Sermons

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tlHEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, |
I Princeton. N. J. f-^X |
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^ From Iho Rev. VV. B. SPRAGUE, D.D. «<•/./. 1 839. ^

^^gr-t^re*

9

FOUR SERMONS,

PREACHED IN LONDON,

AT

Clje Centl^ ©meral jHeettng

OF THE

MMSIOJV^RT SOCIETY.

MAY 9, 10, 11, 1804.

BY

The Rev. WILLIAM THORP, London;
Rev. JAMES BENNET, Romsey;
Rev. DAVID DICKSON, Edinburgh;
Rev. THOMAS SCOTT, Aston-Sandford.

ALSO,

THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS,

AND

A LIST OF THE SUBSCRIBERS,

PRINTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SOCIETY.

LONDON:

PUBLISHED BY T. WILLIAMS, ST ATIONERS*-COURT,
LUD GATE-STREET.

1804.

Jajues Cundcc, Piuutr,
Ivy-Lauc.

^1 C L •• ^^^

THE following Report of the Directors zcas made, and the site
ceeding Sermons ivere delivered, at ///e Tenth General xMeeting of
the Missionary Societfj, zvhich zvas held in London in the month of
May, 1804. The candid reader ivill perceive, from these able dis-
courses, that the subject of Evangelical Missions is by no means ex-
hausted; vjhilethe Report will evince that the Missionary sphere is
greatly enlarged.

Thefrst of these Sermons lias delivered at Surry Chapel, on
ff^'ednesday Morning, May 9 ; the second, on the Evening of the
same Day, at the Tabernacle. The public business of the society oc-
cupied their attention at Haberdashers'-hall for several hours on
Thut^sday morning; and in the evening the third discourse was
preached at Tottenham- Court Chapel. The last zvas delivered at
the parish church of St. Saviour, Souihicark, on Friday morning.
The 7iiemorial of nis dying love, zvhose name the society labours to
bear to the Heathen, zvas celebrated by a great number ofConwiu-
mtants, at Sion Chapel, on Friday evening; zvhich solemn and
pleasing exercise concluded and crowned the zvhole. The very nu-
merous audiences zvhich crowded the largest places in London io
hear thezvord; the great body of gospel ministers, and other friends
of the society from the country, zvhich honoured the meeting zvith
their visit; the greatly augmented number of communicants at the
last service ; zvith the general delight and satisfaction expressed by
all; combine to prove that the grand object of the Society continues
to maintain its elevated station in the hearts of British Christians ;
and that there is increasing reason to hope that thi^ zvork zvill prove
itself to be of God, and not of man; and that his efectual blessing
will more than equal the zvarmest wishes of the Society.

SUBSCRIPTIONS for the Support of the Missionary Instita-
lion will be received by the following Bankers :

Drummond and Co. 49, Charing- Cross ,, Hankey
and Co.*7, Ftnchur ch- street ; Hoare and Co. 37, Fleet-
street-^ Lefevre and Co. 29, Cornhill; Ransom and
Co. 56, Pall Mall; Weston and Co. 37, Boroughy
Southwark. Also by Joseph Hardcastle. Esq. ; Trea-
surer, Old Swan Stairs^ Thames-Street ; and by the Rev,
George Burder, Secretary, Islingtou.

The Directors respectfully submit the following Form, by which,
any Benefaction may be made to this Society, by WILL.

Item,

I. A. B. do hereby give and bequeath imto C. D. 0/
and E. F. of the Sum of' to be paid out of

my Personal Estate, ^£> the Intent, that they, or either of
them, do pay the same to Joseph Hardcastle, Esg. ; or
to the Treasurer for the Tivie being, of a Fotuntary So-
ciety, commonly called or known by the Name of The
Missionary Society, zvhlch was instituted in the Year
1795, which said Sum of I desire may be applied

towards carrying on the benevolent Designs of the said
Society,

LIST OF DIRECTORS.

The Nezv Directors are distinguished by an Asterish

LONDON.

Alers, William, Esq. Fen church-street
Allday, Mr. John, Carlisle-street, Soho
*Eall, Rev. I\Ir. New-Road, ]\Iile-End

Beliin, Mr. John, Homerton
*Boase, Henry, Esq. Pall-Mail

Buck, Rev. Charles, Tabernacle-Row
'^Bunnell, Mr. Joseph, Southampton-Row

Burder, Rev. George, Islington

Collison, Rev. George, Hackney

Collyer, Rev. W. B. Peckham
*Cooke, Mr. David, Trump-street
^Covell, Mr. Henry, Gracechurch-street

Crawford, Charles, Esq. Soho-Square

Emerson, Mr. J. Whitechapel-Road

Foyster, Samuel, Esq. Tottenham-street
^Hammond, I\fr. G. Whitechapel

Hardcastle, Joseph, Esq. Old Swan-Stairs

Haweis, Rev. Dr. Spa- Fields

Hawkes, JMr. Thomas, Piccadilly

Hill, Rev. Rowland, Surry-Chapel

Hodson Thomas, Esq. ]\iark-lane
*Hollingsworth, Mr. Samuel, Highbury

* Humphries, Rev. John, Canterbury-Place

* Jones, Rev. Mr. City- Road

Medley, Mr. Geo. George's-Place, Surry-Road

Nicol, Rev. Wm. Hans-Square, Sloane-street

Parker, ]\Ir. William, King's-Mews
. Pcllatt, M\\ Thomas, Ironmongers'-Hall
*Pellatt, Mr. Apsley, St. Paurs-Church-Yard

Piatt, Ptev. W. F. Wilmot-Squarc
^Poulon, Mr. William, Turnmill-strcct

Reyner, Joseph, E^q. Shacklewell

DIRECTORS,

Shrubsole, William, Esq. Old-street

Sims, William, Esq. Sun Tavern Fields

Steinkopfft,* Rev. C. F. Savoy

Tarn, Air. Joseph, Spa Fields
"^Thorpe, Rev. W. Cross-street, Ilatton Garden

Waugh, Rev. Alexander, Salisbury Place
*Werninck, Rev. Dr. Mount Row

Whitaker, Mr. David, Hackney

Wilks, Rev. Matthew, Old-street
^Williams, Rev. Griffith, Gate-street
*Wilson, Joseph, Esq. Milk-street

Winkworth, Rev. Wm. St. Saviour's, Borough,

COUNTRY.

Adams, Rev. Mr. Salisbury

AUiott, Rev. John, Nottingham
*Bennett, Rev. James, Ronisey

Bottomley, Rev. Samuel, Scarborough
^Bradley, Rev. Samuel, Manchester

Brittain, Mr. M. Bristol
*Cockin, Rev. Joseph, Halifax

Dewhirst, Rev. Mr. Bury St. Edmunds

Douglas, Rev. Archibald, Reading
*Evans, Rev. Mr. Coventry
*Everett, Mr. John, Warminster

Fowler, Rev. Mr. Tottenham

Gill, Rev. ]\Ir. Market Harborough

Greatheed, Rev. Samuel, Newport Pagnel

Griffin, Rev. John, Portsea

Hawker, Rev. Dr. Plymouth

Heudebourk, William, Esq. Taunton

Hobbs, Rev. Mr. Colchester

Kemp, Mr. (leorgc, Poole
*Kent, Rev. W. Grave send

Kingsbury, Rev. William, Southampton

Laml)ert, Rev. George, Hull

Lobb, Mr. James, Soutliampton

Mackindoe, Rev. David, Newcastle

.. DIRECTORS,

*Mends, Rev. Herbert, Plymouth
Minchin, Thomas, Esq. Gosport

^Moorhouse, Rev. Mr. Huddersfield
JMoseley, Rev. W. Hanley, Staffordshire
Ray, Rev. H. M. Sudbury
Roby, Rev. WiUiam, Manchester

*Shotter, j\Ir. Gavven, Tottenham
Skinner, INIr. Bristol
Sloper, Rev. j\fr. Devizes
Toomer, Samuel, Esq. Basingstoke
Townsend, Rev. George, Ramsgate

*Tozer, Rev. Isaac, Taunton
Weaver, Rev. T. Shrewsbury
Weston, Rev. James, Sherborne

* Wild bore. Rev. James B. Falmouth
^Williams, Rev. Dr. Rotherham
Williams, R.ev. William, Birmingham.

WALES.

Charles, Rev. Thomas, Bala
*Jone5, Mr, Benjamin, Haverfordwest

SCOTLAND.

Belfrage, Rev. Henry, Falkirk

Black, Rev. James, Dundee
*Brown, Rev. Mr. Dalkeith
*Cowie, Rev. George, Huntley

* Dickson, Rev. David, Edinburgh
Haldane, Robert, Esq. Edinburgh
Johnstone, Rev. Dr. Dumfries
Lockhart, Rev. John, Glasgow

'"^'Mackintosh, Rev. Mr. Taen
Rankin, Rev. i\Ir. Paisley
Preston, Rev. John, Edinburgh
Stewart, Rev. Mr. Aloulin, near Perth
Steven, Rev. James^ K^illwinning, Airshire
Young, Rev. Peter, Jedburgh.

DIRECTORS.
IRELAND.

*Atthiil, Rev. ]\[r. Dublin ' ,

*Blood, Mr. Michael, Dublin
♦Hamilton, Rev. Mr. Armagh
* Mounsell, Rev. Dr. Limerick
^Rogers, Mr. Dublin

Stur, Rev. Mr. Belligommy

Walker, Rev. j\Ir. Dublin

FOREIGN DIRECTORS.

Baron Van Shirnding, of Dobrylugk, in Saxony
The Rev. Dr. Vanderkemp, Missionary in Africa
The Committee of the Religious Society at Basil
President of the ^Missionary Society at Rotterdam
President of the Missionary Society at New-York
President of the Missionary Society at Connecticut
President of the Missionary Society in East Fries-
land
President of the Society de Fide et Christianismo

in Sweden
Rev. John M. Mason, A. i\f. New-York
Rev. Dr. Verster, Rotterdam.

Joseph Ilardcastle, Esq. Treasurer, Old Swan

Stairs
Rev. George Burder, Secretary^ Islington

Mr. David Langtoii, Deputy Secretary, Hackney
Mr. Thomas Lee, Collector y Homer ton.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

ton TUB

Support of the JUissiojiary Institution mil be
received at thej'olloioing Bankei^s:

Drummond and Co. 49, Charing-Cross.
Hankey and Co. 7, Fenchurch-street.
HoARE and Co. 37, Fleet-street.
Lefevre and Co. 29, Cornhill.
Ransom and Co. 56, Pall Mall.
Weston and Co. 37, Borough, Soutlnvark.

ALSO BY

Joseph Hardcastle, Esq. Treasurer, Old Swan Stairs,
Thames-street ;

AND BY THE

Rev. George Burder, Secretary, Colebrooke-row, Is«
lington.

The Dhectors respectfully submit the following Form, by
which any Benefaction may be made tp this Society
Ly WILL.

Item,

/ A. B. do hereby give and bequeath unta
C. D. of and E. F. of the Sum of

to be paid out of my Personal Estate, to the Intent, that
thei/y or either of them^ do pay the same to Joseph
Hardcastle, Esq. ; or to the Treasurer for the Time
being, of a Voluntary Society, commonly called or
known by the Name of The Missionary Society,
which was instituted in the Year 1795, rvhich said Sum
of I desire may be applied towards carrying on

the benevolent Designs of the said Society,

PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY,

Soldbj/T. Williams, Stationers' -Court, Ludgate-streety

L O N D O i\.

A MISSIONARY VOYAGE to the SOUTHERN PA-
CIFiC OCEAN, illustrated with Maps, Charts, and Views,
&c. &:c. Roval 410. II. lis. 6d. Demy 1 1. 1 s. boards.

TRANSACTIONS ot the MISSIONARY SOCIETY,
Vol. 1. from 1793 to 1S02. Including Journals ol' the Missi-
onaries at Otaheile, Tongataboo, and at Port Jackson, New
Soutli Wales. Also the Journal ol" Dr. Vanderkemj>, in Caf-
fraria, &c. &c. In One Vol. Price Ss. 6d. boards.

NUAiBER JX. Diuo, containing the Rev. Mr. Kicherer's
N'uralive of !iis Mission to the Hottentots. 2d edition. Is.

NUMBER X. Ditto, containing a Journal of Brother's Nott
and Eider's Journ^ )- to Otaheite ; Report of the Labours and of
the Stale of tlie South African Society; Extract of a Letter
from Mr. John Irwiti ; Extracts from the Journals of Dr. Van-
d{-il.enTpand Mr. Read, after their Settlement at Bota's Place;
Extracts of Letters irom Dr. Vanderkemp to a Relation in Hol-
land, &c.; Account of the Death of Bi >ther Matthys; Missions
to Nc>\- ErunsAick; Nev\ foundland. 'id edition. Is.

SERMONS, preached before the xNilSSlOxNARY SOCIE-
TY, from its Institution in 1793, to the Eighth Annual Meeting,
in 1802. Tiirce Vols. 8vo. Price One Guinea, boards.

FOUR SERMONS, preaihed before the Society, in May,
1803. By the Rev. Messrs. Bottomlev, Young, Evving,
and Newell ; with the Report. Price 2s. 6d.

A CAl'ITAL PRINI, 23 Inches by 19, finely engraved
by Bar tolozzi, from a PiiLture by Smirke, representing the Ces-
sion of Matavai, in the Ldand of Otaheite, to the Missionaries.
Fine Impressions, Price only One Guinea each.

General Ilistojy of Christian Missions.
The first Volume of this Work, containing 500 Octavo
Pages, with a Sheet Map, Pi ice to Subscribers Seven Shil-
lings, to Non-Subscribers Eight Shillings in Boards, shall be
published, God willing, by the close of the present Year, if the
Subscriptions become adequate to cover the Expence. It will
comprize an introductory view of the principal events by which
it pleased God to prepare those nations to which the Gospel
was first preached, lor its reception ;— an illustration of the
manner in which Christianity was first promulgated; — an inves-
tigation of the progress of the Gospul, by the extended labours
of their successors, in the Roman Empire, and the principal
countries of Asia; — an account of the vicissitudes experienced
by the Church ol Christ in Europe and Africa, during the de-
cline and fall of the Roman Slate; — and of the reception of
Christianity by the more Northern European Nations, and thc'
vast Asiatic Empire; — wiih its decline or subversion in the
latter, and in the various countries that have submitted to Ma*
hometanism.

PEIHCETOIT X

OF THE DIRECTORS,

JL HE footsteps of Divine Providence, in the
government of the vi^orld at large, are traced with
devout attention by every real Christian; but
those events which are visibly connected with the
extension of the Saviour's kingdom among men,
and the salvation of those who had not heard his
name, are observed with the most diligent and
affectionate regard. To those who are the sub-
jects of the great Redeemer, the interests of pure
and vital godliness are inexpressibly dear ; and
the smallest advances towards the establishment
of his gracious reign, wdiere Satan ruled in pagan
darkness, must be pleasing in the highest degree.
In this view, the Directors of the Missionary So-
ciety indulge a hope, that the Report which they
have now the honour to make, will present to its
members the path which they have trodden dur-
ing the past year, sufficiently marked with mer-
cies to excite their thankfulness to our gracious
Lord, and to invigorate their holy zeal in pursu-
ing the grand object of the Institution.

OTAHEITE.

It would have afforded great satisfaction to the
Directors, to have been able to announce to the
Society any important information from that dis-
tant quarter of the globe, the islands of the South
Sea, to which their first efforts were directed :

4 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

but, during the last year, only incomplete part=f
of the Journal of the Missionaries in Otaheitc
have come to hand, others having been lost, or
detained in their passage. They have, however^
lately been favoured with the welcome tidings of
the complete restoration of tranquillity. The
[Missionaries embraced an opportunity to trans-
mit to Governor King, of New South Wales, a
letter, dated February 3, 1803, informing him
that, contrary to expectation, the disputes be-
tween Otoo and Pomere with the Attahoorooans
had been amicably adjusted, and the Govern-
ment in the hands of the former fully confirmed^
Had the event of the war been reversed, it is
probable that our Missionaries would have been
in the most imminent danger, or at any rate have
been obliged to abandon the island; but incon-
sequence of this favourable termination of the
contest, they continued in perfect safety, and
were enabled to pursue their various avocations
without molestation. This letter his Excellency
has had the goodness to forward to the Directors,
for the satisfaction of their minds respecting the
welfare of the Missionaries : for this and other
marks of attention, which Governor King has
paid to the IMissionary cause, the Directors
think themselves bound to make the most grate-
ful acknowledgment.

From this kind interposition of Divine Provi-
dence in the restoration of peace in Otaheite, we
are encouraged to hope, that tlie patient and per-
severing labours of our faithful brethren, who
still j)ersist in well-doing, Mill, by the power of
tlie Holy Spirit, be ultimately crowned with that
success, which shall inspire our souls with ardent
gratitude, and richly repay all the labours, cares,
and prayers, which the Society has bestowed ou
this object ; and they wait the arrival of the Jotu-

TO THE lIISSIO.VARy SOCIETY. 5

tials, w hicli may be exp/scted to contain such in-
formation of the actual state and circumstances
of this Mission, as may greatly assist their judg-
ment as to the means of promoting its future in-
terests.

The two Otaheitan youths, Mydo and Oley,
who were placed for education at tlie Moravian
school in Yorkshire, and of whose improvement
an encouraging report M'as given last year, have
both been removed by death. The Society is thus
disappointed in the hopes which were entertained
of their becoming future blessings to their coun-
trymen, but may receive no small consolation
from the account which the Brethren have pub-
lished concerning them, and in which they ex-
press much satisfaction as to their religious state.
They both received Christian Baptism, and de-
parted in the faith and hope of the gospel. The
Directors cannot but acknowledge with gratitude,
the kind attention shewn to these strangers by
the Brethren at Mirfield, w^hile they ascribe to
the God of all grace the glory of calling and con-
verting them by their instrumentality.

AFRICA.

The whole Society has abundant cause for joy
and thankfulness, that ever their attention was
directed to the wretched inhabitants of South
Africa, so many of whom have been turned from
*' darkness to light, and from the power of Satan
unto God," and in whose conversion the obser-
vation of St. Paul, concerning the first converts
to Christianity, has ay;ain been verified — " God
hath chosen the foolish things of the world,
and the weak things of the world, and the
base things of the world, and things which are
despised — that no flesh should glory in his pre-
sence," We bow with reverence and gladness

O REPORT or THE DIUECTORlJ

to the sovereign grace of God, 'svho hath
*' mercy on whom lie will have mercy," and cm-
brace in the arms of our Christian affection those
once-degraded children of Adam, who are now
become the children of God, and fellow-citizens
with the saints.

In the last Annual Report, the Directors were
only able to state concerning our beloved brother,
the Missionary Kicherer, that his labours among
the Corannas, and at Zak River, had been at-
tended with considerable success. Since that
time, in the month of October, information
was received from the Society at Rotterdam,
that he had arrived in Holland, accompanied by
three members of his Hottentot congregation.
Upon due enquiry, instituted at the request of
the Directors, by the Society in Holland, and the
statement which Mr. Kicherer offered of his rea-
sons and motives, the Directors could not but
cordially approve of his conduct, and therefore
affectionately invited him to an interview with
them in London, together with the African
strangers.

An opportunity to behold and converse with
some of the first-fruits of the ^Missionary Society's
labours in Africa, and to hear them declare with
their own lips ''the wonderful works of God,''
atlbrded a new and unequalled kind of satisfac-
tion and delight. Nor was this pleasure con-
lined to the Directors : they were induced, by
the example of our Dutch brethren, to comply
with the wishes of many pious friends in London,
to introduce them to the INlissionaiy Prayer-Meet-
ings, and other religious assemblies; where,
through the medium of Mr. Kicherer, ^h\ Vos,
ftnd others who understood the Dutch hiuiiuajxe,
(which the Hottentots spoke tiuently, and one
gf them elegantly,) they discovered, in answer

TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETT. 7

to a great variety of questions proposed to theiii
by ditierent ministei:, their knowledge of the
DiviDc Redeemer, their faith, their hope, and
the ardent love they bore to llioi, who had saved
them from tiieir abject state of sin and barbarism.
Thousands w ere witnesses of tliat admirahle de-
gree of spiritual discernment, as well as of fervent
piety whica they possessed, and which afforded
to every candid mind the most satisfactory evi-
dence of a real work of grace on their hearts..
It was affecting, in no common degree, to hear
these dear people, themselves recently delivered
from the power of darkness, earnestly pleading
in behalf of the heathen world at large, and of
their own countrymen in particular. A few^ sen-
tences to this effect will not be deemed imperti-
nent; and though they have appeared in periodi-
cal works, may be thought proper to remain in
the Report of the Directors, as the powerful
voice of recovered humanity, intreating, in strik-
ing terms, the further assistance of the Church
of God, like the man of Macedonia saying to a
primitive Missionary, ^' Come over, and help
us !" 'One of the Hottentot women thus expres-
sed herself — ^' What a pity, what a sin it is, that
you (Europeans) who have for so many years
enjoyed in great abundance the heavenly bread,
should keep it all to yourselves, and not sjiare
one little crumb to the millions of poor heathen ;"•
adding, ^'that you may depend upon it, that you
should not have the less for yourselves by giving
some to them ; but that the Lord Jesus would
bless you, and give you the more." She also
observed, that '' could we but conceive fully of
the miserable situation of the Hottentots, wc
would certainly feel more compassion for them/'
She expressed her humble thanks to the English
people for sending Missionaries among them, hut

8 ?IEP0RT OF THE DIitECTORS

intrcated them earnestly to proceed further in
this good work, the Lord having opened an ef-
fectual door, and tliere being yet so many thou-
sands who know not the Lord." When taking
leave of the congregation, she said, '* The last
thing I would say is, O pray for poor heathen."

The Directors have had the satisfaction of
learning from I\Ir. Kicherer, the methods wiiich
were adopted for the instruction of the Hotten-
tots and Boschemcn, and cannot but express their
thankfulness to our God and Saviour, for furnish-
ing our much valued brother with gifts so remarka-
bly suited to the arduous situation in which he was
placed ; and especially for the singular blessing
with which those methods were succeeded, to the
conversion of many souls. Perceiving with inex-
pressible pleasure, the wide and effectual door
for usefulness, which the Lord himself had so
evidently opened in that country, the Directors
judged it to be their indispensable duty to add to
the number of labourers in Afiica. ()ur brother
Kicherer, whose judgment they highly respect,
recommended a Mr. Vos, of Holland, as a suit-
able person to become his assistant, in the capa-
city of a catechist and schoolmaster. This wor-
thy man, of whose good character, abilities, and
zeal, they have received ample testimony, toge-
ther with his wife and child, will accompany him
to the I\lissionary station at Zak River. Three
other Missionaries, the brethren who were origi-
nally under the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Ja^nicke,
at Jicrlin, and who have resided for about a year
in Holland, for the purpose of acquiring the
Dutch language, are also intended to sail with
liim to the Cape ; and there to be disposed of in
such situations as may be deemed the most eli^
gible, by our experienced brcthrcUj Dr. Vander^
kemp and ^Ir. Kicherer.

TO THE MISSIOXARY SOCIETY. 9

» We have to regret the loss of Mr. Matthys,
a valuahle missionary from the above-mentioned
seminary, who was associated w^ith our brethren
in Holland, learning the language; and who
was expected to accompany them to Africa.
It pleased the all-wise disposer of human life and
affairs, to remove him from this world, by death,
on the 4th of March last The Society is thus
deprived of a pious and promising labourer,
but it becomes us to say — '' The will of the Lord
be done."

It was the earnest wish of the Directors that
Mr. Kicherer, with his friends, might return to
Africa, as soon as possible; to resume his useful
labours, and to refresh the hearts of his poor
people, who parted with him with extreme re-
gret, and who fully expected to see him in the
month of March; but insuperable difficulties,
arising from the renewal of hostilities, have hi-
therto prevented this desirable event ; it is hoped,
however, that a suitable conveyance, in a neutral
vessel, may ere long be provided.

On the subject of this Mission, the Directors
have only to add, that respectable travellers,
.sent to explore that country, with others who
had opportunity to observe the judicious plans
adopted by our brother Kicherer, have borne
the most honorable and public testimony to his
integrity and piety; and have spoken in the
highest terms of approbation of his wisdom and
ability, in civilizing the barbarous natives of
Africa. Indeed the appearance of the converted
Hottentots themselves, in the metropolis, excited
no small surprise in tiie minds of some highly re-,
spectable and well-informed persons, to whom
they were introduced ; who expres-:ed their ad-
miration at the rapid advances they had made
in so short a time, and who readily admitted the

10 REPOKT or THE DI RFC TORS

efficacy of the Christian system, in the improve-
ment of the most degraded of human kind.

The impediments which war has opposed to
the comnumications from Africa, have hitherto
prevented the Directors from receiving any in-
telligence concerning those valuahle Missionaries,
Vanderlingen, Bckhar, and Tromp, who, they
trust, are still diligently employed in tlie work of
the Lord.

The same cause has operated to interrupt their
intercourse with our reverend brother, Dr. Van-
dcrkcnip, no direct advices having been received
from him, though there is every reason to believe
that several Letters and Journals have been dis-
patched by him for our Society. Thi'ough the
medium, however, of the Dutch Society, who have
been more successful in obtaining his letters, in-
telligence of a very interesting nature has been
lately received, a brief sunmiary of Avhich shall
now be stated.

The Doctor, with about l60 Hottentots, part
of whom had before attended his instructions at
Graaft' Reinet, arrived at Beta's Place, near Al-
j^oa Bay, in the month of Marcii, ISO^J, where
there was reason to hope that a permanent set-
tlement would be formed, Adiich might be pro-
ductive of great advap.tugcs, in the civilization
and religious instruction of the natives. Soon
after the settlement was foruitd, some violent
diseases, supposed to be occasioned by the stag-
nated waters of the neighbourliood, began ta
make their appearance among the people. Our
honoured brother himself was afflicted with a
diarrhoea and an intermitting fe\er, followed by a
violent rheumatic disorder, by which his public
labours were totally suspended, and his patience
tried by a conhnement to his bed for elevei.
months.

TO THE MISSIOXARY SOCIETV. 11

It was a consolation, however, to this zealous
servant of Christ, that his faithful assistant,
brother Read, was disposed and enabled very
dihgently to apply himself to the instruction and
management of the people. But these labours
of love were continued with no small difficulties
and obstructions of a local nature; on which ac-
count, his Excellency, Governor Dum^xS, whose
generous advice and assistance, in th : first for-
mation of this settlement, can never be recol-
lected without respectful gratitude, was pleased
to favour the Doctor with a visit; and represent-
ing to him the unhappy posture of affairs, and
the extreme danger to which the IMissionaries
w^ould be exposed, when the English garrison
should be withdrawn from the neighbouring fort:
at Algoa Bay, strongly recommended it to him to
desist, for the present, from the prosecution of
his benevolent plan in that quarter, and retire to
a place of greater safety. The zeal of our bre-
thren, however, would not allow them to listen
to this friendly advice. The Doctor respectfully
replied, that he was determined to remain faith-
ful to the call of his God, and should his life be
made a sacrifice, in consequence of abiding with
the people, he was perfeciy ready to lose it for
the sake of the least child among them. Brother
Head, actuated by the same fortitude of spirit,
though left by his colleague entirely to the dic-
tates of his own judgment, made the same reso-
lution, adding, that should Dr. Vanderkemp
have thought proper to withdraw from the scene
of danger, it was his own determination to abide
with the people.

The worthy Governor, finding his prudential
admonitions fruitless, desisted, and could further
manifest his benevolence only by presenting them
with a very liberal supply of oxen and sheep, with

[2 HEPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

Other useful articles, for their support, and for
their assistance in agriculture ; and by empower-
ing them immediately to take possession of the
fort, as a place of safety. This latter measure they
thought proper to decline for the present; re-
serving, however, the right of availing them-
selves of the generous offer, should future cir-
cumstances render it necessary.

This necessity, alas! was too soon a})parent ;
for only eight days had elapsed, after the depar-
ture of the soldiers from the garrison, Avhen they
were suddenly assaulted, in the middle of a dark
night, by a furious banditti, whose object seemed
to be, not only the destruction of their property,
but of their lives also. The assailants fired their
muskets at them not less than fifty times; yet
happily none of their lives were destroyed. In
this awful moment of danger, the Hottentots, who
Mere with the Doctor, insisted upon repelling
force by force ; and accordingly fired twice, and
tw-ice only, and at random, among the invading
party. The assault, from what cause they could
not then guess, immediately ceased, and the
party withdrew\ When the morning arrived, it
was found that one of the shots had penetrated
the thigh of the Hottentot Chief, and by dividing
a principal artery, occasioned such a loss of
blood, as put a period to his life in a few minutes.
The enemy, however, enraged and reinforced,
renewed the attack in the following night ; but,
finding the settlement in a better state of defence,
fudged it prudent to withdraw: after which our
brethren thought themselves called by Providence
to retire to the asylum which the neighbouring
fort afforded, and in which they were happily
preserved in safety from the violence of their
enemies.

When his Excellency Governor Janscns haci

TO THE -AIISSIONAHY SOCIETY. IS

taken possession of the Cape for the Dutch Re-
public, he also paid a visit to our brother Van-
derkemp, and expressed his opinion that it was
proper for the Missionary Institution to be re-
moved to a more eligible situation ; and having
himself looked out for a suitable spot, recom-
mended their immediate removal to it. Our bre-
thren judged it their duty to comply with the
Governor's advdce, and accept of the place which
he had so kindly offered to them. They accord-
ingly removed to the appointed spot, situated
westward of Algoa Bay, at the mouth of the
Swartz Koph River, and gave it the name of
" Bethel-Village.'' May that Divine Goodness,
w^hich so remarkably protected them in the hour
of danger, and raised up for them such distin-
guished friends, continue to bless them, and
render this new Beth-El, the house of God to
themselves, and the gate of heaven to multi-
tudes !

To the glory of Almighty Grace it must be re-
corded, that in the midst of all these unfavoura-
ble and threatening circumstances, the work of
God among the poor Hottentots was still pro-
ceeding; a goodly number of them Avere from
time to time converted from the error of theiv
ways, and gave satisfactory evidence of their be-
ing born again by the incorruptible seed of the
word of God. Of this our brethren are so well
convinced, that many of them have been bap-
tized, and admitted to the communion. They
keep every week a feast of charity, resembling
the Agapce of the first Christians, which they al-
ways conclude by the celebration of the Lord's
Supper. Dr. Vanderkemp, we understand, is
in a good measure restored to health, and we
hope soon to hear that the work of the Lord at
the Swartz Koph River, prospers in his hands.

]4 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

It ought not to be omitted, thai the above-
menlioned Brother Read, whilst at Cape Town,
on his first arrival, and afterwards at Graaff Kei-
net, where he joined Dr. Vankerkemp, diligently
applied himself to the instruction of the English
soldiers there, and vyas eminently blessed of God
in his faithful labours. We have had the plea-
sure of perusing many letters written to him by
ijidividuals of the military, who thankfully ac-
knowledge the benefits they had received under
his ministry.

It is stated, in the former Report, that the
]\Iissionary Verster, sent out by our Society, suc-
ceeded to the charge of the congregation of Chris-
tians and Heathen, in the district of Rodesand,
vacant by the removal of the former pastor, the
Rev. Mr. Vos — and we understand that his la-
bours among them are acceptable and useful. The
last mentioned brother, since his arrival in Eng-
land, has received information that a veiy con-
siderable revival in religion had taken place in
that place, by means of the occasional ministry
of IVlr. Irwin, w ho had previously been engaged
as a Missionary in connection with this society*;
this was done at the recommendation of Dr.
Vanderkemp, and with a view to assist him and
Mr. Read in their work at Algoa Bay, but whilst
waiting for an opportunity of being conveyed to
that port, he accepted an invitation to pass the
interval at Rodesand, where it pleased God to
render his occasional ministry the means of an
extensive blessing.

FRANCE.

The Directors next advert to a ^Missionary ob-
ject of great magnitude, which we were once
ready to hope would, ere this, have brightened
more and more upon our view; but which the re-

4

TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 15

nevval of hostilities has covered for the present
with a gloomy cloud. The Society will recollect,
that the New Testament of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ has been printed in France; and
measures were adopted for dispersing that holy
book, and the Essay on its Authenticity, through-
out every part of that country, and its depend-
encies. The Old Testament also was printing,
and in a state of forwardness, previous to the
breaking out of the war. The Directors induliro
a hope that the former is, in some degree, silently
diffusino; its salutary influence in that barren land :
and although the political state of the two coun-
tries has made it expedient for us to suspend our
intercourse with France, yet it may be hoped,
that the printing of the whole Scriptures will be
effected by a Society on ihe Continent, actuated
by views similar with our own, and who are not,
like us, prohibited from this good work by a state
of warfare with that country. This circumstance
also puts it out of our power to represent so par-
ticularly as mi^ht otherwise be done, the real
state of the Protestant cause therein : ^ve have,
however, reason to believe that, in the course of
the past year, a considerable number of Protest-
ant congregations have been supplied with pas-
tors, in different parts of the republic, and that
an increasing bias in favour of that cause appears
among the people.

NORTH a:^IERICA.

The Directors will now proceed briefly to men-
tion the circumstances of the Society's Missions
in North America.

Mr. Bentom still resides at Quebec, where he
has sustained considerable opposition from per-
sons who bear the Christian name; and who have
prevailed on some of his less serious hearers to

16 REPORT OF THE DIKLCTORS

withdraw themselves from his ministry. Pic ha.^
not been able to extend his labours to the In-
dians, as was originally designed, few of them
residing within his reach ; but his services in
Quebec have, we trust, been useful to many ;
The obloquy, however, which his adversaries
have contrived to throw upon hnn, appears to
have brought his usefulness there to a stand, so
that he is desirous of resii^nino; his station to some
other minister; a measure which the Directors
conceive may be expedient, should the Society
think })ropcr to send another missionary there,
and a suitable person could be found, who is
able to preach in the French language — a quali-
fication highly desirable for ^Missionaries in Ca-
nada.

Mr. Mitchell, who has resided for about three
years in New Brunswick, and chiefly at New
Carlisle, situated on the Bay of Chaleur, has
been an instrument of spiritual good to several
individuals in that place, and also at Resti-
gouche, and some other small towns. He has,
however, left that part of the country, in conse-
quence of liis marriage, and removed to another
place, where we hope he will still exert himself
in the cause of Christ. Letters received from
the few religious people among whom he' exer-
cised his ministry at New Carlisle, bear ample
testimony to his zeal and fidelity in the work of
the Lord. These poor people, who appear to
relish the good word of God, and who were en-
gaged in building a better place of worship, are
extremely desirous that the Society would furnish
them with another minister. The Directors,
wishing to comj)ly with their earnest request, have
determined on sending to them ]\Ir. Pidgeon,
lately one of the students in the iMissionary
Seminary at Gosport, under the care of the Rev.

TO THE MISSIONARY. SOCIETY. 17

Mr. Bogue. This appointment Mr. Pidgeon has
accepted with perfect readiness, and having been
ordained at Gosport, has, we beheve, already
sailed for America.

As the ministration of the gospel among per-
sons already professing the christian religion, is
not the direct, or most prominent object of the
Missionary Society, the Directors have recom-
mended to Mr. Pidgeon not to devote more than
half his time to the instruction of the protestants
at New Carlisle, but to extend his labours among
the Catholics, who abound in that country; and
among other persons not instructed in the true
faith of the gospel; and, if possible, among the
Indians in the neighbourhood.

They have been induced to give these direc-
tions to Mr. Pidgeon, in consequence of letters
received from Mr. Mitchell; from which it ap-
pears, that in a journey of considerable extent
which he took last summer, he visited a great
number of settlements inhabited by Highlanders,
many of whom were Catholics, and by a variety
of other people, most of whom gladly received
the word from his lips. Whole towns and dis-
tricts were totally destitute of all religious ordi-
nances, and seemed in danger to lose the very
forms of Christianity ; many of them expressed
Stroncp desires for the means of relio;ious instruc-
tion, and Avould rejoice even in the occasional
visits of an itinerant minister. Among persons
of this description Mr. Pidgeon is to labour as
much as possible; and to collect as particular an
account as he is able of the state of religion
throughout the province of New Brunswick. In-
formation of this kind cannot fail of being highly
interesting to christians in this country, and may
ultimately lead to some active measures for the
more general diffusion of evangelical light in that

c

18 RKPORT or THE DIRECTORS

dark part of the earth. As a portion of the Bri-
tish empire, inhabited by persons who have emi-
grated from hence, or are descendants of Britons,
they have a strong claim on our compassion ; and
it may be hoped, tliat a just and accurate reprc-
hcntation of their pitiable state may induce our
Mcalthy merchants, and others, to exert their be-
nevolent and christian endeavours in that quar-
ter, upon a larger scale than may strictly comport
ivith the precise object of the Missionary Society,
These observations are in some measure appli-
cable to Newfoundland. Mr. lliiiyard, whose
faithful services in that Island have been reported
with approbation on former occasions, having
fulfilled the term of his en^aG^ement with the So-
ciety, returned to England early in the last year :
but feelini: an earnest desire of further usefulness
in Newfoundland, he voluntarily offered to re-
sume the scene of his former labours. The Di-
rectors readily accepted his proposal; and he
accordingly sailed from Liverpool, for that Island,
in the latter end of the summer; and they have
had the pleasure of hearing of his safe arrivalj
with his wife and child, at Carbonear. ]\Ir.
Ilillyard's labours will not be confined to the cul-
tivation of the church at Twiliingate, which he
had the honoui of planting, but be extended to
various parts of the coast, on which there are
many settlements, where nudtitudcs of souls, no
less ignorant than the Heathen themselves, are
totally destitute of religious instruction, and are
in danger of perishing through lack of knowledge.

A ''^ I /V.

The Directors would now solicit the attention
of the Society toward? the vast and populous, but,
alas! neglected regions of the Eastern world.
These have long engaged the pity and the prayers

TO THE MISSIOXARY SOCIETY. 19

of the Society at large, nor have the Directors
ever lost sight of the stupendous object; they
liave repeatedly announced tlieir earnest desires
to send, to the deluded millions of Asia, the
glad tidings of the glorious gospel, whenever the
good Providence of God sliould open their way,
and furnish them with Missionaries Avhose talents
and dispositions should appear suited to such im-
portant stations, as abound in that highly civi-
lized part of the globe. The period for entering
upon the interesting service has at length arrived,
and there are now on their way to those countries
six Brethren, two of whom are accompanied by
their wives. The Rev. Mr. Vos superintends the
Mission designed for Ceylon. His long standing
in the Christian ministry — his faithful and suc-
cessful labours therein, both in Holland and at
the Cape of Good Hope, added to the experi-
ence which he has acquired by his previous inter-
course with the ignorant and uncivilized part of
mankind, point him out as a person remarkably
qualified to fill this station. He is accompanied
by the Brethren Ehrhardt and Palm, natives of
Germany, who received tlieir education for Mis-
sionary services at the seminary at Berlin, which
was instituted chiefly, if not solely, for this ob-
ject, and is under the care, as before-mentioned,
of that valuable instructor, the Rev. j\Ir. Ja^nicke.
They have also passed a considerable time in
Holland, with a view of acquiring a more per-
fect acquaintance with the Dutch language, which
is used in Ceylon ; while, at the same time, they
have enjoyed the advantage of further instruction
in divinity, from the kind and zealous attention
of the Rev. Mr. Verster, and other pious minis-
ters, connected with the Missionary Society at
Rotterdam. The favourable testimony borne to
their character and spirit, both at Berlui and RoX-
c 12

20 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

terdam, corresponds with the impression which
their conduct, during their residence in England,
could not fail to make on us. ^Ve therefore
send them out with much satisfaction and cheer-
ful hope, that they will seek and obtain grace to
be faithful to God, to the Society, and to the
Heathen, in the course of their ministry. j\Irs.
Vos, and Mrs. Palm, have also an important ser-
vice to Qccupy their zeal, in the instruction of the
female natives, and in assisting in the education
of children.

Those who are designed to labour on the con-
tinent of India, are the Rev. Messrs. Ringcltaube,
Desgranges, and Cran. The lirst is a native of
Prussia, who has already passed a short time in
India, and has since held his principal inter-
course with the Society of the United Brethren.
The other Missionaries have been about two
years in the seminary at Gosport; and the
whole have been ordained to the office of the
Christian Ministry, and recommended to the
grace of God in the disciiarge of the arduous and
important service to which they are called, and
on which, we believe, they enter with a humble
sense of their own insufficiency, a firm reliance
on divine influences, and a sincere desire to con-
secrate themselves to the glory of Christ in the
salvation of the Heathen. The Society, and the
Christian community at large, will, no doubt,
hear these devoted servants of God in their atlec-
tionatc remembrance ; and, at the tjirone of grace,
implore in their behalf the divine protection, coun-
sel, and sup))ort, that they may make known a-
inong the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of
Christ, and at length finish their course with joy.

It has been observed, that some of our brethren
are intended for the Island of Oylon, this being
the station on which the attention of the Society,

TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 121

and of the Directors, is more especially fixed,
and. where, we trust, they will actually labour :
yet, in the first instance, they are to accompany
their brethren to Tranquebar, where they will
obtain such accurate and comprehensive informa-
tion as will greatly assist them in forming their
future plans; and where they will hnd some
Christian friends, who will promote their in-
troduction, Avere not this rendered almost un-
necessary, by the kindness of one of his Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State, who has furnished
them with a letter to his Excellency Frederick
North, the Governor of the Colony. The Direc-
tors have also fixed in their own minds a particu-
lar station for the labours of the Brethren who
are to remain on the Continent, and in which a
very extensive field appears ripe for the harvest;
this they have more particularly pointed out in
their instructions, leaving, however, the ultimate
decision to themselves, under the intimations of
Divine Providence, and the advice of those pious
and well-informed friends with whom they will
communicate on their arrival.

The Directors have the satisfaction to make a
favourable Report of the state of the Seminary at
Gosport. The young men who are under a course
of instruction suited to Missionary labours, pur-
sue their studies with diligence, and evince that
devotedness ofhearttothe great object in view,
which encourages their worthy Tutor and the So-
ciety to hope that they will one day become burn-
ing and shining lights in the benighted regions of
the pagan world. Two other persons have nearly
finished their medical studies, and, we hope, may
be eminently qualified for situations in which the
healing art may prove a happy introduction to the
dispensation of the gospel, particularly in the
more highly civilized countries of the East,

25 REPORT OF THE DIKECTORS

With cheerful confidence the Directors look
forward to the continued and liberal support of
the religious public. The Society will perceive,
by the foregoing statement of the enlargement
of the Missionary sphere, that the expenditure of
the Institution must of course be exceedingly en-
ereased : about two thousand pounds will be re-
quisite for the conveyance of the Missionaries
now on their way, or ready to depait; and nearly
the same sum may be annually necessary, for seve-
ral years to come, for the purposes of their several
Missions. The visit of the Africans to this coun-
try, and their return, together with eight addi-
tional labourers, have occasioned an unexpected
and considerable demand ; but we trust that this
cxpence will not become a matter of regret, when
the satisfaction which their visit has atibrded to
the Society, and tlie probable advantage which
the Mission may derive from their report in Afri-
ca, are taken into consideration. When the largo
sums which the efforts of tii-^. last year have occa-
sioned, are paid, it will be found that the expen-
diture has greatly exceeded the income. Those
of our friends, therefore, who have supposed the
retention of a large capital by the Society to
be improper, will find that it will then be consi-
derably reduced; and unless the exertions of the
public, particularly in the country, shall keep
pace with the extended operations of the Society,
the reduction must be far greater than the Direc-
tors conceive is compatil)le with the permanent
interests of the Institution. But they indulge a
confident expectation, tliat while they pursue with
steady zeal the grand object proposed — " the
spread of the gospel in Heathen and other unen-
lightened countries,"' — and while the Great Head
of the Church shall be pleased to succeed with
the sacred Influences of his Holy Spirit their fee-*

TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. ^'3

ble endeavours, their fellow Christians, of every
denomination, will cheerfully consecrate to this
service a sufficient portion of their worldly sub-
stance, to enable the Society not only to support
the Missions already established, but continually
to make new inroads into the kingdom of dark-
ness, and to erect the standard of the cross in
every country to which they may have access.

Political reasonings are confessedly remote
from the sphere of duty belonging to Missionary
Institutions, yet those who conduct their con-
cerns, with motives and aims which are purely
spiritual, will, nevertheless, contemplate the great
changes which take place in Empires and Nations,
as arrangements of an infinitely wise and holy
Providence, designed to produce important moral
effects, and which bear a relation to the final tri-
umi)hs of the kingdom of Christ. Among these
events, the immense acquisition in territory and
population made to the British Government in the
Eastern part of the world, cannot but inspire the
breast of every true Christian with an earnest hope
that thereby a way may be prepared for the spiri-
tual dominion of the lledeemer; especially wheii
it is considered; that while these and other exter-
nal dispensations produce an interesting opening
for the exertions of Christians, the liberal prin-
ciples of the enlightened Government under
which we live, countenance and encourage them.
What Divine Grace has lately effected in the West,
in the remarkable revival of religion, and conver-
sion of multitudes of nominal Christians in several
parts of America, affords additional ground of
hope, that the Saviour is about to take unto him
his great power, and reign in a more splendid and
extensive degree. There seems, however, abun-
dant evidence of the Lord s gracious approbation
of the various and zealous efforts of his ministers
4

24 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

and people, in dilTerent parts of the world, and,
consequently, strong encouragement to proceed
with increasing diligence and vigour in the Mis-
sionary work. Much, very much indeed, remains
to be done. We have but just begun our work.
We have made a beginning, and God has pros-
pered it. Let us go forward. The voice of the
Word is — Go forward 1 The voice of an approv-
ing Providence is — Go forward ! Let the encou-
raging voice of the public, in their prayers and in
their generous contributions, also be — Go for-
ward i

FINIS.

ffimcd by J. CUNUkE, Ivy-lane.

THE

UNIVERSE JEHOVAH'S TEMPLE.

A SERMON,

PREACHED BEFOKE

THE jMISSIONARY SOCIETY,

AT

SURRY CHAPEL,
Wednesday Morning, Mat/ 9, 3 804.

BY THE

REV. W. THORP,

or LONDON.

SERiMON I.

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAirs TEMPLK

1 KINGS XVIII. 36 to 45.

A7id it came to pass at the time of the offering
of the erening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet
came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham,
Isaac, and of Israel, let it he known this day
that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy
servajit and that I have done all these things at
thy word.

Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people
may knozv that thou art the Lord God, and
that thou hast turned their heart back again.

Thenthefireofthe Lord fell, and consumed the
burnt -sacrifice, and the xvood, and the stojies, and
the dust, and licked up the water that was in the
trench .

And when all the people saw it, they fell o?i
their faces : and they said, The Lord, he is the
God ; the Lord, he is the God.

And Elijah said unto them. Take the p7^ophets
of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they
took them : and Elijah brought them down to the
brook Kishon, andslew them there.

And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat
and drink ; J'or there is a sound of abundance of
rain.

So Ahab xvent up to eat and to drink. And
Elijah went up to the top of Carmel ; and he
cast himself down upon the earth, aiid put his
face between hi-^ knees.

B 2

4 THE U?nVERSE JEHOVAH's TEMPLE.

' ^4jid said to his ser'catit, Go t/p now, look
tozvard the sea. Aiid he went up, and lookedy
and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go
again seven times.

And it came to pass at the seventh time, that
he said. Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out
of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go
up, say unto Ahah, Prepare thy chariot, and
get thee doxcn, that the rain stop thtenot.

And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that
the heaven xvas black xvith clouds and wind, and
there zvas a great rain.

Had I thought, brethren and fathers, an apo-
logy necessary, to disarm criticism, and obtain a
patient and a candid hearing, I should have en-
deavoured to disclose to you the dreadful agitation
of my mind in prospect of the present solemn occa-
sion. But feeling myself, this moment, in the midst
of friends, who are tenderly anxious for the success
of the cause I earnestly wish to recommend, I have
only to request that you will assist me with your
fervent prayers to that blessed Being, in whose
presence we are at this time assembled; who re-
veals himself in the churches of Great Britain as a
God that hcareth prayer, and before whom all the
nations of the earth must one day be gathered to-
gether, to worship in the beauties of iioliness.

It may not be foreign to the avx)wed design of
this annual meeting, to inquire, in the first j^lace,
into the nature of the controversy between Ahab,
the patron of idolatry, and Elijah, the servant of
the living God; and, secondly, to shew the im-
portance of tliis controversy, or the aspect it bears
to the entire scheme and ultimate design of divine
revelation. — May the Lord God of Elijah open

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH 3 TE.ArPLE. 5

the heavens and pour down showers of blessings
upon us.

In order to enter into the nature of the contest
between Ahab and Elijah, bearing in mind the
strange propensity of all mankind to idolatry, it
will be necessary to take our station this day in
the land of Judea; that, as from an advantage-
ous position, we may contemplate the state of
thinirs in tlie kins^dom of Israel in that de2:enerate
age, and survey the surrounding nations, all be-
wildered and lost in the darkness of pagan super-
stition.

Ten of the tribes of Israel had revolted from
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and formed to
themselves a distinct government, under the ty-
ranny of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. Upon
this disruption from the family of David, they de-
parted from the worship of Jehovah, and estab-
lished idolatrv, as the national religion. Jero-
boam, who had received his education in the land
of Egypt, and whose mind was deeply tinctured
with the idolatry of that country, to detach them
effectually from the service of the temple, and
from the kings of Judah, commanded them to at-
tend at Dan and Bethel, and worship the golden
calves which he had set up there.

To trace the pernicious effects of this revolu-
tion through all its secret operations upon the fate
of the ten tribes, is a task to which Omniscience
alone is adequate. Some of these effects, how-
cver^^ soon became notorious— --apostacy from
God, attended with the m.ost insolent contempt
of his infinite majesty, almost universally prevail-
ed among the people; while their princes were
abandoned to the commission of every crime.
Although cut off one after another by the just
judgment of an angry G od, each succeeding prince
seemed determined to exceed his predecessor in

6 THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH S TEMPLE.

wickedness; until Ahab, the seventh in this infa-
mous succession arose, and far surpassed all that
had gone bclore hiiii. No sooner had this impious
monarch ascended the throne, than he declared
himself a decided enemv to the true religion.
1 laving married the daucrhter of an idolatrous
prince, he planted a grove sacred to idolatry;
erected a temple to l^aal, the god of her fathers:
and, to gratify her fierce and impetuous spirit, per-
secuted the prophets of Jehovah. Baal, the prin-
cipal object of ancient idolatry, appears to have
been a representative of the powers of nature in
general, and particularly of the solar fire; which
proceeding from its central body, extends its influ-
ence to the extremities of the system, and return-
ing back upon a principle of mechanical circula-
tion, gives life and motion to all things in its
course. Supposing the frame of nature to be in-
telligent, and independent of the hand that form-
ed it; it became the object of love, of confidence,
and of terror. They worshipped it as the source
oftheir wealth, not knowing that God gave them
their corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied their
silver and gold, ivhich they prepared for BaaL"^
They made an endless variety of images, and
even cousecYd-ted/'our-Joo fed beasts and creeping
things, to represent its dilierent powers and ope-
rations : — According to the number oj thy cities^
x.ere thy gods, OJudah, and according to the nuvi-
ber of the streets of Jerusalem, have ye set up al-
tars, to that shameful thing, even altars to burn in-
cense unto Baal.'l' Observing that the elementary
lire, when roused into action, dissipates and de-
stroys every thing that it acts upon with vio-
lence: to this principal attribute of their deity
they erected a hollow brazen image, of enor-
* Uosea ii. 8. f Jeremiah xi. 13.

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAll's TEMPLK. 7

mous form and magnitude; and having heated it
ahnost to a state of solution, they tore asunder
all the ties of nature, and cast their helpless chil-
dren, shrieking, into the midst of it This crime
is expressly charged against the kings of Judah,
and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, by the prophet
Jeremiah, in the lyth chapter of his prophecy, -
and 4th verse.— T//ej/ have filled the place with
the blood of imwcents, thcif have built the high
places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire, for
offerings unto Baal, zvhich I commanded not, nor
spake of it, neither came it into my mind. There-
fore, behold the days come, saith the Lord, that
this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor the
valley of the son of Hinnomy but the valley of
slaughter.

Such was the idol of Tyre and Sidon, and all
the countries adjacent; the Moloch of the Ammo-
nites, the Apis V Egypt, the Bel of Babylon, the
Saturn of Greece and Italy, and from the
first founders of the Egyptian monarchy, to the
late founders of the French republic, the object of
the worship of all heathens has still been the same.
Nature, instead of the God of nature ; the creature
in place of the creator, was the object of their
adoration. To the powers of the heavens the
ancients erected high places, altars, monu-
ments; and called their cities and temples, their
kings and heroes, after their names, llie name
of Ahab's wife was Jezebel, that of tlie king her
father Ethbaal. — From them Ahab learnt to serve
and worship Baal, and burning with a furious
zeal for the honour of his God, he threw down
the altars of Jehovah, smote his prophets with
the edge of his sword, and thus did more to pro-
voke the Lord God of Israel to anger, than all

S ^HE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH 3 TE^I^L^.

the kings of Israel that were before him. But
who is this that cometh in the name of the Lord,
with his credentials in his hand, and all the pow-
ers of nature under his controul ! Though clothed
with mean apparel, Avith what authority doth he
speak and act! He comes to assert, and not
merely to assert, but prove, by the most indis-
putable evidence, the sovereignty of the God
whom lie worships, over the heavens and the
earth, which he created. Presenting himself be-
fore Ahab, in defiance of Baal and his subordi-
nate divinities, he thus opens his commission : —
As the Lord God of Israel llveth, before xvhom I
stand, there shall be 7ieither dexv nor rain, these
years, but according to my zcord."^ Having deli-
vered his message, he is admonished to retire.
According to his word, the heavens are shut up
for the space of three years and a half But while
famine and desolation spread throughout the land,
nature is diverted from its course to minister to
his necessities; birds of prey bring him regular
supplies of food ; a widow's cruse of oil aiid bar-
rel of meal are miraculously preserved ; and
death is commanded to resign its victim in an-
swer to his prayer. The years of drought has-
tening to their close, he is ordered to quit his re-
treat, and appear once more in the presence of
the royal offender. Intimidated by no fear of dan-
ger, he obeys the heavenly mandate ; and goes
forth in quest of the man, who, with a murderous
rage, liad sought him from kingdom to kingdom,
to take away his life. Upon their first interview,
Ahab begins vehemently to accuse him, as being
the cause of the calamity which the nation had
suffered. The man of God boldly repels the

* 1 Kings xvii. 1,

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH S TEMPLE. 9

charge, and turns it back upon the king, himself:
with a mind truly great and undaunted, he re-
proves the furious persecutor, ascribes the mise-
ries of the land to that infamous system of idola-
try which he and his family had adopted ; and,
upon condition that he will summon the prophets
of Baal in general assembly, challenges, that in
their presence, and to their utter confusion, he
will prove Jehovah to be the true God, and the
only proper object of worship. On mount Car-
mel the numerous assembly meet, in obedience to
the summons of their sovereign, to decide the im-
portant question — whether Baal, or Jehovah, be
God supreme ? In Baal's interest are four hun-
dred and fifty priests, beside the king, and a
multitude of his subjects. On the part of Jeho-
vah, Elijah stands alone ! but with what dignity
in his looks, with what majesty in his deportment 1
Arid Elijah cavie unto all the people, and said,
Hoxv long halt ye hetxceen two opinions ? If
the Lord be God, follozv him ; if Baal, then fol-
low him. Suspense must be painful to your feel-
ings— indecision is dishonourable to your charac
ter. Ye worship the powers of nature — I adore
the God of nature, who can suspend its opera-
tions at his pleasure. Ye have felt, and do now
feel, the terrible effects of that suspension, in the
famine which 1 predicted in his name. Ye have
erected an image to the principal perfection of
your deity. As I have already proved that my
God has the absolute command of the showers of
heaven, which give fertility to the earth, for the
support of its inhabitants ; I will now prove his
sovereignty over that very attribute of your ima-
jrinary god, which you adore ; and upon this will
I rest the issue of the present contest. Let the
j)rophcts oj' Baal provide tivo bullocks, and let them

c

10 THE UyiVERSL JEHOVAIl's TEMPLE.

choose one for themselves, and cut it in pieces and
laij it on wood, and put no fire under it ; and I wilt
dress the other, and lay it on wood, and put 7io fire
under : and call ye upon the name of your gvd,
and I will call upon the 7iame of the Lord, and
the god that ajiswers by fire let him be God : and
the people anszi'cred and said, It is zvell spoken*.

Confident of the goodness of their cause, or
perhaps awed by the presence of the king, and
the multitude of spectators, the idolatrous priests
accept the challenge. Having prepared their
sacrifice, and laid it upon the altar, they begin
M'ith a frantic zeal to call upon their idol. — They
call, but he does not hear. They stretch out
their hands, and dance round the altar, but he
does not regard. They cut themselves after their
manner xcith knives and lances, till the blood
gushes out upon them but all to no purpose.
They continue this farce of devotion until the
time of the offering up of the evening sacrifice-
But nature holds on its wonted course — the hea-
vens remain seiene and undisturbed — no voice is
heard — no consuming lire appears to burn the
sacrifice. Elijah, with the severest irony, ridi-
cules their foolish expectations — invites the peo-
ple around him — chooses twelve stones, accord-
ing to the number of the twelve tribes of the
children of Israel — repairs the altar of the Lord
which had been broken down, and having laid
the sacrifice in order, he approaches ihe altar,
and with holy fervour thus invokes the name of
the Lord God of their fathers. Lord God of
yl bra ham of Isaac and of Israel, let it be known
this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I
am thy servant, and that I have done all these
things at thy 7cord, Hear me O Lord, hear me,
that this people may know, that thou art the Lord
^ Ver. 23, 24.

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAU's TEMPLE. 11

(jrod^ and that thou hast turned their hearts hack
aga'm* The answer to this prayer is immediate.
The fire descends and consumes the sacrifice,
the worshippers of Baal are confounded, and the
people fall down with thoir faces to the earth,
crying, The Lord he is the God — The Lord he is
the God. Seizing the favourable opportunity,
the prophet exerts the authority with which
he is invested, by commanding the idolatrous
priests to be slain, according to the law of
Moses ; nor durst Ahab offer a word in apology,
for the very men whom he had supported and
patronized. This just execution being finished,
Elijah said mito Ahab, there is a souncl of abun^
dance 0/ rain. Knowing that the blessing was to
b^ granted in answer to his ardent supplications,
he went up to the top of Mount Carmel, and cast
himself down upon the earth, put his face be-
tiveen his knees, and said to his servant, go tip
710ZV and look toxvard the sea. He rcent tip and
A looked and said, L see nothing-— and he said, go
' again seven times ; and it came to pass at the
seventh time, that he said, behold there ariseth a
little cloud out of the sea, like a mans hand, and he
said, go up, say unto Ahab, prepare thij chariot get
thee down, let the rain stop thee not. And it
came to pass in the mean time that the heaven xca^
black tvifh clouds and xcind, and there icas a very
great rain'\ Such was the nature of the con-
troversy between Ahab and Elijah. — Such the
triumph of revealed religion over pagan super-
stition.

We proceed, secondly, to sliew the impor-
tance of this controversy to the entire scheme
and ultimate design of divine revelation. Tlic
miracles whereby this contest was decided, w^re
not merely designed to prove the supremacy of
* Ver. 30 37. t V. 43, 45.

c 2

12 THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH's TEMPLE.

Jehovah, to the confusion of the worshippers of
Baal upon Mount Carmel ; but to confirm the
truth of that revelation, which the ten tribes
had virtually rejected; to reclaim this degenerate
people from their aw ful defection, and to restore
the observance of the law of INloses. Amongst
the messengers of the most high God, employed
to disclose his mind and will to the children of
men, whose names are enrolled in the annals of
sacred history, there are three peculiarly ho-
noured and distinguished above all the rest.
Moses, by whom the law was committed to
writing ; Elijah, ,by whom it was restored ; and
Messiah, by whom it was completed. Between
Moses and Elijah there was, in several respects,
the exactcst similarity. The resemblance was so
striking, that all the Jewish Rabbies and the Chris-
tian fathers felt it. — Both of them were messen-
gers of God to idolatrous kings— both of them
wrought miracles, and executed judgments upon
idolaters — they both fasted forty days — they both
saw God: as they were remarkable in their lives,
so there was something very extraordinary in the
manner of their departure.r— Moses died and
God buried him in a place where no man knew:
Elijah without dying, was translated in a chaiiot
of fire to heaven ; and as the principal officers
of state resign the badges of their authority to
their successors in office, so Moses and Elijah,
the one representing the law, and the other the
prophets, appeared on the mount of transfigura-
tion, to deliver their seals into the hands of
Messiah; and to bear their attestation once more
to him, by whom the law was to be bound up,
and the testimony sealed.

The law, committed to writing by Moses, re*
gtorcd by Elijah, and coniplcted by Messiah, was

THE UNIVERSE JEIIOVAH's TEMPLE. 13

designed, in the first place, to establish the wor*
ship of God upon the ruins of idolatry ; — second-
ly, to prescribe the nature of that vvorsiiij), which
is acceptable in his sight through the mediation
of the second person of the adorable trinity; —
and thirdly, to reclaim the universe from the
power of Satan, who hath usurped the dominion
over it, and restore it to its primary use as a
temple sacred to the true God.

If these positions can be made good, they will-
shew the importance of this remarkable contest,
to the entire scheme of the holy scriptures; and.
also form the strongest ground of encouragement
for the I\Iissionary Society, to proceed in the glo-
rious cause in which they are engaged.

As nothing strikes so forcibly upon the human
mind as fact, to this species of evidence we shall
appeal ; in order to prove, in the first place, that
it is the design of divine revelation to establish
the pure worship of God upon the ruins of
idolatry. Moses began to write the scriptures at a
time when idolatry prevailed over the face of the
whole earth. In the court of Pharaoh he ap-
peared, demanding, in the name of the great
I AM, the release of Abraham's posterity, that
they might go forth to worsliip the Lord God of
their fathers. Every miracle he wrought in the
presence of that tyrant and his vussals, not only
attested his divine mission, but struck at the
very foundation of their idolatry. Did the
Egyptians, for example, w^orship the serpent?
Aaron's rod was tiu'ned into that reptile, which
they idolized ; and when the Egyptians by their
sleight of hand mimicked the miracle, his rod
swallowed up tlieir's. Did tljey uorsliip tjie
river j^^ile? — How great must have been their
distress when they beheld its \vaters coinxrted

14 TH£ UxVIVERSE JEHOVAH S TEJtPLE.

into a mass of blood. Did they imagine tlrat
the aslies of the sacred farnace on which iiuman
victims had been sacrificed, conveyed blessings
wherever they were wafted ? — Those very ashes
being sprinkled towards heaven, by the servant
of the true God, in the presence of Pharaoh,
M^ere made to communicate incurable diseases ;
nor could the magicians themselves escape the
dire infection. Did they, like all the ancient hea-
t-hens, worship the elementary powers of nature ?
— The Lord rained hail and lire upon the land
of Egypt, so that iire, mingling with hail, smote
the herbage of the field, ran along the ground
in torrents, and filled the whole land with terror
and consternation. Was the light, as receding
from the body of the sun, the principal object
of their adoration ? — Moses stretched forth his
hand towards heaven, atid there rcas thick dark-
ness m all the land of Egi/pt for three days; and
they mw not one another, neither rose any one
from his place. But all the children of Israel
had lio'ht in their dzvelUno's. Did thev refuse to
comply with the demand of Jehovah, saying.
Let my son go, even my first-born, that he may
serve me ? — Lo ! the angel of destruction, proba-
bly a pestilential vapour, passes through the land,
and in the most extraordinary manner selects
-their first-born as its victims. This last judg-
ment executed upon the gods of Egypt, having
accomplished the emancipation of the chosen
tribes, IMoses, as a delegated divinity, exer-
cised a sovereign sway over the gods of the na-
tions ; whether in the form of light or darkness,
air or pressure, land or water, until he had
brought them to the foot of Mount Sinai. Here
the great I AIVI Himself appeared. Tlie
earth felt his presence, aiRl shook to its centre 1

THE UNIVERSE JETIOVAH's TEMPLE. 15

The mountain exhibited the appearance of a
volcano, whilst the voice of infinite majesty was
heard, saying, Thou shall have no other God but
me. And the people answered and said — All that
the Lord hath spoken, xve ziill do.'^ The cove-
nant thus solemnly formed, v/as immediately ra-
tiiied by the blood of those very animals which
the heathens worshipped.

This, undoubtedly, was the memorable aera
when revelation was first committed to writing.
Heretofore divine knowledsre had been commu-
nicated by oral tradition, and hieroglyphic fi-
gures. But words are fleeting and perishable,
memory is weak and treacherous, tradition had
been corrupted, the sacred emblems had been
abused and idolized. It was necessary, there-
fore, that a method of conveying instruction
should be devised more lasting than words, more
firm than memory, more faithful than tradition,
more intelligible than symhols. With his own
immortal finger, Jehovah wrote the two tables
of the law; and while in communion with his
servant upon the mount, delivered to him his
statutes and ordinances ; presented him with
an exact model of the tabernacle and its furni-
ture, and caused the patterns of the heavenly
things to pass in review before him. All the pre-
cepts and ceremonies of the law, were meant, a-
niongst other purposes, to expose the false wor-
ship and superstition of the heathen ; and to se-
parate a chosen people from an idolatrous world.
Their mysterious sojourn to the land of Canaan,
the Judgment inflicted, and the mercies so miracu-
lously bestowed upon them, while in the wilder-
ness, were alb adapted to teach them, to whom
their adoration was due ; and to prepare a holy
seed to enter into the possession of the gentiles.

* Exod. Chap xix.

l() THE UNIVERSE JtllOVAlfs TEMPLE.

Jo.shua was the successor of Moses — under his
ailininistration tiie water of Jordan rolled back;—
the wails and towers of Jericho were levelled
with the ground ;-— the light of the sun and moon
was arrested in its course;— until his enemies, the
woi shippers of light, were vanquished ;— the in-
stitutions of a pure religion were founded upon
the broken altars of idolatry ;— the treasures of
divine revelation were fenced in, and guarded
by proper sanctions ;— and having tinished the
work that was given him to do, the hoary gene-
ral, standing at the head of the many thousands
of Israel, and upon the borders of a celestial Ca-
naan, rehearsed in the ears of the people the
wonders God had wrought ; and both by precept
and example engaged them to renew their cove-
nant, that they and their houses w ould serve the
Lord alone. Happy had it been for this people
had they continued faithful to their engage-
ment; but their hearts turned aside, like a deceit-
ful bozo, thcj/ "were mingled rcith the heathen, (saith
the man after God's own heart, so called from his
uniform opposition to idolatry, aud his dccid-
, ed attachment to the God of Israel) and
learned their zcorks — yea, they shed innocent
blood, even the blood of their sojis and daughters,
ivhom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan, and
the land xcaspollv ted xcith blood* Various were
the methods which God afterwards employed to
reclaim their treacherous hearts, and to assert his
Qwn adorable sovereignty; to this end he deliver-
ed them up into tlie hands of their enemies, but
■when thoy cried unto him he remembered his cove-
nant, raised up Saviours to deliver them, and re-
pented according to the multitude of his mercies.
Many times did he deliver them, but they provok-
ed him by their counsels, until the infection of

* Pbalm cvi. \'er. 3S,

THE UxNIVERSE JEHOVAH S TEMPLE. I?

paganism was purged away by the sufferings of
their captivity in Babylon.

• The idolaters pretended that their God could
give plenty and health ; the true God, therefore,
gave his people miraculous supplies, or in judg-
ment sent famine and sickness. The idolaters
ima^nned their ^ods could foretel events, and
perform miracles ; the true God, therefore, en-
dowed his faithful servants with real visions and
infallible pro})hecies. The idolaters worshipped
all the host of heaven ; therefore, fully to de-
monstrate his power over them, and to shew that
he was Lord of heaven and earth, God made
them act contrary to that mechanism, which the
ancients supposed they exercised. Hence the
controversy between him and Baal was deter-
mined by lire ; at the command of his servant,-
fire came down, and destroyed the worshippers
of Baal-zebub, the god .of Ekron, and in a cha-
riot of fire he was transported to heaven; Hence
Daniel was preserved in the midst of hungry
lions, animals abounding with impetuosity and
fire ; the three Hebrew youths, in the midst of
the burning fiery furnace ; and hence the king of
Babylon v/as hurled from his throne, stript of the
honour of his Majesty, and levelled with the
beasts of the field, that he might hwxv that the
Most His'li ruleth ambn<^ men. and that there is
no God but he. Although the Israelites were
effectually cured of their propensity to idolatry,
by the captivity in Babylon, and the miracles they
beheld there, the nations still continued under
the power of gro^s darkness, scarcely penetrable
by the reflected rays of a traditionary revelation.
They had gods celestial, terrestrial, and infernal.
They ascribed divine honours to one another;

18 TUL uvivtRSE Jehovah's temple.

to kings, to bloody tyrants, to all who had ambi-
tion and impudence enough to lay claim to their
adoration. In this bewildered state did the Son
of God find the heathen world, he xcas the briglit-
ness of his father s glory , in him all the light of the
godhead resided, and that light was the Wit of n}cn.
Appearing as the day-spring from on high as the
sun of righteousness, he poured his radiance up-
on the thick darkness of the eartli; the benighted
gentiles, and amongst the rest our untutored fore-
fathers, felt his chearing rays, and said, xvhat have
we any more to do with idols. Tiiis was the design
of his mission, as the messenger of the covenant,
to be a light to lighten the gentiles, and the sal-
xation oj God to the end of the earth.

And now upon a review oilh^ history of divine
revelation, from the time of INIoses until the
coming of Christ, it must be evident, even to
demonstration, that its principal object is to es-
tablish tlie pure worship of God upon tlie ruins
of idolatry.

We affirm, in the second place, that it was fur-
ther intended to prescribe the nature of that wor-
ship, which is acceptable in his sight, through tha
mediation of the second person of the adora-
ble trinity. You perceive that in this position,
the doctrine of the trinity is assumed — not be-
cause we want arguments to prove it, but because
they are unnecessary. Thanks be unto God, I
speak to a Christian society, untainted by a false
and superficial philosophy, which is opposed to
the dignity of him in whom the fulness of the
godhead divelleth bodily.

» It is one of the most obvious dictates of
sound reason, that, if there be a God, it is the
indispensible duty of his creatures to draw near

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAh's TE3IPLE. 19

to him with holy homage. But wherewithal shall
a guilty and polluted creature come before the
Lord, or how shall he bow down before the most
high God ? With this question, the philosopher
is confounded, and all the wisdom of the world
must falter in the solution of it. Conjecture in-
stead of proot ; presumption in place of demon^
stration, is all that unassisted nature can offer to
the inquii'ing mind. To God alone, who knows
the limits of our understanding, the aggravation
of our guilt, the depth of our depravity, and the
perfection of his ov.n nature, it belongs to girc
an ansxver of peace ; and it is his prerogative to
prescribe the mode of worship which is acceptable
in his sight. When our first parents had broken
the covenant of innocence, and incurred the pe-
nalty of death ; stung with remorse, and tiembling
with an apprehension of vengeance, they shrunk
from the approach of their sovereign and judge,
who descended to pronounce their sentence But
along with the terrors of a judge he mingled the
grace of a saviour ; and while he pronounced their
doom, he comforted them viththe hopes of mer-
cy. To commemorate this declaration of mercy,
to them and their posterity ; and to preserve and
encourage their hopes in the promised seed, whose
inferior part was to be bruised for their iniquities,
sacrifices were immediately instituted; and since
the expulsion of Adam from Paradise, cloathed
with the skins of slaughtered animals to the pre-
sent day, there has been no friendly intcrcoursie
between God and man, but through the blood of
an innocent victim. Abel offered an acceptable sa-
crifice in faith, consequently his faith must have
rested upon a divine institution. Noah clearly
understood the distinction that in after ages was

20 THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH's TEMPLE.

marked by the law of Moses, between the animals
that were fit for sacrifice, and those that were not
fit to be preferred to this sacred application. We
trace the footsteps of the patriarchs by the blood
of their sacrifices; and with solemn awe wc lean
upon the altars they erected, as monuments of
their reconcihation with God, while we con-
template the mysterious dispensations of provi-
dence and grace towards them. The paschal
lamb was the price of Israel's redemption, and its
blood sprinkled upon their houses, was the sign
for the destroying angel to pass over. On IVlount
Sinai a compact system of saciificature was
erected, forming a partition wall between a nation
of priests, consecrated to ofier sacrifices unto
God, and a world of idolaters. According to
this system a lamb was to be offered every morn-
ing and every evening ; the oblation was to be
doubled on each returning sabbath ; a distinct
sacrifice was to be offered every new moon ; multi-
tude of sacrifices were occasionally offered for the
sins of individuals ; and besides all this, one day
in every year, distinctively called the day of
atonement, was solemnly appropriated to expia-
tion.

By these sacrifices, the church was constantly
reminded of the necessity of an atonement, ena-
bled to maintain communion with her God, and
by these all her gifts and services were sanc-
tified. Well acquainted with the principles
of the Mosaic ritual, Elijah waited until the
offering up of the evening sacrifice, that his
prayer might ascend with the services of the tem-
ple, before he attempted to determine the con-
troversy between Jehovah and Baal. Sacrifica-
tui'e was the highest act of religious service, nat

THE UNIVERSE JEIIOVAirs TEMPLE. 21

only amongst the Jews, but amongst all heathens,
who entertained an opinion, that the wrath
of the deity might be appeased by sacrifice and
mediation. It was this persuasion, co-operating
with their idolatrous notions, and the terrors of
conscience, that drove tiiem to violate the most
sacred laws of nature ; to torture their own flesh
before the shrine of the offended God ; and with
their own trembling hands, to shed the blood
of their first born, as a ransom for their souls.
Now we demand, how such a persuasion as
this coukl ever prevail in the world ? Is it de-
duciblc from nature ? Does it accord with the
feelings of the human heart ?. Or does reason
point out any resemblance, between the pardon of
sin and the smoke of an innocent animal, at first
i)led to death, and then burnt upon an altar ?
AVhat then can we think of a custom so strange,
so notorious, so universal; but that the voice of
reason, and all tlie tender sensibilities of the hu-
man heart, were overpowered by the authority of
a divine revelation, which custom and tradition
spread abroad through ail ages and all places ;
thoug^h carried to a heio;ht God never intended.
But the blood of bulls or of goats, of animal, or
of human saciifices, though flowing from ten
thousand Jewish or Pagan altai's, cannot take a-
way sin ; a sacrifice of greater value and richer
blood than they, was necessary to be offered ; be-
fore a medium of honourable and amicable inter-
course could be opened between an infinitely ho-
ly-and just God, and guilty, polhited man. A
victiui of infinite dignity vv as demanded. The
fund of heaven must be exhausted. Tlie blood
of God's own son must be shed. All the sacri-
fices of the patriarchal and mosaic ritual were

22 THE UNIVERSE JJEHOVAH's TEMPLE.

his representatives, appointed to act in his name,
to trace before-hand the mystery of his cross,
and to shew unto the beheving worshippers what
he was to do and to suffer. A ministry was
ordained of God to explain these significant rites,
and to represent his priestly office ; prophets were
inspired to forctel his sufferings, and the glory
that should follow, and from altar to altar the
voice was heard, Behold the lamb of God which
iaketh azvay the sin of the zcorhL

At length, the lovely victim which had been
fore-ordained from the foundation of the world,
adorned with all the beauties of spotless inno-
cence, and united with the majesty of the god-
head, appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice
of himself. — As Jehovah's equal, and the sinner's
"Surety, being delivered up to tlie sword of ju^
tice, and the fire of wrath, he finished transgrcs-
sivn, and made an end of sin; onade reconciiia/ion
for iniquitif, and brought in everlasting righ-
teousness; confirmed the covenant of redemp-
tion; and caused the sacrifice and oblation to
cease. Typical rites, and ceremonial obser-
vances, having answered their design, disappear-
ed ; the way into the most holy place being
made manifest, and the gates of heaven thrown
wide open for returning millions, the vail of.the
temple was rent from the top to the bottom ; the
propitiation for the guilt of an elect world being
made, and the blood shed that was to wash away
the sins of the nations, repentance and remis-
sion of sins was preached in his name among
air nations, beginning at Jerusalem: and the
middle wall of partition being broken down,
the gentiles afar off were brought nigh, incor-
porated with the believing Jews, and through

TME UNIVERSE JEHOVAlfs TEMPLE. 23,

one mediator, by the agency of one spirit, enjoyed
an honourable access to one God, as a covenant
father.

By all these facts, the evidence of which can-
not be overthrown, the truth of our second posi-
tion is fully demonstrated. It only remains to
be proved, that the ultimate object of divine
revelation, as to the present state of things, is to
reclaim the uorld from the power of Satan, who
hatli usurped the dominion over it, and restore
it to its primary use, as a temple for the true
God.

Some eminent writers, both Jews and Christi-
ans, are of opinion, that the Jewish tabernacle or
iem()le, was figurative both of the visible and in-
visible worlds ; that, as the second apartment
represented the heaven of heavens, the immedi-
ate residence, of the Holy One of Israel, the ha-
bitation of his glory ; so the first apartment was a
fiffure of the natural world, formed for the habita-
tion of man. This notion is not fanciful. It is sup-
ported by evidence, amounting to an high degree
of probability. The apostle Paul positively and
unequivocally asserts, that the second apartment
or most holy place, was a figure of heaven itself,
into which our high priest hath entered, appear-
ing in the presence of God for us. And that the
first apartment represented the natural world, is
probable, from the relation it had to the other ;
from the name by wdiich it was distinguished, it
was called a worldly sanctuary, or wodd-like
sanctuary, that is, says an eminent critic, *'a
sanctuary resembling this visible world;'' from the
use to which it was appropriated, as distinguished
from the service performed in the holy of liolies ;

£4 THE UNIVERSE jeiiovah's temple.

and from its being furnished with seven lights, a-
nalagous to tliose of the visible heavens, the
chief of which are seven in number. From the
IvHOvvn relation between the visible world, and
the sanctuary, they say, " the heavens are called
the tabernacle of the sun, the whole world itself,
and the firmament of heaven, with its glorious
furniture, being one great tabernacle, compre-
hendinj:; the luminaries of dav and niMit, repre-
sented in fii^^ure bv the lights of the tabernacle,
which was erected by Moses according to the
pattern given in the mount.'' Josephus, in his
Jexvish Antiquities, has preserved a tradition,
that this was the design of them, and that they
had respect to the system of the heavens.

Ifwe consider, that *' the chief end of man is to
glorify God, and enjoy him forever;'' thr-, sensi-
ble images form the basis of all our knowledge ;
that, the Jewish economy was altogether figura-
tive, and that the tabernacle was erected at a
time when all instruction, whether human or di-
vine, was conveyed by similitude and allusion ;
this notion will not appear so chimerical as it might
otherwise do, to those who, like weak and igno-
rant people, judge of what is fanciful or solid
merely by the customs of . the age in which they
live, or the few objects Mhereby they are sur-
rounded.

This resemblance between the material system
and the tabernacle, gives us a grand idea of this
visible world; the inhabitants of which, are all
comprehended in one great sanctuary^ where the
first and best employment, by necessary infer-
ence. Is the service of that God who hath called
them into it.

Such was the purpose for which this glorious

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH's TEMPLE. 25

fabric was erected. So long as man continued
innocent,' he was the priest of the most high
God ; the universe was tlie temple in which he
worshipped, while all the creatures around fur-
nished him with materials for devotion. But dis-
satisfied with the rank assigned him in the crea-
tion, and aspiring after knowledge and happiness
independent of his God, he forgot to whom his
adoration was due, or disdained to render it; and
thus fell under the power of that arch apostate,
who has since been denominated the god of this
world. The first apostacy seems to have brought
with it an infatuation upon all the human race,
inclining them to prefer any false object to the
Former of all things. It is a well known fact, that
all mankind agreed in corrupting the first princi-
ple of all religion, and made to themselves idols
according to their own understanding ; that every
breath carried the infection ; that every heart re-
ceived it, and that the seeds of the distemper na-
turally breeding in the mind, or propagated by
evil communication, were scattered abroad through
every period of time ; and through every part of the
habitable world. The evil is not yet exterminat-
ed. Whole empires to the present day are lying
under its fatal influence. Its malignant effects
are seen and felt in every nation under the sun,
from Britain to Japan. Something that is not
God, usurping the throne in the human heart,
la3^s claim to that affection and confidence which
is due to God alone ; and that thing by whatever
name distinguished, is properly an idol. The pro-
phet Ezekiefs description of the temple at Jeru-
salem, in its most degraded state, is applicable
to the great temple of the world. There stands
the image of jealousy ; there are to be discerned

E

26 THE UNIVERSE JLHOVAll's TEMPLE.

the chambers of imagei^, deformed all over with
the pictures of abominable beasts, and creeping
things ; there the votaries of pleasure are heard
weeping and wailing because their idols arc not,
and there between the porch and the altar clouds of
incense are ascending to the senseless rivals of the
God of Israel. The profane rites by which
some of these idols are worshipped, are too dis-
gusting to be mentioned, and at the same time so
well known, as to render a detail of them unne-
cessary. I shall take no notice of the abomina-
ble services which are performed in the suffocat-
ing stews of debauchery and drunkenness, to the
goddess of brutal pleasure ; of the sacrifices of
oppression, injustice, and cruelty which are of-
fered at the shrine of the mammon of unrighte-
ousness ; or of the profound adoration which is
paid to the human imagination falsely called rea-
son, which is avowedly set up in opposition to
the God of heaven, as Nebuchadnezzar set uj) his
golden image on the plains of Dura; commanding
his slaves to bow down before it. Itis sufficient for
me to affirm, what none can deny, that every
man by nature loves and serves something in
preference to the true God ; and that until he be
possessed of a spirit of true devotion, which can
proceed only from the spirit of Christ, he is an
intruder into the sanctuary of God, uj)on whom
we may look, says a great writer, "as we should do
upon an ignorant savage, who might come staring
into our religious assemblies without kno\vino;the
nature of the solemn services in which we are
employed." Such is the course of this uorki,
under the prince of the pov/er of the air, who
worketh in the children of disobedience, and hath
most to do now, as of old amongst heathens^

THE UNIVERSE JEIIOVAIl's TEMPLE. 27

xvliere his agency is least felt, or his existence de-
nied. But the world sliallbe reclaimed from his
usurped domination, and restored to the use for
which it was originally designed ! The Lord of
Hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it ;
nay, he hath sworn it, yls I live, saith the Lord,
the whole earth shall be filled xcith my glory. —
The holy prophets throw open to our view, a
prospect concerning the future state of the church
and the world, at once astonishing, and delight-
ful to contemplate. Their sublime imagery
when describing the glory of the latter day, is
principally borrowed from the services of the
temple at Zion and Jerusalem, and evidently re-
fers to the abolition of idolatry. All the ends
of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the Jdndreds of the nations shall worship
before thee. Among the gods, there is none like
icnto thee, O Lord, neither are there any xvorks
like unto thy works. All the nations whom thou
hast made shall come and worship before thee, O
Lord ; and shall glorify thy name, for thou art
God alone. I xvill gather all natidns and tongues,
and they shall come and see my glory. And I
will send to the isles afor off that haxe not heard
my name, neithi^r hare seen my glory, and
they shall declare my glory among the gen-
tiles. And they shall bring all your brethren
for an offering untotlie Lord, out of all nations,
to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lordy
as the children of Lsrael bring an offering, in a
clean vessel into the house of the L.ord. And L
will plant tlie heavens^ a/ul lay the foundations of'
the earth, and say unto Zion, thou shall be built,
and unto the temple thy foundation shall be laid.
And it shall come to pass that from one nc:^.'

Ei::

28 THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH S TEMPLE.

moon to another, andfrom one sabbath to ano-
ther, shall all Jlesh come to worship before me,
saith tJi^ Lord. From the rising of the sun unto
the going dozen of the sdme, mi/ name shall be
great among the Gentiles. And in every place
incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure
offering ; for my name shall be great among the
heathen, saith the Lord of Hosts. The whole
creation now subject to vanity, and groaning, and
travelling in pain together, and waiting with ea-
ger expectation for the manifestation of the sons
of God, shall then be delivered from the bondage
of corruption. In unison with the sublime and
rapturous strains of the psalmist, the voice of joy
and thanksdving shall be heard from one end of
the earth unto the other. O sing unto the Lord
a nezv song, sing unto the Lord all the earth, de-
clare his glory amongst the heathen, and his
ivonders among all people. For all the gods of
the nations are idols, but the Lord made the hea-
vens. Honour and majesty are before him,
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Give
unto the Lord all ye kindreds of the earth, give
unto the Lord the glory due unto his tiame.
Bring an offering into his courts ; O zvorship the
L.ord in the beauties of holiness : fear before him
all the earth. Let the heavens rejoise, and let
the earth be glad, let the sea roar, and the foods
clap their hands. Break forth into singing ye
mountains, ye forests, and all the trees of the
field. The earthly temple thus restored to its primary
use, shall be filled with the special presence of the
God of the whoicearth. He who formerly dwelt in
the holy of holies— -in the secret place of his ta-
bernacle—-in thick darkness shall openly shine
forth, and all flesh shall see his g\ov\\—'The

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAHS TEMPLE. 29

Temple of God in Heaven j saith the spirit of
prophecy, shall be opened, and there shall be seen
the ark of the testament. Glorious, transport-
ing prospect ! My heart bounds with rapture as
I view it through the chearing medium of pj-o-
phecy ! Who would not wish to see this happy
lera ? Who would not labour to hasten its ap-
proach ?

Friends, and followers of Immanuel ! I con-
gratulate you. Surveying with horror the dark
places of the earth, jealous for the glory of the
God of Israel, sweetly constrained by the love of
Jesus, and anxious to rescue millione from ever-
lastfng perdition — ye have entered into the views
of patiiarchs, and prophets, and apostles, and
martyrs. Ye co-operate with the unalterable de-
crees of eternal providence. Ye are engaged in
a cause that must and shall prevail. Your ene-
mies are numerous and powerful, for ye xvrestle
not only xvith Jlesh and blood, but xcith pi^incipali^
ties andpoxcers, andxvith spiritual rdckednesses in
high places, and with the rulers of the darkness
of this world, who will dispute every step as you
advance. But greater is he that is for you, than
all they who are against you. Were your or-
gans of spiritual vision now opened, could you
see through the material elements which sur-
round you ; you would behold the mountain
whereon you stand, filled zvith horsemen of
fire and chariots of fre. If angels in the
temple above are spectators of what passes
here below, however they may look down with
pity and contempt on the elevations of human
pride, the uneasiness of ambition, the misery of
covetousness, the rao;e of envy, the torment of
iust, the noise of drunkenness, the madness of in-

oO THE UNIVERSE JEIIOVAH's TFMPLr..

fidelity, and all the votaries of the god of this
world, whether in heathen or ciiristian countries,
they naust behold you with peculiar approbation;
they bend from their thrones of glory to explore
the mysteries of human redemption ; they learn
from the churches of Jesus, the manifold wisdom
of God, attending your missionaries through
every clime, they perform the kind office of
ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation, con-
verted to the true God by your instrumentality;
and hovering round your society, they sing in
strains of heavenly harmony as you proceed, —
Glory be to God in the highest, on earth peace,
and good-xcill towards men.

This is not imaginary description, nor are these
ideal objects. We do not rave ! but speak forth tiie
words of truth and soberness. — Let us, however,
beware of that burning frenzy under the name of
zeal, which seizing hold of the brain and darken-
ing the powers of the understanding, magnifies
the object of its pursuit, and lessens the diiiicul-
ties that lie in the way. How much has Christi-
anity to effect on every side of the globe, by you
and other societies, entering into the same god-
like design, before these predictions obtain their
accomplishment. Infidelity, atheism, heresy,
and superstition, must be extirpated throughout
Christendom. The descendants of Abraham,
groaninn under the fearful curse of judicial hard-
ness, lost in worldly pursuits, deeply intreuched
in the traditions of their fathers, and fortified by
the strongest piTJudices against the very name of
christian, must be gathered from amongst the
nations, wiiither they are scattered ; have the
vail of Closes taken away from their hearts, with
weeping and supplication be \q(\ to Mount Cul-

* THE UXIVERSE JEIIOVAH's TEMPLE. 31

vary, there to behold him, wiiom they have
pierced, and be made willing to acknowledge the
truth of the writing which was contemptuously
inscribed in different characters, upon his cross.
The man of sin who hath set himself up in the tem-
ple of God shewing himself that he is God, with all
his images of mock worship around him must be
annihilated. The imposture of Mahomet must be
detected, and his wretched slaves delivered from
the tyranny, whereby they have been held in bon-
dage ; and the delusions by wliich they have been
infatuated for ages, must acknowledge that Je-
sus is the son of God, and fall down with ador-
ing reverence at his feet. The heathen world,
through all parts of Asia, Africa, and America,
must be enlightened and converted to the Chris-
tian faith. All remains of open vice and immo-
rality must be suppressed, and the terrible com-
motions which disturb the repose of nations, be
hushed in the tranquility of an universal peace ;
before incense and a pure otiering can ascend in
evei-y place from the lising of the sun to the go-
ing down thereof But who is sufficient for these
tilings ? The Lord God of Elijah ! he who re-
claimed the ten tribes, can reclaim all the kin-
dreds of the earth. — The voice of the Lord is rerij
poxcerful — The voice of the Lord Is fullof majeHtij.
Hear it 1 Thus saithi he Lord, that made the earth
by his power, established the zvorldby his wisdom,
and stretched out the heavens by his discretion. —
The gods that have not made the heavens and thf.
earth, even they shall perish from off the earthy
and from under these heavens. In the day of their
visitation they shall all perish."^' \\ hat a stimu-

JcreiTiiab. chap. x.

UNIVERSE JEHOVAH S TEMPLE.

lus is this to your zeal and activity ! Especially
when it is remembered that the gospel of Christ,
which I tiust ^ our missionaries will always preach,
is the instiument he liath appointed for the con-
version of the nations. This is asserted by two
of the prophets in exactly the same language : —
The mountain of the Lord's house shall he esta-
blished upon the tops of the mountains^ and be ex-
altcd above all hills — (that is upon all high places
on which altars were erected to the host of hea-
ven) and all nations shall floxo into it. For out
of Zion shall the laxo go forth^ and the xcord
of the Lord from Jerusalem. This gospel is the
power of God unto salvation, to the Jew and the
Greek, the Barbarian and the Scythian, the bond
and the free. It is the light of the knowledge of
the glory of God, as it shineth in the face of Je-
sus Christ. It reveals the object of our adora-
tion in the most amiable and en^agins; li^ht, and
thus tends to remove that tormenting fear which
is the offspring of guilt, and the parent of enmity
against God ; which enmity, in all probability, is
the radical cause of all the apostacy in the world.
Nothing but an experimental knowledge of this
gospel can avail for the cure of idolatry, whether
in the heart of an Indian savage or an English
worldling.

Kemeuiber again, that Providence is on
your side. I refer not to a general, but to a
particular providence — I speak of providence as
administered by the God-man-mediator, who
bears upon his shoulders the keys of death and
of hell. Over the islands of Great-Britain and
the immense empires of China and liindostan ;
over the frozen mountains of Lapland, and the
burning sands of Guinea, his dominion extends.
All ordinarv, all casual cvcjUs. are under the di-

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH's TEMPLE. S3

rection of his unerring hand. He hath purchas-
ed the church with his blood, and founded her
upon the rock of ages. His everlasting love en-
circles her, and the eye of his providence, which
inspects all her concerns, never slumbers nor
sleeps. In the regions of the air, in the abysses
of the ocean, in the passions of the human heart,
in the overthiow and re-establishment of em-
pires, and amidst the noise and blood of the war-
rior, HIS arm is employed in makipg all things
work together for her good. Let the darkness of
the tempest then surround you : let the winds
roar and the waves rage ; you have an interest
in the ruler of the storm, who can still the noise
of the sea, and the tumults of the people. All
kings shall fall doxvn befoix him ; and at his com-
mand become nursing fathers of his church. All
nations shall serve him, and that nation that will
not serve him, shall be utterly wasted, for there
shall be one king and one lord over all the earth,
and his name one.

Observe, once more ; that greater is the spi-
rit that is in you, than the spirit that is in
the world. By his sacred inspiration, divine
truth was revealed unto man, and his agency-
clothes that truth, wijtli invincible power to the
heart. He unfolded to the prophets the future
glory of the church, and in spite of all oppo-
sition he will support the credit of his ser-
vants, and vindicate his own veracity. On
the day of Pentecost he descended as a migh-
ty rushing wind, and abode upon the apos-
tles in the form of flames of fire. On that me-
morable day three thousand souls were convert-
ed by the preaching of the cross ; shortly after,
innumerable multitudes were added to the

04 THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH S TEMPLE.

church ; antient oracles were silenced ; the spec-
tres of superstition chased away from their bloo-
dy haunts ; heathen temples converted into
Christian churches, and nations rude and civi-
lized were turned from lying vanities, to the liv-
ing God. Through each succeeding age, the
church hath flourished or declined, as he hath
withheld, or vouchsafed his influences. Let the
words of the prophet then be the motto of the Mis-
sionary Society, Not by might nor by power,
BUT BY MY Spirit, saith the Lord of
Hosts. In one word, the cross of Christ the
instrument of salvation, is in your hand ; his
providence your guide ; and his spirit shall crown
your labours with success.

Our God is jealous of his honour, and to secure
the glory of all his works, he hath in all ages, re-
tained the church in a state of dependence -upon
himself. Hence arises the reasonableness, and
the urgent necessity of unceasing prayer. To
direct and animate your perseverance in this ex-
ercise, permit me to place before the eyes of
ministers and people, directors and constituents,
and all the friends of this institution, the example
of the prophet Elijah in our text. In the forma-
tion and in the execution of your plans ; in the
choice of your missionaries, and their designa-
tion to the sacred office ; in the devotions of the
closet, and in the solemnities of the public sanc-
tuary, let the scenery which transpired upon
Mount Carmel, and the example of the man of
God be ever present to your view : remember-
ing that this is the only instance of the efficacy of
prayer, recorded in the Old Testament, to which
the Holy Spirit particularly refers in the new. —

Observe his faith in the great atonement. H^

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH S TEMPLE. 35

waited until the time of the offering up of the
evening sacrnfice, which sacrifice was typical and
descriptive of something beyond itself ; and de-
rived all its efficacy from its relation to the great
sacrifice of the cross, wliereby we draw near unto
God. Prayer without sacrifice is impiety, and
never enters the ears of the Lord God of Sa-
baoth.

Mark his humility — He cast himself doztm upon
the earth, and put his face betxveen his knees^
The attitude of his body was expressive of the
deep reverence and humility of his heart. / zvill
be sanctified by all them that draxv near unto me^
and by ail the children of Israel will I be glori-
fied, saith the Lord.

Observe his firm confidence in the divine vera-
city — There is a sound of abundance of rain. The
hand that shut up the heavens is now openino-
them. I hear the tumult of the elements, rushing
forward to accomplish the word of their Creator !
Let a man ask iii faith, nothing zvaver-
ing, he that doubteth is like a xvave of the sea,
driven with the wind and tossed. Let not that
vian think he shall receive any thing from the
Lord.

Attend to the spirit by which he w\as actuated.
Blessed be the Lord, the spirit of Elijah still rests
upon our Eiishas, and maketh intercession within
them, according to the wnll of God.

Listen to the fervour of his language. Hear
me, O Lord ! hear me ! The fervent in-work^
ing prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Imitate his increasing importunity. He said

unto his servant, Go, and watch, and he said

there is notliing. And he said Go again until

the seventh time. If he had perceived no answer

F 2

3^ THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH's TEMPLZ.

he would have said, Go again the seventy and
seventh time. The kingdom of heaven stiff ertth
violence, and the violent take it by jorcc.

And finally, behold the omnipotence of his
prayer. — Elias was a man, subject to like pas-
sions as tee are ; and he prayed ear)iestly
that it might not rain, and it rained not by the
space of three years andslv months ; and again
he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the
earth brought forth her increase. "The prayer
of faith," saith the learned prelate of the London
diocese, "moves the hand that moveth all
things."

To your prayer add watchfulness. — While sta-
tioned upon the point of observation, like the
prophet's servant, wonders of grace rising up be-
fore you ; will confirm, beyond dispute, that
your prayers are answered, You will also dis-
cern the wisdom and power of providence, ar-
ranging, combining, and giving effect to a thou-
sand causes, apparently trifling, insignificant,
accidental. You will behold that adorable sove-
reignty, which is the royal splendour of all the
perfections of God, disappointing your most san-
guine hopes; thwarting your best concerted
schemes, and at the same time, in a manner be-
yond all human expectation, raising the most de-
graded of the human kind, from that awful abyss
of depravity and barbarism, in which they are sunk.
While looking towards one point of the hea-
vens, you will see the little cloud indicatiaig an
answer to prayer, and portending future prospe-
rity arising from another. Ye have looked ;
your attention was directed to the Southern Oce-
an; wxre you disappointed? No, verily; out

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH's TEMPLE. S7

of Africa a cloud arose : it approached your
shores, it hovered round you, thousands beheld
it in this place, and tens of thousands adoring
said, This is the work of God.

The little cloud arising out of the Mediterra-
nean, which Elijah regarded as a signal that his
prayer was answered, may suggest as a maxim
of the greatest importance, in its application to
your future exertions, that blessings of the most
extensive influence are frequently trivial in their
commencement. The oak that hides its top in
the clouds, covers the mountains with its sha-
dow, and bids defiance to the wintry blast, was
once an acorn. The effulgence of mid-day, at
first faintly glimmered upon the mountains. The
apostle to the gentiles was once a speechless in-
fant. The waters proceeding from the threshold
of the sanctuary, increase as they roll along, un-
til the ocean partakes of their healing virtue.
The little African cloud, not bigger than the fin-
ger of a man's hand, shall cover the heavens, and
drop down fatness upon every country. The wil-
derness and the solitary place shall be glad, the
desart shall rejoice and blossom as the rose ; theif
shall blossom abundantly ; they shall rejoice even
with joy and si?iging ; they shall see the glory of
the Lord and the excellency of our God. But
here let us pause. — Let us deliberate ; for the
grandeur of the scene dazzles and overpowers our
little faculties ; and lest the ardour of expectation
transport us beyond those bounds which wisdom
prescribes, let us distinctly mark the differ-
ence between a miraculous exertion of divine
powder and its ordinary method of working.

This difference may be illustrated by two ex-
amples— the one from the natural, and the other

6

38 THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH's TEMPLE*

from the spiritual world. The creation of the
universe was a miracle. The eternal God spake
and it was done. The machine being finished,
and the wheels put in motion, he ceased from
his work which he had created and made. The
w hole system still rests in the hollow of his hand,
and by the slightest touch of his finger, he can
impede, accelerate, stop, or counteract its oj)era-
tions ; and though I am no friend to that philoso-
phy, which immerses the essence of the divinity
in his works, being apprehensive that it tends to
atheism, superstition, and idolatry ; yet, in one
sense, the course of nature is the agency of God.
The husbandman calls to the corn, the wine,
and the oil for subsistence ; the corn, the wine,
and the oil^ call to the earth; the earth calls upon
the heavens ; the heavens call upon their creator ;
he heareth the heavens ; the heavens hear the
earth ; the earth hears the corn, the wine, and the
oil, and these answer to the claims of the husband-
man. Thus we distinguish between a miraculous
exertion of divine power and its ordinary method
of working in the natural world. In like manner
the first establishment of Christianity was a mira-
cle. A new heaven and a new earth rose into
existence at the command of the eternal word,
by whom all things visible and invisible were cre-
ated. But the system being completed, that
is, the gospel being established, miraculous ope-
rations ceased. The farther the analogy be-
tween the creation of the world and the esta-
blishment of Christianity is pursued, the more,
striking the resemblance appears. As the ferti-
lity of the earth, and the preservation of the uni-
verse depend upon the word of his power; so the
pros|)erity of the church, and the |)reservation of
her existence are owing to his continued agency.

THE UNIVERSE JEIIOVAti's TEMPLE. 39

As the husbandman is indebted to the blessing
of God for the success of his labours, .so Paul
772ai/ plant and Apollos xcater, but it is God that
givcth the increase. Once more — As the bles-
sing of God in both cases, can be expected only
in the use of appointed means, hence we infer the
expediencyof sending the gospel to the heathen; the
absurdity of expecting a miraculous call from
heaven, and the necessity of a firm and vigorous
prosecution of such measures as appear the
best adapted to reach the object of our ardent
wishes.

May I venture, fathers, upon this principle, with
deference to your superior wisdom, to mention as
a probable measure of success the culture of the
rising generation among the heathen. While labour-
ing with anxiety for the salvation of fathers and
mothers, you shall not labour in vain; but have
you not a more rational prospect of succeeding
with their wretched ofispring? will you not here-
by strike at the root of the evils you wish to re-
medy ? Ought not therefore the wisdom of
your counsels, and the activity of your energies,
to be directed to this object ?

May I venture upon the same principle, to
mention, as a second probable means of success,
the instruction of your missionaries into the ori-
gin of idolatry. Would it not give them an evi-
dent superiority over the miserable objects of
their compassion ; to be able to account to them
for those practices, which they have received from
the tradition of their ancestors, and which are
rendered venerable by their antiquity ? Would
it not also tend to confirm the authenticity of the
sacred writings, and to confound atheism and
infidelity, to be able to trace the mutilated

40 THE UN'l VERSE JEHOVAH S TEMPLE*

vestiges of an original revelation in every part of
the world ; and to transmit their discoveries to
your society in Great Britain, The instruction
necessary for this purpose may be communicated
with ease. — Gales Court of the Gentiles; —
Hutchinson s Natural History of the Bible, and
Trinitif of the Gentiles ; Abbe le Pinches His-
tori/ of the Heavens; Sir JFilUam Jones s
Works ; Bryant's Antient Mythology; Mau-
rices Indian Antiquities ; Parkhurst's Lexi-
cons, and Bishop Horsleys Translation ofHosca ;
are works, which may be read with great advantage
by every missionary. If I am sanguine upon any
subject it is upon this. — Perhaps I am too much
so; If I am, your candour will pardon me. But
it is my firm opinion, upon the near approach of
the Millenium, that the hand of providence will
diffuse such a blaze of light from this source, es-
pecially from the traditions of India and China,
as will expose the folly of infidelity past recovery,
and give unto the desire of all nations and
his gospel, that pre-eminent dignity to which
they are entided.

Permit me further to recommend unity, har-
mony, and brotherly love. Observe with a
watchful eye those twin demons, envy and jea-
lousy, which, under a pretence of zeal for God,
will break the strongest bonds of moral obliga-
tion, sap the foundations of the best establish-
ments, and trample upon every thing sacred, to
gratify their own malignity. It is said, that a
society like yours, composed of different parties,
carries within its bosom, the seeds of its own
fbssolution. Here candour itself feels an appre-
hension of danger. How is this evil to be guard-
ed against ? In opposition to all that you can say

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAh's TEMPLE. 41

against bigotry; men will think, and speak, and
act upon such principles as they have, until these
principles be overpowered by others of superior
moment. Ye felt the truth of this maxim at the
commencement of your institution. The aston-
ishing greatness of a redeemer's love ; the glory
of him who shed his blood to deliver you from e-
verlasting misery, and the dread importance of
eternity and the soul of man, pressing upon the
heart with irresistible force, absorbed every par-
ty consideration. When that celestial flame dies
away — when your own glory becomes an object
of supreme regard — when you close your eyes
wpon eternity, and forget that pagans are imn^or-
lal ; then those inferior principles of heteroge-
neous qualities, will ferment and explode, and
the fatal catastrophe predicted by your enemies,
will arrive. To sum up all in one word, spirituality
of mind, or the power of vital godliness, is at once
your bond of union and shield of safe'ty, until the
xvatchmen see eye to eye, then Ephraim shall 7io
more envy Judah, nor Jiidah rex Ephraim.

Once more, with the same deference to your
age and experience ; I beg leave to sug-
gest the expediency of providing, as far as hu-
man sagacity can reach, against future corrup-
tions ; which otherwise may infect, and prove the
ruin of your society — ages after you are removed
fromthe sanctuary below to the temple of God a-
bove. Consider, for a moment, the magnitude and
extent of your object. Passing over the boun-
daries of nations, and overlooking the distinc-
tions arising from exterior circumstances; ye in-
clude within the circle of your benevolence, the
various t'ibes of the human lace. You cannot
expect to -ee the world converted wl\iie you|ive.

G

42 THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH S TEMPLF.

Your late venerable secretary was not permitted
to see the c<)n verted Hottentots. Like him you
must depart, and leave the work you so dearly
love in the hands of others. Succeeding gene-
rations will enter into your labours ; perhaps
men of co-ntrary principles and opposite views
to those you entertain. It is perfectly consistent
with your dependence upon the head of the
church, and seems necessary to the accomplish-
ment of your plans ; that some impassable bar-
rier be placed against the incroachments of wick-
ed men, w'hom interest and ambition may tempt
into your society. Of all the plans that may be
submitted to your consideration — ^lay the Holy
Spirit direct to those which most exactly coin-
cide wi-tlrthe designs of the everlasting covenant,
and the manifestation of the divine glory, which
is the last end of all the works of the Lord God
Omnipotent.

And now, brethren, when I look lound
on this vast assembly, I behold as it were
the camp of Israel, under the command of
a greater- than Joshua, carrying the ark of the
covenant into the possession of the Gentiles. I be-
hold the cloud of glory, rising inaAvful majesty o-
ver your heads. 1 behold tiic waving incense as-
cending; from your altars, and entering into the
holy ot holies. I behold not the standard of the
tribes;-of Israel, but the blood-stained banner of
the drbss unfurled. The Aveapons of your war-
fare are not carnal, yet like those of Joshua,
mighty throiio^h Godic the piiUing doxm ofstrojig
holds, casting donm imaginations, and every
high thing that exaltcth itself against the know-
ledge of God, and bringing intc^ captiiity every
thoHght to the obedience oj Christ ; and having

THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAIl's TEMPLE. 43

in a readiness to ixvenge all disobedience,
until your obedience be fnljilled. And all
nations, kindreds, and tongues, bow dozen be-
fore the God of Israel : saying zcith one heart
and one voice— -The Lord he is God ! The Lord
he is God ! Nay more, standing upon the
eminence erected by the spirit of prophecy,
visions of glory present themselves to view. I
hear the song of the redeemed — Worthy is the
lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God
by his blood, out of every Vindred and tongue and na-
tion, and people, and hath made us kings and priests
unto our God, and we shall reigri on t lie earth.
I hear the chorus oi thousands of thousands, and
ten thousand times ten thousands of angels— -JVor-
thy is the lamb that xvas slain, to receive pozcer
and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and ho-
nour, and glory, and blessing. I hear the voice
of every creature xvhich is in heaven, and on the
earth, and under the earth, and such as are in
the sea, saying,'-'Blessing and honour, and glo-
ry, and poxver, be unto him that sitteth upon the
throne, and unto the lamb for ever. And the
four living creatures say Amen. And the four
and txventy elders fall dozen and xvorship him that
liveth for ever and ever. The Universe is his
Temple, consecrated by his special presence, and
bright with his glory ! Amen. Amen. The prayers
of David, the son of Jesse, are answered.

G 2

THE

MESSIAH'S SUCCESS PROPORTIONED
TO HIS MERITS.

SERMON

ON ISAIAH LIU.— 13. 14. 1*.

PREACHED BEFORE

THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY,

H^ednesday Evening, May 9th,
AT THE TABERNACLE, LONDON,

BY THE

REV. J. BENNET,

OF ROMSEY,

SERMON II.

MESSIAH'S SUCCESS PROPORTIONED
TO HIS MERITS.

ISAIAH LI I. 13, 14, and 15.

Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he
shall be cralted and extolled, and be vc?y high.

As many xvere astonished at thee : (his visage
zvas so marred more than any man^ and his form
more than the sons of men : )

So shall he sprinkle many nations ; the kings
shall shut their mouths at him : for that which
had not been told them shall they see : and
that which they had not heard shall they con-
sider,

^Iy Brethre\% while my mind shrinks from
the avvfu}inipression3|)roduced by this vastassein-
bly, I am plunged into deep and serious reflections.
How many of the sons of God are here collected
in their fathei"'s house ! What an innnense ac-
cession of numbers crowds upon our view, when
we behold these aniiels of the churches, as re-
representing each one the hundreds which com-
pose his respective flock ! From how many dif-
ferent and distant points have we been attracted
hither, as to one common centre! What exer-
tions of mind, what emotions of heart, wliat
impulse of religion, must have l)een excited to
produce this grand association. AVhat an ex-
penditure of our Lord's talents, of precious

48 3rESSIAIl's SUCCESS

time, of sacred property, of influence, strength,
and life, has been devoted to accomplish the ob-
ject of our meeting. Truly that object ought
to stand on no imaginary or doubtful foundation ;
to be neither a castle in the air, nor a building on
the sand; but, to use sacred language, '^ a city
which hath foundations, wjiose builder and
maker is God/' It is, tlien, with the highest satis-
faction I announce my text, which points out to
you a basis broad as your most comprehensive
plans, and fu'm as the weight of your structure
can demand. You here learn that missionary
exertions rest on this unshaken rock, that, the
justice of the divine government will bestow on
JMessiah honours and rewards equivalent to his
unparalleled sufferings.

The verses on which we are to meditate this
evening, are a compendium of the following
chapter, which is familiar to every christian, as
containing the prophetic history of the suffer-
ings, merits, and rewaixls, of his Redeemer.*
May I not presume that the subject will acquire
additional interest in your jiiinds by calling them
into close contemplation of your Saviour ? Is
not this the most endearing light in which you
can view tlie conversion of the heathen? not
merely as a relief to the miseries of man, but
also as an honourable reward to the sufferings of
Clu'ist,

* The most able commentators agree that the first sen-
tence of the text should be li;inalatcd *' My servant shall
prosper.'' The Hel)re\v verb admitting both senses, the con-
nection must determine whether of the two be preferable. —
In Jer<;miah xxiii. 5. it is rendered, *' a king thall prosper,"
tiud the connection in which the word stands in the text tvi-
Uentiy requires the same translation.

PROPORTIONED TO HIS MERITS. 49

Look back, then, and sympathise with your
Saviour in his unparalleled sutferings, " A ma-
ny were astonished at thee, his visage was so mar-
red, more than any man, and hjs form more
than the sons of men."

Look forward, and anticipate his destined ho-
nours : ''My servant shall deal prosperously, he
shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high."

Look up and adore the equity wliich maintains
a due proportion between his rewards and me-
rits : " As many were astonished at thee, so
shall he sprinkle many nations, the kings shall
shut their mouths at him ; for that which had not
been told them shall they see, and that which
tliey had not heard shall they consider.

I. Let us look back and sympathise with our
Redeemer in his unparalleled sorrows ! Was
ever felicity exchanged for such misery ? " His
visage was so marred with grief, more than any
man." Was it not his to say? '' I have sewed
sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn
in the dust : my face is foul with weeping, and
on my eye-lids is the shadow of death." When in
his agony '' he fell upon his face to the earth with
strong crying and tears, and his sweat was as it
were great drops of blood falling down to the
ground." Was not his face marred with tears
and blood and dust? Was not his countenance
defiled when " they spat on his face, and buffeted
him ?" so that there appeared '' no form nor
comliness in him ;" but we hid, as it were, our
faces from him, shocked at the dismal sight.
Thus he, who was ''overall, God blessed for
ever," became "a man of sorrows, and acquaint-
ed with grief" On this subject, I fear, we che-
rish some latent errors. Are not our minds so

li

^50 Messiah's success

pre-occupied with the singularity, greatness, and
glory of Christ's person, as to give less interest
to his sufferings than they deserve ? But do we
not herein greatly err ? Did Christ ever avail
himself of his superiorit}^ to obtain exemption
from grief? He wrought miracles to feed others ;
but " he was an hun<iered :" he cried " I thirst.''
He made bare his bosom to the blow of affliction,
'^ gave his back to the smiters, and his checks to
them that plucked oft' the hair : he hid not his face
from shame and spitting." Hence they taunt
'* he saved others, himself he cannot save '"
Nay, did not the greatness of his person render
him more comprehensive of grief ? Must not
sensibility like his be the more susceptible of
exquisite anguish ? Was not his immaculate ho-
liness more abhorrent of sin, more shocked at
the vile suggestions of '^ the wicked one ?" Did
not his original glory and bliss give the keener
edge to the sorrows of his humiliation ? Well
might he ask, '' Was ever sorrow like to my sor-
row r" Not the sorrow of a wicked man, for
his heart of stone would be insensible to many
of the pangs which pierced the heart of Jesus,
and though he might bear his own sin, Jesus
** bore the sin of many :" Not the sorrow of a
good man, for he has the promise of God, *' I
will be with him in trouble :" and to him '^ the
sting of death" is taken away by the forgiveness
of sin ; but Jesus, who valued at an infinitely
higher rate the presence and smiles of his father,
was deprived of this, the dying martyrs conso-
lation ; for he expiated in death the martyr s sins,
and procured his consolations. Therefore, he
uttered in the dying hour, this piercing cry, ^' My
God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me :''

PROPORTIONED TO HIS MERITS. 51

2. Was ever glory so involved in obscurity ?
'* His form vras marred more than the sons of
men." Who could know him ? This was the
son of the highest, but he now calls him, " my
servant." For, *' being in the form of God, he
thought it not robbery to be equal with God ;
but made himself of no reputation, and took up-
on him the form of a servant; and made in
the form of men, and being found in fa-
shion as a man, he humbled himself, and be-
came obedient unto death, even the death of the
cross." '' The man Christ Jesus" did not as-
sume the state, or wear the glories which we
should have thought became him, "in whom
dwelt all the fulness of the godhead bodily." He
wore n3 crown but of thorns. He said, *' I am
among you as he that serveth :" '* I am a worm
and no man, a reproach of men, and despised of
the people." His griefs and labours probably
marked his countenance with the premature fur-
rows of age; so that, at little more than thirty,
the Jews seem to have thouglit him near fifty.
Might not the threatening cloud of wrath and
sorrow, which constantly hung over his devoted
head, obscure the beams of wisdom and glory,
which lighted up his countenance, and conceal
the infinite benevolence of his heart under an
air of gloom, which his enemies mistook for sul-
lenness, severity, or fear. Thus was his glorious
form marred, his infinite dignity concealed. To
have seen him " a babe in swaddling clothes," a
child " subject to his parents," appearing as
" the carpenter ;'' who would have thought him
*' the everlasting Father, the Lord of glory ?''
Had you beheld him, girt with a towel, washing
his disciples' feet, would you have conceived that
H 2

52 . MESSIAHS SUCCESS ^

he was "King of Kings, and Lord of Lords ?'*
When condemned as not fit to live, loaded with
execrations, *' numbered with transgressors, dy-
ing between two thieves, who would have conjec-
tured that he was " The Lord our righteousness,"
in whom " all the seed of Israel should be justi-
fied and glory ?

3, Did ever the object of general expec-
tation meet with such universal rejection?

How " many were astonished at him !" Not
wondering at his universal excellencies ; for the
word indicates an evil state of mind. When,
confounded by the evidences of his mission, and
the miracles he wrought, they obstinately oppos-
ed to them their prejudices against his mean and
afflicted state, their aversion from the holiness
of his character and doctrine. To them
the apostle applies the words of the pro-
phet, ^' Behold, ye despisers, and wonder and
perish." Who would have anticipated such an
event ? What high raised expectations had been
formed of the coming of a IMessiah ! How
many prophets and kings had desired to see him !
*' The desire of all nations" was his specific ap-
pellation. And yet, when he came to his own,
his own received him not. *' He was despised and
rejected of men.*' The priests and scribes, the
guardians and expositors of the law, pronounced
him a blasphemer and impostor. How tender
are we of our reputation ! how reluctant to suf-
fer reproach for his name's sake ! But '* if they
called the master of the house Belzebub, how
much more them of his houshold." Though at
first '' the common people heard him gladly,"
they afterwards joined to cry ** Away with him.'*
They most effectually rejected him by refusing to
embrace the salvation be proclaimed ; for *'who,

PROPORTIONED TO HIS MERITS. 55

(saith he) hath believed our report, and to whom
is the arm of the Lord revealed ?'' May I not
appeal to you, my brethren, who know the heart
of a minister, to witness how severe the trial,
how difficult to be borne, when men '' reject the
counsel of God against themselves ?" And was
it less trying to the Redeemer, to be rejected in
person ? Was it a smaller insult, when they gave
him the lie to his face, by refusing to believe
*' the testimony of Jesus Christ, the faithful and
true witness ?" The gentile soldiers also rejected
and set him at nought as a mock king. When
he came forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and
purple robe, pale, bleeding, wearied, insulted,
and derided, Pilate was shocked and astonished
at him, and cried out — '' Behold the man!" To
make his rejection compleat, the little band who
hitherto clave to him, seem, at length, to aban-
don his cause as untenable, and speak of their
confidence in him as a thing now past : ^' we
trusted that it had been he who should have re-
deemed Israel."

Need I remind you, brethren, that all this was
voluntarily endured to answer an end important,
holy, and benevolent as himself? Would it not
be injustice to your feelings to caution you against
conceiving less highly of your Redeemer, on ac-
count of his humiliation, sufferings, obscurity,
and rejection ? Does he not herein appear to
you like the sun in his evening declination ; less
elevated above us, but more level to our view ;
less dazzling, but not less pleasing, having remit-
ted his lustre, but retained his magnitude? The
merit of such condescension and sufferings must
have already occurred to your minds, and awak-
ened a holy ardour to see them rewarded.

54 Messiah's success

Come, then, let us now

2. Look forward and anticipate the Saviours
destined honours. Behold my servant shall pros-
per, he shall he exalted and extolled, and he
very high. Not to torture the expressions, but
10 give theiri fair scope, I intend to consider them
as predicting the prosperity of Christ's affairs,
the reputation of his character, and the eleva-
tion of his person.

1. The prosperity of his affairs: "he shall
deal prosperously." '^ Behold the days come,
saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a
righteous branch, and a king shall reign and
prosper, and this is bis name whereby he shall be
called, " The Lord our Righteousness." " Of the
increase of his government and peace there shall
be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon
his kingdom, to order and establish it, with
judgment and with justice, from henceforth even
for ever." '^ He must increase." '' His enemies
shall be cloathed with shame, but upon himself
shall his crown flourish.'' How prompt and faith-
ful was the fullilment of the prophecies ! How
speedily did the Redeemer exchange humiliation,
disgrace, and death, for prosperity, victory, and
triumph ! How effectually he proved that the late
appearances of defeat sprang from no want of
justice in his cause — from no defect of prudence
or energy in himself. See your Lord, ere his
feet forsake the earth, cast over it a comprehen-
sive glance of benevolent ex))ectation, claim it
for his own, send forth his servants, give them
their commission of universal conquest, " Go ye
into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature." How rapid their marches ! What
skilful evolutions ! VMiat courageous attacks !

PROPORTIONED TO HIS MERITS. 55

How sudden and compleat their victories ! Hear
their shouts ! ^' Now thanks be to God who al-
ways causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh
manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in
every place." ''As the lightning cometh out of
the east, and shineth in the west, so was the
coming of the son of man/' In a few years the
gospel was accused of turning the world upside
down. The charge is admitted. " We aie but
of yesterday (said an eminent father), and v/e
have filled every place, your cities, your towns,
your villages, your houses ; we have left you
nothing but your deserted temples." Shall it ba
objected that the persecution of the heathens,
the more disastrous defection of anti-christ, the
failure of missions, and the death of missionaries,
form serious exceptions to the prosperity of its
affairs? I reply, these have not defeated, but
were comprised in the original plan, which has
the glory to make " all things work together for
good." In its struggles with anti-christ, the reli-
gion of Jesus has shewn that it contains a some-
thing essentially distinct from names, and modes,
and forms. Rising from the long pressure under
which it groaned, and shaking from itself the
encumbrances of secular connections, of worldly
ceremonies, and sectarian divisions, like dew-
drops from a lion's mane, the gospel has demon-
strated to the world, that it possesses a vital spi-
rit, an active vigour, an immortal principle, which
no power can debilitate or destroy. The shock
of enemies, the collision of parties, has but de-
tached from it the pernicious addition of extra-
neous matter; elicited the evidences of its divi-
nity; displayed its unadorned trutli and beauty;
and thus given to it a firmness, precision, and
1

S6 Messiah's success

lustre, which it, perhaps, never before displayed-
The failure of one mission detects some latent
departure from evangelical principles, and gives
the wisdom which ensures the success of many.
If one apostolic man sacrifice his life, and sleep
in his bed of honour, legions shall rise up to trace
his sacred steps : The blood of the martyrs is the
seed of the church. *' He has dealt prosperous-
ly." *' He has done all things well."

2. The reputation of Christ's character is here
predicted: " he shall be exalted and extolled."
Situations develope character. Could we conceive
any circumstances more singular, complicated,
and critical, than those in which Jesus lived and
died r Could your minds form an image of one,
who should better stand the test, or display a
character of more numerous, various, and ex-
alted excellencies ? Even an enemy is constrained
to attest " the life and death of Jesus are those
of a God." But he has been exalted and extol-
led, not by the weak, or vicious, whose praises
rather tarnish the lustre they were intended to
enhance ; but by the wise, the holy, the excel-
lent of the earth; by all the hosts of heaverr.
Have you not observed, that if ever the sacred
poet, the holy preacher, rise to unusual heights,
and transcend himself, it is when the praises of
Jesus are on his lips? for then his theme gives
inspiration. How many minds have composed,
how many tongues have pronounced his eulogy!
— How many disciples have exclaimed, *' did
not our hearts burn within us while we talked of
Jesus by the way !" What hynms of praise to the
Lamb have roused our souls to rapture ! How
has the church in heaven and earth rung with his
doxologies 1 ^' And I heard the voice of many

PROPOIITIOXED TO HIS MKRITS. 57

angels round about tiie throne, and the living
creatures, and the elders, and the number of
them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and
thousands of thousands, saying, with a loud
voice, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to re-
receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and ho-
nour, and glory, and blessing." Tor what shall
numerous missionaries compass the globe? Is it
not to echo from isle to isle, from shore to shore,
to shew thy worthy praise, Oh Immanuel ? Did "
it not exactly suit your views, was it not grateful
to your heart, to learn that your missionaries had
abandoned more laboured arguments, as ineftbc-
tual, and adopted, with haj)pier success, the sim- ,
pie recital of tlic lledeemer's wondcrous love r
Oh the secret charm that lurks in the name, the^
love of Jesus! How powerfully it affects all dif-
ferent characters, each distant age and clime!
With inex})ressible delight I figure to myself the
venerable Vandcrkemp, the faithful Kicherer,
telling to a circle of astonished Hottentots what
a glorious Saviour is Jesus, what wonders of
love he has shewn to sinners. You, brethren,
know well to conceive how much of their soul
is in their swarthy countenances, while, with a
broken eloquence, wliich goes right home to
their hearts, they tell their admiration of " tii©
love of Christ, \\ hich passeth knowledge." How
has their new-born religion roused ours from its
tor})or, while, witli mingled shame and delight,
we learned from Hottentots to think more highly
than before of the ])Ower and glorv of God our
Saviour ! ^\'ho would hesitate to say, this is
worth cveiy exertion which we have made r W'iiat
heart of flesh does not bound at the ])rospe<'t of
being honoured to spread, by the sacritice of ta-
lents, i)roperty5 or life, the deserved honours of

I

58 Messiah's success

the Lamb? *' He shall be exalted and extolled.
Prayer also shall be made for him continually,
and daily shall he be praised/'

3. Ttie elevation of his person shall Justify his
utmost fame : he shall be very high. " You see
Jesus, who was made a little while lower tlian the
angels, crowned with glory and honour. For
God raised him from the dead, and set him at
his own right-hand, in heavenly places ; far above
all principality, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world,
but also in that which is to come, and hath put
all things under his feet, and gave him to be head
over all things to the church, which is his body,
the fulness of him that filieth all in all.*' What
can we conceive more honourable than Christ's
elevation to the throne in Zion ? He here reigns
over the most precious portion of the creatures,
if you estimate their worth by the price of their
redemption. He has under his immediate sway
those who must be dearest to his heart, whence
flowed the blood which paid their ransom. To
further their interests, all the rest of creation is
under his immediate controul. Nor should it
escape our notice, when contemplating the ele-
vation of our Redeemer, that he is the only one
in heaven who holds his throne by merit. To
say that the divine nature acquired the throne by
meritorious performances would not be correct:
God reigns by another title. The saints, you
know, ascribe theirs to grace, and angels theirs
to the free bounty of their Creator. But Christ
on his mediatorial throne is exalted in virtue of
his merits — an eternal monument of this impor-
tant truth, that, while we arc saved by grace,
without any consideration of works, or virtues.

PROPOSITIONED TO HIS MERITS. 59

yet merit, where it really exists, shall not go un-
rewarded. *' Therefore will I divide him a por-
tion with the great, and lie shall divide the spoil
with the strong ; because he hath poured out his
soul unto death, icherejore God also hath highly
exalted him, and given him a name which is
above every name ; that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow." It remains that we
should now

3, Look up and adore the equity which main-
tains a due proportion between his rewards and
merits. '' As many were astonished at thee, so
shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall
shut their mouths at him ; for that which had
not been told them shall they see, and that which
they had not heard shall they consider."

Justice, wherever it is seen, excites pleasure.
An equitable verdict will diftuse through a court
of law an air of general satisfaction. Will it
not, then, afford you, my brethren, sincere de-
light to behold the equity which is displayed to-
wards him, who is to all worlds the index Qf the
moral government of God, and in whose rewards
you feel yourselves so deeply interested ? It is,
then, decreed,

j. That for general rejection Christ shall re-
ceive universal empire, " as many were astonish-
ed at thee, so shall he sprinkle many nations.''
Huw many nations has Cxod ^' made of one blood
to dwell upon tlie face of the earth ?" A mi*
nute survey of them would exhaust; our time,
embarrass the mind, and fatigue tlic mcuiory :
a hasty glance might suggest useful i-eflections.
^Vitii the nations of Kio'ope we seem familiar,
and please ourselves with the kuowledge that
Britain, Denmark, Sweden, Prussia, and ilul-

I s?

oO mi.ssiah's success

land, enjoy the blessings of Christianity, and the
rcforniation. The extensive territories of Rus-
sia, Germany, and I'Vance, the kiuiidoins of
Spam and Portugal, the states of Swisserland
and Italy, the numerous ishinds of the Mediter-
ranean, we behold with a sigh, and yearn to
stretcli out to tliem a iielping hand. Satan has
been aecuscd of conducting men to Amcj'ica, in
order that a large portion of the human race
iniij[ht be cut off from intercourse with true rcli-
gion. He has, then, defeated his purpose, by
inspiring men with the cursed love of gold, which
impelled Europeans to the discovery of the new
world, and by kindling a spirit of intolerance,
which forced many of the disciples of Christ to
emigrate thither from 15ritain. Thus, in the
United States, and Canada, known to you as a
missionary station, we behold a centre, whence
we iiopc the healing beams of the gospel will be
darted forth among the Indians of the innnense
tract, wliich stretches out towards the north-
pole, and the Pacific Ocean. The Floridas,
Mexicos, and the numerous islands of the West-
Indies, alternately excite our sorrows and our
hopes. ^V'hy should I detain you with the bar-
barous names, which occupy Terra Firma, Peru,
Brazil, Paraguay, and Patagonia, where mil-
lions sit in darkness and the shadow of death ?

In ^^«fl the Turkish empire binds the fairest
portion of the globe with the iron bands of Ma-
liomet. Arabia, Persia, II indostan, Siam, Pe-
gu, China, swarming with millions of souls, the
indefinite extent of Tartarv, Japan, with the
ufiiold isUs of the Indian and Pacihe Oceans,
present a dreary waste, with but here and there
a spot under tlte culture of the gos[>el.

PIIOPOIITI'ON^KD TO HIS MKRITS. 6 1

Africa still groans under the curse of Ham.
Egypt, the house of bondage, is yet ignorant of
the hberty of tiic gospel. Abyssinia has the;
name without the tiMitli of Christianity. The
states of Barbary, the unknown negro-nations
of the vast interior of Africa, or the western
shore, too well known by tlie guilty trallic of Eu-
ropeans, present scarcx^ly an object to reheve us
from the pangs of dce[) commiseration. Bttt
Catfraria, whose Hottentots were hitherto tho
last of tiie human race, now boasts her sons and
daughters, '' whose names are known to be in
the book of life." Behold how many nations to
be sprinkled by Afessiah ! See what an extensive
empire shall reward him that was despised and
rejected of men. Must it not dcbght every
loyal iieart to know that all these nations shall
own the sway of the King of Saints, that all thfi
families of the earth shall be blessed in him, anti
call him blessed ? Let the extent of the promise
be the only boundary of our hope, and term of
our exertions. '' Sistiunis hie tandem nobis ubi
defuit orbis." Haste, glorious day, when they
siiall sini^ unto the Lamb a new soni^, savinu;,
"' Thou art worthy to take the book, and open
the seals thereof fur thou wast slain, and hast
redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every
kindred, and tongue, and irjtion.'*

^1. For apparent failure, the Redeemer shall
be crowned with solid success. He was once
baptized \titli his own blood, at which his ene-
mies triumphed, supposing that when he died
he failed, and his cause pcrisjicd with him. l>ut
It is his glory to liave acfjuired the victory l)y
sh(Mldin'j^ no blood but his own. With this
'' b.'ood of sprinkliu!^, which speaketh better

St Messiah's scccEis

tilings tlian that of Abel/' he shall sprinkle many
nations. Precious blood, which shed by one
Mediator, shall suffice to sprinkle many >\ i:oie
nations* How powerful its virtue! What crimes
of heathen name can it not expiate? " The
blood of Jesus Christ, his son, cleanseth us from
all sin." When by his Spirit and his blood he
has s})rinkied one soul, there is solid success
gained for eternity. The redemption of a soul
fiom the guilt and power of sin shall remain in
all its value and importance, when the most spe^
cious (^r permanent conquests of the Ca3sars and
Alexanders shall have vanished from the vie\r
and rcm€mbrance of men. Nor shall the extent
of Christ's empire detract from its solidity. The
heroes of this world, led by blind ambition,
^lave formed the mad project of universal con-
quest, and extended their empire till it has been
crushed by its own weight. Like a huge un*
wieldy body, which consumes, to feed its giowth,
that vigour which is required to maintain its
strength. Not so the kingdom of Christ. Amidst
its most extensive conquests it carries in its bo-
som no seeds of dissolution. Christ himself is
its centre, its soul, its vital principle. His
^race is sufficient, for it never can stretcli beyond
the reach of his omnipresence, nor i>;row too
v/eighty for his omnipotence. Though it em-
brace every continent, island, town, or liamlet,
and comprise every individual of the human
race, *' out of his fulness they all shall receive
grace for grace ." Its extension shall even ad-
vance its internal prosperity-. When you have
beeiU honoured to win a soul to Christ, has it
not strengtiiencd, lather than weakened, your
own religion.'^ ilave you not seen with delight,

PROPORTIOXED TO HIS MERITS. 6.1

that, Avliile the gospel is spreading abfoad, the
number of its converts is increasing at home?
When the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the
earth, as the waters cover the sea ; w hen so
many minds and hearts arc employed in his ser-
vice, will not the scriptures be unfolded, tiie
glories of Christ unveiled, the Christian charac-
ter improved, to a degree before unknown ?

3. As Christ was once crucilied throu<i;li weak-
ness, so shall he display irresistible power. He
w^as led as a lamb to the slaughter, yielded with-
out a struggle to the violence of his enemies,
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so
he opened not his mouth. But now the kings
shall shut their mouths at him, not daring to say
a woid. '^ Seeing the irresistible progress of
his kingdoms,'' says Vitringa, '^ they shall revoke
their edicts against it, and thus shut their mouths
at him." Though ^' the kinc^s of the eai'th stand
up, and the rulers take counsel together, against
the Lord, and against his Messiah ; he that sitteth
in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have
them in derision. Yet have I set my king upon
my holy hill of Zion. Ask of nie, and 1 shall
give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and
the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron, thou
shalt dash them in pieces like a potters ves; el.
Be wise now, therefore, oh ye kings! be instruc-
ted, ye judges of the earth. Kiss the Son, lest
he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when
his wrath is kindled but a little; blessed are all
they that put their trust in h.ini." When you re-
collect the power required to bring your own soul
into subjection to Christ, are you notastonisiied
tit the prospect of those exertions which shall

6^ MRSST All's .SUCCES.S

convert all nations to the obedience of faitii ?
"What omnipotence nerveti that arm which broke
the iron chain of Hindoo casts? ! What monu-
ments of Christ's wisdom, grace, and power, are
the converted Hottentots ! The same aJinidity
grace shall triumph over the obstinate prejudices
and enmity of the Jews; and so all Israel shall
be sjived, as it is written, " there shall come out of
Zion the deliverer, and shall turn away uni^odli-
ness from Jacob ; for this is my covenant unto
them when I shall take away tlicir sins," saith the
Lord.

. 4. Christ shall enjoy the most exquisite de-
bghts to compensate the bitterest sufferings.

What sorrows could ecjuiil those which Jesus
endured from the wrath of God against our sins ?
What joy like that of saving souls ? How pain-
ful to his righteous ;ind holy mind to expire uni-
versally rejected, condcnnied, and execrated, as
too vile to live ! How delightful to see all nation^
sprinkled with his blood, freely confessing that
he died for their sins, and not his own 1 With
w hat emphasis does the apostle s[)eak of saving
a soul from death, as enougli to repay any exer-
tions ! " Brethren, if any of you do err from
the truth, and one converts hhn, let him know-
that he who converteth a sinner from the error of
his way, shall save a soul from death." Traus^
porting thought I See that brother, with what
emotion he hangs over his sister. Look how that
father embraces his son. Do you ask whiit is in
that father, that brotlier, more than in otheis ?
That brother has w on his sister to the love of
Christ, that father has begotten his son again by
the gospel. Hence these transports, these tears
of joy, this vshout of <:ladness, '* Rejoice with

PROrORTlONED TO HIS MERITS. 65

tne, for this, my son, was dead, and he is alive
again ; was lost, and is found." But if the salva-
tion of a soul can awaken such joy in our earth-
ly, contracted minds, what must be the delights
of that friend of sinners, who could find it in
his heart to die for them, and whose comprehen-
sive mind can grasp all the infinite and eternal
advantages of their salvation ! This is the plea-
sure of the Lord, which shall prosper in his hand.
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall
be satisfied. How many must be saved, and
what must that salvation be, to satisfy his infi-
nite benevolence, to make him say *' It is
enough, this was worth dying for."

6. The means of his success shall do honour
to the Redeemer and his cause : that which had
not been told them shall they see, and tiiat
which they had not heard shall they consider.
This is applied by Paul to the preaching of the gos-
pel in countries where it was never before heard :
*' Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not
where Christwasnamed, lestlshould build upona-
nother man s foundation. But as it is written
to whom he was not spoken of, they shall see, and
they that have not heard shall understand." Just
before the prediction of the text, Isaiaii, wrapt
in future times, had hailed the mission of the
apostles : " How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings,
that published peace, that bringeth good tidings
of good, that saith unto Zion, thy God reign-
eth." It is of great importance to us to know by
W'hat means ^lessiah shall gain his sure and
well-earned reward, that we may suitably regu-
late our conduct as workers together with him.
With high satisfaction we perceive that he em-

K

€6

MESSIAHS SUCCESS

ploys no other means than those, which for wis-
dom, truth, purity, and benevolence, do honour
to his kingdom. Many a noble cause has been
dishonoured by the unhallowed instruments em-
ployed in its defence. How often has the victor
hastened to sheathe his s\\ ord ; not because it has
won the victory, but because he was glad to hide
the blood with which it was stained ? The sword
of Christ's kingdom shall never blush for its mas-
ter's conquests ; for the sword of the spirit is the
word of God. It is this^ brethren, which you
employ, and you need no other. You may say
as David of Goliath's sword, " there is none like
tjiat, give it me."

It affords to the most judicious friends to mis-
sions amono; the heathen ^reat satisfaction, to sec
you cnreful to give your missionaries an accurate
and extensive knowledge of the scriptures which
tiicy are to teach. They hereby learn their ma-
il ual before they enter on actual warfare ;
and become skilful to wield that word, which is
quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged
sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of
soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a dis-
cerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
It shall never lose its edge. It shall never forget
to conquer. For the weapons of our warfare are
not carnal, but mighty, through God, casting
down imaginations ; and every high thing that ex-
alteth itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringn)g into captivity every thought to the obe-
dience of Christ.

Should I not sin against the can.-e I plead,
were I to dismiss such an assembly as this, with-
out adverting to the -strong probability that there
are some pn^sent, whom the Redeemer does nol

PROPORTIOy^D TO HIS MERITS. 67

view with delight, as sprinkled with his blood and
regenerated by his Spirit and his word ? And shall
far distant people rise up in judgment against the
men of Britain ? Shall it be said that you have
heard of his blood being sprinkled on many na-
tions, and never sought that your consciences
might teel its peaceful, purifying virtue ? O ! be
intrcated by the pangs he endured for sinners, by
the deliu[ht he takes in savins; them, to castvour
souls, before his bleeding cross, and believe on
him for eternal life ; tliat, beholding you wasiied
in his blood, he may see in you the travail of his
soul, and be satistied. Then shall this be the un-
doubted evidence and eftect of your interest in
Christ, of 3^our vital union to him, that you feel
a strong sympathy with him in liis sorrows, a live-
ly interest in his honours and rewards.

Are his destined honours built on liis merito-
rious obedience unto deatli ? How firm, how
broad, how glorious, the foundation ! Are
^ve to measure his future triumphs by his past
sufferings ? Then what expectations must we
form ! What zeal should fire our breasts, when-
ever we embrace the foot of the cross, or sit do^vn
at the table of the Lord, or fall before the throne
of grace ! Can v*e consume those best moments,
when we have the ear of God at connnand, with-
out throwing all our souls into that prayer — " Thy
kingdom come."

Every encouragement surrounds us to rouse
us into action. Science and commerce have
gone before, as the pioneers, and prepared the
way for the noble army of missionaries.* The

* It is worthy of remark, that the celebrated Bochart
thought the mariner's com})ass discovered by Providence, iu

68 Messiah's success

extensive territories which Britain holds in the
most distant climes, atford the greatest facilities
for us to enter in and occupy the fields which arc
white already to the harvest. The concentrated
force, which theunparallelled union of Christians
in this cause has produced, may enable us to
grasp what others would singly have wished for
in vain. Without presuming to obtrude my ad-
vice with regard to proper plans and fields of la-
bour ; let me only ask, what more distinguished
mark of eminent religion than ardent zeal for the
glory of God in Christ ? Was not this the stamp
of peculiarity conspicuous on the forehead of
Paul, of Luther, of Calvin, of Edwards, Brainerd,
and Whitfield. On this ground I tread with re-
verence ; for I feel beneath my feet the ashes of
the holy man by whose zeal this building rose.
I see his apostolic spirit bending from the skies,
while, as he hovers over the favorite spot, his
4ieavcn acquires new relish, to behold his taber-
nacle thus filled with a society, formed to accom-
phsh the object for which he preached and travel-
led, laboured and suffered, lived and died.

I hear again the voice which so often shook
this place. " The blessing of the Lord my God
be upon you. Let thy work appear, O Lord,

order to open the way to the universal dilTusion oi the gos-
pel.' At magiietica, ctijus adminiciilo nobis patuere niaria
clausa hiictenus, et in remotisfcima terrarum libera fuit na-
vigHtio^ Quod videtur bcncHtiuni Deus in hac niundi senec-
ta generi hujnano concessisse iit Evangelii doctnna citius et
facilius per totnni orbetn promulL'aretur. — I rejoice in the
extent ot" the globe on which I stand, when I reflect that the
church shall occupy its remotest botuids. My heart feels it-
self enriched by the millions which shall cows the face of the
earth, when '* all shall know my Lord from the least evea
to the greatest."

PROPORTIOXED TO HIS MERITS. €9

unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their chil--
dren, and let the beauty of the Lord our God be
upon them, and establish thou the work of their
hands upon them/' Make them wise to win souls,
that tney may with me " Shine as the brightness
of the firmament." May they ^' turn many na-
tions to righteousness, and be as the stars for e^
ver and ever.'' *' Let the whole earth be full
of thy glory." '* ]Vfy prayers are ended." Now
welcome eternal praise I

#*

The Principal Subject, Joyful Import, and Glo-
rious E.vtent, of Go,^pel Tidings:

A

SERMON,

Preachetl before

THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIEIAV

IN TOTTENHAM-COURT CIIArEI.,

On Thursday Evodng, 3 1 ay 10, ISOA-.

BY

DAVID DICKSON,

o"s:r. or the ministers of the atew nop,th

CillJllClIj EDINBUKQIl,

, SERxMON III.

THE PRINCIPAL SUBJECT, JOYFUL IMPORT,

AND GLORIOUS EXTENT OF

GOSPEL TIDINGS.

LUKE II. 10, 11.

l3ehold I hr'mgyou good tidi7igs of great joy
which shall be to all people ; for unto you is born
this day, in the city of David, a Saviour y which
is Christ the Lord.

Christian Fathers, Brethrex, and
Fellow Worshippers,

When I look around me on this vast listening
multitude, and think of the occasion of our as-
sembling together, amidst much conscious weak-
ness and unworthiness, it fills me with joy un-
speakable, to meet so many of the friends of Je-
sus, whom, till lately, I never expected to have
seen in the flesh. At such an animating si^ht,
my heart glows with the warmest affection,
whilst it is enlarged M'ith earnest desire of miois-
tring to your edification and comfort

The angelic message which I have now read,
though delivered many ages ago, from being more
fully unfolded, is become even more interesting
nov,' than on the day when it was first published.
The subject, indeed, has not the attraction of
novelty, neither docs it need, though the preacher
possessed them, the powers of huinan eloquen^fj}

L

74 ' GOSPEL TIDIXGS.

to recommend it ; neverthekss, its intrinsic,
universal, and everlasting importance, most justly
claims, and will, 1 hope, obtain your attentive
and believing regard. My aim in this discourse,
is not, as some may expect fi'om a stranger, to en-
tertain you with any new thing, but rather to
put you in remembrance of the things which
most of you already know, by a plain and faithful
declaration of those truths which I have longp
been honoured to preach to others. This by the
divine blessing, may prove a happy mean of ren-
dering the gospel more precious than ever in your
esteem, of increasing your concern for its more
abundant success where it is already known, and
of cherishing in your brea§ts a growing, active,
and persevering zeal, for its speedy promulgatioi"^
throughout every land. With these views, and
looking up to the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus, for a plentiful effusion of that spirit whicli
is promised to guide us into all truth, it is now
proposed to consider shortly the pi^incipal sub-
ject, joyful import, and glorious extent of the
tidings announced in my text, which, by the gos-
pel are also preached unto you. Let us begin,
with considering in the

1st. place, the principal subject of the tidr
ings here announced. Various and important
are the discoveries which the gospel brings us, an4
w^iich without a revelation from heaven, could
never otherwise have been known ; discoveries,
respecting the nature and will of God ; the pre-
sent state and future condition of man; but its
peculiar excellence is, to testify of Christ and the
doctrine of salvation through hini. Accordingly,
it was Avith a direct reference to his appearance
in pur world, that the angel here declared to

GOSPEL TIDINGS. 75

the shepherds of Bethlehem, " Behold I bring
you good tidings of great joy, which sliall be to
all people; for unto you is born this day in the ci-
ty of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord/'
In considering the principal subject of these tid-
ings, I shall call your attention for a little, to the
different views wliich are here given of him who
was born in Bethlehem. In the words before us
we may notice his character and work ; his
appointment and qualifications ; his dignity and
dominion.

1st. Asdescriptiveof his character and work, he
is here exhibited as a SaTWur The same appella-
tion is frequently in scripture given to those whom
the Lord in ancient times raised up to deliver his
people from temporal distress. In this view,
Joshua, the successor of jNIoses, as the very name
signifies, was a saviour to Israel. Speaking of
Othriel, and others, the Levites thus acknow-
ledjjfed the croodnessof the Lord : "Accordincj to
thy manifold mercies, thou gavest them saviours
who saved them out of the hand of their ene-
mies.''* Thus too, it is said of Judas Maccabe-
us, and his successois, '' Savioms shall come
upon ]\Iount Zion, to judge the JMount of Esau,
and the kingdom shall be the Lord's."! I^ this
character also ^.lessiah is represented by the pro-
phet Isaiah in these words, '^ He," meaning the
Lord, "shall send them a Saviour, and a great
one, and he shall deliver them.":j: Such, in the
full import of the prediction, is He, whose birth
the angel announced in my text, A Savioin\ He
came not, indeed, as many of the Jews fondly
expected, to be a Temporal, but a Great Spiri-

* Nehem. ix. ^7. t Chad. Ql. ; Is. xix. 20.
L '2

7<> GOSPEL TIDINGS.

tual Deliverer; whose name and character are
expressive of the work which he came to ac-
comphsh. So we learn from the words of the
angel to Joseph, "Thou shalt call his name
Jesus," that io a Saviour^ '' for he shall save his
people from their sins."* That mankind are
sinners, requires no proof; if this were not the
case, there could be no need of a Saviour, and
the message in my text would be of no signifi-
cance. But from the oracles of truth, from in-
controvertible facts, and from our own melan-
choly experience, we learn, that man, though
created at first holy and happy, is now fallen
from innocence and bliss; that by his fall, and
our personal transgression, we, his posterity,
have lost the image of God, have forfeited his fa-
vour, and all the happiness connected with it ;
that by reason of sin we are become involved in
spiritual ignorance, guilt, and slavery ; exposed
to the divine displeasure, and to all its awful ef-
fects, in time, and through eternity ; and more-'
over, that from such deplorable circumstances,
no created power can bring us deliverance. But
to this our wretched condition, corresponds the
work of Jesus, i\\e Saviour \ and most justly is
he entitled to this character, whether we regard
him as a deliverer from misery, or a restorer to
happiness, or a preserver of its enjoyment. As a
Saviour, i^e came to redeem us from misery, and
he saves his people from spiritual ignorance by
his doctrine and spirit ; Irom guilt, and condem-
nation by his righteousness and atonement ; from
spiritual slavery by his power and grace. As a
Saviour he also restores them to happiness; he
brings sinners unto God, piocures for them adop-

♦ Matthew i. ?1.

GOSPEL TIDINGS, 77

lion into his family, and admission to all the pri-
vileges of his children on earth ; together with
a title to heaven and eternal life ; to blessedness,
infinitely greater than that which by transgression
they had lost, in the enjoyment of which, by him
as a Saviour^ his redeemed people shall be unal-
terably secured for ever. But it may naturally
be asked, Who is he that was born in Bethle-
hem, that shall do such great things as these? To
tliis inquiry, and to set before us in the

^d. place, his appointment, and qualifications,
as a Saviour, the angel replies that he is Christ*
In this character he -iiad been expected : hence
said Andrew, one of our Lord's disciples, when
speaking to Simon, ^' We have found the Mes-
sias, which is, being interpieted, the Christ' *
And to the same purpose spake the woman of
Samaria, *' I know that Messias cometh, ^hich.
is called Christ,'''\ You need scarcely be in-
formed, that the Greek word, translated Christy
as iMessias in the Hebrew, signifies Anoiiited; and
this title may be given to him who was born in
Bethlehem, chiefly in respect of his appointment
and consecration to the Vv'ork of a Saviour, as
well as to set forth his divine qualification for the
execution of it ,

It must be evident to every considerate mind,
that without authority from God, none could ei-
ther viarrantably or successfully engage in such
an undertaking, therefore is Jesus called CJm.st.

^Primarily, in respect of his appointment, and
consecration to the work of a Saviour. It was
customary in ancient times, to set apart men to
pubhc offices, both of a sacied and civil nature,

* Jol ni.il. t Juiju iv.- 2Cu

7S GOSPEL TIDIXGS.

by the anointing of oil ; in this manner the}'
were especially consecrated to the euiployment
of prophets, priests, and kings. Thus spake the
Lord to Moses concerning Aai'on and his sons,
*' Thou shalt anoint them and consecrate them,
and sanctify them, that they may minister to me
in the priest's office."* Accordingly, the anoint-
ed was frequently of old, only another name for
the high priest. Again, the Lord said to his ser-
vant Elijah, " Anoint Hazael to be king over Sy-
ria ;" and *' Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou
anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son
of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be
prophet in thy room."| When David too, was
separated from among his brethren, the Lord
said to Samuel, *' Arise, anoint him, for this is
he.":]: Li reference to which, it is declared, *' I
have found David my servant, with my holy oil
have I anointed him,'^§ This, though spoken pri-
marily of David, had evidently an ultimate re-
ference to Messias, David's Lord, who is in the
highest sense, the Anointed; having been set
apart by his eternal Fatlier to tlie work, and con-
secrated to the different offices of a Saviour.
This is plainly signified in the following, among
other passages of scripture : " Behold my ser-
vant, whom I uphold, mine elect, in whom my
soul delighteth; I have put my spirit, upon him,
he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles."
*' I, the Lord, have called thee in righteousness,
and will hold ihine hand, and will keep thee, and
give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light
of tiic Gentiles."^ ^' Behold, 1 have given him

* Exod. xxvlii. 41. f 1. Kings xix. 15. 15.
1 1 Sam. xvi. 12: § Ts. Ixxxix. CO. II Is. xlii. 1. 6.

GOSPEL TIDINGS. 79

for a witness to the people, a leader and com-
mander to the people/'* His appointment to the
different offices of a Saviour is also abundantly
evident, '' A prophet," said Moses, with a view to
him, " shall the Lord thy God raise up unto thee
of thy brethren, like unto me ; unto him ye shall
hearken." I' '' The Lord hath sworn, and will
not repent, Thou art a priest for ever, after the
order of Melchizedeck/'J And again, " I have
set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.|| Agree-
able to such declarations, when Messias appeared
upon earth, we find him sustaining all those cha-
racters, and in every respect, with the utmost fi-
delity, executing the work which was given him
to do. This leads me to mention

Another view, in which Jesus is called Christy
to denote likewise his divine qualification for the
work of a Saviour, The anointing witli oil was
not merely an external and unmeaning ceremony.
Along with it w^ere frequently at least imparted,
that spirit and grace by which priests were ena-
bled to minister acceptably before the Lord, pro-
phets faithfully to declare his will, and kings to
rule in his fear. Thus we read concerning Da-
vid : that when Samuel took the horn of oil and
anointed him in the midst of his brethren, "• The
Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that
day forward. "§ Li like manner, ?»Iessias is said
to be ^'anointed with the oil of gladness above
his fellows f'^ Or, in other language, ^' God
giveth not the spirit by measure unto him,"**
Therefore," said the prophet Isaiah, " there shall
come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and

* Is. Iv. 4. t Deuter. xviii. 15. X Ps. ii. 6. || Ps. ex. I-.
§ I. Sam. .wii. 13. fl Ps. xlv. 7. *^^ John lii. 34.

80 GOSPEL TIDINGS.

a branch shall grow out of his roots : and the
Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit
of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of
counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge,
and of the fear of the Lord."* To which cor-
respond the words of our Redeemer concerning
himself, '' The Spirit of the Lord God is upon
me, 'because the Lord hath anointed me to preach
good tidings unto the meek ; he hath sent me to
bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty
to the captives, and the opening of the prison to
them that are bound ; to proclaim the acceptable
year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of
our God ; to comfort all that mourn ; to appoint
imto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them
beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and
the garments of praise for the spirit of heavi-
ness."t But lest from the meanness of his ap-
pearance any doubt should arise, or remain, re-
specting his ability as a Saviour, we are here led
to notice farther in the

3d. place, his dignity and dominion; the
angel declares in my text, that he who was born
in Bethlehem, is not only Christ, but also the
Lord. He may justly be considered in this view,
both on account of his essential dignity, and his
mediatorial dominion.

Of the essential dignity, or supreme divinity
as the son of God, the prophets who foretold
his birth, plainly spake ; ** Behold, said Isaiah,
a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall
call his name Imnianucl," which being inlerj)reted
is, God with us.";): Again, " Unto us a child is

» Is. xi. 1,2.
i Is. Ixi. 1. 2. 3. : Lukeiv. 18, ip. 30.

GOSPEL TIDINGS. 81

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.'*
Speaking of the place of his birth, another pro-
phet declares, " Thou Bethlehem Ephratah,
though thou belittle among the thousands of Ju-
dah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me,
that shall be ruler in Israel, whose goings have
been of old, from everlasting."t It must indeed
be owned, that the first view of him in a state of
helpless, abased infancy, is apt to stagger our be-
lief; but ere we have long contemplated the babe
in Bethlehem, ere yet we leave the stable and
manger where he lay, we may perceive such
traces of uncreated dignity, as lead us to conckide
that he was in truth, Immanuel, God with us.
Lo ! an angel, perhaps the chief of that exalted
race, hastens with winged speed to proclaim the
birth of their infant Lord. Again, we see his
glory enlightening the heavens with its bright-
ness, and constraining men to do him homage;
accordingly, the eastern sages were led to, inquire
after him, from having seen a star, probably of
unusual splendour ; the evangelist, Matthew, em-
phatically calls it his star,|, as if it had lighted up
on purpose, in honour of him ; they followed the
heavenly guide, till it came and stood over the
place where he was, and when they were come in-
to the house, they saw the young child, with Mary
its mother, and fell down and xcorshipped him ;
and when they had opened their treasures, they
presented to him gifts, gold, and frankincense,
and myrrh/'^ But besides such strong presump-

* Is. ix. 6. t Micali. v. 2. J Matth. ii. C.

1[ Mat. lu 11.

82 GOSPEL TIDINGS

tive proof, we have now far more direct, and
abundant evidence, that Jesus is the Lord.
"Wlien we attend to his history, and trace him
from infancy to manhood ; when we follow him
through the course of his public ministry, listen
to his instructions, and observe his miracles,
when we consider, how his word was with pow-
er ; how he gave eyes to the blind, ears to the
deaf, speech to the dumb, feet to the lame,
cleansing to the lepers, and even life to the
dead ; how the winds and seas obeyed him ; how
the hearts of men yielded to his controul, and
the very devils were subject unto him ; when we
go with him to Gethsemane, and ascend the hill
of Calvary, when there we witness the conclud-
ing scene, and hear his expiring, yet triumphant
voice, when we call to mind the striking prodi-
gies which attended that awfully solemn period,
when '^ there was darkness over all the land
from the sixth hour luito the ninth hour, when-
the vail of the temple was rent in twain from the
top to the bottom, and the earth did quake,
and the rocks rend, and the graves were opened,
and many bodies of the saints which slept
arose f** . Can we hesitate, from a review of the
whole, to draw the same conclusion with the Cen-
turion of old, " Truly this was the Son of
God r"'|' Yea, truly may we say. He that was
born in Bethlehem is none other, than the Lord
of Glory in the likeness of sinful tlcsh. As I trust
there are none now present who deny, or even
doubt tiie supreme divinity of our Lord Jesus,
it is unnecessary to state at full length, all the evi-
dences of it, which might be drawn from his in-

* Matth. xxvii. 4.5, 51. .5e. f Mark nv. ^Jp.

GOSPEL TIDINGS. 83

communicable name Jehovah, and other magni-
ficent titles, which arc given him ; from the
perfections 'which belong to him ; the works
w^hich are ascribed to him, and the worship which
is enjoined to be paid him, by angels and men.
The truth of his divinity is, so plainly declared,
and so firmly established in the word of God, that
for my own part, before I can disbelieve it, I
must at once throw aside my bible, renounce my
reason, and give up my hope. This doctrine is
the very ground and pillar of truth, on which the
whole gospel rests ; it is this chiefly which ren-
ders the tidings it brings, good tidings of great
joy. If Jesus were not the Lord, and the only
wise God, however important his instructions as
a prophet, he could not enlighten our minds with
saving knowledge ; his obedience, however per-
fect, might be useful as an example, but never
could avail for our justification before God ; his
sufferings and death might afford a wonderful dis-
play of patience and resignation, but could have
no efficacy to atone for our guilt ; he might pre-
scribe very salutary laws, but could have neither
authority nor power to enforce them. Whereas,
being the Lord, in the highest sense, he is suffi-
ciently qualified to be the light of the W'orld, and
to give to his peojile the light of life ; such is the
merit of his obedience, that thereby he not only
fulfilled, but magnified the law^, and made it ho-
nourable; such also is the virtue of his atone-
ment, that it is to God a sacrifice of a sMeet
smelling savour ; moreover, as the Lord supreme,
he is entitled to rule, and reign for ever. — This
leads me to notice

Another view, in which the Saviour born in
Bethlehem is the Lord, I' mean, in respect of

84 GOSPEL TIDINGS.

his mediatorial dominion. To this, he was or-
dained even from eternal ages. To the Son
Jehovah saith, ''Thy throne, O God! is for
ever and even"'^' '' Of the increase of his go-
vernment, and peace, there shall be no end.^'f
That infant Saviour, who, in Bethlehem, had
scarcely where to lay his head, '* God hath ap-
pointed heir of all things." J. But, as his king-
dom was not of this world, during his abode
upon earth, his princely dignity was, in a great
measure, concealed from mortal view ; on some
occasions, however, as at his baptism, and trans-
figuration, it did break forth like the Sun from
under a cloud, to the admiration of the behol-
ders. At length, ^' God raised him up, and gave
him glory." § By his resurrection from the dead,
and his ascension into heaven, he was publicly
declajed Lord of all. Then, '' The Lord said
unto my Lord, sit thou at my right-hand until I
make thine enemies thy foot-stool :" " therefore,"
said Peter to the Jews, '' let all the house of
Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that
same Jesus, whom ye crucified, both Lord and
Christ.'^W " He hath set him at his own right-
hand, in the heavenly places, far above all prin-
cipality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world,
but also in that which is to come."^ He w^ho was
once clothed with a vesture dipped in blood,
hath now on his vesture, and on his thigh that
majestic name written '' Kini^ of Kings, and
Lord of Lords.'^*"^ By this his mediatorial do-

♦ Ps. xlv. G. t Is. ix. 7. : Heb. i. 2. § Pet. i. 21.

II Acts, ii. 34-, 35, 36\

f Ephcs. i. 10. ** Rev. xix. 13. l(j,

GOSPEL TIDINGS. 85

minion, he is fully qualified to subdue all his
enemies under him, to make his people willing,
in the day of his power, to secure the interests of
his church, and to reign over his redeemed for
ever. Having thus considered the principal sub-
ject of the Tidings here announced, which are
now by the gospel preached unto you, let us go
on to notice, in the

lid. place, their Joyful Import, Behold, said
the angel, I bring you " good Tidings of great
Joy:' They may be so considered chiefly in the
following views: —

First, Because the subject of them had long
been the matter of desire, and expectation, ll
is well known, that the accomplishment of events
\vhich have been long and anxiously expected, e-
ven incases of far inferior importance,is ordinarily
attended with peculiar joy; how much more
must it have been so in the instance before us ?
Among other views given of the Messias, by the
prophets, he is represented as '' the desire of
all nations;" '-' and, it is abundantly evident from
history, that, at the period of his appearance,
there was a general expectation of his coming.
There can be no doubt, that besides Simeon, and
Anna, there were many wdio, at that time, look-
ed for redemption in Jerusalem. Indeed, the
event and tidings here published, originally the
fruits of divine purpose, had been the subject of
promises, and prophecies; of types, and figures;
of desire, and hope, during a succession of ages,
even from the day on which Adam sinned against
God, 'till that hour, when in the city of David,
IVIary brought forth her first-born Son. Then

* Hag. ii. 7.

S6 GOSPEL TIDINGS.

was performed the mercy promised to the fathers;
then did that glorious day dawn, the very distant
prospect of which gladdened Abraham's heart.
O, transporting morn 1 on which the Sun of
righteousness first arose on a dark benighted
world. M'ere we to suppose, what is far from
being improbable, that the shepherds of Bethle-
hem had been employed during the night-watches
in anticipating its arrival, with what additional
reason might the angel say, '^ Behold I bring
you good tidings of great joy, for unto you is
this day l:iorn, in the city of David, a vSaviour,
w lio is Christ the I^rd." The tidings here an-
nounced are good tidings of great joy ; in the

12d. place, because peculiarly interesting
in their nature. They are not ordinary tidings,
which respect matters of indifference, or of lit-
tle moment. To creatures in our circumstances,
they are of infinite, and everlasting concern.
If to them who are 'involved in temporal cala-
mity, and doomed to die, it aifords no small
cause of joy to be informed, that there is still,
at least, a possibility of escape; if their joy is
increased, almost to a degree of transport, on
hearing that there is a way by which they may
certainly obtain deliv<3rance, and be restored to
liberty and safety again : how infinitely more in-
teresting are the tidings which the gospel brings^
inasmuch as spiritual is greater than natural evil,
and eternal more dreadful than temporal destruc-
tion. What a soul-reviving, • and enrapturing
sound is this, to those who have seen themselves
reacly to perish ! ''To you was born, in the city
of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord '^
<^i 'Consequence, able to save to the uttermost,

GOSPEL TIDINGS* 87

with an everlasting salvation, them that come
unto God by hini."^' I observe, in the

Illd. place, that these aje good tidings of
great joy in respect of their important conse-
quences. On this account we fnid, that they
occasioned great joy in heaven as well as on
earth. ^Vhen the vvords of my text were uttered,
then, as at the creation of all things, the' morn-
ing ^;tars sang together, and the sons of God,
with their most melodious notes, shouted for
joy. *' Suddenly,'' we are informed, " there was
with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,
praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the
highest, on earth peace, and good- will to men,"f
Such are some of the many blessed consequences
which have followed from the appearance of the
Son of God. in our nature ; hereby was given
the highest possible display of divine glory;
through this medium, peace is restored on earth,
and good-will manifested to men. At sundry
times, and in divers manners, had God formerly
displayed his glory ; but never did it shine with
such transcendent brightness as in the incarna-
tion, person, and work of his own dear, and
eternally beloved son. What a marvellous dis-
play is here given of his manifold v.isdom, his
boundless power, his incomprehensible love, and
unchangeable faithfulness ! Here, especially, is
seen *' the glory which excelleth." Mercy and
Truth are beheld meeting; t02;ether : Righteous-
ness and Peace embracing each other; God ap-
pears, at once, glorious in holiness, and glo-
rious in grace; ''just, and yet the justiher of
him who believeth in Jesus. '':|: Through him,

* Heb, vii. 25. fLuke ii. 13. 14. J Rom. iii. <2G.

88 GOSPEL TIIMXGS.

also, wlio was born in Bethlehem, '' peace is re-
stored on earth." '* He is our peace, who hath
made both one, and hath broken down the mid-
dle wall of partiiion between us; having abo-
lished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of
commandments contained in ordinances, to make
to himself of twain one new man, so making
peace ; and, that he might reconcile both unto
God in one body by the cross, having slain the
enmity thereby ; and came and preached peace
to you, which were afar off, and to them that
are nigh."* ^' Being justified by faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."'}'
Through him, his people are at peace with one
another, and their very enemies shall be made
at peace with them. In him they have peace,
amidst all the tribulations which they are here
called to endure ; and, hereafter, they shall enjoy,
undisturbed, everlasting peace. In short, under
Messiah's propitious reign, peace shall, at length,
universally prevail on the earth. Thus, moreover,
through him, *' goodwill is manifested to men."
IMay we not believe, that for his sake chiefly, so
much kindness is shown even to the rebellious,
who have no part in his salvation ; but more,
especially, thro' him good-will is shown towards
people. God, even their reconciled Father, be-
holds them, in the face of his anointed, with a
pleasant countenance ; he makes them accepted
in the beloved ; he blesses them with all spiritual
blessings, in heavenly pkices in Christ. He is
their Sun, and shield, who will give grace, and glo-
ry, and will withhold no good thing from them that
walk uprightly. Surely, brethren, these arc the

* Kphes. ii. 14. 15. l6. 1?. t Horn. v. 1.

GOSPEL TIDINGS. 89

most important tidings that ever were heard by
mortal ears ; they are, indeed, " good tidings of
great j 01).'' If any thing can render them more
joyful, it must be to notice, as was proposed, in
the

Illd. place, their glorious extent; "Behold I
bring you good tidings of great joy, which, it is
added, " shall be to all people." Not to the
Jews only, but also to the Gentiles; to people
of all descriptions, and to people of all nations.
The jews had long been the peculiar people of
God, to whom exclusively ^' pertained, the adop-
tion, and tlie glory, and the covenants, and the
giving of the law, and the promises ; of them, as
concerning the flesh, " Christ came ;'''* to them
the glad tidings of a Saviour were first made
known ; they chiefly were honoured with the
personal ministry of the Son of God ; in so
much, that he himself declared, '^ I am not sent,
but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. "f
It was, however, in comparison, but a light
thing, that he should be the Lord's servant to
raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the
preserved of Israel, "Therefore" said the Lord by
his prophet Isaiah, "I will also give thee for a light
to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation
unto the ends of the earth." || In this expectation
the saints in former ages, both lived and died,
hence Simeon's language of sweet serenity towards
the closeof life, "Lord, nowlettestthoutiiy servant
depart in peace, according to thy word ; for mine
eyes have seen thy salvation." Jleadds, " which
thou hast prepared before all people, a light to

* Rom; ix. 4, 5, 6. t John xy. 24,
II Is. xlix. 6\
N

90 GOSPEL TIDINGS.

lighten the gentiles, and the glory of thy people
Israel.'** To which accord tiie words of the an-
gel in my text, '* Behold I bring you good tid-
ings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
In the course of his public ministry, we find our
Lord, while on earth, sometimes indirectly, and
at other limes more plainly, declaring his pur-
pose of grace, with respect to the calling of the
Gentiles. Having, by his death, broken down
the middle wall of paitition between them and the
Jews, soon after his resurrection, he instructed
his apostles, ^' that repentance and remission of
sins should be preached in his name among all
nations."! " Go, therefoi^," said he, '' and
teach all nations.'*|| Yea " Go ye into all the
world, and preach the gospel to every creature.''^
To all which corresponds his parting language,
before he ascended to his glory, ^' Ye shall re-
ceive power from on high, after that the Holy
Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnes-
ses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Ju-
dea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of
the earth. "^ A short time after, on the day of
Pentecost, an astonishing concourse of people, to
which the present scene may bear some resem-
blance, were assembled together, almost from
every quarter ; there, some have observed, were
people of no less than fifteen different languages,
to whom, through the miraculous gift of the Ho-
ly Ghost, the apostles spake to every man in his
own tongue, the wonderful works of God. What
a blessed presage of that glorious period, when
^' the gospel shall be preached in all the world,

* Luke ii. 29. 30. 31. 32. f Luke x\iv. 47.

II Man. xxviii. 1.9.

I i\Iark xvi. 15. 1[ Acts i. 8.

GOSPEL TIDINGS. ^1

for a witness to all nations."'^ Filled with the
Holy Ghost, the apostles went forth preaching
the gospel Mith such amazing success, that in the
course of a very few years, notwithstanding the most
violent opposition, its triumphs extended far and
wide, almost throughout the whole Roman em-
pire. In process of time, by the remarkable
conversion of Saul of Tarsus, and Peter's extra-
ordinary vision, a great and effectual door was
opened for preaching among the Gentiles the un-
searchable riches of Christ ; many of whom, on
hearing, believed the glad tidings, and turned to
the Lord. Since the days of the apostles, the
light of the gospel, though often much obscured,
has never been extinguished ; its cheering rays
have more or less been experienced from ge-
neration to generation ; for ages past, they
have shed their glorious lustre on our high-
ly-favoured land, to give light to us who once
sat in darkness, and to guide our feet into the
way of peace. But I observe

Further, that the gospel, wherever it is already
made known, is addressed to people of all
descriptions. This is one of its chief excellen-
cies, that it is a dispensation exactly suited to
the various characters, and circumstances of the
children of men ; and that, of its inestimable
blessings, all, without respect of persons, are in-
vited freely to share. Here, the rich and the poor
meet together ; the rich have no preferable
claim on account of their riches : nor have the
poor any disqualification on account of their po-
verty. All are siimers before God, and as such
all equally need salvation, and are equally war-

■* Miitth. xxiv. 14.

92 GOSPEL TIDINGS.

ranted to lay hold on the hope that is set before
them. '* Look unto me," says the compassionate
and gracious redeemer, and '^ be ye saved all the
ends of the eartli."* '' Ho, every one that tliirst-
eth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no
money ; come ye, buy and cat ; yea come, buy
Mine and milk without money, and without
price.'^t ^^ Come unto me, all ye that labour,
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."'j
/^ If any man thirst, let him come unto me and
drink. "II Whilst such was his language when on
eartli, from his throne in Heaven we also hear
him saying, even to those who, in a spiritual
and moral view, were wretched, and miserable,
and poor, and blind, and naked ; ^' I counsel
thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire that thou
mayest be rich, white raiment that thou ma^^est be
cloathed, that the shame of thy nakedness may not
appear, and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that
thou mayest see.'"*f Again, '^ I will give to him
that is athirst, of the fountain of the waters of life
freely."** And, that the joyful sound might be
transuHtted throughout all generations, before the
canon of scripture was closed; it is thus written,
'^ Tlie spirit, and the bride, say Come ; and let
him that heareth, say Come : and let him that is
athirst Come : And whosoever will, let him
take of the waters of life freely.^lt I have only to
remark

Once more, that the good tidings of great joy
here announced, shall be made known to people

* Is. xlv. 22. t Is. Iv. i.

X Matlh xi. 28.
II John vii. ,'37. If Rev. iii. 1/. 18.
* Rev. xxi.O". It Rev. xxii 6.

GOSPEL TIDIXGS, 93

of all nations. As this is a branch of the sub-
ject to which your attention has been often
well directed on similar occasions, I shall at pre-
sent do little more than mention, some of tiie ma-
ny grounds on which we may entertain such a
persuasion ; and it is sufficiently warranted, from
the determinate, inunutable purpose of God;
from his numerous promises to his son, and to his
people : from the many express predictions of his
prophets, and of Christ himself ; from the par-
ticular, though yet partial fulfilment of both, as a
pledge that all the rest shall in due time be ac-
complished : from the extent of Christ's media-
tion, the efficacy of this atonement, and the pre-
valence of his intercession ; from his unchange-
able faithfulness ; and finally, from the power of
which he is possessed, whereby he is able even to
subdue all things to himself ; to raise up proper
instruments for carrying forward his own work,
to remove every obstacle out of their w^ay ; to re-
strain his enemies ; to conquer the pride and
prejudices of depraved men, and to give such a-
bundant testimony to the word of his grace, that
a whole nation may be born at once. From all
these things we may certainly conclude, that as it
is here declared, the good tidings which we have
heard to-day, shall sooner or later, be published
to all people ; and many shall gladly receive
them ! If we look upward, Lo ! we see already
before the throne, ^l gj^eat multitude, which no
man can number, of all nations, and kindreds,
and people, and tongues. If we look a little for-
ward, by the eye of faith, we behold the day not
very far off, and fast approaching, when they
*' shall come from the east, and the west, from the
north, and the south, and shall sit down with

1

^ GOSPEL TIDIN'GS.

Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom
of our father. Yet, a little while, and the Lord
shall build Jerusalem, he sliall gather together the
outcasts of Israel," and with them bring in " the
fulness of the gentiles." Then shall '' all the ends
of the earth see the salvation of our God. " His
name," exulting thought ! the name of him who
was born in Bethlehem, shall endure for ever,
" It shall last like the sun ; men shall be blessed
in him ; all nations shall call him blessed."*
Having now considered the principal subject, the
joyful import, and glorious extent of the tidings
announced in the text, which by the gospel are
also preached unto you ; allow me to add a few
remarks by way of improvement.

In review of all that has been spoken, may
we not infer, at once, the excellence and trutli
of the gospel ? It claims an infinite superiority over
every other system of religion in the world, from
its exact adaptation to the circumstances of our
fallen race, and its direct tendency to manifest,
and to advance the glory of God in our salvation.
Its transcendent excellence in these respects to
the considerate mind must surely afford a striking
demonstration of its truth. How inestimably
precious in our esteem, should this gospel be,
which reveals the only sure foundation of hope,
comfort, and joy.

How infinite are our obligations to the distin-
guishing goodness and giace of God, who hath
not only remembered his mercy and trutli unto
the house of Israel, but hath caused us in the
ends of the earth to see his salvation ? High,
indeed, are our civil advantages, but far more

* Ps. Ixxii. 17'

GOSPEL TIDINGS. 95

important our spiritual privileges : In both re-
spects, it niay truly be said, the -Lord hath not
dealt so with any nation'. While multitudes,
alas, by far the greatest number of the inhabi-
tants of the earth^ " are still sitting in darkness,
and in the region and shadow of death, he hath
cast our lot in a land of light, and a valley of vi-
sion. Though living at such a great distance
from Bethlehem, the glad tidings there puhlished
have thence reached even to us. Blessed are our
eyes for they see, and our ears for they hear what
many prophets and righteous men desired to see
and hear, but were not permitted. With good rea-
son, may we now, in the great congregation, join
in the song of angels praising God, and saying
'* Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace,
goodwill towards men." Yes, in higher sti'ains
than angels sung, we will raise our glad hosan-
nas, echoing from heart to heart, and from tongue
to tongue ; '^ Blessed be he who came in the
name of the Lord to save us : praise ye him
from the heavens, praise him in the heights ;
praise ye him all his angels, praise ye him all his
hosts ; praise ye him all his works, in all pla-
ces of his dominions ; praise the Lord, O my
soul."

Again, from the joyful import of the tidings,
we have been considering, let them be accepta-
ble to all of you. Almost in every congregation,
and especially in such a numerous assembly as
this, it is to be feared there are some, perhaps
not a few, who were born in a land of lights and
it may be, have lived under the gospel all their
days, who, on occasions of this kind, may listen
to it ^^ith a certain degree of joy, while they have
Jiever y<.4 seen its importance, nor experienced its.

gfl r»OSPEL TIDIXGS.

saving power. If such is the situation of any
now present, let me beseech you to ponder in
your minds that solemn declaration, " Unto
whomsoever much is given, of him will much be
required.''* As the gospel is one of the greatest
privileges that can be conferred on creatures like
us, the rejection, or mis-improvement of it, must
be attended withproportionably aggravated guilt.
" If the word six)ken by angels was stedfast, and
every transgression and disobedience received a
just recompence of reward, how shall we escape
if we neglect so great salvation. "f

In the delightful accounts which were transmit-
ted to us, of the converted Hottentots, whom
many of you beheld in different places of this city,
I was not a little struck with the answer which
they returned to that question, when the minister
asked them, ^' Have you any thing to say to the
unconverted people of this congregation ?" They
replied, as with one voice, in their artless, but
impressive language " Yes, I would wish them
to run to Christ immediately ; O, it would be a
pity, if they who hear every day of Cin^st, should
neglect him, and if they should see us poor hea-
then who have run to Christ, admitted to Hea-
ven, and they themselves be thrust down to Hell,
O, it would be a sad pity-^^T ' Let me therefore,
in the bowels of our Lord Jesus, as an ambassa-
dor for him, and avvorker together with God, be-
seech you, that ye receive not the grace of God
in vain. May he, who opened the heart of Ly-
dia, open yours also, to attend to the things
which have been spoken in the name of the

» Lnkcxii. 48. t Ht^^- >>• 2.
t Evangel. Magaz. Dec. 1803, page 5A6.

GOSPEL TIDIXGS. 97

Lord. Could I bring you, or rather were he
pleased to bring you to an acquaintance with your
character and condition as sinners, no arguments
would be necessary to enforce my counsel; in-
stantly we should see you tlying to Jesus, as the
cloud's, and as the doves to your windows. If
any of you, from a conviction of your guilt and
Avretchedness, are now sore afraid, like the shep-
herds of Bethlehem, " when the angel of the Lord
came upoathem, and the glory of the Lord shone
round about them:" to such I may, without he-
sitation, say, " Fear not, for behold I bring you
good tidings of great joy" to you, for your relief
and encoumgement there w^as born in the city
of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord ;—
exactly such a one as you need, a saviour di-
vinely commissioned, and divinely qualified, who
came '' to seek that which was lost ;"* who " is
mighty to save rt and who hath pledged his word
for your encouragement, saying "Him that Com-
eth to me I will in no wise cast out."| But there
are many, I trust, very many here present,
to whom the gospel has come not in word
only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost,
and in much assurance ; all hail, ye who
are thus so highly favoured of the Lord ;
let your souls, and all that is within you be stirred
up to magnify his name ; let your spirits rejoice
in God your Saviour ; knowing whom you have
believed, you may rest in the persuasion, that he
is able to keep that which you have committed
unto him against the day of his second appear-
ance. While you ascribe all the glory to him
»vho hath done such great things for you, surely

* Luke xix, 10.
t Is. Ixxii. I. :' John vi. 37-

O

98 GOSPEL TIDINGS,

you ought to feel, and your presence here tells
me, you do feel an anxious solicitude, that others
also may be brought to the knowledge of his
name, and that the tidings of salvation through
him, may be soon communicated to all people.
To promote these great ends, is the design of
missionary societies ; and the principal employ-
ment of Christian missionaries. Equally strange,
as unjust and malicious, are the aspersions which
have been thrown upon missionary institutions, by
men of this world, wliose hearts are enmity a-
gainst God and his Christ. Some have consider-
ed them as designed to overturn, and of late,*
others have regarded them as intended, to sup-
port, the stale. If in any case, the disposition
and conduct of individuals have given the least
ground for such yile insinuations, we would on
this account feel the sincerest regret ; but as
connected in societies, we altogether disdain any
sinister views. We are bold to declare, that it is
our sole design to do what we can, in a way con-
.^istent with the word and will of God, for send-
ing the gospel of salvation to them that are lost.
And IS not this, our enemies themselves being
judges, a design not only lawful, but laudable ;
and highly conducive to the best interests of our
fellow men ? A\'e readily, and justly approve,
yea, applaud the conduct of those, who employ
a great portion of their time, wealth, and influ-
ence, in promoting the welfare of society ; and
especially, in providing for the poor, feeding the
hungry, clothing the naked, healing the diseased,
relieving the oppressed, and visiting the widow

- * See Evan. Magaz. April, 1801, Page IdO.

GOSPEL TIDINGS. 99

and fatherless in their affliction: But surely, in
as much as the life of the soul is more precious
than that of the body, theirs must be a far nobler
benevolence, which tends, as the introduction of
the gospel into any place necessarily doth, at
once to meliorate their outward condition, to
prevent the utter ruin, and secure the everlasting
happiness of their fellow men. While you, my
much respected hearers, directors, and members
of the London Missionary Society, are animated
with such divuie pliilanthropy, go on, and pros-
per; following liie word of God as your rule,
keeping in view his glory as your end, and tak-
ing his promised spirit for your guide, aj'ise, and
be doing, and tlie Lord be with you. Let that
unity in affection, so essential to the Christian
character, so becoming the disciples of Jesus,
and so conducive to the success of missionary ex-
ertions, still prevail. ^' When," as an eminent
and much respected father in the church well ob-
serves, ^^ the hearts of God"s people are united
in love, and pleading his promises in the fervent
exercise of faith and prayer, great things may be
expected : such was the happy state of the disci-
ples on tlie solemn day of Pentecost, they were
assembled with one accord, no jarrs or divisions
had as yet taken place among them, they were
animated with one desire, and praying with one
mind .; when suddenly and wonderfully, they ob-
tained an answer." However much you nuiy dif-
fer, as the best of men while in this state of darkr
ness and imperfection do often widely differ, in
matters of opinion, '' let brotherly love couti-

* Newton of London Review of Eccles. Hist. vol. 5rh of
fcis Works, cli. i. p. 79.

o 2

JOO GOSPEL TIDIXGS.

nue f ''Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind
striving together for the faith of the gospel." Be
encouraged to think, how many in different
places are engaged in the same glorious work ;
rejoice in the success which has attended the la-
bours of others, in the countenance which ye
yourselves have obtained, and in the assurance
that your labours also, shall not be in vain in
the Lord. Let no ditficulties or disappointments
abate your ardour, or slacken your diligence;
the work is the Lord's, and therefore in the
issue must infallibly prosper. Look then with
expectation, like the prophet's servant of
old, as from the top of Carmel, look towards
the sea, or beyond the sea, even to the remotest
parts of the earth ; look again, and again,
though it should be seven times, or even seventy
times seven; atlength you shall behold, as it were, a
little cloud arise, w^iich, though at first only
like a man s hand, shall gradually increase till it
overspread the whole heaven.

Again, the subject of which I have been dis-
coursing, suggests, what ou2!;ht to be the princi-
pal employment of Ciiristian missionaries ; it is,
to carry to the heathen those good tidings of great
joy which we have now been considering, to
preach unto them Jesus, and the only way of saU
vation, through faith in his name. Whatever
other instructions they communicate, this must be
their leading aim to bring sinners to a saving ac-
quaintance witii Christ, whom to know is life
eternal. To be fitted for such an employment,
no ordinary qualifications will avail ; It is neces-
sary, that missionaries be men of knowledge, of
f^ith, of experience, and zealous of good works.

GOSPEL TIDINGS. lOi

If either are wanting, there is little or no reason
to hope for success.

To my young friends now present, who have
engaged in this arduous work, I cannot give a
better advice than that of Paul to Timothy his son,
in the faith, which, if necessary even in apos-
tolic times, must be still more so now, ^' Give
attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doc-
trine; jMeditate upon these things, give your-
selves wholly to them ; that your profiting may
appear to all. Take heed unto yourselves, and
unto your doctrines ; continue in them, for in
doing this, through the divine blessing, you
shall both save yourselves, and them that hear
you.''*

To my fellow labourers in the work of the
gospel, let me be permitted to say, that amidst
the zeal which is shewn, and the exertions which
are made for evangelizing the heathen, you and I
must not fors;et the situation of ourcountrvmen a-
round us, and especially of those committed to our
care. Under the sweet and powerful impressions
of that solemn service in which we have now
been engaged, let us return to our several places
of abode, prepared to fulfil with increasing dili-
gence the ministry which we have received of the
Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of
God. Sabbath after sabbath, and from day to
day, let us rehearse to them the joyful tidings
which this gospel proclaims. Let us tell them
what a glorious, compassionate, and all-sufficient
saviour Jesus is. Let us be solicitous, if possi-
ble, to bring tnem all to him ; that his glory

* l.Tipi. iv. 13. 15. 16^

102 GOSPEL TIDINGS.

may be great in their salvation, and his name
be remembered throughout all irenerations.

Finally, my beloved fellow Christians, give
yourselves to prayer, and learn to pray always^
and not faint, that the Lord's way be known on
earth, and liis savino; health anionic all nations.
We shall never, my dear friends, in this manner
again meet together on earth, but we hope that
many of us shall ere long meet to part no more
for ever, in that temple not made with hands^
from which we shall go no more out. In this
prospect, though we may be scattered into dif-
ferent remote corners, let us still often hold fel-
iow.ship together at the throne of grace. Per-
suaded that there are many wrestling souls now
present, I cannot conclude, without preferring to
them an earnest request, for my brethren and my-
self, for all who desire to serve God with their
spirit in the gospel of his son *' Pray for us;'
that the word of the Lord may have free course
and be glorified, was as it is with you :"* That
we may be w ise to win souls, and may have many
who shall be our joy and crown when the chief
shepherd of the sheep shall appear. Pray that
my coming hither may not be in vain ; tliat my
occasional labour here may be blest ; that I
may go honie to my family and flock refreshed ;
and animated, to labour with more than wont-
ed vigour and success in the work ^i the Lord.
Li return it shall be, my most earnest, and affec-
lionate prayer, that the God of all grace may be-
stow a double portion of his spirit, on you who
are his ministring seivanls; tluit he may save
you his people, and bless his inheritance, may

• i^Thcssal.fii. \,

GOSPEL TIDII^G3. 103

feed them also, and lift them up for ever. " Now,
unto him that is able to do exceeding abundant-
ly above all that we ask or think, according to the
po\Yer thatworketh in us; Unto him be glory in
the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen,"

A

CALL TO PRAYER

FOR THE

SENDING FORTH OF LABOURERS
A SERMON,

Preached before

THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY,

AT THE CHURCH OF ST. SAVIOUR'S, SOUTHWARK,

May li, 1804.

BY THE REV. THOMAS SCOTT,

KtCTOn OF ASTON SANDFORD.

" 1% there not a Cause !''....!. Sam. xvii. 39.

SERMON IV.

A CALL TO PRAYER FOR THE SENDING
FORTH OF LABOURERS.

LUKE X. 2.

Therefore, said he, unto them, the harvest
truly is great, but the labourers arefexv : pray
ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he
would sendjorth labourers into his harvest.

The propagation of our most holy religion,
among those who still remain strangers to
its inestimable benefits, should be considered
as the common cause of christians, throughout
the world : and all attempts to disseminate scrip-
tural truth by scriptural means, should be coun-
tenanced and forwarded by every man, accord-
ing to his ability, and as far as it consists wdth
his other duties and engagements: ^' For his
'* name's sake, they went forth taking nothing of the
'^gentiles — We therefore ought to receive such,"
(or help them on their way), *'that we might be
*' fellow-helpers to the truth." — 3. John, 7, 8.

Indeed, to withhold any assistance, which we
can, with a clear conscience, afford to those,
who are endeavouring to rescue from destruction
some of the many millions of perishing sinners
among the gentiles, merely out of regard to un-
essential differences in forms or opinions ; seems
not less absurd, and in some respects more un-

108 A CAT.i TO PRAYER.

feeling, than to suffer the destnictive progress of
a conflagration, and to disrcgaid the cries of
such as are perishing in the flames ; while we
scrupulously enquire into the tenets of those, who
attempt to raise the ladders and work the engines.
With the greatest alacrity, therefore, my helov-
ed brethren, and in full confidence that I do not
at all act inconsistently with my more immediate
relation to another society, formed for the same
pious and benevolent purposes, I have acceded
to the request of the directors, and am ready lo
bear my feeble testimony in behalf of the London
Missionary Society, to which this peculiar dis-
tinction belongs, that it has excited an immensely
more general attention to the state of the heathen
and the obligations of Christians respecting then],
than before prevailed ; and thus has occasioned
the establishment of many other societies of the
same nature, in Britain, on the continent, and
in North America ; the fruit of which will,
no doubt, in due time, be made manifest, to a
degree not easily to be calculated.

It has indeed been asked, Why preach for both
the societies? To which I answer, for the same
reason, that I would preach for both the West-
minster Infirmary and St. George's Hospital,
(contiguous charities, both for the same pur-
poses;) because both are needful and useful, and
are entitled to support. 'But this leaves us at a
loss, to which we should subscribe :' Then, if yon
can aflbrd it, subscribe to both: if not use your
own discretion, and follow the dictates of your
own judgment. I do not come to urge subscrip-
tions, but to recommend the general cause of
missions, and of this society in particular, as

A CALL TO PRAYER. 109

Standing forward in that cause : and to intreat at
least the assistance of your fei vent prayers.

When we hear of several societies for missions,
established, and holding their annual meetings,
in this metropolis, we are apt to enquire, What
need of so many for the same purpose ? But
when the immensity of the field, which lies open
to their exertions,, is carefully considered ; there
will by no means appear too many. The socie-
ties iwdy seem, (and probably no more than seem)
to crowd and interfere with each other in Lon-
don : but there is no fear, that their missionaries
when sent abroad, will be in one another's way, or
impede each others usefulness. Thus the ships,
by which our extensive commerce is carried on,
are greatly crowded together in the river ; but
not so on the vast seas and oceans which they se-
verally navigate. Nay, (the case of war except-
ed, ) the sight of a sail is generally refreshing to
the seamen ; when vessels, even of different na-
tions, meet at a great distance from home, they
relieve each others wants; and often the ap-
proach of a vessel, though belonging to a rival
company or merchant, gives the most heart-felt
joy, that can almost be conceived. Perhaps the
comparison may hold still further : and as a grea-
ter number of ships of moderate size are general-
ly preferred to a few tiiat are inconveniently
large ; so, different societies, if mutually aiding
each other, will be found more useful, than any
ojie which could.be formed out of them all.

' It is, however, of vast importance, that the sc-
' veral societies should consider one another, as
' coadjutors, not competitors, and cultivate an
' amicable intercourse. In this case many may
' be preferable to one, though proportionablv

110 A CALL TO TRAYEU,

* larger. One may embrace this special object,
' another that : one may lintl the readiest access

* to this country, another to that country : exter-

* nal circumstances may give one an advantage
' for a particular kind of service, from which the
' other rnay be precluded : each may, as it were,
' bring into circulation the treasure of wisdom and

* piety, as well as influence, which is found in its

* particular circle ; and they may all profit by the

* counsels, plans, observations, success or failures,

* of every one ; and help one another in various

* ways, when that assistance becomes especially

* seasonable. Thus, more methods may be tried,

* more talents brought into exercise, more infor-
' mation and wisdom acquired, and more exertion

* made by several societies, amicably striving to-

* gether for the ftiith of the gospel, than by one. —

* As divers kinds of soldiers form a better army,

* than if they were all exactly of the same descrip-

* tion, armed in the same manner, and formed

* into one vast phalanx ; provided they have no

* other competition, but who shall best serve the

* common cause."*

' One society should not be considered as op-

* posing any that are engaged for the same pur-
' pose. The world is an extensive field, and in

* the church of Christ there is no competition of

* interests. From the very constitution of the

* human mind, slighter differences of opinion

* will prevail, and diversities in external forms ;

* but, in the grand design of promoting Christi-
anity, all these should disappear.''|'

* First Sermon before the Society for Missions to Africa
and the East.

t Ai.couut of the Society for missions to Africa and the East.

A CALL TO PRAYER, 111

In general, the interest of a charitable or pi*
ous institution, properly speaking, is the power
possessed by that society of glorifying God, and
doing good to men : and if good can be more ad-
vantageously done by another society, it is equal-
ly entitled to assistance and support ; and the wise
and benevolent will countenance ail, in propor-
tion as likely to be useful, and none in opposition
to the rest.

These considerations have determined me to
undertake the present service, though well aware
that some persons might misunderstand my in-
tention, or object to my conduct. — But still, a dif-
ficulty of no small magnitude seemed placed in
my way.

Almost, if not entirely, every subject relating to
missions, has been pre-occupied ; and this, not
only from the pulpit, but in the more permanent
form of printed sermons, collected in volumes : — -
What more can be said, or needs be said, con-
cerning the deplorable state of the gentiles ;
or the obligations of Christians, according to
their ability, to attempt their conversion? What
objection to such exertions remains unanswered,
or inadequately answered? Cap any thing, except
ignorance, selfishness, indolence, and indifference
about the honour of God and the salvation of souls,
maintain any further opposition to the general
design ? On which side soever the subject is
viewed, it might seem to be exhausted ; nay, a pe-
culiar kind of genius is necessary, even to say
the same things in another way, and with the ap-
pearance of novelty or variety.

There is, however, one encouraging considera-
tion ; that repetition itself, if restricted to the more
essential topicks, cannot prevent a plain and ear-^

112 A CALL TO PRAYER.

nest discourse upon it, from affecting and inte-
resting every compassionate and pious mind.

But in fact, a circumstance, which can scarcely
he too deeply regretted, determined me to the
text which 1 have chosen, and to wiiich I now re-
turn. I mean the difficulty that has been found,
in procuring an adequate number of competent
missionaries, especially among our own country-
men, by several of the societies instituted for this
important object. This, I am persuaded, has ex-
ceedingly tended to prevent success, and in many
instances has chilled the ardour and checked the
liberality, which would otherwise have been ma-
nifested.

I would by no means, be supposed to intimate
that nothing, or that i3ut little has been done.
My views of the transactions which have taken
place, since this society was instituted, are very
different. I am persuaded far more important
good has been done, and preparations made, and
far more extensively beneficial effects will follow,
from these exertions, than it is generally suppos-
ed, or than do at present appear. Yet the want
of a far greater number of missionaries 'endued
with the genuine spirit, has had a greater effect in re-
tarding our progress, than any backwardness of
the publick to pecuniary aid ; nay, than the unfa-
vourable circumstances of these eventful times ;
or even the heavy losses and severe disappoint-
ments, by which it hath pleased God to try the
faith and patience of the active and zealous friends
to the cause.

A more particular consideration of our Lord's
command to his disciples, as contained in our
text, therefore, seems not unseasonable to the oc-
casion: and may he so direct and prosper what

6

A CALL TO PRAYER. 113

shall be spoken, that it may produce a more
general and earnest compliance with the impor-
tant injunction I

We find the same words, or nearly, spoken by
our Lord on two distinct occasions : first, when
he appointed the twelve apostles ;* and secondly,
when he sent forth the seventy disciples. The
context in the former instance calls for our pe-
culiar attention. " When he saw the multitudes
^' he was moved with compassion on them ; be-
*' cause they fainted, and were scattered abroi^d,
*' as sheep having no shepherd : Then, saith he
" to his disciples. The harvest truly is plenteous,
*' but the labourers are few : pray ye therefore the
*' Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth la-
*^ bourers into his harvest."

By comparing this passage with St. Luke, it ap-
pears highly probable, that at this important cri-
sis, '^ Jesus went up into a mountain to pray, and
'* continued all night in prayer to God."t

At the time, w^hen our Lord gave this injunc-
tion, and enforced it by his own example ; the
spiritual worship of the true God was at a very
low ebb. The Jews were generally satisfied with
barren forms and notions, and with human tradi-
tions ; their teachers were blind guides and hypo-
crites ; and their builders disdainfully rejected the
precious Corner-stone which God had chosen : —
while the gentiles, (that is all other nations,)
were sunk in gross idolatry ; except that a few
had philosophized themselves and each other into
various kinds of pra'ctical atheism. So that they
were '' without Christ, without hope, and with-

* Matt. ix. 36, 38. f Luke vi. 12, 13,

1]4 A CALL TO TRAYER.

'' out God in the woild." A remnant no doubti
was found in Judea, and in other countries, both
of pious Jews, and of gentiles, who by their means
had got access to the Greek version of the scrip-
tures, and, like Cornelius, were earnestly enquir-
ing after the salvation, and the Saviour there re-
vealed : (a most encouraging circumstance to those
who are now labouring to get the scriptures, or
part of them, translated into different languages,
and diffused among the nations !) Yet the state
of the world was, in general, mo&t deplorable. —
*' Darkness covered the earth, and gross dark-
*^ ness the people."

But it had been foretold, that ii^ the times of
the Messiah ^' the gentiles would come to the
** light, and kings to the brightness of his rising/'
Kay, " that he should be for a light to the gen-
'' tiles, and for salvation to the ends of the earth."
It was the revealed purpose of God to break down
the partition-wall between Jews and gentiles; to
revive the power of godliness among a large
number of the former, and by their means to bring
into the church an immense multitude of the lat-
ter : so that, in a short time, the true worshippei*s
of the living God should be incieased a thou-
sand, nay, ten thousand fold. This was the
plenteous harvest to which our blessed Lord rp-
ferred, in the words of my text.

But the labourers were few, very few compar-
ed with the harvest. There were, indeed, many
priests and scribes, who were ministers of reli-
gion according to the immediate appointment of
God, or teachers of the people, who sat in Mo-
ses' chair; and why should not these be employed ?

A CALL TO PRAYER. 115

Do yon ask Why ? the answer is obvious : —
Because they set themselves against the Messiah
and his cause : and in every age, they who follow
their steps, and persevere in so doing, will he
laid aside and excluded from any share in the
honourable service, however regular their exter-
nal appointment : and others, from a diiferent
quarter, will be sent forth as labourers into the
harvest, amidst the objections and opposition of
those who are thus superseded.

At that awful crisis, when the scribes, and
priests, and rulers stood round the cross of Im-
manuel, and joined with the multitude in scoffing
at his dying agonies, and making even his unde-
niable and beneficent miracles the subject of their
cruel and impious mockery : when the apostles
concealed themselves through fear, the seventy
disciples seemed finally dispersed, and almost
every ftivourer of the cause was led to despair of
it : had any one, at that crisis, I say, stood forth
and predicted, that within two months many
thousands would trust in the crucified Nazarene,
as their almighty Saviour, worship him as their
God, obey him as their exalted King, and wait
for his coming as their omniscient Judge ; and
that within twenty or thirty years, unnumbered
millions, through a vast extent of countries, in-
habited by tribes most discordant in their man-
ners and interests, would determine to glory in
hun and in his cross alone : and should he have
added, that all this would be accomplished by
means of heralds or preachers sent forth among
the nations ; who would so love the despised and
insulted Nazarene, as not to value even their
lives, in comparison of his honour, and his cause,
and the conversion of the nations to him : would

no A CAXL TO PRATER.

not this, my brethren, have been derided, as the
illusion of partial regard, or the dream of fran-
/tick enthusiasm ? Yet all this was even vastly ex-
ceeded ! — The disciples, recovered from their
stupor, prayed to the Lord of the harvest, and
he sent forth labourers, by hundreds and by thou-
sands, whose zeal, courage, patience, philanthro-
py, Avisdom, and self-denial, are above all praise,,
and even exceed the imagination of most christi-
ans, in this laodicean age. Many, who at the
time of our Lord's crucihxion, or long after, were
either totally indifferent, or determined opposers;
became zealous heralds of Immanuefs glory : a
multitude of the priests were obedient to the
faith ; and in all probability employed, as recon-
ciled themselves to God, to proclaim the word
of reconciliation. And though the persecutor
Saul by no means closed the list of that company,
who at length preached the faith which once they
destroyed, yet he stands so pre-eminent and
distinguished above the rest, that it would have
been highly improper not to mention such a signal
instance of the omnipotent grace of God, and
the elBcacy of believing prayer: for doubtless^
many, with dying Stephen, prayed for the nmr-
derers of that first martyr, and the persecutors
of the infant church, among whom Saul stood
forth the most active and violent zealot.

From the time that the aposdes and the rem-
nant of believers saw and adored their risen Lord,
it may reasonably be supposed that they recol-
lected and obeyed the injunction of our text.
But it should especially be noted, that from his
ascension to the day of Pentecost, the whole
company ontinued in unremitting prayer and sup-
plication, and on the day of Pentecost, they weie
all with one accord in one place, doubtless engaged

A CALL TO PRAYER, 11/

in the same manner, when the Holy Spirit was
poured out upon them. Immediately, not only
were the apostles endued with the gift of tongues,
and animated to a degree of zeal and courage, far
beyond what they had hefore manifested ; but the
prophecy of Joel, as quoted by St. Peter, Avas
literally fultilled,*^ and multitudes, like Isaiah,
w hen the Seraph had touched his lips with a coal
from the altar, were, ready to say, " Here am I,
*' send mef though just before, many of them
were involved in the guilt of murdering, or con-
senting to the murder of the ''Prince oj Lifer Such
effects were then produced by the Lord of the
harvest, in answer to the prayers of a small com-
pany ! Let us not forget that he is " the same yes-
terday, to-day, and for ever."

The zeal, the courage, the compassion for
perishing sinners, cannot be so low at pre-
sent, as it was when Christ died on the cross;
believers are immensely more numerous : and
prejudices cannot be so strong and general
against his cause, nor can the minds of
men be so repugnant to the work, and danger,
and hardship, of attempting to evangelize the
gentiles, as at that crisis. Who then can say, but
that within a few years, or even months, hun-
dreds, yea, thousands of labourers, like the
first evangelists, may be sent forth into the har-
vest^

To fix the impression, which I should hope
this plain statement of facts from the sacred re-
cords has made, I shall

1st. briefly consider the largeness of the har-
vest.

2d. the small number of the labourers.

* Joel ii, 28, 29. Acts ii.

lis A CALL TO PRAYER.

Sd. The duty and efficacy of prayer in this
behalf.

1. The largeness of the harvest.

And here, my brethren, I must assume those
principles, which pervade the scripture ; namely,
man's fallen and depraved state and character, in
whatever part of the globe he inhabits, and his
exposedness to the righteous indignation of God
on that account : insomuch that, as his soul is
immortal, and his body shall rise again ; he must
be finally lost and for ever miserable, unless he
be reconciled to God, and renewed to holiness.
Every unconverted sinner on earth, viewed in
connexion with the gospel, and the command of
Christ to his disciples, to preach it to every crea-
ture, and the hope that he may be converted
and saved, should in this respect be considered
as a part of the harvest.

Now, you well know, my beloved brethren,
that even in Christian countries; even in Britain,
there are vast multitudes of this description. If
indeed regeneration, repentance, faith, love of
God and man, and holiness, be necessary to
salvation, who can help exclaiming ^' How
*' strait is the gate, how narrow is the way that
*' leadeth unto life I how few there be that find
** it !" How few among my acquaintance seem to
l^now any thing of it ! Ignorance, irreligion, for-
mality; damnable heresies, or barren orthodoxy;
absurd superstition, or wild enthusiasm; pharisai-
cal self-righteousness, or some kind or other of
antinomian abuse of the gospel, occupy a very
large proportion of the Christian world ; in which
infidelity of late has made extensive depreda-*
tions.

6

A CALL TO PRAYER, 119

View the vast proportion of professed Christi-
ans, vvho still support the tottering cause of the
papal x'l.itichrist ; and that multitude, who are
hood-winked in ihe iialf popery of the Greek
church ! Then view tlie reformed and protestant
churches : and ask yourselves, whether, in case
the multitudes of numinal christians sliould be-
come true Christians, the harvest even here, be
not very plenteous ?

Then cast your eye on the poor, the pitiable
and yet generally unpitied, Jews Through them
we have all our light and hope : yet the dark-
ness in which they are enveloped, is dark-
ness that may be felt. All the prophets and apos-
tles were Israelites, and almost all the sacred
writers ; yea, our Saviour himself was a Jew.
Yet how are they neglected ! even more than
Mahometans, or pagans ! Perhaps that nation is
now more numerous than it was in the days of So-
lomon. What a plenteous harvest here then pre-
sents itself to our view, and our hope ! Oh that
some plan of persevering attempts for their con-
version might be made !

I will only hint at the vast and populous regions
of China, Tartary, Japan^ Hindostan ; in short
all the continent of Asia, containing perhaps four
hundred millions of inhabitants ; dying, yet im-
mortal ; sinners, yet generally without even the
means of grace ; and how then should they have
the hope of glory ? Idolaters with their bloody
sacrifices and detestable rites ; or Mahometans,
sunk in sloth and sensuality, and buoyed up
with pride, and the ambition of proselyting by
the sword !

Nor shall I dilate on the abject state of the un-
numbered multitudes, inhabiting much injured

]20 A CALL TO PRAYER.

Africa ; nations yet un visited by avarice or am-
bition ; who never heard of Christians or Britons,
but by report from those distant shores, that have
felt the detestable crimes of men, who disgrace at
once their country and their rehgion. Their bre*
thren also, tlie wretched Africans in our West
Indian islands, whom their cruel lords of late
seemed determined to deprive of consolation and
of hope, in prohibiting the preaching of Christia-
nity to, them, by men who have shewn themselves
willing to fare as slaves themselves, for the plea-
sure of imparting to poor negro slaves, the bles-
sed gospel of God our Saviour. What a contrast
between the missionaries and the slave-holders !
They seem not to be of the same species: cer-
tainly, in one sense, they are not of the same na-
ture.

I have heard, indeed, that this cruel law is re-
pealed ; and cheerfully do I pray, that the legis-
lators of it, and all that counselled it, may repent
and do works worthy of repentance ; for their
own sakes at least as much, as for the sake of the
missionaries and the negroes.

The vast regions of America, the numerous
isles of the immense oceans which separate the
continents ; all, all inhabited by human beings ;
all, living without Christ, and dying without
hope !

Tliis, my brethren, is the field from which the
plenteous harvest is to be gathered, when la-
bourers shall be sent forth for that purpose.

But let us take another view of the subject. —
Have we any reason to hope, that the Lord of
the harvest purposes to convert the nations, or
any considerable part of them, to the christian
faith? Or that he purposes to do it erelong.?

A CALL TO PRAYER. 121

Have we any such ground to proceed upon, as
Daniel had, respecting the end of the seventy
years of Judah's captivity ? Or as the Jews had,
in the days of Christ, that Daniel's seventy weeks
were about to close ?

It is very readily conceded, that many vain at-
tempts have been made to apply particular pro-
phecies to the transactions of this extraordinary
age ; indeed the prophetical part of scripture
seems to be, so to speak, a map on too small a
scale, to shew every place that appears consi-
derable in its vicinity. Particular interpretation
seldom is accurately given, by uninspired contem-
poraries ; who are generally too much interested
in the transactions of the times ; too much dis-
posed to magnify events, in which themselves are
concerned, beyond their due proportion ; and
too prejudiced in various ways, to be sufficiently
calm and impartial for such a work- But beyond
all doubt, the scriptures do foretel a seasoli, when
all kings shall submit to the Redeemer, all na-
tions shall do him service ; when the kingdoms of
the earth shall become the kingdoms of the Lord
and of his Christ ; and when the old serpent shall
be bound up for a thousand years, and deceive
the nations no more.

Surely it is predicted that the man of sin shall
be destroyed by the brightness of the Saviour's
coming and glory ; that the reign of every Anti-
christ in the holy city shall terminate ; that the
veil will be taken away from the hearts of the
blinded Jews, and they shall turn in penitent faith
to their crucified Messiah, and be grafted into
their own olive-tree : that this shall be as life
from the dead to thenations of the earth ; and that
at length all people shall so entirely obey the

n

122 A CALL TO PRAYER.

Prince of peace, as to beat their swords into
plow-shares, and to learn war no more.

To suppose that the Holy wSj)irit, by these ex-
alted expressions foretold events no way answer-
able to their exact meaning ; and that they are
nothing more than highly-wrought figures of
speech, like those of eastern poets, and suited
to excite expectations in simple-hearted believers,
which must be eternally disappointed, savours too
much of infidelity, not to say blasphemy, to de-
serve in this connexion, a serious confuta-
tion.

The prophet Daniel and the apostle John, both
mark out with great care and accuracy, a period
of a '^ time, and times, and half a time," of three
years and a half, foi ty and two months, or twelve
hundred and sixty days : and surely we are as
much required to compute these months or days,
if we are able, as the Jews were to calculate Da-
niels seventy weeks. Now, date the beginning
of this term as late as any respectable expositor
yet hath done, we cannot be far from the close of
it. The seventh trumpet, if not sounding, is a-
bout to sound : the witnesses in sack-cloth will
soon close their testimony, whatever be meant by
their death and resurrection; and the kingdoms
of the earth, will soon be the kingdoms of
Christ.

It is not reasonable to suppose, that transac-
tions of so vast a magnitude should be accom-
plished at once — Even the seventy years of the
Babylonish captivity had several beginnings and
correspondent terminations, as learned men have
shewn : and a hundred years is no long term, in
the case before us.

But I feel a confidence in giving it as my opi-

A CALL TO PRAYER. 123

nion, grounded on careful examination, that
these prophecies will soon begin to be accom-
plished ; and that witliin two or three centuries,
at furthest " the earth shall be filled with the
^' glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the
'' sea. '

We, like David, shall not live to build this tem-
ple ; but it will ''be well, if it is in our hearts ;"
and even we may hope to bring stones and tim-
ber, and iron, and brass, and silver, and gold,
which the true Solomon will employ in that sa-
cred edifice.

Indeed, I cannot doubt, but that the missionary
designs of the present period, if prosecuted with
persevering zeal and improving Avisdom and ex-
perience, will be honoured as an introduction to
those great events. We shall labour, and others
will enter into our labours, (as we have into those
of our predecessors:) but at length, both he
that soweth and he that reapeth shall rejoice to-
gether : for we gather fruit, and shall receive
wages, unto everlasting life.

2d. We proceed then, to consider the small
number of the labourers,

I would by no means represent the number of
the labourers to be less than it really is : but it
must be evident that all, who bear the 7iame of
Christian ministers, are not such labourers as our
Lord intended. Beyond doubt, there are now,
as there were in old times, " blind guides,"
"■ drowsy watchnien who do not give warning,"
^' idol shepherds,'' with others of like character,
who either do not labour at all, or else belong to
that company which our blessed Saviour points
out, when he says, ''he that is not with me is
r2

124 A CALL TO PRAYER.

*^ against mc ; and he that gathereth not with me
'' scattereth."

In order to constitute a true labourer, scriptural
doctrine, (at least in all the grand outlines of
evangelical truth applied to holy purposes,) must
be connected with an edifying example, and zea-
lous self-denying diligence in the work of the mi-
nistry, as the one business and delight of a man's
life. There was, indeed, no want of teachers in
Israel, yea, authorized ministers of religion, ac-
cording to the divine law, as to their external
conmiission, at the time when the compas-
sionate Saviour made this affecting remark : yet
alas ! neither their doctrine, nor their example,
nor their diligence, were at all suited to lead men
into the way of eternal life ; nay, their conduct
and influence united to keep the people from
Christ and his salvation.

On the other hand it is readily conceded, that
every minister or missionary in whom these qua-
lifications are found, is a labourer for Christ, in
whatever part of the world he is employed, or in
whatever way he is distinguished from his fellow
christians. If he " cast out devils in the name of
" Christ/' let us never think of forbidding him,
** because he follows not with us ;" but rather
wish him success in the name of the Lord.

The present occasion, indeed, calls our atten-
tion chiefly to the gentile world ; yet our subject
can hardly allow us to pass over in total silence
the state of professed Christia is ; among whom,
it may justly be feared, tne labourers, (such as
the Lord of tiie harvest will at last welcome with
these most gracious words, ^' Well done, good and
*' faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy
'* Lord,") arc comparatively ivAw But whate-

A CALL TO PRAYER. 125

ver may be our opinion on this subject, let me
remind you, my brethren, that asperity, reproach,
and sarcasm are no weapons of our warfare ; and
that the use of them on this subject, only excites
resentment, and strengthens prejudice. We should
therefore pity, and pray for those, whom we con-
sider as in error, and as misleading others.

This may be so done, as to give no needless
offence ; and, (except in peculiar cases) when
united to a good example, and a " readiness to
*' give an answer to every man that asketii us a
*' reason of the liope that is in us, with meekness
'' and fear," is all that ouglit to be done.

I shall not, however, enlarge on this subject
Whatever may be the case of Britain in respect of
faithful labourers ; I fear that they are proportion-
ably much fewer in Ireland,' though now united
with Britain in one kingdom. — But what shall we
say of the continent ? Wiiat proportion of such
laoourers, as our Lord approves, is found in Ita-
ly, Spain, Portugal, and a great part of Germa-
ny ? even supposing the reformed and protes-
tant churches more adequately supplied. What
shall we think of France, hostile P>ance, the re-
ligious state of whose inhabitants is enough to
draw tears from every reflecting christian, how-
near soever his country lies to his heart ?

Think also, my brethren, on the Jews, dispers-
ed through the world, without o?ie faithful stated
labourer ! View Asia, with her immense popu-
lation ! A few missionaries, sent by different
societies in England and on the continent, have
been, and are, "zealously and ably endeavouring
to evangelize the Hindoos and others ; among
whom the well-known highly venerable name of
Swartzis peculiarly distinguished, as employed in

126 A CALL TO PRAYER.

the work, with unwearied diligence, for half a
century ; and many others, of different names,
are entided to a high degree of our affection and
commendation: and I doubt not but many of them
will at length be revered and larnqntcd by vast
multitudes, in the same manner that the apostoli-
cal Swartz and Gerricke, now are.

JSi'o doubt there are also some, (I hope far
more than we knovv of,) resident ministers of
genuine piety and zeal : yet after all, what are
these, compared with their sphere of activity ?
The vast regions of China and Japan, perhaps
without a single labourer ! I would speak with
deference to the judgment of those, who have ful-
ler information, and should be greatly pleased to
be detected in an error ; but I own, I fear, that
all the faithful labourers in Asia would little
more than suffice, for the adequate religious in-
struction of one of the largest counties in this lit-
tle island.

But it is needless to enlarge : a few missiona-
ries from this society, whose labours are very ex-
emplary, and promise great success ; some also
from other societies, and with no great number
of resident ministers in two or three districts,
seems the whole provision for the vast continent
of Africa !

Wherever we cast our eyes on a map of the
globe, or read in treatises on geography, or books
i)^ travels ; the same relieciion on the religious
state of the inhabitants forces itself on the pious
and benevolent mind, when accustomed to view
each individual of our species, in his relation to an
eternal world !

The descendants of the European colonies in
Vorth-America, may be as well supplied with la-

>

A- CALL TO PRAYER. 12?

bourers in the harvest, as the countries from which
they migrated; perhaps better : and it is a source
of consolation to hear, that several societies have
been formed for the purpose of evangelizing the
renmant of the ancient inhabitants. But ,the
check given to the missionaries, in some of
our West-India Islands, damps the joy, with
which we before heard of the unwearied and suc-
cessful endeavours of the ]\ioravians, Methodists,
and others, among the poor negroes : while South
America, it may well be feared, is shared alm.ost
between the grossest popery and the most abject
pagan idolatry !

I do not hint at these things, my brethren,
for your information ; as many present are
capable, on this subject, of rectifying my er-
rors, and instructing my ignorance : but merely,
that by converging these scattered rays of intelli-
gence as it were into one Jocks, they may produce
the greater effect in animating your exertions, in-
creasing the ardour of your gratitude, zeal, and
love, and melting your hearts into compas-
sion for the souls of your perishing fellow crea-
tures.

jMethinks some are inwardly saying, ^The state
' of the world is indeed deplorable, but what can

* /do to improve it ? I have neither strength of

* constitution, nor vigour of mind, nor qualifica-

* tions for a missionary :" or, * mi/ time of life

* and en^as^ements forbid me to think of it. I con-

* tribute according to my ability to support mis-
^ sions ; and perhaps, if an emergency requirec), I

* should deny myself in something tliat might be

* spared, in order to contribute still more: I am

* willing also to give a portion of my time to the
' managing of such matters, relative to missions,

128 A CALL TO PRAYER.

* as I am competent for : and what can I do

* more ?'

Another may be reflecting * I have little money

* to bestow, or time to spare, or talent, or infiu-

* ence. I indeed wish well to tlie cause ; and

* that is almost all which I have in my power.'

While some may say, that * a good deal ha^

* already been done : several missionaries are

* now successfully employed, others are prepar-

* ing, and others are on their voyages to the des-
' tined sphere of their exertions As many are

* thus engaged as the finances of the society can

* support, though far from what the state of the
' world requires ; and we must not '' despise the
*' day of small things." Yet, perhaps, if we

* could announce still greater success of our mis-

* sionaries, and did proper persons oifer for the
' work, as far as can be judged from the past, we

* might expect that the publick would come for-

* ward, bad as the times are, and enable us to sup-

* port them also.'

Now the admonition of our Lord, in the text,
seems exactly suited to thoughts and reflections of
this kind, which are often made, I doubt not, by
many in this assembly : " Pray ye, therefore, the
^' Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth
" labourers into his harvest f Not only pray for
the missionaries alieady sent forth, or about to
be sent, but earnestly intreat the Fountain of all
good, to raise up and send forth a more adequate
supply.

3. On this part of our sul)jcct, my brethren,
let us observe.

That this is more evidently and entirely the
Lord's work, tlian any thing in the whole under- •

A CALL TO PRAYER. 1^9

taking ; and that which above all others leaves m
most sensibly almost incapable of attempting any
thing, except as God immediately interposes.
Active and zealous men may use a variety of me^
thods for exciting the publick attention to the
subject, in forming societies and in raising con-
tributions ; and at first, while this is doing with
success, some may be ready to think, the grand
difficulty is now almost removed : yet after all,
the whole may be like a well constructed mill, on
a stream which has entirely failed, and all the ad-
mirable machinery is quite useless, becaoise no
water can possibly be procured.

No doubt the faithful preaching of the gospel,
and animated instructions and exhortations on the
subject of missions, are proper means of calling
forth missionaries. But, as God alone can give
the increase even in the conversion of sinners,
our dependence on his omnipotent grace, is
still more sensibly felt, when christians, fitted for
peculiarly difficult services, are wanted. Even a
stated pastor, if able and faithful, is a man of a
peculiar turn of m'mdy in many respects different
from other christians ; and such a turn of mind,
as God bestows on some, and not on all, his peo-
ple ; according to the important question in the
ordination-service of our church, 'Do you trust
' that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost
/ to take upon you this office and ministration,
* to serve God for the promotingof his glory, and
' the edifying of his people V For no one can
honestly answer this question in the affirmative,
who does not from his heart prefer the work of
the ministry, and the glory of God in the salva*
tion of souls, (independently of outward emolu-

s

130 A CALL TO PRAYX?.

merits or distinctions,) to all other employ-
ments, however lucrative, creditable, or eas}-.

But a missionary, such a missionary as the
cause requires, is in the im^n of his mind move
distinguished from other ministers, than they are
from other christians. He is the hero in the spi-
ritual warfare ; he takes pleasure in labours, and
liardships, and dangers for the cause of Christ.
His bowels yearn, his heart melts over perisliing
sinners in distant regions, of whom he knows
nothing but by report. He is prepared to leave
his country, his friends, his prospects, and the
comforts of civilized society, to brave seas and
deserts, inhospitable and unhealthy climates ; he
*' puts his life in his hand,'' and traverses the vast
forests amid the bowlings of savage beasts, and
ventures among human beings more fierce than
even lions or tigers. He longs to be permitted
to live among these wretched barbarians, in their
rude and hardy way, that he may, by the best
and most effectual method, endeavour to soften
their manners and meliorate their character ;
namely by preaching the doctrine and copying
the example of Christ. And every instance of
success in the arduous attempt of their conver-
sion, he values more, than the soldier does \n^
spoil or laurels, or the merchant his abundant
gain. Having put his hand to the plough, he will
not look back, except his impaired health and
strength oblige him. When unsuccessful in ond
place, and driven from it by persecution, and
hardly escaping with life, he preaches the gospel
in another, with unabated courage and ardour.
If disabled for a time, he longs to return to ins
work, and grieves more because compelled for a
while to decline it, than for all his pain and weak-

, A CALL TO PRAYER. 131

ncs.^ ; and when recovered he makes haste to the
^cene of his disinterested labours.

Witness your missionary lately in England, who
tasted no bread for six months, besides endur-
ing many other hardships, and escaping many
imminent dangers ; yet was he all in earnest, to
leave the comforts of his native country, that he
might return to the scene of his labours, m the
wilds of Africa; and who after severe experience
of the Missionary's life, repeatedly refused a
very comfortable settlement, out of love to the
poor natives among whom he laboured !

Yet all this heroical resolution must be ac-
companied with a mild, forbearing, and gentle
spirit ; with the greatest tenderness and affec-
tion ; with command over every passion, a su-
periority to all those inclinations which enslave
mankind in general, and an assiduous persever-
ance, amidst discouragements often during many
years of ill success.

Not to recur to the primitive times, wher^
evangelists, who far exceeded this feeble descrip-
tion, spread the gospel through the nations :
Swartz, Elliot, Brainerd, and many among the
INIoravians and others, stand as demonstrations,
that the Lord of the harvest is still able to send
forth such labourers.

Yet all this is so contrary to human nature,
and to the education and habits of men in civi-
lized regions, and especially in such an affluent
and luxurious country as Britain ; that at first
view one is almost apt to despond, and to con-
clude it impracticable to obtain missionaries of
this stamp and character.

Sanguine adv^enturers, indeed, may at any
time be found, ready to volunteer their services

s -^Z

152 A CALL TO PRAYER.

almost in any cause: but uhei e shall men of this emw
nence and excellence be found ? " With man it is
" impossible, but with God all things are passi-
'' ble."

Call to mind, my brethren, the case before
stated, atths opening of our subject.

Where, at the time when the Saviour expired
on the cross, were the preachers, who soon after
carried his gospel through the extent of the then
known world ? Where were they, who so labour-
ed and prospered, that had others trodden in
their steps, it might seem as if our exertions
would scarcely have been wanted ? All these,
almost, were at that time proud and seliish Jews,
or blind idolaters, and the rest were prejudiced,
(disheartened, and cowardly disciples. '' Is then
" the Lord's arm shortened, that he cannot save ?"
put of these stones he can raise up, not only chil-
dren unto Abraham, but genuine successors tp
the primitive missionaries. Nor is there a scof-
fer, a profligate, an opposer, a coward, or aman
buried in the pursuit of worldly riches in this
congregation, that he could not endue with all
the zeal, and love, and courage, and wisdom of
an apostle.

He need only speak with power, and say, as
he did to Matthew the publican, at the seat of cus-
too), " Apse, and follow nae," and he would
** leave all and follow him." Oh, pray ye there-
fore the Lord of the harvest that he would send
forth labourers into his harvest.

Observe again, my brethren, that this is an
aid, though of primary importance, in whic^h the
poor, and the unlearned and obscure, may con-
cur as effectually as the wealthy, the learned, and
the eminent. All cannot give, though inclined tq

A CALL TO PRAYER. 135

do it ; but every one can pray, whose heart is so
disposed : and every one may beg of God to give
him the spirit of grace and supplication, of fer-
vent zeal and expansive philanthropy. And he
who prays constantly and earnestly, for the suc-
cess of missionary designs ; and that the Lord
would furnisn the missionaries, and prosper their
labours, will be found a more valuable iriend to
the cause, than he who gives his money, or his
time; nay, than he who preaches sermons and
writes books to promote it, if he do not also
unite with them his fervent prayers.

It may be thought, as the cause is that of
God, he will accomplish his own purpose for
his own name's sake, whether we pray or no.
But let any impartial person simply regard the
sacred oracles and the outlines of ecclesiastical
history, and ask himself, whether a' fervent spirit
of prayer, by the remnant of believers, have nut
always preceded great revivals in religion, and
gracious interpositions of God for his church?

Reasonings against scriptural instruction, and
undeniable fact, must be false and vain, however
specious. Nothing can be more enlarged and un-
encumbered, than the promises of God to Israel
by Ezekiel ; but after all, it is subjoined, "I will
" yet for this be enquired of by the house of Is-
" rael, to do it for them/'* Thus also .Jeremiah
or rather God by him, *' I know the tiiou'j^iits
** that I think toward you, saith the Lorjd,
" thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you
^' an expected end. Then shall ye call ujjon me ;
*' and ye shall go and pray untf) me ; and I will
'' hearken unto you ; and ye shall seek me and

* Ez. xxxvi. 24. 37.

1 34" A CALl TO rftAY£R.

*' find me, when ye shall search for me with all
*' your heart/'l

Accordingly, Daniel, (as did doubtless many
others,) set himself to seek the Lord by fasting
and prayer, just before the Jews were restored
from captivity.

We have seen that the apostles and disciples
continued instant in prayer, before the holy Spi-
rit was poured out at the day of Pentecost. Th^
church of Antioch was fasting and praying, when
Saul and Barnabas were called forth to go and
preach to the gentiles ; eventually to Europeans,
whence we Britons have received our marvellous
light, and invaluable advantages.

Prayer especially honours God, and God ho-
nours prayer : it brings the soul into a humble,
dependent, w^aiting, expecting frame ; and pre-
pares the way for thanksgiving : and therefore, it
is proper, both in our private concern, and in
publick undertakings, that prayer, fervent perse-
vering prc^yer, should precede every important
success.

My brethren, allow me to make a remark thus
publickly, which I have often made more private-
ly; namely, that there is in general, too small
a proportion by far, of supplication or interces-
sion, in the devotions of Christians in the present
day. Selfishness seems even to infect our religi-
on: We seek comfort and perhaps sanctification
for ourselves, the company, and our particular
circle : but, except on special occasions, w-e are
not apt to enlarge, to multiply our petitions and
fill our mouths with arguments, in pleading for
our fellow christians and fellow sinners, throtigh-

-f Jcr. xxix. 10, 13.

A CALL TO PRAYER. 135

ou-t the world; or even for our own country, and
the church of God that is amonost us.

A number of christians sometimes agree on a
particular emergency, to unite at certain times
m some special requests; or meetings for prayer
are appointed for such purposes : and doubtless
this is highly proper and conducive to much
good. Yet prayer (thus called forth) seems to
resemble the forced productions of the hot-bed,
rather than the natural growth of the soil : they
are raised indeed, as water from a deep well ; but
<io not flow spontaneously, like streams from the
fountain. A disposition, without any effort, to
unite and enlarge, in our families, our social
meetings, (and of course in our closets,) as weli
as in publick worship, or at particular seasons, for
the purity, peace, and enlargement of the church ;
for the illumination, and sanctiiication, and pros-
perity of all her ministers ; for the conversion of
Jews, Turks, inhdels, and hereticks ; for the send-
ing forth of labourers into the harvest ; I say,
such a disposition for prayer in these and similar
respects, does not seem so congenial to the
minds of christians in general, as one would sup-
pose it must be, from the principles on which
they rest all their hope and confidence.

My sphere of observation is but contracted :
and if any say, I have not found it so among my
friends and brethren, I congratulate them ; but
this I confess, is the impression that I have re-
ceived, during the years of my acquaintance with
evangelical persons.

Indeed, it is my decided opinion, that nothing
could so effectually promote the cause, not only
of missions, but of cliristianity in all respects, as
a general concern among all christians ; not only
on some special days or hours, but constantlv,

136' A CALL TO PRAYER.

whenever they prayed, to remember, cither more
generally, or fully, the case of unconvert-
ed sinners, of the heathen and the poor Jews,
with that of missions and missionaries, and
the sending forth of labourers ; in particular,
the raisinL^ up of missionaries and ministers a-
niong the natives of those countries whicn we at-
tempt to evangelize ; as this alone can give a
prospect of enlarged and permanent success. This
indeed, would be well calculated to excite a mis-
sionary spirit : but it is especially urged from a
full conviction, that it 'will be the introduction,
when God is about to " fill the earth with his
glory, as the waters cover the sea."

An early acquaintance with the writings of
president Edwards, Brainerd, and the New Eng-
land divines, gave my mind a peculiar turn to
this subject. The nations Unacquainted with
Christ have ever since lain near my heart: and I
never thought a prayer complete in which they
were wholly forgotten. This was the case
several years before societies for missions, (that is,
new societies in England,) were established : but
I could do no more than offer my feeble prayers.

Since that time new and animating scenes have
opened to our view ; and now% far beyond my
expectation, I have lived, for the second time, to
recommend from the pulpit the missionary cause,
which I do with the most unreserved cordiality.
It ought to be dearer to each of us than our
lives : Oh may we then, more than ever, pour
out our daily and fervent prayers for its success,
wlienever attempted ; and that the Lord of the
harvest himself would send forth labourers into
his harvest."

Let us, my Brethren, consider the Saviour
himself as in the midst of li:^: as witnessing our

A CALL TO PRAYEK. 3 37

consultations, plans, and difficulties; and es-,
pecially our earnest enquiries, 'What more can.
we dor' and let .us suppose, that he, with his
own gracious lips subjoined, in the language of
authority and love, the injunction of the text;
and then let us consider, what eftcct it would
have on our subsequent conduct.

But Oh, how deplorable the case of Britons,
of persons acquainted with the gospel, yet living
without prayer, or resting only in Hfeless form !
Avho cannot pray for their country, or their
nearest relatives, much less for the heathen, be-
cause they have not yet learned to pray for
themselves ! It is not however, yet too late :
Seek then the Lord '' while he may be found;
*' call upon him while he is near."

For *' When once the Master of the house is
** risen up, and hath shut to the door ; and ye be-
'* gin to stand without, and to knock at the
*^ door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us;
" and he shall answer and say unto you, J.
" know you not, whence ye are. Then shall
'' ye begin to say. We have eaten and drunk in
"thy presence, and thou hast' taught in our
'' streets. But he shall say, I tell you I know
*' not whence ye are: depart from me all ye
*' workers of iniquity. There shall be weep-
*' ing and gnashing of teeth : Vvlien ye shall
" see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and ali
*' the propliets, in the kingdom of God, and you
*^ yourselves thrust out. And they shall come
*^ from the east, and from the west, and fiom the
*' north, and from the south ; and shall sit
*' down in the kiuizdom of God. And behold

138 A CALL TO PRATER*

*' here are last which shall be hrst, and there
*' are first which shall be last."

A thought at this moment darts across my
mind, which gives me pain and discouragement.
There are, I know, even religious persons, ap-
parently so at least, who disapprove tlie design,
and endeavour to damp the ardour of those en-
gaged in it; or at least cannot concur in any
plan, till a sort of Utopean perfection, accord-
ing to their notions, can be discerned in the
plans and in the managers of the business.

I shall only say, that had such notions ge-
nerally prevailed in our Lord's days, and in
subsequent ages, xve should now have been ido-
laters ; if, in the times of Luther, and his suc-
cessors in reformation, u:e must also have con-
tinued papists. Join your efforts at least with
some of our societies ; and let us have your
prayers for them all.

Let no christian make unworthiness, or dis-
discouragement, or \vant of liberty in prayer,
an exsuse or reason for nedectincr this bounden
duty. In general, prayer for others is the best
preparation for pouring out our own complaints
before God, with confidence and comfort : and
did we more generally begin, as our Lord hath
taught us, *' Hallowed be thy name, thy king-
*' dom come : thy will be done, in earth, as
*■'- in heaven f we should more generally con-
clude with animated alacrity, ** For thine, O
Lord, '^ is the kingdom, and the power and
•' the glory, for ever and ever." Amen.

♦ Luke xiii.24 — 30.

LIST OF CONGREGATIONS,

THAT HAVE TRANSMITTED

SUiMS OF MONEY TO THE TREASURER,

FOR THE USE OF THE

3IISSI0NARY SOCIETY,

from
JUNE 1, 1803, to JUNE 1, 1804.

£. s. d,

Sr. Agnes, Cornwall, Rev. Mr. Wlldbore, — 4 16 9

Aston, Tirrold, Bucks, Rev. Mr. Griffiths — ]2 19 6

Alton, Revw-Mr. Tracy — — 6 0 0

Brlgg, Rev. J. Clarke — — 11 10 0

Bury St. Edmund's, Rev. Mr. Dewhirst — 31 15 0

Basing<;toke, Rev. T. Tiiorne — — 20 0 6

Long Buckley, Northamptonshire, Rev. Mr. Griffiths — 13 0 0

Birmingham, Rev, Mr. Williams — — 110 0

NORTH-BRITAIN.

Old Deer, Aberdeenshire — 9 15 0

Glasgow Committee of the London Missi. Soc. 24. 0 0

Kelso Association, — 9 13 o

Perth Missionary Society — 50 0 0

Paisley Branch of the London Missionary Society 40 0 0
Stirling Society for spreading the Knowledge

oF the Gospel amongst the Heathen — 10 0 0

143 8 0

Basil Society — _ 31 17 6

Christ-Church, Hants. Rev. Mr. Hopkins — 24 I 1

Chesham. Rev. Mr. Surnam — 5 5 0

Cottingham, near Hull, Rev. A.Kidd — — 10 17 3

Devizes, Rev. Mr. Sloper — — 12 1 ^

Duxford, Rev. Mr. Pine — — 11, 0 o

LIST OF COXGREGATIONS.

Falmoulh, Rev. Mr. Wildbore

Fordham, Rev. Mr. Harris —

Gosport, Rev. Mr. Boguc,

Subscriptions —
Collection —

Gorlnjsj, Rev. Mr. Evans

Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Rev. Mr. Smelle

Hull, Rev. Mr. Lambert —

Hull, Rev. Jos. Richards —

Harting, Rev. Mr. Tracy —

Kidderminster, Rev. Alex, Steill,

July, 1803 —
May, 1804- —

Kilsby, Rev. T. Spooner —

LOXDOX AND ITS A'ICIXITY,

Independently of the usual annual Subscripiiom,

Barbican Chapel, Rev. Mr. Towers — 22 15 6

Camomile-Street Ditto, Rev. Mr. Buck — 15 5 9
Cumberland-Street Ditto, Rev. Mr. Brown 15 0 0

Fetter-Lane Meeting, Rev. Mr. Burder — 80 10 6

Founder's Hall ditto

Collection '22 7 0
Donation 2 12 6

L. s.

d.

—

23 10

7

—

9 0

0

33 10

0

24. 8

9

— 57 18

9

—

i* 0

0

—

4 4.

0

■ —

49 9

0

—

21 0

0

" —

7 0

5

20 9

10

JS 18

0

— 39 7

10

—

4 16

&

21. 19 6

Gate-Street Chapel, Rev. G. Williams — 36 13 6

Greenwich Tabernacle — 29 13 0

Holywell Mount Chapel, Rev. W. Piatt — 28 2 0

Hoxton Academy Chapel — 31 10 0

Haberdafiher's Hall, at the Annual Meeting 10 13 0

Miles-Lane Meeting, a praying Society — 113 0
Orange-Street Chapel

Collection, — 100 15 G

Subscriptions, &c. 7 13 0

— 103 S 6

Swallow-Streel Meetinor Rev. D. Trotter

and Rev.Mr. Nicol, — 20 1 1

Carried forward — S97 13 9

* LIST OF CONGREGATIONS.

L. s, a.

Collections In London and its vicinit)' 7 .„^ i^ q

broiis^ht forward j

Surry Chapel, Rev. Rowland Hill,

Collection, 10/ 10 0
Subscriptions, 16 6 0

— ^ 123 16 0

Rev. Mr. Steinkopff's church — 3 3 0

Stockwell, Rev. Mr. Jackson — 30 1 4-

Wells-Street Chapel, Rev. Mr. Waugh — 22 0 0

Zion Chapel — 77 13 0

Total collections, &c. in London and Its vicinity 682 9 0

Manchester, Rev. Mr. Roby — — 30 7 7

Newport Pagnel, Rev. Mr. Greatheed — 16 6 0

Nuneaton, Rev. S. R. Hartnell _^ — 5 17 6

Penrhyn, Rev. Mr. Wildbore, — 15 12 g

Portsea, Rev. Mr. Griffin

Collection — 21 8 4

Subscriptions — 16 8 0

37 16 4.

Petersfield, Rev. Mr. Tracy — — 14 12 5

Peppard, Rev. Mr. Walker — 5 3 0

Reading, Rev. Mr Tracy, and Rev. Mr. Bickerdike — 70 0 0
Ramsgate, Rev G. Townsend — 17 10 6

Romsey, Rev. Mr. Bennett — — 11 11 6

Salisbury, Rev. Mr. Adams ., 13 19 0

Southampton, Rev. Mr. Kingsburv

Collectloh 13 8 0

Subscriptions 58 15 0

72 3 0

Sherborne, Rev. Mr. Weston . — — 15 7 6

Stourbridge Rev Mr. Richards — 10 1 2

Sheffielo, Rev. Mr. Boden — — 26 2 0

Taunton, Rev I^aic Tozer — 9)2 0

Twrgwyu, Cardiganshire, Rev. Eben. Morris -- 10 10 0

Watsfield, Rev. Mr. Hickman — -- 7 2 6

Wakefield, Rev. Samuel Bruce — — 28 0 0

AN

ACCOUNT

OF THE

CONTRIBUTORS

TO

THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY,

From JUNE, 1803, to JUNE, 1804..

IN LONDON AND ITS VICINITY,

L. s.

Aberley, Mrs. 0 10

Agace, Mrs. Clapton 2 2
Ainsley, Mr. 16, Lemon-
street 1
Alers, Mr. Wm. Fen-
church-street 4
Alcot, Mr. by Mr. Wilks 2
Allen, Martha, Brick-lane,
two years 1
Allday, Mr. Carlisle-st. 2
Anderson, Mrs. 31, Ex-
eter-street, Sloane-st. 1
Andrews, Mr. Old-street 3
Andrews, Mrs. 100, Pet-
ticoat-lane, 0 10
Applegarth, Capt. Tem«

pie-place 1 1

Arrowsmith, Mr. Rath-
bone-place 1 1
Ashley, Mr. 64, Castle-
street, Oxford Market 1 1
Atkins, Mr. Thos. 21,
Great New-street, Fet-
ter-Jane 1

I 0

22 1 0

d, L. s, d.

6 Brought forward 22 1 0

0 Atkins, Mr. Greenwich
Austin, Rev. Mr. Clerk-

0 enwell-green

Austin, Mr. iS, Cum-

0 berland-street

0 Ayscough, Mrs. York-
place, Islington
Backler, Mr. Apotheca-
ries' Hall
Bacon,Mr.83, East Smith-
field

0 Bagster, Mr, 20, Picca-
dilly

6 Bailey, Mr. 272, Hol-
born

0 Bailey, Mr. 26, Barnard-
street, Brunswick-sq.

0 Bains, Mr. Jas. Copthall-
court

0 Bainbridge, Mrs. Guil-

ford-street 2 2 0

Baker, Miss, Pinner's-hall

court 1 1 0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1 1

0

36 \b 0

CONTRIBUTORS.

Brought forward 36
Ball, Rev. Mr. Glouces-
ter Terrace, New-
Koad, Mile-end 1

Bancrer, Mr. Hackney 1
Banks Mr. 1

Barnes, Mrs. 15o, Mino-
ries 1

Barnes, Mr. Jas. Copthall
Court 1

Barton, Mr. 37, Swallow-
street 1
Bas^ano, Mr. Upper

Thames-street I

Bateman, Mr.P. 6, Bunhill

Row
Bates, Mr. 150, Minories
Bates, Mr. Upper

Thames-street
Bates, Mrs. ditto
Beamont, Mr. Beech-st.

J'.

d.

15

0

1

0

I

0

0

0

1 0

1 0

1 0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

10

6

1

1

0

3

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

5

0

0

1

1

0

Beaslev, Mrs. 21, Surry
Road

Beckett, Mr. 49, Barbican

Belgrave, Mrs. 4, Cam
den-Town

Bellin, Mr. Homerton

Bent, Mr. Parliament-st. 1

Bernard, Mr. Green-street,

Grosvenor-square 110

Berridge, Mr Ryder-
Court, Leicester-sq. 110

Bickerslaff; Mr. PuUen's-

Row, Islington 1 1 0

Bickley, Mr. 115, Russel-

street, Bioomsbury 110

Biggers, Mr. 1, Bull-head

Cdurt, Newgate-street 110
Bilger, Mr. 45, Piccadilly 1 1 0

Binks, Mr. C. 26, King-

stieet, Covent-Garden 5 5 0

Donations 5 0

Blrnie, Mr. 96, Mount-
street 1 1 0

Brought forward 77

Blackie, Mrs. Clipstone-
street 0

Blades, Mr. 177, Picca-
dilly

Blades, Mrs.

Bland, Mr. John, 42,
Fenchurch-street

Bliss, Mr. 88, Smith-
field

Boa^e, Mr. Henry, 5Q>
Pall-Mail

Bode, Mr. John, Dalston,
two years 2

Boggis, Mr. 4, Prescot-
street, 5

Bogie, Mr. St. Martin's
Lane, two years 2

Bolton, Mr^. Esther, by
Mr. Hawkes

Bomenarie, Mr. New
Compton-street

Bond, Mr. Compton-
street, Soho

Bolt, Mr. Narrow Wall,
Limehouse

Boyce, Mr. Greenwich

Bracey, Mr. Bishopsgate-
street

Bradley, Mr. 4, White-
horse Yard, Drury-
Lane

Braidewood, Mr. senr.
Hackney

Bramwell, Mr. 55, Greek-
street

Breamer, Mrs. Orchard-
street, Westminster

Brecknell, Mr. 31. Hay-
market

Brett, Mr. 4, Berner's-
street 2

Brocklesby, Mr. 65, Mar-
garet-street 2

. s. a

14 6

10 6

1 0

1 O

1 0

1 0

1 0

2 O

5 O

2 O

1 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

I o

1 0

1 0

1 0

1 o

I 0

1 0

2 0
2 0

77 14 6

108 14 0

CONTRIBUTORS.

X.

Brought forward 108

Brook sl^ank. Rev. Mr.
Wink worth's Build-
ings, two years 2

Ditto, a friend, by him 1

Dil4o, a day-iahourer, by
him 0

Brookes, Mr. Alien Office l

Brookes, Mrs. 21, Mount-
Row, Lambeth 1

Brookes, Mr. Caleaton-
slreet, 1

Broughton, Mr. 20, Gos-
w ell Place, two years 2

Brown and Stokes, Mesds.
Peckham 2

Brown, Mr. 2, Mary-
hill, two years 2

Brown, Mr. W, by Mr.
Paty, Hoxton-square 1

Brown, Rev. Mr. col-
lection at Cumberland
Chapel 15

Biovvn, Mr. Deptford, 0

Broydon, Mr. 10, Wit-
tarn's Buildings, Old-
street 2

Bryan, Mr. Newgate-st. 1

Bryson, Mr. Spitalfields 1 0

Buchan, Miss, 10, Barns-
bury-place 1

Buchan, Miss D. ditto 1

Buck Rev. Mr. Collec-
tion at his Meeting, Ca-
momile'Street 15

Bunnell, Mr. New-street,
Covent-Garden, 2

Bunnell, Mr. Joseph, \6
Soulhamplon Place 2

Burder, Rev. Mr. Collec-
tionat his Meeting, Fet-
ter-Lane, 80

Rev. Mr. Burder, Isling-
ton 2

s.

d.

14

0

2

0

1

0

10

6

1

0

1

0

1

0

2

0

2

0

2

0

1

0

0

0

10

6

2

0

1

0

10

0

1

0

1

0

2 0

2 2 0

10 6

2 0

Brought forward 256
Burder, Rev. Mr. a Friend

by him 50
ditto 1

ditto 1

Burton, Mr. Moore-place,

Lambeth 1

Burt, Mrs. 9, W^arren-

place 1

Burchett,Mrs. Ann, Com-

meree-row 2

Burciielt,Mrs.byMr.Hill 10
Burchett, Mr. 45, Union-
street, Bishopsgate 1
Burkitt, Mr. 7, Poultry 1
Burrows, Mr. Isaac, 32,

Piccadilly 1

Butcher, Mr. 18, Spa

Fields 2

Butcher, Mr. Snow-hill 3
By field, Mr. 21, Charing-

cross 1

Byrchmere, Mr. Wilsted-

street, Somers-town O
J. B. by Mr. Town^end 0

Capel, Mr. 96, Cornhill 1
Cardale, Mr. 2, Bedtbrd-

rovv, 2

Ditto, a Lady by him 5
Carter, Mr. Wrii. Peck-
ham, two years 4
Carter, Mr. Royal Exch. 1
Ditto, a Friend by him 1
Carter, Mr. Blackman-

street. Borough 2

Calherwood, Mr. J.J. by

Mr. Langton 2

Chad wick, Mr. 105,Wap-
ping 1

Chapman, Mr. 151, Fleet-
est re^t 1
Charrington,Mr. Mile-end 2

i.

J.

5

3

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

2

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

1 o

2 O

3 O

1 O

10 6

10 6

1 0

2

0

5

0

4

0

1

0

1

0

2 2 0

2 0

1 0

356 2 3

256 5 3

COXTRIBUTOIIS.

BrouglU forward Sb6

Chatteris, Mr. 80, Corn-
iiill I

Chid wick, Miss, 19, Hat-
ton Wall 1

Churchyard, Mr. Penton-
vflie 2

Clarke, Mr. Wm. Bo-
rough 2

Ditto, Donation 5

Clarke, Mr. J. J. by Mr.
Emerson I

Clarke, Mr 1 5, Brick-lane 0

Clayton, Mrs. Highbury-
place 1

Clane, Mr. Casile-slreet,
Oxford Market, 1

Coade, Mrs. Narrow Wall,
Lambelh 2

Cock, Mrs. 65, Lower
Shadwell 1

Coe, Mr. North-street,
Tottenham-court Road 0

Cole, Mr. Princes-street,
Druryrlane I

Cole, Mr, Homerlon 5

ColebrookjMrs. Islincrlon 1

Collier, Mr. 8, I^ong-lane,
borough 1

Colnngwood, Mr. Green-
wich I

Collins, Mr. Deptford 1

Collison, Rev. Mr. Hack-
ney 1

Pitto, a Friend by him 2

Cooper, Mr. by Mr. Smith 1

Cope, Mr. Ill, Upper
Thames-Street I

Copeland, Mr. Devon-
shire-street, Queen-sq, 1

Corbelt, Mrs. by Mr.
Neale 2

Corsbie, Mr. Jos. junr.
3, Finsbury-square 1

s.

^.

2

3

1

0

1

0

2

0

2

0

5

0

0

0

10

6

1

0

1

0

2

0

1

0

10

6

1

0

5

0

1

0

] 0

I 0

1 0

1 0

O 0

0 0

1 0

1 0

2 0
1 0

Brought forward 394- \5

Covell, Mr. Gracechurch-
street

Covell, Mrs. York' place,
Walworth

Covvie, Mr. 8. Finsburj-
square '

Cowie, Mrs. senr. Isling-
ton !

Cowie, Mrs. Falcon-sq.

Cowell, Mr. Maid-lane,
Borough

Creak, Mrs. Rotherhilhe

Curling, Mr. jesse, do.

Curling, Mr. Camberwell
Grove

Curling, Mr. 3.0, Fish-
street Hill

Ciitbush, Mr. Thos. 30,
WhitechapelRoad

J.C

394-15 3

V

Daker, Mr. 15, White-
cross Street

Davenport, Mr. 15, Lime-
Street

Davidson, Mr. Essex-st.
Strand

Davies, Mr. 190, Shore-
ditch

Davies, Mr. Richard 95,
W^atling^-street, <

Davies, Mrs. Stepney

Davies, Mrs. Kentish-town

Dawson, Mrs. 2, Jeffrey's
square

Dennis, Mr. senr. Excise
Office

Dennis, Mr. jun. ditto

Dent, Mrs. 1-6, Great Pres-
cotl-streel

Denyer,Mr.l8,Smllhfield

Diqkson, Mr. 7, Church-
street, Spilalficlds

1 0

0

0

0

0

10

6
0
0

1 0
1 0

0 10 6
1 0

^2J 0 3

CONTRIBUTORS.

/,. s. a.
Brought forward 4'i3 0 :i
Dickson, Mrs. 7, C! urcij-

. streel, Spiialnelds 1 I O

Dinwiddie, Mr. Hackney I 1 O
pixie, Mr. Wood- street,

Cheapside 1 J 0

Pixon, Mr. 103, Alders-
gate Streel 1 1 0
pixon, Mr, Wm. 14.7,

Cheapside 110

Pohbs, Mr. 8, Bridge-st.

Blackfriars 5 0 0

Pornford, Josiah, Depl-

ford 2 2 0

Downer, Mrs. 20, Bishops-
gate-street 1 1 0
Dunkin, Mr. Jamaica-row 2 2 0
-Dunn, Peter, a Seaman,
prize-money ; by Mr.
Bellin 1 18 0
Durant, Mrs. 4. Spital sq. 1 1 0
Duthie& Brown, Messrs.

Drury-lane 1 1 0

Pyer, Mr. Greenwich 2 2 0

a Friend by him 0 l!i 0

Egginlon, Mr. Dean's ct.

St. ManinVle-grand 1 I 0
Eland, Mr. I, Church-st,

Islington 1 1 0

Elliott, Mr. Friday-street,

2 years 2 10

Eriott, Mi. Pump-row,

Oiri-slreet 1 1 0

Eli'S,.Mr. Ralhbone-place 1 1 0
Eihs Mr. Grienwjch 1 1 0
^Iwip, Mr. 7, Somers pi.

Somers-town 1 1 0

Emerson, Mr. Whitecha-

pel-road I 1 0

Enouy, Mr. 4, Rocking-
ham-row, Kent-road 2
years 5 0 0

■' Donation 5 0 0

464 13 3

L.

Brought forward 464

Estridge, Mr. William-st.
Btacktiars

htnerid^e, Mr. Hackney

il>velfcgl\ Mr. Ha( kney

ti-\shaw, Mr. 3, Austin
Friar<, 2 year>

E-yre, Mrs. Hackney

Faden, Mr. 5, C baring-
cross

f^^allowfield, Mr. Scotland-
yard

Faiquharson, Mr. Great
Warner-street

Farquharson, Mr. Plumb-
tree-street

Favell, Mr. 147, Tooley-
street

Fearn, Mr. 12, Spital-sq.

Fenn, Mr. John, 7 8, Corn-
hill

Fenn, Mr. 16, Terrace,
New Road, Mile-End

Ferguson, Mr. 51, Cham-
bers-street

Ferris, Mr. Charles, 4
Aldgate

Ferris, Messrs. R. & 1
42, Petficoat-lane

Filing, Mr. 9.3, Upper
Shadwell

Fpnesler, Mr. 5, Savage
Gardens

Foster, Rev. Mr. 12, Wil-
derness-row

Founders Hall Meeting,
a Member of 2

Ditto, a collection at the
missionary monthly pray-
er meeting there 22

Fox, Mr. Bath Place,
Peckham 2

/.

^.

13

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

0

1

0

1 0
1 0
3 0
1 0
1 0

1 0
12 6

7 0

2 0

516 18 9

CONTRIBUTOKS.

2

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

I

0

1

0

1

0

2

0

i. J. d.

Brought forward .5 i 6 18 9
Foysf^r, Mr. Samuel, Tot-
tenham-street 5 5 0
Frazier, Mr. Nightingale-
lane 1 1 0
Friends, two, at Surry-

chapel 2

Friend by Mr. Cran 1

Friend, at the Tabernacle 2
Friend, by the Treasurer 10
Frost, Mr. Ill, Great
Portland-street 1

Gabriel, Mr. Banner-st. 1
Gamon, Mr. Michael, 14,
Aldersorale-street I

Gardner & Co. Tower-st. 2
Gardner, Mr. 30, Skinner-
street 1
Garwood, Mr. 50, Man-

sel-street 2

Gaviiler, Mr. 9, Hackney

Terrace 2

Geale, Mr. Henry-street,

Pentonvtlle I 1

George, Mr. Tyler-street 1 1
Gibbs, Mr. North-street
Moorfields 1

'Gibson, Mrs, 38, Great

Prescot-street 0

Gibson, Mr. Wardrobe-
place I
Giles, Mr. Water-lane,

Tower-street 2

Giles, Mr. South-street,

Peckham I 1

Gill, Mr. Clapton 0 10

Gillespy, Mr. Stockwell 1 1
Gillespy, 12, America-sq. I 1
Gillis, Mr. Stockwell 1 1

Gimber, Mr. Adiuiralfy 1 1
Goddar.i, Mr. Cable-st.

Wellclose-square 1 1 0

1 0

2 0

2 0

0
0

1 0

10 6

1 0

2 0

1 0
6
0
0
0
0

562 10 9

Brought forward 562

Goode, Rev. Mr. Black-
friars 1

Goode,Rev.Mr. Islington 1

Gordon, Mrs. 11, Cross-
street, Islington 1

Gordon, Mr. at Haber-
dashers'-hall 1

Gosnell, Mr. Little Queen
street 1

Gough, Mrs, Camberwell 1

Goulding, Mr. Bank-side 1'

Graham, Lady, by Messrs*
Birch & Co. 2

Grange, Mr. Covent-gar-
den, two years 1

Graves, Mr. Thomas,
Lewisham 10

Gray, Mrs. 13, Apollo-
place, Walworth 1

Gray, Miss, 1, Wilder-
ness-row 1

Gregory, Rev. Doctor,
by Mrs. Ayscough 1

Gregory, Rev, Dr. Cha-
pel-street, Bedlord-rcw 1

Greo^ory, Mr. 2, Hoxton
Fields 1

Gribble, Mr. Bank 2

Grieg, Mr. Charlolte-st.
Surry- rd. two years 2

a Donation 2

Griffin, Mrs. Mare-siree(,
H^ickney 1

Griffiths, Mr. 129, Oxford
street 1

Griffiths, Mr, Orange-
streel-Chapel 1

Groonie, Mr. 38, Br(»ad-
street, St. Giles i

Haberdasher's-hall, contri-
butions at the aniiual
meetmg 17

s, d.

10 ^

1 o

1 0

1 0

1 0

I 0

1 0

1 o

2 0
1 0

10 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

2 0-

2 0

2 0

1 0

I 0

1 0

1 0

12 6

61(5 18 3

u 2

CONTRIBUTORS.

L. s. d.
Brou^rht forward 616 i8 3

Hadv\(.i), Mr. 18, Gloces-

ter-sl Hoxton 1 1 0

Hale, Mr. 4-, Wood-street,

Spjial-fielcis 1 1 0

Hall, Mr. 7, Fenchurch-

street 5 5 0

Mrs. Ditto 3 3 0

Halward, Mr. 14, Hol-

born-cuurt, Gray's-Inn 1 I 0

Hammond, Mr. While-
chapel 1 1 0

Hanson, Mrs. Peckham 5 0 0

Harcouft, Mrs. by the Rev.

A. I. Kr.ight, two years 2 0 0

Hardcastle, Mr. Joseph,

Old Swan- stairs 21 0 0

Harper, Mr. Jerusalem

CofTee-house I 1 0

Mrs. Ditto 1 1 0

Harris, Mrs. at Surry Cha-
pel 0 10 6

Harris, Miss,7 1 , Wood-st,

Cheapide 1 1 0

Harrison, Mr. G. 6, Hel-
met-row 1 1 0

Harvey, Mr Charlotte-
street, Portland-place I I 0

Haweis, Rev. Dr. a con-
tribution toward the ex-
pences attending llie
subsistence and educa-
tion of the Olaheilean
Oley and Mydow, at
Fulneck 45 0 0

a Lady, by him '20 0 0

Hawkes, Mr. LH, Picca-
dilly 2 2 0

Hawkes, Mr. ditto, a Do«

natioii 10 0 0

Hayes, Miss, at Mr. Grit-

fiths's Kniglilsbridge 1 i o

41

Brought forwahrd 741

Heaton, Mr. Bretts-build-
mgs Walworth 1

Hemmings, Mr. 31, City
road, 2 years 2

Hench, Mr. 15, Great
Mary-le-bone street 1

Heme, Mr. 4, Hoxton
square 1

Hearne, Mr. William, jun.
ditto 1

Hill, Rev. Rowland, Sur-
ry Chapel, Annual Sub-
scription 2

Donation 5

a Collection at Surry

Chapel 108

a Friend by him 1

ditto 1

Hill, Mrs. Fore street 2

a Friend by her " 1

Hipburne, Mr. Long lane,
Southwark 2

Hockley, Rev. Mr. at Ha-
berdasher's hall 2

Hodgkinson, Mr. Stamford
street '2

Hodson, Mr. Lolhbury 2

Hodson, Mr. G. Penton-
ville . I

Holehouse, Mr. Union
street. Borough 2

Holland, Mr. 146, Drury-
lane ]

Hollingsworth, Mr. Sam.
Highbury 5

Holman, Mr. 76, Lower
Thames-street 1

Holmes, Mr. George, 13,
Cleveland-street 0

Honey man, Mr. 7, Church-
street, Spitalhelds I

s. <i.

8 9

1 0

2 0
1 0
1 0

1 0

2 0
5 0

II 0

1 0

0 0

2 0

1 P

2 6

0 0

2 O

2 0

1 0

2 0
1 0
5 0
1 0

10 6

I 0

869 4 3

CONTRIBUTORS.

s.

ri.

4

3

1

0

0

0

1

0

0 0

I,

' 15. ought forward 889

Hone} man, Mrs. ditto 1

Hooper, Mr. George,
Greenwich 5

, Miss, ditto 1

Hoppey, Mrs. North-
place, Islington 5

Hore, Mr. Throgmorton-

street 1 1 0

Hornby, Mr. Homerton 2 2 0

Hough, Mr. Stephen, Ta-

vistock-street 1 1 0

Houston, Mr. Great St.

Helen's I 1 0

Howard, Mr. Robert, by

Mr. Reyner 10 0 0

Hoxton Academy Chapel,
a Collection 31 10 0

Hubbock, Mr. Thomas,
Rc(i Lion-street, Wap-
ping 110

. Mrs. ditto 1 1 0

Huckwell, Rev, Mr. Tot-

, tenham-court-road 110

Humphries R^v. Mr. 20,

.; Canterbury-place 1 1 0

Humphries, Mr. 80, Tot-
tenham-court-road 1 1 0

Huraphrjes, Mrs. bv Mr,

Harder ' 2 0 0

Hiindlebee, Mr. Crown-
street 1 1 0

Hunter, Mr. King-street,

Golden-square .110

Jack, Mr. 30, St. Martin's-

lane 1 1 0

Jackson, Rev. Mr. Stock-
well, a Collection 30 1 4

.Jackson, Mr. Homerlon I 1 0 j

Jacques, Mr. 65, Lealher-
laue; 1 1

Jam'eson; Mr, 21, Cecil-
s', reet. Strand 2 2

992 1 +

Brought forward 992
James, Mr. 63,Shoreditch 1 -
Jeannerett, Mr. 4-4-, Poul-
try I

, Mrs ditto 1

Jenkins, Mr. 1, James-
street, Old-sJreet I
L.Ies, Mr. 26, St. Martin V

court, 2 years 2

Johnson, Mr. Lombard-
street, Chelsea I
Johnson, Mr. King-street,
Snows-fields I
Jones, Mrs. 5, Hertford-
street, Fitzroy-square 1
Jones, Mr. Curtain-road 1
Jones, Mr. Little Moor-
fields 1
Jones, M. Carter-street,

Spitalfields 1

Jones, Mrs. Shacklewell 1
Jones, Rev. Mr, 5, Ter-
race, City-road 1
Jordan, Mr. Leadenhall-
street 1
Jowett, Mr. 15, Clarence-
row 1
Inman, Mr. Chiswell-
sfreet, 2 years I
Ireland, Mr. Cannon-street I
Knrr. Mrs. Highbury-grove 1

, Miss, ditto 1

Keen, Mrs. 12, Pavement,
Moorfields 1

Kennard, Mr. 15, Silver-
street 1
Kincaid, Mr. 26, Tyson-
place, Kingsland-road 1

-, Mrs. ditto i

Kin?, Mr. Sparrow-corner,

iMinories 1

King, xMr. 48,Bishopsgate-
btieet ' 1

/.

d.

14.

7

1

0

1

0

1

O

1

o

2

0

I

0

1

0

1

0

1

0

1 0

0

o

0

0

0

0
1 0
1 o
1 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

I 0

I 0
1 0

102Q 0

COytRIRUTOriS.

0 7

1 0

1
14

L.

Brought forward I0'20
King, Mr. 8, Kingsland-
road 1

Kirkman, Rev. Mr. Spa-
• fields 1

Knight, Rev. A. I. Hoxton 1

■ a Lady hy him 0

Knight, Rev. Mr. Rocking-
ham-rcw, Walworth 1
Knight, Mr. Gainsford-
street, Horsleydovvn 1
Knight, ?vlr. Rich. King-
street, Clerkenwell I
Knight, Mr. 42 1 , Strand 1
Lack, Mr. Wormwood-
street, 0 10 6
Lad)', a, by Mr. J. White-
head I 1 0
Lane, Mr. Gutter-lane I 1 0
Langston, Mr. Gutter-
lane 2
Langton, Mr. D. Hack-
ney 1
Lavr'ock, Mr. Deplford 1
Lea, Alderman, Old Jewry 1
Lee, Mr. Thomas, Homer-
ton 1
5
0
0
Lees, Mr. Savoy-square 1
Lees, Mr. Qrdnance-offi -o 1
Legg, Mr. 71, Fleet-

— a Friend by him

— ditto,
'- ditto.

I

0
10
10

1

1

street J

aFrlend by him '2

Lepard, Mr. B. James-
street, Covent-gardcn 1
Lc<::acy, by Mr. Roiiert
Douglas, late of Kings-
land 17
LewK, Rev. Thoma-, bv

Mr. Covvie I

Littler, Mr. 1, Wildernes>-

fOVV 1

2 0

Brought forward 1098
Lonsdale, Mrs. 6, Beech-
row, Hoxton
Lyall, Mr. George, 243
Holborn

a Friend by him

1 0 I

I
I

0 0 j
J 0 '

i 0

Maberley, Mr. John, Wel-
beck-street

Maberley, Mr. George,
Waltharastow

Maberley, Mr. 80, St.
Martin's-lane

Machell, Mr. Park-lane

Mackie, Mr. 70, St. Leo-
nard-street, 2 years

Madgwick, Mr. Wifder-
ness-Row

Magnally, Mrs. Norwood

Maitland, Mrs. 9, Char-
lotle-row, Walworth

Maitland, Mr. Robert,
King's-arras-yard :

Marchant, Mrs. Wilmot-
square

Margery, Mrs. Clapham-
row

Marriott, jNIr. Hoxton-
square 2

Martin, Miss, Colebrook-
row 2

M askew, Mr. Nicholas-
lane 5

Masson, Mr. Stepney 1

Mather, Mrs. Hackney 3

Matthew, Mr. (S'i, New-
gate-street 1

Matthews, Mr. 18, Strand 1

Medley, Mr. 1 1-, Grosve-
nor-place, 2 years 2

Medley, Mr. R, i.George-
plaoe, Surry-road I

Medley. !\Ir G. Ditto 1

Meek, Mr. John, Token-
house-yard 1

7 1

1 0

\ 0

0 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

I 0

2 2 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

2 0
1 0

1 0

2 0

2 0

5 0

1 0

5 0

i 0

I 0

2 2 0

1 0

I 0

I 0

1098

n:>9 4 I

L. s. d.
Brouglit forward 1139 4 1

Meriton, Mr. Peckham 1 1 0

Meyer, Mr. Leadenhall-

slreet 5 5 0

Meymotf,Mr. Kew-green 2 2 O

Meymott, Mr. Broker's-

rovv 110

M:ddlemas,Mr.S,Hoxton-

fields I 1 0

Middlelon, M. St. MartinV

lane 1 1 0

Miles'-lahe Monthly Prayer-

Mceling 1 13 0

Miller, Mr. Wine-office-
court, Fieet-street 1 10

Mills, Mrs. Islington 2 2 0

Mizpeh, Mr. per Mr.

Williams 1 0 0

Moore, Mrs. 22, Feather- •

stone-street 110

Moore, Mr. Percy-street,

Rathbone-place' 1 1 0

Moreland, Mr. 19, Old-
street 1 1 0
Moreland, Mrs. 18, Old-
street 2 2 0
Moreland, Mr. John,

ditto 1 1 0
Moreland, Mr. Clapton I 1 0
, Mrs. ditto 1 I 0

Morley, Mr. John, Lad-
lane 5 0 0

Morley, Mr. 91, Drury-

lane 1 1 0

Mori is Mr. Camberwell-

terrace 3 3 0

Morris, Mr. 14, New-road,

Mile-end 1 1 0

Morrison, Mr. Q'^y John-
street, Tottenham-court-
road 110

Mum, Mr. 12, Great Ay-

lifie-street 2 2 0

117S 7 J

CONTRIBUTORS.

L. s. d.

Brougilt forward 1 178 7 1
Murray, Mr. 28, Exeter-

slreet, Sioane-.strect, 2
. jears 1 1 0

Murray, Mr. Princes-street 1 0 0
Nairn, Mr. Homerlon I 1 0
Nash, Mr. Angel-passage 1 1 0
Nation, Miss, by Dr. Gre-

ao;v ' 10 0

Neale, Mr. John, Penlon-

ville 1 1 0

Ne;ilc', Mr. at the Duke

olCuniberland's 1 1 0

Nei Ison.M ;•. London-fields,

Hackney 2 2 0

Nelson, Mr Park-'ane 10 10 0
Neven, Mr. 15, King-

stieet, Solio 1 1 0

Newcombe, INIr. Jerusa-
lem-passage 1 1 0
Newcombe, Mr. S3, Al-

dersgate-slreet 1 1 0

Newman, Mr. F. S. ^

Crown-street i 1 0

Newton, Rev. Mr. Cole-

niar.-buiidings • 110

Nicholson, Rev. .Mr Pell-

slreet 110

Nico!, Rev. Mr. Hans-
square, Sloane-street 110
Noetb, Mr. Gloucester-
ten ace, Whitechapt'l I 1 O
Norman, Mrs. Maik-

lane 1 1 0

Oakely, Mr. William,
Church-slreet, Horslc\-
down I 1 0

0.)les, Rev. IMr. Bray

buiMino-«, Isliniiton

1 1 0

Ogden, Mr. 36, Upper

Tliames— ticet 2 2 0

Orner, Mr. High -street,

Islington O 10 6

1212 7 7

CONTRIBUTOnS.

L.

Brought forward 1212
Orange-street Chapel, Col-
lection at 101
Over, Mr. Bank, 2 years 2
Owen, Mr. Shoreditch I
Paine, Mr. Tottenham-
court-road I
Pantin.Mr. 88,Smithfield 1
Parks,Mr.H. S.Kingsland I
Parkes, Mr. 6. Palace-row 1
Parker, Mr. J. Princes-
square I
Parker, Mr. W. King^^
Mews 1
Parkinson, Mr. Bank 1
Parnell, Mr. 2, George-
street, Enstcheap 1
Parry, Mr. Homerton 0
Peacock, Mr. 17, Finsbury
square \

' -, Mrs. ditto I

Pearson, Mr. Homerton 5

• , Mr>\ ditto I

Pellatt, Apsley, St. Paul's
Church yard 1

Pellatt, Thomas, Ironmon-
ger's hall 1
Percy, Rev. Mr. Queen-
square, Westminster 1
Perkins, Mr. Great Thorn-
haugh street 1
Perry, Mr. 33, Charles
street, Hampstead road I
Pelch, Mrs. Curtain road 1
Peyton, Mr. by Mr.
Heme 1

,Miss, by Mr. Spils-

bury ' 1

Philips Mr. Charles Wink-
worth buildings l
Philips, Mr. George, do. 1
Phillips Mrs. Goodman's

yard 0 1

Pierce, Ml. Greenwich 1

s.
7

16
2

I

1 0

1

0

1

0

I

0

10

6

1

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

1 0

Brought forward 1 34o

Pinder, Mr. Samuel, Fal-
con square 1

Piatt, Mr. Stamford street,
Surry 2

Piatt, Mrs. 10, Klrby
street, Hatton garden I

Plait, Rev. Mr. Wilmot
square 1

. . Collec-

r3K3 9 I

lection at Holywell Cha-
pel 23
Pomeroy, Mr. Moor place,
Lambeth 1
Pontin, Mr. Turnmill-

slreet 2

Poole, Mr. Cheap^Ide i
Pooley, Mr. 23 7, High
street, Borough 1

Pope, Mr. by Mr. Wilks 1
Piatt, Rev. Mr. Doughty

street, 2 years 2

Preston, Mr. 26, Miles
lane I

Price, Mr. at Mr. Whit-
bread's Brewhouse 2
Pritchett, Mr. Short's gar-
dens I
Pritt, Mr. 15, Wood street 1
Procter and Brownlow,

Messrs. Fleet street 4
J. P. a Friend 2

Rainier, Mr. Hack'icy 1

a Friend by him 1

Rankin, Rev. Thomas,
North green I

a Lady by hira 1

Rawlins, Mr. Rotherhilhe 1
Reeves Mr. Job, 15, Up-
per Mary-le-bone street 0
Reid, Mr. Old Complon

street, Soho 1

Revv.Mr. 16, Adam street,
Adelphi 1

3. d.
? 1

1 0

2 0
1 0

1 0

2 0

1 0

2 0
1 0

1 0

1 0

2 0

1 0

2 0

1 0

1 0

4 0

2 0
1 O
1 0

1 0

I 0

1 0

10 6

10 C

1 0

1107 12 7

CONTRIBUTORS.

Z.

Brought forward 1407
Reyner, Mr. Joseph, Shac-

klewell 5

Reynolds, Rev. Mr. Hox-

ton square 1

Rhodes, Mrs. 54, Upper

John street, Tottenham

court road 2

Richards, Mr. Queen

street, Bloomsbury 1
Risdon, Mr. 89, Gray's

Inn lane 1

Risdon, Mr. Gloucester

street. Curtain road 1
Roberts, Mr. Lambeth 5
Robertson, Dr. Green-
wich 1
Robinson, Mrs. 12, Palace

row, 2 years 2

Roper, Mr. High street.

Borough 1

Roe, Mr. Edward, by Mr.

Parker 2

Roe, Mr. Thomas, by do. 2
Roe, Mr. William, by do. 2
Rose, Mr. 102, Lower

Thames street 1

Rusby, Mr.Tslington green 2
Sackett, Mr. Rotherhithe 2
Sargent, M. 159, Old Gra-
vel Lane 1
Savage, Mr. St. George's

in the East 1

Sealy, Mr. Lambeth 2

Season, Mr. 12, Paul

street 1

Sell, Mr. Bank side 1

Seton, Mr. Greenwich 1
Shadd, Mr. Ay lesbury-

street 1

Sharland, Mr. Cockspur-

street 1

Shaw, Mr. Stoke Newing-

ton 1

s.

^.

12

7

5

0

1

0

2

0

1

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

2

0

1

0

2

0

2

0

2

0

1

0

2

0

2

0

1

0

1

0

2

1

0

1 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

1450 8 7

X

Brought forward 1450
Sheriff,' Mr. 18, Tottenham

court road t

Shotter,Mr. William street,

Blackfriars 1

Shrubsole, Mr. William,

Old street 1

Simpson, Rev. Mr. Hox-

ton Academy 1

Simpson, Mr. Newgate

street i

Simpson, Mrs. Princes

street, Soho 2

Sims, Mr. Sun Tavern

fields 5

Slate, Mr, 36, Noble

street I

Smith, Mr. King street.

Seven Dials 1

Smith, Mr. 30, Cateaton

street I

Smith, Capt. David, I9i

Jamaica row 1

Smith, Mr. Rose and

Crown court, Moor-
fields 0
Smith, Mr. Margaret street,

Cavendish square 1

Smith, Mr. 44, Gutter

lane 1

Smith, Mr. R6d Lion

street, Holborn 1

Smith, Mr. 39, Surry road 1
Smith, Mr. Beech street 1
Smith, M. at Mr. Barnes,

City road 5

Smith,Mr, 49, Hounsditch I
Smith, Rev, Mr. Homer-
ton 1

, Mrs. ditto 1

Snelson, Mr. Sloane

square 1

Soames, Mr. Cateaton

street 1

r.

ci.

3

7

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

10 6

1483 8 I

CONTTIBUTORS.

/.

Brought forward 1483

Southgate, Mr. 9, Hatton-
Garden 1

Spence, Mr. 1, Arlington-
street X

Spragg, Mr. 102, Black-
nian-stre^t, Borough 1

Stafford, Mr. Borough-
market 0

Steill, Mr. 6, Barnsbury-
place 1

Steinkopfft, Rev.Mr. col-
lected at his church 3

Stephenson, Mr.WiUham-
street, Blacktriars 1

- — ; :Mrs. Ditto 1

Steven, Mr. Redlion-st.
Holborn 1

Stimson, Mrs. 8, Prospect
place, two years 2

Stokes, Mr. Camden-
row, Peckhani 1

Storck, Mr. John-street,
Tottenham-court-road 1

Storey, xMr. 34, Poultry 1

Strange, Mr. John, Bi-
shopsgate 5

Strickland, Mr. Newgate-
street 1

Strongitharm, Mr. 13,
Pail-mall ' 1

Stunt, Mr. Devereux-ct.
Strand J

Summers, Mr. 93, New
Bond-street 1

Sundius, Mr. Fen-ccurt 5

Suttaley, Mr. Stationers-
court I

Swodenberg, INIary, by
Mr. Wilks ' 2

W. $. by Mr. Border 0

Tagg, Mrs. Shacklewell 1

Taru, ^i^. Spa-ficlds 1

s. d.

8 1

1 0

1 0

1 0

JO .6

1 0

3 0

I 0

1 0

1 0

2 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

0 0

1 0
1 0
1 0

1 0

5 0

1 0

0 0
10 6

1 0
1 0

u-iy i6 I

Brought forward 1519
Taylor, Mr. Hoxton-sq. 1
Taylor, Mr. Old-street 1
Thodey, Mr. Old Jewry 1
Thompson, Mr. 25, Fen-
church-street 1
Thompson, Mr. Wm. 121,

High Holborn

Thompson, Mr. Castle-st.

Oxford-street 1

Thornton, Henry, M.P.

Kings-arms-yard 5

Thornton, Samuel, M.P.

Ditto 5

Thornton, Robert, M.P.

Ditto 5

Thornton, :\Ir. High-st.

Boroudi

Thornton, Mr. Wapping 3
Thorrowgood, Mr. 27,
St. Thomas the Apost. 1
Thrings, Mr.20, Charlotte-
st. Portland-place 2
Timmings, Mr. John, jun.
30, Noble-street 1

Tindale, Mr. 14,Cockhill 1
Tinsley, Mr. >Vells-st. 0
Towers, Rev. Mr. collec-
tion at his meeting 22
Towle, Mr. Borough I
Townley, Mr. James,

Doctors Commons 2
Townsend, Mr. 325, Hol-
born 1
Townsend, Rev. John,
Bermondsey 1

a Friend by him 2

Ditta 1

Ditto I

Truman^ ]Mr. Jos. Car-
penter, Kingsland 1
Turnbull, Mr. 30, City
Road ' 1

s. d,

16 1

1 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

1 0

0 0
5 0
5 0
5 0

1 0
3 0

1 0

2 0

1 0

1 0

10 6

15 6

1 0

2 0
1 0

1 0

2 0
1 0

0 0

1 0
1 0

1586' I 1.

'CONTRIBUTORS,

/.

i?.

d.

firaught forward 1530

1

1

Trotter, Rev.Dr.Knights-

bridge 1

1

0

And Rev. Mr. Nicols,

collection at their meet-

ing 20

11

6

Turner, Mr. Hen. Wild-

St. Lincoln's-inn-fields 2

2

0

Underbill, Mr. Cambridge

row, Hackney I

1

0

Underwood, Mr. Deptford 1

I

0

Unvvin, Mrs. 1, Somers

place 2

2

0

Upton, Rev. Mr. 3,Bruns-

wick-street I

1

0

Usher, Mr. Buckle-street,

. VVhitechapel I

1

0

o

0

Venables, Mr. George,

v»

yJ

Tower 1

1

0

Vowell, I\Irs. Leadenhall-

street 1

1

0

Wackerell, Mr. 80, Bun-

hill-row 1

1

0

Waistell, Mr. 99, Hol-

born 2

2

0

Wallis, Cook & Hammond

Trump-street 5

5

0

Walker, Mr. Harp-alley 1

1

0

Walker, Mr. Turners-sq.

Hoxton 1

1

0

Walker, Mr. Wells-street

Hackney 2

2

0

Walton, Mr. Little Bri-

tain 1

1

0

Ward, Mr. Chas. by Mr.

Parker 2

2

0

Wardall, Mr, Honey-lane

Market 1

1

0

Warner, Mr. Fore-street 1

1

0

Warner, Mr. Gainsford-

street, two years 2

2

0

Watson, lAlr. 149, Strand 1

1

0

1649 3 7

// ^. d.
Brought forward 1649 3 7

W^arren, Mr. 12, Little

Newport-street 1 1 0

Watkins, Mr. Lambs-con-
duit-street 110

Watson, Mr. Deaf and

Dumb Asylum 110

Watt, Mrs. by the Rev.

Mr. Waugii 10 0

Waugh,Rev. Mr.Salisbu- -

ry-pliice 1 1 ^
collected at his

chapel 22 0 0

Webber, Mr. Whitecha-

pel-road 1 T' 0

West, Mr. Pullen's-row 1 10
Westley, Mrs. 8, French- •

row, Old-street 11 0

Weybndge, Mr. 28, Mil-
bank 110
Wheeler, Mr. GrayVInn-

passage 110

Whitaker, Mr. Hackney 2 2 0
Whitehead, 1. a Friend

by him 1 ;i 0

Whiteman,Mrs.l8,Hamp-

stead-road 110

Whitwell, Mr. Bethnal-

green, two years 4 4 0

Wickenden, Mr.78,Corn-

hiU 2 2 0

Wilcoxon, Mr. Lombard-
street 1 1 0
Wilkie, Mr. Wellclose-

square 110

Wilkinson, Mrs. Wilmot-

square 1 i ^

Wilks, Rev. Mr. a Friend

bvhim 52 10 0

1 Ditto 1 1 0

Ditto 1 1 0

Ditto 1 0 0

Ditto 1 0 0

1751 17 7

x2

CONTfeTBUTORS.

5.

d.

17

1

1

0

I

0

1

0

13

6

2

0

/.

Brought forward 175^1 17
Widow's Mite, a 1

\Vilks,Mr.J. Hoxton-sq. 1
Williams, Rev. Griffith

Gate-street 1

a collection at his

chapel 36

Wilhams, Rev.T.Stepney 2
Williams, JNlr. T. from a

Friend for the African

rnission 2 0 0

Williams, Mr. T. Station-
. ers-court 110

Williams, Mr. Hackney-
' fields 110

Willis, Mr. Chatham-pl.

two years 2 2

Wilsj->n.Ct.J.Camberwell2 2
Wilson, Mrs. Ditto 2 2

WilsT.n,Mr.Goldsmith-st.5 5
Wilson, Mr.54,8loa'ne-st. 1 1
Wilson,Mr.l l3,Loijgacrel 1
Wils« n,MrB. Brokers-row 1 1
Wilson, Mr. W. Ditto 1 1
Wi cH^'Sier, Mr. Strand 1 1
Wix, Mr. b. Stockwell 1 1

/. s. d.

Brought forward 18 15 15 1

Witton, Mr. 12, Wells-
row, Islington I 1 0

Wolff, Mr. Geo. America-
square, donation 20 0 0

Wood, Mrs. Church-st.

Whitechapel 0 10 6

Wood,Mr.l02,Shoe-laneO 10 6

Wood, Rev. B. Padding-
ton-green 110

VVoodman,Mr44,Lime-st.2 2 0

Woodward, Mr. Hondu-
ras-wharf 1 I 0

Wontner, Mr. 115,'Mi-

nories 1 1 o

Wright, Mr.Stamford-hill 1 1 0

M.W. by Mr. Burder 1 1 0

Well-wisher, A, by Ditto 1 1 0

— ^^Ditto I 1 0

Ditto, Hack-
ney 3 3 0

Y<)unger,Mr.Rotherhithe2 2 0

Young, Mr. Bear-street 1 1 0

Mrs. Ditto 1 1 0

Zeiglehaupt, Mr. 100,

Petticoat-lane 110

ZionChapel,Collection at 77 13 0

0 8
0 5

Carried up 1815 15 1

Sundry Small Sums

An unknown Friend, by Mr. Burder 0 4-

Friends, by Ditto , .

i. M. by Ditto

Anonymous . r

A Maid-servant, by Mr. Hodson

A Servant

A young Man

Mr. Sandes . ►

Mr. Turner, Grrenwich

Mr. Barrett, Ditto

Sundry Persons, by the Treasurer

1933 7 I

0 10
0 7
0 5
0 2
0 16

3 17 6

Total Amount of Subscriptions and Donations in
jA)ndon, &c, carried to Accompt, 'current'

cfJ937 4 7

IN THE COUNTIES OF

GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND,

8sc. S;c.

Adams, Capt. Robt. Ply-
mouth 5 0 0
^dams. Rev. Mr. & Friends,

Salisbury 13 19 0

Aldridge,Mr,G. jun. Christ-
church 110
Alexander, Mr. Maidstone,
for the distribution of re-
ligious Tracts in France 50 0 0
Allen, Mr. Richard, bear-
borough, two years 2 2 0
Alien, Mrs. Botley 1 0 0
Allsea, Mrs. Gosport 0 10 6
Alton, a few Friends at, by

Mr. Tracy 6 0 0

Appleton, Miss C. Hull 0 10 6
Arrowsmith, Mr. J.Newport

Pagnel 1 1 0

Arthur, Mr. Southampton 1 1 0
Atkins, Mr. Carshaiton 0 10 6

Baker, Mr. Tho. jun. South-
ampton 2 2 0

Band, Mr. John, Southamp-
ton 110

Banister, Rev. Mr. Ware-
ham 1 1 0

Banalyne, Mr. R.Greenock 1 1 0

Basil Society, by Rev. Mr.

Steinkopfft 31 17 6

Basingstoke, Rev. Mr. Thome

and Congregation '20 0 6

Bates, Mr. by Rev. Mr. Ful-
ler 0 10 6

HO 9 0

L s.
Brought forward 140 9
Bath, Friend at, by Mr.

Cooper 1 ]

Beaufoy, Rev. Mr. Town-

Sutton
Bennett, Rev. Mr. &Friends,
Romsey 1

Bernard, Mr. Tho. South-
ampton 1 1
Ditto, Mr. Peter, ditto 2 2
Ditto, Mr. William, ditto 2 0
Ditto, Mr. Colson, j. ditto 2 2
Bethune, Mr. Divie, New

York 2 2

Binks, Mr. S. Durham 1 1

Ditto, Mr. C. ditto 1 1

Boden, Rev. Mr. and Con-
gregation, Sheffield 26 2
Bogue, Rev. Mr. Gosport 2 2
Bottomley, Rev. Mr. Scar-
borough I
Bowdcn, Mr. W. Hull 2
Bowden, Mr, J. S. Hull 3
Brice, Mrs. Southampton 1
Briggs, Mr. J. Hull 2
Briggs, Mr. W. jun. Leeds 1 1
Brock, Mr. Chatham 1 1
Broderick, Mr. Geo. Scar-
borough 1 1
Brown, Rev. Tho. Dalkeith 1 0
Brownson,Mr. Robert Man-
chester, two years '^
Bruce, Rev. Mr. and Con

1 0

11 C

2 2 Q

gregation, Wakefield 28 0 0

237 8 7

CONTRIBUTORS.

/. s, d.

Brought over 237 8 6

Buchanan, Mr. J.Greenock 1 1 0
Buckland,- Mr. J. ^Portsea

two years -^2*0

Buckland, Miss Gosport 1 1 0
Bull,Rev.l homas, Newport

Pagnel, tvo years 2 2 ,0
Burn, Mrs. B. Hull - 1 -i-0

Burnett, Mrs. Gosport 2 2 0

Bushly, Mr. Game 1 1 0
Buttery, Mr. P. Hull 110
Byley, Mr. by Rev. Mr.

. Walker Peppard 10 0

Caird, Mr. John, Greenock 1 1 0
Cathay, Mrs. Cook, Bristol 1 1 0
Charles, Mr. David, Car-
marthen 4 4 0
Charles, Rev. Mr. Bala 1 1 0
A A^'idow Lady, by him 10 0 0
Clapham, Mr. W. Leeds 1 1 0
Ditto, Mr. John, ditto 3 3 0
Ditto, Mr. Samuel, ditto 0 10 6
Clarke, Rev. Mr. and Con-
gregation, Brigg H 10 0
Clout, Mr. Marden 1 1 0
Cobb, Mr. Francis, Mar-
gate 10 10 0
Colbourne, Mr. W. South-
ampton 0 10 6
Colebrook, Mr. Southamp-
ton 1 1 0
Collier, Miss, Scarborough 1 1 0
Cook, Mrs. Bristol 11 0
Cook, Mr. Isaac, ditto 2 2 0
Conquest, Dr. Rochester 1 1 0
Cornwall, Mr. Scarborough 0 10 6
Creed, Mr. Geo. Plymouth,

two years 2 2 0
Cripps, Mr. Jos. Newport

Pagnel 1 1 0

Crouch, Mr. Gosport 0 10 0

Curme, Mr. ditto 1 0 0

/. s. d.

Brought for^rard 307 2 0
Darwell, Mr. John L.South-
ampton 2 2 0
Davies, Benjamin Dr. Read-
ing 5 5 0
Davies, Mr. Aberystwith 1 1 0
Deal, a Benevolent Society 4 0 0
Dell, Mr. Southampton 110
Denniston, Mr. John, ditto 1 1 0
Dewhirst, Rev. Mr. and
Congregation, Bury St.
Edniond's 31 15 0
Dods, Mr. Gosport 1 1 0
Donaldson, Mr. R. Hall 1 1 0
Doubesley, Miss Durham 0 10 6

Eastman, Mr. Tho. Port-
sea, two years 3 3 0

Evans, Rev. Mr. and Con-
gregation, Goring 14 0 0

Edinburgh, Editors of Mis-
sionary Magazine 13 6 8

Egginton, Mrs. E. Hull 1 1 0

307 2 0

Farlev, INIr. Gosport I I 0
Fearn, Mr. John Plull 110
Finch, Mr. Arundel 1 1 0
Fletcher, Mr. Isaac, South-
ampton 110
Friends, two, at Bourton,

Glocestershire 4 4 0

Friend, at Trowbridge 5 5 0

Friend, Gosport 2 0 0

Ditto, ditto 1 1 0

Ditt, Scarborough 1 1 0

Ditto, ditto 0 10 (5

Galbraith, Mr. Greenock 0 10 6
Galland, Mr. Hull 0 10 6
Gibson, Mr. Gosport 1 1 0
Ditto, Mr. W. ditto 1 0 0
Gittens, Mr. John Shrews-
bury I 1 0

409 18 ^

CONTRIBUTORS.

/. s. d.
Brought forward 409 1 8 8

Gilder, Mr. John, Hull 220

Glasscott, Rev. Mr. three
. years 3 3 0

(j]a«gow,Comniittee of the
London Missionary So-
ciety 24 0 0

Goodeve, Mr. Jos. Gosport 2 2 0

Ditto, Mr. John, ditto 1 0 0

Gooding, Mr. Leuham 1 1 0

Gosport, Collection by Rev.

Mr. Bogue 24 8 9

Greatheed, Mrs. Newport

Pagnel 5 0 0

Greey, Mr. James, Sand-
wich 1 1 0

Griffin, Rev. Mr. Portsca,

two years 3 3 0

Gni]ith,Rev. Mr.and Con-
gregation, Long Buck-
ley 13 0 0

Griffiths, Rev. Mr. & Con-
gregation^ Aston Tirrold 12 9 6

Haines, Mrs. Mary, South-
ampton 0 10 6
Hall, Mrs. M. Hull 1 1 0
Handley, Mr. Gosport 1 0 0
Hardy, Mr. Newton Gorth 1 1 0
Hartnell, Rev. Mr. and
Congregation, Nunea-
ton 5 17 G
Harting, Friends at, by Mr.

Tracy 7 0 5

Harris, Rev. Mr. and

Friends, Fordham 9 0 0

Hawkswell, Mr. W. Hull 1 1 0
Hayter, Mr. Gosport 2 2 0

Healey, Mr. G. Hull 1 1 0

Henderson, Mr. George

Greenock 1 1 0

Heudebourck, Mr. W.
launton 5 5 0

538 9 4

/. s. d.

Brought forward 533 9 4
Henwood, Mr. Portsea 110
Hickwell, Rev. Mr. and

Friends, Watsfield 7 2 6
Hogg,Rev. Mr.Thrapstone 1 1 0
Holbert, Mr. H. Sheffield 2 0 0
Holt, Mr. W. Sen. Totten-
ham .110
Hopkins, Rev. Mr. & Con-
gregation, Christchurch 24 1 1
Hopper, Mrs. Scarboro' 1 1 0
Hoppus, Mr. Yardley 2 2 0
Hoskins, Mr. Gosport 1 1 0
Hughes, Mr. Thomas, Usk 5 5 0
Humphries, Mr. R. Bour-

ton 3 0 0.

Jackson, Mr. Thos. Portsea,

two years 2 2 0

Jacob, Mr. A. Southanipton 0 10 G

Jenks, Mr. J. Massachusetts 5 0 0

Jones, Mr. Thos. Chester 10 0 0

Jones, Mr. G.Hull 0 10 Q

Jones, Rev. Lewis, Durham 0 10 6

Kelso, association, by Rev.

Mr. Waugh 9 13 0

Kent, Mr. Southampton 1 1 0

Kcr, Mr. Alan, Greenock 1 1 0
Kidd, Rev. Mr. & Friends,

Cottingham 10 17 3
Kilpin, Mr. T. Newport

Pagnel, two years 2 2 0

Ditto, M. W. "ditto 5 0 0
Kingsbury, Rev.Mr.South-

ampton > 110

Kitchener, Mr. Bury St.

Edmonds 1 1 0

Lady a, at Bristol Hot Wells,

by Mr. Cardale 5 0 0

Lady a, at Harwich 1 0 0

Lacy, Mr. W. Lingham 1 1 0

01 a 15 %

CONTRIBUTORS.

/.

s.

d.

Brought forward 646

15

8

Laird, Mr. John, Greenock 2

2

0

Laird, Mr. W. ditto 1

1

0

I_>aird, Mr. Alexander ditto 1

7

6

Lambert, Rev. Mr. Hull 1

1

0

Ditto, a Friend by him 10

10

0

Ditto, a Friend by him 0

10

6

Lambert, Mr. S. a Hull 1

1

0

Lang, Mr. Mansfield !

0

0

Lankester, Mr. Southamp-

ton 1

1

0

Lark, Mr. Edward, Graves-

end 1

1

0

Legacy a, by Mr. Henry

Poole, late of Woodford 4^

0

0

Ditto,by Mrs.SarahTewks-

bury, late of East Hal-

worth, Dorset 9^

- 0

0

Levett, Mr. R. ditto 1

1

0

Levett, Mr. W. 1

1

0

I^ockhart, Kev. John, Glas-

gow 2

0

0

Lobb, Mr. JohnW. South-

ampton 5

5

0

Loveridge, Mr. John Brid-

port 0

10

6

Lucas, Mrs, Portsea 5

0

0

1 0 0

Mackie, Mr. Port?;ea
Macklin, Mr. Tho. South-
ampton 3
M'Callum, Mr. P. Green-
ock 0 10
M'Gowen, Mr. D. Greenock 1 1
M'Gown Mr. Archibald,

ditto 1

Martin, Mr. Richard Hard-
wicke, byRcv.Dr.Haweis 5
Merian, Mess. J. R. de P.

Basil 20 0

Miller, Mr. Wm. Greenock 0 10

Minchin, Mr. Tho. Gosport 5 5

Morris,Rev. Mr. and friends,

Twrgwn, Cardiganshire 10 10

3 0

1 0

5 0

871 14 2

/. s. d.

Brought forward 871 14 2
Nicklin, Mrs. Southampton 5 5 0
N. W. Tweedmouth, Dur-
ham 1 0 0

Old Deer, Aberdeenshire,

friends at 9 15 0

Paisley, branch of the Lon-
don Missionary Society 40
Pafford, Mr. Portsea 1

Parker, Mr. Wm. Gosport 1
Parry, Mr. Jos. Shrewsbury 20
Patten, Mrs. Gosport I

Paull,Rev. Mr.Castle Gary 5
Paxton, Mr. J. Berwick 1
Pennythorne,Mrs. Scarboro 1
Peppering, Mr. Portsea 1
Perth Missionary Society 50
Petersfield, collection, by

Mr. Tracy " 14

Philiskirk, Mrs. Scarboro 1
Pine, Rev. Mr. and friends,

Dux ford 1 1

Portsea, various friends, by

Rev. Mr. Griffin ^21

Price, Rev. Benj. and con-
gregation, Woodbridge 10

Randall, Mr. Wm. South-
ampton 3

Mrs. ditto 1

Reid, Mr. Wm. Greenock 0
Beading-chapel, collection 70
Richards, Rev. Mr. and

friends, Stourbridge 10
Richards, Rev. Mr. and

friends, Hull. 21

Riddle, Mr. E. Hull 1

Ridsdale, Mrs. Eliz. Wake-
field 2
Rhesen,ChTistoph.Fred.of
Embeck,'in Germany 20

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

12

5

1

0

0 0

8

4

10

0

3

0

1

0

10

0

0

0

1 2

0 0

1 0

2 0
0 0

U9d 8 1

CONTRIBUTORS.

Brought forward 119G
]^obinson. Miss, Portsea 1
Roby, Rev. Mr, and con-
gregation, Manchester 30
Kosesear, Mr. Bos-Castle,

Cornwall, 2 years 2

Rusher, Mr. Reading

Rust, Mr. W. Hull

Sanderson, Mr. John, Ber-
wick

Sanders, Mr. John, South-
ampton

Mr. Wm, ditto

Mr. Rob. ditto

Saunders, Mrs. Gosport
.Sawden, Mr. I. Hull
Scott, Rev. Tho. Aston,

Sanford, 2 years 2

Scott, Rev. Jona. Matlock 2
Scott, Mrs. 2

Shackles, Mr. W. Hull 1
Sherrington, Mr. Gosport 0
Shuttleworth, Mrs. Great

Bowden 5

Simons, Rev. Mr. PauFs

Cray 1

.Skinner, Mr. Wm. Bristol 21
Siatterie,Rev.Mr.Chatham I
Sloper, Rev. Mr. & friends,

Devises 12

Smelle, Rev. Mr. & friends.

Great Grimsby 4

Smith, Mr. Hornechurch,

Hants 1

Mr. John, Durham 0

Mr. Bradford, Wilts 2

Mrs. Scarboro* 1

Mr. Oxford 0

Southampton, collections

by Rev. Mr. Kingsbury 13
Spencer, R^v. T. Kilsby,

collected by him 5

s. (L
8 1
0 0

7 7

0 0

0 10
2 2

1 0

10 6

10 6

0 0

1 0

2 0
2 0
2 0
1 0

10 6

0 0

1 0

0 0

1 0

1 6

4 0

1 0

10 6

2 0
1 0

10 6

8 0

8 6

1314 19 8

/. s. d.
Brought forward 1314 19 8

Spooner, M. G. Swansea,

(seaman) ,0 10 :6

Spy vee, Mrs. M.. Hull i. 1. 0

Steill, Rev. Mr. and con-r-
gregation, Kiddermin^
stcr, 2 years 39 7 10

Stirling, Society for spread-
ing the Go'^pel among
the heathen 10 0 0

Surnam, Rev. Mr. and con-
gregation, Chesham 5 5 0

Taylor, Mr, Wm. South-
ampton 2 0 0

Mr. John,Portswood I 1

Mrs, ditto 2 0

Mr. James, Squth-

ampton

Mr. S. S. ditto

2 2

5 5

1 1

1 1

1 I

Unwin, Mrs. Castle -He-

dingham

Voke, Mr. Gosport

Thompson,, M, T. Hull

1 — Mr. Gosport

Thornton, Mrs. Hull

Thurston, Mr. Coventry 0 10

Todd, Mr. W. Hull 1 1

Mr. I. ditto 1 1

Toomer, Mr. Samuel, and

friends, Basingstoke 10 10 0

Townsend, Rev. Geo. and

congregation, Ramsgate 17 10 6

Tozer, Rev. Isaac, and con-
gregation, Taunton 9 12 0

Trower, Mrs. S. Hull 1 1 0

5 0 0
1 1 0

Walker,Rev. Mr.& friends,

Peppard 5 3 0

AVatson, Mr. S. Swanland 110

Weaver. Rev. Mr. Shrews-
bury 1 1 0

1441 7 0

CONTRIBUTORS.

/. 6. d.

Brought forward 1441 7 0

Webb, Mr. Portsea 1 1 0

Weston, Rev. Mr. and

friends, Sherborne 16 8 6

WheaLon, Rev. Jas. Lyme,

Doi rt I 1 0

White, Miss, Durham 1 1 0

Wildbore, Rev. Mess. Fal-
mouth, Penryn, and St.
Agnes 44 0 0

Wilks, Mr. Blockley, Wor-
cestershire 110

Wille, Mr. sen. Lewes 5 0 0

Williams, Rev. W. and

friends, Birmingham 11 0 0

■ Mr. Thomas,

Southampton 2 2 0

Wilson, Mr. D. Hanley

Green '550

Wood, Rev. Mr. Rowell 1 1 0

Woodford, Mr. Rob. South-
ampton 0 10 6

1530 18 0

Wrii

I. s.

Brought forward 1530 18
;ht, Mr. B. Hull 1 1

— Mr. E. Earith,

Huntingdonshire

Yockney, Rev. Mr. a

friend by him, Staines 2 2

Young, Mr. l. Portsea 1 1

SUNDRY SMALL SUMS.

Servant-maid, Hull 0 2

Friend at Gosport 0 7

Do. do. 0 5

Do. do. 0 2

Do. do. 0 2

Mr. Adams, Southampton 0 7

Total Amount of Sub-
>;crIptions, Donations,
&'c. in Great Britain,
Ireland, &c. exclusive
those in London and
its vicinity, carried
to Account Current.

■1537 9 0

ACCOUhT

OF

DISBURSEMENTS

FROM JUNE 1, 1803, TO JUNE 1, 1804.

MISSIONARY SEMINARY AT GOSPORT.

Ex FENCES attending the same as per accounts /. «. d,

delivered by Rev. Mr. Bogue, Gosport - 5QQ 5 2

Advanced Mess. Owen and Morrison, Students
there - - - - - 13 0 0

579 5 2

MISSION TO THE EAST-INDIES.

Outfit of the Mission to Ceylon, and Tranque-
bar, including the passage of the MissicMiaries
to Copenhagen - - - - 1055 8 11

For their passage, &c. from Copenhagen to the

East-Indies - - - 1096 3 10

2151 12 9

SOUTH AFRICAN MISSION.

Expences incurred by Mr. Kicherer and the Hottentots-
Advances made on account of the South African Mission,
and new Missionaries intended for their station

Mr. Faden, balance of his accoiHit for printing chart*?, Sec.

Disbursements made by Rev. Mr. Wilks on account of G.
Warner, Missionary Student, as per accounts delivered

Advanced G. Warner . , . -

'25

6

o

92

9

6

92

17

5

10

0

0

3651 11 g^

/.

5.

d.

i51

11

0

O'O

0

0

0

9

6

3

2

3

^ DISBURSEMENTS.

Brought forward 36:
Advanced, on account of the late Missionary, W. Hodges
C. Taylor, for engraving - . - -

Pares, Heygate, and Co. for hose . . -

Dr. Okely's drafts on account of the. Qtaheitaa youths at
Fulncck, now deceased - - - - - *69 0 0

Advanced on account of Rev. I. Hillyard, Missionary in

Newfoundland * - - - 75 0 0

Advances made on account of the Quebec Mission - 61 10 0

Ditto made on account of Rev. Mr. Cadoret, late Student at

the Gosport Seminary - - -. - 117 4 (j

Edinburgh Missionary Society, for advances made by it on
account of the. Missionary Students, Mess. Taylor and
Laurie -- - - -75 00

Disbursements made by Rev. Mr. Waugh, as per accounts
delivered - . _ _ - -

Ditto per Rev. Mr. Townsend, as by ditto
Ditto per Rev. Mr, Wilks, as per ditto

Ditto per Rev. Mr. Burder, as per ditto - - -

''i\ \\ illiams, bookseller, balance of his account with the So-
ciety - - - - - - - 38 14 0

Duty on' a legacy of lOOl. 3 percent, reduced, left by Mrs.

Calh.'t'leureau, late of High Street, St. Giles's - 3 7 3

Mr. D. Langton, Under-Secretary, his salary and disburse-
ments for one year - - - - 68 15 3

!Mr. W. Lee, Collector, expended on account of

the Society - -

Ditto, his per centage on annual subscriptions

Incidental expences attending the annual meeting,

travelling charges of Ministers, &c.
Small charges for carriage, j)ostages, &:c.

Total amount of disbursements carried to tlie account current 4461 8 5

* Of this sum Dr. Ilaweis has piid ibl. which is entered under his name in the
List of Contril)iiti(;ns, independently oi'ii further sum paid by him on the same uc-
count through anotlicr channel.

58

13

7

2

14

2

15

11

9

7

13

C

3 5 6

42 0 0

45

.•;

6

including

-

55

0

0

-

46

16

<j

GENERAL STATEMENT.

d.

Dr. the Treasurer of the
Missionary Society.

1804. I. s

June 1. To amount of
Collections, Donati-
ons, and Subscriptions,
in London and its Vi-
cinity, as per the pre-
ceding list 1937

To ditto of Collections,
&c. &c. in the Coun-
try, as per preceding
list 1537

Error in account from Sir
Eob. Smyth, & Co. re-
lating to the publica-
tion of the Scriptures
in France

Received from Mess. Jef-
fryes& Co. on account
of the copyright of the
Missionary Print

Ditto of Rev. Mr. Grove
for advancement made
to his son through the
South African Society

Ditto of Mess. H. and S.
Cox for the amount of
2 guns belonging to
the Duff sold by them

One year's dividend on
16,0001. three per
cent.

Do. do. on f;,037l. 10s.
four per cent.

Do. do. on 3,3001. five
per cents.

I 5. d.

147 8 9

Per Contra Cr,

June 1804.

By balance of last year's
account

By amount of disburse-
ments as b y the preced-
ing account 4461 8

Balance remaining in the

Treasurer's hands 100 16

London, June IS, 1804,
and found correct

, .. JWM.ALEKS,

iumited I ^j^j SHRUBSOLE,

3 JOS. TARN.

Public Securities at present belonging to the Society, viz.
Z. 10,000 three per Cent. Consols.
J),037 10 four per Cent, ditto.
3,300 live per Cent. 1797.
100 three per Cent, reduced, left by Mrs.Catherine
Fleureau, late of High Street, St. Giles.

JOSEPH HARDCASTLE, Treasurer.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY,

Soldhxj T. \\ w.LW'W^y Stationers^ X our i^ Ludgate-strect, London.

A MISSIONARY VOYAGE to the SOUTHERN PACIFIC
OCEAN, perloimed in the Years 1796, 1797, and 1798, in the Ship
Duff, commanded by Captain James Wilson, illustrated with Maps,
Charts, and Views, &:c. &c. Royal 4to. ll. lis. 6d. Demy, ll. Is.
Board-?.

TRANSACTIONS of the MISSIONARY SOCIETY, Vol. 1.

from 1795 to 1S02. Including Journals of the Missionaries at Otaheite,
Tongalaboo, and at Port Jackson, New South Wales. Also the Journal
of Dr. Vanderkemp, in Caffraria, &c. &c. To which is added, a Re-
port concerning the Statf of Religion in France. In One Volume, Price
8s. 6d. Boards, or in 8 Nos. at Is. each.

NUMBER IX. Ditto, containing the Rev. Mr. Kicherer's Narrative
of his Mission to the Hottentots; with a general Account of the South
African Missions : And a View ol the Settlement at Kak River. Price Is.

SERMONS, preached before the MISSIONARY SOCIETY, from
its Institution in 1795, to (he Eighth Annual Meeting in 1802. Three
Vo.umes 8vo. Price One Guinea. Boards.

FOUR SERMONS, preached before the Society, in May, 1S03.
By the Rev. Messrs. Bottom ley, Young, Ewing, and Newell ;
with ihe Report of the Directors, List of Subscribers, &c. Price 2s. 6d.

A CAPITAL PRINT, 23 Inches by 19, finely engraved by Bar-
tollozzi, from a Picture by Smirke, representing the Cession of Matavai,
in the Island of Oiaheite to the Missionaries. Fine Impressions, Price
only One Guinea each.

THE FIRST VOLUME

OF A GENERAL HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONS,

Which was conililionally announced for Publication at the commence-
ment of the past Year, has been delayed only from the insufficiency of
the Number of Subscriptions to defray the Expence of Printing, is in-
tended to be put to Press very shortly. In the m^^antime Subscriptions
are still received by Messrs. Gkeatheed andBuKDEKj and by. T.
Williams, Publisher.

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