Robert

son

The Jj'utv of Contending Lamestly Tor
the Taith Onee ^Delivered to the Saints
\8\Q

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THE DUTY OF CONTENDING EARNESTLT FOR THE FAITH
ONCE DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS :
A
SERMON, PREACHED BEFORE **
THE SOCIETY IN SCOTLAND,
(Incorporated tig Eopai charter.)
FOR
PROPAGATING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE,
AT THEIR
ANNIVERSARY MEETING
IN
THE HIGH CHURCH OF EDINBURGH,
ON
THURSDAY, JUNE 7. 1810.

BY JAMES ROBERTSON, D. D.
ONE OE THE MINISTERS OF SOUTH LEITH.

CDinourgft :
PRINTED BY THOMAS TURNBULL,
OLD ASSEMBLY CLOSE.
SOLD BY W. CREECH, J. OGLE, W. DICKSON, W. WHYTE, AND
OLIFHANT, VVAUGH & INNES, EDINBURGH ; AND
BY A. ALLARDICE, AND W. REII>, LEITH.
1811.-

Society Hall, Edinburgh, June 1. 1810.
AT a General Meeting of the Society in
Scotland for Propagating Christian Know
ledge, William Macdonald Esq. of St Martins,
(In absence of the Right Honourable the Earl OF HoFETOUN,
President,'}
in the Chair.
The thanks of the Society were given from the
Chair, to the Rev. Dr James Robertson, one
of the Ministers of South Leith, for his excellent
Sermon, this day preached before them ; and he
zms requested to permit his Manuscript to be
printed, for the benefit of the Society.
John Campbell, Secretary.

THE. DUTt OF CONTENDING FOR THE
FAITH ONCE DELIVERED TO
THE SAINTS :

SERMON.

Jude, 3.
Beloved, when T gave all diligence to write unto
you of the common salvation, it was need/ul for
me to write unto you, and exhort you, that ye
1 should earnestly contend for the Faith which
zeds once delivered unto the saints.
AT former anniversary meetings of the
Society for Propagating Christian Know
ledge, the truth of the Gospel, confirmed
by miracles and prophecy ; its suitableness
to the situation of the guilty children of
men; its doctrines ; its morality ; its bless
ings; its perpetual duration; and the obliga
tions under which Christians are laid, to
employ with diligence, the proper means of

diffusing the knowledge of its joyful tidings
among the nations of the earth, were dis
tinctly and fully explained.
For a system of divine truth so inesti
mably precious, so unalterably confirmed,
and of which we have often expressed our
most cordial approbation, it is our duty to
contend earnestly, in the face of all opposi
tion, and decidedly to reject every thing
in principle or practice,, that has a tenden
cy- to counteract its influence,, m promoting
the best interests of the human race,
I hope to be indulged with a patient atr
tention, while I endeavour^
L To give an account of the Faith for
which we are exhorted to contend.
II. To shew what is meant by contend
ing for it

The religious education' of children: in
the Highlands' and Islands of Scotland,
cannot be interesting to those who are
(strangers to the Faith- once delivered to the
saints, of who view that Faith and' the pro
fession of it witn indifference or aversion.
Those who' have been divmely taught to dis
cern the excellent tilings wherein Christians
are instructed,; and who consequently feel
the powerful influence of redeeming love,
are the only persons capable of taking an
affectionate interest in a scheme, devised
for the important purpose of saving many
of the rising generation? from ignorance.,
vice, and misery ; and ateo of acquainting
others who are advanced in life, with the
means of everlasting salvation,- and there
by rendering both old and young, blessings
to society^ and to the church of Christ.
But what is the Faith for which we are
exhorted to contend, and where is it re
corded, as it has been delivered to the
saints? y 2

It is of great importance that we should
have clear views of this part of our subject,
as the import of the exhortation in the
text cannot otherwise be . ascertainad.
The word Faith sometimes signifies the
act of believing, and sometimes the truth be
lieved. It is in the last Of these senses that
it occurs in the text. The Faith deliver
ed to the saints, is the system of truth
contained in the sacred Scriptures, in which
every thing is revealed necessary to be
known and believed, in order to Salvation.
The Koran is the Faith of a Mahommedan,
which, though full of absurdity and folly,
deluded multitudes have received ; but the
Faith of a Christian is the Holy Bible
which is given by the inspiration of God,
and has been preserved and transmitted
from age to age. It was delivered to the
saints. It was received from its great
Author by holy prophets and Apostles,
and by them delivered to the Church,

consisting of Believers who are described
at the beginning of this chapter, as sancti
fied by God the Father, and preserved in
Christ Jesus, and called. It was once de
livered to the'' saints. Though the sub
stance of t)ivir.e Revelation had been com
municated to the Church, at sundry times
and in divers manners, by a succession of
inspired men during the preceding dispen
sations ; and though the sacred canon, at
the time when Jude wrote this Epistle, was
not altogether completed ; yet the Faith of
which he speaks is justly said to have been
once delivered to the saints, because the
sacred scriptures when completed,, — a con
summation which was just at hand,— were
intended to remain the perfect and irrevo
cable standard of divine truth, subject to no
alteration, and to which no addition shall
be made to the end of time.
The Apostle Paul exhorted Titus to re
buke some persons sharply, that they might
3

be sound in the IFaith, not giving heed to
Jewish fables and commandments of men,
that turn from the truth. To the sound
-doctrine of Divine Revelation, they were
enjoined stedfastly to adhere, in opposition.
to those systems which were either corrup
tions of Christianity, or entirely the off?
spring of human invention.
The man who reads the Bible with a sin
cere desire to become acquainted with its
contents, will, I humbly apprehend, be
soon instructed in the following articles of
Faith. That there is only one God,
and yet, that in the Godhead, there are
three Persons of the same essence, and
equal in power and glory * ;_^that our
first parents were created in perfect resem
blance to his moral image, in knowledge,

*Deut. vi. 4. Matt, xxviii. 19.

righteousness, and holiness * ;— that in con
sequence of their fatal apostasy, by the
violation of the covenant of works, all their
posterity, whom in that covenant they re
presented, are by nature in a state of guilt
and condemnation, and morally incapable of
doing any thing sthat is spiritually good -f- ;
—-that our redemption from this deplo
rable condition is the ^effect of the sove
reign grace of God,, 'through the media
tion, and righteousness, and atoning death,
of the Lord Jesus ^Christ J, — that this
iOtily Redeemer is the eternal Son of God,
Jiis equal in every perfection, being the
¦brightness of his glory, and 'the express
image of his person ; for, to affirm- that our
Saviour is a man only, is to attempt to over
throw ,the whole scheme of salvation, and
to leave us without a solid foundation of

•* Gen. i. 21. Colos. iii. 1,0.
•J- Rom. v. 18. Eph. ii. I.
X Eph* i. 4. 1 Tim. ii, 5-
4

8
hope towards God * ; — that ' the gra
cious design of his incarnation and obedi
ence unto death, was to fulfil all righteous
ness, and to make atonement to divine jus
tice for the sins of those whom He came to
redeem; for although this doctrine is
treated with contempt by many, who have
no apprehension of the infinite evil of sin,
of the spirituality and extent of the law of
God, and the inflexibility of his justice, it
will ever be a source of the richest consola
tion to those, who pereeive the guilt they
have contracted, and the misery to which
they are exposed -f* ; — that the gospel
is the publication and offer of salvation to
the chief of sinners * ; — that regeneration,
or a change of mind and care with re
spect to spiritual objects, so as to be restor
ed to a capacity of serving God, and enjoy
ing his peculiar favour, is the effect of the
* Rom. ix. 5. John iii. 16. f Heb. ii. 11.
J Mark xvi. 15.

agency of the Holy Ghost, by the instru
mentality of appointed means of grace * ; —
that the moral law being of perpetual ob
ligation, has an indispensable claim to uni
versal obedience ; which, as the genuine test
of submission to divine authority, the re
deemed of the Lord are ever desirous to
yield ; and by which their personal interest
in his salvation is ascertained to themselves
and to their Christian brethren. That a
peaceable demeanor according to establish
ed laws in those countries where it may be
their lot to reside, and zealous endeavours
in the use of lawful means, to promote the
welfare of the community to which they be
long, is an essential part of that morality to
which they are called by the gospel ; and
which, when it is displayed in the life of a
Christian, is a powerful recommendation of
our most holy religion t. That He who
died on the cross at Calvary, as a propitia-
* Ezek. xxxvi. 25. 2 Thess. ii. 16.
f Deut. xi. 1. Rom. xiii. 1 — 1.

10
tory sacrifice for our sins, rose again from
the dead according to the Scriptures, as
cended in visible triumph to the heavenly
world, is now exalted above every name,
controuling and directing all events for his
own glory, and the advantage of his peo
ple ; and that when all the purposes of his
gracious Providence concerning his church
militant are aceornplished, he will appear
in great glory on his throne, as Judge of
all the earth, to complete the salvation of
his friends and the ruin of his enemies *.
The Faith delivered to the saints, of
which I have attempted to give a short ac
count, is a system of truth, which could
never have been formed by the wisdom of
man ; a system, which, like its Author, i the
same yesterday, to-.day, and for ever ; a
system so closely connected, that it is ne
cessary we receive, observe, and keep it
* 1 Cor. xv. 4. Mark xvi. 19. Acts xvii. 31.

11
;pure and entire, without any exception
whatsoever. The peculiar doctrines of the gospel,
which have been just now mentioned,
will ever be acknowledged in the most
explicit manner by genuine Christians;
for how can it be proved that the
man is a Christian, who disputes or denies
the fundamental articles of the Christian
Faith ?
It is certain, however, that professing
Christians of various denominations, have
given materially different interpretations
of the same passages of Scripture; and
it is wonderful to observe how many
opinions exist with respect to what is
clearly revealed. But no interpreta
tion ought to be received, which is
founded only on some detached portion
of Scripture, or which is inconsistent with
the general analogy of faith. In every re
ligious controversy, we must appeal directly

12
to the whole Bible, which is justly deno
minated the religion of Protestants. It
therefore seems highly expedient, that
Christian societies should publicly declare
their understanding and interpretation of
the language of Scripture, in regard to
those essential points which have been mat
ter of dispute. Accordingly, we find that
confessions, or articles of' faith, have been
adopted by most of the reformed churches.
Nor can this be justly complained of as an
imposition on the consciences of men. No
man is obliged to connect himself with any
society, if he does not believe the doctrines
maintained by it to be agreeable to Scrip
ture ; and some standard of this kind ap
pears indispensably necessary, to distinguish
particular churches or societies from others,
whose sentiments differ most widely in re
gard to the essential doctrines of Revela
tion, while they all agree in professing to
respect the Scripture as the only infallible
rule of faith. I gladly embrace this oppor-

13
tunity of bearing testimony to the Confes
sion and Catechisms authorised by our
Church as a faithful exhibition of the doc
trine of Scripture. Their exellence has been
admitted by foreign churches, as well as
by many divines of the highest reputation.
They have been blessed as the means of
preserving sound doctrine and serious piety,
among the members of our Church, and are
therefore entitled to their continued respect
and faithful improvement.
It is not enough, to say that we derive
our Faith from the Bible, or that the
doctrines and precepts which it records, are
what we profess to believe and to obey.
When we converse with Roman Catholics
and Socinians, we hear them supporting
their tenets by citations from Scripture;
and therefore the Confession and Cate
chisms now recommended, are the more
necessary to be brought into view as the
acknowledged and authorised summary of

14
Christian doctrine, to which the member**
of that portion of the visible Church to
which we belong, profess to adhere*
Happy they whose minds are enlighterir
ed to discern the excellent things wherein
Christians are instructed ; who rest with
assured confidence on the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ him
self being, the chief corner stone; who in
stead of being unstable in all their ways,
and tossed about with every new wind of
doctrine, contend earnestly for the Faith
once delivered to the saints.
I proceed,
II. To consider what is- meant5 by cof£
tending for this Faith.
This is expressiveof sentiments and con
duct perfectly the reverse, not only of seep*
ticism, but also of lukewarmness or in*

15
difference in religion. The original word
translated contend, denotes a conflict, a
striving even to an agony, for the preserva
tion, and purity, and success of the Faith
once delivered to the saints.
The infinite importance of this cause
abundantly shews the propriety and neces
sity of enlightened, prudent, fervent zeal.
Were the system of revealed truth, design
ed to contribute only to our present con
venience and comfort, even in this case,
every wise man would think it worthy of
serious attention. But as it is manifestly
designed for the everlasting felicity of
those who cordially receive it, the utmost
earnestness in adhering to it may be ex
pected from all who are made wise unto sal
vation. , Fully persuaded of the truth of the
Gospel, which has been confirmed by signs
and wonders and divers miracles, and gifts of
the Holy Ghost, they have a fixed dete-
mination through divine grace, thatwhatever

16'
circumstances occur, or dangers arise, 'they
will never be seduced or tempted to aban
don the path of righteousness, or to disre
gard the blessings resulting from the Faith
once delivered to the saints.
1. To contend for divine Truth implies,
that we are firmly established in its belief
an d practice.
It was- the prayer of the Apostle Peter
in behalf of those to whom he wrote, * that
the God of all grace would establish,
strengthen, and settle them.
It would be absurd to exhort a man to
contend for truth, which he neither be
lieves nor obeys. The exhortation when
addressed to us, necessarily supposes that
we are of the truth ; that we have been
filled with the knowledge of the will of God
in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ^
* 1 Pet. v. 10,

17
that our hearts are assured before God; that
we live by the Faith of God ; that we are
brought completely under its sanctifying
influence ; and experience the peace and joy
which it is suited to impart.
There are some of such an unsettled dis
position, that they are not unlike the chaff
which the wind driveth away. They were
never confirmed in the faith as a system of
fixed principles, and though custom inclines
them sometimes to speak : on religious sub
jects, as others do, they neither understand
nor believe what they say. Their faith is
variable as the fashion of the world. They
are ever learning, but never come to the
knowledge of the truth. The moment a
new doctrine is proposed, it captivates their
hearts, but it does so no longer than until
another is brought forward, and so their
minds are in a state of perpetual fluctua
tion. They pass rapidly along from one
©"pinion to another, still dissatisfied and uifc.

IS
happy, till at length they take their flight
to the dreary regions of infidelity, and live
without God and Christ, and hope in the
world. It is very far from my mind to discourage
freedom of inquiry, with regard to religious
truth. The rights of conscience must be
preserved inviolate, and no man, nor set of
men, must dictate as if infallible, with re
spect to the articles of faith. Without in
quiry, the glorious Reformation could never
have happened. But this is widely different
from the disposition which unhinges every
thing, and settles nothing in religion ; and
which without due investigation adopts opi
nions from the impulse of the moment,
which, in the course of a few days or weeks,
it is found necessary to abandon. The
faith delivered to the saints not being kept
continually in view, gives place to human
inventions, by which those who adopt them

19
become vain in their imaginations, and
their foolish hearts are darkened.
The present has been called an enlighten
ed age. Is it because the inhabitants of
countries denominated Christian, are more
established than formerly, in the belief and
practice of divine truth ? The testimony of
experience, I fear, will prove the con
trary. The votaries of error have been
indefatigable, and lamentably successful,
in persuading many inconsiderate per
sons, to treat the Bibl$ with contempt
and scorn. There was a time when avow
ed infidelity was confined to a few philoso
phers, who were so elated by pride of un
derstanding, as to imagine that their own
wisdom was a sufficient guide in their
search after truth. But it is mournful now
to observe the influence which infidelity has
obtained over many individuals, in every
condition of life. New opinions in opposi
tion to the gospel of Christ, are eagerly

20
adopted. They listen to the instruction
jhat causeth to err, dictated by those who
walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or are
seated in the chair of the scorner.
Blessed be God, with many of another
and better mind, the present is indeed an
enlightened age. Instructed by the spirit
of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge
of Jesus Christ, they receive the gospel, not
as the word of man, but of God ; and are
enabled to hold fast the beginning of their
confidence, stedfast unto the end. The
truth which was the beginning of their
confidence towards God, is ever the foun
dation of their confidence and comfort ;
and in this truth they are so confirmed,
that change of circumstances produces no
change in their sentiments and views, but
only serves to promote their establishment
and progress in vital Christianity. By
continuing in the word of Jesus Christ, they
prove that they are his disciples indeed.

21
They send forth their roots as Lebanon.
The God of grace is glorified by their in
creasing fraitfulness in true holiness. Their
path is as the light of the morning, that
shineth more and more unto the perfect
day. II. To contend for the faith once de*
livered to the saints, implies, that we are
prepared, on all proper occasions, to defend
it by means which are suited to its nature
and object.
The Apostle Paul informs us in his Epis
tle to the Philippians, that he was set for
the defence of the Gospel. His reasonings
with Epicureans and Stoics at Athens;
his pleadings before Felix, and Festus,
and Agrippa ; his epistles to the churches ;
his indefatigable labours among Jews and
Gentiles, demonstrate that he was a most
able and zealous defender of the Christian
Faith. It is for the same cause that we
3

22
contend, when we hold ifast without waver
ing the profession of the faith once deliver
ed to the saints.
This is of great importance ; and I am
disposed to bring it forward to your parti
cular notice, on account of the irresolution
of some Christians with respect to this very
thing. They are so feeble-minded, as to be
unwilling that their Christianity should be
known, lest they be exposed to the ridicule
of the ungodly. Instead of openly avowing
adherence to the best of causes and masters,
they act, in some instances, in conformity to
the manners of a sinful generation^ from the
false shame of appearing too religious, or
of incurring the charge of ostentation and
hypocrisy. This is commonly the fault of young
Christians, especially in the higher ranks of
life, who have not courage in the presence
• of former companions, to avow their attach-

23
ment to the gospel of the grace of God i
but as they become more established in the
belief and experience of this truth, the fear
of man is gradually removed, arid they
cordially adopt the language of the apostle
Paul, " God forbid that I should glory,
save in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ."
They become zealous in defence of divine
truth, from a growing conviction of its" ex
cellence, and from experiencing its' blessed
influence on their own souls".
•
Fiiom this, however, it is hot to be sup
posed, that I mean to recommend that
wrangling disposition, that love of contro
versy, especially about matters not essen
tial to salvation, which has unhappily pre
vailed among some professing Christians,
and which has contributed exceedingly
to obstruct the progress of the truth.
Neither are we like Mahommed, to de
fend or propagate our most holy faith
by the sword. Nor is it at all proper, thai

.24
Christians should introduce their religious
opinions into every company for the pur
pose of disputation ; which, when not ma
naged with prudence, gendereth strife.
Nor does it become any man as if infallible,
to contend that his decisions on some points,
about which wise and good men may differ,
must be submitted to as the standard of
truth, and that the glory of God requires
him to brand as heretics, all who do not
accord in every thing with his sentiments
and views. Such conduct is not dictated
by the wisdom which cometh from above.
It gives occasion to those who seek occa
sion, to disrelish the society of religious
men. But, is the faith delivered to the
saints, openly attacked by ungodly men ?
Do they endeavour to drive us from the
sure foundation of hope which God hath
laid in Zion ? Do they misrepresent or ca
lumniate the principles and manners of the
followers of Jesus ? Then are we loudly
called upon to contend for the faith by the

25
spiritual weapons of sound reason and ar
gument, with which the truth itself has
furnished us ; or by giving a plain account
of that evidence, which has satisfied our
own minds, and which is calculated to stop
the mouths of gainsayerc.
In contending for the faith by appear
ing in its defence, the divine excellence of
the truth itself, as admirably adapted to
our condition as sinners, as calculated to
give us exalted views of the character and
government and grace of God, to restore
us to conformity to his image as our high
est honour and felicity, and to give us
abundant consolation and good hope
through grace in life and death, must be
particularly insisted upon, if we would suc
ceed in persuading men cordially to em
brace it. The learjied and ingenious argu
ments which have been drawn from the
credibility of the gospel, attested by mi
racles and prophecy, and from the veracity

26
and unimpeachable characters of the writ
ers of the Scriptures, have undoubtedly
been of great benefit to the cause of Chris
tianity : yet when compared with the inter
nal evidence of the truth of the gospel, or
the marks of its divine origin, which the
faith itself contains, we may venture to say,
that they have been but of inferior weight
in persuading men to believe unto righte
ousness. The truth is, the most learned arguments
in support of the credibility, the necessity,
the expediency of revelation, will be of lit
tle avail, if, at the same time, the gospel is
not suffered to appear in its native excel
lence, and if its internal glories are kept out
of view.
It has been found, in fact, that when the
peculiar doctrines of revelation have been
either industriously concealed or misrepre
sented, the most elaborate arguments in

27
defence of its divine authority, certified by
miracles and prophecy have had but lit
tle influence in converting infidels to its
belief and practice. Infidels may indeed
be silenced, or forced to acquiesce in a ge
neral acknowledgment of the truth of Reve
lation : but while they remain ignorant of its
nature, and are not influenced by its prin
ciples, we shall never perceive in their cha
racter, that practical Christianity which
adorns the doctrine of God our Saviour,
and without which there can be no hope of
salvation. When speaking in defence of the truth,
we cannot hope to be listened to with any
degree of attention, if our manner of life be
inconsistent with its dictates. The life of
Christ manifested in us, is a better defence
7 •
of his doctrine, than the most acute reason
ings, while we have not his spirit, and do
not follow his steps. The man who hopes
to contend successfully for the faith once

28
delivered to the saints, will exhibit in his
conduct, a demonstration of that truth,
which powerfully animates him to holy obe
dience. Unaffected habitual piety, inflexible
integrity, charity that suffereth long, and is
kind, meekness and gentleness of demeanor,
fervent zeal in every good work, and regu
lar attendance on public worship, are the
leading features in the character of the man,
whose reasonings in defence of the gospel,
may be expected to put those to silence,
who oppose the interests of the religion of
Jesus. Fewer treatises would have been ne
cessary in answer to the objections with
which the Christian system has been assail
ed, if all who professed to embrace it had
been invariably found walking in the paths
of righteousness.
III. Christians contend for the faith
once delivered to the saints, by willingly en
during reproach, and suffering for the sake
of the truth.

29
The Apostle Paul reminded the saints
at Philippi, that unto them it was given
not only to believe in Christ, but also to
suffer for his sake. Instead of being so
terrified at the prospect of suffering, as to
renounce the faith of the gospel, they ac
counted their sufferings for the sake of the
gospel, a privilege and an honour.
It very often happens, that when a pro
fession of adherence to this faith is fashion
able, it is assumed by many who are not of
the truth. But when such a profession is
in direct opposition to every worldly ad
vantage, or when it exposes men to incon
venience or suffering, it is renounced with
out hesitation. Like Demas, they forsake
the Saviour, having loved a present world.
In the primitive times of the Church, it
is well known, the enemies of the gospel cruel
ly persecuted those who embraced it. " Be
hold," said the Apostle Paul to the elders

30
of the church of Ephesus, "T go bound to
Jerusalem, not knowing the things which
shall befal me, save that the Holy Ghost
witnesseth in every city, that bonds and
afflictions abide me."
In later ages, the same antichristiaa.
spirit has often been manifested towards the
faithful servants of God. The land in
which we dwell, is not without a cloud of
witnesses, who were persecuted unto death
for the testimony of Jesus. Though death
met them, arrayed in many terrors, they
were not moved from their stedfastness.
The fiery trials undergone by former
generations, are, through the good provi
dence of God, now no more. By the
Revolution Settlement, the Toleration Act,
and the liberal spirit of the present times,
we are secured from open persecution.
Still, however, if we live godly, maintain
ing the doctrines, and obeying the laws of

31
¦Christ, we shall find that the same spirit
exists which slew Abel, because his works
were righteous ; and which dragged many
of the faithful in later periods, to the scaf
fold, and to the stake. The sensualist, the
libertine, the despiser of true religion, will
ridicule the faithful and zealous professor
of it, and will put a false construction on
all he. says and does. Failings, inseparable
from the present state of human nature,
when they appear in the Christian, will be
exaggerated ; his company avoided ; his
diligence in working out his own salvation,
ascribed to fanaticism ; his strict attention
to duty considered as hypocrisy ; his ex
pressions of piety and benevolence, ascribed
to sinister motives ; and falsehoods invent
ed and propagated to the injury of his cha
racter and usefulness — He will even be
suspected of disloyalty, if he discovers a
more than ordinary zeal, in advancing the
interests of the King of Zion, though he
daily inculcates both by precept and exam-

32
pie, subjection to the powers that be, for
conscience' sake.
This, however, is the victory that over-
cometh the world, even our faith ; and, to
contend for the faith, is willingly to endure
reproach and suffering, rather than forsake
it: to esteem reproach for righteousness'
sake an high honour. It is, through good
and bad report, to follow Jesus, accounting
every present inconvenience or disadvan
tage, or opposition, for his sake, as of small
moment, compared on the one hand with
the fatal consequences of apostasy, and on
the other, with the glory of living and dy
ing devoted to his service. It is to have
no desire but to be employed from day to
day in that work which may please
and honour him, to whom alone we are in
debted for all the blessings we have, or
hope to enjoy ; persuaded that we can ne.-
ver exceed in fidelity to Him who died to
redeem us. And, as his grace is all-sufE-

33
cient, and his joy is our strength, we shall
never find any difficulty insuperable in this
honourable contest, and shall at last be
more than conquerors through him that
loved us. " Blessed is the man who en-
dureth temptation, for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which the
Lord hath promised to them that love
him." IV. To contend for the faith once de
livered to the saints, is to be unweariedly
and fervently employed in promoting its
interests in the world.
This faith, for which we are called to
contend, is designed to convey the richest
blessings to the human race. It is called
in the text a common salvation ; it is in
tended not for a few of the inhabitants of
the earth, eminent for literature and polish
ed manners, but for people of all kindreds,
and tongues, and nations. Its influence in
c

34
promoting the happiness of mankind, is
now exerted, not miraculously, but by the
regular and diligent use of those ordinary
means which the Author of salvation has
appointed in his word. Have we experi
enced its power unto salvation? Has the
Author of our most holy faith commanded
that it should be preached to every crea
ture ? Is he deeply interested in its suc
cess? Is the spread of the gospel con
ducive to his glory ? Are we his servants ?
Is it our bounden duty to make his cause
our own, and to rejoice greatly in every
addition to the number of the saved ? And
shall we be so ungrateful and inconsiderate^
as to neglect the precious opportunities
which are afforded us, of promoting the in
terests of truth and righteousness, or of
making those who are ready to perish for
lack of knowledge^ acquainted with the
gospel, which is the power of God unto sal
vation.

35
The man who views the success of the
gospel with indifference, who is totally dis
inclined to active exertion in a cause so
glorious, who feels no desire to contribute
to the utmost of his power, to give effect to
measures which are calculated to enlarge
the boundaries of Messiah's kingdom, is so
far from contending earnestly for the faith,
that he gives too good reason to suspect
that he is not of the truth, or that he is
ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
As soon as a person is brought under the
enlightening, sanctifying arid comforting
influence of the gospel, he will be consci
ous of a strong desire to recommend it to
the attention of his fellow-creatures. He
cannot behold sinners ready to perish, with
out feeling a deep concern for their de
plorable condition, without warning them
to flee from the wrath to come, and di-<
3

"86

reeling them to Jesus, the hope set before
them in the gospel.
Let it not be supposed j however, that
every Christian who believes himself quali
fied, is warranted to become a public teach
er of religion. The confusion which has
happened in churches where this sentiment
prevails, : is a sufficient illustration of its
absurdity. But there is no Christian
who is not called to labour in another
way, for the cause of God and truth.
Much aid may be derived from his
good advice, his example, his prayers,
his cordial co-operation with others in dif
fusing the knowledge of pure and undefiled
religion, not only in his immediate neigh
bourhood, but also in distant lands and
islands of the sea. When his heart glows
with an ardent love to his Saviour, and to
the souls of men, every opportunity that
occurs of employing his time, and talents,
and substance, for the glory of his Lord

31
and the salvation of sinners will be eagerly
embraced ; difficulties which had been
deemed insurmountable will quickly dis->
appear, and every sacrifice of worldly ease
and profit, and pleasure, will be accounted
but a poor return for the inestimable bless-,
ings of redeeming love.
Thus shall the faith delivered to the
saints be maintained and propagated by
the divine blessing from age to age, till all
the ends of the earth shall see the salvation
of/ God. Then shall the ignominy of the
cross of Christ be for ever wiped away,
when the standard of truth is erected in
every land, and the people are all righte
ous. How abundant at that joyful period
will be the success of the gospel ! How im
mense the number of the followers of Jesus!
How great the felicity of his church on
earth ! If the world which we inhabit shall
then be much more populous than ever it
has been ; if wars, and famine, and pestiT

38
lence shall be known no more; if the
preaching of the gospel shall be universal,
and the inhabitants in general of every land
shall believe and obey it ; if this great suc
cess, as we are assured by revelation, shall
continue without interruption for a thou
sand years, how many millions of millions,
shall, during that happy time, be born of
the Spirit from above, and become heirs of
salvation. It will not then be enquired, if
but few shall be saved. They will be
countless as the sand on the shore of the
ocean, or as the drops of the morning dew,
and their voices will be as the sound of
many waters #, and of mighty thunderings,
while they celebrate the praises of Him who
hath redeemed them unto God by his blood,
out of every kindred, and tongue, and peo
ple, and nation. A prospect so delightful,
may well animate Christians to unwearied
diligence and zeal in contending for the
* Rev. xix. 6.

39
faith, by seeking the profit of many that
they may be saved.
What has now been said, may convince
us that the exhortation to contend earnest
ly for the faith once delivered to the saints,
is peculiarly seasonable.
The times in which we live are exceed
ingly perilous. Every day, we meet with
temptations to abandon the faith and pro
fession of the gospel of Christ. The ene
mies of his cross, have employed every
mean, which malice or ingenuity could in
vent, to unsettle the faith of Christians;
Objections brought against the gospel in
past ages, which were completely answered
by learned men, have been lately revived,
and stated in a variety of forms. " You have
faith (saith the infidel to Christians,) you
believe and act as your fathers did, without
thinking and judging for yourselves." And
are we to be blamed for following our fa-
4

40
thers in believing What is true ? Ought we
not rather to be blamed, were we to re
nounce that belief; and is it not reason
able to expect, when the sons of infidelity
would persuade us to forsake the testimony
of Jesus, that certainly they have a better
system to offer in its room ? But, in this
we are disappointed ; the system they pre
sented to us is full of vanity ; according to
the language of an inspired apostle, it is
science falsely so called, as has been proved
by the experience of infidels themselves;
some of whom in the immediate prospect
of eternity, have been awakened to the
most awful conviction of their strong delu
sions. Or, in their zeal to banish Chris
tianity from the earth, they inculcate no
System of religion whatever ; they propose
to leaye us bewildered in the labyrinth, of
error, without a ray of light to guide our
Steps ; and deprive, us of those heavenly
consolations and prospects which alone can

41
support in the hour of suffering, and can
dispel even the gloom of the grave.
I trust, that all of you who believe and
obey the gospel, can give a good reason for
the hope that is in you, and that in your
own experience, there is a witness to the
truth, whose voice cannot be silenced by
the sophistry of the votaries of error.
Though you believe the same gospel, in
the faith of which your fathers were con
firmed, yet their example, however worthy
of imitation, is not the reason why you are
established in the truth. But, you have
searched the Scriptures : you have prayed
while you searched them, that you might
be filled with the knowledge of the will of
God, in all wisdom and spiritual under
standing. Your minds have been enlight
ened to behold divine truth in its native
importance, and interesting consequences,
and, under its influence, vou have been ad-

42
vancing in holiness and comfort through
faith unto salvation.
Opposition ye must expect, while per
severing in adherence to this faith j but,
knowing that it is a treasure more precious
than all worldly riches, and that its divine
Author and Finisher will never forsake those
who trust in him, ye will in his strength
hold fast the profession of your faith with
out wavering, how many and great soever
the difficulties may be, with which ye may
be called to struggle.
Happy they, who in times of prevailing
degeneracy, are found faithful ; their un
shaken fidelity, and zealous exertions in the
cause of Christ, will afford no inconsider
able evidence of its truth, and at the same
time will contribute greatly to its establish
ment and success.
Perhaps there may be some, in my
present audience, of unsettled minds*, and

•unstable in all their ways ; who, instead of
adhering with firmness to the doctrine which
they once professed to believe, have become
sceptical in their opinions, or, like the Athe
nians, are in quest of some new thing.
They say they are inquiring after truth ;
but they forget that truth is like its Author,
the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
What is truth in their view to-day, is to
morrow converted into error. Not having
the faith or hope that is sure and stedfast,
they scarcely continue for a day in one
mind. Instead of forming their opinions
according to the standard of divine truth,
and abiding therein, they endeavour to
change the meaning of passages of Scrip
ture, according to their own ever- varying
opinions. But, as we are expressly inform
ed by the Spirit of inspiration, that there
is one Lord, and Faith, and Hope, and
Baptism, it is high time for them to consi
der whether they were not nearer the truth

44
formerly, than they are now. Do they
pjead conscience every time they change
their creed I I will not dispute the rights
of conscience, but they ought seriously to
consider whether that can be a well-inform
ed conscience, which easily approves newly
invented theories of religion that must be
altered from day to day, and which of
course prevents men from being stedfast in
the faith once delivered to the saints, and
from always abounding in the work of the
Lord. It is of great importance, in the pre
sent age, when infidelity, impiety and
immorality exceedingly abound, that all
genuine Christians should be peculiarly
active, in endeavouring to stem the torrent
of false principles and loose morals. While
men, who having denied the faith, dis
seminate with assiduous care, those tenets
and opinions which are necessarily produc
tive of ungodliness and unrighteousness, is

45
it not the bounden duty of believers in the
gospel, to promote, to the utmost of their
power, the cause of truth, and holiness, and
heaven ?
it.
Perhaps, at no period since the days of
the apostles, has there ever appeared so
much of the spirit of holy zeal among Chris
tians for the propagation of the gospel, as
our day exhibits. Amid the awful shaking
of the nations which we have lived to see,
an earnest desire has been excited among
Christians of different denominations, to
communicate to people of every land, the
knowledge of salvation. In this general
concern for the propagation of Christianity,
we may at once perceive, in some measure,
the accomplishment of ancient prophecy,
and the happy, prelude of those glorious
triumphs that yet await the kingdom of
Christ, and which the Lord will hasten in
his own time.

46
In attempting to discharge the duty
which it is my desire at present to enforce,
We are greatly encouraged by the assur
ance, that, this faith shall finally triumph
over all opposition, and be joyfully received
by all nations. But how is this to be ef
fected? Are they who dwell in the desert
to be brought as by chance to the know
ledge of a Saviour ? Are preachers of the
gospel to start up miraculously among
them ? Are Bibles in their own languages to
be created in a moment, and found lying
around their dwellings, like manna from hea
ven ? Such an expectation were absurd in the
extreme. Ideas of this kind can be enter
tained by those only who are hostile to mis
sionary exertions, or who are chargeable
with the enthusiasm of looking for the end
without the use of means. If we read the
Scriptures with attention, we will find no
part of the will of God more clearly reveal
ed, than the inseparable connexion between
the use of means and the attainment of the

47
end. As therefore we have no reason lo
expect the progress of the truth, without
employing appropriate means for its dif
fusion, I cannot conceive a more impor
tant and honourable work in which we can
be engaged, than in affording to our breth
ren of mankind that knowledge which is
indispensably necessary to their salvation.
" For how shall they call on Him in whom
they have not believed ; or, 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 ex
cept they be sent'*."
Hence the origin, and zeal, and exer
tions of the Society in Scotland for Propa
gating Christian Knowledge. This Society,
which has existed for a complete century, and
the chief object of which is the religious in
struction of our fellow subjects in the High-
* Rom. x. 14, 15.

, 48
lands and islands of Scotland, it is
well known, has been eminently success
ful in this labour of love. By the es
tablishment of schools, in those remote
districts of our country, where nearly six
teen thousand children are trained up in
religious knowledge, by employing mis
sionaries and catechists in places far distant
from parish churches, and by furnishing
the inhabitants at large with the sacred
Scriptures in their own language ; the soli
tary place has been made glad, and the
desert has rejoiced and blossomed as the
rose. Important stations in the church, the
army, the navy, and other departments of
society, are occupied by men, who received
the rudiments of their education in these
schools, and who discharge their respective
duties in a manner highly creditable to
themselves, and advantageous to their coun
try. The progressive civilization of the in-_

49
habitants, and their moral and religious
improvement, particularly in those districts
where the Society's schpols and missions
have been established, sufficiently 4®mon-
strate the unspeakable benefit derived from
this Institution.
Besides the illumination of the minds
of many with religious knowledge, (which is
undoubtedly the chief object in view,) the
instruction of thousands in reading, writing,
and arithmetic, by which they are qualified,
above others who have not such advantages,
for the places allotted them by providence,
has rendered the efforts of this Society re
markably beneficial.
The very satisfactory accounts, which
have been received from year to year, of the
good that has been done by the means now
mentioned, have induced different opulent
and patriotic individuals, interested in the
prosperity of their country, and in the cause
D

50
of Christianity, to favour this society with
their contributions and support. Daily ap
plications, however, from various districts
in the Highlands, for the establishment of
new schools and catechists, require an in
crease of their funds, which though exten
sive beyond expectation, are, at present, in
adequate to a more enlarged sphere of use
fulness. Much yet remains to be done in
promoting the great objects of this Institu
tion ; which it is hoped Christian liberality,
by the blessing of God, will accomplish.
While we are deeply concerned that
Unenlightened nations in distant regions,
should be blessed with the glorious rising
of the Sun of righteousness ; while mission
aries have been sent to them, who, it is
likely, must labour long before their wishes
are fulfilled ; while our hearts are filled with
joy on receiving information, that a few of
the heathen manifest hopeful appearances
of an experimental knowledge of the truth

51
as it is in Jesus, and that some of their
children redeemed from slavery, are now
educated in the fear of the Lord ; while
the Bible, translated into many languages,
shall soon be put into the hands of millions
who have been sitting in darkness; and
while the deplorable condition of the Jews
has at length interested the feelings of Chris
tians ; can it be supposed for a moment,
that our most strenuous exertions shall not
be employed, for the propagation of the
gospel in our own country ?
Ere long, the time allotted us on earth f
shall come to an end. In the grave, to
which we are hastening, there is no work,
nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom.
We shall then no more be favoured with
opportunities of serving the Redeemer in the
world, by co-operatirig with our fellow Chris
tians, in measures for making known his sal
vation to the nations. While therefore our
day of grace still continues, let us be excited
to double diligence in this good work, per-

52
suaded that no employment can be so
honourable or blissful, as that which has for
its object the advancement of his glory in
the propagation of the gospel, and in pro
moting the interests of that kingdom
which is righteousness, and peace, and joy,
in the Holy Ghost. " His name shall en
dure for ever. His name shall be continu
ed as long as the sun ; and men shall be
blessed in him : all nations shall call him
blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the
God of Israel, who only doth wondrous
things. And blessed be his glorious name
for ever : and let the whole earth be filled
with his glory. Amen, and Amen*."
* Psal. lxxii. 17—19.

53

Abstract of the Scheme of the Society's Establish
ment for the ypar, from 1st May, 1810, to
1st May, 1811.

189 Schools on the 1st Patent  j£2,697
23 Superannuated Teachers  229
15 Missionaries and Catechists  364
6 Gaelic Bursaries  90
HO Schools on 2d Patent  566
4 Superannuated Teachers on Ditto.  25
Amount of Scheme fixed by the General Meet
ing in March, 181Q.  ,  ^3,971

54
The President, Directors, and Officers of the Society,
for the year 1811.
His Grace, John Ddke of Atholl, President
cf the Society.
Committee of Directors.
William Macdonald, Esq. of St Martins, Preses.
William M'Lean, Esq. Merchant in Edinburgh.
The Rev. Sir Henry Moncrieff Wellwood, of Tullibole,
Bart, one of the Ministers of St Cuthbert's.
Robert Dundas, Esq. Clerk to the Signet.
Alexander Bonar, Esq. Banker, in Edinburgh.
The Rev. James Robertson, p. D. one of the Ministers of
South Leith.
James Robertson, Esq. Clerk to the Signet.
George Kinnear, Esq. Banker in Edinburgh.
The Rev. David Johnstone, D. D- Minister of Jtforth Leith.
George Ross, Esq. Advocate.
Robert Scott Moncrieff, Esq. of Newhalls.
The Rev. Thomas Fleming, D. D. one of the Ministers of
Edinburgh-
Ronald M'Donald, Esq. of Staffa, Advocate.
William Creech, Esq. Bookseller in Edinburgh.
The Rev. Walter Buchanan, D D, one of the Ministers of
Cahongate.

55
Officers of the Society.
The Rev. John Campbell, D. D. one of the Ministers of
Edinburgh, Secretary.
Alexander Duncan, Esq. Clerk to the Signet, Treasurer.
John Dickson, Esq. of Culter, Advocate, Comptroller.
James Bonar, Esq. Solicitor of Excise, Accountant.
Archibald Lundie, Esq. Clerk to the Signet, Book-holder.
John Pitcairn, Esq. Merchant in Edinburgh, Librarian.
Mr. John Dickson, Jun. Clerk to the Signet, Clerk.
James Maiklem, Offker. •
ma vf+eaaQaggajic*- —
ANNUAL, AND OTHER BENEFACTIONS,
Are received by the Secretary, Treasurer, or any of the prin
cipal Officers of the Society in Edinburgh:
IN LONDON, BY
John William Adam, Esq. Treasurer.
The Rev. Robert Young, D. D. Secretary,
Or any x>f the Members of the Corresponding Board ;
AND BY
Thomas Coutts, Esq. & Co. Bankers in the Strand.

56

FORM OF A BEQUEST OR LEGACY.

Item, I give and bequeath the sum of
to the Society in Scotland, for Propagating
Christian Knowledge ; to be applied, either lo the ge
neral objects of the Institution, or to such particular
purposes, consistent with these objects, as the Donor
may think proper.

N. B. Those who may be pleased to favour this
Society with Bequests or Legacies, are intreated
to express their intention in the very words above
directed ; and particularly to take care that the
words in Scotland^ be not omitted. /'

Phomas Thrnboh, Printir.
Old jtJitmify Close.

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

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