tions. Uul none ever attempted to do it: for the Jews themselves do not deny tlut many extraordinar)' works were performed by Jesus and his disciples : and ilie w^y, in which they try to account for them, demonstrates that from the first their ancestors had no. thing plausible to object. In this manner the witness- cs aiKl proofs of our Lord*s resurrection were multi- plied, in almost every |)art of the vast I^onun em- pire : yea, *' God also bare tliem witness, both with ** signs, and wonders, and with divers miracles, and " pifis of the Holv Ghost." And cananv reasonable man sup|>osc, tliat a general belief could ever have prevailed^ through whole nations, of such publick and VXtraordinar)- events. vi'Mut any person nvrnr^ting
SERMON IV. 103
to deny them ; if they had not actually happened, and been so notorious as to be incontrovertible ?
The chosen witnesses of our Lord's resurrection were likewise the principal writers of the New Testa- ment, and the whole was doubtless written under their inspection. Now in these books prophecies are inserted, which have been accomplishing ever since to the present day. A sceptick indeed might doubt, whether the predictions concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, were not written after the event : but who can account for other parts of the same prophecy, without allowing that the writer was divinely inspired? ** The people shall be led away ** captive into all nations, and Jerusalem shall be " trodden down of the gentiles, until the times of the *' gentiles be fulfilled.*" Has not this been actually the case with the Jews and with Jerusalem, during\al- most eighteen hundred years ? Could human sagagity have foreseen such an unparalleled series of events ? Or would God have thus confirmed the testimony of impostors ? And does not this prophecy, thus won- derfully accomplished, demonstrate the resurrection of Christ, and the truth of Christianity ? The coming of the man of sin, w^ith lying miracles, doctrines oi demons, worshipping of angels, prohibitions of mar- riage, and commands to abstain from meat ; the im- positions, usurpations and persecutions of the Roman antichrist ; with various other particulars, were most exactly and circumstantially predicted by the several witnesses of our Lord's resurrection : and the unde
* Lukgj xxi. 24.
104 tBMJiON If.
niablc accomplishments ofihcscproplK*t:ir-> atr somi- ny divine attcbtatioiis to their testimony, ior the s«i- ti:>r.iCtion of all succeeding generations.
I'Ik* Jt uish ritual, or the p«ig^in theology, was in- tim.itely connected with tlK foundations ol tlur several governments tlKn existing in the world : and all t)>c learning, ingenuity, and authority on earth were en- gaged ii» tlK-ir sup))ort. Yet a few utiarmed, obscure, unlettered men, by preaching a crucified and risen Saviour, in the midst of |)ersccution and sufferings, estatilislied Chrihtiantty on an immoveable basis ; and thiir successors, fallowing their example, so wonder- fully prevailed, that at length Judaism and Paganism, fell before them ; the religion of Jesus was professed by powerful nations ; and, howe\'er corrupted or de- spised, it subsists to this day ! W'liatevcr men may iaMiuiate concerning the ministers of religion : it is an undeniable fact, tlut plain pn idling, fervent prayers, holy lives, and patient sufferings were iIk* only ura- pons tint the primitive prxrachers of ilic gos|K*l opjx)- .sc(l to all tlie authority and Icannng of tlie world, which were resolutely employed against llicm : and yet tlK-y decidedly triumphed in a contest apparently so unecpul ! A wise man will always allow, tlut eve- ry cfi'cct is produced by some adequate cause : but wliat udeipiate c^use of this astonishing effect can be assigned ; unless \\x* allow that Christi;uiity was of God, aivl man could not oNcrihrow it, or prevent its success and triumph ? I will only add, tlut every instance which at this day occurs, of notoriously wic- ked persons, converted by tin: prraciung of Ur* gos- pel from tiicir evil u-ays, and aAerwards walking in
SERMON IV. 1Q3
newness of life, constitutes a proof that Christ is ri- sen ; that he has all power in heaven and earth, and is efficaciously present with his faithful servants, '' al- *' ways even to the end of the world."
We may now I trust confidently say, that no other past event w^as ever proved by such an accumulated body of evidence. Who doubts whether Alexander conquered Darius ? or Julius Caesar, Pompey? Yet who can produce the tenth part of the proof in respect of these events, which hath even at this time been stated of our Lord's resurrection ? But men can be- lieve that Alexander conquered Darius, without ei- ther parting widi their sins, or feeling uneasiness of conscience : while the truth of the gospel is very alar- ming to all, who walk according to the course of the world, and neglect the salvation of Christ.
It would be difficult to find out any satisfactory me- thod, of further attesting the Redeemer's resurrec- tion, which could have possibly been devised. For had he openly appeared to the whole Jewish people ; and had they with one accord embraced Christianity ; the gentiles would naturally have considered it as a concerted plan to aggrandize the nation : and had the Jews, through excessive pride and prejudice, still per- sisted in unbelief and opposition ; the gospel would have laboured under additional disadvantages in other countries : and future ages could at last have had no other human testimony, than that of the individuals whose writings should have been transmitted to them. — In short, should the Lord grant the presumptuous de- mand of those, \A ho refuse to believe without the testi- mony of their own senses; and should the Saviour
Vol, II. O
appear to every individual through successive j. rations ; how could men (/e sure^ thai this was tlic identical person crucified on mount Calvar)* ? or how demotistrotc that the transient vision was not an illu- sion? Universal uncertaintv and doubt must there fore be the consequence, of rejecting sucl) unanswer- able and multiplied evidences, as the Lord hath mer- cifully vouchsafed us, of tliat great event which we this day commemorate.
IL A\'e proceed to sliew wkit inferences may be deduced from ilie subject before us.
It would be the grossest inconsistency, and tlic most absurd trifling, to contend earnestly ilut Christ is risen, and then overlook or deny t])c peculiar doc trincs, which his resurrection was intended to authen- ticate. W'c infer ilKrcforc from our subject tlut Jc bus is indeed x\\c Son of GotU ** One with tin: Father,' *' God manifest in tlie flesli.*' On account of variou(» expressions, which he used in sjKraking of himself, he \vas cliarged with blusplKrmy, and with niaking him hc\( equal wii/i God. For this crime lie was con- demned by Caiaphas and tlic Jew ish council ; w Ik» said before Uic Roman governor, ** \Vc have a law , '* and by our law Ik* ought to die, because lie madc •* himself tlic Son of God.*" The centurion wheat- tended his crucifixion could not but know for wliat crime he suflcrcxl : w Iku therefore he w iuiessed ilic miracles which accom|>anied his death, he cried, ** Trulv this was the Son of God." ** Certainlv this
• John xiB. 7.
^JiRMON IV, 107
** was a righteous person." When incredulous Tho- mas was at length convinced that Christ was risen from the dead ; all that he had before heard, seen, believed, or hoped, seems at once to have rushed in- to his mind; and he exclaimed in adoration, " My *' Lord, and my God !" Thus was Jesus " declared ** to be the Son of God with power, — by the resur- *' rection from the dead." He w^as demonstrated to be the promised Messiah, the Seed of the woman, the Seed of Abraham, the Son of David, Emmanuel, *' the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince ** of peace," " Jehovah our Righteousness;" and whatever the prophets from the beginning had spoken concerning the expected glorious Redeemer. — All that he had spoken of himself was likewise thus fully proved to be true : it now was manifest, that he was warranted to say, ** I and my Father arc One :" " He ' that hath seen me hath seen the Father :" ** Before
* Abraham was I AM :" '' I am the Way, and the ' Truth, and the Life : no man cometh to the Fa-
* ther, but by me :" *' No man knoweth the Father ' but the Son, and he to whom the Son shall reveal ' him :" "I am the Light of the world :" *' I am ' the Resurrection and the Life." '' If any man ' thirst let him come unto me, and drink :" " The
* Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all
* judgment to the Son ; that all men should honour
* the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that
* honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father ' that sent him." In short the resurrection of Christ
not only demonstrates the truth of Christianity, but the infallible certainty of all its doctrines, and autheiv
l'^^ SERMOV !V.
ticatca the uliolc scriplmc as dn'inrh/ ins/jtraL lli^ Icsiiniony proves it in rcsjxxt of the Old Tcsiamtnt . and tlic New was wrillcn In* his chosen witnesses, and attested l)y all the miracles which they wrouj;hl in his name. So that llic Lord now s|x'nks to us in ever)- part of scripture, as for as it respects our dis|Knsatinii, and suits our case, with as much authority as Ik did to Israel from mount Sinai ; but with words of mercy and grace, instead of terror and dismay.
For if Christ be risen from tlu; dead, then is his atonement accepted. ** He dial for our sins, and rose ** again for our justification.*' He was, as it were, arrested for our debt, and cnst into the prison of the grave ; but ns full payment haii Ijeen made, he was speedily lilxrraled. * Having overcome die sharpness
* of death, he hatho|Kncd the kingdom of heaven to
• all believers.' 'ITie foundation of our hojK^ is now surely laid : t\w way of access to a throne of grace is now made manifest ; for the risen Saviour is also as- cended into the heavens to appear in tiK presence of God for us; and ** he is able to save to x\\c uttermost •* all them tlut come to God l)y him ; seeing he evt r ** livelh to make intercession for them. '
The resurrection of Christ assures us, liui • ;:;: ** power in heaven and earth are given to him ;" and that •* he is made Head over all things to his church." ** He both died, and rose again, and revived, that he '* might be the Lord tx)th of the living and the dead." *• Angels, princijialiiics, aixl powers arc made sub, •* jcct to him ; *' he lias the keys of death and hell.'' ** He is King of kings, and Lord of lords :'* all nature ubcyshim: all the ireasuies of visdom and know-
SERMON IV. 109
kdgc are laid up in him ; he has unsearchable riches, and invincible power : tlie luhiess of the Spirit resides in him : *' All the fulness of the Godl^ead dwells in ** him bodily." '' He is become the author of eternal *^ salvation to all them that obey him :" and *' he *' must reign till all his enemies are made his foot- ** stool." — It is therefore no light matter that we are considering. ''Yet," saith Jehovah, ''I have set *' my King upon my holy hill of Zion. — Kiss the *' Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish." Every in- dividual must either bow to the sceptre of his grace, or be broken in pieces by the iron rod of his omnipo- tent indignation.^
We are also taught that true Christians are con- formed to Christ, in his death, resurrection, and as- cension. By motives and grace derived from their crucified and risen Redeemer, they die to their for- mer hopes, pleasures, and pursuits : their sensibili- ty to temporal things is deadened : carnal self-love, the main-spring of their activity in past times, is bro- ken : " Thev are crucified with Christ ; nevcrthe- *' less they live; yet not they, but Christ liveth in *' them." They '* know him and the power of his ''resurrection:" new principles, feelings, and actu- ating motives are communicated. " They account " themselves dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto " God;" '-' They live no longer to themselves, but <' to him that died for them, and rose again :" " they *' are risen with Christ, and seek those things which '^' are above." " Their conversation is in heaven;"
• 2 Thes. i. 8—10.
and in proportion to ll^c dcp-cc of their faitli and grace, they ascend and reign with Christ, in the nature ol their joys and llie temjx-r of their hearts. Tiius ilie\ arc prepared, whenever tliey leave this world, to share that ** fuln<-ss of joy, and those pleasures, which are *• at (iod's right hand for evermore.**
As our risen Redeemer ever livelh and reigneth in heaven, to manage all the cona^nis of his people, and make all ready for their reception ; wc may adopt witli exulting joy the apostle*s words : ** If when wc ** were enemies wc were reconciled to God by the ** death of his Son; much more being reconciled. •* we shall be saved by his life.«" •* Who shall U ** any thing to the charge of God's elect? itis(i(Hl that ** justifieth, who is Ik* tliat condemneth? it is Christ *' that died, yea, ratlier, is risi-n again ; who is even ** at the right hand of God ; who also makcth inter. ** cession for us. — Who sliaU separate us from the *• love of Christ ?t" Surely our rriend, wIk> died, and rose again for us, w ill take care tlut none shall pluck us out of his luinds, and w ill come at death to •* receive us to himself, that wliere l»e is, there y\v ** mav he also.'
Finally, as Christ is risen from iIk* dead, be ** is ** become the First-fruits of them tlut slept. *' — *' 'Flic *' lK>ur Cometh, when all that are in the graves shall ** hear his voice, and sliall come forth; they tliat ha\c ** done good to the resunxction of life : and they that ** liave done evil to the resurrection of damnation.*' At tl\at awful period, he will ascend his tribunal, ft.
sBrMon IV. Ill
hally to separate his people from his enemies : and " these shall go away into everlasting punishment, *' but the righteous into life eternal." The bodies of the wicked will be rendered incorruptible, and ca- pable of enduring the vengeance reserved for them, *' where their worm dieth not, and their fire is not ** quenched.*" And those of the righteous will be raised spiritual and immortal, and fitted to participate the holy joys of heaven* *' The Saviour, the Lord Je- ** sus, shall change our vile body, that it may be *' fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to *' the working whereby he is able even to subdue all *' things unto himself f" In this prospect, the be- liever, when strong in faith, may adopt the apostle's words, and say, " O Death, where is thy sting? O *' Grave, where is thy victory ? The sting of death " is sin, and the strength of sin is the law : but thanks *' be unto God, who giveth us the victory through " our Lord Jesus Christ."
in. We conclude with a few hints by way of ap- plication.
It may be useful, especially to young persons, to contemplate the prevailing scepticism and infidelity of the age, in connexion with the subject we have been considering. God hath vouchsafed us a revelation of himself, and of his will concerning us, authenticated in the most unanswerable manner, most beneficial in its nature and tendency, and exactly suited to our circumstances : yet this revelation is opposed, revi-
* Mark, ix. 48—50. f Phil. iii. 20, 2\.
led, or ridiculed, by numbers who prctcjid to virtue; aud aflirm tiiat uiilx-licf, at rnostf can only be a iuirni- less error, nciilurr vcr}* criminal nor cbngcrous. — Hui ihc scrij)lurc ^ixaks a very diftcrcnl !.» W
read of*' anevii iR-arl of untxrlicf, in dcjwrung from ** ihe living God.'* Our Lord says, '* How can yc *' believe who sock honour oik of another ?'' — ** Li^ht ** is come into the world, and men love darkness ra- ** tiler than light, because their deeds are evil." Un- belief therefore is the ofr>pring of ambition, love of sin, ami dislike to God and holiness. It rejects \\\c remedy, u hidi ever m aixl mercv luvc
provide<l for o«ir mlMrrics ; ti makes God a liar ; it d > his f^;i(:e, ainl defies his pouer and justice;
and is therefDre iiiiieiurabiy connected with tlernul (lamnation.— ** Ixrl no man deceive you with vain words.** Men op|>ose the scripture becaubc it op[)oscs tlwir Civouritc pursuits ; and denounces an awful sen- tence .n!;.vlnst all uho do not 1 . rrj>ent, believe t: cl, and Ixeomc tlie fuiiliiul subjects at tlic ho- ly Jeaus. They do not in reality need more cvida)ce; btit a more unprejudiced, tc«»cluible, and spiritual mind. " If they believe not Moi>e«» and die prophets,'* rjr iJk: apostl' : evat *' neither would ** tliey be per«>uai.i^d though o..v ruse from live dead.** IWseech the Lord llKreforc to \e from you * all
* liardncss of lK\irt, and eonleiupi oi hi^ word and
* eonunaiKimeut * * * '
** tlut vcu may ui.Uci;>ui.a Uie :>^r:i-:i:ij5; .iiia - u ** give you repentance to iIk: acknowledging of tlic •* truth ; i!j^t } ru may recover }ourbche*s out of dn*
SERMON IV. 113
*' snare of the devil, who takes sinners captive at his ** will."
But beware also of a dead faith ; which may keep men in the way of instruction, but is wholly unavail- ing to salvation. The faith demanded by our Lord is a living active principle : it receives him for all those purposes, which he came into the world to effect ; it applies to him, depends on him, and follows his direc- tions : and *' working by love," *' purifying the heart," and " overcoming the world," it produces unreserved obedience to Christ, and careful imitation of his most perfect example.
The subject before us is peculiarly suited to the burdened conscience and desponding heart of those, who are " poor and of a contrite spirit, and tremble *' at God's word." Did the Son of God so love and pity proud obstinate rebels and enemies, as to give himself a sacrifice on the cross for their sins ? And will he, now on his glorious throne, refuse to stretch forth his powerful arm, to rescue the humble penitent who earnestly supplicates his mercy ? No, my breth- ren, he delights to save. Come to him, wait on him, wait in the appointed means, and you shall soon know the power of his resurrection, the depth of his condescension, and the riches of his grace.
But if we have tasted that the Lord is gracious ; and can rejoice in having such a Representative and Advocate, to manage our concerns in heaven : let us remember, that we are honoured to be his repre- sentatives on earth ; to shew the excellency of his re ligion by our example ; to be useful to his redeemed people, and to promote his cause in the world. Let
Vou u: P
i
US tlicn ask ourselves whclhcr Paul, nlicn constrain- i cd by ihc love of Clirist, would have declined aiiy service, as too mean, laborious, self-denying, cxpcn- j sive, or perilous, which the command and honour of j liis Lord called liim to jKrform? And \\htihc*rhe i would not have more fully improved even our talent:* ' and advantages, tlun we have hill)erto done? Let us 1 review our conduct, and consider wliat ability or op- portunity wc Iu\e of honouring Christ among men ; ! let us r«. fleet on our obligaiiuns and pros|KCts; and sec to it, that our lights \rr huming and our loins girded, that ulK:n Ik: eomeUi wc may be foutul watch* ; ing, and employed in a projjcr maitner. — AihI ** may i '* tlic God of |K'ace, who brought again from \\\c dead | •* the great Shepherd of the shecj) ; through the blood j '* of the everlusting covcnaju ; make us (Krfect in i " cvcTy good work to do bis will; working in us I a .^ .. ..11, : .. '1 . 1 .. :. ., jj^ j,j^ ^igj^ ihrougli Je-
:.>i>» v-iu (>,. i,\j \^ iiviu L^ glory for ever jnd ever. I '* Anieiu"
SERMON V.
^-
isAiAH, xxxii. 15. Until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high,
J[N the beginning of this chapter, the evangelical pro- phet Ibretels the auspicious advent and benign govern- ment of the Messiah ; perhaps with some reference to Hezekiah's equitable and prosperous reign over Ju- dah. He then denounces sentence on the careless, ob- stinate, and unbelieving Jews, in language aptly de- vscriptivc of their condition, ever since the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans: and then he declares, that these desolations would endure, " until the Spi- *' rit should be poured upon them from on high ;" the happy effects of which gracious dispensation he predicts in the most energetick language. This seems to be the prophetical meaning of the chapter ; the concluding verses of which have not hitherto received
* Preached on Whitsunday, 1794.
IIG SERMON V.
ilicir accompli si uTlcnt. — But the present occasion fix- c 5 our attention to the words of the text : and I slull endeavour from ihem,
I. To explain what is meant !)y *' the pouring ** out of the Spirit from on hij^h/'
II. To consider more i>arlicubrly the nnturc and effects of this promised blesksing.
III. To make some remarks on the emphali- ml word ** UnliL"
I\'. To point out sonu lu'.uuLiiun^ inuiu im- inediately arising from tlic subject
!. I would explain the words here uv*d.
Tlic apostle calls Christianit)* •* the ministration of *'thc Spiiit : •'* and it is certain, however it may be overlooked, tlut the promise of the Spirit |x*rvai!rs th New Testament, in the same manner as that of a M siali does t!>e Old. Tl»e l;ii used coneeniing this
jccl, evidently intplies tlic rertonaliiy and Deity (»i ihc H(ily Spirit, He is represented as hrnrin^^ xprai- ing, u'ltimg^ commandhig, /orbMing^ and a^ rrcriv- ing^ and executing ^ a commission: and tliis not in al- legories and parables, l)ul m liistories, dicbetick dis- cussions, laws, and grants, wlK*re precision is indis- pensably neccssar}-, and a literal inteq^rttation jxreu- liarly suitable : yet beyond all doubt these 2Tc personal aciioi\s. At the same time divine perfections and ojx . rations are ascrit^ to him. He is said to dwell in th( iK-arts of all believers, as in his temple, to •' search *' the deep diings of God,'* to raise die dead, and to
•2Cor.iU.8,
SERMON V. 117
e fleet a new creation. — He is called, *' the Spirit of ** holiness," *' the Spirit of truth," ** the Spirit of life," *' the Spirit of power," *' the Spirit of wisdom and '* knowledge," " the eternal Spirit," and '* tlie Com- " forter." If then the Holy Spirit be a Person pos- sessing divine perfections, and performing divine operations ; and if the same be true of the Father, and of the Son also : tlie ancient doctrine of the Trinity is evidently scriptural, though we can neither explain nor comprehend so deep a mystery.
If we further examine the subject, we sha'l find, that the scriptures uniformly ascribe all miraculous powers, prophecy, and inspiration to the immediate agency of the Holy Spirit : so that the wonderful works of Christ himself, and the exercise of his me- diatorial offices on earth, are spoken of as perforned by his anointing : *' The Holy Ghost was not g.ven *' by measure unto him:*" and St. Paul particu- larly describes the diversity of gifts communicrfed ** by the same Spirit, dividing to every man severally ** as he willed. I" The predictions of the prophets concerning the pouring out of the Spirit, in the days of the Messiah, J as well as our Lord's promises tc his disciples, may have a special reference to these extraordinary gifts and powers ; and to that display of the ascended Redeemer's glory and majesty, which \yi\s made on the day of Pentecost : but it shouki al- so be noted, that effects were produced, at that im- portant season, by the same divine Agent, which were
* 1 John iii. 34. Actsi. 2, x. 38, f 1 Cor. xii. | Isai. xliw. 3.
Joel ii. 28.
113 SEiv..
tir more valii;«ljlc lo ihrisc by w !iom llic)- were ex- jxricncctJ.
If wc accurately hludy l!>c hi of iljc sacred
cmclc^, we iJuU !x: convinced tlut tiic Hoiy Spirit is ihrru s|X)kcn of, as ihc immediate Autlior of all ih.il is Imly and excellent in man: and diut a spir de.ith, arid a total incn|)acity of d> '^ in God and
Kcaveidy ihihi;N, uni\cTs.ilIy pavail in the human heart ; till *' ihe Liw of iIk- Spirit of life in Christ Jc ** siis Dukctft us free from tin* L\v of sin and death/' '* F.xrqH a man be bom ag:iin — born of water and •* of tfie Spirit, I — lie < enter into,
** tlK- V ' 11 oi livxl' ilc is ** liic i>j)irit of wis. '* dom a;K] rcvcbtion in tiie knowledge of God, to ** ailiglita) I lie eyes of our unt^ ' :, tliat we
•• imy kiK>w iIk: hofjc of our c» H " < .1.
^ viiccH llie world of sin, of ri and c 1
*• jid{;metit :'* ** lie glorificb Clui^ji, lui ix receives ^' <if his, oiul s)>ews it unto u!(.** It is his ofHce to ^^(eadi us lU things, and lead us into all tailh.** Chri>tiaiis are ** elect according to tlie forcknow- •* kdgc of God, tluDUgh sanetificatton of the Spirit ** to olxrtlience :*' they abound in hope ** through tlx: *' power of iIk; Holy Gho>»t.** " They pmy in and *• Ay ilic Hi4y Ghoit, who helps their infirmities:'* *' tiKy ate Ictl by tiic Spirit,'* and all ilKir holy tern- jCTs and actions are ** ibc fruits of die Spirit." So llut, •* if any man have not the Spirit of Christ lie is •* nolle of his:'* for all his redeemed people arc •• *a:i!.il !n lUr StM-^f uV.j is i)u« i »r! r st cf t*":rir in.
SERMON V. 119
'•^ heritance :" as *' the Spirit of adoption, he \^it- " nesses with their spirits that they are the children " of God:" and thus he becomes their all-sufficient Comforter; '' for the kingdom of God is — in righ- *' teousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.''
In these respects we are warranted to expect the pouring out of the Spirit on our souls and congrega- tions : and we are coniident that all true Christians are '* the temple of the Holy Ghost, an habitation of '' God through the Spirit;'' and we are amazed that any man, who calls himself a disciple of Christ, should be so ignorant, as to deny this fundamental truth of the gospel, or so profane as to turn it into ridicule! *' If ye," says our Lord, *' being evil, " know how to give good gifts unto your children: ** how much more shall you^ heavenly Father give' '' the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?^" This ar^ cords to the promise of the Lord by his prophet, *' I *' will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to *' walk in my statutes, and ye *ohall keep my judg- " ments and do them.f'^
Far be it from us to affect equality with prophets and apostles : nor do we expect any new revelations : for the scriptures soberly interpreted are the standard of truth. But we profess, to depend on the Holy Spirit to enable us properly to understand them. V\q have no other rule of duty, but the commandments of God : but we need the promised teaching and us- sistance of the Holy Spirit, to enable us to understand this rule, to convince us of our manifold deviations from it, to humble and soften our hearts in true re~
• Luke xi. 13. f Ezek. xxxvi. 25, 26.
120 SLRM(
ptriUiiiLC, to c'ncouraj;c our Ikjjk; ul imrrcy anil htip US lo .Jf>ply for it, and to strengthen u** for renewed obedience. We do not pretend to know ilut our sins are |>urdoncd ; except as we are conscious that wc hate and abhor tlicni, and humbly trust in ChriNt to deliver us from them. We infer our interest in tlic love of God as our heavenlv Father, from our Kivc to him as his adopted children; and from an kibitual desire of living to his j;lory, olx*ying his ctimmand* mcnts, and doing gcxxl to our brethren for his sake.
Surely no man, who professes to reverence tlx* scripttircs will call this cnihusiasm! Wc disclaim ;ill jwelt . to predict future events, or to discover
things unknown to otlicrs by any immediate revela- tion from Cjod ; yea, wc protest against them, as de- rogatorr to tlie holy scriptures and a disgrace to the gosjKrl ; and even tlic incautious language of some m'cll- meaning persons, meets with decided disappro- lution Irom odiers, who hold most of tik: same doc- trines ; because it is ca|)able of being perverted, or misunderstood.
These remarks luving been premised, I obscn'c, tliat as all spiritual religion is produced by tlR^ influ- ences of the Holy Spirit, and ever)' dei^e of success attending the go:>|K*l of Christ must be ascribed to a few dro|)s, as it were, of this fertilizing rain ; so, tlierc arc seasons, in which tin: Spirit Is poured from on high in copious showers, upon some favoured spots of the Lord's vineyard. This was most rcnurk.ibly the case on the day of Pentecost, ai>d for a consider- able time afterwards : and tliougli the effects were gradually diminibhetl ; yet neither tlie communication of mil jculous gifts, nor the abundmt converting and
SERMON V. 121
sanctifying influences accompanying the preaching of the gospel, ceased, till perhaps more than two cen- turies afterwards. Such an outpouring of the Spirit attended the labours of the reformers, in the time of Lutlier, and for many years after his death. Nor has our land been left wholly destitute of this special bene- fit during the present century : and some places seem yet to be favoured with it in a considerable degree. In short, they, who are conversant with the records f of the church, ancient or modern, will recollect va- rious seasons, when, in different places, the Spirit of God was poured upon his people from on high : and all these should be considered as earnests of more abundant blessings, when the fulness of the Gentiles shall be brought into the church ; and the Jews *' shall '' look to him whom they have pierced," uniting pen- itent tears with believing supplications.*
11. We proceed to consider more particularly the nature and effects of this promised blessing.
In order to elucidate the subject, we must advert to the present state of the church and of the world. If we look among the constituted ministers of ueli- gion ; we cannot but perceive, that vast numbers con- sider their profession, in great measure, as a secular employment, and pursue their worldly interests by it, like other orders in the community ; without any pro- portionable earnestness in seeking the salvation of of souls, and the advancement of genuine Christiani- ty'. Many indeed are very learned and ingenious : but
*Zech. xii.lO— 14.
Vol, II. Q
122 SEBUON V.
abs ! ihcv embrace and conlcnd for (! .. i.:. t.
certainly were deduced from a vcrv cl...^.v ..i ^,..1,,, ^ , than iIk: sacred scriptures. Oihcrs preach several of llic great trullisof ilir pospcl, but seem little concern- cd lo apply them to the hearts and consciences of man- kind ; or lo excite them by fervent exliortationb and a brit;hl exam|>le, to ** adorn the doctrine of God our •• Sa\iour in all things." A few indcvd appear to be honestly and simply engaged in tlie most useful work of dKir sacred function : yet pcrhnns the skilfulncss, bolduess, Mrlf-daiial, diligentt . 1, and faithful- ness, even of tliis remiuni, fall much Ixrneadi the degree which •* men of like p, ' have at more
favoiired scayinji Ixcn known to di ^
Tliesc things sl)ould not be considered as a censure of modern times : for the case has l>ccn nearly the same, in almost c\cry age and part of tlic church. No external appotntme- nt to the ministry, no engage- nunl or mode «>f worsljip, can, by its own efficacy, dethrone the si ss of the human heart ; or in-
duce il)c conially' minded to act from pure motives, and to dcli}^ht in Uic spiritual service of tlic Hcdcrm- cr. But uLcn *' llic Spirit sJuil be poured upon ua " from on hij;h;** wc may cxjktI, that such minis- tcTs, as Itive feebly sought the glory of God in tlie aaU-ation of souls, will feel their hearts enbrgid with ntore abuncbnt zeal ai;d love ; ami tliat a vast acoes- sionwill be made to their v. it^doni, and knowledge of Chiist aitd his iioly docuinc. They uill probably be to a great (! . ilvercd from the fear of men;
niised above the love of the %vorld ; emancipatetl from ottcd n^gard to systems and prties ; filkd Mith
SERMON V, 123
most tender compassion to perishing sinners, and fer- vent love to their brethren ; occupied with reahzinpj views of eternal things ; prepared for perilous and self-denying services ; and disposed cordially to unite w ith their lellovv-labourers in promoting the common cnuse ; without regard to competition, personal inter- est, or reputation.
Those who have preached the truths of the gospel, without application or animation, will then probably feel and insist upon their practical tendency, and ma- nifest it in their own conduct. Some, who have been adverse to the truth, will be won over to preach the faith which once they opposed: loiterers and hirelings Avill be converted into faithful, diligent, able, and dis- interested pastors : many labourers will be sent forth into the vineyard ; and every one who partakes of these fertilizing showers, will V take heed to the mi- ** nistry which he hath received of the Lord, that he ** fulfil it."
The change which took place, even in the apos- tles themselves, after the descent of the Holy Ghost, with the conduct of the primitive ministers of the gospel, and the exhortations addressed to them in the New Testament, abundandy warrant these expec- tations.
If we next survey the mass of people called Chris- tians, and observe their disposition and conduct : we shall readily understand what effects would be produ- ced by the pouring out of the Spirit upon us. Let us, for instance, consider the inhabitants of this city, and their behaviour in respect of the Lord's day, the pub- lic worship, and the preaching of the gospel, \\'c
124 SRRIIOV \ .
sliall in this rc\it\v :,cc caubc to iaiiRiii, ilut \abt inui titudcs rtlirc into iIk: country fur irrtligious rccrca- tion, or employ the holy sabbath in traxclling; tliat cTow^lb assemble in places of intcm|xTalc indulgence, or frivolous amusement ; and llwl many sjK-nd |xirt of the day in adjusting some worldly business, and iIk* residue in sJolh or festivity. A few, compared wiih the whole immense numlxT, attend at the seve ral places of publiek worship ; il>e majority of whom, it is to be feared, liaving jvaid their weekiy tribute, think no more abi>ut it ; being ** as aman wlK)dreani. ** eth tliat lie eateth ; but lie awakcth, and his soul is *• empty.** Otl>ers frcfjucnt llie pbccs wIktc the word of God is prcael)cd, with considerable regtibrity ; but continue hearers only, aiKi not doors. In short, few comjxiraiively seem to receive ihc ** gospel, not astlie •* word of man, but as — the word of Ciod, which ef- •* Prctualiy worketh in them Uui Ijclievc;** or ** to •• worship him in spirit and truth :'* and e\en these see cause to lament tlK'ir w^nt of zeal ami fervency ; and too often maniR-bt a languor and n defect in car- DCstiKss and activity, wlKre the glory of God, md the beiKfit of mankind arc coiKxnictl.
But if *' iIk Spirit were |x>urcd upon us from on **high:'* tlK- hearts of such persons wouklcxpnd with holy aflbctions, and be filled with di\inc conso- litioiis. They would Ixrcomc fer\cnt in every reli- gious duly, and cartiest in prayer for their ministers and brethren, and for a b'. on every attempt to
propagate the gospel ; they would bestow pains to impress iIk instructions of scripture on tl»e miiids of ihcir children, relatives, and servants; to recommend
SERMON V. 125
the truth by their example, and to enforce it in tlieu* conversation : They would say to those, with whom ^ey had any influence, *' Come yc, and let us go to *' tiie house of God, and he Avill teach us of his way, ** and we will walk in his padis.*" And, as Andrew brought Peter, and Philip Nathanael, to an acquain- tance with Christ ; they would endeavour by letters, books, and all other means in their power, to lead such as had been unacquainted with the gospel, to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, and into the
wav of life and salvation.
•I
At such a season formal worshippers would fmd their hearts engaged in a new manner, to attend on the ordinances of God : and many of them would become true believers. Those who had imbibed false doc- trines, would perceive that God was of a truth pre- sent in our congregations, and be induced to join themselves to us : a general attention and enquiry- would be raised ; and " the Lord would daily add un* *' to the church such as should be saved."
In this manner, it has frequently been known, that great multitudes, through large districts, have in a short time been brought to consider their ways : the veil that hides God and eternal things. from men's minds, has been apparently rent ; and more done in bringing men to receive the gospel and to walk in newness of life, during a few months, than the very same ministers had been able to accomplish in the course of many preceding years. These e iTects are al- so proved to be genuine by their permanency, and by
*Isai.ii.3.
r n \f n V
ihc holy lives of niiml>crs ; after ihc first vclicmcnt nfrrrtioiis, ;ind ihc rcmirkahlc circu instances, of siicli revivals, have ceased. Thus the ilioiisanils that \n ic convcrtcc), wlicn the Spirit was |X)urcd out on the d.iv f pcntccosi, •' continued ily in the ajxwilcV
*' clf)ciriue iowship ; ** they ** were of one iH-art,''
and aii ihings in common," and ** great grace "' waa u|)on thtm all.'* i^ut nhcn a religious commo- tion arises from enthusiasm, false principles, und self- ish afllctionb; it often leaves mtn more immoral and \i ' . tlun tiKy were before.
\ if we i ' ' r ll)e more pious part ft" our c^^ii^rv^tions; Ik>v, olun Imve wc rtrason to bmii.t, there is no more union and afTcrilon among them I HikI that they arc kept at v» ' icc from each
Other, by their stitions in hie ; liurir duicant empl)} - ments, talents, and disposi^' or even by lri\i.il
resent meiifs, suspicions, ana jj. * * But the Uessing, of which wes|)cak, wogid ucii\cr Christians from such contracted and selfish passior\s : and tliey would be reativ, without hesitation, corduUv to for- ^ve all who lud offended l)K-m, to make concessions and amends to i}m>sc whom tlicy lud injured, and to icek reconciliation with ever\' one, who had been in any respect alienated from iliem. %\n increase of di- vine illun\ination and brotherly lo%'e would terminate 4»r moderate our differences of opinion ; mni would K'ssrigard tlnr tri\ial disparity of outward rank, e\- Ci pi as it reminded them of llieir si-veral duties : the\ would readil) unite in socbl worship and profila!)lc conversation : and in proportion as tliesc sacred influ* cnees rested oi\ lluir souls, ihcv would alx)i:nd in
SERMON V. 127
self-denying benericence, and in active endeavours to supply the wants of the indigent, to sooth tiie an- guish of the afllicted, and to alleviate the miseries of mankind. An attentive meditation on the apostolical exhortations, and the conduct of the primitive Chris- tians, may suffice to convince us, that these must be the effects of the pouring out of the Spirit upon any congregation, city, or country : for indeed ** the fruits *' of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gen- ** tleness, goodness, iaith, meekness, and tempe- " ranee."
Should we advert to the state of religion more at large ; we should fnid, that the remnant which pro- fesses the leading truths of Christianity, and appears, to be influenced by them, is lamentably divided into parties, about subordinate points of doctrine, or mat- ters of discipline and government. So that, if we could collect together the whole company of real believers ; we should find them very discordant in their senti- ments, and disposed to magnify the importance oJ' their several particularities : and it would be extreme- ly difficult, if not wholly impossible, to unite them ia religious services, or in the same plan for promoting the common cause. On the contrary, it would hardly be practicable, to exclude subjects of doubtful dispu- tation ; or to prevent such contests and mutual cen- sures, as onlv serve to furnish the enemies of the uros- pel with plausible objections. Alas, this is an evident proof, that, as the apostle expresses it, *' we are } et '' carnal,*" however orthodox our creed may be, or
♦ 1 Cor. iii. 3, 4.
128 SEi. Mu> \.
liow zealously soever uc conicnd for ill ** Herein ,"
• • •
says our Lonl, ** shall all men know iliat ye arc my ** disciples, if ye have lo\-c one for another."
But when *^ the Spiiit slull be |>oured upon us ** from <m liigh," all, ** who love the Lord Jesus in ** sincerity,'' will *' love* one another with a pun* * heart fer>cntly.' The pride aiul selfish passions, which occasion disputes, will \x: mortified ; the mmd^ of Christians w ill be more fully illuminated ; the har- inony of scripture will be lx*itcr understood ; the comparative value of every jxirt of religion will be more clearly ascertaiiud ; and mm will be rcinlercd more humbly sensible of their fallibility, and more dis|>oscd to candour and patience. Thus, w hlle a most desirable prc^ess will be made, in reflating every thing according to the stindard of truth: Christians w ill be delivered in great measure from the pr()|Kiisi. ty to judge or des{>isc tlK*ir brethren ; and will learn to '* receive one another^ e\Tn as Christ recci%eth ** UK*m, to the glor}* of God." The |>ouring out of the Spirit w ill effect, wliat acts of uniformity, concili- ator)* schemes, or philosophieal candour can ne\er ac- complish : for it will bring Christians, througii whole countries, '* with one ntind and one mouth to glorify •* God :*' to form one Cliurdi, professiiig the same luncbmental doctrines ; harmoniously joining in the v.mie wonJiip, and the celebration of the same ordi- nances; and zealously concurring to promote llie con- \trsion of Mahometans, Jews, and l*agans, to sirip- tiiral Christianity.
These happy cfTecls are predicted by the propltets. under various significant representations: «,f\\»u h
SERMOxV V. I2S
it may suflice at present to produce a single speci- men. *' The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the *' leopard shall lie down with the kid ; and the calf, and *' the young lion, and the i'atling together; and a lit- " tie child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear " shall feed ; their young ones shall lie down togeth- " er ; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox : and the '* sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and '' the weaned child shall put his hand on the cocka- '' trice-den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my ** holy mountain : for the earth shall be full of the ^* knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the " sea.^"
These are some of the effects which will propor- tionably follow, whenever the Spirit is poured out upon the church. Many others might be mentioned, did bre\ ity permit ; and some of them will come be- fore us, in the subsequent part of the subject
III, Then we proceed to make some remarks 011 the emphatical word, " Until."
A variety of plans are continually proposed and adopted, to meliorate the condition of mankind, and to guard at the same time against tyranny in the ru- lers, and turbulency in the multitude. No doubt something may be done in this way to render the state of the world more tolerable, than it would otherwise be, for while civil government in general is God^s or- d'mance^ the peculiar arrangement of it is left in great measure to human prudence ; and it may therefore
* Isai. xi. 6—9. xli. 18—20. xliy. 3—5. V'oLi II. li
ioO SERMON V.
be also called the ordinance of man. ^ But, too aaiv- guinc expectations arc formed, when changes lake place, or when sup|x>sed improvements are made ; and speedy disiippointmenl ib \l\c consequence- The world after all, reniains full of oppression or sedition : llu* rulers and jKople generally continue unchanged in character, wlutevcr external clianges lake place : and selfishness protluccs its cfTccls, after all the eflbrts which are made to counleracl il ; even as |K>ison re- tains its destructive efficacy, in whatever form it is ad- ministered. This will in great measure continue to be the aisc, " until iIk: Spuil lx*(x>urcd upon us from on ** ^^i^^if * (o renew mcn*s iKaristo iIk divine image in holy love: and iIkr, they will delight in ecjuity, good- ness, mercy, and peace, after the example of our ho- ly God ; which will render human society as luppy, as it b now too often miserable.
Again, ilic earth liath in ever)' age been a field of blood ; and the vast projx^rtion of our race, whicli hus perished by the sword, almost exceeds credibility or calcublion : nor can the compassioiute mind reflei t on the subject without horror and anuzement. Th', causes of this deplorable fact luve been sought for, in the diflcreni forms of government ; and in tlR- ambi- lion of men distinguislurd by i ertain tides, or invL*sted with authority in some {Kxuliar manner. Vet iIk: dis- position to delight in u ar seems to luve been common to governors of all descriptions : and d)c sacred wri ters, characterizing the ungodly, say, " Their feel arc swift to tlicd blood." Uni\Xrsal history is the tx^t
SERMON V. 131
comment on this text : all the genius of mankind, however diversified, has combined to celebrate suc- cessful warriors. The original murderer has appeared in this respect especially to be the god of this world : Mars, Bellona, and even Minerva, (the poet's em- blem of prudence in war,) are the names under which polite nations have worshipped him : and unnumber- ed milHons of human victims have been immolated at his shrine, by his renowned priests, who have emula- ted his ambition and malignity, and shared the adora- tion which he received. Thus it will be in a great measure, '^ until the Spirit be poured upon us from *' on high." Ambition, resentment, rapacity, and in- terfering interests will continue to excite mankind to war : and both the mighty and the mean will, in ge- neral, deem this one of the most honourable and de- sirable of employments ; till those happy times arrive, W'hich are predicted in the scriptures, when *' the na- *' tions shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and *' their spears into pruning-hooks ; and they shall ** learn war no more." But every degree of that sa- cred influence will, in the mean while, produce pro- portionably the same happy consequences.
It is likewise grievous to reflect on the severities, ■which are necessary to maintain peace and order in the community. — On the numbers deprived of life, immured in dungeons, and banished to remote and desolate regions, that others may live in security: while the silent ravages of licentiousness appear even still more dreadful, to those who have the opportuni- ty, or are under the painful necessity, of investigating them. The v»'isdomand assiduitv of men are well em--
112 SCRU
ployed, in attempting to alwtc tiiesc dire miscbicf^ ; hut no cfTcciiial reniedy will be applied, •* until llic •* Spirit Ix: poured u|>on us from on hi};h/' TIkii the divine law will Ix: written in men's hearts ; and justice, benevolence, and universal temperance, im- planted in the soul, will infallibly rectify therjc disor- i\m, which are incurable by all otlKr meaiii.
Wc cannot reflect on the comlition, in which the n.i turns remain to this d:»y ; without lamentinj^, that v. large a proportion of the earth is still covered with pa gan d.irknc*ss, Mahometan delusion, or Jewish incrc dulity. TIk: ignorance, superstition, and wickctlncss of nominal Christians; the prevalence of antiscriptu- ral tenets even in tlie prolcsLnnt churches; and tlK* r.ipid |>rogTess of impiety, infidelity, and atheism, present a \cry gloomy |^ni%pcct to the mind of a true believer. And wIku we consider the immense ditli- c.nhies of remedying tlicsc evils, and tlie inadequate •s of the most budable efforts ; wc are ready to Ml duwn in despair. Wc shoukl, however, renicm b< r that every degree of success far more than coun trrlwlaiKcs ilict x pence or blxxir of our exertions: ami llut we must not expect to make xcry rapid progress^ ** until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high.** — But then mountains will flow down at the |>resence of the l»rd ; nations will Ijc Ixxn in a day : a new cre- ation nill prepare men*s Ijearts to welcome the gos- pel : all other difficuUicb will vanish or lie surmoinu- cd ; and ** the earth be filled with the knowUilge of ** the UoBn, as the waters cover the sea.'*
The various aUises, divisions scand lU. and L\\^ doctrines, which pre\ail among such as shew mort
SERMON V. 133
regard to scriptural Christianit}- , will not be counter- acted ; nor will that revival of the pov^r of godliness in our congregations, which every friend of evangeli- cal truth must ardently desire, be eftectually introdu- ced, ** till the Spirit be poured upon us from on high." So that this is the grand desideratum : the only ade- quate remedy for all the evils we witness or hear of, in the church and in the world. Till our prayers, in this respect be answered, we shall see on every side most lamentable disorders, which we cannot rectify ; and few in comparison will be found, who have abili- ty or zeal for making such arduous attempts : but this expected event will raise up and qualify instruments for every kind of service ; dispose the minds of mul- titudes cordially to unite in vigorous exertions ; and render their endeavours rapidly and extensively suc- cessful.
IV. Then I proceed to point out some instruc- tions, more immediately arising from the subject.
How ignorant must they be, as to the very first principles of Christianity, who treat our professed de- pendence on the Holy Spirit, and experience of his sacred influences, with supercilious contempt ! A Jew of old, would not have been more profanely absurd, in ridiculing the expectation of a Messiah as fanati- cism. Even if uninspired men could, by their superior talents, improve upon the oracles of God, (as some of them seem arrogantly disposed to think they can) this "would no more supersede the necessity of divine in- fluences, than modern improvements in agriculture render the fertilizing sho^vers and the genial warmth
of the sun unncccssar)'. Even ihc preaching of Him, ** uho spake as iK-ver man sjxikc," u-as rendered ef- fecuial by the inward tcaehirig; of the Holy Spirit ; without which, Paul would have planted, and A|M)1. los watered in \ain. No wonder then, llial such teach- rrs as deny, deride, explain away, or even keep out of si^it, tlie promised inftuenccs of the Holy Spirit, liarani^nie ll>e jKrople in weekly lectures, from year to ynr, without witnessing or cvcnexjxrcting, any great e{i»<i. While nun depend on their own rationality, ingenuity, or clocpieiux, and di^ionour the divine Spirit; we may Ix* sure tlut tlie l..ofxl will frown up- on the presumptuous attempt, and bUst all tlKrir vain enckavours. ItKked ik) man is u'arranted to expect .success, even in preaching tlve pure gospel of Christ; except as )>e simply relies on the Holy Spirit to assist and prosper his labours, usestlic projxrr means of olv laining his |x>werful coK>pcratioo, and explicitly gives him all the glory.
' ' man have not tlie hpirii of Lnnst, Ik: is
nuiu: ui ais.'* Unless, tlnrefore, wc possets some cviilencc in our own hearts, that ne arc the temples of the Holy Spirit, wc cannot, uithout manifest pre- sumption, txjx-cl tlut tin: Judge of the world uill, at tin: last d.iy, own us as his true disciples : but this uinnot be known to us, except b) tl>e effects produ- cetl on our vkws, dis{x»sitions, affections, and con- duct Humiliation for sin, faith, love of Christ and \\h |)eo|)k, compassion for siimers, a spiritual mind, and an liabitual aim to glorify God and do good to men, arc tlic genuine effects produced by the Spirit ' f ;,wT t?M ,.j||ng i;. . f',.^ ij dicn be raf/c>';(i/to ''^' '
SERMON V. 133
look those scriptures which speak on these subjects ? or to expect the eternal fehcity promised to Chris- tians, while destitute of those things which are decla- red essential to Christianity ?
Again, would we prosper in our own souls, or succeed in endeavouring to do good in our families, connexions, and situations ; we must adhere to the doctrines and precepts of scripture ; pray with fer- vent importunity for the influences of the Spirit; and be very careful not to grieve him, or to quench that sacred fire which he kindles in the believing heart. If we have hitherto been remarkably unsuccessful ; we should seriously enquire, on what account the Lord contends with us ? And especially we should examine, whether we have not depended on our own supposed abilities, or sought our own honour ; in- stead of relying simply on the Holy Spirit, with a readiness of mind to ascribe to him all the glory o( every successful attempt ?
They who ^vould enjoy the benefit of an able and faithful nunistry, should be instant in prayer for their pastors. If this were more attended to, we should doubtless be enabled to * set forth the true and livelv ' word of God, both by our preaching and living,' with far greater eflfect ; and should be in all respects much more useful. — But our fervent supplications should not be confined to those, with whom we arc more immediately connected ; for we ought to pray continually for the ** pouring out of the Spirit from on " high," upon every part of the visible church, and upon all orders and descriptions of men throughout tlie world. This sliould constitule ^ proinhicut part of
136 SERMON V.
our djily pmycrs, in our closets and funiilics ; and rnlcr |xiriiciilarly into ihc various circuni!^ianccs, in which mankind arc placed. \Vc ought to intreat iIk* Lord, to render all hU minUteni faithful, lK>ly, and successful ; to bciul forth bbourcrb into his hardest ; to unite all Christians in the bonds of brotl>erly love ; to prosjxrr all mcaiui used for the conversion of JeW5, Mahometans, I*JL,Mr)s, or infidels ; and to *' fill tin- ** earth willi truth ami righteousness.**
\Vc shall not probably li\e to witrurss this giitrious sccfK*: }x^t the I^rd nuy bkas some means wluili we use, in making way for that gmrtd triumph of his ciusc. Thus David zealously prepared niaicrials foi ct)C temple, though assured it would not be built in his day. If we have little else in our power, cither to serve our generation, or to sow seed for the good of posterity; wc may |K*rfonn an important ser\i4e by our persevering pra)cr^: and ^^Unevcr tlie I..nrd slull *' pour out his Spiiit from on high," to make his gospel victorious over all opposition; his people will ceii.fcinly go forth to meet him with thcu* united fervent supplK«tions.
SERMON VI.
ACTS, xi. 18*
Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repcnt^
ance unto life*
I
HAVE taken this text, my brethren, in conse- quence of a letter which I received from an unknown correspondent, written in a very serious manner, and desiring a pubHck answer to several interesting ques- tions on the subject of repentance ; a subject un- doubtedly of great importance, in which we are all most deeply concerned.
The apostles and Christians in Judea, having heard that Peter had associated with Cornelius and other uncircumcised persons, expressed much surprise at his conduct : but when he had related all the circum- stances that attended it, '* They held their peace, and *' glorified God, saying. Then hath God also to the ** Gentiles granted repentance unto life :" yet it is re*
Vol. II. S
138 SEIMOS
markablc, (t)at there is nothing expressly about re- jK*nlnncc, in the account which Peter lud given.
On anollicr occasion, when Paul and Silas returned from Asia to Antioch, ** They piitlnrrcd tlK church *' together, and rel^arscd all that God liad done willi *' them, and bow lu: hod opcticd ilie door of fmth lo " the Gentiles." Mark now tl)csc t^o expressions, used by die a[K)stles on similar occasions. *' God *' hath granted the Gentiles repentance unto life.*' " God hath ojKnetl tlw: door of faidi unto the Cicn- *' tiles.*' Much instruction may be derived from comparing iliem together. — \\ lien ** (»od grants rr- •* pentancc unto life," he ** opens the door of faith.** WIku ** he o|>cns tin: door of faith,'* he *' grunts re- '* pcntance unto life.** — ** Repent ye, and believe tlic ** gospel." Certainly one way of salvation, aikI not two dift'erent ways, was spoken of in both places.
I design at present to slicw,
I. 'I'i«i repentance b a pnnci|>^i juri of tlur Lord's plan of mere)' and grace to sinners in tlie gosprl. ArxJ,
II. To enquire into die nature and effects of rcjxrntance unlo life.
I. Rc|>entancc is a principal jwrt of the Loid^s plan of mercy and grace to siniKrs in die goq)cL
I express myself tlius, because many suppose Uiat repentance does not properly belong lo tlie gospel ; and ilut wlicn we insist on " re|)cntance, and works ** meet for repentance,'* we do not preach e\*angcli- cally : for th.ey seem to tlunk diat sah^tion by grace is salvation for sinners continuing impenitent j and
SERMON VI. 139
they charge us with returning to the la^v, and bring- ing them into bondage, when we maintain the con- trary. But indeed, if we distinguish, as no doubt we ought, between the law and the gospel ; repentance has nothing to do with the law, except as a man repents that he has broken it. The law says, " Do this, and '* live ;" the soul that sinneth, it shall die :" " Cursed *' is every one who continueth not in all things writ- *^ ten in the book of the law to do them." It does not so much as command repentance, by any immediate injunction. It condemns the transgressor, and leaves him under condemnation.
Would it not be thought a strange thing in an act of Parliament, if after death had been decreed as the punishment of the crime specified, a clause should be added, commanding the criminal to repent, and pro- mising pardon to the penitent? The king indeed may extend mercy to the transgressor, if he judge it expe- dient. But this is grace, and not laxv, which does not require repentance; indeed pardons always tend to weaken the authority of the law.
When God delivered the ten commandments from mount Sinai, the people " could not endure the things ** which were spoken;" but no mention was made of repentance. It was from mount Zion and mount Cal- vary, that the command to repent was given to man- kind. *' Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ :" and die mercy, revealed through his redemption and mediation, has made way for *' repentance and remis^ ** sion of sins to be preached in his name unto all na- ^' tions, beginning at Jerusalem." Every motive or encouragement to repQiitance is taken from the gospel i
140 CERMON VI.
by ihc grace ot \Uudi alone is any sinner enabled truly to repent In ever}- view, and in all res|KCls, rc|Kni- ancc belongs entirely lo the gob|x 1, and forms an es- sential jjart of ilb glorious and gracious plan.
For wluit is that plan, my hrcUircn? Is it not the design of God lo bring sinners into a slate of rceon- cilialjon and friendship with himsilf. by a method eal- culated to display the glor) ol Ills own name, aixi ll>c dreadful nature and tfttcls of sin : and thus lo leach llKm to love him, and glorify him, and find tlK-ir fe- licity in liis favour ? AikI, if iUih be tlie pbn of ihc j;osjk1, can its ends be answered, unless i^^r siniu r is brought to rc|xnitance ?
IaxA through iIk: whole New TesLimenl. Consi- der how the gosjxl was first introduced, and after- wards pro|KigaiLtL John, llic forcruniKT of Christ, came preaching, " Hcj)cnl ye, for ihe kingdom of •* heaven is al lund.'* •* Bring forth ilicrefore fruits '* meet for repentance, and think not to say within •* yourselves, wc ha>x Abrolum to our Kailn:. For •* now is the ixe laid lo the root of tlie trees ; every ** tree tlicrtfore llul bringedi not forUi good fruit, is *' iKwn down, and cast into tlie fire.**
Our Lord himself lias told us expressly wlul he came for . "1 came not lo call iIk righteous, but &in. ** ners lo repenlance :" and his decision surely ought to be final. He lus declared dul " there is joy in iIk: ** presence of the angels of God over one sinner that ** rcptnteih." He mulliplicd fiarablcs to illustrate the nature of repentance, to encourage the penitent, and to warn and rtbukc the impenileiit. And Ik sent his qposdcs to ** preach repentance and remission of sins
SERMON VI. 141
*^ in his name to all nations." Accordinc^h^ they preached repentance wherever they went: — Hear St. Peter, " Repent and be converted, tliat your sins may " be blotted out."— Hear St. Paul, at Athens, " The " times of this ignorance God winked at ; but now *' commandeth he all men every where to repent : *' And before Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the *' heavenly vision ; but shewed first unto them at ** Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout the '* coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, tliat they ** should repent, and turn to God, and do works meet *' for repentance:" And before the Ephesian elders, *' Testii) ing both to Jews and Greeks, repentance *^ towards God, and faith tov/ards our Lord Jesus ** Christ."
Did the apostle speak of a sin that is never pardon- ed? he added, *' It is impossible to renew to repen- ** tance," those who have committed it. He exhorts Timothy *' In meekness to instruct those that oppose *' themselves, if perad venture God would give them *^ repentance to the acknowledging of the truth ; and *' that they may recover themselves out of the snare *' of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his *' will."
Without repentance, therefore, it is as plain and clear, as the testimony of Christ and his apostles can make it, that there is no salvation. " Except ye *' repent, ye shall all likewise perish." — Without re- pentance, faith is dead, hope is mere presumption., and religious affections are delusive, transient, and ia» efficacious.
143 Slliwnv VI.
Rill let It Ix- also remarked, ihat \v!>crcvcr true re* pcnuincc is found, there is life eternal — •• Then luih ** God also to the Gentiles granted repenlancc unto •* life.*' He has so arranged the pbn of the gospel, that npeiitancc is inseparably connected with forgive- ness, righteousness, and complete salvation. ** Godly •* sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, not to •* be repented of.** — ** When the wicked man tum- ** eth away from his w iekedness, and doctli that which ** U lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive." — ** Ke(x:nt atul turn from all your tranagressioos ; and '* so iniquity sluU not be your ruin.** — ** I./'t ll>c '* \^icked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man ** his tlioughts, and let him return unto tlie I^ord, ** and he will have mercy on him, aiul to our God, •* aiKl he will abundanUy pardon." 'llicse passage . and nuny others, are so expressed, am) marked \\\u\ hueii precision, Uiat if tlKre Ije any meaning in words, true rc|x-ittancc is in5e|)arable from eternal salvation.
Some, houxver, object that this dcx^ not consist with the dixiriiK' of salvation by grace, and justiGca- tion by f.iiih aloiK-, But I would ask, WljcilHrr l}v: a(M>sUes did not use this language, as well as preach ikil doctrine? And as none can disprove, and few will deny, th.it tlwy did lx>ih, I eiKpiirc wlxther ll.-v were inconsistent with themselves, and with cui.» other?
'iliat salvation is by grace, and justification brfailli alone, IS certainly the doctrine both of the Scripture s and of our church : but if faith Ix: alone, it is dii:/, ll\.-- •— itr i.'TT ri tt r I I beg^r his hmH nlnn'^ n .
S£RMON Vl. 143
ceives the alms : but a dead hand could not receive them.
None, who understand Christianity, doubt, but that repentance, hope, fear, and love, exist in every true behever : yet faith alone justifies him before God; because the righteousness and atonement of Christ are the sole ground of our justification, and faith alone receives Christ, that we mav " be made the " righteousness of God in him." But this faith is the faith of the penitent, and not of the impenitent : it works by love, and it brings forth holy fruit.
While the poor criminal, who fled for refuge to the altar, laid hold of the horns with his hand alone ; his heart would beat, his blood circulate, and his other limbs and senses perform their proper functions. Thus the sinner, by faith alone lays hold of Christ; yet his soul is alive to God, and all the graces of the Spirit of life are at the same time exercised according; to their proper nature and function. *' Now abidetli " faith, hope, charity, these three : but the greatest *' of these is charity."
The text suggests yet one more remark; '' Gor> *' grants repentance unto life." This means more than that he has opened a w^ay for the penitent sinner to come to him and Hve ; or that he calls on sinners to repent. It implies that repentance is the gift of God. *' If peradventure God may give them repentance." ** Christ is exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, ta ** give repentance — and forgiveness of sins." — '' Tiir ** Spirit convinces men of sin, of righteousness, and *' of judgment :'* and when the Lord *^ pours out
144 6ERM0M Vf.
** the Spirit of grace and supplication, men hxjk on •' Inni whom they have pierced, and mourn.
How often, in our excellent litur;^* do we unite in pmytr, that God would give us repentance and hi* Holy Spirit ? The language we luve been lately using, is ver\ emplmtical: * Create and make in us ikw and
* contrite heans, tliai ue worthily lamenting our sins,
* and acknowledging our wretcliedness, may obtain
* of thee, tin: God of all mcTcy, perfect remission and
* forgiveness, through Jests Ciiiist.'*
\\ hilc wc preach rejxrniantc, \vc would pray to God, that he may bestow on you tlie invaluable gift of rc|x*ntancc unto life : and you should pray in be- lialfof yourselves atnJ each otiKT, for the same bless- i;..,^. For Ijoth true repentance and living faith spring up in tliat iKart, and th:it alone, which is * quicken-
* cd from tlie death of sin unto the life of righteous- ' ncss.*
II. We consider the nature and effects of repentance unto life.
Muny distinctions on this suljject have Ix^n made by divines, which luve oHen tended to perplex, ratln-r th;in satisfy* anxious eixpiirers. IX>ubtless, some ex- ercises of the uiind, luve \\\c semblance of rejxnuance, which are not genuine. When, for instance, a man has mnde a bargain, and it turns out worse than ]\t expec- ted, he is borr>* that he made it ; but he is not hum- bled tmder a sense of criminality. And when a sinner finds that his sinful pursuits are likely to cost him Onnch dearer tlun he im.itrinrd ; having discovered
* CdUct for Aih \VrdM>4«*
SfiRMON vi. 145
that the divine law is very strict, and its sentence very dreadful : he may be greatly alarmed and distressed about the consequences, and secretly quarrel with the command and the sanction ; and yet have no genuine repentance ; nay, he may be in a state of heart dia- metrically opposite to it.
Repentance, according to the Scripture, may be stated to begin, or to be introduced, by considera^ tton — " Thus saith the Lord, consider your ways. '^ " — Because he considereth, and turneth away front ** all his transgressions ; he shall surely live and not <« die.*"
Look into the world around you, my brethren ; survey the lives of mankind in general. What total inconsideration must We observe, and how little do men think of the wrath of God, of the day of judg- ment, or the rule prescribed for their conduct ! How little do they reflect on their relations and obligations
to the great Creator and Judge of the world I How little do they attend even to their own thoughts,
words, and actions ! How very little to the motives from which they act ! The greatest number live in a perpetual hurry either of business or of pleasure, or of both in succession. Among the superior classes espe- cially, there is a regular system of banishing conside- ration. All dissipation, whether of a more pubHck, or retired nature, not only tends ^ but is mtejided, to deliver men from the uneasiness of solitude and seri- ous reflection ; and the desire of this deliverance is the source whence vast multitudes derive abundant
•Ezek. xviii, 28.
Vol, It. T
146 SSKMU.N VI. ^
gains ! l!i dcvibing amuscmait, wiih lolcrablc i. miity, tluy cauiHH fail of oblaining an ample com- ))Ci)snuoii. '
Thiib ilic prodigal son ib represented as devoid of * ( otihideralion, ** >vlK-n wasting Win substance in riot- I •* oufi living.*' Rut at length, *' He came to himself." | lie Ixgan to reileci on the j>ast, on the present, and j on his fill lire prospects. ** Awake thou that slecpesi, i ** and ari!>c from the dcnd, and Ci(ei»i sliall give ' •* iIktc light."
When the careless sinner thus ** comes to him ** self," Ik: considers t^liat he has Ixen doing; wlKrt | he t)uw is : uhitlKr he is going ; and wlut ir» likel) to bcEil him. lie tvow examines his thoughts, his words, and his actions ; Ik studies tin: rule which ; God haili prescribed; and com(Kireshispaataiul pre- ftcnt conduct with it, both in rcs|xx:t of what he lian i done, and \^ lut 1m: las iKglectcd to do ; estimating alnc) his udvanuges, and the uses which he lias made of them. Ami, as he docs this, with the great day of account and righteous retribution before liis c)*es ; he also begs of God to search and pro%'c him, tliat he may now judge himself, and ihA at last be linaUy cotulemned, to luve Im doom with the impcnilml and unbelieving.
f ' rattoft will soon make way for convutt "., UK re.ising conviction, both of criminality in coikIu* ' and depravity of iK-art ; and this, even in respect ol those (K'nions who have been more decent and anm« blc tlxin many others. *' I \ras," aajs the apo&tle, •' alive without die bw once." While Ik had estima- ted his own tliaracler, according to the notions ami
SERMON VI, 147
traditions of the Pharisees, who only regarded the outward conduct ; he thought his life good, his heart good, his state good. But during his three days soh- tary fasting and praying at Damascus, he had abun- dant opportunity for consideration : and *' the com- '* niandment," *' the holy, just, and good law,," cam^ with power and conviction to his conscience i and then, " sin revived and he died." He became deeply sensible, by viewing himself in this glass, that his life, his heart, his state were deplorably bad : and this prepared the way for his understanding and be- lieving the gospel.
The convinced sinner hears *^ the wrath of God ** revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and *' unrighteousness of men;" and, instead of his pre- vious favourable opinion of himself, he is ready to adopt the Psalmist's words, *' Who can understand *' his errors ? Cleanse thou me from my secret sins." *^ My sins are more in number than the hairs of my '* head; my heart faileth me." When one, who was before careless and inconsiderate, is thus led to make this awful review, with the law of God open before him, and the judgment-seat in full prospect, he then judges himself, not only concerning gross crimes and immoralities ; but he discovers in his whole conduct, base ingratitude to God and contemptuous forgetful- ness of him ; idolatrous love of worldly objects ; ta- lents entrusted and abused ; time and life wasted, and worse than Vv^asted ; mischief, irretrievable mis- chief, done in various ways by his example and influ- ence. Whether he looks back upon his life past, or towards the future reckoning; ; whether he looks into
! I n zrnitns \ 1,
his iicart, or unto his Goo, he is amazed to thiok of his sjns, and all the a^^avations oi them ; he conti- mially disco\crb evil where he Ixforc bus^xxted none, uay, even in llu: virtues an which hr prided himself; l»c daily weighs himself in the Ixilance, and is always found wanting : his l>ei>l actions are defective ; his moiives are corrupt, at least, in part ; and d>c more he studies the rule, the fuller is his conviction, llut if judged according to it he must be condemned. — lie now fcclb llu: propriety of the ajxjstJe's word** ** 1 '* through the bw am dead to the law ;" ** lor by iIjc *' law is tlic knowledge of sin.** And wlulcvcr was his former character among men, \\c adopi» from his licarl the put)lican*s i>niycT, ** God be merciful to ** me, a sinner '"
Tlursc con\icuons cannot be Mp^iraled from fear, sorrow, and remontc : but if genuine, and produced by iIk: influaKx of ihc Hoi.v Spirit, tlicy will always Ixr accompanied bj a measure of /lofic in the mercy of God.
\Vc may thereiorc suic the ne\l :»icp in true repent- ance to Ik suhmisstofu ** Submit yourselves lo God.** — We s})ould not tliink llut a disobedient child was really penitent, unless lie submitted. The stubborn lieart of man standi out ag^ainst God, and perseveres boUi in excusing sin, and in rejKating the offirncc The stout iKrar led will neitlK-r own his guilt, nor ac- knowledge the jubticc of iIk: sentence denounced against him : lur is averse to be eitlicr taught or ruled by the Lf)RD. Self-will, self- wisdom, and self righ- teous pride, unite in opposition to unreserved sub* .^iU«;inn • .' >rl the*'- pri::ciplcs of proud rebellion of-
SERMON VI. 149
ten maintain much influence. even under deep and dis-r tressing terrors and convictions.
But he, who is brought to real repentance, unre- servedly submits to God, and is willing both to be taught and ruled by him. *^ Other lords," says he, ** have had dominion over me; but by tlree only will *' I make mention of thy name." He especially be- comes willing to be saved in any way, which the word of God prescribes. " Lord," says he, '' what ^* wouldst thou have have me to do?" He submits to the righteousness of God ; he owns that he is a sin^ ner, deserving condemnation, and unable to save himself; and thus, a preparation is made, by 2l peni- tent state of hearty for his understanding the gospel, and most cordially embracing it. For, he now seeks mercy as mercy ; he comes in the way which God has opened, as far as he understands it ; and when it is explained to him more fully, it exactly answ^ers all the desires of his heart. This indeed forms the con- nexion between true repentance and living faith. Eve^ ry one who repents, pleads guilty, prays to be taught the way of salvation, welcomes the gospel, and thus learns to live by faith in the Son of God," to love the Saviour, and to devote himself to his service.
Humiliation before God, is indeed implied under the term submission. It may, however, be advantageous- ly considered as a distinct exercise of the penitent heart. How different were the views, in this respect, which St. Paul had of his own character, when he considered himself as '* the chief of sinners;" as '^ less *' than the least of all saints," and not *' meet to bo *' called an apostle," to those which he had entertain-
150 &IKMON VI.
rd whm he i%ns a sclf-buflicicnl mul sclf.uisc Phari- see! Holy Job, wIkii brought to a rig^t state of heart, ** abhorred hini»>elf, aiul rc|>cntcd in dust and asl»cs," Few, 1 appriiicnd, will exprcariy siy, that iliey arc [ir Ixrtler cluraclers than Jol) was : yet how few can sinrcrrly use lus language !—** Then," with Gon, *• ye shall loatlx: yourvrlvcs in your own sif^lit."
This humiliation makes way for inginuous confes* mn — ** He wIk) covers \m% sin sluUnot prosper; but lie that confetaes and for%3kcs it, bh;ill olxain mcrcv.*' — ** If wc aay, that wc have no sin, we deceive our- ** selves, and the truth is not in us ; but if wc conlcta ** our sins, Goo ia faithful and ju\t to forgive us our *• sins,"— •lima David, while he kqn silciKc, woa dcqily diitrMscd; but at laat, he said, ** I will con. *• fi-^ my kins unto the Lotn ; and so,** he adds, *' thou fort»a\T^ the inl<|uity of my sin." And thus the reluming prodigal, without attempting a pallia- tion of his crioKS, says, ** Father, I liavc sinned ** a};ainst iKaven, and Ix-forc thce» and an\ no mon* *• uorthv to be called ihvaon."
'i1ns union of submission and humiiiauoo forms, I appreliend, what the Scripture calb the hrokcn and contrite /leari, ** Tlie sacrifices of Gon are a broken '* s]iirit : a broken and contrite iK^art, O God, tlwu ** wilt not despise.*' — •* 'I'hus saiih tin: high and lofty ** 0\ r, who inhabitcth eternity, whose name is Holy; *' 1 dwell in the high ami holy ])lace; with him als<3, ** ll\at is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive tJic ** spirit of tl>e humble, and to revive t)>e heart of tlic *' contrite ones/* — ** Hlessed arc the poor in spirit; •* for ihcir's is d»c kingdom of heaven." I Vide, stub-
SERMON VI. 15i
bornness, self-will, and an independent self-confident spirit, are the opposites to this contrite heart : but U'hen submission and humiliation take place ; the sin- ner feels himself a child who needs teaching, a crimi- nal in want of pardon, a leper that desires and longs 10 be cleansed, a prisoner panting for liberty. These blessings, and all others, are set before him in the gospel: he asks and receives. "Lord Jesus! save " me, I perish." — Now hear the words of God: *'To ** this man will I look, to him that is poor, and is of a " contrite spirit, and who trembleth at my word,"
You will no doubt allow, that if we abhor our- selves because we have sinned, w^e must hate sin ; and if we abhor sin, as transgression of the law of God, we must love and approve of that law. If we hate sin, we love its opposite, even holiness : and if we love holiness, we must love the holy perfections of God, the holy character of Chris t, the holiness of his dis- ciples, his truths, his ordinances^ and whatever has his stamp upon it., With these views and these affec- tions, how can we do otherwise than admire the plan of redemption, as far as we understand it? seeing it is the grandest display of the divine holiness, and of the evil and desert of sin, which ever was made, or shall be made, connected with thd most endearing vie^v im- aginable of the love and mercy of God to sinners. With these things in our minds, we cannot fail to per- ceive the force of St. PauPs important question ^ ** How shall wCj who are dead to sin, live any longer ** therein?^' If repentance includes conviction of cri- ttlinality and depravity, submission to God, humilia- iioii, haired of sin and of ourselves for sin, and love to
152 tTnixos VI.
hoUness and to every thin^ holy ; can such a rcvolii' tion in our judgment and heart fail of producing a change of conduct? — Will a man live any longer in that which he abhors, and liabituaUy seek pleasure in what he lialcs ? Inij)ossihlc I- — As s<x>n might each animal leave its proper element, and seek satisfaction in that which would prove fatal to it.
'IVuc rc|x:ntance llKrn» consisting in newness of lieart, must and will Ix: she\\n in newness of life. — A true jx-nitent iiuleed, Ixring siill verj- imperfect, and surrouiuled with temptalioiiH, may be betrayed into sin : but he cannot sin habitually, or, if I may so gpcak, u|>on pbn aiKl system. — This forms a grand discrimination between tlic real christian and the hy- pocrite. 'I'he true dirislian in this sense, ** cannot ** commit sin, fur his seed rcmaincth in him ; and lie •' cannot sin, Ixxaute lie is boni of God.** But a hypo- critc pleads tlK examples of imperfection, or tl>e deep- ly.lamented sins, of real believers, especially those which stand recorded in Scripture, as an excuse for habitual, allowed, and unrepented transgression ; and as a reason for thinking himself, and expecting to be thought by others, a sourKl character.
But now let me ask you, can any one hate sin and ibl>or himself for sin ; can he love God and love his neighbour; and yet keep possession of that property, wliich, previously to reixrntance, he had ini<juitously acquired ? — Surely, if Ik lias the power aixi the op- poriuniiy of making restitution, and liates the worAs of sin, he will abhor its wages likewise. He will ne- ver consent to |xrrpetuate the injustice of which he re- ■J\v rrpcnts : but v. ill rcnainlv make full restitution,
si-RitfON VI. 153
where he can, whatever self-denial it may impose. la numberless instances indeed, it is difficult to know^ in what particulars, and to what persons, this restitu- tion is due ; but the poor, especially the poor of Christ's flock, we have always with us : and here, if difficulties arise, the conscientious penitent will not only bestow, what he is conscious is not his own^ and yet knows not to whom to restore it ; but even add far more to it, if in his power.
The apostle, however, addresses some, whom he supposes unable to make restitution : and his lan- guage is well worthy our attention. *' Let him that *' stole, steal no more : but rather let him labour, ** working with his hands the thing that is good, that ** he may have to give to him that needeth." Mark the reason : not only that he may honestly support himself and his family : but also, *' that he may have *' to give to him that needeth ;'* thus gradually ma- king amends to man for injuries done to man ; though he can make no compensation to his offended God. Here *' he hath nothing to pay," and begs a free for* giveness.
In a variety of ways the true penitent, during his daily self-examination, will discover instances, in which he has injured others perhaps in their charac- ter, or their principles, by his conversation, or his ex- ample : and he will here too endeavour to counteract, or make amends for, his misconduct^ by any means in his power, however humiliating and self»denying ; and especially by henceforth setting a good example, and trying to *' do good to all men, and especially to
** the household of faith." Vol. II. U
15 i LEHMON VI-
To these gcncHil outlines of iltc nature and eficcU of true ie}xrntance, it may be proper to add something more (^articular, as it relates to l\\c state and inward fcclinj^ ot the heart. It must be obvious to those who duly consider the subject* tliat tin; repentance above described will be atteiulcd uilh great tenderness of conscience, fear of temptation, jealousy of a man*s own lieart, and dread of being deceived. For it arises from a conviction* tlut ** the heart is deceitful above ** all thii>gs and desperately wicked. **
if then, tiK>u art a true |xmucnt, aiul tlMrre be any sin to wliich thou hast been formerly addicted more than to otlicni : here thou u ilt keep tlie strictest watch ; all temptations to this evil thou wilt most cau- tiously shun ; against it tlK)u wilt most fret |ucntly and earnestly pray; and tliough tl)ou maycst often kf:\ trouble and alarm from it ; yet it will iKrnccforth be more opposed, dreaded, and hated, tlun any other
SID.
This tendcTiK-ss (jf conscie.'KC, and Intrcd of sin, (the heart of jUs/i wliich God lutli given instead of the lieart of stonr ;) fjf^pm*^ a man to condemn him- self in many things, in which he once saw no lurm. He now loves the holy rule of the divine law ; lie loves holiness aixl lutes sirv, every kind of sin : and, as a person of delicate cleaiUincss is disgusted by tix: least s|xrck of din ; so tlK: true [xrnitent is more pained by au unguarded word, or an angry temper, than odicrs arc, or tlun lie himself used to be, by habitual ungod- liiKss, not to say acts of direct immorality.
** Herein,'* says the great clumpion for tlie doc- trines of grace, '* Herein do 1 exercise myself, to
SERMON VI. 155
*^ have a conscience void ofofFenoe towards God and " man.'- " He delighted in the law of God," in his inmost soul : yet he could not but see and feel that he had not attained full conformity to it ; he admired the standard of holiness, but he could not come up to it ; yet he exercised himself daily in aiming at nearer and nearer conformity. At the same time finding that he " could not do the thing that he would ;^* but that ano- ther '^ law within him warred against the law of his ** mind," he groaned and complained, under this con*- flict, more than under all his persecutions and suffer- ings. *' Oh wretched man that I am," says he, " who *' shall deliver me?"^^LoRD, I love thy law, I hate sin; it is my grief and burden; yet it dwells and works with- in me. O gracious Lord, wlien wilt tliou deliver me ?
This is tlie necessary effect of genuine repentance, in an imperfect state : dissatisfaction with ourselves, must be the consequence of hatred of sin, and humi- liation before God. The deeper the repentance, the more entire the hatred of sin ; the keener the eye of the mind in detecting it, and the conscience in con- demning it, the greater will be our self-displacency.
He that daily improves in spiritiial discernment, in the knowledge of God and of himself, in acquaintance with the holy law and its spiritual requirements, iii love of God and holiness, and in tenderness of con- science, is indeed more holy than before, but he is al- so more humble : for humility is a principal part of holiness. So far therefore from being better pleased with his own character and attainments, he will be more and more abased before God ; and it is very probable, if his judgment be not exactly formed by
156 UERIION VI.
the scripture, he may Ik often reiuly to conclude ihat l>c cannot Ik a true convert, seeing he b «iO far from tliat holiness, which he longs after and admires.
And now, let me ask you, my friends, whether this was not the nature of St. Paul's prot^ress, from liis state of proud pharisnism, to his higlie^tt attaiimicnts in evangelical holiness? Did not his humility keep pace in its increase, ixiUi every other improvement in liis cluiracter? .Vssurr yourselves there is no danger, lest repentance, either in its luture or its fniits, should take you ofTfrom living In* laith in the So3? of God : bince tlic more dtTply any one repents, and the great, cr proGciency he makes in humility, tendeniess of conscience, and lutrcd of sin ; tlK fuller is his convic- tion, that ** his o\m righteousne»esare as fihhy rags. ** Good uorLs indeed, as *• the fruits of tl>e Spirit,** do not desen c this degniding naioe : but, as tlic)' are wrouj;Iu by us, so much of tlxr c\il of our fallen na. lure mingles wlthtlurm, tlut com|)aring tliem with the perfect stamiard of tl>e Iwly law, we cannot but feel, that they are no more fit to justify us before God, than fililiy rags would be for our nttirc, when called on to appear in the presence of an earthly prince. It b only impenitent pride iliat induces men to attempt f their own rij^hteousness : aiul the more
cniuciv lius is crushed, the more fully will the siniKr enter into the apostle*s meaning. ** I count all thii . > ** but loss, that I may win Chiist, and be found ax *' him ; not having mine own righteousness, which is ** of i!>e law, but the righteousness which is of Goo ** by faith." And did any of us fei 1 as deep re|>entance, and t)ad we made as high attainmci.t^^ in IxJiiuss, as
SEllMON VI. 157
the apostle, we should then more resemble him hi the simplicity of our dependence on Christ; and with him more feelingly say, *' The life that I live in the ** flesh, I live by the fiith of the Son of God, who ^^ loved me, and gave himself for me."
It is well known, that a proud man is not easily made sensible of his obligations, even when great bor- nefits are conferred on him ; but the humble think much of every kindness, and are thus disposed to be grateful, and to commend and look up to their bene- factors. Is not then the humble penitent peculiarly prepared, for receiving with lively gratitude the bless- ings of salvation? Will he not, as he becomes more and more acquainted with the person, the love, the fiufferings, and the grace of his Redeemer, be dis- posed more and more to admire, adore, and praise his name ? Will not Immanuel be precious to his heart, and glorious in his eyes ? It cannot be other- wise ; and hence, love of Christ will keep its pro- portion with humility and hatred of sin. ** The love " of Christ constrains us; because w^e thus judge, *' that if one died for all, then 7vere ail dead : and *^ that he died for all, that they who live, should ** live no longer to themselves, but to him who died ** for them, and rose again." Thus the humble peni^ tent is the most astonished at the Saviour's love, when he sinks the deepest in self-abhorrence ; and the language of his heart is, '' What shall I render to the *' Lord, for all his benefits?" Such a view of these subjects served to form the character of apostles and martyrs ; this must forni missionaries, ministers, and fictive christians ; and not any idea of merit, any cTe-
-158 SERMON \ I.
^rrr of sclfcompbccncy, or any mere xnercenan- aim It IT ward.
And now consider, my hRilifrn, how tlicsc views and aftiitigns tow.vdi ilie HruEEMCR will influence a mnn to act towards liis fellow christians. He can do nothing to add to the j^ory or felicity of his Ix-lovcd Bf.n cr ACTOB ; but l>clirvers arc acknowlcd^d by Christ as his brethren and dear relations. When the thankful penitent, tlierefore, sees one whom he con- siders as of die housc-liold of faith ; lie not only consi- ders him as nearly related to liimself, but one who bears the imnpr of his blessed S.wioua, \\\\o scrms thus to address him : " lirhold my motlRT. my sis- '* ter, my brother :** ** Forasmuch as yc did it to tlicsc •• my brethren, ye did it unto me.** He cannot there- fore, as fiir as llicse vicu-s and principles pre\*ail, but feel a cordial love for real christians, and take pleasure in their society : he must be interested in their con- rcrns, am! dr!i!^ht in Ixrinj^ kind to ilurm. ** Hereby *\ we know, that we have fvassed from death unto life, '* l)ecau5c we love tlK brethren."
'I'hc same state of mind w ill excite compassion and liciKvoIcncc to otlK-rs. Kven the wicked must share in the piiy, prayers, and good offices of the true pen- itent, who will endeavour to bring them accpiainted with that Saviour, in w!K)mareall his hopes. Look- ing to his cross, seeing how he loved and bled for his enemies ; the christian's resentment ag:unst persecu- tors is softenet! into compassion : knowing and feel- ing liis own need of forgiveness, he becomes liabitu. aJly djsjx)sed to forgi\x ; antl thn^ Icims to follo\r
SERMON VI. ' 159
peace with all men, as well as to avoid giving need- less offence to any.
The humility and tenderness of conscience, indu- ced by true repentance, teach the christian, in propor- tion as they prevail, another very hard lesson ; name- ly, '* in honour to prefer others to himself; and so to '* do nothing from strife and vain glory." Andof hovv^ much importance this is, to the peace of the church, the community, and even the family, every one must be aware.
As, after death is the judgment, and to be accepted at that solemn season is the true penitent's grand con- cern, and as his views of sin, and of himself, lead him continually to look to Christ who was born in a sta- ble, and died on a cross ; he cannot but grow more indifferent than he was, or than others are, to the in- terests, distinctions, and enjoyments of this world ; and about the frown or scorn of worldly men. " God " forbid, that I should glory, save in the cross of our '* Lord Jesus ; by whom the world is crucified to *' me, and I unto the world.'* — This not only pre- pares a man for patience and perseverance under tri- als and persecution j but it disposes him to active, self-denying, and hberal beneficence, as far as he has opportunity and ability. In a word, there is not a sin- gle exercise of christian affections towards God or Christ, our brethren, our relatives, neighbours, or. enemies, in which a truly penitent state of heart has not peculiar influence. In doing, or in suffering, the w^ill of God ; in receiving favours and commen- dations, or in sustaining injuries and reproaches, it leads to the proper tnnper and conduct : it puts life
160 ftElMON VI.
and fcnour into our prayers, pr.iiscs, (liaok%gi% ing?^ and c%cry act of worship : it is cbpccLilly \\ic gruund requisite to form an acceptable communicant at the jLoid*s table : for it lias been sJKwn, tliat rc|>cntaucc and laith arc inseparable conconiitantii, and aid eaci) othcr'b exercUc ; tiut repentance, or rutltcr the Ho lit Spirit by rncans of rc[Kntance, icuds the boul to Christ: and the more he is knouii, tru^ited, and loved ; the dcc|K:r hatred is felt against sin, and the more hnmbly ue walk with Gon. In this manner 1 apprehend, tiic lively christian^ character is coniOant- ly nnprij\cd : and though, in lieaven, tlKre will be none ol liic shaunc, mmtow, aiul alarm here connnon- ly attending rr|M:ntjncc ; yet Ux: pmiieni's humility and lutixd of sin will lor ever unite with ;kdmiring love of tlic Saviour, while lie sing^, *' Worthy is ** the Lamd lliat wabalain, and hatli redeemed us to *'Gon with his blood.** •
Ami now ask yourscUcs, my uitiarcn aiui icUow* Mnners, w l)etl>er you are partakers of this gracious dispo^tion ? is this your exptrieiKe, your aim, your view of yourselves, of &in, and oTChrist and his sal- vation? I lia\e a conftdencc, tluit if it be so with you, 1 may glorify God on your behalf, and say, *' Then ** hath Gon to you also granted repentance unto life.*' " IlKre is joy in lieaven, amonj^ the angels of Ci-n •• over one sinner that rcpenteth :" tliesc blessed fpirn . have rejoiced over you, and do rejoice o>ef you ; and though you |)erliaps may now sow in tears ; yet \ ou shall at length rejoice with tlnrm : yea, Goo himself w ill rejoice over you to do you good, evai^ for ever and ♦•Vcr. Therefore lift up yoiir hands that hang down
SERMON VC. 161
lift your hearts with hope and gratitude ; and prepare to commemorate his love, who loved you, and gave himself to the death upon the cross for you, and being now exalted on the throne, hath bestowed on you re- pentance unto life ; and pray always, that you may re- pent more, and believe more, and bring forth more and more the genuine fruits of repentance and faith.
It may, however, be asked, what is he to do who once thought he repented, but amidst the business and bustle of the world,, has lost his convictions and seri- ousness ; and knows not to which company he be- longs, the penitent or the impenitent ? I would an- swer, that in such a case, no stress whatever should be laid on past experience ; all must be begun anew^ ; and such a person must come as a sinner to Christ for repentance and remission of sins, and all the bless- ings of salvation, even as if he had now for the first time heard of his name.
In like manner so far as doubts prevail in any one, on whatever ground it may be, w^hether he have re- pented or not, he should earnestly beg of God to grant him true repentance ; and to give him to know that his repentance is sincere. Whatever tends to be- numb the conscience, to veil eternal things from his view, to lessen his sense of the evil of sin, or to re^ store him to impenitent self-complacency ; he ought by all means carefully to avoid. Let such a man shua the bustle of company : let him retire into his closet, redeem time for reflection, search the scriptures, pour out his heart in prayer ; and, waiting on the Lord in this manner, he will not wait in vain.
Vol. II. X
162 siiMov vr*
Once more, permit mc to add a |>artjng uord to tome whom. jKTliaps, I may never more address ; who hear tlie word of God, and probably profess to be- lieve it^ yet ncvenl)clcss arc conscious tlut tlKy hvc without re|)eotancc, or fruits meet for rciKiilancc. Let mc then once more solemnly testify, tliat if you live and die without repentance, even w itl>out diis re- pentance whicli I have described ; without submis- sion to God, humiliation t)efore him, renouncing and hating sin, cordially welcoming salivation by Chris i, and walking in newness of life ; you will most cer- tainly |)erish, and that for ever. May Gon then, of hia aburxiant mercy, grant unto you also, and to ail pre- sent, rr|>cntancc unto life eternal 1
SERMON VII.
PSALM li. 4.
Against thee, thee o?iIz/, have I sinned,
HE occasion, on which this Psalm was compo- sed, is well known. The awful fall of David, and the most aggravated crimes which he committed, have attracted very general notice. But many remember his sins, who do not appear properly to consider his humiliation and deep repentance. — Numbers, on this ground, suppose themselves superior characters, be- cause they are exempted from such flagrant criminal- ity ; though there are no evidences that they possess any positive excellence. And not a few disgrace the religious opinions which they avow, by evident and habitual misconduct : yet satisfy their own conscien- ces, and expect others to entertain a favourable opi- nion of them ; as the best, say they, have their faults, and even David committed adultery and murder ! But if they would have us form the same judgment
IGl 8RRM0NVJ!
of their casr, a^ Nathan did of UavidS; ihr\ mii^l shew ihc saiiK- spirit of dci p npcnlnncc iluit lie did. A renowned monarji, having given iJiiiilick scandal by his crimes, connxjscs and puhlishcsi this Psalm, ;ind, before his own subjects and tl>c uhole world, i;i\cs honour to Gon, by procLiiming his own shame! This Psalm is tliroughoul tijc language of the deep- est contrition ; and lias Ixen, not improperly, called, * The portrait of a |)enitenl.' The royal Psalmist's crimes lud been of sucli a nature, that thcv were Ixitli deeply injurious to mankind, and also most scanda- lous in the c\ cs of tl>e world : yet hin views of tlve oIj- ligations lie by under to Gon, and his most aggrava* ted violation of il^m, seem to have swallowed up eve- ly other consideration. All else in this conipaiison appeared tri\ ial in his eyes : atid the addrcas of Na« tlun to Itirn slicws that, in this respect, his judgmai^ accorded with tliat of Gop lumself. *' TIkju art the ** man ! Thus saith tl>c Logp Goo of Israel, I anoint- ** (d tlKC king over Israel, aud I delivered llicc out ** of ilk: hand of Saul ; and I gave Ukc thy niaster*> •* house, ainl thy nuster's \%ives intodiy bosom; and *' gave thee the liouse of Israel aiul of Judah : ami if *' that had l>ocn too little, I would moreover have giv- *' en thee such and such things. Wl>crefore tl>en hast •* thou despised t/w covimandmcnt of the V»o%ii to d^ •* rvU m his sight ? Thou lust killed Uriah tin: Hit- *' lite with tlK- sword, and hast taken his wife to be *• ihy wife. — Therefore the sword shall never d^
SERMON vir. 165
'* part from thine house; because thou hast despised ** 7ne.^^^
Observe, my friends, the prophet docs not rest the weight of the charge, brought against David, on the injury done to men; but on the ungrateful contempt shewn to God, and to his law and authority.
The prophet adds, **Hovvbeit because by this deed ** thou hast caused the ene?nits of the Lord to bias- ** pheme ; the child also that is born unto thee shall '* surely dicf Here again the crime of David is aggravated, by the dishonour it had brought on the name of God, through the blasphemies of his ene- mies.
These considerations may throw light on the words of our text, '' Against thee, thee only, have I sinned." The wrong done to man by our offences is not to be overlooked, or thought slightly of : but our attention must not be so confined to the evil of them in this re- spect, as to interfere with a sense of those higher obli- gations to God which we have violated. — In what I have further to offer on the subject, I shall
I. Make some introductory remarks.
IL Illustrate the emphatical words here used ; •* Against thee, thee only, have I sinned."
III. Consider the evil of sin, as committed against God, and as violating all our obhgations to him. And
IV. Adduce several instances, in which this doctrine brings those in deeply guilty, who other-
♦ 2 Sam. xii. T— 10. -f t Sam. xU. 14-
166 SERMON \ H,
wise would scarcely appear guilty at ill; and thus sliiw how it cuts up by the vcn- roots a self- j»isiifying spirit.
I. I proccal to miikc some introductory remarks.
In general, U>c text clearly proves, llial the believ- ing penitent's view of tlic evil of his sins, is propor- tioned to the degree, in which he considers tlic extent of his obligations unto God.
' In the present age and nation, s)*stem5 of morality. and discourses on moral virtue^ tiave almost exclu- ded, not only the doctrines of Chhstbnity, but even tlic preceptive part of Scripture : though ihcy fall \*astly below llie high staikUrd of the divirK bw, and ore destitute of its sanctions; and of tin: motives, en- couragements, and aisistanrfs proposed to us in the gospel. In many of these books uti/itt/ to man is made the test and measure of virtue, and the crim. inality of vice is supposed to consist in the injury- done to our fellow creatures.
And this seems to be one of tlie most dangerous and ruinous evils of the day : as, if carried to its cvi- dent conscf^ucnces, it would supersede tlic u liolc reli- gioQ of Chfint, aiui in fact abrogate iIkt Bible. For it cannot be denied, tlut the sacred Oracles address us in far different language. The first and great com- mandment of tlK- Law is, *' T1k)u shall love the Lor d *' thv Oon with all thine heart, and miikd, and soul. '• and strengtlt** TIk: first retjuiremcnt of tlic Gospel is, ** My son, give me tliy lieart." ** Repent and turn ** toGoD.** — *• Iklievein the Lord JescsChrist.*' And tlK' grnrrril rules laid down for a Christian's con-
SERMON VII. 107
duct are such as these, " Whether therefore ye eat, " or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory *^ of God." " Whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, " do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.'* *' With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and ** not unto men." —
No doubt, such are the holy commands of God, and the way in which we are required to glorify him, that the more exactly we fulfil these superior obliga- tions, the greater benefit we shall eventually render to mankind : but to reverse the order of Scripture, is *' turning things upside down"* and placing the glo- ry of the great God below the petty interests of sinful man ! — Certainly we ought to do good to man for the Lord's sake; and not to glorify God for the sake of man.
But it will soon appear, that these anti- scriptural views in great measure supersede the necessity of the Gospel ; and by feeding self-complacency, and the pride of virtue, have had a powerful effect, in produ- cing that disregard to evangelical principles, which forms in many places the peculiar character of the age. '* If righteousness come by the law ; then Christ '' died in vain ;" and he, who feels no need of his sal- vation, is already prepared, not only to neglect, but to reject and oppose the Gospel.
There is in the natural consciences of men a far great- er susceptibility of conviction and guilt, in what re- lates to their conduct towards each other, than in re- spect to their behaviour towards God. For, too com-
* li, .xxix. -15.
168 tiiMO.v VII.
moiily ** GckI is not in all tluir ihoui^hu." And, l>f- ii<l( s this ; the sense of ihc injury, done to society by several crimes, assocbtcs itself wiili all the ideas on these subjects, which ivc receive from education, stu- dy, and conversation : because l!)e sentiment prevails in the world. Min generally cry sliame of those who grossly violate tlK*ir obligiiiions to their neij^hlwurs ; and consklcr them as unfit for society : but they are not thus aifccted by tlic conduct of those, who most atrociously and habitually disre^rd the authority, and nre ungratcfyl for the gtxxlnrss, of God. Hence it be- comes natural fur us to conjiect tiK idea of criminality with all acticms of tlie furmer kind, buttxx with those of tlic latter.
'Hiis indtx'd forms one ground of the opposiuop, which is every where excited a^iinst the doctrines of the Gospel. Men arc used to judj^ themselves and their own clumcters, as they auixi rdiccd to ofK ano- tiK-r, and according to the rules and maxims estnblish- etl in tlieir circle of society.— " Wcigheti in this Iwi- •• lance, they arc not found warning.** With a little aid from self- flatter)*, tlury coodude, that they never did hnrm to any one, that their hearts arc good, and llieir lives good ; and arc tlKTiforc disposed to take offence, when addressed as sinners needing salvation; and eagerly to dispute against the doctriiK of justifica- tion by faith nione, as well as against many other truths of Christianity. Iiukx-d it might be conceded to some among them, that if they had only to do u ith their fellow-creatures, and with the interests of men in this prt^sent world, tluir pleas would at least be plausible. Hut if such pt rsous would consider \}\cir
SERMON vir. 169
obligatiQiis to God, and call themselves to account, how far they have or have not fulfilled them ; if they ^vere disposed to condemn themselves for all that hi;* word condemns; *' Weighed in this balance they must ** certainly be found wanting ;'' and would soon be led to cry out, " God be merciful to me a sinner!" And then, every part of Christianity would gradually open to their view, as most needful, most gracious, most suitable, and worthy of all acceptation.
The young man, who respectfully addressed our Lord, and enquired " What he must do to inherit '* eternal life ;" having over-looked the first table of the law, and interpreted the several precepts of the second as a mere moralist would do, without hesita- tion replied, *' All these have I kept from ray youth." Yet the event shewed that he loved his riches better than the God who made him.
When our Lord, speaking to a lawyer, who ask- ed the same question, enquired of him *' What is '* written in the law? How readest thou?" He re- plied by quoting the two great commandments. And our Lord said, '* Thou hast answered right ; this do *' and thou shalt live." But *' he, willing to justify ** himself^ said unto Jesus, and who is my neigh- *^ bour?" He seemed not conscious of having viola- ted his obligations to God, and so made no enquiry about the first and great commandment ; but desiring to justify himself he appears to ask for a limitation of the too extensive meaning of the second, without which he could not possibly accomplish his object.
This being the case with men in general, it cannot
at all be wonderful, that even serious enquirers after Vol. u. Y •
170 s EH MOV VII.
salvation arc for a time in snmc measure cmbarrasaed by the same mistake ; uikI find it vtr)* difficult tojudgc of their conduct according to llm rules of Scripture, and uith respect to iIk-it relations and obligations to the Almighty ; and still more so, to be affected uith a humbling sense of guilt on this account, aiisucra- blc to the views and feelings w hich they hear descri- bed by those uho preach tlK Gospel to them.
Indeed, it is proUible, that conviction of sin, at first, commonly arises from a consciousness of liav- ing acted in ceruin insianecs contrary to our \ie\vs of morai obligation ; rather than from an accurate com- parison of our u hole conduct and tlK* state ot our iK-arts, with the law of God and our obligations to him. Hut afterwards, deeper reflection and further enquiry pro- ducc a sense of guilt, in those thoughts, words, and actions, wliich once were considered as entirely in- nocent.
The intention of ilx-sc n* marks, my brcthrctj, i^ lo impress your minds with tlx: immense im|K>rtance of tlie subject tK-fore us; for, the want of duly under- standing or adverting to it, often keeps serious per. sons long in a state of hesitation as to tlic doctrines of the Gos|xl, and exposes them to great danger from the artifices of those who continually arc starting ob« jcctions against the truth.
Indeed, even true and establislxd Christians arc seldom so deeply affected uith a sense of gtiilt, when betrayed into such sinful incliiulions, or actions, as nppcar vmtlati d Uoi\\ all eoiUKxion with men, and never likely to injure any one, or to be known except to tlic omniscient Gob alone; as they do f(»r those
SERMON VII. 171
evils, which fall under human observation, interfere with the comfort or interest of others, and incur their censure.
But in pi^portion to the degree in which this erro- neous judgment influences us, it must unquestionably militate against the exercise of genuine repentance, humility, and simple faith in the mercy of God, and the merits of Christ: it must prevent that ad- miring, adoring love of the divine Redeemer, who shed his blood on the cross as an atonement for our sins ; and that glowing ardour of affection for him, which was the grand peculiarity of the primitive Christians, and their all powerful motive to self- denying labours and sufferings for his sake. This*, we every where meet with in their writings ; alas, how different from the frigid zone of modern Chris- tianitv !
II. I would illustrate the emphasis of the Psalmist's words, " Against thee, thee only, have I sinned."
David perhaps might mean, that, as a king, he was accountable to none but God : but he also, no doubt, intended to confess, that in entire distinction from the enquiry, how far man had been offended or injured by his conduct ; he had greatly displeased the Sovereign of the universe, " the King of kings and " Lord of lords." Perhaps some persons at that time might be secretly rejoiced, that such a man as David had thus kept thean in countenance. Joab, who had committed murder, for instance, might inwardly exult on so lamentable an occasion. But, however that might be, He who is, " norespecter of persons," and with whom is no difference between the mightiest
ITJ SERMON VII.
monarch and ihc mcmesl subject, was ilccply of- fended.
Tlic language of the text, ** Against ^thce, thee ** only/* impUeb fir more ilian I r^n express, of the majesty, cxecllcncy, and authority of tlie gloriou*; God ; our n-Utionstohim, as the Crtalor, Governor. and Judj;c of all; our obligations to him, in general and particular ; and the return which we ought to •* render for all his Ix-iKfiis.**
It is wortliy of remark, tlut no records of anti- quity, however admired, (il>c Scriptures alone ex- cepted,) use language concerning the infinite God« which i» in any measure worthy of his incomprehau siblc mijcsty and greatness ; nay, which U iK>t exceed, ingly dt grading to his claracter: and if modems have at all succeeded better on this subject, it is l)e- cause tluy have derived their most adctpmte ideas from the Hible, tliough many are unwilling to ac- knowlt-dge lljc obligation. Yet, after oil, the sub- linnty of the sacred oracles on this subject is unparnl. leled — *• Great is the Loao, and greatly to Ix: " praised ; His grcatneas is unsearchable. I will ** s|)eak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of •• thy wondrous works ; and mm sIkiII s|x-ak of the " might of thy terrible acts, and I will declare thy •• greatness."* — *' NN ho bath measured the u-ater* ** in tlie hollow of his hand, and metetl out the lien- *' vens with a span, and comprelnrndcd tlie dust (\i' *• tlic earth in a measure, and weighed die mountains •* in scales, and the hills in a balance ?*' — ** The na-
• Tu txbr. 5—4
SERMON VII. 173
** tions are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as ** the small dust of the balance. Behold, he taketh up ** the isles as a very little thing ! And Lebanon is not " sufficient to burn ; nor the beasts thereof for a burnt *' offering ! — All nations before him are as nothing : '* and they are counted unto him less than nothing '* and vanity! To whom will ye liken God?"* Against this Being, of glorious power, and majesty unspeakable, a poor worm dares to rise in rebellion ! " Against thee have I sinned !"
When Job, in the heat of controversy, had spoken irreverently concerning God; his friends accused him of hypocrisy, and crimes of which he was con- sciously innocent ; and even Elihu bore too hard upon him : so that he was not convinced or humbled on that account. But when ** Jehovah spoke to " him from the whirlwind ;" though he did not deign to argue on the justice of his dispensation, but merely exhibited before him some displays and illustrations of his greatness, power, and majesty ; he soon brought Job to submit, to plead guilty, and to say, ** I am vile," ** I abhor myself, I repent in dust and *' ashes."
St. Paul also seems to have taken up this subject in the same manner, when he answers an irreverent caviller against the dealings of God with his crea- tures; *' Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest *' against God?" 'Consider what a frail, short
* sighted, and erring creature thou art, even in com-
* mon things ; and darest thou presume to dispute
* Is. x!. 12—18.
\Tl :;£IMO\ \ II.
• au;ainsi Goo, OD such deep subjects as are evidently ' beyoful thy comprehension, or even diy invesiign-
• lion?' ** Canst thuii by searching find out God? '* Caiibi ihou find out the Almij^hiy to )xTlection f *' It is htglxT tiuin heaven, uliat canst thou do? It ** is dee|Kr than hell, ulut auist thou know ?•' ** Oh ** the dt pih of iIm; riches, both of the wisdom and *' knowkdi^c of God! How unscarcliablc arc his *f judj;nients, uikI his ways past finding out !'"
Many ubjectiiMis often raised, not without a great mixture of {H-esuinption, against the doctrines of Hcvebtion ; cspecijlly such as respect the first origin of sin and mtscrv', tlie criminahty of our coniluct as ClUcn cnraturrs, aiul Uk justice of God in the judg- ments denounced against tranagreaaori» should, in general be silenced in this manner; and not by en- tering uuo detailed arguments on each porticubr, a.% if Goii wns ** even such a one as ourselves.** '* Shall ** not tiK' Judge of all iIk- earth do right?'*
It may, liowever, be ol)served, that many of tlx^sr ol>jcctioiis prcbs ryua/Zy u|)on ever}* religious 85'stem, and not on any one in fiarticukir. It is evident that sin and misery do exist and abouiuJ. It is uiKlenbble, tiiat the Almighty could liave prevented tiie existence of tlKM: evils, or hiuited their progress. To argue then, against what he lulh done or permitted, be- cause we, bliiui and ignorant siniKTs, fancy lie might, iuve done better, is nollung leas tlun blasphemy ; and carried to its consetjucnces, directly militates agaijist every kind of religion.
Again, it is evident in fact that man is depraved ; and we need only to judg¥ the eafiduct of tbr world,
SERMpN VII. ITS
as recorded in history, by the simple rules of loving God supremely, and our neighbour as ourselves; and the inference is undeniable. — Now, if depravity proportionably excuses criminal conduct ; then the more any creature is depraved, the fuller justification of his actual wickedness he possesses. This excuses all the rebellion and malignity of fallen men and fallen angels, throws all the blame of sin on the Almighty himself, who did not see good to prevent its exis- tence ; and of course renders it impossible that " God should judge the world." But, whatever proves too much, by all the rules of fair argument, is allowed to prove nothing.
" Such kno\vledge is too wonderful for me, 1 *^ cannot attain unto it.'* The dictates of conscience and of common sense are in this case far preferable to presumptuous reasonings on things evidently beyond our capacity. " To man he saith, The fear of the *' Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil, ^* that is understanding." *' Secret things belong* *' unto the Lord our God : but the things that arc. '' revealed belong to us."
The Psalmist in the context speaks on this subject.. '' I have done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightest^ " be justified in thy saying, and clear when thou art *-* judged. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in ** sin did my mother conceive me !" Did the royal penitent mean to urge this as an extenuation of his crimes ? Certainly not, but to shew that they were not occasional slips ; but the effect of a depraved na- ture. " As says the proverb of the ancients, wicked- ** ness proceedeth frooi the wicked*" And therefore
176 btRMOK > : ..
be pni3rs, ** Create in mc a clean licart, O God, aiid ** renew a ri^;hi spirit \vitl»in ine."
>Vhcn uc consider ihc majesty and greatxKSS of God, we may well be abashed at tlie consideration of our rebellions apainst him: but tlK* discover)- of his glorious excellency, tlje perfection of his lovcli- ness and Ixrauty, are calculated to give us still deeper views of tl»e crimiiwlity of our conduct. His Omni- potence, and Omniscience, and Omniprcacncc, and all his natural attributes, constitute his ^rraineu : but his infinite wisdom, justice, truth attd love, constitute his /toJi/iru and goodnrts. 'I'Ikt display of his grctit- neu should awe us into reverential submiaaion : but that of his ^oodmeu abould win us to admiring, adoring 1o\T. ** Thy name only is excellent, and thy praise *• is above lieaven and earth.'* And wlui can be more irrational and perverse, llun to neglect, despise, or dislike infinite loveliness and excellence ^ \\\\.r. more rcmaonablc tlian the command, ** Thou shuli •* love the Lord thy God with all thy heart?**
But we should also rccoUcct, that this great an;! glorious Gon, is the Creator, and oonaequcntly the Proprietor, Governor, and Judge of the Universe. Obscr\*c the language of Scripture on this subject, •• Tlie Lord made all di ings y^r htnuclf.'' ** /> ** thi/ pleasure they are, ainl were created.* Indeed this is no mean proof of our Saviour's deity ; and it is not only said, '' All things were made ^y /urn,** hut hkewise, ** Ail things were made^r Aim." — *' Thine is the kingdom^ and the power, and the ** gloT}', for ever and erer, Amen.'* This was Da- >id*s \icw of ilui God^ against whom he had sinned.
SERMON VII. 177
** Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, ** and the majesty : for all that is in the heaven and ** in the earth is thine. Thine is the kingdom, O " Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all."*
Against this great Creator, and universal Proprie- tor and Lord of all, every one of our sins is com- mitted ; and not merely against our fellow creatures : against one infinitely above us, and not one who is on an equality with us, as partaker of our common nature.
This great Creator of all worlds is also the Au- thor of our existence ; the Father of our spirits ; the Giver of all our powers and abilities ; the God in whom we live, and move, and are. " Hear, O hea- *' vens, and give ear, O earth, I have nourished and *' brought up children, and they have rebelled against *^ me !'* The God, against whom every sin is com- mitted, stands at once related to us, as our Creator, Benefactor, Governor, and Judge. The authority of a Sovereign, the kindness of a Parent, and the libe- rality of a Benefactor, are all here united ; yea, far, far exceeded : and can ^ve but feel the emphasis of the language used in the text, *' Against thee, thee only, '' have I sinned f
It is possible in human affairs for these different obligations to unite in one case. Thus Absalom, the SOD, the indulged son, as well as the subject, of Da- vid, after manifold favours conferred on him by his affectionate parent, proved a traitor to his prince, and a monster of ingratitude to his benefactor, and inten-
• Chron. xxix. 11.
Vol. II. ' Z
178 SEKMON VII.
tionally a murderer of his falhcr ! \\ liilc David felt himbclfdc(j)ly shocked at his son's atrocious violation of such accuniulalcd obligatioos, wlut must have bccu his reflection on his own past conduct against God, in the instance before us? Could he lurlp say- ing to himsilf, ' Men justly exclaim aj^ainst the bc-
* luviour of Alrwilom towards his kind father and 'sovereign: but my lK*art reproaches me with the
* viuLition of Cir higJKT aiwl greater obhgations to God,
* my Creator, Ucnefactor, and Judge f*
In lliis pan of our subject, it may be pro|)cr to recollect, that all tlu: various difTcrenccs, by which men in »ociely, or in respect of religious advantages, •re distinguislKxi from each otiier, vvlutcver tlicy may be, sliould be considered as cnluneing the obligation, and aggravating the criminality of viobting it. This was the vvny in vvluch Nathan addressed David, vvIku he recapitulated the spccul benefits v\hich CioD had conferred on him, in order to bring )K>me conviction to his conscience : and licrc I ihall leave, to your consideration the provickittial benefits, and every advantage, vv ith vv hich you severally \\a\c Ixrn dis- tinguished, as increasing your peculiar f ' ns, and aggravating ever)- transgression vvhicii \ou luvc committetl.
The aggravated cvii of sin, as commuted .?/ :?)! God, may be shewn by another view of our relation and obligatiom to him, as transgressors fiivoured with the discoveries and proposab of tlic gospel. Hiving broken die holy law of our Creator, and fallen under his righteous displeasure; instead of leaving us vvidi- out remedy, to tlic consequences of our disobedience,
SERMON VII. 179
he hath revealed himself to us, as ** merciful and " gracious, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and " sin;" as " in Christ reconciling the world unto *' himself;" as ** not sparing his own Son, butdeli- *' vering him up for us, that with him he might *' freely give us all things " And, in the most ur- gent manner, he invites even the vilest of sinners to come and partake of this great salvation.
Beyond all doubt, every additional discovery of the excellency, loveliness, and glory of our great Creator and Judge, proportionably shews the baseness and perverseness of our alienation from him : and the more fully the sinner is encouraged to expect forgive- ness and reconciliation, the more inexcusable must he be, if he persist in rebellion. Now, the character of God, as revealed in the gospel, comprises such an imion of greatness and condescension, justice and mercy, holiness and love, wisdom and cruth, as con- stitutes *' the perfection of beauty," and excites the most fervent adoring and admiring praises of the hea^ venly worshippers : while at the same tim.e, such a foundation is laid for our hope, that nothing " but ** neglecting so great salvation," can prevent our at- taining everlasting felicity, notwithstanding all our crimes, and all our depravity and temptations !
This may lead us to consider a still further aggra- vation of sin : namely, when it is committed by one, who has experienced the pardoning love and renewing grace of God ; who has come to him, and walked with him ; who has found him faithful and merciful ; who has rejoiced in him with joy unspeakable, and been animated to call on others to share in his satisfac-
180 SEPMO.V VII.
lions; who hns j^lorificd in CmD, as hit aU-sunicicnt Portion, his Sun, liis Shield, and his cxcccdii»g great ;.nd everlasting Reward ; and who has Ixrcn fa- voured with signal ddivcranccs and comforts, in ma- niresl answer to his believing prayers. To sin against such merry and love as this, to rebel against so gra- cious a Father and Friend, seems to form xhc higliesi aggravation of transgression that can be conecived. Thus the sins of Ixiievcr;, instead of being slight of- fences, are in fact the moM inexcusable of all crimes : and the conviction of this, even in rr^;>cct to those failures which l>ring no scandal on r i, powrr-
fully temis to keep the true christian humble before his Gon ; as well as to enhance his admiring grati* tudc for the richer of pardoning grace.
This was especially the case with Djvid. He had been taken from tlie sheep-fold, and raised to the throne. He had been honoured in providence ; made a propl'.et ; ai>d inspired as ** the sweet singer of Is- *• racl," to compose songs of praise for the use of spiritual worsliippcrs through successive generations. But above all, he liad enjo} ed such consolation in Iiis own soul, while employed in the worsliip and ser- vice of his God ; as dictated bngunge so animated, and even rapturous, that to this day it seems une- fjualled. And yet after all, this vcr)- person had to say *• Against ihec, ihee only, ha\x I sinned I*' For lie had despised tiK commaiiclmcnt of his God ; yea, lie kid even dc5pi!>etl God himself, who ** had com- forted him on every side ;** and u ho \ras ready to add still more, and tlut abundanllv, to all his former l)fncfus !
SERMON vir. 181
And have not some, here present, had occasion in many instances, though not so awful as this of David, to look back on the Lord-s past kindness, and the comforts they have enjoyed in commimion with him : and then to confess, with shame and sorrow, that they have most basely treated their gracious Benefactor with contempt and ingratitude ? And can the violation of any other tie, be so heinous, as thus sinning against the Lord ?
Take into consideration, then, my brethren, the majesty and authority of God ; his holiness and ex- cellency ; our relations to him as our Creator, Go. vernor, Benefactor, and Judge ; and all our obliga- tions to him, as rational creatures, as distinguished in his providence, as favoured with his gospel, and, some of us at least, as having been made joyful in his sal- vation : and then, form your estimate of the evil of sin, as committed against God; and endeavour to enter into the spirit of the emphatick language used in the text, '' Against thee, thee onJy, have I *' sinned."
III. I proceed to consider the evil of sin, as com- mitted against God, and as violating all our obliga- tions to him.
After what has been already stated, there is no oc- casion to be very particular on this part of our sub- ject.— For who does not perceive, that, however moral, amiable, or respectable, he may have been in his conduct among men ; yet if he treat God with neglect, or set him at defiance, he must be the object of his indignation and abhorrence? If we consult the Scripture, we siiall find one crime in particular,
183 scaku.s \ii.
>v!iich is conslanlly called an aftomination ; and treated as tlie most heinous aiKl provoking of all others, af- fording tlie clearest proof of men's hating God. Yet it is a crinic not directly and necessarily injurious to men, at least in their tcm|K)rdl concerns : I mean uloLitry, Thit this should be the higlurst offence, m:iy be easily uiKlerstood on our principles : but on those, uhich make utiltty the standard and test, it is entirely unaccountible. And tlierefore iluise pagan moralists, who Itad Mjme notions concerning tlit* Unity of (ion, and tl>e >^nity of the popular d^cology ; not only sA\s ver)' little evil in the grossest idolatry, but, by |>recepts and example, slieucd tliat tlKy even thought tltcy did right in conforming to it !
In ever)* government, submission to tlic supreme authority is tlte first social dutv, and treason the highest crime : nay, other crimes in general arc pu- i|ished, not merely because injurious to individuals, but because they are acts of diM>bcdicnce against the Sovereign, or tlic State.
If a person be ever so am'uble in private life ; if he Ixr punctual in his payments, upright in his dealing^, faithful to his engagements, kind to his rebtions, a good master or a good landlord, comjiassionatc and hlxral to Uk: poor, and courteous to all : yet, if he t)ave committed high treason, having failed in his higlK^t obligation, tiK* otlKT parts of his coixiuct are not considered by his judges; his life is forfeited, and nothing but mercy, even tlie mercy of the prince against whom Ik has offended, can deliver him from condign punishment.
SERMON VII. iSfi
The same might be fully shewn by other illustra- tions. Nothing can make amends for a failure in the leading obligation : nothing can excuse or counter- balance, unfaithfulness in a wife, or disobedience in a son : while the more affectionate and excellent the husband or father, the more aggravated is the offence. And to persist, against repeated pardons and kind- nesses, in such conduct, would stamp the offender, as a monster of ingratitude, however moral and well- behaved in other respects.
But many endeavour to excuse themselves, by say- ing, that they do not mean to offend God, in this or the other action ; for they never thought about him. And thus the very sin, with which they are especially charged, is pleaded in extenuation of other crimes !. It is the grand criminality in the conduct of men, that they forget God. Every object we behold, proclaims his existence and glory : our own consciousness, nay, reflection on our own bodies and souls, is suited to bring him to our thoughts. We live every hour oa his bounty, and are continually upheld by his arm ;. yet we forget him, and excuse our other sins on the ground of that forgetfulness ! But remember, my fellow sinners, that " The wicked shall be turned *' into hell; and all the people that forget God." — Can there be a moreunequivocalproof of ingratitude, contempt, and aversion, than this habitual forgetful- ness of our glorious Sovereign, and our daily Bene- factor ?
If your child loves you, does he forget you? And should a son, whom you had tenderly and carefully educated, and witji great cxpencc situated in a verv
184 L Eft HON VII.
comfortable manner, and ilicn clurj^cd, ;u he vaiucd your favour and happlnci^s, tu avoid diis, and to at- tend to tliat, parucular : sliould Ik*, I say, iKrrhibt in 2 conduct, in ail respects diauuirically oppobilc tu your will ; and then plead, that indi^ he did nut mean to offend you, for he luid forgotten botli you, and your kindness, and your counsel; ulut would \ ou think of his l>ehaviour ? Would you not sup|x>se, ilut he meant to add iubult to disolxxlience ? *' The •* carnal mind is enmity against God.'* This carnal enmity ir> the source of our forgetfulncss ; and it is also an aggravation of our guilt.
Ingratitude i:> generally allowed to be one of the basest and most dctetttable of crimes, ulKre man only is concerned .' but utut are our obligations to our Ixrst earthly benefactors, compared with those which arc hourly conferred on u^ by our heavenly Father and Friend ? yet who can justly say, he lus not been ungrateful to God ?
It is indeed a melancholy truth, i..... i.i^ in^.^. ^ ncfits God bestows in his providence, tlK* greater ne- glect and ingratitude do men commoiJy manifest. Hence it is, that the prosperous are far mo'c apt to forget God tlian the afHicted ; dnr rich more in gene- ral than the jxx>r ; iIk Itealthy more tlmn tlK- sick ; and \ce are never in so much danger of impious con- tempt of him, as when he lavislies so many Ixmcfii^ uj)on us, tlut we luve ever}- thing according to our own mind, and ** more ilun Iwart can wislu**
Tliis is not only the case, in respect of different persons placed in more or less prosperous circum- stances, but in the same persons: even he iliat i!»
SERMON VII. 18?
truly pious, in general acts belter when afillcted than when successful. David behaved more honourably when persecuted by Saul, and when Absalom rose in rebellion against him, than he did, " \\'hen the *' Lor d had given him rest from all his enemies round *' about.'' — Religion commonly flourishes most under persecution and affliction ; and it seems almost an uni- ^'ersal rule, that the more Providence indulges, cither individuals or collective bodies, the more negligent and ungrateful they become. *' When thy riches in- " crease, and when thy gold and thy silver, and ail ** thou hast are multiplied, then beware lest thou for- *' get the Lord thy God." And is not this unde- niable fact an awful demonstration of our extreme depravity? Will any man seriously set himself to ex- cuse such a temper and conduct?
Man's forgetfulness of God arises, in no small degree, from his inordinate love of worldly objects. He idolatrously values wealth, pleasure, power, or the honour which cometh from men. I say, idola- trously ^ for covetousness is idolatry, and sensual in- dulgence is idolatry. They are so called in Scrip- ture. And he who loves either wealth, pleasure, pomp, or any earthly object more than God ; is as really an idolater, as if he had formed his gold into an image, and prostrated himself before it in stupid ado- ration. ** Ye have forsaken the Fountain of living' *.' waters, and have hewn out to yourselves cisterns, ** broken cisterns, which can hold no Avater." — " The ** w^orld and the things of tlie world," are put in the place of God : and in this way, even innocent and
Vol. II. A a
186 SERMON \ 11.
needful pursuits and employments often become ihc occasions of ^rcat guili.
Judas j»old his Lord for thirty pieces of silver: |
and the Jews preferred Barabbas, a ihicf and robber, i
to CiinisT. We stand astonished at their baseness : I but liavc we not, in some resjKrcts, preferred as mean or as vile o(>jects to the infinite God, and to th«
*' gracious Saviour of lost siniKrrs?*' i
In short, if iIk: human heart were not ** deceitful ' ** above all things,** as well as ** desjx-rately wicked,"
our conduct in this rcs|xxt towards Cioo would never |
have been palliated. The crimiiiolity of man cousins |
in rebellion against God, and in setting liis own will i
in opposition to that of his Maker : every favour !
which the Lord bcbtow's, aggravates llut criminality . I
and to endeavour to plead any excuse for such com- i
plicated guilt, renders us still more criminal in his i sight, whose ** judgment ta according unto truth.'
I proceed therefore, J
IV. To prove that this view of Uic subject !jr |
in many exreedingly guilty, who, on other grounds, i
would scarcely seem at all so ; and this shews nurn in I
general Uicir need of die mercy and grace proj)oscd to ! tlKm in tlK gospel
Acts of gross immorality^ evidently injurious to t society, arc sometimes avoided in the lubitual tenour of a man*s conduct, from prudential and worldly mo-
tives, and during the wliole, or a great proportion, of j
his life : and, wlien this is by no means the case, iliey j
arc occasional^ and form but a small prt of the actual \
conduct of men in general ; if tlie most abandoned of , the human species be excepted. But neglect and
SERMON VII, 187
forgetfulness of God, ingratitude, and a will opposed to his will, and a violation of all obligations to him, are, in every ungodly man, habitual; they run through every day, and every action of the day ; they influ- ence all his thoughts, words, and deeds ; they con- stitute his selected plan of life ; they influence him in the spending of his time and money ; and they direct the use made of his talents, property, health, spirits, body, and soul. Every thing is by men of this cha- racter arranged and conducted, as it were, by a sys- tem of forgetfulness and neglect of God ; of ingrati- tude and rebellion, nay, defiance of him. So that where no gross vice is perpetrated, a degree of guilt is constantly contracted, far greater, in total amount, than that of the most atrocious immorality, considered in any other light : and even where sins are com- mitted, for which the conscience sometimes reproaches a man ; the habitual and systematical enmity agai?ist God, which the immoral, and even the most moral, may be charged with, is unspeakably the greater part of their guilt.
Thus, while in respect of society we would give virtuous characters due respect, and reprobate the vicious : in the sight of God, there is far less differ- ence than is generally supposed. For if men were restrained from immorality, by a regard to the divine authority : that principle would influence their whole conduct, and lead them also to every branch of piety.
Criminality is not always the greatest, where vvc judge it to be so : we are not competent to decide on so complicated a question, as the degrees of men's guilt ; but must leave it to him, who searches the
1A<^ SFBMOX VIT.
viTV thouj^hts of i\\c iKrart. Hut, *' all liavc ftinnrd, I
** ami come s\\on of tlic plory of God." In this rr. '
«pcct, " there is no difltrencc ;** and as all arc in- i
v<>l\ rd under one common sentence of condcmiiatinn ; |
all should, widi one consent, welcome the g«»i)cl of '
grace. For " it is a faithful savins. r.T>d woiihy of 1 •• all acceptation, that Jftt?; Cj; imc i-tc i •* world to save sinners.
May I not, even now, be addressing some p r ■
sons, who, if asked, what part of their conduct i!. *. | would choose to alter, were thr^* T>rr5ti3ded li^:
Cfui^ianity was a mere • .spoted I jHiblickly to avow this opinTf^n : would scarcely be able to fix on any particuUi .v ;ard to health, chn. ractcr, peace, and interest ; the companr wi»h wlu . they have been t!«ied to associate ; and \ ■ . . oil>cr eon«.h uould induce them to persevere
nearlv in the same tcnour of outward conduct, if ihcv '
were of opinion that no future state of retribution |
awaited them ; if tl>ey had in no degree tin? fear of |
God before their eye^w Hut tlie case wtHiId be vitt I
dificrent, if they atlemled to even tl»c same thii*. , j
from a real religious prifKiple. — Surely lluii must lje j
^•astl rent from Clu-istbnity, \\hith wr>«;M ,
scarcely he ..!i .ted, if. Christianity were abro- j
gated! j
Sins of omission sddom btirdcn tlie consciences of j
men in general. If direct viobtions of some express 1
prohtbition arc not charj^r^blc upon them, they do '
not otlcn condemn themselves for neglect of duiw 1
They forj;ct, tluil there are mjunciians as well as/>rr>- j
hibitiotis ; and that refusing to hallow tiK* Lopo'r. \
SERMON VII. 189
day, or to honour and obey their parents and supe- riors, is as really disobedience to God, as robbery, adultery, or murder. For, unless we consider sin, as committ^ against God, sins of omission will al- most always be overlooked.
It has pleased our gracious God, to give us the holy Scriptures, which are able to make us wise unto eternal salvation ; yet how few love and reve- rence them, and search them daily ! Can any man suppose, that the neglect of the sacred oracles, by those who own them to be the w^ord of God, is not contempt of him that inspired them ?
The holy sabbath affords the spiritual mind the most important and highly valued opportunity of waiting upon God, worshipping him, and learning his will. Yet how few, even among moral men, count this holy day their *' delight and honourable !" There are not many, who are convinced, that they ought deeply to repent, and have need of mercy, and of the atoning blood, because they have been used to spend part of the Lord's own day in business, sloth, worldly company, or dissipation. — " Thou shalt not *' take my name in vain," says the God of infinite majesty and glory : yet how commonly is this great and tremendous name of God, used in common con- versation, even such as is frivolous or profligate ! But, unless we consider sin as committed against God, we shall not be struck with the criminality of so irreverent and contemptuous a profanation, of that which should be adored with the profoundest venera- tion.— This view of the subject is also peculiarly suited to detect the secret enmity of the heart against
190 SERMON VII.
God, and his liolincss and truth, c\'cn in such as arc failed Qmiaitc moral characters. Habitually desiring to approve thrmvlves to men, as seeking tlK-ir ap* probation, ih< y tiiiicr forget God, or they frame a false notion of him, and live in a constant infringe- menl of all ol>lij;ations to him. Yet when this is set before them, and tlie holy character and righteous law of God arc explained, they feel their hearts rise in opposition to tlR* statement, as militating against tljeir •elf-com|>LirciKy : iIk peculiar doctrines of tlic gos- |)ct excite still stronger repugruncy ; and tlR-ir conti- nuance, in neglecting recoiicili;ition toGoxi by j£su& Christ, manifests a heart deeply alienated from liJm.
It is impossible, u ithin tin: compass of a sermon, protracted evni beyond tlic usual limits with which Tou arc used to indulge mc, to enter on all tin: vari. ous particulars that Ix-long to tins part of tlK subject. Hut tlic priiici|>lrs, whit h 1 have endeavoured to cs. tablisli« will enable such, as seriously desire to re- consider it, to trace it into a vast variety of instances, in whid) they may fiiKl cause to say, ** Against tlKc, '* tiiee only, l^ve 1 sinned, and done thi^ evil in thy •* sight.*' It is certain tliat the subject, if duly at- tended to, brings in all men guilty before God. *• Kvcr}' mouth,** if (Iksc views be scriptural, ** must ** Ixr stopped:** wc arc ** concluded under sin;** and ** by tlic works of the law , shall no fksli be jus- •* tified before God.*
If then we arc saved, wc must be ** justified freely ** by tlu* grace of God through tljc ndemplion that •* is in Christ Jisus." Wc ** must be born agiiin,"
SERMON VII. 191
and the whole and every part of the Gospel must be to us as ** life from the dead." To them, who have deeply entered into the views here given, in a spirit of dihgent self-examination, application by the preacher is needless. ^
All that earnestness, in attending on the word of life and on every means of grace, which some mani- fest and others object against, arises from this source : and whenever the objectors become equally sensible of the criminality of every sin, as rebellion against God ; they will imitate that conduct which they now censure; Christ will become to them also '* the *' Pearl of great price;" they too will count all but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ ; nor will they enquire, How often are we bound to pray, or attend the w^orship of God ? but they will say, " I was glad, when it was said to me, let us go *' into the House of the Lord." This will put ear- nestness into their enquiries, and fervency into their prayers; and render Christ and his salvation glo- rious in their eyes, and precious to their souls.
But, alas ! I fear this is by no means the case of all, even in this congregation. I am persuaded, that many of you, my friends, have never felt this kind and degree of conviction, as to the criminality of your conduct, and the danger of your souls. I cannot impart to you my perceptions of the truths I incul- cate : but I would exhort you to search the Scrip- tures, and beg of God, for Christ's sake, to illu- minate your minds by his Holy Spirit, to a right un- derstanding of the sacred word, and to a just esti- mate of vour own character and conduct. When
\02 S£RMON VII.
this has been duly attended to, vou \riU be more nearly agreed with me, ds to llic nix-d of regrncratioii and repentance, faith in tlic Soii oi Cjod, and every part uf^kcriptural Chribliinily, llun you luvc hitlK-rto been.
TIk: subject IkTotc us explains a circumstance, %vhich to many ap|x:ars strange and unaccountable, riic same person, who, wlien « s and inattenti\c
to religion, seemed satisfied wiui lumself; now tliat l)c is Ixreomc carucst about sal\ ation, afraid of all sin, and attentive to every duty, is far removed from self., complacency : so far from it, that Ik: has a lower opinion of himself tluui he ever liad before ! In fact, Ik judges by a new rule ; Ik views his conduct, as considering himself the subject and dee ply. indebted creature of God. He !us ik*w scnsibiliiies : Ik: is far more employed than formerly in reviewing his own thoiiglas, motives, words, aiKl actions : he sees sin in ten thousand p^irticulars, wlKrre before Ik: saw it rK>l« He thinks nothing d<jne, because he is so (ar from liaving attaiiKrd. He judges not by wlut nun takes cogniiuince of ; but by lib obligations to tlut God who searc}K.*s the heart. Atui thus, in his best duties, he feels the need of mercy ; and can in ik>- thing find encouragemaU, except from ** tlK gl<)fi- '* ous gospel of God our Saviour.'*
Thus, deep humility, and a great proficiency in genuine rchgion, not only go togcdK-r, but are |)ro- iwrtioncd to each other, and aid one anodKrr's growtJi. Thus Christ Jesus, and his atoiKment, righteous- ncss, and grace, become more and more \alutd, as lh»* t%rV«' \(T ruK.i'.rrs in Iv >!lnrss ! nr.d thus lie d.u'.v
SERMON VII. 193
ripens for the world above ; where perfect purity, humility, gratitude, and admiring love, will dictate the adoration, and enhance the felicity, of the re- deemed to all eternity.
But, if hitherto strangers to this salvation and this state of heart, you are still called on to seek '' the *' blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from '* the God of our salvation ;" he is ready to receive and bless all that come to him on his mercy-seat, through the mediation of his Son. '' Behold there- " fore, now is the accepted time ; behold now is the '' day of salvation." '' Let the wicked forsake his " way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and "^ let him return unto the Lord, and he will have '' mercy on him, and to our God, and he will abun- •* dantly pardon."
Vol. II. B 3
SERMON VIII.
LUKE, XV. 6.
Bejoicc with mf, for I fim*e found my shrrp which
wot last*
X ni'N drew nev unto Jesus all the publiant *' and sinncra for to hear him/* I*monsof bad cha- racier, not onl\ in tlic sight of God, but aho in tlic jiidfjraent of men, iirrc so impressed by our Loao^s miraclea aixl discourses, tliat tlKry voluntarily *' drew '* near,** not to cavil or scoff, but '* to hear him.'* Yet, while Ixr com passionately regarded and instruct- cd them; tlic ** Scribes and riurisccs murmured, ** sa) ing, I'his man rcceivcth sinners, and cateth " with them."
To repress these proud objectors, to illustrate iJ>e propriety of his conduct as ihc Saviour of sinners, and to encourage the penitent, both at that time and in all future ages; our gracious Lobo spoke the three parables which stand recorded in thb ciiapter.
i
SERMON VIII. 195
We have lately considered the scriptural view of repentance unto life : and the majesty and glory of that God against whom we have sinned, with our relations and obligations to him, as aggravating the criminality of our conduct ; and have shewn, that we are all thus brought in guilty before God, of num- berless and heinous transgressions, whatever be our character among men. These considerations are suited to shew us our need of repentance, of mercy, of the Saviour's atoning blood, and of sanctification by the Holy Spirit. If then our minds be prepared by a genuine conviction, that this is really our state, and these our urgent wants, to welcome the message of the gospel ; the present subject, which leads us to consider the love of Christ, to lost sinners in gene- ral, and to penitents in particular, cannot but be sea- sonable.
" What man of you," says the condescending Sa- viour even to his murmuring opposers, '* having an ** hundred sheep ; if lie lose one of them, will not " leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go " after that which is lost, until he find it ?'' The hundred sheep are his valued property : one of them is lost ; the rest are safe in the pasture. And his principal care and pains are not employed about the ninety and nine, but about the single sheep that is missing. He leaves the rest as not equally needing his presence, and goes from place to place, with la- bour and fatigue, to seek after that which is lost : nor does he remit his assiduity, or cease from his anxious search, till at length he finds it. Then he thinks himself well recompensed for his past labour ; and
196 8BIM0N VIII.
** laying it on his shotjldcrs, rrjoicing,*' he carrier it to the fold : and poinp home, ** he callcth lo^tlier •• his friends and nei^hl)oiir^, sayinj^ tinto ihcm, He- ** joicc with me ; for I liavc found my sheep which *• was lost.** — What then arc we to learn from this parable? Our Lord himself answers the enijuiry ; when he adds, *• I say Ufilo yon, tliat likewise joy ** sliall Ik in heaven over one siniKT that repenteih, ** more ikin over ninety nnd nine just persons, whieh *• need no rcpentanec,*'
But u ho arc ttievr *• just |KT%ons, that need no re- pentance?" Certainly none on earth have a right to consider thcmsehes as sueh ; but it is etjuall? certain, th.1t numbi m do not |ierceivc or feci their need of re- pentancc. 'V\\c murmurs of the Pharisees, whom our Loiin ad<!ressed, sho^trd this to be their proud sefuiment : and he of^en sixike to men, according to t)>cir judf^ent of tlKmscIves, and not nccording to their real » luracter. 'Hie chapter before ui contains a remarkable instance of this : for in the parable of the prodigal son, the elder brother is introduced, when in a very proud and disobedient spirit, saying, ** Lo, •• these many years do I sen-e thee ; neither trans- ** pressed 1 at anytime thy commandment ;** and his father is afterwards represented as saying, •* Son» ** thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine :'• though it is evident that tbe parable was intended to rebuke ihc \*ain confidence of tlic proud Pharisees, as well as to encourage humble penitents.
But should any person doubt respecting this inter- pretation ; we may remember that angels in hea\Tn TKcd no repentance : yet the Saviour's care, and U^
SERMON VIII. 197
hour, and sufferings, were not employed about them ; hut in behalf of poor lost sinners on earth : nor docs he rejoice over angels, as he does over every sinner that repents. — Even those who have been brought home to his fold, and are walking in his ordinances and commandments, need not that kind and degree of repentance, w^hich they do, who are yet wandering in the broad way : and every new instance of one brought to repentance excites fresh joy in heaven ; because the good Shepherd " rejoices that he has *' found his sheep that was lost ;" and calls on all his friends to rejoice with him.
There are publick successes, which make whole nations resound with joyful acclamations : yet we are not taught by the sacred oracles, to think that the angels of God generally unite in rejoicings of this kind. But had we been previously informed, that one event, and but one, frequently occurs on earth, which fills all heaven with joy and praise, our curio, sity would have been excited, our imagination would have been earnestly employed, our expectations would have been raised ; and probably we should have felt some disappointment, as well as surprise, when we found it was merely, because some poor criminal, perhaps scandalous for his crimes, perhaps neglected because of his low condition or mean abi- lities, in a cottage, an almshouse, or a prison, was weeping for sin, crying for mercy, and almost over- whelmed with a sense of guilt, and merited dread of condemnation ! Yet *' there is joy in the presence of ** the angels of God, over one sinner that repcnteth."
Without entering into a minute interpretation of
198 siKMoy VIII.
the praljlc, \vc niay, from xlic text, remark three ^rtjcul.irs.
I. I'lu: cvait here referred to ; ** I luve found ** my hhet-p which u*as lost."
n. TUc instruction conlainc(i in the represen- tation ^vcn, that Christ himself rejoioeB io (his event ; ** Uejoicc wii/i mr.**
in. '\\k' instruction to be derived from the rxhortaiion given to all Iiis friaxls to rejoice \i ith him.
I. TIk- event, " I luvc found my bheep which •• was lust.**
'lliis leads our reflt*ciian back to the oooMdenUioo of all that lialh Ixxn previously done, in order to (Ike fn iding of the lost sheep; and to \1k ** height, and " depth, and len|;tli, and breadtl) of the love of " Clin 1ST, which passes kno\^kd^;" even his love to siniKTs, considered as strangers to repentance, ami living in allowed arul lieinous disobcdknoe.
" W'c were as sheep going astray, but we luve *• relunicd :" (or luve been broug^U back or convert- tdt) *• to the ShcplKrnl and Bisliop of our souls.'' — ** I luve gone asimy," says the Psalmist, " like a ** siKep tliat is lost ** Indeed this is tiK constant em- blem in Scripture, of our coiKiition, as estranged from God, and seeking liappiness from the world. — Other \\tcsk^ of our state and cliaractcr shew our cri- minality, as apostates aiui rebels, and enemies to God; and arc suited to humble us before him : but tliis especially illustrates our miserv- and danger. — \\'lial more lu:lpless and e.\jx)scd llian a lost sl^cepf
SERMON VIII. 199
It can neither flee from its enemies, nor resist them. It is surrounded with dangers of which it has rxO dread, and against which it can take no precaution : and unless again brought under the tender faithful care of the shepherd, it must at length, in one way or other, be destroyed.
In such a world of temptation as this is, if we be. lieve what the Scripture teaches, that " our adversary, '* the Devil, like a roaring lion, goeth about seeking *' whom he may devour;" and that, as " transformed " into an angel of light," he uses, with immense suc- cess, a vast variety of artifices to deceive men to their destruction ; we shall readily perceive, that we arc exposed like lost sheep to numberless dangers, of which very kw are at all aware, and from which none, left to themselves, could possibly escape.
Such is every man's condition, while living impe- nitent, having forsaken God, and continuing to walk according to the course of this world.
When we consider our criminality ; we may coa- ceive of the Almighty as looking upon us with just and holy abhorrence : but the emblem of lost sheep gives us the idea of his unspeakable condescension and commiseration.
Let us then consider the love of the great and good Shepherd, to us poor lost sheep. He, who, in hu- man nature, could with propriety use the words, by which Jehovah distinguished himself when he ap- peared to Moses, and say, ** Before Abraham was, ** I AM :" He who spake to his disciples, exactly as Jehovah had done to Moses ; *' Certainly I will be *' with tliee ;" " Lo, I am with you always, even t«
900 SBIMOK VIII.
*' ihc end of the world:** ilc, \\\h) could proiiubc lo give his disciples *' a mouth and ui^om, which no ** aicmy could gainsay or resist:** He, whom *' alt ** angels worship," caroc into the world, was nude in the likeness of men, became flesh, and taberiuckd among us. But what brought him down Irom llic realms of light ? Love ! not to our cluraclcr or con- duct, but love lo us as lost sinners I — He pitied our w retclnrdness, u liile he oblftorrcd our crimes ! He antic i|>attd even our desires, and our consciousness of misery and dangiir ! *' It is a faithful saying, and * ' worthy of all acceptation, tlut C )i r i s i J e :> u s came *' into iIm: world to save sinners: even tliecliiefof *• sinners,** — ** Ye know iIk: grace of our Lokd *' Jesus Curist; how tlut though he was rich, yet *• for your sakes he Ixrcame jxwr ; that ^' 'hrough ** his jx>verty, might be made rich.**
When he thus assumed ** tlie form of a servant,** from com[)assion to the loM and WTetdied ; he did not appear in a state of outward splendour, but in tltc deeiKst |x>verty ; and while he refused lo act as a Judge, and sliunned those who would have made him a King ; yet, as the lender Shepherd seeking his lost sheep, Ik: jK-rformed, and so dignified, the of&ce of a preacher, bv making thai liis peculiar constant em- ployment.
With wear}', toUsoine steps, 1. • iversed ti»e whole land of Israel; (a stranger to those accommo. d.uions with wliich the most of us arc indulged ;) and made it iIk business of his hfc to seek out and sa>e iIk lost. He pitied tlie ignorant and negk-cled, *• l)e- *• cause ll>cy were as sheep not having a sliepherd;**
CERMON VIII. 201
^nd allowed himself no space for rest or r^'freshment, (often reserving only the nocturnal hours for secret devotion,) that he might lose no opportunity of bring- ing lost sheep to the fold of God. This was his meat, his pleasure, and his joy : and here, Cbpecially, he hath left his ministers *' an example that they " should follow his steps." This was the business of his life : still more, this was the end of his agony and death. ** All we, like sheep," (says the pro- phet, above seven hundred years before the Saviour's birth,) *' All we, like sheep, have gone astray ; wc *' have turned every one to his own way ; and the ** Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." — *' He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a ** sheep before her shearer is dumb, so he opened *' not his mouth." In like manner another prophet, in the name of God says, *' Awake, O sword, against *' the Shepherd, against the man that is my fellow, *' saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd." And thus Christ, taking these prophecies as be- longing to him, says, ** I am the good Shepherd ; *' the good Shepherd layeth down his life for the ** sheep." View then, the incarnate Word and Son of God, Immanuel, agonizing in the garden, and expiring on the cross; not for sinners as already re- penting, but to make way for their repentance and salvation ! — Oh, the depth of his condescension and compassion ! the riches of his liberality ! the great- ness of his self-denying love ! — words fail, and even imagination is lost on such a subject. — But can we suppose, that he stooped so low, and laboured and
suffered so much, for sinners, while impcnitently re* Vol. II. C c
202 sciiifoN VIII.
Ixrllious; and ihcn tliat \\c will, aficr all, reject any of those, wIk) in consccjucncc arc brought humbly to seek his salvaiion? Consider him as stooping, and bkcdinj^, and dying, for the vilest of rebels aiwi ene- mies: and ihtn conceive him, if \ou can, sternly re- jecting tlie humble recjuesls of lije |xx)r supplicant ulio with tears and confusion, and deep conlriiion, intrc^ts his mercy, and deicnnii»cs to know no odnrr hojx;.
Before \vc prcKced, let us not forget to think of this gracious Saviour, weeping over uuRrateful Jeru- salem, and the miseries to which it was devoted; and praying when luilcd to tin: cross for hi!^ murtlerrrs; ** FaUier, forgive thrm ; for they know noC what ihcy *' do.*' Nor let it be lost !»jght of, that *' J&sus is •' the same, yesterday, today, and for ever."
The conunibsion and instruclii>n given to his apos- lies, wIkii he sent them forth to preach iIk gospel, were perfectly coincident with these encouraging re- presentations of his personal minisir)'. '* Other ** sheep,'* says Im:, ** 1 luvc, which arc not of this '* fold : them also I must bring, and they slull hear '* mv voice, and tlkere slull be one fold, and one " SheplK-rd." ** NciilKr pra) 1 for llurse alone, but *' for tlK:m also which sludl beUcvc in me through *' tlxrir word.** *' Go ye into all tiK* world, and *• preach tlK- gosjxrl to ever)* creature, he tliat bc- '' lieveth and is baptized, sliall be saved ; and he that ** belie veth not, shall be damned. *'• — indeed, wlut is the (ommission of Christ to his ministers, in
• JobB s. 16. xtU. ao. Mailt* ni. 16.
SERMON VIII. 203
every age, but that expressed in the words of our ordination service? * To seek for Christ's sheep * that are dispersed abroad ; and for his children, who ' are in the midst of this naughty world, that they 'may be saved through Christ for ever.' This we all most solemnly promise to do, when we are ad- mitted to our sacred function ; and this must form one grand object of all our subsequent ministrations, if we would fulfil the vows of God that are upon us.
And what are our instructions in this great con- cern? We are commanded to preach. " Repentance ** towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus " Christ:" to assure our hearers, of every charac- ter, that *' all things are ready ;" to invite, persuade expostulate, "instantly, in season, out of season;'' and even *' to compel them to come in ;" certainly, by no other compulsion, than that of convincing ar- guments, urgent persuasions, and reiterated exhorta- tions. " Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ ; *' as though God did beseech you by us, we pray *^ you, in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." — *' We also, as fellow- workers together with him, *' beseech you also, that ye receive not the grace of " God in vain."
We are instructed, not only to inform you of what God has done for the salvation of sinners, and of what Christ has suffered for sins, and of his pre- vailing intercession for all *' who come to God by *' him ;" not only to propose these blessings to you : but also to urge most earnestly your acceptance of them ; to take no denial ; to renew our invitations and expostulations ; to venture your displeasure and
2(>4 MHUOS VIII.
contempt, in seeking your salvation ; and never to I emit or ccosc from our cndcavounj. till you forsake our ministry, or ciihcr vou or \vc arc called to the tribunal of Goo.
And uhal is thai peculiar work of the Holy Spirit, of which V) much is said in tiic Scriptures, cspcci. li) in the New Testament, and of which, alas ! so little is heard from many pulpits in this Christian counlr>' ? •* He shall convince the world of sin, of righteous- ** nrss, and of judgment/' •* He slull glorify me ; ** for he shall receive of mine, and sliall shew it unto ** you.** — His first work, m proceeding from iIk: Father and tlie Son, consists in c|uickenuig ilic dead in sin, bringing tlie prodigal to liimsclf, humL! ttie proud heart, sulxluing tlie stout s{)irit, awakei: tl»e careless conscience ; and slv'wing the crim. gtiilt. tlie justice of Goo in his condemnation, . \ tiic future judgment, with all itssdcmnit tnl
consequences. When this has been cticcietl ; and tlie convinced transgressor is brouglu to despair of salvation, except through mercy by faith in Chkist Jesus : the ^me effectual Teacher glorifies the Sa- viour, blxrws tlie suitableness, fulness, and fremess of liis salvation : and brings the desponding penitent, to ** count all but loss for tl>e excellency of tlie ** knowledge of Christ, and his atonement and righteousness.
This then is the fact refcrrtd ta Tlie sinner liears the gospel, is brought to repentance, to submission, to earnest desires of salvation, to a cordial acceptance of Christ, according to tlie degree of knowledge aU
SERMON VIII. 205
ready attained ; and to diligent search after more com- petent instruction in the truth and will of God.
The persons, thus humbled and earnest, may have been of divers previous characters, some more and some less moral ; the degrees of their capacity or in- fcrmation may widely differ ; and also their rank and staiion in society : but they now all understand the apostle's language, which before they either over- looked or disliked, ** There is no difference, for all '* have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
When Peter addressed the Jews, on the day of Pentecost, and thousands embraced the gospel, even of those who had concurred in crucifying the Lord of glory : then this joyful event took place in nume- rous instances. The good Shepherd found and re- joiced over his lost sheep. When the poor jailor be- gan, trembling, to cry out, " What must I do to be *' saved?" and gladly welcomed the message of the gospel ; it was a single but illustrious instance of the same kind. We are not favoured w'ith such success as Peter witnessed ; but from time to time, one and another, like the jailor, makes the interesting enquiry, and welcomes the scriptural answer. And whether one obscure person in a cottage, or a prison, is con- verted, or ten thousand at once are converted ; not a single instance is overlooked: Christ rejoices over his lost sheep, and calls on us to rejoice likewise.
II. Then, what do we learn from this expression, ** Rejoice 7i;?Y/z ^e .^" We may suppose the peni- tent, not only bowed dov/n by a sense of past guilt, but oppressed by feeling much remaining stoutness of spirit and hardness of heart ; which though not be-
206 SBtMON VIII.
fore aware of, lie now iK-pins to perceive atul lamenc Perhaps he recoileols, not merely oulward sins; but (which is often the case with n\oril persons) a proud Contempt of the doctrines and ministr}' of the gospel, and many s^u'castical remarks on pious persons, thai lie with peculiar weight unon the con&aence.— Mhij thinph may recur to hi;* mind, of convictions repressed, and prejudices induli^tl, and res^)lutions broken, and Bins committetl apiinst knov. and conscience,
and attempts niudc to c>l>tain quiet from lax and un- scriptural vicw^; inducing a fear, lest aoroethinf^ has taken place, whirli may cxdi.dc him from mercy ; or lest he sliouM )ui\e conmiitted the unpardonable sin.— -On this sui)jcct, I ran only at present say, that they who are mo*»t alarmed oiM hat account, are the least likely to be llic |xTsons spoken of; that ever)* sin is unpardonable without repentance; and that no bin is unjNUtlonalilc if repented of — Now it is here supposed, that this discouraged eiu)uircr earnestly bef^s of Goo * to give him repentance and his Holy * Spirit ; ' and amidst all difficulties, desires still to Ixlieve, and hope, and submit, ami rely, and pray^ aiKl admit no otlier confidence. 1 would ihirrforc add, titat even over such a case as tliis, Chbxst is represented as rcjoicinj^ ; while the sinner is ureping, trembling, and tcmptctl to despond.
Let us recur to the representation given m iL* p:i rable. — Sup|x>sc a slieplicrd bestowing pain^, i; a cx|>osing lum!>elf to hardship and fatigue, and (kt- haps to imminent danger, in seeking a lost si)eep : Avould he feel no satisfaction when he lud found it, thougl), tlu-ough simplicity, it feared and fletl from
SERMON VIII. 207
Ilim as an enemy ? Thus, when the sinner is brought to see his guilt and misery : even though his views be darkened, and his hope disturbed, through ignorance and prejudice; *' yet the Redeemer sees of the travail *' of his soul," (in Gethsemane and on Calvary,) " and is satisfied.'' This was no small part of *' the *' joy set before him," when, '* he endured the cross *' and despised the shame."
Every repenting sinner is a monument of Christ's victory over the powers of darkness, and of the effi- cacy of his atonement, intercession, and grace. Every one is an immortal soul saved from eternal mi- sery and brought into the way of eternal life. Every one is an example of God's mercy in converting an instrument of Satan, active in doing mischief, into a servant of Cpirist, employed in willingly promoting the cause of truth and righteousness on earth. Thus, in all instances of sinners being brought to true re- pentance, and seeking salvation by Christ, an ac- cession is made to the Redeemer's kingdom, and Satan's is proportionably diminished and enfeebled. " Giving thanks unto the Father — who hath delivered *' us from the powder of darkness, and translated us ** into the kingdom of his dear Son, in whom wc '' have redemption through his blood, even the for- " giveness of our sins."*
This then was the great object when the plan of salvation w^as formed ; when the Son of God became incarnate; when he bled upon the cross ; when, risen and ascended, he sent his apostles to preach the gos-
• CoK i. 12—14.
SX)8 sEiMov viii.
pel ; and when Ik comniunicalcb hw Spiiit to render it iHcctuul : and can he but rtjoicc, when the great end of ali his labours, sufLrini^s, and counsels, irj taibw ered ?
Would a father, who liad spared no labour and cxjKnce to reclaim a proHij^ate son ; who luil rttained his |xi:emal afl'ection through a long scries ol provo- cations and disc»p|)oininK iits ; who had jxrrscvertd for a long course of lime, uhile tlic c;isc seemed hojK- less: would lie, i say, not rtjoicr, when hin cndca- v(»urs were crowned uiih fuU success? Surely Ik could not see the repenting rebel a sup|>lunt at h\% fcxt, conicssing his crimes with all tlicir aggravalioas. and most sub.nissively implorin'^ lorgivencss and re- conciliation, though read) to tear a repulse, without the most li\cly emotions of satisfaction. It is im|x>s- siblc, but Ik: must inuartlly rejoice ; unless he, u ho had the heart of a father while llic son was a rebel, could be turned mio a monster when his son becanv a jKiiiient. Prudence indeed might dictate the out- ward expression of his joy, and lliat |x:rlups in a way iu>t (pntc so pleasing to the suppliant^ feelings ; but iKyo id all doubt, tlKV would be directed to the pro- nioting of his permanent advantage.
We learn then from the expression, *• iiejoicc ti-if' *' ;;jr/* that the penitent sinner is sure to find a cor dial welcome from him who " came to seek and te ** save iliat which was lost.*'
All tlK love of CmRISI to SIUIKT:*, WlULIl il.i^ IXLII
before considered ; all tin: means used, and the di\ inc infiucnce of the Holy Spirit communicated, in order to bring them to a sense of their guilt and danger,
SERMON VIII. 20?
and to render them willing to accept of this salvation ; are so many demonstrations, that no one, however guilty or enslaved by sin, shall be rejected when thus brought to seek mercy and grace as proposed in the gospel. The prodigal is at length induced to say, ** 1 will go to my father, and say unto him, Father, ** I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and " am no more worchy to be called thy son :" and will the father now spurn him from him, and leave him at last to perish? No — *' He looketh upon men, and *' if any say, I have sinned, I have perverted that " which is right, and it profited m.e not ; he will de- " liver his soul from going down into the pit, and his ** life shall see the light." The good Shepherd has regained his lost sheep ; and says to his friends and neighbours, *' rejoice with me, for I have found my ** sheep that was lost." And if any, like the Phari- sees, and the elder brother in the parable, object, and find fault, he will vindicate his own proceedings, and put them to shame and silence.
Certainly this is the view of the subject, which these parables, spoken for that very purpose, are suited to convey. And the general tenour of Scrip- ture accords to it. How emphatical the language of God by his Prophet concerning Ephraim ! '* I have ' surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus : ' Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a ' bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. Turn thoii ' me, and I shall be turned, for thou art the Lord
* my God. — Is Ephraim my dear son ? Is he a plea-
* sant child? For since I spake against him, I do ' earnestly remember him still. Therefore my bow-
VOL, II. D D
210 sciuoN* vrii.
** els arc troubled for him. I will surely !iavc mercy *' U|xjn him, saiih ihc Loed.'*»
Indeed, (lie kindness and eondesccn&ion ofCii 1 1 sT, as recorded in the gosjK'I, during his pcrsoiuil minis- tr}', were entirely coincident with these rcpresciua- lions. He never despised or frowned on any one who come to him, however mean or vile ; but was always accessible and compassionate : and in this, as in all other respects, Ik* ** liath lei\ us an example, •* dial wc should follow his steps.'*
Simon, iIk: Plurisec, disdained ** llur woman that ** was a sintKrr/* when, as a weeping pinitent, site washed our Loau's '* feet with tears, and wi|>ed *' tl>em with ihc \mn of )kt head*' But he graci* ouslv noticed tin: evidences of Ikt faith and love : he declared iliat ** licr sins, though many, were for- ** givai.'* lie said to iKrr, " thy faiUi hadi saved ** ihec, go in |)cace.**
In hke manner, when censured for becoming tlic guest of /jci Ik'us tlie publican ; luving heard his profcssioQ of (xnitaU faith, Ik declared for his encou- ragement, " This day is salvation come to this house : ** for as much as Ik: also is a son of Abraham. Vor ** Uk Son of nun is come to seek and to save that '* whicii was lost.'* — And even to the thief upon llie cross, who confessed his guilt, and said, ** Lobo, re- •* member mc, wljcn thou congest into djy kingdom ;" amidst liis own agojuzing tortures he replied, ** \ e- ** rily, 1 say unto thee, tlus day slult thou be with •* mc in paradise. *•
• }a. *juu. IS— ^'
SERMON VIII. 211
This uniform conduct of our blessed Saviour, to- wards those who were humbly sensible of their guilt and danger, appeared still more remarkable and in- structive, if contrasted with his addresses to the self- sufficient Scribes and Pharisees ; in which he uses the strongest language of just severity and authorita- tive rebuke : ** Verily, I say unto you, that the pub- *^ licans and harlots shall enter into the kingdom of ** heaven before you." — " Ye serpents, ye genera- *' tion of vipers, how €an ye escape the damnation of *'hell?'' There is in some men, a sort of indolent easiness of temper, which induces an indiscriminate kindness to persons of all characters, at least as far as words can go : but the marked difference of address, which our Lord made use of, in speaking to the self- righteous, and to the humble penitent, forms such a contrast, that we are sure there must be, iyi hisjiidg- ment^ something essentially different in the state of their hearts, which according to the plan of the gos- pel requires this marked discrimination.
When Saul of Tarsus, being met with in the way to Damascus, became a humble suppliant, the com. passionate Saviour whom he had persecuted, takes notice of it to Ananias, *' Behold he prayeth." And Ananias, sent expressly to assure him of pardon and peace, and to restore his sight as a pledge of further mercies, accosts this wolf, which had so cruelly de- stroyed the sheep of Christ, with the cordial ad- dress, *' Brother, Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, '* whom thou sawest in the way, hath sent me unto " thee." It is probable that Saul, during his three days' weeping and fasting, in darkness and distress,
212 sr.nuoK vm.
h.iU feared IcM Ik: \\k\d biiuKci Ixyotul llic reach of iiKTcy : but no oijjcctions were luoclc a^.iiiksi him on account of his {xa^t mo&t atrocious crinich; and us 800U as he began to rciKnt, and was willing to L- saved in the way of Uic gospel, Ik* was heartily \vcl conned, b(Ah by tin: Lobd and by his nunbktcn>.
TIk; Old 'rc^lamcnt afll»rds an instanee \\o less ex- traordinary. iMuiuisseh lud filled Jerii^alt ni with , aUjniiiublc idolatiieji, and with iunocau blood ; \\c hud |x:rsisteil and increased in wickedness bcyoixl i cxamjUe, in defiance of uarnuigs sent from God by his prophets ; he liad us(d his authority to induce his people to comply u itii his abominations ; and yet, ulurn, *' in aniietion Ik: Ixsou^^ht the Loan his Goo, ** and huniUed himself greatly Ix'forc iIk: Cbod of his ** lathers; Ik* uas intiealcd of him, aiKl iKrard his , ** supplication." |
But tlK: |urable, in ihi:> chapter, of tlic pro<lt^al son, which lus been re|K:atedly alluded to, is pcrluips xht' most decisive on lIk: sul}ject tlut can be cunceiveti. ] It uas siKiken on |ujr|x>se to encourage the penitent, and to repro>e tliosc \% Ik> disdaiiK-d them. No sooner ' is die prodigal, uhosc cfMiducX had been most baac, ' brought to hioisclf, and iiKluccd to retuni home : but tiK* LUkt, sees him alar off, runs to meet him, prevents his confessions and intrcaties, liastens to &pcak peace and comfort to his dejected heart, and ; welcomes him with ever)* token of affection aiKi joy. j
The Lord indcxd often leaves the awakened sin- j ncr, for a lime to sow in tears, and tremble at his ^ord ; in order to humble aiul prove him, and to do I him good at iIk: latter end : but, if Uuly penitent, if .
SERMON VIIT. 213
^' lie goctli forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed ; ** he shall doubtless come again rejoicing, and bring ** his sheaves with him." He may for a season mourn in darkness, and fear lest his case be hopeless : but ere long he shall say, " O Lord, I will praise thee; " though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is " turned away, and thou comfortest me. Behold, ** God is become my Salvation: I will trust and not ** be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my Strength *' and my Song, he also is become my salvation. ** Therefore with joy shall ye draw waters out of the *' wells of salvation. "*
Whatever then is needful of instruction, pardon, sanctification, strength, liberty, or comfort, shall in due time be vouchsafed: and the Lord himself will rejoice over the poor penitent to do him good, *' to ** the praise of the glory of his grace.'' For " where sin has abounded, grace much more abounds."
IlL Then I proceed to consider what we may learn from the call given us to rejoice with the good " Shep- ** herd, when he has found his sheep that was lost."
I apprehend this call was not merely intended as an additional encouragement to the poor trembling and mourning penitent, though it is exceedingly suited to answer this end : but also to teach us some important parts of our duty, which we are too apt to overlook. — If indeed w^e *' have fled for refuge to lay *' hold on the hope set before us" in the gospel ; if we have found " peace and joy in believing," and *' have ** tasted that the Lord is gracious : " it should be one grand aim and design of our future lives, by all pro-
* Is. xii.
S14 utAUos vni.
per means, to induce olhcrs to seek a share in the same ini stinialile blessings. 'I'liis is by no means excluswchj tlie work 'of minislcTs ; it i^ the duty of all christians, in their families and ncightx>urhood ; among their rebiives aiul connexions ; in their sphere of action, wlicilnrr contracted or more extended; and according to \\\c talents conmuttcd to ihcir steward- sJnp.
" L< t this mind be in you which waa also in " Christ Jastrs.'* Did \\c stoop so low, so deny himself, and suffer such 'unknown agonies, from love, ikH to the holy or to his friends, but to lost binncTs, rebels, and enemies; to us n lien viewed in these ehaTicters ? Let us imbitxr his spirit, let us not be imliflerent to the eternal interests of those arotind us, Iwwever vile or injurious. \jcX us dcspir of no ■Ml, harlx)ur prejudices against none, or iiululge re. •tntmcnt nn account of any provocations, bo%iTvcr many and great. While our foes, perh^ips, may even thirst fur our blocxl, let us desire and seek for their sal\*niion. — Wliat language does the apostie use on this sul>ject ! ** God is my record, how greatly I •• long after you, in Uie bowels of Jesi^s Cm«ist." ** My little children, of whom I tra^-ail in birth again, ** till Christ be formed in you.*' This waa iiKleed '* \\k mind Uiat was in CuaisT jesl's,"" and should be in us all
There is a way of s|xraking, conccniing li.c igno- lant or immoral, too common even among such as jirofcss to believe the gospel ; which seems to imply tliat they are hopeless characters, and tlut no good can be done to them : and when this idea prevails, it
SERMON VIII. 215
is not likely any proper means of doing them good should be attempted with earnestness and perseve- rance. But whoever duly remembers all the particu- lars of his own case, and all the patience and mercy which the Lord has shewn to him, will not readily conceive more difficulties or greater unworthiness ia another, than have been overcome and pardoned, in bringing him into the liberty and comfort of the gospel*
While therefore, in our several places, we use all such means of bringing sinners to repentance and the knowledge of Cpirist, as consist wdth our character and^situation ; and watch for opportunities of dropping some hint, or putting something in the way of those to whom we have access, which may awaken their attention : let us remember all our brethren, who, in different parts of the world, and by various methods, are making similar attempts. The ministers of Christ especially, whose constant employment this is, or should be ; and who often labour, with a de- gree of success vastly below their wishes and desires, are entitled to remembrance in your daily prayers. If called on to rejoice with Christ, when the lost sheep is found ; you must also be required to desire that joyful event. It takes place, at present, alas ! but seldom, to what it has done in former times : and how loudly does diis call upon you, '' to strive toge- ^' ther in prayer for us ;" both that we may be better qualified for the work, and more prospered in it! Perhaps nothing is less adequately attended to, in gc|ieraJ, than the duty of praying for the success of
the gospel, ami ihal '* the Lord oftljc liarvcbl would •* send forth l.ilxjurcrs into his JKirvcst"
In the prcsint lamciUably divided stale of the Christian Church, a tfm|KT too j^cnt-nilly prevails, not unlike ih:it manifested by the a|)ostlw, \^hrn '* they saw oneaistin^ out devils in Christ's name; '• and forbad him, Ixcausc he followrt! not with ** ihem :'• and our Lord's reply seems to be little thought of; ** Korhid him not ; for Ik: lluil is not ** against us, is for us."
No doubt, c^trry one ought to be satisfied in his own mind, as to his proper place and work, and !»hould act consistently with his cfigagcments ; not ** doing evil that good may come,'* or c\*cn causing, by any impropriety, •* his good to be evil s|K)kcn of." But if we candidly look around us, and take a large view of the Christian Church, we sliall cvidcndv
#
perceive that C»oi> brings home lost sliccp, and so causi.*s joy in heaven, by persons who arc very far from exactly coinciding with us, in those things on \\hich we perhaps lay an undue stress. It is too much for us to nnsume it, nsfoct^ lliat our views arc* exclusively scriptural ; for other conscientious men arc equally confident in their opinions : and if we were sure that wc were right and the)* mistaken ; yet, an the only wise God sees good to execute a part of his counsel by their means ; and as ** there is joy in hea- ** ven o%*cr one sinner that repenieth ;** it does not Ixrcomc us to manifest the pbarisaical spirit of the el- dcr brollicr ; who was objecting aiui comj)laining, when liis father and the whole fiunily \\rrc icastini;.
SERMON VIII. 217
and rejoicing over " him who had been lost and was *' found, had been dead and was alive.''
St. Paul was" sure that ihcy who preached Christ out of envy and strife were wron^j, not only in cir- cumstances, but in the radical temper of their hearts: yet, as it seems, they preached the substance of the true gospel among those who had been strangers to it ; so that sinners were by their means brought to repentance and faith in Christ, he determined to rejoice in their success : doubtless, because the Sa- viour calls on all his friends to rejoice with him when he finds his lost sheep. As to consequences, he left them with God ; as also the judgment to be awarded to those, who wanted *' to add affliction to hia ** bonds."
We also learn, from the language of the text, that we should, with caution, encourage every relenting in those, who have hitherto appeared stout-hearted and far from righteousness. — We should meet with kindness and meekness every dawning of ^ight and conviction, and spare no pains in leading forward the newly awakened sinner, notwithstanding his mis- takes, prejudices, or ignorance; imitating him, who ** did not quench the smoking flax, or break the *' bruised reed." It is indeed proper to avoid such encouraging language, as may tend to self-deception : but whatever can inspire the hope which animates to diligence ; w^hatever can tend '' to lift up the hands ^** that hang down, and confirm the feeble knees, or ** make straight paths for the feet ; that that which is *' lame may not be turned out of the way, but rather
*' be healed," should be perseveringly attempted. Vol. II. E e
218 SEBMON VIII. !
I
** Him thai i-i weak in ihc faiili receive yc; but not ^ ** to doubtful dibputations. ,
W'c should also Ix: rcnundcd to attend to another J oj)Ohtolical injunction which is often forgotten, ** If a j ** man be overtaken in a fault, you tlut arc spiritual ^ ** restore such an one in the spirit of meekness ; con- , '* sidcring tlnself, lest thou also Ix- tempted." For \ the recovery of one, who seemed in our judgment to . be a believer, is often tlut very event over which j
•rls and the Lord of angtU rejoice. ** Brelliren, | " u any of you do err from the trudi, and one con- «* vert him ; let him know tlat lie wlu) converteth a j ** &in:Kr from iIk error of his way, aliall save a soul 1 *' from deatii, and sliall liide a multitude of sins.'* — i lAt us, in tlKrac and all oilier caMrs, coiuicctcd with \ tlK joyful e\*ent referred to in the text, use all tin: means we can, and pray fervently for a bleaaiog ou ' every attempt made by othen>, as well as by oundvcSi all over ihc world, l^t us expect to receive ana^vers ' to our prayers, and aland prr|>arrd to bless and praise i God, wlRMKnrcr we hear of sinners brougfu to repen- tance, and the success of that cause, for which Christ Jisl's came into tlie world and shed his blood upon the cross. <
Brethren, you have heard many things coDoeming | iIk: love of Christ tosiiuKrrs, in general, and to re- ] penting sinners in particular ; and of his unspeakable i coixlescension, compassion, and loving kiiKiness : but do not, on tliis ground, conclude that Ik cannot, < or will not punish ; '* Despisest thou the HcIks of his . •* goodness, and forbearance, and long suffering, not '* knowing tlut il)c goodness of God Icadcih iIkc to
SERMON VIII. 21^
'^ repentance ? But after thy hardness and impenitent " heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the " day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judg- " ment of God ; who shall render to every one ac- " cording to his deeds?" — Notwithstanding the in- expressible love of Christ, he will at length ** be ** revealed from heaven, with his mighty angels, in " flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know *^ not God, and that obey not his gospel; who shall " be punished with an everlasting destruction from ** his presence." — " How shall we then escape, if we "neglect so great salvation?" They who arp em- boldened by the grace of the gospel to continue im- penitent, will perish with the most aggravated con- demnation. " Seek the Lord," therefore, *' while ** he may be found ; call upon him while he is near :" and beware of trusting in any transient impressions, which leave no abiding effect on your general temper and coiiduct ; for no persons are more hopeless in their impenitence, than they who groundlessly think, that they have repented. Yet, be thankful for any degree oi feelings any disposition to relent and sub- mit to God : but give diligence, and exercise watch- fulness, that these convictions may be rendered deep- er, and made more effectual in producing works meet for repentance.
We, who cannot see the heart, must encourage whatever appears right : but you should look to Goj) to search and examine you, that you may become acquainted v/ith yourselves, and not be deceived by a repentance which must eventually be repented of. Take care, in this view, of every scheme whigh tends
to rcconcHr religion with coiiffjrmify to the work) ; and of all smooth and soothing w;iys of statiiig the great truths of Christianity. Wliatcvcr your ccn- uck-nce dcclarr s should be broken ofl\ f^\xn up, or ntltmkd to; obey its dictates promptly ami imphcitl And in this way, no doubt, you uill 1)C led loru:u'd to cstablistmient in the faith and ho|)r of tlK! g^o^prJ.
If any Inve had impressions, diat luive 5uU>idi*d, without producing a real chan^, ihcy must bcf^in nil i over aj^ain ; and, here no particular dirrciiun* Mxm J iK'tdfu), except not to yield to the diviouragittg ' th(iiif;ht, that it is now too late. StiU, still it is said,
*• To-dar, if Te will liear his voice, Imrden not vour
• • • •
•• liearts." ** Ikhold, now is il^ a< i lime; be-
*' hold, now is tlie day of salvation.'* And still Christ says, *' liim that comcth unto roc, i uill •• in no vise cast out,'* |
Dut, above all, Ix-warc of further procraadnaiion. < None can say, ** %ih.it slull Ijc on the morrow. '• ^* Thr Mafitcr of ilic liouse may liave risen up and *' sluit i\yc door ;** and then it will be in vain to j *' 8t;ind without, and to say. Loan, npai to us,** aa it was for the inlubitants of tite old world, to seek ad- mission into the long.despi&ed Ark of Noah, when { the days of tin: Lord*s long.su (Tcri tig wcft cfkSed ] Nay, it is imjxjssiblc to say, whetlKT, e\cn if life be * prolonged, God may not be provoked to j^ve you up , to fmal olxluracy, and to " swrar in hi!> wrath, that | •* you sluill not enter into his rest/' — In any view of the stibjcct, if not now tnily penitent, and seeking dilt^ntly salvation through Christ onr Lord ; yon I have reason to fear, Ic5t }>c should at last iddreaa rou i
SERMON VIII. 221
vvkh these tremendous words: *' Because I called, *' and ye refused, I stretched out my hand, and no ** man regarded, but ye have set at nought all my ** counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also ** will laugh at your calamity ; I will mock when "your fear cometh. — When your fear cometh as deso- ** lation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind ; " when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then " shall they call upon me, but I will not answer ; ** they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.'' — " I'hen will I profess unto them, I never knew '* you ; depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Oh ! my fellow-sinners, such of you as have been favoured with manifold advantages, and have at times seemed disposed to profit by them ; if you should at last die in your sins, what an account will you have to give ! What a meeting will you have, even with those who have spoken to you the word of God, and watched for your souls ; who have faithfully and af- fectionately warned you, and earnestly persuaded you, by the love of Christ, and by the terror of the Lord, ** not to refuse him that speaketh," not " to *' neglect so great salvation !" *' It would have been *' better for you not to have known the way of rightc- *' ousness, than to turn at last from the holy com- " mandment delivered unto you.''
Again let me intreat you, to reverence your con- sciences ; and venture not to go on in any thing con- cerning which your ow^n heart condemns you ; for *' God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all ** things." — *' Submit yourselves therefore to God. " Resist the devil , and he will flee from you. Draw'
222 u££MU.N Vlli.
*' nif;h to God, and he will draw nigli unlo you. ** Cleanse your liands, yc sinners ; and purify your *• hearts, ye double-minded. Ik- afflicted, and mourn, ** and weep : let your bughter Ix: turned into mourn* ** ing, and your joy into heaviness. Humble your. '* selves in the sight of God, and he sliall lift you up." 'i'ljen will the gracious Saviour say of you, to his friends and servants, ** Rejoice with me ; for I have *' found mj sheep, which was lost:*' and you also sliall, ere long, share tlxr joy.
I^t me then conclude by again reminding you of tiK words of Christ, ** Him that cometh unto mc, '* I will in no wbe cast out/* Imitate him, who of old cried with tears "Loan, I l)elicve, help thou " ntine unbelief;** and your sorrow shall in due time be turned into joy. And. may God, of his infmitc mercy, grant tlut all presait may \x found among tlK>se, over whom Christiaits and Ministers rejoice; oTcr whom Christ rejoices; and wIk> shall rejoice with him, and in his Io\t and prcaenoe, to all rter. nitv ! A men.
SERMON IX.
LUKE, XI. 13.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him ?
XN the former part of this chapter, our blessed Sa- viour teaches his disciples to pray ; and encourages them, in the most affecting manner, to earnestness and importunity in prayer. With what energy do the illustrations, used on the occasion, address the feelings of our hearts ! " If a son shall ask bread of *' any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone ? ** Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish, give him a ** serpent? Or if he shall ask an ^^^^ will he offer *' him a scorpion?''
And while every one, who heard him, must find his heart revolt against a conduct so contrary to pa- rental affection, he added the words of our text : ** If ye then, being evil, know how to give good
'• gifts uruo your children, how much more slull •' your heavenly FallK-r give ihe Holy Spirit to them ** that ahk him?" It is not said, to his ehildren, but ** to them tlut a^k him ;'* dial die abLing iibcif mij^Ijt \)c a j;round of encoiinij;ement to every supphcant. In a jwrallel passage the concluding wordb are, '* How ** much more sliall your Fadier, which is in heaven, •* give f^ood t/ungs to iliem tiiat ask him ?"• But here die Holy Spirit is promised, as ilic best gift of Goo to those diat are favoured wnU (he gos|)el, and indeed, as comprehetuling all things u liich are truly aiul es- sentially gfxxl for thetn.
** Goo made man in his own image, af\er liis own ** likeness/* He liad before priMKMinccd each | of the crcutKH) good; but whca mux had been formed, * mu\ pUced in domniioii over die odier creatures, he pronounced the whole to be I'rry go0il. Yet hen- our Lord, addressing his own disciples, speaks of them, aiui of men in general, as evil: ** if then yc '* hrutg cvil^ tkc"' \\ e are informed in die timd of Gencsu», how ** by uk mail sin entered into ilie ** world, and dcjtii by ^i\. Thus man became as ** cby marred in die lund of tlK potter :*' and soon after we read, llut ** God saw Uk wickediiOt6 Oi '* man was great in the earth ; and ihut every imjigi. ^* nation ol the thoughts of his heart was only evil ** coniinually. And it repented the Loto that he *' had made man on tlic earth ; and it grieved him at ** his hcart.**^-** God looked u|x>n tlie earth, and ** behold, it was corrupt : ior ail flesh liad oorrupied
ti. 11.
SERMON IX J "225
^* his Way upon the earth."* Accordingly he de- stroyed the whole depraved race, except righteoiis^ Noah and his family : yet directly alter the deluge, he testified that " the imagination of man's heart is '* evil from his youth." Undoubtedly then some vast change had taken place in the human character, since the time when '* God created man in his own ^' image," and pronounced him *' very good."
This change, this fallen state of human nature 5 this depravity, called in Scripture '* death in tres- ** passes and sins," made way for *' the glorious ^' gospel of God our Saviour," which was predicted in emphatical but obscure language immediately after the full. For it pleased God to take occasion from man's apostacy, to glorify the riches of his mercy and grace, in harmony with his justice,^ holiness, and truth, in saving us poor miserable sinncrs.^ — Now the promise of the Redeemer (God manifest in the flesh), through whose person, righteousness, atone- ment, and mediation ; redemption was made and salvation proclaimed, is the grand promise of the Old Testament. " The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of '* prophecy." In like manner, the atonement being made, the everlasting righteousness brought in, the Redeemer glorified, the way into the holiest mani- fested, and the gospel published ; the promise of the Holy Spirit may justly be considered as the grand and peculiar promise of the New Testament : for, in fact, what else is wanting to camplete our recovery to
♦ Gen. vi. 5—12.
Vol* II. F F
226 s£Riro.v ix.
God and holiness? — Thus, in our admiraljlc liunv, wc haYc ihis monung been praying to ihc divine Sa- viour, * Bv ilie mvsicrv of ihv Holv incarnation; b\
* thy holy nativity and circumcision ; by thy baptism,
* fitttlng, and temptation ; by thine agony and bloo<iy
* sweat ; by thy cross and passion ; by thy precious
* death and burial; by thy glorious resurrection and
* ascension ; and by the coming of the Iloli/ Ghost ,
* Good Lord deliver us.*
I have lately called your attention, my brethren, to the scriptural doctrine of ** repentance unto life ;" to the evil and desert of sin, as committed against God ; in order to evince tliat all men iKrd to repent ; and to the love of Cmeist towards all wliodo repent to that the promise of the Holy Spirit, ll»e Author and Giver of life, by whose influences alone eitlier re- pentance, taith. or any other spiritual grace can be produced in our hearts, and practised in our iives, seems a proper close to the general subject. ** Do not *• err, my beloved l>rethren, every good andoxry per- ** feet gift is from above, and c«jmeth down from the •• Father of lights.** And, *• if ye being evil, know ** how to give good gifts unto \our children ; how " much more shall your heavenly Father give his ' Holy Spirit to them that ask him ^*^
I. I purpose tl^en to make souic miroduciory remarks on the subject.
U. I slull endcavoar to shew ulut is implied in this encouraging promise ;
HI. Shew, in several particulars, how u suits our present condition, and die state of tilings in this evil worlds and.
SERMON IX. ^27
IV, Make some application of the subject.
I. I shall make some introductory remarks on the -subject.
The Holy Spirit is in Scripture spoken of in lan- guage appropriate to a personal agent. He is repre* sented as choosing^ willing, commanding, and ^^ giving " to every man, severally as he will :" and therefore it has in every age been customary to speak of him as a Person, The divine perfections and operations arc also expressly ascribed to him : he is spoken of as omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent; Chris- tians are temples of God, because the Spirit of God dwelleth in them ; and in various ways, the incom- municable attributes of Deity are ascribed to him. Now there can be but one God ; and if three distinct personal agents, the Father, the Son, and the Holy- Spirit, are constantly mentioned, in language which implies divine perfections; then, for. want of some more adequate words, of which, in our present state, we are devoid ; we say that there are three Persons in the unity of the Godhead. We cannot better ex- press ourselves, though we do not comprehend the full import of our own words ; and none, in any age of Christianity, have objected to these expressions, but they who have at length manifested an aversion t(y the mysterious doctrine taught by them, and to tlu^ other grand peculiarities of the sacred Scriptures.
This one God in three Persons, is the Object of the Christian's adoration : into this one ** name of the " Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost," we are ail baptized : and the mysicrp which wr cannot explain
or cofnprcl>cnd, is yet kept in view, \\liene\er wc really cxcTtisc faith in tin* mercy of ihe Father, the re- demption and mediation of the Son, or iIk: ^rracc of the Holy Spirit. — " The Father loved the uorld; ai>d •* sent his only bef^otlen Son to be the |)ropiiiation for our sins." The ascended Saxiour sends t Ik llok Spirit, to communicate hy his powerful agency, that redemp- rion which lie purcliased on the cross. Thus • ll>e • Holy Spirit proceeds from tl>e Fniher and the Soiv/ as St. John in vision saw *• a pure Kiver of \iater •• of life, clear as cr} stal, proceeding out of the throne *• of God, and of the Lamb.'**
The gil) of tl>e Holy Spirit, as stated in Scripture, is twofold: hib immediate inspiration made men pro- phets; his rcprneraljng ainl sam infUirnces, make
men scinfs or holy persons. — 'Itiesc are perfectly diN- linci endowments. The most of tfiosc who have been, and are, made hol\ persons, Iwvc had no prophetical or mir.iculous gifts I xrsl owed on them: nor ean any so! XT man suppose, that ever}- one, who would pray for the I pirit, should itc made a prophet, or en-
abled to work miracles. On the otlur hand, some j< ^ were not saints: they recei\Td the J^
ril ol ])ropliecy, for ihc use of oilnrs, but not thni of s ration to the saving of their own souls, t
We tlieretorc entirely disclaim all pretensions to the Ho!v Spirit, in respect of his miraculous and {iropheti. cal ^'iiis: wc neither expect, nor teach otlK-rs toexpect,
• Rc^. Av»;. ;
SERMON IX. 229
Miy such thing. In this sense the Holy Spirit is not now given, or promised: and if any persons inadvert- ently use language capable of being understood as a Qh'im of this kind, we would enter a protest against it, as inaccurate, and of bad tendancy, however well meant.
We do not expect that the Holy Spirit will be given in answer to our prayers, to inform us immediately, as by a whisper, when either awake or asleep, that we are the children of God; or to lead us to this conclu- sion, by any impression or new revelation; or in any other way, than by enabling us to exercise repentance, and faith, and love to God and our neighbour. Here again we allow, that enthusiasm has often found admis- sion, and has done great mischief.
God inspired holy men of old to write the Scrip- tures, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost: and, while we would teach you to depend on the same Spi- rit, to guide you into the true meaning of the Scriptures; we would by no means allow, that he ever reveals any thing contrary to the written word, or more than is contained in it, or through any other medium. Now, should any impression be made on the mind of a co- vetous man, an adulterer, or any other impenitent sin- ner, that his sins are pardoned, and that he is a child of God and an heir of heaven; it would contradict the Scriptures, which expressly declare, that such charac- ters are in the road to destruction. But the Holy Spirit cannot contradict himself; and therefore such impres- sions must come from ^* Satan, transformed into an '^* angel of light.''
^^0 SEBMON IX.
If any imprc5vsion lead men from tlic Scriptures, lo Ibrm some olhcr ground of hope, or rule. of conduct, than is there given; it adds to the word of God, and indeed contradicts it, and mu»t therefore be a dclu« sion.
If any one thinks he is led l)y tlie Holy Spirit im- mediately, and in die neglect of the means of grace; or iKnt he h:Ls now no longer occi&ion, as Ix-ing under a higlier influence, to search tlic ScriplurcTi; or tlvat his vieii*s are rK>t tn be judged by tlic oracles of God, so- Ix-rly inter]>reled as the slancbrd of truth; lie is cvi- dentiv deluded. *' To tl>e Liw'and lo tlK lestimonv, if ** they speak not ikcrording to this word; it is because " tlK-y have no light in them." V.vtn propltets ami apostles searched the Scriptures extant in tlK:ir days, and uniformly appealed to tlurnr. and our Loao, iu promising the Holy Spirit to his disciples, *' to kad '* them into all truth," adds, *' lie sluill bring to ** your remembrance whatever 1 have spoken unto •' yon.»'«
The Holy Spirit is not promised lo render us infal- lible: ami the)' who, profesatng a gjreal depetulence on his influence, refuse lo preach or pray, except as mov- cd by the Spirit, (probably without Ixing aware of it,) advance a claim to infallibility, whenc\-cr they ihus speak, citlKT to Goo or to man. Whatever is ullerrd at those times, is actually made tl>e dictates aixl words of the Holy Spirit, and put upon an equality with the
• John xir. 36.
SERMON IX. 231
language of Scripture! but surely it is more becoming for us to do our best, as opportunities offer, and to as- cribe all that is true or good to the Holy Spirit, taking the blame of all that is erroneous or defective upon ourselves! All such claims, however, as imply ex- emption from mistake or sin, we utterl}^ disallow, as arrogant and enthusiastick; and only desire to have our principles and actions candidly judged of by the Holy Scriptures.
We observe also, that we are incapable of distin- guishing the influences of the Holy Spirit, from the exercises of our own faculties, except as every thing holy is considered as coming from his agency, every thing unholy from our evil nature. In fact, there is no actual and entire distinction; except when he acts as a Spirit of prophecy. For, all we are taught to expect is this, that he will dispose and enable us to exercise the understanding and faculties, which God hath given us, in a holy and wise manner. He who is left to him- self, or under the influence of that " spirit, which '* worketh in the children of disobedience," acts freely and without compulsion; his faculties being distem- pered by sinful passions, as the eye or the ear by dis- ease. And he who is brought under the influence of the Holy Spirit, experiences no compulsion or vio- lence; but the mind, being delivered from the effect of delusion and sinful passions, perceives things in a new light, and most willingly makes a new and holy choice. '^ I know," says the apostle, *' that in me, that ** is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing."* If then,
* Rom. vii. 18.
23d SLIMOS' ixJ
hinnl>ly cxaimiung ourselves by the sacred word, we bccon)c coiiM:ioub of desires and affeelioiis, and per-' form actions, in which there is something truly good; we may conehide llut this is cfTtcicd ** by the Spirit *• uhich dwelleth in us/* And we may also learn to (Ici^nd on tlic promise of the text, in whatc\cr \\c it- tempi in obedience to ilie caiJ of the gos|K!.
Ag;iin, we must not suppose tltat tin* Holy spirit is promised or given, in order tliat we may do any thing whid) was not before our dut)-. We ought always to have loved God with our whole itcart, and ourncigh bour as ourselves; leaving sinned, we ought to rc|)ent;- and being favoured with the gospel, we ought to be^ lie\e, to pray, to submit to Cion, to return to him, and to walk in all his ordinances atxl commandments. But we arc not of ourselves dis(x>sed or able to do this: and the Holy Spirit is promised to ** work in U3 ** to will and to do'* according to these our obliga- tion^. So that the dis|xisitic>ns aiKJ actions, which arc really good in the sight of God, are not called in Scnpturr nioml \irtnrs, hut ** the fniits iS \hr Sj i- •• rit."
If tlKsc things be kept in mind, most of the ob« jections, often made to our doctrine in this parti- cular, fall to the ground, and arc evidently opposed to oj^inions which we totally disallow and protest against.
II. Proceed more directly to shew what is imj !;H in the promise lx*forc us.
Man, crcaleil in iIk divine image, was alive to God and holiness: but, as his natural lilc was ncccssaritv
dependent on the providential support of his Creator; 20 his spiritual life was preserved by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. In the day that he ate of the forbidden fruit, he died; the Holy Spirit quitted his polluted tertiple, and man became dead in trespasses and sins.
By the flill, he did not lose his rational capacities: though they were no doubt greatly impared, and ren- dered far less capable than before of governing his animal propensities: but he lost his spiritual life, his capacity of taking delight in God and heavenly things; and consequently he became an apostate and an idola- ter, seeking satisfaction in the enjoyment of worldl}} objects.
This is universally the condition of man, as unre^ generate: so that the greatest philosopher is as entire. a stranger to the delight, which an angel enjoys ia loving and adoring God, as the mere animal is to diat pleasure, which the philosopher experiences, whilst successfully investigating the objects of nature.
It is then, the first part of. the gracious office per- formed by the Holy Spirit, to " quicken the dead iii *' sin," to raise fallen man *from the death of sin to a *' life of righteousness;' and to restore him to the ca- pacity of loving and delighting in God and his wor- ship and service. And on this account the Holy Spi- rit, in the Nicene creed, is called, * The Author and ' Giver of life.' *' Ye must be born again." '* Ex- *' cept a man be born again, of water and of the Spi- " rit, he cannot see," " he cannot enter into, the '* kingdom of God." For the baptism of water is no
Vol. II. G g
S34 szwuf^s \r.
more, tlun ' an out\\*ard and visible sipn ofin d * ai)d spiritual (^nce;* and that ' inw ard and spiriiual ' (^cc is 1 death unto sin, mid a new birth unto ' ri^hteoufloesB: for, being by nature horn in sin, and ' iIk- children of wrath, wc arc iKrehy* (by the new birth unto righlcousness) * made the children of grace.* And, to aM ribc thi:* change of our condition to t))e outward kign, preserves indeed tlic form of godliness, but denies die )x>wer of it. If tlien ur, though nativcii of a cliribtian coimtr>', arc * bon) in sin and the chiU ' dren of wrath;* a» ue are expressly Uught by our Church-Catechism; we must as much need the f|uick. cning influences of the Huly Spirit, as they did to ^lioni CiiBisT and liis apoades first prtacbcd the
(iO!»|k1.
Tlic same divine Agent m spoken of in Scri{>turr lb tlic S|urit of truth and wisdom, as the Author and Giver of all spiritual knowledge, and as illuminating the miml uith tlK light of divine truth. " I wiil i^ray ** the Fatlicr, and lie sluU give you another Comfort- *• er, that lie mav aliidc with vou lor ever, even the *' Spirit uf truth.*' *' He slull leach 50U all things, and ** bring all things to your remembnmce, whatever I *• said unto you.'* '* He will guide you into all truth. ''^ Thus St. Paul prays in his epistle to tlK* K|)l)esians, tlwit *' the God and Father of our Lord Jksi'. ** Cm RUT, the Father of Glory, may give unto yon '* the Spirit of wisdom and revdation, in the knov. •
• Jobn xir. 16-^5.
. SERIyioN IX. ' 23/)
^i ledge of him; the eyes of your understanding being '* enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of ^* his caUing," &c. He certainly did not mean to pray, that the Spirit of prophecy should be given to them all; but that they might all be enabled by the di- vine illumination of the Spirit, to understand aright the revelation given them in the Old Testament, and by the preaching of the apostles. .
In like manner, our church teaches us to pray not only that the Lord would * please to illuminate all bi^ ^ shops, priests, and deacons, with the true knowledge
* and understanding of his holy word;' but that * he
* would grant us, by the same Spirit' which was pour-^ ed out on the apostles, ' to have a right judgment in
* all things.' And it is remarkable that in the short collects, for the king and royal family and clergy, si- milar petitions are inserted; * Replenish him with the ' grace of thy Holy Spirit.' ' Endue them with thy ' Holy Spirit;' ' Send down on them the healthful ' Spirit of thy grace.' ^
And indeed, if notwithstanding external advantages, ** we be by nature the children of wrath even as " others." If **our understanding be darkened, being '* alienated from the life of God, through the igno- *' ranee that is in us, because of the blindness of our ** hearts:" it is certain that we need this inward illu- mination of the Holy Spirit, even as much as they did to whom the gospel was first preached; not to reveal new doctrines, but to free our minds from the effects of our various prejudices and corrupt passions, that
336 SEIMO
%vc may discern s|)iritual thinp, and ui)dcn»tand ihe nature and gior)* of rxrvcalcd tnitl..
*• \\ hen lie," says our Lord of ihc promised Comforter, ** is eome, lu: will convince ilnr uorld oi* ** hin, and of riphlcousncss, and of jud^:menl.** (Jol)n xvi. 8.) 'riKiiC arc prt of the cffrcls which follow from liis divine illumination. \N hen freed from the power of our proud and carnal prejudices, wc arc led te scriptural vie\^» of llic pcrfeclicms, law, and Rovem- ment of Gon, oikI our relations and oblif^ations to him; wc lx*i;iu to form a right judgment of ourselves, our post cotkluct, and iht present dib|x>sition ol our Iicarts. This produces a conviction of our sinful stale and cluractcr, an encpiirv' after the way in which man may be justified iKforc Ciop, aiul a serious expecta- tion of tin: future judgment. And when this convic- lion is rendered deep and |)crmanent, it prepres \\\c soul for undei^tanding^ aiul uclcoming the rcvebiiun of tin: gospel, •* submittinf; to tlie rij^hteousmss of ** Gon,'* and ** coimling all but loss for the exccllen- ** cy of tin: knowletlgc of Cubist'* IikI his salvation. Kay, the wafU of this conviction is llic grand reason w hy the )x*culiar doctrines of diristianity arc so much J) ' ' .' ^pised, or p<>r\xrted, by men called Chi:;*i:ai*b. ii then, the Holy Spirit be given us for this purpose, wc sluill soon feel and act as they did, at tlK day of Pentecost, who hearing St. Peter's discourse, *• were pricked in their heart and said, — Men and •* brethren what sliall we do?'* And when furilier m. structrd in the gospel, •* tlKv gladly received the
SERMON IX. 237
'* word, and were baptized; and die same day dicre ** were added to them about three thousand souls."*-
Thus our Lord adds, '' He, the Spirit of truth, " shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine and *' shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father '* hath are mine; therefore said I, he shall take of *' mine and shall shew it unto you.^f Hence we learn, that it is one grand part of the office performed by the Holy Spirit, to give us high and honourable appre- hensions of Christ; to render him glorious in our eyes and precious to our hearts; to endear to us his person, his love^ his salvation; to excite in us fervent desires after the blessings which he bestows, and to lill us with admiring adoring love and gratitude to him. — Now can it be questioned whether these views and affections are as necessary for us, as for the pri- mitive Christians? And are not men's low thoughts of this glorious Saviour, and their scanty expectations from him, and the disrepute into which warm affec- tions towards him are fallen, evident effects of the neglect, nay, contempt, with which the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is generally treated?
'' I will," saith the Lord by his prophet, ** pour " upon the house of David and the inhabitants of Jc- *' rusalem, the Spirit of grace and supplication, and ^' they shall look upon me whom they have j/ierced '* and mourn."} Hence we learn that true repentance, faith in a crucified Saviour, and a heart prepared for fervent prayer, are the effects of the Spirit being poured
* Acts ii. t Johnxvi. 14, 11. f Zech, xii. 1©,
238 Sf K MOW TX.
out upon any people; and surciy it is as necessary Uiac \vc should mourn over our sin!> and be humbM for ihcni, and by faith look unto Cii k i :; i , and hft up our iK-arth in priycr; as it was that tin: Jc\V!> of old sliould. Indeed tlK- expression '* praying by the Spirit/* or •* praying in the Holy GlK>st/' is commonly used in ihc New Tcstameni, however at present, not unfrc- qucntly treated ulih profane ridicule, it certainly dooA not mean praying rxtcniporc, (as some imagiiK;) for men may leant to pray in this manner, without tho 8anctif\in); influatces of the Holy Spirit; and lie %Try often enables thotc who u«ic a form to lift up tlurir hearts with fer%cncv unto Gon. In ^ort. whatever wonK Ik used, we never pray ^j ly, except as
iIk- Holy Spirit enables us truly to desire the bles- sings we implore, and so to exereikc faith in the pro- niibw.s of r»on throuj^ Jtsos CRRisr, as X^} expect tK'it our prax ers will lie answeml. And when tlnrse desirts become lerveni, and these expertaiions very lively, ••the Spirit ! » our infirmitirs, and we
'* j>ray with Krcxininj^ which cannot \ic uttered." Our ^ aiul liofies arc any wonis can
. while the lai oi likc lormalist vastly ex-
> his real meaning. • Now iIkt (loi) of hope fill you uiih^ll ; ■
'* jcn- in Ix'lievinj^, tlul yc may abound in h luc
•♦ power of iIk- Holy Ghost. **• And ** ikju /. r:ri/i, ** faith, hope, and love; but the peatest of these is *» l.^vr.'**^ If thrf) these graces are to a6kfe in ilie
• -■ —
* HoTQ. XT. \Z, t I Cor. xiii. IS.
SERMON IX, 239
church, wl^n miraculous gifts ceased; surely wc need the Holy Spirit to create and preserve iheni in oui- hearts, at least as much as the apostles and primitive Christians did. *' The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, *' peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, " meekness, temperance." His " fruit is in all good- ** ness, and righteousness and truth." *' The love of ^* God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spi- <t rit." *' Seeing ye have purified your souls in obey- '* ing the truth through the Spirit, unto unfeigned *' love of the brethren," &.c. *' If ye through the Spi- ** rit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." — What are we to understand by this language? Is it all little, or nothing, to us? Is it not necessary, that we should love God and one another? Are meekness and temperance no longer requisite? Or are our na- tures so much better than those of the primitive Christians, that we are of ourselves inclined and able to perform those things, which they even in an age of miracles could not attain to, except by the Holy Spi- rit? Let the character of modern Christians at lar<.u\ compared with that of the ancient church, supply an answer to these questions.
In a word, " If any man have not the Spirit of ^* Christ, he is none of his."-^ Ail true believers are *' led by the Spirit;" '^ live in the Spirit;" walk *' in the Spirit;" and are '' an habitation of Goi:) " through the Spirit." "- What, know ye not, that ye ** are the temple of God; and that the Spirit of God
* Fom. viii. 9.
240 6^rWon IX.
•* dwcllcui in you?" Ccrtainlr then you arc very ig* norani of real Christianity, and stran^rs to iKc dis- tinguishing experience of true Christians.
All grtuiiiK consobtion likewise is conferred by die Holy Spirit, wIk> b emphatically calltd ** the Com- ** lorUT.*' As a Spirit of adoption, he ** witnesses •• wiiJi our spirits, that we afe l]>e children of God,'* not by any imoRdbtc revelation, but by forming our hearts to all holy and filial affections towards Gon, and bringing reverence, confidence, love, gratitude, and zeal for hts honour, into lively exercise. And in ihi:» view •• iIk: love of iIk- Spirii,'* in not only renewing our de|)r«ived nature, t>ut c to ducll in us as a
ComfiHter, and a Spirit of .ui ^' n.n, ami as ilie Seal, I'larnest, and First Kruits of our eicnial inlKritancc, demands our higlKst adminition and most lively gra- titude. " Tljy Spirit is good; \c?.d mr hiU, thr land cf ** uprightness!'**
W'lkJtever ** strength in our souls" we need, in « : - der to '*all long-suffering with joyfulnev^;** to resist temptation, to overcome the world, and to meet deatli with chctrfut ho|)C, is ascribed to tlie Holy Spirit. Nay, we liave grouinl to think, that the fclicit}' of heaven will not arise indepaKlenlly from external si- tuation, or tlK* state of our miiKls; but also from tlie immediate iiiMuences of this Holy Comforter. For our Lord, evidently s(xrakiiig of the Holy Spirit, 'i*he w^tcr tliat I sliall give him, shaU be in " luiu a well of water, springing up into cvciiasung '' life/*
* PMlm cxliii. 10,
SERMON IX. ^41
With these things in our view, let us return to tlie promise ol'the text. " If ye, being evil, know how to *' give good gifts unto your children; how much more *•' shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to " them that ask him?" God is far more ready to give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him; than any parent is to give bread to a starving supplicating child! as much more ready, as his goodness transcends that of fallen man! as his riches exceed our poverty! Surely human language is incapable of expressing any thing more forcibly. Parents may be destitute of natural af- fection; paternal kindness may be wearied out by re- peated provocations; and often a father must greatly deny himself, while he supplies the wants of his chil- dren: yet so strong are the feelings of a parent, that depraved as men are, few can bear to see their children in distress, without relieving them: " How much then more will your heavenly Father give his Holy Spirit " to them that ask him!" Our Lord illustrates his meaning in this promise, by his address to the ^\•oman of Samaria, at that time an immoral character: *' If thou *' hadst known the gift of God, and who it is that said ** unto thee, give me to drink; thou wouldst have " asked, and he would have given thee living water." Had she asked h^ would hsiVQ given; and when she was further instructed, no doubt she asked and received. — His words in another place further explain his mean- ing; as well as prove, when compared with the text, that ''He and the Father are one." '* If any man thirst, *' let him come unto me and drinko He that belie veth ** on me, as the Scripture hath said, Out of his belly
Vol. II, H h
242 simoN IX.
** jiluU flow rivers of Living walcr. Hut Uiis he sp^AiC ** of tin; Spirit, which lluy tliatbcHcxc on him sliould ** receive." And ajjain lie saitli, '* Let him Uut is '' athirbt come, and wliusocver v^ill, Ut him take of *' die water of life freely.*' — ** How long, yc simple ** ones, will ye love simplicity, and sicomerb delight in ** llR-ir scorning, and l«^>oK lute knowledge? Turn '* }ou at my reproof; I will pour cut my Spirit untc^ ** you."
This then is il)e promise, and these are the persons^ who arc instructed and invited to come and ask that Uicy may have it fulflikd unto them. And wlut cou!d tlx: br^csl promises, which the greatest of men could make you» (even if to be depended on,) avail you, compared with this ** exceeding great and precious •• promise'' of **God our Saviour?''
Conceive of a man most guilty, most dcpruved, nost enslaved to bad habits, sunk in the grossest ig- norance, or entangled in t!ic most (' < us delusions, and under the grrutest terrors and su - >^ ^^P pose him to licar, and by hold of, and picad,this pro- mise, as one in earnest, and ready to follow tlie dic- tates of his conscience, as far as convinced, and, ac- cording to the evident doctrine of Scripture, which has been set before you; he would certainly be brought to repentance, to the knowledge of Christ atul faith in him; to hope, rejoice, lo\c, obey, and worship in spi- rit and tnith; and at length to join the worshippers be- fore tlte throne of God, in their exalted adorations^ and incfiable fclicitv !
SERMON IX.' 243
' II. Then let us consider the suitableness of this promise to our condition, and the state of things in this evil world.
Considered without the gospel, in what a deplorable condition are all mankind! We scarcely need look into the Bible to ascertain this, if we attend properly to what passes around and within us. What a strange aversion do we see in others, and feel in ourselves, to the worship and service of God, w^hich, it is highly reasonable to conclude, constitute the felicity of hea- ven!— How constantly, and almost universally, has the grossest idolatry, the most absurd superstition, or the wildest enthusiasm, obtained the preference to the holy character, worship, commandments, and doctrines of the one living and true God! How generally has irrc- Kgion, or antiscriptural religion, prevailed on earth! How powerful the propensity in mankind to idolize the world and the things of "the world; and to forget and neglect the God of heaven! " The carnal mind '* is enmity against Gob; for it is not subject to the *^ law of God, nor indeed can be." Who can help seeing^ } ea, feelings that this is man's real charac- ter?
It is equally evident he is proud of his reasoning faculties, and of all the gifts which God hath bestow- ed on him; of his imagined virtues, nay, of his evi- dent vices, and of such things as should cover him with shame. He is manifestly self-willed and self-sufficient, unwilling to be taught or governec*! by his Creator. He is averse to submission and dependence, and backward
344 6LUJa<j> i.\.
to gratitude and adoration. In :J«ort, ungodliness is hhi undeniable cluiraclcr.
He is also most evidently selfish: and tliis cither leads him to avarice, ambition, or inordinate animal indulgence, so tlut ** the lust of the flci^li, the lust of ** the c}e, aiKl the pride of life,** tlx: objects we all expressly renounce in baptism, are so universally and idolatrously coveted and pursued, even by nominal Christians, iliat an unconccnKd spectator must sup- |)osc tlKy had, by a solemn vow, devoted tlKmschts lo t!>cm!
The frauds, oi>prctaionftf cruelties, licauiousncss, and ' u'ars, which Itave, in ever}* age and nation,
1 aed and de.volatcd iIk: earth, arc such enormous tnd horrid evils; tlut, if not accustomed to the scen^ around us, and so, less susceptible of tin- nnpressions it would olhcr%% isc nruke, we sliould be ready to sup- j>ose tlut the actors in tlic dreadful tragetly were bro- ken loose from tlic infenul n ! Human beuigs.
In immense multitudes, dc! ly pre|»uring to meet,
and actually meeting, on puqx>bc to destroy < other, by lens of thou!>andb! Otlnrrs, growing i and rioting in luxur}*, by trafficking in the groans and blood of their brethren! Others im! their xuii*
mal inclinations, not only by ^ ig the |<
comfort, lives, and souls cf ilKir Kllo\v.crcatufe;>, but even tlieir own also, though far from being i.'isensiblc of tlic coiisct^ucnccs of tlicir liccntiou:)- Rcss!
But docs luipju.css consist ui lovuig Ooii, iUid en-
SERMON IX. 245
joying his favour, and in loving one another and re- joicing in the felicity of all around us? What then is the state of the world? Can the pursuits and disposi- tions, here described, be conducive to happiness? Can nialice, envy, or any corrupt passion? What must be man's prospect after death, if he retain his present evil propensities? What can even the gospel do for him, if his nature be not changed? To render men happy, and blessings to each other, they must be made holy. The need of an atonement and a Redeemer, is not greater and more urgent, than that of a Sanctifier; one who can renovate depraved nature, restore and perfect spiritual life, and prepare fallen man for a holy felici- ty. In this light, brethren, contemplate the promise before us; and ask yourselves if it be not exactly an- swerable to our condition and our wants?
Again, various plans have been formed, from age to age, in order to meliorate the state of society, and bring nations to amity and friendship; and some of these plans have done a measure of good, though vastly inadequate to the expectations previously con- ceived: but others have exceedingly enhanced the mischief they were intended to counteract. None, however, have yet been devised, which could cfiect the purpose, or reach the sources of the evil. None of them can bring men to love God supremely, and to love their neighbours as themselves: nor will any ef- fectual remedy be found, '' until the Spirit shall be " poured upon us from on high." This, and only this, will reduce the world to order, to peace, lo>e, and happiness.
d45
SIRMO.S' IX.
Ill ihc gospel of Christ **all things arc ready** for the siniuT*j» reconciliation to God, and for his com- plete salvation. The feast is prcjjared. and we arc acnt to invite the i^icsts; the pronsion is most rich and abundani; tlic invitations most urgent, and again tnd again renewed: '* But all with one consent begin to make excuse:** One must go to his farm, his oxen, his commerce, or estate; another to his pleasures and gratifications; another is socager in pursuing and coutting the praise of men, or iIk: honour of liigh stations and connexions, that he cannot find time to seek *' gloT}', and honour, and immortality** from God.—** Lord, who hath received our rrpon?" This Has been the compbint and tin: drsircvsing enquiry, of the ministers of Goo, iti ever)- age; and may pc- ciiliarl) be so at present. ** A price is put into mm*s ** hands to get wisdom; but, alasl they have no heart " to it!**
Now wlut is the ader]Uate remedy for this deplora- ble mqfal disease*^ tl>e restorative from this death in sin, tl)is love of tlie world, which is alienation from God? Wc answer, tl>e life-giving regenerating Spirit of God, who ibpromisetl to all that nsk tlK Father to bestow upon them this inestimable benefit.
As the ministers of God, we exhort and command you in his name, to repent, to forsake sin, to renounce your worldly idols, to break off your evil liabits, to sepa- rate from ungodly company, to believe in Cuaisr, to join yourselves to the I-oid, and to walk in newness of life. *' Let the ^\ tckcd forsake his wav, and the tin-
SERMON IX. 247
*' righteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto ** the Lord, and he will have mercy on him.'' But you find a strong, and what some of you perhaps think an insuperable, reluctancy to all these particu- lars.— Now, you evidently want both will and power to do that, which yet your own consciences often sug- gest to you ought to be done. How exactly suited then is the promise of the text to your case! It is by the Holy Spirit that '' God works in us to will and to ** do of his good pleasure," and, depending on his pow- erful aid, we call on you to ** work out your own sal- *' vation with fear and trembling." You can do no- thing effectual of yourselves, but you may *' do all *' things through Christ thus strengthening you."
You often find much difficulty and perplexity re- specting several doctrines of Christianity, and the con- troversies which are carried on about them ; and you are ready, if seriously enquiring after truth, to wish for an infallible guide. Behold then the Guide you wish for! even the Spirit of truth, whose office it is tx) guide you into all truth! And will cur heavenly Fa- ther indeed give this Holy Spirit of truth and wisdom to any, to every one, that asks him? And is not this the very thing you want, that you may understand the truth as it is revealed in Scripture, and be preserved from every delusion?
Even they, who by the grace of God, have sur- mounted these first hindrances, and are seriously en- deavouring to walk with God, through Christ Je- sus, in all his holy ways, find great weakness and im-
248 S£R>ros' IX.
perfection in their endeavours: sin yet dwells witliiii them; darkness and uncertainty oppress them; they arc liable to many discouragements, and harassed by many temptations; in short they feel, painfully feci, ilK'ir need of more complete sanciificalion, of clearer Ticws, and a more established judgment; of greater strength against temptation, and of consolation under trials; indeed of every thing for which the Holy Spirit b Ikh! promised.
Now, if tills Ik the case with you, I need not en- deavour to pravr^ but only to rcmmd you, thai the promise is f v wlut you want; and in proportion,
asyouexperieiK.c its accomplishmctJt, your light, and blrcngtli, and holiiKss, aixl joy will be augniented; you will be etvlned with wisdom, walk at liberty, ob* tain victories, abound in hope, and anticipate the fe- licity of heaven.
And now, in attcm{>!ing a sliort appiiv^iion of this imix^rtant subject, I would observe, tliat while a nian continues hardeiKd in pride, or disposed to scoff at thc9C subjects, or to avilc those who speak upon them; it cannot be expected he will pray for the Holy Spi- rit. Yet we must not limit the exlKjrtations and invita- tions of the Gospel. \Vc therefore call even on suc!i characters as these, in the words of Wisdom, or of Christ, '* How long, ye simple ones, will ye love '• simplicity, and scomers delight in your scorning, *' and fools hale knowledge? Turn you at my reproof. ** 1 will j>our out my Spu'it unto you, 1 will make ** known my words unto you.** But take hct<l tl»at •• Nou refuse not him tha: speaketh,'* lest lie ?^hou!d
SERMON IX." ^49
be at length provoked to add; " Because I called and ** ye refused; therefore yc shall cat of the fruit of your ^' own ways, and be filled with your own devices."
Our business, however, my brethren, is to pray for you: and we call on you all to pray for yourselves, for each other, for the unconverted part of the congre- gation; for your children, servants, relations and neigh- bours, that *' the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus may *' make you free from the power of sin and death.'*
JBut suppose a person convinced, that he must be renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit, though not conscious that any change has been begun: for a man's understanding may be convinced by argument, that *' without holiness no man shall see the Lord," or en- joy a holy heaven, though he be still entirely destitute of holiness. He may see the doctrine exemplified iii some neighbour, friend, or relative; and admire, though he dislikes, the change. And he may also have uneasy apprehensions, that without a similar change he can- not be happy. Let then, I say, such an one not give way to temptation, not indulge prejudice, not smother his convictions, not quench the Spirit who is striving with him by these means: but let him without delay lift up his heart to God, and plead the promise of the text: let him go home, retire to his closet, fall low on his knees, and earnestly and importunately renew the same request; beseeching God to give him his Holy Spirit, that he may be made wise, holy, and happy, by his new creating grace. Let him persevere in this course, and he will find his mind open, his heart sof- ten, and his dislike to spiritual employments givf:
Vol. II. I I
-50 SSIMOX IS.
pbcc lu [j'd .. and satisCiclJon iji (hem: for hi:> fu- ture being ciun^cd, he will then enjoy Uut element in ^\hich he could not Uve bcfon.
Wc cannot go fxj low, in thus bruising lac bu' home to iIk' hearts and coii!>cicnctb ol siunerb. I* ruin die iin»t ribing dcbirc of knowing the uuy of !>alvationy and obtaining; 4he favour of God, throUgh all subisc- quenl ditiiculiics, ix:q)lexi(ie!>, and trials; this pronuM* should be de|x:nded on, and pleuded in earnest |)ra)er: and we in.iy without lichitation as!»urc you, tlut thus you will find ligiit and comlort, and relief, in c^eiy i poftMblc cabc. ** if uuy man uill do tlxr will of Goo, I " lie sliall know of tlic doctrine wtKrdter it be of Goo, | '*orwlictlKr men speak of tlHrmsclvcs." If, llicrc- j fore, you desire to know and do the will of Goo, i but arc |x:rp^exed by ttic discordant opinions of those you converse with: practise what you ik>w consider as your dutr, and pray lor the Holy Spirit to guide you ' ** in Uk: midst of tiK* |i^th^ 'f judgment;'* aixl yoii bluli not |>ray in vain. '
IVriups some of you are convinced, that certain | piirts of }our coixiuct sIkmiIiI be altered; tlus or tlx: ' otlKrr interest or indulgaicc given up, or sclf-dcnbl cxcrcisctl. but your passions arc strong, and habits are { not easily coiKjueretl; }ou form resolutions and break | Uicm ; and at length you are ready to think ** rc|xmt- i ** ancc, and u«V*.s meet for n|Kiitance,'* in your pc- ■ cuUar circuni. -:j, at present impnciicabk*. This, I I .n^)prehend, is no uncommon case; aini many ncjlcct religion on Uiis grouiKl, waiting perhaps for a i |
r?.> oura!>l'-' onrortimiiv. or thu)king iIk ditiiculiics in |
SERMON IX. 251
the way will excuse their conscious and persevering disobedience. But my fellow sinners, instead of dius ** giving place to the devil," you should, without de- lay, avail yourself of that eifectual assistance, which is proposed in the words before us; and while you pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit to be given you, and then attempt to follow the dictates of your consciences; though you must still feel how strong your sinful pas- sions and temptations are, how weak your resolutions, how deceitful your hearts, and how painful and diifi- cult it is, at first especially, to deny yourself, to cut off the right hand, to crucify the flesh, and to cease to do evil, and to learn to do well; you will also find that it is practicable by divine grace. ** With man it " is impossible; but with God all things are possible." If then in general, you are convinced that repent- ance, faith in the Son of God, a new heart and new- ness of life, are essential to salvation, you must rely upon the Holy Spirit, to enable you to attain unto them. If you are called to resist any particulai' temp- tation, you must act in the same dependence. If you would attend on the ordinances of God with profit and comfort, and rise superior to the coldness and formality of which we all have too much reason to complain, you must beg of your heavenly Father, for the sake of his beloved Son, to bestow upon you the Holy Spirit of love, and zeal, and gratitude: and if you find difiiculty in thus praying, your only effectual way will be to beg of him to teach and enable you to pray as you ought, by the Spirit of grace and suppli- cation helping your infirmities.
$5^ iunuf^s IX.
Arc yoti disconsolate, cither throagh inwsrd distress Cr outward triaU? Heoumbcr the words of the apos- tic, *• Be iK>l drunk wich v.int, i\ herein is excess; but ^* be yc filled witli the Sf)irit.*' Seek not exhilaration and relief from care and sorrow, b^ such means as must increase the cause, while ihi-y afford i momen- tary sustxniiion to iIk- cflccls; but earnesilv beseech the CfOD of all gincc, to give unto you •* the Holy '* Spirit, ilxr Comforter," tlut you may have '• peace ** and joy in l>clieving, and alxHJod in hope" by his powerful consoljtions. In the same manner seek for- titude in dangers, assistance in duties, atid the assur- ance and eamcJl of heaven durint^ life, and at iJje ap- pro3ch of death.
Wli.itever lie your station in tl>c communilv, or in the church, as magistrates, senators, ministers of state, or ministers of religion: you ought to !*cek wisdom and grace to fill up the duties ificumlx^t upon you, to tiK- glory of God nnd the benefit of mankind, from the same Author aikl Giver of all good gifis. Wliat- ever be the taients entrusted to your stewardship, you cnnnoi expect to hear with comfort the solemn call, *• Give an account of thy stcu^irdship; for thou may- " est no longer be sleivard;" unless you improve them in dependence on tlie Holy Spirit, and continu- ally pray for his teaching and assistance.
The same is the case with you, my bredircn, who occupy the more low ly stations in lifc. You cannot be " patient in tribulation, joylul in l>ope;" ** contented •* with such things as you have," thankful for the pa&t, simply deiK;ndeiit for the future, superior to
SERMON IX. 253
murmurings, envyings, and covetings; unless the Holy Spirit form your mind and heart to a heavenly taste and judgnment, and communicate to you his holy con- solations. You cannot properly attend to your relative duties, as parents or children, wives or husbands, masters or servants; or go on cheerfully in the labori- ous occupations to which you are called; or bear in- juries and contempt with meekness and gentleness, except under his influence.
And can we, my brethren, wonder, that there is so little Christianity among men called Christians; that the church is so lamentably divided and corrupted; that so small a measure of love, peace, purity, and jO}^ appear even where, we cannot but hope, there is some vital piety, when we consider how generally this pro- mise is either entirely, or in a great degree, overlook- ed; and how often the doctrine of the Spirit is even treated with profane ridicule? If all divine life, wisdom, holiness, and joy, come from this source; and men neglect, and quench, and grieve, and resist the Holy Spirit, in whose name they were baptized; can we be surprised that they continue dead in sin, and blinded by the god of this world, and that they rise no higher than mere formality?
Many of you might truly say, * We have heard' many sermons, and hold certain doctrines as evange- lical; yet we are conscious that we do not live, as we shall wish we had done, when we come to die.' But in hearing sermons and attending to the external parts of religion, have you been used to pray to our hea- venly Father to bestow on you the Holy Spirit of
254 SIAMOK IX.
truih, and wisdom, and power? If not, you know the reason why you hkvc received no real benefu. The seed of ihc word of Gon has Ixen bowni ** by iIkt way- '* hide, and \\k devil lias laktn il out of your hearts, ** Icbt you sl)ould believe and be saved;** or it has fal- len on stony (^ound, ulicrc it could fuul no root; and &o lias soon withered; or among *' thorns, which have ** sprung up and choked it.*' Oh! tliatyou would now iK'gin earnestly to plead the promise given by iIk: pro- plui, *' A new heart will I »u, ond a new spirit
*' will 1 put witliin you; and i uni uke away tlic stony " heart out of your Besli, and 1 will give you an •* heart of Bcsh; and 1 will put my Spirit within you, '* and cause you to walk in my statutes, and }c shall *' keep my judgments and do them.'** Then \ou wouM fmd, that tlie seed Cdling on good ground, ** tlul receiving llic word in an honest and good l»cart,*' you would ** keep it and bring fortii fruit with pi- ** tiencc." '* Ask and it sliall be given you; seek and " you shaU find; knock and it sliall be opened unto •* you; for ever}- one that asketh receivxth; and he that *' scekcth fmdctl); and to hini tlat knockclh it shall be •* opened.'*
To you who really ul-juc lu uun and walk in tlK ways of peace and holirnrss; it is tnough to say, you have an infallible TeaclKr, an almighty Helper, and an all sufficient Comforter. More tiian this cannot be expressed in human language, '* Happy art thou, O
• Erek. xxxrL J6, 17.
SERMON IX. -250
" Israe]; who is like unto thee, O people, saved by *' the Lord? the Shield of thy help, and the Sword ** of thine excellency." ** The eternal God is thy ** Refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.'- And the blessings he hath bestowed '' shall be in thee *' a well of water springing up into everlasting life." Begin, therefore, and go through, every undertaking in this confidence and dependence; with prayer and thanksgiving; and you will soon be made *' more than *' conquerors, through him that loved you."
In addressing you thus fully concerning the promise of the Holy Spirit, I wish it always to be understood, if not particularly mentioned, that this promise is given and fulfilled, only through the merits and mediation of Christ. But without the Spirit of Christ, we can have no saving benefit from his mediation.
And now imagine to yourselves a large company, a w hole nation, a continent, all the human race, univer- sally receiving the gospel under the teaching and in- fluences of the Holy Spirit; with deep repentance, lively faith, genuine humility, fervent love, and a hea- venly mind: would not a large proportion of the mise- ries, which now desolate the earth, be terminated? Would not the remaining troubles be alleviated? Would not peace and harmony, and mutual good of- fices of every kind, wdth temperance, purity, and en- larged benevolence, effectually meliorate the state of human society? Now from w hence can that be, except from God, who is Love, which, if duly attended to, would fill the earth with holiness and happiness? Can we shew our. philanthropy more effectually, than by
25G ftlBMO.V IZ.
promoting Uus gcauinc Ciui:>ii.iinty? And if \vc Ii -. ^ little else ill OMf ;)ouxr; can wc do lx*llcr than pray cun- tiuiully,' *' tlut (lie Spirit may Lx: |x>urcd out ii|)on ii:i *^ from Oil hij^h;** and llial ihc gObjx;l may be prcach- ** cd, \utli the Hoi) Gliosl sent down Iroiii heaven," in every region, wludi Ht enlightened by ilic beams of the sun?
And now, brethren, *• %iay ihl ^iak^k: ui i>ui Lo iii> ''Jesus Chrit, and the love of C to d, aiul tlie com- '*• nrttnon of ihc Holy Spirit, be with u^ nil evermore, »• Amen/'
0!l
SERMONS ^
FAST days;
♦* jire there not m)itk you^ even with youj sins against the < Lord your God?'\ 2 Chr. xxviii. 10.
VoL# II. ' K K
SERMON L
^
►€»«
ISAIAH V. 4#
JJTiat could have been doiie more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore -when 1 looked^ that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?
JVlY brethren, let none of us forget, that humiliation before God for our sins, as individuals and as a na- tion, constitutes the great business of this day. We should not have the least reason to doubt of the di- vine protection against the assaults of all our enemies; did not our manifold offences against God render us deeply deserving of his righteous indignation. — In- stead, tlierefore, of calling your attention to party- questions, which generally lead men to *' fast for " strife and debate," I would attempt to assist your meditations on such subjects^ as are connected with the great design of our assembling at this time.
* Preached on the fast day, April 19, 1793; at the Lock Chapel.
260 fiEBUON I.
The Old Testament is peculiarly useful, iii leach- ing us the grand principlcb, according to which ihc Lord dcaleth with nations, as such. Individuals will exist in another world, and ** after dcalii is the jiic! " ment:** so llut no exact retribution is aw*ardcd to them in this life, for *' the wicked are rescned to the ** day of judgment to be punished:*' but collective In- dies will have no future subsistence; and, therefore, a j rccompencc is here ap{>ointed to them. To ascertain the mcdiud of Providence, in this respect, \vc must mark a ver>' great diflcniure between nations favoured w ith t))e Ught of rcvebiion and the urdiiianccs of God, ; and those tlut arc destitute of tlxrin. ** Where much •* is given, mucli will be rccjuircdi'* and the samcdc | gree of impiety and vice, wljcn found in those |x:cu- | iiarly favoured with tlie nieans of instruction, is vastly more crin/nul, and temls to fill up tlie measure of ini- quity much more rapidly, tlun when found in places { ckstitutc of such ad\anuges. I
In the passage of Scripture, from which i\)c text j 3: selected, God, by his proplict, in a most beautiful | parable manifests his peculiar care and favour touards ( Israel, especially in respect of religious advantages: | ** He lud given to tluin his stituies and ore! s; |
** he had not dealt so with any nation; neitlxrr iuil ihc | •* heathen the kiH>\\ ledge of his bws." And, as the | advantage of a prable priLci|>al!y consists in shewing, a as in a mirrour, the rc^ol state of tlie case, di\ cst^cl ui i men^s own concern in it; so the Loin appealed lo ** ll>e inlubitants of Jerusalem, and the men ef Judah, ^ to decide betwixt him and his vinej'ard, and to dc. <
SERMON I, 261
*^ termine, whether any thing could have been done in ** it, which had not been done?" Why then did it bear only wild or poisonous grapes, when good grap.es might have been expected from it? A similar appeal will at length be made to every man; and though now self-love warps the judgment, yet the Lord will at last condemn none, w^ho will not be constrained to con- demn themselves, and to justify him in their condem- nation.
Israel being thus brought in guilty, the Lord next proceeds to denounce sentence against the nation; de- claring that he would " take away the hedge thereof, *^* and it should be eaten up; and break down the walls " thereof, and it should be trodden down; that he '* would lay it waste; that it should not be pruned or <« digged, but that there should come up briars and " thorns; and that he would also command the clouds, ** that they should rain no rain upon it." The sen- tence, here pronounced, was not executed till about two hundred years afterwards: for Hezekiah, with Isaiah and other prophets, and afterwards Josiah and a pious remnant, by their labours and prayers prevail- ed, for " the lengthening of their tranquillity;" but at length such efforts ceased, and then the sentence came upon the nation, by the Babylonish captivity. Yet it was more awfully accomplished, after the coming of Christ, and his crucifixion at the instance of the Jewish rulers, priests, and people, with the subsequent persecution of Christianity: for then the nation was cast out of the visible church, Jerusalem was given up into the hands of the Romans, and hath ever since been trodden under foot of the Gentiles; the Jews have been
262 iERvr^v r.
scattered into all nations, and the Lord hath indeed •* commanded the clouds to rain no rain upon ihcm/' even to this day. Thus they arc left to be reluctant preachers to the Rations professing Christianity, of the truth of their holy religion, and the dreadful conse- quences of iK'glccting it.
Now should it be enquired, what i>copIc is iIk Is- rael of the Christian dis(>cnsation? I could not hesi- tate in ansti'ering, Britain, lx)th in respect of ad van- tages,nda rebellious ungrateful abuse of them. Ttiis may suffice to introduce our subject, and to waiiaut an entire .ifiplicition of the pasaage before us to our own case.
Let us then consider,
L The |x:tu.. .: i..\ .:rs \siUJ UiiiLii iVo\ HitT'.^r has distingui-Nlu ri nnr nntivr l.ind.
II. The improvement whicli we ought to ha\T made of them.
III. The uild grapes, tihich the Lord finds in this his vineyard.
i\ . 1 he conscijutncc uut may be cxpcclcd, imlcss something cfiectual be done to prc\ent it.
\ To wlut we may attribute our prcserva- lion liiiherto. And,
\ 1. W'lial the duties are, to which Be arc now called, according to our difierent stations in \\\c church and the commuiiit) .
I. Then, \Vc consider uk' ))ccuUar tavours wiiii whicli Providence liath distinguisbcd our native laod
SERMON I. 2a5
We have long been exempted from the calamities of war, that tremendous scourge of a righteous God. Few of us know more of war than we have learned from the publick papers, or the page of history. We feel it indeed, but how? Trade suffers a temporary check, and additional taxes are demanded; a number, often of not very useful members of the community, are furnished with a perilous or fatal employment, and a few more valuable persons are exposed to the same dangers. — But we have scarcely any other idea of war, as it respects ourselves: and this has often a very bad effect on the minds of men; for they consider war no otherwise than as it effects their property, and are therefore prone to engage in it too lightly, when it yields a prospect of temporal advantage; without re- flecting on its consequences on the lives and souls of their fellow- creatures, or on those regions that are ex- posed to its tremendous ravages.
Our situation happily renders us incapable even of conceiving those scenes, which are really exhibited on the theatre of war; the devastations of the open coun- try, with all its productions, rendering abortive the labours, and disappointing the expectation, of the hus- bandman, and destroying the bounty of Providence: the burning of cities; the cries of widows and orphans; the reeking blood and mangled bodies of the slaugh- tered; the groans, and ghastly appearance of the iFvounded and dying; the penury and pining want of the survivors; the terrors of the night, and the horrors of the day, must baffle all description. So that the hu- irwne mkid mw^t weep over, not only the most splen-
264 tiEMo.v i«
did, but even the most needful victories; and war, in every QiibCy must be regarded as tlic triumph or the harvest of \i\c first great murderer, the devil. How great is our obligation then, for exemption from i\ns dire evil, during a term of years, beyond what has been experienced by almost any other nation!
Wc liavc also \kct\ equally preserved from the dire judgments of famine, pestilence, earthquakes, and de- solating hurricanes: plenty, heald), and a serene and temperate climate have been vouchsafed us: a land alK)unuing with all tl>c blessings tlut wc can desire, and exempted from most of the calamities to which ottKrr bnds are et posed, hath fallen to our lot: and let us not so regard second causes, as to forget {\\c first great Cause of all, who ** docth what l>c will in the armies ** of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth. "
We might lie re enlarge on the bkasings of our ex- cellent constitution and equal bu's; by which the per- soiul liberty and property of ever)' individual arc se- cured, if not to tl>c greatest degree which is |x>ssiblc in the present stale of human tuturc, yet, at least, be- yond what luth hidKrto been reduced to practice, for a lengtli of time, in any nation of tlie earth. A great deal is often said of Grecian and Hom;u) litxrrty: but it is well known that a very large proportion of the people, in those admired nations, were slavcSy the projxrrty of llieir masters; and equal freedom was not possessed among them, in any measure cowpifable to wliat it is in Britain.*
• Ai Athens, vhcn there were no more than twenty thou? •Mxi ciliieM ADil ten ihoUMiid Mrmxkgvrs^ there were four hun*
SERMON I. 265
But these arc comparatively inferior considerations: our religious advantages are principally to be valued. When ** the Son of God was manifested to destroy '* the works of the devil," this land was inveloped in the grossest idolatry, barbarity, and ignorance; yet it was not long before the Sun of Righteousness, which arose at so great a distance, visited it with his sacred beams of life and salvation. After a time, the super- stitions and usurpations of the Romish church, like a dark cloud, obscured this heavenly light; but the first dawnins: of the blessed reibrmation extended its in- fluence into this island, and our progenitors w^ere numi bered amoni^: those favoured nations which were first emancipated from that slavery, and delivered from that gross darkness that had long oppressed the wes- ten world. Others, after an ineffectual struggle, and much bloodshed, were again reduced to bondage, un- der the persecuting tyranny of the pontift' and his as- sociates; this land, in the reign of bloody Mary, was in peculiar danger of falling again under the same yoke; but God preserved his light among us by re- moving her, and advancing Elizabeth to the throne; and, after defeating the subtle and powerful machina- tions of our enemies, in various instances, he at length, by a happy revolution at the close of the last century, established among us a degree of civil and religious
dred thousand slaves! (^Hariuood^ p. 19.) It would be as rational to extol West-Indian liberty, as the liberty of Greece; for at Laccdemon, the number of freemen was more disproportionafe; and the slaves more cruelly used.
Vol. II. L L
266 &1AM0N I.
liberty, uliicli liatli rtiidcrcd us ti)c aiinur^uon or ca- vy ot ull our nci^libouni.
Whilst, ihcrcforc, llic nations, vj wiULii u\c gospc) wus firbl vouchsafed, arc reduced to the mo^t dc|iio. rablc ignorance, this dibLant region is enlightened nith i\\c beams oi licavenly truth. An excellent translation of iIk* sacred Scripiurcs into our onn language, is put into our hands, ainJ wc arc allowed, invited, and en- couraged lo read it. Copkrii of ilyc Bible arc so com- iDon and cIkm^, llut almost every |K-rson may afltirU to purdusc o(K*; arul if any cannot, or will iu>t, spore A tiilk for this pur|>osc, blessed be God, tlnrre are persons dis|)osctl to give it to them; nay, ifiiny kno\Y not how to read tlK* Word of Life; there arc those utio arc ready to |xiy for dieir instruction, provided liicy arc but willing to learn. So tlut none can plead that they arc u holly destitute of tin: means of benig made wLsc unto eteriul salvatioiL At ilx dawning of the re- formation, our ancestors were tlunkful for a few kavct of tin* holy Scriptures in an impertect Lnglisii trans- lation, and read tlnrm \uth tl^ greatest avidity. Wlicn Bibles wcic first pbced in the ehurciics, tlte people l))ronged to hear theoi re*ad, with an rogvrncss of which WT Ivivc lixtk conception; and in sonte parts of Wales '^^ present, BiUt^ in Uie WeUii language are so scarce, diat frrtjuenUy several Himilics jointly pas* scss OIK*, and lu\c it a week at a time in rotation. This should teach us to value our privileges, tlut scarcity nuy not make die word of God precious lo us. A great variety also of other pious books arc cir- rulatcdi at rery low prices, and even grafts^ which arc
^^ERMON I. 267
suited to excite men's attention to the Bible, and to assist them in understanding it. At the same time, no restraint is imposed on the preachers of God's ^vorcI; nor are any forbidden to attend on their instructions; and numbers, in ahnost all parts of the land are em- ployed in publishing the glad tidings of salvation, with a clearness and plainness that hath seldom been exceeded. So that we are peculiarly favoured witH every advantage for becomincr wise, holj^, and happy. This hath been our felicity for a long course of years; and when we consider how scarce in comparison co- pies of the Scripture were in Israel, and how much darker their dispensation was, than that of the gospel, we shall be constrained to allow, that they did not pos- sess religious privileges, even equal to those of our favoured land. So that the Lord may well demand of us, *' What could have been done more for us, that '^ hath not been done," as a proper means of render- ing us a religious and a righteous nation? This leads us to enquire,
II. I'he improvement which we ought to have made of our advantages?
The Lord looks for grapes from this well-cultured Tine; he requires righteousness and judgment from a people so highly favoured. It might have been expected that all orders among us, from the highest to the low- est, would, in their publick and private conduct, have manifested a serious regard to the truths, precepts, ordinances, providence, and glory of God. Sobriety, temperance, chastity, justice, truth, peace, and love, should l"iave been observable in our national character^
^68 sLKUO.s 1.
and in all our tninsactiofis. T!k \ iltat come among us, and tlicy among whom \vc lo. should liavc been constrained to confess, that probity, sincerity, huma- nity, piety, meekness, and purity, were found in ihc conduct of Britons more than in any other nation. Impiety and immor.«hiy should at least liave been dis- countenanced, driven into comers, put to &h;ime, or dra^(;ed out to condi|;n punishment; am) it should have been sliewn, by all our laws, legislators, m.igis* tratcs, and publick measures at home and iibrutd, as well as in the eoiKJuct of tin; interior order», and of t!)osc employed in the sacred mmistry, that He were a nation ** fearing God and working righteousness; '* u uisc and understanding people, whom God had chosen to himself, for his own inlKTiianee.— Who can deny that this ought to luivc bicii our nalioiial elu- racter? W Ik> can excuse wluit is contrary to this, without palliating ingratitude, as well as impiety and ini(|uit\? Or who can account for it, without allowing that the ^ " - •* man is deceitful and de»|x:rateiy wicked?
III. 'li.en. We cor.sictr lijc uuu, or poibonous grai>cs, which the Locd finds in his \incyari!
1 do not intend at present to descant on such \ icc« as are common to men at all times, and in all pbces, but rallier to select some instances, which may be re- garded as |K*culi;ur to this age and nation. 1*1k* Lord re<juiixs his scrxunts, on these occasions, '* to cry ** aloud, and not spare, to lift up their voice like a *• trum|xrt, whilst they sIkw his professing |)CGple ** their sins and transgressions;" as wc found it writ-
SERMON I. 269
ten ill that chapter, which, with peculiar propriety, was appointed for the first lesson in our morning ser- vice.* And let it be remembered, that what will be spoken of national sins, should be applied by each of us to our own particular transgressions. All our vio- lations of the divine law, and all our neglect, contempt, or abuse of the gospel, from our infancy to the present- day, constitute a part of that accumulated guilt, for v^hich the Lord hath a controversy with the land; and it is incumbent upon us, as we proceed, to en- quire concerning every particular charge, whether we have not committed, or countenanced, the specified iniquity? Whether we have used all our influence to prevent others from committing it? And what our con- duct, in these respects, is at this present time? Thus we shall avoid the absurd hypocrisy of pretending to humble ourselves before God, whilst we are merely reflecting on the sins of other men, without confessing, mourning over, or forsaking, our own.
1. The daring infidelity, and " damnable heresies," which prevail, m.ay well be adduced as one of our na- tional sins. I say damnable heresies; for this is the lan- guage of Scripture: and much mischief has been done, by calling enormous evils by soft names, which sedu- ces men into a forgetfulness of their malignity. I would not, however, be understood to mean every deviation from the system of divine truth. Much hay, straw, stubble may be built on the precious Foundation wdiich God hath laid in Zion; and though the builder
* Is. Iviii.
270 SERMON I.
Hiii sutler ioRs, ytt he may Ix: saved, as by fire. ** iJut " other Founddtioii can no man lay, than that which is ** bid, even Christ Jisus.** The trutlis respeciing his pcrstiH, as " God manifcbt in ilie flesh," his sacri- ficc aiid mediation, nnd the sanctifying work of his Spirit, are inseparable from Christianity, and stind or £ill with iJic autiK>rity of the Scripture, and our re- Tcrence for it. I must, tlK-refore, confidently maintain, that tiK' apostles, if living, wotdd pronounce many modern dogmas to be ** damiuble heretsies,'' sulner- Mve of the four ' - .; more plauViblc indeed, but no better, llun intiutiii) ; lo which, by an easy transition, they evidently tend.
We seem, almost univcrsany, lo sta* <! ^ *. :ii the atlKism and daring impiety of tlwt nation. \m\U wliirli we are at war: and iinlcrd we cannot too mudi execrate their principles and practices; which seem to constitute a new exhibition of the dtceitfulncss nnd de5i|)erate wickedness of the human licart. But if wr infer that France is, as a nation, more cnm'mal in the biglu of God ttun Britain, uc may perhaps l)C ibund |xirtial in our judgment. We are not competent to dc- ciile on such n complicated fjucstion, which involves in it all our advantages and their disadvantages. In one respect wc act more wisely than our opponents; for they insult tlK God of t)caven, set him at defiance, and, as it were, declare war against him, as well as agahist mankind; u hcreas, we make our appeal to him, and call publickly on him for assistance, whilst we confess ourselves deserving of his righteous indigna- tion.
SERMON I. 271
On the other hand, it must be allowed^ that the atheism and impiety of Franee want many of those aggravations, which are found in our infidehty and im- piety. Few among them were previously acquainted with the Scriptures, having been discouraged liorn reading and examining them. The reUgion, which they had witnessed, was in general a compound of gross absurdities, unmeaning forms, human inven- tions, and priestly usurpations or impositions; which, when exposed, must become the objects of contempt and abhorrence. Voltaire, and other ingenious facin- ating infidels, were the apostles of their reformation; the ideas of civil liberty and irreligion entered into their minds at the same time, and thus were associ- ated together; there was no one at hand to set before them true Christianity, in its genuine beauty and sim- plicity, when they turned from their old superstition with disgust ; and no wonder they greedily imbibed the sentiments of those who had emancipated them from their former abject slavery, and that they even carried their principles further than their teachers had done.
But the partial or total infidelity, which rapidly spreads among us, is of another kind. Men, who have been instructed in the principles of Christianity, and who want neither talents, opportunity, liberty, nor encouragement for free enquiry, have deliberately and decidedly given the ' oracles of reason' a preference to the " oracles of God." The deists, who some time back opposed the divine authority of the Scrip- ture, have been completely baffled in the open field of argument; and no man now ventures forth, as an ad-
272 SI HMO N I.
vcrsan* on that jrround. Ycl tlicir successors pcrsibt in op|)Osinj; revelation, cilhcr alloc^cthcr, or by reject- ing as much as is incom|)atiblc wiili tlK*ir !>cvcnil b} •»- terns. They start objections, and hold forth scriptu- ral doctrines or facts to dcribion; by a distorted partial statement; they cavil at tlRm, Avith a supercilious sneer; they affect the reputation of su|KTicr discern- ment, by treating tlK-ir forctatlKrrs as bigots and fana- ticks ; and by holding in sovereign contempt those coniem|)oraries, whom they dare not face in iJic oj>cn field of calm dis|xissioiute argument. Thus they ad- dress tlic bclf-sutliciency and love of the world, which predominate in iiKxpericnced young perv^ns; they circuLitc theu" objections in periodical publicationsy mix them up with criticism, histor}*, and other works of genius and erudition; and gild over the mental [>oi- son, thus administered in small doses, with every thing tlul can render it pleasing and unsus|KTtcd; tluy retail, by all {xjssible methods, those objections against the scriptural histor)*, and the principal doc- trines of revelation, which have been rcpeatetUy and solidly answered, insinuating more tiun ihcy choose to avour: and they arc almost as zealous in disseminat- ing llieir anti- christian principles, as tlie primitive prcjcliers were in spreading the gospel of Goo ouf
SaVIOL'R.
Thus it hath come to pass, liiui m a iai.u lun ui Bi- bles, aiKl means of understanding them, and greatly favoured with faithful preachers; an increasing muhi- tudc aflect to speak of revelation with doubt or sus- picion, if not with avowed contempt and aversion;
C7^'
SERMON I. ^73
numbers aspire to the reputation of wit and penctra-- tion, by ridiculing or railing at the contents of the Scripture; and others study the art of explaining away whatever they dishke. So that the pride of hunrian wisdom and human virtue (connected with " the car- ^^ nal mind which is enmity against God,") has almost prevailed to explode the Bible as an antiquated book; or at least to bring it into neglect, as not entitled to much credit, and as having no authority over the con ^ sciences and conduct of mankind; whilst the prevailing maxim is, t/iat it is no matter xvhat men believe, if they behave properly to their fellow creatures. This has been our unhappy progress, during the last century; though Christianity has at the same time been set be- fore us, peculiarly unencumbered with superstition or intolerance (and not remarkably deformed by enthusi- asm), in its genuine simplicity and amiableness, as suited to render mankind wise, holy, and happy. — Such is the stamp of modern infidelity in Britain; and we have reason to fear that it will still diffuse its baleful influence more widely among our posterity. As a nation, this seems likely to be our condemnation, ** that light is come among us; and we have loved ** darkness rather than light, because our deeds are " eviV
2. We may notice the general neglect of God's ordinances, and profanation of his h©ly day.
Not long since, it was customary to insert in adver- tisements of stage-coaches and waggons, Sundays ex- cepted; but this decent regard to that day, which the
Vol, II. Mm
itI4 SfttMON I.
LoBO Jizvi claim«»as his own,* h now thought su- pcrfluoub; uitd Su/hJui/s not excepted^ cultcr in bcit. ^ out, or procct'ding on tl)c jouriK-y, is avowedly a | : of tin: prcbcnt plan; \\hii:>t nmlliplicd Suniijy ncus- pa[H.Tb, publicly sold in tin: streets, I'uniiUi cmploy- nicnt i'cr lliosc uho amuse themselves at home, and :#upcrcctlc tJK- duties of the closet, the family, or the lionse of God. No wonder that It ' ' rsaud m • r, trtites rare for none nfi/icse thm^s, \. i.tn tlie Lomu'^ day i^ generally selected by most ol tlnrm, and of otiicrs hi the higlier ranks of society, (nay, by m ::r:* who bear a s:)cnd cliaracter,) as tiK most convene w day for travelling! \\ hilsl not a few of tliem, call Uv- dier their ac(|uamtance, for every kind of dissiptiv^ii, iLiy, e\en lor gannng, on this day of sacred rest! Thus multitudes .irc |H:rmilted, without molestation, lo carry on tlKir business; and still greater numbers of the lower orders Hock to sceiK^ of riot or diver- Lion, corrupting each otlKrr^s morals, and wasting diat whidi slK>uld mamtain tl'*eir families. Tlie tradesman, (and even the statesman,) makes tlie Loiu*s day his liCabon of relixation and indulgence; tavcnis, ale- houses, tea-gardens, arc llironged, and ik> means used to pre\unt it; tltc places of worship are deserted; and even die form oi religion is growing into disuse, throughout the bnd. hut csr>rru!!v in \\\c mrtrDnnlis and its \iciniiy!
At the same time many, who seem to be rcligiuu- . meet the ir friends nt a place of wcn^hip. nnd co IioniL
•RCT. i '-
07 t
£ERMOX I. 11 /J
to feast with them : their converse may he about reli- gion, and they may outwardly attend to some of its duties; but their servants liavc a double portion of work, to provide for the entertainment: it is to them a day of busde and fatigue; and they have no time al- lo\\ ed them for the care of their souls, or the duties of religion!
All these diings combined together, may well be considered as a plain testimony, how much we have sinned against the light, and how greatly we disrelish the reasonable service of our ftoD: for if men will serve the world, the flesh, and the devil, on the Lord's day, they cannot be expected to serve any oUier mas- ter, during the rest of the week.
3. It is obvious, in the next place, to mention that profanation of the holy name of God, which marks the character of our age. I do not mean that profane swearing and taking of God's name in vain, which mingles with the common conversation of vast multi- tudes. This is indeed an atrocious affront to the Ma- jesty of heaven; but it is not peculiar to any age or nation. I advert to the horrid crime of direct perjury; which perhaps never was so frequent in any age of the world, as it is at present. The extreme impolicy of multiplying oaths on every occasion, that pervades and disgraces the whole of our jurisprudence; and the shameful irreverence, Vv^ith which they are generally administered, concur in deducting from the solemnity of the transaction; and men are induced to consider an "oath as a matter of course^ rather than an express ap- peal to the heart-searching God, to attest the trutii
:>T6 &E1M0N r.
and sincerity of what b alleged. I'hus, not oiii) incti of scaiulalous lives are invoUcd in tlK- guili of |x^rjur)', but muliiiiidcs who arc, in odicr i .of good re-
pute: so lliat, it may be apprehended, aa* often
taken by parish-ofticcni, by jur)mcn, by cicclof!*, my, by ihobe who are elected lo serve in parliament, aixl by many odKr descriptions of men, without any due consideration of llKrir import, or any proper sense of their oh' ! And who can compute how many
thouv ' .:^. in the course of asingle >\cek,thc
God ot heaven i-* called lo ^itnev> the truth of wliat is not known to be strictly true, or known to be false! and the sincerity of men in tjjosc engage : uhich
they never intend litcr.iliy and < '\ to muu' It is a form, with which tlic}' comply, asi/Jtcrsdo; and when the engagement is violated, the numbern conecmed keep one another in coimtcnancc. Thus, ** because of *^ swearing, the land moun>cth;** arxt the perjuries and profanations of the name of the Lord, which abound in every place, loudly caU for divirn; vengeance; espe- cially as no care is taken to Ijring tlie ofrcn<lcr to justice, or to remove the occasions of such atrocious impiety.*
4. We must not here pass by that triOing u ith so* kmn subscriptions and engagements, w hich often con- nects ^^'f^» n^t i)V admission n'^« holy oidtrs, oreccle-
* How much more rational, to lay down rvltv and puni&h those who act contrary to tiicro! May not the banie be aaid of ai4)tcnption>?
SERMON I. 277
siastical preferments. To subscribe articles which men do not believe in the obvious sense of the words, and which they mean to oppose; to avow themselves, *' moved by the Holy Ghost, to take on them" the sacred ministry, when secular motives alone induce them to choose that line of life; to ratify this equivo- cating profession, by receiving the Lord's supper; to read a liturgy, and in their sermons and conversation to contradict what they have uttered on their knees before God; and then to palliate and vindicate such a system of prevarication and hypocrisy: this, I say, must constitute a degree of guilt of no common atro- city. And I deem myself the more bound to speak on tliis subject, because I only describe my own conduct in times past; and I verily believe, that in this respect I added more to the aggregate of our national guilt, than in any other action of my life.-^'-
But, indeed, many other things, which continually are practised and connived at, in men's entrance into holy orders, and in their obtaining and holding livings and preferments, are utterly incompatible with either piety, truth, or righteousness. Yea, in these respects, *' profaneness goes forth from the priests, to all the in- '' habitants of the land:" and v/hilst infidels adduce such facts among their best arguments against religion;
* It may be needful to mention, that I have since been led most cordially to embrace the doctrines I then rejected; or ^he I should have deemed it my duty to quit the situation ^vhich I had surreptitiously obtained iii the Church of Eng- land.
278 8IJIM0V I.
tliough wc cannot wonder tliat proflipitc^mtn* will prostitute the ordinance of the Lord'* supper, as a btcp to prclcrmcnt; h may well be considered as sur- prizinp;, that such a scandal to our church-cstabhsh- mcnt is allowcil to su'usist among us.
5. Covetousncss, fraud, lying, and oppression of tlie poor, liavc luthcrto Ixren so gcncml in all ngcs and nations, and liavc so connected with the commercial dealings of ungodly men ; that it might ap|>car an empty declamation, sliould I insist upon them on this occasion. One partictibr, however, must not be omit- ted; 1 mean \\ic execrable and execrated sbve-trade. Whilst the extreme ini(|uiiy and cruelty of this com- mcn-c, and its fatal eflccts on three quarters of the globe at least, but cs]Hxially throiigliout the vast con- tinent of Africa, were little known or regarded; it might be considered as the gtiilt of indi> iduals, and not a national ini(]uiiy: but now that tlic monster lias Ixxn draggcxi forth to publick view, and all the world luth Ix^en shewn, l)c\ ond possibility of pUialion, the multiplied murders, eruelties, and enormities that arc inseparable from its existence; to set it up, as another Moloch, to be immolated by myriads of human sacri-
' 0 0
fices every year, merely on a fiilsc or dubious persua- sion of nation.il emolument, is such a renunciation of all justice, truth, humanity, and mercy, for tlic sake of filthy lucre, as can hardly be equalled in the aniuls of mankind! '* Blood de filet h the land in which it is aer can it be cleansed from it, save by tl>c I iiim tliat shed il;"» and tlie case cannot be
• Numbcr»T xxxr. 3J.
SERMON 'I> 279
altered by the mere circumstance of the blood being shed at a distance, by the inhabitants of this nation. So that the unavenged blood of thousands of poor negroes, cries daily from the earth unto God, against the inha- bitants of Great Britain; and will continue to do so, more and more, until this atrocious evil be completely terminated; and murder, rapine, and cruelty be no more sanctioned by our legislature: or, till the Lord take the matter into his own hands; and we learn, to our cost, that honesty and mercy are the best policy; and that oppression of the poor and helpless can never enrich, but will certainly sink, the nation that sanc- tions them.
In vain do we fast and pray, unless we *' loose the *' bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, and '' let the oppressed go free."* For whilst lucrative sins are persisted in, our repentance can only resem- ble that of Pharaoh, who cried out, '^ I have sinned," but would not consent to liberate the oppressed Is- raelites. Without attention to such plain duties, how can we call this a fast, or an acceptable day to the Lord?
After such an overgrown evil and bloodshed, on so large a scale, it may almost seem an approach to tri- fling, when I proceed to mention the blood shed in duels, and not avenged by the death of the murderer. Whilst so many thieves are put to death, by a policy not authorized in the word of God, and evidently not
* Isaiah Iviii, 5, C.
280 Jit AMOS' I.
attended with his blessing, almost tlic \>orst ui' liiur- dcTcrs arc surtlrcd to escape! Jiut let magistrates and jurymen kx^k to it, how they will an^^^xr it to God; if, under iIk* leriii of man.!J;iu^lucr, iliev liberate the malicious nuirdcrer, and so abet duelling, which is one of the greaicst ouiraj,a*s ai^uinst lx)th the law and the gospel of God. which c^n almost be conccivrd.
6. Among other national sins, it will perhaps excite 5uq)rise, that 1 mention ilic luxun* aiKl extravagance ufthea|;e. I me;ui not, however, to inveigh against all thc^sc excesses, which, though iodeed very crimi- nal, arc iiot peculiar to the present times* 1 ad\crt to the prc%*ailing tl ion of all orders in the society
to emulate tltcir bi;}Jirior5, till all distinction of rank is nearly lost. By a variety of methcxU, which are useful to a certain degree in a commercial country, credit may be ac()uircd to a \cry Urge extent: men therefore, posscased of small property, engage in bu- siness dispropf.^rtioiiatcly large; and then launch out in their « !i!urc, according to their apparent ^ not
their nut^ circumstances. Ttu:y vie uith each otlier, and with (arsons of real nfflucnoc, in their 1k>u9cs, ftimiture, appearance, attendants, and entertainments they r I expensive publick diversions, (which are
muliipacu ucyond the example of former times,) and ihey join in every fiobionable vanity: till at len^^h their accumulated debts weigh them down, and multitudes are ruined along with them. This is come to such a pitch, ilial it duxratens the destruction of credit ilseli, and commerce with it; and tlvc tfl'ect may |X>ssibly pro\*e the punishment of our odicr sins.
SERMON t\ 281
The case is similar with the inferior orders: ser. vants emulate their masters; their wages are lavished away in needless expences; so that old age or sickness fmds them destitute, or their death leaves families un- provided for. The evils which originate from this source, can scarcely be enumerated; it concurs with other things to produce that spirit of gaming, which ruins numbers, and often terminates in suicide; and it is a principal cause of those varied methods of fraud and robbery, which fill our jails with wretched inhabi- tants, and make way for so many lamentable execu- tions: whilst the other national sins, that we are about to consider, greatly originate from this proliiick source of vice and misery.
7. Of these we may next mention the venality, which so greatly degrades our national character, and threatens even the subversion of our excellent consti- tution. Whilst men in s:eneral live above what thev can afford, they will certainly be tempted to grasp at gain from every quarter; and in general, a sufficient compensation will determine them to any measure or any party. Thus things are now come to that pass, that few of those who elect members to serve in par- liament, honestly vote for the wisest and most upright men that are proposed to them, without expecting any other compensation than their faithful endeavours to serve their country; but by far the greatest number, in other places, besides the small boroughs, expect to be paid, in some way or other, for their votes: and so great is the selfish ingenuity, that is exercised in evad- ing the laws, that no method hath yet been found ef-
VOL. II. N N
S83 SERMON I.
Iccluai lor prcvcuung such briUry. How then can it be cx|KCicd tlial ihc sicnalc should be uncornipt? Fur whiUt tl;c |K:oplc, like tl^u, sell their birth- right for a morsel of meal, or otlier paltry considerations, thrtj liave bcarcely a riglu to complain, if they find otitera as venal as thembclvcs; and surely i/iri/ at least mu&t expect that those pexbojis who have purchased the dis- tinclioii ol kgiblators, at an ulmt>st insupportable ex- pence, will endeavour to iiulemnify themselves, by tlic use they make oi' their talents, votes, and influence. This evil spreads so wide, and pervades all orders of men to dut degree, tlut uc may cmpiirc uidi tlic proplR-t, *' \V ho IS tlKre among you tlut would shut •* the doors for nought?'** AiKJ it is a sad |>rool" of live debility which Itatli se];:e^ ui>on our moral and reli- gious constitution; for ** die whole head is sick, and '* x\)c whole Iteart is faint,** Uutjugh this inveterate: disease, which is tla* genuine of&pring of luxur)' diA extravagance, connected uidi avarice; an insatiable m- pacity ia getting, and a profuse |>rodigality in s|)end- ing.
8. The daring ficcntiousncss tliat pre \ ails amonp us, is another most deplorable c\i]. Tltc unexain| . v. effrontery, with which die trade of prostitution is con- ducted; tt>e multitudes who yearly, in the prime of life, fall sacrifices to itr the w ide spreading cflectb of it on domcstick life; the exceeding fie^juency of adul- tery; the encoiinigemcnt given to ingenious women of proflii^aic character, to publish their infamous mc-
in - . ... — -
• Mill. i. to.
SERMON I. 283
moirs; with many other particulars that might be ad- duced, evince, tha^ the licentiousness of the present age, differs from that which must be expected in the general course of human affiiirs. There will indeed be abandoned men and women, so long as ungodliness prevails: but surely they might be driven out of our streets, into their dark recesses, in some degree at least; and salutary regulations might prevent the mor- bid part of the community from diffusing the fatal contagion so rapidly as is done at present. It is indeed said, by way of objection, that worse and more fatal effects would probably ensue from such an interposi- tion: but I apprehend the reason to be insufficient, and that it is incumbent on legislators and magistrates tp adopt some method of discountenancing such de- structive practices, and to leave the event to God-, However, the very objection shews the awful state to \vhich we are reduced, and what cause we have to fear, lest we should speedily become like Sodom and Gomorrah; only much more inexcusable, because of our superior advantages.
I shall conclude this part of our enquiry (not be- cause the subject is exhausted, but because want of time requires it,) by mentioning,
9. Lastly. The sad abuse that is made of the gos- pel, by those who profess to believe it.
If the name of a Christian hath been rendered odious to Pagans and Mahometans throughout the earth, by the crimes of men who bore and disgraced that appellation, the peculiar doctrines of the gospel also have been grievously exposed to contempt and
S84 SKUVOv
obloquy, in our land, by the a!r s mi*>conduct oi
many who have zealously coninulc d forlhcm. ** Woe ** be lo ilic world, Ixrcausc of ofic-nccsl" Indeed wc have all need of humiliation before God this day, be- cause we have failed of recommending iIk doctrine of CioD our Saviour to others, by our example, as wc ou^^ht to have done; and because, in JK)me respects, wc have increased their prejudices by our nusconduct. Hut I more csipccially advert to the notorious dbho* iicscy and other scandalous crimes, which have been discovered in tl>c habitual conduct of zealous disputcrs for cvanj^i lical teiR-ts; lljc total disrej^rd for relative duties, which many liave manifested; the looic antU nomian tenets, by which this laxity of practice hot been varnished over; and tl>c bitter, boastinf^, ccnsori- ous, and backbiting spirit, u ith w hich rdi{;ious con- troversies luive been conducted. Tlicsc, ami \arious other abuses of the gospel, luvc fumislK-d infidels ivith tiKir most formidable weapons against the truth; have given countenance to thotc who substitute a de- cent proud morality, in the place of rejxrntance, faith, and holiness; and have quieted the minds of careless persons with the idea that relijjion uould rather make them wonc than txrtter; ami led tlnm to conclude, that there is no reality in it, seeing they can detect so much hypocrisy in men's profession of, aixi zeal for, the gospel.
And now, if wc take tlnse things together, compar- ing them with our national advantages and obligations, %vill it not be evident, that *'wh«n tl)e Lord looked ** for grapes, he hath found wild grapes*
*>"%
SERMON I, . 285
We proceed, therefore, to enquire,
IV. What consequences may be expected, notwith- standing the Lord's long suffering, unless proper means be used to prevent them?
The context expressly answers this question; the Lord himself declares what he will do to his vineyard. ** I will," says he, *' take away the hedge thereof, and *' it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall there- ** of, and it shall be trodden down; and I will lay it ** waste; it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there *' shall come up briers and thorns: I will also com- ** mand the clouds, that they rain no rain upon it." If we provoke the Lord by our ingratitude to withdraw from us his providential protection, our fleets, our ar- mies, and all the advantages of our situation, will do nothing to prevent our falling under a foreign yoke, or having our land desolated by hostile invasions. We may also be left to learn from experience the sore judgments of famine, pestilence, and other desolate scourges. But it will suffice, if the Lord in anger should leave us to ourselves, and to our mad passions, or infatuated counsels. We should, in that case, soon throw away our mercies with our own hands; every man's sword would be turned against his brother; we should speedily be plunged into the horrors of civil war, and witness such massacres and desolations, as we can scarce! v bear to read of, in the accounts we receive from a neighbouring nation. The invasion of Judea by the Chaldeans, the siege, taking, plunder- ing, and destroying of Jerusalem, with the subsequent
Ikbvloni^li captivity: and llic Cfuil ruin oi that devoted city by the Romans, whilst eleven hundred tliousand pcrbons miserably inrrishcd during iIk* siege: togelhtr with the caUmilieb which follcnvcd the rcnuiant of die Jcus in ihcir dispcrbion through U»e nations, and tlnir condition to this day, constitute a solemn warning to us, above all |KX>|)le on the face of the whole earth.
Hut we luvc most reason to fear, lesl wc should l>c depri\ed of tlK g(>H|Kl, which wc liavc so much dc« bpiscd or abused; lest *' the Lingdom of God should *' be taken from us, and gi«Tn to a nation, bringir^g ** forth tin: fruits ihcrrof * In Uiis respect our sin may very probably beonic lur punishment: tlicwi<!c difl'usion of infidel and iK-rctioil principles, (of which |K)liiick5 are at present a very convenient vehicle,) my at length be permitted totally tocclipsr tlie light ot the gospel, and leave us to sink into lieathen impiety and irreli; This is the more to be dreaded, because
these principles get ground so rapidly, in tliosc fami- lies, congregations, and semiiuries, where the doc. trines oi' the gospel have long been supported. Tlic rising generation is, in many places, apparently dis- posed to eliange the religion of ilieir fathers, for mo- dem improvements of the faith; and great pains arc taking to train them up accompli'jKd jiastors, accord- ing to their own hearts. Thus wc may rcasoiubly fear, tliat the LoRD^s vineyard will be laid wasteland only bear thorns a!id briers; and, in that case, he Wku Mirely ** command the clouds to rain no rain upon it." {
-* • Mai. XXI. ij. fUob. 11. '
3ERM0N I. 287
Such of us, as are past the meridian of life, may perhaps hope, that the light will not be removed in ©ur days; but we may well tremble for our children, lest they should be left, as a part of this guilty nation, to prefer man's devices to the sure testimony of God: and lest the candlestick should be removed from this land, after the example of the churches of Asia.* This spiritual judgment is more to be feared than war, fli- mine, or pestilence; than subjection to a foreign con- queror, or a domestick tyrant; nay, than the fury of ^n ungovernable multitude, the horrors of anarchy, and the cruelties of factions contending with, and by turns prevailing against, and wreaking their vengeance on, each other. But if the Lord be provoked to with- draw his gospel, he will depart from us in other re- spects, and ** woe be to us, if he depart from us."
It is vain to say that ministers in former times have dolefully foreboded the same thing, and yet we are preserved and prosper. *' Because sentence against an " evil work is not executed speedily; therefore the ** hearts of the sons of men are wholly set in them to ^* do evil.^t Doubtless the unbelieving Israelites would urge the same objection against the messages of the prophets, when the threatened vengeance was mercifully delayed: no wonder then, if, ** in these last " day^, there are scoffers, walking after their own lusts; " and saying, Where is the promise of hiscoming?"i " But though the Lord be long suffering and slow to *' anger, he will by no means acquit the wicked:" and
'* Rev. ii. iii. \ Ecclcs. viii. II. t ^ Peter iii. 3, 4.
288 SEXMO.V I.
he will surprise them b}' his judgrociits, ^hcn llic\ least expect thtra. If wc decide about the time uhen national punishment will be infticicd, we exceed our comniission: bul if we declare, llial ** except we re- ** jKut wc sliall perisli,*' as Israel did. wc only say wl)ai tlK* Lord bath commaiKied us. Many a time did he deliver his ancient |x*ople, when they '* provoked •* him uiih his counsel, and were brought low by ** their ini(juiiy;'* yet, at length, ** wrath came upon " them to the uticrrootl;*' and so it uill upon us, if we copy their example, and do not use pro|)er means of averting his inc! )n.— Aod this IckU roe to en-
quire,
V. What witliholds tl>esc judgments at present.
and pn>!'vvr' oiir national mercies?
1 \Nuuiu ii"L \>«,mjgly aggravate, or palliate *an\ tiling ill our lutional character; but would im|urtially and smipiy st^tc the doctrine of God^s v^ord on this imiKjrunt question, so (or as I am capable of dJsco\er. ing It. W c may, therefore, safely allow, that there is a bright, as ucil as a dark side, beh'"^<''': to our subject; and it is ior more agreeable to ^. v uss this, than some of the preceding topicks. Our measure of iniquity, obs! fills apace; but it is not yet full: i:v many favourable circumstances may be descries ^.. w hicli give some ground for hope, tiiat we may \ tt be preserved; if by any means a projxr attention to the important concern can be excited in the minds of the inh.»I irants of our favoured land.
SERMON I. 289
1. Then, we observe with heart felt satlsraction, that persecution of the churcli of Christ is no part of our national guilt: at least should any defects in our laws be called by so harsh a name, we may rejoice, that a blessed inexperience of greater severities occa- sions our noticing such trivial deviations from the sys- tem of complete toleration, which hath been introduced among us.
When God hath a number of spiritual worshippers in any country, and they are permitted to live unmo- lested, and to follow the dictates of their consciences in his service; I apprehend, that something must still be wanting to render that nation ripe for vengeance; and that the prayers offered by believers, for the peace of the land in which they enjoy peace, will continue to prevail, until they be removed from the evil to come; or until a departure from tolerating principles drive them away, or bring them under the yoke of oppres- sion. Herod, to his other crimes, added yet this above all^ that he shut up John Baptist in prison and put him to death. It was the principal charge brought against the nation of Israel, that they murdered the Lord's prophets, and persecuted his fliithful servants: and the crucifixion of Chb ist, with the violent rage and cruel enmity of the Jews against his disciples, filled up the Tueasure of their iniquity, when wrath came upon them to the uttermost: nav, the abominations of mvstick Babylon would not have been complete, had she not been *' drunken with the blood of the saints, and of '' the martyrs of Jesus." We may, therefore, consider the tolerating spirit that at present prevails in our Jaiid,
Vol. II. O o
290 si&tfox t.
as a very favoLrablc circumstance, and an cncouraj^- incnt aiKl cLlij^ation to pray for Uic continuance of it5 peace and prcspcriiy.
2. We mav remark, tliat Christianity, as it lunh of late years been displayed amon^; us lias produced j^reat effects in rectifying ll.c judgments, and in sonie iliinj^ melioruting the dis{X)sitions of vast multitudes, who arc very far from lx:ing ll>c genuine disciples of i!)c Lord Jeuus. Hence it arises, that humanity and phi- bnthropy constitute a part of our lational character, as it is ' rfi at home: would to God, it were equally
nianiiest and undeniable in all our concerns witii other nations, throughout the nliole eartii!
iionevcr, tlK txrnevoience and liberality, \\\\\\ whieh distress in ever%' furm obtains relief in Britain, sitould be noticed with due commendation, and cordial satis- faction: and this benigi) and Iricndly spirit hath lately Ixen Tcry honourably exercised, in die hospitable en- tertainme*nt given to tlie poor destitute outcasts, uizo have sought an as\Ium in this countr}, and \\\\o by nation and religion might liavc been considered as inimical to us.
\N'c are not indeed authon^icd to expect, that li: c rality, wlwrn unconnected with repentance, tiiih, lo\c to Christ, and true holiness, will be a man*s pass, port to heavai; for, those acts of kindness, which Uic Judge will adduce at tlie great day, as the reason of his people's admission to their inheritance, are evi- dently such as spring from iaiih in him, working by love; and matiiicbting itself by kindness to his disci-
SERMOM I. 291
pies for his sake. — Nevertheless we may hope tliat the Lord will recompense the mercy shewn to the poor in this land, ** by the lengthening of our tranquillity,"''^ for he commonly rewards external services with tem- poral benefits; even when he disapproves of the mo- tives and principles from which they result. 1'
3. The infidelity, impiety, perjuries, oppressions, and cruelties, before enumerated, have not been let pass, without a solemn and earnest protest be- ing entered against them, both in the senate, and from the pulpit and the press: and this helps to retard our doom. Men have stood forth, like Phinehas, inspired with zeal for the honour of God, and the authority of his law, as well as influenced by the most enlarged philanthropy; and they have spared no pains, ventured all consequences, and persevered amidst reproaches and discouragements, in bearing testimony against inveterate evils, and labouring for their extirpation: and it seems to be the doctrine of Scripture, that whilst a considerable remnant of princes, priests, oi: prophets, endeavour to stem the torrent of national iniquity, the measure of that people's sin is not full; at least until it be finally decided, that their efforts were in vaiH, and did nothing but expose them to publick scorn and hatred. This is at present a favourable symptom in our case; may the Lord increase the number of such witnesses for truth and righteousness jn every part of Our land! and may he prosper all their endeavours to do good!
* Dan. iv. 27. t ^' Kings xxi. 29,
^Jl Si.RMO.V I.
4. Notwiihhtaiuling the general prevalence of seep, ticisin and infidelity; yet the number of thobc who preneh the ** faith once delivered to the saints," is sup- posed by mony competent judi^-s to be upon ihc in- crease: now if this be indeed the case, rind if they of whom gocxl liopes are formed do not dis . .i them, ciil'.er lhrou;;li the fascinations of the world, the . of man, or the spirit of error; wc may even look fur such a revival of pure religion, uiul relurmnrion rt manners, as, u ill nut only Icngtlien our tr but avert tin: j > that wc L..: .
5* There is no di vcr\- r c numl)er
*:f irucclu-iblijns, diij it the Lu.d: li
*' arc the salt of }\y: earth, and the light of tlic norld;" they arc h y *• sighing and mi.urning for the
** abominations tli:it pre\ai!;'* and arc now called forth, as an en la, to unite in pra}ers, with hu-
, \\\ behalf of our guilty land, or formality may, therefore, be I in tl : :c of multitudes, on this 0
however st. itr numbers may totally
(one of which must always be tlx: case, ultcrc 1. Jbodks of men are coiKtnud;) yet ver}- ble!>scd th: Slav U \ in answer to the praters, arxi in
queixc ol the services, of diis day. Moreover these persons arc employed, in their se- veral places, to counteract the progress of infidelity, in and vice, and to spread the gosjxrl of Christ.
Thev arc indeed '* our chariots and horsemen," in fi horn our cliief strength censists: and if \r\ t.v
SERMON I. > 293
persons would have preserved Sodom and the neigh- bouring cities, had so many been found in them; and if Paul prevailed for all who sailed with him: we may- yet hope, that the Lord will spare the land, in which so many thousands of true believers may doubtless be found, who are now uniting their earnest requests in its behalf. In the close of the deplorable American \var; when our resources seemed almost exhausted, 'and four formidable powers combined against us; the Lord answered the prayers of his people, and we were both delivered, and restored to prosperity. — When, some years since, our justly beloved Monarch was af- flicted in a very distressing manner, and every serious mind was ready to forbode some fatal consequences, from the divided state of the land; the Lord again heard pnyer, graciously restored him, and dispelled our fears: and of late, when our ingratitude again pro- voked his indignation; there seemed to be just ground of apprehension, that the people, instigated by igno- rant or crafty insinuations, would have madly thrown away their invaluable advantages, and plunged us into the most dreadful confusion; but the Lord hath again answered our supplications, and we are hitherto pre- served. " Oh that men would, therefore, praise the ''Lord for his goodness, and declare the wonders *' that he doeth for the children of men!"
But we cannot tell how long the case may be thus with us: sin is the only enemy we need fear; the im- pious principles of our adversaries are in reality more formidable than either their arms or their politicks; and if, to the many evil lessons we have learned from
294 scjiMoN I.
them, wc ^)OUt<J co{jy tlicir example ot avowed ani general irrcligion and infidelity, nficr liaving so long enjoyed tl>« full a{lvjintaf;c of divine rcvcbtion: then our measure of iniquicy will be full; the few remain- ing believers and witnesses for Christ will be eidier Fcuiovcd to heaven, or exposed to persecution; the flofxl-f^ales of divine judgments will be opened, and y^x sh.ill be made a warning to od)er nations, not to abuse sueh privileges, or thus to weary out the pa- ticiKTc of tlie LoKo of Hoy&: which leadK mc to en. quire,
Vi. L;istiy, What thus€ duiir, ;»rr, la whiv-ii wc arc called in die present circumbt.ru i^, u « ^rduig to our different situaliuu in the dmrcii, ;ind die com- munity?
It is rcv^uisitc HI iiub way to bung liiC suLj^cl home to each of us: otherwise the enumeration of crimes committed by otliers, and even by some of our supe- riors, might prove a gratification to a censorious tem- |Kr, and foster our pride, instead of leading us to hu* miliation: but if we duly apply it to our own case, it will produce ver)* ditUrent efl'ects. For when wc re- collect tliat all who concur in, or neglect the proper means of preventing, atrocious crimes, in some degree particifute the guilt; wc sJiall be convinced that we all arc criminal, as to some or many of those things ul)i''h ha%e this day been considered; and that we owe a dniy to our native land, to wliich wc luvc not hi- therto sufHcicndy attended.
SERMON X. 295
!• It IS Incumbent on each of us, to examine every part of our conduct, in order to personal humiliation, repentance, and amendment. In this review, we should particularly reflect upon the whole of our past lives, and all our conduct towards God and our neighbours, according to the various relations that we have sus- tained, and the transactions in which we have been engaged. All our thoughts, words, and actions, as far as we can recollect them; all our negligences and omissions of duty; our not improving our lime and talents; the bad effects of our example and converse; and our most secret sins (as well as the more open and gross,) should be adverted to; and especially we ought to look carefully into every part of our beha- viour, and the state of our souls, at the present time. Such a thorough scrutiny, attended by earnest prayer to the heart-searching God, to shew us what our cha- racter is in his sight; and conducted according to the perfect rule of his holy word, will convince us that no small share of the national guilt hath been contrtcted by us; that the whole charge of infidelity, irreligion, and iniquity, does not belong to others only, but in a measure to us also; that we have helped to ripen the nation for divine judgments; and that we have more cause than the beloved prophet had, to confess our own sins, as well as the sins of our people.*
This examination, and these discoveries, should be connected with deep self-abasement in the sight of God; ingenuous confession of all our sins, and the ma-
* Dan. ix. 20.
296 r.ERMrv T.
nifold np^ravations of them; and ncknoulcdgmcnts thnt ** wc arc unworthy of the least of his mercies," and (U M-ning ol his indipiation: \vc bliould solemnly renew our acceptance of his salvation, and surrthcUrr of ourselves to his service, (if wc have previously been acfjuainied with that important iransisc lion, Ix'tween a Ijclicving penitent and his merciful Goo and Sa- viorn:) wc should earnestly seek to him for gmcc, to cnahle us to amend our lircs, and to attend to c\Tr}* part of our duly: and wc his wrath,
aiK) Ix-serch him that our iiadvc Uui\ ntay not be cxp(»sed to liis judgments, through our transgrcs* sions.
Such seasons of deep hun \ jxrsoiul or pub-
Iick, liave, in ever)* age of tlk. church, been acc< mpa- nied with fasting; an atistinence from animal indul- gence, or even from all food, when that will consist with health, and \\)C performance of otlxr duties: and otir Lord hath given directions ulx)ut fasting, as oc- ca^ " incuml)ent on his disciples. Wc thus em- pluuiiiuUv confess, thai we lia\c forfeited all right to the gifts of rrovideiKc; whilst •* wc cliastcn ourselves •* wiih fasting,'* we express our liumblc submission to the justice of Goo, in our condemnation, and our clieerful acceptance of his correction; wc mortify our rnimal luture, and teach our ap|)etites to brook denial even in things lawful, wliciKver inexpedient; and this favours abstraction from worldlv conccnis, aixl marks the season to be appropriated to sudi sujierior engage- ments, that attention to animal recreation should be suspcndc d as much as possil)lc. TIkt acceptance w hich nations, cities, and individuals, have ever met with, in
Sermon i, 297
thus turning to the Lord with weeping, fasting, and prayer, is a sufficient reason that we should seek him in the same way; and a confutation of those who would represent fasting to be a pharisaical and needless ob- servance.
2. We are called upon to improve our talents, and use our influence, in stemming the torrent ot" infideli- ty., impiety, and vice; and suppressing if possible, those enormities, which are the scandal of our nation and holy religion, and in promoting the cause of truth and righteousness.
The ministers of Christ, as watchmen and stew- ards of the mysteries ofGody have their peculiar line of service: and woe be to them, if they preach not the gospel^ instantly and faithfully, not pleasing men, and not shunning to declare the whole counsel of God, The legislator and magistrate may bear their testimo- ny, and exert their diligence in another way, and in different places. They who are entrusted with superi- or abilities and learning, should not ** bury their talent *' in the earth, '^ but occupy with it, as those who ex- pect the coming of their Judge. The affluent may use their estates, and the influence derived from them, to good purpose; if they consistently endeavour, by every means, to discountenance vice and irreligion, and to recommend piety and righteousness to all around them. The merchant may render commerce subser- vient to the noble design of propagating Christianity, and disseminating the word of God in distant regions; thus counteracting the effects of the crimes perpetrat-
Vol. II. Pp
298 SERMON I.
ctl by nominal Cliristiuns, amonf^ Pnj^s and Maho- mclnns. 'I'Ik}* who liavc famirKs, sImjuIc), by ihcir ex- ample, convcrbc, and insiruciions, lalxmr to imbue tlKir minds with gocxl prinripli-^, and to ktd llurm lo holy praciicr. Kvery m«in luis his circle, in which lio pos!»C!»scs some influince, which may ciil>er Ix* abused lo bad, or in»|)rovid lo good piiq)Obc. Ftu industri* ous (xrrbons air so poor but they may sp;u'e a iriHc from nccdli-ss expencc, lo promote ilie j;os|xJ, the dis- persion of pioub books, and &uch othtr designs, as counteract the endeavours of tho^c wlio disseminate error at id vice among mankind: fH>r will iIk poor w idow S tw o mites be overlooked, when consecrated to such ser\ ices.
Thus ever} man, in his j ro|>cr pbee and duty, (like officers ujul soldiers, cuisiituting a well disci, phned army.) may contribute lo promote that ri for- mation of maimers and prevaleiKX of religion, which alone can ensure the continuance ol our national pos- perity: and, though iIk: attempts of each pcraon, srpa- i..t(!\ i iisidered, may apjxrar trixial, yet the united cnort:» ul a large muiiiiudc, engaged in iIk same cau>e, as Willi one Ikcart and soul, niay, by llic blessing of God, produce extensive and dunU^le eficcts. — But^
O* i ii^S 'w nu K*.U i.u liUiV vi>^^ iiia* IX iielptUl t)y
their prayers, for ** ihc effectual fer\cnt prayer of a ** righteous man a>'ailelh mud).'* All true btlicvers arc righteous IxTorc God; none of us think more h.*"" bly of i.urstlvcs, llum thi-y did who prevailed sou dcrfuliy i- ^' mirr ages; and omnipotence can ' f
SERMON r. ^99
its purposes by second causes, as well as by miracles: if then we pray according to the precepts, doctrines, promises, and examples of Scripture, with a view to the glory of God, m dependence on his power, trudi, and mercy, with bubniission to his Providence, and love to our fellow creatures, and with earnest impor- tunity and perseverance, we may be confident that " by *' the Spirit" we offer that *' etlectual, lervent prayer, ".which avaiieth much."
** Let me alone," (said the Lord to Moses, when he pleaded with him in behall of rebellious Israel,) " that 1 may destroy them in a moment:" he could not, so to speak, proceed to take vengeance, unless his servant would cease to plead for them. Abraham desisted from asking, before the Lord delayed to grant his supplications for guilty Sodom. Sennache^ rib's numerous host was too feeble to withstand the united prayers of Hezekiah and Isaiah: nor could Herod's prison and guards detain or destroy Peter; when time was given to the church to pour out their prayers for him. Do we then hear of good designs which seem likely to be frustrated, tlirough the arti- fices of the enemy, and their interference with men's secular interests? Let us remember tliat our prayers are appointed and effectual means of removing these impediments: and perhaps die Lord delays the suc- cess of such designs, till he be importuned by the whole multitude of his people; that as he alone can send prosperity, or give the blessing*, so the v/holc glory may thus be given to him, whatever instruments he may honour by employing insuchbeneilcial servi-
300 ssRiro!ir i.
CCS. It i^, however, our bouiidcn ditty thus to til w ho bbour to do ^ood.
Wc should prav, wiiiiout ceasiiif;, that tlic m'uiis- tcrsofCuRisT may be faithful, lx)ld, zealous, pru- dent, and successful; tlut the Lord would send lortli labourers into his vinexard; that pure Christianity may be didused on ever}- side; tluit the church may become as ** a city tiut is at unity with itself;*' Uut at diis time, *' when tlK enemy comes in like a flood. tJK* Spirit of *' the Lord may lift up a standard against him;** tliat irreli)pon aiul false religion may be suppressed; tliat Jews, Pag;ms, IiifideU,and Mahometans, may Ix: con- verted; that such as arc gone, anndst manifold dan- gers and lurdships, to {ircacl) tlie gcisptl in remote re* gions, may be protected, supported, comforted, and pr d; and tliat *' the earth may speedily be filled
*' wuii liK knowledge of llie Lokd, as the waters ** cover the sea.**
VVc bliould pray, (not only in lite service of the church, but in our closets aixl families,} tlut ttx: Loao would bless our king, and all his counsellors, minis- ters, scikators, and magistrates, with wisdom and grace; that tlie best methods may be taken to preserve peace, and promote religion at home; and to exteml the same blessings to ll>e nations abroad. We sIkmiUI intreat the Lord, who hath all liearts in his liands, to dis|>osc tlk: contending p;irties to peace, and thus pre- vent the further eflusion of human blood; to stem tliat torrent of iniquity and miser)*, which bears down ail Ixrfore it, in the once flourishing land of our enemies; tlut so a way may l>e made for the establishment of
SERMON I. 301
}>eace, order, and good government, at an equal disr tance from despotism and anarchy; and that a tolerat- ing system may open a door for the successful preach- ing of the gospel among them: and, in short, we should beseech him so to over-rule present calamities, that now ** his judgments are abroad in the lands, the *' inhabitants of them may learn righteousness."
Charity, in all its branches, constitutes an important part of our present duty, as it was emphatically incul- cated in the lesson for the morning service. But whilst •' we .give our bread to the hungry, and bring the " poor outcasts to our houses;" we should also re- member " to forgive our enemies, to bless them that '* curse us, to pray for them who despitefully use us; '* and not to be overcome with evil, but to overcome ** evil with good."
These are some of the principal duties incumbent Oil us: and in vain does any man pretend to be a pa- triot, who will not practise them: for by his sins he is helping to bring down divine judgment on the land; and he refuses to concur in the proper means of avert- ing them. The preparation for, and subsequent im- provement of, such solemn observances, constitute a principal part of their benefit; and, if due attention be paid to these obvious duties, by those in general who apparently keep this day according to the design of it, we may expect important consequences.
1 would conclude with observing, that if there should be any present, who have not felt themselves interested in these things, and purpose not to give heed to them; they may perhaps be preserved from national
30§ SERMON* X.
judj^incnts, by the humble pnycrs of ihcsc ulK>m ihcy clc>pisc: but without jxTbonal rcjx:nljncc, fiiiih, pravcr, aiwt newness of life, ihey cannot be saved from the uralh lo come. On the other hand, ll>c upright behevcr need not be dismayed, on aceouiit of those inic^uiiies, over which he sij^hs and mourns: for he will be taken care of at uU evenly; should iIk dclu^* come in his diys l>c ^i^^ ^ found in tl»e ark, and nothiJig shall ^* bcptraie him from titer love of God, which is in ••CiiiisT Jist;s our Loiio."
AtkI now, O Fatlxrr of Mercies, we beseech tl>ce to give thy bh'Ming to the word t>f all thy ministers, this Aij; tlHl there may be joy in heuveii over many &in- nets brought to rqx-ntanec; and that thy |iro|)le may be stirrcil up to greater dilig^iice in every good work, and more fervent zeal for the glorj' of thy name. Hear iIk: sunj^lications uhich, widi many tl ds of our
fellow Christ wns, we hjvc pn^ienlcd Ixiore tlKT, in bthalf of that much favoured, but pnihy bnd, of which we confer* ourselves to be guilty inhabitaots. Oh llut we may indeed shew, by w«-ks meet for rc- pentam:e, tl\at ^Mtr humliiation this duy hath been un* feigned! Avert the judgments which we h.^ve dtsrrv. ed; revive thy work in our land, make true religion !o prevail over all opjjosiiion, and prosper those who ki« hour to do good to men for thy sake! Have mercy upon our fellow creatures in other nations, and bid the avenging sword of bloody war return into its scab- bard* Pity our infatua(c*d enemies; bring them to re- pentance, and incline tlnm also to tuni to thee, with weepin^^, fasting, and prj)cr; tliat so ihcir mi^ierifB
SERMON I. 305
jpaay be terminated; the wicked devices of such as per- sist in mischief be finally disappointed; and the bles- sings with which thou hast long favoured us, be ex- tended to them, and to ail other nations; till genuine liberty and peace, as the effects of pure Christianity, may fill the earth, and bless the whole world of man- kind! These prayers we present before thee, in sole dependence on the merits and mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ.
Now to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, three Persons in one mysterious Deity, be ascribed all glory, praise, and adoration, for evermore. Amen.
SERMON II.
JCKEM! « > . .
O J^orcJ, i/iOUKh our tniquutrs tcsti/]/ ; .. . '.
ihou it Jar thy name^s sake,
1 1 i V. prophet JcTcmiah performed his mournful of- ficc, at ih;ii crisis uIkh Jiidah luid filled up Uk mea- sure of his ini<|uitTes, and was ripe for national judg- ments. Having p.iihelically described, in live preced- ing verses, a terrible drought with which iIk land was viMtcd; lie broke out in iIk abrupt and fervent prayer contained in Uk text; ** O Lomd, though our iniqui- *• tics testify against us, do thou it for thy name's •• sake!** adding, ** our backslidings arc many, wc ** luvc sinned against thee.** The Lord had before intimatetl ilui he would not grant the propliet's sup- plications for the bnd; * and, on tliis occasion also, he answered, ** Pray not unto mc for this people for
* Jeremiah xl \^*
'•' good; when they fast, I will not hear their cry; and '^ when they ofier burnt offerings and an oblation, I " will not accept them: but I will consume them by ^* the sword, and by the famine, and by the pesti- *' lence!" " Though Moses and Samuel stood before *' him, yet his mind could not be towards that peo-. '* pie/' In the lesson appointed for this morning- ser-> vice,^- and in the chtjpter which precedes it, we find that Jehoshaphat having, with great zeal, diligence, and prudence, endeavoured to revive true religion, and effect reformation in his kingdom, was invaded by a vast army of the Moabites and Ammonites, with their confederates. In this emergency he proclaimed a fast, and with great fervency he aided the devotions of his people; and then led them forth to meet the enemy, with pious exhortations and songs of praise. The event was such as might have been expected: the assailants were destroyed by an e:^traordinary divine interposi^ tion, aad the people of God v/ere enriched by the in- vasion. — But the prophecy of Jeremiah (and the chap^ ter before us in particular,) gives us a different view of the same subject: and by comparing them together we may learn, that various circumstances require con- sideration, before we can determine whether God will or will udt answer the prayers of his most eminent servants, for a guilty nation. — It is probable that our land is neither in so good a state, in respect of vital godliness, as Judah was in the days of Jehoshaphat; nor vet so deg-enerate as that nation in the time of Je-
* 2 Chvon. xix. 1—20, Vol. lu Qo-
306 SEHilOS' II.
rcmiali: we sliould, therefore, beware of formiiiK to* nnguinc expectations of success from tlie one exam- ple, and of farcixxiing approaching desolations from llic ollurr.
In order to obtain more distinct view s of this inter- esting subject, both in respect of our situation and duty, I shall apply the text to tl>esc nations aud to the present occasion, ui tljc following manner;
I. Liuleavour lu "iiK^v, iluu * uui iiii'^u4in.s du '* bklecd testify against us;'*
II. Knquirc what light tlie Scriptures afford us, by u hi<:h we may judge, u liciher ** the Lor d, •• for his lumc^b sake,** will hear our pra)ersfai deliverance*
III. C onsidcr wliat wr arc eticouraged to ex- |>ect from liiin, should he \k gTaci''"^'v n!r;!v <! to intcr|>osc in ' •"• ri\niir- nu!,
1\'. State the duties to uhirh we ought pci H• liarly to attend, a« means of obtaining d>e ble^ sings for whicli we pray.
1. *' Our mu^iiiiics do indeed testify agumst us. ' This nuy be apjilied to the nation, and to each of us nidividtially: and it is doubtless tnie, in resjxrct of both. Had the proplnrt Ixen asked, in vlut particu- lars the ini<)uities of his people testified against tlicm ' He would, we may suppose, have recalled to their minds the abject state of their progenitors in l'.g}pt; the manifold interpositions of God in their bclialf; oud
sfiRMbar II, 307
all his special favours, temporal and spiritual, to the nation, through successive ages to that very day: he would then have enumerated the multiplied evidences, which stood on record, of their ingratitude, rebellion, idolatry, atheistical forgetfulness of God; impiety, hy- pocrisy, licentiousness, iniquity, oppression, murder, and contemptuous cruelty to the servants of the Lord; with the multiplied enormities perpetrated by tlieir princes, priests, and prophets, from age to age.* He would have proved that this load of national guilt, so long accumulating, had been exceedingly increased by the unprecedented criminality of that generation; that they had now filled up the measure of their iniquities; that the calamities, which they dreaded or experienced, were justly merited by them; that they suffered far less than they deserved; and that the only hope which re- mained for them, arose from the plenteous and ever- lasting mercy of their offended God.
And may not Britain be considered as the Israel of modern ages? Favoured above other nations by a kind Providence, with plenty, liberty, exemption from the dire ravages of war, and with every temporal blessing; we have long enjoyed, and, by many signal interposi- tions of heaven in our behalf, still enjoy the most dis- tinguished advantages for becoming a wise and reli- gious people. ** What could have been done more to" this part of " the vineyard, that tiie Lord hath not ** done in it?" And what have been our returns for such peculiar benefits? *' O foolish people and unwise,
* Ezek. XX.
Qft ^EI>f
** do you tlms requite il)c Lord?"— Not to mention* the accumulaiing wickedness of preeedinpycarb; is not c\cry sjKxics of infidelity, impiety, contempt ofrevc- ]ation, or penersion of it, diffused rapidly through \\\c land? Arc not solemn oaths and the most sacred obli- pations, profanely trifled wiih, ai.d violated without scruple or remorse? Do not all ranks and ortlers of mcii concur in treating the name, the ordinances, the day, and the word of Ciod, with contemptuous diiirc- gard' Do not all kinds of licentiousness and dissipa- tion increase on c%cry side? In not our extensive and prosperous cf)mmercc inarkcti, iK>t only wiUi avarice, fraud, and varicujs oppressions, Init with srem-s of cni- ilty which will never be fully kno«in, till '* tlR- rnrth •* hliall disclose her bhxx!, and shall ik> more cover her ♦• shin?" Have not tlicsc vices ami impitiics prr\*aded ever)' order of men, liowever exalteti or sacred? And do tliey not sufficiently ** testify against us?'*— The I«oRD would tlien be rigliteous, should Ik: command the si»*ord to |kiss through the land, or bring upon us the most terrible judgments tliat our ahrmed minds can apprehend: and if he sjxire us, it will not be fbf our deserts, but ** for his name's sake;" though a pcrttai comparison of our national character with that of a people who never enjoyed the tenth part of our advantages, may dc-ccivc multitudes into a contrary opinion.
But what is iIk: diameter of each person, now as- seml^led, that we should venture to intercede with tin: 1.0RD in behalf of our guilty- land? Do not our per- sooal iniquities also testify against us? Who tl^pt know s
SERMON ir. 309
the holiness of God and the spirituality of his law, can answer this question in the negative? Let us review our past lives from the beginning: and, considering every advantage of birth, education, and circumstances, as an additional obHgatian to the service of our Crea- tor and Benefactor; let us compare, with serious re- collection, our first thoughts, words, and actions, with liis most reasonable commandments: let us proceed in this manner, as it were from stage to stage of our journey, to the present day: and let us contrast the goodness of God to us, with our ungrateful forgetful- ness and neglect of him and his service. — Have not we, as well as others in this guilty land, often spent the Lord's day in dissipation, festive indulgence, 'worldly pursuits, or criminal excesses? Have none of us violated sacramental engagements, or irreverently trifled with solemn oaths? Have we not, in many in- stances, taken the sacred name of God in vain? Have we not neglected and despised his ordinances, or at- tended upon them in a formal and hypocritical man- ner? Do not our mis-spent time, our abused or unim- proved talents, our vain and corrupt discourse, and our aversion to pious and edifying company and con- versation, bear witness against us? If we have been preserved from more flagrant immorality; can wc re. collect no instances in which we dishonoured, despis- ed, or defrauded parents or superiors? or in which we infused Wiose principles into the minds of our compa- nions? Have we not given way, times without num- ber, to pride, excessive anger, or revenge, envy, ca- lumny, deceit, or intemperate indulgence? Have we
310 SERMON X7.
not frcqiicnlly Ttilcd of ** iluini; to others, as wcuoulJ •* llicy should do unlo us?" — None, but tIk great Searcher of all hearts, can know what vile imagina- tions and aflcclions may be concealed under a decent exterior: or \rhat secret abominations are practised by those \\ ho are careful to preserve their cliaracter among men. it niay be apprehended that many present are btill living in tlK: commission of known sin, and pro. vok'mg God by their impenitent neglect or abuse of his gospel. Otliers, liaviag Ion;; op)>oscd or despised this great salvation, are :U length made willing thank- fully to accept of it. liut, aia^ how |)eninaciously have some of us rebclleil against tlie light! How have we resisted our eon\ictions, and liated the truth tliat excited llicml How desirous wrre we of finding out sonje more flattering way of ckiiverancc from ihc w rath to come! Or how ingenious in our contrivances to form a cfulition between religion and the worlds between God ami Mammon^ .And wliat ineonsisterw ey, ingrntitude, unfru it fulness, if not dishonourable eonduct, liave been found in us, since we profesMd to Ijc the redeeuied disciples of the divine Saviour! Akt, much evil cleaves even to our best endeavours to serve God; as the devotions in which we liave at this time been engaged, suflficirntly evince to every tender coiv- science aiui watchful heart. Well may we then adopt the words of the beloved Daniel, and say, ** We do ** not present our supplicatiotis before tlidl, for our '' rii;!ucousnesses, but for thy great mercies;''^ or . . ■ ■ ■ ^— ^"^ ' ' " * "
• D^. U. 19.
SERMON II. 311
i
those of Isaiah, ** Woe is me, I arh undone, I am a i ** man of unclean lips, &:c." and " we are all as an " unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as fi!- i ** thy rags: "* or radier those of Job, ** I abhor myself, i ** and repent in dust and ashes.'*! But should any in- dividual be found disposed to dissent from this hum- ble language of these eminent saints, and to consider \ himself as " worthy, for whom the Lord should do i *' this;" he must be regarded as an awful instance of = that self- exaltation which God abhors: and if any ] prayers, this day offered for our land, be graciously answered, they will not be those of the Pharisee, who i says, " God, I thank thee, that I am not as other ^ *' men;" but those of men who, hke the poor publi- can, " smite upon their breast, and say, God be mer- " ciful to me a sinner." I Yet the consideration that " our iniquities testify \ *' against us," should not operate to our discourage- '' ment: ''for the Lord delighteth in mercy;" and he ] bows down his gracious ear to the prayer of the bro- \ ken-hearted penitent, who, conscious of his unworthi- ] ness, approaches him upon a mercy-seat, in the name, and through the merits of that diviqe Advocate "in i *' whom he i$ well-pleased." — We enquire, '
II. What light the Scripture affords us, bj'- which \
we may judge whether the Lord, '' for his name's \
" sake, ''will hear our prayers for deliverance? When ! he had shewn, by his prophet, that Israel, at divers
f Isaiah vi. 5. Ixiv. 6. f Jgb xlii. 6.
31:^ SEKAIOK II.
periods, lull dc5crvcd llic severest vengeance, he re- |icalcdly added, ** NeverUielebs I wrought for my ** name's sake, lliat it should not be polhited Ix-fort ** the hciulKTi.*'* Aiul lonj; IxTorc, wlmn Iw: ihreaier.- rd to destroy ihcm, Moses pleaded, ** I'hen die l^g} p- ** lians vill he^r — and the nations will say: because " the Lor n was not able to brin^ thi.s |)eople into the ** land whieh he sware to tliem; tlurrcfore ive liath s! '* them in the wilderness."! And wlien, on anotlKi oceasion, Moses was pr to intercede for Israel,
on the same gnnnul, tlu: Louu said to him, ** Let nir le, — ll^at I may consume thcm;**{ which imph- cd, iliat this pica, as it were, arrested his a\ ' arm, and he could do nc ' . whilst it was prop( r. urged in behalf of the rc» . nation. 'Huis Jo-
shua also, wlKa lie supposcil uul Goo was about to consign die |Koplc tode^tn: Viujuired, with gi'cal
tarnr Atid wliat v.ii; i;iuu do for thy great
*^ nail rrum tlv.-se, :*nd many simibr insUix
%vc i;i;er i.^it llic glor)- of the Lord may Ix! concerucd in the preservation of his professed worshippers, even wlKn their ** inicjuiiies ti^lify against them.'* It nuv be proper for him in ihi^ n^anner to declare •• his cter- '* njil power and Godliead,'* that he may confute the bbbpltcmies of idoLiicrs and atheists; to sIktw himself ready to dcli\er those d)at trust in him, when despis- en» ridicule their confidence; to illustrate the plente- ousness of his mercy, even whc *' in hath most
• l'.zc':. XX. 14. t Kuml>. xir. 1 1—
I Exod. xxxU. 10— lij I Jcnh. vU. 9.
SERMON II. 313
" abounded;" to evince his faidifulness in pcrfoniiing his promises and his covenant; and even to display his righteousness, when his worshippers are injuriously oppressed: for they who merit God's wrath, may not deserve the usage they meet with from their enemies. Many examples, however, prove that this plea is nol universally prevalent, even when urged by the Lord's most favoured servants; much less when it is presumed upon by hypocrites and formalists. Yet there are cer- tain rules, which throw some light on the subject, and others which warrant a more confident determination. When a people, among whom the truths of Christianity are professed, and the ordinances of God administer- ed, are attacked by those who avowedly deny his ex- istence or Providence, despise his word and worship, and trample on his laws, in atheistical or idolatrous contempt and defiance of him; and who shew a deter- mined purpose (if they succeed,) to subvert religion, and establish their own principles in the place of it; there is some ground to expect that the Lord, *' for *' his name's sake," will defend his worshippers, and silence the impious boastings of his enemies. This expectation seems to be still more reasonable, if the nation, professing the true religion, contrasts the blas- phemies of their assailants with solemn and publick acts of religious worship, openly renounce all conli- dence in themselves, and have recourse to the Lord's merciful protection, as their only refuge. Yet, even this may be done in so hypocritical a manner, and ac- companied with such atrocious crimes, impenitently persisted in, that tlie honour of God may require: iheiv Vol. II. M R
j14 seftMo:« ii.
punishment, even l)y ihe liands of his avowed ilc- spisers. \VI)cn Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hczckiah, thus sought llic Lord in their extreme danger, he dehvcr- cd them, and turned the proud vauniings of their ene- inics to confusion: yet when Jeremiah, in similar cir- cumstances, pleaded the cause of Judnh, the Lord refused to hear his prayers. And though the Jews ob- served days of fasting; pbced great confidence in their reUtion to God, and in his temple and worship, which were among them; and yxtc encoungrd by many fiilse prophets, nith visions of peace: yet were they given up into tlie liands of llie idolatrous Chakkntt who pflligtd and burned the sanctuar}*, dcstro}'cd the city, desolated the land, and reduced the uretchcd rr« mains of t))e people to the mo8tib|ect state of sfanrerj. 'fluis the Loan glorified his justice and holiness, in punishing a hypocritical and wicked nation; and se- cured t!)c lionour of his name among the heathen, by iIk: displays of his glor)*, rccort!ed in the book of Daniel; by reft^rming and restoring the next genera- tion of the Jews, and by taking atgoal vengeance on their cruel and impiotis oppressors.
When the sons of Kli, those children of Belbl, pre- sumed to fetch the ark of the covenant into the field'of fenttle, as if that would surely defnid tliem against the Philistines, notwitlibtanding tlKrir crimes, and those of the nation, the Lord saw good to give the victory to their enemies: thirty ll^ousand Israelites, with Hophni and Phinehas, were slain; \\\c ark was carried capiivT; Lli, who had honoured his sons more tlian God, was ^ut off by an awful rebuke, and the giory seemed to
SERMON II. 31,5
depart from Israel. Yet, in reality, the Lord thus magnified his name and his law: whilst the contempt^ afterwards poured on Dagon, the judgments executed on the Philistines, and the forced restoration of the ark, glorified his name in the sight of all the surround- ing nations. This subject has been expressly insisted on by several of the prophets;* and the vengeance in* flicted on the Jewish nation by the Romans, notwith- standing their presumptuous confidence in God, their scrupulous zeal against idolatry, and their minute ex- actness in all the externals of religion; with the con- dition of their descendants, even to this day, consti- tutes the best comment on these declarations. — If, therefore, any persons should conclude that our pro- fession of Christianity, the supposed justice of our cause, and our solemn appeal to God in the humilia- tions and services of this day, are sufficient to warrant an unshaken confidence that we shall prevail against our enemies; it is evident that they have not fully Weighed the matter in the balance of the sanctuary: for the iniquit}' of our national conduct and the hypo- crisy of our religion, may render the fastings and sup- plications of the day an abomination to the Lord; and instead of answering the prayers of the accepted rem- nant, he may say to them, " Shall not I visit for these **hhings? — shall not my soul be avenged on such a " nation as this?"
m '^tf^m^'
* Isaiah i. 10—17. Iviii. 1 — 7. Ixvi. 3. Amos v. 21—54. IMgil, i. 10^14.
316 SZRMO.V II.
But there arc some rules which warrant a more con- fident dcitTminalion, provided they be applicable to our case. It is not to be expected iliat, on such occa- hions, even the majority will be sincere and earnest in the business of the day: multitudes, no doubt, will utterly neglect its im|wrtant duties; nay, some will perhaps affect the reputation of suiK-rior discernment by deriding them! Odiers will attend the public ser- vices wiih decency; but witliout any serious prepara- tion, pcrv)nal humiliation, or purposes of subsequent omef>dmcnt. No small number, it may Ixr feared, will so far forget the end of tlie aprr»!r!!ment, as to amuse themselves with {mliiical spt :is, or to vent their
anger and spleen in revilings and disputes: and even ibcv who desire to observe ** such a fast as the Lord •*hath chosen," may fail of tlicir design, through mis- take, or for want of projKT instruction. This lias always hitherto Ixxn, hi some mrasure, the case on such so- lemn occasions. — ** Strait is \\\c gate, and narrow is the " way that leadcth unto life; and few there be tliat fiiKi '* it:'* and none can duly sustain a part in the national humiliation, who arc not hum!)lcd for their oini sins, as penitent iKlievers in Christ. Yet the outward ob- servance publickly honours Gon; thr prt ^ of his wort! may Ixr the meiins of brir. iiners to repent- ance, and of invigomling the holy affections of true Christians; ainl the union of a large multitude in l^iA^cr, at the same time for the same blessing, is a hopeful token of success.
Tl^ misconduct of numbers, therefore, tliougli i;reatly to be bmentcd, b no pcculuir reason for dis-
SERMON II. 317
couragement. For if, in a land replete with crimes and impiety, a considerable proportion of pious persons can be found in the different orders of the community; if these walk worthy of their vocation as '' the salt of *' the earth" and " the light of the w^orld;" if they do not resemble Eli, (who was timid, irresolute, and self- indulgent, though not destitute of piety,) but Phinehas the son of Eleazar, and Samuel the prophet, in zeal and activity; if in their several stations they oppose flagrant abuses and national enormities, protest against vice and pro fineness in every form, and endeavour with unwearied diligence to revive pure and undefiled religion, and to reform the manners of the people: then we may confidently hope that the Lord will spare us '' for his name's sake, though our iniquities testify " against us." Especially of this remnant, being*' men *' of understanding of the times to know what Israel " ought to do," attend in their several places on the important duties of this day, with proper dispositions of mind, and suitable preparation of themselves and their families: if, like Daniel, they humble themselves before God, " confessing their own sins, and the sins ** of the land;" and unite, as with one heart, in beseech- ing the Lord " to spare his people, and not to give ** his heritage to reproach, lest the heathen should say, ** where is now their God? then will the Lord be ** jealous for his land, and pity his people:"*- No in- stance is recorded of his giving up his worshippers into the hands of their enemies, whilst such a remnant was
* Joel ii. 12—19.
318 SEKMON XI.
found among them to intercede uiih him; even lhouj;li he abhorred the iniquity and hypocrisy of the nation at large. Under pious Josiah, when the affairs of Judah uere lustenin^ to a crbis, tlK nation was spared for s season; liccausc some propliets, priests, and princes, were zealously active for rciormalion: but after Josiah*8 death the whole mass soon became corrupt; and not- withstanding their lasting^ and fomis, even the prayers of Jeremiah, and a lew others, could not prcscne ihem from Ixrcominj; a prey to dK*ir idolatrous, cruel, and insulting invaders.
Hut in what respect do these rulesapply to our land? and can wc decide by tlurm how the Loio will deal with us? It does not become us to determine, what will l)C the event of our present troubles: but perhaps there uiil be no impropriety in concJuding tliat the religious state of the nation does not warrant ui to ex* pect exemption from severe rebukes and humiliating Io90es;and yet gives us a ground for hoping that we shall not be gi^en up to ruin idM\ desolation. Tlierc arc, I apprehend, sci cml scalous Chnattans in the su* ]KTior orders of the community; a larger, jxrrlups an increasing, number may be found among tin ministers of religion; and a considerable remnant in the middle .md lower ranks of society. HowEirihe whole muU titudc of them are, this day, in t(>eir closets, families, and publick congregations, employed in those duties, to w hich the royal i^roclamatioD hath so scaaooably called us, can only be knoi**n by the heart- searching God. But as ten righteous persons would have suffi- ced for the preservation of Sodom; and as " the Loin
SERMON II. 319
'* delightethin mercy," we may humbly hope thai he will only correct, and not destroy, us.
III. What then may we reasonably expect that the LoiiD will do '' for his name's sake," if he graciously accept our prayers in behalf of this guilty land? As the prophet only requested the removal of the visitation under which Judah then groaned: so we should merely expect deliverance from deserved and threatened judgments. But should any man feel a vindictive spirit excited by the enormous crimes and unprovoked injuries of our enemies; should he stand prepared to rejoice in their calamities, and imagine that the Lord will answer prayers suggested by this disposition: let him remember him who said to his disciples, (when they were desirous of avenging his cause on the Sama- ritans by fire from heaven,) " Ye know not what *^ manner of spirit ye are of; for the Son of man is not ** come to destroy men's lives, but to save them:"*' We may indeed beseech the Lord to * confound the • devices' of those who seek our ruin; and we may adore his righteous sovereignty, when he executes vengeance on them; but we ought rather to desire, that he would 'abate their pride, assuage their malice,' and turn their hearts, and transfer the authority to those among them who are disposed to peace. — Victory is often needful to the termination of war: but as all men, in every land are sinners; and as *' after death is the ** judgment," and an eternal state of retribution; so
I* a% .J ■■v»..*.-LJ«>1
* Luke IK. 52--»5€.
320 SERMOV II.
every soldier, that is slain in cither army, is a sini>er transiniiud lo ihc tribunal olhis Judi^'c, and commonly in the worst slate of mind that c;in Ix: imagined; not lo sfxrak ol* tlic miseries occasioned to the mouminj^ rcbtives oflhc dead. In this view the most splendid victory sugj^sls many painful rcflcriions to the pious mind, however actuated by genuine i)atriotism; and even our thankful praises, for such answers lo our fervent pniyeis, mu!»t be mingled with tears of com- miseration dropt over iIk: miseries of this sinful world.
Should anotlnrr say in his heart, ' If tlie hostile and
* rival nation, tlial now menaces us, be abased; if ber
* resources Ijcexhausted, lier wealth drained, her cities " and \ illagcs depopnbtrd. ber trade ruined, and her
* miliiar}* prowess enfeebled, this countr)' w ill derive
* proportionable advantage from tliat event: we shall
* then be ad\*anced in the scale ofpohtical importance;
* our commerce will Ix; more extended llian ever;
* wealth will Huw in upon us; we shall \x. able to hold
* the Iwlance of power; nay, we may jxTrhaps give law
* to the surrouiKling nations.' Let not, I say, that man presume to infuse tliis srl&»h and rapacious spirit into his pmyers lo Ilim, wIk> commands us to '' love our iK*ighbour as ourselves." ** He lliat re- ** joiceth at calamities shall not be unpunished.'' Tyrx. of old thus exulted over tlte desobtions of Jerusalem, saying, •* 1 sliall be replenished now stieislaid waste:" but ''the Lot D heard, and it diaplcayd him;'' lur this he denounced llie doom of .T)tc also: and llm once flourishing city, now made ** like the lop of a
SERMON II. 321
** rock, and a pLice for the spreading of nets," rema-ns a perpetual warning to all who regard the bible, not ** thus to covet their neighbour's goods."*
Or should any one suffer his mind to be inflated with the vain-glorious desire of splendid conquests, the acquisition of cities and provinces, or the renown and spoils of successful war; let him not vainly suppose that the honour of God is concerned in answering prayers to this effect. As *' he abhorreth the covetous," so " the things that are highly esteemed among men, " are abomination in his sight;" and none more than the bloody triumphs, and usurped domination of am- bitious conquerors; for whom thousands or millions must bleed, that they may be celebrated and exalted I Nor is this spirit less odious in communities, than in princes: the Roman patriotism, in the most illustrious ages of the republick was, in this respect j as contrary to genuine philanthropy, as the projects of the most aspiring monarch that was ever raised up to scourge mankind.
What then should be the objects of our desires and prayers at this time? What does it become a people, whose *' iniquities testify against them," to expect from the Lobd, *' for his name's sake?" We may, I apprehend, beseech him " who stilleth the raging of *' the sea and the madness of the people" to preserve us from the fatal effects of popular phrensy; from insur^ rections, revolutions, and civil wars; and from all those
* Prov. xvii. 5. xxiv. 17, 18. Ezek xxvi. 2 — 6. \4, Vol. II. S s
•ItMOV II.
intrrnal convulsions, massacres, and cruel oppression^ whic!) waste ihc nation that hath declared war against us. \y< m^y inircat the Lord to prebcr\c lo us ihc blessings of that free constitution, which has been formed by the wisdom and ex|Knencc of successive ages, availing tlumselves of manifold providential iu- tcr])Ositions; and which uc may reasonably des|>air of see inj; equalled by the combined Junius and sagacity of any single generation. Like all other things Inre oa earth, it is doubtlcvs liable lo imperfection and abuse; whicli lenn)i rate coims« Is in|xaceful limes may ren«edy atul obviate: but il aflords more real libert) of ocry kind lo tl)e uholc multitude of rhc people, dun was ever yet enjoyed by all the inlubitants of any city or countr)' in tlic world: and he who undervalues those tlung^ which arc highly advantageous, because ihey arc not absolutely perfect, is not qualified to live among nun on earth. — W'c may beg of Goo to shower down his blessings on our Sovereign, and all his ministers and counsellors; and to direct ilx-m and the parliament to such wise and salutary nuasurrs, as Ik: may see good to prosper for the preservation of our domestic Iran- quillily, protection from foreign invasion«>, aiul ilic rt^ toration of peace to all the conteiKiing nations: tlial be would dispose the hearts of all parties to liearken to moderate and equitable coruiitions; that furtlKr effusion of himian blood may be prevented; thai he would preserve our favoured land from becoming the seal of horrid war. the desolations of which who can suffi- ciently deplore? That he would dcfcfx! us from famine and pestilence; atwi (whatever he shall appoint, in res-
SERMON II. 22S
pect of our excessive and abused wealth and prosperi- ty,) that he would not suffer our commerce and manu- factures to be so ruined, as to deprive the poor of em- ployment or provision. Above all, we should ** pray " without ceasing," that the light and liberty of our holy religion may be continued to us; that its avowed enemies may not be permitted to destroy, or alienate, the places appropriated to the worship of God; to drive away the ministers and professors of the gospel, by rigorous exactions, oppressions or persecutions; or in any way to deprive us of our invaluable religious privileges.
To these more general supplications, we may sub- join many of a more particular nature: beseeching the Lord, " for his name's sake," to bless the labours of all faithful pastors and teachers, and to bestow on them an increase of wisdom and grace; to send ** forth " more labourers into his harvest," * to illuminate
* with true knowledge and understanding of his word,' all who sustain that sacred character; and to reform such as are wicked, ignorant, or heretical. We may beg of him to purify the places of public education, that they may indeed be * seminaries of sound learn-
* ing and true religion;' to prosper every method taken for the religious instruction of the poor, and of their children; and all endeavours of his servants, publick or private, to repress vice, to exterminate national enor- mities, to promote true religion, to diffuse the light of the gospel, or in any way to relieve misery, and do good to mankind: and we should most earnestly pray, that many active zealous instruments may be raised
324 jlvluok ir.
up, by wliom such cfFcclual remedies sliall be applied to tlic moral and religious distcmjx^rs of ihc land, as mny prevent die ruin uhich our iniquiiics seem ready to bring down u|xjn us. If \vc add to iIksc supplica- lions for ourbclves, our unfeigned and fervent inter- cession, not only. for our friends and allies, but also for our enemies; for every part of ilie visible churcli, and for the nations ** that sit in darkness, and in the ** shadow of death;*' we may confidently ex|)Ctl tliat '* the Lord, for his name's sake,*' will accept us: aiKl eitlnrr spare our laml in answer to llKm; or, if in his -ighteous sovereignty he hath determined ollierwiae, our prayer will return into our own bosoms, and wc shall be mercifully regarded in the day of cabmily.
1\ . io Slate the duties which are especially requir- ed of us on this occ:ision, as a means of obcaining tliosc blessings, w liich arc the objects of our prayers and desires. —
It is obvious to every one. iIj-jI scii txanun.tti' :i, u\ res|Kcl of our stale, character, and every part ot our conduct; with personal humiliation, re|)entaiice, renew- ed acceptance of the salvation of the gosjK-l, and seri- ous puq)oses of devoting ourselves to Goi>, ** as ^* bought with a price, to glorify him in body and ** spirit which arc his;** forgiveness of injuries, resii- tution to x\\c injured, charity lo our poor brethren, aiKi amendment of life, should accompany such pray, crs, as we have been this day presenting before the throne of Grace. X'arious regulations, duties, and en- f!rn\r , r*. mi ©ur familics -and iu relative Ufe, might
SERMON II. 325'
with great propriety be inculcated: one 'especially should not be omitted. — It is too well known, that. many who call themselves Christians, and even appear to be religious in the house of God, neglect his wor- ship in their own houses, and ifi this respect, resemble the heathen:* Would it not then be peculiarly suitable to this occasion, should any master of a family, who is consciously criminal in this matter, call together his domcsticks, own before them his conviction that his former neglect had been very sinful, and declare that he had now adopted Joshua's resolution, ** As for me "^ and my house, we will serve the Lord;"! ^^d should he, having made this declaration, begin to read the scriptures to them, and join with them in worship, ping God from that time, in a regular and constant manner? Thus instructing and '* commanding his chil- " dren and household after him, to walk in the ways ** of the Lord," in imitation of Abraham's example; he might reasonably hope that God would regard his prayers for the guilty, as he did those of the Patriarch for Sodom; and that future generations also might in some measure derive benefit from his pious endea- vours.J
It becomes us, on this occasion especially, to en- quire seriously, what talents the Lord hath committed to our stewardship? and whether we have duly im- proved them? This will conduce to our humiliation, and instruction in our own duty; for no real advantage
* Jer. X. 25. t Josh. xxiv. 15. \ Gen. xviii. 17 33.
326 iLRMOS i..
can arise from an acqiiarntancc with other mf nS faults and cJinits, or inicrnjctlHlinj^ •* as busy-boclirs in oilier •* nicii's matters," whilst our own business is neg- lected. Such a conduct in domesticks throws a fami- ly into coi»fu!»ion, and it can prcxiucc no better cfTccls in llic community: but when every man studies to know and praciise the duty of his station, the whf^lc goes on rc}^ularly and is well managed. Numbers, in- deed, will continue ignorant or negligent of their pro. per work; and will be ambitious of attracting tlie at* tention of tiK-ir fellow.cilizens, b)- a clamorous o& ciousness in mattert ** loo high for them:'* but Chris- lians sliould ** be ambitious (^*x$'iitu:e^) to be quiet, ** and to mind tlnrir own bustneiB*'**
The minister of state and the minister of rcli^irm, the senator and iIk: magistrate, the gentleman and il>c merchant, iIk: rich ami the p<>or, the master and the domc^tick, luvc their several stations, talents, and em. ployments assigned them by their common Loio, •* %vho is no respecter of persons." Kvery man should, ll>crefore, consrienticHisIy rectify what hath been amiss, perfonn wlut liaih Ixren neglected, and improve every advantage of his situation in *' doing good to all men, *• and especially to the household of faith;" not know- ing how soon it may be said unto him. ** Give an ac- ** count of thy stewanlship, for thou mayest no longer *• be steward.** Nor can any Christian consistenily spend his precious time in animadverting on the faults of others; except liis ofBce ret|uire him ** to rc-prove, re- ** bukc, exhort with ail authority and doctrine;'' or un-
• Thes. IT. 1 1.
SERMON ir. 327'
less it be his duty to inspect the concjuct of some part, of the community. By attending to our own business, "\ve may all, in some measure, conduce to a revival of undetiled religion, and help to preserve the peace or improve the morals of the nation; which things are not likely to be effected by those who know every one's ckity but their own, quarrel with vice in e^'ery body except themselves, and are zealous for a reform any where rather than in their own lives and families., But here alas! their * charity should begin at home.'
It is also incumbent upon us, brethren, at present to give peculiar attention to the scriptural exhortations " to fear God and the king, and not to meddle with ** those who are given to change;''* The ministers of Christ are required to '^ put you in mind, to be sub- " ject to principalities and powers, to obey magis- ** trates," and '* to honour and obey the king;" *' to ** pay tribute also,-' and '* to render to C^sar the ** things that are Csesar's." Indeed it is of the great- est importance to the honour of the gospel, especially in these turbulent times, that '* all who name the name of " Christ" and would be deemed his disciples, should set an example of peaceable obedience *' to every or- ** dinance of man, for the Lord's sake," in all things not contrary to the commands of God; of respect to the persons of rulers, as the ministers of providence, and of regard to the publick peace. Thus should we aim " to put to silence and shame" those false accu- sers who represent us as ** troublers of the city," and
%>!■ » »■■ .1 . m I .... I. I ,. m m • — -i -—
* Pro?, xxiv. 2 1) 22.
32B SERMON II.
as *• ciicinits lo princes and provinces:" and wcon^ii* likewise by such a conduct lo express onr graiiiudc for the rcli^ioiu* lilxrrty we enjoy. But should any man object that Ik: disipproves some thin^^ in ihr. conduct or measures of our rulers; and that he deems himself on that account lil)enjied, in point of con- science, from the obligation to honour and obey tl>em: let him honestly answer tln-sc following questions. Did the apostles sec nothinf* amiss in the characters aru) adnunistration of the Homan emperors, or of theii ministers and depuiirs' Arc not our rulers and j^ovemmcnt, in many respits, an entire contfast to those under which ihcy delivered tiKsc precepts? Did the primitive Christians ever start this objection to ihc exhortations of tlnir inspired teaelnrrs? Do your thil. dren and servants see no fUw in ) our conduct? Or do you deem them justified on tluit account, in disobey- injj, reviling, or exjiosing you? 1 own I am conscious of so many faults in myself, tlwt I feel no surprise when i am informed that tliey, who fill the post of temptation oikI obsenraiion, are not (oufK\ inmnnculatc by their numerous nnd rigorous judges. We, are. however, answerable only for our own conduct: ihc crimes of others will not excuse our express disobe- dieiKC to God; and the more we arc abased for our sins, the less shall we Ix: disposed ** to despise domi- •• nion, and speak evil of dignities.*'
Among the various e\ils which prevail in the land, the religious divisions and contentions tliat subsist araong us, arc not the most inconsiderable; for by ihcm
SERMON II. S29
GfiRiST is " wounded in the house of his friends;" and the enemy of souls now makes a great advantage of political disputes, to alienate the minds of serious people from each other more than ever. We cannot heal these divisions as they exist in the outward state of the church: we allow, that there are persons who do not hold the fundamental doctrines of the gospel, and to whom we must not " bid God speed;" (though we may feed them when hungry, and relieve their ur- gent necessities;) and it is our duty *' to withdraw *' from every brother that walks disorderly:" yet we should be careful not to harbour prejudices against whole bodies of men, because of the faults committed even by a large part of them: Judas was found among the apostles, and Joseph of Arimathea among the ru- lers of the Jews. — *' He that is not against us is on " our part:" we should not ** forbid those who cast " out devils in Christ's name, though they follow " not with us;" but ''endeavour to keep the unity of ** the Spirit in the bond of peace;" *' to love as bre- " thren all that are born of God," and pray that ** mercy and grace maybe with all those who love the " Lord Jesus in sincerity." — We are commanded to " lift up holy hands" without wrath or doubting: and the union of all true Christians, on these solemn occasions, resembles that of an army composed of se- veral nations and distinct battalions; if they forget their personal and national disputes, and vie with each other in courage and zeal for the com-mou cause; they are formidable and effective: but if any malignant influ- ence prevail on them to turn their arms against each
\01.^ II. T T
330 SERMON jr.
Other, their strcnj^ih is aimihilalcd, and ihc enemy tiiumpK^i. In short, *' the fruits of righteouaaefli tre **sown in peace ol those that make pcv.ce; llic wrath ** of inan workcth nolthi- ri^litcuusiK^s of God;" and " blessed arc il^{>cace- makers for ihcy sliall be called •* Uic children of God.** May he Uien vouchsafe to pour out upon his church d)c Spirit of illumination and holy love; that all Wis |K:opIc may be of one m'md and judi;mcnt, and love one another uiiha pure t^eart fervently 1 ALiy all Christians ** follow after peace/* especially with each otlier; and seek the |)cacc of the church, in which her beauty, her strength, and her pros|jcriiy do greatly consi^a!
From this \iew of our national situation, and per- sonal duty, we nuy infer tlut the true Cliristian alone cai» be a real patriot. Odurrs may promote the tempo- ral interests of a latiun, with «^reat ability and success, and may be accounted exctllcni memlnrrs of tlKCom- nitinity: b;it tliey daily inacasc tlic •ggregatc of die national guilt, by tlkir own conduct, and the effects of their influence, converge, and example; while they use no means to avert ttie WTuth of Goo from us. — To pray continually for tlteir rulers and fellow-citizens,
is a debt which thev owe tlKin: but thev habituallv
• • •
refuse to discharge it. The) |K'rha|>s censure publtck measures, and lament publick calamitkrs; yet neitlKr beseech God to give wisdom to those wIk> ore in au- tiiority, nor to prosper tlnir undertakings; and if the nation be preserved fix)m imjxmding danger, not by Beets and armies, or by human policy and valour, but
s^SRMON ir. 531
by the out- stretched arm of the Ahiilghty; they must allow that, so far from having coiitribiucd to tliis de- liverance; they have counteracted the endeavours of those who implore the mercy of God in our behalf.
The sacred oracles, on such occasions especially, call upon impenitent sinners ** to submit themselves to ** God;'" — *' to cleanse their liands and purify their ** hearts; to be afflicted and mourn, and weep; — and *' to humble themselves under the mighty hand of the " LoRD."^ Thus they should join the national humi- liation with personal repentance and conversion, " that *' their sins may be blotted out:" or else " the wrath ** of God will abide on them;'* even if it be turned away from our guilty land.
We may also observe that the language of the text is equally applicable to the ease of individuals, as to that of the comnumity: and the trembling penitent, who has nothing to say in his own behalf, will never be rejected when he humbly beseeches the Lord, ** for his name's sake," and for the honour of his mercy and grace in Jesus Christ: to pardon all his nume- rous and heinous sins, to subdue his iniquities, and to save his soul.
To those who seriously engage in the important duties of this day, whli true repentance and living faith, according lo the instructions of the Holy Scriptures, I would speak in the most encouraging and animating language. " Blessed are ye, that mourn now; for ye '' shall laugh and sing:" '' Fear none of tliose things,
* Jam, iv. 7 — 10.
532 SIRMON II.
** that may come*' upon the land, or upon you: ** the •* Lord will be your Refuge and Comforter in every ** trouble;'* ** l>c will hide you in tljc secret of his ** presence from llic strife of tongues;" **and seal you '* in the foreiiead Ix-forc the destroying angels arc al- ** lowed lo execute their commission.*** Soon will the troublesome but transient dream of life be over; tlun shall )ou enter into tlut blessed pUcc, wlicrc sorrow , sin, and discord slviU never find admissinn, but light, love, and joy shall jx: perfected for evermore. *' Therefore my beloved brethren, be yc stedHist, un- ** moveable, always abounding in the work of d>c '* Lo id; forasmuch as ye know that you: ir is
** not in vain in the Loan.**
• Eifk. Ix.
SERMON III.*
ISAIAH IX. 13.
For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them; neither do they seek the Lord of Hosts.
L HE Lord sent a word unto Jacob, and it hath "lighted upon Israeh" Jehovah had denounced judgments on the nation descended from the patriarchs; which had begun to be accompUshed on the kingdom of Israel, by the kings of Syria and Assyria: yet the people disregarded these tokens of his displea- sure. " And all the people shall know, even Ephraim " and the inhabitants of Samaria, that say in the pride "and stoutness of heart; The bricks are fallen down, " but we will build with hewn stones; the sycamores ** are cut down, but we will change them into cedars. *^ — Therefore the Lord shall set up the adversaries of " Rezin against him, and join his enemies together.
* Preached on the ninth of March, 1796, being a day of fast- ing *nd humiliation.
334 SERMON in.
" The Syrians before, and ihc Thilistines behind, and ** they slull devour Israel with open ni^uth. For all *• this his anger is not turned awny, but his hand is ** stretched out still/* After all the cabmiiies whieh came on Israel by these numerous enemies; s»ill more complicated and tremendous mihcrirs awaited tlie na- tion, which would terminate ir» their final ruin and di^I^rsion. ** For the people tuntcth not unto hin\ that ** smitcth tlKrm; nciilicr do tlie)* seek tlx: Lord of ^* Hosts." — The text thus o|)cned. suggests the fol- low tng topicks suited to the present emergency.
I. Under affliction we should rrmrmlrr thnt the l^nv. n «;mit(-th us.
II. It IS our duty and wisdom in this case to turn unto him.
III. As Israel of old did not, so Great Britain at present doth not, properly attend to tlusduty.
1\'. This circumstance may well create most serious alarm*-., ronrcrninr^ the event of our prcM'nt nlaniitit «^.
\ . 1 lie admoiuiions .iikI in^iructtons, which may by deduced from tlicsc considerations.
I. \Ve observe, that under afTiction we should re- mcml>er that tlK Lord smitcth us,
A vain philosophy is at present employed, to resolve all events into second causes, and impute them to men or measures: as if that God, wIk) ** docth according
SERMON III. o3S
** to his will in the armies of heaven, and among the ^inhabitants of the earth," in fact did nothing; but left the universe to the established laws of nature, or the unconti'ouled devices and machinations of his crea- tures!— I would not be supposed, my brethren, to speak against philosophy; that is, the investigation of the works of God, and a sober enquiry into the ordi- nary rules by which he governs the world; for this conduces to an intelligent perception of his operations, and an admiring sense of this wisdom, power, justice and goodness. But sceptical reasonings about second causes, and undue attention to instruments, exceed- ingly tend to make men overlook the First Cause, that great Agent ^' who worketh all in all."
In this respect as well as others, we should learn " to speak according to the oracles of God:" for in scripture his hand is acknowledged on every occasion. *' By Naaman the Lord had given deliverance unto " Syria.'' *' I inform you," (says the apostle) " of the ** grace of God bestowed on the churches of Mace- ** donia;" that is their liberality, which was the effect of divine grace. — *' Thanks be to God who put the " same earnest care into the heart of Titus."* The exercise of faith leads us to view God in every object and event, to taste his love in our most common mer- cies, and to submit to his correction by whatever means it is brought upon us.
The arrogance, blasphemy, rapacity, and ambition
* 2 Kings V. 1. 3 Cor. viii. 1—3. 16, 17.
33G 2BRM0N 111.
of Sennacherib can scarcely be exccctlctl: yet ol)ser\ c wlui the Lord says of him; ** O Asivrbn, ihc roil of ** mine anger, and the slafF in llitir lund ib mine in- ** digiulion. 1 will send him aj^ainsl an hyj)Ocriiical ** nution; and against die people of my wrath will 1 ** give him a charge, to uke die sjKjil, and to take the ** prey, and to tread tlKin down as the roire of tlic ** streets: howbeii Ik: meanedi not so, neidier doth lus ** hturt dufik so.*** Hezekiali and his prinei|)al assist- ants in reforming Judah were sincere and /.ealousr't' but many of the princes, priests, and people lud been mere dissemblers in iheir concurrence, 'i'lie Lor» therefore dcltrnui^ed to employ SennaclKxib, to cxc- cxite judgment on ihem for diis hy|K)crisy; and when he liad fulfilled tlut commi:^ion lie nKrant to take I more signal vengeance on liim. It b vaiji then for na to expect success against our enemies, merel) iKcausc they :irc infidels or atlK'ists, if we arc only nominal Christians: for tkc Lord commonly employs suck men to correct or punish his hypocritical worshippers, — ExccutioiKrs, in general, are not the most respect- able characters; and a malcfbctor would act absurdlv. who should lK>pe to escape the sentence denounced against him, because he supposed the person ap- pointed to inflict it, more criminal than himself!
TIk: Lord smote Kg>pt with desolating pbgucs; and flics, lice, locusts, and frogs were his instruments,
• I*. X. 5 — 7. t i Chm. ^xxi. 2t, : I
SERMON III. 337
in pouring contempt, as well as vengeance, on haughty Pharaoh. But in smiting the Canaanites, he gave Joshua and Israel a charge against them. These na- tions deserved their doom; and an express commission, sealed by undeniable miracles, fully warranted all that was done against them. Yet in general, the instruments of punishment are unrighteous, though the Lord is righteous in the judgments they inflict. When the Is- raelites provoked him, the Philistines, Midianites, Syrians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Greeks, and Romans were successively employed in smiting them: the rod of correction, or sword of vengeance was changed; but the hand that used it was the same. Nay, when domestick usurpers, tyrants, or persecutors, like Ahab, Athaliah, or Manasseh, brought calamities upon them, God made use of them as his instruments. *' Shall " there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done " it?"^ The evil o^ sin is wholly from the creature; but the evil of suffering from the Lord, who thus punishes the trangressions of his offending subjects. — Whether afflictions come immediately from the hand of God, as sickness, famine, pestilence, and earth- quakes; or by the intervention of men, the casein this respect is not altered. The Chaldeans and Sabeans unjustly seized on Job's property, and slew his ser- vants; fire from heaven consumed his flocks; and the wind threw down the house upon his children: yet he made no distinction, but said in general, " The Lord
Li"
* Amos; iii. 6. Vol, ir, Uir
o38 $%UMOs III.
c, udd the LoBO liath taken a\vaj, blessed be •* the ikinic of ilic Lord."
W'bcilKT, ilK-rvforc, our present publick distresses and (bn^crb tx* live nutiiral consccjuenccs of pro^idcn• tial dis|)i'n:>a(i<)ns; or wiurlhcr tl)e miscoiKlucl of inea have IxTH, uikI is, in any de^ec Uie cau!>c of t)K-m; wc must acknouiciI^etUat it ihtlR* Imrd wIki Sfuitcth us. — A scarcity and <lcnmrv> of prov i^ioiis, decay oi* trade, and various ' , ure^ciicnUly compUincd
of: aiid many i: tkit O^cy nrc occatooncd In* tlie
mistiikcs, or crimcH of this or the otlicr dciicription of mcii. Now, ill n |>oli(ical scn«M:, it is nf great im|>< rtance to invcsti|^(c iIk: {Xiuit, ami to use proper methods of counteracting e\-rr)' atti-mpt ol thi^t kind: but as a re- ligious concern, it is not in iIk: snullcst dcgrwe mate- rial; for, on ever) sup|>ositioii, the hand of God should be acknowledged; and as a minister of rcligioiu I must declare, tlut, till pro; c r mc thods of disco%xTing and re- moving the distresses ut feci be used and prospered; the righteous Loso continues to smite us, u Ik titer unjust men be his instruments or nou
•* TIk: Loans voice crieth unto the riry.and iIjc ** man of uisidom jJiail see thy name.'* Tlie |x>\ver ami p rfections of God arc percrivcd by men of wis- dom in all publick Hear ^-etlicf) ilie rod, ' wlio luth ip|>oH iini It.* • TIkt rod calls us to repeniancr: but unless we recollect, who it is that ap-
pointed it, wc shall not hear and obey \v.
ever wc may smart and gruan under ilsrt^v.u.u pu/^cs.
•>UcAh,Ti. 9.
SERMOli III, 339
— I insist the more tuily on this point, because Satan successiully contrives to perplex the minds even oi serious persons about it. They are told, and they be- lieve, that this or the other description of men, by their folly or knavery, occasion the pubiick distresses: and others dispute with them and vindicate m^n and mea- sures. But m the mean while " the Lord's hand is *' lifted up, and they will noi see;'' he smites, and they refuse to humble themselves before him: being em- ployed in disputing about the rod and the sword.
But if some men be infatuated in their counsels, or others intoxicated by ext avagant projects; if one set of men will be rich at any rate; another try to abuse- power in tyranny and oppression; or a third would throw a nation into confusion, civil war, or anarchy, to gratify their own ambition or rapacity: the Lord permits them to practise and prosper, in order by them to scourge an h}'pocritical or ungodly people. When David was left, in vain-glo. y, to number Israel, which made way for the desolations of a pestilence; the na- tion had first provoked God by iheir sins to leave the king to that pernicious project.*-
When w-e recognize the hand of God in our suffer- ings, we must not only view his power, but submit likewise to his justice. " We are consumed by thine ^' anger, and by thy WTath are^ve troubled: thou hast ** set our iniquities before thee, and our secret sins in ^* the light of thy countenance. "f We should not only consider sin, but our oxvn sins, as the cause of our af-
* 2 Sam. xxiv. 1. f Ps. xc* 7, 8,
340 stRMuA in.
fliclions. — It is a common, but a most al>surd mis- take, to profess humiliation before God for national crimes as the cause of publick judj^mcnts; and yet to think o»ily of the sins com mil led by other mtn. But •* are there not uilh us sins against iIk: Lord our God?" *' WlicrcTore (!uih a living man compbin, a man for ** ihc punisnmcnt of hii sins? Let us search, and try ** our ways, and turn again to tlic Lord. Let us lift '* up our hc«ut with our lunds unto God in the l>ca- ** vena. \Vc luve tranagrcid and lia\T rebelled; tliou '* liast not prdoocd.*** Did we thus search and try our ways, and compare our past and present conduct with the law of God; wc shoukl soon be convinced of our personal criminaiiiy, and &houkl both join in tltc service of the day, aiKl do it heartily and earnestly* No suffering which any man endures, as sharing in national calamities, is more severe than his sins de- ficr>x: the criminality therefore of others should not prevent our acknowledging tlie righteousness of Goo, in his most afRictive disfxrusations.
I lis mercy indeed should also be noticed in our clus- tisenicnis. He is ver\* merciful in correcting us for our sins, and not leaving us to be hardened by pros- jjerity. To ** fare sumptuously every day," without w*aming or rebuke, and then to be cut oflf at once, and to lift up the e) t-s in IkII amidst hopeless torments, is t!ic most dreadful case imaginable. *• Whom the
Lord lovcth he chasteneth, and scourgeth cytry
• Lam. iii. 39-^:.
it
SERMON III, 341
*' son whom hercceiveth:" and all our present suffer- ings arc suited to induce reflection and teach repen- tance.
We should also be thankful that the Lord chastens us so gently; " for it is of his mercies we are not consum- * * ed. " Instead of our present light afflictions, we might justly be left to all the horrors of famine, during which tender mothers have eaten their children; our fields and cities might have been ravaged by fierce invaders; and all our comforts and hopeful prospects might have been removed, and every conceivable distress accumulated. We ought therefore to own the mercy of God in ex- empting us from the most excruciating anguish that can rend the human heart. Nay we should remember the words of the Psalmist, ** I know, O Lord, that *' thy judgments are right, and thou in faithfulness hast *' afflicted me."* Corrections are needful, and are promised as blessings: when we pray for humility, a spiritual mind, increase of faith, and holiness; we in effect pray for chastisement: and we should therefore acknowledge the faithfulness of God to his promises, and his wisdom and love in answering our prayers, in a way we did not expect, but which was best suited to promote our most important advantages.
IL We proceed to shew, that it is our duty and wisdom under affliction to turn to God and to seek his favour.
If men smite us we may resist or retaliate; we may * Ps, cxix. 75,
342 3£EM0M III.
flee, or attempt to hide ourselves: but we cannot rcsit>t omin|)Otcnce, or concral ourselves from him who is omuihcicnt. NcitfKrr can we stand before him in judg- ment, or justify our conduct in his sipht: so that wc have no possible way of cscapin^^ his righteous vcn. geance, except by fltcinR for rcfu^^ to lay hdd of his mercv. — Wln-thcr ilu Lord contend with an individ- ual or a nation, he will overcome; and he will continue to smite till we turn unto him. 0>>siin.ite impenitence is therefore a species of insanity: it is a perverscnCM which prolongs miser), and provokes the Loiro to lay aside his chastening rod, und lake his avenging sword. •' WlKn I kept silence, my bones waxed old ** through my groaning all the day long. For day and •* night ihy hand wjs he.«vy upon mr; my moisture *' is turned into tlx: drought of summer. 1 acknow. •* Icdgcd my sin unto thte, and mine iniquity have I '* not hid. I said I will confc^ss my transgression unto '^ tlic Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of roy ** sins/** The Lord still •'waiiclluo be gracious:'* be may be found upon tlx- mercy-seat through Jesitj Christ by ihecr) of penitent faith; and he never casta out those who humbly cjU u{)on him. Let us hear his words by the prophet. ** I will be unto Kjihraim as a ** lion, aiul iis ayoung lion to ll>e house ofJudah: I, even '* I, w illtrarandguauay; I will take away, and none shuU *' rescue. — I uill go and reiuni to my place; till they •• acknowletlgi: tlicir ofilnce aixl seek my fiice: in their
• P*. xxxii- 3—5.
SERMON III. 543
** affliction they \vill seek me early. Come and let us
** return unto the Lord: for he hath torn and he will
** heal us. He hath smitten and he will bind us up."*
I'hus he says likewise by the same prophet, *' O Israel
** return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fj lien
" by thine iniquitj^ Take with you words, and turn
** unto the Lord: say unto him, take away all iniquity
*' and receive us graciously: so will we render the
" calves of our lips. Asshur shall not save us, we will
** not ride upon horses; neither will we say any more
** to the work of our hands, ye are our gods; for in
" thee the fatherless findeth mercy. I will heal their
" backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger
** is turned away from him."f
But another prophet more directly inculcates the
duty of a nation under great distress. *' Therefore now
** also, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all
" your heart, and with fasting, and with ueeping, and
** with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your
** garments, and turn unto the Lord your God; for
" he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of
** great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. — Blow
•* the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn
" assembly. Gather the people, sanctify the congrc-
" gation, assemble the elders, gather the children and
" those that suck the breasts; let the bridegroom go
" forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
** Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep be- ll
* Hosea. y. 14, 15. vi. 1. f Hosea, xiv. 1—4.
344 S£ilUON MI.
'* twccn the porch and the alter; and lei lliem say, '* Spare ihy people, O Lord, and give not ihine heri- •• tage to reproach; — w hcrcfore sliould they say among •• the people, where is their God? Then will the ** Lord be jealous for hib land and pity his iieoplc*** — Voii see, my brethren, that the ordinances of this day are most perfectly scriptural, and tlul all orders of men are in duty bound to attend on them: nor will the misconduct of any (x:rsons wlutcvcr exculpate those who neglect them. .'V&suredly tlie Lord will not con- demn us, however men may censure us, for complying rxactly w ith tlK; proclamation of our sovereign, pro- vidcd our services be not hyixxrrilicaL
The {ussaj^v tlul luth been read* demands our most particular attention: for it tcadics us in wluit manner a people should ** turn to him that smitetii them.'* \Vc must return to him w ith all our heart, witli unfeigned submission to his righteousness, and re^Kntancc of our sins; praying earnestly, ** Turn thou u:», and so sluiil •• we be turned:" *' Create in us a dean Inrart, and re- '* new a right spirit within us.** This slK>uld be ac- companied with fasting, and otlKr tokens of humilia- tion. Abstinence from evexy animal indulgence, and from food as fiu* as lK.ilih and circumstances will ad* mit, is a scriptural acknowledgment, tlut we luve for* feitcd our most common mercica, aixl tliat sin bath cn)biitered them to us. It implies that our minds are too much occupied w idi matters of the higlKsl inij>ort-
•Joel, u. li— 18.
SERMON III* 345
anee, to attend on such low concerns; that we wish to avoid all interruption of our sacred duties; that we mean to afflict ourselves with fasting, as a token of our sub- mission to the Lord's correcting hand; and that we would use all means of crucifying the flesh with its af- fections and lusts.
If we be indeed suitably affected with the considera- tion of our own sins, and the crimes and miseries of our countrymen; we shall turn to the Lord with that " godly sorrow which worketh repentance unto salva- " tion not to be repented of.*' Outward expressions, however emphatical, will not suffice; we shall rend our hearts in deep contrition and self-abasement, perceiv- ing that we have no hope but in unmerited mercy, which we shall supplicate with fervency and importu- nity. And when princes, senators, magistrates, minis- ters of religion, and the people in general, laying aside all other employments, unite in thus humbly seeking the Lord of Hosts, a crisis may be expected in pub- lick affairs. *' Then will the Lord be jealous for his *' land, and pity his people."
In this manner the king of Nineveh and his nobles^ with all the inhabitants of that immense city, sought the Lord when he threatened to smite them; encour- aged merely by a peradventure, *' Who can tell, if ** God will turn and repent, and turn away from his •' fierce anger that we perish not."* Surely that hea-
* Jonah iii.
Vol. II, X s
J46 irfitiio!? III.
fhcn cify xvill rht np in jiidj^mcni with this Christian hn<1 and coiuWrnn it; for it rcpt-ntcd at t1»r prcachinj^ of Jf)itnh; and doubt lr*s our nliu-ifus ndvi^ntnpcs are inconccivaWy p^rattr: ret alas, how little does tlie ob- f;<'r%-nnce of a fast in L/mdon rtsnnbk thnt proclaimed at NincNc!)!
Tlie \xcjrd% of the npcstlc hkcwisc demand our icriotii ronsidcmtion. ** Submit yonrselvcs to GoD. " Resist the devil nnd he will Act from you. Draw •• nigh to (ioD, and he will dniw niph to you. Cleanse '' totir hands ye sinntn*, aixJ purify your hearts yc •• double minded. Ik* afflicted and mourn and weep; •' let )ourlauphter be turned into mouminp, and your ** joy into heaviness. Humble yourselves in il»c sight *• of the Lord, and he slall lift you up. Sj<ak not •• evil one ofanoilKr, brethren. "• Instead of rcxilinp or condemning other men, every indivit!ual should be employed in confrssinp and bmentin^ his own sin, in humbly deprrratinp the I<.oaD*s ind ' n, snd in usinj; every nieans of o^Trcoming evil ; . i'^ atid for- saking sniful courses.
This accords also wirfi ilic c>J •• tiun cjf the pro- phet. ** Seek ye the Loan while he may f)e f(*und; ** call ye upon him while he is ne.ir. Ixt the wicked •* forsake his way, and the unrighteous man hts *• thouj^hts; and let him return unto the Loud, and he ** will have mercy on him.^t But without true re- pcniincc and works meet for repentaoce; no appear.
• Jim. ir. r~ii t It. iv. 6,r
SERMON III. 347
ances of strictness, humiliation, or grief will constitute such a fast as the Lord hath chosen. ** Wherefore ** have we fasted, and thou seest not? Wherefore have ** we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? •* — Behold in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, ** and exact ail your labours. Behold ye fast for strife ** and debate, and to smite with tlie list of wicked- <* ness."*
The substantial and permanent effects of repentance, and faith in God's mercy, must be manifested in our future lives; if we would be thought sincerely to have turned to the Lord and sought him in our distresses. Nor can any nation be considered as having duly re- garded the rod and the word of God; unless a general reformation and revival of religion take place: or at least till numbers, in the differeiU orders of the com- munity, use the most decided endeavours to re- strain and discountenance vice and impiety, to reform inveterate abuses, which have been connived at and sanctioned by a corrupt policy; and to encourage and promote genuine piety and purity of manners,
IIL This leads me to observe, that as the people of Israel did not, ueither do the inhabitants of Great- Britain, turn unto the Lord that smiteth: an obser- vation which I make with reluctance and unfeigned sorrow.
Our peculiar mercies have been numerous and in- valuable, for a long course of years: but our prosperi-
-I wi \ . I , , I . , I ■ > ■■■■■■ I II I ■ I ■!
♦ Is, Iviii.
a4B senifnv ttr.
ty seemed at its height, ju^i t>cforc the American trar; whm our ini(juiiieb provoked tlie Lord lo smile us. During i]\c Cilamitic s attending on that unhappy con- tCNt, \vc were called u|x>n to ob**crvc one sc ison of fast- ing, humiliation, and prayer after another. On ihcsc occasions, while nu ml kt^j employed themselves in JK)- liticii discussions and |>arty -disputes; there were also many ministers from ilie pulpit, and some from the press, who endeavoured to observe the LoaoS com- nidhd to tlK* prophet, **Cry aloud, spare nol,lift up ** thy voice like a trumpet, and ahcur my people ** their transpression, and lite house of Jacob tiicir ** sins.*'* They allcd^d. tlui the nation had Ixxn in- toxicated with prosfKrit} ; was become arro^nt and insolent; and luid lorgottrn tlu! Loid, ascribin)^ their success to their own wisdom and prowcs^s, and dc|>end- if>': on llnrmsclves for its continuance. TlK-y shewed, ih..: iK:gli{^ence and lukewarnmess in rdi)^on liad in- troduced various antiscriptutal deviations from tl)c gos- pel, which ^ainin^' f^round among the bU|>enor orders; and even tin: professed mintsters of Chust, had 0()ened the door to scepticism and infidelity, which were makinf^ rapid progress in the nation. They la- mented, ilmi impiety, conicmpt of God's word, pro. fanation of his holy day in a variety of ways, perjuries multiplied and connived at be*}ond all former exam- ples; \Tnality among all orders of the community; and shamekss prevarication in solemn subscriptions, sacred engagemen's, and sacramental tests were notoriously common. They atiirmcd that systems of fraud, oppres-
— — M ■ I I I _ ~~"^ "^ ■ — rj~r^^~^
• I» Iviii. I.
SERMON III. 349
sion, and cruelty, especially in foreip^n parts; unprece- dented luxury and dissipation among the higher orders in society; and licentiousness among their inferiors, even beyond the ordinary measures found in pagan or papal countries, together with many other crying ini- quities, had provoked the Lord to contend with us. This representation was accompanied with earnest calls to repentance, and exhortations to every one to use his influence in attempting reformation, and pro- moting the cause of truth, piety, justice, and mercy, in his own sphere, and according to the duties of his station. Yet those warnings and admonitions, repeated from year to year, produced no sensible effects: the same evils continued and increased; and the services of the fast day seemed generally and willingly forgot- ten, as soon as they were finished. We were, however, at length brought into a very alarming situation: yet the Lord, in answer to the prayers of the pious rem- nant in the land, remembered us in mercy: the storm was rebuked, and a flattering calm succeeded.
But alas, instead of making suitable returns for such mercies; everyone of those evils which had been scrip- turally proved to be the causes of the Lord's contro- versy, still contaminated the land: and all the protests and warnins^s of ministers and Christians were ridicu- ied as visionary, enthusiastical, and superstitious. The event, as men supposed, contradicted their forebodings, and increasing prosperity succeeded to the alarm. Yet, while the nation was thus saying ** Peace and safety,'* a dark cloud began again to threaten a most tremendous storm. The violent and extraordinary changes which
350 SERMON III.
took place on the continent, and the spirit manifested by numbers at hoinr, combir)ed to excite inuit seriou& •pprchen;>ion!». After a tirm: (his deplorable and event- ful u'ar broke out: aiKl though our distresses have not hitlierto Ixren worthy to be compared with thoac calam- ities which many drcided; yet they have certainly been ▼cry RTcal, and none can wy in what manner diey w ill terminate.
Immcdiateiy, th' ^ rnc nu 's <n >vcitinp the dnuM: indignation wjs resorted to: d»iyho' ; . " and prayer have repeatedly been ol)scrvcd; atid siiun ir warnit^r^ and exhortations lu\c been urged from tlie pulpit and the press. Thib is now the fourth lime we have com- plied widi tlvc royal procLnution: and many sealous efforts liavc been made to awaken men to a sen^e both of our situation and our duty. But what rflects have bcai witnessed? Who aImo^l can be fouixl. that mani- fests a more humble, spintu U, zealoub, aiKl conscien- tious dis{X)siiion, in canset|ueiicc of tlie^c orduiaiKeft? l^'he fciv instances of iiiis kiiKl, whici) doubtless liave occurred, are scarcely \ isible in the great mass of thobc, who outwardly obiterve lite day and then think ik> more about it. Many who are supposed to coiK:ur in its ap. pointroent, openly refubc to attend on any of its duties; and this gives oi Iters an occasion of rcprcscniirg iIk; obsenance as a [x>litical devKX, aiwi of tcniiip' ihic wliole iiito profane ridicuk!
Some Cvisl^ or prrteitd lo ** fast, icr strife and dt!j.::c, ** and to smite with the Osl of wickedness:'' and while tlicy revile, others pay court to, their superiors; aod thus they make a day of fitting aixl prayer an oppor-
SERMON III. 351
tunity of seeking favour, either from the populace or from the magistrate! In short, the very observance of so important and solemn an occasion, as it is too gene- rally conducted, may be considered as an accession to our national sins: and the spirit discovered by num- bers, even of those who in other respects seem to be religious, creates an alarm, lest the proper remedy for our maladies should hasten the death of the enfeebled patient.
In the mean time the most daring and blasphemous infidelity, scarcely distinguishable from atheism, is zealously propagated, and greedily imbibed by a de- luded populace and the rising generation: while almost every effort to counteract its progress is marked with feebleness; nay, too often with treachery, the defenders of the outworks betraying the citadel into the hands of the besiegers! — Impiety, profanation of the sabbath, perjury, venality, dissipation, and licentiousness, are rap- idly increasing. An unruly spirit disdaining subordi- nation threatens to level all distinctions in society; while alas! few of those, who are thus distinguished, take pro- per and decided methods of counteracting its inroads, or softening the odium, envy, and contempt, from which it springs! The various species of vice and profaneness, heretofore protested against, are permitted to exist and gather strength; while little is so much as attempted in removing occasions and encouragements to them. Yea that horrid monster, the slave-trade^ is still sanctioned by the British legislature, and conducted by merchants professing to be the disciples of Him, who said *' Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you,
352 jERMoy III.
" dove LVLii :»o uiito them.'* Thc*.c arc notorious facts and dcmonstnitc tliat notwithstanding ali appearances, •*Thc jKopIc tiimcih not to him ihai smi'cth them, •• neither do lliey seek the Lord of Hosts." And thougl) the present scarcil}* seems to have given a tcm- pornn' check to the excessive luxury that prevailed, and to liave called forth a ver) commendable spirit of humanity to the indignit; yet otlier symptoms prove this to l)c merely a partial and occasional vffort; and \vc may still say, that u ith com|>arjiively a very few excep- tions, *• iIk- uhole licad is sick and the whole heart is •* faint.*' So that '* except the Loan of Hosts liad left *• us a \CTy snull remnant, %*c should hnve bctn like ** Sodom and Ciom rrra!»."
I\'. IVn wc observe, that this circumttance miy justiv excite serious alarms, concerning tlw: event of
our present difncullies.
If \vc \\ere, as a riation, generally united in tumiog to the LoMD, and strenously seeking a rcvi%-alof gen uinc Christianity: neither i\\c number, courage, or vio. Icncc of our foes; the wavering or dubious co: duct of our allies; the weight of taxes and publick aicum* branres; nor even tlie scarcity of provisions, could give alarm in resjxxt of the future, to a mind accus* tomed to judge according to tlie scripture. But an op- posite conduct, in a nation favoured like Britain with €ver\* advantage for religious improvement, must ex- cite serious apprehensions for tin* coi. sequences. No doubt wc stand in the same rclalioo lo the LoiD, Uttt
SERMON III. 355
Israel did of old, and must expect to be dealt with according to the same measure. Nations, as well as individuals, which have not known the will of God, may be beaten for their crimes with few stripes: but we, who have had the most abundant opportunities of learning his truths and precepts, yet have pertinacious- ly continued in disobedience, must expect to be bea- ten more severely. ** You only have I known of all '* the families of the earth; therefore will I punish you " for all your iniquities."-^
Let us attend to the words of the prophet, ** In that '' day did the Lord God of Hosts call to weeping " and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding *' with sackcloth; and behold, joy and gladness, slay- ** ing oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh and drink- *' ing wine: let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we ** die." Sennacherib's invasion was a divine call to fasting, mourning, repentance, and prayer: but the people united excessive sensual indulgence, with in- fidel principles and daring impiety. *' And it was re- " vealed in mine ears by the Lord of Hosts; surely ** this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye '* die."* Alas, does not the spirit and conduct of men in general, throughout our land, so exactly accord to this description, that a serious mind cannot but dread the denunciation of a like sentence against us? — Thus Amos also warned the Jews and Israelites in his time. — " Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust " in the mountain of Samaria. — Ye that put far away
* Amos iii. 2. t Isai. xxii. 12-— 14.
Vol. II. Y v
OJ* SCRMOK in.
* the evil day, and cause the scat of violence to draw
* near. 'Iliat lie upon beds of ivon-, and stretch ll)cm-
* selves u|)on their couclics; that eat the bmbs out of
* the Hock, and ailves out of the midst of the stall:
* tl\at chaunt to tin: sound of the viol, and invent to
* themselves instruments of musick like David; lliat ' drink wine in b«H'ls, and anoint them with the chief
* ointments; but iIkv arc not grieved for the aftiii lion
* of Joseph. Therefore sliall they go captive with il)c ' first iLil go captive: and l\)c txinquct of them tlur
* stretched themselves shall l)C removed. The Lor;-
* Gon luilli swuni by himself, I ab)K)r the excellen- ' cy of Jacob and luite his {labces: therefore Hill I ' deliver up il>e city witii all ilwt is tlurrein.*** And
in another place — *• 1 liave given you ckinncia of
* iceili in your cities, and want of bread in oil your ' places: yet liave ye not relumed unto me saiih ilie 'Lord. I luive wiihholden the rain, — yet have yc ' not rtlurned unto me. — I I«tc smitten you witli
* blasting and mildew; — I have sent pestilence upon
* you. — I have overthrown some of you, as G(^d
* overthrew Sodom, and yc were as a firebrand pluck-
* ed out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto
* me saith the Lord. Tl>erefore thus will I do unto
* tliec, (> Isn:el: and l>ccausc I will do this unto the^.
* prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.'*t 1^ the peo- ple would not return to the Loan, when }>e corrected them as a Father, let ll>em prepare to meet him as an avenging Judge*
• Amos ft I— «. t Ainot it. 6—13.
SERMON III. 355
In this case the form of godliness or profession of Christianity, will avail nothing. '^ To what purpose *' is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith *' the Lord. I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, *' and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the *' blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats. When " ye come to appear before me, who hath required " this at your hands, to tread my courts? Bring no " more vain oblations, incense is an abomination unto *' me; the new moons and sabbaths, the'caUing of as- ** semblies, I cannot away with: it is iniquity, even the *^ solemn meeting. Your new moons, and your ap- " pointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble to " me, I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread *' forth your hanfls, I will hide mine eyes from you: " when ye make many prayers I will not hear. Your ^* hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean, " put away the evil ©f your doings from before mine ** eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judg- " ment, relieve the oppressed, &:c."* " They seek me ** daily and delight to know my ways, as a nation that " did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of " their God; they ask of me the ordinances of justice, ** they take delight in approaching to God. Is not this " the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of " wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let " the oppressed go free; and that ye break every '* yoke?''t *' Think not to s^y within yourselves, '* We have Abraham to our Father. Now is the axe
* Isai. i. t Isai. hiii. 2 — 6,
^50 SERMON IK.
** laid unto llie root of Uk: trees; tlicrcforc even* irce '' which Lrin;/clh not forlJi good fruit is hcun down ** and cast into ihc fire.***
These scriptures, to which many more might pro- jK-rly Ix: added, abundantly prove llwt no external hu- miliation, or publick honour put u|>on God and reli- j^ion, cau procure more than a respite to a guilty na- tion, unless rcjKnlancc and works meet for repentaiMic be coiutectcd uith ilK*m. Such an outward shew of contrition Ahab exhibited, and a reprieve was granted him: but the destruction of liiin aiKl his family wis not averted.
We are not autliori;!cd to lay at what lime, or in >vhat manner, iIk: Lobi> may sec gocxl to be avenged on such a lution as this, lie dcJs with collective bo- dies and with individuals in acme respects according to the same rules. Young persons having Inrard the wrath of God denounced against sin, frec|uently \'cn- turc upon fligrant vices witli considerable apprehen- hions: but escaping uiih impunity, they grow bolder in wickcdnevs, and are apt to conclude the tlirraten- ings of scripture to be mere empty wordb. Thus, '* Because sentence against an evil work is notcxecut- •* ed spxxdily, tliereforc the heart of tl>e sons of men •* is fully set in diem to doevil.**t But ** He tlui bc- '* ing often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall ;>udden- •' ly be destroyed ;uid that without reme*dy.'*| Some are cut off in youdi, odKrs aR spared, and {KPsist in
• Mati. iu. 7— 13 t Eccic*. viiL 1 1.
t Prt>T. xxis. I.
SERMON III. S57
\\^iSkedi^ss till they are grown old: but in general ungodly men are most secure when vengeance is at hand. *
In like manner guilty nations, being often warned, that their iniquities will bring down the judgments of God upon them, and finding respite, become harden- ed in sin; the remonstrances and reproofs of the Lord's servants are disregarded, or only expose them to re- proach, scorn, and ill usage; their measMire of wicked- ness fills up rapidly, but without being observed; and when infidel and impious presumption are at the height, vengeance overtakes them as suddenly, as if they had never been forewarned. Thus it was with Israel and Judah in the Assyrian and Chaldean captivities; and especially this was tlie case of the Jews, at the time when Jerusalem, the temple, and the whole country was finally desolated by the Romans.
When the Lord has a number of believing servants and faithful ministers in a land, and they enjoy tolera- tion and protection; a hopeful symptom remains. Their example, prayers, and exertions in various ways, prevent a total prevalence of impiety and iniqui- ty. They are " the salt" and *' the light" of the land: and for their sakes the Lord delays national judgments, and executes vengeance on the individuals who pro- voke his indignation. But prevailing divisions among professed believers, attended with lukewarmness, for- mality, loose principles, extravagant sentiments, and scandalous practice, tend to subvert this bulwark of
' « ■■ — w.^1 « I II 1 1 — I— —.I I . » I II « I
* I Tbcs. v. 1, 2.
S59 SERMON 111.
oar con ntn. The gradual btit effectual JUCCCas of those, ** wIk) privily bring in damruble heretics'' into congregations and b<xlics of mtn, liitlicrto steadily at- tached to ehc peculiar doctrines of the gosix:!; with llic progress of infidelity on cvvry side, arc ** signs of the ** times," which threaten to deprive us of our hst ground of confidence.
If the present geiKration of pious Christians should l)e tikcn from the evil to come; and be succeeded by ^uch, ** as have the form of godliness but deny the " power of it;'* and if the numljer of zealous defenders of the truth should decrease; and timid, feeble advo- cates bo substituted in their room; it is very probable tlut the Lor D may permit the open enemies of Chris- tianity to prevail for a season. In this case persecution may waste, or drive to a distance, the fiiiihful remnant, suppress the testimony of tlu: witnesses, and prevent the publicL profession of the gospel; thus the light will be obscured or extinguished, and the candlestick re- moved, uhilc infidelitv and ailkism will exult and tri- umph. Should diis take pbce, no doubt tl)C flood- gates of nniion:il judgments will be opened; and the vengeance of il>e Lord, against our flagrant contempt and defiance of him, Ixrmade manifest to all the world, 'i'his was the course of events in Judca, especial)}' from the death of Josiah, to the captivity: and when scnrcely a man could l>e found to intercede for the bnd; the wrnlh of Goo was poured out upon tl>em like an irrcsibiible deluge. The «4ime was still more remarkable, after the Jews in our Lord's time had filled up the measure of their ir.'uiuilies: for llie perse.
SERMON III. 359
cuted Christians separated from among them, when the Romans invaded the land, and then wrath came upon them to the uttermost. Something aualagous hath been commonly observed in the desolations of countries professing Christianity: and when we consi- der the dire calamities that have befallen a neisrhbour- ing nation, (for dire they have been, in what way so- ever they may terminate,) we may well recollect our Lord's words, " Think ye that they were sinners *' above all men? 1 tell you nay, but except ye repent, *.* ye shall all likewise perish." In the mean while the Lord waits to be gracious: and who can tell, but that faith and pmyer may prevail, and that a timely repent- ance and reformation may yet take place, and *' so ini- ^* quity shall not be our ruin."
V. Then I proceed to deduce some instructions and admonitions, suited to the present emergency.
When Sennacherib invaded Judah, with a power- ful army, uttering the most dreadful menaces and blasphemies; the pious king sent to the prophet Isaiah, stating the case to him, and saying, ** Wherefore hft *' up thy prayer for the remnant that is left:" and he himself spread the haughty Assyrian's letter before the Lord, and earnestly intreated his gracious interposi- tion. Hezekiah indeed desired the prayers of an emi- nent prophet, who had long been employed in that honourable service: yet I apprehend, that we may pro- perly consider his message to Isaiah, as a divine ad- monition to us at the present crisis. The providence of God hath formed a special relation between us and
360 8E1M0N in.
tlic land in which wc hvc, similar to that Vft bcir to our parents or children: wc arc therefore peculiarly bound to pray for its |x*acc and welfare; as even the captive Jews were commanded to pray for the peace of the country in which they had peace. W'c Ijavc re- ceived and still enjoy manifold advantages, temporal and bpirifual, in this our favoured bnd; and wc or our descendants siiall probably partici|Kite the future pros. |KTity or ad\ entity, the blrKsings or calamities, that await tlK nation. Our personal transgrcnioiis form no small |)art of tlul guilt which calls for divine judg- ments on tlK land: and our lukewurmness and incoa* sistent conduct, as Clirisliaiis, ha\c helped to provoke God, to deprive us of our religious lo-ivilcgrs. It would tlnrreforc be a foolish h} (Kxrrisy m us, on this day of fasting and humiliation, to arraign the conduct of other men, and excuse our own.
On these and many other accoimts, it is our unde- niable duty ** to lift up our prayer for the remnant " tlint is left." There is still a remnant among us of real belie \rrs; there is still ground for hope in the LoiD^s mercy; ** the eflectual fervent prayer of a *' righteous man availeth much;** tltc most eminent believers who prayed with signal success, were men of like passions with us: even Isai.ih oncx cried out, " Woe is roe I am undone, 1 am a man of unck*an ** lips;^' yet his pmyers were most effectually answer- ed. It is likewise undcnbble, ilut our enemies, hkc Sennacherib, want to subvert our holy religion, as well as our teonwral prosperity; and this suggnts a
SERMON" III. Sni
powerful plea in lifting up our prayer for national de- liverance.
But it is confidently asserted by numbers, that pray- ers, offered on such occasions, are the dictates of re- venge, ambition, or avarice. If avowed infidels alone held such lanpfuage, it would not excite our surprize; but it is indeed most astonishing, that men, pretend- ing to believe the Bible, should condemn a practice approved and eo:nmanded hi every part of the sacred volume! Let us, however, examine how Hezekiah prayed: — "OLord of Hosts, God of Israel, who ** dwcllest between the cherubim, (that is, above the ** mercy-seat,) thou art the God, even thou alone, of •* all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made hea- ** yen and earth. Incline thine ear, O Lord, and hear; ** open thine eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear all the ** words of Sennacherib, who hath sent to reproach the *• living God. Of a truth. Lord, the kings of Assy- ** ria have laid waste all the nations and their countries: ** and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were •* no gods, but the work of men's hand, wood and •"* stone; therefore they have destroyed them. Now, •* therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand ** that all the kings of the earth may know that thou ** art the Lord, even thou only."* Nothing can be more plain, than that zeal for the honour of God and the interests of true religion, principally dictated this prayer. The Lord indeed answered it, " by terrible •* things in righteousness:" but Hezekiah had only
* Is, xxxvii. 15 — 20, Vol, II. Z 2
S6S sSKMOir fii.
abkvU deliverance for luh jxoplc, not destruction on his enemies; and his expanded charity made him ear- ncbily desire that all the kin^of the earth might know the difference between the true God and worthless idols, and that they might diffuse that knowledge Hmong^ their subjects.
I would not knowingly offer one prayer on tliis oc- casion, \^hich could not be answered consistently with our enemies enjoying peace, security, liberty, good govenimcnt, and the blessings of true religion; but wc may pray that the Lon n would ' alxitc tlKir pride, a^
• suuge their malice, and confound their devices,' (that is. their devices against the peace of otiicr lands, or tin: Christian religion,) in entire cofmslcncy with the^ fiici>dly dispositions towards them: for such things would conduce to their »<) vantage, at well as our own. Wc may not ask tlie Lord to aggfwidize or en- rich our nation, that she may reign over all countries, or engross all tl>e commerce of the work): but surrJy wc may pray that famine, pestilence, hostile invasions, and evil discords may be averted; thai there may be employment and food for the poor, j^eace in our bor- dcrs, ami iIkt continuance of our civil and ri ^ li. Jicrties. Alxjve all we should pray for tlie peace, puri- ty, and enlargrnunt of the church; tliat it may please ilie Lord to illuminate all the ministers of religion, ' with true knowkdge and undcrstaiKlingoThb word, ' that t)oth by their preacliing and living, titer nuy set
• it forth and shew it accordingly,* that •* labourers ** may be sent forth into the harvest;" ** that tlK Spi- ^* rit of Goo may lift up a standard** against the tor-
SERMON III. 363
rent of infidelity, impiety, and vice, that inundates the land; and that all ranks and orders of men may be en- dued with wisdom and grace, to serve God and their generation faithfully and successfully. Such prayers as these may be branched out into a variety of particu- lars, without indulging sinful passions, or violating the law of love. And if we pray in faith, depending on the Lord alone, and not on an arm of flesh; and duly considering his almighty power and abundant mercy as fully adequate to all our necessities and difficulties; we may yet hope that he may be intreated for the land, and prolong our tranquillity.
But without personal repentance we cannot offur such supplications as these. It therefore behoves every one of us to consider our ways, to examine our hearts, humbly to confess our sins, to seek forgiveness, and to pray for grace that we may henceforth walk before God in newness of life. If any persons have hitherto continued impenitent and unbelieving; they should on this occasion set about the great concerns of their im» mortal souls, with peculiar diligence and earnestness. Otherwise, whether the Lord spare the land or not, he will not spare them. *' Woe be to the wicked! it ** shall be ill with him, for the reward of his hands ** shall be given him."*
Even real Christians, at such a time as this, are called upon to review their lives, and renew their hu- miliation for all their past sins, as a part of the guilt
' . I ■ III" ■■— — ^— M^l I II I I I ^IF-
» Is. iii. 11,
r64 SERMO.V III.
accunmbtcii by tlu: bitd. Tlicy sliould especially ccdbidcr their a nduct as profcssorb of the fToapcl, and ciKjuirc ill uhat panicularb they liavc dibliootxiixd ihtir iHTofcHsion, milled or weakened ihtirbrclhrcn, or ^ivcn occaMoi) to tiK em-micb of the I^ord to blas« phcme. \\ c ought also to tzan.inc uluit Iruit liath htcn pro(hiccd by the solemnitich, proic&Htoiis, in- strnetions, and |)r.iyer«k of the last staMMi of fiiMiii^ and humiliation. W c bhiuld ask ourselves whctlier we fnive really acted consistently with them, and been more Iniitful, 2ealou>, and conscientious than before? Thu9 we sliall be prepared to plead u ith him as his childim am! frict.ds, in the manner that Abraham, Moses, Joshua. Sinniel, Jchushapbal, and otliers of old did; and pr^ .^ with him wc shall prevail with
man also.
Hut wc iTiuM lilewi^e rcmcmUr, iluU wearebound to use our ii f.ueiice and imprrvc our talents, by every exertion, to pr<:motr tiic cause, and obtain the bles- sings, for which ue pray; be Ah in our families and pri- vate circles, aiKl in more puUick stations, 'i'hus wc should strky ns well as pm^ Jor^ the peace of the cummunit), tlic prosperity of the church, the refor- mation of manners, niid remiAal of every occasion or encai»nigement gi^tn to vice atul impiety. If indeed we are decid* dly for the Lob o, and determined to follow him fully, without regard to men or dread of consef]uences; our conduct \^ill ha%T a csonsiderable eflR.*ct: for the example, end<*avours, and prayers of hat faitiifui |Koplc arc ibc means by vhich our uatiGual
SERMON ill. 565
character must be improved, and our privileges con- tinued to us.
Let such as profess to '* turn unto him that smit- *' eth" them, take care they do not rest in notions, forms, or external reformation; without true conver- sion, repentance, faith, and hoHness. The prophet took notice of persons answering this description, when he said, " They return but not to the Most High."* And nothing more effectually prevents the conversion of sinners, than a mistaken idea that they are already converted.
Charity to the poor and afflicted is likewise an es- sential concomitant of acceptable fasting and humilia- tion: *' Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and *' that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thine ** house? When thou seest the naked that thou cover " him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own ** flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morn- *' ing, — then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall an- "* swer. — If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, ** and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall thy light rise " in obscurity, and thy darkness shall be as the noon-
" day."t
Finally, my brethren, if you thus return to the Lord, and seek his face, I am sent to you with en- couraging words. '' Let the heart of those rejoice ** that seek the Lord." ** Say ye to the righteous, *' that it shall be well with him; for they shall eat the ** fruit of their doings." — ** In the time of famine
» Hos. vii. U. t Is. Iviii. r— 12.
iS66 SERUOW ifT.
** they shall hare enough." — ** Though ihc fip-tirc *' should not blossom,'* and even* resource should fail, ** yet they may rejoice in the Loid, and joy in ** the OoD of their salvation." Be not therefore ** afraid of evil tidings; let your heart be fixed trusting " in the Lord." If ** you hear of wars and rumours *' of wars, see that ye be not troubled." Should a de- luge come, the Lord will prepare you an ark, in which vou mav be secure and comfortable: and he will say to you, ** Come, my people, enter thou into '* U^v chaml)ers, and sliui thy doors about thee; hide •* thyself, as it were for a little moment, until the in- '* dignation be over-past. For behold, the Lord *' cometh out of his place to punish tlie inhabitants of •* the earth for tiKir ini<)uity. Tlie earth also shall dis- ** cover her blooci, and shall no more cover her slain.'**
* ih. x&vt. 30, 31.
THANKSGIVING SERMONS.
ON THE
CLOSE OF THE AMERICAN WAR,
PREACHED AT
OLNEY, BUCKS^i
JULT,39,1784»
JVeither murmur ye, as some of them also jnurmuredy and were destroyed of the destroyer.-— 'I Cor. x. 10,
PREFACE.
JflANKIND in general look at the dark side of their circumstances^ and the supposed bright side of their character i whence arise pride^ discontent^ and mur- murs^ dishonourable to God, and tormenting to them- selves. But true religion teaches us to co?isider the dark side of our character ^ and the bright side of our cir- cumstances; and, reflecting hoxv many undeserved comforts toe enjoy, to exercise humble gratitude and cheerful praise.
But few, however, comparatively, are truly reli- gious; and those few are only in part influenced by their principles: so that they are often repining, when they might be praising: and discontent almost every where prevails, instead of gratitude, JFell then might the Psalmist repeatedly say, " Oh, that men would praise " the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonders to the '^ children of men!^^
Many during the late war, joined with seeming earnestness in prayers for deliverance and peace; whoy I fear, have not rendered unto the Lord thanks equally cordial now he hath answered their prayers* They for- get our deservings, and our dangers; and because we are ?iot that flourishing nation we were-, because the peace is not so lionourahle as they wished; they hululge a spirit of discoiitent , quarrel with men and ineasures.
Vol, II. 3 A
\
PREFACE.
atid have no /trnrf to O.css iiccjui tnc security, uvcriij, ami privtlrjrrs w/uch wc stiU enjoy,
J was sure^ before I had purpose lij cori:>iucrca the particulars^ that the Jjnrd had been very kind to us, and luid an undoubted claim upon usforcorduiltlmnks- f^ivufg. Under this persuasion, I rejoieetl that at /rngth a day of thank^'r " 'r jj^as appointexL Improinng the occasion, //;;«/.,' ......4 on the JolluVfing subject for tJte
edification of my own congregation^ respecting the duty of the (Ly. In preachings the case appear ctl to me so plain and uncontrovertible, and I afterwards found it was so convincing to many or most present, that I con* eluded It might answer some good end, if made publick. It indeed contains nothing to recommend it but plam irutlis in plain langi ^'^^, originally preached to plain people, and now pu ..^ ,J Jor the bmrfit of such, I luxve endeavoured not to ojjcnd the political principles of any man; and J hope no moderate man of any party wjll be offended. I would give as little offence as pes* sible on such an occasion to any religious party: but \f any cvpression has escaped me, which may have had that tendency, I hope it wUl not prejudice a real ChriS' tian against the other part. If tJit Ijord be pleased to bless the publication, and to employ it as an bistrU' tnnit cfhit glory, in exciting true Christians of every dcfiov. ; to abound more in praise and prayer, I
ilia I I liave then an ample recon pence.
SERMON I.
PSALM cvi. 43, 44.
Many times did he deliver them^ but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. Nevertheless, he regarded their affiic* tion, when he heard their cry.
The knowledge of God and of ourselves, is beyond all comparison, the most important kind of knowledge: and this is especially communicated to us iij the word of God; which is indeed a history of God and of man, discovering to us the nature and perfections of God, and the real character of man. This is done in the plainest and simplest manner by historical relations of the Lord's conduct towards man in numerous in- stances, and under a vast variety of circumstances; and on the other hand, of man's conduct towards God, under a like variety of circumstances. The result of the whole is this; it appears that God is ever disposed, by his own essential excellency, to act with consum- mate wisdom, justice, holiness, patience, mercy, and truth; and is therefore worthy of all that love and
372 sEKMov r.
honour which he dcmandb: tliat oci the oU>cr iuiui, man is ever disposed lo relxllion. inj^^rnilude, obbli- nacy, and enmity; is ihereforc a \er)- base and odious character, and justly dcM;r\ ing of llic abomination and indif^nation of a holy God.
This trial of nunkind was especially made ui iiu dealings with Israel, who being descended from pious ancestors, ** planted wholly a riglit seed," were an unexceplionablc specimen of hunian nature. We h:i\c ihcTabstracl of it in this fKolm, which begins and ends uith, ** Praise ye llic Lokd," and contairui a histor)* of his persevering kimliKss to Israel, and IsracPs |x-r- aevering ingratitude to liim. Tlie same icenc, in some measure, is acted oicr agnin in ever)' age of the world, in ever}- nation under heaven, in every man*s own ex|)cricncc. Had uc a histor}*, cqu^U ly imprtial and faiUiful of any other people, or any single person, in proportion as that people, or in- dividual, was favoured of Gon with the favour he shewed to Israel, the Uisc ingratitude of human nature would cr|ually appmr; and in projx)rtion Wf>uld the loveliness of God, and the odiousncss of man Ix: illus- trated A:k1 lie who has best learned to love and ad- mire God, to loathe and abhor himself, and can most aincerely adopt the words of holy Job, ** I liave Iward •• of thee with tlnr hearing of the ear, but now mine •* eye seeth thee, w hereforc I abhor myself, and repent *• in dust and ashes;'' is iIk greatest pioficient in true r*'' -on.
1 .*c substance of this instructive psalm b compres- sed in the word.s drat I have read to }0u; ** Many ** times did he deliver them, but duy provoked hun
SERMON I. 373
'' with their counsel, and were broiij^ht low for their *' iniquity. Nevertheless, he regarded their affliction, " when he heard their cry. " The historical part of the Old Testament is the best illustration of the words,^as spoken of Israel. But as God and his law,^- and his measures of government and providence, are the same from generation to generation, and as human nature is the same also, I trust you will easily perceive the pro- priety of improving them for our edification on the present occasion.
After many former deliverances, the people of Israel were brought low for their iniquity. Nations are brought low, when their numbers are greatly reduced by pestilences, famines, or other desolating judgments: when the inhabitants are detained in captivity, or sold into slavery: when successful armies of hostile invaders spread terror and carnage through the land: and when civil discord excites them to murder one another by unnatural war. A nation is brought low, when, being deprived of the invaluable privilege of a free govern- ment according to equitable laws impartially executed, it groans under the yoke of tyranny: while the covet- ousness or caprice, the ambition or cruelty, the re- venge or jealousy of one, or a few, keep millions in perpetual alarm, and expose them to continued op- pression and persecution. A nation is brought low, when its wealth is diminished, its resources exhaust- ed, its expences increased, its commerce and trade
* I mean his moral law; the eternal rule of right and tyrongj ef sin and holiness.
3Ti rinuo s r.
niincci; ilb poor deprived of cmplojmcnt, burdened with taxes, and left to the fatal necessity of starving:, bcj^l^inj;, or stealing; and its wealthy traders reduced to indij;cnccand Ixinkiuplcy.
In these, and many otl>rr res|x:cts, nations once nourishing are brought low, they lose the blessings which they enjoyed at home, and the consequence which they possessed abroad, and dwindle into insig- niQcance, dependence and wretclKdne^n.
This premisctl, I observe,
1. Tliat nations are ihus brought low for iniquity, by tl)e righteous judgment of Goo, whom they luvc provoked by tlnrir counsels. Let philosoplnrrs and pdi- ticiaris search out tlu: secondary causes of tlie pros- perity and decline of empires: it is allowed they have advanced many thii>gs ingenious, rational, and instruc- tive, on the subject: but it is our concern to learn wlut (he word of Goo eontains for our instruction and di- rection in the duty of the day: to this let us confine our attention. — .'\ngrb ^murd, and by sin were brought low, even from the summit of created exal- tation, to cIk: depth of cikI less contempt and mibcrv .— ** By one man sin entered into the world, and death by ** sin, and so death passed u()on all men, for tliat all *' have sinnetl.'' Thus, low even to the grave, Iiath sin brought our whole himian race: lowrr still wc had all sunk, even with fallen angtis, into IrII, liad not the glorious Kmmanuel come, and bom cur sins in his ow i\ body on the tree: yet even tliiislcTw will sin finally bi ing
SiRMON I* S75
all that live and die impenitent and unbelieving. The same evil brings nations low: when they provoke God by their sins, he stirs up enemies against them, lie per- mits discord to prevail, he infatuates their wisest coun- sellors, he intimidates their most valiant commanders; he disappoints their best concerted projects; he lets them know, *' that the race is not to the swiit, nor the ** battle to the strong:" But " that he doeth what he " will in the army of heaven, and amongst the inha- " bitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or ** say unto him, what doest thou?"
Not only the dealings of God with his own peculiar people; but the prophecies of the Old Testament, de- nounced against the neighbouring nations for their un- godliness and unrighteousness, and so awfully accom- plished in their destruction, one by the sword of an- other, sufficiently prove and illustrate my observation.
2. I observe, however, that God doth more espe- cially deal thus with those nations, w^ho are most highly flivoured with the light of divine revelation, and in which the true religion is openly professed. In his conduct towards Israel, he not only considered their behaviour, but also took into the account his written word entrusted to them; his lively ordinances admin- istered among them; the prophets from age to agQ raised up to admonish, reprove, and instruct them; his former favours to their nation: and his present watch- ful care over them: '' You only have I known among *' all the families of the earth; therefore will I punish
SJO SEEICO.V X.
** you for all yotir iniquities."* Thus will he deal with other nations also; in p'-'^*^' rtion to the favour slu:\vn ihcm, and ihc light at:... v.. .i ihcm, as well as to the sins which llKy liavc commuted against him. — \Vherc** muchisgivt-n, much is rccjuircti;" and every sin is aggravated in proportion to the wilfulness and ingratitude contained in it. " He dm knew his Lor d*s *• will and did it not, shall Ix: beaten with many stripes." And Gon will evermore slicw his impartiality, and evince that there is no people in such a sense his favour- ites, as that he should, on that account connive at sin in them. He lutes ini(]uity in all with pcrfcxt hatred, but most abliors it in those wl>o are nearest to him; be- cause it is really in them most lutoful, and his judg- ment is always according to truth. Therefore •• S|xirc ** not, and begin at my aanctuarr,** is his commis!iion to the executiuiKrs of his awful \-cngeancc. 'I'hus he precludes all hoj^e of impunity in sin, when Ik: so severely punishes his peculiar people: arxl thus likewise he, in the wisest maniKr, fulfils the designs of his lo>*c to tlKm. He brings them low to prevent their destruc- tion: by correction he preserves tlx*m from being dis- ifdKTited: his peculiar peo)>le, as well nations as indi- viduals, arc ** chastened of the Lord, tliat they should •* not be condemned with the world.'' He will not forsake his people, tiKrcfore will l>c visit their offences with the rod. He is slow to an«»er, and he leaves nations who profess h*is truth, gradually and, as it were, un-
• Amot ill. C.
a ^-"^
y
si'^RMoy r. o; i
willingly; and therefore he will be sure to bring them low for their iniquity, that h&may lead them to repent- ance.
3. Then, I observe, that God hath brought these nations low for their iniquity, by the late calamitous war. Let those, wholook no higher than instruments, dispute about the authors of our troubles: you and I, my fellow- christians, should acknowledge God's jus- tice in them, and blame our own sins. Many times God hath delivered us. No nation hath ever been more entirely delivered, or repeatedly preserved by the providence of God from tyranny and despotism, than Britain. No nation hath been indulged with greater prosperity, or with such long-continued exemptions from famines, pestilences, earthquakes, or the sword of war ravaging our fields. We have been highly favoured with religious light, and liberty: the oppor- tunity, and full freedom of learning and doing the will of God, and rejoicing in his salvation. God's perse- vering kindness to Israel has been renewed in his kind- ness to our land: and, alas! we have re-acted their pro- vocations; so that none but an infidel can be at a loss for the origin of our calamities. " We have provoked ^* God by our counsel, and are brought low for our '* iniquity." Compare the charges God's prophets brought against Israel, with the conduct and character of these nations. If Israel exceeded Britain in gross idolatry, Britain hath exceeded Israel in daring infi- delity, and atheism; in perjury, profiineness, and blas-
VoL. II. 3 B
578 S£HMON I.
]>hcmy; in contempt of God's word, ncglcci o! t*is ordinances, violation of his sabb^hs; and at least hath c<|ualled Israel's in;;nitiludc and hvjxxirisy. Including the whole of our ap|>endagci, I fear \vc luxe immense- ly out-done them in sheddinp innocent blood, in op- pressing the |xx)r, the fatherless, and the widow; and in every species of detestable injustice, prompted by insatiable avarice, and protected from huntan ven- f;cancc, (a« it is greatly suspected) by slumeless bri- IxTV and venality. • In pride, adulter)*, luxury, and all debauelier)'. their guilt bean, 1 apprehend, no pro- portion to ours.
Rut natiofial guilt is only the acLumuuiiuii ut the bins of individuals: tlu: measure fills laM, whilst every one contributes his large proportion; as a nation we all Iiavc need to mourn over the whole; but each one sliould especially be humbled for his own sins. Calling then our attention from ol)jects more distant, let us examine our own hcnrts and li\Ts, What sav your consciences, my brethren? Have you not hel|Kd to bring the nation low by iniquity? Have you not pro- voked God by your ungodliiKss and unrighteousness? T^v you not forgotten God, been ungrateful for his
* An eminent speaker in the house of coraroocu ob«enrecl« that God had punished ut with the lo«s of one continent for the oppression exercised on the other. I fear for this, and other horrid scenes of wtckedncaa, Ciod ha** ' worse pu-
nishments in More for us; except nationaJ n ; '....^.^oo and nt* tiunal justice executed on the culnriis» prevent.
SERMON I. 379
mercies, profaned his sabbaths, sliglitcci his ordinan- ces, trampled on his law, despised or abused his gos- pel? Judge yourselves, brethren, that ye be not judg- ed of the Lord. Personal repentance and humiliation before God, on account of our sins, as a part of our national guilt, and earnest prayers in that behalf, is a debt we owe our country, which may suflcr in part for our ofiences, though we as individuals may be pardoned in respect of eternal punishment. God par- doned Mannasseh, yet would not pardon Jerusalem the innocent blood which he had shed.
For our sins then, God hath brought us lo^^'; by a concurrence of counsels and events, we were engaged in a ruinous war with our American colonies. Our ancient enemies triumphed, hoping the time of our downfal was come, and expecting to share the spoil: four powerful nations in confederacy fought against us; no one was found cordial in friendship, or prompt in bringing assistance. They practised, and prosper- ed; our enterprizes were unsuccessful, our projects disconcerted, our hearts discouraged; the disasters of war wasted our soldiers, enormous expences drained off our riches; debts accumulated, taxes increased; our resources were nearly exhausted, commerce uas dis- couraged, manufactures languished; many of the 'wealthy ^vere impoverished, the poor were greatly distressed; our consequence was diminished, intestine discord prevailed; invasions were threatened and dreaded; there was no prospect of peace on tolerable terms; the most fatal efiects were apprehended to our civil and religious liberties, those best of earthly bles-
ZSO SBIMON- '.
bkigs. Thus low did a righteous CioD bring us for inifjuity; yet blessed be his name, in wraih he rcmem. bored mercy,
4. Then observe, ** iliai lie rcgardei! our affliction " when he heard our cr)*." Though Ik; Iraih not re- stored us lo our pristine pro%jK'rity, pcriiaps never may; yet hath he done ptai things for us in answer to our pmyers. — \Vc cried unto the Loin in our dis- tress. \Vc remember when in ournatioiul difficulties, from year to year, at the ap|K)inlment of our govern- ors, WT met together lo ol^scrvc a solemn day of fast- ing, liumiliation, and prwycr; tlic old and scriptural way of seeking help of iioD in publick calamities. Doubtless multitudes grossly prevaricated with Gon in this matter. wl>o must otK dav beenlkd to account for their hypocrisy. On such occasions, I apprel>end, it always lias been so; i>evcr was any whole nation yet sincerely and truly jxnitent for sin, whatever they may hereafter be. NevertlKless, there wtis a publick h(»nour put upon God aix! religion all over the Kind on thosr days: God was justified by us in br calamities
upon US; wc acknow letl^ed tliat wc dcser\-ed to be given over into the hands of our enemies: we disclaim - cd all confidence in an arm of flesh, cravetl htip of God, deprcc^ited his vengeance, imp!(jred his ;iiercy, the continuance of our lutional priviiej;rs, and the re- storation of the blessings of peace. Now twpudcncc m sinnmg is oi«e-symptom of ripeness for destruction. "When a nation decbres its sin, like Sodom, Sodom's dcx)m approaclK-*. But publick condemnation of our-
SERWOI-f I. 381
selves, and publick juslification of God in his severest judgments upon us, accompanied by publick and ge- neral supplications to him for undeserved help, seemed to indicate that though our measure of iniquity is large, it is not yet full. He who prolonged his patience toward Ahab, on account of his external humiliation, prolongs his patience towards us, in part on the same account. But now if we relapse, and grow more dar- ing in our wickedness, the measure will soon be full, and there will be no remedy. May God avert this awful, this impending doom!
There were, however, on those days, I trust, many tens of thousands of real christians, unanimous, sin- cere and earnest, in this important business. All are not " men of understanding in the times to know what " Israel ought to do;" and all need exciting, instruct- ing and assisting in their duty. A fast proclaimed sounded the alarm; many ministers resounded it from their pulpits; christians were awakened to consider the publick circumstances, with their duty to God and their country, and excited and reminded to perform it. Great numbers in publick assemblies, in private fa- milies, in secret retirements, were sincerely confessing and bewailing their own sins; sighing and mourning for the abominations of the land; and pleading with God for pardon, protection, deliverance, and peace. Many, we may hope, through God's blessing on the labours of his ministers, were on those days brought to true repentance; and as true penitents, both then and afterwards joined sincerely in the general cry. Now if but two real disciples of Christ agree toge-
382 BERMov r
llicr on earth, touching any thing they sloll ask of God, through the intcrcc:^ion oi Jesus, it sliall be done for them: tiou nnich more uIkh such multitudes, with one consent, lx)th on those days and at other times, sought dchvcrancc and pe.icc in earnest prayer, might we expect a gracious answer! Universal wick- etincss is anollKr syn)]}tom, tlut a nation is ri|>c for destruction, y>\\Qi\ the Lord looketh for some to make intercession, and tiicre arc few, or nom-; but when many present thcmscUes, unanimous and cordial in this blessed work, though Ik: bring tiut nation low, he will not yet give it u)\
For tlKse reasons, 1 eonsjder it my duty to b!cs^ God for putting such a thing into iIk; heart of our sovereign, (for ** the kingS lieart is in the liaiuJofthc •* LocD,**) and I consider it as ever)- cliristian's duty to observe such seasons \\ iih all rarnestnrss. We may easily overvalue external religion, if we trust to it, and are proud of it: but it is possible to undcri-alue it; .nd tvc actually do so^ if we do not imnie-nsely prefer it to oixrn irrcligion.
^^'c arc now asscmUed to rtttirn puuiick ilunks for the mercies ue then sought in publi(4^ prayc^rs; and it seemed tlicxeforc proper to luve at this season, a [xr- culiar eye to tfiose. It suCices, liowcver, for my pur- pose, that we cried unto die Lord, and lie heard us, whensoever our prayers were made.
1 i>r, I. in uic very cnucoi nine, i»cga\e imiKjrt^in: success to our arms. Had tlic cvait of the sea-Oght between our fleet, under at!miral Rodney, and \\>c
SERMON r. 3,83
combined fleets, been as decisive in their favour as it "vvas in ours; and had the Spaniards carried their point at Gibraltar, instead of being so severely repulsed by general Elicit, the consequciices might have been fa- tal. At best, our present low estate must have been much lower, if our existence as an independent king- dom had been preserved; if our civil and religious li- berties had not been wrenched from us, or our happy island desolated by the horrors of war, and deluged with the blood of its inhabitants.
Let admirals and generals have their proper honour and reward: far be it from me to depreciate their cha- racters, or env}^ their emoluments: they are worthy of them all from us, for whose security they expose them- selves to danger. But let us not give them the glory which belongs to God. He inspires courage, he gives wisdom, he determines victor v. Shall we not then render him our warmest thanksgivings for these sea- sonable and signal interpositions, in ansv/er to the prayers we poured out in the day of our distress? Re- member, my brethren, your anxiety, your apprehen- sions, your despondency, at that time; and ask your hearts, whether you have not cause for thankfulness? And whether you have been thankful? At that stage of the war, we vv'ere evidently not struggling for do- minion, but for national security and equiiablc peace; which consideration disposes me more cheerfully to praise the Lord for thus answering our requests. And I think heaven and earth will condemn our ingratitude, if we do not as unanimously join in thanksgiving, as we did in supplication.
384 SBltfOK r.
11. In consequence of these and ollurr succcs!i«^, peace was at Icngtli concluded. Hut what sort of a peace? some are ready to answer. Such a peace as is much Ixrllcr tlian such a war. \\ lien we con:>idcr our n?tionalguilt, our national circumstances, our confede- rated foes, and exhausted finances, wc Tnust surel) acknowledge that (lOD hath done txtter by us, than cither we deser>cd, cr once expected; and ihis callv for grateful praise. — But some will say *tis so humilia- ting a peace, I cannot be satisfied with it, nor feel iliankful for it. 'TU true, Goo luth brought us low for our iniquity, Ixilh in respect of the extent of our dominions, and our national wealth and con9C(|uencei but if we Ixr brought no lower, pcrlops this very cir- cumstancr calls for tliankfulness. Bad as tlve st;ite of religion and morals is amongst us, had our wealtli and honour increased, as it had done for some years past, probably matters liad even now been much worse. iVide, ungodliness, sensuality, and luxury, liad in- creased with increasing wealth and poucr, and pro- bably would l)a\e incrmscd. Had it been so, our de- struction had advanced with liastier steps. Perlu|)s our being brought low, and deprived in |>art of that provi- sion we liad made for our lusKs, is tlic \Trv means of prolonging our btate and delaying our ruin. And iJiail a christian murmur at this? Shall he reluse to be thank- ful for peace, and liberty, and security, because he doth not roll in wcalUi, nor is exalted in honour at heretofore? But to be more particular;
1. W'c arc bound to thank God for putting a stop
stRMoit I. 385
to the eftusion of human blood. The value of man's life is great — of man's soul infinitely greater. He who duly ponders thisj must consider war, though in some cases necessary, in all cases horrible: nor can he be other than shocked with reflecting on the thousands of his fellow- creatures slaughtered in battle, and their souls hurried into eternity; many of them, most of them 'tis to l:)e feared, in the full career of unrepented sin. When a victory makes way for peace, I can rejoice in it; though Dot without melancholv reflections on the fatal conse- quences perhaps to thousands, mingling with my joy. Otherwise, the life of an American, a Frenchman, a Spaniard, or a Hollander, is, in my estimation, of equal value with the life of a Briton: even successful war ex- cites my lamentation; and the return of peace is mat- ter of thanksgiving, as I am a man and a christian, even though I should not, as an Englishman, approve of the conditions. * Send peace in our time, O LordI' — ' That it may please thee to give unity, peace, and * concord to all nations,' are requests, which surely no true christian can hesitate in adopting: nor should any christian refuse his tribute of praise and gratitude, when such requests are granted. Many, from selfish motives, wish for war; but can he, who has the law of God written in his heart; even this law, " Thou shalt " love thy neighbour as thyself," desire the slaugh- ter of his fellow-men, for the sake of his own emolu- ment?
2, We have cause to thank God for stopping the effusion of the blood of our friends and relatives. How Vol. II-. 3 C
586 siiMoy I.'
nui ») , d u ringtiK war, mourncdovcr slaughtered fathers, brodiers, sons, relatives, and friends! How many weep- ing eyes forlhc dcadi How many anxious hearts about tlic living! Ou^ht we not to thank God for rcheving us in this resjxxt from grief and anxiety?
3. We arc bound to thank God for prcscr\'ing our land from becoming dte scat of war. Many feared it; Ouny of you, my fellow- christians, fcarcii it, and prayci! agufiftt it. Ashurcdly, our felicity, in this respect, both heretofore aj>d in this conjuncture, is die gift of God, aiKi demands our gratitude. He s(>re]id the |)rolecting Oooui around us; he raised us to our present na\'al power; he gives skill, lurdincat, aiul courage to our acamen; Ik; gives victory ta our fleets; be awes our eoemics to a distance; he silences popular insurrections, and prevents civil war. For these mercies praise yc tlie LoR d. Ttie loss of men uikI money \\c know: but war, horrible n'ar, as a nation we know ooC, or ue could iK)t fail to prize such a distinguishing fiivour. May wc nc\ cr learn to know its woriii, bv its loss!
•1. We arc bound to ble« Goo for breaking iIk ttrong confederacy formed against us. Arguing from fivmer events, \vc lud little to fear from any of our enemies separately. When two licretofore have united, wc liave lud countenance and assistance from tlie others, or they have stood neuter. But in tliis conjuncture, four powerful niitions were confederated against u^, and thus excited our just aud roelandioly opprelten-
SERMON I. 387
bion3. God hath broken hi pieces this formidable combination, and it is not at all probable that it should speedily be renewed. Thus by the peace, though hu- miliating, the urgent cause of terror is happily removed* The combination is broken, and we are delivered, as a bird out of the snare of the fowler. For this, my brethren, praise and bless the Lord, who makeih the counsels of the people to be of none effect.
5. Though reduced, we arc still preserved an in- dependent kingdom: our laws and liberties, civil and religious, are still continued to us: we dwell in peace and safety, and may yet meet together to worship God according to our conscience. If you love the Lord, if you love his house and ordinances, then praise the Lord; and let not Satan, by tempting you to repine over the remembrance of our diminished grandeur and consequence, prevail with 3*ou to withhold the revenue of thanks, so justly due to God. Remember, that *' it is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed.'' Shall w'e not then praise him for dealing with us so much better than our deservings?
6. Our trade and manufactures, on which the afBu- cnce of the wealthy, and the subsistance of the indigent so much depend, are far from ruined; they revive, and in many places flourish. And, if renewed provocations do not caus(^the Lord to command fresh judgments, v/e may hope gradually to recover some part at least €f our former prosperity. Indeed, amongst you, and
388 &2IIM0K X.
pei4iaps in some oilier places and nunuractum,* no remarkul)le amendment hath tak.cn pbce: but forget not, that during the war, things grew worse every year. — Had not God anbwcixd your pnycrs in bend- ing |)eacc, how much worbc fiad your trade been ere thjb? Since the jxrace it lulh some wlmt recovered. Therefore, [yoih on your own acCiUnt ainl your coun- trymen's, forget not to praise die Lord for ilie past, and that \\ ill provr tlic Ixrst means of procuring greater tilings in future.
7. The cxiiausting, intolcr \penccs of the
war, arc now cciscd. — You will say, our taxes still in- crease, and I feci no relief from tl>e |)eace, but additional burdens im|X)scd yearly; how thai can I be thankful? Yet consider, these ver}* taxes are im|>oscd to pay the interest of the sunM borrowed during the war, and of those lx)rrowed since the uar, to pay off its hea\'}* ar- rears.— Had tlie ^\*nr still continued, ifweludnol been overpowcral by the united forces of our enemies, the intolerable expcncc roust liavc ruined u^. The present grievous taxes may teach us to bless God for |Kacc: for Iiad the war continued, our present heavy burtlens would liave been made vastly heavier; then fore, silence your mumiurings, and join widi me in praising the
L
1 woiiid now liVn proceed to make some iurtlicr improvement of the sul)ject.
1. You mav Icani from licnce, that die Lokd i^
*'« ' ■' ■ ■. . I. - ■ ■■ III .^.«
• The ihreiil Urc mmiifiicturr.
SERMON I. 389
awfully holy in hating, and impartially just in punish- ing sin: yet he is good, and ready to forgive, and plen- teous in mercy to all them who penitently and heartily oall upon him. Tremble then, stout-hearted sinner: that God whose law thou hast broken, whose gospel thou hast neglected, whose grace thou despisest, and whose justice thou defiest, is a consuming fire, a jeal- ous God, vengeance belongs unto him, and he will repay. He whose justice and power bring nations so low for iniquity, can easily, and will certainly, bring thee low, even into hell, except thou repent, and be- lieve the gospel.
Be encouraged, poor trembling sinner: fear not to call upon this gracious God: return to him in his ap- pointed way, who now kindly invites thee; and never did tender parent more cordially and affectionately re- ceive a returning prodigal, than God will welcome thee.
2. You see that this harmony of perfect justice and holiness, with rich and plenteous mercy, which is the perfection of beauty, the loveliness of God, doth re- quire the interposition of the divine Mediator, and the infinitely valuable satisfaction of his death; otherwise, every exertion of pardoning mercy and love to sinners, would imply a defect of justice, and imperfection of holiness. — It is only in the person of Jesus, Emmanu- el, that this harmonious glory of God can be seen. In him the law is magnified, justice satisfied, holiness manifested, and mercy exercised, and God appears a
just God and a Saviour. Tiirough this MMIator, Goo dwclliiig ill human n.iturr, cveii sinftil nati<;ns arc dealt \fiih in mercy. And, poor sinner, if ihou receive not CfiRi!->T and his atuiKmcntf ifUiou come not into tlic presence of (ioD, lhrc>iigh tin: interceiiiion of liisi Soo» iJiy drj)cndcncc on Goo's mercy, but not in hi^ \niy, u ill be k^iiui unu-arranted preMimption. CWid will not dishonour himself by being uojusUy merciful to pkate a rebel. Come then, but rcmemiicr CiimsT aftith, *^ I mi the W a)', ami tlic 'I niii), aiHl ilie l^ifc; no man •• comcih to liic Father, but bv mc."
3. Fear no eimtaics ta <mr Mtioart prosperity but iniqiiitT. Gon Mxtres ua a little l«n^r. if reformat ion take piacc IV * K' prcMirvod.— <)tlK'ru i«>e our 4l(#om
is nol fiir off. Seek, lU-n, b> ^ . of you, fur
mercy and f^jracc. ibrou^thi: ii. i (>f Ji&vs^
and thus aim at |)ersonal reformation. Hcpcnt, and bring forth fruits meet for rejx:nt4ncr. UbC your in- RHcnce atkd autlK>fity in your : s coouexions,
and dcjKmknccs io i^roniulc tlieir rciormation: pray for lU)%e you raniv»l iiJiuuicc: k i:i tlic duty you o\te to ynuf country; it Is tl.e duty the occaMOU caibfor.— - Sidfeff ilicn tlic Herd of exhortation. — .\5 you value \ our national acciuity m\d pro&pcrity, as you value your precious souls, be u^it siotliful in this \vc»rk. \\ ere all, were half, were a tenth, tliu^i minded, glorious effects would follow. — ikspibC iKA the day of smjaII things; yield not to dibcouragemait: vxbc and be doing, and the Loan wiil be with you.
SERMON I. 391
4. Did you sigh, and mourn, and pray sincerely, during die late caianiities? And hath God heard yowr prii}'ers? Then be sure you thank him for it; and ad- mire his condescension that he would notice your poor defective prayers. Forget not to pay the vows you made unto him in the day of your distress; but espe- cially take courage to pray more abundantly for the time to come. — Many are tempted to neglect the bles- sed duty of intercession almost entirely; our prajers, say they, are so weak, we scarcely know how to pray for ourselves; it seems presumption to think our pray- ers can do any good. One soldier indeed is a feeble defence to the nation; but large armies consist of sin- gle soldiers: should each forsake his post, because his single help is inconsiderable, we must fall a prey to our enemies; but when each preserves and maintains his post, we are well protected. Our weapons, my fel- low-soldiers, are earnest prayers: that christian who helps not the cause of his church and nation against their enemies by his prayers, deserts his post, and leaves, for his part, the coast defenceless. One has as good a right and reason to desert his post as another: if ail desert, if none remain to make intercession, we are defenceless indeed. But if each christian abounds in this duty, our cause shall certainly prosper. Pray then, my brethren, each of you, under this persuasion, that you are one of a numerous army of supplicants dispersed all over the land; and unitedly intreat the Lord to preserve peace, to revive religion, to reform our manners. Intreat hini to bless your king and his family, with all the blessings of time and eternity; and
^92 siiyoN I.
to continue hit descendants a blcssinj; lo tltesc lands for jrcnciations to come. Inlrt-at iIk- I^ord to impart his grace to our princes and nobles, that xhcy ma} im- prove their greatness, wealth, and influence, to pro- mote and ;tdorfi true religion. IVay that maj^istratcs may be indeed ** for a ttrror to evil doers, and f >r the ** praise ol them ikit do well:** that ministers o! the gofjKl may be endowed with knowledge and wisdom, judgment and experience, boldness and iaithfulncss, humility and holiness, zeal and love. Did you pray more for us, we should live more holy lives, prcacJi more jwwerfully, and be blevied more abundantly with extensive usefulness. Pray the I-okd of the liar- vest to seiul forth blx>urcrs into his liane^t; pray for the conversion of wicked clergymen, those blind lea- ders of the bliiKl: pray for die rising generation of mi- nisters, that they may be fumiblKd and prepared for the work and charge, that is about to devolve on them: pray for the places of cducution of our youth, publick and private; tlut men may ilKrnce come forth qualiG- ed, and disposed to 5er\c God in church and state; and diat the rising generation may be traiiKd up to gtidliness and honesty: pray tlut bigotr}', superstition, error, and rcai enthusiasm, may cease; Uut offencei and divisioiis may be prevented; that all true christ'tans ma} lo\*c one anod^er u iih a pure lieart, fer\ently; may adorn the gospel by exemplary lives; be filled widi joy unspeakable and full of glory; and strive together for the faith of dur gospel. Pray for your children, rela- tions, iKighbours, l)enefactors, and enemies, be sure not to forget ihcni. Pray for the spread of the goapeU
SERMON U 393
the fall of antichrist, the calling of the Gentiles, the conversion of the Jews, and the universal prevalence of true religion. Finally, my brethren, pray for the unworthy author of this exhortation, that both by his life and doctrine he may set forth the true and lively word of GoDj and when death comes, may be found so doing*
5. Perhaps, at the time J^Uuded to, you did not heartily pray, but have since been taught to pray: well then, you have double cause for thankfulness: yoa partake of many blessings in answer to prayer, though you never joined in seeking them by prayer. Be not then now negligent in thanksgiving, though you were in praying; and henceforth forget not to unite your re- quests for national mercies, with those of that army of supplicants, of divers denominations, who are indeed the bulwark of the land.
Finally — Do any continue impenitent and ungodly? I fear I shall exhort you to gratitude in vain: if you neglect prayer, I fear you will have as litde heart to praise and thanksgiving, though you have abundant cause. But two hints I will leave with you: though you despise spiritual blessings, you value temporal blessings inordinately. In answer to prayer, these are continued to our land, and to you among the rest. Do not then revile and ill-treat your praying neighbours, to whom under God you are indebted for your share of national security. And remember, that although, through the intercession of others, you may escape temporal calamities during life: yet death will come
Vol. II. 3 D
394 SEBMON I.
shortly; aiul tlicn if you be found impeniirnt, llicmosl ircnundcus carllily judgments, ii) tonjparison of \ our eternal portion, %vi!i Ix: known to be but light aHiic- tions, and but for a moment. *' The Iwnd of ilic Lord
* shall hnd out all his cnemicb; his right liand shall ' fiiKl out them that lute him. >ic sluill make them
* as a fiery oven in the time of his anger.'* — ** Seek
* IJKn the Lord, while he may be found; eall upon
* him while he is iKrar. l-,et ihc wiekcd foruke his
* way, ami the unrighteous man his d)oughls, aixl lei
* him return unto i)k Lord, and he will l»vc mcrcj
* upon him, and to our God, and be will abundantly
* pardon."
SERMON II.*
EZEKIEL XX. 22.
Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand^ and wrought for my name^s sake^ that it should not he polluted in the sight of the heathen.
IT is of great importance that christians should pos- sess a distinct and comprehensive knowledge of the doctrine of scripture, in respect of God's providential dealings with nations who enjoy the light of revelation, and of their own duty in this particular. For this would supersede a variety of questions and discussions, which prevent numbers from joining cordially either in prayer for pubfick mercies, or thanksgiving for tliem when evidently vouchsafed. It would teach them to consider all creatures as instruments in the hand of him ** who ** worketh all things after the counsel of his own will;"^ and shew, that humiliation before him for sin, or grati- tude for unmerited comforts, has nothing to do with approbation, or disapprobation of men or measures;
* Preached at the Lo«k GJiapcl, Nov. 2-9, 1798*
S96 SEBIfOM XI.
except ns in case ofapprobatlon there is addition il cause for ^TJiiUidc, in cabC of disapprobation for deeper huiiUiiatioii.*
I^ci it then be allowed, (aiul who can deny it?) that tliiik luiion has ixxn peculiarly favoured by a merciful Providence: aiui waxing, but In* no means yicldinff, the question concerning publick measures, 1 would ask sucJi :is continue ilissaiisfied, wlniher Klijah was tlte Ie>i bound to tliank tlic Lord for his daily provi. sion, b<xause it was sent him by ravens? whellKr David did wrong in blessing God for seasonable deliverance from the rage of S»iul, because he could not approve the conduct ol the Pnilistines, whose sudden invasion called away his jxrrsecutor?— or whether the primitive Christians, durmg llu-ec hundred }car?» uivder |Mgan cmjx rors, generally of verj- bad eluracter, and most of tlieiii ptrbccutors, were ne%er called on to Uunk tlxr Lord tor their share in publick peace, or exemption from naiioiul calamiues? j\\a^ in Ikjw few ages and places, if liiis reserve Ik admitted, luve Christians been so much as re(|uiretl to be tlunkful for national mercies! How small a tribute of praise must our gra- cious God receive from liis whole church in this
beliaiil
Mv brelliren, we do not rtieet together at this time to entjuirc what men luve been doing; but wlut the Lord hath done for us as a guilty lulion. * He hath
• not dealt w iih us according to our sins, neither luih
• he rewarded us after our iiu(iuities:' but ** he luth
• Z Sam. xr. :. Chroo. iL 1 1.
SERMON II. 397
*' withdrawn his hand, and wrought for his name's " sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the ^* heathen." In prosecuting this subject, I shall,
I. Make some brief observations on the text, as illustrated by the Lord's dealings with the nation of Israel.
II. More fully consider the words as applica- ble to the present circumstances of this our favour- ed land.
1. Then, I shall make some brief observations on the text, as illustrated by the Lord's dealings with the nation of Israel.
If we carefully weigh the import of a few remarka- ble passages of scripture, we shall find them throw much light on the subject, and prepare the way for all our subsequent enquiries. When Israel had made and worshipped the golden calf, the Lord said to Moses, *' Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax *' hot against them, and that I may consume them; and " I will make of thee a great nation. And Moses be- " sought the Lord his God, and said, Why doth thy " wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast ** brought forth out of the land of Egypt, with great ** power and with a mighty hand? Wherefore should ** the Egyptians speak and say. For mischief did he ** bring them out to slay them in the mountains? Turn " from thy fierce wrath and repent of this evil against ** thy people. Remember Abraham, and Isaac, and *' Jacob, thy servants, to whom thou swarest, by thine /' own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your
598 SERMON If.
* seed as tlic stars ofhcavcii, aiul all this land tliat I
* have spoken of will I j^ivc unto your bccd, and liny
* shall inherit it for ever. And tin- LoiiD rcp<.ntcd of
* the evil, which lie thought to dountohibiKt>ple.**» On this occasion, you |x:rceive that Ik; ** withdrew his
* hand and wrought for his name's sake."
^Vhcn the Israelites '* despised iIk* pleasant land,
* and believed not the word of ihc Lord," lie said to Moses, ** I will smite them with tlK* pestilence, and
* disinherit them.*' And Moses said unto tlic
Lord ** Then tlic Kgyptians khall hear of it; for tluju
' broughlest this |xx>ple by lliy might from among
* them: and they will tell it to tlie inh.ibitants of tliis
* IniKi; for tliey luve heard that diou, Lo t d, art among
* this i^'ople, tluit thou, L^jki), art seen face to lace,
* and ilut thv cloud stancleth over tlnrni. and that thou
* gcKst before them, by day-time in a pilhu* of a cloud, and in a pilbr ui lire by night. — Now il thou shalt kill
' all this )>eople, as oih: man; l\\ct\ the rations which
* have hearil tlve lame of iIktc, %viU speak, saying, bc«
* cause tlie I^ok d wa2» not aUc to bring (his |x:ople into
* the land which he suare unto llK*m, thcrdbrc he ' hadi slain tlicm in the wilderness.**! In answer to
* this supplication ** the Lord again withdrew his ' liand, and wrought for his nameV^ sake, Uiat it should
* not be polluled in the sight of tlu: heatlurn.*' Joshua al2»(» pleaded in the same manner, when some
of (he iKTOple were slain by Uk men of Ai. ** O Lok d
* £i. SLXJui. 9-^14. t Numb. %if. 11^25.
SERMoiJ II. 399
" what shall I say, when Israel tumeth their backs be- '' fore their enemies? For the Canaanites, and the in- ** habitants of the land, shall hear of it, and shall cnvi- " ron us round, and shall cut off our name from the " earth; and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?''^ The pious and animated address of David to Go- liath was made at a time, when the conduct and mea- sures of King Saul could not but be justly disapproved by all pious Israelities: yet he assigned the same rea- son, why the Lord would deliver Goliath into his hand, and the Philistines into the hands of Israel, namely, '' that all the earth may know that there is a ** God in Israel."t — Hezekiah's plea, in prayer for deliverance from Sennacherib and the Assyrians, was this, " that all the kingdoms of the earth may know, ** that thou art the Lord God, even thou only."f
The plea of Jeremiah, during a terrible drought, " O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, ** do it for thy name's sake;"^ and that of Daniel during the Babylonish captivity, || with very many others which might be adduced, abundantly teach us, that Israel, even when deserving the severest vengeance, was frequently placed in such circumstances, that the honour of God was concerned in sparing and deliver- ing them.
The chapter, whence the text is chosen, introduces Jehovah recapitulating to the prophet, a variety of
* Josh. vii. T — 9. f 1 Sam. xvii. 45 — 47. \ 2 Kings xix, 15--:19. § Jer. xiv. 7. |! Dan. ix. 18, 19.
400 SEIMO.V II.
instances of this kind, and repeatedly subjoining, ** liui 1 urouglu for my namc'b sake, thai it should ** not be j)olhucd lx:forc the hcalhc-n, among whom ** ihcy were.** From llus rtc*;jJitulaiion \vc may ob- serve, thai God had called Abnhani; and lud engagid to lum, by covenant and by oath, to render his j>ostc. rit) cxctt tlingly numerous, to give them the lami of Canaan, ar.d to raise up tlK Messiah Irom among tlu in: and that (k* lud ralifitxl this engagement in tlie frame manner to I^^iac and Jacob, liut uhen tlie dc« scendants of tliesc {patriarchs had Ikch increased to a vast multitude in l''g}l>t. dK\ IwidsodegeiK-rated from the piety o! their ancestors, and luid Ixcome so vile by their inifjuiiies and idobtries, tliat they justly deserved destruction, at the very time uUnCion hod purposed their deliverance. Yet if Ikt liod cut llirm olfby some tremendous judgnnnt, or left tlK-m in Kgvptian bon- dage; the honour of his faiihtulnc%s and mercy would have been larnislK-d; his promise would liavc been broken, his covenant would lu\c failed, and his whole plan concenung the Messiah luve been disconcerted. He ihertforc, sprcd aixl dclivcretl tliem, though un- worthv, for his own name's sake.
The Lord had sent to Pluraoh, calling Israel his son, yea, his first bom, and Ik* demamlcd of him to ** let his son go that lie might serve him:" but Pha- raoh haughtily replied, '* \\'ho is Jehovah? 1 know ** not Jehovah, neidier will I let Israel go." Thus the contest was begun; and not only the Kg)pli;ins, but in a little lime all ll>e neigh!x>uring nations waited ihc event with fixed attention. Now, if the Loxd,
SERMON Hi 401
f^rovoked by Israel's sin, had desisted from his de- mand, and had left the people in bondage, Pharaoh would have seemed victorious, and he as well as others would have concluded that Jehovah was unable to deliver his people^ The honour of his eternal power and Godhead was therefore concerned in effectirio: their deliverance.
When this had been accomplished by " a mighty " hand and an out stretched arm," and the laws, or- dinances, and oracles of Jehovah had been commu- nicated to them, they renewed their rebellions, and by most aggravated crimes provoked him to keep them forty years in the wilderness, till nearly all that gene- ration was dead. But if he had cut them off entirely, and had not put the posterity of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in possession of Canaan; not only would his oath and promise have failed, but the Egyptians, Ca- naanites, and surrounding nations would have blas- phemed his great name, as if he had been unable to fulfil his engagements, and thus they would have been hardened in their idolatry and wickedness.
During a long course of years, after the nation was settled in Canaan, the interest, and almost the exist- ence, of true religion in the world, was, according to the plan of infinite wisdom, inseparable from the pre. servation of Israel as a distinct people: and how great soever their provocations were, the honour of God was concerned in preventing the complete success of their idolatrous neighbours against them, though they were used as scourges for their frequent and severe chastisement. Nor, till the coming of the promised
Vol. II. E
402 SERMOK ir.
Messiah, cculd it consist with ihc ^ry of Cob, to pour out his vengeance upon the nation, ukI wholly to deprive them of their distinguished advantages. But after that event, his phn no more required tlitir pre- ser\'ation as his visible church; and so ** wrath came ** upon them to the uttermost.**
There was likewise, through every age, a pious remnant in the land, to whom the promises especially lxIonf;ed, anil with whom the covenant mis ratified. These |)crsons prayed continually in txrluilf of the church and nation, according to the examples before adduced: and the l>otiour of Goo required, that such prayers s))ould t)c answered, and that his promises should be fulfilled to those who thus laid hold on his covenant. On all these accounts J tii ova M ** withdrew •* his hand, and wrought for his name's sake, that it *• sliould not be jxilluted in the sight of tl>c heathen:'* otherwise the crimes of Israel were so numerous and heinous, lluit he would have permitlal tlxrir insulting enemies to effect their destruction; nay, l)c would im- inethjiely by his own power Iwve nude them like unto S<.xJom ainl Gomorrah. ^^*c proceed,
n. More particularly to consider the words of the text, as applicable to the present circumstances of these nations. And,
1. I sliall take this occasion to recapitubte, in t tom|xiHlious manner, wliat God hath wrought in our behalf, since the beginning of the present convulsions in Kuroj>e: and while the sevenil jwrticulars are no- ticed, it will, 1 diink, appear evident to evcrv serious
S.KRMON II. 4Q3
mind, that God himself hath graciously Interposed In our behalf. **Ifithadnot been the Lord who was " on our side, now may Israel say; if it had not been " the Lord who was on our side when men rose up *' against us: then had they swallowed us up quick, ** when their wrath was kindled against us. Then the *' waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone *' over our soul. Blessed be the Lord who hath not " given us over for a prey unto their teeth. "^
It is well known, that soon after the commencement of these bloody contests, which have wasted Europe, and destroyed many millions of her inhabitants, Great Britain was especially marked out as the victim of that power, whom God has employed as his scourge among the nations. Our prosperity was envied; our wealth, commerce, and naval prowess were coveted; and bit- ter resentment for supposed injuries was avowed. Yet while the nations of Europe, with but few exceptions, have witnessed and experienced, in a most tremen- dous manner, the horrors and miseries of war; we have, during a course of years, had peace in our borders. Doubtless our excessive affluence, the fuel and incen- tive of as excessive pricle and luxury, has been dimi- nished; and many hardships have been felt by num- bers, who are entitled to our sympathy and assistance; but our cities have not been reduced to ruinous heap*, by dreadful sieges; we have not seen our streets flow« ing with human blood or strewed with mangled bo- dies; nor have we heard the piercing groans of the
* Ps.i^lm cxxy.
404 SIRMON II.
wounded and dying, nor the more durui)ii: UmcnU- lions of dicir disircstcd survivors. \Vc arc most of us holyjiihj unable to form a conception of the terrors and miseries, incident to the seat of war; or of the fccenes which arc witnessed, when :\v. insulting victorious ar- m) prescribes scarcely any bounds to rapine, cruelly, and brutjl hist. Nor have desolated fields, and the smoking luins of towns and villages, pained our eyes, when wc liavc liad occasion to journey through the country. Oh, my brtthren, nothing can give us an ad(()uate idea of tlu: trcnundous horror^ of this scourge of Ooo! Kvcn those, wIk> proft*sscdly record the his- tory of battles and sieges, draw a veil over xhc fright, ful senses, from which die imagii\ntion would other, wiv turn with disgust and terror; or rather lln-y cm- l>ci«ish them wiih the false glitler of militar) glor) , and the splendid achievements of particuUir warriors. Hut the attentive en(juirer will learn a)ough from \'arious facts and circumstances, to value a land of peace above all tcni|)oral good; and, if piously disposed, to bless God for such a privilege, wlulever it cost, and what. ever los& or burden he sustain in order to preserve it.
llut hidden fire also, which unexpectedly burst ford) in such tremendous convulsions on the continent, luis Ixen clearly proved to Ikive abounded at the same {leriod in this country: and many symptoms caused grvat alarms of insurrections, civil wani, re\olutions, and massacres, hkc Utosc which liavc been, in some respects, even mors liorrible titan war itself, in a ncighhourinr^ countn-: while the cnnsciou?r.C5;s c f in.
SERMON II.. 405
gratitude for our peculiar privileges increased our ap- prehensions concerning the event. Yet during so many years the Lord hath preserved us; and very little in- deed hath occurred in this island^ to cause the shedding of human blood, either by the sword of war, or by that of the executioner. For he that ** stilleth the rag- '* ing of the sea," hath hitherto repressed the madness of the people: and great is the debt of gratitude we Gwe him on that account. ^
Whatever advantages may eventually arise from the dreadful transactions on the Continent; (for doubtless God will over-rule them for some wise and gracious pui*pose;) all, who love the holy day of the Lord, the ordinances of his courts, and the liberty of attending on them without interruption, must, if properly in- formed, have felt great anxiety about the event. The legal abolition of the Christian sabbath, the substitu- tion of a heathen decade, and the shutting up, wholly or in part, very many places of worship, on various political pretences, wherever the enemy hath obtained the ascendency; (when considered as connected with the most avowed infidelity and even atheism, and the determined enmity against Christianity, which distin- guished many of the principal actors in those scenes,) had a very dismal aspect on our religious privileges, on the condition in this respect of our posterity, and on the interests of religion in this land, in case our enemies had prevailed in the contest. But hitherto God hath preserved us from every kind and degree of persecution, and we have full liberty to worship him according to our consciences, at whatever time
406 ^Eiiifov II.
and in whatever place wc choose. \\'i»ilc this is the case, and our iVibles, oar wbbaihs, and our rcljj^icmb privileges arc continued to us: wc must be sliamcfully carnal and ungrateful, it merely ten»{>onil difficulties or l)urdcns induce us to a fuse our tribute of ihanks- givinj; lotlK Author of all our mercicH.
Tijc ciKrnjies, with whom we h;ive sustained so I<>iif^ and severe a contest, have been indeed most wonuer- fully supyrssful in their desij^n^, and in many cases they luvc prevailed against our forces; yet they have )x^'n uniformly l)afRed in all tlKir attempts against this island, and its essential dc|)eiKleiKt^I Surely then the Loni) hath '* wrought for his own nanu-'s sake/* and has a right to our tribute of grateful praise.
At tl)e crisis, wlKn llic fleet uinkr 1-ord iiowe nod a most decided victor)*, the state of thbigs at liiiuie, as well as the designs of our foreign eiKmies, mifjht luvc rendered su^h a victory, gained by ihtm, of very dreadful eonvquenee to us: for in all probabi- lity an invasion would in tliit case liave been immedi- ately attcmptal, with vastly greslcr prospect of sue- cess tlian it could be at prrscnL And wc sliould in cvcrv instance nmemlxr, that wc arc calkt) on to be
0
thankful, not only for success and its effects, but for preservation from the consctiucoccs of defeat.
Not to dwell on the od\-antape^ cierived from tl^ victor)' obtained by Lord St. N'inccnt, which were vt TV im|X)r\ Mt; let us reaUlrct, that on one occasion. when the enemy made an ittempt ro bnd in Irtland, the unfjvour.ible wc^'ht and eontmr) winds rernkrcd it impracticable for our fleets to pursue ihcro, and nuiny
SERMON II. , 407
were either dissatisfied or alarmed on that account. Yet by those very winds, and that unfavourable v/ea- ther, the Lord completely frustrated the design, without our help. He seemed to say to us, * I have ' employed, and mean to employ, the conduct and va-
* lour of your admirals, officers, and seamen, for your
* preservation; and you are prone to give them the
* glory, and to confide in them: on this occasion therc-
* fore, I preserve you immediately by myself, that you
* may see and acknowledge my hand, and ascribe to
* me the honour due to my name.'
Immediately before he was pleased to make use of our fleets, in the most signal manner, for our preser- vation; he gave us, by the mutiny among the seamen^ the most convincing demonstration how easily ^he could have made them the instruments of our destruc- tion. It w^as indeed a most astonishing interposition of providence, that during that very alarming period, the fleets of the enemy were kept in port; and that the mutineers did not unanimously concur in the design of carrying our vessels to some hostile harbour.
It is, I beheve, generally understood, that before the victory gained by Lord Duncan, the Dutch admi- ral had embarked troops and stores, in order that he might convey them to Ireland, if the passage were open. But not being able to elude the English fleet, he put back into harbour; and having disembarked the troops, he was sent forth by the ruling powers, to risk a battle, in hopes at least of clearing the way for the purposed invasion. Had he therefore at that time gained as decisive a victory, as God gave our fleet.
408 6SHM0K 12.
he would doubtless have accomplished hisde&ign: and subsequent transactions have sutl.cicntly slicwn us^ how j;rcally that event was to Ix* dreaded.
The nialccontenis in Ireland arc now known to have held corrcspondtncc with the French Directory , and to have received a:*suranccs from ihem ol cflectual assistance; and the tiuiC was fixed when it wassuj j>os- cd the nation would be ripe for o|>cn rebellion, and when llie promised succours should Ik sent. But by some m9^s the prties seem to have misunderstood each other; so that Uk: Irish wcTe under iIm: ncocadty of rising, licfore their allien* were ready to support them. Four Mjuadrons howc\er v%cfe actually prepared at different ports, to form one fleet for the invasion of Ireland, in tlK lx'^;inninf; of this summer: but by \ii- rious occurrences U^y were all providentially retarded, till tin: critical season of probable success was elapsed; and at last they were not able to unite, but sailing sejw- ralely, were one aficr anotlKr, either taken, dis|x:rsed, or driven back witliout effecting any Uiing! Who can help seeing tin: hand of God in these events? For if this armament, at tlK first brraking out of the Irish rebellion, had landed \\k officers, troops, and stom whidi dKy >\erc intended to convey; the most dread- ful consccjucnces might liavc folkved: and the near- ness of Ireland to this countr>* mij^ht have rendered it like a fire-ship in the centre of a ficxt. Nothing, during x\\c whole of tlKsc dangers and irrubles, appeared f me more alarming than the breaking cut of the Irisli rebellion; and for no single circumstance liavc we more cause to l^ thankful, than that it has been suppressed, with no worse consequences to Great Britain.
SERMON II. 409
The surprising success of the enemy"'oa the Conti. nent, and the disposition of the contending powers, to make the best terms they could with the conquerors; when considered in connexion with the vast prepara^ tions that were making, and the boasting menaces thrown out against this country, excited in the spring many serious apprehensions, that an invasion would actually be attempted; and whatever the success had been, various distressing consequences must have foL lowed. Most of us expected a turbulent summer; yet, through the mercy of God, we have never enjoyed more tranquillity. Whatever induced the enemy to send so large an armament into Egypt, instead of ex* erting their whole force against Great Britain and Ire« land; we have reason to be very thankful, that they were disposed to take another course, and to leave us in peace and quietness.
I am wholly incompetent to speak of the probably consequences to be expected from the most seasonable and most decisive victory gained by Lord Nelson: but contrasted with the supposition of the French fleet having obtained such a victory over ours, they must be almost incalculable. The diminution of their naval force and the increase of ours, in so great a degree; and the probable disappointment of their plans against our distant commerce, and to deprive us of one great source of that wealth, by which we have been hitherto, by the blessing of God, enabled to maintain our na* tional independence, seems to be only a small part of the advantage. The effects produced on the minds of the European powers, on those of our own country •
V€t. ru 3 F
^iV SIKMOIf II.
men, and even on those of ihe em my , arc doubclessfveiy great; and ihc prosjKct of our bcirig able lo weallicr out the driiKiful storm U proporuonably augmented. 'll\c revolution in France, and tltc new principles and bentimentscircubtedun tliat occasion, excited in most parth of ]'luro)>e an eiiliuisiastical eagerness for /iUrti/t wtueh rcMrmbled wtoxwatwn or llic dcltnum of u fever. 1 would by no means s(x:ak aguinst true lllxrrty, and the ratioiu.1 love oi it; or tlK endeavour to impro\c and secure the measure which we povsess by every regular and projxr means; or even the sober at- tempt to communicate tlK blessing to others. But the liberty, lately conteiuled for, was utterly incompatible with the sute of regular society, and tlK- b|)sed con- dition of human lulure; it was indeed such a librrttj OS was never cstabluhctl in any nation since iIk: begin- ning of the world, nor e%-er will Ixr while the earth re- mains. In this dcltnum multitudes, in diflerent coun- tries, were ready to join tin: enemy, in violently sub- verting their ancient govmmients, arnl in substituting an untiied system, devised by ifiex|Krienccd specula- tors, who began by treating the wisdom of former ages with protouiKl contemi>L in conse(|ue nee of these hasty resolves, the tree of liberty lias been pbnted ver}- extensively; and now tlui it has produced very difl'crcntyrwjr from w hat men expected, it is too bte to root it up, and to restore the former state qf things^ uith the prospect of a gradual and ratwnol ameltora* tiori. But through the mercy of Goo, we have been preserved, till the dcltnum has in some measure subbidcd; and till most men have seen quite enough of
SERMON II. 411
tJie effects of French principles^ reduced to practice under French patronage^ to cure them of all predilec- tion for them. I apprehend, that by this time, almost every honest man, however he may disi^pprove of the state of things here in Britain, would protest against a change, to be effected in that manner, by which some neighbouring nations have been liberated from their for- mer rulers. Now, to be preserved so long in such a de- structive storm, and till it begins to subside, is a mercy which should excite abundant gratitude and praise.
That union which at present prevails among us, in a determination to withstand the designs of innovators and invadors, and in bearing the necessary burdens, is a very hopeful symptom, that the Lord will yet pro- long our tranquillity at home, and at length restore peace to the nations, in a measure by our means. We are indeed still at a great distance from that state of af- fairs, which every humane and pious person must long and pray for: yet hitherto the Lord hath preserved us, beyond our expectations, and contrary to the confident predictions of many, who foreboded nothing short of our immediate destruction.
Among our many mercies, we must by no means overlook the very plentiful harvest which the Lord has vouchsafed us, and the reduced price of almost all kinds of provisions. When I travelled through the country in June, I was ready to say, " What a beau- '* tiful prospect do the fields present? But who can ^' tell whether we shall reap the harvest, or enjoy the '* abundance of a bountiful Providence? '* The harvest however is safely gathered in, and we are preserved in
412 CIRMOK 1!.
pcicc to enjoy our plenty: and at the same time, tvt Ivive been exempted from those dreadful j>estilcntia! di*>easci, which have raj^d with destructive force in some pirts of the world. ** Oh, that men would |>niisc *' the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful '* works to the children of men! And let llicm Siicri- " fice the sacrifice of ihankjigiving, and tell out his ** works witii j;ladncss/'
Elach of the circumst:mces enumerated betrseridmt marks of the Lord's merciful interposition in our be- half: but the whole viewed to^^cthcr to conclusively demonstrates it, that I cannot understand how any pious nun, whatever his peculiar Mrniimenis may be, ean help Mxing and ownini; that God hath wrought these things, and that all parties ought to join in praise and thanks^i^ ing to his holy name.
2. I uould next enquire in wliat sense the Lord hath *• U'ithffnnvn hts hand^ and wrought for ha name*t ** sakr, that it should not be polluted in the sight of ** the heathen:" as the words may be applicable to the subject l>efore us.
My brethren, we are here reminded, not to look to instruments and second causes, so as to forget the au- thor of our deliverances. Let ad mirals, officers, sea- men, and all concerned, have due commendation and liberal rewards: but let us not give to them that hon- our which Ixrlon^ to God alone. Neither let us ascribe our safety to our insular stuaiion, to our national spirit,
the fidclitv and lo\-aliv of this or the otJier order of men,
• • •
to our powerful fleets, or our naval skiD and prowess:
for ^^t: Iiave hnd suf^.cieiit proof, that tliese confidences
SERMON II. 413
must have failed us, and hastened our ruin, if the Lord himself had not been our Protector. Let us then ac- knowledge his goodness, as well in bestowing on us our peculiar advantages, as in making use of them for our preservation in the crisis of danger.
But we must be at least equally careful not to con- sider our success as in any degree the recompence of our own righteousness: for did the occasion permit, it would be easy for me to lead your attention through a variety of scenes, descriptive of our national character, and exhibiting such ungodliness and wickedness in every rank and order of the community, as would fully prepare your minds for the alarming enquiry, ** Shall ** not I visit for these things? saith the Lord; and shall '^^ not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?" A man must either be very ignorant of the state of things in this country, or he must judge of them by a very different rule than the word of God; not to be con» vinced that, at the very time when each of the mercies before enumerated was bestowed, the Lord might very justly have executed vengeance upon us by the most desolating judgments. My brethren, the minis- ters of Christ do not mean, on this occasion, to retract the reproofs and w^arnings, which they have repeatedly given on the days appointed for humiliation, fasting, and prayer; but rather to use the consideration of our national guilt, in order to set off and commend the rich mercy of God in sparing and delivering us. We do not indeed wish to palliate the crimes of our enemies, which have been most enormous: but *' are there not [[ with us also sins against the Lord our Gody" of a very
4Ii CERUON' II.
aggravated nature? Sins not in the least repented ol, but obstiniiirly |x:rii*>tcd in, against the fullest eonvic- tion, and the most solemn uaniin^? And, conbider- ing all our religious advantages, it is not easy for us to determine which nation has most deeply provoked tlje anger of Almighty God. — \Vc may indeed adopt the words of Moses to Israel — ** Sjicak thou not in thine '* heart, after that the Lord tliy God luth cast them ** out from Ix-fore thee, saying, for my righteousness '* the l^oRD hath brougiit mc in to possess this bnd. ** Hut for the wickedness of these nations ll»c Lobo ** doth drive ihcm out from before thee. Not for thy ** righteousness, nor for ll»e uprightness of thy Ixrart, ** dost thou go in to |x>sm:ss tlie land; but for tlie wick- '* cdness of these nations the Lord thy God doth ** drive tlurm out from before tlKre.*'* Many reasons miglu be assigned, why God should inteqKJsc in our behalf, for tin: honour of his own lume: yet our national character and conduct, as in any sense entitling us to such a favour, is not one of them: but the)* arc all ex- Qcily similar to those asstgnetl in the chapter of our text, why Ik spared Israel, while their sins called loudly for his vengeance upon tliem.
It luth pleased our gracious God to send the li.;hi of his gos|Kl into this land: and, notwithstanding all our heinous crimes, we have not by any national ac renounced the profession of Christianity. On the con- trary, the holy scriptures are so fu- lud in honour, tliat
* Deut. ix. 5^.
SERMON ir. 415
they are by authority read continually in every part of the land; and by various ways copies of them are mul- tiplied, and dispersed among all ranks in the com- munity. Some degree of regard is still paid to the holy day of God; and very many instances, in which it is proflined, directly violate the law of the land, as well as break God's commandment; while provision is also made, that publick worship should be every where maintained, and divine ordinances regularly ad- ministered. These things, in some circumstances, might avail us very little, if at all; and no doubt they tend exceedingly to aggravate the guilt of multitudes. But we are now contendii^g with an enemy, which hath, by publick national acts virtually abrogated the christian sabbath, treated the scriptures with marked contempt, and almost wholly renounced Christianit}^: while many of the principal actors in these scenes have vented the most daring blasphemies against the Lord Jesus himself; nay have, in the very senate^ ut- tered with general approbation^ the language of the most unqualified atheism! Now if God should permit this people, in such a spirit, to succeed in their designs against our land; they would be emboldened in their impiety, insult over our religion, and consider them- selves as prospered in their determination to cast off the yoke of Christ, and subvert his cause in the world. If therefore, the Lord should at length dctermr.,e to punish us according to our deserts; it seems probable, that he will not employ our present enemies for that purpose; or that he will previously reduce them to an- other state of mind, and lead those in authority to pro-
416 ^LKMVZi 11.
test againbl llic blasphemies, and repeal ihc bus, ot their predecessors, aguiiibt Christ and his holy rch^ion. " I Slid I would sc;Utcr tlnrm into comers, I would •* make iIkt remembrance of them to cease from •* amon^ nicn: were it not ilut 1 feared tl>e wrath of *' the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave •* themselves strangely; and lest they should say, our •' liandis high, and the Loud hath not done all this.*'"
The Assyrians not only con(|uered tl>e surrounding Gentile lulions, but likewise tl>e idolatrous kingdom of Israel; ami Scniiachtrib thought he liad proailctJ against the Gcxi of Israel: but wIkh he attacked Ju- dah, where true religion was supjKMled and counte- nanced by authority; iIk iKxiour of Jemovau was concerned in effect u. J ly silencing the boastmgs and blasphtmits of the insulting invader, notwithstanding the hypocrisy and enormous w ickediKSs of great num- bers of the Jcwisli nation.
I cannot on this occasion conceal the ndifaction I felt in comparing the letter of our Britisli admiral, with tlK dispiches Irom the French general in Kg)pt, which arrived about the same time. * It liath pleased * Almighty God to give a great victor)' to his majes- ' ty's fleet,' says the victorious Nelson, whose courage and conduct have excited universal admiration; thus rationally ascribing the glor}' to the Lord of hosts himself: on the other hand, the French commander states, tl\at {in xi*aging war against superstition^) he and his soldiers unite in the celebration of Mahome^
• Dcut. xxxiu SS-Jt.
SERMON ir. 417
tan festivals: he throws the blame of the defeat of the French fleet on the destinies; yet, speaking of Fortune as a real person, he makes her his deity^ and says, she favoured him as long as it was necessary! So long as God is thus openly acknowledged by us, and despis- ed or defied by our enemies; we may hope, that, '* he " will withdraw his hand, and work for his name's " sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of *' the heathen."
From the aera of the Reformation to this present time, it hath pleased God to make this nation one prin- cipal support of the Protestant religion; which may be considered, widi, alas! not many exceptions, as the cause of Christianity itself. On this account likewise his glory hath been concerned in our protection; for- merly against the vehement assaults of popish powers, and lately against the designs of infidels and atheists: for could either of these pardes have accomplished their avowed designs respecting us; the interests of true religion in Europe would, as far as we can see^ have been greatly endangered. I'he Lord hath in- deed frequently made use of these enemies for our severe correction: yet " he hath not delivered us over ^* as a prey unto their teeth." But how long our pre^ servation may be necessary for the accomplishment of his wise and righteous purposes, we cannot tell: and, unless a great change should take place in our national character, he will, when his plan no longer requires us, cast us off; as he did the Jews after the coming of Christ, and the propagation of the gospel among the Gentiles.
Vol. II. 3 G
416 SERMOK 11.
Thcrf i& iikcuisc in these nations, as there was in Israel of old even in the worst of times, a remnant of true Ix-Hcvers; and ihis little flock enjoys security end Jil)erty of conscience. Now it, is reasonable to suppose, that the honour of God is, in many cases at least, concerned, to defend a country nlK-re his peoj>lc arc protected and couiHcnanced. Indeed it may be ques- tioned whcihcr any nation can Ixr said \o hai'c JlUctl up lis measure 9/ iniquity^ %%hile a cciusiderable numlKT of true Ix-lievers remain in it, and are unmolested by persecution. The Christuns liad long been cnielly [>en»ecuted by the Jews, and had scptrated entirely from il>em. Ix^fore ihe predicted vengeance was poured out upon lliat devoted rv.tion.
The number of real Christi.mb m Britain, though small in comparison of the inhabitants at large, uould, I trust, if collected together, form a \Try considerable aompany. All thcM: truly repent of their ow n sins, and arc humbled for them as a jwrt of our natioiunl guilt; they all *' sigh and mourn for tl>e alxjmiiiations** tluit pre\*ail; they protest against tliem, and endeavour in some measure to counteract them. Tliey are decidedly on the Loan's part in the midst of the alx>unding in- fidelity, iniquity, and impiety of the nation; and, ac- cording to tl>e degree of tlnir fairfi, grace and know- ledge of tlie scripture!^, they pray for the peace of the land in which ihcy enjoy peace. Tliey pretend not in- deed to intercede \\ iih x\\c eiKTgy and success of Abra- ham; or of Moses, Joshua, Klijah, haiah, Hczeliah, Daniel, or others, who prevailed in prayer for I>rael •fold: but ihcv use the same plcn. !x>th in their own
SERMON II. 419
behalf, and in behalf of the nation; and beseech God to spare and deliver us, for the honour of his name, *' that it should not be polluted in the sight of the '* heathen."
Several ministers have united, within the course of the year, to excite their own and each other's congre- gations, to pray earnestly for our beloved country, in these perilous and critical times: and, while infidels deride, and mere politicians overlook, such means of national preservation; it is aliiictive to observe, that some whom we would consider as brethren, have mis- vmderstood us, and have supposed that we meant to excite people to pray for the destruction of our eriemies, and the gratification of national ambition^ rapacity^ or resentment y by bloody victories. But, I think, I may answer for most of those concerned, and probably for every individual; that to be preserved from invasions, civil wars, and persecutions; and to have the invalua- ble blessing of religious light and liberty continued to us and to our posterity, has formed the substance of our united supplications in this respect. We should have been rejoiced, if the rulers of France would have formed devices, so salutary to themselves and safe to their neighbours, that we could explicidy and cordially have besought God to prosper them: but if they will persist in attempting to make this country the seat of war, to inundate it with blood, to overturn our go- vernment, and destroy our religion; we must continue to pray, * Abate their pride, assuage their malice, and * confound their devices,'' We have prayed especially ^or peace; and it vv'culd have gratified every feeling of
420 CIRKON If.
oiir hearts, to have been secured from iK* thngerf wliich impended over us, without t!)c loss of a single life: but if the Lord God of our salvation sees good to answer us, ** by terrible tliinj^ in righteousness," ** who are we that we should reply against God?" Hezekiah and Isiiiah dou))tless would have chosen the softening, humljling, and chai>ging of Sennacherib's heart, rather than tlic destruction of his armv: but if he continue to l>oast, menace, and blasp!)cme; and the Lord declare, tlmt he will ** put a hook in his nose, ** and a bridle in his lips, and turn him bock by the ** way in which he came;" and if it please the Foun- tain of wisdom and justice to do this, even by the aw- ful destruction of a hundred and eighty-fi\*c thousand men: slull iIk- proiectcti and delivered senants of God f]uarrel with him on this account, or refuse to render him their tribute of grateful praise^ I trust, numbers have prayed in the spirit of humble faith, and love, and zeal for the lionour of God and tlxr interests of true relieion: and verily God hath heart! us, he liath hi- therto confounded the devices of our enemies, and hath preserved peace in our lx>rders, TIk- honour of his name, we trust, rendered it proper for him to an- swer the prayers of his |xx>ple; while with one con- sent many thousands pleaded, ** O Lord, though our •• iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name's ** sake.'* On all these accounts therefore l»e hath with- drawn his hand: and notwithstanding our provocations we are preserved, for tlie same reasons w hich induced him to spare and protect the nation of Israel during many revolving ages.
I SEKMON II. 421
III. I proceed therefore, in the last place, to deduce some practical instructions from the preceding view of our national mercies and our present circumstances. In doing this we must particularly ad\'crt to the spe- cial object of this day, appointed for publick thanks- giving. We are, my brethren, met together, to return thanks to Almighty God, not for the restoration of peace and the prospect of permanent tranquillity; but for preservation in the midst of a most perilous and destructive war: and even this preservation must be ascribed to the Lord's special unmerited mercy shewn to a most guilty land, for the purposes of his own glo- ry. We cannot therefore consistently give the least countenance to that spirit of boasting, exulting, and vaunting ourselves or our countrymen, above others, which is natural to men amidst sicrnal successes. A con-
o
sistant Christian will be pained to hear even of Bri- tain's ruling the waves; for he knows that the Lord alone possesses the sovereign authority over the sea and the dry land; and gives dominion to whom he pleases, and for what term of time he pleases. He cannot listen with patience^ much less with pleasure^ to vain glorious declamations on the great things we have done, or the honour and glory of Britain among the nations; for he knows that '* Except the Lord of ** hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we *' should have been like Sodom and Gomorah.'' ** The " Lord'' indeed, *' hath done great things for us, for " which we rejoice," with humble gratitude and ad- miration: and he hath enabled many of our country- men to fill up their places in a proper manner, and hath
422 siiicov II.
honoured llicm a^ his instruments iti our prrscrv-atitjii. To him therefore lK*|r>ng glory and praise; but to Ui bclonp shame and confusion of face, for our numerous and heinous provocations. ** It is of tl)C Lord*s mer- •* cies we are not consumed:" and our mutual con- gratulations, as well as ihankspivinj^, should Ix: Icm- jH.rcd with deep humiliiy and sclfalxisement.
A confident spirit loo, is peculiarly unsuitable to our character ami situation. Wc have been indeed hitherto prc^erved from slupwreck in a most tremendous storm, during wliich many Iiave been dashed on the rocks or sunk in the ocean: but the hurricane still rages, atid may soon, for wliat we know, bea^mc more furious than ever. The vcrv means, by whicli GoD hath hitlurrto preserved us, may e:isily be turned against us; and we are in all rcs|)ects entirely in tlie hatKis of Mim, * who for our sins is most justly displeased.' ** Rejoice with trembling," should tlK-refore be our motto. — I'ven if peace on the most desirable terms were ratified; the man. who judges according to the Bible, would not think our coiKlition b}* any means safe; so long as a general reformation of manners and an effectual revival of rtlieion ha\'e not Uiken place, and so long as even sanctionetl injustice, oppressiont and cruelty, however protested against, still maintaia their ground. Tlie purtictJar call of the day is to bleas and praise the Lord for his mercies: but tiK f^nteral call of the times is to " weeping and mourning, and ** girding with sack-cloth." We may indeed humbljr hojK*, tluit he who ** hath delivered, and doth deliver, '* will vet dcli\er:'* but we should bcw*arcof self-con-
SERMON ir. 423
fideace; or confidence in our national resources, our fleets and armies, our valour and good policy, or in an arm of flesh however exerted. And wt ought at le?.st to be equally upon our guard against a presumptuous confidence, like that of the Jews, " The temple of the *' LorvD, the temple of the Lord, are these;'* while no care is taken to '* amend our ways and our doings:" from a vain imagination that God will certainly deliver us, even though we continue to act, as if we thought ourselves delivered, on purpose to proceed in our re- bellious courses. For my part, I shall never think the< danger over till a general endeavour be manifested among all ranks and orders of men in the land, to pro- mote the cause of genuine Christianity, m principle and practice, through their several circles; attended by a conscientious performance of the duties of their several places, and improvement of their various talents, to the honour of God and the good of men: and till a general protest be entered against every species of in- fidelity, impiety, oppression, venality, and profligacy. For the invasion of the land by these spreading evils, is far more formidable to the spiritual mind, than even that of the most numerous and well appointed armies of enraged enemies; and indeed it is now making more dire havock of men's souls, than the French them- selves have hitherto made of their bodies.
It is likewise peculiarly incumbent on us, to watch against all impatience under the pressure of the times. We should compare our burdens, losses, and trials, with those which W€ have deserved, and which have actually desolated many other countries: and thus,
4i4 SERMON XX.
while wc cannot but feel, that the war has greatly Im- povcriblicdand dihlrci>scd numbers, and still bears very heavily on us; the spirit of murniurinj^ will give place to tlut of patience, contentment, and lively gratitude. Indeed this is the grand difficulty, in respect of the service in which we are now engaged. For while pride and love of wordly objects prevail, and the state of things exceedingly impedes men's desired success, and involves ihem in manilulddifficultieb and straits; it is vain to exixxt tlut they will be truly and durably tli:inkful for live most evident interjiositionsof a merci- ful Providence, to preserve tliem from vastly more dreadful calanniies. And as evai pious Christiana arc fiir from tJiat depth of humilit) and fervency of spiritu- al aO'ections, uhich become their ciiaracter and situa- tion: the same causes render lliem proportionabi) prone toim|>atience, and IxjcLuard to the sweet duly of praise and thank^»giving. IKncc it arises, that it is more diffi- cult to pre\ail with men in general, to unite cordially in this moir rcasonabic service^ tlian perliaps in any other; and // d gratitude to Cjoo, in some mea-
sure proportioned to his unmerited inestimable bene- fits, is almost, if not absolutely, the most uncommon attammcnt in tlic world. Rut the due consideration of the evil snd desert e f sin; of our own exceeding smfulness; of the miseries which a just and merciful God is pleased to inBict on oVir fallen race in this world, and to threaten in anoilwr; on tin: ricl^es of redeeming love, and the sufferings of ihe divine Saviour; on the privileges and prospects of the real christLin, and liis infinite obligations to the God of liis salvation, which
SERMON II. 425
are daily and hourly accumulating; and on the blessed inheritance reserved for him in heaven, after the light and momentary afflictions of this present world: These reflections, I say, are suited to counteract our propen- sity to ingratitude, to repress our murmurs, and to make us fervent in thankfulness; when otherwise wc might repine in proud and sullen discontent.
We should likewise, my brethren, consider how the view which we have taken of the subject, sug- gests the most powerful motives and encouragements to persevering Importunity in prayer. Yet it is to be feared, that many, who, in the crisis of danger and alarm, felt the propriety of joining in this important service, are grown slack in wrestling with God for the land, even in consequence of having apparently beguu to prevail! But is not this most unreasonable as wel! as ungrateful? Surely the language of the Psalmist contains the proper sentiment on this occasion; " I " love the Loud, because he hath heard my voice, " and my supplication; because he hath inclined his " car unto me; therefore will I call upon him as long ^^ as I live.^""^ And the words of the apostle form our proper instruction; *' Continue in prayer, and watch " in the same with thanksgiving."! Let us then, my brethren, not only persist, in publick, in our fam.ilies, and our closets, /^tA/i/z/, but more copiously if we have opportunity, on the Lord's day, J to beseech God to spare our guilty land, and to avert the calamities that
* Ps. cxvi. 1, 2. t 2 Col. iv. 2.
Vol. II. 3 H
42/> 6E1M0K II.
Still threaten us: but kt us also take coarA|*€ to hope and pray for still more abufulant and ifn|K>rtant ljic»- sin^; lor ** tlic cfRctual fervent prayer of a righteous ** man availctli much;" ai>d, ** if luo o/* yoi/," (of Chri&t'struc diM:iplcs,) ** !fthall aj^ree on earth, as touch- '* ing any thing (hnt they sliall ask; it &lwill be done •* for tlKm of my Father uliich b in Ju.aven."»
It may, perliaps, be useful licre to remark, tl«t Isaiah, whose pniycr arailcd so much against tin: |)o\v- er uf the proud bUspl>eniing Sennaclicrib; when lie .nau the glory of Israel's Ciod and HJUicsscd tl>e ado- rations of tl>e exalted Seraphim, cried out ** Woe is ** mc! for I am undone, for I am a man of unckan lips:** and tluit before Job was lK>iK>ured to be tlie appointed and accepted intcTCcssor for his friends, tic i% as brought to say, ** I ablu*r myself, and rr|)cnt in dust and ashes.*' Let notK* then from conscious and lamented unuor- thine^ yield to discouragement in praying for the kind, or in e\|K:cling a gracious answer to their feeble sup* plications One scJdier indeed can do little towards re- nistiiig an inviidingarmy; luit if even* stiklicr, on that prcttncir^ sJHHild dcsctt las post, iIm: bitd would be left d^^ fenceless: in like manner every Christian, who on tilts or ony other giound, refuses to join his pray- ers in this emergency, deserts his |K>st; aixl did all his ba'thrcn imitate the example, our land would be left exposed and defenceless imlcxd.
\\ hile some persuade tlicmselvcs tliatthe obstruc tions to a safe and desirable jx-ace arc feu and sniall;
• MMtl. ^vlii. !9. a'^.
SIRMON II. 427
others seem to think, that they are, and must for a long time continue, absolutely insurmountable. But, whatever they may be; if the whole company of Chris- tians in Britain could be induced to unite in fervent prayer for this most desirable blessing, in behalf of this land and of the harassed nations on the continent; I am persuaded we should soon be called upon to join m thanksgiving for peace. If we wrestle and prevail with God, as Jacob did, we shall also prevail with men. How effectually did Nehemiah's ejaculation, " O Lord " give me favour in the sight of this man,'' avail to the restoration of the almost hopeless state of Jerusa- lem and Judah! " When a man's ways please the " Lord, he maketh his enemies to be at peace with ^' him;" and we have ground from our success hither- to, to expect confidently, that he will hear our sup- plications in this respect also, and dispose the hearts of our enemicj cordially to desire peace; or place those in authority who are desirous of it; or by some other means remove every obstacle, though to us it appear an immoveable mountain. And it would, I own, give me far greater satisfaction to have the prayers of the church of God in Britain considered, as the means of restoring peace to the nations, than as availing for the most brilliant victories. Nay, I feel no hesitation in ad- ding, that I should unspeakably more rejoice, if God would dispose and assist us to pray, and answer our prayers, for poor, oppressed, and almost desolated France, a-ad send to its inhabitants the blessings of peace, true rational liberty, good government, and the gospel of salvation; than to see her prostrate at the
428 sEBiio.v II.
feet of Britain, supplicating peace on the most humili- ating terms.
But let us not stop even here, my brethren; I^l us ilso take cncouragemci4 from past success, to pray more earnestly and constantly, that *' the Spirit may be •* |)oured oiit upon us from on high:*' tlut all ihc min- istcrs of religion, liowcver distingui^lKcl, may * Ixr il-
* luminaied with the true knowledge and undcrsiand-
* ing of tlK. holy word of (»od, and l>oth by their life
* and doctrine set it forth and shew it acconlingly:* ' that all who are called Christians mav Ik* led into tlte
* way of truth, and hold t lie faith, in unity of spirit, in
* the t)ond of peace, and in righteousness of life:* tliat purity in doctrine and practice may adoni every pan of the Christian church; and that ever}* thing, which breaks its harmonv, dcfurms its beautv, or wcakenR the energy of its testimony to the truth, may be remov- ed; that labourers andy(i//V/i//4/ stewards of God \,mys- teries may txr sent forth and multiplied: tlut an ( tual stand may Ix: made against infidelity, impiety, and ever}' species of Antichristianity: tlwt hea\enly wisdom and grace, with every blessing, tcm|K>ral and spiritual, may be abundantly conferred on our gracious Sovereign, and every branch of the royal family; on our nobles, counsellors, ministers of state, senators, r. !:;istrates, and ;;11 who j)ossess power and inRuenee; and tluteach person, in his vocation and ministr)*, may glorify God, and sene his generation, faithfully and effectually. Let us be \ct\ |xirticubr, frequent, and importunate in supplications to this eflect rememl err- ing, from time to lime, all the different orders and
SERMON U. 429
descriptions of men in the nation; the seminaries of publick or private education, especially those in which young persons are educated, on whom the charge of supporting true religion, or conducting publick busi- ness, will ere long devolve; the plans formed for train- ing up properly the children of the poor, preventing crimes, reforming the vicious, or alleviating misery; and especially every plan for spreading the gospel of salvation in the world.
If, laying aside all party- disputes. Christians in ge- neral would cordially unite in prayers to this eftcct; without any doubt, we should speedily witness a bless- ed change. In this manner the apostles and disciples, (about one hundred and twenty persons,) continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, from the ascension of Christ to the day of Pentecost, when " the *' Spirit was poured out upon them from on high:" and then in a short time, their numbers were increased to many tens of thousands, and such a revolution took place in the world, among Jews and Gentiles, as a little while before must have appeared almost impos- sible.
Again, the preceding statement of our national mercies and situation loudly calls on every one of us to improve our advantages, while they are continued to us. It may be feared, that many join the publick rejoicing for victories and success, and perhaps feci a kind of transient natural gratitude for preservation, like that of Israel at the Red Sea, \A\o **soon forgat ** the works of God, and waited not for his counsel. "*
*Ps. cyi. 12, 13.
430 SERMOK II,
— And am I not even now 3d(?rcs*^ing myself to many ifKlividiiuls, who are \trr eaj^tr ( )r news, wann in div puling al>out politicks, elated by victories, alarmed and dejected by defeats; but who biill continue to trample on the commandments, and neglect the |:jreat salvatioHp of God. To every |xrr>c)n of this description I would say, Poor deluded mortal! ** Despisest thou the riches •* of his goodness, and forbearance, and long-stifTering; ** not knowing that tin* goodness of Ciod lea(!cth thee •• to rejxrntauce? but after ihy lurdness aiul imiKni- •* tent heart, trcastirest up tmto thy velf w rath, against •* the day of wrath, and revelation of tlie righteous ••judgment of Clod, who will render to ever}' manac- •• cording to his works?'* — •• The end of all things w •*aihand.'* — •* 1 ! i!k- Judge starulcth at the door.^
— ** For what is your life? it is e\Tn a ^-apour which ** eontinucth a htlle while, aixl then van i^Jicth away/' And wlut will natioiial deliverances nnd success avail, when God slull sjy, *' Tlicu fool, thib night thy soul •* shall lie required of tliee?" — To persons of this de- scription, (alas, it i% most lamentable to observe how they c\ery wlK-re alx>und,) I would with all earnest- ness and afTcction say, *' Seek ye the Loin while l>c '* may l)e found: Call ye u|>on fum while he is near. •• Let tlu* wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous ** m in his thoughts; and let him return untotlie I^io« '* and he will have mercy up«m him, and to our (iod ** and he ^^ ill abuiKl«nil\ pardon." '* lkl>old, now is •• the aecepietl time. IV hold, now is iIk day of salva. •*'tion.'' Nay, though it is .t day of holy joy to be- lievers, I would also add, *' Be afflicted, at'd mourn.
SERMON If. 431
^* and weep: let your laughter be turned into mourn- " ing and your joy into heaviness: humble yourselves ** under the mighty hand of God," that he **may ex- ** alt you in due time."
Should the Lord give us up to deserved ruin, and deprive us of our invaluable, but alas, greatly despis- ed, religious advantages; the loss would most awfully be felt in the event, not by those who prize and im- prove them, but by you who neglect them, and \vho are now the least concerned about their preservation. Hear therefore the words of the Saviour and Su(]y;-^ of the world, " Yet a little while is the Light with you: •' walk while ye have the light; lest darkness come ** upon you; for he that walketh in darkness, knoweth " not whither he goeth. While ye have the light be- ** lieve in the Light, that ye may be the children of *' light."
The believer likewise should earnestly be called upon to improve his advantages, while they are conti- nued; not only in *' giving diligence to make his calling " and election sure;" but in '' doing good to all men," as he has opportunity and ability; " Redeeming the " time> because the days are evil." It would be ab- surd, my brethren, to pray for blessings on our be- loved country, without using proper means in order to secure those blessings. An example of quiet and peaceable subjection, and the use of all our influence to promote union and order, should accoUipany our prayers for preservation from domcstlck disturbances: and still more important is it that our prayers, for spi- ritual blessings, should be followed by the improve-
4S8 S£BMON II.
i>t i>j
mcnt of our i>cvcral talcnU, to promote ihc cau; Cliribiianiiy in our several circles. It bcems evident, on scrij)tunil principles, thai ll>e company of real be- lievers, who unite in prayer for the bnd, constitutes its beiit security in these alarming times; and in pro- portion as they uixlcrsland and j^crform their several parts consislctilly, the numlKT of them may Ixr ex- pec ted to increase. While ilierefore, they to whom the care of outwardly providing for our national defence, are sedulously emplo)ed, in enlisting and disciplining soldiers, and manning our navy, by which tlie force of the nation becomes gradually more lormidable: it is our concern to use every means of increasing tlic BumlxT of true ChrtstbnH, and of promoting tlveir edification; that these peaceful warriors may be multi- plied, and rendered more cxi>ert and prompt in the use of ihtir spiritual armour. If ever)- real believer should, in the course of a few years, be an instrument of adding but one or two to this company; the number would be s(xxi doubled or trebled. If every faithtul minister slK>uld be prosjicred, besides his other use- fulness, in calling forth one or two to preach the gos- pel fully and efFeciually; wlut a progress might we ex- pect to make in a course of time! And if Christians in general were better accjuaiiucd with every* pan of iheir holy religion; they would more edily one an- other, and *' let iIku* light sliine much more before ** men.'*
I'arents, masters of families, and all especially who have influence over odKrs, should diligently study die duties ot liicir several rclatioDS| and earnestly pray to
SERMON II, 433
be enabled properly to fulfil them. They should be very assiduous in correcting whatever is faulty in their own conduct and tempers, and in exhibiting genuine Christianity in its native beauty by their examples; while they endeavour, by their conversation and every suitable means to recommend it to others. The effect of such a plan, if generally adopted and cordially en- tered on by all real Christians, would probably in the course of a few years be immense. This, this, my brethren is the grand thing w^anting among us: the revival of religion must begin in the church; and when they who preach and profess the peculiar doctrines of Christianity, shall with one consent make it their lead- ing aim to '* let their conversation be, as it becometh " the gospel of Christ," while " they stand fast in one " spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith " of the gospel;" I have no doubt but a general and rapid spread of true religion will be witnessed; not» v^^ithstanding all the conspiracies of infidels^ or the ef- forts and expectations of such, as sedulously devise to substitute a rtiore philosophical system in the room of '* the doctrine of God our Saviour." Indeed, when- ever it shall please the Lord to enlarge the boundaries of his church, according to the prophecies of his holy word; he will, we may be confident, previously purify her from all false doctrine, superstition, and iniquity; and rouse his people from lukewarmness; take them off from unprofitable disputes; cure them of their pro- pensity to make some doctrines, that are much con« troverted but ill understood, and excuse for neglecting Vol, II, 3 I \
4^4 SERUOK II.
tlicir most evident duties; and excite il)Cin to improve their several talents lo i! e glory ol his name.
Let me riirihcr obscne, my hrcihien, lliat llic prin- ciple, on which I have altempled lo explain the deal- ings of Pro\ idtncc in rehjH;cl oi this nation, is no oilier tlon that of Christ ia nit t/ ttsrif: so \\u\\ every true be- liever, reviewing his past experience and conduct, will |xrrceive and llinnlkilly acknowledf^e, that the Lobd •' luih wrought, " in rcs|K-ct of him, ** for his own •• name's sake;" and will be able to form iIk; senti- ment into a powerful plea, in |MMyer for all tlut is yet wanting to complete hi!» sahation; ai.d to enable him through life to act conMstenily uitli his profi ssion, and to be '* btedfasi, unmoveable, always abounding in the •* work of iIk" Loiin, as knowing tliat his labour is not " in vain in tlie Lord.'* Whatever wisdom or ability is necessary to tlu; magistrate, tin: minister, the prent, die head of a family, or tlK man poascucd of wealth and influence, in onlcr to fill up Ins station to iIk- Ik>- nour of the gosix-1; Ik- nuy on this grountl confidently cx|x*ct it, in answer to his prayers. notwiUistanding his conscious unwortliineiks: because tlx- glory of Hod is concerned in tiK- conduct of ever)- iiKiividuul u ho pro- fesses his truth; which will be dishonourctl, yea, bias- phemcd, among unbelievers, if lie act inconsistently with his profession.
'Vo conclude, it is not ncccssar)*, tliat I should s{)cak jKinicularly to you my brellircn, on the way in which we ought to celebrate a day of public k dunksgi\ ing. The disciple of Christ cannot mistake canto/ mirth for humble gratitude. My rejoicings for tin: most
SERMON II. 435
ble and important victories, must be mingled with sympathetick tears on account of the numloers, whe- ther friends or foes, who are bowed down with a load of sorrow for events connected with our national suc- cess. This cannot consist with boisterous exulting joy: but it suits with the spirit of rejiecting admwitig gratitude^ and tends to preserve the mind from every ext'^eme.
Though unable, from peculiar circumstances, to adopt the same plan; yet 1 cannot but bear my testi- mony on this occasion to the conduct of those minis- ters and congregations, who accompany their grateful tribute of adoring praises to our gracious God, with publick collections for the relief of the w'idows and orphans of those our defenders who have fallen in bat- tle, or for other charitable purposes. A hint is suffi- cient: your individual liberality may supply the want of a publick contribution; and the money that numbers spend in intemperate feastings, and other customary expressions of joy; if employed in relieving distress, and making glad the heart of the sorrowful, as the ge- nuine effect of evangelical principles, will be " fruit " which shall abound to your own account;" yea, it will be, *' a sacrifice, acceptable, well-pleasing unto " God," through Christ Jesus our Lord; to whom, with the Father and the eternal Spirit, the One God of our salvation, be ascribed glory and honour, praise and thanksgiving, for ever and ever, Amen.
SERMON III.*
?8ALM CXVf« 8.
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call uf>on him as long as I live*
1 HIS PMlmis notfxprrasly tscrilxxl to D.ivid: yet il is f^ncrally sup|x>bc<1 to have !)erti uriltci) by him. He is called in scripture •* the man after God's own ** heart:" and it lias often been enquired on what ac count this high cliaractcr is given him. Among Oliver reasons, this may be assigned; thai in ever)- circum- stance of danger and difliculiy, lie made ilie Lord hit Refuge and Confidence, andsou;,'ht him by the fenent pravcr of faiih; and whenever he obtained deliverance and success, he ascrilxrd all ihc glory to God, and ren- dered to him the tribute of adoring grateful praise.
! purjx)sc to apply tlic verse, which I have read, to our concern in the publick affairs of the church and nation. — Not one only, but multitudes in concert, both
• Preached at ihc cloa« of a icrict of lectures, on the aigni and duiict of the times, by a society of clcr^mcn, in or nemr I^aodiDf and published at their nmmiinotu rcqucit, 18o:.
SERMON III. 437
of those now assembled, of others inhabiting; this city, and in all thedifterent parts of Great Britain, have uni- ted in prayer for the land: and "the Lord hath in- ** clined his ear unto us," and, beyond our expecta- tions, has granted our requests; therefore '* we will call ** upon him as long as we live."
Let us then my brethren,
!• Consider the fact, " He hath inclined his ear " unto us."
n. The acknowledgment which we ought publickly to make of this goodness and truth of God to us, according to the subsequent language of the Psalmist. " I will offer to thee, the sacrifice of *f thanksgiving, and will call on the name of the "Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord, " now in the presence of all his people; in the *' courts of the Lord's house: in the midst of *' thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord."
" Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his " goodness, and for his wonderful works to the " children of men! And let them sacrifice the *' sacrifice of thanksgiving, and declare his works *' with rejoicing."
IIL Let us consider the concluding resolution: " Therefore will I call upon him as long as I
L Let us consider the fact, God hath inclined his
ear unto us; he has heard and answered our prayers.
It would take me far from my design, should I en-
438 SEtuov irr.
tcr particularly on the nature and effects of those pub- lick convulsions, which durinj; the late years, like a political earllujuakc, have shaken all Europe. The consequences of the first disturlnnces were such as exceeded conception; die possible effects defied tly: jKjwcrs of calculation; no man could conceive how, or where, or when, tl>c wide spreadinj^ desolations would terminate; no man. after a time, could consider liis property, his liberty, his family, his verj- life, se- cure. The baleful effects of infidel principle*, and prin- ciples of insulx)rdination aiui anarchy, meiuced awful- ly the deslrtiction of our holy religion. \Vc could not but mourn over the miseries and destruction of our fellow-creatures in oilier lands: but wc also could not but tremble for ourselves. One year after another x\\c storm pntlKred force, aiKl the danger Ijccame more for- midable. Our fears jxrhaps cxceedetl our dan^rs. Even such as had not Ixen used to tremble, at least not greatly to tremble, at the word of God, be^an to lake the abrm: and it became the grneral sentiment, tliat tlie limes called for peculiar exertion and decided measures; nay, for humiliation before God and united prayer.
No doubt, before publick afLirs wore so direat- cning an aspect, numbers, in all piirts of d>e land, had secretly, and in their families and social intercourse, pouretlout tlKir supplications for our beloved country and kint:, for our constitution, for our holy religion: but still it appeared to some of us, tlial the limes cal- led for more avowal and united efibrts in this and in ollu r ri sj)ecls. \\h<n ronvi rsing loprthcr nn t^r
SERMON III. 439
aspect of publick aftairs, we remembered those words, ** The Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and the man " of wisdom shall see thy name: Hear ye the rod and *' who hath appointed it." We saw or supposed we saw, 'Miis hand Hfted up." We considered all crea- tures and second causes as ordered l^y him, who per- mits, limits, over-rules, and works by all, his own wise, righteous, and merciful purposes. We said, *' Because *' of thy wrath are we troubled; for our secret sins are ** in the light of thy countenance." We were deeply affected by contrasting our national privileges with our national character; the sins of the land and of the church; the infidelity, impiety, profligacy, and cruel iniquity, which prevailed, in some awful instances still sanctioned by professedly Christian legislators. These things alarmed us far more than the power and success of our enemies; and we seriously enquired, ' What can we do, in such circumstances, more than we now do, to stem, the torrent, and to turn away the wrath of God from our guilty land?' We had before consider- ed it as our bounden duty to remember, in our daily prayers, the perilous state of the church and nation, and to exhort our congregations to do the same; but still we doubted, as ministers of Christ, whether something did not remain for us to attempt.
While thus reflecting and conversing on these sub- jects from time to time, with no small anxiety; not only did the annual proclamation of our king, appointing a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, convince us siill more, that the Lord God called us to peculiar duties, in this emergency; but our superiors in the
440 SIEMON 111.
church i^nvc unequivocal inlimations, that they were of thr same opinioi): and it was evident from many decla- rations, tluil almost ever}' scri<ui5 person thought something beyond common efforts ought to be at- tempted.
At this crisis, the Society, uhich it this day dissol- ved, was first formed: a small number of clergymen in the mctrojHjlis, in tl>e habits of friendly unrestrict- ed intercourse on such subjects, entered into a reso- lution to assist each other, in endeavouring to stir up tlieir congregations. 1st. To personal self-examina- tion, rrpentaiKe, and religious diligrfK:c. 2dly. To use their influence in clicking the progress of infidelity, jmpict)-, and vice; and promoting scriptural chrisl'tan- ity, in their families and among tlKir connexions. 3dly. To prny constantly for tiic nation, and for t))e church of (iod that is among us: and also, as connected wiih tiR'sc ends, to strengtlien, as far as our little influence would extend, the hands of our go%emours; arxi to ex- hort iIk people to •* fear God and honour the king, and •• not to meddle with those who are given to change/'
But, while \\c confined our exhortations to our own people, it occurred to us, that we might be considered merely as delivering a private opinion, which would l)e but liiile regardetl: in order therefore to impress the minds of our several congngai ions more deeply, with the conviction tl\at we were entirely agreed in our opinion on * the signs and duties of the times;' we fomuxl the pbn of preaching on the subject at stated seasons for each otlicr. This luis Ixren continued for a consideniblc time; and by pri\atc ;iddrcsses and some
SERMON Illk 441
pubiicatlons, wc have endeavoured to stir up our bre- thren, both in London and through the Land, to join with us in these exertions; especially in constant unit- ed prayer for our country, and Tor the cliurch of God.
It is not easy for us to estimate the degree of sue- cess, which hath attended our endeavours: but we may fairly assume, that in consequence, numbers have prayed more frequently, more particularly, more fervently, than they would have done; and that there has been more con- cert in prayer, than there might otherwise have been. At the same time we remember that our Lord has said, " Where two agree on earth as touching any thing " that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my ** Father which is in heaven." It may also be assum- ed, that some farther accessions have been made to the number and seriousness of those, *' who sigh and *' mourn for the abominations that prevail;" and who, in various ways, exert themselves to stem the torrent of impiety, and to turn away the indignation of the Lord from our guilty land.
Let us also recollect, that by whatever means or in- struments we are preserved, it is God who hath pre- served us; and that " he delighteth in the prayer of the *' upright:" and then we shall be prepared, (without undervaluing the services of men, however employed,) to adopt the language of the text, '* The Lord hath *' inclined his ear unto us."
Surely it is in answer to the prayers of God's ser- vants, that, while almost every country in Europe, has
Vol. II.. 3 K
442 sBkMON III.
Ixtii III ;uL uit ^ ..I ui \\.\r, <klii,i;cd uiih bltxxl, and cxi)oscd to dreadful dcvaMatJons hv fire and sword; we have had |xr;icc in our bordcn*. Our ebtablislicd government, our civil constitutiun, (rendered more valuable than ever to reflecting |x:r!>cms, by eompari- flon with its boasted rivals,) are preserved to us. Ni> rcvo1ufi(»n, uu civil bloodshed, no cotnulsions, have here taken place. Our snbl>ath<(, our churclies, our n ligious cst.iWislimcnt*, ouriolerati«in, arc continued. Few, ver)* few rc)mparati\cly, have lost their lives, in this dreadful Mr * . by llur swonl of justicx^; (a won- derful proof of I..V )....daiKlec)uitable spirit of our con- btitution!) Our commerce and m;uuifjctures, the sup- port of tin- |Kx>r, ond the resources of the |Hil>lick, ds well as the uealth of individuals, are not materially in- jurcd; nay« in many coses, arc unimpaired and im- pro\ttl. We have had scarcity, urgent scarcity: but astonisliinjj •^t.i it'ics from al>road Ittvc Ixxn vouch-
s;iret], till Pi ..cc has favoured us with a harvest
plentiful almost beyoiul example At Icn^h, peace is made, as well as plenty, in good measure, restored; and pleasing prospects open to our \iew. — Can wc remember our prayers, during many years, often ac- companied wiih distressing alarms and sorrows; and then refuse tosav, '* Verilv (icxl luilli lieard us?" Arc not these deliverances and mercies answers to our prayers? Vou have often heard, and will no doubt again hear, the |urticul.u* instances in \\hich a kind ainl bountiful Vro\idrnce has interposed in our iKhalf: but I sliall only oikr twu hints on tins subject- It is not likely tliat truly pious Christians generally luiitc in prayer, for
SERMON III. 443
the aggrandisement of their own country, and the de- struclion of their enemies: though they are often ac- cused of it. They would wish, if possible, to prevent the effusion of human blood, and the calamities of their fellow- creatures: but they pray to be defended from in- vasions and desolations; they pray for the peace of the land in which they enjoy peace; and a blessing on the persons and measures of their rulers, w ho protect them in the enjoyment of their civil and religious privileges; and they pray for the preservation of those valued pri- vileges, to themselves, their fellow- subjects, and pos- terity to remote generations. At the same time, ho\\'- ever unavoidable and just any war may be, it cannot be reasonably expected, but that human passions will mingle in the prosecution of it; and that motives of ambition, rapacity, resentment, or worldly policy, will dictate some measures; and so, carry men beyond what is necessary for self-defence. Now, my brethren, I would particularly call your attention to this circum- stance, in the history of the late war. Every measure, without exception, either more or less immediately con- nected with our own defence, has l^een wonderfully successful: but several which had for their object rather the annoyance of our enemies, than our own preserva- tion, though planned in consummate policy, viewed with most sanguine expectation, and conducted with ability and fortitude, have proved unavoidably unpros- pcrous: and, in thus dealing with us, has not God, as it were, said, ' I answer the prayers of my people, w^hich thej offer according to my will, and protect the land; but further than this I do not give success?'
"^44 utuMos iir.
Again, could \vc al>oiit lifitx-ninomhhaj^oluvc fore- seen the present state of publick aft'iirs, should we not have considered it, as a wonderful answer to our sup- plications? The prospect was then \vr\' gloomy. Oilr allies had left us, ()Krl)ii]>s inuvoidablyj to sustain alone the apparently uiKtjual contest: the|x>wcrsofthc north combined to deprive us of our naval su|xrionty: even our rulers evidently were not without apprehen- sions llut an invasion would lie attempted: a scarcity approximating to famine, pressed upon us: it Ixxame doubtful uIriIkt su|)plies from abrfiad could \ic pro- cured, to sustain x\\c |H-ople till har^r^i; and what llwt harvest would be, ulio could tell? Urgeti by such dis- tresses, wlut mi^ht not luve been leand from the suf- feritip multitudes? wlut advantages might not the dis- aflected at home, as well as our foreign enemies, luvc detained? No doubt the more we were pressed ;md olarmetl, the greater eariRstnevs in prayer was excited. * Man's extremity is Cjod's opportunity.* These clouds are all now dLsj>erse<l! A plentiful harvest has supplied our wants. Our successes ami negotiations have (|uclled tlie nortlK-rn storm: |)eace is made widi Fninte: my tongue caniK>t do justice to the change which in litUe more than a year has taken pbce. 1 can only stand as- tonished, and call on you, my brethren, saying, ** Oh '* mitgnify the Lokd with me, and let us exalt his " n;mie togetlKr!*'
II. I prrx-eed to sIkw the a(kiH)\\ lodgment, which we arc called on to make, to that God ** who hath in- •* clined his ear to us,'* and** answxrcd us in d)c daj ** of our distress,**
SERMON III. 445
And here I shall digress a little to advert to several topicks, which I hear advanced; not indeed with a de- sign to shew, that we ought not to be thankful; but yet suited to damp the spirit of grateful joy, which I wish to feel and excite with unabated fervour.
Many entertain an opinion, that a very large propor- tion of the distresses, to which the lower orders espe- cially in the time of the late pressure, were exposed, was owing to the wickedness of different descriptions of men; and this damps the ardour of their joy and gratitude for deliverance. That human nature is de- praved and selfish, we who believe the gospel must maintain: and that selfish men have always taken the advantage of publick difficulties to enrich themselves, though by increasing the distresses of others, cannot be doubted: Yet it is very questionable, whether this have taken place in the late pressure more than usual, or in the way that multitudes have supposed. But, however that may be, let us leave the culprits to the justice of man; and if that fail, to the tribunal of God: one thing is indisputable; that die Lord hath heard the prayers of his worshippers, and in a considerable de- gree alleviated our pressure; and without considering what our fellow creatures have done, or are doing, let lis, my friends, thank God for what He hath done. *' Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his *' benefits."
Again, some augur from the aspect of things, and from the character and situation of those ^^'ith whom we have made peace, that it will not be permanent;
4'iO ^LtiUo:% III.
aiKl tliis interferes with their grateful joy. — But, my brethren, if God hath, after a tremendous storm, brought us safe to a commodious anchorage, in an« swer to our prayers; let us trust him, tlui in answer to our future prayers, he will jwevent further storms, or carr}- us safely through ilR-m. ** W'c luid, (says tin: •• a|)ostic,) tljc sentence of death in ourstlves, that wc " should not trust in ourselves, but in him that raised •* the dead: who hath delivered us, — and doth deliver ** us, — and in him we trust tlut he will yet deliver '• us."
Kx|>erirncc will warrant us to pbce some measure of defK-ndence, under Cjod, in die vigilance and firm- s of our rulers: but if tluy were lar less worthy of our coi^fidence, he, wIkj hath iR-.ird our prayers, hath a right to our acknowledgments for the ftast, and our ani^mcc for the lime to come. We have \Kxn taught by events to expect extraordinary changes. The con- scqucfUYS of tlie revolution in France (ar exceeded all rx[xrctation; ciunges, tlut were never thought of lia%'C Ititherto succeeded to each other! and tlK: return of (Yace is :\\\ event which a while ago was beyond our ho|x-s. Let us then leave these things wid) («od: lie can give a turn to affairs, whicli siiall pn-vent the con- scfjuenccs tlut we are apt to fear. And he says to us, •* Take ^^o thought for the morroi\: let die morrow ** take t!)ought fur die things of itself: sufficient for the ** day is the evil tlurreof.*'
Again, some |)ersons are so afraid of the infidtl and anarchical principles w hich luve prevailed on dn: eon- tincut; that their warmdiof gratitude and joy for |)eace
SERMON III. 447
are deadened, by the apprehension of bad conse- quences to religion, morality, and civil order. Here indeed, my brethren, we are loudly called upon, to avoid unnecessary intercourse with such as hold these principles. We may '* follow peace widi all men;" and yet " have no fellowship with the unfruitful works '* of darkness." We should also double ourdiliirence in instructing our children, our families, and congre- gations; and in making them intimately acquainted with the evidences and nature of Christianity, and the duties of submission to God, and to man in all diings lawful; and in every other way to promote genuine re- ligion. This will best stop the progress of infidel and pernicious principles. But surely none can think per- petual war and bloodshed needful for this purpose. I-iCt us all use the proper weapons of our warfare, di- ligently and zealously, and we shall need no other. War may prevent intercourse, and so preclude mis- chief; but it must also prevent the communication of good. And are we so afraid of error, and so distrust- ful of the force of truth and the power of God to sup- port it, that we have no hope, but in. standing aloof and out of the reach of Satan's hosts? '' The wrath of man ** worketh not the righteousness of God." I have no doubt but peace is more favourable to the cause of Christ, dian war ever can be. Indeed I am not dis- posed to dread, what are called Frencli principles^ so much as some persons do. Tiiey ha\'e been carried to such extremes of flagrant absurdity, and have pro- duced such horrid effects; diat they are become gene- rally odious or suspected; the dreadful paroxysm is
448 SEBMON Til.
over; and untried plausible delusion.^ arc at j)rc!>cni fif more to be fcured.
It should also be considcml, tlut in all cases, pros* perit}' is ailnidcd wiih peculiar dangers to tlic inter- ests of true religion, IxHh in private and publick life; yet we do not on this account consider ourselves for bidden to fcjoice, or excused from being thankful, wlun favoured with tMalth, domebtick comforts, and success in our circumstances: though we may see cause to ** rejoice with trembling** aiKl nuKlcralion, for such precarious advantages
But a still dce|)er cause of regret ainl even alarm, is luentionetl by many ver)* pious fKrsons, and that some- times in a manner which teiKis to al)ate our joy and th ink fulness; on account of tin: s|xxial mercies vouch- safed us. They obsene, dut neitlier judgments nor deliverances liavc amended our national character; tlut ini(|uily and profaneness alniund as mucli, or more, than ever; that luxur}' and dissipation seem to increase among us; and that the lA>rd*s cby is more openly profaned, and tlK gospel more despised, tlun during any former |)eriod.
It is, alas! undeniable, that there is too much ground for these and similar bmentaiions; and this should ex- cite us to oppose our canKsl exertions and fer>ent prayers to the destructive torrent. Yet after all, bad as things arc among us, though not apt to be sanguine in this res|Kct, I am of opinion* tlut there is in some de- gree a real amendment in our national cluracler. Had all the olher inhabitants of Sodom conlinuetl as w ickcd as ever, or even become still worse, lud that Ixxn poe*.
SERMON III. 449
sible; yet if instead of one Lot, twenty Abrahams had been found in the city; the character of the city would have been improved, and in the way to still further improvement, by the example, conversation, influence, and prayers of such a company, and the care they would bestow in ** commanding their children and *' households after them, to keep the way of the Lord, *' to do justice and judgment." In like manner, what- ever may be the general conduct of the inhabitants of this land: if a considerable increase has of late been made, and is now making, to the number of real Chris- tians, and if the real Christians among us, in general, are growing more and more like " the father of the *' faithful;" without doubt, our national character, in the sight of God, is improved. Now, from the in- creased attention paid in our publick seminaries to the concerns of religion, and the encouragement given to pious young men; from the numbers of such young men who enter into the sacred ministry, and the em- ployment which they find; and from various circum- stances of a similar nature, I cannot but hope that there are considerably more true Christians in the land, than there were some time since: and, if the ex- ertions used to edify all this company in their most holy faith, and to form their minds and judgments to a pro- per union of evangelical truth and holy practice, be rendered successful; we may then confidently trust, that a real revival of pure religion is taking place, though we lament that a general reformation in the na- tion at large does not accompany it. For what is a re- vival of religion, but an increase of the number of Voj-. II. ^ L
450 SERMON ill.
truly rcligluii^ |xrrsoiis, and tlK-ir ^owth in holiiicss? And can wc look for this amoiifj iliosc, who arc evi- dently not religious? Magistrates may rcslniin outward >Niekedness: and Itcads of families and others ni:iv
0
promote external decency of conduct, ajxirl from vital piety: and it would Ix* uell, if all were done in these res|KCts uhitli ought to be done. But in the prevent state of human nature, it is in vain to entertain high expectations of this kind: our chief dejxrndencc must Ik* placed on the gospel of Christ; and our aim and hope sliould be, the iiKrcasc of true Christians, and tlurir l^ccominj; more and more exemplary in llxir whole conduct, and ** fruitful in .ill the works of ri-!i- ** tcousness, which are tlirough Clirist Jesus to the ** praise and glory of God.*'
'I'herc arc no more, properly speaking, than tlircf iK>rts of people in the world; the oprnhj profane, tlie formal or hypocnUccl^ and tlic truly pious. Various mcthoils may be uscti to diminish \\\c number of the first order, and augment tlut of tlic second; am! many adxantages to sKxriety may result from this external amendment: yet after all, but little is gniind in a reli- gious sense, compared with what results from tht nuntlxr of tl>e truly pious multiplying from year to year: ami this I ho|>e and trust is, .tnd will Ije, our case, if we diligtnily use those mc-ans to which our se\eral situations call us. While therefore, wc cannot think of ** the abominations tliat pre\ail," without sighing and mourning oxer Uiem; we should not sufllr tl^ese thoughts to interrupt our joyful pnises, at such a timr as this; but remember the words of Nthemiah on n
SERMON III. 451
bimilar occasion. " This day is hoi}' to the Loud, ** weep not, neither be ye sorry: for the joy of the '* Lord is your strength." — He now calls us to praise and thanksgiving, and every thing is beautiful in iis season.
Another consideration seems to throw a damp on the minds of some serious persons, and to interfere with the sweet service which suits our present circum- stances. They observe a bitter and violent spirit against the cause of spiritual religion, and vital godliness^ ma- nifesting itself in various wa}s; and cannot but appre- hend the consequences. The fact is undeniable: but 1 own that to my mind it affords rather a pleasing re- flection. The spirit of the world, and the spirit of Christianity always were, and always must be, oppo- site to each other. In the present state of things, every church, or society of professed Christians, will, more or less, consist of a sound and a corrupt part; and in proportion as the sound part increases and gathers strength, the enmity and violence of the corrupt part will be excited. Christ and his apostles originally be- longed to the same outward church with Caiaphasand the persecuting priests: and in proportion as the cause of true religion prospered, the corru})t jxirt of the Jewish church shewed more and more inveterate ma- lignity.
It has been a serious apprehension in the minds of some among us, that the extreme quietness, w hich we of late enjoyed, has in great measure arisen from oiu' want of success, and from a too worldly spirit among those who held evangelical truth. The enemy of souls
452 StftlCOM IH.
met with but lililc disturbincc, and judged ii more |)olitick to let ub alone. Now if this was the case; the tcblimony of those who avow themselves enemies to our doctrines and proceedings, is a hopeful proof that our cause is gelling ground, and our succcsjr so great as to excile some alarm and dis(|uieUK!e. The) pul>- lickly aver, that * the numlKT of those who call ihem- ' selves evangelical ministers is rapidly increasing in * the church. ' We trust that it is so, ai>d rejoice in their testimony. They indeed predict many IxkI con- secjuetices; and are ready to exclaim, ^ith the Jews of old, ** Men of Isr.iel, helji.'* Hut so long, as tlie mi- nistem of the eslablisljcd church adlierc simply to Ikt doctrines and liturg}*; act consisiaitly with their cha- racter and engagenjents; arc exemplary in their hves, and lalxjur diligently in thtir several places: we arc confident that our nilers, in church and slate, kno\r better tlun to regard iIk clamours of such men, how. ever \chement ainl reiterated \l\c\ may Ixr. Our part, howevtT, is, '* to stnd\ to t)e quiet, and mimlourown •* busir>ess;*' to rejoice if llie cause of Christ prosjiers in the world; arid to leave it to him to protect us against persecution, or to support us urxler it.
TIr-sc are iIk |)rinci[)al, though not ifjc only grounds, on w hich many seem to iKsitate, as to the cause which we now liave to rejoice and give tlianks: and I trust it lias been shewn, lliat they ought by no means to interrupt our gratitude and damp ourar. dour.
\\hen national ixrnefits arc received, it must Ijeex- peeled, that men will \cry generally be affected, as
SERMON III. 453
they suppose their own interests to be concerned; so that numbers, who rejoice, do it for selfish reasons, and not from regard to the publick good. And, they who are not habitually influenced by religious principles, will express their satisfaction in a worldly manner. These things we must observe, and in one sense re- gret: but, except excess or other crimes are commit- ted, we should not be too severe in animadverting upon them; for this tends rather to prejudice than to concili- ate men's minds. Thev, however, who have souu:ht the blessings of peace and plenty, by fervent prayer and supplication, should make their acknowledgment to that God, who has *' inclined his ear unto them,'* by the voice of praise and thanksgiving, both in pub- lick, in their families, and their social intercourse. This should distinguish every thing festive, which they admit of on the occasion; and be accompanied with proportionable liberality to the poor and needy, that their hearts also may rejoice. And, while the people of God ' shew forth his praises from a heart unfcignedly
* thankful, not only with their lips, but in their lives,
* by giving themselves up to his service, and by walk-
* ing before him in holiness and righteousness all their,
* days;' they should consider what additional ability and advantages peace may afford them of promoting the cause of Christianity at large, in every part of the world. Many op|X)rtunities will, no doubt, be given of doing this, when peace shall be established; and numbers will have increasing ability for availing them- selves of such openings- We should then daily ask ourselves, *' What shall T render to the Lord for all
'ij k •'. :. III.
*' his LcikTiIs?'* and \vc sli^ll Ixst shew our j^alitudc» by employ iiif^ ihai lime and property in works of picly iUKl charily, which others waste in sclf-indulj^cncc, or devote to axarice. We proceed now,
III. To consider the coiK hiding resolution, *' Therc- '* fore will I call u[K3n tlice, as long as I live/* It is, I supiK)se, understood that this is the dosing sermon, on ' The sij^ns aiu) duties of the present times;* and tiKit the Society is now dissolved. It has indeed been urged, tlkit tJKre is as mudi need of llic society and its eflixrts as ever: for if, after God lus so graciously delivered us, in ansv\er to the prayers of his jKoplc; we, as a nation, go on in accumubiing guilt, and un- gratefully abusing his goodness; the present deliverance can only be considered as a reprieve, and the \ engeancc of heaven will fall pro|M)nionably l^eavicr in tlK- event. TIrtc is besides, great danger, lest tl>e prosperity, tJut accompanies peace, sliouUl still mcjre dccpl} c:orrupt u^-, aiidtvcnir.creasc liu: lukewarm and wofdJyspir it, which, alasl is already too prevalent among ll;osc who stem to be religious. Now, as (or as this ol>scrvation relates to i\K necessity of persevering in prayer, and ever)- zealous exertion, it is perfecUy just, and highly im- |xjrtant: but if applied to the conl'muance of tljis So- ciety, it appears inconclusive. TIk: society originated in a general conviction, that the limes were extraordi- nary, aiul recjuired extraordinar}* exertions: and \sc considered ourselves as justified in this measure by the publick opinion. Yet wc live in a day, when all
SERMON III. 455
private associations are regarded with a jealous eye: and in some respects justly; for many very pernicious designs have been cloaked with fair pretences. Even this Society, though our avowed m^d real motives and objects were absolutely the same, and undeniably hann- 'less and useful; and though we trust our whole con- duct has been consistent with those avowed motives and objects; l)as not escaped some degree of censure and suspicion. We formed ourselves into a Society, during an alarming crisis, in order to promote a spirit of prayer for the land, and all orders of men in it; to counteract the progress of infidelity, impiety, and vice; and to use our influence to maintain subordination and quiet subjection to our lawful governors. Blessed be- God, that awful crisis is now past; the immediate ne- cessity for such a society ceases; should we continue it, our conduct might be misunderstood; and should a new occasion arise, by discontinuing it at present, we should be able to resume it, on this or a similar plan, with greater advantage, and without giving occasion asfainst us to those who seek occasion.
o
But though these periodical sermons now close, and the Society is no more; as individual ministers, in our several congregations, and occasionally in each other's; we shall still exhort you, my brethren, to attend to the same important duties, which vvc have thus inculcated; and especially to continue in prayer and supplication for the land, and for the church of God: and we hope that both hearers and ministers will abound vet more and more. We have no less reason to do this, and we have additional encourairement. — '' God hatl:
'i.>6 bCRMON III.
** intlincd liib car to us; therefore will ue call on luin '* as long as we li%e.**
Kvtn natural feelings will dicta*' a kind of prayer in seasons of great distress or aldrni: but when iIk: dangir and anguish arc over, and prosjKriiy induces security, the same |>crsons s;>y in tin ir conduct, " ^^ " arc lords, we will come no more unto thte." liut the grace of Ocxl teaches those who |)os5ess it, to pni\ at all times. ** lie careful for nodding, but in ever) ** thing by prayer and suj>plicaiion, with llwnksgiving, *' let your re<|uesls be made knoun unto Ciod." Min- glc, tiien, thanksgivings with your prayers in trouble; unite prayers and supplications w iih your joyful praises in pros|x:rity. ** Pray without ccaMng, in ever) thing *' give thanks; for lliis is the uill of God in Christ ** Jesus concerning you.**
* In all times of tribubtion, in all times ol our ' ucalih, — good lx)rd, deliver us.* National, as wtU as private success luis its pectiliar cbngers. ** WIku ** thy riches increase, and thy silver and gold is mul- ** tiplied; — il>en bc\rarc lest thy lirart be lifted up, and ** Uiou forget the Loud thy God.** Oh! attend to this caution, my affluent bauhrc^n; and pray without ceas ing lo be preserved in your |XTilous circumstances: and pray e\er)* one of you, for yourselves aiul each other, and all your fellow. christians, and the land; tlial pros|>erity may not prove still more fatal to us, than even the late calamitous war. Pray especially, that u e may ex|KTience and exemplify what we read of in il>c sacred histor}*: ** Then had the churches rest and •• were edified: and walking in the firar of the Lord,
SERMON HI. 457
" and the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multipli- ^' ed."*
Continued prosperity, however, is by no means to be expected in this vale of tears: and, as in life wc should daily prepare for death; so in peace and com- fort we should be habitually ready for trouble and con- flict. The resolution of the text, therefore, while it fairly admits of the use which has been just made of it, especially implies, that having been answered in the late day of distress, we should in every future dan- ger and difficulty, call upon the Lord, even as long as we live.
Wordly men have a great variety of expedients, to which they have recourse, according to the suggestions of political wisdom, or worldly discretion: but the Christian, acting in his proper character, has but one expedient. He may indeed, either in publick or pri- vate life, attend to proper measures subordinately: but his grand resort is, that of Jacob, when he wrestled with God and prevailed; that of David, when in his trouble he called on the Lord and he heard him; that of Hezekiah, when he and the prophet Isaiah " lifted " up their prayer for the remnant that was left." We have an omnipotent Father and Friend, who is infinite- ly kind and faithful: and whatever means we use, our grand concern is to prevail with him by prayer, and then we shall also prevail with man.
We read that Asa sought the Lord in extreme
* Acts ix. 31. Vol. II. 3 M
458 ztKUos III.
danger, and was mercifully delivered: but afterwards, when he was alarnud by anollKf enemy, he hired Uk assistance of an idolatrous prince, and lemplrd him to break his league with the king of Israel, l)y giving him the consecrated treasures of the temple. How ab- surd was this conduct! He was rebuked for it, and in consequence died under a cloud, and left his cliaracter in obscurity. But l)a\id determined to ** call on the '* Lord as long as lie hvcd:**aiKl Ilezekiah, it may be supposed, did the same, when he had reccivcil so astonishuig a deli\ermnce, in answer to pniyer, from the power and T^y^ of Sennacl^cri!). After such a signal inter)>osition of his .ilmighly Friend, it must )ia\e been very strange indeed, if lie ever betook him- self to ai>ollK:r refuge.
But tl)c answers, vouchsafed to our supplicatioQS, not only encourage our renewed and persevering pray- ers; tlxry even demand dicm. W hen wc bless our God for answering us, we make an occasional acknowledge nunt f)f his condescending and compassiooste love: but u hile we continue, on every emergency to call upon' him, we make a constant and permanent return of gra- titude and Incoming confidence. It is true, this con- sideration implies, that ** the LoftD*s ways are not as ** our ways, nor his thoughts as our thoughts; fur as •• the heavens are higher tlum the earth; so are his u^ys ** higher tlun our ways, and his thoughts higlter tlum " our droughts,'* But this is tlie very circumstance, which most honours his adorable name. If we apply to any snp{x>sed friend, during urgent distress, and meet with a repulse; wc arc aftcr^vards disi>cartcncd
SERMON III. 459
from again having recourse to him: and if we repeat- edly have been assisted, we grow ashamed of being so exceedingly troublesome and encroaching. Neither of these difficulties, however, take place in our com- munion with the infinite God. He is always ' more ' ready to hear than we are to pray:' and the number, and largeness, and perseverance of our requests, are peculiarly pleasing to him, and honourable to the riches of his power, liis grace, his liberality, and compassion. He counts himself glorified by our constant and renew- ed applications; and is offended, when we do not *' make " our requests known unto him.''
Suppose a father, possessed of immense wealth, high in dignity, and eminent for liberality, had a son, whom he had educated with a wise union of affection and authority. He had never denied him any reasonable request; he had readily forgiven many faults into which his child had been betrayed; and he had anticipated and exceeded many of his wishes. Should this son, when in any difficulty, go to inferior persons to beg their assistance; would it not be a degradation of him- self, and a dishonour to his parent? Might not his father thus expostulate with him, ' Did I ever refuse you any thing proper for you? Was I ever wanting in love and consideration? Am I not sufficiently rich? Why then disgrace yourself and me, by seeking help from others, who will either think I want affection or power to help you? Make me your friend; and you will have no occasion to apply elsewhere; for I shall never refuse, except when your good requires it; and allow me this, that I exceed you in wisdom and expe*
460 8KBIC0N III.
ricncc.'— Such an address would l)C conclusive: and though wc must not presume to apply ihc \^ hole abso- lulcly to God; \et surely the case admits of a sober application of this lan^age to the subject beforu us: ** 'I'hcrtfore will 1 call upon tl>ce, as lon^ as 1 live.**
•^PPl^ "^K these thoughts to our present subject; we remtniIxT, iluit, w hen |K.ace is made between contend- ing nations, it is common for the militar)' spirit toalxitr, and tlie nu(ion:il force to be reduced. A standing army in times of (xracc wouid \)C too expensive, and also dangerous to our litx*rty. Instead of recruiting our troops, many are disl>aiKleil. This might prove dan- gerous, but tliat, alas! |x:acc vidom takes place, till all parties are so unable to continue tlK exertions, tliat all are alike disposcfl to Icmcn the ex|xmces and publick burdens: and thus the proportion still remains ncnrly the same.
Bui the cas<* is \asil\ diilirent, jks to that warfivc, in which, as Christians, wc arc and must be engaged. The powers of (brkncss, and their abettors of ever)' description, will keep up, and if possible, increase, tlKir forces, and persevere in tlxrir opposition to the cause of Christ and his h<ily religion. Yet on the otiKr luind, we should, and may, without national cx|xncc, danger, or impropriet}', keep up our standing army of those who, by their constant prayers and exertions, endeavour to avert tlu: wrath of God from a guilty laiKl: aiKi we may use all proper means of recruiting it by new accessions. Here especially, our safct>' lies. It has Ixen sliewn, wlut an improvement would liave been made in Sodom, if twenty persons like Abraluun
SERMON III. 461
had been raised up in that city. Let us then remember, that the increase of such characters is the grand secu- rity for our land. And let no peace or prosperity cause us to lose sight of this grand object, the maintaining and improving the religious principle, and adding to the number of pious people, in the nation. This alone can secure us against future contingences. It is not only, or principally, from avowed infidelity, that we are endangered. The able commanders of the oppo- sing army, know, that it will equally answer their pur- pose, to bring in superstition and popery, enthusiasm and antinomian licentiousness, or pharisaical self-con- fidence, or dead and notional orthodoxy, or evangeli- cal iukewarmness and formality. We are in danger on every side. May we watch and be sober!
Indeed our chief dangci arises from relaxing our vigilance. Let then all, in their families, circles, and congregations, consider what means can be used, to promote the growth of genuine Christianity, which is the best preservative against every species of impiety and false religion.
But especially, my Christian brethren, let us make it a matter of conscience, to ofter up our daily prayers, in our families and closets, both for the temporal and the religious interests of our beloved country. Let us pray, that every faithful minister of Christ may, not only be successful in bringing sinners to repentance and the knowledge of salvation, but be instrumental also in raising up others to preach the ** glorious gos- " pel of God our Saviour:" that every Christian may both adorn his profession, and bring others to attend
4C2 uERMON iir.
to the word of truth: that all tho«e whoare pUced as in- slrucloni of youlli in collcj^cs, and who Tear God them- selves, may be succccdt-d in communicating rcli^ous principles to the minds of tJRir pupils: and that all pious persons who in any way ttJucaic younj^ persons, may be blessed in their endeavours to form their minds to genuine faith and piety. Thus, the salt being cast into ilxr fountains, we may hope that the barren land w ill tx: iK-alcd; aitd tlut minislcrs of religion, and even ministers of state, senators, magistntrs, and per- sons in every line of life, may Ix: brought forth to serve God and promote e\'anj;elical piety by their example, influence, and exertions. — Ixrt us pr&T alao, that , all pious |)arent5, and heaiU of families, may bcasststcdand pros|xred in attempting to train up tlKir children in the acr>ice of God and the knowledge of Clirisf. — Let us Ixrsecch God, according to our excellent li* turg)', to * bless our gracious king, and all liis royal
* family; to endue them with his Holy Spirit, to enrich
* them w id) his heavenly grace,* and guide tlK^m in his faith, fear, and love; to Ixrlp tlnrm in all things to seek hb honour and glory, and to bring tlurm to his tieaven- ly kingdom. — Let us pray without ceasin;^ for all il>c ministers of religion in Christendom, tlut tliey may be'
* illumiruted in tin: true knowledge of d)c Scriptures,
* and both by dicir life and doc triiK, set them forth aixl ' shew them accordingly.* — * And Uiat all who call
* themselves Cliristian*>, may be led into the way of
* trud), and hold the faith in unity of die Spirit, in d)c *■ bond of peace, and in righteousiKss of life: * that all churches may be rendered more exactly conformable
SERMON III. 463
to Scripture, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and practice, and more united with each other: that so we may all soon come to worship our God with one heart and with one mouth, — We should indeed pray for all sorts and conditions of men, in the land and on the earth: but, especially, present circumstances most im- periously call upon us to " beseech the Lord of the " harvest to send forth labourers into his harvest." Many openings are made by Providence, for propa- gating Christianity; a spirit of zealous exertion is ex- cited; and British wealth, liberality, and piety, (in numbers I trust,) are adequate to any expences in this cause: but alas! the men are wanting. Oh then unite in prayer, that labourers may be sent forth into the harvest.
Many other topicks might be insisted on: and es- pecially we should pray for success to all pious at- tempts, and support, comfort, and assistance to all concerned in them. But I must desist. The field is large; the subjects for prayer are many and important. Do you not, my brethren, see the propriety of taking encouragement from past answers to call on God as long as you live?
But while I am addressing you, as a congregation of true Christians, who united in the earnest supplica- tions which have received so remarkable an answer; probably there may be some whose consciences testify that they do not belong to this company. You have perhaps bowed the knee in publick or in social prayer; but without entering into the spirit of these services. You may have had a form of private religion: but it
46i SERMON 111.
lus been cold and unmeaning. In short, you arc coi;- scious, that hitherto, you luvc Ixrcn strangcnj to j^- nuine re|xrntancc, to a life of faith in tlic Son of Gcxl, to spiritual religion, and newness of life. Let me beg of you then to recollect, that though you may sliarc in puljlick mercies and deliverances, in conscfjucticc of the prayers offered l)y otln-rs; you cannot esca|)e the wrath of God, or obtain eternal s;ilvation, unless you yourselves ** seek the I^ord while l>e may Ik: found, ** and call on him while he is near.** And consider, without eternal salvation, how little all cl&c will profit the |>osscssor.
There may be also those, who through discourage- ment, or mistakes, or ])rcjudicrs, (as wc must sup- pose,] have Ix-tn k( pt from joining us in prayer for delivenince frf>m our perilous and calamitous situa- tion. Should tliis luive been your case, we hope, how- ever, you will have no c3l)jection to join us in blessing the I-oRi) for his unmeritetl, and jxrliaps uiKX|)ccied, l>ciK fits. .At least, let us be of one miml and one l»eart in this sen ice, aixl in our endeavours to promote tlic purity, peace, an<I enbrgcment of the Hideemer*s kingdom, in our favouad land, and to the ends of the earl!
AikI it we liave prayed, and the 1x>ru lias Ixard, in our publick concerns; let us, my brethren, prize tite prixilegc of coming to tlje throiK* of grace; and more lo\e and value him, who lus, by his own obedience unto the death u|)on the cross, opened to us the way of access and acceptance: let us abound more and more in prayer and buppUcation; let us *' ask and re-
SERMON III. 465
** ceive that our joy may be full." — And now to him, that is able to "do exceeding abundantly above all *' that we can ask or think, according to the power ** which now worketh in us; to him be glory, in the *' church, by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world ** without end. Amen."
Vox.. IK 3 N
OBSERVATIONS
ON THE
SIGNS AND DUTIES
OF
THE PRESENT TIMES.
JFith some account of a Society of Clergymen in
London^ xvhose object it has been to promote
vital godliness at this alarming period.
DRAWN UP AND PUBLISHED BY THE DESIRE OF THE SOCIETY, 1799.
N.B. The substance of this Tract was first preached as a Ser- mon, on I Chron. xii. 32, and though afterwards drawn up in another form, it seems proper that it should be added to the preceding Sermons on the same subject.
1
THE
SIGNS AND DUTIES
OF
THE TIMES, ^c.
X HE holy Scriptures are represented by the apostle^ not only as ** able to make us wise unto salvation, ** through faith which is in Christ Jesus," but as suf- ficient likewise to '* furnish us thoroughly unto all good " works."* Hence we may conclude with certainty, that they contain instructions, cautions, and examples, suitable to our various circumstances; and, if properly attended to, would in all cases bea ** light to our feet, " and a lantern to our paths." On the other hand, the same apostle observes, that ** Whatsoever things were " written aforetime, were written yor our learimig:'*^^ so that we may also be sure, that every part of Scrip- ture contains some important lesson, which at one time or other may be peculiarly useful.
These considerations may suffice to prepare the rea- der for attending carefully to a passage in sacred his- tory, which may hitherto have but little attracted his notice. The principal persons of Issachar, in the days of David, had so well considered the signs and extents
* 2 Tim. Hi. 15— .17. t Rom. xv. 4.
470 sinws Avn di-tiei
of the limes in wliich ihcy lived, and so well under- Mcxxi uliai the Lord was doing, and wliat lie called ihtm to do; ihal thev were enabled to render their in- fluencc, in the tribe, subservient to the iniixirtant good of the country. ** The children of Issacliar — were * men that had understanding of the times, to know •* w/iat Israel oug/it to do: the heads of tl>eni were *• two hundred, and all their brethren were at their ** commandnjcnt,"* — T\\c Lonl lud promised tliat David should reign over all Israel: but so long ah Islw 1 K)!)hcth tlie soil of Saul u ab living, the men of is6aciiar wisely judged, tliat the lime was not arrived for the fulfilment of tlut premise, atnl that a prrnuUure attcopC would only oi ca>ion tlie iKcdless efiusion of human blood: but wlnn Uhlxn^heth was removed, llicy un- derstood ttiat tlKT lime was come, and tJiat it was tlieir duty to aflurd David all the assibUmce in llicir power. Had they moved soot.er, or had tliey waited longer, they %vould liave actcnl unscaaOQably: but Uk: timing of the service was as important as the sen ice itself.
W'e may learn from this instance, tliat tiierc is a kmd of olisiTvation and intelligence (x>ncenung the circumstances and events of the times, which 'is inti- mately connected with the knowledge and perform- ance of our duty: and tlial this undcrstatHling of the times is peculiarly needful and useful to tliose, w ho in any way have inRuence over collective bodies. It may iiuleed at first sight be thought to bckxig exclusiiely
* 1 Chroo. xiL 32.
OF THE TIMES. 471
to Statesmen, senators, magistrates, and others who possess secular distinctions; and it might be supposed that ministers of religion especially have little occasion for it. But this sentiment, when adopted in too gene- ral a sense, is evidently erroneous: for though the po- litical understanding of the times is principally requi- site for those, who are concerned to know what they ought to ^o pGliticalhj, for the good of the nation; yet every man's duty varies, in some respects, according to circumstances, and cannot properly be performed, if he remain entirely uninformed in these matters.
The understanding of the times, however, which is necessary for ministers or private christians, does not greatly relate to political questions: to be well acquamt- ed with the instructions of the holy Scriptures concern- ing God's providential government of the world and of the church, and to know how to apply them to events which take place around us, is sufficient. Thus we shall be enabled to form a judgment, from w^hat men have done, or are attempting, concerning what the Lord is doing or about to do; and to determine, from his word, the special duties to which he calls us in our several places.
This knowledge is recommended in the Scriptures, and the w^ant of it is severely reproved. — Thus Isaiah says, *' In that day did the Lord of Hosts call to *' weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to *' girding with sackcloth: and behold joy and gladness, " slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh and *' drinking wine. Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow *' we shall die! And it was revealed in mine ears bv
472 &1C>I3 AND DUTIES
'* the Lord of Hosts, Surely this ri)i(juity slullnolbc ** piirf;cd from you, lill you die.*'* And Mioih speaks to the same effect, *• The Lot d*s voice cricih •* unto the cit}', and t/ie man of wtsihtn shall see thy ** name; iKar yc the rod, ai)d who hath appoiiUcU
Our Lord, rc])rovlnj^ tlic Jews for their unbchef, thus addresses them — •* Vehy|xx:rites, ye can discern tlK-lace **of the sky; but can ye not discern llie sij;iis of d)C *' times?"! ^^ *" prediciinj; the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, l>e (xirticularly descrilxs the sij^is of those limes, and cmpluitically adds, ''Ix*! him (h.'itriadcth, un- ** dcrstand." Ihushc plainly declares, lliat tin: wisdom, duty, safely, and conifort, of his disciples, were insc- ]>arably connected with an attentive obocrvation and an accurate judgment, in respect of the c\ents which would take place in tl>e world. — It is indeed allowed llut the primitive christians were in scry different cir- cumstances llian we are: }et it must also be grantt^ that, in many resjxrcts, wc can neither know nor do our duty, without adverting to tl>e state of tl>e church and the nation, and forming a decided opinion on tl)e dan- gers which threaten, and the evils wiiich weaken and corrupt, lx)d» the one and the other. W iiliout some measure of this understanding of the times, we shall be at a loss to determine, w hctlter we arc called to wait in quiet submission, know ing tlut ** our strength is to •* sit still,'* or to engage in active services: and whc-
• W xxu. 13— U. t Mic. Ti. 9.
|MatL x\i. 3. Lukr xiu 56, 5f.
OF THE TIMES. 47
o
ther mourning and fasting, or joyful praise and thanks- giving, be the business of the day.
Indeed in perilous and disastrous times, it is of great importance that we should know the source and origin of the evils, which alarm and distress us, and the way in which they may best be counteracted; in order that our exertions may be made, and our sup- plications presented, in the manner most suitable to the emergency.
This kind of knowledge and discernment is espe- cially needful and useful to ministers of the gospel: for though it must be acquired by a careful observation of Providence, compared with the Scriptures; yet the bulk of christians are generally led into it by means of their pastors. No doubt there are very numerous ex- ceptions: yet ministers possess a variety of advantages, above most in their several congregations, for obtain- ing information, and coming to a setded judgment on the asj>ect of publick affairs; and if they do not give a right direction to the thoughts and opinions of the people, others may probably mislead them; or at best, many even of the more conscientious will either wholly neglect, or very slightly attend to, the special duties of the times.
It must therefore be incumbent on the ministers of religion to look about them, to observe what is pass- ing in the world, to mark the signs of the times, and as watchmen to warn the people of approaching dan- ger: not in order to engage them in political discus- sions, but to excite them to perform their several dii* - ties, according to the emergency of the case.
Vol. II. 3 O
4«-; SltiNS AND DUTIES |
J
It may be supposed, that few well- hi formed persons will deny, tliot the present times wear a most exlraor-| dinary ap|xrarance. They liavc in fact called forth ll)ci energies and aeliviiy of men, to a deprce almost un-| paralleled in histor}-: and after e\ery alxitcment for ihcl fctlinf^s of the persons more immediately concenitd,j W'c ean scarcely doubt, but that distant countries and remote posterity nuist deem them peculi:ir!v disastrous and dre;Kl[iil. |
The Christianity, m< t i icxalenl through tlK ^rc •- ' est part of Kuro|K" for .^^( s | ast, has umjueslioiubly been very corrupt, bolli in principle and practice; and] it lias been remlered sut>scr\ient to the base designs | of wicked men: nor can it be denied that arbitrary' |)o\\er, ecclesiastical and civil, hasopprcsacd vast muU I litudes, and inirocfuct d grievances which loudly calletl for redrevs. Hut ilie speculations of men, arrogating ' to ihenisclvcs the title of philosophers, concerning both religion and government, under pretence of re- 1 medying these evils, ha\*c led by direct consccjuence to infidelity and anarchy: and these speculations liaving been, for a considerable time, secretly prop;igaled, w ith profoimd sagacity, ardent lexil, and unwearied perseverance, at length produeed such con\ ulsions, as ] scarcely ever shook tin: world in former ages. j
The impetuosity with w hich il>e revolution in France ! liTis effected; the atrocities attending it, the vast pro- j jects of the leaders; the immense resources of that powerful countr); the pecul'iar concurrence of events, which rcndcretl national bankruptcy a source of al- | most incxkiusliblc wealth, by giving occasion to the
OF THE TIMES. 475
seizure of the whole property of vast multitudes at home and abroad; the astonishing success of schemes at first deemed rash and chimerical; the revolutions that have followed in other countries; the accumulat- ing force of the impetuous torrent; and the threaten- ing aspect of these stupendous events on the constitu- tion, laws, and liberties of other nations, and on the property and lives of the inhabitants, have caused and must cause many and just alarms.
But the interests af religion should most engage our attention: and here we may assert without exaggera- tion, that the subversion of Christianity, as well as of popery and superstition, has been the express and set- tled purpose of many agents in these convulsions, and the genuine tendency of the measures adopted by others, who perhaps had no such intention.
It is undeniable, that many late events have the ap- pearance of accomplishing the prophecies concerning the destruction of Antichrist: and here it seems to be our duty to be still, and to wait till it be manifest what God is about to do. We cannot rejoice to see infide- lity and atheism supplant even con- up ted Christianity, considering this event as detached from its future con- sequences: but can we consistently regret the removal in any degree of that permanent mountainous obstruc- tion to the spread of the pure religion of Jesus, except as it involves many other lamentable transactions? — We should however, pray to God, that he would speedily terminate the dominion of the destroyers, and send forth those v^ho may plant genuine Christianity in the regions which they have ravaged: and we ought to sympathize with the sufterers of every description;
47G !iICKS AND DCTIZS
and afford thorn our help, as far as we can, without sanctioning their pcmiciuuh tenets, or paruking of their evil deeds.
But w hile we contemplate the distant stomi, or make ol)servations on iIkt eunhcjuakes which con\ulbt other reRions; we must also letl for ourMlves; for tl»e peace and security of Britain, and for tin: interests of cliris- tianity among us. \\'lute\xr may be said of our in- sular situation, oiur resources, our national spirit, our constitution, or x\\c measures adopted by our rulers; or whatever may appear />ro/>«;/v/e according to the ge- neral course of human afl'airs: we must still remember, tlwl ** \'ain is \\k Inrlp of man,'* aiKi that, ** Kxeept *' tlK Loan keep tlK city, tlic watchman wakctl) but " in vain/'
But lurtl)er, however favourably we may think con- cerning the religion of our CQuntr}*, as it is delineated in \\\c authorized books of tl« established church, or in {\\c creeds and confessions of a large body among the dissenters; or concerning the pre\'ak:nce of the gos- pel in tl>e bixl: yet lie who im|iartially comparcsyc/r/i with the /y/Vr, and contrasts our national advantages w ith our natioiuil character, will by no means on this ground be sanguine in his expectations, as to the event of our present dangers. Nay, ratlur he will almost be ready to think he hears iIk abrming enquir)', " Shall ** not I visit for these things? saiih the LoaD; and '* slull not my soul be avenged on such a nation as ** this?"
The more therefore serious peraons value our civil and religious privileges, the greater in this view will be their apprehensions, on attentively considering tlK
OF THE TIMES* 47?
signs of the times: and the deeper their conviction, that the Lord might justly give us up into the hands of our enraged enemies. On whatever side we turn our eyes, we must witness such atrocious crimes, as tend to dismay our hearts, more than all the menaces of our haughty assailants: and we can find nothing suited to relieve our terrors, except we advert to the remnant of real Christians scattered through the land. In subordination to the Lord's infinite mercies, our hope of preservation rests on this company, and on their supplications and exertions: and this consi- deration leads us anxiously to enquire, * What can be done to stir up this whole remnant, to attend as with one soul, regardless of party-distinctions, to the alarm- ing signs and important duties of the times? and what individual or collective efforts may be made, to in- crease the number of those who are indeed the cha- riots and horsemen of the nation?'
Some ministers in the metropolis, having frequently conferred together on this subject, at length delibe- rately entered into a consultation on the best methods of accomplishing these desirable ends, in their several situations, and by their combined endeavours. It was very obvious, that prayer for the church and na- tion was peculiarly seasonable and obligatory; and we unanimously determined, that, by the help of God, we would ourselves attend to it, in the closet, in the fa- mily, and on every proper occasion; and that we would earnestly recommend the same to our several congre- gations; exhorting them to join their supplications for the land, and to those of their brethren, on every day,
478 SICVS AND DU1IES
but cs|>ccially to make this topick a j)roinincnt part of their devotions on the Ix^rd's-day-cvcmng, both ii) tlurir families and in private.
These considerations, liowevcr, did not rest here; but produced a genenil conviction, tlut ihc present emergency called us and our pc-ople to oiher duties likewise, and that it would be very ustful for us par- ticularly to examine tlie subject. This appeared the more seasonable, ulien we refkctcd, Uiat numbers, auiire of ihe evil of |)olitical discussions from tin- pul- pit, and of rendering rehgious ordinances subservient to the gratification of mcn*s passions nnd prejudices; arc ready to conclude tkit w c have nodiing to do with the state of publick affairs, or, in oUkt words, that, in this respect we Iwve actually no duties at all! while others serm to take it for granted, that no one, who dilVcrs from tlicm in polittcai sentiment, can possibly Ix: influenced by religious principles.
It was therefore agreed among a few friends, that a sermon should Ik preached weri/t/, on die usual lec- ture-day and hoiir, in our several churclicsand cliapels by rotation, on t/ie sijrru and duties of the times^ by some other of tlK comfKiny than tlK* stated {lastor, and tliat otlKT ministers of xhc established church should be invited to join us, by givint; their pulpits, andem- |>loying their labours, in the same cuusc.
'lliis was begun about a year a:^, ami is still con- tinued with considerable encouragement; and as we gR'ally desire to unite our brethren, throughout tlK? land, in similar measures; we liave at length deter- mined to publish an account of our desijjns; both in
OF THE TIMES 47D
order to excite attention, to prevent misapprehension, to obviate prejudice, and to stimulate others to imitate us, as far as our conduct is judged to accord with the principles of sacred Scripture.
We would therefore propose our sentiments on the following subjects to the candid attention of pious Christians, however distinguished, in every part of Great Britain.
I. The duty of intercession for the nation and for the church, in seasons of danger and distress.
II. The nature and special objects of those prayers, which may be supposed availing on such oc- casions.
III. The prevalency of acceptable prayer, accor- ding to the Scriptures.
IV. And lastly, The other duties which are in- cumbent on us, along with our prayers, in the present emergency.
I. The duty of intercession for the nation and for the church, in seasons of danger and distress.
If we could conceive a number of Christians so cir- cumstanced, that the welfare of the nation, in which they resided, had not the least discoverable connexion with the interests of religion, it would yet, according to the Scriptures, be their duty to pray for die peace of the land, more especially if they were protected and enjoyed peace in it. The captive Jews at Babylon were grievously oppressed by their haughty conquerors, and exposed to persecution on account of their religion:
480 SICKS AKD DUTIES
but as it was the will of God they should sojourn there for a season, ihcy were required, not only to ** seek. •* ihc peace of the city," by submission to the rulers in all thin:^ lawful, and by a quiet and inufiensivc de- portment; but also, to *' pray to the Lord for it:'** and the faliic prophets, w ho inculcated contrar)* prin- ciples, were severely rebuked. Surely then it must be incuDilx-nt on us, who enjoy as much lilKrty and as many privileges, as perhaps any nation ever did for a length of time, to seek and pray for tin: peace and pro- tection of ourcountr>!
It may jx-iliaps \yc objected, that wJ>en tl>e seventy years of capti\ity were al)oul to expire, and Cyrus, llie predicted deliverer of the Jews, approached Baby* Ion; it could nut be tlieir duty to pray for the success of BeLslui::zar against him. We may, however, deri\c instruction from t Ik very stlniceol Scripture: for it is no where intimated that the Jews were directed to alter their conduct on this emergency, or tliat tlK*y actually did alter it. Tltc more intelligent imleed must have been sensible, tliat a revolution was at tiand: but tlie Lord seemed to say, •* Be still and know tliat I am God: ** '* Stand still, and ve sluU see tlie salvation of Goo.*' 'I'hey were not called to take any active |)art in those transactions: and the truly pious remnant among them would doubtless pray jwriicularly for the restoration of Jerusalem, with the temple and its sacred worship, and for du: deliverance of die nation from captivity: and
• Jcr. xxix. 7.
OF THE TIMES. 481
probably in other respects they would be more general, as leaving the Lord to accomplish his word in that manner which seemed good in his sight.
It may however, be further observed, that no people can possibly know themselves to be in exactly similar circumstances. The fulfilment of prophecies is not at present so distinctly marked by notes of time and place, as to enable the most discerning to know precisely when any great event may be expected. Nor have we a prophetical name given us, by which we may dis- cover any distinguished instrument in the work, as the Jews might know Cyrus with his army of Medes and Persians. It is therefore most evidently the duty of every christian, wherever situated, to pray for the peace of the land according to the general tenour of Scrip- ture; and against the horrors of invasion, carnage, and desolation. The Lord indeed may see good to grant the spirit of such requests, in a manner that does not accord to the letter of them: as when we intercede for the health or life of a beloved relative, the prayer may be accepted, and answered in the best manner, while the special object is not granted. And in both cases we may afterwards discern and adore the wisdom, faithfulness, and love of God in the very dispensation, from which we had previously shrunk with dread and aversion.
If indeed the present events be intended to pre- pare the way for the destruction of the Roman Anti- christ, we are still incompetent to determine what de- gree of devastation must attend that great catastrophe^
Vol, II. 3 P
482 SIGNS AND DUTIES J
i
or how far ihc sIkxL must be felt. ^Vc may ihcrcforc \
vcrv consUtciiUy l>csccch llu: Lord, lo Icrmiiuic lhoi»c
i awful jiidgmcnls, which have for several years convul- I
sed Kurope; and to silence the blasphemies cf infidels ;
and atheists, tlut their dctesuble teiKis may nU per- '
manenUv succeed to the idolatrous superstitions and
delusions of pf»jx:ry. Hut esjjecially wc should with all
earnestness present our supplicjtiuiis to almighty God,
intreutin;; him to a\ert these tremendous calamities '
from our luiive counlr)*: for wlutcver be Uk crimes of
liri:ain, it can scarcely besup|xjscd, we arc so infected
with tlie leaven of papal antichristianity, lliat nothing |
but revolutions and nussacres cane xtir|>atc it. On the {
contrary, tlierc seems a j^touikI of ho|>e, ihat in this ;
respect we sliall Ix: exempted from the more dcvtlatin^
jud^nents, whidi wc liave reason to tlunk will attend
those predirteil events: especially if with oik consent
wc beseech Gotl lo ** pour out upon us his spirit from
'* on hij;!n** tl«t our faith, worsliip, and clku^ctcr^
may better accord to our advantages aiKl profession.
But uliatever may be tikc designs of IVovideiurc,
wc must not iKglcct any duty; for tlic commands of
God. (not his decn.es, predictions, or dispciisatioos,)
arc ilw rule of our conduct. Now it is his command,
lliat** supplications, prayers, intcrcessicns, and giving
*' of thanks, be made for all men; for kings and for all
^ that are in authority, tliat wc nuy lead a quiet and
^* peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.*** As
this was the duty of Christians, when h\ing under
• Tim. ii. 1» 2.
OF THE TIMES 483
pagan j>ersecuting emperors; when the juosperity of the government miglit have been considered as inimi- cal to the peace of the church; we may doubtless con- clude that it must be the duty of every inhabitant of Great Britain.
But if a passenger be bound to pray for the safety of the vessel in which he sails, and for all those on board; he certainly ought to redouble his fervency and im- portunity during a tremendous storm, or when the ship is in imminent danger of being wrecked. This is not tlie time for idle disputes, concerning the pre- vious conduct of the master, the pilot, or the seamen; for this, in such an emergency, would be little short of madness, especially in persons unskilled in naviga- tion. The circumstances of the vessel demand impe- riously that all who are capable of labouring, should labour, and that all who can pray, should arise and " call upon God; if so be God may think upon them, *^* that they may not perish."-* In a similar situation, Paul, during his voyage to Rome as a prisoner, prayed and prevailed; and the Lord '' gave him all that sailed *' with him." Yet Paul not only imagined, but was sure, that the persons concerned had acted improperly* and, by rejecting salutary advice, had involved them- selves and the whole company in the most extreme danger.
If then our country is indeed threatened with inva- sion by a fierce and indignant foe, who has already spread devastation through a vast part of Europe, and
* Jon. i. 6.
484 SICKS AND DUTIES
is at ])rcsciit attempting to convulbe both Asia, AfticMf and Aincricii: if uc have had, and still liave, reason to dread donicstick insurrections: if our sister- kingdom his l>een reiuiered a scene of bloodshed and confusion, and is in danger of still more dire cabmiiies, whilst its vicinity may well increase our abnn, as well as ex- cite our sym|)athy: if we have Ixren preserved beyond expectation, by most extraordiimr}- providential inter- positions in our favour: if besk^ged, plundered, or burning cities and towns; deserted and dcM>lited fields and \iliages; slaughtered or viobled relatives; assav>i- nations, nussaeres, ajnl scene?^, the distant re|X)n of which lus chilled our Inrarts and made our ears to tingle, are to be deprecated; if any thing in our con* Stitulion, laws, liberties, natioiuil iiKle|x:iKlei>ee, peace, and piosjKrity, Ix: worth prescr\ation: and if there be any thing dreadhd in tl>c murder, imprisonment, or banishment of all those in the land, w ho liave on o//// account t been distinguislud cliaracters; in die riot, plunder, and atrocities attending puUick convulsions; or in tin: ruin of our commerce and manuf;u turcs: we niav tlurn ctinfiilentlv maintain, tliat we arc lx)uiu) bv c\Try oblig-.ition to unite our ocasckaa praycrb ui Ixluli of our country. For uliatcver may be prcteixled oi argued, as far as hum.m foresight can reach, it is indu- bitable tliat all these cabmities and many oiIkts, await us, in case our enemies sliould prevail, in this trenKii- dous contest.
But if prayer for die bnd Ix: our undenbble dut\, surely few words may suffice to convince c\er}* pious person dwt it is incumbent on us to unite in suj)plic»-
or Tllh TIMES. 40o
tion ibr '* tlic church of God which is among us." We would not so far forget ourselves, as to launch out; in invective against our enemies; but who can help seeing; that could they accomplish their avowed pur- poses, they would not only overturn our national estab- lishment, but likewise abolish our sabbaths, and adopt measures subversive of Christianity itseli? On former occasions, Britons, in pleading for the land, have been accustomed to consider the protestant interest as the cause of God, and as endangered by the machinations and assaults of papal powers: but is vital Christianity at this time less exposed from the efforts of our pre. sent enraged enemies? *' Let no man," brethren, '' de- ** ceive you with vain words:" not only our outward advantages, but our religion itself is at stake; and it therefore behoves us to beseech the Lord, that he would, in these troublesome times, *M)uildthc walls," and secure the peace *' of Jerusalem." Surely no situa- tion, no peculiarity of sentiment, no distinction of any sort, should indispose any pious person, in these cir- cumstances of extreme danger, to join the pra}'ers of his brethren for those interests, \\ hich ought to be dearer to us, than property , or liberty, or life itself.
We should therefore, beyond all dispute, in pub- lick, and social, and private worship, continually and fervently beseech the Lord, not to permit his cause in our land to be run down, his sabbaths to be abolished, his sanctuaries profaned, his ministers silenced or ba- nished, his ordinances inhibited or restricted, or his word sunk into neglect and contempt. He might most justly permit all these evils, attended by other dread-
4H6 SIGNS A.VD DUTIES
fill cabmitics, to come ijj>on us; and he could casih render hi^ f»os|>cl triumphant in oilier pkiccs, should this favoured Lnd Ix- left in total darkness: but we may iKsecch him to *• work for his own name's sake, tlul *• it sliould not he polluted among the Iveatlien." — This, liowcvcr, leads u:> to consider,
il. 1 ht ii.iture and spccral objects of those pnyers, which may \x sup{K>scd availing on such cKcaskms.
•* TIk- effectual fen cut prayer of a righteous man •* availeth much.'** But of our uholc fallen mce^ •• There is none righteous, no not one,** except by tlic faiih of our Ix>rd Jesus Christ, and by the t'm- ** of the gospel,
W'c ought not indeed to umlervalue the publick ho- nour put on God ami rcligidn. by the ol)stTvonce of ibys set apart for fasting and prayer, through the whole ivnlion: ) et we must m»iintain, that tlie remnant of pe- nitent Ix-licvcrs are the only jjersons, wIkwc mter'"' v. sions for the land can pro|)crly l>e considered as ri- tual and prevailing: and dieir prayers shouki not be re- stricted) to any seav)n, but asceiy! incessantly before the throne of grace. I*rovided ihb were indeed the case, though we must lament, that so few in compa- rison attend in a suitable manner on tliesc occasional scrvicc^, yet wc need not be discouraged. .Alas! this has always, in great measure, Ixren the case, even in time^ of )>eculiar reformation; as we shall rcailily perceive, by comparing the records of llu: most pious kings of
• Jam. V 1*.
J
OF THE TIMES.' ^ 487
Judah, with the testimony of the contemporary pro- phets, concerning the national character of the Jevvs-
We must, however, remember, that all the prajers, even of this faithful remnant, are not alike acceptable and prevailing. When James and John had presented a request to the Lord Jesus, he replied, ** Yc know ** not what ye ask." And when they wanted permis- sion to " command fire from heaven to consume" the Samaritans; he rebuked them, saying, *' Ye know not " what manner of spirit ye are of." Even Elijah once impatiently requested to die: yet he *' was translated ** that he should not see death." And on the other hand, the repeated and most earnest intreaty of Mo- ses, that he might enter the promised land, was finally refused. Yet what righteous men ever prayed more effectually and prevalently than they did on other oc- casions?
It is therefore of great importance for us to under- stand, with accuracy, the nature and special objects of that prayer, wdiich powerfully and certainly prevails: and while this is stated, according to the oracles of God, some objections, which are groundlessly advanced niav likewise be obviated. -
When the apostle speaks of *' the efiectual fervent ** prayer of a righteous man," he is supposed by se- veral expositors to intend the powerful suggestions of the Holy Spirit to the minds of the prophets, by which they were inwardly moved to ask, with confidence and earnestness, the miraculous interposition of God, on particular occasions, in support of their testimony: and the prayer of Elijah, by which he illustrates the
4tttt SIGNS AHI) DUTIES
subject, lias certainly of tliis kind. Yet tliis would never have !x-cn proposed as an example and cncoui - agcnicnt to bdicvcn* in general, it' ihcrc liad not Ixrcti somellung of a similar nature in ihcir acceptable pray- ers. Through our heavenly Advocate ** wc all have •* access by one Spirit unto tlK- Father:** for ** the Spi- *^ rit hel{H'th our infirniiiies:** and thus wc pray in or 6t/ the Spirit. In order therefore tliat our supplications may be accepted and answered, they niusl Ik dictated to our licarl^ by the Holy Spirit.
Hut how sluill wt know this? — Wc cannot dislin- guish between tlur acting of our own minds and the effect of divine influences, except by considering the nature aiul tendency of our desires ainl cxpeciaiions: but we may conclude, safely and without l)csiutJoii» that ever}- prayer, which accords to tin: Scriptures, Is prescntctl by ihc teaching and assistance of the Holy Spirit. Wc may premise, therefore, iJial no formal lifeless prayer, llie language of the lips without any corresixwuling aHcctions or emotions of the heart, can accord with live holy Scriptures: but supposing tliat wc eamcbily desire some real or imagineil good, and fervently and importunately intrcal the Lord to bestow it u|>on us; we luive only to cmpiire, whether the mo- the and o^jrct of such desire be scriptural^ in order to determine the question before us.
To instance in some particubrs: We nwy enquire. Whether \\\c supposcxl go<xl, which we arc earncsdy seeking, be expre:»sly promised in llu: word of God? Can we present our prayer, and jxjur out our hearts in the language of the promises? Do we understand then\ in
OF THE TIMES. 489
their genuine import? And do we seek the fulfihnent of ihcm in the due order and manner?
Again: Do our supplications and requests accord to the precepts of the holy law of our God, and to the spirit of the blessed gospel? And are they dictated by that love to God and man, which the whole Scripture inculcates? The prayers which are presented under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, are uniformly of this kind; for '* his fruit is ni all goodness, and righteous* ** ness,and truth.'*
This consideration ought particularly to be attended to, in our intercession for the church and nation: for we cannot expect to prevail in these prayers, except we cultivate a compassionate, forgiving, and loving spirit towards our enemies, which no crimes or inju- ries can overcome or weary out; as well as an expan- sive benevolence for the whole human race. We should be peculiarly desirous of being preserved, if it be the will of God, in the manner which is most conducive to the general good of mankind, and in particular to that of the nation with which we are now at war. In this respect we have need, very diligently and jealously, to watch over our own hearts; lest any leaven of resent- ment, or desire of aggrandizement, wealth, or prospe- rity, should pollute our prayers, and defeat the end of them. For these things must certainly come from our own spirit, and not from the Spirit of truth and love.
A due regard to Providence is another mark, by which acceptable prayer may be distinguished. We should enquire therefore, whether we desire to ac- knowledge the hand of God, to submit to and adore
YoL. II. 3 Q
^W SICVS AST) DUTIES
liik justice, and to thank him for his mercies, in all the even's and changes which uc witness ainl experience? \\*hetl»er we expect protection and success from hini alone, whatever instruments or means are employed? And wl^eilnrr wc are prepared to give him all iIk glo- r}-? — The subordination hkewise of all temporal con- oenis lo the good of our immortal souls, and tlic best interests of nunkind; and iIk: desire of being protect • ed, aikl assisted, in order that we may usefully fill up our stations in tlie church and in the communilv with a contented miini, and witiiout *' seeking great things •* for ourselves/* are implied in Uiis regard to Provi- dence. TIk pra\ers, which spring from this liappy frame of mind, are doubtless dictated by ** tin: Spirit •* of grace and sup|)licaljon.'* Thus Solomon prayetl for wis<loni, tlial he might Ix: (]ualified to govern in a suitable manner the kingdom to which God liad ad- \'anctd him; but he ofltred i>o |K-tition for ** long life, *' riclKs, or {\\c life of his enemies:'* and if his lot had been cast in a humbler station, tlK'same views and de- sires wcuikl Iiave iiifluenced him to retpiest grace suf- ficient to eiiable him to discliarge llu: duties of it, in a mam^r honourable to (lod and profitable to his bre- thren; and nut to have sought advancement to a higher rank in life. But if discontent, im|)atje-nce, ambition, or avarice dictate our supplications, tlK* Isord may gra- ciously |)ardon tlKm, but he will by no means accept or answer tlKm.
The prayers, offered uiKler the influence of the di- vine Spirit, will also be accompanied will) correspond- ent exertions in the use of all proper means, in order
OF THE TIMES. 491
to obtain the blessings we desire. For instance; he, who prays aright for the conversion and salvation of his children, is sedulous in giving them pious instruc- tionsi careful in setting them a good example, punc- tual in bringing them under the means of grace, and watchful in keeping them out of the way of temptation. Like Abraham *' he commands his children and his *' household after him, that they may keep the way of ** the Lord:" and worldly motives do not induce him to place them at a distance from the ordinances of God, or in the midst of bad examples and ensnaring allure- ments.
Thus our prayers, if spiritual, will influence our conduct in every particular; and the same fervent de- sire, wdiich dictates the petition, will stimulate the en- deavour. That effectual fervent prayer especially, which we are now called on to present in behalf of the church and nation, should be connected with a steady exertion, in our several places, to accomplish the ge- neral and particular objects of our supplications.
The holy Scriptures further teach us, that all those, who in former ages prayed with the greatest accep- tance and success, had an especial regard to the glory of God in their requests, and were ready to subordi- nate every other interest to this grand concern; re- questing personal and national deliverance and protec- tion, in order that God might be honoured in the open view of mankind, by his interpositions in behalf of his worshippers. And this, in every possible case, fur- nished them with a never-failing plea. Thus Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel, Nehemiah, and many others.
492 SIGNS AND DUTIES
supplidtcd ihc Lord for Israel, beseeching him to de- liver them ** for his mimc*s sake, iliat it should not be ** polluted among the heal lien;" and liuii ** all the na* ** lions of the earth might know, that he was the Loud *• God, even he only.'* Our Lord also most cmpluili- cally teaches us the same, by beginning tlic prayer, which he gave his disciples, with these words, ** Our " FailKr, who art in luraven; hallowed Ixr thy name; ** thy kingdom come; thy will be done as it is in hca- *• vcn, so on earth.** It may therefore Ik of use to us, in determining how far our prayers are presented in a right spirit, seriously to ask ourselves, whether the glory of God, tly- Miooesa of the K^'^^ ^'^ ^^^' P^<^^> purity, and enlargement of ilic church, be habitually, and at those acaaons especially, the leading desires of our hearts.
Finally, the accepuble prayer, of which we apeak, is tliat of a man, who approaches, aa a guilty, pollute ed, hcl|>less sinner, to a God of infinite majesty and holiness, pleading for ever)' bleaaing, not ** for his owa ** righteousness,*' or for tlul of the persons for whom he supplicates, but ** for tlK Lord's great mercies;** and presenting his re(|uests. in deep humility and lively faith, through tlie alone meritorious intercession of our great High Priest and Advocate widi tl»c Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Lei us briefly recipiiubic these particul.irs. \\ hen our prayers arc indeed tlK* fer% cnt desires of our heart; wlK-n we request the fulfilment of tlie Lord's express promises; when the spirit of them accords to that of the bw of love, and to that of the blessed gospel; when
or THE TIMES. 493
we present them with a due regard to the providence of God, in submission, dependence, and expectation; when we accompany them with a diligent attention to other duties, and especially to the proper means of ob- taining the blessings for which we pray; when our leading desire is that God may be glorified, and the cause of true religion promoted: and when we offer such petitions through the mediation of Christ, by faith in his name and his atoning blood, with a deep con- sciousness of unworthiness, and an entire reliance on the free mercy of God, to pardon our sins and accept our services: then we may be fully assured, that ours is " the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man ** which availeth much.'*
It may, however, be useful to consider briefly the special objects of those supplications, which accord to the present circumstances of the nation and of the church. Amidst the perils of these critical times, there are persons of different descriptions who seem to think, that they who pray for their country, must of course desire the destruction of their enemies^ and the gratis Jication of national amhition^ rapacity^ or resentment^ by bloody victories* But indeed to be preserved from invasions, civil wars, and persecutions; and to have the invaluable blessings of religious light and liberty con- tinued to us and to our posterity, and extended to all around us, ought to form the substance of our united requests in this respect. — We should rejoice to hear that the rulers of France had formed plans so benefi- cial to that country, and safe to their neighbours; that we could cordially beseech the Lord to prosper thera:
494 blGNS ANiJ Dtlltb
but while tlicy persist in llxrir avowed piiq>obC of in- undaliiig this land with blood, of subverting our ^- vcmment, and of destroying our religion, we must still pray, • Abate their pride, assuage ilicir maliee, * and confound their devices.' It should bo gratifying to ever}' one of our hearts, to Ix: preserved from im- (Krnding danger without a single individual losing his life: but if it please ** the l^ord God of salvation'* to ** answer us by terrible things in righteousness;** who are wc that we should reply against Ood? DoubtlcaB Hezekiah and Isaiah would have preferred the hum- bling ami softening of Sennacherib*s heart to tlK de- struction of his army: but as ))c continuetl to Ixxist, menace, and blaspheme; and as tl>e Lord decbred that he would ** put an hook in his nose, and a bridle in his '' lips, and turn him back by the way in which he ** came," and at length slew an hundred and eighty five thousand of his men in one night; sliall the pro- tectcd and delivered HcT\ants of God quarrel with this awful disjxnsation, or refuse him tlieir tribute of grate- ful praise?
We ought, however, more csjKcwIly to unite in fervent prayer for the restoration of prace: and how- many or great s<x-ver the obstacles to this most desira- ble event m;iy seem: we slioiild, in that case, without doubt, before long l)e calletl to join in thanksgivings to God, for having •* regarded the voice of our su|^)li- ** cations.'* In this part of our duty, we should look bevond our own countrv; and intercetie in behalf of the several regions, whidi liave been ravaged, or kept in perpetual alarms, by the late extraordinar)' commo-
OF THE TIMES. 495
tions: not forgetting poor, oppressed, and almost de- solated France; but earnestly beseeching God to send her inhabitants the blessings of peace, good govern- ment, rational liberty, and the gospel of salvation.
But above all, it behoves us to pray, with great fer- vency and constancy, that, "the Spirit may be poured " upon us from on high:" that all the ministers of re- ligion, however distinguished, ' may be illuminated ' with the true knowledge and understanding of the ' holy word of God; and both by their life and doc-
* trine set it forth and shew it accordingly;' that * all
* who are called christians, may be led into the way of
* truth, and hold the faith, in unity of spirit, in the
* bond of peace, and in righteousness of life:' that pu- rity in doctrine and practice may adorn every part of the christian church; and that every thing which in- terrupts its harmony, deforms its beauty, or weakens the energy of its testimony to the truth, may be en- tirely removed: that labourers 2c;\^ faithful stewards of the mysteries of God rmy be sent forth and multiplied: that an effectual stand may be made against infidelity, impiety, and every species ofheresy and false religion: that heavenly wisdom, with every blessing spiritual and temporal, may be abundantly conferred on our graci- ous sovereign, and on all the numerous branches of the royal family; on our nobles, counsellors, ministers! of state, senators, and magistrates, and on all who posr sess power and influence; that each individual, * in his vocation and ministry, may faithfully and effectually glorify God,' and serve his generation: that the semi- naries of publick and private education. (especijjUy
49(*» news AKD DUTTFS
those, in which young fKTsons arc trained up, on whom the char^ of supportinj^ rchj^ioii, or of conducting publick Inisincss, must shortly devolve,) may be so regulated, a< lx:st to answer tlic great emis proposed by ihcm: and that the blessing of Gcxl may abundantly attend every plan formed, and attempt made, for the instruction of the children of the poor, for the preven- tion of crimes, for \\\c reformation of the vicious, for tl>c alleviation of misery, and above ail for tin: propa- gation of i\\c gospel m ever)* |Mrt of tlic globe.
It seems undeniable that prayers to this effect accord to the scriptures, and may Ix: offered under the special influence of tlie lioly Spirit: but sliould some eiamtii in this compciKlious statement meet with disappfft)ba- lion, we intnat those who object, to join with us in this seascQ of danger, ns far as they can with a clear coDScicncc. Kxact comcidenct is not the o!>jeci: we only \^ish to unite the uhole body of christians ihroughoi't tlie land, in prayer for ourcountr}- ai>d for ** the churcli of God that is among us;** according to what each person, after serious and careful delibcra- tion, deems most conduci%'e to our {xrrmancnt advan- tage. For wc arc fully satisfied that sudi supplications will Ixr Mnswered, not according to tin: opinions of this or the otlRT class of men, but in tlie manner which in- finite wisdom sees to be the best for us. — \\*c pro- icecd therefore to consider,
1 1 1. The prevalency of acceptable prayer, according to the S< riptures.
The speculations of rcaaooing men have deluded
OF THE TIMES. 497
\^st numbers into a persuasion, that God, (if indeed they allow that there is a God!) having established certain regulations, which they call the laws of nature^ leaves the affairs of the universe, at least in ordinary circumstances, to take their own course, without any special interposition: and consequently that the opi- nion of religious persons, concerning the prevalency of prayer, implies a vain and groundless expectation; as if God would suspend or change these laws conti- nually, at the desire of his worshippers, and to serve their selfish purposes. Thus, they not only exclude the Creator from the government of the world and the care of his creatures', by a refined species of practical Atheism^ and bring forward a sentiment diametrically opposite to all revealed religion, as if they vainly ex- pected by a single objection to subvert the whole sys- tem; but they likewise perplex many pious persons, and give Satan an opportunity of discouraging their prayers, because they cannot explain in what manner they are availing!
The Scriptures, however, do not call us to explain^ or comprehend, the ways of God, but to believe, adore, and obey. Not a sparrow falls to the ground, not a hair from our heads, without him : and he hath ten thousand ways of influencing and governing the com- bination and coincidence of causes and effects, with- out altering by miracle their regular course. *' He '' doeth what he will in the armies of heaven and *' among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can ** stay his hand, or say to him. What doest thou?" He is the First Mover in every event, by whatever snbor-
Vol. t>-,' 3 R
498 siGJk -. A .. i> *>
dinatc af»ciit it is pcrfornicd. All crcaiarcs arc his iii- btruincr.ib: but Ik: works by ihcm according to llic na- ture of each. He accomplibhcs liis piiqmscs by the in- slrunKntaUty of volunlar)* aga1t^, wiUiout in the least interfering with ihciryrrr agency; and wliilst each fol- lous the inclination of his oun hc*art,thcy donomorr than ** what his hand and his counsel determined be- ** fore to he done.*'* If they act from holy principles, and u illingly otxy his coniinandmcnts, he accepts and rccomi^nses tlieir scrxites: but if they be uifluenced by cornipt poHsi<ins to break his righteous kiw, tl>e\ receive the puniJiment due to their crimes, w hilc ** his *' counsel btill stoixls, nnd \yc docs all lib pleasure. "f
When Josliua %VM appointed to lead the host of Israel against .\malek, Mo&es engaged in prayer fur success in tin: battle: and tlic prayer of Moses was at least as efticaciuus as the courage and coiKluct of Joshua. In this sense, tlierefore, ** The effectual fer- •• vait pni\cr of a righteous man availeth much:*' not by inducing tin: Lord to alter his plan; but as an ap. |Kjinted nieuns of aceomplislung tluit plan, in a wu\ honourable to his name, instructive and encouraging to his |Kople,and convincing to every spectator. For when iIk Lord thus cvidendy answers the prayers of liis servants, who can but say, ** Truly there is a re- ** ward fnr the righteousi Truly there is a God that ** j'ldgtih the earthi'*
The whole gospel is manilestl\ suited to excite tlie exfiectation of an answer, to ail the prayers, which we
• Act* iv. 37, 28. ^ Gen. U 20. It. X. 3 — r. 15— 19. sin. 9— II.
OF THE TIMES. 499
present before God according to his revealed will. Waiting on him, inthehunnble posture of supplicants, powerfully tends to bring all holy affections into lively exercise, and to prepare the soul for the suitable re- ception and due improvement of the blessings thus de- sired and sought. The answer of prayer likewise exceedingly promotes the increase of faith; it inspires and strengthens hope and patience; it enlivens love, and gratitude, and holy joy; and it excites cheerful di- ligence in self-denying services. That, which is given in answer to the united and fervent supplications of numbers, *' abounds in many thanksgivings unto God:" and when probabilities seem against our success or de- liverance, and yet we do succeed, and are delivered according to our earnest and persevering requests; we receive the clearest and deepest conviction imagi- nable of the reality and importance of true religion.
It is needless to insist particularly on the examples, recorded in Scripture, of the prevalence of prayer. Consider Abraham interceding for Sodom, and clos- ing his petitions before the Lord ceased to grant them. Jacob wrestling, weeping, making supplication, and saying, " I will not let thee go, except thou bless me:"* when the Angel (" even the Lord God of '*'Hosts,") at length answered, ** Thy name shall be *' no more called Jacob but Israel; for as a prince hast *' thou power with God and with men, and hast pre- ** vailed."t — Moses ''standing in the breacli" to turn
* Gen. xxxii. 24—30. f Mos. xii. 4, 5.
600 :iI(;NS AND DUT1C5
\ ihc v.ralhof Gcxl from I -rati, while He bays, " Let VIC alone ^ ihat I may destroy ll>em in a mo- '* mcnl.** And Davids short ejaculation, '* O Lord, ** turn ihc counsel of Ahiihophcl into foolisl)rK*ssI'* — The time would fail to s|)cak of Samuel, Asa, Jiho- hluipluit, iHijah, Hc;:ekiah, Isaiah, Daniel, I'lzra, aiuJ Nehcmiah, and of the a(x>stlcb, and the church in the New Testanieni. W'lui slull \vc tlK-n say to these thinjp», if wc do not unrescr\cdly adnut, that tlK* prayer of faith is exceedingly |x>wcrful, aiKl llut nothing can withstand its efBoic) ?
liui if tin: prayer of an individual frccpicnlly proved so prevalent: wKjI may uc not hope from iIr; united, fcrvail, and perse \Tring supplications of many tlK)U- bands, perlups tens of thousands, could \hc uliole body of real ihristians be excited to concur intlK; pre* aciu emergency? — ** Again I say unto you, tlut if two ** of you sluill agree on earth, as touching any diing *• they shall ask, it slull Ik done for them by my Fa- *' iher who is in heaven.'* Surely tliesc words of our blessed Saviour, >>ewcd in connexion with the scrip- tural decbralions and examples already considered, authori.:c us to form great expectations, w l»cn we d)us agree logellicr m '* nuLing our rcciuesls known unto •*GodI'»
Traxer has indeed already prevailed: and our pro- tection hitherto, in so wonderful a manner, anndst d)e shock of nations, should be regarded as an encourag- ing exhortation to ** pray always and not faint;" and to be more earnest and enbrged in our petitions. Some, however, may be diM:ounigetl fn m this dutv.
OF THE TIMES, 501
by an error in judgment, connected widi deep humi- lity. * Who am I, that my prayers should be of any avail, in preserving the nation from desolating judg- ments, or the church from persecution? My former heinous sins, and my present numerous defilements and distressing confiicts, render me unworthy, and often almost wholly unable, to pray for myself: and my own case so engrosses my thoughts and excites my anxious fears, that when, covered with shame, I approach the throne of grace, I feel myself altogether unfit to intercede in behalf of others, and indeed have little heart to attempt it.' But let such persons recol- lect, that, after the severest trials and conflicts, con- scious guilt had just caused Job to exclaim, '* I ab- '* hor myself, and repent in dust and ashes;" when the Lord directed his offending friends to present their sacrifices by his hands: ** And," says he, " my ser- *' vant Job shall pray for you; for him will I accept."* And again, Isaiah had said, *' Woe is me, I am un- '' done, I am a man of unclean lips;" before he so ef- fectually united with Hezekiah, in *' lifting up his *' prayer for the remnant that was left." Our suppli- cations indeed could not be accepted, any more than our persons or other bcrvices, did not our great High Priest present them with his all-prevailing intercession. But now this provision is made; deep humility pre- pares us for coming in sifnple faith and entire reliance on the Lord Jesus, to the throne of grace. And pre-
* Job xlii. 5 — 9.
502 bICNS AND VUtlEi*
ftcnting our suppliciiions, for others, csi>ccially for ilic church and people of God, admirably tends to encou- rage our hearts, even in the d*irkcsi seasons, to make our iKTsonal desires and rajucsts known to our hea- venly Father. In short, did %vc abound more in inter- cessions for our brethren and fellow sinners^ aixi for the church and nation; we sliould every one of us pray, with more comfort and exjKxtition, for our- ftclves and for those wlio are most nearly coootcicd uiih us.
W !i(>i iiukcd Ix- ; ! solutely certain, that our
pra)cr:> lor the bind \ull be answered in tlu: manrxr which wc intend: f<»r we n*meml)cr, tlut d>e Lord once said concerning Judah, ** Though Moses and •• 5kimuel stood Ixfore nu-, \et mv muui could not l>r *• lowartls this people, '*• Hut wc liave considerable ground of hope, that we arc not yet reduced to this awful condition. One thing, however, is certarti; our prayers will citl>er pnvail for {\vc UiikI, or ilKy \* ill re- turn into our own Ix/som. ** \'erily it siiall Ik well ** widr* all those, who thus attend to tlic duties of iIjc limes; and, in oik* way or other, •* the}* shall be hid •• in tlie (lay of iIk- Lot d*s anger." And we may hkc- wise confidently ex|xxt, lliat our supplicat ions will Le answered, in the conversion of many individuals, who, at all events, may be the seed of a future hardest. — But wc must proceetl to coasider,
T\'. Tl)c oilier duties which shouic: ac 'ni]j>»;ny uiu prayers, in the present circumstan f^ ilje nation. .
•J- -:. '.
OF THE TIMES. i)03
If Moses stood before God, in behalf of Israel, *' to ** turn away his indignation from them, lest he should ** destroy them;" he likewise stood before Israel, in the cause of God, by using all his influence and au- thority to turn the people from idolatry and wicked- ness: and in both respects, he stemmed the torrent of vengeance, which was about to burst upon the nation. This single instance may suffice to shew the attentive reader, what is meant by the other duties which should accompany our prayers.
It is obvious to every one, who seriously and im- , partially considers the subject, that national guilt is the aggregate of the sins^ committed by the several indi- viduals ivho constitute the ?iatio7i. We have therefore all contributed, and some of us in a very large propor- tion, to raise that black cloud of divine vengeance, which hangs over the land and threatens our destruc- tion: and consequently we are all required to humble ourselves before God for our own sins; nor can any in- dividual plead an exemption.
The persons indeed, for whom these reflections are principally intended, are habitually penitent: yet it be- hoves the most eminent christians, according to the examples of beloved Daniel, and Ezra, and Nehe- miah, to renew their personal repentance, with every expression of godly sorrow, deep humility, and self- condemnation, while they plead in behalf of our i^uilty land. They should especially investigate, v. iih care and diligence, the whole of their conduct, since they first made a profession of the gospel, and of devoting them- selves to the Lord according to its encouragements and
504 SIGNS AND DUTIES
obligation?;; confessing, wiili grief and shame, every instance in whicli they have actc^l incoiui&tently, and by any mibconduct excited or increased prejudice in the minds of others; this will make way for a renewed <:ordial acceptance of Ciod*s s;»Ivation» and a solemn dedication of bcxly and soul to his service.
It is likewise very useful, in tliese circumstances, to reflect deeply on the various and horrible abominations which prevail in tlwt collective body, of which we arc sinful mcmlnrs: especially sudi as disgrace Christiani- ty, and harden Jews, Mahometans, Pagans, or infidels, in tlnir prejudices; or which fatally deceive souls al- most without number. \Vc should dwell on tlKSt subjects with serious reflection, till genuine zeal and lo\*c aflict our hearts, and cause us to sigh and mourn over tlKsc evils, as our aivn concern; instead of indulg- ing tlie dis|)osition, which is too common, of expos- ing tiK crimes of otlK*rs w iih apporent satisfaction, or proud s<. If. preference. W'c know w lut a gracious charge was given to the destro)ing angel, conceniing ilut ren)nant in Jerus:»lem, who thus ** sigtutl aiul moum- ** ed for tlie abominations tlial were done in ilu: midst '* of it:*** how the Lord approved the same spirit and conduct in Jertmiuh,t in Daniel, ^ and in Kzra, ^ and csiKcially in Josiah:| and how manifestly this was the disposition, not only of Paul towards his unlxlieving countrymen, but of the Lord Jesus himself, who wept over tl>e crimes and approaching miseries of th;it de-
* Elzck. ix. t Jcr. xiiu 17. | Dan. ix, x. $ Exrm ix. Neh. ix. n 2 Chrt)n. xxxiv. 37, 38.
OF THE TIMES. 505
voted city, where his blood was about to be shed.
Diligent and impartial self-examination, not only as to the ground of our hope in God, but especially in respect to every part of our present conduct, is a con- current duty of great importance. This, however, will not answer the desired end, unless it be accompanied with prayer to the great Searcher of hearts to prove and try us: that we may indeed grow more acquamted with our own hearts, and thus be taught to rectify whatever prevents our usefulness; and instructed in at- tending to duties hitherto neglected or improperly per- formed; and enabled to bear a decided and honoura- ble testimony to the great truths of Christianity, and that holiness by which they are adorned and recom- mended.
This is peculiarly needful in these days of prevail- ing infidelity, heresy, and impiety, as well as of most deplorable immorality. At such a time all, that ** love ** the Lord Jesus in sincerity," should unite in a bold and zealous attachment to the grand doctrines of his glorious gospel, a constant and reverent attendance on his sacred ordinances, a strict but cheerful observance of his holy day, a diligent and unreserved obedience to all his commandments, and a close imitation of his bright example. The revival of pure Christianity should be our object: but in this every one ought to begin at home. As far as this is done a revival will take place: but we are not warranted to expect it in any other way.
Vol. II. 3 S
50G SICKS AND DLM1L5
In this view the im|>oii..nLC of fumiiy-reli^ion, and a careful |KTforniar.cc of the duties incumlxnt u|X)ii parents, and masters, and other superior rebtions, must be manifest to every reflecting person. TIk- no- lice uhich tlic Lord took of Abnih.im's coiKluct, in this respect, has been mentioned: but we may Iwre re- mind the reader of its subserviency to the aecomphsli. mcnt of il>e promises to his |)osteriiy. *' He will enm- '* niand his children and his household after him: und •* lljey sliall keip the way of the Lord, to do justice " and judgment, tlut the Lonn may bring upon •• Abralum ilut uhich Ik lulh spoken of him." — In like manner Joshua, when zealously endeavouring to promote inie nlij^ion among his people, derbred widiout hesitation, ** As for me and my house, ut uill ** serAc the Loto.** On the oOkt IuikI, the imlolent, timid, and indulgent conduct of Kli, res[)eciing his sons, brought ruin on his family, aini dreadful calami- ties on Isnicl: and iIk misconduct even ofJelKjshnpIut, in R)rming an affinity with the family of /\hab, did not fail to produce even still more fatal efTecls.
It is seriously apprelnndecl, iluit nmissness in i\ mily-religion, rebxation of domeslick authority arxl rrgtilitity, arxl the adoption of uorklly maxims in tl)C education qikI dis|>osal of children, constitute a consi- derable part of the sirts of the church in the present day, as disiingtiisliablc from iIk* sins of the irreligious part of thr nation. These evils seem to have made way for the apostacy of great numbers from evangelical principles to heretical systems, nay, to scepticism, in- tidcljty, or open impiety; even from among those wh«
OF THE TIMES. 507
were educated in religious families. And we may be confident, that nothing short of a very strict and zeal- ous attention to these most important duties, with an ardent desire of perpetuating vital religion in our fa- milies and to posterity, will be permanently and de- cidedly successful, against the bold, and strenuous, and indefatigable attempts of the enemies of our holy reli2:ion.
If we prevail by prayer with the Lord to spare us, and to *' pour o\it his Spirit from on high upon us;" this will certainly be one effect of that merciful dispen- sation: men, professing evangelical godliness, will spare no pains, but will forego every flattering and advan- tageous prospect, in order to ** bring up their children *' in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." They will become far more desirous, that their children should be piousChristians,than accomplished, learned, wealthy, or honoured in the world; and will be espe- cially concerned, that they may possess the disposi- tions and qualifications, requisite for serving their ge- neration, for supporting the interests of religion, and for transmitting this invaluable blessing to posterity,* Finally, every man has his talents. Statesmen, senators, magistrates, ministers of religion; the rich, the learn- ed, the ingenious, should avail themselves of their pe- culiar advantages and influence, to ** serve their gene- *' ration according to the will of God," while they con- tinue instant in prayer for the church and nation. They ought to distinguish themselves, by a valiant,
* Ps. Ixxviii. 5—- 7,
508 SIGNS A.VD DUTIES
decided, and zealous conduct, in countenancing and supporting llic cause and the friends of truth and ri^lueoubness: and in this course, they may ho|)e, like Moses, to be honoured of God, to ** stand in ihc ** breach, and to turn a\\ay his indignation'" from our guilty land.
Even tluy, wlui are pbced in a more obscure sta- tion, and arc known only in a narrow circle, liavc some little inBuence; and tliey stiould \x careful not to bury their one talent in the earth: for a pious conversation, an attention to relative duties, and a readiness to ever)' work and labour of love, may accomplish more tlian Uiey sup|»ose, in proinntiiip xhc fmnd olijrrt nf all our supplications.
rhesc things, as connected uith an liabitual and manifest endeavour to sIkw ourselves peaceable and peace-makers, in llie church and in the community; steady friends to social ortler, ajtd to the constitution and government uiuler which a kind Providence lias placed us, (yet avoiding all iIk violence and bitterness of pany-disputes;) dutiful and loyal subjects to our king; harmless, blameless, and kind among our neigh- bours; contented in our station; sta\ ing our minds on God, in cheerful and humble confidence, amidst dan. gcrs and alarms; and following aHer meekness, tem- perance, truth, and righteousiKss in our whole conduct, seem to constitute our present duties. — And as fiu* as the Lord slull be pleaseti to bless our endeavours to increase the numlxr of those who thus pray, and who thus aim to act consistendy with their prayers, in reli- ancc on the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ;
OF THE TIMES. 50?
Qur hopes may reasonably be encouraged, that *' He " will work for his own name's sake," and not suffer any enemy to prevail against us.
- i*»ft^9aait
FORM OF PRAYER.
Most merciful God, who " doest what thou wilt ' " in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants " of the earth;" and orderest all things in perfect wis- dom, righteousness, truth, and love; we desire to look to thee for help and protection in this season of pecu- liar danger and alarm. We acknowledge, O Lord, that thou mightest most justly leave us in the hands of our enemies, and by them execute deserved ven- geance on us. — Thou hast, in a most distinguishing manner, flivoured us as a nation with invaluable ad- vantages, both temporal and spiritual, during a Jong term of years; so that no people on earth has been more highly favoured in thy providence. But alas! we have been most shamefully ungrateful; we have grossly abused our peculiar privileges; wc have multiplied our provocations; our own sins and the sins of our land bear witness against us; we blush and are ashamed to look up unto thee, and we fear that we are ripe for thy
510 SICKS AVD DUTIES
heaviest judt^mcnts. Yet wc humbly pray thee, ** in " wrath rcmcmJ>rr mercy:*' and while thou corrcctest lis Uir our muMplitd iniquities, do not j^ivc up a peo- ple, that is called by thy njme, to Ixr a reproach to the heathen, lest they should sa} *' ^^*he^e is now iheir •• God?*'
** We do not present our supplications IxTorc thcc, *• for our righleousne^H, but for thy j^at mercies," Wc thenfore lx*seech iIkt, O Lord, to plc»rify thy mercy in thy cfenlini^ with us, 'I'hou art t!ie Protector of all who trust in thcc, ami without thy almij^hty aid all human In-lp is vain. () Prescnr our countrj* from war and bloodshetl: permit no invader to land on our fihorcs: let no dome^irk disvntions plun^ us into those dreadful calamities which other coimtries ha%c cxjKTienecd: and suffer no persrctitor todepri\T us of our religious lilx-rty, and our inestimable privileges.
Thou, O I^rd, hast all hearts in thy )iand. Turn the thtniglils am! desires of all parties, to peaceful measures. Say to the destroying .\ngel, ** It is enough, •• stay now thine IuikI.*' Speak the word, ai>d the storm will suliside into a calm. () thou Go<l of peace; stop that desolating torrent which is deluging the na- tions. Rescue those countries which luve so long been visited with tl»e awful scourge of war. Sanctify the calamities to the surviving sufferers: and prevail the further effusion of human blood.
Over-nile, we Ijeseech thcc, the astonishing revolu- tions and conmlsions of x\\c past years, tliat they majr prove an opening to the more extcnsiNC spread of thy gospel: and let it appear that thou didst permit iIk tcn^
OF THE TIMES. 511
porary success of infidelity and atheism, in order to prepare the way for the peaceful triumphs of pure Christianity, over every kind of irrcligion, superstition, and false religion. — Compassionate, O God of mercy, that country, with which we are now engaged in hor- rid war; whose rulers have been employed as scourges of other nations, but have most of all desolated their own land. Send its inhabitants, O Lord, we pray thee, the blessings of stable peace, good government, ra- tional liberty, and true religion. And may those, who once were distinguished characters, and who, amidst the most distressing and humiliating scenes, still sur- vive, have their calamities sanctified to their everlast- ing benefit.
We beseech thee, O merciful Lord, to bless thy servant, our gracious King, with thy choicest blessings. Be pleased to defend him, and every branch of the Royal Family, against all dangers and assailants. Sup- ply them with every good and perfect gift: and enable them to glorify thee and to serve their generation, in those exalted stations which thou hast assigned them; and at length bring them to thine everlasting felicity.
Direct and prosper the deliberations of the coun- sellors, ministers of state, and senators, to whom the affairs of the nation are entrusted. Endue them with wisdom and knowledge; dispose them to such mea- sures, as thou wilt bless for the preservation of order at home, and the speedy restoration of peace abroad^ and till thou shalt see good to grant our most earnest prayers for this blessing; defend us in that manner, if it be thy will, which may most conduce to ihe good Qf the whole human race.
^12 SICKS AND DUTIES
O Lord, \vc piay thcc protect our soldiers and sea- men, and those who lead them forth to battle. Pre- scnc their lives, sanclify ilicir jx rils and lurdshinc and save tlieir immortal sr^uls.
We beseech tliee, O Lord, to Uxjk ii|)on tliat neigh- bouring ibliind, nearly connected with us winch is now in an alarming and av\ ful st^te of distraction, and \\ns been the scene of most terrible calamities. Calm, we pray ihee, lliat len)|Hsi which now prevails. Direct the per- sons, to whom public k aflairs are committed, to tlie wisest ainl most salutarv* measures; and grant, we raniestly Ixrseeih thcc, tlut with returning peace and and order, some rfl'ectual means may Ik ustd to com- municate tlie blessed h^ht of divirie trutl) to all tlvc in- liabitants.
Teach and enable, () Lord, we intreat tliee, all ordere of men in these lands, to seek thy glory and the pub- lick good, by a due improvement of tiK: talents which thou hast committed to llK'ir stewardslnp.
rrosjx:r the bitours of all those, whom thou ** al- •* lowest tol^ put in trust with the gospel.'* .Nf.iy tlicy increase continually in wisdom and k no wlc*dge, in zeal and love, in simplicity and disinterestedness, and in self-denying diligence and activity; and grant tin in the sweet consolation of witnessing an abundant suc- cess to their lal)ours. Illuminate all who txrar tlie sa- cred cluracter, * with true knowledge and understand-
• ing of thy word; and grant tlial, both by tlieir preach-
• ing ainl living, they may set it forth and sitew it ac-
• cordnigly:' — and send forth many bbourcrs into the lancst.
OF THE TIMES. 51^^
Bless all those, who in any station, stand in the breach, by their prayers and exertions, to turn auay thine indignation from a guilty land. Prosper all means used for the reformation of our manners; the extirpa- tion of national enormities; the revival of pure religion; the pious instruction of the rising generation, and in particular of those who are designed to fill the more important stations in church and state; the alleviation of misery and distress in these calamitous times; and especially sending the gospel of salvation to the dark regions of the earth.
Lift up a standard, we beseech thee, against infideli- ty, impiety, and profligacy, which at present threaten the destruction of our holy religion. Deliver thy church from whatever corrupts its purity, divides its unity, and weakens the energy of its testimony to thy truth. Grant that ' all who are called christians, may be led ' into the way of truth; and hold the faith in unity of
* spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of
* life.' Extend the boundaries of thy church: and hasten the times, when the poor benighted Jews shall be converted to their long rejected Messiah; when the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in; and when " the " nations shall beat their swords into plow- shares and •* learn war no more."
O Lord, we intreat thee, hear and answer these our supplications; bless ourendeavours;andfillourland with truth and righteousness: that it may for be thy glory, not only to preserve us from every enemy, and to con- tinue our privileges to the latest posterity; but also t<!>
Vol, I^ ST
i\l^ SICNfr AND DUTIES, ScC.
honour us, as thy instruments, lo convey thy gospd, ts the richcht of all treasures, along uiih our cxtcivsivc commerce, to the utmost Lwrdersof the earth. 'I'licsc •nd all mercies, \vc, |H><)r sinful creatures, most humbly iKscech Uk'c to txrstou u)>on u^, uf thy abundant goodness and merey, ilirough ilic niediuiion of thy well l>eloved Son our Saviour, who is \wih thyself and Uic elcrnji Spirit, Oi^ God over all, blessed for ever- moa*. Amen.
The Doctrines of Election and iinal Perse- verance stated from Scripture^ and sJiexvn consist- ent with exhortatory and practical Preachings and con- ducive to Holiness of Life*
SERMON,
PREACHED
AT THE LOCK CHAPEL,
NOVEMBER 26tb, 1780
P^urth Edition. l
PREFACE
The Serm n, originally published under this title, was com- poseci on a very particular occasion, and in too great haste for the difficulty and importance of the subject. The author's mind likewise was agitated at the time by the circumstances in which he was placed: yet, amidst these disadvantages, it was judged expedient to print it verbatim^ except as some notes were added.
When therefore the occasion, which required the publica- tion, was passed, and the second edition, which had been called for in a few days, was disposed of, he dropped all thoughts of reprinting it; thinking it too much adapted to special circum- stances, to answer the permanent purposes of a calm, delibe- rate, matured, and impartial treatise on the deep and mysteri- ous subject.
He finds, however, that the Sermon is frequently enquired for; and this has made him apprehensive, lest the circumstance of its being out of print should be considered as a dereliction of his principles. He has therefore at length determined to publish another edition: but in doing this, while he adheres strictly to the arrangement and sentiments of the original Ser- mon; he considers himself at liberty to omit some things oc- casional^ to revise the style, and to make several additions and alterations, in order to render it something more adequate to the ends proposed by the publication.
The reader will perceive, that the principal difference be- twixt the statement here given of the doctrines in question, and that of many modern Calvinists, relates to redemption by the death of Christ, as being of infinite sufficiency^ and therefore
f k r. r A CI
in M>ii>€ rc»pccl* the c^'r.rr.i,:! ttr.r^i -^f mankind, i Ui% view ot
thr *• ' ' V' ' ''c least iXx\T' — '■^ in rctpecl of the
ei> 11 by the V)-. .. purpose and gr^ce
of Cjod, niftde known in the cflcctuii caJIing of hit chotcn remnant: while it gives the preacher tn immente advantage in fulfilling the fninistr)* of rccunc illation, and yields the awakened tinner the grratett encouragement in applying to Chn«t fur salvation.— On thit ground we may aay to any hu- man being, ** Believe in the Lord Jetus, and thou shalt be ** saved:" but on the oihcr plan* no one can know, pre\iousJy to ' ' «*r he ha% any more right to rely on the
nu . . ^; . ; .1 . « "<' f *» fi*'. than fallen ••'-'« '< \c.
The Auilmr c % the cin after
truth, and all who dare to think for themtclvra« to examine the patsaget quoted from Scripture in this Sermon, and to obtcnre •i . \ wl>ether they do not fully eatabliah ' . ♦
*1 l.i ihem weigh all the other testim-"'"-' • ' . - .^ ^...*
the same design: and finally let theme- .: immcnte
pains and ingenuity it rc'iaires, to explain a ibariety of tests in «o: y with the other scheme; with what confidence Mid
pl.i^ .\ opj^. ' > against our doctrine; and yet
how tj.i:..:.illy \i»c> ..) the *icw here giren. To the
author they give no trouble; they express his seniimcnts, and in similar circumsiar>ccs he slKwld use the same language. The statement, here given, is by im means new or peculiar. He has proved that the compilrm cf our hturgy hd ' senti- ments. Many of hi^ ' "'^ "" ■' present c ^ \\\ him.
The moM emi:»cnt I % in North America, who
have lived during the present century, view the subject in the same light; and abuivlance of testimonies of this kind, from every ({Uancr. might easily be addoccdi t>ut let the word of God decide.
The Author is not anxioos about the class of profetted chris- tians, among whom his brethren may rank him. No one of them is either right or wrong in every thing; and that whidi in one situation is disgraceful, in another is deemed honour- able. Utii it appears to him of great • 'ir^«r tucnce to shew, that these doctrines, though generally di , dreaded, or abhor-
red, are scriptural) reiioojli holy) consolatory) and consistent
"PREFACE.
with every other part of Christianity; and that the ohjections commonly urged against them, originate in misapprehension of their nature and tendency; and may generally be traced back to unscriptural views or scandalous abuses of them.
Jn some few places however, the terms Calvini.st and Calvin' is?n, Anniiiian and Arminianism^ are retained; not as invidious distinctions, but for convenience, and to prevent circumlocu- tion. It is a great mistake to suppose, that self-righteous pride is peculiar to Arniinians, or Antinomian laxity to Calvinists. Pride and dislike to the holy law of God are congenial to our fallen nature: so that every man is radically of himself both self-righteous and antinomian. No creed, as such, will cure either of these distempers; but regeneration renders us con- valescent, YcX.e\G,i\.Xx\JiQ christians frequently hold and contend for doctrines, which very inadequately influence their own hearts and lives; nay, they often maintain errors, without being pro- portionably injured by them. Hence many Calvinists are prone to pride and self-preference; and many Arminians peculiarly humble, modest, and unassuming. But the christian temper, wherever found, is vastly more valuable, than the most exact notions without " the mind which was in Christ Jesus." On the other hand, the Arminian is not at all secured from Antino- mianism, nor the Calvinist exposed to it, by their several te- uets: seeing both of them are Antinomian just as far as they are unsanctified, and no farther: '' because the carnal mind is " enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God " neither indeed can it be." Perhaps s/ieculating Antinomians abound most among professed Calvinists; but Antinomians, whose sentiments influence their practice, are innumerable among Arminians. Does the reader doubt this? Let him ask any of those multitudes, who trample on God's com- mandments, what they think of predestination and election, and he will speedily be convinced, that it is undeniably true; for all these? in various ways take occasion, from the mer- cy of God, to encourage themselves in impenitent wickedness. It would therefore be unspeakably better, for all parties to ex- amine these subjects, with impartiality, meekness, and bro- therly love; than reciprocally to censure, despise, and condemn one another.
i>/ai/2, 1798.
SERMON, &c.
JOHN vi. 37 — 40.
All that the Father giveth me^ shall come ujito me: and h'lm that cometh unto me^ I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven^ not to do mine own will^ hut the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father'^s xvill which hath sent me^ that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
X HE holy Scriptures, being the Word of God, are doubtless perfectly consistent. Moses and Samuel, David and Isaiah, Paul and James, being merely the penmen of the Holy Spirit, must perfectly harmonize in the truths which they inculcate. Precepts, threaten- ings, warnings, judgments, counsels, exhortations, in- vitations, promises, privileges, histories, examples, types, and parables, in divers methods coincide in for- VoL. II. 3 U
522 SEBMO!f.
warding our inMruclion. 'I'hcy all display and illustrate the same character of God and of man; and impress the same ideas of sin and of holiness, of lime and of eternity, of Iiappincss and of miser}'. They all concur in displaying the glor>' of the divine perfections by llur dispensations of I*ro\ idence in this world, and the final distribution of rewards and punisliments in the world Id come. .\nd ihougli these constituent \xkns of holy writ do not in all respects ansucr the same puqxjscs, e^ch lias its distinct important use, in the nccomplish- menl of one vasi and uniform design.
But though llic Scriptures arc in themselves com- pletely Inirmonious; yet men do not readily i)erccivc this harmony. Numbers imagine they sec in them nn- mtrous inconsistencies and contradictions: others, judging it impracticable lo reconcile tlic sacred wri- ters, give a partial preference to one alx)vc another, and set them in opposition to each other, according to their several opini(»ns. The various sects and parties, professing Christianity, appeal lo Scripture in proof of their discunlanl tenets; and multitudes, content with tliosc passages which seem lo s|K^k tlic bnguagc of some favourite system, pass over all the rest as if no- thing to the purjiosc, or nothing to tlKm, a mere caput rnorttium* in dixinity.
These things arc notorious; but whence do they arise? We allow, ilut the \'asiness of the design re-
* The itti/iid mcMMf thftt remains when the »pintt are tJl drawn ofT by diMillation; or the mrrt dras left in reSniof; mc- t«U.
SERMON. 52
J
vealed in Scripture, which has relation to things un- seen and eternal, and to the perfections of the incom- prehensible God, must very far exceed the capacity of our narrovv minds, and cannot enter the understanding at once, nor be apprehended at one glance; and when viewed in parts, the unity is broken and the harmony obscured: insomuch that we may justly question, whether any creature can perfectly comprehend the consistency of the glorious plan, ** which angels desire " to look into." — But other reasons concur in pro- ducing this discordancy of sentiment. The Bible is a revelation from God to shiners: and it seems an appa- rent intention of the Holy Spirit, so to arrange and con- stitute this revelation, as to make trial of men's hearts; and to distinguish betwixt the humble teachable en- quirer after salvation, and those who read the Scrip- tures with captious self-sufficiency in order to start objections, with attachment to a party for weapons of angry controversy, or with a worldly and sensual mind to find excuse for their sins. ** The way-faring men, ^ though fools, shall not err therein." But " the Lord ' taketh the wise in their own craftiness:" " Because ' they received not the love of the truth, that they
* might be saved; and for this cause God shall send
* them strong delusion, that the}^ should believe a lie; ' that they might all be damned, who believed not the
* truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."^ *' Un-
* to you," saith our Lord to his enquiring disciples,
* it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom
* 1 Thcss.. il. 10—12.
'' of God : but unto tlum that arc without, all •* these things arc done in parables; tlul sctinj^ ** I hey may sec and not j^erccivc, and hearing tlicy ** may hear and not uiulcrstand, lest at any lime they ** should Ixr converted, and their sins sliould Ijc for. '* given them.*'* — My brethren, let us pray for a hum- ble tracluible spirit, which will avail us far more in un* dcrstiuiding the Scriptures to the good of our own souls, tlun all the aruieness and learning in tlK world. In proportion as we |X)89cas this tcm(icr, and really love truth ainl holiness, we slull escape l\yrse djngers, and iKTceive more and more iJk: consistency of the word of God.
But as this disposition is imperfect, and counteracted by remaining prejudice, in llie best of men; so none of us perceive all that consistency which really sul^tsts in divine re\Tlation. — A satisfactory discovery, liow- ever, of the Iwrmony of Scripture is doubtless n gw>d test of tlK degree in which we realU understand divine things: and e\er since tl>e Bible Ixxame my peculiar study, lliis disco\XTy lias been my inxarbble object. No arguments could induce my asNcnt even to tlie doc- trine n{ Justification by faith in C/irist, a/unr, till I was satisfied of its j>erfect agreement with ll>e honour of the divine law, ami the indispensable necessity of per- sonal holiness, and fruiifulness in gcxxl works wliicii 1 was sure were e%erv wlicre insisted on in tlie sacred volume. In like manner my objections to tlie doc-
* Is. Ti. 9, 10. Mitt. xlii. 11—15. Mark iv. II, 19. IaiU viii* 9| la John xii. 40, 41. Actsxxritt. 35— 3T.
SERMON, 525
trines o{ personal election -dud Jiiial perseverance were insuperable, till I was fully satisfied of their consist- ency with exhortations, warnings, invitations, and per- suasions on the minister's part; and diligence, watch- fulness, and strenuous exertions on that of the people; which are for more spoken of in Scripture, than these doctrines are.
In order to state, with clearness and fulness, the re- sult of my enquiries on this mysterious and contro- verted subject, I have chosen a very copious text, but neidier intend to enter particularly into minute expla- nation, nor to confine myself closely to it; but, ac- cording to a very simple plan and method, to advert to a variety of other scriptures, as we proceed with the subject, I shall therefore take occasion from the text to observe,
I. That Christ came down from heaven to exe- cute the Father's commission,
II. That this commission hath a special refer- ence to those, whom the Father hath mvtn him.
III. That all these, and none else, will come to Christ.
IV. That he wdll most certainly receive all who do come to him.
V. That his commission reaches to the infalli- ble and everlasting salvation of the body and soul of every one, who is thus given to him, and comes
. Jti S£RVOX.
to him; or who sees liim, l)cliovc3 in him. :\m\ dc- pcnds on him for salvation.
\ I. That all these obscrrattons arc pcrft-cilj consistnil with many things which some profess- ed Calvintbts object to, and \*hich many Armini- ans suppose inconsistent u iih our doctrines. Thb ' will luturallr lead me to close with a brief appli- cation.— .\nd mar (iod the Spirit open aH our understandings and hearts to umlerstand and re- ceive his lri!th; and bless tliis design to tlk- edifi- I cation am! establislmient of many souls, and the i promoting of true godliness wtthiu us and arouml * us.
i
I
I. CiiaisT CAMi oowy raoM iiiAVCif to ixe-
CUTE THE FATHEa*s coMMissioy. ** I camc douii I '* from Itcavcn, not to do mine own will, but the will i ** of him llul icnt mr."
It mi^ht luvc l)een supposed that tins expression, I '* I came down from lieavcn/* uouki create conside- rable difTicuIty to such as look upon Christ a^ a mere nian, who never was in Iveaven Ijcforc his ascension: but criticistn in the liands of an ingenious man is a I mngick >\and, and nothing can stand Ix'forc it! It is, houc^-er, greatly to l)e uislKtl, tliat tlicse modes of interpretation l\ad Ixren conccdcil, as a kind of mono- poly, to llie Socinians, and had never disgraced the writings of those who call Jesus tlwir Lord and God, and profess to trust in him alone for salvation. Oh, ' when will men shew due rc\crrnre to the oracles of
SERMOX. 527
God, and suppose that the Holy Spirit dictates proper language, which need not be tortured from its plain meaning in the defence of truth, whatever the credit of a party may require!
We, however, profess to believe, that ** being in the ** form of God, he thought it not robbery to be equal ** with God: yet he made himself of no reputation, and ** took upon him the form of a servant, and was made *' in the likeness of man." Originally he was no ser- vant, and therefore no creature; for all holy creatures must be the servants of God: but he condescended to assume that character along with human nature. In this character he acted on earth, and will act in heaven till the day of judgment, by comjiiission, and according to mstnictions. " He came not to do his own will, but ** the will of him that sent him;" in which he not only is our Saviour, but *' hath left us an example that we ** should follow his steps."
We must not, however, suppose that there is the least opposition betwixt the will of the Father and that of the Son. He appeared on earth as man; and by this language he intimated that he acted not by human par- tiality, but according to the counsel of God. It is like- wise an accommodation to our infirmities, and serves to obviate our misapprehensions.
But what is the general purport of this commission? Let us hear the word of God: *' This is a faithful say- *' ing, and worthy of c// acceptation, that Jesus Christ '^ came into the world to save sinners." *' God so " loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, " that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
o'26 o£RyiOK.
*• but have everlasting life. For God sent not liib Soo ** into ilic worlil lo condemn l\)c world, but tlial the ** world ihrout^h him might be saved.** ** His blo<xl ** b the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only ** but for the sii\s of iIk: whole world. "• Had the wri- ters of iIkt Scriptures been as scnipulously careful, to prevci.t even the apjieiiranee of deviating from system- atical coubibtcncy, as many modems are, t)K*y would never have thus expressed dKmsclves. — 1 d;»re not, however, adopt any of the above-mentioned arts of criticism to narrow the obvious sense of tlxrsc and si- milar texts: and as I ho|)C this day, previously to re- ceiving and administering tlx: l>ord*s Supper, to use llie following terms in solemn |>rayer, Christ ' by his
* own obbtion of liiniself once offered, made a full,
* perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblalion, and satisfac-
* tion for the sins of the whole world; *'t I would no more contradict thib solemn profession from the pul- pit, ilun I would preach against iIkt seventeenth arti- cle respecting predestination. — Tlie compilers of our Liturgy evidently thought both true, and consistent with each other, and 1 am happy, to coincide in scnti*
• Juiiti ill. iG— ■' ' I : .. i. ; ; ; jonn ij. i, 2.
t 1. I Icam to bchc%c m God ihc Tuthcr, who hrih mack inc and all the mc>;'
3. In C«ihI the ^> : «.«.«:<•. Kit .^.xi .... ' .M^.-
tind;
3. Iti God the liolf Glxnt, who taxictifirth oir* and ali tkt elect ftrofUr ^ Cod. (Church Catcchbro.)
SERMOy. 529
ment with these venerable characters.^" It will appear that none but the elect will eventually be benefited In the death of Christ: yet, there is a sense of vast import- ance, in which it may be properly said, and the Holy
Here Election is supposed to be connected immediately witli :ianctiJication^r\oX. ■with redemfition: and this appears to me most evidently the scriptural way of stating the subject; though it differs in some measure from many Calvinist creeds and sys- tems.
* Christ was crucified to reconcile his Father to us, and to be ' a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for the actual '■ sins of men.' (2d Article.)
' The offering of Christ, once made, is that perfect redemp- ' tion, propitiation, and satisfaction, for all the sins of the whole, ' world, both original and actual.* (31st Article.)
Hence it appears, that this was the deliberate judgment of our venerable reformers; and that it is the standard'doctrine of uur established church.
* It is very well worthy of observation, that the Liturgy of the Church of England, though compiled by known Calvinists, is most pointedly opposite to every degree and species of Antino- mianism. The conclusion of the general Thanksgiving, a great part of the Litany, and innumerable other passages, might be adduced in illustration of this remark. But the Collect for the day, when this Sermon was preached, is so directly apposite to the subject, that I shall insert a part of it. — ' Stir up, O Lord, ^ we beseech thee, the wills of thy faithful people, that they ' plentiously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee < be plenteously rewarded.' — It hath been much Mondered how Socinians, Arians, or Arminiuns can subscribe our articles, or use our Liturgy: and it must be at least ociually surprising;, if any Antinomians can do either the one or the other.
Vol. II. 3 X
530 sliMo.v.
."jpir;: iutli cxprc:>sly s:ud, ilui *' hib bloou u uic pro- ** pilialion for tlx sins of ihc whole world."
The i>rincipl, thon^li not the only , object of Christ's uppcariii^; in hiiinai) nature, and li\ing so many year* a l)uly bufllicr, and dying in unknown agonies on Uic cross, w.'is ** to bring in everlasting righteousness, and " to make propiiiatiun for iniquity;'* as preparator}* to his mediation and his intereession fur sinners, as our High Priest before Ciod in heaven. Tlic perfection of his arduous obedience, and the intenseness of his com- plicutrd sufferings, were doubtless of indis|x:nsablc nccxssity and of vast efficacy, in this plan of redemp- tion: }ct it was tlie union of d)e Dctttj with the nian Clirist Jesus in one mysterious |)crson, which stamped its full value on diis sacrificc for sin. Butcananv m.t: wSo Ixlieves the real deity of Christ, hesitate to pro- nounce it an nifiuite ransom? Infuiite honour was givni to the di\ine law by his obedience, and infuiite satis- Ciction made to divine justice by his atoning sacrifice.* And through thts infinite sufliciency, that hindrance, which aro^e from tin: perfect liulincss aiKl righteous- ness of God, and like inconceivable demerit of sin is once for all entirely removed: so that it would be no im|Kachment of die purity of U)c divine chanictcr, no
•l.\cni. V :i:c» ii.us * He <^ihc . ; : .» .
* ii ihc com:... .. i^. — ^ > ! .lU men, bccau»e i( i» j-.v^j^.v. 1,
* t)oi tKcau>c u 1% bc'.u^l:\ cxteOiWclto all. Kor although i hr: ; ' suffered for the un% of the whole world; aad U ofrrrd 'mihf>-
* crimlr.atcly to all men tn- the goodncM of God, yet all do no; ^ apprehend him.* \^Kom. v. 18.) .\nd again, ^Chriit ftuffcrrd
sehmon. 531
deduction from the honour of the law, and no abate- ment of the horror and hatred which we ought to con-
' sufficiently for the whole Avorld; but efficaciously only for tlic
' elect.' (1 Johnii. 2.) Indeed if human authority availcth
any thing, it would be easy to adduce abundant evidence from the most respectable Calvinist divines.
To this it is objected, that it does not consist with the justice -of God, that any should perish for whom Christ died. Yet Pe- ter scruples not to speak of those " who deny the Lord that " bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction:" and Paul of " destroying those for whom Christ died." It might indeed have been expected that systematical expositors would find out other interpretations of these and similar testimonies; but the question is, whether their interpretations be natural and obvious, and such as they would deem admissible in different circumstances?
The idea of Christ paying exactly so much for one, and so much for another, and so much for each, and then adding the sums together, and forming a large limited sum, just sufficient to ransom the elect, appears unscriptural, and gives a degrad- ing view of the glorious subject. An all-snffiicient atonement was made at once? and an immeasurable fulness of mercy and grace is treasured up in Christ, to be communicated, according to the eternal purpose and counsel of God. I'very believer re- ceives from this fulness: others remain under condemnation* not through defect of merit in Christ, but through their own impenitency and unbelief.
It would not have consisted Vvith divine justice to have saved sinners without an atonement; as it appears from the apostle's reasoning; (Rom. iii. 25, 26:) otherwise perhai)s we should have been rash in asserting it. But where is it written that Clocl cannot, consistently with justice, condemn any unbeliever? Doubtless he will fulfil his whole counsel, and save all he in- tended to save. But previously to f.iith in Christ, no sinner hath any claim upon his offended Sovereign: and afterwards the di- vine faithfulness and mercy arc his sole and sufficient security.
532 SIMMON.
ccivc against sin, should God through Christ panloii all iIk* dinners who now Hvc, or whv ever bluU livc,oii earth.
Ill love iluit surpassetli knowlctlge, the Redeemer having executed this |)art of his commission, arose from tlic dcnd, and ascended into Itcavi n, iliere in K^or)* at iIr- Failier's ri^hl lund to complcle tlK gnuKl dcs^ign; and iutli all power and audiority in luraveii and earih, and all tlic lulin-iks of the Spirit, for tliat purpose: and lhi» desi}^ consists in |)ardoning, sanctifying;, defend- ing, and briri 'ill ' lo jierfect luMine^s and ftliciiy, all Wtll:«>Ut cXl-, - A who rnnu to Cicx! thrcjiirli liini. 13u? t!»:*> Icnck lis lo slicv,
II. That Cutis i issio.v has a sriciAf.
• Err.REMce to tiiosc whom the Fathek hath
GIVEN TO HIM.
'i'hough no ol>staclc from di\ inc justice to tlie salra- tion of any siniKr, or of cvcty Mnncr, now rcnuins: yet a hindrance equally insuperable, except by omnipo. tent p'aee, is found in the depravity of our fJIcn na- ture.— The sun H created, and placed in tlic o|x*n firmumcnt, for the common Ixnc fit of nunkind; there is intlut lumiiury no defect of light, nor would iIktc be any, were innumerable additioiul millions to share the benefit. Yet stime nun do not see; not from any defect in the sun, but from one in tliemselves. God, wh<j is no debtor to his crczitures, fp^es die blessing of sight to whom he will: but if he widihold or wiiiidrau it, I lie man is bcnigi^ted at noon da} .
Cluist was iiucd up u|)on the cross, (like the bn.
oLULiox. 533
zen serpent on the pole,) and is held forlli in the preached gospel, tor '' all the ends of the earth to look ** unto and be saved." This may properly be called the common benefit of mankind: there is no defect of merit, of mercy, or of i^race in him; nor would be any, if millions as numerous as the sand should receive out of his fulness. But the want of a right disposition of heartt \vhich fallen man has not, which God aione can give, but ^vhich he may justly withhold from a rebel- lious subject, effectually prevents the salvation of all who do not receive it. The case is parallel: except, that bodily blindness is not generally a man's fault, or a defect in his moral character; whereas the want of humility, spirituality, and love of God is sin^ 07'igi7ial sin, the fruitful parent of all other sins, in fallen men and fallen angels.
Let the blessings of the gospel be fairly proposed, with solemn warnings and pressing invitations, to two men of exactly the same character and disposition; if they were left to themselves in entirely similar circum- stances, the effect must be precisely the same. But be- hold, while one proudly scorns and resents tlie gracious offer; the other trembles, weeps, repents, prays, believes! " Who maketli this man to dlfl'er from the other? or *' what hath he that he hath not received?" The scrip- tural answer to this question, when properly under- stood, decides the whole controversy. Human depravity produces different effects in \ ast variety, and gathers strength by habit: but, in its root and nature, it is the §ame and equal in all men. This can be effectually evercome by nothing except a new creation, a " v/ork
531 :iEBM0V.
** uTOuglit by tlic cxccalinj; pratnessof tliat miglKy ** power, which raised Christ from il?e dead." — I do fiot now argue ^^ »-^» vu^h ns oppose \\\c doctrine of ori^nal sin.
In tlic case before stated, the man who proudly scorned and rescntetl the offer of free salvation from deserved perdition, had this work been wrought in his iK-art by the energ)' of the Holy Ghost, would cxr- tainly have embraced it: and liad tlic other, ulio be- lieved, Ixren left to himself, lie would as certainly luvc njctted it. This distinguishing grace is previously neither mrritrti nor drurrti by c idler of them; it might justly liavc Ixxn wiUdKid from bolii; but it is gra- ciously communicitctl to one, and not to the other, by n sovereign God ** according to tlic counsel of his own ** will.** lie, and Ik alone, ** lulh made one to diflcr •• from anotlicr.** Now, was this distinction intcnttoti- allif made by the sovereign Disposer of all things, or was it not? If intent toualiij: was tlvat intention first roncrivrt! at the moment cf txeeution^ or ftrrviouMiy? If />/*«. . why not from eternity? Imlcrd, if any
of tin: works of (sod, wlien actually acron J, be
righteous, lK>ly, wise, good, and faithful, tlie eternal pur]x)se of pcrforminj; them m'lst have Ixren equally righteous, holy, wise, good, and iaiihful: unless it can be wrtmif to determine to do eighty if il\at determina- tion was formed Ion;: l^eforc it Mr»» cxecultdl If it consists with divine justice aiul . sn to leave one
siuiKT to perish, and to^Mve . '^f ^\1^
an act of so^ grace ami |>ower; it must lwi%'e been
• ami g«Kxlncss, Xodeercf
SERMON. 535
the destruction of the one and the salvation of the other. In short, the two doctrines; that of man's entire depravity^ and that of a new creation unto holiness by the sole energy of the Holy Ghost, without any help, and nothwithstanding every hindrance, from nature, can never consistently be separated from that o^ personal election: nor upon this ground can a satisfactory reason be given, why any are saved and sanctified, but this,^^- that ^' God hath chosen us in Christ before the ^^ foundation of the world, that v.e should he holy, and *' without blame before him in love: having predestina- ** ted us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ '' unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his *' will; to the praise of the glory of his grace, where- ^' by he hath made us accepted in the Beloved; in " whom we have redemption through his blood, even *' the forgiveness of our sins."
" Known unto God are all his works from the be- '* ginning of the world." In his unsearchable judg- ments; (Oh, how deep are they!) doubtless for wise and righteous purposes, though not clearly disccrnable by us purblind mortals, he was pleased to permit the first entrance of sin, the fall of Adam, and the depra- vation of the human race. It suits not my present limits to discant on this subject: I may scarcely pause to drop a tear for the awful catastrophe. But, that man is fallen and depraved, that '* the whole world lieth in *' wickedness," all we see, hear, read, or experience
* Ephcsians i. 4 — 7.
536 ^kCRMOK*
demonstrates, and ail confirms the testimony of God in Scripture to this hum!)linj^ doctrine. Utterly desti- tute of love to iIk- holy perfcclioivs of God, desire of his favour, delij:lit in his service, pniiilude for his bene- fits, or regurd to his glory, man is universally disposed to inonlinute idolatrous sclf-lo\*e, and love of worldly objects. His own honour and glor}* he seeks, his own imagined excellences he admires, his crimes Ik viiMli- cates or excuses; he affects iiKkpciKlency, and would ht^c all otiicrs .1 i mire ami honour him as much as lie does hinw If. lie also iuoli'<.es wordly objects; •* The- •* lust of the flesli, the lust ol Uie c}e, and Uk* pride of •* life'* he chooses as Wis portion. Tliesc arc ** his gtxxl ** things,'* for uhich he most ardently thirsts, on which he mainly depends, and in \%h'Kh he places his chief felicity. Hence eventually proceed all unrighteousness, licentiousness and un^f)diuK*ss« according to the diT* ferent constitutional pro[)en>ilies, educations, and luiblts of diftlrent men. ** 'i*he law of God is weak llirough •• tiK flesh,'* and cannot restrain tJicir im|)etuous de- sires. In the pursuit of tlKir self-exalting or carraJ projects, tin: will aixl worship of God arc neglected, the rules of justice, truth, and lK*ne%'olencc viobted» and c\XTy excess committed. Bui ** tlie wrath of God ** is re%*ealcd from I>e.:ven against all ungodliness and '* unrighteousness of men;** and eternal punisliment is annexed to the transgression of this holy law by him •' to whom vengeance lx:longs:*'and when this is niade known to the proud rebel, his ■ nt contempt of
God breaks forth in enmity, and sometimes in lil.Tsphc- wy agiiinst the divine perfections, bw, and govern-
sER>ior;. 537
uient; ** because the carnal mind is enmity against God, *' for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed ** can be; so then, they that are in the flesji cannot ** please God."
This state of the human race God foresaw; and he, who alone is competent to estimate the tendency of such a temper of heart, and the malignity of such a conduct, evidendv considered all men both as meritinp; eternal misery, and as "vessels of wrath fitted for de- ** struction."
Redemption by the blood of Christ was a most dis- linguisiied part of his original plan. He was *' the ** Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. '^ Vv'hatever other method God, m his infinite wisdom, could have devised for his own glory in the salvation of sinners, this was doubtless the best; for it was ac- tually chosen. But this plan can have no foundation except in the humiliating truth, that all men were so exceedingly guilt}' and deserving of everlasting misery, that it did not stand with the honour of a just and holy God to be reconciled to any of them, or to rescue them from destruction, except through the interposi- tion of such a sacrifice, as that of ** his well beloved *' Son in whom he is well pleased." If man does not deserve damnation, deliverance from it is not o{ grace hut of deht,"-^ And though eternal life must in strict
* If we cannot by other arguments prove the justice of God in the damnation of sinners, the method of redemption alone demonstrates it. And it is more our interest, and more becom-
Vol. II. 3 Y
538 SERMON.
propriety of language be an unmcriicd gift of God lo any of his crcaiurcs: yet, as far as \vc know, ii niiglu liave beep honourably given to us; lud it not l)ccn that man was so guilty and God so holy, dut widiout the atonement made by the death of the divine Saviour, it would not have consisted with his holiness to save 80 vile a rebel. If this be not so, *' U)cn Clu-ist is dead •' in vain."
l)ut if the heart of sinful man is enmity to a holy God, and disdains tlie authority, dislikes tlu: precept, and abhors tl>e sentence, of tlut holy bw which con- demns him for Jus crimes; if tlie gosfKl slurws the malignity of sin aiKi tiic desert of e\er}' sinner, in the most conspicuous hght; if it maintains tlu: auUiority, magnifies the precept, and vindicates tlic justice of the sentence of tiK law; and if it gives no (]uarter to any sin, saves no nuui in his sins, but from all sin, and to all that verv' holiness which tin: Liw deniands, ** writing ** the law in the iKart:** could it be reasonably tuppos. ed, tlut nun would not also liate and quarrel with tlu* afironting, though most merciful, message of free sal- vation? It mij^ht have been previously ex|)ected, and matter of fact indisputably proves, that tlxr unadulte- rated gos{x*l, notwithstanding its surprising largeness and frceness of grace and love, is more oflensive to \\\c
\n^ uft, to »ubmit «o his hghfoiiwwii, aiM) •\'X*\y for hit mcrc} ; than in the iuiil»t of our igooraocc and tilindnrM, to spend our time in voiti reasonings upon a subject, for which wc are ioconi- pctcn* ' :n making objections to tliosc appointments «}• « •re ui ijr determined, ^^"-^N - ^^^ -•'•••• •■» them or ;. .
SERMON. 539
ppoud rebel than the very law itself, and excllcs more enmity and blasphemy. Nor need we hesitate to assert that every individual, if left to himself, would as infal- libly have either negleeted and opposed, or perverted and abused, the gospel, as he has broken and quarrel- led with the law. From this source especially have arisen, all the persecutions of Christianity which have raged in many ages and places; all the indifference and contempt which have prevailed; and all the innumera- ble corruptions of the gospel, which have been devised, to render it more palatable or tolerable to the pride or to the lusts of men.
Foreseeinfi: this as the inevitable consequence of leaving the gospel to take its own course in the v/orld; knowing that all would reject or abuse it to their deeper condemnation; the Lord did not consider himself bound in justice to afford his obstinate enemies any further grace, but judged that he might righteously have left them all to the consequences of their perverseness. He is no man's debtor, he doeth no man injustice, he punisheth no man who hath not deserved it, nor any one above his deservings: and, however men may now dare to find fault, all his dealings will be sb.ewn most glori- ous in wisdom, holiness, truth, and love, and " every ** mouth will be stopped" in *^ the djy of wrath, and *' revelation of the righteous judgment of God, v.ho " will render unto every man according to liis dced.i. "
But where none has any claim, may not tlie great Ruler of the universe bestow his unmerited favours on whom he will? Is he alone restricted from *' doing what '* he will, with liis own?'^ Seeing diat none citlicr dc-
540 •B1M9V.
bcrvc, or desire mercy in his appointed ivay^ bul all harden tlicmsclveb in impenitent and ohstiiute rebellion; in high sovereignly he declares, ** I will luve mercy » •* on whom I will have mercy, and I will luve com- " passion on whom I will lui\c compassion. So tiK*n '* it is not of him tlut wilkrih, nor of him that run- •* nelh, bul of God llut slieweih merer/' — *' There- •* fore Ik halh mercy on whom he will hove mercy, ** and whom Ir* will he hardeneih/* Not bul lliat all who arc saved, do run and seek, and ** every one that ,* seeketh, fmdelh:** bul God's mercy takes tlie lead; his preventing f^rjcc liath produced this willingness; and tlicrefore the o;ic sinner wills, runs, seeks ami fmds: whilst others, left to iliemscbcs uikI to their own lusts» and to Saun's trmplalioiis, met t %viili those thin^^ in tlic rigltteous providence of Gud, whii:!) lurdcn ihcm more and more to their destruction.*
Doubtless tlie Lord acts with the most perfect wis- dom in nuking this diffcrriKx among sinners; but he deigns not to inform us of his reasons: and w Im arc
* * The condiiian of iHAn ftficr i)ic full of AtUm \% »ucJi, thai
< he cannot turn and prejnrrhimKlf. by hit own n«:ur.' ih 4 at.d ^;ood workft, to/ui/A amd enlitn^ upon fJw!. \'. ......ore
• wc lia«e no urcngth to do good worki pleaaant and tccepcablo ' unto God, wtUKMil the grace ol God by Cbriit /irrx'entmg us,
• lAo/ «r iR«y kavt a g^od wtJi^ amd working im ms wkm wt kawr
< that gw>d wiU,' ( loth Article.)
»« H'ork out Tourown salv^iiuQ »i:h fear and • '
• it is God, which t» rkcrft in jrou to «r;.. ai. i . ♦•plcaaurc." (Phil. ii. I?. 13)
SERMON. 541
we, worms, rebels, and cncjiiies, that we should expect it from him?
When therefore he appointed his beloved Son ('* his *' Elect whom he had chosen'') for salvation to tiie ends of the earth: that his grace might not be frustrated by man's perverseness, as otherwise' it must have been; while he saw good to leave others under the condem- nation of the law, and, through the tendency of their evil nature, to reject the gospel, *' from the beginning " he chose" a people " unto salvation, through sane- " tification of the Spirit, rnd belief of the truth; where- *' unto he calls them by the gospel, to the obtaining of *' the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."^ — These are the persons spoken of in the text, as *' given unto ** Christ" (by some mysterious transaction, according to our low apprehensions, betwixt the Father and the Son,) when he undertook the work of redcmption.f
* 2 Thess. ii. 11—14.
t * Predestiiuition to life is the everlasting purpose of God,
< whereby (before the foundations of the world were 1 id) ne
* hath constantly decreed by his counsel, secret to us, to deliver
* from curse and damnation those, whom he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to ever-
* lasting salvation, as vessels made to honour. Wherefore they,
* which he endued with so excellent a benefit of God, be called J according to God's purpose by his Spirit working in due sea* i son: they through grace obey the call: they be justified freely; (they be made sons of God by adoption; they be made like the
< image of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ; they walk reli-
* giously in good works; and at length, by God's mercy, they ' attain to everlasting felicity.' (17th Article.) Some argue.
5i2 SERMON*.
Willi an especial intention of saviu.; tliii ** rcmiwnl ••according to the election t)f grace," Christ hlieti hi^ precious blood. '* I by down," says he, '• my life for •* iIk: sheep.** His death was a sujficient atonement for all: this forms an encouragement for every one that hraf) tl>e gospel, and lca\ca all without excuse who neglect such great salvation. But our Lord forc- s;iw wIk) would eventually partake of this infinite ran- som. Tlnrse arc in some sciisc his sheep even Ixrforc c6iivcrsion: ** Other slieep, s;iys he, I /kht, wtiich arc ** not of this fold:** meanini; tlie uncon\erted Cientiles. WIku as lost sheep the)* arc w*aiidering in the ways of destruction, lie sends his ministers to those places where tliev reside, tlut Ik* mav seek and save ttiem, and bring them liome to liis fold: — and he continues tlicm in tlwir stations till his puqxMcs are accompli^lied *' Be not afraid, but s{xak, and hold not thy |Hracr, for *• 1 am with thee, and no man sliall set on tlnx to liurt •' llKe;yr»r I have muc/i fieofi/c im i/iit ciftf,** sailli lie to persecuted Paid at Cuhiith, concerning tlie licentious inhabitants.* And for these he especuliy intercedes, and not for the world. f — ** Ciod who is rich in mercy, •' for his great love wherewith lie loretl us c\cn ulieti *' dead in sin; — liath (piickened us t ; w iiii Christ
•* — lor by grace arc ye aa%*etl. \ J\ Uith; and
that ihit tnick U not CAlnmuicV - 'r ^ • . v . . and ad-
mir^ly, %um% t:r> thr opsnions of lor. br » . ► irrr^
Kc maybe • i!.
SERMON.
543
•* that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."-
Thus he separates his elect by new-creating grace, and makes them " a willing people in the day of his pow- *' er, in the beauties of holiness." '' We ourselves *^ were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, scr- '* ving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and *' envy, hateful and hating one another. But after that " the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards ** man appeared; not by worksof righteousness which *^ we have done, but according to his mercy he saved ** us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of *' the Holy Ghost." " He hath saved us, and called us *' with an holy calling, not according to our works, " but according to his purpose and grace, which was " given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began, "f Others are invited, but these only are made iviiiing to come; the rest make light of it and go their ways to their favourite pursuits. This leads me,
III. To observe, that all these shall come TO Christ, and none else will.
This is illustrated by the decree of Cyrus to the cap- tive Jews. J " Who is there among you, of all his '* people? his God be with him, and let him go up to * ' Jerusalem. ' ' This was general Jar all. But many had got comfortable settlements at Babylon, anddid not care enough for the ashes of the holy city, or for the interests of religion, to encounter the perils and hardships of such an expedition. Who then eventually availed thcm-
* Eph. ii I — IO. t 2 Tim. i. 9. Tit. iii. 2—9. \ Ezra J.
544 SEMUOK.
selves of ihc king's permission? ** All i\\cy\ wlioat '* spirit (icd had raised lo po,'* ainJ none else. TIk others mi^hi and could, liad ibcy possessed a tvilluif^ mind; but iIk:) had not, and tliercforc they ucnt not. Nor %\ouId anv have ^one, liad not God interposed /a make some of them v:illmfr.*
May not sinners come to Chribi? Hou runs ihc pro- clamation? ** How lon^; ye simple ones will ye loe '* simplicity, and the scomcn delight in the ir scorning, '* and fools liale knowledge? Turn you at my rq^roof: ** behokl I will pour out my Spirit unto you; I will •• make known my wcjrds unto \ou.*'t — ** Ho, ever}*
" one tliat thir^tcth, come vc to the waters: and lie
•
" tliat hath no money, come ye, buy and eat; yea, " come buy wine and ntilk, nithout money ai.d with- " out price. \\ Ixrefore do ye spend your money for ** tluit \\ hicli is noC brcadf and your labour for tlmt *• which satisfieth not?" "Seek ye the Loao while •* lie may Ik* found, call ye upon him while Ik is near; *' let tlie wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous '* man his thoughts, and let him return unto tlur LorO| ** and Ik* uill l^ve mercy on him: ami to our God.
* • 9
•• and he will abundantly pardon.'*J — ** Now thcnwc V are amlxarvidors for Christ, as though God did bcr •* seech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be •* ye reconciled unto God.'* " W e beseech you, — titat
* Scr a letter of Archttitbop Usher* t, for a morr full dikcut* »iofi of thU poi&i; and for Uiit and kcvcral other Uluttratioos and arguments.
t Prov. i. 22, 23. \ I WiaJi W. 1—3. 6, 7.
SERMON. 545
" ye receive not the grace of God in vain."* ** Let " him that is athirst come; and whosoever wi//, let him " take of the water of life freely, "f Who is excepted by name or character in these general proclamations? — Christ complains of men, that *' they will not come ** to him, that they might have life;" and he thus pa- thetically laments over Jerusalem, ** How often would *' I have gathered thy children, as a hen gathereth her ** chickens under her wings, and ye would not,^'' Jehovah says with the greatest solemnity and earnest- ness; *' As I live, I have no pleasure in the death of ** the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, ** and live. Turn ye, turn ye, from your evil ways; for ** why w ill ye die?" — Justice indeed demands the exe- cution of the criminal; but the merciful Prince, as it were, sheds tears, whilst as a matter of necessity, (if he will maintain the honour of his kingdom,) he signs the death-warrant. The reason of the destruction of sin- ners is therefore thus stated: — *' Because I have called, *' and ye refused, I have stretched forth my hands, and ** no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my *' counsel, and would none of my reproof: 1 also will " laugh at your calamity, and mock when your fear " cometh."t
But sinners cannot obey the call. This is a truth, if truly understood. They are under a morale not a iia- tural, inability. Is this distinction useless and unintel- ligible? Is there no difierencc betwixt a covetous wretch, who with a full purse hath no heart, and a
* 2 Cor. V. vi, t Rev. xxii. 17. \ Prov. i. 24 — 33.
Vol. II. 3 Z
5A6 sERito.v.
tonjp^bbiur ;t'w man who heili //t> money \o relieve a fellow. creature in distress? Both ;irc effectually pre- vented, bul the {A\cfrom /linneij] the other ^y an rx- temalhindrcnee. Kver)* geinrrous man at once indig- nantly condemns tlje nne, and wholly justifies the other. When the case is put, di\*ested of all false co- lourinj^, the one coultliffieit^ottld, and the other ifow/J l^hc could. It is said of God tlat Ik cantwt itr. But whrnrc arises this inn|>ossil)ilit\' Surely not from rx- trr*^' I •• •'• 'f/f, but from \\)c prrfertton of his rssrrttui Af'/i .. ,,. >..i.n cantK)t but hate his Maker. Not be- cause of outwnrti force put upon him, but through the horrid mAlignity of his disposition.*
*irtbrr< .^ i.<. i,al (nffmi.xi i^ twiit the WM/ ^ IM#wW /aeuitie$, »n<i the wwr 9/ wtorti dit^omtitH§t Hmm em b« oo> thing culpable cvon in S4U0*t opposing God* aod cndcaroitr* ing the dotrtiction of men; for it u m impoMlblc at hmM, tbtf lie ikhuuld do othcrwisct as that tinocrt should perfoctJy obc/ ihc law, or of ihcmkcUct repent and bclieTc the gMpeJ: and ifthct arc cxcuw^ ' ^ '.^i i» coot«qucn(l> %o too. Indeed* oa this suppomition* ^.. _ -cten are reduced to a \erzii (or tai proportion to the degrei* of evil diepeaitkHi, or mmrmi HmkiBif to good* ctil acuon»4>ecomc excmablc; and bf parity of raa«D|ia proportion to the degree of moral exccUcnqr of dttpoaiiion, or of mgr^l inabiiiitf %» eril, good action* being unavoidaUe b^ come IcM praiftcworthy. Thu*, the more tnvardly holr anf man is, the lc%« eiteem are his pietr, justice, and charity en- titled to; for he can scarcely do oihcrvise. An angel, as coo* firmed in buUneas, b still less entitled to commendation; for in «eiNe wn9t it is impossible he should do ocbcnnsc \hm be bollf* He ronnor sin. And through nrcrsmry excellency of naCttre» it is strictly impossible Ood sboold do sny thing Incnmigfrnt with
SERMON. ' 547
Sinners are not of themselves willing to stoop so low, and to leave so much, as the gospel requires; or
the most consummate wisdom, justice, truth, and goodness. He cannot: and shall wc say, this inability (which is the incom- municable glory of his nature) renders him less entitled to our admiring, adoring, grateful love, than otherwise he would be? Every one must see what confusion would be introduced into civil and domcstick concerns, if no regard were paid to this distinction, and an inveterate propensity were allowed as an ex- cuse for crimes: and it introduces equal perplexity into all our discourses on divine things; because it runs directly counter to all our rules of judging characters and actions. A good outward action, without the least corresfiondent dis/iositiony is in reajity mere hyfiocrisy: as the disposition to good and aversion to evil increase, good actions have uiovq genuine sincerity , and the cha- racter more amiableness. When we can say with the apostles,
" We cannot but do,'* so, and so we are entitled to as much
esteem and approbation as mere men can be. This moral ina' bility to evil is much stronger in angels and the spirits of just men mad^ perfect; and therefore we are taught to look forward to such a holy estate and temper, as the summit of our wishes and desires: and God himself, who, being under no restraint, but doing his whole pleasure, cannot but be perfectly and un- changeably holy, is proposed as the object of entire love, ad- miring gratitude, and adoring praise.
On the other hand, a bad action, if done without Intention^ or the least disfioaition to such moral evily is deemed purely acci- dental, and not culpable. When it is contrary to a man's gene- ral disposition and character, and the effect of sudden tcmjita- tiony it is considered as more venial than when the effect of a rooted disposition: and for a criminal to plead, ' I am so pre- pense to theft and cruelty, that I could not help it,' would bo to condemn himself as the vilest miscreant, not fit to live, ih the opinion of judge* jury, and spectators.
548 stnUOK.
to part uiih every forbidden indiilRtnce, to renounce the world and deny themselves, to lake up tlicir croiis and follow Christ; and without this willingucu llicy cannot be his disciples. This is the rral, arid tlic only, hindrance. \\ ere they once willing; llu y would ast, and (iod would give them, all iIk rest.
\hi they not come Ixcause these hlessin^^ were not interKied for them? No man out of hell can possil)ly know this resptciing hinibclf; ainl ver}* few lubituolly tiimk it. God*& secret purposes and open declarations perfectly comcidc; ** But sec;rt things Uloiig unto ** the Loud our God. and tiK things which are irvenl- •' cd, to us;'* (a distinction not sufficiently attended to:) the former arc not, and cannot Ixr, the rule of our conduct, but the Litter arc; and tl^r^ exclude none, but such as wtU rwi come totl>e feast.* Ksau sold his birth. right for oi>e morv:! of meat. The Ixjrd indeed did not intend il>e birth. right for Ksau. but for Jacob; vet this, not lx*ing the tnntive of Ksau' duct,
fornud no excuse for it. lit is condemned in Scrip-
Thrrc CAnbc no riin" i provin;; that '
Implied ihrougbout th« . . . and bA»ii» Tcm... .
lure of thing*; ind *of4r from being norcl, it \% i: , .. :.._:
any rational cieAturc can be unacquainted vith it. No man ever yet miMctl the distinciton 6etw<m the uck irrvant wk» e9mid nci troritt und tkt lazy trvmrnt wkm Mad no Aecrt to kit w^rJtg that iftf h€txcixt nctttraiand morat inahiUty: and no man could govern even i>i& domei^tickt in a proper manner, without coo* tinu.illy adverting tu it.
* Matthew xxii. 3. Lokexi.. .^
SERMON. 549
ture as profane, a dcspiser of bis birtli -right, and an example of one who repented not till it was too late; and he is proposed as a warning to us, not to despise or abuse the mercy of God, lest our doom should be irreversibly determined.! Proud contempt of a free salvation, idolatrous love of eardily objects, and pro- fane disregard for spiritual blessings, are the real mo- tives of men's rejecting the gospel; and therefore no unknown purpose of God is allowed as an excuse. It is true, the Elect were of the same disposition, and had they been left to themselves, would have made the same choice: thus "boasting is excluded;" and God appears glorious in justice in condemning sinners, but more glorious in grace in saving believers.
*' No man can come to mc," saith our Lord, in the discourse from which our text is taken, " except the ** Father which hath sent me draw him." — ** They ** shall be all taught of God; every man therefore, that ** hath heard and hath learned of the Father, cometh *' to me." We are here informed how this otherwise insurmountable hindrance is removed. Men are drawn by rational inducements, not forced by external vio- lence: and this drawing is effected by the communi- cation, not of new faculties, but of new dispositions and discoveries, which give a new direction to the judgm.ent, desires, and affections. They are taught of Gody and learn of the Father, who both opens the eyes of their understanding, takes the veil from their heart, and causes his light to shine upon them, and within
*Heb. xii. 17.
550 SBKMOH.
them. Frequently after long patience with tliem, and preserving them during their ungodly course of hfc; in some cases, when they arc grown more determined in wickedness I lian ever, aixl it might be supposed Uicy were nigh unto destruction; by his Holy Spirit Ik shews them his glorious majesty and holiness, their relations and obligations to him, and the authority, extent, and reasoIublenc^s of his law. Thus lie '* con- •* vinccs them of sin, of righteousness, and of judg- •* mcnt;*' and lays opai the eternal world to their view m all its tremeiulous importance: till alarmed at their danger, they tremble at his word, and tale warning •* ID flee from iIk wrath to come.** Their terror is accompanied by himiilialion and penitent remorse, wlKn the Holy Spirit teaches tlicm tiK odious luture and dreadful tcndeiKy of sin, and vikncn of tlieir own conduct aixl character: tlK-n ever)* kind and degree of reformation and amendment proves utterly insufli- cient to apjxrasc their disf]uicted consciences. While otlKHi, after awakenings, take shelter in this refuge of lies, they arc uught to exclaim, ** U c arc all as an *' unclean thing, and all our rightcoimeases are as 61. " thy rags.** Thus by despair of atoning for the ]>ast, or justifying themselves before a holy (iod, by sue! i unholy services, they become cordially willing to ac- cept of a free salvation.
They discover likewise, tliat |)ersonal holiness is abftolutely neccssar)*; and are taught that ** the Loaii •* can liave no pleasure in iniquity; ** and iliat none can be meet for a holy heaven and ilic enjoyment of a hob
SERMON-.
551
God, without conformity to his holiness. Thus they are preserved from that fatal refuge of lies, into which the love of sin betrays vast numbers, of perverting the doctrines of grace into a reason for being satisfied in the neglect of holiness. At the same time they arc taught of God their own utter inability to obtain this holiness, except from him; and they learn to prize sanctification by the Spirit, as highly as redemption by the blood of Christ. When such important con- cerns engross their minds, worldly objects seem di- minished, and they learn to count them as nothing in comparison of the salvation of their souls: thus they become willing to deny themselves, to forsake all, and to follow Christ, bearing their cross; whilst others pe- rish in the vain attempt of serving God and Mammon, and reconciling the interests of time and eternity.
In this manner the hindrances, arising from the pride and corrupt passions of the heart, being efficaciousl)^ removed, men readily learn under such a Teacher, the grand lesson without which all others would be use- less, and to which all else are subordinate. We must mention one thing before another; but it is not neces- sary to determine in what order these lessons shall be taught, or whether more speedily, or more gradually. But in his own time and manner, the divine Spirit will teach every elect person, the nature, truth, and glory of the gospel of Christ; and shew him, that in the di- vine Saviour, in his righteousness, sacrifice, interces- sion, and grace, all he wants, or can desire, is contain- ed; " He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine,
352 iLtLMOS^
** and shall slicw it unto you.'** Now he feels an ar- dent longing for an interest in Christ and all bis bless- ings, and fears nothing so much as bcinjc rejected* Now he makes, trrmblinp perhaps, his ean»est appli- cation; •* Ikhold he praycihl'* As a condemiu:d cri- minal, a perishing; sinner, he comes, he asks, Ik; umits; he ix-rsists in waiting and praying; and, giving up every other hoj-e, lie says, *• Lore), to whom sliall I j^oV •* thou hast the words of elenul hfe." Now he re- spects every instruction, obser\cs ever)* direction, uses every means, watclies agninst cvtTy sin, attends to every duly; yet inists in nothing but the free mercy ol Go<l through tlie redemption of his Son, whom he de- sires ** to l>c made unto him, wisdom, and righteous- '* ness, and sanctification, and redemption.'* Now he is very apt to suspect that he does not ask ainl seek in a pro|>er m.inner, and Ix'comes jealous of himself lest he should be decci\ed: and though lie longs for relief from the burden of his guilt, yet Ik lieani a false peace; ai.d still seeks lor more camcstDCSS and dee|x:r huini- li.itiuiu lie will take no denial, yield to no (liseourage* men!, and be satisfied %>ith nothing short of all tluit Chribt died to purcliuse and is exalted to bestow: par- don, righteousness* holiness, lilierty, victorv*, and eter- nal life. Thus all, whom tlie F .iher hath given unto Christ, being taught and draun of (jod, come unto him, receive him, and walk in him. — But is this our ex|ierience, or is it not? It is fcr substance, though with c*ux:utnstantial variations, I trust, the e\)x:riencc
• Jo....
SERMON. 552
of all true christians: and yet I fear that very many, who are zealous for these doctrines, continue strangers to this method of coming day by day to Christ for his complete salvation.* I proceed,
IV. To observe that Christ v/ill most cer- tainly RECEIVE ALL WHO COME UNTO HIM. This
is here most emphatically declared, " him that com^ " eth unto me, I will in no wise cast out;" and the double negation in the original is still more expressive. Had the vilest sinner, who ever trembled with the desjDerate apprehensions of having sinned beyond all reach of mercy, been allowed to draw up a clause for his own encouragement in coming to the Saviour, he could scarcely have worded it more favourably. Im- agine the basest character, which ever disgraced hu- manity and scourged the world; one grown hoary in
* ' As the godly consideration of predestination and our elec- tion in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable com- fort to godly persons, and such zs/eel in themselves the work- ing of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly members, and drawing up their minds to high and heavenly things; as well because it doth greatly es- tablish and confirm their faith of eternal salvation, to be en- joyed through Christ, as because it doth fervently kindle their love towards God: so for curious and carnal persons, lacking the Spirit of Christ, to have continually before their eyes the sentence of God's predestination, is a most dangerous down- fal whereby the devil doth thrust them into desperation, or into wretchlcssness of unclean living, no less perilous tha?l desperation, (iTth Article.)
Vol. II. 4 A
55 i iAtHOV.
mMltiplicd rapine, murders adulteries, npcs, and un- na nr«il lusts; and hrmthifig out (K-rjurJcs and bias- ph mics, as if ambitious of prc-cnuueiicc in profone- nc s: il even thin man truly come to Ciirist, *' he hUI ** in no wisr cast him out." buppose tin; most con- taminate villainy, to the very verj^e of life, carried on under the broad vizor oi designed hy|>ocriby; or some wretch, emtxildciKd in sin by the ver)' K^sp^l itself, tvlio had given such scandul, tliat tnousands in lull sliould cura< him an iIk oct.iiion c)f ilirir perdition; or some \ile a|)Ostate, some Ju(Ui% uIk) liad Ixtrayed and sold his Lord. If even such persons really come to Christ, in iIk: mnnner that hath been described, lie %rill, he can *' in no wise cast them out.*' He cannot alter the uord, that is gone out of his lips. I determine not whether they ever do actually come, or u hciher it is mucl) to be cxjx'cied \\\*ti d»e> should; for ** there •* is .» sin unto death," and ** it is imjKjsMble to renew ** some unto repentance." But did liny come, even at the last hour, tiK-y ^hould m no wise he cast out; for tl»erc is nothing in the constitution of tlK* gos|Kl to ex- clude them from mercy. Should there then be one present, who is ready to despair, and trembles to ap. proach the mercy. scat, because he expects and dreads a repulse; let him nuke the trial, and plead the pro- miae, and wait the Lord*s time in his way; and Ik ihail fiiul, tiut neiilnr aggravated guilt, nor strong corruptions, nor inveterata evil lubils, can exclude liim fmni this full and free salvation.
No man has the least occasion in such circumstan- caa to tiicjairc previously, whether he be ckct, which
SERMON. 5o5
he cannot possibly know in this stage of his experi- ence. He needs only to ask himself; am I sincerely willing to be saved from sin, and all its consequences, in the humbling self-denying method of the gospel? do 1 believe that Jesus, and he alone, is able thus to save me? do I apply to him and trust in him for these things? and do 1 observe his directions, and use the means which he hath appointed for that end? Every dpproach to a temper and conduct so opposite to cor- rupt nature must be from some kind or degree of in- fluence of the Holy Spirit; and whatever looks like it should be in a measure encouraged. But as many pro- mising appearances are blighted, and the Scripture speaks of such as " had been partakers of the Holy ** Ghost, and had tasted the good word of God, and " the powers of the world to come, who yet fell away:'^ vi^e are constrained to add that not every operation of this kind is that good work, which distinguishes the chosen people of God. — Nay, probably few perish, where the word of God is fully preached, without many awakenings, many fears, many desires, yea, and many feeble endeavours, which are all subdued and extinguished ** through the love of sin." *' Strive to *' enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, ** shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Yet as far as there is any tendency to good in these things, they are to be ascribed to a good cause: and not only ** hating the light," and acting in defiance of their own consciences, but also *' resisting the Holy Ghost," will be found among the aggravations of sin, in man}' lihat perish at the day of judgment.
%E,tUOS,
Nor arc they who arc saved, free from ihc samr guilt: but ill them grace proves victorious; oik! though resisted, by invincible cflicacy it giiins the ascendancy. — 'I'lubdiiiin^ishing work of God, will in lime shew itself, and make it evident that the man was drawn and taught of (iod in coming to Christ. Hcncr, \>hen all are invitee), none w ill ctjme but they who arc wi/'inf^.* none arc ixv/A- / but as made u^iUm^ by God: be
makes ncnir ^^ but thr cfrct: he would have all
encourai^d, ulio arc willing: he will have all sinners left nilhudt excuse: no one can know his election, but by his vocation; nor his vocation, until he hath actually conic to Christ: and there is no w^y to answer tltesc ends, but by free and urgent invitations, connected w'idi wantings, instructions, exhortations, and expos- tulations. If diis st)le of address \)C not adopted, you ** quench the smoking flax, and break the bruised *' reed:" lor U>e trembling sinner will be apt to say,
• if any poor sinner, raajr not come, how can I know
* tlat I mavlP for 1 know not diat 1 am elected: Rut if *• every one is invited liien I may come, and now I am houtily willing, ;ind this gives me encouragement.*
Many arc zealous for the system, \iho do not un- derstaml ilie arguments, by which it is maintained; but lie that does, will allow tliat this r]uestion is t)ie very knot of the whole controversy; /f'/jn makes man iW/- linff to be sailed in the meiliod of ihc gosfir/P* If any
• 1 «*y, lit the mtthui of tkt goafitf: For ercnr rnan it wil- ling to t>c nvcd frvm misery %ad made Happy, if it may iMit be in some tray of his ohd, ciihcr CiTourmbk to hit pride, or lo his Ipvc of sin.
natural preferable disposition, or any improvement of nature, contribute to produce this willingiit^s, then the doctrines generally called Arminianism must be true, and boasting must be introduced. But if God alone produce this willingness without any help, and not- withstanding every hindrance, from man's evil nature, then the grand principles of Calvinism are established^ and boastins^ is excluded. Notions in the head indeed do not always suitably influence the heart and conduct. Many of those who are called, and who call themselves, Arminians, are far from boasting, nay, are remarkably pious andhumble: and too many Calvinistsnre haughty, dogmatical, censorious, and contentious. But a humble believer in Jesus is a brother, and entitled to our cor- dial love, though he cannot subscribe our whole creed. This, however, being the real question, it contains nothing that militates against invitations: we invite all that will to come to Christ for his salvation; and as it is not necessary to make any limitation in respect of the unwilli7igj who sufficiently distinguish themselves; so we give the invitation in all respects general and un- encumbered;— *' As many as ye shall find bid to the '* marriage." My fellow sinners, if you are willing, you will seek our merciful Saviour, and you sliall find mercy and grace: but if any of you are not willing, raise no slander against him; charge him not with un- willingness, but be sure the fault is entirely your own. — I proceed then,
V. To observe, that Christ's coMMissrcrT
REACHETH TO THE INFALLIBLE AND EVERLAST*
558 sitxoN.
IKC SALVATION* OF THE BODY AND SOULOF £Vllf INDIVIDUAL, Wiro IS CIvevrOHlMSCe:kHlM, AMB
BELIEVES OS HIM. '* Th.H i& tl)c Father's uill which ** hath bCMU mc, that of uU which he tiath ^tvcn mc, I '^ bhould lose iiothii);^, but bhouKI ruibc it up a^uni at '* the last day. /\ik1 this is tlic will of luin that sent '* mc, tlut every one which sceth the Son, and bc- '* Ik'veth on him, should h.ivc everlasting life, and 1 '* will raise him up at tlK: bst day.*' Indeed this uiui* voidably follows from all itut hath t)cen already dis- coursed; and hkewise from iIm: unch.in^able wisdom, faiihfulnets, and love of God; and from his promise, covenant and coun?«el, " confirmed with an oath: that ** by two immutable things, in which it was impossible " for God to lie; we mi^ht luivc a strong consobtkn '* who ha%'e fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope *' set before us; w hich liO|x: wc luve as an anchor of ** iht! soul lx)th sure and sicdfast. •*•—** Whom he did ** foreknow, he did also predestinate to be conformed •* to tlK- image of his Son. — Moreover whom lie did *' predestinate tlieni he also called: and w liom he called *' them Ik also justified, and whom he justified them ** he also glorified. What shall we say then to these •* things? If God be for us, who can be against us? •* He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him *• up for us all, how shall he not with him Irtely give ** us all things? W hu shall by any thing lo the cliarge ** of God's elect* It is (iod thal^tii/i/frM."— •' \S h«
• Htb. vi. 17—19.
SERMON. 559
"'^ shall separate us fro.ii the love of Christ? — For I '* am persuaded that neither death, nor Hfe, nor angels, ** nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, ' " nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any ** other creature, shall be able to separate us from the " love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."^' To object, that though nothing else can, our own sin may separate us from Christ, is a mere evasion; for nothing has any tendency to separate betwixt Christ and the believer but sin, or as it powerfully tempts him to sin.
In like manner Peter confirms the doctrine of his " beloved brother Paul,'* at the very opening of his first epistle, which begins u\ this manner: '* To the
* strangers, — elect according to the foreknowledge
* of God the Father, through sanctification of the
* Spirit unto obedience, and sprinkling ot the blood of ' Jesus — Grace unto you and peace be multiplied.
* Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
* Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath ' begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resur- ' rection of Jesus Christ from the dead; to an inheri*
* tance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth
* not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept
* by the power of God through faith imtosalvatio7i,'*^\ And again, " Unto you that believe he is precious;
* but unto them that be disobedient, the stone which
* the builders disallowed, the same is made the head ' of the corner; and a stone of stumbling and a rock
• Rom. viu.29 — 39. f 1 Pet.i. 1 — 5. Comp, Luke xxii. 22.
500 SEBMdV.
** of offence, cvcnloihcm whicli stumMc ai ihc wurd
** being disobcditnlwhcrcunto aLo they were appoutt-
•* cd. But yc arc a chosen [feneration ^ixroy^il pnc^lhood,
•* an holy nation, llul \c should slicw forth il»c praises
'* of Iiin), who iuih called you out of darknc!^ into
*• his marvclloub light/'* •• For God lud not appoint^
**r(/thcm to urath but to obuin saUaiion b) our Lord
** Jcbus Cliri^l.'*!- 'nuuhlcwibc S3} b another apo^tlr,
** Ot /lis onvn u'U/, begat Ik: Ubulth thi word of tnith;
'* dial we ^huuld be a kiiKl of first iVuits of his crea.
** turcs/*} And our Lord himself says, ** My sheep
** hear my voice, and I know ilicm and they f(illow mc;
'' aiKl I give unto them ctcnud life, and tiny si\a\\ never
'' pcrlbh, neitiurr Jul! any pluck tlieni out of my hand.
** My Father who gave them n»c, is greater tlum al!,
** and none is able to pluck ihcm out of my Father's
** liand. I and my Fatlicr are Onc**'J Tlic only w^y,
in which Satan, or any other enemy, can endeavour to
ph\ck the sheep out of Christ's lund, is by tempting
ihem to wilful and fiiul a|)ostacy: but in tliis atteiujn
rvery enemy must Ijc unsuccessful, according to ti)C
obvious m> of such express and abs^»!ute pro*
mises: aiui i: uu^ • ' nniay not be deduced from
tijcm; Ixjili tlKsc, ana aii other numerou: Scriptures,
w liich ;:rc calcubled to give a strong consolation to
liiem who Hec for refuge to Christ, not pro\iding
t)st tliis only danger, mean just nothing at alL
Wliat though many professors apostatize' \\ hocan
• IPcuii. 7— .10. t 1 Thr%vv.9. | Jtmc^ i. lt«
SERMON. 5^1
wari'ant their preceding sincerity? ** They went out '^^ from us, because they were not of us^''^ says one apostle. *' There must be heresies" (false teachers and false doctrines) " that they that are approved may be ** made manifest," says another. But surely this is not applicable to all who decline in their profession. Let us then suppose the persons in question, not to be apos- tates, but backsliders. Can we positively say, this or that man dies impenitent? Such decisions belong to God, not to us. Widiout all doubt, if a professed chris- tian turns aside to notorious sin, or throws up his re- ligion, and live and die impenitent, he will perish ever- lastingly: for he alone, " who endureth unto the end " shall be saved." The doctrine of final perseverance is not at all concerned in this case; for the man's apos- tacy is the detection of his hypocrisy: and the only question is whether God hath not in his word, engaged to preserve all real believers from thus finally departing* from him?
Except a man be truly converted, he can persevere only in open ungodliness or in hypocrisy; except he have scriptural evidence of his conversion, he cannot warrantably conclude any thing concerning his perse- verance: and if any one, while living in habitual S'in, or in a negligent and slothful manner, encourages himself by this doctrine, he is guilty of awful presumption. But the true Christian, habitually and sincerely abiding in Christ, and walking in all his ordinances and com- mandments; amidst his sharp conflicts with corruption and temptation, and his fears of future consequences, may find a most reviving cordial to refresh his droop-
VoL. II. 4 B
562 setMON.
ing spirits, and rciicw his strtn^^tli, iiom tlKissortnoe that Christ will ninkc him ;it icngili more than con- c|Ucror, and ** jtcsctvc him lion> • v • r, ,.^i| ^vork unlo *• his iKravcnIy kingdom.'*
TIk; stotn- ground hearers, however flourishing, liaving no root in thcmschcs^ must one day wither awny. The groufKl overgrown w iUi thorns, the em- blem of worldly professors, will ** bear no fruit to jKrr- " fection.** But ihty who rtceiic ihr »ced in good ground, in art honesi ami gocii hearty miKle sueli by divinr t^ate, will '* bring lonh Iruit with patience.** •• \\ Ijomk vrr diinkeih U Uic wjter that I shall give ** htm,'* s;iys our L<jrd to the woman of Sam.ina, meaning e^fieeially the Spirit ol life ami lu>lincss, ** slull nei'er ihirM, but the water dut I shall give ** him, sluill Ix* in him a well of uater, springing up *• into evcrhisling i. . It will spring up in all holy aflcxtioiis, and flow forth in all holy thoughts, words, and actions, until it Ix: jKrfeeted in eternal glor}-.»
The real Christiafi is geiR rally ver>- far from think- ing Ik* has attained perfection. As a poor sinner, Ik: sill feels abundant cause for the diily exercise of rc- |)entancT and faith; and he daily needs the free mercy of the Fither, tin: precious blood of the Son, and fresli supplies of tlir irnce of the Sprit. He has occa- sion for const:nit v, .]ne^sand prayer, and Ik* often wants reproof and cliastisemcnt. Seasons of slackness and in.slanccs cf tra!ist;ression, lur has to mourn over
• Jubniv. 14. TU.37— 3V.
SERMON. 565
and if he steps farther out of ihc way, his security hes in the following promises and assurances: — ** As many ** as I love I rebuke and chasten.'' *' They shall be '* my people, and I will be their God; and I w ill give '* them one heart and one way, that they may fear me *' for ever, for the good of them and of their children *' after them: and I will make an everlasting covenant *' with them, that I will not turn awav from them to " do them good, and I will put my fear into their *' hearts^ that they shall not depart from ;7i^."* For in this manner, the Lord brings back liis ofiending children with weeping and supplication. The final perseverance of all, who hold certain doctrines, relate plausible experiences, or make a credible profession, cannot be made to ccmsist with matter of fact. But the final perseverance of die true penitent believer in Christ, who is delivered from the dominion of sin; who through faith in Christ has in some degree over- come the world, and aspires after a more complete victory; who has learned to hate all sin, and delight in the law of God, and is hungering and tliirsting after righteousness, is doubtless a truth of God's word. Yea, without a peradventure, the meanest, feeblest, true believer on earth shall infallibly *' be kept by the ** power of God, through faith unto salvation." " For '* this is the will of him that sent me^ that of all whom *^ he hath given me 1 should lose nothing, but should *' raise it up again at the last day." And this leads me,
* Jer. xxxii. 38 — 40.
56*1 set VON.
V. Tool>scr\c, — That all this is riirL^ . -^ *
C0NS1ST£XT WITH MANY TRINCS U'lllCH SOU I
OBJECT TO, AS A H M I N 1 A N ISM. — li 1^ burprusng to hear some, who profcsj* UK'nischc^ Calvinibts, m doubt whether ihcir principles be consi^tuit with live govemnicnt ol iIk: world b\ rewards and punishnient!^ pro|>o!>cd as motives to tlie hoj)cs and fear^ of mankind. — Surely if the Bible do, in any part of ii, teach thobc doctrines, wliich arc cummonlv denoniitutcd Calvi- nism, tlicy' must implicitly penade the whole of it; and we can liave no occasion to resort to an opposite system, in order to explain any |Kirt of the sacietl vohime. For wlut rcavjn, can any one ftupfKisc tlial punishment is less drscr\xd on these principles then on the otlKr? The lorekno%vledgr or secret purpose of God is not the effective cause, or inducing motive, of any man*s rebellion, imjx.*nitence, qikI rejection of the gospel; and tlKTcforc cannot fc^m an excuse for them, or render his cotulcmiution less just. Tliis de- cree i>either deprives him of any thing good w hich he cither possessed or merited, nor puts any cri/ disposi- tion into his heart. TIk l-ord merely determines to leave the sinner to himself; without any efficacious unmerited inlcqx>sition, to prevent him from dcstro)'- ing himself t)y his voluntarv* wickedness and obstinacy. On the otlKr liand, a man must dcvbtc \ct\ far indeed from the whole sclnme of Christianity, who sup|X)ses that the rmard of a Mirvin^ sinner is merited. Many Arminians allow as expressly, though perhaps not quite so consistently, as the Cal\inists, that the re- wird is not of debt, but of gracr. Fear of future pu-
SERMON. 565
iiishment, yea, hope of future reward (though blind and presumptuous) answer, even respecting those who eventually perish, important purposes in God's provi- dence, exactly the same upon one scheme as the other. They are not effectual for the salvation of the ungodly; but they keep mankind in some measure of order, and prevent much wickedness: for, what a world would it be. were all the wicked entirely liberated from the fear of future punishment, or wholly desperate! At the same time the Lord, in calling his Elect and in pre- serving them in his ways, draws them on, and effects his purposes of love, in a considerable degree by means of their hopes of future happiness and fears of future misery.
What then is there in these doctrines inconsistent with charging guilt upon men's consciences? warning them to fiee from the wrath to come? laying open the law as the ministration of condemnation? calling upon sinners to repent and believe the gospel, and exhorting them to *' labour for the meat which endureth unto '' everlasting life," to " strive to ejiter in at the strait ** gate," to search the Scriptures, to pray, *'to press ^' into the kingdom of heaven, to forsake their sins, " and to separate from sinners?" These are the ap- pointed means, which, in all ages have been owned by God for the conviction of sinners; and though, with- out supernatural grace, they prove insufficient to over- come man's strong corruption, yet they are suitable means; as suitable as ploughing and sowing to pro- cure the crop, though here also God only can give the increase; so suitable, that in the mouth of the prisoner
566 SERV *
Paul they niatU* c\cn a i^roud Felix tremble, and al- most persuaded A^rippa to Ix a CluibUaii.
^\'!ut ib tliere inconsistent widi iiuiting sinners to come to Chiisi? with warning them not to lurglect such great snivation, not to refuse him that speakcth? or willi declaring diat it slull be more tolerable (or Sodom and Gomorrali, tlian for llioac who RJect the gospel? Wiut, incon:^istent with exhorting men to •• cxamiftc themselves whedKr iliey \k in tlic taidi?** and to ** Iriok diligently lest any man fail of tlie grace " of G()d?*' •* to gi%c diligincc, to make their calling ** oik! election and to be careful tlut no man
deceive tiKm, and il;.il tluy do no\ deceive thnnsdves? What, inconsistent with dis liing Ixrtwccn the
true christbn and tin hv|)ocrite? with e^^horting chris* tians to adoni thrir pr- :), to glorify God, to let
their li^ht sIhik- ix-fore men, to be faithful in Uic un- rightcojs mammon, to redeem their time, to walk circumsiKc:ly, to beware of grooving negligent; to press forward, and to be ready to ever)* good work? Wliat in< nt, with declaring that ** licrcby wc
** know ti)c n of God, and the cliildren of the
'* devil; ever) one tliat doeth not righteousness, is not *• of God,** *' L\Try otk Utat committeth sin is of the *• devil?**
Fiiuilly, what ib tlierc iiiCOfiMstcnt wiiii discoursing to c/triitians very particularly concerning the christian temjxrr aixl Halk? concerning relative duties and all other duties; and ad monisliin^;, persuading, reproving, beseeching, exhorting tlicm, in c\xry method, and by every motive, "to walk worthy of God, wIk) Iwlh
SERMON. 567
*' called them to his kingdom and glory?" There must be a vast disadvantage in arguing against these thhigs, which are so fully handled in the Scriptures, and are so naturally expressed in scriptural terms: and if we be proved inconsistent, we have this consolation, that every writer in the sacred Scriptures will share the same censure. But in one word, are means any part of God's plan?* If they are not: the argument not only concludes ^^lunst practical preaching, but against all preaching: and we may give over ploughing our fields, eating our food, and taking medicine. f But if means as well as ends are provided for in the divine counsels; then these doctrines form as firm a foundation for all exhortations, instructions, warnings, invitations, and
* That is, Did God predestinate the end, wz7/i or ivithoui rt- ference to the means, by which he intended to accomplish it?
t The apostle Paul was assured, in a vision, tliat the life of every individual who sailed with him should be preserved: yet afterwards he declared as positively, Thaf except the seamen " continued in the ship, they could not be saved/' (Acts xxvii- 24, 31.) Was the event then doubtful? Was there any altera- tion in the purpose of God? Was the apostle inconsistent? Or did the passent^ers act rationally, when, without hesitation, they went and cut the cords, and let the boat fall into the sea, thus defeating the intention of the sailors?
This was (as a friend observed to me) common sense, which is a very different thing from the vain reasonings of men in matters of religion. The truth is, God determined to save the lives of Paul and those that sailed with him; but he determined to save them in ilds precise 7nanner, aiid in r.o other: and the means were as infallibly decreed as the event.
566 sfiiicox.
expostulations of ihc preacher, and for all diiigcnLr and uatchfulncss, and aciivily of the hearer, as tlic op- posite tenets: and if true, no doubt they ^ve an advan- tage in enforcing all ihesc lopicks; for error can never promote holiness, and truth can never subvert it. In- deed, Ix^sidcsthe native tendency of these nu-ans, djerc ap|x:ars a more close connection of tl>e means with tin: blessing, from llie consideration tluit the same lx)rd who appointed them, hath promised the bkssiug, ainl inclines the heart to use them.
And now in applying the subject I uould observe, I. riut while numbers argue nidi tiK greatest ve- hemence agninst tl»e |>oints in question, and ground- Icssly clurgc tlnrm with implying the most dishonour- able thoughts of God, and tending to the most perni- cious consequences: otliers are ready to say, in extra- vaginu zeal, to any one of greater modcTation, * If you really l)elieve tliese doctrines, why do you preach them so s|ianngly, cautiously, aiul practically?* — I would desire sucli a man carefully to study even St. Paul's Kpislles, .Hid to answer tl>c objection himself. Per- haps he may fnid that tl)ere is not a less pro|)ortion on sucli subjects in our sermons ainl publicatioiis, than in his writings; and Uut he as carefully guards tlnrra from abuse, and connects. them as much with holy practice, as we can do. We grnerally mtx-t with a few verses in an Kpislle upon the doctriiKs in ques- tion; a much larger proportion ujwn the jxTson, love, and sufi'erings of Christ, and on faith in him; aiul w liole chapters upoi^ a holy life and conversation: and if we
SERMON. 569
do not in the same manner proportion, guard, and connect them, hypocrites will abuse them, infidels will despise them, and the weak will be stumbled. In- deed they are not at all proper subjects to insist on, when we preach to sinners, to prejudiced hearers, or newly-awakened persons; and are seldom if ever found in Scripture explicitly thus addressed; yet a great part of our more publick ministry is exercised among such persons. Let it not then be thought carnal polic to adaot our discourses to the occasions and wants of the hearers, while nothing inconsistent with truth is spoken, nothing profitable kept back. Our Lord him- self says, " I have yet many things to say unto you, •' but ye cannot bear them now:" and Paul writes to some, who were prone to be *' wise in their own con- '* ceils." "I could not speak unto you as unto spi. *' ritual, but as unto carnal. — I have fed vou with *' milk, and not widi meat, for hitherto ye were not " able to bear it; neither yet are ye now able:" and he gives a reason for this conduct, which proves that ma- ny in most congregations are not able; namely the prevalence of strife and contention among thcm.^
2. God's secret purposes are consistent with his revealed declarations: let then no sinner vainly endea- vour to excuse his sins, or quiet his conscience by an abuse of these doctrines. Though the salvation of the righteous is wholly of the Lord, the damnation of the wicked is wholiv of themselves: and if the lustre of
♦ I Cor. iii. 1—4, 2 Peter iii. 16. Vol. II. 4 C
570 SERMON.
these truthi (L£zlc:> the cvts of some poor distressed souls, some weak believers or cnquinrs; lit the ni turn their uttcftiion to arothcr part ol'dixiiic truth. Still, still this is true, ** Lvcr}* one that usketh rcceixTth, " and I)c that sicLeih fiiidcth, and to him tliat kr>ock- *• cth il slull Ix- opined. "•
3. Hon earctul sluiuld we be to ascertain the rctli- ty of our convrnion, belore ue take tl>e comfort ol perscvrrancr* An error in this matter proves &tal to thousands, who, Dii^^akinj^ some transient emotions and afllctions fur a sax ing change, buoy up tlKir hopes to the eiul by abusing these truths, aiu) |x:risl) with **a *' lie in their right band.** AiuJ let it be especially ob- served, that llx: scriptural way of making our calling: and election sure, is, by giving all < cr, ihx onJ) in the means of grace, but in follounig .ifler holiness, and aljoundnig in every good work.j
4. Tlu* lutivc tendency c>f tltcstc doctrines, (as com- pletely excluding boasting, leading us to abcribc all the glory of contriving, prtp;4ring, revealing, and appU iug sulvaiion wholly to (}od the Father, the Son, and tlic Holy. Spirit; and thus producing deeper humiliation, and inspiring mere lively gratitude, than any ether scheme,) forms their chief ex cellciicy. Did we entire- ly and coHNlantly live under U;eir influeiKc ue could
, S i
* ' \Vc inuvt reccire Ood't promise* in such ^isc as thcf Mm .lily wi fort' v" *' rurc: and io our cioinf^i th«
* %ki.. l>Mli^tob<: . c... h wc have cs^iressij Jc-
^ cUrcd uiito us in the word of God.* (17th Anidc)
t 2 Pclcr i. 3 — II.
SIRMON. 571
never despise others, ?.dmire and prefer ourselves, or be angry with such as differed from us. We should *' in meekness instruct those who oppose themselves:" we should argue, persuade, and exliort them; because these are the means God hath appointed, and we -may hope for his blessing on them. But '* as the wrath of ** man worketh not the righteousness of God;" wc certainly should never slander or revile others, or con- tend with acrimony; or hold up an opponent to deri- sion and contempt, whilst with an air of conscious superiority (as if " we had made ourselves to differ") we plumed ourselves and our party on pre-eminent discernment J if not integrity. These are none of the means God hath appointed, nor can we expect a bless- ing on them; nor can they do credit to any cause.
Take heed therefore, beloved, that your zeal for the doctrines do not lead you into a spirit and conduct di- ametrically opposite to that humility, compassion, meekness, and gentleness, which they are calculated to inspire. — If Calvinists dispute with acrinion}-; pass hard censures, spread slanderous reports about others, judge another man's servants, and be quarrelsome and implacable; the doctrines diey profess are not to blame, nor yet their belief of them. The unholy state of their hearts is the sole cause of the mischief. Yet tlie truth is disgraced through their misconduct: and one mode- rate man, who loves and is kind to Christians without re- spect of party, and differs from his brethren peaceably and charitably, where constrained to differ; and who adorns his profession by a holy life and conversation, will do more even in brmging others cordially and intelligent-
572 LEIMON*.
Iv 10 embrace his scniimcnis, liian twenty anj»T)' dispU' lants, who humour ihc pride and the mahj;nani passions of their own party, but disgust and prejudice iIk minds of all who diflcr from them: — ** l\it on, therefore, as ** the Klect ol God, holy and beloved, bowels of mcr- •* cy, kindness, humbleness of miiKl, meekness, long ** suffering; forbearing one unotl)er, and forgiving one •* another, if any nian liare a quarrel against any; even ** as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." — NeitlKr let it be inferred from your coinluct, llial the zeal of Cal. vinists is chiefly sIkwu in tning to proselyte oilKrs to t'neir tenets; but tlut tlKy ;irc far less active in seeking the conversion and solvation of sinnerv, llun their bre. tliren whom tiKV call Arminians. If indeed we arr
0
true believers. God hath m^e use of mrans and i/r- strumcnts to effect the purposes of his everlasting love towards us: aixJ wlut is tlKre in our peculiar opinions, that should render us less desirous of being his in- sirumenls in communicating the same blessings to otlKPs, or less sanguine in our expectations of success i\hilc using his ap|X)'uued means? And what odier stimulus can we want to excite our most &clf.denying, perilous, and zealous endeavours to spread his Gos- pel, tlun Uk special distinguisliing love of Ciod our Saviour, so freely shcmi in delivering us from the wrath to come, and caHingji*^ tn his rt« mnl rV^rx f )v- Jesus Christ our Lord?
Finally, my Bndurn, if you h:M j i.iiijed tu m scriptural assurance of your calling aiKl election, give diligence to \\\c full assurance of hope unto tlw end: remember from wliat a dreadful state vou are so won-
SERMON. 573
derfully delivered; how free to you this deliverance; what a price it cost your Redeemer; and what he hath done for you, and prepared for you. While you re- joice in the Lord, rejoice likewise in your tribulations, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, in all your conflicts and temptations: and let ** the love of *' Christ constrain you to live no longer to yourselves, " but to him, who died for you, and rose again/' " Be ye therefore stedfast, unmoveable, always abound- " ing in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as ye know *' that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.'^
END OF VOL. II.
1 hcological ^c l^iterarv lluok Store,
VO. 5i, CoaSCB or tKCO^O AKOCnrivt t % t mt r i t,
nnuiDtjjnaA.
Commendations forScott's Wiitin^s.
THt. iMLLoaiHi 'hLt MtyitTMMt
Tlic Work* of Or. Tl»oin»* Scoit »re, in our r stimation, an ^of ilic 1
Jo\ ' --. - : :. . , * . iiiiv
cationaml imrtit from tin i. The author
»0 •» l«i a^ Ul 1 '
furmauti- ^nd >m the odKr. He i% Milid, «! iic*
ci ! 1 41 rend r iporiAiii
c«UM* of ii^ouinc piety* if «c c^n be iofttrumetiul in extcrxlini^
the ^oowlcdf^e and influence of we freclf
(^t«e ihiateatimonjr in their (airo . . promote
their circulation amunf^ thoae with wImnh our namca have any
influence.
rojrj»cy#4r/o«rs F«ojr irjjr ro#c.
The character of Dr. Scott* «% a Di«ine« and a Writer, haa be and lo hi(^hljr cMaenir '.is
CO' ^publication of hit ttscali' m-
mcntary on the Scriptures that little* it it preaumcd, need be sat ' ' ilino to pioua and judicious re»i^ra.
In e teen* there it *uch a vein of piety
and Roo^l - >•> much proof d' aound le«min|(, of warm at-
•amc ume, of Uuda> tied* • well executed ediiiuii u( h» Mi%celUnrout Works, wilt be generally accept* able to . . •
mh —rf OMB4 CaarrA. JM.
txTMdcTor J Lgma atoM tmm MMr.oM. hjjc $. KtiTg,
^ I am .much pleased %» . of printing an Amc*
'lean edition (^from the la>i cdtuun jitai published ID Loodoo,)
575
of Scott*s Works in five volumes octavo; containing all his Treatises, Sernions, Essays, &c. Dr. Scott is with nie a fa- vourite author. As, in his most excellent Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, so in all his other works, that I have seen, he displays great strength of mind, a correct judg- ment, extensive reading, a profound and accurate acjuaintance "with every subject of theology on which he writes; an ardent zeal in maintaining evangelical principles, and a worthy and amiable spirit of candour and charity towards those who differ from him, on subordinate points of doctrine, or respecting forms of christian vrorship, and modes of church governnienc I am not indeed acquainted with the works of any divine, which to me appear to be better adapted at once to inform the mind, and to influence the heart; to exhibit clear and impressive views of the nature and harmony of the grace and truth revealed in the sacred Scriptures; and to recommend the holy practice becom- ing the belief and profession of the Gospel of Christ, and that hope of salvation and eternal life, which is founded on the atonement, righteousness and intercession of the divine Re- deemer, and the renewing, sanctifying agency of the Spirit of God."
ISAAC S. KEITH. EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ALBANT.
" The works of the Rev. Thomas Scott as far as we have seen them, we esteem excellent and peculiarly useful. They are written in a plain, neat, and perspicuous style, and abound with matter which indicates a sound judgment, extensive read- ing, and unaffected piety in the writer. Having been led in a way that he knew not, by that God who made him a chosen vessel to preach his gospel: his experimental knowledge of divine truth is deep and accurate. His principles, which are those that generally pass under the name of Calvinistic, aro explained with clearness and precision, and defended with christian moderation and firmness. We therefore do not hesi- tate to recommend his v/ritings to the attention of all who love Jesus and salvation by free grace, for their establishment in faith and their i^rowth in the divine life."
J. B. ROMEYN, Pastor of the Presbyteiinn Church. Albany.
JOHN M. CllAUFORD, Minister of the Refuniied Dutch Church, Do.
ZXrRACr OF A LETTER FROM THE REV. DR. JEDEDIAH MORSE,
CHARLESTOU'S.
" I am pleased to learn, that you intend publishing the whole of Dr. Scott*s Works, in five octavo volumes. I have read a part of these Works. They are excellent, and cannot fail to gratify and improve that portion of the community, wh'.)
576
rclt»h rt'^P^l trttth in its %implitity. Feu Author* have aotap* pil', ! turrcctncN* i^nA
pr, , . .,,,.,. 1 .. ".-^ i . timi>.f f.n I? r li%»
of your ftubftcribcrt."
Vour», kc.
l^i^J. I 0/ J LLtrLH tMQM rug Jrir. Pr^mtm-r ^ ,r»" «»"r,
** To any i'« :.cUt*.Di. C oin-
nuntary un i).^ .....4,. ., ; iwnr to ixi. .. . i:.d hia
otht r \%ritinf>: Irt ii auflkc to Miy« Ouit the Miinc piriy. per*
»oi. ._.-. .....^.. -: • ^1*
(hi hi» wurka. On rri cd
Willi iit i*c ik ccruinly the greater *■
. . ttumr.
JVST PVBLJSHKD. BY W \\\ WOODW AHl),
A DciVuec of a 1 realise,
i.iilitlcil •• Thr (;o«|>rl of Chrial wonhy of all AcccpUlion" — <uiilaininf; a Hrply to Mr. liuttun*» UrnMuiia, and the Ot>- ^'htlm'**' I" ^r Atidixw 1 ulkr, author uf the :atioo I dollar.
•: ^ r a JMlt /Off f Jit,
I lii ^ 75 ccntv)
Scnliiuciils on Hcsignalion.
Tlic ptuu^niHl rrhiKd (a»tc of chriuiana i» incited to thia caccllcnt pcrfotinancc, and (o a aubjcct of much (though little ij»' 'c Chrtftiian Pilgrim. T it«
icix - i\' icaaingcr, Paalorof the i ^i-
l*rrv:uiioi»al Chunch in Vurkt Uiatrict of M.anc. A gentleman \rl ■ ' ^iKHigh experiencing e«»
tn, ,, ^^ \, produced thift uork bf
aid of an amanucnua. *1 he pu > liaa been patruc^iaed
' ;>eciaUle citarvctcra in New Ln(;laod.
v8 pagca of the b* i. The :iUthot My» he !• fort>id«lcn ^ to aapire after »<■ -*
While Home ^' • ^ .lieraoo uimn of
famr,hitgrr. lOUOd, In ID hx.; . -c»
at the feet of Jesus.**
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