Christ Victorious Over the Powers of Darkness, Sermon – Errata

Christ Victorious Over the Powers of Darkness · Sermon – Errata

p. 1CHRIST Victorious Over the Powers of Darkneſs, By the Light of His Preached Goſpel.

ACTS XXVI. 16,—19.

But riſe, and ſtand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpoſe, to make thee a miniſter and a witneſs both of theſe things which thou haſt ſeen, and of thoſe things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I ſend thee,

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 among them which are ſanctified by faith that is in me.

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not diſobedient unto the heavenly viſion.

IN this Chapter Paul declares before King Agrippa and others, his extraordinary Converſion and Call to the Apoſtolic Office. When he ſet out on his Journey towards Damaſcus, it was breathing out threatnings and ſlaughter againſt the Diſciples of the LORD; but behold, the triumph of Almighty Power and Sovereign Grace! In the way, our exalted SAVIOUR ſhin'd down upon him with a Light above th… brightneſs of the Sun; and when he was p. 2fallen to the Earth, ſaid to him, Saul, Saul, why perſecuted thou me? So near is the relation between CHRIST the Head, and the Members of His myſtical Body, that what is done to them, he takes as done to himſelf. 1 Cor. xii. 12. As the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: ſo alſo is Chriſt. Mat. xxv. 40. And now, trembling, he ſays, Who art thou Lord? He knew not that JESUS was the promiſed Meſſiah, till he thus revealed himſelf to him. And how wonderful is it that this Appearance ſhould be, not only to Convert him, but alſo to Call him to be an Apoſtle, that he might Convert many others! Divine Goodneſs overcame his Evil, and where Sin did abound, Grace ſuper-abounded.

I ſhall here take notice of ſeveral things as they lie in the Text. 1. He was Call'd to be a Miniſter, and this he had in common with others that preach the Goſpel; however he was alſo call'd to be a Witneſs of the Reſurrection of JESUS CHRIST, whom he had now ſeen; and received extraordinary Gifts whereby he might confirm his Teſtimony. 2. We have a Promiſe of deliverance from the People &c. ver. 17. By the People, underſtand the Jews, who were many of them filled with rage againſt him upon his turning Chriſtian. GOD protected him under innumerable Dangers while he had Work for him to do, and then gave him the crown of Martyrdom; Faith and patience and courage to ſuffer for the Name of JESUS, 2 Tim. iv. 6. Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory informs us that he was beheaded under Nero. 3. We have the great Errand upon which he was ſent, ver. 18. To open their Eyes &c. Paul was in a peculiar manner the Apoſtle of the Gentiles, who were under Heathen-ignorance, and ſo under the power of Satan.—He is ſent to turn them from darkneſs &c. that is, as on Inſtrument in the hand of CHRIST, whoſe Work this is. 4. We have the gracious Deſign of our LORD in this Work, and the End which crowns it: That they may rece…ve forgiveneſs &c. 5. We have his obedient ſubmiſſion to this divine Call, ver. 19. Our LORD ſpake to his Heart, and made him willing in the day of his power. He tells us, Gal. i 15, 16. When it pleaſed God to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with fl…ſh and blood. He look'd above himſelf, to him that call'd him, and without delay ſet about the Work; and when he had preach'd the Goſpel, as is ſuppos'd, above twenty years, he could ſay, ver. 22. context. Having obtained help of God, I continue to this day.

From the Words, and as related to the Context, we may obſerve the following Doctrines.

p. 3DOCT. I. Our LORD JESUS CHRIST calls and ſends forth the Miniſters of the Goſpel.

Ver. 16.—To make thee a Miniſter—ver. 17.—Unto whom I ſend thee. Indeed this Call was immediate, neither of Men, nor by Men; but by a glorious Appearance of CHRIST, and his Voice from Heaven: however, he continues to ſpeak to his People in his Word, and to declare his will; and therefore tho' Men may be the Inſtruments, yet when the Rules of the Goſpel of CHRIST are obſerv'd, the Call of Miniſters is from him. This Divine Perſon, GOD-Man-Mediator, is the glorious Head of his Church, whoſe Prerogative it is to appoint the Laws and Ordinances of his Houſe, and Officers that are to act under him in his viſible Kingdom on Earth. Accordingly, after his Reſurrection, He ſaid to his Diſciples, All power is given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoſt: Teaching them to obſerve all things whatſoever I have commanded you, Mat. xxviii. 18,—20. And when our LORD aſcended on high, he received Gifts for Men, and he gave ſome Apoſtles—: and ſome, Paſtors and Teachers, Eph. iv 11. Now, that theſe ordinary Officers laſt mentioned, were appointed to ſucceed the Apoſtle, in the Work of the Miniſtry, is evident from the great deſign of this Gift and Inſtitution. It follows, ver. 12, 13. For the perfecting of the ſaints, for the work of the miniſtry, for the edifying of the body of Chriſt: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the meaſure of the ſtature of the fulneſs of Chriſt. Upon which Mr. Burkitt obſerves, the Apoſtle declares how long the Work of the Miniſtry appointed by CHRIST for his Church's edification and advantage, was to continue; namely, to the End of the World, till all come &c. And this is further evident from the directions given in GOD's Word, reſpecting the Qualifications of ſuch Miniſters, and their Separation to this Work. 1 Tim. iii. 2,—11. Tit. i. 5,—9. And whereas they ſtand in abſolute need of the Preſence of CHRIST with them, His moſt gracious Promiſe given when He commiſſion'd his Diſciples to teach in his Name, was not reſtrain'd to them, and the Age wherein they liv'd; but extended to Goſpel Miniſters to the End of the World. Mat. xxviii. 20.—Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the World. And inaſmuch as the Great GOD our SAVIOUR makes Overſeers or Biſhops, and effectually calls his choſen People, by his Spirit, Act. xx. 28. Tit. iii. 5, 6. He promis'd that the HOLY GHOST, who is alſo a Divine Perſon, ſhould be ſent from the Father in vertue of his Interceſſion, and that to abide with his People for ever, Joh. xiv. 16, 17. Upon the whole, we may conclude, that our LORD JESUS CHRIST continueth to call and ſend forth Goſpel Miniſters.

p. 4DOCT. II. … LORD JESUS CHRIST ſends His Miniſters to open the eyes … turn them from darkneſs to light, and from the power of Satan unto GOD.

PROP. I. T… Children of Men are ſince the Fall in darkneſs, and under the power of Satan.

GOD created Man at the firſt in his own Image, gave him the perfect underſtanding of his Law, and power to keep it; ſet him at the head of the viſible Creation, giving him the dominion over it, and requiring him to collect the tribute of Praiſe which was his due from the inferiour Creatures, and pay it to him: But alaſs! Man being in honour abode not. Adam, who ſtood as a publick Perſon in the firſt Covenant, ſinn'd, and we in him. Rom. v. 12. By one man ſin entred into the world, and death by ſin; and ſo death hath paſſed upon all men, for that all have ſinned. Thus both ſin and miſery entred into this World, and Satan having prevail'd in his temptation, obtain'd a dreadful power.—We have the deſcription of the apoſtate Children of Adam, Rom. iii. 9. They are all under ſin. ver. 10. There is none righteous, no not one. ver. 16. Deſtruction and miſery are in their ways.

1. They are in Darkneſs.

Darkneſs, in the proper acceptation of the word, ſignifieth the privation of light, when the Sun which rules the Day is withdrawn from us: And in a metaphorical and borrow'd ſenſe, in which the Scriptures often uſeth it, darkneſs ſignifies both moral …d penal Evil, ſin and the miſery conſequent upon it. Accordingly, when the Son of GOD who ſaves from both, was manifeſt in fleſh, and aroſe as the Sun of Righteouſneſs, to make and rule the Goſpel-day; it is ſaid that the day ſpring from on high viſited his people, to give light to them that ſit in darkneſs, and in the ſhadow of death, Luk. i. …8, 9. And ſuch as are made an holy nation and peculiar people to GOD, are ſaid to be called out of darkneſs into his marvellous light, 1 Pet. ii. 9. It's true of all that are Converted, and in an eminent manner verified in ſuch as are turned from heathen ignorance. More particularly,

(1.) The Children of Men have their Hearts blinded, and ſo are alienated from the life of God Eph. iv. 18. Having the underſtanding darkned, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, becauſe of the …ndneſs of their heart. Indeed Men have ſome kind of knowledge of GOD, and of his Law which was at firſt written on the Heart, enough to leave even the Heathen without excuſe, that when they knew God, they glorified him … as God. But alaſs … this p. 5Star-light … direct them how they may return to the LORD ſo as to … with him: nor yet how they may aright do his will. … Heathen …ell into the vileſt Idolatries. Their fooliſh heart … and they changed the glory of the uncorruptible God, … image made like to corruptible man, and to birds &c. Rom. … 23. Wherefore GOD alſo gave them up to uncleanneſs, … the luſts of their own hearts, to diſhonour their own … between themſelves; and unto vile affections, ver. 24, 2… ▪ They were not only abominable in their way of Worſhip; but alſo full of all unrighteouſneſs in their behaviour towards Men. Pſal. lxxiv. 20.—The dark places of the Earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. Yea, ſuch is the darkneſs of Men's minds, that when the light of the Goſpel ſhines upon them, they need to have their Underſtandings opened that they may ſee and know the truth. Their Reaſon is ſo deprav'd by Sin, and they are ſo fill'd with Prejudice againſt the Goſpel, that they will not receive the ſaving Truths thereof, unleſs it pleaſe GOD by His Spirit to heal their Souls, and reſtore ſpiritual …ight unto them. 1 Cor. ii. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are fooliſhneſs unto him; neither can be know them, becauſe they are ſpiritually diſcerned. Yea, ſuch is the enmity of the carnal Mind againſt GOD and his Law, that when Sinners are left to themſelves, they rebel againſt the cleareſt Light. Thus it was when the Son of GOD came as the light of the World, to declare his Father, and reveal his Will. Joh. iii. 19. This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkneſs rather than light, becauſe their deeds were evil.

(2.) The Children of Men are brought into a miſerable condition by Sin, and upon this account may be ſaid to be in darkneſs. Calamity is fitly ſet forth by this ſimilitude, and is an inſeparable companion of ſin, Lam. iii 2. He hath brought me into darkneſs, but not into light. No ſooner were our firſt Parents fallen from God, but an horror of darkneſs ſeiz'd on them; afraid, they fled from the preſence of that God in whoſe favour had been their Life: this lower World fell under a dreadful Curſe, and hath been a dark place to their Poſterity …ver ſince. Man that is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble. Job xiv. 1. He is ſubject to great diſquietments of Mind, and horror of Conſcience; to Sickneſs, Pain, Bereavements; and in a word, to innumerable Evils Spiritual and Temporal, till his Eyes are clos'd in darkneſs, and he deſcend to the Grave, of which Job elegantly ſpeaks, Chap. x. 22. A land of darkneſs, as darkneſs it ſelf, and of the ſhadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkneſs. But alaſs! all this is but the beginning of ſorrows which muſt never end.

(3.) The Children of Men are in darkneſs; for they lie expos'd to the eternal Torments of Hell. And there is reſerved for them the p. 6blackneſs of darkneſs forever. Jude 13. The wages of Sin is death. Rom. vi. 23. Not only temporal, but ſpiritual and eternal Death. Mat. xxv. 46. Theſe ſhall go away into everlaſting puniſhment. The infinitely glorious GOD is offended, and therefore no temporary ſuffering of the damned can make full ſatisfaction; they muſt be forever paying the vaſt debt they owe to GOD's juſtice, and ſo ſuffer the everlaſting Deſtruction of Body and Soul in that place of Torments, where no beam of light ever ſhines; for there will be a vaſt gulph fix'd between them and the bliſsful preſence of GOD the Father of lights, and they muſt be caſt out into outer darkneſs. Here, poor creatures, they might comfort themſelves a little with ſparks of their own kindli…, but there, they lie down in ſorrow; yea, ſink forever in the bottomleſs Pit without the leaſt gleam of hope. Pſal xlix. 19. He ſhall go to the generation of his fathers, they ſhall never ſee light.

2. The Children of Men are under the power of Satan.

He is the ruler of the darkneſs of this World, and hath obtain'd a dreadful power over Men by drawing them into ſin. This old Serpent beguiled Eve, and then made uſe of her as a … Inſtrument to tempt Adam to Eat the forbidden fruit: Thus did the …vil prevail, and led our firſt Parents and their rebellious Race captive. Eph. ii. 2. Wherein in time paſt ye walked—according to the prince of the power of the air, the ſpirit that now worketh in the children of diſobedience. The word of GOD ſpeaks of the Apoſtate Angels as united under one Head, the Prince of Devils, and ſo forming a Kingdom of Darkneſs, in oppoſition to JESUS CHRIST, and His Kingdom on Earth. Luke xi. 18, 19. Col. i. 13. Accordingly, GOD's People are ſaid … wreſtle againſt the rulers of the darkneſs of this World, … 12. And alaſs! Satan finds an eaſy acceſs to ſuch as are under the guilt and dominion of Sin, and works in their Hear… An excellent Divine, … obſerves, "He could not come to … and work in her, he could not put a thought in her undiſcernably, for that had been his beſt way; but now, we being Sinners, he can, eſpecially thoſe that are his own, work in them undiſcernably". There's a powerful energy of Satan in many Sins committed by Men. Act. v. 3—Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghoſt? I do not ſay, that the Devil can force Men to Sin; but then, taking the advantage of the darkneſs and corruption of their hearts, he is powerful to deceive, and incline them to it, when their rightful LORD whom they have voluntarily forſaken, in his righteous Judgment permits him: And theſe … Creat…, can't in their own ſtrength, overcome his temptati… but are led captive by him at his**… p. 7will: They bear his Image, and his Luſts they will do. The carnal Objects which this evil One hath to allure them, worldly Pleaſures, Riches, and Honours, are exactly ſuited to their worldly Luſts; the luſt of the fleſh, the luſt of the eye, and pride of life; and he knows how to ſet theſe before them in the moſt advantagious light; and ſpiritual Objects are far above out of their ſight. Thus doth he as a ſtrong Man armed keep the Souls of Sinners; yea, he hurries them along in the way which leads to H…ll, his own place. And as to the Heathen World, the Devil behaves himſelf as the God of it, obtaining Worſhip from them in their vile Idolatries 1 Cor. x. 20. The things which the Gentiles ſacrifice, they ſacrifice to devils, and …ot to God. How dreadful is the power of Satan as it is repreſented in the Book of the Revelation, both in Rome pagan and antichriſtian! And if we look into that part of the World which is call'd Reform'd, we ſhall find that he hath in an amazing manner prevail'd, as a Spirit of Error, to ſow damnable Hereſies and doctrines of Devils, to the obſcuring of the light of the Goſpel; and as a Spirit of Uncleanneſs, to entice Men to thoſe abominable Immoralities which are condemned by the light of Nature. But bleſſed be GOD, there's light ariſing to us under this Darkneſs! To us a Child is born—who is the mighty GOD, and in whom is fulfill'd that Promiſe, The Seed of the Woman ſhall bruiſe the Serpents Head. Heb. ii. 14. Foraſmuch then as the Children are partakers of fleſh and blood, he alſo himſelf likewiſe took part of the ſame; that through death he might deſtroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil. And this divine Perſon is pleas'd in his adorable Wiſdom and Grace, to make his Miniſters whom he ſends forth in his Name, Inſtruments in his Hand of pulling down the ſtrong holds of Satan, and of ſetting up his Kingdom in the hearts of Men.

PROP. II. Our LORD JESUS CHRIST ſends forth the Miniſters of the Goſpel, to open the eyes of Sinners; to turn them from darkneſs to Light, and from the power of Satan unto GOD.

But, who is ſufficient for theſe things? Are they able, of themſelves to open the eyes of the ſpiritually blind, and to caſt down Satan from his Throne of Darkneſs? No ſurely. But an anſwer is ready, We have this treaſure in earthen veſſels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us, 2 Cor. iv. …. They muſt preach the pure Truths and Doctrines of the Goſpel, and ſo hold forth before Men the light of the glorious Goſpel; And withal give themſelves to Prayer, that GOD would ſend down His Holy Spirit to accompany their Endeavours with Men, and that as a Spirit of Wiſdom, that the eyes of their Underſtanding being enlighten'd, they may p. 8know what is the exceeding greatneſs of his power towards them that believe, Eph. i. 18, 19. Our SAVIOUR ſays to his Diſciples, Mat. v. 14. Ye are the light of the World; and requires them to take care that their Light ſhine before Men. They muſt hold forth the Word of Life not only in their Doctrine, but in an holy exemplary Converſation: And in a word, uſe all proper means that thoſe to whom they are ſent, may behold the truth and beauty of pure Religion. And thus are they to be workers together with God, 2 Cor. vi. 1. And though the work it ſelf is truly Divine, (it is the Work of the HOLY SPIRIT ſavingly to enlighten and change the Heart, and turn Sinners from the power of Satan to GOD,) yet is our glorious LORD pleaſed to put honour upon his Miniſters in uſing them as Inſtruments in his Hand, in this wonderful Work. And thus hath GOD choſen the weak things of the World to confound the things which are mighty, that no fleſh ſhould glory in his Preſence, but that he that glorieth ſhould glory in the LORD. Who is of God made unto us Wiſdom 1 Cor. 1. 2…, …1. And then, in this way our LORD pours contempt upon Satan, that haughty Spirit, while he is made like Lightning to fall to the Earth, and his power is broken by weak Men. GOD ordains ſtrength out of the mouth of babes, to ſtill the enemy and the avenger. Pſal. 8. 2. And, in this way he alſo manifeſts his condeſcending Goodneſs to the Children of Men, while He ſends ſuch to publiſh the Goſpel to them, as are formed out of the Clay, and whoſe terror need not make them afraid.

DOCT. III. The gracious deſign of our LORD JESUS in this diſpenſation of the Goſpel, is, that Men may receive Forgiveneſs of Sins, and an Inheritance among them which are ſanctified, by Faith that is in Him.

I might have connected this with the foregoing part of the verſe; but as that is mention'd as the work the Apoſtle was ſent upon, and this is here brought in as the happy fruit of it reſpecting thoſe whoſe Eyes ſhould be open'd; I ſhall conſider it diſtinctly. In the Goſpel is publiſh'd the glad Tidings of Pardon, and a rich Inheritance to be given to all them who receive Chriſt by Faith; and all to whom the Goſpel comes in power, and in the Holy Ghoſt obtain theſe great Benefits.

1. Our Lord Jeſus ſends his Miniſters to open the Eyes of Men—That they may receive Forgiveneſs of ſins by Faith which is in Him.

Forgiveneſs of ſin conſiſts in the removal of the guilt of ſin from off the Sinner, whereby he i… deliver'd from the Con…mning Sentence of the La…; and his Obligation to bear the p. 9Curſe of it. And this is done by a gracious Act of GOD our Sovereign Lord and Lawgiver. He alone hath power to Forgive Sins. And He diſpenſeth this free Gift of Pardon by means of his Goſpel publiſhed to Sinners, wherein the righteouſneſs of God is reveal'd from faith to faith. Here we have the glorious diſcovery of the way in which we may obtain the Remiſſion of Sins, even thro' the Blood of JESUS CHRIST, on whom GOD hath laid the Iniquities of his People, and who hath given fall Satisfaction by the Sacrifice of Himſelf. Here we are aſſur'd that as He was delivered for our Offences, ſo that he roſe again for our Juſtification; and that GOD hath exalted Him with his own right Hand to be a Prince, and a Saviour, for to give Repentance to Iſrael and Forgiveneſs of Sins. Here we are taught how we may obtain this great Bleſſing which CHRIST hath purchaſed; that GOD hath ſet him forth to be a Propitiation, through faith in his Blood, to declare his righteouſneſs for the remiſſion of Sins, Rom. iii. 25. And that it is of Faith, that it might be by Grace, Chap iv. 16. Now, this Faith is a Grace of the SPIRIT, whereby we believe the record GOD hath given of his Son, and firmly aſſent unto it, upon the Authority of his Teſtimony who can't lie; and accordingly accept receive and reſt upon CHRIST alone for Pardon and Juſtification before GOD. **See the Confeſſion of Faith …In Him GOD is reconciling the World to himſelf, not imputing their Iniquities, but "imputing the Obedience and Satisfaction of CHRIST," unto all them that believe, whether Jews or Gentiles. And when the eyes of Sinners are open'd, and they are renewed in the ſpirit of their minds, they behold the LORD JESUS as the Lamb of GOD which taketh away the Sin of the World, and are united to him by a true and living Faith, and ſo there is no Condemnation to them, being in Chriſt Jeſus, Rom. viii. 1. And thus, though reſpecting them whoſe Sins are pardon'd, this great Benefit is free; yet is it ſo diſpens'd, that GOD's Juſtice and Grace are glorified together. Rom. iii. 26.—That he might be juſt, and the … of him which believeth in Jeſus.

2. Our LORD JESUS CHRIST ſends his Miniſters to open the eyes of Sinners,—that they may receive an Inheritance among them that are ſanctified by Faith that is in Him.

GOD's People are enlightned and converted, not only in order to their obtaining the remiſſion of Sins by Faith in CHRIST; but alſo that they may receive a rich Inheritance in Heaven. The word here uſed … ſignifies a Part or Portion, a Lot, an Inheritance. "The Inheritances of the Jews were divided by Lot, Numb. xxxiv 13." And thus the diſpoſal of p. 10this Inheritance is of the LORD.††See Henry in …, GOD's People were predeſtinated to it according to the eternal purpoſe of GOD, Eph. i. 11. In whom (that is, CHRIST,) we have obtain'd an inheritance, being predeſtinated according to the purpoſe of him who worketh all things according to the counſel of his own will. And they obtain a ſure title to it by Faith in JESUS CHRIST the only begotten Son of GOD, and Heir of all things. Joh. i. 12. As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the ſons of GOD, even to them that believe in his Name. And if Children, then Heirs; Heirs of GOD, and joint heirs with CHRIST, Rom. viii. 1…. And thus the Apoſtle declares to the Galatians, that GOD gave the Inheritance to Abraham by promiſe; that they were the Children of GOD by Faith in CHRIST JESUS; and if Chriſts then Abraham's Seed, and heirs according to the promiſe, Chap. iii. 18, 26, 29. The Inheritance here mention'd, of which the believing Gentiles as well as Jews were heirs, muſt be the heavenly Inheritance, of which Canaan was a type. Heb. xi. 16. They deſire a better Country, that is, an Heavenly. This glorious Inheritance is reveal'd and offer'd in the Goſpel; and true Believers who are enlightned by the Spirit and Word of GOD, receive JESUS CHRIST by faith, and ſo are entitled to this purchaſed Poſſeſſion. But then, they can't enter upon it, till they are made meet to be partakers of it; and here alſo the exerciſe of faith is of excellent uſe. It is an Inheritance among them that are Sanctified: It is an Inheritance in the high and holy Place, into which nothing enters that defiles. The pure in Heart ſhall ſee and enjoy GOD: But without Holineſs none ſhall have this beatific Viſion. Heb. xii. 14. It is call'd, The Inheritance of the ſaints in light, Col. i. 13. An Inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, 1 Pet. i. 4. They that are bleſſed in heavenly Places in CHRIST, were choſen in Him, before the foundation of the World, that they ſhould be holy, and without blame before him in love, Eph. i. 3, 4. The End and Means are connected in GOD's Decree. 2 Theſ. ii. 13.—God hath from the beginning choſen you to ſalvation, thro' ſanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. Accordingly, that Faith whereby GOD's People are united to and intereſted in JESUS CHRIST, is an active Principle of new obedience. GOD purifieth the Hearts of … People by it, Act. xv. 9. It works by Love, which is the fulfilling of the Law. Again, Faith is the … of things not ſeen; and while the Believer beholds the riches of Glory in this Inheritance, he is inflam'd with holy deſires after it, and preſſeth toward the mark for the pri…e of the high … GOD in CHRIST JESUS. While he embraceth the Pro… of it, he confeſſeth himſelf a ſtranger on …arth, and endeavours to have his Converſation p. 11in Heaven. In the aſſurance and joy of Faith he receiveth ſome firſt fruits of the Heavenly Canaan. In a word, he is kept by the power of God through faith unto Salvation, 1 Pet. i. 5. Which is therefore ſaid to be the End of his faith, ver. 9.

DOCT. IV. Our LORD JESUS CHRIST will be with His Miniſters, and give them all that help and deliverance which are needful for them.

Ver. 17. Delivering thee &c. ver. 22. Having therefore obtained help &c. What meer Man ever paſs'd through more difficult Duties or ſharper Trials, than the Apoſtle Paul? He was in Deaths often, and yet the LORD deliver'd him See 2 Cor. xi. Yea, when the meſſenger of Satan buffeted him, our gracious LORD heard his cry, and ſaid unto him, My Grace is ſufficient for thee. Upon which he triumphs in CHRIST, and ſays, Moſt gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Chriſt may reſt upon me. Therefore I take pleaſure in infirmities, in reproaches, in neceſſities, in perſecutions, in diſtreſſes for Chriſts ſake: for when I am weak, then am I ſtrong, 2 Cor. xii. 7,—10. So that in him we have a moſt encouraging Example to confirm the truth before us: And bleſſed be GOD, in many others. CHRIST is GOD-Man-Mediator, and in Him as a Mediatorial Head hath it pleaſed the Father that al… fulneſs ſhould dwell, Col. i. 18, 19. God giveth not the Spirit by meaſure to him, Joh. iii. 34. And he hath receiv'd this great Gift to beſtow on his Church and People according to their ſeveral wants and neceſſities. And in a particular manner doth he ſend his Spirit to furniſh his Miniſters with Gifts and Graces, and ſtrengthen them to their Work. Accordingly he commanded his Diſciples to tarry at Jeruſalem until they were endued with power from on high, by the promiſe of his Father ſent upon them, Luk… xxiv. 49. Which was the Promiſe of the HOLY GHOST, which they receiv'd in an extraordinary manner after CHRIST's Aſcenſion, Act. ii. 2,—4. iv. 33. to qualify them to carry the Goſpel to the Heathen. And by the ſame Spirit doth our LORD continue to communicate ſpiritual Abilities, Gifts and Graces to them whom He ſends to Preach the Goſpel. Job. xiv. 16, 17. Eph. iv. 7. He ſtrengthens them with all might by his Spirit, and thus upholds them with the right Hand of his Righteouſneſs. And then, as CHRIST rules in the kingdom of Nature and Providence as well as of Grace, He ſets bounds to the wrath of Satan and wicked Men; ſo that while he hath Work for them to do, neither Earth nor Hell ſhall hinder it. And thus obtaining Help from the Head of the Church, they continue and perſevere, till they finiſh their Courſe, and the Miniſtry which they have received from Him.

p. 12DOCT. V. Our LORD JESUS inclineth and enableth His Miniſters to obey his Sovereign Will, when call'd to the moſt difficult Services.

Ver. 19 I was not diſobedient—He that appear'd to him, wrought effectually in him both to will and to do according to his own good pleaſure; ſo that he was willing, a Voluntier in CHRIST's Service, in this Day of his Power. Many Objections inſuperable to fleſh and blood might be rais'd. Act. xxii. 19. Lord, they know that I impriſon'd—And as to the Gentiles, how could he perſwade them who were in groſs Ignorance, and wholly given to Idolatry? How could he prevail with them to turn from their Idols, to renounce the prejudices of Education, forſake their beloved Luſts, and this World; and all this in obedience to One that ſuffer'd as the vileſt Malefactor, to outward appearance forſaken by GOD and Man; and who requires his Diſciples to deny themſelves, take up their Croſs and follow him. 1 Cor. i. …. We preach Chriſt crucified, unto the Jews a ſtumbling-block. … unto the Greeks fooliſhneſs. It's true, here's the power … GOD, and the wiſdom of GOD, but in a myſtery; and … can open the eyes of the blind that they may behold it? But the Apoſtle conferred not with fleſh and blood, Gal. i. 16. No, he look'd above himſelf, and in the ſtrength of the LORD who call'd him, went about a Work above the power of Angels. A like Inſtance we have in the Prophet Iſaiah. When he ſaw the Glory of the LORD, he cried out, Wo is me, for I am undone, becauſe I am a man of unclean lips—But when touch'd with a living Coal taken from the Altar; when the vertue of CHRIST's Sacrifice, who is a Lamb ſlain from the foundation of the World, was apply'd to him, and he was purified by the HOLY GHOST as with Fire, then he was ready to anſwer GOD's Call, Here am I, ſend me, Chap. vi. 8. Thus the Prophet Ezekiel, tho' ſent to a rebellious People, yet when the Spirit lift him up, he went in bitterneſs indeed; but the Hand of the Lord was ſtrong upon him, Chap. iii. 14. Thus when JESUS call'd Peter and Andrew to make them Fiſhers of Men, they ſtraightway left their nets, and follow'd him, Mat. iv. 18,—20. His Divine Power accompany'd the outward Call… they feel it, and inſtantly obey. And thus our Glorious LORD makes his Miniſters to reſemble Him according to their meaſure, who being called of GOD to the moſt difficult Work of all, yet ſaid, The Lord God opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back, Iſai. l. 5.

p. 13APPLICATION.

USE. I. Are the Children of Men in Darkneſs,—How deplorable is their Condition! How doth it Command our Pity and Prayers!

What can be more dreadful, than to be held in theſe Chains of Darkneſs, of Ignorance and Infidelity, of Enmity againſt GOD and his Law; and ſo to be kept in bondage to Satan, who is leading ſuch blindfold to that Everlaſting Fire which is prepar'd for him and his Angels, where is the moſt intenſe heat without light. O worſe than Egyptian Darkneſs! the Plague which follows our Apoſtacy from Him who is Light, and in whom is no Darkneſs at all. What Miſeries and Woes are comprehended in that deſcription of the Epheſian Gentiles before they enjoy'd the light of the Goſpel? Chap. ii. 12. At that time ye were without Chriſt, being aliens from the common-wealth of Iſrael, and ſtrangers to the covenants of promiſe, having no hope, and without God in the world. Let this then move our Compaſſion, to conſider how great a part of the World is at this Day ſitting in Darkneſs, and in the ſhadow of Death; and let us earneſtly beſeech the LORD to ſend forth his Light and Truth, and give the knowledge of Salvation to ſuch as are periſhing for lack of Viſion. And alſo, that GOD would have mercy on them which believe not, whom the God of this World hath blinded, leſt the light of the glor…ous Goſpel of CHRIST, who is the Image of GOD, ſhould ſhine unto them: For if our Goſpel be hid, it is hid to them that are loſt, 2 Cor. iv. 3, 4.

USE. II. Learn the Honour and Duty of Goſpel Miniſters.

Of all Men, Miniſters had need be very humble, le…t they fall into the condemnation of the Devil. However, they ought to magnify their Office, by entertaining high and honourable thoughts of it, and by taking care ſo to behave themſelves, that others may eſteem them for their Work's ſake. How great is this Honour, to be ſent by the King of Glory to the Sons of Men, and that upon an Affair the moſt important, to treat with them about the great Concerns of their Souls and Eternal State, 2 Cor. v. 20. Now then we are Ambaſſadors for Chriſt, as though God did beſeech you by us: we pray you in Chriſts ſtead, be ye reconciled to God. And how ſtrongly may we hence alſo infer the Duty of ſuch Miniſters? Certainly, they are under indiſpenſable Obligations to own Him who is the King of Kings, as their Sovereign LORD, by keeping cloſe to His Inſtructions contained in his Word, teaching Men to obſerve all things whatſoever he hath commanded, and never preſuming p. 14to teach for Doctrines the Commandments of Men. They muſt not preach themſelves, but CHRIST JESUS the LORD. They may not lord it over GOD's Heritage; but muſt go before others as E…mples of dutiful Obedience to Him who is the LORD of all. They muſt always remember, that CHRIST's Kingdom is not of this World, and not inordinately ſeek worldly Riches, Honours and Pleaſures; but rather approve themſelves as the Miniſters of God, in much patience, in labours, in watchings, in faſtings—2 Cor. vi. 4, 5. In a word, they ſhould endeavour in their whole Behaviour, to ſhew forth the virtues and praiſes of Him that hath called them.

USE. III. How precious is the Goſpel Revelation and Miniſtry!

In the Goſpel we have the Revelation of the Myſtery of our Redemption by JESUS CHRIST, GOD manifeſt in Fleſh: We are taught how we may obtain deliverance from the power of Sin and Satan; the only way in which we may receive the Forgiveneſs of Sins, and an Inheritance among them that are Sanctified. Let us then account GOD's W…d more to be deſir'd than Gold, and the Wiſdom and Knowledge therein contained as the principal thing: Let us take it as a light to our Feet, to direct us in the path of Life. Let us ſay, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Goſpel of Peace! and not deſpiſe the Goſpel-Miniſtry, becauſe we have this Treaſure in earthen Veſſels. Let us with moſt humble Thankfulneſs accept the unſearchable Riches of CHRIST, which they offer us in his Name, and account all things but loſs for the excellency of the knowledge of him. Let us not look upon the Goſpel as a burdenſome Charge; but prize it as a rich Bleſſing, and chearfully do our part towards the Support of it. But the truth, and …ell it not, Prov. xxiii. 23. "Spare no Pains or Coſt to get it, and do not forſake it for any Worldly Advantages".††P…. Surely they can't be loſers who have the Infinite GOD for their exceeding great Reward, and the riches of Glory laid up in Heaven as their Portion for ever.

USE. IV. Learn the glorious Power, and tender Pity of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

The greatneſs of his power appears, in that He Commiſſions whom he will to Preach the Goſpel to them who …it in darkneſs; in that, when the ſtate of the … call'd for it, He in the moſt extraordinary manner … Inſtruments for p. 15this great Work, and gave them Succeſs above our thought and conception. Here, we may alſo behold his tender Compaſſion to the Apoſtate Children of Adam. GOD the SON, who is the Brightneſs of the Father's Glory, hath taken ou… Nature into perſonal Union. The Word was made Fleſh▪ Joh. i. 14. And thus hath GOD purchas'd the Church with his own Blood. And now, from his Exalted State, he beholds the Children of Men, and pities them under their Sin and Miſery; yea, is moſt ready, conſiſtent with GOD's eternal Counſels, to ſuccour and ſave them. This his Divine Power and Mercy appear'd moſt Glorious in the primitive Times of Chriſtianity; they ſtill continue to appear, and will again ſhine forth with the brighteſt Luſtre, when the Jews ſhall be call'd, and the receiving of them ſhall be as Life from the Dead to the Gentile Churches, Rom. xi. 15,—25. How amiable then doth our LORD JESUS appear in theſe Perfections? How great is His Goodneſs; How great is His Beauty! And how inexcuſable ſhall we be if we deſpiſe him, and neglect his great Salvation?

USE. V. When CHRIST's Miniſters are proſper'd, and their Labours crown'd with the deſired Succeſs; the Glory muſt be given to our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Their Abilities for the right diſcharge of their Miniſtry are from Him. 1 Cor. …v. 10. I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the Grace of God which was with me. And it is He that commands the Bleſſing on their Labours, otherwiſe they muſt labo… in vain. The Apoſtle Paul therefore aſcribes all to Him. 1 Cor. iii. 5. Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but Miniſters by whom ye believed, even as the … gave to every man? ver. 7. So then, neither is he that … anything, neither he that watereth: but God that giveth the increaſe. And thus the Seventy Diſciples whom our SAVIOUR ſent forth, returned ſaying, Lord, Even the Devils are ſubject to us through thy Name! Luk. x. 17. Let Goſpel Miniſters then be ready to ſay, Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy Name give Glory; for indeed, His is the Power and the Wiſdom and the Strength. The weapons of their Warfare are mighty through GOD.

USE. VI. Learn a great Duty incumbent on GOD's Covenant …ple; which is, to uſe their beſt Endeavours that the Light … the Goſpel may ſhine to them who are in Darkneſs, and under the power of Satan.

The great deſign and uſe of the Goſpel make this evident: By the Di…ſation of the Word, Men are delivered from the power of Darkneſs, and tranſlated into the Kingdom of p. 16GOD's dear Son; and ſo made meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light. Certainly then, GOD's People muſt not fail to publiſh the Goſpel to others as they have Opportunity, that theſe may unite with the… in giving Glory to GOD in the Higheſt, and ſo come to enjoy Peace on Earth, the beſt Proſperity; under the happy Government of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Churches are compar'd to Golden Candleſticks, Rev. i. 12. And they muſt accordingly hold up this Light, that it may ſhine to others. To them are committed the Oracles of GOD, as a ſacred Depoſitum and Treaſure; and as they muſt keep them, and tranſmit them to their Poſterity; ſo they muſt further improve this rich Talent to the honour of their LORD, and the good of Men, leaſt they fall under the doom of the ſlothful Servant, who hid his Lord's Talent. The two great Commands of the Law unite to ſtrengthen their Obligation to this Duty; for ſo far as the Goſpel prevails, GOD is made known, and Glory given to Him as the chief Good and higheſt End of Man; and precious Souls, more worth than a World, are deliver'd and ſaved. Jam. v. 20. Let him know, that he which converteth the ſinner from the error of his way, ſhall ſave a ſoul from death, and ſhall hide a multitude of ſins. Again, What Indignation, what Zeal ſhould it work in us, when we behold Satan, that curſed Uſurper, lording it over ſo great a part of the World? while the faithful Subjects of CHRIST are comparatively few, a little Flock; and how earneſt ſhould we be that theſe deluded Wretches, of one Blood with us, and no worſe by Nature than we, may have their Eyes open'd to behold our rightful LORD, and their Hearts inclin'd to bow before Him? And conſidering the Word of GOD aſſureth us, that in the multitude of People is the King's honour ††Prov. 14. …8.Prov 14:8, certainly, all ſuch as would approve themſelves loyal to CHRIST, muſt be ſenſible they are … in … and gratitude to ſeek the Enlargement of his kingdom; and act accordingly.

Give me leave then humbly to recommend to you this pious Charity, which hath … tendency to promote the Glory of GOD, and …ſt Intereſts of Men▪ Bleſſed be GOD for what hath been d… this w… mo… privately, and by our worſhipping Aſſemblies in their Collections. I wiſh that excellent Propoſal might be generally accepted, viz. The having publick Collections for pious and … on our Anniverſary Faſts and Thankſgivings. In this way we might honour GOD with our Subſtance, and give our helping Hand towards propagating Chriſtian Knowledge among our own People, and the Aboriginal Natives: And certainly the generous Compaſſion expreſs'd towards this poor People by the Honourable p. 17SOCIETIES in South and North Britain, ſhould provoke us to an holy Emulation; eſpecially, conſidering GOD hath given us the Poſſeſſion of this good Land which their Anceſtors once inhabited; and that this was the profeſſed Intention of our pious Progenitors, the firſt Planters of this Country.††This appears in the ROYAL CHARTER granted to the Inhabitants of this Province, by their Majeſties King WILLIAM and Queen MARY, of glorious Memory—"So as their good Life and orderly Converſation may win the Indians, Natives of the Country, to the Knowledge and Obedience of the true GOD and SAVIOUR of Mankind, and the Chriſtian Faith, which His Royal Majeſty Our Royal Grand-father King CHARLES the Firſt, in His ſaid Letters Patents declar'd was His Royal Intentions, and the Adventurers free Profeſſi… to be the principle End of the ſaid Plantation."

And here, while I humbly thank our honoured Fathers in the Civil Government, for the liberal Encouragement they have been pleaſed to give towards this Miſſion which is the Occaſion of our Aſſembling in GOD's Name this Day; I would with ſuitable deference propoſe it to their Conſideration, what may further be done by this People to ſpread the Goſpel, particularly among the Indians, which is but to build on the noble Foundation others have laid for us. And whereas Complaints have often been made, that the immoderate love and … of Strong Drink threaten to drown that unhappy People in …dition, and to defeat the great and good Deſign propos'd …n ſending the Goſpel to them; I would humbly move that all further needful Care may be taken to prevent ſo great a Miſchief. And inaſmuch as our Compaſſionate REDEEMER, while on Earth, made Men feel the Effects of his bountiful Love in their Bodies, and ſo prepar'd the way for their receiving his heavenly Doctrines, to the Salvation of their Souls; let us imitate this Divine Pattern, and make theſe poor Creatures know by things they are ſenſible of, that it is their Intereſt to be attach'd to us. O let there be ſuch a fair and friendly Commerce carried on with them, as ſhall adorn the Doctrine of GOD our SAVIOUR, and in ſome good meaſure exemplify the perfect Rules of our holy Religion! O that they may behold our good Works, and glorify GOD in this day of Viſitation! LORD, our Eyes are unto Thee, the GOD of Salvation, to whom belong the iſſues from Death: Glorify thy Name, glorify thy Son, by turning theſe miſerable People from Darkneſs to Light, and from the power of Satan to GOD.

p. 18USE. VII. What hath been ſaid may afford Direction and Encouragement to ſuch as are call'd to Preach the Goſpel in the dark Places of the Earth.

It is profitable for Inſtruction and Encouragement to all Goſpel Miniſters, who need both for the right diſcharge of their holy Calling, which muſt be attended with great Difficulties in this Evil World, where the Devil hath ſuch power by reaſon of our Sin, that he can't be overcome and caſt out but by the Divine Power. And in an eſpecial manner, the Text and Doctrines may be improv'd to theſe Ends, by ſuch as are ſent to teach GOD's Word in Places that have been for time immemorial cover'd with thick Darkneſs, being deſtitute of the outward Revelation of the Goſpel. The Direction it gives to ſuch is, that they look above themſelves to our glorious LORD, who hath all power, and that they go forth with an humble and believing Dependance on Him to whom the FATHER hath given the Heathen for his Inheritance, and who is able to aſſert his Right, and ſubdue them to the Obedience of Faith. Indeed they muſt heedfully obſerve the working of his Providence, and what intimations He gives them of his Will by his Word and Spirit; whether He qualifieth them for, and calls them to engage in ſuch a difficult Work; and when they find good Grounds to believe that they have the Call of GOD, they ſhould dutifully anſwer, Here we are, ſend us. They muſt go in Obedience to their Sovereign LORD, and with a ſingle Eye at His Glory as their chiefeſt and higheſt End; they muſt go, ſenſible that unleſs He go before them, and condeſcend to work with and by them, they ſhall labour in vain; and then they ſhould encourage themſelves in the LORD, who is able to do above all we can ask or think. In the 55th. of Iſaiah, where we have an illuſtrious Prophecy of the Call of the Gentiles, ver. 4, 5. we have alſo theſe encouraging words to ſtrengthen the faith, and raiſe the hope of GOD's People, ver 8, 9. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, ſaith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, ſo are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

BUT I now proceed more directly to apply theſe Things to our Brethren, who… We are this Day ſeparating to the great and difficult Work of Goſpelizing the Aboriginal Natives …n our Borders.

My dear Brethren, I apprehend GOD in His good Providence calls us to make further … in this important Affair, notwithſtanding all the Difficulties with which it is attended; p. 19and I truſt it is pleaſing to Him, that you offer your Selves, and conſecrate your Service to the LORD this Day. Duty is our's, the Event and Succeſs are …ntirely in GOD's Hand. Now then, let your Eyes be to our Aſcended SAVIOUR, while you engage in this Work, and devoutly ſay with Moſes, Exod. xxxiii. 15. If thy Preſence go not with us, carry us not up hence. Let the governing Deſign of your Undertaking be to glorify GOD, by turning Sinners from Darkneſs to Light, and from the power of Satan to Him, that they may receive forgiveneſs of Sins, and Inheritance among them that are Sanctified by faith that is in CHRIST; and being ſenſible that the Arm of the LORD muſt be reveal'd to effect this, rely and reſt on Him, and be ready to give the Glory of all the leaſt Succeſs unto Him. Praiſe wa…teth for thee, O GOD!

In the firſt place, Give up your ſelves to the Lord JEHOVAH, who is the FATHER, the SON, and the HOLY GHOST, by renewing your Covenant with Him, to be His entirely and for ever; beſeeching GOD to pour out His Spirit upon you, to furniſh you with all needed Gifts and Graces. Look to it, that you be united to CHRIST by His Spirit dwelling in you; that being waſh'd from Sin in His Blood, and cloath'd with his Righteouſneſs, you may be accepted in the Beloved; and then live by the Faith of the SON of GOD, and be ſtrong in the Grace that is in CHRIST JESUS. Cry to that GOD who commanded the Light to ſhine out of Darkneſs, that He would ſhine into your Hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD, in the face of Jeſus Chriſt, 2 Cor. 4. 6. Hear and learn of the FATHER the great Truths and Myſteries of the Goſpel, that you may be qualified to teach others the Truth as it is in JESUS. You need the teaching of the Anointing, of GOD by His Spirit; and therefore ſhould earneſtly ſeek to Him to ſend his Spirit into your Hearts to lead you into all Truth, that you may be as Scribes inſtructed to the Kingdom of Heaven. And the more you feel the power and taſte the ſweetneſs of GOD's Word in your own Souls, the better will you be qualified to Preach the Kingdom of GOD, and Teach thoſe things which concern the LORD JESUS CHRIST, with all Confidence. But then, remember that while you tr… in the LORD, you muſt be found in the diligent uſe of Means: Give your ſelves therefore to Reading and Study, … your Circumſtances will allow; and above all, ſtudy your B…BLES; for all Scripture is given by inſpiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for inſtruction in righteouſneſs; That the man of God may …e perfect, throughly furniſhed unto all good works, 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. And let GOD's Law and Teſtimony be your rule and directory in all your Inſtructions, or there will be no light in them.

p. 20And here give me leave to offer a few Hints.

Let there be a Compendium or Summary of Chriſtian Religion agreable to the Scriptures, and as ſhort and plain as may be, often inculcated, till the Natives ſhall have learned the Principles of the Doctrine of CHRIST. Declare to them the only true and living GOD, who made Heaven and Earth, and all things in them; and that He made Man upright, in His own Image. Shew them their vile and miſerable State by the Fall. Declare to them that this GOD, who is the FATHER and the SON and the HOLY GHOST, hath contriv'd a way in which they may be deliver'd from their Sin and Miſery. That in order to this, the Eternal SON of GOD hath taken our Nature, and became Man; that He was obedient to Death, the Death of the Croſs; … again from the Dead, and lives in Heaven to intercede for his People. Declare to them, that this JESUS is the only Mediator between GOD and Man; and that they muſt pray to GOD in His Name only. Shew them the neceſſity of turning from all Sin to GOD in true Repentance; and of receiving the LORD JESUS CHRIST by Faith, and depending on His Righteouſneſs for Pardon and Juſtification. Declare to them that GOD alone hath power to forgive Sins. Shew them the nature and uſe of the holy Sacraments, and that thoſe which CHRIST hath inſtituted are only two, Baptiſm and the Lord's Supper; and labour to maintain in them an high eſteem of them. Shew them that they muſt be taught the Principles of the Chriſtian Religion, and ſubject themſelves to the Authority and Laws of CHRIST, before theſe may be adminiſtred to them: That if they would receive ſaving benefit by Baptiſm, they muſt alſo ſeek the waſhing of Regeneration, and renewing of the HOLY GHOST, for themſelves and their Offspring, that being born of Water and of the Spirit they may enter into the Kingdom of GOD. Teach them that the Lord's Supper muſt be receiv'd by the Communicants in both Elements, Bread and Wine; and that 'tis contrary to Senſe Reaſon and Scripture, to imagine, that theſe are turn'd into the very Body and Blood of CHRIST▪ and therefore that CHRIST, who is ſpiritually preſent with his People, muſt be apprehended and received by faith, if they would partake in the ſaving virtues of his Death. And take heed you never proſtitute theſe Sacred Myſteries of our holy Religion, by adminiſtring them to any under Heathen Ignorance, under Romiſh Idolatry, or that live and allow themſelves in open and ſcandalous Immoralities.

Declare to them the Commandments of the Moral Law. That GOD only is the Object of Prayer, and all religious Worſhip. Tell them, foraſmuch as we are the Offspring of GOD, we ought not to think that the God-Head is like unto Gold, or Silver or Stone, graven by art, and Man's device: that it is p. 21a moſt hainous Crime to worſhip GOD by Images; and that He who is a jealous GOD, threatens to puniſh this Iniquity upon Parents and their Children, unto the third and fourth Generation. Teach them to Sanctify the Sabbath Day; and in a word, the neceſſity of a ſober righteous and godly Life▪ In particular, do all you can to convince them of the great Evil of that Sin which moſt eaſily beſets them, and to keep them from it; le…t they wholly forget GOD's Law, and quench every good motion of His SPIRIT: Solemnly warn them of the Deſtruction they are bringing upon themſelves by it, and how they are conſuming away under the deadly influence of it.

[However, I am inform'd that tho' they have a Name for GOD, yet they have no form of taking his Name in vain, in their own Language. Be aſtoniſhed, O ye Heavens, and be horribly afraid! in that this preſumptuous Sin of profane Swearing is ſo common where the light of the Goſpel ſhines, and GOD's glorious and fearful Name is clearly reveal'd▪ And let ſuch bold Tranſgreſſors know, that it will be more tolerable for barbarous Indians than for them, in the Day of Judgment; when the LORD ſhall make it appear, that He will not hold them guiltleſs that take his Name in vain.]

But to return from this Digreſſion; Declare to them, that GOD alone can change their Hearts, enable them to hate Sin, and love his Law; and then direct them to ask of GOD His HOLY SPIRIT, to ſanctify them, and create them in CHRIST JESUS unto good Works. And ſhew them that when they have done all, they muſt Truſt in the Merits of JESUS CHRIST, and not preſume to think that they can merit by their good Works. But I forbear.

In your teaching, there muſt be precept upon precept, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. But how much skill and prudence do you need in this matter? Depend on GOD for all, and encourage your ſelves in Him, who ſaid on the firſt Day, Let there be Light, and there was Light; and can now more eaſily ſhine into their Hearts to give them the knowledge of the Goſpel, than you can ſpeak a word. Who hath heard ſuch a thing? Shall a Nation be born at once? Yes, if GOD pleaſe, a Nation ſhall be born in a Day, and Converts be numerous as the drops of Dew from the womb of the Morning. O that this Day of GOD's power might dawn and ſhine on a World ſitting in Darkneſs! O that the poor Indians might ſee the light of Life, and live!

But think it not ſtrange, if you meet with ſharp Trials from the Prince of Darkneſs, and ſuch as are under his power, while you are endeavouring to enlighten Men with the knowledge of JESUS CHRIST; and be ready to endure hardneſs, p. 22as … good Soldiers. Look to GOD continually for all that Knowledge and Wiſdom, Faith and Patience, Zeal and Courage, Meekneſs and Self-denial, which you need; and be cloathed with Humility. Live by Faith and Prayer, and then ſay with the …almiſt, Pſal. cxviii. 6. The Lord is on my ſide, I will not fear: …hat can man do unto me? If He be your Sun and Shield, you ſhall neither want Light nor Protection.

And here, for your further Encouragement, I might propoſe to your Conſideration the Promiſes made to our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who ſends his Miniſters to open the eyes of Men—. Pſal. ii. 8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the utmoſt parts of the earth for thy poſſeſſion. Iſai. liii. 10.—He ſhall ſee his ſeed, he ſhall prolong his days, and the pleaſure of the Lord ſhall proſper in his hand. ver. 11. He ſhall ſee of the travail of his ſoul, and ſhall be ſatisfied. Iſai. xlix. 6.—I will give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayeſt be my ſalvation unto the end of the earth. Again, Conſider, GOD's Hand is not ſhor…n'd, that it cannot ſave; and the Sacrifice, by the Blood of which our SAVIOUR hath Redeemed His People out of every Kindred, and Tongue, and People, and Nation, is as full of Virtue as ever; and His Interceſſion as prevalent for the ſending of the HOLY GHOST: ſo that all that the FATHER hath given Him, ſhall come unto Him.

I might alſo for your Encouragement mention the extraordinary Succeſs which the Bleſſed GOD gave to the Goſpel among the Heathen, as we have this tranſmitted to us from the Records of the Sacred Scriptures. I might alſo put you in mind of the wonderful Work of GOD, in cauſing the Light of his Goſpel to ſhine upon our Anceſtors in Great Britain, who before ſat in groſs Darkneſs; and then in recovering them from the Idolatries of Popery. When we look back on theſe things, we may well admiring ſay, What hath GOD wrought! And looking to the hole of the Pit whence we our ſelves were digged, you may encourage your ſelves in that GOD, with whom all things are poſſible.

And whereas the Honourable SOCIETY for propagating Chriſtian Knowledge at Edinburgh, are under GOD the Inſtruments and Encouragers of your Miſſion, by the pious Donation of the late Reverend and Charitable Dr. Daniel Williams, of London; I may with propriety obſerve to you the Succeſs which we are inform'd GOD hath already given to Their Endeavours nearer Home, among the Highlanders in Scotland, who had been ſunk very low in barbarous Ignorance: Of this a Reverend Perſon ††The Rev. Wm. Hamilton Profeſſor of Divinity in the Univerſity of Edinburgh.in a Sermon preach'd to the above-named p. 23Honourable SOCIETY, Teſtifyeth, "That many Thouſands of thoſe poor People have been taught the Knowledge of CHRIST."

However, I need not go ſo far to fetch Encouragement for you. It pleas'd our merciful GOD in the laſt Century to ſend His glorious Goſpel to the Aboriginal Natives of this Land, who for unknown Ages had been in Heathen Darkneſs; and to give them the Bible in their own Language, by his ſignal Bleſſing on the Labours of our pious and renowned Eliot, whoſe Name, together with that of Mayhew and other Worthies, ſhould be had in Everlaſting Remembrance, in honour to our Glorious LORD, who ſpirited and ſtrengthned them to this difficult Work, and made them the happy Inſtruments of enlightning not a few with the Knowledge of GOD, and JESUS CHRIST, whom to know is Life Eternal.††See the Rev. Dr. Cotton Mather's Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory of New-England; and the Rev. Mr. Experience Mayhew's Indian Converts. And this manifeſtation of Divine Power and Grace may anſwer an Objection: You may be ready to think with your ſelves, How can we go to a People of a ſtrange Speech, and hard Language, who have not the extraordinary Gifts with which the Apoſtles were furniſhed, when they ſpread the Goſpel among the Heathen? Let Experience anſwer; GOD wonderfully bleſs'd theſe excellent Perſons in their diligent Endeavours to learn the Indian Tongue, and then to communicate Chriſtian Knowledge; ſo that we behold a conſiderable number of Indian Churches Gather'd, and walking together in the Faith and Order of the Goſpel; ſome furniſh'd with Engliſh, others with Indian Paſtors. Do you go, and do likewiſe. May you with like Zeal for the Glory of GOD, and Compaſſion to Men, lay out your ſelves in this weighty Affair, and the LORD be with you. And certainly Hi… Preſence, and the Light of His Countenance, are ſufficient to brighten the moſt diſconſolate Circumſtances of Life. The … Paul could ſay, I have learned in whatſoever ſtate I am, therewith to be content. I can do all things through Chriſt which ſtrengthneth me, Phil. iii. 11, 13.

And further, conſider what a Price is now put into your Hands to ſerve GOD and your Country? What great and publick Bleſſings you will be to this People, if the gracious Preſence of CHRIST with you ſhall be as a Wall of Fire about us, on our Eaſtern and Weſtern Frontiers. Conſider, what a Honour it will be to you, if after all the Blood and Treaſure ſpent in War with theſe Salvages, you muſt be the Inſtruments of obtaining the moſt glorious Victory over them, by ſubduing them to CHRIST, and the obedience of Faith. p. 24Upon this, I do not promiſe you a Corruptible Crown of fading Laurel, nor yet a Roman Triumph; Honours which engag'd the ancient Heathen in ſome of the moſt difficult Enterprizes. No! we ſerve a better Maſter; our bountiful LORD, doth not call you to ſtrive unto Agony for ſuch periſhing things; but from His High Throne holds out to you a Crown of … that f…d…th not away; and His Voice from Heaven to each of you is, Be thou faithful unto Death, and I will give … a Crown of Life. This glorious Reward then, which CHRIST hath purchaſed, and freely offers to you, doth not depend upon your Succeſs, but Fidelity. Your Judgment is with the LORD, …nd your Work with your GOD.

USE. VIII. In the laſt place, I turn myſelf to this Aſſembly: Let us bleſs GOD who hath caſt our Lot in pleaſant Places, where the light of the Goſpel ſhines▪ and take care we do not receive this Grace of GOD in vain.

In Goſpel Privileges we are Exalted unto Heaven; but we muſt know that if we continue unbelieving and impenitent, we ſhall be brought down to Hell. Let us then with godly fear attend to that word, Mat. iii. 9, 10. And think …t to ſay within your ſelves, We have Abraham to our father: for I ſay unto you, that God is able of th…ſe ſtones to raiſe up children unto Abraham And n…w alſo the … is laid to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit, is … down and caſt into the fire. Let the Children of the Covenant look to themſelves, and beware le…t that threatning ſhould be fulfill'd in any one of them, Mat. viii. 11, 12. I ſay unto you, that many ſhall come from the eaſt and weſt, and ſhall …it down with Abraham, Iſaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom ſhall be caſt into …ter darkneſs: there ſhall be weeping and gnaſhing of teeth. Great is our Advantage, that unto us are committed the Oracle… of GOD; and we ought to be very thankful for this diſtinguiſhing Favour, that the Myſtery of Salvation by JESUS CHRIST, kept ſecret from many others, is made manifeſt to us by the Scriptures. But then, let us not be high minded, but …ear; and ſeriouſly conſider what we ſhall render to the LORD for ſo great a Benefit; leaſt we treaſure up to our ſelves wrath againſt the day of Wrath, by deſpiſing the Riches of GOD's Goodneſs. Let us, ſenſible of the Darkneſs and Corruption of our Hearts, ask the HOLY SPIRIT to Enlighten and Sanctify us. Let us not … ourſelves with an outward Profeſſion, and a Name to live; but earneſtly ſeek a thorough Converſion to GOD, and vital Union with JESUS CHRIST, that we may be found in Him. Let us beſeech the LORD to fulfil that precious Promiſe to us and our Children. Jer. xxxi. 33. This ſhall p. 25be the covenant that I will make with the …uſe of Iſrael, After th…ſe days, ſaith the LORD, I will put my law in … inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they ſhall be my people. And let us then walk as Children of the light and day, having no fellowſhip with the unfruitful Works of Darkneſs, but rather reproving them. Let us reſiſt the Devil, and he ſhall flee from us; Watch and Pray le…t this Evil One ſhould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. And be not conform'd to this World▪ but be ye transformed by the renewing of your Mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect Will of GOD. Thus you may hope to enjoy the light of GOD's Countenance while paſſing through this World, and ſhall certainly come to ſee the good of his Choſen, and to glory with his Inheritance in Heaven. But if after all the Means GOD uſeth with you, you continue to reject CHRIST, to vex the HOLY SPIRIT, and to walk according to the Courſe of this World, according to the Spirit which now worketh in the Children of Diſobedience; I ſay unto you, it ſhall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, in the day of Judgment, than for you, when that Sentence muſt be pronounced on the Wicked, Depart from me, ye curſed, into everlaſting fire, prepar'd for the devil and his angels.

And now, I call heaven and earth to … this day againſt you, that I have ſ…t before you li…e and death, bleſſing and curſing: therefore chooſe li…, that …oth thou and thy …eed may live. Deut. xxx. 19.

To Conclude, Let us continue in Prayer that GOD would pour out his SPIRIT on his servants now to be ſeparated to this great and difficult Work, to Qualify and Strengthen them to the faithful Diſcharge of it.

Let us Pray that the Honourable SOCIETY and their Commiſſioners may at all times …joy the Direction and Aſſiſtance of GOD. That the Lord of the Harveſt would from time to time ſend forth ſuch Labourers into the Indian Harveſt, as He ſhall own and bleſs; and …hat His Servants employ'd in one part of the Land and another, may have the Hand of the LORD with them; that many may believe and turn to the LORD. That the KING of …, who is the LORD Strong and Mighty, would caſt down Satan from his uſurped Throne, Deſtroy Antichriſt by the brightneſs of His Coming, and take to Himſelf his great Power and Reign. That He would ſprinkle many Nations with his Blood, and pour out his SPIRIT upon all Fleſh▪ and thus in a more illuſtrious p. 26… that Promiſe, Iſai. xi. 6, 9. The wolf alſo ſhall dwell with the lamb, and the le…p…d ſhall lie down with the kid: and the calf, and the young lion and the fatling together, and a little child ſhall lead them. They ſhall no… hurt nor deſtroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth ſhall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters …er the ſea.

Let us pray, that both Jews and Gentiles may be gather'd, and united under this Glorious Head of the Church, and ſo that good Word of His be accompliſhed, Joh. x. 16.—There ſhall be one fold, or Flock,††foreign … g…ex, et … paſtor. Re…. and …e Shepherd.

HE which teſtifieth theſe things, …aith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. E… ſo Come LORD JESUS.

THE END.

ERRATA. Pag. 4. for uſeth r. uſe. p. 18. f. chiefeſt r. chief.

N. B. Some Paragraphs omitted in Preaching are here inſerted.