THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY . 'Z'tt LfDds SERMONS PREACHED ON PUBLIC OCCASIONS; WITH FIFTEEN ADDRESSES TO THE PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE ; AND A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING A MISSION TO THE RIVER INDUS. BY THE LATE REV. JOHN LOVE, D. B, GLASGOW : MAURICE OGLE, WILSON STREET. WAUGH & INNES, WM. OLIPHANT, AND TVM. WHYTE, EDINBURGH ; JAMES DUNCAN, WESTLEY & DAVIS, LONDON ; G. CUTHBERTSON, PAISLEY ; R. GKMMEL, PORT-GLASGOW ; AND D. WEIR, AND R. CURRIE, GREENOCK. M.DCCC.XXVI : ' J s .... . - • • ■ • .... ,'k ... * ' - 252 . L9i-s CONTENTS. Memoir of Dr John Love , P. v THE MAJESTY OF THE KING OF KINGS. Psalm lxxvi. 12 . Preached in Crispin Street, London — 9th Nov. 1788... 5 THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. 1 Timothy iii. 1. Preached in Peter Street, Soho — 3d Feb. 1 790 33 BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED AND EXALTED BY THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. Mark xii. 41. Od Preached at Salter’s Hall, before the Corresponding ag; pagating Religious Knowledge in the Highlands and Islands — 9th April 1794 55 Q cz THE RADICAL CAUSE OF MITY. NATIONAL CALA- Isaiah lxiii. 10. Preached at the Scotch Church, Crown Street, Russel ^ Street, Covent Garden — 27th Oct. 1794 77 CM X CO ing School Youths’ Union — 28th Jan. 1818 145 &A IV CONTENTS, COMMUNION WITH SAINTS IN HEAVEN. Hebrews xii. 23. Preached in Anderston Chapel ; occasioned by the la- mented death of the Rev. Dr Balfour — 29th Nov. 1818 161 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Daniel xii. 3. Preached in the Gaelic Chapel, Greenock, on the death of the Rev. K. Bayne — 22d April, 1821 195 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE, OPERATING BY THE MINISTRATIONS OF HOLY MISSIONA- RIES. Romans x. 13 — 17. Preached before the London Missionary Society — 13th May 1812 231 FIFTEEN ADDRESSES TO THE PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE, Designed to assist the labours of Missionaries, and other Instructors of the Ignorant ; with an Address to the Members and Friends of the Missionary So- ciety 259 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING A MISSION FROM GLASGOW TO THE RIVER INDUS ; Addressed to Christians in Glasgow, and in the West- ern and Northern parts of Scotland 369 MISSIONARY INSTRUCTIONS, 417 MEMOIR or DR JOHN LOVE. Died at Anderston, Dec. 17. 1825, in the 69th year of his age r the Rev, Dr John Love, Minister of the Parochial Chapel there. He was a man of uncommon talents and acquirements. At ten years old, he was sent from the grammar school of Paisley, his native place, to the University of Glasgow, where, notwithstanding his youth, he distinguished himself in every department of the regular course, particu : larly in those of classical literature and mathematics. The influence of these studies was apparent in the accuracy of his reasoning, in the richness of his ima- gination, and copiousness of his diction, marked by the peculiarities of his own original and vigorous powers. At the time when he acquired reputation in the university, it was the fashion for theological students of eminence, to enlist themselves under the banners of clergymen, distinguished by their abili- b VI MEMOIR OF ties and literary attainments, who held and taught doctrines very inconsistent with those of the Confes- sion of Faith ; by signing which, they had been ad- mitted first probationers, and afterwards ministers of the Church of Scotland. Of some of these minis- ters, men in other matters highly respectable, he continued to be a follower ; till, alarmed about the foundation of tenets on which his salvation depend- ed, he entered on a painful and lengthened study of the Scriptures with prayer ; and, after a severe con- flict of mind, was brought to embrace, in faith and love, the truths essential to eternal life, as stated in the standards of our church- His knowledge of theology, theoretical and practical, was profound ; his acquaintance with the Word of God minute ; his experience of Divine truth, on a heart which ta- lent and acquirement had been used to fortify against it, from the commencement of a thorough spiritual change, through all its varied conflicts, up to 66 meet- ness for the inheritance of the saints in light,” was uncommon amongst eminent Christians. If, in the outset of his public life, he pushed some truths be- yond scriptural bounds, as has been alleged, his youth and inexperience, his abhorrence of his former creed, and the zeal for newly discovered truth, of warm feelings and a lively imagination, will apolo- gise for it, in the estimation of liberal and enlighten- ed minds. Whether this report, too widely circu- lated among those least acquainted with Dr Love, and those disappointed by his change of views, to be passed over in silence, be well or ill founded, the author of this paper cannot say : but he can assert. DR JOHN LOVE. YU that, during about thirty years of frequent and fa- miliar intercourse, he has found the sentiments of his venerable friend on faith and practice, charac- terised by the “ wisdom that cometh from above.” Thus God prepared him to be singularly useful in public and in private, to deep thinkers and serious inquirers, especially to those whose imagination re- sembled his own in solemnity and power, whether involved in the difficulties and distresses of an awa- kened conscience, or of the Christian life. The reputation of Mr Love for talents and learn- ing, for having in no common way been brought by God to the saving knowledge of “ the mystery of godliness,” and for being a preacher of eminence and originality, procured him employment soon after he was licensed. He was assistant, first to the Rev. Mr Maxwell of Rutherglen, and afterwards to the Rev. David Turner, of the Old Parish of Greenock, where he attracted much attention, and obtained not a few seals of his ministry, and where he was great- ly beloved through the remainder of his life. Af- ter Mr Turner's death, he was called to be minister of a Presbyterian Chapel in London ; and in that situation he remained several years. During his re- sidence there, he took an active share in forming the London Missionary Society, and for some years discharged the duties of Secretary to it, with much acceptance. His zeal for the success of this mo- mentous undertaking, which he bore on his heart to his dying hour, was not exhausted by the many la- bours of his official situation, difficult and delicate as they were, in the infancy of his splendid enter- vm MEMOIR OF prise. For the assistance of the first Missionaries sent to the South Sea Islands, he published a small volume of Addresses to the inhabitants of Otaheite, containing a system of Christian Theology, and characterised by the striking and seemingly oppo- site peculiarities of his devout and original mind. In the year 1800, he was chosen minister of the Chapel of Ease at Anderston, in the suburbs of Glasgow ; where he continued to fulfil his pastoral duties, public and private, to a select congregation of much attached people, till near the time of his death. Greatly as he was occupied with his official duties, many as were the calls on him for ministerial assistance from the neighbouring city, and numer- ous as were his engagements with Christian friends, he found time to cherish and manifest his affection- ate regard for the general interests of the gospel. Besides being a leading member of a district Socie- ty for religious purposes, he was secretary, so long as he was able, to the Glasgow Missionary Society, and the great instrument in the hand of God, of re- viving and raising it to its present state of active exertion and prosperity. Those who knew Dr Love in the pulpit only, could not conceive of him as he appeared in the so- cial circle, modestly conspicuous for Christian cheer- fulness, and Christian courteousness ; and, when he chose, contributing in a singularly engaging manner to rational and profitable enjoyment. Much as his society was sought by eminent ministers, and' Chris- tians of almost every denomination, and much as his ministerial labours were increased with his ad- DU JOHN LOVE. IX vancing years, he continued to secure leisure to cul- tivate the favourite classical studies of his youth, and also to read with delight, some of the most cele- brated works of the Greek fathers : and though, about the same time, he was not chosen to fill the theological chair of a northern university, when he submitted to a comparative trial, the electors declar- ed him to be “ worthy of the highest literary hon- ours ;” and a sister university, not long after, con- ferred on him the highest degree in divinity. Thus distinguished for talents and literary ac- quirements, in ministerial duties, and in social life, Dr Love was still more distinguished in secret and in private, as a man who lived to God, and 66 walk- ed with God.” Frequently as he worshipped the Supreme Being, he habitually guarded against “ drawing nigh to him with his mouth, and honour- ing him with his lip, while his heart was far from him ;” he anxiously sought a sense of the Divine presence in his devotions, how short soever ; and di- ligently watched for the tokens of it : he gratefully acknowledged them when perceived, and the least diminution of them, he as tenderly lamented : nor, for near thirty years, was he either frequently or long deprived of this his richest enjoyment, even amid sharp trials and depressing infirmities. Of his outward troubles, and of the faithfulness of God his Saviour, in fulfilling to him his gracious promises, in which he had taught him to hope with a confidence not to be shaken by unpromising ap- pearances, not a little might be said. God had bless- ed him with “ a help meet for him,” whom he es- 3 X MEMOIR OF teemed and loved. She has more than once been wounded with “ arrows, that are sticking fast in her,'” and threaten to “ drink up her spirit.” Instead of being borne down by this trial, as there was room to fear he might have been, he was, by the grace and power of the Lord, his strength and righteousness, to whom he clave with purpose of heart, so sustain- ed and exercised by it, that he continued to reap from it many peaceable fruits of righteousness. In addition to this sharp trial of love and sympathy, he was attacked by a disease, that, from its commence- ment, commonly both weakens the body and impairs the powers of the mind. His outward man was weakened, but his mental faculties remained almost entire, till near the end of his days. When he was approaching the generally assigned boundaries of human life, his disease gained ground, and God did not see meet to counteract its natural tendencies. His faculties lost much of their vigour, as his bodily strength decayed ; so that he was wholly suspended from pulpit duty, for about six months before his death : and yet his inward man was so renewed, as. to retain faith, cheerfulness, the love of friends, and heavenly hope, and to express them in an affecting look and language of peculiar tenderness. And even when his powers so far declined, that his recollec- tion failed him, and the capacity of retaining one idea, or pursuing connected ideas, was lost; his mental wanderings were those of a man long accus- tomed to walk with God, and wandering on the bor- ders of that heavenly Canaan, into which Jesus was about so soon to conduct him. PR JOHN LOVE. XI The following notice of the character of Dr Love was drawn up by a respectable Dissent- ing Clergyman , which appeared in the News- papers. At the request of many of the members of Dr Love's church , the Publisher applied to the writer for leave to insert it in this volume. The writer of the following brief sketch had not the happiness of an early acquaintance with the late Dr Love ; but for many years was honoured with his friendship, knew him intimately, and from affec- tionate respect, observed him attentively ; and he is unwilling that such a one should depart without some tribute, however imperfect, being paid to his memory. Amid excellencies so great, and a history more than ordinarily varied and interesting, it is difficult to make a selection ; but that he was at least all that follows, many who mourn his loss are well assured. He was an excellent scholar ; distinguished him- self at an early age in his collegiate, particularly in his mathematical studies, and could quote passages from the classical writers of Greece and of Rome, with much precision and effect. He was an excep- tion to the known rule respecting precocity of talent, for his mind was too firm in its texture, and his ge- nius too hardy in its elements, not to grow on like xii MEMOIR OF the oak, and to develope its energies as life pro- ceeded. Few persons have read more carefully, or studied more closely, the primitive fathers of the Christian church, especially the eloquent Chrysostom, to whom he compared his reverend friend Dr Balfour, and whose spirit he himself seems to have imbibed in no slight degree. No one who contemplated the aspect and the whole appearance of Dr Love with the eye of a physiog- nomist, could doubt for a moment that he was no mean man — no ordinary character. Such a specta- tor could not fail to discern, that he was a man of firm mind, of unbending integrity, and of determin- ed resolution ; and a nearer view would confirm and extend these first impressions. His countenance, at first sight, seemed to betoken a severity somewhat repulsive ; but a closer inspection of his features, especially when brightened up by social intercourse, or animated by interesting discussion, would show r that these lineaments were rather the lines of intense thinking, or the vestiges of some great change that had taken place within, accompanied with some powerful feelings. Both, we believe, were true. He had, indeed, in the earlier part of his theological course, undergone a great revolution in religious sentiments ; and, than his, perhaps, no mind was ever more vigorously concentrated upon its objects of pursuit. Sternness he did indeed possess ; but it was that of one who “ could not bear them who are evil and, if he did sometimes rebuke such with apparent- ly undue vehemence, this arose from impressions of DR JOHN LOVE. Xlll the guilt of sin, and an abhorrence of impiety and wickedness, particularly the profanation of God's holy name and day, which, in him, were instinctive, and irresistible in their impulse. Every thing that seemed light, or affected, or insensible, in those who worshipped in the house of God, or might minister at the altar, for the same reason called forth his marked disapprobation. And, if his reproofs were at any time harsh in matter or manner, they were often happy in expression, as well as strong in mean- ing, and always benevolent in spirit. — Agreeably to the predominant leanings of his character, if he had a favourite theme, it was the majesty of God, the grandeur of the Divine attributes of holiness and justice, the glories of the death of Christ, and the tremendous vengeance which awaited the ungodly in a future world ; and when he rose in the course of his administration to proclaim “ the terrors of the Lord," such was his tone, and such his look, and such the force of his language, and the originality of his ideas, that the stoutest heart could not but feel appalled, and the best were constrained to trem- ble. But though he was a Boanerges, he could also approve himself, in an eminent degree, a Bar- nabas ; and when he had detected the secret work- ings of human corruption, and the wiles of Satan ; when he had alarmed the conscience of the sinner, and aroused the slumbering or erring saint, with the view of “ the wrath to come," — no one could in- fuse, with a more skilful and tender hand, the balm of consolation into the wounded heart. Indeed he was “ a master in Israel," “ an able minister of the XIV MEMOIR OF New Testament.” As a casuist he was of the old school, the school of the Guthries and Haliburtons ; but while he preached the law, he loved also to pro- claim, and to commend, the grace of the gospel to men. The Bible was his favourite book of medita- tion : this you found always lying open before him when you entered ; and this, according to the direc- tion of the ancient writer, he read and revolved, by day and by night. Few indeed, it may be presum- ed, have ever studied the sacred records more care- fully, or more intensely, or more successfully ; few, there is reason to think, have entered more pro- foundly into the meaning of the spirit of inspira- tion ; and he would have conferred an inestimable gift upon the world had he committed to writing his very interesting and original views, and left them as a legacy to posterity. His researches, however, were not confined to the Scriptures. He was always, es- pecially in the earlier part of his course, when his health was unimpaired, a close student, and has left behind him some voluminous manuscripts, which prove the fact ; but they are either sealed up in a form of short-hand, which may not be decyphered, or of a learned language, w r hich, to render them use- ful, must be translated. Those which he gave to the public, or has left prepared for the press, are comparatively few ; but, we have no doubt, when collected and re-published, as we learn they are like- ly to be, they will be highly prized by the religious part of the community, and especially by those who enjoyed the benefit, and could appreciate the excel- DR JOHN LOVE. XV lence of that ministry which has just closed, and of which, we trust, the seals were not few. His manner in the pulpit was slow, but solemn and impressive ; and, if his sentences seemed some- times involved, they were always weighty with sen- timent. In his moral conduct he was entirely and uniformly unexceptionable ; so that, during his long life and ministry, not the slightest breath of calum- ny was ever known to blow upon it. As a friend and companion, he was affectionate, instructive, and cheerful. Never, when lighted up by the spirit of friendship, especially by the fire of piety, was there a more benignant eye, or a more fascinating smile, than his. He could repel attack, and chastise inso- lence and impiety, by the most poignant w r it ; but he never indulged in the sardonic laugh, or unpro- voked satire. The good name of all was safe in his hands ; and it was the fault of every one who might enter his company, if he did not enjoy as pure hap- piness, and retire both wiser and better. In asso- ciation with his friends, there was about him a play- fulness of humour, and a liveliness of repartee, and an originality of remark, and a store of anecdote, which rendered him at once an agreeable and an instructive companion. — But, as in his most unbend- ed moments, he never forgot his sacred character, so he returned with pleasure to serious study, and to intimate devotion. He was eminently a man of meditation and prayer : — he dwelt near the throne. No man seemed to have a more solemn and abiding sense of the presence, of the purity, and of the glo- ry of the divine Majesty. You saw this intimate XVI MEMOIR OF feeling actuating him wherever he walked, wherever he appeared, whatever he spoke, whatever he did. He seemed to live in a hallowed atmosphere, which at once awed and attracted you, which might some- times burn and blaze with lightning, but was always the minister of health to those who entered it, and served to kindle and keep alive the spirit of devo- tion, and of Divine reverence, in those who approach- ed him. Such a man could not but take a deep interest in the religious movements of the times. Indeed, he himself aided greatly in originating the first of these; and I have heard him mention, with the deepest in- terest and delight, that he was honoured in provi- dence to write the first note, which brought the friends of the long-neglected heathen together, and laid the foundation of the London Missionary So- ciety, of which he was for several years the secre- tary, and which proved the parent of many similar institutions, both in this country and America. He become, also, the secretary of the Glasgow Socie- ty ; and, as his zealous attachment to the mission- ary cause continued unabated through life ; so, to his generous but excessive exertions on behalf of the latter Society, may be traced the origin of that dis- ease, which hung about him for years, enfeebling his efforts, and at last put a period to his valuable life. No event, indeed, which seemed to be favourable to the cause of God, or to promise better times to the church, wherever it might occur, failed to interest his benevolent and pious spirit, and when, of late years, the two greater bodies of the Secession united DR JOHN LOVE. XVII —conscientiously preferring, as lie did, that church of which he was a distinguished ornament, he yet rejoiced, with all his heart, in the revolution ; and noticed it, with much interest, in his public adminis- trations, giving thanks to God for it. It happens ordinarily, though not always, that the closing days of a man so devoted in spirit, and so habitual in the exercises of piety, are calm and se- rene. So were those of Dr Love. “ His latter end was peace. 1 ’ He w r as not indeed triumphant in his religious feelings ; but he was humbly confiding. His hope never forsook him. His faith never failed. And after lingering a while on the threshhold of heaven, he has now “ entered into rest.” Thus we have given some account of one, “ than whom (to adopt the words of an elegant writer, in reference to another man of God and minister of righteousness) no man could gain more or suffer less , by a just delineation .” Perhaps no man of his times approached more nearly to the ancient reformers, in spirit, in manners, and in character. Well may we say of him, “ A prince and a great man has fallen in Israel.” Well may we exclaim, in the words of holy David, u Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men ;” or that of the pious Elisha, when his great master was rapt on high, “ My father, my father, the chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof!” * . c THE MAJESTY OF THE KING OF KINGS A SERMON, PREACHED ON THE SUBJECT OF THE REVOLUTION, Nov. 9. 1788- B THE MAJESTY OF THE KING OF KINGS. Psalm lxxvi. 12. He shall cut off the spirit of princes ; he is terrible to the kings of the earth . That wisdom which enables us to magnify the works of God enters into our souls by means of his holy word. This is true, even in reference to the ordinary appearance of things in the material uni- verse. The vestiges of Divine Perfection are there so manifest, that the eye of reason hardly can avoid seeing something of God. But the ideas of God, which are obtained in this manner, even when the industry of meditation, and the investigations of philosophy have been applied, are too languid, con- fused, and destitute of majesty. We must hear the voice of God himself describing his own works ; then will our sentiments be similar to those which Job ex- pressed in consequence of his being divinely enlight- ened to contemplate the universe : “ I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee ; wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Still more sensibly is the feebleness of our disabled reason felt when we turn our attention to the spiri- 8 THE MAJESTY OF tual government of God, and consider him as the lawgiver, the disposer, and the judge of creatures endued with intelligence, and formed for endless du- ration. All men feel cause to confess their foolish- ness and stupidity with respect to these high mat- ters. That light alone which shines in the sacred oracles, reveals in such a manner the throne and perfections of the Great King, as to produce in us holy, becoming, and heart-satisfying thoughts of his works and ways in his spiritual kingdom. While the heart remains shut against this celestial light, the ordinary course of Divine Providence is frustrated of its salutary tendency. In vain does day utter speech to day, and night unto night. Prosperity destroys, adversity hardens and irritates against God. To the unenlightened soul even the most solemn mi- raculous interpositions are in vain. The ancient Is- raelites gave sufficient evidence of this, of whom the psalmist complains in an humble address to God ; “ Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt as Moses had done long before when he gave this warning to those stupid spectators of God’s wonders, Deut. xxix. 1 — 4. “ Ye have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land ; the great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs and those great miracles : yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.” What darkness and perverseness reign in the heart of man ! How necessary and how precious are thy illumina- tions, thou Almighty Spirit of the living God ! THE KING OF KINGS. 9 Some works of God give a complex display of the glorious character of their author in its general and leading features. These are peculiarly consecrated to the remembrance and instruction of mankind through all ages. At the creation of the world, the wonders of Divine Power, Wisdom, Holiness, Good- ness, All-sufficiency, and Sovereignty, were held forth to view in the original state of human nature. With new and superior splendour, the glories of the invi- sible God shone upon the ruined world in the face of Jesus Christ, the second Adam. But besides these most public appearances of Je- hovah, there hath been, in splendid succession, a series of particular signal interpositions, which hath diffused, through the different times and societies of the church, his majesty and his praises. With a view to these subordinate displays of Divine glory, David utters a prophecy, which includes a long train of remarkable events, not to be finished till the end of the world, in the following words : Psal. cxlv. 4 — 7. 46 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. Men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts ; they shall abun- dantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.'” These words in- form mankind, that, from time to time, they shall see coming forth to view such events as shall give far- ther evidence of the divinity of God’s word, of the certainty of its promises and its threatenings, of the eternal counsels and the supreme power of the true God, and of the subjection of all events to his con- 10 THE MAJESTY OF troul, his designs, his glory, and the happiness of his people. Such was that great public change in Britain, which the completion of an hundred benign years has late- ly brought back, with fresh delight, to our memories and mouths. God himself doth observe, and will bring into judgment, the thoughts, words and con- duct of those who profess, or who decline to profess, a grateful recollection of that magnificent period. That I may promote such sentiments on this sub- ject as shall be honourable to God and profitable to us, let me endeavour to apply the light of God's word to that event : for as the pieces of burnished metal, placed on the summits of high buildings, however bright in themselves, yet hardly appear till they are kindled into splendour by the beams of the sun ; so, till we are specially enlightened by the word and the Spirit of God, our ideas will fall exceedingly short of the dignity of this, and every other Divine work. I find therefore in the Scripture history, that the record of signal events is frequently accompanied with particular inspired compositions, which cele- brate the glory of God displayed in these events. Such compositions were of important use for direct- ing and animating the praises of those persons who witnessed the occasions of them. By means of these compositions, believers, in succeeding ages, not only are excited to remember the great events, but are enabled, in the sympathy of faith, to enter into the feelings of those who were then present. And a third use of these sacred compositions is, that they remain in the church's treasury, to be applied to new THE KING OF KINGS. 11 occasions, in some respects similar to the original occasions of their being written. The words of my text are the conclusion of one of those inspired songs, which breathe wonderful senti- ments of gratitude and triumph. We shall then do some justice to the memory of God’s interpositions at the Revolution, when we feel something of that sacred fire which animated the writer of this psalm. It was composed, most probably, on occasion of that stroke, inflicted by an angelic arm, which repelled the blasphemies, and disappointed the bloody designs of Senacherib, the Assyrian monarch. This deliver- ance is recorded in three different places of the sacred book. Those who duly consider the mischiefs which were prevented by the Revolution, the blessings in- troduced thereby, together with the surprising con- currence of circumstances giving birth to that event, will not blame my application of this psalm to the present subject, as being over-strained or unnatural. In attending to the words of the text itself, I feel something which peculiarly awakens to awe, and in- spires with humble boldness, I wonder how any worm of the dust can venture to decline giving due glory to Him, whose majestic voice is here uttered. 46 He shall cut off the spirit of princes ; he is terri- ble to the kings of the earth.” In handling this subject, I shall, I. Inquire into this awful work of God, respect- ing earthly kings and governments. II. I shall take a view of the Revolution, parti- 12 THE MAJESTY OF cularly in reference to Scotland, as implying in it a Divine work of this kind. III. I shall show how these magnificent operations of God’s holy providence should now be recollected and improved. I. I am to make a short inquiry into the awful Divine work, which the text describes in reference to the kings and governments of this earth. In prosecuting this inquiry, I shall endeavour, in my thoughts and words, to maintain that reverence for civil government, as being the ordinance of God, which I know is required by the fifth commandment, and in many other places of the Scripture. 1 wish to be far from the spirit of those, whose ungovern- able wickedness is thus characterized by the apostle Peter : “ They despise government ; presumptuous are they, self-willed ; they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.” But while I stand here, by com- mission from Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, I must be still more afraid, lest he should be dishonoured by a grovelling timidity. I must endeavour, by grace, to ascend far above the carnal fear of whatever is earthly : I must speak with an authority becoming those majestic truths, before which the highest worldly powers shall bow and shall tremble, either in submissive obedience, or under the wound of avenging wrath. Gird thy sword on thy thigh , thou illustrious Prince of the kings of the earth ! go forth con- quering and to conquer ! THE KING OF KINGS. 13 u The powers that be are ordained of God ; there is no power but of God.” This is true, in a certain sense, of all civil governments that ever existed un- der heaven. If, independently of God, a sparrow falleth not to the ground, much less can any degree of civil power be by any means attained, without at least a permissive ordination from above. Psal. lxxv. 6, 7. 66 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south : but God is the judge; he putteth down one, and setteth up ano- ther.” Nor is the intrinsic dignity of civil govern- ment, as enstamped with the majesty of God, en- tirely removed, even when governors take many wrong steps, both in acquiring and in employing their power. Hence the Redeemer spake thus to Pilate, Johnxix. 11. “ Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above ; therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.” Here the guilt of the Jews is aggravated from their attempting to pervert the civil power to their detest- able purposes ; which civil power, even in the hands of the ambitious Romans, and managed by such a man as Pilate, still was, upon the whole, as is inti- mated by these words of Christ, a Divine ordinance for the good of mankind. Still, however, the beauty, majesty, and Divine origin of civil power, are then most clearly conspicuous, when that power is in such a manner obtained and used, as is marked with the approbation of the Supreme King. Beautiful are the words of David on this subject, 2 Sam. xxiii. 3, 4. “ The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling u THE MAJESTY OF in the fear of God ; and he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds ; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” These general remarks make way for the proposed inquiry as to that awful work of God which the text denounces. That we may think more accurately on this subject, I shall divide the inquiry into these three parts. 1st, What are those sinful provocations which rouse up the Divine vengeance against princes and governments ? 2dly, Wherein consists the execution of vengeance denounced in the text ? 3dly, What are the ends for which God is pleased to exhibit in this world, at some times, such specta- cles of his wrath ? 1st, To raise up and establish a civil government of any tolerable kind, and much more such a one as is peculiarly excellent, is the work, as has been already observed, of God himself. The dignity of such Di- vine works is represented in that noble allegory. — “ Thus,” says the monarch of Babylon, “ were the visions of mine head in my bed : I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth. The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all : the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.” THE KING OF KINGS. 15 Dan. iv. 10 — 12. Here is a grand production of the power, wisdom, and goodness of God. Why then doth God destroy his own w r ork ? Why should such a stern command be issued from on high ? 64 Behold a watcher, and an holy one, came down from heaven ! He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches ; shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit : let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches. 1 ’ ver. 13, 14. I answer, though God giveth not account of any of his matters, yet there are usually in such overturn- ings some remarkable transgressions, either on the part of subjects, or of governors, or of both, which sufficiently vindicate the justice of God's ways, and should stop the mouths of men from murmuring against his procedure. Agreeably to the infallible word of God I mention the following articles of guilt, as furnishing a just cause for visitations so dreadful and astonishing. 1. A spirit of pride, independence of God, and carnal confidence. Wherever this spirit is found, whether in rulers or subjects, it is like a conductor held up to attract the lightning of vengeance from the eternal throne. A wish, an imagination to be like God in dignity and independence threw down myriads of angles from their celestial seats. No throne of government on earth is so firm and sublime as that such a spirit indulged will not sooner or later lay it in the dust. If Kings rule without fear of the Su- preme Majesty, and trust in the multitude or cour- age of their subjects, and become too lofty for an humble subjection to the Great God; or, on the 16 THE MAJESTY OF other hand, if subjects place an idolatrous confidence in their rulers, or in their political constitution, or in their soldiers, or their sailors, or in their flourishing trade, or in their well-fortified situation, or in the friendship of other earthly powers, then both rulers and subjects lie like chaff to be driven off by the whirlwind of Divine wrath. a God resisteth the proud. — Thus saith the Lord, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, whose heart departeth from the Lord,” Jer. xvii. 5. “ But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him,” Dan. v. 20. “ The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee : thou that dwell- est in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground ? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will 1 bring thee down, saith the Lord.” Obad. 3, 4 2 . A spirit of tyranny, oppression, and cruelty, on the part of governors ; or a turbulent, ungrateful, and seditious temper, generally prevailing among subjects, draw down such strokes of wrath from the Almighty Judge of the world. 3. When civil government and its blessings are perverted from their proper subserviency to the spi- ritual kingdom of Jesus Christ, and are sacrificed to the gratification of worldly lusts. 4. When the favour and encouragement of civil power are prostituted to the support of false and blasphemous religions. THE KING OF KINGS. 17 5. When the awful mysteries of the true religion are debased, and rendered vile in the eyes of men, by their being used merely as tools for carrying on political schemes : and so the throne of the eternal and dreadful God of heaven is considered and treat- ed as though it were a kind of footstool for miserable mortals. 6. When the sceptre and sword of civil power are managed in a directly hostile opposition to the truths, the ordinances, and the faithful people of the most high God. In case of these, or the like provocations, God hath just reason, to exhibit solemn and terrible testi- monies of his indignation, to pour contempt upon princes, to sprinkle his garments with the blood of kings and kingdoms, and to raise up the glory and renown of his own name upon the ruins of all that is in the eyes of worldly men great, glorious, valua- ble, and impregnably secured. These things might be largely illustrated and es- tablished by incontestible principles of reason, by the light of God’s infallible oracles, and by the history and experience of past ages. But the design of this discourse requires me to hasten forward to the 2d part of my proposed inquiry ; namely, Wherein consists that execution of vengeance which the words of the text pronounce against un- godly men, even when placed at the summit of earth- ly power ? “ He shall cut off the spirit of princes : he is ter- rible to the kings of the earth.” 18 THE MAJESTY OF It is to be remembered, that usually Divine judg- ments, when inflicted on the great and powerful, ex- tend their influence to the inferior orders of men, es- pecially when God has a principal view to the sins of the people at large in stretching out his hand upon their rulers. When governors and subjects are com- bined in revolting from God, it is perfectly just that great and small should be chastised or destroyed to- gether. The description which I am now to give of God's work of judgment will be most completely ap- plicable to such complex and extensive visitations of Divine anger as involve all the different ranks in so- ciety. It will afterwards appear what part of this general description belongs most immediately to that important period which I have in view to illustrate. When the God of judgment comes near, then, in- stead of that excellent wisdom imparted from above to kings, nobles, and judges, enabling them to rule and to decree justice, instead of this there succeeds a dark and confounding infatuation, which secretly seizes the thoughts and counsels of those whom God designs to bring low. The majesty of this Divine operation is frequently celebrated in the Holy Scrip- ture. So, in the book of Job, xii. 17. 20. 24<, 25. “ He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools. He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged : He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way. They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stag- ger like a drunken man.' 1 THE KING OF KINGS. 19 This paralytic stroke on the political body is at- tended with another, whereby the hearts of kings and of their subjects are disarmed of their former courage, and melt down into unusual and effeminate cowardice. This humbling degradation hath often been manifest in persons and countries once remark- able for invincible fortitude. So the prophet Nahum denounced concerning the once warlike inhabitants of Nineveh, iii. 13. 46 Behold thy people in the midst of thee are women : The gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies, the fire shall de- vour thy bars.” And concerning Babylon, another prophet spake thus : 44 All hands shall be faint, and every man's heart shall melt ; and they shall be afraid : Pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them ; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth : They shall be amazed one of another ; their faces shall be as flames.” And another peal of prophe- tic thunder sounds thus : 44 The mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day, shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.” Then comes forth the alarm, and the wound which reaches to the vitals of those persons whom celestial indignation pursues. Those calamities which were most the objects of their aversion and fear rush down upon them. Their idols, their beloved idols, are violently torn away from the mad embraces of their hearts. Forlorn helplessnes, subjection to hostile and hated power, contempt and ignominy, pain and torment, complete the catastrophe. But something must be added here, which is more dismal than any thing hitherto mentioned. The re- 20 THE MAJESTY OF monstrances of a troubled conscience, the terrors of God, the gloomy forebodings of future unknown misery, the terrible glare of certain and eternal dam- nation ; these, where God withholds repentance and grace, brood with sable wings over those kings and kingdoms that, in its full extent, experience this ven- geance. I proceed to the 3d part of the proposed in- quiry : What are the ends or reasons for which God is pleased to exhibit in this world some such spectacles of his just wrath ? To this I answer in a few words that, The Holy Scripture assigns such reasons as the following — To revive in the minds of men an awful sense of God's Being, Perfections, Presence, and Dominion over this world : To confirm the promises and threatenings of his word: To realize the approach of the universal, perfect, and eternal judgment of mankind : To comfort, establish, and embolden, the children of God in their present warfare and tribulations : To make way for more benign exertions of civil power, under which the interests of the Redeemer's happy kingdom are cherished and widely extended. Having thus finished the doctrinal illustration of the text, I come forward to recollect (which should be done with a mixture of humble awe, gladness, and gratitude) that about a hundred years ago some drops of the wrath which my text declares, fell down THE KING OF KINGS. 21 on this island ; they fell down, but in such a man- ner as that the people then living, and the succession of inhabitants to this day, have had cause on that account to utter shouts of sacred joy. Terrible things were done in righteousness : there was a stroke of wrath ; but it was wrath, subservient to mercy : it was a gracious flame of Divine justice which car- , ried off the pernicious materials ; a flame which pu- rified the throne and court of Britain, and left be- hind it a clear aether ; and, in comparison of former times, a glad sunshine of truth, virtue, peace, mercy, and prosperity. The general doctrine which hath been explained in this discourse might be largely applied to the memorable period which is now the subject of our thoughts, and much correspondence might be traced between that combination of events which issued in the Revolution-settlement, and the leading senti- ments already delivered. This, however, I shall leave to the leisurely meditations of those who either al- ready know the true history of those times, or have it in their power to become acquainted therewith. But that all present, the young as well as the old, may so far be instructed in this matter, as to be a- ble, if rightly disposed, to entertain some proper sentiments of gratitude for a deliverance which we are enjoying every day, I shall take one short look of that period, in correspondency to the inquiry which hath been now prosecuted. Let it be then considered that such high provo- cations had been in those days committed against the majesty of the Son of God, as that it became a righ- 22 THE MAJESTY OF teous thing with him to remove the house of Stuart from the British throne. I am now to speak of things chiefly relative to the kingdom of Scotland, the native country of a good part of my present hearers. There, as is too well known to admit of being denied, in consequence of royal ingratitude and perjury, a bloody persecution was fomented, and carried on for almost the third part of a century. Of this persecution the chief a- vowed ground was a claim of power and authority made by the then reigning kings as wearing one of the pope's titles, that of the head or supreme gover- nor of the church of Jesus Christ. A sinful creature having dared to intrude into the title, dignity, and power, which belong to Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the glorious Trinity, the alone Head and Supreme Governor of his own church, those who were not stupid and impious enough to approve of that sacrilegious usurpation were persecuted to death. On this point, the sufferings of many were expressly stated. The big and fallacious words of prejudiced bigots, or of infidel scoffers at the majesty of the Son of God, may have influence enough on many in the present dissipated age. Many may be taught to look upon those children of God, who then suffered for the ten- derness and zeal of an enlightened conscience, as a race of rebels who made a sacrifice of their fives to their own blind and perverse humours. Stand still thou proud censurer of the upright, thou child of Satan, the accuser of the brethren ! Thy calumnious misrepresentations may sound sweetly enough in the THE KING OF KINGS. 23 ears of an effeminate race of professors, who would soon be scared away from the Redeemer's standard by the first whisper of the trump of persecution. But there is a Judge in heaven whom the opinion of worlds cannot bias, and whom the strength or solici- tations of the universe cannot move aside from the path of righteous judgment. In his ears, u under his altar, the souls of many who were slain" in Scot- land u for his testimony, are yet crying aloud." Rev. vi. 9, 10. and the answer of their cries is likely to alight in part on the heads of those in the present age, who serve themselves heirs to the deeds of their predecessors by justifying their sacrilegious cruelties, and by defaming the memory of those whom in their life and at their death God did glorify with his man- ifest presence, power, and salvation. But leaving the contentious to look wise in their own eyes, I might here enter into a description of the dreadful cruelties exercised for the support of that presumptuous usurpation. I might bring into view the dark procedure of blood-thirsty counsellors and judges ; the instruments of torture ; the number of executions. I might shew you troops of licensed and cowardly murderers dispersed through the coun- try ; the sincere worshippers of God hunted like wild beasts ; their sacred assemblies alarmed and violated ; immediate death inflicted for attendance on Divine ordinances. I might overwhelm your feelings by representing the situation of persons under terrors of conscience and fears of eternal wrath, seeking in the appointed means, for some dawn of saving mercy from above, but overtaken by heaven-defying ruf- 24 THE MAJESTY OF fians, and in their departing moments troubled with the wantonness of cruel and blasphemous stupidity : or, I might point at a condition unspeakably more dreadful, the condition of persons dying in the pangs of obstinate despair, in consequence of having been ensnared into criminal compliances against the voice of conscience and of scripture, through fear of tor- ments and death. But these things I only hint at, their full investigation belonging to the Supreme Judge, who hath said, u The earth shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” That you may form some idea how much the heart of a savage persecutor was possessed by that king, who was by the Revolution driven from the British throne, I shall recite only one fact recorded by an English bishop who lived in those days, and who had no excessive partiality for the sufferers of that period. But, in order to your understanding the fact I have in view, it is necessary to be observed, that an instru- ment of torture was then frequently used, called the hoot . This was a piece of iron, (emblematical of the hearts and faces of those who used it,) a piece of iron, having the figure which its name denotes. The leg of the sufferer being put into this machine, wedges of iron were driven between the iron boot and the leg, by repeated strokes, till the marrow was pressed out of the bone. You will now see the im- portance of the account I am now going to repeat. — “ When any,” says that historian, “ are to be struck in the boots, it is done in the presence of the coun- cil ; and upon that occasion almost all offer to run away. The sight is so dreadful, that without an THE KING OF KINGS. 25 order restraining such a number to stay, the board would be forsaken. But when the duke was in Scot- land, he was so far from withdrawing, that he look- ed on all the while with an unmoved indifference, and with an attention, as if he had been to look on some curious experiment. This gave a terrible idea of him to all that observed it, as of a man that had no bowels nor humanity in him This is the testi- mony of Bishop Burnet. I know not what may be the judgment of this enlightened age, as it modestly chooses to entitle itself : but I hope there is no per- son now hearing me so depraved as not to abhor such a character. Such was the man who, having furiously supported the bloody intrusion of prelatic power on the church of Scotland, at length attempted to stab the political constitution, and to deliver up the whole island into the hands of the blaspheming bishop of Rome. His attempt was blasted. Infatuation, cowardice, and confusion, (blessed be the God of heaven !) at- tended his counsels and efforts. He fled and melt- ed away at the presence of God, and left the throne to be possessed by one whom God had brought forth to be the instrument of deliverance, and of lasting rest to his church in this island. This was a specta- cle suited to instruct that and all after ages. It remains that we consider how these magnifi- cent operations of God’s holy Providence should now he recollected and improved. First of all, let us endeavour, by the teaching and power of the Holy Spirit, to bring our souls under 26 THE MAJESTY OF solemn and deep impressions of those glorious excel- lencies of the infinite God, which were manifest in those events. In the gloomy period which preceded the Revolu- tion, the God of glory had veiled his majesty from carnal eyes, though he was all along manifest to spi- ritual observers in the operations of his invincible grace among the seemingly miserable sufferers. Many signal triumphs of the Redeemer’s power in baffling the externally successful fury of hell-enkindled per- secutors had been exhibited. The gates of heaven had been wide opened, and the sweet savour of glo- ry descending into redeemed souls, had so perfumed prisons and gibbets, that the demon of persecution was almost fatigued and ashamed. Still, however, some visible interposition was ne- cessary, to shew that earth, as well as heaven, is the Mediator’s territory, to justify the hopes of dying martyrs, to make way for the fruit of their sufferings in the church below, and to silence that profane in- sult, u Where is now your God ?” Such a visible interposition did appear in the Re- volution, bearing upon it a glorious engraving of the faithfulness, wisdom, power, mercy, and justice of God. 66 O generation, see ye the word of the Lord : Have I been a wilderness to Israel ? a land of darkness ? The man of wisdom shall see thy name.” 2dly, Our thoughts being spiritualized and exalt- ed with a sense of God’s glorious name displayed in that great crisis, let us, from that beginning of peace- ful days, take a wide range through a century of pre- THE KING OF KINGS. 27 vailing prosperity. I shall not speak of inferior im- provements respecting the transitory affairs of the present world. It is of higher importance to think of what the God of salvation hath been doing in this long season of order and tranquillity. The long- suffering and forbearance of God in suspending de- served calamities, and in continuing abused blessings, is a glorious object of contemplation. But it is more deeply pleasing to wise and humble inquirers into the ways of God, to trace out the bright progress of salvation, and of peculiar love shining forth and con- quering, amidst the black shades of human licentious- ness, ingratitude, backsliding, and incorrigibleness. Much of this kind is to be ruminated upon in our review of the series of things since the Revolution. What multitudes of souls have been in this period converted and prepared for heaven, either in a more silent and unobserved manner, or in seasons of re- markable Divine influences, will not be fully mani- fest till the second coming of the Lord. But the work of God in raising up, in different parts of the island, able and zealous ministers of the gospel, in continuing the dispensation of his ordinances, and in exhibiting, at some times, signal evidences of his presence and power attending these ordinances, gives fair occasion for charity to expect a happy meeting with multitudes of saved and perfected spirits in the world of light, who shall look back to this period with endless and joyful thanksgivings. 3dly, Let us look to the present times. In many respects they are evil. The valuable fruits of much deliverance are devoted, by the lusts of men, to the 28 THE MAJESTY OF will of the prince of darkness. We see around us not only the budding and blossoming, but the matu- rity of wickedness. Infernal sights, sounds and re- ports, distress and overwhelm all who have sensibili- ty enough to be moved with whatever is monstrous in vileness. To a refined and spiritual discernment, a putrid mass of hypocrisy, of spiritual delusion and incorrigibleness, is manifest. Is there then amongst us no remainder of the an- cient glory which dwelt of old in this island ? Bless- ed be the Lord of Hosts all is not yet gone. The power and excellency of the truth is yet known amongst us. Monuments of converting power are yet here and there to be found. Amidst various corruptions and irregularities some clusters of en- lightened and upright souls are yet to be traced out. There are some who mourn in Zion. Some of the unconverted are still overawed with the majesty of God's ways and ordinances, and continue seriously to attend the vital sound of the Redeemer's voice. There are some who contend earnestly for the true faith and power of Christianity. Precious are these stones and this dust of Zion. “ Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." And his dispensations have some- what corresponded to the words recorded by the pro- phet : “ Thus saith the Lord, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not ; for a blessing is in it : so will I do for my servants sakes, that I may not destroy them all," Isa. lxv. 8. 4thly, What are the present duties becoming the faithful people of God, when the Mediator summons THE KING OF KINGS. 29 them around him ; saying as it were, “ Who is on the Lord’s side ? Let him come unto me.” Our sounds of heart-felt gratitude for ancient and long-continued deliverance should be loud, frequent and joyful. But what if that majesty which hath formerly appeared to deliver, to shield, and to com- fort us, should appear to cast us down, to chastise, and to terrify us ? Are we in no danger of this ? Are we indeed so much better than our fathers who felt the rod of God ? Or is God become less holy, less jealous, less righteous, or less able to disturb the sin- ful peace of the world, than in former ages ? Is not the Divine majesty and excellency of gospel ordinan- ces in a great measure removed ? and are they not very generally dwindled down into a kind of human contrivance for a little weekly amusement, or some- thing less than amusement, when more important business cannot decently be attended ? And shall the protecting arms of God continue to encircle and to cherish a dead trifle? Is it worth while that the sun should shine over the heads, or the light of reason in the breasts of a people who have buried in oblivion the glory of their Creator ? Should not the offers of mercy be withdrawn from those who like swine tram- ple them under their feet ? Should not the courage and vigour of those persons be tried by the feeling of infinite wrath, who have defied that wrath viewed at a distance ? Should not the temples of rational brutality be laid in ruins ? Should not blaspheming breath be stopped ? Should not “ the faces of the proud be bound in secret, and hid in the dust toge- ther ?” C so THE MAJESTY OF Loud and solemn is that voice of offended majesty which, in the unflattering oracles of Jehovah, hath long sounded against this perverse island. It would well become God’s children to listen to that voice in such a manner as was done by the holy prophet, when meditating on deliverances wrought out for the church many ages before by the overthrow of ene- mies, not worse than those who in his days assumed the sacred name of God’s people. “ When I heard,” says he, “ my belly trembled, my lips quivered at the voice, rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble : When he cometh up unto the people, he will cut them in pieces with his troops.” u Is there then no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there ?” There is. The insulted Son of God, by his merit and power, is able, consistently with the glory of infinite Justice, to heal those breach- es which are great like the sea. Here, therefore, we who fear God and love mankind, take up our wrestling ground. We try what may be done by the impor- tunity, and perseverance, and fervency of prayer, in improving the precious blood of Jesus Christ, who is Jehovah, the Supreme God, and therefore mighty to save. We try whether God may not thus be pre- vailed with to lengthen our tranquillity, and to grant such effusions of his Almighty Spirit, as should pro- duce in all corners of the land a general reformation of heart and of life. But should we fail of success, should the wicked- ness of men, and the sovereign decrees of God, ob- THE KING OF KINGS. SI struct that answer of our prayers which our hearts desire, then we know what to do. In that case we shall learn, through grace, to say with sweet submis- sion, “Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight !” “ True and righteous are thy unsearchable judgments !” That reward of our work shall meet us in heaven which could not be found on earth. There shall our eyes see a full world of holy and blessed worshippers of God, and of the Lamb. There shall the secret and deep reasons of God’s procedure in withholding, as w~ell as imparting his mercy, be gloriously disclosed to our perfected understandings. In the mean while, amidst the tempests of judgment, as well as in the calm of God’s patience, we shall so- lace ourselves with such strains as these : “ O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee ? or to thy faithfulness round about thee ? Thou rul- est the raging of the sea : when the waves thereof arise thou stillest them. Thou hast broken liabab in pieces, as one that is slain ; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm. The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine : as for the world and the ful- ness thereof, thou hast founded them. The north and the south thou hast created them : Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name. Thou hast a mighty arm ; strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Justice and judgment are the habita- tion of thy throne : mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joy- ful sound : they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all 32 THE MAJESTY, &C. the day : and in thy righteousness shall they be ex- alted. For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted. For the Lord is our defence : and the Holy One of Is- rael is our King,” Psal. lxxxix. 8 — 18. Now, to the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, the King of the ages ; immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP A SERMON, PREACHED, FEBRUARY 3. 1790, AT THE ORDINATION OF THE REV. DAVID TODD, Co- Pastor with the Rev. John Patrick, in the Presbyterian Church, Peter Street, Soho. 1 j ■ . ’ ' TO THE ELDERS, &c> OF THE PRESBYTERIAN MEETING, PETER STREET, SOHO. MY DEAR BRETHREN, Your approbation of this Sermon, and your desire of its being published, give me a hope that you will practically consider and improve it in your deliberate and retired seasons. The discourse is much in the same state as when you heard it. The brevity requisite in performances of this kind obliged me to content myself with touching slightly at the different heads of meditation on this subject, which I hope your serious thoughts will dwell upon and enlarge. My end will be gained, if, in this way, your sacred attention is farther engaged to those Divine ordinances ; which, though despised by many, and trifled with by others, are found, by the wise, serious and humble, to be wells of vital re- freshment, and means of anticipating the joys of heaven. I wished particularly to confirm and in- crease your veneration for that stated ministry of the gospel wherewith God now favours you ; in which 36 DEDICATIONS the seriousness, solidity, and authority of age, and the vigour and industry of youth, unite their influ- ence for your spiritual advantage. It will be a pleasure to me to hear of your har- mony and progress in the ways of the Lord ; and of the increase of your numbers, by the awakening and conversion of many, who hitherto have walked in that broad way which leadeth to destruction. If the pub- lication of this Sermon shall have any influence to promote so valuable ends, I shall have little reason to regard the sneer of the profane, or the bite of the snarling critic. That you may, through the ordinances and word of the Son of God, enjoy the felicities of commu- nion with him, more abundantly than I can ask or think, is the fervent wish of, My Christian Friends,. Your sincere and humble Servant in the gospel, John Love. Hoxton, Feb. 6. 1790. THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. 1 Tim. iii. 1. This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work . The peculiarly solemn nature of this day's work, my Fathers and Brethren, forbids me to dwell long on any thing in the controversial line ; otherwise it might be useful to employ some time in ascertaining the scriptural meaning of the term Bishop. I shall content myself with remarking, that, in the inspired writings, the appellations Bishop and Presbyter are given without distinction to the same persons. In the twentieth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, the same persons are denominated at the 17th verse Presbyters (nperGvIepoi), and at the 28th verse Bishops (e 7ririco7roi). If these words do express offices wide- ly different from each other, I ask, who committed the mistake in this passage ? Was it Luke the his- torian, or Paul the apostle ? Other passages of scrip- ture might be produced to establish this fact, that the Divine oracles give no sanction to a distinction whereof many Christians have been exceedingly fond. 5 38 THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. If, in support of the dignity of modem Bishops, an appeal is made to the authority of the first ages after the apostolic, I recur to the fundamental max- im of Protestants, “ That the written word of God is the supreme Judge of religious controversies; at which tribunal fathers, councils, the wisdom of ages, and the sanctity of martyrs, must bow down.” If it is still insisted on, how could a mistake so gross obtain admission into the church in its purest times, and be patronized by men so conversant with the Scriptures, men so like the Apostles themselves in exalted wisdom and sanctity ? I would reply in such terms as the following : — The character and writings of the primitive Bishops, in some respects, can hard- ly be too much venerated. But their writings have been adulterated and misinterpreted. Conclusions have been drawn from their conduct, in some instan- ces, cf which they themselves were not aware. In the best of these ancient writings some mixture is to be discerned of an uncautious imagination, and of inaccuracy in handling the holy Scriptures. With- out scripture warrant they did early introduce a distinction between Bishop and Presbyter, assign- ing to the one a superior dignity over the other. This, however, seems to have been intended merely as a compliment to superior piety, talents, or suffer- ings in the cause of Christ (for in those times chains were often the jewels which adorned the hands of faithful ministers.) Nor can it be shewn, with any certainty, that the Bishop^s office, as distinguished from that of the Presbyter, had any thing more annexed to it, in the purest ages after the Apostles* THE SPIKITUAL BISHOP. 39 than would belong to the moderator of a modern Presbytery, were his office perpetual. Yet, small as this deviation from the infallible rule may appear, it opened the way for admitting into the Christian church the hideous fabric of the Romish hierarchy, with the standard of blasphemy dislayed on its sum- mit. But, leaving the thorns of controversy, let me il- lustrate the text in a general reference to the minis- terial work. My object is to exhibit the excellency, importance, and glory of that employment which is by the inspired writer stamped with peculiar appro- bation, when he styles it a good, or, as the original word signifies, a glorious work. The Apostle had undoubtedly in view, when he emitted the declara- tion contained in this passage, to animate the hopes and industry of some, and to check the presumption of others who should aspire to the sacred character. But the words of the text are to be regarded by all the members of the church, as teaching them to ap- prove their obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, by yielding respect and submission to the office and ministrations of his true ambassadors. I shall par- ticularly attend to this last design, it being my pro- per work in this service to impress the consciences and hearts of the hearers of the gospel suitably to the present occasion of our meeting. We are, my brethren, to survey the excellency and importance of the ministerial character. Let us consider the gospel ministry as having been the subject of God's eternal counsels and decrees. Such ideas of it are suggested by the following pass- 40 THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. ages, which, with some change of circumstances, may be applied to ordinary pastors. “ Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee ; and before thou earnest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” — u He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel.” Here the mind must soar into lofty regions, where the wing of fancy fails ; where the light is too splen- did for the eye of carnal reason, and too heavenly to be relished by the depraved heart. Whence is it that many hate the very name of the counsels and decrees of God ? The cabinets of earthly princes are revered ; the ideas of wisdom and majesty are annex- ed to state deliberations among men ; but the coun- sels of the Most High suffer derision and reproach. Will God submit to this ? Where doth this evil originate ? In an enlarged and benevolent spirit ? Yes, verily, it originates in such liberty of thought, and irregular attachment to the interest of the crea- ted system, as are congenial with the rebellion and blasphemies of the infernal spirits. But while men and devils cavil, behold the glori- ous intelligences above in full host before the throne adoring with transport between a double blaze of light ; light from the eternal system of Divine pur- poses, and light from their begun execution, hasten- ing forward to a future eternity ! “ I saw,” saith the prophet, 66 the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up ; above it stood the seraphims ! one cried to another and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory. THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. 41 Also I heard the voice of J ehovah, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us ?” Behold the great mass of human beings involved in guilt, and lying undistinguished before the eter- nal Lord. His sovereign thoughts and volitions draw every line of distinction among the multitude of indi- viduals. It is the appointed lot of some to sit on thrones, of others to groan in dungeons. But there are other distinctions of deeper consequence : some shall be holy, vessels unto honour ; others shall be vessels of dishonour ; fitted, by acquired and obsti- nate depravity, for destruction. Amidst these solemn deliberations, I see some conspicuous lines of the counsel. While the bowels of immense compassion yearn over vast numbers of sinners, and the plan of their recovery is formed, this becomes a part of the plan : men shall save men ; by human voice the vital sound of salvation shall reach the heart. Thus shall the excellency of the power appear to be of God ; thus shall the multitude of the saved be cemented together with an union more than angelic, and feel endearments of mutual affection, having in them more than seraphic sweet- ness and strength. It is done ! a roll is formed the contents of which reach from the first to the lat- est ages of the world, wherein are written the names of all those who shall be known in the church as the instruments of divine love and power in diffusing salvation. My friends, I hope your minds perceive something of that unspeakable glory which shines forth in these holy counsels of God ; and that you see a majesty 42 THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. in the brows of his ambassadors, considered as those who are sovereignly chosen to this work, and sent forth to it in consequence of deliberations more an- cient than the earliest birth of time. From the ancient counsels of eternity, let us come down to the fulness of time, when lo ! in our world, and in our own nature, that Wonderful Person in whom God's whole family was chosen. He came forth from the Father full of the designs of salvation. He walked on the earth in the great- ness of his strength, and in his deep self-humiliation. Tokens of kindness, emblems, beginnings of salva- tion, he strewed around him. But no human or an- gelic being comprehended the extent and mysteries of that which was working within his heart. (Thou Lamb of God, permit me by faith to come near that most sacred shrine of the Divinity !) There the schemes of mercy were deposited : there the glowing flames of unquenchable love were ever burning. The love which redeemed the world frequently la- boured to pour itself forth in addresses to sinful men. The words of truth and grace proceeded from his lips in new and inimitable strains. O ye sons of men, why were your hearts so hard ? He said, “ I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain !" But joy was set before him, when the Father spake to him thus : “ It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob ; I will also give thee for a light of the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation to the ends of the earth." THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. 43 In the garden of Gethsemane, and upon the cross, the persons, work, and success, of true ministers were heavy upon him. Jesus suffered Divine wrath, and bowed his head in death, that the prosperity of this work might be secured, that the Gospel might be preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from hea- ven. The care of this work he carried with him into the heaven of heavens. (I speak of his human nature, which alone could, in a strict sense, be removed from world to world ; for if himself may be believed, he had been all along, in respect of his Godhead, in heaven, Johniii. 13.) There he hath been sitting, full of love, at the right hand of power. And, in consequence hereof, I see, from age to age, treading the globe in august succession, a select race of men of whom the world never was worthy. “ When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men — he ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things ; and he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.” The designed effects of the gospel ministry are summed up in these words of Jesus Christ: “ To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God ; that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance amongst them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Woe to them, whose proud ideas of human nature transform this and similar passages of Scrip- ture into unmeaning pomp of language, expressive of nothing more than an external reformation from 44 THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. gross heathenism or profligacy. The Scripture teach- es me to apprehend a hell of wickedness and misery in each human soul, out of which the God of salva- tion, when so it seemeth good in his sight, raiseth up a heaven of peculiar glory. The minister makes his first approaches to the subjects of his work as one who is to besiege a strongly fortified city. Every faculty in the sinner's soul is a strong hold. Darkness and enmity, secretly lodged in the commanding powers of the soul, diffuse a baleful influence throughout the unhappy man. Even conscience, the vicegerent of God, is corrupted ; and self-love, the guardian of human happiness, is bribed over to the interest of sin. See the sinner inebriated by Satan ! He is bold enough to defy Omnipotent wrath, to insult In- finite Majesty. How shall he tremble at the face of a mortal worm? Yes, he shall tremble; he shall die at the sound of words uttered by a human voice. His deeply-rooted love of sin, and confidence in him- self, and in created beings, shall be shaken to the very foundation. He shall begin to think hell itself almost too good for such a wretch. Again the com- missioned trumpet is blown, and the sinner, who saw himself in the jaws of destruction, is surprised with the dawning light and love from on high. His al- most despairing eye is lifted up ; it catches the life- inspiring object, the Lamb of God, once slain, now in the midst of the throne. Now he mourns as for an only son. Now he hopes, he trusts, he loves, he rejoices. Now “ the wolf dwells with the lamb, and the leopard lies down with the kid." Henceforth thy work, O minister of God ! shall in this instance,. THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. 45 be easy and pleasant. Go on with other conquests ; here is one to take part with thee in thy anxieties and joys. But thou must look after him : thou must nurse and feed this lamb, till at the river of death thou deliverest him over into the hands of the great Shepherd. I have described the conversion of an individual. But such wonders must be multiplied. Cities and countries must be filled with flocks of such new men. The regions above must receive a multitude which no man can number. The voice of Divine truth must echo through the earth, making the mighty to tremble on their seats, terrifying the accursed spirits of darkness, accumulating the condemnation and stopping the mouths of the incorrigible. Sin, the world, death, and hell, must be triumphed over. These are the designed ends of the gospel ministry. Suited to these ends are the preparations which the Redeemer makes, and the qualifications which he bestows, when “ he gives pastors according to his own heart.” It is one of the deep things of God, that some are divinely called to appear in the ministerial character, being furnished with excellent gifts, who secretly re- main in the gall of bitterness, and pass at length from the pulpit and the applauses of men into the place of shame and torment. Such a ministry may be binding on the consciences of others, and may yield some profit to the sincere people of God ; but it seldom reaches the conversion of sinners. A friend of Satan and the world, whatever may be his gifts, is but poorly qualified for being the instrument 46 THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. of conversion. How shall one, whose conscience is deceived and fast asleep, sound an alarm loud enough to reach other sleeping consciences ? — I leave this painful subject, having in view to point out their character, who, by grace as well as gifts, are fitted for this high work. “ I have girded thee,” said God to Cyrus, the ancient hero, “ though thou hast not known me.” A divine bias towards the ministerial work, attended with early impressions of grace, is sometimes dis- cernible amidst the first openings of reason. When the conversion of a minister happens in adult years, either before or after his assuming the sacred func- tion, it is often attended with striking circumstances. While he is busied in the acquisition of learning, or in a carnal discharge of ministerial duties, he is ei- ther gradually, or all at once, brought into the depths of conviction of sin. He is held up, even to the view of the world, perhaps for years together, as a spectacle of the power of conscience, of the reality and force of inward distress for sin, and of the truth of that despised saying, “ Strait is the gate and nar- row is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” But, without enlarging on these and other prepa- rations, I shall endeavour to complete the view of the pastoral work, as being supereminently “ a good work,” by exhibiting the true gospel minister in three different situations. I will lead you into his concealed retirements: where, as a spiritual son of Jacob, he wrestles with God. In the solemn silence of the night, or at the THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. 47 voice of the morning bird, I see the man of God me- ditating deeply on the things of eternity. The hea- vens are opened : the God of angels comes down to this recess, and converses with this man as it w ere face to face. His mind is strengthened to look into the unseen regions. The nations of them that are saved, and the crowds of damned wretches, are realized to his thoughts. The nature and excellencies of the blessed God, the mysterious plan of redemption, the blood of the covenant, the operations of the Spirit, are clearly manifest before him. Views of personal salvation and remembrance of Christian friends, gladden and enrapture the hour. But soon the sky is overcast ; a horror of solemn darkness falls thick around him. The recollection of a world perishing in wickedness fills him with anguish. From the gen- eral horror his jealous thoughts are turned to the so- ciety committed to his trust : here, besides what may be suspected of lurking hypocrisy, he finds some gay, secure, and trifling ; others proud, sullen, inacces- sible ; others selfish and covetous ; others sensual, lewd, and profligate ; ethers deceitful and disingen- uous. Now he begins to be in agony of spirit, and to come near the Almighty Throne, that, if possible, he may obtain the life of these dead souls. How r sweet is this pain ! how solemn are these approaches to God ! With what violence, trembling, and delight, doth he take hold of infinite love, merit, and power, in behalf of infinite guilt and depravity ! “ Pray to thy Father in secret, and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” 48 THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. Let us now carry our thoughts to the public as- semblies, where men have been wont to see the go- ings of the Most High. Let us consider the gospel minister in the pulpit, I am not now to recount that painful series of fruitless attempts, to arrest the con- science and gain the heart, which serves as a refining furnace to try and improve the ministerial graces. Such a series of things has a glory of its own, which the world will, in due time, feel to its cost. But I hasten on to brighter seasons, when “ he that hath gone forth weeping, bearing precious seed, comes again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him or, in the words of the blessed Saviour, when “ the fields are white to the harvest, and he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eter- nal.” The day and the hour fixed in the counsel of God are come. The messenger of Christ, and a number of his lost sheep, are brought together. They come influenced by various motives and in different situations ; but all of them in their sins, under condemnation, and averse from the life of God. Little are they aware what God is about to do. But, behold ! something unusually divine at- tends the public devotions ; something which pierces high into the heavens, and penetrates deep into the human heart. The minister’s countenance shines with an awful sweetness, like that of an angel. There is a general attention, stillness, astonishment. Now the arrows of the great King fly forth, and “ are sharp in the hearts of his enemies, whereby the peo- ple fall under him.” They can think of nothing but their undone condition, their ruining sins, their THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. 49 impending doom. Shall these convictions die, or destroy the subjects of them ? No; these wounded spirits shall be cherished, directed, and supported, by a physician invisibly present, till the pangs of this spiritual travail are happily over, till Christ is form- ed in them, till their bruises are bound up, till the oil of joy and the garment of praise are given them ; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. r> I will go higher than the pulpit ; I will shew you the minister of Christ in a loftier situation, and more glorious form. But first, you must suppose that the worlds are as- sembled, that the dead are raised, that the heavens and the earth have fled away at the face of Jesus Christ, that the judgment is set, and the books are opened. Who are these on the Judge's right hand, who stand in peculiar brightness, around whom o- thers are enclustered in lesser circles, or in large as- semblies ? They are the persons of whom it was of old written, “ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of them who bring good tidings !” With what words and smiles of love doth he who died on the cross now address them ! What is now their inward heaven ! approved of God, caressed of men ! What shall be their pleasures, their triumphs, in the long, long flight of eternity ! These things I cannot declare. Grant, thou God of love, that every minister now present; that I, who am less than the least of all saints, may at that day drink deep into this unknown and inconceivable joy ! 50 THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. My brethren, I have endeavoured to shew the ex- cellency of the ministerial work ; suffer me to em- ploy a few minutes more in applying the subject. We see hence the importance of having the pas- sages into the holy ministry well guarded. It is of more essential importance who are the mi- nisters of religion, than who are the ministers of state, or generals, or kings. Any mechanic trade is in general so defended by good policy and the common sense of mankind, that an impostor would play off his arts in vain. Shall the most sacred of all functions lie open to the abuse of every intruder ? But what is the defence of the holy ministry ? The power and majesty of Jesus Christ. He strikes the minds of men with a secret awe, that they dare not presumptuously break in upon this office. In subordination to this, the ministry is defended by that order of church government which Christ hath instituted ; and by the religious wisdom and holy fear of Christian societies. What shall we think of the state of things when this guard is withdrawn ; and when, by a concurrence of evil circumstances, the pulpit becomes, in the eyes of men, a common profane place ? Once, in a hun- dred years, a Mr Bunyan may lift his head, and by his irregular, but humble and pious effusions, affront the race of learned hypocrites. But, what must be tlie consequences of making it an ordinary practice to dignify ignorance, pride, and enthusiasm, with the honours due to those Divine endowments which dis- tinguish the true spiritual teacher ? However good THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. 51 the intentions of some men may be, the designs of Satan, in matters of this kind, and the success of his designs, are frequently too manifest. Is it not a to- ken of the retiring glory of God, and of the approach of public desolating calamities, when this “ abomina- tion of desolation, ” an illiterate, self-created, and self-conceited ministry, stands approved in the holy place ? If the ministerial work is of such importance and excellency, what manner of persons ought they to be whom the Lord of heaven indeed calls forth to this office ? In them a living likeness of Christ himself should be visible to the world : the wisdom, humili- ty, dignity, purity, love, and fortitude, of Christ should be manifestly impressed on their spirit and deportment. But I wish especially to address myself to the hearers of the gospel who are now present. Consider, my brethren, the wisdom, power, and love, of the Son of God, in raising up a succession of gospel ministers. In this vast city there is a kind of satiety of human beings, which, through the cor- ruption of our nature, is apt to harden instead of ex- panding the human heart. The influence of this extends to the estimation of those who publish the gospel. A minister is here so common an object, that much real or imagined excellence is hardly suf- ficient to prevent his being despised. I would en- treat you therefore to give the more earnest heed that you undervalue not the work of Christ, in pre- paring and blessing any one of his true ministers. 52 THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. Though little of that glare should appear about us which dazzles the childish eye, you cannot make light of us, or of our ministrations, without insulting the majesty of our Lord and Master. And, in that case, though you were kings sitting on thrones, he might soon cause you to feel the rod of his anger, in execution of such words as these : “ Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.*” We, while faithful, are safe and invulnerable, shielded by an almighty arm. But we are concerned for your good ; and therefore entreat you, whether you are already the sons and daughters of God, or are yet in your sins, to think seriously of the important spiritual ends of our ministry, and to use your best endeav- ours for promoting these in yourselves and others. I cannot conclude without speaking a few words to the people who statedly meet in this place. I hope, my brethren, you will regard what I now say as something more than words of course ; and that you will not suppose that I mean to insinuate any thing unfavourable as to any part of your conduct. But I become bold when I recollect in whose name and presence I now address you. Let me therefore beseech you, in the bowels of Jesus Christ, that you follow out the business of the sanctuary in a spiritu- al and earnest manner : that you mix nothing of this world's fleshly wisdom with the matters of God and of eternity ; and that you show yourselves to be something more than mere hearers or critics of the word of God. Let your secret chambers witness the THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP. 53 earnestness of your desires for the prosperity of God's work among you : let your domestic devotions and conferences, let the habitual course of your conduct in ordinary life, savour of the fear and the love of God. Remember that this day Jesus Christ recommends, by my mouth, to your continued affectionate regard, your aged and venerable pastor, that now you should tenderly cherish him in the bleak season of infirmity. He hath long been among you as a spiritual father, dispensing that bread of life which hath been, I trust, the medicine and strength of your souls. It w T ill be your glory, it will be a token for good to you, that he should, by the help of your fervent prayers, re- tire from the earthly sanctuary in the spiritual dig- nity and splendour, I will not say of a setting sun, but of a sun ready to arise in a more glorious sky than that which is now visible to the eyes of mortals. Remember also, and let it be attested by the light of heaven which now shines upon us, and by those glorious angels who are present ; remember that, in Christ's name, I demand, in behalf of our brother, now to be ordained among you ; I demand, what ? The embraces of Christian, holy, and durable affec- tions ; the respect of a f people who tremble at the word of God ; the solicitude of frequent wrestlings with God for him : and, while I humbly make this demand, I bear witness that the windows of heaven are ready to be opened to pour out a plentiful bless- ing on him and on you, if you and he fail not in the importunity and perseverance of believing prayer D 54 THE SPIRITUAL BISHOP, The Lord is ready to come forth into this corner of his sanctuary, and to make it glorious with his pre- sence, if there are hearts to invite him ; if there is faith, though as a grain of mustard seed, to suffer him to enter. May this Society be hereafter conspicuous among the many millions of the redeemed ! and may this place be the birth-place and the banqueting-house of many who shall sing eternally in the heights of Zion ! Amen. BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED AND EXALTED BY THE PRESENCE OF JESUS CHRIST: A SERMON, PREACHED AT SALTERS-HALL, APRIL 9. 1794, BEFORE THE CORRESPONDING BOARD IN LONDON OF THE SOCIETY IN SCOTLAND (Incorporated by Royal Charter) FOR PROPAGATING RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE IN TIIE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS. . . . .. . 1 . " : • ■ - • - ' ■ 9 To the Right Hon. Robert , Earl of Kinnouli , President of the Committee of Directors , and Stewards of the Correspondent Board in London of the Society in Scotland for Propa- gating Christian Knowledge . My Lord, and Gentlemen Stewards, While the clash of arms, and the tran- sient, though important conflict of contending na- tions absorb the public mind, it is your honour to countenance an Institution, for promoting that peace- ful immoveable kingdom, which, God hath said, “ shall be continued as long as the sun,” and before which every adverse combination of mankind shall be 65 as the chaff of the summer threshing-floors.” Your animated attention, and effective zeal, in support of so valuable an Institution, will not soon be forgotten by its friends ; and, it is hoped, will stimulate many others to follow your example. The condescension and warmth wherewith you brought forward the requisition of the friends of the Society for giving this Sermon to the world, have encouraged the inscription to you of a composition, in perusing which you will discover, it is hoped, some ideas, and some feelings, congenial with your own. Its imperfections are, perhaps, felt by the author more severely than a candid reader would wish ; yet 58 DEDICATION. he is confident it contains a just, though feeble, de- lineation of the nature, and benign fruits, of genu- ine Christianity ; and he presumes to hope that, ho- noured with the notice of many respectable readers, it may, by the blessing of God, be instrumental for advancing true religion, and the interests of this Society. Instead of fulsome compliments, give me leave, as becomes a minister of Jesus Christ, in the name of so great a Master, to solicit your strongest re- gard and attention to his wonderful Character , and the high interests of his kingdom ; and to those con- cerns of personal salvation , which, to mortal im- mortal beings, are so emphatically important. May Heaven smile upon the Institution you pa- tronize ! May your abodes and families be the seat of those celestial blessings, which Christian know- ledge is fitted to convey ! And may you and yours “ come forth,” at length, to that u resurrection of life” which shall be the felicity of all, who, from principles of unfeigned faith, and love to the Son of God, have “ done good ” These are the ar- dent wishes of, My Lord, and Gentlemen Stewards, Y our most devoted, And most humble Servant, John Love. Hoxton, May 23.1794. BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED AND EXALTED BY THE PRESENCE OF JESUS CHRIST. Mark xii. 41. And Jesus sat over against the treasury , and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury . To set God before us, to realize Him, the Crea- tor and the Judge of all, is the first religious effort of our minds. Awaking from the sleep of atheisti- cal carnality, we no longer dream of a self-supported system of matter ; or of a chaos of human spirits, like the dance of ungoverned atoms, wandering at random and to no valuable purpose. Instead of such delusion, once too sweet, vivid impressions of Deity seize the reflecting soul. Omnipotence, and other Divine attributes, flash upon the mind ; ideas of eternity enter the conscience, and the awful pre- rogatives and dignity are felt of an immortal spirit, acting under the immediate inspection of its Maker and its Judge. Plere begins a serious regard to that revelation of God, which the inspired writings exhibit. The Holy Word, soberly examined, approves its own match- less excellence by intrinsic characters of divinity, which, discernible every where over its sacred body, 60 BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED AND EXALTED are especially resplendent in the face of the Bible ; the display there given of the living, infinitely per- fect God. The serious inquirer, obtaining a glimpse of this, becomes more serious, and is aware that a revelation evidently Divine demands no small de- gree of respect ; he reforms his external conduct, and finds pleasure and advantage in devoting much of his attention to the sacred oracles. And to him may be applied those words of the Judge of the heart, “ Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark xii. 34. But, at length, this great business acquires great- er solemnity. The inquirer, proceeding in this path, becomes more deeply acquainted with God and with himself. Those ideas of Divine perfection, which for a season, though pleasing, were superficial and wavering, now, through the illumination of Grace, settle in a strong permanent perception of Him who is invisible. By slow degrees, or perhaps in an as- tonishing instant, the awful throne of the Eternal rises to view, and abides within his sight. And now he feels the painful trembling of conscience under that load of guilt which before was little perceived. In vain, with our original fallen progenitor, (Gen. iii.) would he think of flight. There is a power over him which constrains him to stand still. He must look inward to an abyss of impurity and desperate wickedness, and upward to the frowning fiery aspect of that Judge, with whom dwells power, majesty, holiness, terribleness, unbounded, unknown. Now the cry of his heart is for mercy, reconcilia- tion, an atonement. How, where shall these be BY THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. 61 found ? Is there any medium whereby it is possible to bring into union such a God, and such an offender r Happy is it for the sinner, in this state of mind, that the Bible is before him ; that he hath learned to resort to that sanctuary of truth, and that the good Spirit of truth is near to guide his trembling steps of inquiry. And now those parts of the sacred volume, which once, perhaps, were least of all others regarded, rise into peculiar importance. Equally removed from the self-sufficient petulance of the proud, and from the fond credulity of the unawakened, he is engaged in continual search for a solid foundation of hope, for a rock of salvation. His mind grasps the scat- tered beams of evangelical light, and welcomes the faintest glimmerings of forgiving mercy, as these ap- pear reflected from obscure predictions, enigmatical emblems, and varied examples of grace sovereignly triumphing over the guilt and vileness of its favour- ed objects. But chiefly among the narrations and doctrines of the New Testament writings, concerning Jesus the Lamb of God, doth the awakened inquirer pursue his search for peace and salvation. In a happy, sometimes long-sought hour, his solicitudes and sor- rows are turned into joy. As when the full-formed infant, from its unconscious confinement presses into the light of this world ; or as when from the womb of non-existence the soul of the first man sprang forth illuminated and holy, inspiring and irradiating the mass of divinely organized dust ; or as hereafter the bodies of the righteous shall rush from the depths 62 BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED AND EXALTED of earth and ocean in forms of glory ; in a manner resembling these effects of the Supreme Power, does the troubled wounded spirit break forth, by Divine influence, from under the gloom of condemnation in- to the kingdom of God's dear Son. For with realiz- ing energy the Spirit of wisdom and revelation brings into the sinner's view the glories of the incarnate Son of God, manifested to bear the sins of many, to recon- cile them to God, and to raise them to infinite blessed- ness. And from heaven the voice of the eternal Fa- ther, who sustains in the oeconomy of grace the high character of the Judge of all, (Heb. xii. 23.) that voice, majestic, authoritative, and consolatory beyond all ex- pression, is distinctly heard, saying, “ Live!" u De- liver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom." 66 This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." “ He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemna- tion, but is passed from death to life." Ezek. xvi. 6. Job xxxiii. 24. Matt. xvii. 5. John iii. 36. and v. 24. And now, behold a new creature ! Behold a man formed to glorify God ; a man created in Christ Je- sus unto good works ; a man full of mercy and of good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy ! Examine, my brethren, the character which hath been described. In it you will discover those migh- ty principles which bring all the powers of the man into holy benevolent exertion. This man is a Chris- tian. The sense of deep-felt misery hath softened, the faith of infinite love sweetens, expands, ennobles his heart. He is acquainted with God ; he lives as under the eye and before the throne of the Holy One. BY THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. 63 This man hath been with Jesus ; hath attended him going about doing good ; hath felt the sweet energy of his redeeming arm. The scenes of Galilee, of Jerusalem, of Calvary, are deeply engraven on his spirit. Jesus, the lover of mankind, is in his very heart. Can he then resist the melting impulse of heavenly love ? Can he avoid loving mankind ? Can he refrain from doing them good ? lie cannot. This whole process is summed up in inimitable language by the prophet, who introduces the Great Messiah thus speaking : “ The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me ; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek ; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives ; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness ; that they might be call- ed, Trees of Righteousness, the Planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. And they,” these once broken-hearted, now comforted and sanctified people, “ shall build the old wastes ; they shall raise up the former desolations, the desolations of many generations.” Isa. Ixi. 1 — 4. And here, my Christian brethren, we come home to the special business of this day ; when you unite together in the presence of the God of heaven, to put your hands afresh to the building of that august temple of truth and mercy, which, finished on earth, shall be conveyed into heaven, there to shine for ever. You came, my brethren, from your closets, from your families, with this good work in your 64 BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED AND EXALTED hearts ; you bring the offering of benevolence to the house of God. What then is the object of my ad- dress to you ? Not to kindle that fire which already burns ; not to melt those humane bowels which al- ready yearn towards the little ones of our distant brethren : my object is to sublimate the exercise of your benevolence, and to add somewhat of a celestial perfume to your sacred offering ; that while your money is liberally given, you may present before God that which is more precious than gold or silver, the concern, in behalf of this great Charity, of minds enlightened from above* of hearts which know what it is to love “■ in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” Happy, had they known their happiness, were those people referred to in my text, who present- ed their offerings under the immediate eye of our Divine Lord ! Fatigued with his holy labours, wearied with the obstinate smugglings of that hypo- crisy which refused his healing hand, “ he sat down over against the treasury,” and the shew of pious liberality engaged his notice, u he beheld how the people cast money into the treasury.” His gently piercing human eyes, surveyed their countenances, their demeanour, their donations ; the eyes of his Godhead searched their inmost hearts. And among the crowd one aspect, one heart, pleased this infalli- ble Judge. “ There came a certain poor widow.” Her looks were downcast, her countenance bore the marks of sorrow and of penury, clouding the nobi- lity of her exalted mind ; some Pharisee had de- voured her house, she is ashamed of her small offer- ing. She little expected to draw the deep regard of BY THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. 65 her Creator and her God. He pronounced to his attending disciples, “ Verily, I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in than they all.” How would it bless this assembly, might it be said, Open these gates, let the Man of Nazareth, the God-man, enter this house ! Breathing in the midst of us the perfumes of his love, let him look round on every present mortal with those eyes from which streamed the peculiar radiance of wisdom, purity, compassion ; those eyes through which the Godhead shone : let him lift up among us that voice more majestic than the thunder of the skies, sweeter than the music of heaven, while he pours into our souls the dictates of truth and grace, “ Come unto me, and I will give you rest. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Give, and it shall be given unto you. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Whosoever shall give to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, shall in no wise lose his reward.” Matt. xi. 28. vi. 33. Luke vi. 38. Acts xx. 35. Matt. x. 42. Ah ! He is no more here. No more do mortals behold those eyes from which streamed the peculiar radiance of wisdom, purity, compassion ; those eyes through which the Godhead shone. No longer is heard on earth that voice, more majestic than the thunder of the skies, sweeter than the music of hea- ven : That voice was silenced, those eyes were clos- ed, by the violence of death : 66 He was cut off out of the land of the living !” Isa. liii. 8. And is our intercourse with him then cut off? It is not. “ Blessed are they who have not seen, and 66 BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED AND EXALTED yet have believed. Yet a little while,' ” said he to those who loved him, “ and the world seeth me no more, but ye see me.” At this hour, “ he walketh in the midst of the golden candlesticks.*” John xx. 29. xiv. 19. Rev. ii. 1. u Without controversy,” saith the apostle, “ great is the mystery of godliness ; God was manifest in the flesh.” 1 Tim. iii. 16. That the one infinite Godhead subsists, undivided, unmultiplied, in Three Persons mysteriously distinct and co-equal, is that foundation Rock of revealed truth, around which, from one age to another, the billows of human pride have rolled, and roared, and foamed in vain. Con- genial with this is the Scripture idea of the wonder- ful Person of Jesus Christ the Saviour. And be- cause these sublime truths are essential to the Gos- pel, they are, with Divine skill, wrought into the whole contexture of the lively oracles. Therefore, (let this be spoken without the least tincture of ma- levolence, rather with the most tender melting of compassion for men dangerously deceived by the subtle enemy of souls,) therefore the proud opposer of mystery cannot avoid feeling sometimes in him- self a secret misgiving of conscience, a condemning though suppressed conviction, that he is hostile to the oracles of God, and consequently to his own sal- vation. * And who is this enemy of mystery ? What are his pretensions ? Is he a wise or happy being ? He is not wise : the man who has thought on any subject without finding mystery in it, deserves not * Tit. iii. 11. Gal. v. 20. last word, connected with verses la and 21. BY THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. 67 the title of philosopher; his proper name is “ shal- low thinker.'” The obstinate hater of religious mys- tery is not a happy being. His happiness is, in the nature of things, an impossibility ; unless the God, in whose universe he is an atom, might become something lower than a being Infinite and Incom- prehensible. Following the dictates of the Infallible Under- standing, I embrace the sacred truths, which never can be fully comprehended. Their evidence, their awful amiable glory, g;ive rest to my mind, and pre- sent pleasure to my heart ; while their unsearchable mysteriousness opens a horizon around me immense, astonishing, and which covers with its distant clouds those unknown treasures which shall fill eternity with inexhaustible delight. Here I make a sacrifice, not of my understanding, but of its delusive detest- able pride. And having made this sacrifice, I exult in the consciousness that no particle of my ration- ality is lost ; my mind drops its disease, not its vi- gour ; its littleness, not its dignity ; its bondage, not its freedom. But this is not the hour of disputation. I return to you, my Christian brethren, who possess “ the meekness of wisdom who cherish the wise, placid simplicity of the disciples of Jesus. Your good works are performed at the foot of the cross, at the footstool of the throne of the adored Lamb of God. And you wish at this moment to catch a glance of the countenance of him, whom your souls love. The heavens have received him. The local dis- 68 BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED AND EXALTED tance between us and his glorified humanity is im- mense. He is wrapt up in that light and glory which archangels contemplate with astonishment and awe. Our minds are clogged with sense, and cloud- ed with unbelief. Yet, lifted up by the spirit of wisdom and revelation, we see Jesus, who was made a little while lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honour. Eph. i. 17. Heb. ii. 9. By the medium of his present Divinity we hold converse with the Man Christ ; we are with him in heaven, he is with us on earth. Strange, but real intercourse ! Glorious sympathetic harmony between the heart of Christ reigning on high, and the hearts of Christians sojourning, suffering below ! Come, my brethren, retire from this poor world, and soar into the eternal regions. Enter into the holiest place within the veil. Press through the throng of celestial powers. Ascend towards the throne of Deity ; and behold him flaming as the Sun amidst that throne : behold the worshipped Lamb, who was slain ! Sincere Christian, whoso- ever thou art, come near ; contemplate him whose heart melts over thee. Before him are spread out in vast assemblage the counsels and decrees of eter- nal love. And in that book which fills his right hand, his sacred eyes glance upon those lines, which unfold the appointed progress of truth and salvation over the northern regions of the globe. And there is a sounding of those Divine bowels which rever- berates within the breasts of the Christians in this house. Its language, if mortals may presume to conceive it, is such as this : “ Whom shall I send. BY THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. 69 and who will go for us ? Where are the people whose pure zeal and benevolence shall be as the wheels of my gospel chariot ? Go, ye cherubs, spread out your wings over that little assembly : and thou Holy Spi- rit, fountain of wisdom, inspirer of love, breathe upon them, clear off the film from their eyes, fan thy rising flame in their hearts, grant them accord- ing to their heart, and fulfil all their counsel.” Isa. vi, 8. John i. 51. xvi. 7. Psal. xx. 4. Mountains, Islands of my country ! mansions of care and poverty, retreats of darkness, let my spirit melt over you while I rehearse in the ears of your benefactors the words of ancient prophecy : 46 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them ; and the desart shall blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing : the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon : they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.” Isa. xxxv. 1, 2 . Blessed be the God of love, who, in fulfilment of such words of grace, raises this day to our view the splendid idea of a myriad and a half of children visited with the light of heavenly instruction. May that light enter into their tender minds with power, and with all the ful- ness of the blessing of the gospel of peace ! But other myriads remain uninstructed, ready to perish for lack of knowledge ; with the sad aggra- vation of knowing that the dew of benevolence hath come near them, to bless their neighbours, but hath stopt short of them. Does this roof cover the man, whose eye is evil towards this Institution, because 70 BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED AND EXALTED God has been, in reference to it, peculiarly good ? Who dares to say in his heart, u Enough of that de- sart hath already blossomed ; enough hath been done, if so many thousands of children are cared for, though other tens of thousands remain around them wretched as before ?” Narrow-hearted audacious man ! thou invades t the dread prerogative of Deity. To God it does belong to distinguish equals in guilt and misery, by a choice awfully sovereign ; and to ap- pear glorious in the salvation of a part, while the righteous curse lies unabated on the remainder. But remember, sovereignty of this kind, like the claim of worship, is too lofty for a creature : it is peculiar to Him who fixes the limits between the universe and non-existence, and who hath right to pronounce, at what point he pleases, “ I will create no more.” It is thy province, O man, to go to the very utmost limits of thy power in attempting to do good. With ardent impulse let the friends of this great Institution press forward into the yet unexplored haunts of dark wretchedness. Survey those majes- tic ruins of a world once all over paradisiacal. Mount up, amidst the pure aether of that rugged promon- tory, which hangs high-threatening over the rolling deep. “ Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art, northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward,” (Gen. xiii. 1 4.) ; look far out into the isle-besprinkled ocean : behold the magnificent theatre of this day’s benevolence, adore that power which expands it, and bless that good- ness which invites thee to the honour of becoming its instrument, BY THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. 71 Think, O Christian, what precious, but perishing, treasures of immortal spirits are scattered over that wild expanse; wherever the rising smoaky cloud, and the black or green sod, mark the lonely cottage, or the obscure village. The little ones that crowd those dreary mansions, like the other children of fallen Adam, are born as the wild ass’s colt. In their little minds is the chaos of darkness ; there al- so are the poisonous seeds of evil dispositions, of corrupt and devilish affections. Over them hangs the displeasure of the unknown, offended Deity. All is dark around them : no instructor is near : the blind are leading the blind : the insidious powers of hell are prepared to enjoy an easy, cruel triumph. Even nature frowns ; inclement skies, and sometimes more inclement tyrants, are ready to blast every prospect of their temporal comfort. Yet, all ragged and hun- gry, the poor creatures smile and sport around, as if in hope of unknown approaching deliverance. Let it not be withheld. Have pity, thou God of mercy ! Have pity, ye children of mercy, who have tasted the love of God ! These children are blind, guilty, depraved. Let the oracles of truth and salvation be sent among them ; let their eyes behold their teachers ; let them be instructed to read, to venerate, to explore the sacred volume. “ They shall see great light ; they shall hear joy and gladness : Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle-tree ; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that 72 BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED AND EXALTED shall not be cut off.” Isa. ix. 2. Psal. li. 8. Isa. lv„ 13 . These children shall grow up amidst the awful magnificent scenes of nature: wandering among mountains, rocks, and seas, let them learn to give glory to the Lord, to swell their minds with lofty ideas of the unseen Majesty, and with solemn de- light to survey “ the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of the love of Christ.” Eph. iii. 18, 19- Thus “ let the sea roar and the fulness thereof : let the floods clap their hands, let the hills be joyful to- gether.” Psal. xcviii. 7, 8. They must endure, by and by, a laborious strug- gle with a barren soil, under adverse skies ; let a sense of the authority and compassion of the Al- mighty rouse them to activity, and arm them with patience. If their chiefs are generous, humane, and public-spirited, let them be formed to sensibility, to fidelity, to vigorous industry, in executing the well- concerted schemes of patriotism. But, should the hungry demon of despotism, wrapt up in adverse clouds, brood over them ; let them be taught to sigh into the bosom of their God ; to bear patiently the minister of his chastening wrath, to wait the approach of the oppressor’s promised overthrow ; or, should that come too late, to pass in silent triumph from under the monster’s feet, into the temple of endless rest, glory, and delight. Job xxxv. 9, 10. Psal. lxxii. 4. Mic. vii. 9. Rev. xiv. 13. Perhaps dire necessity shall compel some of them to quit their native shores, and to traverse the vast BY THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. 73 ocean in search of more hospitable regions. Let them carry with them, from the schools of this Socie- ty, some memorials of the kindness of their country- men ; let them carry the precious seeds of heavenly truth, to be scattered by their hands to the uttermost ends of the earth. Their nerves are high strung: let their native courage be sublimated, chastened, and refined, by the principles and habits of Christianity. Then shall they be, in the defence of their country, hu- manely invincible. Or should they be hurried into foreign fields, to strew their bones before the mouth of the destroying cannon ; there, my brethren, your instructions, impressed by the Spirit of God, will not forsake them ; there the powers of the everlasting gospel will sustain them, when nature dissolves, and when, in place of the horrid tempest of the field, the solemn tribunal of judgment appears in sight. From scenes of guilt and horror, let our thoughts return to the peaceful wilderness. I think I see a little lively Highlander returning from the place of instruc- tion, flushed with some gentle encouragements, and exulting, with pardonable honest vanity, in the suc- cess of his diligence. He arrives at his home. He takes from under his arm a decent Bible. The fami- ly gather round him ; he cannot help gratifying them, and himself, with a little display of his newly-acquir- ed abilities. He begins to read : they stare, aston- ished at the unusual exercise. He proceeds with firm tone, and with the confidence which their ad- miration inspires. Among his hearers there is one who sits, perhaps lies, neglected in a corner of the 74? BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED AND EXALTED cottage, one of whom the cruel world is weary, one who feels in himself the solemn sentence of hasten- ing dissolution. He too is roused from his languor : he listens ; and from the child’s lips the words of the Almighty pierce his long insensible soul. The tears of conviction steal down his withered visage ; and after them the tears of tasted forgiveness and grace. What supplications, blended with praises, thenceforward ascend from that corner, to return a- round it in future showers of blessing, I attempt not to describe, nor with what supplicating gratitude, in the last solemn hour, his eye glances on the little unconscious instrument of his salvation. This address must very soon be concluded. We have advanced thus far in the presence of the Son of God, u whose eyes are as a flame of fire ; and,” saith he, a all the churches shall know that I am he who searcheth the reins and the hearts ; and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” Rev. ii. 18. 23. Does any thing in this assembly provoke his jea- lousy ? Shall I mention that, which the Apostle says should not be once named among Christians — covetousness ? Eph. v. 3. Is there here a covetous man, a lover of money, an idolatrous admirer of shining dust ? Miserable sinner ! thou art offensive to the eyes of the Judge of the world ; thy feelings and ideas, and the whole secrets of thy character, he knows, and hates from his very soul ; thy name stands in his book in the blackest catalogues of the condemned ; thy doom is almost sealed in heaven : repent, repent ; fly from his burning wrath ; cry for BY THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. 75 redeeming mercy and power, to change thy stony heart, to blot out the blackening cloud of thy guilt ; that thou, even thou, in this thy day, mayest know how much better it is to love Christ, than to doat on bags of money ; to give bountifully, than to be per- petually scrambling for the increase of the sordid heap. I apprehend danger in a character more tenderly affecting, and more likely to be found in an assembly of this nature. Humane, unconverted man ! permit me, in the bowels of Christian friendship, to appeal to thy conscience. Dost thou not still walk in un- subdued pride ? Is not thy spirit, though not un- generous, still earthly, sensual, vain ? Thou know- est not that brokenness of heart for sin, that savour of redeeming love, that holy communion with God, which are essential to the Christian character. Alas ! that so much gentleness, and sweetness, and probity, should be in danger of being lost forever. O that this one saying might sink down into thine ears, “ Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John iii. 3. O that spiritual con- viction might enter thy breast, and that grace from on high might visit thee ; that ere long, having tast- ed the love of Christ, thou mightest know how much the wine of Christian affection surpasses the milk of mere human kindness ; and that thy philanthropy no longer might terminate in the bodies and inferior interests of thy fellow-men, but might embrace their spirits, their weightiest, noblest interests, their con- cerns in reference to God and eternity. Still I apprehend danger from another quarter. 76 BENEVOLENCE INSPIRED, &C. There are gospel-speculations, which leave the heart dead, stiff, proud, malignant. Woe to the man who walks in the crooked path of evangelical hypocrisy. In that dark path, the Son of God, of whom he vainly boasts, will meet him as an adversary, and will say, “ What hast thou to do to declare my sta- tutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth ?” Psal. 1. 16.- But I must not too much damp the joy of this day, with the gloom of so horrid a character. One thing remains. Let all the sincere lovers of Jesus Christ unite in giving him glory : 66 Immanuel, God in our nature ! Wonderful Saviour ! Thee we adore, One with the Father and the Spirit in the Divine Essence, and in the counsel of salvation : Thee we acknowledge the Purchaser, the Bestower of every spiritual blessing ; to Thee we ascribe the honour, and commit the success, of every disposition and endeavour to do good: To Thee we humbly devote our spirits and our bodies : To the unclouded sight of thy glory we aspire : In the bosom of thine immediate Presence may we dwell for ever ; and partake, with thy redeemed multi- tudes, in all the burning raptures of thine immortal love. Amen, and Amen/ 1 THE RADICAL CAUSE OF NATIONAL CALAMITY: A SERMON, PREACHED AT THE SCOTS CHURCH, CROWN COURT, RUSSEL STREET, COVENT GARDEN, October 27 - 1794 . E ~ i. . Jft AN ALARM TO THE PEOPLE OF GREAT BRITAIN. Isaiah Ixiii. 10. But they rebelled , and vexed his Holy Spirit : therefore he was turned to be their enemy , and he fought against them . My brethren, we are placed in this world that we may be witnesses of the works of God. The pow- ers of reason are not bestowed on us for trivial pur- poses. From all that is above us, or around us, or under our feet, from all that we ourselves are, this voice issueth forth, 66 Stand still, O man ! and con- sider the wondrous works of God.” Job xxxvii. 14. And if regenerating grace, accompanying the Divine word, hath roused and illuminated our rational fa- culties, we can no longer with stupid indifference stalk up and down among the wonders of the Al- mighty. In the ordinary and tranquil state of the world, the objects and movements which appear will often fill us with astonishment, and draw forth our adoring acknowledgments and praises. But there are periods when the visible operations of Divine government become peculiarly solemn and interesting — when, if I may allude to the propheti- cal emblem, 66 the wheels are lifted up from the 80 THE RADICAL CAUSE earth, their wings appear dreadful in their height, and the noise of the wings of the spirited living creatures, among these wheels, is like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech as the noise of an host.” Ezek. i. Then even the blind w^orld begins to look aghast, and the slum- bering reason and conscience of the multitude are awakened. And in such a period shall they remain asleep, who profess to be the children of light, the posses- sors of supernatural wisdom ? God forbid ! Yes, my brethren ! it is time for us, in the pre- sent embroiled state of the European nations, turn- ing away from inferior causes, to look up to Heaven, with that question warm upon our hearts, “ What meaneth the heat of this great anger?” For, if the state of things admits a remedy, if still it is possible to prevent or to suspend for a time the execution of deserved judgment, in this way alone must deliver- ance be obtained. The mighty hand of Him who created the worlds must be seen, acknowledged, and adored ; and an inquiry must be made into the caus- es of that holy anger, which never can arise without a cause. And this must be done, not superficially, not deceitfully. The fatal disasters of the ancient Jerusalem were precipitated by that spirit, which is thus marked in the prophecy of Jeremiah: “ Who is the wise man that may understand this, and who is he to whom the mouth of the Lord hath spoken that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth ?” Jer. ix. 12. “ They have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 81 when there is no peace.” Jer. vi. 14. And the si- lent ruins of the city gave to the complaint of the lamenting Prophet unutterable energy, when, be- holding them, he thus spake : “ Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee ; and they have not discovered thine iniquity to turn away thy capti- vity, but have seen for thee false burdens, and causes of banishment.” Lam. ii. 14. I proceed, therefore, in the name of the Lord of hosts, whose messenger I am, however unworthy, to declare and testify, that the source of all our public calamities is the wickedness of the country ; and that contempt of the Holy Spirit of God, in his peculiar operations on the souls of men, is the central point of that wickedness. This awful charge I mean to state as applicable to all the orders of society among us, from the high- est to the lowest. The great of the land are not before me : I wish they were. Called by Providence, and armed with heavenly strength, I should be glad to plead with them, on this subject, face to face. But though, as members of the community, we are oqly a handful of obscure individuals, our exercises will not be unimportant, or unregarded by the King of glory, if our spirits are sincerely broken by views of our own sinfulness, and of general rebellion against the Majesty of Pleaven around us. Contempt of the Holy Spirit of God, in his pe- culiar gracious operations on the souls of men — this, this is the great, the general crime of the Bri- tish Islands. A heavy accusation exhibited against a great peo- 82 THE RADICAL CAUSE pie ! If it is groundless, I shall merit severe censure, as a false accuser of my country. Happy should I be, were it possible to prove the contrary of what I have stated, and to show that there does prevail, among the various classes of men, that humble es- teem, veneration, and submission, which the person and operations of this blessed Agent demand. But I fear my proofs of guilt shall be irresistible, and by no means hard to be collected. In order to form just ideas of our conduct towards the Spirit of grace, it is necessary that we look back, for a little, into past ages. These countries, for a long period, were overwhelmed with the darkness, and polluted with the abominations, of the Popish superstition. Under that depraved system, the glo- ries of the Spirit of Jesus Christ were dreadfully obscured. Instead of the beauty, power, and splen- dour, of his vital operations, the Christian church held forth to the view of the world a multitude of deluded idolaters, whose veneration and hopes rested sacrilegiously on worldly pomp, human authority, uncommanded rites, fruitless austerities, and the imaginary powers of the idol Free-will. At length, at the call of Heaven, first in this is- land, afterwards in other countries, the eye-lids of the morning were opened. Then the Spirit of Je- hovah, who had all along in heaven rested uneclipsed on the High Priest and Mediator of the church, burst forth in these darkened regions. In the Reformers themselves, and in multitudes who embraced their doctrine, the nature and excel- lency were displayed of that unaffected spiritual re- OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 88 ligion, which is produced by Divine influence ; and illustrious specimens were exhibited, what the Al- mighty Spirit of Grace can do, in renewing the souls of men. Great opposition, as might be expected, was made to this resurrection of true Christianity, and the fires of persecution were kindled. But amidst those flames, the perfumes of Heavenly Grace diffused their fragrancy, and rose accepted to the skies, as in the apostolic and purest following ages. And thus the world at large, and in a very special manner the inhabitants of these Islands, were sum- moned to behold the Majesty of the Holy Ghost, and to submit to his gracious operations. Here I take up the complaint and accusation of my text, “ But they rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit.” Ah ! why were the progress of Reforma- tion, and the conquests of the pure Gospel, inter- rupted, by the grovelling schemes of this world's policy P Why were dead forms and unwarranted ce- remonies held fast, and exalted into the place of the power of Godliness ? Why was the sword of public justice drawn against the Saints of the Most High ? And why, when, after multiplied deliverances and provocations, the returning Spirit of the Lord in the present century lifted up his standard, and rose in awful majesty, to destroy the works of the Devil, and to rescue myriads from Satan's tyranny — why was his offered return not universally welcomed ? why was his sovereign procedure daringly reproach- ed, and the memory of his wonders at length almost extinguished ? “ When I remember these things, I pour out my 84 THE RADICAL CAUSE soul in me.” Psalm xlii. With deep regret, I at- tempt to form the idea of the glorious height of pu- rity, to which, in these countries, religion might have been by this time advanced, had the early calls of infinite Grace been humbly and uniformly obey- ed. And I hear with awe the secret voice of the Holy One, thus complaining over an ungrateful people: “Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field ? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken ? O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments ! Then had thy peace been as a ri- ver, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” Jer. v. 25. xviii. 14. Isa. xlviii. 18. The schemes of Divine Providence are the schemes of Him who is eternal. Before God, a thousand years are as one day. Therefore, the dispensations of God, towards different and distant ages, are mys- teriously connected together. And sometimes, on one particular race of men a tempest of judgments hath fallen, which had been gathering for ages. (See Gen. xv. 16. Matt, xxiii. 35, 36.) Is this proce- dure unrighteous ? No : For in such cases, the chil- dren who feel the stroke, have served themselves heirs to the crimes of their fathers, by inheriting their spirit, and by bringing to maturity the wicked- ness which their ancestors had begun to exemplify. Into a dark reckoning of this kind, I fear, the present race of men must enter. For we have imi- tated, we have gone beyond, the impiety of our fa- OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 85 thers — “ We have rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit.” “ The shew of their countenance doth witness against them,” (Isa. iii. 9. 25.) said the holy Pro- phet, when about to pronounce the awful sentence in the ears of Jerusalem, “ Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war.” The pre- vailing spirit and dispositions of a people, form the general look, dress, and demeanour ; and when the exterior appearance, which is fashionable and approv- ed, is such as plainly indicates levity, haughtiness, and estrangement from the spiritual world, the evi- dence commences of the crime concerning which we now inquire. Look at the multitude among us, you who are capable of judging in this matter. You need go no farther to discover the existence, and wide dominion, of that spirit, which is in direct op- position to all heavenly influences. Nor shall these lesser marks of rebellion elude the notice of those Divine eyes, which are as a flame of fire, or escape the blasting rebuke of Him who hath said, “ The eyes of the lofty shall be humbled.” Isa. v. 15. — 44 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed, and against whom hast thou lifted up thine eyes on high ? even against the Holy One of Israel.” Isa. xxxvii. 23. — “ Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched-forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go ; therefore the Lord will smite.” Isa. iii. 16. The breath of public opinion, the current of ge- neral sentiment and speech on the subject of Divine influences, or the profound oblivion and silence in 86 THE RADICAL CAUSE which that subject is buried, will soon convince an intelligent observer, that we are a people laden with this iniquity. But I must not linger at the threshold ; I hasten to mark out decisive proofs of this wide- wasting treason against the Majesty of the Holy Spirit of the living God. Of these, the first and most prominent is — Sabbath-breaking , or the prostitution of Sacred time . Were it my design to establish the authority of this wise, good, holy institution, I might go back to the foundation of the world, and to the bowers of the original paradise ; or I might call you to listen to that terrific voice of words, which, issuing from the tempestuous darkness and flames of Sinai, con- veyed terror to the breasts of millions, while it pro- nounced the statute of Heaven, “ Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy.” But I take it for granted, that the institution is Divine. My present object is to mark the atrocity of its violation, as im- plying a vile contempt of the influences of the Holy Spirit. When the glorious Saviour, having finished the mysterious purchase of salvation, rose to endless life and dominion on the first day of the week, the honours of the Sabbath were justly transferred to that day ; and its hours became peculiarly sacred and auspicious, as the season when mortals, humbly waiting upon God, might hope to be visited with those operations of the Spirit of Jesus Christ which OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 87 apply the blessings of redemption. What then might be expected in a country wherein such a Sab- bath is made known ? We plead not for the formal austerities of hypocrisy ; but we contend for it, and all the sophistry in the world cannot resist us, that to refuse a serious, diligent observation of the Chris- tian Sabbath, with a view to the spiritual ends of its appointment, is to contemn those influences of the Eternal Spirit, which bring salvation, and heaven, into immortal souls. Every Sabbath-breaker is such a despiser ; every act of Sabbath-breaking expresses such contempt What then must be the state of a country filled with such rebels ? Be astonished, ye Heavens ; be ashamed, thou Sun, whom the Spirit of God placed in the skies — withdraw thy shining beams from the haunts of such transgressors ; and thou solid Earth, tremble under their steps, while they assemble in unashamed crowds, to declare, before angels and men, how much they despise the Majesty and Grace of thy Creator ! I form the idea of a conference between two of those degraded archangels, whom the Scripture de- scribes as u the rulers of the darkness of this world.’” Meeting in the aerial regions, they communicate to each other their horrid machinations and delights ; and thus Belial accosts the fierce ensanguined Mo- loch : “ Whence, and whither is thy flight, admired Hero of the sable abyss ? What new exploit moves thy panting bosom, and touches thine eyes with fire To whom Moloch answers, “ Where the slain are, there am I. Fields of blood are my garden of plea- 88 THE RADICAL CAUSE sure. J oyful is the thundering pomp of modern sci- entific destruction. But chiefly am I pleased with the bestial crash of teeth, in the combatants approach- ing to close conflict. I am then equally delighted with the murdering rage of the conquerors, and with the pale ghastliness of the slain. Satiated thus, in yonder plains, I fly across the country, catching, as I pass, the groans and shrieks of widows, sisters, pa- rents, brothers, and helpless children. But I has- ten to a scene, where most of all I feel myself a God ; to mark, in the circle of modern Statesmen, the sim- pering smile, and the self-important obstinate shrug, wherewith the report of disaster, and of the carnage of their countrymen, is entertained. No song of Homer is necessary to rouse these mortals to blood ; a little inglorious money supplies all needful enthu- siasm.” Thus Moloch ; and to him Belial speedily replies : 66 And when I, honoured Moloch, sweep through thy scenes of glory, the noise of oaths and curses is musical in my ear, and I mark with joy the transition, in dying heroes, from the confidence of fearless imprecation, to the sullen horrors of cow- ardly despair. But seest thou yonder tufted green spot, just beside the smoke of my favourite city ? There is the scene of my exploits. There I enjoy pleasure more sublime than the ferocity of blood, while I teach mortals outrageously to disdain the restraints of Divine Authority, to spit on whatever is sacred, and to give the back, and not the face, to the Author of salvation. And now the long labour of my legions is crowned with magnificent success. On that hated first day of the week, what is my ecstasy. OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 89 while the thickening crowd is hurrying along with ar- dent countenance, as if the wretches expected some- thing ! At length the variegated rabble, and the pomp- ous train of coaches and cavalry, overflows. What de- licious confusion ! what glorious universal eclipse of sober reason ! what complete extinction of the fear, and the very remembrance of God ! With what consum- mate folly do they stare in one another's faces ! what torrents of nonsense are poured from their lips ! Su- blime contrast to the abhorred solemnities of Chris- tian worship ! — Perhaps conscience struggles a little in some apostate Puritan, or northern stripling ; but my breath soon suppresses the conflict, and I see the wreck of all the labours and cares of whining parents and ministers. Think not, O Moloch ! my boasting to be vain. Thou rememberest that region of the deep abyss, peculiarly crowded andfiery, whence the shriek of despised salvation hath, at times, aston- ished the central palace. The thoughts of that mansion, and that soon they shall be lodged in it, solace me, and enable me to bear the contrast be- tween their easy dream and my own ceaseless agonies. Besides, I glory in the wide extended influence of these my exertions. To the remotest regions of the globe, the plants of wickedness from this nursery, bear with them the dishonours of the Christian name ; and the sound of Hyde Park Sabbaths echoes my glory, through every receptacle of the infernal uni- verse. Nor art thou thyself, Moloch, unindebted to me : I give to thy warriors, and even to thy beloved Statesmen, their first education. Thy bloody ideas could not be fully painted in their breasts, were not 90 THE RADICAL CAUSE the awe of Eternity, and the sense of Divine attri- butes, swept away by my influence. But let us not contend ; our claims of glory shall be adjusted at leisure, when the period of Grace, which cruel par- tiality assigns to men, is ended. Go thou, and pros- per; profanity and blood cannot be at variance; to our weak opponents we leave it to enfeeble one another with useless disputes ; our Kingdom hath long stood by harmonious exertions, and shall yet stand.”* A second proof of alienation from the blessed Spi- rit of God, and contempt of his influences, is — The profane waste of leisure time on other days besides the Sabbath. Every person, even the meanest in society, ought to enjoy the privilege of some leisure time : to deny this in ordinary cases, is oppression ; and in the usu- al manner of employing such intervals, a clear dis- covery is made of the spirit and dispositions of man- kind. I hardly need to point out what must be the effects of just concern for salvation, and esteem of the influences of grace, in our disposal of the time * We ought to he afraid of indulging a presumptuous petulance, in reference to adversaries so seriously formidable as are the Spirits of darkness, according to the Apostle Jude’s wise admonition, ver. 8, 0. But let the reader remember the Scripture patterns of imagery of the kind here introduced, in 1 Kings xxii. 19, &c. Job i. 6, &c. Luke xvi. 19, &c. And let him consider the necessity, in a time of extraordinary sinning, of trying, by methods somewhat bold, to reach the conscience, u if perad venture God will give men repen- tance, and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the De- vil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Tim. ii. 25, 26- OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 91 which is properly at our own command. The wise will mourn over the ruin of immortal souls, while they see, all over the country, marks of apostasy, in this respect, from the paths of uprightness and wisdom. Reasonable allowances must be made for recrea- tions, truly harmless and useful for invigorating the powers of body and mind : but life is short ; eterni- ty is near ; and its concerns, infinite in their impor- tance, must not yield to the justling of business on the one hand, or of recreation on the other. If I know the terrors and the love of God, and feel tender concern for the happiness of a friend, I will observe him in his leisure hours : it will give me pain to find him then a loitering trifler ; nor will it much relieve me to discover that in such seasons he is constantly engaged in the pursuits of curious spe- culation, or in the gratification and improvement of an elegant taste. I will remind him that there are more serious concerns ; I will counsel him to seek for pleasures more solid and sublime. But what if my friend is seized with the madness of the times, and hurried into the whirlpool of fa- shionable amusement ? Ah ! now the chaos of his darkened mind is agitated : now there is no access for sober reflection, much less for subjects so solemn as the operations of the Holy Spirit of God. I must stand afar off, with the feelings of one who beholds from the shore, incapable of affording relief, a dis- tant shipwreck ; only I remember, that “ the things which are impossible with men, are possible with God: 1 Can it be denied, that the carnal, dissipated, law- 92 THE RADICAL CAUSE less state of mind, which pervades assemblies for vain amusement, is attended with total presumptu- ous aversion to the influences of the Holy Spirit of God? When the trump of luxurious wealth hath sound- ed its alarm, and the restless demoniacs of fashion are assembled in numerous cabal, under the glitter- ing, falsely hospitable roof ; when animal vivacity, indulged sensuality, the pride of unfeeling prosperi- ty, the refinement of deceitful immoral feeling, pros- tituted genius, hell-tinged profanity, and the steams of diversified folly, ascending from every corner of the sounding mansion, have mingled together, to form the illusive dream of seeming enjoyment ; then, before the moment of universal frenzy and confusion arrives, let there be placed unseen, an enlightened observer, one whose breast glows with celestial fire : what abhorrence, what indignation, what unutterable compassion, will work within him, and how deeply will he feel the opposition between the fermenting pestilential vapour of the satanical sacrifice, and that pure incense of delight which breathes in the assem- blies of the upright, when made glorious by the pre- sence and mighty influence of the Spirit of God ? But at length, raised to something of the spirit of a martyr or apostle, let the Christian burst from his concealment ; and, if the venerability of years, of office, of acknowledged wisdom and piety — if the effulgence of heroic zeal, and the tears of compas- sion, can check the clamour of masculine mirth, and restrain the no less rebellious twitter of female gaie- ty, let him address himself in speech to the remains OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 93 of rationality and conscience in the profligate assem- bly — let him remind the enchanted mortals, that the God whom angels worship is present in that very spot — that they are immortal beings, hastening to the Divine tribunal, and in imminent hazard of being plunged into the lake of everlasting fire — let him testify to them of the salvation of God, of the love of Jesus the Redeemer, and of the sacred joys and pleasures which they may yet enjoy on earth and in heaven ; if, abandoning these vanities, they will re- sign themselves to the teaching and influence of — Ah ! the roar is up ; fanaticism-puritan — his voice is lost ; the insulting hiss is become general ; he must retire, breathing to Heaven, 66 Arise, O God ! plead thine own cause !” At the theatre, when all is sunk in haughty for- getfulness of God ; after the proud have once more displayed their brilliancy, and u set their heart as the heart of God after the eyes of vanity have for the last time wearied themselves in staring about ; after the tears which real guilt and misery demand- ed, have been wasted on fictitious crimes and cala- mities, and the whole crowd hath been shaken with the madness of laughter ; after profanity hath un- furled its flag of defiance, with hell-bred gallantry setting at nought the names of the Most High, the tremendous operations of Providence, and the terrors of damnation ; after obscenity hath swallowed down its morsel of elegant filthiness ; let a celestial spirit shine forth, eclipsing the luminaries of the place, and scattering around those terrors which were once felt at the sepulchre of Jesus of Nazareth ; and in THE RADICAL CAUSE such strains as these, let his voice announce the has- tening doom : “ Worms of the dust, enemies of the eternal God ! you have long been the abhorrence of the inhabitants of heaven ; you have disdained to seek J esus who was crucified ; the Divine sorrows, the pure delights, which his Spirit creates in repent- ing souls, you have rejected, you have treated with derision ; now the day of your visitation expiries. I swear by Him that liveth for ever and ever, you shall have time no longer ! ” Then let trembling rock the ground ; let the fabric and its miserable as- sembly roll down the opening chasm ; and let the cloud of dislodged spirits behold the majestic, un- veiled, flaming countenance of their Judge. Would such vengeance be too severe ? Let us not presume to say that it would ; rather let us wonder, that* amidst ages of provocation, such tokens of wrath have not appeared ; and if our impenitence is still continued, let us think with awe for what solemn catastrophe such a people as we may be reserved — “ What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long- suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction ?” Rom. ix. 22. A third evidence of general alienation from the ways of the blessed Spirit of grace, is — The loud voice of diabolical language , and the display of impudent impurity , in the midst of us. No long reasoning is necessary, in reference to the immediate subjects of such wickedness, to shew that OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 95 they despise God in every respect, and especially as to his holy operations on the human soul. Such horrid apostates must be understood to have made up their mind on this subject, and to have virtually resolved on parting for ever with all Divine friend- ship, and on lying down in the everlasting horrors of that prison, which Divine justice will make suffi- ciently gloomy and strong for their reception. And, if general abhorrence is not expressed against them, a few such monsters are enough to draw down judg- ments from Heaven on a wide-extended empire. Shall we hesitate then to pronounce that to be a blaspheming, a filthy kingdom, where such crimes walk about in daily triumph ? Must we not say of it, 46 it is fallen, and is become the habitation of de- vils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird ?” Rev. xviii. 2. Men may make light of it, as they please : but the number and boldness of the profane and profli- gate among us, is truly alarming ; especially as it goes to prove, that the detestable vices, which the great and wealthy have long exemplified, are now’ diffused through all the inferior orders of society. If there is indeed a majority of sober and virtuous cha- racters remaining, where is their zeal and exertion to suppress such crimes ? Shall it be imagined that the Holy Spirit of God is honoured, or will long rest, amidst a people, who either commit, or wit- ness with indifference, evils which He infinitely ab- hors ? But it will be said, there certainly is in the coun- try a great mass of sober, respectable, industrious, 96 THE RADICAL CAUSE citizens ; these form the strong pillars of the state, on which luxury, heroism, and even religion itself, must hang their trophies. I come, I come to you, ye busy plodding com- mercial tribes, whose souls are the seat of torment- ing care, and your bodies of endless worldly fa- tigue. In your prevailing spirit and ways, I dis- cern a Fourth alarming evidence of opposition to the influence of heavenly grace . “ Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you. Take no thought what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed : for after all these things do the heathen seek. Seek ye first the king- dom of God, and his righteousness. How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God ! Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” John vi. 27. Matt. vi. 31. Mark x. 23. Matt. v. 3. Ye men of business, what think ye of these words of the Saviour and Judge of the world ? Have they any meaning ? Are you not conscious of that in- ward, deep-rooted distemper, against which these Statutes of Heaven are pointed ? Attend, I pray you, to one question farther : What is your esteem of those mighty operations and influences of the Eternal Spirit, which bring men to regard such tes- timonies as these, not as gloomy, absurd paradoxes, OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 97 but as awful, delightful, practicable rules of con- duct ? Ah ! here is discovered the dreadful crime against w r hich I am contending. You prosecute, each of you, his scheme of worldly advancement : this, if the scheme is lawful, I blame not. You appear in the concerns of life with vigour and animation : this I approve. What then ? You grasp at the things of a moment, with the eagerness of creatures destined to spend eternity in such a world as this? You pant after money, as though there were no God, no heaven of eternal pleasure : your hearts are full of grovelling, debasing lusts. Here is your wicked- ness ; and the central point of it is, that you neglect, you refuse, you despise that Blessed, Almighty, Gracious Agent, who would change and purify your hearts, and fill them with heavenly delight. Am I a false accuser ? Are we indeed a spiritual people, heavenly-minded amidst all our ardours and hurries of business ? I know there are many pro- fessors of better things than those I have alluded to : I admit, that here and there, in the busy scenes of life, may be found a spiritual person, who would gladly content himself with sober diligence in secu- lar affairs, and who endures those carnal hurries which he cannot escape as a matter of trial and pa- tience, trusting in infinite Grace to prevent the mis- chief, and to repair the damages, which are attached to his unavoidable manner of life. But how few are these exceptions ! And when they are discovered, with what disdain and enmity do the carnal multU tude look at them ! 98 THE RADICAL CAUSE “ How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim ?'' J er. ii. 23. I appeal to every man's, to every child's observation. I appeal to the streets and houses, to the coffee-rooms, count- ing-houses and workshops, to the highways and fields, and to the roaring seas, where business is going forward. What is the breath, the spirit, the current of the times ? Do we look like those who habitually hold communion with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, or like those who despise him ? — like those who fear to exchange heaven for earth, or like those who are ready to sell all that is sacred for bags of money ? And if the treasures of earth are indeed your God, what are your bags of money, your piles of goods, but so many idols of jealousy, which one day the breath of the Almighty will consume ! Ah, “ cursed children !" (2 Pet. ii. 14.) if you will not repent, and give glory to God, let your money perish with you. You are going to hell, and you are, while on earth, drawing down the judgments of the great and dreadful God, on the countries where you dwell. Hear, I beseech you, before it is too late, the testimonies of Divine w rath against such characters as yours ; and while you hear, may that Spirit of Grace, whom you have re- jected, wound and turn your hearts : “ The wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covet- ous whom the Lord abhorreth. God is not in all his thoughts ; his ways are always grievous ; his mouth is full of cursing, and deceit, and fraud ; his eyes are privily set against the poor ; he lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den. — Break thou the OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 99 arm of the wicked and the evil man .** 1 “ Wo unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place. Lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord ! and what wisdom is in them ? Therefore will I give their wives to others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them : for every one, from the least even unto the greatest, is given to covetousness ; from the prophet even unto the priest, every one dealeth falsely. He is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his de- sire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied. Wo to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high : thou hast consulted shame to thy house, by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul ; for the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it. O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures ! thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness. The Lord of Hosts hath sworn by himself, Surely, I will fill thee with men as with caterpillars, and they shall lift up a shout against thee. Thus saith the Lord God : O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beau- ty. By thy great wisdom, and by thy traffic, hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up. Behold, therefore, I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations, and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth: thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic ; therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of 100 THE RADICAL CAUSE God ; and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.” Psal. x. Isa. v. Jer. viii. Hab. ii. Jer. li. Ezek. xxvii. xxviii. The last awful proof of rebellion against the Ho- ly Spirit of God, I take from the Apparent state of things in worshipping assem~ blies . The most solemn thing out of heaven is Christian worship : who can entertain ideas of it sufficiently exalted ? In gospel institutions are presented to the mind the infinite perfections of that one eternal Es- sence, which is all beauty and majesty, purity and splendour, love and felicity : possessing this one glo- rious Essence of Deity, there appear Three Divine Persons, mysteriously distinct and co-equal, and who, harmonious in their holy love, sustain distinct cha- racters and offices, iq reference to the sinner's wor- ship. The first displays the majesty of a Judge and Father ; the second appears as a Mediator, pre- senting his own atoning blood ; the third operates within, in the heart of the worshipper, and there imparts and seals salvation. Under such views, with what weight ought expressions like the following, to fall on every approaching mortal ! “ I will be sanc- tified in them that come nigh me : God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints : O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you.” Lev. x. 3. Psal. lxxxix. 7. xcvi. 9- Phil. ii. 12, 13. OF 'NATIONAL CALAMITY. 101 But where shall be found amongst us the assem- bly of worshippers, whose general aspect and deport- ment bear manifest impressions of such things as these ? To form the idea of what a Christian assem- bly may and ought to be, I fear, we must look away from almost every thing that present times exhibit ; we must go to the Scripture, and to the records of former periods, “ the years of the right hand of the Most High.” In reference to the operations of the Blessed Spi- rit, I can imagine only two situations of a body of men united in Christian worship, that can indicate a due regard to this glorious Agent. The one is that of a people “ lamenting after the Lord.” 1 Sam. vii. 2. I take for granted, that the spirit of Laodicean self-sufficiency is driven from a- mong them, and that, conscious of former provoca- tions, they have, in the spiritual sense, 64 put off their ornaments,” (Exod. xxxiii. 5,) and are waiting to see what the God of grace may do to them. It may easily be conceived, with what unaffected seri- ousness and humiliation, desire and hope, such a people will appear in the sanctuary of God ; and with what unfeigned sorrow they will retire disap- pointed, while the Spirit of power withholds his mighty influences. Vain would be the attempt to a- muse them with the empty charms of a worldly elo- quence, or to deceive them with speculative notions of unfelt salvation. Their complaint is not to man ; their relief can come from neither man nor angel : He only who is God, infinite in power and in love, even the Holy Ghost, descending in the fulness of F 102 THE RADICAL CAUSE his grace, can “ bind up their breach, and heal the stroke of their wound. 1 ” Isaiah xxx. 26. He will “ rend the heavens, he will come down” among such a people, 46 and the mountains shall flow down at his presence.” Isaiah lxiv. 1. Then they shall appear in the other situation, which be- longs to those who duly regard his holy influences. In a Christian assembly, blessed with the abundant pouring out of the Spirit from on high, I should ex- pect to see something like a general manifest resur- rection from former inward death, while the publish- ed truths of the Scripture are, by the Divine Author of them, mightily impressed at once on a multitude of souls, suitably to their various circumstances and capacities. In some countenances there would shine forth the serene elevation of heavenly delight, like the angelic aspect of Stephen the Martyr ; in others would appear the humble awe and contrition of the publican ; in others, the tender melting of her who washed her Saviour's feet with tears ; in others, the ardour of an invigorated struggle to enter in at the strait gate ; in others, the piercing look of inquir- ing anxiety ; in others, the consternation of an ago- nizing conscience, loaded with particular crimes, or with the sense of universal depravity ; in others, the confused stare of guilty ignorance. Nor should I be surprised, though the impression of love, or of terror, from so mighty an Agent, should in some cases overwhelm for a time the powers of animal na- ture, or break in a little on that external order, which dead formalists are left perfectly capable in all points to observe. Marking such solemn seasons, and tra- OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 103 cing their abiding fruits, the Christian Pastor might break forth into joyful congratulations, like those of the Apostles, in their addresses to the primitive churches. “ O Lord, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear ?" Isa. Ixiii. 17. What spectacles are now exhibited under the name of Christian worship ? Shall we think of the mutterings of stone-dead formalists, whose doings in religion are as remote from devotion as the perfor- mances in an Indian Pagoda ? Or shall we observe the freezing effusions of presumptuous heretics, who deny the very existence of the Holy Spirit ? Or, ap- proaching the crowd of more orthodox professors, shall we attend the pulpit comedy of some grotesque performer, encircled with the applauses of his spor- tive admirers ? Are these things worship, Christian worship? Are they not u strange fire,” against which the God of glory will exhibit solemn tokens of dis- pleasure ? Of graver and more hopeful assemblies, may it not be said, in the Prophet's words, “ Ephraim is a cake not turned; strangers have devoured his strength and he knoweth it not ; yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth it not." Hos. vii. 8, 9. Suffer me, my Christian brethren, to express in plain terms those apprehensions, which a long course of observation hath obliged me to entertain. Is not the spirit of attention and regard wasted on inferior circumstances and ornaments, instead of the great, substantial things of the power of godliness ? Are not common gifts, and the effects of mere animal 104 THE RADICAL CAUSE vigour, often exalted above the genuine graces of the Holy Spirit ? Are not the abilities, and even the graces, of men, turned into idols of jealousy in the house of God, while that life and com- fort is expected from them, which the preaching of angels could not of itself impart ? Is not the power of the Holy Ghost almost forgotten among us ? Of the sincere, are not many attempting to rear up on the Divine foundation a superstructure of wood, hay, stubble ? And are there not numbers of demure-looking people, whose Gospel notions fence them on all sides, against ail conviction and spiritual sensation ; and who, if their false peace is a little disturbed, immediately fly from the means of conviction, or commence persecutors of those who endeavour to save them ? Were men to be raised up among us, who, with the fire of a Welsh or a Liv- ingstone, a Bolton or a Rogers, should enter into contest with the specious hypocrisies of seeming or- thodox professors, what would be their probable fate ? I fear they would soon be left to pour out their tes- timony to empty walls, in the ears of mourning in- dignant angels ; or, driven into the wilderness, they might be constrained to cry to their God for a speedy dismission, from an ineffectual, and seemingly des- perate conflict. Praised for ever be the power, and unsearchable mercy, of the Lord of Hosts, who hath still reserved in these countries a remnant of upright, Heaven- born souls. But, if even these are generally fallen asleep, or sunk under unbelieving despondency or backsliding carnality, how shall they be roused and OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 105 refined ? Must we not come to this conclusion ? “ The time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God. 1 ’ 1 Pet. iv. 17* “ Awake, awake, O Jerusalem !” Isa. li. 17. — “ Thus saith the Lord, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskin of your heart, lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. 1 ’ Jer. iv. 34. Application, My brethren, we have attempted to survey the horrors of guilt, the abyss of desolation, around us. Shall we, in the view of such things, indulge the se- cret operation of malignant pride ? I hope not ; there is enough to humble us, if we observe the faintness of our ideas of the evil of such crimes. Ah ! I feel my- self, at this moment, chargeable with all the wicked- ness I have described^ because I can look at it with so little concern and abhorrence. O wretched heart within me ! when wilt thou feel as thou oughtest for the glory of God, and for the crimes and dangers of immortal souls ! Let us not, however, yield to des- pondency; let us strive, depending on grace, to work upon our hearts, depraved as they are, a solemn sense of the real state of our country, until our feel- ings in some degree resemble those of the man who said, “ Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” Psalm cxix. 136. For this end, 106 THE RADICAL CAUSE I. Let your thoughts dwell upon the atrocious na- ture of this crime, and the reasons why it ought to be awfully punished. Who can disclose the immensity of evil, which this wickedness contains in it, to despise the Holy Spirit of God in his most peculiar operations ? The object of this contempt is God, Jehovah, the great incomprehensible Creator of the universe. u Why,*” said Peter to Ananias, “ hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the holy Ghost ? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.” It is he, a who measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with a span” — who, as the Supreme Creator, “ moved on the waters,” and drew forth the chaos into order and beauty. It is he “ who garnished the heavens,” and who creates each par- ticular man. And must he suffer insult from mor- tal worms ? Poor sinner ! “ gird up now thy loins like a man — Where wast thou, when He laid the foundations of the earth ?— Hast thou an arm like God ? canst thou thunder with a voice like Him ?” Acts v. 34. Isa. xL 12, 13. Gen. i. 2. Job xxvi, 13. xxxiii. 4. xxxviii. 3, 4. xl. 9. In his lowest works He is adored by the bright intelligences of heaven. But here are moles of the dust, treading, with insolence, on his sublimest oper- ations, those which resemble the formation of man in paradise, or of the angelic hosts in heaven. Yea we may affirm, without extravagance, that the effec- tual change of one depraved human heart, is a work of a higher order than the creation of a thousand ho- ly beings, a work more deeply expressive of infinite OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 107 power, wisdom, majesty, condescension, and benigni- ty. On the symptoms of this work, the angels of light fix their piercing eyes with adoring delight. Shall mortals deride it with impunity ? Is the light of heavenly wisdom, the melting of penitential sor- row, the pure sweetness of love to God and man, infus- ed by the Spirit of the living God, the proper subject of ridicule ? Stand back, impure scorner ! lest one slight flash of indignation from the Author of this work, light up the hell within thee, and convey thee all flaming to the place of torment. Let it be farther considered, that in the Christian dispensation, the Holy Ghost is manifestly revealed as the last, the finishing agent, in whatever relates to the salvation of immortal souls. Therefore, to de- spise his influences, is at once to reject all that is sa- cred in the infinite perfections of Deity, all that is precious in the love of the Father and in the pur- chase of the Son, all that is important in the truths and duties of Christianity. Lastly, he who rejects the holy operations of the Spirit of the Lord, virtually gives consent to all the crimes in this world, and to all the blasphemies in the world to come, which shall proceed from a heart u deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.’’ Refusing to have the fountain purified, he chooses to be eternally filthy, and embraces all possible de- filement. II. That we may learn to shrink back with hor- ror, from the symptoms of this evil in ourselves and others, let us attend to the process of vengeance with 108 THE RADICAL CAUSE which it stands connected.-^ 6 He (that is, the Holy Spirit) was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.” What strange punishment this glo- rious Divine Person will, in the future world, inflict on his ungrateful, impenitent adversaries, eternity shall reveal. I will call your attention, at this time, to those introductory and visible operations of his wrath, which involve the public ruin of countries overrun with this iniquity. Ah ! sinful nation ! whoever thou art, who cherishest in thy bowels this cursed hatred of God the Holy Ghost ! in the time of his patience thy crest may be lifted high ; but thy day is coming, when thou shalt tremble under the terrible majesty of his amazing operations ! For, in the day of wrath the offended Spirit of God will unloose the bonds, and dissolve the cement, of social union among such a people. This he will do, by withdrawing that influence of his which cre- ates common virtue, humane and generous affections, regard to justice, and disinterested public spirit ; and by removing the secret barriers, which restrain the ocean of human depravity. Then will that ocean swell and tumultuate ; then unfeeling oppression on the one hand, and seditious turbulence on the other, meeting together, will reduce to chaos die improve- ments of ages. He will take away th^ whole train of distinguishing abilities in the arts of peace and war. He will raise up no more men of genius, patriots, heroes, deliver- ers. If any should remain, he will infatuate their counsels, and baffle their exertions. Who will do OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 109 . tills ? That Holy Spirit, whose very name is con- temptible in the ears of the wicked. Wo unto that people from whom he departs ? Against such a people he will prepare instruments of vengeance. The sun and moon, the stars in their courses, earth, air, fire and water, or mean rep- tiles of the dust, will, at his call, operate destruction ; or, if human adversaries are to be employed, he will rouse and inflame them : “ He will lift up an en- sign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth ; and behold, they shall come with speed swiftly : none shall be weary nor stumble among them ; none shall slumber nor sleep ; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken,” &c. Isa. v. And, if still impenitence continues, he will bring into dread accomplishment such words as the follow- ing : “ I will walk contrary to you in fury ; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins. If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold of judgment — I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh — He will fill the places with the dead bodies — Death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.” Lev. xxvi. 28. Deut. xxxii. 41, 42. Psalm cx. 6. Jer. ix. 21. And when his stubborn enemies, in multitudes, are sinking into death, and hastening to the Supreme Tribunal, then he will frown upon them, according to those infinitely tremendous declarations : “ Turn you at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my Spirit 110 THE RADICAL CAUSE unto you — But ye have set at nought all my coun- sel — I also will laugh at your calamity, and mock when your fear cometh.” Prov. i. 23. 25, 26. — u And they shall say to the mountains, Cover us ; and to the hills, Fall on us.” Hos. x. 8. Luke xxiii. 29> 30. III. Accept, and practically regard, these few scriptural counsels. Be filled with thankfulness for that long period of manifold privilege which your country hath enjoyed, and that, beneath such a cloud of national guilt, you have seen so many years of ease, and exemption from calamity. Look back, with peculiar gratitude, to your so- lemn Christian feast on the preceding day, and to other similar seasons, which in long and august suc- cession you have enjoyed ; * and if, at the table of the Son of God, you have unfeignedly mourned and panted after the sealing influence of his Spirit ; if that gracious almighty Comforter hath there met you, and touched your inmost souls with the dying love of Jesus ; if he hath anointed your eyes with eye-salve, so that, through the conflicts of life, and the terrors of dissolution, you have seen the shining path into the holiest of all the heaven of heavens ; be thankful, rejoice, hold fast that which you have : you have obtained that which the treasures of Mo- narchs are too poor to purchase, and the loss of which they who, with unhallow r ed hands, have pol- luted this ordinance, debasing it to the low purposes * The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was dispensed the preced- ing day* OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. Ill of private or political hypocrisy, insulting Him, whose sacred light shines, and whose holy love burns therein, shall eternally deplore. Repent of your personal share in the crime of despising the Spirit of the Lord. Make it sure that you are indeed subdued and governed by his blessed influences ; and the more you taste their excellent sweetness, let the thoughts of your having rebelled and vexed this glorious Agent, the more deeply wound and abase you. Make serious preparation for days of calamity, by “ accepting the dreaded punishment of iniquity (Lev. xxvi. 41.) by mortifying the various principles of inward corruption, and by taking faster hold of the promises and perfections of your God. Improve to the uttermost the interval of tranquil- lity which yet remains. Try what may be done for averting, or deferring, deserved judgments. As to political contentions, be sober, be cautious, be con- scientious. If to any of you, without its being ar- rogantly hunted after, Divine Providence assigns a sphere of political action, seek your wisdom from God and his word, not from the writings or counsels of the Devil's children. If you love the welfare of your country, remember that all other means are vain, in comparison of pleading with God for the pouring out of the Spirit from on high, and exem- plifying in yourselves the power and glory of his genuine operations. Remember that short but im- portant psalm, the 131st, and that weighty little chapter, Jer. xlv. You that have attained to strength and establish- 112 THE RADICAL CAUSE ment in the ways of God, pity the weak and strag* gling of the flock ; and let your bowels be moved towards the perishing multitude ; and whatever your hand findeth to do for their recovery, do it with your might. Stand afar off from the prevailing pollutions of the times, whatever they are, or may yet be. Give the decided example of boldly resisting the wiles of the Devil. “ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” 1 Cor. xvi. 13. Long for the state of perfection and glory, in which the influences of the blessed Spirit of Jesus shall break in upon you as an overflowing flood, and shall raise you to a blessed impossibility of ever re- sisting or grieving him in the smallest degree, and wherein you shall see him fully glorified by every soul in the immense multitude around you. In the mean while, we shall be happy, whatever may be the times that pass over us, if, through the grace of that Holy Spirit of promise, whose cause, according to my imperfect measure, I have endea- voured to plead, we are enabled to rise to some de- gree of imitation of the illustrious pattern set before us in the following words : (Hab. iii.) “ God came from Teman — His glory covered the heavens — He beheld and drove asunder the nations — I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction : the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble — the mountains saw thee, and they trembled — thou didst march through the land in indignation — thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked. When I heard, my belly trem- bled ; my lips quivered at the voice ; rottenness en- tered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that OF NATIONAL CALAMITY. 113 I might rest in the day of trouble : when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, nei- ther shall fruit be in the vines ; the labour of the o- live shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat ; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls : yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength.” Now, unto the Three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, (and these Three One,) be glory, dominion, and thanks- giving, throughout all ages, world without end. — - Amen. CHRISTIANITY AND MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED ; OR, A VIEW OF THE LEADING DIFFERENCES OF SENTIMENT BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND JEWS: A SERMON, DELIVERED AT BURY STREET MEETING HOUSE, FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF THE JEWS. CHRISTIANITY AND MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. Gen. i. 4. And God divided the light from the darkness. The glorious majesty of God appears manifestly impressed on the first page of these holy Oracles. The book opens with the creation of the universe, described in a simple, comprehensive, magnificent manner, — a manner which announces the Creator himself to be the primary Author of the writing. I take hold of the expression of the text in an allusive view. The general style of the Scripture, which frequently applies to knowledge and ignor- ance, truth and error, the emblem 'light and dark- ness, sufficiently authorizes such an allusion. There appears also a resemblance between the dark chaos, created at first as the seed of the organ- ized universe, and that gloomy state of things in the spiritual world which was justly the consequence of man's apostasy from God. The work of the Al- mighty also, in raising the children of Adam from their miserable state by his word, displays a glory and goodness similar to that which appeared when God said, “ Let there be light, and there was light." 118 CHRISTIANITY AND When this noblest material being, “ light,' ” first existed, the Creator beheld his production with com- placency : “ God saw the light, that it was good.” It was, however, strangely involved in the confused mass of matter, and its native, orient, beauty ob- scured. Another act of sovereign power therefore followed, which is marked in the text, “ And God divided the light from the darkness.” Awful, desolate, dreary, and astonishing, is that chaos which opens to view, when we think of a world of human spirits fallen from God, involved in ignor- ance, error, and iniquity, overshadowed with the in- cumbent cloud of Divine wrath. Blessed be God, he hath made a difference between the world of hu- man sinners and the lost multitude of angels ! They are wrapped up in the hopeless blackness of dark- ness ; but among mankind some rays of light, lead- ing to God, are every where scattered. Proceeding from the Word of God, and cherished by impres- sions on the understanding and conscience from his visible works, this light bears witness for God, and invites man to repentance : but it shines in dark- ness, and the darkness mingles itself with the light, baffles its energy, absorbs its lustre, imprisons it in unrighteousness. In a condition so awful, but, blessed be the God of their fathers, not absolutely exclusive of hope, Christians behold the present Jewish people; and. therefore, their bowels of compassion are moved to- wards them. That they possess some knowledge of Divine truth we deny not. This view of things, however, while it excites our wonder, increases our MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 119 concern. We are grieved to see an unhappy people sinning against so much admitted light ; and our in- dignation is roused, not merely against the subjects of this error and rebellion, but against the infernal deceiver, the author of delusion, the sacrilegious perverter of the truth, and of the right ways of the Lord. At the sight of sacred truth abused, and of immortal souls deceived and led captive, our souls are set on fire ; we feel the rising enmity which the original promise announces ; and, while no hope is entertained for the author of evil, we wish to alarm and rescue his deluded captives, by putting energy into the truths they acknowledge, and by disjoining these truths from the uncongenial mass of error wherewith they have been loaded and contaminated. With designs of this nature, in the confidence of immutable and unconquerable truth, and longing for the emanation of those beams from God, the Father of lights, which sooner or later shall victoriously ir- radiate the benighted children of Abraham, I pro- ceed to remark, First, That the primary error of Modern Ju- daisrti, and the source of all the rest, an error com- mon to it with every other system of false religion, consists in a misapprehension of the nature of the true God ; and may be defined, “ A want of right views of God in his perfections and government, as bearing relation to moral agents and their conduct or, to use one comprehensive scriptural word, the want of just views of “ the holiness of God." We would entertain lively hope of our Jewish 120 CHRISTIANITY AND brethren, if their mouths were once filled with the complaint recorded in one of their sacred books, 44 Surely I am more brutish than man — I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the Ho- ly .” The person who so complained had considered attentively the visible w r orks of God, and had deriv- ed from them some ideas of Divine power, wisdom, and goodness. This is evident from his emphatical questions, 66 Who hath ascended up into heaven and descended ? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists P Who hath bound the waters in a garment ? Who hath established all the ends of the earth ?” But he knew there were views of the glory of Jeho- vah of a higher order, and to which, through the carnality of his mind, he had scarcely at all pene- trated. In the model of seraphic worship which Isaiah records, the epithet 44 holy” is thrice loudly pro- claimed ; and, in numberless passages, Jehovah is denominated 44 the Holy One of Israel.” We are convinced, that if the Jews were sufficiently attentive to those Divine Perfections which belong to the aw- ful Judge of the universe, and which render him 44 glorious in holiness,” they w r ould find no rest for the soles of their feet in the bleak regions of phari- saical righteousness. The holiness of God, in its large meaning, in- cludes the wdiole assemblage of Divine excellencies, which he manifests in his government of intelligent, responsible creatures, such as are the immortal souls of men. They who are well instructed on this subject will MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 121 give their ready assent to the following truths ; in briefly rehearsing which I must request the patience, candour, and attention of my readers, especially of the Jews. The holiness of God is essential to him : it ori- ginates in his very being. This idea is suggested by Moses, when he says, 66 The Lord thy God is a consuming fire, a very jealous God.” God sees and embraces his own beauty, with a necessary compla- cency. He, therefore, loves his own image upon the soul of man, and hates the image of the devil. The holiness of God is his very self. Compare Amos vi. 8. with Psal. lxxxix. 35. and Mai. ii. 11. It follows hence, that the holiness of God is im- mense, and unsearchably great. Every thing in God is infinite ; but, in a comparative view, infinity belongs chiefly to those things which, in the assem- blage of Divine excellencies, are most eminent and resplendent. We therefore assert farther, that the holiness of God is the primary glory of his nature ; for it in- cludes the immense beauty of his Godhead , which God beholds in himself : it includes God^s transcend- ent delight in his own beauty : it includes his love of his own resemblance in created beings, and his boundless hatred of evil. In consequence of these things, it is evident that “ the holiness of God” rises far above his regard to the natural good , and the mere happiness of his creatures. He condescends, indeed, to regard with complacency, the enjoyments and pleasures even of irrational creatures. But though “ he giveth to the 122 CHRISTIANITY AND beast his food,” in a comparative view “ he delight- eth not in the strength of a horse ; he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. J ehovah taketh plea- sure in them that fear him.” And when the natural good or happiness of any created being, becomes inconsistent with the glory of Divine holiness, he will make a sacrifice of that good or happiness. His infinite holiness gives rise to the punishment of evil. And this punishment, which flows from the holy nature of God, is indispensable, and, in some respects, infinite ; because God cannot appear otherwise than as becomes the Holy One, the infinitely pure and righteous Judge of all the earth. It is therefore evident, that if it please God to exercise mercy towards sinful creatures, that mercy must be displayed in a holy manner . Nothing can set aside the essential holiness of Deity. This im- mense pure glory of the Godhead doth not, indeed, shut up the fountain of Divine compassion and love : in some respects it is the very fountain and original source of that compassion. But, undoubtedly, the essential holiness of God regulates, and gives a co- louring to, the display of mercy. The essential name “ Jehovah, Jehovah,” precedes in order the titles 66 merciful and gracious.” Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7. The name “ i am that i am” was held forth to the distressed Israelites as the primary spring of their longed-for deliverance. Once more ; the holiness of God constitutes his all-sufficiency for giving happiness to rational beings. They cannot be made happy by the mere creation MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 123 of worlds for their benefit. The Holy One himself, revealed to them in his immense beauty and love, is their only possible portion, their exceeding joy. All these things it was necessary that I should mention, that my fellow-sinners of the Jewish na- tion, whom I tenderly pity and love, may see where their mistakes begin. Their views of the holiness of God are defective and false : hence arises an end- less train of fatal errors. Here I enter my first appeal to the consciences of the Jewish people. Is it your practice to meditate frequently, and with delight, on the infinite holiness of God ? Are you acquainted with feelings like those of Abraham, when he said, 66 Let not the Lord be angry — Behold, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, who am but dust and ashes or of Moses, when God said to him, “ Thou canst not see my face, for there shall no man see me and live or of Isaiah, when he cried out, u Woe is me, for I am undone ; for I am a man of unclean lips — for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Do the teachers of the synagogue clearly and solemnly inculcate these truths ? In what mo- dern J ewish book is there a vivid representation of the holiness of God ? The truths which I have stated respecting the moral perfections of Deity, are the dictates of sound reason : they are supposed, illustrated, and confirm- ed, in the Old Testament Scriptures. To neglect or deny them is to do violence to the light of reason^ and to rebel against the voice of God. And it is in consequence of this, that, 124 CHRISTIANITY AND Secondly, The Jews are greatly mistaken re- specting the moral law of God, and the design of its being republished by Moses. From views of the glorious holiness of the Law- giver arise proper ideas of the sublime spirituality, the extensive demands, the immutable and immense obligations of the law of God. Hence we are led to just sentiments respecting that supreme love to God, accompanied with fear and confidence, which is the substance of our duty to him ; and respecting that spiritual, enlarged, and operative, affection wherewith we are bound to embrace our fellow-crea- tures. That the demands of the law may be fulfill- ed, the heart ought to burn with continual flames of seraphic affection towards God, and should diffuse all around an odour of benevolence sweeter than all the spices and perfumes of Arabia. The smallest abatement or deviation, and much more the slightest taint of inward impurity or enmity, must immediate- ly offend the glorious eyes of Jehovah, and bring condemnation on the transgressor. And the obliga- tions whereby we are bound to yield this perfect and angelic obedience to the Most High, are obligations of an infinite and unalterable kind ; because they arise from the immense excellency and glory of Him with w'hom we have to do. It follows from these self-evident truths, that the very publication of the law from Mount Sinai im- plied a state of disobedience and apostasy, on the part of the people to whom the revelation was given ; for otherwise it would have been perfectly unneces- sary. This is farther manifest from the aspect of MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 125 the whole tremendous scene, and from its impression on the Israelites. Jehovah did not reveal from that mountain the smiles of love suited to his obedient and pure creatures, nor did Moses and the Israelites stand before him joyful and undismayed, like so many angels. No : there was guilt and impurity ; God frowned majestic, they trembled as criminals before him. Here we discover the first end of the publication of the law, namely, to convince of disobedience, and to alarm with the dread of punishment. But alas ! the enemy of souls takes advantage of the self-righteous spirit of the Jews, and leads them into fatal error. They turn away their eyes from the splendour of infinite purity, and think of the ho- ly government of Jehovah, as though he were on a level with earthly rulers, who have no inspection of the heart, and must content themselves with the ex- terior obedience of their subjects. The Jews ima- gine, that, by publishing the law from Mount Sinai, God designed to assist them in their proud attempts to justify themselves before him by their own obe- dience. They forget the terrible thunderings of that mountain, the terrific sound of the trumpet and voice of words, which overpowered their forefathers with the dread belonging to criminals, and, for a time, laid prostrate in the dust their lofty ideas of themselves, and their own righteousness. Thirdly, The God of glory coming near to his ancient people impressed them indeed with his unut- terable majesty, and caused them to lie low before G 126 CHRISTIANITY AND him : but he designed not to crush them under his feet, and to leave them in the gloom of despair, “ He loved the people.” Moses, therefore, was called into the mount, and was detained there for a long time. And a system of ceremonial ordinances was there revealed to him, suited, as means in the hand of the Spirit, to convey relief to the wounded conscience, and to throw addi- tional light on the promises of salvation by the Mes- siah, which, ever since the fall of Adam, had been handed down from generation to generation. We honour the Jews for their respect to these ho- ly institutions of the Most High ; but we cannot sufficiently deplore their perverseness, in losing sight of the high and gracious design for which these bloody rites were appointed. Verily ye are guilty in this point, ye children of Abraham. You and your fathers have become like the heathen, in supposing that Divine anger may be really appeased by the blood of bulls and goats ; and that the sinner condemned by the moral law may justify himself by ceremonial observances. Why have you so darkened the lustre of the purity of your God, and debased the majesty of his dread tri- bunal ? He was holding forth, under these shadowy forms, the substaritial and sublime atonement , which his wisdom and love had prepared in the glo- rious Messiah. Your fathers suffered severely for this folly. Con- science would not be bribed to silence by all the pomp of the temple sacrifices, when offered without faith in the promised Messiah. Conscience brake MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 127 loose from such restraints as these ; it roared like a lion in their bosoms ; it demanded nobler blood ; it prompted the restless sinner to say, “ Shall I give the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul ?” They who obstinately turned away from God's Messiah, and the ransom promised in him, sought peace of conscience, in vain, by the horrid murder of their in- fants ; till the God of Jerusalem pronounced the stern decree of justice, “ They shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place to bury." Jer. xix. Fourthly, Permit us, ye children of Abraham, influenced by love to your precious souls, to speak plainly, and to state the controversy between you and us clearly. You have lost sight of the infinite holiness of God ; and therefore you perceive not the true state and injinite wants of a sinner . A sinner, a child of fallen Adam, whether Jew or Gentile, is a being separated from God, excluded from the enjoyment of the supreme good, driven out from paradise, debar- red by the flaming sword from the tree of life ; he is accursed of God, and, devoted to punishment, he hastens through the miseries of a short life to an awful appearance at the tribunal of God, and to the ever- enduring woes of that place of torment, of which the horrible Tophet, where infants were sacrificed, ex- hibited a dreadful emblem. Such is the condition of every sinner, as a sinner. Thus he lies exposed and helpless ; unless, either God should cease to be holy, or an atonement be found worthy to be accepted by Him who is “ glo- 128 CHRISTIANITY AND rious in holiness, fearful in praises, a consuming fire, the Judge of the whole earth.” Fifthly, The blessed Majesty of heaven comes down to us, and comes near to us, for our relief from these terrible circumstances, in the sacred oracles , / the Scriptures of truth . Turning our thoughts to this part of the contro- versy, we are reminded of that veneration, mixed with compassion, which is due to the house of Israel. Knowing the preciousness of these Scriptures, in which we learn by experience that we have eternal life, we venerate the people from among whom the sacred vessels of inspiration were selected, and who have been the faithful depositaries and guardians of the word of life. Their continued adherence to these holy books is one of the tokens, whereby we know that our God shall yet raise them to the true and saving understanding of his oracles. We view them, therefore, with compassion, grop- ing in darkness amidst such resplendent light. And we are here obliged to trace the consequences of their criminal inattention to the holy attributes of Deity. It is owing to this cause that the Jews perceive not the infinite distinction between the inspired words of Jehovah, and the low productions of the polluted understanding of man. They should trem- ble at the thoughts of bringing down the holy oracles of God to the level of the Talmud, or any composi- tion of uninspired mortals. “ What is the chaff to the wheat? Is not my word as a fire, saith Jehovah, and as a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces ?” MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 129 The highest evidence of the Divinity of the Scrip- tures arises from that impression of the infinite holiness and majesty of God which is universally diffused over them. But this evidence the Jews seem not at all to perceive. A revelation from God, adapted to the relief of apostate creatures, cannot consist of a series of doubt- ful quibbles, the knowledge of which depends on a nice investigation of the genius of a particular lan- guage. Its grand lines must be prominent, and ob- vious to every serious reader. Such it must be as to the letter of the truths revealed. Yet these truths may be expected to be so sublime, and so full of spiritual glory, that Divine teaching and light must be necessary to raise the mind of a fallen creature to the true and lively perception of them. Such are the properties of Divine revelation, in our view : it is at once plain and mysterious ; clear and plain to every capacity in the letter and leading truths ; but secret and hidden in its spiritual glo- ry, until God himself 66 opens the eyes of the blind sinner, that he may behold marvellous things out of his law.” There would be an end, at once, to an im- mense number of sophistical objections against the truth, if our J ewish brethren were duly to attend to these obvious ideas of the nature and genius of Di- vine revelation. Sixthly, What then is the chief subject contain- ed in the holy Scriptures, the great burden of Di- vine revelation, the corner-stone of the truth made known by Moses and the Prophets ? What is it ? 130 CHRISTIANITY AND The doctrine concerning the Messiah. Here opens to us the grand question in this con^ trover sy between Christians and Jews. And here, on the part of the Jews, we are obliged, with sorrow of heart, to mark the consequences of their being estranged from the knowledge of the glorious holi- ness of J ehovah. From the beginning to the end of the Old Testa- ment Scriptures, the Messiah is held up as the grand pledge and display of the infinite mercy and love of God towards miserable sinners. And when we view the glories of the Holy One, and the alarming con- dition of the objects of his wrath, it is self-evident that nothing less than an immensity of love, bring- ing into the plan of salvation the whole treasures of Divine wisdom, power and all-sufficiency, can be of avail for our relief. With joy, therefore, we seize the promise of the Messiah, and perceive through this medium the bowels of Jehovah melting over a world of sinners with unutterable compassion. There we stand astonished, while “ all the goodness of the Most High passes before us.” And coming down from this delightful mount, we cannot but wonder and complain at the low, contracted, and worldly ideas of the love of God which the unhappy Jews discover in their sentiments concerning the Messiah. What is the Messiah to do ? God, who knows the forlorn state of a world of sinners, promises him as our Deliverer. What then must he do ? His work must meet the grand lines of the misery of our fallen state. We are the captives of Satan, who hath seduced us, who hath impressed his hateful im- MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 131 age upon us, and who comes against us armed with the charges of our guilt, and with the denunciations of the law of God. The infinite holiness of Jehovah is against us, his countenance frowns, his voice thun- ders, his throne flashes with indignation over us ; calamity overtakes us ; Death shakes his dart, Eter- nity opens. Hell gapes all ghastly and tremendous before us. — It is thy w T ork, blessed Messiah, to res- cue us from the jaws of destruction, to pacify Divine wrath, and to place us in heaven under the smiles of Jehovah’s favour and love ! But how shall this be done ? The promises of the Messiah answer : the figures of the Levitical service give the answer : the prophecies, the high-coloured paintings of inspired prediction, exhibit the answer u He shall bruise the head of the accusing ser- pent ; he shall remove the curse, and procure the blessing ; he shall take the place of the guilty ; he shall be a victim in their stead ; he shall suffer, his soul shall travail as in birth ; his hands and feet shall be pierced ; he shall make reconciliation for iniquity ; he shall bring in everlasting righteousness ; he shall reign over his ransomed people in the hea- ven of heavens for ever and ever.” Such, if we believe Moses and the Prophets, is the work of the Messiah. But who is he that can perform such things as these ? Shall the deliverer be an angel ? The entire hosts of holy angels in heaven are too poor to furnish the ransom of one sinner : they cannot meet the demands of an infinitely holy God for one transgression. Besides, the transgres- sors are human beings : their surety and substitute 132 CHRISTIANITY AND must be man ; he must be “ the seed of the woman? the seed of Abraham? the son of David.*” And shall one mere man do that which all the angels of heaven could not do ? The promises? the prophecies? resolve this infinite difficulty. The demands of Divine jus- tice extend to a ransom of immense dignity and va- lue. “ I have found that ransom? saith Jehovah." The deliverer? the sufferer? the substitued victim? shall be Immanuel? God in human nature? Jehovah. Here the blessed angels bow down their astonished heads ; here the wicked spirits of hell stand appalled? dismayed. But the Jews? in harmony with Socini- ans? Mahometans? and other heretics? cavil: they wish to get rid of that truth without which nothing can remain for sinners but everlasting despair. The Scriptures testify that Jehovah is One. The same Scriptures testify? that One? who is Jehovah? sends? as an angel? as a deliverer? another? who is also Je- hovah. They testify? that One? who is God? saith to another? u Awake? O sword? against my Shep- herd? against the man who is my fellow. Sit thou at my sight hand. Thy throne? O God? is for ever and ever." And what is the objection to this truth? It is mysterious? it seems incredible. Is this strange? that the deliverance of sinners? under the government of a holy God? should be accomplished in a mysterious manner ? Or? that the nature of that God should be unsearchable? whose least footsteps? even in the cre- ation of one atom of dust? I, a blind atom? cannot trace ? MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 133 Seventhly, I have stated the true prophetic doctrine concerning the Messiah. For the truth of the statement I appeal not to this or that single sen- tence or word, but to the whole mass of these inspir- ed writings, to every book which they contain, and to the prominent lines of each particular book. Particular prophecies will be hereafter considered. We are advancing to the most momentous part of the whole controversy. We are in possession of a clear delineation of the Messiah's character, furnish- ed to us by Moses and the Prophets ; and we are to apply this criterion to try the 'pretensions of One , who hath claimed to he the very Messiah , and whose claim hath been supported in a manner which the Jews themselves must acknowledge very striking, singular, and awful. Let the Jews who now read lift up their souls to the God of their fathers, be- seeching him to enable them to lay aside prejudice and passion, and, judging for eternity, to judge righteous judgment. And to such a prayer let the heart of every Christian say, Amen. But here — “ my belly trembles, my lips quiver, rottenness enters into my bones, and I tremble in myself" — at the thoughts of seeming to sit in judg- ment on the character of Him, at whose tribunal I shall shortly appear ; whose Divine Majesty shines before me, abases, overwhelms, reduces me to no- thing. Must I enter into controversy whether he is an impostor whom I feel to be God, whose love embraces and delights me, and shall be my everlast- ing heaven ? 134 CHRISTIANITY AND Jesus, thou Son of David, thou Son of the living God, be thou witness, and ye holy angels of Jehovah be ye witnesses, that, whatever methods of persua- sion I use for the sake of others in what they ac- count matter of controversy, in my own breast there is no hesitation, no shadow of doubt ! I see the truth, I feel its glory; Jesus, who was crucified, is my Lord and my God. Let his love be stronger in me than death — let me follow, if called to it, the steps of the martyr, * who said, — “ My Love was crucified.” The difference of sentiment between Christians and Jeivs concerning Jesus of Nazareth , is, in- deed ', great as the sea. We believe that he is the Messiah, the Son of God. We believe this, because we perceive an ex- act, an inimitable, correspondence between his char- acter and the Messiah of the Prophets ; and because we find in him those treasures of salvation which supply the infinite wants of guilty, perishing, souls. Having contemplated the infinite holiness of the Judge of the world, we come forward with humble awe to consider the character of the holy Jesus ; and immediately we perceive in him that surpassing moral beauty, and that captivating tenderness of love to the church, which, in the forty-fifth psalm, and in the still bolder figures of Solomon’s Song, character- ize the Messiah. The sacred graces of his human nature engage our attention ; his exalted wisdom, faith, heavenliness, love of God, his humility, gen- tleness, compassion, and beneficence, present before * Ignatius. MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 135 us human nature restored to more than its original rectitude ; they exhibit, in unexampled strength that purity which the law demands, and which delights the holy eyes of Jehovah. Fixed in this contempla- tion, we descend still deeper into the mystery, and, under the cloud of poverty, contempt, and sorrow, discern still richer glories. We see him, who knew no sin, suffering for others, and groaning under the overwhelming pressure of guilt, from the infinite transgressions of a world of sinners. As he advan- ces into the deep waters, our admiration and faith in- crease, till we are quite overpowered with his suffer- ings, glory and love. In the mean while, we behold him strewing his suffering path with the marks of royal dignity and bounty, the pledges of his mercy and compassion. But our views terminate in no- thing human. Through the veil of flesh we per- ceive the eternal Godhead, emitting its peculiar, sparkling, rays. He is God manifested in the flesh. In him human suffering and obedience are lifted up to infinite dignity, are enriched with the gems of the crown of Deity, are stamped with the immense value of God incarnate. When, in the light of these ideas, we survey that bloody sweat which marked the ago- nizing of his soul in the garden of Gethsemane, and hear from the cross his complaint of inward anguish under Divine wrath, the sacrifice appears complete, the ransom is full for eternity, we seize everlasting life, and each believer pronounces thus, 44 God for- bid that I should glory, save in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.” 136 CHRISTIANITY AND The views of his res ( urrection, his ascension into glory, and his coming as the J udge of the universe, make our triumph perfect, boundless, eternal ! But, alas ! these things were not understood by the ancient Jews : They looked at this wonderful object through a false and vitiated medium . They did not consider the glorious attributes of Jehovah ; therefore, they felt not their own misery and guilt, therefore the false glories of this world dazzled their eyes. They sighed for a worldly par- adise, and fabricated in their imagination a Messiah who would indulge, instead of extirpating, their pride, and all their sinful lusts. And when J esus, the Messiah of God, passed before their eyes, they acted towards him as the prophets had predicted they would do : “ He hath no form nor comeliness — we hid, as it were, our faces from him — he was despised, and we esteemed him not We are astonished at that insensibility which re- mained proof against such a display of all possible human excellence ; we are ashamed of the depravity of our degraded nature, which could prefer to the Holy Jesus the carnal and base idea of an earthly conqueror : we shrink back with horror from blas- phemies pointed, with impotent fury, against him who is “ God over all blessed for ever/’ I will not enter farther into that cloudy abyss of iniquity and wrath, in which the posterity of these unhappy men have so long, and so tamely, remained. Rather, I will call aloud to them to come forth into the mar- vellous light of Jehovah; I will rather cry to Hea- ven for that power which at the day of Pentecost MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 137 pierced the enemies of J esus, that power which in a moment subdued the haughty pharisee, in his way to the scene of persecution and blood at Damascus. We long to see that profound repentance, which shall take place when the ancient prediction shall be large- ly accomplished : u I ivill pour upon the house of David , and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem , the Spirit of grace and. supplications , and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced , and they shall mourn for him , as one that mourneth for his only Son , and shall be in bitterness for him , as one that is in bitterness for his first-born T Zech. xii. 10. Such is the controversy between Christianity and modern Judaism ; a controversy already decided in the Scriptures of truth : but to give power and so- lemnity to the decision, the glorious splendours of the day of judgment are hastening to burst upon the astonished world. It relates to such points as the following : the holy perfections of Deity — the moral law — the levi- tical ceremonies — the condition of fallen man — the exclusive authority of the inspired Scriptures — the Mosaic and prophetical delineation of the Messiah — and the fulfilment of that delineation in Jesus of Nazareth. Other collateral articles of this controversy, of high importance, might be, in a similar manner, stated and illustrated. Let me, however, be permitted to employ a part of this discourse in serious expostulation with the 138 CHRISTIANITY AND reader, whether his name and profession be that of a Jew or of a Christian. Thou child of Abraham, learned or illiterate, rich or poor, man or woman, young or aged, come near to me, and give me leave to deal with thee as one rational being with another. My object is thy real benefit, and that, with the angels of light, I may rejoice over thee as a repenting, saved sinner. Thy danger is great : thou art coming nearer every hour to that lofty precipice, far beneath under which rolls an ocean of fire ; pass over that steep into the un- seen world, and the universe cannot save thee. Through the mercy of God thou art yet on praying ground ; and though, when thou beginnest to read, much prejudice be upon thy mind, there is a Power which can bring thee to relent before this paper drops from thy hand. Wilt thou not then, for once, assume the prero- gative of a rational creature, and judge impartially for thyself in matters of eternal importance ? Reviewing the plain statement of the truth rela- tive to the transcendent holiness, justice, power and majesty of Jehovah, the pure spirituality of his law, and thy condemnation as a sinner before him, what, O son or daughter of Abraham, hast thou to answer thy conscience ? If thou triest to evade the light of such truths, and to entertain other thoughts of God and thyself, this is only to imitate the fruitless ef- forts of our guilty first parents, Adam and Eve, who “ hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.'” MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 189 Thou believest that there is one God, the Creator of heaven and earth, infinite in power, wisdom and goodness ; and wilt thou remove from him the splen- dour of infinite purity ? Wilt thou represent him to thyself, as, like the idol gods of the heathen, a mean, unholy, unrighteous being ; holy in heaven, but unholy upon earth; condemning the angels who sinned, but cherishing in his bosom sinners of the human race, without any real regard to the claims of justice and holiness ? Be assured it is only for a mo- ment, and while conscience is asleep, that such mon- strous ideas of God can occupy thy mind. Remem- ber the words of thy God in the fiftieth psalm : “ Thou thoughtest I was altogether such a one as thyself : but I will reprove thee, and set thy sins in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.” Even while the delusion lasts, what are the effects of thy pretended commerce with a mean impure Deity ? It leaves thee under the power of wicked lusts, a prey to every temptation. Thy devotions are formal, dead, insipid ; thy heart is melancholy, a stranger to solid pleasure ; and thy countenance is fallen. An unholy god is a god of no excellency ; , he hath no sweetness in himself, no living joy to communicate to others. But if thou sayest, I believe the holiness, and justice, and infinite majesty of my God ; come, then, let us reason a little on that ground, and “ I will shew you that I have yet to speak on God's behalf.” 140 CHRISTIANITY AND Thy thoughts are shut in from sensible objects* and from the opinions of men concerning thee ; thy spirit is serious* and casts a solemn look into the im- mense tract of endless duration : thou lookest up to the high and holy Judge of souls* thou art placed “ under the eyes of his glory hast thou then a hope of everlasting blessedness ? On what foundation doth thy hope rest ? Away with sophistical quibbling ! This is not a business to be transacted in jest. Dost thou des- pair of heaven ? dost thou hope for it ? If thou hopest* what is thy warrant ? There are but three conceivable grounds of the hope of man* if the glorious perfections of the Judge of the world are at all kept in view : the Messiah- personal obedience — ceremonial observances. The Jew cannot trust in the Messiah for ever- lasting blessedness ; for his imagined Messiah is a mere* a sinful man : he is a temporal deliverer ; he possesses no redundant merit to be imparted to others ; he suffers for no crimes : at this door* there- fore, there is no hope. Thou trustest, then, in thy personal obedience . Remember, I beseech thee, before whom thou pre- sentest thy obedience ; and consider well what are the qualities of the obedience thou pleadest before him. Art thou indeed holy as the angels of heaven ? Doth seraphic love to God and man burn in thy breast every moment ? Doth it shine in thy countenance, and in all thy conduct ? Come, thou earthly angel ! let us look upon thee, let us learn from thee to keep the law of God. MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 141 Poor worm ! it is not my design to insult thee, but to rouse tliy conscience, that, before it be too late, thou mayest know, that “ all thy righteousnesses are as filthy rags,” and that in the sight of this holy God “ no man living can be justified.” Isa. lxiv. Psal. cxliii. Thy last refuge remains to be examined, ceremo- nial observances . And that no advantage may be wanting, we will suppose thee at J erusalem, in pos- session of a splendid temple, lineal and well-adorned priests, fat bullocks, goats, lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan. Remember, thy sacrifices have no connection with the Messiah. Answer, then, the questions which reason, conscience, God himself, put to thee. “ Will God eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats ? Shall the momentary sufferings of a brute animal be an equivalent for eternal tor- ments due to sin ? Shall the patience of a beast hold the place of the obedience of an angel ? Shall eter- nal justice pronounce such a decision ? No : this is God’s sentence — 66 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man ; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck ; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood ; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol.” Isa. lxvi. 3. Miserable descendant of Abraham ! thou possess- est not the hope of eternal life ; thou art in the pit of despair : thy prospects for eternity cannot be worse. Come, then, take one impartial look of Jesus of Nazareth ! If he is not an impostor, there is hope for thee in him : he is the refuge of a desperate 142 CHRISTIANITY AND world. An impostor ! an impostor adorned with an- gelic irreproachable purity, approved by infinite Ho- liness, emitting the beams of Divine majesty and love ! Return, repent, ye erring children of Abra- ham ! Behold the Lamb of God ; survey a Divine sacrifice of atonement, an everlasting righteousness ; embrace, at last, the Hope of eternal glory in the heavens ! “ See that ye refuse not him that speaketh from heaven .’ 1 If ye do, what awaits each of you at the hour of death ? A scene, more solemn than that of trembling Sinai, blacker darkness, brighter flames, sounds more terrific than that trumpet, and that voice of words — an immortal soul abhorred by an- gels, renounced by Abraham, condemned by infinite Purity, forsaken by immense Compassion, torn in pieces by the Saviour of the world ! Thou who callest thyself a Christian, weep over such dangers of thy fellow-creatures ; cry mightily to God that such miseries may be prevented. But take heed to thyself, lest, naming the name of Christ, thou be found in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. No Jew is by nature more an unbeliever than thou art. How was thy faith in Jesus Christ produced ? Is it the effect of thy own exertions, or of regenerating grace ? Hast thou seen the holy Judge of the world? Hast thou trembled before him ? Hast thou felt complacency in his awful glories ? Hast thou rejoiced in Christ Jesus, as glorifying the justice, as well as displaying the love of Jehovah ? And doth the light of God’s MODERN JUDAISM DISCRIMINATED. 143 purity and love shine forth in thy spirit, conversa- tion, and conduct, to the conviction of Gentiles and J ews ? “ Look down from heaven , thou God of Abra- ham, and behold from the habitation of thy holi- ness and of thy glory ! Where is thy zeal and thy strength , the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies towards thine Israel ? Why hast thou made them to err from thy ways , and hardened their heart from thy fear ? Oh, that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy pre- sence r Isa. lxiii. Ixiv. ’ ■ ' *, ' 1 J . , . . . THE BEST COUNSEL, AND THE BEST INHERITANCE . A SERMON, PREACHED IN THE TRON CHURCH, January 28. 1818, CONNECTION WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GLASGOW SABBATH EVENING SCHOOL YOUTHS’ UNION. ADVERTISEMENT. The occasion of this Sermon is publicly known. — In the publication of it, the Author yields to the desires of a number of the young persons, for whose improvement and comfort it was preached. He entertains hopes, that, by the blessing of God, it may prove a stimulating me- morial of some of the days of their first love ; and that it may also be of some use to more advanced Christians, for assisting them in the important duty of “ remember- ing the way in which the Lord their God has hitherto led them.” Such fruits and effects will be a sufficient solace, though this Discourse should not command the attention, or meet the vitiated giddy taste of the greater part of the world. Glasgow, Feb. 19. 1818. THE BEST COUNSEL, AND THE BEST INHERITANCE. Fitov. viii. 20, 21. I lead in the way of righteousness , in the midst of the paths of judgment : that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance ; and I will fll their trea- sures . My Christian Brethren, I presume there is a ge- neral serious feeling among us of the importance of the occasion of our meeting together at this time, in the courts of our God. An offering very precious, if I may allude to the language of Scripture pro- phecy, (Isa. lxvi. 20.) is presented, and almost laid upon the altar of God. The present service holds connection with a serious association of a consider- able number of young persons, desirous to perpetu- ate and confirm the improvement they avow to have derived from the instructions of Sabbath evening schools ; and along with this, to strengthen the ties of mutual friendship ; and also, under the direction of more experienced Christians, to employ them- selves occasionally in offices of pious benevolence for the benefit of others. I hope the hearts of teachers, parents, ministers, and others, are truly moved with spiritual concern at this interesting spectacle. 148 THE BEST COUNSEL, AND The words which have been read seem to convey counsel and encouragement, such as the present cir- cumstances require. Throughout this chapter we find a personification of wisdom, which may be understood in some parts of it as the enlivening language of rhetorical figure. It appears, however, to open gradually, and in the latter part of the chapter most decidedly, to a strong reference to the mysterious distinction of persons in the Eternal Godhead. This is placed beyond rea- sonable doubt, when we compare this passage with the august testimony, (John i. 1, 2, 3.) where the language is evidently that of solemn clear declara- tion: 66 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him.'” — Without any further discussion, I will proceed on this general idea : and taking up the text, and some parts at least of the surrounding context, as the ut- terance, (infinitely gracious !) of the second Divine Person, the Son of the living God, addressing the children of men in the character of a wise and mighty Saviour, I propose to call your attention to two things : I. The counsel and conduct afforded by this Di- vine Leader. II. The happy result and issue of regarding and following such counsel and conduct. In the context, the communication and happy ef- fects 6f wisdom are held forth in a great variety of THE BEST INHERITANCE. 149 views, all of them interesting. I will select some of the chief of those, and on each of them pursue the illustration of the two leading ideas already mentioned. I. It will be proper to begin with that which is most essential ; that which in the first instance is most necessary and precious ; that, in absence of which, all religious counsel must be blank and in- efficient ; that which, in the judgment of Paul, (Rom. i.) constitutes the main strength of that Gospel which is the power of God to salvation ; namely, counsel and conduct respecting the way of a sinner’s being brought to a state of reconciliation and friendship with his offended Creator and Judge. If it be admitted, — I hope it is not merely admit- ted as an opinion, but has been deeply felt, and laid to heart under solemn conviction by many now present, — if it be admitted, that in consequence of the origi- nal revolt the whole human race is born and grows up in a state of apostasy from God, depravity, guilt, and condemnation ; then it is manifest all counsels of wisdom would be perfectly unavailing, if the rem- edy of this tremendous evil were not clearly brought forward to view. To nothing inferior to the great plan of salvation relative to this, can the words be reasonably referred : “ I was set up from everlast- ing, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.” Ver. 23. “ Before the mountains were settled was I brought forth.” Ver. 25. “ When he prepared the heavens I was there, &c.” Ver. 27. u Then I was by him as one brought up with him ; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him ; re- 150 THE BEST COUNSEL, AND joicing in the habitable parts of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.'” Ver. 30. To which most momentous, most majestic, consul- tation of Divine love, are annexed the endearing and piercing calls : “ Now, therefore, hearken unto me, O ye children : for blessed are they that keep my ways. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watch- ing daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 1 ’ Ver. 32. 34. And of the same import : “ How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity, and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn ye at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto you ; I will make known my words unto you.” Chap. i. 22. 28. Let me here begin to address the young people now present. My young friends, you came but lately into this world ; you are of yesterday, and when you begin to look around on your circumstan- ces with a serious eye, and think how near you stand to an unknown eternity, perplexing thoughts must arise ; something mysteriously strange and perilous in your condition must strike your minds. But here is one courting your regard, inviting your confidence, offering you his counsel and love ; one who was from everlasting, and from the heights of past eternity foresaw clearly your present condition ; who in time, many ages ago, did create this universe ; who long afterwards did become flesh, and did dwell among us full of grace and truth ; who obeyed, suffered, died, rose again, ascended on high far above all heavens. What if he were now to exhibit some visible sig- nals of his presence, and to rise upon us, at this THE BEST INHERITANCE. 151 evening hour, like a morning sun ! What if he were to fill this house with a voice, like the sound of many waters ! and looking forth from a heavenly bright- ness, to address himself to the young people present, in such terms as these : 66 Behold me. Behold me, ye youthful children of the dust ! I am your best friend. I have anticipated all your dangerous cir- cumstances ; and long before you existed, I have removed out of the way the obstacles of your happi- ness. Commit yourselves to my guidance, that I may bring you safely to glory in the heavens.” Such an appearance would be awakening, astonish- ing, persuasive. But, though we have no warrant to seek or hope for such things, they would not be more real, or more substantially important and en- couraging, than what may now be transacted by the sure word of truth and grace, attended with the in- ward teaching of the Holy Ghost. You will say then, what are his proposals, what doth lie offer ? I answer, “ He hath the words of eternal life.” We were beginning to speak of the way of a sinner’s being reconciled to his offended Creator. And re- lative to this high subject, Jesus the Son of God has known all the extent and secrets of Divine go- vernment, all the counsels of Divine love. He is ready to unfold to you, so far as the case requires, the whole plan of reconciliation, with impressive light, evidence and power ; respecting which he may be conceived to utter the sweet language of the text, 64 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.” 152 THE BEST COUNSEL, AND He whose name is called, Wonderful, Counsellor, will by his word and Spirit guide your minds, to just views of what is essential to this way of recon- ciliation : the necessity of it, arising from the ruined sinful condition of man ; the source of it, in the sove- reign mercy of the Most High ; its riches, suitable- ness, and sufficiency. He will make the mysteries of this reconciliation plain enough, to give a clear footing to your faith and earnest acceptance. He will disclose, so far as is practically needful, the true nature of that conviction of sin, and that firm per- suasion of the Divine testimony and offer relative to this reconciliation, which are included in the genuine reception of it. He will particularly aasure you, that the way wherein he leads you is indeed the way of righteous- ness, and that following his conduct, respecting your reconciliation to God and free justification for eterni- ty, you walk in the midst of the paths of judgment : that all possibility of fatal delusion and error is ex- cluded from that way of peace, which, originating in the richest mercy, is sealed to be indeed Divine by its harmony with justice ; not the shallow justice of earthly lawgivers or philosophizers, but with all the high dictates of that Divine righteousness, which regulates the vast eternal government of Jehovah. Of such leading, to them who through grace fol- low it fully, what shall be the result ? Hear the words of the text, “ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance ; and I will fill their treasures.” How sweet, and more than musical, is the sound of these words ! Who can tell what is here, what sub- THE BEST INHERITANCE. 158 stance in relation to God and eternity I An infinite God. Not a world with its fulness. Not millions of created worlds, parcelled among those reconciled children of Him who liveth for ever and ever. Their inheritance is that immensity of uncreated good, which angels see with joy, but cannot fathom ; standing ever delightfully astonished as on the entrance of a boundless ocean. Your treasures shall be filled. The large, expanded, powers of your souls shall be satiated for ever with pleasures now unknown. These things, however, great as they are, do not exhaust the meaning of the words of the text. Let us take another look of them, II. In reference to personal sanctification. My young friends, I hope God has given you a heart to pant after holiness. You hate the disease of sin as well as its punishment ; sin, festering and reigning, is a hell in your estimation. Holiness is in your account an essential, an exquisitely precious part of salvation. Here also, Jesus, the Holy One of God, offers to be your guide and leader, and will cause you to in- herit substance. He will guide you in your pursuits after holiness. He will lay open the nature of genuine purity, that you may not mistake your object. He will disclose the true comprehensive ingredients, and the attrac- tive beauties of the holiness, designed and purchas- ed by him for his people. With a strong hand will he instruct you, respecting those mighty inward 154 THE BEST COUNSEL, AND operations of the Spirit of holiness ; which, wonder- fully uniting themselves with your feeble exertions, produce the mortification of sinful dispositions, and the restoration of God’s pure image on the soul, and the strengthening, expansion, and adorning of that blessed image. You shall be conducted, thus, not to phantoms of purity, not to deceiving shadows and appearances, but to a substantial holiness, which will refresh and delight your immortal spirits ; which will create an ever enlarging desire after this transcendently preci- ous good, followed with new gratifications, and which will open towards that perfection, whereby is exclud- ed every “ spot, and wrinkle,” and vestige of evil. Besides this inwork of heart purification, you shall find need of counsel, and your gracious all-knowing Leader will afford it, III. Respecting the right performance of religi- ous duties, and all other moral duties. Relative to the ordinances of worship, this great High Priest will guide your steps in the sanctuary of God. He will “ show you the form of the house, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in there- of.” Ezek. xliii. 11. — He will open to your view the beauty and majesty of those institutions of wor- ship, which bear the impression of Divine authority, and which are opposed to all the pomp and pride, and wantonness of unavailing human inventions. He will particularly instruct you how to keep and manage your own hearts, with a wise diligence, and THE BEST INHERITANCE. 155 how you may draw down, and improve that presence and glory of the Lord, in consequence whereof his tabernacles are truly amiable and joyful. And in the more ordinary moral duties, which at- tend your daily intercourse with your fellow men, you shall, under his tuition, “ understand righteous- ness, and judgment, and equity ; yea, every good path. — You shall learn to guide your affairs with discretion ; — to keep a conscience void of offence — to answer every call, and fulfil every obligation of duty in its proper time and order : and to bring in- to them all a heavenly sweetness, purity and strength. Thus he will “ dwell in you, and walk in you, and his light shall shine upon your ways.” 2 Cor. vi. 16. Job xxii. 24. ; IV. In addition to all these things, and included in the leading which the text announces, may be men- tioned a numberless train of inferior counsels, accom- modating themselves to a variety of minute circum- stances, and to the ever shifting appearances of hu- man character and of events. A rich treasure of this kind is laid up in the whole remainder of this book of Proverbs, by the vigilant and judicious application whereof “ the simple may acquire harmless subtilty, and the young man may attain to wise counsels,” and may know how to con- duct himself with regard to all the characters, good and bad, which may start up around him, and the diversified succession of providential events which, in the progress of time, he may witness or experi- ence. 156 THE BEST COUNSEL, AND As an accompanying result of a course of life so formed and regulated, and an appendage of the substantial inheritance promised in the text, I may shortly notice a competent measure of worldly pros- perity and comfort. Here indeed a strong curb is requisite to check the fondness of carnal desire and expectation. You must not, my young friends, indulge romantic, per- emptory expectations relative to the present world. You must learn to tread all earthly things under your feet ; and rise to the spirit of self-denial, and of willingness to pass u through fire and water, ” if such be the will of the Lord. So it hath been with many of his most favoured and approved children and servants. Nevertheless, your Leader has all power on earth, as well as in heaven. He will give that which is good. If prosperity be, in his account, good for you, it shall not be withholden : it shall be bestowed in the best manner, purged from vanity, separated from care and sorrow, and perfumed with the sweet- ness of his love. But forget not to take warning from the unwor- thy, disappointed fondness for an earthly kingdom, which for a season appeared even in the venerable apostles of the Lamb. In reflecting on the whole of these things, one ob- jection may occur to a serious mind. Is not this too much ? Is it not presumption to expect from a per- son so lofty and exalted, such an expense of minute and costly attention and kindness to be laid out on a silly, worthless being of the dust ? I answer in the THE BEST INHERITANCE. 157 clear language of the Bible ; “ My thoughts are not as your thoughts. He humbleth himself to behold things in heaven, and in earth. Good and upright is the Lord ; therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him, and he will shew them his covenant.” And if we are to reason at all on the subject, it ought to be in this manner : To him who descended from the heights of supreme Godhead to become as one of us, to dwell in our na- ture, to partake of our flesh and blood, will it be too much to dwell and walk in us by a spiritual pres- ence ? To him who became for us a weary sufferer, a man of sorrows, an overwhelmed victim, under the curse of the law, in bodily tortures, in spiritual ago- nies, will it, can it, be too much to watch over the conveyance of his blessings to us, and over all our course, by a kindness easy and delightful ? In conclusion, my young friends, considering your present starting place, and your prospects of futurity, I may venture to predict, that if God shall prolong your days, and enable you to press on in the course I have been describing, you shall meet in it more than you expect ; more of trial and more of pleasure. Storms of temptation may arise with fearful violence ; but fear not, the power and love of your invincible Leader will rise with them. Keeping close behind him, you shall find yourselves compassed about with songs of deliverance, and brought, perhaps, “ ere ever you are aware, to the banqueting house, over 5 158 THE BEST COUNSEL, AND which is displayed the banner of heavenly love ; and where you shall drink abundantly joy unspeakably great and full of glory.” And now I request your attention to a few short, concluding, counsels. Cherish a sense of the value of the privileges you have enjoyed. If your situation in life has been in some respects disadvantageous, be the more thankful for the supply of deficiencies by unexpected me- thods. Beware, however, of resting in the form and letter of means : seek in them the inward working of Di- vine power. Guard with fear and watchfulness, against the lusts and sins of youth ; remember the apostolic pre- cept, “ Flee youthful lusts.” 2 Tim. ii. 22. Seek to have the vigour and fire of youth conse- crated to God. We wish not to damp your ardour, and hope, and spirit of enterprise ; but to have them purged from rashness, presumption, and carnality, and sanctified by fire from heaven. Seek to be made useful to the young, and even to the aged. I am glad to find it a part of your plan to attend to those in advanced years, whose situa- tion is most dreary, and humanly speaking most hopeless. But to the omnipotence of grace nothing is hopeless. 66 Is any thing too hard for the Lord ?” He may honour you to plant, on the very verge of the grave, flowers and herbs of Grace, which shall flourish through eternity. THE BEST INHERITANCE. 159 Avoid improprieties, which in youth might be particularly unseemly. Such would be an exces- sive austerity an dsourness. Be as firm as you please in opposing known evils, but, as much as possible, let it be done pleasantly. And watch, as against fire, the least taint of arrogance, of vanity, and of proud affectation. “ I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified.” Amen. - .... ? . : ' ' v vUsdinio • • •' - • . . ■ - ■ ro U> O', •> ; HiMiiE •; : •: ■ *•' • y ttYi t; ! ‘ ‘ - n . • - • - ' O ' ' i, x • _ ‘ . . ' ' ' • - ‘ ; % • • £ ) md.i X t* ’ - ; pwh* y wvtj 'k>3 u . ’ titinm*-' • ?r; i IV^I : U'j> -a - 7; :.-■ .')/■: ■ a . : LU- > - * : • - * ' • • - 0 ?*f 3 V{ , / zvr ■ Hfr •: ; t * ' 7 Si :r -4f -.•« » J rv -uA A‘ MB "••«.’ ?• A > • * -id > «• > r ■ V tfxs rv l .f : .rp-jt • ■ > 1 • . ;:r*r Hr* ADVERTISEMENT. After the solemn and mournful event referred to in this Sermon, several weeks elapsed before the Author entertained any thoughts of such an address to the Public. Having shortly adverted to it, in several Discourses delivered near the time, he con- sidered his duty as in this respeet discharged. At length, however, he was roused by the suggestions of a Christian Friend, and Brother in the ministry, whom he highly esteems, to take a farther view of what might be expected from his intimate friendship with the venerable deceased, and of what useful im r pressions might still be made on the public mind. He was then induced to preach this Sermon, in sub- stance, to his own congregation on a Sabbath even- ing, and afterwards to prepare it more fully for pub- lication. He hopes to be secure from the charge of plagiarism, or of any unfriendly reference to any part of the Sermons which have appeared on this occasion, if the following fact be considered — that he avoided reading any of them, and even the cha- racter given in a newspaper, excepting a very small extract of it, till this Sermon was completely writ- ten. He has since, with attention and respect, read them all ; and it is no part of his design, to interfere with the just honour, and useful impression, which will attend them. 164 * ADVERTISEMENT. The candid and considerate will grant him, that the magnitude of the event referred to, admits the voice of many instructors, in order to its full im- provement. And as this Sermon stands last in the train, from the nature of the subject treated of, he hopes it may be considered as adapted, in connection with those which went before it, to promote, through the Divine blessing, a permanent habit of serious and cheering reflection on this momentous visitation of Almighty Providence. COMMUNION WITH SAINTS IN HEAVEN. Heb xii. 23. Ye are come — to the spirits of just men made perfect. Great is the change produced by the converting grace of God. It has been justly said, that con- verting grace brings the sinner as into a new world. There is then a new world created within, in the sinner’s soul ; a world of light and order, of purity, joy and strength, where formerly was a horrible chaos of sin and misery. Even with respect to the visible creation around him, the converted sinner seems to come into a new world ; a new lustre, a new smile, shines over the face of nature, such as cannot be the effect of mere temporal prosperity, or philosophical information. Of the change in these respects, the grand imme- diate cause is the gracious spiritual presence of the God of glory manifested to the soul. And the same Divine presence brings the converted sinner to the realizing knowledge of a new, really existing world ; for it brings him to the Heaven of heavens, it sur- rounds him with the high and attractive objects of that world. He who was lately dead in trespasses and sins now sits as in heavenly places. Eph. ii. 5, 6. 166 COMMUNION WITH Formerly, the outcast sinner was, by the sentence of the law of God, excommunicated from heaven. To him, formerly, the true heaven was a land of darkness, a country unknown. But now how great is the change ! The wretched sinner is “ raised up;” is, in an important sense, “ exalted along with” the glorious Saviour. And the apostle, in this context, invites him to look around, and dis- tinctly to view the magnificent objects, created and uncreated, which fill the heavenly sanctuary. A- mong these, shines forth with peculiar attractions, the multitude “ of the spirits of the righteous made perfect.” I will attempt, through grace, to illustrate this very interesting, yet difficult, subject, by showing, I. In what sense the declaration of the text, “ ye are come — to the spirits of the righteous made per- fect,” is to be understood. II. What are the active endeavours and exercises of Christian believers, for following out this high privilege. I. In what sense is the declaration of the text to be understood ? 1. It refers to the clear discovery of the real ex- istence of that happy state and world, into which the spirits of the righteous enter at the hour of death. Before the Christian dispensation commenced, the existence of that happy state was not altogether un- known. But the revelation and evidence of it were cloudy. The reality of that blessed state was di%- SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 167 covered, even by true believers, rather in the way of inference from facts and promises, than by explicit Divine declarations. A foundation was laid for this hope by the origi- nal promise of redemption by the Messiah, as con-* nected with the covenant of works in its primitive form : and subsequent promises gave increasing clear- ness to the light of faith and hope; especially when in unlimited terms the Most High pronounced bless- ing on individuals, and gave himself as their God in covenant. The premature melancholy death of Abel, after clear testimony of Divine acceptance, disclosed the promise of life in the unseen world, though in awful bloody characters. By the translation of Enoch, and of Elijah, it received a more direct and splendid attestation. The same desirable conclusion might be drawn from the wandering state of the favoured Patriarchs ; and from the feast of Tabernacles which their pos-r terity were required to observe in Canaan itself, a- midst their settled prosperity there. Zech. xiv. 16. In like manner, a believer might reason from the heavenly spirit and character shining forth in many of the psalms and prophecies, the ultimate general pointing whereof was toward the Heaven of hea- vens ; besides the assistance afforded by particular strong declarations. Consider in this view, Psalm xvi. lxiii. lxxxiv. Isa. vi. &c. &e. Still, however, there was comparative obscurity in all the premises from which so weighty inferences were to be drawn. It might be truly said the “ way 168 COMMUNION WITH into the holiest,” and the holiest itself, were not yet made manifest. The rich purchasing price of the heavenly glory was entirely wanting. Yea, the Purchaser himself, though, as a Divine person, God over all blessed for ever, he ever existed in the God- head, and it could be said by Job — “ I know that my Redeemer liveth,” yet as to his complex Person, as constituted by the union of the Divine and hu- man natures, he did not yet exist. And along with all these disadvantages, the Spi- rit, by whose influence alone men are able to im- prove the means of elevating their minds to heaven, “ was not yet given,” that is, he was rarely and spar- ingly imparted. But in the fulness of time, God sent forth his Son made of a woman. He who was from eternity “ in the bosom of the Father, the brightness of his glory,” descended from the height of Divine Majes- ty to become flesh, and appeared in the church on earth as partaker of the very nature of man, “ the seed of the woman.” Then stood forth confessed the wonderful Purchaser of the forfeited glory of heaven in behalf of the guilty. Then the veil, which concealed the holiest of all from mortal view, began to be rent asunder. And along with the every day and hour of the substantial manifestation of the Purchaser, the shining price, which at once ransomed from hell, and procured heaven, did now sparkle, with inimitable brightness and brilliancy, before the eyes of believers, consisting of humilia- tion, obedience, and suffering, perpetually united, and infinitely valuable. SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 169 It is thus that in the Christian church, believers iC come to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,'” in respect of clear evidence of the existence of the state of heavenly glory, which perfected believers do actually possess. 2. Along with a firm persuasion of the real ex- istence of this state of high felicity, its very nature is in some measure disclosed to the view of enlight- ened believers, while yet they sojourn on earth. They enter by faith “ in the blood of Jesus, into the holiest,'” so as distinctly, though imperfectly, to discern some of the chief ingredients of the exalted felicity, enjoyed by the perfected spirits of the righ- teous. According to the measure of their faith and spi- rituality, believers do “ behold with open face” the glories of the Person of the Purchaser, and the ac- tual accomplishment of the great purchase, in the displayed course of his pure obedience and precious sufferings. And if these objects really be placed within sight of the believer's opened eyes, then there must be, in the first instance, a powerful impression in general of the lofty nature and unspeakable excellency of that blessedness, which is worthy to be the reward and fruit of such obedience, and of such suffer- ings. But more particularly, He who could say — u I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” presents the manifold glories of his person and redeeming work to the believer, as exhibiting the very nature and substance of heavenly blessedness. The words 170 COMMUNION WITH now mentioned are in effect, “ I am the way to hea- ven, I am heaven itself.” For, wherein consists the perfection of holiness which prepares for such delights, and gives a taste and capacity for them ? Wherein, but in the im- pressed likeness of those excellencies which shone forth in Jesus the God-man, while effecting this as- tonishing purchase by his own abasement, love, pu- rity, and sacrifice of himself. When a Christian learns, with Paul, to “ glory in the cross of the Lord Jesus,” he anticipates something of that triumphant pleasure which is felt by the redeemed in glory, in surveying their eter- nal reconciliation to God by the sacrifice of the cross. When with devout complacency and rapture he views the glory of God in the face of J esus Christ, and rejoices in the display and glorification of the manifold perfections of Deity by the great redeem- ing work, he then feels something of that enjoyment of God himself, which constitutes the highest felici- ty of the spirits of the righteous in their exalted and perfected state. And though comparatively he sees nothing of God, yet as, at an opened chink or window, he looks in as from afar upon that immen- sity of the interior and more retired beauties of the Godhead, in beholding which, the redeemed multi- tude is kept in continual rapture, and drinks in plea- sures ever new, ever overflowing, ever overwhelm- ing. In such w r ays as these it may be said that Chris- tians are now come — “ to the spirits of the righte- SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 171 ous made perfect,' ” respecting some distinct and de- lightful knowledge of the very nature of their feli- city. 3. Christian believers are taught to apply what they learn of the nature of the heavenly glory, to the multitude of believers who entered heaven be- fore the coming of the Saviour, and to a still great- er multitude who have ascended thither since his eoming. The venerable patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Judah, have been familiar to us from our early childhood. They have roused our desire to know ; they have amused, soothed, instructed, warn- ed, comforted us. We have had opportunity by their history of having the first principles insinuat- ed into our minds, of that fear of God which is the true beginning of wisdom. We have been charmed by the voice of the sweet singers of Israel. The high-sounding, sharp-rebuking prophets, have rous- ed, have wounded, have healed us. We have come into the society of the disciples and apostles of the Lamb of God. How good and how pleasant, yea how elevating, yea how transport- ing to follow all these, by invigorated faith, into the holiest ; to view them there in robes of light, sitting as on thrones, with crowns of gold on their heads, far, far removed from infirmity, defilement and sor- row, triumphing in their God, and in the happy re- sult of that course, which presumptuous fools on earth dare to account foolishness. But what a “ noise do I hear of a great rushing !” Ezek. iii. 12. Behold the frequent angelic convoy 172 COMMUNION WITH passing through the intermediate lofty spaces, with trumpet sound ; often stooping to embrace their ad- mired charge. See the gates of paradise wide un- folded. Survey that throng of triumphant spirits, sprinkled with the blood of trial and suffering, but attributing all cleansing and salvation to that blood alone, which is “ God’s own blood.” Acts xx. 28. Mark, over them, the enkindled peculiar corusca- tions of the sweet lightning of love, from the coun- tenance of the Godman in the midst of the throne. And observe flowing as behind them a more tran- quil, but unutterably joyful, wide expanded stream of the disciples, friends, and followers of the mar- tyred host. And are the many mansions of glorified spirits now filled up ? Blessed be God, blessed be the Lamb of God, “ yet there is room.” These are on- ly “ the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb." A multitude immensely greater follows. This wide earth, cleansed and fructified by the swelling tide of celestial influence, must yet be often filled with in- numerable redeemed, new created souls ; and must often empty itself into that world of glory. By this retrospect, and by this assured foresight, Christian believers now come “ to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.” 4. Christian believers learn to apply their views of the heavenly glory to those Christians who have lived with them, and have gone from their side to that world of purity and joy. Amidst the accumulated splendours of the eternal sanctuary, and abode of Deity, shall the friends who SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 173 have long since, or lately, left us be lost to our view ? No verily. We were knit to them by that immortal principle of love, springing from faith, which u never faileth. r> 1 Cor. xiii. 8. Their re- moval from us left a bleeding wound, for which there could be no healing balm but the love of Christ, and “ Christ in us the hope of glory .” Col. i. 27. Here we find strong consolation and the pleasure of sacred friendship, remembering them in the Lord, and realizing the felicity in the possession whereof they now reign in heaven. Some one may perhaps say, 6 This is too much. Is it not presumption for mean insignificant persons to invest others, mean as themselves, with such high honours, and to talk of the poor inmates of a cot- tage, and cliildren of the dust, in such lofty strains ?’ We answer, 4 The objection savours of the false hu- mility, or worldly pride, of a carnal mind. We ad- mit that great humility ought indeed to attend such prospects and hopes. But we are warranted to che- rish them by the word of the living God ; and we are enabled to do so by that Comforter the Spirit of truth, whom the dying Redeemer promised to send to his disciples and friends, to glorify Christ himself, and to take of his things, and shew them to their minds, and to impress them with heavenly sweetness on their hearts.’ Without these exalted hopes we cannot live, though we can never lie low enough in the dust while we entertain them. Nor shall our humility ever reach its full perfection, till we be with our departed friends in the promised glory. I have thus far endeavoured to explain the de- I 174 COMMUNION WITH claration of the text, “ Ye are come to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.” But such blessed privileges are not to be enjoyed in the midst of indulged sloth or carnality, nor mere- ly to be waited for till they drop down upon us, we remaining in torpid ease or listless indifference. Men of such a temper may have their notions, and dead speculations on these lofty subjects. But there is much to be done, there are vigorous exertions to be made by living Christians, to reach in this respect the proper height of their holy character. Here also, “ the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence,” and every spiritual man “ presseth into it.” I there- fore proceed, as was proposed to be done, II. To shew, What are the active endeavours, and exercises of Christian believers, for following out this high privilege. Here it is to be considered, that the object of pur- suit is a lively , spiritual perception of the happy state of the spirits of the righteous made perfect, accompanied with a delightful savour of the sweet- ness of that glorious felicity, and at times such an- ticipations of it, as amount to the designed meaning of what is intended by the Scripture expressions of f 6 the first fruits of the Spirit,” “ the earnest of the inheritance,” and “ to sit in heavenly places with the exalted Saviour.” Attainments of this kind are to be viewed by se- rious Christians as at once highly desirable, difficult, yet practicable. Besides, therefore, a distinct literal knowledge of SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 175 the tilings already stated in this discourse, it be- hoves a Christian to give close attention to the ex- press precepts, and equally express promises of the sacred word, on this subject. This is necessary that he may know that he proceeds in the path of duty, wherein his God will meet him ; and that he may resist the darkness and sluggishness of his own heart, the whisperings of Satan, and the empty cry of the world against mysticism and enthusiasm. He that hath ears to hear, let him therefore hear the voice of Divine command in such words as these, u If ye be risen with Christ, see k those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God,” Col. iii. 1, 2. Let him hear the voice of Di- vine promise, in such declarations as the following : a Seek and ye shall find ; knock and it shall be open- ed unto you,” Matt. vii. 7. 46 The Spirit of truth, the Comforter,” saith the kind and faithful Jesus, “ shall glorify me : for he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you,” (John xvi. 14.) with manifest re- ference to the glories of the heavenly state ; and he adds, “ Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John xvi. 24. Thus warranted, and thus animated, let the Chris- tian look attentively to the tract which he is called to pursue. It includes the following things. 1. To cultivate those habits of life, and maintain that inward frame of spirit, which are favourable to clear and affecting views of the heavenly state. They who aspire so high must, through grace, acquire a character and habits suitable to heaven. Into that high and holy place there shall in no wise 176 COMMUNION WITH enter, even by anticipation, “ any thing that defil- eth or woaketh abomination.” They must be pure in heart, of. a spirit tender and susceptible of hea- venly light and impression. They must retire, as far as necessary duties permit, from the secularizing and debasing commerce of sordid grovelling minds. Their frequent occupations must be to read, and hear, and revolve in deliberate meditation, “ the words of eternal life ;” to make earnest supplication for the illuminating Spirit of truth and wisdom ; and to hold intimate converse with heavenly-minded Christians. 2. Living habitually thus, he who would fully come to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, while mourning over his own imperfection, must hum- bly inquire into the high sources and causes of that state of wonderful purity and felicity. For this pur- pose he must look up to those lofty and holy coun- sels of the love of God, in which the design of this blessed state was formed and adjusted ; and the cho- sen possessors of it “ were predestinated to be con- formed to the image of Jesus the Son of God, and to be with him heirs of God, and partakers of all communicable Divine fulness,” Rom. viii. 29. 17. Issuing from this lofty source of Divine love, he must often behold the descending incarnate Son of the Highest, in human flesh fulfilling meritoriously all possible righteousness, and enduring the whole curse of the violated law, that the heirs of hell might become monuments of wonder, in a glorified heavenly state, for evermore. Nor must we over- look, or regard slightly, the movements of wonder- SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 177 working power of the Third Person in Deity, form- ing, purifying, refining, strengthening, and replen- ishing, the vessels of mercy prepared unto glory. 3. In connection with these things, let him who hath boldness “ by the blood of Jesus to enter into the holiest,” and to approach, by faith, the triumph- ant ever-increasing assembly of the righteous, en- deavour to render his views of their condition, em- ployment, and pleasures, from day to day, more pe- netrating, correct, extensive and heart-affecting. Let him follow out the humbling, yet animating, comparison between his own feeble beginnings of light, holiness, love and joyful communion with God and his redeemed people, and that unmingled, un- restrained, and unmeasurable perfection to which they are elevated, and from which they “ go no more out,” Rev. iii. 1£. Here we might again go over the particulars formerly enumerated. But omitting this, I proceed to observe, 4. That a Christian, advancing in acquaintance with things above, will naturally be led to carry on his acts of worship, praise, and obedience, as in communion with that blessed multitude of the re- deemed in heaven. Engaged in retired exercises of prayer and praise, and still more in the public earthly sanctuary, he rises to enlightened views of the God of glory, and through the sacrifice and intercession of the great High Priest approaches fhe eternal throne in hea- ven, pouring out earnest supplications, or offering grateful praises, it will be natural and animating to think of that glorious throng of perfected worship- 178 COMMUNION WITH pers, who see the same God and Saviour in superior light, and present at the same lofty throne, praises and affections of a nobler and purer kind. He may thus check the languor, in himself and others, which might otherwise depress him ; and may view the sanctuary on earth rendered bright and majestic, by fellowship with innumerable multitudes of perfected spirits, some of whom were lately his companions in such services as can be afforded in this dark, pollut- ed world. Even in the ordinary course of obedience, the Christian may rouse and cheer his humble activity, by remembering that he is acting under the same authority, and promoting the cause and glory of the same God, who is honoured by the incessant, un- polluted praises, and exertions, of the multitudes of holy ones above, before the least of whom the wisest and mightiest on earth must shrink into darkness. v 5. But how deeply must Christian believers, pro- ceeding in this heavenly course, be affected, when the solemn period arrives of the departure of any of the brethren by death, to enter personally into these regions of light and perfection ; and when they who surround such individuals, are called to those exercises which are emphatically referred to by the apostle, when he speaks thus, 2 Cor. vii. 3. “ Ye are in our hearts to die with you.” Now, in a peculiar manner, the everlasting doors of the high and holy place seem to burst open, and surviving friends on earth have opportunity to catch some glances of what is continually going on “ with- in the vail.” SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 179 Here the morality, the strength and joy, of Chris- tianity, rise to peculiar elevation. That which would be otherwise merely u the dreadful post of observation,” becomes the tower of joyful prospect, of rich instruction, and of invigorating triumph. The duty of Christians around a known depart- ing friend, is to summon up all their strength to be- lieve in his behalf, and to apply the sure promises of the everlasting covenant ; and while helping him on in sentiments of humiliation for sin, and sub- missive patience under the mighty hand of God, to infuse healing and consolation, and to rouse all his joyful powers to those exertions of faith, hope, and gratitude, whereby grace rises above the infirmities of languishing and dissolving nature. This is to be done, not by the deluding vision of the crucifix, but by the wise and powerful display of the glories of Immanuel, the sin atoning Lamb of God ; the Lord of life, the lover of immortal souls, the sove- reign bestower of heavenly crowns and mansions. Sometimes the dying sufferer becomes the most powerful instructor and comforter, and he, or she, who formerly trembled and languished, becomes the animated witness of the supporting power of grace, of the tried and sure love of Jesus, and of the unfolding brightness of the holy paradise of God. We have seen the awful ghastliness of death be- coming amiable and desirable, and changed by the glistening of spiritual might, joy, and hope, bearing strong, though almost silent, testimony to the tri- umph of salvation. And from the faltering lips of 180 COMMUNION WITH the dying have burst forth the words of conquering faith, and of immortal kindness, never to be forgot- ten. It is not, however, at the death of all genuine believers that such splendid tokens of victory ap- pear. Some are appointed to pass through a severe spiritual combat with the powers of darkness, imme- diately before their entrance into everlasting light. And for this arduous, but honourable contest, the most improved and eminent Christians are sometimes selected ; when not only their own faith and patience undergo fiery trial, but their spiritual associates are called to endure hardness as good soldiers of J esus Christ. And besides such spiritual trial, many cases occur, when the overwhelming force of bodily disease pro- duces a sudden wall of separation between the dying Christian and surviving friends ; and seems, to hu- man view, to intercept all the active exertions of the soul, however highly it may be impregnated with the principles and powers of grace. It was thus that lately I stood by an illustrious Christian minister* in his expiring moments. The cloud of disease prevented all that solemnly sweet communication, which we ardently wished. But, by the eyes of faith, we saw the great work upon him, transacted as behind the curtain. In these myste- rious circumstances, we roused and strengthened the faith of one another, standing in awe of the rebuke, “ Except ye see signs and wonders ye will not be- * Dr Balfour. SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 181 lieve;” and of another mild reproving connsel, “ Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldst believe, thou shouldst see the glory of God?'” John iv. 48. xi. 40. Yes ; we firmly believed the secret, perfecting, finishing operations of the Spirit of all grace and power, on our retiring Friend and Father. Doing violence to nature, I may add even to the desires of grace, we surrendered him, whom we wished to re- tain, into the everlasting arms of our God, into the possession of boundless pleasures. By faith we saw his separated spirit flying as a dove to its windows ; arriving, embraced, crowned by the Redeeming Lover of souls, and taking its lofty, joyful station, among the spirits of the righteous made perfect. 6. The active endeavours and exercises of a Chris- tian, relative to the great privilege we have begn considering, may be viewed still more extensively, as to himself personally, with regard to Christian friends still living with him on the earth, and re- specting the world in general around him. The individual Christian, looking at the high and holy nature, and unmeasurable greatness, of this privilege, ought to be occupied in accumulating the decisive proofs of his sure interest therein ; and to labour to attain more enlarged views of these ob- jects, with a more delicate sensibility of their glory. In his Christian friends, he must promote, to the utmost of his influence, the same assurance, and heavenly spirituality of taste and habit. And respecting mankind in general, neighbours, strangers, and even his enemies, the consideration of 5 182 COMMUNION WITH the preciousness of this exalted privilege, ought to be one powerful incentive to solemn supplicating concern, and unwearied exertion for their being brought to genuine faith in Christ the Redeemer, and real interest in the great salvation. Application. I now hasten to finish this discourse, by pointing out shortly a few tilings which belong to the practi- cal application of the subject. Christian believers u are come to the spirits of the righteous made perfect'" — they are engaged in active endeavours, relative to the more complete enjoy- ment of this privilege : Let us then, 1. Admire and celebrate the riches of the grace of God, and the exceeding greatness of his power, in bringing down objects so lofty to the view and enjoyment of mean creatures of the dust. “ Will God in very deed dwell with men upon the earth ?” Will the God of glory, the ever wor- shipped King and Lord of the hosts above, so come down to polluted reptiles, as to bring with him the glory of heaven, to admit them to a kind of fami- liarity with the inhabitants of the high and holy place, and to bestow on them pledges of a future personal entrance into the eternal sanctuary ? And shall not such stooping of the Infinite Majesty, be marvellous, and precious, in our eyes ? If we know God and ourselves ; if we have cried with the pro- phet, “ We are undone, we are of unclean lips/' SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 188 Isa. vi. 5. ; if we have known the sentiments of the publican, who “ would not lift up his eyes to the vi- sible heaven,’ 1 reckoning it too grand a sight for his unworthy eyes ; we must be overwhelmed with hum- ble astonishment at such visitations of Divine light and love, and be ready to exclaim, u Sing, O ye heavens, for the Lord hath done it ; shout, ye lower parts of the earth ; break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein. 11 Isa. xliv. 23. 2. But there are objects near us, which demand the deepest concern ; pitiable souls ; men who “ know not the ways of this light, who rebel against it, and abide not in the paths thereof. 11 Job xxiv. 13. Mi- serably bewitched by wicked spirits, they hear of the doings of infinite grace, and of the glories of a de- scending heaven, with suspicion, with indifference, and haughty contempt. And on what thrones do these pretenders to superiority to the Most High sit ? On the dunghill of a fallen world, at the mouth of the opening grave, “ compelled to say to corrup- tion thou art our father, and to the worm thou art our mother and our sister. 11 These despisers, ready to perish, love and approach the darkness of hell rather than the light of heaven. But it may be said, where are these unheard-of monsters, who are chargeable with such malignity ? I answer, thou, thou art the man, whosoever thou art, if yet, amidst the light and love of the gospel, thou remainest an unconverted sinner. And an unconverted sinner thou undoubtedly art, if thou never didst feel with solemn anguish thy distance and estrangement from 184 COMMUNION WITH God, and from the true heaven ; if thou didst never cry mightily to be u called by Divine power out of darkness into God’s marvellous light.” 1 Peter ii. 9. But there is another question, May souls so de- based and vitiated be delivered from that fearful con- dition ? I answer, it is possible by a pull of the Almighty arm, which it is at the sovereign will of God to grant or to withhold. Small, however, is the probability that this will be granted, while the con- ceited sinner has not even a selfish wish for deliver- ance. To you, O ye children of light and of hea- ven, it belongs to make persevering supplication, and to use other means for the rescue of such captive, sinking, souls. O that the Omnipotent God of Sal- vation would persuade them to obey the call of mer- cy, “ Whosoever wfill, let him take of the water of life freely.” Rev. xxii. 17. 3. Deplorable and perilous, beyond conception, is their situation to whom u the kingdom of heaven hath come nigh,” and who disdain to regard it. But I turn to you who have been truly “ partakers of the heavenly calling,” to you who have felt the real- ity, and tasted the sweetness, of that illumination, which coming from above discloses in a heart-pene- trating manner the heaven of heavens, and the shin- ing way thither by the mediation of the Son of God. Let me be permitted to say, What advocate shall rise to plead for you, to palliate your criminality, if, after such experience and encouragement, you shall be found grovelling in the dust and mire of this low world, or relaxing in the vigour and diligence of spi- ritual pursuits ? Ought you not constantly to appear SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 185 as on fire with heavenly zeal and ambition, and to be ever pressing farther into the kingdom of God ? You have not yet learned, you have not yet enjoyed, all that may be learned and enjoyed of the things above, by sojourners on earth. Look again and a- gain toward u God’s holy temple,” Jonah ii. 4. Cry as Paul did for more “ of the Spirit of wisdom and revelation,” that you may “ more clearly know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,” Eph. i. 17, 18. Knock at these heavenly gates, and they shall be more fully opened unto you. Look upward and inward — Behold the wonderful objects which ever shine in that Eternal Sanctuary. See the sparkling radiance, the overwhelming bright- ness, and the astonishing loftiness and riches of that throne, where Deity, in its Three distinct Persons, openly presents itself to every eye. See, see before that throne the glorious armies of mighty, ever burning, ever worshipping, spirits. Look abroad among your kindred spirits, your breth- ren and sisters, the redeemed spirits of the righteous made perfect. “ Walk worthy of God, who hath called you to his kingdom and glory.” Walk wor- thy of “ the kingdom of God,” 1 Thess. ii. 12 ; main- tain its honour now, in the face of despisers and ene- mies. 4. Before we retire from the charms of this sub- ject, let our attention be directed to one other inter- esting view of “ the multitude of the spirits of the righteous made perfect.” 186 COMMUNION WITH Along with the complete similarity and purity of all in that blessed throng, let us think of the aston- ishing variety of feature, of aspect and character, which is exhibited every where in the vast spotless assembly. The evidence of this truth is, however, not to be expected to appear conspicuous in direct scripture declarations ; while as yet in many respects we know not what we shall be : we must be contented to trace it with caution, guided by hints collected from the course of nature and providence, and from inciden- tal expressions of the Divine oracles. The character of variety, mingled with uniformi- ty, is generally impressed on the works of God ; and in that way his manifold wisdom, riches and benig- nity are manifested. We see this in the human countenance ; it appears in the aspects and results of Providence, toward different individuals, kindreds, and communities. We see it also in the diversity of the lineaments of character, formed in those who are subjects of the influence of the same Spirit of grace. The same graces, as they are justly called, are produced in all, and the likeness of the same Sa- viour, and of the same Divine perfections, is univer- sal in the whole spiritual family, though dispersed over the face of the whole world. Yet the combina- tion and proportions of the same graces is wonder- fully, and almost infinitely diversified. One grace, or manner of the exercise of grace, is more prominent and frequent in one, another in another. The ex- ternal events of Providence, and still more the diver- SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 187 sity of inward exercises and temptations, have a manifest tendency thus to diversify the spiritual as- pect and character of the children of God. Such things are beautifully represented in the al- legorical paintings of the Church which the Scrip- tures contain, with some allusion to the beauty and riches of Canaan or of the original Paradise ; as in the following words of inspiration : u Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates with pleasant fruits, cam- phire with spikenard, spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices.” Song, iv. 13, 14 . When we think of the more remarkable charac- ters exhibited in the Book of God, and connected with a strange variety of events and history, we can- not but attach to them a certain undescribable, and pleasing, distinction of a character substantially the same. For illustrating these ideas, we may select such groups as the following, The two venerable pa- rents of the human family, with their son Abel ; Abraham, David, and Daniel ; and among the Apos- tles of the Lamb, the three most remarkable, Peter, John, and Paul. Such names cannot be mentioned without awakening pleasing ideas of variety. It is, in express terms, declared to be the design of God, respecting the series of things in time, 66 to make known to superior spirits by the church, the manifold,” or as the word might fairly be rendered, the much variegated, wisdom of God, Eph. iii. 10. And in some of those emblematical representations 188 COMMUNION WITH which seem to approach the state of things in the heavenly world, the ideas of variety are evidently intermingled. Rev. iv. 7. “ The first living crea- ture was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face as a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.” We cannot indeed minutely explain how this va- riety shall he modified, where every individual, and every grace, shall be consummately perfect. But admitting the principle, and connecting it with the countless myriads and millions of the spirits of the righteous made perfect, who shall at length over- flow the heavenly courts ; what a boundless paradise of spiritual beauty, infinitely diversified, yet glorious- ly harmonised, rises to view ; truly a “ wilderness of sweets,” breath&ig perfumes of unknown inexhausti- ble delight. “ Blessed indeed are they who are call- ed to the marriage supper, to the ever enduring feast of the Lamb !” Rev. xix. 9. And now let me for a little indulge myself, and I hope gratify you, by referring somewhat more parti- cularly to the character of that eminent minister who was lately torn away from us, but who must hold a lasting place in our remembrance. I am aware of the difficulty of the attempt ; I know I shall come short of what might satisfy my own friendship, or yours. Yet there are cases wherein to fail is pleasing and honourable» SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 189 Attempting to collect distinguishing lines and features of character in this honoured individual, I will shortly throw together the following. A singular acuteness and comprehensiveness of intellect, subdued, by Divine grace, to the childlike simplicity, and elevated to the sublimity, of Chris- tian faith. A heart naturally warm and generous, refined, sweetened, sublimated by the powerful im- pressions of Divine truth and love. Originality of genius, and vigour of fancy, chas- tened and bridled by sound judgment, and consider- ation. One evidently born, and new-born, not for him- self, but for public good : Looking forth towards mankind, with wise considerate benignity. Bold- ness, fortitude, firmness, tempered with modesty and gentleness. A spirit equally superior to the silli- ness of vanity, and to the sourness of envy. Frank- ness, candour, integrity, generosity, without taint or limit. Profound seriousness, spirituality and piety, without grimace ; studiousness without stiff formal- ity ; occasional ease and gaiety without looseness or levity. As the result and fruits of such principles of cha- racter, what a multitude of things offer themselves to our respectful attention ! A penetrating enlarged discernment, and burning love of Divine truth, without the mixture of arro- gance, haughtiness, or wild extravagance. A pierc- ing, refined, exalted taste of moral excellency, and senses, in that respect, “ exercised by reason of use 190 COMMUNION WITH to discern both good and evil.” A vigilant power to mark defects and blemishes even in superior charac- ters, and those held in his own high estimation, and yet patiently to trace and value the effects of grace in their lowest and most homely appearances. But no malignant delight in talking of faults. A general aversion to unnecessary, unprofitable evil-speaking of every kind* He saw clearly through the more refined and plausible graceless characters : he pitied them : and against hope believed in hope for the recovery of the worst. What were his wise and faithful tenderness as a husband, a parent, an intimate friend, must remain undescribed. Nor can it easily be imagined what he w as respect- ing hospitality by those who have not experienced it, or expressed by those who have ; or what feelings of home were connected with his habitation, to ma- ny individuals. In those who approached him in such situations, the sentiments of unbounded confi- dence were chastened with a secret awe, lest any im- propriety should catch his eye. — Who can do jus- tice to the happy combination of pleasantry, benevo- lence, seriousness, instructive conversation, exalted piety, which, from time to time, manifestly reigned at his table ? If we are to take a wider range, and to give any delineation of his public pastoral ministrations, we must bring together the ideas of clearness, simplici- ty, original arrangement, familiarity, profound un~ SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 191 derstanding, prudence, tenderness, zeal, loftiness. A great power of ornament, without the pride and af- fectation of ornament* We have seen him often ascend the chariot of lire, and hurry us away to the mysterious, heart-melting, heights and depths of the love and sorrow of Calvary, and thence, with rapid flight, to the throne of God and of the Lamb. In his ministrations appeared a singular ability to soothe and yet to wound, to encourage and yet to correct, to insinuate, as at unawares, with a kind of ease, the most awakening and humbling truths. An admirable facility in bringing down truths the most abstruse and mysterious to plain minds ; to mark the clear line of truth in the midst of intrica- cy, and awful difficulty ; to take hold of difficult truth by so fair a handle, as to make objections and prejudices to drop out of remembrance. Such a faculty might, by some, be abused to their own hurt, by their too soon supposing themselves to know and embrace thoroughly those great truths, which they heard with a soothing pleasure from his lips. Others might ascribe his often overlooking objections to a superficial way of thinking. But the fault, in these and other cases, was with the hearers ; nor did such persons duly consider the variety and extent of his instructions, which, at one time or other, met directly almost every kind of dif- ficulty. But the benignity of Christian love led him to dwell, most frequently and largely, on truths of a healing, cheering, refreshing nature. With what 192 COMMUNION WITH luminous sweetness, and powerful tenderness, these were often presented to view, many will not cease to remember as long as they live. To him belonged, through grace, for we ascribe every one of these excellencies to rich grace, an al- most inexhaustible fund of pious activity and wis- dom. He was a bold and steady friend of sound consti- tutional order and liberty, in things ecclesiastical and civil ; equally adverse to domineering deceit and iniquity, and to licentious selfish pretensions to zeal for liberty. Such a character and ministry, continued steadily through so long a course of years, commanded at- tention and esteem, in a very high degree. He became as a general centre of union among the se- rious and spiritual, in a considerable part of this country, and of different denominations : he was generally resorted to by serious visitants from dis- tant places : he was sometimes a centre of friendly intercourse, where intimate union might not be prac- ticable. In this great city, he was regarded by many, some of them in all the different ranks of society, as a kind of Public Parent. I have endeavoured to mark out some of those features of excellency, in the friend whom we plea- santly remember and lament, which, separated from the dregs and dross of earthly imperfection, and with the heightening, enriching, and adorning of a state of finished glory, shall be found in him when SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 193 we meet him hereafter. In this recital, I have felt the impulse of friendship, but not without the tem- perance and caution of impartiality. I am not con- scious of having violated the purity of him who said, “ I know not to give flattering titles,” Job xxxii. 22. I have simply given the result of the observations of a long series of years of intimate ac- quaintance* The maturity of wisdom, and the good influence, in almost every direction, which he attained, ren- dered his longer stay among us an object of warm desire. But his ripening for the superior regions rapidly advanced, especially from the time of the departure of his late excellent, and highly amiable consort. The prayer of the Saviour prevailed, u Father, I will that those whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am !” Blessed saint ! I shall think the more frequently of heaven, because thou art there ; I shall look more steadily toward the multitude of the spirits of the righteous made perfect, because thou art one of them ! And when, by the blood and righteousness of the Son of God, and by that mercy which is above the heavens, and which delivers from the low- est hell, the hour shall arrive of entrance into the high and holy place, amidst the astonishing solemni- ties and delights of that new situation, I shall soon look round to recognize thee, and to meet the sweetness of thy triumphant embrace ! Meanwhile, I will honour the intimate friendship which for a number of years I enjoyed ; and shall, 194 COMMUNION WITH SAINTS IN HEAVEN. through grace, redouble my diligence to follow out the great designs of the Christian ministry. “ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, even to Him who is able to keep us from falling, and to pre- sent us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Sa- viour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” 1 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS , AND THEIR FUTURE GLORY, A SERMON, PREACHED IN THE GAELIC CHAPEL, GREENOCK, On Sabbath , Aprils. 1821 , ON OCCASION OF 3Tt)C Camentcti tDeAtt? OF THE REV. MR KENNETH BAYNE, LATE MINISTER OF THAT CHAPEL. , . .Vfc- ’ iV.jl TO THE MOURNING CHILDREN OF HIS HIGHLY ESTEEMED FRIEND, AND TO THE CONGREGATION OF THE GAELIC CHAPEL, GREENOCK, LATELY UNDER HIS CHARGE : THIS SERMON, IN TESTIMONY OF HIS BEING SINCERELY A FELLOW MOURNER WITH THEM, UNDER THIS BEREAVEMENT, Is Inscribed, by THE AUTHOR. K ADVERTISEMENT. The publication of this Sermon has been so long re- tarded, that it may seem now to appear as something born out of due time. For this, however, the candid will make allowance, when they consider that the delay has been occasioned by an afflictive visitation of Providence, whereby the Author was disabled from the degree of ex- ertion necessary to prepare it for the press. It is hoped that the concern and grief of the friends of Mr Bayne will not be found so evanescent, as to prevent their de- riving consolation and improvement, through the blessing of the Lord, from this Discourse, when now put into their hands. Glasgow , Nov. 14 . 1821 . THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR FUTURE GLORY. Daniel xii. 3. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; and they that turn many to righteousness 9 as the stars for ever and ever. My Brethren, it is written, “ The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” It is pleasant to mark the evidences of this progress in the approved pat- terns of character which appear on the Scripture re- cord. These signs of progress are very conspicuous in this holy prophet, Daniel, the writer of this book. He was early endowed with that Spirit of prophecy, who pierces deep into things secret and future. But the sweetness and purity of the saint kept pace, all along, with the grandeur of prophetic light. In the concluding part of his predictions, subse- quent to the bright revelation of the time and work of the blessed Messiah, which was conveyed to him by the angel Gabriel, we may observe the advancing excellencies of his spirit, shining forth sometimes in single, short expressions. The angel, whose words 200 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE were adapted to the state of the prophet’s mind, had formerly given to the land of Canaan the title, 66 the pleasant land.” Now he glances at it in such terms as these : “ the glorious land,” “ the sanctuary of strength,” “ the glorious holy mountain.” That land was then, to outward view, dreary and desolate. But the prophet had been enlightened to see the descending incarnate Son of the Highest, treading with the steps of purity and majesty in that land, and accomplishing the expiation of iniquity, and the purchase of everlasting life in heaven. And now, near the conclusion, he is caught up toward the heavenly Paradise — he realizes the re- surrection of the dead — he looks, even beyond this, to the bright Eternity, which shall open subsequent to the resurrection of the dead. And what saw he there ? The text informs us : he saw “ the wise, the turners of many to righteousness, shining as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars, for ever and ever.” If, my brethren, we be enabled, in some degree, to follow the light of this lofty vision, it will take aside some folds of the sackcloth which Providence has hung over this assembly, this town, and the ad- joining fields, mountains, and waters : yea, it will pierce to the very centre of our mourning, and min- gle it with gladness. It must be remembered, however, that an object so desirable and exalted, is not to be reached without a very serious application of our thoughts, accom- panied with the illuminating grace and power of the Holy Spirit. In the hope and desire of this mighty TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 201 influence, I will propose to your attentive consider- ation the following subjects. I. The nature of true wisdom. II. The character of them who are eminently possessors of this wisdom. III. Their exertions for communicating this wis- dom to others. IV. The glorious brightness of their condition in the coming Eternity. I. The first subject of our consideration is, the nature of true wisdom. “ They who are wise !”■ — Wisdom is here spoken of, not according to the currency of human opinion in this world, but according to the infallible judg- ment of God ; which judgment shall be revealed de- cisively at the period referred to in the context. The claims to wisdom, and the ways of talking a- bout it, are too numerous, and contradictory to one another, to be at present much noticed. The pre- sent time is remarkable for bold loquacity, for book- making and book-reading, and for a vast lumber of notional information. If these were sure character- istics of the true wisdom, this might be accounted a very wise generation indeed. But the wisdom concerning which we have to make inquiry, may be wholly wanting, and even boldly excluded, amidst the noise and glare of such things as have now been mentioned. A long list of sciences and literary acquirements might be here re- peated, which may be eagerly and successfully stud- 202 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE ied and pursued, where the true wisdom is entirely absent. Yea, it is possible to waste a man's life and vigour in unprofitable speculations amidst the multi- plicity of religious truths themselves, and 66 at his end to be a fool.'’ But we speak of a wisdom which is truly “ from above and the nature of which is accurately mark- ed and sanctioned by the Book of God, the J udge. It usually begins in silence, in painful conviction of a kind of ignorance, which no created power can remove, and in earnest supplication to Him who is the Father of lights and the source of wisdom truly heavenly, and connected with salvation. w He sit- teth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne the yoke upon him. He putteth his mouth in the dust. — Surely, I am more brutish than any man, I have not the understanding of a man. — I have not the knowledge of the Holy One. — For judgment am I come into this world,” said the Saviour, for an awful discrimination, “ that they who* see not may see, and that they who see may be made blind.” Lam. iii. Prov. xxx. John ix. 1. By the first movements of the sceptre of this wisdom, the disorderly crowd of worldly, learned, and religious trifles, is, at least for a season, chased away, and the main regards of the soul are fixed down on those weighty objects of pursuit, which may be arranged in the following order : — How may I set the true invisible God fully be- fore me ? How may I obtain views and discoveries of the God of glory, sufficiently clear, commanding, satisfying and abiding ? TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. £08 And when the splendour of infinite purity, perfec- tion and goodness breaks in upon me, a sinner, with its tremendous frown, how shall I obtain and secure peace, forgiveness and reconciliation ? How shall I, a child of hell, look with boldness, yet without in- sulting the perfections of Deity, into the holiest ? How, how shall I look inward, to the innermost shrines of the residence of Jehovah, in the heaven of hea- vens, claiming there my sure, eternal residence and inheritance ? Here comes forward to view the mys- tery, “ hid from ages and generations," of which the blessed Apostle spake thus, 66 I determined to know nothing, save Jesus Christ and him crucified. — God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." There are, my brethren, other congenial objects of inquiry and pursuit, which, I hope, are not unknown among you. Supposing deliverance from the wrath to come, and a title to eternal life, how shall I attain victory over sin and temptation to evil ? how is uni- versal personal holiness to be acquired and advanced ? My desire is, that the pure image of God may be deeply enstamped on my soul, and may appear mani- festly shining forth in all my conduct. I long for the intimacies of Divine love, friendship and fellow- ship, to converse often with the living God ; famili- arly, yet with awful reverence, 66 to dwell in that God who is Light and Love." 1 John i. 5. iv. 16. It is a farther object of pursuit to the spiritually wise, to know the true heaven, to become acquaint- ed with the high and holy place, the paradise of God ; to anticipate the unveiled presence of the Great 204 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE Three-One ; to hear, though as from afar, the harps and thunder of angelic worship, to mingle with the ever smiling throng of redeemed spirits, made perfect in righteousness, and thus to enjoy the first fruits of the Spirit, and his sealing to the day of redemption. Heb. xii. 23, 24. Rev. xiv. 1, 2, 3. And if I rise, through unspeakable grace, to such victory, purity, and ravishment of hope and pleasure, can I forget the Zion on earth ; can I be insensible to the concerns and dangers of men around me ? I must surely seek to do them good. But I have to learn the true way of it. To hate their sins, and pity their persons. To bear their unjust malignity, and yet pull them out of the fire. To hope in their behalf against hope. To persevere in the patient sweetness and power of welldoing. To overcome all possible evil with good. One very important article in the pursuits of the true wisdom remains ; the way of rightly enduring evil, and of overcoming death. Vain and wild are the fancies which occupy, and for a time deceive, the minds of many, respecting an undisturbed earthly paradise. Hereby the surprisals of suffering are rendered more sharp, and death obtains, too fre- quently, a complete victory. But the wise are sa- ved from these fatal dreams. They do not “ put far from them the evil day. 1 ’ In times of ease and outward comfort, “ their heart is in the house of mourning yet not so as to indulge fantastical mel- ancholy, or to mar present thankful enjoyment. They lay up in store before-hand, the furniture of wisdom, and the armour of strength, which shall be TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 205 needed and available in the days of darkness, and they learn to sing with the Psalmist — “ One thing have I desired of the Lord — to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavil- ion : in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me, he shall set me up upon a rock.” Such is the character of this wisdom, in relation to the objects of its habitual earnest pursuit. 2. But that its nature may be fully ascertained, we must attend to the peculiar qualities of that light, by which the wise are guided, and rendered success- ful, in pursuits so weighty and difficult. The awful parable of the ten virgins gives a warn- ing which will be regarded by him who “ hath ears to hear.” Matt. xxv. It intimates the possibility of much decency and plausible profession, where at last it shall be found that all is wanting. To secure us against this fearful disappointment, let us faith- fully consider and examine the following things : — The true wisdom is discriminated by a light from heaven ; it is u wisdom from above, from God the Father of lights.” “ Blessed art thou,” said Jesus to a favoured disciple, “ for flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father w r ho is in heaven.” Matt. xvi. 17. This light is of a nature wonderfully piercing and penetrating. It goes deep into the soul; it goes deep into the truths revealed, disclosing their holy and excellent qualities. “ God hath shined in our hearts, to give the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Cor. iv. 6. 5 206 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE This light is sweetly attractive ; it is convincing? commanding, strengthening, and sure. It is at once lofty, familiar, and very practical. “ When thou goest, it shall lead thee ; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee ; and when thou awak- est, it shall talk with thee.'” Prov. vi. 22. “ If any man will do his will, he shall know ©f the doctrine^ whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John vii. 17. Who then can declare the preciousness of this wisdom? To it may justly be applied the language recorded, Job xxviii. “ Man knoweth not the price thereof — It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx or the sapphire — the price of wisdom is above ru- bies. God understandeth the way thereof.” Happy is the person, though in many respects weak or illiterate, to whom this wisdom is given from above, even in its feeblest dawnings on the soul. With confidence and pleasure I proclaim the bless- ing of the Almighty, on every man, woman and child, in this assembly, who is possessor of this wisdom ! It will be cared for by Him who sitteth in the hea- vens. “ A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.” In spite of all sophistical quibbling and satanical resistance, all such shall be found at last in that blessed splendour, to which the text directs our eyes. But though the promise, in the text, includes all the wise, yet it conspicuously marks them who are eminently so. TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 2G7 Our next subject of consideration, is, therefore, II. The character of them who are eminently possessors of the true wisdom. Such persons may be distinguished by the follow- ing circumstances : — 1. In general, they are endowed with superior na- tural capacity and abilities of mind. Sometimes indeed, God is pleased to bestow on persons of slender natural abilities, considerable de- grees of spiritual light and grace ; and this becomes highly profitable to themselves, and to others, on a limited scale. Instances of this kind have occurred, even in those who have been brought into the Chris- tian ministry. The purity and fire of grace have supplied the place, and out-shone the energy, of mere natural unhallowed genius, and exertion. But for the most past those who appear as emi- nent lights in the Church, have the advantage of su- perior natural powers. It must be added, however, 2. That such persons, in one way or other, are more deeply emptied of self-confidence and presump- tion, than others possessing similar abilities, and even than persons who have received inferior degress of heavenly grace. This is frequently accomplished by peculiarly deep conviction of sin, and by long-con- tinued spiritual trials. While others flaunt about at their ease, they are pressed down by the terrors of God, by the felt prevailing power of inward depravi- ty, or by the harassment of winnowing temptations. Many examples of this kind have been observed in ancient and latter times. So it was with the venerable 208 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE fathers in the ancient church, Cyprian, Augustine, and others. So it was with the illustrious reformer Luther, who felt the alarms of Divine wrath, to such degrees, as produced manifest impression on his bo- dily frame. So it was with Bolton, Usher, Bruce, Robert Boyle the philosopher, and many others ; and with the truly great Dr Owen, and nearer our own times, with Haliburton, Brainerd the mission- ary, and Colonel Gardiner. Thus a strong curb is put, by Divine wisdom, on men of truly great abili- ties, and of truly great piety and virtue. 3. Such persons are marked out, almost involun- tarily, by being much given to meditation and pray- er. They do not run wild in the boundless fields of mere speculative information, as men of ability com- monly do ; they savour, and inwardly disgest the great truths and commandments of God ; they sur- vey them on all sides ; they distinguish accurately, and penetrate deeply into sacred truth ; and while they derive from it exalted pleasure, turn it to the most important practical uses. They have no anx- iety to make a figure as inventors of novelties, or as amassing wonderful quantities of that kind of know- ledge which shall soon vanish away. They wisely confine their chief attention to the most essential truths and duties ; while many capable men are a kind of open thorough-fare for every thing that comes. 4. The consequence of such habits is, that their views of Divine truth, and of the range of duties,, are more consistent, better adjusted to one another, as well as more comprehensive, than those of many TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 20{) others. Their views also are more deeply fixed, and less liable to fluctuate and vary. They see the truth, its evidences and connexions, by a sort of in- tuition, while they muse on the words of the sacred inspired volume for themselves ; though they, by no means, undervalue the result of the meditations and experience of the wise and holy around them, or who have lived in former times. 5. Another consequence is, continual and perpet- ually advancing progress in true knowledge and pu- rity ; and a degree of originality of thought and ex- pression respecting spiritual things, joined with an increasing dignity and authority, pure from the taint of vanity and silly affectation. 6. A farther consequence is, that the light of such teachers has a solemn, commanding and awakening character, and yet, where it is submitted to and im- proved, a tender, purifying and comforting sweetness, which heals and gives rest to the soul. And now, my dear brethren, I presume many of you, from these outlines, recognize, in some degree, the portraiture of the excellent Pastor, over the loss of whom you deeply mourn : some of you, perhaps, more distinctly than before, are led to perceive the reasons and reasonableness of the attachment you have felt. To him belonged, undoubtedly, an em- inence of spiritual wisdom, which wrought its way a- gainst some disadvantages and prejudices, and main- tained its hold of many hearts in this and other places. 7. But returning to the general view of the sub- ject, I must make one humiliating and awful remark, 210 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE that men eminent in spiritual wisdom seldom escape a large share of this world’s hatred. The glorious Saviour himself was constrained to say, “ Me the world hateth, because I testify that the works there- of are evil.” J ohn vii. 7. Men of eminent, though imperfect, spiritual wis- dom, must bear the same testimony. And their frown on the unbelieving, carnal world, is awful and majestic. Often indeed they command respect ; but it is by slow degrees they are admitted into the affec- tions of mankind ; and when this does take place, an interference from above is to be acknowledged. Some pretend to love them, from ignorance, being not aware of the contrariety between their own cha- racter and that of such men. And others may affect to despise them, while their consciences feel a secret wound which they cannot shake off, and of which they refuse to seek the genuine and thorough heal- ing. In general they stand forth exposed to injury, from the great and from the mean, from the refined and from the vulgar, from the sanctimonious and from the profligate. “ But their witness is in hea- ven, and their record is on high.” The period of time and eternity, predicted in the text, will arive ; and each one of them “ shall stand in his lot at the end of the days.” Job xvi. 19. Dan. xii. 13. Our way now lies open to the III. Subject of our consideration — The exertions of the wise to communicate wisdom and righteous- ness to others, and the happy effects of these exer~ tions. TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 211 The text describes them as “ turning many to righteousness.” This character and disposition be- long to all who are truly wise ; it is by no means confined to public teachers : though, if they be wise and faithful, they must have an eminent share in this great and precious work. Let us then consider, 1. The strong disposition of the wise, especially of them who are eminent in spiritual wisdom, to com- municate their own character to others. The fire of grace is of a catching nature, it takes hold of the materials near it, yea of those that lie at a vast dis- tance. When the Samaritan woman began to feel the vital energy of the Saviour’s words even in con- viction of sin, she went quickly to the men of her city with the cry in her mouth, “ Come see a man who told me all things that ever I did : is not this the Christ ?” Amiable, wise simplicity ! How far superior to the haughty craftiness of selfish conceit. The holy prophet, deeply tried by the stubborn- ness of the incorrigible, and ready to shrink back from a work apparently hopeless, yet resumed his courage, saying, “ His word was as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbear- ing, and I could not stay.” Jer. xx. 9. This disposition arises from the principles of zeal for God, and of benevolence to man. It is roused by enlightened views of the baseness of sin, and the uni- versal sinfulness of the children of Adam. It is still farther excited by awakening discoveries of the ever- lasting fires of “ the wrath to come.” It is cherish- ed and sweetly impelled by faith and experience of 212 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE Divine redeeming mercy and love, and of the pres- ent, and endless felicity, purity and dignity of every subject of the true converting grace of God. The consequence is, a high value for every single instance of the spiritual birth properly authenticated, near or far off ; and yet an unquenchable thirst for more and still more of this precious work. Here the wise enter into the views and sentiments of angelic spirits, and they acquire, through grace, the increas- ing likeness of Him who hung agonizing on the cross, after having said, “ I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me,” 2. The wise are aware of the great difficulties which lie in the way of the real conversion of sinners ; they seriously view and consider these difficulties, and solemnly exercise faith in the Almighty promis- ed grace which overcomes them. There is a fierce impetuous zeal, which sometimes makes a blustering noise about the conversion and salvation of perishing sinners : but it is blind and inconsiderate: it rushes wildly forward with arro- gant boldness, and snatches greedily at every plaus- ible appearance, as giving demonstrative proof of the great change being undoubtedly effected. The un- seemly appearances, and pernicious effects of this foolish zeal, are exceedingly to be regretted. They resemble the movements of a riotous mob, or the de- structive swellings of a disorderly torrent. But the wise look deep into the true situation of miserable sinners, u cast out in the open field, in their blood.” They know that the power of sin, and of spiritual enchantment and death, is not to be TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 213 conquered by the most plansible reasonings, or furi- ous declamations of a silly mortal, taken alone. They look for no deliverance of the wicked, but by the is- suing forth of “ that power which quickens the dead, subdues the rebellious, and calls the things which were not.” And they have such faith in this all con- quering power, and in the Divine promises concern- ing it, as animates and supports them in the humble persevering use of the appointed means, until the arm of the Lord awake and reveal its inimitable en- ergy. With regard to this great event, they neither are credulous nor sceptical. Fair outside appearan- ces, which may produce great stage-effect among the shallow crowd, are not the evidences for which they eagerly look ; it is rather in the downcast looks and emphatical groans and cries of the self-condemn- ing, and in the brightening aspect and gladsome tears of surprise which mark the opening joy of salvation, and in the beauty of holiness, that they desire to see the evidence which warrants the conclusion express- ed of old by apostles and others. “ Now is come salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ.’’ — “ Our gospel is come not in word only, but also in power, and in the Ho- ly Ghost, and in much assurance — producing the work of faith and the labour of love, and the patience of hope in our Lord J.esus Christ.” Rev. xii. 10. 1 Tliess. i. 3. We have to consider the vigorous exertions of the wise, for “ turning many to true wisdom and righteousness.” These may be referred to the following articles. 214 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE 1st, Prayer. — “ We will give ourselves continu- ally to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Acts vi. 4. These were the words of the holy apos- tles, in the period of the first great opening of the power and glory of the exalted Saviour’s kingdom. And they coincide with the prediction and call, “ I have set watchmen on thy walls, O Jerusalem, who shall never hold their peace day nor night. Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence ; and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” Isa. lxii. 6, 7. Great and deeply felt is the longing of such persons for the issuing forth of that wonder-working power, which “ turns the disobedient to the wisdom of the just ; and brings forth converts, resembling, in beauty and number, “ the dew from the womb of the morning.” Such longing desires are cherished and poured forth before God in groanings unutterable ; and they ve- rify the scriptural emblem of a church travailing in birth for the salvation of perishing multitudes of sinners. But this goes on, in a great measure, “ in secret places,” and so much without noise or show, that the world has little opportunity to despise that which makes devils tremble in their lowest caverns. 2dly, The ministry of the word. — u The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” 2 Cor. x. 3 — 6. It is that which the haughty world ac- counts “ the foolishness of preaching namely, the pure display of moral and evangelical truths under a solemn and alarming sense of their Divine autho- rity, separated from the meretricious debasing em- TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 215 bellishments of a worldly eloquence ; but with an edge sharper than that of any two-edged human sword, and attended with many protestations and warnings to the people, to put no confidence in the letter of the word which killeth, but to seek, along with it, to come under the substantial inward work- ing of infinite invisible power, clothing the word with quickening and conquering energy : it is this kind of ministry of the word, and no other, that is adapted to become the instrument of salvation. 3dly, A generous furtherance of the work of o- thers, whose character and exertions are of a similar nature. — Such watchmen see eye to eye, and bear one another’s burdens, and are held in the right hand of the same omnipresent Jesus, though placed at the remotest points from each other which this vast globe can furnish. 4thly, Suffering. — Enduring hardness as good sol- diers of Jesus Christ, resisting even unto blood if called to it, striving against sin, passing through great tribulation. Heb. xii. 4. 4. Let us think of the large success which attends or follows these exertions of the wise for “ turning many to righteousness.” “ They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble.” Isa. Ixv. 23. “ He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto everlasting life.” J ohn iv. 36. It must be ever remembered, that the Lord him- self alone is the sovereign Judge of every man’s work. That which is within the heart, its secret desires, longings, cares and wrestlings relative to this holy work for eternity, forms its chief excelled- 216 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE cy, and is open to the accurate inspection of Him “ who searcheth the reins and the hearts, and will give to every one according to his works.” There is a great difference in point of apparent success and fruit : in some cases it is more secret and distant, in others more immediate and manifest. But every one of the wise may conclude with confidence, “ Surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.” Isa. xlix. 4. He who knows the heart will hereafter 66 make manifest its counsels,” and then shall u every man have praise of God,” respecting all that hath been through grace spiritually desired, designed, attempted or accomplished in that work which is 66 the pleasure of the Lord, and glorious in his eyes.” Wonderful is, and shall be, the display of Divine wisdom, love and righteousness, in adjust- ing, proportioning, combining and harmonizing the wide extended success, and the rich gracious reward, of the whole work of all the wise in “ turning many to righteousness.” IV. We are now called forward to consider, from the text, the glorious brightness of their condition in the coming eternity, who have been wise, and have turned many to righteousness. “ A door is now, as it were, opened in heaven ; and the voice saith, Come up hither — I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” Happy are they who may add, in a sober sense, “ Immediately I was in the Spirit.” Rev. iv. 1, 2. The chief objects of the visible universe are, in the Scriptures, taken hold of for giving some ideas TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 217 of this state of astonishing glory. “ Let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might.'” Judges v. 31. “ Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Fa- ther.” Matt. xiii. 43. Such shall be their sweet splen- dour in manifested wisdom, purity, gladness, love and triumph. Let us now attempt to consider, 1. The commencement of this glory at death. Here the most wonderful things are accomplished in the region of this earth, and yet almost wholly out of the view of its unworthy inhabitants. “ The souls of believers,” saith our excellent Ca- techism, u are, at their death, made perfect in holi- ness, and do immediately pass into glory.” Let us turn toward the house of our deceased Friend, and notice the transactions of that fatal morning, as we are apt to think of it. There was severe affliction — there was hope of temporal deliver- ance — there was the disappointment of that hope. The separation took place about the rising of the sun. But what if, in that habitation and around it, there had appeared a blaze of light out-dazzling the sun ? What if the sound of angelic harps had come down upon the town, awakening, alarming, delight- ing its inhabitants ? Let not any one mistake me. I have not affirmed that any such thing did happen. But I affirm, that though there had been such ap- pearances, these would have been only inferior ac- companiments or tokens of the great act of power which, we have reason firmly to believe, did then issue forth from the Almighty Spirit of the Living God. 218 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE When the retiring spirit was upon the wing, and began to be disencumbered of diseased flesh, “ in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” the new-creating Spirit of Jehovah broke forth where he had formerly resided, in a new degree and manner of operation, re- moving every dreg of evil, putting his last finishings on the Divine image in the blessed immortal soul. What then, beloved Friend, were thy feelings of liberty, of light, of burning purity, of delightful rest, of gratitude, of love, of victory ! What a familiarizing and cheering approach of some of the holy angels, familiarizing themselves, and, along with themselves, the objects and circum- stances of that world of spirits where they have been at home for many ages ! What an ascent to the high and holy place ! What an entrance ! What a sight and embrace of the adored Saviour ! What a general joyful welcome ! What a parti- cular welcome of an endeared spouse, of a beloved brother lately deceased, of children according to the flesh, of children and friends in the Lord ! What a new song ! But we dare not permit our thoughts long to dwell amidst such things. 2. The consummation of this glory at the future judgment. At length, the great, and notable, and all-compre- hending day of God will certainly arrive. Then there will be a general stir in the regions of the blessed, a stir in the midst of the throne of Deity. A general rustling of angelic wings, a new kindling TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 219 of fire, and breathing of sweetness among redeemed spirits, longing for the possession of their glorified bodies, and their great appearance and triumph in an approving judgment. Hell from beneath also will be moved. Behold the gracefully majestic and ardent appear- ance of the once crucified God-man, rising from his lofty seat at the right hand of God ! He shall descend with a shout. The voice of the Archangel shall be heard. The trump of God shall be blown. The revolving flight of visible worlds shall be arrested. The dead shall be raised in countless multitudes. The living shall be changed. The procedure of final judgment shall go forward in majesty, order, splen- dour, and unwearied activity, till it is a perfect work. Behold on the right hand of the shining J udge, and near him, those inner ranks, kindling into sur- passing brightness, unspeakable ! It is the multitude of wise and holy teachers of righteousness. See also the far extended multitudes of those who are their joy and crown, longing to get nearer them ; stretch- ing out the palms in their hands chiefly towards the High Saviour, yet subordinately to the instruments of their instruction and salvation ! But Oh ! that louring prodigious crowd beneath on the left hand, that multitude of condemned hypo- crites and foul transgressors ! I scarcely dare glance a thought towards them. How are their once lofty looks changed ! Where are now your flow of animal spirits, your worldly resources, your refuges of lies ? Can you now jeer, and flatter, and applaud one 220 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE another? No. The time of deceiving, and of inso- lence, is ended. The Lamb of God, who is himself God, is over your heads. Vain are your most artful pleadings — your loudest shrieks ! His wisdom, and purity, and righteous wrath, and experience of your incurable perverseness and wickedness, have set him on fire against you. “ He treadeth the wine-press of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.'” Rev. xix. 2 Thess. i. 7, 8. Oh that men were now wise, that they understood and considered these things ! O that, while it is yet the day of salvation, they would seek to unlearn the absurd secrets of hypocritical deceivers, and of im- pudent transgressors ; and would separate themselves from the assembly of those who shall come out of their graves to shame and everlasting contempt ! Oh that they would now hasten to come — to come truly and in heart, to the incarnate Son of God, who is full of grace and truth, mighty to save ! Application. Drawing towards a conclusion of the Discourse, it may be proper for me to make some more particular remarks concerning the excellent and eminent Minis- ter, whose premature departure we deeply lament. The candid and attentive hearer, who knew him, will have anticipated the delineation of his character, in the progress of the illustration of the whole sub- ject before us. There will not be need, therefore, of much particular enlargement. Yet some remarks may be useful, to explain and confirm their own feel- ings to them who justly and highly valued him. TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 221 He naturally possessed great strength of under- standing, with a penetrating sagacity and correct- ness of judgment. These were early turned into the right channel, invigorated and sanctified by the illumination of grace. He was known and remem- bered at Aberdeen as a diligent, discerning, inquisi- tive, and serious student. An enfeebled and relax- ed state of nerves, however, checked the ardour and activity of his literary pursuits ; but did not dimin- ish the zeal and solemnity of his concern for the sal- vation of immortal souls, and his attachment to the arduous work of the gospel ministry. His prosecution of that work, besides the general qualities of zeal and seriousness, was attended with that searching discrimination of character, which is sometimes too much wanting in the warm publishers of evangelical truth. In him it might appear to some too sharp and severe, and leading to too much of a jealous dread of hypocrisy. But, in the case of minds enlightened to apprehend the greatness of the danger of being deceived in things so momentous, who is able to draw exactly the line between too much, and too little, of this godly jealousy ? They who, by the influence of grace, submitted to his strict search, were fully convinced of the integrity and benevolence of his designs, and found the advantage of his coun- sels, conducting them to a well-secured rest and con- fidence towards God. The enfeebled state of nerves, already mentioned, had a remarkable effect on his manner of delivery in preaching; it occasioned an uneasy agitation, and appearance of his being distressed and exhausted. 222 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE Yet even this was over-ruled for good. Without this restraint, his delivery would probably have had rather an excess of animation and vehemence. In the mean while, this kind of distress shed a peculiar seriousness on his addresses ; it drew serious hearers to a sympathy with the speaker, and warned even the inconsiderate to beware of trifling with instruc- tions which appeared conveyed to them with such costliness to the preacher. When he was somewhat relieved from such uneasiness, and especially when he thought himself speaking to a number of truly spiritual persons, his illustrations of the most pre- cious truths and mysteries of salvation by the Son of God, were remarkably clear, copious, comprehen- sive, attractive, and refreshing. These remarks, I think, are just ; and I owed them to the memory of our departed friend. I need not particularize his zeal and activity in the work of his immediate charge, which gave him, through the blessing of God, a great and salutary command and influence over people from the High- lands in this place, in the lower classes of society ; and which extended itself to serious people in gener- al, and in some remarkable instances, to persons in the higher situations of society. His zeal and benevolence, however, were of a very expansive character. They led him to take deep in- terest in the work of God, in other neighbouring places. This was remarkably manifest, for a series of years, respecting the great awakening which ap- peared in the Island of Arran, under the late excel- lent Mr Neil MacBride, Minister of Kilmorie Pa- TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 223 rish ; for some years in a more silent form, afterwards with very striking and solemn circumstances ; and the fruits of which are still clearly to be traced, though under great and various disadvantages. He was from the beginning, a warm friend of the London Missionary Society ; and was uniformly ready to promote every probable method of diffusing truth, and pure religion, through the world. What he was in domestic life, was solemnly attest- ed by the great shock of lasting grief which he suf- fered, by the loss of the much esteemed and endeared mother of his numerous and interesting children, se- veral years ago ; and the evidence is now solemnly repeated, by the very great mourning of these chil- dren, for the loss of himself. He was given to hospitality. His conversation was at once habitually serious, and brightened by intelligence, inquisitiveness, and temperate pleasan- try. His candour and good sense commended his society to some of those who differed from him in matters of church order, and even in articles still more momentous. To him belonged a modesty and diffidence, which some of our little upstarts would account far beneath their dignity and sufficiency; while he was prepared, in cases where the voice of conscience is clear and strong, to manifest firmness, boldness, and consistency, worthy of a veteran in the Christian army. But I avoid multiplying particulars. I must address some counsels to this congregation of mourners. This I will do with special interest 224 < THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE and affection, and with reliance on the wisdom which is from above. My dear brethren and friends, You have suffered a severe bereaving stroke ; and you need strong consolation under it; and to those of you who are truly wise, pious, and holy, the sources of this consolation have been already opened in some measure, in the progress of this discourse. It must be solemnly affecting, to look back on so large a portion of a short life, and on the most se- rious part of it, even though it were connected with a ministry much less weighty and interesting, than that which is now withdrawn from you. 1. It is my duty to remind every one of you, of the practical improvement of this review, which it is most incumbent on you to make. The sentiments, which I desire may deeply im- press your hearts, belong to three classes : a sense of accountableness to God the J udge, feelings of lively gratitude, and profound submission to the will and sovereignty of the Most High. Your minister has been called to the supreme tri- bunal, and has there appeared, we believe, with joy unspeakable. But in what condition are you left be- hind ? Has he left you truly in a state of Divine fa- vour, bearing the genuine likeness of the Saviour, and walking in his steps ? Or are you still in the gall of bitterness, of depravity and condemnation ? Your own strict search must give the answer to these awfully serious questions. You must seek by earnest prayer, to be led to judge righteous judgment, each one for himself. And in connexion with this, it must TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 225 be left to your own revolving thoughts, to call up the extent and particulars of the transactions, includ- ed in the long train of spiritual services, wherein your late esteemed Pastor and yourselves have pass- ed on together. Supposing you are enabled warrantably, to take a favourable review, are you not sacredly bound to rouse yourselves, under the influence of grace, to deep-felt thankfulness, and to grateful praise, for such a ministry so long enjoyed, and for the blessing from above attending it ? With a solemn sweetness, even in the midst of your mourning, let the sum- mons be set home, “ Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me, bless his holy name. It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord ; it is pleasant, and praise is comely.*” And conscious that I have never been, nor am now, sufficiently grateful, shall I dare to murmur ? The bereavement is bitter. But 66 the Lord hath done it. Who shall say to him, what doest thou ?*” May he bless the stroke of his hand, may he sancti- fy and tranquilize, and sweeten all this mourning ! 2. The remarks, which have now been made, point out the general frame of spirit, which is to be sought for, and the sentiments to be cherished, un- der this trying visitation of Providence. But there are special duties which rise into impor- tance, from the circumstances of this bereavement. There is a debt of a very sacred nature, which lies upon this congregation. It rests with them to sup- port the honour of the memory of our departed friend by the purity, consistency, and fruitfulness, of their 2 26 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE Christian character and deportment. In consequence of such privileges and cultivation as it hath received, this congregation may be expected to appear, in the high spiritual sense of the words of Scripture, u A vineyard of red wine,” (Isa. xxvii. 2.) if it be other- wise, a kind of reproach, in the view of the present world, must stain or obscure the reputation of one worthy of high honour. This consideration should check the beginnings of languor and backsliding, which might follow a season of mourning ; it should stimu- late to steady, persevering zeal, and active obedience to the truth, so strenuously inculcated by this saint. He has left behind him, affecting memorials of himself, and trials of the soundness of your professed attachment. Will any one of you dare to say that you are under no obligation to his numerous and interesting family ? It is well, that by the kindness of Providence, and the care of affectionate parents, they are placed above needy dependence. But their hearts may be severely and cruelly wounded, if symp- toms of coldness towards them, should by and by make an ungracious appearance. I trust it will be far otherwise. But it strikes me with peculiar force, that this congregation cannot do justice to the fideli- ty and worth of their departed minister, without shewing in some very clear and decided manner, a spirit of kind liberality towards his children. In what form and manner this may best be done, I pre- sume not to dictate ; it will be suggested and devis- ed, by the tender and deliberate musings of your own hearts, under the influence of him, “ who, while he rides on the heavens, by his name Jah> is a father TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 227 to the fatherless, in his holy habitation.” Psal. lxviii, 4, 5. Soon will come forward the mournfully necessary and solemn transaction, of the choice of another Pas- tor for this flock. Then there will be a trial of hearts, and a discovery how far a true reverence of Divine providence in this bereavement hath prevailed, and a true respect for him whose removal is professedly lamented. I shall blush with shame, if there should be the least appearance of levity, of vain curiosity, of indecent turbulence, of self importance, of faction, of desire of pre-eminence. In case of such appearances the world will say, and will have reason to say, See now the amount of all these tears, and grimaces, and mournful counten- ances ! I will only remark in general, that they who most seriously bewail their small improvement under the ministry which is now ended, will be best able to judge, and most likely to find favour with God, rela- tive to obtaining a suitable successor. These are the words of God respecting such matters. “ Only ac- knowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast -transgress- ed against the Lord thy God — and ye have not o- beyed my voice — and I will give you pastors accord- ing to mine heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jer. iii. 13. 15. It will be shameful indeed, if a congregation which hath been long instructed in so substantial a manner shall be dazzled with shallow, gaudy, appearances. On the other side, fair and reasonable allowances must be made, where the root of the matter is found in 228 THE CHARACTER OF THE WISE younger teachers; nor can the results of mature experience be expected, till time and sanctified trial bring them forward. 3. Respecting those who, being truly in Christ, do stand firm for eternity, yet let it be considered, how loud and piercing is the voice of this visitation. In how costly a manner is the warning given us that time is short, that eternity, made naked in its awful secrets, is near, and at the door — that days and hours are weighty things ! What a new impulse may be expected to be given to Christians, who were awake before, to ply their work with increased ar- dour and earnestness. We are apt soon to begin to dream, to loiter, to indulge the prattling of a vain conversation, to be so much at home in the body as to become assimilated to the miserable world, which knows nothing of a nobler home. Though surrounded with such an assemblage of heavenly privileges and blessings, yet how far off’ are most of us, from the posture of being indeed actual- ly ready to welcome the coming of the Lord ! How precious, and yet how far behind is our work, respect- ing them who are to this hour ready to perish around us ! 4. Before I conclude the discourse, let me turn di- rectly to them whose condition is most alarming : I mean them who are yet in their sins, unconverted, unreconciled, stout-hearted, and far from righteous- ness. But how shall I address those who have resisted so much force of truth, so many warnings of terror, so many invitations of kindness ; and whom Satan TEACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 229 and a wicked heart have made skilful in the cruel art, of secretly thrusting heaven and salvation aw r ay from them ? The minister, whom you must respect, and at whose memory you ought to tremble, was denied the op- portunity of conveying to you any pointed warning, in the full view of his passing into the unseen re- gions. But let me suppose that such an opportuni- ty had been granted ; and that, as one soon to die, he had been strengthened to stand before you, and to make one final address to the unconverted part of this congregation, wdiat would he have said ? Think of it for yourselves. W ould he not have said such things as the followng : — “ My dear hearers, with sorrow do I leave you yet in the gall of bitterness, and in the snare of the de- vil, strangers to regenerating grace, strangers to liv- ing faith in the great Redeemer, and to all true com- munion with him. How shall I rouse you from your deadly sleep ? O that the Spirit of the Lord would do it. Your present state is infinitely peril- ous. Remember that there is one thing of which you ought to think day and night, until it be clear- ly accomplished. What is that ? A true acceptance of the offered Saviour ; a real flight to that city of sure refuge. Take a serious view of your sins ; consider his obedience and awful sufferings. Look, come to him wdio is God manifested in the flesh. He is full of grace and truth, mighty to save. When you truly come to him, he will give you a welcome of surprising kindness ; he will in no wise cast you out. But remember the true coming is not in your 230 THE CHARACTER, &C. own power. He hath testified — “ No man can come to me, except the Father who hath sent me draw r him” You must therefore be often attempting to come, and yet ever believing that you cannot come, and crying to Heaven for that drawing power. Be- ware of trifling over a single day, or hour, of oppor- tunity for such attempts ; lest the door be shut, and the gulf of hell open upon you.” Now to him who is able to draw sinners to him- self, and to keep from falling those whom he draws, and to present them faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour be glory and majesty, dominion and, power, both now and ever. Amen. THE POWER OF THE BIBLE OPERATING BY THE MINISTRATIONS OF HOLY MISSIONARIES : A SERMON, PREACHED BEFORE THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY, AT THE TABERNACLE, On Wednesday Evening, May 13 . 1812 . ■ ' 'i''- ■ - .v :*•$ i-u ■ > 7.0W v ; 1 7 . : ■ ' «* * ’ , , T . ... rr 4 . rr , 1 M * THE POWER OF THE BIBLE OPERATING BY THE MINISTRATIONS OF HOLY MISSIONARIES. My Brethren, I take the liberty to premise, that seventeen years have elapsed since it was my happi- ness to write the first small letter, which called toge- ther a few ministers to consult respecting the forma- tion of this Society. From that moment, various and surprising events have taken place ; some of them of a very joyful kind, others of a dark and distressing nature. Amidst this diversity of events, my ideas of the importance and excellency of this Institution have remained unaltered ; and I rejoice in the proof which this vast assembly exhibits of the vigour and persevering zeal of the Society. The service in which I now engage, requires no exertions to create and kindle a flame of zeal which does not exist : I have only to attempt to fan, to brighten, and to guide the sacred fire. Lord Jesus, my sure, my omnipotent Friend, draw nigh and assist me in this service ! Help me to annihilate from my mind this great assembly, by the superior view of thy presence ; and by the view of the countless myriads of the perishing heathen. — Lord Jesus, teach this great assembly to annihilate 234 ? THE POWER OF THE BIBLE and to look far above me ; and to expect all from thy fulness of light, power, and grace ! Let us now, my brethren, turn our attention to those interesting words of the great missionary apos- tle, which are recorded, Rom. x. 13 — 17 . For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved . How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed ? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? and how shall they hear without a preacher ? and how shall they preach, except they be sent ? as it is written , How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things ! So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The first thing which here presents itself to our minds, is an idea which the apostle had often joy- fully seen realized, and which his ardent spirit still panted to see realized in other instances ; I mean the idea of a number of the heathen engaged in spi- ritual prayer, “ calling on the name of the Lord.*” We will consider this important exercise of calling on the Lord, in a saving manner, First, as exemplified in the case of an individual heathen ; afterwards, as spreading extensively among a multitude, over a district of some dark polluted land. I. Look at an individual heathen, under the power of converting grace : “ Behold, he prayeth P OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 235 Consider his previous character and employments. What these were, you in some measure know by looking at the baptized heathen in this country, or by recollecting your own feelings and conduct in the days of darkness and vanity ; though you cannot form a complete idea of the horrors of that “ habi- tation of dragons'” where he lay. Alienated from God, an outcast from the spiritual world, he went about in the dreary waste, or in the polished city, with the cry, “ What shall I eat, what shall I drink, wherewith shall I be clothed ? Who will shew me any good ?” Hurried by brutal appetites, or by devilish passions, miserable in him- self, a mischief to his fellow-mortals, he laboured at times to soothe the hell within him, by offering ho- mage at the shrine of some demon, despised perhaps in his heart ; or which, if reverenced, impressed deeper on his soul, by its foul embraces, the image of infernal malignity. But the poor idolater hears the gospel from one of your missionaries, is arrested by the grace of God, and “ behold he prayeth !” Let us try to enter into his situation — let us sur- vey the views of his mind, the feelings and move- ments of his heart. Over the wide spreading earth appears the lofty wider extended sky, bespangled in the night with hosts of stars ; in the day, overwhelmed with the lustre of a solitary star, the sun. As certainly as this magnificent arch is over our heads, so certainly there exists another superior heaven, where the God of glory reveals himself in a manner suited to the 236 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE activity and delight of pure immortal spirits. And as certain as is the existence of such a heaven, e- qually certain is it that there is a hell of boundless eternal misery. For we learn from the infallible re- cords, that a vast multitude of spirits, once glorious and joyful in heaven, became ungrateful, proud, and impious ; thus despising the rich pleasures of the love and communion of a God, whose greatness and benignity are immense, they were justly plunged into an abyss of darkness and sorrow, proportioned in its terror to the majesty which they insulted, and to the felicity which they renounced. By the first vivid illuminating glance of the glory of Jehovah, the mind of the benighted heathen is opened to the apprehension both of heaven and of hell ; the one in the friendship, the other in the wrath of the infinite eternal God. Now begins in his mind a serious inquiry into his own character and ways, and into the laws and go- vernment of the great Sovereign. He narrowly re- views his past life, and a succession of crimes rises to remembrance. He looks closely into his heart, and finds it full of confusion, of abomination and horror. Conscience upbraids ; the immortal worm begins to gnaw in his breast. But what solemn terrifying sounds are these, which from a distance seem to utter vengeance as they come nearer and nearer ? It is the voice of the Al- mighty God of heaven, the Holy One ! It is the thunder of Sinai ; it is the loud piercing trumpet rousing the sinner from his lethargic sleep, while it denounces the curse and vengeance of eternity ! “ Cur- OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 237 sed is he that continueth not in ail things contained in the law. These things thou hast done, and I kept silence ; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself, but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thee. God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth. The soul that sinneth shall die.” Poor heathen ! I fear lest thou shouldst sink un- der this astonishing shock : may the Spirit of all grace sustain and deliver thee ! He listens to the ac- cent of mercy. It is done ! the veil is rent from the heart of the poor heathen ; the Lamb of God is manifested ; the incarnate God appears ; the cross shines forth, in- vested with the mild majestic beams of the Sun of Righteousness ; and the voice of the Eternal pro- claims, u This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Look, and be saved. Hear, and thy soul shall live.” And now in the view of these great objects, and as on the verge of eternity, “ Behold he prayeth !” What a throbbing of the heart ! what panting of desire ! what rising, trembling hope ! what unutter- able groaning ! He continues to pray, he is fastened to the sacred spot. The objects of his reverence and dread, of his desire and hope, come still nearer, and press pow- erfully upon him. He is subdued, melted, revived. He rises from his hell of horror, into heavenly rest and joy. He is purified and transformed. *The fe- rocity of the wolf, the lion, and the bear ; the poison of the asp and cockatrice pass away. The kingdom 238 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE of the God of heaven is now set up within him* even “ righteousness* peace, and joy in the Holy Ghosts Such is the spiritual prayer of a single heathen. Glorious exercise ! What a treasure ! what a lumin- ary in the dark regions of heathenism, is one such supplicant ! But we proceed, Secondly , To form the idea of this exercise diffusing itself among many heathens, over a large territory. Think of a multitude of such suppliants dispersed among the bushes, and in the woods, on the shores of the ocean, in the secret retreats of a vast city, or brought together in great assemblies. “ Ethiopia shall stretch out her hands to God.” “ Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts, and to pray before the Lord,” Psal. lxviii. 31. Zech. viii. 22. Contemplate the pleas- ing grandeur of this spectacle ; the hands of a whole nation, yea of many nations, stretched upwards, ex- pressive of the united rising of innumerable hearts to God — the God of glory, of love and of salvation. But let us look once more to the individual con- verted heathen. We have seen him passing through those exercises of spiritual prayer, of which the Apostle in the text testifies, “ Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” He has been brought into a new, a joyful world ; but he must apprehend himself in a tremendous solitude. The common crowd no longer is fit society for him : No one can enter into his views, or partake of his OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 239 sentiments and pleasures, excepting the honoured in- strument of the great change. How delightful the surprise, when, by some happy accident, he finds ano- ther heathen a brother in Christ, in whom the same power hath operated to produce the same new char- acter. Let us suppose the two to find a third, the three a fourth, till there rises to view a multitude— u a dew from the Lord.” What an accumulation of delight, and also of strength ! Let it not, however, be imagined that the com- munication of this sacred fire passes on easily, or catches by any merely natural contagion. No, my brethren ; a movement of omnipotence takes place at every step of the work. In each sinner is a strong hold of wickedness, which yields to no power but that which created the world, and which alone can quicken the dead. It is therefore a progress of won- ders, over each point whereof the spirits of heaven hover with admiring complacency, and utter the shout of victory and grateful praise. But the power which converts one sinner, can multiply the wonder to any extent. Let us then follow up the idea, and suppose a Missionary on some barbarous or polished shore, surrounded with a multitude of such monuments of grace, all of them breathing the same new life, though with variety of circumstances. He calls them to u- nite in prayer ; the Spirit of grace and supplication descends : all is solemnity ; the countenances of some sparkle with joy like the angels of heaven, others are bedewed with the tears of anguish and desire, o- thers melt in the wrestling of benevolent kindness in 240 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE behalf of many around them. What a splendid spectacle ! God and his angels are there. Let me pass over intervening oceans to reach the hallowed spot ! II. We are led forward by our text to inquire a little more fully into the cause of such a phenomen- on. The animating principle of such supplications, the Apostle informs us, is faith, produced by the Spirit of God. 66 How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed This subject is the most weighty, delicate, and arduous. We must endeavour to unfold the mys- tery of faith ; we must trace the approaches and go- ings of the wonder-working Spirit, and mark the en- trance of heavenly truth into minds and hearts, wrapt up under the sevenfold horrors of heathenish dark- ness. Nor can it easily be determined which state of the heathen mind is the most unpromising ; wheth- er it be contemplated as exhibiting a horrid void and confusion, like the original chaos, or as a troubled raging sea of impetuous devilish lusts and passions, or as deluded by the false polish of an immoral civiliz- ation, and occupied with a countless train of impious fancies under the name of religion or philosophy. One thing we know, that in the most unfavourable state of the heathenish mind, nothing can create liv- ing faith but the breathing of the Almighty Spi- rit; and that this breath of the Almighty can burst through obstructions and resistance the most formid- able. The faith whereof we speak, has respect to the OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 241 glorious being of the ever-blessed J ehovah, the God of gods, the Creator and Lord of all worlds. This faith apprehends the assemblage of the infinite excel- lencies of his nature ; it sees the majesty, goodness, purity and power of his eternal government, and the terrific aspect of that government towards every sin- ning child of Adam throughout the world. Here are discoveries which the most studied efforts of edu- cation, with every advantage from the letter of scrip- ture, the improvements of philosophy and social re- finement, often fail to impart. And shall they be expected to appear in the mind of an untutored, de- graded, deluded heathen? Yes; when the Spirit shines forth, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the rabble of idol gods is swept away, and the An- cient of days appears enthroned amidst the splen- dours of the glory of heaven ; “ the judgment is set, the books are opened, 1 ’ and the heathen stands forth naked in his own eyes, defenceless, condemned. But how is his broken afflicted spirit to be reviv- ed, healed and comforted ? For this purpose, the eye of faith must open on those incomprehensible truths, those august myster- ies, which charge even the wisdom of angels with folly. Shall this be deemed possible in the case of bewildered polluted idolaters ? Yes; those truths, be- fore whose unsearchable greatness and sublime pu- rity the diseased haughty reason of the pharisaical moralist, or profound elegant philosopher, sickens, and sinks down into the babbling or rage of blas- phemy ; these very truths, presented in the light of the Holy Ghost, dawn on the mind of the trembling 242 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE heathen, with the sweet cheering lustre of the morn- ing, ushered in by the song of ten thousand earliest birds. You know, my brethren, what these truths are: many of you, I trust, have felt their evidence and energy. Apply what you know and have felt, with proper alterations, to the condition of the heathen, wherever transactions occur like those which took place at Thessalonica when Paul was the preacher. 1 Thess. i. “ Our Gospel,” saith he, 46 came not to you in word only, but in power, in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance — ye received the word in much affliction, w r ith joy of the Holy Ghost — they shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols ; to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.” I will attempt to take a still nearer view of the manner wherein, by the agency of the Spirit, the truth, concerning Jesus the Son of God, cruci- fied and slain for the guilty, insinuates itself, or triumphantly blazes forth in the mind of the perish- ing heathen. He is guided to the true idea of the one supreme, glorious, eternal Godhead, uniting itself with the low nature of man : “ God was manifested in the flesh.” He perceives the effect of this union on the assumed human nature, which is at once elevated above the whole creation, enriched with purity, armed with power, invested with dignity, rendered the sweetest, holiest, most precious object in the universe. The OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 243 heart of the awakened heathen now begins to revive, and glows at the sight of the surety and sacrifice of sinners. He marks with deep interest the lowly ma- jesty, and the opening pure obedience of the child, the youth, the man, the man of sorrows and of wonders. The odours of “ the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys,” in his humbled purity and overwhelming kindness, richly rising as incense from earth to hea- ven, are sweet in thy nostrils, thou poor outcast criminal fugitive from God ! Didst thou ever behold before, such an object? But thou shalt “ see greater things than these.” Thy surety must descend into the lowest hell of bit- terness and anguish, included in the curse of the law due to thee for thy sins. Behold him laid prostrate on the earth, under the mighty load of the wrath of the Godhead, and mark the effect in the agonizing burst of blood from his sa- cred body. He rises from the earth, to be lifted high on the cross. There, there thy merited bodily tortures, O heathen sinner, the fierce outrages of the wicked spirits thy seducers, and the full effusion of the wrath of thy offended Creator, are at once u- pon him. He mourns, he endures, he overcomes. This is an immensity of Divine value, derived from the Godhead of the sufferer, in this mysterious offe - ing. He that spared not his own Son, is ready with him freely to give thee all things. Thou art permit- ted to approach this sacrifice, and to plead for thy- self upon it. The Spirit helpeth thy infirmities, making intercession with groanings unutterable. He who searcheth the hearts, and he only, knows all 244 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE that is in thy throbbing supplicating breast ; he will regard and answer it all. III. It is not necessary for our present purpose to contemplate farther the influence and energy of living faith, to produce spiritual and accepted sup- plication. Our attention must now be turned to an- other view of the subject : we must consider the means whereby this faith is created. The work which we have contemplated is honour- able, glorious, worthy of God ; the effect, in relation to perishing men, transcendently precious and saluta- ry. Our inquiry now respects the means or instru- ments wherewith God is pleased to connect such movements of his power. The text informs us that the grand instrument of this work is the word of God; ‘ ‘ faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The independent sovereign God hath of old pre- pared his own instrument; the Holy Ghost hath formed and furbished his own all-penetrating sword. This is found in the holy inspired writings. The word of God is replenished with information and instruction, suited to convey to the sinners mind just ideas and views of the God of infinite good- ness and glory ; of the purity, perfection, and au- thority of his moral law ; of the original and fallen state of man ; of the malignant nature of sin, and of the everlasting wrath and misery due to the sinner. By this word the ancient counsels of the love of God respecting sinful men are unfolded, and the person of the glorious Saviour rises to view, full of OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 245 majesty and of grace ; the accomplishment of redemp- tion, by his long continued obedience, abasement and suffering, is disclosed ; the great feast of salvation is set forth ; the riches of blessing, of love, and of end- less heavenly glory, are displayed ; the trumpet of awakening and alarm, of invitation, of victory, and of triumph, is blown. This word of God comes forth as a direct and pure emanation from the immense light and love of the Godhead : and, besides its magnificent accompani- ments of preternatural evidence, it bears upon itself the intrinsic mark of divinity, in a strong inimitable impression of the majesty and adorable attributes of its author. This is the fair and bright instrument of the work of grace ; it is, however, an instrument only. If these lively oracles were left to themselves, the awful blindness, the deplorable perverseness of fallen man would baffle and elude their influence. It is therefore necessary, that He who made the human soul should take this instrument into his own mighty hand, to pierce the proud sinner’s heart, and infuse life, healing, and comfort into the troubled spirit. On this part of the subject there remains another inquiry. Is it by the holy Scriptures alone, presented to the eye of the heathen, or is it by the instruction of hu- man teachers, opening and bringing home the truths of the Bible, that such wonders usually are wrought ? Here I will attempt to state, shortly, 1. The fact. 2. The reasons of the fact. M 246 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE Respecting the fact, it is certain that sometimes the written word alone, without any living teacher, has been the instrument of conveying to the dead sinner, life and consolation. In the memorable case of Junius the reformer, an incidental glance on the beginning of St John’s gos- pel roused him from the leaden slumbers of atheisti- cal infidelity, and produced an indelible impression of the divinity of the Scripture, and of the Divine glory of the Son of God. The illustrious Father Au- gustine, when in the pangs of the spiritual birth, was relieved from a tremendous conflict with the power of sin, by reading a few words in the thirteenth chap- ter to the Romans. In both these cases indeed the sacred volume was, as it were, held forth by the hands, and watered with the supplicating tears of pi- ous parents. But without such advantageous cir- cumstances, many instances have been known, where- in the sacred word alone hath made its way to the heart. And in cases where dire necessity excludes pure public or private teaching, more especially at the first introduction of the Scriptures into a new lan- guage or country, it may be expected that the God of the Bible will crown his own infallible lively ora- cles with signal power and honour. And to this with all my heart I say Amen, and let the Amen echo from this assembly to the uttermost ends of the earth ! With regard, however, to the extensive conver- sion of sinners, and the permanent establishment of the kingdom of Christ, it hitherto has been the case OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 247 generally, and as far as I know universally, that the living voice has been the instrument. The great examples of the conversion of considerable numbers of sinners recorded in the inspired volume, and in all subsequent ecclesiastical history, have been uni- formly connected with the teaching, in public and in private, of the apostles and other ministers. On this idea, the language of my text, and of many other passages of Scripture, evidently proceeds. 2. As to the reasons of this fact, I shortly propose the following remarks. The sovereign God giveth not account of any of his matters. At the same time, where the reasons of Divine procedure are laid open to our view, it would be impious to disregard them. The same general principles which shew the wis- dom of God in the appointment of the gospel minis- try, are to be applied here, but manifestly with addi- tional force, in the case of the untutored heathen, God is invisible ; the Saviour, once visibly pres- ent on earth, hath retired from the view of mortals. Enlightened and holy teachers of the Gospel are a kind of visible witnesses and representatives of God our Saviour. “ We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us.” This is of peculiar importance among the heathen, whose re- ligious ideas have been entirely immersed in bodily sense, and where a living priesthood of delusion and iniquity stands forth to plead the cause of wretched idols. The collected force of different parts of the Scrip- 248 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE tures is concentrated in living holy teachers, who have studied the sacred oracles and imbibed their spirit ; and by means of such teachers, there is an accurate adaptation of Divine truth to the particular state of the minds of the heathen, which could not otherwise be attained without an endless train of miracles. The holy design and tendency of the Scriptures, and the practicability and excellency of the religion they exhibit, are presented alive to the senses of the heathen, in the character and conduct of holy teachers. Even the imperfection and infirmities of such mission- aries, connected with their experience of grace and salvation, render their exertions fitter means in this work than would be the purer and more brilliant ap- pearances of the spirits of heaven. For amidst all their imperfection, the infallible certainty of the Scriptures, and their gracious energy, are transfused into such teachers, as to every thing essential to faith and holy obedience. Finally, there is thus carried on a spiritual inter- course of soul between the missionary and the hea- then, and between both and heaven, which is adapt- ed to the moral kingdom of God ; and which brings forth to view the manifold exercise of human graces and virtues on the one hand, and on the other is at- tended w ith a diversified display of the holy attributes of the God of salvation. cc How beautiful, therefore, are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring good tid- ings of good things !” OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 249 Application. And now, my respected and beloved fathers and brethren, let us review for a moment the progress we have made. We have contemplated the desirable spectacle, a multitude of the heathen calling on the name of the Lord : we have also inquired into the nature of that faith which excites and animates such supplications : we have considered by what means the Almighty Spirit operates to produce so great an effect. It belongs to the important duties of this season that we turn our attention to the vast and awfully extended field, where such wonders, it is to be hop- ed, may be wrought. There spectacles of a very dif- ferent kind from that we have been surveying, await us, on account of which we are called deeply to af- flict our souls. “ The hand of the Lord, 1 ’ saith the prophet, “ was upon me, and carried me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the val- ley which was full of bones ; and caused me to pass by them round about ; and behold there were very many in the open valley, and lo, they were very dry.” Were the wish lawful, I could perhaps be bold to indulge it, that one of the mighty spirits of heaven should stoop his chariot of fire, and that, strength- ened and enlightened by the Holy Ghost, I might so be conducted round this polluted globe, to view the tremendous field of desolation, where the new and fair creation of grace shall yet arise. 250 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE Conveyed as on eagles’ wings, I might quickly throw behind me the horrors of antichristian and hypocritical Europe, to look down into the forests, the cities, and dreary deserts of the scorched Conti- nent of Africa, where ferocity and cunning, like those of the lions and serpents that glare around, render hazardous the approach of the most harmless and be- nevolent traveller. Here I must listen to the end- less babbling of folly, or to insipid childish forms of devotion, or to the most sordid and pitiful idolatry, cherishing under them the basest sensuality and ma- lignity. Hastening thence to pass through the rich magnificence of nature in the far extended regions of the Asiatic Continent, I might wonder at the crowds of gay fluttering mortals, intoxicated with the shal- low cup of pleasure, making no inquiry after God, hovering securely over the brink of the everlasting gulph. Here rivers of tears might flow forth, at the sight of the fairest gardens of the east, occupied by hateful spirits, the prolific nurslings of hell. Approaching the frozen North, I might linger with astonishment over the wretched stupor of men unsub- dued by sorrow, unroused by suffering, to seek rest and refuge in the omnipotent God and Saviour. I might press on to the great American Continent. There, through all varieties of climate and stupendous scen- ery, over its trackless forests, among its awful south- ern mountains, or along the flowery banks of its ma- jestic rivers, I might seek, but seek in vain, to hear the tender soothing voice of spiritual prayer and praise. Searching in vain for a spot of rest and re- freshment in some sequestered, but illumined island, OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 251 I might return burdened with anxiety and sorrow, to the station that I now occupy. Here I might lift up a loud and bitter cry in your ears, ye children of Divine mercy and grace : “ Have pity, have pity, O ye lovers of God and man, on the hundreds of millions of your fellow creatures, and cry to God for their speedy rescue, who all over the earth are of- fending their holy Creator, gratifying the foul spirits of darkness, rushing forward to unknown, everlast- ing perdition !” The question will now be put — What is to be done? To what purpose are the utmost exertions of a number of feeble sinful beings, such as we who are here assembled ? Can we shake the pillars of the house of Satan all over the earth ? Can we unsettle the foundations of the fabric of iniquity, the work of ages ? Can we turn back the rolling current of hu- man depravity ? Hopeless indeed would be the at- tempt, were we, or any other assembly of insignifi- cant mortals, to stand up and engage alone in such an undertaking. But I rejoice, my brethren, to remind myself and you, that this counsel and work is of God. He who is mighty — the God of the heavenly hosts, and of the spirits of all flesh — He before whom the nations are as the drop of a bucket, hath, by his e~ ternal covenant, engaged himself in the enterprize of delivering many of the self-ruined, perishing children of Adam. Under his call and guidance, and look- ing for the movements of his wonder-working arm, we go forward in this work, “ to do whatsoever our hand findeth to do,” with our utmost might. 252 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE I solemnly bless God for the formation of so many Bible Societies; I rejoice to see the glittering sword of the Almighty Spirit unsheathed, and the fatal scabbard wherein it had been hid for ages, cast away. The circumstances concerning their commencement have been auspicious and surprising. Hitherto, how- ever, the success is chiefly experiment : the ultimate desired effect in the illumination and conversion of the nations sitting in darkness, is not yet attained : to boast of success in that view is premature ; per- haps that may require stronger cries of supplication than have yet been offered up. That I may do full justice to the cause which I now plead, before God, angels, and men, I must call the public mind seriously to contemplate, that the utmost exertions of all the Bible Societies in the world, detached from the living labours of enlight- ened and faithful Missionaries, would entirely fail, as to the effect of introducing and establishing the kingdom of the Saviour in any one heathen country. The Bible may be translated, and zealously convey- ed into such countries : it may be received and look- ed at for a while as a curiosity ; it may operate even to create a prejudice in favour of Christianity ; it may even be the instrument of conversion in a few singular cases, by the more unusual sovereign agen- cy of the Holy Spirit. But where any extensive and permanent effects are to be accomplished, living interpreters and publishers of the truths of the Bi- ble, and examples of their power, must be prepared and sent forth, that “ the eyes of the heathen may see their teachers.” This is the way wherein, ac- OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 253 cording to all the past history of the church — accord- ing to every statement which the Bible itself exhi- bits, we are authorised to expect the coming of the kingdom of Him, “ who ascended on high, leading captivity captive, and gave gifts to men : and he gave some apostles, some prophets, and some evan- gelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the work of the ministry, for the perfecting of the saints, till we all come in the unity of the faith. 1 ’ Let it not then be imagined, that the heathen world is to be subdued and converted by the Bible alone. Though it were at this moment full of Bi- bles, still from the throne of the adorable “ Three who bear record in heaven,” would sound the voice “ Whom shall I send ? and who will go for us ?” The voice would still proclaim, “ Depart ; I will send thee far hence among the Gentiles :” “ Go ye into all the w r orld, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Against our Missionary exertions, Bible Societies furnish no argument ; but in support of it, they hold out the highest encouragement : they are preparing the field ; they invite, as reapers of the great harvest of the world, those honoured ambassa- dors, by whose living voice, by whose holy labours, by whose wrestling supplications, and should it be necessary by whose martyred blood, the God of glory shall effectually beseech and persuade men to be re- conciled to himself. But some may say, why wander so far abroad ? An object is near you, more immediately interesting than any thing in the whole range of the heathen world. Look at the pitiable state of the neglected, 254 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE despised J ews. There you may exercise your zeal, your compassion, and your liberality. And from our views of the arrangement of things in Scripture prophecy, we conclude, that till this be done. Mis- sions to the heathen will be in a great measure fruit- less and unavailing. To all this I shortly answer, that the recovery of the miserable children of Abraham is indeed desira- ble. In accomplishing that event, the right hand of Jehovah will be exalted, and the riches of Divine mercy and truth will shine forth with unrivalled lus- tre. “ But the times and seasons the Father hath reserved in his own power.'” And I must say, that it is no easy matter to look deep enough into the re- ality of the case of the Jewish people. To take a just view of their crime, their judicial hardening and moral degradation, requires the utmost efforts of the human mind, under an uncommon measure of the il- luminating influence of the Spirit of grace. That faith, zeal, and compassion, which in the or- der of means are suitable to effect the general con- version of the Jews, must be great indeed. It re- quires, I apprehend, the united exertion of not only many individuals, but of many Gentile churches. If the churches which exist in Europe and America were duly roused, invigorated, and harmonized, and if there were united with them in solemn concern for the Jews, a multitude of assemblies of newly con- verted heathens, like to that living assembly of hea- thens collected by means of the illustrious Mission- ary Brainerd, I would then gladly recognize some appearance of “ that fulness of the Gentiles,” which, OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 255 according to the apostolic statement, must precede and introduce the general salvation of Israel. In the mean while, let whatever can reasonably be attempted in behalf of the Jews, be done ; and may the Almighty Saviour, whom they wickedly despise, prosper it. But whatever importance is justly at- tached to the general conversion of the J ews, strength- ens the arguments in support of the cause which your hearts, my respected fathers and brethren, warmly embrace, and for which you now eagerly desire to manifest your persevering liberality. Many of you burn with desire to throw into this treasury with an unsparing hand. Some, I doubt not, have a heart to give more than prudence and duty call for. Some, if such were the call of duty, would give to this cause their worldly all. Some, I hope, will do more than this : they will give them- selves personally to this work, under the constrain- ing influence of the love of Jesus Christ. If any friend of the Saviour, under the pressure of pover- ty, should pass the plate with a downcast look and suppressed groan, that groan will please the Lord, and in his eyes may be more precious than the gifts of some of the wealthy, who may indulge too much of levity and self-importance in doing this good work. I will only further say on this subject, the em- barrassments of this Society are its glory. They are, in fact, consequences of successful exertions in the work : they would not have existed, had not the Lord of the harvest called forth many labourers, and opened many doors of access to his great har- 256 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE vest. They are the consequence of acting on a large and generous plan. But if these embarrass- ments were permitted longer to continue, they would be the disgrace of the Christian world. I would not too severely censure even the great expenses of the Otaheitan mission, of which, to this hour, I have not quitted my hold : light, I hope, will arise out of darkness in that quarter. The scattered missionaries are again rallying. May God cause the storm of war to pass away ; and may he render it a mean of preparing the minds of that giddy profligate people for such reception of the Di- vine word as shall bring them weeping to the Savi- our ! And may their various trials improve the faith, zeal, and spirituality of the missionaries ! In the mean while, in allusion to the message of the magnanimous Roman Senate to an unsuccessful general, thanking him that he had not despaired of the Commonwealth, I would honour and thank this So- ciety for not despairing of the mission to the South Sea Islands, under all the disasters which have at- tended it. And let me be permitted to say, I do particularly admire and venerate the zeal and forti- tude of the missionary Bicknell, who, after experi- encing the anxieties of a navigation round the globe, and the severer anxieties of a long unsuccessful mis- sion, having returned safe to the bosom of his coun- try, chose to go back again to that field of arduous conflict, to spend the rest of his days. But regard to time and strength requires me to close. Yet, before I conclude, I will call you, my respected hearers, to attempt a more distant journey OPERATING BY MEANS OF MISSIONARIES. 257 than one round this globe. Let us ascend to hea- ven : let our thoughts pass through all intervening worlds : let us place ourselves under the splendours of the Eternal Throne ! u Who are these that are arrayed in white gar- ments ?” Whence issue these voices, more melting and majestic than those of the six-winged seraphim ? I hail you with delight, all ye blessed spotless crowds of redeemed spirits ! But let me press higher, to that more ample sphere of light, doubly piercing and joyful. What circle of spirits is that, crowned with conspicuous radiance, whither hasten, with glowing aspect, the loftiest and most loving of the redeemed — Moses, Isaiah, Paul, Peter, John, Elliot, Rutherford, Brainerd, Whitefield ? They are mis- sionaries lately arrived from the earth. Yes ; I see thee among them, marked by thy meek demeanour, by thy humility and majesty of benevolence — thee, Van der Kemp ! and near thee some of thy asto- nished Hottentots, thy joy and crown of rejoicing in the presence of the Lord ! How beautiful now appear the feet of them who have preached to the heathen the gospel of peace, and have brought glad tidings of good things ! And now, let us dart a look upwards to the midst of the throne, and let us say — To Him, who, being God equal with the Father from eternity, stooped to become flesh ; to Him who condescended to dwell on earth a sojourner and suf- ferer, though full of grace and truth ; to Him who gave the great example of the patient, heavenly love of strangers and of enemies ; to Him who bestows 258 THE POWER OF THE BIBLE, &C. the grace which creates zeal and success in the mis- sionary work; to Him who lay prostrate on the ground in mysterious agony, who ascended the dreadful cross, bearing the tremendous load of imputed guilt and of burning vengeance, and whose love triumphed un- der the burden ; to Him who ever pleads and reigns for the salvation of the perishing, and who shall shake, subdue, and bless all nations ; to Him who now walks in the church among the golden candle- sticks, and who shall come with clouds to judge the world ! To Him, and to the Father, who gave him from eternity, and spared him not in time ; and to the Holy Ghost, who formed, enshrined, and glorified his human nature, and who reveals him with con- quering power to the sons of men ! To this Three-One God, who is light, love, and consuming fire, be glory and dominion, power and blessing, worship and obedience, now and to all eternity. Amen. ADDRESSES TO THE PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE, DESIGNED TO ASSIST THE LABOUR OF MISSIONARIES, AND OTHER INSTRUCTORS OF THE IGNORANT. TO WHICH IS PREFIXED A SHORT ADDRESS TO THE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY IN LONDON. • - 3L‘ : r ' - ,, 4 .1 INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS TO ALL THE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY, LONDON. Brethren and Fathers, grace and mercy be mul- tiplied to you, “ from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits that are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful and True Witness, and the first begotten from the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth i 11 Standing at the present point of your progress in the missionary work, I beg leave humbly to congra- tulate you, respecting the manifest tokens of the presence of the Lord which have hitherto attended your endeavours ; and I heartily rejoice with you in the opening prospect of some “ deliverance being wrought , 11 by your means, “ in the earth , 11 and that in some dark regions of the world, u the Gentiles are now about to come to the light of the Chris- 262 INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. tian church and kings to the brightness of her ris- ing.” Not to our righteousness, or to the uprightness of our hearts, but to the tender mercy of our God, and to the ever-breathing odour of the sacrifice, merit and intercession of Jesus, are to be ascribed those gracious impressions on the minds of multi- tudes, and those benign providential movements, which have been the auspicious concomitants of these first attempts. To the same fountains of blessing must our imploring eyes be directed, when we con- sider that the great trials of this work, and of the stedfastness of our faith and zeal, have not yet been experienced. The Lord of the harvest hath prepared a numer- ous band of missionaries, and hath provided the means of their conveyance to a remote region of the globe. Their faith is of that kind, we trust, for which Jesus will pray that it fail not, the smoking flax among them such as he will not permit to be quenched. But they must pass through the heap * of great waters. And where is the Moses to stretch out his rod over these waters ? or the Elijah to smite them with his mantle, that 66 the overflowing of the water may pass by ; that the deep, harmless, may utter his voice, and lift up his acclaiming hands on high ?” When our missionaries stand on heathenish shores they will need the faith and patience of him who said, “ Though he slay me yet will I trust in him.” It is easy to speculate, in the shade, on their ardu- ous situation. But the elevation of faith, the rich INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 263 communication of wisdom and power from on high, essential to their comfort and success, are beyond what most of us are capable to imagine. I hope the tear of pious, brotherly, concern will often drop from the eyes of the reader, while this little book is in his hands, to think how it may now be faring with our dear missionary brethren ! My Brethren and Fathers will, I trust, candidly regard my solicitude to serve this important cause by the present publication. I felt it my duty to make the attempt, hoping to afford assistance to some of the Missionaries in discovering the simplest me- thods of conveying scriptural truth to nmtutored minds. The approbation of some friends, whose judgment I highly respect, encourages me to send these Addresses with the Missionaries, and to pre- sent them to the attention of the world. Perhaps they may assist the pious endeavours of Christian parents, and may attract the notice of some, who are otherwise averse from the consideration of hea- venly truth. And, in reference to the present mis- sion, the concern and prayers of its friends may be excited and directed, by a minute and particular ex- hibition of the leading truths of the Bible, as ac- commodated to the ideas of minds just emerging from the horrid shades of Pagan darkness. “ When the host goeth forth to battle,’’ said the inspired Lawgiver, “ then keep thyself from every wicked thing.” That we have put our hands to such a building will be, I trust, an additional stimu- lating motive to rouse us to our great work as Chris- 264 INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. tians at home. We live in a period of great events, and amidst the hostile collisions of powerful nations. If the vengeance of the Almighty shall awake to meet us for our distinguished ingratitude as a peo- ple, and our marked opposition to the spirit of the religion we profess, then the disasters feared and felt at home, may surpass the trials of faithful Mis- sionaries. “ In this land of peace, wherein we have long trusted,” the furnace of trial may be kindled. But though all should move on softly, for many years, the tempests of Divine wrath, in the other world, are infinitely tremendous. There should be therefore, in consistency with attempts to save the heathen, a general travailing in birth among pious ministers and their people, for the salvation of the impenitent multitudes in this island. But that I may impress ideas of this kind by an authority more venerable than my own, I will pre- sent to the reader part of a parochial exhortation, published near half a century ago, by one who, I doubt not, is now a saint in glory ; I mean the late excellent Dr Gillies, who flourished many years in the city of Glasgow, a faithful and successful minis- ter of the gospel. His words are these, in a paper entitled, “ Lamen- tation over Perishing Souls.” “ AVhen I think of unconverted persons dropping into hell from time to time ; and others following fast, if infinite mercy prevent not, this makes me forget censures. I rather find myself disposed to weep and to cry with the Prophet, 4 Oh that my INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 265 head were waters and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people P “ Miserable souls that are out of Christ, let me lament over you a little. If you die in this state, there will be no further lamentation made for you through eternity. u Poor aged sinners, your grey hairs are going dowm with sorrow to the bottomless pit. And so hard are your hearts, you have little or no concern about it. Your thoughts are fixed on a present world, where you are not to live any long time ; and you have no concern that your souls are to burn for ever in hell. Poor, old, decrepit creatures, my heart bleeds for you. O that the Lord would pull you back from the brink of that fiery furnace on which you are tottering ! “ And you, young men and young women, alas ! in spite of your beauty, and spirit, and gaiety, if death seizes upon you while unconverted, you also must be cast into the lake of fire. All the lovely qualities your Creator has bestowed upon you, if you want grace, will not save you. 66 And you too who are yet but children, I cannot look upon you without tenderness. The thought of your damnation is intolerable ; yet if you die un- converted, it must be, though all the world should cry out against it. Devils and blaspheming men may dare to blame Divine justice ; but justice is al- ways just ; ’tis sin, that cruel monster sin, that throws young children into hell-flames. It first 266 INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. transforms them into devils, and makes them ac- cursed, and then they are sent into that everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Woe is me, that I can think of this without tears. Dear young ones, cry to Jesus Christ to save you. He is a merciful Saviour. O look to him and say, Son of God, save my precious soul from hell. If you can- not pray, will you weep to him ? It may be he will hear you. He said, 6 Suffer little children to come to me ; forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ Let me lead you to Christ. If he take you in his arms and bless you, you shall never go to hell. Lord Jesus receive them graciously. Are not these the lambs which thou hast commanded me to feed ? Behold them thou good Shepherd. I can- not bring them back. Stretch out thy Almighty hand and do it, and there shall be joy in heaven. Amen. Lord hear their request, for thou hast said, 4 It is not the will of thy Father that one of thy lit- tle ones should perish.’ 64 And if you who are their parents will not join with me in prayers and endeavours to keep these dear lambs out of hell, you are cruel, hellishly cruel. The Lord forgive you and open your eyes ! 44 When I look back on what I have written, tis poor and meaningless, on such a subject. If I should go away into some wilderness, and weep till death put an end to it, it would be more suitable. Such multitudes of my own kind, my brothers and my sisters going into hell, never to get out again ! Break, break, hard heart ! Do not think my words INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 267 strange, you who read these lines, but weep with me if you are men and not stones. Let all the crea- tures of God who have any compassion, mourn for the irrecoverable ruin of such multitudes of poor mankind. “O thou who didst weep over Jerusalem, thou alone canst give us comfort in this overwhelming ca- lamity. We have none to save us but thee. Bless- ings and praises be multiplied upon our glorious, dear, dear Deliverer, without end ! u Heavenly Father, for thy Son's sake, be pleas- ed to stir up many diligently to preach thy king- dom, when such multitudes of souls are in danger of perishing. O pour out thy Spirit on all flesh, that our sons and daughters may prophesy. Let the days come, when upon the servants and hand- maids thou wilt pour out thy Spirit. Say to the north, Give up ; and to the south, Keep not back. Bring in all thy elect. And then that song shall be sung in Sion, 4 Sing, O ye heavens, for the Lord hath done it : Shout, ye lower parts of the earth : Break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein : for the Lord hath redeemed Ja- cob, and glorified himself in Israel P ” To this valuable extract I will subjoin a single hint relative to the present mission. From the na- ture of the work, and the great distance of the field of experiment, accounts of solid success cannot rea- sonably be expected for a long time. Having done our utmost to begin the attempt well, let us follow 268 INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. it up, and mature it, by the faith, patience and pray- ers, of years to come. 66 Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground, and die, it abideth alone : but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.'” “ Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain ” JOHN LOVE. Hoxton, London, July 29. 1796. ADDRESSES TO THE PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE* FIRST ADDRESS. Inhabitants of this pleasant island of Qtaheite, men and women, fathers, mothers, and children, we look round with gladness on your smiling counten- ances ; we rejoice to see the sun shining sweetly up- on you, and the earth covered with trees and fruits, and the sea full of fishes round about you. We looked at you from far, very far off, in our own country. We rejoiced to hear that you were so happy, that you lived in so delicious a garden, that you enjoyed such sweet and plentiful food, that you were kind to one another, that you were kind to strangers. Our hearts loved you, we longed to see you, and to meet with you. The vast ocean rolled between you and us, the great mountains of waters rising to the skies made us afraid, and the roaring tempests and thunder of the heavens caused our hearts to quake. We said, how shall we proceed through N 270 ADDRESSES TO THE so vast a wilderness of waters, and pass some moons without seeing the solid land ! Jehovah, the great God, who made the land and the waters ; Jehovah, the great God, who created us, and who created the people of Otaheite, said to us, “ Go through the great waters to the people of Otaheite. r> He said, “ Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth ; I have made the men and women of Otaheite, but they have not known me. I raised up the land out of the midst of the waters, that they might have a place of habitation. I spread abroad the ground, the shores of the ocean, and the lofty hills. I planted the trees, and the herbs, and the grass. I made the hogs, and the chickens, and the beasts of the field. I kindled my great fire in the skies, to warm and enlighten these islands ; and I sent the cooling breezes from the sea to refresh them. I made the men and women of Otaheite. I said, as the chickens know the person who feeds them, and come round about him, so these men and women will know me, and will come round about me ; and as the chickens make a noise when their feeder brings them their food, so the men and women of Otaheite will speak to me, and will thank me for their enjoy- ments. They have not done it. I put an immortal spirit in their breasts, but they have not thought of me, they have not prayed to me, they have not de- clared my goodness with singing. I am angry / 1 Jehovah, the great and dreadful God, said to us, “ Go, tell the people of Otaheite, I am angry at them, because they have forsaken me. Go, tell the PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE* 271 people of Otaheite, I desire that they may now know me, I wish to love them, I wish to make them good, I wish to make them happy, I wish to deliver them from the fears of death, I wish to make them happy when they are dying, and after they are dead.” Inhabitants of Otaheite, Jehovah, the great God, the King of all the islands and seas, commanded us his servants to come from afar off, to speak to you that you may be happy. He hath sent us to tell you the way of being happy. He hath made us happy in our own country, he hath made us happy in the broad sea, he makes us happy now while we stand in the midst of you. We fear not death. Our souls within our bodies enjoy a food sweeter than that of your trees ; and we desire to give you a share of the food of our souls. Inhabitants of Ota- heite, will you hear our words ? Will you come and silently listen while we speak to you, and take you by the hand, and shew you the way of becoming truly good and joyful ? Will you sit down when you go away, and think of the great God Jehovah, who made these heavens and this earth ? He will love you. And as the sun warms the earth, and makes the birds to sing, so this great God will warm and delight your souls within you. But as the fire consumes the dried leaf that falls into it, so will Je- hovah consume you, if you say we will not hear his words, we will not listen to his servants, we will not suffer him to make us happy. 272 ADDRESSES TO THE SECOND ADDRESS. “ Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak ; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. My doc- trine shall drop as the rain ; my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass. Because I will publish the name of the Lord : ascribe ye greatness unto our God.” Listen, ye men and women of Otaheite. We have declared to you the name of the great God Jehovah. Never did a name so glorious, so awful, and so sweet strike your ears. Jehovah ! we tremble and rejoice while we pronounce it. Let your souls within your bodies tremble and rejoice. He thus spake from the clouds to one of the ancient fathers, “ Jehovah, Jehovah, {he strong God, merciful, and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” The ancient father who heard these words sounding with majesty in his ears, “ made haste, and bowed his head towards the earth, and worshipped.” Inhabitants of Otaheite, you are our brethren and our sisters, we love you ; our souls embrace your souls which dwell within your bodies ; we earnestly long that your immortal spirits may be happy. We tell you the name of our God who makes our spirits happy, who gives us light and joy within. You say to us, Who is this Jehovah ? where is he ? PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 273 Hearken attentively, be quiet, do not laugh, do not turn about from us while we speak, do not talk to one another. We will declare that which, we are sure, is the truth. Our words will surprise you, they will give you joy. You say to us the people of Britain, Who is Je- hovah ? where is he ? We say to you, Look up to these bright heavens over your heads, look down to this ground, to these hills, shores, trees, and beasts ; look forth to that great ocean, which gently murmurs all the day long on your shores ; there was a time when these heavens, this earth, and that sea, were not. Then there was a dead silence, a total darkness, a vast emptiness. Then our God was all around the silence, and the darkness, and the empty void ; he was also in the midst of them. And he said, “ Let there be light, and there was light.” He said, u Let there be a wide spreading, serene blue sky.” He said, “ Come forth thou sun, shine thou in these skies, and when thou goest far away let the moon ascend, and the stars sparkle in the heavens.” He said, “ Let the waters spread forth ; and let the earth rise up out of the waters, and let the herbs, trees and flowers rise out of the earth.” He said, “ Let there be fishes in the seas, and fowls in the air and on the branches of the trees, and let beasts walk, and worms creep on the ground ” He said, “ Let there be a man and a woman ; let them behold the heavens and the earth : let the man and the woman stand upright looking to the skies ; let them adore and love me their Maker, let me love them, and give them a multitude of children to fill the whole earth.” “ He spake and 274 ADDRESSES TO THE it was ; he commanded and it stood fast.” He who did these things is our God, Jehovah. “ Have ye not known, have ye not heard of him, ye people of Otaheite ? hath it not been told you from the begin- ning ? have ye not understood, from the foundations of the earth ? It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grass- hoppers ; that stretcheth out the heavens as a cur- tain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.” You say, Where is he ? we do not see him : we cannot find him. Hearken to our words, and con- sider well what we say. You breathe every moment, you cannot live without breathing the thin air. The thin air is round about you by day and by night, but you see it not, you cannot find it. Your souls are within your bodies ; and when we look at you we perceive that your souls are there within your bodies ; they are, as it were, looking at us through your eyes ; yet we see not your souls. Our souls are here in our bodies, they loved you when we were far off in our own country, and we brought our bodies nearer and nearer to you ; you see that we love you, and this makes us sometimes weep over you, yet you do not see our souls with your eyes, you see them with your minds. So Jehovah was near you, he was all round you like the thin air before we came to tell you of him ; he was loving you when you did not see him, as we were loving you before you saw us, or knew that we loved you. Ye inhabitants of Otaheite, Do you love to hear our words ? are you glad to hear us tell you of our God who made the heavens and the earth ? You PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 275 shall know him ; he will be as manifest before your minds as our faces are before your eyes. And when you thus know him, and see that he loves you, your hearts will leap within you for joy, and your shores, woods and mountains will resound, “ Praise Jeho- vah, the God of the people of Britain ; let him love the people of Otaheite ! Jehovah, he is the God ! Jehovah, he is the God P THIRD ADDRESS. Once more, inhabitants of Otaheite, we rejoice to behold your countenances, and to address you in the name of our God. We see your faces, we love those immortal spirits which dwell in your bodies. And we declare to you the infinite Spirit who is in every place, but no where to be seen by the eyes of the body. We bring you glad tidings of the love, kind- ness and compassion of Jehovah the glorious God. Have you been sitting alone musing in your minds of this wonderful unseen God? You say to us, we look for him with our minds, but we do not find him. You say to us, show us a picture, an image of your God. Ah ! we cannot make an image of our God. He is too great to be represented by any work of the little fingers of man. Brethren and sisters, inhabitants of Otaheite, lift up your eyes to the bright burning sun. He daz- zles you, he strikes you blind with his splendour, your eyes are feeble, they cannot look upon him. m ADDRESSES TO THE That bright sun which you cannot bear to look at. is only a shadow, a dark shadow of our God. The sun is not our God, he is but a candle held forth in the hand of our God to enlighten the earth. Look away from the sun, view the blue serene skies all wide spread out around him. These skies are beau- tiful, they are clear and shining, they are gracefully arched over the earth, they are vast and capacious ; but they are not great enough, they are not beauti- ful enough, they are not sufficiently splendid, to re- present the God whom we declare to you. F air is the green earth, its blossoms are sweet, its fruits, its perfumes ; but they are not sweet and fair enough to express the beauty and amiableness of our God. We have seen the vast ocean roaring and foaming to the skies, and seeming to open a thousand abysses to swallow us ; it was terrible : but not so terrible as the anger of J ehovah against wicked men. Still you say, how shall we know him ! show us his image. Men and women of Otaheite, our God hath made an image of himself in each one of you ; not in your bodies without, though they are beautiful, but with- in you. Your immortal spirits are the image of God. Therefore honour these immortal spirits which are within you, be tenderly careful of them, cast them not away, tread not under your feet the image of God. Your spirits within you know and under- stand: God is full of understanding. Your spirits within you are kind and gentle : God is full of kind- ness and love. Your spirits within you are angry and frown upon you when you commit wickedness : PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 277 God is full of purity. Your spirits are immortal God is immortal. You look into your spirits within you to see the image of our God ; but still you cannot find him ; you find darkness. Brethren and sisters, be not afraid : listen to our words. Our God is good and merciful ; he will make you to know him in your minds. We told you that Jehovah created at the begin- ning, one man and one woman. That man and that woman, whom he created, felt no inward darkness. That man and that woman saw God in his bright- ness, as you easily see the light and brightness of yonder sun. That man and that woman, seeing God in his brightness, felt sweetness and pleasure in their minds every hour, all the day long. The earth also was fair and sweet around them : and there were many more trees, flowers, birds and beasts, all beautiful, than are in this island. They loved God, and they loved each other. They did not fear death. They might have con- tinued in joy and pleasure, as many moons as there are little handfuls of water in the great sea.. But that man and that woman became proud, and unthankful, and would not obey Jehovah who made them happy : they would not continue in his light. He was angry and took away his light out of their souls. Then the man and the woman were afraid, and they tried to run away from God among the trees. But he was every where among the trees, they could not flee from him. Jehovah spake to them, then they trembled greatly ; they thought ns ADDRESSES TO THE now he will destroy us. But Jehovah said he would send another Man, who would save them, and many of their children. Men and women of Otaheite, you are our brethren and sisters, our flesh and blood ; and we bring to you the joyful news of that Man whom Jehovah promised to send into the world. That wonderful Man hath come into those parts of the world, which are far off from Otaheite. He was the image of God. He was bright and glorious as the sun. When he walked up and down in the world, it was as if the sun had come down from the skies to the earth, not to scorch and burn it, but, shrouded in clouds, to cherish and delight it. But you were very far off*, and many seas were between him and you, and you could not see him. When he spake and smiled, it was the voice of God, and the sweet face of Jehovah ; when he rebuked wicked men and frowned at them, they were struck with terror, they felt the anger of God. That Man commands us to tell you of him, for he wishes to save you. Hereafter we will tell you his name, and many things concerning him, which will make your hearts glad. Brethren and sisters, we advise you to go, in a little while, each of you to some place alone, on the shore or in the woods, there sit down and think of these things which we declare to you. Then kneel upon the earth, and speak to Jehovah, and say to him, 66 Jehovah, God of the people of Britain, if thou art in the midst of this world, and art near me, if thou art the Maker of Otaheite, if thou art my Maker, O give me to know thee in my mind, and PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 279 give me to know that Man whom thou hast sent to save the children of men !” FOURTH ADDRESS. Ye people of Otaheite, listen attentively to our voice, while we declare to you the words of Jehovah the living God. He is not far off from you, though your eyes cannot behold him. He is present now in the midst of us. While you are before us, we be- hold in you the living images of our God, and the visible monuments of his glory. And when you are struck with awe by hearing of his invisible majesty, your countenances become solemn, you look with your minds beyond the sun and the skies, you look to the other side of death into the vast ocean and skies of eternity. You say how shall we, poor crea- tures, meet Jehovah when we are dead? How shall we go forth to him into the awful darkness of eterni- ty ? Then, your hands being clasped, you look up- wards, and silent tears drop from your eyes. Then, O beloved brethren and sisters, we also weep, and we say within ourselves, Now Jehovah our God is coming near ! Now his light is just going to dawn on these immortal souls ! For when men are cast down, and feel darkness in their minds, and are a- fraid, and sorrowful, then our God hastens to speak to them, and to cheer them with his light. You are our friends, and we will tell you what w'as in our minds, when we were going to leave our own country, and when we were wandering on the 280 ADDRESSES TO THE face of the ocean solitary. Sometimes we were exceedingly sorry ; we sat down and groaned ; and our sorrow was so great that we could hardly speak to each other, and we cared not to eat or to drink. For we thought within ourselves, What if the people of Otaheite prove wicked and refuse to hear us ? What if they will laugh and make sport when we speak to them ? What if they be angry, and begin to express rage against the holy words of Jehovah ? Then he will be angry, and will say to us, Come away from the people of Otaheite: I will not speak to them any more : I will let them alone till they are dead. Then they shall come forth to meet me in eternity. Then I will punish them, Then I will say to the wicked spirits, Go drag these wicked men and women down to the pit of dark- ness and fire ; they would not be instructed, they would not know me P’ And we thought we would go down to our graves mourning, and saying, Alas t the poor people of Otaheite will certainly perish, and be miserable when they are dead ! Thus we were exceedingly sorrowful : But now we are not so sorrowful. Our God, now, makes us glad. He causes us to hope that he is coming to save you. Men and women of Otaheite, do you not begin to understand the words of Jehovah ? You do begin to understand. Are you not willing to hear more of the words and wonders of Jehovah ? You are willing. We are now going to tell you very wonderful things, such as you never heard before. You shall know that there is no other God, like to Jehovah- our God. PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 281 We said to you, that when the first man and wo- man became wicked, and tried to run away from God among the trees, and were greatly afraid, he promis- ed to send another Man who would save the children of men. The man and woman believed the promise of Jehovah, and trusted in the Man whom he pro- mised to send into the world. Then Jehovah loved them again, and pardoned their disobedience. The man and woman again became good and happy, they lived a long time in this world, and saw many of their children, and children’s children. They told their children the promise of Jehovah, that he would raise up another perfect Man who would save them, and they encouraged their children to wait for that Man and to trust in him, and to tell their children still to look for him, though he should not come for a long time. They died, and entered into the hap- piness of eternity ; and all their children who be- lieved in the promise of Jehovah also, when they died, entered into the happiness of eternity, trusting that the Man would come, and that Jehovah would not lie. Still, however, the promised Man did not come. After a long time there arose three very holy men, the father, the son, and the grandson. To every one of them Jehovah spake many times, and said that their children would become a great nation, and that after some ages, the Man whom he had promis- ed would be born in that nation. He also promised to give that nation a particular country to dwell in, in which country the promised Man would be seen. U8Z ADDRESSES TO THE Jehovah did as he promised to the three holy men. Their children multiplied exceedingly, and rose to be a great nation, much more numerous than the peo- ple of Otaheite. But they lived then among ano- ther people. And there was, between them and the country which Jehovah promised to their fathers, a narrow deep arm of the sea, and after that, a wide barren wilderness. But the king under whom they lived, and his people, wanted to make them slaves, and cruelly murdered many of their little children. Then Jehovah killed the first born child of that cruel king, and of every one of his subjects. They were then terrified, and gave the people of Jehovah leave to depart. But, when they were going away, that wicked king and his people rose up in great fu- ry and pursued after the people of Jehovah, and overtook them on the very shore of the narrow deep arm of the sea. Then the people of Jehovah thought they must all be murdered, but they cried to Jeho- vah. Immediately Jehovah, who created the vast sea, opened the bowels of the great deep, and caused the waters to hang on each side as if it had been a lofty strong wall, and there appeared a plain path through the bottom of the sea. He likewise kindled a pillar of fire, which gave light throughout that whole path. Then the people of Jehovah walked through, on dry ground, in the bottom of the sea. But the wicked king and his people would not give over their pursuit, and presumed to enter that deep path through the sea. But they had no light, and could not get forward ; and whenever the peo- ple of J ehovah got to the other side, the high walls PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 283 of water fell down at once, and swallowed up that cruel wicked king and his wicked people. Then the people of Jehovah entered the wide bar- ren, dreary wilderness, on their way to their promis- ed country. Here they were ready to die for thirst and hunger. But Jehovah sent down bread to them from the clouds, and made waters to burst out of the hard rocks, and to accompany them through the dry wilderness like a river. Many of that people, however, though they had seen all these wonders, continued proud, wicked and disobedient. But, before he would suffer them to go into the country which he had promised them* Jehovah came forth among them, and showed them his power and awful majesty, so that they all trem- bled before him. Now hearken attentively, ye people of Otaheite ; we will show you the way in which the glorious Je- hovah appeared, to strike with awe that ungrateful, rebellious, people. But you are musing on the wonderful things we have now told you. We will not, therefore, declare to you any more of these wonders of our God, till we meet you again. Then we will show you how Jehovah, the great invisible king, struck his people with awe, and made them afraid of his anger, that they might not be wicked any more, but might re- verence his majesty, rejoice in his pity and conde- scension, his goodness, love and hounty. And you, O people of Otaheite, you must be struck with awe, you must be afraid for a little while, of the terrible anger of Jehovah, because of 284 ADDRESSES TO THE the evils you have done. You must learn to he very humble and submissive, and to stoop down like little children before him the Great King, that he may come down to you, that he may take you in his arms and embrace you, and shew you in your minds the wonders of his love, and the glories of the Man, whom, according to his promise, he at length sent into the world. For Jehovah spake thus to one of the fathers of old — “ Thus saitli the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy : I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.'” And the great Man whom Jehovah sent into the world, when standing amidst a vast multitude of sinful people, stretched out l\is hands towards them, and, looking at them, with eyes of love and compassion, said, “ Come un- to me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; for I am meek and lowly in heart : and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” FIFTH ADDRESS. Inhabitants of this delightful island, who dwell in the bosom of the immense heap of waters, in the temple of the great sun, and under his bright eye ! That glorious sun, that boundless expanse of wa- ters which your thoughts cannot travel over, and PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 285 these fair delicious shores of your island, are con- stantly declaring the glory of Jehovah our God, who created them, and who at this moment, though unseen, is bearing them up in his vast arms, which never are weary. So it is likewise in other places of this great world, which we have seen, very far off. There the same sun shines over other seas, and other shores, and declares the glory of the same God. But there is darkness in the minds of men, in all places of the world : they are stupid, and do not consider ; they become like the beasts of the field, which have no understanding ; they degrade them- selves by wickedness below the beasts of the field. Jehovah sees this, and is angry : but still he is kind to the children of men ; and he comes near to lead them out of their darkness, and to shew them his light, his glory, and his love. But first, they must be struck with awe, and tremble before him, and fear his infinite majesty. We are now going, beloved brethren and sisters, to show you how Jehovah appeared to that great people which we were speaking of, in that vast wil- derness, after he had led them safely through the bottom of the sea, and drowned their wicked ene- mies. The people of Israel, for that was the name of the great nation, remained in the vast wilderness for two moons : they ate the bread which Jehovah sent them from the skies, and drank the water which ran out of the hard rock. Jehovah likewise caused a vast cloud, like a pillar rising to the skies, to hang over them, to screen them from the burning sun ; and at night the cloudy pillar was bright and fiery. 286 ADDRESSES TO THE and gave the people light in the darkness, and terri- fied the wild beasts, that they durst not come near them. When this cloudy pillar moved forward, the people of Israel followed it. Under its guidance, they went forward into the great wilderness, and at length came to the bottom of an exceeding great mountain. Now, you must imagine that you see as many people, drawn up in order like an army, men, wo- men and children, as could stand thick together, all over this broad shore, up to the bottom of those little hills of this island, which you see at a distance. Then, you must think you see a lofty mountain towering up to the skies, and as it were threatening to tumble down upon the mul- titude below. From the top of that mountain, Je- hovah called to Moses, who was an aged holy man, the leader of the people of Israel. He had climbed up by a path that winded about the sides of the mountain, till he was far out of the sight of the peo- ple. When Moses was alone in that lofty situation, he heard the voice of Jehovah speaking to him thus : “ Moses, Moses ! Lo, I come to thee in a thick cloud ; I come to talk to the people from heaven. Go down to the people, and sanctify them to-day and to-morrow, and let them wash their clothes. And say to them, Be ready against the third day, for Jehovah will come down in your sight. And that they may learn to stand in awe of my presence, let this mountain be railed in all round at the bottom ; and let no beast, nor man, touch this mountain, not even with his hand : if any one presumes to do it, PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 287 let him be immediately killed. And if the people break through to gaze curiously and boldly, they shall perish.'” Moses came down from the moun- tain, and called together the elders of the people, and declared to them the words of Jehovah. On the morning of the third day, the people, being all prepared, came forth to the bottom of the moun- tain, standing behind Moses. Then a vast, black cloud came upon the top of the mountain, reaching upwards to the skies, and making it dark, like night, all over the heads of the people. Then the thunder began to roar through that black cloud, and the lightning to flash, in a manner exceedingly terrible. And, besides the thunder and lightning, there was heard the sound of an unseen trumpet, such as never was blown, from the creation of the world to this day. At first the people stood calm and composed : but the sound of that trumpet became louder and louder, till their faces began to be pale, and their lips to quiver, and they were seized as with the ter- rors of death. Then Moses spake to Jehovah, en- treating that the terror of that trumpet might be abated. Then Jehovah called Moses to come near him, and he ascended boldly to the very top of the mountain. At length the fire of Jehovah came down from the lofty skies, through the vast black cloud : it took hold of the mountain, and pierced downwards into its bowels. Then the whole mountain was co- vered with smoke, which ascended as from a great furnace, and the huge sides of the mountain heaved and shook greatly. Then the people, being afraid, began to step backwards ; but immediately, another 288 ADDRESSES TO THE voice was heard from the midst of the awful fire, not the voice of a trumpet, but the voice of words, which all the people heard distinctly, and slowly, and with a solemn majesty, pronounced in their ears. Ye men and women of Otaheite, are you willing to hear the words which Jehovah, the living God, pronounced in the ears of Moses and the people of Israel from the midst of that dreadful fire ? You are willing. We will repeat the words slowly, and in as solemn a manner as we can, while you stand silent, and se- riously listen to them. Jehovah spake these words from the top of the burning mountain. “ I am Jehovah thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the wa- ter under the earth : thou shalt not bow down thy- self to them, nor serve them; for I Jehovah thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and shewing mer- cy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. “ Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain ; for J ehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Remember the Sab- bath-day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou la- bour, and do all thy work ; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of Jehovah thy God : in it thou shalt PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 289 not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daugh- ter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy gates : for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day ; wherefore Jehovah blessed the Sabbath-day, and hal- lowed it. Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man- servant, nor his maicl-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's." These are the laws of Jehovah. Ye people of Otalieite, you have not heard them before. But you perceive that they are just and good laws. Look into your minds within you : there you will find the secret, silent traces of these very laws. Jehovah, who made your souls within you, put the traces of his laws into your souls. You know that it is right to love, to worship, and to seek after the Great Spirit who made all things. You know that it is right to reverence the image of God in your parents, to re- gard the life and comfort of every man and woman, because they are the image of God ; and that it is wrong to wound the body of another, or to disho- nour the body of another by impurity, as if he or she were not an immortal spirit, made in the image of God. You know it is wrong to grieve another 290 ADDRESSES TO THE by taking away his goods, or by speaking falsehood concerning him. You know it is wrong to bear an inward hatred at any one, and that you ought un- feignedly to love every one around you. But you ask us, Why was that thick, black, terri- ble cloud ? why those thunderings and lightnings ? why that sound of the trumpet, and that dreadful fire, and that shaking of the mountain, when Jeho- vah declared his commandments ? Ye people of Otaheite, consider well what we say. It was be- cause the people of Israel had been stupid, and un- mindful of the laws of Jehovah, and had been proud, and unthankful, and disobedient. It was that they might know that Jehovah was angry at their wicked- ness, and was able to punish them, if they would still be wicked. It was that they might learn to be exceedingly humble, and to lie flat on the ground before J ehovah, and to long for the coming of that great and wonderful Man, whom Jehovah promised to send into the w r orld, to save the children of men from their wickedness. Brethren and sisters, we are going, in a little while, to tell you of the coming of that wonderful Man, w T ho saves the children of men. We were once stupid, and proud, and unmindful of the law's of Jehovah. We were wicked in our hearts, and desired to do wicked things. But we heard of that awful blackness, and trumpet, and fire, of Jehovah ; and we were greatly afraid ; and we said within our- selves, Jehovah will punish us when w'e are dead. Then we heard of the coming of the Great Man, who saves men from their wickedness ; and his words PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 291 were sweet in our souls, as honey, or as the fruit of your trees. And now we know that Jehovah will not be angry with us when we are dead, but will then make us happy ; and we no longer desire to do any wicked things, but the things that are good. Ye people of Otaheite, have not you done things that were wrong ? Have you not felt yourselves wicked ? Have you not been afraid of the anger of the Great Spirit, who made all things ? He hath sent us to tell you how you may be saved, and how you may have light, and sweetness, and joy in your souls, and how when you are dead you may climb up far above these skies, and be glad with Jehovah our God for ever and ever. But he who will not re- gard the words of Jehovah, shall die in a little while. And when he is dead, J ehovah will drive him into a dreadful blackness and fire, where he shall often cry out, “ O foolish, wicked wretch that I am ! Why did I not regard the words of Jehovah ! Oh, that I never had been born f 1 SIXTH ADDRESS. Men and women of Otaheite, hearken to cur words. The multitude of people stood below the burning mountain, and they trembled greatly, when they heard the voice of Jehovah declaring his laws to them out of the midst of the dreadful fire. Then Jehovah had compassion on them, and he took away the terrible blackness, and the mountain no longer trembled. Only, there remained on the top of the ADDRESSES TO THE mountain, a bright cloud, which shone like devour- ing fire. Then Jehovah took up Moses into the midst of that bright cloud, the inner side of which shone upon his eyes with a sweet reviving lustre. There Jehovah kept him, more than a whole moon, day and night, without eating any food, or drinking any water. And there Jehovah taught Moses how to comfort the people, by representing to them the glories of the Man whom he had promised to send, to save men from the dreadful punishment of their wickedness. Beloved friends, we observe your earnest looks, which show us that you desire to learn the way of being happy, through the Man whom J ehovah hath sent. We hope he is going to send marvellous light into your minds, and to show you the wonders of his love Therefore, fear not ; though the things we tell you of seem at first to be dark, our God will make you to know them. First of all, Jehovah took two broad tables of stone, and wrote on them, that it might last a long time, those very words, which he spake out of the dreadful fire. These two stones he gave to Moses, and commanded him to put them in a broad chest, covered all over with gold. Then he commanded Moses to make a covering for this chest, laid over with gold, called the Throne of Mercy, and a figure at each end, which represented two of God's hea- venly ministers, looking towards this throne. These things were to be set up in the innermost part of a beautiful building. And a fair curtain was to be hung up, to hide them from the view of the people. PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. and above the golden throne of mercy, that sweet, reviving, glorious, light, which Moses saw in the mount, was to shine brightly. You say what did these things mean? We will tell you what the meaning was. This innermost part of the beautiful building, called the most holy dwell- ing place of Jehovah, and its furniture, represented to the people the wonderful beauty and excellency of the Man, whom Jehovah promised to send into the world. It represented, that this great Man would have all the words, which Jehovah spake out of the dreadful fire, written in his heart. It represented that he would be wonderfully pure, and bright like gold. It represented that the glory, love, and mer- cy, of J ehovah would be displayed in him. It repre- sented that God's heavenly ministers would look down from the skies, wondering at this glorious Man. It represented that his beauty and sweetness would be far above what any one can imagine or fully be- hold; that the wicked would see nothing of his beau- ty, but that they whom God loves would behold it. Brethren and sisters, you have seen many beauti- ful things : you see the fair light of the heavens, you see the flowers and trees of the ground, you see beau- tiful men and women walking on the ground ; but never did your eyes see any thing so fair, so amiable, so gloriously sweet, as that Man is, whom Jehovah raised up to save sinful men. He is the desire of all nations. Do you not long to see him, ye people of the South Sea ? Do you not desire to be acquainted with him, and to feel the sweetness of his salvation ? Be not afraid. Hearken attentively to our words , O m ADDRESSES TO THE Jehovah will make you to know in your minds, the great Saviour of the world. The people of Israel, who stood before the burn- ing mountain, and heard the voice of Jehovah speaking to them out of the dreadful fire, were great- ly afraid. They knew that they had been wicked, and they durst not come near to Jehovah. They were afraid even to speak to him. And they said, “ Miserable creatures ! if we attempt to bring any of- fering, Jehovah will make the heavens black over our heads, his fire will devour us.” Therefore Je- hovah commanded Moses to appoint his brother Aaron, another aged holy man, and his sons, to be the priests of the people of Israel. This aged holy man was clothed in fair, shining, garments. A fair crown was set on his head, and on its front this in- scription, “ Holiness to Jehovah.” On his should- ers, and on his breast, there were a number of beau- tiful, bright sparkling stones, such as you have not yet seen in Otaheite. On these stones were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus a- dorned, this holy man was to come near to Jehovah, to enter that beautiful building, to pray to Jehovah for the people, and then he was to come forth and bless the people in the name of Jehovah. Having received instructions concerning these and many other things, Moses descended from the moun- tain. At length the beautiful tent of Jehovah was erected near the bottom of the mountain. Then the pillar of the great cloud moved towards that beauti- ful building and hung over it. And the shining brightness of Jehovah blazed through the whole building, so that Moses himself durst not enter. PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 295 But still the representation was not complete. Ye men and women of Otaheite, stand still, and be- hold the majesty of Jehovah ; know and consider in your minds, that Jehovah is infinitely bright and pure, and that his wrath and anger against wicked- ness is infinitely strong and terrible. Men are fool- ish and blind, they laugh and sport when they do wickedness, they drink up iniquity like water, and when they have done it, they say it is but a little evil. But Jehovah looks at them when they see him not, he remembers their wickedness a long time after, when they have forgotten it. The eyes of Je- hovah are exceedingly clear, pure, and piercing. The smallest spot of wickedness appears black and hateful before him. Jehovah knows himself to be infinitely great, good, glorious, and worthy to be loved with the strongest, sweetest, love. He will not therefore endure that men should turn about their backs to him with disdain ; he will not endure a single proud thought or look ; he will not endure a single bad word ; he will not suffer any man or woman to do wrong to another man or woman, who bears the image of Jehovah ; he will not suffer even a beast, which he hath made, to be treated with un- necessary cruelty. He saith, let there be no wicked- ness in my dominions, in my world. The sentence of Jehovah, against all that do wickedness, is death. All men do some wickedness, therefore all men die. And what comes, after death ? Another death, a death of the soul, a strange and terrible death, wherein the soul is always dying, and never ceases to die. This, this is the just recompence of wickedness. This is 296 ADDRESSES TO THE true, ye people of Otaheite, though it is very aw- ful. Now you say, miserable creatures, what shall be- come of us all ! Must our souls die after our bodies are dead, must they be always dying, and never be done with it ! Dear brethren and sisters, we pity you, we love you; Jehovah loves and pities you, and he bids us say to you, “ lift up your heads and rejoice, for the Great Man hath come, sent from Je- hovah, to save men from the second death, this end- less dying of the soul for its wickedness.” You say to us, how does he save them ? We will tell you plainly by and by. But that you may bet- ter understand it, we will inform you further, how Moses represented this wonderful mystery to the people of Israel. When the beautiful building of Jehovah was fin- ished, the great cloud, towering to the skies, stood close upon its top, and within, the shining, glorious, light of J ehovah sparkled and blazed all through that building. Then the awful voice of Jehovah began to sound, again, in the ears of Moses. That voice, which he had been accustomed to hear on the top of the mountain, now sounded from the midst of the shin- ing light in the beautiful building. The voice of J e- hovah sounded many times, and uttered a great many words. It would be long to tell you all these words ; and we wish to comfort your minds as soon as we can. These words of Jehovah were ts this amount. ** Moses, Moses, the people of Israel have been wicked, let bloody sacrifices be set before me in this building ; let Aaron my priest present their blood PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 297 with sweet perfumes ; let bloody sacrifices be offered every morning and every evening, and whenever any wickedness is committed : thus let the people of Is- rael learn to look to the sufferings, and death, and blood, of my Great Man, whom I will send into the world, to save the children of men. Then I will give them light and comfort in their minds.” Moses and Aaron obeyed the voice of Jehovah. And when the first sacrifices were offered, the fire of Jehovah came forth and consumed the sacrifices in a moment. Then the people shouted, and fell on their faces. But you say to us, what were the sacrifices ? Did Jehovah command men or women to be killed and offered up? No, no. Ye people of Otaheite, observe what we say. Jehovah would not have any man or woman killed as a sacrifice ; none but the Great Man, whom he had often promised to send. The sacrifices which Jehovah commanded, were beasts only. But you say what beasts were they ? Not hogs, or dogs, because they sometimes eat filthy things. They were other animals of different kinds which we see not in this island, and sometimes wing- ed fowls, which mount into the sky. The daily of- fering was a beautiful, clean, gentle, harmless, ani- mal called a lamb, which represented the sweet gen- tleness of the great Saviour of the world. Men and women, inhabitants of Otaheite, hear the voice of the glorious, mighty, and merciful, Je- hovah. Consider him in your minds. He is now looking at you; and by us his servants, who fear and love him, Jehovah declares to you his will, as though 298 ADDRESSES TO THE you heard a voice from the clouds, thus addressing you, “ From this day let no human blood ever stain the shores or mountains of Otaheite. Let no man be offered in sacrifice. I hate these cruel offerings. One of my words which I spake from the dreadful fire was, thou shalt not kill. He who kills his neigh- bour in sacrifice commits wickedness ; I will punish him for it. No : let the people of Otaheite live ; let none of them be killed. Let them all consider in their minds the Man whom I have sent to be killed for them ; let them look with their minds to my beloved Man ; let them look to him, and be saved ; let them behold my Lamb, who taketh away the sin of the world ; let them all look to him, and then let them all, when they die, come up to be with him in my heaven, there to sing and rejoice for ever and ever !*” SEVENTH ADDRESS. Brethren and sisters, who desire to know the liv- ing God, we have declared to you some of the won- ders of J ehovah ; but there is no end of his wonders. When your minds come into the light of Jehovah, you will see one wonder following after another, as one wave follows after another all over the face of the ocean. When your minds come into the light of Je- hovah, you will then be as in a new world, where all will be astonishing around you. You will then be surprised to see Jehovah manifesting himself before your eyes, on the right hand and on the left, over your heads, and under your feet. Yea, when you consider your own bodies, and the immortal spirits PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 299 which dwell in them, you will be astonished, and will say, u Behold the work of Jehovah, how fearful- ly and wonderfully hath he made us f’ Beloved friends, we desire to make you glad, by declaring to you the great Saviour of the world. In him you will find rest and delight. He will smile sweetly upon you. And when you see him with your minds, you will almost forget where you are ; you will forget all that you ever saw, or heard, or enjoyed. But it is, at the beginning, like climbing up a steep mountain ; if you grow sluggish and weary, and lie down upon the ground, you can- not get to the top of the mountain. And there are some other things which we must now tell you o£ that you may duly regard, and understand, the glad tidings of the love of J ehovah. Hearken, and understand, ye people of Otaheite f Our God, who made all things, is a Spirit, an invis- ible Spirit. By his unseen power he created the whole of this great world ; he made all of it good, beautiful and pleasant. But he did not design this great world to be his chief residence. Our God hath no body. It is with invisible spirits, that he con- verseth. It is among invisible spirits, chiefly, that he dwells. Therefore, at a great distance, far above this world, far above the sun, the moon, and the stars, Jehovah created another world, much larger, and brighter, and more glorious, than this world. That world is called heaven. That world is the place of the glorious residence of Jehovah : in comparison of it, this world which we think so great, is but like a little tent or cottage. In that high and bright world 300 ADDRESSES TO THE J ehovah created a great multitude of invisible spirits. At his call they came pouring forth from their ori- ginal nothing, in great armies, thousands of thou- sands, and myriads of myriads, till the vast heaven, which God made, was thronged with them ; as you see a clustering multitude of winged fowls, some- times, darkening the air. These invisible spirits, called angels, are so glorious, that if one of them were now to put on a visible form, and to appear in the midst of us, we would all be afraid and a- shamed, and would fall flat upon the ground. And as you see the sky sometimes all bespangled with bright stars, from the surface of the earth and sea, all round upwards to the very top, so heaven, the residence of Jehovah, was in a moment filled^ with those bright armies. When the numberless armies of bright angels rose up in heaven, immediately they saw Jeho- vah there ; they saw that he was infinitely brighter than themselves, they knew that he had made them, they knew that they were as- little grasshoppers, or emmets before him. Then the glorious armies of angels fell down before Jehovah, and felt the awful majesty of his presence. But he said, “ Fear not, ye sons of light ; I welcome you into existence, I welcome you into the everlasting abode of Deity, I welcome you to the participation of my felicity and all-sufficiency ; drink abundantly of these sacred springs which open to your view, and which pour their waters, in all directions, through this paradise. Be happy and glorious for ever : only be humble, and grateful, and love your Creator.” PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. SOI Then the blessed angels began to lift up their shining faces towards the bright throne of J ehovah, and there was a sweet murmuring of music softly breathing all over heaven ; and the universal song of praise and thankfulness to J ehovah became grad- ually louder and louder, till it was like the roaring of the ocean, or like the solemn thunder of the skies. You are glad, ye inhabitants of Otaheite, to hear of the bright world of Jehovah, above these skies. You say, O that we might see that bright world, full of glorious angels ! Hearken to the tidings of great joy, which we bring you, concerning the Saviour of the world. If you regard him and trust in Aim, you shall go, as soon as you are dead, into that high and bright world ; you shall be in the midst of the bless- ed angels, you shall hear their songs, you shall sing aloud in the midst of them. The whole numberless armies of angels were sing- ing aloud the praises of Jehovah. They sang to- gether with exceeding great joy ; and every one of them was singing to Jehovah with all his might. But at length, there was one of them, observe atten- tively what we now say, there was one of them who began to sing more feebly than before, and while all around him were looking to the face of Jehovah, he began to steal away his eyes and to look at those who were near him : and though he was like a little grasshopper or emmet before Jehovah who created him, he began to look proudly at himself, and an evil imagination rose up within him. He said with- in himself, “ I will be like the Most High, I 5 ADDRESSES TO THE will not sing the praises of Jehovah, I will have the angels to praise and admire me,” Thus he became wicked, and he soon seduced many of the blessed angels to become wicked with him. The multitude of good angels continued praising their Creator, not in the least imagining that any one could be so wicked, as to rebel against the bless- ed Jehovah; till they saw some spots of darkness amidst the bright splendours of the throne of Jeho- vah, and the face of Jehovah seemed to frown with an awful terror, which obliged them to turn their eyes gently aside : then they beheld many of their com- panions no longer singing to Jehovah, no longer bright, sweet and joyful, but louring, black and ghastly, and turning round to flee out of heaven. These wicked angels liked not to remain any long- er amidst the assembly of the pure angels, who con- tinued to shine and rejoice as before. They were ashamed, and slunk away to the extremity of hea- ven, far from the throne of Jehovah. But, looking back, they saw from afar the flames of the wrath of Jehovah flashing amidst thick clouds, and “ out of the throne proceeded lightnings, and thunderings, and voices.” And now, suddenly, the ground withdrew itself from under them, and they were as hanging in the empty air : and looking down they saw an im- mense abyss of blackness unfolding itself. They started back, and would have held fast the brow of the precipice. But a whirlwind of fire came rolling forth from the throne of Jehovah, and hurled them forward, like a great heavy mountain falling. They sank, lower and lower, for a long time. At length PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 303 a vast world opened around them, large like heaven, but overspread with a tremendous blackness, under which was hid an astonishing expanse of fiery clouds like an ocean shoreless and bottomless. Into that fiery ocean these wicked, ungrateful, angels were plunged, there to reside for ever, and to know the power and terrible glory of Jehovah, whom they had despised. The name of this world is Hell. The name of that angel, who first became wicked is Satan. When the first man and woman were created, he came flying from his black prison ; he saw the man and the woman, he hated them because they were good, and loved Jehovah, and loved one another. Satan persuaded the man and woman to turn away from Jehovah, and to become wicked like himself. And ever since, he, and many of his an- gels, have often come into this world. Men and wo- men, we perceive that they are in this island, though you do not see nor hear them. They have been here persuading you to be wicked. These vile spi- rits take great delight to see men and women ming- ling together like the beasts of the field, without any true love to each other, and forgetful that they bear the image of J ehovah on their souls within their bo- dies. These wicked spirits take pleasure in blood, especially in the blood of little harmless infants. We are come, in the name of the great Saviour of the world, to drive these wicked spirits from this is- land ; and to shew you, ye people of Otaheite, how you may be saved from their power while you are living, and from going to their black world, when you are dead. Therefore we advise you to go into 304 ADDRESSES TO THE some secret place alone, several times before we next speak to you. Then fall down before Jehovah, who sees you in secret, and say to him, “ Great Jehovah, Creator of this world which we behold, Creator of the worlds of spirits which we see not, give us to know thee in our minds, give us to know the Saviour of the world, make us to understand the words of thy servants concerning him. Oh let not the wicked spirits deceive us, let them not make us wicked any longer, let them not draw us down unto their hell when we are dead !” EIGHTH ADDRESS. Beloved Friends, inhabitants of Otaheite, the day is now come which we have long wished for, the day appointed from eternity, when you are to hear the character of the Wonderful Saviour of the world. We are going to tell you who he is, and how he came forth into this world to save the children of men. And now some of the pure angels whom we spake of, are come down out of heaven ; they are hovering over you : and though you see them not, they look at you, and desire that you may know the Saviour of the world. Some of the wicked spirits are here also ; they are angry because the Great Sa- viour did not come into their black world, to save them. Therefore they would be glad to kill us, that we might not tell you of Him who saves the children of men. But Jehovah is present : he strengthens our souls within us, and he commands us to tell the people of Otaheite how they may be saved. PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 305 Hearken and consider. J ehovah our God is one Lord. Besides him there is not any other God. He is one. But in this one Jehovah, you are to reckon One, Two, Three, and no more. There are three, each of whom is Jehovah, yet Jehovah is one. These three are quite equal to each other, because every one of them is the one Jehovah. Their names are, the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit. The Father is the first who is Jehovah, the Son is the second who is also the same Jehovah, the Holy Spi- rit is the third who is likewise the same Jehovah. This is our God, The one Jehovah , the Father , the Son , and the Holy Spirit , whom the angels of heaven worship for ever and ever. Dear brethren and sisters, you think this is strange, but it is the truth, and in a little while you will see it clearly, and be exceeding glad. You know that the sun is in the skies, enlightening and warming the earth, though you hardly dare take a glance at his brightness. So we know and believe, that in the one infinitely bright Jehovah there are these three, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, each of whom is the whole Jehovah, though they are so bright, that our minds hardly dare look at them. These three, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, were together, as it were, embracing each other with great delight from eternity. They were together in creating the worlds : and when the man and woman, whom they created pure, became wick- ed, they saw it ; and the Father who is Jehovah, spake thus to the Son who is also J ehovah : “ Be- loved Son, Infinite are our pleasures in jointly pos- 306 ADDRESSES TO THE sessing the boundless, unchangeable glory of the One Godhead. To us created worlds appear as no- thing, we need them not; yet it becometh us to rule over them in wisdom, in goodness, and in right- eousness. But, behold the dreadful change on earth ! We created the man and woman pure like the an- gels ; they are now black as hell : the adversary hath deceived them, and their children will be wick- ed as they now are. Shall our infinite purity mix itself with their filthiness ? Shall we seem to approve that which is infinitely evil and abominable ? No, it shall not be so : the doom of their iniquity is just, it shall be executed. Must then the whole race of man perish, and earth become a second hell ? My bowels yearn over them ; there is an infinite burning of love towards them in my breast. But how shall judgment be executed ? Where shall the Saviour of man be found ? In thee, most beloved Son, I see the Saviour of human beings. Be thou their Deli- verer. Thou canst not be under law, or suffer : but if thou becomest Man, if thou takest to thee a hu- man soul and body, that human soul and body will be to me as thyself : in that human soul and body* assumed by thee, thou wilt honour our laws by obe- dience, and by suffering death wilt repair the inju- ries done to our infinite majesty. Then, in that hu- man soul and body of thine, thou shalt ascend into the highest heaven, and millions on millions trusting in thee shall be saved.” Then the Son, who is also Jehovah, thus answered : “ Eternal Father, With thee I feel the sweet melting of infinite love towards sinful mortals. I will be their Saviour. PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 307 Behold, I come ! And now, that earth looks sweet to me on which I shall walk as a Man. Let me be the sacrifice ; on me let vengeance fall : and let all who trust in me be saved.” Then the Holy Spirit, the third, who is also Jehovah, looking with infinite delight towards the Father and the Son, spake thus : “ Nor is my love towards these poor offenders less vehement and powerful. By my infinite energy this whole work shall be consummated. I will form thy human soul and body, O Son of God ! and will in- fuse such purity and love, as never appeared even among the pure angels of heaven. And when the sorrows of death and vengeance overwhelm the won- derful Man, I will be there, inspiring him with strength, and diffusing over his agonies the sweetest perfumes of holy love. Then I will fill him with new life and glory. And as long as the world stands, I will draw miserable mortals to him, and fill them with light and joy.” Hear, ye people of Otaheite, the mysterious coun- sel and agreement of the Glorious Three, who are the One Jehovah. Consider well what we declare to you, and you will soon perceive who is the Saviour of sinful men, and in what wonderful way he came to save them. It was done. The Son of God, the second who is Jehovah, did become a man, one like to us, and the things which we have now spoken of were accomplished. We know the country where he did appear ; we have seen the posterity of the people among whom he was bom ; we have the tes- timony in our hands of many who saw him. We have seen this Saviour of the world in our minds : 308 ADDRESSES TO THE he saves us ; he now fills us with peace and gladness within ; he makes us full of love to your souls that are within your bodies. We are going, dearly beloved friends, to tell you many things concerning this great Saviour of sinful men. But we will first repeat in your ears some words of Jehovah, wherein he is described. Long before he came into the world, one of the ancient fathers was directed by the Holy Spirit to speak of the great Saviour thus : “ Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given ; and the government shall be upon his shoulder : and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the ever- lasting Father, the Prince of Peace : of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. — And a man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest ; as rivers of water in a dry place ; as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. — It pleased Jehovah to bruise him; he hath put him to grief : when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of J ehovah shall prosper in his hands.’’ And after he did come into the world, one of those who saw him, and knew him well, was directed by Jehovah to write thus concerning him : “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him : and without him was not any thing made that was made. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us : and we beheld PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 309 his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. r> But you now say to us, In what manner was he born, and how did he appear ? Brethren and sisters, observe attentively the end for which this wonderful Saviour was manifested. He did not come into this world, that here he might appear in visible majesty as a King. Had he come to display his glory in this world, the earth would have been suddenly turned into a paradise all round him, and new glories would have brightened all the skies. There would have been seen numberless armies of the fair angels of light attending him, bearing him on their wings, and filling the whole earth with the music of hea- ven. He would have appeared sitting on a throne rising lofty in the air, and darting all round a lustre brighter than many suns, too splendid to be seen by the eyes of mortals. But the great Saviour came forth to save the unworthy children of men. And because they deserved to be stripped naked of all glory, he was wrapt up in a thick cloud of humilia- tion, which concealed his Divine brightness : be- cause they had been proud, he appeared exceedingly humble : because they had made themselves poor by their wickedness, he became very poor. But though, in wonderful love and condescension, he was greatly abased for a little, he was born wonderfully pure ; and there shone a secret beauty, sweetness and ma- jesty in him, which astonished all the angels of hea- ven. Hereafter we will tell you many more things concerning him. But you must often speak to Je- hovah, that he would give you to see this great Sa- 310 ADDRESSES TO THE viour in your minds. Then you will be exceeding glad ; you will love him with a love stronger than death. NINTH ADDRESS. Men and women of Otaheite, in the presence of Jehovah the living God, and in the presence of his holy angels, we again stand before you to declare the great Saviour of the world. You are greatly in need of this Saviour. The wicked spirits of hell have been deceiving you, and persuading you to do evil. You have yielded to these wicked spirits; they have made you to turn away from Him who created you ; you have forgotten the true God, who is worthy of all honour, because he is infinitely great, powerful, wise, good and holy. You, who could not make yourselves, who cannot make a sin- gle living fly, have attempted to imagine new gods ; you have worshipped them that never had a being, that never did you any good. You have forgotten those immortal spirits within your bodies, made in the image of God ; and, like the dogs and swine that run up and down with their faces looking to- wards the ground, you have only thought about eating, and drinking, and dancing, and dishonour- ing those bodies in which your immortal spirits dwell. You have been sporting and laughing, and have not at all considered that you must die in a lit- tle while, and go forth into eternity. And, all the while, the holy eyes of Jehovah have been looking PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. .311 at you. He might have cast you into the black world of the wicked spirits ; but he now says, u A- wake, ye people of Otaheite, repent of your wick- edness, forsake the wicked spirits who lead you astray, flee from the black world of hell, look to me and be saved, hearken to my servants who shew you the way of salvation : be still and know that I am God.” Brethren and sisters, we are all of us blind in our souls. We do not see Jehovah, as the holy angels in heaven behold him. And often when he mani- fested himself to our fathers of old, they were filled with terror, and were quite ashamed to come near him. And they could not find it out, how so holy and great a God could be kind to such sinful, pollut- ed wretches, who deserve to perish. For there is much wickedness in us, from our very birth. Even when we are little children we are false and froward, and delight in doing evil things, and are unwilling to know the true God, and to thank and glorify him. And when we grow up and have the understanding of men, and try to worship God and do good things, there is wickedness in it ; our works are not holy enough, the eyes of Jehovah cannot look at them with pleasure. But behold, ye people of Otaheite, the mercy and love of Jehovah. That great God Jehovah, whom the angels of heaven worship, hath become a man, that he might save us. That man who is Jehovah, he is the Saviour of the world. Think of this with wonder, a man like to one of us, who is at the same ADDRESSES TO THE 312 time J ehovah, the Creator of heaven and earth : this Man is able to save us all. , And that you may still farther know the infinite condescension of the Almighty Jehovah, consider that this Man was at first a little infant, and was born of a woman. We know the name of the woman of whom he was born. She was called Mary. She was descended from a great family of kings. But because the man who is God must be exceedingly pure, he was formed in the womb of that woman by the power of Jehovah, while she was a pure virgin, and had never been with any man as her husband. So it had been foretold long before by one of the an- cient fathers : “ Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Immanuel,” which signifies, God with us. Thus the Man, who is Je- hovah, was at first a little infant. But though he was an infant, he was unspeakably pure and glorious within ; so that the holy angels of heaven came to the place where he was born, and looked at him with wonder, and worshipped him, knowing that he was God their Creator, and that his little human soul was far more pure than themselves ; and when they came away from the place, as they passed through the air, they made it to resound with hea- venly music, and were heard singing thus : “ Glory to God in the highest* and on earth peace, good- will towards men !”' Ye who desire to be saved, and to dwell with Je^ hovah in heaven after you are dead, hear the nam§ of the blessed Saviour of the world. He is called Jesus Christ, a name which signifies, the anointed PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 313 Deliverer or Saviour. And we will tell you in what manner he is the Deliverer and Saviour of miserable sinners. You remember the ten holy command- ments of Jehovah, which he pronounced with an aw- ful voice in the ears of the people of Israel. It is by breaking these holy commandments, that sinful men have lost the hope of everlasting blessedness in hea- ven, and have deserved to be cast into the black world of wicked spirits. But Jesus Christ, the Man who is Jehovah, came forth to ransom sinners from hell, and to purchase for them the everlasting blessedness of heaven. For this purpose, being born wonder- fully pure, he had all the commandments of Jehovah laid up in his heart. The commandments of Jeho- vah require the most perfect purity, and that there should be a continual burning, in the heart, of love to God and man, and that this love should be con- stantly, as it were, sending forth a sweet odour, like that of a delicious garden, in all the thoughts, words, actions, and behaviour. This offering of pure obe- dience the holy child Jesus presented to Jehovah the Father every day, every hour all the day long. Therefore the heart of Jehovah the Father was con- tinually delighted, and ravished, in looking at him. Think, we beseech you, of this glorious Man, who is J ehovah, the Son of God ; think of his spotless purity, think of the majesty of his obedience to the laws of God. He honoured Jehovah more in one day, than all the angels of heaven could do for thou- sands of years. The wonderful child Jesus grew up, from infancy to manhood, constantly filled with the sweetness of 314 ADDRESSES TO THE holy love, and drawing down the favour and kind- ness of Jehovah on unworthy transgressors, by his own pure and glorious obedience. But he came to suffer the punishment due to transgressors, as well as to fulfil the commandments which they had brok- en. Consider, we beseech you, the love and digni- ty of this wonderful Sufferer. He was himself all light, purity, majesty and brightness ; but he stood forth to answer for the crimes of thousands of thou- sands of sinners, yea, for as many crimes as there are grains of sand on these shores. Had he not been Jehovah, he could not have done it. It was therefore astonishing in the eyes of the holy angels of heaven, to see this blessed and holy One reduced to poverty, filled often with inward sorrow, frequent- ly weeping with anguish, and at the same time hat- ed, insulted and reproached, by the sinners whom he came to save. You will hardly be ab'e to believe it, that men could be so ungrateful and wicked. But the wicked spirits hardened their hearts, and deceived them. These wicked spirits also came up- on the holy J esus with their utmost fury, and often made him very sorrowful. Thus he went on for more than thirty years, obey- ing the commandments of Jehovah, and enduring innumerable griefs, that he might deliver his vile enemies from hell, and lift them up to the joys of heaven. But when Jehovah thus appeared as a man, you will desire to know how he behaved himself towards the sinful children of men. Hearken diligently, and we will tell you. It will make your hearts glad to PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. S15 hear it.— He was God, full of power and majesty, full of love, grace and compassion ; he was at the same time Man, melting with the most tender bow- els of compassion towards sinful men. In his appearance, therefore, and deportment, there was an astonishing majesty, dignity and purity, soft- ened with gentleness, condescension and compassion- ate tenderness. The meanest and most unworthy creatures were encouraged to come near him, if they wanted deliverance from distress of any kind, if they were willing to be instructed, saved, and comforted. He permitted some to become his intimate friends, and to be with him from day to day. They felt themselves as it were in heaven, while he suffered them to be near him, to lean on his bosom, and to behold his countenance ; while he poured his wisdom, love and purity into their souls. When, however, the rays of his Divine majesty brake in upon them, they were sometimes ready to sink under the over- whelming splendour ; but his grace and compassion cheered and supported them. At all times, they felt in his presence a solemn awe, and an attracting sweetness ; they durst not trifle, they could not be discouraged. Such was the behaviour of the Man who is Jehovah, among his intimate friends. But he came abroad into the world, and made himself familiarly known to great multitudes of people, in the country where he was born. When great crowds of people were gathered round him, he spake to them warning them to prepare for eternity, showing them their wickedness, and inviting them to trust in him- self for salvation. And that they might know him 316 ADDRESSES TO THE to be God able to save them, he frequently, by speak- ing a single word, opened the eyes of the blind, and healed the most incurable diseases ; and at some times, in a moment, he raised dead persons to life. Beloved friends, his human soul and body are no longer in this world : they are in heaven, far above the glorious angels in the midst of the throne of Je- hovah. But because he is Jehovah, he knows that we are now speaking to you of him, and his heart is melting with love towards you. He is present now amongst us by his Divine power, and is ready, if you earnestly seek for him, to take each one of you by the hand, and to introduce you to the favour of his eternal Father. Hereafter we will tell you what terrible sufferings he endured before he left this world, when he offered himself a bloody sacrifice, for the sins of all who should at any time, and in any country, put their trust in him. ■ Brethren and sisters, it is the desire of our hearts that you may know the Saviour of the world. We came from afar to tell you of him ; but we cannot make you to know him, we cannot take away the darkness of your minds. He can do it. We will call upon him to make himself known to you. “ Jesus, who art the Son of God Jehovah, w r ho didst come into the world to save sinners, look down from thy heavenly throne on this island of Otaheite. Behold these men, women, and little children. They have done evil, but now* they desire to know thy name, and to feel thy salvation. Glorious Jesus, come to them ! Dart some beams of thy light into their minds, touch their hearts with holy fire. Make PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 817 them to become sorrowful for their wickedness ; make them to become joyful and exceeding glad in knowing thee. Shew them thy beauty, draw them by thy love. Drive the wicked spirits from among them ; lead them to thy heaven, that they may re- joice with thee for ever, and m,ay be always loving and praising thee, who art, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, the one God Jehovah, blessed to eter- nity ! Amen. TENTH ADDRESS. Men and women, natives of this island, who dwell here cherished in the bosom of Divine good- ness, but who must in a little while pass away into the unseen regions of eternity, to you is the word of salvation sent, to you the merciful Jesus, Saviour of the world, now stretches forth his hands. And while we declare to you that wonderful Man, who is God over all blessed for ever, the holy angels stand by looking at you and wondering ; and they whisper to each other, “ How attentively these people of Otaheite listen ! Now they are going to repent of their wickedness ; now we will sing over them, while they fall down w r eeping at the feet of J esusj who will save them. 1 ' Jehovah our God is a consuming fire, a very jea- lous God. Because he is infinitely good, evil can- not dwell with him. They who love wickedness in their hearts, hate Jehovah. And they who hate Jehovah would fight against him, and if they were P 318 ADDRESSES TO THE strong enough would destroy him : they would pull down the throne of Jehovah, and consequently dis- solve the frame of heaven and earth. This wicked- ness Jehovah sees working secretly in the hearts of the children of men. It must be punished. Jeho- vah, who is infinitely glorious and lovely, will be avenged on all that wickedly hate him. But amidst the burning flames of the purity of Jehovah, there is a tender melting of compassion towards sinful men. He knows they cannot endure his dreadful indignation, and he desires to save them from pe- rishing. Therefore he hath sent forth the Man who is Jehovah. The Father, who is Jehovah, sent his only begotten Son, who is also Jehovah. He came forth in the form of a servant, in the likeness of sinful flesh. That Man did no wickedness : he loved Jehovah more than the angels of heaven were able to do. That Man, when a child, and all along his life, presented every day to Jehovah the sweet per- fumed offering of pure obedience. The holy love of the heart of that Man delighted the eyes of Jehovah. We are going to unfold a mystery exceedingly awful, yet exceedingly sweet. You who have done wickedness have been laughing all the while ; you have not mourned nor wept for your wickedness. But think, we beseech you, ye people of Otaheite, think of the Man who is Jehovah. He did no wickedness, he was purer than the angels : but he did not laugh ; he was “ a man of sorrows and ac- quainted with grief he was often exceedingly grie- ved, so that he sighed and groaned, and tears rolled down his majestic countenance. The holy angels PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 319 stood by astonished, and would have wept with him, but they knew the reason of his sorrow. That Man came forth that Jehovah might punish him for the crimes of many millions of sinners ; he came into the world, that he might, like a lamb, offer himself up a bloody sacrifice before Jehovah, that all who trust in him may be saved. Brethren and sisters, we are going to tell you how Jesus, the Man who is Jehovah, offered him- self a bloody sacrifice, that he might save many wicked men and women. You must be very still, and listen very attentively. If any one shall be so wicked as to laugh, or turn away, while we declare this awful mystery, Jehovah will look with anger at that man or woman, and it may be will strike him dead in a little while. It is our desire that none of you may be struck dead, but that every one of you may know the merciful Saviour of the world. Jehovah is the Judge of the whole earth. We have told you why it is that he punisheth wicked- ness. It is not from cruelty, for he is infinitely good ; but because he hates cruelty, and all other wickedness, therefore he will punish the wicked. And in punishing wickedness, he proceeds with aw- ful majesty and power. His throne of judgment is high in the heavens; this great earth is only the footstool of that throne. 66 I beheld, 1 ’ said one of the holy fathers, “ till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool : his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued, and came forth from before him : thousand thousands 320 ADDRESSES TO THE ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him : the judgment was set, and the books were opened.*” Jesus, the Man who is J ehovah, appeared before this throne. He had a right to sit upon it ; but being man as well as God, he stood before the throne of J ehovah, to be pu- nished for the crimes of a world of sinners. And when that glorious Man saw Jehovah the Father sitting on the throne of judgment to punish him, he was overwhelmed with distress. It was in the dark night, in a lonely garden, while he lay prostrate on the ground praying to J ehovah the Father. Then Jehovah, though he loved him dearly as his own Son, began to look awfully upon him, because of the wickedness of mankind. Then Jesus saw the throne of Jehovah, and Him who sit- teth on it, frowning upon him ; and he also saw the black wickedness of the multitudes of sinners which was laid upon him. And though his human soul was full of strength and courage, and burned with love to sinners and to God, yet he felt such inward anguish, and there was such a terrible struggle and agony in his breast, that his very blood came through his skin, like a sweat all over his body, and dropped on the cold ground whereon he lay. This was enough to have killed him ; but he had Divine strength : and therefore, the terrible anguish being a little aba- ted, he rose from the ground, and stood up, full of sweetness, composure and strength, waiting for his enemies, who, he knew, were just about to come up- on him. When Jehovah designs to punish wicked men, he PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 3&1 lets loose other wicked men, and the wicked spirits of hell upon them. And it was so when Jesus, the Man who is Jehovah, suffered punishment for the wickedness of others. Wicked men, and wicked spi- rits, were then gathered round him. His wicked countrymen, who hated him for his purity and good- ness, were filled with murderous rage against him. And a great multitude of them came to that garden, armed with swords and staves, just when that terri- ble agony was ended ; and, to heighten his distress, one of those who had been among his most intimate companions was their leader. Jesus looked at them, and by speaking a word or two made them fall back to the ground ; for he could in a moment have open- ed the earth under their feet to swallow them up, or have wrapped them round with clouds of fire. But he thought of the sins of the world which lay upon him, and meekly surrendered himself into their wick- ed hands. Do ye not wonder, ye inhabitants of Otaheite, at the presumptuous wickedness of these men, who dared to lay their hands on the Man who is Jehovah ? Do ye not wonder at the humility and love of Jesus, who suffered his own creatures thus to insult and abuse him ? They led him away bound like a malefactor, that he might be tried before their judges ; for they wanted to give the colouring of justice to their wickedness. These judges were all of them wicked men* and most of them the inveterate enemies of the holy Jes- us, and had long been thirsting for his blood. Many false accusations were brought against him ; but 322 ADDRESSES TO THE they were obliged at length to ground his condemna- tion on a charge of blasphemy, because he declared himself to be, as indeed he was, the Son of God. But it was not a common death that would gratify their malice. They would not strike him, at once, in any vital part. Having cruelly insulted him all that night, and having set a crown of thorns upon his head by way of derision, they at length murder- ed him in this cruel manner. Having set up a large beam of wood with a cross beam on its top, they seiz- ed the holy glorious Man, and drawing up his two arms along the cross beam, they drove a large iron nail through each of his hands, fastening them im- moveably to the beam. Then they stretched out his body along the upright beam, till all his bones were disjointed, and pulling down his legs, they drove other two iron spikes through his feet. Thus they nailed him to the cross, that there he might slowly bleed to death. In the mean while Jesus re- strained his own power from bursting the nails, and the cross, in pieces, and from spreading destruction among his murderers. For he looked at the throne of Jehovah the Father, and love to miserable sin- ners, for whom he suffered, kept him fastened to the cross : And the first words he uttered when he was lifted up on that engine of torture, were these, “ Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” There he continued hanging for several hours,, his blood gushing down, his torment constantly in- creasing, and his strength wasting away. Behold ye people of Otaheite, this astonishing spectacle, the Man who is Jehovah dying in agony on that cross ! PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 323 And when you think of it, always consider who he was, and why he hung there, and how he was em- ployed in his soul within him while he endured these torments ! The glorious man Jesus hung upon his bleed- ing wounds, upon the cross : but he regarded not the bloody nails, nor the pains of his body ; for his heart burned with love to Jehovah the Father, and with love to miserable sinners, whom he came to save. He was thinking of vast multitudes of sinners, and the evils which they had committed, and would yet commit. He was thinking, among many others, we hope, of you, ye people of Otaheite, and of your ini- quities. And he said within himself, let the punish- ment come upon me ; let these wretched sinners be saved from the black world of darkness and fire. While he was thus revolving in his thoughts, full of love and of anguish, there came a darkness over the land where he was, and the sun withdrew his shining. Then, as it had been before in the garden, so now in a still more terrible manner, he saw the throne of Jehovah, and Jehovah the Father frowning awfully upon him, for the crimes of the many people, whom he came to save. And now he felt in his soul a ter- rible darkness and agony, so that he cried out, “ My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me !” But this terrible frown of Jehovah could not last very long: for Jehovah the Father melted over him in unutterable love; and the suffering of Jesus, who is Jehovah, soon appeased Divine anger against the crimes of men. His suffering for a little, was better than their suffering for millions of ages. At length > 324 ADDRESSES TO THE having again cried out with a loud voice, he gave up his spirit, which, leaving his body dead on the cross, was immediately carried into paradise, and filled with unutterable joys. Beloved brethren and sisters, there are many other circumstances, respecting the sufferings and death of Jesus the anointed Saviour of the world, which we will hereafter declare to you. These things which we have now told you, are sufficient to open to your minds the mystery of the love, and justice, of J ehovah, and to shew you how the vilest sinners may be saved. “ Behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world !” Oh ! that you knew the sweetness, the peace and joy, which we have felt in thinking of him, and in remembering his bloody sufferings, and his dying love. Oh, that you had one glance of his beauty, his compassion and ho- liness, how it would melt your very souls. Then you would begin to live ; then you would disregard all the pleasures you ever felt ; and then you would love one another, in a new manner, like the angels of heaven. We hope, dear friends, you will sit down by yourselves, and think of these things again and again, and that you will cry to Jesus Jehovah, that he would make you know the mystery of his death. As for us, we are going to retire, each by himself, to pray to Jehovah for you ; and all the night long, while you are asleep, some of us will be weeping over you before Jehovah our God, intreating him to enlighten, to save, and to comfort you. And for ourselves, we are resolved to live and die praising the Lamb of God, glorying in his cross, and recording PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 325 the honours of his love, and of his redeeming power. Amen. ELEVENTH ADDRESS. Dear brethren and sisters, it was with trembling awe that we observed your behaviour at our last meeting, while we presented to your view the great Saviour of the world suffering and dying on the cross for the sins of many. Our souls trembled within us and melted over you with the anxiety of love. We feared lest the wicked spirits of hell should come a- mong you, and should darken your minds, and turn you away from the path of salvation. But while we were speaking to you, our hearts cried to Jehovah our God, that he would drive away the wicked spirits of darkness, and send his wonderful light into your minds. We know that he heard us, and with joy we beheld your solemn attention. We saw that you understood our words, and that you felt in your souls a desire to know the Saviour of the world. In a little while, some of you will be weeping with joy at the foot of the cross, knowing that Jesus suffered for your sins, and that Jehovah forgives all your iniqui- ties for his sake. And they will say to their friends and neighbours, “ Now we are happy ; O the sweet- ness of the love of Jesus, the Man who is Jehovah ! O taste and see that Jehovah is good !” Incline your ear, ye people of Otaheite, hear, and your souls shall live ; behold Jesus the Lamb of God, who was slain upon the cross, for the sins of 5 326 ADDRESSES TO THE men. His wicked enemies were glad when they saw him expire, and when they beheld his glorious head hanging down and his body become a lifeless corpse. And one of them soon after, to make sure that he was dead, plunged a large iron spear into his very heart. But the moment his holy soul left his body on the cross, it was embraced with infinite sweetness by Jehovah the Father, its wounds were instantly heal- ed, and streams of living delight flowed in r expelling all grief and sorrow. The holy soul of Jesus, ravished with his Father’s love, and brightened with the splendours of his own Deity, looked forth in the unseen regions like the morning, and was seen in the world of spirits like a rising sun. Immediately the armies of pure angels, who had been beholding him with sweet astonishment in his sufferings, drew near, and clustered round him, ador- ing his eternal Godhead, venerating the surpassing excellencies of his human nature, and triumphing in the work which he had finished. Jesus accepted their homage, and appointed them to attend as his retinue. But their defence he needed not. At the sight of his brightening splendour, the infernal spirits who had been assembled round his cross were terri- fied, and began to hasten their flight. And as he passed through the air, the princes of hell, pierced with shame at the view of his sweet excellency, and dreading his power, skulked away on every side. Wherever he passed, it was paradise ; it was hea- ven. At length, moving onward with the rapidity PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. S27 of light, He and his bright retinue arrived at the heaven of heavens, the ancient and eternal residence of Deity. Having there visited the joyful assembly of the righteous, who had been collected from this earth through many ages, and having soared up- wards to the throne of Jehovah, the blessed soul of Jesus soon began its returning course towards that mangled body which he had left on the cross. For he had told his friends in this world, that he would raise himself from death on the third day. In the mean time, tokens of his majesty had on earth marked his expiring moment. The earth on which his cross stood was awfully shaken ; the rocks were rent asunder ; and the graves of many saints were opened, and sent forth the bodies which had been confined there. Wonder and fear seized the multitude around the cross ; they smote their breasts and returned. His friends and acquaintance could not look at him hanging all bloody, pale and silent on the cross, without an inward death of anxiety and anguish. Two of them, however, roused to a new boldness, sought leave from the judge who had condemned him, to bury the sacred body. Having obtained permission, they approached the awful cross, unfastened its nails, and, bathing his face and limbs with tears of love, rolled up the corpse in linen, and laid it in a new sepulchre, the property of one of them, hewn out of a rock, in a garden near the place of the cross. There his mourning friends left him, having rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre. But his presumptuous enemies, know- ing that he had promised to rise from death on the 328 ADDRESSES TO THE third day, set a strong guard of soldiers round the grave, and sealed the stone with all possible exact- ness, pretending to be afraid lest his friends should steal him away, and falsely declare that he had risen. Think, beloved brethren and sisters, of that so- lemn spot where the body of the Lord Jesus was shut up in darkness, where that Princely head was laid so low, and where death and the enemies of God seemed to triumph over him. The shades of night closed round the sepulchre which held this Mighty Captive ; the eye-lids of the morning were opened upon it, and saw it covered with silent horror ; an- other night came and still he lay in the dust. But when the next morning began to dawn, the trium- phant spirit of Jesus, which had been traversing the unseen regions, filled with glory and delight, was now at hand, accompanied with multitudes of the holy angels. They came, not to rescue his body from death, but to witness the display of his own power, and the honours bestowed on him by his eter- nal Father. Suddenly the earth felt the approach of Him who created it, and shook all round the se- pulchre ; a bright angel, becoming visible in human shape, came near to the great stone, rolled it back, and took his seat upon it ; the terrors of death seiz- ed the wicked soldiers, who stood round to guard the place. But the scene of glory was within the gloomy se- pulchre. There, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the whole disfigured and mangled body of Jesus was changed into beauty, strength and immor- PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 329 tality, while his glorious soul, rich with the joys of eternity, entered it as its everlasting mansion, the bright temple of his Godhead. He came forth ma- jestic from the tomb. Some of the attending angels took up the grave clothes as they dropped, and fold- ing them together laid them down, where his body had been stretched out : then they sat down visible, at each end within the sepulchre, waiting the ap- proach of his disconsolate friends. The glimmering light of the dawn now discovered two of the friends of Jesus, whom love to him made bold, and drew to the grave, where they expected to find him. They were women, and one of them had once been uncommonly wicked, but, being saved from her wickedness by the power of Jesus, she loved him exceedingly. Immediately the angel who sat on the great stone at the entrance of the sepulchre, softening the glory of his countenance, said to them, u Fear not ye, for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here ; for he is risen as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead.” They obeyed the command of the angel, and with trembling joy ran to inform some of the chief men among his disciples, who returned with them imme- diately to the place. But still, Mary Magdalen, the woman who, having once been very wicked, now lov- ed J esus exceedingly, could not be at rest, but staid after the others were gone, unable to leave the spot. The angels tried to comfort her, but she continued weeping, and looking mournfully into the sepulchre. Ere she was aware, Jesus himself stood behind her. 330 ADDRESSES TO THE and when she turned round and saw him, at first she knew him not. For though she loved him greatly, she had not faith enough to expect to meet him a- live. But when Jesus called her by her name, im- mediately she discerned his voice, and felt the ma- jestic sweetness of his address. He then said to her, “ Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I as- cend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God.” The disciples and friends of Jesus were at this time overcome with sorrow and dejection of spirit. They had seen the rage of his wicked enemies ; they had witnessed his expiring agonies, and the spirits of hell filled their minds with darkness. They would not therefore at first believe that he was risen from the dead. But Jesus pitied their weakness, and many times shewed himself to them, spake to them, per- mitted them to put their hands upon his body, and to view the scars of the wounds in his hands and his feet, till their doubts were entirely removed. For forty days, he tarried on the confines of this earth, triumphing in the love of Jehovah his Father, conversing whh superior spirits, who joyfully sur- rounded him, and often suddenly appearing among his beloved disciples. But though his heart burned with love towards them, they were not yet capable of being with him in his state of immortality ; nor was it fit that he should dwell constantly with them, as in the days of his suffering he had done. While therefore he gave them the fullest proofs that he was indeed risen from the grave, and that his compassion and love towards them continued in all their strength, PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 331 he impressed them with the awe of his kingly majes- ty, and taught them to long for that period, when they also, having passed through death, should pos- sess the strength and joy of eternity. At the same time he instructed them respecting the affairs of his kingdom in this world, and how they should be em- ployed in declaring his glory to miserable mortals a- round them. But from his wicked enemies, who had despised and hated him in his suffering condition, he now kept at a solemn distance. They were unworthy to behold the beams of his glory. They had no right to this pledge of immortality, which belonged only to his friends and followers. At length the day arrived, when Jesus, the Man who is Jehovah, should ascend, in body and soul, all glorious, to his throne in the heaven of heavens. Come, ye people of Otaheite, behold the majesty of Him, who, from love to sinners, once hung in agony on the bloody cross. With inexpressible condescension, sweetness and familiarity, he was conversing among a number of his disciples, and had given them a solemn charge concerning the affairs of his kingdom in this world. His heart overflowed with love to them, and stretch- ing out his hands towards them, he was pronouncing a solemn blessing upon them ; when, suddenly, his countenance began to shine with new brightness, and a heavenly lustre, too great to remain in this world, was diffused over his person. Still stretching out his hands towards his beloved friends, he began to rise from the ground, and gradually ascending 352 ADDRESSES TO THE over their heads, mounted aloft, becoming brighter and brighter, till a cloud covered him from their eyes. Burning with love towards the unworthy inhabitants of this earth, his eyes surveyed it from on high, with triumphant majesty, as the place where many sinners would know the sweetness of his salvation. Mean while, the armies of heaven thronged around him ; and multitudes of the wicked spirits of hell, who had formerly troubled and assaulted him, were compell- ed to howl under his feet. He moved onward with rapidity, far on high, till he again arrived at heaven the seat of the glory of Jehovah. What ecstasies of Divine pleasure filled the vast assembly of glorified men and holy angels, when Jesus appeared among them ; and what triumphant songs and shouts then filled the most holy place, no man while living in this world can comprehend, nor can mortals conceive with what joy he was received into the presence of his Eternal Father, and with what majesty he sat down upon his throne. It is at the hour of death that we enter into the full sight of these hidden glo- ries. Therefore, though whole armies of the wicked should surround us, and assault us with murdering rage, we would not fear them : for immediately we would see Jesus, the Man who is Jehovah, in the midst of the throne ; he would smile upon us, he would welcome our departing spirits into the bosom of his love. Consider well what we say, ye people of Otaheite. We are the friends of Jesus Christ, the man who is Jehovah. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. This great sea, and all its islands, are his. If he PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 338 should only frown upon this Island where we now stand, it would tremble, and the sea would rise like mountains, and roll over your heads. But we come to speak to you as your friends. And we invite you to the knowledge of Jesus the Saviour. He hung bleeding on the cross, full of love to unworthy sin- ners ; he is now in heaven, full of power to save you. If you cry to him, he will come among you, in the power of his salvation ; you shall know him in your hearts, and joys will break in upon you like to the joys of heaven. TWELFTH ADDRESS. Brethren and friends, inhabitants of Otaheite, Jesus, the Man who is God, sat down after his suf- ferings, at the right hand of the Majesty in the hea- vens. There he now sits ; and it is in consequence of his reigning on high, that we, his unworthy ser- vants, now stand on these shores proclaiming his sal- vation. We are very far from our beloved native island ; we no longer behold the faces of our friends. But Jesus is equally near us, as in our own country, for the whole earth is his footstool. And when you become the friends of Jesus we will embrace you, and delight in you, as though you were our fathers and mothers, our brethren and sisters, our sons and daughters. We have told you many wonderful things concern- ing Jesus the Great Saviour. And the things which we have told you are true ; but we are not able to 334 ADDRESSES TO THE declare the thousandth part of his excellency. And there are other wonderful things, without knowing which you cannot be saved. We informed you some time ago, that there are Three Persons, each one of whom is J ehovah. They are equally great and glorious, and equally full of love towards sinful men and women. We have de- clared to you what things were done for the salvation of sinners by the Father, the First who is Jehovah, and by the Son Jesus Christ, who is also Jehovah Now we call you to consider the Holy Spirit, the Third, who is likewise Jehovah. He comes forth from the Father and the Son, to finish the work, and to make men happy, in the enjoyment of salva- tion. He dwells within us in our souls, and he now desires to enter into these precious souls, which are within your bodies. He is able, this very hour, to make you all inexpressibly glad in the love of Jeho- vah. When Jesus sat down on the throne of glory in the heavens, the Eternal Father spake to him thus : u Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Sit thou at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. In thee my soul de- lighteth. I have seen, I have seen thy pure obe- dience, and thy direful sufferings. I will never for- get the sweet savour of thy glorious sacrifice. Once have I sworn by my holiness, that thy kingdom on earth shall flourish throughout all ages. For thy sake the windows of heaven shall be ever open to pour down blessings, and its gates to receive the ex- piring souls of thy people. They shall be willing in PEOPLE OF OTAHE1TE. 335 the day of thy power. Thou knowest, as God, the counsel of love which was between us from eternity, sealed with the sweet concurrence of the Almighty Spirit. To thee as man I deliver this book which describes the ancient purposes of our love. Ask of me to the utmost extent thereof, and I will send the Spirit of power to draw perishing sinners to thee their Saviour, and to bless in thee all the families of the earth.” Then Jesus, full of holy joy and compassion, began thus to intercede with his Eternal Father : — u Thou art Holy, O thou who inhabitest the praises of Israel ! Thou wast faithful to me in the whole awful period of my suffering and sorrow. I felt the mighty energy of thy Holy Spirit. And now I long for his descent to my followers, and to my enemies upon earth. Remember, holy Father, my trembling, fainting, disciples. Let them be endued with power from on high. And, according to the lines of mercy which this book contains, let my blood prevail for the salvation of my murderers. Father, forgive them, and send the Spirit to open their eyes, to soften their rugged, bloody, hearts !” Immediately, the Third Divine Person, who is Jehovah, and is present in every place, began to ap- pear in his mighty operations, at Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified. His disciples, having contin- ued in earnest prayer for a number of days, were met together in one place. “ Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them cloven tongues like as 336 ADDRESSES TO THE of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” The power of Jehovah the Holy Spirit which created the universe, works unseen, in a man- ner which no man or angel can fully explain ; but it is known, and manifestly perceived, by its great ef- fects. This glorious power was then strongly felt in the souls of the disciples of J esus. They found the strength of their Creator coming near them, and, like a rushing mighty wind, overturning their for- mer ignorance, unbelief and carnality, and bearing them forward, with an irresistible force, in the faith of J esus, and in the resolute purpose of declaring his glory amidst his enemies. At the same time, a sweet fire of love was kindled in their breasts towards God and man, which melted down their whole hearts within them. They who a little before were deject- ed with grief, fearful and faint-hearted, were now in a moment filled with triumphant gladness, and will- ing to encounter dangers and sufferings of the most terrifying kind, from love to Jesus and to the souls of men. They were also furnished, in an instant, with the power of speaking plainly and distinctly, languages of which till that hour they were entirely ignorant. Nor did they speak in vain. Some thousands of the murderers of Jesus were gathered round them. These wicked people at first derided the disciples of Jesus. But one of the disciples, being full of the light and fire of Jehovah the Holy Spirit, lifted up his voice and addressed them. And while he was PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. S37 speaking, Jehovah the Holy Spirit began secretly to move upon the souls of these wicked men, who till then had been full of the hatred of Jesus, and who had cried out, Crucify him, crucify him. They were not able to resist that light which now entered their minds, any more than a man can stop the sun when rising in the morning. And now they began to see the Divine excellency of J esus whom they had murdered ; and the thoughts of their having hated so glorious a Person, and having shed his blood, fill- ed them with horror. The terror of the just indig- nation of Jehovah took hold of them, and they felt themselves ready to sink into everlasting flames, as the vilest of wretches. But behold ye people of O- taheite, the love of Jesus to his murderers ! Behold the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, who is Jeho- vah ! In a little while, these men were enlightened to see the glory of the obedience and blood of Jesus as sufficient to take away their dreadful guilt, and to make them, vile as they were, acceptable to Jehovah, They saw Jesus whom they had murdered, looking down sweetly upon them, stretching out those hands which they had nailed to the cross, and saying to them, “ Come to me, I am willing to save you.” They came to him in their minds, and immediately their terrors were removed ; they became the friends of Jesus, and were made joyful with his love. Such was the mighty working of Jehovah the Holy Spirit, within the souls of these wicked men. Observe attentively, dear brethren and sisters, the things which we now declare to you. All men are, in the sight of God, wicked. Those who seem less 383 ADDRESSES TO THE wicked than others are not truly good; secret desires of evil things lodge within them. Therefore a great change must take place in every soul that is saved, by the operation of the Holy Spirit, the Third Per- son who is Jehovah. When the murderers of Jesus were made to love him, and became his friends, the change was manifest, the operation of infinite power was astonishing. But there is in every one who be- comes truly good the same great change, though often in a more secret and less conspicuous manner. It is a new creation ; it is a second birth. You can- not be saved, ye people of Otaheite, you cannot meet with Jehovah in this world, you cannot go into his glorious heaven when you die, unless you are thus new-created, unless you pass through this in- ward new birth of the immortal soul. Jesus, the Man who is Jehovah, hath declared this : “ Verily, verily, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” We, who now stand before you, are living wit- nesses of this great inward work of Jehovah the Holy Spirit. Once we were wicked like others : we were darkness, we knew not Jehovah, though we had often heard men talk of him in our own coun- try : yea, we must with shame acknowledge before you, we were the enemies of Jehovah ; we despised and hated him who created us. We were more wicked than any of you are: for though Jehovah instructed us from our infancy, and invited us to be saved, we would not regard him. But, when we were not at all desiring it, Jehovah came upon us, and took hold of us by his mighty power. Then we PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 839 were brought forth as into a new world ; and we will tell the manner in which the great change was ac- complished, though even the angels of heaven can- not fully explain it. Having tried for a while to make ourselves happy by worldly and wicked pleasures, and having vainly imagined that we were able to make ourselves good, at length we became very uneasy and restless, so that nothing could please or comfort us. Thoughts of our immortal souls within us, of Jehovah whom we had despised, of death which we knew is coming up- on us, and of eternity, vast awful eternity, of hea- ven and hell ; thoughts of all these objects came of- ten into our minds, and followed us night and day. Now we were much alone, and often mourned and wept in secret places, and began to fear that we must be lost for ever. We tried to make ourselves good, but we could not. The wickedness in which for- merly we had delighted, now rose to our view in its horrible blackness : we felt wickedness still working in our nature, we could not come near to Jehovah, and the dread of his everlasting wrath took hold of us. But we heard of Jesus the Saviour, who suf- fered the punishment due to the wickedness of sin- ners ; and we continued to cry to J ehovah, night and day, that he would have mercy on us, and re- ceive us to his favour, and shew us his love for the sake of his beloved Son. At length, the glorious day came, when J ehovah looked down upon us from his throne in the heavens. A light, far sweeter and brighter than that of the morning sun, when he gently gilds your mountains, shone within us. We 340 ADDRESSES TO THE saw Jehovah embracing us through the blood of Je- sus, we rejoiced in him as our Father, we gave our- selves up willingly to love, serve and glorify him. “ He brought us up out of an horrible pit, and out of the miry clay, and set our feet upon a rock, and established our goings. And he put a new song in our mouth, even praise to our God.” We have told you, beloved brethren and sisters, of the great work of Jehovah the Holy Spirit, which we felt in our souls. Thus we were born again — thus we entered into the family of Jehovah, the God of love. And we say to you, “ You must be born again.” You are not so wicked as we once were : you are not so wicked as the murderers of J esus were. But you are sinful creatures. You cannot understand the words of Jehovah, you cannot see him with your minds, you cannot joyfully love him, you cannot enter his heaven when you die, unless you pass through this second birth. And why should you not desire thus to be born again, and created anew by the Spirit of J ehovah ? Why should you not long to see this marvellous light in your minds, and to feel this Divine sweetness and purity within you P There is pain, anxiety and struggling in this second birth. But soon the pain will be over. Oh that you knew the glorious power and sweetness of this inward creation ! Cry for it to Heaven. Let each one of you say, “ Come, thou Holy Spirit of Jehovah, breathe on this dead, corrupted soul with- in me. Create in me a clean heart, renew in me a right spirit. Bring me now, even now, into the kingdom of Jesus, and shew me the glorious love of PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 341 Jehovah / 1 We will be ready to die for gladness, as soon as we behold any of you made new creatures by the Almighty Spirit. We will embrace you as our brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus. Yea, all Heaven will rejoice : the very trees will sing out at the presence of Jehovah : this ocean will smile as it hath not done for thousands of years : these floods will clap their hands, and these hills will be joyful together ! THIRTEENTH ADDRESS. 66 Hear, all ye people ; hearken, O earth, and all that is therein : and let the Lord God be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple ! For behold Jehovah cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth ! And the mountains shall be molten un- der him, and the vallies shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place !” Beloved friends, you are the children of our af- fection and care, of whom we travail in birth until Christ be formed in you. We have declared to you the name of Jesus Christ the Son of God, his suf- ferings and glory, and the sweetness of that great salvation which Jehovah the Holy Spirit brings into the miserable soul. While we have been speaking in your ears, the eyes of the holy angels of God, and the eyes of Jehovah himself, have been upon you. We behold your outward appearance, but he Q ADDRESSES TO THE looks within upon your hearts. If any of you should harden his heart, and despise the words of Jehovah, he will immediately see it. And we are afraid lest you should only wonder for a little, and then turn away from the pleasant paths of the true and living God. But you say to us, what then shall w r e do ? We have told you of the second birth, the new creation of the soul by the mighty power of Jehovah the Holy Spirit. We know you cannot give your- selves this second birth ; and till it takes place, you can never feel the sweetness of the name of Jesus. Therefore, we advise you to long and to seek after it, that you may see in your minds the great light of Jehovah, and may feel the operation of that power which created you in the beginning. Brethren and sisters, you are not like the beasts of the field : you stand upright, looking to the hea- vens, and there is an immortal spirit within you. Therefore you can consider the words and wonders of Jehovah. And it is while men are hearing his word, and thinking of it, and endeavouring to follow it, and yet find they cannot understand or obey it, because of darkness and wickedness within ; it is then that Jehovah the Holy Spirit comes, causing them to pass through the second birth. We will therefore shew T you the way wherein you are to seek Jehovah, and the power of his sovereign grace. “ Come, ye fathers and children, hearken unto us, and we will teach you the fear of Jeho- vah:’ The great change in the heart of man is effected PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 343 by the almighty power of Jehovah the Holy Spirit. But that same Holy Spirit hath prepared an instru- ment whereby he operates on the soul. This instru- ment is the Word of God. We have therefore brought with us the Book of Jehovah, w r hich con- tains all his words. If you desire to be created anew, you must give the most sacred attention to this great book. W e wish you were able to read it, we will endeavour to teach you to read it for your- selves ; and in the mean while, we will frequently read it, and declare it to you. We have told you many wonderful and glorious things. And while we weTe speaking, you have wondered how we have obtained the knowledge of such things. It was from the book of Jehovah that we learned them ; therefore we are sure the things we told you are truth, for it is impossible for God to lie. You say to us, how did this great book come ? how was it written ? It was a long time in preparing, even many hundreds of years. There were a great many holy men, who lived in different places, and at far distant times from each other. Jehovah the Holy Spirit came upon these holy men, filled them with wonderful light that they could not err, and caused them to write every w r ord of this book. The first of these holy men was Moses, who was in the mount with God, as we formerly told you. He wrote the first part of the book of Jehovah. After him there were many prophets, some of them very wise and powerful kings, who were moved by Jeho- vah the Holy Spirit to write other parts of the Di- 344 ADDRESSES TO THE vine book. At last, when Jesus, the Man who is Jehovah, had come into the w r orld, and ascended in- to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit, and caused his friends and apostles to finish this great writing. Be- hold, ye people of Otaheite, a book all Divine, all wisdom, all purity and love ! But still you say, how do you know that this book is indeed the writing of Jehovah ? We answer, the men who wrote this book were well known to be very holy, wise, and humble men. They declared that the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon them, causing them to write this book. Many of them did, at the same time, perform such wonderful works, as manifestly shewed that Jehovah himself was with them. They foretold things many hun- dreds of years before they happened, when no hu- man sagacity could possibly foresee them. And this book was sealed with the blood of some of those who wrote it. You ask us, how we know that this book is Je- hovah’s book ? We ask you, how do you know that the sun now shines in the heavens ? how do you know that the fruit of these trees is pleasant, and v r holesome, and suited to strengthen and to nourish you? You wonder that we should ask such ques- tions, because the matter is so plain. It is equally plain to us that this writing is Divine : we look into it, we see God shining throughout every part of it ; we feed upon these words daily, they strengthen and cheer our souls. It is only, however, by passing through the se- cond birth, that men fully know and perceive the PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 345 Divine glories of this book. Then we wander up and down in it with great delight, as in a pleasant garden. But even before you pass through that se- cond birth, your spirits within you may in some de- gree understand, if you attentively consider it, that this book is Divine. Hearken to the words of this book. You will perceive the voice of God in them ; you will find them as different from other words, as the thunder of the heavens is different from the voice of a man. And while you are attentively considering the words of this book, Jehovah the Holy Spirit will come upon you, causing you to pass through the se- cond birth. Then it will not be necessary that we should say to you, this is the book of God : you will feel its Divine light and sweetness in your hearts. Beloved brethren and sisters, come forth into the light of J ehovah, come into his delightful garden. Do you not long to feel this second birth, and to be- come the children of the Most High? You remem- ber the things which we have declared to you con- cerning the laws of Jehovah, concerning the wicked- ness of man, and concerning Jesus the glorious Sa- viour. These things you must very often think of, while you walk among the trees and sit under their shadow. And you must never give over crying to Jehovah, till he show you these things in your minds, and till by his power your souls within you are en- lightened, melted down, and created anew. Through many difficulties and dangers we have come from afar, dear friends, to prevent your falling 346 ADDRESSES TO THE into the gulf of eternal darkness and fire, and that r escaping from the wicked spirits, you may shine and rejoice in heaven for ever and ever. This is our de- sign ; but we shall not be able to accomplish it, unless you seek after this second birth of the soul. And we are greatly afraid lest you should turn aside from its first beginnings. If you desire to be saved, you must be willing to lay aside all proud thoughts of your present goodness and happiness. If you refuse to be awakened, and to feel your wickedness and misery, Jesus the great Saviour will keep at a dis- tance from you. The wicked spirits will say to you you are already good,, and righteous,, and happy. But believe them not, believe the book of Jehovah who cannot lie, and who is infinitely kind and gra- cious. Submit to the uneasiness of seeing yourselves lost creatures, and worthy of the wrath of Jehovah. Soon he will show you his love, and lift you up to heaven by his sweet consolations. When this is done, you will seek after all the ways of Jehovah: he will put his laws into your hearts, and we will joyfully lead you in the paths of wisdom, which are all pleasantness and peace. In the mean while, even before your are created again, you must try to accustom yourselves to the ways and commandments of Jehovah. We know not when, and in what service, you may meet with him. He commands us often to go into retired places, there to speak to him in prayer. He commands us to sing to him songs of praise and thankfulness. He encourages us to converse with one another con- cerning him, and his words and ways. He requires PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 347 us to assemble together to worship him in public* and to declare his word. He has appointed the first day of each seven to be devoted entirely to his ser- vice. Then we forget this world, and rise in our souls to the enjoyments and pleasures of eternity. In obeying these commandments we find great ad- vantage and inward joy, so that we are never weary of them. In the book of Jehovah one of the ancient kings, who was inspired by the Spirit of Jehovah, speaks in this manner of the delight which he found in worshipping and serving our God : “ How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Jehovah, God of the armies of heaven ! My soul longeth, yea even fainteth for the courts of Jehovah: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God ; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Be- cause thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. I will bless thee while I live. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fat- ness ; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. For a day in thy courts is better than a thou- sand : I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 1 *’ These are the words of that holy king. We have often felt that these words are true : and you, ye people of Otaheite, when you have passed through the second birth, shall feel that there is life and sweet- ness in the service of Jehovah, very different from the dead, gloomy, bloody and impure service of false gods. We wish you to join with us in praying, and sing- ing to Jehovah, and in considering his word; for he 348 ADDRESSES TO THE can come upon you in a moment, while you are en- deavouring to worship him, and cause you to be bom of his Spirit. But there are two peculiarly solemn institutions of Jehovah, to which you cannot be ad- mitted, until you are already created anew in Christ Jesus. The first of these is called Baptism . It is a so- lemn washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. While water is ap- plied to the body, the Holy Spirit within fills the person with joy, in knowing that all his sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus, and that, hav- ing been born again, he is now devoted to the ser- vice of Jehovah. This is done only once. The other solemn institution, called the Lord's supper , is often repeated. W e receive a little bread and wine, remembering that the body of Jesus was broken and wounded, and his blood poured out upon the cross for our sins. Then the Holy Spirit comes mightily into our souls, shewing us the dying love of Jesus, which strengthens and cheers our immor- tal spirits, as bread and wine give strength and com- fort to our bodies. But we are afraid, dear brethren and sisters, lest you should be offended at the first beginnings of the new and heavenly birth. We are afraid, lest you should imagine yourselves to be already good enough and happy enough ; and lest, when you begin to feel uneasiness for your sins and the wrath of Jehovah, you should become angry and turn away from us, and not wait for the power and love of Jesus the Saviour. Still, however, we PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 349 will not be discouraged, for our God hath loved many poor sinners before he created the world, and those whom he hath so loved he will visit with his power. We hope he hath loved some of you, per± haps many, perhaps all of you, who are now present, before the creation of the world. And if he hath loved you, though you should be at first exceeding- ly unwilling, and even full of anger against his word, yet he will take hold of you, and his power will over- come your hearts. Then you will be astonished, you will cast yourselves down at the feet of Jesus, you will embrace him as your Saviour and your King, and you will wonder every day that Jehovah should now love you in such a manner, and that he should have so loved you before you were born, before the creation of the world. FOURTEENTH ADDRESS. Inhabitants of Otaheite, we come to you in the name of the Great God. “ We are ambassadors for Jesus the anointed Saviour, the Man who is Jeho- vah, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you, in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled unto God. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew nu sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” You see us men like yourselves, feeble, mortal, sinful beings ; but you see not Him who is with us. Him who is within us, Him whose sweet heavenly influence breathes upon our souls. He is almighty : 5 350 ADDRESSES TO THE he is able to save and destroy ; he sits worshipped in heaven by the numberless armies of angels ; and un- der his iron rod the wicked spirits of hell tremble and howl for anguish. This great King of glory now comes near to you, ye people of Otaheite ; he bows down from his heavenly throne to speak to you ; he invites you to be saved ; and, which is won- derful indeed, he intreats, he beseeches you, his un- worthy creatures, to accept the ransom, the atoning sacrifice, provided by himself ; he intreats you to receive pardon, reconciliation, and life everlasting, as the gift of his sovereign love. But think not, beloved friends, that the almighty Jehovah thus comes to in treat you, as though he needed any thing from you, or as though you could do him any good. He can send his gospel to other places of the earth and ocean : he can elsewhere cre- ate a people for himself who would rejoice with him, though you, and all your islands, were sunk in the bottom of the sea. It is for your advantage, for your good, that the message of reconciliation comes to you from Jehovah. And happy shall you be, if, passing through the second birth by the power of Jehovah, you heartily accept his offers of peace and love. Then you will worship Jehovah in the beau- ty of holiness ; you will seek for all his command- ments, and obey them with great delight. You listened with pleasure while we told you of some of the ways of Jehovah, in which his people walk. Hearken to us again, dear brethren and sis- ters, we will show you some other parts of his will, and in how pure, heavenly and pleasant a manner PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 351 you shall live and die, if you become the children of our God, born of his Spirit, and reconciled by the blood of Jesus. After you experience the new creation, when your eyes are opened to behold the dawning light of the morning, a sweet sensation of Divine goodness and power will enter into your minds, and you will make haste to converse with Jehovah our God in medita- tion, prayer and singing. Then it will be sometimes as though another sun were rising to the inward view of your souls. 66 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he will give grace and glory.” Tasting the sweetness of familiar, holy, intercourse with Jehovah, you will say within yourselves, “ How glorious will be that eternity which shall be employed in the per- fect praises of this God ! In the mean while, w hat shall we render to him ? how shall w r e please and glorify him ? wdiat good things are within our reach, to be done in the course of this day ?” Then, you that are fathers and mothers will look at your little children. You will say, “ Jehovah is the creator of these children : but he hath commit- ted them to our trust. We have been taking care of their bodies, and have cherished them with the best nourishment w r e could find. But this is not e- nough. The brute creatures do as much as this for their young. These children are created for eterni- ty : “ they are in danger of perishing ; they need the salvation of Jehovah. We will try to instruct them ; we will bring them to Jesus, w ho hath saved us ; we will shew them the sweetness of his love, and by our example will teach them his holy ways.” 352 ADDRESSES TO THE And if you, who are created again by the Holy Spirit, have your fathers and mothers near you, a new tenderness of affection, and reverence towards them, will possess your souls. When you look at them, you will say, u Behold those venerable per- sons who, in the hands of the great God, have been the authors of our existence and comfort. They have exhausted their strength in caring for us, and shall we not endeavour to comfort them ? They are approaching towards eternity, and shall we not speak to them of the love of Jesus, who saves those who come to him, whether young or old ? When you walk abroad among your friends, neigh- bours, and acquaintances, a glow of kindness and be- nevolence will be felt in your breasts. You will con- sider with yourselves how you may do good to every one you converse with. You will be grieved to think that any of them should perish for ever. You will respect every human being, even an infant lately born, because it bears the image of God, and will be capable of conversing with the great Jehovah, and may by his grace be raised to heaven. Thus you will spend the day conversing with Je- hovah, and doing good to your fellow-mortals, to the utmost of your ability. If at any time you are tempted to commit wicked- ness, or meet with any uneasiness or distress, the more you are tried and troubled, the more earnestly will you cry to Jehovah, and the more sweet will be your knowledge of his love and power. In the evening you will retire to rest, trusting in, your God, and comforting yourselves with the pros- PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 853 pect of going forth in your spirits to see the glorious face of Jehovah, when your bodies shall lie silent in death. Such is the manner in which they live, from day to day, who have passed through the new birth of the immortal soul. But there is one thing which makes us afraid that some of you will not be deliver- ed from the wicked spirits. We are much grieved to observe the behaviour of young men and women, who are not joined together in marriage. They dance, and run about among one another, and min- gle together like the dogs and swine. They entirely forget that there are immortal spirits in their breasts made in the image of God, and which must appear before him as their Judge. They sport and laugh, and seem pleased and happy in doing these things. But while they embrace each other, the holy angels of God look at them with disdain and pity, as quite unfit for heaven. And the eyes of Jehovah, which are in every place, are like a flame of fire against them, though they perceive it not. Dear brethren and sisters, if we should behave in such a manner, immediately Jehovah would frown upon us, our souls within our bodies would become dark and miserable, and the anger of Jehovah would flash within our breasts like the forked lightning. Yea, we dare not entertain a secret desire of such impure pleasures; for Jesus hath said, “ Whoso- ever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” We are told in the book of Jehovah, of some ci- ties, in a particular part of the earth, which gave 354 ADDRESSES TO THE themselves up without restraint to this wickedness One morning, when the sun was just rising, there came down from heaven a flood of fire, which in a moment consumed them ; and the place where the cities stood was covered with a sulphureous lake, the stench of which was so disgusting, that the very birds of the air could not fly over it. But you wonder at this, and say to us, why is your God so very angry at gratifications of this sort ? are they not harmless and natural plea- sures ? The great God Jehovah is a Spirit. And he hath put a spirit in man ; the inspiration of the Al- mighty giveth him understanding. He hath distin- guished us from the beasts of the field, and he will maintain that distinction. He will not suffer the immortal spirit, which bears the image of his own spiritual nature, and which is capable of bearing the image of his holiness, to be degraded, and put under the feet of a body made of dust. But in these criminal gratifications there is still greater wickedness. There is in them rebellion a- gainst the authority of Jehovah ; there is contempt of his infinite majesty. Animal pleasures are pre- ferred to the immense excellencies of Deity, and to those heavenly lights which are found in the presence of the glorious God. A corruptible body is esteem- ed as a god, and set up in the sinner’s heart, above Him in whom the angels of heaven delight and re- joice. Shall he not therefore be displeased ? shall he not punish such iniquity as this ? Ah ! ye people of Otaheite, if you once saw’ the PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 355 excellency and beauty of Jehovah, you would be a- shamed of comparing such sordid enjoyments with the pleasures of his holy fellowship. But you now r say, why are we formed, and why is there in our nature such a propensity to these grati- fications ? Observe attentively we beseech you, what we are now going to say, and you will perceive that wickedness of this sort is peculiarly perverse and a- bominable. God, infinitely wise and good, designed to unite men together in family relations. He de- signed to form a friendship and union of the most tender, pleasant, and permanent kind, between the man and the woman. It was the will of Jehovah, that in the marriage union, the spirits, as well as the bodies of the man and woman, should mingle toge- ther, and that their intercourse should thus be digni- fied, and exalted above that of the beasts of the field. But men and women degrade themselves from this dignity, pollute the purity and honour of this union, and choose tG range at large, like the irrational ani- mals. But the peculiar hatefulness and poison of this wickedness is disclosed, when you consider the in- crease of human beings, the birth of children. Who is the creator of the child, formed in the womb ? The great God, Jehovah, the Almighty. What is the child that is formed ? Is it a brute animal ? No : It is an immortal spirit, created for eternity. Shall not man reverence, and stand in awe of the Almighty Creator, in the formation of immortal creatures? Shall he be instrumental in this work of the Almighty with the stupor of a brute, with the rebellious insolence 356 ADDRESSES TO THE of a devil? Would not this be to attempt to spit in the face of the great Creator of the universe ? It is so. Such wickedness is abominable. This is the voice of your consciences within your breasts. Dear brethren and sisters, you must not defend such evils, you must repent of them. It is be- cause you have forgotten God who formed you, that he hath permitted the vile spirits of hell so to de- grade you, and to prevail over you. Still you say, how can we part with such alluring de- lights ? W e know, dear friends, it is painful. But these are the words of Jesus: “ If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee ; if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee : for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” We have felt the power of such entice- ments ; and, till we passed through the second birth we knew not how to resist them. But now the dy- ing love of J esus is sweet to our souls ; and we find it easy, and pleasant, to reject and undervalue such gratifications. And we declare to you the love and power of Jesus. He can deliver you from this bon- dage. And, when he hath purified you, the lawful intercourse of marriage will be unspeakably more pleasant and joyful to you, than all the madness and unhallowed liberty of the unclean. Instead of eagerly seeking to indulge our bodies, it is now our desire to overcome them ; to learn to suffer affliction and bodily pain with patience ; to prepare for death ; and to be ready to sacrifice our lives to the honour of Jesus, as many thousands of PEOPLE OF OTAREITE. 357 the friends of Jesus have joyfully done. The un- clean, as well as we, must die in a little time ; and how miserable shall they be when the body is gone ? But when we leave these bodies, our spirits shall be joyful, like the angels, in the presence of Jeho- vah. And now, dear brethren and sisters, having declar- ed to you the holy will of Jehovah concerning these things, we trust in his almighty arm to deliver you from the mire of degrading lusts, and to persuade you to walk in the pleasant paths of wisdom and pu- rity. And though you should be, at first, unwilling to yield to the word of Jehovah, yea, though some of you should rise up in rebellious fury against the counsel of the Most High, still we will not be dis- couraged. For, as we told you before respecting your unwillingness to renounce pride and confidence in your own goodness, so now we tell you, in opposi- tion to the enchantments of sensual affection, that it is the sovereign love of Jehovah towards unworthy sinners before the creation of the world, that encour- ages us to hope for their recovery. And in the book of our God many examples are recorded of sinners, once vile and rebellious, who were drawn to Jesus by almighty power. W e will mention two of these examples. The one example is that of a woman, who lived in the country where Jesus the great Sa- viour appeared. She had been much given to wick- edness, and was become on that account vile and despicable ; so that no person of decency would come near her. But she saw Jesus the Saviour, and was inwardly enlightened to behold his excellency* 358 ADDRESSES TO THE Her heart was bowed down with a sense of her wick- edness, she longed to come near him ; and coming to the house where he was among a number of peo- ple, she stood behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head. He looked at her with compas- sion, and said, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much P The other instance of the conquering power of Jesus, is that of a young man, who was not given to wickedness like the wo- man now mentioned, but admired by all around him for his seeming sanctity and goodness. But his heart was proud, and he trusted in his own goodness. He therefore hated Jesus, and persecuted his humble followers. One day, when he w r as rushing forward, filled with bloody fury against the friends of Jesus, the power of Jesus took hold of him ; then he saw his secret wickedness, he cried to Jesus for mercy, and becoming one of his chief friends, was afterwards employed to write a part of the book of Jehovah. He is now in heaven with Jesus ; and if the laws of the invisible world permitted it, he would now, we doubt not, come down from the skies shining in glo- ry, and would cry aloud thus, “ O ye people of Otaheite, hearken to the precious words of J esus ! trust not in your own goodness, forsake your evil lusts, cast yourselves into the arms of the Son of God, w r ho died for guilty rebels. He alone can save you. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of w hom I was the chief P PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 359 FIFTEENTH ADDRESS. u Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered : let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away : as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad* let them rejoice before God, yea, let them exceeding- ly rejoice P Inhabitants of Otaheite, the great Jehovah is in the heavens, and this whole earth is under his feet. He, by himself, is stronger than all the multitudes of mankind, stronger than the deep foundations of the mountains, stronger than the vast roaring ocean, stronger than the lofty pillars of the heavens. Yea» before Him, all nations are as a drop of a bucket, and as the small dust of the balance. Jehovah is infinitely bright and glorious. He created the whole of this great world ; he hath been holding it up, as in the hollow of his hand, for ages : his glory should have been shining through it all ; the spirits of all flesh should have been constantly fearing, loving and praising him ; every corner of the earth should have been full of his honour and his excellency. But it hath been a world of darkness and of wickedness : men have forsaken Jehovah, they have fought a- gainst him, they have polluted his world, they have surrendered it, and themselves, to the vile spirits of hell. Jehovah will not suffer this world to continue ; 360 ADDRESSES TO THE he abhors it ; he will shake it to pieces ; he will con- sume it with fire; his book declares its doom. Come, ye people of the Great Sea, hear the voice of the oracles of Jehovah, the Almighty. There shall come a day when a mighty Angel shall de- scend from heaven, and setting his right foot upon the sea, and his left upon the earth, shall lift up his hand to heaven, and shall swear by him that liveth for ever, that there shall be time no longer ! Then shall the wheels of nature stand still, incapable of moving further ; strange confusion shall seize the luminaries of heaven; the earth, formerly so firm, shall reel hither and thither ; its bowels shall roar and be convulsed ; and all shall travail as in birth, to bring forth the immense display of the glory of Jehovah, and the boundless day of eternity. Then there shall be a profound awful darkness, all over this earth: For the sun, moon and stars, once so fair and glorious, shall lose all their lustre, and die away. Amidst the horrid gloom, the wick- ed then living, throughout all places of the world, shall mourn and howl. Some of them will wish they could repent, and pray to Jehovah; but after that darkness commences, none shall pass through the second birth, none shall receive forgiveness. But the righteous then living shall be roused up to faith, hope, and love ; and the Holy Spirit, dwelling in their souls, shall strengthen and enlighten them, so that, while the wicked are dying away with terror, they shall fear nothing amidst that terrible darkness, that confusion of the universe. PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 361 In a little while, the ears of all then alive on the earth, shall be struck with a sound such as never was heard since the creation, bearing some resem- blance to the sounds we told you of, at the burning mountain of old. The great trumpet of Jehovah shall be blown, as if it would rend this earth in pieces, and the shout of the voice of a Man shall be heard like the roaring of many waters. Then the righteous, lifting up their heads, and looking upwards through that horrid darkness, shall discover, from afar, as it were, the sparkling light of the morning star. They will see the light becoming brighter, and spreading itself over the gloom, as the splendour of seven suns. They shall behold an immense train of bright angels in glorious forms ; and, in the midst of them, reclining as it were with majestic ease on a bright cloud, Jesus, the Man who is Jehovah. The splendour of his countenance, bright with the beams of Deity, and the majestic sweet lustre of his eyes, burning like a flame of fire, will fix the joyful, enraptured, looks of the righte- ous. Besides the holy angels, there will come forth, around the throne of Jesus, the spirits of all the righteous that ever died in this world. They will come, ye people of Otaheite, longing to re-enter those bodies which they once inhabited. “ In a mo- ment, in the twinkling of an eye at the mighty call of Jesus, their bodies shall rise from all places pf the earth and ocean ; and, filled with their glori- ous spirits, they shall shine each of them as a sun. 382 ADDRESSES TO THE The righteous who are alive shall see this, and shall immediately, without their souls being at all parted from their bodies, feel their whole frame changed into the same brightness and glory. They shall instantly mingle with the righteous raised from death ; and the whole vast assembly, which no man can number, shall be arranged in the air, near the person of Jesus, on his right hand. Then the voice of Jesus shall call aloud for the bodies of the wicked, to come forth from the dust of the earth, and from the w r aters of the ocean, and meet their wicked spirits, which shall be all pre- sent, accompanied wdth the black multitude of the angels of hell. They shall not be able to resist the call of Jesus. Immediately, while the righteous are looking on, there shall be a heaving and trembling over the world, and there shall start up clusters of ugly forms, in every corner. The wicked shall then appear, an amazing assembly, every one pale with terror, his teeth shivering, and his eyes bearing the ghastliness of death. They shall remain low upon the earth, on the left hand of Jesus, the glorious Man who is Jehovah. Dear brethren and sisters, you seem to be much concerned, and you inquire what is the work to be done when all the wicked and righteous are thus assembled, together with the worlds of good and bad angels ? It is the work of judgment. Jesus appears the Judge of the universe. Then the holy commandments of Jehovah, which PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE. 363 were written on the consciences of all men, and were proclaimed aloud to the Israelites, shall be brought forth, and, clothed with light, power, and authority, shall enter into every soul ; they shall shine like the sun, and disclose all that ever was transacted by each particular person. Also the whole book of J ehovah shall be brought forth, containing the record of salvation. And the light of Jehovah shall shine in every soul with irresistible clearness and ener- gy. Every man and woman shall then feel that Jesus is Jehovah, “ he that searcheth the reins and the hearts ; and who giveth to every one accord- ing to his works.” Amidst that amazing assembly of worlds, not one that ever breathed shall be overlooked ; but every one shall feel as though there were not another to be judged besides himself, and as if the eyes of Jesus, and of the whole multitude, were fixed on him alone. Among the righteous this judgment shall go on with great solemnity, but with joy and pleasure. They shall see the evils which they committed before and after they had passed through the second birth ; but they shall see the glorious obedience and sufferings of Jesus swallowing up all those evils, and making their persons clean and righteous before Jehovah. They shall see, also, all the good things which they ever did, or wished to do, from the time of their new creation, and Jesus will sweetly smile upon them, and will say, “ Well done, good and faithful ser- vants !” But among the wicked there shall be universal 364 ADDRESSES TO THE horror and dismay. Their forgetfulness of God their Creator, their ingratitude and enmity against him, their wicked stifling the inward light of con- science, their contempt of the book of Jehovah and the blood of Jesus, their hatred of the righteous and of one another, their vanity and pride, their sensuality and impurity, their false, vain and wicked words, their cruelty and murders, yea all their in- ward thoughts, all their words and actions, shall be made naked, and shall appear polluted and hateful before God. They shall shrink back from each other with horror, they shall look with terror at the wicked angels who deceived them, they shall weep and gnash their teeth when they behold the righteous so glori- ous and joyful, and each one of them shall feel the wrath of Jehovah burning like an intolerable fire in his breast, a fire which cannot be quenched, a fire from which he cannot flee. The judgment shall come round to the people of Otaheite, and the other islands of this great sea. Then the eyes of Jesus, and of the whole multi- tude, shall be turned towards them. There will ap- pear a vast croud of the wicked who have formerly lived in these islands. And it will be as though the whole circle of these skies were now covered with bright faces looking towards you, Jesus shining like the sun in the midst of them. It will be said around the throne of Jesus, what multitude is this ? It will be answered, these are wicked people, who once lived in Otaheite and other islands. But some among them will appear with peculiar blackness and ghast- PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE, 365 liness. It will be said, who are these who stand by themselves, and from whom the others try to keep off? It will be answered, these are some wricked per- sons who lived in Otaheite at the time when the peo- ple of Britain brought thither the word of salvation ; but they hated it, and would not regard it. Then it will be inquired, did none regard the word of Je- hovah, brought to them from such a distance ? Im- mediately there will appear on the right hand of Jesus, near us who now speak to you, a great mul- titude, we hope, shining in radiant glory, so that all the righteous looking at them will love them. It will then be whispered among the righteous, who are these who shine so fair and beautiful, and whence came they ? It will be answered, these are the peo- ple of Otaheite and the other islands, who listened to the words of the people of Britain declaring to them the way of salvation ; and that long train of shining forms behind them is the multitude of their posterity, who lived in the fear of Jehovah long af- terwards. At length, the whole procedure of judicial inquiry being accomplished, a deep silence shall take place all through the worlds of men and angels ; and eve- ry eye shall behold Jesus, the Man who is Jehovah, when, brightening into sevenfold lustre and sweet- ness, he shall turn his face towards the great assem- bly of the righteous, and stretching towards them those hands which once w T ere nailed to the cross, shall say to them, “ Come, ye blessed of my Fa- ther, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 1 '’ R 366 ADDRESSES TO THE He shall tarn round to those on the left hand ; and while he is turning round, his visage shall be changed from love to wrath, and its glories shall as- sume a fiery lustre. Then, looking down on the great multitude of the wicked, stretched out to an amazing extent upon the earth under him, while the righteous also are looking down upon them, he shall speak thus : “ Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his an- gels.” Immediately, flames shall burst the earth asunder at their feet, and there shall be a universal blaze around them ; and wrapt up in blackness and fire, accompanied with the evil angels, they shall sink lower and lower, till they come to the abysses of helL At the same time, Jesus, and the whole multitude Gf the righteous, full of love and joy, and singing with the holy angels, shall ascend into the heaven of heavens, and take possession of the para- dise of God. What shall then follow ? Eternity ! eternity ! everlasting light and joy in heaven : everlasting sorrow and anguish in hell ! Dear brethren and sisters, you have heard these things, and it is now to you the day of salvation. Where do you choose to stand at the coming of the Lord ? Do you wish to be found among the righte- ous at the right hand of Jesus? Seek for the new birth of the immortal soul. Come now to Jesus ; cast yourselves down at his feet ; cry to him day and night till he save you, and give you light and joy in your minds. PEOPLE OF OTAHEITE, 367 u How shall you escape if you neglect so great salvation ? We call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that we have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing ; therefore choose life, that both you and your children may live. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh ! Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie- — And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. — He who testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus ” SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING A MISSION FROM GLASGOW TO THE RIVER INDUS; ADDRESSED TO CHRISTIANS IN GLASGOW, AND IN THE WESTERN AND NORTHERN PARTS OF SCOTLAND. . . c c W t ' . d < ' -0*1 ADVERTISEMENT. Jan . 81. 1820. The Christian public is respectfully informed that it is not expected the provision of funds equal to such a mission as that now recommended, should take place while the present distress and depression continue, relative to commerce and manufactures. Such a supply could not in such circumstances be furnished unless by an unusual movement on the minds of some very opulent individuals. Nor is the time yet fully come for actually begin- ning the attempt ; one Missionary peculiarly quali- fied is yet wanting and must be waited for. It may be, a year or two may elapse before all be ripe for a commencement. In the mean while, it is humbly suggested, that Christians possessing a moderate share of affluence, may, by prudent management, be doing something. And there will be need of some lesser supplies, for carrying the present missionary candidates forward in the course of education. It is worthy to be men- tioned, that the London Missionary Society lias en- gaged to give the sum of One Hundred Guineas when such a mission, as that stated in the Memorial referred to, is actually ready to go forth. 372 ADVERTISEMENT. Let the hearts of a number of Christians, under the touch of heavenly fire, glow with kindness and compassion towards the heathen. Then “ the Spi- rit of love” will be at the same time w the Spirit of power and of a sound mind.” And the voice of the Almighty will be duly regarded in such words as the following — “ The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness there- of.” “ The silver is mine and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” u Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation ; the fear of the Lord is his treasure.^ “ Cast thy bread upon the waters : for thou shalt find it after many days.” A SERIOUS CALL, &c. Countrymen , called by the name of Christ , Shrouded under a name so sacred, some of you have hearts of stone, or of iron. Of this aw- ful fact, the evidence appears in your making light of the ordinary evils and sufferings of your fellow- men near you, and perhaps, nearly related to you. You maintain a barbarous ease, so long as the stroke touches not your own persons. The same fact is still more constantly and strongly manifest, by the treatment habitually given to the holy word of God in its charges of guilt, warnings of danger, revelations of Divine majesty and mercy, and pro- posals of salvation. Over all these, you have ob- tained a criminal victory, and without alarm or re- morse are sliding along the current of time, toward the everlasting burnings. The fact, therefore, is undeniable relative to your hearts, they are hearts of stone or of iron. And are you uneasy, or displeas- ed with such hearts? No. To all appearance, you are contented to carry them about in your breasts, and to be under their conduct and government. 5 874 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING It is, therefore, not at all strange, that such per- sons should put the disdainful question, “ What have we to do with the paltry business of missions to the heathen ?” A question equivalent, though on a larger scale, to that of the first human murder- er, “ Am I my brother’s keeper ?” To tell you the truth, my thoughts have sometimes been, that it would be improper to bring you into any connec- tion with the subject of this call. But though your present character is dark beyond expression, I feel unwilling to give you up as irrecoverably lost. It occurred that the singularity of this Address might engage your notice, and that, through Divine mer- cy, it might create salutary remorse to inform you, that there are others near you, who contemplate the ruin of immortal souls as an object of the most so- lemn concern, even at the distance of thousands of miles.. It is, however, to persons of a very different cha- racter from that now referred to, that the compas- sionate friends of missions to the heathen, must look for present assistance and support. I now turn to those favoured persons whom the grace of the Most High hath visited, and whose hearts, consequently, are no longer hearts of stone or of iron, but of genuine enlightened tenderness and sensibility. Once, indeed, in their case, the charge was applicable, which comes from Him who looks directly on the heart, far beyond all shallow appearances, a charge conveyed in such terms as the following : “ I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass. — I A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 875 knew thee, that thou wast called a transgressor from the womb. — I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from me, and with their eyes which go a whoring after their idols. — He looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts.'” Isa. xlviii. Ezek. vi. Mark iii. — But by that power to which nothing is impossible, a glorious change has been effected, a new heart and spirit has been formed. SECTION I. Come near, therefore, ye true children of the living God, let me reason with you a little, con- cerning the righteous and merciful acts of the Lord toward you. In your own souls you have experienced a great and mighty change. If it were only a shallow and trivial alteration, having nothing in it worthy of an angel to admire, you would not be the people, whom at present I seek to deal with. But I suppose the change to have been real and mighty, and in some measure, evidently divine. I have now to ask, W as it not once very unlikely that such a heart-changing power from on high, should have ever visited you ? Did it not come upon you unexpected, yea, unde- sired ; yea, after having been slighted, shunned, perhaps vilified? Were you not once, as truly as any heathen under heaven, “ cast out in the open field, in your blood, to the loathing of your person ?” It is not then surely for you, to start back, with 376 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING haughty disregard, relative to the salvation of the heathen, at the view of small difficulties ; nay, not at difficulties great and formidable. But let us go a little farther into the considera- tion of the happy change, respecting its nature, its effects, and the circumstances of its being produced. In an unexpected hour and manner, you were made “ every one of you to know the plague of his own heart.” 1 Kings viii. 38, The fearful secret was discovered, that your heart was bad. You saw clearly that the heart you had been indulging and flattering, and with which you had been criminally at ease, w^as indeed a false heart, a heart of stone and of iron, “ deceitful above all things, and des- perately wicked and that for its healing, your heart lay as far out of the range and reach of creat- ed power, as from the height of heaven to the low- est depths in hell. In that solemn crisis you saw no possibility of re- lief, but from Him who made the soul, and who hath given encouragement to prayer, but you found no heart nor power for spiritual prayer. Then the views of your awakened, but darkened spirit, were stretched to the farthest discoverable horizon ; but with all the advantage of a clear outw T ard revela- tion, and perhaps of clear speculative notions, you could find no satisfying help, or hope, or token of deliverance, as coming to you. I ask, What were then your thoughts of the value of applied salva- tion, of the value of a u messenger, an interpreter, one among a thousand, ” accompanied w ith heavenly power, and of the imperious obligation of duty ly- A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 377 ing on such a one, if permitted, to fly from the ends of the earth, yea, from the farthest points of the universe, for the purpose of guiding thy labouring trembling soul to the true sources of relief ? But He who is infinitely higher than the highest, saw from afar thy danger — u he rode upon a che- rub and did fly — he bowed also the heavens and came down" — by some prepared agent he came near to create light. He surprised you with his salvation in its brightness, power, sweetness, and immensity ; at his mighty call you rose from the abyss of darkness, you passed from death to life — you began “ to taste that the Lord is gracious." — Job xxxiii. 23. Psal. xviiL 1 Pet. ii. 3. I now ask again, What, O Christian, were then thy thoughts of the preciousness of the salvation of God, and of the duty of making the utmost exer- tions to save them who are ready to perish ? SECTION II. VV e have spoken of an ever-memorable change, concerning which, he who knows nothing but talk is no Christian ; a change attended, indeed, with great variety of circumstances, but always with serious alarm and conflict, and with great deliverance. Let us now give attention to some of the more immedi- ate fruits of this change, especially in reference to our fellow-men. When the new born delivered soul begins to look round in a tranquil composed condition, is there not 378 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING then perceivable, a new softness, tenderness and sen- sibility, a readiness to admit the excitements of hum- ble zeal for God on the one hand, and of benevo- lence to man on the other ? Yes. There is a do- mestic circle, and a near neighbourhood of friendly intimacy, within whose limits objects will soon pre- sent themselves to the young convert, demanding a new kind of regard. By the spiritual change, the ties of humanity, of kindred alliance, and of social familiarity, have acquired a more powerful energy and command of the heart. The surrounding in- dividuals, viewed in the new light of heavenly grace, give occasion to new inquiries, affections, and senti- ments of soul. Are my relatives, friends, and neighbours safe for eternity ? are they truly holy ? do they breathe and live in the kingdom of grace ? How gladsome the discovery, where favourable sa- tisfying evidences meet the candid inquiring eye ! On the contrary, what a cold damp strikes through the heart, when decisive proofs of a graceless unre- conciled state start forth to view ; and, perhaps, from circumstances of spirit and conduct, which the con- templated individual presumes to suppose to be of little moment ! Within such ordinary limits, and with little of this world's notice, many a Christian hath maintain- ed a long and arduous warfare for securing the eter- nal happiness of relatives, friends, and neighbours, with alternate success or discouragement ; which warfare shall be brought forth “ to praise, honour, and glory, 1 ’ in the future judgment. But shall the zeal and exertions of living Chris- A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 379 tians be always confined within such narrow bounds ? Even this will be accounted too much by the base hearted, infatuated world ; and if we regard its ora- cular wisdom, we shall hear the canting cry, “ Fana- ticism, uncharitable presumption, romantic wild- ness !” issuing forth even against zeal and compassion, stirring soberly, and with caution, perhaps, too timid, in a moderate sphere, such as that now delineated. It is, however, worthy of the majesty, evidence and benevolence of Christianity, here to blow the trumpet with bolder notes. “ Who is my neighbour ? v> Even a shallow phari- saical hypocrite was generous enough to put the question. And shall Christians take an answer to it from the foul murderer of the human race ? Shall we permit Satan to draw lines of circumvallation around the multitude of souls in our own land, so as that they shall be excluded from our concern, be- cause they belong not to our little peculiar circle P Shall we not be ashamed to fall behind the liberal- ity of a heathen comedian, “ Homo sum, nil hu- manum a me alienum puto.” u I am a man, no- thing human is in my account uninteresting to me, n Terence . SECTION III. It was amidst the sweetness of the paradisaical condition of this earth, as originally formed by the great Creator, that the Divine commandment of su- preme love to God came down from heaven, bear- 380 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING in g in its train the other commandment like to it, 46 Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” A paradisaical sweetness of benevolence, and mutual complacency, was attached to the spirit and inter- course of the first parents of the human family in their primitive state, and, as belonging to the pure image of God, would have been diffused among all their children. But hell envied ; and the malicious artifices of a haughty murderer prevailed. Then earth became as a province of hell, though retained under Divine long-suffering, and under hope of re- demption. But now the delicacy, and power, and sweetness of benevolence left the earth. And for the vindi- cation of the Creator, and the restraint of grosser violations of righteousness and love, the w r aters of the deluge were poured forth, the trumpet and fiery thunderings of Sinai were heard, and the bloody rising and calamitous crash of empire after empire, proclaimed, and punished the frantic malignity of mankind against each other. At length, the mysterious cross of the Son of God was reared up. And from the all-subduing love of a Divine sufferer, rescuing the guilty by enduring the tremendous curse they merited, a new and ever- increasing stream of pure benevolence flowed through the world. Some of the more obscure and feeble effects of that benevolence we have been already considering. And proceeding farther in that tract, I now remark, that it is sweet to listen to the voice of inspired counsel, command and promise, relative to the gra- A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 381 dual expansion of spiritual benevolence ; and it is pleasant to observe the actual enlargement of the views, and holy affections of genuine converts, the result whereof is a pure and heavenly patriotism, or generous regard to the spiritual improvement espe- cially, and felicity of the country where we dwell. “ Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” “ Beloved, let us love one another ; for love is of God ; and he that loveth is born of God, and know- eth God ; for God is love.” “ The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.” “ The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, full of mercy, and of good fruits.” 66 I will be as the dew unto Israel ; he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.” 66 A vineyard of red wine ; I, the Lord, do keep it : I will water it every moment.” “ He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” “ The holy seed shall be the substance of the land.” Matt. xxii. 39. 1 John iv. 7, 8. Gal. v. 22. Hos. xiv. 5. Isa. xxvii. 2, 3. Isa. vi. 13. I might enumerate many similar Scripture testi- monies. And there appears a delightful fulfilment of them when individual Christians look round with true wisdom, and largeness of heart, on the assem- blies of their fellow-worshippers, and on the various districts of their country which they visit, or are in- formed of ; full of desire, and hope, and delight, or generous regret, respecting the fair evidences of the pleasure of the Lord prospering among their bre- thren, and each one seems to exclaim, “ If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her 382 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING cunning. If I do not remember thee, and thy sa- cred interests, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth ; if I prefer not Jerusalem before my chief joy.” Psal. cxxxvii. 5, 6. Glorious specta- cle, to behold the unaffected, unassuming, tokens of such a spirit, even in a single individual, in a coun- try cottage, or in an obscure lane of a great city ! still more, to behold a multitude of such lovers of their country ! With what emphasis and spirituality do such Christians assume the language, and follow the steps of those who, dwelling in Canaan of old, were Is- raelites indeed, under all the limitations and peculi- arities of an introductory oeconomy, whether in the strains of supplication, or of thanksgiving, or of penitential mourning : “ Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. Before Ephraim, Benjamin and Ma- nasseh, stir up thy strength, and come and save us.” Psal. lxxx. 1, 2. They have seen thy goings, O God, even the goings of my God and my King, in the sanctuary. There is little Benjamin, with their ruler, the princes of Judah, with their council, the princes of Zebulon, and the princes of Naphtali. Thy God hath commanded thy strength.” Psal. lxviii. “ O that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.” Jer. ix. 1. Under that temporary oeconomy, shadowy and figurative as it was, it was well adapted to inspire benevolent, enlarged patriotism, as well as faith, to A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 383 behold the anointed high priest moving toward the most holy place, with the names of each of the twelve tribes splendidly engraven on his breast, and on his shoulders. Exod. xxviii. O that, with all our superior means of kindling it, this sacred flame of genuine heavenly love of our country did burn intensely in all corners of our land ! Surely, it would be sweeter than the rich fragrancy of the oint- ments poured on the head of Aaron, and which de- scended to the skirts of his magnificent garments. Psal. cxxxiii. SECTION IV. But now I come near my principal subject, by re- marking, that even such limits of a large endeared country, are two narrow for the growing, swelling, sweetness of Christian zeal and philanthropy. In these ancient oracles of inspired wisdom, which exhibit the fair pattern of genuine and pure patriot- ism, we find also the grand opening of benevolence towards the whole ruined, but recoverable, world. How excellent is the spirit which breathes in these words ! “ God be merciful to us, and bless us ; and cause his face to shine upon us. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God ; let all the people praise thee : O let all the nations be glad, and sing for joy.” Psal. lxvii. It is peculiarly worthy of the spirituality, dignity and riches of salvation belonging to the Christian 384 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING church, that living Christians should overleap the narrow bounds of their own country, and look with compassionate concern and faith, toward the vast a- stonishing chaos of iniquity over all the earth. With- out this they cannot offer, with intelligence and feel- ing, the prescribed prayer, “ Hallowed be thy name : thy kingdom come : thy will be done on earth as in heaven.” And if, at any time, a single straggling Heathen, Jew or Mahometan, meet our eyes, we should be ready to entertain personal concern for him, and to dart a cry to Heaven in his behalf. Here the subject becomes unwieldy, and rises into overpowering majesty. Here we have need to be “ strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man ;” that we may consider aright the astonishing views which now open of the large capacities of the human soul, of the awful extent of moral obliga- tion in reference to our fellow creatures, and of the riches of the communication of heavenly grace excit- ing and enabling us to meet such obligation. To such views of the subject, we may accommodate the Scripture language, (1 Kings iv. 29.) “ God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.” And Rom. i. 14. “I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians ; both to the wise and to the unwise.” To which may be added, Acts xvii. 16. “ While Paul waited at A- thens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” By the last of these passages, we are called to learn a duty highly important, that if Providence A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 385 bring any Christian to the view of any multitude of heathens, or of any heathenish country, it should not be with him matter of mere unfeeling curiosity, but an occasion of rousing the principles of Christian love in his breast, and bringing them to lively affec- tionate operation. Christians, however, in general, have not oppor- tunity to visit heathen countries. But they must not, therefore, sit down contented with a confused concern and benevolence toward the heathen. As in the case of them who suffer temporal affliction, besides a general openness of the heart to compas- sionate feelings, there must be a readiness to exam- ine, with interested regard, those instances of dis- tress which Providence presents to our view. Then “ the eye should affect the heart, M draw forth the tear, and give impulse to the helping hand, in the particular recesses of sorrow. So also, in the wide extended concern of Christians towards the heathen ; in order to draw forth the heart in the strong glow of compassion, the information afforded hy travellers, and especially by Christian Missionaries, should be attentively considered. While they explore particu- lar districts of perishing mortals, the hearts of Chris- tians at home should earnestly attend and follow them. Much is to be done, through grace, in the serious reflections of Christian minds, for raising up to their view affecting ideas of the real state of things in the dreary abodes of the heathen, whether they may seem to flourish in the smiling regions of outward beauty and abundance, or endure hardship in climes 386 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING and circumstances the most dreary and disconso- late. It may be useful here, sometimes to call in the aid of imagination, which may take a benevolent flight to realize what passes in far distant lands. Come with me, my Christian friend, let us ascend together the towering peak of yonder chain of moun- tains, where we may take a commanding view of one extensive range of the heathen world. See with what sweetened, cherishing brightness, the visible sun seems to smile over it ! How rich and fair these plains ; the little hills seem to start up, re- joicing on every side. The streams, and fruitful fields, and trees, bring to remembrance the original pa- radise, the primitive abode of man. Fair and goodly is this vast work of the Lord of the whole earth. But, my friend, let us remember it teems with human beings, at once mortal and im- mortal. Look at yonder spots at various distances, marked with rising smoke, and with glittering splen- dour below. In some of these nearer villages or ci- ties, I discover the moving crowds, the lively groups of children and of youth, the bustling of active men, the slower movement of the venerable aged. Their dress and motions indicate prosperity, hope and glad- ness. But, is it well with them ? Are they, indeed, safe for eternity ? Doth the glory and love of the living God dwell in that 'goodly land ? If there be com- passion in our hearts, let us now sit down to weep over these families and multitudes of the perishing ; this polluted land, this hold of devils, this glittering A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 387 cage of every unclean and hateful bird! Yes, my friend, let us more than ever detest Satan, the god of this world, and all his machinations. How hath his malignity perverted all that was originally good, and turned into a curse every earthly enjoyment, and the very existence of immortal spirits. Let not, however, our mourning be without hope. The Father of lights remains without variableness, or shadow of turning. And, let us solemnly bless the God of heaven, who, though he ever shines and burns an infinite flame of purity, repelling far from himself all communion with evil, yet hath opened immense stores of mercy and grace. He hath found a ransom for the miserable and perishing, gloriously suitable, rich and sufficient. O may the piercing beams of light and love, rushing down from the lof- ty sphere of the Sun of righteousness, speedily break through the horrid gloom of this land of per- dition ! How beautiful shall be the feet of Christian missionaries traversing this region of the shadow of death, with the tidings and power of salvation ! How sweet shall be the aspect and voice of mercy and redemption, controlling the loud cries of incens- ed justice, and conveying peace and purification to such criminal loathsome multitudes. How glori- ous the beauties of the new creation, when “ the ini- quity of such a land is taken away as in one day, 1 ’ and “ such a nation is new born at once ?” Over such a work the morning stars shall sing together, and all the sons of God will shout for joy. Job xxxviii. 7. In such ways as these, may Christian minds make 388 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING some approach to interested views of any heathenish country which may engage their attention ; and, if sufficiently vigorous and comprehensive, the mind may pass from country to country, till benevolent and pious solicitude have spread its wings over a whole ruined world. SECTION V. But that just ideas, on this subject, may be more deeply fixed in the minds of Christians, I must de- tain their patient attention a little longer, while we take a deliberate view of the real state of things in a heathen country. Do you, my Christian friends, believe the testi- mony of the word of God concerning sinful man ? I know you believe it. What, then, are the ideas, which, by this high authority, are announced. They are to the following amount : — Every child of Adam is by nature alienated from his Maker, and from his fellow-creatures, and a child of merited wrath. It is of no avail what may be his pretensions and plausible appearances. He may have the show and ornaments of a whited se- pulchre. The words of his mouth may be “ smooth- er than butter, ” but 66 war is in his heart” against God, and against man. There is no true spiritual love of God, or of man, in him. He is the centre of his own love, and even his inordinate self-love is false and corrupt. His works, some of them, may glister like a glow-worm in the dark ; but he is in- A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 389 hardly tainted with the leprosy and poison of wick- edness. Every individual sinner bears about in his breast a furnace of evil, which, if not restrained and almost smothered by Providence, would set on fire the course of nature. What, then, O what must be the collected breath, spirit, whispering ; what the loud voice, the deter- mined judgment, the inveterate habits, the overflow- ing current and floods of iniquity, in a country wholly made up of sinners ! what, but the inso- lent virulence of rebellion against the Most High, amounting to the utterance of the lips of the haugh- ty Pharaoh, 64 Who is Jehovah, that I should obey him ?” Exod. v. 2. Alas, my brethren, we need not go far from home ; the land where we dwell will too well assist us in drawing this fearful picture. Even in this country, where the light of God out- wardly shines, and the voice of Divine justice and mercy is solemnly uttered ; where exists an extensive profession of Christianity, and performance of exte- rior worship ; and where there are numbers of living, and of recollected monuments of Almighty grace ; in the face of all this, what is the daring front and haughtiness of stubborn iniquity, even in the view of man, without any very nice scrutiny or secret search ? It is not accounted strange that, in this long fa- voured professing country, persons should be found bearing glaring marks of impious profligacy of cha- racter, whose vicious habits might be disgraceful even among the heathen, and these sinners in such S 390 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING numbers as are sufficient to maintain among them a degree of confidence and countenance. But of characters exhibiting the clear evidences of a con- science truly awakened, and of a heart truly puri- fied, where the fear and love of God are attested by fervent and faithful benevolence to man, how rare the examples ! We must come down to the humiliating conclusion, that many who abstain from gross crimes are restrained only by form, and the fear of man, perhaps by the terror of public justice. Without, however, going farther into this pain- ful comparison, it may be easily accounted for, how Christians, falsely so called, visiting heathen coun- tries, feel little horror, and bring home plausible but lying representations of the state of morality among them. And, while it is admitted that the real sum of depravity and guilt with us, especially taking in the articles of profound hypocrisy, conceit of privileges, and aggravation arising from abuse of privileges, is really greater than almost with any hea- then people ; yet a true Christian attending to indu- bitable facts, must be filled with horror in consider- ing the real state of any heathen country. For there the means of reformation and restraint of evil are in a great degree wanting, the floodgates of iniquity are laid open, the frequency, enormity, grossness, and fierce boldness of crimes, must shock the feelings of a Christian’s heart. Let the Christian then approach this fearful spec- tacle, a heathen country, overspread with darkness, depravity and crime, bewitched with sensuality, pride, and worldly lusts, mad upon its abominable A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 391 idols of worship, and hostile to all pure truth, right- eousness and religion ; and let him bring with him to this survey illuminated views of the holy law of God, and of the presence, omniscience and majesty of the great Lawgiver, whose eyes, burning with purity, be- hold the polluted, sinning nations of the earth ; and who is able, when he pleases, to spread over them the terrors of destroying vengeance. If such be the state of the Christian observer’s mind, what will be the consequences ? In the first instance, he will recoil with horror from the sight. He will cry, “ Unclean, unclean — where is the God of judgment ? — put ye in the sickle ; for the harvest is ripe, the fats overflow, for their wickedness is great,” Joel iii. But soon these alarming and oppressive feelings will be mingled with others of a more tender char- acter, namely, profound mourning and compassion, and earnest desire that the saving mercy and power of the Most High may break in among such a peo- ple, and may show them, and bring home to them, the unsearchable riches and love of Christ the Sa- viour, who comes “ to seek and save that which was lost.” Let every heathen country say, “ Blessed be he that cometh in the name of Jehovah to save us !” Psalm cxviii. 26. SECTION VI. Having conducted the reader through this long avenue of preparatory reasoning, not unconnected, I trust, with interest and improvement, I find 392 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING myself arrived at the main design of this serious call. This is to add another specific object of mission- ary concern, with a view to direct and immediate exertion. It is of great importance to excite a general en- lightened attention and compassion toward the hea- then w'orld. And we may boldly say, that in the present period the God of heaven hath begun to show to the Christian church “ his greatness and his mighty hand,'’ respecting the salvation of the hea- then. The God of the spirits of all flesh hath in our days done much to draw forth the enlarged movements of love and zeal toward the dark places of the earth. He hath manifested his condescending approbation of sincere attempts 66 to open the blind eyes,” and to turn men from “ the power of Satan to himself,” and his readiness to concur with such attempts so as to put into them surprising energy, beyond all human expectation. It is certainly far from my design to diminish the satisfaction, gratitude, and activity of Christians toward any of the evangelical missions which justly engage the present notice and favour of the reli- gious world. On the contrary, I could with great delight, were it necessary, expatiate on the excellen- cy and manifest success of these truly heroic and generous exploits, in different far distant parts of the earth ; but wdiile the serpentine hiss of a few malignant individuals deserves not to be mentioned, it is devoutly to be dreaded and deprecated, that the regards of the Christian church to such movements A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 393 of humble benevolent zeal, connected with the oper- ation of Divine power, should ever languish, or de- generate into a matter of frivolous newspaper curio- sity, and the insipid prattling of a day. For preventing this last evil, and for fanning the sacred flame, one of the means is, that from time to time the attention of the pious should be turned to some particular mass of the perishing sinners who are to be found on this earth, and who have hither- to been too slightly noticed. It cannot be doubted that if exertions are to be at all made in this great work, it will be necessary to turn the concern of Christians into some distinct channels, that it may not be dissipated by the too great multiplicity of objects. And it will be very important, if it can be done, to form a special con- nexion between particular points and portions of the Christian church, and of the unenlightened world. It is my earnest desire that this may be attempt- ed in the case announced by the title of this serious cafl. SECTION VII. It seems now to be requisite for me to call the at- tention of my readers to some interesting circum- stances respecting “ the Glasgow Missionary Soci- ety.” The formation of this Society took place soon af- ter the establishment of the London Missionary So- ciety, on Feb. 9th, 1796. In looking through its 394 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING early records, I have felt a solemn pleasure, a plea- sure wherein I doubt not there will be found still many to join with me, in visiting, as it were, the dusty beds of a number of eminent Christians and ministers. While they are, I am persuaded, united in the songs and services before the throne of God and of the Lamb, it is pleasant to view this Society as a memorial of their pious zeal, benevolence, and Christian harmony, and to entertain a hope of being instrumental, by the very attempt now to be recom- mended, of exhibiting the long deferred fruit and answer of their exertions and supplications, respect- ing the poor perishing heathen. The founders of this Society were, as appears by the roll of their names, a numerous assemblage of the most respectable ministers, Christians, and citi- zens, then in this part of the country, some of whom still remain, of all the various evangelical denomina- tions then existing. It was not without much pro- found consideration and many earnest prayers, that they became united in this work of Christian faith and love ; great ardour, concern, activity, liberality in contribution, harmony and hope, shone forth in the commencement of their missionary career. It appears from their records, that the first mana- gers of the Glasgow Missionary Society were very attentive and inquisitive to look into all parts of the unenlightened world, before they fixed on a parti- cular field of exertion. They were also no less vi- gilant and active for finding out, trying and prepar- ing suitable missionaries. Their thoughts and in- quiries were at first directed to the western shores A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 395 of Africa, in the neighbourhood of Sierra Leone, and having found two promising missionaries to all ap- pearance, these were sent forth to that coast, cheer- ed on loudly by almost the whole serious community here. But behold the unsearchable sovereignty of the Most High ! No permanent good was effected. One of these missionary catechists continued seem- ingly zealous and active among the heathen, till the sultry climate so affected his health as that his re- turn home became necessary. And at home, he who had encountered great difficulties and dangers in this cause, was overcome by the fond and inconsider- ate applauses of professing people, and turned aside at length into the paths of licentious infidelity : “ a novice lifted up with pride, and falling into the snare •of the devil.” May almighty grace yet recover him ! The other missionary fell by the snares of covetousness. Soon after, an attempt was made to form a mis- sionary station on the same African shore, a little inward, in what is called the Foulah country, an attempt apparently more powerful. For in it the three Societies of London, Glasgow and Edinburgh, combined their wisdom and resources. But this attempt also failed, when all who imagine mission- ary success to be a subject of a kind of mercantile calculation, were no doubt sanguine in their expec- tations. Here also the considerate and pious will again with humble awe adore Divine sovereignty. And if in such cases a search is to be made for sinful causes of failure, these will most probably be found, 396 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING not among the upright and active directors of such Societies, but among the people, who, while encour- aging such attempts by their money, may perhaps keep back from them the concern and supplications of their hearts ; and then, standing by at their ease, pour forth either empty applause, or unrighteous censure. Thenceforward, till near the present time, the his- tory of this Society is a history of persevering but unsuccessful endeavours to obtain and prepare mis- sionaries ; accompanied with a patient and benevo- lent co-operation, in giving assistance to the more successful activity of other Societies. To minds really spiritual and impartial, the series of events to which I now refer, presents a spectacle suited to draw forth sympathetic concern, together with respect and approbation of such patient contin- uance in w T ell-doing, though under the seeming frown and rebuke of Heaven, and the neglect or con- tempt of the w T orld. And w r ith men who are ac- quainted with the exercises of Christian faith and love and patience in relation to missionary concerns,, these facts will, it may be presumed, excite the de- sire and hope, that times of refreshing and signal re- vival of the Divine w T ork may succeed such a course of painful and long continued trial. To persons of this description, it will therefore be interesting to be informed, that in the affairs of this depressed Missionary Society, a door of hope, and dawn of light from on high, have already begun to open. A few candidates for the missionary work, of promising character and appearance, have offered A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 897 themselves, and have been for a time under the eare of this Society. And though the Society must still wait till the Lord of this harvest furnish them with one possessing the qualities of a leading missionary, yet these things are in such a train as gives encour- agement for their making choice, in the name of the Lord, of a particular field of exertion. By a memorial presented at the general annual meeting of this Society, their attention was invited to a field of enterprize, the grandeur and importance of which cannot be doubted ; though its being ren- dered effectively practicable, must depend primarily on the counsel and will of Him “ who giveth not ac- count of his matters, ” “ who openeth, and no man shutteth,” and shutteth, and none in heaven or earth has power to open ; and subordinately on the deter- mination and liberality of Christians in our district of this favoured land.* * It may be proper, partly for shielding this long depressed So- ciety from low suspicion or calumny, and partly for offering a tri- bute of just honour to departed goodness, to record here, that from first to last, the late excellent and highly esteemed Dr Balfour, was an eminent member and supporter of the Glasgow Missionary So- ciety. A very striking sermon of his, at the commencement of the Society, is in the hands of the public. And it is worthy of notice, that one of his last public acts, was his subscribing, as Preses, a Circular letter, relative to its affairs ; and that on the day when the fatal distemper arrested him, it was in his design to have attended a meeting of Committee, with the missionary candidates of this So- ciety. By them who thoroughly knew and appreciated his charac- ter, it will not be thought an extravagant suggestion, that his pray- ers in public and in secret, relative to this Society, may perhaps be answered by means of this very mission, for which I have the hon- our to plead. 5 398 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING SECTION VIII. I now proceed to delineate a little more particu- larly that interesting portion of the dark places of the earth referred to in the title of this Serious Call ; and which, if it shall obtain the concern and regard whereof it is worthy, from those to whom this call is addressed, may, by the blessing of the Almighty* become a permanent seat of successful missionary enterprize. Among the distant countries of the East, the king- doms of Indostan shine with a pre-eminent lustre ; both with regard to the extent, beauty, fertility, riches and variety of the territory, and as to the multitude of human beings which replenish them.. These lands, for many ages past, have been from time to time the scene of military and commercial enterprize and conflict. Under the sovereign direc- tion of Divine Providence, they have in later times been brought into connexion with the commerce and power of our country. Successful missions to the heathen have for more than a hundred years attend- ed the seats of European commerce in that coun- try. But it has so happened that the parts of India which were earliest known to Europeans, and most contiguous to the other kingdoms of Asia visit- ed by them, have been little hitherto regarded, in the conveyance of the blessings and riches of the everlasting gospel. While the joyful sound of sal- A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 399 ration by the Son of God hath echoed from the shores of Coromandel to the banks of the great Ganges, the Indus, which gave name to the country, has not been heard of, in this highest and most sacredly in- teresting connexion. In the memorial, already mentioned, it has been proposed, to begin a series of missionary attempts,, directed along the western shores of India toward the banks and neighbourhood of the Indus ; which river performs a course from north to south of about 900 miles. The general importance, and extensive influence of missionary stations and exertions in these parts of Western India, must be obvious to every one who considers the geography of that quarter of the world. A favourable commencement, or starting point, in this warfare of holy benevolence, may be found in the well known city Surat ; where already are mis- sionaries under the care of the London Society. Northward from that city opens a tract of country, which commends itself to the compassionate zeal of Christian missionaries, by various affecting consid- erations. Along fruitful plains, pleasant streams, and the shores of the vast ocean, many populous villages, and some large cities, as Cambaya and Amedabad, and the whole extensive province of Guzerat, with others adjoining, offer themselves to the inquiry of mission- aries, occupied in the work of that “ Son of Man who came from heaven to earth to seek and to save that which was lost, 1 ’ (Luke xix. 10.) till at length 400 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING the great stream of the Indus appears, with the large city Tatta near its discharge into the ocean., These groups and crowds of men, besides the gen- eral evils of guilt and depravity derived from the first Adam, are still farther entangled in the snare of the devil by the old inventions of Hindoo hea- thenism, and by the mischievous delusions of Ma- homedanism. How affecting is the degree of their miserable estrangement from God, and from right- eousness, which is disclosed by this fact, that to the extent of several thousands every year, female infants were babarously murdered by their parents in these quarters ; till, by the humane interference of some agents of the British Government at Bombay, a few years ago, the horrible practice was in some places laid aside. Pitiable indeed, must be the condition of those who rest satisfied with a religion which permits human beings in such lamentable forms to gratify the malice of the devil, “ and to be taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Tim. ii. 26. The authentic proofs of this fact appear in the Researches of the late excellent Dr Claudius Buchanan. It is manifest, however, by this very narration, that these people, wild and deluded as they have been, are yet susceptible of being impressed by the dictates of justice and humanity, when wisely and zealously enforced on them. It is still farther to be noticed, that the existence of two distinct, and in some points opposite, systems of religious delusion among them, is favourable to the efforts of Christian teachers, in as much as these A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 401 false systems mutually check and controul one ano- ther, and consequently produce a degree of practical toleration. How rich would be the prize obtained by those missionaries, who, in the hand of the exalted and mighty Saviour, should gather into his fold a few individuals, perhaps some assemblies of living con- verts, in that crowded, yet dreary region ! This would be, at the same time, the opening of a new gate of access to other crowds and nations of the perishing ; even to the darkest and most extensive assemblages of sinners that exist on the face of the earth, in Russia, Tartary, China, and Arabia. These, and other remarks, respecting this propos- ed field of a new mission, being detailed at some length in the memorial already mentioned, are only briefly touched on in this call. One very solemn event, however, of late occurrence must not be passed over. After this call was almost fully prepared, I was in no small degree stunned by the information conveyed in last November, that in a part of this missionary field, (viz. in the province of Cutch) a tremendous earthquake had taken place, connected with the destruction of two or three thou- sand of the poor people. This calamity, unknown in India for ages, so far as my knowledge extends, at first view seemed to wear a frowning aspect to- ward this missionary design. On more mature re- flection, however, it has appeared in a different light, as powerfully stimulating to prompt activity, while we see in this affecting event, that unreconciled sin- ners “ are indeed set on slippery places as tend- 402 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING ing to unhinge the minds of those in that quarter from their former dead security, and as putting fresh arguments into the mouths of missionaries, who may endeavour to warn them to flee from the wrath to come, and to turn to the strong hold of salvation as uncovered by the everlasting gospel. Let no Chris- tian therefore dally, or speculate in a trifling manner, on subjects so inexpressibly momentous. SECTION IX. Christian brethren, I may now say, a specific land of darkness, and of the horrors of spiritual death, is before you. On behalf of the glory of the God of heaven, and on behalf of degraded perishing human nature, I lift up an earnest though feeble cry, “ Men of Israel, help P r Take, I beseech you, a serious look of the condition of these tribes of the human family. Behold an extensive part of the fair domains of the Creator and Lord of this earth, where no pure tribute of glory and praise is rendered to his holy name; where his manifold majestic operations in nature and providence pass on uncelebrated. Think of a vast territory of earth, where crowds of immor- tal spirits exist, but not one spiritual worshipper, or living witness of the infinite perfections of Him who is invisible. Not a single really holy thought, word, or action, all over these wide extended regions. What a tremendous blank and void in each individual soul, and in the whole land ! A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 403 The spectacle is dreary and oppressive ; yet it is instructive and awakening. Let our thoughts return to it again and again. And while we deeply rever- ence the mysterious sovereignty and dreadful justice of the Most High, let us seek to approach to that travailing in birth in our very souls, in behalf of such a country, which becomes the living disciples of Him who on the cross endured such travail of soul for the unworthy and perishing. Isa. liii. Where alienation from the true God, the God of holiness and love, reigns universally in its mildest conceivable form, there “ the foundations of the earth must be out of course,'” Psal. lxxxii. 5. ; there the ties of humanity, justice, social union and order must be dreadfully relaxed. Without considering minutely the history and circumstances of any par- ticular heathenish assemblage, we know even before- hand what must be the state of morals and of gene- ral conduct. Where, as in the countries under present consid- eration, there is no powerful deep-felt knowledge of the true Creator, Lord, and Lawgiver of the uni- verse, and where his great salvation and purifying grace are not experienced, there will the heart of man continue corrupt, u deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Jer. xvii. 9. The heart will lie open to the abominable impostures of false religion, and the fruits will appear by glaring viola- tions of the plain dictates of natural conscience. We deny not that many superficial amiable quali- ties, and comparatively respectable characters, may perhaps be found in these desolate regions ; such as 404 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING might put to shame many nominal pretenders to Christianity ; but they have for ages departed from the living* God, and surrendered themselves to the dominion of vile superstition and imposture. We will admit that cases may occur, among such a people, of a sharp and serious struggle of conscience ; its deadly wounds may be bitterly felt, and there may be a selfish confused cry for deliverance from the load of guilt and depravity. But in that “ Gi- lead there is not the true balm” for a w r ounded spi- rit; the true Physician is not there known. Jer. viii. 22. We know, from authentic information, that all the religion and morality of these countries had not, a few years back, energy enough to prevent the horrible crime of the murder of thousands of female infants by their parents, till the practice was born dow T n by the efforts of some humane, and we presume pious, agents of the British government. The fact of the cruel burning of widows is notorious. Looking at the outcast spiritual condition of a great range of countries, can we think without con- cern, of myriads of children and young people com- ing forward to act for eternity, and other myriads constantly passing into that eternity ? Prospects gratifying to the proud malice of infernal spirits, but heart-piercing to the true disciples of the cross of Jesus. Ah ! what a plunge was that ! what a shriek ! what a howling ! The sinking of a lost soul into the damnation of hell ! Alas, alas, how often repeated, all over these lands of darkness and anguish ! A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 405 Go to your closets, ye friends of the Saviour and of fallen perishing man ; mourn, and cry, and make supplication. And forget not the solemn admoni- tion, (Prov. xxiv.) “ If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain : if thou sayest, Behold we knew it not ; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it ? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it ? and shall not he render to every man according to his works ?” SECTION X. But 66 there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.” Ezra x. 2. The voice of Him who “ quick- ens the dead, and calls the things which be not,” sounds from on high, in connexion with the suffer- ings and exalted state of the glorious Saviour. That voice addresses itself to the Christian church in such terms as these: 66 Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee. — The Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. — Lift up thine eyes round about and see, all they gather themselves together, they come to thee — the forces of the Gentiles shall come to thee. — Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows ? Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her, rejoice with joy with her all ye that mourn for her,” &c. &c. Isa. lx. lxvi. Come, my dear Christian friends, let us not in- 40() A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING dulge hopeless grief : let us mingle faith with the’ mighty word of promise : let us cherish the hope which it inspires : let us rouse and animate each other, by a humble anticipation of the blessed effects of successful missions sent forth to such a country as we have been mourning over. See the fair dawning of a new creation on these once gloomy plains and mountains ! It belongs not to us, indeed, to ascertain the times, and circum- stances, of the operations of Him, whose sovereignty and wisdom are truly infinite ; but he hath shewed us in his word, and by experience, the great lines of his gracious projected work. Dark and trying indeed, for a time, may be the commencement of the work of faithful missionaries, set down by Providence in such a field of labour and of conflict. Difficulties may be many, and to hu- man view insuperable. But through faith they shall at length, in the high spiritual sense, “ subdue king- doms, work righteousness, obtain promises, stop the mouths of lions, quench the violence of fire, out of weakness become strong, turn to flight the armies of the aliens.” Heb. xi. 33, 34 And how sweet shall be the first clear opening of the great change, in the hearts, even of a few individuals ! some per- haps formerly notorious for profligate wickedness, others wrapt up in the strong delusions of self-righ- teous superstition ; some in the simplicity and folly of early youth, others long hardened in carnality and sin, and pooping over the grave, and over hell ; some rising from the dregs and refuse of society, others pulled down from the fantastic loftiness of riches, A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 407 dignity and power, James i. 9, 10. How glorious the darting forth of the beams of the inimitable ex- cellencies of the invisible God, reviving his long-for- gotten rights and claims, and raising, as from the grave, the antiquated statutes of his pure and righ- teous law ! How interesting the trembling inquiries, and the solemn cry of conscious guilt, and of the fears of an eternity of Divine wrath ! How power- ful and heavenly the display of the love, merit and riches, of the cross of an incarnate God ; the cheer- ing sense of forgiveness and peace with God, the experience of the liberty and vigour of the recover- ed image of Divine holiness ! How ardent and transporting the first blooming prospects of the true heaven, in the view of heathen converts ! How sweet the communion of love, perfuming with its joyful odours the first meeting of souls rescued from such depths of Satan, and beginning to breathe to- gether the air of the heavenly paradise, and to anti- cipate an eternal union in the heaven of heavens ! “ The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leo- pard shall lie down with the kid ; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.” Isa. xi. Into these things, however mean in the eyes of many Christians, false- ly so called, “ the angels of heaven desire to look.” Luke xv. 10. 1 Pet. i. 12. Ilev. vi. 2. But let some seraphic flaming tongue trace the more general overspreading progress of such a work of salvation, through the great mass of such a peo- ple, advancing either with majestic sound like thun- der, or with secret sweet energy, like the gentle ef- 408 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING fusion of dew from the womb of the morning. 66 He shall go forth conquering and to conquer — a nation shall be born at once.” Isa. lxvi. 8. For the sake of such things, is it not, my brethren, worth while for missionaries, armed from the magazines of grace, with wisdom, zeal, benevolence and fortitude, to go to the ends of the earth, to face all dangers, and amidst all labours and sufferings, “ to endure hard- ness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ ?” 2 Tim. ii. 3. And is it not worth while for you at home to bear them on your hearts, to follow them in your affec- tionate desires, to encourage and sustain them, to mingle your tears with their sorrows and anxieties, and your joys with their songs of praise and tri- umph 2 SECTION XI. Approaching the conclusion of this Address, I cannot pass over one important consideration, name- ly, the happy return, or, as it may be called, the re- coil homeward, of such a mission, rendered prosper- ous by the favour of the Almighty. “ The liberal soul shall be made fat : and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” “ Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy ” “ If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul, then shall thy light rise in obscu- rity, and thy darkness be as the noon day. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones : and thou A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 409 shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old w r aste places ; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations : and thou shalt be called, The Repairer of the breach, The Restorer of paths to dwell in.” Prov. xi. 25. Matth. y. 7. Isa. lviii. 10, 11, 12. Sweet is the sound of these Divine w r ords of grace ! Some of them refer, indeed, immediately to com- passion and bounty, respecting the temporal wants and sufferings of others. But if God condescends to honour such compassion and bounty, how much more will he do so in the case of compassion exer- cised in the highest concerns of men for eternity P Here we come to view the generous zeal and kind- ness which I have been inculcating, in a connexion high and weighty indeed. We abhor all the pre- sumptuous ideas of human merit ; and w r e must also maintain the purity of what is done for the hea- then from every taint of sordid selfishness. Yet we are invited to take encouragement, in such a work, from the wise arrangements and rich recompence of grace. If we suppose the existence of a prosperous mis- sion to the heathen, connected particularly with this part of our country, what a blessed commerce must be the result, in prayer, in thanksgiving, in endear- ed Christian affection ! In the natural order of things, such appearances have a tendency to give new enlivening and animation to religious concern and activity at home ; and they furnish new argu- ments in pleading against the languor, hypocrisy, 410 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING and wickedness, which, to so great an extent, prevail among us. And the promises and calls of grace en- courage us to hope, in connexion with such endea- vours, for the more abundant pouring out of that Spirit from on high, whose mighty operations are so necessary to awaken and save multitudes of souls, that are now perishing under an insipid form of the gospel, or at a chosen distance even from that form. “ Prove me now,” saith the God of infinite grace, “ if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Mai. iii. 10. SECTION XII. It may also not be improper, before concluding, to address a few words to a class of people with whom I have not hitherto interfered. I now refer to those unconverted persons who possess, sometimes in a high degree, a constitutional sensibility, and a cultivated tenderness and delicacy, respecting the interests, distresses, and dangers of others. Where this does not degenerate into mere affectation and romance, such persons form a very respectable and useful part of society. Yet the same persons sometimes stand aloof, and belie their usual tenderness and kindness, when at- tempts to enlighten and save the heathen are set be- fore them. I pity the dangerous circumstances of such defectively delicate spirits, in reference to their own salvation. Through the cruel cunning of Sa- A MISSION FROM GLASGOW, 411 tan, that which in itself is a blessing of Providence* may be turned into a fatal snare ; they may wrap themselves up in their instinctive tenderness, as a defence against all conviction of sin, and just feeL ing of their need of the Almighty Saviour. I would avail myself of the present subject for giving salutary alarm to such persons. You think yourselves wonderfully benevolent and compassion- ate, and are ready to turn at the call of suffering hu- manity. But why is all this confined to the inferior and temporary concerns of a mortal body ? How different is your compassion and generosity from those of J esus the Son of God, the Saviour of lost immortal spirits. How different from the compas- sion of Paul and Peter, and the whole multitude of the primitive disciples of the Lamb. How different from the spirit and feelings of those in your own country, who, while certainly not behind you in af- fectionate, active tenderness, toward the afflicted, likewise are sincere, ardent, and active, in compas- sionate endeavours to convey the salvation of God to distant tribes of the perishing. Ah ! you little know yourselves. You need as much as the hea- then, to have a missionary to come to your doors “ to warn you to flee from the wrath to come,” to tell you boldly, that “ you must be born again,” that you must repent and believe in the Son of God, otherwise you shall shudder and shriek in vain, be- fore that great white throne, which your eyes shall one day see erected over this astonished earth. “ He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” 412 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING CONCLUSION. In the review of these various pleadings, in order to excite and improve the exercises of affectionate concern and supplication, which are suitable to the missionary work in general, and particularly to that branch of it which has now been recommended to the regard and patronage of Christians in this part of the land ; there remain two or three things to be stated, which will form the conclusion of this seri- ous call. I. Some who have profession enough, and make some figure and stir in the religious world among us, may be ready to say, To what purpose is all this talk ? Is there not a great deal going forward, with much zeal and activity, in behalf of the heathen P Has not the subject been ringing in our ears for a long time, and held up in every possible view ? I answer, I truly rejoice that it is so. But I appre- hend that here, as in all the weighty concerns of religion, there is danger of separating between the form and the power. And it deserves great consi- deration, that what is least seen, and is transacted in secret places with little noise, is in truth the most important. Many are willing to give to this cause a portion of their time, their abilities, their substance, who may be found not .so forward to give to it their hearts ; and to enter, by supernatural grace, into those- A MISSION FltOM GLASGOW. 413 pressing solicitudes, supplications, and wrestlings with the Almighty, which must ever form, as to order of means, the main strength of this arduous work. If in this point, there be allowed deficiency or slack- ening, this 46 fair tree of goodly fruit” will by and by wither and decay. For preventing this, may the powerful blessing of the Spirit of the living God attend all the scriptural pleadings brought forward in this Call ! II. But I must attend to an opposite extreme, and I wish to do it with the greatest tenderness and caution. They whose hearts have been, by Divine grace, made truly tender and spiritual, will not hear of such things without a deep interest and feeling of soul. But when they attempt to apply themselves to such subjects in meditation and prayer, they may complain that their minds are dark and bewildered, and their hearts faint and feeble, where they know it is their duty to be all fire, fervour and sensibility. It is important for the direction and relief of such persons to remind them, that enlarged missionary concern requires not only the existence, but a consi- derable advancement and maturity of the spiritual life. Such true concern is the gift of God, and is to be sought and attained in the way of diligent and faithful improvement of present talents, however small, within our immediately assigned sphere of useful activity, however limited. I therefore request such persons not to yield to discouraging apprehen- sions, nor to aim at high things too hastily ; much T 414 A SERIOUS CALL RESPECTING less, by disregarding any branch of immediate duty* though comparatively obscure and small in its ap- pearance. “ Who hath despised the day of small things ?" 66 To him that hath shall be given." By the dew and waterings of heavenly grace, “ the righteous shall in these respects grow as the lily," and afterwards flourish as the palm tree, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. “ Thus saith the Lord, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it : so will I do for my servantsV sakes." Zech. iv. 10. Hos. xiv Isa. lxv. 8. Matt. xxv. 29- And now I must leave it with the conscience of every individual reader of this Call, to consider, as in the view of that great future judgment, when, before the glorious Son of man, seated on his great white throne, shall be gathered all nations, what is now in the power of his hand to do with respect to this proposed mission. Let not any true Christian treat this infant cause, as the cruel Pharaoh and his people treated the infant male children of the Isra- elites, u casting them out, to the end they should not live." I have pleaded for the engagedness of the hearts of Christians in behalf of this missionary enterprise, and in behalf of the people of the west- ern coasts of India. If this be obtained, through the influence of the Spirit of power and of love, every thing else will follow. Christians will love, not in word only, nor even in refined feeling, but in deed and in truth. Christian ministers know what A MISSION FROM GLASGOW. 415 it becomes them to do in such a case, and private Christians will make known their benevolent wishes and intentions, according to their several abilities, for the encouragement of a Society, and of mission- aries, who are willing to act, but cannot, in the na- ture of things, go forward without proportionable encouragement by a sufficient number of their bre- thren. Now, “ let God arise, and plead his own cause !” Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, Amen,” . r t . * \ • ni oh- o$ u • F-S ■ ; : . or! /">* • ■ . . . Ui J . . - ' - •_ • U f :. ■ ' ' . - $!&<£* 7Jj« i'tlli.- DESIGNATION MR W. R. THOMSON AND MR J. BENNIE, AS MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA; AND MISSIONARY INSTRUCTIONS ADDRESSED TO THEM BY THE DIRECTORS OF THE <£Ds0oU) Jfttseioniur u * \ J J DESIGNATION, &c. SCOTLAND. GLASGOW MISSIONARY SOCIETY.* We have been favoured by the Directors of this So- ciety with copies of the following documents, for early insertion in our Religious Intelligencer. The instructions to the missionaries, drawn up by the venerable Secretary of the Society, will be read with deep interest and attention by the friends of missions in general ; and while we hope that they have already made an impression, through the agency of the Spirit of all grace, on the hearts and consciences of the individuals to whom they were directly addressed — an impression not to be effaced ; that they will yet be perused, learned, and inwardly digested by a race of missionaries yet un- born ; and that the numerous candidates for this honour- able appointment, who are now training in our mission- ary seminaries, will imbibe the spirit and sentiments so warmly and sententiously expressed in these instructions. The venerable writer is well known as one of the early friends and secretaries of the London Missionary Society ; and he has lived to see his early services crowned with * These papers are printed in the same form as they appeared in a monthly publication — (The Christian Recorder, conduct- ed by Ministers, Elders, and Members of the United Secession Church.) The introductory observations are therefore to be consi- dered as proceeding from the conductors of that work. 420 DESIGNATION OF success. — May a double blessing descend on the labours of his old age ; and when he is gone to receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away,, may many of the benight- ed Africans to whom he has been instrumental in send- ing the gospel of peace, rise up and call his memory blessed. GLASGOW DESIGNATION OF MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA, BY THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. On Tuesday, 23d of January, 1821, in the Chapel of Ease, Glasgow, agreeably to an appointment of the Di- rectors of the Glasgow Missionary Society, intimated in several churches and chapels, and in the newspapers, the solemn designation, or setting apart of two young men,. Mr William R. Thomson and Mr John Bennie, was ac- complished. At one o’clock, a large congregation as- sembled. Mr Thomson delivered, as a specimen of his doctrine and abilities, a semi on on the comprehensive words of the great apostolical missionary, 1 Cor. ii. 2. “ For I determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Then a sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr Love, one of the ministers in the direction, from the memorable words, Luke xv. 10. “ Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth — a sentence uttered by the Lord Jesus in the days of his humiliation, but comprehending more than a thousand sermons ever can unfold. Then followed the designation, with the simple form of delivering a Bible into the hands of each Missionary, with prayer. Afterward the Rev. William Kidston gave a short TWO MISSIONARIES,, 421 but impressive address to the Missionaries, and conclud- ed with prayer. The service seemed to go forward with much interest and impression ; and it is hoped, the work of this day will have a lasting salutary effect, in reference to this particular mission, and to missions in general. The as- sembled multitude seemed to be very deeply solemnized, and to feel the extent and importance of the obligation under which Christians are laid to communicate the knowledge of salvation to the heathen. MISSIONARY INSTRUCTIONS Addressed by the Directors of the Glasgow Missionary Society to Mr W. II. Thomson and Mr J. Bennie. Dearly beloved brethren. In consequence of the solemn transactions of Tuesday, the 23d of January, it may be proper for us to express our affectionate concern toward you, by putting into your hands some written counsels, admonitions, and en- couragements. But who is sufficient for these things ? It might require one of the apostles to rise from the dust, or an angel of light to descend from heaven, to perform this serious office. Limited, however, and imperfect as our abilities are, we are prompted by duty and kindness to employ them in the best manner we can, through al- mighty grace, attain. And it may afford consolation and relief both to us and to you, on this great occasion, to re- sort to the sure truth, that the exalted Prince and Sa- viour our Lord Jesus Christ, “ is the same yesterday, to- day, and forever and that essentially as the living God, and virtually as man full of grace, compassion, and 3 422 DESIGNATION OF faithfulness, he is ever present, and “ doth walk in the midst of the golden candlesticks.” In humble confidence of his favour, approbation, and mighty guidance, we suggest to your consideration the things which follow — First , We exhort you to cherish habitually in your minds elevated and heart-affecting thoughts of the great excellency of the work to which, as Christian mission- aries, you are called. It is not the aggrandisement of a party, or even of a great nation ; it is a work connected closely with the unseen eternal kingdom of the living infinitely glorious God. It is the conversion to God, and the everlasting salvation and life of the souls of men, otherwise ready to perish. Dear brethren, you have learned by intercourse with living Christians, and we trust by your own inward feelings, the bitterness of a sinful state, and the unspeakable value of true conver- sion, and of salvation by the precious blood and merits of the incarnate Son of God. But in your case this work, ever great, is placed in peculiar circumstances. You are to attempt, by the word and the power of the Most High, to light the candle and kindle the fire of salvation, and of divine love and purity, in a land of gross darkness ; where, in a comparative view, and as to probable happy fruits, one genuine convert and example of salvation is worth a thousand, in more ordinary situa- tionsi Secondly, Far is it from our design, and far from the character of true missionaries, to indulge the speculations and swellings of a self-seeking haughty spirit on sub- jects so sacred and awful. If you enter into the views already referred to, you will be exceedingly cast down*, you will be wonderfully humble and little in your own eyes. Each of you will adopt, with true feeling, the language of the illustrious scripture patterns of grace. TWO MISSIONARIES. 423 “Who am I, and what is my house? Behold, I am vile, woe is me, I am undone ! a man of unclean, of un- circumcised lips ! I am a sinful man, O Lord — less than the least of all saints — the chief of sinners ; — let not the Lord be angry and I will speak.” — If such be your heart-felt language, you are in the way to succeed in a work which might, by its grandeur and difficulty, appal angelic spirits. If, for a time, success seem to be de- nied, you will not wonder at it ; you will be patient un- der the disappointment, you will persevere and become the more lowly, yet the more earnest and importunate in supplication to the God of grace. Even prosperity in the work, by manifest approaches and effects of the su- preme all-conquering power of Jehovah, will still more overwhelm and astonish you with undissembled humi- liation. Thirdly , To missionaries abased in the dust and wa- tering it with their tears, soon will the voice from on high be near, “ Thus saith the high and lofty One, I dwell with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit/’ “ Get thee up, why liest thou upon thy face ?” Behold the heavens are opened. The almighty Spirit of truth and grace, of love and of power, descends. He brings home to the self-emptied supplicant the glories and unsearch- able riches of Christ, that they may be boldly proclaim- ed to the guilty and polluted Gentiles. He reminds the publisher of salvation, of the ancient wonders effected by the animated faith and glowing love of prophets, princes, apostles, and martyrs, “ who by faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of lire, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” He testifies in the missionary’s heart — “ the weapons of thy warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” 424 DESIGNATION OF He teaches that heart to travail as in birth, until Christ be indeed formed in the poor degraded heathen. His voice and his work echo to each other : “ Arise, shine, for thy light is come ; the Gentiles come to thy light ; who are these that flee as a cloud, and as doves to their windows ? A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation.” Fourthly , Let not the missionary, however, amidst such hope and joy, forget the solemn necessity and im- portance of great degrees of personal holiness. In your ears, dear brethren, let the question sound sharp and clear — ■“ What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness ?” God and his great work will not long make a near approach to filthy ves- sels. “ Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. For our God is a consuming fire. Awake to righteous- ness and sin not. Let us cleanse ourselves from all fil- thiness of the flesh and of the spirit.” A wicked mis- sionary ! who can bear the thoughts of it ? It is a memorable fact, that, in the South Sea Islands, amidst the flowery groves, and the fascinations of the licentious beauties of Otaheite, all the missionaries were stedfast in purity, so that hardly one example was found of unbecoming behaviour ; — but that different missionaries fell before the homely forms of beauty in South Africa, and exhibited flagitious crime. How can this fact be ac- counted for on Christian principles ? Only by suppos- ing the one set of missionaries to have been upright, fearful of temptation, self-diflident, and seriously rely- ing on sanctifying grace ; and that among the others have been men presumptuous, self-confident, and perhaps secretly tainted with the vile antinomian delusion. — It is, however, to be remembered, that freedom from gross crimes is only a small part of Christian holiness. It is TWO MISSIONARIES. 425 chiefly in the spirit, and not in the letter. It is blood- bought purity, including the fair resplendent image of the glorious, crucified Saviour. Fifthly, “ If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God/' Missionaries, of all men, have the greatest need to be “ wise as serpents, and harmless as doves/' Dear brethren, we cannot describe to you the extent of the wisdom you need. But we can tell you where you may find it. It is not fleshly cunning. It is from above, and cometh down from the “ Father of lights." You need much acquaintance with the deceitful windings and shift - ings of your own hearts, and much knowledge of the human heart and character in general, and particularly in an uncultivated society. You will find even among barbarous people, different shades of disposition and habit ; some more smooth and plausible ; some dull and insipid ; some rugged, ferocious, and revolting. You must stead- ily view the immovable Scripture standard, and contem- plate the all-conquering power of the Father of spirits. Verily, verily, except a man be born again, he can- not see the kingdom of heaven. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you." You must try to civilize, and to reform, and instruct. But this must be done with great delicacy, and consideration of present ideas and habits ; and you will reach these objects the soonest when you bring the awful powers of conscience into motion, and touch the heart with the charms of redeeming mer- cy and love. Thus you will avoid being amused by vain shallow appearances, and will refuse to despair of the worst of human beings. Sixthly, We cannot enumerate the long train of amia- ble and substantial virtues and graces, which a mission- ary must acquire and cultivate. You must “ add to 426 DESIGNATION OF faith, virtue, godliness, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, love.” You must cherish every fruit of the Spirit : love, “ joy, peace, long-suffering, gentle- ness, faith, meekness, temperance.” You must con- stantly practise “ whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.” Surely your hearts will be knit to one another in en- deared love, with a pure heart fervently, far from every selfish emulation. You will love all the Christians and Christian missionaries whom you may find in those drea- ry coasts, “ as grapes in the wilderness.” You need to cry mightily to Heaven for “ the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” His influ- ence will not only guide your exertions, but relieve their tediousness and fatigue ; and will take off the terror and strangeness even of fiery trials. Finally , We wish to advert, with the care and sym- pathy of friends, to all your particular duties and con- nections in your new situation. You may be called to mingle the labour of the hands, or literary activity, with your cares and pursuits more directly spiritual. These things you will submit to cheerfully, and do them hear- tily, “ as to the Lord and not to men ;” and as knowing that the Redeemer's presence and grace can render his yoke in all parts of it easy, and his burden light. But beware, we beseech you, of being decoyed away by any means from the vigilant care of the heart, or suffering the high tone of inward spirituality to be relaxed. Imi- tate the heavenliness of manner wherewith the “ tent- makers of Corinth” conducted their necessary labours, while that holy love glowed in their breasts which made them willing to “ lay down their lives for each other.” Is it needful to remind you of the obligations you will be under to the king of that land, whom Providence may make to you a nursing-father ? You will render to TWO MISSIONARIES. m doming reverence and gratitude. You will not abuse liis familiarity and condescension, or officiously ob- trude yourselves on his counsels and government. And looking as through a long vista to your native island, you will entertain the sentiments of profound loyalty, patri- otism, and kindred regard. Your hearts will burn with desire, “ that glory may dwell in our land,” that God may be known in the palaces of our temporal sovereign for a refuge and fountain of blessing ; and that the Bri- tish empire, even in its remotest territories, may be a blessing and a praise in the earth ! And now, dearly beloved brethren, what remains but that, with all possible solemnity, we put the question, — “ Where is Jehovah ? Where is the Lord God of Eli- jah ? Where is the God of incomprehensible glory, riches, and benignity ? The blessed and only Potentate, dwelling in light, uncreated, unapproachable ? The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave his only begotten Son that men might not perish, but have ever- lasting life ? “ Where is that only begotten of the Father, his fel- low and equal, and the brightness of his glory from eter- nity ; who in time became flesh, and ransomed a world of sinners from woe and wrath ; who now shines on high in the midst of the thrones, the triumphant possessor of all victory and power in heaven and earth, full of grace and truth ? “ Where is that Almighty co-equal Spirit of the Fa- ther and the Son, who moved on the dark abyss of crea- tion ; who formed and rested on the human nature of the Son, sustaining it in all righteousness and strength, amidst all labour, humiliation, and suffering ; and who now deals immediately with the souls of men, by the word, for their salvation ?”— -To this Three One Jehovah, 428 DESIGNATION, &C> we bring and commit the important deposit of t missionaries. Mayest thou, our Lord and our God, embrace and sanctify them ! Mayest thou shine on them, and shield them from danger and evil, and make their way and work prosperous ! And may we and they hereafter be present- ed faultless before the presence of thy glory with ex- ceeding joy ! Amen and Amen. Signed, in name, presence, and by appointment of the Directors, at Glasgow, the second day of February 1821 : David Carment, A. M. Preses, Minister, New Gaelic Chapel. John Love, D. D. Secretary, Minister of the Chapel of Ease, Anderston, Barony Parish, Glasgow. Edinburgh : Printed by J. Ritchie. 1826 *. The Publisher of this Volume has received from some of Dr Love’s friends a few manuscript letters, addresses, &c. If more can be collected by the 1st of August, he intends submitting the whole for inspection to two friends of the late Doctor ; and, if approved of, they will then be immediately published. July 15.