,transcribed from the #ahca ,c4 ,j4 ,g4 and ,f4 ,rivington edition by ,david ,price1 ccx#jgdpglaf4org ,picture3 ,public domain book cover ,,plain ,,parochial ,,sermons1 ,,preached ,,in ,,the ,,parish ,,church ,,of ,,bolton-,,le-,,moors1 ,,by ,,the ,,rev4 ,,james ,,slade1 ,m4,a41 ,,vicar ,,of ,,bolton1 ,,and ,,prebendary ,,of ,,chester4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,london3 ,c4 ,j4 ,g4 ,,and ,f4 ,,rivington1 ,,st4 ,,paul',s ,,church ,,yard4 #ahca4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,bolton3 ,,printed ,,by ,j4 ,,gardner4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,to ,,the ,,congregation ,,of ,,the ,,parish ,,church ,,of ,,bolton1 ,,these ,,sermons ,,are ,,inscribed ,,and ,,dedicated1 ,,with ,,affectionate ,,regard1 ,,by ,,their ,,pastor ,,and ,,friend1 ,j4 ,s4 ,,advertisement4 ,,the author has been repeatedly urged to print a volume of his ,parochial ,sermons2 and perhaps he owes some apology to those friends1 whose kind advice1 on this head1 has been for years neglected4 ,he was apprehensive1 that the interest1 excited by his discourses from the pulpit1 would not be adequately revived by their appearance in print2 or at most1 that they would be impressive only upon those who had heard them3 and he moreover thought1 that the christian world was already provided with more than a sufficiency of such publications4 ,however1 whether these opinions be well founded or not1 he has been at length prevailed upon to defer to the wishes and judgment of others4 ,it is almost needless to observe1 that the ,sermons were written without any1 the most distant1 view to publication2 they pretend to nothing1 but the simple and earnest inculcation of christian principle and practice2 and as this is the author's sole object1 so does he pour forth his humble prayer1 that what1 by ,god's help1 he has planted and watered1 may1 by ,god's blessing1 be increased to the glory of ,his own great name1 and the edification of ,his ,church4 ,,contents4 ,,sermon ,i4 ,,awake ,,thou ,,that ,,sleepest ,,and ,,arise ,,from ,,the ,,dead4 ,,ephesians v4 #ad4--,wherefore ,he saith1 ,page #a ,awake thou that sleepest1 and arise from the dead1 and ,christ shall give thee light4 ,preached ,january #ajth1 #ahcj1 #ast ,epiph41 vii and at ,chester ,cathedral1 ,august #ast1 in the same year4 ,,sermon ,,ii4 ,,the ,,unsearchable ,,riches ,,of ,,christ4 ,,ephesians iii4 #h4--,the unsearchable riches of ,christ4 #bj ,preached ,january #ith1 #ahca1 #ast ,epiph4 ,,sermon ,,iii4 ,,the ,,destruction ,,of ,,the ,,flood4 ,,genesis vi4 #g4--;,it repented the ,lord1 that ,he had made man #ch upon the earth and it grieved ,him at ,his heart2 and the ,lord said1 ,i will destroy man1 whom ,i have created1 from the face of the earth4 ,preached ,february #fth1 #ahbe1 ,sexag4 ,,sermon ,,iv4 ,,the ,,preservation ,,from ,,the ,,flood4 ,,genesis vi4 #h4--,noah found grace in the eyes of the ,lord4 #ef ,preached ,february #acth1 #ahbe4 ,,sermon ,v4 ,,do ,,this ,,great ,,wickedness ,,and ,,sin ,,against ,,god1 ,,genesis xxxix4 #i4--;,how then can ,i do this great wickedness #gf and sin against ,god8 ,preached ,march #fth1 #ahbe1 #crd ,lent4 ,,sermon ,,vi4 ,,on ,,the ,,journey ,,to ,,emmaus4 ,,luke xxiv4 #cb4--;,and they said one to another1 ,did not our #ie heart burn within us1 while ,he talked with us by the way1 and while ,he opened to us the ,scriptures8 ,preached ,april #acth1 #ahbh1 #ast ,easter1 and at ,chester ,cathedral ,july #abth1 #ahbi4 ,,sermon ,,vii4 ,,if ,,they ,,hear ,,not ,,moses ,,and ,,the ,,prophets4 ,,luke xvi4 #ca4--;,if they hear not ,moses and the ,prophets1 #aad neither will they be persuaded1 though one rose from the dead4 ,preached ,june #ast1 #ahbc1 #ast ,trin4 ,,sermon ,,viii4 ,,perfect ,,love ,,casteth ,,out ,,fear4 #a ,,john iv4 #ah1--,there is no fear in love1 but perfect love #acd casteth out fear3 because fear hath torment2 he that feareth is not made perfect in love4 ,preached ,june #afth1 #ahbb1 #bnd ,trin4 ,,sermon ,,ix4 ,,humble ,,yourselves ,,under ,,the ,,mighty ,,hand ,,of ,,god4 #a ,peter v4 #f4--;,humble yourselves under the mighty hand of #aed ,god1 that ,he may exalt you in due time4 ,preached ,june #aith1 #ahbe1 #crd ,trin4 ,,sermon ,x4 ,,thou ,,art ,,the ,,man4 #b ,samuel xii4 #g4--;,and ,nathan said to ,david1 ,thou art the man4 #agb ,preached ,july #adth1 #ahbb1 #fth ,trin41 and at ,chester ,cathedral ,july #fth #ahbc4 ,,sermon ,,xi4 ,,the ,,way ,,of ,,the ,,lord ,,equal4 ,,ezekiel xviii4 #be4--,ye say1 the way of the ,lord is not equal4 #ahi ,hear now1 ,o house of ,israel2 is not ,my ways equal8 are not your ways unequal8 ,preached ,october #ajth1 #ahbd1 #agth ,trin4 ,,sermon ,,xii4 ,,the ,,new ,,man4 ,,ephesians iv4 #bd4--,that ye put on the new man1 which after #bji ,god is created in righteousness and true holiness4 ,preached ,october #acth1 #ahbb1 #aith ,trin4 ,,sermon ,,xiii4 ,,the ,,wedding ,,garment4 ,,matthew xxii4 #b4--,the kingdom of heaven is like unto a #bcj certain king which made a marriage for his son4 ,preached ,october #cast1 #ahbd1 #bjth ,trin4 ,,sermon ,,xiv4 ,,walk ,,worthy ,,of ,,the ,,lord1 ,,be ,,fruitful ,,and ,,increasing4 ,,colossians i4 #aj4--,that ye might walk worthy of the ,lord unto #beb all pleasing1 being fruitful in every good work1 and increasing in the knowledge of ,god4 ,preached ,november #ith1 #ahbc1 #bdth ,trin4 and at ,chester ,cathedral1 ,august #bjth1 #ahbf4 ,,sermon ,,xv4 ,,the ,,word ,,of ,,the ,,lord ,,precious4 #a ,,samuel iii4 #a4--,the word of the ,lord was precious in those #bga days2 there was no open vision4 ,preached ,december #ith1 #ahbg4 #bnd ,advent ,,sermon ,,xvi4 ,,distinctions ,,to ,,be ,,made ,,on ,,the ,,day ,,of ,,judgment4 ,,matthew xxiv4 #dj4--,the one shall be taken and the other left4 #bij ,preached ,december #abth1 #ahbd1 #crd ,advent4 ,,sermon ,,xvii4 ,,god ,,made ,,man ,,upright2 ,,man ,,makes ,,himself ,,miserable4 ,,eccles4 vii4 #bi4--,lo1 this only have ,i found1 that ,god hath #caj made man upright1 but they have sought out many inventions4 ,preached ,august1 #ahbh1 and at ,chester ,cathedral1 ,june #bhth1 #ahbi4 ,,sermon ,,xviii4 ,,the ,,knowledge ,,of ,,god ,,revealed ,,to ,,them ,,that ,,fear ,,him4 ,,psalm xxv4 #ad4--,the secret of the ,lord is with them that fear #cbi ,him2 and ,he will shew them ,his covenant4 ,preached ,november #aith1 #ahbf1 and at ,chester ,cathedral1 ,july #bith1 #ahbg4 ,,sermon ,,xix4 ,,resist ,,the ,,beginnings ,,of ,,evil ,,temptation4 ,,proverbs iv4 #ad1 #ae4--;,enter not into the path of the wicked1 #cdi and go not in the way of evil men4 ,avoid it1 pass not by it1 turn from it1 and pass away4 ,preached ,october #ajth1 #ahcj4 ,,sermon ,,xx4 ,,the ,,love ,,of ,,christ ,,for ,,those ,,who ,,do ,,the ,,will ,,of ,,god4 ,,mark iii4 #ce4--,whosoever shall do the will of ,god1 the same #cff is ,my brother and ,my sister and mother4 ,preached ,february #crd1 #ahbh4 ,,sermon ,,xxi4 ,,on ,,seeking ,,out ,,the ,,works ,,of ,,the ,,lord ,,and ,,praising ,,him4 ,,psalm cxi4 #a1 #b4--;,i will give thanks unto the ,lord with my #che whole heart2 in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation4 ,the works of the ,lord are great1 sought out of all them that have pleasure therein4 ,preached ,november #bcrd1 #ahbh4 ,,sermon ,,xxii4 ,,diligence ,,and ,,perseverance ,,in ,,the ,,christian ,,race4 ,,philipp4 iii4 #ac1 #ad4--;,brethren1 ,i count not myself to have #djd apprehended2 but this one thing ,i do1 forgetting those things which are behind1 and reaching forth unto those things which are before1 ,i press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of ,god in ,christ ,jesus4 ,preached ,march #bhth1 #ahcj1 and at ,chester ,cathedral1 ,september #eth1 in the same year4 ,,sermon ,i4 ,,awake ,,thou ,,that ,,sleepest4 ,,ephesians v4 #ad4 ,wherefore1 he saith1 ,awake1 thou that sleepest1 and arise from the dead1 and ,christ shall give thee light4 ,,in this chapter the ,apostle has been reminding his ,ephesian converts of the state in which they were1 before they had received and obeyed the call of the gospel4 ,the people of ,ephesus were highly endowed1 in the world's estimation1 not only with riches1 but also with talent and learning1 and refinement2 with all the arts and ornaments of civilized life4 ,and yet1 how does ,st4 ,paul describe them in the #hth verse8 8,ye were sometimes darkness20 how in the #abth8 8,for it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret40 ,here1 you observe1 we have a remarkable declaration from the mouth of an ,apostle1 that a people1 however talented and learned1 were still wrapt in the mantle of darkness1 with regard to their real good and happiness2 with regard to their religious and moral condition4 ,whatever nature had done for them1 to whatever eminence they had been raised by art or industry1 they were left far short of the object which it concerned them most to attain--an acquaintance with ,god1 a knowledge and practice of ,his law2 a peace with ,him and with their own consciences4 ,so far were they from this1 that their characters were stained with the most debasing vices2 their secret sins were too abominable even to be mentioned4 ,thus we see how little the instructions and advantages of this world have to do with reforming the conduct1 or amending the depraved heart of man4 ,and what was true in this instance1 is true in all2 there is no teaching1 there are no rules of prudence1 no maxims however wise1 no manners however polished1 that can cleanse the heart of its natural unrighteousness1 and curb its natural propensity to evil3 give what you may1 educate as you may1 man1 if left to his own wisdom and strength1 will remain what he is by fallen nature1 a weak1 a wayward1 and a wicked being2 an enemy to holiness and to ,god4 ,there may be a shew of wisdom 8falsely so called20 there may be a refined conversation and a polished outside2 but there will always be uncleanness remaining within4 ,the evil principles may wear a dazzling veil1 and the vices may be clothed in fashionable garments1 but they will be evil principles and vices still4 ,there is but one means by which the darkness of nature can be scattered1 and that is by the light of ,god's truth2 but one means by which the evil spirit of the natural man can be cast out1 and that is by the ,spirit of ,god4 ,the blessed ,jesus came into the world to reclaim and redeem it from the grossness in which it was sunk2 to open a new scene of things2 to impart a new life2 to banish the thick cloud of error and of sin1 in which the world hopelessly and irrecoverably lay2 and to raise it to the knowledge and service1 the favour and blessing of an offended ,god4 ,this is the description of the happy effects which the gospel is intended and fitted to produce2 8the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light2 they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death1 upon them hath the light shined40 #d ,all1 without the gospel1 are in this miserable condition1 whatever they may think of themselves3 all who sincerely embrace it1 are enlightened and happy1 however poor and humble1 and of whatever else they may be ignorant4 ,poor and humble did ,i say8 ,it is to them1 that this light is the most easily1 and frequently1 and effectually communicated4 ,the prosperous and the great too often resemble the wealthy ,ephesians1 8having the understanding darkened1 being alienated from the life of ,god through the ignorance that is in them1 because of the blindness of their heart20 #e revelling in the self-sufficiency of their earthly comforts1 proud of their acquirements1 fond of their own way1 they disdain to be taught the humbling truths of the gospel from a fellow-creature like themselves3 and often has the minister of the gospel to be thankful to his ,lord and ,master1 that1 when he finds his message rejected and despised by his wealthier hearers1 it still makes its way into the hearts of some of the poor3 grieved he is indeed1 that those1 who ought to know it best and love it most1 should be so deluded by worldly vanities and follies1 as to continue1 amidst all their advantages of education1 in spiritual darkness and death2 set against the messenger1 because hating the truth of his message3 yet1 is it a comfort to him1 sincere and unspeakable1 that he meets with more success among the ignorant1 as they are called1 and the children of the poor3 that there he finds wisdom1 8the wisdom which is from above20 and there he finds friends among the friends of ,god4 ,it was so in the ,apostle's day2 and with some bright exceptions1 it has been the same in every day3 8,for ye see your calling1 brethren1 how that not many wise men after the flesh1 not many mighty1 not many noble are called2 but ,god hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise2 and ,god hath chosen the weak things of the world1 to confound the things that are mighty3 and base things of the world1 and things which are despised hath ,god chosen2 yea1 and things which are not1 to bring to nought things that are3 that no flesh should glory in his presence40 #g ,all these observations have been made1 to connect and explain the first word of the text1 wherefore2 8wherefore1 he saith1 awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead1 and ,christ shall give thee light40 ,inasmuch as it is impossible for thee to know and to please ,god1 to attain unto holiness and happiness1 to save thy soul1 by the light of nature1 7for nature is in fact1 of itself and for such a purpose1 no light at all17 turn to the way1 which is opened to thee by the shining of the ,sun of ,righteousness2 to that one way1 which is opened alike for all mankind1 rich and poor1 learned and unlearned2 turn to thy ,redeemer1 in humble faith and hearty desire1 and 8,he shall give thee light30 learn of ,him and ,he shall teach thee all that thou needest to know3 seek of ,him1 and ,he shall guide thee into all righteousness and truth2 lean on ,him1 and ,he shall support thee1 through all the course of thy earthly pilgrimage2 and conduct thee in peace and safety to thy journey's end4 8,wherefore1 he saith20 there is no particular passage in the ,old ,testament1 in which these words of the text are found2 but they seem to allude to several expressions of similar import1 in the prophecy of ,isaiah4 ,in the #bfth chapter1 there is a passage which describes the deliverance of ,god's people from a state of degradation1 both political and spiritual1 under the figure of a resurrection from the dead3 8,thy dead men shall live1 together with my dead body shall they arise4 ,awake and sing1 ye that dwell in dust2 for thy dew is as the dew of herbs1 and the earth shall cast out the dead40 #h ,and again1 in the #ebnd chapter3 8,awake1 awake1 put on thy strength1 ,o ,zion2 put on thy beautiful garments1 ,o ,jerusalem1 the ,holy city2 for henceforth there shall no more come in to thee the uncircumcised and the unclean2 shake thyself from the dust2 arise and sit down1 ,o ,jerusalem3 loose thyself from the bands of thy neck1 ,o captive daughter of ,zion3 for thus saith the ,lord1 ye have sold yourselves for nought2 and ye shall be redeemed without money30 #i;a a powerful call upon the ,jewish people to cast away their transgressions1 through which they had been brought into a state of grievous captivity1 and to throw themselves on the ,lord's mercy1 and return to the ,lord's service1 that ,he might break their bonds asunder1 and visit them with ,his salvation4 ,one more passage there is1 to which the ,apostle clearly alludes1 in the opening of the #fjth chapter3 8,arise1 shine1 for thy light is come1 and the glory of the ,lord is risen upon thee4 ,for behold1 the darkness shall cover the earth1 and gross darkness the people3 but the ,lord shall arise upon thee1 and his glory shall be seen upon thee40 #i;b ,here the prophet foretels the glorious dawn of gospel light1 and calls upon the ,church to arise and behold it1 shining from afar2 to behold it with the eye of faith2 to look forward to that ,saviour1 that great 8fountain for sin and uncleanness10 which the law and the prophets did all with one voice proclaim4 ,the prophet adds1 8,and the gentiles shall come to thy light1 and kings to the brightness of thy rising40 ,the first coming of the gentile world was visible in the footsteps of the wise men1 who came 8from the east to ,jerusalem10 #aj to worship the infant ,jesus3 and ever since our ,lord's return to the heavens1 the gospel has been preached to all nations2 and accepted1 more or less1 by the kings and potentates of the earth4 ,and1 as the prophet called on the people of old1 to awake and arise and turn to the coming light1 so ,st4 ,paul invited and animated his converts and their brethren1 to awake and behold the glory of the ,lord1 after it had been fully revealed to the dark and sinful world2 and so do the ministers of ,christ1 in every age1 call upon their hearers to arouse from their benighted and lost condition1 and let this light shine upon their understandings and hearts1 and direct them in the way of life and salvation4 ,for grieved are we to say1 that notwithstanding these bright beams of grace and truth have been so long pouring forth their splendour upon the earth1 yet are there many dark corners2 and many eyes awfully closed against the light3 and still more grieved are we to say1 that even in the land where these beams have shone brightest1 even in this land1 vast numbers yet remain total strangers to their enlightening influence and converting power3 numbers who have had the benefit of being educated under the gospel1 who have witnessed its happy effects2 who have seen what it has done for their relations1 or friends1 or neighbours1 have yet ungratefully and disdainfully turned away from the heavenly light1 and 8walked on still in darkness20 have sided with the world and ,satan and sin1 and resisted the salvation of their souls4 ,o1 that they could be brought1 ,o for the grace of ,god's ,holy ,spirit to bring them1 to listen to the warning words of that merciful ,saviour1 to whom1 if they now continue to despise ,him1 they will one day lift up their hands in vain3 these are ,his words1 8if the light that is in thee be darkness1 how great is that darkness40 #ab ,if1 after all the gracious offers of pardon and life1 which thy ,redeemer has made thee1 by ,his own mouth1 and the mouth of ,his messengers1 thou still choosest unforgiveness and death1 going on in the heedlessness of thy impenitent heart1 and wantoning in sin1 how dreadful is thy condition6 how infinitely more dreadful1 than if the voice of mercy had never sounded in thine ears4 ,be convinced3 let the love of thy ,saviour work upon thee2 let the love of thine own immortal soul move thee to fly unto ,him1 the great1 the only1 the everlasting ,redeemer4 ,leave thy way of misery and ruin1 and turn to ,him for comfort and deliverance4 ,turn1 while thou hast the power2 the night is fast coming4 ,thou knowest not how many more sabbaths1 how many more invitations and warnings1 will be vouchsafed3 many thou hast had already2 enough of them thou hast already slighted4 ,come1 ye that are strong1 for the strong are often laid low2 come1 ye that are young1 for the young are not always spared2 come1 ye aged1 for your hour of trial must be nearly run out4 ,come all1 while ye may1 to the ,lamb of ,god1 for acceptance and for blessing3 there is no safety1 and no hope in any other3 and no hope in ,him1 when the door is once shut2 8we pray you1 in ,christ's stead1 be ye reconciled to ,god40 #ac ,the text says1 8,awake thou that sleepest20 it means1 awake from the sleep of sin2 and very fitly is the state of the sinner compared to a state of sleep3 he is quite insensible of his true1 his awful condition2 he fears not1 perceives not1 the doom that is awaiting him4 ,satan has bound up his senses2 the eyes of his understanding are closed1 and his knowledge of good and evil is utterly prevented4 ,he is to the spiritual world1 what the sleeping man is to the natural1 unconscious of what is going forward to his advantage or his injury4 ,speak to him of mercy1 he hears not3 8sing him one of the songs of ,sion10 it is all in vain3 speak to him of divine wrath1 of eternal punishment2 to what purpose1 while his ear is closed8 ,the whispers of conscience1 the counsel of friends1 8the tongues of men or of angels10 are alike unprofitable1 while a deep sleep is cast upon the soul4 ,and there is a further resemblance3 the sinner dreams1 of happiness arising from worldly prosperity1 from plenty and pleasure3 and as the brain of a poor or disconsolate man1 in a state of sleep1 is often filled with ideas of such things1 and he awakes and finds them sadly untrue2 awakes from his pleasant dreaming to his state of drudgery and discomfort2 so is the sinner often constrained to feel and confess1 that his notions of happiness were no better than a dream2 that they were unsubstantial and unreal1 promising much and bringing little3 still he is unconvinced2 pursues his course of trifling1 his disappointed dreamings1 till at length he awakes in another world1 and thoroughly perceives the wretchedness of his condition1 which it is then too late1 impossible to change4 ,from this dreadful1 fatal sleep of sin1 the gospel is designed to rouse us3 and ,i pray ,god1 that our conscience may be effectually alarmed and awakened2 that we may be alive and active in perceiving and following 8the things that belong unto our peace60 ,the text says further1 8,arise from the dead20 from the death of sin2 from the state of misery and ruin1 in which ye insensibly lie4 ,here is another significant figure3 the impenitent sinner is not only plunged into a condition of helpless wretchedness1 but he has no energy to recover from it1 no quickening or effectual desire of better things2 no more perception of spiritual interests1 of heavenly objects1 than a corpse has of the natural world4 ,when once the breath has left the body1 the busiest scenes of earth can affect it no longer2 nothing can 8charm the dull cold ear of death30 when the breath of a divine life is not in the soul1 when the new-creating spirit of ,god is not received and cherished1 the beauty of holiness and the all-important interests of a spiritual and eternal world produce no effect upon the forlorn understanding and the deserted heart3 no representations of spiritual truth can move the heavy ear of a besotted and determined sinner2 none1 while he is resolved1 so to remain3 not even the voice of the ,son of ,god1 8charm ,he never so wisely40 ,till the heart be moved to repentance1 till1 the faculties of the soul are recovered from the fascination of stupor and sin1 no living impression can be made1 even with all the force that truth can carry4 ,how often do we find this to be the case6 how often does the sinner acknowledge the justice1 the certainty1 the necessity of what is urged upon him1 but without any alteration in his character2 without any effectual or lasting alteration4 ,his heart is unchanged3 the slave of sin2 dead in sin2 not alive or open to the force of truth1 to the doctrines of righteousness or salvation4 ,infatuated sinner6 thine own conscience accuses thee2 thou believest that there will be a world to come1 a world of recompence1 and yet thou turnest not to prepare for it2 pray1 when thou fearest2 pray1 when thou thinkest of these things2 cry earnestly to thy ,saviour1 that he may deliver thee from this 8gall of bitterness and this bond of iniquity20 pray for the convincing1 converting1 life-giving ,spirit1 that ,he may 8set thine heart at liberty0 from the thraldom of sin2 and thus enable thee to listen to the call of the gospel1 and turn thy feet in earnest to the ,redeemer of thy soul4 ,for if thou listenest and turnest not1 8dead thou art while thou livest20 and when thou diest1 eternally dead2 dead to all comfort and happiness for ever2 dead in a world of woe4 ,but if we will 7and ,god grant that we all may7 awake and arise1 8,christ will assuredly give us light30 8,he is the true light1 which lighteth every man that cometh into the world20 #ah ready to shine upon every soul1 to lighten it in darkness and quicken it in death4 ,believe in ,him1 and live in ,him1 and the clouds of ignorance shall be scattered away2 and the drowsiness of the soul shall be cast off2 and the cold heart of the natural man shall be warm with life again4 ,in the midst of this world's temptations and trials1 troubles and perplexities1 we shall see our way clear1 our way to the heavenly ,jerusalem2 a brightness1 the brightness of ,god's presence1 will be resting upon our souls2 the world sees it not1 but we shall see and enjoy it every hour3 dark things will be made light1 and 8crooked things will be made straight1 and the rough places plain30 we shall be living above the world1 for 8our life will be hid with ,christ in ,god30 #ai cheerful we shall be when nature is sad3 inspirited when nature is languishing2 full of praises and thanksgivings when nature is mourning4 ,say1 ,christian people1 have ye never seen the triumph of faith over nature's weakness and ,satan's power8 have ye never1 in the hour of trial1 witnessed that the ,saviour was near8 never observed the fainting spirit animated and sustained8 never beheld the closing eye1 of the dying saint1 beaming with heavenly fire2 and the pale features lighted up with the smile of satisfaction and composure and peace8 ,if ye have not1 the dying ,christian will shew you these things--go to his bed1 and learn the lesson2 go1 and catch the hope1 that 8,christ will give you light40 ,,sermon ,,ii4 ,,the ,,unsearchable ,,riches ,,of ,,christ4 ,,eph4 iii #h4 ,the unsearchable riches of ,christ4 ,,there is no passage1 in the whole range of ,scripture1 in which the benefits and blessings of the gospel are more strikingly and fully represented1 than by these few words3 it is elsewhere described as the 8pearl of great price10 as 8the treasure that fadeth not away10 as 8the true riches20 but here1 as if in addition to the former descriptions1 it is called1 under the direction of the ,holy ,spirit1 8the unsearchable riches of ,christ30 impossible for men1 impossible for angels to search out and discover its full excellency and value4 ,the more it is examined1 and the more it is experimentally known1 the more is the believer convinced of the propriety and truth of this description2 without a deep enquiry indeed1 without a vital experience of its blessedness1 it is not for any one to understand even the nature of its transcendent riches2 to the world at large they are known only by name3 but the sincere ,christian1 who makes them his own1 is brought to admire their inexhaustible fulness2 and to perceive1 how utterly they extend beyond his comprehension1 how highly they are removed above his loftiest thoughts and his most ardent imagination3 8eye hath not seen1 nor ear heard1 neither have entered into the heart of man the things which ,god hath prepared for them that love him40 #ba ,they lie entirely out of the reach of the natural man2 and even the spiritual man does but imperfectly understand them4 ,these unsearchable riches it was the province of ,st4 ,paul especially to declare unto the gentile world1 that is1 unto the world at large1 when the offer of them had been rejected by the ,jewish nation3 in consequence of which blessed communication to the gentiles1 the knowledge of them was conveyed1 in process of time1 to our favoured land4 ,many learned persons have believed1 that ,st4 ,paul himself preached in this island2 of this1 however1 there is no certain evidence2 it is enough for us to know1 that we are partakers of the benefit of his preaching1 that the sound of the gospel1 which he sent 8forth into all lands10 has long ago reached us2 and that we are now in the full enjoyment of this inestimable privilege4 ,he declares1 in the chapter1 before us1 that ,jesus ,christ1 by express revelation1 made known to him the great mystery1 the unfathomable purpose of ,his mercy2 8which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men1 as it is now revealed unto the holy ,apostles and ,prophets by the ,spirit3 that the ,gentiles should be fellow-heirs1 and of the same body1 and partakers of ,his promise in ,christ by the gospel40 ,unto me1 he says1 8who am less than the least of all saints1 is this grace given1 that ,i should preach among the ,gentiles the unsearchable riches of ,christ4 ,and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery1 which1 from the beginning of the world1 hath been hid in ,god1 who created all things by ,jesus ,christ40 #bc ,you perceive here the object of the ,apostle's preaching2 it was1 that all mankind1 we among the number1 might be brought acquainted with the glorious scheme of eternal redemption1 and be made partakers of its unspeakable blessings4 ,and is there a heart so cold1 as not to beat with gratitude1 in the remembrance of such mercy2 as not to take an interest in such a testimony of divine love8 ,if we knew no particulars respecting it1 the very announcement and promise of an infinite treasure1 of a treasure in the mansions of eternity1 were sufficient to awaken our most profound attention3 it often does so1 when carried by the missionary to the heathen and the stranger2 they1 who never heard before the good tidings of salvation1 are arrested by the voice of the messenger1 and hang upon his lips with a longing anxiety1 and receive his message to the comfort of their souls3 and can we remain unmoved by such considerations2 we1 who know the purport of the heavenly message2 we1 who profess to believe that it is sent for our everlasting salvation from sin and death2 to reconcile us to an offended ,god1 to deliver us from the intolerable bondage of ,satan1 to make us happy while we live1 happy when we die1 happy for ever in another world1 in the kingdom of heaven8 ,though the mercy is too great to be adequately understood1 though 8the love of ,christ passeth knowledge10 shall this prevent us from contemplation and enquiry8 shall we not rather1 on this very account1 entertain a more fervent desire to understand and know1 of this mystery of goodness1 all that is possible to be known8 ,whoever1 indeed1 has not this desire1 cannot take any lively interest in the revelation which he professes to believe1 cannot have sincerely embraced it2 knowing1 as he does1 the subject and purpose of the gospel1 he is in a worse situation than many an ignorant heathen2 his heart more hard and unimpressible2 his eyes more closed against the light2 his affections more difficult to be roused and engaged4 ,may the ,lord touch the heart of all such heedless professors2 or the very publicans and sinners1 the darkest and most despised of the earth1 will 8enter into the kingdom of heaven before them40 ,hoping that we all are deeply concerned in this important matter1 that we do place a most exalted value on the riches of ,christ1 and earnestly desire to partake of them1 ,i beg that we may enter together1 with humble minds and spiritual desires1 into some examination of their nature and excellency2 and enquire in what respects1 and for what reasons1 they are unsearchable4 #a4 ,in the first place1 what is the foundation of all our blessedness and all our hope1 as the redeemed and adopted children of ,god2 as brought from a state of enmity and rebellion1 into favour with ,him2 as having any claim upon ,his mercy2 any prospect of recovering our lost happiness1 of saving our souls alive8 ,what1 ,i say1 is the foundation on which we expect these marvellous acts of grace8 ,it is1 that the everlasting ,son of ,god left 8the glory which he had with the ,father before the world was10 #bf;a and 8took upon ,him the form of a servant10 #bf;b the nature of man3 it is1 that the 8,word1 who in the beginning was with ,god and was ,god10 8was made flesh0 and came and 8dwelt among us1 full of grace and truth40 #bf;c ,here then1 in the very outset1 is unsearchable mercy2 the immensity of the divine ,redeemer's condescension and love6 ,who can search1 who can understand it8 8,it is higher than heaven1 what canst thou know0 of it8 ,admire thou mayest1 and adore and love2 but it is beyond the stretch of thy created powers to conceive1 beyond the capacity of any creature4 ,the great truth is revealed and the work is accomplished2 and here thou must leave it1 in humble faith and overwhelming emotion4 #b4 ,we may consider1 in the next place1 the preciousness1 the value1 the efficacy of the incarnation and sufferings of our ,redeemer4 ,all the attributes of the ,godhead are perfect and infinite2 ,his holiness and justice1 as well as ,his mercy4 ,man1 by transgression1 fell into a state of unholiness2 his nature became corrupt2 his understanding debased1 his affections and passions and desires all sinful2 as such he could not possibly be accepted or blest by the infinitely holy ,god1 by ,him 8who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity30 he became1 to borrow the language of men1 vile and hateful in ,god's sight2 he resembled ,satan and the wicked spirits1 who fell1 for their transgression1 from the heavens4 ,and so1 with regard to justice2 the infinitely just ,god could not1 without some means of atonement or satisfaction1 shew favour to a disobedient1 offending1 rebellious creature2 it was contrary to ,his essential character and nature so to do3 nor can we form any true idea of the value of that sacrifice1 on the part of another1 which could be held sufficient to reconcile the great ,jehovah to a creature 8laden with iniquity30 the displeasure being infinite1 the distance and separation between ,god and ,his creatures infinite1 the sacrifice must be infinite also1 and exceeding the bounds of our comprehension4 ,and yet1 strange to say1 though the means of the sinner's re-admission1 to the favour and blessing of a holy and just ,god1 must of necessity be beyond our powers of conception1 there are persons1 who object to the ,christian doctrine of the atonement1 solely on the ground of its being incomprehensible4 ,but we1 my brethren1 8have not so learned ,christ20 we are ready to bow with thankfulness to the revelation of the great ,jehovah1 by whose unsearchable wisdom and mercy the plan of our redemption was formed3 we are ready to acknowledge with reverence1 that 8great is the mystery of godliness2 ,god was manifest in the flesh40 #bi;a #c4 ,intimately connected with this consideration is the recollection of ,god's exceeding love towards us1 in that 8while we were yet sinners ,christ died for us40 #bi;b ,in our very state of guilt and rebellion it was1 that ,he came into the world2 that ,he did and suffered so much1 8to seek and to save that which was lost40 ,suppose that man had never transgressed2 and that ,god had sent an angel1 to shew him the way to a happier and higher condition1 than that in which he was created3 this would have been an act of free and undeserved mercy2 but that ,he should have sent ,his beloved ,son1 to 8suffer for sins1 the just for the unjust10 #bi;c to be born and to tabernacle in a world of guilt and sorrow2 to be exposed to rejection and scorn1 to indignity and cruelty2 to endure the conflicts of ,satan and the bitterest agonies of death2 this was indeed an act of love1 surpassing the bounds of thought2 a mystery of goodness 8into which angels desire to look10 but cannot penetrate4 ,every believing soul must be overpowered by such a contemplation2 must be lost in wonder1 love1 and praise4 #d4 ,nor can we learn the manner or degree1 in which our merciful ,lord is at this moment bestowing blessings upon ,his ,church1 and upon every individual believer4 ,when ,he ascended up to heaven1 ,his work of mediation was not finished2 ,he then took upon ,him the office of interceding for ,his people in all ages3 presenting their prayers1 and desires1 and all their services1 for acceptance at the throne of grace2 pleading ,his merits for them2 observing all their necessities and wants2 and sending ,his holy spirit and ,his holy angels1 to minister to their infirmities3 not a wounded spirit1 but ,he is still ready to bind up and heal2 not a sigh from a contrite heart1 but ,he knows and answers2 not a child of ignorance1 but ,he is willing to instruct2 not a returning prodigal1 but ,he meets2 not a prayer or thanksgiving1 not a godly thought or wish1 of a sincere worshipper and pious servant1 but ,he accepts and blesses3 ,he is ever with us1 though unseen2 with us by ,his providence and grace2 8about our bed and about our path20 pouring his benefits upon us1 temporal1 and spiritual3 yea upon all ,his people1 at every moment of time1 throughout the whole world4 ,we are lost in this mystery of mercy--we can but believe1 and gratefully apply the benefit to our souls4 #e4 ,and what are the privileges of ,christ's redeemed people8 ,what their present state1 what their glorious inheritance8 ,how unsearchable both the one and the other6 ,the humble believer1 the repenting sinner1 the sincere and faithful servant derives1 from the fountain of mercy which is opened unto him1 a perpetual stream of increasing satisfaction and delight2 he finds1 that 8there is no end thereof20 that it is a fountain1 which he never can fathom4 ,the sense of pardon and reconciliation with ,god affords a comfort to his soul1 which flows the more abundantly1 the longer he dwells upon it2 as he journies onward in the way of salvation1 his hopes are more enlivened1 and his fears more calmed2 even when he began to walk with his ,god1 he felt that all around him was joy1 and deemed his recompence in this life amply sufficient2 but1 at every step he advances in communion with his ,god and ,saviour1 he perceives more and more that 8,his ways are ways of pleasantness and all ,his paths are peace20 #cb and this experience will be enlarged the longer he lives1 even beyond his present anticipation4 ,the word of ,god has fresh stores for him every day2 of knowledge1 of comfort1 and of grace3 the ,spirit of ,god has fresh supplies2 to succour his infirmities1 to elevate him in prayer and meditation1 to guide him in perplexity1 to strengthen him in trial1 to console him in trouble and affliction1 to raise him above the world1 and place his affections in heaven4 ,thus will his joy in the ,lord increase1 till he comes to the end of his pilgrimage3 and1 in the end1 the riches of redeeming love will be infinitely enhanced3 who shall number or declare them8 ,which of us can now understand the preciousness of a ,christian's hope1 the comfort of a ,christian's peace1 at that hour1 when his soul is struggling for departure8 ,who can now enter1 as the dying man does1 into the vast difference between the bright hope of being saved1 and the gloomy fear of being lost2 between the prospect of being for ever with the ,lord1 and the dismal foreboding of the terrors of the evil one8 ,we have now but a slight conception of the feelings and views1 in that momentous hour2 but we shall one day know3 ,god grant that the knowledge may be peace6 ,and if we die in peace1 then shall we be more than ever convinced of the truth of the text2 we shall then perceive1 how little we comprehended1 in our mortal state1 of the blessedness of the saints at rest1 of 8the rest that remaineth for the people of ,god40 ,and1 at the resurrection1 other scenes will follow1 with more abundant tokens of confirmation3 who can conceive the happiness of rising with the just2 of hearing with joy the trumpet of the archangel2 of beholding1 with an eye of rapture1 the beaming of that glorious morn2 of meeting the smile of a compassionate ,judge and ,saviour2 of being called to ,his right hand1 8come1 ye blessed of my father1 inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world30 #cd;a what mind on earth is equal to these things8 ,and then will succeed the consummation of our felicity1 8the new heavens and the new earth1 wherein dwelleth righteousness20 #cd;b the enjoyment of the presence of ,god and the ,lamb2 the personal sharing of the service1 the honour1 and the delight of angels and archangels1 through all eternity4 ,of this we cannot pretend to form an estimate in our mortal condition2 while the veil is hanging before our eyes2 the holy ,spirit1 by many a sublime image1 lifts our imagination as high as it can be carried2 but still1 the representation must be feeble1 when compared with the glorious reality2 after all that has been said1 if we arrive at the heavenly city1 the appearance will be new1 the happiness new to us all4 ,unsearchable it is now1 unsearchable it will be then2 a wonder of love that will never be satisfied1 a mansion of glory that will never be completely surveyed4 ,but we shall doubtless behold1 on seeing 8face to face10 more of the fulness of the riches of ,christ2 shall penetrate further into that mystery of divine love1 which planned the merciful work of our redemption before the foundation of the world2 shall see more of the meetness of the ,saviour's sufferings2 of ,his mighty conquest over sin and death2 of the greatness of ,his kingdom and the 8majesty of ,his glory40 ,we shall then see and admire that now invisible bond1 by which the whole company of the ,lord's servants and people1 heavenly and earthly1 have been sustained and kept together3 how men below1 and saints at rest1 and angels in heaven1 have been bound in spiritual union1 through all the ages of time2 how the vast multitude of holy creatures in the universe have felt a common interest and benefit in their blessed ,lord4 #cf ,when they are all assembled together in adoration round ,his throne1 we shall know more of this endearing bond2 it will then be manifest1 and be perfected for ever4 ,i need not attempt to go further2 certainly none of us will deny the unsearchableness of the riches of ,christ4 ,certainly every one of us is ready to exclaim1 ,o that ,i may be partaker of them2 all this world1 nay1 a thousand worlds are nothing in comparison4 ,these riches are now offered to you3 they are waiting your acceptance2 receive them with all your heart1 and they are yours2 you do not expect them to be forced upon you2 you do not expect this happy portion without choosing it1 without prayer and without striving for it2 ask earnestly1 seek diligently1 and it shall be yours2 your inexhaustible treasure1 in time and to eternity4 ,,sermon ,,iii4 ,,the ,,destruction ,,of ,,the ,,flood4 ,,genesis vi4 #f4 #g4 ,it repented the ,lord1 that ,he had made man upon the earth and it grieved ,him at ,his heart2 and the ,lord said1 ,i will destroy man1 whom ,i have created1 from the face of the earth4 ,,the expression in the former clause of the text has1 to some persons1 afforded matter of surprise2 and certainly the language is remarkable2 representing the ,almighty as repenting of the work of creation1 and grieved at the heart1 not merely on account of the wickedness of man1 but that he was ever made4 ,yet the language1 when properly considered1 is no more remarkable1 than that of numberless other passages in ,holy ,writ2 it is stronger perhaps2 it may carry the customary mode of speech somewhat further2 but that is all4 ,we are perfectly aware1 that the ,godhead is incapable of being affected and changed by contrary passions1 as we are2 the purpose of ,jehovah is fixed1 upon the basis of infinite wisdom1 from everlasting to everlasting2 nothing can occur1 of which ,he was previously ignorant2 nothing to afford any grief or uneasiness2 8known unto ,god are all ,his works from the beginning of the world20 #ci and it is impossible for us to interpret the text1 or any similar phrase1 according to the sense in which we understated such words1 when applied to creatures like ourselves4 ,it was absolutely necessary for the inspired writers1 in describing the nature and dealings and dispensations of ,god1 to have recourse to such terms1 as we are in the habit of using towards one another4 ,his constant observance of us is represented by saying1 that the eye of ,god is upon all our ways2 ,his gracious readiness to answer our prayers1 is represented by saying1 that ,his ear is ever open3 but who ever supposes that eye or ear1 or any bodily parts1 are possessed by the ,godhead8 ,so neither are we to impute to ,god1 who is a pure spirit1 any bodily passions2 though ,he is said to love and to hate1 to be angry and to be pleased4 ,of course it only means1 that the effect of any particular conduct or transaction of ,his creatures upon ,him1 is similar to what it would be upon us1 when under the influence of our natural passions2 that ,he rewardeth good1 as we do1 when we love or are pleased2 and punisheth evil1 as we do1 when we hate or are angry4 ,the text merely intimates the measure1 which the ,almighty was determined to adopt1 in consequence of the great and universal wickedness of mankind2 of their having so far fallen from the noble end of their creation4 ,having tried many gracious methods of indulgence with them1 and sought to reclaim them by every probable and possible means1 and having found that ,his goodness and forbearance1 instead of 8leading them to repentance10 only hardened them in guilt1 ,he now saw fit to change ,his overtures of mercy into the sentence of condemnation2 and to send a deluge for the destruction of that people1 who would not 8turn and live30 and this is all that can be intended by ,god's repentance and grief4 ,but it happened in those days1 as it has too frequently happened with the sinful and rebellious ever since1 that the people believed not the threatenings denounced against them2 whether they doubted the power of ,god to inflict so extraordinary a punishment2 or whether they built their hopes upon the vain expectation of ,his mercy2 or whether the wickedness of their hearts and lives led them entirely to cast off the belief of ,god and ,his word1 and to plunge unheeding into the gratifications and pollutions of vice2 whatever were the operating motive1 8they would not turn and seek after ,god40 ,yet these infatuated people were not lost for want of further instruction and admonition4 ,god mercifully thinks of ,his creatures1 though they are forgetful of ,him4 ,he had raised unto them preachers of righteousness2 and sent ,his ,holy ,spirit to work upon their consciences1 to convert them from the delusions of evil1 to teach them the knowledge of ,his ways1 and persuade them to desist from their work of self-destruction4 ,but there is a day1 to nations as well as to individuals1 beyond which the goodness and patience of ,god will no longer forbear3 8,my spirit10 says ,he1 in the chapter before us1 8shall not always strive with man40 ,it had been working in the human heart1 ever since the fall2 inspiring ,his servants to point out the way of salvation2 and struggling with the wayward inclinations1 the perverse opposition of ,his creatures2 to mortify the power of sin1 and lead them to recover the favour and happiness1 which their first parents by transgression had lost4 ,but it shall not always strive2 and the approaching termination of their trial was thus graciously declared to this 8disobedient and gainsaying people40 ,god spake thus by the mouth of ,noah3 8,the days of man 7the time which ,i will allow1 to see if #8haply he will repent and seek after ,me1'7 shall be a hundred and twenty years40 #dc;a ,all this period was to elapse between the denunciation of the divine vengeance and its execution2 and to this ,st4 ,peter alludes1 when speaking of 8the long-suffering of ,god1 that waited in the days of ,noah1 while the ark was preparing20 #dc;b while ,noah himself1 the great 8preacher of righteousness10 warned all around him of the certainty and the terror of this impending calamity4 ,all entreaties1 however1 and warnings1 and threatenings2 all present mercies and past experiences1 were vain4 ,they despised the faith and rejected the preaching of the patriarch1 and ridiculed his preparation of the ark2 but they could not 8make the word of ,god of none effect20 ,his judgment overtook them in the midst of their rebellious career2 the flood came at the appointed time2 desolation was spread over the face of the earth2 and all its inhabitants1 with the exception of one family1 were indiscriminately involved in the wide-wasting ruin4 ,let us pause for a moment1 to apply the consideration of this part of the history to ourselves4 ,to all who are wilfully walking in the ways of sin1 the good and gracious ,god is continually addressing ,his warning and expostulating voice2 by ,his holy word1 abounding with the most awakening admonitions and awful examples2 by ,his appointed ministers1 superadding their feeble endeavours to inculcate the doctrines and set forth the terrors of that word 8by line upon line and precept upon precept20 by various occurrences in life1 by reverses and privations and afflictions and sickness and death2 by the strivings of the ,holy ,spirit1 and the alarms of conscience2 by flashing at intervals1 in vivid colours1 the conviction of an hereafter upon the mind and heart2 and compelling the sinner to see1 whether he will heed it or not1 the peril and the dreadfulness of his situation4 ,of all who hear me there cannot be one1 but has experienced1 more or less1 these manifestations of mercy and of terror3 ,are there not some by whom they have been disregarded8 ,we have all of us been instructed and reminded and admonished1 in a great variety of ways2 have we 8profited withal80 ,have we been awakened from the dreams of sensual pleasures1 from the stupor and infatuation of sin8 ,can we now lift up our hearts in sincerity to ,god1 and thank ,him that we have been brought1 by this or that warning1 into nearer and holier communion with ,him2 to serve ,him in righteousness and truth1 and to seek1 in right earnest1 the salvation of our souls8 ,if it be otherwise with us1 if we have neglected the seasons of grace1 or if we have returned1 after a temporary humiliation and conviction to the vanity of our former habits and pursuits1 let us1 if we believe the word of ,god1 lay seriously to heart the solemn declarations on this head1 with which that word abounds--that there is a limit prescribed even for the divine compassion and forbearance2 a period marked out1 beyond which ,god will not manifest ,his favour1 8though it be sought with tears20 beyond which1 8,his spirit will not strive with man20 and whenever that spirit shall be withdrawn1 the conscience will become hardened1 the understanding benighted1 and the sinner 8given over to a reprobate mind40 ,god allows1 indeed ,he has already allowed1 to every one of us1 abundant space and opportunity for repentance1 as ,he did of old to the ante-diluvian race2 and if we1 like them1 are negligent of ,his merciful admonitions1 we must expect1 like them1 to go on from one degree of wickedness to another1 till the 8measure of our iniquity be filled20 till we are hurried into everlasting perdition4 ,no doubt1 when the threatenings of the ,almighty began to be executed2 when the mighty waters were descending from above1 and rising in billows from the deep below2 when these people saw the ark1 whose building and preparation they had despised1 floating in security upon the surface of the waters1 gladly would they have been admitted3 no longer did they question the power of ,god1 or the truth of ,his word2 or hold in contempt the preaching of ,his prophets2 earnest then1 no doubt1 was their supplication for mercy2 and they must have wished1 in the bitterness of their hearts1 that they had listened to the declarations and instructions of that holy minister of ,god1 who was provided with a refuge2 who was escaping unhurt amidst the rolling of the waves1 which threatened them with immediate and inevitable destruction4 ,but their conviction came too late2 the days of reconciliation were ended2 the door of the ark was shut2 never to be opened again1 till the flood had wrought its vengeance1 and exterminated the sinners from the earth4 ,has not the like1 the parallel of this dreadful case1 been frequently discovered by ourselves8 ,have we not seen1 or at least heard of persons1 who have held out impenitently all their lives long against every means of grace and reclaim1 by which they have been visited1 and then at last1 when suddenly overtaken by a sickness unto death1 have distressfully desired that comfort and refuge1 which they have never appeared to find8 ,their attention has been called1 their eye directed to the ark of salvation1 the gospel of the blessed ,jesus2 but having taken no interest in it before1 having discarded and rejected it1 they have seemed to behold it only in dismay and despair4 ,man1 it is true1 is not an adequate judge in such a case2 he could not possibly decide1 whether they were saved or not2 but there was fear all around2 their friends were denied the consolation of persuading themselves1 that the door of mercy was opened2 the sinner cried in agony1 but there was no visible sign1 that the cry was heard2 no respite to the afflicted conscience2 and no repose upon the countenance1 that betokened the blessedness of peace4 ,suppose not1 that this is a scene pourtrayed for the mere purpose of a momentary excitement or present effect2 it is a true description of what has too frequently occurred2 and it falls indeed1 as every representation must fall1 infinitely short of the terrible reality4 ,readily can we imagine the sufferings and sorrow and distress of the people1 who were drowning1 with the ark before their eyes2 and must we not conclude1 that the impenitent sinner under the gospel1 when he comes to die1 will behold1 with even deeper feelings of anguish1 the ark of righteousness into which he has never sought to enter2 when he finds or fears1 that the overflowings of ungodliness are sinking his soul to ruin1 can any description exaggerate1 can any description equal1 the wretchedness of his condition8 ,the very idea and contemplation of these things may well lead us1 with all sincerity and fervour1 to implore the grace of ,god1 while it is so freely offered1 and to 8seek ,him while ,he may be found20 and ,o that it may lead us gladly and unfeignedly to embrace the covenant of safety1 which is graciously propounded to us in the gospel2 and to 8give all diligence0 to fulfil every condition which that covenant contains4 ,we shall not1 if we value our eternal welfare1 think it sufficient not to 8deny the ,lord that bought us10 not to despise the means which ,he has provided for our preservation and deliverance2 we shall turn to ,him with all our heart1 grateful for the means of salvation1 and anxious to employ them all4 8,lord what wilt ,thou have me to do80 #ej;a 8,speak1 ,lord1 for thy servant heareth20 #ej;b this is the language that befits a sinner1 who has no hope but in ,god's covenanted mercy4 8,our time is in the ,lord's hands20 we know not1 if little or much remain3 ,arise1 defer not a day4 ,his spirit is now striving within us2 to purify our affections1 to change our corrupt nature1 to form the christian principle and temper in our souls2 let us then1 without doubt or delay1 humbly and thankfully concur with ,his holy operations1 and strive with ,him1 while we may3 not lingering and loitering about the ark with thoughtless indifference1 as if our minds were not made up1 whether it be worth while to enter2 but1 in the full and perfect and abiding persuasion1 that it is the only refuge for man1 let us secure1 as far as it is possible1 our rest and habitation there2 and then we need not fear the overwhelming of the waters1 come they ever so suddenly or ever so soon2 we shall be raised above them all1 unhurt and undismayed2 we shall ride safely and triumphantly over the foaming billows2 and settle at last upon the heavenly ,ararat1 the 8mountain of the ,lord of ,hosts10 the everlasting abode of tranquillity and bliss4 ,but of this happy termination we shall have occasion to speak more at large1 in another discourse2 when we come to treat of the character of ,noah1 and the circumstances of his wonderful preservation4 ,in the mean time1 let us observe1 that the deluge is a subject of most awful consideration2 not merely in itself1 as sweeping away into perdition almost all the human race1 and changing the very form and structure of the globe2 but also as being a resemblance and emblem of other visitations of an offended and avenging ,god3--in the first place1 of the overthrow of ,jerusalem1 and the miserable and general destruction of its rebellious people4 8,as the days of ,noe were1 so shall also the coming of the ,son of man be4 ,for as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking1 marrying and giving in marriage1 until the day that ,noe entered into the ark1 and knew not until the flood came and took them all away2 so shall also the coming of the ,son of man be20 #ec;a so unlooked for1 so amazing1 so disastrous to ,his enemies4 ,this stupendous event may also be regarded as typical of another period1 infinitely surpassing all the rest in terror and in awe2--the coming of ,christ to judge the world1 to execute ,his final vengeance upon those who would not be reclaimed by ,his mercy4 ,the face of nature will then be destroyed by another process2 by a direful and universal conflagration4 8,by the word of ,god the heavens were of old1 and the earth standing out of the water and in the water3 whereby the world that then was1 being overflowed with water1 perished3 but the heavens and the earth1 which are now1 by the same word are kept in store1 reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men40 #ec;b 8,nevertheless we1 according to ,his promise1 look for new heavens and a new earth1 7a new state7 wherein dwelleth righteousness4 ,wherefore1 beloved1 seeing that ye look for such things1 be diligent that ye may be found of ,him in peace1 without spot1 and blameless40 #ed;a ,all that have ever lived shall be summoned again into existence2 the righteous to be separated1 and 8caught up to meet the ,lord in the air10 #ed;b and to be conveyed into the regions of eternal blessedness2 the wicked1 to perish1 to die1 not a bodily but a spiritual death2 to be consigned together to a place of banishment and wretchedness and horror and despair4 ,the miserable unbelievers and the obstinate transgressors1 in the days of ,noah1 shall then return to the earth from which they were swept away2 not to enjoy again their revelry and licentiousness2 not to be favoured with another day of grace2 but to receive1 with all their companions in evil1 with all that have ever 8followed their pernicious ways10 the full and eternal recompence of their deeds4 ,this will indeed be a day of desolation1 8of lamentation and mourning and woe10 of 8weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth20 of which awful day no words1 no example1 no past event1 nor even imagination itself1 can afford an adequate representation4 ,god ,almighty grant1 that we may never know its terrors2 that we may profit from the warnings and experience1 which are mercifully vouchsafed unto us2 may embrace1 with all our hearts1 the covenant of salvation into which we have professedly entered2 and1 amidst the wreck and ruin of the world1 may be delivered with an everlasting deliverance1 for the sake1 and through the merits1 of that omnipotent ,saviour1 who was with ,noah in the ark2 who has guarded1 and will continue to guard1 the ark of ,his ,church in all ages2 whose mercy and truth are pledged for the final preservation of ,his faithful people3 ,god ,almighty grant this blessing unto us all1 through the aid and operation of that 8,holy ,spirit1 whereby we are sealed unto the day of redemption40 #ee ,,sermon ,,iv4 ,,the ,,preservation ,,from ,,the ,,flood4 ,,genesis vi4 #h4 ,noah found grace in the eyes of the ,lord4 ,,in a former discourse1 your attention was called to the execution of divine vengeance upon the sinful race of man1 by the tremendous visitation of a universal deluge2 ,i would now direct your contemplation to another point of view2 to a fulfilment of the gracious promises of ,god made to a distinguished believer and a faithful servant2 to his preservation from the general ruin2 to the covenants of mercy established with him2 to the blessings and deliverances thus proclaimed and typified to the ,church of ,god in all ages4 ,noah1 be it first observed1 was possessed of that principle1 which is the sure and only foundation of true righteousness2 and to which the ,almighty has1 in every age1 manifested ,his especial favour--the principle of faith2 of a settled1 vital1 influential belief in the sovereignty1 the providence1 and the word of ,god3 he doubted not the truth either of a threatening or a promise1 and withheld not the obedience1 which his belief implied or required4 ,of this ,st4 ,paul assures us2 8,by faith ,noah1 being warned of ,god of things not seen as yet1 moved with fear1 prepared an ark to the saving of his house2 by the which he condemned the world1 and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith20 #eg he condemned the world1 inasmuch as his example1 his preaching1 and his deliverance furnished matter of accusation against them2 he pointed out and led the way to a place of safety2 he escaped destruction1 and the rest of the people might have escaped also2 and thus he proved1 that they justly perished in the unbelief and obstinacy of their hearts4 ,hence he became the heir of those promises and that happiness1 to which the righteous believer1 by ,god's mercy1 is entitled2 he was blessed1 not merely with that temporal preservation1 which the ark afforded him in the flood2 but also with that spiritual and heavenly salvation1 of which the ark was an emblem and a sign4 ,and further2 ,noah is described1 in the verse following the text1 as 8a just man and perfect in his generations40 ,his faith1 as we have already intimated1 was not1 like that of many professors of religion1 a mere outward and formal assent2 it resided in his heart1 as well as in his understanding2 and shewed itself in his disposition1 his character1 and his life4 ,believing in the goodness of ,god1 he loved ,him2 in the power and justice of ,god1 he feared2 in the infallible truth and authority of ,god1 he obeyed4 ,with an enlightened reason and conscience1 he studied the duty of ordinary life2 his duty to ,god and man2 and he performed it faithfully4 8,he was perfect in his generations20 not that he had attained unto absolute1 positive perfection2 for that is impossible to any mere man1 in his fallen condition2 it was only 8the man ,christ ,jesus10 the incarnate ,god1 that was 8holy1 harmless1 undefiled1 separate from sinners20 #ei but ,noah1 in the midst of a 8disobedient and gainsaying people10 was sincere and upright2 he lived in no wilful or habitual opposition to his ,god2 he had that degree of perfection1 which is the mark and fruit of genuine faith2 and shews1 that the frail creature is brought into a state of acceptance with his ,creator4 ,he engaged heartily in the cause of religion2 there was nothing in the world1 which he was not ready to renounce for it2 there was no ordinance1 nor command of ,god1 which it was not his unbending purpose to obey2 desirous was he 8to serve ,him1 in holiness and righteousness all the days of his life40 ,and therefore it is yet further said1 that 8he walked with ,god20 #fj;a 8setting the ,lord 7as ,david speaks7 always before him20 #fj;b living in a perpetual sense of the divine presence2 acting as under the continual observation of that ,almighty ,being1 who was acquainted with all his ways2 and whose word was 8a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path40 #fj;c ,he walked in communion with ,god1 by his life and conversation1 as well as by faith1 and meditation1 and prayer2 and he preached to a 8backsliding and stubborn generation10 by his example as well as by his word4 ,we cannot wonder1 that such eminent holiness and obedience1 shining forth in the midst of so much profligacy and corruption1 were honoured with the signal favour of ,almighty ,god4 ,a righteous character1 which is always 8of great price in the sight of ,god10 is peculiarly honourable in an age overspread with impiety and guilt4 ,the man1 who stands forth to maintain the cause of ,god against a universal host of enemies2 who is untainted by the moral contagion which is every where diffused around him2 who perseveringly opposes the mighty stream of iniquity1 which is ready to overwhelm his soul2 that man is a spectacle for angels to behold with joy2 and one in whom the holy ,god ,himself is well-pleased2 he is as 8a light shining in a dark place10 made more conspicuous and attractive by the surrounding gloom4 ,such was ,noah2 and ,god distinguished him accordingly by especial tokens of favour and blessing3 for ,he said1 8,behold ,i1 even ,i1 do bring a flood of waters upon the earth1 to destroy all flesh1 wherein is the breath of life1 from under heaven2 and every thing that is in the earth shall die4 ,but with thee will ,i establish my covenant2 and thou shalt come into the ark1 thou1 and thy sons1 and thy wife1 and thy sons' wives with thee40 #fb;a ,a question has been raised respecting the nature of the covenant here intended2 but the words themselves1 taken in connexion with the subject1 would lead us to conclude1 that the covenant to be established1 in the first instance1 was a covenant of safety in the ark1 during the flood2 and this sense is abundantly confirmed by the same word being afterwards used in the #ith chapter1 when ,god made ,his promise to the patriarch1 that the world should never again be so destroyed3 8,behold1 ,i establish my covenant with you1 and with your seed after you1 and with every living creature that is with you--neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood2 neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth40 #fb;b ,yet1 though this was the immediate import of the covenant1 it probably had1 like the ark itself1 a further and a typical signification1 which is thus very admirably expressed by one of the best commentators2 8,i will most certainly make good the promise ,i have formerly made to thee1 of preserving thee and thy family from the said destruction2 and further ,i will make good1 in due time1 to thee or thy seed after thee1 all those covenants or promises1 which ,i have made to mankind from the beginning of the world1 and which remain to be made good2 especially the grand covenant concerning the promised seed1 of ,messiah3 to which end1 ,i will certainly preserve thee and thy family from the destruction ,i am now bringing on the rest of mankind40 #fc ,the first covenant made by ,god with ,adam1 was a covenant of works1 of unsinning obedience2 this was broken1 and thence came death4 ,the second covenant made with ,adam1 was that of grace and salvation by ,jesus ,christ1 who should 8come in the fulness of time20 this latter covenant was confirmed with ,noah1 the representative of mankind in the new world after the flood2 and the covenant1 thus renewed with him1 was to extend to all his posterity2 to generations unborn1 to all that would become1 as he was1 8heirs of the righteousness which is by faith40 ,through him1 deliverance was preached to the people before the flood2 through him1 everlasting deliverance from sin and death was promised to believers in every future age4 ,in the covenant1 therefore1 made with ,noah1 all mankind have an interest1 an especial interest at this day2 the promised deliverer1 whom ,noah represented1 is come2 we 8have seen the salvation of our ,god20 the gospel of peace is proclaimed2 and nothing is wanting but our faithful acceptance of it4 ,proceed we now with the history of ,noah's preservation3 8,the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth 7a hundred and fifty days71 and all the high hills1 that were under the whole heaven1 were covered--and all flesh died that moved upon the earth1 ,noah only remained alive1 and they that were with him in the ark4 ,and the ark rested in the seventh month1 upon the mountains of ,ararat40 #fe ,thus was the divine promise literally fulfilled1 and the fidelity of the patriarch signally acknowledged and rewarded4 ,what must have been the emotions of this holy man1 as he was floating1 through the long eventful period1 upon the surface of the raging waters6 ,how deep and lively his conviction of the adorable goodness and the perfect truth of ,god6 ,how fervent his gratitude1 how sublime his joy1 at escaping unhurt amid the desolation of the world6 ,how indescribable his feelings of horror and of awe1 at the sufferings of those countless multitudes1 who were perishing around him2 over whose lifeless bodies he was riding in peaceful security1 reserved to be the father of a new-born world6 ,similar to these are the impressions of every sincere believer1 on beholding both the providential and spiritual dispensations of the ,lord4 ,deeply is he convinced of the 8goodness and severity of ,god20 of ,his goodness to the righteous1 ,his severity to the disobedient and evil3 ,every divine promise and every denunciation of divine judgment have been fully accomplished in due season2 8not one jot or one tittle of the word of ,god has failed40 ,the ,christian1 moreover1 by his own experience1 can testify the truth and loving kindness of ,god3 he has sought and found a refuge in the ark of salvation1 in the gospel of peace2 he has been taken out of a corrupt and troubled world1 and raised above it2 so that1 while the billows of adversity have been rolling all around1 and the overbearings of iniquity have every where prevailed1 he has felt himself in a state of security2 inclosed by divine mercy 8on the right hand and on the left20 protected by the power of ,jehovah2 all things1 even the most unruly elements1 8working together for his good30 when 8the rain descends1 and the floods come1 and the winds blow10 he hears and sees it all without dismay2 nay1 with gratitude to his heavenly ,preserver2 hoping and believing1 that the waves of trouble are bearing him to the celestial ,ararat1 upon which he shall alight1 in ,god's appointed time1 and 8find rest unto his soul40 ,but1 in the midst of his satisfaction and joy1 there is a consideration1 which strikes a damp upon his soul1 and fills him with grief and terror2 it is1 the miserable condition of those his fellow-creatures1 who have been regardless of their salvation and have perished3 the ,saviour 8called1 but they would not answer20 ,he assured them of the coming desolation1 but they would not take heed2 ,he offered them mercy1 but they turned away3 and the flood came upon them unawares2 and it is painful to think of them1 where they now are1 and how many they have been4 ,and not only for those who are gone1 but for numbers still living1 does the charitable ,christian also feel3 it is not for him to be forward in judging1 not for him to condemn2 8he hopeth all things1 and believeth all things20 but when he sees multitudes around him manifestly walking in the 8broad way of destruction10 he cannot help feeling both pity and pain2 especially if any of his neighbours or friends be found in this awful state of heedlessness and sin2 especially if any who are near and dear unto him4 ,he cannot help grieving for them2 they will have1 at least1 his tears and his prayers4 ,would that such sinners might feel for themselves1 what others feel for them2 would that they might turn and live6 ,their case is not like the case of those who were perishing in the flood2 they are not yet consigned to destruction2 would to ,god that they might turn and live6 ,at length1 8the waters were dried up from off the earth1 and the face of the ground was dry40 8,and ,noah went forth0 out of the ark1 and 8builded an altar unto the ,lord1 and offered burnt offerings upon the altar10 in thanksgiving for his miraculous preservation2 8and the ,lord smelled a sweet savour20 #fi ,he accepted the incense of the sacrifice1 approved and honoured the piety and gratitude of ,noah4 ,in all our deliverances and escapes1 in all the benefits and blessings we receive at the merciful hands of ,god1 let us never fail to imitate this bright example of righteousness3 be it our first1 our immediate act1 to waft unto the skies the incense of adoration and praise4 ,the faithful and observant ,christian does indeed perpetually notice the interposition of divine ,providence in his behalf2 and he never fails to render the tribute of his heart at least1 if not of his lips1 to the great ,deliverer3 but besides this1 there are few of us1 who have not1 in some striking instances1 been wonderfully rescued from imminent danger and destruction2 preserved in frightful accident1 or raised from a sickness which was seemingly unto death4 ,has the favour been duty remembered with gratitude8 ,did it bring us on our knees before the throne of mercy8 ,did we present our offering with that humble sense of our own unworthiness1 and that devout acknowledgment of ,god's love1 which gave us just reason to believe that the offering was accepted1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord8 ,and ever since1 has an altar been raised in our hearts2 have our affections been dedicated to ,god1 as a memorial of the past deliverance1 and a fulfilment of the purpose for which we were mercifully spared8 ,and there is a deliverance greater and mightier than all1 of which every faithful servant in the gospel is enjoying1 at once1 both the hope and the benefit2 a deliverance1 of which ,noah's was a type1 from the bondage and penalty of sin2 from eternal misery1 and ruin4 ,are we penetrated with a sense of this marvellous mercy8 ,do we worship our great ,redeemer in spirit and in truth8 ,do we love ,him with all our heart and soul8 ,do we proclaim abroad our gratitude and love1 in the presence of a contemptuous world8 ,noah was immediately and powerfully reminded of the divine goodness accorded to himself1 by beholding the face of nature all desolate and void3 and thus1 when we behold around us the dismal ravages of sin1 and contemplate1 with the eye of faith1 the ruin which they will finally bring1 are there not afforded to us1 exulting as we are in the hope of our own redemption1 abundant memorials of the favour of ,god to ourselves8 8,bless the ,lord1 ,o my soul1 and all that is within me1 bless ,his holy name4 ,bless the ,lord1 ,o my soul1 and forget not all ,his benefits3 who redeemeth thy life from destruction1 and crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies40 #ga ,my brethren1 if we would find1 as 8,noah found1 grace in the eyes of the ,lord10 we must be like him1 in faith and obedience1 in 8faith which worketh by love40 ,we must be ready1 at the divine command1 to leave the 8pomps and vanity of a wicked world1 and all the sinful lusts of the flesh10 and prepare the means of our deliverance1 in the way which ,god mercifully points out4 ,we must dare to be singular in the midst of a gainsaying and reviling people2 and maintain our integrity in the face of a backsliding age4 ,if1 in the hour of danger and destruction1 we would have ,god for our deliverer and friend1 we must seek ,him and serve ,him1 whilst we are in health and safety3 thus will ,he be our portion in life1 in death1 in judgment1 and for ever4 ,we are hereby led1 in the last place1 to consider the promise and pledge1 which ,god was pleased to afford to the patriarch immediately after the flood2 that 8the waters would no more become a flood to destroy all flesh40 8,i do set my bow in the cloud1 and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth--and ,i will look upon it1 that ,i may remember the everlasting covenant between ,god and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth40 ,whether there had ever been a rainbow before the flood1 is a point that cannot absolutely be determined2 probably not2 but if there had been1 it makes no difference2 the bow was then consecrated to be the token of a covenant of mercy1 between ,god and man2 and whenever the descending shower and the darkened sky recal to mind his former vengeance on the ungodly1 we may take comfort on beholding this bright display of majesty and beauty1 8this faithful witness in heaven20 #gc our hearts may then be gladdened by the remembrance and assurance of ,god's everlasting love3 we behold the seal of heaven1 ratifying the promise of divine favour3 and the believer may justly regard it1 not only as a token of security against a future deluge1 but also as a hopeful intimation of ,god's mercy in all the storms of this mortal life1 in every threatening flood4 ,we may view it1 with delighted eyes1 as a blessed memorial of the truth and faithfulness of that ,almighty ,protector1 whose word is pledged for the preservation of ,his people1 at all times and under all possible circumstances4 ,his mercies1 of providence and grace1 can never fail2 and an earnest of these mercies we may discover1 when we look upon the bow in the cloud2 it is1 in a secondary sense at least1 emblematical of ,god's everlasting covenant with ,his faithful people1 that ,he will 8never leave them nor forsake them40 ,nor is it without authority1 that we are thus extending the import of this heavenly sign3 ,st4 ,john in one of his beatific visions1 8looked and behold a door was opened in heaven1 and behold a throne was set in heaven1 and there was a rainbow round about the throne40 #ge ,the saints in light are thus represented as beholding the abode of their ,god1 encircled with the token of ,his covenanted mercy2 an evidence to them1 that they have finally escaped the devastation of the world2 that the floods and storms have for ever subsided2 that none of the imperfections and troubles and dangers1 from which they have been rescued1 shall ever again disturb their mind or mar their happiness4 ,hear then1 in few words1 the conclusion of the whole matter3 let the destroying deluge awaken in us1 by divine grace1 a living conviction of the infallibility of ,god's word1 of the certain 8perdition of ungodly men20 let the deliverance of ,noah and his family assure our hearts in the expectation of the glorious redemption of every believer and servant of ,god4 ,let us enter the ark of salvation1 prepared by our great ,redeemer2 enter and abide there2 and we shall be carried triumphantly over the stormy elements of the world2 and be conducted 8unto the haven where we would be30 the dove will bring unto us the olive branch of peace2 and the transcendent beauty of the celestial rainbow shall appear without a cloud1 and bless our souls with the perfect assurance of eternal safety and joy4 ,,sermon ,v4 ,,do ,,this ,,great ,,wickedness ,,and ,,sin ,,against ,,god4 ,,genesis xxxix4 #i4 ,how then can ,i do this great wickedness and sin against ,god8 ,,the history of ,joseph1 by whom these memorable words were uttered1 is full of interest and instruction4 ,he presents unto us the splendid and rare example of a person advanced1 from the lowest estate1 to distinction and wealth and power2 and yet preserving his piety and integrity unimpaired4 ,not all the luxury and blandishments of a court of unbelievers could tempt him to forget that gracious almighty benefactor1 by whom he had been rescued from danger1 and raised to prosperity and greatness4 ,we all know how apt are the understanding and heart of man to be captivated and corrupted by the enjoyment of earthly pomp and pleasure1 under any circumstances2 but especially when they are attained by a sudden and unexpected elevation4 ,joseph had been cruelly left by his brethren in a state of utter destitution4 ,taken out of the pit into which they had inhumanly cast him1 he was sold as a slave to a company of people1 who were passing by1 and carried into ,egypt2 by accident1 as it appeared1 but really under the guidance and direction of an all-wise providence1 to accomplish the wonderful purposes of ,his divine will4 ,the scriptural account of his rapid rise to favour and eminence1 in this his new abode1 is exceedingly striking2 and shews the especial regard which the ,almighty bears for ,his righteous and faithful servants2 there is no situation of life too obscure for the notice of ,his all-seeing eye2 none too low for ,him to interpose in behalf of ,his people1 and exalt them to usefulness and honour4 8,joseph was brought down to ,egypt2 and ,potiphar an officer of ,pharaoh1 captain of the guard1 an ,egyptian1 bought him of the hands of the ,ishmeelites1 which had brought him down thither4 ,and the ,lord was with ,joseph1 and he was a prosperous man2 and he was in the house of his master the ,egyptian4 ,and his master saw that the ,lord was with him1 and that the ,lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand4 ,and ,joseph found grace in his sight1 and he served him2 and he made him overseer over his house1 and all that he had he put into his hand40 #gh ,thus favoured and advanced1 this holy man never forgot1 as too many do1 that gracious ,being1 to whose loving kindness he was indebted2 instead of growing vain of his superiority1 as if he had raised himself merely by his own talent or industry1 he referred all his blessings to ,god's bountiful providence1 and rendered unto ,him the return of a grateful and faithful service4 ,it was not long before his fidelity was put to the trial2 and the manner in which he escaped the snare1 that was laid for him1 affords a remarkable proof not only of his integrity1 but of his faith1 his piety1 his religion1 his gratitude and love to ,god3 the only principles upon which any dependence can be placed in the temptation of an evil hour4 ,joseph1 when powerfully solicited to betray the confidence1 and despoil the honour of his master1 might have contented himself with declaring the numberless acts of kindness which he had received at ,potiphar's hand2 the recompence of faithfulness which he owed for them all2 or the fear of bringing upon himself disgrace and ruin1 by so atrocious a crime2 considerations indeed1 which actually had no small influence and weight upon his mind4 ,but he goes much further1 and appeals to a higher authority1 to a nobler principle2 to one which was calculated to give unto every minor consideration a tenfold effect2 to secure the performance of that duty1 which reason and honour and conscience suggested2 he appealed to his ,god1 from the fountain of whose mercy he had derived all his benefits and blessings2 and to whom therefore1 his sincere unswerving obedience was unreservedly due4 ,like every pious and good man1 he remembers and regards the human ties by which he is bound2 and instances1 in feeling language1 the kindness and estimation of his earthly master2 8,behold1 my master wrotteth not 7knoweth not7 what is with me in the house1 and he hath committed all things that he hath to my hand2 there is none greater in this house than ,i40 #hj ,but then this man of ,god1 after thus recounting the signal favour which had been shewn him by an earthly master1 does not rest his duty upon saying1 #8how can ,i abuse the unbounded confidence reposed in me2 how can ,i prove myself so unworthy of my lord8' ,but immediately1 as if it were the habitual suggestion of his mind1 elevates his thoughts and affections to his master in heaven2 to ,him1 who had put it into the heart of ,potiphar thus to distinguish and bless him2 to ,him1 by whose grace alone he had been what he had been1 a faithful and dutiful servant2 and by whose gracious interposition 8all things had worked together for his good40 ,for such surpassing mercy poured down upon him from heaven1 he could not bear the thought of making so base a requital2 and exclaimed in the energy of his soul1 8,how can ,i do this great wickedness and sin against ,god80 ,resting upon such a principle1 the triumph of his virtue was complete2 it enabled him to disregard whatever evil consequences might ensue2 and to stand against the subtlest wiles of the tempter1 and under circumstances of imminent peril1 a noble monument of the power of religion2 upright in his duty to ,god and man4 ,much edification may the ,christian gather from the narrative before us2 and happy would it be for the ,christian world1 if the principle1 here so splendidly illustrated1 were in fuller operation4 ,it might indeed be thought1 that with the superior knowledge we enjoy1 of the transcendent mercy and goodness of ,god1 of the extent and bounty of ,his providence1 as well as the riches of his grace2 that1 with the clear revelation of the divine will1 the glorious manifestation of gospel light1 to us so abundantly vouchsafed2 that1 taught as we have been to look upon ,god as our reconciled ,father in ,jesus ,christ1 as the 8author and giver of every good gift0 in this world1 and the spring of all our blissful hopes of an inheritance in the brighter world to come2 it might have been thought1 under these superior advantages and means of grace1 that in all the events of life1 in every temptation and trial1 our affections would be certainly raised1 above every earthly consideration1 to the high and holy ,god2 that1 when we are pressed with the solicitations of evil1 it would immediately occur to our minds and enter into our hearts1 how abhorrent the offence must be to that perfect and glorious ,being1 in whose image we are professedly recreated2 how grievous to that ,holy ,spirit1 in whom we ought to live and walk2 how disgracefully and basely unworthy of those spiritual privileges1 to which we have been restored2 of the great mercies we have already received2 and the still greater we are yet expecting1 from the redemption which hath been wrought for us by the ever blessed ,jesus2 it might be concluded1 that ,christians1 when tempted to injury and evil1 would immediately refer the matter to the blessed word and will of their divine master1 and exclaim1 with a pious and grateful feeling1 8how can ,i do this great wickedness and sin against ,god80 ,yet1 is it not notorious1 that a great1 an overwhelming portion of the inhabitants of this enlightened land1 are governed in a very small1 if in any degree1 by this pure sense of spiritual and religious obligation8 ,commonly1 when they are solicited to sinful gratifications and pursuits1 8,god is not in all their thoughts30 whether they yield or not1 depends partly upon the strength of their natural inclination2 partly upon the light in which the sin may be regarded by the world around them2 upon the extent to which it may affect their worldly reputation2 upon what they may calculate to gain or lose by their conduct4 ,the law of custom has manifestly a greater influence than the law of ,god2 nay1 what are called the rules of honour1 which1 in many instances1 are flagrantly repugnant and opposite to the divine will1 7and might rather be called the rules of dishonour17 are appealed to1 in a ,christian country1 as the arbiters of right and wrong2 while the 8honour that cometh from ,god only0 is totally disregarded and forgotten4 ,and even of those1 who are unacquainted with the precise terms of these fallacious rules1 what multitudes are there1 whose practice and conduct are determined by considerations merely human2 who will be guided by a feeling of gratitude to an earthly benefactor1 and yet have no sense or remembrance of the favour of an all-merciful ,god2 who will be deterred from evil by the dread of offending an earthly superior1 that has power only over the body1 and yet possess in their hearts no fear whatever of ,him1 8who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell40 ,where there are no better guides1 no higher inducements than these1 8to refuse the evil and to choose the good10 we cannot be surprised at the licentiousness and corruption1 which so unhappily prevail2 nor even at the flagrant and shameless commission of that calamitous sin1 which ,joseph rejected with such holy disdain4 ,against the impetuous desires and cravings of the flesh2 the assiduous entreaties of wicked companions2 and the beguiling charms1 which ,satan so well knows how to spread over all the ways and works of evil2 against all these combining together1 it cannot be expected1 that any human motives or maxims1 any earthly feelings alone1 should be able successfully to stand4 ,not that such motives or maxims or feelings are to be despised or disregarded2 not that any just or lawful consideration1 however trivial1 should be overlooked1 which may be instrumental1 in any degree1 to preserve us from evil4 ,far is it from being the design of the gospel1 to supersede the dictates and rules of reason2 the workings of conscience2 or the influence of natural affection1 of hope and joy and gratitude and love2 the gospel purifies all these motives1 and guides them aright1 and directs the exercise of them into the proper channel4 ,but even the best of them1 with the sincere ,christian1 are as nothing when compared with his religious principle1 with the faith and fear and love of ,god3 when tempted to sin1 he thinks of that ,holy ,being1 with whom he has entered into covenant2 of that gracious ,redeemer1 who hath endured so much for his sake1 who hath brought him into the way of salvation1 by whose favour he is enjoying 8the life that now is1 and the promise of that which is to come20 he thinks of the ,holy ,spirit1 8by whom he has been regenerated and made a child of grace20 he would not quench that sacred flame and energy1 by which his corrupt nature has been enlightened and purified2 from which 8all good desires1 all good counsels1 and all just works do proceed20 by which his soul is animated with the inspiring hope of beholding his ,god face to face1 in perfect righteousness and everlasting glory4 ,he loves to please1 he cannot bear the thought of offending1 the ,lord of majesty and mercy2 and looks to ,him for strength in the hour of trial4 ,the constant habit of thus lifting up1 in the spirit of prayer1 the thoughts and affections to ,god2 the full and abiding persuasion of ,his manifold mercies to the faithful1 of ,his terrible judgments to be executed upon the disobedient and the impenitent sinner1 will always be found the surest1 the only sure1 preservative from sin4 ,and how can that man1 who believes1 with all his heart and soul1 in the glorious revelation of the ,gospel2 in the miseries which he may thereby escape1 and the happiness which he may attain2 in the means ordained for his accomplishment of these momentous purposes2 how can he fail or cease to maintain a lively remembrance of the goodness and wisdom and power of ,god8 ,will he not 8set the ,lord alway before him20 and under the countenance and protection of his ,saviour1 and in the awful presence of his ,judge1 will he not feel himself powerfully actuated to restrain and resist every guilty inclination1 and to decline from the danger and dishonour of every evil way8 8,how can ,i do this great wickedness and sin against0 my ,creator1 ,redeemer1 and ,sanctifier--the ,almighty ,god1 whose ,i am1 and whom ,i serve8 ,this reflection is also calculated to excite our attention to the duties of this holy season1 #hi;a prescribed by the ,church for our christian improvement2 the duties of self-examination and repentance4 ,convinced1 that every wilful sin renders us unworthy of acceptance with that ,god1 8who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity10 let us retire into our chamber and take our private hour1 and cast a searching eye over our character and life1 intent upon discovering every stain and blemish2 let us 8see if there be any wicked way in us10 and pray fervently to be 8led into the way everlasting40 #hi;b ,let the sinfulness of our condition by nature1 the sinfulness of our thoughts and words and works1 pass in review before us2 nor let the soul ever rest content1 till we have made our peace with ,god2--by an humble abasement under the sense of our undeservings2 by unfeigned sorrow for the past2 by a holy1 steady1 entire resolution1 to watch more carefully1 and walk more circumspectly2 by laying aside 8every weight1 and the sin which doth so easily beset us40 #ij;a ,when we duly think of the long-suffering and forbearance of our offended ,father2 of ,his great mercy in 8sparing us when we deserved punishment20 sparing us to repent of our faults and follies1 to advance in holiness and righteousness1 to further the everlasting interest of the soul2 surely we shall then be penetrated with a deep sense of the divine compassion2 and the goodness of ,god 8will answer its blessed purpose and lead us to repentance40 #ij;b #8,how can ,i persist in abusing the patience which has borne with me so long8 ,how shall ,i continue to neglect any duty1 which so merciful a ,god has commanded1 for the edification and salvation of my soul8 ,how shall ,i rebelliously cherish any sinful indulgence1 which is opposed to ,his holy law2 and thus forfeit my claim to that heavenly inheritance1 which my ,saviour has died to procure for the true believer1 for the penitent and contrite in heart8 ,how can ,i do less than abhor the sin1 which ,his blood was shed to expiate and cleanse away2 less1 than delight and advance in the way of righteousness which ,he has opened to me2' even till 8,i come unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of ,christ40 ,reflections1 deliberations1 resolutions such as these1 sincerely formed and cherished1 would very effectually1 by divine grace1 assist us in attaining that disposition of mind and heart1 which might lead us habitually to raise our thoughts to ,god1 under every circumstance1 and at every time of temptation4 ,there would thus be cast around us a sacred wall of defence2 a perpetual barrier against the inroads of ,satan and of sin2 and if at times they should1 when we are suddenly thrown off our guard1 break in upon the heart and lay it waste1 they would speedily be expelled1 and the breach would be healed without delay4 ,thus we shall become more jealous over ourselves1 more circumspect and watchful2 we shall never feel easy1 while betraying1 into the hands of the enemy1 the merciful and glorious work of ,god4 ,with a love for ,his goodness1 a reverence for ,his truth1 and a fear of ,his judgments1 abiding in the heart1 we shall fly from every approach of evil1 and dwell in safety beneath the shadow of ,his wing3 8we shall be enabled to withstand in the evil day1 and having done all to stand40 #ib ,it is our distinguished privilege to be enlightened by the 8wisdom which is from above10 to 8be strong in the ,lord1 and in the power of ,his might30 ,god forbid that we should return to the 8beggarly elements of the world10 and seek to draw our principles and strength from this polluted source4 ,had we never been blessed with the light of revelation1 we must have been content with such means of duty1 as our dark state afforded3 we must have been governed and guided like the heathen1 whom we now pity4 ,but1 as we are supremely favoured with the knowledge of the true ,god1 as 8our fellowship is with the ,father1 and with his ,son ,jesus ,christ20 as the ,holy ,spirit is given to 8help our infirmities20 let us1 in every temptation1 remember our infinite obligations to the great and merciful ,jehovah1 and trust in the sufficiency of ,his almighty power4 ,after thus 8walking with ,god as friends20 having1 for the sake of ,his friendship1 struggled with our evil propensities2 having despised the vanity and folly1 and renounced the love of the world1 we shall experience more and more1 the value of ,his favour1 and the fulness of ,his grace2 serving ,him in humble gratitude1 we shall be acknowledged as ,his own peculiar people1 and ,he will be our ,god2 in all perplexities we shall find ,him our guide1 in all trouble our comfort and support2 amid the crooked paths of vice ,he will 8make our way plain before ,his face20 the 8snare will be broken and we shall be delivered20 ,he will honour us among men2 8such honour have all ,his saints20 and this will be an earnest of our everlasting honour in ,his heavenly abode1 in perfect friendship and communion with ,him1 in that blessed place where sin and temptation will be no more1 8where nothing that defileth can enter40 ,,sermon ,,vi4 ,,on ,,the ,,journey ,,to ,,emmaus4 ,,luke xxiv4 #cb4 ,and they said one to another1 ,did not our heart burn within us1 while ,he talked with us by the way1 and while ,he opened to us the ,scriptures8 ,,this is a portion of one of those affecting and instructive pieces of history1 with which the sacred scriptures every where abound4 ,after the resurrection of ,jesus1 on the very same day1 two of ,his disciples were journeying together to a village called ,emmaus1 a few miles distant from ,jerusalem4 ,and as they went1 8they talked together of those things which had happened40 ,and certainly never was there furnished to disciples an occasion of more interesting conversation4 ,they were at no loss for a subject2 their feelings were deeply moved1 their circumstances most peculiar2 they had just been bereaved of their ,lord2 and were left1 as they thought1 helpless and hopeless upon the wide world3 they had been attending the sad scene of ,his sufferings2 and doubtless had been witnessing his awful crucifixion2 abundance of matter therefore1 was afforded them for reflection and discourse4 ,but besides this1 they had heard the report of their ,lord's resurrection2 and as they did not at all understand the purport of it1 appeared indeed scarcely to believe an event so extraordinary1 they were probably consulting what to expect1 or what to do4 8,and it came to pass1 that1 while they communed together and reasoned1 ,jesus ,himself drew near1 and went with them4 ,but their eyes were holden1 that they should not know ,him40 #if ,either ,he assumed a different form1 or ,he supernaturally influenced their sight1 that they should not at first recognize ,him4 ,jesus1 let us observe1 appeared to the disciples1 while they were engaged in holy meditation and converse2 and thus1 though no longer visible in the world1 ,he may still be expected1 at all times1 to favour ,his true disciples in a similar manner4 ,while they are conversing upon the things belonging to ,his kingdom1 upon the wonders of ,his love1 and the riches of ,his grace1 upon their high privileges and expectations1 upon the doctrines and precepts of ,his holy word1 upon the duties and experiences of their earthly pilgrimage1 upon their walk with ,god here1 and their hope of dwelling together with ,him for ever hereafter2 while they are musing and discoursing of these things1 the blessed ,jesus will join company with them1 though unknown and unseen2 and will shed over their conference a holy and heavenly benediction4 ,a reproach it is to vast numbers of ,his professing disciples1 that they are not more anxious to embrace such opportunities of enjoying the favour and presence of their ,lord2 that many1 even intimate friends and near relations1 amid the endless variety of their subjects of conversation1 are scarcely ever found to exchange a sentiment or a word1 upon the most interesting and important of all topics2 the love of their ,lord and the edification of their souls4 ,eagerly do they embrace every opportunity of ministering to the passing amusement1 or the temporal welfare1 of each other2 the only subject1 which appears to be forbidden ground1 is the subject of an eternal life to come1 their spiritual well-being here and hereafter4 ,but let me not be misunderstood on this point2 ,i am not speaking of the promiscuous intercourse of society2 not of religious discussions or allusions amid the ordinary business of life2 not of that irreverent and dangerous habit1 into which same believers have been incautiously betrayed1 of detailing to one another their continual and familiar experiences2 ,i am speaking of the private and sober communing of christian friends1 who are dwelling together1 or journeying together1 as the disciples to ,emmaus3 and truly1 8with the bible in their hands and the ,saviour in their hearts10 it is wonderful how they can forbear from spiritual intercourse4 ,if the everlasting truths of the gospel have made a deep impression upon their minds2 if1 for the promises therein revealed1 it is their object to live and to die2 if they have one common hope of their calling1 8one thing needful0 which occupies their affections2 if they have the same exalted view of a glorious kingdom in heaven2 if they are living together in love1 and comforting themselves1 that the holy bond shall never be broken1 that it shall be renewed in a happier world and last for ever2 then it would be strange if their thoughts and their conversation should never turn upon a subject of such overwhelming interest2 upon a topic so abundantly fruitful in materials for mutual edification4 ,the idea of the ,lord being present with us in our conferences is an animating and ennobling idea3 but we cannot expect ,his holy presence in the scenes of vanity and frivolity2 nor can we expect it at any time1 if the thought and desire of ,him be altogether excluded4 ,from the cold moralist1 or the worldly-minded disciple1 from those who have no practical concern for the gospel or for their souls1 we need not look for a word of spiritual communication2 it is abhorrent to their feelings and inconsistent with their notions2 but the sincere ,christian should 8think on these things40 8,the world will love its own10 and follow its own2 its own friends and maxims and ways3 but 8we are not of the world10 and better fruit is expected from us4 ,but to return to the history before us4 ,having listened for a time to the earnest discourse of the disciples1 ,jesus at length1 as if a stranger1 enquired into the subject1 which engrossed their minds and rendered them so sorrowful3 8,and the one of them whose name was ,cleopas1 7the same1 it is thought1 as ,alpheus1 who was the father of two ,apostles and nearly related to our ,lord ,himself17 answering1 said unto ,him1 art thou only a stranger in ,jerusalem1 and hast not known the things1 which are come to pass there in these days80 8,and he said unto them what things80 said it1 probably1 with a view of giving them an opportunity of declaring their opinions1 upon what had taken place1 as also upon ,himself and the nature of ,his kingdom3 8and they said unto ,him1 concerning ,jesus of ,nazareth1 which was a prophet mighty in deed and word1 before ,god and all the people3 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered ,him to be condemned to death1 and have crucified ,him4 ,but we trusted1 that it had been ,he who should have redeemed ,israel2 and beside all this1 to-day is the third day since these things were done40 #aja ,they concluded1 that their bright hopes of redemption were extinguished1 were all dead and buried with ,jesus3 even though they had heard of ,his rising again1 according to ,his own promise1 which they had just alluded to1 still they had no expectation of holding any further intercourse with ,him1 of any further display of ,his power in their behalf4 8,then he said unto them1 ,o fools 7,o unwise and blinded people7 and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken2 ought not ,christ 7ought not your ,messiah prophesied of old7 to have suffered these things and enter into ,his glory80 #ajb ,is it not clearly foretold by your prophets1 by ,isaiah especially in his #ec;d chapter1 that the redeemer of ,israel should be 8despised and rejected of men10 should bear 8their griefs and carry their sorrows10 8should be led as a lamb to the slaughter1 should be numbered with the transgressors10 should make 8,his grave with the wicked 7should die with malefactors7 and with the rich in his death10 7should be buried in the sepulchre of the rich17 and after that 8prolong ,his days10 and then that 8the pleasure of the ,lord should prosper in ,his hand80 ,according to your own prophecies then1 and in order to their fulfilment1 has not ,jesus done that1 as ,messiah1 which ,he was required to do8 ,instead of being offended1 and giving up the cause1 ye ought to be fully convinced1 that ,he is 8the ,christ1 the son of the living ,god40 #ajc;a ,then1 8beginning at ,moses and all the prophets1 ,he expounded to them in all the sacred scriptures the things concerning ,himself40 #ajc;b ,how enlightening and convincing must this discourse have been6 ,but it is not preserved to us3 with so complete a body of information and evidence1 it did not please the ,almighty to favour the world4 ,we are left to gather the instruction by diligent observation and study2 and thankful may we be1 that there still remain most abundant sources of satisfactory knowledge on this head2 that the prophecies and types of the ,saviour in the ,old ,testament1 when compared with their fulfilment1 are sufficiently clear for the conviction of every honest and well-disposed mind4 ,after this1 the disciples 8drew nigh unto the village whither they went2 and ,jesus made as though ,he would have gone further4 ,but they constrained ,him1 saying1 ,abide with us2 for it is toward evening1 and the day is far spent4 ,and ,he went in to tarry with them40 #ajd;a ,and thus ,he still favours ,his disciples1 and will do as long as the world stands2 when they heartily desire ,his abiding presence1 it will never be denied2 wherever the place or whatever the occasion1 their ,lord1 if wished for and welcome1 will be of their company3 in the domestic circle1 in the converse of friends1 in the sacred hour of solitude2 8when thou sittest in thine house1 and when thou walkest by the way1 and when thou liest down1 and when thou risest up40 #ajd;b ,we have only to lift our thoughts to ,him2 8to set ,him always before us2 and ,he will be at our right hand1 that we shall not be moved40 #aje;a ,at all times ,he will be found 8a present help20 but especially when we are associated or assembled in remembrance of ,him4 ,such is the promise of ,his word3 8where two or three are gathered together in my name1 there am ,i in the midst of them30 #aje;b gathered together for consultation1 for worship1 for any holy purpose4 ,jesus1 when ,he had entered into the house with the two disciples1 acted in a manner which served to bring ,him to their knowledge3 8,as ,he sat at meat with them1 ,he took bread and blessed it1 and brake and gave to them2 7though a supposed stranger1 ,he appeared as the head of the family2 blessing and distributing1 as ,his custom had been at their ordinary meals37 ,and their eyes were opened1 and they knew ,him3 ,and ,he vanished out of their sight20 #aje;c immediately left them to ponder upon the amazing things which they had heard4 8,and they said one to another1 ,did not our heart burn within us1 while ,he talked with us by the way1 and while ,he opened to us the ,scriptures80 ,cleopas and his friend were unquestionably favoured beyond the common lot of disciples3 to hear the sacred oracles explained by ,him1 who was at once the subject and fulfilment of them2 by ,him1 through whose spirit the prophets and holy men of old all spake2 to hear them perfectly explained and illustrated by the voice of the ,son of ,god1 might well make a vivid impression upon their minds1 and fill their bosom with fervent and rapturous delight3 ,yet1 though we cannot be so singularly blessed1 there may be communicated to us a measure of that knowledge1 which these disciples enjoyed2 there may be imparted to us no inconsiderable portion of the same holy animation4 ,our merciful ,lord1 on withdrawing ,his visible presence from this world1 sent1 according to ,his promise1 another ,comforter2 a ,comforter1 who should 8guide ,his people into all truth20 should 8give them a right judgment in all things10 and spread a holy influence over their affections and desires4 ,and now1 when we are reading ,his word1 when musing upon it with devout meditation1 and conversing with one another upon its exalted truths1 its heavenly purposes1 its abundant promises and blessings2 and now1 when we hear the word from the lips of those ministers1 who1 however unworthy in themselves1 are commissioned to speak in ,his great name1 our hearts may burn within us1 and 8our eyes may be opened to behold wondrous things out of ,his law20 #ajg we may still be powerfully impressed1 if we have1 what we are taught by our church to pray for1 8grace to hear meekly the word1 and to receive it with pure affection1 and to bring forth the fruits of the ,spirit40 ,may ,i not appeal1 in justification of these remarks1 to some of you here present8 ,have not your minds1 when intent upon the doctrines of the gospel1 and taking a view of heavenly things1 been sometimes visited with a holy illumination1 which has seemed to raise you above the world1 and to make you feel more sensibly1 that 8you have your conversation in heaven80 #ajh ,have not the ties of earth been loosened1 while your soul was expatiating on the deep things of ,god1 on ,his wisdom and power and love1 on the dealings of ,his providence and grace1 on the glories of ,his eternal presence8 ,have you not1 in some such moments1 been so impressed1 as to return to the world with a degree of reluctance2 and1 like the disciples at the transfiguration1 almost tempted to say1 of your spiritual and heavenly visions1 8it is good for me to be here80 ,these are no enthusiastic imaginations2 they are the sober and solid effects of the realized presence of our ,redeemer2 they are the burnings of heart1 of which the disciples spake2 they are the foretaste of our knowledge and joy and light and life above4 ,doubtless they are to be encouraged with humility and sobriety2 doubtless they may degenerate into enthusiasm2 for there is no spiritual good1 which may not be abused3 but the fear of enthusiasm is not to hinder us in gathering comfort and delight from the study of scriptural truth1 from holy and exalted meditation4 ,the world may call it weakness and folly2 for it cannot be understood by the world2 but the ,christian knows for it a better name2 and few eminent ,christians have there been1 who would not readily bear witness to the truth of these things1 who have not felt the inspiriting1 uplifting power of divine contemplation4 ,and this1 like all other exercises of true faith and piety1 is of great practical importance2 it is fruitful in righteousness to all who 8think soberly20 it serves them1 when they return to the busy scenes of earth1 as an animation to duty2 it purifies their affections and renders the world little in their eyes2 it arms them for conflict1 and reconciles them to trouble3 in the midst of trials1 of disappointments and bereavements1 of struggles and difficulties1 of frowns and oppositions1 they remember1 with thankfulness and comfort1 the spiritual joys they have experienced1 and expect to be blessed with them again3 yes1 in their darker hours1 they remember1 that the ,sun of righteousness1 has shone brightly upon them1 and the beams are still reflected2 though they cannot at present perceive ,him so clearly1 though ,he seems1 like ,jesus with the disciples1 to have 8vanished out of their sight10 ,he has left a glory behind1 and will again visit them with the fulness of ,his favour2 and they go on their way 8not faithless1 but believing40 ,to those who have been thus in the habit of pious and scriptural meditation2 of intently dwelling upon the sublime mysteries1 and the gracious promises1 and the noble examples1 and the striking histories of the word of ,god2 to them it is needless to recommend a continuance of the good work2 it is a christian obligation1 which they can never think of declining2 and besides this1 the delight and improvement1 which it affords1 are its own sufficient recommendation4 ,but upon all1 who have unhappily neglected this their great privilege and duty1 ,i would most earnestly press the importance of attending to this point1 as a matter of bounden necessity4 ,it is not enough to form an acquaintance with the leading truths of the gospel1 as a matter of faith and profession2 there is much to be learnt upon a nearer inspection1 much indeed that can never be learned without it2 much to enlarge and exalt the understanding2 to renew the heart and regulate the life4 ,the necessary intercourse1 which most of us have with the world1 is of a lowering and defiling nature2 estranging the heart from a love of holiness and of ,god3 and in order to correct this evil1 scriptural study and spiritual consideration1 as well as fervent prayer1 are indispensable4 ,let not any day pass over your heads without some portion of the ,bible1 some subject of divine revelation1 being brought distinctly to your view4 ,the exercise will interfere with none of your earthly duties1 but will help you in the performance of them all2 will smooth whatever there be of ruggedness in your way2 will strengthen you in the hour of temptation1 and comfort you in perplexity and trouble4 ,many an encouraging promise and many an enlivening assurance will recur to your memory2 and 8a word in season how good is it30 examples of suffering and patience1 of striving and perseverance1 of warfare and triumph1 will kindle in your breast an emulous ardour1 and you will say1 #8,by the help of the ,lord1 ,i will 8go and do likewise40' ,thus will the ,bible be a never-failing source of strength and consolation all the day long2 as the waters1 which flowed from the flinty rock1 accompanied and refreshed the ,israelites1 ever and anon1 in their journey through the wilderness1 so will your spiritual musings1 suggested by the very hardships or troubles of life1 be a perpetual stream of refreshment to your souls1 even 8in a dry land thirsty land1 where no water is40 #aac;a ,and by this means you will be preparing and training your souls for a happier communion with the ,saviour in another world2 where all the dealings of ,his providence1 and all the wonders of ,his grace1 will be more fully and gloriously manifested4 ,and if the heart of the ,christian now burn within him1 at the contemplation of heavenly truth and redeeming love2 now1 in his frail tenement of clay2 how unspeakable will be his delight1 when these things are revealed to his pure spirit1 in the realms of perfection and bliss4 ,then will he know more of 8the love of ,christ which passeth knowledge20 then will he see more of 8the length and breadth and depth and height0 #aac;b of the mystery of mercy2 he will see ,god 8face to face0 and 8know even as he is known40 ,,sermon ,,vii4 ,,if ,,they ,,hear ,,not ,,moses ,,and ,,the ,,prophets4 ,,luke xvi4 #ca4 ,if they hear not ,moses and the ,prophets1 neither will they be persuaded1 though one rose from the dead4 ,,let us advert to the occasion on which these words were delivered1 to the parable of which they form a part4 ,the case there presented to us by the description of the rich man is unhappily of frequent occurrence in every age4 ,surrounded by all the luxuries that wealth could furnish1 he looked for nothing beyond them3 how many fellow mortals there were near his dwelling1 deprived of the necessities1 while he was revelling in the superfluities of life1 was no care1 no consideration of his2 the selfish enjoyment of this world entirely absorbed his affections1 and threw a veil over all expectation of a world to come3 satisfied1 that he had 8goods laid by for many years10 he imagined that he had nothing to do1 but to 8eat1 drink1 and be merry40 ,but such ignorance and insensibility did not prevent him from being called to account2 such forgetfulness of his latter end did not retard the evil day4 ,he died--and was buried1 we may conclude1 with costly preparation answerable to the splendour in which he had lived4 ,this however1 was the last service which his riches were able to render him2 and melancholy it was1 when contrasted with the state1 in which his soul was existing1 while his treasures were employed in doing honour to the lifeless body4 ,he found in that state1 what he might have discovered before1 that riches1 if selfishly employed in purposes of vanity and pleasure1 are a deadly snare2 that earthly indulgences1 if pursued with excess1 to the neglect of duty towards ,god and man1 instead of being a blessing1 are paving the way to misery2 he found1 8what an evil and bitter thing it is10 to squander the favours of heaven without remembering 8the author and giver of every good gift40 ,perceiving therefore1 by sad experience1 his own deplorable condition1 he is represented as being moved with a feeling of pity for his brethren3 his first anxiety1 indeed1 was naturally for himself--for some alleviation1 at least1 of the wretchedness of his fate2 but when he was informed that such desire was fruitless1 that even the assuagement of his pain was impossible1 that there was no means of conveying even a drop of water to cool the thirst upon his tongue1 that the great gulf was finally and irremoveably fixed1 he then hoped that something might be done for his brethren who were still surviving2 they had not yet passed the boundary of life and grace2 and therefore he entreats that1 while the far-spent day was shining upon them1 ,lazarus might be despatched from his abode of bliss1 to warn them of the untimely end to which they were hastening2 and induce them effectually to repent before 8the night should come1 in which no man can work40 #aag;a ,abraham's answer is1 8they have ,moses and the prophets1 let them hear them40 ,a messenger from the court of heaven could tell them nothing new2 they are already acquainted with their duty and the consequences of neglecting it3 ,jehovah has revealed unto them ,his blessed will1 and clearly made known what is required of them1 8to do justly1 and to love mercy1 and to walk humbly with their ,god40 #aag;b ,his covenant with their fathers1 and the promulgation of ,his law1 have been attested by a series of signal miracles1 which they do not pretend to dispute2 and in every page of their history are recorded ,god's promised blessings to the good1 and the execution of ,his vengeance upon the evil2 and1 therefore1 in as far as knowledge is concerned1 they have all the intelligence that can be desired4 ,but the wretched man1 in the agony of his own feelings1 and the earnest desire to preserve his family from such woe1 still pursues his request4 8,nay1 father ,abraham20 but1 though they have neglected the ordinary calls of heaven1 assuredly1 if so astonishing an admonition were granted to them1 as that of one risen from the dead1 they would be thereby persuaded to repent4 ,then follows the answer of the text1 8,if they hear not ,moses and the prophets1 neither will they be persuaded1 though one rose from the dead40 ,and thus the conference ended4 ,from this conclusion of the parables two important observations may be drawn first1 that if men fail to be convinced and converted1 to be led to their ,god and their duty1 by those sufficient means of grace which are already vouchsafed to them1 they would not be likely to yield to any extraordinary means2 and1 secondly1 that no such additional means are to be expected4 #a4 ,in all cases of spiritual and practical unbelief1 in all cases where the declarations of the ,almighty are disregarded1 the fault lies not so much in the understanding as in the heart4 ,the revelations of heaven are at variance with those interests and pursuits1 which the heart is inclined and resolved to retain2 and on this account1 and by this means1 the mind is prejudiced and set against such revelations1 and they are not fully and implicitly believed4 ,they call men to the love and practice of holiness1 to which our degenerate nature is averse2 the pleasures of sin are preferred1 and the voice of ,god is unheeded3 they teach us1 that all earthly objects and possessions1 in themselves1 are vain1 and call us to prepare for an everlasting inheritance above2 the sensual and worldly-minded think and feel1 that 8it is good for them to be here10 and are not disposed to place their affections upon the promise of an hereafter4 ,we none of us professedly disbelieve the revelation of heaven1 any more than the brethren of the rich man did2 and therefore ,i need not stay to argue the point on that ground4 ,the doctrine before us is this1 that men1 professing to believe1 to have received abundant evidence of the truth1 and yet refusing to act upon that belief1 would not be induced so to act1 by any violent appeal to their senses or natural powers1 even though it were the work of a divine interposition in their behalf4 ,what do we believe8 ,that1 after this life1 which experience tells us must soon terminate1 and which may1 at any moment1 be unexpectedly and suddenly brought to a close1 we shall immediately enter upon another and an eternal state of being2 and that our condition1 in the endless life to come1 will be happy or miserable1 according to the manner in which we have passed our short pilgrimage upon earth1 whether in a belief of the gospel or in unbelief2 in obedience or disobedience2 in holiness or sin4 ,now1 if we really and vitally believe these truths1 their importance is so striking1 that nothing could possibly suggest to the mind a weightier consideration4 ,and if these truths be only superficially credited1 it must be owing to some corrupt and perverted affections1 which throw a veil over the understanding1 and render it proof against all moral means of conviction4 ,perhaps some strange and startling occurrence1 such as the re-appearance of a friend from the dead1 might forcibly affect the imagination for a time2 and1 filling us with alarm and apprehension1 might fill us also with vehement resolutions of amendment3 but the imagination is a weak principle to build upon2 the impressions it receives are commonly very transient2 they gradually wear away on the presentation of fresh images1 in our commerce with the world3 and if there be not a solid spiritual conviction1 in the mind and heart1 of the awful realities of an hereafter1 if the conviction does not rest upon the divine evidence accorded by the ,spirit and the word of ,god1 the effects of sudden surprise or consternation will soon vanish away2 the latent dispositions of the soul will break forth again2 the old habits1 of recklessness and evil1 be reassumed2 the world again victorious4 ,for the truth of these things1 ,i appeal1 if not to yourselves1 7as in many instances1 ,i reasonably may7 but if not1 to those around you4 ,how many examples have occurred1 within the compass of your own experience1 of extraordinary visitations having produced but a very short-lived influence upon the heart and character8 ,how often have we seen the careless awakened by an alarming sickness1 by an approach of the king of terrors1 7which can hardly be supposed less convincing than an angel from heaven1 or a spirit from the blest71 and yet awakened only to return1 on the removal of danger1 to the slumbers of insensibility and sin4 ,the solemn promises1 which the terrified sinner made to his friends1 his minister1 and his ,god1 were but the offspring of fear2 the creatures of imagination2 born only for the moment2 soon disappearing1 when the crisis was past4 ,and when the stroke of death has actually fallen upon a relative or friend1 we have sometimes seen it overwhelm the soul of a heedless survivor1 and bring him to himself1 to serious thought and repentance2 he began to sit loose to the remaining interests of life2 he looked with anxiety to the world unknown1 and formed resolutions of devoting his years to a constant provision for futurity2 but all to no ultimate purpose2 the subject had sued for his attention before1 and been rejected4 ,when his affections have had time to cool1 he finds that no new importance has really been given to the truth2 the evidences of it rest as they did2 others have lost friends as well as he2 it is the common lot of mortality2 and he cannot keep alive the impression for ever2 the world must be attended to2 and one object after another continues to gain an ascendancy1 till his new-born hopes and fears are extinct2 till his principles and conduct and views return to their old level1 from which they will in future become the more difficult to be raised4 ,it is unnecessary for me to insist1 that this is no ideal picture1 drawn for the mere occasion of placing the subject in a strong light2 your own acquaintance with the world may furnish you with living resemblances of it2 and it is unhappily the lot of ,christian ,ministers1 who have more frequent opportunity of witnessing such impressions1 to observe1 in the end1 their repeated and lamentable failure2 to perceive how far they fall short of lasting conviction and salvation4 ,well1 therefore1 in the affectionate and faithful discharge of our duty1 may we call upon our hearers to weigh1 in the dispassioned hours of health and tranquillity1 the nature and the moment of those divine truths1 which the gospel clearly reveals unto man2 to judge rightly and truly of their everlasting import2 and to embrace them1 from the undeniable evidence already presented1 with all the heart and all the soul4 ,we call1 however1 upon our hearers1 not as if the vital impression depended upon themselves alone1 upon the exercise of their own judgment or the workings of their own conscience4 ,we call upon them to pray for1 and be guided by1 the mighty operation of the ,spirit of ,god3 ,he is ever ready to enlighten and instruct and quicken and determine them2 giving us ,his grace1 8that we may have a good will1 and working with us1 when we have that good will40 #abe ,listen to ,his teaching2 obey ,his godly motions2 follow up the convictions which ,he brings to the mind and heart4 ,light enough is perpetually given1 to guide you into all truth2 live in the light2 walk in the light4 ,thus1 indeed1 every additional admonition1 which a gracious ,god may be pleased to vouchsafe unto us1 will be turned to good account2 our faith will be confirmed1 our affections purified1 our knowledge increased1 our resolutions strengthened and settled2 8unto him that hath1 shall more be given20 the sincere and pious believer will advance1 at every call1 a step nearer to his ,saviour and his ,god2 the still small voice of heavenly warning will be heard1 even amidst the ordinary occurrences of life2 the wonderful dealings of providence and the manifold means of grace will be turned to godly account2 the instructions and examples of the living1 and the contemplation of the saints at rest1 will alike afford materials for spiritual edification4 ,but if the great call to liberty and life be habitually neglected1 to liberty from sin and shame1 and life to holiness and glory1 then the mind and heart are not in a condition to take advantage of occasional excitement2 it strikes1 but it does not overcome2 it rouses1 but the stupor returns4 #b4 ,proceed we now to the second observation which may be drawn from the text1 that when men reject the abundant evidence of truth1 and the gracious invitations of heaven already given1 when they have resisted the strivings of the ,spirit of ,god1 they are not to expect ,him to deviate from the ordinary rules of ,his providence and grace1 for the sake of removing their wilful blindness1 and overcoming their perverseness and obstinacy4 ,it is a part of the divine economy1 in the salvation of man1 that he should of his own free will1 by the grace of ,god preventing and assisting1 8refuse the evil and choose the good30 and therefore man is not to expect from the ,almighty any such interference in his favour1 as might absolutely overrule his will1 and compel him to hearken and obey4 ,god's infinite mercy is sufficiently manifested in ,his offer and promise to save those rebellious sinners1 who listen to the teaching of ,his ,spirit1 who are willing to be saved in ,his own appointed way4 ,to save those who quench the light afforded them1 who discover no such willingness1 who unthankfully turn away and refuse the inestimable gift presented to them1 would be in direct opposition to the whole tenour of the word of ,god4 ,and experience concurs with ,scripture to inform us1 that no such extraordinary interposition is generally vouchsafed4 ,the ,jews1 in our ,saviour's time1 had read of the miracles of ,moses and the prophets1 professed to credit their inspiration1 and their mission from on ,high2 they had seen the astonishing miracles of ,christ ,himself2 and might1 if they would1 have perceived the fulfilment of their prophecies in ,him2 many of them were eyewitnesses to the signs and wonders attendant upon ,his crucifixion2 to the earthquake1 and the supernatural darkness1 and the rending of the veil of their temple2 nor could they deny ,his resurrection from the dead4 ,against all this body of evidence1 against all the means of conviction1 they persevered in their rejection of ,him4 ,and the time came1 when no further testimonial was to be granted2 they were left 8to fill up the measure of their fathers20 they died in their sins4 ,in addition to all these opportunities and advantages afforded to the ,jew1 we enjoy1 at this day1 the fulness of the manifestation of the gospel2 the real nature of the ,messiah's kingdom is clearly and completely revealed unto us2 the blessings of the gospel are set before us1 in the most conspicuous and glorious light2 we have all the certainty1 which mortals can have1 of a world to come2 all the knowledge which our imperfect faculties could receive1 of the nature of that world2 and all the means of grace and hopes of glory4 ,and if by all these mercies we are not convinced and persuaded1 we can have no right or reason to look for any preternatural or overpowering interposition1 even from the goodness and long-suffering of ,god4 ,rather may we fear that judicial infatuation1 so frequently alluded to in ,scripture1 of the closed eye1 the dull ear1 and the gross obdurate heart4 ,o let the sinner1 instead of flattering himself with the delusion1 that some extraordinary thing will one day be happening to him1 which shall disengage him from earth1 and fix his thoughts on heaven and eternity1 ,o let him rather apprehend that the time is approaching1 when the measure of his iniquity shall be filled up1 and ,god will be no longer found4 ,i am not asserting1 that such signal interferences have never been vouchsafed2 that such loud awakenings have never been successful3 ,i mean1 that they are not in the ordinary course of divine providence1 and are not to be expected4 ,i mean to say1 that where the grace of the gospel is continually resisted in the heart and life1 the careless recusant is seldom reclaimed through the medium of any extraordinary visitation2 whether of sickness1 of accident1 or any terrible calamity4 ,the man1 who entrusts his soul to the hope and operation of such occurrences1 is placing it in imminent jeopardy4 ,whoever will save his soul alive1 let him1 without delay1 8seek the ,lord1 while ,he may be found1 and call upon ,him while ,he is near20 #acj;a peradventure ,god may 8laugh at his calamity1 and mock when his fear cometh40 #acj;b ,and in other ways also does the same evil principle work1 the same evil habit of 8resisting the grace of ,god30 many persons1 who express themselves thoroughly convinced of the truth of the christian revelation1 and the absolute necessity of a spiritual obedience and a holy walking with ,god1 put off their work of righteousness1 from year to year1 in the hope1 not of any great or appalling event1 but that some new circumstances may arise1 which shall make it more convenient for them to renounce the world1 and attend1 without let or hindrance1 to the salvation of their souls2 they will have gained a sufficiency of earthly comforts1 or they will be tired of the world2 they will be growing old and feeble1 and naturally more inclined to think of heavenly things4 ,but this is only the same temptation as the former1 presented in another shape2 the 8convenient season0 is hoped for in vain2 ,satan never suffers us to be without a hindrance1 real or imaginary2 our attachment to the world does not wear off2 we grow older without growing more religious1 without drawing nearer to ,god2 and we never are1 it is impossible we should be1 naturally disposed to 8turn and seek after ,him30 thus the delusion goes on2 and we 8will not be persuaded20 and thus1 too frequently1 the 8expectation cometh utterly to an end for evermore40 ,there is no trusting to anything1 but the present conviction and determination1 but the instant and unreserved 8obedience of the heart unto righteousness20 8to-day1 if ye will hear ,his voice1 harden not your hearts40 #acb ,in conclusion1 ,i call upon you to think on the condition of the rich man in torment4 ,his anxiety for a special interference in behalf of his brethren is represented as useless to them1 but it may be salutary to us3 ,it may assure us of the wretchedness of that place1 to which he was condemned2 may incline us1 by the inspiration of ,god's ,holy ,spirit1 to value and improve ,his gracious gifts1 while they are mercifully bestowed2 may determine us1 while we have the all-sufficient light of the gospel1 to be guided thereby into the way of peace2 we may learn from this awful lesson1 that if 7,god forbid that it should be so7 but if any of us should be similarly doomed1 we shall mourn for ourselves1 and be anxious1 that the companions we have left may be our companions no more2 let us take heed for ourselves1 and be anxious for one another in time1 while the heed and anxiety may be crowned with success2 may lead us to seek and find ,god's favour and mercy1 and so 8escape from the wrath to come40 ,,sermon ,,viii4 ,,perfect ,,love ,,casteth ,,out ,,fear4 #a ,,john iv4 #ah4 ,there is no fear in love1 but perfect love casteth out fear3 because fear hath torment2 he that feareth is not made perfect in love4 ,,of all the sources of happiness1 which the merciful ,god has opened to us1 the most pure and abundant are the feelings of affection and love4 ,i appeal1 for the truth of this1 not to the understandings1 but to the hearts of those that hear me2 and they will at once testify1 unless corrupted and perverted by selfish or vicious habits1 that such1 even with regard to earthly happiness1 is undoubtedly the fact4 ,persons indeed of inferior principle1 of irregular and irreligious lives1 frequently draw from this source the most considerable portion of their pleasure1 whatever abatements it may receive from their sin and folly3 and when the passions are attempered1 and the affections purified and exalted1 by the influence of our holy religion1 by the refining energy of the spirit of ,god1 the delight naturally and necessarily becomes proportionably greater4 8,to love one another0 is not only our first earthly duty1 as injoined by the ,saviour1 but also our highest interest and advantage1 as contributing to the happiness of all4 ,if then so much enjoyment is derived by mankind from the exercise of mutual love1 how much more from the love of ,god--the pure1 the gracious1 the ever blessed ,god2 8who loadeth us with ,his benefits20 who made us what we are1 and gave us what we have2 who created us for ,his glory1 who redeemed us from sin and death1 who sanctifieth all that trust in ,him1 that they may be happy for ever3 in a word1 whose goodness to us knows no bounds1 but those which are set by our own perverseness and ingratitude4 ,almighty and most merciful ,father1 8whom have ,i in heaven but ,thee8 and there is none upon earth that ,i desire beside ,thee40 #acf 8,graft in our hearts the love of ,thy name20 we cannot love ,thee as ,thou hast loved us2 but give us the grace to love ,thee with holy sincerity2 with that devout and reverent affection1 which shall render all other objects of desire comparatively indifferent to us1 and make us satisfied with ,thy favour1 whatever else we want2 which shall calm our apprehensions1 when we think of an hereafter2 and allay the uneasiness which arises in our breasts1 when we reflect upon ,thine infinite holiness1 and our own degenerate condition4 ,perhaps it may be imagined1 that this is a state of blessedness attainable by few1 if any1 upon earth3 some may urge the text against us1 and say that this blessedness is promised only to perfect love1 which mortals can never hope to attain2 and that it is inconsistent with those numerous passages of ,scripture1 which admonish us of the necessity of fear2 that in the admirable collect of our ,church for this day1 #acg we are instructed to pray for 8a perpetual fear and love of ,god's holy name40 ,how then can we possess the love which casteth out fear8 ,i will endeavour to reply to these observations2 and pray ,god that we may all derive1 from the consideration of this subject1 a more true and lively and abiding sense of the nature and necessity of that love towards ,him1 which1 as ,his adopted children and the inheritors of ,his kingdom1 we are absolutely bound to entertain4 ,unquestionably true it is1 that the fear of ,god is1 and ever has been1 indispensable to all ,his faithful servants2 as well under the mild dispensation of the gospel1 as under the severer discipline of the law4 8,the fear of the ,lord is the beginning of wisdom40 #ach;a 8,surely his salvation is nigh them that fear ,him40 #ach;b 8,unto you that fear my name shall the ,sun of ,righteousness arise1 with healing in ,his wings40 #ach;c ,and accordingly the ,apostle observes1 8,in every nation1 he that feareth ,him1 and worketh righteousness1 is accepted with ,him40 #ach;d 8,his mercy is on them that fear ,him1 from generation to generation40 #ach;e ,but what is the nature of this fear8 ,it is not a slavish principle1 not a disturbing and distressful feeling4 ,it consists in an awful sense of ,god's glorious perfections2 of ,his divine ,majesty1 unspotted purity1 infinite knowledge and power2 of ,his presence pervading every part of the creation1 even the very mind of every intellectual being2 such a sense1 as to fill us with the deepest humility1 perceiving ourselves unworthy even to stand in the sight of ,him1 8who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity20 such a sense1 habitually impressed upon the heart1 as inclines and constrains us to 8follow the good0 which ,he loves1 and 8depart from the evil0 which ,he abhors4 ,and this principle is plainly and entirely consistent with the sincerest love3 our love indeed is powerfully increased by the reflection1 that our heavenly ,father1 of whose attributes we form conceptions so awful and sublime1 should condescend to bestow such regard upon ,his frail and fallen1 ,his disobedient and rebellious children2 it may teach us to exclaim with the liveliest emotions of gratitude1 as well as with humble adoration and astonishment1 8,lord1 what is man that ,thou art mindful of him1 and the son of man that ,thou visitest him80 #aci ,good reason1 therefore1 had the framers of our ,liturgy1 for directing us to implore the united influence of a perpetual fear and love of ,god's holy name4 ,but the fear spoken of in the text is of another kind2 it relates to uneasy and distressful apprehensions respecting our acceptance with ,god2 to a feeling of doubt and distrust1 whether we are1 in deed and in truth1 partakers of the gracious promises of the gospel2 whether we are living in a state of reconciliation with ,god2 whether we have within us that earnest of the ,holy ,spirit1 which is the pledge and seal of our redemption2 whether1 in a word1 we are objects of ,god's favour here1 and have a well-grounded hope of his mercy hereafter4 ,that this is the state of mind represented to us by the beloved ,apostle1 is clear from his own reasoning2 8for fear10 says he1 8hath torment30 now the fear of ,god1 as above described1 has no torment at all2 it makes us humble1 and fills as with reverential awe1 but it tends to comfort and peace4 ,we could not entirely love a ,being1 whose manifestation inspired us with terror and dismay2 and this is the very reason why many1 when they come seriously to consider their condition1 are filled with confusion and alarm2 because they do not love ,god in sincerity and truth3 their affections have been set on the world2 and therefore their title to salvation1 upon the terms proposed to them in the gospel1 is clearly insufficient2 they have served other masters1 and have reason to tremble for their reward from the great ,lord and ,master in heaven2 they have employed their talents for other purposes1 than those for which they were committed1 and therefore1 when they think of making up their accounts1 their lord presents himself as 8an austere man10 exacting more than they will be able to render3 no man can heartily love ,god1 without an entire obedience of the heart2 this they have never shewn1 and therefore have never loved ,him3 how then can they expect ,his favour2 how can they reflect upon their condition with composure and comfort8 ,truly is it said1 that such fear hath torment2 for of all the uneasiness which the mind can suffer here1 the most painful is that1 which is produced from an apprehension of 8the terrors of the ,lord20 better not to have known the greatness of the salvation promised1 than to neglect the means of securing it2 better not to have heard of an hereafter1 than to have a reasonable dread upon the spirits1 what that hereafter shall be4 ,they who have greater cause for fear than for hope1 must1 if they are given to meditate and look forward1 find it cast a dismal shade over every scene and prospect of life2 they may contrive to drown their serious thoughts1 in the midst of worldly pursuits and intemperate pleasures2 but this is only for the passing hour2 they cannot possibly think1 that their condition is thus really improved4 ,but why take so much pains to mitigate or conceal a misery1 which it is in our power1 by ,god's gracious mercy1 effectually to prevent8 ,escape from these torments of the conscience by a sincere devotedness to the service of your ,almighty ,father1 in the gospel of ,his beloved ,son2 by cherishing in the heart that 8perfect love for ,him1 which casteth out fear40 ,yet is this possible1 it may be said1 for weak and imperfect man8 ,is it not rather a state at which we should aim1 than one at which we can ever hope to arrive8 ,certainly the imperfect creature can never attain to actual perfection in any moral or spiritual duty2 but his will and desire may be perfect1 though his service is not2 and in this sense1 the duty of perfect love is equally binding upon all believers4 ,it is a very common persuasion1 and dangerous as it is common1 that the standard of christian duty is raised much higher in the gospel1 than it is necessary for the generality of ,christians even to think of reaching2 that some of the commands1 there given1 are intended only for the chosen few1 more eminent than the rest of mankind in spiritual attainments2 and thus too many professing disciples of our ,lord1 imagining themselves not bound by such extensive obligations1 are content with measures of obedience1 infinitely less than those1 which are positively required2 content with a state of heart and life1 far short of that1 which the gospel recognises and injoins4 ,but this is a mere delusion1 to suit the wayward fancy and the corrupt inclination of man3 where do we read in the ,bible of such limitations and exceptions8 ,where do we find one set of rules for eminent ,christians1 and another for ,christians in general8 ,are not all its precepts1 and all its principles1 and all its instructions1 of universal obligation8 ,when the ,saviour promised ,his divine blessings to 8the poor in spirit10 to them that 8hunger and thirst after righteousness10 to 8the pure in heart20 were the conditions intended only for the disciples around ,him on the mount8 ,were they not also designed for ,his followers in every age8 ,and when the ,lord commanded ,moses to 8speak unto all the congregation of the children of ,israel1 and say unto them1 ,be ye holy1 for ,i the ,lord your ,god1 am holy10 #add does the precept concern only the people of old8 ,is it not equally applicable to ,christians8 ,yea1 it is urged upon us all by the mouth of an ,apostle4 #ade ,the same is true of every spiritual doctrine1 every moral command recorded in the ,book of ,life3 there is no means of grace1 no measure of obedience ordained1 which a ,christian can safely neglect4 ,whatever1 therefore1 be meant in the text by perfect love1 that love it is the bounden and necessary duty of us all to attain and to cherish4 ,and what is really meant by this expression1 may be most readily and fully understood from a precept of the divine law1 as confirmed and enforced by our blessed ,redeemer2 8,thou shalt love the ,lord thy ,god1 with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength40 ,this is the love described in the text2 perfect in kind1 as admitting of no rival principle1 of no competition with 8the world or the things that are in the world10 with any or all of them together2 imperfect in degree1 on account of the infirmity of our faith1 of the weakness and corruption of human nature4 ,we cannot be at a loss to understand this distinction2 yet it may be further illustrated by an example from ordinary life4 ,the most affectionate and dutiful child will fail occasionally to please and obey its parent2 but there will be a constant desire and endeavour to please3 to have excited the parent's displeasure1 will bring uneasiness and sorrow2 and therefore the violations of duty will be neither wilful nor habitual4 ,and this sincere affection1 for a kind and good parent1 never ceases to produce delight2 the child indeed1 feeling so much respect and reverence1 will be afraid of offending1 afraid of the unworthiness1 afraid of the dishonour2 yet the service of obedience is rendered from choice1 and not from constraint2 with emotions of joy1 with a grateful endearment of soul3 slavish terror there is none2 it is banished by the overpowering principle of love4 ,the case is similar1 with respect to the love of ,god3 whoever1 from a sense of the relationship which he is privileged to bear to the almighty and gracious ,creator2 whoever1 from a contemplation of the high and holy perfections of the ,godhead2 whoever1 from a perception of the divine goodness and mercy1 does truly love the great and glorious ,lord of all1 will constantly delight to serve ,him2 sensible indeed of his manifold weaknesses and deficiencies1 and thereby brought to grieve1 and rendered the more fearful to offend2 but still entertaining no doubt1 that his services1 imperfect and unworthy as they are1 are accepted at the throne of grace1 through the merits of his ,redeemer1 and as the fruit of faith in ,his prevailing name4 ,for no earthly consideration would he exchange this heavenly joy and satisfaction2 and no earthly event or dispensation1 however afflicting1 can drive him even to distrust1 much less to despair4 ,though nature feels her bereavements and her troubles1 his faith is strong2 and it assures him1 that the very chastisements of the ,lord are inflicted in mercy4 8,who10 says the ,apostle1 8shall separate us from the love of ,christ8 shall tribulation1 or distress1 or persecution1 or famine1 or nakedness1 or peril or sword8 ,nay1 in all these things we are more than conquerors through ,him that loved us4 ,for ,i am persuaded1 that neither death1 nor life1 nor angels1 nor principalities1 nor powers1 nor things present1 nor things to come1 nor height1 nor depth1 nor any other creature1 shall be able to separate us from the love of ,god1 which is in ,christ ,jesus our ,lord40 #adh ,in speaking1 however1 of the holy confidence1 with which we are inspired by the sincere love of ,god1 far would ,i be1 as far as possible1 from confounding it with that self-sufficient and presumptuous tone into which some persons have been unbecomingly betrayed1 when describing their spiritual condition4 ,humility is the foundation of the ,christian's confidence3 he trusts1 only because he is 8strong in the lord1 and in the power of ,his might20 he is sufficient1 only because 8all his sufficiency is of ,god40 ,and the purer his love1 and the higher his attainments1 the more humbly and modestly does he speak of them3 he talks not of certainty1 8as if he had already attained10 but delights himself with 8full assurance of faith10 #adi;a with 8full assurance of hope20 #adi;b his is not an extravagant joy1 proceeding from the arrogant assertion of an elective claim1 but a holy tranquillity of soul1 arising from faith in the ,redeemer's undeserved mercy2 from unfeigned love to the most benevolent and perfect ,being2 and reposing itself upon the unchangeable promises of ,jehovah4 ,we do not question1 my brethren1 the claims of ,almighty ,god to our perfect love4 ,is ,he not our ,creator8 and could ,he have formed us with any other design1 than to make us happy8 ,if reason could have doubted this truth1 revelation makes it clear4 ,and are we not preserved1 every moment of our lives1 by ,his infinite wisdom and mercy and power8 ,and though we are forgetful of ,his sustaining hand1 still ,he feeds us with the bounties of nature2 and invites us to partake of the riches of ,his grace4 ,what are the greatest blessings1 which a human being1 which any creature could possibly desire8 ,to be delivered from evil1 and to enjoy everlasting good4 ,and did not the adorable ,son of ,god take upon him the infirmities and sufferings of our mortal state1 to redeem us from misery1 and exalt us even to glory8 ,and does not the ,holy ,spirit condescend to dwell in our tabernacles of flesh1 that ,he may cleanse us from every sinful defilement1 8purify unto ,himself a peculiar people zealous of good works10 #aej;a and make us 8meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light80 #aej;b ,could we1 even if we had been worthy1 have desired1 have imagined for ourselves1 blessings so great and favours so exalted1 as those which the good and gracious ,god is showering down upon us8 ,shall we not then be inclined1 from every consideration1 shall we not be determined1 by ,god's grace1 to love this heavenly benefactor with all our heart--from a principle of gratitude2 from an admiration of divine perfection2 from the inspiring hope and prospect of our eternal salvation8 ,yes1 let us give unto ,him1 not that divided affection1 which is the vain offering of a degenerate and degraded world2 but the full and unreserved energies of the soul4 ,if a portion of our heart be engrossed by any other object1 we are not the true people of the ,lord2 we render ,him not a reasonable or acceptable service2 our love is embittered with fear2 with a fear that has1 and will have1 torment4 ,lord1 let our affections be altogether devoted unto ,thee2 pour ,thy spirit of love into our hearts1 for the sake of ,him 8who loved us and gave ,himself for us20 we cannot love ,thee here upon earth as we would do1 but be pleased to accept what ,thou enablest us to give1 the tribute of a sincere heart2 and let it be to us a never-failing source of humble confidence and holy comfort2 so that we may anticipate the joyful hour1 when we shall be removed1 from this imperfect state of being1 to a purer and happier world2 where1 with affections exalted and understandings enlarged1 we shall render ,thee a more delightful and laudable service2 with angels and archangels1 and all the company of heaven4 8,god is love20 and when the veil of the flesh is laid aside1 and we are admitted into ,his glorious presence1 8we shall be like ,him1 for we shall see ,him as ,he is20 #aeb then will our felicity be complete1 complete for ever2 then1 in the fullest sense of the words1 we shall be 8made perfect in love40 ,here then1 without a question1 our true happiness lies2 here is our all3 let us pray that we may never lose sight of it2 that the desire1 now kindled1 may never be extinguished2 that every 8heart may there be fixed1 where true joys are to be found1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord40 ,,sermon ,,ix4 ,,humble ,,yourselves ,,under ,,the ,,mighty ,,hand ,,of ,,god4 #a ,,peter v4 #f4 ,humble yourselves under the mighty hand of ,god1 that ,he may exalt you in due time4 ,,there is nothing1 which more peculiarly marks the character of the faithful ,christian1 than the manner in which he submits himself to the appointments and dispensations of his ,god4 ,the worldly and carnal spirit either frets and repines under the visitations of misfortune1 or is disconsolate and cast down2 or1 at the best1 bears up with a mere animal fortitude against them3 it finds no comfort to flee unto1 but such as is afforded by the vain world1 in which it has already met with vexation und disappointment2 and if the world is unable to secure a continuance in prosperity1 still less is it able to provide a refuge in the dismal days of sorrow4 ,so lamentably indeed has this truth been experienced by many1 that they have been driven to the fallacious and fatal expedient of attempting at once to drown their cares in intemperance2 they have found nothing in the world sufficient to satisfy their reason1 or to soothe their irritated feelings2 and therefore have destroyed their faculties1 that they might not reflect2 and cut short the thread of that life1 which they imagined themselves unequal to support3 and some indeed have had recourse to a more speedy and awful means of delivering themselves from the burden of mortification and grief2 ill prepared as they were1 their own hand of violence has hurried them into the presence of their ,judge4 ,and even they1 who have been preserved from these most miserable extremities1 have sufficiently testified by their conduct1 that the world has nothing satisfactory to offer1 for the healing of a wounded spirit1 or the removal of a load of sorrow4 ,religion1 the religion of the gospel1 is the only source from which true comfort or support can possibly be drawn2 and we see her triumphs manifested in the most blessed and remarkable manner when the faithful servant of ,god is overwhelmed with trouble2 we perceive his mind in a state of tranquillity1 under a conviction1 that the ,lord 8doeth all things well20 and remembereth mercy1 no less in chastisement1 than in the time of prosperity2 his unquiet emotions are subdued into holy subjection to the divine will2 his affections are set the more earnestly on things above2 the vanities of earth have lost their hold2 and there ariseth in the heart that 8peace of ,god1 which passeth all understanding40 ,they who have been much conversant with scenes of sickness or of sorrow1 cannot fail to have observed the truth of these remarks1 to have been struck with the vast difference in the behaviour of men1 in proportion as they have imbibed the true spirit and principle of the gospel4 ,some we have seen dismayed1 disturbed1 and restless2 with nothing in their countenance1 but vexation or anguish2 others1 cheerfully bearing up under the evils which have befallen them2 and1 by their expressions of joyful resignation1 delighting and comforting the friends1 who were shedding over them the tears of sympathy2 the power of the word of ,god1 the 8joy of the ,holy ,ghost0 has been visible in their very features4 ,those persons1 who have beheld such an example1 have been favoured with an instructive lesson1 which they should 8grave on the tablet of their heart20 a lesson teaching them1 faithfully and forcibly1 where to look for aid in the reverses and afflictions of life4 ,yet1 in order to lead us more effectually to cultivate1 and to reap the benefit of1 this heavenly frame of mind1 let us now consider the bearing of the apostolic charge in the text1 8,humble yourselves under the mighty hand of ,god40 ,here we may discover powerful reasons intimated1 why we should bring ourselves into a state of entire submission to the divine will1 and rest satisfied and resigned under every dispensation4 ,the hand of ,god is mighty3 ,he is the sovereign ,lord of all2 has an absolute right to dispose of ,his creatures1 according to ,his good pleasure2 and is alone able both to know and to do1 what their several necessities require4 ,they1 therefore1 who profess themselves ,his people1 are bound1 by that very profession1 unreservedly to submit to ,his sovereign disposal3 8,shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it1 what makest thou8 ,o ,lord1 ,thou art our ,father1 we are the clay1 and ,thou our potter2 and we all are the work of ,thy hand40 #aeh ,he who created1 ,he who redeemed us1 ,he to whom alone we can look for sanctification and life1 should and will maintain the dominion over us3 ,he that gave us our being1 must be able1 and cannot be unwilling1 to 8give us all things needful both for our souls and bodies40 ,we understand not how ,he formed us from the dust of the earth2 so neither can we understand the methods of ,his providence2 but1 as 8the life is more than meat10 so may we trust ,his goodness and ,his power1 to preserve1 in the best and wisest manner1 the being of those1 who seek ,his protection and submit to ,his government4 ,a wise son yields to an affectionate father1 even in points where he cannot comprehend the entire wisdom of his discipline and correction2 yields1 not only because experience has taught him the benefit of subjection1 but also for the sake of obedience to a father1 who is entrusted with the guidance of him1 and has a right to be obeyed2 much more should we1 the adopted children of the ,most ,high1 bow with meekness and reverence before an ,almighty and heavenly ,father1 though we altogether comprehend not the purpose of the trials1 which ,he bringeth upon us3 they are chastisements of mercy1 of whatever kind they be1 and moreover are ordained by ,him1 who has the entire undisputed right of dominion over us4 ,another consideration here suggested is1 that all resistance is vain2 8the mighty hand of ,god0 is uncontrollable4 ,utterly weak and fruitless were all the assembled powers of the universe1 combined against ,his wall3 what can a frail creature do1 child of the dust1 akin to the worm8 ,if ,god strikes1 who shall stay or avoid the blow8 ,whatever visitation ,he is pleased to send1 to a family or to an individual--of sickness1 of calamity1 of death--there is no keeping it out of the dwelling2 it may be softened by resignation1 it may be removed1 and even blessed1 by prayer2 but we cannot hinder the accomplishment of ,god's will4 ,in the language of the pious ,hannah1 8,the ,lord killeth and maketh alive2 ,he bringeth down to the grave and bringeth up--,he raiseth up the poor out of the dust1 and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill1 to set them among princes1 and to make them inherit the throne of glory3 for the pillars of the earth are the ,lord's1 and ,he hath set the world upon them4 ,he will keep the feet of ,his saints1 and the wicked shall be silent in darkness2 for by strength shall no man prevail40 #afa;a ,yes truly2 the afflicting hand of ,god is mighty in operation1 both to the wicked and the good2 the former are constrained to feel1 though they will not heartily or practically acknowledge1 that there is no dependence to be placed on the schemes or exertions of man2 no trusting1 that 8to-morrow will be as this day and much more abundant40 #afa;b ,when 8riches shall have made themselves wings and have flown away20 #afa;c when the favourite or the friend have been cut off2 when the bodily frame is under the influence of alarming disease2 then the sinner1 if he be not spiritually humbled1 will1 at least be made sensible1 that there is a power which can lay him low2 the conviction is forced on his mind1 though he may refuse to act upon it2 his conscience is smitten1 though he will not obey its emotions2 it assures him of the vanity of human devices1 of human dependencies and strength1 though it fail to incline him to his ,god4 ,how blessedly different the effect of the mighty hand of ,god upon the sincere ,christian6 ,even the heaviest affliction1 the most untoward or adverse occurrence1 produces1 when he comes to reflect1 a salutary influence on his mind and heart4 ,perceiving that it is the natural tendency of a smooth uninterrupted course1 to make him rest satisfied with earthly enjoyments1 and draw aside his attention from the sublimer delights and the more substantial interest of heavenly things1 he acknowledges1 not only with acquiescence1 but with gratitude1 the severer dispensations of providence2 he knows1 that his faith must be tried and his patience made perfect2 it is the very object for which he is placed in this transitory state of existence2 he therefore implores his gracious ,father1 to sanctify to him the crosses and disappointments below1 and make them minister to the completion of his happiness above2 whatever they are1 they are less than his transgressions deserve2 whatever they are1 they are 8of ,god's sending10 to lead him to reflection and repentance2 and very efficacious are they for the fulfilment of this merciful purpose2 perhaps the only means by which he could have been preserved from falling1 amidst the snares and temptations that surround him4 ,the ,christian is ready to confess1 and many we have heard with thankfulness confessing1 that of all the mercies received from the hands of ,god1 the most distinguished1 because the most effectual for his salvation1 are the vicissitudes and troubles of life3 how many a sincere believer1 by the discomfiture of his earthly prospects1 has been led to fix his heart more intently and stedfastly1 upon the unchangeable felicity of heaven2 how many1 at the death of a friend1 have sought more earnestly and experienced more abundantly1 8the power of the spirit of consolation20 and have thereby been led to transfer their affections to that blessed world1 where christian friends shall meet1 and never separate again4 ,how many1 by the infirmities of the body1 have been admonished and persuaded to make a better provision for the health and well-being of the soul6 ,the hand of ,god has been mightily laid upon them1 to rescue them from the tyranny of sin and ,satan1 to place them in the enjoyment of 8the perfect law of liberty10 manifested in the gospel2 to save their souls alive4 ,let us not regard the various calamities that befal us1 of whatever nature they may be1 as the mere result of human design or contingency2 for whether they be occasioned by our own imprudence and neglect1 or by the instrumentality of an evil world1 they are permitted and ordained by a wise and merciful ,god1 to draw us nearer to ,himself2 to teach us the utter insufficiency of all earthly interests and possessions2 and to raise our thoughts to the glory of an eternal kingdom4 ,and if we receive them in a christian spirit1 they will never fail to answer their high and holy purpose4 ,let us therefore watch and pray1 that we may duly consider every calamitous day as a sacred opportunity1 as a season of grace1 as the rod of our ,almighty ,father to chastise us from sin3 let it call us to deep meditation and contrition1 to serious examination of heart2 for it is only by the religious and spiritual observance of such seasons1 that we can ever hope to derive from them improvement and comfort4 ,remark and remember the language of the text1 8,humble yourselves under the mighty hand of ,god20 it is not enough that we be humbled1 in a worldly sense1 by the stroke of misfortune2 that is a consequence1 which may of necessity ensue3 the loss of possession may drive us into needy solitude2 the loss of health destroy our energy and activity2 the loss of reputation bring us to shame2 the loss of friends oblige us to mourn1 from the very feelings of nature2 but all this while1 there may be no humility of heart1 no self-abasement1 no voluntary humiliation under 8any of the dispensations of heaven30 the 8hand of ,god hath touched us20 but we may not1 nevertheless1 be vitally touched ourselves1 with a proper sense of the trials1 which ,he has called us to endure3 we must fall low before ,his footstool2 we must bend our knees in humble fervent prayer2 we must implore the aid of ,his ,holy ,spirit1 to open our understandings1 that we may perceive the graciousness of ,his dealings with us2 and to enlarge our hearts1 that we may take the full benefit of ,his 8loving correction20 we must unfeignedly and fully confess1 on our own part1 that unworthiness and iniquity1 which excited ,god's displeasure1 and required ,his afflicting visitation2 and that mercy1 on ,god's part1 which seeketh to reclaim us from error2 to 8purge our conscience from dead works20 to make us more alive to the 8things which belong unto our peace20 to lead us from the vanities of time to the momentous realities of eternity4 ,if we thus improve the sorrowful events that await us1 we shall find a happy deliverance from them all2 and it is the only possible means1 by which we can be happily delivered3 this the text implies2 8,humble yourselves under the mighty hand of ,god1 that ,he may exalt you20 that you may thus be rendered meet to partake of ,his mercy2 that ,he may visit and comfort you in your low estate2 and make it instrumental to your spiritual exaltation4 ,if you murmur or complain1 or do but naturally mourn2 if you manifest only the frettings of a worldly disposition and temper1 your case thereby becomes still more grievous and intolerable2 the heart is vexed by its vain and rebellious strivings2 8the sorrow of the world worketh misery and death40 ,you are thus preventing the benediction of heaven from descending upon you2 you are closing up the avenues1 through which the grace of ,god may find its way into the heart2 you are neglecting that remedy1 by which alone the stricken soul can be healed1 by which your trouble may be converted into a blessing4 ,embrace the proffered means2 humble yourself beneath the burden1 with 8a godly sorrow10 for the sin that has brought it2 bend yourself beneath the storm of heaven1 and the ,sun of righteousness will soon shine forth1 and cheer you with ,his brightest beam2 8the ,god of consolation10 your ,redeemer1 your unchangeable friend1 8the same yesterday1 to-day1 and for ever10 will turn your darkness into light2 your 8weeping will endure but for a night1 and joy will come in the morning40 #afh ,or1 if it be not literally so2 if deliverance come not so speedily as you desire or expect1 it will assuredly come in ,god's 8due time20 ,he may wait1 to try the strength of your patience and your faith2 may seem for a season1 as though ,he heareth not your prayer2 but rest assured1 ,he does hear1 and the answer is preparing3 the wise and benevolent author of four blessings knows best when to bestow them2 depend upon ,his mercy1 and trust ,him for the time3 the delay will be nothing1 as compared with the comfort when it arrives3 the very delay will minister to the fulness of your joy3 you will perceive the truth of the divine character1 as drawn by the pencil of the prophet2 you may apply the prophetic description to yourself2 8,for a small moment have ,i forsaken thee2 but with great mercies will ,i gather thee4 ,in a little wrath ,i hid my face from thee for a moment2 but with everlasting kindness will ,i have mercy on thee1 saith the ,lord thy ,redeemer40 #afi ,god will exalt every humble and faithful servant1 in due time1 even in this world2 not perhaps to earthly greatness and honour2 but1 what is infinitely more important1 to the height of ,his own blessed favour2 to the delight of a peaceful reconciliation with ,himself2 to the happiness of an approving conscience2 to a 8hope full of immortality30 and1 after death1 ,he will crown that hope with a glorious consummation2 will exalt that servant to the skies2 far beyond the reach of change1 of trouble1 or of fear4 ,the ,christian1 like the ,captain of his ,salvation1 8will be made perfect through sufferings20 like ,him1 when the combat is over1 will receive the crown of glory1 and sit down for ever at the right hand of his ,father and his ,god4 ,he will then more fully see and admire the gracious dealings of his merciful ,god and ,saviour2 will see1 what reason he had to be thankful for the chastisements of heaven2 how they have trained and prepared his soul for the happiness of the blest2 how wonderfully they have ministered to the fulness of his joy4 ,bear then patiently2 bear1 ,i ought to say1 thankfully1 what the ,lord layeth upon thee2 it is ,his hand that 8worketh all in all10 ,his hand of might and mercy4 ,thou canst not always trace ,his designs and operations2 if thou couldst1 where would be the exercise of thy faith8 ,but if thou wilt believe and trust ,him1 if thou wilt bow and submit1 ,he will thus exalt thee in due time1 when thou art ready1 when thy trial is completed1 when thy appointed work is done4 ,this is the seed-time2 sow1 and thou shalt see it spring up2 labour1 and wait for the harvest2 8they that sow in tears shall reap in joy40 #aga ,,sermon ,x4 ,,thou ,,art ,,the ,,man4 #b ,,sam4 xii4 #g4 ,and ,nathan said to ,david1 ,thou art the man4 ,,the parable1 of which these words are a part1 is admired1 even for its elegance and simplicity1 by every one who is capable of appreciating its merit4 ,it serves also to illustrate1 in the clearest manner1 the advantage of this mode of instruction2 which is intended1 in the first place1 by a lively representation of the productions of nature1 or the incidents of common life1 to convey an adequate notion of a truth or doctrine in easy and familiar terms2 and to leave a more striking impression of it upon the memory and the heart4 ,the parable has a further advantage3 the instruction it affords is not at once unfolded to the mind2 the attention and the feelings are first awakened1 by the relation of some interesting occurrence1 apparently unconnected with the object in view2 by which means1 an assent is gained over to the side of truth1 before the understanding has had time to be prejudiced1 by the workings of self-love1 or the disinclination to religious admonition4 ,such was precisely the case with the parable before us4 ,had ,nathan addressed to ,david a direct and formal expostulation1 it is probable that the king would have considered his interference as intrusive and impertinent2 would have either driven him from his presence1 or have been prepared1 by some plausible excuse1 to cast a veil over the hideousness of his crimes4 ,but the royal offender1 though he could readily palliate his own atrocity1 could not bear to hear of cruelty in another4 ,when it was reported to him1 that there were two men in a city1 the one rich and the other poor2 that the rich man1 when there came a traveller unto him1 spared to take of the abundance of his own flock1 and of his own herd1 and took from the poor man a little ewe lamb1 which was all he had in the world2 took it from him under the most affecting circumstances2 8for he had bought and nourished it up1 and it grew up together with him and with his children2 it did eat of his own meat1 and drank of his own cup1 and lay in his bosom1 and was unto him as a daughter40 ,when the king heard all this1 his feelings were violently excited1 8his anger was greatly kindled against the man2 and he said to ,nathan1 as the ,lord liveth1 the man that hath done this thing shall surely die40 #agd ,this was the moment for making the application3 and judge of ,david's shame and confusion of face1 on finding that all his pity1 and all his anger1 and all his condemnation1 had in truth been directed against himself3 8,thou art the man40 ,he could not help perceiving1 that great as was the cruelty1 which he had been reprobating in the case laid before him1 he had been guilty of still greater himself3 though he had the whole kingdom for the exercise of his legitimate choice1 he would rather deprive an humble servant of the only object of his conjugal affection1 deprive him1 by becoming1 in the first instance1 accessary to his murder4 ,we may here observe1 how terrible is the infatuation of sin4 ,it might have been thought that ,david1 if he had not immediately perceived the full intention of the prophet in laying this parable before him1 would at least1 from an instantaneous recollection of his own notorious guilt1 have treated1 with some degree of lenity or forbearance1 the barbarity of which ,nathan appeared to be complaining2 that he would not so soon have denounced against a delinquent1 so much less heinous than himself1 the utmost severity of punishment4 ,but1 as if his own conscience were clear1 he immediately exclaimed against the imagined offender1 as a wretch unfit to live2 he does not appear to have been awakened to a sense of his own crimes1 till he heard the overwhelming application1 8,thou art the man40 ,such is generally the fascination of sin2 it darkens the understanding1 and deadens the conscience1 and renders men insensible to their real condition4 ,it is the great object of the enemy of our souls1 an object in which he too often fatally succeeds1 to make us blind1 not only to the heinousness and danger1 but also to the very existence of guilt3 so that1 however acute we may be in perceiving the transgressions of others1 and however severe in reprobating and condemning them1 we are1 in very frequent instances1 utterly regardless of our own4 ,many1 it is to be feared1 there are1 who persist in a course of sin day after day1 and year after year1 without once feeling any lively or serious compunction2 while they have frequently1 in that time1 been reproachfully animadverting upon the mote which they have detected in their brother's eye4 ,perhaps of all the temporal consequences of sin1 the operation of this evil habit is one of the most calamitous2 for it not only prevents us from a repentance of the past1 but serves as an encouragement to our reckless perseverance in sin2 it destroys the very principle of vital religion2 removing entirely from our hearts the love and fear of ,god2 and filling us with 8envy1 hatred1 and malice and all uncharitableness40 ,let ,david's infatuation be a warning to us1 let it induce us to take diligent heed1 lest we be irreclaimably 8hardened by the deceitfulness of sin20 lest the conscience be at length so entirely seared1 as to become callous to the very perception of iniquity2 as to make us 8call evil good1 and good evil2 to put darkness for light1 and light for darkness2 to put bitter for sweet1 and sweet for bitter40 #agg ,before1 however1 we further proceed to the practical inferences which may be drawn from this subject1 it may be proper to notice some irreverent and reproachful remarks1 which have been made on the flagrant crimes of a person so distinguished as ,david4 ,is it possible1 some have urged1 that such guilt1 and such hardihood in guilt1 could have been found in the 8man after ,god's own heart80 #agh ,but this honourable appellation1 be it observed1 was given to ,david1 not on account of his moral or spiritual purity1 but on account of the excellence of his character as a king2 he was so named in opposition to ,saul1 who had acted in wilful disobedience to the divine commands1 and therefore1 in the administration of his government1 was not a man after ,god's own heart2 that is1 he did not 7as ,david did1 in this particular17 perform ,god's will4 ,again1 it has been said1 could an inspired person possibly fall into such a complication of evil8 ,miraculous inspiration1 we answer1 was not given to the sacred pen-men1 as a certain preservative from the corruption of sin1 but to enable them to reveal the will of ,god2 to guard them1 in this respect1 from error2 and to 8guide them into all truth30 their carnal appetites and passions were not supernaturally overruled2 they still had their choice between good and evil2 though revealing to mankind the holy law of ,god1 they might themselves neglect the duties which it injoined3 many instances are recorded of the abuse of spiritual gifts1 many examples of their consisting with unholiness and transgression4 ,the very chief of the apostles intimates to us the personal care and watchfulness and labour which were necessary1 8lest1 having preached to others1 he himself should be a castaway40 #agi ,not but that ,david's guilt was most deplorably inconsistent with his high character and office1 and was a dishonour to religion itself2 ,i am only shewing1 that it was not incompatible with the appellation which he had received1 and the high and holy functions which he was called to discharge4 ,and be it remembered1 to ,david's honour1 that though his sin was aggravated1 his confession of it was full and unreserved2 that he most humbly and religiously submitted to the penal retribution of his offended ,god2 that his repentance was bitter and sincere3 it was 8a repentance indeed never afterwards repented of30 continually was his harp attuned to the bewailing of his own depravity2 continually was he descending from the lofty strains of thanksgiving and joy1 and pouring forth in the abasement of his soul1 the doleful notes of mourning and lamentation4 ,and1 in truth1 there was abundant cause2 for the crimes of ,david afford one of the most melancholy instances of the violation of conscience1 of a departure from the service of the ,most ,high4 ,let it fill us with humility and fear4 ,if so eminent a servant of ,god could fall into such abominations1 how deeply concerned1 how 8instant in prayer10 how vigilant and careful should we be1 lest our feet be betrayed into evil6 ,we see to what criminal and dangerous excess human nature may be led1 if we fail to cherish the grace of ,god2 and are abandoned to the government of our own corrupt desires1 and the tyranny of our spiritual adversary4 ,to the lukewarm and the wavering ,i need scarcely say1 that without greater seriousness and circumspection1 they will assuredly be overthrown3 but let me also admonish the faithful ,christian2 him1 who appears to be safely pursuing the even tenour of his way2 who may be led1 by the regular and habitual discharge of religious duties1 into a state of presumptuous confidence and slumbering security2 him ,i would admonish1 from the instance of ,david1 8that the heart is deceitful above all things1 and desperately wicked20 #aha;a that it may1 when most implicitly trusted1 most dangerously betray2 let ,david teach 8him that thinketh he standeth to take heed lest he fall40 #aha;b ,some perverse and worldly-minded persons have made a very different use of the lamentable case before us2 it has encouraged them in wilful transgression2 it has served them as a 8cloak for their sin40 ,surely1 say they1 if ,david could so flagrantly transgress1 how can we be expected to preserve our integrity8 ,if he was accepted of ,god1 indulgence would readily be extended to the comparatively trifling offences of inferior servants4 ,true2 we cannot be perfect2 we may hope for pardon2 but we are not1 on that account1 to sin presumptuously2 not to offend1 because ,god is merciful3 this did not ,david4 ,whoever deliberately sins from the hope of ,god's mercy1 is taking the surest was to deprive himself of that mercy4 ,there is frequently great error in the notion of trifling offences3 no offence is trifling in the sight of an infinitely holy ,god3 much less any wilful offence4 ,the magnitude of a fault chiefly depends upon the circumstances under which it is committed2 much more readily could we urge an excuse for him1 who is heedlessly or suddenly borne away by impetuous passion and carnal desire1 than for him1 who presumes deliberately to trample upon the law of ,god1 because another has been forgiven4 ,shall we thus abuse the mercies of redeeming love8 8,shall we continue in sin that grace may abound8 ,god forbid4 ,how shall we that are dead to sin1 live any longer therein80 #ahc ,would we find the favour that ,david did1 we must seek it1 like him1 in the true spirit of penitence and devotion2 we must 8confess our wickedness1 and be sorry for our sin30 we must hate the works and workers of iniquity3 we must imitate ,david1 not in his crimes1 but in his repentance and reformation4 ,let us learn another lesson from the history before us2 let it teach us the importance of being always disposed and ready to receive spiritual counsel2 of being in the habit of applying to ourselves every opportunity of improvement1 with which we may be blessed4 ,too many1 like ,david1 are extremely backward to receive an intimation of their own errors1 and to avail themselves of the benefit of reproof4 ,they are sufficiently quick-sighted in discovering the applicability of reproach1 to their neighbour2 without even suspecting that it may suit their own case and condition4 ,how many have acknowledged the propriety and force of admonitions and rebuke1 which they have heard in the house of ,god1 without ever taking them home to their own breasts2 and this undoubtedly is one cause1 why the voice of public instruction produces1 in general1 so little effect upon the characters and conduct of men4 ,while they are pleased to imagine1 that the representations and censures of the preacher are suited to others rather than to themselves1 no wonder that they retain their neglectful1 sinful1 unprincipled habits1 in defiance of every remonstrance1 and every warning4 ,instead of torturing their ingenuity1 to discover to what particular persons in the congregation a discourse may be most fitly and beneficially applied1 let them rather be anxious to inquire1 how far it may be accommodated to their own case2 and to all those1 who presume to make a further inquiry1 who are looking around for the delinquencies of their neighbour1 we would say1 restrain thy wandering eye1 and look within1 8,thou art the man40 ,a readiness to take advantage of religious instruction1 is one of the surest evidences of a christian spirit1 and one of the greatest blessings that a ,christian can enjoy4 ,it manifests a christian spirit1 inasmuch as it shews an humble sense of our own failings and imperfections1 and an anxious desire to recover from them all2 to 8grow in grace and in the knowledge of our ,lord and ,saviour ,jesus ,christ40 #ahe ,it is one of the greatest blessings to the ,christian1 because there is seldom a day1 seldom an hour that passes1 from which he may not derive some spiritual benefit4 ,while the reckless and self-conceited1 who dwell with complacency upon their state and character1 perceive not any counsel adapted to their wants1 the humble-minded are gathering edification from every thing around them2 from all they hear and all they see3 doubtless1 it must be so2 for how can they1 who think themselves whole1 discover the need of a physician1 how can they apply a remedy8 ,suffer me to entreat you1 in conclusion1 that whenever you are seriously impressed with a conviction of evil1 or the neglect of any christian duty1 you will carry home the impression1 to have its full effect upon the heart4 ,for want of this care and this habit1 many a salutary lesson1 that strikes for the moment1 is afterwards thrown away1 unheeded and forgotten3 and thus the very means of grace1 which are ordained to recover us from sin1 and enable us to 8work out our salvation10 become the instruments of confirming us in error and guilt4 ,the mind1 which is continually accustomed to receive and to neglect religious instruction1 may be thereby brought into a heedless and torpid state1 from which it is well nigh impossible to be roused4 ,not that any thing 8is impossible with ,god30 but ,i appeal to experience1 and ask1 whether it is not a notorious matter of fact1 that many amongst us have for years uniformly persevered1 in the same neglect of christian duties1 the same worldly principles1 the same evil courses1 the same habits of intemperance and licentiousness and profaneness2 and it will not be denied1 that they have1 in these years1 frequently heard the voice of expostulation1 and perceived the justice1 the force1 and the importance of it4 ,then why are they still unreclaimed8--because they have never followed up the conviction of 8,thou art the man40 ,god grant1 that this admonition may have its full effect upon us2 that we may go and meditate1 and pray2 pray daily for the blessing of an humble and a teachable heart2 pray for ,god's grace1 to correct all our sinful follies1 and supply all our deficiencies4 ,probably1 my brethren1 we have been 8leaning too little upon the hope of this heavenly grace20 we have been relying upon our own perception of right and wrong1 our own choice and decision1 our own feeble resolutions2 if so1 no wonder that we have failed1 in our work of repentance and spiritual change4 8,turn ,thou us unto ,thee1 ,o ,lord1 and we shall be turned30 #ahh here lies our hope and our strength1 in the renewing influence of the ,spirit of ,god4 ,as we do desire1 so let us fervently pray1 that we may1 in our course of penitence1 imitate the example of the royal psalmist1 and let contrition 8have its perfect work20 that we may1 here below1 with heart and soul1 join in the pious and repentant strains of ,david's harp1 and thus may be admitted to sing to other harps hereafter1 in the chorus of the ,redeemed above4 ,,sermon ,,xi4 ,,the ,,way ,,of ,,the ,,lord ,,equal4 ,,ezek4 xviii4 #be4 ,ye say1 the way of the ,lord is not equal4 ,hear now1 ,o house of ,israel2 is not my way equal8 are not your ways unequal8 ,,the main purport of this chapter was1 to obviate some objections which had been groundlessly entertained against the dealings of ,god with ,his people4 ,they were at that time suffering in a state of captivity2 and the calamities attendant upon it had been threatened long before1 as a punishment for the sins of their ancestors4 ,the ,jews1 therefore1 assuming that this was the only cause of divine vengeance2 imagining1 in the blindness and pride of their hearts1 that there were no delinquencies of their own to deserve such retribution1 presumed to charge the ,almighty with injustice1 for this visitation of ,his wrath4 ,the prophet1 in the opening of the chapter1 thus remonstrates with them3 8,what mean ye1 that ye use this proverb concerning the land of ,israel80 7concerning the evils with which it is afflicted17 that ye say1 in the language of accusation and reproach1 8the fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children's teeth are set on edge80--thereby meaning1 that the present generation are unjustly punished for the transgressions of their forefathers4 8,as ,i live1 saith the ,lord1 ye shall not have occasion to use this proverb any more in ,israel40 ,i will make so visible a discrimination between the righteous and the wicked1 between those who tread in the steps of their wicked progenitors1 and those who take warning by their examples1 that you shall not have any further occasion to use this proverb amongst you4 ,the ,jews1 in this as in many other instances1 misunderstood and perverted the dispensations of the ,most ,high4 ,god had declared1 that ,he would 8visit the sins of the fathers upon the children10 and that ,he 8would shew mercy unto thousands of those that loved ,him20 from which they inferred1 that worldly calamities1 in the one case1 and prosperity in the other1 constituted the sole recompence1 which they were severally to expect3 they supposed1 that when a nation was punished1 on account of the general depravity1 no respect was had to the different merits of individuals1 of which that nation consisted2 and that1 when a people were prospered and exalted1 as the reward of righteousness1 they were all1 of necessity1 the objects of divine favour4 ,whereas1 these temporal rewards and punishments formed but a part of the dispensation1 under which they were placed4 ,god had far other means in store1 to bless the faithful and to afflict the transgressor4 ,under every visitation1 ,his unerring eye could discern between the evil and the good2 the one1 however prosperous in a worldly point of view1 ,he could mortify and humble2 and the other1 in whatever evil they might be involved1 ,he could favour and bless4 ,but there was still another consideration1 to which the ,jews1 though they practically disregarded it1 were specially directed2 a consideration1 which might have taught them1 how the seeming irregularities1 of which they complained1 would be completely rectified2 it was that of a final judgment1 of a world to come4 ,their prophet ,isaiah expressly says of the transgressors1 that 8their worm shall not die1 neither shall their fire be quenched40 #aib;a ,and ,daniel more particularly intimates the awful difference between the conditions of the righteous and the wicked in a future state2 8many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake3 some to everlasting life1 and some to shame and everlasting contempt40 #aib;b ,but the ,israelites 8had eyes and saw not1 ears and heard not20 #aic;a they listened only the temporal promises of ,god1 and excluded from their minds the prospect of a final retribution1 of a kingdom to come4 ,the prophet awakens them to this consideration in the #dth verse1 8,behold1 saith the ,lord1 all souls are ,mine30 as they are all equally ,my creatures1 so ,my dealings with them shall be without prejudice or partiality2 8,the soul that sinneth1 it shall die30 this denunciation could not possibly be understood of temporal death2 for that1 they knew1 must pass equally upon all3 it must relate to a final execution of judgment1 to future misery and destruction4 ,the ,jews were familiar with this form of speech and this application of it3 of wisdom it is said1 8,they that hate me1 love death40 #aic;b 8,there is a way that seemeth right unto a man1 but the end thereof are the ways of death40 #aic;c ,a similar mode of speech1 we may observe1 frequently occurs in the ,new ,testament also2 in which we continually find expressions and figures borrowed from the ,old3 8,if ye live after the flesh1 ye shall die2 but if ye1 through the spirit1 do mortify the deeds of the body1 ye shall live40 #aid;a ,and1 in the book of ,revelation1 mention is made of the second death2 #aid;b a term which was in use among the ,jews themselves1 though not found in their inspired writings4 ,and in the same sense1 we shall perceive1 the figure is repeatedly employed in the chapter before us4 ,the prophet therefore vindicates the justice and equity of ,god on two substantial grounds3 he directs his murmuring and rebellious people to consider1 that they were visited with calamity for their own transgressions1 as well as for those of their forefathers2 and he refers them to the future and final judgment of the ,almighty1 in which the prosperity of the wicked and the sufferings of the righteous alike terminate2 in which both shall receive their just and everlasting recompence4 8,the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father1 neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son2 the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him1 and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him40 8,have ,i any pleasure at all that the wicked should die1 saith the ,lord ,god1 and not that he should return from his ways and live80 #aie ,the passages last mentioned may introduce to our notice two considerations1 most distinctly and forcibly stated in the latter part of this chapter1 in both of which we are very deeply and peculiarly interested2 they are these2 that if the wicked repent of their evil ways and turn heartily to ,god1 they shall be forgiven and received into ,his favour2 but that if the righteous fall away1 they shall be condemned and perish3 on the one hand1 there is ample encouragement to the sinner to return2 on the other1 an awful admonition1 to the righteous1 of the necessity of perseverance unto the end4 ,how gracious the instruction in either point of view6 ,if it were not for the heavenly assurance of the offer of pardon to all1 without partiality or exception1 many a flagrant transgressor1 when brought to a sense of his sin and shame--his conscience pierced with the remembrance of so manifold offences against a just and holy ,god1 his soul over-burdened with the load of guilt--might sit down disconsolate and despairing in the shadow of death3 and if it were not for a warning voice1 bidding them1 as they hope for salvation1 to persevere1 the righteous1 when assailed by temptation1 might at length be induced to yield1 under a presumption1 that their former obedience1 that the good deeds they had already performed1 would turn the balance in their favour1 and procure for them acceptance at the tribunal of ,god1 though they were ultimately found in the way of evil4 ,into this error the ,jews had actually fallen2 and do1 as it is affirmed1 continue unto this day2 and others might 8follow their pernicious ways40 ,each of the important doctrines1 which we are now considering1 is declared by the prophet in the most explicit and unequivocal terms4 8,if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed1 and keep all ,my statutes1 and do that which is lawful and right1 he shall surely live1 he shall not die4 ,all his transgressions that he hath committed1 they shall not be mentioned unto him3 in his righteousness that he hath done1 he shall live40 #aig ,none of his former transgressions shall exclude him from the privileges and blessings of ,god's people2 he shall be freely and fully received1 without reproach1 into a gracious covenant with his ,god4 ,this condition of acceptance manifestly implies a vital belief in the sovereignty and mercy of ,god2 for without this1 none would be encouraged to turn unto ,him with the hope of forgiveness and favour3 8,he that cometh to ,god must believe that ,he is1 and that ,he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek ,him40 #aih;a 8,the just shall live by his faith20 #aih;b and the duties which the prophet prescribed to his people1 as the means of saving their souls alive1 were evidently regarded by him as the fruit of that faith4 ,thus1 therefore1 they were left without excuse2 no longer able to say1 8that the way of the ,lord was not equal20 for so far from having decreed to involve them all in the same indiscriminate punishment1 ,he was willing1 nay desirous1 of admitting into ,his favour even the most disobedient and abandoned amongst them4 ,although in a state of miserable bondage1 ,he would either 8break their bonds asunder10 and provide them with a place of refuge2 or ,he would make their bodily afflictions minister to the well-being of their souls4 ,if the light of ,his countenance shone upon them1 happy was their lot in the darkest hour of suffering and privation3 and if they did not live to enjoy a restoration to the privileges of their own land1 still might they rejoice1 in the prospect of being restored to their forfeited inheritance in the mansions of eternal peace4 ,would they but forsake the idols1 after which they were gone astray1 and turn to 8love the ,lord their ,god with all their heart and soul and strength10 8ceasing to do evil1 and learning to do well10 though 8their sins were as scarlet1 they should be as white as snow2 though they were red like crimson1 they should be as wool40 #aii ,surely none but the obstinate and rebellious1 none but the hardest and most ungrateful heart1 could complain of the dealings of ,god4 ,wonderful indeed was the patience which had borne with them so long2 adorable the mercy which was still held out for the encouragement and return of a backsliding people4 ,under the gospel dispensation1 the same gracious doctrine is yet more fully revealed4 8,if any man sin1 we have an ,advocate with the ,father1 ,jesus ,christ the righteous40 #bjj;a 8,if we confess our sins1 ,he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins1 and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness40 #bjj;b 8,the ,lord is long-suffering to us-ward1 not willing that any should perish1 but that all should come to repentance40 #bjj;c ,texts indeed there are without number of the same merciful import2 and numerous also are the examples1 recorded in ,holy writ1 in which the ,saviour vouchsafed ,his loving kindness and favour to the weary and heavy-laden sinner2 8seeking and saving those that were lost20 and thus affording us the most ample assurance of the truth of ,his own gracious promise1 8,him that cometh to me ,i will in no wise cast out40 #bjj;d ,are there any amongst us1 my brethren1 who have not yet made their peace with ,god2 any1 whom ,satan hath hitherto held fast in 8the gall of bitterness1 and the bond of iniquity20 who feel the wretchedness of their condition here1 and are alarmed at the expectation of what may come hereafter8 ,may 8the goodness of ,god lead them to repentance60 ,however deep and dangerous the wounds which sin has made in their hearts1 there is 8balm in ,gilead10 if they will earnestly seek it1 and apply it to their souls3 their offended ,lord is still 8waiting to be gracious20 and though they have been prodigally wasting his bounty in riotous living1 yet if they be at length pierced to the heart by the misery to which it has brought them1 and be truly desirous of returning to their peaceful home1 and be ready1 with all humility and contrition1 to acknowledge their unworthiness1 and to seek again the divine favour1 from which they have been so unhappily estranged1 then they will be received even with welcome2 if but one sinner return1 there 8will be joy in heaven20 and the family of the blest will hail his reception2 and his wanderings shall be mentioned no more4 8,awake thou that sleepest and rise from the dead1 and ,christ shall give thee light40 #bjb ,but let not this gracious offer of mercy be abused2 let it not act as an encouragement to a continuance in sin1 under a notion that transgressions1 however multiplied and aggravated1 may be1 at any future day1 repented and forgiven4 ,the grace of repentance1 like every other good gift1 cometh from ,god2 and the proffered mercy1 which is long and obstinately rejected1 may be1 and often is1 withdrawn4 ,if we will not hear1 while the ,almighty now speaks2 if we will not answer1 while ,he is now calling1 8the ear may become heavy that it cannot hear10 and we may be left to perish in our sins4 ,one word more2 think of the many sudden departures2 you are not without awakening and awful examples2 your eye may be closed in death1 while it is turned away from your ,god2 or if you should be permitted to experience a few days' alarm1 ,god alone knows what effect it may produce upon the heart4 ,seek ,him 8in health and wealth20 the work is of amazing magnitude and everlasting importance2 it demands all your vigour1 all the unclouded faculties of your soul4 ,and let those who have embraced the blessed gospel1 in sincerity and truth1 who are believing in the name of ,jesus for salvation1 and 8are fruitful in every good word and work10 ever bear in mind the absolute necessity of persevering in the good and holy cause4 ,for of what service can it be1 to begin the race with animation1 and to pursue it1 for a season1 with ever so great activity1 if they loiter before the end1 and relinquish their exertions 8for the prize of their high calling80 8,when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness and committeth iniquity1 and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth1 shall he live8 ,all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned2 in his trespass that he hath trespassed1 and in his sin that he hath sinned1 in them shall he die40 ,here also we must allow1 that 8the way of ,god is equal40 #bjd ,for surely it argues the most depraved and abandoned state of mind and heart1 to depart from our ,god and our ,redeemer1 after having been once convinced of the truth and the blessedness of ,his holy religion2 having 8tasted how gracious the ,lord is10 having experienced the guidance and comfort and support of his all-powerful spirit1 having had our 8hopes full of immortality10 having enjoyed a foretaste of the happiness of heaven1 after all to fall away1 and prefer to these exalted objects1 the miserable pleasures1 the base indulgencies1 the perishable possessions of earth6 ,a change so disastrous must reduce the understanding and heart into the worst condition of which they are capable4 ,it is the evil spirit1 which had been once cast out1 returning to his abode1 with seven other spirits more wicked than himself1 and dwelling there1 as in a settled home1 and the last state of that man is worse than the first4 #bje;a ,the ,apostle represents the matter to us in this light3 for so difficult is it for a person1 in such a state1 to be worked upon by any consideration1 that he describes it1 in his strong language1 as an actual impossibility3 8it is impossible1 7he says7 for those who were once enlightened1 and have tasted of the heavenly gift1 and were made partakers of the ,holy ,ghost1 and have tasted the good word of ,god1 and the powers of the world to come1 if they shall fall away1 to renew them again unto repentance20 #bje;b and then he adds the reason1 8seeing they crucify to themselves the ,son of ,god afresh1 and put ,him to an open shame20 they maintain the horrid principles and character of those who 8crucified the ,lord of glory20 they deliberately renounce his friendship1 and become 8enemies to the cross of ,christ20 they cast a shameful reproach upon ,him1 infinitely greater than it is possible for those enemies to do1 who were never admitted into the privilege and happiness of ,his favour4 ,fain would we hope1 that this is a case of rare occurrence2 but it is possible1 or why should the prophet and ,apostle have represented it8 8,therefore1 let him that thinketh he standeth1 take heed lest he fall20 #bjf;a 8let him give all diligence to make his calling and election sure40 #bjf;b 8,the just shall live by his faith3 but if that man1 7however faithful and just he has been7 draw back1 my soul shall have no pleasure in him20 #bjf;c this is the proper translation of the passage4 ,god ,almighty of ,his infinite mercy grant1 that the words which follow this text1 addressed by the ,apostle to the faithful disciples of old1 may be realized by all of us here2 8we1 7says he17 are not of them who draw back unto perdition2 but of them that believe to the saving of the soul40 ,pray to ,god without ceasing for grace to persevere3 ,his ,holy ,spirit1 if sought and cherished and used1 will enable us to be faithful and to overcome1 will 8make us more than conquerors1 through ,him that loved us40 #bjg;a ,in conclusion then1 ,i ask1 8is not the way of the ,lord equal80 ,and of those1 who presume to arraign it1 are not the ways unequal8 ,equal and merciful do all the ways of ,god appear1 whenever they can be traced2 equal and merciful they are1 whether they can be traced or not4 8,o man1 who art thou that repliest against ,god80 #bjg;b 8,shall not the judge of all the earth do right80 #bjg;c ,humble thyself1 and accept ,his proffered mercy3 ,hear ,his words2 8,look unto ,me1 and be ye saved1 all the ends of the earth3 for ,i am ,god1 and there is none else40 #bjg;d ,salvation is all that the sinner can desire2 and surely he can repose1 without doubt or distrust upon the all-wise1 all-merciful1 omnipotent ,god4 ,understanding and experiencing1 in so many instances1 the divine wisdom and mercy1 we can have no difficulty in believing1 that ,god 8doeth all things well40 8,he that spared not his own ,son1 but delivered ,him up for us all1 how shall ,he not with ,him also freely give us all things80 #bjh;a ,most unreasonable1 most ungrateful would it be to question or complain4 ,no true believer does so3 he is thoroughly convinced of the truth of ,god's word1 and the equity of ,god's dealings and dispensations4 ,this is his concern1 this the great purpose resting in his soul1 to be reconciled to ,god in ,his own appointed way2 to be made an inheritor of ,his eternal kingdom4 ,he knows1 and it is enough for him to know1 that 8the grace of ,god1 which bringeth salvation1 hath appeared to all men20 #bjh;b he believes1 and he acts upon the belief1 that 8the blood of ,jesus ,christ cleanseth us from all sin20 #bjh;c he seeks to 8wash and be clean10 and faithfully waits for the promised blessing3 8,verily there is a reward for the righteous2 verily ,he is a ,god that judgeth the earth40#bjh;d ,,sermon ,,xii4 ,,the ,,new ,,man4 ,,eph4 iv4 #bd4 ,that ye put on the new man1 which after ,god is created in righteousness and true holiness4 ,,in treating of these words1 it shall be my first object to explain their real nature and import4 ,st4 ,paul has been describing1 in this chapter1 the character of the unregenerate ,gentiles1 who 8walked in the vanity of their mind1 having the understanding darkened1 being alienated from the life of ,god through the ignorance that is in them1 because of the blindness of their heart40 ,and this description applies1 with almost equal force and truth1 to a considerable portion of those who have 8named the name of ,christ30 though they acknowledge with their lips the truth and obligation of the christian religion1 they still 8walk in the vanity of their minds40 ,as to any saving view of the truth1 8the understanding is yet darkened30 and though their ignorance be removed1 with respect to a revelation of the divine will1 they are as far as ever from 8the life of ,god20 though the mind is enlightened with the knowledge of the fact1 the blindness of the heart remains4 ,the ,apostle proceeds to say of his ,ephesian converts1 8but ye have not so learned ,christ0--8if so be1 that ye have heard ,him0 7or rather1 as the phrase may properly imply1 forasmuch as ye have heard ,him7 8and have been taught by ,him as the truth is in ,jesus40 ,and what had they heard1 as necessary to their salvation by ,his name1 and what is the truth they had been taught8--8that ye put off1 concerning the former conversation 7the former life and conduct71 the old man1 which is corrupt1 according to the deceitful lusts0 7the worldly principles and the sinful habits above described1 to which you were addicted before your conversion72 and 8be renewed 7or made new7 in the spirit of your mind2 and that ye put on the new man1 which after ,god is created in righteousness and true holiness20 the change thus produced being so great and important as to be compared to a new creation2 the inner man being totally different from what he was before4 ,it is said1 moreover1 that the new man 8is created after ,god in righteousness20 this is fully explained by the same ,apostle1 in his ,epistle to the ,colossians1 where he is treating on the same subject2 he there speaks of the converts being renewed 8after the image of ,him who created them40 #baa ,at the creation of ,adam1 ,god is represented as saying1 8,let us make man in our image1 after our likeness10 that is1 in perfect innocence and purity4 ,thus was ,adam formed1 perfectly upright and holy3 by disobedience his nature was changed2 he became sinful and unholy2 and this change was entailed upon all his posterity4 ,the object1 therefore1 of the new creation is to restore in us1 as far as we are now capable of it1 that image of divine righteousness1 which man lost by the fall4 ,on considering1 then1 the holy nature of ,god1 we are at once made acquainted with that change1 in the natural man1 which the gospel teaches and requires2 we are brought to perceive and acknowledge that 8true holiness10 which as ,christians we are bound to desire and attain4 ,the same truth may be said to have been substantially revealed to the servants of ,god under the old dispensation3 there is no express mention indeed of a new creation of the individual2 but the prophets every where assert1 what is similar in effect1 that no wicked person1 without hearty repentance and an entire change of character1 must expect the divine favour4 ,to this purpose is the language of ,isaiah3 8,wash you1 make you clean2 put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes2 cease to do evil1 learn to do well40 #bac;a ,the unclean and unrighteous cannot stand before ,god4 8,as ,i live1 saith the ,lord ,god1 7by the mouth of ,ezekiel7 ,i have no pleasure in the death of the wicked1 but that the wicked turn from his way and live2 turn ye1 turn ye from your evil ways2 for why will ye die1 house of ,israel80 #bac;b ,the prophet thereto plainly intimating1 that notwithstanding all that goodness and long-suffering of the divine nature1 which is expressed in a most compassionate invitation1 and is confirmed even by the solemnity of an oath1 yet if sinners did not 8turn from their evil ways10 there was no remedy1 but they must die4 ,and the same prophet on another occasion1 uses language very similar to that of the text2 8,i will put a new spirit within you1 and ,i will take the stony heart out of their flesh--that they may walk in my statutes and keep mine ordinances1 and do them1 and they shall be my people1 and ,i will be their ,god40 #bad;a ,agreeably to this1 the same people are subsequently exhorted1 to 8cast away from them all the transgressions whereby they had transgressed1 and to make them a new heart and a new spirit40 #bad;b ,however therefore1 the ,new ,covenant doth exceed the ,old1 with regard to the clearness of its manifestations1 and its fuller dispensations of grace1 yet are there in both of them the same consistent terms of reconciliation and salvation for rebellious man2 in both are injoined the same purity of spirit1 and integrity of character2 this is the plain1 uniform1 infallible intimation of both1 that 8without holiness no man shall see the ,lord40 #bad;c ,that the people of old were but partially awake and alive to the great change required to be wrought in them1 from sin to righteousness1 from the love of evil to the love of good1 from a 8bondage unto the elements of the world0 to the glorious liberty of the children of ,god1 is too fully proved from the complaints of patriarchs and prophets and holy men of every determination4 ,the sound of the gospel1 thank ,god1 has now gone forth into all lands1 and brought 8life and immortality to light20 it has awakened many nations1 who lay fast bound in the slumbers of spiritual death2 but whether it has vitally and savingly awakened a greater proportion of those1 to whom the glad tidings have been revealed1 is a matter of reasonable doubt4 ,at least1 if we compare what man is by nature1 with what he may be and ought to be by divine grace1 it must appear1 from the life and conduct of the great majority in the christian world1 that they have by no means attained that renovation of spirit and principle and character1 which can entitle them to the appellation of new creatures4 ,of how many may it be said1 7and their own consciences will bear witness to the truth of the accusation17 that their thoughts are ordinarily flowing in much the same channel1 their passions yielding to the same excitements1 and their pursuits directed to the same end1 as they would have been1 had the pure doctrines and precepts of ,christ never been promulgated4 ,vast numbers1 in the visible ,church of ,christ1 who profess some regard for religion1 instead of raising their affections to the standard of the gospel1 are seeking to bring down the immoveable standard of the gospel to them3 and greater numbers still1 of reckless men1 bestow not so much as a thought upon that spiritual change1 which is absolutely essential to the christian character4 ,for what is the religion of thousands amongst us8--merely1 if ,i may so call it1 that traditionary acquaintance with divine things1 which is acquired in infancy2 that outward assent to evangelical truths1 which was handed down to them by their forefathers2 a cold respect for the shadow1 without any concern for the substance3 they are content to observe the forms of religion1 because they have been accustomed so to do1 and their neighbours do the same2 and to attend to what are called the decencies of life1 because they would otherwise be disreputable2 to crimes and to holiness strangers perhaps alike2 satisfied to do no worse1 than they see the multitudes around them doing2 and resting their claim to ,god's favour on a few moral pretensions1 or even on the absence of scandalous immorality2 probably looking for exemption from the penalties of the divine law1 because their transgressions have never been such1 as to expose them to the scourge of the law of man4 ,this1 however deplorable1 is a true description of no inconsiderable portion of our christian land2 to none of us1 we may hope1 is the description strictly applicable2 but it is too probable1 that there are many amongst us1 who partake more or less of the character here delineated2 who practically regard the christian religion as a system to be accommodated to their dispositions and habits and pursuits of life1 and not as demanding a total alteration in their views and tempers and motives of action4 ,though their thoughts are directed to objects1 far above those of 8the heathen who know not ,god0 and though their morality1 upon the whole1 be of a higher order and a purer cast1 yet are their affections willingly led captive by the ensnaring vanities and engrossing interests of this lower world3 heaven is the object of their settled creed1 but it is not the main purpose to which their endeavours are anxiously and daily directed2 in balancing between this or that pursuit1 their thoughts are intent only upon providing for 8the meat that perisheth10 without any enquiry or concern1 how they may best provide for 8that which endureth unto eternal life40 #bah ,and the morality1 on which they so complacently rest1 has frequently no connexion whatever with the christian faith2 referable rather to philosophy than the gospel1 to 8the praise of men than the praise of ,god40 ,hence it follows1 that their moral obedience is lamentably defective2 extending only to the performance of those duties1 which least oppose their inclination or their temporal advantage2 while even such duties are but imperfectly discharged4 ,their self-government is wretchedly defective2 the controul of their thoughts1 the mastery over their passions1 the command over their tongue1 are attainments which they seldom bind it upon their conscience to acquire4 ,and though they be turned from idols to worship the living and the true ,god1 the fruit of their service1 as well as the irregularity of it1 affords but too clear a proof1 that they 8worship him not in spirit and in truth40 ,however improved1 in their moral character1 by their acquaintance with the christian religion1 they cannot possibly have imbibed its spirit2 nor have arrived at that happy change of the natural man1 which can be denominated by a new creation4 ,they are working out1 or rather seeking to work out1 their salvation on maxims of human expediency1 and in accommodation to human interests2 not with 8fear and trembling10 lest they should lose the inestimable prize2 they are not evincing1 that it is 8,god that worketh in them both to will and to do40 #bbj ,i have thus enlarged1 on the presents occasion1 upon the enormous deficiencies of christian character1 because it is of great importance for us to understand1 what is not accordant with the principles of the gospel1 as well as what is3 it is of vital consequence1 that we should be thoroughly aware of the insufficiency of that spirit and view1 of those maxims and motives of those habits and observances1 which pass current for religion in the world4 ,we cannot put on the new man1 unless we put off the old2 and we cannot put off the old1 unless we thoroughly understand in what it consists4 ,the work is too commonly supposed much easier and much less comprehensive1 than it really is3 many vicious habits may be corrected1 without any essential or fundamental alteration of character4 ,a man may become weary of the pursuits1 disgusted with the follies1 worn and sated with the profligacies of life2 he may find his circumstances impoverished1 his reputation impaired1 his worldly interest obstructed3 and such considerations as these may generate a purpose of moral reform4 ,or the sinner may feel himself oppressed with the increasing weight of years2 infirmities are coming fast upon him2 and his conscience1 in many a whisper of fear1 tells him that something should be done1 some preparation made1 for the world to which he is hastening1 for the account which he will speedily be called to render4 ,the idea of dying with those depravities1 to which he has clinged through life1 is awful and insupportable4 ,the more flagrant of them are accordingly corrected2 and the rest1 which are less startling and disquieting1 are undisturbedly retained4 ,in all this there is no change of principle1 no vital alteration3 the old man continues2 less hideous in features and outward appearance1 but the very same in reality4 ,with this partial renovation the mind is satisfied2 the conscience is becalmed2 the sinner dies4 ,through the 8deceivableness of unrighteousness10 through the wiles of ,satan and the evil propensity of our own hearts1 we are always in danger of being too easily content with our spiritual condition2 we look too much to the outward and visible form1 and too little within2 to little to the habitual principle1 the constraining motive1 the cast of character3 and it is in this1 that the difference between the old and the new man1 in the christian world essentially consists4 ,suffer me to point out again a few of the broad lines of distinction4 ,the old man1 whatever of religion he may profess1 lives principally for himself and the world2 he may think of religion1 and speak of it1 and pray for it with the lips1 but it has no dwelling place in his heart1 is not the business of his life4 ,however observable1 in many respects1 his moral deportment may be1 his character is seldom consistent4 ,from some evil pursuits he abstains1 in others he wilfully and constantly indulges2 some evil passions are kept in creditable order1 others are let loose2 some duties he professedly performs1 and others he professedly omits4 ,and nothing is done with a true christian motive1 or christian view2 nothing from a sense of absolute and uncompromising obedience to the will of ,god4 ,nor is it surprising1 that there should be such deficiencies and inconsistencies in his character2 he has no principle or means1 by which he can possibly walk uprightly with his ,god4 ,he does not 8believe with the heart unto righteousness20 he does not seek1 nor desire1 to 8live in the spirit and walk in the spirit20 there is no life in his devotion1 no sincerity in his prayer3 he 8asks not faithfully0 for repentance and holiness1 and they cannot be 8effectually received40 ,he is not disposed to bring his understanding and heart into subjection to the divine will4 ,he studies not that holy word1 which ministers the principle of a divine life1 and the spirit of obedience to the soul4 ,he lives for earth and not for heaven4 ,he is too proud to be taught the humiliating doctrines of revelation2 too full of himself1 to bow implicitly to his ,redeemer4 ,in a word1 nature is his book and not the ,bible2 the world is his teacher and not the ,spirit of ,god2 earthly and not spiritual subjects are the delight of his heart2 he walks not 8by faith1 but by sight40 ,the new man is the reverse of all this2 he humbles himself1 as a sinner1 at the foot of the cross1 under a deep sense of his own guilt and the divine mercy2 desirous only to be reconciled and saved2 he constantly studies the mysteries ,god's word1 with a submissive understanding and an obedient heart2 he rests his only hope on the merit of a ,redeemer1 whose promises and whose law he receives with all his mind and soul and strength2 he prays 8without ceasing0 for the ,holy ,spirit1 is directed by ,his teaching1 supported by ,his power1 and comforted by ,his heavenly illumination4 ,doubtless he must live in the world1 and by the world1 as well as other people2 but he does not live for the world2 his heart is not there1 his delight is not there2 he is a redeemed pilgrim1 journeying in a far country1 returning to his ,father's house2 and his heart is musing on the 8many mansions0 there1 and full of the inspiring influential hope1 that one of them is prepared for him4 ,such holy principles are continually manifested by a determination of purpose1 a decisiveness of character1 a devoted spirit of uniform obedience to the revealed will of ,god4 ,as the conscience bears witness1 so does the life3 8the tree is known by its fruit20 all evil affections are resolutely mortified1 all sinful pleasures and pursuits utterly abandoned4 ,the sincere ,christian1 the new man1 has an earnest desire and care upon his soul1 to be 8righteous before ,god1 walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the ,lord blameless40 #bbf;a ,for this blessing he daily prays2 in this work he daily advances3 8loving the ,lord ,god with all his heart10 and 8loving his neighbour as himself10 he is of all men the most inclined1 as he is assuredly the most bound1 to 8live soberly1 righteously and godly in this present world40 #bbf;b ,these remarks suggest the necessity of further admonition on this head4 ,many persons have been led to entertain enthusiastic notions on the subject of the new man1 the new creation1 the new birth4 ,they have supposed it principally to consist in certain inward experiences or feelings1 which they have been enabled to trace to some particular event or period3 the ,holy ,spirit1 as they believe1 then beginning1 for the first time1 to work upon their understandings and hearts2 and thus leaving an indelible impression1 the seal of their redemption1 the earnest of their certain acceptance with ,god4 ,far are we from denying1 that such sudden conversions may and do take place3 still farther from denying that1 whether sudden or gradual1 a change from the old to the new man is attributable to the aid of a divine energy and power4 ,it is1 properly speaking1 a new creation2 the imparting of a new nature3 and cannot be effected without the hand of the original ,creator3 without the operation of that ,spirit1 which 8moved upon the face of the waters10 which 8breathed into the nostrils the breath of life1 so that man became a living soul40 #bbg;a ,our ,liturgy has correctly and fully embodied the testimony of scripture1 on this as on other points3 we are taught to pray1 that ,god will 8create in us new and contrite hearts40 ,this blessing must proceed from that ,holy ,spirit1 who still in ,his ordinary dispensations1 as formerly in ,his miraculous gifts1 8divides unto every man severally as ,he will20 #bbg;b not as it were capriciously1 but according to ,his own infinite wisdom and goodness1 as ,he judges expedient to the case of each individual4 ,but this divine grace is not communicated for the mere purpose of producing a glowing affection1 a familiar experience1 an enraptured view of spiritual things3 nor can any inward feelings alone prove that such grace has been administered at all3 the proof must be manifested1 in the way pointed out by the text3 the new man 8is created1 after ,god1 in righteousness and true holiness40 ,a holy character and a righteous life are the proper and indispensable evidences of such a change2 a faithful walking with ,god1 a sober self-government1 an upright dealing with all mankind4 ,i counsel you1 my brethren1 in the language of truth and the spirit of affection1 to be content with no other evidence3 equally far be you removed from that carnal profession of the gospel1 which despises or neglects the mighty change required of every sincere believer2 and from those fanciful notions of spiritual experience1 which leave the heart and the character arrayed in the spotted garment of sin3 both in the one case and the other1 you will be 8grieving the spirit10 and 8quenching the spirit40 ,in your principles and life1 as well as in your views and affections and desires1 8let old things pass away1 and all things become new20 #bbi;a 8put off the old man with the deceitful lusts10 and thus let the new man be put on4 8,abhor that which is evil3 cleave to that which is good40 #bbi;b ,this is the method ordained of ,god1 by which we are to 8work out our salvation20 this our plain1 this our necessary duty4 ,pray we fervently1 strive we diligently1 that we may be thus effectually turned from sin to holiness1 8from darkness to light1 from the power of ,satan unto ,god40 #bbi;c ,,sermon ,,xiii4 ,,the ,,wedding ,,garment4 ,,matt4 xxii4 #b4 ,the kingdom of heaven is like unto certain king which made a marriage for his son4 ,,it is my intention1 in this discourse1 to explain the several particulars of the parable before us2 which may be regarded1 in the first place1 as descriptive of the dispensation of the gospel to the people of ,israel and the world at large2 and1 in the second place1 as instructing us in that peculiar fitness necessary to all1 who shall be admitted to enjoy the privileges and happiness of the kingdom of ,god4 ,the state of the gospel1 our ,saviour informs us1 may be compared to the conduct of a king at the marriage of his son2 or rather1 as the meaning is1 at the marriage feast which he gave on that occasion3 the circumstances which might1 in that case1 be supposed to occur1 aptly represent a variety of particulars belonging to the gospel dispensation4 ,before1 however1 we enter upon the parable1 it may be remarked1 that spiritual blessings are frequently set forth in the holy scriptures1 under allusions to feasting and refreshment4 ,thus ,solomon of old3 8,wisdom hath builded her house1 she hath hewn out her seven pillars3 she hath killed her beasts2 she hath mingled her wine2 she hath also furnished her table4 ,come1 eat of my bread1 and drink of the wine which ,i have mingled4 ,forsake the foolish1 and live2 and go in the way of understanding40 #bca ,and thus the prophet ,isaiah1 in describing the state of the gospel3 8,in this mountain shall the ,lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things1 a feast of wines on the lees1 of fat things full of marrow1 of wines on the lees well refined40 #bcb;a ,and thus our blessed ,lord ,himself3 8,i appoint unto you a kingdom1 as ,my ,father hath appointed unto ,me1 that ye may eat and drink at ,my table in ,my kingdom40 #bcb;b #a4 ,let us now proceed with the parable3 8,he sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding 7feast72 and they would not come40 ,this probably alludes to the first period of the promulgation of the gospel2 under the preaching of ,john the ,baptist and of the earliest disciples2 the former endeavouring to prepare the hearts of men for the kingdom and coming of ,christ2 and the latter proclaiming ,his glorious arrival1 preaching the truth of ,his gospel1 and confirming the word by a display of miraculous power4 ,but the ,jews had been a carnal people1 8holding the truth in unrighteousness20 and they refused to give ear to those holy instructions1 which called upon them to 8lay the axe to the root of all sin10 and to 8bring forth fruits meet for repentance40 #bcc;a ,this it was that prevented them1 not only from a cordial acceptance of the gospel1 but even from a fair examination and inquiry2 they would not listen to such doctrine2 their heart was decided against it3 to this it was owing1 these carnal habits and views1 that when their ,messiah came1 they were not ready to receive ,him in the way which ,he required4 ,ready enough were they to admit ,him in their own way2 agreeably to their own notions and desires1 as an earthly conqueror1 as the dispenser of temporal blessings and rewards2 but not as the abolisher of sin2 not as a preacher of righteousness2 not as a herald1 announcing to them the necessity of holiness in this world1 and the inheritance of glory in the world to come4 ,not all ,his amazing miracles1 not all ,his fulfilment of their own prophecies1 not all the power of ,his word1 could convince their understandings2 because they had 8an evil heart of unbelief30 #bcc;b and therefore1 notwithstanding ,his awful warnings1 ,his earnest and affectionate invitations1 8they would not come0 unto ,him1 that they might find rest unto their souls4 ,here we behold1 as in a glass1 the real ground of every rejection of the ,saviour in every age2 it is not because men deny ,his excellency1 or ,his power1 or ,his mercy1 or the greatness of ,his kingdom3 it is because they 8love this present evil world10 and the 8god of this world hath blinded their minds10 #bcd;a through the deceitfulness of sin4 ,even though eternal salvation is offered them1 and they do not disbelieve it2 still1 awful to think6 the ,saviour is rejected for perishable interests and sensual indulgences4 8,he feedeth on ashes2 a deceived heart hath turned him aside1 that he cannot deliver his soul1 nor say1 is there not a lie in my right hand80 #bcd;b ,men walk on in darkness because they love it2 and they 8love darkness rather than light1 because their deeds are evil40 #bcd;c #b4 ,but the ,jews were not yet cast off1 without further admonition and entreaty4 8,again ,he sent forth other servants1 saying1 tell them who are bidden1 behold ,i have prepared my dinner2 my oxen and my fatlings are killed1 and all things are ready2 come unto the marriage0 feast4 ,but 8they made light of it10 and offered a variety of groundless excuses4 ,this may chiefly refer to the fuller manifestation of the gospel1 after the resurrection and ascension of our blessed ,lord2 for the parable1 as we shall more clearly perceive in the sequel1 is partly of a prophetic nature2 and intended to represent to the ,jews their persevering spirit of obstinacy1 and the punishment which would ensue2 that some of them at least1 when the fulness of the time should come1 might be struck with the force of this predictive representation1 and be converted to the 8truth as it is in ,jesus40 ,every thing requisite for the sumptuous feast was liberally provided3 in the days of the apostles1 abundant indeed was the confirmation of the truth and doctrines of the gospel2 bright the manifestation of heavenly glory1 that was shed abroad upon it4 ,then were strikingly fulfilled the words of their prophet ,joel2 8,i will pour out ,my ,spirit upon all flesh--also upon the servants and the handmaids in those days will ,i pour out ,my ,spirit40 #bcf ,accordingly the gifts of the ,holy ,ghost--were openly poured forth1 and mighty were the deeds done and the words spoken by ,his servants1 under the operation of ,his marvellous power3 the old dispensation was fully brought to bear upon the new3 it was shewn how the character of ,jesus corresponded1 in ,his birth and life and death and resurrection and ascension1 as well as in ,his offices of ,priest and ,mediator and ,king1 with various prophecies and types exhibited in the ancient scriptures4 ,the benefits and blessings of the christian dispensation were more particularly and largely set forth3 the feast was fully displayed before them1 in all its rich and magnificent abundance4 ,many were then induced to enter into the guest chamber1 and partake of the heavenly repast2 but many more1 the ,jewish nation at large1 made light of it1 and went their way4 ,and not only so3 not only was the invitation unheeded and despised2 but the remnant1 that is1 some who were not content with disobeying the call1 8took his servants1 and entreated them spitefully and slew them20 persecuted the disciples even unto death4 #c4 ,we now come to a part of the parable1 which must of necessity receive a prophetic interpretation3 8,when the ,king heard thereof1 he was wroth1 and he sent forth his armies and destroyed those murderers1 and burnt up their city40 ,this plainly points out the ,roman armies ravaging ,judea1 destroying ,jerusalem1 and putting the inhabitants to the sword2 an event1 which did not take place till many years after4 ,neither1 in truth1 is there mention made1 in the gospel history1 of the ,jews having slain any of the disciples1 whilst their ,lord was with them4 ,they were murderers of the ,son of ,god1 and of many of ,his apostles and disciples after ,him2 thus 8filling up the measure of their iniquity10 and drawing down upon themselves1 and their nation at large1 the most tremendous visitation of divine wrath1 ever inflicted in this world upon a rebellious people4 #d4 ,we are next carried forward to another period in the gospel dispensation2 a period in which we ourselves are deeply and peculiarly interested2 from which we date all the spiritual mercies and advantages1 all 8the means of grace and hopes of glory10 which have been vouchsafed to our souls4 8,then saith the king to his servants1 the wedding 7the wedding feast7 is ready1 but they which were bidden were not worthy40 ,the ,israelites who were honoured1 as the people of ,god1 with the first invitation and call to the gospel1 shewed themselves unworthy of it1 by their ungrateful and obstinate rejection4 8,go ye therefore into the highways1 and as many as ye shall find1 bid to the marriage0 feast3 go ye1 as we may interpret the words of our ,lord1 go ye1 ,my ministers and messengers1 into the world at large1 and carry ,my invitation to the ,gentiles2 to as many as ye shall find2 and proclaim to them that ,my table is spread for all3 since the people1 who were first bidden1 have 8not heard when ,i spake1 nor answered1 when ,i called10 the 8kingdom of heaven is now thrown open to all believers10 so that 8whosoever shall call upon the name of the ,lord shall be saved30 ,my kingdom shall no longer be confined to one peculiar race2 the time is come1 when the blessedness of it shall be diffused abroad as 8the waters cover the sea30 ,i am ready to 8make a covenant with all flesh0--a covenant of peace--of benefits and mercies1 such as their 8eyes have never seen1 nor ears heard20 the universal banquet is spread2 bid them all to come4 8,so those servants went out into the highways1 and gathered together all as many as they found1 both bad and good3 and the wedding 7table7 was furnished with guests30 for it was not unusual1 we must observe1 in those countries1 for men of the highest rank and distinction to admit to their tables1 on remarkable occasions1 persons of the lowest condition4 ,and this part of the parable also was representative of a future period2 for though ,christ had received homage from some in the ,gentile world1 and had signified ,his favour to others as well as the ,jews1 it could not be said1 that the blessings of ,his gospel were at that time distinctly offered to the world at large4 ,by ,st4 ,peter1 in the first instance1 in the case of ,cornelius1 and afterwards more fully by ,st4 ,paul1 the ,apostle of the ,gentiles1 were the good tidings universally announced and spread4 ,this accords with the invitation in the parable1 where we find that no exceptions were to be made3 the 8servants gathered together all1 both bad and good20 thus1 to men of all characters and descriptions the gospel was indiscriminately preached3 the best greatly needed it2 and even to the worst the door of grace and repentance was opened4 ,doubtless1 there are vast differences in the characters of unregenerate men1 of the very heathen 8who know not ,god40 ,some will use1 more faithfully than others1 the feebler light of natural religion2 and thus arrive at a higher state of moral rectitude and respectability4 ,but whatever comparative excellence any one may attain1 in such a state1 he is at best a polluted sinner3 fallen from the favour and family of ,god2 without the power to rise and return2 the inheritor of sin and death1 without the means of salvation4 ,god must be reconciled1 and the gate of mercy thrown open2 or the sinner must perish4 ,and it is for the offended ,god alone1 to appoint the means of reconciliation2 and proclaim the conditions of pardon and mercy4 ,jesus ,christ1 the eternal ,son of ,god1 is the only means of deliverance2 by ,his incarnation and sacrifice has atonement been made for man2 8there is no other name under heaven given among men1 whereby we must be saved20 #bdb;a 8other foundation can no man lay40 #bdb;b ,the moralist must lay aside his vain pretensions1 and humble himself at the foot of the cross2 must come to the ,saviour and learn of ,him2 come and be 8baptised for the remission of sins20 come1 that his character may be essentially changed by the ,spirit and the word of ,god2 that he may have new desires1 new affections1 new principles1 new prospects3 and many of 8the children of this world10 amiable in their disposition and reputable in their conduct1 deceive themselves in this matter2 perceive not their need of a ,saviour1 8trusting in themselves that they are righteous20 good in their own eyes1 good in the estimation of their neighbours1 they undervalue and neglect the gospel2 and therefore still continue 8dead in trespasses and sins40 ,but the bad as well as the good were gathered together2 not only to those1 whose conduct had been honourable among men1 and whose characters were fair2 but to notorious delinquent1 yea1 even to the worst of sinners1 the door of the guest-chamber is open2 all are invited2 all1 if they will comply with the conditions and rules of the feast1 shall be fed2 publicans and sinners1 extortioners and unjust1 disobedient and reprobate1 all are the objects of the ,saviour's mercy2 8,come unto me1 all ye that are weary and heavy laden1 and ,i will give you rest40 ,the invitation is free and universal2 none who rightly seek admission1 shall be excluded4 ,this exactly agrees with the language of the evangelical prophet3 8,ho1 every one that thirsteth1 come ye to the waters1 and he that hath no money2 come ye1 buy and eat40 8,let the wicked forsake his way1 and the unrighteous man his thoughts3 and let him return unto the ,lord1 and ,he will have mercy upon him2 and to our ,god1 for ,he will abundantly pardon40 #bdc;a 8,the fountain is opened for sin and for cleanness20 #bdc;b 8wash you1 make you clean20 laden as ye are with iniquity come but to your ,saviour1 in sincerity and truth1 with a contrite and repentant heart2 come1 as ,he has invited you2 look to the all-sufficiency of ,his sacrifice2 believe in ,him for justification and life2 be ready to learn of ,his example and to receive ,his spirit and ,his law into your heart1 and you shall be admitted to ,his holy banquet1 and be made welcome at ,his table2 you shall find comfort in the presence of your ,lord1 and in them 8that sit at meat with you40 #e4 ,we are now led to the last and most striking part of this parable3 the king came in to see the guests2 to see whether they conducted themselves worthily of his entertainment1 and appeared in the dress which he had provided1 for such as were unable to furnish themselves4 ,and thus1 with regard to the heavenly feast1 the guests are strictly and constantly accountable for their behaviour4 ,our blessed ,lord watches the demeanour of all who profess to accept ,his invitation in the gospel2 observes1 how every one1 who is 8admitted into the fellowship of ,his religion10 fulfils the conditions required of him4 ,nor is it the external demeanour alone1 which engages ,his notice and inspection2 ,he sees through the innermost windings of every heart1 and will infallibly 8judge righteous judgment40 ,no violation of ,his will1 in thought1 or word1 or deed2 no insincerity or deceitful appearance can possibly remain undetected4 8,when the king came in--he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment4 ,and he said unto him1 friend1 how earnest thou in hither1 not having a wedding garment80 ,the man could not pretend to offer an excuse3 he knew the rules of the feast1 and had wantonly neglected them2 he was1 like many other ungrateful people1 regaling himself upon a benefactor's bounty1 but shewed him no respect or regard3 being therefore self-condemned1 8he was speechless40 ,thus will it be with every negligent and disobedient ,christian1 when the ,lord comes to make enquiry into his character3 to justify himself1 he will feel to be impossible2 thoroughly has he known his ,lord's will1 and full often has his conscience reproved him for not performing it3 there will be nothing left for him1 but unavailing sorrow and speechless remorse4 8,then said the king to the servants1 bind him hand and foot2 and take him away1 and cast him into outer darkness1 there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth40 ,cast him1 from the lighted chamber1 to the darkness of the night without1 where he shall bitterly regret the pleasures he has so foolishly lost4 ,sad emblem of that state1 whose sadness can be known1 here upon earth1 only by emblematical representation1 only by such figures as 8outer darkness10 as the 8worm that never dies10 and 8the fire that never shall be quenched20 a darkness of mind1 in the utter regions of despair1 without a ray from heaven to cheer it2 the worm of anguish preying upon the soul2 and a fire burning1 whether without or within1 or both2 raging yet not consuming4 ,god grant1 that we may hear only of this wretched state 8by1 the hearing of the ear20 that our eyes may never behold it2 that none of us may be consigned to this abode of unredeemed and unredeemable misery3 and1 that we never may1 let us 8walk worthy of our vocation20 of the ,lord of that heavenly feast1 of which we are professing to partake4 ,put on1 my brethren1 the wedding garment of the gospel2 put it on1 or intrude not into the presence-chamber of your ,lord2 dread the doom of the hypocrite and the despiser2 pretend not to partake of the heavenly feast1 to expect any of the blessings of the gospel1 unless ye consent and seek to be clothed with the raiment provided by your ,king2 with all those christian graces and virtues1 which ,he will enable you to obtain4 ,if indeed it depended upon ourselves1 8miserable and poor and naked0 as we are1 to provide a suitable covering2 if the sinner were required to produce1 from his own store1 the raiment of holiness and righteousness1 and thus make himself acceptable to his ,saviour and his ,god2 then would he have much reason to urge for his unworthiness and deficiency3 for he has no means of making any such provision2 he has not 8wherewith he shall come before the ,lord30 his heart is corrupt2 his character is unholy2 and he has no power to change them4 ,but the provision does not depend upon ourselves2 what the ,lord commands us to be clothed with1 ,he has mercifully prepared3 ,he gives ,his ,holy ,spirit1 to change the heart and reform the character2 to enable us to 8put off the old man with the deceitful lusts1 and to put on the new man1 which after ,god is created in righteousness and true holiness40 ,this spiritual clothing the ,lord offers to all ,his followers2 and woe be to those1 who refuse or slight it3 for this is a contempt of ,his divine mercy2 a defiance of ,his authority and command3 the expectation of ,his favour1 on such terms1 is adding insult to presumption4 ,if we do make a profession of belonging to ,him1 let us not thus foolishly cast away our hope2 let us not deceive ourselves by imagining1 that we can possibly maintain a title to the privileges and blessings of the gospel1 whilst we are living in the neglect of those ordinances and laws1 which the ,lord has graciously appointed as the means of our acceptance with ,him4 ,they who neglect the means1 will assuredly lose the end2 will be numbered among the despisers of their ,saviour's mercy4 ,and in order to keep alive in our minds that deep concern1 which so momentous a subject demands1 frequently let us be meditating upon that awful hour1 when the ,king shall come in to visit and inspect ,his guests3 ,his eye shall be upon every one1 and every one's eye upon ,him2 imagine yourself then in the guest-chamber without a wedding garment2 ready and desirous to sink into the earth2 but there will be nothing to cover your guilt and shame3 though you have entered in with the other guests1 and taken your station at the feast1 you will be called out from among them1 and everlastingly separated from the goodly company4 ,a garment you would then1 no doubt1 most willingly accept2 but it will be too late2 it should have been accepted when offered2 the season of grace will be past2 the time for judgment will be come4 ,my brethren1 you have professedly accepted the invitation of your ,lord2 you have entered into the guest-chamber2 and if you be not already clothed with the spiritual apparel1 provided by ,his grace and mercy1 delay not an instant to apply for it3 the ,king may come sooner than you expect2 ,i pray that ,he come not1 before you are ready to meet ,him4 ,and where is this garment to be found8 ,seek ,his ,holy ,spirit2 search ,his ,holy word3 you will then not fail to find it1 and ,he will dispose you to put it on4 ,repent and believe2 love and obey3 8cease to do evil1 learn to do well20 thus 8adorn the doctrine of ,god your ,saviour in all things40 ,and then you will finally be admitted to the heavenly feast2 to the marriage supper of the ,lamb2 to the company of angels2 in the courts of uncreated light--8for the glory of ,god doth lighten them1 and the ,lamb is the light thereof20 #bea;a 8,in whose presence is fulness of joy1 and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore40 #bea;b ,,sermon ,,xiv4 ,,walk ,,worthy ,,of ,,the ,,lord1 ,,be ,,fruitful1 ,,and ,,increasing4 ,,col4 i4 #aj4 ,that ye might walk worthy of the ,lord unto all pleasing1 being fruitful in every good work1 and increasing in the know ledge of ,god4 ,,one of the great objects of ,st4 ,paul1 in writing his epistles1 appears to be considerably overlooked by the christian world at large3 it was1 to lead those churches and communities1 in which the true foundation of ,christianity had been laid1 to build upon it a corresponding character and life4 ,certainly1 a great portion of the epistles is occupied in the assertion and explanation of christian doctrine2 and this1 principally1 with a view to remove certain errors and prejudices1 which the members of some churches had entertained2 and upon which they had requested the apostle's decision4 ,but well knowing how apt the human mind is to rest satisfied with speculative views and persuasions1 he never omits to remind his converts1 that much more was necessary than the profession of a true faith2 that in vain would their opinions be rectified1 unless their heart was also changed2 that though they had 8all faith and all knowledge10 it would 8profit them nothing10 unless the graces and virtues of their holy religion were signally manifest in their lives4 ,there is scarcely an epistle1 in which the apostle does not labour1 with the most intense desire1 with the most full and repeated and peremptory injunctions1 to press upon them this momentous consideration3 there is not1 in the word of ,god1 a more complete digest and code of christian duty1 than in the writings of ,st4 ,paul2 and yet they are1 by many1 almost exclusively regarded as an exposition of deep and mysterious doctrines2 as if this were the sole end and purpose for which they were composed4 ,well would it have been for the christian world1 if as much attention had been paid to the practical1 as to the theoretical subjects in these divine oracles3 we should not then have witnessed so many disputations1 in which charity has been lost sight of1 nor so much of the 8form of godliness without the power20 so many religious terms and denominations1 of which the ignorant have understood little but the name3 we should have had less of sect1 of party1 of invidious distinctions of any kind2 and more of vital religion amongst us4 ,but it is now1 as it ever was1 with fallen and degenerate man2 he is fonder of exhibiting the powers of his understanding1 of exciting his feelings1 and of displaying the pride of spiritual knowledge1 than of reforming his principles and regulating his conduct3 he has therefore directed his view to the mystery of the foundation1 and overlooked the directions for raising and completing the superstructure4 ,not that the various revelations of doctrine1 in the writings of ,st4 ,paul1 are by any means to be lightly regarded2 nor that they do not demand the most reverential attention and profound enquiry3 it is of high importance for us to attain a 8right judgment in all things30 yet doubtless it would tend more to the edification of ,christians in general1 if they took greater heed to the rules and precepts of the divine law1 to the evidence and fruit of their faith2 and to all that neglect them1 we would say1 8these things ought ye to have done1 and not to leave the others undone40 ,the passage of scripture1 from which we are now discoursing1 will exemplify these remarks4 ,st4 ,paul1 in the very opening of his epistle1 assures the ,colossians1 that since the day he heard of their conversion1 he did 8not cease to pray for them and to desire that they might be filled with the knowledge of the will of ,god1 in all wisdom and spiritual understanding2 that they might walk worthy of the ,lord unto all pleasing1 being fruitful in every good work1 and increasing in the knowledge of ,god40 #a4 8,that ye might walk worthy of the ,lord40 ,it is scarcely possible for the most cursory observer not to perceive1 that the faith of the gospel cannot be truly embraced with indifference2 that the christian name is not a mere honorary or professional title1 independent of obligations and of consequences4 ,as the ,bible is rich in promises1 so is it also clear and necessitating1 in the conditions upon which those promises are made3 as the ,redeemer has freely offered unto us the benefits of ,his cross1 so has ,he as plainly injoined upon us the indispensable duty of 8taking up our own cross daily10 and 8following the blessed steps of ,his most holy life20 as ,he has reconciled us unto the ,father1 and again adopted us into the blessed family above1 so are we required1 if we have any part or lot in this matter1 to be-have as children1 who have recovered the forfeited privileges of their glorious inheritance1 and 8have their conversation in heaven40 ,as we have been 8bought at so great a price10 we must continue the subjects and the property of the 8,lord that bought us40 ,no man1 whose nature1 whose principles1 whose affections1 whose life1 remain unchanged2 no man1 enthralled by the pleasures and devoted to the pursuits of a thoughtless and corrupt world1 can justly consider himself as an actual partaker of the covenanted mercies of ,god4 ,he may have been admitted by baptism into ,christ's visible church2 he may hope to render1 at some future day1 his baptismal privilege available to salvation2 but every page of ,god's revealed word would forbid him to regard himself as an accepted 8inheritor of the kingdom of heaven10 while his life is palpably at variance with the conditions upon which that inheritance is vouchsafed2 while it is contradictory to the laws1 and totally inconsistent with the blessings1 which the ,saviour has proclaimed to mankind4 ,every man must not only perceive from the gospel1 but be assured by his own reason and conscience1 that such divine mercies absolutely require and imply some degree of worthiness2 some correspondence in his views1 his temper1 and his conduct4 ,worthy indeed1 in the fullest sense of the word1 of such transcendent love and favour1 of life and immortality1 of everlasting honour in the presence of the pure and perfect ,creator1 the degenerate creature can never be2 he has sinned2 and 8the wages of sin is death40 ,but there is a fitness1 which the ,christian1 by divine help1 must attain2 a humility and contrition of heart2 a sincere belief in ,god's mercy through ,christ2 a grateful sense of ,god's undeserved goodness2 a desire of recovery from the ruin of his fallen nature2 and withal1 a true spirit of acquiescence in those means of grace1 and that revealed law1 ordained to bring the sinner to his ,maker2 and this conformity1 in the character of man1 is frequently represented in scripture by the name of worthiness3 he becomes worthy in this respect1 inasmuch as he fulfils the conditions of the gospel covenant1 and is thereby rendered a fit object of ,god's free mercy3 without this character he would be unworthy1 inasmuch as he would shew himself unmoved by the marvellous loving-kindness of his ,saviour2 would shew1 that he had no real value for the blessings1 which the gospel places within his reach2 no regard for the revelation and ordinances of ,god4 ,it is an observation as true as it is common1 that the holy gospel designs not to save us in our sins1 but from them2 we must therefore be made willing and desirous and careful1 to subdue the prevalence of sin1 or we cannot attain unto salvation2 and if the dominion of evil be subdued1 there will grow up1 in our hearts and lives1 the manifold fruits of righteousness4 ,such was the worthiness1 which the apostle prayed and laboured to produce in the early disciples2 and if1 without this1 we are hoping to be accepted of the ,lord1 8we are deceiving ourselves1 and the truth is not in us40 ,the meetness indeed1 of which we are speaking1 is not exclusively our own2 it must 8be wrought in us of ,god20 still it is to be sought by prayer1 and improved with diligence3 8,we are not sufficient of ourselves to think any thing1 as of ourselves2 but our sufficiency is of ,god20 #bfj yet ,god will not fail to supply us with the means1 if we pray for them and use them faithfully4 ,to this statement ,i request your especial attention2 because there are professing ,christians1 who take an improper view of this important matter4 ,conscious of their own unworthiness in point of merit1 they are apt to overlook that worthy fitness1 of heart and character and life1 which is necessary for every sincere follower1 of ,christ4 ,the proclamations of their own undeservings1 and their ,saviour's free love1 are sometimes so loud and frequent1 as to lower in their minds the sense of moral and spiritual obligation1 as to make them relax in their duly to ,god and man2 as if they were privileged to offend1 because they extolled the ,saviour1 and debased themselves4 ,this is a vain and a fanatical spirit3 ,christ alone is worthy to save2 but we must endeavour1 by ,his sanctifying aid1 in all things to be made more and more worthy of the exceeding 8riches of ,his grace40 #b4 ,and1 in order to encourage us in the goodly work1 the ,almighty1 whose happiness is infinite and incapable of increase1 graciously represents ,himself as pleased1 even with our imperfect services3 8,that ye might walk worthy of the ,lord unto all pleasing40 8,though the heavens are not pure in ,his sight10 yet does ,he condescend to 8visit man0 with ,his favour1 and 8to regard the son of man10 who serveth ,him1 with an approving eye3 ,he is pleased1 because it is the fruit of the sinner's reconciliation1 by the death and sufferings of ,his beloved ,son3 for ,his sake1 even the feeble struggles of the ,christian1 in the way of duty1 if they be resolute and determined1 are an acceptable service2 even the spark of goodness1 if it glow with sincerity in the bosom1 is honoured and rewarded4 ,this is an animating consideration3 we observe the effect naturally produced in the mind of man1 even by the approbation of a fellow-creature1 whom he regards as his superior2 what holy satisfaction then1 and complacency and delight1 may we not derive from the persuasion1 that our humble services are favourably viewed by the all-wise and almighty ,god1 who recompenses every one according to his work3 if ,god be pleased1 whose displeasure shall we fear8 ,if 8,god be for us1 who shall be against us80 ,and ,o1 that we may never forget1 that it is one of the great purposes of the gospel1 to render us1 infirm and imperfect as we are1 pleasing unto ,him1 through the merits and intercession of our ,redeemer2 by 8walking worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called40 #bfb #c4 ,the apostle proceeds1 in the text1 to open and extend his view of evangelical righteousness4 ,it consists not in that partial cultivation of spiritual affections1 in that modified selection of particular duties1 with which the christian world is so prone to be content3 it obliges the believer to 8be fruitful unto every good work40 ,this is a point1 in which vast multitudes1 in the christian church1 lamentably and notoriously fail2 in which many fail1 who make a considerable profession of their zeal for religion2 and comply1 to a certain degree1 with most of its obligations4 ,there are some pleasures or pursuits1 which1 though they do not pretend to reconcile them with the law of ,god1 they still perseveringly retain4 ,upon the whole1 they professedly adopt the ordinances and requisitions of the gospel3 but there are some more unpalatable than others2 some to which they feel an unconquered repugnance3 and these they leave out of their religious system altogether2 to these they never so much as resolve to conform4 ,and thus1 they fail to manifest1 7what is confessedly the most difficult1 yet the most important of all christian attainments17 a surrender of the heart to ,god4 ,their own inclination1 their own judgment1 and not the divine will1 is the rule and standard of their conduct2 and no doubt1 if they felt this strong reluctance to the duties which they do perform1 these also would be equally neglected3 in other words1 no part of their obedience rests upon a true foundation3 it proceeds not from a sincere belief in the truth and authority of ,god's word4 ,all the injunctions1 all the precepts of the gospel are obligatory alike2 all equally declarative of the divine will1 and equally necessary to the spiritual renovation of man4 ,and those injunctions and precepts1 with which we are the least disposed to comply1 do in fact require our peculiar attention and observance2 because they point out to us the natural blemishes1 which stand most in need of repair2 because they shew where the greatest danger lies1 of our being deficient in that complete change1 of principle and affection and character1 which the infallible word of truth has declared to be indispensable4 ,st4 ,james assures us1 that 8whosoever shall keep the whole law1 and yet offend in one point1 he is guilty of all30 #bfe he who reserves to himself any particular indulgence or pursuit1 which is clearly at variance with the will and word of ,god1 obeys not1 in any thing1 from a real christian motive2 and shews himself ready1 if a sufficient temptation were offered1 to disobey in any and every point4 ,it is true1 that there is no 8good work10 which the ,christian performs with uniform unvarying obedience2 but neither is there any1 in which he does not sincerely desire and endeavour 8to be fruitful20 there is no act of righteousness1 to which he is a stranger2 no 8besetting sin10 which he is unwilling or unmindful to cast away3 though the good fruit1 to his sorrow1 does too frequently fail1 after all his unqualified labour2 yet the unprofitable branch is pruned again1 and watered by the tears of repentance1 and fructified with the dews of heaven1 and bears another day4 ,he believes1 and fears1 and 8loves the ,lord his ,god with all his heart and all his soul and all his strength20 and therefore1 though there are many imperfections1 there is no reserve in his obedience4 #d4 ,the latter clause of the text directs us to a very distinguishing feature in the christian character3 8,increasing in the knowledge of ,god40 ,knowledge must evidently here be taken1 in a larger sense1 to signify a lively comprehension of religious doctrines and duties1 a practical understanding of the will and ways of ,god4 ,in this knowledge it is absolutely essential that the true believer should be continually advancing3 the objects of his faith are of such deep and overwhelming interest1 that the longer they are studied and pursued1 the more they will1 of necessity1 captivate his thoughts and strike root into his heart3 the more he seeks for the treasures in ,god's word1 the more he will find3 the more he knows of ,god1 the more he will desire and delight to know3 feeling the comfort and happiness of a reconciliation with his ,maker1 he is ever anxious to obtain a nearer and holier communion with ,him2 sensible of his absolute and entire dependence upon the ,redeemer's mercy1 he is ever leaning upon ,him with new satisfaction1 with a growing spirit of confidence and complacency2 the more he thinks of heaven1 the more 8his affections are set on things above20 the more he thinks of the wretchedness of the rejected1 the further he flies1 in terror1 from their dreadful abode4 ,the consequence of all this must be1 a progressive 8victory over the world1 the flesh1 and the devil20 a daily improvement 8in all virtue and godliness of living40 ,and there is yet another consideration2 as we value and use the gracious gifts of ,god1 they are increased and multiplied unto us2 8whosoever hath1 to him shall be given1 and he shall have more abundance20 #bfg the lamp shines brighter1 that is to guide his feet2 and his heart is ever quickened with fresh energy and zeal1 by the influence of the ,holy ,spirit2 thus he goeth on from grace to grace1 from strength to strength1 8from glory to glory40 ,the apostle1 therefore1 in praying that the converts might be increasing in the knowledge of ,god1 is praying that they might have the invariable mark and earnest of a sincere and genuine faith4 ,how little does this point seem to be considered6 ,how many content themselves without any regular advancement1 without any advancement at all2 they cannot1 after all the flattery with which they contrive to deceive themselves1 be persuaded in their minds1 that they grow decidedly better as they grow older3 a year1 perhaps many years ago1 they were as religious1 as fruitful in piety and good works1 as they are now3 no increase of spiritual knowledge1 no new grace1 no fresh habit of obedience1 no additional exertions to mark the lapse of time2 no passion subdued1 no unholy pursuit abandoned1 no vice mortified and forsaken4 ,wherever this is the case1 the gospel has not been sincerely received into the heart2 it has not been felt as the 8power of ,god unto salvation20 it has not been1 as it is designed to be1 an effectual instrument of righteousness to the soul4 ,to those1 who remain in so careless and indifferent and unimproving a condition1 we must say1 that 8our preaching has been vain1 and their faith is also vain40 ,possibly there may be some amongst us1 who never yet bestowed an adequate attention on this important point2 if any such there be1 ,i would urgently exhort them1 as they tender the salvation of their souls1 to neglect this point no longer2 deeply to enquire without delay1 whether they 8are growing in grace1 and in the knowledge of our ,lord and ,saviour ,jesus ,christ40 #bfi ,let them enter with earnestness upon this necessary consideration2 let it be frequently repeated3 ,is my faith increased and strengthened8 ,is my character more holy1 my conduct more upright8 ,does my temper improve8 ,are my passions better regulated2 my thoughts more spiritual2 my devotions more pure and fervent2 my affections more detached from the world1 more fixed on ,god and heaven8 ,my life and conversation1 are they more accordant with the precepts and the example of my ,saviour8 ,but the topics of enquiry are too numerous to be mentioned2 ,i will only add1 that the sincere believer sets the 8prize of his high calling0 continually before him2 and advances to it1 in holiness and righteousness1 every day2 keeps advancing till his race is run2 and thus1 when his toil is over1 receives the crown of victory1 and 8enters into the joy of his ,lord40 ,,sermon ,,xv4 ,,the ,,word ,,of ,,the ,,lord ,,precious4 #a ,,sam4 iii4 #a4 ,the word of the ,lord was precious in those days2 there was no open vision4 ,,from ,moses to ,samuel1 a period of several hundred years1 there was no prophet regularly appointed2 particular revelations were made to individuals1 and occasional messages from heaven were publicly delivered to the people2 but there was no acknowledged prophet1 to whom they might at all times resort1 to know the mind and will of ,god2 or1 as it is described in the text1 8there was no open vision40 ,the natural consequence was1 that such intimations of the divine will1 as were then given1 made a deeper impression2 they were more highly valued and more eagerly sought for1 than when the gift of prophecy1 in after ages1 became more common4 ,when the word of ,god abounded1 it was received with indifference2 when rarely vouchsafed1 it was intently desired4 ,such is perpetually1 and on all occasions1 the perverseness of man3 blessings of every description are estimated1 not according to their excellence1 but their rarity2 not according to the ease1 but the difficulty1 with which they are to be obtained4 ,and further1 when in possession of a blessing1 we are often utterly insensible of its value2 we abuse it in thoughtless excess1 and are ready to squander it away2 but the moment it is departed1 we discover our blindness and folly2 and would give1 perhaps1 all we have1 to bring the treasure back again4 ,meat and drink and raiment1 the air we breathe1 the sun and the shower1 excite no spirit of gratitude1 and by many are scarcely received and remembered as blessings2 but in the days of famine and of pestilence1 amidst the warfare and desolation of raging elements1 these benefits and mercies are painfully acknowledged1 and ardently desired4 ,again3 the advantages of civil and religious liberty make little impression upon the hearts of those1 by whom they are fully and uninterruptedly enjoyed3 it is under the iron arm of intolerance and oppression2 it is in the dungeon and the mine1 that the excellency of these privileges is learned4 ,and thus it is of domestic happiness and comfort3 the value of home is frequently not appreciated1 until it is forsaken and lost2 the worth of a friend1 even of the nearest relative1 is sometimes but lightly considered1 till he 8goes hence and is no more seen40 ,these observations are also illustrative of the feelings and conduct of men1 in regard to their spiritual privileges and blessings4 ,while the light of divine revelation is shining upon their dwellings1 pointing out to them the way of salvation1 and opening the prospect of a glorious immortality1 they shut their eyes1 and turn away into the fatal paths of sin and misery1 to the darkness of eternal death2 but when their opportunities are lost1 when 8the evil days are come upon them10 and there is no instructor or counsellor or comforter to be found1 they perceive the preciousness of the time and the talents1 which have been heedlessly thrown away2 and would give the world1 if they possessed it1 for what they were once unwilling to make the smallest sacrifice4 ,we are apt to express a wonder at the obstinate indifference of the people of ,israel to their religious advantages and instructions2 we are astonished1 that they could forget their miraculous deliverances by the hand of ,moses1 and the manifold revelations vouchsafed through him for their knowledge and guidance2 and that almost every divine communication to them1 in after ages1 should have been but the forerunner of guilt and apostacy3 yet in truth1 the history of ,israel is but too faithful a picture of the people of ,god in other times and other countries2 by no means excluding our own4 ,the word of ,god has not been accounted precious1 in proportion to the extent to which it has been diffused2 the ,bible has not been1 in too many instances1 the most highly prized1 where it has been most widely circulated2 nor have the ministers of the gospel been always most attentively and devoutly heard1 where they have increased and multiplied4 ,before the age of printing1 when the copies of the sacred word were comparatively few1 the ,christian1 who was so happy as to possess one1 commonly regarded it as a treasure2 or if he could obtain a part only1 by the labours of the pen1 even a gospel or an epistle1 it was considered as a 8pearl of great price40 ,and afterwards1 in the days of ignorance and persecution1 when the sacred scriptures were withheld from the people by a blind and bigotted priesthood1 the thirst for divine knowledge1 for these streams of life and salvation1 was inconceivably great2 men sought them and treasured them at the peril of their lives4 ,in these dark days1 and long after1 the public preachers of the word were few2 and people flocked from distant quarters to hear the good tidings proclaimed4 ,having no regular supply of spiritual food1 they sought it out with earnestness where they might2 8the word of the ,lord was precious in those days20 and 8beautiful upon the mountains were the feet of ,him10 who came to 8lighten their darkness10 and to deliver the message of salvation to their souls4 ,how widely different from this is the case in our day4 ,copies of the ,holy ,scriptures are multiplied beyond all calculation3 not a village1 scarcely a dwelling1 where they are not1 or may not be procured3 and1 instead of any persecuting power1 forbidding the use of them1 every possible encouragement is afforded1 and every means devised by which they may be adequately understood4 ,and such1 under the divine blessing1 has been the success of those means1 that the greater portion1 even of the poorest in this favoured land1 are able to discover for themselves the light of life2 to apply it for their guidance and comfort and eternal salvation4 ,and with respect to the preaching of the gospel1 though it is not yet sufficient for the demand of our extended population1 still it may be truly described as general throughout the land4 ,although1 for 8the plenteous harvest1 the labourers are too few10 still are they every where abroad4 ,and if it be objected1 that 8the word of truth is not always rightly divided10 yet are there portions of it uniformly read1 in every christian assembly1 on the ,lord's day2 and in our own incomparable ,liturgy1 no inconsiderable part of the divine word1 of its saving doctrines and duties1 is actually embodied4 ,so much for our holy congratulation1 for the honour and glory of our land1 for the rich abundance of spiritual privileges and blessings1 which1 under the favour of almighty goodness1 we have the happiness to enjoy4 ,it were well1 if the sequel of our subject afforded equal ground for rejoicing2 that it equally redounded to our honour4 ,but here there is a dark cloud resting1 which casts over the scene a melancholy gloom4 ,the value set upon the word of ,god1 its preciousness in the heart of man1 is not proportioned to the frequency and the fulness of its communication4 ,it is in almost every dwelling1 but not in every dwelling esteemed and loved2 not devoutly treasured1 not eagerly and diligently read1 as it used to be in the days of scarcity4 ,how many who possess it1 perhaps superbly ornamented1 in a variety of forms1 and with goodly interpretations1 seldom open it2 seldom in comparison with its high and everlasting importance1 for their enlightenment and edification3 possibly it may be read on the ,lord's day as a cold customary exercise1 and by vast numbers not even on the ,lord's day2 they are positively unmindful of the sacred treasure1 unconscious that it is so much as in their possession4 ,no change of heart1 no lively faith1 no spiritual strength is derived from its exalted doctrines2 no purification of the affections from its means of grace2 no regulation of the life and character from its perfect law of righteousness4 ,how should there be1 when it is laid by1 idly1 carelessly1 and contemptuously4 ,the ,bible is grievously neglected both by rich and poor4 ,the rich too seldom spare any of their abundant leisure1 in storing their minds with the riches of heavenly wisdom2 other books1 of worldly interest or amusement1 absorb almost their whole attention2 an unimproving1 nay injurious publication1 the foolish dream of fiction1 will be seized and read with avidity1 whilst the oracles of eternal truth are treated with an indifference1 that borders on disdain4 ,the poor1 it is true1 have but little leisure2 sufficient however1 if that little were diligently used1 to enable them to acquire a considerable knowledge of their ,bible2 but the great multitude of them seek their refreshment from other sources2 from the pollutions of earthly pleasure4 ,we might have expected better things3 having fewer worldly possessions and comforts1 it might be thought1 that the poor would gladly supply such deficiency by the attainment of spiritual blessings2 by raising their hopes and affections to the imperishable treasures of a brighter world to come3 but it is too often found otherwise3 the enjoyments of earth1 however unsatisfactory and even debasing1 are preferred to the abundant consolations and happiness of the gospel4 ,thank ,god1 there are many bright exceptions to these remarks1 both amongst the rich and the poor2 the number is great1 and we hope increasing1 of those to whom 8the word of the ,lord has been precious20 who have 8received it with gladness20 who have 8believed with the heart unto righteousness20 who 8have seen the salvation of their ,god40 ,but still1 when we cast our eyes upon the vast and reckless multitude1 we are ready to weep over it and to say1 ,o that ye would know1 even ye in this your day1 the things that belong unto your peace2 before they be hid for ever from your eyes4 ,from this lamentable neglect of the word of ,god1 we may readily account for the want of religious principle1 for the decay of religious character1 for the overspreading of corruption and vice1 so notorious in the christian world4 ,the astonishing circulation of the ,bible through this country1 of late years1 might have reasonably led us to hope for a signal diminution of irreligion and crime4 ,and ,god forbid1 we should be of the number of those who maintain1 that no such advantage has been derived from this dissemination of the word of life4 ,but even the most sanguine person will not contend1 that this holy exertion1 this spiritual culture has produced a corresponding fruit3 thousands of those1 who have free access to the ,bible1 are lying1 if not in utter darkness1 at least in the shadow of death4 ,and what is the cause8 ,the scriptures are not valued in proportion to their extended circulation2 they are not read with humble reverential attention1 as the holy word of ,god2 not understood or desired1 as the fountain of light and life2 not sought as a means of spiritual reformation and righteousness3 and therefore1 we may expect a greater prevalence of iniquity2 as a judgment of the just and offended ,god1 for so flagrant an abuse of the knowledge of salvation4 ,and thus with regard to the preaching of ,his word3 where is that vehement desire1 that deep interest1 that holy concern to profit withal1 which was observable in the days when preachers were few8 ,we do not say1 that it is utterly extinguished2 but certainly not proportioned to the opportunities vouchsafed4 ,how many in this our place and neighbourhood1 refuse to travel1 even the shortest distance1 to hear the gospel2 and of those who professedly go to hear it1 not a few are led by mere curiosity or custom4 ,how do we stand condemned by many a less favoured people6 ,there are indeed lands1 at this day1 still thirsting for the knowledge of their ,god and ,saviour2 lands1 to which it has but just been carried1 where it is only beginning to be understood2 and there the people will instantly repair at the very sound of the good tidings1 and wait with eagerness upon the footsteps of the missionary1 who bears in his hand the sacred treasure2 but here1 where the messengers are in every place1 where the ministers of reconciliation abound1 here are awful numbers1 who never enter the house of ,god1 for the single purpose of hearing ,his word3 the gift is continually offered1 without trouble or risk1 8without money or price20 and1 therefore1 it would seem1 perversely despised4 ,similar remarks may be made1 concerning all those divine ordinances and means of grace1 with which this privileged land has been so richly provided4 ,the public worship of ,almighty ,god1 the holy sacraments of our ,church1 the instruction afforded to her children1 the means of private devotion and godly advancement1 all these are pressed upon the notice and acceptance of all2 it is not enough to say1 that we are invited2 we are urged to the participation of these abundant blessings2 yet how often are we urged in vain4 ,at this moment1 in some of our countries or dependencies abroad1 where ,churches are sparingly scattered1 and the visits of ministers are few and long between1 these divine ordinances are coveted with a painful anxiety1 and no opportunity is ever lost3 here1 in the mother country1 is the fountain of blessings1 and the 8streams are ever flowing withal20 but thousands esteem not these waters of life1 and many never care to taste them4 ,it is impossible1 that the truth of these observations can be denied2 and to every sincere and serious ,christian the subject must afford a painful reflection4 ,and well does it become us all1 each in our several vocations1 to exert our utmost power for the abatement of so crying and alarming an evil4 ,many of us1 ,i trust1 are gratefully sensible of the goodness and love of ,god1 in having so liberally bestowed upon our land the blessings of the word of life2 grateful from the experience of its inestimable benefit to our own souls3 let each then in his station1 and according to his influence and ability1 recommend the word to those around him2 and assist in waking a slumbering people to a sense of the glorious opportunities awaiting them4 ,many1 from their education and rank1 have it in their power to contribute largely to the success of this glorious cause1 to become instruments of righteousness and salvation to their lost fellow-creatures3 and the poorest may do much in this blessed work2 they may train their families in the study of the ,bible1 may lead them to adore the ,god of mercy and of truth1 and to save their souls alive2 considerable also is the impression1 which1 by prudence and friendly care1 they might make upon their poor neighbours2 bringing them to join together in happy union1 for the perusal of that word1 which is their common interest and hope2 which would elevate them above the troubles of a stormy world1 would lead them to 8lighten one another's burdens10 and to 8go on their way together rejoicing40 ,and1 to say the least1 every one has the power to recommend the holy scriptures by the light of his own example2 by shewing1 on all occasions1 his love for the ,saviour's marvellous goodness2 by duly reverencing and reading the word of truth2 and manifesting the blessedness thereof1 in the decided change of his own heart and temper1 in his own character and life4 ,and all such recommendations1 let me add1 the ,lord is demanding at our hands1 in return for ,his unspeakable mercy4 ,my brethren1 let us suppose1 that it should please ,god1 for the heedlessness of this nation1 to deprive us of the privilege and blessing of the ,bible2 and to declare1 that the neglected ministry of ,his word should be continued no longer3 we should undoubtedly regard this as the direst calamity1 which could possibly befal us2 we should immediately and cheerfully consent to any sacrifice1 by which so dreadful a token of divine wrath might be averted4 ,then let us be consistent2 and whilst we do enjoy this invaluable favour of heaven1 let it be cherished and improved4 ,let the gospel1 instead of being less precious to us1 on account of its universal publication1 and its facility of attainment1 be therefore prized the more2 and while we adore the ,lord of mercy for diffusing this heavenly benefit through our dear and native land1 let the treasure be laid up in our own bosom3 what is intended for the good of all1 is intended for the good of each3 to bless ,god for giving the gospel to our country1 and to undervalue or neglect it ourselves1 is folly and hypocrisy2 but too many individuals1 amounting indeed to a large portion of our christian community1 are guilty of this folly1 and thus exposing the land to judgment1 thus endangering 8the ark of ,god40 ,all of us1 my brethren1 do ,i trust feel thankful to our ,god and ,saviour1 who hath honoured us1 unworthy as we are1 with the revelation of ,his word1 and hath 8brought life and immortality to light30 whatever others then may do1 let our sense of the gracious gift be undeniably and duly shewn3 let us daily have recourse to this holy word1 as 8the lamp of our feet and the light of our paths30 be it our constant prayer for the spirit of ,god to open our eyes that we may understand1 and our hearts that we may reverence1 the wonders of ,his holy law2 that it may be the object and study of our lives1 to walk in all those means of grace1 which it holds forth for our redemption from sin and death2 for our safe passage through this transitory world of trial1 to an eternal world of happiness and glory beyond the grave4 ,if we hear and read and mark and learn1 in the spirit of devotion and prayer1 we shall continually find new treasures of mercy opening to our view2 new and unlooked-for stores of knowledge2 new affections and dispositions2 new hopes and prospects1 in the promises of the blessed ,jesus3 the word will be a blessing to us through life and even to our journey's end2 a sure guide amid the dangers of prosperity1 a powerful support in the day of trouble1 an inconceivable comfort when we die4 ,but if we prize it not in life1 how can we expect consolation from it in death8 ,on the contrary1 our spirits will be weighed down by the grievous remembrance of inexcusable neglect4 ,be wise in time2 lay up in store the good foundation3 the word1 having been all along precious1 will be increasing in value to the last2 even until it leads us to the 8open vision0 of eternal day4 ,,sermon ,,xvi4 ,,distinctions ,,to ,,be ,,made ,,on ,,the ,,day ,,of ,,judgment4 ,,matt4 xxiv4 #dj4 ,the one shall be taken and the other left4 ,,in the chapter before us1 our blessed ,lord is describing to ,his disciples various circumstances1 which should attend the destruction of ,jerusalem2 an event1 which has been generally regarded by the christian ,church1 as representative of the proceedings of that more awful day1 when ,christ shall appear at last to judge the universal world1 8in righteousness and truth20 and 8render unto every man according unto his works40 ,many false teachers had arisen1 even in those early days of the gospel1 pretending to set forth the signs of ,christ's coming to take vengeance on ,his enemies2 and therefore the disciples had requested of their ,master some certain information on this momentous topic3 they 8came unto ,him privately1 saying1 ,tell us1 when shall these things be8 and what shall be the sign of ,thy coming and of the end of the world8 ,and ,jesus answered and said unto them1 ,take heed that no man deceive you3 ,for many shall come in ,my name1 saying1 ,i am ,christ1 and shall deceive many4 ,and ye shall hear of wars1 and rumours of wars3 see that ye be not troubled3 for all these things must come to pass1 but the end is not yet4 ,for nation shall rise against nation1 and kingdom against kingdom3 and there shall be famines and pestilences1 and earthquakes1 in divers places4 ,all these are the beginning of sorrows40 #bia ,our ,lord proceeds to detail a great variety of other circumstances which should occur1 some of them belonging to the desolations of ,judea1 some to the future judgment alone1 and some to both these events2 of which latter kind is the description connected with the text3 8,there shall be two in the field2 the one shall be taken and the other left4 ,two women shall be grinding at the mill2 the one shall be taken and the other left30 that is1 though destruction shall fall upon the ,jewish nation at large1 for their rebellion against ,god1 their resistance to the clear evidence of the gospel1 their shedding of the blood of ,his beloved ,son1 yet shall not all be equally involved in the same calamity and perdition4 ,divine providence will then make a distinction between those1 who have obstinately rejected and maliciously persecuted the ,saviour and ,his holy religion1 and those1 whose hearts have been opened to the reception 8of the truth as it is in ,jesus20 who1 being convinced and converted1 have become ,his faithful followers4 ,and though the whole race be so intermingled1 one amongst another1 by the various offices and duties and relations of life1 that to the eye of man there may be no distinguishable difference amongst them2 yet the all-seeing ,god1 who 8is a discerner of the thoughts of the heart10 will not be misguided by any outward appearances2 will perceive a very manifest difference in characters seemingly alike3 will infallibly know whom to punish and whom to spare4 ,as in the overthrow of ,sodom and ,gomorrah1 ,he singled out1 and selected for preservation1 one righteous person1 7and for his sake1 a portion of his family also17 so1 in the storm of vengeance about to fall upon the devoted city of ,jerusalem1 ,he would1 in many signal instances1 make the same merciful distinction4 ,and the declaration1 thus made1 was calculated at once to comfort and encourage the faithful1 and to alarm the conscience and check the presumption of the wicked4 ,the intimation here afforded of the perfect knowledge and the just discrimination of the ,almighty1 in regard to ,his judgments upon the ,jewish people1 applies with peculiar force and truth to ,his perfect dealings with all mankind1 at the last great day4 ,although1 when ,jerusalem was destroyed1 it is undoubtedly true1 that the faithful disciples of ,jesus were generally delivered1 yet it cannot be supposed that1 in so extensive an overthrow1 all the ,christians1 and all their innocent children1 without any exception escaped4 ,but when ,christ shall sit upon ,his throne of judgment1 not one undeserved victim shall there be2 and not one1 who 8has sinned against the light10 shall escape with impunity4 ,all those inequalities1 which are unavoidable in the present constitution of things1 shall then be made right and recompensed4 ,the murdered innocent shall be requited with a robe of glory2 and the prosperous sinner be abased with scorn and infamy4 ,how necessary1 how indispensable1 for the assertion and execution of divine justice1 is the appointment of such a tribunal6 ,how unequally are deserts distributed in this probationary world6--very often in cases1 of which we ourselves may form an adequate opinion4 ,not unfrequently do we observe the righteous1 doomed to extreme poverty and affliction and suffering2 and though they be most graciously comforted and supported under their several burdens1 we can hardly imagine1 that such alleviation is all the requital they are to receive3 and in truth1 what is the principal source of their comfort and support8 ,is it not the hope of a happy termination8 ,is it not the prospect of entering into an everlasting rest1 of being for ever delivered from sorrow and pain1 in the presence of their ,saviour and their ,god8 ,and can we believe1 that this blessed expectation1 vouchsafed as the solace of their woes1 will end in disappointment and nothingness8 ,does it not point to a day1 in which their bright hopes will be more than realized in the merciful sentence of their ,judge2 in their reception1 at ,his hands and through ,his merits1 of 8an eternal recompense of reward80 ,and thus1 on the contrary1 frequently do we see the unprincipled and the profligate enjoying the favour of the world1 and rising to no inconsiderable eminence of earthly prosperity3 their crosses and vexations and troubles no doubt they have1 as the natural fruit of irreligion and vice2 as the retributive chastisement of an offended ,god2 8sowing in corruption10 they do certainly more or less reap in sorrow2 but still1 if there were no other state1 their lot would be1 comparatively at least1 much happier than they deserve2 and therefore their condition also leads us to expect1 and fearfully does it betoken1 a day of fuller retribution2 when the infinite justice and truth of ,god will be finally and perfectly vindicated4 ,many cases1 like these1 of suffering virtue and prosperous vice1 we are able clearly to discern3 so broad are the lines1 so prominent the features1 that we can scarcely be mistaken3 but perhaps there are many more cases1 of which we can form no adequate opinion at all2 neither in any instance1 could we pretend to award or ascertain the exact degree of merit due to any individual4 ,when we speak of merit1 we do not mean to intimate that any action1 in itself1 is deserving of reward2 we regard works of righteousness1 only as the fruit of faith in a crucified ,redeemer4 ,but this fruit is much more abundant1 and much more excellent1 in some than others2 and sometimes1 when it makes the fairest shew1 the quality is inferior4 ,by merit then1 we here mean the faith and behaviour of a ,christian2 or1 that behaviour by which the faith is manifested2 that1 to which ,god has freely promised a reward1 for the sake of our great ,redeemer4 ,according to the faith1 will the fruit be1 both in quality and abundance2 and according to the fruit will be the gracious reward2 which reward ,he alone can determine and bestow1 who discovers the secret springs of the character and conduct of every man living4 ,the value of an action depends upon the spirit and principle1 with which it is performed2 and of these things no one can perfectly judge1 but the searcher of the heart4 ,even in the christian community1 many words and deeds there are1 obtaining applause from men1 which will be condemned by the omniscient ,god1 as having proceeded from unworthy motives1 and being but the garb of hypocrisy2 many persons there are1 in whose respective demeanour we may be able to trace no very marked lines of difference1 who yet differ most essentially1 when measured by the scale of infinite truth and justice3 all these secret distinctions will be clearly brought to light at the great inquiry on the judgment-day2 every one will then appear in his true character2 the veil of deception will be for ever torn aside2 and of those1 who seem alike to us in the present life1 we shall find that one will be taken and another left2 one taken to glory1 and another left to shame and wretchedness and ruin4 ,it may be useful to mention a few instances1 in which we may be deceived in our comparative estimate of men4 ,even with regard to the fundamental principles of religion1 to a real belief in the truths of the ,bible1 to the essentials of a christian character1 it is possible that we may form very mistaken opinions concerning many around us4 ,it is true1 that insincerity and deceit are commonly1 sooner or later1 in some degree detected2 it is difficult to be always dissimulating1 and acting a part2 some evil fruit1 some inconsistency does generally betray the hollowness of hypocritical pretensions3 still however1 it is not always so2 and doubtless there are some1--out of the number of those persons1 whom we are in the habit of considering as equally resting their hopes upon the true foundation1 equally believing in ,jesus ,christ for pardon and salvation1 equally zealous in the maintenance of ,his holy religion and attentive to the ordinances1--some there are1 who differ materially from others1 in the unerring judgment of ,god4 ,they may repair to the same place of worship1 perhaps with the same degree of regularity1 but with very different views and impressions3 we can judge only of the outward appearance1 of the posture of the body or the moving of the lips2 it is for the ,lord to look upon the posture of the soul and the offering of the heart4 ,many1 no question1 come to the ,house of ,god from very unworthy motives and for very unworthy purposes2 and frequently they do not escape the observance of man2 but man cannot penetrate into the case of every individual2 to the eye of ,jehovah alone are 8all things naked and open20 ,he sees and judges1 who come unto ,him in humble faith2 who approach ,his tabernacle is a pious frame and temper1 with holy affections1 with integrity of heart2 who 8worship ,him in spirit and in truth40 ,my brethren1 it is an awful consideration3 but from the same ,church1 the same christian society1 the same assembly of worshippers1 8one shall be taken and another left40 ,again1 with respect to a discharge of the ordinary duties of life1 there may be much real1 though little seeming difference1 in the characters of many1 with whom we are daily acquainted4 ,punctuality and diligence1 though always commendable and useful for the public good1 may be1 in as far as the person himself is concerned1 of little value in the sight of ,god2 our acceptableness with ,god1 in this matter1 depends upon the principle and the view and the spirit1 with which the business of life is conducted3 it may be carried on merely for the sake of self-interest2 of gain1 reputation1 and pleasure2 without any religious feeling or purpose whatever1 without a single prayer offered up for heavenly assistance and blessing1 without a word of thanksgiving or acknowledgment3 or1 on the other hand1 we may proceed to our daily employments and pursuits1 8strong in the ,lord and in the power of ,his might20 imploring and depending upon ,his grace2 8doing whatever we do for ,his glory20 active and diligent and faithful1 from a sense of love and duty to ,him1 for the sake of obeying the law of our blessed ,redeemer1 and thus bringing forth the fruit of faith unto perfection2 8living soberly1 righteously and godly in this present world10 #cjb;a with the continual hope and expectation of a glorious world to come4 ,now1 whether industry be the work of religious principle1 or whether it arise merely from selfish and earthly views1 we are often unable to decide3 but ,god knoweth all the thoughts of man2 and therefore can assign1 to every action and habit and pursuit1 its true origin and its due reward2 and many persons1 it will be found at last1 who have gone forth together unto their labour1 who have been engaged in the same occupations1 have toiled together as companions in life1 will be separated when the day of full inquiry comes2 the one1 having 8sown unto the spirit10 shall be taken to enjoy the fruit of life everlasting2 the other1 having 8sown unto the flesh10 shall be left to 8reap corruption40 #cjb;b ,similar observations will of course hold good1 with regard to the practice of particular virtues4 ,they1 8who give alms only to be seen of men20 who dispense their bounty from any other principle1 than that of love to their ,saviour2 for any other purpose1 than to serve ,god and to benefit their fellow-creatures2 they 8have their reward0 already--the only reward1 which they are caring to seek--the applause1 the good will1 or the esteem of mankind3 and they must not expect1 on the latter day1 the reward which they seek not2 the approval of their sovereign ,lord2 the praises and blessings of christian charity4 ,again1 they who exercise the virtues of honesty or sobriety1 merely for the sake of worldly expedience or reputation1 will likewise 8have their reward0 all the reward they are to expect1 in this life4 ,christian faith and christian principle are the only foundations1 upon which a ,christian can surely and successfully build2 they1 who build upon them1 will be taken to see the goodly fabric perfected in heaven2 whilst every work1 which is raised upon 8other foundation10 will be left to desolation and devouring fire4 ,and even they1 who have communed together1 through their earthly pilgrimage1 in the bonds of familiar intimacy2 who have been united all their lives long1 by the nearest and dearest ties of kindred2 even they will be subject to the same discriminating judgment at the last4 ,if they have been bound together in the holy bonds of the gospel1 as well as of family affection2 if they have been faithful brethren in the ,lord1 as well as in the flesh1 8walking with ,god as friends10 it will be well2 then1 as they 8were lovely and pleasant in their lives1 in their deaths they shall not be divided30 #cjd together shall they go to heaven1 and be admitted to enjoy a more delightful communion with each other1 in the happy paradise above4 ,but if it be otherwise1 if such friends be of opposite characters2 the one 8carnally0 the other 8spiritually minded20 then1 their ends must be opposite also2 8death0 is the portion of one1 8life and peace0 #cje;a of the other3 their union therefore must be dissolved4 ,the world may regard all the members of a family1 as nearly alike in character2 but the difference may nevertheless be great2 and the distinction1 in another world1 will be great also4 ,the wicked parent shall see its innocent offspring no more2 the pious father shall not deliver the undutiful child1 nor the obedient child its rebellious father2 #cje;b each can save but his own soul4 ,how feelingly and powerfully does this consideration appeal to christian families2 admonishing them1 to regard not the present only1 but the everlasting welfare of each other2 to 8edify one another0 in holiness and godly love2 lest1 after they have been so intimately connected together upon earth1 while the one is taken to felicity and glory1 the other be left to 8mourning1 lamentation and woe40 ,how are christian parents bound1 to watch over the offspring they so tenderly love6 ,watch they do1 with continual anxiety1 for the temporal benefit of their children1 for all that can minister to their comfort and honour and advancement in life3 they rejoice in the joy of their children1 and weep when their children weep3 but ,o how infinitely more important is the provision for eternity3 earthly ties will soon be broken2 how important1 that we should provide for a happy renewal of intercourse and love hereafter6 ,parting now1 to meet no more1 were enough to break the heart2 but the bright prospect of a re-union in paradise consoles and reconciles2 forbidding us 8to sorrow as those who have no hope40 ,see then1 ye christian parents1 to the nurture and training of the 8olive branches round about your table20 bestow1 upon their spiritual well-being1 an especial and exceeding care2 that ye may behold them 8flourishing in the house of the ,lord0 above3 that1 whether ye be taken from them1 or they from you1 there may be comfort in the parting4 ,see1 all christian relatives and friends1 by whatever name ye are endeared2 see that ye live not in worldly1 but heavenly affection3 instructing1 admonishing1 animating one another in the profession of the true faith and the exercise of all godliness2 that so your converse and communion may never be embittered by the fear of eternal separation4 ,lastly1 let the truth1 here declared by the infallible word of ,god1 check the presumption of the careless and the wicked2 and give comfort and encouragement to the faithful4 ,the worldling may fancy1 because no great distinction1 between him and others1 is made upon earth2 because he perhaps can see no great reason for such distinction2 that1 therefore1 he shall escape in the end2 but in the day when 8,god will judge the secrets of men by ,jesus ,christ10 #cjg when 8every one shall receive the things done in his body1 according to that he hath done1 whether it be good or bad10 #cjh he will find1 that an immeasurable distinction will be made between him 8that hath served ,god1 and him that hath served him not20 between him1 whose heart has been given to his ,creator and ,redeemer1 and sanctified by the ,spirit of grace1 and him1 who has only made it his object to maintain a decent appearance in the world4 ,if we do believe in the final judgment1 if we believe in the perfect truth and justice of the ,almighty1 we must conclude1 that this fearful difference will be made4 ,and if it were so dreadful a calamity1 to be left to fall in the tremendous overthrow of ,jerusalem1 what will it be1 to be left an everlasting-prey to the tortures of ,satan and of sin8 ,but let the true believer1 the righteous servant of ,god in ,jesus ,christ1 take encouragement and comfort3 there is no exercise of faith1 no holy meditation1 no fervent prayer1 no religious deed1 no pious intention or design1 however secret from the eyes of men1 which can escape the notice of their heavenly ,father3 though justice is not1 cannot be1 done to their characters here2 though sometimes the greatest injustice and injury and wrong2 yet shall they be triumphantly and gloriously vindicated at the last3 though they be on earth forsaken or oppressed1 though they bear the burden of private affliction or public scorn1 in a 8world which is not worthy of them10 they shall be visited and acknowledged and received at the last2 shall lift up their heads with honour and with joy1 and be admitted into a kingdom1 which is more than worthy of all their faith and all their constancy2 the ,redeemer has marked them for ,his own2 ,he will single them out1 on the last day1 from the crowd of countless multitudes1 as objects of his compassion and favour2 will take them into the arms of ,his mercy1 and so 8they shall be forever with the ,lord40 #cji ,,sermon ,,xvii4 ,,god ,,made ,,man ,,upright2 ,,man ,,makes ,,himself ,,miserable4 ,,eccles4 vii4 #bi4 ,lo1 this only have ,i found1 that ,god hath made man upright1 but they have sought out many inventions4 ,,in this remarkable book1 ,solomon discusses the various earthly means employed by the human race1 for the attainment of happiness2 and he decides upon the utter insufficiency of them all4 ,nor is he to be regarded as making the enquiry from mere matter of speculation1 but as declaring to the world the result of his own experience1 as well as the counsels of the ,most ,high4 ,exalted to the very summit of worldly prosperity and greatness1 and learned in all the arts and sciences1 he possessed advantages1 in the pursuit of happiness1 far beyond the common lot of mortality2 if it were to be found upon earth1 he would have been sure1 in himself or some of his favoured dependents1 to have made the discovery4 ,but he declares1 by many remarkable repetitions1 his utter inability so to do2 he gives up the matter as hopeless and impossible2 8all1 7even the fairest and the best of human schemes17 is vanity and vexation of spirit20 8that which is crooked cannot be made straight1 and that which is wanting cannot be numbered40 #caa ,and this conclusion corresponds with the experience of mankind in every age3 happiness has always been their object2 philosophers have laid down rules for its acquirement1 and every variety of expedient has been tried2 but all in vain2 there is no permanent pleasure or satisfaction upon earth3 independently of the crosses and vexations from without1 by which it is so continually disturbed1 there is something in the constitution of man1 in the present state of his mind and heart and affections1 by which the attainment of happiness1 from temporal means alone1 is positively forbidden4 ,the royal preacher1 thus convinced of this truth1 turns his thoughts to a solution of the case1 and sums up his observations1 on the conduct and condition of man1 in the words of the text4 ,instead of arraigning1 like some bold and impious cavillers of our day1 the wisdom or goodness of the ,creator in the introduction of evil into the world1 he gives the true account of the matter2 and lays the blame where alone it is due1 upon the disobedience and degeneracy of man4 ,and in so doing1 he bears testimony to the truth of one of the most important communications made to us in the revealed word of ,god--the original innocence and the fall of our first parents4 ,this fact has been daringly called in question by certain professed believers of divine revelation1 by some who boast themselves peculiarly entitled to the christian name4 ,anxious to exalt the moral excellency of human nature1 and to disprove the doctrine and necessity of the atonement1 through the prevailing efficacy of the ,saviour's incarnation and sufferings1 such vain disputers absolutely deny1 in the very face of ,god's word1 that any such total and dreadful change has ever taken place in the state of mankind2 they contend1 that our understandings and affections are now the same1 as when we came originally from the hands of our ,creator4 ,it appears1 however1 that the wisest of men took a different view of this momentous subject2 that he received the ,mosaic account1 recorded in the opening of the book of ,genesis1 according to its plain and natural interpretation2 and he has delivered to us his judgment1 by the inspiration of that ,holy ,spirit1 under whose guidance it was impossible for him to err4 ,solomon introduces his declaration upon this point in a very awakening manner2 in a manner frequent with the inspired writers1 when about to deliver a sentence of peculiar weight and importance2 8,lo1 this only have ,i found20 behold1 attend to this truth2 this is the result of my observations1 this the 8conclusion of the whole matter10 this the explanation of all the evil and unhappiness in the world1 that 8,god hath made man upright1 but they have sought out many inventions20 that man was created innocent by the wise and merciful ,author of his being2 formed for pure unalloyed enjoyment2 and the marring and misery1 which he experiences1 are solely attributable to the change induced by his own apostacy and rebellion2 to his seeking out ways and means of happiness1 contrary to the will and appointment of his ,creator4 8,god saw every thing that ,he had made1 and behold1 it was very good20 #cad and man1 the lord of creation1 was not less fitted than the objects around him1 to answer the good and gracious purposes of heaven4 ,so ,god 8created man in ,his own image2 in the image of ,god created ,he him2 male and female created ,he them20 #cae in the image of holiness1 and therefore happy4 ,how far man has fallen from this state of uprightness1 is a question which has caused much difference and contention in the christian world2 some persons1 from a desire of exalting the free grace of ,god1 declare that the divine image in man was totally corrupted and lost by the fall2 that there remains1 in his unregenerate nature1 no spirit or particle of excellency1 no perception of what is good2 that his nature is a mere chaos of disorder1 a mass of decay1 which is altogether incapable of producing any thing but 8confusion and every evil work40 ,on the other hand1 it is contended1 that the wreck of man's nature was but partial2 that there remains a considerable disposition to practice1 as well as approve1 8whatsoever things are pure and honest and lovely and of good report20 that man is still able1 by his own judgment and strength1 in many things to please ,god and to serve ,him4 ,it does not fall within our purpose1 on the present occasion1 to attempt any accurate adjustment of this difference2 but we may observe1 that it is dangerous to insist upon either extreme4 ,a belief1 that man can will or do nothing1 is apt to lead to a persuasion that he has nothing to will or do2 that his salvation is a work totally independent of himself2 a measure of grace absolutely forced upon him3 and a belief1 is that man able of himself to 8refuse the evil and to choose the good10 that he 8knows how to walk and to please ,god10 creates a spirit of self-righteousness1 at once destructive of the sinner's hope2 preventing his dependence upon the all-sufficiency of ,god1 and subversive of the truth of the gospel4 ,a faculty of discernment between good and evil1 for the moral government of man1 is evidently vouchsafed to his unrenewed nature2 and a power1 in dependence upon the divine teaching1 to accept or reject the proposals of mercy and grace1 does surely remain to us1 or else the numberless exhortations of ,god to the sinner appear to be of no benefit and no meaning3 and who can reasonably suppose1 that sinners would have been so frequently and severely condemned1 for refusing that grace1 which they were positively incapable of accepting4 ,the language of our ninth ,article on this point appears to be most temperate and unobjectionable3 8,man is very far gone from original righteousness1 and is of his own nature inclined to evil1 so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the spirit40 ,with this statement we may rest content4 ,one of the many bitter fruits of the fall is1 that man no longer seeks his happiness in ,god1 where alone it can be found1 but in ways of his own devising1 in the crooked ways opened to his view and imagination by the destructive enemy of his soul2 no longer in innocence and holiness and obedience1 but in vicious inclinations and pursuits1 8in the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes1 and the pride of life20 #cag in those very principles and means1 which brought 8death into the world and all our woe30 it is no wonder1 therefore1 that happiness1 from a search like this1 should not be found4 ,they1 who search in this manner1 are like the wicked spirit1 8walking through dry places1 seeking rest and finding none20 like the dove of ,noah1 in the overwhelming of the waters1 roving about on weary wing1 and finding no resting place for the sole of her foot4 ,nor is it possible for man to be blessed again with perfect peace1 peace without any interruption or alloy1 until he be altogether restored to 8the image of ,him that created him30 the nearer he approaches to that restoration1 the more he will assuredly possess of true satisfaction and delight2 but the blessing can never be complete1 till the original defilement be utterly purged away1 till his understanding is enlarged for a full knowledge of the good and great and glorious ,creator2 till he can be brought to love and serve ,him without any mixture of infirmity2 till he returns not only to ,his favour1 but into ,his immediate presence1 in the second ,eden1 of eternal bliss4 ,still may man enjoy1 even upon earth1 no inconsiderable degree of peace and happiness4 ,the promises and blessings of the gospel impart a 8joy and gladness0 to the believer1 and fill him with comfort1 which the world can neither give nor take away3 the avoiding and abhorring of evil will prevent those painful reflections1 which inhabit the mind of the reckless sinner3 the life of faith in a merciful ,saviour1 the worship and service of ,god1 the works of piety and love1 the walk of uprightness and integrity1 though accompanied with imperfections1 and1 therefore1 with abatements of comfort1 yet do infallibly produce a great tranquillity of soul1 and unspeakable emotions of holy joy2 the sincere ,christian contemplates his present condition with happy1 though humble persuasion of acceptance with his ,god2 and looks forward with an animated exulting hope of the perfect consummation of his felicity1 in another and a better world4 ,the trials and troubles of this life do indeed still continue2 yet they have no power to harm1 and therefore none to distress him2 he 8casts his burden upon the ,lord40 ,but in the natural1 unrenewed1 unconverted world1 there is no such redeeming principle1 no qualification of evil1 no pure sources of delight3 let the votaries of earthly enjoyment seek it with what ardour and devotedness they may1 it is a phantom which is ever eluding their grasp2 flitting before their eyes in the shape of promises and visions1 but never in substantial possession4 ,it is indeed sadly instructive1 to consider the numberless devices to which men are driven1 in their search after happiness1 when once they have forsaken the faith and fear of ,god2 how busy they are in the invention of new scenes and pursuits2 quitting one after another1 as each deceives and fails2 how they are wearing and wasting away the little span of life1 in vain experiment and profitless enquiry4 ,how are the opulent contriving their multiplied means and opportunities of enjoyment1 with all their splendour of establishment1 and a train of dependents obedient to their will6 ,and if we could form a judgment by outward appearances1 we might be inclined to pronounce them happy3 but under this beautiful veil1 with all this pomp of circumstance1 many a corroding care1 many a mortified desire1 many a bitter disappointment1 lie constantly concealed4 ,to envy the rich1 as if they were the certain possessors of comfort and ease1 is one of the greatest of all mistakes and follies2 happiness must dwell in the mind and the heart2 it must depend altogether upon the state of mind and heart2 it is not to be purchased with money2 money1 we must grant1 may be made to minister to it1 but this must entirely depend upon the disposition1 the spirit1 the manner1 in which it is used3 the smallest pittance upon earth1 possessed in the faith of the gospel1 in the fear and love of ,god1 produces infinitely more enjoyment1 than the countless treasures of those1 who seek or spend or save them1 with a view to themselves and this world alone4 ,some are revelling in the dreams of ambition2 and imagine1 that if they could attain a particular eminence1 they should be happy3 but the road is steep and slippery1 toilsome and dangerous2 and the summit1 if ever they reach it1 is not a land of repose1 not the habitation of contentment and peace2 8seekest thou great things for thyself8 seek them not40 #cbb ,ambition is always dissatisfied2 if not the most unclean1 it is one of the most tormenting spirits in the bosom of man2 and yet it is fondly and generally cherished both by rich and poor4 ,be humble2 be moderate2 be content2 if thou wouldest be happy4 ,in what are called the pleasurable scenes of life1 it is unnecessary for me further to insist1 how vainly we rove in quest of substantial delight3 this indeed is a truth still more level to the experience of us all2 it is a path we have often trodden1 but never ,i think with satisfaction4 ,witness the continual changing1 the endless variety of amusements1 which are found necessary in order to relieve satiety and disgust1 necessary even when they are innocent2 and in sinful pleasures1 in lust and intemperance of every kind1 it is needless to tell you1 there can be no peace2 health is impaired and the conscience is burdened2 they are like a two-edged sword1 cutting on both sides1 destroying both body and soul4 ,the force of these arguments may be made to appear from another consideration2 for whatever delusions may be practised upon men1 to induce them to reckon and build upon earth alone2 to trust for happiness to their own inventions1 to human schemes and devices2 yet will they never1 in their serious moments1 contend for the wisdom of their choice2 or say1 that their expectations have been answered2 they will never1 when they come to die1 recommend to their friends1 assembled round their bed1 the course which they pursued1 as a sure foundation of comfort in their lives1 and peace in their latter end2 the dying father will not recommend it to his children1 nor the dying brother to his brethren4 ,no3 it will then be seen1 either by the tears of bitter remorse or the agonies of unrepented guilt1 that the way of the world was 8the broad way that leadeth unto destruction20 that the soul can never find rest1 till it returns to the forsaken paths of righteousness1 to the lost image of its ,god4 ,and thanks to the unspeakable mercy of ,god in ,christ ,jesus1 the way of recovery is abundantly made known2 the kingdom of heaven1 with all its joys and treasures1 is opened to every believer4 ,wisdom has come down from above1 to tabernacle with sinful man2 to lighten his darkness1 and to rejoice his soul2 and 8her ways are ways of pleasantness1 and all her paths are peace0--pleasantness and peace to those1 who seek them with their whole heart1 implicitly and devotedly1 as manifested in the gracious revelation of their ,god4 ,but unhappily1 in the way of religion also1 in their professed walk of faith1 men will be seeking out many inventions of their own1 instead of submitting themselves1 with simplicity and godly sincerity1 to the gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,they are seeking to accommodate ,his divine law to their corrupt inclinations and indulgences1 to the maxims and fashions and interests of an ensnaring world3 and thus they fail of the happiness1 which they were led to expect4 ,no wonder1 that they find not the christian promises realised2 that they fall short of the comfort1 as they do of the obedience of faith4 ,to the believing in our crucified ,lord1 with all the heart and soul2 to 8the seeking first ,his kingdom and ,his righteousness20 to the 8forsaking all and following ,him20 to 8the spirit of ,god dwelling in us1 and mortifying the deeds of the body20 to the sincere desire after holiness 8as ,he is holy20 to 8the fulfilling of the law of righteousness20 to a living hope of 8the inheritance that fadeth not away0--to these things1 the promise of life is made2 of joy and favour here1 and eternal felicity hereafter2 but if we1 in dependence upon our own vain inventions1 seek to be blessed in any other way2 with a less entire belief1 and a less holy profession1 and a less devoted obedience1 and a less exalted hope1 we must not complain or wonder1 if we lose our object and aim2 8,be not deceived1 ,god is not mocked2 for whatsoever a man soweth1 that shall he also reap2 he that soweth unto the flesh1 shall of the flesh reap corruption2 but he that soweth unto the spirit1 shall of the spirit reap life everlasting40 ,the merciful ,god1 when ,he created man innocent and happy1 graciously revealed to him the means1 by which his innocence and happiness might be preserved2 and shewed thereby1 that they were inseparable1 that the loss of the one would be the loss of the other4 8,the ,lord ,god commanded the man1 saying1 ,of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat3 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil1 thou shalt not eat of it2 for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die40 #cbg;a ,and no sooner had ,adam disobeyed1 no sooner was his innocence forfeited1 than his happiness was gone2 he found to his sorrow1 as he would not believe to his comfort1 the truth of his ,creator's word3 and thus miserably ended the first covenant of ,god with man1 the covenant of obedience and works4 ,under the covenant of grace1 by the blessed and eternal ,son of ,god1 it is revealed to us1 with equal clearness1 how the lost happiness of man is to be recovered2 8the way we know30 8,believe in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ and thou shalt be saved20 #cbg;b 8set your affections on things above1 not on things on the earth30 #cbg;c this is the way1 call it by what name you please--a condition1 or a means2 it is the only way3 happiness1 here or hereafter1 is attainable in no other4 ,for this1 we have the assurance of that word1 which we have seen1 under the first covenant1 awfully fulfilled2 of that word1 which can never fail4 ,my brethren1 ,i cannot doubt1 that we are all of us convinced of this truth3 then let us pray fervently and faithfully1 that the conviction may live in our hearts2 that we may1 from this day forward1 go to 8the fountain of living waters1 and not hew out for ourselves broken cisterns1 that hold no water20 #cbh;a that we may renounce the vanity of all human inventions1 and seek our happiness in ,god1 and ,god alone4 8,be not conformed to this world2 but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind2 that ye may prove1 what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of ,god30 #cbh;b that ye may 8have your fruit unto holiness1 and the end everlasting life40 #cbh;c ,,sermon ,,xviii4 ,,the ,,knowledge ,,of ,,god ,,revealed ,,to ,,them ,,that ,,fear ,,him4 ,,psalm xxv4 #ad4 ,the secret of the ,lord is with them that fear ,him2 and ,he will shew them ,his covenant4 ,,the secret of the ,lord means1 that which cannot be known unless the ,lord reveal it2 and the phrase here implies1 an intimate knowledge of the divine perfections1 of the dealings and dispensations of ,god2 a holy and vital communion with ,him2 an entire trust in ,his providential care and government2 together with that peace1 which always dwells in the bosom of a true1 penitent1 pious believer4 ,all this1 including1 as it does1 a full acquaintance with the doctrines and duties1 the privileges and comforts of the life of faith1 is called 8the secret of the ,lord10 because it is hidden from the natural man1 and cannot possibly be comprehended or discovered without divine revelation4 ,such knowledge and such blessings are not the growth of earth2 they are not the produce of the human intellect or the human heart2 they must come by spiritual communication1 from the fountain of wisdom and truth4 ,when man was driven from the bright abode of paradise1 his understanding was darkened2 losing the favour1 he lost the image of his ,maker1 and thus became naturally estranged from those holy thoughts and affections1 which constitute his chief happiness and glory4 ,nor is it possible for him to recover this spiritual frame of mind1 these heavenly views1 this holy and happy acquaintance with ,god1 unless the hand1 by which the image was originally stamped1 repair the wretched ruin in which it now lies4 ,whoever would know the ways of ,god1 must be taught of ,god2 to all1 who are not so taught1 they are impenetrably secret4 ,thus spake the wisest of men2 8,the ,lord giveth wisdom1 out of ,his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding4 ,then shalt thou understand righteousness and judgment and equity2 yea1 every good path40 #cca;a ,and thus the apostle1 8,eye hath not seen1 nor ear heard1 neither have entered into the heart of man the things which ,god hath prepared for them that love ,him20 #cca;b that is1 man1 in his natural state1 of ignorance and rebellion against ,god1 cannot form a notion of the value of heavenly blessings2 of the enlarged views1 the sublimed affections1 the sustaining comforts and joys1 attainable by an inheritance of the divine promises1 both here and hereafter4 ,but1 as the apostle proceeds1 8,god hath revealed them unto us by ,his ,spirit2 for the ,spirit searcheth all things1 yea the deep things of ,god4 ,for what man knoweth the things of a man1 save the spirit of a man which is in him2 even so the things of ,god knoweth no man1 but the ,spirit of ,god20 as we exercise our thoughts and judgment upon human matters1 by the help of human reason1 by the natural powers of the mind1 so must we attain the knowledge of divine matters1 by the aid of a divine spirit2 by a holy illumination and guidance2 not indeed by miraculous illapses1 but still by the distinct and actual operation of heavenly grace1 silently producing its effects upon the understanding and heart4 ,the pride of man1 the disputer of this world1 does not submit to this proposition and teaching2 perhaps commonly regards them in the light of enthusiasm2 he has no notion1 that there are any secrets in religion1 which his own skill and judgment are not sufficient to reveal2 he disbelieves every thing1 which he cannot comprehend or feel2 and affects to throw a shade of discredit and contempt upon all those religious sentiments and affections1 to which he is a stranger4 ,there are not a few such persons in the christian world2 who profess to believe all the doctrines of the ,bible1 and to know all that need or can be known1 and yet never submit themselves to1 scarcely can be said to pray for or desire1 the aid and direction of ,almighty ,god2 who imagine1 that their liberal education and their common sense entitle them to pass a full and adequate judgment upon all spiritual subjects2 and to form a correct notion of all spiritual privileges and blessings4 ,this is a dangerous and fatal error2 a most unfounded presumption2 a gross ignorance of the very element and nature of evangelical truth3 such persons only judge of the word of ,god1 of the ordinances and benefits of religion1 as they would judge of any mere human history2 of any worldly occurrence or advantage3 they take1 what they are pleased to call1 a rational view of ,christianity2 but the only view1 which deserves the name of rational1 is1 not that which appeals to reason alone1 but that which is according to truth2 according to the acknowledged revelation of ,god's sovereign will4 ,let us again hear the apostle3 8,which things also we speak1 not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth1 but which the ,holy ,ghost teacheth4--,but the natural man receiveth not the things of the ,spirit of ,god1 for they are foolishness unto him1 neither can he know them1 because they are spiritually discerned40 #ccd ,the merely rational man1 therefore1 is a carnal man2 not indeed an absolute stranger to the word of grace1 but unenlightened by it2 he has no true taste for holy and divine things2 it is altogether impossible for him to appreciate their merits1 or to know any thing of their practical effects4 ,a familiar instance or two may serve to illustrate this truth4 ,how can any man1 who neglects the worship of ,god1 pretend to decide upon its importance and utility8 ,how can he presume to deny its comfortable and salutary influence upon the soul1 its powerful efficacy upon the character and life8 ,it is a matter of experience2 of which he therefore is unqualified to judge4--,he that is a stranger to the grace of ,god in his heart1 may despise those1 that regard it and live by it1 as fanatical persons1 who are deluded by visionary ideas and groundless assurances3 but he is only judging others by himself2 and it would be marvellous indeed1 if he1 who is avowedly living without the influence of divine grace1 should bear witness to the benefit and happiness which it confers4--,what can the intemperate man know of the blessings of temperance8 ,nothing3 except by the want of them4--,what can the covetous man know of the pleasures of benevolence and liberality8--the licentious of the excellence of purity1 or the ignorant of the treasures of wisdom8--,because the sinner1 when overtaken by sickness or affliction1 declares that he derives no comfort from religion1 are we therefore to conclude1 that religion has no comforts at all8 ,could we think it probable1 that the promises of the gospel would afford consolation to him1 in an evil hour1 when he had all along been an alien to their nature1 when they had been unheeded or despised8 ,it is quite clear1 that the benefits and blessings of our holy religion1 that the knowledge of ,god's word1 the power of ,his ,spirit1 and the effects of ,his ordinances1 must ever remain a secret to those1 who have no intercourse with these things1 and set their hearts against them4 ,and whenever the ,christian hears his conduct condemned1 or his hopes undervalued1 by such persons1 he may treat them1 not with proud disdain1 but with a holy disregard3 whatever their station in society may be1 whatever their learning1 whatever their reputation for judgment in worldly affairs1 upon spiritual or scriptural matters their opinion is of no weight or worth4 8,the secret of the ,lord is with them that fear ,him40 ,the fear of the ,lord1 in this passage1 as in many others of ,holy writ1 denotes the sum and substance of religion2 it implies a sincere faith and trust in ,god1 an awful sense of ,his majesty1 an humble and anxious enquiry after the knowledge of ,his will1 with a holy determination of obedience4 ,and1 in addressing these words to a christian congregation1 we may understand them as implying that fear and service of ,god1 which proceed from a vital belief in the whole of ,his revealed law1 in the gospel of ,his ever blessed ,son1 our supreme ,lawgiver and ,king2 as implying moreover an entire concurrence in all the measures ordained for our salvation4 ,the fear of ,god1 though common to all believers under every divine dispensation1 will vary in its operation and extent1 according to the nature and fulness of their dispensation2 it will lead them to believe and love and obey1 according to their knowledge1 to their opportunities and means of grace1 and therefore the believer in the gospel shews the working of this holy principle in the full bearing of evangelical fruit4 ,all who so believe and live1 shall have the secret of the ,lord abundantly revealed2 8,he that hath ,my commandments1 and keepeth them1 he it is that loveth ,me2 and he that loveth ,me shall be loved of ,my ,father2 and ,i will love him and will manifest ,myself unto him4 ,the ,comforter1 which is the ,holy ,ghost1 whom the ,father will send in ,my name1 ,he shall teach you all things40 #cch ,the humble disciples of ,christ are blest in all their researches after divine truth and knowledge3 when they contemplate the perfections of the ,godhead1 their capacities are enlarged1 their affections devoutly engaged1 their hearts disposed to profit withal4 ,a deep sense of the majesty and power of ,jehovah leads them to reverence ,him2 a sense of ,his justice leads them to walk uprightly2 of ,his omnipresence1 to live holily2 of ,his goodness1 to serve ,him with gratitude and love4 ,whilst the cold philosopher1 whilst the worldly-minded and the sinner view these great subjects only with a theoretical eye1 without any moral or religious improvement1 the spiritual believer is powerfully moved and affected2 and walks in the light of truth every day and hour4 ,in their devotional exercises1 the faithful servants of the ,lord are peculiarly blessed2 are made sensible of ,his presence and ,his power4 ,when they pour forth their prayers and praises at the throne of grace2 when they thus hold a nearer communion with their reconciled ,god1 a heavenly tranquillity and delight are spread over their souls2 they know and feel their connexion with 8the ,father of spirits10 and they rise from their devotion with an humble confidence1 that the tribute of their heart has been accepted2 that their fervent supplications will be answered1 in ,god's appointed time and way1 through the merits and intercession of a merciful ,redeemer4 ,to these inspiring hopes and persuasions the impenitent sinner is an utter stranger3 if he prays at all1 it is but the outward service of the lips2 there can be nothing of the spiritual principle of devotion1 and therefore nothing of its fruit4 ,again3 when the humble pious believer sits down to the study of the ,bible1 with a pure desire to discover and perform the holy will of ,god2 to be nourished with the bread of life2 and to draw1 from the fountain of truth1 the waters of eternal salvation2 the grace of the ,holy ,spirit is with him1 to remove the veil from his corrupt heart1 and thus to open and enlarge his understanding3 by this means he perceives 8the wondrous things0 of the divine law1 and applies them for his own personal edification and comfort4 ,the true import of the doctrines1 there contained1 is progressively unfolded to his view2 and the full bearing1 of every precept and rule of life1 is pressed with increasing force and authority upon his heart4 ,he admires and reverences the holy book2 he loves all that it contains2 his soul is rapt in the contemplation of the stupendous mystery of goodness and godliness2 it elevates his prospects and affections above this lower world2 he has 8tasted the good word of ,god1 and the powers of the world to come20 #cda he beholds1 with the eye of faith1 his inheritance in the skies2 and this his heavenly view brightens as he advances4 ,every sincere ,christian can bear witless1 that his acquaintance with the word of life is continually improving2 that in every page1 and almost in every passage1 he is perpetually discovering fresh truth and beauty1 fresh obligations and delights4 ,of all this1 the carnal-minded and the sinner are profoundly ignorant2 to them the ,bible is comparatively a dead letter3 they see little of its harmony or its excellency2 and where they do see1 it has no lively or permanent effect upon their heart2 no more1 than any other book1 of history1 or morality1 or amusement4 ,the righteous are not free from suffering and pain1 from trials and afflictions2 but then they enjoy1 under every visitation1 a source of comfort and satisfaction1 which the thoughtless votaries of this world cannot possibly experience4 ,there dwelleth1 in their hearts and minds1 the peace of ,god2 and that must ever be the gift of ,god1 which ,he will never bestow upon ,his enemies2 the peace of ,god1 which fills them with a holy calm1 and reconciles them to every thing4 ,in seasons of trouble1 the triumphs of the gospel are especially manifested2 and the 8secret of the ,lord0 especially revealed4 ,the soul is in a more impressible condition2 more ready to learn of ,him1 who 8was meek and lowly of heart20 and therefore more capable of the enjoyment of ,his promised rest4 8,blessed are they that mourn1 for they shall be comforted40 #cdb ,the sensual and the proud are disappointed and mortified and rebellious under the various troubles of life2 the ,christian receives them in a different spirit1 as tokens of his heavenly ,father's love2 and tokens of love he finds them to be4 ,they1 who 8walk by sight10 are ever complaining of hardships and inequalities in the world2 they who 8walk by faith10 can perceive in them all the sovereign and gracious hand of the ,almighty1 who 8doeth all things well40 ,they1 who live upon the favour of the world1 must always be rendered unhappy by its frowns2 but the ,christian lives above it1 and cares little for any opposition or evil report3 he is fortified and comforted by a secret power1 and protected by an invisible arm3 and this power shall continue with him1 if he continue faithful1 even unto the end4 ,when his journey through the wilderness is about to terminate1 when he has arrived at the borders of the flood1 and is entering upon the shores of the heavenly ,canaan1 when nature sinks and the soul is departing1 then does the ,lord reveal himself1 in a manner not to be seen and not to be told3 there is a hidden energy1 a light within1 a sustaining spirit1 a mysterious and merciful communion with the ,lord of life and death4 ,this indeed is an awful secret1 and one which the guilty can never know2 which none can know1 who do not1 with all their heart and soul1 embrace the promises of salvation revealed to them in the gospel3 the foretaste of heavenly rest1 like the rest itself1 remaineth only for the people of ,god4 ,they who have so feared and loved the ,lord1 as to have served ,him with a good conscience and with integrity2 they who have so believed and trusted in their ,saviour1 as to have followed whithersoever ,he led1 as to have sacrificed every unholy gratification and pursuit1 for the love of ,his name and for the 8one thing needful10 they shall find1 in their latter moments1 a peace known only to themselves1 a joy with which no 8stranger can intermeddle40 ,the ,lord will effectually 8shew them ,his covenant30 they were made by baptism 8members of ,christ and children of ,god10 and became thereby entitled1 through the free mercy of ,god in ,jesus ,christ1 to an 8inheritance in the kingdom of heaven20 having abided in that covenant1 and walked faithfully therein1 they will never doubt1 but ,god will assuredly perform ,his part2 and ,he will give them a full insight into the blessings1 which ,he has covenanted to bestow2 they have all along entertained a lively apprehension of the nature and principles of this holy covenant1 and of their own correspondent obligations2 its holy promises and its gracious rewards have been through life the solace of their souls2 and it continues1 yea increases1 to the last2 not indeed enjoyed in perfection here below1 but enjoyed as the earnest and pledge of the fulness of their eternal felicity4 ,in this manner1 my brethren1 8acquaint yourselves with ,god10 and come to the true knowledge of ,his perfections and ,his ways1 and live in the animating ennobling hope of a brighter manifestation of ,his glory hereafter--in this manner1 by a spirit of humble1 faithful1 entire dependence upon ,him1 through the mercy of ,jesus ,christ2 by fervent importunate prayer for the illumination and aid of the ,holy ,ghost2 by 8seeking first the kingdom of ,god and ,his righteousness by loving ,him with all the heart and soul10 and 8walking in ,his fear all the day long40 ,thus are we to be taught of ,god1 thus only can we acquire a capability and disposition to be taught2 thus growing in grace1 we grow in wisdom1 in holy experience1 in happy communion with our ,lord and ,saviour4 ,receive this instruction1 8high and low1 rich and poor1 one with another20 it is equally necessary for all4 ,unless this spiritual lesson be learnt1 the stores of human science1 the treasures of human wisdom1 are vain and worthless2 they can impart no knowledge1 no true and saving knowledge1 of the ways and dealings of the ,most ,high2 they cannot bring the sinner to his ,maker3 on the contrary1 they prevent and hinder him1 by ministering a spirit of pride and self-sufficiency4 ,if thou wouldest know ,god1 fear ,him1 and be taught of ,his ,spirit and ,his word2 this is ,his own appointed means1 and there is no other4 ,and ye poor1 unlearned as ye may be1 seek the ,lord in this way1 and ye shall assuredly find ,him3 ,his secret shall be with you2 and ,he will graciously teach you more1 than you can attain from all the world besides2 more than the wisest can learn in any other way4 8,the way of the wicked is as darkness2 they know not at what they stumble3 but the path of the just is as the shining light1 that shineth more and more unto the perfect day40 #cdg ,the ,lord revealeth ,himself unto the righteous1 day by day2 they grow in wisdom1 as in years3 the nearer they approach to the completion of their hopes1 to the end of their earthly pilgrimage1 to their heavenly and eternal kingdom1 the clearer will be their knowledge1 and the more delightful their anticipations2 even until that day1 when the veil of the flesh shall be utterly removed1 when they shall 8see their ,god face to face1 and know even as also they are known40 #cdh ,,sermon ,,xix4 ,,resist ,,the ,,beginnings ,,of ,,evil ,,temptation4 ,,proverbs iv4 #ad1 #ae4 ,enter not into the path of the wicked1 and go not in the way of evil men4 ,avoid it1 pass not by it1 turn from it and pass away4 ,,this is one of those short1 comprehensive1 moral directions1 with which the holy ,scriptures abound1 for our safe conduct in life2 directions1 that are seldom attended to with the earnestness1 which their importance demands4 ,studied such words should be1 with devout meditation and the spirit of prayer2 imprinted on the memory1 fixed in the heart4 ,we are apt to trust too much to generalities in religion2 we do not sufficiently concern ourselves with its individual precepts and practical admonitions4 ,and ,i wish now to enlarge upon this point1 before we enter into a consideration of the text2 hoping that it may induce you1 by ,god's help1 8to take heed how ye hear0 such lessons of instruction4 ,for the attainment of a religious character1 and the means of walking holily and uprightly in our course through life1 doubtless the main thing is1 to establish sound principles in the heart2 and without such principles all the rules and helps in the world will prove of little avail2 never to be depended upon in the hour of temptation and trial4 ,accordingly we find1 in the word of ,god1 these mainsprings of action continually insisted on1 as of the highest necessity to be settled in the soul4 ,a true1 a right faith is inculcated1 as the great foundation of all spiritual obedience2 a vital faith in ,god1 as our ,creator1 ,redeemer1 and ,sanctifier2 a faith in ,his revealed word1 in all the great doctrines of life and salvation there propounded to fallen man2 a faith in the necessity of obeying all the commandments therein delivered for the formation of our character and the regulation of our lives2 a faith in the world to come1 after the death of the body2 a world depending1 for happiness or misery1 upon our choice and conduct here4 ,the love of ,god and the fear of ,god are also laid down as most powerful principles of thought and action2 as spreading an influence over the whole of our behaviour4 ,still however1 the establishment of these first principles is not of itself sufficient for the complete direction and government of our lives4 ,so manifold and various are the temptations to which we are exposed2 so numerous the trials we are called to bear1 that particular instructions and commands are also needful for us1 in order that we may be prepared to meet the different circumstances which are perpetually arising1 in order that we may be taught how to reduce our principles to practice2 and to apply the declaration of ,god's will to our ordinary intercourse and experience with the world4 ,for this purpose1 we find the old scriptures every where abounding with rules1 for the performance of every duty1 and the avoidance of every sin3 for the immediate service and worship of ,god1 for the discharge of every honest and honourable obligation we owe to our neighbour2 for the correction of all those evil affections and passions1 to which the corrupt heart of man is so lamentably prone4 ,nor in the new testament1 where the foundation of faith is more clearly and broadly laid down1 are such rules less frequent1 or less urgently enforced4 ,we might indeed expect1 what actually is the case1 that as a clearer and fuller revelation1 that as a higher principle and view1 would require a more holy and perfect observance1 a greater purity and integrity and blamelessness of character1 therefore the several duties demanded of us1 in our walk with ,god1 would be laid down and marked with the greater accuracy4 ,accordingly we do find1 for this purpose1 8line upon line and precept upon precept0 repeated and urged with the greater fulness and particularity2 that we may not1 by any unholiness or deficiency in our conduct1 disgrace that more glorious revelation1 with which we have been favoured as believers in the gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,look at ,his own blessed discourses1 especially ,his sermon on the mount2 look at the epistles1 which ,his servants1 inspired by the ,holy ,ghost1 have left for our guidance and government2 and see what full instructions they contain1 for our duty to ,god and our duty to man4 ,it is wonderful1 for how many cases they provide2 for how many instances in our daily experience2 how they teach us1 on the one hand1 the practice of every virtue1 shew all the bearings of it and the steps that lead to it2 how they caution us1 on the other1 against every besetting sin2 how they point out the manner1 in which it gains an influence over us1 and cut it up by the root4 ,i have embraced the present opportunity of enlarging on this point1 with a view of awakening your attention to1 and inducing you to study and treasure up1 the various scriptural rules for holy living3 ,i have done this1 because many suppose1 that the fixing of a good principle--of faith1 for instance1--is all that is requisite2 if it were so1 why should so many rules have been given in that holy book1 in which there can be nothing unnecessary or superfluous8 ,god1 who knows the heart and all the ways of man1 knew how wise and needful it was1 to deliver express admonitions and exhortations to each individual duty2 that our faith might not be vague and unprofitable1 but abounding in fruit1 in the fruit of holiness unto everlasting life4 ,but it is time now to turn to the text1 which furnishes us with one of the most important cautions for our safe and christian government4 ,it might be thought1 that every true believer in that blessed ,redeemer1 who came 8to cleanse him from all unrighteousness10 would have such a horror of sin1 as effectually to secure him from its dominion2 as to prevent us from the necessity of admonishing him against its fascination and its power2 but such unhappily is far from being the case4 ,many1 who make a considerable profession of the gospel1 are betrayed into grievous inconsistencies2 many1 who set out with promising hopes and good resolutions1 are led astray and overcome2 many1 for want of attending to the warning given in the text1 for want of narrowly watching the beginnings of evil4 ,feeling a sincere and decided abhorrence of the grosser sins1 they expose themselves without fear to slighter temptations2 should they be1 in some small matter1 inveigled and led into the path of error1 it is expected that they shall instantly perceive their danger2 that they shall repent and be forgiven1 and be more guarded and resolute for the time to come4 ,but they have not formed a proper estimate of the seducing nature of sin2 they know not how the power of the tempter increases with every success3 instead of their being alarmed and disgusted with the first commission1 they become1 from the corruption of their nature1 the more captivated and seduced3 it is easier for the enemy to draw them on to the second step1 than it was to persuade them to the first2 their conscience becomes more easily silenced and reconciled2 they begin to think1 that the strictness1 for which they once contended1 is not so requisite2 they become accustomed to evil2 make excuses for it2 take delight in it2 are flattered with the empty praises and congratulations of their new companions2 and proceed by degrees to abandoned and ruinous lengths4 ,the fact is1 that they have been all the while provoking the ,spirit of the ,lord to desert them3 ,he was grieved at their very first departure1 from the path of innocence and integrity2 it shewed a carelessness of the ways of ,god2 it argued1 that ,his fear and ,his love were declining in their heart3 with every renewed commission of evil1 the ,spirit was more and more quenched1 till at length ,he left them to themselves2 weak1 helpless1 incapable of resistance2 in the dominion of the enemy1 slaves of sin4 ,what ,i am here describing1 has been the miserable experience of thousands of unwatchful and irresolute ,christians2 who have fallen into the snare1 yea at last into the ruinous abyss of evil1 from which they have never afterwards escaped1 because they were too 8wise in their own conceits0 and too confident in their own strength1 to take a warning against the peril of yielding to the first temptation2 because they ventured into the borders of forbidden ground1 and were insensibly led on to the fatal lengths1 which they once held in abomination4 ,how many a youth have we known1 trained from his earliest infancy in the holy principles of the gospel1 the hope and the promise of his anxious parents1 the joy of his family and friends1 yet1 from incautiously listening1 on some unsuspected occasion1 to the advice of an evil counsellor1 and induced to make experiment of some unhallowed pleasure1 thereby shaken in his integrity and thrown off his bias2 prevailed upon to repeat the pressing indulgence2 thence to proceed to others2 till1 in the end1 the character has been totally changed1--marred1 corrupted1 ruined4 ,it seemed but a little matter that first courted his consent2 what1 though sinful pleasures did surround him in his new scene and his new company1 he1 poor innocent youth1 had no intention of joining in them2 was determined to stand aloof4 ,for a while he did so2 and maintained the pious and virtuous and christian habits1 in which he had been trained2 the habits of prayer1 and holy reading1 and holy meditation1 and uprightness of conduct3 but he began to give way1 to 8fall from the stedfastness of his faith in ,christ20 #ceh one religious observance after another was broken in upon2 one scruple after another overcome2 till at last he was stripped of every portion of the garment of righteousness1 and left 8miserable and poor and naked10 with nothing to hide his wretchedness and shame2 the dishonour of his father1 the grief of his mother's heart2 disowned by his family1 disowned by his ,god3 a misery to himself2 dying the death of a sinner4 ,and whence came all this load of misery upon him8--on account of his first unguarded yielding4 ,this representation has been but too frequently verified3 yet not to the young only has such heedlessness proved a snare and destruction4 ,we may see its consequences ravaging around us almost every day2 in persons of every age and condition4 ,how many a sabbath-breaker has contracted his dreadful habit from a very small beginning of neglect8 ,at the first he was tempted very occasionally to absent himself from the ,house of his ,god2 to indulge now and then1 extremely seldom1 in worldly pleasure2 or to engage1 in a thoughtless hour1 in the dispatch of worldly business2 but his affection and reverence for the holy day by degrees grow colder1 and the temptations became stronger3 the ,lord's ,house was1 in a great measure1 forsaken2 the ,lord's day became his day of dissolute pleasure2 or his day of business and accounts1 as best suited his condition2 and hence followed1 as it must of necessity1 the total decay of religious principle and religious character4 ,thus it is also1 in a remarkable degree1 with the vice of intemperance2 no man proceeds to its abominable and fatal extremities all at once3 but no man1 whatever his principles may have been1 is secure from its horrible influence1 if he is once tempted habitually to depart from the holy rules of sobriety2 however seldom the habit may be at first indulged4 ,it is indeed especially true of this awful vice1 that if the enemy once gains a footing in the heart1 he seldom leaves it1 till the heart is his own4 ,thus it is1 once again1 with evil company of every description2 it is ensnaring beyond all suspicion1 and beyond all calculation3 wicked or worldly companions infuse their venom1 into the mind and the bosom1 gradually and insensibly3 even if they have no intention so to do1 as in truth they too often have1 their very presence and conversation and habits are so corrupting1 that it is impossible for any one1 who is familiarly acquainted with them1 to escape the contagion2 in fact1 whoever seeks1 or whoever tolerates such company1 has a lurking disposition to evil1 though it may be unperceived and unsuspected by himself4 ,flee from every approach to this treacherous and dangerous ground1 as you would 8flee from the wrath to come40 ,from this statement1 which indeed is but imperfect and feeble in comparison with the magnitude of the evil1 against which ,i am seeking to warn you1 my hearers2 from this you may be better prepared1 by ,god's grace1 to receive and value and apply the important admonition of the text3 you will observe how particularly1 how urgently1 with what repetition1 what varied forms of expression1 the wise man delivers his charge2 so delivers it the more1 because he speaks feelingly1 from dear-bought experience2 because he himself had been lamentably ensnared1 for want of attending to it in his own case4 ,let us hearken to the counsel of this inspired and experienced guide3 he says1 8,enter not into the path of the wicked20 never be prevailed upon to set your foot on this forbidden ground2 8go not in the way of evil men10 trust not yourself in their company or in any of their goings3 further he says1 8,avoid it10 avoid this ensnaring way2 be at pains to keep clear of it2 use your utmost watchfulness to discover it2 go in another direction1 in the way of the upright and holy4 ,and1 as if this caution were insufficient for his purpose1 he adds1 8,pass not by it20 suffer not yourself even to approach it1 to look upon it2 lest you be beguiled by its false charms1 and unwarily led to desire them4 ,not willing yet to cease from admonishing1 in order to make a yet deeper impression1 he concludes1 8,turn from it and pass away20 the instant you perceive it1 turn round with the dread of danger2 as you would if you discovered yourself on the edge of a precipice1 in fear of falling headlong2 turn at once1 and pass decidedly and quickly away4 ,in obedience to these rules1 my brethren1 consists our great security1 under the guidance of infinite wisdom and the support of almighty power3 the grace of ,god is ever ready to be bestowed1 ever at hand to 8preserve us from falling20 but ,god expects and requires us1 in the use of this grace1 to employ every means of prudence1 and to strive with a holy and unbending resolution3 this grace is afforded for the very purpose1 that we may so watch and work2 and if we do not thus improve it1 with circumspection and diligence1 it will be withdrawn4 ,never so much as listen to any sinful proposal1 to any doubtful invitation2 stay not to reason upon it at all2 turn away with holy jealousy2 never suffer the eye to dwell upon a forbidden object1 to dwell even for a moment2 through the eye it may find a passage to the heart1 and inflame it with unlawful and hurtful desire3 resist at once2 the first victory is the easiest1 as well as the surest4 ,say to the temptation1 as your ,lord said to the tempter1 8get thee hence1 ,satan20 8flee from him and he will flee from you0--8escape for thy life40 ,and here ,i must add an observation upon the means1 by which we may be enabled to follow this momentous advice of the wisest of men4 ,we must 8watch and pray1 that we enter not into temptation20 #cfd we must go forth into the world in the spirit of watchfulness and prayer2 praying1 not only that we may have the grace to watch1 but also when the trial actually arises1 when we are watching4 ,in the presence of temptation1 or if we do but perceive or suspect that it is coming1 let the soul be lifted up to the 8,lord of all power and might20 let the language of the heart1 if not of the lips1 be poured forth in pious aspiration to ,god2 if it be but a word1 a wish1 or a thought1 it will be clothed with strength1 and minister a stedfastness to the mind and heart4 ,we are thus animated by the assurance of divine support1 and fixed in our holy determination of resistance to all evil4 ,much depends1 for safety and success1 upon this habitual spirit of devotion2 it is our buckler and shield in every moment of conflict2 without it1 we are standing1 in the feebleness of nature1 before the mighty enemy of our souls2 ready to 8be taken captive by him at his will40 #cfe;a 8,be ye therefore sober 7that is1 be serious7 and watch unto prayer20 #cfe;b and thus 8go forth conquering and to conquer40 ,,sermon ,,xx4 ,,the ,,love ,,of ,,christ ,,for ,,those ,,who ,,do ,,the ,,will ,,of ,,god4 ,,mark iii4 #ce4 ,whosoever shall do the will of ,god1 the same is my brother and my sister and mother4 ,,from this1 and one or two other passages in the gospels1 it has been sometimes imagined1 that our blessed ,lord set no value on the common relationships1 the natural ties1 the tender endearments of life2 and that ,he intended to teach ,his disciples1 by ,his own example1 to neglect such considerations altogether2 as if all ,christians had an equal claim upon our affection2 as if the spiritual brotherhood were the only object worthy of our regard2 as if parents and brothers and sisters were merely upon a footing with the rest of mankind4 ,this notion is entirely erroneous2 it is a mistaken conclusion from the words and conduct of our ,lord4 ,his own example1 on several occasions1 has afforded a sanction to the feelings of private friendship1 as well as of family affection4 ,how deeply was ,he moved at the death of ,lazarus6 8,jesus wept1 then said the ,jews1 behold how ,he loved him60 #cfg;a ,and of our ,lord's disciples we read1 that there was one1 treated with peculiar tenderness and regard2 one1 8who leaned on ,his bosom20 #cfg;b one1 distinguished by the high and honourable name of the 8beloved disciple40 ,and this disciple1 the evangelist ,st4 ,john1 has drawn one of the most striking pictures of an affectionate family1 ever represented to the eye and the heart of man3 8,there stood by the cross of ,jesus1 ,his mother1 and ,his mother's sister1 ,mary the wife of ,cleophas1 and ,mary ,magdalene4 ,when ,jesus therefore saw ,his mother1 and the disciple standing by whom ,he loved1 ,he saith unto ,his mother1 ,woman1 behold thy son6 ,then saith ,he to the disciple1 ,behold thy mother6 ,and from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home40 ,jesus not only loved and protected ,his mother through life1 but was solicitous to provide for her future well-being1 even amidst the agonies of the cross2 commending her to ,his dearest personal friend2 and by way of effectually securing his regard and her confidence1 ,he calls ,john the son1 and ,mary the mother3 ,behave to each other as mother and son2 and it is all ,i can ask or require4 ,this must be admitted as a proof1 that ,jesus felt most tenderly and peculiarly for ,his nearest earthly relation3 and it shews1 that those passages1 which have been supposed to favour a contrary opinion1 have been wrongly interpreted4 ,let us now consider the circumstances which led to the declaration in the text4 ,it appears1 that the earnestness and perseverance of ,jesus in teaching the people1 notwithstanding the opposition of the ,pharisees1 had given disquietude to ,his friends and brethren1 that is1 to ,his near relations1 some of whom did not believe in ,him4 ,they seem to have desired ,him to forbear and discontinue ,his ministry at that particular time1 supposing that ,he had exceeded the bounds of prudence2 and it further appears1 that they had induced ,mary1 ,his mother1 to concur in this improper design2 which conveyed a reflection upon ,his wisdom1 and the perfection of ,his character4 ,they came1 therefore1 when ,he was teaching the people2 and1 not being able to approach ,him for the multitude1 they sent to speak with ,him4 ,but ,jesus1 aware of their intention1 answered by enquiring1 who ,his mother and brethren were2 thereby intimating1 that they had no right to interfere on such an occasion1 nor had any authority over ,him in respect of ,his important work2 that ,his spiritual affection to ,his disciples1 in the advancement of their eternal interests1 was greater than any natural affection1 which ,he bore to ,his relations1 in a mere earthly point of view2 that ,his love to men's souls had the greatest consideration and weight with ,him2 that even ,his mother was nearer to ,him as a true believer1 than on account of her natural relationship2 and that ,his brethren would derive no advantage or favour from ,him1 if they were not also believers4 ,jesus then proceeded to declare1 that ,his true disciples1 even though they had no connexion with ,him by the natural tie of blood1 would be regarded in the light of relations2 would be the objects of ,his sincere affection and esteem2 8,he looked round on them which sat about ,him1 and said1 ,behold ,my mother and ,my brethren1 for whosoever shall do the will of ,god1 the same is ,my brother and ,my sister and mother40 ,we cannot but observe1 that these words are addressed1 not merely to the disciples of that day1 but to every individual ,christian throughout the world2 whosoever1 of any age or nation1 should do the will of ,his heavenly ,father1 by hearing1 believing1 obeying ,his revealed word1 by embracing the gospel of salvation1 he would1 in life1 in death1 in judgment1 and for ever1 be honoured and blessed2 even as the brother1 sister1 or mother of ,him1 who is the ,lord of all1 and the ,king of glory4 ,how encouraging1 how delightful an assurance1 to be persuaded1 that in all our difficulties and troubles1 in all our bereavements and desertions and afflictions1 through this vale of tears1 we have a friend1 a relation1 at the right hand of ,god1 the omnipotent ,redeemer2 who is advanced1 after ,his earthly humiliation1 to the throne above1 for the very purpose of 8receiving gifts for men20 and of distributing them for the relief and assistance of all ,his loving and faithful brethren4 ,how fortunate do the needy children of men esteem themselves1 if they have a kind relative or friend in a high quarter2 one possessed of honour and wealth and power4 ,they feel themselves ennobled by the connexion2 and are raised above the fear and apprehension of want1 by a confidence in his influence and generosity4 ,but what are the highest and greatest of earthly relatives1 in comparison with the glorious everlasting ,son of ,god2 with ,him who 8hath put all our enemies under ,his feet20 with the 8high and holy one that inhabited eternity80 ,earthly friends may and do fail1 often when they are most needed2 an untoward occurrence1 a groundless displeasure arises2 and all our expectations from them are suddenly swept away4 ,but with ,jesus 8there is no variableness1 neither shadow of turning30 ,he searches our hearts2 and as long as they are really and stedfastly united with ,him1 no casualties1 no outward appearances can estrange us from ,his favour4 ,earthly friends die1 one after another2 and often at a time1 when they are become most dear and most necessary to us2 but ,jesus liveth for evermore2 and the union1 we form with ,him1 is in no danger of being severed by any change of time or circumstance2 but goes on progressively and perpetually increasing4 ,the very disasters1 which often tend to disunite us from our earthly friends and brethren1 serve but to bind us the more closely to the ,saviour2 in adversity1 in poverty1 in contempt1 in persecution1 we find ,him the nearer and dearer2 always most ready to succour us1 when most wanted and desired3 always ready1 and always able4 ,so that1 if the whole world were to fail us1 ,his abiding favour would more than counterbalance all the evils of our lot4 8,when even my father or my mother forsaketh me1 the ,lord taketh me up20 #cgc ,he is in the stead of parents1 in the stead of all3 8the ,father of the fatherless1 and the ,god of the widow20 the ,lord of consolation1 and the ,lord of love4 ,the upholding of ,his ,spirit will sustain our infirmities2 one beam of ,his gracious mercy will cheer all the darkness1 which the world casteth over our souls4 ,the disciples of ,jesus experience ,his friendly comfort every day and hour3 even if there were no other world than this1 they feel themselves abundantly blessed in their connexion with ,him1 by ,his present affection and grace2 but there is another world2 where their joy and love will be continued1 and their union with ,him perfected in glory4 ,he is called1 in gracious condescension1 8the first-born among many brethren20 #cgd;a ,he has suffered and died and triumphed and risen again1 risen 8as the first fruits of them that sleep20 #cgd;b and ,his brethren1 8who endure unto the end10 shall also rise from the sleep of death1 and 8see ,him as ,he is1 and be like ,him30 #cgd;c they shall 8be the children of ,god1 being the children of the resurrection40 #cgd;d ,and 8do not our hearts burn within us0 at the representation of this blessedness8 ,do we not desire the honour1 the privilege1 the advantage1 the excellency of being thus united1 in a bond of holy endearment1 to the glorious ,son of ,god1 to the ,saviour of our souls8 ,undoubtedly we do3 unless our understandings be so darkened and our affections so depraved and debased1 that we are incapable of choosing between good and evil1 that we 8put darkness for light and light for darkness40 ,there cannot be one amongst us1 who does not profess to set a value upon the favour and friendship of his ,lord2 upon the relationship which1 as christians1 we are graciously permitted to bear to ,him4 ,not one of us would go to rest1 content and happy1 with the prospect of being deprived of this distinguished and heavenly blessing4 ,let us know and remember then1 that our relationship to ,him is not like that of earthly families1 a mere name which we have inherited from infancy2 and which will necessarily continue without our care or concern4 ,we became related to ,him by our baptismal covenant2 but there must be something more than baptism2 something more is required than a mere profession1 than an outward belonging to ,his visible church1 in order to our being acknowledged as ,his brethren4 ,brethren by name all of us are2 nay1 we have been spiritually admitted into holy connexion with ,him3 but ,jesus regards those only1 as accepted members of ,his family1 who believe in ,him with all their heart and soul2 who look to ,him1 with a single1 entire1 and constant dependence1 for life and salvation2 those1 who 8are daily renewed in the spirit of their minds20 and desire and strive to bring all their affections into a righteous subjection to ,him and ,his holy law2 those1 in a word1 8who do the will of ,god40 ,we cannot sufficiently reprobate the practice of those persons1 who boastfully claim the ,saviour as their 8familiar friend10 without an abiding concern and a strenuous endeavour to walk as ,he walked1 in all the ways of spiritual and moral integrity4 ,consider1 ,i pray you1 ,his own clear text on this point3 8,if ye love ,me1 keep ,my commandments30 #cgg there can be no other evidence of our saving interest in the ,lord1 but that which ,he ,himself has established4 ,his true disciples and brethren must bear ,his image2 and not the marred1 corrupted1 hideous likeness of the author of sin and death4 ,this it is1 to be spiritually and effectually incorporated into the family of ,jesus ,christ2 thus is our relationship to be proved and cherished3 he that walketh as a brother and a friend1 will be owned as such2 he1 that faileth so to walk1 will be disowned and cast away1 whatever his pretensions3 8better had it been for that man if he had never been born20 better still1 if he had never been born 8of water and the spirit20 if he had never 8named the name of ,christ40 ,let us then faithfully remember1 not only the joys and privileges of the brethren of our ,lord1 but the means also1 which are absolutely necessary for the proof and establishment of this holy title2 the conditions1 the evidences1 and the duties of so high and happy a state4 ,and from our ,lord's example in the instance before us1 we may gather several particulars for our instruction in life3 ,he gave ,his relations to understand1 that it was not so much the natural tie which ,he valued1 as the spiritual2 not1 as we have already explained1 that ,he was devoid of natural affection1 but that the spiritual bond was of so much higher importance in ,his esteem4 ,in applying this principle for our adoption and regulation1 certainly great allowance must be made1 and sound discretion used2 allowance for our mutual infirmities2 and discretion1 for the sake of preserving domestic harmony and peace4 ,far be it from us1 to disclaim and renounce every one of our family1 who liveth not as a faithful follower of ,christ2 he has a natural hold upon us1 which must not be harshly or hastily broken4 ,independently of a universal feeling of benevolence for all mankind2 it is evidently the will of ,god1 that the different members of each family should be especially attached together1 for the sake of promoting each other's interest and comfort2 and thus of contributing to the good of society at large2 to the increase of the general stock of happiness1 and the diminution of evil4 ,and this1 the design of a merciful ,providence1 which is manifest to our common reason and our common feelings1 is abundantly verified and enforced by the holy word of ,god4 ,the fifth commandment in the law distinctly recognizes and requires the exercise of domestic affection2 and it is repeatedly confirmed1 under the gospel covenant1 by the pen of an inspired apostle4 ,that apostle has farther declared1 that 8if any provide not for his own1 and specially for those of his own house1 he hath denied the faith1 and is worse than an infidel40 #cgi ,and the sense of this precept may be properly extended1 to sanction and command all those peculiar offices1 of kindness and countenance and support1 which the members of a family can perform for each other4 ,under ordinary circumstances therefore1 if there be no opposing necessity1 the natural tie is to be respected by the ,christian1 and bound upon his conscience and his heart4 ,nor is such a connexion to be dissolved1 but in cases of extremity2 for this among other reasons1 that there is always a hope1 of the recreant and abandoned becoming1 by the mercy of ,god1 at length reclaimed and converted2 and of this great blessing the pious relative may be made an instrument1 by his fervent prayer1 his affectionate counsel1 and the constant influence of his good example4 ,but all this hinders us not from looking1 with a very different eye1 upon the spiritual and the worldly relation2 upon the good and the evil2 though both may be objects of our kind personal offices1 the nature and degree of our affection may vary most exceedingly4 ,our love for the truly christian relative has a fervour1 a purity1 a delight1 which nothing but the mutual working and spirit of religion can possibly generate3 the happiness proceeds from that sacred1 heavenly source1 from which both of us draw our principles and hopes2 from the consciousness of our common interest in the great ,redeemer1 and our common relationship to ,him3 we are both 8members of ,christ and children of ,god20 inheritors of a better kingdom2 to which we are journeying together1 and of which we love to be discoursing2 it is a bond of union1 which nothing can separate2 not distance1 not death3 for this is the great consideration1 the great enhancement of our joy and comfort1 that the love which we are bearing for one another1 in the kingdom of grace1 shall be renewed and matured in the kingdom of glory4 ,and unless there be this principle of attachment between relations1 this common faith and hope1 this exercise of piety and godliness1 this interchange of holy affection1 all other attachments1 however requisite for this world1 are but time-serving and poor3 death will be the dreadful extinction4 ,but when the natural affection is thus combined with the spiritual1 and draws its nourishment from it1 they produce together a happiness1 which none but such relations can know4 ,and further1 we are taught by this example of ,christ1 that every sincere believer1 with whom we are made acquainted1 with whom we have intercourse1 is to be treated as a brother2 whatever be his situation in life1 he is an object of affection far more noble and delightful1 than any human tie can possibly produce2 and is entitled to our best and most benevolent services4 ,we may not be familiarly associated2 we may not dwell with him as with an earthly relative2 there may be a distance of rank between us2 but we love and honour him1 for the ,lord's sake and his own sake1 as one of ,god's redeemed people1 with whom we hope to dwell in love for ever2 and therefore our soul delighteth 8to communicate with him and to do him good40 ,pity that there is not1 in the christian world1 more of this spirit of the blessed ,jesus2 more friendly sympathy and brotherly interchange2 more regard for one another1 as members of the same holy family2 the rich for the rich1 the poor for the poor1 the rich and poor for each other4 ,far different would be our condition in this world1 if all were thus regarding1 thus feeling for1 thus helping one another4 ,why is it not so8 ,for the want of a true christian faith and principle4 ,if the tree were good1 the fruit would be thus beautiful4 ,my brethren1 allow me affectionately to recommend this subject to your private and most serious consideration2 to your daily prayers2 as a subject1 in which your own interest in the ,saviour is deeply involved2 as a subject1 intimately connected with all your best promises and hopes1 in this life and the life to come4 ,and may the ,god of love shed ,his spirit abroad amongst us1 and 8pour into our hearts this most excellent gift of charity1 the very bond of peace and of all virtues40 ,has ,jesus1 our common ,lord and ,master1 our heavenly and eternal ,king1 declared1 of every faithful disciple1 that 8the same is to ,him1 as a brother and sister and mother80 ,then remember ,his example1 and remember ,his words1 8as ,i have loved you1 that ye love one another30 remember them1 or you will be forgotten by ,him3 8love the brotherhood10 or you do not belong to ,christ2 your profession is hypocrisy4 8,walk in love1 as ,christ hath loved you20 let it be your daily walk3 the reward is great1 in every point of view2 great upon earth1 in present comfort and peace and honour2 greater on the latter day1 in the approving declaration of your ,lord2 8,inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren1 ye have done it unto ,me30 #chd greatest in heaven1 where we shall be made 8perfect in love20 in the love of ,god1 and of the holy angels1 and all ,his redeemed people1 for ever and ever4 ,,sermon ,,xxi4 ,,on ,,seeking ,,out ,,the ,,works ,,of ,,the ,,lord ,,and ,,praising ,,him4 ,,psalm cxi4 #a4 #b4 ,i will give thanks unto the ,lord with my whole heart2 in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation4 ,the works of the ,lord are great1 sought out of all them that have pleasure therein4 ,,one of the greatest hindrances to the ,christian life1 in the true believer1 is his perpetual intermixture with the world1 his constant occupation with the business of his daily calling1 with earthly pleasures and pursuits4 ,the world1 in its very nature1 in the spirit which it breathes1 in the cares which it engenders1 in the temptations which it spreads1 stands in opposition to the gospel1 to the ,christian's walk with ,god2 it unfits his mind for spiritual contemplation2 it gives him a disrelish for holy delights2 it calls aside his thoughts from ,god1 from heaven1 and from heavenly things2 and makes him forget his obligation to1 and dependence upon1 the merciful and over-ruling providence of the ,most ,high4 ,and yet it is undoubtedly our duty to live in the world2 to partake1 in a certain degree1 of its pleasures1 as well as of its labours and cares4 ,it is the will and decree of ,god1 that mankind should provide 8by the sweat of their brow0 for their subsistence and well-being in life3 integrity and industry in the exercise of our calling are among the appointed means1 by which we must 8,work out our salvation40 ,since therefore we are obliged to mix with the world1 our great object should be1 to guard against its engrossing and corrupting influence2 to retain all our possessions in a spirit of humble and constant reliance upon the sovereign power and disposal of the ,almighty2 to be lifting up our hearts1 in the course of our daily employment1 above all secular concerns1 to the author of our being1 to the giver of our talents and our time1 to the judge of all our actions4 ,and besides1 some portion of each day must be distinctly set apart for holy reading1 meditation1 and prayer4 ,without such rules and observances1 the christian principle cannot possibly be maintained2 faith and zeal will grow cold1 the communion with ,god be gradually impaired1 the affections estranged1 and the obedience destroyed4 ,these remarks may serve to introduce an exposition of the #bnd verse of the text4 8,the works of the ,lord are great30 yet great as they are1 they cannot be understood nor perceived by those1 who are absorbed in earthly ideas and pursuits4 ,the attention will thus be entirely drawn off from a contemplation of the works of ,jehovah2 and the mind will entirely rest upon its own labours and objects4 ,to our own hand and our own arm1 to our own skill and enterprise1 to our own advantage and honour1 we shall refer all the transactions of life1 and all the success and enjoyment with which we are blessed4 ,the dealings of our heavenly ,father1 both with ourselves and with the world around us1 will be utterly overlooked2 and however we may believe1 as a speculative truth1 that ,his 8providence orders and governs all things both in heaven and earth10 we shall be in no way improved or affected by that belief2 in fact1 we shall have no real or practical persuasion of ,his providential government3 we shall be blind to ,his manifold mercies vouchsafed to ourselves1 to our brethren1 and to the ,church at large4 ,the works of the ,lord must be 8sought out20 that is1 they must be mindfully and diligently observed1 in order to their being adequately understood2 nay1 if we would know any thing of their vastness or their excellency4 ,we must be continually looking beyond human motives1 human exertions1 human experience1 if we would in any measure1 comprehend or perceive the merciful interpositions and dealings of ,god4 ,we must be in the constant habit of connecting the ordinary operations and occurrences of life with a higher power1 with the counsel and government of heaven2 a gracious promise is given1 that 8all things shall work together for good to them that love ,god20 and we must be always endeavouring to trace this working1 and observe the striking manner in which this effect is produced4 ,we shall thus be able to perceive1 how continually our merciful ,father is watching over us1 is crowning our honest designs and labours with success1 and is bringing good even out of evil itself4 ,we shall perceive1 how wonderfully ,he directs us to the most suitable means of accomplishing our laudable purposes3 how ,he over-rules those events1 over which we had no controul1 for our benefit and prosperity2 how ,he raises up to us friends and fellow-workers1 when we least expected them2 and provides us comforters1 where we looked for none2 how1 in the season of danger1 of which we are not even aware1 ,he spreads over us the shield of safety1 and we come forth unhurt2 how ,he compels the designs1 even of our enemies themselves1 to minister in the end to our advantage2 how1 in the various calamities and sorrows1 privations and disappointments1 sicknesses and pains1 which ,he does permit to befal us1 ,he brings us consolation under them1 and makes us to see and acknowledge1 that what we lamented as a grievance1 is turned into a signal blessing4 ,and whenever1 in any of our concerns or experiences1 we fail to trace the mercy of ,god1 it is1 for the most part1 because we do not sufficiently seek it out2 because we are resting in our own short-sighted views2 because we are 8walking by sight and not by faith10 in 8the flesh and not in the spirit20 desiring benefit in our own ways1 and not humbly discerning the ways of the ,lord2 impatient under the means1 and not considering the end2 looking at the earthly instrument and agent1 and forgetting the prime ,mover of all4 ,what ,i am seeking to recommend to you is this1 not a mere principle or matter of belief1 but the importance of a constant1 daily observance of the events and transactions of life1 in reference to the almighty power and goodness of ,god4 ,it is a point not attended to1 even by many sincere ,christians1 as it ought to be2 as to the generality1 day after day passes by1 without any such reference at all4 ,every thing proceeds1 in their notion and view1 from their own will and work1 from the good or evil working of others2 and they are affected accordingly2 rejoicing or complaining1 elevated or cast down4 ,they have no consideration of the great ,ruler and ,preserver2 they might almost be said to 8live without ,god in the world20 it amounts1 at least1 to a practical disowning of ,his providence4 ,but ,i must repeat1 that even from many sincere ,christians this great influential doctrine does not receive all the attention1 which its importance demands4 ,they are convinced1 that 8the works of the ,lord are great20 that ,his mighty operations are continually manifested1 in the moral and spiritual government of mankind2 but they do not sufficiently carry this conviction into their own daily walk in life4 ,far would we be from implying1 that such reflections ought1 in any way1 to interfere with our circumspection or diligence in worldly concerns2 or that we are familiarly to mix up religious observations with ordinary business or pleasure2 but we should have a mind and heart ever open to perceive the gracious interpositions and visitations of heaven2 we should be alive to every providential deliverance from accident or danger1 both in ourselves and others3 to the vouchsafement of every blessing1 both temporal and spiritual4 ,and they1 who are thus disposed and ready1 will find many opportunities drawing them to ,god3 many circumstances and events1 which they once regarded somewhat in the light of chance1 they will then clearly ascribe to the sure1 though silent working of that invisible power1 by which every thing in the universe is governed and sustained4 ,but the works of the ,lord are 8sought out0 by those only1 8who have pleasure therein30 and this will explain to us the true cause1 why such lamentable numbers of professed believers seldom or never seek them out at all4 ,they have no pleasure in their thoughts upon the ,almighty3 they love ,him not1 serve ,him not with a devoted and delighted heart2 their conscience is uneasy and self-condemning1 and therefore they reluctantly turn their thoughts to their great ,sovereign and ,judge2 it is rather a pain than a pleasure to them1 so to do4 8,loving the world and the things of the world10 they have no taste for spiritual enjoyment of any kind3 in extraordinary emergencies1 when the interference of an over-ruling power is irresistibly thrust upon their notice1 they do not refuse to join with their brethren in acknowledging the fact3 but as for searching out ,his ways and dealings in their daily experience1 they are decidedly disinclined and averse to it2 the injunction of such a practice is repugnant to their views and feelings and desires4 ,nor can any1 but the pious and faithful servant of ,god1 find delight in this holy and profitable exercise3 and the longer he lives1 the more clearly he perceives the hand of the ,almighty in every thing2 in discomfiting the evil and blessing the good3 he sees and admires the wonders of grace1 as well as the wonders of providence1 vouchsafed to others as well as himself2 to the ,church in all ages4 ,he reads1 in the word of truth1 of the signal manner1 in which the ,lord has delivered ,his people from the foundation of the world2 not only by the miraculous interposition of ,his omnipotent arm2 but also in the ordinary course of ,his dealings with them4 ,how merciful and manifold have been ,his ways of enlightening them when in ignorance1 and converting them when in sin4 ,how pitifully and patiently has ,he borne1 not only with their infirmities1 but with their guilt and rebellion2 and graciously reclaimed them from the path of error and ruin1 by the mercies of ,his chastising rod4 ,nor do the defeat and destruction of wicked men afford less decisive proof1 than the deliverance of the righteous1 of the greatness of the ,lord's works3 the whole history of the ,church shews ,him to have been great in justice1 as in mercy3 and1 we may add1 in truth also4 ,often indeed have the promises of divine favour1 and the denunciations of vengeance1 been fulfilled in the most unexpected and marvellous manner2 by instruments apparently altogether unequal to the momentous object designed4 ,but 8the ,lord worked for ,his people2 and there is no restraint to the ,lord to save by many or by few40 #cie ,and amongst his friends and brethren in the ,lord1 the christian also beholds many satisfactory and encouraging instances of the working of heavenly power3 he sees them advancing in their spiritual course1 steadier in principle1 and improved in character1 8growing in grace and in the knowledge of our ,lord and ,saviour ,jesus ,christ40 ,and wherever he observes the increase of true religion1 there he also finds1 to his heart's delight1 a correspondent increase of contentment and happiness2 the power of the gospel is manifest before him1 in the altered characters and lives of men2 and in all this1 he perceives and admires the gracious operations of a merciful ,god4 ,but the christian is best acquainted with himself2 studies the most narrowly his own conduct1 and life2 he judges indeed1 with deep humility1 of the manifestation of divine power in his behalf1 sincerely conscious of his undeservings2 still he can truly bear witness that in his own case1 his own experience also1 the works of the ,lord have been great4 ,though still far1 in spirit and in character1 from what he ought to be and would be2 he finds himself continually gaining the mastery over his evil affections and habits1 and drawing nearer to ,god2 perpetually advancing in holiness1 as in knowledge2 more 8hungering and thirsting after righteousness1 and more filled20 taking more delight in spiritual ordinances1 and shewing the fruit of them in his life and conversation4 ,and when he considers his own sinful nature1 and the powerful enemies opposed to him1 he cannot but ascribe this change in his heart1 this improvement in his conduct1 to the mighty workings of heavenly grace4 ,unworthy as he is of ,god's favour1 he does find a well-spring of comfort established in his soul2 comfort at all times1 especially in the hour of tribulation2 either he is provided with the means of deliverance1 or the tribulation itself is converted into a blessing4 ,he is also made in many ways1 the instrument of benefit to others1 to his family or friends2 and every door of usefulness that is opened to him1 he gratefully acknowledges to be opened of the ,lord4 ,in all the good he receives or does1 and all the evil he escapes or prevents1 he traces the power and mercy of his ,god2 8not unto me1 ,o ,lord1 not unto me1 but unto ,thy name be the glory and the praise40 ,thus he imitates the conduct of the ,psalmist1 recorded in the text2 8,i will give thanks unto the ,lord with my whole heart30 it is not a formal service1 not a partial tribute1 not a reluctant offering3 all the powers of his understanding and all the affections of his soul are employed in magnifying the majesty and loving-kindness of the 8author and giver of every good gift40 ,and the grateful ,christian imitates the ,psalmist yet farther2 he does not hide the sense of ,god's goodness within his own bosom2 nor confine the mention of it to the narrow boundary of his closet2 but declares it openly as opportunity serves2 first of all 8in the assembly of the upright10 or1 according to the better version of the ,prayer ,book1 8secretly among the faithful20 in the company of his family and his religious friends4 ,when he has experienced or observed the peculiar mercies of his almighty and merciful ,father1 he delights to speak of them2 though with humility1 yet with fervour and joy4 ,such is the natural disposition of man1 when he feels deeply the obligation of benefits conferred3 if an earthly friend has enriched or favoured him1 he thankfully makes mention of the kindness3 and shall he do less for the abundant1 the infinite goodness of his ,god8 ,shall he not rejoice to proclaim it in the very overflowing of his heart8 ,there are persons1 who would draw a line of distinction between the two cases2 and say1 that our obligations to ,god should be felt only1 and our obligations to man should be both felt and proclaimed4 ,it is probable1 that such observations1 however sincerely made1 generally proceed from the want of spirituality of heart3 there is an aversion to the introduction of religious topics1 however sober or seasonable4 ,that they are often indiscreetly introduced1 often in a spirit of self-righteousness1 and fanatical pretension1 we cannot deny3 but the abuse of any holy exercise is not to prevent us from the use4 ,look at the recorded lives of any pious ,christians1 of those who are held up to us as patterns of righteousness1 whom in fact we profess to admire2 and see how ready and forward they were1 on all occasions1 to speak of the manifold works which ,god had wrought for them1 of the kindness which they had experienced at ,his hands4 ,the ,psalms are full of such expressions and resolutions3 the text is a decided instance3 let it have its effect upon us3 let every one who has been favoured of the ,lord1 delight to be 8talking of ,his doings30 not intrusively1 not boastingly1 as if he were a special favourite of heaven2 as if he would make it appear1 that the ,lord were kinder to him than to others3 but with simplicity and singleness of mind4 ,the true believer abhors the two extremes1 of spiritual pride on the one hand2 and of cold-hearted insensibility on the other4 ,he feels himself all undeserving of the bounty of the ,lord1 and is astonished that it should be so bestowed upon him1 who is 8not worthy to gather up the crumbs under his master's table20 but the bounty is bestowed1 and he cannot let it pass unnoticed or undeclared4 ,again1 the ,psalmist says1 8in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation40 ,he vows1 that not only in the company of his faithful friends1 but also in the great congregation1 in the holy temple1 the power and mercy of ,jehovah shall be publicly proclaimed4 #dja ,not that any particular acts1 of providence or grace1 could be there mentioned by name2 but that the thankfulness1 which he feels for them1 would put new life and energy into his praises1 in the ,house of ,god4 ,and this also we shall do well to imitate2 this we shall assuredly imitate1 if we have the true spirit of faith and piety4 ,at all times1 the sincere worshipper has so powerful a sense of the divine goodness in his heart1 as to preserve him1 in his public thanksgivings1 from indifference and languor2 but there are times1 when he is visited with peculiar favour1 with signal deliverances and blessings2 and the remembrance of them will inspire him1 when he next visits the temple of the ,lord1 with more than ordinary ardour2 8out of the abundance of the heart1 the mouth speaketh20 and as his love and gratitude rise1 his tribute of praise will ascend1 in a loftier strain1 to the fountain of mercy1 to the throne of grace4 ,and ,god will hear him1 and accept the free-will offering2 he will return from worship in a holier frame1 and with a more heavenly temper2 the incense which he has been wafting to the skies1 will leave a fragrance behind1 and spread to his character2 and he will be rendered meet1 through the grace and intercession of his ,redeemer1 for further manifestations of divine love4 ,and ,o still better fruit1 still happier effects of his devout thanksgiving6 he will be preparing his soul for more exalted praises in the world to come1 amid the countless multitude of worshippers1 in the courts of the ,lamb2 where the holy-angels and the glorified saints shall rejoice together1 in seeking out and recounting the surpassing love of ,god to ,his church and people1 to ,his universal creation in all ages4 ,exulting in the light divine1 and sharing together the blessedness of the ,saviour's triumph1 praise shall be their constant employment2 and the vaults of heaven shall eternally echo with this their joyful theme1 8,great and marvellous are ,thy works4 ,lord ,god ,almighty2 just and true are ,thy ways1 ,thou ,king of ,saints40 #djc ,,sermon ,,xxii4 ,,diligence ,,and ,,perseverance ,,in ,,the ,,christian ,,race4 ,,philipp4 iii4 #ac1 #ad4 ,brethren1 ,i count not myself to have apprehended2 but this one thing ,i do1 forgetting those things which are behind1 and reaching forth unto those things which are before1 ,i press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of ,god in ,christ ,jesus4 ,,from what ,st4 ,paul had said in a few verses before1 he feared1 lest he should have seemed to make himself sure of salvation1 without the necessity of any further anxiety or labour2 as if he might rest quietly satisfied with his present views and attainments2 and had nothing to do1 but to wait for the certain result4 ,and truly1 if such confidence and relaxation could ever have been justified1 it must have been in the case of this apostle2 witness the sacrifices which he had made for the gospel2 his unswerving and invincible faith2 his holiness of character2 his unparallelled labours2 and the many signal marks of divine blessing1 with which he had been distinguished4 ,but still1 he was far from presuming in this way2 and the resolution which he expresses in the text1 and the account which he gives of his own spirit and conduct1 may furnish us with a very suitable lesson1 and teach us the absolute necessity of continued watchfulness and diligence and perseverance unto the end2 may teach us1 that we are not1 as the prophet ,ezekiel expresses it1 to 8trust in our own righteousness20 #dje in any principles we have formed1 any views we have entertained1 any holiness we have acquired1 any experiences with which we have been blessed2 and thus grow heedless and secure3 but1 that the further we advance1 the more we must be convinced of the need of exertion2 the more we shall find to do1 and the more we shall be enabled to do3 who loiters1 loses2 loses the advantage of the ground he has gone over2 loses the means of a victorious and successful accomplishment4 ,it will be improving1 to those1 who listen with humble and teachable hearts1 who spiritually receive the word of ,god as the teaching of the ,spirit of ,god1 if we repeat a considerable portion of the important passage connected with the text2 let us begin then with the #gth verse4 8,what things were gain to me1 those ,i counted loss for ,christ1 yea doubtless1 and ,i count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of ,christ ,jesus my ,lord2 for whom ,i have suffered the loss of all things1 7all earthly things7 and do count them but dung1 7as mere refuse and worthlessness7 that ,i may win ,christ and be found in ,him1 not having mine own righteousness1 which is of the law1 but that which is through the faith of ,christ1 the righteousness which is of ,god by faith3 ,that ,i may know ,him and the power of ,his resurrection1 and the fellowship of ,his sufferings1 being made conformable to ,his death1 7by dying to sin that ,i may live to ,god27 if by any means ,i might attain to the resurrection of the dead10 7to that perfect felicity1 to which the saints are admitted at the resurrection47 ,from these words1 it might have appeared to some1 as if the apostle had expected his great object to be already accomplished2 as if he had arrived at a state of faith and holiness1 by which he had actually secured this felicity1 independently of any further vigilance or labour3 and therefore he immediately adds1 by way of caution and correction3 8,not as though ,i had already attained1 either were already perfect2 but ,i follow after1 7keep following after the object before me17 if that ,i may apprehend that1 7may lay hold of that prize17 for which also ,i am apprehended of ,christ ,jesus20 7for which ,he1 as it were1 has graciously laid hold of me1 arresting me in my course of blindness and obstinacy1 as a malignant persecutor of ,him and ,his gospel47 ,then follows the text2 8,brethren1 ,i count not myself to have apprehended20 ,i reckon not upon the prize as actually won2 however high and fervent my hope1 however undoubted my assurance of ultimate success1 ,i cannot be careless1 ,i must not diminish my anxiety or activity2 my hope can only be sustained in proportion to my vigour in the contest2 success must depend upon my unbending resolution and unabating constancy3 the victory is not gained in the middle of the course1 and cannot be gained till it is finished4 ,many of us1 no doubt1 are aware1 that the apostles1 as well as our blessed ,lord1 were in the habit of drawing their observations and modes of instruction from the common transactions of daily life2 from the circumstances1 by which they were surrounded2 from the manners and customs of the people1 amongst whom they sojourned4 ,thus1 when our ,lord called ,peter and ,andrew1 who were fishermen1 to be ,his disciples1 ,he said1 8,follow me and ,i will make you fishers of men40 ,and ,st4 ,paul1 on the occasion before us1 alludes to certain games or sports1 generally celebrated1 and highly esteemed by the people1 whom he was addressing4 ,one of these games was the foot-race1 in which a number of competitors contended together for the prize2 and1 in the result of which1 they and their friends were deeply interested4 ,severe was the previous training1 which it was necessary for them to undergo2 and great and persevering the exertion necessary1 in order to gain the prize4 ,it would readily occur to their minds1 that if the racer1 who was out-stripping his opponents1 were so to please himself by the advantage he had gained1 by thinking of the ground he had successfully gone over1 as to relinquish his efforts1 as to stop and look back upon his wonderful feats1 and indolently enjoy his satisfaction1 that1 by such folly he would soon lose his superiority1 that his past endeavours would have been to little or no purpose2 it would be perfectly manifest to them1 that nothing could ensure his success1 but the continuance of that activity1 which had placed him foremost in the trial4 ,agreeably to this view and this figure1 the apostle took his resolution1 and formed his principle and conduct in the christian race4 8,this one thing ,i do20 this is the unswerving purpose of my soul1 this the plan and object by which my whole course is constantly regulated2 8forgetting those things which are behind1 and reaching forth1 7stretching out and forward all the faculties of my body and soul7 to those things which are before1 ,i press toward the mark40 ,great and successful as his attainments already were1 he did not dwell upon them with a complacence and security1 which should induce him to relax2 on the contrary1 he forgot them1 in the comparison and prospect of the exertions which yet remained4 ,and how much less reason have we1 my brethren1 to be satisfied with our past character1 with any thing that we have already achieved4 ,woe to me6 7may many of us say17 how large a portion of my time has been consumed in indifference and trifling6 how long was it before ,i earnestly set out in the race at all6 and even after it was begun1 ,i proceeded carelessly and supinely1 as if the prize had not been worth contending for4 ,how idly and insufficiently did ,i prepare for the contest2 expecting to gain the victory without a sacrifice or a struggle6 yea1 and perhaps the best of us may look rather with shame than satisfaction upon our christian attainments3 how much further might we have advanced1 than we have done1 if we had commenced the good work in earlier life1 or been more diligent3 how much more enlightened might our minds have now been1 had we more fervently sought1 and more implicitly yielded to1 the teaching of the ,spirit of ,god2 had we been more frequently and earnestly 8searching the scriptures10 more devout in meditation and more constant in prayer3 how much more purified our hearts1 and 8cleansed from all unrighteousness10 by a more sincere and unqualified subjection to the divine will2 how much higher our affections elevated1 had they been more conversant with heaven2 how much more firmly and blamelessly our feet have been fixed in the way of ,god's commandments1 in all the blessed ordinances of the gospel1 in the narrow path of life eternal1 had we been more zealously and faithfully walking with ,god4 ,nearer should we have been drawn to ,him1 in holier and happier communion1 had we not been so long1 and so often1 cold and remiss4 ,no1 my brethren1 we have no reason to be dwelling1 with such delight and confidence1 upon the progress we have already made1 as to feel ourselves privileged to be content4 ,in no case1 would this be considered the evidence of a true christian principle or view2 in no case1 would it be the means of safety2 nor even consistent with the hope of salvation2 no1 not even in an apostle2 much less in us1 whose faith is so weak1 whose knowledge so moderate1 whose resolutions so wavering1 whose attainments so comparatively poor4 ,on the contrary1 we should sorrow over our past failings2 be deeply affected on considering how far we have come short of what was required of us2 and heartily desire and pray1 that the grievous remembrance may stimulate us to fresh endeavours1 with a 8new heart and a new spirit20 that so we may be 8reaching forth to those things which are before40 ,all that we have well done1 and all that we have left undone1 should have1 for this purpose1 the same effect2 experiencing the blessed consequences of our holy labour1 on the one hand1 we should be animated and encouraged to persevere in the conflict1 that we may gather thereby additional comfort and success2 and sensible of our deficiencies1 on the other hand1 in a work of such inconceivable and everlasting importance1 we should be anxious to repair our neglect2 and thankful for our opportunity of 8redeeming the time10 and making further advances4 ,thank ,god1 whatever our negligence may have been1 all is not lost2 the course is yet before us1 and we may go onward in the spirit and strength of the ,lord2 the prize is yet before us1 and it may be won4 ,but it requires a full purpose of heart1 a fixed determination1 an undaunted courage1 a strenuous exercise of every faculty and every nerve3 all that we are1 and have1 must be devoted to the securing of the one great object4 ,all the talents of reason1 with which our ,creator has endued us2 all the energy of grace1 with which our souls are supplied1 must incessantly be brought to bear upon our high and holy calling4 ,we must be daily and hourly proceeding2 no lingering1 longing looks upon the world we are leaving behind us2 no loitering amid its vanities and follies2 no backsliding to its sinful pleasures and pursuits2 no declining from the strict line of duty1 as if it were become wearisome1 as if it were not fully believed to be right or requisite3 8the just shall live by faith1 but if any man draw back1 my soul shall have no pleasure in him4 ,but we are not of them who draw back unto perdition2 but of them who believe to the saving of the soul40 #dae ,st4 ,paul says1 8,i press toward the mark20 alluding to the mark1 or line1 drawn across the end of the course1 to shew where it terminated4 ,the end of our course is death2 that is the mark1 to which we must constantly press2 never1 till we reach it1 can our striving be over1 can the victory be gained4 ,if we perceive ourselves languishing or weary1 if the enemy of our souls would tempt us1 as he undoubtedly will do1 to indolence or repose1 let us instantly pray to our ,almighty ,father1 for a double portion of ,his ,holy ,spirit1 and he will enable us to renew our vigour1 and maintain our stedfastness4 ,yea1 though the race be so protracted1 that our limbs may be growing feeble with age1 and our vital energies decaying1 still we shall be inspirited with a courage and strength1 that will be found abundantly sufficient2 and as we near the end1 our hopes will rise1 and our prospect will brighten2 the weakness of nature will be assisted and compensated by a merciful increase of faith2 and we shall press onward1 through the latter part of the trial1 with holier confidence and fuller expectation4 ,and all this1 8for the prize of our high calling in ,christ ,jesus40 ,what was it1 that led the people of former days1 to enter into the list1 and engage in the race8 ,why were they content to undergo such previous hardships and privations1 in order to qualify them for the task8 ,why did they exert themselves in the contest1 so laboriously and painfully1 as if willing to sacrifice their lives in the struggle8 ,it was for a little crown of withering leaves2 for the honour of their countrymen's applause2 and the approval of their families and friends4 ,how then do they put to shame the negligent and indifferent christian2 him that refuses to train and labour for the conflict of life1 for the cause of salvation6 ,what is our prize8 what are our objects8 8an incorruptible crown10 a 8crown of glory that fadeth not away20 an eternal inheritance in the heavens2 the approbation of all good men2 the welcome acclaim of a 8multitude of angels which no man can number20 the approval1 the everlasting reward of the ,judge of our christian race4 ,are not these objects worthy of our supreme regard8 ,is not this worth contending for8 ,does it not demand all our attention1 all our anxiety1 all our watchfulness and diligence and labour8 ,should not our whole soul be devoted thereto8 ,ought it not to be1 comparatively speaking1 the sole purpose1 for which we care to live and hope to die8 ,especially when we consider the consequences of our failure1 in this great enterprise and work4 ,he that lost the earthly race1 lost little2 perhaps it was somewhat of an honour for him to have contended at all3 but he1 who loses the christian race1 loses every thing2 loses his own soul1 his precious immortal soul2 defeat will be ruin1 eternal misery and perdition4 ,he that lost the earthly prize on one occasion1 might run for another on a future day3 but when once the spiritual race is run1 when we have arrived at the mark1 at the goal1 at the gate of death1 no further trial will then be vouchsafed2 there will never be another opportunity4 ,anxiously perhaps we may desire it2 and resolve1 as we find ourselves approaching to the border of eternity1 that if we could be permitted to continue our race for a little season1 we would 8use all diligence0 for a successful termination2 to gain the great prize we appear to be losing3 but the desire will be vain4 ,we knew the nature of the prize before2 we knew what was necessary in order to gain it2 we declined and refused2 we chose the broad and easy way of idleness and sin3 the night will be come1 and there will be no more working4 ,o that before1 that long before this time shall come1 all our hearts may be thoroughly fixed upon the high calling of our ,god2 upon that blessed revelation of the gospel1 which calls us to life and immortality4 ,o that the heart of every hearer may be fixed this day1 so as never to be diverted from the holy and heavenly purpose2 so as to be filled with a zeal and ardour1 that shall never be extinguished2 with invincible courage1 and irremovable confidence2 so that we may never 8be weary of well-doing10 but persevere unto the end4 ,the ,saviour1 on ,his lofty throne1 calls us by ,his word1 which announces the glorious prize and the conditions of the race2 by ,his spirit1 8which is striving with us20 by ,his heralds and messengers1 warning1 animating1 exhorting1 persuading2 ,he promises strength for the contest and victory in the end1 to all who will engage in the great cause1 with earnestness and sincerity4 ,awake1 arise1 we have nothing to fear3 8the ,lord is with us2 who shall be against us80 who shall let or hinder8 ,listen1 listen to the invitation and the promise6 ,take them for your government and your comfort2 8so run as to obtain20 so1 that on arriving at the end of the christian course1 you may be calmly delighted to behold1 with the eye of faith the crown of victory and of glory1 ready to be placed upon your head4 ,often indeed are we permitted to behold the evident superiority of grace1 at the latter hour2 the peculiar accordance of divine mercy and strength1 triumphing over the weakness of expiring nature3 many pious ,christians have then openly exhibited the most undoubted and convincing tokens of heavenly assurance and support2 their ,lord thus manifestly affording them an anticipation of their 8crown of rejoicing10 and cheering them before their dissolution4 ,at this awful hour1 there may be1 and doubtless are1 differences of spiritual experience in different individuals3 but whatever1 when we are ceasing to labour1 be the foretaste of that rest1 8which remaineth for the people of ,god20 whatever1 when we are setting our foot upon the goal1 be the outward and visible sign of approaching glory2 sure we may be1 if faithful unto death1 that we shall soon enter upon that rest and that glory2 but a small moment is remaining3 the prize is ready at our departure3 heaven will rejoice over us2 the spirits of just men made perfect1 7many whose names we have honoured1 some whom we have seen and loved7 will rejoice over us2 and we shall rejoice with them for ever4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,finis4 99 99 99 99 99 ,j4 ,,gardner1 ,,printer1 ,,bolton4 ,,footnotes4 vii ,these ,sermons1 though written for particular ,sundays1 are most of them generally applicable2 indeed all of them1 with very slight alterations or omissions4 #d ,isaiah1 ix4 #b4 ,matt4 iv4 #af4 #e ,eph4 iv4 #ah4 #g #a ,cor4 i1 #bf-bi4 #h ,isai4 xxvi4 #ai4 #i;a ,isai lii4 #a-c4 #i;b ,isai4 lx4 #a-c4 #aj ,matt4 ii4 #a4 #ab ,matt4 vi4 #bc4 #ac #b ,cor4 v4 #bj4 #ah ,john i4 #i4 #ai ,col4 iii4 #c4 #ba #a ,cor4 ii4 #i4 #bc ,eph4 iii4 #e-i4 #bf;a ,john xvii4 #e4 #bf;b ,philipp4 ii4 #g4 #bf;c ,john i4 #a4 #ad4 #bi;a #a ,tim4 iii4 #af4 #bi;b ,rom4 v4 #h4 #bi;c #a ,pet4 iii4 #ah4 #cb ,prov4 iii4 #ag4 #cd;a ,matt4 xxv4 #cd4 #cd;b #b ,pet4 iii4 #ac4 #cf ,col4 i4 #ab-bj4 #ci ,acts xv4 #ah4 #dc;a ,gen4 vi4 #c4 #dc;b #a ,pet4 iii4 #bj4 #ej;a ,acts ix4 #f4 #ej;b #a ,sam4 iii4 #i4 #ec;a ,matt4 xxiv4 #cg-ci4 #ec;b #b ,pet4 iii4 #e-g4 #ed;a #b ,pet4 iii4 #ac1 #ad4 #ed;b #a ,thess4 iv4 #ag4 #ee ,eph4 iv4 #cj4 #eg ,heb4 xi4 #g4 #ei ,heb4 vii4 #bf4 #fj;a ,gen4 vi4 #i4 #fj;b ,psal4 xvi4 #h4 #fj;c ,psal4 cxix4 #aje4 #fb;a ,gen4 vi4 #ag1 #ah4 #fb;b ,gen4 ix4 #i-aa4 #fc ,wells's ,paraphr4 on ,gen4 vi4 #ah4 #fe ,gen4 vii1 viii4 #fi ,gen4 viii4 #ac-ba4 #ga ,ps4 ciii4 #a-d4 #gc ,psal4 lxxxix4 #cg4 #ge ,rev4 iv4 #a-c4 #gh ,gen4 xxxix4 #a-d4 #hj ,gen4 xxxix4 #h4 #hi;a ,the season of ,lent4 #hi;b ,ps4 cxxxix4 #bd4 #ij;a ,heb4 xii4 #a4 #ij;b ,rom4 ii4 #d4 #ib ,eph4 vi4 #aj-ac4 #if ,luke xxiv4 #ae1 #af4 #aja ,luke xxiv4 #ah-ba4 #ajb ,luke xxiv4 #be1 #bf4 #ajc;a ,matt4 xvi4 #af4 #ajc;b ,luke xxiv4 #bg4 #ajd;a ,luke xxiv4 #bh1 #bi4 #ajd;b ,deut4 vi4 #g4 #aje;a ,ps4 xvi4 #h4 #aje;b ,matt4 xvii4 #bj4 #aje;c ,luke xxiv4 #cj1 #ca4 #ajg ,psal4 cxix4 #ah4 #ajh ,phil4 iii4 #bj4 #aac;a ,psal4 lxiii4 #a4 #aac;b ,eph4 iii4 #ah1 #ai4 #aag;a ,john ix4 #d4 #aag;b ,micah vi4 #h4 #abe ,art4 x4 #acj;a ,isaiah lv4 #f4 #acj;b ,prov4 i4 #bf4 #acb ,heb4 iii4 #ae4 #acf ,psal4 lxxiii4 #be4 #acg ,second ,sunday after ,trinity4 #ach;a ,psal4 cxi4 #aj4 #ach;b ,psal4 lxxxv4 #i4 #ach;c ,malach4 iv4 #b4 #ach;d ,acts x4 #ce4 #ach;e ,luke i4 #ej4 #aci ,psalm viii4 #d4 #add ,lev4 xix4 #b4 #ade #a ,peter i4 #ae4 #adh ,rom4 viii4 #ce-ci4 #adi;a ,heb4 x4 #bb4 #adi;b ,heb4 vi4 #aa4 #aej;a ,tit4 ii4 #d4 #aej;b ,col4 i4 #ab4 #aeb #a ,john iii4 #b4 #aeh ,isaiah xlv4 #i1 lxiv4 #h4 #afa;a #a ,sam4 ii4 #f-i4 #afa;b ,isaiah lvi4 #ab4 #afa;c ,prov4 xxiii4 #e4 #afh ,psal4 xxx4 #e4 #afi ,isaiah liv4 #g1 #h4 #aga ,psal4 exxvi4 #e4 #agd #b ,sam4 xii4 #a-e4 #agg ,isaiah v4 #bj4 #agh #a ,sam4 xiii4 #ad2 ,acts xiii4 #bb4 #agi #a ,cor4 ix4 #bg4 #aha;a ,jeremiah xvii4 #i4 #aha;b #a ,cor4 x4 #ab4 #ahc ,rom4 vi4 #a1 #b4 #ahe #b ,pet4 iii4 #ah4 #ahh ,lament4 v4 #ba4 #aib;a ,isaiah lxvi4 #bd4 #aib;b ,dan4 xii4 #b4 #aic;a ,jer4 v4#b2 ,is4 vi4 #aj4 #aic;b ,prov4 viii4 #cf4 #aic;c ,prov4 xiv4 #ab4 #aid;a ,rom4 viii4 #ac4 #aid;b ,rev4 ii4 #aa4 xx4 #ad4 ,pol4 ,syn4 in loco4 #aie ,ezek4 xviii4 #bj-bc4 #aig ,ezek4 xviii4 #ba1 #bb4 #aih;a ,heb4 xi4 #f4 #aih;b ,habbak4 ii4 #d2 ,rom4 i4 #ag2 ,gal4 iii4 #ah2 ,heb4 x4 #ch4 #aii ,isaiah i4 #ah4 #bjj;a #a ,john ii4 #a4 #bjj;b #a ,john i4 #i4 #bjj;c #b ,pet4 iii4 #i4 #bjj;d ,john vi4 #cg4 #bjb ,eph4 v4 #ad4 #bjd ,ezek4 xviii4 #bd4 #bje;a ,luke xi4 #bd-bf4 #bje;b ,heb4 vi4 #d4 #bjf;a #a ,cor4 x4 #ab4 #bjf;b #b ,pet4 i4 #aj4 #bjf;c ,heb4 x4 #ch4 #bjg;a ,rom4 viii4 #cg4 #bjg;b ,rom4 ix4 #bj4 #bjg;c ,gen4 xviii4 #be4 #bjg;d ,isaiah xlv4 #bb4 #bjh;a ,rom4 viii4 #cb4 #bjh;b ,tit4 ii4 #aa4 #bjh;c #a ,john i4 #g4 #bjh;d ,psalm lviii4 #aa4 #baa ,col4 iii4 #bj4 #bac;a ,isaiah l4 #aj4 #bac;b ,ezek4 xxxiii4 #aa4 #bad;a ,ezek4 xi4 #ai1 #bj2 xxxvi4 #bf4 #bad;b ,ezek4 xviii4 #ca4 #bad;c ,lev4 xix1 #b2 ,numb4 xvi4 #e2 ,heb4 xii4 #ad4 #bah ,john vi4 #bg4 #bbj ,phil4 ii4 #ab1 #ac4 #bbf;a ,luke i4 #f4 #bbf;b ,tit4 ii4 #ab4 #bbg;a ,gen4 ii4 #g4 #bbg;b #a ,cor4 xii4 #aa4 #bbi;a #b ,cor4 v4 #ag4 #bbi;b ,rom4 xii4 #i4 #bbi;c ,acts xxvi4 #ah4 #bca ,prov4 ix4 #af4 #bcb;a ,isaiah xxv4 #f4 #bcb;b ,luke xxii4 #bi1 #cj4 #bcc;a ,matt4 iii4 #h-aj4 #bcc;b ,heb4 iii4 #ab4 #bcd;a #b ,cor4 iv4 #d4 #bcd;b ,isaiah xliv4 #bj4 #bcd;c ,john iii4 #ai4 #bcf ,joel ii4 #bh1 #bi2 ,acts ii4 #ag1 #ah4 #bdb;a ,acts iv4 #ab4 #bdb;b #a ,cor4 iii4 #aa4 #bdc;a ,isaiah lv4 #a-g4 #bdc;b ,zechar4 xiii4 #a4 #bea;a ,rev4 xxi4 #bc4 #bea;b ,psalm xvi4 #aa4 #bfj #b ,cor4 iii4 #e4 #bfb ,eph4 iv4 #a4 #bfe ,james ii4 #aj4 #bfg ,matt4 xiii4 #ab4 #bfi #b ,pet4 iii4 #ah4 #bia ,matt4 xxiv4 #c-h4 #cjb;a ,tit4 ii4 #ab4 #cjb;b ,gal4 vi4 #h #cjd #b ,sam4 #a4 #bc4 #cje;a ,rom4 viii4 #f4 #cje;b ,ezek4 xviii4 #bj4 #cjg ,rom4 ii4 #af4 #cjh #b ,cor4 v4 #aj4 #cji ,thess4 iv4 #ag4 #caa ,eccl4 i4 #ad1 #ae4 #cad ,gen4 i4 #ca4 #cae ,gen4 i4 #bg4 #cag #a ,john ii4 #af4 #cbb ,jer4 xlv4 #e4 #cbg;a ,gen4 ii4 #af1 #ag #cbg;b ,acts xvi4 #ca4 #cbg;c ,col4 iii4 #b4 #cbh;a ,jer4 ii4 #ac4 #cbh;b ,rom4 xii4 #b4 #cbh;c ,rom4 vi4 #bb4 #cca;a ,prov4 ii4 #f4 #i4 #cca;b #a ,cor4 ii4 #i4 #ccd #a ,cor4 ii4 #ac1 #ad4 #cch ,john xiv4 #ba-bf4 #cda ,heb4 vi4 #e4 #cdb ,matt4 v4 #d4 #cdg ,prov4 iv4 #ah1 #ai4 #cdh #a ,cor4 xiii4 #ab4 #ceh ,col4 ii4 #e4 #cfd ,matt4 xxvi4 #da4 #cfe;a #b ,tim4 ii4 #bf4 #cfe;b #a ,pet4 iv4 #g4 #cfg;a ,john #aa4 #ce1 #cf4 #cfg;b ,john xiii4 #bc2 xxi4 #bj4 #cgc ,psal4 xxviii4 #aj4 #cgd;a ,rom4 viii4 #bi4 #cgd;b #a ,cor4 xv4 #bj4 #cgd;c #a ,joh4 iii4 #ab4 #cgd;d ,luke xx4 #cf4 #cgg ,john xiv4 #ae-ba4 #cgi #a ,tim4 v4 #h4 #chd ,matt4 xxv4 #dj4 #cie #a ,sam4 xiv4 #f4 #dja ,i will make my thankful acknowledgments to the ,lord1 not only with my lips1 or with some slight affections of my mind1 but with all my heart and soul2 and that not only in the private society of those good men1 whom ,i am more intimately acquainted withal1 but in the public congregation of all ,his people4--,bishop ,patrick4 #djc ,rev4 xv4 #c4 #dje ,ezek4 xxxiii4 #ac4 #dae ,heb4 x4 #ch1 #ci4