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THE
WORKS
REV. P/DODDRIDGE, D. D.
IN TEN VOLUMES.
VOLUME IIL
CONTAINING,
I. Sermons on public occasions, II III. Funeral sermons,
II. Ordination sermons. ll IV. Hymns.
LEEDS:
PRINTED BY EDWARD BAINES,
VOH THE editors; CONDER, BUCKLERSBURY; BUTTON, PATERNOSTER-ROW; WILLIAMS, STATIONERs'-COURT; BAYNES, PATERNOSTER-ROW; OGLE, gREAT-TURN-STILE ; NUNN, QUEEN-STREET; AND JONES, PATER- NOSTER-ROW, LONDON; AND FOR BAINEt, AND BINNS, LKEDS; COLBERT, DUBLIN; WILSON AND SPENCE, YORK; OGLE AND AIKMAN, EDINBURGH; M, OGLE, GLASGOW ; CROORES, ROTHERdAM; AND ABEL, NORTHAMPTON.
1803.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME III.
SERMONS ON PUBLIC OCCASIONS.
Sermon T. On a Fire at Wellingborough ....
II. On a Day of Public Humiliation • • •
III. Reflections on the Conduct of Divine Providence
IV. On the Shock of an Earthquake
V. The Duty of Compassion to the Sick
VI. The Absurdity and Iniquity of Persecution
VII. Deliverance out of the Hands of our Enemies
PACE.
9 29 52 •75 95 117 141
ORDINATION SERMONS.
SERMON I. The Temper and Conduct of the Piiraitive Ministers . . l7l
II. Directions for Ministerial Conduct 192
III. Ministerial Congratulations, Admonitions, &c. . . 209 An Appendix relating to the usual Methods of Ordination among the
Protestant Dissenters ....;.. 225
IV. The Evil and Danger of neglecting the Souls of Men . 229
V. Christian Candour and Unanimity 261
PUNERAL SERMONS. SERMON I. Tlie Care of the Soul urged, as the one Tiling Needful .
IJ. Submission to Divine Providence in the Death of Children in. Character and Translation of Enoch . .
IV. The Christian Warrior animated and crowned
V. Christ's mysterious Conduct to be unfolded hereafter
VI. Meditations on the Tears of Jesus ....
VII. An Oration at the Grave of tlie Rev. Mr. John Newman Vin. The Christian's Ttiumph over Death
HYMNS FOUNDED ON VARIOUS TEXTS IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.
HYMNS in the Old Testament In the New Testament On Particular Occasions
285 305 329 353 369 383 404 409
433 532
634
SERMONS
PUBLIC OCCASIONS.
VOL. IIT,
TO Yk^OSfi
INHABITANTS OF WELLINGBOROUGH,
^t whose Request this Sernion is published.
MY DEAR FRIENDS,
The composition of laboured and polished discourses on occasions of so* lenin liumiliation before God, seems to me to iiave an absurdity yet greater than an exact elegance of dress at the funeral of a friend. When therefore I appeared among you, on your late fast day, I was solicitous about little other preparation, than what arose from a view of human nature, a deep feeling of the several circumstances of youraflliclion, and a serious concern to deli- ver what might be approved of God, as suited to the great purpose of your assembling, and subservient to your edification by the awful providence which occasioned it.
With these sentiments I spoke to you out of the fulness of my heart, and the countenances of many of you testified, that you heard me in the fulness of yours. When you surprised me with your unexpected request, that the sermon might be printed (which some of my reverend brethren that heard it had before intimated as their desire,) I knew not how to deny you, though I had excused myself to them ; lest I sliould seem wanting in a due concern to keep alive upon your minds any good impressions which might have been made by it : and on farther consideration I was the more willing to comply, as such melancholy accidents (tiiough blessed be God, not in an equal degree) frequently happen, especially in populous cities, and I do not recollect many single sermons which so directly lead to the religious improvement of them. I therefore set myself, as well as 1 could, to recollect what I had said, and have endeavouied to preserve the same freedom in writing which I used in speaking. I have laboured, as much as possible, to vrite from the life. The ruins of your town, the distress of your families, and the mixture of hope and fear attending the present situation of your alTairs, have been as it were before my eyes, and on my heart in almost every sen- tence : and I have frequently intermingled these meditations with earnest prayers to God, that he so would lead me into the secret recesses of your soul?^ that what you belbre heard, and will now read, 'may be like a nail fastened in o. sure place .
The trouble of writing this discourse in short-hand, and afterwards cor- recting the transcript, is so little a matter as hardly to deserve your thanks. Would my other engagements have allowed of more, I should have submitted ♦o it with pleasure. I only beg that you, and others in your circumitauces,
As
1f5
DEDICATION.
into whose hands it may fall, will read it attentively, and that each of you. will consider what conscience hath to say to the plain admonitions it con- tains; and if you feel your hearts warmed anew, endeavour immediately to improve those good affections, that they may produce holy resolutions, and yield the peaceable and substantial fruits of righteousness ; that it may ap- pear you have not siiffered sn many things in vain.
These are my most hearty prayers for you. I hope you will in retura excuse the defects of a sermon, whicii might have been more accurate, had it been less sincere ; and will also pray, that I may be animated and cheered tinder the various and almost incessant labours, to which providence calls me, by seeing the world around me growing the wiser and better by them, and may finally be accepted of him, whom it is my highest ambition to serve and please : for whose sake I am
Your ttry affectionate friend,
and faithful humble servmvt,
P. DODDRIDGE.
Northampton, Dec. 30, 1731.
[
SERMONS.
SERMON I. ON A FIRE AT WELLINGBOROUGH.
Amos iv. 11. / hu'cc overthroxvn some of ipu, as God overthreiv Sodom and
Gomorruh, and ye ivere as a Firebrand plucked out of the Burning ; yet have ye not returned unto vie, saith the Lord.
We
E are assembled this day, (I hope many of us with sensi- ble and penitent hearts,) to lament The burning which the Lord hath kindled *. You have wisely set apart this portion of time as a season of solemn fasting and prayer, that you may Hum- ble yourselves under God's mighty hand f, as those that hope he will exalt you in due time. But what is that humiliation which he requires, and will accept ? Is it merely for a few hours To bow down your heads like a bulrush X? Is it merely to give us your bodily presence in this place of worship, and hear the words that are spoken in God's name to you, or in yours to him ? Nay, I will add, is it merely to feel some tran- sient emotions of the mind, in the reflection of a providence, which has left behind it such deep memorials, as nature itself may teach those to retain, whqm grace doth not teach to im- prove them ? Sirs, if your assembling this day be indeed a rational and a religious action, you come to enquire wherefore it is that God hath Called to contend by fircy as Amos ex- presses it § : you come that the voice of the rod may be more distinctly explained, in the name of him Who has appointed it (I, and, in one word, agreeable to the language of my text, that you may be engaged to return to the Lord that smiteth you.
I could wish you had among you such an interpreter, as might be One among a thousand^ to declare to you his righte- ousness %, and his will, in such a manner as might most effec- tually lead you to comport with it. But since the office of ad- dressing you on this occasion is devolved upon me, I shall
» Lev. X. 6. f 1 Pet. v. 6. + Isai. Iviii. 5.
S Amos vii. 4. H Micsh vi. 9. f Jul) xxxiii. 23.
46 6iJ i^ FIRE AT WELLINGBOROL'GH. SeR. f»
cndearour to shew that you have at least consigned it to ond who is tenderly concerned for you, and therefore Avill not, and indeed cannot have the heart to amuse you with a studied form of words ; but will endeavour, in the plainest and most faithful manner, to advance some important instructions and useful re- flections, suited to the sad occasion that calls us together. And though some of those hints, like the providence that introduced- them, may seem N^oi to be joyous^ but grievous'^, I hope they may afterwards ijield the peaceable fruits of righteousness ^
It is a great instance both of the wisdom and goodness of God, that he has chosen to teach us, not only by precept, but example ; in which respect it may properly be said, as well as in the other, that He has set before us life and death §. The Hearts of men in all ages are fashioned, in a great measure alike \\; and from observing the temper and conduct of the Israelites in particular, in those various and remarkable circumstances, in "which they are represented, we may learn more of the cor* ruption of our nature, and draw more obvious lessons of reli- gious instruction, than perhaps from the history of any other nation whatsoever. One can hardly imagine a circumstance, either of prosperity or distress, to Avhich there is not something in their case, w^iich has an apparent correspondence ; and it IS evidently so in particular, wdth reference to the event spoken of in the words of my text. God had been exercising them with a variety of judgments, and at length, as that was one of the greatest, he gives a commission to the devouring flames to break out, and spread ruin and desolation in their dreadful inarch. Thus far their condition and yours agree ; and would to God, that it might rest there, and that with respect to you, ■who are as brands plucked out of the burning, there might be^ no room to add, yet have ye not reiurjied unto vie.
In handling the words, I shall,
First, Consider their contents ; and,
Secondly, attempt the practical improvement of them, with a proper regard to your present circumstances. Yet affecting as they are, and suitable as the tenor of the discourse may be, I am sensible it entirely depends on the divine blessing and grace, to make it successful ; to that therefore I humbly recom- mend what I am about to say, and entreat you to lift up your hearts to God, that he may give you the seeing eye, the hear- ing ear, and the understanding heart.
* Heb. xii. 11. f ^eut. xxx. 15. + Psal. xxxiii. 15.
The Overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah iviproveJr. U:
I. I shall first, as plij^nly and briefly as I can, consider the original meaning and contents of these Avords, / have over-s throxi'n some of you, as God ovcrlhrew Sodom and Gomorrahy and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning ; yet have ye not returned unto me, saiih the Lord : In which Avords you will naturally observe,
1. They are reminded, that it was the hand of God, which bad lately kindled a fire among them.
I have overthroxvn some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. I doubt not but these words are to be under- stood, in a proper and literal sense, of fire, and of fire kindled in the common methods of divine providence.
They are to be understood of fire properly so called. It is true, sometimes an}" of God's judgments are compared to Fire^y that being, as you too well know, a" most dreadful and irresis- tible calamity, when it breaks out among the dweUings and possessions of men. Thus does the Avrath of God, whenever it is kindled, rage and flame. Thus does it bear down all before it, and turn the most pleasant objects into heaps of ruin, desolation, and horror. But here, I apprehend, it is to be taken for pro- per fire, because it stands distinguished from several other kind* of judgments, ver. 7, &seq. from drought, blasthig, and mildew f from the palmerworm, and the pestilence; and it is very remark- able, that it brings up the rear, as one of the most terrible of all.
I scruple not to add, that Amos speaks of fire kindled by the common method of divine providence. It is indeed said, he overthrew them, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, whic;h, you know, was by fire and brimstone, rained down upon thcni in a miraculous manner ; but there is no reason to take the words thus strictly, or to suppose that such a terrible tempest of fire and brimstone had actually fallen upon the cities of Israel. That had been an event of so great moment and importance, that probably the sacred history Avould have been full of it, and succeeding prophets would oiten have referred to it, as more memorable than even the calamity of Sodom, as such a visitation on God's people would certainly have been ; whereas there is an entire silence elsewhere, with relation to any such judgment. And I am sure it is impossible to infer it from hence, because The overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah was proverbially used for any very dreadful calamity f, and might with peculiar pro-
*Sio Psal. xcvii. 3. Isa. xxx. 33. Ixvi. 15, 16. Jer. iv. 4. xxi. 12. Lani. ii. 3,4. Kzck. xxxvi. 5. Amos v. 6. Nah. i.6.
+ Deut, xxix. 33. Isa. i. 9» xiii. 19. Jcr. xlix. 15. I. 40. Zt'ph. ii. 9. Mat.
12 ON A FIRE AT WELLINGBOROUGH. SeR. F,
priety express any devastation that was made by fire, though kindled in a common manner.
As for the fires here mentioned, it is possible some of them might have been kindled, by what men in their common forms of speech call some unhappy accident ; and drought, and winds, and other circumstances might concur, to spread that conflagra- tion, which at first arose from a little spark, or some trifling instance of negligence. Others of these fires might be kindled by a cruel enemy : for though Joash, the father of Jeroboam the Second, in whose days Amos prophesied, was in the main a prosperous and successful monarch, yet being engaged in fre- quent wars with his neighbours, it is not improbable that the frontiers of his country might sometimes suffer by them. And ■we are particularly informed of a Syrian war, which had hap- pened some years before: for Ave are told, that in the days of Jehoahaz, The anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel^ and he delivered them into the hands of Hazael king of Syria^ and Benhadad his son, all their days^, and He oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahazf. And since this Hazael carried hia inhumanity so far, as to Dash even their children in pieces, and to rip up their women with child, it is no wonder also, that he should set their strong holds on fire; as we are expressly assured that he did I .
But whatever was the occasion of the conflagration, whe>-. ther the cruelty of enemies, or negligence, or accidents, you plainly see, that God claims it to himself, as his own deed, that he had overthrown them; agreeable to the general principle •which is laid down in this very prophecy, as what every man's conscience must bear testimony to, that there is no Evil in a city, that the Lord hath not done §. And it is a most evident and important truth, discovered and attested even by natural religion, that all the efficacy of second causes is owing to the continual operation of the Supreme. He appointed 'fire and water to be, in their various natures, useful to mankind; and when he pleases, he can turn both into a scourge. Thus when the rains descend, and the floods beat down the fruits of the' field, and overwhelm houses, with their inhabitants, it is he that Breaks up the fountains of the deep, and opens the windows of heaven ||. And when the flames break out with impetuosity, and the fiery deluge spreads itself abroad, it is The breath of the Lord that kindles it 5[, and keeps it up ; nor does one single
* 2 Kings xiii. 3. tVer. 22. + Kings viii. 12. §Auiosiii. 6.
\ Gen. vii. 1 1. ^ [sa. xxx. 33.
The Overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah improved. \'i
spark rise or full without liis providential interposition and guid- ance. An observation to be applied to all tiie other events of liuman life, and whicli the sacred scriptures every uhere in- culcate, with a plainness and spirit suited to its importance, for the conviction of those ignorant wretched creatures, who live Without God in the world *.
2. The prophet farther leads them to reflect on their own preservation from the flames, as an instance of divine mercy.
Ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning; this plainly intimates, how narrow an escape they had Irom the extremity of danger to which they were exposed : and so the expression is elsewhere used, where Jerusalem is represented by the same simiUtude ; Is not this a brand plucked out of the fireS'^ It imphes, that they were just ready to be consumed ; that the flames were beginning to take hold of them ; that The smell of fire had, as it -were, passed upon thcmX, and they Vere scorched and blackened with it ; but yet they were saved, and Their lives at least given them/or a prey §. There may perhaps be some remote reference to the case of Lot, who when God was about to overthrow Sodom, and he loitered in it, was thus delivered ; for The Lord being mtrcifid unto him, the men laid hold of his hand, ami brought him out of Sodom ||.
Again, as the prophet argues from their preservation, as ■well as their calamity, to enforce their obligations to return to God, we may infer, that ho intended to represent that pre- servation likewise as his work. Whatever accidental engage- ments, whatever prudential conduct, might have been the means of it, still it was to be acknowledged, that there was the gra- cious hand of God in it, wiiieh prevented their being destroyed with then- habitations. And we lose more than half of the sweet- ness and advantage of all our deliverances, if we do not see and adore the gracious providence of God in them, and are not thereby engaged in his service. Which leads me to add,
3. It is also intimated in the text, that the design of this afflictive providence Avas, to bring them to thorough repentance and reformation.
Vet have ye not returned unto me, sailh the Lord ; plainly implying, that this was what might, humanly speaking, have been expected, and what was by God intended in the dispensa- tion. This gives us u most edifying and important view of ilie
* Eph. ii. V2. f Zech. iii. 1. \ Dan. iii, ^7,
§ Jer. xxi. 9. II Q^n. xix. 16.
VOL. III. B
14 ON A FIRE AT WELLINGBOROUGH. SeR. 1.
nature of true repentance ; it is a return to God. Ail sin is an alienation of the heart from the service of God, to which we are under ten thousand natural obligations, ail highly increased by the revelation God has made of himself to us. Now the very essence of true repentance consists in a return to God ; in a deep acknowledgment of our guilt in going astray from him, and casting off the easy yoke of his commands ; and in re- newed resolutions of devoting ourselves, for the future, more entirely to his service. That external reformation, which arises from other inferior motives, is by no means worthy of the name of religion. It may indeed be human prudence ; it may be com- passion to others, who might suffer by our irregularities : but till God is regarded, yea supremely regarded in it, we cannot reasonably suppose, that God will regard us; which he intimates, ■when he complains concerning the Israelites, that Theyreiurnedf but not to the Most High *.
Again, the text further implies, that this overthrow by fire had, in its own nature, a tendency to promote such peni- tent and religious sentiments, and that it was their duty to con- sider it in this view. And indeed, Avhatever awakening judg- ments befal men, it is their wisdom and duty thus to regard them. The Lordcriethf and the wise vmn will hear his voice : Hear ye the rod, and him that hath appointed it f. And thus God is re- presented, as sending very terrible calamities on the Israelites in this very view ; In their affliction they xvill seek 7ne early ^ saying. Come let us return unto the Lord ; for he has torn, and he will heal us ; he has smitten, and he will bind us up %- And it is a most important truth, that he Does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men ^: which abundantly justifies the goodness of God, in all those penal evils with which our world abounds. Life is to be considered as a state of discipline, and our heavenly Father has recourse to the rod, that it may give wisdom to those, who are too giddy, or too stubborn to learn it by gentler methods. Thus did God call to the Israel- ites ; thus is he calling to you ; and may his grace prevent the necessity of joining with the prophet, when,
4. He complains that tliey had not fallen in with the de- sign of those awful providences, but still continued an unre- formed and impenitent people.
Vet have ye 7iot returned unto me, saith the Lord, notwith- standing this judgment, and all the others with which it was introduced. And this charge is advanced no less than five times,
* Hos. \ii. 16. t Mich, vi, 9. % Hos. v. 15. rj. 1. § Lam. iii. 33.
The Overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah improved. 1 5
\\itliin six verses. Tlioiigli / have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities y and want of bread in all your places; thoucrh / have xvithheld the rain from you ; though / have smitten you with blasting and mildew ; yea, though / have sent a>nong you the pestilence^ after the manner of Egypt ; your young men have I slain with the sword, and the stench oj their camps hath come up unto your nostrils ; and though, to cotnplete all, / have overthrown some of you , as God overthrew Sodom and Goinorrah, and ye were as a frcbrand plucked out oj the burning ; yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord*". Thus the awful majesty of heaven complains, that they had been chastised, and delivered in vain. And indeed, when we come to examine into their history, ^ve find the complaint but too just. Could it be said they returned to God when they Sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes ; when they had trodden down the head of the poor in the dust of the earth ; when they added whoredom, and incest, to all their other iniquities ; and with mingled rapine and impietv, lay down be/ore their idolatrous altars, on clothes, which (ex- pressly against the law) they had taken for pledges, and drank in the house of their false Gods, the wine of those whom they hdd un]U:it\y condemned f? Yet this is the account that God himself gives of the state of things among tliem, in the pre- ceding chapter, even he who had been witness to their sins, and Had sworn by himself, that he would not forget any of their •WorksX' So evidently does it appear, that the human heart may harden itself against the most dreadful dispensations of divine providence, and, like That king Ahaz, even in its dis- tresses may trespass yet more against the Lord §; unless the secret intiuence of his grace be joined with the stroke of his rod, and while he is Chastening them thereby, he teaches them out of his law \\, There is a Reprobate kind of silver, which ■will not be purged even by fire, when the bellows are burnt, and the lead coiuumed, the founder will yet have laboured in vain %.
Thus I have laid before you those particulars in the text, that appear to me most remarkable and instructive. And though I doubt not but you have anticipated me in your own reflections, yet I hope you will now permit me,
* Amos ir. 6 — 1 1 . f Amos ii. 6 — 8. X Amos viii. 7.
5 ? Cbron. xxviii, 23. |1 Pial. xciv. 1 2. % .Icr. vi. 29, 30.
B2
36 ON A FIRE AT WELLINGBOROUGH. SeR. I.
II. To attempt the more particular application of these things to you, of whom it may with such evident propriety be said, God has overthrown some of you, and ye were as a Jire^ brand plucked out of the burning.
And here let me solemnly intrcat and charge you, — that you acknowledge the rio-hteous hand of God in what has be- fallen you, — that you reflect on the mixture of mercy, that has attended this awful providence,— that you make it your earnest prayer, that the dross of sin may be purged away by it, — and that you long retain upon your hearts a permanent sense of these important lessons, which you have seen in so strong and so affectini!^ a lioht.
1. Let me intreat you to acknowledge the righteous hand of God in this calamity which has befallen you.
Let me address you in those words of the Psalmist, Be still and know that he is God *. Be affected with the sense of his interposition, and confess the righteousness of it. Assure yourselves, Sirs, that it is not only a general truth, that as wo before observed, all second causes, and fires among the rest, operate only by the divine concurrence, and efficacy, but that it is applicable to the present occasion. It was the hand of the Lord that kindled your fire, and his breath that fanned it into such a terrible blaze. The wind, you say, drove it upon some of the most considerable parts of your town ; but under whose command is the wind ? And why did it not blow towards an op^ posite quarter, so as to bear it the contrary way, where it would soon have died for want of fuel ? Or why did it not sleep in an entire calm, which might have given you an opportunity of extinguishing the burning Avith little trouble and damage ?
It was his hand ; and let it also be remembered, it was a very righteous hand. Know, that God is just in all that he has brought upon you, nay, in all this he Has punished you less than your iniquities deserved f. I mean not to insinuate by this, that you of this town are Greater sinners X, than those that are round about you ; or that any inference is to be drawn, as to the character of particular persons, or families, from their share of this calamity, whether more or less. I would not, by 'any- such partial and imcharitable censure, ^dd grief to your sor-f row §. Nor would it be reasonable to do it ; for in such pro-r vidences as these. All things come alike to all, and there is one event tQ the righteous, and tha wicked ||. But this I confi-
* Psal. xlvi. 10. t Ezra ix. 13. + Luke xiii. 2, 4,
§ Jer. xlv. 5. || Eccles. ix, '>.
The Overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah improved. 17
riently say, that all the sufferers that hear me this dci}', how clear soever they may have been from scandalous crimes, nay, how- ever worthv in their character, or however useful in then- sta- tion, have reason to acknowledge, that there urextnth them, even with thetn, sins against the Lord their God, sufficient to justify this, and more than this : yea, such will be most ready to say, Jt is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed *; justly inioht he have delivered us o\er to Indignation and wrath, tribulation arid atiguishfy to the rage of everlasting burnings, and the darkness of perpetual despair : we I^ay our hands on our mouths X, Jind our mouths in tl>e dust, and cry out guiltv before thee. And while ^-ou are thus owning God's justice, let me exhort you,
2. To attend to the mixture of mercy, whicli has appeared in this memorable providence.
Let me call you this day to sec it, and own it, and to min- gle songs of praise with your tears. Think not, 1 beseech you, your case worse than it really is ; but acknowledge the good- ness of God in every mitigating circumstance that attends it. Most certain it is, most evident to every one that is but a stran- ger among yon, to cverv wayfaring man that passes b}' your dwellings, that in the midst of judgment, God has remembered mercy : Why else is not your whole town consumed ? Why had some of you houses standing, in which to receive your suffering brethren, and stores remaining, out of which to relieve them r Let me address mvself to those of you in particular, who were in the near neighbourhood of tiesolation ; to you, that were in a literal sense like a brand plucked out of the burnings freed from the flames, that were raging near you, perhaps, I mav add, that were devouring all around 3'ou ; to you, whose houses stand in the midst of the ruins, as monuments of (jod's peculiar and distinguishing goodness : Now does he demand your sacrifice of praise ; and see to it that you retain an abiding sense of the mercy, and of that consequent claim, which he has to dis- tinguished services from you.
But let me address myself to those, who, though perliaps their houses were reached, had opportunities, as I know very many of you had, of saving some considerable part of vou» goods ; or to those who had estates, and substance elsewhere, out of the reach of those flames, perhaps sufficient for the com- fortable and honourable support of your families ; perhaj)s, after nil this diminution, far more than you were possessed of some
* Lam. iii. 2V'. f Rora.ii. 8, 9. * Judt'- x-viii. 1'.'.
18 ON A FIRE AT WELLINGBOROUGH. SeR. I.
years aj^o. Permit me, Sirs, to tell yon, that it would be very criminal ingratitude, to think so much of what you have lost, as to forget your remaining mercies; permit me to say, that you have reason, as it were, to weep over those floods of tears, which you have so profusely shed : To Faint thus in the day of ad- versity, argues ?/otir spiritual strength to be small*; and per- haps may discover such an attachment to the enjoyments of this present life, as may awaken a serious mind to more afflic- tive doubts, lest your portion is here, or your Gods are taken awayf.
But what shall I say to those of you, Avho have lost your all ; your houses, your goods, your furniture, your clothing; and are turned out naked and destitute, to seek your bread you hardly know where ? I do from my heart condole with such of you ; I have felt your affliction myself, and, as I have had oppor- tunity^, recommended it to the consideration of others ; but you must give me leave to remind you, that even in your case there is a mixture of mercy : why else are you living among us this day? Is it not something, that your lives have been given you as a prey ? Is it not to be acknowledged as a gracious circum- stance in providence, that the fire did not break out in the night, and surround you while you were sleeping in your beds, so as to cut off perhaps the possibility of your own escape ; or at least to oblige you, in your first surprise, to fly for your own lives, incapable of assisting those, that were dearest to you? What if when you had a little recovered yourselves from your consternation, and come to examine the ruins, you had found among them the bones of a beloved child, or of a friend, who had been to you as your own soul ? There had been a wound indeed, the scar and the pain of which, you must probably have carried to your graves. But your present losses are much less de- plorable : for, not to say how much The spirit of a man may sus- tainX these afflictions ; not to plead, what good sense, and much more religion may do, towards reconciling men to some of the inconveniences of poverty ; it is to be remembered, that God may change the scene ! Hope at least is remaining, and that not an improbable hope. God has supported you thus far,-and al- ready carried you through the most helpless and destitute days of life, that you ever saw, or probably will see. Your brethren, your neighbours, your friends, and benefactors, whether nearer or more remote, have pitied you ; and pity alone, much more with those substantial expressions of it, is some balm to our sor-
* Prov. xxiv, 1 0. f Judg. xviii, 24. J Prov, xviii. 14-.
The Overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah improved. 19
rows. Let mc call you this day thankfully to acknowledge the wisdom and goodness of the great author of our beings, who has thus made man the guardian of man ; who has implanted this tender feeling in the humdn mind; so that on the sight of any remarkable distress of our fellow-creatures, we arc moved by a most powerful, but amiable kind of instinct, to open our hands, yea, to draw out our souls to them. Happy provision of the God of nature and of grace, -which makes the possessions of the •wealthy and prosperous a perpetual bank for the support of the distressed ; and opens, as it were, amidst heaps of desolation, the sweet fountains of benevolence on one hand, and of gratitude on the other ! These things call for your acknowledgment ; and you are to remember, that all those supplies are ultimately derived from God, Avhich, from his additional goodness, he chuses to send yon bv the hands of your fellow-creatures. And I would hope, he will go on to do you good, and will so Turn your cap- tivitij, like that of Job*, that your present suffering may serve to add a greater relish to succeeding and growing prosperity. At least with regard to the true christian, there remains another more secure, as well as more important hope ; that the soul may be enriched by what impoverishes the body, and that these Light afflictions, which are but for a moment, may work out afar more exceeding, and eternal weight of glory ■\: which if you desire, then,
3. Make it your serious concern and earnest prayer, that the dross of sin may be purged aw^ay by this burning.
Bi/ this, said Isaiah the prophet, speaking of very terrible judgments, which God sent among the Israelites, By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit to take away his sinX- Surely then it is meet to say unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more : that which I know not, teach thou vie; if I have done iniquity, I will do no more §. So may it be with you, and you w ill be unspeakable gainers by this loss ; gainers in the true comfort and happiness of the re« mainder of life, and much more in the future state.
In pursuit of this blessed end, let me, my friends, this day solemnly call you to Search and try your ways^, and to ex- amine what is that Accursed thing, which may have occasioned this trouble and distress 5[. I cannot do you a kinder ofBce, than to assist you in the enquiry. Give me leave therefore lo suggest a few reflections; by which I would not be understood
* Job xlii. 10. t'ZCor. iv. 17. +Isa.xxvii. 9, § Jcb xxxiv. 51, 32.
jjLam. iii.40. ^ Job vii. 11.
J?(7 ON A FIRE AT WELLINGBOROUGH. SeR. !»
to mean any thing personal, for indeed I cannot intend it ; most of you are strangers to nic, nor have I reason to suspect pecuhar evil of any ; but an acquaintance with human nature in general j will very naturally lead me, in the present circumstance, to turn your thoughts inward, that you may Accomplish a diligent search*. Wherefore has God visited you ? Wherefore has he JVi'iiten these hittei' things against t/ on f?
It may be, some of you have indulged yourselves in a luxurious way of hving ; and therefore God has stript you of those things, which have been the instruments of it. You have, perhaps, taken a secret pleasure and pride in gay dress, or af- fected a magnificence of furniture, beyond your rank ; and there* fore God has consumed your ornaments, and turned you out almost naked and bare. Or you have perhaps been addicted to riot and intemperance, squandering away 3'our substance, and destroying your health, and it may be, your reason, with the abundance of good things God had given you. Just is he then in taking them away ; for it is a thousand times better, that intoxicating liquors should be employed, as they have been here, even to quench the flames, or that the choicest dainties should be burnt up, and your money perish with them, than that your reason should be impaired, your health destroyed, and your families reduced by continued extravagance.
Perhaps there are some of you that have been accustomed to make a kind of by-word of hell and damnation, to scatter about in rage, or mere wantonness, oaths and imprecations ; which in a professed christian is blasphemous impiety, and which even an atheist must own, to be at best but boisterous and. un- mannerly nonsense. And if so, justly has God executed upon 3'ou that denunciation against JIi?n that sweareih ; justly has he caused his curse to efiter and remain in the midst of your houscy and consumed it, with the timber thereof, and the stones thereof %, Or possibly, in other of your houses, the fire of contention has before been kindled ; contention between the members of the same family, or between neighbour and neighbour; while a clashing of secular interests with some, or the diversity of re- ligious persuasions and practices with others, have led you to forget the common ties of brotherhood and human kind, and to burn with mutual animosity and wrath. Justl}- has God writ- ten your sin in your punishment, and joined you as companions in suffering and distress ; which must surely teach you a better temper, if you are not (juite incorrigible.
*Psal. Lxiv. G. fjobxili.26. ^ Zetb. v. 4,
2
The Overthrow of Sodom and Gomori-ah improved. 21
But amoni; those of a more peaceable disposition, are there none, that are conscious to themselves of dishonest crain ? No Merchant, or trader, that has held the balances of deceit in his hand'', and has allowed himself to keep, as the scripture ex- presses it, A weight and a weight, a measure ajid a measure f, to buy by the one, and to sell by the other ? None, that have Gone beyond and defrauded their brethren %, and practised arts by which they would have thought themselves to have been greatly injured, if they had met with them from others? If such there be, that as the prophet expresses it, have Coveted an evil covetousness to their house ^, let them not Avondcr, if God has verified the Avords of his servant, so that The stone has cried out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber has a?!- swered it \\. And so will it be with those, who may attempt to found their rising houses in falsehood, and to cement them with perjury. And if any have already done it, by giving in, even upon oath, unjust accounts of their losses, let them Be sure, their sin wilt find them out^, and their unrighteous gain, the phmder of their fellow-sufferers, will be bitterness in the latter end.
But to insist no longer upon this head, it is very probable there are some, whose conscience would not allow them in such methods as these, who yet may accuse themselves of having been formerly, in their most prosperous days, backward to actions of bounty and charity ; some, in whom the words of Solomon are fulfilled, They have withheld more than is meet, and it has tended only to poverty **. It may be, when compas- sionate objects have presented themselves, or been re<:ommended to you, your hearts, instead of being opened and warmed, have rather been contracted ; and you have been ingenious in find- ing out excuses, for not bearing your part in such cxpences. And now, all that you have spared and saved by such a mean and unworthy temper is gone, and perhaps, through the righte- ous judgment of God, has carried away with it a great deal more : while the generous and compassionate christian has at least had this satisfaction, that a part of his substance is laid up in the bank of heaven, and secured far beyond the reach of any unhappy accident ; for nothing is indeed so truly, and so surely our own, as what we have laid out on such charitable occasions.
* Hos. xii. 7. t Deut. xxv. 13—16. J 1 Thess. iv. 6. § Hab. ii. 9. (I Vcr. 11. m Numb, xxxii. 23. ♦* Prov. xi. 'ZA.
VOL. III. C
22 ON A FIRE AT WELLINGBOROUGH. SeR. I.
And I shall have reason to congratulate you upon yonr present loss, if, havuig felt affiiction yourselves, and experienced the compassionate assistance of others, 3'ou melt into more humane sentiments, and knowing the heart of sufferers, be for the future more ready to relieve them, and more abundant in every good wo}^ and work : and happy for you will it be, if The Lord purge away your dross, bi/ the spirit 0/ Judgment and the spi^ rit of burning *, so that you come forth from his furnace as silver seven times purified, and take the divine image in brighter and fairer characters. It has been often observed, that places which have suffered by a kind of general conflagration, rise more beautiful out of their ashes. But there will be much greater reason to congratulate you, if by this means your tem- pers are refined ; if the vain become grave, the luxurious tem- perate, the profane religious, the contentious meek, the frau- dulent upright, and the sordid liberal. And sure I am, that with such an alteration, you would be happier in a cottage of clay, than you could have been before in a house of marble and cedar. And that this happy end may be answered, let me ex- hort you, once more,
4. That you endeavour to retain upon your hearts a lively sense of those important lessons, which you might, as it were, read by the light of these flames.
There are many very instructive truths, which God has often spoken to you from his word, and by his ordinances, which yet might, with some more sensible demonstration, be learned from such a scene of providence. And I doubt not but those that are truly wise, and who have set themselves with strict attention to reflect on what has passed, have prevented me in some of these meditations. Let me for a few moments, how- ever, recall them to your minds, and suggest them to those, who have been either too indolent, or too perplexed, to form them for themselves.
I shall only mention two, which comprehend a great many more. — How vain are worldly possessions, when compared with spiritual and eternal blessings ! — And how unutterably dreadful is the divine displeasure, by which fires will be kindled so much more terrible than these !
You have seen here the vanity of worldly possessions, and the superior value of spiritual and eternal blessings ; and there- fore labour to preserve a sense of it.
You had often before read that expostulation, Wilt thou set
* Isa. ir, 4.
The Overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah improved. 23
thine eyes upo?i that which is not ? For riches certainly make themselves wings, and fixj away as an eagle towards heaven *. But perhaps you never saw those winij^s spreading so wide, and risinfy in so rapid a flight ; you never saw so many t'amihes un- done in an hour, the worth of so man}' hundreds and thousands of pounds dissipated in the air, and borne away by the wind in blazing and smoaking columns. You conld not, when you came to look over the ruins, distinguish between the ashes of the most precious of your goods, and the poorest refuse of them ; but they were mingled together, like the dust of the dead. So vain is wealth, and so uncertain is our confidence in riches ! Thus all our goods, and our houses may perish. And though our lands may seem a more lasting possession, yet, as you have seen, flames may devour the product of them, either before, or after it is gathered in : ond our lives themselves, yet frailer than almost any thing else, may fail us in a moment. This you have seen with your eyes ; and forget it not ; but charge it on your conscience, to observe the infinite difference between these transient enjoyments, and spiritual and eternal blessings. Those treasures are not liable to such accidents : as Neither moth nor rust can corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal them f, so neither can fire break out and consume them. It is a known story of B ias the philosopher, that when in dan- ger of shipwreck, he saw others concerned about their goods, which were like to be lost, even if they escaped with their lives, he said, in consciousness of superior worth, and therefore supe^ rior happiness, / carr^ all my treasure with me. And so can the christian say. The most valuable treasure is that, which by divine grace is laid up in the heart, or, to speak with more strict propriety, in the soul itself ; so that should devouring flames surround the house, even the tabernacle of clay, or any other overwhelming calamity demolish it, the heaven-born inhabitant would escape witli all its riches, and borrow wings from the tempest itself, to bear it on to eternal blessedness.
Once more, reflect, how unutterably dreadful the wrath of God is, by which fires will be kindled much fiercer than these.
Oitr God, says the apostle, is a consuming fire % ; and it is a representation which God himself has made, when describing his displeasure against sin, Who, says he, would set briars and thorns against me in battle ? I would go through them, I would burn them together §. You have seen a burning town, and
♦Piov. xxiii, 5. fMat. vi. 90. + H«b. xii. *!9. § Isa. xxvii. 4.
C 2
a ON A FIRE AT WELLINGBOROUGH. BeR. I.
have found it, perhaps, an object of terror beyond all your imagination. But remember, Sirs, the day is approaching, when you must see a burning world : for The day of the Lord will come, and that as a thief in the night ; in which the heavens shall pass axvaij with a great noise, and the eleynents shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burned up *. And though, long before that time, the grave will have received you, and you will Have no portion any more in all that is done under the sun f ; yet you yourselves must be called forth, and shall arise, to be spectators of that august solemnity : and you shall all behold The day, when the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moo?i into blood X i when The stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers thereof shall be shaken § ,- when The heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll, and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig-tree \\ ; when The streams shall be turned into pitch, and the dust into brimstone ^, and all the beauties of nature and art shall be sunk into rubbish and chaos. Happy men, who shall then be able to Lift up their heads with joy, knowing that their complete redemption draweth nigh ** ; and who According to the pro- mise of that God, who amidst all the convulsions and revolutions of nature is still the same, look for new heavens, and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness ff.
But let it be remembered, that all this pomp is to usher in that Day of Judgment, which shall be a day o^ perdition to un- godly 7}ien XX • -^<^'' afire shall then be kindled in God's anger, which shall burn even to the lowest hell, when it has consumed the earth with its increase, and calcined the very foundations of the ynountains §§. And in this view, let The sinners in Zion be afraid, and let fearfulness surprise the hypocrites ; for who can dwell with the devouring fire ? Who can dwell with ever- lasting burnings \\\\ ? Yet this, you well know, is the doom of every impenitent sinner ; a doom, to be pronounced by the lips of Christ himself, in words which he has already uttered and recorded, that by weighing tlieir terror, we may be roused from our security, and be alarmed to escape it ; Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared Jor the devil and his an'^els^'^. Nor can you imagine the sentence shall be pronounced in vain, or that all the confederate nations of the
* 2 Pet. iii. 10. f Eccles. ix. 6. X Jo^^l ''• ^^- § ^^'- '"^^^' ^^'
ji I(=a. xxxiv. 4. II Ver. 9. ** Luke xxi. 23. -H" 2 Pet. iii. 13.
^+ Ver. 7. §§ DuuU xxxii.22. ||ji Isa. xxxiii. 14. ^^ Mat. xxv. -ij.
The Ovey^throw of Sodom ayid Gomorrah improved. 25
condemned shall be able to ward it off. But who can sustain the terror of its execution ! What, if, while your habitations uere in Hames, and you were endeavouring to escape for your lives, a host of armed enemies had cut off your retreat, and for- cibly driven you back to the fire ! You cannot bear the thought ; the horror of it strikes j^ou to the heart, and nature shudders at it. But will it not be infinitely more terrible, when legions of angels with irresistible power urge you on, and the wrath of God like an overflowing torrent sweeps you away into The lake that burns with Jire and brimstoyie* ? Wretched creatures, that arc yet obnoxious to such a dcstrtiction ! Weep not. Sirs, if this be the case, for your houses and goods consumed. Weep not for your substance wasted, and your families undone. You have a far juster cause for deep lamentation. Mourn over your perishing souls. Say not, we will recover our affairs as fast as we can, by renewed application to worldly business ; and much Jess presume arrogantly to Say in the pride afid stoutness of yonr hearts^ The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sijcamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars \. Remember, that Pride goes before destruction % ; and amidst all the most pressing cares and hurries of life, let it be still considered by )^ou, there is one great concern, that even now demands a more attentive regard ; that you may Flee from the wrath to come, to Jesus, who is appointed to deliver from it ^. Think not of repairing your losses, and of settling your affairs here ; but let me rather say to each of you, as the Angel to Lot, while he lingered in Sodom, perhaps from too great a regard for the goods he was to leave there. Escape Jor thy life; look not behind thee ; escape to the mountain, lest thou be cow- sumed ||. I must be insensible of the worth of souls, and most regardless of the great end of my office, if I were not willing to digress much farther than I have now done, to give so necessary a caution. May divine grace make it effectual to awaken those, who, if tlieir pn^sent stupidity continue a while longer, must feel those flames, which they will not see !
But 1 truat, my brethren, there are those of you, whom God has plucked as brands out of the burning, in the noblest and most important sense of these words, and who have sought, and found your shelter, from this most terrifying prospect, in the grace of the gospel-covenant. Whatever your otiier circum- stances are, be thankful for this most gracious interposition : let your losses and sorrows sit light on your hearts, while God
* Rev xxi. S. f Ua. ix. 9, 10. \ Pror, xvi. 13. ^ 1 Thess. i. 10. || Gen. xix. 17.
26 OK A FIRE AT WELLINGBOROUGH. Ser. I.
has appointed salvation itself /or walls and bulwarks*. But still be sure that you maintain that active zeal, and continued watchfulness, which suits your obligations to God, and your expectations from him ; and Seeing that you look for such things, be diligent y that you viaj/ be found of him in peace f. In the mean time, Encourage yourselves in the Lord your God X , well knowing, that if the foundations of the earth were to shake and the arches of heaven to burst asunder, it becomes the soul, that is supported by its God, to stand the shock with intrepid courage ; as being assured, that nothing can finally crush and overwhelm him, who is covered by the shield of the Almighty ; and That the trial of the good man's/a/M, which is far more precious than that of gold which perishes ^ though tried in the firef will certainly be found to honour and joy at last §.
Such may the event of all your trials be ! So may divine grace animate every heart that hears me ! So may it visit all who have been sufferers by the loss, or shared in the alarm, though they share not with us in the devotions of this day ! May the compassionate eye of God regard you, and your habi- tations ! may his providence cement, strengthen, and adorn them ; for Except the Lord build the city, they labour in vain that build it || / May The candle of the Lord shine on your ta- bernacle 51, and his Spirit enlighten and renew your souls ! May peace and prosperity, friendship and religion, always flourish in this town and neighbourhood ! And in a word, may God so compassionate your calamity, as to give you Joy for mournings and beauty for ashes'^* ; that those who have lamented over you, may rejoice with you ; and that at length you may share the security and joy of The city of God even the heavenly Jerusalem ff, where no flames shall be felt, but those of love, and no sound heard, but the accents of everlasting triumph and praise ! Amen.
*Isa. xxvi. 1. t 2Pet. iii. 14. J 1 Sam. xxx. 6. § I Pet.i. 7,
II Psal. cxxvii. 1. ^y Job xxix. 3. ** Isa. Ixi. 3. f f Hcb. xii. 22.
The Overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah improved. 27
POSTSCRIPT.
The following Hymn, though not considerable on any other account, was judged so suitable to the occasion, tiiat many of my friends united in their request, that it might be printed with the sermon, after which it was sung : I was the n)ore willing to comply with it, lest the multiplication of incorrect copies sliould make it yet more imperfect than it is. But hardly any thing was ever farther from my thoughts, than the publication, either of this, or of the discourse itself.
THE HYMN.
Kternal God ! our humbled souls
Low in thy presence bow : With all thy magazines of wrath.
How terrible art thou ! H. Fann'd by thy breatii, huge sheets of flame
Do like a deluge pour ; And all our confidence of wealth
Lies moulder'd in an hour.
in.
Led on by thee, in horrid pomp,
Destruction rears its head ; And blacken'd walls, and smoaking heaps, Through all our streets are spread. IV. Deep in our dust we lay us down.
And mourn thy righteous ire ; Yet bless that hand of guardian love. Which snatched us from the fire. V. Oh that the hateful dregs of sin.
Like dross were perish'd there ; That in fair lines our purer souls Might thy bright image bear ! VI. So might we view with dauntless eyes
That last tremendous day. When earth, and seas, and stars, and skies. In flames shall melt away '
I I ■ *
DEDICATION TO A SERMON ON A DAY OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION.
To the Honourable Col. James Gardiners
SIR,
1 AM far from thinking, that I pay any part of the debt whicli I owe to your most engaging friendship, by presenting you with this plain discourse ; on the contrary, I am sensible, that by your permitting me to inscribe it to you, that debt is increased : but obligations to so much goodness as I have experienced in you, sit so easily and so pleasantly upon me, that no objection arises from that quarter. And it has this claim to your patronage, that many of the thoughts are as much yours as mine; having been talked over between us ■with a great deal of freedom. J know. Sir, they are such as niake a very deep impression on your heart, and such as you strenuously labour to promote among those who have the happiness of being under your command ; and I am confident you will think it no reproach to you to avow them in the most public manner, as your whole life always speaks your steady regard to those principles on which they are built.
1 heartily congratulate you. Sir, and I congratulate the public, on the visible effects of your resolute and courageous zeal for religion, in the remark- able sobriety and regularity of those to whom your influence most directly extends ; and I doubt not, but it has extended much farther than the com- pany, or even the regiment, to wliich you stand peculiarly related. Were our officers and our soldiers in general such, I am persuaded it would soon appear, how much righteousness exalteth a nation; and that he who is •wisdam to the pious counseller, would also be strength to them that turn the battle frotn our gates to those of the enemy: so that our commanders, like the hero who has furnished me with my motto, might well give it for their word, God our ally and our general.
To all the prayers which I have been offering for my country in the progress of that discourse of which I now beg your acceptance, permit me to add this one more, that to whatever services you may be called in its de- fence, that God, whom you serve, in all may continually watch over you for good, and prolong to many future most honourable and important years, a Hfe so faithfully devoted to him. My heart reveres you too much, to per- mit me to tell the world, so immediately in your presence, the high senti- ments it entertains of you ; and I am (with an affection, which is, perhaps, too ready to forget the formalities of a public address, in the tenderness of private friendship,)
Mr/ dear Colonel,
Your 7nostfaithfid,
most obliged,
and most obedient humble servant,
P. DODDRIDGE- Nortluanpion, Feb. 25, llSO-'iO.
Rt'fonnulivn necessary to Success in War, 29
SERMON ir. ON A DAY OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION.
Dciit. x\iii. 0. — Iflien the Host godh forth OQidnst thine Enemies, then keep thee jrom cveri/ icicked Thing,
Ti
II E acknowledgment of that God, in whose hand our breath is, and whose are all our ways *, is a duty in its obligation so evidently reasonable, in its exercise so delightful, and in its na- tural consequences so variously advantageous, that one would hope it should be the prevailing temper among men ; a temper which should run through the most agreeable and secure scenes of life, since that agrecableness and security is the elTect of divine care, and goodness. Nevertheless we too generally see, that in this respect men are lulled asleep by those gentle gales of pros- perity, which waft them on towards a haven they desire i but when cross and contrary winds arise, and beat upon them, the noise, the motion, the danger of the tempest often awakes them, and engages them, like tiie Mariners in the ship with Jonah, to call every one upon his God \. I would hope indeed, that I am now addressing many, who have made prayer the busi- ness and the joy of their prosperous days ; and such may with peculiar pleasure and confidence have recourse to it in circum- stances of extremity, if God should be pleased to lead us in such circumstances. In the mean time, I doubt not, but it is with great readiness that such numbers of you have ol)eyed tlie Avisc and pious call of our sovereign, to assemble this day, *' That we may humble ourselves before almighty God, in order to obtain pardon of our sins ; and may in a most devout and solemn manner send up our prayers and supplications to the divine Majesty, for averting those heavy judgments which our manifold sins and provocations have most justly deserved, imploring his blessing and assistance on our arms, and for re- storing and perpetuating peace, safety, and prosperity to us."
*Dan. V. Q3. f Jonah i. 5.
VOL. III. D
30 ON A DAY OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION. SeR. II.
Christian princes have seldom omitted on such occasions as these, to give such calls to their subjects ; and they have in- structive precedents for it in scripture. They might learn it from the conduct of pious Jchoshaphat, who, when numerous nations were conspiring against him, set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah-, that they might gather theynselves together, to ask help from him *. Yea, the hint might be taken even from the behaviour of the King of Ninevahy who, when the prophet had so solemnly declared in the name of God, that this country should be destroved, rose from his ihrotie, and laid aside his robe^ and covered him- self with sackcloth, and sat in ashes, at the same time causing a most rigorous /rtj^ to be proclaimed through Ninevah, by his own decree, and that of his nobles ; an abstinence, in w hich, the more forcibly to impress the minds of men, the beasts were also to share, and neither to feed, nor drink water ; and those of them which had appeared in that luxurious city in the most sumptuous trappings and decorations, were in the sad pro- cession, like their masters, to be covered with sackcloth. With such low prostration was the Avhole nation, as one man, to cry mightily unto God, to avert his displeasure : but it is worthy of our remark, that the light of nature and reason taught that prince also to add, in his royal mandate for a general humili- ation. Let them turn every one from his evil way ^ and from the violence that" is in their hands f.
Now as obedience to the government, and love to the pub- lic, must engage every faithful minister to labour to address his people this day, on such a subject, and in such a manner, as he judges most suitable to its great design ; I thought it my duty to fix my own meditations and yours, on the absolute ne- cessit}^ of national and personal reformation, in order to a well- grounded expectation of success in war. This the king of Ninevah inculcated, as j'ou have heard ; and Moses also had long before solemnly urged it, in the words of my text ; when the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing. And surely every one's conscience \v\i\ tell him, how fit it is, that, after we have been pouring out our confessions and our supplications before God, we should atten- tively reflect upon such a charge as this, lest future iniquities, aggravated even by the humiliation of this day, should prove our speedy, and our final destruction.
You see the words contain a very plain and intelligible ad-
* 2 ehron. xx. 3, 4. t Jonah "!• 6—8-
Reformation necessary to Success in War. 31
monition to Israel, of the peculiar cure with which they should g^uard against any unrcfornied wick«(hiess, when, like Grcat- IJntain at this day, they were engaging in war . and they are a charge, not only to the soldiery, in such circumstances as these, to abstain from rapine, cruelty, and dL-bauchery, as well as from any superstitious regard to those idols, which they might meet with in the camps and cities of their enemies ; but also to the people in general, to be careful, that they did not, by any impieties or immoralities at home, bring down the curse of God upon their arms, and blast the success even of the most riii'iteous cause.
Before I proceed to a more particular consideration of the Avords, I Avill very readily allow, they might have some peculiar Avcight, Avhen considered as addressed to the Israelites ; for they JiadGod in a very extraordinary manner present among them ; as the ark, often called the footstool of his throne^ was now in the midst of their camp ; and, when it was not, there were other holy instruments committed to the charge of the anointed of the field, by which God was to be consulted, and his presence acknowledged. Upon this account we jfind, in the following words, they are urged to keep themselves, not only from moral, but also from ceremonial, and even natural pollution ; that the order, decency, and cleanliness of their camp might be an habitual expression of their reverence for that God, Avho con- descended to appear among them as their General, and their King : For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy caynp ; — therefore shall it be holy, that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee *.
It may also be proper to recollect upon this occasion, that the Israelites were under something of a peculiarly equal pro- vidence ; and consequently might expect victory or defeat, as they were obedient, or disobedient to the divine command, with a certainty greater than is common to other nations. For though indeed it is probable, that, in a series of years, the pros- perity or calamity of a nation will be proportionable to its ge- neral virtues or vices ; yet the peculiar covenant which God had made with Israel, not only seems to have engaged him to a more immediate retribution, but likewise extended itself to all those peculiar institutions, which they as a separate nation were under. Therefore does he particularly tell them, that If they did not observe to do all his commandments and statutes, lie
* Deut. x\iii. 14. D 2
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vould cause them to he smitten before their enemies; they should go out against them one waij, and flee seven ways before them *; thereby strongly intimating, and indeed with the ut- most reason, that the presumptuous violation of any ceremonial or positive precept would be attended with fatal consequences ; ot which, you well know, the defeat brought upon the whole army of Israel for the sin of Achan^ in secreting the accursed thing, was an early and very memorable instance ; as well as the severity, with which that crime was punished, on the offen- der, and his family f . And it was indeed a merciful method which God took, to preserve Israel in an external and visible adherence to the religion and the institutions he had founded among them, thus immediately to animadvert upon them by his chastising providence, Avhenever they deviated from it, though in cn-cumstances otherwise indifferent ; and it may be in those, in which human policy would have dictated a verv different con- duct, had not a divine command niterposed : which, by the way, is particularly apparent in the effect of vmltiplying cha- riots and horses w^hich were alwavs a curse, instead of a de- fence to Israel, how useful soever they might have been to other nations ; because God had required them to employ infantry alone, as that by which, the more immediately to shew his in- terposition, he would save them, when they depended upon him.
I pretend not therefore to maintain from these words, that we are concerned in them, just in the very same manner and degree, that the Israelites were ; yet I doubt not but I shall be able,
I. To prove, that we are highly concerned in this caution which is given to them. And then,
II. I shall endeavour to illustrate it, by the mention of some particular evils, against which, in our present circumstances, we are peculiarly obliged to guard. After which,
III. I shall conclude with some inferences from hence, fur- ther suited to the occasion of this day's most solemn assembly.
I, I am to prove, that we are all much concerned in the caution that is here given ; and that as ever we, or any other na- tion, would reasonably expect success against our enemies, it is necessary that when we go forth against them, we should keep ourselves from every wicked thing.
You will remember, I pretend not to assert, that the event
* \ic\\t. xxviii. \5y25. f Josh, cliaji. vii.
Reforynation necessary to Success in JVa7\ 33
of every battle, or of every Mar, will always bear an exact pro- portion, either to the justice of the cause, or to the virtue and piety of those that are engaged in it. Indeed the event of some Avars, especially towards the beginning of the reformation, where- in the sullerers were persons of the most excellent, and the vit:- tors of the must hateful characters, is too sad an evidence to the contrary *. I am very ready to allow, that in some instances, to form the hearts of his people to more eminent attainments in goodness by scenes of distress, or for other reasons to us un- known, God may determine events otherwise: yet I think 1 may vcrv safely venture to affirm, that we can never form any iu>t expectation of continued success and })rosperity in our military affairs, unless there he a zealous concern about a reformation in our manners; and unless national piety and virtue be our earnest and governing care. And this may sufficiently appear, if we consider, on the one hand, that the divine favour can only rea- sonably be expected by those, who are careful to keep them- selves from evil ; and on the other, that prosperity in military affairs does evidently depend on the divine favour. Both these considerations are so plain, that they might almost be admitted as self-evident ; though in order to impress them more deeply upon our minds, I shall spend a few words upon each.
1 . The divine favour can only reasonably be expected by those, who are solicitous to keep themselves from moral evil.
I might introduce what 1 have further to sa}' on this head, by observing, that the moral perfections of God seem evidently deducible from his natural ; for to suppose otherwise concerning him, would be indeed to suppose him worse than even the very vilest of men, who, if they act unrighteously, where they know what is reasonable and fit, do it as tempted by some self-interest; a temptation, to which an almighty Being cannot possibly be obnoxious. Now the consequence from his being perfectly holy and righteous himself, to his loving the like character, and hating the contrary, in his reasonable creatures, is so plain, that the apostle appeals to every one's conscience to bear witness to it :
* 1 hnrdlyknow a more memorable instanco of tliis, than in the success of that perfidious and ungrateful war, wliich the Emperor Charles V. undertook against tho^-e two pious and worthy princes, John Frederick, elector of Saxony, and Philip, Landgrave of Hesse-Cassal ; in which tlie F.mjieror was supported by a considerable number of Spanish and Italian forces, who marked their way throucrh Germany with unheard-of cruelties ; and particularly, (as the I,ands;rave himself asseits in his munifesto) cut off the hands and feet of little children, to testify their hatred against the protestant religion, \vhi<;h their parents professed. " Pucris ipsis ct in- fantibus re«ccare manus atque pedes, odio nimirum doctrinae." Sleid. de Stat. Kclig. lib. xviii. p. 71.
34 ON A DAY OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION. SeR. II.
What fellowships says he, haih righteousness with unrighteous- ness? Or what communionhath light with darkness^? It must then be granted, that as The righteous Lord loveth righteousness , and his countenance beholds the upright f; so his Face must be set against theyn that do evil, that sooner or later he may cut off the remembrance of them from the earthX- Wicked men have rea- son therefore to be afraid of his judgments; and they have especial reason to fear them, who, like the inhabitants of Great Britain, have been favoiu'ed with the clearest knowledge of his will, have received the most eminent deliverances from him, and have for a long series of years been preserved in peace and pros- perity ; while at the same time, that they have called themselves his people, they have acted in a visible contrariety to their pro- fession, and thereby brought proportionable dishonour upon liis name. This is a case greatly to be feared in every condition, and it is especially worthy of our consideration in our present circumstances; because
2. It is most evident, that the success of military affairs does entirely depend upon the divine protection and favour.
This is a Avell known maxim of the word of God ; and con- sidering the natural pride of our hearts, it was fit that it should be deeply inculcated. It is therefore repeated again and again ; and it is observable, that it comes most frequently from the pen of David, who Avas himself so courageous a warrior, and so illustrious a conqueror. No king, says he, is saved by the multi- tude of a host; a mighty man is not delivered by much strength : A horse is a vain thing for safety ; neither shall he deliver any by his great strength : Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, to deliver their soul from deaih^. And we shall have occasion hereafter, to mention many other passages equi- valent to those.
It would indeed be thus, if the success of battle was always proportionable to the number, strength, and skill of those re- spectively concerned in it; for all the strength, and all the skill of creatures is derived from God, and is supported by him. But V.K find in experience, as Avell as in scripture, that events often arise, in which it evidentl}^ appears. That the battle is not4o the strong, nor the race to the swift \\; and circumstances happen, in Avhicb, with some allowance for the figurative expression, One chases a thousand, ajid two put ten thousand tojlight^.
Much of the success of military actions depends upon the
* 2 Cor. vi. U. + Psal. xi. 7. + Psal. xxxiv. 16. § Psal. xxxiii. 16—19.
IIEccles. ix. 11. ^\ Dcut. xxxii. 30.
lif/vrmalion necessary to Success in IVar. 3i
weather, Avhich almost the whole world acknowledges to be ap- parently at tile divine disposal, and to be quite beyond any iiuman alteration or coniroul. Wind and rain, cold and heat, have been the destruction of thousands, who imagined them- selves most secure of victory and success, even in laml engage- ments. Much likewise depends upon a variety of little accidents ; and especially, with respect to the discernment of those that command, and the alacrity of those who engage. Now God at pleasure takes away the spirit of princes, and dejects The men of might, so that they are not able to find their hands-. He sometimes diffuses among mighty armies a spirit of discord, so that confederate forces desert, or destroy one another f; or per- haps sends a sudden panic upon them |, and then, be their forces ever so numerous, the entrance of fear is the beginning of a de- feat, in which numbers, instead of helping, only crowd, and bear down, and trample on each other. It is evident to all acquaint- ed with history, that, by such incidents as these, small numbers have iieen rendered victorious, even almost beyond their ex- pectation, and have stood astonished at their own success.
This is a remark peculiarly applicable to naval prepara- tions. Their prosperity most evidently depends on the most uncertain elements, the winds and the waves ; and he that Gathers the winds in his fist ^, can with infinite ease pen up the most gallant fleets in their harbours, and waft over to defence- less ports, in the very neighbourhood of them, invading enemies in transports by no means a match for the fine navies, on whicii the sovereign of the sea has laid his embargo. Yea, at his com- mand The ships of Tarshish shall be dashed in pieces with an east wind ||, and their bulk and strength only serve to give each other the more violent shocks, and to spread the wider ruin. This is a thought especially worthy our attention, w ho have in so many instances, within the memory of man, owed the pre- servation of our domestic peace, and probably it may be added, even that of our religion and liberty, to the interposition of the wind in our favour. A circumstance, which our enemies them- selves have recorded with surprise, though we are, alas, too in- sensible of it %.
"^Psal. l\-.vvi. 5, 12. fS Chron. xx. 22, 23. + aKings vii. 6,7. §Prov. xxx. 4. ||Psal. xlviii. 7.
^ Not only the story of tlie Spanish invasion, and that of the an-ival of the prince of Orange, our ereat deliverer, in 1688, are memorable instances of this; but also the invasions afterwards attempted, either by king James the second, or the Pretender and his agents ; of which I cannot recollect any one that has not been defeated chiefly by winds, and those such as we ourselves could have wished. And ai I thiuk that Father Oilcans, in bis History of the English Rcvolutious, men-
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We see then how incontestibly it appears, that the pros- perity of our arms entirely depends upon the divine favour: and indeed the truth of this is so evident, that dissolute as die ge- nerahty of mankind are, there arc few of them entirely unim- pressed with it. It is certain, that many of those vices, which tend to provoke God, do at the same time render men's circum- stances desperate, their spirits mean, and their constitutions weak. Riot and debauchery unbrace the nerves ; and in pro- portion to the degree in which they are indulged, render the glutton, the drunkard, and the whore-monger, incapable of sustaining those hardships, which would be comparatively easy to those, who had been long trained up under the discipline of abstinence, sobriety, and industry. But, besides all this, guilt of every kind naturally makes men cowards; whereas conscious integrity and uprightness is a kind of impregnable armour, which secures the heart from fear, even in the midst of danger. This Solomon well knew, and therefore says. The wicked flee when no man pursues ; but the righteous are bold as a lion *. And indeed that man, Avho apprehends himself under the guardian- ship and defence of divine providence, may well be courageous ; and when he can say, The Lord is my light, and my salvation, he may justly add, Whom shall I fear 9 The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid ? Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear ; though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident \: for he has all the reason in the world to be assured, that God will either shield Iiim from danger, which in the most perilous action he can easily do; or if he suffer him to fall by it, will open him a pas- sage to eternal glory, by the wounds he may receive in a righteous cause. Whereas the man who is Condemned by his own heart, cannot easily flatter himself so far, as inwardly to imagine, that he is not condemned by that God who is greater than his heart, and knoweth all thingsX- Nor can he always forget how entirely he is in the hand of that tremendous Being, whom his disobedience has made his enemy: and it is no wonder if Death appear terrible, when he has so much reason, to fear, that hell will follow it §; for though it is an easy thing to jest v/ith its distant terrors, it is not so easy delilierately to brave them, when they seem to approach. You may therefore ob-
tions some of the former instance!!, with particular regard to this circumstance ; so I know the author of the late Duke of Berwick's Life, remruksit as to some of the latter, in some passages which struck me so agreeably in reading, that I am sony I have not now an opportunity, either of inserting, or referring to them.
* Prov. xxvjii. 1. + Psal. xxvii, ! , 3. 1 1 John iii. 20. § Rev. vi. 8.
licformation necessary to Success in War. 37
serve, that, in order to lay conscience asleep, politic men have oi'ten contrived to blow up a wicked soldiery with an apprehen- sion, that what tltey might want in the regularity and virtue of their behaviour, they had in the goodness of their cause, or in the orthodoxy of their belief; that u persuasion of the piety of their cause, might at least be a balance to the impiety and licentiousness of their characters: yea, they have, it maybe, consecrated their cruelties as an atonement for their debauchery. What artifices have been used to this purpose, and by w horn, it is bv no means my present business to encjuire ; but I look upon it as a sort of testimony, borne often by the worst of men to the importance of some religions hopes in military affairs ; as it does, on the other side, appear from what was before said, that these hopes can only be reasonably entertained by those, who are dis- posed to a thorough reformation of their lives, or, in the lan- guage of the text, to keep themselves from every wicked thing, when their host goes forth against the enemy.
\>v\t in order to render these general reflections more use- ful, by bringing them to a point, permit me, in the second place,
II, To hint at some of those evils, which we should, in our present circumstances, be particularly careful to guard against.
And here I must in the very first place, mention that, in which all the other particulars, Avhich might occur on this oc- casion, are in effect contained, as in tlieir fatal cause; and observe,
1. That " a profane contempt of that divine revelation, with which God has favoured us," is one great evil, that should be carefully avoided.
As I cannot, so I hope I need not, be large in shewing, how admirably the whole tenor of the M'ord of God, and especially the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which we all profess to be- lieve, is calculated to promote a general reformation in man- kind ; and how certainly it will promote it, in proportion to the degree in which it is cordially received. It indeed most powerfully tends, not only to regulate the life, but to awaken and impress the conscience; not only to control those evil actions, which, though detrimental in some measure to society, may not be cognizable by human laws, but also to suppress, and even eradicate, those irregular aflections and passions, from which such actions proceed. We can therefore wish nothing better to our country, than this gospel, this Glorious gospel of
VOL. III. E
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ine blessed God^, may be universally considered, embraced, and obeyed : and I am persuaded, nothing would have an happier aspect upon our public aflFairs, than that we should all labour to our utmost to promote its establishment, and its influence over the minds of men.
We have the more reason to be concerned about it, as per- haps there is no christian nation under heaven, in which bolder and more mischievous assaults have been made upon revealed religion, than among us: and though it has so friendly an aspect on the comfort of individuals, and the happiness of society, the licentiousness of some, and the pride of others, has engaged them to unite against it, as against a common enemy, and to treat it with a contempt, equal to that veneration it might justly have demanded. This is indeed the natural consequence of that liberty which we enjoy, not only of thinking for ourselves, which none can prevent, but of freely professing our own sentiments: a liberty so honourable to human nature and to truth, and on many accounts (as I have elsewhere shewn f,) so profitable, that I think no wise man could wish it were restrained. Yet the more freely we assert it, the more careful should we be by all rational and christian methods to prevent its abuse, and to guard against those bad consequences, which, good as the thing itself is, are almost inseparable from it.
Let all who believe the gospel, take heed how they trifle with it ; and let all who have any scruples concerning it, make their enquiries into its evidences with all possible diligence, hu- luility, and impartiality ; which if they do, they will undoubt- edly end in a more established belief. And let us all, according to our abilities, exert ourselves for its defence ; not only by pleading its cause by arguments, so far as we have an oppor- tunity in our respective places to do it ; but also by bearing our testimony to its importance, as well as its truth ; and above all, by labouring to the utmost to make our lives a continued and I prevailing apology for it, Avhich they will be, if they are steadily governed by its holy dictates.
To excite us to the greater care on this head, let it be re- membered, that nothing is more highly displeasing to God, than the contempt of that revelation which he has sent. They that despised Moseses law, found it so to their cost ; for when They 7)iocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and mis- used his prophets, the wrath of the Lord rose against his people^ till there was no remedy ; and he brought an invading enemy
* I Tim. i. 1 1. -J- Sermon on Persecution,
Befoj'ination necessary to Success in War. 39
upon t/u'7n, who slew their young men with the sword, in tht house of their sanctuary , and had no compassion upon young man, or maiden, old )nan, or him that stooped for age *; And "\ve cannot expect, that the effects of his displeasure will be less terrible, if we will not reverence his Son. It is owintr to his wonderful patience, that we have not long ago been made a monmnent of his wratii, and Punished for these iniquities, as reinaikably as we have been known bjy him beyond most of the other nations of the earth f . Our guilt on this head makes it more necessary to add ,
2. " The luxurious abuse of the favours of divine provi- dence, which have in so long a peace been Howing in upon us,'* is another evil to be guarded against, it" Ave would reasonably expect success in war.
I am now speaking to many, ^vho know, more particularly than I myself do, how plentifully our land has yielded her in- crease for many succeednig years ; insomuch that we have been able to relieve the necessities of neighbour nations, out of our own redundant stores: a providence which has not only pre- vented corn from growing a drug at home, but has been an occasion of bringing into the nation no contemptible return of riches for a considerable time. Besides this, whatever particular diiBculties may have attended some traders, our commerce in general has long been in a flourishing condition. Very consider* able estates have been raised ; and it is neither to be wondered at, nor blamed, that those who have found their wealth in- creasing, have thought proper to live in a more liberal, and elegant, and some of them in a more magnificent manner, than before. But I fear, that, in many of those who have thus been distinguished by the blessings of divine providence, this indul- gence has grown up into luxury and extravagance, and to a neglect of every honest and industrious employment, whereby God might have been honoured, and the public interest pro- moted ; cares and labours, from which the wealthiest and the noblest of mankind are by no means to think themselves ex- cused ; nay, by which they are rather to be proportionably dis- tinguished.
I fear also, that the taste for pleasure and grandeur, which has prevailed so much in persons of plentiful circumstances, has been too eagerly and vainlv imitated, by those whose estates and families would have required another kind of conduct,
* P Thron. xxKri. 16, 17. f Amosiii. 3.
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This, in great measure, may have been the cause of the many bankruptcies, whereby such who have dealt largely, and have affected to deal much more largely than they ought, have fre- quently drawn down many others, and those, perhaps, more industrious and deserving families into ruin with themselves. While others, in various employments, have been obliged to have recourse to mean artifices, to siiore up a sinking credit for a while, till all those props have at last only made the ruin the greater, and the more unpitied ; and all this to the unspeak- able reproach of religion, which has sometimes been vainly pretended to by those, whose conduct has been most contrary to its essential precepts. Indeed, to speak freely, 1 can by no means think, the great affectation of ornament in dress, and magnificence in living, Avhich is the expensive taste of the pre- sent age, can bode well to the public. The sins of Sodomy pride, and idleness, with fulness of bread*, have long been in the midst of us ; and if they are not reformed, they must, both by their natural consequence, and by the righteous judg- ment of God, involve our nation in destruction. We have long been Made to eat the i'ncrease of the field, to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock : we have been fed with the fat of kidneys of wheat, and drank the pure blood of the grape; till \'\ke Jeshurun,yv& ha,ve waxed fat a7id kicked f : and, therefore, as the guilt has been ours, it Avill be but righte- ous, if the condemnation should be ours too ; and Afire should be kindled against us in God^s anger ^ that should burn even to the lowest hell, that should consume the land with its increase^ and set on fire the foundations of the mountains %- It becomes us therefore, if we would avert the deserved judgments of God, to set ourselves, as in his presence, to examine seriously how^ we are using the talents he has graciously lent us ; and instead of profusely wasting both our time and our stock in vain indul- gences, to apply ourselves with honest industry to the proper business of our calling ; and by a prudent frugality at home, to lay a foundation for a liberal contribution to the poor. So are we most likely to regain the strength and honour of our nation, which luxury must infallibly enervate and disgrace ; and to draw down the blessing of God upon our affairs ; as M^ell as to provide some resource for future supplies, if our present pre- paration should be, which God forbid, unsuccessful, or the war should be prolonged till the burden grow much more sensible, than it can at present be. Again,
* Ezek. xvi. 49. f Dent, xxxii. 13—15. % Ver. 22.
Reformation necessary to Success in War. 41
3. " Too great a confkU'ncc in our own militarv strength and preparations," is another evil from whicji we should be es- pecially solicitous to keep ourselves, in sucii a conjecture of aflairs as this.
'I'hrough the abundant goodness of God, the armaments of Great-Britain, both by sea and land, have, so far as I can re- collect, in most instances, since the beginning of the present centurv, been attended with success ; and in some circum- stances tliat success has been glorious and remarkable. These being then the latest facts, and facts of so pleasant a nature, are apt to strike our rememl)rance very strongly ; and r.rc now recol- lected with so much the more pleasure, as the last of them was at- tended with equal honour to Great-Britain, and shame and disap- pointment to Spain*. But I fear, that to allude to the expressive language of the prophet, because IVe have ohcv\ caught onx er\o.- mies m our net, and gathered them, in our drag, we are fallen into the absurd impiety of sacrijicing to our net, and burning incense to our drag f. And though it is to be sure a pleasant thing, to see our nation engaging in this necessary war with ardour and cheerfulness ; and the apparent righteousness of our cause may indeed encourage our humble hopes ; yet I cannot forbear say- ing, that I fear that great eagerness which in many instances has been shewn on this occasion, has proceeded from a forget- fulness of God, and a proud confidence in ourselves ; as if victory were chained to our chariot-Av heels, and the winds, so often indeed listed our banners, were always to blow according to our directions ; as if the artillery of our ships were as un- conquerable, as that of heaven itself, and we could at pleasure send forth our thuniler, and scatter our enemies, and shoot out lightnings, and discomfit them.
But let it be remembered, that Pharaoh stood on the very verge of disgrace and destruction, when he said, / will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil ; my lust shall be s itis- fied upon them , I will draw wy sword, and mij hand shall destroy themX- Yea, let us remember in general, t\M\t Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall 'i^. I can wish, no happier omen, than that we should learn the lan- guage and sentiments, which that martial hero, whom we men- tioned before on a like occasion, so often inculcates upon his
* 1 suppose few need to be told, th.it I refer to that srlorious expedition to .Sicily, 111 the year 1718, wliiih was conducted with so much spirit, prudence, and bravery, by Admiral Byiig, afterwards Viscount Torrington.
t Hab. i. 15, 16. \ Exod. xv. 9. § Prov. xvi. 13.
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people ; that we may say with him, In the name of our God will we set up our banners *; Through thee will we push down, our enemies i through thy name will we tread them under, that rise up against us ; for I will not trust in my bow, nei- ther shall my sword save me f. Though Some trust in chariots , and some in horses, we will remember the name of the Lord out God X; for God Delights 7iot in the strength of the horse, neither takes he pleasure in the legs of a man §, so that his victory should be proportionable to their strength, and their agility t and therefore, though in some cases The horse may prudently be prepared against the day of battle : yet still it must be ac- knowledged, that Safety is of the Lord Ij. He breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in smider, he burns the chariot in the fire ^; Salvation belongs to the Lord ; his blessing is upon his people *** We have indeed no warrant to expect a miraculous interposi- tion of God in our favour ; and it would be folly and wicked- ness, in a dependance upon that, to neglect any necessary methods of defence : but still it is to be remembered, that, as ■we proved under the former head, the success of all is from above ; and that it is, on the whole, Through God alone xue can do valiantly, and he it is that must tread down our enemies ff-. This we are solemnly acknowledging in the devotions of this day ; and God grant, that it may fix on our minds that pious humility, which, as it is perfectly consistent with the firmest valour, has in some very remarkable instances been a prelude to the most glorious success.
Let me add, but this once more,
4. " Too keen a resentment for uijuries received from our enemies, grovving into a malignant hatred against them," is another evil, which we should be peculiarly solicitous in oui* present circumstances to avoid.
It is certain indeed, that some of those violences, which have been offered us, have been attended with circumstances of such barbarity and contempt, as cannot but awaken a strong indignation ; and the genius of Britons can very ill brook such kind of treatment. Yet permit me to say, that it would be unjust to charge the whole Spanish nation with such enormities, as have been committed by some, probably in the number of the most abandoned among thera. Humanity is not the growth of one particular climate, but a happy inheritance divided among the various inliabitants of the earth ; and I doubt not,
* Psal. XX. 5, t Psal- ^li^- 5, 6. % Psal. xx. 7. § Psal. cxlvii. 10.
II Prov, XX. 31. % PsaU xlri. 9. ** Psal. iii. 8. ff Psal. cviii. 13.
Reformation necessary Success in IVar. 43
but it teaches many among tliem to abhor the villanies of their countrymen. But if not, be that reproach to our enemies ; and may it never foil upon us, that we have dehghted in the unne- cessary misery of our fellow-creatures, and have retorted cruelty for cruelty. We are indeed to wish, that injustice may be so chastised, as that for the future it may be suppressed ; but God forbid, that we should thirst fov blood and ruin, or take delight to think of the sufferings of any, how ill soever they may have deserved of us !
War, in such circumstances as ours, is the rigorous and severe work of justice, and must be done : but methinks a iiu- manc heart consents to it with some sensible regret, and will sometimes bleed to think, that those benevolent and brotherly cares, that ought to fill the heart of one man for another, and of one nation for another, should be turned into thoughts and schemes of destruction ; and give place to contrivances, how- men may be slaughtered, and cities laid waste, and the beau- ties of nature and art ravaged and defaced.
It would indeed be a partial and short-sighted tenderness, if potent nations should on these principles suffer themselves to be injured and insulted by every foreign bravo ; till at length they sink into contempt, and yield up themselves, or their de- pendants, a tame and helpless prey to injustice and cruelty. A neglect of the proper methods of self-defence would leave them chargeable before God and man with the calamities resulting from it : yet still it becomes them, in the vindication of their just rights, to guard against that savage fierceness, which for- gets that enemies are men *. It becomes us rather to wisli, they may be brought to reason by the least destructive methods ; and that what they in the mean time suffer, may be a profitable lesson to others, and on the whole to themselves.
I apprehend these admonitions not unseasonable, and hav- ing enlarged so far upon them, shall omit some other heads, which might easily be connected with them ; and shall,
III, Conclude this discourse with some general reflections.,
Now such as these will probably present themselves to most of your thoughts ; and no doubt you have anticipated me in. some of them.
I . Let us be deeply humbled before God for the evils that are to be found among us.
Let us lie down as it were in the dust, in his sacred pre- sence, when we consider that with us, even M'ith us, there are
• * Viriboni est, initia Belli jiivitum suscipcrc, extrcma non libenter perse<iui. Salliut.
44 ON A DAY OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION. SeR, II.
'so many crying abominations to be found, notwithstanding all that God has been pleased to do for us. Let us be humbled be- fore him, not only for the sins of our princes, and nobles, and priests, and people ; but more especially under a sense of our own guilt, and of what we have added to the divine displea- sure, by offences, if not in their kind peculiarly enormous, yet at least in their circumstances most highly aggravated. Let us borrow the expressions of humble contrition, which Avere used by God's ancient people, and each of us say with Ezra, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, viy God ; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass isgroxoyi up untothe heavens : Since the days of our/at hers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; — aiul behold, we are now before thee in our trespasses ; for we cannot stand before thee, because of this*. Let us say with Jeremiah, We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us ; for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God f. Let us say with Daniel, when he Set his face unto the Lord God, to seek him by prayer, and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth, and ashes, O Lord, the great and dreadful Gody we have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and thyjudgmejits : — 0 Lord, righteousness belongs unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day, — to Sur kings, to our princes, and to our fat hers, because we have sinned against
thee ; neither have xve obeyed the voice of the Lord our God,
to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the
prophets : Nevertheless, O Lord hear, 0 Lord forgive, O
Lord hearken and do, defer not for thine own sake, 0 my God ; for thy people are colled by thy name X^
Nor let this be words alone, but the deep-felt sentiments of our hearts. Let us call to remembrance our n)anifold engage- ments to God, on the one hand, and our transgressions against him, on the other ; and acknowledge in the abasement and bit- terness of our souls before him, that it would be a righteous thing in him, to bring destruction upon us in its most painful and dreadful forms, to infatuate all our counsels, to blast all oar undertakings, to sink our navies in the midst of the sea, to cause our own hearts to melt, and our hands to fail, while those of our enemies were strengthened for our ruin ! Let us humbly acknowledge, that he would be just in all that came upon us,
* Ezraix. 6, "7, 15. f Jer. iii. 25. + Daa. ix. 3, 4, 3, 7, 8, 10, 19.
Reformation necessary to Success in War. 45
if tliis j)leasant land, in which we have enjoyed so <rreat plenty and prosperitv, should become a desart ; or if we should see those possessions, for which we ourselves have laboured, or which -have been transmitted to us from our forefatliers, plundered by strancjers, or even inherited by enemies. And while we are confessing this, let us endeavour by earnest and importunate prayers to avert these deserved judgments, and wrestle with God Not to destroy his people * ; but to Give us that help from troubley without which we shall find, that vain is the help of man f.
Let these thoughts, which I hope are impressing our minds in the solemnities of this day, be carried along with us into our secret retirements ; let us spread tliem before God in our family devotion, and let them have a becoming share in our private worship. And if we desire that these supplications and prayers may not be an abomination to a holy God, iet us
2. Be very solicitous to exert ourselves to the utmost, to promote a work of general reformation, according to the various stations in which providence has placed us.
Our care in this respect, if it be earnest and sincere, will begin with ourselves; and we should now particularly consider ourselves, as solemnly called b^' God to Search and try ourwaySy that we may turn again to the LordX. In obedience to that command, let us, as it were, call a court in our own consciences, and impartially judge ourselves, as those that are shortly to be judged of the Lord. Whatever is criminal, whatever is even suspicious in our temper and conduct, let us endeavour to re- gulate it by the certain rules of religion, and bring all our senti- ments and actions to its unerring standard. Let us not only Cease to do evil, but learn todoweli^; labouring to the very utmost, to prevent any reproach to our profession, and to re- flect a glory upon it. Could every one be engaged to this, all would be well ; nay, should it grow the prevailing temper, we might reasonably hope, that The innocent would deliver the island; yea, that it should be preserved by thepiireness of their hands || .
And this will naturally engage us to a proper care of those committed to our immediate charge. It will, no doubt, have an happy influence upon heads ot families, to stir them up to Walk uithin their houses in a perfect way%i and so to govern, as weli
* Deut. ix. (!6. f Psol. cviii. 12. :^ Lam. iii. 40,
§ Isa. i. 16, 17. II Job xxii. 00. ir| PjaJ, ci. 2.
VOL. IJI. F
46 ON A DAY OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION. SeR. II.
as instruct their domestics, that none under their roof and care, may Make themselves vile, without being re'^^?'flfne^ by proper disciphne*. This would, under God, Avho very seldom denies a blessing to such pious endeavours, have a happy tendency to secure to our country a race of virtuous and pious youth, whose behaviour might wipe off the stain, which the sins of their fathers have thrown upon it; out of regard to whom God might deal so much the more graciously Avith us, while they were growing up for public service, and might say of our nation, as in another case, Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it f. And, to con- clude all,
3. Let us, from what we have now been hearing, be excited earnestly to pray for those, who, by reason of their more public stations in life, may be capable of doing more than ourselves, to promote the work of national reformation.
And here our magistrates justly claim the first share in our remembrance. Let us earnestly pray, that divine grace may possess their hearts with a sense of the importance of their re- spective offices, and of the strict account they must another day
render for tlie manner in which they have discharged them.
Let us especially pray for our gracious sovereign, who is calling us to these prayers, and joining with his people in hMmiliatioi> before tlie King of kings, and Lord of lords. Let us pray, that The Lord may hear hiin in the day of trouble, that the name of the God of Jacob may defend him ; that he may send him help from his sanctuary, and strengthen him out of ZionX! That The king may joy in the strength of the Lord, and in his salva- tion may greatly rejoice^! That as he is thus publicly declar- ing his Trust in the Lord, through the mercy of the Most Lligh he may not be moved; but that God's hand may find out all his enemies, atid his right hand may find out those that hate him ||.' That Llis glory may be great in God's salvation, and increasing honour and majesty may be laid upon him %! I am persuaded, there is not a heart that does not answer, amen ! May the father of our country hear, that his enemies are humbled abroad I May he see his people united, and reformed at home !. Yea, may God Make him most blessed for ever**; that in the future, and infinitely most important world, they that have been here protected by him in war, and cherished m peace, may see him as much distinguished by celestial glories, as he now is by earthly dignities! — May ail our counsellors be wise; and all our judges
* 1 Sam. iii. 13. f Isa. Ixv. 8. % Psal. xx. 1,2. § Psal. xxi. 1.
I Ver. 7, 8. f Ver. 5. ** Ver. 6.
lii'formatlon necessary to Success in War. 47
faitliful! May our legislators enact good laws; and inferior ma- gistrates vigorously execute them! And may all our rulers, from tiie highest to the lowest, be themselves examples of uni- versal goodness! May they Scatter away all evil ii)ith their eyes'^, and make it ashamed by their presence! May they re- •solutelv reform the peoj)le, who generally of all others need it most, their own domestics and dependants! And may they have that inward veneration from all about them, Avhich nothing but a character for real religion can give, even to the greatest and wisest of mankind.
Let us pray likewise for our military, as well as our civil officers ; that they may exert themselves, with a bravery so well becoming their character, to drive out wickedness, that most dangerous enemy, from our camps and navies, which it has so boldly invaded; yea, where it has by so long a custom claimed a kind of right to pitch its tent, and to set up its banners. This will indeed be a very hard conquest, considering the circum- stances in which persons generally enter on such a life, and the great and dangerous leisure Avhich it gives them, in a time of long peace, of corrupting themselves, and each other. Yet the extensive power, which is annexed to superior officers in every regiment, and company, may give them great advantages for serving their country, by regulating the external behaviour of those under their command ; and human authority can pre- tend to regulate nothing more. They may, for instance, be re- strained from the open violation of the sabbath, and called to an attendance upon public worship, under one form of it or an- other ; and a great check may be given to that lewdness, de- baucliery, and profaneness, in which not a few of them vie with each other, as if they were the distinguishing honours of their order. I look upon it as a great ornament, honour, and blessing to our land, that many of our officers are very amiable examples of virtue and piet}', and know how deficient even the character of a gentleman is, when notoriously wanting in either. And we in these parts have had many opportunities of observing, how good an influence the inspection of such persons has upon the inferior soldiery, to secure the regularity and decency of their behaviour. Let us earnestly pray, that The Lord oj hosts, whom we are intreating to cover the heads of our warriors in the day of battle f, may more generally inspire the hearts of those that lead them forth with his fear, and excite them, however it may
*Prov, XX, 3. fPsal. csJ. 7.
F3
48 ON A DAY OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION. SeR. II.
be censured by the abandoned and profane, to exert themselves to the utmost, to form their troops to the discipline of virtue, as well as of war. It is what the credit of their profession, and I will add, the safety of the public requires. And I must take the liberty particulai'ly to say, that when my ears are at any time wounded with those detestable imprecations, which are in many places so common among our soldier^', and which are, I think, an infallible proof of a character thoroughly bad, I am ready to tremble with the sad apprehension, lest their guilt should turn back their weapons of war ; and lest God should suddenly send them, from the points of their enemies' swords, or the mouths of their guns, that damnation which they have so -wantonly invok- ed on themselves, and each other.
We are under yet more apparent obligation, to pray for those, that preside in religious assemblies of all denominations ; that God M'ould Clothe his priests with salvation, as Avhat will have a most important influence to make his people joyful and happy *. May their hearts and hands be united in that good work which is committed to them ! May God deliver them from the shame and folly of employing the solemn seasons of public worship, in reproaching their brethren, and animating the hearts of professing christians against each other ! An enormity, which, I think, is in our day generally driven out with a just contempt ; unless perhaps, it be yet sheltered among a very few, whom great ignorance, or greater wickedness, has reduced to this wretched expedient, as a kind of forlorn-hope. May abet- ter temper universally succeed ; and however christian assem- blies may differ in some of their forms of worship, yet as they agree in the essentials of it, may their ministers agree in pursu- ing the same great end ; and as they all have one errand, may their language, in the main, be one! May they all speak with plainness, \\Tth seriousness, and I will add, with that authority too, which nothing but conscious integrity and goodness can give! Not even amusing, and much less firing the minds of men, with matters of doubtful disputations ; but rather exerting themselves to the utmost for that one plain, but glorious pur- pose, of reforming men's tempers and lives upon the christian plan !
For promoting the efticacy of such labours as these, we should earnestly pray, that all who are employed in them, may be examples of distinguishing piety ; and that God would be Like a rejin€r''s fire, to purify the sons of Levi f. For while
* P«al. cxxxii, 16. t Mai. iii. C, 3.
Beformation necessary to Success in War. A*J
an}' gross immoralities are observable in tlicir conduct, they will wound religion like a two-edged sword; as their hearers, by a perversencss and inconsistency very natural to the licentious and profane, will look upon it as a sanction at once fi)r despising their persons, and imitating their vices. Ministers of all deno- minations claim our prayers on these heads: and peculiarly those of established churches; where, as the temporal emolu- ments are generally greatest, there is of course more to invite unworthy persons to oiler themselves to the mmistr}-. — Nor ought we to forget, in our prayers at such seasons, those wise, learned, and pious men, whom our governors may from time to time think lit to raise to the most exalted stations among the clergy, and to invest with a dignity and authority, which though no part of their ministerial office, is capable of being improved to great advantage. It is devoutly to be wished, that the}- may use their great mfluence and power, to exclude those that are unworthy, from that important trust, as persons whom they cannot suppose to be called by the Holy Ghost to take it upon them ; and that they may preside over the doctrine and be- haviour of those committed to their care, in such a manner, as may render both, most edifying to those who attend their in- struction. By these pious and zealous endeavours an establish- ment will flourish, and separate interests decrease. But what folly and iniquity were it, so much as secretly to wish, that one limb might grow by the distemper of the body, or one coast be enriched by the wreck of the public navy!
Once more, let us on the principles on which I am now in- sisting, earnestly pray for those, who have the care of educating 3'outh intended for public stations. Let us pray for all the uni- versities of Great Britain, and for more private academies and .schools; which according to the manner in which they are re- gulated, will either be the blessing, or the calamity of our coun- try. May those, that are so trained up for one important em- ployment or another, and especially those iiitencled for the ministry of Christ's church, be formed to extensive knowledfro, and above all, to the knowledge of the gospel! May they be regulated by proper discipline, that habits of virtue may be formed, as well as principles of science and truth imbibed ! May those, to whom God has committed the high and laborious though honourable, charge of presiding over such societies, ever remember how much they have to answer for, to God, and to their country ! May they cultivate these plantations with that assiduity; may they watch over them with that caution ; and I will add, may they weed them with that prudence and re^olu-
so ON A DAY OF PUBLIC HUMILIATION. SeR. II.
tion, which in concurrence with those influences from above, on which all depends, may render them like a field which the Lord has blessed, and a garden which he continually cares for! There may the rising hopes of future generations flourish, and those plants be reared and spread, which in due time may beautify our land, and refresh and nourish its inhabitants! — And may God so guard our religious and civil liberties from generation to generation, that in this respect, as well as the other, the inha- bitants of our favoured island Mot/ sit every man under his vine, ayid under his Jig-tree, and have none to make him a/ raid*. May not the study and the arts of peace, among us at least, be inter- rupted by the noise of war ; may not our ears hear the tumult of battle, nor our eyes see the miserable spectacles it produces ! Only by report, may we learn the success of our fleets, and our armies abroad ; till we at length hear, that the contention ends in a safe and honourable peace !
And let it not be misinterpreted, as unworthy a British and a christian heart, to add, let us pray for our enemies; for that haughty nation, which despises our pravers, and has treated us •with so much injustice and contempt. May the}'^ be sensible of the mjury they have done us, and of the aflfront they have, by every act of injustice and cruelty, offered to the Majesty of hea- ven, the Father of nations, and the Guardian of men ; whose penetrating eye sees through the frauds M-hich may cover trea- ties, and before whose tribunal those criminals must be arraign- ed, who are too great, or too distant, for the reach of human justice ! May Spain have no reason to glory in those vain refuges, to which the idolatrous principles of their unhappy church teach them to fly ! May they be disposed to give, and we to receive, all reasonable satisfaction ! And oh that, if it were the will of God, their eyes might be opened to see the delusions of popery, •which they support in all its darkness, and rigour, and terror ! Oh that they might be so happy, as to understand the guilt of tliose murders, which they are committing in the injured name of the most merciful Jesus ! May their princes, and their priests, see how much it is for their own interest on the whole, whatever the principles of carnal poUcy may dictate, to divest themselves of those spoils of innocence, and ornaments of superstition, •^vhich, gaudy as they seem, may mark them out as the objects of divine vengeance! The day will assuredly come, when The cry of the souls under the altar shall be heard f ; and there is hardly a nation under heaven, that has more reason to dread it,
*Mic. iv.4. tRev.vi. 9, 10,
Btforviation necessary to Success in IVav. 51
than that Avitli which we are now contending : for none have been more eager, unci none more resolute and inexorable, in treading o»it the first sparks of truth, when it began to kindle among them, and in adding the blood of the martyrs to all their other pollutions*
In what rigour that diabolical engine of miseliief, the in- quisition, is still established among them, you need not be told ; but tliough its foundations are laid deep as hell, the hand of God can overthrow them. He can shake the firmest arches of the dung.'on, and lay open all that laboured artificial darkness to the full lustre of truth and the gospel. May he hasten that happy time, when he will do it ; that day, when the all-uniting reli- gion of the blessed Jesus shall exert its genuine influence, and cement the divided kingdoms, that now call themselves his church, in holy friendship and fraternal affection ! that happy day, when instead of preparing the instruments, and studying the arts of destruction, T he ij shall beat their sii'ofds into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks ; when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any moi'ef; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea % ! Amen.
* I doubt not but many of my readers will know, that I here refer to what hap- pened in Spain quickly after the reformation; which we learn particularly from Paramub, au iiujuisitor, and another popish writer of note, as quoted by Dr. Geddes, in the first volume of bis inestimable Traces, page 447, & seq. viz. That the Spanish divines sent by the emperor Charles the Fifth, and his son Phihp the Second, into Germany, England and Flanders, to convert the protestants in those parts to the Roman faitl),were themselves converted from popery; and as they were persoiiS of great learning and piety, returned into their native country full of zeal for its re- formation; but were immediately seized by the merciless inquisition, and together with many illustrious converts, which were the first fruits of their ministry, were cruelly sacrificed on scaft()lds, and at the stake. Dr. Geddes has preserved an ac- count of some of the glorious leaders in that army of martyrs, which, short and in- complete as it }s, deserves an attentive perusal.
t Isa. ii, 4. + Isa. xi. 9.
52 ON A DAY OF GENERAL THANKSGIVING. SeR. Ill,
SERMON III.
REFLECTIONS ON THE CONDUCT OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE
In the series and conclusion nfthe late War •with France and Spain, preached at Nnrthumpton^ Jpril 25, 1749, being the Day appointed Jor a GeneraX
Thanks'iivin'i.
Psalm cvii. 43. — Whoso is ivise, and xvill observe these things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.
A.
.S almost all the nations of the earth have, from their first plantation upon it, had some forms of religion among them, though alas those forms liave been too generally erroneous and superstitious, it is observable, they have had recourse to their sacred solemnities, Avhen they have been passing from peace to war, or from war to peace. Among some of the most cele- brated of the ancients, war was proclaimed by the ministers of religion, and military expeditions were opened by devout pro- cessions and public sacrifices ; whereby they seemed to appeal to their deities as witnesses of the justice of their cause, and professedly to put themselves under their protection -•-'. And when the strife of war has ceased, pacific treaties have gene- rally been confirmed by the sanction of mutual oaths ; and the festivities which have accompanied the conclusion of them, have crowded the temples with worshippers, as well as the streets and houses with tokens of rejoicing. Well then may such customs prevail in christian states, Avhere our dependance on divine pro- vidence is known to such advantage ; and most suitable is it to a Sovereign, who esteems it his honour to be called the *' Defen- der of the Faith," after having so often called us together to sup- plicate the divine blessing on his arms, thus to assemble us this day to return our thanks to the great disposer of all events, for the success Avith whicii he has crowned our negotiations of peace. And surely our cheerful compliance is the mpre evi- dently reasonable, as all the successes of the war abroad, glori- ous as some of them have indeed been, were so balanced by
* I am persuade(JI, that the 14Pth Psalnj is an ode of this kind, that was sung-, when David's army was marching out to war against the remnant of the devoted na- tions, and first went up in solemn procession to the house of God, there as it were to conseerate the arms he put into their hands. The beds referred to, ver. 5. oa which they were to sing aloud, were probably the couches on which they lay at the banciuet attending their sacrifices ; which gives a noble sense to a pasajije, on any Other interpretation hardly intelligible.
Tht Conduct of Divine Providence. 53
events of a diftcrent nature, that our governors, who sing not *' te Deum" in vain, did not think it convcnieMt to appouit one day of general thanksgiving on the account of them.
As we well know" divine providence to be concerned even in the minutest affairs of the animal or vegetable creation, Ave must certainly on the most obvious principles, acknowledge its interposition where large communities of men are m (]ues- tion: With relation to these it is peculiarly said, 1 form the light, and create darkness ; I make peace, and create evil ; / the Lord do all these things *. And as a careful attention to providence is always our duty and interest, it M'ill especially appear so in proportion to the importance of the events it pro- duces and directs. To such reHections therefore I would this day invite you, and I know not how to do it better than in the words of tiie text ; which are the more suitable, as the vicissi- tudes to which they immediately relate are evidently ot a pub- lic nature ; circumstances, whereby men w ere on the one hand blessed with prosperity and plenty, or on the other hand Dimi- nished and brought low, through oppression, ajfiiction, and sor- row"[, by such revolutions as did not only affect numbers of private persons, but Poured contempt upon princes, and caused those that had once been distinguished, perhaps in cities, pro- vinces, or armies, to wander forlorn in the tractless wilderness %. All these things are supposed under a moral government and superintendancy, which should at length cause The righteous to rejoice, and iniquity , how loudly soever it had for a while triumphed and insulted, to stop its mouthy, confounded and ashamed. And then it is added, whoso is wise, he will observe these things i so observe them, as to see the secret hand of God in them, even -where the train of events is most natural : And they, who attend to them in this light, shall understand the loving-kmdness of the Lord to them that fear him, which shall emerge gloriously out of every cloud that might seem for a whilfTto darken it. Thus the psalm ends : And the prophecy of llosea concludes with a passage exactly parallel to this, in which my text seems to be quoted and paraphrased : Who is wise and ■ he shall understand these things '? Prudent, and he shall know them ? For the watjs of the L.ord are right, and the just shall walk in them ; but the transgressors shallj'ult therein \\.
Permit me then solemnly to call you this day, to make a serious pause, and to employ that recess from other business
♦ I,i). xh. -. fPsal. <vii. r>9. I VcT. SO. ^ Vlt. 4'!. \\ Uo.-,. xiv. ?.
vol.. in. Ci
54 ON A DAY OF GENERAL THANKSGIVING. SeR. III.
which the season and the place gives, in looking back upon the series of events through which we have lately passed, as those, that, believing the universal government of God, would Regay^d the works of the Lordy and consider the operation of his hands *. The pewer of reflection is the glory of the rational nature : May we now be directed to a proper use of it ! And it will afford us a calm pleasure, which, though in these circumstances not unchastised with pain, is nevertheless much to be preferred to all the joys of a licentious mirth, to The laughter oj fools, which Solomon esteemed but as the crackling of thorns under a pot f.
It would veiy ill become me, to pretend to a knowledge of the secret springs of those events which have lately passed before us, or to set up for any peculiar penetration in judging of things which are most apparent. But there are certain ob- vious remarks which arise from circumstances universally known, which though they be important in proportion to the degree in Avhich they are obvious, some for want of attention may not fall upon, and others may not discern in that connection which is like to render them most useful, I think it therefore congru- ous to the relation in which I stand to you, and to the occasion of this day's assembly, to endeavour to guide your meditations to them, and to assist you in dwelling on the review.
Let mo then mention several things which have lately passed before the eyes of all Europe, as worthy of your farther remem- brance and consideration. And I shall endeavour to do it with- out any unnecessarily severe reflections upon those of our neighbours, with v.hom we have lately been contending. When hostilities were once commenced, many of the events most grievous to us were justifiable by the laws of nations : And so far as ambition, or any other evil principle, might be the occa- sions of opening them, may the great preserver of men forgive it, and make us and our new friends for the future wiser and happier ! In the mean time, as the most solemn acts of mu- tual reconciliation have passed, it would be unworthy the generosity of Britons, to rehearse the wrongs, they could not but once apprehend and resent. But it is surely consistent with tjje sinccrest reconciliation, and with all the rules of propriety and decency, on such an occasion as this, to commemorate the divine goodness to us in events, which during the breach were afflictive to those Avho were then our enemies : And it is with no unfriendly disposition that we wish, they hkewise may remem- ber them for their future instruction. I shall not thereforp
* Isa. V. IQ. I Eccl. vii, 6,
The Conduct of Divine Providence. SB
make any farther apology, for what of this nature may occur ; but proceed to those reflections, which may he naturally sug- gested from wliat we may easily recollect of the rise, ])rogrcss, and conclusion of the war ; reflections, wiiich it may in many instances be pleasant to pursue, and I hope in all profitable to retain.
I. Let us recollect, how much we are obliged to the divine goodness, that the late war hath not proved our destruction, or that of onr protestant neighbours.-
Nothing is more common, than for those who have long been pampered with the blessings of peace, in the height of their spirits, to plunge themselves into war with a kind ot wan- ton confidence, like that with which The horse rushes into the battle *; But the issue has been so frequent, that it grew into a proverb many ages ago, They who take the sword, perish with the sword f. Let us adore the divine goodness, that Great- Britain is not added to the instances which illustrate it. It is the more reasonable particularly to acknowledge it, considering how ill we were provided with some kind of preparations, and how destitute of alliances when the war Avith Spain broke out ; and how deplorably, I will not pretend to say by what sad fa- tality, we have since been disappointed in our expectations from some, who were most evidently joined with us in a com- munity of public interest, had public interest been duly under- stood or regarded.
But it is sufficient to have hinted at this. Let me rather call back your thoughts this day to the storm that hung over us, when France was preparing for so formidable an invasion, and God Blew with his wind and scattered them J, and strewed their own shores with the wreck of those ships and men, which had been armed for our destruction ; an event, the importance of which there were few that then thoroughly understood, though what since happened opened the view more distinctly upon us. I here refer to that bold attempt, then concerted, and quickly after madv, bv the enemies of Britain at home, in con- currence with those abroad. And let me now more solemnly recall to your remembrance that day of alarm and consterna- tion, when a little spring from the Northern mountains, Avhich seemed in its rise beneath our notice, and was unhappily too much despised, swelled on a sudden into a torrent, that deluged half our land : When battalions of desperate and infLitualed
♦ Jer. viii. 6. t ^f^t. xxvi. 52. 1 Exod. xv. 10.
G2
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men,l)aving consecrated their swords to our destruction, in blood ever to be lamented, bent on completing the ruin of their country, came pouring on us with such savage fury and unre- strained impetuosity ; till it pleased God, according to the lan- guage in which he speaks of the proud Assyrian, to Put a hook into their nose, and a bridle into their jaws, to turn them back by the way which they came *, even like him to their own land, that they might perish there. Dwell, Sirs, on an idea, which I hope is already familiar to your mind, and ought for ever to be retained. Do you not even now tremble to think, what the consequence would probably have been, if those westerly winds which blew almost continually during the same season of the last year, had then been commissioned to detain our forces on the continent ? What an a;ra had that been in the British his- tory ! What a spectacle to Europe ! What a lamentation to ages unborn ! But God wafted over to us speedy deliverance, so that not a company was kept back ; nay, I think I may add, hardly a man or a horse miscarried. A deliverance, greatly endeared to us by the hand that brought it, and by the remembrance of those importunate prayers which we had so often presented in the day of our distress. Pursue the reflection, and let your hearts this day feel anew the tender and lively gratitude, which you owe to God, and to your human protectors.
It becomes us also this day most thankfully to recollect, in what undisturbed tranquility we have generally lived, during this ten year's war ; Sitting as in the profoundest peace under our own vines and Jig-trees f; as entire strangers to those griev- ous desolations and horrid spectacles, which so many thousands of our neighbours have known, as if no sword had ever been unsheathed. We immediately owe it to the vigilance of our governors, and the advantages of our situation, in concurrence Avith the strength of our navy, and the conduct, courage and iidelity of those to Avhom the command of it was intrusted, and which the contrary character and behaviour of some in their station has, alas, too unhappily illustrated: But let us remember, that the governors, the situation, the navy, the commanders, in which we rejoice, are the gifts of a kind providence, and are to be acknowledged as such. Let the safety of Britain and its provinces, in consequence of all, be the subject of our repeated and continued thanksgivings. Nor let us be so unfeeling for the protestant interest in general, so forgetful of former bene- fits, so insensible even of our own present and future security,
* Isa. xxxvii. 29. f Mic. iv. 4.
The Coyiduct of Divine Providence. 57
as not to rejoice, that our allies, and especially the united pro- vinces, have shared with us in the rescue God has been pleased to give us. Let us adore the Ahiiii^hty, that those praijcrs for their safety, which we had so much reason to unite with tJKise for our own, have appeared to come up in remembrance before God; so that they arc indeed j-ls a brand plucked out of the burning *. Praise waiteth Jor thee. Oh God^ in our Zion, on all these ac- counts ; and unto thee may our vows be performed f/ the vows Avhich we made when we were in trouble and perj)lexity, and Lifted up our eyes unto thee, from whom our help comethy even to the God that made heaven and earth |. But amidst all the joy which these reliections may afford,
II. Let us humble ourselves in the review of those rebukes of providence, which we experienced during the series of the late war.
I question, whether modern history § can produce an in- stance, in which a war has been entered into wdth more tower- ing hopes, Avith more anticipated triumph, than that which we proclaimed against Spain ; and probably, the wisest men amongst us thought that confidence no very good omen of our success. We seemed to think, we had nothing to do but to gird on our terrors, and make the earth tremble. As if, according to the beautiful manner in which Isaiah describes the pride of the Assyrian, we might at pleasure go to the nations that had offend- ed us, as securely and irresistibly as to the Nest of some little insignificant bird, and gather their riches, as one gathereth eggs that are left, and there should be ?ione to move the wing, or to open the mouth, or to peep^. But the event proved very dif- ferent: We found, there was such a thing as military prudence, and strength, and bravery among our enemies, as well as among ourselves: And after all the vain parade with which we set out, we returned, in repeated instances, disappointed and ashamed; so as to have evident reason, after such vast preparations, and such presumptuous confidence, to apply to several of our pro- jects and attempts the words of Israel by the same prophet, IVe have been with child, we have been in pain; we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the
*Amosiv. 11. fPsal. Ixv. I. J Psal. cxxi. 1,2.
§ I say modern histoi-y, as I must allow the triumphant confidence with which the Athenians sent out their navy and troops to the unfortunate Sicilian war aijainst Syracuse, where they were so deplorably destroyed, to be an ever memorable ex- ception, and so far as I can recollect, an event unparalleled in its kind. .See Thucyd. page 430—432. Diod. Sic. Lib. xiii. & Roll. Hist. Aiic. L. vili. C. 8.
II Isa. \. 14.
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earth, neither have the inhabitants of the xvorld fallen before us*. For succeeding jears during our war with France, though the British soldiery to their immortal honour behaved so bravely, we heard not of one battle gained, of one town taken by us or our allies, on the continent; while on the otlier hand, we re- ceived repeated information of actions, in which Ave Jiad greatly the disadvantage, and in Avhich victory was snatched out of our hands by accidents so vexatious, that they are not, even at this distance, to be named; and of fine towns, more than memory can number, lost to the enemy almost as fast as their forces could march from one of them to another, some without any re- sistance, and most of the rest with only a feint of defence.
These, Sirs, are mortifying, but they are indisputable truths; and they must stand upon record, not indeed to the shame of our forces or our generals, but for the instruction of generations to come, that With good advice they may make war f; and that, how well soever the measures of it may seem to be con- certed, tiiey may not, while Girding on their harness, boast as if they were putting it offX' I know, that by the war some parti- cular interests have been largely advanced, and many consider- able advantages for commerce, while we remained so incontest- ably masters of the ocean, gained, "vvhich to those concerned in them have more than balanced their share in the public expence : But I cannot imagine, that had the nation distinctly foreseen all the consequences, they would have engaged in it wath the eager- ness they did, when I suppose the whole gain that can be set down at the foot of the account, to balance the loss of so many thousand lives, and so many millions of treasure, is this, that some of our neighbours are perhaps more exhausted than Ave, and are less able, should they immediately attempt it, to make themselves terrible to the liberties of Europe. On the Avhole, just as our cause, and upright and strenuous as our measures ■were, it appears to have been the scheme of providence, to save Great Britain from sinking into ruin, rather than to exalt it: And we have much greater reason to wonder, when we consider our circumstances in comparison with our characters, that ruin ■was averted, than that so few memorable advantages were gained, or some sensible inconveniences incurred. In these views,
III. Let us acknowledge the divine interposition, which facilitated so equitable a peace as that which we this day cele- brate.
* Isa. xxvi. 18. +Prov. xx. 18. ^ iKin^sxx. 11.
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I shall not enter into any large discourse on the blessings of peace in general.; since, how proper soever it may be to re- collect them at present, the subject is trite, and many of the most material thoughts which might illustrate it, sufficiently obvious. But I would hint at some things, which are peculiar to the pre- sent occasion. I am persuaded, distant posterity will wonder, that so equitable a treaty shoukl take place, when they consider a variety of attending circumstances, and compare them with the great rapidity and extent of the French conquests, and the evident superiority with Avhicli they threatened the low coun- tries, and by a necessary consequence Britain itsell, and all its allies. To suppose this to have been owing to some sudden change in the spirits of men, moderating their ambitious views, and assuaging their tliirst of phmder and of empire, would in- crease rather than abate the Avonder ; and there are incidents by which, on very different principles, the change of measures may be accounted for ; but they are such as still leave room to say, especially Avhen compared Avith each other, that it Is the Lord' s doing , and marvellous in our eyes"^.
In this view Ave shall naturally think of our late successes at sea, in the first place; Avhereby the designs of hostile poAvers Avere rendered abortive, and those naA'al preparations Avhicli Avcre intended to ruin our colonies, Avere led home in triumph to our own shores, and made at length to pour that vengeance on themselves, Avhich they had meditated against us ; Avhilst the opportunitv which our maritime force gave us of cutting off their trade, and at the same time of extending our OAvn, added strength to the sinews of Avar amongst us, Avhich it Aveakened amongst them. Nor are Ave to consider that ever memorable series of providence which gave Cape Breton into our hands, as insignifi- cant to this end. For though important reasons obliged the go- vernment to restore it, it is certain, the possession Avhich Ave actually had of so A'ahiable a jewel of the French ot'own must add great weight to our negotiations, and equitably intitle us to man\ advantages Avliich we might not otherwise liaA-e been able to obtain : Mot to say Avhat influence our having so long held it, iind intimately known its state, coimexions, and dependanccs, may have on setthng and conducting that colony to our adjacent province of Nova Scotia, Avhich under the divine blessing, to Aviiich I hope Ave shall fcrA-ently recommend it, may be pro- ductive of signal advantages, and prove an happy equivalent (or Aviuit it has been necessary to resign.
*P-;aK cxv'iii. '23.
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In these things the arm of the Lord hath been made bare; and lest the part which we ourselves have had in them, should make us less sensible of it, God hath been pleased to interpose in other instances, where we could pretend to no share of glory. In this view, besides what I said of the renewed wonders of pro- vidence in so favourable a disposition of the winds*, we have great reason to reflect on the scarcity of provisions in France, while we were enriched with plenty, for many successive years. And though in the mean time distempers reigned among our liorned cattle, yet, blessed be God, never to such a degree as in some neighbouring countries, where various provisions were raised to ahuost three times their former value. And the fertility of our sheep, as well as of our lands, while our kine have been visited and afflicted, is never to be reflected upon Avithout grate- ful acknowledgment; as it hath not only moderated the price of our food, but furnished us abundantly for those manufactures, the trade of which has been carried on extensively abroad, so much to our national advantage ; in consequence of which, we have been much better able to support the necessary expence of the war. And this has taught our enemies to look upon us, not as an exhausted ruined people, but as those who had still resources sufl'icient to render them formidable, and whom it was not their interest to provoke to the last extremities,
I am indeed sensible, there are some, who being themselves surrounded with all the blessings of plenty, and attentive only to accidental personal advantages, or to the happy consequences which might have attended some successful action on the seas, or in the field, at a crisis like that which has lately occurred, regret the pacification in which we are this day called to rejoice. But such should temper these sanguine views, by remembering, how possible it was that another action might have been un- successful to us and our allies, and how dreadful the conse- , qnenccs of this must have been to the public cause, and even to Britain itself; Avhose army might then probably have been utterly cut ofi", and whose naval strength might not have been able to have defended it, if the wealth and shipping of -Holland had fallen into the hand that was stretched out over them. The view indeed is so aflecting, that it is painful to dwell upon it: and one trembles to think of casting the die for so deep a stake, had the chance been more equal than it seems to have been. But one of the first unhappy events which might have attended
* Sec some illustration of the expression liere used, in my sermon, preached on the Fast Day, 1738-9, and a uiucli fuller in that excellent pamphlet, called Britain's Kenicml)r;in<'cr.
The Conduct of Divinti Pro-Cidend^. 61
the risk, leads us to reflect on that signal interposition of liea- ven, wliich, in the hour of extremity, and with a hand conspicu- ous to the whole world, raised the house of Orange to such distinguished dignity and power ; Avhereby the strength of the Low Countries is drawn into a point, and a steadiness and weight is o-iven to their councils, which will render them respectable in the eyes of all Europe, and must surely put it out of the power of any neighbouring states, to traverse our interest in tliem, and to deprive us of their important assistance, if future emergencies should arise. From this surprising event, with many others which have occurred of late years,
IV. Let us take occasion to reflect on the vanity of humaa ambition.
Some of its fatal eflects we immediately saw ; and I per- suade myself, the hostilities which were exchanged between us and our neighbours, could not so far steel our hearts against all sentiments of humanity, as that we should not tenderly regret on their side, as well as on our own, the many sacrifices which were made to that merciless da;mon. And who must not now be struck, to observe how it has repaid its votaries ! We may hope, it will be a lesson of Avisdom, moderation, and justice, to distant nations, and to future ages, when they hear and read, how, after so vast an expencc of blood and treasure, after so many fine pro- vinces harrasscd, so many rich cities plundered, so many thou- sands and myriads slain m their prime, the consequence of all should be, to quit what had been thus violently usurped, with this onl}'^ consolation, or little but this, that the places through which the sanguinary procession had passed, were left less po- pulous, less beautiful, less opulent, than they had been found, and that perhaps a dav had ruined what nature and art had been years in forming. Can we imagine, that if France could have foreseen, how France would have been lacerated, chastised, and exhausted, not to say in many instances disgraced, it would have purchased the disquiet of Flanders, of Germany, of Italy, of Britain, at so dear u rate ? Surely it would be unjust to suspect that, or any nation under heaven, of so much disinterested male- volence. But, as in the instance of Edom, it may justly be said, The pride of their heart hath deceived them; — and the men of their confederacy, the auxiliary forces on which they so nuich relied, have only brought them back to their own impoverished border*. The river rose with impetuosity, and deluged the
* Obad. ver. 3, 7. VOL. Ill, H
62 ON" A DAY OF GENERAL THANKSGIVING. Ser, III.
lands on either side ; it bore down their ornaments, and their wealth, into a sea of destruction ; and now its force and fury are spent, it runs, not unsullied, within its former channel.
Wliile we reflect upon this, and perhaps suppress in our minds some of those reflections which will naturally arise upon it, let us pray, that wiser and more equitable, as well as more benevolent, measures and principles may prevail among the rulers of the earth. And let us rejoice, that the counsels of Britain, and the conduct of that generous prince who presides over them, may teach the nations honour and good faith. The glory of our sovereign in this respect must be the joy and boast of his people, far beyond what the trophies of conquest could yield : And it must give a satisfaction, not to be paralleled by any little momentary advantages which a contrary conduct might promise, that posterit}'- will testify for his Britannic Ma- jesty, how religiously his treaties have been observed, and his engagements fulfilled ; in consequence of which his throne has stood firm against all eflbrts to shake it, supported by the grate- ful afiection of a free people, supported above all by the omni- potent guardian of justice and truth.
V. Let the scenes through which we have passed, teach us to value and cultivate peace at home.
The public virtues of a prince take ofi^ very much from the merit of loyalty ; and in an assembly like this, I need not urge, how much those of ours would increase the infamy of disaffec- tion. May they who need such kind of lessons more, reflect how sadly our dissentions at home have weakened our strength and our importance abroad. Taught by what the common in- terest has suffered by them, let us exert the utmost influence of our examples, our persuasions, and our prayers, to unite all around us in attachment to our illustrious king and his family, and in unfeigned love to each other. And Oh that he, whose powerful influence alone can effect it, would so subdue every un - kind suspicion and unfriendly prejudice, as to promote our civil and ecclesiastical union in degrees which have been hitherto un- known ! A civil and political union seems so easy under Ii go- vernment like ours, that one Avould wonder any should oppose it, who have not some unnatural antipathy to liberty and prosperity, or whose desperate circumstances and characters do not ap- parently give them an interest in the confusion of the public. In religious affairs, mistaken principles conscientiously admitted and retained may create mutual difficulties, Avhich may em- barrass the most faithful and affectionate counsellors of peace ; not to say, how far secular interest may, in some cases, increase
The Conduct of Divine Providence. 63
the embarrassment. But let us humbly look up to that uni- versally acknowledged, but alas almost as universally neglected, head oF the church, to whose all-healing energy no evils arc in- curable ; that he may dilTuse those gentle but powerful influences of the spirit of love, which may eftectually prevent our reviling or suspecting, our judging and despising each other. As for us, while under an unwilling necessity of continuing separate from our brethren, may we use thankful, peaceful, and unenvied, the liberty which the laws of God and man allow ! and may grow- ing experience more fully teach protestants of every denomina- tion. How good and pleasant it is for brethren, though perhaps in different habits and assemblies, to dwell together in unity*; how much beauty, and pleasure, and strength, are added to the community, when it is cemented by such bonds! Which leads me to a yet more extensive reflection,
VI. Let what has passed, teach us to conduct ourselves, and all under our influence, by such rules of prudence and vir- tue, as may have a natural tendency to increase our national strength.
I would not cloud the festivity of a day, like this, by any thing which might appear an inauspicious insinuation as to the peace so lately established : May it be as lasting, as it is welcome to any who are concerned in it; and may providence give our children's children to rejoice in its happy consequences! But we know, that all human affairs are uncertain ; and it cannot easily be forgotten, that the peace with France towards the end of king William's reign, and that with Spain towards the end of queen Anne's, did neither of them continue seven years. It is however evident, that nothing will tend more to perpetuate this pacification, than our being so provided against a contrary event, that none of our neighbours may find it their interest, if b}' a fatal relapse it should he their inclination, to disturb us.
There are natural and political precautions to be taken for this purpose, which will undoubtedly be the care of our gover- nors, and concerning the particulars of Avhich none but they who have the management of public affairs can competently judge: But there are others;, and those on the whole not less important, which are of such a nature, as well becomes the teachers of religion to recommend and enforce; I mean, the cultivating those moral dispositions, without which we may vcn-
♦ P?al. cxxxiii. 1, II 2
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ture to say, th3,t none other can hav« a sufficient efficacy for the general safety.
And here no thought more readily occurs, than the neces- sity of endeavouring to curb that taste for luxury and plea- surable expence, which has done so much to enervate, disgrace, and impoverish us. One would imagine, that the degree to which our finances must necessarily have been exhausted during so long and expensive a war, should enforce a prudent frugality on all who have any regard for the public good. But instead of this, were we to judge from the glaring objects which every ■where strike us, a considerate man would be tempted to sus- pect, that the whole nation, if it acted on any scheme at all, was fallen into the unhappy artifice whereby so many particular persons have been undone ; I mean, that of fancying a credit may be established among their neighbours, by making a gay figure, when there is least to support it. True prudence would certainly teach us, to endeavour to retrieve our affairs, while there is a possibility of doing it, by imposing on ourselves those sumptu- ary laws, if I may be allowed the expression, which the indul- gence of our superiors spares us ; that a vain parade, and an excessive delicacy in the articles of food and dress, of furniture and equipage, may not melt down our spirits, and increase our necessities ; and so make us the more accessable to corruption, the more averse to those labours and dangers, which if we know not how resolutely to face, we shall in consequence of that be forced to meet, and perhaps the sooner when we turn our backs upon an enemy to avoid them.
Permit me farther to observe, of how great importance it is, that a wise and steady care be taken in the education of youth, that they may be Trai7ied up in the way in which they should go *; a care to form them betimes, to strenuous resolu- tion and industry, to activity and self-denial, to reverence for laws and obedience to just and equitable government, and in a ■vvord, to every generous sentiment with regard to the public good and the liberty of their country ; that they may take an honest pleasure and pride, if I may be permitted to say it, in sacrificing to that every personal interest Avhich may seem to oppose it. The more elevated and distinguished the station of ?iny one in question may be, the more important will these pre- cautions be found, and the more solicitously should such princi- ples be inculcated : But even in lower life this care is necessary ; that if those whose prerogative it js to set the fashion should
■* Prow xxii. (j.
The Conduct of Divine Providence. 65
fail, as amidst their strong temptations they so generally do, all may not be carried away by the torrent.
The like consideration calls us, to exert ourselves for the execution of those wholesome laws, which are enacted for the suppression of profaneness and vice, but which are so frequently violated, and audaciously insulted. Associations of worthy and public spirited men are in this view very desirable ; espe- cially for restraining that licentiousness, which if not carried into an army, is so frequently brought out of it, even where it has in the main been well disciplined ; and which in civil life, to whici) disbanded soldiers must return, is pregnant with many grievous and fatal consequences.
I might enlarge here ; but these are hints of advice, easily suggested by one destitute of all religion, and which no prudent atheist would oppose or neglect. It becomes the servants of the living God, the ministers of the everlasting gos- pel, to lead your thoughts much farther on such an occasion : I must therefore add,
VII. Let us ail be engaged by the survey we have been taking, to repose ourselves on God, and to seek his protection and favour in the way he has graciously appointed.
We well know him to be the great Disposer of all events, who Speaks at pleasure, with an efficacious voice, concerning a jiation, as well as a family, to plant, or pluck up, to build or destroy it *. Our higiiest wisdom must therefore consist in se- curing his favour, by a most grateful reception of his gospel, and a faithful and constant compliance with its great and blessed design. And indeed it is, as the apostle insinuates, absolutely necessary, that v/r/i^e should be grafted on faith ■[ in order to its flourisiiing. Permit me therefore this day, solemnly to re- new the exhortation I have so often given you, that you submit to the authority of the word, and of the Son of God, and that you endeavour religiously to conform yourselves to the chris- tian institution ; acting as in the presence of that holy majesty of heaven, who registers all our actions, and penetrates our iiearts ; feeling at all times the deepest and most affectionate sense of your infinite obligations to redeeming grace ; and con- sidering yourselves as continually on the borders of an eternal state, where happiness or misery awaits you complete and per- petual. These are motives and considerations, suited to pro- duce that consistency, that uniformity, that elevation of good- ness, which must never be expected on any other foundation.
* Jcr. xviii. 7, 9. f - Pet. i. 5.
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And what glorious hopes might we not form for our dear country, if sentiments Hke these were generally to prevail ! *' Oh Britain, thou nation saved and favoured of the Lord ! If God hath so powerfully rescued thee again and again, plunged as thou art into so many excesses and enormities ; if his ami has been thus 7nade bare in thy defence, whilst many who boast the most ancient hereditary honours, or whose atchievments for their countrj^'s good have ennobled their line, deem it no stain to their greatness, to shew their contempt of religion, and to teacli every rank below them, to profane his sabbaths, to neg- lect his ordinances, or to affront them yet more by their irreve- rent attendance, and by every other method to dishonour and outrage that tremendous name, which is the awe of heaven, and the terror of hell ; — if he not only spare, but by signal inter- positions deliver and bless thee, while profaneness and riot walk through thy villages and cities uncontrolled, and almost unre- proved too ; and so many of thy watchmen themselves sleep over their charge, where they do not by false principles or scandalous examples cause their people to err, — what mightest thou not expect were a general reformation to prevail ! What prosperity, Avhat felicity would not attend thee, if ,thy princes and thy nobles appeared indeed to reverence the God of hea- ven, if his sabbaths were religiously observed, his name honoured, his worship devoutly celebrated, in the family as well as in the sanctuary ; if pastors, to the strength of argument and the fer- vour of exhortation, Publickly and from house to house *, added the sanction of a blameless, a holy, an edifying example ; and in consequence of this there were a general solicitude in those under their ministry, however they varied in opinions and in forms, to unite in Adornhig the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things -^ P''
Surely the consequence must be, that a nation thus truly christian, though far less distinguished by natural advantages than ours, would appear at once amiable and awful ; or in So- lomon's sublime language. Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners |. Our neighbours would revere us; cur God would protect us, and shower down his blessings upon us ; the blessings of peace and plenty, which being traced up to their true source, being also moderately used, and equitably and generously distributed to those that were real and proper objects of compassion, would be far sweeter than ever. When our counsellors were faithful, and
* Acts XX. 20. f Tit. ii. 10. + Cant. vi. 10.
The Conduct of Divine Providence. 67
knew no interest of their own to be compared with tliat of the pubhc ; when our leaders, like that exeeile.nt man who so lately iell in our defence, feared to sin but not to die *; and there was in the breast of every soldier a calm resifTijation to the will of God, a noble ambition of securing his approbation, a well grounded confideiiee in his favour, Avhcthcr for time or eter- nity ; what could we reasonably dread ? Surely, bad as the world is, the enemies of such a people would be few ; and God, their guardian, Avould make such enemies to know that He who touched them, touched the apple of his eye f.
Whose heart does not kindle at such a representation ? Who that loves his country, would not form the most ardent •wishes, that this may be its character, and its felicity ? May tlie repose God hath been pleased to give us, be subservient to this blessed end ! and now that our public counsellors are eased of many burdens which the exigencies and operations of the war must occasion, may their thoughts be directed to the happiest measures, Avhereby immoralities may be farther curbed, and pure, genuine, catholic Christianity most effectually promoted and established among us ! And may they who stand in the first rank of the ministers of Christ, be animated to lead the way, with a courage, magnanimity, and zeal, which may trans- mit their names Avith glorv to the remotest ages, and through the grace of the gospel entitle them to more distinguished ho- nours in the church above, than any constitution or prince upon earth can confer !
To conclude all, the mention of what in this connection may easily present itself to our mind,
VIII. Let the occasion of this day's assembly lead our thoughts to that universal peace of the church, which we ex- pect in the latter day, and to the complete peace of the hea- venly world.
How delightful is it to think, that whatever blemishes we for the present lament in churches, whatever desolations in states and kingdoms, there is a time approaching when all shall be remedied ; a glorious long expected time, for the manifesta- tion of which The whole creation seems to travail and be in painX ; when The earth shall be filed with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the channel of the sea §, and the world shall learn by happy experience, what Christianity is, and what the invaluable blessings with which it is pregnant. Let us
* See Col. Gardiner's Life, §.11. f Zcch. ii. 8.
X Rom. uii. 22, §IIab.ii. l^.
63 ON A DAY OF GENERAL THANKSGIVING. SeR. III.
cheer our hearts with the lovely and glorious prospect of that day of grand and final pacification, when, once for all, those who have been armed for the destruction of each other, Shall beat their swords into plow-shares ^ and their spears into pruning- hooks, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more *, having so cordially learnt the gospel of peace. Glorious period, when the religion of Jesus shall universally prevail over the whole human race, and disarm their fierce passions, and regulate their exorbitant desires, and inspire the most benevolent and generous sentiments ! When men shall regard their fellow-men of all nations as their brethren, and desire to see all around them as happy as themselves ; for- getting, with a nobleness of heart which nothing but the gospel of Christ can inspire, every personal, yea I will add, every na- tional interest, which appears inconsistent with the happiness of the whole human species I
But Who shall live, when God doth this f ? When this great miracle shall close the scene of wonders, which the christian re- velation has opened ? Probably a distant generation, by whom our names shall be forgotten, though the event itself be as cer- tain as the divine oracles can render Jt. We will at least, with the first-fruits of a temper which shall then so universally pre- vail, rejoice in the expected happiness of those, who shall not so much as know that we ever existed.
And if some regard to personal engagements will, as it is so natural and so just, mingle themselves with sentiments like these, let me on this good occasion call your thoughts to the much nearer and more important prospects of the eternal world ; prospects, which I hope are familiar to the minds of many among us, and to which so many sad spectacles as daily present them- selves here, concur to lead us. It is painful to a truly benevo- lent spirit, especially to one who considers the remoter conse- quences of things, to look round on what is generally the state of the present world, and to look back on the history of man- kind in preceding times, ancient or modern. There is no branch of science, with respect to which it may be so truly 'said, He •who increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow X in proportion to it. In this respect, they seem to have the greatest advantage, who know only the story of their own personal and domestic afflictions, and those of a little circle of near neighbours. Yet so is our nature constituted, that we delight and wish to know, how it fares, and has fared with others, though at the expencc
* Isa. ii. 4. f Num. xxiv. 23. | Eccl. i. 13.
The Conduct of Divine Providence. 69
of a sad sympatliy : "But it is most comfortuljlc to reflect, tliat where God has given such a sensibility of heart founded on true principles of piety and charity, he hath appointed, that the soul in which it dwells should not long inherit the inhrmities and sorrows of human flesh, nor multiply ycdv^, in the provinces of calamity and misery. He did not send those heaven-born graces down to earth, merely to teach men to weep the tears of hu- manity, though they have their intermingled sweetness too. Unfeigned universal love shall infallibly be the source of joy. Yet a little while, and God will draw a veil over all these mournful spectacles ; or rather, he will raise us beyond the view of them, to a high and serene situation, from whence the pene- trating eye shall command an ample prospect, beyond the pre- sent stretch even of thought, and nothing shall strike it but sights of bliss.
In the mean time, let our eyes be lifted up towards hea- ven, in humble hope, and in fervent prayer, for the public prosperity, for the prevalency of true Christianity in the whole "world, especially in our own country ; and above all, as it is that in which we are first and most intimately concerned, for its prevalency in our own hearts ; that we may steadily retain it, that we may faithfully practise it, that we may daily advance in our conformity to it. So shall we understand the loving-kind- ness of the Lord, in the general conduct of present affairs ; and though there may be mysteries of providence which we cannot particularly explain, shall assuredly beheve, that all the paths of it are mercy and truth, and find the truest and the securest peace in our passage to everlasting joy. Amen.
VOL. III.
A HYMN
SUNG AFTER THE SERMON,
I.
In ow let our songs address the God of peace.
Who bids the tumult of the battle cease. I'he pointed spears to pruning-hooks he bends, " And the broad faulchion in the plough-share ends.** His powerful word unites contending nations In kind embrace and friendly salutations. II. Britain, adore the Guardian of thy state; Who high on his celestial throne elate. Still watchful o'er thy safety and repose, Frown'd on the counsels of thy haughtiest foes: Thy coasts secur'd from ev'ry dire invasion Of fire and sword, and spreading desolation, III. When rebel-bands with desperate madness join'd. He wafted o'er deliverance with his wind ; Drove back the tide that delug'd half our land. And curb'd their fury with his mightier hand : Till dreadful slaugljter and the last confusion Taught those audacious sinners their delusion. IV. He gave our fleets to triumph o'er the main» And scatter terrors 'cross wide ocean's plain ; Opposing leaders trembled at the sight, Nor found the safety in th' attempted flight : Taught by their bonds, how vainly they pretended Those to distress whom Israel's God defended. V. Fierce storms were summon'd up in Britain's aid. And meagre famine hostile lands o'erspread: By sufferings bow'd, their conquests they release. Nor scorn the overtures of equal peace.
Contending powers congratulate the blessing. Joint hymns of gratitude to heaven addressing. VI. While we beneath our vines and fig-trees sit. Or thus within thy sacred temples meet ; Accept, great God, the tribute of our song. And all the mercies of this day prolong ! Then spread thy peaceful word through every nation. That all the earth may hail thy great salvation.
THE GUILT AND DOOM OF CAPERNAUM
Seriously recommended to the consideration of the Inhabitants of London: A Sermon preached at Sailers Hall, August 20, \1VJ,on Occasion of the late Alarm by the second Shock of an Earthquake, March 8, 1749- 50.
PREFACE.
This plain sermon which I now offer to the public, was preached to a very large and attentive auditory, the last Lord's day that I spent in London, from such hints as my many engagements in town would permit meto prepare ; and it was delivered, with thosegenuinemarksof deep impression on my ownmind, which often do more to command regard to a preacher, than any accuracies of composition. It was judged so suitable to the state of things in that city, by some who had long enjoyed opportunities of knowing it much better than myself, and for whose judgment I had a great regard, that I was immediately desired witii some importunity to send it to the press: But 1 thought I had then sufficient reasons for putting a negative upon that request ; especially arising from my desire of dispatching, with all convenient speed, the remain- ing volumes of the Family Expositor; a work, which having finished in short- hand lam now transcribing for the press, and wiiich I never intermit for one day. But what has so lately passed in London, has renewed such a solicitous concern in my mind for its inhabitants, amongst whom I have so large a num- ber of valuable friends, that it has suggested to me the thought, and after a little deliberation the resolution, of doing that unasked, which before I had resolutely declined.
Considering the lethargic state of so many souls, I have long thought it the prudence of christian ministers, to improve those public alarms, which re- markable providences may excite in the minds of considerable numbers, by renewing those plain and earnest remonstrances, which in calmer life men are so ready to neglect. I doubt not, but whilst 1 was yesterday representing these things to my own congregation, that many of my brethren in the city, and I look on all the ministers of Christ as my brethren, were wisely availing themselves of the consternation into which so many were thrown on Thursday morning; and that very suitable things were said, of which some will soon be made public. Yet I cannot but hope, that the perusal of what so many hun- dreds heard, before an earthquake was thought of by them or by me, and when there was nothing uncommon to awaken an attention, may have its pe- culiar weight. I hope, it will renew the impressions which were formerly made on the hearers, and communicate, as such truths are now so evidently suitable, the like impressions to many more. I know not, tiiat I have myself been more awfully affected with any sermon I have published or preached: I may say in a literal sense, tJiat i have transcribed it IKitk tears and tranl/liiKt
12
72 PREFACE.
and that horror hath taken hold upon me * in the review of what is here repre* sented. 1 am not aware of having made any material alteration in the sub- stance of the discourse, especially in its most interesting parts; though I can- not pretend to answer for it, that every sentence is just as it was delivered. -But I hope that I shall be excused, if in the remainder of this preface, I add a kind of supplement to the sermon, and address myself to the inhabitants of London, for whom 1 am under so many obligations to be tenderly concerned, in such a manner as I might have done, had this discourse been delivered among tliem immediately after that shock, by which I assuredly know that many were thrown into such great and just consternation.
You have now. Sirs, very lately had repeat'^land surprising demonstra- tions of the almighty power of that infinite and adorable Being, whom, in the midst of your various hurries and amusements, you are so ready to forget. His hand hath once and again within these five weeks lifted up your mighty city from its basis, and shook its million of inhabitants, in all their dwellings. The palaces of the great, yea even of the greatest, have not been exempted ; that tJie Pnnces of the land might be xvise, and its judges and lawgivers might re ceire instruction f. And is not the voice of this earthquake like that oi the Angel in the a.pocahpse,fj^i7ig in the midst of heaven, and having the everlast- ing gospel, saying ivith a loud voice, fear God, and give glory to him, and ivor- ship hi/n that made heaven and earth %! Who would not indeed fear him, who Lookelh on the earth, andit tremhleth §, and In tvhose hand are its deep places \\ t
I suppose what you have so lately felt to be the result of natural causes; but remember, they were causes disposed by him, who from the day in which he founded our island, and laid the foundations of the earth, knew every cir- cumstance of their operation, with infinitely more certainty, than the most skilful engineer the disposition and success of a mine, which he hath prepared and directed, and which he fires in the appointed moment. And do not your hearts Meditate terror %? Especially when you consider, how much London hath done, and even you yourselves have done, to provoke the eyes of his holi- ness, and awaken the vengeance of his almighty arm ? The second shock was it seems move dreadful than the first; and may not the third be yet more dreadful than the second? So that this last may seem as a merciful signal to prepare — for what may with the most terrible propriety be called an untimely- grave indeed ; a grave that shall receive the living with the dead ! Have ■\ou never read of streets, and towns, and cities overthrown in a few moments, and of many thousands of inhabitants great and small, who have gone doivli (dive into the pit f And can you be secure, because these horrible devasta- tions have liitherto happened chiefly in more southern climates, that they shall be confined entirely to them? Can any of you be secure, even while you are reading these lines, that the ground may not trembleand reel under you ; that the houses already twice shaken within these few weeks, may not even now fall and crush you beneath their ruins? And will any of you go on to forget God, and to make light of that eternal salvation which has so awful a counter- part in eternal destruction? Oh, think of what you have lately felt! And think, whether in that amazing moment you could have done any thing ma- terial to prepare for another world, if eternity had depended upon that mo- mentary preparation ! A shriek of wild consternation, a cr); as you were sink- jug — the Lord have mercy upon us! — would probably have been of very little significancy to those, that have so long despised mercy, and would not have
*Psal. cxix. 53. fPsal. ii. 10. + Rev. xiv. 6, 7, § Psal. civ, 33.
II Psal. xcv. 4. ^Isa. xxxiii, 18.
PREFACE. 73
Ihoiiglit of asking it but in ilic last extremity: And yet nothing more could have been expected, in the circunistinct* we have been supposing.
Let me then beseech those that have neglected religion, to think more attentively of it; and those that tritle in it, more seriously to lay it to lieart. Let me beseech ihe families that call not iiponGod's mane, to think how riglite- ouslv judgment might be commissioned to enter tlie houses, where prayer cannot, alter all tlie importunity sooften used, be admitted as a guest. While yet vuu seem as it were to feel your whole city moving, lot me take so un- common an opportunity of reminding you all, how important it is to secure a kingdom that cannot be moved, to secure everlasting hal)ilations to receive you there, since your dwellings here, how strong and magnificent soever, are thus evidently precarious. 1 am well aware, that terrors alone are not suffi- cient to introduce the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elficacy of his gospel, into your hearts: But like the awful ministry of Johnthe Baptist, tliey may prepare his xvay. An external reformation they may more probably produce ; and what- ever some may have incautiously asserted to the contrary, 1 cannot but think, that is one considerable step towards the other. If therefore this alarming convulsion of the earth, which has made your houses totter, may so far shake your hearts, as to procure a remedy to the most crying evils, I shall hope, not only that the farther judgments of God on so sinful a nation may be diverted, but that many who have been Disobedient to the zcisdom of ihe just, may be found in the noblest and most important sense a people prepared unto (he Lord*.
We may cheerfully hope it, if the great will exert themselves to remedy
the visible contempt of public and domestic worship, the undisguised viola- tion of the sabbath both at home and abroad, and that licentiousness of behaviour so common among their servants, wliich generally renders those profligate creatures the shame of their masters iiouses, the nuisance of the neighbourhood around them, and the scourge and ruin of the families tiiey afterwards form; — If magistrates maintain the decorum of their own charac- ters and vigorously exert themselves to chastise, and so far as the strenuous execution of the law may effect it, to eradicate those audacious enormities, vliicli seem to glory in a superiority to it; enormities so affronting to God and (o our rulers, so infamous to our country, and so pernicious to public order and
private safety ? If ministers laying aside those subtil trifles, which so soon
evaporate into air, and sometimes generate very noxious vapours, will deal plainly and earnestly with their hearers, as with persons who are daily upon the borders of eternity, and will carry that ardent concern for their salvation, which should always breathe from their pulpits^ into the families they visit; If the rising generation be diligently instructed in the genuine principles of religion, guarded against the effeminacy, luxury, and vanity of the age, and inured from tender years to habits of frugality, sobriety, and industry; — In a word, if that eager resort to places of public entertainment, in which so many Iieads of fanjilies are shamefullyconsuming their time, s(|uandering away their substance, if it be indeed tiieirs, and daily increasing their disinclination to business, and servitude to pleasure, be forborne by themselves, be forbidden to their dependants.
Would men be persuaded to live like rational creatures, we should be encouraged in our hope of their becoming sincere christians: ^^oul{lthey practise the rules of prudence and virtue, objections against religion would fail off like withered leaves^ remonstrances in its favour would be heard with al-
*Lukci. 17.
74 PREFACE.
tention, and our winter would soon be changed into a delightful spring. It is for this purpose, that The voice of the Lord crieth to the city *, by these re- peated earthquakes, which have so peculiarly affected it, and the sound of which has been so terrible : For this doth it cry to the country, in the grievous distemper that continues to rage among our cattle; in consequence of which so many pastures are desolate, so many industrious families of the poor ruin- ed, and the rich themselves greatly distressed, while their estates are thrown untenanted upon their hands; and considerable landholders in some of the breeding counties, know not where to get beasts for their money to stock them. For these purposes indeed, doth the voice of the Lord in each of these dispensations cry to us all ; for neither is the city unconcerned in the interests of the country, nor the country in those of the city : The man of wisdom will hear it ; the man of true piety and benevolence will be willing in his proper sphere to echo it back.
The connections in which providence has placed me, and, I would men- tion it with all humble thankfulness, the unexpected blessing with which God has been pleased to crown some of my writings, have led me to think it my duty to concur with my brethren in this attempt, and to hasten what little I could do in it as much as possible. It may be, that this commotion of the vaters may bring some draught under the net of the gospel: It seems at least a time for the Jishers of men to be active; and if in a day of such general in- sensibility, peradventure one soul may be caught by this labour of a night, as it is very little more, I shall not esteem it a small matter; for no everlasting in- terest is small. JNIy work at least is with the Lord, to whom I trust my mo- tives are approved ; and my mind could not have been easy, had so remark- able a crisis been entirely neglected by me. 1 commit it with all humility to the blessing of God, and the piayers of my christian friends, especially of those resident in the city, for whose benefit it was peculiarly intended.
P. doddhwqe.^
Northampton, March 12, 1749-30.
* Micah vi. 9,
The Guilt and Doom of Capernaum. 15
SERMON IV.
Mat, xi. 23, Si. — yind tliou Capematim, tvhich art exalted unto heaven, shalt he hrojigld dozin to hell: for if the mighty works uhich haze been done in tliee, had been done in Sodont, it would have remained until this day : But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in tlue day of judixmaii, than for thee.
JLJ'O any of you, Sirs, ask who it is, that speaks in tliis awful, in this majestic language ? Who it is, that menaces a city of Israel with judgments more tremendous than those of Sodom ? You may on a little reflection answer yourselves. It is A pro^ phet mighty in word and deed*, the greatest, beyond all com- parison the greatest, of all the prophets, even the Son of God, whose peculiar prerogative it was To take the book of the divine decrees and to open its seals f. It was he, to whom Authority was given to pronounce and to execute judgment X ; from whom Sodom and Capernaum were to receive their final doom, and from whom we also are to expect ours. Let us hear him, as their Judge, and as our own : And oh that this tremendous message may awaken us to implore his favour, may awaken as many of us as are in danger of The wrath to come, to flee to him that we may be delivered from it §, before The word be gone forth in righteousness ||, before the sentence be sealed !
You can none of you imagine the subject I am now pro- posing to your meditations, unsuitable to the age in which w9 live, unsuitable to the circumstances of our native country in general, or of the place in Avhich I now stand : But you may perhaps be more fully aware of the suitableness of it, before I come to the close of the discourse.
If a very attentive enquiry has not deceived me, these words were spoken bj'- our Lord, towards the close of the second year of his ministry, that is, between the second and the third of the passovers which occurred during the course of it ; a little before he set out on that circuit, for which he sent out the twelve to prepare his way. A very considerable part of his time before this period had been spent in Galilee, and especially in those
* Luke xxiv. 19. f Rer. v. 9. ♦ Jolui v. 27. § 1 Thess. 1. 10. |j L<a. xlv. 23,
76
ON THE SHOCK OF AN EARTHQUAKE.
Ser. IV.
parts of it which were near to the Sea of Tiberias. On this occasion Chorazin and Bethsaida had been frequently blessed witii his presence ; but Capernaum had been distinguished from all the rest by this inestimable privilege^ as you will afterwards hear, it is no wonder therefore, that he thought pVoper to up- braid all these cities for their continued unbelief and impeni- tency ; and that Capernaum which had been so distinguished by the favours he had conferred upon it, should be threatened with distinguished calamity and ruin. He began to upbraid the cities in which most of his viighiij works were done, because they re- pented not ; Woe unto thee, Chorazin I Woe unto thee, Bethsai- da ! for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes : But I say unto you. It shall be more tolera- ble for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. This was saying much ; but as the privileges of Capernaum had been still greater, its doom is yet more awful : And thou Caper- ■fiau7n, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty xoorks which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have reynained until this day : But J say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day ofjudg^nent, than for thee^. In which words it may be proper for us to consider,
I. The privileges Capernaum had enjoyed, and the distinc- tions which had been made in its favour.
II. Its ungrateful abuse of these distinguised favours of providence and of grace.
III. The dreadful doom Avhich it righteously incurred by that abuse. And after the survey of these particulars, we shall
Conclude with a few hints of plain and serious application.
And you men of Britain, and inhabitants of London, judge I pray you this day between Christ and Capernaum ; and say, whether there was any unjust severity in the sentence he passed upon it. Hear attentively, and judge impartially ; but take heed, lest while you judge others, you condemn yourselves. Let us consider,
I. The privileges Capernaum had enjoyed, and the distincr tions which had been made in its favour.
And here I would observe, It had been distinguished by temporal advantages, — but much more, by spiritual privilege? and opportunities.
*Mat.xi. 20, 21,22. 2
aridii"^'
iflkiitiicjt**' tietivnat^ikk
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. Mfkip mi
sareiviiic^ii,', fflo' to lix j^ feed: Ftrk
-^■-■u^ht proper to up. _ - • li'ibeiief and inipe„i,
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, : London, judge ,
.^.^aumiandsay,
.-.■.sentence he passed
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The Guilt and Doom of Capernaum.
77
1. It had been distinguished by the temporal advantages pf a rich and flourishing city.
Such \vc are told it was ; and in this sense it was Exalted unto heaven ; a phrase, by which the greatness of Nebuchad- nezzar's kingdom is described *.
The land of Israel in general, was a rich and pleasant land, which the all-surveying eye of God Had spied outf, as he him- self expresses it, for his favourite people : And this elegant city lay upon the confines of Zebulon, and of Napthali ; concerning the former of which tribes it was foretold, that it should Suck of the abundance of the sea, and the treasures hid in the sandX ; and concerning the latter, that it should Be satisfied with fa- vour, and full with the blessing of the Lord ^ ; possessing by tliis situation tiie west and the south, though it lay towards the north-east part of the land. A prophecy remarkably verified by those advantages which Jordan and the sea of Galilee gave it, for maintaining a commerce with those parts. It lay also in the near neighbourhood of Asher, of whom it was predicted, th2^. his bread should be fat, that he should yield royal dain- ties \\, And dip his feet in oil *^.
And what is particularly worthy of our present notice, Ca- pernaum was situated in the land of Gennesareth, one of the most delicious spots of ground in the whole Jewish territories. Josephus has given us a very particular description of it, which shews how properly that tract of land had the name of Genne- sareth, which may well signify the pardon of a prince, accord- ing to the import of gen sar, from whence it seems to be derived : For he tells us**, " That it was plentifully watered by a most delicious spring, that Avent by the name of Caper- naum, and every thing flourished about it : The air seemed, not only to nourish, but to preserve the fruits produced there, so that there were figs and grapes for ten months in the year, and other kind of fruits all the year round ; and by a very pe- culiar fehcity, nuts, palms, and figs, and olives, though they required generally a very different situation, all abounded there in great plenty."
To this we may add, that it had also some particular ad- vantages for commerce, being situated, according to the most accurate geographer, near that mouth of Jordan, by which it emptied itself into the sea of Galilee ; the city of Capernaum
* Dan. iv. 22. f Ezek. xx. 6. % Deut. xxxiii. 19. § Ver. 23. | ^ Deut. xxxiii. 24. ** Joseph, de Bell. Jud. lib. iii. cap. 10, § 8.
VOL. III. K
Gen. xlix. -20.
76 ON THE SHOCK OF AN EARTHQUAKE. SeR. IV»
parts of it -which were near to the Sea of Tiberias. On this occasion Chorazin and Bethsaida had been frequently blessed ■with his presence ; but Capernaum liad been distinguished from all the rest by this inestimable privilege^ as you will afterwards hear, it is no wonder therefore, that jie thought proper to up- braid all these cities for their continued unbelief and impeni- tency ; and that Capernaum which had been so distinguished by the favours he had conferred upon it, should be threatened with distinguished calamity and ruin. He began to upbraid the cities tn which most of his mighty works were done^ because they re- pented not ; Woe unto thee, Chorazin ! Woe unto thee, Bethsai- da ! for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in lyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes : But I say unto you, It shall be more tolera- ble for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. This was saying much ; but as the privileges of Capernaum had been still greater, its doom is yet more awful : And thou Caper- •fiaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty xvorks zohich have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day : But J say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee*. In which words it may be proper for us to consider,
I. The privileges Capernaum had enjoyed, and the distinc- tions Avhlch had been made in its favour.
II. Its ungrateful abuse of these distinguised favours of providence and of grace.
III. The dreadful doom which it righteously incurred by that abuse. And after the survey of these particulars, we shall
Conclude with a few hints of plain and serious application.
And you men of Britain, and inhabitants of London, judge I pray you this day between Christ and Capernaum ; and say, whether there was any unjust severity in the sentence he passed upon it. Hear attentively, and judge impartially ; but take heed, lest Avhile you judge others, you condemn yourselves. Let us consider,
I. The privileges Capernaum had enjoyed, and the distincr tions which had been made in its favour.
And here I would observe, It had been distinguished by temporal advantages, — but much more, by spiritual privilege? and opportunities.
*Mat.xi. 20, 21,22.
The Guilt and Doom of Capernaum. 77
1. It liad been distinguished by the temporal advantages pf a rich and flourishing city.
Such we are told it was ; and in this sense it was Exalted unto heaven ; a phrase, by whicli the greatness of Nebucliad- ncijzar's kingdom is described *.
Tlie land of Israel in general, Avas a rich and pleasant land, which the all-surveying eye of God Had spied outfy as he him- self expresses it, for his favourite people : And this elegant city lay upon the confines of Zebulon, and of Napthali ; concerning the former of which tribes it was foretold, that it should Suck of the abundance of the sea, and the treasures hid in the sandX ; and concerning the latter, that it should Be satisfied with fa- vour, and full with the blessing of the Lord^ ; possessing by this situation the west and the south, though it lay towards the north-east part of the land. A prophecy remarkably verified by those advantages which Jordan and the sea of Galilee gave it, for maintaining a commerce with those parts. It lay also in the near neighbourhood of Asher, of whom it was predicted, tha.t his bread should be fat, that he should yield royal dain- ties \\, And dip his feet in oil *^.
And what is particularly worthy of our present notice, Ca- pernaum was situated in the land of Gennesareth, one of the most delicious spots of ground in the whole Jewish territories. Josephus has given us a very particular description of it, which shews how properly that tract of land had the name of Genne- sareth, which may well signify the pardon of a prince, accord- ing to the import of gen sar, from whence it seems to be derived : For he tells us**, " That it was plentifully watered by a most delicious spring, that went by the name of Caper- naum, and every thing flourished about it : The air seemed, not only to nourish, but to preserve the fruits produced there, so that there were figs and grapes for ten months in the year, and other kind of fruits all the year round ; and by a very pe- culiar fehcity, nuts, palms, and figs, and olives, though they required generally a very different situation, all abounded there in great plenty."
To this we may add, that it had also some particular ad- vantages for commerce, being situated, according to the most accurate geographer, near that mouth of Jordan, by which it emptied itself into the sea of Galilee ; the city of Capernaum
* Dan. iv. 22. + Ezek. xx. 6. + Deut. xxxiii. 19. § Vcr. 23. || Gen. xlix. -20. ^ Deut. xxxiii. 24. ♦* .loseph. de Bell. Jud. lib. iii. cap. 10, § 8.
VOL. HI. K
78 ON THE SHOCK OF AN EARTHQUAKE. Ser. IV
lying on its western shore, as Chorazin its opposite neighbour did on its eastern. In consequence of this, it would lie directly in the way of those, Avho came from Damascus, and Csesarea Philippi to Jerusalem and the southern parts of the country ; or of those that went from thence, to those very celebrated cities, and others in their much frequented neighbourhood.
It is therefore no wonder, if with all these advantages it became a very flourishing place ; no wonder, if its buildings were magnificent, its inhabitants rich, its gardens delicious, and its manners polite ; no wonder, if they that dwelt in Capernaum thought, The lines were fallen to them in pleasant places *. They had special reason to do so, if we consider,
2. How much more eminently it was distinguished by spi ■ ritual privileges.
It had, we find, its synagogues for public worship ; but what was its peculiar glory, it had Jesus to preach in them, and to confirm his doctrine by wonderful works. There is hardly a place in the whole land, except it be Jerusalem, of which we read so much in the account which the evangelists have given us of our Saviour's life. He went down to Caper- naum^ with his mother i and brethreUt o^^d disciples \i and con- tinued there a while, in the very opening of his ministry, after he had turned the water into wine at the neighbouring town of Cana in Galilee. It is not improbable, he took it in his M'ay from Judea to Nazareth, when he was returning from his first pass- over ; and we are expressly told, that Leaving Nazareth, when so base and ungrateful an attempt was made upon his life there, he came and dwelt in Capernaum %- And though he left that place quickly after, when importuned to stay, that he might pursue his business in other parts of Galilee §; yet when that circuit was done, he returned thither again |1, continuing there as it seems till his second passover. We find him in that neigh- bourhood again, presently after that passover ^; and such was his love to it, that notwithstanding the impenitence he here la- ments, he afterwards visited it again and again**.
During these repeated sojournings amongst them, we may assure ourselves, that he gave them the most excellent instruc- tions. Preaching repentance, as the kingdom of heaven was approaching ff. We know, that He spake as never man spake XX; and here no doubt, as every where else, his words
*Psal. xvi. 6. fJohnii. 12. J Mat. iv. 13. § Mark i. 37— 39.
II Mark ii. I. ^ Luke vii. 1. ** Luke viii. 41. Mark vi. 1. John vi. 59.
ft Mat. iv. 17, J{ John vii. 46.
The Guilt and Doom of Capernaum. 79
were as awful, as they were gracious and endearing. We like- wise know, that his instructions were every where illustrated by the commiuiding force of a most amiable, and in him a most perfect example. And to all this, to the discourses he delivered, and the consummate pattern which he gave of universal good- ness, was added the weight of many most astonishing miracles ; with reference to which it seems, that no other place was equally distinguished.
Tlic wonderful works which Christ had done at Capernaum, arc spoken of by himself, as known to all the inhabitants of Nazareth ; who were therefore ready to say, Whatsoever nee have heard done in Capernaum^ do also here in thine own coun- try *: And many more were done after that. At Capernaum he healed the nobleman's son f, while he was himself at a dis- tance in Cana : At Capernaum he Cast out a devil % in the pub- lic synagogue on a sabbath day . At Capernaum he cured Peter's wife's mother of a fever §; At Capernaum they brought to him All that were diseased^ and them that were possessed with de- vils II; yea. All that had any sick with divers diseases brought thejn unto him ; and he laid his hands oji every one of them, and healed theiri ^; At Capernaum it was, that The power of the Lord was present to heal great numbers, before the Phari- sees and doctors of the law, who were come thither out of every town of Galilee and Judea ** to a place which was become so illustrious : And it was here, and in the midst of this assembly, that he cured the Paralytic, who was let down by cords into the place, to which they could get no other access but from the top of the house ff: It was here also at Capernaum, that he cured The Centurion's servant Xtt before he came un- der the roof where he Avas : And in another visit, some time after these words in the text were spoken, it was here that he cured the Woman by the touch of his garment, and raised the daughter of Jairus to life ^.
This is a brief and imperfect view of the advantages Ca- pernaum enjoyed : How justly therefore with respect to these might it be said, it was exalted unto heaven I How reasonably might it have been expected then, that Capernaum, thus di- vinely taught, thus miraculously relieved, should have been remarkable for its diligent attention to the doctrines of our Lord,
*Lukeiv.23, f Jolin ir. 46, &, seq. + Mark i. 23— 26. §Ver.30,ai.
II Ver. n2. ty Luke iv. 40. ** Luke v. 17. ft Vcv. 18— 26.
X\ Luke vii. 1—10. §§ Luke viii. 41, & seq.
K2
80 ON THE SHOCK OF AN EARTHQUAKE, SeR. IV.
and its ready obedience to his gospel ! But alas, we cannot forget the connection in Avhich these advantages have been surveyed ; and it must be the business of our next general, to consider,
II. The abuse of these privileges ; for wretchedly abused they weie.
It is expressly said here, that They repe7ited not *; Which implies, — that many sins were to be found among them ; — and that they would not be reformed under all the endeavours which the Son of God himself thought proper to use for that pur- pose.
1. It is certain, that many sins were to be found among them.
They could not otherwise have stood in such need of re- pentance, as to have been obnoxious to so dreadful a sentence for their impenitence. Guilty they undoubtedly were of many evils, but we cannot certainly pronounce as to the particulars : Probably they were such as are commonly to be found in opu- lent and elegant cities, where the materials of luxury abound, and temptations to it are multiplied.
We may reasonably suppose, that irreligion led on the train here, as it does wherever iniquity abounds. Perhaps the worship of God, might be neglected, and that neglect lay at the door of every other evil and enormity. The synagogues might be unfrequented, especially by the rich and the great ; unless when curiosity drew them thither, on the same principles as those on which it might have drawn them to a theatre : And though the terrors of the law that hung over their heads, might prevent that breach of the sabbath, which it pronounced a capital offence, yet it is highly probable, that it might be a day of idleness and diversion, and in no other view might be CalUd a delight f; so that being perverted from its original • purpose, it turned into an occasion of mischief, rather than of benefit, and left them more sensual and vicious than it found them.
Perhaps, amidst their many Merchants, the balances of deceit might be in their hands X; the arts of dishonest gain might be practised, till every sense of their infamy was lost, amidst the numbers by which they were countenanced ; till their palaces were cemented by the tears of oppressed widows and orphans. The stone crying out of the xvall, and the beam from the timber answering it §.
fMat. xi. 20, f Isa. Iviii. 13. 1 Hos, xii. 7. §Hab.ii,ll.
The Guilt ajid Doom of Capernaum. 81
More certainly still may Ave rcclcon upon it, that the fatal arts of luxury reigned in Capernaum: Ostentatious ornaments of dress and furniture, exquisite food, rich wines, and not im- probably, concerts of music and otlier theatrical entertainments, which we know Herod introduced into some of their cities, drawing the world after them, and employing the great, when their minds should have been occupied about the affairs of the public ; perhaps too intoxicating those in common life, and leading them to forget the cares and interrupt the labours, upon which their own subsistence and that of their families depended, and so bringing upon their families a ruin that Avould not have So much as the consolation of being pitied ; at once exhausting the substance, and corrupting the taste of the rising genera- tion. Wretched offspring of cruelly-indulgent parents ! who instead of being trained up in the fear of the Lord, in the me, thods of a wise, virtuous, and pious education, might have their minds broken by effeminacy, and a thousand artificial wants created, when perhaps there might hardly be enough left from the ravages of luxury, to supply the necessities of nature. They would no doubt grow up exorbitant, petulant, and audacious ; ignorant of every art but that of corrupting and injuring others, of every science but that of deriding the little remainder of re- ligion and virtue, that might be found in the midst of so general a wreck. Alas, what an inheritance laid up for them ! But what- ever the offences of Capernaum were, it is to be remembered,
2. That they would not reform under all the efforts which Christ used with them for that purpose.
The Son of God himself Avas among them ; A wise Re- prover, but it Avas on disobedient ears *. Neither his remon- strances, nor his example, nor his miracles, would make any lasting impression upon them. Perhaps there Avere those, Avho Avould not condescend to give him the hearing .- They thought themselves Avise and polite in looking Avith contempt upon the man of Nazareth, and Avould not give themselves the trouble of enquiring into what seemed to them so incredible a tale, as that of his miracles; or if the evidence forced itself upon their minds, and laid down certain favourite maxims to themselves, and resolved to reject every thing inconsistent Avith them, Avhat- evcr Avretched shifts they might make to do it : Nay, it seems manifest, that here that blasphemous suggestion Avas advanced, that he Cast out devils by the prince of the devils f . There plight be others more decent, AA'ho yet heard in vain ; If they
* Ppv. XXV. 12. t Mat. xii. 24.
S2 ON THE SHOCK OF AN EARTHQUAKE. SeR. IV.
Wondered at the gracious words which jyroceeded out of his mouth *, those words were To thern but as the lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instru- ment f ; they heard them, but they would not do them : Or if any impressions were made, they quickly Avore them off again, and were enchanted back into the same circle of pleasure or bu- siness. So that on the whole, they rejected the gospel which was so well calculated to reform them, and grew more hopeless under it than ever. Jf he had not come and spokeii unto them, they would in comparison have had no sin ; but now they had no cloak for their sin %: And the interpretation, that he him- self with all his unequalled candour was obhged to pass upon their conduct, with whatever indignation they might reject the charge, was this, that They had both seen, and hated, both him and his Father §. What could be expected then from such ag- gravated and incorrigible wickedness, but
III. The doom pronounced upon them ; that dreadful doom, which we are next to consider, that having been exalted unto heaven, they should be brought down to hell ; and it should be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judg- ment, than for them.
You will easily observe a strong and beautiful opposition in the former clause of the sentence ; and both that, and the latter, may express — their temporal ruin, but much more cer- — their future condemnation.
1. It may perhaps express their temporal ruin.
We know that this is sometimes signified by this expres- sion, being brought down to hell. The destruction of Babylon is foretold by Isaiah by this very phrase, to shew How the oppres- sor should cease, and the golden city cease ; Thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven. Twill exalt my throne above the stars of God : Yet thou shall be brought down to hell \\; that is, thou shalt be utterly destroyed and buried in thy own ruins. And such, we know, was the doom of Capernaum. Many of the vices, which we have naturally enough supposed to have abounded in it, would in their own consequences have led it on to certain, though to slower rum : But God, as is frequently his method, interposed to execute this fair, yet abandoned criminal, before she died of her own debaucheries.
I do not remember, that we read any thing particular con- cerning the circumstances of the ruin of Capernaum : But as
* Luke iv. 22. f Ezek. xxxiii. 32. % John xv. 22.
§Ver. 24. I| Isa. xiv. 4, 13, 15.
The Guilt and Doom of Capcnwian. SZ
all the country about the Galilean sea was over-run by the Roman army in the war that quickly happened, it undoubtctily shared the fate of its neighbours, of whose terrible destruction Josephus gives a most aflTecting description in the third and fourth books of the Jewish Mar. It was then plundered of its wealtii, and in all probability its streets and palaces were filled with the dead bodies of its slaughtered inhabitants ; as the his- torian says expressly, *' that the lake on which the city stood, after a terrible sea-fight there, was covered with the floating corpses of the slain, which almost poisoned all the country round by the insufferable stench the}' emitted, while they remained unburied *." The country being thus subdued and trodden down by the Gentiles, who became its absolute Lords, Caper- naum must have soon lost all its glory ; so soon indeed, that many of the young people, who had been present while Christ preached in their synagogues and wrought miracles among them, must in a course of nature have lived to share the deso- lation. Thus the sword of the enemy entered into those hearts which had been impenetrable to that Two-edged sword that went out of the mouth of the Son of God f . And so entire was the ruin of the place, that, as we learn from Jerom, in his time, which was less than 400 years after Christ, *' AH that remained of the magnificence and glory of Capernaum, was six or seven poor fishermen's cottages t ;" and modern travellers can hardly find a trace of it : So literally is it grown, like the much more celebrated city of Tyre, Like the tap of a rocky a place to spread nets upon\. Such is the ancient Tyre ; such, after all the privileges it enjoyed, Capernaum now is; and such the proudest city upon earth shall be, if God but mark it out for the like ruin. But more than this, these awful words of our blessed Redeemer did certainly express,
2. Their future and final condemnation.
It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment f in the great day of final retribution, than for thee. You see, the day of judgment is introduced, that great and terrible day of the Lord. And it is very necessary, that the memory of it should be kept up in the world, that men Know- ing the terror of the Lord may, if possible, be awakened and persuaded ||. Our blessed Redeemer himself, who was Anointed to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, considered it also as a part of his commission to declare the day of vengeance of our
* Joseph, de Bell. Jud. lib. iii. cap. 10. §. 9, f Rev. i. 16. + De Loc. Hekr. § Ezek. xxvi, U. II Q Cor. v, 11.
84 ON THE SHOGK OF AN EARTHQUAKE. SeR. IV.
God * • And nothing is so awful as the language in which he
describes it. But we are here to observe, it is impHed, ■
that Sodom and Gomorrah sliould have a part in it, — but that their part should be less dreadful than that of the people of Capernaum.
It is implied, ** that Sodom and Gomorrah should have a, part in the day of judgment." You well know, that God executed his vengeance upon them in the most tremendous manner, for those detestable crimes, which have rendered the name of Sodom so infamous to these very distant ages : And the history of their ruin is so circumstantially described, that it is evi- dent, God intended it should never be forgot. Let me call you all, let me call especially the impenitent sinners that hear me this day, to pause for a few moments on the case of these wretched men. When the rising sun in all its beauty and glory was on a sudden obscured to them, fatally and for ever obscured, by that storm of wrath ; when the awful moment came, in which God had determined to Main upon them snares, fire, and brimstone, and a horrible tempest f ; Snares indeed, that took them, wherever they might attempt to fly : Endeavour to conceive; as you can, though you can but imperfectly conceive, what must be the consternation of these wretches, that felt the eartl^ reeling under them, and saw at the same time the heavens thundering upon them, and pouring a vast shower of burning brimstone instead of rain, firing their habitations, and tortur- ing with far more than the agonies of common flame the bodies they had so delicately pampered, so infamously abused. For a few minutes they remained, either stupid and dumb with amazement, or shrieking out in torment and despair, and Blas- pheming the God of heaven because of their pain % ; the most lively image of hell, that earth oversaw, or shall see ; till down they sink into the opening ground, the city and its inhabitants vanished in a moment, and nothing remained of their country, which just before was Like the garden of the Lord^, but a smoaking sulphurous lake : For so it is expressly said, that Abra- ham Beheld, and lo, its smoke went up as the smoke of -a fur- nace II . Thus they became a sign and a proverb ; for when God would describe the most entire destruction that can be con- ceived, it is by this emblem. As the Lord overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah ^.
* Isa. L\i. 1, 2. f Psal. xi. 6. + Rev. xvi. 11. § Gen. xiii. 10. || Gen. xix. 28. ^ Compare Deut. xxix. 23. xxxi. 32. Isa. i. 7 — 10. iii. 9. xiii. 19. Jer. xxiii. 14. xlix. 18. Lam. iv. 6. Amos iv, 11. Zeph. ii. 9. Mat. x. 15, and Rev. xi. 8.
The Guilt and Boom of Capernaum. 85
Tliclr momori;il is now perished ; except it be tli:it memo- Tial which is preserved of thc;in in the book of God, where they are marked out in so dreadful a manner : And yet, all their pu- nishment is not over. Our Lord tells us, that in the day of judgment they shall be remembered and visited : And we may assure ourselves, that their doom then shall be more terrible, than that whicli they sutVered from the sulphurous rain, the earth- quake, and the /?//, into which many of them no doubt went doii'u alive. ^V'hatever their ang'uish and their terror then was, it shall in the i^reat dav be far exceeded : For we can never imagine, that God would, bring them into final judgment, to punish them less in that tremendous solemnity, than they had formerly been punisiied ; and we may be confident, that to Depart aecursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels *, to be cast into that Lake which burns far ever xcith fire and briynstone \ , must be infinitely more terrible than the momentary pain, imder the anguish of which they would soou have expired, and from which sutiocation would probably much sooner deliver them.
But is this the sentence of Sodom and Gomorrah only ? And shall this dreadful climate, he inhabited onl}^ by them ? Nay, but it is the doom of Capernaum too ; and what is most terrible of all, it is expressly said, ii shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for Capernaum. And thus,
It is implied, " that their part shall be less dreadful in the day of judgment, than that of the people of Capernaum." And it is reasonable that it should be so. Sodom and Gomorrah were righteously condemned : They abused the light of nature, Avhich strongl}' witnessed against wickedness monstrous like theirs: They rejected the preaching of Lot, by whom they might have learnt the knowledge of the true God, and the way to serve him with acceptance. But though they violated the dictates of reason, though they abused the bounties of provi- dence, though they despised the preaching of Lot ; yet they heard not the gospel of the Son of God. A much greater than Lot, was in the midst of thee, O Capernaum ! Justly there- fore are thy children, who would not receive his doctrine, who Avould not obey his charge, who would not regard his miracles, doomed to a severer vengeance, to a more intolerable condemna- tion : so as to look with envy upon the milder tortures in^ tlicted upon those egregious sinners against their own souls.
>= iMat. x.\v. 41. tRcT. xxi. 8.
VOL. m T
86 ON THE SHOCK OF AN EARTHQUAKE. SeR. IV.
But this is not said of them only : It touches us nearly ; and Oh that, as we are so often reminding you of it, 5'^ou may all seriously consider it I What our Lord asserts concerning Ca- pernaum, he elsewhere says concerning all, who will not receive, embrace, and obey the gospel : For these are his words to the first messengers of it, fVhosoever shall not receive you^ nor hear your words, 'verihj I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city* ; and by a parity of reason, for every city, for every town, for every village, for every soul, by whom the gospel shall be rejected, after having been pjlainly and faithfully laid before them. Oh ! hear it again ! It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for them.
And now, methinks, I am ready to interrupt my discourse, and could rather, were I sure you would attend me in it, sit down, and cover my face, and weep. For if these are indeed the words of the Son of God, they are big with a terrible tempest ; and it hangs over what we call the christian world ; it hangs over this island, which is in many respects thft glory of it. And have "we no forebodings, where the heaviest part of it might justly fall ? Is there no city that rises to our thoughts, far superior to Capernaum in its wealth and mag- nificence, and in some respects more than equal to it in its guilt? Oh London, London ! — dear city of my birth and edu- cation,— seat of so many of my friends, — seat of our princes and senators, — centre of our commerce, — heart of our island, Avhich must feel and languish, must tremble, and, I had almost
said, die with thee ! How art thou lifted up to heaven /
How high do thy glories rise ; and how bright do they shine! How great is thy magnificence ! How extensive thy commerce! How numerous, how free, how happy, thy inhabitants ! How happy above all, in their religious opportunities I In the imcor- rupted gospel, so long, so faithfully, preached in thy syna- gogues ! displayed in so many peculiar glories, which were but beginning to dawn when Jesus himself dwelt in Capernaum, and preached repentance there! But while we survey 'these heights of elevation, must we not tremble, lest thou shouldst fall so much the lower, lest thou shouldst plunge so much the deeper in ruin ?
My situation. Sirs, is not such, as to render me most capa- ble of judging concerning the moral character of this our justly celebi-ated metropolis. But Avho can hear what seem the most
*M4. X. 14,15.
The Guilt and Doom of Capcrnaiun. 87
credible reports of it, yea, I will add, who can walk its streets but for a few days with any other observation, and not take an alarm, and be ready tomeditate terror ? Wliose spirit must not, like that of Paulat Athens, be stirred*, when he sees the city so abandoned to profaneness, luxury, and vanity ? Is it indeed false,' all that Ave hear ? Is it indeed accidental,
all that we see? Is London wronged, when it is said,
That great licentiousness reigns among most of its inhabitants, and great indolence and indifference to religion even among those that are not licentious ? — That assemblies for divine wor- ship are much neglected, or frequented with little appear- ance of seriousness or solemnity ; while assemblies for plea- sure are thronged, and attended with such an eagerness, that all the heart and soul, secnis to be given to them, rather than to God : — That most of its families are prayerless, wanting time it seems, or rather wanting heart, for these social devo- tions ; Avhile many hours of every day can be given to recrea- tions and amusements at home, if by any accident that it is im- practicable to seek them abroad : That the sabbath, instead
of being religiously observed, is given to jaunts of pleasure into neighbouring villages, or wasted on beds of sloth, or at tables ot excess : — That not only persons in the highest ranks of life, but that the trading part of its citizens, atfect such an excessive gaiety, and grandeur, and delicacy, the very reverse of that frugality of our ancestors, Avho raised the city to what it is : — That men in almost every rank are ambitious of appearing to be something more, than those who stand in the next rank above them could conveniently allow themselves to appear ; and in consequence of this, are grasping at business they cannot ma- nage, entering into engagements for what they catmot answer, and so, after a vain and contemptible blaze, drawing bankruptcy upon themselves, and exposing to the danger of it, honest, in- dustrious persons, who are won by that suspicious face of plenty which they put on, to repose a confidence in them, on that very account so much the less reasonable and safe : — That the poorer sort of the people are so grossly ignorant, as to know hardly any thing of religion, but the sacred names, which they continually profan-- ; so wretchedly depraved, as to cr i;sume their time and strength in reaching at those low and pernicious luxuries which they may hope to attain ; and 60 abandoned, as to sink unchastiscd into the most brutal sen- Acts xvii. 16. L 2
^^ ON THE SHOCK OF AN EARTHQUAKE. Ser. IV,
sualities and impurities: While tliose Avho -would exert any remarkable zeal to remed}^ these evils, by introducing a deep and warm sense of religion into the minds of others, are suspected and censured as whimsical and enthusiastical, if not designing rnen: — In a word, That the religion of our divine Master is by multitudes of the great and the vulgar openly renounced and blasphemed; and by others but coldly defended, as if it were grown a matter of mere indifference, which men might without any great danger of mischief, reject at their pleasm'e; 5'ea, as if it were a matter of great doubt and uncertainty, whether men's souls Avere immortal, or whether they were extinguished with so empt}^ and insignificant a life. Men and brethren, are these things indeed so ? I take not upon me to answer absolutely, that they are; but I will venture to say, that if they are indeed thus, London, as rich, and grand, and glorious as it is, has reason to tremble, and to tremble so much the more for its abused iiches, grandeur, and glory.
There is indeed, as has often and justly been observed, one token for good amongst these symptoms of danger ; J mean, a variety of charitable foundations and institutions amongst 3^ou, so far as I know, unequalled through the whole world ; as well as a freedom from persecution and oppression, those detestable evils, which wherever the\- arc to be found, cry so loud for ven- geance, and for which it is expressly said, that Babvlon, Nineveh, and Jerusalem were destroyed. There are also, blessed be God, not a few inhabitants of this city, who reverence God; who be- lieve, and obey, and adorn his gospel; who dare, in the midst of so many contrary examples, to stand up for the honour of Chris- tianity with resolution and zeal ; and who are solicitous to infuse a deep sense of its excellency and importance, into the minds of their rising offspring, and of others whom providence has placed under their care and influence: These of whatever denomina- tion, and with whatever modesty and silence their designs are conducted. Are the salt of the earth*, that hinder the corrup- tion from becoming universal: They are the guardians of the city in which they dwell, and stand in that breach, at which judgment would otherwise pour in like a torrent. Let such be established, encouraged, and quickened, by representations like . those I have now been making. The eyes of the Lord are upon them especially at a crisis like this; and his ears will be open to their cri/f. Let them be exhorted, to exert themselves with a growing zeal for a general reformation, so fur as their influence
* Mat. V. 31. t Psal. xxxiv. 15.
The Guilt and Doom of Capernaum. 89
may extend. Let them by their examples go on to plead this important cause ; and let every art and labour of pious education be attended to, that the minds of youth may be rescuetl from the growing eontagion, and stored with those seeds of virtue and piety, whicli may make the next generation much happier than the present : And to tliese labours of love let such join tiieir fervent prayers, which have already, I doubt not, been in some cases cfHcacions, and which, in proportion as they grow more frequent and importunate, may be yet more so. All that love Zion, will say amen to them ; and may the Lord our God say so too!
To the rest, who swim with the stream, who follow the mul- titude, and who argue themselves into security, either from epi- curean principles, or from not having yet felt tiiose scourges of God, under which so many other cities and nations have fallen ; to those who disregard providence, as well as neglect and des- pise the gospel; — I shall only at present address that awful oracle of God by Zephaniah, which ought to have its weight wherever circumstances resemble what are there supposed : It shall come to pass, saith the Lord, that I '[till search Jerusalem •with candles, and punish the vien that are settled on their lees, that say in their heart, the Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil: Therefore their goods ghall become a booty, and their houses a desolation. 80 it may really be, peaceful as the present appearances are. God can raise up enemies, where we least expect them; nor does he need the weapons of war to chastise, or its engines to overthrow a guilty city. But however its im- penitent inhabitants may escape such temporal judgments, con- cerning the probability of which we can but very uncertainly denounce; I will take up the parable, and say in the sublimest sense, the following words can admit, and in such a light as the awful denunciation of mv text throws upon them. The great day of the Lord is near, it is nearer and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day oj the Lord; which shall be ushered in by the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God ; when the heavens as well as the earth shall be shaken, and pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with l\;rvent heat ; the day, in Avhich the mighty man, the boldest and the haughtiest sinner, shall cry bitterly : That day of wrath, that day of trouble and distress, that day of wasteness and desolation, that day of darkness and gloominess, that day of clouds and thick darkness, which no description even of a prophet's pen can paint m colours sufficiently terrible ; that day of the trumpet and alarm, that shall bring distress upon men, because they have sinned against
90 ON THE SHOCK OF AN EARTHQUAKE. SeR. IV.
the Lord. They may trust in their strength, they may boast in their riches ; but the fenced cities, and the high towers, shall be brought down ; neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them zw the day of the Lord's wrath, when the whole land, when the whole earth, shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy *. This alarm I leave with you ; and Oh that it may operate to produce the great effect, in which all our ministry, if we understand our own true interest and yours, ought to center, even that of leading you to him, whose great prerogative and office, whose glory and joy, it is, to deliver from the wrath to come! Amen.
*Zeph,i. 12—18,
COMPASSION TO THE SICK
RecomniendeJ and urged : A Sermon preached at Northaynplon, Septeinher 4, 174:5, in favour of a design then opening to erect a Counij/ Jnjir7nary there Jor tlic relief of the PooVy Sick and Lame,
TO THE
RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF HALIFAX.
MY LORD,
The generous and active zeal with which you Iiave espoused the charily this sermon is intended to recommend, and the assiduity with which you have vouchsafed to preside in tlie committee appointed for ripening the ge- neral scheme, and bringing it into elfect, migiit justly have iniitled your Lordship to this application ; had your various abiUties been much ii*ss oon- spicuous, and the otiier parts of your cliaracter, incomparably more valuable tlian any abiHlies, been less known to the author, or less reverenced by him. Yet I am very sensible, that the plain and liasty discourse, whicli 1 iiave now the honour of presenting to jour Lordship, might fear the review of an eye so accustomed to all that is eloqu "it, beautiful, and linisiied in antiquity, did it not trust to that kind prejudice; ^'"cijyour attachment to its general design vill naturally give you in its favour.
I am sensible, how impertinent it would be in me on this occasion, to give myself a liberty of saying all the respectful things, which from my lieart 1 think ot the Earl of Halifax, or to imagine, that his general permission of in- scribing this sermon to him would authorize the doing it. But it would bo over rigorous in your Lordship to prohibit my intimating that pleasure I haveshared with so many more discerning persons than myself, in observing that^accurate judgment, that steady application, that im[)artial equity, and that engaging address, with which your Lordship, under the character of our chairman, has conducted the counsels and affairs of the committee. 1 know, that I speak the sentiments of several of its members, and I believe 1 speak the sentiments of all ;]when I say, that in the fatigue of that close attendance, which we have thought it our duty to give on tliis good occasion, we have often been re- lieved by reflecting, as it was mo>t natural to do, on the benefit which the public must receive from such talents, when exerted in the highest assembly of our nation. There your Lordship finds a sphere of action more amply proportioned to the largeness of your heart, and suited to tiiat high sense of liberty, and benevolent concern for the general good, which is the brighest ornament of a Peer, and of a Briton.
Go on, my Lord, to shine in this ornament more and more. Animated by every principle, which humanity, and nobility, and, what is most humane, and most noble, true Christianity can suggest ; goon to exert the distinguished capacities of usefulness, with which providence has blessed you, in sucli scr-
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92 DEDICATION.
■vices, and by exerting to increase them ; and with them to increase that ve- neration and alFection, which every worthy heart will pay you as a just tri- bute, and that infinitely more important anddivine pleasure, which your own •will lind, in the consciousness of having acted well. A pleasure indeed worthy of the most ardent pursuit; and on which heaven sets so high a value that it allows it not to be treated with by proxy ; nor will grant any thing like it, to the most illustrious birth, the most ample fortune, or the most ele- vated genius, unless the possessor of them all will go to the price of it by a resolute exercise of personal virtue.
I rejoice, not for myself alone, but for my country, that our civil, and sacred liberty hath one such guardian among the rising nobles of our age: I hope, it has many ; and I pray God, their number and their virtues may be increased ; and that wherever they are, they may be rewarded with a rich variety and a long succession of external blessings, joined with that inward satisfaction which is inseparable from such a character.
May your Ixjvdship especially, not only have the sublime joy of behold- ing Great-Britain distinguished among the iiations by public honour and prosperity, but see every thing, which can conduce to your personal and do- mestic happiness, added in private life ! And in particular, when you conde- scend to turn your thoughts towards Northampton, a town under hereditary obligations to your Lordship's family, which I hope it will never be so un- grateful as to forget, may you soon and long have the satisfaction to see its county hospital, which you are now so kindly cherishing in its infant- weakness, grown up to full maturity, and giving more certain presages of being an extensive blessing to generations yet to come !
I sincerely congratulate your Lordship, and the other illustrious nobles and worthy gentlemen, who are exerting themselves in this good work, on a capacity of doing greatly for its service, while my narrow sphere will allow me little more than to wish it well. Yet it is a comfort to me to think, that this discourse, in which, imperfect as it is, I flatter myself there will be found traces of an honest and a tender heart not easily to be counterfeited, will be some memorial of tlie affection with which I have endeavoured to serve it, and at the same time of the unfeigned and profound re&pect with which i am>
My Lord,
Your Lordship's niostfaiihful,
Most obedient, and most obliged hwnble servant,
P, DODDRIDGE.
COMPASSION TO THE SICK RECOMMENDED AND l-RGED.
PREFACE.
The great desire whlcli I have to promote that noble and amiable charity vhifh is now bCt on foot among lis, lias engaged me to comijly with the re- quest of some of my friends in publishing this sermon, which was delivered on too little notice to allow of much preparation. But indeed very little reflection is necessary, wiicre tlie arguments in its favour are so obvious ; and little art can be required to plead a cause, which, as soon as it is admitted to a short hearing, speaks so loudly and so eloquently for itself.
The only plausible objections, which I remember to have heard against it, are these two :— That the distant parts of the country can expect little be- nefit by it;— and tliat any private house, which can be taken for the purposes of a Coun'ty Hospital, can bear but little proportion to what the necessi- ties of so large a county will require. But 1 hope, neither of these objections will be found unanswerable ; and if every objector will do his part towards removing them, I am sure they cannot be found so.
I apprehend piyself tohave no right tospeak hereof the particular pre- cautions, which the committee has taken Aith regard to the first of these; but shall refer the reader to the statutes of the intended Hospital, when they shall be published, as they ([uickly will, But it may, and ought to be taken for granted, till the contrary appear, which 1 persuade myself it never will, that the rules for the admission of patients will be so constituted among us, as well as elsewhere, that patients coming from distant parts will have some preference given them, to those that are near home. And as none but chro- nical cases are likely tooffer from a distance, if due precautions be taken in writ- ing and answering letters, in the representation of cases, and in bringing patients,
I cannot see any probability of frequent disappointments. If the contrary be suspected, let gentlemen and others, who are willing to act for the en- couragement of the charity, if it be duly ordered, favour us with their pre- sence at our next general ineeting of subscribers, and there let them examine what the committee will then oiler on this head, as well as on others, and if Ihey are not satisfied with what is already adjusted, let them propose any more ertectual methods of making them easy on this head : They will no doubt be heard with all due regard, and the assistance of their counsels be thanktully acknowledged by all who have the interest of the Hospital at heart.
As for the second objection, the force of it cannot be thoroughly judged of, till the house intended for the reception of patients iJt known, and the projected alterations in it are examined. If after this it be still insisted upon, that we should build, then let those, who are in that senliment, sub>cribe their respective benefactions for that purpose ; and there can be no doubt, but the \vork will be joyfully undertaken, assoon as there appears any fund socoiisider- «ble as to render it sale. But in the mean time it would surely be most unreason- able to clamour against any governors, or committee, wiio may beestablislied, for not attempting it, while they have no stock for so great an undertaking, in any tolerable degree proportionable to it. This county, so well cultivated VOL. III. M
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PREFACE.
a( d inhabited, and celebrated for llie seats of so many of the nobility and gentry, is capable of doing great things if it pleases, and may, like Devon- shire, without feeling any sensible burden, command a spacious and com- modious edifice to arise for this purpose in a few months ; and if no unex- pected providence obstruct it, 1 know not what should forbid us to hope and expect it. Good examples are already given, great patrons are engaged*, and measures are entered into for soliciting the county in the most prudent and engaging metiiods that could be contrived. The effects will soon be seen ; and then, not till then, the managers will be able to judge what they can at first safely attempt, and will, 1 dare say, greatly rejoice to see a much grander scheme practicable, than they have allowed themselves particularly to project.
It is with great pleasure, tliat I see persons, who have been listed under opposite parties, and who bear different denominations, cordially uniting to advance this generous scheme, and consulting to make each other as easy as possible in the execution of it. There is very little in the following sermon, which is no matter of common concern, as we are christians, and as we are men ; and I am not aware of one word, which can reasonably give offence to any: And therefore I hope, the name of the author will be no prevailing prejudice against its acceptance and usefulness. I cannot think an attempt of this kind out of character in present circumstances. I have peculiar obli- gations to love a county, where I have spent so many agreeable years, and in the various parts of which I have the pleasure of enjoying a personal friend- ship with so many deserving people. But had 1 been only an occasional resident in it for a few months or weeks, I could not have refused what little I might have had an opportunity of doing, in subserviency to a design so friendly to human nature as this. Homo sum, humani nihil k mealienum puto,
P. D.
* This refers to the honour, which his Grace the Duke of Montague and the Earl of Northampton have done xis, the former in accepting the office of grand visitor of the hospital, and the latter that of perpetual president ; as well as to the important assistances, which the Earl of Halifax has given, and is giving, as in every other generous and zealous service to the design, so especially in presiding aa chairman in the present committee for drawing up the statutes of the Hospital, and taking other preparatory measures for putting the plan into the most speedy and ef- fectual execution : Circumstances, which in so happy a concurrence, have given a spirit and a weight to its resolutions, which it is hard to imagine how they could otherwise have had. I mention not the names of several others of the nobility, gentry, and derg-y, who have distinguished themselves on this occasion : The list, when published, will speak the generosity of their subscription ; and other sen-ices, not capable of being represented there or here, will, no donbt, live in the grateful memory of all who liave particularly known them, without any such records.
The Duty of Compassion to the Sick. 95
SERMON V.
Psalm xli. 1, 3. — Blessed is he that considereth the Poor ; the Lord xvill deiiver him in Tinte of Trouble : The Lord zvill streni^then I urn upon the Bed of Languishing : Thou zvilt make all his Bed in his Sickness.
I
T is matter of certain observation, and of delightful reflec- tion, that under the administration of a -wise and gracious pro- vidence, even tiie distresses of human nature are so over-ruled, as to occasion some of its most exquisite pleasures. Our own have this effect, when generously encountered in a good cause ; or when, from whatever source they arise, Ave bear them with a calm resignation to the great Governor of all, animated by an Imnible confidence in his goodness. And the calamities of others, deeply as they wound every compassionate heart, are the acci- dental cause of a proportionable satisfaction attending every humane attempt for their relief. This is what I am persuaded, manv of you, to whom 1 now speak, have often experienced already ; and I hope, that experience will now be largely and happily renewed. I am confident it will, if what I am about to lay before you in favour of the scheme, which is now open- ing upon us, for a County Infirmary to be erected here, be re- garded in such a manner, as 1 have great reason to hope it will ; considering how noble a charity it suggests, and how ready I have ever found you to comply with every call of providence to contribute liberally for the assistance of the necessitous.
That important branch of christian charity, which consists in giving alms to the poor and indigent,, has been the subject of so many of my discoun.es, that almost every topic, and every argument, whieii I could think of to enforce it, has been warmly and frecjuently urged upon you ; and the fairest exam- ples of such a disposition have been particularly illustrated, that, charmed with the beauty of them, you might go and do like- wise. Especially you have been often pressed by that noblest and tenderest of all arguments, which arisei from tb« infinite,
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compassion and benevolence of the blessed Jesus, and the dis- tinguished genius of his religion ; as having charity for its de- clared end, and rising above all other religions, as much in the excellence of its tendency, as it doth in the dignity of its Author. And therefore, without so much as recapitulating what I have said on such occasions, I shall make it the whole of my present work, to suggest such things, as may have a pecu- liar suitableness to that particular kind of charity which we have now in view : And I think myself exceedingly happy in this opportunity of offering you a set of thoughts, which would never before have been equally seasonable here. Many of them ■will naturally arise from the words which I at first read, as the foundation of my discourse ; blessed is he that considereth the poor, S(c.
It would perhaps be too bold a criticism, to pretend to determine the particular distemper, under which David had been labouring, just before he composed this admirable Psalm. But I think it is in general abundantly evident, that it M-as oc- casioned by a violent and dangerous fit of sickness ; in which he met Avith most inhuman treatment from some base and wicked men, who had pretended great affection to him. *' Mi7ie e?ie- mies, says he, speak evil of me, saying, when shall he die and his name perish ? They think the distemper, terrible as it is, does its work too slowly, and would gladly, if they durst, aid its victory by murder. And as for him who is the chief of them," by whom some suppose he meant Absalom, whose un- natural rebellion might be ripened by the concurrence of this circumstance, " if he come to see me, as he frecjuently does under specious pretences of duty and affection, yet in all his most respectful condolences, he speaks vanity and falsehood, and his heart is in the mean time gathering iniquity , is making one malignant remark or another, which, when he goeth away out of my apartment, he proclaims abroad to increase the dis- affection he is endeavouring to sow among my subjects. And their mischievous counsels are quickened and emboldened hereby, while they say, an evil disease cleaveth fast unto him, as a peculiar judgment of heaven upon him ; and now that he lieth disabled in his bed, he shall arise no more. Yea, mine own fa- miliar friend, in whom I trusted to have given me the surest assistance in my pressing affairs, while I am thus rendered inca- pable of attending to them myself, even he who did ->o]ong eat of my bread, and had a place at my table, has like an ungrateful bi-ute that strikes at his feeder, lifted up his broad hed against
The Duty of Coynpassion to the Sick. 97
»;2^," as the oritrinal imports *, ** and endeavoured to do me all the miseliief in his power."
This Av.is knig David's unhappy circumstance in his illness, as roval dignity can neither secure the continuance of health, or the fidelity of friendship, nor fortify the heart against the sting of ingratitude; esj)ecially in such a concurrence of afflicting cir- cumstances. On his recovery he described it in the most lively colours ; and to represent how much it impressed him, he speaks of the scene, as if it were actually present : And that a proper contrast might set it off the more forcibly, he begins the psahn with an atVectionate reflection on the beauty of a contrary charac- ter, and on the happiness to which the possessor of it was en- titled. Blessed is he who considereth the poor. The original is yet more emphatical and extensive : Oh the blessedness, or the various felicities of that man n'ho wiselij reflects on the case, and circumstances of him that is brought low\. The margin ren- ders it, him that is weak or sick: And another translation gives it thus, blessed is the man that providcthfor the sick and needy; ■which is a sense undoubtedly comprehended in the words, though I cannot think them limited to it. They speak of a person re- duced2ir\& brought low, whether by poverty, or oppression, or sickness, or any other calamity, affecting mind, body, or estate I : From whence it will clearly follow, that where several
\ They who can consult the original, and will give themselves the trouble of tracing the etymology from 771, and examining the many places in which this word is used, will soon see the justice of this remark. It most frequently signifies poor, and accordingly is often opposed to rich; as, Exod. xxx. 15. Rutli iii. 10. Job xxxiv. 19. Prov. x. 15. xix. 4. xxviii. 11. It is sometimes rendered 6ro«^A/ /ow in our version ; as, Psul. Ixxix. 8. cxlii. 6. and cxvi. 6, in which last place the con- nection shews, it relates to skknrns. II is sometimes applied to streams cmjitird end dried up, Job xxviii. 4. Isa. xlx. 6. and sometimes it signifies emaciated, Isa. xvii. 4. and is in that sense applied to Pharoah's lean kine, Gen. xli. 19. and to Amnon when pining away for Tamar j 2 Sam. xiii. 4. agreeably to which HvlD derived from the same root is rendered pining sickness, Isa. xxxviii. 11. And it is elsewhere used to express a veuhnrss in the eyes and limbs : Compare Isa. xxxviii, 14. where CZ31~1Q/ '3'y l/T should be rendered, 7ninc eyes are so weakened, i. e. by languishing ilhiess, t/uit I am not able to look up. And Prov. xxvi. 7. which verse might most naturally be translated, As the legs of the lame sink under him, (nODD CD'pIi* V/T) so doth a parable in the mouth of fools : Solomon thereby beautifully expressing hoxv feehle the sublimest discourses on moral and religious subjects are in the mouth of a vicious man. I know many critics have produced these two last texts, as instances in which //T signifies to be lifted up ; but 1 believe, if most of the places, in which tiie same Hebrew word is said to signify contrary things were accurately weighed, they would be found as little to the purpose of proving tiiat very improbable, and ia many instances raischierous asicrtion, as these two.
9S KOR NORTHAMPTON COUNTV INFIRMARY. SeR. V.
of these causes join, as the circumstance is peculiarly worthy of compassion, the virtue, and therefore the blessedness^ of him who is ready to pity and relieve it, must be proportionably great. The word which we render considereth, is sometimes used for taking an intelligent view of a thing, and sometimes for acting in a prudent and reasonable manner, suitable to such views *. And accordingly it well expresses the character of one, who examines into the circumstances of the afflicted creature of whom David speaks, and upon that takes wise and proper mea- sures for giving him the most convenient and effectual assistance he can. And as on the one hand, it may be intended to recom- mend the use of discretion in directino; and manasrino; our chari- ties ; so on the other, it may intimate, that where men overlook those that are brought low, it is an evidence of a narrow inatten- tive mind, that takes up with short and superficial views of things ; whereas if men's sentiments were juster, their affections and actions would be kinder and more beneficent. They would find, that nature, and duty, and interest too, if rightly consider- ed, and justly estimated, would all dictate the same thing on such occasions.
This will especially appear, when it is considered, in how gracious and condescending a manner the blessed God, the supreme disposer of all events, is pleased to interest himself in the cause of the indigent and distressed, and the kind notice which he takes of the man that appears as a patron of such per- sons. The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble, or, as it might more literallj'^ be rendered, in the day of calamity f : As if it had been said, " There is a revolution in human affairs, as well as in the returning seasons of day and night, of summer and winter. Calamity will have its day, and the time will come, when they, who are now most prosperous, will find themselves surrounded with dark and gloomy schemes. And then may the generous and charitable man hope to receive the compassion he hath extended; or, as we elsewhere read, With the merciful thou. Lord, wilt shew thyself mercifulX^ And indeed one can- not without astonishment, as well as delight, reflect on what is so suitably and so te,nderly added in the third verse, to express the divine care of such a person. The Lord, Jehovah himself, in Avhom is everlasting strength §, and who bears up the pillars of
* vDti' has plainly the former signification, Neh. viii. 13. Job xxxiv. 27, 55. Psal. xiv. 2. Jer. ix. 24. Dan i. 4. and the latter, 1 Sam. xviii. 14, 15, 30. Psal. cvi. 7. Amos v. 13.
I T]'^"! nDV2 % Psal. xviii. 25. § Isa. xxvi. 4.
The Duty of Compassion to the Sick. 99
heaven, IVill strengthen him upon the bed of languishing, or as itinio;lit 1)0 rendered, will support him, ov hold him up there*: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness\: Some would literally render it, thou wilt change his bed, and explain it of turninj^ a bed of pain and distress into a couch of pleasure and delight ; supposing it alludes to their custom of lying on couches in their banquets. But I think the image which our translation suggests equally suits the original, and is, on account of its tenderness, greatly to be preferred. The good man is now supposed in his turn to be brought low by illness, so exceeding low, that he is riot able so much as to sit up in his bed ; and God does not dis- dain to represent himself under the image of an aft'ectionato friend, or parent, Avho holds him up in his arms ; and himself assists in turning his bed, and making it easy to him, wdien, be- ing too weak to rise, he is only able to shift the sides.
Amazed and charmed with an expression of so much con- descension and endearment, 1 set myself, w ith additional plea- sure, as in the presence of this compassionate God, to open mv mouth, and plead the cause of the poor and the alHicted ; and would attempt to cultivate in your minds, and in my own, the temper which the words recommend. That I may do it in the most suitable and useful manner, I shall,
I. Represent the reasonableness of a compassionate tem- per, towards those in general, who are languishing on beds of sickness.
II. Shew how wise and happy a method of expressing our compassion towards such, that which is now recommended to us is likely to prove : And,
III. Conclude with the mention of some circumstances ia the present situation of affairs, by which the design is peculiarly recommended to us at this time.
I. Let me represent in general how reasonable it is, that we should feel compassion in our hearts towards those, who languish under the burden of bodily disorders, and particularly are con- fined to beds or chambers of sickness.
And this you will not only see, but feel too, if you reflect — • on the calamity of their state ; — on the tender sense they naturally have of the treatment they meet with in it ; — and how liable we ourselves are to the same circumstances of distress.
1 . Consider the calamity of their state.
Some of you know it by familiar acquaintance, by dear-
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bought personal experience, and must have The worm-wood and the gall in a long and painful reynembrance*. Go back in 3^our thoughts to those chambers, which you were almost ready to consider as your sepulchres, and those beds, from whence per- haps you expected to rise up no more, or which seemed as racks, if not as graves, to you ; and then say, whether you were not objects of compassion yourselves, and whether others, in the like circumstances, must not necessai-ily be so. Others of you have, no doubt, been conversant with the sick and the pained: Reflect on what you then saw and heard ; and let your eye, and your ear affect your heart.
There are indeed some, who seem solicitous to keep as much as possible from the sight of such mournful objects; as if they were afraid, that in such a circumstance an involuntary kind of humanity should invade their hearts, and force them on a sudden, and as it were before they are well aware of it, to do something more generous than they care to allow themselves in. But no man, who hath lived any time in the world, can be such a stranger to human nature, and to human life, as not to know something of the various distempers and accidents to which we are liable in this feeble state, and of the sad symptoms of sorrow that attend them: Fatal effects of the entrance of sin into this world of ours, and aM^ful monuments of the divine displeasure against the first instance of it |
I am not indeed learned enough to run over the tenth part of those names, which physicians have given to the various ma- ladies under which their aid is demanded. But the fever, the dropsy, the gout, the stone, the rheumatism, the choUc, the asthma, the cancer, the palsy, consumptions, and the like, are words of dreadful import; to the general signification of Avhich few are strangers, though perhaps none, Avho have not them- selves laboured under them, can distinctly understand how much terror they express.
Let us however think a little closely, for the thought may have an apparent tendency to humble and to humanize our hearts, into how sad an object the greatest, the richest, the strongest, and the fairest of mankind is reduced in a few weeks or days, when attacked by any of these, and crushed, as it were, into an early, and an untimely old age. When thou, Lord, with thy rebukes dost correct man/or his ini(juity, how dost thou causa his beauty and his vigour to consume away like a inothf, Avhich moulders under the lightest touch ! How are all the services of
* Lam. ili. 19, 20. f Psal. xxxix. 11.
The Duly of Compassion to the Sick. 101
life obstructed, and all its choicest ])lcasincs blasted at once, as the o|)eninfr blossoms ot" spring by the severity of \vinds and frosts ! According to that most natural description of Job, when a man is Chastened with pain upon his bed, and theviultitudeof his hones until strong pain, how does his life abhor bread, and his soul dainty meat; so that his flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen, and his bones, which were not seeji, stick out* ! In some distempers, what convulsive strugglings, what terrible lieavings and pantings for breath ! In others, what deep sighs do we observe, what piercing groans, what doleful cries! Or in persons of a more resolute temper, amidst a painful silence, what earnest speaking looks, while perhaps large droi)s of sweat are trickling down the face, and nature seems, as it were, to be weeping its distress at every pore ! And in cases less acute than these, what Months of vanity are many active souls made to possess, and what ivearisome nights are appointed to themf! How slowly do the hours and the moments roll away, while Jn the evening they say, would to God it were morning; and in the vwrning, would to God it were evening %! But fmd themselves equally disappointed in their expectations of relief, from the silence of the night, or the amusements of the daj': Till at length perhaps nature is weakened to such a degree, that it can scarce bear the voice of the dearest friend, if a little louder than a whisper, or endure so much light as shall discover his coun- tenance ! God only knows, how many are at this moment in a condition sadder than I have described, while we are ourselves At ease in Zion §, and Are too little grieved for the aj/iictions of our brethren ||. Yet surely, if we have any thing of the man, and the christian, we cannot be wholly unmoved, but must feel some tender solicitude rising in our hearts, and must be casting about in our thoughts for some proper manner of expressing it; especially when we consider,
2. The peculiar tenderness of the spirits in such circum-f stances as these, and that exquisite sensibility, either of regard, or neglect, which is almost inseparable from them.
Such is the vanity of human friends, that they can do much to wound, where they can do very little to heal ; their negligence can greatly afflict, where their most solicitous care can adminis- ter very little comfort. And this is more especiallv the case in sickness. When the blood is impoverished, when the animal
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♦Jobxxxiii. 19, 20, 21. |
t Job vii. 3. |
J Deut. xyviii. 67. |
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§ Amos vi. 1. |
II Amos vi. 6. |
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spirits are weakened, and when melancholy humours prevail in the body, little things impress with a very disproportionate weight. Solomon hath observed long ago, that when Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop, then a good word maketh it peculiarly glad*. And by a parity of reason, then, any thing that looks like unkindness in a friend pierces much deeper, than at another time ; when nature is in all its vigour, and the business and amusements of life divert the mind from pausing on such things, and the imagination from dressing them up in colours of its own, which, unnatural as they often are, appear to the dis- tempered mind inherent in the objects themselves. Sick people hkewise, conscious to themselves that they cannot but be less agreeable than at other times, easil}- conclude, that they grow insupportably burdensome to those about them : And if great care be not taken to prevent it, they will be very ready to infer, that their friends are wearied out with them ; and perhaps will secretly suspect, they wish them out of the way, that they may be eased of their burden : While they imagine, like Job, that were their friends in such an ajfiicted state as themselves, they should study all opportunities of softening their sorrows, bv every circumstance of the most tender address f. And then they be- moan themselves, and think, surely it is enough to bear all this illness and pain, without having the unkindness of such and such a friend added to it: And so perhaps, the saddest complaints of Job:j:, David §, and Heman ||, are thought over as applicable to their sorrowful condition.
This is indeed very often their infirmity ; but we should bear it, and pity it, and study, as well as we can, to accommo- date ourselves to it: For it undoubtedly makes their case much more afflicted, and therefore more compassionable. And it will especially appear so, if we reflect,
3. How liable we ourselves are, to share in these sorrows and these infirmities.
This thought is beautifully touched upon by the apostle, when he says, Remember those that suffer affliction, as being yourselves also in the body^: As if he should have said, " In necessary consequence of being in the body, you are yourselves obnoxious to the like affliction; and therefore should readily impart to your afflicted brethren such assistances, as you in a change of circumstances would reasonably desire,"
And is it not most evidently the case here ? What are We
*Prov. xii, 25. fJob vi. 14. xvi. 5, + Job vi. 15. xiii. 4, 13. xvi.2, 20. xix. 2,3, 14—22. §Psal. xxxviii. 11. Iv. 12, 13. Ixix. 8, 20. cxlii. 4. |[ Psal. Ixxxviii. 8, 18. ^ Heb. xiii. 3.
The Duiju of Compassion to the Sick. 103
Sirs, better than ourjathers-? Better than our brethren? Better than those, who have drooped, and sunk, and died, under such burdens as those I have described ? Is our strength the strength of stones, or is our flesh of brass ft that we should plead an ex- emption iVoni sorrows and complaints common to our species ? In all j)robability, they await us ; and would await us, if we Avere nobles and princes of" the earth : And God only knows, how soon we are to begin our encounter with them, or how soon they may complete their victory over us, and bring us beyond the reach of being helpful to men, or receiving help from them.
And, which is peculiarly interesting, these are probably some of our last scenes. When we have done with our mer- chandise, our husbandry, or our studies ; when we have finished our journies, our \ i;iits, our sports, and our feasts, we must, unless death surprise us with a very sudden blow, retire into our chambers of illness to come out no more, but languish away the remainder of our days there, till the moment of our exit from hfe shall come. There shall wo need the compassion, we are now exhorted to extend; shall need all the relief, which a ge- nerous heart may tlien feel, in a consciousness of having been, in its better days, an helper to the afflicted ; and above all, shall need that divine consolation, which God is ready to impart to that blessed man, who has considered him that is brought low, so graciously expressed in the text, by holding him up on his btd of languishing , and by making all his bed in his sickness.
And therefore, in the conclusion of this head, let me intreat 3^ou to Suffer the wordof exhortationX, and to bear away in your hearts a firm resolution of doing all you can, to be helpful to the sick, whatever their other circumstances in life be, as provi- dence may give you an opportunity and call. Consider those that are brought low; Reflect seriously and tenderly on their condition ; i'or they sometimes suffer a great deal from the mere inattention of those about them, who yet could not bear on any terms deliberately to do what they apprehended cruel or un- kind. Let us, as afflicted Job expresses it, (for afflicted persons know best how to s^ieak of afflictions,) Put our souls into their souls' steady. Let us inwardly commiserate their melancholy case ; and let our behaviour express that commiseration in the most natural and genuine manner. Let us be ready, where it may be useful to tiicm, to visit thcvi ; for visiting the sick is, you know, mentioned among those acts of charity, which Christ
♦ 1 Kings xix. 4. fjob vi. 12. J Hcb. xiii. 22. § Job xvi. 4.
N2
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assures us he will commemorate with peculiar honour, even Upon the throne of his glory *. Let us patiently bear those instances of fretfulness and peevishness, into which under such a pressure they may be ready to fall ; imputing them to their distemper, and not to themselves. Let us avoid every thing rough and boisterous in our behaviour, near the apartments in ■which they are ; and let nothing be done, which might give the poor patient reason to sigh on his bed, and say, " Alas they do not regard me ! they little think what it is to be ill !" Shew in all your conduct a concern for their comfort and happiness : Shew it, above all, by endeavouring by wise and pious dis- courses to lead them into the best improvement of their afflic- tions, and to form their minds to such sentiments and charac- ters, that through divine grace they may be entitled to the no- blest supports ; those which arise from a sense of the divine favour, from pardoned guilt, and from a comfortable prospect in the invisible and eternal world ; that so they may not struggle at once with the agonies of a distempered body, and a wounded spirit ; but rather, As the outward man declines, may find the inward daily renewed i . And to shew how sincerely you are concerned for their spiritual, neglect not their temporal interest. If they are poor, extend your alms to them, and endeavour to procure for them such medicines, food, attendance, and oth(;r accommodations, as may promote their recovery, or at least alleviate their sufferings. It is what, I question not, many of you are often doing, and you now have an opportunity of doing it with some peculiar advantages ; as you will evidently perceive by what I have to offer under my second general, the business of which is,
n. To shew how wise and happy a way of expressing our compassion to the sick and infirm, that which is now proposed to us is likely to prove.
You apprehend, that I mean our concurrence in this scheme for establishing a county hospital in this town, for the relief of the poor, Avho are sick or wounded ; into which, in extreme cases, they may be freely received, and in which they may be properly assisted, without expence to themselves, or the families to which they belong.
The very mention of this design might seem sufficient to recommend it to every intelligent and generous person ; and I am sure none who have perused the printed paper in favour of it, which has been generously published and spread over the whole
♦ Mat. XXV. 31. , f 2 Cor. iv. 16.
The Duty of Compassion to the Sick. 105
county, can be uninformed on this subject : Nevcrtlicless, as it may be new to some, and others may have reik-ctetl but sUghtly upon it, I shall say something briefly on the head, and I hope a few words may sulHce ; since the schcnic wears so beautiful an aspect, if only viewed in its.lirst appearances : as well as appears so fruitfid of good, when attentively examined in its remoter consecjuenccs.
1. Vou will easily see, that the scheme wears a very beau- tiful aspect, if viewed only in its first ajipearances.
It promises, in its most obvious and direct design, relief to the poor in their sickness ; and their case is attended with many circumstances to recommend it to our com])assi()n, which have not yet been touched upon in the preceding branch of my discourse. What I have said before might be suiHcient to prove, and one day's experience of our own might in a yet more con- vincing manner demonstrate, that sickness of itself is a burden heavy enough, though we languish upon beds of down, and have all the relief Ave can derive from the skill of physicians, the attendance of servants and friends, withevery olheradditional accommodation which the most plentiful fortune can furnish out. What tlien must it be to bear all this, and perhaps more than this, in the want of all things ! What must it be for a person, uho perhaps found it hard enough to live when he was in all the vigour of nature, and His own hands ministered to his necessi- ties *, to find himself under his languor, perhaps under his agony, destitute of medicines, destitute of attendance, and it may be, destitute of convenient food, with hardly any thing but inclination, in these cases no certain guide, to direct him what is so. Or if pressed with a sense of urgent necessity, af- ter long delay, he calls in such assistance, and procures Jt, per- h:ips it is at such an expence, that his spirits are broken with the thouglits of the debt he is contracting, which e.ther prevents, or retards, or embitters his recovery ; and when it is perfected, ainuist tempts him to wish he had (juitted the world, rather than survived under such an insupportable pressure.
But so tar as the scheme now opening upon us succeeds, this additional load of misery will be taken off. The patient will be encouraged to seek for timclv assistance, before his illness becomes n)veterate, the neglect of which is,, no doubt, yearly the destruction of thousands : And when his case is so bad, as to require his bemg taken into the infirmary, he will he kept clean and warm, with convenient accommodations of food, phasic,
* Arts XX. 34-
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and lodging : He will be kept under proper regimen and go- vernment, which may shelter him, on the one hand, from be- coming a prey to ignorant pretenders, whose chief merit seems to be, to sell diseases and death at reasonable rates ; and on the other, he will be protected from imprudence, which is often- times more fatal than the disease ; while according to the rules of the house, it is put out of his own power to indulge himself, or to be indulged by over fond friends, if such he have, in what would be pernicious to his health.
In consequence of this we see, that many are recovered in such houses as these, who have long languished in their own, under tedious and extremely dangerous distempers ; some of them, perhaps, after having, like the poor woman in the gospel, Consumed all their living on physicians, and been nothing the better, but rather the worse *.
Facts impress the mind more strongly, than any reasonings unsupported by them. I therefore think it proper here to tell you, tiiat I have made the most careful observations I could, on those yearly accounts of other hospitals which have come to my hands, viz. those of Winchester, Bath, Exeter, York, Bris- tol, and the London and Westminster infirmaries. Few of these have reached back farther than three years, and some have ex- tended only to one ; and I find on the whole, that we have an account of seven thousand three hundred and thirty, who are known, or supposed to be cured, and only of seven hundred and eighty-four, who have died, or been discharged as incura- ble : So that it should seem by this hasty and imperfect calcula- tion, for such I confess it to be, that near ten patients have been relieved for one who has failed of success.
I find palsies, dropsies, consumptions, fevers, leprosies, rheumatisms, cholics, stone, as Avell as multitudes of ulcers, fractui-es, dislocations, and the like, on the list of those calami- ties from which these poor creatures have been relieved : And it farther appears, that great numbers ot" these had been languish- ing under their distempers two years, others five, ten, twelve, fourteen, and a few twenty years ; and this after some of them had been reduced to so low an ebb, that their admission was blamed as an hopeless attempt, yet a few months have turned their captivity, and they have gone out from those gates vigo- rous and cheerful, into which they were brought almost like corpses borne on men's shouldersf .
* Markv. 26. Luke viii. 43. f I am credibly informed, that at Exeter there has been an instance or two of persons, who on account of their extreme weakness were brought into the hospital laid in their coffins, who have gone out carrying their coffins, on their backs.
The Duly of Cow passion to the Sick. 107
What heart does not feel a secret pleasure at hearing sncli an article ! Who would not rejoice, if even large (contributions could be the means of procuring so happy effects ! But it ouo-ht farther to be considered in favour of this desicrn, tliat there is, in proportion to the good to be expected from it, great fruo-ality and liberality so dispensed. For it is certain, as many have observed on such occasions, that a small sum thus managed will go farther, than a much larger given to relieve the sick j)oor at their own houses ; as the same person may attend on different patients at the same time ; and as the medicines and provisions to be used in the house may be bought at the best hand ; whereas it is often, and I fear, too justly said, that the poor generally pay dearer than others for Avhat they have *. — What is thus given is also much securer from being misapplied, cither by the persons themselves, or by others, who might be base enough to make a prey of them. — Nor can I forbear men- tioning it, as another most agreeable circumstance attending the charity proposed, that it often shelters the person, who receives the benehtof it, from the mortification of coming to a parish- allowance ; and perhaps of being consigned over to a Avork- house : Whicii is generally a terrible sort of infirmary indeed, where we have reason to fear, there is seldom sufficient care taken to secure the cleanliness, the quiet, or the morals of those, who are so unhappy as to be brought thither ; though perhaps some of them have lived creditably and comfortably in families of tlieir own, have long contributed to the support of the poor around them, and have been at last reduced by the afflictive hand of providence, without any visible crime of theirs, or any remarkable imprudence. A state, which, when sickness is added to it, appears one of the most desolate and deplorable which can be imagined : So that it is no wonder, the very pros- pect and apprehension of it should press, in a very painful manner, on an honest and tender spirit, and greatly increase
*It has been spoken of, in the STipplement to the account of Exeter hospital, pag;e 3, as a tJiinp: universally confessed, that more remedies maybe administered for ten pounds in this way, tlian for fifty in another. And the truly reverend and excel- lent Dr. Alured Clarke, whose memory will ever be dear to all good men who knew his character, says in tiio preface to his seniion at the opening of Winchester iiospital, page 5, " If half tlie money that is given should really be perverted, which I hope there is not the least reason to suspect, tlure would still be more good done by it than by any otlier possible way of distributing to the necessities of the poor: So that every wise man would think it worth his while to exert his endeavours in this way, out of mere good husban.'ry to himself and the public." He afterwards add>, pai^'e 9, 10, " It is well known, that several thousands arc relieved in these hospitals at a less expcnee, than can be afforded for so many iiundreds in any other way."
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the force of any bodily disorder, which seems to threaten so sad an event.
Reflect, christians, on such considerations as these ; and add to all, that you are the disciples of that benevolent Jesus, who xi'ent about doing good *, and who particularly expressed the tenderness of his generous compassion, by Healing all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease among the people f. This was the calamity of human nature, which seems of all its temporal evils to have impressed him most ; and I am sure, if we have any thing of his spirit and temper, without which we are none of his, we must necessarily wish well to a design of this kind, if it were only considered in reference to those, who receive in their own persons immediate relief from it. But I am to add, that as the scheme appears thus amiable in its most obvious as- pect, so likewise,
2. It will appear more abundantly fruitful of future good, when attentively weighed in its remoter consequences.
The benefit extends much farther than the persons thus re- lieved. It evidently affects others of their families, who have that time and labour to employ in the business of their respec- tive callings, which must otherwise have been taken up in at- tending the sick. It extends also to all those, to whom the pa- tients themselves ma}- be useful when recovered from their illness ; Avhether their near relations and friends, who have any depend- ance upon them ; or the public, who owe much more, than we are generally aware, to the labours of the poor, and upon that account are under great obligations to them, which I fear are seldom considered. Not to say, that in many cases, the very existence of those yet to be born may, under God, depend on such cures.
I shall not now insist on the advantage which others may receive in their illness, by the improved skill of physicians and surgeons, in consequence of their attendance on such hospitals ; though it is evidently a very possible thing, that the lives of very useful and valuable persons may be so preserved. It is yet more obvious and certain, that many other poor may be re- lieved in the respective parishes to which they belong, by that money from the parish stock, which must otherwise have been employed upon the sick : Or if, in consequence of being discharged from this burden, the parish rates be lessened, as perhaps in many places they sensibly may be, the subscribers of that parish are then paid in specie ; and after the honour and
* Acts X, 38. f Mat. iv. 23.
The Duty of Compassion to the Sick, 109
pleasure of bestowing their bounty, a part of it immediately flows back upon them again. And liow much may so flow hack, and with what large accessions of blessing, God only knows ; as he only can tell, what casualties and diseases are warded o(T, what prosperity and success in affairs may be allotted, as the token of his favourable regard to this pious munificence.
Neither can it be improper for me to add upon this head, that what was more directly intended as a benefit tp the body, may prove a blessing to the soul. For dissolute persons, by this means being brought for a while under regular discipline, may perhaps be broken and reclaimed : The good instructions they receive from ministers who attend them, especially while the rod of God is upon them, and his sword may seem to hang over them ; the spectacles of mortality frequently before their eyes ; too-ether with regularity and good order to which in such places th?y will be accustomed, and their being sheltered from many temptations, from which, in some kinds of sickness, the patient is not necessarily secure ; may all, under the influence of divine grace, prove the means of sowing the seeds of true religion in their hearts, and of infusing into their minds that noblest of al cordials, an antidote against the servile fears of the second
death.
Nor does it appear to me a contemptible eftcct ot this charity, that as it is necessarily concerted upon a plan, in which all parties and denominations are equally concerned, it will pro- bably be a means of promoting more candid and catholic senti- ments, in consequence of repeated opportunities of mutual converse. This' wears out that narrowness and bigotry of spi- rit, which, where it prevails, renders the christian so unlike himself; and which is generally the elTect of ignorance, and arises from viewing our brethren through false mediums, which represent, what may in itself be regular and fair, in a distorted and disacrreeable form. As interviews with each other have a general tendency to rectify such mistaken apprehensions, that tendency is peculiarly evident, where this circumstance is added, that all are associated in the same good design, and have agreed on layiuT aside every party view in pursuing it. This may promote something of that unity of heart, under a variety ot professions, which goo I men on all sides wish ; and which, amidst such an unavoidable diversity of sentiments, is the only method of securing the honour of Christianity, and the peace of the church.
1 must by all means add, that whatever good consequeaces
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this scheme may produce, which are many more than I have enumerated above, our engaging lieartily in it may render them both extensive and lasting. It is probable, that neighbouring counties may quickly learn to imitate our example, Avhen they see in fact that it is no impracticable design : An apprehension, ■which I suppose has hitherto been the chief obstruction, where its obvious benefits have been at all thought of. At length it may spread from county to county, till perhaps there will not a parish be found in Britain which shall not have an interest in some such charitable foundation ; to Avhich they may send their sick in the most obstinate chronical cases, with some pros- pect of relief. Thus the remotest regions of our land may have reason on this account to call us blessed; and I will add, the re- motest generations may also have reason to do it. Reflect how many hundreds are at this day, enjoying the benefits of those wise and charitable foundations, which our nation owes to the pious and beneficent king Edwai'd the Sixth, of truly sacred and immortal memory. So would I hope, that in this place, when our children, and our grand-children are in their graves, their remotest descendants, which arise in their stead, and God only knows, what revolutions may bring any of them to need it, may have cause to reflect on this year 1743, as the happy ffira of an establishment, to M'hich many around them may owe their health, their comfort, their usefulness, and possibly, under God, their christian principles, and their immortal hopes. Whatever streams may in the mean time have flowed into it, and God grant, they may be as large as shall be needed, the fountain will be traced up hither ; and blessings will be pronounced on the memory of those, who have opened to these refreshing and heal- ing waters so free and so pleasant a course.
These considerations I lay before you, not to extort any thing from you, as against your wills, by mere importunity; but to convince you of what I hope will be abundantly sufficient to engage 5'our concurrence in the design; I mean, that it is eminently calculated for extensive usefulness. I wish you may heartily join in it, because I wish your present happiness, and your future comfort. It is observable, that Avhen our blessed Redeemer sent forth his apostles, as sheep among wolves , he gave them this consolation in the midst of their poverty and affliction, that though as for silver and gold they had none, they should be able to command one of the noblest delights which riches could purchase, in being the means of Healing ike sick *. This was,
• Mat. X. 8.
The Duty of Compassion to the Sick. J 1 1
if r may be allowed the fiiniiliarity of the expression, one of the great perquisites which he pcnnitted to these his most favourite servants ; that their hearts, rendered no doubt by his grace ex- <]uisitely sensible, should have the God-like pleasure of beliold- ing from time to time the ciiecrful countenances of those, who liad lately been among the most lamentable spectacles of humaa nature, and now under God owed their health, their limbs, and thcMr Iiv(;s to them ; and of seeing the joy of families and neigh- bourhoods, made happy by the recovery of those who were dear to them. I wish you, my brethren, beloved in the Lord, a pleasure something like this of the apostles ; and may I not add, of their master too, so far as a diversity of circumstances will admit. And it is not onl}' in compassion to the afflicted, but in the overflowings of the sincerest friendship to you, that I go on, unnecessary as it may almost seem, in the conclusion of niy discourse,
III. To touch on some circumstances peculiar to the pre- sent season, which may especially recommend this scheme to our immediate regard.
And here it is obvious to think of the war in whicli we are now engaged, of the mercies of the harvest which we have lately reaped, — and of the crisis to which the scheme is now brought, ■which therefore must be immediately supported, or sunk beyond all probable hope of future recovery.
1 . The consideration of the war, in which we are embarked, may properly be introduced as what should have some weight with us on this occasion.
This should engage us as a nation, to conduct ourselves in as virtuous and pious a manner as possible ; as the most probable way of drawing down the divine blessing upon our arms ; Xow it is very reasonable to suppose, that acts of pul)lic charitv, being in their own nature so peculiarly pleasing to the gracious Father and Governor of the universe, must have a great tendency to this. An ancient Jewish writer expresses this in terms re- markably adapted to the present purpose: " Help the poor," says he, *' for the commandment's sake •, and shut up alms, as it were, in thy store-house ;" almost as if he had said, raise hos- pitals for mafrazines : " And it shall fight for thee against thine enemies, better than a mighty shield, or a strong spear ;" that is, than any kind of defensive or olTensive armour. Nav au inspired prophet, when giving advice to him, who was then the greatest monarch upon earth, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babvlon, expresses himself thus : Oh King, let my counsel be acceptable
O 3
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uyito thee : Break off thy sins by righteousness ^ and thine ini- quities by shewing mercy to the ■poor i if it may be a lengthen- ing out of thjy tranquility *.
And as a view to our future interest, especially in this nice conjuncture of affairs, may require such a care ; so it will be a very proper expression of our gratitude, for the assistance which God has lately given us. The victory at Dettingen was a very remarkable and seasonable appearance of providence in our fa- vour, which we have been solemnly acknowledging again and again in our public devotions. Let us also acknowledge it in our actions. Let us present some grateful tribute toward this good work, as a thank-offering to him, who Giveth sahation to kings f, for having so graciously guarded the life, the liberty, and safety of our sovereign, king George. Had The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord, been taken in the snares of the enemy :};, And our glory in any sense been delivered into their hand^, expences of a very different nature might have been occasioned, and have fallen upon our broken spirits with a very afflictive weight. But I Avill not dwell on so melancholy a thought. We are presenting our daily prayers for his majesty's security and prosperity, Avhile, with a generosity which I hope our nation will never forget, he is Hazarding his life for us in the high places of the -field II • Let our alms rise w-ith our prayers, if we desire they should Come up as a grateful inemorial before God*^.
2. The mercies of the harvest ma}?^ likewise properly be mentioned, as rendering the charity I have been proposing pecu- liarly seasonable.
God has remarkably appeared for us, to Crown the year •with his goodness **, and to load the earth with his bounty ; and he has added this, to complete the favour, that he has reserved to us, in as agreeable a manner as we could ourselves have wished. The appointed weeks of the harvest ff. More season- able weather on such an occasion has not, so far as I can learn, been known in the memory of man : Seasonable in this respect, that as The bottles of heaven have been so restrained XX) that there have been no violent rains in the time of harvest, to sweep away or corrupt the fruits of the earth ; so for several of the most busy and important days, God has spread his cloud over the heavens, so as to shelter the reaper in the midst of his toil from those excessive heats, which often render autumn much
* Dan. !r. 27. + Psal. cxliv. 10. J Lam. iv. 20. § P.sal. Ixxviii. 61. II Judg. V. 18. ^ Acts X. 4. ** Psal. Ixv. 11. ft Jer. v. 24.
+J Job xxxviii. 37.
The Duty of Compassion to ilic Sick. 1 1 ?>
more sickly than it would otherwise be. Since then God hath made such provision for Satisfying our poor with bread '^, and for preserving oxn hi;alth too, he may seem thereby to call upon you, by the gentlest voice, to give him, in this pious work, a part of that substance with which he hath replenished you. And surely you must feel yourselves drawn, as by the cords of a waUy to lay out this way some of the stores which he has with so liberal a hand poured in upon you, and which in sparing your health he has both spared ajid sweetened. Honour the Lord, therefore, xiHth your substance, aiul with the first-fruits of all your increase \ J as a thankful acknowledgment of what he hath already done ; and then you may by his promise be en- couraged to hope, that in future instances, Your barns shall be filed with plenty, and your presses burst out with new wine [. Kwow, my fri(Mids, tfuit God hath given you your corn, and your wine, and your oil^, and hath multiplied 3'bnr wool and your flax Lay by therefore for charitable uses, as God hath prospered you \\, and as vou hope and desire he should prosper you in years to come • Otherwise you may chance to have cal- culated your interests very wrong, and mify find to your cost, that as There is that scatter tth, and yet greatly increaseth, so there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to poverty %. Once more,
3. Let me plead from the particular crisis, to which this affair is now brought, which is such, that it must be deter- mined by what is immediately, or at least quickly, done.
The scheme of a county hospital among us was thought of, and hinted at long ago ; but it was then looked upon as a thing to be wished, rather than attempted and hoped. The attempt is now courageously and vigorously made, and no in- considerable sum has already been subscribed for that pur- pose : And Avhat is much more important than any subscrip- tion yet made, many of the nobility and gentry of the county who have not yet ascertained particulars, have declared their approbation of the general design, and their resolution to favour it. It is greatly for their honour to have done it, and we may have reason to bless God who hath put it into their hearts : But it would be most ungenerous and unreasonable, to leave the whole burden upon them. It is the general concurrence of the inhabitants of this county, which must give the greatest strength, stability and extent to the scheme.
*Psal. cx-xxii. 15. f Prov. iii. 9. + Prov. iii. 10, § IIos. ii. 8.
II 1 Cor. xvi. 3. ^ Prov. xi. !2V.
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Let me therefore intreat your cheerful and resolute concurrence. Suffer not this amiable infant, (if I may be allowed the expres- sion,) to be deserted, and die, for want of due support in its ten- derest state; nor let it be said, in Hezekiah's words, that when brought to the birth, there was not strength and assistance to bring itjorth^. Lend your charitable aid now, if you ever purpose to do it at all ; for if it drop now, we cannot expect ever to see it revived : Since the defeat of this attempt, so far advanced, and so warmly solicited, will be looked upon as a demonstration to many, that the thing cannot be effected ; where- as it is most evident, that if it miscarry, it must not be charged on providence, but on ourselves. Nothing surely can prevent its success, humanly speaking, but such dispositions, as I am tmwilling on this occasion so much as to name, in those whq should be leaders in every good work.
It these shameful causes should prevail to frustrate all, we love our neighbours, our brethren, and the public too well, not to lament it. But let us at least have so much regard to the credit of our characters, and the peace of our consciences, as to shew, that it fails not for want of our concurrence. I know, it is but very little m comparison that we can do. We are by no means distinguished for our wealth, and we have of course our burdens and expences peculiar to us, as a society of dissenters* Nevertheless, let us judge equitably, as to what we are able to contribute, and let us do it cheerfully : Rejoicing in this, that ■we act in the presence of a most gracious and merciful father, w'ho. Where there is a willing 7nind, accepts a man according to what he hath, and not according to what he hath not f.
Let not therefore any of the poorer part of mankind, who often have as generous and as compassionate hearts as any •which are to be found on earth, be discouraged, because they have not their guineas, or even their crowns to give on this no-. ble occasion. Were great numbers to join their smaller contri- butions through such a county as this, it would swell to a very considerable sum. And which is the most agreeable thought of all, each would have his part in the honour and pleasure of doing something towards helping forward so worthy a design. And I am sure, it is the part of humanity to wish, that those, who move in a lower sphere, may share with the wch and great in such pleasures as these ; though they cannot in many others, much more expensive, yet not equally exquisite and refined. The joys of liberalit}'^, and the delights of benevolence, were intend-
* 2 Kings xix. 3. f 2 Cor. viii. 12^
The Duty of Compassion to the Sick. 1 1 3
ed by the great author of our nature, like the hght of the sun, to be the portion of the Avhole species, and to extend themselves to the lowest of mankind.
I hope therefore that all, who can without great incon- venience to themselves and their families afford it, will do some- thing to promote this generous scheme. But 1 would remind those of you in particular, who are in more distinguished cir- cumstances of life, that you are in the sight of God and man obliged to distinguish yourselves in the various exercises of lib^'ralitv. I have a great authority to warrant me to do it, and 1 think it one of the truest offices of friendship which a minister can perform to sucli, to Charge them that are rich in this world , that they trust not in uncertain riches, but in the living God; and that, as they desire any well-grounded trust in him, they practicall}' acknowledge him as the great Lord of all, by being r/c/i in good works, ready to distribute, willing to co7nniunicate, so laying up in store for themselves, a goodfoundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life *. And if there are any of you whose riches God hath lately increased, either by causing your grounds to bring forth plentifully, or by giving a favourable turn to the commodities in Avhich you deal, or by any other methods of sudden prosperity ; as I may say to you, I come in a good day, so I should think, you had reason to fear that ver}^ prosperity were a curse, and might be the means of destruction to you, if you did not feel your hearts as it were melted by it, and disposed to flow forth in the streams of large and cheerful beneficence. I would rather hope, that God has been providing an easy and abundant accession for this public charity, by the accession he has been making to your capacity of supporting it.
I would also particular! 3' beseech those of you, who are of tender constitutions, and know, by your own frequent ex- perience, the calamity of illness, to pity the sorrows you have so often felt, and to shew a readiness to relieve the poor who are labouring under them ; as you desire that the eye of mercy may be directed toward you, and that the arm of God mav be extend- ed for your support, if such distresses should return upon you. And I hope, any whom God may lately have raised up to life ' and health, when they seemed in the extremest danger of he- \x\^ deprived of the residue of their years, w\\\he^Y how loudly lie calls upon them, to present a tliank-offering, so suitable to the nature of that favour which they have received.
♦1 Tim. vi. 17—19. 2
116 FOR NORTHAMPTON COUNTY INFIRMARY. SeR. V.
To conclude all, I Avould beseech every one of you who hear me this day, both high and low, rich and poor together, that they aid this good work by their prayers: A contribution, by which some of the poorest may be eminently helpful ; for such are often peculiarly Rich in faith* y and high in the favour of the King of heaven.
And may he, the great Patron of the afflicted, and of those that pity them, say Amen to our united petitions! May he gra- ciously guide the minds of those, who are concerting the scheme, and ripening it for fuller execution ! May he open the hearts of those, who shall be applied to, that they may give freely and cheerfully, in full proportion to what he, the only perfect judge, certainly knows to be their respective abilities ! And may he abundantly reward all, who from worthy principles shall assist in so excellent a Avork, with health in their persons, prosperity in their famihes, peace in their minds, and at length, through the merits and grace of the great Redeemer, with an eternal abode in that world, where the great physician of souls having fully accomplished his healing purposes. The inhabitants shall not say, I am sick ■[! Nevertheless, the grace of Charity shall live and reign there J; though such methods of expressing it, as I have now been recommending, be happily superseded : Nor is it at all improbable, that some, whom we have for a few days lodged in our house of mercy here, may there, as our Lord him- self expresses it, Receive us into everlasting habitations^. Amen,
* James ii. 5. f Isa. xxxiii. 24, % 1 Cor. xiii. S. § Luke xvi. 9.
1 KB
ABSURDITY AND INIQUITY
OF PERSECUTION FOR CONSCIENCE-SAKE
In all its Kinds and Dtgvccs.
CONSIDERED IN A SERMON PREACHED AT NORTHAMPTON.
PREFACE.
I HE emissaries of the Roman see are so far from giving up their cause in tins kingdom as lost, that the most distant prospects of sucx'ess produce new and vigorous efforts to promote it. Some time since, they were very busy in town, and in many places in the country, perverting the common people, and making proselytes. These bold steps awakened the attention of those who have always manifested a warm and disinterested zeal for the reforma- tion ; and gave occasion to that seasonable attempt, wliich was made the last year, by several eminent ministers, in a Course of Lectures at Salters- Ilall, to prevent the growth of popery. Our fathers beheld that mystery of iniquity with abhorrence and terror; but the present generation were nol/6o well acijuaiiited with its fatal tendency. It would, therefore, have been an inexcusable neglect, if, while the enemies were sowing tares, the servants had slept, or had not faithfully warned the rising age of their gross errors in doctrine, and of that superstition and idolatry with which they corrupt and delile the christian worship.
I observed, with pleasure, that those sermons met witli general accep- tance, 'llie vast demand for them, amongst persons of a different taste and education, is a full evidence of the masterly manner in which tliat important design was executed. And 1 cannot but look upon it ai a singular happiness to the public, that the work fell into the hands of men who understood the true principles of liberty, and steadily pursued them through the whole per- formance ; which has not always been tlie case of those who have gone before them in that controversy. The secular powers were not called upon to inter- pose with their authority ; but a calm and sober appeal was made to the holy scriptures, and to the reason of mankind, as the only proper judges in these debates.
On a careful perusal of the following discourse, I conceived it might be of service to publish it ; and since it attacks one of the principal bulwarks of the popish usurpation, I apprehended it could not appear with greater ad- vantage, than as an appendix to the above-mentioned lectures, if my worthy brethren concerned should approve of it in that view.
It has been the great unhappiness of many protestant dissenters, that they have entertained too narrow sentiments of the right of private judgment ;
VOL. III. P
^ ' ^ PREFACE.
^vitllout which a separation from an establishment can never be rationally de- ft-ndecJ. The writings on tiiat argument, in which the question, in all its circumstances, is examined, are so large, and the reasoning so abstracted, that I have long wished for something more immediately calculated for popular use : and so much the rather, as pious and well disposed minds have been too much impressed with the pretences urged to justify religious severities, without considering the consequences to which they lead.
My known affection to the author may perhaps incline some to con- clude, tliat I am prejudiced in his favour, and will readily recommend every composure which he offers to the world: but so far as I am capable of judg- ing ot this discourse, it is the best I have ever seen on the subject in so narrow a compass; the case of persecution is so clearly stated, the absurdity and iniquity of it so fully exposed, and the reasons advanced in its defence, especially those drawn from tlie penal laws amongst the Jews, are so well answered, that, I am willing to believe, it will give satisfaction to all im- partial and candid readers.
It is with a great deal of concern, that I have taken notice of some un- wary expressions, dropt by our writers of the last age, which countenance restraints inconsistent with toleration in its largest extent. These have been industriously collected to upbraid and condemn us. And it has been artfully and maliciously insinuated, that when we are pleading for liberty, we are only struggling for power to deprive others of the privileges we claim for ourselves. I hope tiie ensuing pages, in concurrence with that ample testi- mony which has been borne to the same cause, by the most considerable persons amongst us, will silence our adversaries, and wipe off so unjust and invidious a reproach.
D. SOME, liarborough, Feb. 17, 1735-6,
The Jniqiiiti/ of Persecution. 119
SERMON VI.
Luke ix. 55, hC.—But he turned, mid rebuked them; and smd,ye knov: not vJiut manner of Spirit ye are of; for ttte Son of Man is not come to destroy Men's Lives, but to save them.
Ak popcM-y be considered in a religious view, it must appear the just object of our contempt, as -well as our abhorrence ; but it ■we regard it as a political contrivance, to gratify the avarice, and ambition of the clergy, it will appear very artfully adapted to answer that end. The wisdom of the serpent eminently pre- vailed, when the innocence of the dove had long been lost. Cun- ning ecclesiastics, who were by their office obliged frequently to converse with persons imder awakenings of conscience, and serious impressions, laid hold on that opportunity of improving themselves in an acquaintance with human nature; and on that foundation they gradually formed and completed a scheme, dexterously adapted to make the minds of their people easy, by the same notions and forms by which the clergy inriched them- selves, and secured that temporal dominion and grandeur, tor which they were contented to exchange true Christianity, and to make merchandise of the souls conuiiitted to their care.
Some of these principles were so evidently absurd, that the common sense of mankind, however bribed in their favour, must often have risen up in open opposition to them, had freedom of inquiry been allowed, and the scriptures been left in the hands of the people. It was therefore one of their most important arti- fices to take away that key of knowledge, and to put out that light which would have exposed the folly and wickedness of their conduct. And farther, to support that Babel Avhich must other- wise have sunk under its own weight, the powers of this world were brought in, and its rulers taught to think it their highest honour to emplov their sword against those obstinate miscreants who were disobedient to the faith, as the priests thougiit fit to explain it. To injure the weaker part of their subjects hi their religious rights, was represented as an ample atonement for violating the civil liberties of them all ; and thus the mouths of gainsavers were most easily and ctVettually stopped. From
P2
1*90 AT NORTHAMPTON ON A FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. SeR. VI.
some countries the reformation was utterly excluded, in others it was stifled in its very infancv, and in some rooted out, after it had for a while been happily advanced.
This is undoubtedly the grand bulwark of popery, even to this very day ; and were it removed, the anathemas of the church would become as incapable of giving terror, as they are of doing any real mischief. And therefore one of the most ef- fectual methods which can be taken to secure and promote the reformation, is to convince men, if possible, of the absurdity and ini(juity of persecution for conscience-sake, in all its kinds and in all its degrees.
This is what, by the divine assistance, I purpose to attempt this day ; nor could we at any time more properly examine the subject*; since it is to the repeated deliverances of this day, that we owe our exemption from those usurpations and inhu- manities, which would have deprived us of the liberty of argu- ing, or even of complaining. How justly the church of Rome Ts charged with persecuting principles and practices, you have heard : and blessed be God that you have only heard it f. How absurd those principles, and how criminal those practices are, I am now to shew you. And amongst a variety of scriptures, which might have been prefixed to such a discourse, I could think of none more proper than this which I have now been reading.
Our Lord was now going up to Jerusalem, at one of the great feasts ; probably that of tabernacles : and as he then came from Galilee, he thought it proper to pass through Samaria. This was the directest road, which it was then perhaps necessary for him to take, in order to his being at Jerusalem in due time. You well know that in this country, i, e, on mount Gerizim, there was a temple built as a rival to that on mount Zion, to which the Samaritans, who after their way kept the three great annual feasts appointed by Moses, were probably at this time prepar- ing to resort. But as our Lord appeared to be passing by this temple, and setting his face towards that where the Jews wor- shipped, these bigotted Samaritans denied him the common rites of hospitalit}^ and would not suffer him and his attendants so
* N. B. This sermon was preached November 5, 1735.
f N, B, This particularly refers to a sermon on the persecuting principles and practices of the churcli of Rome, with which the author had concluded his course of lectures against popery last year. What is most important in that discourse may be seen, with much s^reater advantage, in Dr. Grosvenor's sermon at Salters-Hall, on the same subject ; wliich is full of tiiat easy, but penetrating and convincing elo- quence, of which he is so eminent a master.
The Iniquity of Persecution. 121
much as to rcfrcsli tliinnsclvc^s at any of their inns ; \vhich seems to be all tin; favour they now asked. This was indeeil very out- rageous and inhumane treatment, and the apostles James and John, ^vho were now present, resented it with a great deal of ■warmth. Full of zeal, and as they imagined of piety and of faith too, they only ask leave of our Lord to command lire from heaven upon these unreasonable and wicked men, assuring them- selves that if an aftVont offered to the prophet Elijah, even by the express comn)and of the king of Israel, were once and again thus severely avenged, the artillery of heaven would be 3et more ready to plead the cause of the Son of God, -when thus affronted, perhaps by some of the meanest of the people.
How far they Avould have extended the execution, if our Lord had favoured their motion, we cannot certainly say : per- haps it had reached farther than the persons from whom the of- fence directly came, and might have laid the whole city in ashes. It is certain, that a judgment, inflicted in such a miraculous way, would have been less liable to objection, than if secular power had been armed on the occasion. Yet our gentle and compassionate Redeemer, far from indulging their request, very faithfully reproves it, and expressly says, Ye knoxv not what man- ner of spirit ye are of ; i. e. *' You neither consider the dif- ference which there is between the genius of the Mosaic and the christian dispensation, nor do you sufficiently weigh the seci*et motives, which influence you on this occasion ; for, if you did, you would see there is something of pride, and personal revenge, minghng itself with your zeal for God, j^our affection tome, and my kingdom. Your proposal is, on the whole, most un- suitable ; and, as such, I absolutely reject it. For the son of man is not come to destroy men^s lives, but to save them. The general design of my appearance is most benevolent and gra- cious, and I am determined still to act agreeably to it, and to exert my miraculous power in works of kindness, rather than of terror; for the preservation of mankind, and not for their de- struction."
Now, surely, if our Lord thus severely rebuked his disciples for the proposal they here made, he would have censured them, with much greater displeasure, if they had talked of using his interest amongst the Jews, to raise an army to ravage Samaria by fire and sword ; and, on the same principle, to spread desola- tion over the face of the whole earth, wherever they and their doctrine had not met with a favourable reception. The artju- ment urjred in the text would have concluded against this with
122 AT NORTHAMPTON ON A FIFTH OF NOVtM^ER. SeR. Vl.
equal and superior force: The son of man came not to destroy viol's lives, but to save them.
You see then, how properly these words may be used, to introduce a discourse against persecution on any religious ac- count: I shall therefore, Avitliout any farther preface, go on,
I. To state Avhat I apprehend to be the christian doctrine on this head, as opposed both to the tenets and practices of the Romish church, with regard to it.
II. To shew, by some plain arguments, the absurdity and iniquity of persecution, for conscience-sake.
III. To answer some of the most plausible considerations which have been urged in defence of it. After which I shall,
IV. Conclude with some practical improvements of the whole*
I should abundantly exceed the limits of a single discourse^ if I were not to content myself with a few short bints on each of these heads, which have furnished out copious matter for several large voUimes. And I hope, those who have had an opportunity of enquiring most accurately into the subject, and of perusing what has been written upon it, by some of the most celebrated persons of our age and nation, will not be displeased wdth such a short survey of what seems most material on both sides tjie question. And it may be highly necessary for others, who have not such leisure or abilities, and who, for want of having the matter fairly and clearly stated, may fall into sentiments very in'iurious to the honour of their profession, and the peace of their minds.
I. I am to propose what I take to be the christian doctrine on this head ; and to offer some previous remarks toward stat- ing the question aright, and preventing mistakes which often embarrass it.
I say, the christian doctrine, lest, if I call it the protestant, any should question the propriety of the expression. It is in- deed too plain, that our first reformers, when they separated from other corruptions of the Romish church, retained this un- happy principle : That error and heresy are to be extirpated by violence; and that the conduct of some pious princes amongst the Jews, in destroying idolaters, is to be a model for christian magistrates." This was not the opinion of the pious Calvin alone, whatever pleasure some may noAv take in heaping dis- tinguished infamy on him ; but it is much easier to make a large catalogue of those in England, as well as abroad, who maintain- ed this tenet, than of those who opposed it. Nor indeed can we
The Iniquity of Persecution. J23
justly wonder, that the whole system of truth did not break in upon them at once. We have great reason to be thankful, that they were enabled to lay such a foundation, and that others, ia succeeding agt;s, have, in any measure, raised and improved the superstructure: yet I will not presume to say, that all protestants are now agreed in what I take to be the truth here ; it would be much for the credit, and nmch for the interest of their cause, if they were : and we ought earnestly to pray, tfiat God, by his Spirit of goodness and love, would jmrge out the remainder of that old leaven, which still sours the hearts of some. But, I persuade myself, I am about to represent sentiments, in which multitudes of worthy and excellent men, of all parties amongst us, concur; and they seem to be breaking in on men's minds Avith a growing light : May it shine more and more, nutil the perfect day ! The protestant doctrine on this head, so far as protestants are consistent with themselves, seems plainly to be this : " That none are to be subjected to any kind or degrees of civil penalties, morel}' on account of their religions opinions, or for any practices arising from them, if those practices l)e not detrimental to the peace of society, which the magistrate, by his office, stands engaged to preserve."
We readily allow, that if any man's religious principles carry him on to any actions injurious to others, in their persons or properties, he is to be restrained and punished, as any other ollender might be. Should any man, for instance, offer his son as a sacrifice to Moloch, he would justly be treated as a murderer, notwithstanding any plea of conscience which he miglit pretend to make. For the magistrate has no business with conscience, which is entirely imder the jurisdiction of God, but nuist never be allowed as an excuse for an action injurious to others; for this very obvious reason, that if it should be so allowed, there would be no room for any penal laws at all, and consequently all civil government would be overthrown. For a bold and im- pudent malefactor would never fail to have recourse to this easy and unan-^werablc apology, il his judges were so weak as to ad- mit it. Nor can we indeed imagine any blacker villainies, than those which some have pretended to commit for conscience-sake.
We likewise; grant, on the sanie principle as before, that il any man's religion necessarily subject him to the obedience of a foreign prince, the government under which he is born and pro- tected, has a right, by the grand law of self-preservation, to in- sist on some more than ordinary security for his good behaviour in such cir<:umstances. And this is evidently the case ot the [)a- pists amongst us. They are imder such obligations in conscience
124 AT NORTHAMPTON ON A FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. SeR. VI.
to obey the pope, and to submit themselves to whatsoever prince he shall see fit to establish here, that they are at best but very precarious subjects to that royal family which the gracious pro- vidence of the Almiohty has been pleased to fix on the throne of these nations; esj)ccially while there is a pretender to that throne devoted to the see of Rome, and espoused by it. Justly therefore may the present government insist on such security from them, as it does not demand from other subjects. And if in consequence of this, some hardships should fall on a few peace- able and well-disposed persons, who are too wise and honest to act to the utmost of what their own principles would warrant, it must be borne as an inconvenience inseparable from present circumstances. And perhaps it is an inconvenience less than those very persons might suffer, from the establishment of a re- ligion so oppressive and tyrannical, as popery always appears, when it comes to be arrayed with the robe of the magistrate, and armed with his sword. However, it is a pleasure to every good-natured protestant, to think, that what they can suffer by the laws put in execution against them, is not very extreme ; and that they suffer this, not for believing transubstantiation, or purgatory, nor for praying to saints, or bowing down before images ; but merely for acknowledging the supremacy of the Pope, a doctrine so hurtful to all other supreme authority, that it is amazing all the princes in Europe have not long ago re- nounced it with the utmost disdain.
Allowing for such cases as these, which are not properly exceptions, we still maintain our proposition in its utmost extent ; and assert, that unless God, the searcher of hearts, is pleased to interpose by a special revelation, which there is now no reason to believe he will ever do, taking the matter on the principle of human reason, or of the christian religion, no man is to suffer the least degree of punishment, either in his person or property, on account of his religious opinions, or of any practice conse- quent upon them, which is not an overt act, plainly inconsistent with the public peace, and punishable in another subject. They who are for a toleration limited, as good Mr. Baxter used un- happily to express it, " to errors which are not quite intoler- able ;" and would have such punished at least with fines and imprisonments, if not Avith greater severities, seem not to be aware of the consequences of their OAvn scheme: and, as Dr. Owen very forcibly speaks, in his excellent Treatise of Tolera- tion*, " They had need to examine their light ; for their tenet
* Which, by the way, goes on as large principles, as Mr. Locke's afterwards did, and contains what is most essential in the controversy.
3
The Iniquili/ of Persecution. , 125
must lead down to the chambers of blood." We do not indeed pretend to suy, tliat the Mat^istrate is obhged to make such ])rovision lor maintaining and accommodating those wh(nn he apprehends to be teachers of error, as he may for those who are of his own sentiments, and consequently, whom he beheves on the side of truth. This would be carrying matters to an excess; hut surely, he has no right to intiict any penalties upon them, nor, in any degree, to abridge them in those liberties, which })uacoable subjects are entitled to. And if he may exclude any Irom such places of civil trust, as their capacity, experience and iidelity might otherwise qualify them for, merely because their religious persuasions, and their modes of worship, differ from his own, it is upon principles, which I am yet to learn ; nor can I perceive at present, how they are to be reconciled with those of a christian, and aprotestant.
You will easily imagine, what reason I had to be thus par- ticular in stating, and in guarding my proposition. I proceed,
II. To offer some obvious, but important considerations, for the proof of it.
And here I shall particularly shew, that persecution, for conscience-sake, in all its kinds and degrees, is built on the absurd supposition, that one man has a right to judge for another, in matters of religion ; — That it contradicts the grand principle ofdoino- to others, as we Avould think it reasonable they should do to us ; — That it is by no means calculated to answer the end pretended to be aimed at by it ; — but, on the other hand, tends to introduce a great deal of mischief and confusion, and to over- throw truth and religion in the world. — On these accounts, it is inconsistent with natural rehgion ; — and it appears from the whole tenor of the christian revelation, that it is most contrary to that.
1. Persecution for conscience-sake, i, e. inflicting penalties on men, merely for their religious principles or worship, is plainly founded on an absurd supposition, that one man has a right to judge for another, in matters of religion.
How absurd this supposition is, has been fully proved at large, by many excellent writers in this controversy ; and you have, no doubt, often heard, how contemptibly weak those arguments are, by which the Romish church would appropriate this right to itself. Nevertheless, absurd as their pretence to infallibility is, I confess there is much more consistency in the persecutions of those who claim such a privilege, than of those who acknowledge they are destitute of it. Can any man, with
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the least colour of reason, pretend that I have a right to judge for m^'self, and j^et punish me for using it ? That is, for doing that Avhich he acknowledges I have a right to do. To plead for It, would be a direct contradiction in terms. And if it should be said, as some have most weakly asserted, that the erroneous are to be punished, not for their opinions, but for their actions inconsequence of those opinions, I would then enquire, for what actions ? And how are these actions condemned ? Not on ac- count of their tendency to disturb and annoy the public ; for that case has already been excluded from the charge of perse- cution : and, when that is excluded, I repeat the question. How are those actions condemned ? Why, the persecutor must say, *' I know them to be contrary to the divine law." But, how do you prove, that j'-ou are not mistaken ? If you allow of ar- gument on the head, you give up the cause of persecution so far. If you wave argument, you only, in eflPect, say, "The actions are wrong, because I condemn them; i.e. in other words, I am infallible, I am to judge for myself and you ; and, by a parity of reason, for all the world besides." And who might not make that pretence ? Or, how should it ever be decided but by the sword, in the present circumstances ?
2. Persecution is most evidently inconsistent with that obvious and fundamental principle of morality, That we should do to others, as we could reasonably desire they should do to us.
This is a rule which carries its own demonstration along with it ; and it was intended on purpose to take off that bias of self-love, which would draw us aside from the strait line of equity, and lead us to be partial judges between our neighbours and ourselves. Now, I would ask the advocate of wholesome severities. How he -would relish his own arguments, if they vere turned upon himself! What if he were to go abroad into the world, amongst papists, if he be a protestant ; amongst ma- hometans, if he be a christian ? Supposing he was to behave like an honest man, like a good neighbour, like a peaceable subject ; avoiding whatever would injure and provoke, and taking all op- portunities to serve and oblige those about him : -would he think that, merely because he refused to follow his neighbours to their altars, or their mosques, he should be seized and im- prisoned, his goods confiscated, and his person condemned to tortures, or death ? Undoubtedly, he would complain of this as a very great hardship. And what if one, Avho heard him plead for religious severities at home, were to remind him of it, would he not be wounded with his own arrows ? What could he an- swer ? " I am in the right and these people are in the wrong.'*
The Iniquity of Persecution. 127
Nay, would the inquisitor, or tlic Turk, cry full as loudly as he, ** But we are in the ri^rlit :" and they mii^ht justly add, " With Avhiit face can you complain of us, for treatintij you in such a manner, as, you must confess, you should think yourself bound in conscience to treat >js, if Ave were in your power, as yon are in ours r" Sin-ely, a man would see the ahsin-dity and injustice of such a treatment, when it fell upon him ; when, with such mea- sure as he had meted to others, it was measured to him again. And accordingly, I must observe, as many have done, that the cflect of tliis argument is so cogent, that those who, when they have had the power in their own hands, have been least willing to tolerate others, have immediately found new light breaking in upon them, as soon as thev have needed toleration themselves.
?). Persecution is evidentl}' absurd, as it is, by no means, calculated to answer the end wliich its patrons profess to intend by it.
I say, Avhich they profess to intend : for if the priests do really intend to make the laitv slaves, that they may exalt their own empire, and increase their possessions, it may indeed very probably answer that end ; and these holy men may make them- selves fat with the sin and plunder of the peo[)le, and pvuxhase church-lands with the price of their blood. But, to save appear- ances at least, they profess to intend the glory of God, and the salvation of men ; for so you know the forms of the inquisition run, ♦* To answer to sundry questions relating to their s(ud's health, as well as the correction of their manners and excess." Now, I beseech you, let it be seriously considered, how perse- cution can be like to do good to men's souls.
To be sure, if it does them good at all, it must be, by making them truly religious. But what is true religion ? Is it to repeat a creed, or subscribe a confession, to wear a name, or perform a ceremony ? If it be, I am sure religion is much changed from v.hat it was, when the scriptures were writ : and the nature of God must be entirely changed too, before such a religion can be acceptable to him, or before it can have the least value in his sight.
True religion must be founded in the inward conviction of the mind, or it is impossible it should be what yet it must be, a Reasonable service *. And pray let it be consi- dered what violence and persecution can do, towards pro-
* Rom. xii. I.
a 2
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ducing such an inward conviction. It cannot to be sure do it immediately by its own power ; because it is a demonstration, that will at the same moment suit both the parts of a contra- diction. And it is certain a man might as reasonably expect to bind an immaterial spirit with a cord, or to beat down a wall by an argument, as to convince the understanding by threats or by tortures. They may indeed make a man mad, but it is the hardest thing in the world to imagine how they should ev^er make him wise.
Not immediately, you will say : we grant that. But me- diately they may ; as by these severities his mind may be awakened to attend to arguments ; thus a rational conviction may be introduced : and The rod and reproof may give ti'isdom '*. But T confess I cannot see how a man is the more likely to judge of an argument because he hears it on the rack, or because he sees the lash, or perhaps the sword over his head, and trembles lest he should not believe it. Far from opening the mind to fair conviction, methinks it should rather prejudice a man against it ; as it would give him some aversion even to a draught otherwise agreeable, to have it forced down by such methods as a drench is given to a horse. There is, if you will pardon the expression, a kind of an elasticity in the human mind ; and the more violently it is pressed down and bent, the more forcibly does it endeavour to expand itself again. But if this were to be put out of the question, we may depend upon it that none will ever have the better opinion of any re- ligion because it makes its professors very bad men ; and so they will undoubtedly think their persecutors to be.
Nay, indeed, I should rather think that if they were pretty well satisfied in the religion of their country before, the very thought of its being defended and obtruded on others in this brutish and unnatural way, Avould be enough to raise some secret suspicions to its disadvantage f : Suspicions which per- haps might prevail, and impress the mind more strongly, \vhere men were not allowed to give any vent to them ; or even to propose their doubts, lest it should be looked upon as a crafty ■way of insinuating their heresies, and should be a word spoken against their estates, or perhaps against their lives. On the whole, as you have often been told, persecution is much more likely to make men hypocrites than sincere converts. They
* Prov. xxix. 15. f If there be on earth a way to render the most sacred truth suspected, ii is supporting it with threats, and pretending to tenifv men into the belief of it. Shafts. Char. Vol. III. p. 107.
The Iniquity of Persecution. 1 29
may perhaps, if they have not a firm integrity, aiul heroic courage, change tlieir prolcssion, wliile they rttain tlieir senti- ments ; and, supposing tiiem before to have been unwarily in the wrong, may learn, I will not say, to barter away honesty for truth, though that were a traffic which no wisen)an would covet, but rather to add falsehood and vilhiiny to error, ilow glo- rious a prize after all ! es{)ecially, when we consider, at what an expence it is gained. Which leads me to add,
4. That persecution evidently tends to produce a great deal of mischief and confusion in the world.
It may truly be said, where persecution is, and that zeal, and rage which is inseparable from it. There is confusion, and every evil uorfc *. It is mischievous to those on uhom it falls, and in its conscque-uces mischievous to others too ; so mis- chievous, that one would wonder, that any wise princes should ever have admitted it into their dominions ; or that they should not iuunediately banish it thence. This follows, in part, from "what I said under the former head of my discourse ; even where it succeeds so far, as to produce a change in men's forms of wor- ship, it generally makes them no more than hypocritical pro- fessors of what they do not believe ; and this must imdoubtedly debauch their characters : so that having been villains in one respect, it is very probable they will be so in another ; and liaving brought deceit and falsehood into their religion, they will easily bring it into their conversation and commerce.
This effect persecution will have where it is yielded to. In other respects, it will be yet more immediately and appa- rently mischievous where it is opposed. And it is probable it will be often opposed, by those who have certainly a title to the greatest protection and favour of the government ; I mean upright and conscientious men. An honest mind, zealous for what it apprehends to be the cause of truth, and animated by the thoughts of the divine presence and protection, will learn to say of bonds and imprisonments, and even of tortures, as St. Paul did, None of these things move me, in such a cause, neither count I my life dear unto me ■\. As Mr. Boyle very justly and finely expresses it:j:: *' Personal sufferings, which a well- meaning man undergoes for his conscience, are but such a kind of burden to his mind, as feathers to an eagle or a falcon ; which though in themselves considered they have a weight, in the situation in which they are placed about him, enable him to soar towards heaven, and to reach a height which makes him
* James iii. 16. f Acts xx. 24. % Occas. Medit. p. 147.
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praised and -wondered at by beholders." Nay, perhaps where there is no true religion, a native sense of honour in a generous mind may encourage it to endure some hardships for the cause of truth; not to say that sometimes on the principles Ave hinted above, " Obstinacy may rise as the understanding is oppressed, and continue its opposition for a while, merely to avenge the Ciiuse of its injured liberty *."
And it is farther to he remembered, that where the perse- cution is not very extreme, and sometimes even where it is, spectators are brought to judge more favourably of the cause thus violently opposed, when they observe the fortitude with which the patrons of it endure hardships and sev^erities, from which they might otherwise deliver themselves at so easy a rate. Thus Tertullian boasts to Scapula, under all the butcheries he exercised at Carthage ; " Our sect, says be, is built up by your endeavours to destroy it. The very sight of our patience in snffcrings awakens men's consciences to encjuire into the cause of it ; and that enquiry leads them to discover the truth, and em- brace it, even though it expose them to the same sufferings f ." This made the blood of the martyrs, what it was so often called, the seed of the church. And something of the same spirit has appeared in succeeding ages. Now in proportion to the degree in which a prohiinted religion spreads, persecution must spread and propagate itself, and its desolations. And at this rate, if the persecution be severe, as it must be in order to a A'ictory, how many persons, how many families, must be undone by it ? For it is apparent, that in many instances what one suffers for the case of his conscience, draws ruin on a family, perhaps on many families dependent on him, wherein some may hardly know their right-hand from their left. I might also mention the encouragement hereby given to informers, who generally in such cases are the vilest and most infamous of mankind : and might discourse copiously on the animosities hcreb)^ raised amongst neighbours, on the discouragement of honest industry', and the injury done to trade and commerce |. But I rather
* Ludolph's Ethiop. p. 55S.
f Nee t^men deficiet ha;c sccta quam tunc magis aadificari scias cum caedi videtur. Quisque enim tantam tolcraiitium spectans, ut aliquo sorupulo percussus & inquirere accenditur, quid lit in causa, & ubi cognoverit veritatcm, & ipse statim sequitur.— Tert. ad Soap, ad fin.
I I doubt not but on this occas-ion many of my readers will recollect that the Dutch were some of the first protestant states which allowed a universal tolera- tion; to which, as Sir William Temple most justly observes, " they owe the con- tinued and undisturbed peace of their government, and the mighty increase of their people ; wherein will appear to consist chiefly the vast growth of their trade, and riches j and consequently, the strength and greatness of their state."
Temple's Netherl. C. v. p. 208.
The Iniqidt}/ of Persecution. 131
cbuse to refer these ami many more calamities, vhich stream forth iVom this bitter t'ountuin, to your own reflection, wliich may easily enlarge on the melancholy sul)|ect.
NoAv when so much must be sacrificed to public orthodoxy and uniformity, who can wonder ifsuch a degree of oppressi(JH make a wise man mad, and force multitudes mto desperate mea- sures, most destructive to the conununity ? Who can wonder if an injured and persecuted jjeople rise up, I will not say in re- bellion, for it deserves not that infamous name, but in a just and generous vindication of their liberties ; and even when the event is most hazardous, chuse rather to die warm with their swords in their hands, than to perish perhaps by the artificial cruelties of a lingering execution, or to starve in the darkness and solitude of a dungeon ?
How many wars, and how^ great confusions have by this means arisen in Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, the Low Countries, and various other places, even since the opening of the reformation ; it is not for a few moments, or indeed a few hours, to recount. But I take it for granted, that few of you arc entirely unacquainted with these things, which make up one of the most instructive, though at the same time, the most me- lancholy parts of histor3\ As the consequence of all, it has generally been found both at home and abroad, that ecclesiastical and civil tyranny has been either established or expelled to- gether; and that wherever this dragon has kept its seat, it has devoured the glory of the land around it, and heaped infamy and misery on its inhabitants. It has marked its way by desolations ; so that one may well apply to the bands of persecutors, what Joel says of the armies of locusts and caterpillars, when the country is Like the garden of Eden before thevh it is behind them a desolate wilderness - . And surely were not the remainder of their wrath to be restrained, religion and truth would be buried in the ruins. Which leads me to add,
5. The christian religion, which we here suppose to be the causeof truth, must, humanly speaking, be not only obstructed but destroyed, should persecuting principles universally prevail.
Let us for argument's sake suppose, what I am sure we have no reason to believe, that in some particular countries it might be a means of promoting and establishing the purity of the gospel, yet it must surely be a great impediment to its progress. What ■wise prince, who was a heathen or a mahometan, would cvcx admit christian preachers, if he knew that it was a principle of
* Joel ii, 3.
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their religion, that as soon as the majority of the people were converted by arguments, the rest, and himself amongst them, if he continued obstinate, must be proselyted or extirpated by fire and sword ? Surely if this were known to be the case, the se- cular power would at once seize on such missionaries as public enemies, and condemn the whole sect on this single tenet, what- ever their other doctrines or precepts might be.
Nay farther, if it be, as the advocates for persecution ge- nerally suppose, a dictate of the law of nature, that the true religion is to be propagated by the sword, then it is certain that a mahometan or an idolater with the same notion, supposing himself to have truth on his side, as no doubt many of them do suppose, and also admitting the principle we contest, must think himself obliged in conscience, if he have an opportunity to do it, to arm his powers for the extirpation of Christianity. Thus a holy war must commence over the face of the whole earth, in which nothing but a miracle could render christians successful against so vast a disproportion in numbers. Now I think it hard to believe that to be a truth, which would naturally lead to the extirpation of truth in the world ; or that a divine rehgion should carry in its bowels the principle of its own destruction.
If these reasonings be admitted, then persecution will by the light of nature appear so absurd, so unjust, and so mischievous a tiling, that it ought to be rejected Avith abhorrence ; unless it should be warranted and required by a divine revelation, which had such degrees of evidence as should be sufficient to over- balance that strong objection against it, which would arise from the consideration we have now been urging. But on this head we need have no apprehension, for I am to shew you,
6. That persecution is so far from being required, or en- couraged by the gospel, that it is most directly contrary to man}^ of its precepts, and indeed to the whole genius of it.
A mahometan may perhaps prove from his Alcoran *, that the true faith is to be propagated by the sword, and that here- tics and unbelievers are lo be cut off or made tributary ; but if a christian plead in favour of persecution, while he has his New Testament in his hand, in an intelligible language, he must be condemned out of his own mouth. It is condemned by the example of Christ, Who "went about doing good ft who came not tQ destroy merHs lives but to save them : who waved the exercise of his miraculous power against his enemies, not only in this instance in the text, but even when they most unjustly and
* Alcoran, Cap. 2,4, 5j ad pass. f Actsx. 38.
The Iniquity of Persecution. 133
fcruelly assaulted him*; and never exerted it ia one single in- stance that we read of, to iiiHict death or any corporal punish^ nient even on tliose who had ahnost justly deserved it : iiis doctrine also as well as his example has taught us, to be harm- less as doves, to Love oar enejuiesy to do good to them that hate xis, and to praj/ /or than that dcspitcfuUy use us and persecute usf. And will a maxim like that allow us to persecute others ? When Peter desired leave to smite with the sword, though drawn in so just a cause, Christ commanded him to Put it up in its sheath again | ; and he declared before Pilate, that His kingdom was not of this 'Xorld § ,■ which he expressly mentions as a reason why he did not arm secular power to plant or to defend it.
As for the apostles they declared, agreeably to the ex- ample and precepts of their master, that the power they had received was For edification and not for destruction \\, that The •u'eapons of their xcarfare were not carnal^. And that the servant of the Lord, the christian minister, was not to strive, but in meek' iiess to instruct those who opposed themselves **. They inculcat- ed it as of the highest importance, that religion must be a Rea^ sonable service-^^^ and that Bodily exercise^ which is the utmost persecution can extort, profited but little XX, and was a thing of a most ditlerent nature from true godliness. That the strong ought to bear with the ijifirmities of the weak ^. And in a word, that christians must in the whole of their conversation be Ilann^ iess, as well as holy and undefded, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, shining aynongst them, by these amiable examples, as lights in the world, and so hoiiX forth the word of
You well know, that these passages are but a little specimen of those which might be produced on such an occasion. Most prudently therefore do the popish clergy wrest the New Testa- ment out of the hands of their people, before they venture to arm them with a sword, to destroy others for their religious ophiions.
These are the principal arguments against persecution which have occurred to my mind. You easily see thev are chicHy pointed at high severities; but if you consider them at- tentively, you will hnd that they proportioiublv conclude against
*Johnviiii. 6. tMat.v.44. + Jolui xviii, 11. § John Y>Ui. 3o.
li 2 C.r. X. 8. •yo Cor. x. 4. ♦* 2 Tim. ii. 24, 2 i. ff »«»• Sii- 1.
;tlTim. iv. 3. §^R(ia. xv. I. ||!| Phil, ii. 15, 16, VOL. 111. R
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every degree of it, not excepting the lightest pecuniary fines, or civil incapacities. I am,
III. To touch on the chief arguments -which are urged in defence of penal Jaws enacted ior the pretended security and advunceiiient of rehgion.
Persecution is so harsh and so infamous a word, that few ■^vill defend it. Bftt under this milder name they maintain the thing, by pleading the glory of God and the good of mankind, {sacred prostituted names) the penal laws of the Jewish constitu- tion, and a few tortured passages of the New Testiiment; which one would think mentioned to expose the cause, rather than seriously to serve it.
1 . The glor}' of God is generally pleaded as an apology for persecution.
The time is come, when those that slay his servants are sup- posing they offer him an acceptable service. " God, say tliey, is the God of truth; and therefore the cause of truth is his Cause; and the magistrate, who is in his sphere the Minister of God^i is to be a Nursing Father-]- to his churrh, and to point the sword he has received from him against those impious per- sons, who will no otherwise be restrained from perverting the- tight ways of the Lord!'''
Now it is most evident, this is taking for granted the in- nocence and morality of the thing in the general, as Avell as the infallibility of the magistrate, or of the priest, whose executioner he must be. But if, as we have endeavoured to prove above, persecution in general is contrary to the light of nature and to the christian revelation, it must be great impiety to pretend to consecrate it to the dii ine glory. And a man might on the same principle lie and plunder, or even murder his neighbour, could lie but persuade liimself that God uould be honoured, as the trutli might be promoted by it, and take it for granted that the goodness of the end must sanctify the badness of the means, J'aul evidently determines the matter otherwise, when he intro- duces a man as excusing his own lie, by its tendency to promote the truth of God; and overrules th^itplea by observing, that if it were allowed, we might Do evil that good may come. Which he aqcounted so abominable a maxim, that hesaj's that the damna" iionofsucJi isjustX-
Yet, after all, if the preceding arguments were to be waved, and we were to begin our enquiry with examining what would be most for the glory of God, and the advancement of truth, I
* Horn. xiii. 4. f Isa. xiix. 23. J Rom. iii. 8,
The I niiiuity of Persecution. 135
am fully persuadod, that persecution, instead ofhelntr establish- ed, must, on this foundation, be exploded, and condemned. For, not to repeat what I said above, of the improbability of fixing anv rational conviction by this means; it is plainly a dishonour to truth, and therefore to God, to suppose, that it needs the supports of secular terrors, and that its enemies must be sup- pressed by violence. We then SanctiJ)j the Lord our God in our hearts, wlien we arc ready to give an answer to those that enquire into the foundations of our religion, and our hope, with meekness and fear*; and uhen we use those methods witU others, which are likely most ettectually to engage them to ren- der him a rational service. But when we drag men to his altars, as unwilling victims, and attem))t to bind them otherwise than With the cords of a man, and the bonds of love \ , he may surely reject our forward and officious zeal, as an affront ; and say, JVho has required these things at your hands X? The same answer Avill, in a great measure, serve for the second plea in favour of persecution: whichis,
2. That it may tend to promote the happiness of mankind. If we will believe those, who have sometimes a crocodile's tear to shed over those whom they arc devouring, all the se- verity they use to men's bodies, is in mere mercy to their souls. But it is hard to say, how this can be an argument for putting them to death, in what they call a damnable error ; as an ill- natured man may call any error, and an inquisitor must, of course, call that which he makes capital. I know they will an- swer, it is for the good of others, that they may be deterred from the like pestilent heresy. But 1 endeavoured to shew be- fore, that such a course was much more likely to prejudice and to exasperate, and to debauch men's minds, than to recover or secure them. And here their most plausible answer is, that though it should be granted, that the iirst converts of violence are insincere, yet at least succeeding generations, being educat- ed in the bosom of the church, and the forms of the true reli- gion, mav ( ordially imbibe it, even to their everlasting salvation. A rich equivalent, as some may think, for the present incon- veniences to others ! But I see not that we can be obliged to introduce so much confusion and misery in our own days, out of regard to posterity, any more than to burn up the produce of our own fields and plantations, that the ashes may meliorate the soil, and render it more fruitful to those that come after us.
* 1 Peter iii. 15. t n«s. xi. 4. X '^»- »• ^'•
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If such an expedient were not like!}- to answer, even that end, it illustrates the subject so much the more. For we may natural- ly expect to find, in the hearts of children, a deep resentment of the wrong done to their parents, and even to their remoter ancestors: nor is it any uncommon case at all, for an aversion or attachment to particular notions and forms, to prove hereditary; especially when young persons^ so exceedingly jealous of tljeir libert}', as at their age they are, apprehend a religion to be forced upon them, contrary to that which their ancestors bravely defended, at tlie expence of their estates and their lives ; or •^vhich they unwiilingl}' seemed to renounce, for the preservation of them. It is exceeding probable, that the penal laws, by "which idolatry Avas imposed on the Jews, in some years of the Babylonish captivity, might contribute greatly to give them that aversion to it, which has been transmitted through so many following ages. And the contempt, which both the Spaniards and Portuguese put on those whom they call new christians, that is, whose ancestors, mostof tliem above two hundred j'ears ago*, were obliged, by violence, to profess christianit}'^, seems plainly to intimate, that they secretly suspect them to be Jews or Mahometans in their hearts, as many of themselves declare themselves to be, when they escape into a land of liberty f
Yet, perhaps, many of more pious dispositions, and more tender tempers than those of whom I have been now speaking, may be ready to plead, that unlimited toleration will leave room for writing and publishing the most pernicious books; whereby the principles of young and unexperienced minds may easily be corrupted, and heresy and profaneness introduced into the rising generation; and, with it that licentiousness of practice, which generally attends such an apostacy from the truth.
I acknowledge, that the plea seems to have a considerable
* The Moriscos were expelled Spain, A. D. 1792, and the inquisition erected about four yoars after.
•f- It is very remarkable to this purpose, that Orobio the jew, in liis conference with Limborcl), freely acknowledges, That, in Spain and Portugal, all the monaste- ries and nunneries are full of jews : that many canons, inquisitors, and bishops, keinc: descended from Jewish parents, are still jews in their hearts : though, for tem- poral advantacres, they profess to be christians. Some of tliese, he says, repent, and, iftlieycan, escape into other countries ; of which he himself was one 2 who con- fesses, he had often complied with the idolatries of the place. — Ego qui toties miser jrenua Baali flcxi, peccatum meum ego recorder, &c, Jud. Script. Test. No. 4. p. inc. And Tjmborch afterwards declares, that Orobio had himself owned, that tJie Jews in Spain are taught by their parents, that, in order to escape the inquisition, it is lawful to profess Christianity, wliile they deny it in their hearts ; and to confirm tiiat profession by s;\earing on the cross, and by eating swine's flesh, &c. Limb. Rcsp. ad Scrip. III. Cap. V. p. 178.
The Ijiiquiiy of Persecution. 137
weip^lit; but I desire it may be seriously examined, whether the mischief of such a restraint be not yet greater tiian the advan- tiiges of it ? Might not the most excellent and useful writings of the best men be suppressed on this principle ? Nay, is it not on this principle, that the bible itself is prohibited in popish coun- tries ? Some inconveniences arise from every imaginable con- stitution ; it is the part of wisdom to choose that wiiich is attend- ed by the fewest and the least, and to apply the most proper re- medies to them. If toleration be abused, as the moans of sow- ing tares amongst the wheat, let it teach all, and especially those who have the care of young persons, to be so much the more watchful over their charge, to keep them out of the way of infection, or to furnish them with proper antidotes against it. But let not those, who would approve themselves the patrons of truth, act as if they thought religion such a scandalous cause, that it must suffer by the freedom of inquiry, and could only be safe under the covert of darkness.
On the whole, lot the friends of the truth fairly propose its evidences, and shew its influence too, by the candor of their temper, and the benevolence and usefulness of their lives ; and if its enemies raise objections, as against what cause may not objections be raised ? Let us give them a fair consideration, and endeavour to expose the sophistry and weakness of them, in a plain, rational and convincing manner, in the spirit of meekness and serenity. We may then hope, through the concurrent in- fluences of divine grace, that the souls of men will be established, even by the attempts made to pervert them ; and that, in ano- ther sense than the apostle originally intended the phrase. The trial of that faith, which is far more precious than the purest gold, fu'liich, in succeeding ages, perishes and wears out, though it have been tried in the fire) will be found to praise ayid glory *. And if, Avhich may very probably be the case, some who will ea- gcrl}' listen to every objection against the truth, will not have the patience to hear or examine its defence, we must leave them to the final judgment of Him, who searches the hearts, and tries the reins oi the children of men f. With so dishonest a temper, a name, or a form, whatever it had been, could have done them but verv little good. It is impossible for us to save men against their own wills: and I cannot see, that it will be any part of christian charity, to put out their eyes, or tie up their hands, lest tbey should use them to the injury of themselves or others.
If any should pretend, that we are to punish heretics, and
* 1 Pet. i. 7. f Jer. xi, 20. Rev. ii. 23.
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infidels, that we may not make ourselves partakers of other men's sins, and draw down the judgments of God on the nation in which we live : I answer, that this argument so evidently takes it for granted, that persecution is for the glory of God, and will be a proper expedient for promoting the true religion, that what I have said, under the former heads, is an abundant answer to it. I shall not therefore enlarge on this as a distinct topic, but proceed to another of much greater importance.
3. The most plausible argument, in favour of the doctrine we oppose, is taken from the penal laws, which made a part of the Jewish constitution.
It is urged here, that God did, in the strongest terms, ex- pressly appoint, that all who taught or practised idolatry amongst the Jews, should be punished with death*; and that many se- vere executions were accordingly done on this statute : not only by the prophet JEltjah-f, an extraordinary divine messenger, but likewise by Jehu X, and Josiah §, and other princes amongst them II ; who, far from being censured, were applauded and re- warded on this account.
If we answer here, as we most easily and naturally do, that the merciful genius of the christian dispensation is so different from the rigour and severity of the Mosaic law, that no argument can be drawn from the one to the other ; it is pleaded, that this will at least serve to overthrow the greater part of our discourse, which was intended to prove the natural absurdity and immo- rality of persecution ; unless we will allow, Avhat surely no chris- tian can, that a natural immorality was made an essential part of a divine institution.
It will be proper, therefore, to examij^ this matter a little more largely ; which I shall the rather do, because I think it has seldom been handled with the accuracy which it requires. No\t, I apprehend, the solution of this difficulty will depend on con- sidering, on the one hand, the limitations attending these penal laws ; and, on the other, the peculiar circumstances of the Jews, to whom they were given.
1. Let us consider the limitations which attended these penal laws.
They affected only the inhabitants of the land of Canaan ; and animadverted only on some overt act, whereby they pub- licly declared a revolt from God to idols.
There was no commission given to the Jews, to arm them- selves for the propagation of their faith amongst their heathen
* Deut. xiii. 6, 18. f l Kings xviii. 40. % 2 Kinjs x. 25.
§ 2 Kings xxiii, 20. ' |(2 Kings, xi, 18.
The Iniquiti/ of Persecution. J 39
noiglibours ; nor wus there any express law, to pursue any Israelite with tlie sworil, wlio settling among idolaters in foreiga countries, should contorm to the religion of them. 'I'hough, for reasons afterwards to be mentioned, his part in the land (jf Israel would undoubtedly have been forfeited. And, it is far-- tlier to be remembered, tliat even with regard to the inhabitants themselves, the law only took eognizance of some overt act of revolt. Had God given a large confession of faith to the Jews, to every article of which he had required them, on some high penalties, to subscribe their assent, a much stronger objection against what I have advanced would have arisen Irom such a constitution. But this was so far from being the case, that the Sadducees, erroneous as tbey were in some of the most important articles of natural as well as revealed religion, were not only tolerated, but, without any direct violation of the Mosaic law, were frecjuently promoted lo offices of high dignity and au- thority. Now there is a most evident diHerence between a law thus limited, and an universal allowance of religious severities, to Jews or others, in any such circumstance as they should tliink fit. And, Avere the particular reasons ever so unknown, the former might be allowed, as consistent with the divine per- fections, without laying a foundation to infer that the latter might be so. As there was an apparent dili'erence between God's requiring Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, and his publishing a general declaration, allowing any parents whatsoever to sacrifice their children, whenever they should suppose that the glory of God, and the interest of religion, would be advanced by it. Thus the limitation of these penal laws destroys the argument •which might be drawn from them, in favour of persecution in general. And, if it still appear a difficulty, that, even with these limitations, they should be enacted, I hope the point may be yet more fully cleared up, by considering,
2. The peculiar circumstances whci'eby the Jews were distinguished from all other people.
Now here, the extraordinary discoveries which God made of himself amongst them, and the peculiar manner in which he stood related to them, as their king, concur, both to vindicate the equity of the; huws in question, and to prove that no reason- able consequence can be drawn from them, in iavour of perse- cution, in any other nation upon earth.
It is surely of some inqjortance, to recollect the extraordi- nary' discoveries which God had made of himself to them, though the whole stress of the point does not lie here. The miracles which he hud wrought amongst them, in order to prove
140 AT NORTHAMPTON ON A FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. SeR. VI,
his Deity, and tlie vanity of idols, were of the most awakening and convincing nature ; and these were not only delivered to them by credible report, as they are now delitercd to us ; but God was, from age to age, raising up prophets, Avith a power of renewing these wonders before their eyes. Nay, he had inter- woven into their constitution, certain periodical, and most ex- tensive and obvious miracles, not only in the extraordinary fruitfulness of every sixth year, when, after the ground had been exhausted in the five preceding years, the poorest harvest must naturally have been expected ; but, also in the safety of their borders, though surrounded with enemies, when all the males Avere gone up to worship, even in the very heart of their coun- try, as they were obliged to do three times in the year, between the beginning of March, and the end of September ; which is the most proper time for armies to be abroad.
Now, God, the searcher of all hearts, might know, that nothing but obstinate and incorrigible wickedness could make a man an idolater, in such circumstances as these. And conse- quently, he might righteously condemn him to death, and ap- point his fellow-creatures to execute the sentence. But no argu- ment can be drawn from thence for inflicting the like punish- ment on another person, who is not as expressly sentenced by the divine law, and whose opportunities of better knowledge are not, and cannot be entirely the same.
But it is farther to be considered, as of the utmost weight in the present argument, that God also stood in a peculiar rela- tion to the people of Israel, as he was their temporal king, as well as their God. Tlieir government, as you well know, was different from that of all other nations : it was indeed aTheocracy, as Josephus very justly calls it; their whole system of civil laws being enacted by God, and their magistrates appointed by him. And when they came to have kings, as other nations had, yet even these kings were to be considered but as the viceroys of God : as appears by their being obliged to transcribe his law, when they begun their reign ; to consult his oracle on all ex- traordinary exigences ; and, from his interposing in various cases both in Judah and Israel, to transfer the crown from one person and famil}', to another.
Now, in consequence of this peculiar system of govern- ment, God thought it proper, as it apparently Avas, to annex certain temporal privileges to tlicir obedience to him ; and they held their estates, and possessions in the fine country they inha- bited, not by one absolute donation to them, and their heirs for ever ; but tlu'ough succeeding generations, as tenants to thg
The Iniguiti/ of Persecution. 141
crown, upon an express condition of certain homages to be paid to God, as the great })roprietor ; renouncing all dependance xipoii, and all subjection to any of his competitors. Now it was plainly equitable, that, as the counterpart of these advantages, they should be subjected to some peculiar temporal punishments ; if, while they claimed these privileges, they falsified that allegi- ance which was the condition of them ; in which case they suf- fered, not merely as idolaters, but as traitors.
I will further add, that as God was determined, in the course of his providence, to send national judgments upon them, in case of a national revolt to idolatry, which he accordingly always did, it was a merciful as well as just severity, thus to animadvert, upon the first appearances of this aggravated crime, to wliich they were strongly inclined; and by which, if it prevailed amongst them, they must be universally undone.
But, as all these circumstances were peculiar to the Jews, I hope you are, by this time, fully convinced, that it is most absurd to draw an argument in favour of religious severities in general, from the penal laws of the Mosaic institution*. I have been so large on this head, that I must only hint at those weak and contemptible arguments which are brought,
4. From some abused passages in the New Testament.
And indeed I should hardly mention them, but to expose them; and to shew to what wretched straits ingenious and in- terested men must be brought, when they Avill condescend to make use of such arguments : for, after all, to their shame 1 must say, the cliief texts which I find produced for their purpose, by popish writers, are two; which I am persuaded, a wise and honest man mijrht have read a thousand times before he had ever dreamt of such a consequence from them. Christ gave Peter a commission to feed his sheep f; and that must, say some, im- ply a power in the church, and especially in the pope, as the head of it, to kill wolves, that is, heretics. As if an argument, from this figurative expression, to so distant a circumstance, could be allowed against such strong evidence, both of scripture
* I have not mentioned the argument w hich some have brought from Job's say- in^', that idolatry is a •j.'ickrdnrss to be punished by the jitdf^e, Job xxxi. 28. because it in so evident that Job speaks unadvisedly with his lips, in some instances, as he him- self owns, Job xl. 3— 8. xhi. 3 — 6. And 1 think, if we grant there were in his days siwh a law in Arabia, as made idolatry capital, it can never bo proved of divine in- stitution from these words, any more than it can be argued from Judah's sentence against Taniar, Gen. xxx\iii. 24, that there was theu a divine law for executin' women while they were big with cbilS. tJohnxxj. 15—17. VOL. III. S
143 AT NORTHAMPTON ON A FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. SeR. VI.
and reason. But I must do them the justice to say, their grand argument is behind : and it is couched in those words, Compel them to come in*. But, what compulsion and violence must be offered to these words, before they will be of any service in the cause of persecution ! How often have they been told, that this relates only to friendly importunity, like that which the dis- ciples used to engage Christ to spend the evening with thenri at Emmaus, when, as the evangelist expresses it, They constrained kimf? And how absurd it would be to suppose servants sent out with sword in hand to force in guests to an entertainment, I think you will easily apprehend X, Another argument a little more specious than either of these might be brought from the corporal punishments inflicted on blasphemers in the apostle's times §, but it is to be considered that these were the effects of a miraculous power, and consequently had a proper tendency to convince the understanding of the sufferers and spectators, of the divine mission of those with whom the hand of the Lord thus re- markably was. It is therefore most absurd to talk of substitut- ing the power of the magistrate instead of these extraordinary penalties, unless the magistrate can inflict them the same way ; and then we will acknowledge they merit not the name of perse- cution, but come under that singular exception which we ad- mitted in the beginning of the discourse.
I have the pleasure to assure you that these wretcbed argu- ments, or rather empty shadows of argument, are the most ma- terial which I have seen produced from the New Testament in favour of religious severities. It is the glory of that sacred book, that it affords no better arguments in so infamous a cause. And I cannot forbear observing, that the silence of the New Testament on this head is a strong argument against persecu- tion, and would have been so, had the apostles omitted the many passages before quoted, in which they seem directly to oppose it.
I know it may be said, the sacred writers did not advise the primitive christians to use violence, because their religion was then in its infancy, and they had no power in their hands. Yet, one would imagine, that if the apostles would have approved
* Luke xiv. 23. f Luke xxiv. 29.
X I think the word avayxa^w occurs but nine times in the New Testament, Mat. xiv. 22. Mark vi. 45. Luke xiv. 23. Acts xxvi. 2. xxviii. 19. 2 Cor. xii. 31. Gal. ii. 3, 14. vi. 12. It is only in the 4th and 5th of these places, that it can refer to the use of secular power. Tla^uSta^ofjLai is used twice, Luke xxiv. 29. Acts XTi. 15. and in both those places can signify no more than friendly importunity. §ActsT. 5, 10. xiii. 11. 1 Cor. v. 13. 1 Tim. i. 20.
The Iniquity of Persecution. 1 43
themselves honest men on the scheme we oppose, they should have laid in some directions for future times, and have instruct- ed christians in the use of their secular power, when it was ob- tained ; as the Jews were particularly directed in the manage- ment of theirs. Especially since this is a case in which the wrath ofmayi, u^hich wor/ceth not the righteousness of God, is so ready to throw about firebrands, arrows and death.
Nor will it here be improper to remind you that there was at least one prince converted to Christianity in the apostles' time ; I mean ScrgiusPaulus, proconsul of Cyprus: yet we do not find St. Paul exhorting him to proselyte his subjects by violence, or even to inflict any penalties on Elymas the sorcerer, though he had been convicted of error in so miraculous a way, and though an inspired apostle had called him, in his presence, a Childofthe devil and an enemy of all righteousness *.
I must also add here, that it is well known, masters amongst the Greeks and Romans had an unlimited power over the per- sons and lives of their slaves. Now if corporal severities were ordinarily to have been used to promote the gospel, we might have expected that the apostles writing, as they so often do, of the duty of masters, should have added some exhortations to them to compel their slaves to embrace it. Yet nothing of that kind occurs, which I think makes the negative arguments as strong as one can well suppose a negative argument to be.
fv. I must conclude my discourse with touching on those reflections which I have left myself but Uttle time to enlarge
upon.
1 . Let us bless God that we are free from the guilt of perse- cuting others, and the misery of being persecuted ourselves.
Had we been born in Spain or Portugal, education and ex- ample might have corrupted our judgment so much, that with- out farther inquiry we might have taken it for granted, as a first principle, as many there seem to do, that heretics are to be punished with death. And on this foundation we might have practised or applauded the greatest inhumanities, perhaps to- wards the best of men. We might have been presenting to God what is much worse than robbery, even murder for a burnt-ofi'er- ing : and trusting in that for the expiation of our other offences, which is itself in the number of the greatest enormities which human nature can commit. In such a case I fear the blindness and ignorance of our zeal would not have been allowed as aa
♦ Atta xiii. 10. S2
144 AT NORTHAMPTON ON A FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. SeR. VI.
excuse for its pernicious consequences. St. Paul calls himself the Chief of sinners for those severities which he exercised on christians ignorantly *, and while he Verilij thought that it was his duty to do many things against the name of Jesus of Naza- rethf. And indeed, as Mr. Baxter well expresses it, in his mas- culine and lively manner |, " If charity be a grace most neces- sary to salvation, then certainly it will not keep any man from damnation, that he had malice and uncharitableness enough to persuade him, that the members of Christ were children of the devil, though he persecuted them under that notion."
Let us be tliankful that we are preserved from that guilt, and let us also acknowledge it as an instance of the divine good- ness to us, that we are not suffering by persecution ; that we are not plundered and banished, or perhaps imprisoned and tor- tured for conscience-sake ; and so brought under a formidable temptation, to make shipwreck of that as well as of faith. Let this day remind us of the frequent dangers of this kind to which we have been exposed : and let us gratefully own God's watch- ful care over us, and that powerful hand exerted in our favour, to which we owe it, that Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers, which was once and again spread for our lives, the snare is broken and we are escaped §. Let the memory of those who were the glorious instruments of our deliverance be ever dear to us, and the persons of those who under God are the great guardians of our civil and religious liberties, be regard- ed with becoming reverence, affection and obedience.
2. Let us envy none that liberty of conscience which they enjoy, on such equitable principles.
While we rejoice in a toleration ourselves, we Avere inexcus- able if we were grieved that many who most widely differ from us share in the same common benefit. A variety of opinions must be expected, and debates will unavoidably arise from it ; but when we are pressed by the arguments of our opponents, or, it may be, provoked by what we think their obstinacy ; let us not indulge even a secret wish, that there were a sword in our hand to slay them, or a chain to bind them. Far from com- plaining of it as an evil, let us rather rejoice in it as the pecuHar glory and happiness of our age and country, perhaps beyond any other, that our neighbours, as well as we, enjoy a freedom of choosing their religion for themselves j and amidst all the
* 1 Tim. i. 13— 15. tActsxxvi. 9. :J Baxt. Piact. Works, Vol. I. p. 612, § Psalm cxxiv. 7.
The Iniquity of Persecution. 145
diversity of that clioice, Sit every one under his own vine and fig-tree J and iiave none on that account to jnake them afraid^.
And I will add, let not private malice and uncharitaljleness assume the place of public severities. Let those who are in the superior relations of life, lay aside a rigorous and imposing temper, towards those who are under their care. In matters ot conscience let not the husband pretend to determine for the wife, nor the parent for the child, nor the master for the ser- vant ; but if fair argument and love will not fix a conviction on their mind in favour of what we apprehend to be right, let us leave them to worship God in their own way, without absolutely insisting upon it that they should do it in ours.
Once more, let not neighbours and equals be severe on one another upon account of religious differences, but make the most candid allowances which the case will bear for the errors and weaknesses of each other. B'ar from injuring and reviling each other, and refusing the mutual offices of humanity and friendship, let us study to abound in them more and more. Let us pray, that if any are otherwise minded than truth, reason and scripture would teach, God would in his own method, and time reveal unto them whatever it may be of importance for them to know ; and in the mean time let us endeavour to act on the great principles of virtue and benevolence, which, blessed be God, are not peculiar to any distinguishing forms of rehgious profession amongst us. And I heartily pray, that domestic per- secution may never be the guilt or the misery of any, who by the laws of our country are protected from public violence.
Lastly, Let us be very cautious that we do not abuse that religious liberty which, by the singular favour of providence, we enjoy.
Let us remember, that as the best blessings may be per- verted, it is too possible that even this may be turned into licentiousness. It is true, that our consciences are under no human jurisdiction, but let it be considered they are not without law, but under law, to God. He who searches men's hearts, knows how to judge of the sincerity and impartiality of our in- <iuiries into truth, though none else can do it. Let us there- fore be wary in our determinations in matters of importance, and let us earnestly pray for the enlightening influences of God's Holy Spirit, to preserve us from erroneous principles, and superstitious worship.
* Mic. IT. 4. ' 3
146 AT NORTHAMPTON ON A FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. SeR. VI.
And, once more, let us be very careful that we do not abuse our religious liberties by trifling with opportunities for spiri- tual improvement, either absenting ourselves from them, or attending them in a careless and unprofitable manner. Let us remember, The servant who knows his mastefs will, and pre- pares jiot himself to act according to it, will be beaten with many stripes *. The freest profession of the purest religion on earth will signify nothing, if it be no more than a profession ; and all that zeal for liberty which is consistent with being the slave of sin, is only a natural haughtiness of spirit, which will aggravate a man's guilt rather than extenuate it. The Lord grant that none of us may reject the truth, and that none may hold it in unrighteousness : lest the time come, when we wish for that excuse which they will have, who have known the re- straints and discouragements of persecutions ; and another day reflect with horror, even on those repeated deliverances, for which we are this day returning our public acknowledgments.
* Luke xii. 47.
SERMONS
t)cUverance cut of the Hands of our Emmies. 1 4"
SERMON VII.
DELIVERANCE OUT OF THE HANDS OF OUR ENEMIES, Urged as a Motive to Obedience, in the Substance of two Sermom; preodicd at Northampton, Februarys, 1715-6, on Occasion of the precipitate l- light of the Rebels from Stirling a je-iu Days before.
Luke i.74, 15.— That he luould grant unto us, that ice, being deUvend out of the hands of our enemies, viight serve hitn ivithout feca-, in holuiess and 7 ightcousness btfore him, all the days of our life.
JL SHOULD think myself inexcusable, if, after having ad- dressed you with so nianv admonitions, and so many encourage- ments, through the whole period of our late public alarms, I should be silent as to the favourable turn, which our affairs seem now to be taking ; and did not lead you to greet these first openings of deliverance which God is giving us, with your ear- liest hymns of grateful praise. Far be it from any of us to re- semble the nine lepers *, who though they had been so loud in their cries for mercy under their affliction as to be heard afar off, yet having received their cure returned not to give glory to God. 1 am indeed sensible, that our deliverance is not yet complete. Though our enemies are fled with so much precipi- tation before our forces, led on by that heroic prince <\'hom pro- vidence has raised so gloriously to command them, we are not as yet 'putting off our harness f. But we have reason to hope, that the end of girding it on is in a great measure answered ; and it is certain, that a becoming acknowledgment of these begin- nings of mercy, will be the most probable means to secure the full accomplishment of our hopes. I have therefore chosen the ■words before us, with a particular view to this great and happy event ; and it is obvious, that they will naturally lead me into suitable and important reflections upon it.
Vou will easily recollect, that they are part of that cele- brated song, in which Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist,
* Luke xvii. 12—18, t ^ Kings xx. 11.
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148 ON THE FLIGHT OF THE REBELS FROM STIRLING. SeR. VII,
TitteVed his joys and liis hopes on the birth of such a son, and in which he emplo3-ed and consecrated the first accents of his recovered speech. This venerable priest, under the influence of the prophetic Spirit, blesses the God of Israel, who had raised up a horn of salvation, that is who was just raising a powerful Saviour, /or thevi, in the house of his servant David ;^ whose office and glory it should be, to perform the mercy pro- viised to their fathers , the substance of which he comprehends in the words of my text ; and thus to complete what he had so often engaged in effect, though not in express words, that Israel under his auspicious government, being delivered out of the hajids of their enemies, and of all them that hated them, should serve him without fear, in a steady course of holiness and righteousjiess before him.
I will not take upon me to determine the exact idea, which Zacharias himself had to these words ; whether he meant to refer to that great salvation from our spiritual enemies, which Christ gives, and to those influences of his Spirit on the hearts of his people, whereby they are effectually engaged to a perse- vering course of holiness and righteousness ; or whether he might have his eye to some expected conquest over that Gen- tile power, by which Israel was then held in subjection, and to a temporal kingdom to be established in consequence of it, in which righteousness should reign in a more remarkable manner, than it had ever before done among the children of men. He, like others of the prophets, after having delivered their divine oracles, might have need of Searching what the Spirit of Christ did particularly signify therein *. But it is evident, that whe- ther we take it in the one or the other of these views, it will afford us a just foundation for two remarks, most suitable to our
present circumstances : That to be delivered out of the hands
of our enemies is a great favour of divine providence ; and
that it loudly calls for a course of steady and cheerful obedience to God as our gi-eat benefactor.
It will therefore be very agreeable to the general senti- ments expressed in these words, that I should.
First, Endeavour to make you sensible of the greatness of this deliverance, which God has now granted us out of the hands of oitr enemies. And,
Secondly, Represent and enforce that return, which he most reasonably demands from us, and to which the text may na- turally direct our thoughts.
*1 Pcti. 10, 11.
Deliverance out of the llayids of our Enemus. 1 \9
Such representations arc undoubtedly necessary : I pray God, they may in this instance be as cHectual, as they are sin- cere. I am,
First, To endeavour to make you sensible of the greatness of this deliverance, which God lias now granted us, by the panic with wliich he seems to have struck the leaders and abettors of that unnatural rebellion, which he hath per- mitted to arise amongst us; that so our hearts may be dis- posed to those returns of gratitude which he demands.
Now to this purpose I shall consider it, first, in a more
general view ; and then, in some particular circumstances,
which may farther heighten our grateful sense of it.
I. I would consider tlie deliverance out of the hands of our ene- mies, which God is now opening upon us, in a more gene- ral view.
Here I shall take a view of it in general, with regard to the
aspect which it has upon our substance, our liberties,
our religion, and our posterity. And each view will
convince us of its importance, and do its part towards awaken- ing our gratitude.
To make you more sensible of this, let me now lead you to imagine, though the imagination is painful and shocking, what must have been our case, if the progress of the rebellious arms of our enemies had been carried on with a rapidity, like that which the}'^ at first boasted ; if they had been siipported by powerful succours from abroad ; and if, according to their vain hopes, considerable numbers from the southern part of our island had joined them ; so that they had marched on to our capital, and taken possession of it, either destroying or driving away that illustrious prince whom God has set over us, and those numerous branches of his royal family around him, whom we have so long beheld with delight as the pledges of peace and happiness to succeeding generations. Consider, how our possessions, and liberties, our religion, at\d posterity, would have been affected by such an evetit ; and then judge, what an aspect our deliver- ance has upon each.
1 . As to our worldly siibstance.
This, among so many dearer names, may seem less worthy of our mention. A generous and manly spirit will indeed bear the diminution of it with a calm steadiness; and the true Christian
T 2
150 ON THE FLIGHT OF THE REBELS FROM STIRLING. SeR. VII.
will be conscious of a better and a more enduring substance*, laid up beyond the reach of violence and rapine. Yet some value is justly to be set on what we here possess, as the gift of providence, and as that by which we are enabled, not only to make some comfortable provision for those whom God has com- mitted to our immediate care, but likewise to do good to many others, by a variety &f humane and charitable actions, which ma>' greatly adorn our religious profession. And whether our wealtli be the acquisition of our own industry, or have descend- ed to us by inheritance from our fathers, there is something in each of these considerations, which makes the loss of it grievous; how gradually soever it may be impaired, and though no cir- cumstance of external violence deprive us of it, but we seem, according to the remarkable expression of the prophet. To put our money into a bag with holes f. Much more grievous then must it be, to be stripped on a sudden, and above all, in such a way ; to see our enemies possessed of what we just before call- ed our own, and perhaps taking a malicious pleasure, not only to use, but to destroy it before our eyes.
The great Author of our nature, who most fully knows its frame, does sometimes mention this among the saddest conse- quences of invasion and conquest. So the distress and vexation of it is pathetically represented, in the message he sent to Israel by Moses, Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eqt thereof; thine ass, the usual beast of burden among them, and answering to our ordinary horses, shall be violently taken away before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee : Thy sheep shall be given to thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue them : The fruit of thy lajid, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not, eat up: So that thou shalt he mad, for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt seeX.
While our enemies have been traversing the northern part of our island, and penetrating even to its centre, thousands have known the literal accomplishment of these words. And I hope, Me shall never forget, that //ig cwj5 was just /jamw^ to us : So that had not God, and that brave prince whom he made the instrument of our dehverance, turned them back, they had in a few hours entered our houses with haughty violence : And had we staid till they arrived there, we might have beheld our pro- visions greedily devoured, yea profusely wasted ; perhaps too, bad we not been sufficiently obsequious to these detestable in- mates, our furniture wantonly destroyed ; our houses plundered ;
*Heb. X. 31. fHag. i. 6, + Deut. xxviii. 3l,33, 34.
Deliverance out of the Hands of our Enemies. 1 5 1
our very garments stripped ofl'; and beyond all peradvcnture, heavy contributions levied, the amount of which in one day might have been much greater, than the necessary taxes w hich the legislature, though with reluctance, are compelled for the public safety to demand ; or than charity to the families of those who are gone out to fight our battles^ inclines us voluntarily to advance for their support. This might have been our iafe, in their march towards our capital ; and in a more extreme de- gree, in their return. And when this tumultuous scene had been over, what could we have expected, but much heavier exactions, than even the present distress requires ? With this painful difference, that instead of advancing our money for the assistance of those who guard and defend us, it must then have been given as a reward to our oppressors and spoilers ; I liad almost said, as a fee to our executioners. When therefore you enter your peaceful habitations, when you sit down to your plentiful tables, and repose yourselves asunder your own vines and fig-trees, remember to whom you owe it, that you can call them your own, and be thankful iov this deliverance out of the hands of your enemies : A deliverance, which will be felt in proportion to the degree in which it is considered j and which we are next to view,
2. In the aspect which it bears on our liberties.
As bondage renders plenty and magnificence tasteless to a generous spirit ; so poverty itself puts on a cheerful smile under the blessings of liberty, which makes, if I may allude to the words of David, A little ?A«^ a freeman hath, better than the abundance of many slaves*. Were liberty the portion of the whole human race, and would to God that it were, each of them should prize it as, next to religion, his choicest treasure. But it is well known, that by the proud usurpation of princes or priests, and generally by their collusive combination to support the tyranny of each other, it has been almost entirely banished from the Continent, and seems, if not to have sought its last refuge, at least to have fixed its favourite abode, in the British dominions ; where it now reigns, in the person of our gracious Sovereign, as its guardian genius, who understands the rights and honours of royalty so well, as to make it his chief glory to be so. It is here, if I may be permitted so to speak, the law that rules supreme ; and the greatest and best of our princes Ijiost justly esteem it the noblest point of their ambition, to be
* Psal. xxxvii. L6. 3
152 ON THE FLIGHT OF THE REBELS FROM STIRLING. SeR. Vll.
its protectors and vicegerents : As it is indeed a glorious ambi- tion to defend a system of wise and equitable laws, which the inhabitants of Britain from age to age, in their own persons, or by their representatives, have chosen to impose on themselves and their posterity, for their common security and happiness. — And could Ave have borne to see them insolently trampled under foot, and arbitrary will established in their stead ? I hope, we could not have endured it, while heaven had left us any force to oppose it ; but that, according to the animated expression of a ce- lebrated writer, " we should rather have chosen to die the last of British freemen, than to live the first of British slaves." Yet Avhat but slavery could we have expected, had our throne been filled by one, trained up in the oppressive maxims of the French and the Roman courts ? Who had also so many arrears to dis- charge, that it is absolutely impossible he should have done it, without impoverishing us to a degree which only a nation of slaves could have submitted to : For surely we must have been bound, before we could have permitted ourselves to have been stripped so bare.
Great reason indeed have we to believe, notwithstanding all his empty and absurd pretences " of establishing us in the possession of what we never lost *," that if we should ever be so unhappy as to see the pretender possessed of the power he so unreasonably claims. The manner of our King would be like what Samuel so strongly describes to the men of Israel f ; by whom, he tells them, their children would be abused, and their estates taken away.^ or the product of them subjected to such impositions, that they who retained the titulary right to them, would be little better than tenants and servants to their haughty monarch. Had we, like the Israelites, ourselves concurred in making such a king, we might like them have reasonably ex- pected, that when we hadcriedout under this load of oppression, the Lord should not have heard us.
Let us always remember, that it is our indispensable duty, to exert ourselves to the utmost to prevent so fatal a change in our constitution: And let us bless God every day of our lives, that they who were weak or wicked enough to attempt it, have found themselves Unable to perform their enterprize % ; and that, through the special care of divine providence. Our soul is escap- ed as a bird out oj the snare of the fowlers ; that the snare, which would have hampered us, not only to our vexation, but
* See that incomparable Discourse, intitled, The Occasional Writer ; or an Answer to the Pretender's Second Manifesto, &c.
f 1 Sam. viii. 11 — 18. 1 Job v. 12.
Deliverance out of the Hands of our Enemies. 1 53
to our destruction, is happily broken, and we are escaped free and unhurt*. A simile, which in this application of it will appear more evidently just, when we survey our deliverance,
3. In the aspect which it has upon our religion. If religion be any thing at all significant to a man, it is beyond all comparison more than every thing else. A nation does not easily change its Godsf, be they what they will : And to have merely some particular forms of a religion, in the main acknowledged to be true, obtruded contrary to u man's relish, and especially contrary to his conscience, is an insufferable evil. What then must it be, to have our religion violently torn away from us, so far as it can be torn away ; to see it at least in- jured, oppressed, and insulted, if not immediately borne down and extirpated ? That pure, holy, and perfect religion, which Christ and his apostles planted upon earth ; and which our pious forefathers have delivered down to us, in all its evidence, with such faithful care, sealed with the blood of so many martyrs and confessors ! — To exchange this, (or to be urged at ien<nb by penal, perhaps by sanguinary laws, to exchange it,) "and for so erroneous and superstitious, so absurd and idolatrous aheap of tenets, ceremonies, and usages, that it seems almost pro- faning the word to call it a religion : To give up our bibles to the flames ; to lay aside this rational and devout manner of wor- shipping God (as we assuredly beheve) in the most scriptural and acceptable way, for the unintelligible jargon of a mass • to bow down to images, as if we had been trained up in the most stupid heathenism ; and to adore a piece of bread, us the Saviour of the world ! How much is the thought worse than death ? Yea, how beautiful must death appear, as met in opposition to such a change ?
And is the supposition I am now making at all unnatural ? We will make all the most candid allowances : We will suppose the disposition of all the branches of the aspiring family, which urges its divine right to rule us, to be ever so gentle : We will grant, (what indeed I verily believe,) that many who have been bred up in popery, would abhor the cruelties of persecution, and grieve to see their protestant neighbours, among whom many of them have lived so long unmolested, perishing in gaols, or expiring in flames. Yet were that corruption of Christianity restored amongst us, it would not be in their power to prevent it. The iniquity is established by a law ; and (as several ex*
♦ P.^ cxxiv. T. I jer. ii. IJ.
1 54 ON THE FLIGHT OF THE REBELS FROM STIRLING. SeR. VII»
cellent writers have of late very seasonably demonstrated from the most authentic authority*, persecution is grown into the very vitals of their religion, and become not only an appendix to it, but an essential part of it. And indeed its absurdities are so great, that it is difficult to imagine, how it could subsist, if it were not thus supported. At least, we evidently see this to be fact, that wherever popery has prevailed, such methods have been used ; and if any protestant churches remain within its dark domains, it is plainly for want of power to destroy them : For in man}^ places we see, they have been barbarously exter- minated, Avhere every consideration of honour and gratitude, of public faith and national interest, must have loudly demand- ed, that they should be tolerated and sheltered.
The present deliverance therefore strongly calls upon us, in testimony of the gratitude we owe unto the Lord our God, to Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise f : Since we have so much reason to imagine, that if he had not put a stop to their designs, our enemies would have been advancing with hasty steps, to shut up those gates, and to make those courts desolate, or (which is far worse than desolation) to fill them with idolatrous altars. And if any should suggest, that '' common policy, and indeed necessity, might have ob- liged them, even if they had been conquerors, to proceed by slow degrees in their attempts to compass a design of this na- ture ;" I might answer, that no consideration of prudence can curb the salHes of blind zeal, which often calls it piety to set wisdom at defiance. I might also plead, that the first attempts of this kind must be grievous to every good man , and especi- ally to such, as have penetration enough to see whither those at- tempts would naturally lead. And this remark will appear to us with a great increase of weight, when we consider,
4. The happy aspect which this dehverance Avears, with respect to our posterity.
Should we suppose it possible, that Ave ourselves, w^hile groaning under so many injuries and oppressions, might have been permitted to alleviate our sorrows, by attending divine ordinances in a pure and regular administration of them ; yet ecclesiastical tyranny, the inseparable companion of civil, might have grown strong enough to have prohibited that attendance in
* See the Bishop of Oxford's excellent Sermon on Occasion of the Rebellion ; and that lively and useful pamphlet, entitled. Great Britain's Memorial against Popery and tl)o Pretender, t P.-^. c. 4.
Deliverance out of the Hands of our Enemies. 155
the days of our cliiklren. Should the licry trial come sooner, as it not improbably might, lam aycU ])ersuadcd, that religion, degenerate as the present age is, would not want its martyrs, of various denominations, agesj, and oireunistauces. There are undoubtedly pastors who would lead on tlieir flocks to this glorious combat, and multitudes of private christians who would bravely follow, to defend the cause of truth and piety at the stake, when they could no longwv defend it in the field, and to honour it with their blood, though unable to rescue it. But our dear offspring in the tender scenes of childhood and infancy, ■what would they do ? Into whose hands would their education fall ? How easily might their unexperienced eyes be struck and enchanted with the vain glitter of superstitious worship, in a ceremonial which looks as if it were chiefly intended to amuse children ! How easily might thoir weak minds be seduced by th« sophistry of error, or their soft hearts intimidated by the threatnings of cruelty ! Yet all would most assuredly be tried upon them. And perha])s, before the parents themselves were driven away or destroyed, or their hearts broken by other calamities, the inhumanity so lately practised in France might be renewed in Britain. Children might be forced out of their parents' hands, to be educated in what is so unjustly called the ciitholic faith ; and those words of the Mosaic threatning might in a dreadful sense be fulfilled with regard to them : TJnj sons and thy daughters shall be given to another people, and thine, ej/esshalllook, and fail -with longing for them all the day long; and there shall be no might in thine hand-. What parent's heart could bear the prospect? yea, what other humane and generous heart could bear it ? And not bleed to look on these innocent victims, which must on that supposition so soon be devoted at idolatrous altars, and pass a wretched inslaved life, amidst temptations arising from their very religion itself, whicli might have so fatal a tendency to seduce them into the ways of eternal death !
When I reflect upon all these particulars in their connection with each other, I am inclined to repeat what I said to you in public, when this rebellion first broke out : " That considering, on the whole, all the probable consecjuences of things as to both ■worlds, it would be better, that our whole island should sink into the ocean, and all its inhabitants perish at once in that general wreck, than it should remain to be through succeeding
* Deut. xxviii. 52. VOL, III. U
156 ON THE FLIGHT OF THE REBELS FROM STIRLING. SeR. VII.
ages the theatre of such scenes, as our enemies are studying to prepare, and labouring to introduce." This at least I can most deliberately say, " That had their designs succeeded, they who seemed, and who were with regard to external blessings, the happiest of mankind, would have become of all others the most miserable." In the sad situation I have been supposing, the rich might envy the lot of those, who had no property to lose : — They who had been educated in the warmest sentiments of liberty, might think those comparatively happy, to whom the •weight of chains was grown less sensible, by having been worn from their infancy : — And the parent of the most numerous and amiable family, might rather have Blessed the womb that never bare, and the breasts that never gave suck*. — Only the sacred name of r-eligion, amidst all our miseries, M^ould still be delight- ful ; and the happy soul that has felt its power, would in po- verty, in servitude, in captivity, or in the most immediate views of martyrdom, rejoice in the unconquerable supports and glori- ous prospects it administers. Yet still, by such a one, the desolation of God's sanctuary, the slaughter of his servants, the seduction of the rising generation, with the apparent hazard of the protestant cause, when the strength of Great Britain was not onlv taken from it, but turned against it, would be felt with the most tender agony, and make a more painful impression than could be apprehended even from all the engines of popish cruelty.
Proportionable to the grief and terror of such a prospect, is the joy of our opening deliverance, when considered in these general and most important views. But I must not forget, that I am to remind you,
II. Of some particular circumstances, which may serve farther to heighten it.
Deliverance from an enemy must be acknowledged a peculiar favour of providence, — when his character is savage, and his rage exasperated ; — when his heart has been elevated with re- peated success ; — when deliverance has been earnestly sought by prayer ; — and Aviien it is at last given, in a manner that renders the hand of God eminently conspicuous. A few words may suffice, to shew, that each of these considerations is applicable to the case before us.
All that are acquainted with the character of our rebellions enemies from Lochaber, and the neighbouring counties, know
* Luke xxiii. 2?.
Tieliverance out of the Hands of our Enemies. 1 37
that they are numbered among the fiercest and most barbarous of the llit^bland clans. Tl.ey have so much of the d.sposmoa of banditti in their very nature, that it had been terrible to have met a company of them in times of the profoundest peace ; m so much that their neighbours have long been iorced to set a guard on their substance, lest these wretches should have broke in upon it, and carried it auay : So that the words of Ezekiel seem the very description of them; Brutish men, slaljul to destroy^. And to whatever distinguislied politeness our neighbours on the Continent, who have joined them, may pretend there are nu- merous instances in which it has app.=ared in fact, that their Tender mercies are cruel f. The nearly desperate situation of tlie pretender's affairs, of whicli they well knew this to be the decisive crisis, might also have prompted them to a seventy of rage, sufficient to double all the terrors of an ordinary war. The disappointment attending a former rebel ion, with the death of some of their near relations who fell in the cause, either by the sword of battle, or by that of public justice, might also exas- perate particular persons: And the supposed injuries sus ained Througli so long a series of years, by him whom they call thei prince, whom Vhey have seen exiled, disowned, abjured, and outlawed, would be a more general cause of indignation against us • and, so far as the views of policy would admit, might very probably lead them to consider the greatest extremities ot mili- tary execution, as not onlv justifiable, but meritorious.
The success thev had gained in the ever to be amented dav of Preston-Pans; together ^vith the advantage which they seemed to have over our forces in the late action at Falkirk, would naturallv tend to make them more insolent ; as minds so base are always elated by prosperity, to an outrageous kind ot madness. At the same time, the grief into which we were thrown bv our repeated disappointments, of which their escape into Scotland was none of the least, does farther serve to render their sudden consternation and retreat at last, though their num- bers are said to have amounted to above nine thousand, matter of more agreeable surprise, and more pleasing reflection. And so much the rather, as some tender minds might be ready to apprehend, that heaven itself had declared against us a tew davs before, in pouring down showers of wrath upon us in tlie day of buttle, so as to damp our fires ; thereby in effect disarm- ing us of the weapons in which we trusted, and delivering our
^E.ek.xxl. 31. tProv.Nli.lO.
U2
158 ON THE FLIGHT OF THE REBELS FROM STIRLING. SeR. VII.
artillery into the enemies hands. A double pleasure must it be in such a circumstance, to view the appearance of a return of mercy : Especially,
When we see in it God's gracious answer to our repeated prayers. Often have we Cried to the Lord in our ti^oiihle; and he is now saving us out of our distresses*. After long delay, he has seasonably appeared, and given us reason to own, that lie hath not turned away our prayer from him, nor his mercy from usf. Justly therefore may we say, We will love the Lord, because he hath heard our prayer and supplication; because he hath inclined his ear unto us, there/ore will we call upon him as long as we live %■ And once more, the reflection and resolution are more evidently just,
As the hand of God is so remarkably apparent in the issue of this aftiiir. Long has he seen, and seen, I doubt not, with iust displeasure, how ready we are to ascribe the glory of success to ourselves, and to boast, that our own right hand and arm have gotten us the victory. He hath therefore, if I may use the expression, been digging deep to Hide pride from us^i seem- ing to make it the care of his providence to prevent such arro- gance from taking place : And the mercy is great, in proportion to that care. To God Ave must surely ascribe it, that our ene- mies did not immediately come forward on their first success, •while we were unprepared for our defence, and take advantage of the terror they had spread, before the arrival of our forces from abroad. To him we must ascribe it, that the politics of France and Spain -were so infatuated, that they did not attempt to invade our coasts, in the midst of that consternation which the rebel army occasioned, when it was marching into the heart of our country: Or if the delay were owing to the damage which their ships sustained in tlie late tempests, we owe it to the Great Sovereign of the winds and seas. And to his powerful in- fluence, Avhich at pleasure takes away the spirit of the boldest, we may piously ascribe that sudden panic which seized the host of our enemies, so that, though so lately flushed with some visi- ble advantage gained over us, they did not dare to look our army in the face; but fled with the utmost precipitation, des- troying their artillery, and blowing up their own ammunition, though not without some circumstances of treacherous cruelt^^ which have justly increased their infamy.
I am sensible, tlicre are some views in which it might have appeared more desirable, that they should have ventured a
* Psal. cvii. 13. f Psal. Ixvi. 20. | psal. cxvi. 1, 2. § Job xxxiii, 17.
Deliverance out of the Hands of our Enemies. 159 ,
battle, whicli must in all human probability have proved fatal to them : But on the otlier hand, not to insist upon the possibility of another panic on our side, which, in circumstances like those in Avliich we then appeared, we had, I hope, no just cause to apprehend, we may at least conclude, that many auion<^ them would have sold their lives dear when grown desperate, and have fought in the bitterness of their hearts. Now sure we must allow, tiiat, after the deplorable losses we have already sustained since the war and the rebellion began, it is a very favourable circumstance, that the foe was defeated without a combat ; and especially at a time, wlien every brave soldier, and much more everv valiant and experienced officer, is, as the prophet speaks, More precious than the gold of Ophir *. Your owrt thoughts prevent me, I doubt not, in appl^'ing what I now speak, to that heroic and amiable branch of the royal family, who was to have led our forces to the field, and whose fafety is so emi- nently, and so justly, the public care. Had God permitted the liurtful sword to have approached him, and how many sword<5 would have been pointed at him ! surely the joy of complete victory and national deliverance would hardly have been felt, and our shouts would have been turned into one universal groan. But God has preserved him from the hazards of the field, and given him to vanquish by the terror of his name f.
I hope, your hearts glow with gratitude, while you hear these imperfect hints of the many merciful circumstances, with which God hath adorned this great deliveran{;e, and are sa:;retly crying out, what shall Ave render to him for these accumulated benefits ? I have not left myself time to enlarge on the answer ; but I would suggest it briefiy under the other general head, where I am,
Secondly, To represent and inforce the return, which God may reasonably expect from us, and which the text hints at in ^he concluding part : That we might serve him without
* Isai. xiii. 12. * Two small incidents contributed very much to this prcat event. One was, that Cameron of Loolieil, the head of one of the cliief clans, was wounded in Uie action at Falkirk, and cibli'^ed to <:o home ; on which all his trihe wont off. The other was yet more surprising: Mac Dunald of Glengary, who, if I mistake not, commanded in the action at Preston- Pans, was since the battle killed arcidentally by one of his own men ; and all that clan going off on the l(»ss of Uieir head, a great desertion fallowed, which had, no doubt, a very great influence on that precipitation with which the rebel army fled: Tliough after all, it was the terror of his Royai Ilighncss's name, that completed their consternation ; so that, as a person of great eminence in those p.irts, from whom I had the favour tii be informed of these particu- lars, justly observes, he mi^'htsay mare than Ca?sar, V'eni, nun vidi,vici.
160 ON THE FLIGHT OF THE REBELS FROM STIRLING. SeR. VII.
fear, in holiness and righteousness before hhuy all the days
of our life.
I may take a just and natural occasion from hence, to ex- hort you to consecrate yourselves to the service of God ;
to set yourselves to walk before him in holiness and righteous- ness ; to pursue this course with cheerfulness ; and to
persevere in it with unwearied constancy.
1. The deliverance Avhich we are now receiving, calls upon us
all to consecrate ourselves to the service of God.
It calls upon us, to be truly religious ; to remember the blessed God as the great author of this, and every mercy ; and in consequence of this, not only to address some transient acknowledgment to hira, but to serve him : To make an un- feio-ncd regard to him, the foundation of all our virtues, and the principle of all our actions. It particularly requires, that, conscious of our obligations to him, and our dependance upon him, we keep up a grateful commerce with him, as our Creator, our Redeemer, our Protector, and our Father ; and daily address him in prayer and praise, as those who know that we are unto him a holy priesthood, and a peculiar people *. Let those there- fore, who have neglected these important and delightful exer- cises, set themselves to approacli the blessed God, through the great Mediator, and make a dedication of themselves to him, that their services may be accepted : Let those who have already done it, renew it with pleasure : And let us all,
2. Take care to approve the sincerity of such solemn acts, by
walking before him in holiness and righteousness.
As the God to whom Ave profess to devote ourselves, is holy^ let us be holy in all tnannerof conversation^^ ; separating our- selves from every pollution both of the flesh and of the spiritXy and religiously observing righteousness in all its branches ; giv- ing in the first place to the blessed God his due, and esteeming it an indispensable duty to abound in all the offices of justice and charity to our fellow-creatures. Thus let us behave our- selves, as before Him ; remembering that we are continually ill the venerable presence of that glorious being, from whom no artifice can conceal our actions, to whom no specious pretences can disguise them ; w?/jo sees our ways, and counts all our steps ^.
* 1 Pet. ii. 9. As the word Xa.lpEi/?iv is used in the text, it evidently directs «iu- thoughts to these views. I- 1 Pet. i. 15. j '2 Cor. vh. 1. § Job xxxi. 4-
Deliverance out of the Hands of our Enemies. 1 6 1
This will give a firmness and a consistency to our conduct, V liicli it could not otherwise have ; and will farther dispose us, as we are required in tlie text,
3. To pursue this course witli a holy cheerfulness and alacrity of spirit ; to serve him without fear.
The filiaiyVrtr of God is so essential a part of true religion, that it is often put for the whole of it ; and the angel which John saw, fij/ing through the midst of heaven, having the ever- lasting gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth, de- manded it aloud*. But there is a certain anxiety and servi- tude of spirit, which is beneath the genius of Christianity ; a gloomy and ungenerous conception of the Deity, which is a kind of heavy chain upon the mind ; which makes all its operations unwieldy, and painful. This the gentle encouraging consti- tution of the gospel was intended to cure, by inspiring us with sentiments of gratitude, hope and love. Fear hath tonnent ; and therefore that perfection of love, to which so gracious a dispensation was intended to bring us, casteth it out f. Forxi^e have not received the spirit of bondage, but of adoption ; and full of filial aftcction and confidence, under the influences of that spirit, we cry abba. Father %' Having laid hold on the cove7mnt of grace and peace in Christ, having secured our everlasting concerns by committing our souls into his faithful hand, and listing under him as the great Captain of our Salvation, Ave ought not to be terrified, as if we every moment apprehended some fatal event ; but should march on with cheerful courage, as those that expect to be More than conquerors §. The Lord is ^ny light, and my salvation, whom shall J fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid ? Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear^. Renewed deliverance should encourage our hope and confidence in Him, and should forbid that anxiety of spirit, which seasons of public alarm are too ready to occasion. Let this therefore be our character and temper : And to conclude the exhortation,
4. Let us constantly persevere in it, and carry it through all the days of our life.
It was the unhappy character of Israel, that though under the first impressions of his merciful appearances for them they sang God's praise, they soonforgat his works % But we ought
* Rev. xiv. 6, 7. f 1 John iv. 18. % Roiu. viii. 15, § Koai. viii. 37- || Pf, xxvii.], 3. *\ Ts, oi. 12, 13. 2
162 ON THE FLIGHT OF THE REBELS FROM STIRLING. SeR. VII.
to remember, that though this particular interposition and act of divine providence be a transient thing, the effects of it are solid and permanent. If (which I hope will be the case,) we enjoy future tranquility and liberty ; if our religious rights continue unmolested, even to the end of our lives ; and our pos- terity rise up to the same blessings after us ; we are to ascribe it to this defeat of the common enemy. It ought therefore to be our care, to carry the substantial proofs of our gratitude through every remaining day of life j and, as far as in us lies, to trans- mit the impression to them that come after us ; as it is the divine pleasure, that One generation should praise his works to another, and should declare his mighty acts*. And indeed, if the gracious hand of God in our deliverance be forgot ; if men either attempt no reformation at all, or soon return to their former indolence and wickedness ; I fear, our case will be like that of the wicked dasm.oniac in the parable, to whom the evil spirit, M-hich had left him for a while, returned, with seven confederate spirits warse than himself, who rendered his last state more miserable than theforjuerf.
But this naturally leads me to mention some considerations, by which I shall farther inforce the exhortation I have been addressing to you. And you will easily perceive, that they are %ery obvious ; and the importance of them is equally apparent. — We shall otherwise make a most ungrateful return to God ; — we shall be condemned even by the tenor of our own prayers ;•— Ave may reasonably expect, that God should renew his chas- tisements with greater severity ;— or we may be assured, that to have alienated ourselves from his service after such a delive- rance, will be matter of dreadful account at last to every par- ticular person, however God may be pleased to deal with us as a nation.
(1.) Let your own consciences judge, Avhether it were not a most ungrateful return to the blessed God for all the benefits we have received from him, to neglect the tem- per and conduct to M^hich we have been exhorted. What can we imagine he intended by this train of pro- vidences ; by the alarm and the rescue ? Was it not to awaken
us ? Was it not to engage us to serve him ? What other
end could his wisdom and goodness propose in it ? Or what
so worthy end can we ascribe to him ? And shall we, so
tar as m us lies, frustrate this gracious design of providence ;
* Ps. cxlv, 4. f Mat. xii. 43,-1
Deliverance out of the Hands of our Enemies. 163
ii design, which indeed so greatly iiihanccs the value of tlie mercy itself? Shall wc go on in our sinSj and act as if wc really imagined, that we were Delivered, on purpose to re- ]K\it and aggravate our abominations * ? Surely we should think of it with detestation. According to that just and lively reasoning of the pious Kzraf, Jfter thou hast given us such a deliverance as this, should we again break thy commandments? God forbid. — \V'erc tliis to be our conduct,
2. Wc should be condemned by the tenor of our own prayers.
Let me on this occasion seriously remind you, of our late solemn assemblies, in public, and in private ; of the repeated and earnest supplications, which we have made it our professed business to pour out in the divine presence. And what was then the language of our lips, and of our hearts? Could we have presumed to say, " Lord, deliver us, that we may go on to olfend thee ! And lengthen out our tranquility, that our minds mav be as vain, our passions as irregular, and our lives as unpro- fitable as before !" No, far from this, it was our prayer, that God would by all this reform us ! That he would reform us as a nation ! And what vile hypocrisy, what profane contempt of the divine Being were it, to pretend to desire reformation as a nation, while we are unw illing to bear our part in it ; nay, while we are throwing in the weight of our example, be it more or less, into the opposite scale ! Alas, Sirs, you may forget your prayers, as soon as you have ended them ; you may disregard the purport of them, even while you pretend by your bodily posture and appearance to be ottering them to God : l>ut they are all set down m the book of his remembrance ; and his eye, Avhich can never be eluded or imposed upon, discerns the con- sistency or inconsistency of vour actions, when compared with them If therefore these reasonable and grateful returns be not made, it follows by a natural connection with the former con^ sideration,
3. We may justly apprehend, that God will renew his chastise- ments with greater severity.
Such is the tenor of that dreadful scripture. If _ye will not he reformed by me by these things, saith the Lord, that is, by the calamities which had been spoken of before, but will still walk contrary to me ; Then will I also walk contrary to you, and will punish you yet seven times more for your sinsX. And
* Jur. vii. 10. f Ezra ix. 13, U. J Lev. xxvi. 23, 24.
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164 ON THE FLIGHT OF THE REBELS FROM STIRLING. SeR. VIZ.
let US not imagine this impossible. Let us not act, as if we thought, what it is certain none of us can think, that God hath no weapon but the sword, by which he can chastise us. Those arrows of his righteous displeasure which he is discharging against our cattle, such as in some instances have been a fore- runner to the most terrible of all temporal judgments, apestilence among men, may sensibly teach us the contrar3^ — Nor can we imagine, that if he chose to make the sword the instrument of his justice, he has no other hands to wield it, than those from ■which it now seems to be falling. Nay, even these falling hands can he strengthen. His almighty breath can in a moment blow up the dying embers into a flame, which shall spread from our cities to our villages, and consume our houses, our palaces, and cur churches. — It is very observable, that when Jerusalem was just going to be destroyed, first by the Chaldeans, and several ages afterwards by the Romans, that a few months before the fatal blow came, the hostile armies which were encamped against the cit}', on a sudden rased the siege, and removed to some distance ; which afforded a short triumph to the wretched in- habitants *. But alas, soon did they return with redoubled terror, and execute the divine judgments upon them, Avith a severity hardly to be equalled in the history of any othercountry. Let Britain hear and tremble ; lest after having shared with Jerusalem in the rich blessings it received and abused, we also share with it in a proportionable vengeance. But whether that vengeance fall upon us as a kingdom, or not,
(4.) We may be assured, that to have alienated ourselves from the service of God, after having received such and so many deliverances, will be to each particular person mat- ter of dreadful account before the tribunal of God at last.
Remember it, Sirs, the day is near ; that awful important day, that will call you to the divine bar: And are not many of you every hour liable to be called thither, with the guilt of all your sins upon your heads ? Alas, how many have passed into eternity since this rebellion broke out, even of those who have not been exposed to the ravages of war, and the terrors of the sword ! How many, that but a few weeks ago were as inquisi- tive after news, and as impatient to hear the event as we, have been suddenly cut off in the midst of ail the tumult and agitation of their various passions; and found perhaps, that, important as the affair was about the issue of which they were so solicitous,
*See Jcr. xxxTii. 5, 10. and Joseph. BeU. Jud. Lib. ii. cap. 19. [al. 24,]§. 6, 1.
Deliverance out of the Hayids of our Enemies. 1 65
there Avas another of infinitely greater moment to them, which tliey neglected ; and neglected to their eternal ruin !
We all know, that we must shortly be among the dead . And surely when we have that solemn interview with our Judge, he will remember through what a scene we have passed ; and will distinctly attend to every circumstance, in his conduct towards «^^ And how justly may he expostulate with us, at least by the voice of our own conscience, in some such language as this? " What could I have done more for you, than I did ? What me- thods did I not try upon you ? By my kind providence you were born in a land, for its civil and religious privileges the glory of all lands. You grew up from 3'our infimcy in a profound peace, and only heard by a distant report of the calamities, with which other nations were exercised. On you I tried gentler methods, Sending to you all my servants, rising up early and sending th-em, with messages of the most evident importance ; but ye xvouldnot hear*. You still continued Settled on your lees f: And there- fore, after long forbearance, I for a little while changed the deal- ings of my providence. I shook my rod over you: I permitted an enemy to invade you, and evil to rise up against you at home : And after long insensibility, you saw your danger extreme. But while it was pressing, you were too busy to mind religion. It ■was judged employment enough, to prepare for your security against the violence of man ; whereas my displeasure was not apprehended, nor any serious measures taken to provide against it. I bore all this ; and by a sudden turn in my providence I delivered, and estabHshed you again; And you did indeed take some notice of it. You enquired into the circumstance ; you talked of it for a M-hile, as a remarkable story : But it proved a mere amusement. Your hearts were not struck ; you Retui^ned not unto me: No man repented of his wickedness, so as seriously to say, what have I d.''d:-X? Therefore were you justly given up as incorrigible. I had reason to say, JVhy shouldye be stricken any more ? ye will revolt more and more §. Wonder not tiiere- fore, that you are now given up to destruction, after having been thus solicited and alarmed, thus rescued and intreated again, in vain."
May divine grace preserve you from that dreadful sentence, which must succeed to such a remonstrance ! May it inspire us all with better sentiments; that we may not only learn, Avhat these insufferable disorders must, I think, teach the most stupid,
♦ Jcr. vii. 15, 1 Y I Zeph. \. U. % Jer. viii. 6. § Isa. i. 5.
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166 ON THE FLIGHT OF THE REBELS FROM STIRLING. SeR. VII.
to be '.ensible of the blessincjs ^ve enjoy under his majesty's hap- py administration, and most loyally to exert ourselves to the ut- most in its defence : But may we also learn, to submit ourselves most constantlv to the government of God ! May we all be en- gaged to Search our ways and our hearts *, that we may correct every thing that is amiss, and may act more worthy the signal blessings we continue to enjoy, and the gracious providence by which we arc re-established in them I
I shall conclude, with one more general reflection and in- ference ; which will ever be seasonable, and which most directly suits the text in its primary design, as uttered at the birth of John the forerunner of our Lord.
How incomparably great are our obligations to God, for that deliverance which he hath granted us by his Son ; and how great will our guilt and condemnation be, if we do not im- prove it aright !
The utmost rage of human enemies can only Kill the body f; but those spiritual enemies from whom Christ delivers us, are aiming at the everlastmg destruction of the soul. By him God bath condescended to give us the most complete rule, and the most amiable example, of a pious, holy, and righteous life; in- forced by every motive that can strike the most active of our pas- sions. The stupid disregard of it which so generally prevails, is, next to the mad opposition which men of corrupt minds are making to it, the basest and most provoking ingratitude to the divine Being. And the just displeasure of God against it will be irresistibly demonstrated, wiien he, whom men Avillnot now receive as a deliverer^ shall be Revealed in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not his gospel %.
But I hope, many of us have been engaged by divine -grace to comply with its design, and have the testimony of our con- sciences tliat we are "walking before God in holiness and righte- ousness. Let such of us be animated to go on cheerfully in our uay. Let Our souls magnify the Lord, and our spirits rejoice in God our Saviour §, persisting in his service, till we arrive at that world, where our disposition to it, and our happiness in it, shall meet with no interruption or allay ; even at those peaceful and blissful regions, where no mmie of an enemy shall be heard but in songs of triumph ; and where the utter destruction of tha last of enemies, shall furnish out matter for those songs.
* lam. iii. 40, f Mat. x. 28. + 2 Thess. i. 7, 8. § Luke i. 46, 47.
rOSTSCRTPT.
I add the Hymn which was sung after Sermon, as what may naturally and plainly express those devout sentiments, which will, I hope, rise in the mind of every attentive reader.
I.
Salvation does to God belong, His power and grace shall be our song: His hand hath dealt a secret blow, And terror strikes the haughty foe,
11.
The Lord's avenging sword is nigh ; In uproar wild their legions fly : And stores, so late their boast and joy. Their own despairing hands destroy.
III.
Praise to the Lord, who bows his ear. Propitious to his people's prayer ; And, tho' deliverance long delay. Answers in his well-chosen day.
IV.
Oh may thy grace our land engage, Resaicd from fierce barbarian rage, Ihe tribute of its love to bring To thee, our Saviour and our King !
V.
Our temples guarded from the flame. Shall echo thy triumphant name; And every peaceful private home lo tliee a temple shall become.
VL
Still be it our supreme delight, To walk as in tliine honour'd sight; Still in thy precepts, and thy fear, To life's last hour to persevt-re !
SERMON I.
THE TEMPER AND CONDUCT
PRIMITIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL,
JUustrated and recommended^ in a Sermon preached at JVisbeach, June S, 1737, at the Ordination of the Rev. Mr. William Johnston.
2 Cor. iv. 5. — For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus tlie Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake,
JL HE apostle obsen^es, that what liad Happened to him with regard to his imprisonment at Rome, though it seemed to bear so melancholy an aspect, yet did on the whole fall out by the special providence of God for the furtherance of the gospel * ; and we may justly apply the same reflection to several other very afflictive circumstances of his life, and particularly to the most perverse and unjust opposition which he met with from those factious teachers, especially of the circumcision, who gave so much disturbance to him and the churches. The attack which they made upon his character and interest at Corinth, laid him under a necessity of saying many thino-s which he would have gladly omitted, and of mentioning some circumstances in his history, which had otherwise perhaps re- mained luiknown, at least could never have appeared with equal evidence and spirit. While he is engaged in his own vindica- tion, and entering into the particulars of his character and con- duct, he drops many very edifying expressions, which are Avorthy the most attentive regard beth of ministers and private christians ; of which the words I have now been reading are none of the least considerable. He was obliged to say some- thing which might look like an encomium on himself, and therefore chuscs to speak in the name of all his faithful brethren
* Phil. i. 22.
172 ORDINATION OF MR. JOHNSTON. SeR. T.
in the ministry, as well as his own. Now after he had declared that they had Renounced the hidden things of dishonesty , Avhich were the great mysteries of the heathen priesthood, and probably the secret sprinjT which actuated these judaizing teachers, iN^odike them walking in craftiness, not handling the word of God deceit^ fully, or adulterating it with any foreign and corrupt mixtures ; but acting so constantlyin the sight of God, as to secure to them- selves a secret testimony in the consciences of all that intimately knew them, and accurately observed them ; he adds, For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord ; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake *. Oh that every christian minister, who in succeeding ages hath read these words, had been delivered into the mould of them ! Oh that we whom God hath honoured with this high and holy calling, may make it our increasing care to form ourselves by them; and Beholding as in a glass the beautiful model, jnay be changed into the same image from glory to glory.
It will be my business in the process on my discourse froni these words,
I. To illustrate the account which the apostle here gives of his own conduct, and that of his brethren in the christian mi- nistry.
II. To consider the principles on which we may reasonably conclude they acted, and by which they were influenced to it,
III. I shall close with some reflections on the whole.
I chuse to throw my discourse into such a form, as it will give me an opportunity of suggesting my advice and exhorta- tions to you, my dear and reverend brother, who are this day giving 3^oursclf up to this excellent work, in the most humble and respectful manner ; M'hich I am now the more solicitous to do, lest I should seem to dictate to those from Avhom I shall always be ready, Avith great pleasure and deference, to receive instructions.
I. I am to consider the account which the apostle gives of liis own conduct, and that of his brethren in the christian mi- nistry : We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord ; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. In which words he plainly declares — that they did not make themselves the chief end of their ministry, but faithfully devoted it to the service of Christ as the great Lord, whom they endeavoured to serve by all the most humble and affectionate condescensions to those that were committed to their ministerial care.
* It seems evident to me, that ver, 3 and 4, come in as a parenthesis. 2
Temper and Conduct of Primitive Ministers. 173
1. The. apostles did not make themselves the chief end of their ministry.
We, says St. Paul, pttach not ourselves. It is to be feared tliat some did so even in those early days, for the anti- clirisiian spirit began to work betimes ; so tiiat it gave Paul rea- son to say, that they served not Christ Jesus, but their own belly, while thev preached him out Of contention rather tlian love, supposing to add ajjliciion to his bonds *; insomuch that he coinjilams of it as a general, thougli, blessed be God, not an universal character, AH seeking their own things, not the things which are Jesus Christ's f . But this was far from being the character of the apostle, or any faithful disciple of Christ ; who must have learnt, in some measure, that essential branch of the christian character, to Deny himself, and taking up even his cross to follow his master to crucitixion itself, should he lead him on in that painful and dangerous way |.
It may be worth our while more particularly to observe, tliat these good men did not seek their own applause, their own interest, or their own power and authority, as the chief end of undertaking and prosecuting the ministry ; for each of these particulars must be included in this general expression, wc preach not ourselves, and it will be our wisdom to regard each.
These primitive ministers did not, in preaching the gospel, aim at their own applause and reputation.
The greatest men amongst the heathens did it, and avowed it ; they reckoned the love of fame amongst the noblest of passions, and the pursuit of it appeared a mark of the most generous mind. But christian apostles had higherviews. They considered themselves as in the presence of God, and had the truly great ambition of being Accepted of hivi^, and then hu- man applause and admiration disap[)eared as less than nothing. It is, says good St. Paul, A very small thing to vie, the smallest matter one can imagine, to be Judged of man" s judgment, Jor he that judgeth me is the Lord^. On this principle we tind, that when he came to Corinth, though it were so learned and polite a city, he did not affect to Come with the excellency or loftiness of speech, and the persuasive words of man's wisdom ^; he did not labour for the exactest forms of expression, nor study to compose and deliver his discourses in such a manner as might
♦ Phil. i. IG. fPhil. ii. 21. jMat.xvi. 24.
§ 2 Cor. V. 9. 11 EX«x»5"oy, 1 Cor. iv. 3. ^ 1 Cor. ij. 1, 4.
VOL. in. Y
I7i ORDINATION OF MR. JOHNSTON. SeR. I.
most easily have gained him the reputation of an exact orator, so that people should point after him as he passed through the streets, and sa}^, That is Paul ! a little circumstance with which poor Demosthenes was so highly delighted ; but he contented himself with preaching the plain things of the gospel, in a plain and serious, a rational and unaffected manner, whether men would hear, or whether they would forbear. And indeed, he was rather on his guard against too pompous and tlorid a style, Jest it should seem that a man who was so studious to adorn the doctrines of the gospel, did not thoroughly believe them ; and so the Cross of Christ should have become of none effect *, when an apostle seemed so little penetrated with the argument drawn from it, as to be at leisure for trifles.
Such a turn of mind we may easily perceive in his epistles. They appear to be written out of the fulness of his soul, but without any anxiety about the style, or any very exact care even to range the ideas according to the most methodical order ; abounding every where with a great many lively and beautiful digressions, that often run into each other in a manner which the strictest rules of polite writing will hardly allow. In a word, we eminently see in St. Paul, perhaps beyond any other writer in the world, A good vian bringing out of the good trea- sure of his heart good things f^ with a kind of magnificent neg- ligence. His works are like a wilderness of beautiful and fragrant plants, springing up promiscuously out of a happy soil ; and amidst all their seeming confusion, producing, to a natural taste, a finer effect than if they were drawn out with a solicitous care, set in the most regular figures, and cut into a thousand artificial forms.
Again, the apostles, and their fellow-labourers in the gospel ministry, were not governed by a view to the possessions of the present life.
These holy men abhorred the very thought of making the <;hurch of Christ a kind of porch to the temple of Mammon. The circumstances in which they undertook their work, were such as could leave no room to suspect that they sought it only as a gainful trade. On the contrary, at their very first setting out in it, they left ally that they might follow their master. And though it may be objected with regard to some of them, that their all was little, yet they had at least food and raiment, and a habitation which they could call their own ; whereas, when they devoted themselves to the ministry of the gospel, one of
* ICor.i. 17. f Mat. xii. 35.
Temper and Conduct of Primitive Ministers, 115
them could say in the name of tlie rest, Even to this day t£e are hungry and naked, and have no certain dwellmg-place *. And tliis was St. Piiul, who seems to have resigned very great pro- spects, which his hberal education, his remarkable proficiency and zeal in the Jewish religion, and the degree of favour which lie had even in his younger davs with the greatest men of his nation, might tairlv^have given him. But Those things, -which utrc Ijeforc gain to him, he counted loss for Christ \ : and when lie had once devoted himself to his service, his actions as well as his words plainly shewed, that he was crucified to the world,hy the cross of his Redeemer. He could therefore appeal to the Corinthians, that his conduct liad proved he sought not Theirs but themX ; and when writing to the Thessalonians, could make an appeal to God himself, that he had never used a Cloak of cffvetousncss \\. Nay, when leaving the Ephesians, amongst whom he had made so long an abode, that his real temper must have been discovered, he could assure them, and they them- selves could testify the truth of it, that he had been so far from Coveting any man's silver, or gold, or apparel, that his own hand had ministered to his necessities^; and that, in order to prevent his being burdensome to them, even for the necessaries of life, he had sometimes added the labour of the night to that of the day.
Nor did these holy men arrogate to themselves any secular power, or pretend to any authority over the civil liberties of mankind.
Grotius supposes this to be the direct and principal mean- ing of the text ; we preach not ourselves as Lords, but proclaim Christ Jesus alone under that character. And this undoubtedly is included in the phrase, though I can see no imaginable reason for such a limitation as he would lay upon it. These primitive pastors of the church, according to that excellent advice of St. Peter, so peculiarly forgotten by those who have contended for the honour of heinghis only successors, did Not behave as Lords over God's heritage H ; and though they insisted upon it, that what they wrote by a divine revelation and direction, should he received -ds The commandmcfit of Christ** ; yet Paul himself expressly renounces all claim to a dominion over men's faith : thereby confessing himself not to be the master of the family,
♦ ICor. iv. 11. +Phil. iii.7. +2Cor. xii. 14. || 1 Thcss.ii. 5. § Acts xx. 33,34.
^ 1 Pet. V. :3. Dr. Latham's eltgaiit and judicious Discourse on this clause of my text.at the ordination of Messrs. Grejrory and Dodijo, will abundantly supply the deficiency of these brief remarks of mine »ipon it; and thither I do with groat plea- sure refer the reader. ** 1 Cor. xiv. 37.
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176 ORDINATION OF MR. JOHNSTON. SeR. I.
but merely a servant in it, who desired to be regarded by them no farther than he could prove that he spake in a greater name than his own. Let a matiy says he, so esteem of lis as ministers of Christy and stewards of the mysteries of God, of whom the great thing required is, that we be found faithful to h\m whose commission we bear. Nor did they ever pretend that this extraordinary character of messengers from heaven gave them any claim to secular power on earth ; they assumed no authority in temporals in order to spirituals ; and they were not penetrat- ing enough to understand the doctrine of the Two swords * , with which many have since been so fond of meddling, I fear to their own wounding, as well as to the dishonour of" the christian name, and the destruction of many of their fellow -creatures. The •weapons of the. apostle's warfare were not carnal^ but spiritual^ as it was necessary they should be, in order to the britiging every thought into subjection to the law of Christ f. Which leads me to pass on from this negative part of their character, to observe, that as they did not preach themselves, so as to make their own reputation, or interest, or dominion the end of their labours ; so,
2. They faithfully devoted their ministry to the service of Christ,
JVe preach Christ Jesus the Lord ; which plainly intimates, that they made Christ the great object of their preaching, and that they endeavoured to speak of him in such a manner, as to promote his empire over the hearts and consciences of men.
They made Christ the great subject of their preaching.
So they declare, JVe preach Christ crucified , though to the Jews a stumbling-block y and to the Greeks foolishness %, At Corinth in particular, curious as it was, the apostle declares, / determined to know, i. e. to make known, and insist upon nothing among you save Jesus Christ, even that crucified person § ; with ■whatever scorn and contempt such a subject might be treated. And therefore it is observable, that preaching Christ is some- times' used as a comprehensive expression for all that the apostles taught. Not that Paul or his brethren neglected the great doctrines of natural religion, which are so evidently the founda- tion of the gospel itself, that it is perfect madness to pour con- tempt upon them. We might in reason conclude, as we find it to have been fact, that when they came amongst gentile and idolatrous nations, they began with asserthig the being and
* Luke xxii. 38. f <i Cor. x. 4. 5. j 1 Cor. i. 23.
§ 1 Cor. ii. 2. Kai raroy sroM/pwfiEvcv.
Temper and Conduct of Primitive Ministers. 177
attributes of the only true God, the universality ofliis provi- dence, and that certainty of a state of future retribution, which is so naturally connected with it. All this they taught ; but they did not stop here, for they well knew that it was their duty to make these things the plan on which to raise that glori- ous superstructure which Christianity hath built upon theuj. They served God with their spirit in the gospel of his Son, and therefore proclaimed the glory of the Father, as reflected from the face of Christ Jesus the Lord.
They established the truth of his deity, the mystery of his incarnation, the necessity of his atonement, the perfection of his righteousness, the riches of his grace. They described him as living on earth an exatn[)le of universal goodness, as dying on the cross a sacrifice for sin, as rising from the dead, and ascend- ing into heaven, and as reigning there the Lord of universal nature, and Head overall to the church'^. You cannot but know, that these are the darling topics on which they most copiously insist in their sermons and writings which are trans- mitted to us : and if St. Paul at Athens f seems to touch more sparingly than usual on these important doctrines, it is to be considered, that we have only the beginning of a discourse, in which the rudeness of the philosophers interrupted him, before he could proceed to open and establish those doctrines which were peculiar to his character as an ambassador of Jesus. And lam persuaded, that whoever impartially peruses the epistles of that great apostle, and observes not only his direct arguments, but his lively and pathetic digressions on this glorious subject when it comes in his way, will not only see that Paul was de- lighted with it, but will himself be disposed to wish that every christian minister may copy after this great original. Especially when it is considered.
That he and his brethren preached Christ in such a manner as might most effectuall}' establish his empire over the hearts and consciences of men.
We preach Christ Jesus the Lord, i. e. We preach him under the character of the great Lord, the ruler and governor of his church. They very well knew, that the design of Chris- tianity was not merely to amuse tlie world, but to reform it: and that itssublimest speculations were received and admitted in vain, if the life were not regulated, and the heart subdued by the gospel. Therefore do they on all occasions inculcate it, that God had exalted Christ to be a prince as well as a Saviour %;
* Eph. i. 22, + Acts. xvlj. 22^31. * Acts v. 31.
178 ORDINATION OF MR. JOHNSTON. SeR. I.
had ordained, and even sworn in bis holiness, that Every knee should bow unto him *. These good men did not think it enough to declare the grace of the gospel, and then leave it to the Spirit of God, by his own immediate agency, to draw the proper con- sequences relating to duty ; but they expressly draw those consequences themselves, and enter into a very large and par- ticular detail of those duties. They insist upon it with great spirit and earnestness, as a Faithful saying, that those who have believed in God, should be careful to maintain good works, and direct succeed nig ministers to affirm, it constantly f. They de- flared, that it M-as the very purpose for which the Saving grace of God had appeared icntu all men, to teach them to deny ungod- liness and wordly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and godly %. They urge christians, therefore to Yield themselves to God as alive from the dead, and to employ their members as instilments of righteousness §. Beseechitig them by the meixies of God to prcstnt their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and ac- ceptable to God, which was indeed their most reasonable service ||. Nor did they think it beneath the honour of the evangelical mi- nistry, sometimes to insist on arguments taken from the terrors of the law. Knowing tho'ie terrors, they \d\yo\\xe(\ to persuade men by them ; they affectionately warned tliem, that The ground, which under divine cultivation, brought forth nothing but briars and thorns, was nigh unto cursing, and its end was to be burned^,; that to those Avho did not Obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, there remained a certain fearful expectation of wraths andfiery indignation, which should devour them, yea, that they ahonldhepunished with everlastiiig destruction, from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power -^'*. This was the apostolic method of preaching Christ, so Warning every man, and teachijig every man, as that they might, through the divine blessing, most probably hope to present every man perfect in Christ; that having th&ix fruit unto holiness, their end might be everlasting lifeff.
You see I have generally expressed these things in scripture language, that the illustration and proof might advance to- gether. And if we desire to approve ourselves faithful in the same cause, we must conduct our ministration thus, and must also imitate these good men in the third particular of their con- duct, which alone now remains to be considered from these words : which is,
*Rom. xiv.ll. fTit.ili. 8. J Tit. ii. 11, 12. §Rom. vi. 13. || Rom. xii. 1. ^ Heb. vi. 8. ** '2Thess. i. 8, 9. Heb. x. 27. ff Col. i. 28. Rom. vi. 23.
Tcviper and Conduct of Primitive Ministers. 179
3. That they endeavoured to serve their prreat master, by the most humble and affectionate condescension to those that were committed to tht^ir care.
So far were they from Iordin<r it over their bretlircn, that accorditi!^ to the example and command of Christ himself, they owned themselves the servants of ail : nor was it merely an empty compliment, for their actions .spoke it as well as their worils ; they exercised (rreat liumility and condescension towards all, and they did, it for Jesus sake.
They exercised great humility and condescension towards all their brethren, not excepting even the meanest of then).
To this Paul frequentl}' exhorts others : Mind not high things, but condescend to vien of low estate *. In love serve and be subject to one another^ and let each esteem others better than himself. Thus he advised, and thus he acted, and his brethren, no doubt, behaved like him. They well knew their calling a^ christians, and plainly saw, that Not mayiy mighty, not many noblCi ivere called, but that God had chosen the xi'eak things of theworld to confound the mighty ; that he had Chosen the poor in this "World, rich in faith, and heirs of a kingdom of eternal glory f . And if God would stoop thus low, they were cordially iviiling to do it. They could discern a dignity in a child of God, and an heir of glory, which shone through all their po- verty and meanness in their dress, and outward appearance ; inconsiderable circumstances, which could not prevent these holy men Uom Honouring them that feared the I.ordX, thougli they might want some of those decorations which the vilest of mankind may wear, and perhaps to their greater infamy.
St. Paul was a memorable instance of this amiable temper; though by his education tit for higher company, and from his early years accustomed to it, he did not disdain tiie meanest of the people, and was not only easy of access to them, but visited them at their own dwellings, and carried his instructions and consolations from house to house, even to those where he could expect no entertainment, but such as arose from religious converse, society in worship, and a consciousness of being useful to the souls of men. And it is worthy of our notice, that in subserviency to this great design, this holy man Avas a very aHectionate friend to their temporal interests ; and that to such a degree, as to be far from imagining that he had done his part, ■when he had exhorted his hearers to contribute liberally to the
♦ R'jm. xii. 16. f 1 Cor. i. 2f'', 27. Jameg ii. 5. * Psal. r.y. 4-.
3
180 ORDINATION OF MR. JOHNSTON. SeR, I.
supply of their indigent bretliren. Most instructive in this view, is the address lie makes to the presbyters or bishops of the church of Ephesus; in which, appeaUng to them, that Thexi, themselves knew that his own hands had ministered to his ne- cessities, and those that were with him ; he adds, / have shewed 2/ou ihatt so labouringy you ought to support the xveak ; and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive *.
The same true greatness of soul which engaged him cheer- full3' to contribute out of his small stock, for the relief of those that were yet more necessitous than himself, disposed him with great condescension and tenderness to bear the infirmities of his people, and in many instances to sacrifice his own taste and humour to theirs. Who was iveak^ and he was not weak ? Who was offended, and he did not burn f with desire to remove the offence ? ^Vhen his converts behaved Avith too much of the peevishness and perverseness of children, he did not haughtily chastise them ; but rather chose tenderly to expostulate with them, and if possible to love them out of their follies. He put on not only the bowels of a father, but the indulgence of a nurse towards tliem ; We were, says he, gentle amongst you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children, and ready to have im- parted to you, not only the gospel of Christ, but our own souls or Jives also, i. e. to have died, as we lived, for your service, because you were singularly dear to usX.
This was the governing temper of St. Paul, and it carried him through some circumstances which required great and re- solute self-denial ; He became all things to all men, if by any means he might gain some sincere converts to the gospel. And in particular, to the Jews he became as a Jew, that he might gain them, i. e. lie voluntarily laid himself under all the restraints of the Mosaic law, though he knew it was now abolished, that he might as a christian apostle convert the Jews. And this he carries so far, as to declare his readiness, not only to forbear those kinds of food whicli the law of Moses pronounceth unclean, but to give up all animal diet, and subsist entirely on vegetables, ratiier than he would grieve and offend his brethren, i. e. the feeblest christian. If meat, says he, 7nake my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth. Thus, though the apostles were/;'<?^ from all, they nevertheless voluntarily be- came \.\\Q Sei^ants of all ^, and indeed condescended to do, and forbear many things, because disagreeable to their christian
* Acts XX. 34, C5. t 2 Cor. xi. 29. + 1 Thess. ii. 7, 8. § I Cor. ix. 19, 20.
Temper and Conduct of Primitive Ministers. 1 8 1
brethren, M'liich few hired servants would have done or forborne out of regard to those who were properly their masters. But let us not fail to remember, that
They did all this for the sake of Christ and his gospel. Ourselves ijour servants for Jesus sake. It is certain, that such condescensions as we have been describing, are either great or mean, according to the principle from whence they proceed. Ambition can creep, that it may soar ; and soothe, that it may afterwards insult : but the apostles stooped, that they might raise others ; and pleased, that they might profit. M'e, says St. Paul, please all men to their good for their edi- ficiition. This was their great concern, that Whether they eat or drank, or whatever they did, they might do all to the glory of God *. This was \\\c\r Earnest expectation and their hope, that in all things Christ might be glorified in them, whether by their life or their death \. They sacrificed not only their humour and their ease, but life itself, to the great purposes of pleasing and serving the blessed Jesus ; and Paul spake the sentiments of them all, when he said, Neither bonds nor imprisonments move me ,- nor do I count my life dear unto me, that 1 may finish my course with Joi/y and the ministry I have received of the LordX. But while 1 insist on such expressions as these, I do in part anticipate what I am to offer under the second head. Where I proposed,
II. To consider what were the principles by which they were animated to so noble a temper and conduct.
I the rather enter into the survey of them, as we shall find they were not only suited to the age and circumstances of the apostles, but ought also to have a very great influence upon us, whom God has favoured so far as to count us faithful, putting us into something of the same ministry with them, which can never be comfortably and honourably fulfilled, but by those who govern themselves by the like maxims and principles. They were undoubtedly influenced by an affectionate love to the blessed Redeemer, a pious zeal for the glory of God in the salvation of souls, and a jjrudent regard to their own present and future iiappiuess. And if these great motives have their due Aveight with us, Ave shall not preach ourselvess but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves the servants of his people for his sake.
1. The apostles were engaged to the conduct we have described, by a most grateful affection to the blessed Redeemer.
*l(V.r. X. 31. f Phil. 1. '20. ; .U-ts XX. 24.
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183 ORDINATION OF MR. JOHNSTON. SER. I.
That dear name is precious to every believing soul, and how precious it was to these holy men, almost every page of their writings will declare. Divine grace had deeply humbled them under the conviction of their own guilt and weakness, and then taught them to view the Lord Jesus Christ as Made of God unto thein wisdom and righteousness, sanctification and redemp' tion *. They knew the grace of the Son of God in descending, and living, and dying for their salvation ; and in passing through all the most dreadful scenes of suffering which imagination can suggest, with a love to them, which all those waters could not quench, nor the floods drown. And believing this, they could not but speak in his cause, they could not but desire to spend and be spent in his service. On this principle therefore doth Paul vindicate those ardours of zeal, which a prof;ine world cen- sured as enthusiasm and madness. If we are besides ourselves, it is to God, for the love of Christ constraineth us while we thus judge, and approve the argument in the coolest moments of reflection, that if one died J or all, then were all dead; for had they not been in a state of condemnation and death, they would not have needed such a ransom. Jnd he died, that we, who live only in consequence of his dying love, should not henceforth live to ourselves, but to him that died for us, and rose again f . And we may assure ourselves, that while their souls were thus drawn with the Cords of a man, and the bands of loveX, they saw apecuhar beauty in the condeocensions of so great a per- sonage and so dear a friend, which inclined them with pleasure to trace his steps, in making themselves the servants of others for his sake, who took upon him The form of a servant §, though he were Lord of all.
And ought not these considerations, my brethren, to have a constraining force upon us ? Was it for the sake of the apostles alone, that the blessed Jesus stooped so low, and bore so much ? jy'iAhevioi Love us, and give himself for us^, and was not the news of our salvation contained in those glad tidings which he brought from heaven, which he proclaimed on earth, publish- ing them with long continued labour, and at length sealing them with his blood ? Have not we our lot amongst his people ; nay, I will add, are we not distinguished from most of the rest of them, by his favour, in that he hath committed to our trust his glorious gospel, the important cause that lay so near his heart, the great end of his toils and his sufferings ? And where is our gratitude, where is our fidelity, where is our common integritj^,
*JCor. i. 30, f 2 Cor.. V. 13, 14. jHos.xi. 4. §rhil, n,7. JiGal.ii.SO.
Temper and Condact of Primiiive Ministers. 183
if we can forget such engagements, and lose our concern for that gospel, in a mean solicitude about our own applause, or interest, or dominion ? I trust, my brethren, it will never so be lost. I am persuaded, through divine grace, there are those amongst us, whose bosoms glow with such undissembled love, that we can truly say, we reckon the title of servants of Christ, and of the church for his sake, a thousand times more honour- able than to be called, and to be, the lords of the whole Avorld ; that we had rather approve ourselves the faithful interpreters of his laws, than see assembled nations bowing down before us, and with the profoundest submission receiving law at our mouths.
2. The apostles were animated to the conduct we have been reviewing, by a pious zeal, for the glory of God in the salva- tion of souls.
They well knew, that the grace of the Father was the ori- ginal source of all the blessings they received by the inter- position of the Son, and their hearts were so subjected and united to God, that they could not fail of being tenderly con- cerned, that being Bought with such a price, and maintained by such a constant emanation of divine favour and bounty, they m\o\\t glorify God with their bodies, and their spirits, whxch they owned to be the Lord's *, by so many important claims.
And they must farther infer from the complete all-sufficiency of the divine Being, that the only way whereby we are capable of glorifying him, is by promoting the display of his attributes; which are most nobly illustrated in the perfection and happiness of his rational creatures ; especially their final and eternal happi- ness. It plainly appears from the whole strain of the apostles' writings, that those holy men were deeply penetrated with the views of an invisible world ; and as it was their great concern for themselves, that their own souls Might be given them for a prei/\; so sentiments of compassion and humanity joined with those of piety, to engage them to wish and labour for the salva- tion of others.
They certainly knew, however others might forget it, that every human creature hath in its breast an immortal soul, which must survive not only the dissolution of the body, but the wreck of this lower world ; a soul that by its original constitution was capable of shining in the image of God, and the glories of para- dise, when the sun should be turned into darkness, and the mooji into blood. They were likewise sensible, that these precious souls were naturally in a very dangerous state, and by sin stood
* 1 Cor. vi. ult. t Jer. xlv. 5.
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la-t ORDINATION OF MR. JOHNSTON- SeR. I,
exposed to everlasting darkness, despair and ruin. And this appeared to them sucli a lamentable sight, that they could not but JVeep over those ^vhose eyid would so probably be destruc- tion*. And ^vhen they saw them going on in a gay insensi- bility of danger, and a proud confidence, on the very borders of hell, it cut them to the heart, and put an eagerness and pathos into the manner of their address, Avhich nothing but such an in- finite concern could have given. They Avere attempting to Re- cover those out of the snare of the devil, who were le{l captives by him at his pleasure f; To turn men from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan imto God, that, instead of meeting all the terrors of his wrath, and sinking into eternal destruction, they might receive the forgiveness of their sins, and a?i inheritance amongst his sanctified people %. And while this Avas the view in which they regarded them, Avho can wonder, that they did as it Avere Travail in birth for their conversion^? Who can wonder if it appeared to them even an inhuman thing, to be more soli- citous about soothing men's ears, or gaining an influence over men's temporal concerns, than saving their souls ? As it Avould indeed be a more cruel kind of folly, than for a physician to be more careful that his bill Avere elegantly Avritten, than that the life of his patient should be saA'ed by the suitableness of the pre- scription.
I must farther add, in order to complete the argument, that the apostles Avell kncAv, that nothing Avas so likely to save the perishing souls of men, as the great doctrines of the CA-erlasting gospel ; nothing so like to recover them, Avhen fainting and dying, as the vital savour of a Redeemer's name ; which is indeed the Power of God to the salvation of every one that believeth |j. This engaged them, in this manner, io preach Christ Jesus the Lord; and I hope, my brethren, Ave shall never imagine, that our wisdom can find out another more efl'ectual Avay. I hope Ave shall ncA'er practise so dangerous a complaisance to the unbe- licA'ers of the present age, as to Avave the gospel, that we may accommodate ourselves to their taste; Avhich if we do, Ave may indeed preserve the name of virtue, but 1 fear Ave shall destroy the thing itself; lose it in our congx'egations, and probably in our hearts too. For, I confess, it seems to me much more pro- bable, that the doctrines of natural religion alone should be blessed as the means of reforming heathens, Avho never heard of Christianity, than that they should have much effect upon those who under the profession of it, slight its most glorious peculiari-
»Phil.iJi.]9. f2Tim.ii.2D. J Acts xx\ i. 1 8. §Gal. iv. 19. URom.i. 16.
Temper and Conduct of Primitive Ministers. 185
ties; as if the revelation of Jcsiis vcre :i iiumc incumbrance, which, vhile ^vc own it to he true, we rtiic^lit nevertheless forjjjet, without great ilan«Tcr, or much inconvenience. But if we im- bibe tlic spirit of the apostles, and make their conduct the model of ours, we mav cheerfully expect that presence of God with us, in conseciuence of which the great ends of our ministry may be answered, to the reformation of men's lives, and the salvation of their souls.
How glorious a hope ! how rich a rccompence for all the fatigue, for all the condescension, for all the self-denial which our office may require ! Most forcibly doth St. James express the importance of the thought, if one man be the happy instru- ment of gaining another to the cause of truth and holiness. Let him knou\ let him pause upon it and reflect, that lie rcho con- vertelh a sinner from the error of his ways, shall save a soul from death*, an immortal soul! And how much is comprehend- ed in those few words ? We are sometimes perhaps ready to envy the opportunity which the great men of the world have to promote the happiness of others, and it is the most generous, and indeed the only rational view in which riches and power can be desired. But let us remember, my brctlu'en, such is the nature of an immortal soul, that to bring it into tiie way to eternal life, is a greater good than any merely temporal blessing, which can be conferred upon the greatest number of men for the longest duration in the present world. And it is most certain, that the moment will at length coine, when the sum of happiness which hath actually been enjoyed by every particular soul, that we have led into that blessed world, will be greater than what the most uninterrupted peace, liberty, and plenty could have given to the most numerous nations, in a hundred, or a thousand, or ten thousand years. Let so sublime a thought animate our pur- suit, and make us willing to Spend and be spent in such a service f.
3. The apostles well knew, that by such a conduct as we have now been surveying, their own present and future happi- ness would be most efiectually secured.
They seemed indeed to sacrifice their present interest, and in many important instances they did so; yet surely they found a rich equivalent in the consciousness of such a temper, and a prospect of that reward whi(-h would through grace attend it.
The pleasures of gratitude and humanity, are a thousand times superior to that which can arise from gratifying the senses,
♦ James r. 20. f 2 Cor. xii. 1 5.
186 ORDINATION OF MR. JOHNSTON. SeR. I.
or even from improvements in science. I hope all that hear me this day, know the delight of serving a friend whom we highly esteem and love ; many of us, I question not, do particularly know how agreeable it is to find some opportunity of express- ing our cordial sense of those favours, which it is impossible for us fully to repay. Let us judge by that, how delightful i% must be to these good men, when their hearts were full of the most lively and penetratmg sense of a Redeemer's love, to see them- selves in such a situation, as that their Avhole lives should be spent in serving his interest, and every day of them should do something to promote it.
And the influence which their labours had upon the happi- ness of mankind, must also add a most delightful relish to them. Our nature is so constituted by the wise and gracious author of it, that some degree of pleasure inseparably attend every at- tempt for the real improvement of any part of his creation, even the meanest. It is pleasant to view a spot of ground, which from a barren and useless wild has been manured and cultivat- ed, planted and adorned by human industry, so that it is reduced to a fruitful garden or field ; and he who hath laboured to effect it, reviews it with double satisfaction. It is much more delight- ful to have been instrumental in forming and cultivating the mind, and reducing those Avho were once little better than savages to discipline and arts, to the improvements and ele- gances of life, whereby they may as it were be broken into men ; but surely the apostles must with incomparably greater satis- faction look round about them, and see whole regions enlighten- ed by the rays which they had diffused ; thousands of their fel- low-creatures recovered from darkness and ignorance, supersti- tion and vice, and formed to wise, regular, noble sentiments, subjected to God, united to Christ, and conducted into the Avays of peace and life by their means. Accordingly, I doubt not, but you have often observed in how sublime and pathetic a manner St, Paul expresseth himself on this occasion, in the name of his bretiiren as well as in his own, in the progress of this epistle. We approve ourselves, says he, the ministers of God, in all the various circumstances through which we pass, in honour and dishofiour, treated indeed by the world, as deceivers, yet conscious to ourselves that we are true, and the great patrons of truth ; as obscure and unknown to a proud and insolent world, •who affect to overlook us with sovereign contempt, yet well kno-wn even by the happiest tokens to those blessed souls who are brought home to God by our means ; as dying daily, yet behold we live^ through the singular interposition of our great
Temper and Conduct of Primitive Ministers. 1 37
Lord for our preservation ; as soitow/uI on account of various calamities that surround us, ixudyet in spirit always rejoicings because though we appear in the world as poor in these tilings, yet we arc making rich in grace and glory *. Blessed leaders in the army of Christ ! Who would not emulate such a character and state ? Who would not wish for your hardships and trials, might his supports and success be proportionable to yours ? Such were the pleasures they found in preaching Christ Jesus the Lord ; and undoubtedly their generous minds delighted to do it in the condescending maimer we liave described. To converse with their flock in such a free, easy, obliging way, as their brethren, as their servants for Jesus sake, on the foot of equal and respectful friendship, suited their taste and their tem- per much better than all the homage, and all the revenues, which seeular power could have given, and secular terror could have extorted.
I only add in the conclusion of this head, tliat the apostles were influenced to such a conduct by a regard to their own eter- nal interest.
That great important concern which swallowed up all others in their mind, and with which nothing here seemed by any means worthy to be compared. Paul himself did not tliink it unfit to reflect, and to say, a Necessity is laid upon me, and •woe unto me if I preach not the gospel f. lie well knew, that if such vigilance was expected from a Jewish prophet, that the souls who perished by his neglect should be by God Required at his Jiand %, the danger of such a neglect under tlie christian dis- pensation, would be yet greater in proportion to the clearer de- gree of evidence with which Life and immortality was brought to light §. lie therefore, and his associates in this important work, made it their care, as himself expresseth it, To watch for souls as those that must give an account, and were exco'cdingly solicitous, that tliey might do it with joy ajid 7iot with grief \\. They looked on their converts as those who should be their Crown and rejoicing in the day of the Lord ^ ; and their delight- ful companions in the glories of the heavenly world. And when, conscious that through the divine assistance they had fought the good fight, and finished their course, and kept their fidelity, they were humbly bold to look forward with cheerful expectation as well as desire, To that crown (j/"life which the Lord had laid up for all his faithful servants, that love his appearance **.
* 2 Cor. vi. 8-10. f 1 Cor. ix. 16. + Ezek. iii. 18. § 2 Tim. i. 10. U Heb. xiii. 17. f 1 Thcss. u. 19. ** 2 Tim. iv. 8.
ISS ORDINATION OF MR. JOHNSTOls'. SeR. T.
Such may our liopes be, my fathers and brethren, and sueh our triumphs in the near views of death and eternity. Our days are passing away apace, and no secular powers or advantages can prolong them ; nay, perhaps, were we in the number oi' the richest and greatest of those that call themselves the ministers of Christ, life might run out only so much the sooner, while on the one hand the baits of luxury, and on the other, the cries of the oppressed, might concur to shorten it. When this scene of vanity is closing, when Ave are to exchange every ornament for the dress of death, and all the amusements and cares of mor- tality, for the solemnities of the eternal state ; in that awful hour, I say, it will be no grief of heart to us, that we have chosen in all humility to serve Christ and the souls of men, ra- ther than to make our names great, and our families wealthy: And when we come to appear in the presence of that great Re- deemer, wlio hath been witness to all our conduct, and all our designs, we shall really find that we have lost nothing by what- ever we have sacrificed to his cause and interest. The applause of thousands is but an empty sound when compared with that of JVell done, good and faithful servant *, and all the honours and possessions which the greatest princes could bestow, would be lighter than vanity, when laid in the balance with that unfading crown of glory, Avhich every faithful minister may expect, when Christ the chief Shepherd shall appear f.
I have dilated so much on these pleasant and copious topics, that I have hardly left myself time,
III. So much as to mention the reflections which may natu- rally arise from what we have been hearing. You Avill easily apprehend they are such as these ;
How greatly is the truth of Christianity confirmed by the character of those Avho were first employed in the publication of it ; who gave the greatest evidence that can possibly be ima- gined of their being entirely devoted to the sacred cause of truth and piety, and expressed, as we have heard, the most disinter- ested and self-denying zeal in the service of both.
How happy is it for the christian cause, that these origi- nal monuments are still preserved, and that Ave are not left to form an idea of its ministers merely from the general history of succeeding and distant ages, or by the canons and decrees of the greatest part of ecclesiastical councils ; which are com- monly drawn up Avith so different a spirit, that, Averc Ave to judge by them alone, charity Avould have inclined us to hope,
♦ Mat, XXV. 23, | i Pet, v,4.
3
Temper and Conduct of Primitive Ministers. 189
that those uho called themselves the chief successors of the apostles, had never heard of the character of those holy men ; but had rather formed their conduct, and even their maxims too, I will not say by the Jewish, but by the heathen priesthood.
Nevertheless let us bless God, that in the midst of so general a depravation, there have been in all ages, and par- ticularly in our own, a select remnant, who have not dcfded their garments, nor prostituted their sacred character and olBce to those idols of jealousy, Avhich have been so shamefully erected even in the house of the Lord, Persons, so far as I can judge, of all denominations, both of established and separate ciiurches, at home and abroad, Avho have been, and are in their respective spheres, burning and shining lights ; men of God, wlio however differing in opinion, in discipline, or in worship, have agreed to love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, to l)ow their hearts and souls to the obedience of his laws, to value the souls com- mitted to their care, serving them in humility and love, candidly excusing the frailties of their brethren, praying, that Wherein theywere otherwise viinded, than reason and scripture directed, that God would in his own time and way reveal it unto them, and in the mean time labouring, that whereunto they had already attained, they might walk by the same rule, and might mind the same thing *.
Let us daily bow our knees in the most importunate suppli- cations to the God of grace and of peace, that this happy num- ber may be increased ; and as he is from time to time laying those in the dust, who were once the joy of our assemblies, and the glory of their profession, let us tenderly feel, let us deeply lament the desolations of his sanctuary f. And let us earnestly pray, that he would raise up in all the churches a generation of faithful and laborious, serious and spiritual, candid and evan-
*PhiI. iii. IC.
f N. B. This sermon was preached a few days after the death of that great man of God, the truly reverend and excellent Mr. David Some of Harborough, whom God was pleased to favour with a serene and cheerful exit, suited to the eminent piety and usefulness of his life. His dying command hath silenced the attempt which some of bis surviving friends would gladly have made, to embalm his memory for the instruc- tion of those that are yet to come; but I am well satisfied, that considering howvery generally he was known, he has left a most honourable testimony in the hearts of thou- sands, that he was one of the brightest ornaments of the gospel and tlie ministry whicK the age hath produced ; and that all who had any intimacy with him, must have esteemed his friendship amongst the greatest blessings of life, and the loss of him amongst its greatest calamities. He died May 19, 1737, in his 57th year; and surely I have never seen greater reason to cry out, My Father f my Father ! the cha- riots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof,
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190 ORDIN-ATION OF MR. JOHKSTOK. SeR. I.
gelital ministers, that Instead of the fathers there may be the children *, by means of whom a people that are yet to be born may see the salvation of our God in its genuine glories.
And this, in connection with the subject befoi-e us, might also lead us farther to reflect, how important a part of an educa- tion for the ministry it is, to endeavour to lead young people into the knowledge of this Jesus, whom their office obligeth them to preach and to serve. Polite literature is not by any means to he neglected, nor will it be despised by any but those who know not what it is, yet surely it is not the o?ie thing needful. The sacred scriptures are the grand magazine whence the most important, and therefore I think by far the greatest number of academical lectures are to be drawn. And they who are honoured with a charge of so great importance to the church should surely be concerned, that those of the rising age, in whose hands this invaluable treasure of the gospel is to be depo- sited, may not rest in a cold speculative acquaintance, either with the evidences, or contents of it ; but may feel its vital transforming power, and speak of this great Redeemer as of one on whom they have themselves believed, and whom their own souls do most cordially love.
But I must wave the prosecution of these copious reflections, to conclude with two, which are yet more immediately the con- cern of those who attend the gospel ordinances ; and w^hich I would particularly recommend to you my friends of this society^, who are now, through divine providence, so well settled with a workman thai needs not be ashamed ^ and one whom you so highly and justly esteem.
Think how solicitous you should be to know and acknow- ledge Christ Jesus as your Lord.
I know you think it your happiness often to hear of him, O let it not be in vain. Own his authority in your lives as well as your assemblies, or those who have most frequently preached him to you, Mill be the swiftest and severest witnesses against you in that dreadful day, when all that have not bowed to his sceptre must fall by his sword.
And, to add no more, think also how willing you should be to use the assistance of your ministers, as your servants for Jesus sake.
Do not neglect to attend on their ministrations, and thereby shut out wisdom and piety at its first entrance. Do not increase their burden by any unkind usage, lest, by weakening their spi-
^Psal. xlv. 16.
Temper and Conduct of Primitive Ministers. 1 9 1
rits, you may injure yourselves, and disable thein from doing you that service, in wiiich tiiev arc clieerfully spending their lives, though perhaps tiiey appreliend they are thereby shorten- ing them.
And, once more, be not unwilling to use a proper freedom ■with thcui in your religious concerns. OlHciously to pry into the secrets of families and persons, is a meanness which a gene- rous man will scorn ; and particularly to know them is a bur- den, and often a snare too, which a wise man will gladly de- cline: but some knowledge of your spiritual state and experi- ence is necessary to our knowing how to address you, and to address God on your account. Nor can you expect such suita- ble assistance from your spiritual physicians, as might otherwise be hoped for, if you will not communicate to them some parti- culars of your complaints.
On the whole, my dearly beloved, Fuljil you our joy ^y and let it be your great care so to receive our message, and so to improve it, that it may be the delight of our souls now to proclaim the honours of our Redeemer amongst you, as your servants for Jesus sake, and that the more tenderly we love you, the more abundant satisfaction we may find in our present labours, and our future account. Amen.
f Phil, ii, 2.
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192 ORDINATION OF MR. JENNINGS SeR. II.
SERMON II.
A CHARGE
Delivered at Si. Ives, Huntingdonshire, on August 12, 1742, at the Ordina- tion of the Rev. Mr. John Jennings.
MY DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER,
I
DOUBT not but your own sagacity has prevented me in ob- serving, that the discourse we have been just now hearing is in effect a charge, though with great dexterity couched under the form of a popular address. Your general work has been well re- presented to you, and you have been instructed as to the authority by which you are to act in it, the subject on which you are chiefly to insist, and the end -which you are to pursue. The particular offices in which you are to endeavour to serve Christ, in serving the souls of men, have also been happily touch- ed upon ; and the grand arguments which should engage you to attend this service, with diligence, resolution and delight, have been powerfully suggested. It would therefore be easy for me to go over all the most natural branches of it, in an appli- cation of it to you, by which I might well answer the whole purpose of the province particularly assigned to me, in the work of this day. But lest by such a repetition I should seem unsea- sonably sparing of my own labour, as well as a sense of my in- ability to express these things in a more agreeable manner, than that in Mhich they have already- been handled, I shall now at- tempt a method something different ; only observing, that the hints I am now to address to you will appear with some peculiar advantage, Avhen considered in their connection with the pre- ceding discourse.
I am willing to believe, Sir, that in consequence of what my reverend brother has been laying before you, your heart is now glowing with a vigorous, yet humble resolution, that, in the divine strength, you will emulate the character and conduct of the great apostle, and will preach not yourself, but Christ
Directions for Ministerial Conduct. 193
Jesics the Lord; and that you will be ready to apjirovc yourself the servant, the lowly affectionate servant, of the meanest of your brethren for his sake. I will suppose your enquiry to be. How may I serve this great master in the most acceptable and successful manner ? How may I conduct myself, so as another day to hear him saying to me, Well done thou good and faithful seiyant, enter into the joy of thy Lord*? 1 know not how to an- swer such an enquiry better, m a few words, than to remind you of anotlier lively and proper expression of the same apostle St. Paul, when speaking of the blessed God he says, I sci^e him with my spirit in the gospel of his Son f . You serve God in the same gospel. — I hope it will indeed be the same. — God forbid we should any of us introduce any other. Labour therefore to do it ttvVA your spirit, with all the united powers of your soul, and labour at all times to keep your spirit in a proper situation for it.
For your assistance in this respect, I shall make it my pre- sent business to shew you, as well as I can, what must be the situation and temper of that spirit, which would, in the happiest manner, serve Christ in the great work you have this day under- taken. This will give me an opportunity of suggesting hints %vhich will have their use, not in this or that particular respect alone, but in every circumstance through which you pass, and in every service to which you are called out, That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished and prepared to every good work %■ Nor can I think of any thing which appears to me a more proper supplement to the many particular advices I have given you, Avith respect to your business as a preacher and a pastor, in those academical lectures on that subject which yoxx have heard from me, and the hints of which are still in your hand. Permit me now to remind you that they come recom- mended to you by a very material circumstance, as several im- portant passages m them were taken from the lectures of my honoured tutor your reverend and worthy father ; whose name will long be precious in the churches, and my relation to whom I must always esteem as, under God, one of the greatest bless- ings of my life. You will no doubt frequently review them, and pardon me if I say, you will in effect hear two fathers speaking in them, with an united voice ; if the most endearing affection, and the most intimate converse, even from your infant years, can give me a title to that tender name.
If you desire to serve Christ with your spirit in his gospel,
*Mat. XXV. 21. -f Rom. i. 9. *2 Tim. iii. 17.
194 ORDINATION OF MR. JENNINGS. SeR. II.
I confess you undertake a difficult task. So difficult, that were there not a much better spirit than our own, in the strength of •which we attempt it, even The supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ* himself, I know not how any of us could encourage our younger brethren, or how we could find any encouragement ourselves, in the midst of so many infirmities, temptations, and oppositions. But at once exhorting you, ray dear Son, to be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus f, and praying, as the apostle expresses it, that the Lord Jesus Christ may be with your spirit X, I proceed to give you some hints, as to that frame and temper in which it must be your business, and mine, to preserve our spirits, if we desire they may be fit for so great a service. And my younger brethren who hear me this day, of whom there is so large an appearance, will I hope consider a great deal of Avhat is now to be said, as their own concern as well as ours, and lay it up in their memories, as against their own ordination-day. Not to say how much every preacher, and every private christian is obliged, on the common prin- ciples of religion, to cultivate the main branches of the temper I am to recommend. Now, with respect to this, I may indeed say as Solomon does. Keep thine heart with all keeping §; bestow the lUmost attention upon it, and let eveiy thing be done that can be imagined, with any appearance of propriety, in subser- viency to so great an end. May it be your constant care, and the grand, noble point of your ambition, to have a mind as well ordered as possible. So that no one irregular affection may be admitted or encouraged, no one good affection wanting or lan- guid. But the general exhortation may farther be illustrated in such particulars as these which I shall touch upon, not as ex- hausting the subject, but as containing some of the most ma- terial instances of watchfulness and duty, to which it may lead.
Be solicitous, my dear friend, if you would serve God with your spirit in the gospel of hisSon^ that your spirit be habitually devout — and humble — that it be elevated and free — that it be attentive, and active — that it be cuurugeous and resolute — that it be tender and gentle.
I, 2. Let it be your care that your spirit be evangelically devout; that it be set upon God, upon God in Christ. He is your Master, and you are always in iiis sight ; labour to act as contirmally in it. Converse nuich with him and you will love him the more, and, by a very natural consequence, you will .■>erve him the better. Labour after the knowledge of the divine
* Phi), i. 19. t 2 Tim.il. 1, | 2 Tim, iv. 22, § Prov. iv. 23.
Directions for Ministerial Conduct. 195
Being, so far as feeble mortals can attain it : atul j;ec to it that it be a practical knowledge, affecting your heart with those powerful emotions of reverence and love, due to the great Father of the world, and to your God and Father in Christ. Know and honour him under the various views in which he appears by the light of nature and revelation, realizing to your own mind con- tinually, his existence and his presence — " O my soul, there is a God!| and such a God as I discourse of to others — and lie is this day, this moment, j)rescnt with me, and observing what re- gard I will shew him, and what effect all the discoveries he has made of his greatness and goodness will have upon my mind and my life."
Let this en<Tagc you to make devotion a considerable part of your business, and to attend to it as such. You will often be speaking to God, in the name and presence of others ; and a regard to your own i-eputation will engage you then to address him, in a solemn, reverend, composed and aflectionate manner. It will engage you to awaken and regulate your thoughts, while employed in social prayer, which indeed seems to me by far the most difficult part of our public work, as performed in such assemblies as ours. But surely that minister has great reason to suspect the integrity of his own heart that can pray with some copiousness, affection, and pleasure ^vith others, and insecretcan only find in his heart to run over a few hasty, inattentive, and customary words, in such a manner as he would be ashamed to do, if any one of his fellow-creatures was present. Guard against this, my dear brother ; and especially guard against it in the evening, when the fatigues arising from the labour of the day, may expose you to the peculiar danger of it. And for that purpose take time to retire, if possible, before the fatigue becomes too great and sensible, that there may be flame for the evening sacrifice. Be assured, that as prayer is the food and breath of all practical religion, if I may be allowed the expres- sion, so secret prayer in particular is of vast importance ; inso- much that I verily believe that if a man were to keep a particular and accurate journal of his own heart but for one month, he would find as real and exact a correspondency between the temper of his soul at seasons of secret devotion, and in other parts of his life, as we find between the changes of the barometer, and of the weather.
To furnish out matter for prayer, let meditation be called in to your assistance ; and let the word of God, above all, be the subject of your meditation. You know it is placed among the most distinguishing characters of a good man, that His de-
196 ORDINATION OF MR. JENNINGS. StR. 11.
light IS in the law of the Lordy and in his law doth he meditate day and night*. Various matter of prayer may by this means be suggested, and the soul brought into a proper frame for pouring out itself before God. Observe in what channel the devotion of David and Asaph ran in the Old Testament, and that of Paul, John, and the other apostles under the New, and, above all, that of our great Lord ; and labour, with allowances for the difference of circumstances, to have your heart affected with divine things, as theirs seem to have been.
Labour not only to breathe out this temper before God in the seasons of solemn devout retirement, for which you will do well to have your hours and your plan, to be, if possible, strictly and resolutely observed, but also endeavour to carry it along with you into the world : and be lifting up your heart to God, in many of those little vacancies of time, Avhich often hang on the hands even of the busiest of mankind, but might this way be profitably employed. Why should you, for several hours toge- ther, be in the presence of such a master, and such a friend, without speaking one word to him ? Or why should any of his most affectionate servants, in former ages, have addressed him with a devotion warmer and more constant than yours ! If this advice be observed, you will also be glad to have an occasional errand to the throne of grace, will be heartily glad to sweeten the hours of friendly conversation, by making them subservient to communion with God. It will gladden you often to conclude your visits with prayer, and cheerfully to come into any scheme of seeking God in a more solemn and express manner, on any particular emergencies that may arise relating to yourself and friends; as also to encourage, what we commonly call, private meetings for social prayer at stated times, which, so far as I can judge, greatly promote a minister's usefulness, and which are generally kept up with the greater spirit, and the best order, when he accustoms himself to be often present at them.
But permit me. Sir, before I dismiss this head, to remind you, that it is evangelical devotion I am recommending : a devo- tion in which a due regard is habitually maintained, to the love and grace of Christ, and to the influence of his good Spirit. In- deed oiic would think, if a man believed the gospel, his devo- tions should naturally and unavoidably take this turn. Would to God we could find it so ; nevertheless this I may confidently sa}', so far as reason and experience can justify a confidence in saying any thing, that very much will depend upon turning our
*Psal. i.2.
3
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fhoughts into the channel to which the gospel has directed them, and viewin'j thinirs in the lijrlit in which thiit has placed them. No devotion so sweet, and none so lasting as that Avhich is thus guided and animated. Remember it is the gospel in which you are serving him; and vou can never serve him so effectually, as by a close and constant attendance to it. Keep your heart therefore full of those impressions, wliidi it will naturally intro- duce into an attentive mind. Think what a friend the blessed Jesus has been to you, and how much you are, and must for ever be indebted to his life and death, his resurrection and as- cension, his guardianship and intercession. And when this view grows daily familiar to your own soul, your Heart will teach your mouth, arid addt\\\^ best kind of knowledge to your lips*. 80 that you will be in no danger of starving or destroying the souls of your hearers, as I fear many who should be ministers of the gospel do, by a criminal and fatal silence upon these heads : and this will happily influence you to all humility of spirit in the service of Christ ; for nothing has so great a tendency to iiumble the soul, as the sight and converse of the blessed and glorious Jehovah, in whose presence we are less than nothingy and vanity : especially when "we consider ourselves as intro- duced to him by the blood of Christ ; and formed and animated by his own spirit, in every thing which is pleasing, in every thing which is not offensive to him. Pride, my dear brother, is one of the most subtle, and one of the most dangerous enemies that you will encounter with, in the whole course of your christian and ministerial warfare. It is at once astonishmg and grievous, to think under how many specious forms it insinuates itself into the very sanctuary of God, and hides itself, if I may be allowed the expression, even under the vestments of those who serve at liis altar ; indeed frustrating its own most darling end, and ex- posing them at once to the displeasure of God, and, to what they seem yet more to fear, the contempt of men. You must therefore continually and constantly guard against it ; and make it one of the chief cares of your life, not only to suppress its growth, but to root it out of your soul.
If you would be honourable in the sight of the Lord whom you serve, you must be humble ; and that humility must be seat- ed, not merely in the external behaviour, but in the heart. A small degrrc of common sense may be sufficient to preserve a man from the ridiculous folly of making encomiums upon him-
* Prov. \-vi. 23. VOL. III. Bb
l^S ORDINATION OF MR. JENNINGS. SeR. II.
?elr, and his own performances ; or from the madness of putting on imperious airs in common Ufe, which is indeed no other than bespeaking the scorn and aversion of all about us. I had almost said, a manly pride will set a minister above these things, and teach him to curb every appearance of them. But our humility should dwell in our very souls: and I am M^ell persuaded the greatest and the best of men, may find enough in themselves to nourish it from day to day. When I think, for instance, what the man and the minister, in the most perfect view of his charac- ter, ought to be, in comparison with what I myself am : when I iook about on all the negligences and irregularities of my life ; when I look in especially on all the folly and corruption of my heart ; and farther recollect, that all these things are open to the eyes of God, who sees what I am, and v.hat I have done, in com- parison with what I should have been, and should have done; in comparison to what I might have been, and might have done, for his glory, and the good of mankind, if all ray capacities, and all my opportunities had been improved to the highest possible degree! what reason do I find for the deepest abasement in the divine presence ? What reason to abhor, rather than applaud myself; to hide my head with conscious blushes, rather fhan to lift it up in a haughty and supercilious manner, as if I had 'whereof to glory before God or man ! It is not a freedom from gross matter of reproach among men, no, nor some distinguish- ing share of genius, of learning, of eloquence, of reputation and popularity, that will raise a man's esteem for himself, when such views as these are made familiar to the mind. He will appre- hend it to be, at least a supposable, and indeed a very probable case, that many, who, in these things, and in the eye of the world, are his inferiors, may, on account of their better temper and conduct, be, in the eyes of God, far superior to him ; and may be fitted for much more distinguished honours in that world which is to fix our rank for ever : and we shall certainly find it very much for our own ease and comfort in life, thus to Esteem others better than ourselves^ in honour preferring one another*. When we do not look upon any distinguishing regards as our due, if we miss them we shall not be much disappointed, and if they meet us, we shall think ourselves obliged to the Avorld for its kind partiality in our favour ; and behave so much the more humbly, while we endeavour indeed to be, what they are so kind as to think we are : and thus, in more senses than one, it will be prudent for him, Who would be the greatest, to be ike least and
*PhiI. ii. 3. Fom.xii, 10.
Directions for Ministerial Conduct. 199
servant of all-. Our blessed Redeemer is such an example of this amiable temper, that nothing in the world illustrates the natural pride and corruption of the human heart more, than that this lesson is so little learnt and practised, by those who call them- selves his disciples, and ever) his ministers.
3. Let it be your concern to preserve a due freedom and elevation of spirit. 1 join these together, as being nearly of a kin, and the latter only a superior degree of the former. And therefore when I mention liberty of mind, you will apprehend I intend not only, or chiefly what the world calls freedom of senti- ment. You have long since been taught to indulge that, and. have I hope taken your religion from the word of God, and not from any human system or composition whatever. Go on to act upon this maxim. I dare not say, like St. Paul, Continue in the things thou hast learnt, and been assured of by me, knowing of •whom thou hast learned themf. It rather becomes me to say, examine all I have taught you, and Search the scriptures daily whether these things are so or no^. You will not, I am persuad- ed, run the matter to extremes, and imagine, like some half- thinkers, that liberty consists in boldly daring to decide against received opinions, as soon as some new difficulties are discern- ed ; and confidently venting raw and undigested notions, how- ever noxious, without fearing any of the consequences. And while you {ruard ajjainst this, I am not so conscious of the weak- ness of any cause in which I am embarked, as to fear it should be brought to the test of strict enquiry. But this enquiry, how well soever guarded and regulated, is not the w^hole that I mean by freedom. I intend something much nobler and greater ; something which many who boast loudly of their liberty are en- tirel}^ ignorant of, I mean a freedom from all undue attachments to every thing that would debase and enslave the mind, and ren- der a man the ignominious servant of corruption.
If Paul thought it proper to say to Timothy, Keep thyself pure, 2Lni\ flee youthful lusts ^, the admonition cannot be unsea- sonable to any who are early in life entering on the ministry. And indeed, if, after so many years spent in the apostolic office, he represented it as a daily labour of his life, to Keep under his body, and bring it under subjection\\; we may reasonably con- clude, that the most advanced servants of Christ had need to be cautious on this head ; had need, while they dwell in animal
* Mark X. 44- f' Tim. iii. 11. 'jActsxvii. 11. § 1 Tim. v. 2'2. 2 Tim, ii. 22. ' II 1 Cor. i\. -",
Bb2
-CO eRDINATlON Gf MR. JENNINGS. SER. II.
body, to JFatch andprai/, that they enter not into temptation*. Especially considering that some of the excesses to which un- guarded appetite may betray aman, are of such a nature, as to fix a lasting stain upon his character. A minister especially may, in one single hour, incur a reproach, which past and future years of the strictest temperance shall not be able to avert, remove, or efface. Yet I cannot but say, that to a person in whom the ha- bits of a temperate and regular life are formed, I apprehend the passions to be much more dangerous enemies than the appetites; and especially those excesses of the passions which are generally, among virtuous and worthy men, reckoned Aveak rather than in- famous. By these has many a wise and good man been miser- ably enslaved, and fallen far beneath the dignity of his charac- ter and office ; not to mention the unhappy consequences they have often drawn after them, with respect to the ease and com- fort of future life.
Wisdom is not indeed intended to root out the passions, but she seldom dwells in the heart in which they are suffered to grow wild. They turn the soul into a desart, and render it a disagreeable abode to so divine a guest; or rather, to speak in language more becoming a christian divine, the blessed Spirit of God is by this means driven away, and it is impossible to say how much the evil spirit may sometimes do, in his absence, to irritate our minds and drive tliem into the most fatal extremes. It must therefore be of great importance to keep a resolute guard on these turbulent subjects, and to check the first rising of sedition among them ; lest they gather strength by insensible degrees, and break out into such open rebellion, as to depose reason and religion from the throne, reducing the soul into a state of anarchy; or rather making its noble rational powers the slaves of those, whom they were formed to command.
To be secure from all the danger, and all the appearances of so great an evil, let it be your care. Sir, to maintain a be- coming elevation of spirit, and to fill your mind with sublime ideas, principles and views. This the christian religion naturally suggests to all its votaries, and above all to its ministers. Think, w hat a master you serve, and in what a work you are engaged ! Think how little all the titles which the princes of this world can give must appear, when compared M'ith that of the minister of Jesus, and a servant of God in the salvation of souls. Think how low the employments of secular life are, even those in which the nobles and kings of the earth are engaged, in comparison with
*Mat. xxvi. 41.
Directions for Ministerial Conduct. 201
yours. In tliis respect, it is good to Magnify our office''' ; not as it it ouve us any the least power to tyranni/e over our bre- thren, to invade tiieir liberty of thinking, or of acting, or to com- mand their properties in any degree. Secular power seems too inconsiderable a thing for our Master to give to servants, whom he has set so high in his family, and intends for a charge so mucli greater and more important, in \vhich the exercise of that would necessarily interrupt them. We are appointed to be, in subor- dination to Christ, the friends, the guardians, the deliverers of souls ; and if our labour succeeds, the eft'ect is everlasting. All the productions of human art and industry shall perish ; the pa- laces and citadels which it raises shall moulder back to dust, and be levelled with the earth; the mightiest nations, whose interests divide the globe, shall soon be blended together, and distinguish- ed no more. But every soul whom Ave recover to Christ and to Jioliness, will be an everlasting monument of the power of divine grace, and of our fidelity in our Master's service ; will be an honour and dcligiit to us, ten thousand thousand thousand years after the earth itself has been removed out of its place. Think and act like one that has such grand sc.hemes in view ; like one ■who is continually realizing to himself the presence of God, and the prospect of immortality, and has learnt by them not an af- fected and counterfeited, but a real contempt for the pleasures and interests of this perishing state ; like one Avho has learnt heartily to pity those whom mistaken mortals imagine the objects of congratulation, or of envy.
4. Let it be your constant care to keep 3'our spirit atten- tive and active.
The great emplo3'mcnts and viewsin which you areengaged, should, methinks, effectually engage you to this. Since the work is so grand, and to be carried on in the midst of so much opposition, as you well know is to be expected from the indispositions and corruptions of our own hearts, and the influence of so subtle and so powerful an enemy as the prince of darkness is, you will naturally apprehend that many difficulties and obstructions will arise; so that you had need exercise an habitual prudence, both to guard against temptations, and to seize opportunities ; precious but transient opportunities, Avhich perhaps if they are once suffered to slip by, may never return. *' Bright as the hea- venly world appears to my view and my hopes," says an eminent christian in one of his letters, "• I am sometimes afraid of going thitlier, till I have done sometiiing considerable for the service
*Roin, xj. 13,
202 CRD1^;ATI0N of MR. JENNINGS. SeR. II.
of Christ upon earth." Methinks such a thought as this, while the uncertainty of human life is remembered, should engage us to a watchfulness of soul, should lead us every hour to recollect, ** What can I do for my great and glorious Master ? What can T do for bim immediately ? Supposing this should be the very last day I have to spend in his service, how may he find me em- ployed in a manner that will be most acceptable to him""*
Labour, in this view, to do good every da)?^, and every day to do as much good as possible ; and if any thing can conve- niently be done to-day, defer it not, by any means, till to-mor- row. To-morrow is God's, and not yours ; and if it come, and find you here in a capacity of service, it will so far take thought for the things of itself*, that whatever you can do to-day, there will be business enough remain, for that, and for the next day too, and for all the days and hours God shall assign you. Therefore, Sir, guard not only against a slothful and inactive temper, but against unnecessary delay. Here are certain duties so apparently great and important, that Satan himself has not the assurance so much as to propose it to us, that we should come to a resolution, that we will always omit them. All he will demand is, that j'ou would this day wait for a more conve- nient opportunity, and continue waiting to-morrow, and so on for one day more, till he can find you no more excuse for fur- ther procrastination. And it is by this artifice, palpable as it is, that he enervates the usefulness of the greater part of christians ; that he makes their life but a shadow of what it might be, and sinks them into so insignificant a kind of being, that one would imagine a rational soul should be continually upbraiding itself with its own importance, while its noble furniture and capacity is employed to such low purposes ; and instead of acting, is only dreaming first of one vanity, and then of ano- ther ; always intending to be wise and useful hereafter, but not allowing itself so much as to say when. I have always observed that those tradesmen who are most solicitous to execute their orders immediately, give the greatest satisfaction to others, and generally improve their own stock best. But alas, The chil- dren of this world ai-e, in this respect, and almost every other, wiser than the children of light f. I would only add, that as growing j-ears will naturally impair the activity of the spirits, it will be your wisdom, while you are young, to accustom your- self to vigour and dispatch, that so the force of habit in riper years may be some equivalent for the want of the vivacity which
* Mat. vi. 34. f Luke xvi. 8.
Directions for Ministerial Conduct. 203
vill then, in tlie course of nature, be diminished. And I really think activity and cheerfulness to be so nearly allied, that one can hardly take; a more effe«:tual method to secure the latter, than to cultivitte the former, l-'-specially when, as in the pre- sent instance, it is employed to sow the seed of an immortal harvest, which will be rich and glorious, in proportion to our present diligence and zeal.
5. In order to this activity, it will be necessary to sec to it, that your spirit is maintained in a courageous and a reso- lute temper.
The difficulty and obstructions which I hinted under the former head will render this necessary, and necessary in pro- portion to your diligence : just as the resistance of any dense fluid, through whicli a body is moved, acts more forcibly, in proportion to the velocity with which the body is impelled. You must therefore lay your account thus ; the ministry is rot an easy employment ; it will not always go on smoothly ; many entanglements will arise, even from the pleasantness of our circumstances, from the kindness of our friends, many of whose importunities we must break through, if Ave desire to improve our time well, and to pursue the business in which we are engaged ; and in the execution of some part of It, other and greater difliculties must be expected. It is possible you may not be able faithfully to discharge your duty, Avithout greatly disobliging some whom you respect and love ; some on whom your temporal circumstances may very much depend. Perhaps you may be obliged, in conscience, to bear a public testimony against their errors, or against their irregularities, and it may be against both, as they are fre- quent companions: or at least you may be obliged plainly to admonisli them in private, and expostulate with them in a manner that they may not be disposed to bear ; even after all the most prudent address on yo" r side, to make it as inoffen- sive as is consistent with fidelity. Nor is it impossible that in consequence of some distant and unforeseen change in public affairs, you may be called forth even to martyrdom, and obliged either to resist to blood, or to make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. An heroic resolution must therefore be put on, that in the strength of Christ you will Be faithful to the death * ; that your master may be pleased, whoever is dis- pleased, and that your crown of glory may be secure, whatever else is lost. And it will be the part of christian prudence some-
* Rev. ii. 10.
204 ORDINATION OF MR. JENNINGS. SeR. ir.
times to exercise a voluntary self-denial, in smaller matters, that It may become easier to you in circumstances of considerable difficulty, importance and necessity. But while you are setting your face like a flint \x\ the midst of all the most violent and forcible opposition,
6. Let this courage and resolution be tempered with a be. coming degree of tenderness and gentleness.
Labour to preserve your mind continually under the influ- ences of benevolence and love. Remember you serve the most benevolent of masters, in the most benevolent of works. The whole business of your life is to do good, and therefore, to make that business easy, cultivate love , for the labours of love are easy labours, and are indeed no other than their own reward.
Indulge to a continued sensibility of heart. Be willing to look upon the sorrows of others, and to feel them, and live con- tinually mindful of the common tie of brotherhood and of kind. Look upon tlie human family as one, and then do all you can to make it an orderly and happy family. Especially cultivate love and compassion to the souls of men. Seriously think what an immortal soul is, and to what extreme danger the souls of multitudes are exposed. Think also in how languid a state re- ligion is, so far as actions can discover it, in the souls of many, concerning Avhom, charity would hope that they are not quite estranged from all the principles of the divine life ; and long earnestly to bring them into a more healthful state, and to see them lively and active.
Under this bead let me recommend to you a tender love for the rising generation, and particularly for little children, dear amiable cieatures, who, one would think, should need no advocate to plead their cause, with a person of a humane and generous disposition. Christ was an example of condescending regard to them, and he certainly meant to teach it to us. Learn this meekness and lowliness from him. Converse with them, instruct them, and as you are often praying for them, be some- times praying with them too ; and for that purpose appoint a number of them at proper seasons to attend you, and then, >vhen you have talked with them in a free and affectionate manner about the things of religion, pray over them, in such easy natural language as they are most likely to understand, and recommend them to God with that tenderness of heart which their presence will naturally inspire.
I have often observed numl3ers of them melt into tears Mpon this occasion ; and when that is the case, it is a secret en- couragement to hope, that even while we are praying, God
Directions for Ministerial Conduct. 203
hears. And would parents sometimes try the same metliod with their children, and appoint bnt a lew miiuites every week to pray with tliem alone, tiiey might find, as to my certain know- Jedge some pious parents have done, not only that it had a good tendency to compose and soften the temper of those little creatures, but possibly, in some instances, to give such a turn to the mind of those grown up to some maturity, as might be carried through the remainder of life ; and fixed upon, as the probable season Irom whence their conversion to God might take its first rise.
While I am on this head, I must exhort you also, to con- descend to the least and weakest, as well as the youngest. Re- member you can never stoop so low to others, as Christ has stooped to you ; and that, when you have done all, your great master will exceed you in condescension, as much as he does in glory.
Let this tenderness also engage you to enter into the sor- rows of others ; who, says St. Paul, w "joeak^ and I am not weakf Who is offended, and I burn not? i. e. feel fire, as it were, kindled in my bosom, which mnkes me restless till I have done all I conveniently can to make him easy. You, Sn-, must accustom yourself to ^ffl^r the burdens of others , that you. may fulfil the law of Christ, and with greater advantage teach others to fulfil it. You must not shun the cottages of the poor, or the chambers of the languishing ; nor must your ear be so intent on the more pleasing sounds, as to turn away from the sighs and groans of the distressed. Yon must often be visiting your bre- thren, that you may see how they do ; and their personal or do- mestic afflictions must be tenderly Aveighed, in their various circumstances, that your heart may feel its part, and so prompt you to do all you can, if possible to remove them ; or if that be impracticable, as it often will be, at least to alleviate them ; and sometimes the sight and conversation of a christian friend does so much to alleviate them, that one would imagine so cheap 4 charity should not be denied. Let not our master say, in refer- ence to any of his servant?, / was sick and ye visited me not * ; I was confined and ye did not come unto me. You will, I hope, be ready according to your ability, lo relieve the necessitous : you will also, I hope, improve your interest among your chris- tian friends, to procure that relief which yoir cannot immedi- ately give J and be assured that, while thus employed, you are
* Mat. xx\-. 4?, VOL. III. C Q
206 ORDINATION OF MR. JENNINGS. S£R. II.
performing a kind action toward the rich and tlie prosperous, many of whom are so ready to forget the indigent and afflicted, that when one thinks upon the great day of account, one is ready, as the world generally appears, to congratulate the poor, and to tremble for the rich. Let benevolence to both, there- fore, remind you of St. Paul's words to Timothy, Charge them that are rich in this worlds that they be not high-minded^ nor trust in uncertain richesy but in the living God, who gives us all thijigs richly to enjoy ; that they do good, that they be fich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communi' tate, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life *.
And before I close this head, I must also beseech you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, that you endeavour to exercise a meek and gentle temper under contradiction and op- position. I hope and believe you will meet with very little of this sort, from so kind, so generous, and so obliging a people, as that to which you have the happiness of being related : yet there is no soil so good, but some root of bitterness may spring up in it, and if not among your own people, and among your nearest brethren in the ministry, yet among others injuries may arise ; but if you are reviled, revile not again ; if you are in- jured, let forgiveness be all your revenge ; for it is all Chris- tianity allows, and all that is good for us to take. And if you should, which is always too supposable a case, be called out to combat with error and immorality, venture to do it in the spirit of meekness. It is the method which the God of truth and ho- liness has taught us. The servant of the Lord, says the apostle, jnust not strive, but must be gentle towards all men, in meek- ness instructirig those that oppose themselves, if peradventure God will give them repentance f. We must be cautious lest the old serpent find out a way of brooding over our hearts, and diffuse his venom there, Avhile we mistake the fermentation it occasions to be only a warmth of zeal for Christ, and so do the work of his enemy in his name. I cannot, for my part, appre- hend satire to be an ordinance of Christ ; at least I believe, he will be more ready to excuse those wlio have erred on the tender, than on the severe extreme. The knowledge I have had of your natural disposition, prevents my enlarging on this head, which, with regard to you alone, it might not here have been material to mention : nevertheless it is a sin that easily besets young divines, who, as I suppose, with their wits
* I Tim. vi. 17—19. f 2 Tim. ii. 24, 25.
Directions for Ministerial Conduct. 207
and passions warm about them, have bad the chief hand ia brin-ring theological fury into a proverb. As for you, Sir, what- ever personal ill usage you may meet with in life. Be not overcome with evil^ but overcome evil with good*, and trust in him who Jias given you the command, to bear you harmless v'liile you arc careful to observe it. Goodness will, on the whole, not only be fafe, but victorious ; and the wisdom of this and all the other rules of our great master, will be de- monstrated, not so much by debate, as by experience. Go on, therefore, my dear friend and brother, not only in this respect, but in all others, to conduct your spirit by these, and you will find them your ornament and defence. The sa- tisfaction of a well-governed, and of an acceptable and suc- cessful ministry, will infinitely over-balance all the pains you can take with your spirit, to keep it in such a temper. God will approve the effect of his Holy Spirit's agency on your heart ; and when I have said you will be the object of his approbation and delight, it is little to say the happy fruits of this care, which will appear in the sight of your fellow- creatures, will entitle you to their veneration and affection, and gain a degree of both, Avhicli neither the exalted sta- tions, the most flourishing circumstances, or the most exten- sive geniiiK and learning, could possibly secure in the neglect of these things. And as there is no room to doubt but di- vine grace will bless your labours, while conducted on such principles, you will be continually laying up in store new treasures, to be posses<;od in the celestial world, among mul- titudes whom God will make you an instrument of bringing into the way to it, or of conducting in those peaceful and blissful paths'.
I conclude with exhorting you, my friends of t]^is con- gregation, to continue your affectionate regards to my dear brother, who has now commenced a more intimate relation to you than before, and is become your pastor. Never give him reason to repent that he is so, and that he has pre- ferred you to other congregations, who would gladly have engaged his settlement among them. Encourage his valua- ble labours by your constant attendance, and by your friendly care for his support : above all, endeavour to improve in re- ligion by his means. I am well satisfied that he Seeks not yours but you t, and will think he Lives indeed, if yon stand
♦Rom, xii. 21. t 2 Cor. xii. !*♦
c c r
20S ORDINATION OF MR. JENNINGS. SeR. II.
fast in the Lord*. You will not, I persuade myself, grieve him by any personal unkindness ; God grant that none of you may distress his soul, by undoing your own ! God grant that none of you may send him back to his great master with lamentation, on account of your refusing to accept of that message of pardon and life he brings ! I do indeed hope Bet- ter things of you^ and things that accoinpany salvation -f ; and conclude with my hearty prayer, that he may rejoice in every soul of you in the day of the Lord, That he has 7iot run in vain, nor laboured in vai7iX. Amen.
* 1 Thess. iii. 8, f Heb. vi. 9. J Phih U. 16^
Ministerial CongraiulationSy Admonitions, S(c. 20'J
SERMON III.
A CHARGE
Pelkered at Nuriiich, on June 20, 1745, at the Ordinal! vn of the Rev. Mr. Abraham Tuzcr.
MY DEAR BROTHER,
W HEN I consider the rational and edifying manner, in which tlie solemnities of ordination-days amongst us are adjusted and conducted, and recollect what I hope 1 may justly' call the various and delightful tokens of the divine presence in our assemblies on such occasions, I cannot but esteem it my happiness to have been an attendant on so many of them. My memory goes back with joy to many former years, in each of which providence has given me, in one part of our country or another, to see young ministers, who have a Good report of all fnen, and of the truth itself* , after having approved tliemselves to christian societies, generally by some considerable series of probationary labours, unanimously chosen by the respective churches, and invited to the pastoral office over them Avitliout one dissenting voice. With delight have I heard their faithful and affectionate testimony to the great truths of the gospel, injudicious summaries of the chris- tian religion, drawn up by them in such expressions as they freely chose, without the imposition of human forms; sum- maries, which, in tins connection, I must acknowledge to have been in the number of the most affecting and edilyinn- public discourses. If 1 have ever known the spirit of prayer ])oured forth, as in a kind of celestial torrent, to add at once dignity, sanctity, and transport to our assemblies, it has been on such occasions : And the exhortations of my brethren in their sermons and charges, have often been the means of humbling, of melting, and of animating my soul.
The present pleasure attending these sacred hours, the re- iig;ous improvement received from what has passed in them, the
*3John, ver. IC.
210 ORDINATION OF MR. TOZER. SeR III.
cheering prospect vhich they give relating to the church in future years, and even in generations yet to come, do all con- cur to demand my thankfulness, that I have so often on such seasons been called to Go with the vmliitude to the house of God^. But I will freely OAvn, the enjovment has often been abated by the obligation I have been under to officiate, not only in some public work, but especially in the part which is now devolved upon me. Nor should I, after having delivered so many charges, as well as opened my heart so fully to you, dear Sir, in a more private manner, on almost every subject relating to the ministry, know hoAv to set myself witli any spirit to what must be in a great measure a repetition of former things ; if I did not recollect, that what is immediately addressed to one's self, in the midst of such peculiar solemnities, may have some singular weight, beyond what the same thing would have in a more private address, or if thus publicly offered to another per- son. And therefore I persuade myself, you will hear me Avith all attention and regard, while I give a little vent to the fulness of my heart, in such fraternal congratulations, admonitions and encouragements, as may suit the present occasion, and may, by the divine blessing, be of some service to you, and my other be- loved and honoured brethren, who are sharing in the honours, the labours, and the burdens of this evangelical ministry, to the full exercise of which you have now been solemnly called and set apart.
I. Let me most cordially and affectionately congratulate you, my dear brother, that you have now been thus publicly called and devoted to the ministerial and pastoral office.
Paul esteemed it matter of most joyful reflection, when he said, I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, that he hath counted ms faithful, putting me into the yninisi^ryf. And I thank him from ray soul, as the great head of the church, that he is still raising a succession of those who are to bear it, and that you, dear Sir, are numbered among them. I most heartily congratulate you, on the honour, — the pleasure, — and the usefulness of that station of life, on which you now enter.
1 . I congratulate you on the honour of your office.
For with whatever contempt ignorant and profane men may treat it, it is highly honourable in its simplest forms ; and needs none of the external ornaments which men can hang about it, to render it so. If it be honourable, to be, though confessedly in a lower sense, than the title was applicable to the apostles; An
*P3»1. xlJi. 4- f ITim M3.
Ministerial Congratulations ^ Admonitions^ S(c. 2J 1
embassador of Christ, and a man of God, you have that honour. If it be honourable, to sustain the highest trust, that can, in ther methods of common providence, be reposed in mortal man, even to have The glorious gospel of the blessed God committed to our charge*, and to be made guardians of souls which are to exist for ever : If it be honourable, to bear an office which was sanc- tified by Christ, who himself bore it, and b;^ bearing it has digni- fied it for ever ; an office, which is mentioned in the sacred oracles, as the great gift of Christ to his church ; as the imme- diate, though not the ultimate end of the most visible and ex- traordinary effusion of his Spirit: For Wheji he ascended
up on high, and led captivity captive, he gave gifts unto men; and distributed the royal donative, giving first apostles, then prophets, then evangelists, then pastors and teachers ; that by it holy men might be perfectly fitted for the work of the ministry^ that so the body of Christ, that is, his whole church, might be
edified f, or built upX: llejoice, that your name is now,
as it w ere, inserted in the catalogue of these his servants, and re- flect frequently on the honour ; not to be exalted above mea- sure, but to be awakened and animated to a dignity and sanctity of behaviour correspondent to it,
2. Let me also congratulate you on the pleasures of that office, on which you are entered.
For pleasures mingle themselves amidst all its labours and difficulties, all its reproaches, and its persecutions ; yea, when duly executed, it is a series of pleasures. Pleasures will meet you in your secret retirements ; they will attend you here in the house of your God ; they will follow you to the house of your friends: They will crown all your days, and above all your sabbaths: And these, rational, pure, sublime pleasures, which the man may approve, the christian relish, and which, did angels dwell in human flesh, they surely would pursue.
Must it not necessarily be pleasant to a devout heart, and God forbid, that any other should here be in question! to give itself up in secret to the contemplation of divine things, to search the rich mines of scripture, to investigate the glorious m3-steries Avith which they are pregnant, and Which angels stoop down that they may look into^? to compare one part of the sacred oracles with another, that each may be illustrated by the comparison ? to discover, I will not say new doctrines of importance, for I
*lTim. i. 11. +F.pli. iv. 8, II, 12.
+ This version I Uiink the original words will bear; rrfa rov xalafurfxoi rut
§ 1 Pet. i, 12.
212 ORDINATION OF MR. TOZER. SeR. III.
persuade myself, God has not left his christian church to learn them in these last days, but new illustrations of the great and acknowledged truths of his gospel, new beauties in the arrange- ment and expressions of particular texts, new methods of touching the hearts of men, by truths already familiar to their ear ?
What can be more delightful also, than to rise up to lead the public devotions of a worshipping assembly ? to spread before the blessed God, in their name, and our owm, prayers and supplications, intercessions and thanksgivings ? to remind them of the divine mercy ? to proclaim among them the ever- lasting gospel; animated with a secret hope, (while meditating in private, w^hile speaking in the assembly,) that by the divine blessing, the knowledge and love of God in a Redeemer may be shed abroad on some ignorant and wretched soul, hitherto des- titute of it ; and in many other instances, that truly christian sentiments may be kept alive, in hearts that have already receiv- ed them, and be transmitted from the present to the next gene- ration.
Nor can any subjects of conversation administer a nobler delight in the houses of your friends, than those which -will na- turally fall before you, as a minister. For if religion add so much sweetness and endearment to friendship, when contracted between persons of the most private characters, it must much more do it in such instances ; where past ministerial services may be recollected, where the fruits of them may be made apparent, and the man of God more abundantly furnished for the future discharge of his office, in the most suitable and . therefore the most edifying manner. Which naturally leads me,
3. To congratulate you on that prospect of usefulness, which this happy day may open upon you.
It is true, that how well so ever we maybe furnished for the ministry, and how agreeable so ever we are placed in it, we must not hope, that our success will be universal : Hardly can we flatter ourselves, that it will be general. What are we BeU ter than our fathers ^? Or how comparable to our master? That we should never complain with them, and even with him, that we Labour in vain, and spend our strength for nought ■\? Yet we can ourselves witness, from what we have seen, and from what we have felt, the blessing that hath attended the ministry of others. 7\nd I trust, that even those of us, who are least advanced in life, least experienced in the work, have al-
- * 1 Kings xix. 4. f Is. xlix. 4.
Jlinisterial Congratulations y Admonitions, Kc. 213
ready been favoured with some seals of our ministry, some who are as letters of recommendation^ written as it Avere by the hand of Christ himself^; and that you, sir, will be thus honoured- Oh that it might be abundantly ! Ves, I trust, God will give you to convert many. And if it were but one, who can express the happiness of saving one soul from death, of conducting one immortal crcatui'e to life and glory everlasting ?
You will also, I doubt not, edify many by every public prayer you offer, and by every sermon you preach. Your words, proceeding from your own heart, will reach the hearts of others, and rekindle the languishing flame of devotion. Every virtue, and every grace will, 1 hope, flourish under your culti- vation ; while you strengthen, with renewed exhortations, every good resolution already formed : And the rising generation, growing up under your care, in concurrence with that ot pious parents whom you animate to the important charge of their education, will, by insensible degrees, be furnished with tlje knowledge of religion, and brought, not only to the speculation, but to the sentiments and practice of it. So that while others have, it may be, their bags, their houses, their furniture, and their fields, to shew as the effect of their labours ; you will have captives of satan, rescued from his tyranny, adopted into the family of God, and honoured with the privileges of his chil- dren, crouding his courts, and surrounding his table, as the in- finitely more valuable fruits of yours. You will see the cha- racter of christians brightening from sabbath to sabbath, under your evangelical and practical instructions ; their blemishes wearing out, and their graces contracting (as by exercise they ■will contract) more strength and more beauty continually.
God will also undoubtedly give you, to wipe the weeping eye, to chear the mourning heart ; to be his instrument in taking oflT the burthen from tender depressed spirits ; in which num- ber you will sometimes find those, who may, (if any in the world may,) be justly called The excellent of the earth f. Christ, the great Lord of the church, will in many instances make you (as it were) the ahnoner of his bounty, and messenger of his love ; while he is giving to them that vioiam in Zion, beauty for ashes, and sending them the garments of praise in exchangeyb?' the- spirit of heaviness X. Your kind olfices, and the happy effects of them, will attend your friends, not only in all the darkest hours of preceding affliction, but even on their dying beds.
♦ 2 Cor. iii, 1,3. f Ps. xvi. 3. J Is. Ixi, 3,
VOL. III. Dd
214 ORDINATION OF MR. TOZER. SeR. IIT.
There will you animate their faith ; there will )-ou be a helper of their joy * ; and furnish the hand of the departing pilgrim, ■with the promises of God, as a sure staff, to support him in his way through all the gloomy horrors of the last valley, by which he must pass to the new Jerusalem.
By such traces of usefulness will 3'ou mark, as it were, the several years, and months, and days of life ; while the passage of so many others through it is like that of an arrow through the trackless air : Till at length you die with a pleasing con- sciousness, that you have not lived in vain, and rise to rewards never to be described by mortal voice, never to be conceived by the human heart, and of which I must not say any thing more now, as I am briefly to touch upon them in the conclud- ing part of my discourse.
Now while you have these things in view, do you not, my brother, congratulate yourself upon this happy occasion ? lam persuaded, you do. I am persuaded, that your heart is even now bowing itself in secret thankfulness before God, that he hath honoured you with capacities for this Avork : that he hath furnished you with the means of a proper education for it ; and that his providence has at length called you out to it. Nor can your gratitude forget his distinguished goodness in settling you Avith so generous, so affectionate, and so pious a people, and now in the bonds of joint-pastorship with that faithful and venerable servant of Christ w^ith whom you share the office f . You will, I doubt not, Serve with him, as a son with a Father, in the gospel of Christ %- Nor can the w^armest friendship form a greater wish for you, than that you may learn by the daily opportunities of conversing Avith him, to im- prove more and more in that rich variety of christian and ministerial graces, Avhich have for a long series of years ren- dered his name so honourable in our churches, and his flock so peculiarly happy. Oh that I could also congratulate you, and them, on returning and continued opportunities of learn- ing, as formerly, by his public labours ? In the mean time, permit me with these cordial congratulations to intermingle,
II. Some faithful admonitions, relating to the labours, — the difficulties, — the oppositions, attending the station of life on Avhich you are entered, — and the solemn account in Avhich it is to terminate.
Of these indeed you have just noAv been reminded by my dear and honoured brother, in so judicious, and in so
* 2 Cor. i. 24. f Tlie Rev. Mr. Thomas Scott, % Phil. ii. 22.
Ministerial Congratulations, Admonit,ions, S(c. 215
pathetical a manner, that it is tlio less necessary for me to en- large upon them, Yet were they to be wlioily omitted by me in this discourse, it could hardly be called a charge ; and I fear, it is a subject, on which we all need Line upon line, and precept upon precept. Let me therefore solemnly, though briefly, remind yon,
1. Of the labours, that attend this situation of life. These indeed are such, as will demand an almost uninter- rupted attention of mind, and vigour of diligence. Labours
await you at home, and abroad : Labours on your own days,
and on the sabbath ; a day of rest to others, but to you of the
most strenuous, though most delightful service : Labours in
the stud}' ; that knowledge may be increased ; that provision may be made for public ministrations, with solidity, with
perspicuity, with propriety, with energy, with tenderness : <
Labours in the pulpit ; that public devotions may be suitably and fervently poured out before God ; and sermons so deli- vered, as, if possible, to command the attention of the auditory, and to communicate, in a natural and effectual manner, those good affections to others, which you feel in 3'our own breast. — Not to mention the labours to be gone through in visiting your friends, and in the exercise of that prudent personal and do- mestic inspection, which you must necessarily attend to, if you vould approve yourself a skilful, yea, I will add, if you would approve yourself a faithful shepherd. — What a combination on the whole ! Labours of the head, labours of the voice ; but oh, above all, labours of the heart ! For this is indeed the labour : To fix on our own inconstant spirits a becoming habitual sense of God ; to feel always in our own breast those pious affections, uhich it is our business to endeavour to raise in others ; in a word, to keep the sacred flame of love to God, to Christ, and to the souls of men, ever burning, yea ever glowing, with an in- tenseness of heat proportionable to the number and nature of those sacrifices, which are daily, which are hourly to be pre- sented ! Help, Lord, or it will soon be extinguished ! Feed
it continually by thy celestial stream ; or Who is sufficient for these things * / — You will surely say so, when you consider,
2. The diflficulties attending your work, of which I am next to admonish you.
But here, as indeed under the former head, your own ex- perience must already have done it in the most convincing man-
* 2 Cor. ii. 16.
Dd 2
216. ORDINATION OF MR. TOZER. SeR. ItX,
Tici'. You find the ministry, a work that requires not only pa-, tient industry, but wise conduct and happy address. Difficul- ties meet us in tlie closet, even when our own minds are compe- tently iurnished with divine knowledge, so as to adjust the com- position of our discourses, as that the understanding of our hearers may be enlightened, their conscience convinced, and their affections impressed ; that the ignorant may be instructed, tliat the careless may be awakened, that the hypocrite may be detected, that the mourner may be comforted, the dejected re- vived, the backslider restored, the confirmed christian yet more established ; in a word, that every one may have his Portion of meat in due season *, and every one, so far as may be, accord- ing to his own taste too ; at least, that what we say, while it is intelligible to the meanest, may not be justly contemptible to the more refined, but that things and Words may be sought out so far as faithfulness will permit, acceptable to both f. And how hard is it, to unite all these views, especially amidst such a diversity of sentiments, as well as circumstances ! And this, not only where those are in question, who have apparently Made shipwreck of faith and a good conscience %, and whom in some respects it might be infamy to please ; but even where, among the best of men, different apprehensions of things, con- scientiouslv received and retained, will lead one to disrelish what another most wishes to hear, and possibly in some in- stances, one to censure even because another applauds.
It may on all these accounts, and many others, be difficult to instructj and it will be still more difficult to reprove. Gene- ral hints given in public will by guilty consciences be inter- preted as personal reflections, and perhaps aggravated into open abuse, and occasions of declared enmity : And private applications will be evaded, discouraged, and very probably resented. The corruptions of the heart will rise against the most friendly efforts of cure ; and those wounds which most absolutely require a deep search, will be least patient even under the gentlest touch. Your solicitude to please God will, in many instances, displease men. Your heart will be grieved by many unsuccessful labours. And to close the melancholy scene, you will probably see some, of whom you had very agreeable hopes, falling away from all regard to serious reli- gion ; and perhaps may find yourself obliged, though with a reluctant heart, to bear your part, in separating some from your communion, whom you gathered into it with the greatest
* Luke xii. 4.2. f Eccl. xii. 10. J 1 Tim. i. 19.
Ministerial Cojigrat illations, Admonitions, Kc. G}*?
joy, and in whom you blessed yourself as the seals of your ministry.
These are difficulties, which may arise from within ; and besides these, the prejudices of the world will lie strongly against you from without. Many eyes will be upon you, to observe your conduct. By some your slips will be magnified into crimes ; and if you walk so cautiously, though who can promise himself that he shall, as to escape any just blame, malice will create occasions of censure, perhaps in some instances even from your solicitude to avoid it. Your zeal will be called bigotry, - and your candor hypocrisy ; your humility affectation ; and your activity will be imputed, either to a high opinion of your own abilities, or to a vain desire of outshininfr others, or to alow pursuit of popularity from arrogant or interested principles. Such treatment have the best of men found ; and such must you expect, unless Satan lose his influence over the world by much swifter degrees, than we have any Avarrant to hope that he will. But this naturally leads me to warn you,
3. Of the oppositions, which you may meet with in your ministry.
These may indeed, in different circumstances, be more or less extreme : But something of this kind is at all events to be expected ; and it will be our wisdom to provide against the worst. Gird up therefore the loins of your mind*. Remember, that you are Putting on your harness f ; and God only knows, to what combats you may be called.
We have long enjoyed halcyon days, through the favour of providence, and the equity of our civil governors ; to whom I hope, we are grateful for it, as we ought. But he that rules in the heavens can only say, how soon clouds may gather, and how soon tempests of thunder and lightning may burst upon u?. Sometimes, you know, a storm arises on a sudden, and the deadness of the preceding calm increases both its terror and its strength. So sinful a people as we must confess our- selves to be, can never have reason to wonder, at an}' public and national calamity, which may break in upon us in a moment. But should circumstances more gradually change, You, Sir, and our younger brethren, niay live to see an Enemy in the sanc- tuary of the LordX; may live to see our religious liberties trampled under foot, and with them undoubtedly our civil, for they are twins that will live and die together. You may per- haps be called to resist unto bloody, to glorify God in the flames,
*iPet. i. 13- flKinjsxx.il. J Ps. Ixxiv. ?. §IItb. xii.4.
213 ORDINATION OF MR. TOZER. SeR. Ill,
and to teach your flock christian courage and fidelity, not by words, but by martyrdom. Such things. you may suffer, as a protestant, as a christian.
And more peaceful times have tlieir trials too, though per- haps not equally severe. I do indeed hope, that mutual love is groAving, among the various denominations of christians, and particularly between us, and our brethren of the establishment. And may the blessings of the God of peace rest on the men who cultivate it, on both sides ! — But we cannot hope to see the time, Avhen all shall be so moderate and so equitable, as not to think and judge with some severity of those, whose conscience obliges them, though in the modestest manner, to maintain different forms of Avorship and discipline, even Avhere the great articles of faith are the same.— And a different judgment relat- ing to the articles of faith may draA\' down yet severer censures and opposition, from those whose judgment in Avorship and dis- cipline agrees ever so Avell. — And 1 must faithfully Avarn you, Sir, that if 5'ou go on to assert, as I hope you ahvays will, those great doctrines of the gospel to AA'hich j'ou have noAv borne a public testimony, I particularly mean the Deity and atonement of Christ, the ruin of our nature by the original apostacy, and our restoration by the agency of the blessed spirit ; you are not to imagine, that any moderation of temper, or any other perso- nal virtue, or all your zeal for the service of the common cause of christians, protestants, or dissenters, Avill atone for what some AAall imagine so great a crime ; or shelter you from the affected contempt, and severe reproaches of some angry people, Avho amidst all their professions of the most unbounded charity Avill think yours an excepted case, or Avill rather chuse to be injurious to you than consistent Avith themselves. — But It is after all avery small matter^ to be judged of man^s judgment : He that judgeth us is the Lord *; And that is the most solemn thought of all, concerning Avhicb I am lastly to admonish you, even
4. The aAvful account, Avhich you are shortly to give up to him, from Avhom you have received your ministry.
We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ f •; And if he account with the meanest of his servants, Ave may as- sure ourselves, he will do it Avith his stCAvards. And let us remember, that Avlien the books are opened, it Avill not only be found upon record there, " that such a congregation Avas at such a time committed to this, or that minister j" but a particu-
* 1 Cor. iv. 3, 4. f Q Cor. v, 10.
2
Ministerial Congratulations ^ Admonitionsy Kc. 'l 19
lax register will in effect be produced of every soul consigned to our care : So many heads of families, together with such chil- dren, and such servants." And then our conduct will be re- viewed, and examination made, " how far we have answered our trust." Should it be found, that we have neglected and abused it, the displea^^ure of our great Lord and master will rise in proportion to its importance, and to tlie opportunities we have had of doing good in it. Opportunities, which though we may not perhaps so thoroughly examine, as to con- ceive of their full extent, he most circumstantially knows. And surelv, if it be then found, as it undoubtedly will, a fatal thing to have betrayed the bodies, or the estates of men, when com- mitted to our care ; much more will it be so, to have betrayed, and by betraying to have destroyed, so far as in us lay, immortal souls. This is a matter of such weight, that when we seriously think of it, and compare it with those criminal neglects, which conscience will charge even on the best of us, there is just reason for us with one voice to cry out. Enter not into judgment with thy ^ei-vant-:, 0 Lord ; jor in thy sight can none of us bejusti- Jied *. And when you, my brother, think of it, in sucij a mo- ment as this you may find your heart ready to fail ; and even may be tempted to draw back, and say. Who shall stand to viijiister before this holy Lord Godf? Lest he break forth upon uSy and we die |. But 1 would not leave you under the distress of such a view, and therefore conclude,
III. With a few hints addressed to you by way of en- couragement, to animate 3'ou to go forth with courage and cheer- fulness, notAvithstanding these awful views which I have been giving you of your office.
And, through the goodness of our divine Master, I have man)^ considerations of great importance to urge here. As,
1 . That you have an unerring rule in the word of God, from whence your instructions, admonitions, and directions, are to be drawn.
You well know, that Scripture was given for this end, that the man of (lod, that is, tlie christian minister, viight beperfect- edy thoroughly furnished to every good work §, various as the pood works of his office are. The best of human writings have their defects, and their blemishes: But in this respect, as well as others, it is true, that As for Gody his way is peifect, and the word of the Lord is tried^. When we read the most excellent moral and religious writings of the heathens, we find a great deal
* Psal. cxliii. 2. flSam. vi. 20, J Exod. xix. Ci. §2Tim. iii. 16, 17. 11 Psal. xviii. 30.
1220 ORDINATION OF MR. TOZER. SeR. III.
of error and superstition, which mingles compassion with our admiration. When we read the merely human writings of the most celebrated ancient and modern divines, there is much to exercise our caution, and our candor. As for any new theolo- gical hypothesis, we generally find, on a more accurate exami- nation, the proofs of its falsehood, proportionable to the confi- dence M'ith which it is advanced, and the importance to which, it pretends. And where men Avrite with the greatest caution and modest}', though such generally err the least, yet there is something defective, or something redundant ; something un- guarded, or something overstrained: So that, though they may be useful companions in our journey, we dare not commit our- selves to any one of them as our guide ; and they often differ so much among themselves, as to encrease our perplexity, and in- deed to give us painful apprehensions as to our safety, or theirs; did we not recollect, that various paths, after having divided a while, may so run into each other, as to lead to the same place, though some may be more direct than others. But of scripture it may be said, as of its great original, that in it There is per- fect light, and no darkness at all '^. Oh how happy are you, that have in so small a bulk, the oracles of eternal truth, and par- ticularly the volume of the New Testament, which may so easily be carried about with you, to entertain you abroad, as well as at home ; to talk with you, Whe7i you lie down, and when yot^ rise upf; to be the Man of your counsel X when you are pre- paring to instruct your flock in public, and more privately to guide and advise them in the most intricate circumstances ! This is like the pillar of fire, to direct your way amidst the darkest night ; and like the pillar of cloud, to refresh your soul amidst the most painful labours and most scorching heats. Let it be followed faithfully ; and you, and that part of the Israel of God over which you preside, will be happily conducted, through all the windings, through all the fatigues of the wilderness, till your feet and theirs stand upon Mount Zion. Consult it, my dear brother, and reverence it as you ought ; and you will be safe, not only under the shelter and guard of aged wisdom, but in every change that can be apprehended or imagined.
2. You have also for your encouragement the daily prayers of many, whom you have reason to think not destitute of an interest at the throne they address.
You have your share, I trust, in all the prayers, which are daily put up by the church, under its various forms, for
* } John I 5. t Deut. vi. 7, J Ps^l. cxix. 24o
Ministerial Congratulations^ Admotiitions, S(c. 221
all tlic faithful iDinisters of Christ : But you may assure your- self, that you are more particularly and distinctly remembered, by your christian friends to whom you arc related in ministerial bonds. You need that remembrance ; and they consider that you need it. In their families, in their closets, they see not a day, in which they do not supplicate earnestly for the blessing of God on your person, your studies, and your labours. When 30U come to them in the house of God, you may consider yourself, if you will pardon the expression, as raised on the wing of their prayers ; and may hope to experience, in answer to them, some new unction from above. How great an encou- ragement, amidst the daily consciousness of our own unworthi- iiess ! whether we consider it, as testifying their love, and so securing in a great measure their candor to us ; or as effectual to obtain those fresh supplies of divine assistance, which they have sought. Nor can I conclude this head without saying, that it is happy, when the minister, amidst all his various cares, is as constant, as earnest, and as affectionate, in prayino- for the whole people committed to his care, as many a pious, and it may be, obscure christian in each of our assemblies is, in striv- ing with God for a blessing on his minister.
3. You may also expect the countenance, esteem and friendship, of all good men tliat thoroughly know you.
I put in this limitation, because the misrepresentations of character which ignorance and malice may draw, often alie- nate the minds of very deserving people from each other • so that they turn away with some distaste from they know not whom, or what. But where a valuable character is known, (and that of a faithful minister will always be such), it must command esteem and affection ; and prejudices which had been conceived against it, will melt away before the radianc\' of it, like snow before the sun. Be diligent and reolute in the execution of your office, and you will find favour, and o-ood acceptance, in the eyes of God, and of worthy men ; and per- haps, should your reputation be aspersed by the ignorant and the malicious, you may find that providence will exert itself to Bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your honour, as well as your salvation, as a lamp that burneth*. You will be sure of a peculiar share in the affection and veneration of the flock over which you preside. They will look upon you, as the gift of God to the society : They will consider you, as, in some measure, the representative of our Lord Jesus Christ
♦ Is. ixii. 1. VOL. III. £ e
-22 ORDINATION OF MR. TOZER. SeR. III.
lumscli ; of Avhom every fiiitliful minister is indeed a living iinage. They will thereiore Esteem you very highly in love for your work's sake *, The maintenance they give yon, will b(i cheerfully offered, in proportion to their respective abilities, as the tribute of gratitude, and the pledge of endearment. Your afflictions will be the common grief, and your prosperity their joy ; and each of them will look upon himself as obliged in duty to approve himself, the guardian of your character, and of your peace. Their hearts, as well as their houses, will be open to you ; their countenances will tell you, better than any words can do it, how welcome you are to them ; and every proper token of respect will be cordial, in proportion to the degree in which it is unconstrained. And Avhere this is the case, you will have no cause to envy any dignities or revenues, which mere power may command, but which no superior splendor and abundance can render equally sweet. Above all must it encourage you, to rellect,
4. That you have the promise of your master's presence, and may trust in him for the communication of his Spirit,
He hath told his ministers, lie will be with them always, even unto the end of the world f: And 5'ou may rest on the veracity of a M^ord, that shall continue, though heaven and earth shall pass away j. Christ will meet you ; Christ will strengthen 30U. He will feed and cheer your soul ; that you may be enabled to feed and to cheer those that he has committed to your care. It is not a mere empty sound : Your brethren, and your fathers, among whom you stand this day, can from theiv own experience attest the truth of the promise. He has sof- tened our fatifjues : He has sweetened our afflictions : and carried us with songs in our mouths through scenes, at the very distant prospect of which we should have trembled. Having obtained help from Him, 70e continue even to this day ^, the living, the cheerful witnesses of his power, his goodness, and his faithfulness, Thou therefore^ wij/ so7i, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus \\. And remember,
5. That in consequence of this, you may expect such con- siderable improvements in personal religion, as shall be a rich equivalent for all 3'our labours, and for all you can resign for the ministry, or suffer in it.
It must be nourishing to the soul, if it be spiritually alive, to be so continually conversant with spiritual and divine things. "V our meditations, your prayers, and your public discourses, your private converses on rehgious subjects and occasions, toge-
* 1 Thess. V. 13. f Mat. xxviii, 20. * Luke xvi. 17, § Acts xxvi. 22. || '2 Tim. ii. 1.
Minisi''rial Congratulations y Admonitions, &^c. 223
tlioi- Avith the administration of both the sacraincuts, will all havi- a great tondcncy, under a divine blessing;, to make «>o()d impres- sions on your own heart, and to advance yon in a holy anil tie- vout temper. While you arc thus daily Watering others, you unll be "Watered yourself*: as I doubt not but you will remem- ber, that while ^'ou Teach others, you teach yourself alsof. While the daily cares of others in their secular callings, have an apparent tendency to divert their minds from God, yours will tend directly to him, and give you advantages, beyond what tan easily be imagined, for being Continually with him \: Such ad- vantages indeed, that, were the nature, and the value of them sufficiently known, men would be ready to contend for the mi- nistry, as for a sacred prize. They -would esteem it among the greatest privileges of a plentiful estate, that it might give them opportunities of being educated for it, and of being independent in it ; while that independency wasconsidered as some additional security for their fidelity. And the zeal, with which persons of the liigliest rank among us would then press forward to this work, Avould bring us into a necessity of directing into some other channel that provision, which the wise- charity of some public benefactors, tlie living and the dead, has made for the support of poor students for the ministry: A charity, which in the. low ebb to which religion is fallen amongst us, may almost, under God, be called the hope of our churches, even for the very next generation. Especially would the richest and greatest estecMii it thc.r honour and their happiness, did they consider what I am in the last place to mention to you, my dear brother, viz.
6. The glorious expectation and hope, which closes the whole prospect.
What if every other hope, but that of religious improve- ment, were in a moment to vanish? What if nctliing should re- main, between this and the grave, but the view of labours, of reproaches, of tribulations, of persecutions? What if you were to conHict, through the whole of your course, with the malice of enemies, the coldness and ingratitude of friends, the incorrigi- ble obstinacy of sinners, the perverscness and imperfections of those, whom, if any are such, wc must hope to be christians ? Here is enough to balance all. Death is approaching: Death, that stripped Aaron of his garments and of his burdens together, and ended all his painful jiilgrimage. Be faithful unto death, says our divine INIaster, and I will give thee a crown of life ^,
*Prov. xi. 23. f Rom. li. Jl. + Psal. Ixxiii. "I^. § Rev. ii. 10.
!•; e 2
224 ORDINATION OF MR. TOZER. SeR. III.
Oh think every day, of the extasy with which you shall receive that crown, and of the high everlasting exultation with which you shall wear it. Think of the joy, with which, after a life of persevering fidelity to him, your separate spirit shall ascend into his presence, e'er yet this body, the instrument of his ser- vice, shall be laid in the grave. Think of the congratulations, with which your venerable predecessors, your eminently pious parents, and those of your flock who have fled upwards before you, will then meet you, and hail your arrival. And think, how Jesus will, by one smile and embrace, overpay all the labours and sufferings of a long protracted life. Think of the compla- cency and delight, with which you will look down on the field w^hich you have cultivated, and on the growing harvest you have left behind; w-hile perhaps some of the blessed fruits of your labours may be running on from age to age, so as to be the means ©f propagating Christianity to the last rounds of time. And Oh think, above all, of the great day of the Lordy When the chief Shepherd shall appear, that he may confer on you, and on all those who have faithfully discharged their ministr}^, a ci^own of glory that fadeth not away ^'. Then, when every christian of the lowest station and character shall receive his proper share of honour and reward, what may you expect, if you faithfully im- prove your ten talents ; when those of your people whom 3'Ou have converted or edified, appear with you as your Joy and your crown in the presence of the Lordf, and are honoured with the public applause and remunerations of the eternal and universal Judge in the face of the whole assembled world ? All the pagean- try of human greatness passes away like a dream ; The su7i shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into bloodX-' But human souls are durable and immortal; and they that have turned many of them to righteousness, shall have, in each, an everlasting ornament, and decked with a new lustre from each, Shall shine as the stars for ever and ever^.
May that God whom we serve, through the riches of his grace, give us all a portion in the triumph of that day ! And may he add to all the joy, which the most unworthy of his servants is humbly bold to expect in it, that of seeing you, my dear bro- ther, giving up an account of a faithful and happily successful ministry ! To encourage and assist you in the discharge of which, may these plain hints conduce, through the blessing of him, who knows how, from the least and most inconsiderable seeds, to call up a rich and plentiful harvest! Amen.
* 1 Pet. V, 4. f 1 Thess. ii. 19. % ^^ts ii. 20. § Dan. xii. 3,
AN APPENDIX,
Relating to the usual Methods of Ordination among the Protestant Dissenters.
As in tlie beginning of the charge I have touched upon the decent solem- nities attending the methods of ordination generally used among the protes- tant dissenters, it may not be improper to give a brief account of them ; es|)ccially as 1 have been earnestly desired to do it, by a pious and learned clergyman of the established church ; who apprehends, it may obviate some mistakes, and promote that mutual candor among christians of different deno- mination?:, which both of us concur to v.ish, and labour to promote, 'lliere is indeed a little variety in the usages of dilTerent places ; but that which I have generally seen, does, I believe prevail in most of our churches, with the exception, and sometimes no more than the transposition, of a few circum- stances.
It very rarely happens, that a minister among us is admitted to the pastoral office, till he hath spent some years, as a kind of candidate for it ; and, so far as I can recollect, more undertake it after, than before their twenty- sixth year is completed. But as our theological students generally employ either four or five years in preparatory studies after they have quitted the grammar-schools, so they are examined by three or four elder ministers before they begin to preach*. A strict enquiry is made into their character, and into their furniture ; both with respect to the learned languages, especi- ally the sacred, and also as to the various parts of natural and moral philoso- phy ; but above all, into their acquaintance with divinity ; and some speci- men of their abilities, for prayer and preaching, is generally expected.
An unordained minister is seldom chosen to the pastoral office in any of our churches, for in the members of each of these societies the whole right of election lies, till he has resided among them some months, or perhaps some years ; preaching statedly to them, and performing most other ministerial offices, excepting the administration of the sacraments.
When the society, which generally proceeds with entire unanimity in this great affair, has received what it judges competent satisfaction, the seve- ral members of it join in giving him a solemn and express call to take upon him the pasloial inspection over them. And if he be disposed to accept it, he generally signifies that intention to neighbouring pastors ; whose concur- rence he desires in solemnly setting him apart to that office.
Previous to tiie assembly for tiiis sacred purpose, his credentials and testimonials are produced, if it be required by any who are to be concern- ed ; and satisfaction as to his principles is also given to those who are to carry on the public work, generally by his communicating to them the con- fession of his faith which he has drawn up ; in which it is expected, that the great doctrines of Christianity should be touched upon in a proper order, and
* Sec the <lcdic.-itioii to my sermons on tlie Evil and Dan-cr of nc^'lectinir Men's Souls, &c. §.10.
3
226 AN APPENDIX.
his persuasion of them plainly and seriously expressed, in such words as lie judges most convenient. And we generally think this a proper and happy medium, between the indolence of acquiescing in a general declaration of believing the christian religion, without declaring what it is apprehended to be, and the severity of demanding a subscription to any set of articles, where if an honest man, who believes all the rest, scruples any one article, phrase, or word, he is as eflectually excluded, as if he rejected the whole.
The pastors, who are to bear their part in the public work, having been thus in their consciences satisfied, that the person offering himself to ordina- tion is duly qualified for the christian ministry, and regularly called to the lull exercise of it ; they proceed, at the appointed time and place, to conse- crate him to it, and to recommend him to the grace and blessing of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Head of the church, by fasting and prayer, generally accompanied with the imposition of hands ; and the public work of the day is usually, so far as I have been witness, carried on in the following order, or something very near it.
It commonly opens with a short prayer, and the reading some select portions of scripture which seem most proper to the occasion : Then a prayer is offered of greater length and compass than the formei, in which most of ourcommon concerns as christians are included ; which is sometimes, though less frequently, succeeded by another of the same kind. Then fol- lows a sermon, on some suitable subject, such as the institution, importance, difficulty, and excellency of the ministerial work, the character and conduct of the first ministers of the gospel, or the like.
After this introduction of a more general nature, another minister usually one of the eldest present, who is a kind of moderator for the day, gives the assembly a more particular account of the occasion of its being con- vened. The call of the church to the candidate is then recognized, either in Avord or writing, or by lifting up the hand ; and his acceptance is also de- clared. He is then desired, for the satisfaction and edification of the as- sembly, to pronounce the confession of faith, which bis brethren have already heard and approi^ed ; and pertinent questions are put to him, relating to tlie views and purposes with which he undertakes the solemn charge, that he may be brought under the most awful engagements to a suitable behaviour in it ; and an express renunciation of the errors and superstitions of tlie Eomish church generally makes a part of these answers, as well as a decla- ration of his resolution, by divine grace, never to forsake the ministry, what- ever inconveniences and sufferings it may draw after it.
This being dispatched, the presiding minister comes down from the pulpit, and prays over the person to be set apart. There is no particular form of prayer on this occasion, or on any other among us ; but I have ob- served, that the person who officiates is generally led in such a circumstance, to adore the divine wisdom and grace, in the constitution and revelation of the gospel, in the appointment of an evangelical ministry, and in sup- porting the succession of it throughout all ages of the christian church, as well as in vindicating it from popish corruption and bondage. Some notice is often taken of what may have seemed most remarkable in pro- vidence, with regard to the particular circumstances of the society then to be settled, and the person to be set apart to the ministerial office in it ; who is then solemnly offered up to the service of God, and recommended to his blessing, in all tlie several parts of his work, which are distinctly enume- rated. And this prayer seldom concludes without fervent intercession with God, for the christian church in ^ei^cra!; and all its faithful ministers of every
The usual Methods of Ordination. 227
denomination : And as those rising up to succct^d in the work are often mentioned liere, so I Iiave liad llie pleasure frequently to hear tiie universities of our island, as well as more private seminaries of learned and pious educa- tion, affectionately recommended to the divine protection and favour on sucli occasions, with all the genuine appearances of a truly christian and catholic spirit. When that part of this prayer begins, which immediately relates to the person then to be consecrated to the service of the sanctuary, it is usual for the speaker to lay his hand on his head ; and the other pastors conveniently within reach, frequently to the number of six, eight, or ten, lay on their hands also, at the same time: By which we do not pretend to con- vey any spiritual gifts, but only use it as a solemn, and expedient, though not absolutely necessary, designation of the person then to be set apart.
When this prayer is over, which often engages a very profound atten- tion, and seems to make a very deep impression both on nnnisters and people, the charge is given to the newly ordained pastor, who generally receives it standing, as much as may be, in the sight of the whole assembly : And an exhortation to the people is sometimes joined with the charge, or sometimes follows it as a distinct service, unless, which is frequently the case, it is superseded by the sermon, or some other previous address. Another prayer follows ; and singing having been intermingled, so as properly to diver- sify a service necessarily so long, the whole is concluded with a solemn bene- diction.
I kno.v no method of proceeding on such occasions, more rational, edifying, and scriptural than tliis : And 1 hoi)e, few, who believe any thing of Christianity, can be so ignorant or abandoned, as to make light of such solemnities But however any of our lellow-servants may judge, 1 have a calm, steady, and joyful assurance, that transactions like these are registered in heaven with approbation, and receive the sanction and blessing ot the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls.
Northampton, Sept. 1 8tk, 1 745.
POSTSCRIPT.
As the want of psalms or hymns, peculiarly suitable to these occasions, has often been regretted on our ordination-days, when we have generally beea confined to the 132d or 133d psalms, I was desired by several of my bre- thren to publish that which followed this charge ; and I accordingly do it without any further apology. The reader will easily perceive, it is a kind of devout paraphrase on EpL iv. 8. & seq. And it is one of some hundreds lying by me, on a variety of scripture-subjects.
A HYMN.
I.
Father of mercies, in thine house. Shine on our homage and our vows! While with a grateful heait we share These pledges of our Saviour's care.
IL
Blest Saviour! .when to heaven he rose In splendid triumph o'er his foes, "What royal gifts he scatter'd down ! How large, how permanent the boon !
III.
Hence sprung th' apostles honour'd name. Sacred, beyond heroic fame: Hence dictates the prophetic sage; And hence the evangehc page.
IV.
In lowlier forms, to bless our eyes. Pastors from hence and teachers rise ; Who, though with feebler rays they shine. Still gild a long extended line.
From Christ their varied gifts derive. And fed by Christ their graces live: While guarded by his potent hand, 'Midst ail the rage of hell they stand.
VI.
So shall the bright succession run Through the last courses of the sun; While unborn churches by their care Shall rise and flourish, fresh and fair.
VII.
Jesus our Lord their hearts shall know. The sjiring whence all these blessings flow: Pastors and people shout his praise Through the long round of endless duvs !
THE EVIL AND DANGER
OF
NEGLECTING THE SOULS OF MEN,
PLAINLY AND bERIOUsLY REPRESENTED:
A Sfrmon preached at a Meeting of ^finisters, at Kettering, in Northarnpiotisltiie^ October 15, IT-H.
TO
THE ASSOCIATED
PROTESTANT DLSSENTING MINLSTERS,
TN THE
COUNTIES OF NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK,
Pcuiicuhrbj those iiith ivhom the Author had an I/iterticiu at DenloJi^ June the 30ih, 1741.
GENTLEMEN, My Reverend Fatheis and Brethren, and much esteemed Friends,
J HE condescending respect, and endeared affection, with which vou were pleased to receive me, in my late visit to your parts, and the very great satis- Jaclion which 1 found in your company at Denton, and elsewhere, have left a very delightful memorial on my heart, and have impressed those unfeigned sentiments of gratitude and esteem, which it would be painful to suppress. Most gladly therefore do 1 take this method, in a few words, pubjiclv to avow them: and 1 sincerely congratulate the happy societies, respectively under your care, who statedly enjoy the benefit of those valuable labours, a little taste of which gave me an exquisite pleasure^ beyond what it is possible for me fully to express.
Nevertheless, desirous as I am of ereclingsomc little monument of thank- ful friendship, I should not have attempted it by inscribing this plain sermon to you ; unless the subject of it had been such, as peculiarly suited your peru- sal; and, if I may be permitted to say it, amidst all its imperfections, your patronage foo.
No doubt, many of you, gentlemen, remember, that after the public worship at Denton was over, ou that memorable day, which I shall ahvavs number among tlje most delightful of my whole life, you were j)lcased, to- ward the evening, to indulge me in the liberty of a private conference, in which 1 laid before you some hints of a scheme, which I was then forming for the revival of religion in our parts ; a scheme, which you were ))leased, in the general, to approve, and, in several particulars, to ripen, by your prudent an4 "valuable counsels.
VOL.111. Ff
230 DEDICATION.
Greatly encouraged by tlie sanction which your concurrence gave to the plan ; and also by that which it received from the approbation of some of the most eminent of t!ie London ministers, of different denominations, to whom I had an opportunity of communicating it on my return home; I pro- posed it in general to my reverend and vvortliy brethren in these parts, at a meeting of ministers; which was held here at Northampton, about the middle of August. Tiie proposals were, in the general, very well received; and it was agreed to take them into a more particular consideration in a conference, at our next assembly, to be held at Kettering, on Thursday, the 15th of October.
lo that conference. Gentlemen, the sermon with which I now present 3'ou, was introductory ; and the result of it was, that the heads of the scheme 1 had concerted with you at Denton, with a few other particulars wliich had not then occurred to my thoughts, were unanimously approved ; and we are taking proper measures for carrying them into execution. And, as this dis- course may fall into the hands of some, who may be curious to know what the particulars were; and as I bore them so frequently in my thoughts, through many passages of my sermon, I shall take the treedom here to give an account of them, though, I doubt not, but the most material of them are fresh in your memories.
It seemed most agreeable to the deference due to the reverend assembly, to propose the scheme in the form of queries; on which the following resolu- tions were formed, nemine contradicente.
I. That it may tend to the advancement of religion, that the ministers of this association, if they have not very lately done it, should agree to preach one Lord's day on family religion, and another on secret prayer; and that the time should be fixed, in humble hope that concurrent labours, connected with concurrent petitions to the throne of grace, might produce some happy effect.
II. That it is proper, that pastoral visiting should be more solemnly at- tended to; andthat greater care should be taken in personal inspection, than has generally been used. And that it may conduce to this good end, that each minister should take an exact survey of his flock, and note down tlie names of the heads of families, tlie cliildren, the servants, and other single persons in his anditorv, in order to keep proper memorandums concerning each; that lie may judge the better of the particulars of his duty with regard to every one, and may observe how his visits, exhortations, and admonitions, correspond to their respective cliaracters and circumstances,
III. That consequent on this survey, it will be proper as soon as possible, and henceforward at least once a year, to visit, if it be practicable, every head of a family under our ministerial care, with a solemn charge to attend to the business of religion, in their hearts, and houses, watching over their domestics in the fear of the Lord, we, at the same time, professing our readiness to give them all proper assistances for this purpose.
IV. That it will be highly expedient, immediately, or as soon as may be, to set up the work of catechising in one form or another, and to keep to it statedly for one half of the year at least : and that it is probable, future coun- sels may ripen some scheme for carrying on this work, in a manner which may tend greatly to the propagation of real, vital, catholic Christianity, in the rising generation.
V. That there is reason to apprehend, there are, in all our congrega- tions, some pious and valuable persons, who live in a culpable neglect of the Lord's supper; and tliat it is our duty, particularly to inform ourselves who
DEDICATION. 231
tliny arc, and to nuleavour, by our prayers to God, and our serious addresses to tliem, to iiitrodiRC Ihcni into communion; to wliicli, 1 (iiiestion not, we sliall all willingly add, cauticnisly guarding against any thing in tlie metliods of admission, which may justly discourage sincere cliristians of a tender and timorous temper.
\'I. 'lliat it is to be feared, there are some, in several of our communions at least, who behave in such a manner as to give just ollence ; and that we may be in great danger of making ourselves partakers of other men's sins, if \\e'<lo not animadvert upon them: and that if they will not reform, or if the crime be notorious, we ought, in duty to God, and to them, and to all around us, soknndy to cut tiiem off from our sacramental communion, as a reproach to tlie church of Christ.
\1I. Tliat it may, on many accounts, be proper to advise our people, to enter into little bands, or societies, for religious discourse and prayer; each couMstiug of six or eight, to meet for tliese good purposes once in a week, or a fortnight, as may best suit with their other engagements and affairs.
\'1I1. That it might be advisable, if it can be done, to select out of each congregation under our care, a small number of persons, remarkable for fxperienced prudence, seriousness, humility, and zeal, to act as a stated coun- cil for promoting religion in the said society: and that it w^ould be proper, they should have some certain times of meeting, witii each other, and with theniinister, to join their counsels, and their prayers for the public good.
IX. Tliat so far as we can judge, it might, by the divine blessing, con- duce to the advancement of tliese valuable ends, tliat neighbouring ministers, in one part of our land and another, especially in this country, should enter into associations, to strengthen the hands of each other by united consulta- tions and prayer: and that meetings of ministers might, by some obvious re- gulations, be made more extensively useful than tliey often are : in which view it was farther proposed, with unanimous approbation, that these meetings should be held at certain periodical times: Tliat each member of the as- sociation should endeavour, if possible, to be present, studying to order his
affairs so, as to guard against unnecessary hindrances: Tliat public wor-
sliip should begin and end sooner, than it commonly lias done on these occa- sions: That each pastor preach at these assemblies in his turn: That
the minister of the place determine who shall be employed in prayer:
That after a moderate repast, to be managed with as little trouble and expence as may be, an hour or two in the afternoon be spent in religious conference and prayer, and in taking into consideration, merely as a friendly council, and without the least pretence to any right of authoritative decision, the concerns of any brother, or any society, which may be brought before us for our ad-
■rice: And tinally, that every member of this association siiall consider it
as an additional obligation upon him, to endeavour to be, so far as he justly and honourably can, a friend and guardian to the reputation, comfort, and usefulness of all his brethrcMi in the christian ministry, near or remote, of whatever party and denomination.
X. 'Ihat it may be proper to enter into some farther measures, to regu- late the admission of young persons into the ministry. ^The particulars
here were referred to farther consideration: but, so far as I can judge, the
j)lan proposed will be pretty nearly this : That if any student, within the
compass of this association, desires to be admitted as a preacher, he apply to the ministers at one of their periodical meetings ; when, if they be iu the gene-
F f 2
232 DEDICATION.
ral satisfied, that he is a person of a fair character, in sacramental communion with a christian society, and one who has gone through a regular course of preparatory studies, they will appoint three of their number, to examine more particularly into his acquaintance with, and sense of the great doc- trines of Christianity, as delivered in the scripture, and into the progress he has made in literature, the views with which he professes to undertake the minis- try, and in general, his aptness to teach: in order to judging of which, it may be proper, that a theological thesis be exhibited in latin, and a popular sermon, composed by the candidate, be submitted to the perusal of the examiners: that if they in their consciences believe, he is fit to be employed in tiie christian ministry, they give him a certificate of that approbation, which he may be desired to produce at the next general meeting, that his testimonials may be signed by all the associated ministers present, and he solemnly recommended to God by prayer.
Thus, gentlemen, you have a view of the scheme, as it now lies before us, and as every article, except the last, not yet considered among us, was approved at Kettering, at the time above-mentioned, I will take leave to add one particular more, which has since occurred to my thoughts, and which I here submit to your consideration, and to that of my other reverend brethren, into whose hands this may fall, especially those of our own association.
XI. Qu. Whether something might not be done, in most of our con- gregations, towards assisting in the propagation of Christianity abroad, and Fpreading it in some of the darker parts of our own land ? In pursuance of ■which it is further proposed, that we endeavour to engage as many pious people of our respective congregations as we can, to enter themselves into a society, in which tiie members mayjengage themselves to some peculiar cares, assemblies, and contributions, with a regard to this great end. I will not swell this dedication with the particulars of that scheme, which lias been formed to this purpose ; but rather chuse to insert at the bottom of the page a copy of such an association, which I am endeavouring to introduce among my own people, and which several have already signed. It is a feeble ♦jssay ; and the effects of it in one congregation can be but very small : but if it were generally to be followed, who can tell what a harvest such a little grain might at length produce ? May God multiply it a thousand-fold *.
Excuse me, my reverend and dear brethren, that I have detained you §0 long with these various particulars ; and permit me to conclude this
* We \vhose names are subscribed, being moved, as we hope and tmst, by a real concern for the propagation of the kingdom of Christ in the world, have de- termined to form ourselves into a society for that end, on the following terms :
I. That we purpose, as God shall enable us, to be daily puttingup some earnest petitions to the throne of grace, for tlie advancement of the gospel in the world, and for the success of all the faithful sei-vants of Christ, who are engaged in
th e work of it, especially among the heathen nations.
II. That we will assemble, at least four times a year, in our place of public worship, at such seasons as shall by mutual consent be appointed, to spend some time in solemn prayer together on this important account : and we hereby engage, that we will, each of us, if we conveniently can, attend at such meetings ; unless such circumstances happen, as to lead us in our own consciences to conclude, that
it will be more acceptable in the sight of God, that we should be employed in some other business elsewhere.
III. We do hereby express our desire, that some time may be then spent, if God give an opportunity, in reviewing those promises of scripture, which relate to*
the establishment of our Redeemer's kingdom in the world; that our faith may be supported; and our prayers quickened, by the contemplation of them.
DEDICATION. 233
address, with bescccliing yoii to join witi) me in humble prayer to him, who knows the sincere regard to the temporal and eternal happiness of his crea- tures, by which tlie plain things of this dedication and sermon are dictated, that he may Jionour both with his blessing. If any parts of the scheme here Jaid I)efore you, have not indeed that subserviency to the great end proposed, which they are imagined to have, it would be a peculiar pleasure to me to be better informed ; yet I must take the liberty to say, those must be strong arguments, which will prevail against the experience of the happy effects, which have for some time, in my own congregation, attended tiiose, alas, too imperfect attempts, which I have made to carry them into execution. Jiut if they are, as I assuredly believe, calculated to revive the languishing interest of real religion, may your advice, my honoured friends, in con- currence with that of my worthy brethren in these parts, and with the se. rious expostulations contained in the ensuing discourse, prevail on others to make tiie trial of them, which surely they will not repent in the nearest views of eternity.
1 persuade myself, gentlemen, thai in the midst of those various cares and labours for the public service, to which, weak as I am, divine provi- dence has called me, you will sometimes be repeating for me those suitable and pathetic petitions, which you were pleased, at Denton, and elsewhere, during my late interviews with you, to offer on my account ; petitions, which, I never recollect without a most sensible pleasure, and by the very reniem-
IV. It is also our dcsiro, that whatever important informations, relating to the progress of tlie gospel, be received from the various parts of this kingdom, or from foreign lands, by any members of the society, they may be communicated to us at our general quarterly meetings: and the rest of us make it our request to our minister, that he will, where he can with convenience do it, keep up such correspondences ; that we may be more capable of judging, how far God answers our prayers, and those of his other servants, in this regard.
V. We further engage, that on these days of general meeting, every one of us win, as God shall be pleased to j)rosper us, contribute something, be it ever so little, towards the caiTying on of this pious design ; which shall he lodged in the lifinds of a treasurer, to bo chosen at the first meeting, to be disposed of by him, and four other trustees, then also to be appointed, in such a manner as they si)all judge most convenient, towards supporting tlie expence of sending missionaries abroad ; printing bibles, or other useful books, in foreign languages ; establishing schools for the instruction of the ignorant : and the like,
VI. That the pastor for the time being, if one of the society, be alwari one of those trustees; and that four more be annually nominated by the society, at tlie first meeting after new-year's day, with a power of chusing their treasurer out of tiieir own number ; and that the accounts of the former year be then laid before tlie society, or before a committee appointed to examine them.
VII. That members, after the first meeting be admitted by the consent of the majority of the society present, at some stated meeting ; and that if any member think fit to withdraw, he signify that purpose to the society, or to one of the trustees.
VIII. That brief minutes be taken at every meeting, of the business dis. patched, the persons admitted, the contributions made at it, &c.
To these rules we subscribe our hands, heartily praying, that God may qnirken us, and many others by our means, to greater zeal in this, and in every gofMl word and work ; and that"ioining in spirit with all those, w ho in one place or another, arc devoting their lives to the advancement of the josp'.l, w c may another day partake of their joy,
234
DEDICATION.
brance of which I find myself anhnated to this very day. On my part, dear brethren, be assured of all the most affectionate good wishes, which sincere esteem, and grateful friendship can inspire. iMay that spirit of grace and supplication, the happy elfects of wliich I so delightfully observed in tiiose of you, on whom 1 had then an opportunity of attending, be in a still richer abundance poured forth upon you all ! May you open your mouths boldly to declare the mysteries of God, as faithful witnesses to the truth and purity of his gospel, iu the midst of a degenerate and back-sliding age ! May you teach, not only publicly, but from house to house \ May a truly primitive and scriptural discipline, which it is our privilege, that amidst all our dis- couragements we are able, not only to pray for, but to exercise, be impar- tially maintained! And in consequence of all this, may you have the plea- sure to see your assemblies flourishing I May you ieel your hearts daily cheered and animated, by the visible success of your labours !--and may there be no contention among you, unless it be who shall exert himself with the most exemplary prudence, zeal, and love, in the prosecution of so good a ■work I May each of you, in the sphere which providence has assigned him, be a burning and a shining light ! And may the lustre of your fervent and active piety awaken, if any of them slumber, our brethren of the established clergy, to guard against that growth of the dissenting interest, which must otherwise bethe probable consequence of such measures ! May they all emu- late the most faithful and zealous among us, in the purity of their doctrine, in the seriousness and si)irituality of their address, in the vigilance of their pastoral inspection, in their tender care to train up the rising generation for God, and above all, in the distinguished sanctity of their lives ! This will anite our hearts in such mutual esteem and affection, that even while in dif- ferent communions, we shall treat each other like brethren and friends, and fellow-labourers in the vineyard of Christ; far more endeared by our com- mon love to our divine master, and the souls he has redeemed, than alienated by our different apprehensions, as to the particular mode by which that interest is to be promoted. The question between us will not then be, *' How much may we lawfully impose r" and " how much may we lawfully dispute?" liut on the one side, it will be enquired, " what may we wave?" and on the other, " what may we acquiesce in, from a principle of mutual tenderness and respect ; without displeasing our common Lord, and in- juring that great cause of original Christianity, which he has appointed us to guard?" Thus may the flames of undissembled love purge away our dross, and cement us into one mass ; where tlie union will be the closer, in pro- portion to the degree in which the metal is the nobler, and the more refined ! And thus may it cause those fetters to fall off, under the weight and the streightness of which, however they may have been gilded over, the wor- thiest persons that wear them must secretly groan ! We are praying and waiting for that happy day, vvhicli whenever it appears, will be the glorious earnest of the revival of tlie protestant, and of the christian cause. In the niean time, may each of us have a pleasing consciousness, that we are labour- ing to promote it ; or at least that while we are waiting ibr tlie appearance of the great physician among us, we do not, by oui own rashness, exasperate those distempers, which in his absence we cannot heal ! A wish, and a care, in vhich, I am sure, you will concur with,
Gentlanen,
Your most nffectionate Brother, andJaWij'uL and obliged Humble Servant,
F. DODDRIDGE.
Northampton, fe5. 1, 1741-2.
Evil and Danger of neglecting Souls. 235
SERMON IV.
Prov. xxlv. 1 1, \1. — If thou forbear to ddhcr than that are drazvn unto death, and those that are read// to be .slain: If thou saijest, behold, xvc Lneta it not : Doth not he that pondereth the heart, consider it ? and he that keepeiU thy soul, doth not he knoiv it ? and shall not tit render to exenj man accord' ing to his norks ?
jl HIC interviews of the ministers of Christ ^ill always be plea- sant, in proportion to tlie degree, in which they are animated by divine grace to think, and act, worthy of their honourable rela- tion to him, and to each other. \Wc in these parts have great reason for thankfulness, that we have so long known, by hajipy experience, How good and how pleasant a thing it is, for bre- thren to dwell together in unity *. And it is Avith pecuHar joy that I reflect, we are met this day, not only to express and cultivate our mutual alfcction ; but also, by our united coun- sels, to strengthen each others hands in the work of our God, and to concert measures for the more clTectual revival of reh- gion, in the several places where providence has especially assigned it to our stated care. As Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man often sharpens the countenance of his friend \. Most gladly would I, this day, since I am called to address ^'ou on so solemn and important an occasion, contribute my utmost to whet your spirits and my own ; and to awaken us all to that zeal for the service of our common master, which will render the various duties of our office abundantly delightful, and our reward in heaven proportionably great. Oh that Avhat I have now to say might be Like goads, to penetrate all our minds, and like nails^ secure]}' fastened in our memories and our hearts, given Jortk from the one great Shepherd % ! May all the instruments, with which he is furnishing us in our ])astoral work, be wisely and faithfully employed ; and may the master of assemblies this day be excited to use them, with greater skill, and diligence, in liis service !
And as for you, my brethren, in more private stations of life, I persuade myself you will hear nie patiently and candidly :
* Psal. cxxxiii. 1. f Prov.xxvii. 17, 'JEccles.sii.il.
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^^6 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT JFCETTERIKG. SeR. tV.
for though but little of my discourse will be immediately ad- dressed to you, it is your cause I shall be pleading in the whole of it. You will, therefore, I hope, be often hfting up your hearts to God for the success of it; and will also be considering, what intimations of your own duty you may collect, from Avhat I am to address to those of a more public character. For though the words of my text may, with peculiar propriety, be applied to the ministers of the gospel, they were at first spoken with a much more general view ; nor is there one soul in the assembly who may not consider them as directed by God to him, as truly as if his own name were prefixed to them. If thouforbeay^ to deliver them that are drawn unto deaths and those that are readif to be slain; if thou say est, or, as it might be rendered, though thou may est saij *, Behold we knew it not : Doth not he that pondereth the heart, consider it ? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth he not know it ? And will not he render to every man according to his works 9
For the explication of which words, Avith all becoming de- ference to the superior judgment of some before whom I speak, I would offer these three plain and obvious remarks.
1 . That the omission, which is here charged as so displeasins: to God, though immediately referring to men's natural lives, must sLu-ely imply, that the neglect of their souls is much more criminal.
The text strongly implies, that we shall be exposed to gudt and condemnation before God, hy forbearing to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain. This must directly refer to innocent persons, brought into visible and extreme danger by some oppressive enemy, either by the sudden assault of a private person, or by some unjust prosecution under forms of law ; and may particularly extend to cases, where we have reason to believe, a capital sen- tence has been passed in consequence of false witness, detected before execution is done f : when cases of one sort or the other
* It is wen known, that the particle >D often signifies aUhon^h. Thus our tran- slators very justly render it in several places : See Exod. xiii. 17. Josh, x^-ii. 18. 2 Sam. xx.H 5. Ezck. xi. 16. Heb. iii. 17. And if they had done so in several others, tbey would have expressed the sense and connection of the original much more plain- ]y. Compare Gen. viii. 21. Psal. xiv. 6. xxv. 11. Isa. xxx^iii. 18, 19.
t It was allowed among- the Jews, that if any person could offer any thing in favour of a pr.soner, after .sentence was passed, he might be heard before execution was done: and tlierefore it was usual, as the Mischna shews, that when a man was led to execution, a cryer went before him and proclaimed, " This man is now <join^ to be executed for such a crime, and such and such are witnesses against him who"-
Idn "" ^^P^J/l^'-^.-n D^ L,b. de Ord. Damnorum, T^ctat. de Sy^ neOns, cap. VI. '^. 1. apud SurenJius. Tom. ir. page 233. '
Evil and Danger of negkcting Souls. 237
occur, we may consider Solomon as requiring, just as his father David had done, that we should by such interpositions, us suit the case in question, and tliat station in which providence has fixed us Defend the poor and the fatherless, or those who are oppressed, us orpl.ans often are ; that we should do justice to the a/fiictcdand the needy ; and should endeavour to deliver the poor and the needy, and to rid them out of the hand oj the wicked *. And thourdi'this may expose us to popular clamours, we should adopt the^'hcroic resolution of Job, not Fearing a great viulti^ tude, nor pcrmittinjr the reproach of families to terrify us, so as to keep silence, and not go out of the door \. One would hope, such attacks as these seldom happened under the peace- ful and equitable reign of Solomon : but as violence and fraud are in some degree the product of all chmates and ages, he had, no doubt, in some instances observed them t ; and had remarked a culpable negligence in those, who ought to have in- terposed to have delivered the victims from such an undeserved stroke ; on which account, he judged it necessary to enter his solemn protest against an indolence and cowardice, so detri- mental to society, and so offensive to God, the great guardian
of it. , ,. .
Now you will please to observe, tliat delivenng persons reduced to such extreme danger in the circumstance I have described, would generally be an act of charity attended with great dancrer, or with great trouble. And if the neglect of that be, as you see it is, represented as highly crimmal, it must be a much greater offence to suffer any to perish, for want of either food, shelter, or harbour, in circumstances where a person is able, by a httic trouble, expence, or care, to preserve their lives. And we may argue, by a consequence yet stronger than this, that it must be a much more heinous crime than either, by any neglect of ours, to permit the ruin of men's souls, without endea- voSring their recovery, when they are, as it were, drawn away to the extremest danger of eternal death, and are ready to be slain by the sword of divine justice. For if temporal life should
* TFal. Ixxxii. 3, 4. + Job xxxi. 34.
+ It appears by several hints in Solomon's writings, that the gay, expensive, andlaxurious manner of livi..<r, which, though d.rectly contrarv- to the gen.us of the Jewish religion, was intr.Kluced in hi< days, had its natural c-flect .n produ.mg frequent tliefts, perjuries, rohheries, and murders, and, which was w.-rst of all, abominabl* corruption among magistrates, and great iniquity in judicial atla>rs. Compare^Prov. i 10— 10 iii <2P. iv. 16, 17. vi. 1-2—14. xii. 5,6. xvii. 15. xvm. 5. xxu -, 'iB. xxii. 22, 23. x-xiii. 10, 11, 20, 21. xxiv. 15, 23. xxviii. 15, H, 20, 21. *xix. 4, 10 Eccles. iii. 16, 17. iv. 1, 2. V. 8.
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238 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT KETTERING. SeR. IV.
be tlms tenderly regarded, and expence or danger should be cheerfully met in the defence of it, judge you, Sirs, as in tlie sight of God, how much more Precious the redemption of the soul is, which will soon cease^ even for ever -^
Nay, I might go yet farther, and draw an inference, if it were necessary, from that humane aud charitable precept of the Jewish legislator f : If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray thou shalt surely bring it back to him again: If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee, lying under his bur- den, wilt thou forbear, or, as it might be rendered, wouldst thou refrain, to help him ? or couldst thou be so cruel as to harbour a thought of it ? No, Thou shalt surely help xvith him ; i. e. thou shalt go, if it be necessary, and join thy strength with that of thine enemy, to raise the beast from the ground. Now if God not only regards the natural life of a man, but if he thus appears to care for oxen, and for asses, how much more must he require us to reduce wandering souls, and to do Avhat we can to raise them, "^^ilen pressed under the burden of sin, and in danger of being crushed into eternal misery ?
2. The text seems to suppose, that men would be ready to excuse themselves for this neglect.
It is true indeed, that at the first sight of a miserable ob- ject, we naturally find a strong impulse to endeavour to relieve it. Our hearts do, as it were, spring in our bosoms, and urge us forward to exert ourselves on such an occasion ; which seems to be intimated by that word, which we render for bear , which often signifies to check, restrain, and hold back a person from what he is eager on doing J. But the wdse man intimates, there may be danger of suppressing these generous sallies of the soul on the first view of the object ; of suffering our charity to cool, and then of searching out apologies for our inactivity. You maybe ready to say, Behold, we kiiew it not. " I did not particularly see the danger ; I did not however, apprehend it to be so extreme : or, I did not know the innocence of the per- son in danger ; or if I did beheve it, I knew not how to deliver him. I did not think the interposition of such a person as I, could be of any importance in such an affair. I was sorry to see innocence overborne, and weakness oppressed ; but 1 was
* Psal. xlix. 8. f Exod. xxili. 4, 5.
J It is in the original Tltt^nn, and the same word is used to express the restraint put on the passion of Abimelech for Sarah, Gen. xx. 6. on the revenge of David, when insulted by Nabal, 1 Sara. xxv. 54, 09. and on the martial fury of Da- vid's party, when pursuing the rebels under Absalom, 2 Sam. xviii. 16. Compare Job xvi. 6, Prov. xi. 26,
Evil and Danger of neglecting Souls. 239
mv!?elf too weak to contend with the mightier oppressor ; too poor, too irrnorant, or too busy, to meddle in an afl'air, where those who Mere much mv superiors were eonecrncd, and had determined tlie case, I had no obHgations to the person in tianger ; I had no concern with him, nor any thing to do to em- barrass myself with his atFairs."
If these excuses he just, it is well. God require^' impossi- bilities from no man ; nor does he expect, that i)ers()ns should rashly throw themselves upon ditMculties and dangers, when there is no such rational prospect of doing good, as may balance the hazard. Nevertheless the text supposes,
b. That these excuses might often be over-ruled, by an appeal to men's consciences as in the sight of God.
Doth not he that pomlereih the heart, consider it ? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it ? As if he should have said, " It is an easy thing to excuse omissions, so that a fellow- creature shall have nothing to reply ; but whoever thou art that readest these words, I charge thee to remember, that It is comparatively a very little matter to be judged of man's judg- ment; he that judgeth thee is the Lord* : and he pondereth the heart: he weighs, in a most accurate balance, all its most secret sentiments. I therefore cut off all chicane and trifling debate at once, by placing thee in his presence, and laying open thy conscience there. Thou canst answer me : but canst thou answer the heart-searching God ? Does not he, the great Father of Spirits, see, in every instance, how in- ferior spirits conduct themselves ? Does he not precisely know the situation, in which thy heart was at the very moment in question ? Thou sayest, thou knewest it not : but he is witness, whether thou indeed didst, or didst not know it. And he also sees all the opportunities and advantages, which thou hadst for knowing it ; all the hints, which might have been traced out, to open a more explicit and particular know- ledge; everv glimpse which thou hadst, when thou wast, like the priest, when he spied at a distance the wounded traveller Passing by on the other side f, and perhaps affecting to look the contrary way."
Nor was it in vain, that the wise man renewed his expos- tulation in a different form. He that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it ? As if he had said, " consider God, as keeping thine own soul i as Holding it in lifeX; as Preserving thy spirit
* 1 Cor. iv. 3, 4. + Luke x. 31 . % Psal. 1 wi. 9.
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^40 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT KETTERING. SeR. IV.
by his continued visitation*; and then say, oh thou that neg- lectest the life of thy brotlier, \a hether he must not be highly displeased with that neglect ? May he not reasonably expect, that while he, the Lord of heaven and earth, condescends to become thy guardian, thou sliouldst learn of him, and be, accor- ding to thine ability, and in thy sphere, a guardian to the whole human race, and shouldst endeavour, in every instance, to ward off danger from the life, from the soul of thy brother !"
And that these thoughts may enter into the mind with all their weight, it is added once more, in this pointed form of interrogation. Will not he render to every man according to his works ? ''I appeal to thine own heart, is he not a being of in- finite moral, as well as natural perfections, and will he not, as The Judge of all the earth, do right i? Would he not have remembered, and rewarded thy generous care for the preser- vation of the miserable creature in question? And, on the other hand, will he not reckon with thee for such a failure ? Human laws, indeed, cannot punish such neglects ; but the supreme legislator can, and will do it. Think of these things, and guard against such fatal negligence in every future in- stance : think of them, and humble thyself deeply before God, for every past instance, in which such guilt has been incurred."
You easily perceive, from this expUcation of my text, that as I hinted above, I might very properly make it the foun- dation of a discourse " on the care of souls in general," ad- dressed to persons of all ranks and professions in life ; especially to parents:]:, and masters, and heads of families : and they will indeed have an evident share in what I am to say, and therefore I would bespeak their particular attention to it. But considering the occasion of our present assembly, and also considering how much of their fidelity, in the performance of their duty, Avill probably, under God, depend upon the exhortations, instruc- tions, and assistances, they receive from us, I shall chiefly address these things to you, my reverend fathers and brethren in the mmistry ; and intreat 3'our patient and candid atten- dance, while I speak to you with all possible plainness and seri- ousness, as in the name and presence of our common Master.
God is my witness, that I mean not to insinuate the least disrespectful thought with regard to any one of you. Indeed I have not the least temptation to it, for I can say, with equal integrity and pleasure, that I believe few of your profession
* Job X, 12. f Gen, xviii. 25.
% I have argued the matter at large with them in my Sermons on Educationi
Evil and Danger of neglecting Souls. 24 1
in the cliristian world, glorious as that profession is, and happy as it is in many that adorn it, are more constant, more npright, or more zealous, in the course ot tlicir puhlic ministry. I repeat it with great cheerfulness, that I am inwardly persuaded, few of the servants of Christ are, or in any modern age have been, more faithfnllv solicitous to declare to their people the •whole counsel of God i or to enforce their public exhortations, by the silent, but powerful eloquence of a blameless, a holy, an exemplary life. And of this, I assuredly believe, you have a testimony in the consciences of all around you, and even of multitudes Avho are not the stated attendants on your labours ; and who perliaps, in such a case, are under some temptations to err on the severe, rather than on the candid extreme. So that in tiiis respect, I could cheerfully say, Avould to God, that all your brethren in the christian ministry, throughout the nation, and the world, were even as you ! Nevertheless, permit me to say it without offence, for I say it in the fear of God, and with the sincerest deference and friendship to you, I am afraid, the extensive and important obligations of the ministerial office are not generally considered, and remembered among us, as they ought. I apprehend, much more might be done for the honoiu' of God, and the good of souls, than is commonly done, I will not say, by those careless and profane wretches, who undertake the tremendous charge merely for the sake of worldly emolu- ments ; by those whom the plainness of prophetie language calls Dumb dogs, that cannot bark, and greedy dogs, that can never have enough *; but even by those, who in the main have a principle of true religion in their hearts ; by those, who keep up the exercise of public worship in a regular and honour- able manner, and appear not only irreproachable in their con- versation, but, if considered as in private life, bringing forth the fruits of righteousness. The learned, the wise, the virtuous, the pious minister, is, I fear, often negligent of a considerable part of his trust and charge ; and thereby fails, to deliver, as he might, those that are drawn unto death, and perhaps are just ready to be slain. To a^vaken our spirits therefore from that insensibility in this respect, into which they are so ready to fall, and so to improve the present opportunity, that The man of God may be perfect ■\- , ri\\i\ thoroughly furnished to every good work which our office requires, I shall take the liberty,
I. BrieHy to consider, what excuses we may be most ready to ofler, for neglecting the souls of men.
♦ Is. Ivj. 10, 11. j2Tim. iii. 17.
242 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT KETTERING. SeR. IV.
II. Seriously to represent the great evil of that neglect in the sight of God, notwithstanding all those excuses. After which,
III. I shall add a few hints by way of reflection, as the time may admit.
And if a consciousness of my own past neglects, and an ignorance of circumstances in the congregations of my brethren, lead me to suppose some deficiencies greater than they really are, and to give any cautions, which their diligence and zeal render unnecessary, with regard to some that hear me, they will, I hope, forgive me this involuntary wrong. I am far from the thought of charging any particular person, and ground most of the remarks I now present, on what is obvious in the temper of mankind, and on those infirmities of human nature, to which the best of men are obnoxious, however by divine grace they may be conquered in a few of the most eminent for iidelity and zeal.
1. 1 am to consider, what excuses we may be ready to make, for neglecting to do our utmost for the salvation of men's souls.
Now I imagine one of the first thoughts, which may pre- sent itself to our view upon such an occasion, may be this ;
1 . That we do something considerable for that purpose :
And particularly, that we take care for their instruction in public ; reading the word of God to them, when they are assembled together in his house ; explaining, and enforcing it, in our expositions and sermons ; presenting prayers and praises to God, in their name ; and, at proper seasons administering the sacraments, in such a manner as we judge most agreeable to the institution of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And so far indeed, it is well : and a most wise and graci- ous constitution of our blessed Redeemer it is, that such ordi- nances should be administered, on solemn stated days, and by men appropriated to that employment ; in consequence of which, such knowledge is dispersed, as may be, and undoubted- ly is, through the divine blessing, effectual for the salvation of many souls. So that ministers, cannot go through the external and public services of their function, without giving their hearers some great and valuable advantages, far beyond what the professors of any other religion can find in the rites of their various, and generally absurd, and superstitious worship. And I am not afraid to say, that this would make the christian ministry, even in the hands of ignorant, careless, and vicious men, a blessing to the nation where it is settled, -^o long as
Evil and Danger of neglecting Souls. 2 1 3
reading the scriptures, and almost any kind of prayers, in an in- telligible language, make a part of divine service in their assem- blies. INIuch more tiicn will it be so, in the hands of wise, sober, and religious men, though, through human frailty, they are much less zealous and active, than it were to be wished they were, or than they ought to be.
But while we are thus pleading our diligence and care in the administration of public ordinances, it will be kindness to ourselves, seriously to ask our own hearts, at least, how they are administered. It is, as I have elsewhere hinted, a very important trust, to have the management of men's religious hours com- mitted to us ; their seasons of social Avorship being, compara- tivelv, so short, and so infinitely momentous. Methinks we do almost, as it were, put our own lives in our hand while wo un- dertake it, and may justly tremble on the view of that awful ac- count which we are to give for it.
I hope. Sirs, we have the testimony of our own consciences before God, that we do not, on these solemn occasions, content ourselves with cold essays on mere moral subjects, however acute, philosopiiical, or polite; nor make it our main business, in our sermons, to seek the ornament and elegance of words, the refinements of criticism, or the nice arrangement of various complex and abstruse argumentations. When we speak, in the name and presence of God, to immortal creatures on the borders of eternity, I hope we entertain our hearers with plain, serious, and lively discourses, on the most important doctrines of Chris- tianity, in their due connection, and their relation to each other, in such a manner, as we, on mature consideration, do verily be- heve may have the most effectual tendency to bring them to God through Christ, and to ])roduce and promote in their hearts, through the divine blessing, the great work of regeneration and holiness. I hope and trust, that God is our witness, and that the people of our charge arc witnesses, that not one of those that diligently attend on our ministry, though but for a few succeed- ing sabbaths, can fail to learn the way of salvation, as exhibited in the gospel ; and that we speak of it, as those that are ia earnest, and do from our very souls desire to answer the great ends of our ministry, in the prosperity of the Redeemer's king- dom, and the eternal happiness of those invaluable souls whom he has committed to our care. Otherwise we may incur great and fatal guilt, though public worship be constantly and decent- ly carried on, and though a reasonable proportion of time be em- ployed in it, with numerous and attentive auditories ; to whom
244 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT KETTERING. SeR. IV.
we may be As the lovely song of one that has a pleasant voice *, while in the ears of God, for want of that fervent charity which should dictate and animate all, we are but as Sounding brass, or as a tinkling cymbal f.
But granting, as I would willingly suppose, and as with re- lation to you, my brethren, I do firmly believe, all these reflec- tions can be answered to satisfaction : here is indeed a part of your duty honourably performed, and an important part of it too. But is that part, though ever so important, to be substitut- ed for the whole? The diligent inspection of our flock, pastoral visits, the observation of the religious state of families, personal exhortations, admonitions, and cautions, by word or letter, as y^rudence shall direct, the catechising children, the promoting religious associations among the younger and the elder people of our charge, and the strict and resolute exercise of discipline in the several churches over which we preside; are these no parts of our oflice? Will we say it with our dying breath, will we maintain it before the tribunal of Christ, that they did not belong to the christian ministry ? And if not, will our care in other parts of it, be allowed as a sufficient excus© before him, for our total omission of these ? We have preached, and prayed, and administered the sacraments. These things we should indeed have done; and when we had taken the care of congregations upon us, we could hardly avoid it ; but surely our own con- sciences will now, or hereafter, tell us, that we ought not to have left the others undoneX^ But we may perhaps for a while elude the conviction, by pleading,
2. That the care of particular persons more properly be- longs to others; and especially, to heads of families, w^ho have more opportunities of being serviceable to those under their charge, and indeed have the most immediate concern in them.
It certainly does. But does it belong to them alone ? Or if it did, do not they belong to us, and to our care ? And is it not the part of every superior officer of a society to see to it, that the subaltern officers be careful and diligent in the discharge of their duty? And in this case, are we to take it for granted, that in our respective congregations heads of families are of course so ? That they pray in their families ; that they read the scriptures, and other good books there, especially on the evening of the Lord's day; that they catechise their children, and solemnly press upon them, and upon their servants, the serious care of practical religion ? Are we roundly to conclude,
* Ezck. xxxiii. 32. f 1 Cor. xiii, 1. + Mat. xxili. 23.
Evil and Danger of neglecting Souls. 245
•without any /"arther enquiry, tliat all this is done; and done in so diligent, and so prudent a manner ' And that there is no need oi'any pariicular exhortations, instruetions, or admonitions from ns ? Would to God, there were any one congregation in the whole kingdom, of wiiich this might reasonably be presum- ed to be the case ! But if it were indeed so, would not our con- currence with those wise and pious heads of fan)ilies, in so good, but so diiHcult a work, encourage and strengthen them to pro- secute it with greater cheerfulness and vigour? Would it not fjuiiken, both their cares, and their endeavours? And might it not, by the divine blessing, promote the success of them ? iMight it not gain on the minds of children and servants, to see that Ave did not think it beneath us, tenderly to care for their souls ? And might not our tender and condescending regards to them in private, Avhile it convinced them how well we meant them, ren- der our public labours more acceptable and useful to them ? Now we well know, that the children and servants of the pre- sent generation, are the hopes of the next; as they are probably those, that in their turns will be parents and governors of fami- lies ; whose children and servants, when they arise, will one way or another feel tlie happy, or unhappy consequences, of our fidelity, or neglect? And when such aiiairs are in question, shall we allow ourselves to plead,
3. That we have so much other business, and such various engagements of a different kind, that we cannot possibly attend to these things.
But give me leave, my brethren, to observe, that the ques- tion here, is not, whether we can find out other agreeable ways of filling up our time ? But whether those other ways are more important, and whether that dilVerent manner of employing it, be more acceptable in the sight of God, and will turn to abetter account in that great day, when our conduct is to be finally re- viewed by him ? We must indeed have our seasons of recreation, and our seasons of study : but it will easily appear, that no re- gards to either of these will vindicate, or excuse our neglect of the private duties we owe to Our flock, in giving diligence to know their state*, and being careful to Teach them not only publicly, hwtfrom house to house f.
Recreation, to be sure, can afford no just apology for neg- lecting it ; since to follow this emplovment prudently, might be made a kind of recreation from the labours of a sedentary and
* Prov. xjtvii. 23. f Acts xx. 20.
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Studious life. A grave and severe recreation ! you will perhaps say. Grave indeed I will acknowledge it to be; but not there- fore to a serious mind less delightful. So much of those two noblest and sweetest exercises of the soul, devotion, and benevo- lence, would naturally mingle with these pious cares and tender addresses, as would renew the strength which had been exhaust- ed in our studious hours, and the manly, shall I say, or rather the godlike joy it would administer, would quite discountenance that M'hich we find m the cray indulgences of a humourous and facetious conversation ; though I see no necessity of forbidding that, at proper intervals, so far as its cheerfulness is consistent ■with wisdom and religion. And I am sure, that if we can turn our seasons of recess from study to so profitable an account, as would be answered by the duties which j'ou know I have now in view, it will be a most happy art, well becoming one, who is truly prudent, and would therefore husband his time to the best pur- poses for eternity ; in which view it is evident, that the smallest fragments of it, like the dust of gold, or jewels, are too valuable to be lost.
The great proportion of time to be given to our studies, will, no doubt, be urged, as a yet more material excuse. But here it is obvious to reply, that a prudent care in the duties I am noAv recommending, is very consistent with our employing a great deal of time in study ; and particularly, with our giving it, what I hope we shall always learn to value and redeem, our morning hours, to which some of the evening may also be added. And if these will not generally suffice, give me leave to ask, ivhat are those important studies, that would thus ingross the whole of our time, excepting what is given to devotion, and to what is generally called recreation ?
I hav-e had some little taste of the pleasures of literature my- self, and have some reason to hope, I shall not be suspected of any prejudice against it; nor am I at all inclined to pass those contemptuous censures on the various branches of it, in which ignorance and sloth are often, with strange stupidity, or with yet stranger assurance, seeking, and it may be finding, a refuge. But on such an occasion I must freely say, I fear many things, Avhich employ a very large portion of our retired time, are studied rather as polite amusements to our own minds, than as things which seem to have any apparent subserviency to the glory of God, and the edification of our flock; and, consequently, I fear, they will stand as articles of abatement, if 1 may so ex- press it, in our final account; and when they come to be Made manifest , will be found works that shall be burnt, as beina no
Evil and Danger of neglecting Souls. 247
"better, in the divine esteem, than Ziwod, hay, and stubble*, how beautifully soever they may have been varnished, or gilded over.
Let me here, in partieular, address myself to my younger brethren, with a frankness which may be to them more excus- able, while I urge them to a christian self-denial upon this head, %vhere perhaps it may be, of all others, the most difficult. I do not apprehend persons of your approved character to be in dan- ger of any other kind of luxury and intemperance ; but there is, if you will permit me so to call it, a sort of refined intellectual luxury, with regard to which I am jealous over you, lest you. should be seduced into it, or rather lest souie of you be already insnared by its specious charms,
I would not, my young friends, be so severe and cruel, as to desire you should be confined from that high and elegant en- tertainment, which a person of genius and taste will find in the masterly writings of the ancient orators, historians, and poets ; or in those polite and elegant pieces, which our own, and other modern languages, may afford ; from which the wise man, and the christian, will learn many things of solid use, as well as mat- ters of most delightful amusement. Neither would I pretend to forbid some mathematical and philosophical researches, into which you are initiated in your academical course, and with "which you will do well to retain and improve your acquaintance in the progress of life, both to strengthen your rational faculties by that strenuous exercise, and to improve your knowledge of The works of God, which will appear ^rec/, wonderful and de- lightful, in proportion to the degree of sagacity and diligence ■with which they may be searched out\. But it is one thing to taste of these poignant and luscious fruits, and another to feed and live upon them : — One thing to make the most noble and substantial parts of them our entertainment and refreshment ; and quite another to make their circumstantial curiositi&s the chief business of our study, and the favourite subjects of our most attentive enquiry. That true greatness and elevation of mind, which the gospel is so admirably calculated to produce, would leach us a much sublimer science : and if for the sake of these little things, we neglect to pray for those whom God hath committed to our rare, to enquire into their religious state, to pursue them with suitable applications and addresses, the time will come when we shall assuredly own, that we dearly purchased the most refined pleasures they could possibly give us : not to
* 1 Cor. iii. 12, 15. t P.sal. cxi. 2.
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sa}-^, how much greater and nobler pleasure we even now resign, while our duty is neglected. Oh, my brethren, let us consider how fast we are, as it were, posting through this dying life which God has assigned us, in which we are to manage concerns of infinite moment ; how fast we are passing on to the immedi- ate presence of our Lord, to give up our account to him. You must judge for yourselves ; but permit me to say, that for my own part, I would not for ten thousand worlds be that man, who when God shall ask him at last, how he has employed most of his time, while he continued a minister in his church, and had the care of souls, should be obliged to reply, *' Lord, I have restored many corrupted passages in the ancient classics, and illustrated many which were before obscure ; I have cleared up many intricacies in chronology, or geography ; I have solved many perplexed cases in algebra ; I have refined on astronomi- cal calculations ; and left behind me many sheets on these curious and difficult subjects, where the figures and characters are ranged with the greatest exactness and truth : and these are the employments, in which my life has been worn out, while preparations for the pulpit, or ministrations in it, did not de- mand mine immediate attendance." Oh, Sirs, as for the Waters which are drawn from these springs, how sweetly soever they may taste to a curious mind that thirsts for them, or to an ambi- tious mind which thirsts for the applause they sometimes procure, I fear, there is often reason to pour them out before the Lord*, with rivers of penitential tears, as the blood of souls which have been forgotten, while these trifles have been remembered and pursuedf.
* 2 Sain, xxiji. 16, 17. f Since these papers have been prepared for the press, I have happily met with the Rev. Mr. Lcechmaii's excellent Sermon, on the Temper, Character, and Duty of a iWimster of tlie Gospel, preached before the synod of Glasgow, and Air, April 7th, 1741 ; which, so ftir as I am capable of judging, on an attentive and re- peated perusal, is one of the most masterly performances of the kind, which ever fell into my hands. I am an entire stranger to the author, but hope this sermon, extorted as I am told, from an excessive modesty, by the earnest importunity of his brethren, will meet witli such just regard, as may encourage him to enrich our age and language with many other discourses, in the spirit and manner, which he has there so admirably described and exemplified. I am sure my reader will be pleased with the following specimen, which I could wish deeply transcribed on every heart, and especially on my own. " A just sense of the important relations we stand in to our respective flocks, and a genuine feeling of that tender affection which is due to them, won't it allow us to hesitate one moment, whether that part of our time is most worthily employed, which is taken up in doing real offices of friendship anion"- them ; or that part of it, which is spent in perusing the finest writings of the "■reatest "-enius that ever appeared in the world, or in pohshing any little compositions of our own. Is the airanging of words, the beautifying of language, or even storing our own minds with the divinest sentiments, an employment of equal dignity and
Evil and Danger of neglecting Souls. 249
Nor am I without inv fears, that a <;rcat deal of studious time is lost, in an ovor-artful composition of sermons, and in giviii<|[ them such polish and ornament, as docs not conchicc to their usefuhiess, nor any way balance tlie labour employed itt the work. If we do not diliti^ently watch over our hearts, this will be an incense, olfered to our own vanity, "which will render our sacrifice less acceptable to God, however we and our hea- rers may be delighted with the perfume. Greater plainness and simplicitv of speech miglit often be more useful to the bulk of our auditor V, anil perhaps more acceptable too ; and on the Avliole, it might be at least eijually beautiful. For all that are not children in understanding know, that there is a natural and nianlv kind of eloquence, arising from a deep sense of the sub- ject, and an ardent love to the souls of our hearers, whieli is, of all others, the most to be desired and esteemed. And though such discourses may be attended with some little inaccuracies, and mav want something of the varnish which exacter prepara- tion might set on ; yet surely, where a habit of speaking is formed by proper application, and the materials of a sermon are well digested in the mind, it will rise above a reasonable contempt. And if where exacter preparation is made, a care to preserve those niceties of composition deaden the manner of the deliver}', and take off either its solemnity, its vigour, or its tenderness, I cannot but apprehend it as injurious to the cha- racter of the orator, as to that of the christian. The most celebrated speakers in judicial courts, and in senates, have, in all nations and ages, pursued the method I now recommend ; and the most acceptable preachers have successfully attempted it. On the whole, permit me to say, it would be a fatal thing, to barter away the souls of our people, for the highest and just- est reputation of speaking well ; yet I fear there are many, who in this view do it, F'or nought, and have not in any sense increased their wealth by the price f. But perhaps, after all, the most plausible excuse may be that, which 1 have reserved for the last I shall now mention, viz.
jinportance in itself, rv equally pleasant on reflection, with that of composin<]f dif- ferences, or extin;^iiisliiii'4: animosities, scarcliins; out modest and indigent merit and relievinjir it, comforting a melancholy heart, givin;^ counsel to a peqilexed mind, suspending pain by our sympathy and presence, though it were but for a moment, suggesting to ail urifurni>^^hed mind proper materials for meditation in tlv time of distress, or laying hold of a favourable opportunity of conveying valuable instruc- tions, and religious impressions, to a mind little susceptible of them on other occa- sions ? There is no need of saying any thing in contirmation of this; it was tiie glorious character of Jesus, tliat //.■ xv«/ about doin-; g'.'od.'^
* Ps. xliv. li.
250 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT KETTERING. SeR. IV.
4. That the attempts I am proposing might displease those that attend upon our ministry ; upon which account it may- seem, both with respect to them and ourselves, a necessary precaution of prudence to decline them.
This is the Lion in the street^'; which, slothful as we too naturally are, we often plead for stayino; within doors, when our duty calls us abroad on these charitable errands : But I hope, on a nearer approach it Avill not be found so fierce, or so invin- cible, as a timorous imagination paints it.
Methinks, brethren, we make a very unfavourable repre- sentation of the temper and character, not to say, of the breed- ino- and understanding of our people, when we so readily take it for granted, they will be displeased with us, for addressing those exhortations to them in private, which they seem so de- sirous of receiving from us in public. Let us ask our own consciences, would they all be displeased ? If not, the displea- sure it might give to some, can be no excuse for neglecting it with regard to others. And are we indeed so miserable, as to be situated among whole congregations, in whom ignorance, pride, and profanencss prevail to such a degree, that a minister, who would be welcome among them, if became only as a common visitant, should be looked upon Avith contempt or indignation, when he came expressly as a friend to their eternal interests, and would step a little out of the common way for their salva- tion ? If this were really our case, Avho would not say with the prophet, Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of way- faring men, though it were but such a wretched cave, as travellers find in a desart, that I might leave my -people, and go from them ; for they be all an assembly of treacherous me7if! — Of treacherous wen indeed, if while they call themselves chris- tians and protestants, yea, and profess to separate from their brethren on rehgious principles, they should think themselves injured and afiVonted by the exhortations of their ministers, while they would JVarm every man, and teach every man in all wisdom, that they might present them perfect in Christ %■ But blessed be God, bad as the world is, there is no room to imagine this to be the case, or any thing like it. Perhaps while we are delaying, and coldly deliberating about it, many lively chris- tians under our care are earnestly praying, that God may put such a thing into our hearts : And should we attempt it, I doubt not, but they would Receive us as an angel of God, or even as Christ himself^; their love to us would be more abundantly
* Pix)v. xxvi. 13. f Jer. ix. 2. + Col. i. 23.' § Gal. iv. 14.
Evil and Danger of neglecting Souls. 251
Confirmed, and their hearts cemented in closer bonds than they have yet known. And many others would at least own, that we acred in character, and maintained a more apparent consistency of behaviour, it'the alFair were properly conducted.
Did Ave indeed pretend to control them in the manaj^e- mcnt of tiieir temporal affairs, or to exercise a lordly dominion over their faith and their conscience, they might justly be dis- ' plciised : Or did we craftily demand, that they should lay open to us the secrets of their breasts in confession, their suspicions were pardonable, and their resentments reasonable. But it must be great malice or folly, to suspect any design of that infamous nature, from our visiting them as pastors, -with pions exhortations, and alFectionate prayers, as those who are con- cerned for them, and their children, and servants, that their Souls may prosper and be in health *. A solicitude for the health of their bodies is esteemed friendship and gratitude, and encjuiries concerning it seem but common decency : And can it offend them, to find we are solicitous about that welfare, which is infinitely more important, and, by virtue of our office, our peculiar charge ?
Yes, you will sav, in one instance it will displease : For when "we are obliged to blame any thing which we see amiss in them, their pride will naturally take fire on such an occa- sion ; and perhaps those, whom we have thought our best frienils, will Become our enemies ij we Avill venture to tell them such disagreeable trutIis-\^ as fidelity may extort in some circumstances. This is, alter all, the main difficulty ; and as I cannot wonder if it impress our minds, I pray God to forgive the perverseness of those, that make it so great. Yet surely, it is possible to manage reproof so, as that, in most instances, it shall oblige, rather than provoke. If we tell our hearers of their faults privately ; and if we do it with ten- derness and respect : If we shew by our manner of speaking, that what we say proceeds from an humble fear, lest we should displease God, betray our trust, and injure their souls by the neglect : If at the same time our behaviour to them be, as it surely should be, constantly obliging : If we do our utmost, so far as truth and justice will permit, to guard and shelter their character in the world ; and bring our complaints of them, to none but themselves : Bad as the world is, I believe few will quarrel with us upon this account ; but we shall see, as Solomon observed, that He who rehuketh a man^ will afterwards find more favour y than he that Jlatteretk with his tongue I .
* 3 Joha ver. 2. t Gal. iv, 1 G. | Prov. xxviii. 23.
252 MEETING GF MINISTERS AT KETTERING. SeR. IV.
But supposing the worst that can happen, that folly and wickedness should prevail so far, over all the tender and prudent address of the friend and the pastor, as to render us evil for so great a good, and hatred for so generous, and so self-denying an instance of love, how could that hatred be expressed ? Seldom in any more formidable manner, than by withdrawing from our ministry, and discontinuing Avhat they have done for our sup- port ; for the revihngs of persons of such a character, can sel- dom hurt any but themselves. Now I hope, brethren, we shall always retain so mucli of a manly, not to say a christian spirit, as to chuse to retrench some of our expences, to forego some of the entertainments of life, to cast ourselves and families on pro- vidence, or even, if it were necessary, to subsist in an honest and creditable poverty, by the daily labour of our own hands ; much rather than meanly to crouch to such haughty sinners, and sacrifice duty, honour, and conscience, to the arrogance of their petulant temper. Let us fear God as we ought, and we shall find nothing to fear from them ; but should be willing to imitate the fidelity and courage of the Baptist, though the wrath of a king might be pro\-oked by it, and imprisonment or martyrdom might be its reward.
I hope, such considerations as these may effectually ob- viate the excuses, which indolence or cowardice may be ready to form, for our neglect of men's souls ; especially when we go on,
ir. To consider the great evil of that neglect, a,s it ap- pears in the sight of God, notwithstanding all these excuses, or any of the like kind, with which we may endeavour to palliate it.
But who can fully represent it, as it appears to his capa- cious and all-penetrating view ? What human mind can con- ceive the infinite evil ? It is not. Sirs, a subject, on which to display the wantonness of wit, or the colourings of artificial harangue : A terrible kind of solemnity attends it, and J at- tempt the display of it with fear and trembling. If it seems a light matter to us, to forbear to deliver those that in this sense are drawn unto death, and them that are thus ready to perish ^ consider, my brethren, and oh may my own conscience alwa3's consider, — what the death of the soul is j — how many wretched souls are continually dying around us ?— what gracious provi- sion God has made to prevent it ; — and what peculiar obliga- tions we are under, to labour to the utmost for the preservation of their lives.
1. Let us think, *' what the death of the soul is."
Evil and Danger of neglecting Souls. 253
The apostle James intimates, that it is a thouglit of great importance, when lie says, Jle (hat shall turn a sinner from the error of his xvay, shall save a soul from death * ; As il^' he had said, do but reHect w liat that is, and you will find your success is its own reward. We well know, that to save a soul from deaths is not merely to prevent the extinction of its being, though even that were much ; but to prevent its ])ositivc, its lasting, its eternal misery. It is to prevent its being slain by the pointed and flaming SAvord of the divine justice.
It is a tragical spectacle, to behold a criminal dying by hu- man laws, even where the methods of execution are gentle ; as, through the lenity of ours, they generally arc amongst us : And I doubt not, but it would grieve us to the heart, to see any who Jiad been under our ministerial care, in that deplorable circum- stance. But oh, how much more deeply must it j)ierce our very souls, to see them led forth to that last dreadful execution, with those of whom Christ shall say, As for these mine enemies^ who would not that I should reign over them^ bring them forth ^ and slay them before me f / Oh how will it wound us, to hear the beginning of those cries and wailings, which must never end ! How shall we endure the reflection, *' These wretches are perishing for ever, in part because I would not take any pains to attempt their salvation !" And is this so strange a supposition, that some once under our ministry may then perish in our sight ? Would to God, that it were less proba- ble ! But, on the contrary, let us
2. Consider, " how many souls, precious and immortal as tiie}'^ are, seem to be continually dying around us."
Are there but few, that miscarry r Let Peter inform us, when he says, \h.it the Righteous scarcely are saved %. Yea, let our Lord himself inform us, when he says. Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it ; whereas Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go ui thereat^. We grieve to see epidemical distempers prevailing around us ; we are ready, as providence calls us, to visit the sick and the dying ; and could take little pleasure in our own health, if we did not endeavour to succour them, as we have opportunity. But let us look round, and see, whether that distemper, Avhich threatens the death of souls, be not epidemical indeed. With all the allowances, which that charity can make,
* Jam. V. 20, f Luke xix. 27. * 1 Pet. iv. 18. § Mat. Vii. 13, U-
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which Believethall things , and hopeth all things*, which it can, with any shadow of reason, hope and believe ; must we not own, there are marks of eternal death on many t And that there are many more, in whom we can see nothing which looks hke a token of spiritual life ? So that the best we can say of them is, that pos- sibly there may be some latent sparks of it concealed in the heart, which as yet produce no effect to the honour of their profession, . or the benefit of the world. In the mean time, sinners are spread- ing the infection of their infidelity, and their vices, far and wide ; as if, like some illustrious wretches that have been mis- called heroes, they accounted the destruction of numbers their glory. Can we behold such a contagion spreading itself even in the christian church, which ought to be healthful as the regi- ons of paradise, and not bitterly lament it before God ? Or can w^e seriously lament it, and not endeavour its redress ? Espe- cially when we consider,
3. " What gracious provision God hath made to prevent their death."
Is there not indeed Bdlni in Gilead ? Is there not a physi- cian there f ? Even this glorious gospel of the blessed God, whose efficacy we have so often heard of, and seen ? And shall thev yet perish ? Adored be the riches of divine grace, we know, and it is infinitely the most important part of all our knowledge, that there is a rich and free pardon proclaimed, to all that will sue it out, and accept the benefit in a proper, that IS, a grateful manner; for cordial acceptance, and real grati- tude, is all it demands. One would expect, the tidings should be as life to the dead : But we see, how coldly they are received ; how shamefully they are slighted ; how generally, yea, how obstinately, they are rejected. And what is the consequence ? Refusing to Believe on the Son of God, they shall not see life^ but the wrath of God abideth oti themX, with an additional weight of vengeance, as it well may. Now is not this enough to make our very hearts bleed, to think, that immortal souls should die under the gospel ; yea, die under aggravated guilt and rnin ? So that instead of being any thing the better for this deliglitful message of peace and grace, they should be for ever the worse for it ; and have reason to wish, throughout all eter- nity, they had never seen 'the faces, nor heard the voices, of those that brought it, but had been numbered among the sinners ^f Tyre and Sydon, of Sodom and Gomorrah §.
If we do not, on the express authority of our Lord, believe
* I Cor, xiii. 7. f Jer. viii. 22. | John iii. 36. § Mat, x. 15. xi. 22.
Evil and Danger of neglecting Souls. 253
this to be the case with regard to impenitent sinners under the gospel, we are not christians of the lowest chiss. But if we do beheve it, and are not affected with it, so far as to endeavour their recovery, I see not how any regard to our own temporal interest, or that of others, can entitle us to the character, either of |)rud -ncc, or humatiity ; even though M-e had not been distin- guished bv a public ofHce in the church, but had passed through life in the station of the obscurest among our hearers. But it is impossible I should do justice to my argument, if I do not urge,
4. The consideration of " the peculiar oljligations we are under, to endeavour the [jreservation of souls, not only in vir- tue of our experience as christians, but of our office as ministers."
If we were only to consider our experiences, as we arc christians, if we have any thing more than the (Miipty name, that consideration might certainly atlbrd us a very tender argument, to awaken our compassion to the souls of others. Wc know what it is ourselves, to be upon the brink of destruction, and in that sad circumstance to obtain mercy ; and shall we not extend mercy to others ? We have looked to Jesus, that Ave might live ; and shall we not point him out to them ? We have tasted that the Lord is gracious ; and shall we not desire to communicate the same happy relish of his grace to all about us '' He has magnified the riches of his pardoning love to us ; and shall we not, with David, resolve, IVe will endeavour to teach trans- gressors his ways, and labour to promote the conversion of sin- ners unto him * ? Even now is he keeping our soids : His Visi- tation preserves our spirits \ ; and, as it is By his grace that we are what we are %, it is by Having obtained help from hiin, that we continue unto this day § ; And shall his grace, daily be- stowed upon us, be in vain || ? And shall not we have Compas- sion on our fellow-servants, as our Lord continually hath pity on us % ?
But our office, as ministers, completes the obligation, when we consider the view in which the word of God rejiresents that olHce, and the view in which we ourselves have received it.
As for the former of these, we are all acquainted with those representations, and it is greatly to be wished, for our own hake, and thut of our people, they may be very familiar to our minds. Let us often listen with becoming attention to the blessed God as speaking to us, in those words which he once addressed
* P.<;il. li. 13. t Job V. 12. J 1 C..I. XV. 10. § Alts .wvi. '2'2.
U 1 Cor. x\\ 10. ^\ Mat. xviii. 33.
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256 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT KETTERING. SeR. IV.
to the prophet Ezekiel, that faithful approved servant of the Lord ; Son of man, J have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel ; therefore hear the word at my mouth and give them warning from me : When I say to the wicked. Thou shalt surely die -, and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his evil way to save his Ufe ; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will i re- quire AT thine hand *. And with apparent reason may the ceiitinel be punished, for the desolation which the enemy makes, while instead of watching he sleeps.
We are elsewhere represented as Men of Godf, as Soldiers of Jesus Christ X, as made Overseers, or bishops, by the Holy Ghost ^, as under-shepherds in subordination to Christ, The great Shepherd and Bishop of souls \\ : And ought not the thought, gentle as it is, to awaken us to a diligent inspection over the sheep he has committed to our care ? Otherwise, we are but images of shepherds ; as it is represented in those lively and awful words of God by Zechariah, which methinks might strike terror and trembling into many, who in the eye of the •world may seem the happiest of their brethren : Woe to the idol shepherd, that leaveth thefiock : The sword of divine vengeance, which by his negligence he has justly incuiTed, shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye; upon that eye, which should have watched over the flock, and that arm, which should liave been stretched out for its rescue ; so that he shall be deprived of those capacities he abused, and be made miserable in propor- tion to that abuse ; for His arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened ^.
Such we know are the pathetic views, which the scripture gives us of our office, and of the guilt and danger attending the neglect.
I might, if my time would admit, farther urge the views, •with whicli we have ourselves received it, and engaged in it. Most of us, when we undertook the pastoral charge, solemnly recorded our vows before God ; " that we M'ould endeavour, with all diligence and zeal, to attend to the services of this holy function ; that we would be Instant in season, and out of sea- son *"*, and labour to discharge the private, as well as public duties of the ministerial life." These vows of God are upon us ; and every ordination of any of our brethren, at which we assist, adds a farther, and solemn obligation to them. Let us therefore
* Ei-.ek. iii. n, 18. f 1 Tim. vi. 11. % 9. Tin), li. 3. § Actsxx. 23.
jl 1 P.^Uii. 'i:>. ' «fi /.'••■li. xi. 17. ** :■ Tim. iv. 2.
Evil and Danger of neglecting Souls. 257
take the greatest care, that we do not deal deceitfully, and unfaith- fully, both with God, and man. F^or it is most evident, that though the ne<rlect of immortal souls is very criminal in c-very rational creature, it is most of all so in us, who have so deli- berately,and so publicly undertaken the charge of theni.
It would indeed, in this case, not only be cruelty to them, but the basest treachery and ingratitude to our great Lord, who has lodged such a trust in our hands ; a trust, which evidently lies so near his heart. Having Redeemed his peophi unth his own blood *, he commits them to our care ; and having acquired to himself the most tender claim to our love th.it can be imagined, he graciously requires this evidence of it, that we should Feed his sheep, yea, his lambs f; so putting our'ofHce in the most amiable and gentle view, and bringing iu every sentiment of grateful friendship to excite our diligence in it.
However we may regard it, I doubt not, but our blessed Redeemer considers it, as the greatest favour, and honour, he could have conferred upon us ; that being returned to his throne in the heavens, he should chuse us to negociate his cause and interest on earth, and should consign over to our im- mediate care that gospel he brought down from heaven, and those souls which he died to save ; and that he should make it the delightful labour of our life, to follow him in his own pro- fession and employment, to be of all our fellow-creatures, his most immediate representatives, and, in humble subordination to him, saviours of men. Does not the very mention of it cause our hearts to glow with a fervent desire, and generous ambi- tion of answering so high a confidence ? Could any one of us endure the thought of betraying it ?
How could we, in that case, lift up our faces before him, when we shall, as we certainly must, See him eye to eyeX- Yes, my brethren, let us every hour recollect it ; owr Master \\\\\, e'er long, come, and reckon with us ^; He will render to every man according to his works, as my text expresses it in exact harmony with the language of the New Testament ||. And which of us would not then wish to appear before him, as those that have been faithfully attached to his cause, and have distin- guished themselves by a zeal for his service ? Shall we then, any of us, repent of our activity in so good a work ? Shall we wish, that we had given more of our time to the pursuit of secu- lar interest, or the curiosities of literature, and less to the immediate care of souls ? Oh, my brethren, let us be wise in
♦ Acts XX. 28. f John xxi. 15, 1«3. ^ Is. lii. 8. § Mat. xxv. 19. || Rom ii. G. Rev.xxii. 12.
258 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT KETTERING. SeR. IV.
time. We have but one life to spend on earth ; and that a very short one too : Let us make the best of it ; and lay it out in such kind of employments, as we do verily believe will give us most satisfaction in the closing moments of it, and when eternity is opening upon us. It is easy to form plausible ex- ruses for a different conduct : But our own hearts and con- sciences would answer us, if we would seriously ask them, what that course of life in the ministerial office is, which will then afford the most comfortable review-, and through the riches of divine grace, the most pleasing prospect. — I should now proceed, III. To the farther application of these things, in some practical inferences from them :
But what I have already said, has been so copious, and so practical, as not to leave room to pursue such inferences at large. You have all, I doubt not, prevented me, in reflecting on the reason we have to humble ourselves deeply in the pre- sence of the blessed God, while we Remember our faults this day * I do not, indeed, at all question, but that many of us have Set before our people, Life and death f; and have, in our public addresses, urged their return to God, by the various considerations of terror, and of love, which the thunders of mount Sinai, and the grace of mount Zion, have taught us. We have, on great occasions, visited them, and entered into some serious discourse with them ; and have often, and I would hope, more or less, daily borne them on our hearts before God, in our seasons of devout retirement. Blessed be God, that in these instances, we have, in any degree, approved ourselves faithful ! It must give us pleasure in the review. But, Oh, why have notour prayers been more frequently presented, and more importunately enforced? Why have we not been more serious and more pressing, in our private addresses to them, and more attentive in our contrivances, if I may so express it, to Catch them X in the net of the gospel? Let us ask our own consciences, this day, as in the presence of God, if there be not reason to apprehend, that some, who were once our hearers, and it may be, our dear friends too, have perished through our neglect ; and are gone to eternal destruction, for want of our more pru- dent, more affectionate, and more zealous care for their deli- verance ? In these instances, my brethren, though it is dreadful to say it, and to think it, yet it is most certain, that we have been, in part, accessary to their ruin ; and have reason to say, with trembling hearts, and with keeping eyes, Deliver us from blood-
* Gen. xli. 9. f Deut. xxx. 15. + Luke v. 10.
Evil and Danger of neglect mg Souls. 259
guiltiness, — from the blood of tl)ose unhappy souls, Oh, God, thou God of our salvation */ And we huve need, with all possible earnestness, to ren«w our application to the blood and righte- ousness of a Redeemer ; not daring to mention any services of our own, as matter of confidence in liis presence ; how liighly soever others may have esteemed them, who candiilly look on the little we do, and perhaps make more charitable excuses for our neglect, than we ourselves can dare to urge before God. Let the remembrance of these things be for a lamentation ; And while they are so.
Let us seriously consider, what methods are to be taken, to prevent such things for the time to come.
They that have perished, have perished for ever, and arc far beyond the reach of our labours, and our prayers. But multitudes to this day surround us, who stand exposed to the same danger, and on the very brink of the same ruin. And besides these dving sinners, who are the most compassionablc objects, which the eve of man, or of God, beholds on this earth of ours ; how many languishing christians demand our assistance ? Or, if they do not expressly demand it, appear so much the more to need it? Let us look round, my brethren, I will not say, upon the nation in general, but on the churches under our immediate care ; and say, whether the face of them is such, as becomes the societies of those, whom the Son of God has redeemed with his own blood ; and of those, that call them- selves the disciples, and members, of a once crucified, and now glorified Jesus ? Is their wdiole temper and conduct formed upon the model of his gospel ? Are they such, as we would desire to present them before the presence of his glory ? What is want- ing, cannot be numbered ; and perhaps we may be ready, too rashly, to conclude, that what is crooked, cannot be made straight f. Nevertheless, let us remember, it is our duty to attempt it, as prudently, as immediately, and as resolutely as we can. Many admirable advices for that purpose our fathers and brethren have given us ; particularly Dr. Watts, in the first part of his Humble Attempt for the Revival of Rehgion, and Mr. Some, in his sermon on the same subject : Excellent treatises, which reduced into practice would soon produce the noblest effects.
That those important instructions may be revived, and ac- commodated to present circumstances, with such additions, as those circumstances require, we are, this day, having united
♦ P». li. U. fEc. i. 15.
260 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT KETTERING. SeR. IV.
our prayers, to unite our counsels. I will not anticipate what I have to offer to your consideration in the more private confe- rence, on which we are quickly to enter. To form proper measures will be comparatively easy : To carry them strenu- ously into execution, will be the great exercise of our wisdom and piety : May proportionable grace be given to animate us, and to dispose them that are committed to our care, to fall in with us in all our attempts, for the honour of God, and for their edification and comfort !
We shall esteem it, my friends, a very happy omen, if your hearts be with ours on this occasion ; and if you help for- ward so good, and so necessary a design, by your prayers to God for us. If you are sincere and affectionate in them, we may humbly hope, that he, of whom we ask wisdom, will gra- ciousl}^ impart it to us ; and may assure ourselves, that you will not only bear with us in the plainest addresses to you, which fidelity may oblige us to make ; but will add all the weight of your countenance and interest, to support us in our applica- tions to others, Avhether public or private. And I have a cheer- ful confidence, that all will not be in vain ; but that he, who thus powerfully awakens our minds, will so succeed our labours, that many, whom we tind under a sentence of condemnation, and ready to perish by it, will receive the forgiveness of their sins ; will be recovered to a spiritual and divine life ; and, as the happy consequence of all, will at length be fixed with us, and withyou, in the regions of everlasting security and glory. Amen.
i
CHRISTIAN CANDOUR AND UNANIMITY
STATED, ILLUSTRATED AND LRGRD:
jt Sermon prcacM at a Meeiing of Ministers at Creaton in Northamptonshire^ Junmrij 12, l749-:)0.
70 THE
RIGHT HON. THE COUxVTESS OF HUNTINGDON;
THAT EMINENT EXAMPLE OF THE
CHRISTIAN CANDOUR
HERE RECOMMENDED,
AND OF EVERY OTHER VIRTUE AND GRACE,
WHICH CAN INSPIRE, SUPPORT, AND ADORN IT,
THE AUTHOR, FINDING HIMSELF (AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS) INCAPABLE OF WRITING ANY DEDICATION, UNDER THE RESTRAINTS WHICH HER HUMILITY AMIDST ITS UTMOST INDULGENCE HAS PRESCRIBED HIM; OR TO MENTION ANY EXCELLENCE WHICH WOULD NOT SEEM AN ENCOMIUM ON HER; HAS CHOSEN THUS MOST RESPECTFULLY TO INSCRIBE THIS DISCOURSE: INTREATING THAT HIS FARTHER SILENCE, IN THIS CONNECTION, MAY BE INTERPRETED BY HER LADYSHIP, AND BY EVERY READER, AS THE MOST SENSIBLE AND PAINFUL PROOF HE CAN GIVE OF THE DEFERENCE, VENERATION AND GRATEFUL AFFECTION WITH WHICH HE IS, HER LADYSHIP'S MOST OBLIGED AND OBEDIENT HUMBLE SERVANT,
P. DODDRIDGE.
sou III. ^ ^
263 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT CREATON, SeB,, V,
SERMON V.
Phil. ii. 1, 2. — ff there he therefore cm>j Consolation in Christ, if any Comfort of Love, if am) Fellotiship of the Spirit, if (my Botvels and Mercies; fulfil ye jiiy Jay, that 7je be like-minded, having the same Love, being of one Accord^ of one Mind.
I
F it indeed be, as it certainly is, a test of true eloquence that it is suited to strike powerfully upon the minds of all, however different in genius, education or rank, I cannot but conclude that every one here present, must already acknowledge these ■words to be a remarkable specimen of it, even before we proceed particularly to illustrate them; and, having felt something of their pleasing energy while we have been reading them, is ready to confess that the sentiment they contain is finely conceived, and pathetically expressed. But ill shall Ave answer the great design of the apostle, if we rest in the mere acknowledgment of this. His vicAvs were much more worthy of him whose minister he was: He laboured to diffuse, through the breasts of his fel- low-christians, that spirit of love, which was in his own, as a con- stant spring of living water. And what more convincing proof can be given of the deplorable disorder of men's minds, than that such addresses, proceeding from such a man ; yea, I will add, the yet more forcible address of his divine Master, and ours, should have produced so little effect ? That such discord and animosity should so early, so long, I had almost said so imiver- sally prevail in the christian church, amidst all the incentives, amidst all the intreaties, amidst all the tender adjurations, as well as the godlike examples which the sacred oracles exhibit to charm us into the most endeared affection. But alas these ! incentives, and intreaties, these adjurations, and examples, are overlooked, as not havinof lustre enough to detain our attention : For we too generally seem to study our bibles, if we study them at all, for amusement or ostentation, rather than practical instruction. We fix on some curious incident or high speculation, and are first ingenious to explain it where it cannot be explained, and then impassioned to defend it, as if it were fundamental truth, till we heat out the sacred gold so thin, that every breath of air carries it away: Whilst the plain things which tend to inspire, an hea^
Christian Candour and Unanimity. 263
venlv temper, and lead us on to the most exalted goodness, are slightly passed over ; as too obvious, and too vulgar, to engage our attention or excite onr emulation. Thus we teed our pride by what was intended to humble it, and make that the prize of mutual contention, which was designed to be the band of love.
What wise man has not observed this ? What good man has not lamented it ? Yet alas who so wise as in all instances to have avoided it ? Who so good as to have exerted himself to the utmost to c;«uc it ? A cordial however feeble attempt of this kind will now be made, and so powerful are the arguments, so alluring the motives suggested in the text, that if the Spirit of visdom and of love so often, and I trust so sincerely invoked, may guide our meditations upon them, we may cheerfully liope for some valuable effects.
And happy will it indeed be, If he may teach us to enter into these words, with a temper like that which the holy apostle St. Paul felt, when in his bonds for the sake of the gospel, and particularly for his zeal in asserting the calling and the liberty of the Gentiles to whom he wrote ; he addressed them Avith this tender and pathetic intreaty. Jf there be therefore any consola- tion in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my Joy ; that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being oj one accord, of one mind. It may be here proper to enquire,
I. To what the apostle is endeavouring to persuade tlip Philippians.
II. To consider in how tender a manner he addresses them, and what a variety of affecting arguments he pleads with them, and then
III. To conclude Avith some advices for maintaining and cul- tivating the temper he so pathetically recommends.
I attempt it, my reverend and dear brethren, wMth the great- er cheerfulness, as from long experience I am persuaded, that all your hearts arc one with mine, in every etiort to spread christian love, and as that uninterrupted peace, and unalienated affection, Avhich has so long reigned among ourselves will not only dispose you to receive what I shall say with unprejudiced minds; but will render it as agreeable to you, as it is in general needful to the christian world. Long have we beheld, and bless- ed be God, long have we felt, How good and how pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity *; long has tlie
* Psal. cxxxiii. 1 ,
Kk 2
264 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT CHEATON. SeR. V,
odouir of this precious ointment filled our little tabernacles with its perfume. May the dew descend on all the mountains of Sion, and the Lord more abundantly command the blessing, even life for evermore ! That life of which fervent christian love is the earnest, the foretaste, the beginning !
I. We are to enquire to what it is, that the apostle endea- vours so affectionately to persuade the Philippians. And here I might observe, it is in the general to fulfil his joy, and more par- ticularly to do it bv cultivating unanimity and love.
1 . He urges them in the general to fulfil hisjmj, that is, to conduct themselves in such a manner as might cause him greatly to rejoice. This was in the general to be done by remember- ing their christian character, and walking Avorthy of it, or as he expresses it in a few verses below, by Working out their salva- tion with fear and trembling^, and by keeping themselves Blameless and harmlessy and acting as the children of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, that so they might shine as lights in the world, and hold forth with advantage the word of lifef. Paul, like the beloved disciple St. John, Had no greater pleasure than to see his children walking in the truthX, and therefore elsewhere says, JFe live, if ye stand Jast in the Lord §.
Now before we proceed to what is more peculiar to our sub- ject, let us ])ause for a few moments on this edifying, this ani- mating consideration. Let us as it Avere in our devout medita- tions, pay a visit to this illustrious confessor in his chains at Rome, for he was uoav a prisoner there, that we may learn how his mind was employed in the midst of his confinement, his straits, and his sorrows — To enquire A\hat would have afforded him the most sensible joy, so far as others could be instruments of afford- ing it ? Not that his eloquence should be admired, or his necessi- ties relieved, or his liberty restored, or his patience and magnani- mity applauded, but that his christian converts might behave in character; that the honour of their profession, and their own Iiappiness might be most effectually secured. Oyily let your conversation be as becomes the gospel H , and then if bonds and iynprisojiments await me, I'ea, if J be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all ^; and I , call upon you also to congratulate me: For none of these things move me, neither count I, in a cause like this, even my life dear unto me **. But it is evident that Avhatever may be compre-
* Ph:i. ii. U. t ri'''- »i- !■'>• % S John ver, 4. § 1 Thess. iii. 8,
• l| Phil, 1 '.17. «]• Phil. ii. 17. ** Acts xx. 24.
Christian Candour a7ul Unanimity. 2G5
Iicndcd in fulfilling the aj)ostlt!''s joy, the phrase has a peculiar reference to the method lie prescribes, ^vherein they iniglit ciiect it, which we are next to consider.
2. He urges thein to do it, by cultivating unanimity and love.
As wc render the second verse, this must be tlie sense of the whole: Be like-minded^ having the same love, of one accord, of one mind. Admitting for the present this version, which I think may be considerably improved, rommon sense will not allow us to understand it as an exhortation, to be all entirely of the same opinion in every religious sentiment about which they might exercise their enquiries. For considering the diversity of men's capacities, and opportunities of improvement, that is absolutely imj)Ossible. Had Paul condescended to enter into the minutest detail of doctrines and principles that can be imagined, had his form of words been as artifuial and elaborate, as that of any scholastic divine, and his decrees as large as those of the most voluminous councils, and synods of succeeding ages ; j'et still, while the apprehensions and understandings of men had continued of a different size, different interpretations might have been put upon his words, even by good and honest, much more by designing and prevaricating men ; when interest on the one hand and resentment on the other, had given an ed^e to their invention. Least of all could such an unanimity as we are now speaking of, be efi'ectcd by mere intreaties: And it is very ob- servable, we here meet with no arguments or decisions, by which one doctrine is established rather than another, about which there could be any supposed difference, or one speculative sentiment or disputed practice pointed out, in which they are so earnestly exhorted to agree: Not now to insist upon it, that where there was such a perfect uniformity, a peaceful disposition would have been matter of very little praise, and migiit seem only self-love diversified and reflected.
We are necessitated therefore, by the absurdity of such an interpretation, especially in this connexion, to seek out for an- other: And we shall more easily attain it in its greatest perspi- cuity, by a little varying our version of the original words. Iva TO atvlo (f>po>«1f tx» avltiv ayavriv txflflf;, that ye may be unanimous y maintaining the same love a-vfj^-\.vxoi to h (ppovnilii, having your souls joined together in attcyiding to the one thing. On this interpre- tation, it will be as if he had said '* be unanimous in atlection, if you cannot be so in opinion, agree on cultivating the same love, however your judgments, yea, and in some instance, your practices may be divided. And that ypu may be so cemented,
26$ MEETING OF MmiSTERS AT CREATON. SeR. V.
let all the ardor of your souls be combined in attending more and more to the one great thing, which ought to be the leading concern of every christian, the advancement of vital, practical holiness:" This might well be understood, though it was not particularly expressed and described, it being so obvious to all that knew any thing of the gospel, that it was the great design in which it centered; and having been spoken of by our Lord, in a very celebrated oracle, under the title of the One thing needful*'.
And in this view we may consider the apostle as addressing himself, not only to his friends at Philippi, but to all christians of every nation and age : And thus supported by his authority, I may address you, my brethren, that hear me this day, whether in the ministry or in private life.
To agree in our sentiments as to every point of doctrine or discipline, or as to the authority, or expediency of every rite of •worship that may be in question, is absolutely impossible. The best of men differ, their understandings differ, various associa- tions have been accidentally formed, and different principles have been mnocently, and perhaps devoutiv admitted, which, even in a course of just and sensible reasoning, must necessarily lead to different conclusions. Accordingl}'- we find that in this age, enlightened as it is, and so far as the age of literature can go, I am persuaded no age was ever more enlightened, the wisest and the best of men at home and abroad have pleaded the cause on either side of various questions, Avhich to both have seemed im- portant, without being able to produce conviction. The event of many a voluminous controversy has been this ; that men of contrary parties have sat down more attached to their own opi- nions than they were at the besinninsr, and much more estrang- ed m then- affections: The champions something sore with the rough usage they have mutually received in the combat, and the partisans of each so heinously displeased at the obstinacy of their brethren, in refusing to yield to such unanswerable arguments, that they can hardly now condescend to own them for brethren. And when this is the case, what is farther to be done ? The laws of human nature, the laws of Christ, will not permit of force on either side ; and blessed be God the laws of our country forbid it too, which if they did not, 1 muchfearthat neither the voice of nature or scripture would be heard by many. Since then after all that has been said, or that can be said, we B)ust live together, let m, by every consideration of prudence
■•* JAike X. 42.
Christian Candour and Unanimitij. 267
and of tenderness, be entreated to live not only in pcare but in love, in a tree intercourse of all the good oftices in our power, as well as with a strict care not to iMJiirc and afllict each other by unkind treatment, or censures unneci'ssarilv harsh. Truth is indeed too sacred a thiui; ever to he denied on any considera- tion : and so far as we are in our own consciences persuaded that any particular truth is important, neither honour nor charity will allow us to give it up, as a point of mere indilTerent specu- lation. Let us therefore ever be rea<ly, when properly railed out to the service, to plead its cause in the name of the God of truth ; hut let it he in a manner worthy of him, a manner which may not oHcnd him as the God of love. vVrid let us he orcatly upon our giuird tliat we do not conclemn our brethren, as havinir forfeited all title to the name of christians, because their creeds or confessions of faith do not come up to the standard of our own. Yea if it were in a matter which seemed of so great im* portance as to give us some room to suspect that the mistake were fatal, (which surely nothing can be that does not greatly affect men's temper and conduct towards God, and each other) even that consideration should engage us to gentleness and ten- derness, rather than severity to them ; if peradventure our frietid- ly and respectful carriage may gain such a happy ascendant over their minds, as to remove their prejudices against onr rea- sons : For the reasons in such important matters must surely be so forcible that nothing but very strong prejudices could obstruct their efficacy ; prejudices too, which on our own princijdes, we may endanger their souls by encrcasing.
But where we and our brethren agree in altendino- to the one thing which Christianity was designed to teach us ; surely an agreement in that should unite our minds, more than any difference, consistent with that agreement, should divide them. To reverence with fdial duty and love, the God of heaven, and to adore him with integrity of heart ; to honour .lesus his son, as his brightest image, subscribing to the truth of all he is known to have revealed, and the authority of all he is apprehended to command ; conscientiously to abstain from every known evil, and to practise, so far as hnman infirmity will permit, the com- prehensive precepts of living soberly, righteouslj/ , a?id godlj/ ; stilllooking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, assuredly expecting a future judgment, and an eternal ■world, carefully endeavouring to prepare for both, by setting the affections on those great objects, which the gospel opens to our view; and finally being habitually ready to sacrifice life and all its enjoyments, to that blessed hope j this, this, my
268 MEETING OF MINISTERS AT CREATOIf. SeR. V.
brethren, is the essential character of every christian, and where we see this, should we esteem it a difficult thing to live peace- ably with him in whom we discern it ? Should we arrogate it to ourselves as any high praise, that we do not censure, that we do not grieve, that we do not injure him, because he folloAvs not us? Is this the man to be hated or suspected, I will add, can we refuse to esteem and embrace him, merely because he wor- ships in another assembly, or according to a different form, be- cause he expresses his apprehensions about some of these doc- trines in different Avords, because he cannot see all that we think we discern in some passages of scripture, or because he imagines he sees sometljing which we discern not ? Is it after all so great a matter, to love a character, which, amidst all its imperfections, is in the general so justly amiable ? Nay, instead of thinking much of any acts of kindness, which it is in our power to per- form for such a fellow-disciple, ought we not rather to lament that we can do no more for his service ? Ought we not to en- deavour rather to supply in our fervent prayers to God the lack of that further service, which christian benevolence dictates, but which the narrow limits of our condition and our nature will not allow us to perform ?
Methinks the matter might safely be rested here, and that the very description of christian charity, and its proper objects, might engage every heart to cultivate it. Nor is it easy to expatiate beyond the just boundary of such an argu- ment. But I should be inexcusable, if while I have this text before me, I should deprive you of the pleasure which every be- nevolent mind must undoubtedly feel, in contemplating, what we are to consider,
II. In how tender a manner the apostle addresses himself to these christians, and conjures them to cidtivate the temjjer he had been recommending. And no words but his own will so proper]}' represent this. He pleads the consolation of Christ, the comfort of love, the fellowship of the spirit, the bowels of mercy . Considerations, which if I can but illustrate, there will be little occasion to enforce them by any arguments of my own.
J . He pleads with them the consolation of Christ.
Tliis most strongly implies, that many important consola- tions arise from him, and that they will all, if properly regarded, conspire in disposing us to mutual love.
That numberless consolations do indeed flow to the true believer from the Lord .Tcsus Christ, is too obvious to need being proved at large. Yet, O how delightful would it be to attempt a little to illustrate the point if my time would per--
3
Christian Candour and Unanimity. 269
mit ! How delightful to speak of the genuine and strong con- solation to be derived from the offices he bears — from the benefits he imparts — and from the ligures under which he is represented in scripture !
How delightful would it be to me to speak, and to you to hear of tliis faithful and infallible prophet, who brings us so complete a revelation of tlie divine will, in so plain and so condescending a manner ! Of this great High-priest^ holy, harmless, undejiled*, who made his own life our sacrifice, who is now, in virtue of it, interceding in our favour before the throne of God, and lives for ever to attend this friendly important olHce ! Of our most gracious Sovereign, who rules with consummate wisdom and proportionable goodness ; and is ever ready to exert the power with which he is invested at the right-hand of God, to defend us from every evil, and to make us More than conquerors f over his enemies and our own 1 Of that kind surety who has imdertaken our cause, and paid off our dreadful debt, that he might rescue us from that prison from whence there is no redemption 1 Of that com- passionate Shepherd, who having generously Given his life for the sheep X, folds the weakest of the flock iu his gracious arms, and Carries the lambs in his bosom §.
And where should I bound my discourse, if I were to speak of those consolations, which flow from the benefits that Christ bestows ! From the pardon he proclaims, the complete pardon of the most aggravated sins ! From the peace which he restores to our troubled consciences ! From the cures he performs on the diseased powers of our natures ! From the strength he diffuses through the infeebled soul ! From the joys Aviiich his cheering spirit gives, and the delightful prospect which his gospel opens ; which it opens not merelv with respect to the happy spirit, when it lias shaken off tliis burden of flesh and blood, and springs to its blessed associates in the intermediate state ; but especially after the resurrection ; when inhabiting a glorious, a spiritual, a vigorous, an incorruptible body Fashioned after the model of the blessed Redeemer s\\f the complete man shall be for ever ^^'ith the Lord !
These views. Sirs, will justify all tlie liveliest and most beautiful figures, imder which so glorious and adorable a Sa- viour is described in scripture : As the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the vallies, as the bread of life, that comes down from heaven; as the true vine ; as the pearl of great price i
•Heb.vii. 26. tRoca- viii. 37. | John x. 11. §l3.xl. 11. Jj PUil. iii. 21. VOL. III. L 1
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^h the cleansing fountain I ns the shady rock; as the morning star ; as the sun of righteousness. Nay, must I not add, these views will teach us as it were to call for a new creation, to open upon us ; to call for something fairer than roses and lilies, richer than pearls, sweeter than manna, more generous than the richest production of the vine, more refreshing than shades, or streams, veabrio-hter tlran stars, or the sun itself, to set forth the glory of Jesus, and describe the consolations which flow to our souls from him.
But you recollect to what purpose these consolations are here mentioned ; that by them we might be entreated to mutual love. And, i) how forcible is the conclusion ! The conscious- ness of happiness sweetens and exalts the soul, it makes it capable of nobler and more generous sentiments, especially "when happiness, like this of ours, is conferred on those that Avere once the children of misery ; and conferred, not by merit, but by rich compassionate bounty, by ov^erflowing grace and mercy. That mtfst be a mean and stubborn soul indeed which is not melted with such goodness, and wliich is not full of a de- sire to impart Avhat it has so freely received.
Especially may these consolations operate here, when we consider those who are recommended to our benevolent affec- tions, as sharing in them with ourselves. Where, the full com- munication to all leaving no room for envy, the thoughts of being joint-proprietors must naturally be a source of love : For every one who is admitted to a share in these blessings, is ho- noured and adorned by them ; is not only exhibited to us as the object of our Redeemer's love, which surely should greatly recommend him to ours, but is made lovely in consequence of it, and that with this further important and endearing circum- stance, that he is destined by our glorious master to dwell with us and with him in a Avorld of final and everlasting felicity. Let our souls enter into the attractive thought. However we now be divided ; if we are indeed tiie members of Christ, one temple shall at length contain us, one anthem shall at length unite our voices, one object of supreme love for ev^er fill, and by filling, cement our hearts. Such consolations have we in Christ, such are the engagements in love which result from them ! uniting to display Avhat we are secondly to consider
2. The Comforts of love, which the apostle urges as a distinct argument. And certainly there is great comfort in it, comfort too great and too sweet to be displayed in one single branch of a discourse, and which I rather wish you may all learn by experience than by report, which at best must be very im- perfect. But it is most obvious these comforts arc. powerful
Christian Candour and Unanimity. 271
and divine. Love not only guards the mind from tlic furious and dial)olic;il passioits of ra'j;t',cnvy, niiilico and revenge, Avhicli tear it like a whirlwind, which c'orrodu it liki* a cancer, which consume it hke rottenness in the bones, but (ills it with a thou- sand gentle and pleasing sensations. Love distils a fragrant balm into the soul, that while it licals the wound which con- trary passions have made, dilfuses a most grateful and reviving perfume, most justly compared, in the passage I referred to above, to the Oinl)nent poured on Aarojis head, or the re- freshing Dew desccjuling on llervion and Sum'', and making all the country between them to share in its copious blessings.
Who can enjoy himself even in the greatest plenty, while his heart is full of unkind 'passions to any, especially to his brethren ? \Vho could rest in a palace amidst such disturbers, far more intolerable than the swarms of flies that invested Pliaroah's gilded roof, or the Frogs thai came up to the very chambers of the king f? But a benevolent and generous heart Avill make the plainest accommodations delightful, and as Solo- mon, who was so exquisitely acquainted with human nature, testifies, will render j4 dinner of herbs where love is, better than a stalled ox and hatred rancour and malice with itj.. Hatred lias torment, more sensible than fear : Torment sufficient to turn heaven itself into hell, as it in a manner did, before those wretched spirits, who first entertained it, were, by God's righte- ous judgment driven out from thence. But love, joined with that fervent devotion which so well agrees with it, and indeed is inspired by it, will turn the meanest and most incommodious dwelling on earth intd a paradise, yea into the delightful antici- pations of heaven itself. And therefore has a gracious God, though his own felicity is perfectly independent on the greatest height of our love, or the most total deficiency of it, required us to love himself, and to love one another, that we might con- tinually feel the noblest pleasure, a pleasure like that which he feels in the consciousness of his own most perfect goodness, and in the survey of his creatures as made happy by it : And I hope 1 offend not in adding, a pleasure which, as onr natures are constituted, oumipotcnoe itself could not communicate to us in any other veliicle but that of love. But we must not forget the tliird topic of argument which the apostle pleads,
3. The fellowship of the Spirit. Now it is implied as the foundation of this argument, that all christians do indeed
♦ Ps". cxx\iii, C, 3. t E^'- ^''i- 24—3. J Prov. xv. 17.
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partake of one spirit. As the apostle expresses it, By one spirit we are all baptized into one body, and have all been made to drink into one spirit*; and this is pleaded as an endearing consideration, not only here, but elsewhere, Keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace — there is one spirit f. And it IS indeed so. Hereby we become jnembers one of another, we are one bod}', as animated by one spirit. It is also the gift of Christ as our common Head, and given that it may adorn us, and by so adorning may unite us ; as indeed what can render the soul more amiable than to be animated, to be impregnated "with the spirit, whose fruits are so celestial and divine ? Hear how the apostle, in whom it so eminently reigned represents its eflPects, the Fruit of the Spirit is love, Joy, peace, long-suffer- ing, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance %; and surely these fruits, fair as they appear when considered in them- selves, must render those who possess them so much the more amiable, when considered as proceeding from this sacred prin- ciple : For thus they render the persons who possess them venerable ; and we the more easily love where we greatly esteem. Does not the holy Spirit himself deign to descend and dwell in such souls, and there to plant these noble and glorious fruits, and shall I disdain them? Shall all the rich trea- sure that he has lodged there, go for nothing with me, because he has not added this or that circumstance ? Because he has not taught them to judge exactly with me, and inclined them to worship with me ? Surely to argue thus would be to grieve and affront this Spirit of Goodness. And let us not think to secure ourselves by saying they have it not. On men apparently sen- sual, cruel, and wicked, we may indeed pass this censure, what- ever their religious profession may be : But where appearances are fair, we should be cautious of drawing such a conclusion ; should rather be ready to suspect ourselves, and say, " have I indeed the Spirit of God, tlie spirit of wisdom, of candour, of love, when I thus Judge ray brethren, when in honour I prefer wyself to them § ? When I say let me Take the mote out of thine eye, and consider not the beam that is in ynine own |! ?" Let us not thus Grieve the Holy Spirit of God, if we desire to preserve any hope of being sealed by it to the day of redemption ^. The sense and the force of this argument is apparent ; though it mav perhaps be a little difficult precisely to fix that of the next, to which we must now proceed,
* 1 Cor. xii. \'i. f Eph. iv. 3, 4. X Gal, T. 2?, ^3.
% Rom. xiv. 10. xii. 10. (| Mat. vii. 6, 4. % Eph. iv. 5U.
Christian Cimdour and Unanimity. 273
4. He pleads the bowels of mercies : For bowels and mercies are not to be understood as signifying difl'erent things, but, bv an usual hebraism, bowels of mercy, that is, the ten- derest compassion, by which the bowels are struck and caused to yearn ; And the general meaning to be sure is, if ye have learnt the compassion of christians. This implies, that it was intended that cliristians should be compassionate. If there are bowels in human nature, how much more tenderly must they move, when instructed by the holy discipline of the gospel ? This the genuis of our religion very evidently shows ; as it gives us so many precepts of compassion, and as it gives us so bright an example of it, in him whose whole history is the history of compassion and love. And need I name him to you ? O iSirs, from whom can we learn this lesson if not from Jesus the Son of God, whose pity, whose pity for us, for our otherwise hoj:)eless ruin, brought him down from his exalted glory, clothed him in these mean garments of mortal flesh, Avhich we wear, and when it had made him a man, made him a sacrifice too, and triumphed over all the agony, and all the infamy of the cross, that it might raise us to life and glory ? O let us study this generous compas- sionate love in its various circumstances, till every stern and stnbborn passion be subdued in our hearts, till we feel oiu' souls meltfd into streams of love, and disposed to put on the Lord Jesus Christ; for Greater love has no man than this, thai a man should lay down his life for his friend*, and yet when We were enemies Christ died for usf.
But it is possible St. Paul might mean particularly to apply to their christian compassion for him, as if he had said ; " If on the whole you pity the load of affliction under which I am lying for the gospel, and would not grieve me yet more than all my enemies can distress me ; if you would rather comfort and sup- port me under what I sufTcr from them, show it thus. Let Paul amidst all his labours and sorrows have this joy, that you love one another ; that you are ready to every kind and friendly action, and shew a true christian magnanimity, as well as gen- tleness of mind, in looking higher than those things which are so often the causes of discord, to the great considerations which liave so strong a tendency to unite us."
Such, my dear brethren, and friends, sucb are the argu- ments which St. Paid urges, and let us endeavour to retain a sense of them upon our hearts. Let me, as it were, adjure as many of you as hear me this day, by the consolations of Christ,
* Johu XV. 1.1. t^^om-v. 8,
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if they are sweet to you, b}' his offices, by his benefits, by all the representations which the scripture niakes of him, by the endear- ing tenderness and delight of this most noble godlike affection of the human mind, by the love of that holy Spirit which unites us into one body, and is, as it were, the common soul of it, by all the compassions which as christians you ought to feel for each other, and we the ministers of Christ would add, if that may avail any thing, as surely it may, by all your compassions to us, if we may indeed pretend to any merit with you, for all that we do, or for all that we resign upon your account, for all our most affectionate care for your ediiication, working frequently b}' night as well as by day, attending us into every place, and every service public or private ; an affection which I hope, and I trust in the Lord, would bear us cheerfully to bonds and imprisonments, or to death itself for your establishment in our common faith. If any of these considerations, if all of them united can have any weight, be unanimous, having your minds Joined in the same love, and attending to the one thing ; thus fulfil ye our joy y which is herein the joy of our common Lord too, and whicli Avill be your joy, amidst the various inconveniences inseparable from mortal life. Cultivate more and more that lovely principle, which having ennobled as well as delighted your spirits, having rendered you the ornament of religion, and dear in the eyes of men, and of God, will prepare you tor, and through the grace of the Redeemer, transmit you to the regions of everlasting love, and will there continue for ever to delight and adorn you, when faith and hope shall cease, and all our present causes of contention shall be long forgot. But 1 would hope you feel the force of these motives, and begin to be impatient for those advices for maintaining and promoting this blessed temper, which I gave you reason
IIL To expect at the conclusion of this discourse. And here as I intend rather to suggest some useful and coinpre- hensive hints, than to expatiate upon them, I shall not range them u!ider distinct heads, but oiler them briefly as they rose ^n my mind.
It will be one step towards attaining this excellent temper, " earnestly to desire to attain it." And that we may, let us often reflect with ourselves how amiable and how excellent it is ! What an ornament, and indeed, with all its meekness, and tenderness, what a defence to true Christianity ! Let us accustom ourselves to think, so far as our best information reaches, what the face of the christian chiirch has in fact been
C/irislian Candour and Unanimity. 275
amidst all tlic iimtu;il animosities tliat have reigned among its members ; and, on the otlier hand, It^t us try to imagine what it voidd liave been, it* that pacific, gentle, bcneliceut temper which the gospel recommends had constantly, had generally been prevalent, and every angry, turbulent, malignant thought and passion, had been brought mto sweet subjection to the law s of Christ. But who can make the computation, whctlier we consider its aspect on present or on future happiness? Who can calculate how widely Christianity would have been spread, while the admiring world had been charmed by so bright a light, Jiad been melted by so celestial a liame r Who can imagine what delights had sprung up in every breast, and how they had been multiplied by reflection from each? Above all, who can conceive how large a colony the regions of perfect love and blessedness would have received from the peopled earth : A colon}' increased by how many thousands and millions of those, Avho, tilled with rancour and hatred, arc now alas ! gone down to final destruction, and'feel an hell of malignant passions within, Avhich will be matter of everlasting torment to themselves, and all their wretched companions.
" Let us often think of the meekness and gentleness of Christ and of his apostles," particularly of St. Paul, and render fan)iliar to our minds the many candid maxims, and principles, with which his writings abound. Let us remember, as he has admonished us, that The kingdom of God is not incai and drink y but righteousness a?td peace and joy in the Holy Ghost *. That as for some particular ritual observances, though the imposition of them must indeed be displeasing to God, yet the practice or the omission does not affect our share in his favour, if conscience be not violated. Neither if we eat are we the better^ neither if •we eat not are we the worse f. Let us remember the ver}'- same principle, and that a very good one, indeed the very best of all principles, the desire of pleasing God, may, to persons under different apprehensions, produce a quite different conduct. He that regards a day may regard it to the Lord, and as for him that regards not a day, it may he out of a conscientious regard to the Lord that he does not regard itX. When we are tempted to make our own taste and rcHsh the standard to which all our brethren should bow, let us remember that Christ pleased not himself; and, when we are ready on the one hand to Judge our brethren, or on the other hand to despise thejn, let us call up to our assistance that awful tribunal before >vhich we are all in a
* Rom, xiv. 17. f 1 C«i. viii. 8, \ Rom. xiv, Q.
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little time to appear^, that the account we have to give of our- selves to Christ may awe our spirits, and restrain us from that severity on our part, which might seem to challenge a severity on his, which the best of us could never be able to support under.
" If unkind thoughts against our brethren arise in our minds, let us suppress them," for by being vented they gain strength, and one injury is apt to beget another. If therefore we are obliged, as we sometimes may be, to plead the cause of truth and of liberty, though our antagonists may possibly give us great personal advantages against them, yet let us not be too ready to take or even to observe them, but let us rather shew a noble superiority to injurious usage, and learn to answer confi- dence and petulance, censoriousness and seventy with calmness and gentleness, with reasonings indeed as strong as possible, but with a resolute guard upon our tempers ; lest we become like those whom we blame, and condemn, in what is their folly, and will upon the whole be the disadvantage of their cause ; for ■whatever little turn it may for the present serve, it will of course recoil upon them at last, and the more strongly when it seems to do it by its own natural spring, while we are too generous to urge it to the last extremity.
" Let those of us who appear under public characters, be very careful that we do not on any occasion passionately inveigh against our brethren, and especially in religious assemblies." Thus to abuse the sacred and important moments, which w^e spend immediately in the divine presence, thus to pervert the great design of christian ordinances, and make them the vehicle of such malignant passions, is equall}^ affronting to God, and pernicious to men. It is calling the sheep of Christ together to be poisoned under a pretence of feeding them. Alas too in- flammable are the passions of men in this degenerate state of nature, and too many are the unavoidable occasions of offence. It is not necessary that the ministers of Christ should abet their fury, and if I may be indulged in the expression, tear out some of the most important leaves of the book of God, to give fire to the fatal train.
It is always proper to be upon our guard here, and " it is never more necessary than when the petulance and bigotry of others has given the example and begun the attack." Nature will be roused on such provocation, and is ready to spring for- ward, and enter into the contention with a fierce delight : But
♦ UoiQ. xir. 10, \1.
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it will be our surest Avisdom in all sui h cases, to Leave it off be- fore it he meddled ■with'^, remembering our rclaiiou to limi who Endured the contradiction of sinners against himse/J'f, and Jieing reviled, reviled not again, but in calm silence committed himself to him that judgeth righteously %.
Permit me to add, that " in proportion to the de<rree in which God has distinguished any tVom their brethren by peculiar abilities, or more eminent services, they siiould be so much the more careful to distinguish themselves by meekness and can- dour." As James ex])resses it. Whoso is a wise man, and en- dowedmth distinguishing knowledge among you, let him especial- ly illustrate his meekness of wisdom §. The lowest understand- ing, the meanest education, the most contemptible abilities, may sulfice to give hard names, and to pronounce severe censures. A harsh anathema may be learnt by heart, and furiously re- peated by one that could scarce read it, and, as was in truth the case in some ancient councils, may be signed by those that can- not write their names. But true Catholicism of temper is a more liberal thing, it proceeds from more enlarged views, it argues a superior greatness of mind, and a riper knowledge ot men and things. And the man who is blessed with such advan- tages should be so much the more solicitous, that he does not on any provocation add the weight of his example to so bad a cause as that of uncharitableness always is. He owes it to God and to the,world, that such an influence be employed to the happy pur- poses of healing the wounds of the christian church, and of con- ciliating the affections of good and worthy men towards each other, till their united counsels can regulate its disorders, and restore to it a form more worthy of itself.
" All these precautions will be more easy to us, in propor- tion to the degree in Avhich we labour with our own hearts, to subdue the inward workings of pride and vain-glory." And for this purpose let us often review the too voluminous history of our own miscarriages in conduct, and mistakes in judgment; and it •will make us less confident in ourselves, less severe and over- bearing in our treatment or censures of others. On the other hand, let us look upon the excellencies of our brethren rather than their defects, and, let it always be the joy of our hearts to dwell in our thoughts upon what is beautiful, rather than wliat is exceptionable; and to trace, especially in those whose ad- i-antages for them may seem to have been inferior to our owti,
♦ Prov. xvii. 14. t Ileb. xii. 3. % 1 Pet. ii. 23. § Jam. iii. 13,
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the evidences of wisdom and humanity, of benevolence and piety. For this purpose, it is much to be desired that christians of different sects, while this diversity must subsist among us, should be ready as providence gives them opportunity to form acquaintance with each other, and also that their reading should not be confined merely to authors of their own sentiments, which often feeds bigotry, and shuts out candour at its first en- trance. An enlarged acquaintance will infallibly convince us that all truth and goodness is not confined to one denomination of christians, nor among the patrons of any of those opinions, for which we have been inclined most eagerly to contend. Now when we are persuaded of another, that God has received hwif we shall be more cautious how we presume either to Judge or despise him*, and when we see excellency in so many respects superior to our ovvn, Ave shall not exalt ourselves highly on the advantage we enjoy in being, as we must indeed suppose we are, right, in that particular in Avhich we are obliged to differ from persons we so highly esteem. Perhaps said one of the greatest and most excellent men our country has ever produced, I mean Mr. Howe: " Perhaps the reason why, in some disput- able points, I have seen farther than some of my brethren, is, be- cause their more elevated minds have been employed on greater and nobler objects, which has prevented their looking so minute- ly into these particular questions f."
By such means as these I hope something may be done to- wards mending the appearance of things among us, and recon- ciling the hearts of contending christians to each other, especially if we do not insist too rigorously on the history of former wrongs and injuries; for which w^e have all too much reason to blush, nor unwarrantably charge the iniquities of the fathers upon the children.
There is great reason to hope that the endeavour of every single person in his station to promote mutual union and love by methods like these, will in some degree be effectual ; nor let us be discouraged, though it be not immediately successful to the full extent of our Avishes.
It ma}' too justly be said, with regard to the evils with which we are to contend, in such a case, that The fathers have eaten sour grapes y and the children's teeth are set on edgeX. Too tnany have from their tenderest years been taught to place a part of
* Rom. xiv. 3.
t N. B. I u-ell remember this to be the sentiment but not having marked the particular passage, I cannot be certain as to tlie word;;. X Ezek. xviii. 2,
Christian Candour and Unanimity. 279
tlieir religion in the severity with which they censure their bre- thren, and a peccant humour, so early wrought into the constitu- tion, will not easily be subdued by the most sovereign medicines. That very reflection, however, should teach us " to take great heed that we do not convey unkind prejudices into the minds of the rising generation," but that youth be educated among us in more open and generous sentiments, that they be taught to re. verence true Christianity wheresoever they see it, and to judge of it by essentials rather than circumstantials. Let this be our care, and it is more than probable, that our children may rejoice in the shade and fruit of tliese trees of righteousness, which our hands have planted, and I hope it is not a vain presage that it ■will be so : For blessed be God the present season is mild and favourable to such an attempt, and I am persuaded none living have seen a crisis, which seemed more encouraging and inviting to these labours of love.
But here, as in every other respect, Neither is he that plant- eth aiiy thing, nor he that watcreth : But God that giveth the in-- crease *. " Him therefore let us humbly and earnestly invoke, for the benign influences of his Holy Spirit ;" whose great ofl^ice it is to heal and sweeten, to purify and elevate the mind, and in every sense, to take away the stony, and to produce and cherish the tender heart. And O ! may the God of the spirits of all flesh, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Author of peace and lover of concord, hear the prayers in ■which our hearts would unite with all our brethren ; humbly in- terceding for the prosperity of the universal church : " That it may be so guided and governed by his good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith once delivered to the saints in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life, through Jesus Christ." Amen.
♦ 1 Cor. iii. 7.
INI m 2
FUNERAL SERMONS.
FUNERAL SERMONS.
THE
CARE OF THE SOUL
URGED AS THE ONE THING NEEDFUL A Sermon preac/iedJune 22, 1735.
ADVERTISEMENT.
As I would not willingly incur the censure of being over forward in publish- ing so plain a sermon on so common a subject, I beg leave lo inform the reader of the occasion that determined me to do it.
The following discourse was first preached to a very numerous auditory at the funeral of a young person, who being seized on a sudden witli a violent and mortal illness, which nevertiieless did not destroy the exercise of her rea- son, was deeply impressed with a sense of her eternal interest, and expressed that sense in a manner which affected me as much as any thing of that nature which I had ever seen; not only recommending the text to me, but also charging this one thing needful on her brother and sisters in my hearing, with a solemnity and earnestness, which I hope neither they nor I shall ever forget. But I imputed the remarkable attention with which the sermon was hearfl, and the kind notice which was afterwards taken of it by many, to that awful circumstance, rather than to any thing in the discourse itself.
I had afterwards the honour to preach it, with some proper alterations, before some worthy and excellent persons of considerable rank and eminence in life, who are not ashamed publicly to own, that religion is their greatest concern. They were pleased to express such satisfaction in the seriousness and plainness with which this i;iiportant subject was handled, that they urged me with an earnestness which I did not at all expect, to let ihein have some printed copies of it, that they might disperse them amongst their tenants and servants. I think too iiiglily of these valuable friends lo prefix their names to so inconsiderable a performance, which would do a great honour to a book, far superior to any I can ever hope to present them with. Hut as I am well assured of their continued candour towards me; so I hope the authority of their command, will be allowed as a sufficient apology for this publication.
3
284 ADVERTISEMENT.
We are so near tlie eternal state, and must so soon be silent in the dust, that methinks nothing which looks like a call of providence, directing to any opportunity of doing good to tiie souls of men, should be neglected. And if tliese obvious but weighty truths may, through the concurrence of divine grace, be made useful for the conversion of one of the lowest of those for ■whose service this discourse was asked and transcribed, I shall think this little labour abundantly repaid, even though many others should say, as they pro- bably will, that I have made a little addition to the number of unnecessary books with which the world is already incumbered.
P, DODDRIDGE,
y London, July 29, \135.
SERMON I.
Luke X. 42. former Part. — One Thing is Needful.
I
T was tlie amiable character of our blessed Iledeemer, that he Went about doing good*. Tliis great motive, which animat- ed all his actions, brought him to the house of his friend Lazarus, at Bethany, and directed his behaviour there. Though it was a season of recess from public labour, our Lord brought the sentiments and the pious cares of a preacher of righteous- ness into the parlour of a friend ; and there his ^oc\.n\\Q dropped as the rain, and distilled as the dew, on the little happy circle that were then surrounding him. Mary, the sister of Lazarus, with great delight made one amongst them ; she set herself down at the feet of Jesus, in the posture of an humble disciple ; and we have a great deal of reason to believe, that Martha, his other sister, would gladly have been with her there ; but do- mestic cares pressed hard upon her, and she was cumbered •with much seizing, being perhaps too solicitous to prepare a sumptuous entertainment for her heavenly master and the train that attended him. Happy are they that in a crowd of business do not lose something of the spirituality of their minds, and of the composure, and sweetness of their tempers ? This good ■woman comes to our Lord with too impatient a complaint ; in- sinuating some little reflection, not only on Mary, but on himself too. Lord, dost thou, not care that my sister hath left me to sei^e alone ? Bid her therefore that she help mef. Our Lord, willing to take all opportunities of suggesting useful thoughts, answers her in these words, of which the text is a part, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things, but one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taketi away from her, q. d. Alas Martha, the con- cerns of the soul are of so much greater importance than those of the bodv, that I cannot l)Iamc vour sister on this occasion : I rather recommend iier to your imitation, and caution you, and
♦ At ts X. 38. t Luke X. 40.
VOL. III. N a
586 ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG PERSON. SeR. I.
all my other friends, to be much on your guard, that in the midst of 3'our worldly cares, you do not lose the sight of tliat which so much better deserves your attention.
1 shall consider these words. One thing is needful, as a kind of aphorism, or wise and weighty sentence, dropped from the month of our blessed Redeemer, and evidently worthy of our most serious regard. In handling them I shall,
I. Consider what we are to understand by the one thing lierc spoken of.
II. Shew you what is intended when it is represented as the one thing need/id.
III. I will shew how justly it may be so represented, or prove that it is indeed the one thing needful.
IV. Conclude with some reflections and application.
My friends, the M'ords which are now before us are, to this day, as true, as they were seventeen hundred years ago. Set your hearts to attend to them. Oh that you might, by divine gi-ace, be awakened to hear them with a due regard, and might be so impressed with the plain and serious things which are now to be spoken, as you probably would, if I were speak- ing by your dying beds, and you had the full exercise of 3^our reason, and the near and lively view of eternity I
I. I am briefly to consider what we are to understand by» the one thing needful.
Now I answer in a few words, it is the care of the soul, opposed, as you see in the text, to the care, i. e. the excessive care of the body, for which Martha was gently admonished by our Lord. This is a general answer, and it comprehends a variety of important particulars, which is the business of our ministry often to o})en to you at large : The care of the soul implies a readiness to hear the words of Christ, to set ourselves ^vith Mary at his feet, and to receive both the law and the jTospel from his mouth. It supposes that we learn from this divine teacher the worth of our souls, their danger, and their remedy. That we become above all things solicitous about their eternal salvation. That heartily repenting of all our sins, and cordially believing the everlasting gospel, we receive the J>()rd Jesus Christ for righteousness and life, resting our souls on the value of his atonement, and the cflScacv of his grace. It imports the sincere dedication of ourselves to the service of God, and a faithful adherence to it, notwithstanding all the o})positioMs arising from inward corruptions, or outward temp- tations, and a resolute perseverance in the way of gospel depen- dance, till wc receive the end of our faith in our complete salva-
The Care of the Soul. 2S7
tloii. Tills is the owe thing needful, represented iiidix^d in various scriptures by various names. Sometimes il is called regt'uera- tion, or the new creature, because it is the blessed work of God's ctHcacious grace. Sometimes the fear of God, and sometimes iiis love, and the keeping his commandments ; and very frecpieiitly in the New Testament is called faith, or receiving Christ, and believing on him, which therefore is represented as the great Work of God*; i. e. the great thing which God in his glorious gospel requires, as well as by his Spirit produces in us : Tach of these, if rightly understood and explained, comprehends all that I have said on this head. On the whole, we may say, that, as the Body is one, though it has many members, and the soul is one, though it has many faculties ; so, in the present case, this real, vital religion is one thing, one sacred principle of divine life, bringing us to attend to the care of our souls, as of our greatest treasure. It is one thing, notwithstanding all the variety of views in which it may be considered, and of characters under which it may be described. I proceed,
II. To consider what may be intended in the representation which is here made of it, as the one thing needful.
Now I think it naturally includes these three particulars : It is a matter of universal concern, of the highest importance, and of so comprehensive a nature that every thing which is truly worthy of our regard mav be considered as included in it, or subservient to it. Let me a little illustrate each ol these parti- culars, reserving the proof of what I now assert to the third general, where it will abundantly appear.
1. The cure of the soul may be called the one thing needful j *' as it is matter of universal concern."
Our Lord, you see, speaks of it as needful in the general. He says not for this or that particular person ; or for those of such an age, station or circumstance in life, but needful for ail. And indeed, when discoursing on such a subject, one might properly introduce it with those solemn words of the psahnist. Give ear, all ye people, hear, all ye inhabitants of the earth, both high and low, rich and poor together f. For it is the con- cern of all, from the king that sits upon the throne, to the servant that grindeth at the mill, or the Ixjggar that licth upon the dunghill. It is needful for us that are ministers, for our owr salvation is concerned. And woe, insupportable woe will be to cur souls, if we think it enough to recommend it to others, to
* JoLuvi. 29. t Ps. .\lLx. 1, C.
Nn 2
283 ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG PERSON. SeR. I.
talk of it in a warm, or an awful manner, in public assemblies, or in our private converse ; while it does not penetrate our hearts as our own greatest care. Our case will then be like that of the Israelitish Lord in Samaria*, who was employed to distri- bute the corn when the siege was raised, seeing it with our eyes, and dispensing it with our hands, we shall ourselves die miser- ably, Avithout tasting the blessings we impart. It is needful to all you that are our hearers, without the exception of one single person. It is needful to you that are rich, though it may on some accounts be peculiarly difficult for you ; even as difficult, comparatively speaking, as for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle \; yet if it be neglected, you are poor in the midst of all your wealth, and miserable in all your abundance ; and a wretch starving for hunger, in a magnificent palace and a rich dress, would be less the object of compassion than you. It is needful for you that are poor ; though you are distressed with so many anxious cares. What you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and wherewithal you shall be clothedX- The nature that makes you capable of such anxieties as these, argues your much greater concern in the Bread which endures to eietiial life ^, than in that by which this mortal body must be supported. It is needful for you that are advanced in years, though your strength be impaired so that the Grasshopper is a burden |1, though you have by your long continuance in sin rendered this great work so hard, that were it less important, one would in pity let you alone without reminding you of it : Yet late as it is, it must be done, or your hoary heads will be brought down to the gi*ave with wrath, and sink under a curse aggravated by cv&xy year and by every day of your lives. It is needful to you that are young, though solicited by so many gay vanities, to neglect it ; though it may be represented as an imseasonable care at present, yet I repeat it, it is needful to you ; immediately needful, unless you who walk so frequently over the dust of your brethren and companions, that died in the bloom and vigour of their days, have made some secret Cove- nant with the grave for yourselves, and found out some wonder- ful method, hitherto unknown, of securing this precarious life, and of answering for days and months to come, while others cannot answer for one single moment.
2. The care of the soul is " a matter of the highest impor- tance ;" beyond any thing which can be brought into compa- rison with it.
* 2 Kings vii. 2—17, f Mat. xix. 24. % Mat. vl. 51. 5 John vi, 27. || Ef. xii. 5.
The Can of the Soul. 289
As Solomon savs of wisdom, tliat it is More precious than rubies^ and that all things -which can he desired are not to be compared with her*, so may I ])ro|K'rly say of this great and most important bruticli of wisdom, whatever can l)c laid in the balance with it, will be found altogether lighter than vanity. This is strongly implied when it is said in the text, one thing is needful; q. d. one thing, and one thing alone is so. Just as ttie blessed God is said to be Only u-ise\, and Only holy t, because the wisdom and holiness of angels and men is as nothing, when compared with his, What seems most great and most important in life, what kings and senates, what the wisest and greatest of this world are employing their time, their councils, their pens, their labours upon, are trifles, when compared with this one thing. A man may subsist, he may in some consider- able measure be happv, without learning, Avithout riches, without titles, without health, w^ithout liberty, without friends, nay, though the Life be viore than meat, and the body than raimeyit ^, yet may he be happy, unspeakably happy, without the body itself. But he cannot be so in the neglect of the one thing needful. I must therefore bespeak your regard to it in the words of Moses, It is not a light thing, but it is your life\\.
3. The care of the soul is of so comprehensive a nature, tliat every thing truly worthy of our regard may " be consider- ed as included in it, or sul)servient to it."
As David observes, that the Commandment of God is exceed- ing broad^, so may we say of this 07ie thing needful ; and as Solomon very justly and emphatically expresses it, to Fear God and to keep his commandments is the whole duty of man *^; his whole duty, and his whole interest ; and every thing which is wise and rational does in its proper place and connection make a'part of it. We should judge very ill concerning the nature of this care, if we imagined, that it consisted merely in acts of de- votion, or religious contemplation ; it comprehends all the lovely and harmonious band of social and humane virtues. It requires a care of society, a care of our bodies, and ot our temporal concerns ; but then all is to be regulated, directed, and animated by proper regards to God, Christ, and immor- tality. Our food and our rest, our trades and our labours are to be attended to, and all the offices of humanity performed in obedience to the will of God, for the glory of Christ, and in a view to the improving the mind in a growing meetness for
♦ Prov. Hi. 15. t 1 Tim. i. 17. + Rov. xv. 4. § Mat. >i. 25.
H Deut. xxxii.47. ^ P$. cxix. 96, ** Ec. xli. 13.
290 Of? THE DEATtt OF A VOUNG PERSOJJ. SeR. t.
a Slate of complete perfection. Name an)^ thing m hich lias no reference at all to this, and you name a worthless trifle, however it may be gilded to allure the eye, however it may be sweetened to gratify the taste. Name a thing which, in- stead of thus improving the soul, has a tendency to debase and pollute, to enslave and endanger it, and you name Avhat is most unprofitable and mischievous, be the wages of iniquity ever so great ; most foul and deformed, be it in the eyes of men ever so honourable, or in their customs ever so fashionable. Thus I have endeavoured to shew you what Ave ma}' suppose implied in the expression of 07ie thing being needful. I am now,
III. To shew 3'ou with how much propriety the care of the soul may be represented under this character, as the one thing Qieedfid, as a matter of universal and most serious concern, to ■^'iiich every thing else is to he considered as subservient, if at all worthy of our care and pursuit. Now let me appeal to the sentiments of those who must be alloMed most capable of judg^ ing, and to the evident reason of the case itself, as it must apr pear to every unprejudiced mind.
1. Let me argue " from the sentiments of those who must be allowed most capable of judging in such an affair j" and we shall quickly see that the care of the soul appears to them the o?ie thing needful.
Is the judgment of the blessed God according to truth ? how evidently and how solemnly is that judgment declared ! Twill not say merely in this or the other particular passage of his "word, but in the whole series of his revelations to the children of men ; and the whole tenor of his addresses to them. Is not this the language of all, from the early days of Job and Moses to the conclusion of the canon of scripture. If wisdom be hid from the eyes of all the living, surely God understandeth the way thereof, he knoweth the place thereof; and if he does, it is plainly pointed out, for unto man he still saiih, behold the fear oj the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil, that is un^ derstandijig *. By Moses he declared to the Israelites, that to do the commandments of the Lord would be their wisdom and their understanding in the sight of the nations, who should hear his statutes, and say. Surely this is a wise and tmder- standing people f. When he had raised up one man on the throne of Israel, with the character of the wisest that ever lived upon the face of the earth, he chose to make him eminently a teacher
* Job xxviii. 21, 23, 28. f Deut. iv. 6,
The Care of the Soul. 291
of this great truth. And now all that he spoke on the curious and less interesting subjects of natural philosophy, is lost, though He spoke of trees from the cedar to the hyssop^ and of beasts, and of fori' Is, and of creeping things, and of fshes* ; tliat saying is prcs(;rve(l in whicli he testifies, tliat The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdoin f, and those proverbs, ia almost every line of which tlic}' who neglect God and their own souls Hie spoken of as fools, as if that ^^ere the most proper sig- luficatiou of the word, while the reli<rious alone are honoured Avith the title of wise. But in this respect as attesting this truth in the name of God and in his own a greater than Solomon is here.
For if we enquire wliat it was that our Lord Jesus Christ judged to be the one thing needful, the words of the text con- tain as full an answer as can be imagined ; and the sense of them IS repeated in a very livclv and emphatieal manner, in that re- markable passage wherein our Lord not only declares his oAvn judgment, but seems to appeal to the consciences of all, as ob- liged by their own secret convictions to subscribe to the trutli pt it. Jf'hat is a man prof ted, if he gain the whole world y Old lose his own soul ; or what shall a man give in exchange for his soulX '^ If it were oiue lost, Avhat would he not be willing to give to redeem it ? But it depends not on the words of Christ alone. Let his actions, his suiferings, his blood, his death speak M'hat a value he set on the souls of men. Is it to be imaguied, that he would have relinquished heaven, that he would have dwelt upon earth, that he would have laboured by night and by day, and at last have expired on the cross, for a matter of light importance ? Or can we think that he, in whom dwell All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and all the fulness of the Godhead bodili/ §, was mistaken in judgment so deliberately formed, and so solemnly declared ?
If, after this, there were room to mention human judgnieiif, and testimonies, how easy would it be to produce a cloud of witnesses in such a cause, and to shew that the wisest aiid best of men in all ages of the world have agreed in this point, that amidst all the diversities of opinion and profession, which suc- ceeding generations have produced, this has been the unani- mous judgment, this the couuuon and most solicitous care of those, whose characters are most truly valuable, to secure the salvation of their own souls, and to promote the salvation of others.
* 1 Kings iv. 33. f Piw. i. 7. ix. 10. * Mat. xii. 20. § Col. ii. 3, 9,
292 ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG PERSON. SeR. I.
And let me beseech j^ou seriously to reflect, what are the characters of those who have taken the liberty, most boldly and freely to declare their judgment on the contrary side ? The number of such is comparatively few ; and when you com- pare what you have observed of their temper and conduct, I ■will not say with what you read of holy men of old, but with ■what you have yourselves seen in the faithful, active, and zealous servants of Christ in these latter ages, with whom you have conversed, do you not on the whole find that the rejectors and deriders of the gospel, are in other respects, so much more prudent and judicious, so much wiser for themselves,' and for others that are influenced by them, as that you can be in reason obliged to pay any great deference to the authority of a few such names as these, in opposition to those to w hich they are here opposed ?
But you will say, and you will say it too truly, though but a few may venture in words to declare for the neglect of the soul and its eternal interest, the greater part of mankind do it in their actions. But are the greater part of mankind so wase, and so good, as implicitly to be followed in matters of the highest importance ? And do not multitudes of these declare themselves on the other side, in their most serious moments ? AVhen the intoxications of worldly business and pleasures are over, and some languishing sickness forces men to solitude and retirement ; what have you generally observed to be the eflfect of such a circumstance ? Have they not then declared themselves convinced of the truth we are now labouring to establish ? Nay, do we not sometimes see that a distemper which seizes the mind V'ith violence, 3^et does not uttei-ly destroy its reasoning facul- ties, fixes this conviction on the soul in a few hours, nay some- times in a few moments ? Have you never seen a gay, thought- less creature, surprised in the giddy round of pleasures and amusements, and presently brought not only to seriousness, but terror and trennbhng, by the near views of death ? Have }'ou never seen the man of business and care interrupted, like the rich fool in the parable, in the midst of his schemes for the pre- sent Avorld ? And have you not heard one and the other of them owning the vanity of those pleasures and cares, which but a few days ago were every thing to them ? Confessing that religion ■was the 07ie thing needfuly and recommending it to others with an earnestness, as if they hoped thereby to atone for their own former neglect ? We that arc ministers frequently are witnesses to such things as these, and 1 believe few of our hearers are en- tire strangers to thcra.
The Care of the Soul. 293
And once more, what if to tlie testimony of the dying, we could add that of the dead ? What if God were to turn aside the veil which separates between us and the invisible world, and to permit the most careless siimer in the assembly to con- verse for a few moments with the inhabitants of it ? If you were to ajjply yourself to a liappy spirit, tliat trod the most thorny road to Paradise, or passed through the most fiery trial, and to ask him, " Was it worth your while to labour so much, and to endure so much for what you now possess ?" Surely if the blessed in heaven Avere capable of indignation, it would move them to hear that it should be made a question. And on the other hand, if you could enquire of one Tormented in that flame below, though he might once be clothed in pur- ple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day"^', if you could ask him, " Whether his former enjoyments were any equivalent for his present sufferings and despair r" What an- swer do )'ou suppose he would return ? Perhaps an answer of so much horror and rage, as you would not be able so much as to indure. Or if the malignity of his nature should prevent him from returning any answer at all, surely there would be a language even in that silence, a language in the darkness, and flames, and groans of that infernal prison, which would speak to your very soul what the word of God is with equal certainty, though less forcible conviction, speaking to your ear, that one thing is needful. You see it is so in the judg- ment of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, of the wisest and best of men, of many, who seemed to judge most differently of it, wlien they come to more deliberate and se- rious thought, and not only of the dying, but of the dead too, of those who have experimentally known both worlds, and most surely know what is to be preferred. But I will not rest the whole argument hero, I add therefore,
2. I appeal to the evident reason of the case itself, as it must appear to every unprejudiced mind, that the care of the soul is indeed the one thing needful.
I still consider myself as speaking not to atheists, or to deists, but to those who not only believe the existence and providence of God, and a future state of happiness and misery, but likewise who credit the truth of the christian revelation, as many undoubtedly do, who live in a fatal neglect of God and their own souls. Now on these principles a little rellectioa may be sufficient to convince you, that it is needful io the present
♦ Luke xvi. 19. VOL. III. O O
294 ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG PERSON. SeR. I.
repose of your own mind ; needful if ever you would secure eter- nal happiness ; if ever you would avoid eternal misery, which will be aggravated, rather than alleviated, by all your present enjoyments.
1 . The care of the soul is the one thing needful^ because *' without it you cannot secure the peace of 5^our own mind, nor avoid the upbraidings of your conscience."
That noble faculty is, indeed, as you are often told, the vicegerent of God in the soul. It is sensible of the dig- nity and worth of an immortal Spirit, and will sometimes cry out of the violence that is offered to it, and cry so loud, as to compel the sinner to hear, whether he will or no. Do you not sometimes find it yourselves ? When 3'ou labour most to forget the concerns of your soul, do they not sometimes force themselves on your remembrance ? You are afraid of the reflections of your own mind, but with all your artifice and all your resolution, can 3'^ou entirely avoid them ? Does not conscience follow you to your beds, even if denied the oppor- tunity of meeting you in your cdosets, and though with an unwelcome voice, there ware you, " that your soul is neglected and will quickly be lost ?" Does it not follow you to your shops and your fields, when you are busiest there ? Nay, I will add, does it not sometimes follow you to the feast, to the club, to the dance, and perhaps, amidst all resistance, to the theatre too ? Does it not sometimes mingle your sweetest draughts with wormwood, and your gayest scenes with horror ? So that you are like a tradesman, who, suspecting his affairs to be in a bad posture, lays by his books and his papers, yet sometimes they will come accidentally in his way. He hardly dares to look abroad for fear of meeting a creditor or an arrest ; and if he labours to forget his cares and his dangers, in a course of luxury at home, the remembrance is sometimes aAvakened, and the alarm increased, by those very extravagances in wiiich he is attempting to lose it. Such, no doubt, is the case of some of your minds, and it is a very pahiful state ; and while things arc thus within, external circumstances can no more make you happy, than a fine dress could reheve you under a violent fit of the stone. Whereas if this great affair were secured, you might dehght in reflection, as much as you now dread it ; and conscience, of your bitterest enemy, would become a delightful friend, and the testimony of it your greatest rejoicing.
2. The care of the soul is the one thing needful, " because without it you cannot possibly secure your eternal happiness." A crown of everlasting glory is not surely such a trifle as
The Ca re of the Soul. 29 5
to be thrown away on a careless creature, tli;it will not in good earnest pursue it. God dotii not ordinarily tleal tlius, even with tlie bounties of his common providence, which are compara- tively of little value. As to thest;, the hand of ihe diligent j^e- nerally makes rich, and he would be thought distr;u;ted, rather than prudent, who should expect to get an i;state merely by wishing for it, or without some resolute and continued applica- tion to a proper course of action for that purpose. Now, that we niay not foolishly dream of obtaining heaven, in the midst of a course of indolence and sloth, we are expressly told in ihc word of God, that The kingdom of heave?! suffers vio- lence, and the violent take it by force *; and are therefore ex- horted to Strive, with the greatest intenseness, and eagerness of mind, as the word properly signifies, to eyiter in at the strait gate, for this great and imjiortant reason, because many shall another day seek to enter in, and shall not be able f. Nay, when our Lord makes the most gracious promises to the humble pe- titioner, he does it in such a manner as to exclude the hopes of those who are careless and indifi'erent. .^sk, and it shall be given you : seek, and you shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you %. If therefore you do not ask, seek and knock, the door of mercy will not be opened, and eternal hap- piness will be lost.
And surely if I could say no more as to the fatal conse- quences of your neglect, than this, that eternal happiness will be lost, I should say enough to impress every mind that consi- ders what eternity means. To fall into a state of everlasting forgetfulness might indeed appear a refuge to a mind filled with the apprehension of future misery. But, oh how dreadful a re- fuge is it ! Surely it is such a refuge, as a vast precipice, from which a man falling would be dashed to pieces in a moment, might appear to a person pursued by the officers of justice, that he mi'iht be brouirht out to a painful and lintjcrincr execution. If an extravagant youtli would have reason to look round witli anguish on some fair and ample paternal inheritance, which he had sold or forfeited merelv for the riot of a few days : How much more melancholy would it be for a rational mind to think that its eternal happiness is lost for any earthly consideration Avhatever. Tormenting thought ! had I attended to that one thing which I have neglected, I might have been great and hap- py, beyond expression, beyond conception. Not merely for the little span often thousand thousand ages, but for ever. So that the
* Mat. xj, 1 :. t Luko xiii. 24. + Mat. vii, 7.
Go 2
2&6 ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG PERSON. SeR. I.
moment would have come, when, if it had been asked concern- ing me, " How long has that glorious Spirit been an inhabitant of heaven ? How long has it been enjoying God, and itself, in
that state of perfection r" The answer Avotild have been
such, that a line reaching even to the remotest star would not have been able to contain the number of ages, nor would milli- ons of years have been sufficient to figure them down. This is eternit}', but I have lost it, and am now on the verge of being. This lamp, which might have outlasted those of the firmament, ■will presently be extinguished, and I blotted out from amongst the works of God, and cut off" from all the bounties of his hand. Would not this be a ver}" miserable case, if this were all ? And "would it not be sufficient to prove this to be the better part, ■which, as our Lord observes, can never be taken away ? But God forbid that we should be so unfaithful to him, and to the souls of men, as to rest in such a representation alone. I there- fore add once more,
3. The care of the soul is the one thing needful, because *' without it you cannot avoid a state of eternal misery, which ■will be aggravated, rather than alleviated by all your present enjoyments."
Nothing can be more evident from the word of the God of truth. If there plainly appears to be a determined case, which leaves no room for a more favourable conjecture or hope. The "Wicked shall be turned into hell, even all the nations that forget God*. They shall go away info everlasting punishynent f , into a state where they shall in vain seek death, and death shall flee from them. Oh ! Sirs, it is a certain, but an avvful truth, that your souls will be thinking and immortal beings, even in spite of themselves. They may indeed torment, but they cannot destroy themselves. They can no more suspend their power of thought and perception, than a mirror its property of reflecting rays that fall on its surface. Do you suspect the contrary ? Make the trial immediately. Command your minds to cease from thinking but for one quarter of an hour, or lor half that time, and exclude every idea and every reflection. Can you succeed in that attempt ? Or rather, does not thought press in ■with a more sensible violence on that resistance ; as an anxious desire to sleep, makes us so much the more wakeful. Thus will thought follow you beyond the grave, thus will it, as an unwel- come guest, force itself upon you, when it can serve only to perplex and distress the mind. It will for ever upbraid you,
* P.S.1I. ix. 1 7. f Mat. XXV. 46.
The Care of the Soul. 297
that notwithstanding all the kind expostulations of God and man, notwithstanding all the keen remonstrances of conscience, and the plfiuHiigs of the blood of Christ, you have gone on in your folly, till heaven is lost, and damnation incurred ; and all for what ? for a shadow and a dream.
Oh think not, sinners, that the remembrance of your past pleasures, of your success in your other cares, whilst that of the one thing needful was forgotten, think not that this will case your minds, it will rather torment them the more. Sen, re- vxewber that thou in thy life-time rcceivedst thy good things. Bitter remembrance ! Well might the heathen ])oets represent the unhappy s])irits in the shades below, as eagerly catching at the water of forgetfulness, yet unable to reach it. Your present comforts will only serve, to give yon a livelier sense of your misery, as having tasted such degrees of enjoyment; and to in- flame the reckoning, as you have misimproved those talents lodged in your hands for better purposes. Surely, if these things were believed, and seriousl}"^ considered, the sinner would have no more heart to rejoice in his present prosperity, than a man would have to amuse himself with the curiosities of a fine garden, through which he was led to be broke upon the rack.
But I will enlarge no farther on these things. Would to God that the unaccountable stupidity of men's minds, and their fatal attachment to the pleasures and cares of the present life, did not make it necessary to insist on them so frequently and so copiously !
IV. I proceed to the reflections wliicli naturally arise from hence, and shall only mention two.
1. How mucli reason have we to lament the folly of man- kind in neglecting the one thing needful.
If religion be indeed the truest wisdom, then surely we have the justest reason to say with Solomon, that folly and Madness is in men's hearts^. Is it the ofie thing needful ? Look on the conduct of the generality of mankind, and you would imagine they thought it the 07ie thing needless: Tiie vainest dream and the idlest amusement of the mind. God is admonishing them bv ordinances, and providences, sometimes by such as are most awful, to lay it to heart ; he Speaks once, yea twice, yea, a mul- titude of times, but man regards not -^ . They profess perhaps to believe all that 1 have been saying, but act as if the contrary Were self evident ; they will risk these souls and this eternity, for a thing of noiight, lor that for the sake of which they would not
' Vx,\, ;x. 3. + Job xxxiii. U.
298 ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG PERSON, SeR. I.
risk SO much as a hand, or a finger, or a joint, no, nor perhaps a toy that adorns it. Surely this is tlie wonder of angels, and per- haps of devils too, unless the observation of so many ages may have rendered it familiar to both. And can we, my christian brethren, behold sucl) a scene with indifference? If some epi- demical madness had seized our country, or the places where we live, so that as we went irom one place to another, we should every where meet with lunatics, and see, among the rest, some perhaps of the finest genius and improvements, and in the most eminent stations in life, amusing themselves with straws and bubbles, or wounding themselves and others ; surely were we ever so secure from the danger of infection or assault, the sight would cut us to the heart. Surely a good-natured man would hardly be able to go abroad, or even be desirous to live, if it inust be amongst so many sad spectacles. Yet these poor crea- tures might, notwithstanding this, be the children of God, and the higher their frenzy rose, the nearer might their complete happiness be. But alas, the greater part of mankind are seized with a worse kind of madness, in which they are ruining their souls : And can Ave behold it with indifference ! The Lord awaken our compassion, our prayer, and our endeavours in de- pendance on divine grace, that we may be instrumental in bringing them to their right mind, and making them wise indeed, that is, wise to salvation.
2. How necessary is it that we should seriously enquire how this 07ie thing needful is regarded by us !
Let me intreat you to remember your own concern in it,
and inquire Have I thought seriously of it? Have I seen
the importance of it ? Has it lain with a due and an abiding
weight on my mind ? Has it brought me to Christ, that I
might lay the stress of these great eternal interests on him ?
And am I acting in the main of my life as one that has these con- victions ? Am I willing in fact to give up other things, my
interests, my pleasures, my passions to this ? Am I convers- ing with God and with man as one that believes these things, as one that has deliberately chosen the better part, and is determin- ed to abide by that choice ?
Observe the answer which conscience returns to these in- quiries, and you will know your own part in that more particular application, with which I am to conclude my discourse.
1 . Let me address those that are entirely unconcerned about the one thing needful.
Sirs, I have been stating the case at large, and now I appeal to your consciences, are these things so ? or are they not ? God
The Care of the Soul. 29^
and your own hearts best know for what the care of your soul is neglected ; but be it what it will, the diflerencc between one grain of sand, and another, is not great, when it comes to be •weighed against a talent of gold. Whatever it is, you had need to examine it carefully. You had need to view that commodity on all sides, of which you do in eiVeet say, for this will I sell my soul, for this will I give up heaven and venture hell, be lieaven and hell whatever they may. In the name of God, Sirs, is this the part of a man, of a rational creature ? To go on with your eyes open towards a pit of eternal ruin, because there are a few gay f3owers in the way. Or what if you shut your eyes ? will that prevent your fall ? It signifies little to say, I will not think of these things, I will not consider them. God has said, In the last days they shall consider it perfectly *, The revels of a drunken malefactor will not prevent, nor respite his execution. Pardon my plainness ; if it were a fable, or a tale, I woultl en- deavour to amuse you with words, but I cannot do it where your souls are at stake.
2. I would apply to those who are convinced of the im- portance of their souls, yet are inclined to defer that care of them a little longer, which in the general they see to be necessar}'.
I know, you that are young are under peculiar temptations to do this ; though it is strange that the death of so many of your companions should not be an answer to some of the most specious and dangerous of those temptations. Methinks if there were the least degree of uncertainty, the importance is too weighty to put matters to the venture. But here the uncer- tainty is great and apparent. You must surely know that there arc critical seasons of life for managing the concerns of it, which are of such a nature, that, if once lost, they may never return : Here is a critical season. Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation \. To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts %. This language may not be spoken to-morrow ; Talk not of a more convenient season^ none can be more convenient : and tiiat to which you would probably refer it, is least of all so. A dying time. You would not choose then to have any important business in hand ; and will you of choice refer the greatest business of all to that languishing, hurrying, amazing hour? If a friend were then to come to you with the balance of an intricate account, or a view of a title to an estate, you would shake your fainting head, and lift up your pale trembling hand, and
* Svx. xxiii. 20. t 2 Cor. »i. 2. X Heb. iii. 7, 3.
300 ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG PERSON. SeR, I.
say perhaps with a feeble voice, " Alas, is this a time for these things ?" And is it a time for so much greater things than these ? I wish you knew, and would consider into what a strait we that are ministers are sometimes brought, when we are called to the dying beds of those who have spent their lives in the neglect of the 07ie thing needful. On the one hand we fear, lest if we palliate matters, and speak smooth thmgs, we shall betray and ruin their souls ; and on the other, that if we use a becoming plainness and seriousness, in m arning them of their danger, we shall quite overwhelm them, and hasten the dying moment which is advancing by such swift steps. Oh let me entreat you, for our sakes, and much more for your own, that you do not drive us to such sad extremities ; But that if you are convinced, as I hope some of you may now be, that the care of the soul is that Jieedful thing we have represented, let the conviction work, let it drive 3'ou immediately to the throne of grace, that from thence you may derive that wisdom and strength which may direct you in alltiie intricacies which intangle you, and animateyou in the midst of difficulty and d iscouragement.
3. I would in the last place, address myself to those happy souls who have in good earnest attended to the one thing needful,
I hope when you see how commonly it is neglected, neg- lected indeed by many, whose natural capacities, improvements, and circumstances in life, appear to you superior to your own, you will humbly acknowledge, that it was distinguishing grace that brought you into this happy state, and formed you to this most necessary care. Bless the Lord therefore who hath given you that counsel, in virtue of which you can say that he is your
portion. Rejoice in the thought that the great concern is
secured ; as it is natural for us to do, when some important affair is dispatched which has long lain before us, and Avhich we have been inchned to put off from one day to another, but have
at length strenuously and successfully attended. Remember
still to continue acting on these great principles which at first determined your choice; and seriously consider, that those who desire their life may at last he given them /or a prey, must con- tinue on their guard, in all stages of their journey through a wilderness, where daily dangers are still surrounding them. Having secured the great concern, make yourselves easy as to others of smaller importance. You have chosen The kingdom of God, and his righteousness, other things therefore shall be added unto you ; and if any which you desire should not be added, comfort yourselves Avith this thought, that you have the good part which can never be taken away. And, not to
3
The Care of the Soul. 301
enlarge on tlicsc obvious hints, which must so often occur, bo very soHcitous that others may be brought to a care about the oyie thing needful. If it be needful for you, it is so for your children, your friends, your servants. Let them therefore sec your concern in this respect for them, as well as for yourselves. Let parents, especially, attend to this exhortation, whose care for their offspring often exceeds in other respects, and fails in this, llemcnibcr that your children may never live to enjoy the effects of your labour and concern, to get them estates and por- tions. The charges of their funerals may perhaps be all their share of what you arc so anxiously careful to lay up for them. And oh ! think what a sword would pierce through your very heart, if you should stand by the corpse of a beloved child with this reflection, " This poor creature has done with life before it learnt its great business in it, and is gone to eternity, which I have seldom been warning it to prepare for, and which per- haps it learnt of me to forget."
On the whole, may this grand care be awakened in those by whom it has been hitherto neglected ; may it be revived in each of our minds ! And that you may be encouraged to pursue it with greater cheerfulness, let me conclude with this comfort- able thought, that in proportion to the necessity of the case, is the provision which divine grace has made for our assistance. If you are disposed to sit down at Christ's feet, he will teach you by his word and Spirit. If you commit this precious jewel, which is your cfernal all, into his hand, he will preserve it unto that day ,'and will then produce it richly adorned, and gloriously improved to his own honour, and to your everlasting joy. Amen.
VOL. III. P P
FUNERAL SERMONS.
SUBMISSIOI^ TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE
IN
THE DEATH OF CHILDREN,
Recommended and enforced, in a Sermon preached at Northampton, on the Death of a very amiable and hopeful Child, about Five Years old.
PREFACE.
The discourse which I now offer to the public was drawn vp on a very sor- rowful occasion ; the death of a most desirable child, who was formed in such a coiTespoiidence to my own relish and temper, as to be able to give me a degree of delight, and consequently of distress, which I did not before think it possible I could have received from a little creature who had not quite comi- pleted her fifth year.
Since the sermon was preached, it has pleased God to make the like breaches on the families of several of my friends ; and, with regard to some of them, the afiliction hath been attended with circumstances of yet sorer aggravation. Though several of them areremoved to a considerable distance from me, and from each other, I have borne their afflictions upon my heart Avith coydial sympathy ; and it is with a particular desire of serving them, that I have undertaken the sad task of reviewing and transcribing these pa- pers; which may almost be called the minutes of my own sighs and tears, over the poor remains of my eldest, and of this kind, dearest hope, when they Avere not as yet buried out of my sight.
They are, indeed, full of affection, and to be sure some may think they are too full of it : but let them consider the subject, ' and the circumstances, and surely they will pardon it. 1 apprehend, I could not have treated such a subject coldly, had I writ upon it many years ago, when 1 was untaught in the school of affliction, and knew nothing of such a calamity as this, but by speculation or report: how much less could I do it, when God had touched me in so tender a part, and, to allude to a celebrated ancient story, called me out to appear on a public stage, as with an urn in my hand, which contained the ashes of my own child !
In such a sad situation, parents, at least, will|forgive the tears of a parent, and those meltings of soul which over-flow in the following pages. I have cot attempted to run through the common-place of immoderate grief, but have only selected a few obvious thoughts which I found peculiarly suitable to myself; and, I bless God, I can truly say, they gave me a solid and sub- stantial relief, under a shock of sorrow, which would otherwise have broken my spirits.
On my own experience, therefore, I would recommend them to others, in the like condition. And let me intreat my friends and fellow-sufferers to remember, that it is not a low degree of submission to the divine will, which is called for in the ensuing discourse. It is comparatively an easy thing to
PREFACE, 303
behave witli external decency, to refrain from bold censures, and outrageous complaints, nr to speali in the outward language of resignation. But it is not so easy to get rid of every repining tliougiit, and to forbear taking it, in some degree at least, imkindiy, that the God whom we love and serve, in whose friendsliip wp have long "trusted and rejoiced, should act what, to sense, seems so unfriendly a part: that lie should take away a cliild; and if a child, that child; and if tiiat child, at that age; and if at that age, with this or that par- ticular circumstance; whicli seems the very contrivance of provid(.'nce, to adtl double anguish to the wound; and all this, when ho could so easily have re- called it ; when we know him to have done it for so mauy others; when wc so earnestly desired it ; when we sought it with such importunity, and yet, as
we imagine, with so much submission too: ^That, notwithstanding all this,
he should tear it away with an inexorable hand, and leav«- us, it muy be for a ■while, under the load, without any extraordinary comforts and supports, to
balance so grievous a trial. In these circumstances, not only to justify, but
to glorify God in ail, cheerfully to subscribe to his will, cordially to
approve it as merciful and gracious, so as to be able to say, as the pious
and excellent archbishopof Cambray did, when his royal pupil, and the hopes of a nation were taken away*, " If there needed no more than to move a straw to bring him to life again, I would not do it, since the divine pleasure is otherwise." This, this is a dillicult lesson indeed; a triumph of chris- tian faith and love, whicli 1 fear many of us are yet to learn.
But let us follow after it, and watch against the first rising of a contrary temper, as most injurious to God, and prejudicial to ourselves. To preserve us against it, let us review the considerations now to be proposed, as what we are to digest into our hearts, and work into our thoughts and our passions. And I would hope, that if we do in good earnest make the attempt, we shall find this discourse a cooling and sweetening medicine, which may allay that inward heat and sharpness, with which, in a case like ours, the heart is often inflamed and corroded. I commend it, such as it is, to the blessing of the great physician, and could wish the reader to make up its many deiiciencies, by Mr. Flavel's Token for xMourners,and Dr. Grosvenor's M<nirner; to which if it suit his relish, he may please to add Sir \Villian\ Temple's Essay on the Excess of Grief: Three tracts which, in their very different strains and styles, I cannot but look upon as in the number of the best which our language, or, perhaps, any other, has produced upon this subject.
As for this little piece of mine, I question not, but, like the generality of single sermons, it will soon be worn out and forgot. But in the mean time, I would humbly hope, that some tender parent, whom providence has joined •with me in sad similitude of grief, may find some consolation from it, while sitting by the cofllii of a beloved child, or mourning over its grave. And [ particularly hope it, with regard to those dear and valuable friends, whose sorrows, on the like occasion, have lately been added to my own. 1 desue that though they be not expressly named, they would please to consider this sermon as most adectionately and respectfully dedicated to then\; and would, in re- turn, give me a share in their prayers, that ail the vicissitudes of life may con- cur to quicken me in the duties of it, and to ripen me tor thai blessed world. >^'here I hope many of tiiose dear delights, which are now withering around us, will spring up in lairer and more durable forms. Amen.
Noithampton, Jan. 3h7, 1736-7.
* The tlukc of Burgiindv. See Cambiay's Life, i). r.2?. Pp 2
POSTSCRIPT,
I COULD easily shew, -with how much propriety I have called the dear de- ceased an amiable and hopeful child, by a great many little stories, which parents would perhaps read with pleasure, and children might hear with some improvement: yet as I cannot be sure that no others may happen to read the discourse, I dare not trust my pen and my heart on so delicate a subject. One circumstance I will however venture to mention, (as I see here is a blank page left) which may indeed be considered as a specimen of many others. As she was a great darling with most of our friends that knew her, she often re- ceived invitations to different places at the same time; and when I once ask- ed her, on such an occasion, what made every body love her so well ; she an- swered me, with that simplicity and spirit, which alas! charmed me too much, Indeed, papa, I cannot think, unless it be because I love every body. A sentiment obvious to the understanding of a child, yet not unworthy the reflection of the wisest man *.
* Tibi monstrabo araatorlum sine medicamento, sine lierbis, sine nllius vene^ ficae carmine. Si us amari, ama. Sen.
Submission to Providence. ZOl
SERMON II.
\
2 King"; iv. C5, QG. — And it came to pass w/icii the Man of Cod sarv her aficr op', t/uit lie said to Geliitzi, fiis Servant, lieltold, yonder is that Shnnumite : linn noiv, I pray thcc, to meet her, and say, unto ha-. Is it uell leitk thee ? Is it ueli Ziith thine Husband ? Is it uell idlh the child ? ylnd she ansiured It is iuell.
Wfien
I EN the apostle vould cncoura<Te, our Impc and trust in the tenderness of Christ as the orcat liigh priest, and convince us that he is capable of beini^ touched witli a sympatheiic sense of our infirmities, he argues at large from this consideratioii that Jesus, JVas in all points tempted like us ; so that as Jie himself has suffered y being tempted, he knows how more com- passionately to suceour those that are inider the like trials*. Now this must surely intimate, that it is not in human nature evcTi in its most perfect state, so tenderly to commiserate any sorrows, as those which our own hearts have felt : as we cannot form a perfect idea of any bitter kind of draught, b}- the most exact description, till we have ourselves tasted it. It is pro- bably for this reason, amongst others, that God fi'equeutiy exercises such, as have the honour to be inferior shcplierds in the flock of Christ, -with a long train of various afflictions, That "u'e may beable to eomfort them who are in the like trouble^ with those consolations with which we have ourselves been com- forted of Godf. And, if we have the temper which becomes our oflBce, 't will greath^ reconcile us to our trials, t») consider, that from our weeping eyes, and our bleeding hearts, a balm may be extracted to heal the sorrows of others, and a cordial to revive their fainting spirits. May we never be left to sink under our burden, in such a manner, that there should be room, after all that we have boasted of the strength of religious sup- ports, to apply to us the words of Eliphaz to Job j. Thou hast strengthened the weak hands, and upheld him that was ready to fall ; but now it is come ypoii thee, and thou faintest ; it touehes thee, and thou art troubled ! May we never behave, as if The consolations of God were small ^; lest it should be ^s when a standard-bearer fainteth ^; and whole companies of soldiers are thrown into confusion and distress !
•'• II«b. iv. 15.— ii. IS. t 2 Cor. i. \, \ Job iv. 3—5. §Job xC 11. || li. x. 18,
306 ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD. SeR. II.
My friends, you are witnesses for me, that T have not stood by as an unconcerned spectator amidst the desolations of your respective families, when God's awful hand hath been lopping off those tender branches from them, which were once our com- mon hope and delight. I have often put my soul in the stead of 3'ours, and endeavoured to give such a turn to my pubUc as well as my private discourses, as might be a means of compos- ing and cheering our minds, and forming you to a submissive temper, that you might Be subject to the Father of spirits, and live *. In this view I have, at different times largely insisted on the example of Aaron, who Held his peace fy when his two sons were struck dead in a moment by fire from the Lord, which destroyed them in the very act of their sin ; and I have also represented that of Job, who, when the death of ten child- ren by one blow was added to the spoil of his great posses- sions, could say, The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the LordX- The instance which is before us, is not indeed so memorable as these; but to present circumstances it is, m many respects, more suitable : and it may the rather deserve our notice, as it shews us the ■wisdom, composure, and piety of one of the weaker and ten- derer sex, on an occasion of such aggravated distress, that had Aaron or Job behaved just as she did, we must have acknow- ledged, that they had not sunk beneath the dignity of their character, nor appeared unworthy of our applause, and our imitation.
Indeed there may be some reason to imagine, that it was ■with design to humble those who are in distinguished stations of life, and who have peculiar advantages and obligations to excel in religion, that God has shewn us in scripture, as well as in common life, some bright examples of piety, where they could hardly have been expected in so great a degree ; and hath, as it were, Perfected praise out of the mouths of babes and sucklings^. Thus when Zacharias\\ an aged priest, doubted the veracity of the angel which appeared to assure him of the birth of his child, which was to be produced in an ordinary way; Mary, an obscure 3'oung virgin, could believe a far more unexampled event, and said, with humble faith and thankful consent, Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me accord- ing to thy word^^. Jonah the prophet, though favoured with such immediate revelations, and so lately delivered, in a mira-
* Il.'h. xii. 9. fLov. x. 3. +Jobi. 21.
§ Mat. x\i. 16. y Luke i. 18. <(t Luke i. 38.
2
Submission to Providence. 307
ciiloiis Avay, from tlie very lielli/ of hell *, was thrown into a most indecent transport of passion, on the witherinf^ of a gourd ; so that he presumed to tell the Ahnighty to his face, that J/e did welt to beangnj even unto deathf; whereas this pious woman pre- serves the caluiness and serenity of lier temy)er, when she had lost a child, a son, an only child who had been given bevond all natural hope, and therefore to be sure was so much the dearer, and the expectation from him so much the higher. Yet these expec- tations dashed almost in a moment ; and this, when he was grown up to an age when children are peculiarly entertaining ; for he was old enough to be with his Father in the field ; where no doubt he was diverting him with his fond prattle ; yet he was not too big to be laid On his mother's knees % when he came home complaining of his head ; so that he was probably about five or six years old. This amiable child was well in the morning, and dead by noon ; a pale corpse in his mother's arms! and he now laj/ dead in the house ; and yet she had the faith, and the goodness to say, It is well.
This good woman had found the prophet Elisha grateful for all the favours he had received at her house; where she had from time to time accommodated him in his journies, and thought it an honour rather than an incumbrance. She had expe- rienced the power of his prayers, in answer to which the child had been given ; and it is extremely probable, that she also recol- lected the miracle which Elijah had wrought a few years before, though till that time the like had not been known in Israel, or on earth ; I mean, in raising from the dead the child of that Avidow of Sarepta^ Avho had nourished him during the famine. She might therefore think it a possible case, that the mi- racle might be renewed ; at least, she knew not how to com- fort herself better, than by going to so good a friend, and ask- ing his counsels and his prayers, to enable her to bear her affliction, if it must not be removed ||.
Accordingly she hasted to him ; and he, on the other side, discovered the temper of a real friend, in the message with which he sent Gehazi his servant to meet her, while she was yet afar off. The moment she appeared, the concerns of her whole family seem to have come into his kind heart at once, and he particularly asks. Is it well with thee ? Is it well with thine husband ? Is it well with the child ? A beautiful example of that affectionate care for the persons and faniilies of their
* Jon. ii. 2. f Joa. iv. 9. % 2 Kings ir. 18, 20.
i livings xvii. 17. & seq. jj See Heury, in loo.
SOS ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD. SeR. II.
friends, which cliristian ministers who^ like the prophets of old, are called Men of God*" should habitually bear about in their hearts ; which should be awakened by every sight of them, and expressed on every proper occasion.
Her answer was very remarkable : She said, it is well. Perhaps she meant this, to divert the more particular enquiry of the servant ; as she had before made the same answer to her husband, when he had examined into the reason of her intended io\irney, as probably not knowing of the sad breach which bad been made : She said, it is well f ; which Avas a civil way of intimating her desire that he would not ask any more particular questions. But I cannot see any reason to restrain the words to this meaning alone : we have ground to believe, from the piety she expressed in her first regards to Elisha, and the opportunities which she had of improving in religion by the frequent converse of that holy man, that when she used this language, she intended thereby to express her resignation to the divine M'iJl ni what had lately passed : and this might be the meaning of her heart, though one ignorant of the particulars of her case, might not fully understand it from such ambiguous words ; " It is well on the whole. Though my family be afflicted, we are afflicted in faithfulness ; though my dear babe be dead, yet my heavenly father is just, and he is good in all. He knows how to bring glory to himself, and advantage to us, from this stroke. Wliether this application do, or do not suc- ceed, whether the child be, or be not restored, it is still well with him, and well with us ; for we are in such wise and such graci- ous hands, that I would not allow one murmuring word, or onej-epining thought." So that, on the whole, the sentiment of this good Shunamite was much the same with that of Hezekiah, when he answered to that dreadful threatening which imported the destruction of his children. Good is the word of the Lord which he hath spoken X; or that of Job, when he heard that all his sons and his daughters were crushed under the ruins of their elder brother's house, and yet, in the fore-cited words, blessed he the name of the Lord.
Now this is the temper to which, by divine assistance, we should all labour to bring our own hearts, when God puts this bitter cup into our hands, and takes away with a stroke those dear little ones, which were the desire of our eyes §, and the joy of our hearts. Let us not content ourselves, in such circumstan- ces, with keeping the door of our lips\, that we break not out into
=*lTim.vi. 11. SJTim.iii. 17, f 2 Kings iv. 23.
% I?, xxxix. 8. \ Ezek. xxiv. 1,6.^ || Ps, cxli. 3,
Submission to Providence. 309
any indecencies of complaint; let us not attempt to harden our- selves against our sorrows by a stern insensibility, or that sullen resolution which sometimes says, It is a grief, and I must hear it*; but let us labour, for a great labour it will indeed be, to compose and quiet our souls, calmly to acquiesce in this painful dispensation, nay, cordially to approve it as in present circum- stances every way fit.
It will be the main business of this discourse, to prove how reasonable such a temper is, or to shew how much cause chris- tian parents have to borrow the language of the text, when their infant ofispring is taken away, and to say with the pious
Shunamite, in the noblest sense that her words will bear, It
is well.
And here I would more particularly shew, — It is well in the general, because God does it: — It is surely well for the pious parents in particular, because it is the work of their covenant God : — They may see many respects in which it is evidently so, by observing what useful lessons it has a tendency to teach them; — And they have reason to hope, it is well with those dear crea- tures whom God hath removed in their early days.
These are surely convincing reasons to the understanding : yet who can say, that they shall be reasons to the heart ? Arise, O God, and plead thine own cause f in the most effectual man- ner ! INIay thy powerful and gracious voice appease the swell- ing billows of tiic passions, and produce a great and delightful calm in our souls, in which we may yet enjoy thee and our- selves, though a part of our treasure be for the present swallow- ed up!
I, There is surely reason, in such a case, to say it is well,—* because God doth it.
This passed for an unanswerable reason with David, I was dumb, 1 opened not my mouth, because thou didst z7 J, and with good old Eli, under a severer trial than ours. It is the Lord, let him do as seemeth good in his sight §. And shall we object against the force of it? Was it a reason to David, and to Eli, and it is not equally so to us? Or have we any new right to Reply against God \\, which those eminent saints had not ?
His kingdom o-uleth over a 11%; and there is Not so much aa a sparrow that falls to the ground without our Father, but the very hairs of our head are all nurnbered*'^ by him. Can we
♦ Jer. X. 19. fPsal. Ixxiv. <22. | Psal. xxxix. 9. ^ 1 SalUn iii l8.
11 Rom. ix. 20. ^ Pial. ciii. 19. ** Mat, x. 29, 30.
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310 ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD. SeR. II.
then imagine that our dear children fall into their graves with- out his notice or interposition ? Did that watchful eye that Keepeth Israel^ now, for the first time, slumber and sleep* ^ and an enemy lay hold on that fatal moment to bear away these precious spoils, and bury our joys and our hopes in the dust ? .Did some malignant hand stop up the avenues of life, and break its springs, so as to baffle all the tenderness of the parent, and all the skill of the physician ? Whence does such a thought come, and whither would it lead ? Diseases and accidents are but se- cond causes, which owe all their operations to the continued energy of the great original cause. Therefore God says I will bereave them of children \ ; I takeaway the desire of thine eyes •with a stroke %• He changeth their countenance, and sendeth them away §. Thou Lord turnest man to destruction, and say est, return ye children of men ^. And what shall we say? Are not the administrations of his providence wise and good? Can we Teach him knowledge^? Can we tax him with injustice? Shall the most high God learn of us how to govern the world, and be instructed by our wisdom when to remove his creatures from one state of being to another ? Or do we imagine that his administra- tion, in the general right and good, varies when he comes to Touch our bone and our flesh*"^? Is that the secret language of our soul, " That it is well, others should drink of the cup, but not we ; that any families but ours should be broken, and any hearts but ours should be wounded?" Who might not claim the like exemption ? And what would become of the divine government in general ; or where would be his obedient homage from his creatures, if each should begin to complain, as soon as it comes to his own turn to suffer ? Much fitter is it for us to conclude, that our own afflictions may be as reasonable as those of others ; that amidst all the Clouds and darkness of his present dispensa- tion, Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throneff; and, in a word, that it is well, because God hath done it. It suits the general scheme of the divine providence, and to an obedient submissive creature that might be enough; but it is far from being all. For,
II. Pious parents, under such a dispensation, may conclude it is well for them in particular, — because he, who hath done it, is their covenant God.
This is the great promise, to which all the saints under the Old and New Testament are heirs, I will be to them a God, and
■f Psal. cxxi. 4. t Jer. xv. 7. J Ezek. xxiv. 16. § Job. xiv. 20.
II Psal, xc, 3. ^ Job xxi, 22. ** Job ii. 5. ft Psal. xcvii. 2.
Submission to Providence. 3il
they shall be to me a people'^: and if wc are interested in it, the happy consequence is, that Ave being his, all our concerns are his also ; all are humbly resigned to him,— and graciously admi- nistered by him,— and incomparably better blessings bestowed and secured, than any which the most afflictive providence can remove.
If we have any share in this everlasting covenant, all that wc are or have, must, of course, have been solemnly surrender- ed to God. And this is a thought peculiarly applicable to the case immediately in view. " liid 1 not," may the christian, in such a sad circumstance, generally say, ♦' did I not, in a very solemn manner, bring this my child to God in baptism, and in that ordinance recognize his right to it ? Did 1 not, with all hum- ble Subjection to the Father of spirits \, and Father of mercies X^ lay it down at his feet, perhaps with an express, at least to be sure with a tacit consent, that it should be disposed of by him, as his infinite Avisdom and goodness should direct, whether for life or for death ? And am I now to complain of him, because he has removed not only a creature of his own, but one of the children of ins family ? Or shall I pretend, after all, to set up a claim in opposition to his? A heathen parent, even from the hght of na- ture, might have learned silent submission : how much more then a christian parent, who hath presented his child to God in this initiatory ordinance; and perhaps also many a time, both before and since, hath presented himself at the table of the Lord ! Have I not there taken that cup of blessings, with a declared resolu- tion of accepting every other Cup how bitter soever it might be, •which my heavenly Father should see fit to/;M^ into my hand^f AVhen 1 have perhaps felt some painful fore-bodings of what I am now suffering; I have, in my own thoughts, particularly singled out that dear object of my cares and my hopes, to lay it down anew at my Father's feet, and say, Lord thou gavest it to me, and I resign it to thee; continue, or remove it, as thou plcasest. And did I then mean to trifle with God ? Did I mean in elTect to sav, Lord, I will give it up, if thou wilt not take it?'* Keflcct farther, I beseech you, on your secret retirement, and think, as surely someof 3'ou may, " How often have I there been on my knees before God on account of this child ; and what was then my language ? Did I say, Lord, I absolutely in- sist on its recovery ; I cannot, on any terms or any considera- tions whatsoever, bear to think of losing it?" Sure -we were
* Ileb. >iii, 10. t Heb. xii. 9. +2 Cor. i. 3. § John xviii. 11.
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312 ON THtE DEATH OF A CHILD. SeR. II.
none of us so indecently transported with the fondest passion, as to be so Rash with our mouths as to utter such things before the great God*. Such presumption had deserved a much heavier punishment than we are now bearing, and, if not retracted, may perhaps still have it. — Did not one or another of us rather say, ** Lord, I would humbly intreat, with all due submission to thy superior wisdom and sovereign pleasure, that my child may live ; but if it must be otherwise. Not my will, but thine be donef? I and mine are in thine hand, Do with me, and with them, as seemeth good in thy sightX.'''' And do we now blame ourselves for this? Would we unsay it again, and, if possible, take ourselves and our children out of his hands, whom we have so often owned as all-wise and all-gracious, and have chosen as our great guardian and theirs ?
Let it farther be considered, it is done by that God who has accepted of this surrender, so as to undertake the administra- tion of our affairs : *' He is become my covenant God in Christy" may the christian say; *' and, in consequence of that covenant, he hath engaged to manage the concerns and interests of his people so, that All things shall work together for good to them that love him^: and do I not love him ? Answer, Oh my heart, dost thou not love thy God much better than all the blessings which earth can boast, or which the grave hath swallowed up ? Wouldst thou resign thine interest in him to recover these pre- cious spoils, to receive this dear child from the dust, a thousand times fairer and sweeter than before ? Rather let death devour every remaining comfort, and leave me alone with him ; with ■whom when I indeed am, I miss not the creatures, but rather re- joice in their absence, as 1 am then more intire with him whom my soul loveth. And if I do indeed love him, this promise is mine, and all things, and therefore this sad event in particular, shall work together for my good. Shall I not then say, it is well? What if it exceeded all the stretch of my thoughts, to conceive how it could, in any instance, be so ? What are my narrow con- ceptions, that they should pretend to circumscribe infinite wis- dom, faithfulness, and mercy? Let me rather, with Abraham, give glory to God, and in hope believe against Aope ||."
Once more ; let us consider how many invaluable blessings are given us by this covenant, and then judge whether we have not the utmost reason to acquiesce in such an event of providence. " If I am in covenant with God," may the believer say, then he
* Eccl. V. 2. t Matt. xxvi. 39. ^ 2 Sam. xv. 26. § Rom. viii. 28.
llRom. iv. 18,20.
Submission to Providence. 313
bath pardoned my sins, and renewed my luart, and bath made liis blessed Spirit dwelling in nie, the sacred bond of an (everlast- ing union between him and my soul. He is leading me through the wilderness, and will, ere long, lead me out of it to the hea- venly Canaan. And how far am I alreadv-^ arrived in my jour- ney thither, now that I am come to the age of losing a child ! And when God hath done all this for me, is he rashly to be sus- pected of unkinduess ? He that spared not his owji son *, he that gave me with him his Spirit and his kingdom, why dolh he deny, or why doth he remove, any other favour ? Did he think the hfe of this child too great a good to grant, when he thought not Christ and glory too precious ? Away with that thought, O my unbelieving heart, and with every thought which would derogate from such rich amazing grace, or would bring any thing in comparison with it. Art thou under these obhgations to him, and wilt thou yet complain ? With what grace, with what de- cency canst thou dispute this, or any other matter with thy God ? What right have I yet to cry any more to the king f ?" Would any of my brethren venture to say. What though I be a child of God, and an heir of glory, it matters not, for my gourd is witliered ; that pleasant plant which was opening so fair and so delightful, under the shadow of which I expected long to have sat, and even the rock of ages cannot shelter me so well ? I can behold that beloved face no more, and therefore I will not look upward to behold the face of God, 1 will not look forward to Christ and to heaven?" Would this, my friends, be the lan- guage of a real christian ? Nay, are there not many abandoned sinners who would tremble at such expressions r Yet is it not in effect the language of our tumultuous passions, when, like Kachel, we are Mourning for our children^ and will 7iot be com- Jorledy because they are not | ? Is it not our language while we cannot, like the pious Shunamite in the text, bring our afflicted hearts to say, It is well ?
III. Pious parents, in such a circumstance, hav^e f:irther
reason to say, // is well, as they may observe an apparent
tendency in such a dispensation to teach them a variety of the most instructive and useful lessons, in a very convincing and effectual manner.
It is a just observation of Solomon, that The rod and re- proof give wisdom § ; and it is peculiarly applicable to such a chastisement of our heavenly Father. It should therefore be our great care to Hear the rod and him that hath appointed it \\;
* Rom. viii. 32. f ? Sam. xix. 28. \ Jer, xxxi. 15. § Pror. xxix. 15. jj Mic vi. 9. 'i
314 ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD. SeR. II.
and so far as it hath a tendency to teach m our duty, and to im- prove the divine Hfe in our souls, we have the highest reason to say, that it is indeed well.
Every affliction hath in its degree this kind of tendency, and it is the very reason for which We are thus chastened, that we may projit by our sorrows, and be made partakers of God's holiness*. But this dispensation is pecuharly adapted, in a very affecting manner — to teach us the vanity of the world, — to warn us of the approach of our own death, to quicken us in the duties incumbent upon us, especially to our surviving chil- dren,— and to produce a more intire resignation to the divine will, which is indeed tlie surest foundation of quiet, and source of happiness.
I shall insist a little more particularly on each of these ; and I desire that it may be . remenibered, that the sight and knowledge of such mournful providences as are now before us, should, in some degree, be improved to these purposes, even by those parents whose families are most prosperous and joyful : may they learn wisdom and piety from what we suffer, and their improvements shall be acknowledged as an additional rea- son for us to say, it in welL
I . When God takes away our children from us, it is a very affecting lesson of the vanity of the world.
There is hardly a child born into it, on whom the parents do not look with some pleasmg expectation that it shall Comfort them concerning their labour f. This makes the toil of educa- tion easy and delightful : and truly it is very early that we begin to find a sweetness in it,Avhich abundantly repays all the fatigue. Five, or four, or three, or two years, make discoveries which afford immediate pleasure, and which suggest future hopes. Their words, their actions, their very looks touch us, if they be amiable and promising children, in a tender, but very powerful manner ; their little arms twine about our hearts ; and there is something more penetrating in their first broken accents of en- dearment, than in all the pomp and ornament of words. Every infant-year increases the pleasure, and nourishes the hope. And where is the parent so wise and so cautious, and so constantly intent on his journey to heaven, as not to measure back a few steps to earth again, on such a plausible and decent occasion, as that of introducing the young stranger into the amusements, nay perhaps, where circumstances will admit it, into the ele- gancies of life, as well as its more serious and important busi-
* Heb. xii. 10. f Gen. v. 29.
Submission to Providence, 315
ness ! What fond calculations do wo form of what it will be, from what it is ! How do we in thonp;ht ojDcn every blossom of sprightlincss, or humanity, or piety, to its full spread, and ripen it to a sudden maturity ! Hut, oh, who shall teach those that have never felt it, how it tears the very soul, when God roots up tlie tender plant with an inexorable hand, and withers the bud in which the colours were beginning to glow ! Where is now our delight ? Where is our hope ? Is it in the coffin ? Is it in the grave ? Alas ! all the loveliness of person, of genius, and of temper, serves but to point and to poison the arrow, which is drawn out of our own quiver to wound us. Vain, delusive, transitory joys ! " And such. Oh my soul," will the christian say, *' such are thine earthly comforts in every child, in every relative, in every possession of life ; such are the objects of thy hopes, and thy fears, thy schemes, and thy labours, where earth alone is concerned. Let me then, once for all, direct mine eyes to another and a better state. From these Broken cisternSy the fragments of which may hurt me indeed, but can no longer refresh me, let me look to t\\c fountain uf living waters*. From these setting stars, or rather these bright but vanishing meteors, which make my darkness so much the more sensible, let me turn to the Father of lights. Oil Lord, What wait I for ? iny hope is in theef, my sure abode, my everlasting confidence! My gourds wither, my children die ; but The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvation be ex- alted X I see, in one instance more, the sad eflects of having over-loved the creature ; let me endeavour for the future, by the divine assistance, to fix my affections there where they cannot exceed ; but where all the ardor of them will be as much my security and my happiness, as it is now my snare and my distress."
2. The removal of our children by such awful strokes may warn us of the approach of our own death.
Hereby God doth very sensibly shew us, and those around us, that Jll flesh is as grass, and all the glory and loveliness of it like the flower of the field §. And when our own habita- tions are made the houses of mourning, and ourselves the lea- ders of that sad procession, it may surely be expected that we should lay it to heart, so as to be quickened and improved by the view. " Have my cliildren died in the morning of their days, and can I promise myself that I shall see the evening of mine ? Now perhaps may I say, in a more literal sense than
♦Jer, ii. 13. f Psal. xxxlx. 7. + Psal. xvlii. 4C. § 1 Pet. i. 24.
315 ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD. SeR. II.
ever. The graves are ready for me*. One of my family, and some of us may add, the first-born of it, is gone as it were to take possession of the sepulchre in all our names ; and ere long I shall lie down with my child in the same bed ; yea, perhaps, many of the feet that followed it shall attend me thither. Our dust shortly shall be blended together ; and who can tell but this providence might chiefly be intended as a warning blow to me, that these concluding days of my life might be more re- gular, more spiritual, and more useful than the former ?"
3. The providence before us may be farther improved to quicken us in the duties of life, and especially in the education of surviving children.
It is, on the principles I hinted above, an engagement, that Whatever our hand jindeth to do, we should do it with all our might, since it so plainly shews us that we are going to the grave, where there is no device, nor knowledge, 7ior working f : but permit me especially to observe, how peculiarly the senti- ments Ave feel on these sad occasions, may be improved for the advantage of our dear offspring who yet remain, and quicken us to a proper care in their religious education.
We all see that it is a very reasonable duty, and every christian parent resolves that he will ere long apply himself to it ; but I am afraid, great advantages are lost by a delay, which we think we can easily excuse. Our hands are full of a variety of affairs, and our children are yet very young : we are there- fore ready to imagine it is a good husbandry of time to defer our attempts for their instruction to a more Convenient season J, •when they may be able to learn more in an hour, than the labour of days could now teach them ; besides that we are apprehen- sive of danger in over-loading their tender spirits, especially when they are perhaps under indisposition, and need to be di- verted, rather than gravely advised and instructed.
But I beseech you, my friends, let us view the matter with that impartiality, Avhich the eloquence of death hath a tendency to produce. " That lovely creature that God hath now taken away, though its days were few, though its faculties were weak, yet might it not have known a great deal more of religion than it did, and felt a great deal more of it too, had I faithfully and prudently done my part ? How did it learn language so soon, and in such a compass and readiness ? Not by multiplied rules, nor laboured instruction, but by conversation. And might it not have learned much more of divine things by conversation
* Job xrii. I. f Eccl. ix. 10. + Actsxxiv. 25.
Submission to Providence. 3 17
too, if they had been allowed a due share in our thoughts and our discourses ; accordint^ to the charge given to the Israelites, to Talk of them going out and coming in, li/ing down and rising up* ? How soon did it learn trifles, and retain tiieni, and after its little way, observe and reason upon them, perhaps with a vi- vacity that sometimes surprised me ! And had I been as diligent as I ought, who can tell wjiat ])rogress it might have made iti divine knowledge ? Who can tell but, as a reward to these pious cares, God might have put a word into its dying lips, uhich I might all my life have recollected with pleasure, and Out of its feeble mouth might have perfected praise f?
My friends, let us humble ourselves deeply before God under a sense of our past neglects, and let us learn our future duty. We may perhaps be ready fondly to say, *' Oh that it ■were possible my child could be restored to me again, though it were but for a few weeks or days ! how diligeutlv would I attempt to supply my former deficiencies !" Unprofitable wish! Yet may the thought be improved for the good of surviving children. How shall we express our affection to them ? Not surely by indulging all the demands of appetite and fancy, in many early instances so hazardous, and so fatal ; not by a solicitude to treasure up Avealth for them, whose only portion may perhaps be a little coffin and shrowd. No ; our truest kindness to them will be to endeavour, by divine grace, to form them to an early enquiry after God, and Christ, and heaven, and a love for real goodness in all the forms of it which may come within their observation and notice. Let us apply our- selves immediately to this task, as those that remember there is a double uncertainty, in their lives, and in ours. In a word, let us be that with regard to every child that yet remains, which we proposed and engaged to be to that which is taken away, Avhen we pleaded with God for the continuance of its life, at least for a little while, that it might be farther assisted in the preparations for death and eternity. If such resolutions be formed and pursued, the death of one may be the means of spiritual life to many ; and we shall surely have reason to say it is well, if it teach us so useful a lesson.
4. The providence before us may have a special tendency to improve our resignation to the divine will ; and if it does so, it will indeed be well.
There is surely no imaginable situation of mind so sweet
♦ Deut. vi, 7. f Mat. «i. IS.
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318 ON THE DEATH OF A CH1LI7. SeR. It.
and so reasonable, as that which we feel when we humbly refer ourselves in all things to the divine disposal, in an entire sus- pension of our own will, seeing and owning the hand of God^ and bowing before it with a filial acquiescence. This is chiefly to be learned from sufferings ; and perhaps there is no suffering ivhich is fitter to teach it, than this. In many other afflictions there is such a mixture of human interposition, that we are ready to imagine, we may be allowed to complain, and to chide a little. Indignation mingles itself with our grief ; and when it does so, it warms the mind, though with a feverish kind of heat, and in an unnatural flow of spirits, leads the heart into a forgetfulness of God. But here it is so apparently his hand, that we must refer it to him, and it will appear bold impiety to quarrel at what is done. In other instances we can at least flatter ourselves with hope, that the calamity may be diverted, or the enjoyment recovered ; but here alas ! there is no hope. ** Tears will not," as * Sir WiUiam Temple finely expresses it, *' water the lovely plant so as to cause it to grow again ; sighs will not give it new breath, nor can we furnish it with life and spirits by the waste of our own." The sentence is finally gone forth, and the last fatal stroke irrecoverably given. Opposition is vain ; a forced submission gives but little rest to the mind ; a cordial acquiescense in the divine will is the only thing in the whole world that can ease tbe labouring heart, and restore true serenity. Remaining corruption will work on such an odcasion, and a painful struggle will convince the christian how imper- fect his present attainments are ; and this will probably lead him to an attentive review of tbe great reasons for submission ; it will lead him to urge them on his own soul, and to plead them with God in prayer ; till at length the storm is laid, and Tribu' lation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience a hope which maketh not ashamed, while the love of God is so shed abroad in the heart f, as to humble it for every preceding opposition, and to bring it even to a real approbation of all that so wise and good a friend hath done ; resigning every other interest and enjoyment to his disposal, and sitting down with the sweet resolution of the prophet. Though the jig-tree do not blossom, and there be 710 fruit in the vine, &(c. yet will I rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of my salvationX. And when we are brought to this, the whole horizon clears, and the sun breaks forth in its strength.
Now I appeal to every sincere cliristian in this assembly,
* Temple's Essays, Vol. I. p. 17S. f Rom. v.' 3—5. * Hab. iii. 17, 13.
Submissio?i to Providence. 319
wlietber tliere will not be reason indeed to say it is well, if by this painful alHiction we more sensibly learn tlic vanity of thei creature ; if we are awakened to serious thoughts of our own latter end ; if bv it we are quickened in the duties of life, and forin»!d to a more entire resignation of soul, and ac(|nicscence in the divine will. I will only add one more, and it is a thought of delightful importance,
IV. That pious parents have reason to hope, ii is well with those dear creatures who are taken away in their early days.
I see not that the word of God hath any where passed a damnatory sentence on any infants ; and if it has not, I am sure we have no authority to do it ; especially considering with how much compassion the Divine Being speaks of them in the in- stance of the Ninevites *, and on some other occasions. Per- haps, as some pious divines have conjectured, they may con- stitute a very considerable part of the number of the elect, and. As iti Adam they all died, the}' may in Christ all be made alive f. At least, methinks, from the covenant which God tnade with Abraham, and his seed, the blessings of which are come upon the believing Gentiles Xy there is reason to hope ■well concerning the infant offspring of God's people, early de- voted, and often recommended to him, that their souls will be hound in the bundle of life^, and Be loved for their parents' sa/ces II .
It is, indeed, impossible for us to say, how soon children may be capable of contracting personal guilt. They are quickly able to distinguish, in some degree, between right and wrong ; and it is too plain, that they as quickly, in many instances, forget the distinction. The corruptions of nature begin early to work, and shew the need of sanctifying grace ; yet, without a miracle, it cannot he expected that nmch of the christian scheme should be understood by these little creatures, in the hrst dawning of reason^ though a few evangelical phrases may be taught, and, sometimes, by a happy kind of accident, may be rightly applied. The tender heart of a parent may, perhaps, take a hint, from hence to terrify itself, and exasperate all its other sorrows, by that sad thought, " What if my dear child be perished for ever? gone from our embraces, and all the little pleasures Ave could give it, to everlasting darkness and ])ain ?" Horrible imagina- tion ! and Satan may, perhaps, take the advantage of these gloomy moments, to aggravate every little infirmity into a
* Jonah jv. n . f 1 Cor. xv. 22. + Gal. iii. U. § J Sam. Mv. 29. H Rom. xi. 28,
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^0 Oi: THE DEATH OF A CHILD. SeR. II,
crime, and throw us into an agony, which no other view of the affliction can possibly give to a soul penetrated Avith a sense of eternity. Nor do I know a thought, in the whole compass of nature, that hath a more powerful tendency to produce suspici- ous notions of God, and a secret alienation of heart from him.
Now for this very reason, methinks, we should guard against so harsh a conclusion, lest we, at once, injure the Divine Being, and torture ourselves. And surely, we may easily fall on some reflections which may encourage our hopes, where little children are concerned ; and it is only of that case that I am row speaking. Let us think of the blessed God, as the great parent of universal nature ; whose Tender mercies are over all his works * ; who declares that judgment is His strange work f ; who Is very pitiful^ and of tender mercy X^ Gracious and full of compassion § ; who Delighteih in mercy || ; who Waiteth to he gracious ^ ; and Endureth, with much long-suffering , even the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction**. He intimately Knows our frame ff, and our circumstances; he sees the weakness of the unformed mind ; how forcibly'- the volatile spirits are struck with a thousand new amusing objects around it, and borne away as a feather before the wind ; and, on the other hand, how, when distempers seize it, the feeble powers are over-borne in a moment, and rendered incapable of any degree of application and attention. And, Lord, wilt thou Ope7i thine eyes on such a one, to bring it into strict judgment with thee XX ? Amidst all the instances of thy patience, and thy bounty, to the most abandoned of mankind, are these little help-. Jess creatures the objects of thy speedy vengeance, and final severity ?
Let us farther consider, as it is a very comfortable thought in these circumstances, the compassionate regard which the blessed .Tesus expressed to little children. He wsls Much dis- pleased with those who forbad their being brought to him; and said, suffer them to come unto me, arid forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God ; and taking them up in his arms, he laid his hands upon them, and blessed them §§. In another instance we are told, that he Took a little child, Avho appears to haye been old enough to come at his call, and set him in the midst of his disciples, and said, Except ye become as little children, you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of hea*
*Psal. cxiv, 9. t Isa. xxviii. 21. | James v. 11. § Psal. rri. 4.
II Mic. vii. 18. 51 Isa. xxx. 18. ** Rom. ix. 22. ff Psal. ciii. 14.
XX Job xiv. 3. §§ Mark x. 13—16.
Submission to Providence. Zll
ven*. May ■\Te not then hope lliat many little children are ad- iniited into it ? And may not that hope be greatly confirmed from whatever, of an amiable and regular disposition, wc have observed in those that are taken away ? If we have seen f a ten- derness of conscience in an} thing which they apjirehended ^vould displease the great and good God ; a love to truth ; a readiness to attend on divine Avorship, from some imperfect no- tion of its general design, though the particulars of it could not be understood ; an open, candid, benevolent heart ; a ten- der sense of obligation, and a desire, according to their little power, to repay it ; may we not hope that these were some of the First-fruits of the Spirit X, "which he would, in due time, have ripened into christian graces, and ar(; now, on a sudden, perfected by that great Almighty Agent IVho "worketh all, and in all^?
Sure I am, that this blessed Spirit hath no inconsiderable work to perform on the most established christians, to finish them to a complete meetncss for the heavenly world : would to God, there were no greater blemishes to be observed in their character, than the little vanities of children ! With inhnite ease then can he perfect what is lacking in their unfinished minds, and pour out upon them, in a moment, that light and grace, which shall qualify them for a state, in comparison of vhich, ours on earth is but childhood or infancy.
Now what a noble source of consolation is here ! Then may the afl'ectionate parent say, " It is well, not only with me, but with the child too : incomparably better than if my ardent wishes, and importunate prayers for its recovery, had been answered. It is indeed well, if that beloved creature be Fallen asleep in Christ^; if that dear lamb be folded in the arms of the compassionate Shepherd, and gathered into his gracious bosom. Self-love might have led me to wish its lon- ger continuance here ; but if I truly loved my child with a solid, rational affection, I should much rather Rejoice to think it is gone to a lieavenly Father ^, and to the world of per- fected Spirits above. Had it been spared to me, how slowly could I have taught it! and in the full ripeness of its age, ^vhat had it been, when compared with what it now is ! How- is it shot up on a sudden, from the converse and the toys of children, to be a companion with sauits and angels, in the
* Mat. xviil. 2, 3.
t I bless God, all these things were very evident in that dear child, nhos« death occasioned this discourse.
% Rom. viii. 2 J. § 1 Cur. xii. 6. || 1 Cor. nt. 18. ^ ^ohn xiv. 23.
322 CN THE DEATH OF A CHILD. SeR. IT.
employment, and the blessedness of heaven ! Shall I then com- plain of it as a rigorous severity to my family, that God hath taken it to the family above ? And what if he hath chosen to bestow the distinguished favour on that one of my little flock, who was formed to take the tenderest hold of my heart ? Was their unkindness in that ? What if he saw, that the very sprightliness and softness which made it to me so ex- quisitely delightful, might, in time, have betraved it into ruin ; and took this method of sheltering it from trials which bad, otherwise, been too hard for it, and so fixing a seal on its character and happiness ? What if that strong attachment of my heait to it, had been a snare to the child, and to me ? Or what if it had been otherwise ? Do I need additional rea- sons to justify the divine conduct, in an instance which my child is celebrating in the songs of heaven ? If it is a new and untasted affliction to have such a tender branch lopped off, it is ^Iso a new honour to be the parent of a glorified saint." And, as good Mr. Howe expressed it on another occasion, " If God be pleased, and his glorified creature be pleased, who are we that we should be displeased*?"
Could I wish, that this young inhabitant of heaven should be degraded to earth again ? Or would it thank me for that wish ? Would it say, that it was the part of a wise parent, to call it down from a sphere of such exalted services and plea- sures, to our low life here upon earth ? Let me rather be thank- ful for the pleasing hope, that though God loves my child too well to permit it to return to me, he will ere long bring me to it. And then that endeared paternal affection, which •would have been a cord to tie me to earth, and have added new pangs to my removal from it, will be as a golden chain to draw me upwards, and add one farther charm and joy even to paradise itself." And oh, how great a joy ! to view the change, and to compare that dear idea, so fondly laid up, so often reviewed, with the now glorious original, in the improve- ments of the upper world ! To borrow the words of the sacred writer, in a very different sense!" ^' I said, I was desolate and bereaved of children , ayid who hath brought up these? I was left alone, and these where have they been f 9 Was this my desolation ? this my sorrow ? to part with thee for a few days, That I might receive thee for ever %, and find thee what thou art r" It is for no language, but that of heaven, to describe the sacred joy which such a meeting must occasion.
* Howe's Life, p. 32. FoL Edit. f Isa. xlix. 21^ % Pbilem. ver. 15^
Submission to Providence. 323
In the mean time, christians, let us keep up the lively ex- pectation of it, and let what has befallen us draw our thoughts upwards. Perhaps they will sometimes, before we are aware, sink to the grave, aiid dwell in the tombs that contain the poor remains of what was once so dear to us. But let them take flight from thence to more noble, more delightful scenes. And I will add, let the hope we have of the happiness of our children ren- der God still dearer to oin" souls. We feel a very tender sense of the kindness which our friends expressed towards them, and think, indeed very justly, that their affectionate care for them lays a lasting obligation upon us. What love then, and what service do we owe to thee, oh gracious Father, who hast, we hope, received them into thine house above, and art now enter- taining them there with unknown delight, though our former methods of commerce with them be cut off! Lord, " should eacli of us say in such a case," I would take what thou art doing to my child as done to myself, and as a specimen and earnest of what shall shortlv be done." It is therefore ■u^ell.
It only remains, that I conclude with a few hints of farther improvement.
1. Let pious parents, who have lost hopeful children in a maturer age, join with others in saying, Jt is wtll.
My friends, the reasons which 1 have been urging at large, are common to you with us ; and permit me to add, that as your case has its peculiar distress, it has, I think, in a yet greater degree, its peculiar consolations too.
I know you will say, that it is inexpressibly grievous and painful, to part with children who were grown up into most amiable friends, who were your companions in the ways of God, and concerning whom you had a most agreeable prospect, that they would have been the ornaments and supports of religion in the rising age, and extensive blessings to the world, long after you had quitted it. These reasonings have, undoubtedly, their weight ; and they have so, when considered in a very dif- ferent view. Must you not acknowledge it is well, that you enjoyed so many years of comfort in them ? that you reaped so much solid satisfaction from them ? and saw those evidences of a work of grace upon their hearts, which give you such abundant reason to conclude that they are now received into that inheritance of glory, for which they were so apparently made meet r Some of them, perhaps, had already quitted their father's house : as for others, had God spared their lives, they might have been transplanted into families of their own : and if, instead of being removed to anutlier iiouse, or town, or
324 ON THE Death of a child. Ser. ii.
countryj they are taken by God into another world, is that a matter of so great complaint ; Avhen tliat world is so much better, and you are yourselves so near it ? I put it to your hearts, christians, would you rather have chosen to have buried them in their infancy, or never to have known the joys and the hopes of a parent, now you know the vicissitude of sorrow, and of disappointment ? But perhaps, you will say, that you chiefly grieve for that loss which the world has sustained by the re- moval of those, from whom it might reasonably have ex- pected so much future service. This is, indeed, a generous and a christian sentiment, and there is something noble in those tears which flow on such a consideration. But do not so remember your relation to earth, as to forget that which you bear to heaven : and do not so wrone: the divine wisdom and goodness, as to suppose, that when he takes away from hence promising instruments of service, he there lays them by as useless. Much more reasonable is it to conclude, that their sphere of action, as well as happiness, is enlarged, and that the church above hath gained incomparably more, than that below can be supposed to have lost by their death.
On the whole, therefore, far from complaining of the divin& conduct in this respect, it will become you, my friends, rather to be very thankful that these dear children were spared so long, to accompau}^ and entertain you in so many stages of your short journey through life, to answer so many of your hopes, and to establish so many more beyond all fear of disappointment. Re- flect on all that God did in and upon them, on all he was begin- ning to do by them, and on what you have great reason to be- lieve he is now doing for them; and adore his name, that he has left you these dear memorials, by which your case is so happily distinguished from ours, whose hopes in our children withered in the very bud ; or from theirs, who saw those who were once so dear to them, perishing, as they have cause to fear, in the paths of the destroyer.
But while I speak thus, methinks I am alarmed, lest I should awaken the far more grievous sorrows of some n)ournful parent, whom it will not be so easy to comfort. My brethren and friends, what shall I say to you, who are lamenting over your Absaloms, and almost wishing Vou had died for theyn*? Shall I urge you to say it is well? Perhaps you may think it a great attainment, if like Aaron, when his sons Died before the Lordy you can hold your peace f, under the a^\ ful stroke. My soul is troubled for
* 2 Sam. xvili. 33. f Lev. x. 3.
Stibmtsswn to Providence. 325
you ; viy words are almost swallowed up. I cannot unsay what 1 have elsewhere said at large on that melancholy subject *. Yet let me remind you of this, that you do not certainly know what almighty grace might do for these lamented creatures, even in the latest moments, and have therefore no warrant confidently to pronounce that they are assuredly perished. And if you can- not but tremble in the too probable fear of it, labour to turn your eyes from so dark a prospect, to those better hopes which God is setting before you. For surely you still have abundant reason to rejoice in that grace, which gives your own lives to you as a prey, and has brought you so near to that blessed world, where, hard as it is now to conceive it, you will have laid aside every alVection of nature, which interferes with the interests of God, and prevents your most cheerful acquiescence in every particular of his wise and gracious determinations.
2. From what we have heard, let us learn not to think of the loss of our children with a slavish dread.
It is to a parent indeed such a cutting stroke, that I wonder notlf nature shrink back at the very mention of it : and, perhaps, it would make those to whom God hath denied children more easy, if they knew what some of the happiest parents feel in an uncertain apprehension of the loss of theirs: an apprehension which strikes with peculiar force on the mind, when experiencQ hath taught us the anguish of such an affliction in former instances. But let us not anticipate evils: perhaps all our children, who are hitherto spared, may follow us to the grave: or, if otherwise, we Sorrow not as those wlio have no hope f . We may have reason still to say, it is well; and, through divine grace, we may also have hearts to say it. Whatever we lose, if we be the children of God, we shall never lose our heavenly Father. He will still be our support, and our joy. And therefore let us turn all our anxiety about uncertain, future events, into an holy solicitude to please him, and to promote religious impressions in the hearts of our dear offspring ; that if God should see fit to take them away, we inay have a claim to the full consolations, which I have been representing in the preceding discourse.
3, Let us not sink in hopeless sorrow, or break out into clamorous complaints, if God has brought this heavy affliction upon us.
A stupid indifference would be absurd and unnatural : God
* In the sixth f'f my sermons to young persons, entitled, The Refiectioocof » ^ous Parent on the Death of a wicked Child, f 1 Thess. w. 13.
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526 ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD. SeR. II.
and man might look upon us as acting a most unworthy part^ should we be like the Ostrich in the wilderness, which hardeneih herself against her young ones, as if they were not hers ; because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding *. Let us sorrow like men, and like parents ; but let us not, in the mean time, forget that we are christians. Let us remember how common the calamity is ; few parents are exempt from it ; some of the most pious and excellent have lost amiable children, with circumstances perhaps of peculiar aggra- vation. It is a trial which God hath chosen for the exercise of some who have been eminently dear to him, as we may learn from a variety of instances both ancient and modern. Let us recollect our many offences against our heavenly Father, those sins which such a dispensation may properly Bring to our re- 7ne7nbra7ice\; and let that silence us, and teach us to own, that It is of the Lo7^d^s mercies we are not consumedX, and that we are Punished less than our iniquities deserve^. Let us look round on our surviving comforts; let us look forward to our fu- ture, our eternal hopes ; and we shall surely see, that there is still room for praise, still a call for it. Let us review the par- ticulars mentioned above, and then let conscience determine whether it doth not become us, in this particular instance, to Say it steadily, and cheerfully too, even this is well. And may the God of all grace and comfort apply these considerations to our mind, that we may not only own them, but feel them, as a reviving cordial Avhen our heart is overwhelmed within us! In the mean time, let me beseech you whose Tabernacles are in peace \\, and whose Children are yet about you ^,t\\?Lt yon would not be severe in censuring our tears, till you have experimental- ly known our sorrows, and yourselves tasted the Wormwood and the gall, which we, with all our comforts, must have in a long and bitter remembrance **.
4. Let those of us who are under the rod, be very solicitous to improve it aright, that in the end it may indeed be well.
Hear, my brethren, my friends and fellow-sufferers, hear and Suffer the word of exhortation ff. Let us be much concern- ed, that we may not bear all the smart of such an affliction, and, through our own folly, lose all that benefit which might, other- wise, be a rich equivalent. In proportion to the grievousness of the stroke, should be our care to attend to the design of it. Let us, now God is calling us to mourning and lamentation, be
* Job xxxix. 16, 17. t ^ Kings xvii. 18. + Lam. Hi. 22. § Ezra ix. 13.
II Job V. 24. f Jobxsix. 5. ** Lam. iii. 1 9, 20. ff Heb. xiii. 22,
Subynissio)i to Providence. 327
Searching and trying our ways^ that we may turn again unto the Lord*. Let us rcvjew tlic conduct oi" our lives, and the state and tenour of our aifections, that we may observe what hatli been deficient, and wliat irregular ; that proper rcmedie» may be apphed, and those important lessons more thoroughly learnt, which I was mentioning under the lormer branch of my discourse. Let us pray, that through our tears we may read our duty, and that by the heat of the furnace we may be so melted, that our dross may be purged away, and the divine image instainped on our souls in brighter and fairer characters. To sum up all in one word, let us endeavour to set our hearts more on that God, who is infinitely Better to us than tc7i chil- dren ^^ who hath Given us a name better than that of sons and daughtersX) and can abundantly supply the place of all earthly enjoyments with the rich communications of his grace : nay, perhaps, we may add, who hath removed some darling of our hearts, lest to our infinite detriment it should fill his place there, and, by alienating us from his love and service, have a fatal in- fluence on our present peace, and our future happiness.
Eternal glory, my friends, is so great a thing, and the com- plete love and enjoyment of God so unutterably desirable, that it is well worth our while to bear the sharpest sorrows, by which we may be more perfectly formed for it. We may even con- gratulate the death of our children, if it bring us nearer to our heavenly Father ; and teach us, (instead of filling this vacancy in our heart with some new vanity, which may shortly renew our sorrows) to consecrate the whole of it to him who alone de- serves, and can alone answer the most intense affection. Let us try what of this kind may be done. We are now going to the table of the Lord §, to that very table where our vows have of- ten been sealed, where our comforts have often been resigned, where our Isaacs have been conditionally sacrificed, and where "we commemorate the real sacrifice which God hath made even of his only begotten Son for us. May our other sorrows be suspended, while we Mourn /or him whom we have pierced, as for an only son, and are in bitterness as for a frst-born |(. From his blood consolations spring up, which will flourish even on the graves of our dear children ; and the sweetness of that cup which he there gives us, will temper the most distasteful ingre-
*Lain. ill. 40, f ' Sam, i. 8, + Isa. Ivi. 5,
§N, B. This sermon was preached October 3, 1736, it being sacrament day. The child died October 1. II Zcch. xii. 10.
Ss2
328 ON THE DEATH OP A CHILD. SZR. 11.
dients of the other. Our houses are not so with Gody as they once were, as we once expected they would have been, but he hath made with us an everlasting covenanty and these are the tokens of it. Blessed be his name, we hold not the mercies of that covenant by so precarious a tenure as the life of any crea- ture : // is well ordered in all things and sure : may it be all our salvation, and all our desire*-; and then it is but a little while, and all our complaints will cease. God will wipe away these tears from our eyes f ; our peaceful and happy spirits shall ere long meet with those of our children which he hath taken to himself. Our bodies shall sleep, and ere long shall also awake, and arise with theirs. Death, that inexorable destroyer, shall be swallowed up in victory Xi while we and ours surround the throne with everlasting hallelujahs, and own, Avith another evi- dence than we can now perceive, with another spirit than we can now express, that all was indeed well. Amen.
* 2 Sara, xxiii. 5, f Rev. xxi, 4, % 1 Cor. xv, 54»
Character and Translation of Enoch. ^29
SERMON III.
PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS
CHARACTER AND TRANSLATION OF ENOCH,
Jn ti Sermon preached at Welford,in Northamptonshirey March 9, n37-8» on Occasion of the much lamented Death of the late Reverend Mr. John Nurris,
Gen. V. 2i.—j4nd Enoch xvalkedwith God, and he u-as not, for God took him.
T.
HE apostle gives it in charge to the bcHcving Hebrews, that they should Remember those who had presided over them, and had spoken to them the word of the gospel, well knowing it would be one sweet and powerful engagement, \.o follow their faith y especially when they considered the end of their conver- sation *.
I persuade myself, that it will be a very easy matter for you, my friends, to remember that dear and faithful ser- vant of Christ, who, for so many years f had the pastoral care of you, guiding you, at once, in the integrity of his heart, and in the skilf illness of his hands I. You who have grown up, and as to some I may add, have grown old too under his ministry, ■will surely find the recollection, notwithstanding all the sor- row that must now attend it, both too edifying and too delight- ful to be neglected. You must, no doubt, find some memo- rials of him, in various places and circumstances of life ; but none more numerous, and none more pleasing than your bibles will afford you. How many awakening exhortations, how many comprehensive precepts, how many precious promises
* Heb. xiii. 7.
t N. B. Mr. Norns died Feb. 8, 1737-8, in the 63d year of his age, having been near 38 years Minister atWelford. X Psal, Ixxviii. 72.
330 DEATH OF THE REV. J. NORRIS. SeR. III.
have you, from sabbath to sabbath, heard him unfold ? How many instructive and amiable examples have you not only heard, but seen him illustrate ! It was the care and joy of his life, to form himself on those great models; and beholding them in the glass of scripture, he was changed into the same image. In those originals therefore you will often trace him, and in which of them is not the resemblance beautifully conspicuous > Yet perhaps in few of the miniatures which are there drawn, it is more remarkably so, than in the account given of Enoch. Jie walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. As soon as you heard me read the words, you with pleasure saw how well they expressed both the distinguished piety of your late minister's character, and the ease and suddenness of his removal from us.
It is impossible for me to express the tender sympathy, with Avhich I undertake this melancholy office, which my ho- noured father was pleased to assign me. But I will attempt to break through the difficulty, and to suppress the fulness of my heart, so far as it would obstruct what I have to say, in humble hope, that, through the divine blessing, that which was the great end of bis life and labours among you, may in some mea- sure be promoted by this discourse, occasioned by his death. And, I am persuaded, nothing will so nobly support your hearts •under this sad separation, or so effectually secure and promote the pleasure of your future meeting with him, as a dihgent cai-e to be followers of him, as he was a follower of Enoch, and all the saints in that holy course of walking with God, which is now to be the subject of our meditation. And that you may be both directed and animated in it, we will.
First, Explain the view given us of Enoch's hfe and cha- racter. He walked with God.
Secondly, Consider the happy close of this pious course. He was not, for God took him.
When I have handled these heads as fully as the time will admit, I shall,
Thirdhj, Conclude with some practical reflections, and an address peculiarly suited to that awful providence, which hath brought me among you this day.
And, permit me to remmd you, that your serious attention to what shall now be spoken, is one part of the respect which you owe to the memory of that worthy and excellent man, in whose place I stand.
First, Let us attentively survey the account which is here given us, of the life and character of Enoch.
Character and Translation of Enoch. 331
It is said, tliat he •walked with God; a plirase which tlie same sacred historian useth concerning one of Enoch's descend- ants, i. e. Noah. He was a jnst man, and perfect in his gene- rations, and Noah walked with God * : and when it is suid of other good men, that they walked he/ore the Lord, it seems to be an expression much of the same import, and implies, that in the main series of their hves they maintained a firm persuasion of the being and perfections of God, and of the other important principles of religion ; and that in consequence of this they were careful to behave as in the divine ])resence ; and on the other hand, tliat they were honoured with some gracious and comfortable tokens of the divine acceptance and favour: in a ■word, that there was a mutual friendship established and exer- cised between God and them. Blessed character, and happy state ! Ma)' we be formed to it, and improved in it, while we more particularly review it in this instance of Enoch,
1. When it is said that Enoch walked with God, it evi- dently implies, that he had a firm persuasion of the Divine Be- ing and perfections, and the other important principles of true religion.
Of this the apostle expressly assures us, and argues it from the account here given of him. He had before his translation this testimony, that he pleased God ; but without faith it is im- possible to please him ; for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligentlj/ seek him-f,
Enoch had undoubtedly this faith, by which he believed, that the worlds were made by God, and that he is the great supporter of all. He certainly traced him in his works of crea- tion and providence, and considered him both as the greatest and the best of beings. He was firmly persuaded of his immu- table existence, his almighty power, and unsearchable wisdom ; and he also considered him as the wise, the righteous, and gra- cious governor of his rational creatures ; the Father, the guide, and the portion of his people. Without these reverential and these fiducial regards, v/hat foundation or what encouragement could there have been for his walking wnth God ?
On these principles Enoch would easily infer the certainty of a future state of rewards and punishments ; considering how little the present administrations of providence bear the face of a final retribution. We are also assured by St. Jude, that he, by divine revelation, prophecied of the judgment day Xt and
♦ Gen. vi. 9. t H^l*- >^i- 5> 6, % Jmle U.
332 DEATH OF THE REV J. NORRIS, SeR. Ilf.
may from that hint probably conjecture, that other important articles of religion might in such an extraordinary -svay be dis- covered to him. We may especially conclude, that being thus divinel}'^ instructed in the certainty and pomp of Christ's second coming, he was not left entirely ignorant of the purposes of his first appearance. And no doubt, Adam, who was for the last 300 years of his life, contemporary with Enoch, would not fail to acquaint him with that first important promise relating to the Seed of the woman *, as the noblest support to the hopes of a guilty creature.
It is indeed impossible for us to determine, how far his views of the Messiah reached ; but it is highly congruous to the rest of his character, to conclude, that he traced every intima- tion of this glorious deliverer with pleasure, and joyfully ac- cepted him so far, as he was made known, as the great medium of his reconciliation to God, and converse with him.
2. In consequence of this persuasion of the great truths of religion, Enoch made it his care to behave as in the divine pre- sence.
He walked with God, i. e. he habitually conducted himself as one that was with God. And as it is said of Moses, He endured and acted as seeing him who is invisible f. It may be worth our while, more particularly to consider, how this would influ- ence his secret, his domestic, and his public conduct.
We may assure ourselves, that it had a great influence upon him in secret, not only to restrain him from secret sins, but to excite him to the discharge of those secret duties, which a present deity so reasonably requires, and which they tliat have a suitable sense of his presence cannot omit. This cer- tainly led him to spend many an hour in devout retirement, me- ditation and prayer ; and Ave may reasonably conclude, that the good man was never less alone than Avhen he was alone. He probably never made nearer approaches to heaven, before his translation thither, than when he had got rid of other cares, other amusements and other company ; that he might be all at leisure for his God.
It is also very evident, that this sense of the divine pre- sence, must have influenced Enoch in his domestic life. Short as the Mosaic history of this holy man is, we learn from it, that he was the master of a family, and stood in the relation of a luisband and a parent ; and which is something remarkable, we do not find that any of the patriarchs married younger than he i
* Gen. iii. 15. f Heb, xi. 27.
Character and Translation of Enoch. 333
for liis son Alothuselah was born in the 65tli year ; which, con- sidering the age of men in the antediluvian world, must be the bloom of his father's youth. With this family lie lived .'jOO years, governing himself, no doubt, by a resolution like that of pious Joshua, That he and his house would serve the Lord *. His care would be like that of Abraham in after-ages, To com- mand his household after him to keep the way of the Lord.
He would probably often call them together to join in sa- crifice and prayer ; when perhaps his children, as we read of Job's, were remembered, according to the number of them all. He could not but be solicitous to Train them up in the nurture and adynonition of the Lordf, that they might learn to A!"?wz«; the God of their fathers y and be inclined to serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind |.
And he would be sure to enforce all his precepts by a good example. A soul so habitually near to God, and so coustautly sensible of his presence, must be open to all the tenderest senti- ments of humanity and benevolence. He would, of course, study to make ever}- body about him easy and happy, and, like your venerable and beloved pastor now with God, would wear a con- stant smile on his countenance, which he probably saw re- flected from the face of every child and servant in the family. Happy were they that resided in it, for surely the}' might have continued there from one century to another with growing im- provement and delight.
And could we have traced Enoch into public life, we sliould undoubtedly have found that part of his cliaracter agreeable to the rest. Like Jesus, He went about doing good §, his head still full of wise schemes, and his heart overflowing with bene- volent affections ; so that whatever advantages his rank and circumstances gave him, were faithfully employed for the com- mon good. We may conclude, that su(;h a person was ^Ip- proved by men, as well as accepted of God\, that When the eye saw him, it blessed him ; and when the ear heard him, it gave witness to him ^.
There is great reason to believe, that his lips as well as his hands fed many ; aud so much the rather as he was a prophet commissioned by God to teach the people, and to bring them some extraordinary revelations from him. Thus we read in ■words which I hinted at above, that Enoch the seventh from
♦ Josh. xxiv. 15. t Eph. vi. 4. \ 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. \ Acts x. 38. II Rom. xiv. 18. f[ Job xxix. 11.
VOL. III. T t
S3i DEATH OF THE RLV. J. NORRIS. SeR. HI
Adarn^ prophecied, sayings Behold the Lord coniefh with yvy- riads oj his saints, or holy ones, to execute judgment upon all; and to convince all that are ungodly among them, of all their ungodly deeds which they have impiously committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him ■*. From whence it plainly appears, that he lived in a very degenerate age, when impiety and immorality abounded, when insolent sinners, as in our days, Set their mouths against the heavens, and gave their tongues an unbridled licence of walk- ing through the earth -f. But he bore his undaunted testimo- nies to the truth of God in the midst of all their opposition and contempt. He resolutely Set his face like a fiint, as he well knew that in such a cause he should never be ashamed §. His heart, humane and tender as it w^as, could not but be warmed with a generous indignation at the dishonours which were done to the divine Majesty, and Knowing the terrors of the Lord, he endeavoured to persuade men §. We would hope his endeavours were not entirely in vain, but that through the concurrence of divine grace, he was the happy instrument of stemming the torrent for a while, or at least of recovering and preserving a few, who might be the companions of his walk with God here, and are now his associates in glory.
Such a governing care to approve the main series of his private, domestic, and public conduct to the Being in whose pre- sence he always knew himself to be, must surely be comprehend- ed in the phrase before us ; and it will be pleasant to consider,
3. That the expression farther intimates his being ho- noured with correspondent tokens of the divine acceptance and favour.
Enoch walked with God, and Can two walk together, ex- cept they be agreed \\ ? It plainly implies, that he lived in a state of friendship Avith God ; or as the apostle expresseth it, even before his translation, had a Testimony that he pleased him. Thou meetest, saith the prophet, him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, even such as remember thee in their ways ^. Thus did Enoch remember God, and thus was he visited by him. The high ajid lofty one who inhahiteth eternity, who dwelleth in the high and the holy place, condescended to dwell with this holy man, as he was humble, and of a contrite spirit "''•*.
Public assemblies for divine worship Avere, no doubt, sea- sons of delightful converse with God ; and Enoch would, on
*.Tude 14,15. f Psal. Ixxiii. 9, J Isa. 1. 7. § 2 Cor. ». II.
II Amos iii. 3. % Isa. Ixiv. 3. ** Isa, Ivii. 15.
Character and Translation of Enoch. 333
that account, honour and love them, Avhocvcr might forsake them, whoever might despise them. And in his house and liis retirements, his journeys, and his converse with his friends, he had God still with him. lie ualked in the light of God's conn- tenauce, and was surely looking up often in a day, often in an hour, and saw by faith the most delightful sight on tins side heaven, or even in heaven itself, the smiling face of a reconciled God and Father. He felt the gentle elapses of the Divine love shed abroad on his heart by the spirit given unto him *, which, no doubt, though under a darker dispensation, Witnessed with his spirit, that he was a child of God f, and an heir of eternal glory.
As piety was the source of all his social and personal vir- tues, the fragrancy of it, as a sacred perfume, Avould mingle itself delightfully with all his social and personal enjoyments, and heighten them to a degree unknown to those who have not thus tasted the joys which a stranger intermeddleth not with. In every advantageous circumstance of life he saw and observed the hand of the divine bounty, and discerning also the interpo- sition of the same providence in all his afflictions, for afflictions he undoubtedly had, he not only submitted to them in humble silence, but cordially acquiesced in them all, as the means which infinite wisdom and goodness had chosen to carry on his own kind designs, for his final everlasting happiness.
And such universally are the ways, and such the supports and pleasures of those that walk with God. Happy the men that are in such a case ; yea happy the men whose God is the Lord X ; happy they by whom he is thus constantly owned and regarded, honoured and enjoyed. I persuade myself, that after such a description, I need not insist largely on the dignity, the security and the delights of such a life, especially as it is to be the business of my second general head.
Secondly J To consider the happy close of this pious course. He was not, for God took him.
For the farther illustration of which, you will ol)scrve,
That he was early and suddenly removed from our world.
That he was taken to dwell with God. x\nd that he was re- ceived to that happy state in a miraculous and unparalleled way. All these particulars evidently appear from the account which Moses gives of this important fact, as illustrated by the writers of the New Testament.
* Rom. V. 5. t Rom. viii. IG. J Psal. cxliv. 15.
T t 2
336 DEATH OF THE REV, J. NORRIS. SeR. III.
1. Enoch was early and suddenly removed from our world.
He was not. i. e. He was no longer here. You may per- haps wonder that I should speak of his early remove, when you recollect that he was then 365 years old. But you will not blame the expression, when you consider the long lives of men in those antediluvian ages, to which this period bore but a small proportion. As his son Methuselah lived i)69 years, so his father Jared attained to 962 j'ears ; and therefore, being 162 years old at his birth, continued in the world 435 years after Enoch had left it ; whose age at the time of his translation answered to about the 31st or 32d year of life at present, which you know is just the vigour and prime of it. But he had un- doubtedly lived much in a little time, and had done more for God before he had reached what was then accounted the meri- dian of life, than many who had out-stripped him in age by se- veral centuries. On this a gracious God excused him from the trouble of passing through a longer pilgrimage, and of drooping under the burden of declining years. And sure so wise and good a man would have been thankful for the favour, though it had not been bestowed in so extraordinary a way ; especially as this removal was not only early but sudden too,
This suddenness the words do beautifully express, He was not, i. e. he disappeared at once, as riches sometimes do when tfiey Take their wings, andjij/ away, as an eagle towards hea" ven. On which account they are called Things that are not * ; the apostle renders it He was not found f ; perhaps intimating, that some diligent search was made after him, as after Elijah, when in a very distant succeeding age he was in an extraordi- nary manner received into glory.
Let us pause a little on this delightful thought. What a sudden transition this good man had from earth to heaven ! He li'as not, for God took him : he probably rose in the morning in perfect health, and went forth with his usual composure and sweetness of temper to the appointed duties of the day. And while he was perhaps conversing with his pious friends, which was the case with Elijah, or while, like Christ, he was praying with and for them, or engaged in some otlier act of social wor- ship, he was suddenly called away. No tedious illness, no sad farewel to those that were at home. This happy man was in the way of his duty one moment, and in tlie regions of immor- tality the next. He was not, for God took him ; which farther implies,
♦ Prov. xxiii. 5. f Heb. xi. 5.
Character and Translation of Enoch. 337
2. That He "Was taken to dzvell with God.
He had walked with him in this house of his pilgriynage ^yat still his faith and hope had been waitiii<T for a more noble and more perfect state, and that hope did not make him ashamed. Having guided hi)n by his counsels, God received him to glory. And this was to him the crown of all his honour and joy, that he was received to God. Divine grace had long since taught him to say, Whom have I in heavtn but thee ? and there is none on earth that I desire beside thee^: and God treated him as a friend that loved him, and was beloved by him. As if he had not been satisfied M-ith visiting him below, he called him to dwell above. He shewed him the path of life, and conducted hi)n to his pre- sence, where there is fullness of joy ; and to his right hand, where there are pleasures for evermore ^ .
And that hoi}' soul, which had been trained up for heaven by so long a course of devotion and virtue, would find itself most happily attempered and connaturahzed to the Avorld to which it was received. He changed liis place indeed, but his employ- ments and pleasures were in the main the same. He still walked with God, but with a steadier pace, more unwearied ardor, and more exquisite delight. How gladly would he have obeyed this divine call to that world, though death in its most dreadful forms had stood to meet him in his passage thiiher. But through the peculiar favour of God to him, we are informed,
3. That he was received to this happiness in a miraculous, and till that time an unparalleled way.
For his sake God Avas pleaded to create a new thing on the earth, and to permit a child of Adam to enter the gates of iiis glorv, without taking the road appointed to the best of men in the course of nature, in passing through the valley of the shadow of death,
I cannot say that we could with any certainty have inferred this from the words of Moses alone. He was not, for God took him. That phrase might have been interpreted of a sudden deatJi : as Rachel is said to lament, because Htr children were notX. And .Job expressed his apprehension of immediate death, by saying, Thou shall seek me iti the morning, and I shall not be k' Now had Enoch passed out of life thus, it might have been said that God took hiuiy as Asaph speaks of being deceived into glory\[. And our Lord promises his apostles, who were to go the way of all flesh, that lie would Come and receive them to
*Psal. Ixxiii. ?5. f P.>al, xvi. II. * Mat. Li. 18. §.?ol) vii. CI.
U Psal. Ixxiii. '24 .
338, DEATH OF THE REV. J. NORRIS. SeR. Ill,
himself^. But St. Paul, wlio was guided by an unerring Spirit, which would sufficiently secure him from being imposed upon by an}' fanciful comment, or precarious tradition, has fixed the matter beyond all reasonable doubt, by saying, that Through J'aith Enoch was translated, that he should not see death, and was not found, because God had trayislated him\.
Tliis was a case hitherto unequalled, nor hath the like hap- pened even to the present day, excepting only the rapture of Elijah, and the ascension of Christ,
We are at large told in the book of Kings |, that the pious Elijah, Avho like Enoch had signalized his zeal for God in a very degenerate age, was favoured with an extraordinary remove like his. He was fetched up to heaven by a detachment of an- gels, Avho brought along with them a splendid vehicle, which is called a chariot of fire prepared for that purpose, and M^hich might possibly by some unknown operation be the means of purifying and refining the mortal part of his natvire§, to such a degree as M'as necessary in order to its inhabiting that kingdom of God Arhich Flesh and blood cannot enter, and which corrup- tion cannot inherit^.
I speak also of the ascension of our blessed Redeemer, as a parallel instance, because, though he died, yet he rose again from the dead, and continued a while upon earth, eating and drinkhig, and travelling from place to place, as he had done in the days of his flesh ; so that his flight to the regions of glory was as miraculous, and might as properly be called a translation, as if he had not died at all.
And in this respect the saints which are found alive at the: general judgment, shall be conformed to these great examples. For we are expressly told by St, Paul, who mentions it as a mystery till then kept secret, and now but imperfectly revealed, that We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed, in a mo- ment, in the twinkling of an eye *^. And he illustrates it, wiien he tells the Thcssalonians, that after the resurrection of those that Sleep in Jesus, they who are alive shall be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, in order to our being for ever with him**. Words with which we may justly
* John xiv. 3, f Heb. xi, 5, X^ Kings it.
§ CoiTius mortale per auras DUapsum tenues: ceu lata plumbea fundfi Missa solet medio glans intabcscere ccelo. Piilchi-asubitfacies. Ovid. Met. Lib, xiv. v. 824-, &c.
g 1 Cor. XV. 50. % I Cor. xv, 51, 52. 1* i Tiiess. iv, 16, 17.
Character and Translation of Enoch. :{ }9
rouiftjrt ourselves, and cacli other, for tliose eonsulatlons of God are not small.
And it is exceeding probable this would have been the stated manner of passing from earth to heaven, had not sin madu its I'atal iin'oads upon us, and death entered in its train. For nothing- can be more certain than that, had not the increasing- numbers of ni;mkiiid been one way or another thinned anil di- minished, earth would several thousand years ago have been too small to nourish, or even to receive its inhabitants.
It would be great presumption in me to pretend to describe the change made in the body of Enoch, by this translation, or to give an account of the circumstances that attended it; since the sacred historian hath not thought fit to record them. I will not pretend to say how much reason a learned and ingenious writer of our own * might have to conjecture, that all the antediluvian patriarchs whom IMoses mentions, except Adam, who was now dead, and Noah not yet born, might be assembled, perhaps with multitudes more, to see this great sight ; yet I cannot think it passed without any witness at all. When Elijah was to be taken up, it is very evident, that not only he himself had some intima- tions of the time and manner, but that it was divinely revealed to the prophets of Bethel and Jericho, as well as that Elislia was permitted to be an eye-Avitness of it. And when Christ ascend- ed, it was in the presence of all the apostles, while he Spake i£ith them , and they beheld, and looked stedfasthj npon him f . And there is the greater reason to believe that something like this might be the case with Enoch, because his translation might probably be intended to answer many valuable and important purposes, which required at least some; competent munber of w itnesses, if not a large and public assembly.
So far as this important fact was known, it would be the most glorious testimony the world had ever received of God's regard to singular and distinguished piety. His jiermitting righteous Abel to fall by the hand of his cruel and wicked bro- ther, might have been a stone of stumbling , and a rock of offence, and that career of prosperous tvrannvand violence, with which the giants of those ages were then lllling the earth, might have tempted men to suspect that the Lord had forsaken it. Tliis no doubt emboldened ungodly sinners in their hard and impious speeches, as well as their ungodly deeds. But when Enoch, that hoi}- proi)het, who had so lung been the object of their profane mockery and derision, was thus singled out from the whole race
*Dr. Hunt, ofDiv. Rev. p. 43. fActs i. 9, 10.
340 DEATH OF THE REV. J. NORRIS. SeR. III.
of men, as the friend of God, and taken to dwell with him, it ■would evidently appear, there was a Reward for the righteous, and a God who judged in the earth *.
It would also be a sensible demonstration of the reality of an invisible Avorld, and would, by a train of easy consequences, confirm men's natural apprehensions of the immortality of the soul, and of the existence of some nobler orders of beings in the upper world, with whom wise and righteous men are at length to be incorporated, as members of the same blessed society.
And as the body of Enoch was thus translated, it would na- turally appear an intimation, that God had prepared a future happiness for the bodies of his people, as well as their souls, and consequently that the trophies of the grave should at length be recovered, and the sleeping dust of the saints raised and animat- ed anew. And a future state of punishment for the wicked, is so evident a counterpart to this doctrine, that few could be so stupid as not to infer it, from the fact here under consideration.
Such important lessons as these might the world have learnt from the translation of an}^ persons of distinguished piety ; but there were some peculiar purposes to be answered by that of Enoch, considered not only as a preacher of righteousness, but as a prophet too, and as one who had foretold the Coming of the Lord with ten thousayid of his saints f , to take vengeance on re- bellious and impenitent smners ; and a day of vengeance to them, must surely imply a day of reward, and glory to those men "whom they had despised, reviled and oppressed. Now if Enoch in his life on earth ^vrought no miracles, as Ave find not that he did, his ascension would be a most convincing proof of his di- vine mission ; and indeed, as many of the miracles of Christ also were, it Avould be a specimen, as well as a seal, of the truth of the doctrine which he taught.
On all these accounts I think I may venture to say, tlie translation of Enoch would be a more important favour to others, than it was even to himself, and consequently it is reasonable to believe, that the same goodness which induced the divine Being to perpetuate the memory of this fact for the instruction and en- couragement of future ages, would likewise induce him to make it so public and visible, that there should be at least a few credi- ble eye-witnesses to attest it|.
*Psal. Iviii. 11. f juJe 14.
\ I have taken no notice of tliat singular account which the ingenious au- thor of the Essay on Divine Dispensation, &.c. gives of Enoch's translation ; which he supposes was his being taken to dwell with tlie Shekinah, in the terrestrial paradise. I have waved the motion of this, because it depends on a very precarious
3
Character and Translation of Enoch. 341
And thus, my brethren, you have heard (jf the piety of Enoch, and you have seen, as James expresses it, the End oj the Lord*. I shall conclude.
Thirdly, with a few hints, by way of improvement, which I shall leave you farther to prosecute in your own meditations.
You will naturally fix on such reflections as these.
1. How pleasant it is to thmk of this friendly intercourse, which through a Redeemer is established between heaven and earth.
It is strongly illustrated in this great instance, Enoch nalk' ed with God, and God took him. Is it not at once a delightful and a surprising thought? That the great Sovereign of universal nature, who humbleth himself to behold the angels, when they stand around him, vailing their faces, and covefing their feet in his presence, should form such a friendship with human, yea Avith sinful creatures, that they may he said to walk with him; even they whose guilt might cause them to flee from his pre- sence, like our fallen parents, and from whose pollutions he might justly turn away his holy eyes with abhorrence. Yet Ave see all these obstacles overcome; and hear of it, not as the privilege of Enoch alone, but of all his true Israel, that He will dwell in them, and walk with him, that they shall be his people, ajid that he will be their Godf.
And in consequence of this, we are also raised to the bless- ed hope of being at length taketi to him, though not in so imme- diate a manner, yet as surely, and at length as completely as Enoch was. A mortal creature may say. Thou roilt guide me by thy coiaisel, and afterward receive vie to glory %. Yea the lowest real christian has the security of his word and covenant, that he shall at last have a yet more solemn and more Abundant entrance administered to him into the kingdom of h'.s Father and his God^.
And whence are these privileges and these hopes, my bre- thren ? Let us often ask our own hearts the question, when we are enjoying God's presence, and waiting for his salvation. And Jet us answer it in those words of the apostle, We that were once
coDJPcturc! that the Shckinah had his stated abode there ; and also because were this to be allowed, since this author doth not pretend to say, that Euooh was with the Shekinah in the ark, where he supposes that to have been duriug the deluge, he must prant that he ascended into heaven some time before the flood. So that I cannot sec any end at all to l)c answered, by supposing this translation was any thine differeu* from that ascension.
* James V. U. fl Cor. vi. 16. 17. * Psal. Ixxiii. 24. § 2 Pet. i. U, VOL. HI, U U
342 DEATH OF THE REV. J. NORRIS. SeR, III
afar off, are brought near by the blood of Christ*. By Christ hath God reconciled us to himself, b}- Christ have we now ac- cess to him as our Father ; and as Christ, who liath the keys of death and the unseen world, is the person A\'ho is to call us from hence into that which is within the vail; so he is at length to complete the purposes of divine love to us, by coming again and receiving us to himself , that we, like triumphant Enoch, yea, and with him too in that day of his greatest triumph, may in our entire persons ascend to the regions of immortal holiness, and perfect joy : let us labour continually to feel the greatness of our obligations to this blessed Redeemer, and with daily depen- dance on his atonement and righteousness, his intercession and grace, let us, in every remaining step of this pilgrimage, be Walking humbly with our Godf.
2. How solicitous should we be that we may have our lot, both in time and eternity, with those Avho, like Enoch, have walked with God ?
I havf^ now been describing the character and temper of a truly good man, a character common to all the children of God, whatever their particular denomination or profession may be. But must I not reasonably fear, that some among you are so much strangers to it, that you find this an unintelligible language? Let me address myself to such of you with a word of expostula- tion, and to all with a serious exhortation. Oh, that it might penetrate each of our hearts !
Why are you strangers to walking with God ? Is it an imaginary thing, even this which scripture so honourably re- cords, winch God himself so singularly owned, and through the riches of his grace rewarded too? Oh Sirs there was surely as much reality and solidity in it, as in the heavenly world, in which it ended.
And let conscience answer ; Is it not an honourable, is it not a pleasant .wa)'- of passing through life ? Do j-ou think that wdiile Enoch was thus employed, and entertained, he had indeed any reason to envy the richest, the greatest, the most prosper- ous, or the most luxurious sinner ? Do you not in your heai-ts believe, that it must be a very comfortable thing to converse daily with God as a friend and a father, to conduct ourselves before him in such a manner as to be assured of his approba- tion, and to be able to rejoice that he knows every most secret thought of our soul ^ Do you not think it must sweeten solitude, to think of him as always near us, and increase the pleasures of
*Eph. ii. 13. tMic. vi. 8;
Character and Translatio7i of Eiicch. 343
society too, •when our converse with others is miule subservient to our communion with him? And al)ove all, do you not really apprehend that reflections on a life like this would greatly soften the approach of de^th, and cpiitc transform the very appearance of it ?
And I beseech voii to consider that this is not a light thought. However you may neglect God now, you must have one awful interview with him ; and if you do not, and will not walk with him., he will in another, and very difl'erent sense of the word, tuke you. He will arrest your fugitive souls in the midst of these thoughtless ungrate'ful wanderings, and your spirits must return to God that gave them. Now doth not your own rea- son, as well as the divine Avord, tell you, that there Avill be an unspeakable difference between the manner in which different souls are received by him on that return : a difference between the reception of those who have lived in a holy friendship with him, and those who, like yourselves, have always been strangers to him ; wiiose language it hath in effect been, *' Let them walk ■with God that w ill, but I for my part have other company, and pleasures, and business to attend." Is there not an apparent fitness that the former should be taken into a state of everlasting nearness to God, and the latter driven to a perpetual distance from him, whom they have chosen to forget and forsake ? And •with all your self-partiality, would it not appear an indecency and irregularity in the divine administration, to treat such dif- ferent persons upon a foot of equal friendship ?
See to it, my friends, that you are not self-condemned. See to it, that you do not pass a sentence against your own souls, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life. Acquaint your- selves with God now y and be at peace with him*, lest he resent the injury done to his offered friendship, and turn away from you in the day of your final distress, with a righteous disdain ; for it is an everlasting, most obvious, but most important truth, that They who are far frotn God, shall perish f.
Let me also address a solemn exhortation to those that have experimentally known what such converse with God means, and •who by his good Spirit have been led into a holy walk with him. Pursue it, I beseech you, with greater resolution and care ; for, surely, it is well worth your pursuit. I appeal to you, christians, with pleasure on this head. Have not those beea your most comfortable days in which you have most constantly
* Job xxii. 21. fTtti. Uxiii. 27.
Uu2
3H DEATH OF THE REV. J. NORRIS. SeR. IH.
attended to it ? DsLys which have passed with the greatest de- light, and which have been reflected upon with the greatest satisfaction ? Is not this and that place recommended to you, by the dear remembrance, tliat you have walked with God there ? This and that book and friend endeared, as having been instru- mental in promoting that converse ? Say then whether it be not ^Torth your while, with most attentive reflection, to concert mea- sures for improving and cultivating this divine friendship ? Whether, when you have fixed upon them, it will not be your wisdom dihgently to pursue them, though some considerable diffi- culties may be in your way? Let not any estrangedness grow between God and your souls, but review the various branches of Enoch's character as your own model, if you would live with joy, and die with courage. Let your conduct be such, especially in secret, and then we may reasonably conclude, that your domes- tic and public behaviour will not be much unlike it. And then you may enter into the spirit of our next reflection, which is all I shall add.
3. With how much pleasure should we look up after those holy souls, who, having walked with God upon earth, are no\r taken by him to an heavenly abode !
Can any of us apprehend, that if the nearest relatives of Enoch were witnesses of his translation, they beheld it M'ith weeping eyes, or sent out a gale of sighs or peal of groans after him ; how tenderly soever they loved him, and how much soever of the support or delight of their lives might seem to depend on his continuance with him ? Or if their fondness thus prevailed over their reason and their faith, can we imagine that their as- cending triumphant friend would have approved of such a con- duct ? Would he not rather have beheld it with a mixture of compassion and displeasure ; if displeasure could have been felt in so happv a circumstance ? But we will rather hope, that they hailed his flight to the paradise of God, and bore it away with them, as a long and a powerful cordial, under all the sorrows and distresses of life, that Enoch was so comfortably and so honourably delivered from them, and secured by adamantine walls from every invasion of sorrow and of sin ; yea, from the sight of those crimes and miseries which had formerly tormented his righteous and tender spirit.
And why should not we in like manner congratulate our dear deceased friends, who are not any longer here with us, be- cause God hath taken them ? You will perhaps have a ready answer, and immediately say, Enoch was translated, but the friends we lament are dead, and our tears flow from that consi-
Character and Translation of Enoch. 345
deration. But let mc farther ask, is there not a passage to the presence of God through the valley of the shadow of death ? And do we not firmly believe they have found that passage ? In some cases, especially in a case like this now before us, we should think it a kind of impiety to doubt of it. And if so, methinks there is not so much difterence between the temper, with which we should regard the deceased and translated saints, as we may be ready at first to imagine.
It is true the persons of whom we now speak liave dropped their bodies in the grave ; but that is no pain to them, nor any such important loss, as that for their sakes we should greatly et it.
If we saw them after the labour of a fatiguing day, or af - tcr a long fit of painful and languishing illness, fallen into a gentle slumber, and knew that their minds were, during that interval, entertained with the visions of God, like those which the prophets saw, and raised to sublime and elevated devotion, beyond what they had ever before felt, should we mourn over them because their senses were locked up, and they did not, for that time, see the light of the sun, nor hear such poor conver- sation as ours ? Should we not rather rejoice and be tenderly solicitous to guard their sleeping moments, and watch that no- thing might break m upon them, and call them down to earth and vanity too soon ? And are not their slumbers now as sweet, and are not their visions as bright and glorious ? What, though they do not breatlie ? What, though their blood does not circu- late, and the curtains of the grave be drawn around them ? Is there so much in these circumstances, to give us anxiety and distress ?
Oh but you will say, we should have a secret hope that our sleeping friends would awake again, and renewing the inter- rupted converse, relate to us what had passed in that interval ; and we could with pleasure wait Aveeks and months in expecta- tion of that. Nay, but shall we not ourselves ere long awake, if we are christians indeed ? If we are walking with God, shall we not ere long be taken by him, not to the amusements of a pleasing dream, but to those solid substantial everlasting plea- sures, which his saints above are drinking in with unutterable delight.
Lord We are hoping for thy salvation, may we in the mean time be doing thy commandments * ! while we walk with thee, we will not complain of the length or the roughness of the
* PsiU. cxix. 166.
346 DEATH OF THE REV. J. NORRIS. SeR. III.
way ; nor will we be inconsolable for the loss of the most plea- sant companion, or most able guide. For thy name's sake do thou lead us and guide us *, and we will wait thy call to enter into thy rest.
Sucli were the sentiments and such the temper of that truly reverend and excellent person, whose death was the occasion, the very mournful occasion of my appearing this day amongst you ; on whose character it would be easy for me to dilate much more largely than my time will now admit, or than I judge proper to do in a funeral discourse, where flattery is so often introduced, that the simplicity of most obvious truth is ready to be suspected. I shall only say in a few words, that what I said of Enoch in the first head of my discourse, excepting only what was peculiar to his circumstances as a patriarch and a prophet, is what, by long observation, I had seen in Mr. Norris. And I appeal to tjiose of his family, and to you his people, whether there was not, in almost every sentence, a visible resemblance, and whether it might not very properly be repeated here \vith a mere alteration of the name. So evident was it that he \valked closely with God, and firmly believing the great doctrines both of natural and revealed religion, made it his constant care to behave as in the divine pre- sence, and lived under the sensible tokens of divine acceptance and favour ; which diffused over his heart, and even over his countenance, an habitual joy, Avhich is no where to be found on earth, but in christians of such distinguished attainments in piety.
But, though I must not allow myself to dwell on this pleasing subject, I hope I may be permitted publicly to ac- knowledge the sense I have of the favour of divine providence to me, in leading me so early into the acquaintance of this ex- cellent person, and blessing me with so great a share of his friendship ; Math which I was honoured from my first entrance into the ministrj'-, and which his singular humanity and con- descension, wisdom and piety, have rendered exceeding de- lightful and improving to me in all the succeeding years of life.
And surely I should be greatly deficient in the duty of this day, if I did not solemnly charge it upon you fre- quently to recollect your obligations to the divine goodness, in giving you so able and so tender a shepherd, and in continu- ing him amongst you for so long a time with such cordial love, that repeated, unanimous, and earnest solicitations frona
Psal. xxxi. 3,
Character and Translation of Enoch. GH
tlie most considerable congregations in tli(« neiglibouring coun- ties *, could not prevail upon hitn to remove from you. So evident was it that lie took tiie oversight of you, Not bij cojistraint, but willinglij ; not for Jilt hy lucre, but of a ready mind f.
It may eminently be said of you, my friends, in a spi- ritual sense, that you have been Fed with the finest of the wheat, as the jiure and uneorrupted truths of the gospel have been preached amongst you, M-ith plainness and seriousness, and in the spirit of love. Your minds have not been amused vitli useless subtleties and l)arren speculations : you have not been vexed with Strifes of words unprofitable and vain, nor grieved with passionate invectives against your brethren of any denomination : Invectives which are never more criminal than when dchv^ered in the name of the Lord, and which too often turn the food of souls into poison, and that which should have been for their welfare into a trap. Tiiis Good man brought out of the good treasure of his heart good things %• His gene- rous and benevolent soul overflowed v.-ith sentiments of candour and love, and he was never more in his own element, than when he was telling you that the Kingdom of God is not meat or drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost %. And I firml}' believe, that in the eight and thirty years of his minis- try among you, he never delivered a sermon, or a sentence, in- consistent with that great principle.
I join w^if h you in lamenting that none of those elaborate and judicious discourses which he delivered among you, from sabbath to sabbath, are, or can be, published to the world. For though it is certain, that his graceful and venerable aspect, and liis easy yet livelv manner, gave a peculiar beauty to them, as delivered by himself ; yet, when I consider how judiciously his thoughts were selected, how methodically they were disposed, and with what propriety, elegance, and spirit, they were ex- pressed, I am well assured, they woukl generally have been esteemed a rich addition to that great number of practical Avritings, with which our age and country is already blessed, and with which I hope it will still abound.
But I trust, m}'' friends, it is not in vain you have heard those discourses which you cannot review. I know they fell as soft as showers of snow on the ears of his hearers ; and I hope they also penetrated your hearts, and left permanent and fructi-
* Partioulailv Birmingham and Nottingham. f 1 Pet. v. 2. X Mat. xii. 35. § Rom. .xiv. 1 7.
348 DEATH OF THE REV, J. NORRIS. SeR. HI.
fying effects there, which will not pass away like snow before the sun. Let your profiting then appear unto all men. And so much the rather, as you have had the advantage of seeing his precepts illustrated by the most prudent, inoffensive, and amia- ble behaviour. You have seen him providing things honest and honourable in the sight of all men. You know how gentle, how benevolent, how cheerful, and how useful his conversation was. How open his hand and his heart were to every office of friend- ship, to every work of charity. Go ye therefore, and do likewise.
As for what he w*as in the domestic relation of life, I had almost said, I wish it be not too long, but I will rather say, too tenderly remembered. The loss of a husband so con- jitantly obliging, so affectionately sympathizing, so well fur- nished as a prudent guide, and a pleasant companion, and so w^ell disposed for the offices of both, will, I fear, be too deeply felt. May the sense of it be tempered with those di- vine consolations, which he was so eminently fit to administer, but which have not surely lost their value, and will not, I hope, lose their relish, though no longer administered by him ! May the children, which were dear to him as his own, never forget with how much diligence he instructed them, with hoAv much importunity and constancy he prayed for them, and with what tenderness he watched over all their interests ! May they ever behave ansMerably to those advantages, that the numberless petitions which have been put up for them, may descend in the richest blessings on their heads !
I know, my friends, that the loss must sit heavy on all your hearts, and as to those with whom I have personally conversed, since this breach was made, I have heard your lamentations, and seen your tears. But remember, I beseech you, how much you owe to the divine goodness in giving you such a minister, and such a friend, in continuing him among you, with such vigour of health and cheerfulness of spirits, for so many years, a burning and shining light ; I may- add, even in the decUne of life, growing brighter and brighter. And though his removal, while his capacities of usefulness were to the last so great *, must be very affective to you, yet I cannot forbear saying, that you have some peculiar
* It is obson-alle that Mi-, Norris preached tlie last sahbath he lived, and con- cluded the public service u ith a copious, lively and atfeiUonatt- prayer for his people, whicli could not have been more suitable il he iiud known lie ua? thefl taking bis Jast fure\w:lU
Character a)id Translation of Enoch. 349
reason to be thankful for the manner and circumstances of his death.
Nature was not racked with tormenting pain, nor worn out by a tedious consuming ilhiess ; but the good man grew a little drowsy towards the evening of his long day, and having served his generation according to the will of God, gently fell asleep, as he was going from one apartment of his house to another ; and all the business and struggle of dying was over, in less time tlian could have served liim to get up tlie stairs, as he was attempting to do. It is a delightful thought that God dismissed his servant in so peaceful a man- ner, that his death so much resembled a translation, and he was noty for God took him.
I doubt not, but every one of us is ready to say, *♦ so may I live, and so may I die !" But while we live here, if we have any regard to our own comfort, or the public good, it must grieve iis, to see our breaches thus multiplied upon us, to see the lights of the sanctuary extinguished, and his people here, and in so many neighbouring flocks, even at the very same time, left as sheep, having no shepherd. Yet I must hope the good Shepherd of Israel will continue to feed you, and as the residue of the -Spirit is with him, will raise up a suitable supply. To him I most cordially recommend you and all my other friends, who are mourning your losses and their own. And under all that burden of care and sorrow, in which mv share is so peculiarly apparent, would exhort you to say, and join with you in saying. The Lord liveth, and blessed be our rock, a7id let the God of our salvation be exalted*.
* Psal. xvii). 46,
VOL. II!. X X
FUNERAL SERMONS.
CHRISTIAN WARRIOR ANIMATED AND CROWNED :
A Sermon occasioned bi/ the Heroic Death of the Honourable Col. James Gardiner, xvho tvas slain in the Battle at Preslon-Pans, September 21, n-iS. Preached at Northampton, October 13.
RIGHT HON. THE LADY FRANCES GARDINER.
MADAM,
The intimate knowledge which I had of Colonel Gardiner's private as well as public character, and of that endeared friendship which so long subsisted between him and your Ladyship, makes me more sensible than most others can be, both of the inexpressible loss you have sustained, and of the exquisite sense you have of it. I might, in some degree, argue what you felt, from the agony with which my own heart was torn by that ever to be lamented stroke, which deprived the nation, and tlie church, of so great an ornament and blessing: And indeed. Madam, I was so sensible of your calamity, as to be ready in my first thoughts to congratulate you, when I heard the report ■which at first prevailed, that you died under the shock. Yet cooler reflec- tion teaches me, on many accounts, to rejoice that your Ladyship has sur- vived that dearest part of yourself; though after having been so lovely and pleasant in your lives, it would have been matter of personal rejoicing, in death not to have been divided. l"he numerous and promising offspring with which God hath blessed your marriage, had evidently the highest in- terest in the continued life of so pious and affectionate a mother : And I hope, and assuredly believe, there was a more important, and to you a much dearer interest concerned, as God may be, and is, signally honoured, by the manner in wliich you bear this heaviest and most terrible stroke of his paternal rod.
God hath been pleased. Madam, to make you both eininent for a va- riety of graces; and he has proportionably distinguished you both, in the opportunity he has given you of exercising those, which suit the most pain- ful scenes that can attend a pious and an honourable life. But when I consi- der, what it is, to have lost such a man, at such a time, and in such circum- stances, I must needs declare, that brave and heroic as the death of the Colonel was, your Ladyship's part is beyond all comparison the hardest. Yet even here has the grace of Christ been sufficient for you ; and I join with your Ladyship in adoring the power and faithfulness of him, who has here
DEDICATION'. 3.51
sorcinnikiibly sliewn, that he forgets not his promise to all his people of a streiigtli proportioiiabli; to their day ; that they may be enabled to glorify him ill the hottest fiiniaee, into which it is possible they should be cast.
'I'o hear, as I have heard from several pei-soiis of distinguished charac- ter, who have lately had the happiness of being near your Ladyship, of that meek resignation to the divine will, of that calm patience, of that christian courage, with whicii, in so weak a state of health and sjiirits, you have sup- ported under Ih-is awful providence, has given me great pleasure, but no sur- prise. So near a relation to so brave u man might have taught some degree of fortitude, to a soul less susceptible of it than your Ladyship's. Nor is there any doubt, but tliat tiie prayers he has so long b<jen laying up in store for you, especially since the decay of his constitution gave him reason to ex- pi.'ct a speedy remove, will assuredly at such a season come into remembrance before (jod. And above all, the sublime princi|)les of the christian religion, so deeply imbibed into your own heart as well as his, will not fail to exert tlieir energy on such an occasion. I'hese, Madam, will teach you to view the hand of a wise, a righteous, and a gracious God in this event; and will shew you, tliat a friendsliip founded on such a basis, so very endearing, and so closely cemented, as that wliich lias been here for many years a blessing to you both, can know only a very short interruption, and will soon grow up into an union infinitely nobler and more delightful, which never shall be liable to any separation.
In the mean time. Madam, it may comfort us not a little under the sense of our present loss, to think what religious improvement we may gain by it, if we are not wanting to ourselves: And happy shall we be indeed, if we so hear the rod, as to receive the instructions it so naturally suggests and enforces. Persons of any serious reflection will learn from this awful event, how little we can judge of the divine favour by the visible dispensations of providence here: They will learn, and it may be of great importance to con- sider it, just in such a crisis as tiiis, tiiat no distinguished degree of piety can secure the very best of men from liie sword of a common enemy : And they will see, written, alas, in characters of the most precious blood, that war ever spilt in our island, the vanity of the surest protectors and comforters which mortality can afford, at a time when they are most needed,
'ihese are general instructions, which, I hope, thousands will receive, on this universally lamented occasion : But to you. Madam, and to me, and to ail that were iionoured with the most intimate friendship of this christian hero, his death has a peculiar voice. Whilst it leads us back into so many past scenes of delight, in the remembrance of which we now pour out our souls within us, it calls aloud, amidst all this tender distress, for a tribute of humble thankfulness to God, that ever we enjoyed such a friend, and espe- cially in such an intimacy of mutual affection ; and that we had an opportu- nity of observing, in so many instances, the secret recesses of a heart, which God had enriched, adorned, and ennobled with so much of his own image, and such abundant communications of his grace : It calls for our redoubled dili- gence and resolution, in imitating that bright assemblage of virtues, which shone so resplendent in our illustrious friend: And surely it must, by a kind of irresistible influence, mortify our affections to this impoverished world ; and must cause nature to concur with grace, in raising our Hearts upwards to that glorious abode, where he dwells triumphant and immortal, and waits our arrival with an ardor of pure and elevated love, which it was iinposiiblc for death to 4ueuch.
X X 2
352 DEDICATION.
Next to these views, nothing can give your Ladyship greater satis- faction, than to reflect, how happy you made the amiable consort you have lost, in that intimate relation you so long bore to each other ; in which, I well know, that growing years ripened and increased your mutual esteem and friendship. Nor will your generous heart be insensible of that pleasure, which may arise from reflecting, that the manner of his death, though in itself so terrible, that we dare not trust imagination with the particular review, ■was to him, in those circumstances, most glorious ; to religion highly ornamen- tal ; and to his country, great as his loss is, on various accounts beneficial. Far, very far, be it from us to think, that Colonel Gardiner, though fallen by the weapons of rebellion and treason, has fought and died in vain. I trust in God, that so heroic a behaviour will inspire our warriors with augmented courage, now they are called to exert it in a cause, the most noble and important that can ever be in question, the cause of our Jaws, our liberty, and religion. I trust, that all who keep up a correspondence with hea- ven by prayer, will renew their intercession for this bleeding land with increasing fervour, now we have lost one who stood in the breacli with such unwearied importunity. And I am well assured, that of the multitudes who lay up his memory in their inmost hearts with veneration and love, not a few will be often joining their most affectionate prayers to God, for your Lady- ship, and the dear rising branches of your family, with those which you may, in consequence of a thousand obhgations, always expect from
Madarn, Your Ladyship's most faithful
and obedient humble Servant,
P. DODDRIDGE.
Northampton, Nov. 21, 1745,
The Christian Warrior Animated and Croumed. 353
SERMON IV
Rev. ii. 10. latter Part. Be. thou faithful unto Death, and Iwillgiic
thee a Ciuiin of Life.
T is a glory peculiar to the christian religion, that it is capable of yielding joy and triumph to the mind, amidst calamities, iu vhich the strength of nature, and of a ])hilosophy that has no higher a support, can hardl}' give it serenity, or even patience. Those boasted aids arc but like a candle in some tempestuous night, whicii how artificially soever it may be fenced iu, is often extinguished amidst tiie storm, in which it should guide and cheer the traveller, or the mariner; whom it leaves on a sudden, in darkness, horror and fear: While the consolation of the gos- pel, like the sun, makes a sure day even when behind the thickest cloud, and soon emerges from it with an accession of more sensi- ble lustre.
The observation is verified in these words, considered in connection with that awful providence, which has this day de- termined my thoughts to fix upon them, as the subject of my discourse ; the fall of that truly great and good man. Colonel Gardiner: The endearing tenderness of whose friendship would have rendered his death an unspeakable calamity to me, had his character been only of the common standard ; as on the other hand , the exalted excellency of his character makes his death to be lamented by thousands, who were not happy in any peculiar inti- macy or personal acquaintance with him.
While we mourn the brave warrior, the exemplary chris- tian, and the affectionate friend ; lost to ourselves and our coun- try, to the church and the world, at a time when we most need- ed all the defence of his bravery, all theedification of his example, all the comfort of his converse : Struck with the various and aggravated sorrow of so sudden, and so terrible a blow, methinks there is but one voice that can cheer us, Avhich is this of the great Captain of our salvation, so lately addressing him, and still ad- dressing us, in these comprehensive and animated words; Be ihoufaithful unto death, and I will give thee a cro-wn of life.
354 ON THE DEATH OF COLONEL GARDINER. SeR. ?V.
With regard to the connection of them, it may be sufficient to observe, that our Lord in all these seven epistles to the Asiatic churches represents the christian life as a warfare, and the bless- ings of the future state as rewards to be bestowed on conquerors. To him that overcometh will I give such and such royal dona- tives. Pursuing the same allegory, he warns the church of Smyrna of an approaching combat, which should be attended with some severe circumstances. Some of them were to become caj)tives ; the devil shall cast some of you into prison : And though the power of the enemy was to be limited, in its extent, as well as its duration, to the tribulation of ten days, it seems to be im- plied, that Avhile many were harrassed and distressed during that time, some of them should before the close of it be called to re- sist unto blood. But their great leader furnishes them with suit- able armour, and proportionable courage, by this gracious assurance, which it is our present business farther to contem- plate: Be thou faithful unto death, ajid I will give thee a crown of life.
In which words you naturally observe a charge,—- — and a
promise by which it is enforced. 1 shall briefly illustrate each,
and then conclude with some reflections upon the whole.
First, I am to open the charge here given: Be thou faiths fulunto death.
Concerning which I would observe, that though it is imme- diately addressed to the church at Smyrna, yet the nature of the tiling and numberless passages of the divine word concur to prove, that it is common in its obligation, to all christians, and indeed to all men.
I shall not be large in explaining the nature of faithfulness in general; concerning which I might shew you, that the word here rendered faithful, has sometimes a relation to the testimony which God has given us, and sometimes to some trust that he Las reposed in us. In the former sense, it is properly rendered believing, and opposed to infidelity : Be not faithless, but believ- ing*. In the latter, it is opposed to injustice : He that is faith- ful in that which is least, is faithful also in much; whereas he that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in 7nuchf. And it is in reference to this sense of it, that our Lord represents himself as saying to the man who had improved his talents aright, JVell done, good and faithful servant X-' Our deceased friend was so remarkably faithful in botii these senses ; so ready to admit, and so zealous to defend the faith once delivered to the saints ; and so
* John XX. '27. f Luke xvi, 10. J Mat. xxv. 23.
The Christian IVarrior Animated and Crowned. 355
active in improving those various talents, \viili w liicli in mevi-.y to nuuiv others as well as to himself, God had t.'iitriistcd him; that it was very natural to touch upon these signilications ot the ■word, though it has here a more partieular view to another vir- tue, tor which he was so illustriously conspicuous, I mean, the courageous lidelity of a soldier in his warfare.
In this sense of the word, it is opposed to treacherv or cowardice, desertion or tlisobedience to militarv orders. And thus it is used elsewhere in this same book of the Revelation, ■when speaking of those who war under the banner of I'he Lamh, the King oj kings, and Lord oj lords, the inspired writer tells us, they are called, and chosen^ and faithful *, a select body of brave and valiant soldiers.
This hmt will also fix tiic easiest and plainest sense in wliich the persons, to whom the text is addressed, are required to be faithful unto death : Which, though it does indeed in general ini|)ly a Patient cojitinuance in well-doing f, in whatever scenes of life divine providence may place us ; yi^t docs cspeciallv re- fer to martial bravery, and express a readiness to lace death in its most terrible forms, when our great general shall lead us on to it. You well know this to be an indispensable condition of our being acknowledged by him in the day of his iiiial triun)ph : And of this he warned those that gathered around iiim, when he was first raismg his army, under the greatest disadvantages in outward appearance; expressly and plainly telling them, that they must be content to follow him to martvrdom, to follow hmi to crucifixion, when they receive the word of counnand to do it ; or that all llieir ])rofession of regard to him would be in vain. If any man, snys he, will come after me, let him deny himself, and take vp his cross, and follow me % : For IJe that lovcth his vwn life more than 7ne, is not worthy ofme^; he does not de- serve the honour of bearing my name, and passing for one of my soldiers : indeed he Cannot on any terms be my disciple ||.
This therefore is in eH'eet the language of our Lord, when he says, be thou faithful unto death: It is as if he had said, *' Remember all you of Smyrna, or of any other place and coun- try, that call yourselves christians, throughout all generations, that you were by baptism enlisted under my banners: Rcuvem- ber, that you have as it were sealed, and subscribed your engage- ment to me, by every sacrament you have since attended ;" as indeed it is well known, the word sacrament originally signifies a military oath, which soldiers take as a pledge of lidelity to
* Rev. xvii. 14, t Rom. ii.7. J Mark vjii. 34. § Mat. x. 37, 39. jj Luke xiv.'^G.
555 ON THE DEATH OF COLONEL GRADINER. SeR. IV.
their general : " Remember therefore, tliat you are ever to con- tinue with me, and to march forward under my direction, what- ever hardships and fatigues may he in the way. And remember, that if I lead you on to the most formidable combat, you must cheerfully obey the word of command, and charge boldly, though you should immediately die, whether by the sword, or by fire. Should you dare to flee, I am myself your enemy; and the wea- pons which I bear, would iustl\'*be levelled at your own traitorous heads. But if you bravely follow me, 1 know how to make you ample amends, even in circumstances when no human power and gratitude can reach you ; for it is my glorious prerogative to engage, that to those who are thus/aith/ul unto death, I will give a crown of life.'^ We are therefore,
Secondly, to consider the promise, by which the charge is enforced: I will give thee a crown of life.
And here I might observe, a crown of life is the glorious
reward proposed, and it is to be received from the hand of
Christ.
1. A crown of life is the reward proposed: Which we are sure in this connection implies, both grandeur and felicity ; here, though rarely, connected together.
There is, no doubt, an allusion in these words, to the an- cient, and I think very prudent, custom of animating the bravery of soldiers by honorary rewards, and particularly by cro-^ns; sometimes of laurel, and sometimes, in some extraordinary in- stances, of silver or gold ; which they were permitted to Wear on public occasions, and in consequence of receiving which they were sometimes entitled to some peculiar immunities. But here our Lord Jesus Christ, conscious of his own divine power and prerogative, speaks with a dignity and elevation, which no earth- ly prince or commander could ever assume; promising a crown of lifey and that, as was observed before, even to those who should fall in the battle: A crown of life in the highest sense; not only one, which should ever be fresh and fair, but which should give immortality to the happy brow it adorned; and be for ever worn, not only as the monument of braver}'- and victory, but as the ensign of royalty too : A crown connected with a kingdom, and with what no other kingdom can give, perpetual life to enjoy it ; perpetual youth and vigour to relish all its de- lights. And this is agreeable to the language of other scriptures, where we read of the Crown of life, which the Lord hath pro- mised to them that love him* i a crowfi of righteousness ^ which
* James 1. 1^.
The Christian Warrior Animated and Croivned. 357
the Lord the righteous judge shall give*; a crown of glory ^ iohich Jadeth not away f. We may also observe, 2. Tliat it is said to be given by Christ. This some pious commentators liave explained, as intimat- ing, that it is the gift of the iledeemer's free and unmerited grace, and not a retribution due to the uierit of him that receivetli it. And this is an undoubted truth, which it is of the highest imjjortance to acknowledge and consider. The proper Wages of sin, is death ; but eternal life is, in opposition to wages, the gift of God through Jesus Christ our LordX- We should hum- bly own it every day, that there is no proportion between the value of our services, and the crown which we expect to receive: Should own, that it is mercy, that pardons our sins, and grace, that accepts our services ; much more, that crowns them. Grace, grace, shall, as it were, be engraven upon that crown, in charac- ters large and indelible : Nor will that inscription diminish its lustre, or impair the pleasure with which we shall receive it. I could not forbear mentioning this thought, as a truth of the ut- most importance, which stands on the firmest basis of very many express scriptures; a truth, of which perhaps no man living had ever a deeper sense, than our deceased friend. But I mention it thus obliquely, because it may be doubted whether we can justly argue it from hence; since the word give is sometimes used for rendering a retribution justly due, and that in instances where grace and favour have, in propriety of speech, no concern at all §.
But it is certain, tliat this expression, 2 will give thee a crown of life, is intended to lead our thoughts to this important circumstance; that this crown is to be received from the hand of Christ himself. And the apostle Paul evidently refers to the same circumstance, in terms which shew how nuich he entered into the spirit of the thought, when he says, The Lord the righ- teous judge shall give it me \\: He himself, the great judge of the contest, whose eye witnesses the whole course of it, whose decision cannot err, and from whose sentence there is no appeal: Alluding to the judge who presided in the Grecian games, who was always a person of rank and eminence, and himself reached forth the reward to him who overcame in them.
So that on the Avhole, when our Lord Jesus Christ says. Be
* 2 Tim. iv. 8, 1 1 Pet- V. 4. % Rom. vi. 23.
§ Compare Mut. xx. 8. Ghe the labourers their hin with Col. ir. 1. Miuicrtf gr.e unto your tenanti tliat uAjcA itjiut and equal. li 2 Tim. iv. 8. VOL. 111. Y y
358 ON THE DEATH OF COLONEL GARDINER, SeR. IV.
thou faithful unto deaths and I will give thee a crown of life; nicthinks our dev^out meditations may expatiate upon the words, in some such paraphrase as this. It is as if he liad said to you, and to me, and to all his people, '* Oh my faithful soldiers, fear not death in its most terrible array; for you are immortal. Fear not them that can kill the body * ; You have a nobler part, which they cannot reach ; and I will undertake, notonl}^ for its rescue, but its happiness. I will answer for it, on the honour of my royal word, that it shall live in a state of noble enlargement, of triumphant joy. Think on me: I avi he that liveth^ though I was dead : and behold, I am alive for evermore ■\: And Because I live, you shall live alsoX; shall exist in a state, that deserves the great and honourable name of life ; so that earth in all its lustre and pleasure, when compared with it, is but as a scene of death, or at best as an amusing Dream when one awaketh^.^^
We may also consider him, as pursuing this animating ad- dress, and saying, " My brave companions in tribulation and patience, you shall not only live, but reign. Think not, thou good soldier, who art now fighting under my banner, that thy general will wear his honours alone. If I have my crown, if I have my triumph, be assured that thou also shalt have thine. Thou mayest indeed seem to perish in the combat; and thy friends may mourn, and thine enemies insult, as if thou wert utterly cut off". But behold, true victory spreads over thee her golden wing, and holds out, not a garland of fading flowers or leaves, but a crown that shall keep its lustre, when all the cost- liest gems on earth are melted in the general burning ; yea, Avhen the luminaries of heaven are extinguished, and the sun and stars fade away in their orbs."
*' Nor will I," does he seem to say, " send thee this crown by some inferior hand ; not even by the noblest angel, that Avaits on the throne I have now ascended. Thou shalt receive it from mine own hand;'" from that hand, which would make the least gift valuable: What a dignity then will it add to the greatest! " Nor will I myself confer this reward in private ; it shall be given with the most magnificent solemnity. Thou shalt be brought to me before the assembled world ; Thy name shall be called over ; thou shalt appear, and I will own thee, and crown thee, in public view. Thy friends shall see it with raptures of joy, and congratulate an honour in which they shall also share. Thine enemies shall see it with envy and with rage, to increase their confusion and misery : They shall see, that while by their
* Mat. X. 28. fRev. i. 18. + John xLv. 19. § Psal. Ixxiii. 20.
The Christian JVarrior Animated and Crowned' 359
malicious assaults they were endeavouring to destroy thee, they were only establishing thy throne, and brightening the lustre \\\\\i h shall for ever atlorn thy brow; while tluMrs is blasted with the thunder of resistless wrath, and deep engraven with the inde- lible marks of vengeance. This crown shah thou for ever wear, as the perpetual token of my esteem and ailcetion : Nor shall it be merely a shining ornament: A rich revenue, a glorious au- thority, goes along with it. Thou shall reign/or ever and ever*; and be a King, as well as n priest unto Godf.^^
They who enter by a lively faitli into the import of these glorious words, will, I doubt not, pardon mv having expatiated so largely upon them, ff^e have believed, and therefore have wc spokenX: And I question riot, but that many of you have in the course of this representation prevented me in some of the reflec- tions, which naturally arise from such a subject. Vet it may not be improper to assist your devout meditations upon them.
(1.) What reason have we to adore the grace of our blessed Redeemer, which prepares, and bestows, such rewards as these !
While "WC hear him saying. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life; methinks it is but natural for each of our hearts to answer. " Lord, dost thou speak of giving a crown, a crown of life and glory to me ! Too great, too great, might the favour seem, if I, who have so often lifted up my rebellious hand against thy throne, might be allowed to lay down this guilty head in the dust, and lose the memory of my treasons, and the sense of m}' punishment together, in everlast- ing iorgetfulness. And is such a crown prepared, and wilt thou, my injured Sovereign, who mightcst so justly arm thyself with vengeance against m(?, bestow this crown with thine own hand; with all these other circumstances of dignity, so as even to make
my triumphs thine own ! What is my strictest fidelity to
thee? Though I do indeed, as I humbly desire that I may, con- tinue faithful unto death, I am yet but an Unprofitable sei-vant ; J have done no more than my duty^. I have pursued thy work, in thy strength ; and, in consequence of that love which thou hast put into my heart, it hath been its own reward: And dost
tliou thus crown one favour with another! Blessed Jesus, I
would with all humility laij that cron'n at thy feet, acknowledg- ing before thee, and the whole world, as 1 shall at length do in a more expressive form, that it is not only the gift of thy love, but
* R'.v. xxii. 5. t Rev. i. 6, %1 Cor, ir. 13. § Luke xvii. 10.
Y y 2
360 ON THE DEATH OF COLONEL GARDINER. SeR. IV.
the purchase of thy blood. Never, never had I beheld it, other- wise than at an unapproachable distance, as an aggravation of my misery and despair, hadst not thou worn another crown, a crowp of infamy, and of thorns. The gems which must for ever adorn my temples, were formed from those precious drops, that once trickled down thine ; and all the splendor of my Robes of triumph is owing to their being washed in the blood of the Lamb *." With what pleasing wonder may we pursue the thought! And Avhile it employs our mind,
(2.) How justly may this awaken a generous ambition to secure this crown to ourselves !
Dearly as it was purchased by our blessed Redeemer, it is mostfreelT/ offered to us, to the youngest, to the meanest, to the most unworthy. It is not prepared, merely for those that have worn an earthly diadem or coronet : Would to God it were not despised by most of them , as a thing less worthy of their thoughts, than the most trifling amusement, by which they unbend their minds from the weight}^ cares attending their station ! But it is prepared for you ; even for every one, who thinks it worth pur- suing, and accepting, upon the terms of the gospel covenant ; for every one, who believing in Christ, and loving him, is hum- bly determined through his grace to he faithful unto death
And shall this glorious proposal be made to you in vain ? Were it an earthly crown that could lawfully be obtained, are there not many of us, notwithstanding all its weight of anxieties, and all the piercing thorns with which we might know it to be lined, that would be ready eagerly to seize it, and perhaps to contend and quarrel with each other for it ? But here is no foundation for contention. Here is a crown for each; and such a crown, that all the royal ornaments of all the princes upon earth, when com- pared with it, are lighter than a feather, and viler than dust. And shall we neglect it ? shall we refuse it, from such a hand too, as that by which it is offered ? Shall we so Judge ourselves unworthy of eternal Ifef, as thereby indeed to make ourselves
worthy of eternal death ? For there is no other alternative.
But blessed be God, it is not universally neglected. There are, I doubt not, among you, many who pursue it, many who shall assuredly obtain it. For their sakes let us reflect,
(3.) How courageously may the heads which are to wear such a crown, be lifted up to face all the trials of life and death!
Those trials may be various, and perhaps extreme ; but if borne aright, far from depriving us of this crown, they will only
*Rev. vii. 14. fActsxiii. 46.
The Christian Warrior Animated and Crowned. 361
serve to Increase its lustre. It is the apostle PjujI's express assertion ; and he speaks, as transported with the thought : For this cause we faint not^ but though the outward man perishy yet the inwai^d man is renewed day by day : For our light af~ Jiiction, which is but for a moment, workcthfor us afar more exceeding and eter7ial weight of glory ; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen ; Jor the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal*. Surely with this support, we may not only live, but triumph, in poverty, in reproach, in weak- ness, in pain : And with this we may die, not only serenely, hut joyfully. Oh my friends, where are our hearts ? WHicre is our faith ? Nay I will add, where is our reason ? Why are not our eyes, our desires, and our hopes, more frequently directed upward ? Surely one ray from that resplendent diadem might he sufficient to confound all the false charms of these transitory vanities, which indeed owe all their lustre to the darkness in which they arc placed. Surely when our spirits are over- tchelmed within us, one glance of it miglit be sufficient to ani- mate and elevate them ; and might teach us to say, in the midst of dangers, sorrows, and death, In all these things we are more than conquerors ^ through him that loved us f . Thus have some triumphed in the last extremities of nature ; and both the subject, aud the occasion also, loudly calls us to reflect,
(4.) What reason we have to congratulate these happy souls, that have already received the croxmi of life !
When we are weeping over the cold, yea, the bleeding re- mains of such, surely it is for ourselves, aud not tor them, that the stream flows. The thought of their condition, far from moving our compassion, may rather inspire us with joy, and with praise. Look not on their pale countenance, nor on the ■wide and deep wounds, through which perhaps the soul rushed out to seize the great prize of its faith and hope ; though even those wounds appear beautiful, when earned by distinguished virtue, by piety to their countr}^, and their God. Look not on the eyes closed in death, or the once honoured and beloved head, now covered Avith the dust of the grave : But view, by an internal beheving eye, that difl'erent form which the exaltt-d tri- umphant spirit already wears, the earnest of a yet brighter glory. Their great leader, whose care of them mc are fondly ready to suspect, or secretly to complain of as delicient in such circumstances as these, points, as it were, to the white robes, aud
♦ ■i Cor. iv. 16, 17, 18. t R"™- ""• 37.
362 ON THE DEATH OF COLONEL GARDINER. SeR. IV.
the flourishing palms, which he has given them ; and calls for our regard to the crowns of life which he has set on their heads, and to the songs of joy and praise to which he has formed their exulting tongues. And do we sully and dishonour their tri- umphs with our tears ? Do we think so meanly of heaven, and of them, as to wish them witii us again : That they might eat and drink at our tables ; that they might talk with us in our low language ; that they might travel with us from stage to stage in this wilderness ; and take their share with us in those vanities of life, of which we ourselves are so often weary, that there is hardly a week, or a day, in which we are not lifting up our eyes, and saying with a deep inward groan, Oh that we had wings like a dove ! Then would we flee away, and be at rest *.
Surely with relation to these faithfid soldiers of Jesus Christ, who have already fallen, it is a matter of no small joy to reflect, that their Warfare is accomplished^ ; that they have at length passed through every scene in which their fideHty could be endangered ; so that now, they are inviolably secure. How much more then should we rejoice, that they are entered, not only into the rest, but into the joy of their Lord ; that they conquered, even when they fell, and are now reaping the fruits, the celestial and immortal fruits, of that last great victory ?
A sense of honour often taught the heathens, when attend- ino- those friends to the funeral pile, who had died honourably in their country's cause, to use some ceremonies expressive of their joy for their glory ; though that glory Avas an empty name, and all the reward of it a wreath of laurel, which Avas soon to crackle in the flame, and vanish into smoak. And shall not the joy and glory of the living spirit affect us, much more than they could be affected with the honours paid to the mangled corpse ?
Let us then think with reverence, and with joy, on the pi- ous dead ; and especially on those, whom God honoured with any special opportunities of approving their fidelity, in life, or in death : And if we mourn, as who, in some circumstances, can forbear it ? let it be as christians, with that mixture of high congratulation, with that erect countenance, and that undaunted heart, which become those that see b^^ faith their exaltation and felicity ; and burning with a strong and sacred eagerness to join their triumphant company, let us be ready to share in the most painful of their trials, that we may also share in their glories.
And surely, if I have ever known a life, and a death, capa-
* Psal. Iv. 6. t Isai. xl. <>.
1 he Christian Warrior Animaled and Cro-wned. 363
ble of inspiring us with these sentiments in their subiimest ele- vations, it was tile hfc and the death of that ilhistrious christian hero, Colonel Gardiner ; whose character was too w«,'ll known to many of you, by some montlis residence here, to need your being infornied of it from mo ; and whose history was too re- markable, to be conlined within those few remainiii}^ moments, ■which must be allotted to the finishinjr of this discourse. Yet there was something so uncommon in both, that I think it of Jiigh importance to the honour of the gospel and grace of Christ, that they should be delivered down to posterity, in a distinct and particular view. And therefore, as the providence of God, in concurrence with that most intimate and familiar friendsiiip with which this great and good man was pleased to honour me, gives me an opportunity of speaking of many important things, especially relating to his religious experiences, with greater exactness and certainty than most others might be capable of doing ; and as he gave me his full permission, in case I should have the affliction to survive him, to declare freely whatever I knew of him, which I might apprehend conducive to the glory of God, and the advancement of religion ; I purpose publish- ing, in a distinct tract, some remarkable passages of his life, illustrated by extracts from his own letters, which speak in the most forcible manner the genuine sentiments of his heart. But as I promise myself considerable assistance in this work from some valuable persons in the northern part of our island, and possibly from some of his own papers, to which our present con- fusions forbid my access, I must (l(>lay the execution of this de- sign at least for a few months ; and must likewise take heed, that 1 do not too much anticipate what I may then ofl'er to the ])ublic view, by what it might otherwise be very proper to men- tion now.
Let it therefore suffice for the present to remind you, that Colonel Gardiner was one of the most illustrious instances of the energy, and indeed 1 must also add, of the sovereignty of divine grace, which I have heard or read of in modern history. He was in the most amazing and miraculous manner, without any divine ordinance, without any religious opportunity, or peculiar advantage, deliverance, or affliction, reclaimed on a sudden, in the vigour of life and health, from the most licen- tious and abandoned sensuality, not only to a steady course of regularity and virtue, but to high devotion, and strict, though unatfected sanctity of manners : A course, in which he persisted for more than twenty-six years, that is, to the close of life, so remarkably eminent for piety towards God, diffusive hu-
564
ON THE DEATH OF COLONEL GARDINER. SeR. IV,
inanity and christian charity, lively faith, deep humility, strict temperance, active diligence in improving time, meek resig- nation to the Avill of God, steady patience in enduring afflic- tions, tuuiffected contempt of secular interest, and resolute and courageous zeal in maintaining truth, as well as in re- proving, and, where his authority might take place, restrain- ing vice and wickedness of every kind ; that I must delibe- rately declare, that when I consider all these particulars to- gether, it is hard for me to say where, but in the book of God, he found his example, or* where he has left his equal. Every one of these articles, with many more, I hope, if God spare my life, to have an opportunity of illustrating, in such a manner as to shew, that he was a living demonstration of the energy and excellency of the christian rehgion ; nor can I imagine Iioav I can serve its interests better, than by record- ing what I have seen and known upon this head, known to my edification, as Avell as my joy.
But oh, how shall I lead back your thoughts, and my own, to what we once enjoyed in him, without too deep and tender a sense of Avhat we have lost! To ha.ve poured out his soul in blood ; to have fallen by the savage and rebellious hands of his own countrymen, at the wall of his own house ; deserted by those, who Avere under the highest obligations that can be imagined to have defended his life with their own ; and above all, to have seen with his dying eyes the enemies of our religion and liberties triumphant, and to have heard in his latest moments the horrid noise of their insulting shouts ; — is a scene, in the view of which we are almost tempted to say, ^Vhere were the shields of angels ? Where the eye of pro- vidence ? Where the remembrance of those numberless prayers which had been offered to God for the preservation of such a man, at such a time as this ? — — But let faith assure us, that he was never more dear and precious in the eye of his divine lea- der, than in these dreadful moments, when if sense Avere to judge, he might seem most neglected.
That is of all others the happiest death, which may most sensibly approve our fidelity to God, and our zeal for his glory. To stand singly in the combat with the fiercest enemies, in the best of causes, Avhen the whole regiment he commanded, fled ; to throw himself with so noble an ardor to defend those on foot, whom the wi)ole body which he headed were appointed to sup- port, when he saw that the fall of the nearest commander ex- ])osed those brave men to the extremity of danger, were cir- cumstances that evidently shewed, how much he held honour
The Christian Warrior Animated and Crowned. 365
and duty dearer tlKin life. He could not but be conscious of the distinsTuislicd profession he had made, imder a rch<^ioiis cha- racter; he could not but be sensible, how much our arniv, in circumstances hke these, needs all that the most jrenerous ex- amples can do, to animate its officers and its soldiers : And therefore, although when his men would hear no voice but that of their fears he mi<;ht have retreated without infamy, he seems dehbcratcly and rightly to have judged, that it was better he should sacrifice in such a cause the little remainder of his life, than attempt to preserve it by a conduct, which miglit leave the least room even for envy and prejudice to suggest, that the re- gard to religion and the public which he had so remarkably pro- fessed on all occasions, was not strong enough to lead him to face danger and death, which natural bravery itself had in early youth taught him to despise. He had long since felt the genuine force of honour sanctified by piety ; and consequently, had too just a zeal for his king and country, to bear the thought of de- serting the trust committed to him in such an important mo- ment ; too warm a love for the protestant religion, not to re- joice in a call of providence to bleed in its defence. And there- fore, tliat he might make the last and utmost opposition in his power to a rebellious crew, by whose success, should it go on, an inlet would be opened to the cruel ravages of arbitrary pow- er, and to the bloody and relentless rage of popish superstition, lie Loved not his life unto the death *. And in this view his death was martyrdom, and has, I doubt not, received tlie ap- plauses and rewards of it : For what is martyrdom, but volun- taril}' to meet death, for the honour of God, and the testimony of a good c:onscionce ?
And if it be indeed true, as it is reported on very consider- able authority, that before he expired, he had an interview with the leader of tlie opposite party, and declared in his presence *' the full assurance he had of an immortal crown, which he was going to receive," it is a circumstance w orthy of being had in everlasting remembrance : As in that case providence may seem ■wonderfully to have united two seemingly inconsistent circum- stances, in the manner of his dying ; the alternative of cither of which he has spoken of in my hearing, as what with humble submission to the great Lord of life he could most earnestly wish : " That if he were not called directly to die for the truth," which he rightly judged the most glorious and happy lot of nior-
♦ Rev. xii. 11.
VOL. III. Z a
366 ON THE DEATH OF COLONEL GARDINER. SeR. IV.
tality, " he might either fall in the field of battle, fighting in defence of the religion and liberties of his country ; or might have an opportunity of expressing his hopes and joys, as a chris- tian, to the honour of his Lord, and the edification of those about him, in his departing moments ; and so might go off this earthly stage," as in the letter that relates his death, it is expressly said that he did, triumphing in the assurance of a blessed immortality."
How difficult it must be in our present circumstances, to gain certain and exact information, you will easily perceive : But enough is known, 'and more than enough, to shew how justly the high consolations of that glorious subject, which we have been contemplating, may be applied to the present so- lemn occasion. From what is certain with relation to him, we may presume to say, that after he had adorned the gospel by so honourable a life, in such a conspicuous station, God seems to have condescended, as with his own hand, to raise him an illustrious theatre, on which he might die a venerable and amiable SpectaeU to the world, and to angels, and to men * ; balancing to his native land by such an exit, 'the loss of what future services it could have expected, from a constitution so much broken as his was, by the fatigues of his campaign in Flanders, where by his indefatigable services in a very ex- treme season he contracted an illness, from which he never recovered.
On the whole therefore, whatever cause we have, as indeed we have great cause, to S3-mpathize with his wounded family, and with his wounded country ; and ho^v decent soever it may be, like David, to take up our lamentation over The mighty fallen, and the brightest weapons of our war perished f ; and oh, how na- turally might some of us adopt the preceding Avords too ! Yet alter all, let us endeavour to summon up a spirit, like that with which he bore the loss of friends, eminent for their goodness and usefulness. And while TV e glorify God in himX, as on so many accounts we have reason to do, let us be animated by such an example to a resolution of continuing hke him, stedfast in our duty, amidst desertion and danger, and all the terrors that can beset us around. As he, having been so eminently faithful unto death, has undoubtedly received a crown of life, Avhich shines with distinguished lustre, amonc: those Who ore C07ne out of much tribulation § ; let us be courageous Followers of him, and of all the glorious company of those, who throvgk
'^ 1 Cor. iv. 9. f 2 Sam. i. 27. % Gal. i. 24. § Rev. vii. U.
The Christian Warrior Animated and Crowned. 3G7
faith and patience inherit the promises *. Then may we be able to enter into the comfort and spirit of them all, and of this promise in particular ; and shall not be disconra<;cd, though we are called to i:,^/i(/i^re a great fight of aj/lictionsfy or even to sacrifice our lives, in defence of our religion and liberties : Since in this cause we know, if we should fall like him, even 7o die is gainX- We are assured upon the best authority, that as he Fought the good fight with so heroic a fortitude, and finished his course with so steady a tenor, and kept the faith with so unshaken a resolution, there is laid up for liim a crown o/" brighter glory than he has yet received, which the Lord the righteous Judge will give unto him in that great expected day : And we know, that it shall be given, not unto him only, nor only to those who have had an opportunity of distinguishing themselves by the most heroic services or sufferings in the cause of their divine leader, but ujito all them that love his appear' ance §. Amen.
»Heb. vi. 12. tHeb.x.32. J Phil. i. 21. § 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8.
Z Z2
A HYMN
SUNG AFTER THE SERMON.
I.
Hark ! 'Tis our heav'niy Leader's voice
I'rom his triumphant seat: 'Midst all the war's tumultuous noise.
How pow'rful, and how sweet!
ir.
" Fight on, my faithful band," he cries,
" Nor fear the mortal blow ; " Who first in such a warfare dies,
" Shall speediest victory know.
III.
" I have my days of combat known,
" And in the dust was laid : *' But thence I mounted to my throne,
** And glory crowns my head.
IV.
** That throne, that glory, you shall share;
" My hands the crown shall give: *' And you the sparkling honours wear,
« While God himself shall live."
V.
Lord, 'tis enough ! Our bosoms glow
With courage, and with love : Thme hand shall bear thy soldieris thro*.
And raise their heads above.
VL
My soul, while deaths beset me round.
Erects her ardent eyes ; And longs, thro' some illustrious wound.
To rush and seize the prize.
Future Revelations of Mysterious Providences. 369
SERMON V,
CHRIST'S
MYSTERIOUS CONDUCT TO BE UNFOLDED HEREAFTER:
/4 Funeral Sainon occasioned by the Death of the Per. Mr. Janice Shepherd xiho died May 19, 1T4G, A:.lut. 22. Preached at Aortha/njjlun, Maij '2j.
John xiii. 7. If'hat I do, thou knouest not noiv, but thou shalt knozo
hereafter.
\j)\JR Lord Jesus Christ has in all ages taken care to exercise the faith, the patience, and submission of his people : And he has done it, -while carrying on the kindest designs towards them, and Avhile he has been acting in the strictest prosecution of those designs. He was now engaged in a work of astonishing con- descension and goodness : The disciples saw it with amazement, that he, the Son of God, and the heir of all things, the promised Messiah, the King of God's church, should condescend to wash their feet. Peter could not bear the thoughts of permitting it: And that occasioned the words I have now been reading; ia which we have a general truth delivered by our Lord, which it is profitable for us frequently to reflect upon, and the reflection is no\v peculiarly seasonable.
The words presented themselves to my mind, as soon as I heard, to my unspeakable surprise, the melancholy tidings of the death of my dear pupil, and friend and brother, who but the, very last sacrament-day was with us at the table of the Lord, and "who but a few days before had been speaking to us in his name. When I heard, that God had by a sudden stroke, which left his friends in a mixture of astonishment and distress, taken away one so richly adorned with gifts and graces, so well qualifi- ed for public usefulness, just as he was entering upon it, just as I)e was unanimously chosen to preside over a ntuu«;rous and im- portant congregation, and was -withm a few weeks more to have gone from us to have taken up his stated residence among them j
3-70 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. J. SHEPHERD. SeR. V.
Struck with the surprise, I say, and with the anguish of this un- expected blow, which yet it was natural to consider as coming from the hand of the Lord Jesus Cln-ist, Avho is the great So- vereign of his churcli, and Holds the keys of the unseen world and of death"^ , these words immediately presented themselves to me: And therefore I determined to offer you some plain and serious meditations upon them ; and shall accordingly raise three observations from them, which I shall endeavour to illustrate and improve.
I. That there may be some things in the conduct of the blessed Redeemer towards his people, which they may not at present be able fully to understand.
II. That nevertheless the time will come, when they shall have much clearer views of the reasons of his dispensations.
III. That in the expectation of this, it is highly fit they should acquiesce in what he does, how unknown soever the rea- sons may at present be. These several observations I shall briefly speak to, and then,
IV. Apply all this to the present occasion.
I. There may be some things in the conduct of our Blessed Redeemer towards his people now, which they may not at pre- sent be able fully to understand. — It is a supposable case,
and when we come to consider the thing, it is also evidently fact.
1 . It is in the nature of things a very supposable case ; as
will appear, when we consider, who the Lord Jesus Christ
is, who and what we are, and the relation in which he
stands to us as our Lord and Sovereign.
Consider who he is ; no less a person than the only begotten Son of God, In whom are hid all the treasures of divine wisdom and knowledge i: And can it be thought wonderful, that the counsels of God are u?isearchable? We know, that his nature is so ; for JVho can by searching find out God ? who can find out the Almighty to perfectionX? And well may we conclude, his schemes must be so ; and therefore sa}^ with the apostle Paul ; Oh the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments , and his ways past finding out^! The God of Israel, and the Saviour^ is oftentimes a God that hideth himself 1|. His way is in the sea, and his path in the deep waters^. — The angels themselves cannot trace all
* Rev, i. 18. -J- Col. ii. 3. + Job xi, 7. § Rom. xi. 33.
Jl Isa, xlv. 15. ^ Psal. lxx^■ii. 19.
Ftdurc Revelations vf Mysterious rrovidenccs, 371
his footsteps, and how much less can we poor trail mortals, so ohcn perplexed in our own counsels, soofti-n brought as it were to our wifs endy with dirticulties and entanglements, that arise from the management of our own little affairs, in this narrovr and contracted cir<de ! Can we expect then to fathom his depths? to comj^rehcnd his schemes? to form a perfect judgment of his royal, his imperial plan ? — How little a portion is it, that is knozvn of him*, who is the king of all the world, and Head over all things to the church f? God has subjected to him all things vi- sible and invisible , nor are we capable of discerning how one Avhcel touches another in this complex scheme; how the con- cerns of one province of his kingdom may be interwoven, as it uere, with those of another ; or what curious Mheels mav be ivithin other wheels, and give them a motion which we know not of, and which it would be very unfit we s'hould know. It is a labyrinth intricate in proportion to the art and design with which it is wrought up. We n)ay in reason then expect it, should be thus. And again,
2. It is also what wc see in fact to be so. We know not in numberless instances what our Lord intends: We know not what the event will be. And we do in fact see, that though all things are under the government of Christ, yeX many things happen, which we should have imaijined his kindness and tenderness to his pcoi)le would have prevented, as we are sure that his power could do it.
We ofien see his dearest children afflicted ; we see the most holy, humble, watchful, spiritual souls often drooping and de- jected ; when yet Ave know, that he could in a moment pour in the oil of gladness to heal tiieir wounds, and cause their faces to shine and their hearts to overflow with a divine joy.
We see generous and public spirited christians, who could delight with a liberal hand to relieve his poor members, them- selves poor, themselves perhaps, after many a worthy service re- duced to need that assistance from others, which they have once so readily imparted ; though we know, that all riches are in the hand of Christ, that all events and all hearts are under his in- fluence.
We see most useful and excellent persons removed and taken ©flP, many of them in the prime of life, some in the midst of their usefulness, and some in the very beginnings of it ; and these, not only persons.amiable and exemplary in private life, but of pub- lic character, adorned by the hand of Christ himself with much
*Jobxxvi. 14. f Eph. i. 12.
372 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. J. SHEPHERD. SeR. V.
of his own image, and with that rich furniture, which qualifies them for being, as we should imagine, most proper instruments to bring in souls to himself, and greatly to build up his languish- ing church and interest. We see some of them perhaps cut off before they have made any public appearance at all ; and others, when they have just began to speak in the name of the Lord : And Avith regard to others. He weakens their strength in the viidst of the way *; diseases arrest them, and make them pri- soners ; and threaten, perhaps, in a little while longer to bring them doAvn to the dust with their departed brethren: Yet we know, Jesus is the universal Lord^ to whom belong the issues from death f ; that he knows all the secret springs of life, and all the secret sources of disease, and could easily by one powerful word remove the causes of the complaint, or direct to means most efficacious for recovery.
We see churches made desolate by the enemy, whom we know he could restrain ; we see them polluted with scandals, which we know he could prevent; we see their numbers dimi- nished, though Ave know that he could easily Send out his spirit, and renew the face of themX, and cause many to enter for one that he removes : Yea, we see among those whom we must hope to be his little fock, many divisions, many errors, many impru- dences and follies, that alienate the hearts of christians one from another, and bring religion into disgrace, though Christ could easily let in beams of light which should guide into truth, beams of love which should sweetly unite and cement multitudes, so that they should sensibly be one in him. — So mysterious is his conduct, and so different the face of his poor church, as well as the state of many of its members, from what we should expect it to have been under the government of such an Head. What he does, we know not now. But then it was observed,
II. That nevertheless the time will come, when we shall
have much clearer views of the reasons of his dispensations ^
Thuu shalt know hereafter. And to illustrate this I would ob- serve, that sometimes these rea,sons open, even while we
continue in this world ; but we may expect to know it in
many other instances, when the present scenes are closed, and we enter on that which is within the veil.
1, Sometimes the reasons of Christ's mysterious dispensa- tions open upon us, even while we are here in thisAvorld.
So in this instance that the text refers to, it was but a few minutes, and our Lord laid aside the towel with which he was
* PsaJ. cii, 23, f Psal, Ixviii, 20. % Ps^l. civ. 30,
Future Revelations of Mysterious Providences. 373
girded, and sat down and told them, why He had washed their feet ; that it was to teach them to wash one another^ s feet* ; that is, to promote their humility, and their readiness to serve one another in love, even in the most condescendincj offices they might have an opportunity of pcrforminfr. And thus in many other instances, though the great end of Christ's dispensations be in regard to the eternal world, yet there are subordinate ends which may be answered here ; and wiien we come to find they are answered, we may learn the design of providence in these means which we did not before imderstand. As when the dis- ciples saw the honourable manner in which Christ dismissed the poor Canaanitish woman at lastf, they saw the reasons why he seemed to neglect her so long ; it was, that her faith might be displayed by the trial, that they miglit see she was a more ex- cellent woman than they could otherwise have imagined ; and that the mercy might be sweeter to her in proportion to the delay.
And do I not now speak to the experience of some that hear me ? Cannot many of you reflect with me upon strange dis- pensations of providence, which have at length produced the happiest effects? It is a known story of a person, who having lost all his wealth, was led to apply himself to philosophy, and in consequence of that, attained such a government of himself, such wisdom, and such reputation, as made him abundantly happier than he ever had been ; so as to make him say, " I had been undone, if I had not been undone." And thus perhaps one and another of us may say, *' The Lord took away my parents when I was young, and I thought I had lost my only friends: But he raised up those for me, who did more and bet- ter for me than my parents could have done, and shewed his special love and care in Taking me up when my father and my viother forsook mc t."
Another may say, " In younger life he exercised me with many disappointments, he stripped me of many of my comforts, and withered many of my hopes: But I found It good to bear the yoke in my youlh\: And bv unthought of turns, it may be, in relative life he has done much better for me, than with my fond passions I should have done for myself."
*' He has been pleased," may a tliird say, " to take away my dear children, perhaps several of them successively, and those of them that were peculiarly the delight of my eyes: But
* Johu xiii. U. f Mat. XK. 2S- + Psal. xxvij. 10. § Lam. iii. 27.
VOL, III. 3 A
574 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. J. SHEPHERD. SeR. V.
he has drawn mv heart more powerfully to himself by it, and he is better to me than ten children."
*' Pie has blasted the work of my hands," may another say, " I have insensibly lost, perhaps what I painfully got ; or 1 have been stripped of some considerable part of my possessions at once: But my poverty has enriched me; 1 have learned the vanity of the world more, and have been more fiilly convinced that it cannot be my happiness."
*' My constitution has been much impaired," may another say, *' I have passed solitary sabbaths, I have known a great deal of pain and languishing: But it has taught me to submit to my father's will ; it has directed my eyes to that world, where The inhabitants shall not say, I am sick *, and where I shall be fixed as a Pillar in the temple of my Godf.'"
" I would not have been without afflictions," may they all say; *' nor without this and that particular affliction," may each perhaps reply, ^' upon any terms. I know, O Lord, that thj/ judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness has ajjlicted meX: Thou hast Humbled vie, thou hast taught me to know what was in my heart §; and I know by my afflictions, more than prosperity might have taught me, of the love that is in thine heart to me." But then,
2. We may expect to know the reasons of Christ's dispen- sations in many other instances, when we shall come into the future world. In thy light shall we see light^: And I doubt not, but in the heavenly state many circumstances will concur to give us a much better acquaintance with the methods of the di- vine dealings, than it is possible for us to attain upon earth : — Our eye will be strengthened ; our prospect Avill be extend- ed ; our company will be improved ; and our Lord may
perhaps give us plainer lessons by immediate discovery from himself.
In heaven, the eye of the soul will be strengthened, and our faculties raised to unutterable degrees.' All indolence will be done away, and we shall be awakened into everlasting attention. AH prejudices will be quite removed ; and we shall be willing to admit truth in all its lustre, and to follow it wherever it may lead us.
Our prospect there will be enlarged, and we shall have much more extensive views of things : For we shall see the con- duct of Christ, in its influence upon scenes, that lie at present
* Lsa. xxxiii. 24. f Rev. iii. 12. % Psal. cxix. 75. § Dent. viii. 2. II Psal. xsxvi, 9.
Future Revelations of Mysterious Providences. 37.^
unite out of our siglit. Wc sec Christ's adniii)istr;itioiis now, as tliey regard this earth alone ; but then we shall see them, as they regard heaven. We may then ])erha|)s see, that there was .1 certain post of service to be tilled above, Avliicii reciuiri^d just such a one as divine grace had n)ade this or that young person, who might indeed have been very fit to have served the clmrch below, but for whom God meant much higher and better things.
Our companions in glory may also verv probai)lv assist us l)y tlieir wise and good observations, when we come to make the providence of God here upon earth, under the guidance and direction of the Lord Jesus Christ, the subject of our mutual converse.
And it is impossible for us to say, how immediately the Lord Jesus Christ may liimsclf interpose in giving us plainer lessons, and clearing up his conduct to us. By direct and imme- diate revelation he may communicate to us what bis schemes were, and shew us how they were going on in a direct liarmoni- ous manner, as the planets in the visible heavens, when they seem to us to stand still, or to go backwards. In the mean time, let me observe,
IlL That it is highly fit we should acquiesce in wliat Christ does, how unknown soever the reasons of it may be to us. And
that, upon these iwo plain and certain principles, that we
know, that in all he does his ends are graciously directed,
and that his means arc wisely chosen.
1. Wc know, that his ends are graciously directed.
Wc know, that he intends in all he does, the honour of God, and the good of all his people. Can we make any doubt of this? One would think, we really did : And yet we know, that he has given them the most gracious promises, even of a glorious re- surrection, and of a blessed immortality ; and that he has loved them so well, that he has died for them, has shed his own ])recious and invaluable blood for their redemption and salvation. And can we, after this, allow ourselves to suspect him ? Can we doubt, that he intends to make his people for ever happy ? And intend- ing this, can lie fail to effect it in the properest manner ?
Surely I may add,
2. ^V'e know, that his means are wisely chosen.
Can we have any room to question this? Is lie not the incar- nate wi'dom of God ? And can you entertain any suspicion of him ? If you trust not fauh alone, trust sense. Look up to the heavens ;' look down to the earth : Behold, how wisely all is or- dered, in the growth of such a variety of plants, in the provision
3 A 2
376 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. J. SHEPHERD, SeR. V.
that is made for such a multitude of animals of various kinds, in the subserviency of all to the subsistence and delight of human life; and then say, Does this look like any deficiency in wis- dom ? And are not these things the work of Christ ? Did he not lay the plan, and execute it? Were not All things created by him, whether visible or invisible*? And will you still doubt, whether he who made, and who governs and preserves all things, is wise enough to conduct your affairs, or not? Methinks our Lord mayjustly expostulate with the suspicious, M'ith the com- plaining christian, " Oh thou of little faith, wherefore dost thou, doubt f? Whom wilt thou trust, if thou trustest not me? Wilt thou trust thine own wisdom ? alas ! how often has it deceived thee! Wilt thou trust thy self love ? alas! how utterly has it undone thee! Can my Father trust me with all the infinite con- cerns of his glory and kingdom ; and canst thon not trust me w'ith thy little all? Did I die for thee! did I pour out my blood for the redemption of thy immortal soul! and canst thou imagine, I will not take care of it ? And if I do, will it not be safe? Or if thou canst confide in me, that I will take care of thy soul, and make it both safe and happy, canst thou not trust thine estate with me, thy health, thy reputation, thy usefulness, thy children, thy friends? Are these things more than that soul, which I have so dearly purchased, which I have so tenderly re- ceived, which I have so constantly watched over, and in which I have already made such a change for the better, that if thou ■wouldst be just to thyself and me, thou needest but to look up- on it, and mightest find an argument from what it is, in com- parison of what it once was, to trust me for every thing else?"
" Lord," should each of us by this time, say, " It is enough! It is more than enough ! I am ashamed of my weakness and folly. Behold, here I am, do with me as thou wilt! Dispose of me, and my concerns, just according to thine own pleasure ! I will not object one word, I will not indulge one thought of sus- picion : I will say, It is the Lord, let him do what scemeth him goodX. I will keep mine eye upon thine hand ; I will sometimes look back to thy cross, and sometimes look up to thy throne ; and I will not only be contented, but thankful. Yea, Lord, I will see what I can do, towards obeying in the midst of all my troubles that great command of thine, which, great as it is, was a command fit for such a Redeemer to give. Rejoice evermore^: Mejoice in the Lord always ; and again I say rejoice ||." — And now, after what has been said, I would conclude,
*Col.i. 16. fMat. xiv. 31. J 1 Sam. iii. 18. § 1 Thess.v. 16. j|Pbil.Jv. 4.
Future Revelations of Mysterious Providences. 377
IV. With applying all this to the present occasion, by hint- ing at some ends, which we may suppose our Lord to have liad in view in this solemn transaction ol his providence, which occasioned the discourse I have now been delivering.
Let us lay down this as the foundation, that it is the hand of Christ ; that he has turned the key ; that he has taken away liis young servant, whom he raised up here, whom he called so early by his grace, whom he taught to pray when he was but a child ; and to pray in such a manner, that I will take the liberty publicly to tell you, " that the account I had of a prayer of his, overheard when he little thought it by a dear friend, al- most seventeen years ago, that is, when he was but about five years old, had its influence in engaging me to come and settle in this place." It was from Christ that he received that steadi- ness, that tenderness, that ripe experience in the things of God, which made his private and his public labours so remarkably agreeable to the most judicious christians of this society, and of other societies. It was the grace of Christ, which bore him un- hurt through so many temptations, by wliich others have been ensnared and dishonoured, their characters sunk, and their use- fulness diminished, if not destroyed. And let us not imagine, that the messenger of death came to him without a commission from the great Lord of life. Let us not imagine, that his spirit was called out of time into eternity Avithout the voice of a Re- deemer, or that the important doors of the invisible world were opened without his hand. Christ has taken him awa}- : And he had no doubt his reasons for it : Reasons, many of them perhaps unsearchable to us, yet we may conjecture as to some of them : And it may be profitable for a few remaining minutes to dwell upon the view ; the rather, as so many breaches have been made, so many of this kind too, which have fallen under the notice of many of us. Particularly,
1. Our Lord by such a providence might intend to teach us, how little he needs any of our services.
Our dear departed friend seemed indeed a Vessel of honour fitted for his master^ s use* ; but he is broken in pieces^ and we are ready to say with tlie afflicted church of old, The precious sons of Ziony comparable to fine gold, how arc they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter \ ! But herein our great Lord displays his royaltv : He can form the most promising instruments of service ; and can lay them aside, and carry on his cause without them. Let not then any of
*2Tim. ii,21. + Lam. iv. 2.
»J78 ON THE DEATH OK THE REV. J. SHEPHERD. SeR. V.
US imagine ourselves, or each other, to be necessary to him. He nill, if he pleases, do us the honour to use us : If not, he will immediately lay us by in the grave. We, and those who esteem us most, and who love us best, should su'_ in't, and say, Behold, as the clay is in the hand of the potter, so are we in the hand of the Lord our God-'-. And it is fit it should be so ; for we are weak as clav, and at the same time also are of as little value, and even less than the dust of the earth when compared with him. Again,
2. It may be the design of our Lord by such a providence as this, to teach us to cease from man.
We are instructed by it, not to depend too much upon any of our survivinnr brethren and friends : For it is the lanwuao;e of
o or?
this providence. Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his 7iostrih; for wherein is he to be accounted off ? God changes our countenance, and sends us aivay %• l^i^t a few months ago, who was more likely to have continued than dear Mr. Shepherd ! Eiit God sent a mortal distemper upon him in the night, and his friends in the morning found him senseless ; and he spoke no more, and hardly moved any more, till he died. Such is every man in his best estate ! Thus may we fall, and those on Avhom we most depend. Lord, what do we then waitjor ? with regard to ourselves, with regard to thy church, our hope is in thee^. Further,
3. Our Lord might thus intend in a peculiar manner to exer- cise our submission and resignation to his wise and gracious will.
We should look upon the death of every friend in this view, as a call to us to acknowledge his sovereignty over life and death. Behold, he taketh away, and who can hinder him 9 Or who shall say unto him. What doest thou \\ ? And the more touching the case is, the deeiJttr ought our submission to be ; because the greater is that natural tendency which we arc ready to feel in our minds, to rise against and to dispute his determi- nations. Particularly, when God takes a'.vay from aged chris- tians a young friend who has been the delight of their eyes, whom they have tenderly nursed u[) from his infancy, just when the}' most needed his assistance, and he was most capable of giv- ing it, as well as strongly inclined and determined to do it : When God takes away, not only a young minister, of eminent and dis- tinguished abilities, but one who even from his childhood had been bred up amongst us ; one, who had constantl}' attended
* Jer. xviii. 6. \- Isa. ii. 21. + Job xiv. 20, § Fsal. xxxix. 7.
(I Job Iv. 1.'.
Future Revelations of Mysterious Providences. 379
with us every sabbath-day on public worship, witli that endear- ment of mutual respect and affectioti on his part and ours, uhicli must be the result of so mtiniute a relation ; one, of whom we hav(; so particularly thoufrht when we have been acknow- Icdn^inp^ the divine goodness in Raising up of our sons for pro- phets, and of our young nien for Nazarites-''- ; it is then particu- larly seasonable, that we should struji-glc witli our own hearts to say, Thij will he done I Once more,
4. It may be the design of such a providence as this, to quicken ns all in onr work, and especiallv his surviving brethren.
Had it been tlie death of a stranger in such circumstances, it might have quickened its : To see a young person taken thus away ; going to bed at night tolerably well, for that was the case, though with some complaint, yet in no such inuuediate danger as should give any pecidiar alarm, and then found in his bed the next morning speechless and seriseless, and continuing without perception, and in a great mcasm-e without motion, till he expired. I repeat these circumstances again, that young in- attctitive minds ma}' be struck with them. But it is particu- larly striking, when we consider it is one, whom we so inti- mately knew ; one, with whom so manv of us have been con- versing and praying almost every day for many years, as well as worshipping every sabbath, and communicating every sacra- ment-day. May we all hear that voice, which cries. Be ye also ready f / Especially, may we attend to it, who are fornung for, or engaged in the ministerial work !
Mv dear brethren, and much beloved charge, suffer the •word of exhortation. You knew this amiable and excellent youth in a most intimate manner : Let me briefly recommend
to you the many things, which you saw exemplary in him :
His constancy and reverence in attending divine worshij), both
in public and private ; His diligence in business ; His
steadiness and regularity in conduct ; His prudent and ho- nourable care to avoid silly and extravagant expenccs ; His
solicitude to take every opportunity of improving in cvcr^'^ branch of learning, that was taught where he attended ; espe- cially what related most directly to his sacred profession ;
His unwearied apjilication to the study of the scripture, and continued watchfulness for every opportunity of improving it ;
And above all, his zeal for the glory of God, and for the
gospel of Christ, and its glorious and peculiarly distinguishing truths. I heartily wish each of you, who are to appear under
* Amos ii, 11. t Mat. xxiv, 4 A.
380 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. J. SHEPHERD. SeR. V.
such a public character, the like judgment aftd solidity in your compositions, the like grave, serious, unaffected, and experi- mental strain, the same solicitude to do good both to the bodies and souls of men, which made his Avork his pleasure. You see, how short his career of service here has been : Yours may per- haps be as short, and yet shorter. However that be, I pray God, that you may fulfil it as worthily as he did ! And then, should I also see your early deaths, I should congratulate rather than condole you ; and esteem such a speedy removal, as a pe- culiar token of your Lord's favour to you, however, I might la- ment it as an awful stroke on those of us Avho should survive.
I trust, that his dear aged relatives have that better world in too near a prospect to stand in need of much condolence. May God sanctify every dark dispensation of his providence to them, and to us, and give us faith and patience to Avait that day, when the last veil shall be taken off, and the terms on which we shall be restored to each other shall leave us no room to mourn, that we have been for a while separated, with whatever circum- stances of surprise and distress that separation may have been attended ! Amen.
i
HYMN
ON THE OCCASION.
I.
J RSUS, wp own thy Sov'reign hand :
Thy faithful care we own : "SVisciorn and love are all thy ways.
When most to us unknown.
II. By thee the springs of life were forni'd.
And by thy ineuth are broke; And good is every awful word.
Our gracious Lord has spoke.
III.
To thee we yield our comforts up;
To thee our lives resign ; In straits and dangers, rich, and safe,
If we and ours are thine.
IV.
Thy saints in earlier life remov'd.
In sweeter accents sing ; And bless the swiftness of the flight, 1 hat bore them to their king.
V.
The burdens of the lengthen'd day With patience we would bear;
For evening's welcome hour shall shew. We were our Master's care.
VOL. TIT. 3 B
FUNERAL SERMONS.
]MEDITATIONS
TEARS OF JESUS OVER THE GRAVE OF LAZARUS;
Ji Funeycd Sermon preached at St. Albans, Dec. 16, 1750. On occasion of the much lamented Death of the late Rev. Samuel Clark, D. D. vsho died the 4th of December, in the 66th Year of his Age.
TO
MRS. SARAH CLARK,
THE WORTHY RELICT
OF MY EVER HONOURED FRIEND AND FATHER
THE LATE REV. DOCTOR CLARK,
THIS SERMON
IS MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
AS A SINCERE AND AFFECTIONATE,
THO' INCONSIDERABLE TOKEN
OF TENDER SYMPATHY WITH HER,
AND OF INDELIBLE VENERATION
FOR THE EXEMPLARY CHARACTER OF THE
DEAR DECEASED,
BY HER MOST OBLIGED
AND FAITHFUL HUMBLE SERVANT,
P. DODDRIDGE.
Northampton, Jan. 7, 1750-1.
Meditations on the Tears of Jesus, ^c. 383
SERMON VI.
John xi. 35. — Jesus vjept.
JL HE only bcfrotten Son of God, wliile lie sojourned in lui- niiin flesh, passed through a sad variety of t^alamities, and on the ■vvliolc bore all that a human heart, untainted with i^uilt, antl un- touched with remorse of conscience, could sulVer ; that lie might learn to pity us more affectionately under the like sor- rows ; that he might lay in for us a stock of divine consolations ; and especially, that he might teach us by his sacred example to avoid the opposite and fatal extremes, of Despising the chasten- ing of the Lordy <i\v\ fainting when we are rebuked by him*-. Let us lear7i of hvn ; and while we feel our afflictions like men, we shall bear them as the children of God, and the heirs of glory.
We here view our blessed Redeemer in a circumstance, in which most of us have frequently, and alas ! very lately been ; and in which, should our lives be prolonged, we may again and again be ; a circumstance, which is the common lot of mortality, and must of course be the most frequent affliction of those who are richest in dear and valuable friends, and which will be most tenderly felt by those who best deserve to enjoy them. It is the sad tribute, and I had almost said, the sad equivalent, which in these regions of death we pay for loving and being beloved. We see Jesus approaching the new grave of a friend ; of such a friend, as providence and grace had concurred to render, in some measure, worthy of those precious and honourable tears, which were now dropped upon his tomb. It was Lazarus uf Bethany. We know the tender story too well, to need a large rehearsal of it in moments so precious as these. We know, that when Jesus drew near to Bethany soon after the mternient of his deceased friend, and was going with his sisters and a train of
other mourners to his grave, he wept. We shall enquire into
the cause of these tears, shall consider the useful lessons we
may naturally learn from them, and then shall give the few
* Heb. xii. 5.
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\
384 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. S. CLARKE. SeR. VI.
remaining moments of our time to what is peculiar to the sad occasion of our present assembl}'-, the death of the truly reverend, pious, and amiable Doctor Clark ; concerning whom I think I '''^y justl}'^ say, and your consciences will attest how justl}', that we have personally known few, over whose tomb Christ would more probably have wept, had he stood near it in mortal flesh. Mav this seasonable review of his tears over Lazarus, resfulate and sanctify those, which so naturally flow from our eyes in the, present circumstance, where almost every object we behold calls them up afresh !
I. Let us consider on what accounts we may probably sup- pose that our blessed Redeemer now wept.
All we can do to answer this enquiry is, to take an atten- tive survey of the circumstances of the case, so far as our infor- mation reaches ; that we may observe what occurred in them, proper to have impressed a wise and benevolent mind. For though we pretend not to limit the infinitely more capacious views of our divine Master, yet we may assure ourselves that nothing material and important was passed over by him without due regard.
On these principles we may naturall}"^ observe, — that our Lord was now near a grave, — the grave, of a pious and amia- ble friend, — surrounded with a train of affectionate mourners, — and with some obstinate sinners in his view, who were bringing upon themselves dreadful and final destruction.
1. Our Lord was now going to visit a grave; and that might awaken some meltings of compassion.
He was coming to a place, where the king of terrors had lately erected a new trophy, and given a specimen of his universal triumph. Now had Christ been a stranger to the per- son of Lazarus, it might have touched him to think of his un- timely fate, for untimel}' it seems to have been; to have seen the sad monuments of mortality before his eyes, and to have thought, " This is the sepulchre of Lazarus : He, who but a little while ago was in the prime and vigour of his days, and in the ample enjoyment of what earth could afford to make him happy *, is now the prisoner of the grave. The residue of his
* I have here taken it for granted, that Lazarus was a young man, and in prosperous circumstances of life. We may probably conclude the former, as we •only read of his sisters, but of no wife or children, and from his living so long after this, as tradition tells us he did. The latter seems verj' evident, not only from their numerous acquaintance at .Terusalem, John xi. 19. But also from the splendid f'litertaimnent afterwards mentioned, .folm xii. 2. 3. Compare Luke x. 38, and seq.
Meditations on the Tears of Jesus, S<c. Z9. y
days is cut off' in the viidst * ; and liow many purpose;; arc Lr(j- ken ! how many hopes arc blasted ! How njchmcholy a cliange frora yonder elegant and pleasant mansion, to this house of darkness and of silence, from the cheerful converse of his alloc- tionate sisters, and these numerous friends who are fondly pro- longing their attendance though the rites of his funeral are ended ! He who was thus beloved and caressed, is already bronglit to sav To corruption. Thou art my Father; and to the nonnj Thou art my mother and my sister f.'^
*' Sad ciiange !" might any of us naturally have said on such an occasion ; " melancholy catastrophe ! not of Lazarus alone, but of the whole human nature ! For 7^his is the end of all menX ; this the house appointed for all living^.'" Here their magnificence and power, their beauty and vigour, tlieir learning and v isdom, be they ever so remarkable, must ere long, mingle with meanness and indigence, deformity and weak- ness, ignorance and folly. Here the human frame, that master- piece of tlie divine contrivance, which wears so much of tlie image of its Maker, must ere long be thrown aside As a bro- ken vessel in which there is no pleasure || ; And all tlie present generation of men, and all that are to arise in future ages and most distant nations, shall in their turns lie as low as Lazarus. Such are the awful monuments of the divine displeasure for that first ortence ; when As b\) one man sin entered into the worlds and death by sin, so the sitntcncc oi death passed upon all ^nen, as all had sinned in him *f[. Hither, even to the darkness, the abasement, the putrefaction of the grave, are they all travelling through a road of disappointment and vanity, of pain and sor- row. Thus are the original glories of man tarnished and withered, and his paradise turned into a Golgotha ! And all this to the apostate creature is only the beginni?ig of punishment and miserv, did not Sovereign grace interpose for his deli- verance.
Who can say, that such natural and obvious thoughts as these, did not now arise in the mind of the blessed Jesus ? Who can think it impossible, that he should thus from tlie tomb of Lazarus take a view of this wide ruin, and drop a compassi- onate tear over the various miseries of mortal man ? But such teflections as these, might have arisen from the funeral of one. who had been an intire stranger to iuin : Wc are therefore far- ther to consider,
* Isa. xxxviii. 10. t Job xvii. U. t Eccl. vii, 2. § Job xxx, 2.^
11 Pial. xxxi. IC, Jer. xxii.28. r. Rwu ▼. i:.
.3S6 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. S. CLARK. SeR. VI.
2. That our Lord was noAv attending the grave of a pious and amiable friend ; and on that account it Avould be very natu- ral for him to weep.
The evangelist takes particular care to tell us, ver. 5. that Jesus loved Lazarus, and Martha, and Mary ; nor do we read of any family, in which he more frequently lodged when he came up to Jerusalem, or where he conversed with more free- dom and endearment. We may therefore assure ourselves, that on the death of Lazarus the remembrance of this intimate friendship would be recollected by the faithful and aflectionate Jesus with due regard : And accordingly we see, that when he would inform his followers of this mournful providence, he uses this kind language, ver. 11. Our friend Lazarus slecpetlu Where by the way Ave may observe, that he not only speaks of him b}^ the appellation of friend, but represents his death as a sleep ; as if there were something in the word dead, so harsh and doleful that he hardly kncAV hoAv to connect it with so dear a name *. Now on the same principles it is natural to conclude, that when our Lord came to tha house of his deceased friend, and saw the apartments or gardens, in which he had often conversed ■with him to their mutual delight ; when he reviewed the places, in which they had taken sweet counsel together, and from whence they had gone to the house of God in company ; the recollection must naturally awaken a tender sorrow, not unlike what we feel on such an occasion.
Christ could not fail to recollect, what a friend Lazarus had been to him and to his interests, and according to his abi- lity to the village of Bethany, and the city of Jerusalem, whence so many came to pay their last office of respect to his remains. Had he been employed in the ministerial work, as I think ecclesiastical history tells us, that after his resurrection he was, his fidelity and zeal under that character would, no doubt, have been tenderly recollected. As it was, we may assure ourselves, that if Christ will anotiier day acknowledge so cheap a kindness as a Cup of cold water bestowed on a dis- ciple in his name f, he could not possibly forget, how hospita- bly he had himself been entertained by Lazarus ; how cheer- fully, and how thankfully, that generous man had opened, not only his house, but his heart to him, and to the least of his ser-
* So as Mr. RoUin has observed with his iisual elegance and propriety, when Homer describes Antilochus as bringing word to Achilles of the death of hfe friend Patroclus, he makes him only say, Ke*T«» ^«^po>c^OJ, Patfoclus is fallen. Roll. Man. dc Etud. Vol. i. p. 407.
f Mat. X. 42.
Meditations on the Tears of Jesus, ^c. 387
vants, who no doubt had been cordially welcome to liim for his master's sake. A tear over the grave of sucii a friend niij2;ht have seemed but an equitable tribute, had it fallen from any other eye ; and a common spectator would have thoufrht of no farther cause. Accordinj]jly the Jews who were present, made this reflection upon it, ver. 36. Behold, how he loved him ! viiicli by the way seems to intimate, that it was not only a drop or two, which silently stole down the cheeks of our Lord, but that it was a copious shower ; and as before it is expressly said, that he groaned in spirit, so perhaps some strong gestures might concur to express iiis grief. And though the immediate pros- pect of the resurrection of Lazarus would administer a relief peculiar to this case ; yet the thoughts of those agonies througli which he had passed, of the melanchol}' situation in which the body now lay, and perhaps of the death he M-as again to en- counter, and from which he should not arise till the heavens were no more, might all contribute to melt the com])assionato heart of the blessed Jesus ; especially in concurrence with what we are next to mention : For,
3. Our Lord certainly a'^/?^, out of compassion to survivuig relatives and friends, whom he saw almost overwhelmed Avith their sorrow.
This reason is expressly assigned in the 33d verse : When Jesus saw her, that is, Mary, weeping, and the Jews also weep- ing which came with her, he groaned in spirit, ajid was troubled. The original expression - properly signifies, he trou- bled or afflicted himself ; that is, he gave the reins in some mea- sure to his grief ; he allowed a set of sorrowful ideas to arise and lodge in his mind, Avhich he could at pleasure have banished or exclianged : And thus he set himself to practise that lesson, which he afterwards taught by his apostle, of Weeping with them that weepf I
And indeed, it was in this respect a very moving scene, w^hich may justly demand a tear from us in the review of it. Had the deceased left behind him an affectionate M'idow, who might have seemed but half to survive, while what she esteemed the better part of herself had been torn away ; or had a train of lovely children appeared, in such various gradations of filial sor- row as their respective ages might have admitted, like tender flowers drooping, their heads surcharged with rain ; we may rea- sonably conclude, a suitable sympathy would have been extend- ed to them, and an additional tear have been given to each. But
* ilapafty lai/lov, f Rom. xii. 15,
388 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. S. CLARK. »SeR. VI.
here were the two pious sisters, whom friendship and grace had concurred to join in such endearing bonds to the deceased, and to Jesus himself. The Jews also were weeping ; partly for Lazarus, partly for his sisters, and partly for themselves ; and perhay)s some of them, for that sorrow which Jesus himself dis- covered in his aspect and deportment, before these tears fell. Now we cannot wonder, that this penetrated the heart of Christ yet more deeplj^ when he saw grief reflected from breast to breast, and each affectionate friend in that mournful assembly bearing, as it werie, the burden of all. What I now see be- fore me, what I persuade myself we all feel, gives, me so lively an idea of this part of my subject, that it will scarce permit me
to pursue it. 1 will only add, that if there were anj' of the
spectators then present, who did not weep with the rest, and bore no part in so general a lamentation, even they might per- haps be an occasion of yet greater distress to him, who always formed the truest estimate of things, and saw through every iailacious appearaiice by which our ignorance and credulity are daily misled : Which leads me to add,
4. The Lord Jesus Christ himself might justly weep, to think of that dreadful ruin which M^as coming on some present for their continued impenitency and unbelief.
He who saw what was in man, undoubtedly discerned that malignity of heart, which so soon bore some of them to contrive the death of Lazarus*, that he might not remain a living testi- mony of Christ's miraculous power; and which Avould so soon lead them to reject the yet more important evidence of his mis- sion, produced by his own resurrection from the dead, expressly foretold and appealed to in that view. He saw all the dreadful consequences of this obstinacy, in their utter ruin by the Ro- mans: And as Hell was open to him, and destruction had no co^ vermgf, he foresaw distinctly the horrors of their guilty spirits, when they entered these gloomy regions; and the increasing horrors that should seize them in the judgment-day, when /;» ihetr graves they should hear the voice of the Son of God, and come forth to the resurrection of eternal damnation X • And though our Lord could not but on the whole approve of that vengeance, by which a righteous God would plead his cause, and revenge the quarrel of his rejected gospel ; yet some senti- ments of pity mingled themselves with the view, as when he had lately Wept over Jerusalem^ : Just as a humane and compas- sionate judge looks with compassion on those criminals, whom
'John xii. 10.
t Job \x\\. 6. + John V. 28, <29. § Luke xix. -il.
Meditations on the Tears of Jesus, Sic. . 389
for wise, and on tlie wliole, benevolent reasons, he gives up to
destruction. But I mention this only incitientally, as it is not
liinted at in the context, and has no iniinediate connection with the event which is now so ready to engross our thoughts. — We have seen the cause of tlicse tears ; and now,
II. Let us consider to what purposes ot practical ediiication we may improve tliem.
The following rejections may natiually arise from the sub- ject ; and I iiope, it may be useful to dwell a while upon eaclj of them.
J. This may serve to vindicate a compassionate temper from the imputation of contemptible weakness.
The fierceness of some minds, and the indolence of others, leads them to despise those whom they frequently see under the impression of tender passions. But wherefore should they des- pise them ? Surely \v hen God implanted in our nature these mcltincr emotions of soul, he intended them for some valuable purpose; and not that we should look u|)on them as weeds, to be rooted out of every well cultivated soil. I am sure, we can- not learn any such stoical maxims from the word of God ; for there, not only the most eminent saints, but many of the bravest heroes, are described with the softest sentiments of humanity about them, and are frequently painted in tears*. What grea- ter names has the Old Testament history transmitted to us, than those of Abraham t and Joseph ^:, Duvid§ and Jonathan ||, Hezekiah f and Jeremiah'^*? Yet we are told of various occa- sions on which they wept. And the tears of Paul, that great christian hero, who could so courageously face imprisonment and martyrdom for tiie cause of truth and goodness, are fre- quently spoken of, either in his history, or his letters ff. But a greater than these is here : Jesus wept. In the days of his flesh, he poured out tears, not onlv under the pressure of his own per- sonal sorrow, but somctmics out oi compassion tor others: And he particularly did it in the instance before us, though he was to receive a public honour, which rendered this day one ot the most illustrious of those which j)reccded his own resurrection.
* So those of Homer and Virgil, are often represented; which plainly shews, that those most judicious discerners of huuiau nature thought, fiierc was noUiing m such a turn of mind inconsistent with t!ie mo.U exalted courage and magnanimity.
t Gen. xxiii. 2. % Gen- xlii. '24. xliii. 30. xlvi. 29. 1. 1. § 1 Sam. -\xx- 4. 2 Sam. i. 12. iii. 32. xiii. 36. xviii. 33. || 1 Sam. XX. 41. ^2 Kings xx. 3. Isa. xxxvili. 3. **Jer. ix. 1. xiii. 17. xiv. 17. xlviii, 52. Lam. i. 16. ii. 18. ft Acts XX. 19, 31. 2Cor.il. 4. Phil. iii. 13.
VOL. Ill, 3 C
390 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. S. CLARK, SeR. VI.
He behaved in every circumstance of his conduct, with a dignity Avorthy of his general character, and of the present occasion* ; as one equal to the great work to be performed, and no way elevated or transported at the signal honour it did him : Yet, to allude to an expression of Job concerning himself, while he was amongst them with a Majesty beyond that of a king even in his army, he tempered that majesty with the gentlest sympathy which could have been expected from one, whose professed business it was to Comfort the mourners-^. Surely in this re- spect, as Avell as every other, The disciple is not above his mas- terX; nor can those marks of tenderness be a reproach to us, which were not unbecoming in him. In circumstances like these in which Jesus wept, tears are so far from being an unmanly •weakness, that they may rather be called, as they are by one of the most celebrated of the Roman poets, nostri pars optima senses, one of the most amiable parts in the constitution of human nature; which God seems to have provided on purpose, that we might be able to sfive each other a sensible token of commisera- tion and affection, which cannot so easily be counterfeited as fond words may ; and he has taken care, that while they testify our passions, they should also ease them, and unload the heart when almost ready to sink under its pressure.
2. We may also learn from the preceding discourse, what may be of use to direct our compassion in the most affectionate workings of it.
We well know, that the blessed Jesus had all the passions in the most harmonious order, and that the s\*mmetry of his soul w'as entirely unbroken. We may therefore assure ourselves, that tears which flow from the considerations on which he shed them, are the drops of wisdom and of virtue.
To weep with him over the grave of a departed friend, especially of one remarkable for piety and usefulness, is most easy and natural. The more difficult task will be, to restrain those tears within such bounds, that they may not swell into a torrent, which will bear down our comforts, our hopes, and our graces. But while they are duly moderated, and submitted to the great Lord of life, we shelter ourselves under the great ex- ample of Jesus. 4tnd indeed, Avithout such an authority, our sorrows on such an occasion might be vindicated, not only as a tribute of humanity due to the living as well as the dead, but in
* This is most beautifully illustrated by the Rev. Dr. Lardner, in his vindication of this story against Mr. Woolaston's ob)ections; which is written with a spirit of criticism as just and noble,as that of his antagonist was false, invidious, and mean.
+Jobxxix,25. iMat. X. 24.
Meditations on the Tears of Jesus, &(c. 39 1
some dep;rce as u proper expression of our pious humiliation un- der God's rebukin![j^ liand. For nothing is an aiUiction, any far- ther tlian it is felt ; and the very end of providence with respect to us would be frustrated, if our hearts were not deeply penetrat- ed and impressed by the stroke.
But let not personal and domestic calamities engross all the tenderness of our souls. Let our compassions spread themselves all abroad, and take in every proper object which may fall un- der their notice. Let us endeavour to pass through the world, as the friends of God, and of mankind; as those, who have a cordial alVection for the whole human species, and being our- selves men, can think no human concern entirely foreign to our hearts. Let us often think of the state of human nature in gene- ral; how it is defaced and pained, and wounded even to death: How man grows up to lamentation and mourning; and every age, and station, and circumstance, has its affliction ! Even ten- der and innocent infancy is not excepted ; those little helpless strangers in life, though they Have not sinned after the similitude of /Idanis transgression^^ are born under the sentence of it. What numbers of them are brought into the world, only to smart, and weep, and die ! And in other instances, when the human blossom begins to open, and the beautiful colours discover them- selves in tiie bud, how does it wither before it be fully blown ! Children, who have all the charms and all the hopes their early age can admit, seem to have been spared for a few years, only to take a deeper root in a parent's heart, that it might ach and bleed the more, when they arc plucked up, sometimes by a sud- den stroke, and sometimes b}' a slow progress which prolongs to weeks and months that dreadful operation by which we arc losing a part of ourselves. Youtlis are taken aw.iy in the full bloom and vigour of their nature, in the gay delusive dream of tli(!ir mortal holies. And Ave who survive, iind so many thorns springing up in our most pleasing paths, that we are sometimes tempted, with him who knew most of the magnificence and luxury of life, and so most of its vanity, to Bless the dead which are already dead, rather than the living which are yet alive f. Such IS the course of mortal man. Thus are we, like the re- bellious Israelites, doomed to wander in the wilderness, with but one certainty' before us in it, the sad assurance of dropping our carcases there ! Surely had we no distinct and ])eculiar sor- rows of our own we might feel those of this unhappy family to
*Rom, V. 14. f Eccl. iv. C,
3C 2
392 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. S. CLARK- SeR. VI,
which wc are allied ; and there would be an evident propriety, as well as humanit}^, in the tears we shed for it. Yet Avhile we are lamenting its ruined state, let us OAvn the righteous sentence of that God, who is thus Consummg our days in vanity^ ajid our years in trouble *, so that we spend them As a tale that is toldy or rather, as the word might be much better translated, like a sigh or a groaji-f.
But there is another subject of yet juster lamentation, to which our thoughts are directed by what we have now been hear- ing ; I mean, that obstinacy of heart, with which multitudes reject the cowisel of God against themselves, and despise that so- vereign remedy which divine grace has provided for all their sorrows in the everlasting gospel. How mau}^ wilfully make themselves, as it were, blind and deaf, Lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and be converted and heal- edX. Dying souls are a sad spectacle indeed ; especially, when they are dying under the means and offers of life, and aggravate tlieir ruin by the only method of cure. Where is the faith of christians, if we do not regard them as on the borders of eter- nal ruin? and where is the tenderness of human nature, if we can see them with indifference in so dangerous and miserable a state ? David Beheld the transgressors, and was grieved^; and Rivers of waters ran down his tyes, because men kept not God^s law\. Will it be less fatal, to reject his gospel ? Or should we be less impressed, when the tears of the Redeemer over perish- ing sinners are added to all the other moving considerations, which attend their case ? Oh that our head werewaters, and our eyes were fountains of tears, that we might weep day and nighty, for our neighboui*s, our friends, it may be some of our dearest relatives too! who seem so near to that state, where there will be perpetually Weeping and wailing, and even gnashing of teeth*^ ; where the torment of all the raging, shall be added to the distress of the mourning passions.
3. With what cheerfulness may we address this compas- sionate Saviour, when we are weeping on such accounts as call- ed forth his own tears .?
I might take occasion from hence to argue the encourage- ments we have, at all times, and on all occasions, to apply our- selves to him, as, according to the apostle's representation, A high priest who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmi- ties\\; or, according to Isaiah's description, a gracious ^yAfjo-
*Psal. Ixxviii. 33. f Psal. xc. 9. HJin pD. J Isa. vi. 10. § Psal. cxix. 158. U Psal. cxix. 136. ^ Jer. ix. 1. ** Mat. viii. 12. ft Heb. iv. 15.
Meditations on the Tears of Jesus, fiCc- 393
/lerd, who gathers the lambs in his arms, and carries them in his bosoin, and gently leads those that are with young*.
But that we may not too much clifi;rcss on so copious, though so delightful a theme, let us now apply the thought to the view of those sorrows in particular, which gave occasion to the mention of it ; the removal of dear and pious friends, and the consideration of the calamity and degeneracy of mankind.
When our heart is overwhelmed within us, on occasion of tlie removal of those who were dearest to us in the bands of na- ture and of love, what a shelter is here! to come to this immor- tal friend, and open to him all the anguish of our souls ! " Bless- ed Redeemer! Behold me in a case, which was once thine own! Thou knowest what it is to be in this sad circumstance, to be weeping over the grave of a friend. Let what thine own gentle benevolent heart tlien felt, engage thee to pity what I now feel, and to pour balm into this deep and painful wound! Oh let my heart be more open to thee, now this dear guest has quilted its apartment in it! Raise my soul from that dust to which it i.s fondly cleaving, to thy glorious and amiable self! Make up my loss in a more abundant communication of thy divine friendship, and I shall own it a rich equivalent for whatever mortality can invade !"
Again, under that distress on account of the calamities or degeneracy of human nature, which the best of men do most ten- derly feel, let us apply ourselves to Christ, as the great ph^-sician, who can cure the one and the other; as one who condescended to Come into the world, that the world through him might be savedf. And when we see, as we shall often see, the feebleness of our own attempts; and are grieved to observe, how little we can do to su[)ply the necessitous, to comfort the sorrowful, or to reform the vicious; let us humbly commend them to him, whose arm is almighty, M'hose treasures of grace and love are inex- haustible. In a word, let us with all the importunity of faith and prayer urge him to redress what he once bewailed, and to hasten that happy day, when Every thing that offends shall be taken out of his kingdom %, and a face of universal holiness and joy shall be spread through all its spacious provinces, and triumph for ever there.
4. From the tears of Christ at the grave of Lazarus we may infer, that the death of his saints is still precious in his sight.
There is not surely in human life a more cutting circum- stance, than the sight of a dying friend. When all the impor-
=* Isa. .\1. 11. t John iii. 17. + Mat. xiii. 41.
SSI ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. S. CLARK. SeR. VI.
tunity of prayer, the prescriptions of art, and the offices*of love liave been tried in vain ; when physicians own the case to be desperate, and the symptoms of it are so evident, that we can- not so much as ilatter ourselves with one remaining, though delusive hope, in favour of a life which perhaps we would gladly ransom with our own : Yet even then, with what offi- cious though unavailing eagerness do Ave return to the bed of languishing ? and while our eyes are weeping, and our hearts bleeding, how willingly do we pass through days of confinement and nights of wakefulness, if we may but con- tribute to make the passage to the grave a little smoother, -when the journey cannot be prevented ? But alas, how poor do our efforts appear, and how weak and impotent all our pity and our friendship !
Let us then, from the subject we are now upon, draw a consolation with regard to our pious friends, which may surely as a reviving cordial raise our spirits when they droop, and mingle praises with our tears. Jesus attends them, though in an invisible form ; and the eye that wept over Lazarus, is with incessant care fixed upon them. Can Ave imagine, that he is grown less gracious on his removal to the heavenly Avorld ! It is true, that he has laid aside those expressions of com- passion, Avhich are peculiar to animal nature in this inferior state, and drops of grief, and sentiments of sorrow, can have no farther place. Yet still on the throne of his glory he re- tains a kind of royal compassion ; and in this respect, as Avell as another. Having loved his own that are in the world, he loves them even to the end*. He doth indeed, for Avise and gra- cious reasons, permit and appoint their death ; but as he can- not be absent from any place, or unacquainted Avith any cir- cumstance of mankind, Ave may assure ourseh-es, that he is not an unconcerned spectator, Avhen his servants are struggling away their breath, and fainting off from the stage of mortality. The compassions of a fellow-mortal are vain and fruitless ; but those of a God are infinitely important. He can mode- rate their dying agonies, or communicate inward strength in proportion to them. He has a gentle voice, Avhich can assure them, that their sins are forgiven them ; and attendant angels are at his command, to convoy them to the regions of alo- ry. Nay, Ave may assure ourselves, that as their great and good Shepherd, he Avill himself. Be with them^ when they pass through the dark Valley of the shadow of death ; and his rod and
* John xiii, 1,
Meditations on the Tears of Jcsiis, &(c. 395
his staJI\ Avill yet comfort them '* . Wc may hoj)i\ that by his care, rays of glory shall cheer them through the gloom : and thr^ <s:a.tcrioi' Thciyivisible world., of which he holds the keys \., shall be opened upon them, in a maimer winch shall least shock and surprise. He will surely manifest himself to them by such gra- cious tokens, and embrace their separate spirits, with such un- knot n endearments, as shall leave no room for one moment's terror, or even a moment's suspicion. He will delight to teach them the songs of h. avon, as soon as the breath passes from tlieir mortal lips; and attemper the rays of opening glorj' in such a manner, as he knows most suitable to tliestate of spirits new-born from flesh.
These meditations seem naturally connected with the sub- ject ; and I am sure, they are full of divine consolation, to sup- j)ort us under the death of our pious friends, and in the views of our own, which is so soon to succeed it: especially, when con- nected with the last reflection I shall suggest, viz.
5. With what holy triumph will Christ rejoice over all his people, when he hath fiivdWy 7'ecove7rd them from the poxver of the grave, and destroyed that last enemy ?
What our Lord did in this instance for Lazarus, was but an imperfect specimen of what he intends shortly to do for all that sleep in him. Jll that are in their graves shall hear his voice, and come forth % ? and the Dead in Christ shall rise first §. Delightful prospect, for the Redeemer, and all the redeemed ! A\'hile Christ was thus weeping over Lazarus, he Kneww^hathe would do II ; and we may assure om-selves, that his gracious heart felt a secret unutterable pleasure in the thought of it. Jt must be delightful to him, Avhile sympathizing with these mourners, to reflect how soon he should Give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness^ ; how soon he should turn their sor- row into raptures of pleasing surprise, by the revival of this la- mented friend. And when he came to the tomb, and spake those divinely efhcacious words, Lazarus come forth ,- who can describe, or imagine, the moving circumstances that attended it ! \\'ith what transport did Lazarus, and Martha, and Mary, embrace and congratulate each other ^ With what a mi.xture of amazement and gratitude did they all prostrate themselves at the feet of their Almighty Saviour ? and with what fervours of devotion and love did the newly ransomed captive of the grave
♦ Psal. xxiii. 4. f Rev. i. 18. * Jo'*" ^- -^t -?• { ^ Thcss. iv. 16.
I] John vi. 6. <f Isa. Ixi. ^.
396 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. S. CLARK. SeR. VI.
consecrate to him the life which he had renewed ? A stranger must have beheld siich a sight with pleasure : How much sub- limer delight must it then give to the great Author of such mu- tual happiness !
But, Oh my brethren, Avhat was this resurrection of Laza- rus to a mortal and a sinful state on earth, when compared with that resurrection to immortal holiness and glory which Christ is designing for all his people ! Surely the very prospect of it must delight his compassionate heart, and add new joys to his throne at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Death is making havoc among his subjects here ; those whom he loveth, are sick and dying ; their Countenances gather blackness^, and their Bones aire scattered at the gravels mouth f : But he foresees the day, when he sliall lead captivity captive ; and he seems to glory in the view of it, and to comfort himself, as it were, in the thought of that ample vengeance which he will shortly take on their cruel destroyer. Is not that the language of those sublime words ? / will rajisom themjrom the power oj the grave : I will redeem them from death : O death, I will he thy plagues ; O grave, I will be thy destruction ; Bepentance shall be hid from mine eyesX- " Like an inexorable conqueror, I will abolish the very memorial of thee."
And when the glorious work is accomplished, with what complacency and delight will he survey it ! How joyfully will he welcome that important day, which is to Avipe away the re- proach of his servants, and to clothe them with beauty, honour, and immortality ! When he sees them springing out of their graves, as a mighty nation born at once, and shining in his own complete likeness, with what pleasure will he view that happ}^ change, hear their mutual congratulations, and accept their united praises ! Attendant angels will undoubtedly rejoice ; The morning stars will sing sweeter, than at laying tiie founda- tions of the earth, and the Sons of God will shout louderybr joy §. With what pleasure then must the blessed Jesus view it, as the work of his own love, and the travail of his very soul !
It is a known circumstance in the story of Augustus Caesar, that when he was.quittiiig empire and life, he expressed his great satisfaction in the improvements he had made in the build- ings of Rome, so tliat whereas he found it brick, he left it mar- ble ||. But surely Christ may much more justly glory in it,
* Joel ii. 6, f Psal. cxli. 7. + Hos, xiLi, U. § Job xxxviii. T.
II Jure lit gloriatus marmoream se relinquere, quam lateritiam accepisset, Sueton. Vit. Aug. cap. 28.
3
Meditations on the Tears of Jesus, isc. 397
^vhen lio descends in all the pomp of tlu; resurrection-day, tliat he has made a nobler change, even in this corporeal part of our nature ; and that wliereas he found it mortal corruptible clay, he has raised it to a strength and splendor superior to that of marble or adamant. Tiiis is the joy and triumpli of the blessed Jesns : IMiis is the glorious hope, that animates the christian un- der tile mournful prospect of the ravages of death.
Glorious hope ! reviving thought ! at once adequate to the sorrows of this day ; to the solemn occasion of w hich I must now turn, and persuade myself, I shall not trespass on your pa- tience, though I should a little transgress the limits of your time, while I speak of that venerable and excellent person, of that dear, amiable, generous friend, whose much lamented re- moval has directed our meditations to this fruitful subject, on M'hich it has been so hard to confine them.
The Reverend and eminently worthy Dr. Samuel Clark had the honour to be descended from ancestors remarkable for their learning and piety, Mr. Samuel Clark of Bennet Fink, so well knowti by his historical writings, was his great grandfather by the father's side * ; and Mr. Samuel Clark of Aylesbury, the autlior of those judicious annotations on the bible, which are still so generally esteemed, was his mother's father. As he bore the name of each, he imitated them both, as well in their ministerial, as christian character. His? immediate parents were very valua- ble persons, whom God spared to an advanced age to rejoice in such a son ; whom, in regard to the early marks both of genius and seriousness which they discerned in him, they early conse- crated, together with his younger brother, the late Reverend Mr. Daniel Clark, to the service of the sanctuary. He pur- sued his academical studies under the direction of the learned Dr. Ker, with whom, as I have been assured bv those who were then his companions, he acquired an early reputation ; particu- larly, for that accurate acquaintance with the greek language, and that intimate knowledge of the scriptures, both of ttie Old and New Testament, in the original, which is so important, I had almost said, so indispensable a part of ministerial furniture. When he left the academy-, he did not chuse to enter on
* I have often heard Dr. Clavk express the great satisfaction he had, in reading a piece of this author, winch is called Select Lives, in a small folio. It uideed con- tains many very memorable thinjis, no. where else to be found; and Dr. Clark said, his early acquaintance with it had so happy a tendency to form his ininJ to the knowledge and love of inward religion, and its secret exercises j that he could not but earnestly recommend it toothers, especially to young theological students.
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8J»8 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. S. CLARK. SeR. VI.
preacliinfT directly, though I behove few of his years Avere better quahfied for it : JUit he resided some time in two famihes of rank, under the capacity of a chaplain and tutor ; where, while he was directing the studies of young gentlemen committed to his care, he was greatly improving his own. He had in one or these families considerable otl^'ers of preferment in the established church ; which, in concurrence with other much weightier con- siderations, put him on studying the foundations of noncon- forinit}- with great attention. The result is well known to you, by the happy effects of it, which you enioyed for so many years : And though no man was less insla\ ed to a party-spirit, or more ready to do justice and honour to learning, moderation, and piety, wherever he found any of them ; yet I am authorised to say, he never repented the choice he made, under all its tempo- ral disadvantages : Nor is it any M'onder to me, that the observa- tion of growing years, and the freest converse with men and books, and above all, the nearest views of eternity increased his satisfaction in it.
During this period of retirement, of which I have just been speaking, he gave that accurate examination to all the most re- markable theological controversies, on which he fixed his judg- ment in relation to them. And as he heard all the different parties of christians pleading for themselves, and endeavoured to try them all by scripture, as the only infallible standard, he happily steered between opposite extremes : And his great na- tural sagacity enabling him to see much farther into many questions, than the generality of mankind do, he plainly dis- cerned, that many matters which have been most warmly de- bated, have related to what is circumstantial rather than essen- tial in the doctrines of Christianity, and when sifted to the bot- tom, relate rather to different phrases, than different ideas. This gave him that moderation, for which he was so eminently remarkable and amiable ; and engaged him, while he was vigo- rously supporting and strongly enforcing the great peculiari- ties of the gospel, to hold the truth in love, and not only to bear with those that expressed themselves differently with respect to some of them, but to pay a real deference to those valuable qualities which he discerned in them, and to whi(;h no man seemed to render more impartial justice. It was a maxim, which he early imbibed, and constantly retained, '' that all the heresies which had corrupted and afflicted the church, owed their original to men's departing from the simplicity of scrip- ture, and must derive their cure from a return to it."
\V'hen he appeared under the character of a preacher, he
Meditations on the Tears of Jesus, S(c. 3!>9
li.ippily ioiiicd the rational and pathetic with tlie scriptural and evangelical strain. In consc(|uence of this, the most judicious hearers were entertained, whilst the least knowing were in- structed, and tJK'V who had niatle the greatest progress in the divine life were led on to farther improvements. It was an honour to the taste and judgment of those who then constituted this society, that they inianiniouslv made choice of him for their pastor : And who can express how great a hlessing it has been to the church and auditory, to have enjoyed the benefit of his labours more than thirtv-eight years ? During which, as t'verv public assembly in which he presided, has been witness to the fervency of his prayers, and the excellent matter and tendency of his discourses ; so he has had a testimony in the conscience of every one that knew him, liow powerful his instructions and exhortations were enforced by the most blame- less and honourable conversation.
Most remarkably may it be said of him, that in strenu- ous imitation of his Divine Master, he went about doing good ; and all the branches of his work were his deligiit. As his mind was furnished with a rich variety of knowledge, in consequence of a long and very close attention to reading, meditation, and prayer ; so he was always ready to commu- nicate it, and desirous to support, wherever he came, a spi- rit of rational and improving conversation ; that he might fill up his time profitably abroad as well as at home, and redeem the hours which are so frequently lost even 1)y persons of knowledge and piety. Seasons appointed for meals were not exempted from his care ; and as the book of God, of course, fnrnislud out his own family food for the mind during that of the morning*, so what he daily met with in other books, often greatly improved by his own judicious reflections, was happily introduced on other occasions.
His generous heart was always working with some bene- volent and useful design ; and he endeavoured to inspire all about him with such sentiments, and to encourage to the ut- most every worthy pursuit, whether in his brethren in the ministrv, or in private christians. His steadiness of temper carried him through the various accidents of life, with uncom- mon composure. Far from that desultory temper, which is
* It was ill Dr. Clark's family a Rrneral custonii if no oUicr ncrcssary snb- joct of conversatioa occurred, for ovcry member of it present at breakfaii to roprat a text of scripture ; and I have known it from thcuce transplanted else- wiiere.
3 D 2
400 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. S. CLARK. SeR. VI,
often so fatal to the usefulness even of great men, he pursued with persevering patience whatever good design he undertook ; and that prudence which was so distinguished a part of his cha- racter, enabled him to judge of the importance of ends, and the properest measures of obtaining them : So that I have seldom known any, who appeared to suffer fewer disappointments in the prosecution of their schemes, than he.
His great modesty did indeed prevent him from some public services, of which he was on many accounts very ca- pable : I mean, instructing the world more frequently from the press. But the few specimens of this kind Avhich he has given, are sufficient to make us regret there are no more, and to excite our wishes that some way may be found of rescuing from obli- vion some of his many valuable remains.
It was one instance of Dr. Clark's remai'kable wisdom, that he was a most attentive observer of providence : And the con- duct of providence towards him was, in many respects, pecu- liarly worthy of observation : He delighted himself in the Almighty, and God gave him the desire of his heart.
He was undoubtedly one of the happiest, as well as one of the best of men, in domestic life ; and indeed, for a long course of years, prosperity seemed to attend on all his steps. As he was greatly blessed in a most suitable, affectionate, and amiable consort, and in a train of lovely children, he treated them always with the most endearing tenderness, and was per- petually labouring to improve all his influence over them, for their advancement in religion, and in whatever else might make them capable of increasing happiness.
Prudence taught him to form friendship with due delibera- tion, and none could cultivate it more faithfully ; nor could any one be happier in expressing the kind sentiments with which his heart overflowed, wherever he professed it, or more ready to think himself obliged, or to return with interest every good of- fice he received. And the good hand of his God was remark- ably upon him in this respect, in sparing to him for many years some intimate friends, for whom he had through life the highest esteem ; and in raising up others towards the close of his life, who shewed in the most obliging manner the high respect they paid to his merit as soon as they began to know it, and the pleasure they took in contributing to his happiness.
As God had placed him in more plentiful circumstances than many of his brethren, it appeared that he well knew how to use and to become them. His mind was too great to be in any degree elated with them, too wise and too good to fail of improving them for the best purposes. His liberal soul devis-
Meditations 07i the Tears of Jesus, S^c. 401
ed liberal things, uiiich y(^t he was studious to conceal. lie took a peculiar pleasure, ui hospitably sharint^ witli his brethren and friends the bounties of divine Providence ; and gave and received a new supply of spirits, while he was conversing with them in such circumstances.
Thus did this good and happy man pass through a long series of years, increasing in knowledge and in piety, in zeal and usefulness ; loving all, and by all beloved ; honouring all, who deserved any peculiar regard, and by all such honoured, in proportion to their knowledge of him ; bringing joy into cvi^yy house which he entered, and most of all into his own when he returned to it. And when towards the close of so bright a day, heavy afflictions visited him, he took occasions from them to exhibit new virtues and graces, and to demonstrate that it was not from speculation alone, he had known how so well in pros- perity to inculcate the duties of adversity. He bore frequent visits of" acute pain, with uncommon patience and cheerfulness : And though the unutterable pleasure betook in exerting him- self continually in public service, rendered his paralytic disor- ders peculiarly grievous ; yet even these he supported with great resignation to the will of God, and cheerful hope in his long experienced goodness. And in this visitation, mercy sur- rounded him in a manner well worthy of our recollection. Though his speech was so much affected by it, as to render him, for. more than a year and an half, incapable of the; labours of tlic pulpit, yet his understanding continued in its full vigour ; nor did I ever hear him discourse with more sagacity and pene- tration, or pray with more readiness or pro|)riety of expression, than since this lamented complaint seized him: And he was still capable of study, which to his latest days he pursued with as much eagerness, as if he had just been laying in his furniture for the ministry.
There seemed also a providential beauty in the vicissitudes of Dr. Clark's illness and recovery. A\'hereas he was so ex- tremely afflicted for a considerable time at Bath with a compli- cation of distempers, that his skilful physician scarce expected to have found him alive at his return, for several (.lays ; his spirits still kept up to the amazement of all that were around him, and he discovered a serenity which nothing could discom- pose, a cheerfulness which nothing could overbear. Thus he triumphed over death, when it seemed to make its nearest and most deliberate approaches : And after this you know, in how surprising a manner he was given back to the prayers which were olfered for him, and restored to his own house, and the bouse of his friends again ; yea, what was to him most delight-
402 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. S. CLARK. SeR. VI.
ful of all, restored to the house of his God. I cannot express the pleasure with which I reflect upon it, that the last sabbath, and almost the last day of his Ufe, was spent with you in this place ; and that he was administring the sacrament of the Lord's-supper to you, but a few hours before he received his final discharge from the service of this lower world*. And truly, I think the circumstances of that discharge peculiarly favourable. To be so suddenly struck, as to be able only by a speaking smile to testify to the dear relatives then near him, the secret tranquility and joy of his heart, when all the powers of utterance and of nature were failing him at once ; and then to take flight for heaven, without so much as a groan, is a death greatly to be congratulated, when viewed in connexion v/ith such a life.
Oh my brethren, what shall I say ? With difficulty indeed do I restrain a thousand thoughts which are rising in my mind, while I speak of my friend, of my father, for such I may pro- perly call him, if all the offices of paternal tenderness and care can merit that title. We cannot but mourn, yet let us rejoice too. Let us rejoice that we have known him, and known him to be such a man ; that he has marked his way with such distinguished usefulness, and scatterd so many blessings, of which so many are left behind him. As when Dorcas was gone, surviving friends shewed the garments which she had made for the poor, as memorials of her goodness so may I this day shew many remaining, many present eflfects of Dr. Clark's piety and zeal; and though so many of them may seem to be hidden in the grave, yet neither are they lost. To him, I ma}^ truly say, that under God I owe even my- self, and all my opportunities of public usefulness in the church ; to him, who was not only the instructor of my childhood and 3"outh in the principles of religion, but my guardian when an helpless orphan, as well as the generous, tender, faithful friend, of all my advancing years. By him, were many of you in- structed with me in the course of catechistical lectures, and other exercises of the like kind, which he so happily invented and diversified for the benefit of the rising generation. f To him, as the instrument in the hand of divine grace, do many of you owe it, that early religious impressions were made upon 3'our minds ; that you were introduced betimes to the table of
* On Lord's-day, December 2, whereas he died on the Tuesday following.
\ It was oustomaiy with Dr. Clark for many years, to meet youni^ persons at the vestry on the Thursday evenings for religious conversations, in which he went over successively some useful subjects, of wJiich he gave them some schemes in writing, that tliey might give him an account of them. Thus he went over the
Meditations oti the Tears of Jesus, &V. 40;?
tlie Lord ; and that you were formi-d, by all tlic advantap^es of instruction and example, to tliose cliaraclers wiiieli many ot'you so wortliilv and usefully sustain. In some families he has been in all tlies<' r<.'sj)ects successively ahlcssini; to parents and child- ren ; anil he has with unutteral)le pleasure se(;n in many of you, that his Labours have not been in vain in the Lord. And I cannot look upon the childnMi of the charity school now present, with- out recollecting-, iliat it is now more than thirty years since it was founded by his pious care, exciting the gencralitv^ of jiis flock, to make, if I mistake not, the first ellbrts of this kind, that was ever made among the dissenters in the country ; which has since been followed in niaiiy other places with liappy success, and which I hope will still be, as I am sure the institution hera lias already been a means of great good, with respect both to the temporal and eternal interest of many, ^vho must otherwise have been exposed to great ignorance and wretchedness.
Such are the monuments, which our honoured friend lias left behind him: And may they long remain! May the effects of his pious and excellent labours be more and more conspicu- ous ! Grievous indeed would it be, if any who heard such exhortations, and saw them illustrated by such an example, should remain unimpressed with a sense of divine things. If there be any such present, let me entreat them to hear him once more while dead, yet speaking. Let me entreat them to give an attentive perusal to those excellent sermons on the folly of irresolution in religion, which at our united request he pub- lished : They seem sufficient to convince every conscience ; and oh that divine grace might add efficacy to the conviction ! As for those of us, who by that grace have felt and submitted to the power of such considerations, and are now serving God in the sincerity of our liearts, what can be more seasonable, under our present distress, than to have recourse to that col- lection of scripture-promises, which he so judiciously ranged in connexion with the characters to which they are made. Let us drink of these living streams, from that fountain which never can be drawn dry, and our souls shall be refreslied ; and we shall be taught to say, with a joy which a loss like this will not be able to take away. The Lord liveth, and blessed be our lock ; and let the God of our salvation be exalted. Amen.
historj' of scripture, the evidences of natural and revealed religion, tlie reasons of the reformation from poperj", and the ethics of Solomon, collected fi-oiu a very judicious analysis which he made of his proverbs and book of Ecilesiastes. He has left behind him fairly transcribed in short hand, between two and three huiid* red discourses on this last subject, which I could wish in every hand, so far *s I can judge of the specimen I have seen of them.
404 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. J. NEWMAK.
AN ORATION
AT THE GRAVE OF
THE REV. MR. JOHN NEWMAN.
Spoke on July 31, 1741.
The substance ofuhrU ivas delivered at the interment of the Rev. Mr. Netvman, JuhjZX, 1741 ,■ zviihthe addition of so?ne particulars, xvhich there was not time then to irUroduce.
A>
.S we advance from one stage to another in the journey of life, we grow still more familiarl}'^ acquainted with its various afflictions. And this is the constitution of a wise and gracious God, who is thus training us up for that world, where we shall be above the need of sorrow, and so for ever above the rea<5h of it. In the mean time, our heavenly father doth not leave us comfortless ; and blessed be his name, his Consolations are not small. On the contrary, they are most important, as well as various, and so accommodated, .both to the weight, and to the variety of our distresses.
We are now an assembly of mourners, gathered together around the grave of a very worthy and excellent person. Some of us have lost one of the most affectionate of all parents ; others, a wise, watchful, and diligent pastor ; and all that knew him to any degree of intimacy, so faithful, and so tender a friend, that we must be strangely happy, if we find a great many like him, in this imperfect and impoverished world. But there are comforts in the word of God, suited exactly to such a case as this, and expressly designed to teach us, that we should not sorrow as those who have no hope, for the removal of such as, like him, sleep in Jesus. God would have us cheered m such a touching circumstance ; and that the comfort may be adminis- tered in the most proper and effectual manner, he puts words into our mouth upon such an occasion, that we may not be at a loss, even when our own are swallowed up : many words, ■which have been through succeeding ages, ever since they were
Funeral Oration. 405
xrritten, the joy of dyinir and surviving christians, in whatever circumstances "they might die or survive. And these consola- tions are, indeed, hke some kinds of rich perfume, winch rctam their fragrancy from one age to another : hut with this glorious dilTercnre, that whereas those cordial productions of nature gradually lose their sweetness, though hy slow degrees, these consolations rather grow more and more powerful, as the great obiects of that hope which they administer come nearer and
nearer to us.
Attend to them therefore with faith, and you must surely, if you are indeed cliristians, attend with pleasure. Let the most pained heart, though contracted with the most distin- guished share of sorrow on this mournful occasion, open itself to these comforts; and let the dejected, weeping, overflowing eye, be raised to meet so glorious a prospect. For I say and testify to you by the word of the Lord, as spoken to us by that illustrious apostle St. Paul, that the pious dead are not perished ; but that i/we believe I hat Jesus died and rose again, we have all imaginable reason to depend upon it, that such as s/ecp in Jesus God will bring with him : For the Lord Jesus Christ himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the arch-angel, and with the trump of God ; and the dead in Christ shall rise first : Then we also, i. e. those of us christians, who in our different generations arc all but one body, who remain alive, shall he caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air ; and so shall we ever be xvith the Lord. Wherefore y comfort ye one another with these words.
Lift up your heads, oh ! ye mourning christians, to survey more distinctly this delightful prospect. Lift them up with joy; for your redemption, and that of your now lamented tnend's, most assuredly draweth nigh.
The grave is continually multiplying its triumphs ; and with how many of its affecting trophies ar(i we here surrounded ! we die by the righteous sentence of God against sin, agamst the first sin of the common founder of our race : But as by man came death, by man comes also the resurrection of the dead; ami as we are bearing the image of the earthly /Idam, and shall ere lono like, him, return to the dust, we shall also bear the nnage of
the heavenly.
It docs not surelv seem an incredible thing to any of us,
that God should raise the dead. And if it seem not incredible,
it cannot possibly be thought inconsiderable : especially when
we reflect on the glorious manner, in which the resurrection
VOL. III. y ^
406 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. J. NBVVMAN.
of the just is to be accomplished. Our Lord Jesus Christ will see to it, that it be done ; yea, lie will himself be present at it : it shall be done by his express care, command, and power. The Lord himself will descend frojn heaven on this account, while all his celestial attendants shall shout forth their joys on the illustrious occasion. And the first thing whicli he does iipoa that descent, even before he takes any visible and distinct notice of the saints then alive, will be to call out of their graves those that sleep in him : as if he were impatient of that bondage in which their bodies had been detained, and a declared enmity against that destroyer. O death, says he, with a majestic indig- nation, / will be thy plagues ! Repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. I will not leave thee one of my servants to triumph over : however obscure in life ; how long soever forgotten in the dust ; I will redeem all my Israel, and not a hoof shall be left behind.
And, oh, let us consider in what forms they shall appear : He willchange these vile bodies, that they may be fashioned like unto his own glorious body, according to that mighty power whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself: Then ■shall be brought to pass the saying that is written. Death is swallowed up in Victory : not the least trace of it remaining in all the redeemed world : nothing by w^hich it could be known, that any one of all the thousands and ten thousands of God's Israel had ever been for one moment under its power. Glori- ous display of the royalty and magnificence of God's love to Lis people ! That though it be not in itself absolutely necessary to their happiness ; yet the meaner part of their nature shall be rescued from the abasements of the grave, and not only recovered, but beautified, invigorated, and adorned !
Nor is this to be merely the triumph of one public and solemn day. It is added, as the crown of all, so shall we ever be with the Lord I And let it be remembered , that it is said, not of the apostles alone, or of those, who like our reverend father, whose remains we now attend, have borne sacred offices in the church, and honoured God in them by distinguished services ; but it is said of every true believer, and was intended to include us, on Avhom the ends of the world are come, who are, so far as our character answers our christian profession, as dear to Christ, as if we had lived seventeen hundred years ago, and ministered to him, or to his apostles. And how much is implied in this ? We shall be Avith Christ ! Glorious hope, worth dying for ? Who, that indeed love^ him, does not say in his heart, even now, with all these solemn ensigns of death
Funeral Oration. 407
before his eyes, I desire to depart and to be 10101 Christ: And let the worms destroy this bodj/, and let tlie tomb press it down: May Init my enlarged spirit soar up to him, though corporeal delights, and creatnre converse were to be known no more! But you will remember, Ave are to be with the Lord in our complete persons, and in one complete society too : and what is the crown of all, and aflbrds, in a few words, if I may so speak, a kind of infinite delight, wd shall be for ever with him. Nothing shall ever separate us from him ; nothing imbitter, nothing interrupt, so much as for a moment, the pleasure of our endeared converse with him.
And now I will appeal to you, my dear friends, who are most painfully wounded by this sad stroke ; and to whom all the tender names of father, and pastor, and friend, are grown sounds of sorrowful memorial, in proportion to the degree in which they were once delightful ; yet I will ajjpeal even to yon, if these are not good and comfortable words, fit for an apostle to write, and for God himself to dictate to his mourning children. It appears from what I have been saying, that it is well with our dear de- parted friends who sleep in Jesus: they are sealed up among God's treasures: Theij enter into peace, they rest in their beds; and they shall rise from them in the morning of the resurrection, not like Lazarus, with his grave clothes about him ; but dressed in the robes of glory and immortality. And if this were all that could be said with relation to them, were it not to sound reason and a lively fuith much, were it not abundantly enough to vindi- cate the kindness of God's dispensations towards them, though they might seem for a short moment, while they lie in the dust, as under his rebnkes ? were it not enough to awaken our con- gratulations rather than our condolences ? Yet to increase the pleasure, Avith which we look after these beloved objects, now removed from our sight, we are farther told, and it is by no means to be forgotten, that even now, Avhilc absent from the bodiy, they arc in an important sense and degree preseyit with the Lord; and so present, that their most intimate converse with liim on earth was, in comparison with this, but absence from Imn. It is then well wiih them indeed ; and it shall be well with mn too, if we are christians ; so soon, so certainly, so entirely Avell. that I wonder at the weakness of our minds, that they -liould be so much depressed with this short separation: for these very scriptures assure us, we shall meet with them again; lor they and we being with the Lord, we must be Avith each other. Wh-AX a delightful thonght is this ! Avhen we run over the long
3 E 2
408 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. J. NEWMAN".
Catalogue of excellent friends, which we rashly say we have lost, to think, each of us, I also shall be gathered to my people, to those whom my heart still owns under that character, with an affection Avhich death could not cancel, nor these years of ab- sence erase. Nature takes a fond kind of pleasure in the secret thought, that with regard to some of them, our coffins shall in a little time stand by theirs, and our dust must be mingled in the same grave. Poor trifling comfort! as if dust could tell where it M^as, and with what it was mingled. But the gospel assures us, that if we he followers of them, who through faith and patience do now inherit the promises, our spirits shall ere long join with theirs, in the services and pleasures of the heaven- ly world. And how far Avili this be beyond all that pleasure with which on earth we have taken sweet counsel together, and gone to the house of God in company ! And it also assures us, that, at last, we, who have taken our parts in the sad procession ©f mourners, that conveyed them to this house of darkness and silence, if we indeed believe in him who is the resurrection and the life, shall also have our place in that bright procession, in which Christ shall lead them on to the gates of glory, in that day, when he will say, in a yet more important sense than he did in the day of his agony, and with his expiring breath, " // is fini- shed: the purposes of my dying love are completely accom- plished, and my people are what I always intended they should at last be, and always rejoiced in the views of making them."
Only let us all suffer the word of exhortation, and make it our care, that seeing we look for such things, we receive Christ Jesus the Lord, and walk in him. It is a terrible, but most cer- tain truth, that there are many who wear the name of Christ now, whom he will at last disown, and will say to them, Depart from 7ne, I know you not whence you are. It is most certain, we must be united to Christ by faith now, and conformed to him in true holiness, or we shall have no part or lot in this matter. Let us therefore gird up the loins of our mind, let us renew our resolution, and our watchfulness, and so hope to the end, for the grace that shall be brought unto us at the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, when he shall administer to all his faithful servants an abundant entrance into his heavenly kingdom. Amen.
FUNERAL SERMONS.
CHRISTIAN'S TRIUMPH OVER DEATH:
A SERMON OCCASIONED BY THE MUCH-LAMENTED DEATH OF THE
REV. PHILIP DODDRIDGE, D. D.
AND MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT NORTHAMPTON.
Wlioditd October 26, 1731, in the Fiftieth Year of his Age. BY JOB ORTON.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AT NORTHAMPION,
t.ATFLY
Under the Pastoral Care of the Rev. Dr. Doddridge; Grace, Mercy, and Peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
MY DEAR FRIENDS,
Though providence has removed me to a distance from you, I share largely in tiiose sorrows, with which your minds arc filled on account of the death of your learned, pious, and excellent pastor ; an event which all our churches greatly and justly lament. When he assigned to me the work of preatlnng the sermon on that occasion, he was sensible my respect for you, as well as lor him, would not suffer me to decline it. In compliance with his desire the following discourse was drawn up, in the best manner I could, amidst the languors of an infirm constitution, and the interruption of many necessary avocations. And it had been long ago preached among you, had not a wise providence permitted an unhappy accident to befal me, which conhnes me at home. It is the most grievous circumstance in this allliction, that I am prevent- ed from vibiting vou, performing the service assigned me by my cvcr-honoui-- ed friend and fm'hcr, and personally suggesting to you such consolations and advices as may, in present circumstances, be peculiarly useful. 'lo su|>ply this lack of service, I am constrained to send you the discourse Irom the press: And this, I hope, will be a sullkienl apology with those, who may thmk it un- worthy of public regard. It is some satisfaction to me to relied, that dis- courses, on such solemn occasions, have been attended with great uselulness, especially to the acquaintance and friends of the deceased, which has often flowed, not so much from the thoughts and advices contained in llicm couii-
410 DEDICATION.
^ered alone, as viewed in connection with the awful events wliich occasioned tliem. I liope tfierefore, tliat a recollection of the Doctor's eminent worth, and the loss his family, his flock, and the public sustain by his death, will cast a veil over the imperfections of this discourse, and fill every reader's heart with so much seriousness and tenderness, as may make way, for the plain remarks and admonitions contained therein, to impress it, and through the influences of tlie Spirit of Jesus, produce some valuable effect.
I cannot conclude this address without expressing my warmest gratitude to you. for all the respect and affection with which you honoured me, during the agreeable years I spent amongst you. And it is my earnest wish and prayer, that you may yet flourish, and be edified, xvalking in the fear of the Lord, and the con forts of the Hohj Ghost: Particularly that you may act upon those noble and truly christian maxims of candor and unanimity, wliich your late pastor inculcated upon you, and the public, in all your future conduct, and especially in the choice of his successor; that the Jiead of the church ■would give you a pastor after his own heart, under whom you may daily grow in christian knowledge and holiness, and be training up for the perfection and happiness of the heavenly state. These are the daily prayers of,
Mtj d^ar Friends,
Your very affectionate Friend, and Servant, for Jestis sake,
JOB ORTON.
The Christians Triumph over Death. 41 L
SERMON VIll.
1 Cor. xv. 54. latter part. Dcutk isszvalbuxd up in Hdory.
A HE dying bed of an eminent christian is a most melancholy, and, at the same time, a most delightful scene : Grief for the do- minion of sin and death, and the loss we are sustaining by his removal, joy in the supports of religion he feels, and the pro- mises of the gospel he rests upon, take place in our minds by turns, and sometimes mingle together. But in a soul formed to a relish for virtuous friendship, and deeply impressed with the great truths of Christianity, the joy will preponderate ; and the pious heart will overflow with sacred delight to see the terrors of death removed, to observe how wonderfully God sustains his servants in their last conflict, and what an attestation they give to the fulness and sweetness of christian consolations. In this instance in particular, God graciously makes his providence a commentary upon his word, and illustrates the promises of his gospel by the joy and peace he diffuses into the hearts of his dying saints. Our text has often been the means of producing this joy, and is indeed one of the most comfortable declarations, that mortal creatures can hear; and the awful event, which directs my thoughts to it, conhrms the excellency and suitable- ness of it. It should, certainly', be regarded by all with an at- tention becoming dying creatures. But there are two circum- stances, my friends, to recommend it to your peculiar regard, viz. that it was exemplified in the closing scenes of the life of your late worthy pastor, so justly dear to you and to me, and that, out of a particular concern for your support and encourage- ment, living and dying, it was his express, his last, and almost dying request, that I would discourse to you from it, on this very melancholy occasion.
The excellent and reviving chapter of which the text is a part, was intended to confute the opinion of those who said, there was A'o resurrection oj the dead*. Their error seems to have been in asserting, that what Christ and his apostles had said
♦ Whitby in loe.
412 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. DODDRIDGE. SeR. VHI.
of a resurrection, did not refer to a resurrection of the dead, but a resurrection or renovation to a life of holiness from a state of sin, which is justly and beautifully described as a state of death. This, probably, Avas the error of Hymeneus and Philetus, who said, that The resurrectmi is past already *. The apostle Paul therefore sets himself to prove at large, that there shall be a re- surrection of the dead. He proves it possible, from the resur- rection of Christ; a well known and undisputed fact. He proves it certain, from the connection between this fact, and the au- thority of the apostles to publish his religion ; of which this doc- trine was so distinguishing and glorious a part ; and also from the relation, in which Christ, the last Adam stood to mankind. And as the objections against this doctrine chiefly arose from not understanding its nature, and the circumstances of the new body, he enlarges upon these topics in the latter part of the chapter ; and concludes it with a divine and most eloquent rapture, de- scribing the glorious resurrection of the saints, of whom alone he there speaks, and triumphing in the prospect of this blissful event ; So, says he, when this corruptible shall have put on iyicor- ruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality , then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, " Death is swallowed up in Victory.'''' The text is a quotation from the pro- phecies of Isaiah, where it is said. He will swallow up death in victory f ; and probably refers to the deliverance of the Israelites from that utter destruction, which the king of Assyria threaten- ed, and attempted to bring upon them : A deliverance that was indeed, life from the dead. It is with great propriety and beauty, that these sublime and comfortable words are by St. Paul ac- commodated to the resurrection of the dead. The text suggests to us these two remarks, which I will endeavour to illustrate, and then direct you to the proper improvement of them.
I. Death may naturally be considered as an enemy.
II. True christians shall obtain a complete victory over it.
I. Death may naturally be considered as an enemy.
This is implied in the text, Avhen the apostle speaks of a victory; and it is expressly asserted in verse 26. The last ene- my that shall be destroyed is Death. It is an enemy we are every one to conflict with, for There is no discharge in that warX- Death is, by an elegant figure, often described in the scriptures, as a person, or intelligent agent. It is emphatically styled The king of terrors^, and said to Reign over mankind by one riians
* 2 Tim. ii. 18. f Isa. xxv. 8. + Eccl. viii. 3. § Job xviii. U.
3
The ChristiarCs Triumph over Death. 4 1 3
offence*. Nature and experience teach us to consider death as an enemy; for
It dissolves tlie union between soul and body. It dislodp^es the soul, willing or unwilling; and separates it from its old and dear companion. Providence has wisely implanted in every hu- man mind a love to the body to which it is united, and a tender concern for Its health ; insomuch that, No man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisketh and chcrisheth itf. Conscqiienb- ly a separation must be painful. Though good men while In this tabernacle, this mean precarious building, ^?-ortn, being bur- dened, yet there is a natural aversion to put it olf. Not^ says the apostle, for that ice -would be unclothedX- It would be more agreeable to take the body with us to another world, than go through the pain and terror of dying, and have these two bosom friends divorced. This is a circumst.uicc Ave would be glad to be excused from, especially as it is the consequence and punish- ment of sin ; but death will pull down this structure, which, mean as it is, we are fond of, having dwelt in it so long, and having been at so nmch care and pains to keep it in tolerable re- pair, and will force the inhabitant to remove.
Again, Death destroys the a(-tivity and beauty of the bod}-, and turns it into loathsomeness and corruptions. Diseases, its forerunners, generally Consume away the flesh that it cannot be see?iy and the bones that were not seen, stick out §. At length the comeliness of the body is turned into deformity, and what was an object of delight, becomes a spectacle of horror. The limbs that were sprightly and active, grow stiff and useless : The eyes Avhich sparkled with life and vigour, are sunk and ghastly : The learned brain, in which so many curious traces were lodged, so many ideas ranged with the utmost care, and retained by close recollection, has lost its exquisite sensibility; and the entertain- ing and instructive tongue is sealed up in silence. The vitals of the body have lost their powers. The lungs cease to play, and the heart to beat. The silver cord is loosed, and the golden, bowl broken, the pitcher is broken at thejountain, and the wheel broken at the cistern ||. Then we are willing to bury our dead out of our sight ; to cast the desire of our eyes into the grave, to mingle with conmion dust, and lie in dishonour and darkness for ages to come.
Further, Death removes us from our most near and intimate friends, and other earthly comforts.
* Rom. V. 17. f Kph. v. 29. J 2 Cor. v. 4. § Job xxxiii. 21. j| Ecd. xii. 6. VOL. HI. 3 F
414 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV* DR. DODDRIDGE. SeR. VIH.
It dissolves tlie ties of nature, and the alliances of friend- sliip ; and breaks down the pleasing fabric of happiness, which love had been for many years erecting. The benevolent heart is ready to take up Hezekiah's mournful complaint, I shall be- hold man no more with the inhabitants of the zi'orld*.
Further, it breaks off men's tiioughts and purposes relating to this world, for the good of their families, neighbourhood, and the public. Tlie great thoughts of wise and pious men for the glory of God and the advancement of religion perish ; and the charitable schemes, which depended on the continuance of their lives, are defeated.
Finally, The little acquaintance we have with the other world, to Avhich death transmits us, increases the fear of a re- moval hence.
We know so little of our souls and their manner of existence and operation without a body, and there are so many doubts and fears about their eternal condition prevailing in us, that it is no wonder, the thought of quitting the present scene is painful, and death, as it removes us from it, is considered as an enemy.
Whose heart is not ready to fail him in the prospect? Who does not find his reason and sometimes his faith too, ready to sink, when he is going to encounter the king of terrors, and pass through his dark and gloomy regions to an unknown and mialter- able state? And in vain we call to reason, and ask philosophy to furnish us with sufficient armour of defence, and to fortify our minds against the attacks of this stern invader. It is the peculiar glory of the gospel of Christ to assist our reason, and increase our faith in proportion to the strength of theenem}^, and the different impressions which the apprehensions of it make upon our minds. And this it does by the discovery it makes of a future state, a glorious resurrection, and a final everlasting triumph over death.
Having thus briefly viewed the frightful features of the enemy, let us turn our eyes to a more bright and agreeable scene ; and observe
II. True christians shall obtain a complete victory over death.
The text informs us that a victory shall be gained, and it shall be so complete, that death may be said to be even swallow- ed up in it, quite destroyed, and no traces or remainders of it be found. This is confirmed by the passage already mentioned ; verse 26. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. The word (ital»p7£t1«») rendered destroyed., signifies being divested of
* Is a. xxxviii. II.
The Christianas Triumph over Dcalh. 415
an authority it Iiad before, and beiiifr reduced to an incapacity of exortinj^ any further power '\ Thus alter the same apostle had been spcakinp^ oi Persecution, peril, and sivord, of being killed all the day-long y as the lot of himself and his fellow-christiaus, he adds, 7iay in all these things xve are more than conquerors f y complete, glorious, triumphant conquerors — and this is agree- able to wiiat God himself declares concerning this formidable enemy, with so much grandeur and majesty. J will ransom them from the power of the grave : I will redeem them from death : O death, I will be t hi/ plagues ; O grave, I will be thy destruction ; repentance shall he hid from my eyesX.
For the further illustration of this comfortable truth, let us observe, that the victory is in some measure obtained in the present life — but it sliall be perfected in tiie future.
1 . The victory is in some m(;asure obtained even in the present life.
Christ gained a victory by his own resurrection, and the revelation and promise of a happiness beyond the grave ; for he hath yJbolished death, abolisiied its tyranny, destroyed its force, and i-endered it, comparatively, of none effect, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel^. He has assured us of the certainty and eternity of the future state, and
largely explained its nature he lias not indeed removed the
natural fears of death Avhich are wrought into our very consti- tution, and are the springs of many of our actions ; nor is it his intention entirely to remove from the minds of good men that fear of death, which has an apparent tendency to promote seriousness and watchfulness, an heavenly disposition which keeps them always prepared for the coming of the Lord. But Jie has taken away the slavish apprehensions of it, and delivered them, who, Through/ear of death, were, all their life longy subject to bondage. Death has now, in efl'ect, changed its nature. It only hurts the body, not the soul. It only puts an end to those pursuits, employments, and entertainments, which are suited to the body, and this present world ; but not to those, about which holy souls are engaged, and with which they are delighted and imjirovcd. Nav, it is become, on many accounts, a benefit ; as it puts an cud to their temptations and conflicts, doubts and fears ; as it hides their bodies in the grave, for ever
* Compare verse QV. whore Uio same word is rendered, p«/ doivn, f Rom. viii. H". X IIos. xiii. 14. § 2 Tim. i. 10. eomparcd with Rom. ii. 7. 1 Cor. i, 28. xiii. 3. ]fph. ii. \b. Ilcb. i. 14.
3F2
416 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. DODDRIDGE. SeR. VIII.
shelters them from the pains and sorrows to which they are here exposed, and transports their separate spirits to everlasting purity and peace.
A present victory is obtained by the calmness with which the saints die ; and that^oj/ unspeakable and full of glory, with which the Spirit of Christ sometimes replenishes their hearts, when the flesh is sinking into the dust. — Are they not conque- rors, wlien, with smiles in their -pale countenances, and songs of praise upon their quivering lips, they calmly yield to the stroke of death, and, through Christ who strengthened them, triumph over all its frightful poAvers, saying, O death where is thy sting ? O grave where is thy victory ? Let me add, this is death's last attack. It strikes once, but can never strike more ; and " all the hurt it can possibly do them, is to put it abso- lutely out of his own power ever to hm't them any more*". Which leads me to add further,
2. The victory shall be perfected in the future world.
And this will appear, when we consider, that all the faithful servants of Christ shall be raised again ; their bodies shall be transformed into the likeness of Christ's body ; and they shall be fixed in a state of complete and everlasting happiness.
1. All the faithful servants of Christ shall be raised again.
They are laid in the grave, but not one of them shall be lost there. Death feeds on therUy but at the great day they shall have the dominion. That there shall be a resurrection of the dead, that their bodies, which are turned to corruption, sliall be redeemed, and so much of each, as shall be sufficient to denominate it their own body, collected and united by the almighty power of God, is certainly declared in the holy scrip- tures. We have some intimations of this in the Old Testa- ment, upon which the Jews grounded their belief that there should be a Resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust f . But it is plainly revealed in the New. The hour is coming when all, that are in their graves^ shall hear the voice of Christ, and come forthX This, says he, is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day^. This doctrine the apostles preached ; they assured the christians, that Ffe Who raised up Christ from the dead, should quicken their mortal bodies]]. That Christ was risen from the dead, and become the jirst fruits of them that slept^,''^
* Mr. How. f Acts xxiv. 15. | John v. 28. § John vi. 40.
l\ Rom. viii. 11. 5f I Cor. xv. 20.
The Christians Triumph over Death, 417
of that plentiful harvest wliich should spring out of the dust, when the Lord should descend again from heaven. The resur- rection of Christ, illustrated by the resurrection of otiier dead ])0(hes, proves what God can do, and testilles what he will do. And this chapter alone will keep up the belief of this great event, till the trumpet shall sound, and the resurrection ])rove itself. Captivity shall be led captive, and death, which has triumphed over the whole human race, shall himself be triumphed over, when the cartlj and the sea shall p;ive up their dead. Though we now say to corruption, thou art my father, and to the devouring worm, tliou art my mother and mv sister : The authority and power of Christ shall at length dissolve the disagreeable relation, and the grave claim wo more acquain- tance with us. But, as a bare resurrection is common to good and bad ; and since, As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive ; therefore we must add,
2. Tlieir bodies shall be transformed into the image of Christ's body.
This is their peculiar honour ; and the apostle Paul asserts it in very strong terms ; Who shall change our vile body, thai it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he isable even to subdue all things unto himself*. The doctrine of the resurrection was ridiculed by the weaker heathens as impossible, and represented by the wiser as unde- sirable ; turning the soul again into a prison, and laying upon it an insupportable burden : But the account tiie apostle gives us in this chapter, of the great alteration which shall be made in the bodies of the saints, answers their objections. He assures us, that tveakness, corruption, and dishonour sliall be left in the grave ; and the body be raised in incorruption, glory and power i a spiritual body, not an animal one. And as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. The body shall he quite refined from gross mat- ter, be more active and sprightly, and more easily moved from place to place, than it now is, in its utmost flow of health and spirits. It shall have no gross organs to obscure the faculties of the soul, or clog its operations. It shall need no such sup- ports as it now does, nor feel any of those appetites, Avhich are often temptations to sin, and which, without resolute go- vcrnnu'iit, injure the hea'th, and prevent the serviceableness of the body, as well as interrupt the tranquility and peace of the mind. It shall have no corrupt blood, or sour juices to oc-
* Phil. iii. 21,
418 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. DODDRIDGE. SeR. VIII.
casion irregular ferments, to excite the angry passions, or produce a melancholy, or a fretful disposition. There will be no law in the members warring against the law of the mind, and bringing it into captitity. It will exert itself with the ut- most vigour in God's service, without being wearied with it, or worn out by it. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The place, the company, the work of heaven, will all tend to increase their lustre and activity. If IMoses's converse with God for a few days left such a brightness on his countenance, that the Israelites could not bear to behold it, it is very natural to infer, that dwelling in the presence of God, the fountain of light, beholding the glory of Christ for years and ages, will improve the splendor of pure, spiritual, incorruptible bodies. And, it is probable, a cover- ing of effulgent glory will be thrown over them, as there was over Christ's body when he was transfigured. And his face shone as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light *; and make them shine as the brightness of the firmament. And the more they resemble Christ in moral excellenc}', the more will their spiritual bodies resemble his, and the more illustrious be this mark of distinction and dignit}^ But what is the precise nature of these bodies ; how they Avill move and act ; whether new organs will be added, or the present altered ; in what manner the soul ■will act, and be influenced by them ; are questions which we cannot solve, while we dwell in Houses of clay. It is sufficient for us to know, that every thing, Avhich was an imperfection or a mark of the divine displeasure against sin, shall be entirely removed ; that the body shall be so changed and new moulded, as to be every way suited to assist the holy and happy spirit to which it is re-united, in the noblest services and enjoyments. Thus when Christ appears, every saint shall awake in his like- ness, and appear with him in glory. What a noble triumph over death will this be, when every captive shall be released, and every one clothed with the robes of glory ? Especially when we consider,
3. They shall be fixed in a state of complete and everlasting happiness.
Of this also the scriptures of truth assure us ; They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrec- tion from the dead, cannot die any more ; for they are like the angels f . Mortality or that which is mortal shall be swallowed up of life Xi and no traces of it left. It is a very considerable
• Mat. xvii. 2. t Luke xx. 35, 36. Mat. xxii. 50. % 2 Cor. v. 4.
The Christian'' s Triumph over Death. 419
part of the glory of tlic hcuvciily vorld, that There shall be no viore death^. Some Dotcd coiunieiitiitorsf avouIcI interpret the Avords, here rendered, iyi victory, for ever, as denoting the utter destrtietion of death. The idea is plainly suggested in the phntse, swalUnced up; and this truth is conlirnied by the passages al- ready mentioned, and many more in the scriptures, that not one true christian shall be liable to the attack of death any more.
There shall be no fear of death remaining. A conquered enemy may recover his strength, assault us again, and j)revail, at least so far as to alarm and terrify us; but death is swallowed up, and has no more power to overcome, or disturb the exalted, glorified servants of Christ for ever ; not so much as one of the harbingers, or attendants of death, shall ever incommode them. There is no fear of the return of acute pains or pining sickness ; ■which arc often so grievous, as to dispose the heart to Long for death, as a relief, and be glad to find the gravel. Their bodies ai'e not varnisiied over witii an outward lustre, but perfectly free from all principles of decay. They are not onl}^ secure from external violence, but full of unfading, immortal vigour. Death lias no power to take away, to molest, or even alarm any one of their friends and associates in that better country ; but because Christ lives, they shall also live, and their duration be equal to
his. Finally, There shall be no painful remembrance of
death. A recollection of violent pains and cutting sorrows often gives uneasiness: When, as Jeremiah exprc^sscth it, concerning his own misery, the soul hath the IVorurxood and gall still in re- viembrance^, it embitters present enjoyments. But the remem- brance of death shall not be terrifying, but agreeable. A com- parison of the present with the former state, will only tend to enhance their pleasure ; to excite high admiration of that power, which produced the surprising change, and give pccidiar ar- dour to their adorations of that grace which prepared them for it. — In short, the Lord of life shall so entirely change the scene, that all remainders of death shall be done away, and nothing shall appear by which it might be known, that it ever had the least dominion over anv of his faithful servants. I shall sum up all in the striking words of the apostle; // doth not yet appear what we shall be ; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is \\. It doth not yet appear what we shall be! No, not yet, what wc shall be then: For although our understanding is the distinction of our
* Rev. xxi. 4. f Vid. Grot. & Whitby iti loc. % ^^^ ">• 21, '22, § Lam. iii. 19. tl 1 John iii. 2.
420 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV.. DR. DODDRIDGE. &ER. VIII.
nature, and our tongue the glory of our frame, the one is over- whelmed when it labours to comprehend, and the other forced into silence when it attempts to describe, the objects and glories <yf immortality. And therefore, without presuming to take in
the full meaning of the following words. But we know, that
when he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as heis. — We may venture to conclude, that we shall hereafter be blessed with an immediate, permanent, and influential vision of the Lord of life and glory ; and such a vision, attend- ed with vital beams surrounding us on every side, transfusing themselves through our whole frame, invigorating the divine life in us, and maintaining and increasing our sensible and intellectual joys, must import complete and everlasting happi- ness.
Having thus illustrated the remarks founded on the text, I am now to direct 3'ou to the proper improvement of so noble and interesting a subject. Let me then entreat your attention to the following
REFLECTIONS.
Let US contemplate the power and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, so illustriously displayed in this triumph over death.
It became him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to appoint his son the Captain of their Salvation, and to consecrate him to that office through sufferings. He took part of flesh and blood, that he might be capable of dying, and through death destroy him, or w^eaken, and render inefl'ectual his influence, that had the power of death, that is, the devil *; who by his temptations, brought sin and death into the world. He died to vanquish the terrors of death, and reconcile our minds to the thoughts an d ap- proaches of it. To this work he was set apart by his father and God ; and he alone w^as fit for the work, and worthy the honour of overcoming the king of terrors. And because, for this end, he became obedient to death, even the death of the cross, God has highly exalted him, constituted him Lord both of the dead and the living, lodged the Keys of death, and the invi- sible world, in his hands, and given him power over all fleshy that he should give eternal life to all his sincere and genuine disciples. He must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet, and death, the chief and last of them, be destroyed. — These, brethren and fellow-christians, are the reviving truths of
* Heb, ii. 10, 14, 3
The Christians Triumph over Death. 421
our holy religion : Let iis then rejoice in Christ Jesus, antl glory- in our relation to him, who, by his atoning sacrilice, took away the Sting of death, which is sin, bore in his own body, the penalty denounced against transgressors, and by the influences of iiis spirit, promotes a iioly temper and conversation, which is the only proper tiualilicatiiMi for a blessed and joylul resurrec- tion. AVe are directed to consider him as the Resurrection and the life, who is to come in power and glory to judge the world, the lustre of whose appearance shall penetrate to the deepest jrrave, and whose voice shall awaketi evei*y sleeping saint. — Then shall they come forth to join their glorified Hoiid and Saviour, to attend and grace the solemnity of that day, which shall complete his conquest over death, and terminate his mediatorial kingdom. — Since then we are more than conc/uerors through him that loved us, let this encrease our veneration for his gospel, which contains the record of eternal life ; and with an eye of gratitude, love, antl humble dependence, let us look to Jesus the Lord of life, who, for the Joy that was set be/ore him, of being himself highly exalted, and leading on all his good soldiers to conquest and to crowns, overcame the sharp- ness of death, and ii' now set down at the right hand of God. Let him be precious to our souls, who is the j)urchaser and author of eternal salvation.
2. Let us reflect on the difl«!rence between good and bad men with regard to the consequences of death.
This conqueror hath dominion over all : Nevertheless, all shall rise again. But oh ! Avith what different appearances, and to what different states ! Some shall awake to everlasting life^ and some to shame and everlasting contempt *. All shall come forth of their graves, but with this awful distinction. They that have done good, unto the reswrectionof life, and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation \. With what horror and surprise will the wicked lift up their heads in that tremendous day, and how glad Avill they be to sink back to rottenness, or even to nothing, from the wrath of the Lamb ! But they must come forth, although their bodies should be so changed, as to be capable of more exquisite pain, and a more lasting dmation, than their present frame will admit of. They shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death X, Avhich shall be executed
* Dan. xii. 2. f J'^'"^ v. 29, J Rev. xxi. 8.
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422 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. Dr. DODDRIDGE. SeR. VIII.
with circumstances of terror and anguish, proportioned to their crimes. — On the other hand ; with what a blooming air and inconceivable transport will the saints lift up their heads in that glorious day ! With what unutterable delight will they leave their dusty beds, and survey their empty tombs ; knowing that their warfare is accomplished, and that their Lord, whose approach they hail with the loudest hosannas, Cometh to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe ! Having through the grace of Christ, which is sufficient even for the weakest of his servants, overcome and been faithful to the end, they Shall not be hurt by the second death'^y they shall not die for ever, but enter into eternal rest. And do you believe, brethren, that there will be such a vast difference between the future states of the I'ighteous, and the wicked ? I know you believe it. Enquire then, what influence and effect this faith hath upon your hearts and lives ; and which of these two states will be yours. Let me address you in the words of the great Mr. Howe f: " You can never justify it to God, or your own understandings, to remain in a dubious uncertainty about a matter of so vast consequence as this. Unconcernedness here is the most unaccountable thing in the whole world. Things will come to this issue very shortly with us that either death must, as to us, be swallowed up in victory, or we be swallowed up of victorious death. With what solici- tude should we all concern ourselves to be at a certainty !" If you would desire that strone: consolation which the text exhibits, let me urge you to fly for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before you, to be daily exercising Repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, to redeem, your time, and make a wise improvement of the present life. Thus you will finish your course with joy, and when This earthly house of your tabernacle is dissolved, you will have a building cfGod, a house not made with hands, eternal in theheavensX.
Lastly, Let the servants of Christ be calm and resigned, in the view of their own death, and when their pious friends are removed.
One would think there should be no occasion for such an exhortation as this, to any who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and have peace with God through him. One would naturally suppose that in the fulness of their hopes and joys, they would desire to depart, and it would be necessary frequent- ly and strenuously to urge them to wait patiently for the coming
* Rev. ii. 1 1. f Howe's works, vol. II. page 422. J 2 Cor. v, 1.
The Christian's Ti'iumph over Death, 423
of tlic T.ord. One would think that instead ofsorrowing, as those Avho have no hope, lor tliem that sleep in Jesus, they should rather rejoice for the victory they have gained and the honour to which they arc advanced. But alas ! such is tlie unreason- able and unhappy inHuencc which present things have upoo our minds, such is the weakness of our faith and hope, so lan- guid is our love to Christ, and so injudicious our affection to our friends, that we are loth to remove ourselves, and unwilhng to part with them. God knew it would be so. He knows our frame, and remembers we are dust, and therefore pities us, and has laid in such a stock of encouragements in his word, to counteract the bias of nature, and to correct the errors of sense. J.et us then, brethren, enterinto the spirit, and admit the force of them. Remember, that although the combat may be sharp, and tlie apprehension grievous, 5'et the victory is sure. The enemy has been often vanquished, and it is only a single feeble eHort he can possibly make. Fear not, says the Redeemer, / am he that liveth and was dead, and am alive for evermore^ and have the keys of death and the unseen world. Fear not this formidable enemy. He has slain his thousands; slain, did I say .? rather, he has obtained some little advantage to his own irreparable loss and their everlasting gain. Though he strips you of the body, yet, to allude to St. Patil's words, you only part with it For a season, that you may receive it for ever^y.^ improved and beautified, and no more to see corruption. Letevery sincere christian, endeavour, from such considerations, to reconcile his mind to the approaches of death, and wish to encounter this last enemy, as a brave soldier does to enter upon an action, which he has the greatest reason to believe will finish the war, put an end to all his fatigues, perils, and terrors, and bring repose, honour, and reward. Frequently meditate, O christian, on that glorious morning, when thou shalt awake, burst the bands of death with sweet and inexpressible surprise, arise with ten thousands of thy fellow-saints, and meet thy Lord with songs of triumph, and everlasting joy upon your heads. Then shall he applaud thy resolution and labour, fidelity and patience, before his father, the angels, and the assembled world, and give thee a Crown of glory, that fadeth not away.
Let these considerations also support our minds when our pious and valuable friends are removed.
*Philem. verse 15. 3G2
424 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. DODDRIDGE. SeR. VIII.
In this view the apostle urges them, If we believe that Jesus died, and rost again, even them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him ; the dead in Christ shall rise first, and the saints, then ahve, being changed, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words*. And surely no words can be more full of consola- tion. Our pious friends departed, have gained the victor}', and are present with the Lord. And though we are left behind in a Avorld, which is, at best, a tiresome place, and less desirable since they were removed from it ; ^et avc hope ere long to be restored to them, to converse with them upon more agreeable and advantageous terms, and spend an eternity together. If ■we ^xe. followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises, God will quickl}'' call us to come up to them, and send a convoy of angels to fetch us to the world of spirits ; and })erhaps the first objects we may meet with there, may be some of our most intimate friends, sent to congratulate our safe arri- val, and conduct us to the appointed mansions. And oh ! Avith •what joy and transport shall we meet them, and be welcomed by them. The small space of time the separation has continued, and in which Ave have known the sorrow of living Avithout them, Avill endear them to us, and increase our bliss. Especi- ally Avhen Ave consider that there is no fear of another separa- tion, that the Destructions of the enemy are come to a perpetual end f, and that death has yielded up all his poAver ever to di- vide us more,
I.et me particularh* apply these consolations to you, my friends, on occasion of the sore breach, God has made upon you. What joy has it already been to your late Avorthy and pious pastor, to meet so many of his flock in the regions of the blessed, to Avhoni he administered these precious consolations in their last moments, and smoothed their passage to heaA'en ! "What jov Aviil it be to him to receive one and another of you, Avho have obeyed the gospel, to be partakers of his felicity ! What a delight Avill it be to him to receiA'e your thanks, for all Ills labours of love for the good of vour souls, and join Avith vou in adoring that grace, Avhich Avronght effectually for your salvation ; to Avhich grace, you Avell know, he constantly ascribed his abilities and success ! W'iiat joy Avill it afford you to meet him there ; to inform liim more fully than you can now do, Avhat pleasure and improvement you have recei\'ed from
* 1 Thess. iv. 14—18. comiiarcd ^vith 1 Cor. xv. .51, &c. f Ps.ix. 6.
The Christian's Triumph oter Death. 425
his labours -while he lived, and his writings, by which 6ei7iff dead, he is still speaking to you, with the most serious and af- fectionate address, and the most insinuating eloquence! 7\nd with regard to him and all your brethren, who shall at length meet in our Father's house; how will mutual joy flow from heart to heart, when every enemy is cunciuertd, and the tyranny of death at an end! to be for ever instructing, improving, and cji- tertaining one another; to recount your many struggles, tempta- tions and victories ; and trace out the wonderous steps by m hich vou wereconducted tothis happiness! These friendly dis])ositions will be carried to the greatest height, conversation will never grow dull, and social entertainments never cloy. Fresh delight will be springing up in his soul, and yonr*f, through eternity; in ob- serving each other's improving knowledge and holiness, and sharino- tofrether in the smiles of the Redeemer, and the work and happiness of heaven.
After such comfortable thoughts as these, I have very little heart to renew, and increase your sorrows and my own, by en- tering into any particulars of the character of that great and good man, whom God has removed from us. Nor is it necessary I should; as he has been so long among you, and so faithfully and constantly watched over you. 1 may appeal to you all, tiiat you have Fully known his doctrine^ manner of life^ piii^ose, faith, long-suflering, charity , patience, persecution, and ajjlic- tions"^ , ixwd his Care of the churches f. lie has been labouring among you with miexampled diligence, and unwearied zeal, above twenty years, with increasing honour, comfort and suc- cess. Notwithstanding his other most important relations, as a tutor, and the weight of business he continually had on his hands, he was, in labours for your souls, abundant ; warning, encourag- ino- and comforting, with all the marks of a deep sense of reli- gion upon his own soul, the most tender alfection to you and \ our families, and the utmost solicitude for your everlasting wel- fare. The same disposition he carried Avith him in all his visits, and mingled the seriousness and piety of the christian minister with the politeness of the gentleman, and the freedom and cheer- fulness of the friend. His great concern for the rising genera- tion, was manifested in his discourses on education from the pul- pit and the press, and the most affectionate addresses to your < liildren in his catechetical lecttues, and occasional visits. Y'c know how heartily and compassionately he entered into your personal and relative afflictions; how many disconsolate hearts
*2 Tim. iii. 10. f 1 Tim. iii. 5.
426 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. DODDRIDGE. SeR. VIII.
he has made to rejoice by his liberality, his counsels, and his prayers. Ye know his faithfulness and gentleness in brotherly reproof, and the exercise of godly discipHne. In a word, ye know, that, to his power, and, unhappily for his family, for you and other churches, beyond his power, he went about doing good, piously devising, and with the most resolute application,
executing so many generous designs for the public good.
I'e are witnesses, and God also, how much his public addresses ivcre illustrated and enforced by his own temper, and conduct, and how holilij, and justly, and imblameablj/ he behaved himself
among you. -By his writings, the value of -which will, I am
persuaded, be continually increasing, the world will judge, what a pastor God had favoured you with, and how very well you have been fed and taught for so many j^ears. And they will naturally and justly expect, that you should be Avise and judi- cious christians, and eminent for ever}'^ branch of the christian temper. And great will be your guilt and your shame if you are not.
But, Beloved, I am persuaded better things of you; and my persuasion is founded partly on my own knowledge of your temper and character, and partly on the solemn testimony your late pastor has borne to the goodness of them, in a passage in his last will, which he desired might be communicated to you on this occasion, and which I mention with pleasure, as it is at once for your honour and your admonition. Speaking of his inten- * tion of being interred in the place of your meeting, he says, *' where 1 have spent the most delightful hours of my life, in assisting the devotions of as serious, as grateful, and as deserv- ing a people, as perhaps any minister had ever the honour and happiness to serve; cheerfully persuading myself, that, when I am dead, they will hear me speaking in my writings with all due regard; and making it my last request to them, that those of tliem who have, or can borrow, my Family Expositor, will read it over in their families once at least, beginning the Lord's-day after my funeral; and that they would also read over in their families, on Lord's-day evenings, all my sermons which they have, or can borrow, especially those on Regeneration, those on the Glory and Grace of Christ, the sermons to Young Persons, and that on the one thing Jieedful; and I desire that every parent, that can procure them, would read in their retirements, my ser- mons on the Education of Children, within one quarter of a year at least after my death. And I make this request from an affec- tionate desire of the edification and salvation of souls j and an
The Christian's Triumph over Death. 427
humble liope tliat, in consequence of it, I may glorify God, even ■when I am laid in the dust."
I hope, my friends, you will pay a serious and constant re- gard to this his last request, out of gratitude for his services, and veneration for his memory ; from a concern for your own further credit and comfort, and a desire to increase his joy, and your own, at the day of the Lord,
As to vou, my brethren and friends, who were more imme- diately under his eve and care ; God has taken your master from your head : And you will naturally adopt the niournfui words of Elisha, when he had lost his tutor Elijah, My Fat her ^ viy Father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof* ! He was indeed a Father to you : And I believe there are few of us, who have had the advantage of being his pupils, have found more real affection and tenderness, and a warmer concern for our welfare, in our natural parents, than we have found in him. You remember his quickness of apprehension, and remarkable felicity in the dispatch of business, and yet his most exemplary improvement and redemption of time. You know, how faith- full v he devoted his time and abilities to your service. How freely he communicated to you out of those large stores of know- ledge with which God had furnished him : How fairly and can- didly he proposed arguments and o])iections on every topic, on which he lectured. What pains he took to make you eminent christians, able ministers of the New Testament, and scribes well instructed unto the kingdom of heaven. You will, I am persuaded, join with me in acknowledging, to the praise of God, that our acquaintance with him, and relation to him, has been our honour and our happiness. May you and I remember his paternal counsels, prayers, and example, that, through a supply of the Spirit of Jesus, we may be fitted for eminent usefulness in the church, and may do honour to his memory and in- structions!
It is but a just tribute to the worth of eminently wise and useful men, and of great advantage to survivors, to display at large the virtues of their character, and point out the means by which they became so eminent ; and I am not without hope, that justice may hereafter be done, in some distinct account, to the distinguished abilities, eminent character, and extensive use- fulness of the late reverend and learned Dr. Doddridge, who shone so conspicuously in the relations of a minister and a tutor, and whose writings are in such general esteem. In the mean
* 2 Kings ii. 1?.
428 ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. DR. DODDRIDGE. SER. VIII.
time what has been said concerning him, may serve to excite you all, to aspire after a temper a4)cl beliaviour becoming your relation to him, whose removal, in the vigour of his faculties, ive so justly, and shall so long lament; and, to add greater weight to the solemn exhortation of St. Paul to thePhilippians, which, upon this occasion, I would address to you all : Those things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in him, do : and the God of peace shall be with you *.
To conclude : God has seen fit to call home his good and faithful setvant ; and given him not only a calm, but a joyful dismission from the labours and sufferings of life, and enabled }jim thereby to triumph over death. And when we recollect the words we have been meditating upon, and this fresh seal to the truth and the comfort of them ; and when by faith we look forward to that weight of glory reserved in heaven for us, and our pious friends ; let us even now join in the apostle's tri- imiphant song, and say, Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ ^f. Amen.
* Phil. iv. 9. t 1 Cor. xv. i7.
HYMNS
FOUNDED ON VARIOUS TEXTS,
IN THE
HOLY SCRIPTURES.
1 ESTEEM NEP05 FOR HIS FAITH AND DILIGENCE, HIS COMMENTS ON SCRIPTURE, AND MANY HYMNS, WITH WHICH THE BRETHREN ARE DEL I GHTED.— EUSE8. ECCL. HIS. L. VII. C. 24.
VOL. III. 3 H
PREFACE.
Thf author of the following hymns, uill known to the world by many exoellent andusif..l writiii-'s, was much solicited by his friends to print them m his lifetime, from ahopethL-ymicht be serviceable to the interest of religion, by assisting the devotion of ciinstians in tiuir social and secret worship; and, had God continued his life till his Family Expositor on the epistles had been published, it is probable he would have complied witii their retiuesl : But this and many other pious and benevolent purposes were broken off by his much lamented death. During the last hour I spent with him, a few weeks before that mournful event, he honoured me with some particular directions about traiiseribins and pubiishin- thtm. I have at leneth through the good hand of my God upon me, finished tiicm, and present them to the world with a cheerful hope, that they will promote and diffuse a spirit of devo- tion, and, together with other assistances human and divine, prepare many to join with the devout author in the nobler and everlasting anthems ot heaven.
These hvmns being composed to be sung, after the author had been preaching on the texts prefixed to them, it was his design, that they should bring over again the leading thoui^hts in the sermon, and naturally express and warmly enforce those devout sentiments, which he hoped were then rising in the """^l^ "^ '"^ hearers, and help to fix them on the memory and heart : Accordingly the attentive reader wiM observe, that .nost of them illustrate such sentiments as a skil.ul preacher would principally insist upon, when discoursing from the texts on which they are founded There is a great variety in the form of them : Some are devout paraphrases on the texts : Others expressive of lively acts of devo ion, ai h, and trust in God, love to Christ, desire of divine influences, and good resolutions of cultivating the temper and practising the duties recommended: Others proc aim anhumbl^joy and triumph in the gracious promises -'V^r'^hT'ture o '; tore, particu arly in the discovery and prospe, t of eternal lite. The nature of the s«bi.cts will easily account for the difference of composure, why --''-« --« plain and artless, others more lively, sublime, and full of poetic fire. I any of them s '^Id at first reading appear flat or obscure, it may well be supposed they wo Id affect the mind in I st'.nger manner, when used in a -1^.-0- assem 1^ af r sermons upon the texts, in which the context hath been considered (ifthat ^^cre necessary parallel places compared, the design of the inspired writer judiciously opened, and'the beauty, propriety, and emphasis of the several ^'au-s o the tex iUustra ed: They therefore who use them in their devout retirements, should fi st read and consid^- the text and contexts . and if they would --ult sou.e expositor upon them, particularly the authors on the subjects taken from the ^e^^ ^^^'^"'I'^'l th^y will «;« a spirit and elegance in these composures, which may otherwise be overlooked, and be more likely to reap real and lasting advantage by them
In this collection there are many hymns formed upon passages in the Old 1 es- tament particularly in the prophets, directly relating to the case of the I^^^-l' «. orTome particular good man among them, which the author ^^^^ ^^'^^^^^^l^rt the circumstances of christians, where he thouglit there was a just and "''tura re semblance ; and he apprehended, that the practice of the inspired -'-^ of the New Testament warranted such accommodations*. He experienced this to be a very acceptable and useful method of preaching on the Old Testament, and ao- corln^^ recommended it to his pupils, as what would afT-.rd them an opportunity oJexpikining the design of the prophecies, displaying the wisdom, faithfulness and
* Compare Heb. xiii. 5, 6. and Family Expositor in Loc Note M-J^'^^^l^ also some good remarks on this subject in Dr. Watts's hohncss of times, pUcei, &c. Dis. V. especially Prop. 15.
3 H 2
432 PREFACE.
grace of God, and suggesting many striking and important instructions : This method would at the same time occasion an agreeable variety in their discourses, prevent their confining themselves to general or common-place subjects, (oriii order to avoid a frequent repetition of well known arguments'* running into dry and abstruse spe- culations, which the capacities of the generality of their hearers could not compre- hend, nor their hearts relish and feel : A fashion in preaching too prevalent, and, considering its apparent unprofitableness, much to be lamented.
Those young ministers, who are desirous of entering into the spirit and copi- ousness of scripture, may find this work greatly useful to them, by directing them to many very suitable texts, and to some natural thouglits, and useful reflections to be insisted upon in discoursing from them.
There are several hymns in this collection suited to special and extraordinary occasions, for which there was not before a sufficient provision ; such as, for open- ing a new place of worship, the vacancy and settlement of churches, the ordination of ministers, their removal from our world, &c. especially for days of fasting and humi- liation on account of actual or apprehended calamities ; the want of which, during the late rebellion and war, was much regretted by many ministers and private christians.
In these composures I hope few low or trivial expressions will be found : No- thing appears unsuitable to the gravity and dignity of a worshipping assembly : Nothing hkely to darken or damp the devotion of the humble christian, or excite passions merely sensual. There is nothing that savours of a party-spirit, or carries an appearance of designing to confine their use to an j' of the sects into which chris- tians are unhappily divided. The materials are divine, and the author's soul was never more enlarged, than when he was promoting a spirit of piety and candor in their just connection.
I chose to place these hymns in the order in which the several texts lie in the bible, as that prevents the necessity of another index, and there appeared no par- ticular reason for disposing them in any different order. In a few places, where words occur not sufficiently intelligible to common readers, I have added some more plain and familiar ones in the margin, that they may be read and sung with under- standing ; preferring this method to that of some authors, w1k> have collected and explained them in a particular index.
As these hymns were composed during a series of many years, amidst an un- common variety and daily succession of most important labours, by a man who had no ear for music, and as they want his retouching hand, the reader will be candid to what inaccuracies he may discover, particularly the repetition of the same thoughts and phrases, which in a few instances will be found : And indeed some of them could scarcely be avoided on subjects so nearly resembling, without the exclusion of the most suitable and affecting sentiment? or aspirations, for which the introduction of a new or more poetic thought and phrase would not have been an equivalent. There may perhaps be some improprieties, owing to my not being able to read the author's manuscript in particular places, and bemg obliged, without a poetic genius, to supply those deficiencies, whereby the beauty of the stanza may be greatly de- faced, though the sense is preserved.
These hymns being originally designed for the use of a congregation of plain unlearned christians, it caimot be expected they should entertain those, who may peruse them merely for the sake of the poetry : Yet I think many of them will stand tiie test of a critical examination, and appear at least equal to other compositions of the like kind ; and I am persuaded they will all be delightful and beneficial to those, who desire to have their devotions enlivened, their souls filled with divine love, and Who. are ambitious to live up to the rules of the gospel : and that they will, through the influences of the Holy Ghost, spread a spirit of fervent piety in such congrega- tions where they may be introduced.
I have nothing to add but my earnest wishes and prayers, that they may be subservient to the glory of God, the more delightful celebration of divine ordinances, and the edification of my fellow-christians. Amen,
JOB ORTON.
Salop, Jan. 1, 1755.
HYMNS
FOUNDED ON VARIOUS TEXTS IN THE
OLD TESTAMENT.
I. EmdCs Piety and Translation. Genesis v. 24. Hebrews xl. 5.
1 "pTERNAL God, our wond'ring souls "^ Admire thy matchless grace;
That tliou wilt walk, that thou wilt dwell, With Adam's worthless race.
2 O lead me to that happy path,
Where I my God may meet; Though hosts of foes begird it round, Though briars wound my feet.
3 Cheer'd with thy converse, I can trace
The desart with delight : Through all the gloom one smile of thine Can dissipate the night.
4 Nor shall I through eternal days
A restless pilgrim roam ; Thy hand, that now directs my course, Shall soon convey me home.
5 I ask not Enoch's rapturous flight
To realms of heavenly day ; Nor seek Elijah's fiery steeds To bear this flesh away.
6 Joyful mv spirit will consent
To drop its mortal load ; And hail * tlie sharpest pangs of death, That break its way to God.
II. GoiVs gracious Approbation of a religious Care of our Families. Genesis xviii. 19.
1 77 ATI I ER of men, thy care we bless,
Which crowns our families with peace: From thi'C they sprung, and bv thy hand 'i'lu'ir root and branches are sustain'd.
* .Salute or welrome.
434 GENESIS.
2 To God, most worthy to beprais'd, Be our domestic altars rais'd ;
Who, Lord of heaven, scorns not to dwell With saints in their obscurest cell.
3 To thee may each united house, Morning and night, present its vows: Our servants there, and rising race Be tauglit thy precepts, and thy grace.
4 O may each future age proclaim The honours of thy glorious name; While pleas'd, and thankful, we remove To join the family above.
III. Abraham's Intercession for Sodom. Genesis xviii. 32.
FOR A FAST-DAY.
1 /^REAT God ! did pious Abram pray ^^ For Sodom's vile abandon'd race ? And shall not all our souls be rous'd For Britain to implore thy grace ?
2 Base as we are, does not thine eye Its chosen thousands here survey ;
Whose souls, deep humbled, mourn the crowds, Who walk in sin's destructive way ?
3 O Judge supreme, let not thy sword The righteous with the wicked smite : Nor bury in promiscuous heaps Rebels, and saints thy chief delight.
4 For these thy children spare the land j Avert the thunders big with death ; Nor let the seeds of latent * fire
Be kindled by thy flaming breath.
5 O ! be not angry, mighty God, While dust and ashes seek thy face ; But gently bending from thy throne, Renew, and still increase the grace.
6 Jesus the intercessor hear,
And for his sake thy grace impart, Which, while it stops the fiery stream, Dissolves the most obdurate heart.
7 Sodom shall change to Zion then, And heavenly dews be scatter'd round, That plants of paradise may spring, Where baleful f poisons curs'd the ground.
* Hidden, secret. f Destructive.
EXODUS. 435
IV. Jacob's Foxu. Genesis xxviii. 20 — '21.
1 f\ GOD of Jac()l>, by whose hand ^'^ Tliine Israel still is foil,
Who through this weary pilgrimage Hast all our fathers led.
2 To thee our humble vows wc raise,
To thee aildress our ])rayer, And in thy kind and faithful breast Deposit all our eare.
3 If thou, through each perplexing path.
Wilt be our constant guide ; If thou wilt daily bread supply, And raiment wilt provide ;
4 If thou wilt spread thy shield around.
Till these our wand'rings cease, And at our Father's lov'd abode Our souls arrive in peace:
5 To thee, as to our Covenant-God,
We'll our whole selves resign ; And count, that not our tenth alone, But all we have is thine,
V. The Hand of the Lord upon (he Cattle. Exodus ix. 3.
1 'T'HE creatures, Lord, confess thy hand,
-^ Through earth and sky, through sea and land; And all their meanest orders share Their Maker's pity, and his care.
2 O look from thine exalted throne, And hear our panting cattle moan ; Prone* o'er th' untasted food they lie, Groan out their agonies, and die.
3 What have these harmless creatures done To draw this sore chastisement down? 'Tis human guilt for vengeance calls, And heavy on the herds it falls.
4 From them to us the stroke might pass, And mow down thousands of our race ; Till desolation reign'd around,
Our cities void, untilPd our ground.
5 Prevent the ruin by thv grace.
And melt our hearts to seek thy face:
Blest fruit of thy correcting rod
To lose our beasts, and find our God.
* Strctclicd out on the ground. 3
436 EXODUS.
VI. Israel and Avudek. Exodus xvii. 11.
FOR A FAST-DAY.
1 /^UR Banner is th' eternal God, ^^^ Nor will we yield to fear ; Amidst ten thousand fierce assaults,
His mighty aid is near.
2 To him the hands of faith we stretch.
And plead experienced grace ; To him the voice of prayer we raise. Nor will he hide his face,
3 No more, proud Amalek, thy boast,
" God's arm is feeble grown:" His sword shall lop off every hand That dares insult his throne.
4 Awake, tremendous Judge, awake
Our nation's cause to plead ; Nor let thine Israel's foes, and thine, By wickedness succeed,
5 Our fainting hands, how soon they droop!
But thou the weak canst raise ; And in the mount of prayer canst leave An altar to thy praise.
VII. Against follotoing a Multitude to do Evil. Exodus xxiii. 2.
1 T ORD, when iniquities abound.
And growing crimes appear ; We view the deluge rising round With sorrow, and Avith fear.
2 Yet when its waves most fiercely beat,
And spread destruction wide, Thy Spirit can a standard raise To stem * the roarins; tide.
3 May thy triumphant arm awake
Thy sacred cause to plead ;
And let the multitude confess.
That thou art God indeed.
4 Their hearts shall in a moment turn.
Like water, by thy hand ; One word shall bow their stubborn necks To own thy high command.
5 Our feeble souls at least support.
And there thy power display ; Then multitudes shall strive in vain To draw us from thy way.
* Restrain.
EXODUS.
437
Vlir. Christ's Intercession ij/pified by Aaron's Breast-plate. Ex. xxviii. 29.
1 IV^^^W" let our cheerful eyes survey ^^ Our gioat high Priest above, And celebrate his constant care,
And sympathetic love.
2 Though rais'd to a superior throne.
Where angels bow around, And high o'er all the shining train With matchless honours crown'd ;
3 The names of all his saints he bears
Deep graven on his heart ; Nor shall the meanest christian say, That he hath lost his part.
4 Those characters shall fair abide.
Our everlasting trust. When gems, and monuments, and crowns Are moulder'd down to dust,
5 So, gracious Saviour, on my breast
May thy dear name be worn, A sacred ornament and guard. To endless ages borne.
IX. fTfio is on the Lord's Side ? Ex. xxxiii. 26.
1 TT7HAT bosom mov'd with pious zeal
^^ Doth for its God's dishonour feel ? What heart with generous ardor glows To plead his cause against his foes ?
2 Great God, what bosom can be cold ? What coward must not here grow bold ? While honour, interest, truth and love Concur our inmost souls to move ?
3 Aromid thy standard. Lord, we press. Thine injur'd honour to redress,
And with detcrmin'd voice demand The signal of thy conquering hand.
4 Thou shalt these sacred weapons bless, And lead through war to endless peace Not death itself our souls shall dread. For thine own arm shall raise the dead.
X. Gods Presence desirable. Ex. xxxiii. 15.
1 IMMENSE, eternal God !
How marvellous thy name ! VOL. III. 2 I
438 - EXODUS.
Thy presence all abroad Pervades all nature's frame ; Heaven, earth, and air. And the dark cell Where devils dwell In long despair.
2 Yet thou hast chosen ways To make thy presence known To favourites of thy grace, To upright souls alone :
This glory, Lord, My soul would see, This grace to me. My God, afford.
3 If thou thy lustre veil, The charms of nature fade ; AH wither'd, weak, and pale. They bow their languid head ,
My father, shine ; For thou canst give The dead to live By beams divine.
4 Even Eden's blisful lands Would in thine absence mourn But thou wild Afric's sands To paradise canst turn.
If God be there The gloom is bright : But noon is night, Till thou appear.
5 Come, for my spirit glows With infinite desire ! Strong love impatient grows. And sets my heart on fire.
My father, come ; That presence give. On which I live ; Or call me home.
XT. Moses's View of the divine Glory. Ex. xxxiii. 18.
1 "\T7ITH humble pleasure, Lord, we trace The ancient records of thy grace ; And our own consolation draw, From what thy servant Moses saw.
KUMBER8. *3^
2 May avc behold tliy glory shine, With gentle beams ot love divine ; And hear thy secret voice proclaim The various wonders of thy name.
3 If feeble nature faint t' endure A voice so sweet, a ray so pure ; Its dissolution would delight,
While death would wear a form so bright.
4 Death shall unveil that world above, Where the dear children of thy love. Attempered * all to heavenly day, Bear, and reflect th' immediate ray.
XII. The Proclamation of God's Naineto Moses ; or, divine Mercy and Justice. Ex. xxxiv. 6 — 8.
1 A TTEND, my soul, the voice divine, -^ And mark what beaming glories shine
Around thy condescending God 1 To us, to us he still proclaims His awful, his endearing names :
Attend, and sound them all abroad.
2 '* Jehovah I, the sovereign Lord,
<' The mighty God, by heaven ador'd,
*< Down to the earth" my footsteps bend : " My heart the tendercst pitv knows, " Goodness full-streaming wide o'erflows, " And grace and truth shall never end.
3 " My patience long can crimes endure : " My pardoning love is ever sure,
" When penitential sorrow mourns ; <' To milUons, through unnunriber'd years, «* New hope and new delight it bears ;
*' Yet wrath against the sinner burns."
4 Make haste, my soul, the vision meet, All prostrate at thy sovereign's feet,
And drink the "tuneful accents in ; Speak on, my Lord, repeat the voice, Diffuse these heart-expanding joys,
Till heaven complete the rapturous scene.
XUl The God of Spirits sougk to supply f^acancies in the Congregations of his People. Num. xxvii. 15 — IT.
1 "pATHER of spirits, from thy hand, ■■" Our souls immortal came ; And still thine energy divine Supports th' ethereal flame.
* Fitted and enabled to bear. 3l2
440 DEUTERONOMY.
2 By thee our spirits all are known ;
And each remotest thought Lies wide expanded to his eye,
By whom their powers were wrought.
3 To thee, when mortal comforts fail,
Thy flock deserted flies ; And, on th' eternal shepherd's care, Our cheerful hope relies.
4 When o'er thy faithful servant's dust
Thy dear assemblies mourn, In speedy tokens of thy grace, O Israel's God, return.
5 The powers of nature all are thine,
And thine the aids of grace ; Thine arm has borne thy churches up Through every rising race.
6 Exert thy sacred influence here,
And here thy suppliants bless, And change, to strains of cheerful praise, Their accents of distress.
i With faithful heart, with skilful hand. May this thy flock be fed ; And with a steady growing pace To Zion's mountain led.
XIV. The Lord^s People his Portion. Deut. xxxii. 9.
1 COVEREIGN of nature, all is thine.
The air, the earth, the sea : By thee the orbs celestial shine. And cherubs live by thee.
2 Rich in thine own essential store ;
Thou call'st forth worlds at will: Ten thousand, and ten thousand more Would hear thy summons still.
3 What treasure wilt thou then confess ?
And thy own portion call ? What by peculiar right possess, Imperial Lord of all ?
4 Thine Israel thou wilt stoop to claim.
Wilt mark them out for thine : Ten thousand praises to thy name For goodness so divine !
5 That I am thine, my soul would boast,
And boast its claim to thee ; Nor shall God's property be lost, Nor God be torn from me.
DEUTERONOMY. 441
XV. The eternal God his People's Refuge and Support. Dcut. xxxiii. 27.
1 "DEHOLD the cjreat eternal God,
Spreads evcrlastinir arms abroad, And calls our souls to shelter then; ;
Wonders of mingled power and grace
To all his Israel he displays,
Guarded from danger, and from fear.
2 Thither my feeble soul shall ily, When terrors press, and death is nigh,
And there will I delight to dwell; On that high tower I rear mv head Serene, nor knows my heart to dread,
Amidst surrounding hosts of hell.
3 The shadow of the Almighty's wings Composure unmolested brings,
While threat'ning horrors round mc crowd ; In vain the storms of rattling hail The walls of this retreat assail.
And the wild tempest roars aloud.
4 In louder strains my fearless tongue Shall warble its victorious song,
My Father's graces to proclaimi ; He bears his infant offspring on To glory radiant as his throne,
And joys eternal as his name.
XVI. The Happiness of God's Israel. Deut. xxxiii. 29.
1 /^ Israel, blest beyond compare ! ^^^ Unrivaled all thv glories are: Jehovah deigns to fill thy throne, And calls thine interest all his own.
2 He is thv Saviour ; he thy Lord ;
His shield is thine ; and thine his sword :
Review in ecstasy of thought
The grand redemption he has wrought.
3 From Satan's yoke he sets thee free. Opens thy passage through the sea ; He through the desart is thy guide. And heaven for Canaan will provide.
4 Not Jacob's sons of old could boast Such favours to their chosen host ; Their glories, which through ages shine, Are but dim shades, and types of thine.
442 JUDGES.
5 Celestial Spirit, teach our tongue Siiblimer strains than Moses sung, Proportioned to the sweeter name Of God the Saviour, and the Lamb.
XVII. Support in the gracious Presence of God under the LoiS of Ministers, and other' useful Friends. Joshua i. 2, 4, 5.
1 IVT OW let our mourning hearts revive.
And all our tears be dry ; Why should those eyes be drowned in grief, * Which view a Saviour nigh ?
2 What though the arm of conquering death
Does God's own house invade? What though the prophet, and the priest Be numbered with the dead ?
3 Though earthly shepherds dwell in dust.
The aged, and the young, The watchful eye in darkness closed, And mute the instructive tongue ;
4 Th' eternal shepherd still survives,
New comfort to impart ; His eye still guides us, and his voice Still animates our heart.
5 " Lo, I am with you," saith the Lord,
" My church shall safe abide ;
** For I will ne'er forsake my own,
" Whose souls in me confide."
6 Through every scene of life and death.
This promise is our trust ; And this shall be our children's song, When we are cold in dust.
"KYlll. God insensibly xvithdraxvn. Judges xvi. 20. i
1 A Present God is all our strength, "^ And all our joy and hope ; When he withdraws, our comforts die,
And every grace must droop.
2 But flattering trifles charm our hearts
To court their false embrace. Till justly this neglected friend Averts his angry face.
3 He leaves us, and we miss him not ;
But go presumptuous on. Till baffled, wounded, and enslaved, We learn, that God is gone.
I. SAMUEL. 443
4 And what, my soul, can then remain
One ruy oi' light to give ? Sevcr'd from him, their better life. How can his children live?
5 Hence, all ye painted forms of joy,
And leave mv heart to mourn ; I would devote these eyes to tears, Till checr'd by his return.
G Look back, my Lord, and own the place, Where once thy temple stood; Forlo, its ruins bear the mark Of rich atoning blood.
XIX. Ehenezer; or, God's fklping Hand rciieived and acknoiiledged. 1 Sam. vii. 12.
FOR new-year's DAY.
1 A/TY helper God ! I bless his name :
The same his power, his grace the same, The tokens of his friendly care Open, and crown, and close the year.
2 I 'midst ten thousand dangers stand, Supported by his guardian hand ; And see, when I survey my ways, Tea thousand monuments of praise.
3 Thus far his arm hath led me on ; Thus far I make his mercy known ; And, while I tread this desart land, New mercies shall new songs demand.
4 Mv grateful soul, on Jordan's shore. Shall raise 'one sacred pillar more : Then bear, in his bright courts above, Inscriptions of inmiortal love.
XX. T/iC Saini encouraging hmselfin the Lord his God. 1 Sam. xxx. 6.
1 TEHOVAH, 'tis a glorious name, " Still pregnant with delight ;
It scatters round a cheerful beam. To gild the darkest night.
2 What though our mortal comforts fade,
And drop like withering flowers ; Nor time nor death can break that band, Which makes Jehovah ours.
3 My cares, I give you to the wind,
And shake you off like ilust ; Well may I trust my all with him, With whom my soul I trust.
444 II. SAMUEL.
XXI. Support in God's Covenant under doinestlc Troubles. 2 Sam. xxiii. 5.
1 IV/TY God, the covenant of thy love
Abides for ever sure. And in its matchless grace I feel My happiness secure.
2 What though my house be not with thee,
As nature could desire ; To nobler joj^s than nature gives Thy servants all aspire.
3 Since thou, the everlasting God,
My Father art become ; Jesus my guardian, and my friend. And heaven my final home :
4 I welcome all thv sovereign will.
For all that will is love ; And when I know not what thou dost, I wait the light above.
.5 Thy covenant in the darkest gloom Shall heavenly rays impart ; Which, when my eye-lids close in death, Shall warm my chilling heart.
XXII. Support in God's Covenant in the near Fieivs of Death. 2 Sam. xxiii. 1 and b compared.
1 '""piS mine, the covenant of his grace,
And every promise mine ! All sprung from everlasting love, And seal'd by blood divine.
2 On my unworthy favour'd head
Its blessings all unite ; Blessings more numerous than the stars, More lasting, and more bright.
3 Death, thou may'sttear this rag of flesh,
And sink my fainting head ; And lay my ruins in the grave. Among my kindred dead:
4 But death and hell in vain shall strive
To break that sacred rest, Wliich God's expiring children feel, While leaning on his breast.
5 Th' enlarged soul thou canst not reach,
Nor rend from Christ away ; l^hough o'er my moiildering dust thou boast The triumphs of a day.
EZRA. 444
C The night is past, my morning dawns ; My covenant-God descends, And wakes that dust to join my soul In bliss that never ends.
7 That cov'nant the last accent claims Of this poor faltering tongue ; And that shall the (irst notes employ Of my celestial song.
XXIII. Rejoicing in our Covenant-engagements to God. 2 Chron. xv. 15.
1 {^ HAPPY day, that fixed my choice ^-^ On thee, my Saviour, and my God ! Well may this glowing heart rejoice, And tell its raptures all abroad.
2 O happy bond, that seals my vows To him, who merits all my love ! Let cheerful anthems * fill his house, While to that sacred shrine f I move.
3 'Tis done ; the great transaction's done : I am my Lord's, and he is mine :
He drew me, and I follow'd on, Charm'd to confess the voice divine,
4 Now rest my long-divided heart, Fix'd on this blissful centre rest ; With ashes who would grudge to part. When called on angels, bread to feast ?
5 High heaven that heard the solemn vow. That vow renew'd shall daily hear ; Till in life's latest hour I bow.
And bless in death a bond so dear,
XXIV. God stirring up the Spirit of Cyrus to redeem Israel, Ezra i. I. compared with Isaiali xliv. 1 — 4.
1 TTH' eternal God ! his name how great !
How deep his counsels ! how complete ! The hearts of kings his power can sway ; His word unconscious they obey.
2 Summon'd of old in distant days
To serve his schemes, and shew his praise, Cyrus, illustrious prince, appears, His people frees, his temple rears.
3 Through legions arm'd he breaks his way, And tramples generals down like clay ; "
* Hymns of praise. § Altar, or place of worship.
VOL. III. 3 K
446 joS.
The bars of steel he cuts in twain, And brazen gates oppose in vain.
4 But to Jehovah's accents mild The hero phant as a child.
Lays the new cares of empire by, Till Zion rise, and shines on high.
5 Thus, mighty God, shall every heart, (If thou thine influence there exert) Throw its own fondest schemes aside, And follow vv'here thy hand shall guide,
6 The foremost sons of fame shall boast To raise thy temples from their dust ; Princes shall shout thy name aloud,
And new-born priests thine altars crowd.
XXV. A Glance froin God bringing us dowti to the Solitude of the Grave.
Job vii. 8.
1 COVEREIGN of life, before thine eye,
Lo, mortal men by thousands die ! One glance from thee at once brings down The proudest bfOw, that Avears a crown.
2 Banish'd at once from human sight To the dark grave's unchanging night, Imprison'd in that dusty bed.
We hide our solitary head.
3 The friendly band no more shall greet, Accents familiar once, and sweet :
No more the well-known features trace, No more renew the fond embrace.
4 Yet if my Father's faithful hand Conduct me through this gloomy land. My soul with pleasure shall obey. And follow, where he leads the way.
5 He nobler friends, than here I leave. In brighter surer worlds can give ; Or by the beamings of his eye
A lost creation well supply.
XXVI. The Impossibility of prospering while Men harden iltemsehxs agaimt God. Job ix. 4.
1 'XTIE great Jehovah ! who shall dare
-■■ With him to tempt unequal war ? What heart of steel shall dare t' oppose, And league among his hardened foes ?
2 At his command the lightnings dart, And swift transfix the rebel heart :
JOB. 447
Earth trembles at his look, and cleaves. And legions sink in living graves.
3 Where are the haughty monarchs now, Who scorn'd his Avord with lowring brow ? Where arc the trophies ot'thi;ir rei<^MS ? Or where their ruin's last remains}
4 See Pharaoh sinking in the tide ! See Babel's tyrant, mad Avith pride, Graze with the beasts ! Hear Herod roar, While worms his deity devour!
5 See from the turrets of the skies, Tall cherubs sink, no more to rise ; And trace their rank on thrones of light By heavier chains, and darker night !
6 Great God I and shall this soul of mine Presume to challenge wrath divine ? Trembling I seek thy mercy-seat. And lay my weapons at thy feet.
XXVII. The great Journey. Jobxvi.22.
1 "D EHOLD the path that tnortals tread ^^ Down to the regions of the dead ! Nor will the fleeting moments stay. Nor can we measure back our way.
2 Our kindred and our friends are gone ; Know, O my soul, this doom they own ; Feeble as theirs my mortal frame.
The same my way, my house the same.
3 From vital air, from cheerful light. To the cold grave's perpetual night. From scenes of duty, means of grace. Must I to God's tribunal pass !
4 Important journey? Awful view !
How great the change ! the scenes how new !
The golden gates of heav'n display'd,
Or hell's fierce flames, and gloomy shade !
5 Awake my soul ; thy way prepare, And lose in this each mortal care, W'nh steady feet that path be trod. Which through the grave conducts to God
6 Jesus, to thee mv all I trust. And, if thou call me down to dust, I know thy voice, I bless thy hand. And die in smiles at thy command.
3 K 2
448 PSALMS.
7 What was my terror, k my joy ;
These views my brightest hopes employ, To go, ere many years are o'er, Secure I shall return no more.
XXVIII. The Penitent brought backfro7n the Pit. Job xxxiii. 27, 2S.
1 'T^HE Lord, from his exalted throne,
-■- In majesty array'd, Looks with a melting pity down On all that seek his aid.
2 When, touched with penitent remorse,
Our follies past we mourn.
With what a tenderness of love
He meets our first return !
3 From heaven he sent his only Son
To ransom us with blood, To snatch us from the burning pit, When on its brink Ave stood.
4 From death and hell he leads us up
By a delightful way ; And the bright beams of endless life Doth round our path display;
5 Great God, we wonder, and adore ;
And, to exalt such grace, We long to learn the songs of heaven Ere yet we reach the place.
XXIX. Communing with our Hearts. Psalm, iv. 4.
1 "D ETURN, my roving heart, return,
■^^ And chase these shadowy forms no more ; Seek out some solitude to mourn, And thy forsaken God implore.
2 Wisdom and pleasure dwell at home ; Retir'd and silent seek them there : True conquest is ourselves t' o'ercome, True strength to break the tempter's snare.
3 And thou, my God, whose piercing eye Distinct surveys each deep recess.
In these abstracted hours draw nigh. And with thy presence fill the place.
4 Through all the mazes * of m}' heart My search let heavenly wisdom guide. And still its radiant beams impart, Till all besearch'd, and purifi'd.
* Windings, perplexities.
PSALMS. 41 'J
5 Then, Avitli the visits of thy love, Vouchsafe my inmost soul to cheer ; Till every grace shall join to prov*;, That God has fixed his dwelling there.
XXX. God's Name, the Encouragement of our Faith.
Psalm ix. 10.
1 CING to the Lord, who loud proclaims
His various, and his saving names ; O may they not be heard alone. But by our sure experience known !
2 Let great Jehovah be ador'd, Th' eternal, all-sufticient Lord !
He through the world most high confess'd. By Avhom 'twas form'd, and is possess'd.
3 Awake our noblest powers to bless The God of Abratn, God of peace ; Now by a dearer title known, Father and God of Christ his Son.
4 Through every age his gracious ear Is open to his servants' prayer ; Nor can one humble soul complain, That it hath sought its God in vain.
5 What unbelieving heart shall dare In whispers to suggest a fear, While still he owns his ancient name ? The same his power, his love the same !
6 To thee our souls in faith arise, To thee we lift expecting eyes ; And boldly through the desart tread ;
V or God will guard, where God shall lead.
XXXI. Triumph in God's Protection. Psalm xviii. 2.
1 T EGIONS of foes beset me round,
^ While marching o'er this dangerous ground ; Yet in Jehovah's aid I trust, And in his power superior boast.
2 My buckler he ; his shield is spread To cover this defenceless head : Now let the fierc<*st foes assail, Their darts I count as rattling hail.
3 He is my rock, and he my tow'r ;
The base *" how hrni ! the walls how sure I The battlements how high they rise I And hide their summits f in the skies.
* Foundation. fTop*;.
450 PSALMS.
4 Deliverances to God belong ;
He is my strength, and he my song ; The horn of my salvation he, And all my foes dispers'd shall flee.
5 Through the long march my lips shall sing My great Protector, and my King,
Till Zion's mount my feet ascend, And all my painful warfare end.
6 Rais'd on the shining turrets there, Through all the prospect wide and fair, A land of peace his hosts survey. And bless the grace, that led the way.
XXXII. Support in Death, Psalm xxiii. 4.
1 "DEHOLD the gloomy vale.
Which thou, my soul, must tread. Beset with terrors fierce and pale, That leads thee to the dead.
3 Ye pleasing scenes, adieu*. Which I so long have known : My friends along farewel to 3-ou, For I must pass alone.
3 And thou, beloved cla}^ Long partner of my cares,
In this rough path art torn away With agony and tears.
4 But see a ray of light, With splendors all divine,
Breaks through these doleful realms of night. And makes its horrors shine.
5 Where death and darkness reigns, Jehovah is my stay :
His rod my trembling feet sustains. His staff defends my way.
6 Dear Shepherd, lead me on ; My soul disdains to fear ;
Death's gloomy phantoms all are flown, Now life's great Lord is near.
XXXIII. The good Man^s Prospect for Time and Eternitif: Psalm xxiii. C.
1 ^V/f Y soul, triumphant in the Lord, ^ Shall tell its joys abroad ; And march with holy vigour on, Supported by its God,
PSALMS. 451
2 Through all the Avindiiig* maze of life,
His hand hath hccii luyguiilc, And in that long-c'X|)iTicncc!d care, My heart shall still confide.
3 His grace through all the depart flows,
An unexliaustud stream: That grace on Zion's sacred mount Shall be my endless theme f.
4 Beyond the choicest joys of earth
Tht se distant courts I love; But O ! I burn with strong desire To view thy house above.
5 Mingled with all the shining band.
My soul would there adore ; A pillar in thy temple fixed, To be removed no more.
XXXIV. The Goodness ultich God has ivrougJU, and laid up for his People. Psalm xxxi. 19.
1 /^UR souls with pleasing wonder view ^^ The bounties of thy grace;
How much bestowed ! How much reserved For them that seek thy face !
2 Thy liberal hand with worldly bliss
Oft makes their cup run o'er; And in the covenant of thy love They find diviner store.
3 Here mercy hides their numerous sins:
Here grace their souls renews ; Here thy own reconciled face Doth heavenly beams diffuse.
4 But O ! what treasures yet unknown
Are lodged in worlds to come! If these th' enjoyments of the wa}', How happy is their home !
5 And what shall mortal worms reply?
Or how such goodness own? But 'tis our joy that, Lord, to thee, Thy servants' hearts are known.
6 Thine eyes shall read those grateful thoughts
No language can express; Yet, when our liveliest thanks we pay. Our debts do most encrease.
♦ Wilderness. f Subject,
452 PSALMS.
7 Since time's too short, all gracious God, To utter half thy praise, Loud to the honour of thy name Eternal hymns we'll raise.
XXXV. Relishing the divine Goodness. Psalm xxxiv. 8, 9.
1 T^RIUMPHANT, Lord, thy goodness reigns
-*■ Through all the wide celestial plains ; And its full streams redundant flow Down to the abodes of men below.
2 Through nature's works its glories shine ; The cares of providence are thine : And grace erects our ruined frame
A fairer temple to thy name.
3 O give to every human heart
To taste, and feel how good thou art : With grateful love, and reverend fear, To know, how blest thy children are.
4 Let nature burst into a song ;
Ye echoing hills, the notes prolong : Earth, seas, and stars your anthems raise. All vocal * with your Maker's praise.
5 Ye saints, with joy the theme pursue. Its sweetest notes belong to you ; Chose by this condescending King For ever round his throne to sing.
XXXVL God saying to the Soid, that he is its Salvation, Psalm XXXV. 3.
1 C ALVATION ! O melodious sound
To wretched dying men ! Salvation, that from God proceeds. And leads to God again !
2 Rescued from hell's eternal gloom,
From fiends f, and fires, and chains: Raised to a paradise of bliss, Where love and glory reigns !
3 But O ! may a degenerate soul,
Sinful and weak as mine. Presume to raise a trembling eye To blessings so divine ?
4 The lustre of so bright a bliss
My feeble heart o'erbears ;
♦ Sounding, as if endowed with speech. f Evil spirits.
3
PSALMS. 450
And unbelief almost perverts The promise into tears.
5 My Saviour-God, no voice but thine
These dying hopes can raise: Speak thy salvation to my soul, And turn its tears to praise.
6 My Saviour-God, tiiis broken voice
Transported shall proclaim,
And call on all th' angelic harps
To sound so sweet a name.
XXXVII. God's Coviplacency in the Prosperity of Jm Servants. Psalm XXXV. 27.
1 'X'HE Lord with pleasure views his saints,
And calls them all his own ; And low he bows to their complaints. And pities every groan.
2 In all the joys they here possess,
He takes a tender part ; And,, when they rise to heavenly bliss, Complacence fills his heart.
3 My God, are all my pleasures thine ?
My comforts thy delight? O be thy happiness divine Most precious in my sight !
4 They most in all thy bliss shall s])are,
Whose hearts can love thee most ; O could I vie in ardor here Witli all th' angchc host.
XXXVIII. The Days of the Upright kuonn to God, and their everJa^l- in^- Inheritance. Psalin xxxvii. 18.
1 T^O thee, my God, my days are known;
My soul enjoys the thought ; My actions all before thy face. Nor are my faults forgot.
2 Each secret breath devotion vents,
Is vocal to thir)e ear ; And all my walks of daily life Before thine eye appear.
3 The vacant hour, the active scene,
Thy mercy shall approve ; And every pang of sympathj-, And every care of love.
VOL. III'.* 3 L
454 PSALMS.
4 Each golden hour of beaming light
Is guided by thy rays ; And dark affliction's midnight gloom A present God surveys.
5 Full in thy view through life I pass,
And in thy view I die ; And, when each mortal bond is broke, Shall find my God is nigh.
6 Stripp'd of its little earthly all,
My soul in smiles shall go ; And in an heavenly heritage Its father's bounty know.
XXXJX. Our Desire and Groaning before God, token proceeding/ram the greatest Distress. Psalm xxxviii. 9, 10.
1 IV/TY soul, the awful hour will come.
Apace it passeth on, To bear this body to the tomb, And thee to scenes unknown.
2 My heart, long labouring Avith its woes.
Shall pant and sink away; And you, my eye-lids, soon shall close On the last glimmering ray.
3 Whence in that hour shall I receive
A cordial for my pain. When, if earth's monarchs were my friends. Those friends would weep in vain?
4 Great King of nature, and of grace.
To thee my spirit flies. And opens all its deep distress Before thy pitying eyes.
5 All its desires to thee are known.
And every secret fear, The meaning of each broken groan Well-noticed by thine ear.
6 O fix me by that mighty power.
Which to such love belongs. Where darkness veils the eyes no more. And groans are chang'd to songs.
XL, God magnified by those that lore Ms Salvation. Psalm xl. 16.
1 (^OD of salvation, we adore
Thy saving love, thy saving power ; And to our utmost stretch of thought Hail the redemption thou hast wrought.
PSALMS.
455
2 We love the stroke, tliat breaks our chaio, The sword, by which our sins arc slain : And, while abas'd in dust we bow.
We sing the grace, that lays us low.
3 Perish each thought of iiuman pride, Let God alone be magnifi'd :
His glory let the heavens resound. Shouted from earth's remotest bound.
4 Saints, who his full salvation know. Saints, who but taste it here below, Join every angel's voice to raise Continued, never-ending praise.
XLI. The Triumph of Christ in the Cause of Truth, Meekness, and Righteousivess. Psalm xlv. 3, 4.
1 T OUD to the prince of heaven ^ Your cheerful voices raise ; To him your vows be given, And fill his courts with praise :
With conscious worth AH clad in arms, All bright in charms, He sallies forth.
2 Gird on thy conquering sword. Ascend thy shining car.
And march, Almighty Lord, To wage thy holy war :
Before his wheels.
In glad surprise,
Ye vallies rise.
And sink, ye hills.
3 Fair truth, and smiling love, And injur'd righteousness In thy retinue move,
And seek from thee redress : Thou in their cause Shalt prosperous ride. And far and wide Dispense thy laws.
4 Before thine awful face Millions of foes shall fall, The captives of thy grace, That grace, which conquers all :
The world shall know, Great King of kings, What wonderous things Thine arm can do. 3L2
'toG'' PSALMS.
5 Here to my t\'i]ling soul Bend thy triumphant Ava}'; Here every foe controul, And ail thy power display :
My heart, thy tiironc,
Blest Jesus, see,
Bows low to thee)
To thee alone.
XLII. Quietness under Affliction, a proper Acknoivledgment of God. Psalm xlvi. 10.
J pEACE, 'tis the Lord Jehovah's hand, That blasts our joys in death; , Changes the visage once so dear, And gathers l)ack our breath.
2 'Tis he, the potentate supreme >
Of all the worlds above, Whose steady counsels wisely rule, Nor from their purpose move.
3 'Tis he, whose justice might demand
Our souls a sacrifice ; Yet scatters with unwearied hand A thousand rich supplies.
4 Our covenant-God and Father he
h\ Christ our bleeding Lord ; Whose grace can heal the bursting heart ■ With one reviving word.
5 Fair garlands of immortal bliss
He weaves for every brow ; And shall tumultuous passions rise, If he correct us now ?
6 Silent I own Jehovah's name ;
I kiss thy scourging hand ; And yield my comforts, and my life To thy supreme command.
XLIII. TlieYeur croivned xvith the divine Goodness. Psalm Ixv. II.
FOR new-year's day.
1 "p TERN AL source of every joy!
Well may thy praise our lips employ, While in thy temple we appear, Whose goodness crowns the circling year.
2 W'hile as the wheels of nature roll. Thy hand supports the steady pole; The sun is taught by thee to rise. And darkness, when to veil the skies.
PSALMS. 457
3 Tlie flo^verv spring at thy command I'lmbalms the air, and paints the land j Tlic .summer rays with vigour shine To raise the corn, and cheer the vine.
4 Tliy hand in autumn richly pours Tlu'ou'4h all our coasts rctlundant stores ; And winters, softened by thy care,
No more a face of horror wear.
5 Seasons, and months, and weeks, and days Demand successive songs of praise ;
Still be the cheerful homage j)aid ^V'ith opening light, and evening shade,
6 Here in thy liouse shall incense rise^ As circling sabbaths bless our eyes ; Still will w c make thy mercies known, Around thy board, and round our own.
7 O may our more harmonious tongues In worlds unknown pursue the songs ; And in those brighter courts adore, Where days and years revolve no more !
XLH'. Rebels against the supreme Sovereign admonished. Psahn Ixvi, 7.
1 TTIIE Lord of glory reigns supremely great,
And o'er heaven's arches builds his royal seat, Through worlds unknown his sovereign sway extends, Nor space nor time his boundless empire ends, His eye beholds th' atlairs of every nation. And reads each thought through his immense creation.
2 Lightnings and storms his mighty word obey, And planets roll, where he has marked their way ; Unnumber'd cherubs veil'd before him stand,
At his first signal all their wings expand ; His praise gives harmony to all their voices. And every heart through the full choir * rejoices.
3 Rebellious mortals, cease your tumults vain. Nor longer such unequal war maintain : Let clay with fellowclay in combat strive,
But dread to brave the power, by which you live : Willi contrite hearts fall ])rostratc and adore him. For, if he frowns, ye perish all before him.
XLV. God tlie Happiness of his People, and their Support in the eilreinest Distress. Psalm Ixxiii. 25, 26.
1 A/T^^ God, whose all-pervading f eye
"*• Views earth beneath, and heaven above,
* Company of singers. f All seeing.
45a FSALMS.
Witness, if here, or there thou seest An object of mine equal love.
2 Not the gay scenes, where mortal men Pursue their bhss, and find their woe. Detain my rising heart, which springs The nobler joys of heaven to view.
3 Not all the fairest sons of hght,
That lead the army round thy throne, Can bound its flight ; it presseth on. And seeks its rest in God alone.
4 Fix'd near th' immortal source of bhss. Dauntless and joyous it surveys
Each form of horror and distress.
That earth, combin'd with hell, can raise.
5 This feeble flesh shall faint and die ; This heart renew its pulse no more ; Even now it views the moment nigh. When life's last movements all are o'er.
6 But come, thou vanquish'd king of dread, With thy oAvn hand thy power destroy ; 'Tis thine to bear my soul to God,
My portion, and eternal joy.
XLVI. The Rage of Enemies restrained, and over-ruled to the divine Glory. Psalm Ixxvi. 10.
THANKSGIVING FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF THE REBELLION,
1746.
1 A CCEPT, great God, th}'^ Britain's songs, "^"^ While grateful joy unites our tongues
To own the work, thy hand hath done : Thy hand hath crush'd our cruel foes. When in rebellious troops they rose.
And swore to tread our glory down.
2 With hell confederate on their side, People and prince their rage defy'd.
And in proud hope devour'd us all Thy hand its banner hath display'd, Beckon'd its hero to our aid.
And in one day their legions fall.
3 Thus shalt thou still maintain thy throne, And prove, that thou art God alone.
Though earth and hell new efforts try, 'Midst all the tumult they can raise, Envenom'd wrath exalts thy praise,
Till hush'd at thy rebuke it die.
PSALMS.
459
4 So swell the surges * of the sea, And roar in their impetuous way.
As they would deluge earth again : So strike thev on th' unshaken rock, Dash'd by the fierceness of their shock, And foam to feel their fury vain.
XLVII. God furnishing a Table in the If'ildemesf. Pgalm Ixxviii 1:^, 20.
1 pARENT of universal good,
^Ve own thy bounteous hand, Which does so rich a table spread Even in this desart land.
2 Struck by thy power, the flinty rocks
In gushing torrents flow ; The feather'd wanderers of the air Thy guiding instinct know.
3 The pregnant clouds, at thy command,
Rain down delicious bread ; And by light drops of pearly dcAV Are numerous armies fed.
4 Supported thus, thine Israel march'd
The promis'd land to gain :
And shall thy children now begin
To seek their God in vain ?
5 Are all thy stores exhausted now ?
Or docs thy mercy fail ? That faith should languish in our breasts. And anxious cares prevail ? € Ye base unworthy fears, be gone. And wide disperse in air ; Then may I feel my father's rod. When I suspect his care !
XLVIII. God speaking Peace to hit People. Psalm Ixxxv. 8.
1 I^JTNITE, my roving thoughts, unite
In silence soft and sweet : And thou, my soul, sit gently down At thy great Sovereign's feet,
2 Jehovah's awful voice is heard,
Yet gladly I attend ; For lo ! the everlasting God Proclaims himself niy friend.
3 Harmonious accents to my soul
The sounds of peace convey ,-
* Great waves. 3
i60 . PSALMS.
Tlje tempest at his word subsidesy And winds and seas obey.
4 By all its joys, I charge my heart, To grieve his love no more ; But, charm'd by melody divine. To give its follies o'er.
XLIX. Ttie Church, tlie Birth-Ploice of the SaintSf and God's Care of it. Psalm Ixxxvii. 5.
ON OPENING A NEW PLACE OF WORSHIP.
J A ND will the great eternal God "^^ On earth establish his abode ? And will he from his radiant throne Avow our temples for his OAvn ?
2 We bring the tribute of our praise, And sing that condescending grace, Which to our notes will lend an ear. And call us sinful mortals near.
3 Our Father's watchful care Ave bless. Which guards our synagogues in peace. That no tumultuous foes invade.
To fill our worshippers with dread.
4 These walls Ave to thy honour raise ; Long may they echo with thy praise ; And thou descending fill the place With choicest tokens of thy grace !
5 Here ^t the great Redeemer reign With all the graces of his train ; While power divine his word attends To conqueif' foes, and cheer his friends i
6 And in the great decisive day, Wiien God the nations shall survej'. May it before the world appear,
• That crowds were born to glory here !
L. The GospdJuhilee. Psalm Ixxxix. 15. compared iiiih Levit. XXV. and Isaiah Ixi. 2.
1 T OUD let the tuneful trumpet sound.
And spread the joyful tidings round ; Let every soul with transport hear. And hail the Lord's accepted year !
2 Ye debtors, whom he gives to know, That you ton thousand talents owe. When humbled at his feet ye fall, Your fjracious Lord forgives them all-
PSALMS. 4G1
3 Slaves, tliat have borne the heavy chain Of sin and hell's tyrannic reij;n,
To hherty assert your claim,
And urge the great Redeemer's name.
4 The rich inheritance you lost, Restor'd, improv'd, you now may boast. Fair Salem your arrival waits.
To golden streets, and pearly gates.
5 Her blest inhabitants no more Bondage and poverty deplore :
No debt, but love immensely great, Whose joy still rises with the debt.
6 () happy souls that know the sound ! God's light shall all their steps surround ; And shew that Jubilee begun.
Which through eternal years shall run.
LI. God tite Divelling-Place of his People through all Generations. Psalm .\c. 1.
1 nPHOU, Lord, through every changing scene
JL Hast to thy saints a refuge been : Through every age, eternal God, Their pleasing home, their safe abode.
2 In thee our fathers sought their rest ; In thee our fathers still are blest ; And, while the tomb confines their dust, In thee their souls abide, and trust.
3 Lo, we are risen, a fct^blc race, A while to fill our father's place : Our helpless state with pity view, And let us share their refuge too.
4 Through all the thorny paths we trace In this uncertain wilderness,
When friends desert, and foes invade. Revive our heart, and guard our head.
5 So when this pilgrimage is o'er. And we must dwell in Hesh no more, I'o thee our separate souls sh;vll come. And find in thee a surer home.
6 To thee our infant race we leave ^ Them ma}' their fathers' Godrecx'ivo ; That voices yet unform'd may raise Succeeiling hynms of Inmible praise.
VOL. III. " :i M
462 PSALMS.
LII. Reflections onthe Waste of Years. Psalm xc. 9.
FOR new-year's day.
1 T> EMARK, my soul, the narrow bounds
Of the revolving year ! Plow swift the weeks complete their rounds ! How short the months appear !
2 So fast eternity comes on ,
And that important day, When all, that mortal life has done, God's judgment shall survey.
3 Yet like an idle tale we pass
The swift advancing year ; And study artful Avays t' increase The speed of its career.
4 AVaken, O God, my trifling heart
Its great concern to see ; That I may act the christian part, And give the year to thee.
5 So shall their course more grateful roll,
If future years arise ; Or this shall bear my smiling soul To joy, that never dies.
LIII. Joy and Prosperity from the Presence and Blessing of God. Psahii xc, 17.
1 CHINE on our souls, eternal God,
With rays of beauty shine:
O let thy favour crown our days,
And all their round be thine!
2 Did we not raise our hands to thee.
Our hands might toil in vain ; Small joy success itself could give. If thou thy love restrain.
3 With thee let every week begin.
With thee each day be spent, For thee each fleeting hour improv'd. Since each by thee is lent.
4 Thus cheer us through this desart road.
Till all our labours cease ; And heaven refresh our weary souls With everlasting peace.
LIV. The Mutability of the Creation, and the Immutability of God. Psalm cii. 25—28.
1 /^REAT former of this various frame, ^^ Our souls adore thine aAvful name j
PSALMS.
And bow and tremble, while tliey praise The Ancient of eternal days.
2 Thou, Lord, with unsurpris'd survey, Saw'st nature rising yesterday ;
And, as to-morrow, shall thine eye See earth and stars in ruin lie.
3 Beyond an angel's vision bright, Thou dwell'stin self-existent light ; Which shines with undiminish'd ray, While suns and worlds in smoke decay.
4 Our days a transient period run, And change with every circling sun ; And in the firmest state we boast,
A moth can crush us into dust.
5 But let the creatures fall around ; Let death consign us to the ground ; Let the last general flame arise, And melt the arches of the skies :
6 Calm as the summer's ocean, we Can all the wreck * of nature see, Wliile grace secures us an abode, Unshaken as the throne of God.
LV. Th FraiUij of Human-nature y and God's gracious Regard to it. . Psalm ciii. 14.
1 T ORD, we adore thy wonderous name, ^ And make that name our trust, Which rais'd at first this curious frauie,
From mean and lifeless dust.
2 By dust supported, still it stands,
Wrought up to various forms, Prepared l>y thy creating hands To nourish mortal worms.
3 Awhile these frail machines endure,
The fabric of a day ; Then know their vital powers no more, But moulder back to clay.
4 Yet, Lord, whate'er is felt or foarM,
This thought is our repose. That he, by whom this frame was rear'd, Its various weakness knows.
5 Thou vicw'st us with a pitying eye,
While struggling with our load ;
* Destruction. 3 M2
4G3
46t PSALMS,
In pains and dangers thou art nigh, Our Father, and our God.
6 Gently supported by thy love, We tend to reahns of peace ; Where every pain shall far remove, And every frailty cease.
LVI, God adored for his Goodness, and his xvonderf id Works io tlit Children of Men. Psalm evil. 31.
1 X^'^E sons of men, with joy record
The various wonders of the Lord ; And let his power and goodness sound Through all your tribes the earth around.
2 Let the high heavens your songs invite, Those spacious fields of brilliant light ; Where sun, and moon, and planets roll, And stars, that glow from pole to pole.
3 Sing earth in verdant robes array'd,
Its herbs and flowers, its fruit and shade ; Peopled with life of various forms. Fishes and fowls, and beasts and worms.
4 View the broad sea's ma.jestic plains, And think how wide its Maker reigns ; That band remotest nations joins, And on each wave his goodness shines.
5 But O ! that brighter world above. Where lives and reigns incarnate love ! God's only Son in flesh array'd,
For man a bleeding victim * made,
6 Thither, ray soul, with rapture soar ; There in the land of praise adore ; This theme demands an angel's lay f , Demands an undcclining day.
LYII. Tlie holy Soul returning to its Rest in a grateful Sense of divine Bounties. Psalm cxvi, 7.
1 "D ETURN, my soul, and seek thy rest
Upon thy heavenly P'ather's breast : Indulge me, Lord, in that repose, The soul which loves thee only knows.
2 Lodg'd in thine arms, I fear no more The tempest's howl, the billow's roar : Those storms must shake the Almight3''s seat, \Vhich violate the saint's retreat.
* Sacrifice. f Song.
PSALMS. 4G5
3 Thy bounties, Lortl, to me surmount The power of laii<>iia;j[e to recount ; From morning-dawn, the settinj^ sun Sees but my work of praise be«>un.
4 The mercies, all my moments bring, Ask an eternity to sir)g ;
What thanks those mercies can suffice, Which throngh eternity shall rise ?
5 llich in ten thousand gifts possess'd, In future hopes more richly bless'd, I'll sit and sing, till death shall raise A note of more proportion'd praise.
LVIII. Deliverance celebrated. Psalm cxvi. 8.
1 T OOK back, my soul, Avith grateful love,
On what thy God has done ; Praise him for his unnumber'd gifts, And praise him for his Son.
2 How oft hath his indiilgent hand
My Howing eye-lids dried. And rescu'd from impending death, When I in danger cri'd !
3 When on the bc;d of death I lay,
With sickness sore oppress'd. How oft hath he assuag'd my grief. And luU'd my eyes to rest !
4 Back from destruction's yawning pit
At his command I came ; He fed th' expiring lamp anew, And rais'd its feeble flame.
5 My broken spirit he hath checr'd,
When torn with inward grief ; And, when temptations press'd me sore. Hath brought me swift relief.
6 My soul from everlasting death
Is by his mercy brought, •
To tell in Zion's sacred gates The wonders he hath wrought,
1 Still will I walk bi^fore his face. While he this life prolongs ; Till grace shall all its work complete. And teach me heavenlv sonirs.
466 PSALMS.
LIX. Deliverance celebrated, and good Resolutions formed. Psalm cxvi. 8, 9 .
1 /^REAT source of life, our souls confess ^^ The various riches of thy grace ; Crown'd with thy mercy, we rejoice. And in thy praise exalt our voice.
2 By thee heaven's shining arch was spread ; By thee Avere earth's foundations laid. And all the charms of men's abode Proclaim the wise, the gracious God.
3 Thy tender hand restores our breath, When trembling on the verge of death ; Gently it wipes away our tears,
And lengthens life to future years.
4 These lives are sacred to the Lord ; Kindled by him, by him restor'd ; And, while our hours renew their race, Still would we walk before his face.
5 So when by him our souls are led Through unknown regions of the dead, With joy triumphant shall they move To seats of nobler life above.
LX. Praise for Recovery from Sickness. Psalm cxviii. 18,19.
1 COVEREIGN of life, I own thy hand
In every chastening stroke ; And, Avhile I smart beneath thy rod, Thy presence I invoke.
2 To thee in my distress I cried,
And thou hast bow'd thine ear ; Thy powerful word my life prolong'd, And brought salvation near.
3 Unfold, ye gates of righteousness,
That, with the pious throng, I may record my solemn vows. And tune my grateful song.
4 Praise to the Lord, whose gentle hand
Renews our labouring breath : Praise to the Lord, who makes his saints Triumphant ev'n in death.
5 My God, in thine appointed hour
Those heavenly gates display, Where pain and sin, and fear and death For ever flee away.
PSALMS. 467
6 There, while the nations of the blessM With raptures bow around, My antlicms to delivering grace In sweeter strains shall sound.
LXI. Regard to Scripture pressed upon aowig Persons, that they vmy cleanse their ivai/. rsalin cxix. 9.
1 TNDULGF:NT God, witli pitying eye,
The sons of men survey, And see how youthful siruiers sport In a destructive way.
2 Ten thousand dangers lurk around
To bear them to the tomb ; Each in an hour may plunge them down, Where hope can never come.
3 Reduce, O Lord, their wandering minds
Amus'd with airy dreams, That heavenly wisdom may dispel, Their visionary schemes.
4 With holy caution may they walk,
And be thy word their guide ; Till each, the desart safelv pass'd. On Zion's Hill abide. "'
LXII. Desires of being quickened hi/ the IVord of God. Psalm cxix. 25.
J "\7[7TriI pity, Lord, thy servant view, As in the dust I lie. Nor, while I raise my plaintive * voice, Disdain the broken cr}-.
2 Fain would I mount on eagles' wings.
And view thy lovely face ; But cumberous burdens drag me down From thine ador'd embrace.
3 Thy quickening energy difluse
O'er all my inmost frame ; And animate these languid lips To celebrate thy name.
^ Thy living word has wonders wrought ; Tiiose wonders here renew ; And pour fresh vigour through my soul, While I its glories view.
Tj From thee, great ever flowing spring, Let vital streams descend ;
* Mouriifid.
463 PSALMS.
And cheer me to begin those songs, ^\']lich death shall never end.
LXIII. Human Perfection no ivhcre to he found. Psalm cxix, 9G.
1 PERFECTION ! 'Tis an empty name,
Nor can repay our cares, And he, that seeks it here below. Must end the search with tears.
2 Great David on liis royal throne.
The beauteous, and the strong.
Rich in the spoils of conquered foes.
Amidst the applauding throng,
3 With all his mind's capacious powers,
Pursu'd the shade in vain ; Nor heard it his melodious voice. Or harp's angelic strain.
4 From public to domestic scenes
Th' impatient monarch turns; The friend, the husband, and the sire """ In sad succession mourns.
5 At length thy law, eternal God,
He through his tears descries f. And, wrapt amidst those sacred folds. He finds the heavenly prize.
6 There will I seek perfection too,
Where David's God is known ; Nor envy, with this volume blest. His treasures and his throne.
LXIV. Beholding Transgressors tvith Grief. Psalm cxix. 136, IjS- \ A RISE, my tenderest thoughts, arise ; ■^^ To torrents melt my streaming eyes ; And thou, my heart, with anguish feel Those evils, which thou canst not heal.
2 See human nature sunk in shame ; See scandals pour'd on .Tesus' name ; The Father wounded through the Son; The world abused; the soul undone.
3 See the short course of vain delight Closing in everlasting night ;
In flames, that no abatement know. Though briny tears for ever flow.
j. M}' God, I feel the mournful scene ; My bowels yearn o'er dying men ;
* Father. f Discerti<=.
PSALM3. 46i)
And fain my pity would reclaim,
And snatch the iire-brands Iroin the flame.
5 But feeble my compassion proves, And ran but weep, where most it loves : Thy own all-saving arm employ, And turn these drops of grief to joy.
LXV. The wandtring Sheep recovered. Psalm cxix. \1G.
1 T ORD, wc have wander'd from the way ; ■^ l^ikc foolish sheep, we've gone astray ; Our pleasant pastures wc have left,
And of their guard our souls bereft *.
2 Expos'd to want, expos'd to harm ; Far from our gentle shepherd's arm ; Nor will these fatal wanderings cease, Till thou reveal the paths of peace.
3 O seek thy thoughtless servants, Lord, Nor let us quite forget thy word ; Our erring souls do thou restore, And keep us, that we stray no more.
LXVI. The ueeping Seed-time, and joyful Harvest. Psahu cxxvi. 5, 6.
s! showers ;
1 TTHE darken'd sky, how thick it lowers ' Troubled with storms, and big with s
No cheerful gleam of light appears, But nature pours forth all her tears.
2 Yet let the sons of grace-revive ;
God bids the soul, that seeks him, live ; And from the gloomiest shade of night. Calls forth a morning of delight.
3 The seeds of ecstacy unknown, Are in these water'd furrows sown ;
See the green blades, how thick they rise. And with fresh verdure bless our eyes.
4 In secret foldings they contain Unnumber'd ears of golden grain ;
And heaven shall pour its beams around, Till the ripe harvest load the ground.
5 Then shall the trembling mourner come, And find his sheaves, and bear them home : The voice long broke with sighs shall sing, Till heaven with hallelujahs ring.
* Deprived, VOL. III. 3 N
470 PSALMS.
LXVII. Thatiks to God for his ever-enduring Goodness. Psalm cxxxvi. 1.
FOR new-year's day.
.1 T_JOUSE of our God, with cheerful anthems ring, ^ While all our lips and hearts his graces sing ! The opening year his graces shall proclaim, And all its days be vocal with his name. The Lord is good, his mercy never-ending ; His blessings in perpetual showers descending.
2 The heaven of heavens he Avith his bounty fills: Ye seraphs bright on ever blooming hills,
His honours sound ; you to whom good alone, Unmingled, ever-growing, has been known. Through your immortal life, with love increasing, Proclaim your Maker's goodness never-ceasing.
3 Thou earth, enlightened by his rays divine, Pregnant with grass, and corn, and oil, and wine, Crown'd with his goodness, let thy nations meet, And lay their crowns at his paternal feet :
With grateful love that liberal hand confessing, W^hich through each heart diffuseth every blessing.
4 Zion enrich'd with his distinguish'd grace, Blest with the rays of tliine Emanuel's face, Zion, Jehovah's portion, and delight. Graven on his hands, and hourly in his sight,
In sacred strains exalt that grace excelling. Which makes thy humble hill his chosen dwelling.
5 His mercy never ends ; the dawn, the shade
Still see new bounties through new scenes display'd: Succeeding ages bless this sure abode, And children lean upon their fathers, God. The deathless soul, through its inimense duration, Drinks from this source immortal consolation.
6 Burst into praise, my soul ; all nature join ; Angels and men in harmony combine! While human years are measur'd by the sun. And while eternity its course shall run,
His goodness, in perpetual showers descending. Exalt in songs, and raptures never-ending !
LXVIII. God strengthening the Soids of his praying People. Psalm cxxxviii. 3.
1 A/f Y" soul, review the trembhng days, In which my God I sought; I cry'd aloud for aid divine, And aid divine he brougiit.
PSALMS. 471
2 Tliroufrli ;ill my weak and fainting liemt
His secret strength ho spieati, Anil elasjVd inc iri his arms of love, And rais'd my thooping head.
3 He call'd himself my covenant-God,
His promises he shcw'd ; And wide display 'd their solemn seal In the great surety's blood.
4 I heard his people shout around,
Andjoin'd their cheerful song; And saw from far the shining seats. Which to his saints belong.
5 My God, what inward strength thou giv'st
J to thy service vow ; And in thy strength would upward march. Till at thy throne 1 bow.
LXIX. Singiitg in Oie Ways of God. Psalm cxxxviii. 5.
1 IV'OW let our voices join.
To form one pleasant song : Ye pilgrims in Jehovah's ways. With music pass along.
2 How straight the path appears ! How open, and how fair !
No lurking gins t' entrap our feet; No fierce destroyer there.
3 But flowers of paradise In rich profusion spring ;
The sun of glory gilds the path, And dear companions sing.
4 See Salem's golden spires In beauteous prospect rise ;
And brighter crowns than mortals Avear, Which sparkle through the skies.
i5 AH honour to his name.
Who drew the shining trace ; To him, who leads the wanderers on. And cheers them with his grace.
5 Reduce the nations, Lord, Teach all their kings thy ways,
That earth's full choir the notes may swell, And heaven resound the praise. 3 N 2
478 PSALMS.
LXX. The innuMerahle Mercies of God thankfully acknoivledged. Psalm cxxxix. 17, 18.
1 TN glad amazement, Lord, I stand,
Amidst the bounties of thy hand ; How numberless those bounties are ! How rich, how various, and how fair !
2 But O ! -what poor returns I make!
What lifeless thanks I pay thee back ! ;
Lord, I confess with humble shame.
My offermgs scarce deserve the name. ;
3 Fain would my labouring heart devise To bring some nobler sacrifice ;
It sinks beneath the mighty load : What shall I render to my God ?
4 To him I consecrate my praise, And vow the remnant of my days ; Yet what at best can I pretend Worthy such gifts from such a friend ?
5 In deep abasement, Lord, I see Mv emptiness and povert}': Enrich my soul with grace divine, And make it worthier to be thine.
6 Give me at length an angel's tongue, That heav-en may echo with my song; The theme, too great for time, shall be The jdy of long eternity.
LXXI. Praising God through the Wlwle of our Existence. Psalm cxlvi. 2.
1 r^ OD of my life, through all its days
^"^ My grateful powers shall sound thy praise ; The song shall wake with opening light, And warble to the silent night.
2 When anxious cares would break my rest. And griefs would tear my throbbing breast, Thy tuneful praises rais'd on high
Shall check the murmur and the sigh.
3 When death o'er nature shall prevail. And all its powers of language fail,
Joy through my swimming eyes shall break, And mean the thanks I cannot speak.
4 But O ! when that last conflict's o'er. And I am chain'd to flesh no more, With Avhat glad accents shall I rise, To join the music of the skies!
i
PROVERBS. i
5 Soon sliall I learn tW exalted strains, Which echo o'er the heavenly plains ; Anil emulate, with jov unknown,
The glowing seraphs round thy throne.
6 The cheerful tribute will I give, Long as a deathless soul can live ; A work so sweet, a theme so high, Demands, and crowns eternity.
LXXir. T/te Metk beautified iviih Salvation. Psalm cxlix. 4.
1 ^V'E humhle soids rejoioe,
And cheerful trium])hs sing; Wake all your harmony of voice, For Jesus is your King.
2 That meek and lowly Lord, Whom here your souls have known,
Pledges the honour of his word T' avow 3'ou for his own.
3 He hrings salvation near,
For which his blood was paid : How beauteous shall your souls appear Thus sumptuously array 'd !
4 J^ing, for the day is nigh, When near your Leader's seat
The tallest sons of pride shall lie. The footstool of your feet.
5 Salvation, Lord, is thine ; And all thy saints confess,
The royal robes, in which they shine, Were wrought by sovereign grace.
LXXIII. The Reproofs ofH'isdom mingled uitk Promises, and Threat' nings to reclaim ivandering Simiers. Proverbs i. 23.
1 TLTARK ! for 'tis wisdom's voice,
"^I'hat breaks in gentle sound : Listen, ye sons of earth and sin. And gather all around.
2 What though she speaks rebukes. That pierce the soul with smart ;
True love through all her chastenings runs, By pain to mend the heart.
3 "Ye that have wander'd long ** In sin's destructive ways,
** Turn, turn," the heavenly charmer cries, And seize the offer'd grace.
474 PROVERBS.
4 *' I know your souls are weak, " And mortal efforts vain
** To grapple with the prince of hell, *' And break his cursed chain.
5 *' But I'll my spirit pour " In torrents from above,
*' To arm jou with superior strength, *' And melt your hearts in love.
6 " Come, while these offers last, *' Ye sinners, and be wise :
'' He lives, who hears this friendly call, *' But he that slights it, dies."
JL,XXIV. Tlie Voice of Christ addressed to the Children of Men. Proverbs viii. 4.
1 IVfOW let the listening world around , In silent reverence hear ;
While from on high the Saviour's voice Tlius strikes th' attentive ear.
2 " To you, O sons of men, 1 call,
" And from my lofty throne *' Recliii'd, in gentle pity bow *' To bring salvation down.
3 '' Ye thoughtless sinners, hear my voice,
" Attend my words and live ;
*' IMy words conduct to solid joys,
*' And endless blessings give.
4 " Each faithful minister is sent
*' This message to proclaim ; *' In every various providence " The language is the same,
5 " And could the pale forgotten dead,
" Though deep in dust they lie, *' Arise in visionary crouds, " They'd join the solemn cry.
6 " Forgetful mortals, yet be wise,
" While o'er the grave ye stand j ** Lest long neglected love provoke *' The vengeance of my hand.
7 " In glad submission bow ye down,
** Nor steel that stubborn heart ; *' Till mine inexorable voice
" Pronounce the word. Depart.'*
8 Blest Jesus, may thy Spirit breathe
On souls, which else msst dit^ j
I'RO VERBS. 475
For, till fhy grace reflect the sound, Thy word in vain will cry.
JLXXV. The Encouragement young Persons hare to ieck, and love Christ. Prov. viii. 17.
1 \^I'' hearts with youthful vigour warm,
In smiling crouds draw near, And turn from every mortal charm, A Saviour's voice to hear.
2 He, Lord of all the worlds on high,
Stoops to converse with you ; And lays his radiant glories by. Your friendship to pursue.
3 *' The soul, that longs to see my face,
** Is sure my love to gain ; *' And those, that early seek my grace, " Shall never seek in vain."
4 What object, Lord, my soul should move,
If once compar'd with thee? What beauty should command my love. Like what in Christ I see ?
5 Away, ye false delusive toys,
Vain tempters of the mind ! 'Tis here I fix my lasting choice. And here true bliss I find.
LXXVI. The House and Feast of IVisdom. Prov. ix. 1 6.
1 C KE the fair structure wisdom rears,
Her messengers attend ; And charm'd by her persuasive voice, To her your footsteps bend.
2 Hear me, ye simple ones, she cries,
*' That lur'd by folly stray, " And languish to eternal death " In her detested way.
3 *' Enter my hospitable gate,
" And all my banquet share ; ** P'or heavenly wine surrounds my board, " And angels' food is there.
4 *' Freely of every dainty taste ;
** Taste, and for ever lire ; ** And mingle with your joys the hopes " Of all a god can give.
5 " But if seduc'd by folly's arts,
** Ye seek her poisonous food ;
416 PROVERBS.
*' Know, that the dreadful moment hastes, *' Which pays the feast with blood."
LXXVII. Tlw Excellency of the RigJdemis, with Regard to their Temper. Prov. xii. 26. Part 1st.
1 TIJOW glorious, Lord, art thou !
■■■ -'- How bright thy splendors shine ! AVhose rays reflected gild thy saints With ornaments divine.
2 With lowliness and love, Wisdom and courage meet ;
The grateful heart, the cheerful eye. How reverend and how sweet !
3 In beauties such as these, Thy children n«>w are drest ;
But brighter habits shall they wear In regions of the blest.
4 In nature's barren soil. Who could such glories raise ?
We own, O God, the work is thine. And thine be all the praise !
LXXVIII. The Excellency of the Righteous, zuith Regard to their Rela- tions, Employments, Pleasures, and Hopes. Prov. xii. 26. Part 2tl.
1 r\ Israel, thou art blest;
^~^ Who may with thee comi)are ? Thine excellencies stand confessed ; How bright thy glories are !
2 O God of Israel, hear.
And make this bliss our own ; Make us the children of thy care. The members of thy Son.
3 Thus honoured, thus employ'd. By these great motives fir'd,
Be paradise on earth enjoy'd, And brighter hopes inspir'd.
4 Thy people, Lord, we love ; Their God our souls embrace ;
So may we find in worlds above Among thy saints a place.
LXXIX. Walking xvith God ; or being in his Fear all the Day long. Proverbs xxiii. IT.
1 nPHRICE happy souls, who born from heaven, -■- While yet they sojourn here. Thus ail their days w^ith God begin. And spend them in his fear I
PROVERBS.
2 So mav our eves with holy zeal Prevent the ihiwnhig duy ; Ami turn the surred pages* o'er, And priiise thy name and pray.
y 'Midst hourly eares, may love present Its ineense to thy thronu ; And, while the world our hands employs, Our hearts he thine alone !
4 As sanctifi'd to nohlest ends
Be eaeh refreshment sought ; Andbyeaeh various providence Some wise instruction brougiit!
5 When to laborious duties call'd,
Or by temptations try'd, We'll seek the shelter of thy wings, And m thy strength confide.
6 As different scenes of life arise,
Our grateful hearts would be With thee, amidst the social band ; In solitude, with thee.
1 At night we lean our weary heads On thv paternal breast ; And, safely folded in thine arius, Resign our powers to rest, 8 In solid pure delights, like these, Let all my days be past ; Nor shall I then impatient wish, Nor shall I fear the last.
LXXX. The obstinale Sinner alarmed. Pmvcrbi xxix. 1.
1 ]^OW let the sons of Belial t liear •^^ The thunders of the Lord ; Unfold their long rebellious ear,
And tremble at his word.
2 Now let the iron sinew bow,
And take his easy yoke ; Lest sudden vengeance lay it low By one resistless stroke.
3 Though yet the great physician wait.
And healing balm be found. One hour may seal their endless fate, And lix a deadly wound.
* The holy sciipturt s. t Disobedient rebellious persons.
VOL. 111. 3 t^
477
475
ISAIAH.
4 Swift may thy mercy, Lord, arise, Ere justice stop their breath ; And hghten those deluded eyes, That sleep the sleep of death !
LXXXI. God's reasonable Expectations froin Ids Vineyard. Isaiah v. 1 — 7.
1 'X'HE vineyard of the Lord, how fair !
Planted by his peculiar care. Behold its branches spread, and fill The borders of his sacred hill.
2 His eye hath mark'd the chosen ground ; His mighty hand hath fenc'd it round ; His servants by his order wait,
To watch and aid its tender state
3 But when the vintage he demands For all the labour of their hands. What clusters doth his vine produce ? The grapes are wild, and sour the juice.
4 Well might he tear its fence away. And leave it to the beasts of prey. Might give it to the v/ild again,
And charge his clouds to cease to rain.
5 But spare our land, our churches spare, Thy vengeance long provok'd forbear ; Let the true vine its influence give, And bid our withering branches live !
LXXXII. Isaiah's Obedience to the heavenly Vision. Isaiah vi. S,
1 ^^UR God ascends his lofty throne,
Array'd in majesty unknown ; 4. His lustre all the temple fills, '\ And spreads o'er all th' ethereal * hills.
2 The holy, holy, holy Lord, By all the Seraphim ador'd.
And, while they stand beneath his seat, They veil their faces, and their feet.
3 And can a sinful worm endure The presence of a God so pure ? Or these polluted lips proclaim The honours of so grand a name ?
4 O for thine altar's glowing coal To touch my lips, to fire my soul. To purge the sordid dross away. And into crystal turn my clay !
* Heavenly,
ISAIAH. 479^
5 Then, if a messenger tliou ask, A labourer for the hardest task, Through all my weakness and my fear, Love shall reply, " Thy servant's here."
6 Nor should my willing soul complain, Though all its efforts seeniM in vain ; It ample recompencc shall be,
But to have wrought, my God, for thee.
LXXXIII. T/r Stupidity of Israel, and of Britain lamented. Isaiah vi. D—12.
FOR A FAST-DAY.
1 T ORD, when thine Israel we survey, "^ We in their crimes discern our own ; And, if thou turn our prayer away. Our misery must, like theirs, be known.
2 To us thy prophets have been sent With words of terror and of love ; But not the vengeance, nor the grace Ten thousand stubborn hearts will move.
3 Our eyes are blind, and deaf our ears ; Our hearts areharden'd into stone ; As we would bar thy mercy out,
And leave a way for wrath alone.
4 Justly our God might give us up
To plague and famine and the sword ; Till towns and cities rich and fair Lay desolate without a Lord.
5 O'er bleeding wounds of slaughter'd friends Rivers of helpless grief might flow.
Till the fierce conquerors' haughty rage Dragg'd us to chains and slaughter too.
6 But spare a nation long thy own. And shew new miracles of grace ; 'Tis thine to heal the deaf and blind, And wake the dead to life and praise.
LXXXIV. Confederate Nations defied by those who sanctify God. Isaiah viii. 9—14.
FOR A FAST-DAY.
1 /^ REAT God of hosts, attend our prayer, ^^ And make the British Isles thy care ; To thee we raise our suppliant cries. When angry nations round us rise. 302
480 ISAIAH.
2 Fain would they tread our glory down, And in the dust defile our crown, Deluge our houses with our blood, And burn the temples of our God.
3 But, 'midst the thunder of their rage, ^Ve thy protection would engage : O raise thy saving arm on high, 7\nd bring renew'd deliverance nigh.
4 May Britain, as one man, be led
To make the Lord her fear and dread ; Our souls no other fear shall know, Though earth were leagu'd with hell below.
5 Give ear, ye countries from afar ; Ye proud associate nations, heai* ; While fix'd on him, who rules the sky, Our hearts your threatened war defy.
6 Ye people, gird yourselves in vain, Your scatter'd force unite again ; Again shall all that force be broke, When God with us shall deal the stroke.
7 Now he records our humble tears. With ardent vows of future years, And destines for approaching days Victorious shouts, and songs of praise.
S Emanuel's land shall safe remain, Blest with its Saviour's gentle reign ; Till every liostile rumour cease In the fair realms of perfect peace.
LXXXV. Chrisi the Steiiard of God's Family. Isaiah xxii. 22—24. compared with Rev. iii. 7.
1 "\X/^ITH what delight I raise my eyes.
And view the courts, where .Jesus dwells ! Jesus, who reigns beyond the skies. And here below his grace reveals !
2 Of David's royal house the key Is borne by that Ma,iestic hand ; Mansions and treasures there I see, Subjected all to his command.
3 He shuts, and Avorlds might strive in vain The mighty obstacle to move ;
He looses all their bars again.
And who shall shut the gates of love ?
4 Fix'd in omnipotence he bears The glories of his lather's name ;
ISAIAH. 4Sl
Sustains his people's weighty cares, Through every changing age the same.
5 My little all I there suspend.
Where the whole weight of heaven is hung ; Secure I rest on such a friend, And into rapture wake my tongue*
LXXXVI. Tfie rich Provision and ktjipij Effects of the Gospel. Isaiali xxv. 6 — y.
1 TJKHOLD our God, he owns his name j
Jehovah all our songs proclaim
With shouts of wonder and of joy : Long have we waited for his grace, No longer now his love delays
For Zion his own arm t' employ.
2 We charge our souls the joy to feel ; We charge our tongues his praise to tell :
Th' Almighty Saviour ! This is he ! He pours his streams of grace abroad. Till all the earth confess the God,
And lands remote his glory see.
3 Dainties how rich his stores afford !
How pure the wine, that crowns his board, While welcome nations flock around !
He takes the veil of grief away ;
Through thickest shades he darts the day, And not one weeping eye is found.
4 All-conquering death, no longer boast O'er millions humbled in the dust ;
Our God with scorn thy triumph sees : Soon as he aims one shaft * at thee, Swallow'd and lost in victory.
Thine empire and thy name shall cease.
LXXXVII.^ The peaceful State of the Soul, that trusteth tn God. Isaiah xwi. 3.
1 TX/"EARY and weak and faint,
I cast mine eyes around ; My joints all tremble, and my feet Sink deep in miry ground.
2 Despairing help below,
To heaven I raise mv cries ;
God hears, and his Almightv arm
(^ut-stretches from the skies.
3 I on that arm repose. And all my fears are o'er ;
* Avio'.y.
482 ISAIAH.
New strength diffus'd through all my soul Attests its vital power.
4 My mind in perfect peace Thy guardian care shall keep :
I'll yield to gentle slumbers now. For thou canst never sleep.
5 Happy the souls alone On thee securely stay'd !
Nor shall they be in life alarm'd, Nor be in death dismay'd.
LXXXVIII. IsraeVs Obstinacy under God's lifted Hand. Isaiah xxvi. 11.
1 T ORD, when thy hand is lifted up,
The wicked will not see ; But they shall see with glowing shame. Though they obdurate be.
2 How few the weighty stroke regard.
And seek their Maker's face ! In vain may providence correct. If not enforcM by grace.
3 Exert thy mighty influence. Lord,
And melt the stony breast ;
Then shall thy justice be ador'd,
Thy mercy stand confess'd.
4 The scorner then shall mourn in dust,
And put his sins away, No more resist his Maker's hands, But lift his own to pray.
LXXXIX. God quickening the Dead. Isaiah xxvi. 19.
1 nPHE evei-living God
■^ Th' expiring church shall raise j Our hearts his promises receive, And wake a shout of praise.
2 Death shall not always reign, Where crrace hath fix'd its throne ;
His soft compassion views the dust, He once hath call'd his own.
:•} " Yes," saith the God' of truth, *' My dead shall live again ; " The foe shall see their leader's breath " Rt^.animate the slain.
4 " The dew of heaven shall fall "' In rich abundance round,
2
ISAIAH. 48:
** And a redundant harvest rise " To cloatli the teeming ground.
5 ** Now from your dust awake, *' And burst into a song ;
" Tlien spurn the earth, and mount tlic skies " In a triumphant tlirong."
6 Thy Zion, Lord, believes A promise so divine,
And h)oks tliroujih ail lier flow innr tears To see the glory shine.
XC. The godly Mart's Ark. Isaiah xxvi. 20.
1 TT is my Father's voice ;
"'■ And O ! how sweet the sound ! It makes my inmost powers rejoice, My trembling heart rebound.
2 ** Mark, the black tempest lowrs, " And gathers round the sky ;
'* Retire and slum the sweeping showers *' Of indignation nigh.
3 " Come, my dear children, come, *' And seek your Father's arms ;
*' There is your siielter, there your home; " 'Midst all tliesc dire alarms.
4 *' Enter at his command ;
*' Close in your ark remain ; " And wait the signal of his hand " To call you forth again.
5 '' The moments to beguile, *' A cheerful song begin ;
*' Nor let the roaring thunders spoil ** The harmony within.
6 *' Ere long the sky shall clear, *' The clouds be chas'd away,
*' And grace shall shine in radiance fair " Through an eternal day."
XCI. Laying hold on God's Strength, that tie viay be at Peace nitk him, isaiali xxvii. 5.
1 'T'HU.S saith Jehovah from his seat,
-■- " Who shall presume my wrath to meet ? *' What rel>el men or angels dare " To wage with me unequal war?
2 " Close let the thorns and briars stand, ** In thick array on cither hand j
484 ISAIAH.
** Fortli shall my flaming terrors fly ; " At once they kindle, blaze, and die.
3 " Presumptuous sinners, yet be wise *' Ere this o'erwhelming ruin rise ;
" Your vain tumultuous efforts cease,
«< And seek in suppliant crowds for peace."
4 Great God, we bless the gentle sound. And bow submissive to the ground ; Thy prostrate foes let pity raise,
And form a people to thy praise !
5 His thundering storms are silent now ; Calm arc t!ie terrors of his brow, Since Jesus makes the Father known, Our guardian shield, our cheering sun.
XCII. The divine Goodness in moderating Afflictions. Isaiah xxvii.
1 f~^ REAT ruler of all nature's frame, ^^ We own thy power divine.
We hear thv breath in every storm. For all the winds are thine.
2 Wide as they sweep their sounding way.
The}- work thy sovereign will ; And aw'd by thy majestic voice Confusion shall be still.
3 Thy mercy tempers every blast
To them that seek thy face ; ^ And mingles with the tempest's roar
The whispers of thy grace.
4 Those gentle whispers let me hear^
Till all the tumult cease ;
And gales of paradise shall lull
My weary soul to peace.
XCIII. God ivaiting to be gracious. Isaiah xxx. 18.
1 "YXT^AIT on the Lord, ye heirs of hope,
And let his word support your souls : Well can he bear your courage up. And all your foes and fears controut. \
2 He waits his own well-chosen hour Th' intended mercy to display; And his paternal bowels move, While wisdom dictates the delay.
3 With mingled majesty and love At IcAgth lie rises from his throne j
ISAIAH. 485
And, wliile salvation he commands, He makes his people's joy iiisown.
4 Blest arc the humble souls, that wait Witii sweet submission to iiis will ; Harmonious all their passions move, And in the midst of storms are still.
5 Still, till their Father's well-known voice. Wakens their silence irito songs;
Then earth grows vocal with his praise. And heaven the grateful shout prolongs.
XCIV. The different Fiews of good and bad Men in Times of public Danger. Isaiali xxxiii. 14 — 17.
1 CEE! the destruction is begun,
And heaps of ruin spread the ground ; With hasty strides it marches on. And scatters consternation round.
2 Sinners in Zion take th' alarm. The hypocrites astonish'd cry,
Who with devouring flames can dwell ? Who in eternal burnings lie ?
3 God's gracious voice the saint revives ; How sweet the heavenly accents sound !
*' Dwell thou on high, my child," he says, " Where rocks shall guard thee all around.
4 *' There shall my hand thy wants supply, ** Thy water and thy bread are sure ;
** There shall my visits make thee glad, *' While these alarming scenes endure.
5 *' Then, led in joyous triumph forth,
" Thine eyes the distant land shall view; *' Shall see thy King in beauty drest, ** And share his royal honours too."
6 My soul the oracle receives, And feels its energy to cheer :
A promis'd heaven, a present God Forbids my grief, forbids my fear.
XCV. God the Defence of his People from invading Enemies. Isaiah xxxiii. 21 — 23.
1 T^HE glorious Lord ! his Israel's hope! '*■ How Avell he bears their courage up ! How wide his saving power extends !
VOL. HI. 3 P
486 ISAIAH.
His princely titles will we sing, Our judge, our law-giver, our king, He guards his subjects as his friends.
2 Around the mountain where they dwell, Lo, at his word, new waters swell
To deluge tlie invading foe ! Open'd by him that rules the skies, Mark the broad rivers how they rise,
And with what rapid strength they flow !
3 To gain the well-defended shores, In vain the gaily spreads its oars,
And the proud ship her sails displays : The sails are rent, the masts are broke, The shattered oars all drop their stroke,
And lightnings through thetacklings blaze.
4 Shout your hosannas to the Lord ! Thus shall he still his Zion guard,
Till the last foe be trampled down: High as the heavens exalt his praise ! High as the heavens his hand shall raise
The soul, that here his grace hath known.
XCVI. The Higli-lFuy to Zion. Isaiah xxxv. 8, 9, 10.
1 CING, ye redeemed of the Lord,
Your great deliverer sing : Pilgrims for Zion's city bound, Be joyful in your king.
2 See the fair way his hand hath rais'd ;
How holy, and how plain ! Nor shall the simplest travellers err. Nor ask the track in vain.
3 No ravening lion shall destroy.
Nor lurking serpent wound ; Pleasure and safety, peace and praise, Through all the path are found.
4 A hand divine shall lead you on
Through all the blissful road; Till to the sacred mount you rise, And see your smihng God,
.5 There garlands of immortal joy Shall bloom on every head ; While sorrow, sighing, and distress. Like shadows all are fled.
.6 March on in your Redeemer's strength ; Pursue his footsteps still ;
ISAIAH. 481
And It't tlio prospect cliccr your e\c, W'liile labouring up the hill.
XCVII. Tin Greatness and Majesty of God, and the Meanness of the Creatures. Isaiali xl. 15, lo", IT.
1 X/'E weak inliaUitants of (-lay,
Ve trilling insects of" a clay, Low in your native dust how down Before th' eternal's awful throne.
2 \\'ith trembling heart, witli solemn eye, Ik-hold Jehovah seated high !
And search, what worthy sacrifice
Your hands can give, your thoughts devise.
3 Let Lebanon her cedars bring.
To blaze before the sovereign King ; And all the beasts, that on it feed. As victims at his altar bleed.
4 Loud let ten thousand trumpets sound. And call remotest nations round. Assembled on the crowded plains, Princes and people, kings and swains.
5 .Toin'd with the living, let the dead liising, the face of earth o'erspread ; And, while his praise unites their tongues, Let angels echo back the songs.
6 The drop, that from the bucket falls, The dust, that hangs upon the scales, Is more to sky, and earth, atid sea. Than all this pomp, () God, to thee.
XCVIII. The timorous Saint encouraged hj the Assurance of the di- line Presence and Help, isaiah xli. 10.
1 A ND art thou with us, gracious Lord, '^ To dissipate our foar?
Dost thou proclaim thyself our God, Our God for ever near }
2 Doth thv r!;>-ht-hand, whi<;h form'd the earth.
And bears up all the skies, Stretch from on high its friendly aid, When dangers round us ri.sc ?
3 Dost thou a Father's bowels feel
For all thv humble saints ? And in such tender accents speak To soothe their sad complaints ? 3 P2
488 ISAIAH.
4 On this stipport my soul shall lean,
And banish every care ; The gloomy vale of death must smile. If God be with me there.
5 While I his gracious succour prove
'Midst all my various ways, The darkest shades, through which I pass, Shall echo with his praise.
XCIX. The Humiliation and Exaltation of God's Israel. Isaiah xli. 14, 13.
1 A MAZING grace of God on high! ■^^^ And will the Lord look down On sinners, while in dust they lie,
And dread his awful frown ?
2 Weaker than worms, O Lord, are we,
And viler far than they ; Yet in these reptiles* weak and vile Dost thou thy power display.
3 Jehovah's sovereign voice is heard,
The worm lifts up its head, And mountains, that would crush it down, Before the worm are fled.
4 Thou holy one, thine Israel's king.
Thou our Redeemer art ; Nor shall the blessings of thy hand From thy redeem'd depart.
.5 Thy love shall its own work fulfil, And grace shall rise on grace, Till worms of earth around thy throne With angels find a place.
C. The Wilderness transformed, or the happy Effects of the Gospel' Isaiah xli. 18, 19. compared with xxxv. 1, 2. xi. 6 — 9. Iv. 13, &c.
1 A MAZING beauteous change: ■^~^ A world created new !
My thoughts with transport range The lovely scene to view ;
In all I trace,
Saviour divine.
The work is thine.
Be thine the praise !
2 See crystal fountains play Amidst the burning sands i
* Creeping things.
ISAIAH.
The river's windinf:^ way Shines through the thirsty lands:
New grass is seen,
And o'er the meads
Its carpet spreads
Of livin^c green.
3 Where pointed brambles grew, Entwni'd with horrid thorn, Gay flowers for ever new
The painted fields adorn^ The blushing rose. And lily there. In union fair Their sweets disclose.
4 Where the bleak mountain stood. All bare and disarray 'd,
See the wide-branching wood Diffuse its grateful shade;
Tall cedars nod,
And oaks and pines.
And elms and vines
Confess the God.
5 The tyrants of the plain Their savage chase give o*er ; No more they rend the slain. And thirst for blood no more ;
But infant hands Fierce tigers stroke, And lions yoke In flowery bands.
6 O when, Almighty Lord, Shall these glad scenes arise To verify thy word,
And bless our wondering eyes? That earth may raise. With all its tongues. United songs Of ardent praise.
CI. The Blind and Weak led and supported in God's fVay. Isaiah xlii. IG.
1 pRAISE to the radiant source of bliss, -*■ Who gives the blind their sight, And scatters round their wondering eyes
A flood of sacred light !
2 In paths unknown he leads them on
To his divine abode,
489
490 ISAIAH.
And shews new miracles of grace. Through all the heavenly road.
3 The ways all rugged and perplex'd,
He renders smooth and straight. And strengthens every fcehle knee To march to Zion's cjate.
4 Through all the path FJl sing his name,
Till I the mount ascend, Where toils and storms are known no more. And anthems never end.
CI I. God calling his Israel hy Name, and leading thein through Jfater and Fire. Isaiah xliii, 1, 2.
1 T ET Jacob to his Maker sing,
And praise his great redeeming king ; Call'd by a new, a gracious name, Let Israel loud his God proclaim I
2 He knows our souls in all their fears, And gently wipes our falling tears ; Forms trembling voices to a song. And bids the feeble heart be stroncr.
3 Then let the rivers swell around, And rising floods o'erflow the ground ; Rivers and floods and seas divide. And homage pay to Israel's guide.
, 4 Then let the fires their rage display, And flaming terrors bar the way ; Unburnt, unsing'd, he leads them through, And makes the flames refreshing too,
5 The fires but on their bonds shall prey *, The floods but wash their stains away. And grace divine new trophies f raise Amidst the deluge, and the blaze.
cm. The Riches of pardoning Grace celebrated. Isaiah xliv. 22, 23.
1 T ET heaven burst forth into a song;
Let earth reflect the joyful sound ; Ye mountains, with the echo ring. And shout, ye forests all around !
2 The Lord his Israel hath redeem'd, Hath made his mourning people glad, And the rich glories of his name
In their salvation hath display'd.
* Allubioii to the story in Dan. iii. 19, &c. f Munumcnts of victory, 2
ISAIAH. 49J
3 Unn\imbcr'(J sins, like sable clouds, Veil'd every cheerful ray of joy,
And thunders unirnuirM throu<rh the gloom, AVhile lightnings pointed to destroy.
4 He spake, and all the clouds disj)ers'(l, And heaven unvcil'd its shining face; The whole creation smilM anew, Deck'd in the golden beams of grace.
5 Israel, return witii humble love, Keturn to thy Redeemer's breast, And charm'd by his melodious voice. Compose thy weary powers to rest.
CIV. The little Success uhich attended the personal Ministry of Christ. Isaiah xlix. 4.
1 A ND doth the Son of God complain,
"^^ " Lo, I have spent my strength in vain, ** And stretch'd my hands whole days and years " To those, who slight my words and tears ?"
2 O stubborn hearts, that could withstand Such efforts from a Saviour's hand !
O gracious Saviour, who wouldst bleed, When words and tears could not succeed !
.3 Fall down, my soul, in humble woe, That thou hast wrong'd his goodness so: Now let his grace resistless move To melt the stubborn flint to love !
4 All-glorious Lord, march forth and reign. And reap the fruit of all thy pain ; And, till a nobler scene appear, Begin the happy conquest here.
CV. God's Captives released; applied to spiritual Deliverances. Isaiah H. 14, 15.
1 • (^APTIVES of Israel, hear.
Who now as exiles * mourn ; See your Almighty God appear To hasten your return.
2 Jehovah is his name. Lord of celestial hosts :
Let heaven that saving power proclaim In which his Israel trusts,
3 Though helpless now ye lie. As in a dungeon thrown.
When parch'd with painful thirst ye cry, And when your bread is gone,
"^ Bani.'ihed persons.
4y2 ISAIAH,
4 Deliverance comes apace ; Ye shall not there expire ;
Prepare to sing redeeming grace With his triumphant choir.
5 He smote the raging sea 'Midst its tumultuous roar,
And pav'd his chosen troops a way Safe to its distant shore.
6 In him let Israel hope,
At whose supreme command Graves yield their breathless captives up» And seas become dry land.
VI. The Cup of Fury exchanged/or the Cup of Blessings. Isaiah li. 22.
1 T^HE Lord, our Lord, how rich his grace !
-*- What stores of Sovereign love For humble souls, that seek his face, And to his footstool move !
2 He pleads the cause of all his saints.
When foes against them rise ; He listens to their sad complaints, And wipes their streaming eyes.
3 He takes away that dreadful cup
Of fury and of plagues, Which justice sentenc'd them to drink. And wring the bitter dregs,
4 He gave it to their Saviour's hand,
And fill'd it to the brim ; Their Saviour drank the liquid death^ That they might live by him.
5 " Now take the cup of life, he cries,
" Where heavenly blessings flow : " Drink deep, nor fear to drain the spring " To which the draught ye owe."
6 We drink, and feel our life renew'd,
And all our woes forget : We drink, till that transporting hour, When we our Lord shall meet.
CVII. The holy City purified and guarded. Isaiah li'i. 1, ^,
J "yRIUMPHANT Zion, lift thy head
From dust, and darkness, and the dead, Though humbled long, awake at length, And gird thee with thy Saviour's strength,
2 Put all thy beauteous garments on, And let thy various charms be known ;
ISAIAH. 493
The Avorld thy glories shall confess, Deck'd in the robes of righteousness.
3 No more shall foes unclean invade. And till thy hallow'd walls with dread ; No more shall hell's insulting host Their victory, and thy sorrows boast.
4 God from on high thy groans will hear ; His hand thy ruins shall repair ; Rear'd and adorn'd by love divine. Thy towers and battlements shall shine.
5 Grace shall dispose my heart and voice To share, and echo back her joys ; Nor will her watchful monarch cease To guard her in eternal peace.
CVIII. Goffs Government, 2ion's Joy. Isaiah Hi. 7.
1 \^E subjects of the Lord, proclaim
The royal honours of his name ;
Jehovah reigns, be all your song : 'Tis he, thy God, O Zion, reigns, Prepare thy most harmonious strains
Glad hallelujahs to prolong !
2 Ye princes, boast no more your crowns, But lay the glittering triHes down
In lowly honour at his feet ; A span your narrow empire bounds. He reigns beyond created rounds,
In self-sufficient glory great.
3 Tremble, ye pageants of a day, Form'd like your slaves of brittle clay,
Down to the dust 30ur sceptres bend ! To everlasting years he reigns, And undiminisji'd pomp maintains,
When kings, and suns, and time shall end.
4 So shall his favour'd Zion live ;
In vain, confederate nations strive
Her sacred turrets to destroy : Her Sovereign sits enthron'd above, And endless power, and endless love
Ensure her safety, and her joy.
CIX. Dhine Mercies and Judgments compared. Isaiaii liv. 7, 8.
TN thy rebukes, all-gracious God, What soft compassion reigns !
VOL. iir. 3 Q.
4y4 ISAIAH.
What gentle accents of thy voice Assuage thy children's pains !
2 " When I correct my chosen sons,
** A father's bowels move : *' One transient moment bounds my wrath, " But endless is my love."
3 Our faith shall look through every tear,
And view thy smiling face. And hope amidst our sighs shall tune An anthem to thy grace.
4 Gather at length my Aveary soul
To join thy saints above ; For I would learn a song of praise, Eternal as thy love.
ex. Divine Teachings, and their Iiaj^y Consequences. Isaiah li v. 13.
1 TJ RIGHT source of intellectual rays.
Father of spirits, and of grace, O dart with energy unknown Celestial beamings from thy throne !
2 Thy sacred book we would survey, Enlighten'd with that heavenly day, And ask thy spirit, with the word. To teach our souls to know the Lord.
3 So shall our children learn the road, That leads them to their Father's God ; And, form'd by lessons so divine.
Shall infant minds with knowledge shine.
4 So shall the haughtiest soul submit, With children plac'd at Jesus' feet : The noisy swell of prid^ shall cease, And thy sweet voice be heard in peace.
CXI, Fruitful Showers, Emblems of the salutary Effects of the Gospel. Isaiah Iv. 10, 11, 12.
1 A/TARK the soft-falling snow.
And the diffusive rain ; To heaven, from whence it fell, It turns not back again ;
But waters earth
Through every pore,
And calls forth all
Its secret store. .
2 ArrayM in beauteous green The hills and vallies shine, And man and beast is fed By providence divine j
ISAIAH. 491
The harvest bows Its golden ears, The copious seed Of future years.
'' So," saith the God of grace,
" My gospel shall descend,
*' Almighty to effect
*♦ The purpose I intend j " Millions of souls *' Shall feelits power, " And bear it down ** To millions more.
•* Joy shall begin your inarch, " And peace protect your ways, *' While all the mountaias round *' Echo melodious praise j
" The vocal groves
" Shall sing the God,
*' And every tree
" Consenting nod."
CXI I. Comfort/or pious Parents, ivlio have been bereaved of their Children. Isaiah Ivi. 4, 5.
1 \^E mourning saints, whose streaming tear,
Flow o'er your children dead ; Say not in transports of despair, That ail your hopes are fled.
2 While cleaving to that darling dust,
In fond distress ye lie, Rise, and with joy and reverence view A heavenly parent nigh.
3 Though, your young branches torn away,
Like wither'd trunks ye stand ; With fairer verdure shall ye bloom, Toucird by th' Almighty's hand.
4 " I'll give the mourner," saith the Lord,
*' In my own house a place ; *' No names of daughters and of sons *' Could yield so high a grace.
5 " Transient and vain is every hope
" A rising race can give ; *' In endless honour and deliglit " My children all shall live."
.T Q 2
496 ISAIAH.
6 We welcome, Lord, those rising tears, Through which thy face we see, And bless those wounds, which through our hearts Prepare a way for thee.
CXIII. The Stranger entertained in God's House of Prayer. Isaiah Ivi. 6, 7. compared with Mat. xxi. 13. and Eph. ii, 19.
1 /^REAT Father of mankind, ^^ We bless that wondrotis grace, Which could for Gentiles find Within thy courts a place.
How kind the care Our God displays. For us to raise A house of prayer !
2 Though once estranged far. We now approacli the throne ; For Jesus brings us near.
And makes our cause his own : Strangers no more, To thee we come, And find our home. And rest secure.
3 To thee our souls we join, And love thy sacred name ; No more our own, but thine, We triumph in thy claim ;
Our Father-king, Thy covenant-grace Our souls embrace. Thy titles sing.
4 Here in thy house we feast On dainties all divine ;
And, while such sweets we taste. With joy our faces shine.
Incense shall rise
From flames of love,
And God approve
The sacrifice.
5 May all the nations throng To worship in thy house ; And thou attend the song, And smile upon their vows.
Indulgent still. Till earth conspire To join the choir On'Zion's hill.
ISAIAH. 497
CXIV Peace proclaimed, ami the Fruit of the Lips created by a gracious God. Isaiah Ivii. ly.
1 TJTARK ! for the preat Creator speaks ;
In silence lot the earth attend, And, when his words of grace are iieard, In grateful adoration bend !
2 ** Tis I create the fruit of praise,
*' And give the broken heart to sing ;
*' l^eace, heavenly peace, my lips proclaim,
** Pleas'd with the happy news they bring."
3 Receive the tidings with delight, Ye Gentile nations from afar ; And you, the children of iiis love, Whom grace hath brought already near.
4 To these, to those, his sovereign hand Its iiealing energy imparts :
Peace, peace, be echo'd from your tongues, And echo'd from consenting hearts.
5 Knjoy the health, which God liath wrought; Nor let the daily tribute cease,
Till changed for more exalted songs In regions of eternal peace.
CXV. Tlte Duty of rernonstratiJig against ^in, uhen Judg7ncnts are threalened. Isaiah Iviii. J.
1 TTHY judgments cry aloud,
O ever-righteous God, And in the sight of all our land Thou liftest up thy rod.
2 Aloud thy servants cry, Commissioned from thy throne.
And like a trumpet raise their voice To make thy judgments known.
3 But who that cry attends. And makes his safety sure ?
Rock'd by the tempest they should flee, The}' sleep the more secure.
4 Another trumpet, Lord, The stupid slumberers need ;
Nor will they hear a feebler voice Than that, w))ich wakes the dead.
■J,
493 ISAIAH.
CX\'I. Unsuccessful Fasts accounted for. Isaiah Iviii. 3. compared with 4—8.
FOR A FAST-DAY.
1 ^^H ! where is sovereign mercy gone? ^-"^ Whither is Britain's God withdrawn, That through long years she should complain, She fasts, and mourns, and cries in vain ?
3 Hast thou not seen her suppliant bands Through all her coasts extend their hands? Or has their oft-repeated prayer Escap'd thy ever-listening ear ?
3 Thine ear hath heard, thine eye hath seen ; But guilt hath spread a cloud between ; And, rising still before thy face,
Averts thy long-intreated grace.
4 Dispel that cloud by rays divine, And cause tlw cheering face to shine ; Our isle shall shout from shore to shore, And dread encroaching foes no more.
5 Our light shall like the morning spring; Healing and joy our God shall bring ; Justice shall in our front appear.
And glory gather up oui; rear.
CXVII. The Standard of the Spirit lifted up. Isaiah lix. 19.
1 f~^ OD of the ocean, at whose voice
^^ The threatening floods are heard no more, Behold their madness and their noise, And silence the tumultuous roar.
2 Here streams of poisonous error swell ; There rages vice in every form ; They join their tide, led on by hell, And Zion trembles at the storm.
3 Almighty Spirit, raise thine arm, And lift the Saviour's standard high ; Thy people's hearts with vigour warm, And call thy chosen legions nigh.
4 Wak'd by thy well-known voice they come, And round the sacred banner throng ; Zion, prepare the conqueror room, While triumph bursts into a song.
5 '* The Lord on high, when billows roar, *' Superior majesty displays,
** And, by one breath of sovereign power, '* Hushes the noise of foaming seas."
ISAIAH. 499
CXVIII. The Glory of the Chwch in the latter Duij. Isaiah Ix. 1 .
1 /^ Zion tune thy voice,
^^ Ani\ raise tliv liands on high ; Tell all the earth thy joys, And boast salvation nitjh ;
Cheerful in God,
Arise and shine,
While rays divine
Stream all abroad.
2 He gilds thy mourning face With beams that cannot fade ; His all-resplendent grace
He pours around thy head : The nations round, Thy form shall view, With lustre new Divinely crown'd.
3 In honour to his name Reflect that sacred light ; And loud that grace proclaim. Which makes thy darkness bright :
Pursue his praise, Till sovereign love In Avorlds above The glory raise.
4 There on his holy hill
A brighter sun shall rise, And with his radiance fill Those fairer purer skies ;
While round his throne
Ten thousand stars
In nobler spheres *
His influence own.
CXIX. God the ezerlusting Light of the Saints above. Isaiah Ix. CO.
1 \^E golden lamps of heaven, farevvel,
With all your feeble light ; Farevvel, thou ever-changing moon, Pale empress of the night.
2 And thou, refulgent orb of day,
In brighter flames array'd ; My soul, that springs beyond thy sphere, No more demands thine aid.
3 Ye stars are but the shining dust
Of my divine abode,
* Orbs, or paths, in which the stars tnovp.
500 ISAIAH.
The pavement of those heavenly courts. Where I shall reign with God.
4 The Father of eternal light
Shall there his beams display, Nor shall one moment's darkness mix With that unvaried day.
5 No more the drops of piercing grief
Shall swell into mine eyes, Nor the meridian sun decline Amidst those brighter skies.
6 There all the millions of his saints
Shall in one song unite. And each the bliss of all shall view With infinite delight.
CXX. Godintreatedfor Zion. Isaiah Ixii. 6, 7.
FOR A fast-day; or a day of prayer for the re- vival OF RELIGION.
1 INDULGENT Sovereign of the skies, -*• And wilt thou bow thy gracious ear ? While feeble mortals raise their cries, Wilt thou, the great Jehovah, hear?
2 How shall thy servants give thee rest, Till Zion's mouldering walls thou raise? Till thy own power shall stand confess'd. And make Jerusalem a praise ?
3 For this, a lowly suppliant crowd Herein thy sacred temple wait: For this, we lift our voices loud. And call, and knock at mercy's gate.
4 Look down, O God, with pitying eye. And view the desolation round ;
See what wide realms in darkness lie. And hurl their idols to the ground.
5 Loud let the gospel-trumpet blow, And call the nations from afar; Let all the Isles their Saviour know, And earth's remotest ends draw near.
6 Let Babylon's proud altars shake. And light invade her darkest gloom ; Tlie yoke of iron bondage break. The yoke of Satan, and of Rome.
7 Witli gentle beams on Britain shine. And bless her princes, and her priests ; And, by thine energy divine.
Let sacred love o'erliow their breasts*
ISAIAH. 501
8 Triumphant here let Jesus reign, And oil his vineyiird sweetly smile ; While ail the virtues of his train Adorn our church, adorn our isle.
9 On all our souls let grace descend, Like heavenly dew in copious showers; That we may call our God our friend, That we may hail salvation ours.
10 Then shall each age and rank agree United shouts of joy to raise ; And Zion, made a praise by thee, To thee shall render back the praise.
CXXI. A Nation born in a Day ! or. The rapid Progress of Oic Gospel desired. Isaiah Ixvi. 8.
1 TOEHOLD with pleasing ecstasy
The gospel standard lifted high, That all the nations from afar May in the great salvation share !
2 Why then, Almighty Saviour, why Do wretched souls in millions die ? While wide th' infernal tyrant reigns O'er spacious realms in ponderous chains.
3 And shall he still go on to boast, Thy cross its energy hath lost ?
And shall thy servants still complain, Their labours, and their tears are vaui ?
4 Awake, all-conquering arm, awake. And hell's extensive empire shake j Assert the honours of thy throne,
And call this ruin'd world thy own. '
5 Thine all successful power display ; Produce a nation in a day ;
For at thy word this barren earth Sliall travail with a general birth.
6 Swift let thy quickening spirit breathe On these abodes of sin and death !
That breath shall bow ten thousand minds. Like waving corn before the winds.
1 Scarce can our glowing hearts endure A world, wlicre thou art known no more ; Transform it. Lord, by concjucring love; Or bear us to the realms above. VOL. III. 3 II
502 JEREMIAH.
CXXII. Backsliding Israel invited to return to God. Jeremiah iiL 12, 13.
1 gACKSLIDING Israel, hear the voice
Of thy forgiving God, Nor force such goodness to exert The terrors of the rod.
2 Thus saith the Lord, " My mercy flo\vs
" An unexhausted stream, " And, after all its millions sav'd, " Its sway is still supreme.
3 " One moment's wrath with weighty crush
" JNIight sink you quick to hell ; " Yet mercy points the happy path, " Where life and glory dwell.
4 " Own but the follies thou hast done,
*' And mourn thy sins in dust, *' And soon thy trembling heart shall learn " To hope, and love, and trust."
5 All-gracious God, thy voice we own.
And, prostrate at thy feet. Our souls in humble silence Avait A pardon there to meet.
CXXIII. Tli€ Goodness of God acknotvledged in gvcing Pastors after his oim Heart. Jeremiah iii. 15.
AT THE SETTLEMENT OF A MINISTER.
1 CHEPHERD of Israel, thou dost keep
With constant care thy humble sheep j; By thee inferior pastors rise To feed our souls, and bless our eyes.
2 To all thy churches such impart, ModcU'd by thy own gracious heart ; Whose courage, watchfulness, and loA'e Men may attest, and God approve.
3 Fed by their active tender care. Healthful may all thy sheep appear. And, by their fair example led. The way to Zion's pastures tread.
4 Here hast thou listcn'd to our vows, And scatter'd blessings on thy house ; Thy saints are succour'd, and no more As sheep without a guide deplore.
5 Completely heal each former stroke, And bless the Shepherd and the flock ; Confirm the hopes thy mercies raise, And own this tribute of our praise.
JEREMIAH. 503
CXXIV. God's gracious .^fethods of adopting Love. Jeremiah iii. 19.
1 A MAZING plan of sovereiErn love ! -^^ And cloth our God look down
On rebels, whom his wrath might doom To perish at his frown ?
2 Doth he project a wonderous scheme
In such a way to save, That justice, majestv, and grace, IVIay one joint triiunph have ?
3 One look the stubborn hearts subdues,
And at his feet they fall ; They own their Father with delight, And he receives theui all.
4 Number'd amongst his dearest sons,
The pleasant land they share ;
On earth secur'd by power divine,
Till crown'd with glory there.
5 Father, in thine embraces lodg'd,
Our heaven begun we feci, And wait the hour, which thou shalt mark Thy counsels to fulfil.
CXXV. Creatures vain, and God the Salvation of his People. Jercmiali iii. 23.
H'
row long shall dreams of creature- bliss Our tiatteriug hopes employ, And mock our fond deluded eyes With visionar}' * joy ?
2 Why from the mountains and the hills
Is om- salvation sought, While our eternal rock's forsook, And Irael's God forgot ?
3 The living spring neglected flows
Full in our daily view, Vet we with anxious fruitless toil Our broken cisterns hew.
4 These fatal errors, gracious God,
With gentle pity see ; To thee our roving eyes direct. And fix our souls on thee.
CX\\ 1. Invitation to return to the Lord, and put anaiy Ahominu- tions. Jeremiah iv. \,2. "T is the Lord of glory calls, O let his Israel hear :
* Tlie appearancp of joy. 3R 2
I
504 JEREMIAH.
" Stop, ye revolters, in your course, *' And hearken, and come near.
2 " What though in sin's delusive paths
" Ye from your youth have stray 'd ; ** What though my messages of love ** Have been with scorn repay'd ;
3 " At last return, and grace divine
*' Your wanderings shall forget ; '' If loyal zeal and love dethrone *' Each idol from its seat.
4 " Return, and dwell secure on earth,
*' As in your Lord's embrace, *' Till in the land of perfect joy " Ye find a nobler place."
5 Father of mercies, lo, we come,
Subdu'd by such a call : O let the hand of grace divme Reduce, and bless us all.
6 So will we teach the world that love.
Which we are made to see, And wanderers shall with us return. And bless themselves in thee.
CXXMI. Misimproved Privileges, arid disappointed Hopes. Jeremiah viii. 20.
1 A LAS, how fast our moments fly ! ■^^ How short our months appear ! How swift through various seasons hastes
The still-revolving year I
2 Seasons of grace, and days of hope,
While Jesus waiting stands, And spreads the blessings of his love With wide-extended hands.
3 But O ! how slow our stupid souls
These blessings to secure ! Blessings, which through eternal years Unwithering shall endure.
4 Beneath the Avord of life we die ;
We starve amidst our store ; And what salvation should impart, Heigrhtens our ruin more.
5 Pity this madness, God of love.
And m;ike us truly wise : So from the pregnant seeds of grace Shall glorious harvests rise.
JEREMIAH. 505
CXXVni . Giorying in God alone. Jcrcmiali ix. 23, 24.
1 'T'HF, righteous Lord,siiprcmclv great,
MaintaJDs his universal state ; O'er all the earth his power extends, All heaven before his tootstool bends.
2 Yet justice still with power presides, And mercy all bis empire guides ; Such works are pleasing in hissirrht, And such the men of his delioht.
o
3 No more, ye wise, your wisdom boast : No more, ye strong, your valour trust : Nor let the rich survey his store, Elate with heaps of shining ore.
4 Glory, my soul, in this alone,
That God, thy God, to thee is known. That thou hast own'd his sovereign swayj That thou hast felt his cheering ray,
5 My wisdom, wealth, and power I find In one Jehovah all combin'd ;
On him I fix my roving eyes, Till all my soul in rapture rise.
6 All else, which I my treasure call, May in one fatal moment fall ; But what his happiness can move, Whom God the blessed deigns to love?
CXXIX. Jeremiah's Tears oi-er the captive Flock. Jeremiah xiii. 15 — 17.
1 pLOW on, my tears, in rising streams.
Ye briny fountams, flow ; While haughty sinners steel their hearts, Nor will Jehovah know !
2 The flock of God is captive led
In Satan's heavy chains; Led to the borders of the pit, Where endless horror reigns.
3 Lookback, ye captives, and invoke
Jehovah's saving aid ; Give him the glory of his name, Whose hand your nature made.
4 O turn, ere yet your erring feet
On death's dark mountain fall ; Cry, and your gentle Shepherd's ear Will hearken to your call.
5 Then shall those hearts with pleasure spring,
Which now in sorrow inch j
506 JEREMIAH.
And deep repentance yield a joy- Proud guilt hath never felt.
6 Almicjhty grace, exert thy power, And turn these slaves of sin ; And, when they bring thy tribute due, Shall their own bliss begin.
CXXX. Givwg Gbry to God, before Darkness comes upon us. Jeremiali xiii. 16.
1 'T'HE swift-declining day,
How fast its moments fly ! While evening's broad and gloomy shade Gains on the western sky.
2 Ye mortals, mark its pace, And use the hours of light ;
And know, its Maker can command An instantaneous * night.
3 His word blots out the sun In its meridian blaze ;
And cuts from smiling vigorous youth The remnant of its days.
4 On the dark mountain's brow Your feet shall quickly slide ;
And from its airy summit dash Your momentary pride.
5 Give glory to the Lord,
Who rules the whirling sphere f; Submissive at his footstool bow.
And seek salvation there. i
6 Then shall new lustre break Through horror's darkest gloom,
And lead you to unchanging light In a celestial home.
CXXX I. The fatal Consequences of forsaking the Hope qf Israel. Jeremiah xvii. .13, 14.
1 r~^REAT object of thine Israel's hope, ^^ Its Saviour, and its praise. Attend, while we to thee devote
The remnant of our days.
2 How wretched they that leave the Lord,
And from his word withdraw. That lose his gospel from their sight. And wander from his law !
■'■f Sudden. + The revolution of the sun, moon, and stars.
JEREMIAH. .^07
3 O thou eternal sprin<r offrooil,
Wliciice Jiving- waters How, Let not our thirsty erring souls To broken cisterns go !
4 Like characters inscrib'd in dust
Arc sinners borne away; And alJ the treasures they can boast, TJie portion of a day.
5 But, Lord, to thee my heart shall turn
To heal it, and to save ; The joys, tliat from thy favour flow, Shall bloom beyond the grave.
CXXXII. C/iriit, the Lord our Righteousness. Jereniiali xxiii. C. ' j§AVIOUR divine, we know thy name, And in that name we trust ; Thou art the Lord our righteousness, Thou art thine Israel's boast.
2 Guilty we plead before thy throne,
And low in dust we lie, " Till .Jesus stretch his gracious arm To bring the guilty nigh.
3 The sins of one most righteous day
Might plunge us in despair ; Yet all the crimes of numerous years Shall our great surety clear.
4 That spotless robe, which he hath wrought.
Shall deck us all around ; Nor by the piercing eye of God Oi>e blemish shall be found.
5 Pardon, and peace, and lively hope
To sinners now are given ; Israel and Judah soon shall clianfc Their wilderness for heaven.
6 With joy we taste that manna now.
Thy mercy scatters down; We seal our humble vows to thee And wait the promised crown.
CXXXIII. The Efficacy of God's ff'ord. Jcremiali xxiii. 29. 1 W/'ITH reverend awe, tremendous Lord, We hear the thunders of thy Mord ; The pride of l^banon it breaks: Swift the celestial fire descends. The flinty rock in pieces rends, And earth to its deep centre shakes.
508 JEREMIAH.
2 Array'd in majesty divine, Here sanctity and justice siiine,
And horror strikes the rebel through; While loud this awful voice makes known The wonders which thy sword hath done.
And what thy vengeance yet shall do.
3 So spread the honours of thy name ; The terrors of a God proclaim ;
Thick let the pointed arrows fly; Till sinners, humbled in the dust, Shall own the execution just,
And bless the hand by which they die.
4 Then clear the dark tempestuous day, And radiant beams of love display ;
Each prostrate soul let mercy raise : So shall the bleeding captives feel, Thy word, which gave the wound, can heal,.
And change their groans to songs of praise.
CXXXIV. The Possibility of dying this Year. Jeremiah xxviii. 16.
FOR new-year's day.
1 /^OD of my life, thy constant care
^-^ With blessings crowns each opening year; This guilty life dost thou prolong, And wake anew mine annual song.
2 How many precious souls are fled To the vast regions of the dead, Since from this day the changing sun Through his last yearly period run !
3 We yet survive ; but who can say, . Or through the year, or month, or day, *' I will retain this vital breath ;
*' Thus far at least in league with death*?"
^ 4 That breath is thine, eternal God ;
'Tis thine to fix my soul's abode ; It holds its life from thee alone. On earth, or in the world unknown.
5 To thee our spirits we resign ;
Make them, and own them still as thine; So shall they smile, secure from fear, Though death should blast the rising year.
6 Thy children, eager to be gone, Bid time's impetuous tide roll on. And land them on that blooming shore, Where years and death are known no more.
* Isaiah xxviii. 15.
JEREMIAH. -509
CXXW. God's Coniplacenct/ in his Thoughts of Pence toivardU hit Fcople. Jcreiiiiali xxix. 11.
1 T /'ILKIR than (hist, () Lord, are we ;
All J cl(nl» tliiiio aiigcr cease ? And doth thy gracious heart o'erflow With purposes of" peace?
2 And dost thou with dehght reflect
On what thy grace shall do ? And with complacency of soul Enjoy the distant view ?
3 And can thy often-injur'd love
So kind a messac^e send, That thou to all our Icngthen'd woes Wilt give the expected end ?
4- Whv droop our hearts? Why flow our eyes, While such a voice we hear? Whv rise our sorrows and our fears, While such a friend is near?
5 To all thy other favours add A hear^, to trust thv word, And death itself shall hear us sing, While resting on the Lord.
C XX XVI. The impudent Rebellion of the Jeivish Refuges at Pathroa,
Jeremiah xliv. 16, 17, 28.
1 "VfZHOSE words against the Lord are stout ?
Or who presume to say, " That sovereign law, which God proclaims, " I dare to disobey !"'
2 Ten thousand actions every where
The impious language sj)eak : Yet power omnipotent stands by, Nor do its thunders break.
3 But O ! the dreadful day draws near.
When God's avenging hand Shall shew, if feeble mortals breath. Or God's own word shall stand.
4 My soul, with prostrate reverence fall.
Before the voice divine ; And all thine interest, and thy powers To its command resign.
5 Speak, mighty Lord ; thy servant waits
The purport of thv will : VOL. III. 3 S
SlO LAMENTATIONb.
IVIv heart with secret ardour glows Its mandates* to fulfil.
6 Let the vain sons of Belial boast
Their tongues and thoughts are free ; Mv noblest liberty 1 own, When subject most to thee.
CXXXVII. Asking thelVai/ to Zion, in Order to joining in Covenant zvitk God. Jeremiah 1. 5.
1 Tj^NQUIRE, ye pilgrims, for the way, -■^ That leads to Zion's hill,
And thither set your steady face With a determin'd will.
2 Invite the strangers all around
Your pious march to join ; And spread the sentiments you feel Of faith and love divine,
3 Come, let us to his temple haste.
And seek his favour there, Before his footstool humbly bow. And pour out fervent prayer.
4 Come, let us join our souls to God
In everlasting bands, And seize the blessings he bestows With eager hearts and hands.
5 Come, let us seal Avithout delay
The covenant of his grace ; Nor shall the years of distant life Its memory efface f.
6 Thus may our rising offspring haste
To seek their father's God, Nor e'er forsake the happy path Their youthful feet have trod.
C XXXVI I r. Searching and trying our Ways. Lamentations iii. 40.
1 npHY piercing eye, O God, surveys
■■• The various windings of our ways ; Teach us their tendency to know. And judge the paths in which we go.
2 How wild, how crooked have they been ! A maze of foolishness and sin !
With all the light we vainly boast, Leaving our guide, our souls are lost.
* Commands, f Blot out, destroy.
EZEKir.L. 511
3 Iliid not tliy morcy been our aiJ, So latally our feet had stravM, Sicrn justice had its prisoners led Down to the rhumbers of the dead.
4 O turn us back to thee again,
Or we shall search our wavs in vain ; Shine, and the path of hfe reveal, And Ijcar us on to Zion's hill.
5 Roll on, ye swift-revolving years, And end this round of sn)s and cares ; iSo more a wanderer would I roam, But near my Father fix at home.
CXXXIX. 7 he Breath nf our Nostrils taktn in the Pits of the Eiii- my; applied to Christ. Lamentations i v. 20.
1 T) LKST Saviour, to my heart more dear
Then balmv t^ales of vital air ; AW're thy sonl-eheering presence gone, ^V'hat use of breath, unless to groan?
2 Thy Father's royal hand hath shed. In rich profusion on thy head, Ten thousand graces ; Thou alone Canst share, and canst adorn his throne.
3 But see the Sovereign captive led, Snar'd in the pit, Avhich traitors made, Fetter'd with ignominious bands, And murder'd by rebellious hands.
4 Ye saints, to your expiring King, Your tributary sorrows bring :
In loyal crouds assemble round.
And bathe in tears each precious wound.
5 But from the caverns of the grave He springs, omnipotent to save; Tl)e Ca))tive-King ascends and reigns, And drags his conquered foes in chains,
6 Beneath his shade our souls shall live. In all the rapture heaven can give ; Where Zion never shall deplore, And heathens vex his churcli uo more.
CXL. Of lamenting luitinnal Sins. Ezckiel ix. 4 — G.
FOR A FAST-DAY.
1 r\ Righteous God, thou Judge supreme, Wc tremble at thy dreadful name, And all our crvuie: suilt we own In dust and tears before thy tlirone. 3 S 2
512 EZEKIEL.
2 So manifold our crimes have been, Such crimson tincture dyes our sin. That, could we all its horrors know, Our streaming eyes with blood might flow.
3 Britain, the land thine arm hath sav'd, That arm most impiously hath brav'd ; Britain, the Isle its God hath lov'd,
A rebel to that love hath prov'd.
4 Estrang'd from reverential awe. We trample on thy sacred law ;
And, though such wonders grace hathdone^ Anew we crucify thy Son.
5 Justly might this polluted land Prove all the vengeance of thy hand ;
And, bath'd in heaven*, thy sword might conae To drink our blood, and seal our doom.
6 Yet hast thou not a remnant here. Whose souls are fiU'd with pious fear ? O bring thy wonted mercy nigh. While prostrate at thy feet they lie.
7 Behold their tears, attend their moan, Nor turn away their secret groan : With these we join our humble prayer ; Our nation shield, our country spare.
8 But if the sentence be decreed.
And our dear native land must bleed, By thy sure mark may we be known, And safe in life or death thy own.
CXLI. The Iniquity of sacrificing God's Children; or, The Evil of a bud or neglecled Education. Ezekiel xvi. 20, 2 1 f.
1 T3EHOLD, O Israel's God,
From thine exalted throne, And view the desolate abode, Thou once hastcall'd thy own.
2 The children of thy flock, By early covenant thine.
See how they pour their bleeding souls On every idol's shrine !
3 To indolence and pride What piteous victims made !
* Isaiah xxxiv. 5.
t Alluding to the cruel custom among some heathens of SBcrif5cJn!» ttiiir children to their Gods, to which there are frequent references in scripture .
I
EZEKIEL. 513
Crusird in their parent's fond embrace. And by their care betray'd.
4 By pleasure's poHsh'd dart What numbers here are slain !
What numbers there for slauirhter bound In Mammon's golden chain !
5 O let thine arm awake, And dash the idols down ;
O call the captives of their power Their treasure, and thy crown.
6 Thee let the fathers own, And thee the sons adore,
Join'd to the Lord by solemn vows, To be forgot no more.
CXLII. The riumility and Submission of a Penitent. Kzekiel xvl. 63.
1 r\ Injur'd Majesty of heaven, ^^ Look from thy holy throne, While prostrate rebels own with grief
What treasons they have done.
2 Thv grace, -when sin abounded most.
Reigns with superior sway ; And pardons, bought with Jesus' blood. To rebels doth display.
3 While love its grateful anthems tunes.
Tears mingle with the song ; My heart with tender anguish bleeds. That I such grace should wrong.
4 How shall I lift these guilty eyes
To mine offended Lord ? Or how, beneath his heaviest strokes, Pronounce one murmuring word ?
5 Remorse and shame my lips have scal'd ;
But O ! my Father, speak ; And all the harmony of heaven Shall through the silence break.
CXLIir. God bringing his People into the Covenant under the Rod. Ezekifl XX. 37.
J TLJOW gracious and how wise -^ ""^ Is our chastising God ! And O ! how rich the blessings are, Which blossom from his rod !
2 He lifts it np on high With pity in his heart,
514 EZEKIEL.
That every stroke his children feel May grace and peace impart.
3 Instructed thus they bow, x\nd ovv'n his sovereign sway ;
They turn their erring footsteps back To his forsaken way.
4 His covenant-love they seek, And seek the happy bands,
That closer still engage their hearts To honour his commands.
5 Dear Father, we consent To discipline divine ;
And bless the pains, that make our souls Still more completely thine.
CXLH''. God's Condescension in becoming the Shepherd of Men, Ezekiel xxxiv. 31.
1 A ND will the Majesty of heaven
Accept us for his sheep ? And with a shepherd's tender care Such worthless creatures keep ?
2 And Avill he spread his guardian-arms
Round our defenceless head? And cause us gently to lie down In his refreshing shade ^
3 And will he lead our weary souls
To that delightful scene. Where rivers of salvation flow Through pastures ever green ?
4 What thanks can mortal men repay
For favours great as thine ? Or how can tongues of feeble clay Proclaim such love divine ?
5 Eternal God, how mean are we !
How richly gracious thou I Our souls, o'erwhelm'd with humble joy, In silent transports bow.
CXLV. Seeking to God for the Comnmnication of his Spirit. Ezekiel xxxvi. 37.
1 TJEAR, gracious Sovereign, from thy throne,
And send thy various blessings down : While bv thine Israel thou art sought, Attend the prayer thy word hath taught,
2 Come, sacred Spirit, from above, And fill the coldest heart with love :
,15
P.7.F.K1EL.
Softon to flesh the niL;t!;c'd stone,
Ami let tliy godlike power be knowi).
3 Speak thou, and from the haughtiest eyes Shall Hoods of |)ious sorrow rise ; While all thiiir glowing souls are borne To seek that grace, which now they scorn.
4 O let a holy flock await, Nunneronsaro\ind thy temple gate, Kiu-li pressing on with zeal to be
A living sacrifice to thee.
5 In answer to our fervent cries. Give us to see thy church arise ; Or, it'that blessing seem too great, Give us to mourn its low estate.
CXLVI. EzekiePs Vision of the dry Bones. Ezckicl xxxvii. 3.
1 T OOK down, O Lord, with pitying eye; -^ See Adam's race in ruin he ;
Sin spreads its trophies o'er the ground. And scatters slaughter'd heaps around.
2 And can these mouldering corpses live ? And can these perish'd bones revive ? That, mighty God, to thee is known ; That wondrous Avork is all thy own.
3 Thy ministers are sent in vain To prophecy upon the slain ;
In vain they call, in vain they cry, Till thine Almighty aid is nigh.
4 But if thy Spirit deign to breathe,
Life spreads through all the realms of death ; Dry bones obev thy powerful voice ; They move, they waken, they rejoice.
5 So when thv trumpet's awful sound
Shall shakethe heavens, and rend the ground, Dead saints shall from their tombs arise, And spring to life beyond the skies.
CXLMI T/ieiraters of the Sanctuary healing the dead Sea *. Ezekiel xlvii. 8, 9.
1 f^ RK AT source of being and of love, ^^ Thou waterest all the worlds above, And all the joys we mortals know. From thine exhaustless fountain flow.
♦ The sea or lake, where S..dom, Gomorrah, &c. had stoo<l, whi.h tras putrid and poisonous j and ancient wntcrs say, that no lish cuuld hvo in it.
51^ DANIEL.
2 A sacred spring, at thy command, From Zion's mount, in Canaan's Jand, Beside thy temple, cleaves the ground. And pours its limpid stream around.
3 The limpid stream with sudden force Swells to a river in its course; Through desart realms its windings play. And scatter blessings ail the way.
4 Close by its banks in order fair. The blooming trees of life appear ; Their blossoms fragrant odours give, And on their fruit the nations live.
5 To the dead sea the waters flow, And carry healing as they go ;
Its poisonous dregs their power confess. And all its shores the fountain bless.
6 Mow, wondrous stream, with glory crown'd, tl'iow on to earth's remotest bound;
And bear us on thy gentle wave To him, who all thy vu'tues gave.
CXl.Vril. Tekel; or, The Sinner iveighed in God's Balances, and found iLWiting. Daniel v, 27.
1 "D ATSEj thoughtless sinner, raise thine eye ;
Behold God's balance lifted high ; There shall his justice be display'd, And there thy hope and life be weigh'd.
2 See in one scale his perfect law; Mark with what force its precepts draw: Wouldst thou the awful test sustain,
Thy works how light ! thy thoughts how vain !
3 Behold the hand of God appears To trace these dreadful characters; *' Tekel, thy soul is wanting found,
" And wrath shall smite thee to the ground."
4 Let sudden fear thy nerves unbrace ; Let horror shake thy tottering knees*; Through all thy thoughts let anguish rollj And deep repentance melt thy soul.
5 One only hope may yet prevail ; Christ hath a weight to turn the scale ; Still doth the gospel publish peace, And shew a Saviour's righteousness,
* Compare verse 6.
HOSEA. 511
G Great God, exert tliy power to save; Deep oil tlie heart these truths eiij^rave; The ponderous load of guilt remove, 'I'hat trembhug lips may sing thy love.
CXLIX. The Backslider recollecting himself in his Affiidions. IlosL'ii ii, (j, 7.
1 'T'HE Lord, how kind are all his ways,
■■- When most they seem severe ! lie frowns, and seourges, and rebukes, That \ve may learn his fear.
2 With thorns he fences up our path.
And builds a wall around. To guard us from the death, that lurks In sin's forbidden ground.
3 When other lovers, sought in vain,
Our fond address despise. He opens his indulgent arms With pity in his eyes.
4 Return, ye wandering souls, return,
And seek his tender breast; Call back the memory of the days, When tiiere you found your rest.
5 Behold, O Lord, we fly to thee.
Though blushes veil our face, C'onstrain'd our last retreat to seek In thy much-injur'd grace.
CL. The Advantages of seeking tite Knowledge of God. Mosoa vi. 3.
1 CHINE forth, eternal source* of light.
And make thy glories known; Fill our enlarg'd adoring sight With lustre all thy own.
2 Vain are the charms, and faint the rays
The brightest creature j boast ; And all their grandeur, and their praise Is in thy presence lost.
3 To know the author of our frame
Is our sublimest skill : True science is to read thy name. True life t' obey thy will.
* Fountain or original. VOL. III. 3T
Sm HOSEA.
4 For this I long, for this I pray, And following on pursue, Till visions of eternal day Fix and complete the view.
CLI. Inconstancy in Religion. Hosca vi. 4.
1 PERPETUAL source of light and grace,
We hail thy sacred name : Through every year's revolving round Thy goodness is the same.
2 On us, all worthless as we are.
Its wondrous mercy pours ; Sure as the heaven's establish'd course. And plenteous as the showers,
8 Inconstant service we repay.
And treacherous vows renew ; False as the morning's scattering cloud. And transient as the dew.
4 In flowing tears our guilt we mourn,
And loud implore thy grace To bear our feeble footsteps on In all thy righteous ways.
5 Arm'd with this energy divine.
Our souls shall stedfast move ; And with increasing transport press On to thy courts above.
6 So by thy power the morning sun
Pursues his radiant way, Brightens each moment in his race, And shines to perfect day.
CLII. Gratitude ilie Spnng of true Religimi. Hosea xi. 4:
1 IV/f Y God, what silken cords are thine !
How soft, and yet how strong ! While power, and truth, and love combine To draw our souls along.
2 Thou saw'st us crush'd beneath the yoke
Of Satan and of sin : Thy hand the iron bondage broke Our Avorthless hearts to win.
3 The guilt of twice ten thousand sins
One moment takes away ; And grace, when first the war begins. Secures the crowning day.
AMOS.
519
I
4 Comfort tlirough all this vale of tears
1m rich profusion Hows, And calory of unniimbcr'd years Kternity bestows.
5 Drawn by such cords we onward move.
Till round thy throne we meet ; And, captives in the chains of love. Embrace our conqueror's feeti
CLIII The Relentings of God's Heart over his backsliding People. IIosfaxi.7,8, 9.
YE sinners on backsliding bent, God's gracious call attend ; Shall not compassion so divine Each stubborn spirit bend ?
2 " How shall I give mine Israel up ** To ruin and despair ?
<' How pour down showers of flaming wrath, " And make a Sodom there ?
3 " My bowels strong relcntings feel ; "My heart is pain'd within :
" 1 will not all my wrath exert, " Nor visit all their sin.
4 '• The mercy of a God restrains " The thunders of his hand :
<« Come, seek protection from that power, ♦' Which you can ne'er withstand."
5 With trembling haste, O God, to tliee Let sinners wing their flight ;
As doves, when birds of prey pursue, Down on their windows light. G Father, we seek thy gracious arm, All melted at thy voice : O nuiy thy heart, that feels our woes, 111 our return rejoice.
CL^'. Gods Coiitroversij by fire. Ainos iv. 1 1.
ON- OCCASION OF A I^RKADfUL FiRF-
1 T7TKRNAI. God, our huuil)led souh ^ H.'foie thy presence, bow : With all iliy magazines of wrath,
How terrible art thou !
2 Fann'd by thy breath, whole sheets of flame Do like a deluge pour ;
And all our confulenr.e of wealth Lies moulder'd in an hour. 3 T 2
520 AMOS.
3 Led on by thee in horrid pomp,
Destruction rears its head ; And blacken'd walls, and smoaking heaps, Through all the street are spread.
4 Lord, in'the dust we lay us down,
And rnourn thy righteous ire* ;
Yet bless the hand of guardian -love,
That snatch'd us from the fire.
5 O that the hateful dregs of sin
Like dross had peri&h'd there ;
That in fair lines our purged souls
Might thy bright image bear.
6 So shall we view with dauntless eyes
The last tremendous day, When earth and seas, and stars and skies, In flames shall melt away.
CLV. Britain unreformed by remarkable Deliverances. Amos iv. 1 1.
FOR A FAST-DAY.
1 "VT'ES, Britain seem'd to ruindoom'd,
Just like a burning brand ; Till snatch'd from fierce surrounding flames By God's indulgent hand.
2 " Once more," he says, " I will suppress
*' The wrath, that sin would wake ; " Once more my patience shall attend, *' And call my Britain back,"
3 But who this clemency reveres ?
Or feels this melting grace? Who stirs his languid spirit up To seek thine awful face ?
4 On days like these we pour our cries.
And at thy feet we mourn ; Then rise to tempt thy wrath again. And to our sins return.
5 Our nation far from God remains,
Far, as in distant years ; And the small remnant that is found, A dying aspect wears.
6 Chasten'd and rescu'd thus in vain,
Thy righteous hand severe Into the flames might hurl us back. And quite consume us there,
* Ansfcr.
JONAH. 521
7 So, by the lij^lit our hurninfj gives,
Mi«j;lit iit'i<;libourlng nations read, How terrible tliy jucltijnients are, And leurn our guilt to dread.
8 Yet 'miclst the cry of sins like ours,
Incline thy gracious ear ; And thy omu children's feeble cry With soft couipassion hear.
9 O by thv sacred spirit's breath
Kindle a holy flanie ; Refine the land thou niight'st destroy, And magnify thy name.
CIA'L Priparing to meet Gnd. Amos i v. 12, 13.
1 T-JK comes, thy God, O Israel, comes ;
Prepare thy (jod to meet : Meet him in battle's force arra}'d, Or humbled at his feet.
2 He form'd the mountains by his strength ;
He makes the winds to blow ; And all the secret thoughts of man i\Iust his Creator know.
3 He shades the morning's opening rays ;
He shakes the solid world ; And stars and angels from their seats Arc by his thunder hurl'd.
4 Eternal Sovereign of the skies !
And shall thine Israel dare In mad rebellion to arise. And tempt the unequal war ^
5 Lo, nations tremble at thy frown,
Aiul faint beneath thy rod ; Cnish'd by its gentlest movement down. They fall, tremendous God I
u Avert th<; terrors of thy wrath, And let thy mercy shine ; ^^'hile humble penitence and prajer Approve u^ tridy thine.
CLVII, Jonah's Fiiith recommended. Jonah ii. 4..
1 T OllD, we have broke thy holy laws. And slighted all thv grace; .\nd justly thy vindictive * wrath Might cast us from thy face,
* Avengin?.
4>23 MICAH.
2 Yet while such precedents appear
Mark'd by the sacred book, We from these depths of guilt and feav Will to thy temple look.
3 To thee, in our Redeemer's name,
We raise our humble cries ; May these our prayers, perfum'd by him, Like grateful incense rise.
4 O never may our hopeless eye?
An absent God deplore, Where the dear temples of thy love Shall stand reveal'd no more.
5 Far from those regions of despair
Appoint our souls a place, Where not a frown through endless years Shall veil thy lovely face.
CLVIII. Go<rs Controversy ivith Britain stated and pleaded. Micah vi. 1, 2, 3.
FOR A FAST-DAY.
J T ISTEN, ye hills ; ye mountains hear ; Jehovah vindicates his laws : Trembling in silence at his bar, Thou earth, attend thy Maker's cause.
2 Israel appear ; present thy plea ; And charge the Almighty to his face \ Say, if his rules oppressive be ;
Say, if defective be his grace.
3 Eternal Judge, the action cease ; Our lips are seal'd in conscious shame ; 'Tis ours, in sackcloth to confess. And thine, the sentence to proclaim.
4 Ten thousand witnesses arise ;
Thy mercies, and our crimes appear, IVIore than the stars that deck the skies. And all our dreadful guilt declare.
5 How shall we come before thy face. And in thine awful presence bow ? What offers can secure thy grace. Or calm the terrors of thy brow ?
6 Thousands of rams in vain might bleed ; Rivers of oil might blaze in vain ;
Or the first-born's devoted head With horrid gore thine altar stkin
MICAH. 523
7 But thy own Lamb, all-gracious God, Whom impious sinners d;ir'd to slay, Hath sovereign virtue in his blood To purge the nation's guilt away.
8 With humble faith to that we fly ; With that be Britain sprinkled o'er ; Trembling no more in dust we lie, And dread thy hand and bar no more.
C LI X . Hearing the Foice of God's Rod. M icah v i . 9 .
1 A TTEND, my soul, with reverend awe, -^-*' The dictates of thy God ;
Silent and trembling hear the voice Of his appointed rod.
2 Now let me search and try my ways,
And prostrate seek his face. Conscious of guilt before his throne In dust my soul abase.
3 Teach me, my God, what's yet unknown,
And all my crimes forgive ; Those crimes would I no more repeat. But to thy honour live.
4 My wither'd joys too plainly shew.
That all on earth is vain ; In God my wounded heart confides True rest and bliss to gain.
5 Father, I wait thy gracious call.
To leave this mournful land. And bathe in rivers of delight, That flow at thy right hand.
CLX. God^sincOMjxa-able Mercy admired. Micah vii. 18, 19, 20*
1 CUPREME in mercy, who shall dare
With thy compassion to compare ? For thv own sake wilt thou forgive, And bid the trembling sinner live.
2 Millions of our transgressions past, Cancell'd, behind thy back are cast ; Thv grace, a sea without a shore, O'crflows them, and they rise no more.
3 And lest new legions should invade. And make the pardon'd soul afraid, Our inbred lusts thou wilt subdue. And form degenerate hearts anew.
524- ZEPHANIAH,
4 Our leader-God, our songs proclaim ; We lift our banners in his name ; With songs of triumph forth we go, And level the gigantic foe.
5 His truth to Jacob shall prevail ; His oath to Abram cannot fail ; The hope of saints in ancient days, Which ages yet unborn shall praise.
CLXI. The impoverished Saint rejoicing in God, liabakkuk iii.
17, 18.
1 Co firm the saint's foundations stand,
Nor can his hopes remove ; Sustain'd by God's Almighty hand. And shelter'd in his love.
2 Fig-trees and olive-plants may fail.
And vines their fruit deny, Famine through all his fields prevail. And flocks and herds may die.
3 God is the treasure of his soul,
A source of sacred joy ; Which no afflictions can controul. Nor death itself destroy.
4 Lord, may we feel thy cheering beams.
And taste thy saint's repose. We will not mourn the perish'd streams, While such a fountain flows.
CLXII. God's afflicted Poor trusting in his Name. Zephaniah iii. 1-.
1 13RAISE to the Sovereign of the sky,
Who from his lofty throne
Looks down on all that humble lie,
And calls such souls his own !
2 The haughty sinner he disdains,
■ Though gems his temples crown ;
And from the seat of pomp and pride
His vengeance hurls him down.
3 On his afilicted pious poor
He makes his face to shine ; He fills their cottages of clay With lustre all divine.
4 Among the meanest of thy flock
There let my dwelling be, Rather than under gilded roofs, If absent, Lord, from thee. 3
zecHariah. 525
5 Poor and afllictecl tlioii^^li wc arc, In tliv siron>r nunu: we trust ; And bless the i)and of sovereign love. Which Hfts us I'roui the dust.
CI.XIII. Gad cnmfortinc; and rtjoicing over Zinn. Zoplianiali iii. IC, 17.
1 V^KS, 'tis the voice of love divine !
^ And () ! how sweet the accents sound ! Afflicted Zion, rise and shine, Fair mourner, prostrate on the ground.
2 The mighty (Jod, thy glorious king, Tender to pity, strong to save, Hath sworn he will salvation bring. Though sorrow press me to the grave.
3 He all a father's pleasure knows To fold thee in his dear embrace ; His heart Avith secret joy o'ertlows. And cheerful smiles adorn his face.
4 At length the inward ecstasy
In heavenly music breaks its way * ;
Jehovah leads the harmony.
And angels teach their harps the lay f.
5 Fain would my lips the chorus join. And tell the listening world my joys, But condescension so divine
In silence swallows up my voice.
CLXI\', Practic(d Rdlections on the Stale of our Fathers. Zcchariali i. J.
1 TT(>^V' swift the torrent rolls, -H. That bears us to the sea !
The tide, that bears our thoughtless souls 'J'o vast eternity !
2 Our fathers, Avhere are thcv, With all they call'd their own '
Their joys and griefs, and hopes and cares, And wealth and honour gone,
3 Rut joy or grief snccecds Beyond our mortal thought.
While the poor remnant of their dust Lies in the grave forgot.
4 There, where the fathers lie, ISIust all the children dwell ;
Nor other heritage possess, But such a gloomy cell.
* See the marginal reading. "f Song.
VOL. III. 3 U
52S ZECHARIAKf.
5 God of our fathers, hear, Thou everlastins^ friend !
While we, as on hfe's utmost verge*. Our souls to thee commend.
6 Of all the pious dead
May we the footsteps trace, Till with them in the land of light We dwell before thy face.
CLXV. Joshua t^ie Migh-Priesi's Change of Raiment, applied to Christian Privileges. Zechariah iii. 4.
1 T7TERNAL king, thy robes are white
In spotless rays of heavenly light j Adoring angels round are seen, Yet in thy presence are not clean.
2 What then are we, the sons of earth, That draw pollution from our birth ? Our fleshly garments, Lord, how mean ! O'erspread with hateful spots of sin.
3 Hail to that condescending grace, Which shews a Saviour's righteousness! Eternal honours to that name, Which covers all our guilt and shame !
4 His blood, an overflowing sea, Shall purge our deepest stains away ; Our souls, renewed by grace divine, Shall in their Lord's resemblance shine.
5 Yet, while these rags of flesh we wear, Pollution will again appear :
Come, death, and ease me of the load ; Come, death, and bear my soul to God.
6 The king of heaven will there bestow A richer robe, than monarchs know ; Dress all his saints in glittering white ; Not Joshua's mitre shone so bright.
7 The grave its trophies shall resign ; Christ will the mouldering dust refine ; And death, the last of foes, shall be Swallow'd and lost in victory.
8 My faith, on towering pinions borne^ Anticipates that glorious morn ; And with celestial raptures strong, Gives mortal lips the immortal song,
* Edsre or border.
ZECHARIAH. 527
CLXVI. Joshiui tli£ Iligh-PritsCs Zeal and Fidelity reivarded H'it/t a Station among the /4ngcU. Zecliariali ni. G, 7.
FOR THE ORDINATION OK A MINISTER.
1 f^ RMAT Lord of angels we adore
^"^ The grace, that builds thy courts hclow ; And throuy-h ten thousand sons of Ji<'ht Stoops to regard what mortals do.
2 Amidst the wastes of time and deatli, Successive pastors thou dost raise
Thy charge to keep, thy house to guide, And form a people for ti)y jnaise.
3 The heavenly natives with dehght Hover around the sacred place ;
Nor scorn to learn from mortal tongues The wonders of redeeming grace.
4 At length, dismiss'd from feeble clay, Thy servants join the angelic band ; With them through distant worlds they Hy, With tiiem before th}' presence stand,
5 O glorious hope ! O blest employ ! Sweet lenitive * of grief and care ! When sliall we reach those radiant courts. And all their joy and honour shai'e ?
C Yet while these labours we pursue, Thus distant from thy heavenly throne. Give us a xeal and love like theirs, And half their heaven shall here be known.
CLXVII. Tlie completing of the Spiritual Temple. Zcchariali iv, 7.
1 CING to the Lord above,
Who deigns on earth to raise A temple to his love, A monument of praise.
Ye saints around,
Through all its frame,
The builder's name
Harmonious sound.
2 He form'd the glorious plan, And its foundation laid,
That God might dwell with man. And mercy be display'd ;
• What easeth or assuageUi. 3 U 2
528 ZECHARIAH.
His son he sent, Who, great and good, Made his own blood The sweet cement.
3 Beneath his eye and care The edifice shall rise Majestic strong and fair. And shine above the skies.
There shall he place
The polish'd stone,
OrdainM to crown
This work of grace.
CLXVIII. The Error of despising the Day of small Things. Zechariah iv. 10,
1 " T^TTHAT haughty scorner," saith the Lord,
" Shall humble things despise, ** When he beholds them with delight, *' Who reigns beyond the skies ?
2 * ' I from a chaos dark and wild *
" Made heaven's bright host appear : ^'^ I from the small unnotic'd seeds *' The loftiest cedars rear.
3 *' From Eden's dust I Adam form'd,
** The noblest human frame ;
** And in his humble sons display
" The honours of my name.
4 " From fishermen, in number few,
*' In human hearts untaught, " All the wide realms my church can boast, " My potent hand hath brought.
5 "The pious poor, by men despis'd,
*' In dearest bonds are mine ; *' Once hardl}- drest in humble Aveeds f , " They now like angels shine."
6 Lord, if such trophies rais'd from dust
Thy sovereign glory be, Here in my heart thy power may find Materials fit for thee.
CLXIX. Prisoners delivered from the Pit by the Blood of the Covenant. Zechariah ix. 11.
1 "V^E prisoners, who in bondage lie, "*■ In darkness and the pit,
* Genesis i. 2, 3. f Garments.
ZECHARIAM. 529
Bo}iol(1 the Gjracc tliat sets us free, And to that grace submit.
2 The tidings of deliverance hear,
Confess the covenant good, And bless the ransom God hath found In our Emanuers blood.
3 Justice no more asserts its claim
Your forfeit hves to take; But smiling mercy (juick descends Your heavy chains to break.
4 We walk at large, and sing the hand.
To which we freedom owe; And drink those rivers with delight, Which through this desart flow.
5 He, that hath liberty bestow'd.
Will give a kingdom too; He, that hath loosM the bonds of death. The path of life will show.
CLXX. Tlie Fountain of Life. Zechariah xiii. 1.
1 IIT AIL, everlasting spring!
"*■ Celestial fountain, hail! Thy streams salvation bring, The waters never fail :
Still they endure,
And still they flow
For all our woe
A sovereign cure.
2 Blest be his wounded side, And blest his bleeding heart. Who all in anguish died Such favours to impart.
His sacred blood Shall make us clean From every sin, And fit for God.
3 To that dear source of love Our souls this day would come ; And thither from above, Lord, call the nations home ;
That Jew and Greek With rapturous songs On all their tongus Thy praise may speak.
530 MAI^ACHI.
CLXXI. God's Name profaned, zvhen his Table is treated uith ContempU Malachi i. 12.
1
APPLIED TO THE LORDS-SUPPER.
"V/fY God, and is thy table spread?
And does thy cup with love o'erflow? Thither be all thy children led, And let them all its sweetness know'.
2 Hail sacred feast, which Jesus makes ! Rich banquet of his flesh and blood ! Thrice happy he, who here partakes That sacred stream, that heavenly food \
3 Why are its dainties all in vain Before unwilling hearts displav'd ? Was not for you the victim slain? Are you forbid the children's bread?
4 O let thy table honour'd be,
And furnish'd well with joyful guests; And may each soul salvation see. That here its sacred pledges tastes.
5 Let crouds approach with hearts prepar'd j With hearts inflam'd let all attend ;
Nor, when we leave our Father's board, The pleasure, or the profit end.
6 Revive thy dying churches, Lord, And bid our drooping graces live ; And more that energy afford,
A Saviour's blood alone can give.
CLXXII. God's grqcious Regard to active Attempts to revive Religiotif Malachi iii. 16, 17,
1 nPHE Lord on mortal worms looks down,
From his celestial throne ; And, when the wicked swarm around, He well discerns his own.
2 He sees the tender hearts,, that mourn
The scandals of the times ; And join their efforts to oppose The wide-prevailing crimes.
3 Low to the social band he bows
His still-attentive ear; And, while his angels sing around. Delights their voice to hear.
4 The chronicles of heaven shall keep
Their words in transcript fair j 3
MALACtll. 'S^Sl
In the Redeemer's book of life Their names recorded are.
5 " Yes", saith the Lord, •' the world shall know " These humble souls are mine: " These, when my jewels I produce, " J?hall in full lustre shine.
C '* When deluges of fiery wrath " I\Iy foes away shall bear, " That hand, which strikes the wicked through, *' Shall all my children spare."
CLXXIII. Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. Malachi iv. C.
1 TTO thee, O God, we homage pay,
-*■ Source of the light that rules the day ; Who, while he gilds all nature's frame, Reflects thy rays, and speaks thy name.
2 In louder strains we sing that grace, Which gives tlie sun of righteousness; Whose nobler light salvation brings, And scatters healing from his wings.
3 Still on our hearts may Jesus shine With beams of ligiit and love divine ; Quicken'd by him our souls shall live, And cheer'd by him shall grow and thrive.
4 O may his glories stand confess'd From north to south, from east to west : Successful may his gospel run
Wide as the circuit of the sun.
5 When shall that radiant scene arise, When, fix'd on high in purer skies, Christ all his lustre shall display
On all his sanits through endless day ?
532 MATTHEW.
HYMNS
FOUNDED ON VARIOUS TEXTS IN THE
NEW TESTAMENT.
HYMN CLXXIV.
7'he Axe laid to the Root of unfruitful Trees. Matthew iii, 10,
1 T~'HE Lord into his vineyard comes
Our various fruit to see; His e}'e, more piercing than the light, Examines every tree.
2 Tremble, ye sinners, at his frown.
If barren still ye stand ; And fear that keenly-wounding axe. Which arms his awful hand*
3 Close to the root behold it laid.
To make destruction sure : Who can resist the mighty stroke ? Or who the fire endure ?
4 Lord, we adore thy sparing love,
Thy long-expecting grace : Else had we low in ruin fall'n, And known no more our place.
5 Succeeding years thy patience waits ;
Nor let it Avait in vain ; But form in us abundant fruit, And still this fruit maintain.
CLXXV. The Light of good Exotnples, the most effectual IVay to glorify God. Matthew v. 16.
1 r^ RE AT Teacher of thy church, we own ^~^ Thy precepts all divinely wise: O may thy mighty power be shown To fix them still before our eyes.
2 Deep on our hearts thy law engrave, And fill our breasts with heavenly zeal. That, while we trust thy power to save, We may that sacred law fulfil.
MATIllKV/. HZ'
3 Adorii'd witlj every iieaveulv qrace, Alav our evaiiiples brightly sfiiiic, And the sweet lustre of thy i'aec Itertected, beam from eaeh ot" thine.
4 These hneaments*^, divinely fair, Our heavenly Fafher shall proelaini; And men, that view his image there, IShall join to glorify Jiis name.
CLXX\'I. Providential Bounties saneijed and imprmcd. Maltliew v. 45.
1 prATIIL'.R of lights, we sing thy name,
Who kindledst n[) the lamp of day fj AVide as he spreads his golden flame, His beams thy power and love display.
2 Fountain of good, from thee proceed The copious drops of genial f rain ;
Which through the hills, and through the meads Kevive the grass and swell the grain.
3 Through the wide world thy bounties spread ; Yet millions of our guilty race.
Though by thy daily bounty fed, Afl'rontthy law, and spurn th}' grace.
4 Not so may our forgetful hearts, O'erlook the tokens of thv care ; But, what thv liberal hand imparts, ^)till own in praise, still ask in prayer.
,5 So shall our suns more grateful sliine, And showers in stx-eeter drops shall fall, AVhen all onr hearts and lives are thine, And thou, our God,enjoy'd in all.
6 .Jesus, our brighter sun, arise; «
In plenteous showers thy Spirit send ; Karth then shall grow a paradise, And in the heaveidy Kden end.
CLXXVir. Secret Prayer. Matthew vi. 6.
J ITATHER divine, thy piercing eye
Shouts through the darkest night; In deep retirement thou art nigh, NVith heart-discerning sight.
2 There shall that piercing eve survey My duteous homage |)aid, AV'ith every morning's dawning ray, And every evening's shade.
* Features. f Tlip sun. + Making fruitful.
VOL. III. J X
634. MATTHEW.
3 O may thy own celestial fire
The incense still inflame ; While my warm vows to thee aspire, Through my Redeemer's name.
4 So shall the visits of thy love .
My soul in secret bless ; Soshalt thou de gn in worlds above Thy suppliant to confess.
CLXXVIII. Seekvig first the Kh7gdo7n of God, Sfc. Matthew vi. 33,
1 ^TOW let a true ambition rise,
And ardour fire our breast. To reign in worlds above the skies, In heavenly glories drest.
2 Behold Jehovah's royal hand
A radiant crown display, j
Whose gems with vivid lustre shine, m
While stars and suns decay.
3 Away, each groveling anxious care.
Beneath a christian's thought ; I spring to seize immortal joys, Which my Redeemer bought.
4 Ye hearts with youthful vigour warm,
The glorious prize pursue ; x
Nor shall ye want the goods of earth, |
While heaven is kept in view.
CLXXIX. Pardon spoken by Christ. Matthew ix. 2.
1 IV/TY Saviour, let me hear thy voice.
Pronounce these words of peace ; And all my warmest powers shall join To celebrate the grace.
2 With gentle smiles call me thy child.
And speak my sins forgiven ; The accents mild shall charm mine ear, All like the harps of heaven,
3 Cheerful, where'er thy hand shall lead.
The darkest path I'll tread ; Cheerful Til quit these mortal shores. And mingle with the dead.
4 When dreadful guilt is done away.
No other fears we know ; That hand, Avhich scatters pardons down, Shall crowns of life bestow.
MATTHEW.
CLXXX. Tfie relapsing Demoniac. Malllicw xii. 13— 15,
1 SOVEREIGN of heaven, thine empire spreads
O'er all the worlds on lii<rli: And at thy frown the wifcrnal powers In wild confusion fly.
2 Like lif^htning from his glittering tiirone
The groat arch-traitor fell, Driven with enormous ruin down To infamy and hell.
3 Permitted now to range at largo.
And traverse * earth and air ; O'er captive human souls he reigns, And boasts his kingdom there.
4 Vet thence tliy grace can drive him out
With one Almighty word ;
O send thy potent sceptre forth,
And reign victorious, Lord.
5 Let wretched prisoners be releas'd
The smiling light to view ; Nor let the vancjuish'd foe return Their bondage to renew.
6 May grace complete that wondrous work,
Which thy own power begun, And fill, from Satan's gloomy realms, The kingdom of thy Son.
CLXXXI. The Failh of the Sijrophanician Ifoman recommended. Matthew XV. 26, 27.
1 A LL conquering faith, how high it rose, "^ When heaven itself might seem t' oppose! All-gracious Lord, who didst appear
Most merciful, when most severe !
2 Thus at thy feet our sonls would fall, And loudly thus for mercy call ;
*' Thou Son of David, pitv show, '* And save us from the infernal foe."
3 Though viler than the brutes we be, (^ur longing eyes would wait on thee, Who dost to (logs this grace aftbrd. To taste the crumbs beneath thy board.
♦ Wander tlirough. 3X2
536 MATTHEW.
4 But thou the humble soul wilt raise, And all its sorrows turn to praise: Each self-abasing broken heart Shall with thy children share a part.
CLXXXII, The Church built on a Rock, and secured against the Gates of Hell. MaUhewxvi. 18.
1 1V[OW let the gates of Zion sing^, •^ And challenge all her spiteful foes : She triumphs in hei" Saviour-king', In hini_, Avho from the dead arose.
2 He is the rock, on whom we rest, ^ And firm on that, foundation stand ; ' Divine compassion fills his breast,
His word is sure, and strong his hand.
3 Hell and its hosts may rage in vain ; ^ Vain arc their counsels, and their power; | Grim death mav marshal all bis train, i And boast the conquest of an hour. j
4 Breathless and pale his servants lie, ' V And know their former place no more | Their children raise his praises high, ' And o'er their fathers' dust adore.
5 Their fathers' dust the Lord shall raise,
And burst the barriers of the grave; '■
Parents and children join his praise, Who through eternity can save.
CLXXXIII. Christ's Transfiguration. Matthew xvii. 4. 1
i VX/'HEN at this distance, Lord, we trace The various glories of thy face, Wliat transport pours o'er all our breast, And charms our cares and woes to rest!
2 With thee in the obscurest cell
On some bleak mountain would I dwell, Rather than pompous courts behold. And share their sjrandeur and their gold.
3 Away, ye dreams of mortal joy ! Rajjtures divine my thoughts employ! I see the king of glory shine ;
And feel his love, and call him mine,
4 On Tabor * thus his servants view'd His lustre, when transform'd he stood ;
^ The mountain on which Christ was transfigured.
MATTHEW. .'537
Atk!, bidding earlhly sci'tics farewell, Cried, " Lord, 'lis "pleasiiiit lierc to dwell."
5 Yet still our elevated eyes
To nobler visions lung to rise ; 'riiat grand assembly would we join, Where all thy saints around thee shine.
6 That mount how bright ! those forms how fair ! 'Tis good to dwell for ever there :
Come, death, dear envoy * of my God, And bear me to that blest abode.
CLXXXIV. Tht Grace of Christ in rmmstcring to Men, and di/ing for them. Mattliew xx. 28.
1 Q AVIOUR of men, and Lord of love, ^ How sweet thv gracious name ! With joy that errand we review,
On which thy mercy came.
2 While all thy own angelic bands
Stood waiting on the wing, Charm'd with the honour to obey The word of such a king ;
3 For us mean wretched sinful men
Thou laid'st that glory by. First in our mortal Hesh to serve, Then in that tlcsh to die.
4 Bought with thy service and thy blood,
We doubly, Lord, are thine ; To thee our lives we would devote, To thee our death resign.
5 Blest man, who in thy cause consumes
His vigorous days w ith '/jjal ! Then with the last slow ebb of blood Is caird thy truth to seal !
CLXXXV. Christ\'i compassionate Beadintss to gather Souls. MaUliew xxiii. 37, 33.
1 QEE how the Lord of mercy spreads ^ His gentle hands abroad ;
And warns us of tlie cirehng foes, That thirst to drink our blood !
2 *' Fly to the shelter of mine arms,
" And dwell secure from fear ; *' Nor earth nor hell shall pluck you thence, *' Or reach, and wound you there."
* Mcsscuscr or aiabasfcador.
533 MATTHEW,
3 With anxious heart the parent-bird
Thus calls her offspring round, When horrid vultures beat the air. And slaughter stains the ground.
4 The trembling brood, by nature taught.
Fly to the known retreat ; Beneath her downy wings are safe. And find the shelter sweet.
5 But men, alas ! more thoughtless men.
Refuse to lend an ear ; Their only refuge madly fly And rather die, than hear.
6 Tiiey spurn the Saviour's offer'd grace,
Till they his wrath inflame ; Then desolation lays them low In agony and shame.
CLXXXVI. Tlx Abowvding of Iniquitij, and Coldness of Christian Love. Matthew xxiv. 12.
FOR A FAST-DAY.
1 A LAS for Britain, and her sons \ "^ What hath she not to fear ? The sins, that ruin'd Salem once,
O how triumphant here !
2 Alas the stronor o'erflowing tide !
How fiercely doth it rage ! And each foreboding symptom joins In terrible presage.
3 Yet who hath eyes that can discern,
Or who an ear to hear ? Whose heart is trembling for the ark. Or for his country dear ?
4 Cold is the love of christian breasts,
If christian breasts remain ; And dying the last sparks of zeal. Or its last efforts vain.
5 Of Britain, oft chastised and sav'd,
What shall the end be found ? Shall not the sword, that waves so long, Inflict the deeper wound ?
6 O stay thine arm, all- gracious God ;
Thy Spirit largely pour ! He can the streams of guijt restrain, And dying love restore.
MATTHEW. 539
CLKXXVII. Thefinul Sentence, and Happiness nf the Ritrjiteous. Matthew xxv. 34.
1 A TTEND mine ear ; my heart rejoice ; "^^ While .lesus from his throne, Begirt with all the angelic hosts,
Makes his last sentence known !
2 When sinners, cursed from his face.
To raging flames are driven, His voice, with melody divine. Thus calls his saints to heaven.
3 " Blest of my Father, a,ll draw near,
*' Receive the large reward ; ** And rise with raptures to ])ossess *' The kingdom love prcpar'd,
4 " Ere eartli's foundations first werelaid^
*' This sovereign purpose wrought, ** And reared those palaces divine, *' To which you now are brought.
5 *' There shall you reign unnumber'd years,
*' Protected by my power, *' While sin and hell, and pains and cares *' Shall vex your souls no more."
6 Come, dear majestic Saviour, come.
This jubilee proclaim. And teach us accents fit to praise JSo great, so dear a name.
CLXXXVIII. Relieiing Christ in his poor Saints. Matthew xxv. 40.
1 TESUS, my Lord, how rich thy grace !
Thy bounties how complete ! How shall I count the matchless sum } How pa}' the mighty d^bt ?
2 High on a throne of radiant light
Dost thou exalted shine ; Wliat can my poverty bestow. When all the worlds are thine ?
3 But thou hast brethren here below.
The partners of thy grace. And wilt confess their humble names Before thy Father's face.
4 In them thou may'st be cloath'd, and fed,
And visited, and cheer'd ; And in their accents of distress My Saviour's voice is heard.
2
510 MATTHEW.
5 Tliy face with reverence and >vith love I in thy poor would see ; O rather let me befj my bread, Than hold it back from thee !
CLXXXIX. The final Sentence uiid Misery of the Wicked, Matthew xxv. 41.
1 A ND will the Judge descend ? "^ And must the dead arise ?
And not a single soul escape His all-discerning eyes ?
2 And from his righteous lips Shall such a sentence sound ?
And through the millions of the damn'd Spread black despair around ?
3 *' Depart from me, accurs'd, " To everlasting flame,
*' For rebel-angels first prepar'd, " Where mercy never came.'*
4 How will my heart endure The terrors of that day,
When eartli and heaven before his face Astonish'd shrink away ?
5 But ere that trumpet shakes The mansions of the dead,
Hark from the gospel's gentle voice What joyful tidings spread !
6 Ye sinners, seek his grace, Whose wrath ye cannot bear ;
Fly to the shelter of his cross, And find salvation there.
7 So shall that curse remove By which the Saviour bled.
And the last aAvful day shall pour His blessings on your head.
CXC. Christ^s Subjnission to his Father's JVill. Matthew xxvi. 42.
1 " pATHER divine," the Saviour cried,
W^hile horrors press'd on every side, And prostrate on the ground he lay, *' Remove this bitter cup aAvay.
2 ** But if these pangs must still be borne, *' Or helpless man be left forlorn,
" I bow my soul before thy throne,
** And say, Thy Avill, not mine be done.**
MATTHEW. S4l
3 Tims our submissive souls would bow. And, taught by Jesus, lie as low ; Our hearts, and not our lips alome, Would say, Thy will, not ours be done.
4 Then, though like him in dust we lie, We'll view the blissful moment nigh. Which, from our portion in his pains. Calls to the joy in which he reigns.
CXCI. Reflections on tlie Disciples forsaking Christ, when he was betrayed. Matthew xxvi. 56.
1 "DEHOLD the Son of God's delight ;
■*~^ His smiles how sweet ! his rays how bright ! A friend of tenderness unknown : To the last breath he lov'd his own.
2 But lo, his friends, his brethren dear Fled, when they saw his danger near ; And not one generous heart remains To shield his life, or share his pains.
3 So frail is man ; so frail are we, When unsupported, Lord, by thee ;
Thus shrinks our faith ; thus droops our love, And thus our vows abortive prove.
4 Blest Jesus, thy own power impart. And bind in cords of love my heart : The fugitive no more shall flee,
But keep through death its hold on thee.
CXCI I. Chriit's Complaint of his Father's forsaking him on the Cross. Matthew xxvii. 46.
J "XTITHAT doleful accents do I hear ?
What piercing cry invades mine ear ? Loaded with shame, and bath'd in blood, Who calls to a forsakinor God ?
2 Amazing and heart-rending sight ! 'Tis his own darling and delignt, Who once in his embraces lay, Dearer than all the sons of day !
3 Yet when this Jesus died for me, Distended on the cursed tree, God stood afar, nor would afford One pitying look, one cheering word.
4 What then, my soul, must thou have felt, If press'd with all thy load of guilt. Beneath whose weight the Saviour cries. Who form'd the earth, and built tlie skies ?
VOL. III. 3 Y
J42 MATTHEW.
5 But in that dark tremendous hour Unconquer'd faith exerts its power ; My God, my Father, cried aloud,
And heaven the endearing name avow'd.
6 From death, from earth, he rais'd his Son, And gave him for his cross a throne ; Triumphant there the sufferer reigns, And reaps the harvest of his pains.
7 Eternal raptures there are known ; Nor flows the joy on him alone,
But for his sake the Lord hath swore. To leave the meanest saint no more.
CXCIir. The savie. Matthew xxvii, 46.
1 IV/TY Saviour, didst thou die for me ?
For me send forth that bitter cry ? With bleeding heart thy wounds I see, Prepar'd at thy command to die.
2 By all thine anguish on the cross, When God thy Father stood afar. Rich in thy temporary loss,
Thy church is brought for ever near.
3 From far the beamings of thy throne Reviv'd m}- sympathizmg heart ; Thy love made sinner's griefs thy own. Mine in thy joys must take its part.
4 'Midst all the splendors of thy reign. Think on the sorrows thou hast felt ; Nor let a mourner weep in vain,
For whom thy precious blood was spilt.
5 While through earth's darkest gloom I tread, Dart to my soul a cheering ray j
And on the confines of the dead. Thy power, as Lord of life, display.
CXCIV. The JtigeFs Beply to the fFo?rien, that sought Christ. Matthew xxviii. 5, 6.
1 \^F humble souls, that seek the Lord,
Chase all your fears away : And bow with pleasure down to see The place where Jesus lay.
2 Thus low the Lord of life was brought ;
Such wonders love can do ; Thus cold in death that bosom lay, Which throbb'd, and bled for you.
MATTHEW. 54S
3 A moment give a loose to grief;
Let grateful sorrows rise, And wash the bloody stains away With torrents from your eyes.
4 Then raise your eyes, and tunc your songs,
The Saviour lives again ; Not all the bolts and bars of death The conqueror could detain.
5 High o'er the angelic bands he rears
His once dishonour'd head ; And through unnumber'd years he reigns, Who dwelt among the dead.
6 With joy like hi^ shall ever}' saint
His empty tomb survey ; Then rise with his ascending Lord Through all his shining way.
CXCV. Christ ever present zvilh his Minister's and Churches. Matlliew xxviii. 20.
1 "VX/^H^E o'er all worlds the Saviour reigns ;
Unmov'd his power and love remains;
And on his arm his church shall rest. Fair Zion, joyful in her King, Through every changing age shall sing,
With his perpetual presence blest.
2 Tyrannic death, in vain thy rage, Thy triumphs new in every age,
O'er the first heroes of his host ; Conscious of more than mortal aid, Our bleeding hearts are not dismay'd,
But an immortal leader boast.
3 Though buried deep in dust they he, Whose tuneful voices rais'd on high
Led the sweet anthems to his name ; The children learn the fathers song. And unform'd tongues shall still prolong
The ever-present Saviour's fame.
4 The present Saviour, he shall give Millions of future saints to live,
And croud the temj)les of his grace : The present Saviour, lo, he comes To call whole legions from their tombs.
And teach their dust sublimer praise. 3 Y 2
S44 MARK.
CXCVI. Departed Saints asleep. Mark v. 39.
1 '* Tl^HY flow these torrents of distress ?"
The gentle Saviour cries, *' Why are my sleeping saints survey'd " With unbelieving eyes ?
2 ** Death's feeble arm shall never boast,
" A friend of Christ is slain ; *' Nor o'er their meaner part in dust *' A lasting power retain.
3 *' I come, on wings of love I come,
*' The slumbers to awake ; ** My voice shall reach the deepest tomb, ** And all its bonds shall break.
4 ** Touch' d by my hand in smiles they rise ;
** They rise to sleep no more ; ** But rob'd with light, and crown'd with joy ** To endless day they soar.
5 Jesus, our faith receives thy word ;
And, though fond nature weep, Grace learns to hail the pious dead, And emulate their sleep.
6 Our willing souls thy summons wait
With them to rest and praise ; So let thy much-loved presence t;heer These separating days.
CXCVII. The Struggle between Faith and Unbelief. Mark ix. 24,
1 TESUS, our soul's delightful choice, " In thee believing we rejoice ; Yet still our joy is mix'd with grief. While faith contends with unbelief,
2 Thy promises our hearts revive. And keep our fainting hopes alive ; But guilt, and fears, and sorrows rise. And hide the promise from our eyes.
3 O let not sin and satan boast. While saints lie mourning in the dust ; Nor see that faith to ruin brought,
Which thy own gracious hand hath wrought.
4 Do thou the d3Mng spark inflame ; Reveal the glories of thy name ; And put all anxious doubts to flight. As shades dispers'd by opening light.
MARK. 545
CXCVIII. Christ's condescending Regard to HUU Cldldrcn. Mark x. 14.
1 CEE Israel's gentle Shepherd stand
With all engaging charms ; Hark how he calls the tender lambs, And (bids them in his arms !
2 *' Permit them to approach," he cries,
" Nor scorn their humble name ; " For 'twas to bless such souls as these, *' The Lord of angels came."
3 We bring them, Lord, in thankful hands,
And yield them up to thee ; Joyful, that we ourselves are thine. Thine let our offspring be.
4 Ye little flock, with pleasure hear :
Ye children, seek his face ;
And fly with transport to receive
The blessings of his grace.
5 If orphans they are left behind.
Thy guardian-care we trust : That care shall heal our bleeding hearts. If weeping o'er their dust.
CXCIX. Christian IVatchfubiess. Mark xiii. 37.
1 /\ WAKE, my drowsy soul, awake.
And view the threatening scene : Legions of foes encamp around, And treachery lurks within.
2 'Tis not this mortal life alone
These enemies assail ; All thine eternal hopes are lost, If their attempts prevail.
3 Now to the work of God awake ;
Behold thy master near ; The various arduous task pursue With vigour and with fear.
4 The awful register goes on.
The account will surely come. And opening dav, or closing night May bear me to my doom.
5 Tremendous thought ! How deep it strikes !
Yet like a dream it flies. Till God's own voice the slumbers chase From these deluded eyes.
546 LUKE.
CC. The Nativity of Christ. Luke ii. 10—12.
] "LJAIL, progeny* divine !
Hail, virgin's wondrous Son ! Who, for that humble shrine. Didst quit the Almighty's throne : The Infant-Lord Our voices sing, And be the king Of grace ador'd.
r 2 Ye princes, disappear,
And boast your crowns no more ; Lay down your sceptres here, And in the dust adore :
Where Jesus dwells, \
The manger bare
In lustre far
Your pomp excels.
3 With Bethlehem's shepherds mild The angels bow their head ; And round the sacred child Their guardian -wings they spread j
They knew, that where Their sovereign lies In low disguise, Heaven's court is there.
4 Thither, my soul, repair. And early homage pay To thy Redeemer fair. As on his natal f day :
I kiss thy feet ; And, Lord, would be A child like thee. Whom thus I greet.
CCI. The Angel's Song at Christ's Birth. Luke ii. 13, 14.
1 jlJIGH let us swell our tuneful notes,
"^ And join the angelic throng ; For angels no such love have known To awake a cheerful song.
2 Good-will to sinful men is shewn,
And peace on earth is given ; For lo, the incarnate Saviour comes With messages from heaven.
♦ Offspring. f Birth-day.
LUKE. 54T
3 Justice and grace with sweet accord
His rising beams adorn ; Let heaven and earth in concert join, Now such a child is born.
4 Glory to God in highest strains
In iiighest worlds be paid ; His glory by our lips proclaini'd, And by our lives dispiay'd.
5 When shall we reach those blissful realms,
Where Christ exalted reigns,
And learn ot the celestial choir,
Their own imniortal strains ?
ecu. Simeon^s Song and Declaration to the Virgin Mary. Luke ii. 30—35.
1 O^^ ^y^^ salvation see, ^'^ Prepar'd by grace tlivine :
How wide its splendors are dilfus'd ! How bright its glories shine !
2 Through distant Heathen lands It darts a vivid * ray,
And to the realms, where Satan rcign'd. Imparts celestial day.
.3 The Israel of the Lord
In Christ their glory boast,
And on tiie honours of his name
Their whole salvation trust.
4 By him shall millions rise To an imniortal crown,
And millions, that his grace despise, Shall sink in ruin down.
5 Onr reckoning is begun, And on the account will go,
Till clos'd in everlasting ioy, Or never-ending woe.
CCIII. Christ's Message. Luke iv. 18, 19.
1 1LJA]U( the glad sound! the Saviour comes!
The Saviour promis'd long! Let every heart prepare a throne, And every voice a song.
2 On him the spirit largely pour'd
Exerts its sacred fire ;
* Lively.
548 LUKE.
Wisdom and might, and zeal and love . His holy breast inspire.
3 He comes the prisoners to release.
In Satan's bondage held ; The gates of brass before him burst. The iron fetters yield.
4 He comes from thickest films of vice
To clear the mental ray, And on the eye-balls of the blind To pour celestial day.
5 He comes the broken heart to bind,
The bleeding soul to cure. And with the treasures of his grace To enrich the humble poor.
6 His silver trumpets publish loud
The jubilee of the Lord *; Our debts are all remitted now. Our heritage restor'd.
7 Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim ; And heaven's eternal arches ring With thy beloved name.
CCIV. Tlie recovered Damoniac, an Emblem of a converted Sinner. Luke viii.35.
1 JESUS, we own thy saving power, " And thy victorious hand ; Hell's legions tremble at thy feet,
And fly at thy command.
2 O'er souls, by passions uproar fiU'd
With anarchy f unknown. The nobler powers, restor'd by thee. Ascend their peaceful throne.
3 No more they rend their cloathing off j
No more their wounds repeat ; But gentle and compos'd they wait Attentive at thy feet.
4 O'er thousands more, where Satan rules.
May we such triumphs see; And be their rescu'd souls and ours Devoted, Lord, to thee.
* The acceptable year of the Lord, i. e. the year of jubilee, Levit. xxv, ■f Confusion and disorder.
LUKE. 549
CCV. The good Samaritan. Luke x. 30— 37.
1 T;\\THER of mercies, send tliy grace -'' All-powerful from ;vbove,
To form in our obedient souls The image of th)- love.
2 O may our sympathising breasts
That generous pleasure know Kindlv to share in others joy, And weep for others woe !
3 When the most helpless sons of grief
In low distress are laid, Soft be our hearts their pains to feel. And swift our hands to aid.
4 So Jesus look'd on dying men,
When thron'd above the skies, And, 'midst the embraces of his God, He felt compassion rise.
5 On wings of love the Saviour flew
To raise us from the ground, And made the richest of his blood A balm for every wound.
CCVI. The Care of the Soul, the one Thing needful. Luke x. 4?.
1 \T7HY will ye lavish out your years
^^ Amidst a thousand trifling cares? While in tliis various range of thought The one thing needful is forgot ^
2 Why will ye chase the fleeting wind. And famish an immortal mind ; While angels with regret look down To see you spurn a heavenly crown ?
3 The eternal God calls from above. And Jesus pleads his bleeding love ; AwakenM conscience gives you pain ; And shall they join their pleas in vain ?
4 Not so your dying eyes shall view Those objects, which ye now pursue ; Not so shall heaven aiid hell appear, When tlic decisive hour is near.
5 Almighty God, thy power impart To fix convictions on the heart ; Thy power unveils the blindest cycf, And makes the haughtiest scorner wise.
VOL. HI. 3 Z
550 LUKE.
CCVII. Mary's Choice of the better Part. Luke x. 42.
1 "QESET with snares on every hand, ■*"^ In life's uncertain path I stand : Saviour divine* diffuse thy light
To guide my doubtful footsteps right.
2 Engage this roving treacherous heart To fix on Mary's better part ;
To scorn the trifles of a day
For joys, that none can take away.
3 Then let the wildest storms arise : Let tempests mingle earth and skies ; No fatal shipwreck shall I fear, But all my treasures with me bear.
4 If thou, my Jesus, still be nigh, Cheerful I live, and joyful die: Secure, when mortal comforts flee. To find ten thousand worlds in thee.
CCVIII. Christ*$ little Flock comforted uith the Fiev:s of a Kingdom. Luke xii. 32.
1 \^E little flock, whom Jesus feeds.
Dismiss your anxious cares ; Look to the Shepherd of your souls, And smile away your fears.
2 Though wolves and lions prowl around,
His staff is your defence : 'Midst sands and rocks your shepherd*s voice Calls streams and pastures thence.
3 Your Father will a kingdom give.
And give it with delight ; His feeblest child his love shall call To triumph in his sight.
4 Ten thousand praises. Lord, we bring
For sure supports like these : And o'er the pious dead we sing Thy living promises.
5 For all we hope, and they enjoy,
We bless a Saviour's name ; Nor shall that stroke disturb the song, Which breaks this mortal frame.
CCIX. Providing Bags that ivax not old, SjC. Luke .\ii. 33.
1 nPHESE mortal joys, how soon they fade I -^ How swift they pass away !
LUKE. 5.51
The dying flower reclines its head, The beauty of a day !
2 The bags are rent, the treasures lost,
We fondly call'd our own : Scarce could we the possession boast, And strait we found it gone.
3 But there are joys that cannot die.
Which God laid up in store ; Treasure beyond the changing sky, Brighter than golden ore.
4 To that my rising heart aspires,
Secure to find its rest, And glories in such wide desires Of all their wish possess'd.
5 The seeds, which piety and love
Have scatter'd here below, In the fair fertile fields above To ample harvests grow.
6 The mite my willing hands can give
At Jesus' feet I lay ; Grace shall the humble gift receive, And heaven at large repay.
CCX. The active Christian. Luke xii. 35—38.
1 \^E servants of the Lord,
Each in his office wait. Observant of his heavenly word. And watchful at his gate.
2 Let all your lamps be bright. And trim the golden flame ;
Gird up your loins, as in his sight, For awful is his name.
3 Watcli, 'tis your Lord's command ; And while we speak, he's near:
Mark the first signal of his hand, And ready all appear.
4 O happy servant he
In such a posture found ! He shall his Lord with rapture see, And be with honour crown'd.
5 Christ shall the banquet spread With his own royal hand.
And raise that favourite servant's head Amidst the angelic band. 3 Z2
552 LUKE.
CCXI. Room at the Gospel-Feast. Luke xiv. 22.
1 'T'HE King of heaven his table spreads,
And dainties crown the board ; Not paradise with all its joys Could such delight afford.
2 Pardon and peace to dying men,
And endless life are given, And the rich blood, that Jesus shed To raise the soul to heaven.
3 Ye hungry poor, that long have stray'd
In sin's dark mazes, come: Come from the hedges and highways, And grace shall find you room.
4 Millions of souls in glory now
Were fed and feasted here ; And millions more, still on the way. Around the board appear.
5 Yet is his house and heart so large,
That millions more may come ; Nor could the wide assembling world O'er-fill the spacious room.
6 AH things are ready ; come away,
Nor weak excuses frame ; Croud to your places at the feast, And bless the founder's name.
CCXII. The present and future State of the Saint andSinner compared. Lukexvi. 25.
I TN what confusion earth appears ! ■*■ God's dearest children bath'd in tears ! While they, who heaven itself deride. Riot in luxury and pride.
-2 But patient let my soul attend, And, ere I censure, view the end : That end, how different ! who can tell The wide extremes of heaven and hell ?
'S See the red flames around him twine, Who did in gold and purple shine ! Nor can his tongue one drop obtain To allay the scorching of his pain.
4 While round the saint, so poor below, Fidl rivers of salvation flow ; On Abraham's breast he leans his head. And banquets on celestial bread.
LUKE. -553
5 Jesus, my Saviour, let me slmro The nit'unest oi thy >icrvaiits' tare ; May I at last approach to taste The blessings of thy marriage-feast.
CCXIII. Rebels against Chist executed. Luke xix. CT.
1 UR comes ; tlie royal conqueror comes ; ^^ Ills lei^rions fill the sky ;
Anirchc trumpets rend the tombs, And loud proclaim him ni<^h.
2 Ye rebel hosts, how vain your rage
Against this sovereign Lord ! What madness bears you on to engngc The terrors of his sword ?
3 ** Bring fori h," he cries, " those sons of pride,
«' That scorn'd my gentle sway, *' To prove the arm they once defy'd *' Omnipotent to slay."
4 Tremendous scene of wrath tlivine !
How wide the vengeance spreads : His pointed darts of lightning shine Round their defenceless heads.
5 Now let the rebels seek tliat face,
From wiiich they cannot flee ! And thou, my soul, adore the grace, Tiiat sweetly coiupier'd thee.
CCXIV. The Bedeaiier'sTcarszveptm-er lost Souls. Luke xix. 11, 12.
1 \X7"H AT venerable sight appears ?
The son of God dissolv'd in tears ! Trace, () my soul, with sad surprise. The sorrows of a Saviour's eyes.
2 For whom, blest Jesus, we would know. Doth such a sacred torrent flow r What brother, or what friend of thine,
Is grac'd and mouru'd with drops divine :
i Nor brother there, nor friend I see. Hut sous of pride and cruelty ; Who like rapacious tigers stood Insatiate panting for thy blood.
4 Dear Lord, and did thy gushing eyes Thus stream o'er ilying enemies ? And can thv tenderness lorget Tbesiiuier liumbk'd at thv iVel '
551' LUKE.
5 With deep remorse our bowels move, That we have Avrong'd such matchless love ; Thy gentle pity, Lord, display,
And smile these trembling fears away.
6 Give us to shine before thy face, Eternal trophits of thy grace ;
Where songs of praise thy saints employ, And mingle Avith a Saviour's joy.
CCXV. Departed Saints living to God. Luke xx. 38.
1 T^HRICE happy state, where saints shall live
•*■ Around their Father's throne. In every joy, that heaven can give, And live to God alone !
2 Unnumber'd bands of kindred minds.
That dwelt in feeble clay. Us and our woes have left behind To reign in endless day.
3 Immortal vigour now they breathe,
And all the air is peace ; They chide our tears, that mourn the death, Which brought their souls release.
4 Thus shall the grace of Christ prevail,
Till all his chosen meet ; And not the meanest servant fail His household to complete.
5 To that blest goal * with ardent haste
Our active souls would tend ; Nor feel their sorrows, as they passM To such a blissful end.
COXVI. Christ's Admonition to, and Care of Peter under approach- ing Trials. Luke xxii. 31, 32.
1 X-JOW keen the tempter's malice is!
How artful, and how great ! Though not one grain shall be destroy 'd. Yet will he sift the wheat.
2 But God can all his power controul.
And gather in his chain ; And, where he seems to triumph most, The captive soul regain.
3 There is a Shepherd kind and strong,
Still watchful for his sheep ;
* The end of a race, where the prize was hung. /
LUKE. 555
Nor shall the infernal lion rend, A\'honi he vouchsafes to keep.
4 Blest Jesus, intercede for us.
That we may fall no more ; O raise us, when we prostrate lie, And comfort lost restore.
5 Thy secret energy impart,
That faith may never fail ; But, 'midbt whole showers of fiery darts, 'I'hat temper'd shield prevail.
6 Secur'd ourselves hy grace divine,
We'll guard our brethren too; And, taught their frailty by our own. Our care of them renew.
CCXVII. Cfirist's Prayer for his Enemies. Luke xxiii. 34;
1 /\ LOUD I sing the %vondrous grace,
Christ to his murderers bare ; Which made the tottering cross its throne, And hung its trophies there.
2 Fatlier, forgive, his mercy cried
Wiih his expiring breath, And drew eternal blessings down On those, who wrought his death,
3 Then may I hope for pardon too.
Though I have pierc'd the Lord ; Blest Jesus, in my favour speak That all-prevailing Avord.
4 I knew not what my madness did,
While I remain'd thy foe : Soon as I saw the wounds were thine, My tears began to flow.
5 Melted by goodness so divine,
I woufd its footsteps trace ; And, while beneath thy cross I stand. My fiercest foes embrace.
CCXVlir. The Resunection of Christ. Lukexxiv.34. 1 \^i^!^, the Redeemer rose ;
The Saviour left the dead ; And o'er our hellish foes High rais'd his conquering head : In wild dismay The guards around Fell to the ground, And sunk away.
^•56 LUKL.
2 Lo, the angelic bands In full assembly meet.
To wait his high commands. And worship at his feet :
Joyful they come,
And wing their way
From realms of day
To such a tomb.
3 Then back to heaven they fly, And the glad tidings bear : Hark ! as they soar on high, What music fills the air I
Their anthems say, " Jesus who bled " Hath left the dead ; He rose to-day."
4 Ye mortals, catch the sound, RedeemM by him from hell ; And send the echo round
The globe on which you dwell ; TransjDorted cry, " Jesus who bled " Hath left the dead ** No more to die."
5 All-hail, triumphant Lord, Who sav'st us with thy blood ! Wide be thy name ador'd, Thou rising, reigning God !
With thee Ave rise, With thee we reign. And empires gain Beyond the skies.
CCXIX. The Gospel first preached at Jerusalem. Luke xxiv. 47.
1 '* /^O, saith the Lord, proclaim my grace
^^ " To all the sons of Adam's race, *' Pardon for every crimson sin, ** And at Jerusalem begin.
2 ** There, where my blood, not fully dry, *' Stands warm upon mount Calvary ;
** That blood shall purge away their guilt, *' By whom so lately it was spilt.
3 " Now let the daring rebels turn,
** And o'er their bleeding Sovereign mourn ; *' Their bleeding Sovereign shall forgive, " And bid the rebels look and live." 3
JOHN. 557
4 Is this thy voice, all-gracious Lord ? And did tiie rebels hear thy word? And did they fall beneath thy feet, And on their knees forgiveness meet ?
5 Then may I hope for mercy too ; Such love can my hard heart subdue, And give this gudty soui a place Aniong the captives of thy grace.
C Here be it daily mine employ
To bathe tliy wounds with tears of joy,
'I'ill 'midst the new Jerusalem
In one full choir we sing thy name.
CCXX. God's Loie to the IVorld in sending Christ for its Redemp' tion. John iii. 16.
1 CING to the Lord a new melodious song :
Assist the choir, ye tribes of every tongue : Wide as the world his sovereign mercy reigns ; Wide as the world resound the rapturous strains. Ye angels, join thejoyful acclamation, And sing the love, that brings to men salvation.
2 His gracious eye beheld in full survey Where Adam's race in mingled ruin lay : No human aid the danger could avert :
No angel's hand could soothe the raging smart: In his own breast divine compassion rises, And the grand scheme the court of heaven surprises.
3 God's only son with peerless * ^lories bright, His Father's fairest image and delight. Justice and grace the victim have decreed, To wear our flesh, and in that flesh to bleed.
Prostrate in dust, ye sinners, all adore him.
And tremble, while your hearts rejoice before him.
4 The wonderous work is done ; the covenant stood, And Jesus expiates human guilt with blood ; Nail'd to the tree he bows his sacred head ;
A mangled corpse he sojourns with the dead ; Ilising, the gospel sends through every nation ; Sinners believe, and gain complete salvation.
5 Father of Grace, accept our humble praise ; O let it run through everlasting days !
And thou, blest Saviour, spotless Lamb of God, Accept the souls dear-ransom'd with thy blood ;
And to those songs, form all our feeble voices;
In which the choir round thy bright throne rejoices.
♦ Unequalled. VOL. III. 4 A
•553 JOHN.
CK^XXI. Tlie Spirifs Infiuences compared to living JVater. John iv. 10.
1 TJLEST Jesus, source of grace divine,
What soul-refreshing streams are thine ! O bring these heaUng waters nigh, Or we must droop, and fall, and die.
2 No traveller through desart lands, 'Midst scorching suns, and burning sands. More eager longs for cooling rain,
Or pants the current to obtain.
3 Our longing souls aloud would sing, Spring up, celestial fountain, spring ; To a redundant river flow,
And cheer this thirsty land below.
4 May this blest torrent near my side Through all the desart gently glide ; Then in Emanuel's land above Spread to a sea of joy and love.
CCXXII. The Christian's secret Feast. John i v. 32.
1 \^^ praise the Lord for heavenly bread,
With which immortal souls are fed : We praise thee for that heavenly feast. Which Jesus with delight could taste.
2 He, while he sojourn'd here below.
Had meat, which strangers could not know : That meat he to his people gives, And he that tastes the banquet lives.
5 So let me live, sustain'd by grace, Regal'd with fruits of righteousness : Enter my heart, all-gracious Lord, And sup with me, and deck thy board.
4 Devotion, faith, and zealous love, And hope, that bears the soul above, Be these my dainties, till I rise, And taste the joys of paradise.
CCXXIII. The Paralytic at Bethesda. John v. 6.
1 TOEHOLD the great physician stands,
Whose skill is ever sure ; And loud he calls to dying men, And free he offers cure.
2 And will ye hear his gracious voice.
While sore diseas'd ye lie ? Or will ye all his grace despise, And trifle till ye die ?
JOHN. 559
3 Blest Jesus, speak the healing word,
And inward vigour give ;
Then, rais'd by energy divine,
Shall helpless mortals live,
4 With cheerful pace our trembling feet
In thv blest patlis shall run, Till /ion'b healthful hill they gain, Where no complaint is known.
CCXXIV. God^s Purposes effectual, and Christ's Invitations sincere. John vi. 37.
1 TS there a sight in earth or heaven
Can such delight impart.
As Jesus' wide-extended arms
And softly- melting heart ?
2 " All that my heavenly Father gives
*' Shall come," the Saviour cries, " And every weakest soul, that comes, " Find favour in mine eyes.
3 " I'll not reject him with disdain,
'* Nor hurl him down to hell ; ** But, folded in my kind embrace, " He safe and blest shall dwell."
4 Hearken, ye dying sinners all j
All hasten, while ye hear ; For crouds of wretched souls at oncp May find their refuge there.
5 I hear thy voice, and I obey ;
Low at thy feet I fall ; Nor shall the tempter's voice prevail Against the Saviour's call.
CCXXV. Christ's Invitation to thirsty Souls. John vii. 37.
1 n^'HF Lord of life exalted stands.
Aloud he cries, and spreads his hands : He calls ten thousand sinners round, And sends a voice from every wound.
2 " Attend, ye thirst}' souls draw near, *' And satiate all your wishes here :
'' Behold the living fountain flows " In streams as various as your wocs.
3 '* An ample pardon here I give,
*' And bid the sentenc'd rebel live, ♦' Shew him my Father's smiling face, *' And lodge him in his dear embrace. 4 A 2
560 JOHN.
4 " I purge from sin's detested stain,
*' And make the crimson white again,
" Lead to celestial joys refin'd,
** And lasting as the deathless mind.
5 " Must I anew my pity prove ?
*' Witness the words of melting love,
** The gushing tear, the labouring breath,
'* And all these scars of bleeding death.'*
6 Blest Saviour, I can doubt no more ; I hear, and wonder, and adore : Panting I seek that fountain-head. Whence waters so divine proceed.
7 Clear spring of life, flow on, and roll With growing swell from pole to pole. Till flowers and fruits of paradise Round all the winding current rise.
8 Still near my stream may I be found. Long as I tread this earthly ground ; Cheer with thy wave death's gloomy shade, Then through the fields of Canaan spread.
CCXXVf. True Liberty givm by Christ. John viii. 36.
1 "LJ ARK ! for 'tis God's own son that calls ■*" To life and liberty ; Transported fall before his feet.
Who makes the prisoners free.
2 The cursed bonds of sin he breaks.
And breaks old Satan's chain : Smiling he deals those pardons round, Which free from endless pain.
3 Into the captive heart he pours
His Spirit from on high ; We lose the terrors of the slave, And Abba, Father, cry.
4 Shake off yonr bonds, and sing his grace ;
The sinner's friend proclaim; And call on all around to seek True freedom by his name.
5 Walk on at large, till you attain
Your Father's house above ; There shall you wear immortal crowns. And sing redeeming love.
JOHN. 561
CCXXVn. Tlte same. John viii. 36.
1 AND shall we still be slaves, "^^ And in our fetters lie,
Wheiismnmon'd by a voice divine To assert our liberty ?
2 Did the great Saviour bleed Our freedom to obtain,
That we should trample on his blood, And glory in our chain?
3 Alas, the sordid mind !
How all its powers are broke ! Proud of a tyrant's haughty sway, And practis'd to the yoke !
4 Divine Redeemer, hear, Thy sovereign power impart.
And let thy generous spirit wake True ardour in our heart.
5 Then shall the sons of death. That in the dungeon lie.
Spring to the throne of pardonmg grace, And Abba, father, cry
CCXXVIII. CItrisi the Door. John x. 9.
1 A WAKE, our souls, and bless his name, '^*- Whose mercies never fail ;
Who opens wide a door of hope In Achor's gloomy vale *.
2 Behold the portal wide display'd.
The buildings strong and fair ; Within are pastures fresh and green. And living streams are there.
3 Enter, my soul, with cheerful haste,
For Jesus is the door ; Nor fear the serpent's wily arts. Nor fear the lion's roar.
4 O may thy grace the nations lead.
And Jews and Gentiles come, All travelling through one beauteous gate To one eternal home.
* Hosea ii. 15.
562 JOHN.
CCXXIX. Abundant Life by Christ our Shepherd. John x. iO.
1 T3RAISE to our Shepherd's gracious name.
Who on so kind an errand came ; Came, that by him his flock might live, And more abundant life receive.
2 Hail, great Emanuel from above. High seated on thy throne of love! O pour the vital torrent down,
Thy people's joy, their Lord's renown.
3 Scarce half alive we sigh and cry ; Scarce raise to thee our languid eye ; Kind Saviour, let our dying state Compassion in thy heart create.
4 The Shepherd's blood the sheep must heal ; O may we all its influence feel ;
Till inward deep experience show, Christ can begin a heaven below.
CCXXX. Christ's Sheep described. John x. 27.
1 T^HY flock, with what a tender care,
Blest Jesus, dost thou keep ? Fain would my weak, my wandering soul Be number'd with thy sheep.
2 Gentle and tractable and plain
My heart would ever be, Averse to harm, propense to help. And faithful still to thee.
3 The gentle accents of thy voice
My listening soul would hear ; And, by the signals of thy will, I all my course would steer.
4 I follow where my Shepherd leads,
And mark the path he drew ; My Shepherd's feet mount Zion tread, And I shall reach it too.
CCXXXI. The Happiness and Security of Cbisi's Sheep. John X. 28.
1 "IVT ^ soul, with joy attend,
While Jesus silence breaks ; No angel's harp such music yields, As what my Shepherd speaks.
2 "I know my sheep," he cries, " My soul approves them well:
ions. sGi
*' Vain is the treacherous world's disguise, •* And vain the rage of hclJ.
3 *' I freclv feed them now *' With tokens of niv love,
** But richer pastures I prepare, " And sweeter streams above.
4 '* Unnumber'd years of bliss " I to my sheep will give;
<* And, while my throne unshaken stands^ *' Shall all my chosen live.
5 " This tried Almighty hand *' Is rais'd for their defence :
*♦ Where is the power shall reach them there? *' Or what shall force them thence ?"
6 Enougjh, my gracious Lord, Let faith triumphant cry ;
My heart can on this promise live, Can on this promise die^
CCXXXII. Christ's Sheep given by the leather, and guarded by Omni potence. John x. 29, 30.
1 TN one harmonious cheerful song.
Ye happy saints, combine ; Loud let It sound from every tongue, The Saviour is divine.
2 The least, the feeblest of the sheep
To him tlie father gave ; Kind is his heart the charge to keep, And strong his arm to save.
3 In Christ the almighty Father dwells,
And Christ and he'are one; The rebel power, which Christ assails. Attacks the eternal throne.
4 That hand, which heaven and eartli sustains,
And bars the gates of hell, And rivets Satan down in ciiains, Shall guard his chosen well.
5 Now let the infernal lion roar.
How vain his threats appear! When he can match Jehovah's power, I will begin to fear.
CC XX XI II. The at ir act ire Influence of a crwijied Saviour, John xii. 32.
I "DEHOLD the amazing sight, ""^ The Saviour lifted high!
564 JOHN*
Behold the Son of God's delight Expire in agony !
2 For whom, for whom, my heart, Were all these sorrows borne ?
Why did he feel that piercing smart, And meet that various scorn ?
3 For love of us he bled, And all in torture died:
'Twas love, that bow'd his fainting head, And op'd his gushing side.
4 I see, and I adore
In sympathy of love : I feel the strong attractive power To lift my souf above.
5 Drawn by such cords as these, Let all the earth combine
With cheerful ardour to confess /
The energy divine.
6 In thee our hearts unite, Nor share thy griefs alone, '
But from thy cross pursue their flight To thy triumphant throne.
CCXXXIV. Christ's mysterious Conduct to be unfolded hereafter. John xiii. 7.
1 TESUS, we own thy sovereign hand, " Thy faithful care we own ; Wisdom and love are all thy ways.
When most to us unknown.
2 By thee the springs of life were form'd.
And by thy breath are broke, And good is every awful word. Our gracious Lord hath spoke.
3 To thee we yield our comforts up.
To thee our lives resign; In straits and dangers rich and safe, If we and ours are thine.
4 Thy saints in earlier liferemov'd,
In sweeter accents sing ; And bless the swiftness of their flight. That bore them to their King.
5 The burdens of a lengthen'd day
With patience we would bear ; Till e.ening's welcome hour shall shew VV^e were our Master's care.
JOHN. 566
CCXXXV. Chnst^s Pity and Consolation ftr fus troubled Disciples- John xiv. 1 — 3.
1 T3EACK, all ye sorrows of the heart.
And all my tears be dry ; • That christian ne'er can be forlorn, That views his Jeius iiigli.
2 ** Let not your bosoms throb," he says,
" Nor be your souls afraid : " Trust in your God's Ahnighty name, *' And trust your Saviour's aid.
3 " Fair mansions in my Father's house
*' For ail his children wait ; ** And J, your elder brother, t^o *' To open wide the gate.
4 " And if I thither go before,
'* A dwelling to prepare, ** I surely shall return again, *' That I may fix you there.
5 '* United in eternal love,
•* My chosen shall remain, '' And with rejoicing hearts shall share *' The honours of my reign."
6 Yes, Lord ; thv gracious words we hear.
And cordial jovs they bring : Frail nature may extort a groan, But faith shall learn to sing.
CCXXXVI. The Christian's Life connected zvith that of Christ. Jolin xiv. 19.
'HE covenant of a Saviour's love Shall stand for ever good. And thus his life shall guard the souls He purchas'd with his blood.
2 '' I hve for ever," saith the Lord,
'* And you shall therefore live; ** Receive with pleasure every pledge ** I\Iy power and love can give."
3 We own the promise, prince of grar^*^
Though earthly helpers tlie; And animate our fainting hearts. While Christ our friend is nigh. VOL. III. 4 B
T'
566 JOHN.
4 The king of fears can do no more Than stop our mortal breath j But Jesus gives a nobler hfe, That cannot yield to death.
CCXXX^^II. Abiding in Christ necessary to our Fruilfulness,. Jol)n XV. 4.
1 T ORD of the vineyard, Ave adore
That power and grace divine, Which plants our wild, our barren souls In Christ the living: vine.
2 For ever may they there abide,
And, from that vital root, Be influence spread through every branch* To form and feed the fruit.
3 Shine forth, my God, the clusters warm
With rays of sacred love ; Till lulen's soil, and Zion's streams I'he generous plant improve.
CCXXXVIIl, Oitr Prayers effectual, tolien ice abide in Christ, and his IVord abidcihin us. John xv. 7.
1 "LJAIL, gracious Saviour, all-divine!
IMysterious, ever-living vine ! To thee united may we live, And nourish'd by thine influence thrive.
2 Still may our souls in thee abide, Torn by no tempests from thy side ; Nor from its place within our heart Thy promise, or thy law depart.
3 Then shall our prayers accepted r'ise, . Through thee a grateful sacrifice; And all our sighs before thy throne Descend in ample blessings down,
4 In silent hope our souls shall wait Their pension from thy mercy's gate; Nor can our lips or hearts express
A wish proportion'd to thy grace.
CCXXXIX. Continuing in Christ^s Love. John xv. 9.
1 'T^O all his flock, what wondrous love
Doth our kind Shepherd bear ! As he to his great Father's heart, So we to his are dear.
2 So sure, so constant, and so strong
Do his endearments prove:
JOHN. 5C7
O may their encrgv prcviiil To fix us in his love.
3 No more let my divided heart
From this blest ectitre turn ;
But, (ir'd hv such all-potent rays,
With Hames immortal bum.
4 Descend, and all thv power display,
And all thv love reveal; That the warm streams of Jesus' blood This frozen heart may feel.
CCXL. The ^pasties raid Christians chosen bj Christ to bring forth permanent Fruit. John xv. lu.
1 T OWN, my God, thy sovereign grace, ■*■ And bring the praise to thee;
If thou my chosen portion art. Thou first hast chosen me.
2 My gracious counsellor and guide
Will hear me w^hen I pray ; Nor, while I urge a Saviour's name, Will frown m^^coul away.
3 Blest Jesus, animate my heart
With beamsof heavenly love,
And teach that cold unthankful soil
The heavenly seed to improve.
4 In copious showers thy spirit send
To water all the ground ; So to the honour of thy name Shall lasting fruit be found.
CCXLI. Peace in Christ amidst Tribulations. John xvi. 33.
1 UENCEFORTHlet each believing heart
From anxious sorrows cease : Though storms of trouble rage around. In Jesus we have peace,
2 His blood from wrath to come redeems,
And his Almighty grar,(», By bitterest draughts of deep distress, Its healing power displays.
3 Jesus, our captain, marcird before
To lead us to the fight ; And now he reaclieth out the crown With heavenly glories bright. 4 B 2
568 JOHN.
4 Lord, 'tis enough, thy voice we hear ; That crown'd bv faith we see : No sorrows shall o'erwhelm our souls, Since none divide from thee.
CCXLII. Christ sanctifying himself, thai his People iiuiy he sanctified. John xvii. 19,
1 "R EHOLD the bleeding Lamb of God,
Our spotless sacrifice ! By hands of barbarous sinners seiz'd, Nail'd to the cross he dies.
2 Blest Jesus, whence this streaming blood ?
And whence this foul disgrace ? Whence all these pointed thorns, that rend Thy venerable face ?
3 *' I sanctify myself," he cries,
" That thou may'st holy be ; " Come trace my life ; come, view my death, *' And learn to copy me."
4 Dear Lord, we pant for holiness.
And inbred sin we mourn : To the bright path of thy commands Our wandering footsteps turn.
5 Not more sincerely Avould we wish
To climb the heavenly hill, Than here with all our utmost power Thy model to fulfil.
CCXLIII. Meditations on the Sepulchre in the Garden, John xi.\. 4 1 ,
1 T^HE sepulchres, how thick they stand
Through all the road on either hand ! And burst upon the starting sight In every garden of delight !
2 Thither the winding alleys tend ; There all the flowery borders end ;
And forms, that charm'd the eyes before. Fragrance and music are no more,
3 Deep in the damp and silent cell My fathers, and my brethren dwell ; Beneath its broad and gloomy shade My kindred, and my friends are laid.
4 But, Mhile I tread the solemn way. My faith that Saviour would survey, Who deign'd to sojourn in the tomb. And left behind a rich perfume.
JOHN. 569
5 IMv thoughts -with ecstasy unknown,
While from his grave they view his throne, Throus^h my own sepulchre i:iin see A paradise reserv'd tor me.
CCXLIV. Christ ascending to his Father and God, and ours. John XX. 17.
1 TN raptures let our hearts ascend
Our heavenly seats to view, And grateful trace that shining path Our rising Saviour drew.
2 " Up to my Father, and my God,
" 1 goj'* the conqueror cries, *' Up to your Father, and your God, " My brethren, lift your eyes."
3 And doth the Lord of glory call
Hiich worms his bretiiren dear ? And doth he point to heaven's high throne, And shew our Father there ?
4 And doth he teach my sinful lips
That tuneful sound, my God ? And breathe his Spirit on my heart To sJied his grace abroad ?
5 O world, produce a good like this,
And thou shalt have my love ;
Till then, my Father claims it all,
And Christ, who dwells above.
6 Dear Jesus, call this willing soul.
That struggles with its clay ; And fain would leave this weary load To >ving its airy way.
CCXLV. The Disciples' Jot/ at Christ's Appearance to them after his Resurrection. John xx. 19, 20.
1 r^OME, our indulgent Saviour, come, ^ Illustrious conqueror o'er the tomb : Here thine assembled servants bless. And fill our hearts with sacred peace.
2 O come thyself, most gracious Lord, With all the joy thv smiles afford ; Reveal the lustre of thy face,
And make us feel thy vital grace.
3 With rapture kneeling round we greet Thy pierced hands, thy wounded feet ; And from the scar, that marks thy side. We see our life's warm torrent glide.
570 JOHN.
4 Enter our hearts, Redeemer blest ; Enter, thou ever-honour'd guest. Not for one transient hour alone. But tliere to fix thy lasting throne.
5 Own this, mean dwelling as thy home ; And, when our life's last hour is come, Let us but die, as in thy sight,
And death shall vanish in delight.
CCXLVI. Jppeal to Christ for the Sinceriti^ of Love to hinii John xxi. 15.
1 T^^ "'^t I Jo^'e thee, O my Lord ?
Behold my heart and see; And turn each cursed idol out. That dares to rival thee.
2 Do not I love thee from my soul ?
Then let me nothing love !
Dead be my heart toeverv joy^
When Jesus cannot move.
3 Is not thy name melodious still
To mine attentive ear ? Doth not each pulse with pleasure bound My Saviour's voice to hear ?
4 Hast thou a lamb in all thy flock,
I would disdain to feed ? Hast thou a foe, before whose face I fear thy cause to plead ?
5 Would not mine ardent spirit vie *
With angels round the throne. To execute thy sacred will, And make thy glory known.
6 Would not my heart pour forth its blood
In honour of thy name, - And challenge the cold hand of death To damp the immortal flame ?
7 Thou know'st I love thee, dearest Lord :
But O ! I long to soar Far from the sphere of mortal joys. And learn to love .thee more,
CCXLVII. Zeal for the Cause of Christ ; or Peter and Johnfollozving their Master. John xxi. 18 — 20 f.
1 "DLEST men, who stretch their willing hands. Submissive to their Lord's commands,
* Endeavour to equal. f See Family Expositor in Loc,
ACTS. 571
And yield tlicir liberty and breath To liim, that lov'd their. souls in death '
2 Lead me to suffer, and to die,
If thou, my {ji^raeious Lord, art nitrji : One smile from thee my heart shall lire. And teach me smiling to expire.
3 If nature at the trial shake,
And from the cross or flames draw back, Grace can its feeble coiira<^e raise, And turn its tremblings into praise.
4 AVhile scarce I dare, with Peter, sav, " I'll boldly tread the bleeding way ;" Yist in thy steps, like John, I'd move M'ith humble hope, and silent Jove.
CCXLVIir. Christ exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour. Acts v. 31,
1 PXALTKD Prince of life, we own
The royal honom-s of thy throne : 'Tis fix'd by God's yMmig'ity hand, And sera{)hs bow at thy command.
2 Exalted Saviour, we confess
The sovereign triumphs of the grace; Where beams of gentle radiance shine. And temper majesty divine.
3 Wide thy resistless sceptre sway, Till all thine enemies obey :
AV'ide may thy cross its virtue prove, And conquer millions by its love.
4 Mighty to vanquish, and forgive ! Thine Israel shall repent and live ; And loud proclaim tliy healing breath. Which works their life, who wrought thy death.
CCXLIX. The Believer cnmmitting his departing Spirit to Jesus, Acts vii. 5'J.
1 /^ Thou, that liast redemption wrought, ^-^ Patron of souls, thy blood hath bought. To thee our spirits we commit.
Mighty to rescue from the pit.
2 Millions of blissful souls above, In realms of purit\- and love,
AV'ith praise of endless songs proclaim The honours of thy faithful name.
3 When all the powers of nature fail'd. Thy ever-constant care prcvail'd ;
2
572 ACTS.
Courag-e and joy thy friendship spoke. When every mortal bond was broke.
4 We on that friendship, Lord, repose. The healing balm of all our woes ; And we, when sinking in the grave^ Trust thine omnipotence to save.
5 O ! may our spirits by tby hand Be gather'd to that happy band, Who, 'midst the blessings of thy reign, Lt)se all remembrance of their pain !
6 In raptures there divinely sweet Give us our kindred souls to meet. And wait with them that brighter day. Which all thy triumph shall display.
CCL. Peter's Admonition to Simon Magus. Acts viii. 21 — f4.
1 CE ARCHER of hearts, before thy face
I all my soul display ; And, conscious of its innate * arts, Intreat thy strict survey.
2 If lurking in its inmost folds
I any sin conceal, O let a ray of light divine The secret guile reveal.
3 If tinctur'd with that odious gall
Unknowing I remain, Let grace, like a pure silver stream. Wash out th' accursed stain.
4 If in these fatal fetters bound
A wretched slave I lie, Smite off my chains, and wake my soul To light and liberty.
5 To humble penitence and prayer
Be gentle j^xity given ; Speak ample pardon to my heart. And seal its claim to heaven.
C'CLI. The Descent of the Spirit ; or his Influences desired. Acts x. 44.
1 riREAT Father of each perfect gift.
Behold thy servants wait ; With longing eyes and lifted hands, We flock around thy gate.
2 O shed abroad that mortal gift.
Thy Spirit from abovfe,
* Natural.
ACTS.
To bless our eyes with sacred light, And fire our hearts with love.
3 With speedy tli^ht may He descend,
And soUd comfort brincj, And o'er our lant^uid souls extend His all-reviving \\\ug.
4 Blest earnest of eternal joy.
Declare our sins forgiven ; And bear with energy divine
Our raptur'd thoughts to heaven.
5 Diffuse, O God, these copious showers,
That earth its fruit may yield, And change this barren wildt^rness To Carmel's flowery field *.
CCLl I. The Word of Solvation sent to m. Acts xiii. 2G.
1 A ND why do our admiring eyes '^^ These gospel-glories see ?
And whence, doth every heart reply, Salvation sent to me ?
2 In fatal shades of midnight gloom
Ten thousand wretches stray ; And Satan blinds ten thousand more Amidst the blaze of day.
3 Millions of raging souls beneath,
In endless anguish hear Harmonious sounds of grace transform'd To echoes of despair.
4 And dost thou, Lord, subdue my heart.
And shew my sins forgiven. And bear thy witness to my part Amongst the heirs of heaven ?
5 As the redeemed of the Lord,
We sing the Saviour's name ;
And while the long salvation lasts.
Its sovereign grace proclaim.
CCLIIL The unknown God. Acts xvii. 23.
1 'T'HOU, mighty Lord, art God alone,
A King of Majesty unknown ; And all thv dazzling glories rise Beyond the reach of angels' eyes.
2 Yet through this earth thy works proclaim Some notice of thy reverend name ;
* Isaiah xxxv. 1,2. VOL. HI. 4 C
511
574- ACTS.
And, where thy gracious gospel shhies. We read it in the fairest hnes.
3 But O ! how few of Adam's race Have learnM thy nature and thy ways! While thousands, e'en in lands of light, Are buried in Egyptian night.
4 They tread thy courts, thy word they hear, And to thy solemn rites draw near;
Yet, though salvation seems so nigh. Because they know not God, they die.
5 Send thy victorious gospel forth Wide from these regions of the north ; And through thy churches grace impart To Avrite thy name on every heart.
CCLIV. God's Command to all Men to repent. Acts xvii. 30,
1 "D EPENT, the voice celestial cries,
^ Nor longer dare delay ; The wretch that scorns the mandate* dies, And meets a fiery day.
2 No more the sovereign eye of God
O'erlooks the crimes of men ; His heralds are dispatch'd abroad To warn the world of sin.
3 The summons reach through all the earth j
Let earth attend and fear: Listen, ye men of roA^al birth. And let their vassals f hear.
4 Together in his presence bow.
And all your guilt confess ; Accept the offer'd Saviour now, Nor trifle Avith the grace.
£ Bow, ere the awful trumpet sound, And call you to his bar: For mercy knows the appointed bound. And turns to vengeance there.
6 Amazing love, that yet will call.
And yet prolong our days! Our hearts subdu'd by goodness fall. And weep, and love, and praise.
* Command. f Subjects and slaves.
ACTS. 575
CCLV, Paul's Solidtude to fmish Itis Course ziith Jot/. Acts xx. 24.
1 A !SSIST us, Lord, thy name to pniisc -^ For tills rich gospel of thy grace; And, that our hearts may love it more, 'I'each them to feel its vital power.
2 Witli joy may wc our course pursue, And keep the crown of life in view ; That crown, which in one hour repays The labour of ten thousand days.
3 Should bonds or death obstruct our way, Unmov'd their terrors we'll survey ; And the last hour improve for thee, The last of life, or hberty.
4 Welcome those bonds, which may unite Our souls to their supreme delight ! Welcome that death, whose painful strife Bears us to Christ our better life !
CC LV I. Paul preaching and Felix trembling. Acts xxiv. 25.
1 r^ RE AT Sovereign of the human heart, ^^ Thy mighty energy impart,
Which darts" at once through breasts of steel. And makes the nether millstone* feel.
2 Let sinners tremble at thy word. Struck by the terrors of the Lord ; And, while they tremble, let them flee, And seek their help, their life from thcc.
3 O ! let them seize the present day. Nor risk salvation by delay : To-morrow, Lord, to thee belongs; This night may vindicate thy wrongs.
4 This night may stop their fleeting breath. And seal them to eternal death.
May veil redemption from their sight. And give them tlames instead of light.
5 Or should succeeding years remain. Years, Avith their sabbaths, all in vain Before their darkened eyes may roll, And more obdurate leave the soul.
6 Great Saviour, let thy pity rise, ^\jk1 make the wretched triflers wise : Lest pangs and trembling felt in vain lliisten and feed iunnortal pain.
* The hardest hearts. Job xli. CV. 4 C 2
576 ROMANS.
CCLVII. Help obtained of God. Acts xxvi. 22.
FOR new-year's day.
1 /^REAT God, we sing that mighty hand, ^■^ By which supported still we stand: The opening year thy mercy shews; That mercy crowns it, till it close.
2 By day, by night, at home, abroad. Still are we guarded by our God, By his incessant bounty fed,
By his unerring counsel led.
3 With grateful hearts the past we own ; The future, all to us unknown,
We to thy guardian-care commit, And peaceful leave before thy feet.
4 In scenes exalted or depress'd Thon art our joy, and thou our rest: Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise, Ador'd through all our changing days.
5 W^hen death shall interrupt these songs. And seal in silence mortal tongues. Our Helper-God, in whom we trust.
In better worlds our souls shall boast.
CCLVIII. Treasuring up JVrath by despising Mercy. Romans ii. 4, S,
1 T JNGRATEFUL sinners, Avhence this scorn
Of long-exi^ended orace ? And whence this madness, that insults The Almighty to his face?
2 Is it because his patience waits.
And pitying bowels move,
YoM multiply audacious crimes,
And spurn his richest love ?
3 Is all the treasur'd wrath so small,
You labour still for more, Though not eternal rolling yeaiTs Can e'er exhaust the store ?
4 Swift doth the day of vengeance come,
That nuist your sentence seal ; And righteous judgment now unknown In all its pomp reveal.
5 Alarm'd and melted at thy voice,
Our conquer'd hearts would bow ; And, to escape the thunderer then, Embrace the Saviour now.
ROMANS. 577
CCLIX. The Love of God sfied abroad in the I/cart by the Spirit. Roniuns v. 5.
1 'TJF.SCF.ND, immortal dove;
■^ Spread tliv kind wings abroad, And, wrapt in flamt's of holy love, Bear all my soul to God,
2 Jesus my Lord reveal
In charms of grace divine, And bo thyself the sacred seal, That pearl of price is mine.
3 Behold my heart expands To catch the heavenly tire ;
It longs to feel the gentle bands, And groans wiili stron"^ desire.
4 Thy love, mv God, appears. And brings salvation down,
My cordial through this vale of tears, In paradise my crown.
CCLX. Chrislians quickened and raised by the Spirit. Romans viii. 1 1,
1 "VX/'H Y should our mourning thoughts delight
To grovel in the dust ^ Or why should streams of tears unite Around the expiring just ?
2 Did not the Lord our Saviour die,
And triumph o'er the grave ?
Did not our Lord ascend on high,
And prove his power to save ?
3 Doth not the sacred Spirit come.
And dwell in all the saints ? And should the temples of his grace Resound with long complaints?
4 Awake, my soul, and like the sun
Burst through each sable cloud ; And thou, my voice, though broke with sighs, Tune forth thy songs aloud.
5 The spirit rais'd my Saviour up.
When he had bled for me ; And spite of death and hell shall raise Thy pious friends and thee.
6 Awake, ye saints, that dwell in dust,
Your liymns of victory sing; And let his dying servants trust Their ever-living King.
51$ ROMANS.
CCLXI. God's Readiness to give all Things, argued fro?n the Gijlqfhis Son. Romans viii. 32.
1 IVTOW let my soul with transport rise,
And range through earth , and mount the skies. And view each various form of good. Where angels hold their high abode.
2 I give my thoughts unbounded scope ; On equal pinions soars my hope ; My faith at noblest objects aims,
And what she sees, she humbly claims.
3 Hath not the bounteous King of heaven. From his embrace already given
That Son of his eternal love,
Who fiU'd the brightest throne above ?
4 Behold his hand on Jesus laid ! Behold that Lamb a victim made ! And what shall mercy hold too good For sinners, ransom'd with his blood ?
5 My soul, with heavenly faith embrace The sacred covenant of his grace ; Then in deHghtful silence wait
The issues of a love so great.
CCLXII. Believing xvith the Heart, and confessing with the Mouthj necessary to Salvation. Romans x. 6 — 10.
1 A ND is salvation brought so near, "^^ Where sinful men expiring lie ? Triumph, my soul, the sound to hear, And shout it joyous to the sky.
2 I ask not, who to heaven shall scale,
That Christ the Saviour thence mav come ; (^r who earth's inmost depths assail, To bring him from the dreary tomb.
3 From heaven on wings of love he flew, And conqueror from the tomb he sprung : My heart believes the witness true.
And dictates to my faithful tongue.
4 I sing salvation brought so near. No more on earth expiring lie;
I teach the world my joys to hear. And shout them to the echoing sky.
ROMANS. 579
CCLXIII. The living Sacrifice. Romans xii. 1.
1 A ND will the eternal King "^ So mean a gift reward?
That ofVering, Lord, withjoy wc bring, Which thy own liand prepar'd.
2 We own thy various claim. And to thine altar move,
The willing victims of thy grace, And bound with cords of love,
3 Descend, celestial fire, The sacrifice inflame;
So shall a grateful odour rise Through our Redeemer's name.
CCLXIV. The near Approach of Salvation, an Engagement to Dilt gence and Love. Romans xiii. 1 1.
1 A WAKE, ye saints, and raise your eyes, -^^^ And raise your voices high; Aw^ake, and praise that sovereign love,
That shews salvation nigh.
2 On all the wings of time it flies:
Each moment brings it near ; Then welcome each declining day! Welcome each closing year !
3 Not many years their round shall run.
Nor many mornings rise, Ere all its glories stand reveal'd To our admiring eyes.
4 Ye wheels of nature, speed your course;
Ye mortal powers, deca}-^ ; Fast as ye bring the night of death. Ye bring eternal day.
CCLXV. The God of Peace bruising Satan. Romans xvi. 20.
1 Y^ armies of the living God,
In his all-conquering name,
Lift up your banners, and aloud
Your leader's grace proclaim.
2 What though the prince of hell invade
With showers of fiery darts. And join, to the fierce lion's roar. The serpent's wily arts?
3 Jesus, wlio leads his hosts to war,
Shall tread the monster down, 2
530 I. CORINTHIANS.
And every faithful soldier share The triumph and the crown.
4 So Israel on the haughty necks Of Canaan's tyrants trod, And sung their Joshua's conquering sword. And sung their faithful God*.
CCLXVl. Christ our Wisdom, Righteousness, Saiwtijication, and Re* demption, 1 Corinthians i. 30, 31.
1 "]V/TY God, assist me, while I raise
An anthem of harmonious praise ; My heart thy wonders shall proclaim, And spread its banners in thy name.
2 In Christ I view a store divine : My Father, all that store is thine ; By thee prepar'd, by thee bestow'd ; Hail to the Saviour, and the God !
3 When gloomy shades my soul o'erspread, " Let there be light," the Ahnighty said; And Christ, my sun, his beams displays. And scatters round celestial rays.
4 Condemn'd thy criminal I stood. And awful justice ask'd my blood; That welcome Saviour from thy throne Brought righteousness and pardon down,
5 My soul was all o'erspread Avith sin. And lo, his grace hath made me clean ; He rescues from the infernal foe,
And full redemption will bestow.
6 Ye saints, assist my grateful tongue : Ye angels, warble back my song : For love like this demands the praise Of heavenly harps, and endless days,
CCLXVII. Jieing joined to Christ, and one Spirit with him, 1 Corinthians vi. 17,
1 IVT^ Saviour, I am thine.
By everlasting bands; My name, my heart, I would resign. My soul is in thy hands.
2 To thee I still would cleave With ever-growing zeal ;
Let millions tempt me Christ to leave, li^hty never shall prevail.
* Joshua x. 24,
I. CORINTHIANS. 581
3 His Spirit sliiill unite
My soul to him, my liead ; Shall form me to his ima<rc bright, And teach his path to tread.
4 Death may my soul divide From this abode of clay ;
But love shall keep me near his side Through all the gloomy way.
5 Since Clirist and we arc one, What sliould remain to fear?
If he in heaven hath tix'd his throne, He'll fix his members there.
CCLXVIII. The transitonj Nature of the World, an Argument for Christian Moderation. 1 Corinthians vii. '^y — 31.
1 CPIUNG up, my soul, with ardent flight,
Nor let this earth delude thy sight With glittering trifles gay and vain:
Wisdom divine directs thy view
To objects ever grand and new.
And faith displays the shining train.
2 Be dead, my hopes, to all below ; Nor let unbounded torrents flow.
When mourning o'er my withered joys: So this deceitful world is known ; Possess'd I call it not mv own ;
Nor glory in its painted toys.
3 The empty pageant rolls along; The giddy unexperienc'd throng
Pursue it with enchanted eyes ; It passeth in swift march away, Still more and more its charms decay,
Till the last gaudy colour dies *.
4 My God, to thee my soul shall turn ; For thee my noblest |)assions burn,
And drink in bliss from thee alone ; I fix on that unchanging home. Where never-fading pleasures bloom,
Fresh springing round thy radiant throne.
♦ Pacreants, images, or emblemalicnl figures in a cavalcade or pro- cession, continually moving, and quickly gone out of sight. See Family Expositor iu Loc,
VOL. iir. 4 D
582 I. CORINTHIANS.
CCLXIX. God's Fiddity inmodtrating Temptations. 1 Corinthians
X. 13.
1 IV'OW let the feeble all be strong,
And make Jehovah's arm their song : His shield is spread o'er every saint, And thus supported, who shall faint ?
2 What though the hosts of hell engage With mingled cruelty and rage !
A faithful God restrains their hands, And chains them down in iron bands.
3 Bound by his word he will displa}'^, A strength proportion'd to our day ; And, when united trials meet, Will shew a path of safe retreat.
4 Thus far we prove that promise good, Which Jesus ratified with blood : Still is he gracious, wise, and just, And still in him let Israel trust.
CCLXX. Bearing the Image of the Earthy and the Heavenly Adam, 1 Corinthians xv. 49.
1 "X^^ITH flowing eyes and bleeding hearts
A blasted world survey ! See the Avide ruin sin hath wrought In one unhappy day !
2 Adam, in God's own image form'd
From God and bUssestrang'd, And all the joys of paradise For guilt and horror chang'd !
3 Ages of labour and of grief
He mourn'd his glory lost ; At length the goodliest work of heaven Sunk down to common dust.
4 O fatal heritage bequeath'd
To all his helpless race ! Through the thick maze of sin and woe Thus to the grave we pass.
5 But, O m}'^ soul ! with rapture hear
The second Adam's name ;
And the celestial gifts he brings
To all his seed, proclaim.
6 In holiness and joy complete
He reigns to endless years,
And each adopted chosen child
His splendid image wears.
II. CORINTHIANS. 583
7 What tl)oii<;Ii in mortal life tbcv mourn!
What though by death they fall ! Jesus in one triumjihant day
Transforms and crowns thoni all.
8 Praise to his rich mysterious grace !
K'en by oiu* fall we rise ; And gain, for earthly Eden lost, A heavenly paradise.
CCLXXI. Ministers comforted, that they may comfort others. 2 Coriiitliians i. 4.
1 ILTOUNTAIN of comfort and of love, ^ Thy streams, how free they How ! First water all the world above,
Tiien visit us below !
2 From Christ, the liead, what grace descends
To cherish every part ! He shares his joys with all his friends. For all have shar'd his heart.
3 What though the sorrows here they feel
Are manifold and great ! He brings new consolations still, As various and as sweet.
4 He shews our numerous sins forgiven.
And shews our Covenant-God ; He witnesseth our right to heaven, The purchase of his blood.
5 Though earth and hell against us join,
In him we are secure ; Our diadems shall brighter shine, tor all we now endure.
6 On every faithful shepherd's breast.
Lord, send these comforts down ; That they may lead thy flock to rest, Which their own souls have known.
CCLXXIl. God's delivcriiii; Goodness acknowledged, and trusted. 2 Corinthians i. 10.
A SONG FOR THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.
1 pilAISE to the Lord, whose mighty hand -*■ So oft reveal'd hath sav'd our land; And, when united nations rose, Hath sham'd and scourg'd our haughtiest foes.
'J, When mighty navies from afar To Britain wafted floating war, 4 J) 2
584 n. CORINTHIANS.
His breath dispers'd them all with ease, And sunk their terrors in the seas*.
3 While for our princes they prepare In caverns deep a burning snare; He shot from heaven a piercing ray. And the dark treachery brought to day f .
4 Princes and priests again combine
New chains to forge, new snares to twine ;
Again our gracious God appears,
And breaks their chains, and cuts their snares.
5 Obedient winds at his command Convey his hero to our land ;
The sons of Rome with terror view.
And speed their flight, when none pursue t-
6 Such great deliverance God hath Ma-ought, And down to us salvation brought ;
And still the care of guardian-heaven Secures the bliss itself hath given.
7 In thee we trust, Almighty Lord, Continued rescue to afford :
Still be thy powerful arm made bare. For all thy servants hopes are there.
CCLXXIII. Ministers a siveet Savour, whether of Life or Death.
2 Corinthians ii. 15, 16.
1 pRAISE to the Lord on high,
Who spreads his triumphs wide ! While Jesus' fragrant name Is breath'd on every side :
Balmy and rich
The odours rise.
And fill the earth
And reach the skies.
2 Ten thousand dying souls Its influence feel and live; Sweeter than vital air The incense they receive :
They breathe anew. And rise and sing Jesus the Lord, Their conquering king.
* Referring to the defeat of the Spanish armada, 1588.
f Gunpowder plot.
X Revolution by king William, 1688.
II. CORINTHIANS. 585
3 But sinners scorn the grace, That brings salvation nigli ; They turn their face away. And faint, and fall, and die.
So sad a doom, ,
Yc saints, deplore, For () ! they fall To rise no more,
4 Yet, Avise and mighty God, Shall all thy servants be, In those, who Jive or tiie,
A savonr sweet to thee : Supremely bright Thy grace shall shine. Guarded with flames Of wratii divine.
CCLXXIV. God shining into the Heart. 2 Corinthians iv. 6.
1 T3RAISE to the Lord of boundless might, -^ With uncreated orlories brijjht !
His presence gilds the worlds above ; The unchanging source of light and love.
2 Our rising earth his eye beheld, When in substantial darkness veiTd ; The shapeless chaos, nature's womb, Lay buried in eternal gloom*,
.3 Let there be light, Jehovah said, And light o'er all its face was spread ; Nature array'd in charms unknown. Gay with its new-born lustre shone.
4 He sees the mind, when lost it lies In shades of ignorance and vice ; And darts from heaven a vivid * ray. And clianges midnight into day.
5 Shine, mighty God, with vigour shine On this benighted heart of mine ; And let thy glories stand revcal'd.
As in the Saviour's face beheld.
6 My soul, reviv'd by heaven-born day, Thy radiant image shall display, While all mv faculties imite
To praise the Lord, who gives mc light.
* Genesis i. 2, 3. f Lively, sprightly.
586 II. CORINTHIANS.
CCLXXV. The Gospel Ti'easure in emihenressels. 2 Corinthians iv.
1 TITOW rich thy bounty, King of kings !
-^ Thy favours how divine ! The blessings, which thy gospel brings, How splendidly they shine !
2 Gold is but dross, and gems but toys.
Should gold and gems compare ; How mean, when set against those joys, Thy poorest servant's share !
3 Yet all these treasures of thy grace
Are lodg'd in urns * of clay ; And the weak sons of mortal race The immortal gifts convey.
4 Feebly they lisp thy glories forth ;
Yet grace the victory gives : Quickly they moulder back to earth j Yet still thy gospel lives.
5 Such wonders power divine effects ;
Such trophies f God can raise ; His hand from crumbling dust erects Long monuments of praise.
M
CCLXXVI. Living to him, who Died for tis. 2 Corinthians v. 14, 15. Y Lord, didst thou endure such smart My life, when forfeited, to save ? And didst thou bear upon thy heart My name, when rising from the grave ?
2 Am I in thy remembrance still, 'Midst all the glories of thy throne ? To form thy servant to thy will. And fix my dwelling near thy own?
3 What can a feeble worm repay For love so infinite as thine ? The torrent bears my soul away.
The impetuous stream of grace divine |.
1- To thee, my Lord, it bears me on ; Self shall be deify'd § no more ; By self betray'd, by self undone, I live by thy recovering power.
5 Accept a soul so dearly bought, . Bought by thy life upon the tree ;
A soul, which, by thy Spirit taught,
Knows no delight, but serving thee.
* Vessels or jars. f Monument!? or tokens of victory.
X Referring to the en)i)hasisof the original word, viz. bears us away like- a strong? torrent, S Made a God of.
II. CORINTHIAXS. 587
CCLXXVII. God the Author of ConsoUuion. 2 Corinthians vii. 6.
1 T^ITE Lord, huw riclt his comforts arc !
-"■ I low wide they spn-ud ! How high they rise ! He pours in biihn to bleeding licarts, And wipes tiic tears trom flowing eyes.
2 " I have no hope," my spirit cry'd, Just trembhng on the brink of hell ; *' I am thy hope," the Lord rcply'd,
" My love secures its favourites well."
3 My grateful soul shall speak its praise, Who turns its tremblings into songs ; And those that mourn shall learn'lroni me, J?alvation to our God belongs,
CCLXXVIII. Satan's Strong-Holds cast down by t/te GospeL 2 Corinthians x. 4, 5.
1 CHOUT, for the battlements arc fall'n, *^ Which heaven itself defy'd !
The aspiring towers, dismantled* all. Now spread their ruins wide !
2 Thy wondrous trumpets, prince of peace,
Sent forth their mighty sound ; The strength of Jericho was struck, And totter'd to the ground f.
3 No more proud reasonings shall dispute
What truth divine declares ; No more self-righteousness to plead Its own perfections dares.
4 No strength our ruin'd powers can boast
Thy precepts to fulfd ; No liberty we ask or wish For our rebellious will,
5 The gates we open to admit
The Saviour's gentle sway : Blest Jesus, 'tis thy right to reio-n. Our pleasure to obey.
6 Each thought in sweet subjection held,
Thy sovereign power shall own ; And every traitor shall be slain. That dares dispute the throne.
* Demolished, broke down. f Joshua vi. 20.
588 GALATIANS,
CCLXXIX. The Christian Faravel. 2 Corinthians xiii. 11.
1 'T'HY presence, everlasting God,
Wide o'er all nature spreads abroad ; Thy watchful eyes, which cannot sleep, In every place thy children keep.
2 While near each other we remain, Thou dost our lives and souls sustain ; When absent, happy if we share
Thy smiles, th}^ counsels, and thy care.
3 To thee we all our ways commit. And seek our comforts near thy feet ; Still on our souls vouchsafe to shine, And guard and guide us still as thine.
4 Give us in thy beloved house Again to ])ay our grateful vows ; Or, if that joy no more be known, Give us to meet around thy throne;
CC'LXXX. Living zvhile in the Flesh by Faith in Christ, ivho loved us, 4"c, Galatians ii. 20.
1 A/TY Jesus, while in mortal flesh
I hold my frail abode. Still would my spirit rest on thee, Its Saviour, and its God.
2 By hourly faith in thee I live
'Midst all my griefs and snares ; And death, encounter'd in thy sight, No form of horror wears.
3 Yes, thou hast lov'd this sinful worm,
Hast given thyself for me ; Hast bought me from eternal death, Nail'd to the bloody tree.
4 On thy dear cross I fix mine eyes.
Then raise them to thy seat ; Till love dissolves my inmost soul. At its Redeemer's feet.
5 Be dead, my heart, to worldly charm? ;
Be dead to every sin ; And tell the boldest foes without. That Jesus reigns within.
6 My life with his connected stands,
Nor asks a surer ground ; He keeps me in his gracious arms, Where heaven itself is found. 3
GALATIANS 539
CCLXXXI. AJillal Temper, the If^ork of the Spirit, and u Proof of Adoption. Galatians iv. 6".
1 COVKREIGN of all the norldson high,
Allow my huml)lc claim ; Nor, while u worm would raise its head. Disdain a Father's name.
2 My Father-God ! How sweet the sound !
How tender, and how dear ! Not alJ the melody of heaven Could so delight the ear.
3 Come sacred Spirit, seal the nanjc
On mine expanding heart ; And shew, that in Jehovah's grace I share a lilial part.
4 Cheer'd by a signal so divine,
Unwavering I believe ; Tliou knowest I, Abba, Father, cry. Nor can the sign deceive.
5 On wings of everlasting love
The comforter is come ; All terrors at his voice disperse. And endless pleasures bloom.
CCLXXXir. Christian Sympathy. Galatians vi. 2.
1 T-JAIL, everlasting Prince of peace !
Hail, Governor divine ! How gracious is thy sceptre's sway ! What gentle laws arc thine !
2 IJis tender heart with love o'erflow'd.
Love spoke in every breath ; Vigorous it reign'd through all his life, And triumpird in his death.
3 All these united charms he shews
Our frozen souls to move; This proof of love to him demands. That we each other love.
4 O be tlie sacred law fulfiU'd
In every act and thought ; Each angry passion far remov'd. Each selfish view forjjot.
5 Be thou, my heart, dilated wide
By thy Redeemer's grace ; And, in one grasp of fervent love, All earth and heaven embrace. VOL. liJ. 4 E
590 ■ EPHESIANS.
CCLXXXIII. Blessing God for spiritual Blessings in Christ. Ephesians i. 3.
1 T OUD be thy name adorVl, ■^ Thy titles spread abroad.
Of Christ, our glorious Lord, i
The Father and the God !
Through such a Son,
Thy church's head,
Thine honours spread
O'er worlds unknown.
2 Ten thousand gifts of love From thee through him descend ; And bear our souls above
To joys that never end : To heaven they soar, Sustain'd by God, And through the road His arm adore.
3 Ten thousand songs of praise Shall by the Saviour rise. And through eterual days Shall echo round the skies.
New shouts we'll give. And loud proclaim The honour'd name. By which we live.
CCLXXXIV. The grand Scheme of the Gospel. Ephesians i. 9, 10, 11.
1 T^iTE sing the dee}* mysterious plan,
Which God devis'd, ere time began ;
At length disclos'd in all its light. We bless the wondrous birth of love. Which beams around us from above,
With grace so free, and hope so bright.
2 Here has the wise eternal mind
In Christ, their common head, conjoin'd
Gentiles and Jews, and earth and heaven : Through him, from the great Father's throne, Hivers of bliss come rolling down. And endless peace and life are given.
3 No more the awful cherubs guard The tree of life with flaming sword.
To drive afar man's trembling race; At Salem's pearly gates they stand. And smiling Avait, a friendly band !
To weltome strangers to the place.
EPHESIANS.
591
4 Wliilc we expect tlie glorious sij;Iit, Love shall our hearts with theirs unite,
And ardent hope our bosoms raise : From earth's dark vale, and tongues of clay, 'lo these resplendent realms of day,
\S'e'll try to send the sounding praise.
CCLXXW. T/it lu'inrnli/ Inheritance made known by the Spirit, KpliL'siaiis i. 18.
1 (^OMK, thou celestial Spirit, come, ^ And call my roving passions home ; To mine enligiitened eyes display The heritage of heavenly day.
2 IMv God, that heritage is thine: How rich, how glorious, how divine ! How far above all mortal things, The little pride of courts and kings !
3 Of endless joy the unbounded store. Why is its lustre known no more ? Away, ye mists of envious night, That veil salvation from my sight !
4 Shine forth. Almighty Saviour, shine; Shew the bright Avorld, and shew it mine ; Then paradise on earth shall s|)ring. And mortal worms like angels sing.
CCLXXXVI. Sakaiion by Grace. Eplicsians ii. 5.
1 (^ RACE ! 'tis a charming sound, ^^ Harmonious to my ear ;
Heaven with the echo shall resound, And all the earth shall hear.
2 Grace first contriv'd a w^y
To save rebellious man, And all the stops that grace display; Which drew the wondrous plan.
3 Grace taught my wandering feet To tread the heavenly road,
And new supplies each hour 1 meet. While pressing on to God.
4 Grace all the work shall crown Through everlasting days;
It lays in heaven the topmost stone, And well deserves the praise. 3 !•: 2
592 EPHESIANS.
vCCLXXXVII. Christians risen and exalted with Christ to heavenly Places. Ephesians ii. 5, 6.
1 CTUPENDOUS grace ! and can it be
Design'd for rebels such as we ? O let our ardent praises rise. High as our hopes beyond the skies !
2 This flesh, by righteous vengeance slain, Might ever in the dust remain ;
These guilty spirits sent to dwell 'Midst all the flames and fiends * of hell.
3 But lo, incarnate love descends ; Down to the sepulchre it bends ; Rising, it tears the bars away, And springs to its own native day.
4 Then was our sepulchre unbarr'd ; Then was our path to glory clear'd ; Then, if that Saviour be our own, Did we ascend a heavenly throne.
5 A moment shall our joy complete, • And fix us in that shining seat,
Bought by the pangs our Lord endur'd, And by unchanging truth secur'd.
6 O may that love, in strains sublime. Be sung to the last hour of time ! And let eternity confess,
Through all its rounds, the matchless grace.
CCLXXXVIII. Nearness to God through Christ. Ephesians ii. 13,
1 A ND are we now brought near to God,
Who once at distance stood ? And, to effect this glorious change, Did Jesus shed his blood ?
2 O for a song of ardent praise
To bear our souls above ! What should allay our lively hope. Or damp our flaming love ?
3 Draw us, O Lord, with quickening grace,
And bring us yet more near ; Here may we see thy glories shine, And taste thy mercies here.
4 O may that love, which spread thy board,
Dispose us for the feast ; May faith behold a smiling God Through Jesus' bleeding breast.
* E^•il spirits.
EPHESIANS. 59i
5 Fir'cl with the view, our souls shaJI rise In such a scone as this. And view the happy moment near, That shall complete our bliss.
CCLXXXIX. T/te ImtitiUion of a Gospel-Ministry from Christ. Epiicsiaiis iv. 1 1, I'J.
fOR THE ORDINATION OR SETTLEMENT OF A MINISTER.
1 T^ATHERof mercies, in tliy house
-^ Smile on our homat^e, antl our vows ; While with a grateful iieart we share These pledges of our Saviour's care.
2 The Saviour, when to heaven he rose In splendid triumph o'er his foes, Scatter'd his gifts on men below, And wide his royal bounties flow.
3 Hence sprung the apostles honoured name, Sacred bcvond heroic fame ;
Hence dictates the prophetic sage ; And hence the evangelic page.
4 In lowlier forms, to bless our eyes, Pastors from hence, and teachers rise ; Who, though with feebler rays they shine. Still gild a long- extended line.
5 From Christ their varied gifts derive, And fed by Christ their graces live: While, guarded by his potent hand, 'Midst ail the rage of hell they stand.
6 So shall the bright succession run Through ihe last courses of the sun ; Whileunborn churches by their rare Shall rise and flourish large and fair.
7 Jesus our Lord their hearts shall know, The spring, whence all these blessings flow : Pastors and people shout his praise Through the long round of endless days.
CCXC. Christ the Head of the Church. Ephesians iv. 15, 16.
1 TESUS, I sing thy matchless grace, " That calls a worm thy own ; Gives me among thy saints a place
To make thy glories known.
2 Allied to thee our vital head,
We act, and grow, and thrive : From thee divided, each is dead, When most he seems alive.
504 EPHESIANS.
3 Thy saints on earth, and tliose above
Here join in sweet accord ; One body all in mutual love, And thou, our common Lord.
4 O may my faith each hour derive
Thy spirit with delight ; While death and hell in vain shall strive This bond to disunite.
5 Thou the whole body wilt present
Before thy Father's face ; Nor shall a Mrinlvle or a spot Its beauteous form disgrace.
CCXCI. Love to others urged Jrom Christ's Love, in giving himself a Sucrijice. Ephesiaiis v. 2.
1 "VfOW be tiiat sacrifice survey'd,
That ransom which the Saviour paid ; That sight familiar to my view. Yet always wondrous, always new.
2 The Lamb of God, that groan'd and bled. And gently bow'd his dying head; While love to sinners fifM his heart, And conquered all the killing smart.
3 Blest Jesus, Avhile thy grace I sing, What grateful tribute shall 1 bring,
That earth and heaven and thou may'st see My love to him, who died for me ?
4 That offering. Lord, thy word hath taught, Nor be thy new command forgot.
That, if their Master's death can move, Thy servants should each other love,
5 When to thy sacred cross we flv. There let each savage passion die ; While the warm streams of blood divine Melt our cold hearts to love like thine.
CCXCII. The IVisdorn of redeeming Time. Ephesians v. 15, 16.
1 f^^D of eternity, from thee
Did infant-time his being draw ; Moments and days, and months and years. Revolve by thine unvaried law.
2 Silent and slow they glide away; Steady and strong the current flows. Lost in eternity's wild sea,
I'he boundless gulf, from whence it rose.
PHILIPPIANS. 595
3 With it tl)c thoughtless sons of men Before the liipid streams are borne Oil to tliat everlastiiii; home, Where not one soul can e'er return.
4 Yet while the shore on either side l^rescnts a g'lUidy tiattering shew. We {Jjazc, in fond amusement lost, Nor think to what a world we ^o.
5 Great source of wisdom, teach my heart To know the price of every hour; That time may bear me on to joy-s Beyond its measure, and its power.
CCXCIII. ChrisCs Love to the Church in giving himself for it, ^c. Kpliesians v, 25 — 27.
1 "QRIDEGROOM of souls, how rich thy love!
How generous, how divine! Our inmost hearts it well may move, While thus our voices join.
2 Deform'd and wretched once we la}'-,
Worthy thy hate and scorn ; Yet love like thine could find a way To rescue and adorn.
S Thou art our ransom ; from thy veins A Avondrous fountain flows, To wash thy bride from all her stains, And heal our deepest woes.
4 Transform'd by thee, e'en here below
Thy church is bright and fair : But O ! how glorious shall she shew, When Jesus shall appear !
5 Thine eye shall all her form survey
With inhnite delight, Confess'd, in that illustrious day, Unblemish'd in thy sight.
CCXCIV. ClirisCs Service, the Fruit nf our Labours on Earth, Philippiaiis i, 22.
1 A/T Y gracious Lord, I own thy right
To every service I can pay; And call it my supreme delight To hear thy dictates and obey.
2 What is my being, but for thee. Its sure support, its noblest end ? Thy ever-smiling face to see,
And serve the cause of such a friend ? 2
596 PHILIPPIANS.
3 I would not breathe for worldly joy, Or to increase my worldly good ; Nor future daj's, or powers employ To spread a sounding name abroad.
4 'Tis to my Saviour I would live ; To him, who for my ransom died, Nor could untainted Eden give Such bliss, as blossoms at his side.
5 His work my hoary age shall bless, When youthful vigour is no more : And my last hour of life confess His love hath animating power.
CCXCV. The Happiness of departing, and being toitli Christ.
Philippians i. 23.
1 TTTHILE on the verge of life I stand.
And view the scene on either hand. My spirit struggles with its clay, And longs to wing its flight away.
2 Where Jesus dwells my soul would be ; It faints my much-lov'd Lord to see ; Earth, twine no more about my heart. For 'tis far better to depart.
3 Come, ye angelic envoys*, come. And lead the willing pilgrim home : Ye know the way to Jesus' throne, Source of my joys, and of your own.
4 That blessed interview, how sweet ! To fall transported at nis feet ! Rais'd in his arms to view his face. Through the full beamings of his grace !
5 To see heaven's shining courtiers round, Each with immortal glories crown'd I And, while his form in each I trace, Belov'd, and loving, all to embrace !
6 As with a Seraph's voice to sing ! To fly as on a cherub's wing ! Performing with unwearied hands
A present Saviour's high commands !
"l Yet, with these prospects full in sight,, I'll wait thy signal for my flight ; For, while thy service I pursue, 1 find my heaven begun below.
* Messengers, ambassadors.
PHILIPPIANS. 5'Jl
CCXCVI. Pressing on in the Christian Race. Philippiaiisiii. 12—14.
1 A WAKK, my soul, stretch every nerve, ■^^ And press with vigour on :
A heavenly race demands thy zeal, And an inunorlai cr jwn.
2 A cloud of witnesses aroimd,
Hold thee in tull survey : Forpjet the steps already trod, And onward urge thy way.
3 'Tis God's all-animating voice,
That calls thee from on high ; 'Tis his own hand presents the prize To thine aspiring eye.
4 That prize with peerless glories bright,
Which sliall new lustre boast, When victors' wreaths*, and monarchs' gems Shall blend in common dust.
5 Blest Saviour, introduc'd by thee,
Have I my race begun ; And crown'd with victory at thy feet I'll lay my lionours down.
CCXCVII. God siq)plying the Necessities of his People. Philippians iv. 19, 20.
1 A/fY God, how cheerful is the sound !
How pleasant to repeat ! Well may that heart with pleasure bound. Where God hath fix'd his seat.
2 W})at want shall not our God supply
From his redundant stores ? What streams of mercy from on high An arm Almighty pours !
3 From Christ, the ever-living spring,
These ample blessings flow : Prepare, my lips, his name to sing. Whose heart hath lov'd us so.
4 Now to our Father and our God
Be endless glorv given, Through all the realms of man's abode. And throuiih the highest lieaven.
* Crowns or garlands given to conquerors.
VOL. in. 4 F
SVS COLOSSIANS.
CCXCVIII. Tliankfidncss for being made meet for the heavenly In- heritance. Colossians i. 12.
1 A LL-Glorious God, what hymns of praise ^-^ Shall our transported voices raise? What framing love and zeal is due, While heaven stands open to our view !
2 Once we werefali'n, and O ! how low ! Just on the brink of endless woe ; Doom'd to a heritaj^e in hell,
W^here sinners all in darkness dwell.
3 But lo, a ray of cheerful light Scatters the horrid shades of night ! Lo, what triumphant grace is shewn To souls impoverish'd and undone !
4 Far, far beyond these mortal shores A bright inheritance is ours ;
Where saints in light our coming wait, To share their holy blissful state.
5 If ready drest for heaven Ave shine, Thine are the robes, the crown is thine : May endless years their course prolong, While " Thine the praise," is all our song.
CCXCIX. Angels ctnd Christians united in Christ, as their common Head. Colossians ii. 10.
1 ILJAIL to Emanuel's ever-honour'd name !
Spread it, ye angels, through heaven's sacred flame. Ye scepter'd cherubim, before his throne, And flaming Seraphim, bow humbly down. He is your head ; with prostrate awe adore him. And lay with joy your radiant crowns before him.
2 Array'd in his refulgent beams ye shine, And draw existence from his source divine ; Grateful ye wait the signal of his hand, Honour'd too highly by his least command:
In him the indwelHng Deity admiring. And to his brighter image still aspiring.
3 Mortals with you in cheerful homage join. And bring their anthems to Emanuel's shrine ; Mean as we are, with sins and griefs beset. We glory, that in him we are complete.
He is our head, and we with you adore him.
And pour our wants, our joys, our hearts before him.
I. THESSALONIANS. 599
4 We sinp; tlic blood, that ransoin'ii lis from hell; We sing tlio graces, tliat in Jesus dweli ; Led by Ijis Spirit, guarded by liis hami, Our hopes atiticipale your goodly land ;
JStill his incarnate Deity admiring,
And with heaven's hierarchy* in praise conspiring.
CCC. Christians, as risen zvit/i C/iriit, exhorted to seek Thiti^s above. Culossians iii. 1.
1 TLTEARKEN, ye children of your God ;
Ye heirs of glory, hear ; For accents so divine as these Might charm the dullest ear.
2 BaptizM into your Saviour's deatli.
Your souls to sin must die; With Christ our Lord ye live anew, With Christ ascend on high.
3 There at his Father's hand he sits
Enthron'd divinely fair; Yet owns himself your brother still, And your forerunner there.
4 Rise from these earthly trifles, rise,
On wings of faith and love ;
Jesus your choicest treasure lies,
And be your hearts, above.
5 But earth and sin will drag us down.
When we attempt to Hy ; Lord, send thy strong attractive force To raise and fix us high.
CCCI. The Prosperity of the Church, the Life of afaithfid Ministey\ 1 Tliessalonians iii. 8.
1 IDLEST Jesus, bow thine ear,
While we intreat thy love; O come, and all our hearts possess. And our best passions move.
2 May we stand fast in thee, Though storms and tempests l)oat ;
And in thy guardian-arms obtain A calm and safe retreat.
3 Still be thv truth maintain'd, And still thy word obey'd,
And to the merits of thy blood A cofistant homage paid.
* The several orders uf an5i^l<. 4 F2
600 11, THESSAtONIANS.
4 So shall thy shepherds live. And raise their cheerful head, And, in such blessings on their flock. Confess their toils repaid.
CCCII. Conifort on the Death of pious Friends. I Thessalonians iv. 17, 18.
1 'yRANSPORTING tidings which we hear!
■*- What music to the pious ear ! Christ loves each humble saint so well, He with his Lord shall ever dwell.
2 Blest Jesus, source of every grace. From far to view thy smiling face. While absent thus by faito we live. Exceeds all joys, that earth can give.
3 But O! what ecstasy unknown
Fills the wide circle round thy throne, Where every rapturous hour appears Nobler than millions of our years!
4 Millions by millions multiplied
Shall ne'er thy saints from thee divide ; But the bright legions live and praise Through all thy own immortal days.
5 O happy dead, in thee that sleep.
While o'er their mouldering dust we weep ! O faithful Saviour, who shalt come That dust to ransom from the tomb !
6 While thine unerring word imparts So rich a cordial to our hearts,
Through tears our triumphs shall be shown. Though round their graves, and near our own.
CCCII I. Christ glorified and adtnired in his Saints at the great Day. 2 Thessalonians i. 10.
1 "V'E heavens, with sounds of triumph ring;
^ Ye angels, burst into a song; J^Sus descends, victorious King, And leads his shining train along.
2 Ye saints that sleep in dust, arise ; Let joy reanimate your clay ;
Spring to your Saviour through the skies, And round his throne your homage pay.
3 Then let the sons of heaven draw nigh, While to the astonish'd hosts you tell, How feeble mortals rose so high
From graves and worms, from sin and hell.
I. TIMOTHY. €01
4 Tell them, in accents like their own, What an incarnate God couicl do; Then ])oint to Jcsns on the throne, And boast, that Jesus died for you.
5 Transported, thev no more can hear ; Their voices catch the sacred name ; Harmonious to his Father's ear, Jesus the God, their harps proclaim !
6 Sin hath its dire* incursions made.
That thou might'st prove thy power to save j And death its ensigns wide display'd, That thou might'st triumph o'er the grave.
CCCIV. Clirist seen nf Angels. 1 Timothy iii. 16.
1 /^ Ye immortal throng
^-^ Of angels round the throne, Join with our feeble song To make the Saviour known :
On earth ye knew
His wondrous grace,
His beauteous face
In heaven ye view.
2 Ye saw the heaven-born child In human flesh array'd, Benevolent and mild. While in the manger laid :
And praise to God, And peace on earth. For such a birth, Proclaim'd aloud.
3 Ye in the wilderness Beheld the tenjpter spoil'd. Well known in every dress, In every combat foil'd ;
And joy'd to crown The victor's head, When Satan fled Before his frown.
4 Around the bloody tree
Ye press'd with strong desire. That wondrous sight to see. The Lord of life expire ;
And, could your eyes
Have known a tear,
» Dreadful,
602 ri. TIMOTHY,
Had drop'd it there In sad surprise.
5 Around his sacred tomb A willing watch ye keep ; Till the blest moment come To rouze him from his sleep
Then roU'd the stone, And all ador'd Your rising Lord With joy unknown.
6 When all arrayed in light The shining conqueror rode. Ye liail'd his rapturous flight Up to the throne of God ;
And wav'd around Your golden wings, And struck your strings Of s^yeetest sound.
7 The warbling notes pursue, And louder anthems raise ; While mortals sing with you Their own Redeemer's praise ;
And thou, my heart, With equal flame. And joy the same. Perform thy part,
CCCV. The Stability of tJte divine Foundation, and its double In- scription. 2 Timothy ii. ly.
1 'T'O thee, Great Architect on high.
Immortal thanks be paid, Who, to support thy sinking saints, This firm foundation laid !
2 Fix'd on a rock thy gospel stands,
And braves the rage of hell ; And, while the Saviour's hand protects, His blood cements it well.
3 Here will I build my final hope ;
Here rest my weary soul ; Majestic shall the fabric rise, Till glory crown the whole.
4 Deep on my heart, all-gracious Lord,
Engrave its double seal ; Which, while it speaks thy honour'd name. Its sacred use may tell.
HEBREWS. CO.J
5 Dear by a thousand tender bonds, Tliy saints to tliec are known ; And, "conscious what a name they bear, Jniquity they shun.
CCCVI. Persecution to be exjiected hy every true Christian. 2 Timothy iii. l'-'.
1 /^REAT Leader of thine Israel's host, ^^ We shout thy conquering; name ; Lcfrions of foes beset thee round,
And legions fled with shame.
2 A victory glorious and complete
Thou "by thy death didst gain ; So in thy cause may we contend, And death itself sustain !
3 Bv our illustrious general fir'd,
'^We no extremes would fear ; Prepar'd to struggle and to bleed. If thou, our Lord, be near.
4 We'll trace the footsteps thou hast drawn
To triumph and renown ; Nor shun tliy combat and thy cross, May we but share thy crown.
CCCVII. The Christum Scheme of Salvation mrthy of God. Hebrews ii. 10.
1 TMMORTAL God, on thee we call, •*■ The great original of all ; Through thee we are, to thee we tend. Our sure support, our glorious end.
2 We praise that wise mysterious grace, That pitied our revolted race.
And Jesus, our victorious head, The captain of salvation made.
3 He, thine eternal love decreed, Should many sons to glory lead ; And sinful w'orms to him are given, A colony to people heaven.
4 Jesus for us, O gracious name ! Encounter'd agony and shame : Jesus, the glorious and the great, ^V^as by dife sufferings made complete.
2
604 HEBREWS,
5 A scene of wonders here we see, Worthy thy Son, and worthy Thee : And, while this theme employs our tongues, All heaven unites its sweetest songs.
CCCVIII. Satan and Death conquered by the Death of Christ. Hebrews ii. 14, 15.
1 CAT AN, the dire invader came
Our new-made world to annoy : And death march'd dreadful in his rear. His captives to destroy.
2 Caught with his snares our father sunk;
With him his children fell ; And death his fatal shaft * prepar'd To smite them down to hell.
3 Jesus with pitying eye beheld,
And left his starry crown ; Turn'd his own weapons on the foe, And mowM his legions down.
4 By death the Saviour death disarm'd.
That we in light may shine ; And fix'd this great mysterious law, That dust should dust refine.
5 No more the pointed shaft we fear,
Nor dread the monster's boast ; No more the pious dead we mourn. As friends for ever lost.
6 Their tongues, great Prince of life, shall join
With ourrecover'd breath. And all the immortal hosts, to ascribe Our victory to thy death.
CCCIX. An iiumtdiate Attention to God's Voice required. Hebrews iii. 15.
1 nPHE Lord Jehovah calls,
■*■ Be every ear inclin'd ; May such a voice awake each heart, And captivate the mind.
2 If He in thunder speaks. Earth trembles at his nod;
But gentle accents here proclaim The condescending God.
3 O harden not your hearts. But hear his voice to-day ;
* Arrow.
HEBREWS.
Lest, ere to-morrow's earliest dawn, He cull your souls away.
4 Aliiiiglitv God, pronounce
The word of conquering grace ; So shall the flint dissolve to tears, And scorners seek thy face.
CCCX. The eternal Subbath. Hebrews iv. 9.
1 T ORD of the sabbath, bear our vows.
On this thy day, in this thy house ; And own, as grateful sacrifice. The songs, Avliich from the desart rise.
2 Thine earthly sabbaths, Lord, we love , But there's a nobler rest above ;
To that our labouring souls aspire With ardent pangs of strong desire.
3 No more fatigue, no more distress ; Nor sin nor hell shall reach the place ; No groans to mingle with the songs. Which warble from immortal tongues.
4 No rude alarms of raging foes ; No cares to break the long repose ; No midnight shade, no clouded sun, But sacred, high, eternal noon.
5 O long-expected day begin !
Dawn on these realms of woe and sin ; Fain would we leave this weary road. And sleep in death to rest with God,
CCCXI. Clirist our Forerunner, and the Foundation qf our Hope. Hebrews vi. 19, 20.
1 TESUS, the Lord our souls adore, " A painful suflferernow no more; High on his Father's throne he reigns O'er earth, and heaven's extensive plains,
2 His race for ever is complete ; For ever undisturb'd his seat ; Myriads of angels round him fly, And sing his well-gain'd victory.
3 Yet, 'midst the honours of his throne. He joys not for himself alone ;
His meanest servants share their part, Share in that royal tender heart.
VOL. III. 4 G
60:
^06 HEBREWS.
4 Raise, raise, my soul, thy raptur'd sight With sacred wonder and dehght ; Jesus thy own forerunner see Entered beyond the veil for thee.
5 I.oud let the howling tempest yell, And foaming waves to mountains swell. No shipwreck can my vessel fear, Since hope hath fix'd its anchor here.
CCCXII. The etil Comcience purified by the Blood of Jesus. Hebrews ix. 13, 14.
1 13 LEST be the Lamb, whose blood was spilt
To sprinkle conscience from its guilt ; To ease its pains, to calm its fears. And purchase grace for future years.
2 Cleans'd by this all-atoning blood. We joy in free access to God, The living God, before whose face Sinners in vain shall seek a place.
3 Rouse thee, my soul, to serve him still With cordial love, with active zeal : Serve him, like his own Son divine. Who made his life the price of thine.
4 Blest Jesus, introduc'd by thee, The Father's smiling face I see ; And, strengthened by thy grace alone, These grateful services are done.
5 Then must my debt from day to day Grow with each service that I pay ; So grows my joy, dear Lord, to be Thus more and more in debt to thee.
CCCXIIL Death and Judgment appointed to all. Hebrews ix. 27
1 TJTEAVEN has confirm'd the great decree,
That Adam's race must die : One general ruin 'sweeps them down, And low in dust they lie.
2 Ye living men, the tomb survey,
Where you must quickly dwell ; Hark how the awful summons sounds In every funeral knell !
3 Once you must die, and once for all
The solemn purport weigh ; For know, that heaven and hell are hung On that important day.
HEBREWS.
4 Those eyes, so lont^ in darkness vcil'd,
Must "wake the judge to see, And every word and every thought Must pass his scrutiny.
5 O may I i" tlie Judge behold
iMv Saviour and my friend, Andtar beyond the reach of di.'atb Witli alibis saints ascend !
CCCXIV. Christ's sccorid Appearance, S^-c. IK-brcws ix. C8.
1 ]31-:iIOLD the Son of God appears, ^ And in his llesh our sins he bears ; The victim at God's altar stood
To expiate guilt by groans and blood.
2 But lo, a second time he comes
To shake the earth and rend the tombs ; These heavens before him melt away, And sun and stars in smoke decay.
3 Yet 'midst this general wreck and dread, Ye saints, with triumph lift the head ; With glad surprise your Saviour meet, Who comes to make your bliss complete.
4 Mv soul, an happiness so great With pleasing expectation wait ; And, while I dwell upon the thought, Be earth and all its toys forgot !
5 Mv Saviour-God, what grace is thine, Which gives a prospect so divine ! Come blessed dav, and teach our tongues How angels warble out their songs.
CCCXV. Liberty to enter through the Feil by the Blood of Christ. Hebrews X. 19—22.
607
1 A PPRO ACH, ye children of your God ; '^^ Favourites of heaven draw near ; Enter the holiest with delight.
Though his own ark be there.
2 Pass through the veil, the Saviour's flesh,
That new and living way ;
And .Majesty enshrin'd * in love
Shall gentle beams display.
3 Jesus with sin-atoning blood
Tiie throne hath sprinkled o'er ;
* Surrounded with. 1-G 2
608 HEBREWS.
His fragrant incense spreads its cloud. And justice flames no more.
4 Approach with boldness and with joy,
But spotless all draw near ; Pure be your lives from every s^tain. And every conscience clear.
5 So shall the blessings of his grace
On all your souls distil, Till each a royal priest appears On his celestial hill.
CCCXVI. God's Fidelitij to his Promises. Hebrews x. 23.
1 nPHE promises 1 sing.
Which sovereign love hath spoke ; Nor will the eternal King His words of grace revoke ;
They stand secure,
And stedfast still ;
Not Zion's hill
Abides so sure.
2 The mountains melt away When once the Judge appears. And sun and moon decay, That measure mortals' years;
But still the same In radiant lines The promise shines Through all the flame.
3 Their harmony shall sound Through mine attentive ears, When thunders cleave the ground, And dissipate the spheres ;
'Midst all the shock Of that dread scene, I stand serene, Thy word my rock.
CCCXVII. The Day approaching, a Motive to Love and Worship. Hebrews x. 24, 25.
1 TTHE day approacheth, O my soul,
The great decisive day, Which from the verge of mortal life Shall bear thee far away.
2 Another day more awful dawns ;
And lo, the Judge appears j
HEBREWS. 609
Ye heavens, etirc before his face. And sink, ye darken'cl stars.
3 Yet does one short preparing hour,
One precious hour remain ; Rouzc thee, my soul, with all thy power. Nor let it pass in vain.
4 With me my brctlircn soon must die.
Ami at that bur appear ; Now be our intercourse improv'd To mutual comfort here.
5 For this, tliy temple, Lord, we throng;
For this, thy board surround ;
Here may our service be approv'd,
And in thy presence crown'd.
CCCXVIII. Ahrahavi's Faith in leaving his Coxinlry at the divine Command. lii-brews xi. 8.
1 IV'OW let our songs proclaim abroad
The unchanging name of Abram's God ;
In him let Abram's children boast, Their Father's ever-living Lord, His Shield, his Friend, his great Reward,
Who never can deceive their trust.
2 Call'd by thy voice, with joyful speed
He went, M'here thou wast pleas'd to lead,
Unknowing in the path he trod ; His land, his kindred, strove in vain The pious pilgrim to detain,
Propt on the promise of his God.
3 So at thy word the saint foregoes * Each tender tie, which nature knows.
And hears no other voice but thine ; Marches, where thou shalt point tiie way, Where thou shalt pitch his tent, will sta}-,
And learns his Isaac to resign.
4 At length, still faithful to thy own. Thou call'st him to a world unknown.
Through paths untrod by mortal feet ; Smiling he owns thy voice in death. Gives to the air his fleeting breath.
And finds the road to Abram's seat*
* Breaks through.
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CCCXIX. Tlie God of the Patriarchs preparing them a Cii^ Hebrews xi. 16.
1 T AM thy God, Jehovah said,
To Abram, and his chosen seed j And still the same relation owns To each of Abram's faithful sons.
2 Sovereign of heaven, what works of love So grand a title shall approve ?
What splendid gifts will God bestow. That all its high import may know ?
3 Not the rich flocks and herds that feed Round Abram's tents in Mamre's mead ; Not Joseph's chariot, nor the throne. Ivory and gold of Solomon.
4 Not Canaan's plains a lot can prove Proportion'd to Jehovah's love; Not Zion's sacred mountain, where His temple glitter'd like a star.
5 O'er Zion's mount, o'er Canaan's plains. Oppression now, and horror reigns ; And, where the throne of David stood. His ruin'd sepulchre is view'd.
6 'Tis in the heaven of heavens alone
Thou mak'st thy wondrous friendship known ; A city there thy hand prepares, Fix'd as thy own eternal years,
7 Long as they reign before thy face, The blissful nations shall confess, Thy sovereign love has there bestow'd Salvation worthy of a God.
CCCXX. Moseses wise Choice. Hebrews xi. 26,
1 \/TY soul, with all thy waken'd powers
Survey the heavenly prize ; Nor let these glittering to}^s of earth Allure thy wandering eyes.
2 The splendid crown, which Moses sought,
Still beams around his brow ; Though soon great Pharaoh's sceptred pride, Was taught by death to bow.
3 The joys and treasures of a day
I cheerfully resign ; Rich in that large immortal store, Stcur'd by grace divine. 2
HEBREWS.
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4 Let fools my wiser clioicc deride,
Angels and God approve ; Nor scorn of men, nor rat^e of hell My stcdfast soul shall move.
5 With ardent eye that bright reward
I daily will survey ; And m the blooming prospect lose The sorrows of the way.
CCCXXI. Acting, as seeing him, who is invisible. Hebrews xi. 27.
1 "CTERNAL and immortal King,
^ Thv peerless* splendors none can bear, But darkness veils seraphic eyes. When God with all his lustre's there.
2 Yet faith can pierce the awful gloom, The great Invisible can see ;
And with its tremblings mingle joy In fix'd regards, great God, to thee.
3 Then every tempting form of sin, Sham'd in thy presence, disappears ; And all the glowing raptur'd soul The likeness it contemplates, wears.
4 O ever-conscious to my heart. Witness to its supreme desire, Behold it presseth on to thee.
For it hath caught the heavenly fire.
5 This one petition would it urge. To bear thee ever in its sight ;
In life, in death, in worlds unknown, Its only portion and delight.
CCCXXII. Subjection to God, the Father of our Spirit. Hebrews
xii. y.
1 INTERNAL source of life and thought, ■*-^ Re all beneath thyself forgot ! Whilst thee, great parent-mind, we own In prostrate homage round thy throne.
2 Whilst in themselves our souls survey Of thee some faint reflected ray, They wondring to their Father rise ;
His power how vast! His thoughts how wise ?
3 Behold us as thine offspring. Lord, And do not cast us ofl' abhorr'd ;
* Unrquallod.
612 HEBREWS,
Nor let thy ImncI, so long our jo}''. Be ruis'd in vengeance to destroy.
4 O may we live before thy face, The willing subjects of thy grace ; And through each path of duty move With filial awe, and filial love !
CCCXXIII. The Immuiability of Christ. Hebrews xiii. 8.
1 TT7ITH transport, Lord, our souls proclaim
The immortal honours of thy name : Assembled round our Saviour's throne. We make his ceaseless glories known.
2 High on his Father's royal seat Our Jesus shone divinely great.
Ere Adam's clay with life was warm'd, Or Gabriel's nobler spirit form'd.
3 Through all succeeding ages he
The same hath been, the same shall be : Immortal radiance gilds his head. While stars and suns wax old and fade.
4 The same his power his flock to guard ;. The same his bounty to reward ;
The same his faithfulness and love To saints on earth, and saints above.
5 Let nature change and sink and die ; Jesus shall raise his chosen high, And fix them near his stable throne, In glory changeless as his own.
CCCXXIV. Watching for Souh in the View of tlie great Account, Hebrews xiii. 17.
FOR THE ORDINATION OF A MINISTER.
1 T ET Zion's watchmen all awake.
And take the alarm they give ; Now let them from the mouth of God Their solemn charge receive.
2 'Tis not a cause of small import
The pastor's care demands; But what might fill an angel's heart. And fill'd a Saviour's hands.
3 They watch for souls, for which the Lord
Did heavenly bliss forego * ; For souls, w^hich must for ever live In raptures, or in woe.
* Forsake, lay asid«.
JAMES. 613
4 All to the great tribunal haste,
The account to render there ; And shouldst thou strictly mark our faults, Lord, how should we appear?
5 Mav they that Jesus, whom they preach,
Tlieir own Redeemer see ; And watch thou daily o'er their souls, That they may watch for thee.
CCCXXV. T/ie Christian perfected by divine Grace through Christ. Hebrews xiii. 20, 21.
1 "pATHER of peace, and God of love,
We own thy power to save ; That power, by which our Shepherd rose Victorious o'er the grave.
2 We triumph in that Shepiierd's name.
Still watchful for our good ; Who brought the eternal covenant down, And seal'd it with his blood.
3 So may thy Spirit seal my soul.
And mould it to thy will ; That my fond heart no more may stray, But keep thy covenant still.
4 Still may we gain superior strength,
And press with vigour on. Till full perfection crown our hopes, And fix us near thy throne.
CCCXXVI. Chnstims begotten to God as the First-Fruits of his Creatures. James i. 18.
1 "M^OW to that sovereign grace,
•^ Whence all our comforts spring, Let the whole new begotten race Their cheerful praises bring.
2 His Avill first made the choice;
His word the change hath wrought ; In him, our Father, we rejoice, Nor be the name forgot.
3 Lord, may this matchless love, Xlj," Which thy own children see,
Make us from all thy creatures prove As the first-fruits to thee.
4 Sacred to thee alone
Be all these powers of mine. Then in the noblest sense my own. When most entirely thine. VOL. III. 4 H
614' JAME3.
CCCXXVII. Looking into the perfect Latv of Liberty, and continidng in it. James i. 25.
1 "Q EIIOLD the glass the gospel lends,
That men themselves may view! How free from stain its surface is ! How polisliM, and how true!
2 Behold that wise, that perfect law.
Which noblest freedom gives! O may it all our souls refine, And sanctify onr lives !
3 Not with a transient glance survey'd.
And in an hour fdrgot. But deep inscrib'd on every heart. To reign o'er every thought.
4 Great Author of each perfect gift.
Thy sovereign grace display, That these rebellious roving powers May hearken and obey.
5 Inspir'd by thee, our feeble souls
Shall pass victorious on ; As the faint dawning light improves To all the blaze of noon.
CCCXXVIII. James's Advice to Sinners. James iv. 7, 8.
1 ^^E sinners, bend your stubborn necks
Beneath the yoke divine ; In low submission bow ye down Before his sacred shrine.
2 In pious strains your follies mourn,
And seek his injur'd grace ; And wait with broken bleedmg hearts The openings of his face.
3 Resist the tempter's fierce attacks.
And he shall speed his flight : Draw near to God, and his embrace Shall fold you with delight.
4 Ye sinners, cleanse your spotted hands.
And purge your hearts from sin ; Here fix your long-divided views. And peace sliall reign within.
5 Blest Saviour, draw us by thy love,
And fix us by thy power ; When we have felt these sweet constraints. Our souls shall rove no more.
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CCCXXIX. The VanUij ofivorldbj Schemes inferred from the Uncer- tdiiU// of Ltfe. James IV. 13, 14, Ij.
1 T^O-MOKKOW, Lord, is tliino,
•^ Lod^'d ill tliy sovereign huiul ; And, if its sun iuisc and shine, It shines by thy coinnumd.
2 The present moment Hies, And l)ears our hfe away ;
O make thy servants truly wise, That they may hve to-day.
3 Since on this winged hour Eternity is lumg,
Waken by thine Almiglity power The aged and the young.
4- One thing demands our care ; () be it still pursu'd ! Lest, shghted once, the season fair Should never be rencw'd.
5 To .lesus may we fly
Swift as the morning liglit, Lest life's young golden beams should die In sudden endless night !
CCCXXX. Rejoicing in an umeen Saviour. 1 Peter i. 8.
1 A/flNE inward joys, suppress'd too long, ^ Ecstatic burst into a song :
From Christ, though now unseen, they rise And reach his throne beyond the skies.
2 His glories strike the wondering sight Of all the first-born sons of light ; Beyond the Seraphim they shine, Unrivall'd all, and all divine.
3 Yet mortal worms his friendship boast, And make his saving name their trust : Jesus, mv Lord, I know him well ; He rescu'd me from death and hell.
4 This sinful heart from God estraiig'd His new-creating power hath chang'd ; And, mingling with each secret thought, INIaintains the work, which first it wrought.
5 He gives to see his Father's face ; He gives my soul to thrive in grace ; And brings the views of glory down, The beamings of mv heavenly crown.
4n 2
616 I. PETER.
6 Thus entertain'd, while here below Unspeakable my transports grow ; New joys in swift succession roll, And glory fills my silent soul.
CCCXXXI. The Heart purified to Love unfeigned by the Spirit. 1 Peter i. 22.
1 /^REAT Spirit of immortal love,
^^ Vouchsafe our frozen hearts to move ; With ardour strong these breasts inflame To all that own a Saviour's name.
2 Still let the heavenly fire endure Fervent and vigorous, true and pure : Let every heart and every hand
Join in the dear fraternal band *,
3 Celestial dove, descend and bring The smiling blessings on thy wing ; And make us taste those sweets below, Which in the blissful mansions grow.
CCCXXXII. Tasting timt the Lord is Gracious. 1 Peter ii. 3,
1 'VT'ES, it is sweet to taste his grace,
"■■ Who bought us with his blood ; My soul prefers the relish still To all created good.
2 O ! how I love that vital word.
Which taught me first to live ; Thirst for that uncorrupted milk. That I may grow and thrive !
3 All-gracious Lord, instruct us more
7^hy saving gifts to know : And let our inmost hearts rejoice, That thou hast lov'd us so,
4 Open thy stores with liberal hand.
That we may daily feast ;
And let each dying soul around
The sweet salvation taste.
CCCXXXIII. Coming to Christ as a living Stone. 1 Peter ii. 4, 5.
1 TT7ITH ecstasy of joy
Extol his glorious name, Who rais'd the spacious earth, And rais'd our ruin'd frame : He built the church Who built the sky,
* Brotherly union.
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Shout and exalt His honours high.
2 See the foundation laid
By power and love divine ; Jesus, liis tirst-i)orn Son, How bright liis glories shine ! Low he descends, In dust He lies, That from iiis tomb A church might rise.
3 But he for ever lives. Not for himself alone ; Each saint new life derives From this mysterious stone ;
His intluence darts Through every soul. And in one house Unites the whole.
4 To him with joy we move ; In him cemented stand ; The living temple grows, And owns the founder's hand
That structure, Lord, Still higher raise. Louder to sound Its builder's praise.
5 Descend, and shed abroad The tokens of thy grace, And with more radiant boam*? Let glory fill the place ;
Our joyful souls Shall prostrate fail. And own, our God Is all in all.
CCCXXXIV. Christ the Corner Stone. 1 Peter ii. 6. compared wila Isaiah xxviii. 16, 17.
1 T ORD, dost thou shew a corner-stone
For us to build our hopes upon, That the fair edifice may rise Sublime in light beyond the skies ?
2 We own the work of sovereign love : Nor death nor hell those hopes shall move, Which fix'd on this foundation stand, Laid by thy own Almighty hand.
618 I. PETER.
5 Thy people long this stone have tried. And all the powers of" hell defied ; Floods of temptation beat in vain ; Well doth this rock the house sustain.
4 When storms of wrath around prevail, Whirlwind and thunder, fire and hail ; 'Tis here our trembling souls shall hide. And here securely they abide.
5 While they that scorn this precious stone, Fond of some quicksand of their own, Borne down by weighty vengeance die. And buried deep in ruin lie.
CCCXXXV. Christ precious to the Believer. 1 Peter ii. 7.
1 TF^SUS, I love thy charming name;
'Tis music to mine ear ; Fain would I sound it out so loud, That earth and heaven should hear.
2 Yes, thou art precious to my soul.
My transport, and my trust : Jewels to thee are gaudy toys.
And gold is sordid dust.
3 All my capacious powers can wish
In thee doth richlv meet : Nor to mine eyes is light so dear. Nor friendship half so sweet.
4 Thy grace still dwells upon my heart.
And sheds its fragrance there ; The noblest balm of all its wounds. The cordial of its care.
5 I'll speak the honours of thy name
With my last labouring breath ; Then speechless clasp thee in mine arms, The antidote of death.
CCCXXXVI. Noah preserved in the Ark, and tlte Believer in Chnst. 1 Peter iii. 20, 21.
1 T^HE deluge, at the Almighty's call.
In what impetuous streams it fell ! Swallow'd the mountains in its rage, And swept a guilty world to hell.
2 In vain the tallest sons of pride Fled from the close-pursuing wave ; Nor could their mightiest towers defend. Nor swiftness 'scape, nor courage save.
3
I. PETER. 'jiy
3 TTow dire tlic ^vreck ! How loud the roar ! How sinilltlic uuiversiil cry
Of millions ill the last desp:iir, Ile-echo'd from the lowring sky !
4 Yet Noah, huml)le happy saint. Surrounded with the clioscn few. Sat in his ark, secure from fear.
And sang the grace that steer'd him througlj.
5 So I may sing, in Jesus safe,
While storms of vengeance round me fall. Conscious how high my hopes are hx'd, Beyond what shakes this earthly ball.
6 Enter thine ark, while patience waits, Nor ever quit that sure retreat ;
Tlien the wide flood, which buries earth, Shall waft thee to a fairer seat.
7 Nor wreck nor ruin there is seen : There not a wave of trouble rolls ;
But the bright rainbow round the throne* Seals endless life to all their souls.
CCCXXXVII. The Uiigodlij ivarned of tlieir final Appearance. 1 Peter iv. 18.
1 "DEHOLD God's great incarnate Son
In majesty comes flying down : Hark ! for his trumpet's awful sound Awakes the dead, and cleaves the ground.
2 So solemn shall the judgment be. And so severe the scrutiny f , That, by his merit tried alone, The saint himself would be undone.
3 Where then, ye sons of Belial t, where Will your astonish'd souls appear } How will ye shun his piercing sight ? Or how resist his matchless might }
4 Up to the pointed mountains fly. And gain the confines § of the sky ; There shall ye meet celestial fire, While mountains melt before his ire I|.
5 Call on the rending earth to save, And at its centre search a grave ;
The .ludge shall well discern thee there. And drag thee trembling to his bar.
• Rev. iv. 3. f Examination. J Rebellious men.
§ Borders. jj Anger.
620 I. PETER.
6 Deck thee around with fraud and lies, And put on every fair disguise ; Soon shall thy painted form be known Amidst ten thousand of his own.
7 Gird thee in arms his wrath to oppose. And league with millions of his foes ; Soon would the rebel-band expire, Like crackling thorns amidst the fire.
8 One only way may yet be found ; Submissive bow ye to the ground ;
His cross a refuge will afford ,
From all the terrors of his sword.
CCCXXXVJII. Humbling ourselves under God's mighty Hand, 1 Peter v. 6.
1 "DENEATH thy mighty hand, O God,
Our souls w^e prostrate low ; Shine forth with gentle radiant beams, That we thy name may know.
2 Thy hand this various frame produced.
And still supports it well ; That hand, with justice and with ease, Might smite our soul^ to hell.
3 Conscious of meanness and of guilt,
We in the dust Avould lie ; Stretch forth thy condescending arm, And lift the humble high.
4 So in the temples of thy grace
We'll sovereign mercy own. And, when we shine above the stars, Extol thy grace alone.
5 The more thou raise such sinful dust.
The lower would it fall ; For less than nothing, Lord, are we, And thou art all in all.
CCCXXXIX. The same.
FOR A FAST-DAY.
/^UR souls with reverence, Lord, bow down
Struck by the splendors of thy throne ; Humbled, while in thy house we stand, Beneath thy great tremendous hand.
That hand, which bears the steady pole, While nature's wheels unwearied roll ; That hand, which gives each creature food, And fills the world with various good.
I. PETER. 621
3 That hand, which pierc'd thy darling son To expiate crimes, that \vc had done : Thathiind, which scatters trace abroad To turn thy foes to sons ot God.
4 But O ! with what distracted rage
I lave wo presum'd that hand to engage ! And, while long patience hath been shewn, Struggled to force thy vengeance down !
5 Here might thy wrath begin to flame. And vindicate thine injur'd name ; Till the red thunders of thy hand Had dealt destruction round our land.
6 With humble hearts our God we meet : O raise the suppliants at thy feet ! And let that glorious arm this day Embrace the rebels it might slay !
CCCXL. God's Care a Remedy for ours. 1 Peter v. 7.
1 T_^O^V gentle God's commands !
How kind his precepts are ! " Come, cast your burdens on the Lord, " And trust his constant care,"
2 While providence supports, Let saints securely dwell ;
That hand, which bears all nature np, Shall guide his children well.
3 Why should this anxious load Press down your weary mind ?
Haste to your heavenly Father's throne, And sweet refreshment find.
4 His goodness stands approv'd Down to the present dav ;
I'll drop my burden at his feet, And bear a song away.
CCCXLI. Establishment in Itelis:ionfrom the Gud if all Grace. 1 Peter v.lo, II.
1 TJOW rich thy favours, God of grace !
How various and divine ! Full as the ocean they are pour'd, And bright as heaven they shine.
2 He to eternal glory calls,
And leads the wondrous way To his own palace, where he reigns In uncreated day.
VOL. III. 4 I
622 II. PETER.
3 Jesus, the herald of his love,
Displays tlie radiant prize. And shews the purchase of his blood To our admiring eyes.
4 He perfects what his hand begins,
And stone on stone he lays ; Till firm and fair the building rise, A temple to his praise.
5 The songs of everlasting years
That mercy shall attend, Which leads, through sufferings of an hour. To joys, that never end.
CCCXLII. Tlie Circuynstmices of ChrisCs second Jppearing. 2 Peter iii. 11, 12.
1 A/TY wakened soul, extend thy wings
Beyond the verge of mortal things ; See this vain world in smoke decay, And rocks and mountains melt away.
2 Behold the fiery deluge roll
Through heaven's wide arch from pole to pole : Pale sun, no more thy lustre boast ; Tremble and fall, ye starry host.
3 This wreck of nature all around.
The angel's shout, the trumpet's sound, Loud the descending Judge proclaim, And echo his tremendous name.
4 Children of Adam, all appear With reverence round his awful bar; For, as his lips pronounce, ye go To endless bliss, or endless woe.
5 Lord, to mine eyes this scene display Frequent through each revolving day, And let thy grace my soul prepare To meet its full redemption there.
CCCXLin. The Importance of being prepared for Christ^s second Appearing. 2 Peter iii, 14.
1
T3EHOLD I come !" the Saviour cries, " With winged speed I come ; ** My voice shall call your souls away *' To their eternal home.
" Awake ye sons of sloth, awake ;
*' Your vain amusements cease, ** And strive with your united powers,
" That ye be found in peace.
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623
3 " Seize the blest hour with ardent haste,
*' Nor shght this ])caceful word, ** Lest your alVrij^hted souls in vain *' FIv froui my flaming sword.
4 " Happy the man, whose ready heart
" Obeys the sacred call ; " And shelters in my covenant grace '* His everlasting all."
5 Blest Jesus, whose all-searching eye
My inmost powers can see, Dost thou not know my willing soul Hatli lodg'd that all with thee ?
6 These eager eyes thv signal wait ;
My dear Redeemer, come : I rove a weary pilgrim here, And long to be at home.
CCCXLIV. Growing in Grace, Si'C. 2 Peter iii. IS.
1 pR AISE to thy name, eternal God,
"'■ For all the grace thou shed'st abroad ; For all thine influence from above To warm onr souls with sacred love.
2 Blest be thy hand, which from the skies Brought down this plant of paradise, And gave its heavenly glories birth,
To deck this wilderness of earth.
3 But why does that celestial (lower Open and thrive, and shine no more? Where are its balmy odours tied ? And why reclines its beauteous head ?
4 Too plain alas ! the languor shews The unkindly soil in which it grows ; AVhere the black frosts and beating storm Wither and rend its tender form.
5 Unchanging sun ! thy beams display To drive the Irosts and storms away ; Make all thy potent virtues known To cheer a plant so much thy own.
6 And thou, blest Spirit ! deign to blow Fresh gales of heaven on shrubs below ; So shall fhey grow, and breathe abroail A fracrrance grateful to our God.
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624 I. JOHN.
CCCXLV. Experimaital Knoxvledge communicaied. iJohn i. 1 — 3.
1 TESUS, mine advocate above,
Let me not hear of thee alone, But make the wonders of thy love By deep experience sweetly known.
2 On thee my soul would fix its eye ;
My lips would taste thy heavenly grace ; Then would I raise thine honours high, And teach a thousand tongues thy praise.
3 The sacred flame from heart to heart Should with a rapid progress run ; Till each in God could boast his part, Through sweet communion with his Son.
4 Thus may the servants of the Lord Feel the salvation they proclaim ; And thus may crouds receive the word, And echo back the Saviour's name !
CCCXLVI. Communion with God and Christ. 1 John i. 3.
1 O^^ heavenly Father calls, ^"^ And Christ invites us near ;
With both our friendship shall be sweet, And our communion dear,
2 God pities all my griefs ; He pardons every day ;
Almighty to protect my soul. And wise to guide my way,
3 How large his bounties are ! What various stores of good.
Diffused from my Redeemer's hand, And purchas'd with his blood !
4 Jesus, my living head,
I bless thy faithful care ; Mine advocate before the throne, And my forerunner there.
5 Here fix, my roving heart ; Here wait, my warmest love,
Till the communion be complete In nobler scenes above.
CCCXLVII. The Privileges of Saints by the Blood of Jesus. 1 John i. 7.
1 IVT^ various powers, awake
To sound redeeming grace ; To him, that wash'd us in his blood, Ascribe eternal praise.
I. JOHN. *2S
2 Wliiit thouc;ii our ^uilt appears DyMin a crimson graiu?
The stream, that flows from Jesus' side, Shall purire away the stain.
3 'Midst all our various forms Wc in this centre meet ;
Our hearts, cemented by his blood, Shall taste communion sweet.
4 Then let us walk in light,
Like Christ, whose name we wear; And, as the pledge of endless bliss, Our Father's image bear.
CCCXLVIII. The Blood of Christ ckunsing/rom ull Sin. I Jolini. 7.
1 TV/fY sins, alas! how foul the stains! ^^^ How deep, and O ! how wide', O'er my polluted soul they spread,
In double crimson (%''d.
2 How shall I stand before that God,
In Avhose all-piercing sight, Some shades of darkness seem to veil The purest sons of light?
3 Where shall I wash these spots away,
And make my nature clean,
Since drops of penitential grief
Are tinctur'd still with sin ?
4 Behold a torrent all divine
Flows from the Saviour's side. And strangely bears a crystal stream Amidst the purple tide*.
5 Here will I bathe my spotted soul.
And make it i)ure and fair ; Till not the eye of God discern One foul pollution there.
6 Then, drest in robes of snowy white,
I'll join the shining band. And learn new anthems to the Lamb, While round his throne we stand.
♦ Referring to the blood and water, that came out of Christ's wound(4bidc. John xix. 3+.
626 REVELATION.
CCCXLIX. Having the Son, and having Life in him. 1 John v. 12.
1 r\ HAPPY christian, who can boast, ^^ " The Son of God is mine !" Happy, though humbled in the dust ;
Rich in this gift divine !
2 He hves the life of heaven below.
And shall for ever live ; Eternal streams from Christ shall flow, And endless vigour give,
3 That life we ask with bended knee,
Nor will the Lord deny ; Nor will celestial mercy see Its humble suppliants die,
4 That life obtain'd, for praise alone
We wish continu'd breath ; And taught by blest experience own. That praise can liye in death.
C'CCL. Christ the First and the Last, humbled to Death, and exalted to an eternal Triumph over it. Revelation i. 17, 18,
1 TXT^HAT mysteries, Lord, in thee combine !
Jesus, once mortal, yet divine; The first, the last; the end, the head; The source of life among the dead.
2 O love, beyond the stretch of thought ! What matchless wonders hath it wrought f My faith, while she the grace declares. Trembles beneath the load she bears.
3 Hail, royal conqueror o'er the grave, Tender to pity, strong to save !
For ever live, for ever reign.
And prosperous may thy throne remain !
4 Thy saints, obedient to thy word. With humble joy surround thy board; And, long as time pursues its race. Proclaim thy death, and shout thy grace.
5 In the full choir, where angels join Their harps of melody divine, Thy death inspires a song of praise. New through thy life's eternal days.
CC'CLI, The Keys of Death and the unseen World in Christ'' s Hand. Revelation i, 18.
1 TIT AIL to the prince of life and peace, "*■ "*• Who holds the keys of death and hell !
RKVELATION. 627
The spacious world uDscon is his,
And sovereinn power becomes him well.
2 In shame and torment once he died ; But now he lives for evermore:
Bow down, ye saints, around his seat, And, all ye angel-bands, adore.
3 So live for ever, f^Iorious Lord,
To crush thy foes, aiui ijuard thy friends; While all thy chosen tribes rejoice, That thy dominion never ends.
4 Worthy thy hand to hold the keys. Guided by wisdom, and by love; Worthy to rule o'er mortal life. O'er worlds below, and worlds above.
5 When death thy servants shall invade, When powers of hell thv church annoy, Contronl'd bv thee, their rage shall help The cause, they labonr'd to destroy.
6 For ever reign, victorious King:
Wide through the earth thy name be known ; And call my longing soul to sing Sublimer anthems near thy throne I
CCCLII. Christ's Care of Ministas and Churches. Revelation ii. 1.
1 \^/E bless the eternal source of light,
' ' Who makes the stars to shine ; And, through this dark beclouded world, DifTuseth rays divine.
2 We bless the churches. Sovereign King !
Whose golden lamps we are; Fix'd in the temples of his love To shine with radiance fair.
3 Still be our purity preserv'd ;
Still fed with oil and flame; And in deep characters inscrib'd Our heavenly Master's name.
4 Then, while between our ranks he walks,
And all our state surveys. His smiles shall with new lustre deck The people of his praise.
CCCLIII. TIte Claristian Warrior wiimated and crowned. Revelation ii. 10.
H
ARK! 'tis our heavenly leader's voice From his triumphant seat:
628 REVELATION.
*Midst all the Avar's tumultuous noise, Ho\Y powerful and how sweet !
2 " Fight on, my faithful band," he cries, ^ " Nor fear the mortal blow;
** Who first in such a warfare dies *' Shall speediest victory know.
3 " I have my days of combat known,
" And in the dust was laid ; *' But thence I mounted to my throne, " And glory crowns my head.
4 " That throne, that glory, vou shall share ;
*' My hands the crown shall give ; " And you the sparkling honours wear, ♦' While God himself shall live."
5 Lord, 'tis enough ; our bosoms glow
With courage, and with love ; Thy hand shall bear thy soldiers through. And raise their heads above.
6 My soul, while deaths beset me round,
Erects her ardent eyes, And longs, through some illustrious wound, To rush and seize the prize.
CCCLIV. The Pillar in God's heavenly Temple, zvith its Inscription, Revelation iii, 12.
1 A LL-H AIL, victorious Saviour, hail ! "^^ I bow to thy command ;
And own, that David's royal key Well fits thy sovereign hand.
2 Open the treasures of thy love,
And shed thy gifts abroad ; Unveil to my rejoicing eyes The temple of my God.
3 There as a pillar let me stand
On an eternal base * ; Up-rear'd by thine Almighty hand, And polish'd by thy grace.
4 There deep engraven let me bear
The title of my God ; And mark the new Jerusalem, As my secure abode.
5 In lasting characters inscribe
Thy own beloved name ;
* Foundation. 3
REVELATION. 629
That endless ages there may read The great Eiuanuers claim.
C Lead on, my general ; I defy What earth or hell can do ; Tiiy conduct, and this glorious hope, Shall bear thy soldier through.
CCCLV. GocCs Covenant uncluvigaibk; or, The Rainboiv round tihout the Throne. Revelation iv. 3. cuinpared with Gcnciis ix. 13—17.
1 CUPREMK of Beings, with delight
Our eyes survey tins heavenly sight ^ And trace with admiration sweet The beaming splendors of thy feet.
2 Jasper and sapphire strive in vain To paint the glories of thy train ; 'J'hy robes ;dl stream eternal light, Too powerful for a cherub's sight.
.S Yet round thy throne the rainbow shines. Fair emblem of thy kind designs ; Bright pledge, that speaks thy covenant sure Long as thy kingdom shall endure.
4 No more shall deluges of woe Thy new-created world o'erHow ; Jesus, our Sun, his beams displays.
And gilds the clouds with beauteous rays.
5 No gems so bright, no forms so fair ; IMcrcy and trutii siiil triumph there : Thy saints shall bless the peaceful sign, When stars and suns forget to shine.
6 E'en here, while storms and gloomy shade, And horrors all the scene o'erspread. Faith views the throne with piercing eye. And boasts, the rainbow still is nigh.
CCCLVI. Victoiij over Satmi hi/ the lilood of the Lamb, and the U'ord of the Testimony of his Servants. Revelation xii. 11.
1 C EE the old dragon from his throne ^ Sink with enormous ru-n down !
\ Banish'il from heaven, and doom'd to dwell
Deep in the fiery gloom of hell !
2 Ye heavens with all your hosts, rejoice ; Ye saints, in consort lend your voice ; Approach your Lord's victorious seat. And tread the foe bcMiealh your feet.
VOL. in. 4 l'^
630 REVELATION.
3 But whence a conquest so divine Gain'd by such feeble hands as mine ? Or whence can sinful mortals boast O'er Satan and his i-ebel-host ?
4 'Twas from tliv blood, thou slaughter'd t-amb, That all our palms and triumphs came ;
Thy cross, th}^ spear, inflicts the stroke, By which the monster's head is broke.
5 Thy faithful word our hope maintains Through all our combat and our pains; The accents of thy heavenly breath
Thy soldiers bear through Avounds and death,
6 Triumphant Lamb, in worlds unknown, With transport round thy radiant throne, Thv happy legions, all complete,
Shall lay their laurels at thy feet.
CCCLVII. The Song of Moses and the Lamb. Revelation x v. .:J.
1 ISRAEL, the tribute bring
To God's victorious name ; The song of Moses sing. Of Moses and the Lamb :
Jmpi'ove his la3's* ;
The theme exceeds.
And nobler deeds
Demand our praise.
2 The prince of hell arose With impious rage and pride, And 'midst our numerous foes Our feeble power defy'd ;
" I will o'ertake,
*' And I destroy,
*' My hand with joy •
*' Shall force thee back."
3 Thy hand, Almighty Lord, Thy trembling Israel saves ; Thine unresisted word Divides the threatening waves :
Thy hosts pass o'er ; The foe o'erthrown Sinks like a stone - To rise no more.
4 Our triunriphs we prepare. And eheerful anthems raise :
* Songs of praise.
REVELATION. tiSl
Jehovah's arm made bare Demands immortal praise
And while we siiii^,
Ye shores, proclaim '
His wondrous name,
Ye desarts, ring !
5 Through all the w ilderness Thv presence, Lord, shall lead ; And bring us to the place, • Thy sovcreiirn love decreed ; Those blissful plains, Wiiere all around, Hosannas sound, And transport reign?.
CCCLVIII. TheCotiQuest nfDealh and Grief hij FUxvs of tin' heavenly State. Revelation xxi. 4.
1 T IFT up, ye saints, your weeping eyes,
Suspend your sorrows and your sighs ; Turn all your groans to joyful songs. Which Jesus dictates to your tongues.
2 Thus saith the Saviour from his throne ; " Behold all former things are gone,
" Past like an anxious dream away, *' Chas'd by the golden beams of day !
3 *' See, in celestial pomparray'd, *' A new-created world displayed ;
*' Mark with what light its prospects shine ! " How grand, how various, how divine !
4 " There my own gentle hand shall dry " Each tear from each o'erflowing eye, *' And open wide mv friendly breast
" To lull the weary soul to rest.
5 *• No more shall grief assail your heart, ** No boding fear, no piercing smart ; *' For ever there my people dwell
** Beyond the range of death and hell."
G Vain king of terrors, boast no more Thine ancient wide-extended ])Ower ; Each saint in life with Christ his head Shall reign, when thou thyself art dead.
CCC LIX. Christ, the Root and Of spring of David, and the Morning Star. Revelation xxii. 16.
A LE HAIL, mvsterious king ! "^ Hail, David's ancient root I
4K 2
632 REVELATION.
Thou Righteous Branch, which thence did spring To give the nations fruit.
2 Our weary souls shall rest Beneath thy grateful shade ;
Our thirsting lips salvation taste; Our fainting hearts are glad.
3 Fair Morning-star, arise, With livino- glories bright,
And pour on these awakening eyes A flood of sacred light.
4 The horrid gloom is fled, Pierc'd by thy beauteous ray ;
Shine, and our wandering footsteps lead To everlasting day.
CCCLX. Christ^s Invitations echoed back, Sfc. Revelation xxH. 17.
1 TIJOW free the fountain flows
Of endless life and joy ! That spring, which no confinement knows, Whose waters never cloy !
2 How sweet the accents sound From the Redeemer's tongue !
** Assemble, all ye nations round, *' In one obedient throng.
3 " The Spirit bears the call ** To all the distant lands ;
" The church, the bride, reflects it back, " While Jesus waiting stands.
4 " Ho, every thirsty soul,
" Approach the sacred spring ; ** Drink, and your fainting spirits cheer ; " Renew the draught, and sing.
5 " Let all, that will, approach ; *' The Avater freely take;
*' Free from my opening heart it flows " Your raging thirst to slake."
6 With thankful hearts we come' To taste the oflTered grace ;
And call on all that hear to join The trial, and the praise.
REVELATION. 633
CCCLXI. Tlie Christian rejoicing in the Viexis of Death andJudg- meat. Revelation xxii. 'JO.
1 *' "QF.IIOLD I come," tlic Saviour cries,
-"^ "Oil wiiifTs of love I fly :" *' So come, dear Lord," my soul replies, " And bring salvation niglj."
2 Come, loose these bonds of flesh and sin :
Come, end my pains and cares; Bear me to thy serene abode Beyond the clouds and stars.
3 I greet the messengers of death,
By which thou call'st mc home; But doubly greet that joyful hour, When thou thj'self shalt come.
4 Come, plead thy Father's injur'd cause,
And make thy glory shine ; Come, rouse thy servants mouldering dust , And their whole frame refine.
5 O come amidst the angelic hosts
Their humble name to own ; And bear the full assembly back To dwell around thy throne.
6 With winged speed. Redeemer dear.
Bring on the illustrious day : Come, lest our spirits droop and faint Beneath thy long delay.
634 HYMNS ON
HYMNS
PARTICULAR OCCASIONS
IN UNCOMMON MEASURES.
CCCLXII. A Morning Hymn, to he used at awaking and risitig.
^ A WAKE, my soul, to meet the day ; ^ Unfold thy drowsy eyes, And burst the ponderous chain that loads Thine active faculties.
2 God's guardian-shield was round me spread
In my defenceless sleep : Let him have all my waking hours, Who doth my slumbers keep.
3 (The work of each immortal soul
Attentive care demands ; Think then what painful labours wait The faithful pastor's hands.)
4 My moments fly with winged pace.
And swift my hours are hurl'd ; And death with rapid march comes on To unveil the eternal world.
5 I for this hour must give account
Before God's awful throne : Let not this hour neglected pass. As thousands more have done.
6 Pardon, O God, my former slotli.
And arm my soul with grace ; As, rising now, I seal my vows To prosecute thy ways.
7 Bright Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Thy radiant beams dispjav, And guide my dark bewiider'd soul To everlasting dav.
PARTICULAR OCCASIONS, 635
CCCLXIII. yln Evening //r/mn, tn be used ivhcn composing one's self to aitep.
1 TNTKRVAL of grateful shade,
Welcome to my weary head ! Welcome slumbers to mine eyes, Tir'd with i;larin^ vanities ! My threat Master still allows Isi'eejful licriods of repose . liy n>v heavenly Father blest, TIjus I j^ive my powers to rest ; Heavenly Fatlicr ! gracious name ! Night and day his love the same : P"ar be each suspicious thought, Kvery anxious care forgot : Tiiou, my ever-bounteous God, Crown'stmy davs with various good : Thy kind eye, that cannot sleep, These defenceless hours shall keep : Blest vicissitude to me ! Day and night I'm still with thcc.
2 What tlioiigh downy slumbers flee, Strangers to my couch and me ! .Sleepless well I know to rest, Lodg'd within my Father's breast. While the empress of the night Scatters mild her silver light ; While the vivid planets stray Various through their mystic way ; Wiiile the stars unnumber'd roll Round the ever-constant pole ; Far above the spangled skies
All my soul to God shall rise ; 'Midst the silence of the night Mingling with those angels bright, Whose harmonious voices raise Ceaseless love and ceaseless praise ; Through the throng his gentle ear Shall mv tuneless accents hear : From on high dot!) He inipart Secret comfort to my heart. He in these screnest hours Guides my intellectual powers, And his Spirit doth diffuse, Sweeter far than midnight dews ; 1-ifting all my thoughts above On the wings of faith and love.
O.JtJ HYMNS ON
Blest alternative to me,
Thus to sleep, or wake, with thee !
3 What if death my sleep invade ! Should I be of death afraid ? Whilst encircled by thine arm, Death may strike, but cannot harm. What if beams of opening day Shine around my breathless clay! Brighter visions from on high Shall regale my mental eye. Tender friends awhile may mourn Me from their embraces torn ; Dearer better friends I have In the realms beyond the grave. See the guardian-angels nigh Wait to waft my soul on high ! Seethe golden gates display'd ! See the crown to grace my head ! See a flood of sacred light, Which no more shall yield to night ! Transitory world, farewel ! Jesus calls with him to dwell. With thy heavenly presence blest. Death is life, and labour rest. Welcome sleep, or death to me. Still secure, for still with thee.
CCCXLIV. On Recovery fro7}i Sickness, duriiig luhicli, much of the divine Favour liad been experienced.
1 A/TY God, thy service well demands -^'■^ The remnant of my days ; Why was this fleeting breath renew'd.
But to renew thy praise ?
2 Thine arms of everlasting love
Did this weak frame sustain. When life was hovering o'er the grave, And nature sunk with pain.
:3 Thou, when the pains of death were felt. Didst chase the fears of hell ; And teach my pale and quivering lips Thy matchless grace to tell.
4 Calmly I bow'd my fainting head On thy dear faithful breast ; Pleas'd to obey my Father's call To his eternal rest, 2
PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 037
5 Into thv hands, my Saviour-God,
Did I my soul resign, In firni dopcndencc on that truth, Which made salvation mine.
6 Back from the- borders of the grave
At thy command I come; Nor would I urge a speedier flight To my celestial home.
7 Where thou determin'st mine abode,
There would I chuse to be ; For in thy presence death is life, And earth is heaven with thee.
CCCLXV. The last Words of David. 2 Samuel xxili. 1—8 *.
1 TPHUS hath the son of .Tesse said,
"*■ \V'hen Israel's God had rais'd his head
To high imperial sway : Struck with his last poetic fire, Zion's sweet Psalmist tun'd his lyre To this harmonious lay.
2 Thus dictates Israel's sacred rock : Thus hath the God of Jacob spoke
By my responsive tongue : Behold the Just One over men Commencing his religious reign,
Great subject of my song !
3 So gently shines with genial ray The unclouded lamp of rising day,
And cheers the tender flowers, When midnight's soft diffusive rain Hath bless'd the gardens and the plain
With kind refreshing showers.
4 Shall not my house this honour boast ? My soul the eternal covenant trust,
Wcll-order'd still and sure ? There all my hopes and wishes meet: In death I call its blessings sweet.
And feel its bond secure.
5 The sons of Belial shall not spring, Who spurn at heaven's anointed King,
And scorn his hiirh command;
* Aprecable to the ingenious metrical version of tlie learned Dr, Richard Grey.
VOL. III. 4 L
638 HYMNS ON
Though wide the briars infest the ground, And the sharp-pointed thorns around Defy a tender hand ;
6 A dreadful warrior shall appear With iron arms, and massy spear,
And tear them from their place : Touch'd with the lightning of his ire, At once they kindle into fire,
And vanish in the blaze.
CCCLXVI. A Military Ode. Psalm cxlix.
Probably composed by David, to be sung token his Army tuas marching out to iVar against the Remnant of the devoted Nations of Canaan, and first went up in solemn Procession to the House of God at Jerusalem, there, as it were, to consecrate the Arms, which he put into their Hands, The Beds referred to, Fer. 5, where probably the Couches, on which they lay at the Banquet attending their Sa- crifices; which gives a noble Sense to a Passage, on any other In- terpretation hardly intelligible.
1 r\ PRAISE ye the Lord, prepare a new song,
And let all his saints in full consort join: Ye tribes all assemble the feast to prolong. In solemn procession with music divine.
2 O Israel, in him that made thee rejoice ; Let all Zion's sons exult in their King ; While to martial dances you join a glad voice. Your lutes, harps and timbrels in harmony bring.
5 The Lord in his saints still finds his delight ; Salvation from him the meek shall adorn ; They well may be joyful, sustain'd by his might, And crown'd by his favour may lift up their horn.
4 Let carpets be spread, and banquets prepar'd Those altars around, whence incense ascends; Whilst anthems of glory through Salem are heard, And God, Avhom wew^orship, indulgent attends.
5 Then as your hearts bound with music and wine, Inspir'd by the God, who reigns in the place : Unsheath all your w capons, and bright let them shine, And brandish your faulchions, while chaunting his
praise.
6 Then march to the field ; the heathen defy ; And scatter his WTath on nations around :
Like angels of vengeance your swords lift on high. And boast that Jehovah commissions the wound.
7 Their generals subdued your triumphs shall grace, And loaded with chains their kings shall be brought ;
PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 639
On tlie necks shall ye trample of Canaan's proud race, And all their last remnant tor slaughter be sought.
8 No rage of your own such rigour demands; A sentence divine your arms must fulhl:
Of old He this vengeance consign'd to your hands, And in sacred volumes recorded his M'ill.
9 This honour, ye saints, appointed for you, * All-gratcful receive, and faithful obey;
And, while this dread pleasure resistless ye do, iStill make his high praises the song of the day.
CCCLXVri. FortlieTluinksgiving-Dmjfor the Peace, April2b, 1749.
1 ^[OW let our songs address the God of peace,
WHio bids the tumult of the battle cease: The pointed spears to pruning-hooks he bends, And the broad faulchion in the plow-share ends.
His powerful word unites contending nations
In kind embrace, and friendly salutations.
2 Britain, .idore the guardian of thy state ; Who, high on his celestial throne elate. Still watchful o'er thy safety and repose, Frown'd on the counsels of thv haughtiest foes ;
Thy coast secur'd from every dire invasion Of fire and sword and spreading desolation.
3 When rebel -bands with desperate madness join'd. He wafted o'er deliverance with his wind ; J)rove back the tide, that delug'd half our land, And curb'd their fury with his mightier hand:
Till dreadfjil slaughter, and the last confusion Taught those audacious sinners their delusion.
4 He gave our fleets to triumph o'er the main. And scatter terrors 'cross wide ocean's plain : Opposing leaders trembled at the sight.
Nor found their safety in the attempted flight ; Taught by their bonds, how vainly they pretended Tliose to distress, whom Israel's God defended.
5 Fierce storms were summon'd up in Britain's aid, And meagre famine hostile lands o'erspread ;
Bv suH'ciings bow'd their conciucsts thev release,
Nor scorn the overtures of equal peace: Contending powers congratulate the blessing, Joint hymns of gratitude to heaven addressing.
6 While wc beneath our vines and fig-trees sit, Or thus within thy sacred temple meet,
4 L 2
640 HYMNS ON
Accept, great God, the tribute of our song, And all the mercies of this day prolong. Then spread thy peaceful word through every nation. That all the earth may hail thy great salvation.
CCCLXVIII. The Blessing pronounced upon Israel fyj the Priests. Numbers vi. 24 — 27.
FOR NEW YEAR's-DAY.
1 /^UARDIAN of Israel, source of peace, ^~^ Who hast ordain'd thy priests to bless, Shine forth as our propitious Lord,
And verify thy servants' word.
2 Let thy own power defend us still Through all the year from every ill ; And let the splendor of thy face Cheer all its bright or gloomy days.
3 Thy countenance our souls would see. For all our joys unite in thee;
And peace still waits at thy command To calm our hearts, and bless our land.
4 Hear, while thy priests address their vows. And scatter blessings through thy house ; And, while they fall, may Israel raise
Its pious songs of ardent praise.
CCCLXIX. A Hymnfor a F(tst-Day in Time of War. Deuteronomy
xxiii. 9.
1 /^REAT God of heaven and nature, rise, ^^ And hear our loud united cries :
See Britain bow before thy face
Through all her coasts, and seek thy grace.
2 No arm of flesh we make our trust;
Nor sword, nor horse, nor ships we boast: Thine is the land, and thine the main, And human force and skill is vain.
3 Our guilt might draw thy vengeance down On every shore, on every town ;
But view us. Lord, with pitying eye, And lay thy lifted thunder by.
4 Forgive the follies of our times,
And purge our land from all its crimes ; Reform'd and deck'd with grace divine, Let princes, priests and people shine,
5 O may no God-provoking sin Through all our camps and navies reign ;
3
PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 641
No foul reproach, to drive from thence Our surest glory and defence.
6 So shall our God delight to bless, And crown our arms witii wide success : Our foes shall dread Jehovah's sword, And conquering Britain shout the Lord.
CCCLXX. Juhez's Prayer recommended to Youth. J Cliroiiiclcs iv. 9, 10.
1 TTHOU God of Jabez, hear,
"*• While we intreat thy grace, And borrow that expressive prayer. With which he sought thy face.
2 " O that the Lord indeed "Would me his servant bless,
*' From every evil shield my head, *' And crown my paths with peace!
3 *' By his Almighty hand
*' My helper and my guide, *' Till, with his saints in Canaan's land, *' My portion he divide."
4 Thus pious Jabez pray'd. While God inclin'd his ear ;
And all, by whom this suit is made. Shall find the blessing near.
5 Ye youths, your vows combine. With loud united voice ;
So shall your heads with honour shine. And all your hearts rejoice !
CCCLXXI. ManasselCs Affliction, Penitence and Restoration. 2 Chronicles xxxiii. 10 — 12.
1 /^OD of Manasseh, wilt thou scorn ^^ To own that humble name. While sinners, so remote as we,
Thy grace to him proclaim ?
2 High rais'd on Judah's throne he seem'd.
That hell in him might reign ; And taught thy sacred name to know Its honours to profane.
3 Yet thou the royal wretch didst view
With pity in thine eyes: How strange a cure thy mercy wrought I How wondrous, yet how wise !
643 HYMNS ON
4 Caught in the thorns by hostile hands,
The captive learn'd to reign ; And Babel's fetters set him free From Satan's heavier chain.
5 From the deep dungeon where he lay.
Thou heard'st his doleful cry ; Didst raise the suppliant from the dust, And bring salvation nigh.
6 Our souls, deprav'd and hard like his,
May grace exert its poAver ! And they shall bless the Avholesome smart. That works the sovereign cure.
CCCLXXII. A Church seeking Direction from God in the Choice of a Pastor. Ezra viii. 2 1 ,
1 CHEPHERD of Israel, bend thine ear. Thy servants' groans indulgent hear ! Perplex'd, distress'd, to thee we cry, And seek the guidance of thine eye.
3 Thy comprehensive view surveys
Our wandering paths, our trackless ways ; Send forth, O Lord, thy truth and light, To guide our doubtful footsteps right.
3 With longing eyes, behold, we wait In suppliant crowds at mercy's gate : Our drooping hearts, O God, sustani ! Shall Israel seek thy face in vain ?
4 O Lord, in ways of peace return. Nor let thy flock neglected mourn ; May our blest eyes a shepherd see. Dear to our souls, and dear to thee !
5 Fed by his care, our tongues shall raise A cheerful tribute to thy praise ;
Our children learn the grateful song. And theirs the cheerful notes prolong.
CCCLXXIII. Divine Condemnation deprecated, and Instruction de- sired, by the Afflicted. Job x. 2.
1 T^REMENDOUS Judge, before thy bar,
What human creature can be clear ? An arm so strong, an eye so pure. Who can escape, or who endure ?
2 *' Do not condemn us, Lord," we cry, As trembling in the dust we lie ;
But, while with grief our guilt we oAvn, Let smiling mercy take the throne.
PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 643
3 If thou wilt smite, oflciitU'd God, Sheath up thy sword, and take thy rod, And, 'midst the anguish and the smart. Open to disciphne our heart.
4 By chastcninfT, if our souls be taught, And cleans'd from every secret fault ; The wise severity we'll bless,
And mix our groans with songs of praise;
CCCLXXIV. Thanksgiving for National Deliverance, and Improve-
j)icntoj'it. I.iikc i. 74, 75.
1 C ALVATION doth to God belong;
His power and grace shall be our song ; His hand hath dealt a secret blow, And terror strikes the haughty foe.
2 Praise to the Lord, who bows his ear Propitious to his people's prayer; And, though deliverance long delay, Answers in his well-chosen day.
3 " O ! may thy grace our land engage, " Kcscu'd from fierce tyrannic rage,
*' The tribute of its love to bring
" To thee, our Saviour, and our King !"
4 Our temples guarded from the flame, Shall echo thy triumphant name ; And every peaceful private home To thee a temple shall becomCv
5 Still be it our supreme delight To walk as in thy honour'd sight : Still in thy precepts and thy fear, To life's last hour to persevere.
A TABLE
TO FIND OUT ANY HYMN BY THE FIRST LINK OF IT.
A HYMN
A CCF.PT, great God, thy Britain's
song 46
Alas for Britain, and her sons 186
Alas ! how fast our monjents Uy 3 '27 All-conquering faith, how high it rose 181 A'l-glorious God, what hymns of
praise 298
All-hail, mysterious King 339
AU-hail, victorious Savioxu', hail 3.54
Aloud 1 sing the wondrous grace '217
Amazing beauteous change 100
Aniazmg grace of God on high 99
Amazing plan of sovereign love 124 And are we now brought near to God 288
And art thou with us, gracious Lord 98
And doth the son of God complain 104
And is salvation brought so near 262
And shall we still be slaves 2'27
And why do our admiring eyes 252
And will the great eternal God 49
And will the Judge descend 189
Ami will the Majesty of heaven 14V
And will the eternal king 26.'5
Approach ye children of your God 315
A present God is all our strength 18
Arise, my tenderest thoughts, arise 64
Assist us, Lord, thy name to praise 255
Attend, mine car, my heart, rejoice 137
Attend, my soul, the voice divine 12
Attend, my soul, with reverend awe 159
Awak(!, my drowsy soul, awake 199 Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve 296
Awake, my soul, to meet the day 361
Awake, our souls, and bless his name 2J8 Awake, ye saints, and raise your eyes i264
B
backsliding Israel, hear the voice 122
Rihold (Jod's great incarnate Son 337
I'chold I come, the Saviour cries 343
Behold I come, the Saviour cries 361
Behold, O Israel's God 141
Behold our God, he owns his name 86
Behold the amazing sight 233
lU'Iiold the bleeding Lamb of (iod 242
Bciitjld the glass, the gospel lends 327
VOL. 111. 4
HYM?*
Behold the gloomy vale 32
Behold the great eternal God 15
Behold the great physician stands 223 Behold the path tiiat mortals tread 27 Behold the Son of God aj)pears 314
Behold the Son of God's delight 191
Behold with pleasing ecstasy 121
Beneath thy mighty hand, 6 God 338 Beset w ith snares on every hand 207
Blest be the Lamb, whose blood was
spilt 312
Blest Jesus, bow thine ear 301
Blest Jesus, source of grace divine 221 Blest men, who stretch their willing
hands 247
Blest Saviour, to my heart more dear 139 Brideu;roomof souls, how rich thy love 293 Bright source of intellectual rays 1 10
Captives of Israel, li(\'ir 105
Come, our indulgi'ut Saviour, come 245
Come, thou celestial Spirit, come 235
D
Descend, immortal dove 259
Do not I love thee, O my Lord 246
E
Enquire, ye pilgrims, for the way 137
Eternal and immortal Knig . 321
Eternal God, our humbled souls 154
Eternal God, our wondring souls 1
Eternal King, thy robes are white 1*^5
Eternal source of every joy 43
Eternal source of life and thought 322
Exalted prince of life, we own 248
Father divine, the Saviour cried 190
FatlK^r divine, thy piercing eye 177
Father of lights, we sing thy name 176
Father of men, thy care we bless 2
Father of mercies, in thy house 289
I Father of mercies, semi thy grace 205
Father of peace, and fJod of love 325
646
A TABLE.
HYMN
Father of spirits, from thy hand 13
Flowon my tears in risins; streams 129 Fountain of comfort and of love 27 1
God of eternity, from thee 292
God of Manasseh, wilt thou scorn 371
God of inj' life, through all its days 71
God of my life, thy constant care 134
God of salvation, we adore 40
God of the ocean, at wliose voice 1 ! 7 Go,saith the Lord, proclaim my giace 219
Grace! 'tis a charmiiicf sound 286
Great Father of each perfect gift 2.5 1
Great Father of mankind 1 13
Great former of this various frame 54
Great God, did pious Abraliam pray 3
Great God of heaven and nature, rise 369 Great God of hosts, attend our jirayer 84 Great God, vve sing that mighty hand 237
Great leader of thine Israel's host 306
Great Lord of angels, ue adore 1G6
Great object of thine Israel's hope 131
Great ruler of all nature's frame 92
Great Sovereign of the human heart 2.56
Great source of being and of love 147
Great source of life, our souls confess 59
Great Spirit of immortal love 331
Great teaelier of thy church, we own 1 73
Guardian of Israel, source of peace 368
H ■Hail, everlasting prince of peace 28?
Hail, everlnsting spring 1 70
JIail, gracious Saviour, all divine 238
Hail, progeny divine 200
Hail to Emanuel's ever-iionom-'d name 299 Hail to the prince of life and peace 33 1 Hark ! for the great Creator speaks Hark! for 'tis God's own son that calls Hark ! for 'tis wisdom's \"oice Hark I the glad sound, the Saviour
comes
Hark ! 'tis our heavenly leader's voice 353 Hear gracious sovereign from thy
throne 1 43
Hearken, yc children of your God 300 Heaven has confirmed the great
decree 313
He comes, the royal conquerorcomes 213 He comes, thy God, O Israel, comes 136 Henceforth let each believing heart 241 High let lis swell our tuneful notes House of our God, with cheerful an- thems ling How free the fountain flows How gentle God's commands How glorious, Lord, art thou How gracious and how wise How keen the tempter's malice is How long shall dreams of Creature- bliss
114
226
203
201
67 360 340
77 143 216
125 Ho^v rich thy bounty, King of kings 275
HYMN-
How rich thy favours, God of grace 341
How swift the torrent flous 164
I
I am thy God, Jehovah said 319
Jehovah ! 'tis a glorious name 20
Jesus, I love thy charming name 325
Jesus, I sing thy matchless grace 290
Jesus, mine advocate above 345
Jesus, niy Lord, how rich thy grace 13S
Jesus, our soul's delightful choice 1 97
Jesus, the I,ord, our souls adore 3 1 1
Jesus, we own thy saving power 2(14
Jesus, we own thy sovereign hand 234
Immense eternal God 10
Immf)rtal God, on thee we call 307
Indulgent God, with pitying eye 61
Indulgent Sovereign of the skies 120
In glad amazement. Lord, I stand 70
In one harmonious cheerful song 232
In raptures let our hearts ascend 244
Interval of grateful shade 3')3
In thy rebukes, all-gracious God 109
In wliat confusion earth appears 212
I own, my God, thy sovereign grace 240
Israel, thy tribute bring 357
Is there a sight in earth or heaven 224
It is my father's voice 90
It is the Lord of gloiy calls 126
Legions of foes beset me round 31
Let heaven burst forth into a song 103
Let Jacob to his maker sing 102
Let Zion's watchmen all auake 324 Lift up, ye saints, your weeping eyes 558
Listen ye hills, ye mountains, hear 158 Look back, my soul, with grateful
love " 58
Look down, O Lord, with pitying eye 146
Lord, dost thou shew a corner-stone 334
Lord of the Sabbath hear our vows 3 1 0
Lord of the vineyard, we adore 237
Lord, we adore thy wondrous name 55
Lord, we have broke thy holy laws 157
I,ord, we have wandered from thy way 65
Lord, w hen iniquities abound 7
Lord, when thine Israel we survey 83
I,ord, when thy hand is lifted up 88
Loud be thy name ador'd 283
Loud let the tuneful trumpet sound 50
Loud to the Prince of heaven 31
Mark the soft- falling snow 111
Mine inward joys snppress'd too long 330
My God, and is thy table spread 171
My God, assist me, while I raise 266
My God, how cheerful is the sound 297
My God, the covenant of thy love 21
My God, thy seiTicc weW demands 364
My God, what silken cords are thine 152
My God, whose all pei-yading eye 45
A TABLE.
547
HYMN
IVl y tnacious Lord, I cwn tliyridit 294
My IkIixt (Jiid, 1 blfss liis name 12
My .Itsiis, while in inortiil Hcsli 280 My I Ami, tlidht tliou endure such
smart 276
M y Sav iour, didst thou die for ine 1 03
My Saviour, I am thine 267
IVly Saviour, let inc hcnrtliy vnire 179
My sins, alas! how foul tlie stains 348
My siiul, rt'vicw thf Iri-niMinj; days 68
My soul, the uw fill lionr will rome 39
My soul triiiin]iliant in tlic Lord 33 Aly soul, uitli all thy wakened powers 3'20
My soul, with joy attend 231
My various jjowers, awake 347
M}' wakened soul, extend thy wings 342
N
Now bo that sacrifice siirvovcd 291
Now let a true ambition rise 178
Nov\ let my soul with transport rise 261
Now let our cheerfid eyes survey 8
Now let our mourning hearts revive 17 Now let our songs address the God
of peace 367
Now let our songs proclaim abroad 318
No« lot riiM' voices join 69
Now let the feeble all be strong 269
Now let the gates of Zion sing 182
Now let the listening world around 74
Now let the sons of Beliul liear 80
Now to that sovereign grace 326
O
O Cod of Jacob, by whose hand 4
O happy christian, who can boast 349
O haiii)y <hiy, that fixt my choice 23
O injured Majesty of Heaven 142
<") Israel, blest beyond compare 16
O Isrnol, thou art blest 78 O praise ye the Lord, prepare anew
song 366 O righteous God, thou judge supreme 14 O Thou that hast redemption wrought 24
Our banner is the eternal God 6
fhtv eyes salvation see 202
Our (l<n\ ascends his lofty throne 82
Our heavenly father calls 346
Our souls witii pleasing wonder view 34 Our Souls with reverence. Lord, bow
down 339
O where is sovereign mercy gone 1 1 6
O ye immortal throng 304
O Zion, tunc thy voice 1 18
Parent of universal good 47
Peace, all ye sorrows of tho heart 235
Peace, 'tis the Lord Jehovah's hand 42
Perfection ! 'tis an empty name (i3
Perpetual source of light and grace 151
Praise toourshepherd's gracious name 229
M Y M V
Praise to the Lord of boundless might 274
Praise to the I/ird on high 273
Praise to tlio Lord whose mighty hand 272
PiTiise to the radiant source of bliss 101
Praise to the sovereign of the sky Iti2
Praise to thy name, eternal God 344
R Rai<e, thoughtless sinner, raise tiiine
eye 148
Kemark, my soul, the narrow bounds 52
Repent, the voice celestial cries 234
Return, my roving heart, return '2')
Return, my soul, and seek thy rest 67
S
Salvation doth tor God belong 374
Salvation! O melodious sound 36
Satan, the diie in\ader came 308
Saviour divine, we know thy name 132
Saviour of nu'ti and Lord of love 1 84
Searcher of Hearts, before thy face 230
See how the Lord of mercy si)reads 185
See Israel's gentle shepherd stand 198
See the destruction is begim 04
See the fair structure wisdom rears 76
See the old dragon from his throne 336
Sheplierd of Israel, bend thine ear 372
Shepherd of Israel, thou dost keep 123
Slune forth, eternal source of light 130
Shine on our souls, eternal God 53
Shout ! for tho battlements are fallen 273
Sing to the Lord above 1 G7
Sing to tlie Lord a naw melodious song 220
Sing to the Lord, who loud proclaims 30
Sing, ye redeemed of the Lord 96
So lirm the saint's foundation stand 1 61
Sovereign of all the worlds on high 281 Sovereign of Heaven, thine empire
spreads 180
Sovereign of life, before thine eye 23
Sovereign of life, I own thy hand 60
Sovereign of nature, all is thine 1 4
Spring up, my soul, with ardent flight 2CS
Stupendous grace ! and can it be 287
Supremo in Mercy, who shall dare 160
Supreme of beings, with delight 335
Tho covenant of a Saviour's love 236
The creatures. Lord, confess thy hand 5
Ti.e darkened sky, how thick it lours 66
The day approachclh, O mv soul 317
The deiugc at the Almighty's call 336
The ever-livin.: God 89
The glorious Lord is Israel's hope 95
The great Jch<n ah ! who shall dare 26
Tho King of heaven liis table sjireads 21 1
The Lord from his exalted throne 28
Tlie Lord, how kind are all his ways 149
The Lord, how lich his comforts are 2"7
The Lord Jeho\ ah calls 309
548
A TABLE.
HYMN
The Lord into his vineyard conies 174 The Lord of gloiy reigns supremely
great 44
The Lord of life exalted stands 223
The Lord on mortal worms looks down 172 The Lord, our Lord, how rich his
grace 106
The Lord with pleasure views his saints 57 The promises I sing 316
The righteous Lord supremely great 128 These mortal joys, how soon they fade 209 The sepulchres, how thick they stand 243 The swift-declining daj"^ 136
The eternal God, his name how great 24 The vineyard of the I,ord, how fair 81 Thou God of Jabez, hear 370
Thou, Lord, through every changing
scene 51
Thou, mighty Lord, art God alone 253 Thrice happy souls, who born from
heaven 79
Thrice happy state, where saints
shall live 215
Thus hath the son of Jesse said 365
Thus saith Jehovah from his seat 9 1
Thy flock, with what a tender care 230 Thy judgments cry aloud 1 1 5
Thy piercing eye, O God, surveys 13S Thy presence, everlasting God 279
'Tis mine, the covenant of his grace 22 To all his flock, what wondrous love 239 To-morrow, Lord, is thine 329
To thee, great architect on high 305
To thee, my God, my days are known 38 To thee, O God, we homage pay 173 Transporting tidings, which we hear 302 Tremendous judge, before thy bar 373 Triumphant Lord, thy goodness reigns 35 Triumphant Zioii, lift thy head 107
V
Viler than dust, O Lord, are we 155
Ungrateful sinners, whence this scorn 258 Unite, my roving thoughts, unite 48
W
Wait on the Lord, ye heirs of hope 93 Weary, and weak, and faint 87
HYMN
We bless the eternal source of light 352 We praise the Lord for heavenly bread 222 We sing the deep mysterious plan 284 ^^'^hat bosom mov'd with pious zeal 9
What doleful accents do I hear 192
What haughty scorner, saith the Lord 168 What mysteries, Lord, in thee com- bine 350 What venerable sight appears 214 When at this distance, I,ord, we trace 183 While on the verge of life 1 stand 295 Whose words againstthe Lord ai e stout 136 Why flow these torrents of distress 196 W^hy should our mourning souls delight 260 Wliy will ye lavish out your years 206 Wide o'er all worlds the Saviour reigns 195 With ecstasy of Joy 333 With flowing eyes, and bleeding
hearts 270
With humble pleasure, Lord, we trace 1 1 With pity. Lord, thy servant view 62
With reverend awe, tremendous Lord 133 With transport. Lord, our souls pro- claim 323 With what delight I raise mine eyes 85
Ye armies of the living God 265
Ye golden lamps of heaven, farewel 119
Ye hearts with youthful vigour warm 75 Ye heavens, with sounds of triumph
ring 303
Ye humble souls, rejoice 72
Ye humble souls, that seek the Lord 194
Ye little flocks, whom Jesus feeds 208 Ye mourning saints, whose streaming
tears 1 1 2
Ye prisoners, who in bondage lie 169
Yes, Britain seem'd to ruin doom'd 155
Ye sen'ants of the Lord 210 Ye sinners, bend your stubborn necks 328
Ye sinners, on backsliding bent 153
Yes, it is sweet to taste his grace 332
Ye sons of men, with joy record 56
Yes, the Redeemer rose 218
Yes, 'tis the voice of love divine 163
Ye subjects of the Lord, proclaim 108
Ye weak inhabitants of clay 97
AN INDEX OR TABLE
A HYMN BY THE TITLE OR CONTEXTS OF IT.
Ni/mn suitable to Particular Subjects and Occasions.
N. B. The Figures refer to the Hymns.
AARON'S Breast-plate, 8. Abiding in Christ, 237, 238,
ifi;n/(am'iCareof his Family, 2. his Faith in leaving his Country, 3 IS. (JdcI, his Goii, 319. his Iiitereessioii for Sodom, 3.
i46*tv/ft' of God, dreadful, 18, 157.
j4f^iv/v in Relisrion, 11*9, 210. rewarded, - 172."
Adam, the First aad Second, 270.
Adopting Love, 124, 281.
AJfUrt inns tinproxed, 159. Instruction un- der them desired, 373. moderated, 92. salutary, 143. suhmitted to, 42. suc- ceeded bv Joy, 6(1. by Rest and Happi- ness in Heaven, 212," 310, 358,
A'i;^c/s, Christ seen of them, 304. their Head, 299. their Reply to those who soucht Christ, 194. their Song at Christ's Birth, 200, 201.
Appeal to Christ for the Sincerity of Love to him, 246.
Ark, the godly IMan's, 90. Koah sa^cd in it, an F.mblcm of the Believer's Safety in Christ, 336.
B
Bachslidrrs, their Ingratitude, 191, invited to return, 122. God's Pity for them, 153. recoUectins: themselves, 149.
Blr'isinti of God, necessary and desired, 53,363.
Blessings spiritual, acknowledged, 233, tempor.al, God's Readiness to give them, argued, 261.
B/)orf of Christ, admitting to the Holiest, 315. cleansing from Sin, 348. conquer- ing Satan, 356. conveying Blessings, 347, purify in?-', 312.
Britain, God intrentcd for it, 120. his Controversy with it, 158. um^cformed by Deliverances, 140, 155.
VOL. III.
4N
Captivn (it S\n lamented, 129.
Can-, anxious, reproved, 20, 47, 340. of
the Soul, most needful, 206, 207. Ciiltl'-, the Hand of God upon th<"in, 5. Charity to the Poor, 188, 205. rewarded,
209. Childless Christians comforted, 112. C/uWrew, Christ's Regard to them, 198. commended to God, 51. destroyed, 141. instructed, 2, of God, 281, 326. Christ, his Appearance after his Resurrec- tion, 245. his second Appearance, 314, 342. his Ascension, 244. his Blond, see Blnod. his Compoisinn, 185, 205, 214, 235. his Complaint on the Cross, 192, 193. Christians fow^/Ze/ciji him, 299. his Conquests, 41, 356, 357. the Door, 228. our l'ore-runner,3] {.forsaken byhisDis- ples 191, by his Father, 192, 193. his Finck comforted, 203, Immhled and ex- alted, 139, 3!0, his Intercession, 8. his Invitations, 74, 224, 225, 360. our Leader, 307, 353, 350. living to him, 276. the Lord OUT Righteousness, 132, Invin^ him, 239, 246. his Message, 203, his Nativity, 200, 201. his Prayer for his Enemies, 217. precious to Believers, 335. his Presence with his Churches, 195, 352. a Princr and Saviour, 243, re- jniced in though unseen, 330. his Re- s'lrrecttnn, 194, 218. Christians risen and exalted with him, 287. the Root of David, 559. Sanctif.caiion by him, 242, 266. S'curitti in him, 336. his Sheeb, 230, 231, 232. the Mon.ing-.S/ar, 359, the Sleriard of God's Family, 85. the living and Corner-.S/on<', 333, 334. his Siibmisfion, 190. his Sufferim^s, see S:(f' feriu^s. the Sun of Righteousness, 173. his Transjiguration, 183. his Triumph, 41. umhangeable, 323, Union with him.
650
INDEX.
267. ouf Wisdom, Righteousness, &,c.
266. Chrislii.--)s, see Saints. Church, Ihe Birth-Place of tbe Saints, 49.
its Glory in the latter Day, 118. Christ's
Presence with it, 195. Care of it, 332.
its Prosperity, a IVIinister's Happiness,
301. purified and guarded, 107. its Secu- rity, 182. praying for a Pastor, 13, 372.
Comfort, in God, "20. to the Childless, 1 i2. under Death of Friends, 236, 260,
302. See Su/i/inrl.
Communion wirli God through Christ, 346, 347.
Comfiassion, of God, 55, 109. of Christ, 185, 205, 214, 219, 235, christian, 205, 282.
Conduct of Christ, mysterious, 234.
Consolation from God, 277. from Christ, 235.
Covenant, the Blood of it delivering Priso- ners, 1 69.the Engagements of it desired, 137, rejoiced in, 23. supporting under Troubles, 21. in Death, 22. unchange- able, 355.
Counar,^ in Religion 9. in the Cause of Christ, 247.
Course, the Christian's finished with Joy, 255.
Creatures, insufficient, 125. mean, 97. vain, 268.
CroM of Christ, its Influence, 233. 276, 230.
Cupoi Blessings, 106.
Cjjrtis^s Spirit stirred up, 24.
D
Drt'»io?nV7f, recovered, 204. relapsing, 180. David, encouraging himself in God, 20.
his vain Pursuit of Perfection on Earth,
63. his last words, 3G5. Day, of small Things not despised, 1 68. of
Grace, 127, 256. of Judgment, see
Judgment. Dead quickened, 89. the pious, living to
God, 215. Death, appointed to all, 313. conquered
by Christ, 508. under his Controul, 351.
of Friends improved, 164. Ha))piness
beyond it, 295. a great Journey, '27.
none in Heaven, 358. prepared for, 130,
313, 317. rejoiced in, 361. a Sleep, 196.
Support in it, 22, 32, 45. uncertain
Time of it, 130,134,329. Delaying Sinners admonished, .127, 130,
256, 292, 309, 329. Deliverance celebrated, 58, 59, 60, 364.
public, 272, 374. spiritual, 105, 204. Desires known to God, 39. See Prayer. Devil, see Satan.
Devotion, daily, 79. secret, 177. an Evi- dence of Adoption, 281. See Prayer. Diligence, christian, 199, 210,296.
Education, good, 2. bad, 141.
Enemies, of God, destroyed, 44. of ChrTst^ destroyed, 213. his Prayer for them, 217. of the Church, restrained. 46. De- fence against them, 95. Love to them, 217. spiritual, see Satan.
Enoch'' s Piety and Translation, 1 .
Estahlishm.ent in Religion, 341.
Elernitij, of God, 54. of Christ, 323. of hea- venly Happiness., 187, 302. employed in God's Praise, 71.
Evening-Hymn, 363.
Examples, good, their usefulness, 175.
Faith, and Confession, 262. Jonah's re- commended, 157, living by it, 280. in
God's Name, 30. in his Promises, 316.
struggling with unbelief, 197. the Sijro- pluvnic/an Woman's. 181. Faithfulness, of God, 269, 316, 355. Falloi^dam, EflTccts of it, 270. Family Religion, 2. God's, under Clnist's
Care, 85. Farexvel, the Christian, 275. Fast-Days, Hymns for, 3, 6, 83, 84, 116,
120, 140, 155, 158, 186, 339, 369. Fasts, unsuccessful, accounted for, 116. Fathers, State of them reflected on, 165. Fear, unreasonable, restrained, 15, 30,
47, 98. F('o.r< of Wisdom, 76. of the Gospel, 211.
the Christian's secret Feast, 222. Fire, God's Controversy by it, 154. his
Word compared to it, 133, everlasting,
the Portion of the Wicked, 189. Forgiveness of Enemies, 217. divine, gee
Pardon. Forsaking God, its Evil, 131. the Misery
of being forsaken by him, 18. Foundation, the divine, firm, 505. of the
Church, is Christ, 333, 334. Frailty of Man, and God's Pity, 55. Fruitfuliipss of Christians, 237, 2-10. Fun-'ral Hymns, 17, 25, 27, 32, 42, 196,
'•08,21.5, 260, 295, 302. See Death,
Grave, Resurrectio'i.
General ions, \yASSin2; away, 164. succeed- ing, supported by God, 51.
Gentiles, Christ the Light of them, 202. united to the Church, 113, 284.
G/or//, divine. Muses' s \ lew \.>f it, 11, fu- ture, see Heaven.
Gloryins in God alone, 12R.
God, his Blessing desirable, 5"^, 368. his Cimpussion,bb, 109,153. his Complacency in his People, 38. in their Prosperity, 57. in his Thoughts of Peace, 135. in the Salvation of his Church, 163. the D:i<eliin!!-Place of his People, 51. his Eternity, 54. his Faithfulness, 269, 316, 355. the God of the Patriarchs, 319. his Goodness to Saints, 34. to all Creatures,
INDEX.
C5l
56. crowning the Yoar, 43. over-endur- ing;, 67. relished, 35. Iiis (irfalness, 97. the Hiipjiincsi odns People, 43. hh Jus- tice and Mercy, 1'2. his Knowledge of our Days, 38. of our Distress, 39. of our Frame, 55. his Lnvr in Christ, 2v'0. his pardoning Merct/, 28, 50, 103, 160. his ATrtwc pi-oclaimed, 1'2. Trust in it, 30. his People his Portion, 14. our Por- tion here and herealter, 45, his Presence desirable, 10, with his Saints, 38. our Preserver, \02. OUT P'otectnr, 31, 340. Jiis Providence, 47. its Bounties, 176, 297. the Salvation of his People, 36, 125. our Shrjiherd, 144. shining into the Heart, 274. sfieakins, Peace, 48, 109, 1 14. Support in him, 15, 45. unchange- able, 54. unknown, 253. zvaiting to be graoious, 93.
Goodness of God for Time and Eternity, 34. crowning the Year, 43. everlasting, 'J7. tasted, 35. universal, 56.
Ctj/if/.its happy Efects, 86, 100, 111. its Feast, 211. a Lazv of Liberty, 327. its Progress desired, 120, 121. its grand Scheme, 284. its joytul Sound, 50. its Treasure in earthen Vessels, 275.
Government of God, Zion's Joy, 108. of Christ, 85, 351. over Death and the un- seen World, 35 1 .
Grace, growing in it, 344. pardoning, 103. 160. perfecting, 325. quickening, 62. saved by it, 2S6.
Gratitude, the Spring of Religion, 152. See Praise.
Grcnie, its Solitude, 25, 27. Christ's Tri- umph over it, 194,350,351. See Re- surrection.
Grief, at beholding Transgressors, 64. moderated, 196,26^,302.
H
JTaJifiiness, of God's Israel, 16. his Compla- cency in it, 37, 38, 163. only in God, 45.
Hardening ourselves against God, fatal, 26, 256, 509.
Headnf the Church, Christ, 290. of Angels and Men, 299.
Health restored, 58, 59, 60. spiritual, 204, 223,
Heaven, its Happiness, 295. an Inheri- tance, 285. everlasting Liglitthere, 1 19. made meet for it, 293. its Rest, 310. seeing Christ there, 295. to be souglit first, 178. View of it overcoming Grief and Death, 35S.
f/f/ir^n/y-niindediiess, 300.
//f//r from God, 19,93, 257, sought and obtained, 63.
House, of God above, 33, 35 4. of Prayer, 113. of Wisdom, 76.
Humiliation, and F.xaltation of Israel, 99. of Christ, 139,3.")1. D^y, see Fast.
//j/m;///^' of a Penitent, 142, 371. under God's Hand, 338, 339.
Hymn for Morning, 362. for Evening, 363.
for a Day of Prayer, 120, see Praise, Hypocrisy, dreaded, 250.
Jal>ez.'s Prayer, 370.
Jacob's Vow, 4.
Jerusalem, Christ's Tears over it, 314. his Gospel first preached there, 219. the new, 354.
Uc.rnation of Christ, 200, 220.
hiconstau.y in Religion, 151.
Inheritance of the Upright, 38. of Heaven, 285.
/n/ytt/Vy abounding, 186. to be avoided, 7.
Intercession of Christ, 8.
hivisiblt God, regarded, 321.
Jc), religious, o9 in God, 161, in Chri.5t, 330, 335. in the Covenant, 22, 23.
Israel and Amalek, 6. backsliding, invited to return, 1-22. blessed by the Priests, 368. its Happiness, 16. humbled and exalted, 99. its Obstinacy, 88. its Stu- pidity, 83.
Jubilee, the Gospel, 50.
Judgment appointed to all, 313. approach- ing, 317. the Circumstances of it, 342. no escaping It, 337. prepared for, 343. desired and rejoired in, 314. 361. hap- py for the Saints, 303.
Judgments of God, deprecated, 373. com- pared with his Mercies, 109.
Justice and Mercy of God, 12.
K
Key of David in Christ's Hand, 85, 350, 351.
Kingdom oi God, 108. to be first sought, 1 7 8. of Christ, 4 1 , 35 1 , of Heaven, 1 87, 208.
KnoivUdge of God sought, 150, experi- mental, .045.
Laiu of Liberty, 327. of Love, 205, 232.
Liberality, see Charity.
Liberty ^wcn by Chri.st, 226,227. the Law of, 327. to enter the Holiest, 315.
Life, abundant by Christ, 229, 349, the Christian's connected witii Christ's, 236. the Fountain of it, 170. vain, 52. uncertain, 130,13 4,329.
Light, shining into the Heart, 274. of the Gentiles, Christ, 202. everlasting from God, 119. of good Examples, 175,
Living to Christ, 276, 294. by Faith in him, 280. to God hereafter, 215.
Love, of Get/ in sending his Son. 220. in giving all Things with him, 261. shed abroad, 239. of Chmt, in ministering to Men, 184. in giving liimseU for them, 134, 291,293. io Christ expressed, 335. continued in 239. Appeal to him for its Sincerity, 246. to Men, 29 1 . unfeigned, 331. toi'Jr-n.M, 217. N 2
652
INDEX,
M
^1 qjfsi)/ p{ Goi, 97.
Aian, frail and mortal, 270. frail, but God eternal, 54.
Manassek's Repentance, 371.
Marriage, spiritual^ 293,
Meditation and Retirement, 29.
Meeki their Happiness, 72.
Jlferry, pardoning, 103, 160, 371. despis- ed, 233. public, improved, 374. See Covipassion.
Military Ode, 366.
J\f/«!f/erf,imder Christ's Care, 352. Christ ever with them, 195. comforted, that they may comfort others, 271, Com- fort on then- Death, 17, 182, 195, 275. faithful, promoted to join the Angels, 166. frail and weak, 275. given by God, 123. the Church's Prosperity jtlieir Hap- piness, 301. a sweet SavourtoGod, 273. sought from God, 13, 372. watching for Souls, 324. willing to be employed, 82. die, but the Gospel lives, 275.
Ministrii, instituted, 289. Christ's unsuc- cessful, 104.
Miracles for Israel in the Wilderness, 47.
Moderation, christian, 268.
Mornimr Hymn, 362.
MoTtalitti, sec: Man, Death,
Moses, his wise Choice, 320. his Regard to the invisible God, 321. his Song, 357. his View of the divine Glory, 11.
Mourners comforted, 66, 196, 302. See Coviforty Support.
M:'ltitudc not to be followed to Evil, 7.
N
National Sins lamented, 140. Deliver- ances celebrated, 272, 374,
Nature, frail, but God compassionate, 55. and Scripture, 63.
Nearness to God through Christ, 113, 288.
Nerv-Year's Day, Hymns for, 19, 43, 52, 67, 134, 257, 368.
Noah preserved in the Ark, 326.
November the 5th, Hym»s for, 108, 272, 374.
O
Obedience to the heavenly Vision, 82. to God's Word, 136. the Design of na- tional Deliverances, 374.
Ordmatioji, Hymns for, 82, 123, 166, 275, 289, 324,
Tardon of Sin celebrated, 103, 153, 160. for the chief of Sinners, 219. and Strength, 160.
Part, the better chosen, 207, 320.
Patience, under Afflictions, 42. under my- sterious Providences, 212. in waiting, 93, 295.
Patriarchs, a City prepared for them, 319.
Peace^ with God sought, 91. obtained, 87,
114. rejoiced in, 135, improved, 48. in Christ amidst Tribulations, 241, public celebrated, 367,
Perfection, not to be found in Nature, 63, in Rehgion, 341.
Persecution to be fexpected by Christians, 306.
Perseverance of the Saints, 232, 341.
Pity, see Compassioji.
Poor, trusting in God, 162. Charity to them, 188, 205, 209.
Portion, of God, his People, 14. God, ours, 45.
Power of God, 26, 156, the Security of the Saints, 31, 216, 232,
Prow to God, everlasting, 11. (ov Christ, 201, 220, for his Goodness, 34, 35, 43, 56. for his everlasting Goodness, 67, 70. for the Hope of Glory, 298. for Liberty of Worship, 49. for Ministers, 123, 289. for Pardon, 160. for public Pence, 367, 374. for Preservation, 257. for Protec- tion, 31. for Recovery from Sickness, 58, 59, 60, 364. as our Shepherd, 144. for spiritual Blessings, 283, for tempond Blessings given with Christ, 261.
Prayer heard, 68, 370, 371. secret, 177. Family, 2. for the Spirit, 251. for Mi» nisters, 13, 372. for the Revival of Re- hgion, 120, 121. House of Prayer, 113.
Preparation to meat God, 156. for Christ's second Coming, 317, 343.
Presence of God desirable, 10, 568. of Christ with his Churches, 17, 195.
Preservation, from God, 31, 9b, 102, 257.
P;7<fc punished, 26.
Prisoners, spiritual delivered, 105, 169, 203.
Privileges, misimproved, 127. of Chris- tians by the Blood of Christ, 287, 2SS, 347, 348, 356.
Promises, God's Fidelity to them, 31 6, 355.
Prosperity, from God, 53. not to be exr pected by Rebels against him, 26. dreadful, if abused, 212.
Providence, 108. followed, 318. its Boun- ties, 176, 297. its Mysteries to be clear* ed up hereafter, 212, 234.
Q
Quickening- Grace desired, 62. Quietness under Trouble, 42,
R
Race, the Christian, 296. Christ our Fore- runner in it, 311.
Raiment, spiritual, 132, 165,
Rainboxo rovmd the Throne, 355.
Rebels against God warned, 44. punish- ed, 26, 156. against Christ executed, 213.
Rebellion, impudent, 136. Hymn for De- liverance from it, 46.
Recovery from Sickness, 58,59, 60, 364,
Redemption by Christ, 170, 226, 227, 266,
INDEX.
esi
Ttrjoicmf^, in God amiJst Poverty, 161. in Christ, though unset-n, L>'30. in our Co- venant Kngageiufiits, 'i3. in the Views of Death aiid Judgment, 314, 361. sec Joy.
Religion revived, 146. Activity in it, 1'72. Inconstancy in it, 151. Gratitude, the Spring of it, Ib'l.
Jlepentance coinnianded to all, 254. the Means of Pardon, 28, 371. protiucing Humility and Submission, 142.
Resignation, see I'uticncc, Siibmisiion.
liest, the holy Soul's in God, 57. remain- ing for Go<i's People, 310.
Jirsurrcction of Christ, 194, 218. of Chris- tians, 89, 260, 270, 287. by the Spirit, 260.
Retirement, and Self-Examination, 29.
Relurnn,<i to God, 122, 126, 149.
/J«;/iv//of Kcligion attempted, 172. pray- ed for, 120, 121.
Riehrs, their Vanity, 63, 212, Desire of them moderated, 268. everlasting, ob- tained by Charity, 209.
Ritlhteous Men, see Saints.
Rifihtenuiim.ns ivam Christ, 132, 165,266, 274.
Rod of God heard, 159. its good Eflects, 143,373.
Sabbath, tlie eternal, 310.
Sacnjictot' Christ, 220, 291. see Blood, the living, 263.
Sa/ct;/ in (Jod, 31, 90, 95, 98, 102. in the Ways of Religion, 96.
Sainti, their Excellency, 77, 78. their Happiness, 16, 38. God's Portion, 14. their Prospects for 'lime and Eternity, 33, 45. their Sentence and final Happi- ness, 187. Christ glorified in tiiein,3U3. iind Sinners' (hHcrent Vieu s in Time of Daiiger, 94. their different End, 212.
Sukatinn, approaching, 264. beautifying the Meek, 72. everlasting, 310, 314. .see Ilruiin. from God, 56. God magni- lied for it, 40. speaking it t/i his People, 36. by Grace, 286. the Scheme of it worthy of God, 3U7. the word cif it sent to us, 252.
Samaritan, the good, 205.
Sanctijication of Christ and liis Church, 242. by Christ, 266, 293.
Satan, his Captives lamented, 129. con- quered by Ciirist, a03. by Christians, 265, 356. his Power restrained, 216. his Strong-holds cast down, 278.
Scripture, its Excelli.ricy, 63. see irord.
Seaicns of the Year, 43.
Secret Prayer, 177.
Sfik:ng Ciirixt, 7^. the Knowledge of God, 150. tlie Kingdom of God lii»f, 178. Things above, 300. Self-Dedication, '23, 263. Stif- Examination, 29, 138.
SejiuLhre in the Garden, 243. sec Cratr, Serving Christ, 276, 294. with Zeal, > 10,
247. Settlement of a Minister, a Hymn for, I 23.
see Ordination, Minuter. Sheep, Christ's, their Character, 230. Hap- jjiness, 231. Security, 232. comforted, 208. God's Can? of theni, 144. rcc>)»er- ed from Wandering, 05. .SV/(y/^^r<^of Saints, is God, 144. Sickncii, healed, 58,59, 60, 364. spiiitual,
healed, 204, 223. Silence under AlHiction, 42. see Sub- minion. Sirnecn'i Song and Prophecy, 202. Sm, its Captiv(!s hmientcd, 129. causing (iiiif to good .Men, 64. cleansed i)y Christ'd uiood, 312,348. pardoned, 169, 170. remonstrated against, 115. none in Heaven, 510. Singing in God's Way, 09. see Joy, Re- joicing. Sinner.'., alaimtd, 80. destroyed, 26. their Doom, 148. exhorted, 328. recovered, 204. r(!lapsin^', 180. their final Sentence and Misery, 189. warned of their Ap- pearance at Judguient, 337. tlieir vain Kefu-e, 337. S'Jdier,X\\c ('liristiaii animated and crown- ed, 353, 354. Song ui Moics and tlie Lamb, 357. see
Hymn, Praise, Sorroiv, see ^IJfliction, Grief. Soul, C;od Its .Saviour, 30. its Strength, 6S.
the Care of it needful, 206, 207. S/iii it of God, conijiared to Water, 221, 225, 360. his liitluences desired, 145, 251, 360. lifting up his Standard, 117. the Proof of our Adoption, 281. quicken- ing dead Saints, 200. revealing Hea\en, 285. Spirits of Men under God's Influence, 24. departing, committed to Chri>t, 249. Spiritual Enemies, see Satan. State of the Dead reliected on, 164. Stone, t\ie livini,', 3o3. tiie corner, 334. Stiength from Heaven, 15, 68, 98, 26i». Subjection to God, 322. Submission io God, 42, 190. sec Patience. .Sttf en J of the Gospel, 100, 111, 147, 173,
sought, 120, 121. Sufcnngs of Christ, 191, 307. and his Suc- cesses, 41, 139. of Christians, 306, see
(jrief, Com/'.rt, Sup/lO't.
S[/«of Highteousiiess, 173.
Si^/iper, Lord's, Hymns for it, 171, 288. 3jO.
Support from God, 15. in Death, 32, 45, in the Covenant, under Troubles, 20, 21. in Death, 22. on the Death of faith- ful Ministers, 17, 182, 195. pious Friends, 17, 196, 208, 215, 260,302. young Christians, 23 1.
Symput'ty, Christian, 205, 28'2.
65^
a
INDEX.
Table of the Lord polluted, 171. spread, and Invitations sent, 21 1 . attended, 350.
Tasting divine Goodness, 35. that the Lord is gracious, 33'2.
Teachings, divine, '210. Christ's, excellent, 175.
Temple, the spiritual, 167, 333. the hea- venly, and Christian's Pillars in it, 33, 354.
Temptationi moderated, 216. overcome, 356. Strength proportioned to them, 269.
Thankfulness, see Praise.
Thanksgiving, Hymns of, 67,70, 71. for public Mercies, 49, 95, 272, 374,
Things, small, the Day of, not despised, 16S.
Time, redeemed, 130, 292, 317, 329. wasted, 5'2, 127.
Triumfilim God's Protection, 31 . of Christ, 41. of the Gospel, see Success.
Trouble, Patience under it, 42. Consola- tion in it, 235. in domestic Troubles, 21. see Sup/iort.
Trust in God, 30, 87, 1 62.
Vacant Congregations seeking God, 13,
372. Vanity of Creatures, and God's Sufficiency,
125. of earthly Things, 268. of Man, 63.
of Man, and Majesty of God, 97. of
"Riches, 212. of worldly Schemes, 329.
of our Years, 52. Victory celebrated, 46, 272, 374. spiritual,
see Satan. Vint, Christ the true, 237. abiding in him,
237, 238. Vineyard of God, 81. its Unfruitfulness
punished, 174. Unbelief anA Faith struggling, 197. Vnchangeablenessoi God, 54, 316. of Christ,
323. of tlie Covenant, 355. Unknown God, 253. Voice of Christ calling Men, 74. of God to
be immediately heard, 309. of the Rod
heard, 159,373. Vows, religious encouraired, 137. rejoiced
in, 23.
W
IVaiiinje for God, 93.
IValktn'g with God, 1,79.
Warfare, spiritual, 192, 306, 353, 354. see Satan.
Watchfulness, christian, 129, 210.
Waters, living, an Emblem of the Spirit, 221,225, 360. of the Sanctuary, 147.
Ways of God, singing in them, 69. Safety in them, 96. the Blind and Weak led in them, 101. of the Upright known to God, 38. searching and trying our Ways, 138.
Wicked, see Sinner.
Wilderness, transformed, 100. Miracles in it, 47.
Wisdom, her House and Feast, 76. her In- vitations, 76. her Reproofs and En- couragements, 73. true, 150. Christ our Wisdom, 266.
Word of God, its Benefit to Youth, 61. its Efficacy, 133, 356. its Excellency, 63.
World, transitory, 268. vain, 329. destroy- ed, 342.
Worship, daily, 79. Family, 2. secret, 177. opening a new Place of Worship, 49.
Wrath, future, 189. treasured up, 258. of Enemies restrained, 95. and over-ruled, 46.
Year, crowned with divine Goodness, 43.
wasted, 52. see New Year''s-Day. Youth pressed to pray, 370. regard to
Scripture, 61. to seek Christ, 75. to
seek Heaven fust, 178. Comfort on their
Death, 234.
Zeal for God, 9. for Christ's Cause, 246, 247. approved and rewarded, 172.
Z/o»,God comforting it, 163. intreating for it, 220. its Joy in God's Government, 108. purified and guarded, 107. the High-way to it, 96. Way to it sought, 137. see C)4«rc/;.
END OF THE THIRD VOLUME.
E. BAIVFS, rftlNTER LEF.D.S.
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