Works 5

BX 8915
.W5
THE
WORKS
OF
JOHN WITHERSPOON,
D. D.
SOMETIME MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT PAISLEY, AND LATE

PRESIDENT OF PRINCETON COLLEGE, IN NEW JERSEY.
CONTAINING
ESSAYS, SERMONS,
&c.
ON
IMPORTANT SUBJECTS
INTENDED TO ILLUSTRATE AND ESTABLISH THE DOCTRINE OF

SALVATION BY GRACE, AND TO POINT OUT ITS
INFLUENCE ON HOLINESS OF LIFE.
TOGETHER WITH HIS
LECTURES ON MORAL PHILOSOPHY,

ELOQUENCE AND DIVINITY;
HIS SPEECHES IN
THE AMERICAN CONGRESS;
AND MANY OTHER VALUABLE
PIECES,
NEVER BEFORE
PUBLISHED IN THIS COUNTRY.
VOL. V.
EDINBURGH
PRINTED FOR
J.
OGLE, PARLIAMENT-SQUARE J M. OGLS,
GLASGOW OGLES, DUNCAN, & COCHRAN, LONDON J

AND T. JOHNSTON, DUBLIN,
',
1815.
CONTENTS
OF
VOLUME
SERMON
V.
XVII.
The charge of /edition and fa 1 ion
againjl
good
men, efpeciaUy faithful minijlers^ confidcred
and accounted for

Preached in the
Abbey Church
Thurfday, September
nation of
7.
Mr Archibald
of Paifley, on
1758, at the OrdiDavidson, as one
To which
of the Minifters of that Church.

is
fubjoined, the Chargê to the Miniller, and
the Exhortation to the People.
Acts
xvii. 6. laji claufe.
Thefe that have turn-
ed the world upfide down, are come hither

.
alfo,
SERMON
P^g^9
XVIII.
Prayer for national profperity^ and for
the
revival of religion, infeparably conneBed,
Preached on Thurfday, February 16. 175?, being the day appointed in Scotland for the
late Public Faft.
IsA.
li.
9.
arm of
da-vs,
Awake, awake, put on

the Lord
awake as in
in the
flrength,
the ancient
generations of old.
Art not
CONTENTS.
vi
thou
Rahab and wounded
that hath cut
It
the dragon
SERMON
57
XIX.
Seafonahle advice to young perfons.
Preached at the Laigh Church of Paifley, on
To which
Sabbath, February 21. 1762.

prefixed.
An
is
authentic Narrative of the dif-
orderly and riotous meeting on the night before the celebration of the Lord's fupper in
that place,
which gave occafion
to the Dif-
courfe.
PsAL.
Bleffed
I.
i.
is
the
man
that
walketh not
in the counfel of the ungodly, nor ftandeth

in the
way
of finners, nor
of the fcornful,
litteth in the feat
90
SERMON XX.
Minijierial cbaraBer and duty,
2 Cor. iv. 13.
We
fpeak,
and therefore
alfo believe,
126
SERMON XXT.
The fuccefs of the go [pel
1
CoR.
is
iii.
5, 6, 7.
Who
is
Lord gave
of God,
who
Paul, and
Apollos, but minifters by
lieved, even as the

I
then
entirely
whom
to
ye be-
every
man
gave the increafe.
So then, neither
is
that planteth any thing, neither he that

tejreth,
but
God
God
have planted, Apollos watered, but
that giveth the increafe,
he
wa143
IThe dominion
CONTENTS.
vli
SERMON XXn.
Pag.
of Providence over
the pajjions
of
men
Preached at Princeton, on the 17th of
May
1776, being the General Fad appointed by

the Congrefs through the United Colonies.
To
which
is
added,
An
Addrefs to the
tives of Scotland refiding in
America.
PsAL. Ixxvi. 10. Surely the wrath of man

praife thee
thou
Naihall
the remainder of wrath fhalt
reftrain,
.-
SERMON
176
XXITI.
Delivered at a public thank/giving after peace.
PsAL.
Salvation belongeth unto the Lord, 237
iii.8.
SERMON XXIV.
Chrijlian Magnanimity,
September 1775, the

Sabbath preceding the Annual Commence-
Preached
at Princeton,
ment of Princeton College

additions,
and again, with
September 23. 1787.
That you would walk worthy

of God, who hath called you into his king-
I Thess.
ii.
dom and
12.
glory,
271
sr
SERMONS
ON
INTERESTING SUBJECTS.
SERMON
XVIl;
THE CHARGE OF SEDITION AND FACTION A~

GAINST GOOD MEN, ESPECIALLY FAITHFUI.
MINISTERS, CONSIDERED AND ACCOUNTED
-
FOR.
Preached
In the
Abbey Church
of PaiTley, on Thurs-
day, September 7. 1738, at the Ordination of
Archibald Davidson,
To
of that Church.
Charge
one of the Minillers
which
to the Minifter,
the People
heard
as
Mr
is
fubjolned, the
and the Exhortation te
Publiftied ac the d^fiie of thufe
who
it.
Acts
xvii. 6. lafl claufe.
Wheje that have turned the world upjide down are
come hither
My
Brethren,
have
YOU
hearing
and
aljo.
office.
had, of late, frequent opportunities of

difcourfes on the minifterial character
Thefe fubjels indeed have, on occafions
of this and afimilar nature, been fo often and fo well
VoL.V.
THE CHARGE OF SEDITION AGAINST
Ô
handled, that
which
made
not
fhall
teratjion
it
very
hard to fay any thing on them
is
l?e
much
Ser. 17.
either bare repetition,

for the vvorfe.
choice at this time of a fubjel
or
an
al-
have therefore
fomewhat
dif-
ferent, but the ufefuhiefs of which, both to minifters
may
and people,
be eafily difcerned.
great part of the facred volume confifts of
And,
hiftory.
and the hiftory

ving ftudy,
f^nt or
as
the knowledge of pafl events,
of mankind
fo there is
more
in general, is
no objedt of ftudy more plea-
profitable,
than that extenfive view of
the great plan of Providence which

in the
us
an impro-
is
exhibited to
There we have
word of God.
accefs to
obferve the power, the wifdom, and the grace of
the various revelations of the divine will giveii in

fucceflive ages, their correfpondence one to another,
and how well each

circumftauces of
its
fuited
is
Above
and other
all, it is
ufe-
and delightful to obierve the perfect union and
ful
harmony of
the whole, and the feveral itriking and
dillinguiihing charad:ers
all
to the R'afon
difcovery.
that,
are
to
be found on
the works of the one eternal and unchangeable
God.
This uniformity
than
T'ue
all
in the fufferings
of good
.elifaon being the
we may
age,
in nothing
is
fame
more remarkable,
men and
in
their caufes.
fubilanct in every
expeft to find a very ftrong likenef;: in
the real fervar:ts of God. however diltant the
make rheir appearance. A

cortiorrnity of ftate alio may be expected, as well as
a finulaiity ot chaiadler. They hav-e tie fame end
periods in
h'ch they
in view, thev trifad

Oiuft
meet
ir
the fame .path, aiid therefore
witii refiitance
from the fame enemies.
GOOD MEN ACCOUNTED FOR.
Tl
There was from, the beginning, and there
will be to
Ser. 17.
the end of the world, a ilnfe and conflil between
the feed
"the feed
And,
of the fexpent."
natural
to
the righteous and the wicked, between
of the
woman, and
in particular,
it
is
fuppofe that (lander
and calumny will be always one of the weaponsufed by the enemies of the truth.
We
have no rea-
fon then to be farprifed, that every good
have occafion
to
man
fay with the Pfalmill David,
my
charge things that
knew
and
"They
with a greater than he, the Son of David,

laid to
fhould
not."
This was the cafe with the apoftle Paul and his
companion, in the paflage of hiftory of which
my
But the nature of the accufation

here brought againft them feems to be fingular, andtext
is
a part.
They were
to merit particular attention.
the fer-
vants
and the minifters of the Prince of peace.
Their
office
of peace.
love.
was
and publifh the gofpel
Their do^lrine was
They
to love
full
of meeknefs and
God
difcovered the love of
example of
and, after the
men
to preach
to
outward appearance, and neither

ed any earthly dominion.
their Mafter, they charged
They were mean
one another.
men
in their
polTeired nor claim-
In one word, they had
nothing about them that one would think could give

jealoufy to the civil power, that could feem formi-
dable or dangerous to any chara61er or clafs of men.
Yet here they
are charged as feditious, as difturbers
of the public peace, as ''enemies to the government.
" Thefe that have turned the world upfide down,

are come hither alfo
Thefe all do contrary to the
dt crees of Cefar, faying,
one
jiifus.'*
What
fort
That there
is
another king,
of an accufation
is
this ?
12
Bot only
falfe
but improbable.
Ser. I7.
Does not the arch-
enemy, the accufer of the brethren, feem

failed in his ufual fkill
of fuccefs
in fo
But what
mination
Is there the leall profpe6t
groundlefs a charge?
fhall
we
fay
if
be found, that
it
upon an accurate exathe fame charge hath
been brought againll the f_rvants of

age
that none hath
God
it is
their enemies
in every
been advanced with greater
boldnefs, and none with greater fuccc^fs
haps, that
have
to
Nay,
per-
the fingle itauding charge from which
have never departed
ning of the world, and which, of
fince the beginall
hath
others,
been molt readily and moll univerfally believed.

In other inftances, the reproaches thrown upon the
children of
God
have been oppofiie, and mutually
deftru^live of each other.
Chrift himfelf,
made him
zeal in his Father's bufinefs
was
bread,
fald to
when his
forget to efX
At
be befide himfelf, and mad.
other times he was called a cunning deceiver, and
mailer of the curious
But
arts.
in this his
enemies,
and thofe of his people, have never varied
enemy
to Cefar, with
of ufurpation written over him
compelled
crofs,
all
his
difciples
after
and
They
their fuccefs has been equal to their malice.
cruciRed him as an
the title
and they have
him
to
bear his
and to groan under the weight of the fame
unjuft and flanderous charge.
There are few
fubjedls
attention of thofe
God;
who
more worthy of the

firmly believe the
ferious
word of
none which will afford greater occalion to
adore the myfterious depth of divine providence, or

fujnilh
more
inftru6t've leflbns to fuch as defire to
hold on with fteadinefs in the paths of true reJfîon,
'
Ser. 17.
Above
may
this fubjecl
all,
of the gofpel.
be ufeful to minifters
will contribute
It
charafter which they ought to bear

in
duty
their
them
them
prepare
to
which
againft the trials
IJ
it
the
to afcertain
;
to dire(5l
them
and fortify
for,
impoffible they
is
can avoid.
In difcourfiag farther upon this fubjecl,
pro-
it is
pofed, through the afiiflance of divine grace,
By
J.
a fnort hlftorical
dedu^Hiion,
That the charadler of
the holy Scriptures, to Hievv,
and diforderly, hath been
troublefome,
feditious,
conllantly given
from
chiefly
by wicked men
the fervants of
to
God.
To
II.
it
is
in
inquire, and
true
charge, and
religion
makes
In the lad place.
return ro the
1.
By
fliort
that gives occafion
to this
the world prone to believe
it.
To make fome practical improve-- -
ment of what may be

I
endeavour to point out what
faid.
of thefe, viz.
firft
hilloricaldedu6lion to fhew,
That
the character of feditious, troublefome, and diforderly, hath been conftantly given
the fervants of
point out fo
world,
God.
would not be
ething of this
from the
whofe name
-It
ftands
life
of almoil every good
upon
record,
in Scripture.
properly enough
But, as
fall
is
however
given of
much
to
difficult to
fpirit prevailing in
general the account be that
them
by wicked men
iliort
the
man
and
many
of
of what mii>ht
under this head, will be necef-
fary in the illuftration of the fecond, to prevent confufion
and repetition
fome leading
(hall
inftances, in
content myfelf with
very different ages, from
the eavliefl to the latell times.
B3
'
14
The
nary
and
in its nature,
as
any that hiftory
ces, as
of
mention
fliall
firft I
Ahab
and Elijah,
Ser. I7*
a paffage as extraordi-
is
fmgular in
affords.
circumftan-
its
It
the meeting
is
the time of a great famine
in
Ahab,
in the land of Ifrael.
that profane prince,
down
had, by his apoftafy and idolatry, brought
judgment of
a righteous
and on his houfe.
more
to
than
all
We
provoke the Lord
are told,
God
He
God
Kings xvi. 33.

pers of the true
That he did
of Ifrael to anger,
was natural
it
had perfecuted the worftiip-
with unrelenting violence

to expel:,
rancour, and diftinguiflbed
feverity,
all
who
As many
the prophets
the caufe of truth.
only through
by uncommon
continued fledfafl in
of them as he could
He
lay hold of, he had put to death.

for Elijah, not
kingdom of
the
all
had hunted
but through the neighbouring nations, as
by Obadiah,
find related
the Lord thy
God
dom
my
whither
and when they
his principal fervant
liveth, there
lord hath
faid,
He
is
**
we
As
no nation or king-
not fent to feek thee
is
he hated with un-
common
Ifrael,
kingdoni
his
**
the kings of Ifrael that were before him,'*
and, as
God, both on
the
not there
lie
took an
oath of the kingdom and nation that they found

thee not,'*
After
-Kings xviii. lO.
rity on his part,
when
God went
meet him,
out to
Elijah
by
all
the
fee the
feve-
this
command of
form of
his fa-
"
And it came to pafs when Ahab faw

lutation
Elijah, that Ahab faid unto him. Art thou he that
To this the
troubleth Ifrael ?" 1 Kings xviii. 17.
:
prophet makes the followmg ftrong and

<*
have not troubled
ther's houfe
Ifrael,
have troubled
juft reply
but thou and thy Fa-
Ifrael,
that thou haft
GOOD
Ser. 17.
ACCOUNTEB FOR.
ME?T
the Lord, and thou
commandments of
forfaken the
halt followed Baalim."
Another inftance fimilar to the former may be

found
Jehoihaphat and Ahab's confultation be-
in
"
fore going out to battle.
And
Lord
Is there not here a prophet of the
we may
faid
him
inquire of
"
And
of the Lord
but
beiides, that
the king of Ifrael
is
yet one
hate him, for he doth not pro-
phefy gord concerning me, but evil,"

7, 8.
faid.
man (MiImlah) by whom we may inquire
unto Jehoihaphat, There
caiah the fon of
Jehoihaphat
Here, you
Kings xxii.
Micaiah was the object of
fee,
hatred and aveviion, becaufe he denounced the judg-
ment of God againft the king's wickednefs. That

vengeance which he himfe'f not only merited, but
folicited by his crimes, was attributed to malice in
the prophet.
See an inftance of a general accufation of this
kind againft
Haman
all
the worftiippers of the true
"
And Haman
book of Eilher.
unto king Ahafuerus, There
is
fcattered abroad, and difperfed
among
all
in the
God, by
a certain
faid
people
the people in
the provinces of thy kingdom, and their laws
are dlverfe from
king's laws
to fuffer
all
people, neither keep they the
therefore
them," Efther
it is
iii.
not for the king's profit

8.
The prophet Jeremiah met with

ment
at different times
the fame
treat-
Neither prince, nor
priefts,
nor prophets, were able to bear without refentment

the threatenings which he denounced in the
name of
Now it came to pafs, when Jeremiah had
God.
made an e;.d of fpeaking all that the Lord had commanded him to fpeak unto ail the people, that the
"
THE CHARGE OF SEOITIoy AGAINST
TO
priefts,
and the prophets, and
the people, took
all
him, faying, Thou
flialt fiirely die.
propheficd in the
name of
houfe
were gathered
Lord,"
againft
and
Jeremiah
**
Jer. xxvi. 8, 9.
man
the people
all
in the houfe of the
Then fpake
worthy
is
be de-
ftiall
the priefts
and the prophets unto the princes and

people, faying, This
thou
the Lord, faying, This
without an inhabitant
folate
Why haft
be like Shiloh, and this city
fliall
Ser. I^.
to all tke
to die,
for
he
hath prophefied againil this city, as you have heard
with your ears,"
We
Jer. xxvi. 11.
find
him
af-
terwards exprefsly accufed of treachery on the fame

'*
account.
And when
he was
in
the gate of Ben-
jamin, a captain of the ward was there, whofe
was
irijah, the fon
niah, and he
Thou
See
13.
The
of Shelemiah, the Son of Hana-
took Jeremiah the prophet, faving,.
away
falleft
Chaldeans," Jer. xxxvii.
to the
alfo chap, xxxviii. 4.
prophet
Amos
parallel to the laft.
is
another inftance, precifely
Becaufe of his
he was invidiouflv reprefented
Then .^m^ziah
'*
king.
Jeroboam
name
as
fidelity to
a:i
enemy
God,
to the
theprieft of Bethel fen t to
king of Ifrael, faying,
Amos
hath confpi-
red againft thee in the midft of the houfe of Ifrael
the land
is
not able to bear
all his
words,"
Amos
vii. 10.
Our
blefted
accufation.
he
is
Lord and Saviour
However
called a deceiver of the people.
fome
faid,
He
is
under the fame
plain and artlefs his carriage,
much murmuri'ig among

for
fell
**
There was
the people concerning him,
a good
man
others faid,
Nay,
His
but he deceiveth the peoplr," John vii. 12.
enemies endeavoured to embroil him with the civil
Scr. 17.
government by
this infidious queftion,
"
Is
at lafl to the crofs
"
pretended crime.
And from
fought to releafe him
friend
that
was the fame
thenceforth Pilate
thou art not Cefar's
go,
whofoever maketh himfeif a king, fpeaketh
againft Cefar,"
1
law-
but the Jews cried out, fay-
man
Tf thou let this
ing-,
it
And
ful to give tribute to Cefar or not ?"
which brought him
I7
clofe
lliall
John xix. 12.
view of the Scripture hiftory
this
my
with the paffage of which
whole crime of the
text
apoftle Paul
is
The
a part.
and his companioa
was preaching the doftrine of the
crofs of Chrift,
We
are told he opentheme.

"
needs have fufand
alleged,
Chrift
muft
ed
that
his great and darling
fered
Then
and rifen again from the dead."
whom this doctrine
Jews, to
block, were "
moved
"with
the
always was a ftumblingenvy," and endeavour-
ed to inflame the refentment of the idolatrous mul-
moft wick"
ed and profligate
Certain lewd fellows of the
"
bafer fort."
They fet all the city in an uproar ;'*
titude
they took
for, their affociates the

:
and
no doubt, the friends of Paul and
as,
endeavour
to prote6l
them from
their enemies very gravely charge
thors of the confuflon, both

""
They
that have
Silas
would
the injurious alTault^
them
as
the au-
there and elfewhere,
turned the world upfide down,
come hither alfo."

Having produced thefe
are
Scriptures,
fay but
Only,
which are
little
in
inftances
liable to
from the holy
no exception,
fhail
on the fubfequent periods of the church.
general,
have prevailed
in
the fame fpirit will be found to
every age.
Whoever
will take
the pains to look into the hiitory of the church be-
fore the Reformation, cannot
when any
that
to obferve,
fail
among
one, either
was bold enough
Ser. I7.
the clergy or laity^
to reprove the errors in doftrine,
or the ambition, luxury, and worldly lives of his

cotemporaries, he was immediately branded as a
and diforderly perfon, and ofien feverely
factious
punidied as aa
That
both
at
was the
this
home and
any proof.
amplcs of
The
enemy
Ajid
it
in
to the peace of the church.

cafe with the
abroad,
is
firll
too well
we have had
reformers,
known
need
to
more recent
flill
ex-
both parts of the united kingdom.
noble ftruggle which
many
in
Eiigland made,
about an hundred years ago^ for their liberties facred

and
civil, ftili
And
bears the
name
of the grand rebellion.
remarkable, that however juft a
it is
had to ftand up
for their rights as
men
title
they
and Chri-
yet their doing fo at that time was in a great
ftians,
meafure owing to the fury and violence of therr enemies,
who
were, in every
refpe61:,
very judicious hiftorian fays
the aggreflbrs.
on this
fubjedl,
" That which, upon the whole, was the great caufe
of the parliament's ftrength and the king's ruin, was
that the debauched rabble through the land took all
that were called Puritans for their enemies

if
man
did but pray in his family,
fo tha,t
or were but
heard repeat a fermon, or ling a pfalm, they prefently cried out. Rebels, roundheads,
money and goods
how
it
that
all
innocent foever they were thcmfelves.
was
that filled
mind
to
their
were portable proved guilty,
This
the armies and garrifons of the
parliament with fober pious men.

T30
and
Thoufands had
meddle with the wars, but greatly
deli
Ser. 17.
when
red to live peaceably at home,
and drunkards would
diers
And
in
Scotland,
was no
there
the rage of folnot fuffer them *."
after
the reftoration, though
liruggle for
God
chofe to obey
I^
civil
rather than
liberty,
man,
all
who
either in the
were
fubftaiice or circumftances of relio-ious duties,
They
charged with treafon, and fufFered as rebels.
were expelled from the church, yet cenfured as

fchifmatics.
They were harafled, fined and imprifoned,
**
when
living in peace,
without any fault but
concerning the law of their God," and yet com-
They were banilli^d,

excommunicated, and denied the common benefits
of life
and yet, when the extreme rigour of their
plained of as troubleforae.
them
up arms in felfform of law for

government which had denied them
opprcflbrs compelled
to take
defence, they were condemned

that
refilling
its
in
protection.
forbear to add any
more
particular examples
but from the deduction above given,
men have been always
appear, that worldly

fed,
firtt
difpo-
God, and then

from them, that by flander
to opprei's the children of
to complain
cf injury
they might vindicate their oppveflion.

der, too, hath
of
will plainly
it
ftiJl
run
Ifrael, deceivers of
in
titl^t.
{lan-
trcublers
the people, enemies to Ctfar,
and turners of the world

the opprobrious
Their
the fame fttain
upfir.e
down, have been
generally given to the moft
upright aad moll taithful men, in every age and

'
country.
Wc
II.
-J'
proceed now,
...
In the fecond place, to mquire,

* Calamy's
What
Lite of Baxter, chap.iv.
...
it is
in
}gt
^S
gJg.-
THE CHARRE OF SEDITION AGAINST
20
Ser.
7,
true religion that gives occafion to this charge, and
makes the world prone ta believe it.

That there muft be fomething of this kind
very
is
So uniform an efFed could not take place
evident.
And,
without an adequate caufe.

attentive obfenêr, I
The
to difcern.
am
perfuaded
it is
not difficult
general caufe of this effe^l
in an equivocal fenfe, the charge
gion does indeed
that,
reli-
and uneaiinefs
wicked men, while they continue fuch
and
not be fuppofed but they will deeply refent

little
is,
True
is juft.
give trouble
order to illuftrate this a
and
to a ferious
more
it
to
can-
it.
In
beg your
fully, I
attention to the three following obfervations.

I.
The example
God
of the fervaiits of
is
a con-
tinual and fenfible reproach to the contrary condudl
of the men of the world.
Nothing can preferve
peace to any man, but fome meafure of
As
fadlion.
fo
a deceived heart turns the wicked alide,
the continuance of felf-deceit
tailing thofe pleafures
happintfs
peace.
is
fiii
To
in
And
as pride,
is
neceirary to his
which
reproach
howevti
his miftaken
his
fiiiely
every unrenewed
difguifed, has
heart,
muft every fpecies of reproof be to
character
Now,
is
not
tlie
condu51",
and to wound his
to dlftuib his drearn,
the dominion in
five
of
placed.
is
therefore,
felf-fatis-
how offtnmen of this
example of every good
man, a fevere and fenfible, though filcnt reproof to

the wicked ? With whatever fpecious arguments
men may fometimes

falfe pretences
to their
own
comparifon.
fin,
with whatever
they ma}^ often cxcufe and palliate
minds,
view with true
plead for
when
religion,
it
brought into one
it
is
is
not
The example
it
able to bear the
of good
men
to the
Ser. 17.
wicked
like the fan
is,
and painful.
to
live
upon a weak eye,
If I
may
fpeak
upon the confcience, roufes

fible fecurity, points
its
What
it
lling.
but
It is excellent in itfelf,
them.
elfe
was
It
it
fo, it
from a
diftreiling
it is
flajQies
ftate
offen-
light
of infen-
arrows, and fharpens
its
that produced the Hrft a6l
of violence that ftands upon record, the murder of

Abel by his brother Cain ? Of this the apoille John
fpeaks in the following terms
who was
of that
" Not
wicked one, and flew
and wherefore flew he him
as
Cain,
his brother
Becaufe his
own works
"were evil, and his brother's righteous."
And, as every worldly man's own confcience is

thus made troublefome to him by the example of
the children of God, fo it tends to fet fmners at variance with one another, and expofes the condud: of
each to the cenfure of the

verfally pra6lifed,
Sin,
refl;.
however uni-
Con-
jet generally fliameful.
is
fcience though bribed, and comparatively blind in a
man's own
under far
this
cafe, is often jufl;
nour and
bias in the cafe of others.
lefs
way, and
in this
way
who
It is
in
alone, that the public ho-
credit of religion
great a majority
hearts.
snd impartial, at lead
is
preferved, amidft fo
are enemies
to
Muft not then the example of
it
in their
ftri<fl
and
confcientious perfon, fet in the ftrongeft light the

faults of thofe
they happen
does
it
who
to fall
blemiflies
notice
is
a contrary part, fo often as
not open the ey^s of the
lefler
tice,
al:
under obfervation together.
world upon
Nay,
many
which would otherwife efcape
The degree
its
of fliame that attends any prac-
always in proportion to the fenfe which the
Vol. V.
il
Ser. I7.
bulk of mankind have of the evil of it. And this

fenfe cannot by any means be more ftrengthened,
than by an example of what
is
good
as deformity
never appears fo (hocking as when compared with
Thus
perfect beauty.
every inftance of his
truly pious
man
by
is,
expoling to re-
vifible conduct,
proach fome one or other, and, by confequence, provokino; their refentment.

It
is
for
this
reafon
that
men
difcover fuch a
pronenefs to difparage ^êry profefiion of piety luperior to their own.
every
How common
Jn the generality of wicked
men
the excellence of fuch a character,
demninor
o themfelves out of their
we
Why
is
when
perfeClly
fi-
Chrift aiked
was from hea" They reafoned with themfelves,
the baptifm of John
ven or of ,men
to us,
would be con-
own mouths. Their
milar to that of the Pharifees,
them whether
it
in all probability,
reflection,
pro-
this is not fo
If they fliould allow
perly malice as felf-defence.
faying, If
to afcribe"
appearance to weaknefs or hypocrily.
fucli
inward
is it
fay from, heaven, he will fay un-
fhall
did ye not
then believe him ?" In the
fame manner, fhould any confefs the excellence of a

conduct oppofite to their own, it would be impoifible to avoid faying to them,
againft light
Every one
Why
work
city fct
fpicuous,
fo fin
will fee, that this
muft neceffarily
xnoft ftrongly in the cafe of thofe
whofe
do ye then
is
of a public nature.
on a
hill.
it is,
by
As
whofe
office
They
their character
is
liold
or
are like
moft con-
neceffary coufequence, moft ufeful
to the good, and moft provoking to the wicked,
faithful minifters of Chrift, for inftance, are the
Ser. 17.
lights of the
by
and,
Tvorld,
2
and
their piety
dili-
anding reproach to the world lying in
gence, are a
But,
wickednefs.
a particular manner,
in
they
muft be the objeds of the hatred and refentment of

thofe of their
This
fteps.
is
above
ciple
by
mo'ft
farily
tiie
be
be ever
own
will not follow their
an evident confequence of the prin-
As
down.
laid
their character fuffers
comparifon, their pafnons muft necef-
mod
Let a minifter qf Chriit
inflamed.
guarded in his
fo
who
order,
fpfeech, ever fo inofPenlive
in his carriage, ever fo diftant in reality
Hng
more frequent or more affecpreaching, if he is more afnduous in the
others
tionate in
from inju-
he
if
is
duties of his funlion, this
muft naturally excite the
refentment of the lazy, flothful part of his profef-
This of
iion.
itfelf is
injury enough to thofe W"ho
love their worldly eafe, and have

the
pofll'ilion
their oflice.
more
pleafure in
of their benefice, than the exercife of

Is this furprifing
Not
in
His condudt does indeed molefl their quiet

forces
them
to greater diligence,
it
either
up
their
and expofes them to con-
real character to light,
tempt and
or holds
the leaft.
fcorn.
In order at once to confirm and illuftrate this

truth, be pleafed,
my
force and malignity of

ters, is
brethren, to obferve, that the
tnvy
in
defaming of charac-
always i proportion to the nearnefs of the
perfon to
whom
the character belongs.
Diflance,
either of time or place, greatly abates, if not
exringuifhes
drawn,
who
it.
wholly
Suppofe the character of a perfon
lived
many
ages ago, or even at pre-
fent in a very d flant country
fuppofe him repre-
{euted as eminent in virtue of every kind, as r-

TH CHARGE OP SEDIXrON AGAINST
:24
markably
good
diligent, as indefatigably a6tive in
few who
there are
call in queftion the faft,
But
tives.
of any
Set. 1 7.
let
or impute
it
difpofition to
to finifter
mo-
the fame be the apparent character
man among
are immediately
any
fliew
doing^
his cotemporaries,
up
in
how many
and
arms againft him
How
im-
do they believe, and with what pleafure do
plicitly
they fpread every idle calumny to hi? prejudice
How
immediately convêrted into hypo-
his piety
is
crify, his zeal into faction
and
ill
nature, his fervour
and diligence into afFe6iation and love of popularity;

and, in a word, every valuable quality into that vice
by which
it is
mofl commonly or moil artfully coun-
terfeited.
That
this difference of
judgment
is
entirely
owing
to the reafon I have afligned, will further appear if
you
confider, that
fo
foon as a connection of the
fame nature happens by any accidental circumftance

to be eftabliflied, the
fame invidious refentment im-
mediately takes place againft the moft diftant cha-
What
racters.
inveterate prejudice do infidels ge-
nerally fliew againft the characters of the Scripture

faints,
and thofe of the fathers of the Chriftian
church, becaufe the eftabllftiment of fuch characters
does neceflarlly and manifeflly infer the overthrow
of the caufe in which they arc embarked.
mean
time, the wife
fuftered to pofTifs,
men
In the
of the hi?athen nations are
without contradiction,
all
the re-
putation which their countrymen in after ages have
thought
fit
to
beftow upon them.
to ferve a certain purpofe,

fed
and magnified beyond
What
Nay, fometimes,
their character
all
is
increa-
reafonable bounds
pains have been taken by thofe Cliriftians
GOOD
Ser.iy.
who
accounted for.
Mf:N
25
patronize the modern inventions and Improve-
ments
in theology,
undermine the chara6ters of
to
the moft eminent champions of the ancient faith
What would fome
perfons teach us to believe of
Athanalius and Augudine
in earlier,
and Melanclhon in later times
Calvin, Luther
Not
we have
that
not well attefted evidence of their piety and integribut that, being of diiFerent fentiments from their
ty,
accufers, the excellence of their character is too

ii
good
fupport to their caufe *.
why
Another reafon
2.
reprefented as troublcfome
is,
and dare not comply with the

of men.
God
the fervants of
In matters merely
are"
becaufe they will not,
commandmenta
finful
good men are the
civil,
moll regular citizens and the moft obedient fubjeds,'

*
iaid
take the cpport'.mky
down
tation
herie to
add,
That the
will plainly account for tlie great
wh'ch the monks and
pish times.
It
was
principle above
and unalfAulied repu-
retired devotees fo long enjoyed in po-
their reputation, indeed,
upheld tor fa
wliich
long a period that imnênfe load of idolatrous faperflitrun, the Roinifn religion
and
it
wai
nor
loft till'they
were
grofsly corrupted,
and convents were becoine receptacles of the moft lliameful impurity
and
Thele perfons wtre feparated from the world.
luft
Nay,
and others
their character
was voluntary, and peculiar
themfelves. containing no pretence of an obli^jation upon

to imitate
But
if
and therefore they were fufFered to
it,
any perfons of piety towards God, and
live
all
told th'
me
before
himieif, " If the world hate you, ye

it
hated you," John
than the Lord

cute you:
John
fame treatment that he met with.
if
If they
xv. i8.
'*
know
The fervant
unenvied.
l"his
that
is
have perfecuttd me, they will
they have kept
my
to
others
Maf-
fidelity to their
ters caufe, live in the wurid, and refufe to be confirmed to

rnuft expecl the
No
made between them
in qaent, and few near comparifons could be
it.
they
he hatii
it
hated
not greater
alfo perfe=
faying, they will keep youis alfo/'
XV. io.
C3
^SiLi*
26*
Set. IJ.
But, as they have a Mafter in heaven, no earthly
power can
them
conftrain
The
fert his caufe.
deny his name or de-
to
reply of Peter and John to the
when they were commanded " not to

fpeak at all or teach in tlie name of Jefus," was in
" Whether it be right in the
the following terms
light of God, to hearken unto you more than unto
God, judge ye," A6ls iv. 19. With what invinciJevvifh rulers,
ble conftancy and refolution did Shadrach, Mefhach,
and Abednego refufe

zar's golden
image
whom
fcftly fimilar,
to
The
bow
before
Nebuchadnez-
cafe of Daniel
even the king's
was per-
commandment
could not reltrain from prayer to God.
When
good men are unhappily brought into thefe
circumftances, their conda6l

diction to authority.
How
preffive tyrants to ftyle
when
it
an apparent contra-
is
ready are lordly and op-
obftinacy and pride
And
are there wanting flavifh and fubmiffive flat-
terers near every inferior tribunal
crime, and to cry, " If thou

art not Cefar's friend ?"
indeed, but
as
fs.ich
are
It
aggravate the
to-
man
let this
go,
thou
not to be imagined
is
ftrangers to true religion
mull be greatly provoked at thofe who will not

comply implicitly with their commands. There is
a remarkable paffage
in a letter
of Pliny the younger
emperor Trajan, which

fentlments entertained by many on
plainly points out the
to the
was
sind yet
man
in other
this fubje6t.
He
matters abundantly humane,
own account of his treatment of

when brought to his tribunal. ** I
hear his
the Chriftians
aikcd them
if
felTed, I alked
they were Chriftians
if
thev con-
them again, threatening punifliment.
If they perfllted,
commanded them
to
be executed
GOOD MEN ACCOUNTED FaH.
Ser. 17.
for
whatever their con-
did not at all doubt but,
was, their ftubbornnefs and inflexible obfti-
feilion
nacy ought
There
v/hich
is
is
to
be puniftied."
a love of dominion nntural to
to carry
on their fchemes, and to
provokes them,
on a principle of confcience,
infift
on ha-
How
and
It frets
A refufal to obey,
expreLly fetting
is
and faying. Hitherto
to their authority,
thou go, but no further.
age
who
any who will not
therefore, to iind
be t'ubfervient to their pleafures.
this
men,
This muft naturally difpofe
ving them univerfally complied with.
bounds
all
under no controul or reftraint in thofe
are void of religion.
them
2f
few are able
to
(halt
bear
with patience, the hillory of the world in every

is
one continued proof.
Such
refufals,
rour upon the meafures

pofition.
him
lies,
drawing
to
comes
his
refufes
unworthy or
to be conlidered,
own
allegiance,
And no
feducing others.
to do, he,
wrong and
reprefents as
and, in fome refpeVs,

it
fome difhoftand in op-
Whatever any perfon
as far as in
Thus
reflel
which they
do alwa^-s
alfo,
unfit to
finful;
be done.
not only as with-
but as corrupting and
doubt
it
tends to draw the
command, and
and examine what they
attention of the world to the difputed
makes fome, perhaps,
fift
had before blindly gone into without fufpicion.
Hence
it
naturally follows, that
terference happens
thority,
in-
between human and divine au-
good men muft be confidered as diforderly
and troublefome
mofl:
whenever fuch
all
others
who with the greateft conftancy

duty, or who with the greateft ho-"
troubleforfie,
adhere to their
and thofe of them of
THE CHARGE OF SEDITION AGAIN^ST
^8
nefty and boldnefs,
Ser.
7.
and oppofe corrupt mea-
refiit
furcs.
inftances of this be-
find
It is Icfs furprifing to
tween heathen and Chiiilian, between the

fervants and open enemies of the true
is
how
adoniihing to think
happened between
ought
have
to
profeffing
God.
But
it
often the fame thing has
Chridian,
and
Chriftian
who
been better acquainted with the
rights of confclence, the meafures of fubmilTion, and

the
Not
duty of forbearance.
but many,
"lions,
have
vilions that
have
arifen
from
not
if
mod
the perfecu--
of the fchifms and di-
Chridian church,
fallen out in the
Tiie church of
popery.
all
the rigorous impofitions of ufurpcd
Unjud authority
authority.
only
is
Rome
the very eflence of
has expiefsly claim-
ed a power of making laws to bind the confcience,.

didindit
from the laws of
who
all
this
God
and feverely punifties
Protedant cliurches^
been confined to them.
though
their
feparation
is
Nor hath
quedion.
call this authority in
founded upon the very
contrary principle, have yet often in practice

in the fame arbitrary manner.
obedience to
in the
will
all their
not comply in fuch cafes,

that,
after
their fociety, dript
infid
and, as a good
how
loudly charge
and the author of
man
often doth
it
they have expelled him from
him of
his office,
and robbed him
of his maintenance, they alfo cad out his

evil,
aded
upotk
appointments, however finful
judgment of the fubjeft
happen
They
h'm
all
as feditious
that confufion
name
as
and troublefome,
which
their
owa
tyranny occalions.
3.
One
other reafon
accufed as troublefome
why
is,
the fervants of
bccaufe they are,
God are
in many
GOOD MEN ACCOUNTED TOR.
Ser. 17.
inftances,
2t)
obliged to bear teftimony againfl the fins
Reproof
of others, and openly to reprove them.
is
plainly, of all others, the greatell offence and provo-
down
cation of the proud, and draws
refentment, and yet
fome
are
cafes
their heavieft
often unavoidable.
it is
There
which every Chriftian, without
in
exception, muft fetl the conilraint of this divine
law
" Thou
in
fhalt
bour, and not faffer
Some
any wife rebuke thy neigh-
upon him," Lev, xix. 17,

in their nature, that even
fin
fins are fo flagrant
them with
to witnefs
filence,
ticipation of the guilt.
would imply fome par-
In fuch cafes
it is
the glory
of the poorell and meaneft fervant of God, to refent

the diflionour that
is
done
to his
name, and reprove
the mofl exalted finner.
But
mod
and the odium arifing from
this duty,
falls
frequently to the fhare of the prophets and mi-
niflers of
fpeak in
God, who have received a commiffion to

his name and to plead his caufe.
The
duty includes
faithful difcharge of their
nefs
it,
and boldnefs in reproving
They muft
and
all
of every kind.
and maintain the truth, and point
afiert
out the errors oppofite to

fruits,
fin
in it plain-
with
it,
all
their guilty
their dreadful confequences.
offenfive this to
human
pride
It
How
muft certainly
ther convince or provoke, reform or inflame.
ei-
When
righteous Lot fays, in the mildeft terms, to the luftful
Sodomites, "
"wickedly,"
faid.
how
pray you, brethren, do not fo

" And they
fierce is the anfwer
I
Stand back.
And
they
faid again,
This one
fellow came in to fojourn, and he will needs be
a.
judge," Gen. xix. 9.
How many
martyrs to truth have there been fince
THE CHARGE OF SEDITION AGAIxVST
30
the world began
Without mentioning
Ser. I7.
thofe in the
Old Teftainent, you fee John the Baptift loft hib life
by reproving the inceftuous adultery of Herod and
Our
Herodlas.
blcffed Saviour gives the following
account of the hatred of the world to him, and the

contrary reception
thren, "
The world
hateth, becaufe
By
are evil."
you
gave to his temporiiiag bre-
it
cannot hate you
I teftify
of
it
me
but
it
that the works thereof
coafulring the hiftot-y of the gofpel
will find, that
what gave
the confpiracy
rife to
of the Scribes and Pharifees againil him, was his

dragging off the mafk under which they lay concealed, and difcovering the errors of their do61;rine
the licentioufnefs
" perceived
When
of their pra6lice.
that he fpake againit them,
counfel againft
him
complifhed
foon as they could do
it fo
to
they took
put him to death

it
and
they
;"
and ac-
with fafety.
But there cannot be a better example, or indeed a

more lively and well drawn pifture of the effeft of
plain and juft reproof, tlian in the cdfe of Stephen
when
**
Ye
pleading his caufe before the Jewifh rulers
ye do always
ears,
refift
the
Which
fathers did, fo do ye.
not your fathers perfecuted

'
ftiff-necked, and uncircumcifed in heart and
Holy Ghoil
as
your
of the prophets have
And
they have
flain
them which fliewed before of the coming of the juit

One of whom you have been now the betrayers
;
and
murderers.
When
they heard
thefe
things,
they were cut to the heart, and they gnaflied on hlui
with their
teetli,"
Acls
vii.
31, 52. 54.
It is plainly
for this reafon that the apoilles, in their prayers for

aiTirtante,
do almoft conftantly
endued with
a proper
af!i
that they
degree of boldnefs and
may
be
refolui-
Ser. 17.
tion
" And now, Lord, behold
their threatenlngs,
and grant unto thy fervants that with
maj
they
3I
fpeak thy word," Als
all
boldnefs
Many
iv. 29.
other prayers are to be found in the apoftolic writings
which run
in the
19.
2 ThefT.
2.
It is
to
iii.
fame
See Eph.
(train.
very natural for every ore,
vii.
at this diflance,
imagine, that he could have been in no danger
of making fuch an obftinate reliftance to the truth,

or perfecuting, with fuch implacable enmity, thofe
who
efpoufed
men,
in
my
But,
it.
every age, have
fiiill
when
draws
it
the
God
the faithful fervants of
of reproof
brethren,
all
worldly
fame abhorrence of
the fame impatience
touches themfelves.
Our Saviour
their character with great beauty, in fpeaking
to the Pharifees
"
rifees, hypocrites,
Woe
unto vou Scribes and Pha-
becaufe ye build the tombs of
tl\e
prophets, and garnifh the fepulchres of the righteous, and fay. If

thers,
we would
we had
been
in
not have been partakers vvuh
blood of the prophets.
in the
witnefTes
the days of our fa-
them
Wherefore ye be
unto yourfelve?, that ye are the children
of them which killed the prophets," Matt, xxiii.

29, 30, 31.
verfe, that
grew, as
fore
forth
it
It
is
very delicately hinted in this
laft
they were of the fame nature, that they
it
were, upon the fame ftock, and there-
might be expeled that they would bring
the fame fruit.
cannot but here mention a
remark of a very eminent writer upon this palTage,

** That all nations partake much of this
difpofition
of the Jews, to honour the dead faints and perfecute
the living *.
Tillotfon.

THE CHARGE OF SEDITIOIi AGAINST
32
have taken notice above, that
Scr. 17.
every period
in
of the church, the moft faithful of the fervants and

minifters of
God
have, in fa6l, been counted trou-
blefome by corrupt and worldly men.
The fame
of hiftory conftantly fhew, that this has
paiTages
arifen chiefly
from
of prevailing vice
their attempts to
from
flem the tide
their boldnefs and faithful-
In the twelfth
nefs in reproving falhionable crimes.
man and excellent

" I know that
fpeaks thus to the clergy
my life, and will fhortly kill me But
century, Arnulphus, a devout

preacher,
you feek
why
fpeak the truth to you,
reprehend your
pride and haughtinefs, avarice and luxury; therefore
you not
I pleafe
And
*.*'
in the fourteenth century,
an ancient writer fpeaks of the court of

following terms
**
Rome
in the
For what can you conceive will
happen where virtue was long ago extindt and buried
of
There furely truth
is
the highell crime, and
many.
to procure the hatred of
itfelf fufficient
For how can we expert but that fhould happen,
where a
true
word cannot be fpoken without
reproach where the worit of
where
men
ridiculous,
any of them
dotli
fpeak, whence you
many
conceal f
."
may
others,
It is
to this purpofe
with the following
good
infomuch that
now
appear but to be laughed
Thefe few things truth
think of
where
elleemed madnefs^^
is
are rendered
fcarce
at.
fimplicity
a great
men are promoted
itfelf
hath dared to
gather what you are to
which
fear doth force
unnecelTary to cite
fhall therefore
many
me
to
paffages
conclude this head
juft refledion of the pious, dili-
* Whitby's A pp.
to his
book on Hoft-worfliip.
f Petrarch's Ep.
GOOD MEN ACCOUNTED
Scr. 17.
Mr
gent, and catholic
help for
but
it,
Baxter
we muft
impoffible to avoid
their patience.
it
Silent
"
FOR.
33
fee there is
offend wicked
men.
no
Jt is
but either by our fiience or
we
cannot be, becaufe the
word of God commands us

they cannot be, becaufe
to fpeak
and patient
has the dominion in
fin
their hearts."
We now
proceed, in the
make fame
laft place, to
pradical improvement of what has been faid.

In the
firil
place,
been faid upon
perfecution
There
for
the gofpel,
That
enemies, viz.
its
world was
againfl:
confcience
in a great
learn
it
much
infill-
has introduced
with which the
fake,
meafure unacquainted before.
few fubjedls on which
are
And,
from what has
the jufl and proper an-
this fabje.51,
fwer to an objection
ed on by
You may
enlarge
infidels
with greater pleafure, than the cruel hatred and animofity that has prevailed, the bloody wars that
have been carried on, nay, the favage and inhuman

inaiTacres
that have been perpetrated on a religious
account, fince the publication of the gofpel.

this
be.
cbje<Slion
is
but feldom anfwered as
It is ufually indeed,
whatever may have been

the gofpel, there
fuch a
fpirit
is
and praclice.
cution
if it
has been
rable effect.
We
argument out of
this fa6l as
Vol. V.
it
might
and juftly obferved, that

cIouq
by thofe
profeiiing
in it to
But the objelion
infidels
ferved their
its
think
no countenance given
wholly removed while

contend, as
are allowed
own
not
is
flill
to
caufe, that perfe-
conflant attendant and infepa-
ought, therefore, to
their hands,
and
firfl:
wreft
to
this
produce
an accompli (liiiQent of our Saviour's pre^
34
on
eartli
For
Think not
1 came not
'*
di^lion
am come
father, and
that
am come
7.
to fend peace
but a fword.
to fend peace,
to fet a roan at variance againft his
the daughter again ll her mother, and
her mother-in-law.
the dautjhter-in-law
ajâinft
a mail's foes
be tliey of his
Matt.
Sar.
(hall
own
And
houfehold,"
X. 34, 35, 36.
Having gone thus
we have
far,
reafon to contend
that the difciples of Chrift have always fufFered,
and never
the injury, though they have
inflifted
often been obliged to bear the blame.
Tiie multi-
tude of heathen religions, though not always, yet

did generally agree together
were
for they
and well they might,
None
from the fame author.
all
of
them, however, could agree with the gofpel, for

this plain reafon, that " no lie is of the truth.'*
But from what quarter

D''d not the dreadful
the three
in
Itians,
-heathens
perfecutions againfl the Chri-
firit
Did the
did the violence proceed?
centu
Chriiliaus
proceed from the
co limit any other
crime againft them, than pointing out the
danger of their idolatrous worlhip

practices
cry againft
And
Was
and
immoral
and
not this alone fufficient to raife a
them, as turning the world upfide down?
in all the
fubfequent perfecutions
Chriftians,
fcffiiig
fin
was
any thing
it
proud, violent, and worldly
among
of thofe
fpirit
than
elfe
protlie
who made
a gain of godlinefs, opprefiiag the few real believers

of every denomination
fpirit in
tion,
in
There
is
every church that ftiews

a
greater or kfler degree
be nothing more
an antichriftian
itfelf in
perfecu-
But there can
unjuft, than to attribute the perfe-
Ser. ly*
Chr
cution of
fl's
diiciples
by
his
35
enemies and theirs
to the fpiiit of his religion.

Is
then
it
ftian
is
the only religion in the world that leads to
perfecut on
only
its
by fome, that the Chri-
oldly affirmed
'
rel g
that has fufFered perfecution
numero
anfwer, on the contrary. It
enemies
.s
from
and, at the fame time,
-,
the
is
all
it is
the only religion in the world that require^, and

points out the obligation of mutual forbearance, and
makes the
tliings that are Cefar's
That
it
is
proof and
often
and the things that are God's.
blamed
as perfecuting others, is
For
of this truth.
illuftration
of
a-
have opened up above, and confirmed by
examples produced from
Dow
all is
from the fource
piece, and the falfe accufation arifes
which
between the
and proper divifion
jull
To
hiftory.
thefe
fhall-
only add one obfervation, which comes in with
That innumerable in (lances

which thofe very perfons who
peculiar propriety here.
may
be given, in
were ready
to
lift
the fecular
arm
good men,
againft
have loudly complained of the exercife of
difcipline,
and the cenfures of the church upon their crimes.
Thefe they often
flyle perfecution,
flow from a perfeaiting fpirit.
finri to
are often necelTary, fo even

..pjipplied,
if
and alv/ays af-
it
is
plain
from
when they
their
But
as
they
are unjuftly
very nature, that
they be groundlefs they mult be perfectly harm-
Thus
the (late of the world
an obje6lion againft, that

of the gofpel.
every quarter
^)en enemies
True
it is
is fo
far
from being
a proof of the truth
ChriiVlans have fuffered
from within and from without

and from
falfe
brethren.
from
from
They have
36
been
Ser. 17.
perftcutcd, and then llandered as perfccu-
firft
ting others
naj, obliged to bear the cdium of that
Of
very opprelTion under which thej groaned.
all
this
they are fairly fore- warned by their Saviour^
who
fays,
" Behold
fend you forth as iheep
They
midft of wolves."
the
are expofed to injurious
from many, and
treatn:ient
in
may
expel to fuffer
None however make fo cruel a

thofe wolves who put on iheep's clothings
without caufe.
havock
as
and yet, of
cruelty, the poor fuiTering ilieep
all their
xBuft bear the blame.
From what hath been faid you may fee the

guilt and danger of thofe who falfely accufe the
children of God. Perhaps you maybe ready wholly
to refufe the charge, and to fay, Where is the ne2.
where
ceffity,
Have we
not
plain of
age.
is
is
propriety of this at prefcnt
and religious liberty
all civil
not religion and

I anfvv'er, It
the
is
and are
minifters in efleem and repute
its
never unnecellary.
The
fault
com-
no part of the peculiar degeneracy of this

not confined to any one age, country, or
It is
but
profefiion,
is
common
them all
and we
iliould we fondly fancy
to
would but deceive ourfelves,

Nay, our prefent ttate
vie are exempted from it.
as a church and nation, feems to render fuch a warnin^^
peculiarly feafonable
outward peace.
is
fpirir,
ambition, luxury and
there no veilige of thefe chaiadlers
now ? Who will pretend it ? Are

feme who cannot endure fuch ftri^tnefs as
among
not
And
have long enjoyedP
every other country this has
In
introduced a worldly
florh.
We
us
eonfillent
able world
witii
?
Do
conformity to the
not
gpiy an^l
there
is
in-
'aibion-
all fucii inclint to cliarê
ever/
Ser. 17.
37
Do
they not
with hypocrify
pxofeffiou of piety
conlider evrery faithful reprover as an
peace
Do
enemy to
their
they not hear with fecret pleafure, and.
fpread with apparent triumph, every report to the

prejudice of fuch troublers of Krael
This then
is
the character, and as
confcicnce charges
as
You may
dinger.
fee*
you
vvhofe reward
whh
the guilt
fhall
'*
You
What
fliare.
fpirit
number of thofe who

not come to the light, left
your deeds fhould be reproved."

thofe
to the prophets,
inward en-
and power of
are of the
hate the light, and will
number of
many of you
may fee your
whofe caufe you plead, and
mity do you difcover againfV^the

true rehVion
who
to the feers,
*'
fay
You
are of the
See not, and
Prophefy not unto us right things,
fpeak unto us fmooth things, and prophefy deceit."

You will not " endure found dod:rine," but love
and follow only that which will exercife and amufe
your Imagination and fancy, footh and gratify your

pride and vanity, or
make and keep you
You
with yourfelves.
are
at
peace
and
afleep in fecurity,
may
tend to difturb or
interrupt your dangerous repofe.
And how hurtful
will avoid every thing that
is
your condu6l
and
to others
leffen the ufefulnefs
You
You
blaft the
charaders
of the minifters of Chrift.
bring an evil report upon the- truth,
dering
them odious
And
we,
if
my
or contemptible
brethren,
who
who
by
ren-
bear
it.
are minlfters of the
gofpel, imitate this example in any meafure
if
we
difcover a fufpicion and jealoufy, or an averfion and
hatred
at
all
who
v;hat diflionour
more diligent than ourfelves,

muft fall upon our profeffion, what
are
D3
TrlE ClfARGE
3^
^ hindrance
what
is
Ser.17,
the edification of others, and
to
it
w&
guilt do
OF SEDITIO!^ AGAINST
own
bring upon our
fouls
3. if this has been the conllant lot of all the fcr-
God,
vants of
to be accufed as feditious
every cautious perfon beware of being
fome,
let
niifled
by the perfecuting cry.
is
and trouble-
converfant in the world,
if
man who
not, in many
any
alk
he hath
been infenfibly taught to form a hateful
inilances,
many
idea, or to entertain a defpicable opinion of
knowledge, the
miniiiers, without the leaft perfonal
lead
fon
fati''
Why,
What
Tying evidence or proof.
he hath been
the rea-
is
that they are proud,
to.ld,
hypocritical, fadlious^ cenforious, troublefome
Well, the thing
mean
time,
is
it
polTible,
is
no doubt
from being
far
fort of charafter induftrioufly
dence of
it
above, that this
upon
f
tlie raofl
God
that
fidelity itfelf
who
reftd
fee,
is
is
no evi-
prefumption of the
may
very naturally
and that
it
who
is
quite faPe from
from theiu
who
reprove the
lliame the criminal lazinefs and
An
envied
all
arife
cannot be avoided by thofe
the corrupt meafures,
mini tier,
and this
from the indances produced

a reproach perpetually thrown
necrligence of ot'êrs.
tefs
certain
upright and faithful of the fervant
it
publicvices, or
but, in the
propagated
at all, or rather is a
You
contrary.
men.
ignorant, vicious, worths
by nobody.
He
is
therefore
the poifoned arrows which fly
from that quarter. He is rather a foil to many, to

fct ofF and illuftrate their own comparative excelHe is therefore often pardoned, pitied, and
lence.
protected.
Whereas
a faithful miniller,
who openly
dares to bear vvitneG Mgninil the apoftafy of others,_

-is
traduced and fiandered, loaded with imag,inary
GOOD MEN ACCOUNTED rOR.
Ser.lJ.
crimes, and often
falls
3^
a martyr to the finking caufe
of truth and righteoufnels.

Since the world
4.
is
Co
prone to receive the ac-
God,
ufation of facllon againil the children of
them be
careful to give no real
ground for
Un-
it.
calumny has fometimes the contrary
juft
When men
find that
it is
let
effel.
impoflible to pleafe a ca-
world, or wholly to efcape flander, they
pricious
are apt to give
up
all folicitude
upon
that head,
and
take no farther pains to avoid fufpected appearances.
take to be precifely what the Scripture calls

"
beinQT
overcome of evil." But how much better
This
is it
*'
ten as
overcome
to
poflible,
evil with
off
I
careful that
for well doing.
!"
Let
us. as of-
confute the accufation by an un-
blameable carriage
us be
good
For
to miniiiers the
and when
we
we mud
fufrer,
this
purpofe
let
but
fufFer not as evil dcers,
would humb'y
two following directions, wbicli
eiteem of great moment.

(1.) Let
all
our zeal for the glory of
God be con-
ducted, not only with ileadinefs but with meeknefs.
man woik-
Let us ever remember, that the wrath cf

eth not the ri^hteouihefb of
be always
Itrittly
of rage and
will fufficiently
to
it
If
we
provoke
are faithful to our ciury,

finners,
by any mixture of human
and effectual principles are

Scripture
Love
to
pradticai
for
God
we need
paliion.
we
not add
What
noble
furni(hed with in
avoiding every dangerous extreme
and love to man
religion.
of faith, and
Let our language
guarded, and free from exprefficms
fury.
it
God.
all
make up
the
fum of
Theie are the immediate
fruits
ihe truths of the gofpel tend to
ftrengthen and improve them.
And
as love to
Gc<J
THE CHARRE OF SEDITION AGAINST
40
produces indignation againft
oppofmg
nefs in
produce the
Hate
7.
rcfolution and bold-
man
love to
fo
it,
iin,
Ser.
will naturally
compafTion for the miferable
d:iepeft
every enemy of God, and prevent fiimnefs
of"
from degenerating into violence.
The
(2.)
fubjetl
other direlIon
ouily intermeddling in civil matters.

fliould
he
be feparated and
{liould
upon
offer
this
minifters take care to avoid offici-
that
is,
would
fet
be confecrated
apart for his
minifter
own work
to his office.
It is little
glory to him to be eminently {killed in any otherfcience, except
logy, and are
may
fucli as
by him
be handmaids to theo-
habitually turned into a divine
Mlniders giving themfclves
channel.
worldly
to
employments have been commonly of bad fame

and where there
is
a fufficient provifion
made
i.
for
their maintenance, feems to be an unjuft alienation
of their time and talents.
But
and dangerous for them to
defire or
matters as
tion of fuch
the civil magiilrate.

fays,
**
My kingdom is
fall
it is ftili
tlie
province of
our blcired Saviour
not of this world," he plainly
intimates to his difciples, that they have no
intermeddle with
even
their
in
the Gentiles
own
creatcft
among you
he that
23, 26.
" The kings of
proper fphere.
that exercife authority
But ye
fliall
let
over them
upon them are

not be fo
him be
as tlie
and they
called
bene-
but he that
younger
chief as he that doth ferve,'*
is
to
a lordly and arblti*ary dominion,
exercife lordfliip
factors.
title
Nay, he exprefsly
ftate affairs.
warns them againft
fini'ul
claim the direc-
within
When
more
Luke
is
and
xxii.
cannot help mentioning here, that this
is
ne of the things for which our worthy anceftors of
GOOD MEN ACCOUNTED tOR,
Ser. 17.
the church of Scotland
defpifed
highell commendation.
ferve the
riable
(now
by manj) de-
It
was an inva-
with them to be againft the
principle
power and
And
places of kirkmen.
Rers confine theaifelves entirely to
mini-
farel j if
tlieir
civil
own proper
much lefs liable to exception

They may then warrantably ufe
duty, they will be
than otherwife.
the greateft fidelity in reproving, and the greatefl

llri^lnefs in difcipline
and though the wicked
{lan-
der and oppofe them, the good will defend them,
and
God
In the
them.
will fupport
place,
laft
Since the charge of fadliofi
and fedition has been always brought againft

us learn to bear
ful miniflers, let
it
faith-
with patience,
and- never diflemble the truth, or depart, in any

fure,
from our duty,
in order to avoid
wound
of a generous mind feels a
more deeply than almoft any other

ftill
is
it.
mea-
perfon
in his reputation
injury.
We
are
apt fondly to flatter ourfelves, that as religion
truly amiable in
mies, that therefore
very apt to
oiT;it,
of their duty,
we
make no enehave none. Some are
and ought to
itfelf,
iliall
or (lightly to perform feveral parts,
through that " fear of
bringeth a fnar'e."
They
man
that
are unwilling to forego
the hope, that by certam prudent compliances they^

will conciliate and preferve the favour of every
and every party.

vain.
The
But the expectation
experience of
wholly
ages hath proved
Let us therefore bear with patience the
fo
accufation.
worthicll
It
men
it
it
falfe
hath been the lot of the bed and

in
every age.
bleffcd Mailer, and iball
I4
many
is"
man
we
not " enough for the
It
was the
lot of
our
refufe to bear his crofs
difciple that he be as hf^
THE CHARGE OF SEDITION,
42
Scr. I^.
&:C.
Mafter, and
the fervant that he be as his Lord
The triumph
of finners
time
is
but very {hort.
In a
little
Then
earthly relations (hall be diirdved.
all
?'*
high and low, maoillrates and fubjefts, minifters

and people, (hdl ftand before the judgment- feat of
He
Ghrift.
to every
one according.
There the grea and noble
to his deeds."
no. partial
" render
fhall
favour
poor and mean fhall
there the
not efcape obfervation
and there the lying
He
derer fhall be put to eternal filence.
acknowledge every
ihall find
faithful
fervant,
fliall
flan-
openly
" bring,
and
forth his righteoufnefs as the light, and his judg
meiit as the noon aay."
THE CHARGE.
Sir,
AS
you
now
are
ordained a minifter of Chrif^,
and have received the charge of
hope you
you
will bear with
me
this congregation, I
little,
while
offer
a few advices as to the difcharge of your im-r
And
portant truft.
cannot help beginning
by
congratulating you on the unanimous call you have

received from
fome,
count
it a.
you and them.

vantage.
and
will
if
It
people,
"However defpifed by
mod happy
circumftance both for
introduces
you with great ad-
this
It
gives
you do not
you a
fair
and impartial hearing
preferve their efleem and love,
probably be,
in
a great
;.
it
meafure, owing to
yourfelf.
I
mufl
firfl
of
manner, to be
tilie
all
befeech you, in the mofl earnefl
llrl^l:
and frequent
in inquiring into
truth and reality of religion in your
own
foal.
THE CHARGE.
15er. 17.
Perfonal religion
the foundation of
is
ties.
Thej
rable
meafure without
unknown
you
and
therefore, whether
whether you have " paflcd
whether you are united to

whether you know by experience
faith
of grace or not
Vv hile I
and
it,
ate of nature
and a
(late
fpeak
alTure
you
ft
me
from a deep imprtiljon of
its
How
to
miferable a cafe
is it
bring others to the
to
pe<Sls
more
fo.
We
it
no cauie.
fpeak
importance to us
have
it
all.
as our buiinefe
it
kingdom of htaven, and be
ourfelves at lad thruft out.

liable to felf-deceit as
implying any fufpicion
given
who have
this,
none will interpret
hop-*
as any refie6lion againft, or
of you,
It is a dif-
life ;"
to
do not mean
equally necell'ary
>our comfort.
the difference between a
is
Examine,
Saviour.
by
Chrift
It
it.
a dreadful thing, to preach an
it is
are " born again ;"
from death
relative du-
all
can fcarcely be performed in any tole-
to your ufefulnefs and to

ficult thing,
43
miniliier is as
any other, and
in
much
foine
ref-
are in danger of thinking our-
too eafily fafe, by comparing that outuard
felves
regularity to which our oiBce
itfelf,
even from
fe-
cular motives, obliges us, with the licentious extra-
We
vagance of profane fmners.

-our frequent thhiking
God,
in the
way
may
alfo
miftake
and fpeaking of the things of
of our calling, for an evidence of
true religion in ourfelves.
Nay, we
of miflakiag thofe gifts with which

us for the benefit of his
own
are in danger
God
furniOieih
people, for the huits
0f the Spirit, and gracious dilpolitions in our

hearts.
yourfelf.
aud
own
Maintain therefore a holy jealoufy over
Give
**
election fure,"
make your calling

^nd if you fave your own fouL
diligence to
'
THE CHARGE.
44
you
will
probably carry
many
Ser. 17.
others with
you
to a
and be able to fay, after the examj)]c

"
Behold I, and the children whom God
of Chrid,
hath given me "
betttr ^voild,
As
to the duties of
your
oflice, fee that
you preach
the pure and uncorrupted dodtrine of Chrift.
who
Clirift crucified,
and the
and without
life ;"
You
unto the Father."
men
Preach
the way, and the truth,
*'
is
whom
*'
no man can go
will never be able to
make
you convince them of their loft

fiate by nature, and thence m^ke them fee the neCfffity of juifification by the free grace of God,
truly good,
till
through the imputed righteoufutfs of Chriil.
you would know what

in
place Chrilt ought to hold
your preaching and fcheme of doctrine, obferv&
what room he
fills
crofs of Chrift
The
Teftament.
hope.
You
The
fee,
nient,
fum and
fubftance of the
cro^s of Chrift
lerious
the facred
is
is
pleafure
to
fpeaking to his
the Chriftian's glory.
perufal of the
New
Teda-
writers largely illuftrate the
are to depend
of our duty
embrace
praife.
upon
New
the Chriftian's
feveral parts of his charader and office, and
with
the
The
the prophets witnefs.
crofs of Clirift
by a
that
all
the
is
To
in the oracles of trutli.
crofs of Chrifl give
ftem
every opportunity
They
ftiew
of
how much we
liim for ftrength in the difchargc
and cnfotce
all
their exhortations
motives drawn from what he hath done, and

doing for his church and people.
find
If
You
by
is ftill
will foon
from experience, that no cold reafonings on the
nature and beauty of virtue, can have fuch influence

in mortifying corrupt affe6lions, as a believing
of a pierced Saviour.
For
this
very reafon
view
many
THE CHARGE.
ger. 17,
deteft the do6lrIne of the
blow
45
It gives a
crofs.
to every darling luft.
It
gives fuch a view of
the holinefs and juftlce of God, as

all
who
thofe
intolerable to
is
cannot think of breaking their attach-
ment to fin and vanity.

There is one particular reafon why
It is ordinary to
little
God
it
at
fome
meet with ferlous perfons
many
who complain much, that from
hear
have men-
tioned this at prefent, and infifted on

length.
mortal
pulpits they
or nothing of the doflrine of the grace of
that the grand and leading truths of the gof-
pei are either flatly contradicted or kept entirely out
of view,
place.
and fonnething
am
On
cafe.
far
fubftituted
elfe
from faying that
the contrary,
which
their
this is indeed the
tremble to think that
fhould be but barely poiTible; for

are clearly contained in
in
the
all
thefe doctrines
Confeffion
of Faith,
evêry minifler in Scotland 'has fubfcr'bed.
therefore, there be
it
If,
any one among us who doth not
preach the doftrine of original
fin,
of Chrift's impu-
ted righteoufnefs, julflficatlon by free grace, the neceflity of regeneration,

fSpirit,
he
which
is
and the operations of the
guilty of pciju
know no
excufe.
y of the word kind,

Such
a perfon is not
for
only
chargeable with departing from the faith, but with

an abfolute proflltution of confcience,
life
of hypocrify and deceit.
at a lofs
how
char8;e
you
is
fuch an apprehenfion,
my
but as there cer-
think
cannot dif-
duty on this occafion, without exhorting
to be clear
VoL.V.
indeed entirely
to account for this apprehenfion in the
people, of a difference in doctrine

tainly
am
and a whole
and explicit upon thefe heads.
The
THF CHARGE.
4$
truth
is,
they are of
general coufequencc, and have
fo
with every other patt of
fo neceflary a connti^liovi
religion,
that,
Ser. 17.
be the
fubJ!r(?c
they are firmly believed,
what
it
where
will,
imagine the man-
ihoiild
ner of thinking and fpeak.ing would be fuch, as to

leave no jealoufy of an intended omiliiv>n.
or
me to
way that may
This leads
exhort you to preach plainly,
in a
be le\el to the capacities of
the hearers, both as to fcntiment and exprelHon.
Ood
forbid that
ihould delire
you
pulpit without preparation, to preach
method, or
All pains
to rulh into
in a
difordedy
a mean, ilovenly or indecent (tvle.
in
fliould
be taken to feek out
fit
But there cannot be
ceptable word^.'*
and " ac-
a greater ab-
common
peo-
ple, than to difcourfe in fuch a ftiff and abftraft
way,
furdity in fpeaking to a multitude of
plainly impoflible
Jas it is
!Nor
is it
any
lefs
for
them
abfurdity to drefs
exceffive elegance, and a vain,
with
pery of
ftyle.
to
Some
difcourfes
comprehend.
up an harangue
ornamented fop-
may
very well be
likened to painted windows, which, wuth fine colours upon themfelves, keep out the light, and
Such conduct
the houfe comfortlefs and dark.

ordinarily followed
by
recommend themfelves
but
it
who would
thofe
to
willingly
muft evidently render them contemptible
much worfe
However,
than abfurd, for
it' is
it
to
is
very wicked whea
the everlafting falvation of finners

in
is
perfons of bt tter talle
every perfon of found judgment.
fpeak
make
is
at (lake,
to
fuch a manner as thev cannot underftand,
or fuch as tends only to amufe their fancy, and never can reach their hearts.
is
a proper and jull
If
manner of
we wn.l know what

ftyle
and compofition
THE CHARGE.
Ser. 17.
in preaching, let
fpeak
if
47
how any man would

Would
his own life.
us confider
he was on
trial for
he not fpeak with great plainnefs, earneftnefs and

force
and
not the falvation of fouls of infinitely
is
more moment
not, if
by
we
ally
life
and feould
it
more regarded
believe the Scriptures, be
every faithful minifter
You
is
any man's
tlian
muft alfo take care to preach experiment-
You
and particularly.
will foon find that this
way of
the only profitable
preaching, and that,
you apply general truths to the feveral claiTes

and characters in your audience, they will make but
unlefs
a forry improvement of the beft inflrulion.
The
ignorant cannot, and the wif^r will not apply
them
Befides, the general
to themfelves.
but pernicious and hurtful.
ufelefs,
make
an encomium on the wife,
government of
God
obferve what reafon

adminiftration
without
Thofe who
fire
are
to
Itill
Suppofe
jult,
fliould
and gracious
have to rejoice under his
all
it
fay fo
would be
all
to
this
audience
to
many
a dange-
A juft
rous and flupifying poifon.

a confuming
not only
over his rational creation, and
fhould
diftindlion,
way is
God
and holy
is
the workers of iniquity.
in their fins fhould
tremble to
think of the government of God.

Befides public preaching,
you muft be
among your people " from houfe

muft not negle6l family
monition or reproof.
inftru6îon,
This
is, if
diligent
to houfe."
You
and perfonal ad-
not the moft ufeful
part of a minifter's work, at leaft abfolutely neceffary to the fuccefs of his preaching.
far the
moft laborious part, from which ilothful
are moft apt to excufe themfelves,
by
men
It is alfo
A man may
THE CHARGE.
43
by preaching and public perfor-
gratify his vanity
mances,
or,
the negied being vilible, he
compelled
to regularity
fecution.
But diligence
from any thing but
by
in private can fcarcely arife
exercife of difcipline
to
and of the pie-
God.
is
another part of your
duty which muft not be omitted.
moment
It is of
the intereit of religion.
of one of the
firft
may be
fear of reproach or per-
a fenfe of duty,
fence and obfervation of
The
Ser. 17,
reformers,
**
very great
It is a
They
faying
that defire to
banilh difcipline, defire to banifh Chrift: from his
There mull needs be offences in the Chrichurch. But when difcipline is negleded, then
church."
llian
the offence becomes unfpeakably more dangerous,
young and weak.
efpecially to the
It
makes them
think lightly of the charadfer and privileges of a

Chriitian,
when
there
mifTion to church
ed perfons are
When
communion,
fiiifered
you come
their
Lord's fupper
or
or
when openly wick-
to continue
without cenfure.
young
perfons, in order
to inftru6l
to renewing
ftrul;
either a promifcuous ad-
is
baptifmal engagements in
if
ever
you have
a heathen in order to baptifm,
from experience, you

the low
will find the
flate of difcipline
among
occafion to in-
can
ajQTure
unhappy
us.
the
you,
effedl
It will
of
imme-
diately flrike yourfelf, and thefe catechumens will
foon betray, by their difcourfe,
have a
jull
many profane
to be called Chriftians
is
it
to
perfons are fuffered
and not a few whofe con-
very exceptionable, continue to be admitted,
at flated times, to the feals of
How
hard
fenfe of the fantlity of the Chriftian
character, while fo
du<Sl is
how
inexcufeable are
we
God's covenant.
in this negledl
If the
THE CHARGE.
Sen
17.
firft
Chriftlans,
49
without the help or fan6lion of aa
eftabliihment, kept fo ftrid a dilbipline,
we
do
who
In difcipline then be llridt, regu-
the civil power.
Efpecially be impartial.
and impartial.
lar,
what might
have the countenance and approbation of
commonly want
of impartialitj that
You
in ftritnefs.
will have
makes us
many enemies
You
partiality in difcipline.
It is
to
fail
im-
haVe the great
will
and wealthy, many of whom, though they
live in
open defiance of the laws and ordinances of Chrilf,

yet will be
much
offended, and complain of
it
as a
by a judicial fentence you deprive

them of his name. Nay, you will find in every
congregation fome profefilng piety, who, though
grievous injury,
if
thev are well pleafed with, and
commend
the ftri6t
exercife of difcipline in the cafe of others, yet when,

it
comes
will ufe
to
touch themfelves, or their
many
and unbialTed
evade
arts to
in fo
good
But
it.
a caufe,
it
own
if
relations,
you be firm
will have a fen--
fible efrect.
This leads
me
to exhort
work, public and
man
pleafing.
you, in the whole of your
private,
to
beware of the
hath confined that word,

fnare.
Befides,
fignify
which
in itfelf
Man- pleafing
but one half of the
being
accepted
neither duty nor
fignifies,
the end and motive o

acceptable to
is
it
God.
common language
propriety of fpeech, popularity
only
is
of
do not fay, beware of popularity
becaufe, in the fenfe to Vv'hich
iliould
fin
fin,
in Scripture,
and beloved,
but a bleffing,
having
this as
our adlions, rather than being
You
tion, to avoid difpieafing
ought indeed
any without
E3
for edifica-
neceflity.
But
THE CHARGE.
Ô
Ser. I7.
you ihould have
as in this, fo in every other thing,
a far higher principle than merely courting the fa-
vour either of great or fmall, good or bad.

doubtlefs,
mean and
It is,
defpicable principle, to at
only with a view of gaining the applaufe of the vul-
But
gar and ignorant.
fame ihould
have often wondered,
how
boldly and uncharitably lay this to
fo
the cliarge of their brethren, without confidering
how eafy
it is,
with at
leall
equal juftice, to prefumc
that they are under the influence of, and adting with
a view to pleafe the great.
am
fure there
is
much
ftronger temptation to this than the former.
And,
if
am
not miftaken, fawning and fervility
hath been the road
churchmen have
The
age.
the fight of
in
which ambitious and corrupt
travelled
they are equally deteflable in
truth
is,
God
but the
preferment in every
to
much more
laft is
tive to the interell of religion than the
deftruc-
The
firll.
favour of the multitude can fcarcely be obtained,
without either the truth or the appearance of piety

but the favour of the great
often obtained
is
by
fi-
lence,
and fuffering them in their crimes, bîng af-
fiftant
in
pleafures,
their
or fubfervient
to
their
political defigns.
To
deliver you, Sir,
from both, remember the con-
on which you hold your
dition
office.
**
Son of
man,
have made thee a watchman to the houfe of
Ifrael
therefore hear the
my mouth, and
When I fay unto the
word
give them warning from me.
wicked,
Thou
{halt furely die
at
and thou giveft him
not warning, nor fpeakeft to warn the wicked from

his
wicked way
.laan
fhali
die
to fave his life
in his iniquity,
the fame wicked
but his blood will I
the charge.
Ser. ly.
Ezek.
require at thine hand,"
51
iii.
Forget
17, 18.
then the foolifh accufations of popularity or vanity
and coRfider that your people are daily carried to
you muft give an account of every
their graves, and
foul that perifhes through your negleft.
To
Be much
conclude.
would
that he
you
fit
your labours with
in earneft
for
ceflary to the lledfaftnefs
God
your work, and crown

Prayer
fuccefs.
prayer to
is
abfolutely ne-
and growth of every be-
and efpecially to a miniiler.

If you believe
"
the gofpel, you will believe that
every good gift
liever,
Cometh from above
;" that
an able and ufeful paftor
God
only can
and
this will
make you
make you
importunate wiih him for a plentiful meafure of the
Holy
Spirit to
fit
you
for his fervice.
to join in praying that
make
God,
And
I defire
for Chrift's fake,
you an " able minifler of the
New
would
Tefta-
ment," and help you to preach the gofpel, not with

the wifdom of " words," but with " the Holy Ghofl
fent
down from heaven."
EXHORTATION TO THE PEOPLE.

My
Brethren,
YOU
have heard the charge given to your
Are there, then, fo many duties licumbent on him by his (landing in the relation of a
pallor to you ? Is not the relation mutual ? And
minifter.
are there not feveral correfpondent duties incumbent
on you as his people
beg your patience while I
put you in mind of a few of the moft important and

neceflary^
THE EXHORTATIOK.
52
In the
firf}
place,
It
Ser. I7.
evidently your duty dili-
is
gently to attend upon his miniftry.

impoffible that
hear him.
you can
am
profit
by him
forry that there are
who pour contempt upon
days
you do not
if
many
in thefe
the ordinances of
But, in particular, there hath
Chrift's inditution.
been of
plainly
It is
a great and remarkable defertion of
late
public worfhip by thofe of higher rank.
happy opportunity
is
among you
mmd,
in
Is
not
it
You
bound by confent
to attend
furprifing to think that
terms
Ihould forget the
hich
all
that having fubfcribed a call ta
their minifter, they ftand
upon him.
put
in this cafe to
There
which
in
any
that invitation
him " to take the charge of

your fouls, and promife him all due obedience and
Can a man honeftly fubfubmiffion in the Lord."
runs
intreat
who feldom comes within the walls of

any church? One would be counted infamous in the
world, who fhould a6t in the face of a figned obligation, in any other matter, or who even fliould"
And is it lefs criminal
falfify a folemn promife.
fcribe
this,
becaufe
It
it
relates to religion
becaufe the offence
**
to
God ?
indeed feldom refented or punilhed by men,
is
but
and the fervice of
it
is
not immediately againft them,
remains to be punifhed by that righteous
whom
vengeance belongs
and
who
God
will not
be mocked."
In the next place,
my brethren,
let
me
intreat
to be tender of the charader of your minilter,
of miniiiers
in general.
guilt of their fins great,

racter
is
As
their office
and as a
fiain
you
and
makes the
on their cha-
moft hurtful to religion, on both accounts
you ought not
raihly to receive an accufation againft
the exhortation.
Ser. ly.
them.
worthy,
53*
do not mean to alk indulgence to the un-
them up
I give
contempt which they
But
jullly deferve.
upon the perfon, and not upon the
let it lall
Do
office.
transfer the faults of particulars to the

It
and
freely to that reproach
not
whole order.
eafy to obferve the different reception which
is
the faults or mifcarriages of minilters meet with
from perfons
difpofed.
The good
are
with grief and concern for the offence, or
affected
filled
differently
with zeal and indignation againft the finner
but loofe and carelefs perfons diiparage the profef*
own
You may
and blefs themielves in their
fion,
and conlliiency of character.

are but like other
you we deny
it
neftly to you,
we
ny times
dering,
men," and the
We
not.
We
intereft at ftake.
others,
fpare
your
that minillers are but men, minifters
**
reflexions,
uniformity
all
when
we
I affure
the fame great
mors
often fpeak the
while
left,
have
like,
preach the gofpel to
ourfelves ftiould be cait-aways
and ma-
defcribe the workings of a deceitful,
flothful,
ear-
wan-
worldly mind, by taking the copy
from our own.

It
falls
fion, to
very properly in
my way
on
this
occa-
take notice of a reproach thrown upon mi-
by the miilake or perverfion of two of the

queftions ufually put at an ordination, and which
nifters
you have
juft
fuppofed by
heard put to your miniiter.
many
with truth, and
The
firit
fo
of them
not
2.eal for
and
deiire
to be fuch as
is
in the following terms
faving
and chief inducements
God, love
fouls,
ars
no man can aafwer
quite improper to be put at
the honour of
of
They
all.
" Are
to Jefus Chrift,
your great motives
to enter into the
fundion of
THE EXHORTATION'.
84
Scr. 17,
the holy miniftry, and no; worldly defigns and rnte-
This
rells."
is
malicioufly interpreted to iuppole,
that a minilter in accepting of a fixed charge bath
no view or intention, primary or lecorday, of being

Thij would be both
" They that ferve at
provided of a maintenance.
unnatural and unreafonable.
The
the altar muft live by the alfar."
plain
mean-
That the great motives of a miniiler in confecrating himfelf to this employment, and accepting
ing
is,
the particular ftation afligned him, ought to be the
honour of God and
intereft
above.
And
nothing
in it incredible in
fc^r
of religion, as exprefled
furely that this fhould be the cafe hath:
our country, the provilion
the miniftry not being fo large bat a
man
of to-
much greater hazard of rifing

to wealth and dignity in many other employments.
But, alas, how ignorant are they who cavil at this
queftion ? Do they not know that every Chriftian
lerable abilities hath a
is
bound habitually and fupremely
God
glory of
in
adions
This
is
the
not peculiar
except fo far as they ought to be ex-
to minifters,
emplary
in all his
to regard
every thing.
Wo
to
every
man
in this
employment tvhat it will, if he

does not habitually point his whole actions to the
" Ye are not your own ; ye are
glory of God.
ailembly, be his
bought with a price
your bodies, and your

I
Cor.
The
therefore glorify
fpirits,
God with
which are
God's,'*^
vi. 19, 20.
other queflion
is this,
" Have you ufed any
undue methods, by yourfelf or others,

this call?"
It
is
in
procuring
impoflible to find fault with this
queftion, but
by leaving out the word undue.
indeed
fo
it
is
far
And
from being wrong, that there
THE EXHORTATION.
Ser. 17.
would be no harm
plained.
5j^
were more particularly ex
if it
was probably intended
It
to
difcourage
bribing and folicitation, other than a man's real
all
character does for
ment of others
apprehend
or the free unbiased judg-
itfelf,
them
inclines
do
to
in his belialf.
does reach a reproof to
it
all
thofe
promote or hinder fetllements from
eitlier
who
political
connedlion?, or in e.xpe(Slation of temporal favôurs,
and
to thofe
who, by
promii'es or threatenings,
en-
deavour to influence their inferiors in fuch a caufe.

In the mean time
dare fay
it
by a
an} thing of this kind done

or at his direction, in his
wrong
and, blefltd be
own
God,
will be allowed, that
minifler himfelf,
favour,
it is
would be very
at prelent
among
us conlidered as highly indecent and crimiîal.

1
muil
alio
put you in mind of the great duty of
Heads of
family inftruccion and government.
fa-
milies mult prepare their children and fervants for
receiving benefit by public inllrudion, and endea-
vour by repetition to
fix
it
our duty to fpeak plainly, no doubt
who
in
It is
it is
im-
fuch a manner as to be underllood by thofe
have had no previous inftru6lion in a familiar
way.
upon an miopened, unwhich takes no root, and brings forth
It is like calling feed
prepared
no
but
preferving the dignity of the pulpit, to
poliible,
fpeak
minds.
in their
foil,
Is
fruit.
it
when many
not hard that,
are fo
ready to find fault with every negle6t of minifters,
and fometimes expecb more work from one than

can perform, they fhould take fo
faiTjiiiv^s,
to tht'r o
To
thefe fmalk'! diliri^ls,

^
n c arge
conclude
all,
little
ten,
pains in their
-hie!- are
committed
Strive together with
your mini-
THE EXHORTATION.
J^
Her
in
your prayers to
way more
effectual to
in the gofpel, and
God
for
Ser, I^.
There
him.
no
prepare him for ferving you
there
is
no
way more
proper for
preparing you to attend upon his minidry.
make
is
confcience of this duty,
you
will
If
come
you
to re-
ceive the anlvver of your prayers, and indeed to hear
the word of God.
Alas, that there
few of our hearers of

We have fome
kind.
fome proud and
(hould be fo
this char] fable, fympathiling
flupid and infenlible hearers,
difdainful
many
hearers,
criticiiing
and cenfuring Jiearers, but few praying hearers.

Let
all
And
that fear
let
God's vineyard
the
God
give themfelves to this duty.
them not only remember
kingdom of
name may be
in
which
their
own
Chrift in general
great,
*'
unto his going down."
from the
Ameu,
rhat corner of
lot is cad,
but
and pray that his

riiing
of the fua
SERMON
XVIII.
PRAYER FOR NATIONAL PROSPERITY, AND"

FOR THE REVIVAL OF RELIGION,
INSEPARABLY CONNECTED.
Preached on Thurfdaj, February i6. 1758, being

the
Daj
appointed in Scotland for a Public Fait.
IsA.
li.
9.
Awake^ awake, put onjlrength,
Awake
Art
old.
arm of the Lord 2
as in the ancient days, in the generations
thou
not
it
that hath cut
of
Rahab and
'wounded the dragon ^
My
Brethren,
WE
are this
day called by our Sovereign
to the
duty of folemn fading and humiliation, and
to earneft
prayer for the bleffing of
councils and arms.
God
on his
Religion and humanity confpire
in urging us to a hearty compliance, efpecially
public affairs wear fo

ouo^ht alfo to
threatening an afpedl
awaken the
attention,
while
It
and increafe the
j^rioufnefs of every particular worshipping affemblyi^,
VoL.V.
PRAYER FOR NATIONAL PROSPERITY
5^
that they are joining with fo
many
others
Ser. iS,
in intreat-
ing deliverance from thefe national calamities, in
which
We
have often, for fome years
humble
it,
are equally concerned.
all
alas
ourfelves in the fight of

!
paft,
profeflVd to
God, and have done
with a fhameful coldnefs and indifference,
or with an hypocrify
ftill
remarkable, that fuch
is
more
But
criminal.
it is
the iituation of affairs at
prefent, as hath given an 'alarm ev^n to fome of the
moil
infenfible,
duty as
and conftrained them to confider this
now fomewhat more
There
than a form.
has been, for fome time paft, fuch a continuance
fuch a feries of abor-
increafe of public judgments,
broken difconcerted fchemes, as
tive projeds, and
makes
the moft obflinate and inconfiderate fland and
paufe, and lerioufly afk. Is there not a caufe
Our
aiid
fetting apart this day,
and applying ourfelves
to the duty of falling and prayer, implies a confef-
power and providence of God.

implies that we believe in him as the almighty
fion of the
It
Creator and righteous Governor of the world; the

fupreme Difpofer of every event, and fovereign Arbiter of the
W'ilhed
that there
the minds of
who
are in
impreflion
was
any meafure
may not
I
were
to
it
lincere
on
be tranfient and
It fhould excite
loufy over ourfelves, that
we have
and that,
in
lies
in ourfelves.
all
this occafion, the
partial,
but
lafl-
us to a holy jeafo often effayed
the like duty without any apparent fuccefs.

"
there unrighteoufnefs with God? God forbid
ault, doubtlefs,
be
a jufl fenfe of this truth on
of every rank
all
ing and effeftual
How
of nations.
fate
Our
falls
*'
Is
The
have
AND REVIVAL OF RELIGION.
Ser. 18.
not been fuch as
God
5^
ht
has chofen, and therefore
hath refufed to hear our prayers.

In general, no doubt the evidence and the effect
of an acceptable
raft, is
Where
formation.
this is
wanting,
of Ifrael,
agaiiift the children
we
are juftly
brought by the prophet Ifaiah
liable to the charge
oblations, incenfe
repentance completed by re-
**
Bring no more vain
an abomination unto me, the
is
new moons and fabbaths, the calling of aflemblies I

cannot away with, it is iniquity, even the folemn
meeting. Your new moons, and your appointed
my
feafts
am weary to
full
fpread forth
mine eyes from you
will hide
when ye make many

is
And when ye
bear them.
your hands,
hands are
me, I
foul hateth, they are a trouble unto
prayers,
of blood," Ifa.
i.
will not hear
yea,
your
There
13, 14, 15.
no queftion but the unreftrained flood of impiety
which has overfpread
this nation folicits divine
ven-
geance, and prevents the efficacy even of the lincere
prayers that are offered up for deliverance and mercy.
But
with refpett to particular perfons,
as,
every error or defeft
in
praîce
the confequence
is
of an erroneous or defe6tive principle, as every vicious a6lion proceeds
from an impure heart,
national capacity,
am
fo, in
perfuaded that our falling
and prayer has been fundamentally wrong, or effentially defective in itfelf,
lowed by
little
impiety which
or
no
and therefore has been fol-
fenfible fruit
it fliould
or rather, that
have removed,
it
hath only
contributed to increafe.
For
this reafon
point out to
my
intention at this
you what
is
time
is
to
the juft and proper object
of prayer for divine aid in a time of public calamity^j

3tf4
Ô
as well as the great encouragement to
For
this there is a
proper foundation
of Scripture juft read
mer
part of the chapter the prophet
many
exercife.
its
the palVage
in
your hearing.
in
Ser. iS.
In the for-
had pronounced
gracious promifes of inward and fpiritual prof-
outward prote^Vion and
perity, and of
fecurit}' to
by
the church, though furrounded and threatened
enemies to her
He
both refpe6ts.
interefts in
then
changes the form of his difcourfe, perfonates belie-
one of them, addrefles to

" Awake, awake, put
the prayer in the text
vers, and in their
God
as
on ftren?th,
arm of
ancient days, in
thou
name,
awake
as
the
in
Art not
the generations of old.
that hath cut
it
the Lord
Rahab and wounded
the dra-
gon?"
The beauty and
ftrength of this language, the
juftnefs and force of the figures here ufed,
it is
al-
overlook.
The prophet prays
for fuch
a difplay of divine
might be
fignal
power and mercy as

" Awake, awake, put
moft impoflible
to
and
fenlible.
on ftrength," that is, exert thy power, difcover thy

glory in fuch a manner, as that thy prefent forbearance
be like the vigour of a waking man, com-
may
pared to the defencelefs and inactive ftate of one

" O arm of the Lord !" This
that is faft afleep.
expreffion, the
arm of the Lord, with the
of making bare his holy arm,

Scripture
and
it is
fo ftrong,
fo intelligible a figure, that
plify or explain, without
it
is
his
rcqueft,
tranfaftions,
"s^
by
at the
calling to
fame time
impoflible to
weakening
part of the verfe he animates his

forces
frequently ufed in
and
is
addition
it.
own
In the
faith,
amlaft
and en-
remembrance
paft
and former difplays of the power and
Ser. l8.
6l
*
By Rahab and the
grace of an unchangeable God.
dragon we are to underftand Egypt and her king,
by comparing other
as appears
pallages of Scripture,
by Pfal. Ixxxvi. 4. and Ezek. xxix. 3.

" Thus faith the Lord,
of which runs thus
particularly
the
lait
Behold
am
Egyp%
Pharaoh king of
againft thee,
the great dragon that lieth in the midft of his rivers
which hath
made
My
faid,
To
point out to
firll;
IL To
lail
this
arm of the Lord
part of
To
propofe^
it,
**
1'*
encouragement included in
confider the
Awake
:
Rahab and wounded
IIL
what
fubje(51:,
this prayer
"
pallage,
Awake, awake,
the generations of old

cut
you the import of
part of this
put on flrength,
the
mine own, and
afiillance of divine grace, is,
through the
in the
is
for myfelf."
it
In difcouriing on
I.
river
have
as in ancient days, in
art not
thou
it
that hath
the dracjon?"
apply the fubjed to our prefent
iituai
tion.
And we are to conlider,

L The meaning and
<*
Awake, awake,
-put
import of the prayer
on flrength,
arm of
the
Lord."
And
iiru<îng
or perfuading any but thofe
who have
who do
unfeignedly
in th[s I
fome meafure of
believe, and will,
have no hope either of in-
real religion,
when
called upon,
recollect the
conftant fuperintendency of divine providence.
only will be
fenfible,
that as every event
is
Thefe
directed
and over- ruled by the Almighty, fo there are righteous,
wife and gracious purpofes to be ferved by
PRATER FQR NATIONAL PROSPERITY
62
All men,
them.
under
**
The moll wicked and
diftrefs.
when
are ready to complain
true,
it 13
Ser. 1 5a
profligate,
And
feel their raifery, will cry for relief.
they
when
the waters are gone into their foul,"
as
they will turn them on every hand, and lay hold on

every twig that
may
afford the lead profpe6t of fa-
ying them from finking, fo the terror of divine
power, with which public calamity
make them
accompanied, will even
But
there
a great difference
is
between
fometimes
is
cry unto
this
God.
complaint
of the miferable, and the prayer of faith which proceeds upon jufl views of the nature and government
of God, and
is
afTured of fuccefs.
God
times pleafe
to
make
ments or alarming public

thoughtlefs generation
Tt
may fome-
ufe of defolating judg-
ftrokes to
awaken
a fecure
but dutiful, acceptable and
fuccefsful prayer for their removal, can only be the
"work of his
Perhaps
own children.
may be thought
unneceflary to direct
it
perfons of this character to the proper objedt of

their
prayers, as they mull be fuppofed habitually
to flow from right principles,
and warrantable ends.
But
and to point
it is
at juft
certain that,
when
wickednefs and profanenefs greatly and univerfally

pVevail in any nation, the real fervants of
not only few in number, but even this
always receives fome degree of

are taught to expert
fays,
**
And
of many
by our
infection.
God
little
are
flock
we
who
This
blefled Saviour,
becaufe iniquity fhall abound, the love
(hall
wax
cold.'*
They may both be ne-
gligent and defe6live in their duty, relliaining prayer
before
Cod, and may be
in a great
meafure unmind-
ful of the great and principal views with wliich
Ser. l8.
AND REVIVAL OF
.they ought to
up
oflPer
But, hoping that
RELIGrON".
6j
their interceffory requefts.
among you
all i'uch
as are juflly
to this charge will difcern the light,
liable
the force of divine truth,
it is
my
and feel
up
defire to flir
your pure minds by way of remembrance.
And,
in general, fuch a petition as this,
awake, put on
ftrength,
arm of
**
Awake,
the Lord," fug-
gefts to us, that our prayers for divine interpofition
and deliverance from public calamities
fupremely direfted to the glory of God.

it is
be
fliould
This, as
upon the whole the leading purpofe of every
real believer, fo
it
ought
to
hallow every fingle ac-
and purify every particular
tion,
Therefore
defire.
our prayers mufl be conceived in fuch a manner,

and our defires after delivêrance muft be fo qualified,
that the
fupreme honour due
preferved inviolate, that duty
cedency before
intereft,
and
to
afflitStion
be
may maintain its prefin may be ftill more

The
feared and avoided than fuffering.
both of perfonal
God may
great end
and national correclion
is
weaken our attachment to prefent and temporal

enjoyment, by ftaining its glory, and convincing us
to
of
vanity.
its
aim
If then our chief or only
ing deliverance from outward calamity,
may
is
in alk-
that
we
again recover the eafe and quiet of fecurity,
and the pleafure of plenty, though we
honour
God by
imploring his aid, yet
is
may feem
to
our homage
really given to a fenlual idol.
That this is neither impoffible nor unfrequent, is

plain from the hiftory of the children of Ifrael.
They
often applied to
God
in their llraits
**
When
he flew them, then they fought him, the) returned
and inquired early
after
God,"
Pfal. Ixxviii. 34.
6^4
But
merely
this fort of feeking,
Ser. l8-
for prefent relief or
temporal mercies, was far from being acceptable to
We
him.
'*
to
afii
are told that
meat
it
was tempting God thus
for their luft,"
In
Pfal. Ixxviii. i8.
oppofition to this, let us look, into the grounds affigned
Scripture for God's granting deliverance,
in
and thence learn with what views we ought to implore it.

The Pfalmifl fays, " Neverthelefs he fa-
ved them
name's fake, that he might make
for his
mighty power
his
to be
name's fake, that

the heathen
I
it
wrought
among whom they were,
forth out of the land of
to
them,
fight
them
in bringing
Egypt."
in order to illuftrate this a little furtlier,
God
in
prayers implies the two following things.

place,
alone,
my
for
whofe
in
ferve, that a juft regard to the glory of
firft;
And
Pfal. cvi. 8.
fhould not be polluted before
made myfelf known

But
known,"
" But
the prophet Ezekiel,
our
In the
That we expert deliverance from God
defire that
cumllances
ob-
as
his
it
may
be attended with fuch cir-
hand and power
may
be feen ia
and are willing to acknowledge him as the fu-
it,
preme and only Author of it. This is plainly included in the words of the prophet, " Awake^
awake, put on ftrength, O arm of the Lod." As
if
he had
be the
faid.
man
that
In thee alone
maketh
is
our hope
flefh his
any
enterprife, to put their truft in
in
" curfed
A profane
arm."
irreligious people are al'ways prone,
undertaking
human prowefs,
to glory and boaft in the greatnefs of their ftrength.
And when
tions,
they are difappointed
they are ready to dwell fo
in
their
expefta-
much upon
fecond
'
caufes,
that they
entirely overlook, or
are
with
Ser. 18.
65
great difficulty brought to acknowledge the fuprenie
We
agency of God.
by
may, however, be
his taking to himfelf fo
Lord of
of the
title
hofts,
often
Scripture the
in
great in might and
**
ilrong in battle,'* that fuch conduct
of the glory that
is
robbing him
Many
julUy his due.
is
lenfible,
are the
warnings we have in the word of God, not to place

too
much
**
Pfal. cxlvi. 3.
man
There
multitude of an hoft
much
is
can he
horfe
is
is
find,
no help,"
not deliver-
a vain thing for
any by his great
deliver
And
there
more frequently or more
confirmed in the courfe of providence.
do we
is
no king faved by the
ftrength," Pfal. xxxiii. 16, 17.
Scripture truth
there
mighty man
An
flrength.
neither
fafety,
whom
in
of faiety.
(fays the Pfalmift)
trutl in princes,
nor in the fon of
ed by
human means
confidence in any
" Put not your
both in former and
How
often
later ages, the events
probability, and the moll confident
human
human
expecta-
Now prayer
for divine interpolitlon fhould al ways-
be made under a deep impreflion of
we
indeed
vency
what
to
no
fenfibly
of war diametrically oppofite to the greatefl
tion
is
in
fnall
man
ance on
is
with
it.
human means
till
we
are
All the honour that
taken from God.
All
as fuch,
truft
is
is
fource of relief,
neftnefs
which
fomegiven
and depend-
or on their
own
count, divides and weakens our reliance on
But when he
And
never come to importunity and fer-
prayer for fuch a mercy,
2iffecttd
this truth.
ac-
God.
confidered as the fingle and only
we apply with
that ardour and ear-
necefTity and extremity fuggelf
This
doth not hinder the diligent ufe and application of
66
outward means, but keeps them

place, induces us
in
Ser. l8r
proper
their
upoa
afk the divine blefling
lO
them, and prevents us from provoking the divine

jealoufy,
by
ought
It
idolizing and trufting in them.

to be our defire, that the glory of
alfo
power may
divine
vifibly fhine in our deliverance
may do
not only that his hand
may
of
be feen
in
it,
Nothing
all.
and,
>
but that his hand
it,
to the convi6tion
if poilible,
more impious, and nothing more
is
provoking to God,
than
when men
arrogate
to
themfelves the honour of what they have done by
by
his help, or acquired
the bounty of his provi-
Hear the language of the proud monarch

of the eaft " Is not this great Babylon that I have
built, for the houfe of the kingdom, by the might
dence.
of
my
power, and for the honour of
my
majefty ?"
Dan. iv. 30. But mark the unexpedted change by

the more powerful word of the King of kings.
** When the
word was in the king's mouth, there
fell a voice from heaven, faying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is fpoken. The kingdom is deHow often ia
parted from thee," Dan. iv. 31.
Scripture
is
and princes
the deflru6tion and punifhment of kings

affigned
lence and pride
Thus
againft the king of
in thine heart, I
exalt
alfo
my
Babylon
will
*'
:
For thou haft
the clouds.
flialt
tbc pit.
ftars
of
God
will
lit
in the fides
will afcend above the heights of
I will
be like the Moft High.
be brought down to
They
faid
afcend into heaven, I will
upon the mount of the congregation

I
info-
remarkable prophecy
in that
throne above the
of the north,
thou
to their felf- fulTiciency,
that fee thee
hell,
iliall
to
Yet
the fides of
narrowly look
AND REVIVAL OF
Ser. l8.
upon
RELIGION".
6^
thee, and coniider thee, faying, Is this the
man
made the earth to tremble, that

doms ? that made the world as a
did ftiake king-
deflrojed the cities thereof
opened not the
that
houfe of his prifoners ?"
wildernefs, and
that
How
Jfa. xiv. 13. 17.
firongly does this prove, that in
order to pray ac-
ceptably for the interpofition of divine providence,
we
God
fhould be willing that
honour entire and undivided
alone fhould have the

**
that
tlie
lofty looks
man ihould be humbled, and the hauphtinefs of

man Ihould be bowed down, and the Lord alone
of
exalted in that day,'^ Ifa.
ii.
Was
11.
it
not thus
that the ancient warriors of the holy nation fought
&nd profpered
In confidence of divine
or re-
aid,
figned to the divine will, they went out and played
men for
And when
the
their people and the cities of their
they had done'
fo,
God.
they acknowledged
arm had gotten him

See the fong of Mofes on his vi6lorjr
that his right hand and his holy
the victory.
Thy right hand, O Lord, is

become glorious in power Thy right hand, O Lord,
And in the greathas dalhcd in pieces the enemy.
over the Egyptians
"
:-
nefs of thine excellency thou halt overthrown
that rofe
up
againll thee
them
Tliou fenteil forth thy
wrath, which confumed them as ftubble," Exod. xv.
6,7
I
cannot conclude this branch of the fubjed with-
out obferving that
we have had,
in
the courfe
o'f
providence, a very recent inilance, both of a lingular
appearance of the hand of
God
in
defence of a righ-
teous caufe, and a modell; afcription of
power
Kow
to
it
to the
That prince who appears

be the chief outward fupport of the Pro-
of the Higheft.
PRAYER POR NATIONAL PROSPERITY
^8
Set. l8.
Europe, has been enabled literally,

according to the ancient promife, " with five to
teftant caufe in
chafe a hundred, and with a hundred to put ten thou-
The
fand to flight."
combined againft him, and confpired
Af-
his ruin.
of victory, they were forging chains for his
liired
followers, and dividing his inheritance

in the
name of
the Lord he fet
up
by
But
lot.
The
his flandard
his enemies into confu-
Lord turned the counfels of

iion.
had
greateft earthly potentates
His viftories have been numerous, extraordi-
And
nary and important.
he hath
all
along avoided
boafting and vain glory, and pioufly acknowledged
that " falvation belongeth unto
God."
In the fecond place, In applj'ing to
God
for
we
extraordinary interpofition of his providence,
ought
alfo
and mercy.
to
pray for a difpenfation of his grace
When we
pray that the arm of the
Lord may awake and put on

that a revival of religion
relief,
Spirit
an
ftrength,
fhould be
it
may accompany
temporal
and that by a plentiful efFufion of the Holy
many finners maybe
word
delivered from the
of bondage, and brought to the glorious liberty of

the children of God.
As
the object of our defire, fo
this
it
fliould
be in
itfelf
fhould be infeparably
joined with the other, and their mutual connexion

ftill
kept
Temporal mercies
in view.
to a nation,
as well as to particular perfons, ought always to
made
be
lubfervient to the promoting of truth and righ-
remarkable that thefe two things
teoufnefs.
It
are always
joined in
is
And, indeed,
Scripiuê
if
temporal mercies be
confid'^^red
merly mentioned,
impofTible that they can be put
afunder.
it is
the light
for-
Let any one confuk the interceilbry prayers
Ser.
in
8.
69
which deliverance from external calamity
treated, the prophecies in
which
the longs of praile in which
God's heritage
promifed, os
aud he
celebrated,
is iliil
kept
They
view.
in
are con-
and the one as
fidered as invohcd in one another,
only valuable becaufe leading to the other.
of enumerating
many
pafiages,
one of the prophet Ifaiah
"
Ihali
And
In (lead
only mentioti
and take away
flore
all
thy judges as at the
beginning
as at the
thy
And
tin.
all
thy
will re-
and thy counfellors
firll,
afterward thou Ihalt be called
the city of righteoufnefs, the faithful city.

fiia 1
miae
will turn
hand upon thee, and purely purge away

drofs,
in-
that the purity and fpiritual profperi.y of
find
v>'\l\
it is
it is
is
Sioii
be redeemed with judgment, and her converts
with righteoufnefs."
And,
my
brethren,
the glory of his
is
power
not the arm of the Lord and

particularly difplayed,
the influence and dominion of error
is
deftroy d
the obftinacy and rebellion of linners
This
is
more extraordinary,
cellent efFet of power,
clianges
feems to be on
this
as well as a
and
fubdued?
more ex-
than producing the greatell
our outward
in
is
whea
and condition.
flate
It
account that in Scripture the
Saviour of finners, the King
oi Sion,
is
fo often re-
prcfented as glorious in his perfon, and great in his
power
is
" For unto us a child
given,
fhoulder,
is
and the government
and his name
Counfelior, the mighty
Ihall
thigh,
VoL.V.
fhall
God, the
everlafling Father,
* Gird thy fvvord
Mcft Mighty,
be upon his
be called Wonderful,
the Prince of peace," Ifa. ix. 6.
upon thy
born, unto us a foa
Vv'ith
thy glory
70
and thy majefty.
And
in
Ser l8.
thy majefty ride profpc-
roufly, becaufe of truth, and mecknels, and righte-
oufnefs
and thy right hand
things," Pfal. xlv. 3, 4.
fliall
teach thee terrible
Thefe, and a multitude
of other pafTages, plainly fliew that the converfion

of finners, and defeating tht p
of the prince
wer.-
of darknefs, require an exertion, and
a fignal dif-
is
play of the ftrength of the divine arms.
But as it is a matter of the utmoft importance

and propriety at prefent, 1 mull: beg your patience
while
endeavour a
the nectiTity
little to illiiftrate
of joining earneft intercefilon
for the reviv.al of reli-
gion and the glory of Chrill's kingdom, with our
prayers for a recovery of national profperity.
For
illuitrating this,
let
attend to the three
us
following particulars.
1.
We
have no warrant to alk the
without the
2.
We
lafl
of thefe
firft.
have no reafon to expert that
it
will be
feparately beftowed.
3.
If
it
Ihould, in any degree,
it
would not be a
bleffing but a curfe.

Firft,
We
have no warrant
to aik national prof-
Our prayers
perity without a revival of religion.

are then only warrantable
when we
adjult
portion our eflcem' of the mercies of

real worth, and delire
Now
a love to
them
is,
amiable difpofition.
and a defire of
its
no doubt, an excellent and an
But
it is
much more
concerned for their everlafting iiitereti.

the love of our country merit any
it is a difpofition
to tlicir
for their proper er.ds.
one's country,
outward welfare,
God
and pro-
prtiile,
fo to
Why
be
doth
but bccnufe
and tendency to communicate hap-
Ser. l8.
Bat what
pinels
What
is
at
Is
temporal to eternal happinefs
a fruitful tield to a renewed heart
home
God
peace with
to
fecurity
peace
from an
from the wrath to
earthly opprelTor to deliverance
come
*jt
compalFionate heart bleeds for the mifery
of his fellow-creatures in poverty or bondage

a fandtiiied heart
is
more deeply
liiil
affected
but
with
the ignorance and guilt of others, and their endlefs
confequences.
Now
a warrantable
is it
manner of
admire or alk a
offering
up our
fliare in
the bounty of his providence, while
God,
defiies to
pife and trample
to
upon the riches of
But that fuch prayers
we
his grace
def-
are unwarrantable, doth not
only appear from the unjufl preference given to leffer before greater mercies,
our defires from the great point
total perverfion of
in
but from their being a
which they ought
to centre.
The
are intended to lead us to the Giver

his providence to be fubfervient to
When,
his grace.
perity,
therefore,
we
gifts
of
God
the events of
the methods of
aik temporal prof-
without an equal, or rather fuperior
folici-
tude for the enlightening and fanclifying influences
of the Holy Ghoft,
from
their
we
are alienating his mercies
proper ufe, turning them into weapons
of rebellion againft him, and cherifhing that love

of the world which
is
dellru6tive of the love of
God.
Secondly,
As
and diforderly,
they
ftiall
all
fo
we have no
be granted.
important truth, that

of
all
reafon to expe6l that
Let us recall to mind this
God
is
the fupreme Difpofer
Every profperous event is the efFedl

bounty. Every calamity is the rod of his
events.
of his
fuch defires are unwarrantable
72
Scr. T&.
Are
there not,
anger, and carries his commifTion.
then, wife ends to be Icrved by every thing appoint-
ed by
hinri
AiHiftion fpringeth not out of the duft.
National calamity
not the rigour of an arbitrary
is
tyrant, but the wife chaftifemcnt of a gracious Fa-
or the punilhment of a righteous Judge.
ther,
He
ruleth the nations " fitting upon the throne of his
and unlefs when he hath a mind to
holinefs ;"
**
make
a full end
'*
of a people ripe for deUru^lion,
gives them for a feafon into the hand? of their ene-
mies
bring about their reformation.
to
then,
If,
public calamity bears a commifiion for this purjofe
from him vvhofe work
is
there to expert that
will
hath attained
and increafe
its
its
it
what reafon
be removed before
perfect,
is
it
end? Will he not repeat the ilroke,

feverity,
till it
procure fubmiffion
we cannot precifely fay how far the forbearance of God may go, or how long his patience
may endure. There may be a remiflion or fufpenIt
true,
is
But
fion of the final ftroke for their farther trial.

it is
by
certain that
when
there
is
no returning
to
God
repentance, there can be no reafonable ground to
hope that
removed.
his difpleafure will ceafe, or
Thirdly,
its
cfFeds be
Though temporal deliverance were grant-
ed to a nation, in any meafare, without a difpenfation

of the Spirit and revival of religion, it would be no
bleffing
but a curfe, and could not be of any long
duration.
felves, to
when
It
fill
would be giving them up

up the meafure of
them-
their inicjuitieF, that,
the appointed time of vengeance lliould come,
their deftruclion
It is
to
might be more
remarkable that
this
is
terrible
and fignal.
found among the judg-
Ser. l8.
73
ments of God, and reckoned one of the moll dread-
when he
gives them up
Pfalmift, "
voice,
Jfrael
them up
in
my people
own
let
quence of
fo
this
is
Ephraim
to
my
gave
walked
12.
So
is
The
alone," Hof. iv. 17.
joined
confe-
the continuance and increafe of all
Then
manner of wickednefs.
come
me
counfels," Pfal. Ixxxi. 11,
him
bj the
hearts lulls, and they
the prophet Hofea, "
faith
to idols,
own
fays
would not hearken
ould have none of
to their
their
alio
Thus he
to themfelves.
But
and
to llrive with a people,
ceafes
ful,
fpiritual
judgments
room of temporal, which, though they

fenlible, are but fo much the more fatal.
in the
are lefs
Blindnefs of mind, hardnefs of heart, and an obftinate contempt of inlliudlion, are the ufual confeIn fuch circum-
quences of unfan6lified profperity.

Itances a nation
their
may
exult,
abundant wealth
and blefs themfelves in
nay, they
may
be the envy
of their foolilh and Ihort-fighted neighbours, but to

the eye of faith their condition
To what
deplorable.
proceed when
tions
may
withdrawn, fome na-
recorded in hiftory are a Handing and melan-
inflicted,
And
the fudden defolation fome times
by the Lord of naand kingdoms, by lire from heaven,
after long forbearance,
on
cities
by earthquakes,
peltilence, or the fword,
prel'age of the fate of all
pence
moft wretched and
a pitch of impiety they
all rellraints are
choly proof.
ture,
is
Ihall fuffer the
who
in the
is
a fearful
day of recom-
vengeance of eternal
fire.
All thefe things are plainly founded on the word

of God, and manifeft confequences of the divine go-
vernment.
They
will,
however,
make
very
little
74
on a thoughtlefs and fecure generation,
impreffioii
plunged
fenfuality and luft
in
who have
thofe
Ser. iS,
and lead of
all
on
exprefsly liiled themfelves under
the banner of infidelity, and learned to be profane
upon
This
principle.
one of the vvorft fymptoms
is
of our prefent condition
the greater our guilt, and
Nothing was
therefore the nearer the danger.
looked for by the Babylonian monarch,

of his riotous midnight
being taken from him.

it
accon-ipliflied,
and in
lefs
in the height
than his kingdom's
feaft,
And yet how fpeedily was

how fhort a time was this
faperb and opulent city, the " beauty of the Chaldees excellency," turned into a ruinous heap
to the end.
Jfa. xiii. 21.

I
proceed
See
now
which
to the fecond general head,
was,
To
II.
prayer,
"
contained
Awake
encouragement to
conlider a little the
the lad
in
part
as in the ancient days,
as
of the
text
in the genera-
tions of old," &.C.

111
this the
rages his
own
prophet animates his
faith,
and encou-
dependence, and that of others, upon
the promifes of God,
by
celebrating the greatnefs of
his power, as manifcfted in former
memorable
He
verances granted to his chofen people.
nues his addrefs to the arm of the Lord
deli-
conti-
and inftead
of an enumeration of the mighty adis of this arm in

ancient days,
upon one
jefly and
and the generations of
fi^nal
power,
old,
he fixes
and leading difplay of divine main the deftru^lion of the
and the deliverance of
Ifrael
Egyptians,
from that fubjedlion
and bondage in which they were formerly held by

This is done with the highefl pro*
that people.
Ser. l8.
priety
from Egyptian
for the deliverance of Ifrael
75
bondage was moft remarkable and extraordinary in
God
circum fiances, and the hand of
its
eminently appear
Thus
in it.
did moft
the prophet fays, in
the verfe immediately following the text, " Art not
thou
which hath dried the
it
great deep, that hath
way
pearance in behalf of
This
fignation.
the waters of the
the deeps of the fea a
to pafs over ?"
ranfomed
for the
made
fea,
God
Ifrael,
this ap-
often takes his de-
chiefly conftituted the fpecial rela-
between him and the people of
tion
From
Ifrael,
and on
this their obligation to obedience is founded, in the
preface or introdudion to the moral law
**
am
Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the

land of Egypt, out of the houfe of bondage."
And
the
indeed this deliverance

as typical of the
fin
us confider a
let
often confidered, and juftly,
more important deliverance of
ftill
God from
the eledl of
Now
is
and mifery.
little
view upon the mind, and

This,
may be included
think,
particulars
ability to fave.
God
influence in
in the
prayer.
two following
Firfl, It fatisfies
to
its
the effedl of fuch a
us of the power of God, and his
There can be no prayer

and deliverance
for relief
addrefl'ed
in an acceptable
manner, but what proceeds upon a confidence

power.
And
this fubje61-,
fion.
lief
Nay,
there
is
in
men,
there
is
often a greater degree of unbe-
They
are
of.
Or dillindly
often fo held' captive
by
much taken up and
en-
fenfe, and their attention fo
grofled
on
a very imperfect and wavering perfua-
than they themfelves are fenfible
apprehend.
in his
for the rnofl part,
by outward means and inflruments,
that they
75
backward
are
to believe or rely
becaufe an invilible power.
with
the
children
Scr. l5,
even on an almighty,
This was the cafe often
of Ifrael, even
repeated
after
Thus fay&
they provoke him in
proofs of the ftrength of the divine arm.

the Pfalmift
"
How
oft did
him
the wildernefs, and grieve
in
the defert
Yea,
they turned back and tempted God, and limited the
holy One of
hand, nor the day
enemy,"
They remembered
Ifrael.
when he
Pfal. Ixxviii. 40,
not his
them from the
delivered
Againft this un-
41,42,
Jhappy tendency, God, by the prophet, warns his

people, a few verfes after the text
he that comforteth you

fhouldft be afraid of a
fon of
man which
gettcfl
the
man
(hall
that
even
thou that
art
die,
lliall
be made as grafs
I,
am
tlioii
and of the
?
and for-
Lord thy Maker, that hath ftretched
and haft feared continually every day, be-
caufe of the fury of the oppreffor, as
dy
I,
th heavens, and laid the foundations of the
forth
earth
who
"
to deftroy
and where
for?" Ifa H. 12, 13.
is
And
if
he were rea-
the fury of the oppref-
indeed nothing can be
more fupporting under fuch fears, than to remember

the inftances in which God hath formerly made his
power known. It is, as it were, realizing the divine perfections, and making us to fee him who is
In this
invifible.
very
ver from a difconfolate
way
does the Pfalmift reco-
ftate,
" Hath
views of divine providence.

to be gracious
mercies
Jêlah.
but
I will
the
Mod
Lord
hath he
And
in
and dark difcouraging
anger
faid.
fliut
This
is
God
up
forgotten
his tender
my infirmity,
remember the years of the right hand of

J will remember the works of the
High.
furely I will
remember thy wonders of
old.
AND REVIVAL OF RELIGIOW.
Ser. l8
1
will meditate alfo
of
thy works, and talk o
all
thj doiugs,'* Pfal. Ixxvli. 9^
The
In the fecond place,
77
12.
view ferves
faniie
to af-
mercy of God, and his readintfs to

help us in diflrefs.
It is not enough that we have
ever fo unfliaken a perfuafion of the power of God,
certain us of the
we have fome ground
unlefs
appear
Now
our behalf.
in
that
to believe
it lliall
former inftances of ex-
traordinary providential deliverance not only afFoid
what
a proof of divine power, but ihew us in

"yve
have reafon to expefl that
That
part of the providence of
open to our view, enables
what
(hail
for
already
is
from analogy, to
is
at
own
and encourage us in our

example, that he
be exerted.
God which
be his fubfequent condudt
as to direct
know,
us,
ihall
it
cafes
infer
lead fo far
We
duty.
a refuge in times of
trouble to thofe that are in diftrefs
and that
in
ex-
when all human help fails, then is deliverance more to the glory of God.
By this very argument does Jehofhaphat conclude and enforce his
** O our God,
wilt thou not judge them ?
prayer.
for we have no might againll this great company
tremity,
that
cometh
do, but our eyes are
We
know
us
againfl:
neither
upon thee,"
know we what
2
to
Chron. xx. I2.
alfo that his faithfulnefs is
engaged to
hear thofe, who, refufing to lean on any broken

reed, or trufting any refuge of lies, place their confidence in
him alone
and that the glory of
immediately and chiefly concerned
in
God
is
the fupport
They fee that

he hath, in all ages, counted this his own caufe
and therefore they fay with the Pfalmill,
They
that know thy name will put their trull in thee, for
and prefervation of his
own
people.
**
PRAYER FOR NATIONAL PROSfERITY
78
thou, Lor4, halt not forfaken
them
Ser.
8.
that feek thee,"
In fine, former inllances of extraordi-
Pfal. ix. 10.
nary deliverance point out the great end and defign
That they
of fuch interpofitions.
promoting
arc for
of truth and righteoufnefs, and to
make
thofe
who
are the objefts of them cheerful and willing fervants

to
God
not only partakers of the bounty of his
providence,
*'
grace.
but monuments of the riches of his
land of Judah.
will
God
ye the
(hall this
We
have a flrong
city,
may enter
in,'* ifa.
no more be heard
in
which
it
keepeth
" Violence
xxvi. 1,2.
but thou
flialt call
walls falvation, and thy gates praife,'*

all
Open
thy land, wafting and de
ftru6tion within thy borders
From
falvation
appoint for walls and bulwarks.
gates, that the righteous nation that
the truth
fhall
fong be fung in the
day
In that
Ifa. Ix.
thy
18.
appears, that in prayer properly
warranted, and rightly directed,
it
muft give un-
fpeakable confidence and hope to furvey the remarkable inftances of divine providence, and thence take
commit our caufe to, and reft our

hope on the fame unchangeable God.
1 conclude this head with obfervinor, That in the
expreffion of the prophet, " Art thou not it that
hath cut Rahab and wounded the dragon," he hath
encouragement
to
a particular view to the eternity and immutability
of God.
" He
forever."
he hath done great and marvellous

the moft diftant ages, " his hand is not
things in
by
it
it
cannot fave, neither his ear heavy
cannot hear ;" his ftrength
exercife, nor
tion.
the fame yefterday, to-day, and
If
iliortened that
that
is
his
fulnefs wafted
is
not impaired
by communica-
Such an argument would not hold with
re-
Ser. l8.
gard to man, whofe power
and his llrength
fo
79
mutable,
fo exceeding
is
exceeding liable to decay.
It is
who
recorded in hiftory, that an old Roman, Milo,
youth was a prodigy of Rrength, happened to
in his
live to old age,
he looked on
and that he ufed often to weep when

his once nervous and vigo-
his arms,
rous arms, and faw the wrinkled and decayed finews,
and the weak, feeble
But
ced by time.
which they were redu-
ftate to
this is
with the arm of the Lord.

lity, particularly as
cannot be the cafe
not,
His ftrenoth and
ilabi-
oppofed to created weaknefs and
Thus
frailty, is often declared in Scripture.
in the
following fublime pafTage of the prophet Ifaiah
And
fhall
cry
And
the voice faid. Cry.
thereof
All
flefh is grafs,
and
he
What
the goodlinefs
all
The
as the flower of the field.
is
faid,
grafs wi-
thereth, the flower fadeth, becaufe the Spirit of the
Lord bloweth upon
The
grafs
word
of our
it
wi thereth,
God
fliall
furely the people
tlie
truths
grafs.
but the
ftand forever," Ifa. xl. 6.
proceed now, in the
flower fadeth
is
you have heard on
lail:
place,
to
apply the
our
this fubje^l to
own
prefent fituation as to public affairs.
And,
Is
firft.
not our
Itate,
both as a nation and
as a church, exceedingly fallen and
we
not the
the text,
greateil
need to addrefs
" Awake, awake, put on
of the Lord ?"
May we
ftate as a nation
low
among
each
us,
may
from the univerfal
Every
clafs
and have
this prayer in
ftrength,
arm
not take our low and fallen

confeffion of all
without exception, however oppofed

or intereft
in fentiments
and denomination of
men
every party and fa6lIon, however unwilling

be to acknowledge
its
own
ihare of the
FRAYER FOR NATIONAL PROSPERITY
So
guilt,
and however prone to load
the blame of procuring
we
ledge that
contemptible
And
its
Ser.
acknowand
are at prefent in a diftreffed,
in a
ilate.
indeed the thing
itfelf
We
fpeaks.
have of
We
under a variety of public flrokes.
late fulfered
8.
adverfaries with
yet willing to
it, is
have not only had,
fome time
for
repeated
paft,
threateningsof fcarcity and dearth, but vaft multitudes havê been
which
is
have
God
this is alleviated in
alfo
been long engaged
And
powerful and politic enemy.
God
vidence of
Through
fome meafure
but far from being entirely removed.
prefent,
We
in its rigour,
one of God's " fore judgments."
the merc}' of
at
with famine
afflicted
fenfibly
frowned on
war with
in
has not the pro-
and vifibly
us,
fruftrated almoft every one of our attempts
hath been the cafe to a degree hardly
We
former inllance.
faint hearted before
encounter
have
*'
in almoft
in
any
backs
every
and the greater and more formidable our
preparations for any enterprize,

iflue,
This
known
turned our
our enemies,"
tlie
more
pitiful the
and the more (hameful our defeat and difap-
Has there not been an obllruded
pointment.
trade,
a lofs of territory, a lofs of honour, and expeiice of

treafure
Is
not this nation, once in a manner the

fate of
arbitrefs of the
Europe, now" become the
fcorn and derifion of h.er neighbours and
round about her
among
public
ofe
fpirit,
that
What weak
prelile
that are
all
and divided councils
Inftead of any genuine
a proud and factious endeavour to dif-
grace each other's meafures, and wreft the enfigns
of government out of each other's hatids.
numerous and expenfne, but how
ufelefs
and
How
ina(5live^
AND REVIVAL OF RELIGION,
Ser. iS.
have been our

rable
is
and armies
fleers
8x
And how
the condition of our colonies abroad
deplo-
They
are the chief theatre of the war, becaufe indeed they
And
are the fubjedl of the conteft.

fecting
fpared.
is
af-
it is
think of the unnatural barbarity and
to
cruelty that there
fex
furely
may
probably
But
if it pleafe
nue
their progrefs,
make
us
God
may
defolation
when no age
often exercifed,
is
It is true,
lefs fenlible of their
to fuiFer our
is
it
or
the diftance of the place
enemies to conti-
hard to fay
extend, or
how
mifery.
how
univerfal
far the
may
it
prove.
Are we
not alfo in a very low and fallen ftate as
a church or a nation,
ftiil
and form of religion
retaining
fome
profeffion
This will be found to corre-
fpond with the other, as the caufe with the
How
have
all
efFeCt.
ranks, from the higheft to the loweft,
corrupted their ways
How
grofs and prevalent
is
undermining the principles of natural,
infidelity,
with the fame zeal and eagernefs with which
merly endeavoured
revealed religion
to
it
for-
weaken the foundations of
Kow many
of high rank have
wholly deferted the houfe and worfhip of God, nay,

openly and boldly treat his fervice and fervants with
contempt
How
often do
we obferve
fiich,
with a
criminal and-infolent felf-contradidion, trample
the very
lavv's
tribute to
againfl
make
profanenefs
upon
which they con-
And with how much
zeal and di-
ligence does the lower part of the nation emulite
the higher, in that which
So great
God,
is
is
the reproach of boilr
the prevalence of irreligion, contempt of
fenfuality and pride, that
ToL. V.
many
of the groffeft
crimes are not only
pratSlifed
Ser. l8.
but profefled, not only-
frequent but Open, not only perfifted in but gloried
and bonded of: infomuch, that
in
requires no
it
fmall degree of fortitude and refolution ftedfaftly to
adhere to the principles and character of a difciple

of Chrift, in oppolition to the
andJlrain of
fpirit
fafhionable converfation.
It is
not indeed to be wondered
that not only
at,
this nation, but the Proteftant ftates of
Europe
in
general, fhould be brought under the rod, as they

fliamefully departed from
iiave
fo
faith
and
llrilnefs of
morals which was the glory
How many
of the Reformation.
that purity of
have of
been
late
afliamed of the crofs of Chrift, and the doiflrine of
the grace of
their
in
God
room
religion, a fine
And what
hath been fubftituted
fcheme of
pliant and fafliionable
theory of virtue and morality
beautiful but unfubftantial idol,
raifed
by human
pride, adorned and drefl'ed
by human
art,
And
ported by the wifdom of words.
and fup-
hath
it
not
in this, as in every preceding age, in this, as in every
other Chriftian country, whenever

dit,
it
gained any cre-
been the fore-runner, and brought
fall at its
a deluge of profanenefs and immorality
Can any
eafily
in practice
of thefe things be called in queftion
are not they, as well as
heels
And
many more which might
be enumerated, the melancholy proofs of our
degenerate and corrupt character
In the fecond place, Fr<5m what hath been faid
you may
what wrong meafures we have hitherto

removing thefe evils, fo far as we have
fee
taken for
been fenlible of them.
Our
gracious Sovereign hath
indeed been pleafed to point out our duty, by calling
Ser. 1 8.
83
But with
US annually to fafting and humiliation.
number
the far greater
an unmeaning and
tinued
You
of God.
lifelefs
form
and they have con-
the lame forgetfulnefs and contempt:
in
flill
hath been no more than
it
more contrary
have heard above, that nothing

to the genuine
fpirit
is
of interceffory
prayer in public calamity, than putting trull in an
arm of llelh. And yet, is there any thing with

which this nation is at prefent more juftly chargeable
of our
Nothing
more apparent from the very
is
common
channels of intelligence.
face
In the
afe of difappointments, on the one hand, are
we
not ungovernable and headftrong in our refentment

againft
men
and equally
who
the other, in our hopes of thofe

in their place
We
give
and fanguine on
foolifh
pompous
ments, and prophefy, nay, even
in
are fubftituted
of arma-
details
a manner defcribe
their victories long before the feafon of a6lion, and
incautioufly celebrate the charafters of leaders while
they are only putting on the harnefs, and going into
What
proud and arrogant fentiments do
the
field.
we
often exprefs on the fubjedl of our national cou-
rage and ancient Britifh

v/e
fire as it is
called
In Ihort,
feem to have got entirely into that vain-glorious^
oftentatious fyflem, with
which we ufed
our neighbour and rival nation
have given
it
to upbraid
and they feem to
up in our favour, and to have adopted

more profitable method of putting
the wifer and
deeds for words.
And how
negligent have
we been
of promoting
or praying for the intereft of religion

heard, that
when
jftrength,
mull be
it
the
arm of
You
have
the Lord puts
on
to appoint falvation for walls
PRAYER rOR NATIONAL PROSPERITY
$4
and bulwarks to a
any concern upon
retain
its
is lively,
will always
to
God
it
And
kind, that
when
yet,
it
fo rare
it
Love
is
as
any thing of this
tell if
this
is
not often the
imitation of the
in
fins
of others, or
more than ordinary concern
reformation, are not
all his
it
romance and extrava-
any one appears,
difcovers any
for its
appears as a fort of prodigy,
Let experience
When
imply a concern
Scripture faints, to grieve for the
refilled
an
When
flate.
be communicative.
looked upon, by moll,
cafe.
is
and love to man, the two great branches of
progrefs.
gance.
of public
any fenfe of religion,
practical religion, neceffarily
is
The want
low and languifhing
evidence of
8^.
But how few difcover
pt-ople.
this fubjedl
who
fpirit in thofe
Ser. 1
for their
endeavours immediately
and refeuted as troublefome, or branded with
every name of contempt, as vifionary frenzy and

enthufiaf.ii
From what hath been faid on

you may learn what ought to be the
In the third place.

this fubjc61:
great aim of every ferious and feufiblc
among
Chriftiaii
us at prefent, in his interceflion at the throne
of grace, viz. That the power of the Almighty mayappear- in behalf of this nation, in fuch a
all
ma)^ be obliged to fay, " This
the Lord "
is
manner
as
the doing of
That, as he ufeth to do on extraordi-
may raife up inftruments for this

purpofe, who may be as poliftied Ihafts in his own
hand, and may have a fingle eye to his own glory.
That not for our fakes, who have deferved to be
caft off for ever, but for his own name's fake, he
would fupport thofe who ilill adhere to the ProAnd in a particular manner for this
cllant caufe.
nary occafions, he
AND REVIVAL OF
Ser. l8.
RELIGIOIT.
end, that he would difcover his
%^
power and glory
in
an eminent and remarkable revival of religion among

all
That our
ranks.
who
Sion,
reigns
bleffed
to
Redeemer, the King of
generations,
all
who
hath af-
cended up on high and received gifts for men, would

fend forth, his Spirit in a large and plentiful mea-
That
fure.
his gracious
in all
convincing and converting
influences,
fanftifying, quickening and comforting be-
lilnners,
That
lievers.
all
work and power may appear
his
may
this
be a
common
bleiling
corners of the land, on perfons of every
clafs
on
and
denomination, of every rank and degree, from the

higheft
civil
the loweft, of every ftation and office,
to
Above
and facred.
all,
that he
may
ihout
time come,
when
with falvation, that his
his prieils
aloud for joy."
" the Lord of
when
(hall the
would "clothe-
faints
holls fhall be for a
crown of glory
and a diadem of beauty to the relidue of his people I" when, inftead of fine fchemes fpun for the
honour of their makers, thofe

fters
of Chrift
who
are called mini-
preach the gofpel, " with the
(liall
Holy Ghoil fent down from heaven !" when the

truth of God, by its fimplicity, majefty, force and
efficacy,
fhall
make
way
its
into the hearts of the
moft obflinate, and Satan's kingdom

before
Plead,
it.
and their
among
us
firfl
may be
centre of union
Author of
lauked
love
brought back to their

that the
aboliihed
may
falvation
in parties
lightning
beloved hearers, that Pro-
maybe
tedants in general
faith
my
fall as
unhappy
firfl
divifions
and that the bond and
be Chrift crucified, the only

that
men may
be no longer
and marffialled under names, but
H3
86
the great and only
Ser. l8-
may be, who Ihall love our

who fhall ferve him with the
ftrife
Redeemer moll, and

greateft zeal.
And
fwoid
there
the bloody
nations,
and when
general a combination of antlchriftian
fo
is
many
threatening fo
is
when
conjundure,
in this critical
powers, be earned
in
prayer that
it
may
God
pleafe
ta fubvert their fchemes, and turn their counfels into

fooliflmefs
jefty,
whom
and that he with
may confume "
the
man
of his mouth, and deftroy
Pray
of his coming."
of
terrible
is
with the
fin
him with
ma-
fpirlt
the brightnefs
our gracious fovereign
for
king George, under whofe mild and legal govern-
ment we have long enjoyed
as
our national guilt would allow

**
kings reign and
give
him
proted
God, by
that
his councils,
Let us
for railing
alfo,
while
we
protelion
to
intcreil,
him, encourage
and
as
reli-
give thanks to
up an eminent prince
head of the reformed
ifl'ue,
civil
fupporting him hitherto, pray that he

his
and profper
and long prefer ve his numerous
gious liberty.
as the
whom
a wife underilanding heart in his fear,
happy' pledges of the fecurity of our
God
happinefs as
decree juftice," would
princes
his perfon, direSl
arms
his
much
in
Germany
and fignally
may
his
continue
heart,
and
In
fine,
llrengthcn his hands, and fight his battles.
us pray for the fpeedy accomplifhment of the

prophecy, whoever (hall be the indrument of it, of
let
the downfall of Antichrill,

heard, " Babylon the great
fba\i arile
when
the cry
is fallen,
is
fliall
fallen,
be
and
no more."
In the lad place, For our encouragement in
this.
Ser. l8.
duty
us
let
remember
that
we
87
ferve an unchangeable
God, the Rock of ages. We pray for the appearance of the arm of the Lord " as in ancient days, in
the generations of old," when it " cut Rahab and
wounded
Review
the dragon."
the hiftory of his
conduct to the church and people of
how
Ifrael,
with a mighty hand and out-flretched arm he
deli-
vered them from bondage, and humbled their proud

oppreflbrs.
And remember how
in fucceed-
often,
ing ages, he has appeared in behalf of his

ple,
and fupported his own caufe when
lowefl, and as
low was the

v/hen
all
were
it
intereft
in
an expiring
own peo-
at the
very
How
flate.
of Sion at the Reformation,
the kings of the earth ferved the " fcarlet
whore," and " were drunk with the wine of the

wrath of her fornication
!"
How
thick the darknefs
that overfpread the nations, and
dominion of error
And
how
univerfal the
yet, in oppofition to all the
cunning of earthly policy, in oppofit.on to
all
the
fury of perfecuting cruelty, he enabled a few plain
men, lovers of the

fpread
truth, to alTert, to defend, and to
it
The moft remarkable
times of the revival of re-
ligion in this part of the united
kingdom, immedi-
ately fucceeded times of the greateft apoftafy,
when
truth feemed to be fallen in the ftreets, and equity
could not enter.

before
This was the cafe immediately
the year 1638.
loofenefs in pradice,
tics,
and
Corruption in dodlrine,
flavilli
fubmiilion in poli-
had overfpread the church of Scotland.
And
yet, in a little time, (he appeared in greater purity
and in greater dignity than ever Ihe had done be-
83
or perhaps than ever
fore,
period.
how
as well as
many of
were chafed
confidered as
dcfperate in appearance
the fituation of this church
many
hath done lince that
flie
In the fame manner, immediately before
the happy Revolution,
was
Ser. iSi
from
their dwellings, and
were murdered
fell in battle,
in the fields
relenting rage of ecclefiaftic tyranny
God
worfliipping the Lord
ing to his
the beft,
unworthy of an abode on earth
of our worthy anceftors
fcafFold, or
all
the nobleft perfons in the nation,
fugitives
as
When
when
died
on
by the unand when
of our fathers, accord-
own word, was
a capital crime
Yet
our captivity was brought back, and " we were
men
as
that
dreamed;"
fo
unespeded was the
mercy.
Let no Chriftian therefore give
ing thoughts.
its
Though
way
to defpond-
infidelity unrefifted fpreads'
poifon, though profanenefs and enmity to reli-
gion and ferioufnefs every where abound, though

there are few
to fupport the intereft of truth
righteoufnefs, though
we
have* feen a
new
and
thing
on the earth, a minifter of Chrid leaving the pulpit

for the flage, let us not be difcouraged.
the caufe that

rife
from
its
ftiall
ruins
its
opprefied ftate at pre-
fent fhould not only excite us
rage us to hope for
every one
its
is diligent in his
plead
Religion fhall
finally prevail.
and
We
to
pray, but encou-
fpeedy revival.
own
While
fphere, and in his
proper duty, and earneftly pleading for the revelation of the
arm of the Lord,
let
us recoUe^l his
favour and proteflion to the church in every time

of need, and his faithful uefs which
is
to all gene-
Ser. l8.
Let us fay with the Pfalmifl, "
rations.
about Sion, and go round about her

thereof.
palaces
lowing.
he
89
tell
Walk
the towers
Mark ye well her bulwarks, confider her

that ye may tell it to the generation folFor this God is our God for ever and ever,
will be our guide
12,13,14,
even unto death," Pfal.
xlviii.
SERMON
XIX.
SEASONABLE ADVICE TO YOUNG PERSONS.
Preached
at the
Laigh Church of Paiflsy, on Sab
bath, February 21. 1762.
To which
prefixed,
is
An authentic Narrative
of the
diforderly and riotous meeting on the night before
the celebration of the Lord's Supper in that place,
which gave
Dedicated
occaiion to the Difcourfe.
to the Bailies
and Tow n- Council of Paijtey^
TO THE PUBLIC.
THEowing
publication of the following
fcandal
was
occafion to
Sermon
is
not
procefs of
carried on againft the perfons
who gave
its
to choice but neceffity.
being preached
and they, inftead of
any fubmifTion or penitence, thought proper to make

heavy complaints againft the author of the fermon
-y.
and to give an account of what was

imperfeft and unjuft, as
anfwer to
this,
may
he found
it
faid in
it,
well be fuppofed.
very
In
neceflary to declare his
willingnefs and rcfolution to
publilh the fermon,,
TO THE PUBLIC.
snd
01
to prefix a diftin6t narration of the proceedings,
fo far as they
had come
of that impious
to light,
affemblv, held within the bounds of his charge, that

the Public might judge whether there
than
By
fufficient
caufe given for
was not more
what was then
faid.
now
pro-
the following narrative and fermon he
pofes to acquit himfelf of both parts of this pro-
mife.
On
Saturday the 6th of February 1762, being the
day before the celebration of the facrament of the

Lord's fupper in Paifley, fome young men, who,
is
generally believed, had
immediately
fermon
all
been
at church,
it
dined
James Chamber's room.

After dinner Robert Hunier, who never was a comafter
in
municant, produced one of the church tokens, well
knowing what ufe it was intended to ferve. Being

afKed where he got it, faid he got it from Judas
and, as one of the company declares, of
Ifcariot
fered to play odds or evens with him which of them
fliould ufe it.
They were then invited all to^ glafs
in William Wilfon's room, which he chofe that
;
night to take polTeiTion
of,
very dreadful confecration.
and indeed to give
it
In the interval of their
meeting, Robert Hunter fent the token to a young
woman
in
the place^ inclofed in a letter.
were the contents of the
letter
Common
fame
crament
he himfelf pretended
cent,
faid it
What
cannot be known.
was inviting her
to their fa-
was very inno-
it
but took care, as foon as the rumour broke
out, to get the letter and
imftiediately
refl. 1
what
what might have been

it was eafy m ihis way
burn
c;)iild
it.
The
reader will
be the intention, and
the elle6ls of this condu6t.

to fend tae
mod
notorious
TO THE PUBLIC.
94
profligate to the table of the Lord, to the unfpeak-
able fcaiidal of the congregation, as well as mifchief
own
to his
About
foul.
of the clock the fame evening, or foon
fix
met according
there
after,
liam Wilfon's room, the
to
appointment
in
Wil-
Robert Hunter and
faid
William Wilfon, manufaiûrers in Paifley, John

Snodgrafs, writer there, William IVPCrotchet, enarmy, James and David
or fergeant in the
iign
Chalmers, and Robert Crofs junior, merchants in

Paifley.
of
the
By
their
own
they employed a good part of
witneiTes,
i.'everal
mock
time in
confeflion, and the depofition
preaching, and that not merely
imitatinir the tones or gefturcs of minifters in indif-
words, but the only exprelTions that were
ferent
by the witneiTes who heard them on

were the words of Scripture. Two wit-
diftiaguillied
the
ilreet,
jieiTes
depone
the bell of their judgment,
to
tliat,
they heard them praying

alked if they were fure
preaching,
perililed
in
mockery
in
it
and when
was praying and not
aliirmiing
was
it
praying.
T'le only uncertainty this evidence labours under

that not hearing the particular vôrds ufed,
way by which
they diftinguithed
found
to be obferved,
were
but
it is
pofitive
time when
tliat
this
it
tlie
was by the
they agreed together as to the
was not the

depone they were
happened, and that
it
preaching, but at a very confiderable diftance

is little
fo
probability of the one being mif-
taken for the other.
By
their
own
the depofitions of witnelTcb, they
profane fwearing.
only
that both witneiTes
fame time that the other witnelles

that there
is,
The
and
confefiions,
were
guilty
noife of their meeting
of
was
XO THE rUBLIC.
^3
fUch as alarmed the whole neighbourhood
moll tremendous of
is
all,
by the
but what
declaration of
Robert Hunter, one of themfelves, William MacCrotchet ufed fome of the words of the inltitution.
The fame
thing
John Snodgrafs
he
tion
declared
by William Wilfon of
and upon the llrideft
perfifted in declaring that
was done
hy
is
in the
re- examina-
he was certain
company, and he thought
it
it
was
all
the
that perfon.
When
thefe
fal:s
are laid together,
and
circum fiances of the tranfa6lion are weighed,

poffible
crime
in
words
Is there
is
it
to paint the atrocioufnefs of their
any ground
to
wonder
at the great-
nefs of the fcandal? Is there reafon to complain that
the miniiler in whofe bounds the offence was

mitted, and under whofe charge almofl
all
com-
the of-
fenders live, fhould think of preaching on fuch a

fubjel as
it
now with concernpublifh? The very choice
appears he did, and
finds himfelf obliged
to
of fuch a night for fuch a merry meeting, and the

difturbance given to the place almoft to the hour of
midnight, though there had been no more
in
it,
But when we add to

this the loud profanation of the Almighty's name,
and fpending the moil part, if not the whole of the
time in mocking the exercifes of piety, how deep
were furely highly indecent.
and aggravated
confidered
is
the guilt
that this
Above
all,
when
it is
feems to have been without
bounds, not fparing even the mofl folemn and facred

rite
of our holy religion
It is true,
fome of them
obftinately deny this laft and heavieft part of the
charge.
It
Vol. V.
doth not indeed appear, and.

I
we hope
i)t
TO THE PUBLIC.
94
is
not true, that there was a formal celebration, and
common
general or
participation in
facrament of the Lord's fupper
mockery of the
but
there had
if
performances of
been no profane allufion
to
the adting mimics,
not to be fuppofed or ima-
gined that
it
is
it
in the
would have been
it
by two of
confeffed
the perfcns prefent.
Though
tate againll the
certainly muft militate againft
reft, it
The time
themfelves.
produced before
this Ihould not mili-
of the meeting, the token
the letter with the token fent,
it,
the other things which they certainly did, and the
who
unfufpedled declaration of two of the guilty,
feemed
at
penitent, though afterward they al-
firft
tered their conduft, and joined
common
defence,
are fo ftrong that
to deftroy the belief of
the
rather
Chalmers
when we
confelTed
in
it
add,
it
ftill
the procefs, or rather
kept out of
was
in
it,
may
the matter
ftiort,
impolTible
it is
an impartial mind
David
more
any of
by
it
fully than
was too
late to
be
great art and influence
be fafely affirmed, becaufe
the prefence of three perfons.
in
reft in
that afterwards
This, though
the other two.
with the
But
it
to cut
the ufe of fome of the words of
the inftitution with a folemn air as of a
minifter,
alfo
fome of the other words of Scripture,
is
affirmed
by William WiUbn of John Snodgrafs,
in
and
a voluntary declaration
an evidence.
confiders
this
when he was
not adduced as
who
Let John Snodgrafs, therefore,

as
fo
injurious
to
him,
profecute
"William Wilfon for flandcr, and get him punifticd

in the
manner he
if this
is
juftly deferves if
it
be
falfe
and
not done^ he muft forgive many, and par-
TO THE PUBLIC.
author of the following fermon, fop
ticularly the
believing
to be true.
it
PSAL.
BleJJed
man
the
is
95
i.
I.
that ivalketh not in the coimfel of
nor Jiandeth in the
the ungodly^
wjciy
of JinnerSy
nor fiteth in the feat of the Jcornful.
THERE
human
that
nature, in all ages,
which bears
fin,
and adlions, has been the fame, in
characters
operation and influence, in
Adam
the fame.
is
For
To
by way of illuftration'of
fo much fway in human
or rather offer
this I add,
it,
an old and beaten obfervation, that
is
all
its
ages, fince the fall of
this reafon the chara6lers
drawn
in the
holy Scriptures, and particularly the obfervations on
human
life,
contained
if
the Pfalms of David, the
Proverbs of Solouion, and book of Ecclefiaftes, are

as perfectly adapted
to the prefent age as if they
were but of yeilerday's date.
As
the ten
commandments, which
are the
fum of
the moral law, con lift moftly of prohibitions, the

Pfalmill, in this palTage, draws the character of the
good man
At
the bad.
the
in
unwary
nature of
rived at
a negative form,
by
its
oppofition to
the fame time, the danger to which
are expofed,
fin,
and
its full
mirable manner
its
tl>e
enticing and deceitful
mionflrous enormity
when
ar-
height, are couched in the mofl ad:
" Blefled
is
the
man
that walketh
not in the counfel of the ungodly, nor fi;andeth in

the
way
of finners, nor fitteth in the feat of the
fcornful."
SEASONABLE ADVICE
'^6
among
It is not agreed
author of this pfalm
more of
curiofitv than
Some
Ser. I9,
interpreters
and indeed
who was
is
it
moment very
the
a matter
citlcally to in-
was the Pfalmift David, becaufe of the high efteem exprelTed in it for the law
of God, a thing which fo remarkably diftinguifhes
quire.
think
his other writings.
riod
it
Others, refer
it
a later pe-
to
and fuppofe that Ezra, or fome other after
the captivity
who
colledled the facred
hymns
of dif-
ferent authors into one volume, prefixed this as a
of argument or preface to the whole.
flirt
deed a fummary of
all that
It plainly
follow.
a charader both of good
tains
It is in-
men and bad
conthe
ufual courfe of divine providence towards each of

tbefe clafles, as well as the final
duft, in
ifllie
of their con-
the everlafling happincfs of the one, and
the everlafling mifery of the other.
Even
there
the moft curfory reader mufl obferve, that

a gradation in the exprefTions of the text,
is
which
rife
energy
one above another in their flrength and
nay,
it is
the opinion of
many,
that they
are chofen with peculiar art, and contain a double,
if not a threefold gradation.

1.
who
In the charadler, beginning with the ungodly^

are without proper imprefllons of religion,
habitually governed
iiear
of God.
openly
by other
"Next, Jt/tnerSy or thofe
flagitious,
are
more
fet
reproof
at defiance,
treat every thing ferious and facred with con-
tempt and
2.
who
than the
and vifibly guilty of grofs crimes.
And finally, the fcornfu/j who

and
principles
and
dildain.
In the communication of others with them,
ivalking,
which
feeras to
imply
occafional, unforefeen.
TO YOUNG persons.
Ser. 19.
and tranfient Intercourfe
97
which feems to
Jlanding,
indicate a greater degree of approbation and volun-
tary compliance
which
lignifies
with their example
To
this
expreflions, the counfel, the
way,
courfe, and refuiing to
fome add the other

and
tho.
feat
and fittings
being fixed and fettled in an evil

depart from
on which
forbear to
it
inlift,
but pro-
ceed to obferve,
That we have
inftru61ive
and age
leffon
in this paflage a
mo
moment
in
of great
and peculiarly f
every place
on feveral accounts,
d,
.it;
ufeful and
ft
to the prefent circumflances of this congregation.

It
therefore
is
through the
my
refolution
to difcourfe a little,
of divine grace, on the three
affiftance
dillind branches into which
it
may
be naturally di-
vided.
I.
**
The
infelious nature of fin,
walking
II.
in the counfel of the
The
or the danger of
ungodly."
and hardening nature of
deceitful
fin,
which infenfibly leads from " wâlking in the counfel

of the ungodly," to " ftanding in the way of finners."
III.
The
finiiliing fi:age
of wickednefs, the moft
criminal and moft pernicious character, viz. of the

fcornful,
who
are bold
enough
to treat things ferious
and facred with derifion.
Having done
this,
fliall
make fome
application
of the fubjeft, for your inftru6tion and diredlion.
In the
nature of
fel
Let us confider the infectious
firft
place.
fin,
or the danger of walking in the coun-
of the ungodly.
That the
13
fociety of bad
men
is
SEASONABLE ADVICE
^S
highly dangerous to
perfons,
but efpecially to young
all,
indeed a truth which no fober
is
deny, and which hath been often

light
fore
Set, I9.
fet in
by religious and moral writers ;

feem unnecefiary to iniifl upon
man
will
the llrongeft
may
it
there-
my
But,
it.
am perfuaded that it fares often with

known and common truths, as with common merThough
cies, they are defpifed for their cheapnefs.
brethren,
their certainty be readily allowed,
plication
is
at
upon
it
own
their
dren
men make
that
it
and ap-
notwithftanding, or perhaps for that very
reafon, in a great meafure

is
their ufe
How
negle6\ed.
feldom
the diflintion with care, and
with prudence and refolution, either in
condudl, or in the difpofal of their chil-
Bear with me, therefore, while
endeavour
to imprefs your minds with a fenfe of your obligation to depart
from the fociety of
evil doers,
preferve, with the utmoft folicitude, all
and to
young per-
fons under your care from the mortal contagion.
For the importance and neceffity of
this
you have
the concurrent teftimony of wife and good men, in
every age and nation

the
mod
poliilied
experience hath taught
barbarous, as well as
There
people.
ftory hath
is
mod
it
to
improved and
no nation of which hi-
preferved us any account, but in their
proverbial fayings, which are the product of time,
we
find
a warning againft the infedtion of corrupt
What
fociety.
dying parent, in his
laft
or parting
adieu to his children, ever omitted to caution them

againft the fociety of bad
men
nay, doth not daily
experience prove this, beyond difpute, to every one
who hath the
tcdion
leaft
Is there
memory or reamong you any perfon who has
degree either of
TO TouNG persons.
Ser. 19.
99
unhappy diftintion of being known

for a profligate ? Whenever this happens, thofe
about him are able to mark the progrefs of his corarrived at the
ruption, and can even point out the perfons or fo-
where he was
cieties
vice,
and
and
riot..
taught the rudiments of
firft
initiated in the principles of licentioufnefs

I
am
none of thofe
who
deny or
either
conceal the original, inherent, univerfal corruption
of
human
nature
and yet
fcruple not to affirm,
that example, inftru6lion, and affiftance, are necefl'ary

to our
no
improvement even
Without
in vice.
this,
fingle perfon is capable of arriving at that degree
of depravity which
we have fometimes
occalion to
obferve.
Whoever would examine
into the reafons, and
imprefs his mind with a fenfe of the danger of cor-
rupt fociety, efpecially to youth,
upon the following
We
I.
are all
growth of the
juft
reflect
particulars.
by nature prone
foil,
may
as
to fin.
It is the
weeds of the curfed ground.
by the utmofl diligence and care of the hufbandman, what an enormous product might he expe6l if he would direftly
If weeds can hardly be rellrained
apply himfelf to their encouragement and cultiva

tion
Juft fo, if
by the utmoft care and attention
parents can hardly rellrain the irregularities of their

children, and
form them
to true piety and goodnefs,
what wickednefs may they not
arrive at if they are
delivered over to fchools of profanity, and fuffered

to form their fentiments and manners from thofe
who have long " walked in the ways of their
own
man 1"
hearts, and in the fight of their

**
fearing
God, or regarding
own
eyes," without
SEASONABLE ADVIO
100
2.
Young
perfons are ignorant and unfufpicious
the world, they are alike ignorant of
flrangers to
men and
the characters of
What
courfes.
Scr. I9.
the effe6ts of vicious
a prey muft fuch be
to
the artful
and infinuating language of thofe who, enflaved by

habit, and wearing the chains of vice, find their chief
remaining pleafure
miferable itate
Juflly
fame
in feducing others into the

is
the great
enemy
man-
of
kind called the deceiver, becaufe he betrayed our

parents into rebellion
firfl;
way
he and
over
varnilli
by a
lie
and
fervants continue to paint and
all
his
fin
with
falfe colours,
that
embraced without reluctance by thofe

not that afterwards
*'
it
flingeth like an adder."
decent garb
names
fier
fin is
fame
in the
a ferpent,
biteth like
Need
often clothed,
may be
who know
it
and
you in what a
and what honourable
I tell
often afiTumes in the world to gain the ea-
it
admifiion
Senfuality and intemperance
afFeCtion
and good fellowfiiip
verfation
is
is focial
filthy obfcene con-
but harmlel^ mirth and freedom
anger
and refentment are but honour, refolution, and dignity of mind.
In
fliort,
the whole tenor and ftrain
of fafliionable converfation
flrong illufion put
tates of reafon,
How
often
little tlfe
than a
to pervert the dic-
and evade the reproofs of confcience.
dangerous fuch intercourfe 10 young unwary
minds,
who
are
often deeply penetrated with the
poifon, before they fo

its
is
upon the mind
being adminifl:ercd
much
I
It
as fufpeft the defign of
requires no
common
de-
gree of fortitude and refoUiricu', as well as no fmall
meafure of
fpi ritual
wifdom, to
refill
the importunity
of finners, and unravel the fubtilty with which they

lie in
wait to deceive,
TO YOUNG PERSONS.
i&r. 1^.
Vice
3.
is
leX
ufually baited with pleafure, of which
joung perfons
are peculiarly fenftble
their affec-
tions of every kind are in the moll lively and vigo-
rous
One
ftate.
of the
and
firft
mod
important
lef-
fons which parents and guardians mufl teach them,

is
moderation and reilraint
eife6l
flrengthen their paffions

jfl[ru6t
them how
above
all,
to infpire
mod
ments, thefe
inftru^lion,
;
is
not only to
by indulgence, but
to plead
confinement and rule.
to
whereas the immediate
of aflbciating with the profane,
their defence
in
to in;
and,
them with an abhorrence of

From thefe unhappy attach-
perni<:ious friendfhips
however excellent,
is
it is,
that
unwillingly liftened
and the moft wife and gentle government
cfteemed harfh and fevere.
is
It has been fometimes
obferved, that perfons ftriftly and pioufly educated,
when they have come
into
the world, have run
headlong into the mofl vicious and abandoned courfc

of
life.
This has been commonly afcribed
to the
rigour of their former confinement, and an advice

grafted upon
it,
that parents
fhould be lefs fevere
more than compenfate this early reftraint, by the liberties which

But though I willingly
they afterwards affume.
to their children, lefl they fhould
admit that every parent fhould temper his authority
with gentlenefs and love, yet

ing the effect juft
proper caufe
it is
am
far
from think-
now mentioned is afcribed to its

not owing fo much to the rigour
of parental authority, as to young perfons getting

into the fociety of
fecretly
imbibing
wards they rejoice

to the full.
men without
principle, and there
thefe vicious defires

in
which
after-
an opportunity of gratifying
Plowever flrid and fevere any perfoa's

SEASONABLE ADVICE
I2
may
education
before he coiitra^tb
to maturity of age
an intimacy with thofe
commiffion of
juftlfy the
acquired
comes
be, if he
Ser. I9.
who
confcience will have
fin,
great authority, that all felicitation to
fo
grofs wickednefs will be received with abhorrence.
This opinion
I
is
fupported by a
fa6t
which
imagine
have obferved, that the children of pious parents,
who
betrayed into vicious courfes, are almoft
are
always fuch
their
as
have been mofl early removed from
immediate infpe^tion.
The danger
4.
fons,
appears from
and fcorn, which
them
of corrupt fociety to young per-
to bear.
their
is,
of
fhall
being expofed to ridicule
all
other trials, hardeft for
havê
occafion,
on the third
general head, to fpeak more fully on this fubje6t
but in the mean time
fhame
is
that a fenfe of
certain,
young perfons in general, and

the ufual weapon by which adepts
the caufe of truth and piety
by
flrong in
is
that ridicule
in vice
it
is
affault
which indeed they commonly endeavour

repard to decency and order.
all
how
to think
It is
to deflroy
lamentable
often perfons of excellent capacity and
admirable difpofitions have been led aftray by the

abufe of this
From
all
prifed at
the
**
mod
amiable quality, a fenfe of fhame.
thefe coniiderations
not be fur-
the frequent and ftrong cautions given in
word of God upon
He
we need
Prov.
this fubjet.
that walketh with wife men
fhall
xiii. 2,0.
be wife
but a companion of fools fliall be deftroyed."

Chap, xxvili. 7. " Whofo keepeth the law is a wife
fon
but he that
is
Ihameth his father."

Bfioving than
a companion of riotous
But there
is
men
nothing more
that earneft and pathetic exhortation.
TO YOUNG persons,
Ser. 19.
chap.
" Enter not
iv. 14, 15.
wicked, and go not

it
by
pafs not
The
it
turn from
into the path of the
way
in the
103
of evil
men
avoid
and pafs away."
it,
wife man's infilling upon his important counfel,
and the reiteration of the expreffions, ferve to convey

in the ftrongeft
of thofe
ir.
who
Let us
nature of
manner, a fenfe of the certain ruin
neglect to obferve
now
it.
proceed to confider the hardening,
which leads from " walking
fin,
way of
counfel of the ungodly, to {landing in the

finners."
may
Upon
obferve
which
it is
on the former particular,
this, as
it is
in the
known
and beaten fubjel, on
eafy to fay things llrong, but difficult to
There
fay any thing new.
are feveral juft
remarks
upon it, or (Iriking- fimilitudes, which have been

handed down from the earlieft ages, and were probably the
little that I
firft
am
at prefent
divided into two parts

fible progrefs
of
till
The
repeat or add fhall be
to
i.
experience
The
gradual and infeu-
which leads the
fin,
one ftep to another,

2.
human
of
fruits
he
is
finner
on from
irrecoverably
The ftrength and power of inveterate

1. The infenfible progrefs of fin.
It
loft.
habit.
is
wonder-
by what artful meti ods, what plaufible pretences, and what flow degrees, fin makes its firft approaches.
Let fome of thofe perlbns who are now
ful
loft to all fenfe
of duty or of ftiame,
refied;, if poffi-
ble, with what horror they would once have thought
of the practices which at prefent they are not able

to forfake.
Every
fin,
how
fmall foever, opens a
paflage for the admiflSon of multitudes of others,
breaks the reftraint of confcience, habituates and
emboldens the
finner.
The
ancients
were wont t
-SEASONABLE ABVrCE
t%^
S'cr.
iay,
That the way of
man
takes on this declivity acceleraies
fo that
fia is
down- hill
becomes more and more
it
every ftep a
motion,
his
and at
difficult,
This
courfe.
laft inipoffible to ftop his
I9,
is
what the
Paul had in his view, when he gave this ex-
apoftle
cellent precept
Hebrews, Heb.
to the Chriftian
iii,
But exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day, left any of you be hardened through the
13.
*'
deceitfulnefs of fin."
may
what Solomon fays of
ral,
of
We
ftrife,
againft the beginning of fin,
but
**
you w<atch
you may hope to pre-
cftablifh
you once grant
if
and increafe
then to ftop
its
progrefs,
its
If
indulgence,
it
To
own power.
is
gene-
in
fin,
The beginning
like the letting out of water."
it is
vail
fay of
will
it
attempt
like endeavouring to ga-
ther together a flood of water, after you have, with
ôur own
caufed
it
hands,
which have
fluices
to overflow,
To the
2.
opened the
infenfible progrefs of fin, add the ftrength
and power of inveterate
This
habit.
is
reprefented
to us in the ftrongeft terms in Scripture, where the
compared to a na23. " Can the Ethio-
changing of an inveterate habit

impofilbility, Jer. xiii.
tural
is
pian change his fkin, or the leopard his fpots
may
ye
alfo
then
do good, that are accuftomed
to
do
evil."
As we may
from the
receive
vifible creation
many
ufeful
moral
and the cnuife of nature, fo
this in particular, of the force of habit, is,
fpeak
fo,
if 1
may
written in the moft legible charad^-rs, and
repeated in every page of both.
long continued
Is
leflx)ns
with great
in
one place ntakes
difficulty
removed
ftone
a bed,
and
plant or
tree
itfelf
which has
TO YOUNG persons.
Ser. If.
10^
that has long been confined to one pofitlon, or

to
grow
in a particular
ceive any other.
own
to
ftiape,
This
will feldom ever re-
alfo the
is
made
cafe with our
Particular poftures or motions
bodily frame.
which we have been early habituated, can fcarcely
be altered by the utmoit attention, and the ftrongeH

inclination of the will
in
all
It
is
where
habits
the obflinacy
defire
is (till
greater
and affection have place.
eafy to fee every day the violent attachment
men have
trifling in
employments and pleafures, however

themfelves, to which they have been long
to
But
accuftomed.
becaufe in
them
greateft of all in finful habits,
it is
the force of cuftom
added to the
is
original ftrength of natural corruption.
Both the above

obferving
particulars
how much
may
be
illuftrated,
by
habit and example together
operate to the improvement and perfection of guilt

in large and populous cities.
There we may oftea
find fo allonirning a degree of wickednefs of every

fort, as it is
human nature
we may
find perfons
will perpetrate calmly and fedately
what would
fliould
who
mortifying to think that
be capable of; there
furprife a lefs
And what
knowing
pity
who, during
is it
their rufticity,
as
as to hear of.
that there ihould be found
down
fome
in places
their innocence
inftead
of
of
and bring home no other accomplilb-
infolence and boldnefs of countenance ia
the commiffion of
ciples,
much
their occafional refidence
great refort, lay
ment but an
finner fo
fin
that, inftru6led in the prin-
well as habituated to the practice of im-
piety, they are not content
wth
doing
evil,
but dif-
cover an incredible induftry and alFiduity in deceiving
Vol. V.
SEASONABLE ADVICE
I06
and
fediiclng others
is it
And
ihall
Ser. I9.
not add, what pity
that fome, inftead of improving and adorning
by application
their minds
to (ludy, or iloring
with ureful knowledge, do more than
by drinking
Head of
the
in
fitting
poifon of infidel writings
life
they only acquire
make
of
time
lofe their
In-
themfclves to difcharge the duties of
public or private
their minds
them
at
the
eafe
with propriety and dignity,
unhappy
talent
of fetting
in the commifiion of fin,
large additions to their
own
and
natural depravity
heart.
of wicko ftag-e
o
ednefs, the moll: criminal and the moll pernicious
]11.
Let us confider the
finilbincr
charafter, viz. that of the
enough
treat
to
who
fcornful,
are bold
things ferious and facred with de-
lifion.
This part of the
fubje^V,
my
brethren, merits
your particular attention, and naturally divides itFirft, The fin and
felf into thefe two branches
:
danger of
Secondly,
to
it
the
perfons
The unhappy
who
influence
are guilty of
it
hath
it.
in pollu-
ting others.
The fin and danger of it to the guilty perfons.

Whoever will confider the ftate of mind from which
I.
fuch derifion muft flow, will immediately perceive

ihat
it
implies the higheft degree of profanenefs and
impiety.
^
It
is
fuch an audacious attack upon the
majefly of the living God, as nniH ilrike every
thinking perfon with aftoniihment and horror.
of the
firft
principles of all religion
the Deity, and

relation
to
him.
for
is
One
reverence for
every thing that hath a vifible
This we
find
confcience, in general, even of the
written upon the
mod
blinded hea-
TO YOUNG persons.
Ser. 19.
The common and
thens.
God
107
name of
of the
trivial ufe
prohibited under the leverelt fanctions
is
We
oracles of truth.
find alio
the
iii
fome inilances there
of mere irreverence being punifhed in a very terrible
manner.
The
angelic
though periedly pure
holts,-
and holy, are yet repreiented as deeply penetrated

"with a feiife
of the extreme difproportion between
uncreated excellence and created weaknefs, and
with the higheil veneration of him

**
Ifaiah vi. i, 2, 3.
died,
and
faw
alfo the
Lord
fitting
upon a throne, high
each one had
fix
Above
wings
-^
twain he covered his face, and with twain he
"with
covered his feet, and with twain he did
one cried unto another, and

is
holy.
is
train filled the temple.
Hood the feraphims
it
only
In the year that king Uz-ziah
and his
lifted up,
who
filled
the Lord of
glory."
liofts,
add, and yet
gives
it
Holy, holy, holy,
the whole earth
may feem
It
faid,
And
fly.
is
fuU of his
unneceiTary or improper to
me
pleafure that
can do
it
with truth, the fame thing has evidently diflinguifhed
fome of the
befl
are well informed,

rers into nature,
and greateft
that
men
fome of the
as they
grew
\Ve
on earth.
greateft inqui-
in years,
and increa-
knowledge of the works of God, did alfo

grow in an awe and reverence of their almighty Maker. Of one in particular it is faid, that
he never mentioned the name of God without a fenfed in the
vifibly
fible
we
his
paufe in his difcourfe.
After
this,
what can
think of any poor creature, Vv'hofe b'reath

noilrils,
re is a
this kind,
in
being guilty of contempt and fcorn of
the name, attributes, works or worfhip of
Th
is
God
remarkable difference between
and many other
fins
which
fins
of
are, not with-
SEASONABLE ADVICE
I08
Ser. I9.
ilanding, very heinous and aggravated in the fight
many other fins

man may be hurried by
of God.
ture, a
but,
nnftake not, fcorn of things facred muft al-
if I
ways
the violence of paf-
by the fuddennefs of temptation
or betrayed
fion,
of a very grofs na-
Into
be a deliberate crime
the
fin
cannot be com-
mitted without a good deal of compofure and prefence of

cafes,
by
reafon
is
not over- borne, as in other
appetite, but reafon itfelf (if the perverted
God
of
gift
mind
may
fuch perfons
in
A fcorner
principal in the guilt,
be called fo)
is
is
never tempted,
properly fpeaking, but by thefe als and exercifes
cf religion whicli
ind
fliould excite the veneration
of
all,
do excite the veneration of many, not excepting
feme of
the moft profligate.
Contempt of things
over conCcierce.
reluftance.
lufl
an entire victory
many cafes men fin with fome

not fo much their choice, as they
by the
ftrength of corruption, and
vitiate the peace of their
mands of
is
In
It is
are over-borne
facred
minds to gratify the de-
hence remorfe often fucceeds the in-
dulgence, and though real reformation does not take

place, yet
it
lays the finner under frequent and con-
But
fiderable reftraints.
with
fcorn, the
mind
is
in
wholly
pleafure in the very impiety

fo entire
but
treating things facred

at eafe,
itfelf.
and
The
finds its
truth
is,
the viAory over confcience, that nothing
is
fettled atheifm
and
infidelity
can be guilty of
it,
according to that juft expreifion of the Pfalmift,

Pfal. X. 13.
God
He
**
Wherefore doth the wicked contemn
hath faid in his heart, thou wilt not re-
quire it."
It is
alfo
an entire vidory over ILame
this is
TO YOUNG PERSONS.
Ser. 19.
commonly
Many
lOf)
the lad reflraint tnat finners overthrow.
and kept
are confined
man,
long after
From
the ihamefulnefs of
they have
in
awe by
the fear of
call off the fear of
religion preferves
{in,
God.
fome
degree of credit, even where a great plurality
is
in
the oppolite interell.
For
Jeremiah mentions
as a great aggravation of the
it
this
reafon the prophet
of his countrymen, that they were
iins
loft to all
feiife of ihame.
Jer. vi. 15, " Were they aftiamed
"when they had committed abomination ? nay, they
weie not
at all afliamed,
they
tlierefore
time that
the
lliall
I
vifit
fall
neither could they bluili
among them
them they
that fall
at
be caft down,,
fhall
are deilitute
But is it not evident that fcorners

of fhame ? They have indeed not only
extinguiilied
it
faith the
fi^^n
Lord."
in themfeives,
of their converfation
is to
but the manifeft dedeftroy
it
in the
minds
of others.
I
need add nothing farther to (hew the guilt and
^Linger of'perfons of this charatler, but puttiitg-
mind of the rank which
logues of crying
fins in
awful judgments of
it
yoa
holds in feveral cata-
the holy Scriptures, and the
God which
are
denounced
ao-ainlt
The prophet Eztkiel, in enumerating the fins^

of Jerufalem, among many enormities hath this,,
Ezek. xxii. 8. " Thou h^ft defpifed mine holy
it.
things, and profaned ray Sabbaths."
phet Ifaiah,
ifa. xxviii.
And
14. .21, 22. "
the pro-
Now
there-
word of the Lord, ye fcornful men

that rule this people which is in Jerufalem
For
the Lord (hall rife up as in mount Perazim, he iliali
fore hear the
be v^roth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he
K3
may
SEASONABLE ADVICE
113
do
work,
his
his
mockers,
ftrange
work
left
and bring to pafs
Now
llrange a6l.
his
a6l,
his
Ser. I9.
be not
therefore
your bands be made ftrong
have heard from the Lord
God
of hofts,
for
a confump-
upon the whole earth." See

of things in Jerufalem, immediately
tion even determined
the ftate
alfo
before the Babylonifh captivity, 2 Chron. xxxvi. 16.

*'
But they mocked the meffengers of God, and def-
pifcd his words, and mifufed his prophets, until the
wrath of the Lord arofe
How
unhappy
upon others
ter
As
is
an example,
it is
highly criminal,
it
per-
it is
Conlidered only as
muft have dangerous
eflfe^ls
many
fhun the light, and are, by thofe that commit
^^ them,
When
concealed with the utmoft care.
the cafe, whatever they
js
there
the influence of this charac-
nicious in the fame proportion.
fins
till
remedy."
"was no
2.
againft his people,
may
that
be to the guilty
perfon,
they are far from being fo dangerous to the
Public,
as thofe crimes that are rot
ble, but done

at
on purpofe to be feen.
only often
Now
things facred muft alwajs be an example,
crime cannot be committed alone
vifi-
fcoffers
as the
and indeed they
often afpire at a kind of charadter for defpifing religion, and
would be greatly mortified were
accompliiliments
of
this
kind
hidden
their
from the
world.
Neither
is it
fers are not
for
fin
ftraints
it
merely a
only
is
common example.
barel}' finners,
tlieir
conftant
Scof-
they are advocates
ftudy to break the re-
of confcience, and weaken every moral obli-
gation in others as well as in themfelves.
This too
they endeavour to effc^ ia the laolt agreeable man-
TO YOUNG PERSONS.
Ser. Ip.
ner.
Contempt of
focial
mirth
makes a
religion
part of their
and thefe two things are foon looked
upon by the unwary youth

the one
iir
as
fo
infeparable, that
quite tallelefs and infipid, unlefs
is
it is
fea-
foned by the other.
on this fubjeft,
It deferves particular confideration
that fcoffing at things facred
apt to give natural
is
modefty, and the fenfe of fhame

a
wrong and contrary
eft natural
young perfons,
Modefty
turn.
We
fence to virtue.
ing, very frequently,
in
is
the flrong-
find notwithftand-
that perfons of great natural
modefty have not courage
fufficient
to
profefs
or
practife what confcience dictates to be their duty.
How
unhappy
from vice
fite effel
fo excellent a prefervative
thus quite perverted, and has an oppo-
is
!
when
is it
All hiftory
of the powerful effeds
is full
of a fenfe of ftiame, both in doing good and evil.
breaks the ftrongeft of
It
it is
it
with the moft
natural attachments
by the fevereft laws, though
not to be overcome
fortified
all
terrible fau6lions.
Now,
as
needs no proof that fcofiing at facred things tends
to pervert the fenfe of fhame,

eft
and moft immediate
ral dilTolution of
The
it
efieft in
muft have the greatbringing on a gene-
manners.
malignant influence of profane fcorn
is
not
young perfons, there being very few of

any character who are not hurt by it in a moft fenWould you be convinced of this ?
lible manner.
confined to
How -rarely
do
we
find
courage and refolutiou
How unwilling
ring to
their
any
in
poiTefled of a
determined
oppofing fafliionable crimes
are the beft to fufter fliame for adhe-
duty
be made to elcape
What
it
a variety of efibrts will
Contempt
is
diiagreeable at
SEASONABLE ADVICE
112
any
rate,
and
Ser. I9.
rome remains
intolerable to pride,
it is
of which, capable of being irriiaced, are to be found
bed men on
in the very
fuch
them
great reafon
religion
medium
be improper here to obferve, that one
-v^'hy
that
is,
of
fcorn and ridicule
it
ed with
human
it
it is
in this
this
alTprds
iafirmity,
may
defigii
,
not
world attenda
handle to
with reproach.
it
naturally be expected
it is
vir-
by mifreprefenta-
always
unhappy
this
in
True piety and
ridiculous but
profane perfons to load

fuccefs
fo hurtful to
venerable an object, that
in itfelf fo
however, as
is
attacks things facred through the
human weaknefs.
poflible to render
tion
If
I"
It will not
is
one ibape or other.
how dangerous muft

of fcorners be to all who are able to bear
efpeciaily to thofe who ** have pleafure
them, but
tue
in
un-
the cafe with the beft,
is
the fociety
in
(in
fliun ail
men, knowing how
with wicked
avoid
dilTicult it is to
this reafon, tiie
do carefully
mofi: eftabliilied Ghriftians
necefliiry fociety
For
earth.
is
Their
no greater than
few are able to
diftin-
guiih between a perfon and his caufe, nor indeed
is
poiTibleto attack the one without wounding the
it
other.
evidently appears, that
It
it is
impoffible to
treat religious perfons in general, or the expreffions,
forms and
rites
commonly appropriated
to religious
worQiip with fcorn, and not, at the fame time, bring

religion itfelf into contempt.
I
do not mean by
this to plead for approbation, or
even indulgence to any indecency by which folly or

vanity
far
may
from
it.
abufe or difgracc the worfhip of

I
God
think every thing of that kind ought
to be reproved with feverity, and oppofed with re^
..
Td YOUNG PERSONB.
Ser. 19.
folution
but I contend that
proper to trtat
may
infinitely
is
more
with abhorrence and deteftation,
it
Whoever
than with fcorn.

liberty,
it
IIJ
will give himitlf this
an opportunity, from the
ealily find
weaknefs infeparable from humanity, to throw off
God
that reverence for
ought to be
his chief folicitude to preferve
There
prove.
but,
many whofe
are
to be lamented
charadter at
and his fervice which
and, perhaps, there
all fo
and im-
weaknefs
vifible
it
is
no human
is
perfeftly decent in every refpeft,
by imitation and a
little
aggravation,
it
may be
rendered ridiculous.
Let
be confidered, that
alfo
it
it
requires far lefs
comprehenfion of mind to expofe the folly and weaknefs of others, or even to invent plaufible falfehoods
and mifreprefent them, than to reafon with juflnefs

and propriety on the moft
very fmall degree of

plifh a fcofFer,
Nor
duty.
always a
is
who
is
this to
fufficient
common
fubjedts.
ability is fufficient to
not reftrained
by any
be wondered at
number
to
accomfeufe of
for there is
whofe underftandings
the moft vile and miferable performance
is
perfectly
adapted.
In fupport of
ples,
abundantly
tain reafons, I
inflance
all this I
known
fliall
many exambut,
for cer-
only mention a very celebrated
from antiquity.
wifeft and the beft
could adduce
and familiar
man
Socrates was certainly the-
of
all
the heathens, who5;
charadlers have been tranfmitted to us.
His beha-
viour was fuch as not only deferved, but feemed
fit
to command the efleem and veneration of all who

knew him yet was this worthy man fuccefsfully
;
turned into ridicule by a perfon whofe writings,.
SEASONABLE ADVICE
114
which have come down
Ser. I9.
to us, are to the lafl degree
Nor was
mean and contemptible.
the effect merely
many, this contempt paved the way for the hatred which his enemies foon raifed againlt him, and which brought him
tranfient
for,
the opinion of
in
to his death.
proceed now, in the
lafl:
make fome
place, to
improvement of what has been
faid
and
think I
cair difcover, in the afpect of the audience, that
you
have been led to the choice of
this
already fuppofe
by
fubjedl,
committed
now
ftand
the late atrocious and flagrant offence
near neighbourhood of where
the
in
;
and which hath affected every thinking
and well- difpofed perfon in the place, with a mixture of indiq-nation and concern.
the cafe,
ceal.
my
have no intention either
Many
charge
know
calls for
prefent occalion
logy, there are
my
have never omitted
clafs of
men,
deny or con-
which
it.
need any apoI
hope
to
have
That
ordinary hearers,
i.
mention, with
freedom
to
fins
for
all
and duties of every rank and
as the fubjeft led to
feemed to require
indeed
others the particular difcuffion
this fubje6t {hould
all
and plainnefs, the
to
is
fomething of this nature on the
two things
the teftimony of
this
are of opinion, that fidelity to
if to
and application of
That
2.
That
generally avoided bringing in

that have fallen out in
the
in
or the occafion
it,
doing
this
have
particular accidents
place
being
much of
opinion, that the lefs perfonal any thing of that nature
is,
though
there
it
I
are
is
the
continue
more
likely to be ufeful.
in the
fome things
fame opinion
fo flagrant
in
But
general,
and atrocious in
their nature, fo dangerous and hurtful in their effeds.
TO YOUNG persons.
Ser. 19.
that
ail
And
feems loudly to
fcandal
in it
it
as in the prefent cafe the
fome public notice
for
call
make
fo it is impoffible to
it,
known
If
them would carry
bare filence concerning
imputation of untaithtuhiefs or partiality in a
miniiler of Chrill.
of
115.
more
the perfons
than they are already by their
own
could m.ake them any more afliamed,
it
folly.
would
be an unfpeakable benefit both to the public and

themfeives.
With
hinted
a view therefore to
at,
fuirer
me
to apply the truths
by giving you fome
trated,
above
will
To
I.
who
dangerous feafon of
ci us,
learning
teit for
what
not the
is
of
firft
of
life,
many
open your hearts
you,
firt
of
all,
diihutl yourfelves
times
and
to receive
to learn this
;
all
My
evil.
is
inftru6tion particularly to you,
may
in that
hears
lovely, pre-
others the
fit-
good, and unhappily prone
is
what
to learn or imitate
this
young
are
more of
who now
include every perfon
thofe
illuf-
advice and diiedlion un-
der the tliree following characters, one or
which
me,
now
the fcandal juft
it.
dear children,
have addrcffed
pray that
God
Lf t me btfeech
important
lellon,
co
be fenfible of your inexperience,
and be perfuaded of your danger from the admonitions of others.
The
of real knovyledge,
rance
The
is
greateil evidence
to
you can give
be fenfible of your igno-
and of true wifdom, to be wtlling 10 learn.
folicitude and concern of
your parents or other
you from the deftrudive paths

of vice, is from their certain knowledge of what you
are now unwilling to believe.
Above all things,
relations to preferve
fhun, as
tiie
pdlilence, the fociety of profane fcorners.
SEASOffABLE ADVICE
11^
Loft to
all fenfe
of piety, feared in their confciences,
and enilaved to their
power
ininds
they will do
lulls,
all in their
your
fenfe of religion in
to deftroy a rlfing
:"
Scr. I^.
While they promife you
they
liberty,
Think,
themfelves are the fervants of corruption.*'
upon eternity approaching no man can forefee or

foretel to you now, whether your time on earth
Ihall be long or (hort ; whether you (liall have much
:
profperity or
many
God
the bleffing of
as
temporal mercies,
trials in the prefent
fo
is
world
but
the beft ingredient in all
being at peace with him
beft fupport under fuftering,
the
is
and the only preparation
for death.
But as all the delufive arguments In favour of fin

^re drawn from this prefent life, fuffer me to plead
Be afthe caufe of piety and truth in this refpedl.
lured that true religion
is
the
opulence and public efteem.
mere men
Prov.
i6, 17.
iii.
way
to health, peace,
Hear the
'*
of
wifeft
Length of days
is
in wifdom's right hand, and in her left hand riches
and honour.
and
Her ways
her paths are peace."
all
thofe libertines
who
vigour yet unimpaired

titioners,
ways of
Do
pleafantnefs,
not look only on
are in the beginning or middle
of their courfe, whofe
fpirits
are
-,
fpirits are lively,
and their
look on the few older prac-
Thefe were the good fellows and
of a former period.
focial
Their companions were
cut off in the middle of their days, and they remain

as
beacons for your inftruftion and warning.
you
their
fee
them fuUen
attire,
and
in
their deportment,
def. ifed
by the world
Do
mean
itfelf
in
their
faces bloated with intemperance, and their miferable
offspring pale with
hunger or crippled by negle6t
TO YOUNG rERSONS.
Ser. 19.
thefe
11^
the terrible fruits of midnight rioting.
are
Thej were once

with their
jefls,
nierry in their cups, as ready
as
and as great defpifers of Sabbaths
and fermons, of whining and praying,
more
who
fprightly fuccelTors,
to the
as
any of their
are in the high road
fame defpicable end.
My
when you
dear friends,
perceive any one
ftir-
up your averfion to parental authority, and

teaching you to defpife the troublefome admonitions
ring
know
of miniiiers and mothers,
you
that he
is
enticino-
of foul, body and eftate.
to the ruin
Htrar
God
again the wife man, or rather the Spirit of
fpeaking by him
my
and be wife, and guide thine heart
fon,
way
Prov. xxiii. 19, &:c. " Hear then,
in the
be not amongft wine bibbers, amongft riotous
eaters of
flefli
fhall
come
man
with rags.
for
the drunkard and the glutton
to poverty,
and drovvfinefs
Hearken unto thy
fliall
father that be-
gat thee, and defpife not thy mother
Prov. XXX. 17. "
old."
The eye
his father, and defpifeth to
vens of the valley
obey
pick
ftiall
it
clothe a
that
when
fhc is
mocketh
at
his
mother, the ra-
out,
and the young
eagles ihall eat it."
Do
you indeed think
panions, with
all
that any of
your
loofe
com-
their profeffions of friendfhip
and
attachment, have the fame concern for your true

intereit th..t a parent has,
îfcern
you
it
You may
or the fame judgment to
eifeem
it
as a favour
are afiiited in the indulgence of
when
your pleaiures,
and your irregular courfes are concealed from the

knowledge of your relations, but it is in truth the
greateil injury that can polTibly
Vol. V.
be done you.
It is
SEASONABLE ADVICE
llS
Ser. I9.
more ex-
often diftreffing to thofe of riper years and
how
perience, to obferve
warm
perfons of eafy tempers and
young
perfuade
difficult it is to
affedlions,
We
of the danger of affociating wiih profligates.
reckon
it
hard that you will not believe that they
are worthlefs
upon our teftimony, but muft learn
from your own

no true
is
Believe
fatal experience.
friendfliip
but what
principles of piety and virtue
you
thofe of a different character,
there
founded on the
is
and
it,
it
if
you
will,
confide in
fooner or
be rewarded with treachery and falfehood
later,
and indeed the fooner the better, for their friendfhip

is infinitely
difpleafure.
more
hurtful than any effects of their
Again, therefore,
my
younger part of
audience,
themfelves thrown off
up
all
who
all
me befeech
who have not
let
the
yet
regard to decency, to give
friendfhip with, and avoid the fociety of thofe
have.
It
is
ufually a hard facrifice I confefs,
but necelfary to your prefervation from the moft
What
deflruftive courfes.
fignifies.
the fcorn or re-
lentment of a few hardened wretches, compared to

the peace of your
own
minds, the heart-felt pleafure
will give to every real friend,
you
happinefs in this
life,
a bleffed immortal it}'

2.
your comfort and
and the well-grounded hope of

?
me fliortly addrefs myfelf to parents,

who are intrufted with the education
And O that 1 could make you fenfible
others
youth.
the importance and diffxculty of your charge

are
many
directions
my
thoughts at
of
of
There
which might be given you with
refpeft to education in general, but

fine
or
Let
prei'ent to
what
is
chufe to confuggefled
the occafion and fubJe<Si of this difcourfe.
by
Let
it
TO YOUNG persons.
Ser. 19.
119
therefore be your care to preierve your children,
much
as
poffible,
as
from the company and converfathofe
tion of profane perfons, efpecially
tainted with infidelity
and who, as
its
who
are
natural con-
fequence, treat the exercifes of piety with contempt
and fcorn.
To
cned poifon
in
when you can hinder it,

is treating their fouls in the fame manner as you
would do their bodies, if you placed dofes of fweet-
in their
how
firft
temper and manners
imprelBons.
But
how much more muft
neral,
ciples,
formed by imita-
children are
they muft bear
whom
a refemblance to thofe from

their
You will
every corner of the houfe.
daily perceive
tion,
fufFer this,
they receive
the cafe in ge-
if this is
they embrace the prin-
and imitate the pra6lice of their companions
in pleafure
This caution
is
and intreaty are not
that
fo neceflary,
where counfel
procure compliance,
fufficient to
Mere
authority ought to be interpofed.
authority
indeed will be very inefFe6lual, and therefore

particularly
recommend
to
you an early
muft
attention to
They foon
your children's opinion and judgment.
form a judgment, and will give early marks of approbation and averfion of perfons and characters*
Do
your utmoft
to
make them efteem
religion,
as
the greateft happinefs to every perfon, and the moft
amiable part of every chara6ter.

fible,
from your condudl, that
fincere choice
to
but greateft delight.
them when they
den and conftraint.

der
all
piety
is
it
are led to look
Make them
is
fen-
not only your

It is
upon
it
very fatal
as a
bur-
Habituate them early to confi-
other qualities as good for nothing,
when
wanting, and a perfon of a truly Chriftian
120
SEASONABLE ADVICE
convêrfaticn as
worthy of the higheft efteem, what-
Scr. I9,
ever be his ftation or circumflances in other refpefts.
Remember
it
good man, as
XV. 4.
**
makes a part of the cuaraêr of a

drawn by the Pfalmifl David, Pfal.
In whofe eyes a vile perfon
but he honoureth them that

perfuaded that
fear the
many who truly
fear
are inadvertently guilty of a great
particular
is
Lord."
God
their admiration or
am
miftake in this
much of
envy of the natural advantages
independent of their moral
cf others,
themfelves,
they difcover unhappily too
defpifed,
character,
Drefs, furniture and w,ealth, are looked upon as diilinguiihing advantages, and children are often fuf-
fered to indulge themfelves in mockery and derifion,
even where deformity, poverty, aukwardnefs, and

things perfectly innocent in themfelves, are the only
objets of their fcorn.
Intellelual
abilities
alfo,
comprehenfion of mind, and fprightlinefs of fancy,
commonly much the objects of efteem j and

young perfons are infenfibly led to admire thefe natural qualities, without at all confidering to what
are
purpofes they are applied.
have a
fatal effed
deavour, as
own
much
This
inuft
neceiTarily
and therefore parents fhould en-
as poflible, to preferve
upon
their
minds, and infpire their children with an efteem
of true piety, and a horror and averfion at a vicious

cbarafter, whatever advantage
company
If
to ac-
it.
due care
perfuaded
may happen
it
is
taken betimes In
will,
in a great
this refpet, I
am
meafure, prevent the
danger ariiing from the example or folicitation of

the patrons of impiety. Their chief fuccefs depend*
pn
their real charaders lying concealed,
till it is ('dit
to young persons.
Ser.ig,
They
and proper to avow
it.
of irreligion as a wife
man would do
truths,
by
and
little
little,
to bear them, and always
There
pleafure.
is
inftil
121
the principles
the moft facred
as their difciples are able
do
it
under the difguife of
nothing more different than the
converfation and carriage of a libertine in the prefence of thofe of

his feledt
whom
companions
he (lands in awe^ and
and even thefe
among
but
lail are
gradually initiated into the concluding and horrid
Young minds
myfteries of profanity and blafphemy.
therefore fhould be early formed to fuch a tafte, as

to
look for piety and virtue before they will give
any human accom-
their approbation or afFeftlon to

pli lliments.
Were
fo often betrayed
in
by degrees,
laft to
they would not be

by fpecious appearances, and drawn
firll
this the cafe,
to fuffer, then to imitate,
and at
delight in the moft vicious practices.
While
am
giving you thefe directions, I cannot
help obferving, that you
may
fee the great neceffity
of wifdom and prudence in the religious education of

children.
Apply
It is an extenfive
yourfelves
and
to
difficult,
but at the fame time
a noble, ufeful, delightful ftudy.
lack wifdom, let
men
liberally,
I fhall
now
him
afk of
with diligence.
it
*'
God,
And
VN'ho
if
any
man
giveth to
all
and upbraideth not."

clofe this difcourfe with a
few words
to profefling Chriflians in general.
My
brethren,
when
vice rears
up
its
appears with infolence and boldnefs, as

tainly afFedt every
it
good man with concern,
of great importance what treatment
from the public.
head, and
If
it
pafies
La
it
will
cer<.
fo
it is
meets with
without notice,
we
,<f
SEASON ABLE ADVICE
122
may
conclude that corruption hath deeply infefted
the whole mafs.
men
If
are afraid or afhamed to
exprefs their indignation at
confpiracy
to
it,
we may
conclude the
formidable, and that the intereft of
is
truth and piety
many who,
are
Set. I9.
greatly on the decline.
is
in cafes
keep tbemfelves
There
of grofs fcandal, rather chufe
by forbearance and indul-
at eafe
gence to the guilty, than run the hazard of provo-
king
their refentment
by an honeft
declaration of
Nor is it feldom to be obferperfons who do leaft in their own
their real fentiments
ved, that the very
fphere for ilemming the tide .of profanity, are the
and loudell
firft
complaining of the negligence of
in
m inflicting public punifhments
magifirates or paftors
r cenfures.
Whiift therefore
fure, to difcharge
in
who
endeavouring, in fome mea-
my own
profefs to fear
of thofe
am
duty, I mull alfo put
It is evidently the
of yours.
.Tjind
who
God,
owAit rather to
make
all
inform them that they

likenefa of difpofition
tliat
all
are grofsly profane, without difcover-
gion, and affirm that
vou
duty of
from the fociety
to abilain
ing any fenfe of penitence or forrow.

is,
you
The
truth
mark of true religood men will do fo, than

this a
fliould.
among
There muft be a
familiar friends.
Had
abhorrence of impiety that you ought to
have, you would count the fociety of impious perjfr.ns
Of
ftain
this I
am
and reproach to your
own
able to give a very ftrong, and at the
fame time a plain and familiar proof.

perfon
CI
known
characters.
to be guilty of theft
any fault that
is
Were any
and diflionelly,
odious and difgraceful in the
world, every one would reckon his intimate compa-
TO YOUNG PERSONS.
Ser. 19.
123
nions almoft, if not t the fame degree, abandoned
The fame
as himfelf.
thing will certainly hold as
to profanity or licentioufnefs, though indeed

ries in
it
it
car-
a melancholy proof, that fins againft piety
or purity are far
from being held
in the
fame abhor-
rence as what endangers our fubftance or temporal
muft however here beg of you to attend
intereft,
to a fingular and very (Irong paffage of the epiflle to
the
The
Romans.
(that
his
defcrip-*,
profane world in the following terms
tion of the
Rom.
apoftle Paul clofes
Who
"
knowing the judgment of God,

they which commit fuch things are worthy of
ii.
3Z.
death) not only do the fame, but have pleafure in
them
that do
ginal,
and
fee,
them."
find the
words
have looked into the
juftly tranllated
ori-
and you
from the conilrudion of the fentence, the aportJe
reprefents
men,
having pleafure
in
fenfual
and wicked
as implying a depravity of character fuperior
even to that of fenfuality
But
itfelf.
as aflbciating -with the profane
profanity,
fo
mark of
every degree of countenance given to
them, by perfons of entire character,

injury to the public.
It ferves to
vice, and in part to deliver
which ought
is
it
is
a fenlible
put honour upon
from that
juft
reproach
to be the puniiliment of the guilty,
a warning to
others not to tread in their fteps.
and
I
have on fever^l occafions obferved, that the prefent

period or ftate of things in this place and congregation
demands the
tereft of religion.
ing
hope
greateft concern for the public in-
Growing
in wealth,
in
numbers, and grow-
as the efFel of your
your fathers iaduftry, you are
in
troduction of a worldly fpirit
by the
own and
danger of the inrifing
genera*
SEASONABLE ADVICE
124
Ser. 19.
This every good man ought, with the utmoft
tion.
prudence and refolution, to oppofe
doing
all
in
power
his
particularly
to prcferve the
by
honour and
treating with con-
refpet due to true religion, and
tempt every open enemy to that important inlereft.

1 lincerely wi(li you improved, and polTelTed of every
accomplifhment that is truly valuable but beware
;
of that falfe politenefs which confifts in
little elfe
And
than an oppofition to religion and fobriety.

indeed
am
other^ at leaft not
they
we
afraid
fhall
not foon attain to any
by the help of
who,
thofe,
as
fo are equally flrangers
fet religion at defiance,
which
to that elegance and fenfe of decency
diilin-
guiihes perfons of higher rank.
was without doubt the

moft audacious thing of the kind that ever was at-
The
late
tempted
riotous meeting
in this place,
and therefore
and vigorous teflimony againft

in
Regard
his fphere.
to the fouls of
neration,
men, and
by every perfon
glory of God, love
folicitude for the rifing ge-
to the
and
you
fhall I
perfons themfelves.
mies are thofe
who
open
it,
confpire in requiring
felves in fuch a caufe

fion
for the
calls for an
treat
to exert your-
not add, compaf-
Their
worll:
ene-
them with indulgence,
fo
long as they continue to juftify or to palliate their

Nothing ferves to harden finners more,
offence.
than when no notice
is
taken of their crimes, and
they find themfelves jufl as generally, and as well

On the otherreceived as if they had done no evil.
hand,
when they perceive
on their account,
them
to ferious
it is
the deep concern of others
mean of bringing
and inducing them to
an excellent
refletion,
tremble at themfelves.
Wherefore,
my
beloved
TO YOUNG PERSONS.
Ser. 19.
hearers, let
of
me
befeech you to preferve your horror
notwithftanding the boldnefs of iinners.
iin,
every thing
in
your power
Be earned
in
your fupplications
that he
would fnatch them
ing, and raife
grace.
God,
125
them up
almighty God,
as brands
from the burn-
as trophies of his victorious
forget not, on your
counfel,
to
But while they continue

**
Have no
Do
to reclaim the offenders.
own
in their
enmity to
account, the apoftolic
fellow fhip with the unfruitful
tvorks of darknefs, but rather reprove them."
SERMON
XX.
MINISTERIAL CHARACTER
AND DUTY.
2 Cor. iv. 13.
We
TO
alfo helieme^
iinderftand
and
therefore fpe ah,
what ought
to
be the charafter,
and what principles fhould animate the con-
dul of a minifter of the gofpel, cannot be without

profit,
even to a private Chriftian.
It will
teach
him whom to prefer, when he is called in providence to make a choice.

It will teach him to hold
fuch
in
reputation
for their office fake,
and
to
im-
prove the privilege of a regular gofpel miniftrj,
he himfelf
incline
is
him
favôured with
to
make
it.
And
think
it
daily fupplication to the
if
muft
Lord
of the harveft, to fend forth faithful labourers into

his harveft.
But though there were no fuch general advantage

to be derived from
very
in
afpeiSt
making
difcourfe.
it,
my
particular charge, and the
of this audience, would eaGly juftjfy

this
for once the
me
immediate fubje<^ of
MINISTERIAL CHARACTER,
Ser. 30.
Now,
I27
&.C.
we would know the character of a faithniinifter, we cannot better or more immediately
ful
if
reach our purpofe, than by looking into the character,
and obferv'ing the conduct and fprings of a6lion
of the apollles of our Lord,
who
received their
com-
miflions
immediately from himfelf, and were not
only the
firft,
that ever
nifters
mod
but the beft and
were employed
mi-
fuccefsful
in the
church of
Chrift.
The
whofe
apoflle Paul,
was
call
fo lingular,
and
"whofe labours were fo diftinguifhed, has, in his epito
ftles
the feveral churches planted or watered
by
him, given us a great light into the chief aims he
had
In this chapter
in the exercife of the miniflry.
and the preceding part of
this epiflle, he
Ihews the
Corinthians with what viiible faithfulnefs and fincerity he

iu
had afted, and what diligence he had ufed
promoting their eternal happinefs.
To
fave time
forbear
oroins:
through the connec-
tion of his difcourfe, and only obferve, that in the
words of our text he fhews what kept him

and influenced him to fo
to
which he was
in the
called,
ii6th Pfalm.
much
by
diligence in the
therefore fpeak."
In this
work
alluding to an expreilioa
"
It is written,
ved, therefore have
faithful,
fpoken.
We
have belie-
alfo believe,
and
he intimates, that our
inward perfuafion of the great truths of the everlafting gofpel, could not but have a powerful influence
upon him and others to prefs the important meflfage,

and watch over the fouls of thofe committed to their
charge.
In difcourling further at this time,

confine myfelf to this lingle truth,
intend to
which may be
128
deduced from the text
eafily
efi'entially neceflary,
qualifications of a
Ser. 29.
That one of the moft
and the nioft extenfively ufeful
good minifter
that he be a
is,
good man, that he have a firm belief of that gofpel

he
called to preach,
is
upon
and
his
own
heart.
and a lively fenfe of religion

After
have explained
fhall
confirmed this obfervation, I will conclude with
fome
practical reflelions.
Thoutrh
have mentioned
real religion as
the moft efientially neceflary qualifications,
one of
am
not
ignorant, that taking the words in a ftrift fenfe, gifts

are
more
neceflary to the being of a miniflry than
even grace
To make
itfelf.
the eflicacy of the or-
dinances to depend upon the inward Hate of the adminiltrator,
a popifti error,
is
and
is
exprefsly guard-
ed aaainft by the Aflembly of Divines in our Shorter
Catechifm,
in
ments," and
nance,
**
the following words
it
become
is
" The facra-
equally true of every other ordi-
efleiStual to falvation,
virtue in them, or in
him
not from any
that doth adminifter them,
but only by the blefling of Chrifl, and the working

of his Spirit in them that by faith receive them."
But fome degree of capacity

in the mofl: abfolnte fenfe.
ther void of knowledge
is
evidently neceflary
man who
is
and utterance, or
altoge-
who
is
deaf and
dumb, may
nifter.
This conceflion, however, takes nothing
be a faint, but cannot be a mi-
from the force of the obfervation,

is
that real religion
of the grcateft importance, and molt abfolutely
neceflary to the faithful difcharge of a minifter 's fa-
cred
truft.
That
ftrong a light as
am
may
fet
able, let
this
me
in
as
intreat
tention to the following obfervations.
clear
your
and
at-
AND DUTY,
Ser. 20.
Real religion
I.
in
lUsf
a minifler will
make him
knowing and
able for his
any one who
intends himfelf for the office of the
work.
It is necefl'ary for
by diligent ftudy, and the ufe of thofe

means with which God in his providence hath fur-
miniftry,
nifhed him, to improve his underftanding, and ac-
quire a ftock of knowledge, that he
man
the
may be
work-
that needeth not to be afliamed, rightly dividing
word of
In this he can have no fuch in-
truth.
Nay,
citement as concern for his Mafter's glory.
he that
is
truly religious
is
taught of God, the bell
of mailers, and will have fome of his mofl: profitable
from
leffons
me
Let
that thofe
alfo
own
his
experience.
the rather intreat your attention to this,
who
are
mod
apt to difparage piety, are
apt to fpeak in terms of high approbation on
the fubjel of literature and fcience.

fore,
that true religion ferves
knowledge which
dire6l and turn into
Obferve, there-
man
both to give a
that
is
necefiary to a rninifter, and
to
its
proper channel the know-
ledge which he
proved
maxim
may
otherwife acquire.
in every fcience, that
an ap-
It is
practical
and
experimental knowledge far exceeds that which
merely fpeculative
make
the prettieft
at leaft,
fhow, the
Any
preferred for ufe.
though the
firft is
wife man,
laft
by much
if
is
may
to
be
he was to go
a dangerous voyage, would readily prefer as his

pilot
often
who had much experience, and had failed

that way himfelf, to one who had lludied na-
one
vigation in the
my brethren,
moft
every
perfe<5l
man who
manner
regards his foul
chufe for his fpiritual guide one
voL.y,
afliore.
who appears
So,
would
to
have
3^0
Ser. 20.
the wlfdom to fave hib own, and would expect bj
him
to be befl diredVed
tempefluous ocean of
But
if this
avoid the rocks and
to
paiTage through this dangerous and
his
in
lhelv(5s
how
maxim
life.
holds true in other fciences,
holds yet" more ilrongly
be truly known unlefs
which cannot
in religion,
be
it
There
felt.
paruble connection between faith and

and
duty
one,
is
and therefore he that
ignorant of the other.
man may
that a bad
is
an infc-
pra(5lice,
truth
a Granger to the
is
it
am
not infenlible
efpoufe, and plead for a great
part of the fyftem of divine truth, but as he cannot

cordially
lie
embrace
it,
fo
am
never truly underftands
clares, that
it is
inclined to think that
The apodle Paul
it.
de-
only by the Spirit of God, which
is
given to every real Chriftian, and more efpecially to
man
every faithful minifler, that a

rightly of divine things.
" Nov.'
is
enabled to treat
w&
have received,
not the fpirit of the world, but the fpirit which
God,
that
we might know
given to us of
God
is
of
the tilings that are freely
which things we fpeak, not in
the words which man's wifdom teacheth, but which
the Holy Ghoil teacheth, comparing fpu-itual things
with
fpiiitual.
But the natural man receiveth not
the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foollfh-
know them,
As the real
nefs unto him, neither can he
are fpiritually difcerned "
for
they
Chriftiaii
from that charadler is beft difpofed to feek after, fo

he is by the fame means befl fitted to improve and
apply his knowledge of
appear
if
we
confider
%vovk of a minifter.
fpiritual things.
what ought
He
to
This will
be the great
hath to do chiefly
hearts and confciences of his people.
His
witl? the
Ouli iei
AND DUTY.
Ser. 20.
is
I3E
awaken
to convince the ungodij, to
the fecure, to
enliehten the ig-noiant, to direct and ftreuj^then the
weak
and
in the faith,
in general,
as a wife phjii-
cian, to adminifter the medicine proper to the various
Now
conditions and diforders of his hearers.
mull
at
power of
to the
fpiritual
life
how
cerning
in'
godlinefs, and
Itr anger
knows nothing of the
thrives, or affifting
it
and promoting
it
lurelj be moft powerful
fearching, and moll ikilful in guiding the con-
who
fciences of others,
mine and
direl his
has been accullomed to exa-
own.
obferve upon this particular, that
I Oiily farther
and direfl into
true religion will purify,
channel, the
It
is
himfelf, muft be utterly unfit for dif-
That man mufl
in others.
he who
fight appear, that
fir (I
it
knowledge he may
its
proper
otherwife acquire.
a great miftake to think found learning
is
enemy
to religion,
is
an
and to fuppofe that an ignorant
bed or fafell. There is no branch

of human knowledge of whicli a divine may not be
the better, or which a good man will not improve
miiiiftry is the
God
to the glory of
and the good of others, though
fome of them are more important than others

it is
necelTary to give to any of
portion of our time as
and principal aim.
is
Now
and
them only fuch pro-
confiftent
with our great
true religion
is
the great
prefervative againfl miftake or abuie of any kind

this
fubject.
gratify his
and delicacy
dy.
lectual
is
A bad
own
bad
fancy
man
;
and there
in feeding the
man
is alfo
is
on
apt to (ludy merely to
mind
is
a falfe luxury
as well as the bo-
exceedingly prone to intel-
pride and felf-fufficiency, than
not a vice more dangerous in
itfelf,
which there
or
more con-
I.3I
Ser. 20,
New
trary to the character of a minifter of the
But he who
ftament.
is
fanftified
Te-
by divine grace,
he has every motive to diligence in acquiring
as
knowledge,
the fingle purpofe to which he will
fo
wilh to apply
it is
to ferve
God
in the gofpel of his
Son.
Real religion
II.
happy
in
a minifter will
make him
and cheerful, ready and willing to do his
There
duty.
is
great
difference
between the
prompt and fpeedy obedience of a fervant who loves

his mailer and his work, and the reluftant labour of
)um who only
bread.
him that he may eat of his

pious man undertakes the office of
deceives
truly
the miniftry from love to God, with a view to pro-
mote
in
leit
and what he hath counted his inte-
his glory,
the world, viz. the welfare of the fouls of
An
men.
ment only
unholy minifter undertakes

as a trade to earn by,
as his higheft
vantage.
aim
It is
to
this
and has
employit at leaft
promote his own worldly ad-
eafy to fee in what a different
ner thefe different perfons will a6l, and in
man-
what
dif-
ferent light they will view tke facred duties of their
He who
fundliion.
loves
its
Author, will reckon
when he
others.
truly believes the gofpel,
is
He
called to
it
his higheft
recommend
will be apt to teach,
it
and
honour
to the belief of
and will
find
pleafure in carrying his mefTage, befides the reward
he experts from him who employs him, and will

imdergo with cheerfulnefs every fatigue he is fubjedled to in the execution of his office.
who
hand, he
though he
in
fome
is
is
actuated
by
obliged, that he
fort to
do his duty,
On
the other
a contrary principle,
may raife his wages,

yet how heavily mufl
AND DUTY.
Ser. 20.
it
go on,
how
tedious-
and burdenfome muil
and performance
in preparation
both
l^J
his fervice at the altar, and his
He
it
be,
will count
work among
his peo-
ple, as a toil and drudgery, and reckon all that re-
deemed time
that he can fave for himfelf
from the
duties of his office.
Perhaps
it
may
be thought that there
lies a flrong
obje^lion againft this obfervation from experience,

as
appears that fuch minifters as have leail of re-
it
ligion
commonly go
and are
far
from
mitted to them
minifters
ful
nr ;ft
feeling
any burden
feem
to
in
anfwer to
is
the
this,
com-
for the falvation of
work
to
much from
which they
fpi-
their
their cheer-
are called.
In
obferve, that an unfaithful minifler
not eafv and cheerful becaufe his
able to him, but becaufe he takes as
may
is
have a weight upon their
people, as cannot but take

fulnefs
what
in
whereas the moil pious and faith-
and fuch a concern
rits,
lightly under the C'.irge,
be, and feeks his pleafure
work
little
more than
afjree-
is
of
it
as
his duty.
work of the miniflry muft be

irkfome and uneafy to him that believes not, except
fo far as he makes it fubfervient to ambition, and
difplays his own talents when he lliould be feeding
Certain
it is, that
his people's fouls.

llle
the
This,
juftly calls preaching
confefs,
ourfelves,
which the apo-
may
dantly gratifying to the mofl corrupt heart.
be abun-
On
other hand, that concern for his people which
on the heart of every faithful pallor,
is
far
is
the
up-
from
being inconliftent with the moft folid peace and delireable pleafure,
duty.
arifmg from the difcharge of his
It is like the exercife
Ms
of pity and compaliicB
134
to the diftrefled in
him who
which, though
fome
in
is
Set. 20.
ailing for their relief^
fenfe painful,
panied with the approbation of
God
yet accom-
is
and confcience,
from a rightly difpofed mind, and there-
as flowing
fore to be cheriflied and cultivated rather than fup-
There
prefled.
is
mourn, and a time

is
to rejoice,
God
**
in SK<n,
will appoint unto
to give unto
man
to
and perhaps the one
even more falutary than the other
told, that
oil
a time for every good
them
them beauty
for
we
that
are
mourn
the
for alhes,
of joy for mourning, and the garment of praife
for the fpirit of heavinefs."

III.
Real religion
in
and impartial
in the difcharge
faithful
a minifler will
make him
of his truft.
The God in whofe prefence we ftand, and in whofe

name we fpeak, is no refpe6ter of perfons, and neither fhould we be in doing his work.
There is
commonly a great variety of perfons, of different
fiations
and of different chara6ters, committed
infpeftion of a minifter
of
whom
to the
the pleafing or difpleafing
has a confiderable influence on his worldly
This
cafe and intereft.
is
a great temptation to be
unfaithful, and often leads to fpeak unto thevn f/nootb

$hingSf and prophejy deceit
with
all
or at leafl not to deal
that freedom and impartiality that his duty
God
requires.
worldly
interefl in
to
nity or gain,
is
every
Jn
unregenerate
one fhape or another,- either va-
the fupreme motive of aftion
therefore, as moft
man,
men
and
are impatient of reproof,
it
cannot be fuppofed that an unfanftified minifler will
venture to provoke their difpleafure, or to gaJl them
with unacceptable truths.
The
favour of the great
or the applaufe of the multitude, he certainly will
AND DUTY.
Ser. 20.
I35
On
feek more than the edification of any.

hand, he
who
trulj fears
God, and
the other
what he
believes
He
teaches, will at with faithfulnefs and boldnefs.
remember, that
will
he feeks
if
He
cannot be the fervant of Chrift
no
to pleafe
men, he
will therefore
farther obtain, and indeed no farther wifh to ob-
tain their favour, than as a diligent difcharge of his
duty approves him to their confciences
in the fight
of God, or forces the approbation of the impartial,

notwithflianding the refentment of particular offenders.
It is
only the fear of
the fear of man.

fear
God
are
God
can deliver us from
do not pretend that
wholly delivered from
bad men muft be
more under
far
The one may
of this finful principle.

ally, the other is
reafons which
corrupted wholly.
me
incline
that faithfulnefs
who
but furely
it,
the
all
government
fail occafion-
There
particularly to
two
are
infift
on
which can only flow from true
piety.
I
That preaching,
in
order to be ufeful, muft be
Ge-
very particular and clofe in the application.
neral truths and abftraft reafoning have little or no

influence
upon the hearers,
as
the ignorant cannot,
and the wife will not apply them to tbemfelves.

2.
The
other reafon
is,
and perfonal reproof are
that private admonition
a great part of a minifter's
duty, and a duty that cannot be performed by any
man who hath not a fteady regard to the prefence

and command of that God who hath fet him to
"watch for the fouls of his people, as one that
muft
give an account.
IV. Real
jiftiye
religion
in a
minifier will
and laborious in his work.
make him
Diligence
is
ab-
136
Ser. 20-,
folutely necefiary to the right difcharge of the paftoral duties,
whether public or private.
no fmall attention and labour
It requires
to feek out
ceptable words, as the preacher expreffes
up
the attention of the inconfiderate, to
cure, and convince obftinate finners, to
covered hearts of hypocrites, to
and encourage the
mufl be
An
fearful.
let
it,
to
llir
awaken feunmalk the
right the erring,
unbelieving minifter
As
carelefs and flothful.
and ac-
fit
he
is
unconcerned
about the fuccefs of his work, he cannot have any

great concern about the
But he who
what he
is
manner of performance.
believes the unfpeakable importance of
employed about, both
his people, cannot
fail
be
to
to himfelf and to
He knows
diligent.
that he himfelf mull anfwer to
God
for the care
he
has taken of the fouls committed to his charge, and

that
he does not faithfully warn the wicked to
if
turn from their ways, their blood will be required at

his hand.
my
O,
this, to
brethren,
what
a flriking confideration
is..
fuppofe ourfelves interrogated by the fu-
preme Judge concerning every fmner under our

charge
Did you earneftly wârn this unhappy foul^
!
by
earneft exhortations in public, and
fectionate expoftulations in private,
ways
an eafy thing,
It is
by
to
by
ferious af-
confider his
a partial or curfory
performance of our duty, to fcreen ourfelves from

the cenfure of our fellow men, but to (land at the
judgment- feat of Chrift, and anfwer there for our

diligence,
is
more awful
trial.
Will not alfo a concern for his people's intereft

animate a pious minifter to diligence
pious, as he loves
God
he loves
his
if he
is
truly
brother alfo^
AND DUTY.
Ser. 20.
The
" Knowing therefore the
apoftle Paul fays,
terror of the Lord,
we
13'7
perfuade men."
man
If a
in
good earnefl believes that everlafting mifery muil

be the portion of all who die in an unrenewed ftate,
what pains
will he not take to prevent finners
going to that place of torment
One who could
from
fee a fellow creature, in the rage
of a fever, rufhing to the brink of a precipice, and

not reftrain him, would
fall
under lading infamj^
Mufl not the fame compaffion move the heart of a
who
perfon,
ferious
fees
his
blindfold to the pit of perdition
them
makes
you truly believe

you not make an effort to alarm them ?
no motives like thefe to diligence he
in finning: if
fearlefs
fo
them, will
There
their not believing thefe things that
It is
going
fellow-finners
are
that believes will certainly fpeak.
V.
In the laft place. Real religion will
This
minifter fuccefsful in his work.

as
it fits
him
cepts the force of his example.
deed, that
it fits
God
him
flrument
Firft, it
for his duty.
makes him
It is true in-
only can give the bleffing upon a
the weakeft as well as
yet
which
adds to his pre-
it
minifter's labours, and that he can fave
by few, by
does, both
for doing his duty to his people,
has been illuftrated above, and as
fuccefsful as
it
make
we
fee
by many or
by the
ablefl in-
from experience, that
in
all
ordinary cafes he proportions the fuccefs to the propriety or fufficiency of the means.
any
furer
mark
that
God
Neither
is
there
intends effectual benefit to
any part of the world or the church, than when he

raifes
and commiffions
plead his caufe.
men eminently
qualified to
Therefore real piety, even in this
13^
Ser. 2C.
refpeft, contributes to a iniiiifter's fuccefs.
If dili-
gence
it
be
in
other things produces fuccefs,
all
If he
fo alfo in the nniniftry.
mufl
that lays out his
ground with the greateil judgment, prepares and

drefles
with the greateft care, has the nioft plen-
it
crop
tiful
the ftiepherd that waits moft diligently
if
upon
his
leads
them
flock, feeds
wifely and
and
in the bell paflure,
the fafell fhelter, has the moft in-
to
creafe, then
them
that minilier
mod
who
does his duty
mod
powerfully, will alfo fee moll of
the fruit of his labours.
But
alfo
real
and unaffeled, yet
own
its
vifible ferloiifnefs,
has
proper additional influence on a mini-
An
ller's fuccefs.
apparent and viiible impreflion
upon the fpeaker's mind of what he
fays, gives it
There
an inexpreflible weight with the hearers.
is
a piercing heat, a penetrating force in that which

flows from the heart, w'hich diiiinguKLcs
from the coldnefs of
indifference, but alfo
fire
of enthufiafm or vain glory.
this, the
example of a pious minilier
falfe
iuIlru6tion
to
his
it
people.
It
ratifies
not only
from the
Befides all
is
a conflant
his do6lrine,
while he not only charges them to do what he fays,

but to be what he
tration
from
defeats,
by
Tliough
in
who
his
reafon
them
has a carelefs untender walk,
life,
obeying wholefome
defpifes
illuf-
contrary.
its
minifter
This will receive much
is.
it
the intent of his preaching.
cannot juftify any one in dif-
inll:ru6lions,
himfelf, yet
mon
excufes
men make
cufes
feem
to fet their
it is
that the inftruQior
one of the moft com-
for themfelvcs,
confciences
and few ex-
more
at eafe.
Loofe and carelefs perfons think' thcmfclves quite
AND DUTY.
Ser. 20.
at liberty to derpife the reproofs
I35
of their paftor,
if,
while he teaches others, he teaches not himfelf.
Nay, not only

even thofe
are not fo
is it
thus with the
profane, but
who have the greateil regard for religion,

much affe6led with the fame truths when
fpoken by one they think indifferent about them,
as
"when fpoken by one w'ho feems to feel what he
who
fpeaks, and
lives as
he teaches.
Experience greatly confirms the whole of this

reafoning
for
wherever an eminently pious miniller
has lived and laboured long, there is
commonly
to
be found the moft knowing, ferious, fober- minded,

and judicious people
a miniller
is
memory
nay, the very
often long continued after he
and his example
is
of fuch
is
gone,
propofed by. his hearers to their
children's children.
From
mod
all thefe
confiderations I conclude, that the
important qualification of a good miniller
be a believing preacher
foul,
and that
if
he faves his
is
to
own
he will be the probable mean of faving them
that hear him.
proceed
now
to
make fome improvement
of the
fubjedl.
Reverend Fathers and Brethren,
As we would wKli our people to do,

heed how we hear, and make a faithful
to ourfelves of v/hat
ject.
Let
it
we
to a ferious
we preach
application
be the fubiecl of our frequent and
We
examination of
the gofpel
ourfelves (hould be reprobates.
for feveral reaions.
us take
hath been faid upon the fub-
engage us
ourfelves, left while
let
fe
tc^
others
This ougl't to
ous thoughts,
are in danger of thinking
14
Ser. 2 0.
ourfelves too eafily fafe, by comparing that outward

regularity to which
our
office itfelf,
even from fe-
cular motives, obliges us, with the licentious extra-
We
vagance of profane fianers.
are in danger of
miltaking our frequent thinking and fpeaking of the
God,
things of
in the
way of
our calling, for an evi-
We
dence of true religion in ourfelves.
perhaps miftake thofe
gifts
with which
furniihed us for the benefit of his
own
may alfo
God hath
people, as the
of the Spirit, and of gracious difpofitions in
fruits
our hearts.
minifter
deceit as others, and in
much
as
is
liable to felf-
fome reipefts more
have therefore much need often to make

well as to give
ftate, as
all
fo.
trial
diligence to
We
of our
make our
calling and eleftion fure.
But
is
let
only applicable to fuch as have no real faith in
God
Chrift.
among
a
us beware of imagining that this difcourfe
forbid that there were any miniiler
us a complete unbeliever, counting the gofpel
fable.
But
iition grafted
faith,
upon
and every other gracious difpoare capable of
it,
of improvement and flrength
and
in
many
degrees
proportion to
the ftrength of our faith, and the imprcffion
we have
of divine things, will be our diligence, and confequently our fuccefs in the
work
of the miniftry.
Let us therefore imprefs our minds with a more and
more
lively fenfe of the important truths
teach and hear.
we
which we
Let us not (larve ourfelves while
are feeding others
but (ludy to arrive
greater degree of love to
God
at
and delight in him, a
greater conformity to his blefled image, in purity of
man-
heart and integrity of
life.
ner, fludy to attain to
more and more intimate com-
Let us,
in
a fpecial
AND DUTY.
Ser. 20.
munioii with
God
in fecret,
K^z
which
the iign of our
is
dependence upon him, and the very exercife of love

to him,
which
is
mean of
the
conftancy, and the
fource of joy in religion.
Above
us fet our afFedions
all, let
that are above,
upon the things
where our Redeemer
As
grims and ftrangers
in the earth, to live
not by light,
defire
ihall
after
let
our
profelliori
at his
fits
ther's right hand.
be pil-
to
is
by
Fa-
faith
and
us ftudy to raife our hopes of, and
By
the heavenly inheritance.
not only believe, but
know
of true religion, which cannot
this
we
and feel the value
fail to
make
us dili-
gent in feeking the good of others.
O,
my
brethren,
wardly ailiamed
what reafun have we
to be in-
at the weaknefs of our faith
and
the coldnefs of our love, as they (bow themfelves
by
We
are
our indifference in the duties of our
otlice
often ready both to complain and wonder that our

hearers are
fo
little
affefte-i
confiderations, that they can hear with
of everlafting happinefs, and
fit
Ihail
to be
it
at,
for ever.
that
of thefe things with fo

be
fuffxciently affc6led
when we
indifference
that
we cannot
of importance to think what
is
become of them
wondered
auful
without fear mider
the denunciations of eternal Vv'rath
perfuade them
mod
with the
confider that
we
But
is it
not alfo
ourfelves can often fpeak
little
emotion
Can we ever
with the danger of our hearers,
we muil
either fave
them
by-
convincing and converting them now, or deliver our
own
fouls
by
witnefling,
juftifying,
and perhaps
pleading for their condemnation at the
However plain and

Vol. V.
lafl
day
fimple thefe truths are, of the
MINISTERIAL CHARACTER,
242
final
'quite
&.C.
Ser, 20.
judgment of minifters and people, they are

unfathomable in their meaning and importance
to both.
It
is
ftrange that
we
can think of them
%vithout the deeped concern, or even fpeak of
without
them
tears.
Let us pray that the Lord would increafe our

faith, that believing
we may
fpeak, and that our
may be with fuch efficacy, by the blefling

Ood, as many finners may be thereby brought
that we may approve ourfelves
cverlafi-ing life
fpeech
him
that fent us
Shepherd
Ihall
of
to
to
and that when Chriil the chief
appear,
we may
^lory that fadeth not away.
receive a
crown of
SERMON
XXL
TKE SUCCESS OF THE GOSPEL ENTIRELY

OF GOD.
JVbo then
Cor.
Paul, and
is
ili.
who
5, 6, 7.
Apollo^ ^ hut niinijiers
is
by 'whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to

every
man
God gave
I have plantedy
the incrcafe.
Apollos wateredy but
So then^ neither
is
he that
planteth any thing, neither he that ivatereth, but
God
that giveth the increafe*
My
IHav
Brethren,
been led to the choice of this fubjel
that difpenfation of providence which,
contrary to
to this
all
human
new charge
my
though
probability, hath brought
me
of prefidlng over the indru^lion
of youth in the liberal arts.

courfe of
by
attendance on
find alfo, that in the.
1
it,
I fliall
have frequent
opportunities of preaching the glorious gofpcl of the

bleffed
God
bourhood.
to
yoa of
Let
me
this congregation
and neigh-
therefore beg your attention to
the in(lrutive palTage
which
have
juft
now
read^
THE SUCCESS OF THE GOSPEL
144
Scf. 21.
that both teachers and fcholars, mini Hers and hear-
may
ers,
preferve a
fenfe of their
jiifl
relation to
cne another, and the common relation we

in to
And
God.
ftand
all
particularly that in the dilcharge
of our mutual duty of preaching and hearing,
may
we
preferve on our minds a deep fenle of our de-
pendence on fuperior ftrength, and
from the Father of
bleffing
lights,
may
from
look for a
whom
alone
it can poffibly flow.
The
text of itfelf, and independent of
tion, is fo full of ufeful matter, that I
to fpend your time
by
its
am
connec-
unwilling
a long deduction of the par-
which
ticular circumflances of the church of Corinth
led the apollle to exprefs himfelf in the language
contained in
Let
it.
it
fuflice therefore to
obferve,
that a fpirit of pride and falion prevailed very

in that church,
which had
nominated from
who was
every one of you
and
los,
this or the other principal teacher
or had been
1 2th verfe of the
firft
Thus
among them.
chapter, "
faith, I
am
of Cephas, and
them
rent
Now
faith I
am
in the
this
fay, that
of Paul, and
of Apol-
And
of Chrift.'*
of Paul, and another,
in the
" For while
verfe immediately preceding the text,
one
much
into parties de-
am
of
A pol-
ios, are ye not carnal ?" PofTibly the converts from
nmong
the
Jews counted themfelves the
peter, and held
him
the higheft elteem, while
in
thofe of the Gentiles fupported the
of the apoflle Paul,

faith
among
others,
difciples of
who
firil
name and
credit
planted the Chriftian
the idolatrous heathens
who were much addided
and perhaps
to learning
and
philofophy, admired and extolled the eloquence of
Apollos.
And
yet after
all,
perhaps the
fierce
and
ENTIRELY OF GOD.
Ser. 21.
I45
unchriftian contentions that prevailed in that church
were not owing
to their divided attachment to par-
ticular apoftles, but
which were among; themfelves.
teachers
was the
felf,
the ambitious and corrupt
to
the ap'
cafe,
Paul only mentioned him-
file
ApoUos and Cephas, by way of
inflead of
naming
If this
fuppofition^
the. guilty heads of the contending
with fo
parties, that the reproof being adminiilered
much prudence and
might be carried home
delicacy,
with the greater evidence and
This inter-
force.
pretation receives a good deal of countenance
we und
wh?.t
brethren,
thefe things,
in a figure transferred
tomjfelf and
not to think of
Such
iv. 6.
your fake, that ye might learn
to Apollos for
that no one of
chap.
in
have
men above
that
you be puffed up
divifion and fadious
mifchief wherever
it
the
which
for
in
us
written,.
is
one againil ano-
temper does
prevails.
much under
people being
from
" And
infinite
proceeds fronx
It
power of
a carnal
raind,
and exceedingly increafes carnality by that
envy,
ifrife,
duces.
and diffimulation which
But the chief way
fuccefs of the gofpel

fatal
is,
in
which
it
it
always prohinders the
by leading men
into the
miftake of feeking, or expelling to find in mi-
niiiers
what can only be had
inftruments
in
and fervants what
Lord and Mailer.

nefs of this fin
Would you
is
or afcribing- to
due only to their
perceive the great-
It is facrilegioufiy
his own honour and glory,

finful creature
God,
robbing
God
in order to invelf a
with the facred
weak
fpoils.
I only add one other preliminary remark.
N3
of
You
TKE SUCCESS OF THE GOSPEL
1^6
may
fee the perfect confiftency
we
and propriety of the
according to the different circum-
apoftle's condu^l,
Hances
For
which he was engaged.
in
Ser. 21.
this
purpofe
muft compare his exprelTions here with thofe
iifed
by him when attempts were made
to leiTen his
chara6ter, and detract fron) the dignity of his office
On
as an apoftle of Chrift.
thefe occafions he fhews^
knows very well what belonged
that he
tion in the church,
and
is
fo far
to his fta-
from fpeaking of
himfelf in affeded drains of humility, that he freely

vindicates his
own
conduct, and magnifies the ho-
nourable
that
was committed to him by his

1,2. " Am 1 not an apoftle ?
truft
Chap.
Saviour.
am
not free
Lord?
jiot
ix.
have
are not
ye
not feen Jefus Chrift our
my work
in the
Lord?
an apoftle to others, yet doubtlefs
for the feal of
mine
apoftleftiip are
ye
am
is
to
in the
Thus the apoftle fpeaks in vindication of

But when
rity when unjuftly attacked.
tion
If I be
}ou
;.
Lord."
his autho-
the quef-
changed, and fome are difpofed to extol
him
or any other, to the prejudice of his Lord and Mafter,
he changes his
manner of
Imrobleft
too,
ftyle
and fpeaks in the
himfelf, and any thing he
had
contributed, or could contribute to the fuccefs of the

gofpel.
As
a faithful fervant he could not endure
that any ftiould put
him
rejeded with indignation
in his Mailer's place,

all
and
that falfe honour whiclr
flowed only from the miftakes and weaknefs of his

fellow Chriftians
In
thic-,
dire6l;ons
as in
many
other inftances, the occafional
given to the different Chriftian churches
in the early ages, carry the moft important
ful aduionitions
to us
who
and ufe-
live in the latter days.
ENTIRELY OF
Ser. 21.
From
GOI>.
we
the paiTage before us
fhould confider themfelves,
14^
that minlilers
learn,
and be confidered hy
their people, as entirely fubordinate
expert
afliilance in their labours,
to
and fuccefs in their
What
endeavours only from himfelf.
God, and
pofe, in dependence on divine grace,
further pro-
is firft
now
trate and fupport the propofition juft
to iikif-
down,
laid
and then to make a practical improvement of the
your inftrudion and
fubjedl for
then, I
I. Firft,
to illuftrate
That minifters ought
propofition,
felves,
am
from himfelf.
In the coarfe of this ilUiilration
intention,
at
it
once to point out the meaning

to eftablifh its
For
truth from Scripture and experience.

I
in
allittance
their endeavours only
in
and import of the propofition, and
pofe
them-
to confider
God, and expert
their labours, and fuccefs
my
and fupport this
and to be confidered by their people, as en-
tirely fubordinate to
is
dired:ion.
this
pur-
beg your attention to the following obferva-
tions.
I.
The
fuccefs of the gofpel depends
God, and
cribed, as
him
to
it is
but
who
for
promoting
he
alone mull the giory of
who
be af-
it
not only fends and employs,
furnifhes and qualifies

his
wholly upon
all
He
fervice.
whom
he employs
not only gives the
commiffion to undertake, but he imparts the ability

to difcharge the truft.
This truth
cluded in the apollle's words
and
who
is
lieved, even
**
mauifeftly in-
Who
A.pollos, but minifters

a:>
is
by
then
whom
the Lord gave to every
man
confiders himfelf and others only as minift-irs

is,
as fervants fubjecl to the dire6lion
Paul,
is
ye be?"
;
He
that
and authority
148
Ser. 11
whom
of Chrift their Lord and Mailer, unto
they
are to be inilrumental in carrying on the converfion
of fmners, and the edification and comfort of believers.
This
fully
come up
cate.
however, of
finiilitudc,
the apoflie would incul-
to the truth
man who
is
does not
itfelf
but a fervant, and does every
thing by the authority, and under the diredion of

his Mafter,
may
yet have real and jull ground for
valuing himfelf upon what he performs

inftance,
he
is
polTcfkd of
uncommon
On
his Mafler,
tlie
this fuppolition
fuccefs of
ereat mcafure be
whofe
he
in cafe, for
and
talents,
work
an extraordinary capacity to do his

advantage.
to the beft
a treafurer to
is
direftion
may
in
afcribed to the fervant's ikill and
But
ability in tjie execution.
to exclude every pre-
tence of this fort, the apoflie fiibjoins what brings
up to his purpofe, " even as the

every man." 'Miniilers are not only
the alluiion fully
Lord gave
to
fervants, but their very capacity and ability to feive
God
man
are received
from himfclf, wlio divides
feverally as he will.
that the glory
r^.nd
From
this
to
every
evident,,
it is
honour of the whole work, and
the fuccefs of every particular fervant employed ia

it,
is
entirely
Mafler:
diiTer
froiH
owing
Cor.
iv. 7.
another
didfl not receive
to Chrifl
now
*'
For
their great
Lord and
who maketh
and what haft thou that tliou

if
thou
didft:
receive
Let
us,
truth a
niflers
confider and dwell
little, for it is full
and people.
two
it
?"
upon
this
of inflruftion both to mi-
That we may view
greater clearnefs and precifion, let
there are
why
it,
dofl thou glory as if thou hadil not received
my brethren,
thee to
me
it
with the
obferve, that
diftind kinds of qualities,
which are
ENTIRELY OF GOD.
Ser. 21.
each
importance
in their place of great
of the miniftry,
(i.)
work
in the
The endowments
49
the
oi
mind, whether original and natural, or acquired bj

indiiitry
thefe
lalt
being only the former improved
and perfe6ted by education and exercife.
Holy
(2.)
which are of the utmoft importance and
difpofitions,
neceflity to turn the other into their proper channel,
and to give them force and influence
Now
tion.
both thefe are equally and entirely the
of God, the
gift
commonly,
gifts
in the applica-
in
firft
being indeed in Scripture moft
their extent
all
and diveriity, called
but the others are the effect of the gracious
and fan^lifying influence of the Holy Ghoft.

(i.) All the
for
common
endowments of mind which
or fpecial fervice, are the gift of
Whatever capacity
man
fit
God.
of talents, whatever natural ad-
vantages of any kind minifters enjoy,
plain that
it is
they received them from God, and depend upon him

for the continuance and ufe of them.
He
only en-
dows them with knowledge and comprehenlion to

He only endows them
with the talent of fpeaking well, and enables them
to communicate their knowledge to others, in an
under (land his facred truths.
agreeable and acceptable manner.

**
And
the Lord
man's mouth
or
unto him.
faid
who maketh
or the feeing, or the blind
Now therefore
teach thee
go, and
what thou
Exod.
the
Who
iv. 11,
hath made
dumb, or
have not
12.
deaf,
the Lord
will be with thy mouth, and
fhalt fay.'*
There
is
fome-
thing very noble, as well as inftru6live in thefe paffages of Scripture,
which reprefent even the
fid 11
of
the tradefmen to be employed in adorning the vifible
fanduary, as the gift of God, and the infpira-
IjO
Exod. xxxi.
tion of his Spirit.
Ser. 21.
i, 2, 3, 4.
the Lord fpake unto Mofes, fa^ying, See,
by name
led
of the tribe of Judah
and
God,
fhip, to devife
and
in filver,
and
have
wifdom, and
in
in all
in underftanding,
manner of workman-
And
in brafs."
him with
filled
cunning works, to work
"Then wrought
1.
knowledge, and
in
And
have cal-
the fon of Uri, the fon of Hur,
B'.-zaleel
the Spirit of
"
again,
and
in gold,
Exod. xxxvi.
Bczaleel and Aholiab, and every
whom
wife-hearted man, in
the Lord put
know how
and underftanding. to
to
work
wifdom
all
man-
ner of work for the fervice of the fanluary, according to
all
that the
Further, as
it is
Lord had commanded."
Almighty
the infpiration of the
that giveth underftanding, both
in
a general and
comparative view, fo the improvement of natural
by acquired
parts
As
to him.
it is
learning
is
no
lefs to
he gives the difpolition and
be afcribed
ability,
fo
he who, by the courfe of his providence, fur-
niflies
the means,
making
progrefs.
will, if
God
fallibly
and prefents the opportunity of
Let
human
efforts
be what they
do not fmile upon them they will
be blafted.
An
all-
feeing and fovereign
in-
God
has determined the times before appointed, and the
bounds of our habitation, and every pcrfon

ferioufly rcfle6l,
may
be
fcnftble
how
who
all his
will
purpo-
have been controuled and over-ruled by the in-
fes
vilible
diredlion
tvent,
who
was
of
tlic
great
Difpofcr
hath pointed out the patlis in which he
to walk.
(2.) Let us alfo remember, that
endows
viz..
of every
his minifters
it is
God who
with their brighteft ornaments,
holy and gracious difpoiitions, which ferve to
ENTIRELY OF GOD.
Set. 21.
I5I
turn their other talents into the proper channel, and

to give
am
them
force and influence in the application,
my
fenfible,
fidered as
more
brethren, that gifts
be con-
the being of the miniftry
alTiftant to
than even grace
may
We
itfelf.
renounce the
juftly
Popifli dodrine, that the efficacy of the facraments,
or other ordinances, depends

.
inward
of the adminiflrator.
(late
In oppofition to
the Airembly's Shorter Catechifm fays juftly,
this
The
**
upon the intention or
facraments (and
it
equally true of every
is
other ordinance) become eiTeîual to falvation, not
from any virtue in them, nor in him that doth adminifter them, but only by the bleffing of Chrift,
and the working of his Spirit
A hypocrite
receive them."
but he
may
in
them
that
by
iaith
cannot be a faithful,
be in fome degree a fuccefsful minifter.
am perfuaded there are not a few now in heaven,

who were converted and edified by the miniftry of
thofe
who have taken up
torment.
who
An
awful
are intrufted
It brings to
pious writer
my
:
their
abode
in the place
of
reileclion this indeed to thofe
with the
office
of the miniftry.
mind a faying of an eminent and
Minifters
are
as
in
great danger of
deceiving themfelves as others, and in fome refpe^ls

greater, for they
may
nefs in thinking
and fpeaking of holy things, and
thofe gifts
be apt to miftake their readi-
which God
benefit of his
beftov^s
upon them
for the
chofen, for the fruit and evidence of
gracious difpofitions in thejr ov/n hearts.
But notwithllanding
all this, it is
beyond
all
con-
troverfy, that one of the moft elTential qualifications
of a good minifter
is,
a very
weli as
difficult, as
that he be a good
it is
man.
It is
a very dreadful thing

o#
THE SUCCESS OP THE GOSPEL
152
unknown
preach an
to
Scr. 21.
But where the
Saviour,
love of Chriil dwells and reigns in the heart,
much
gives fuch attachment to his caufe, fo

his people,
fo
much
it
love to
clearnefs and comprehenfion in
underftanding his truths, fo great willingnefs, or rather defire to communicate them, as cannot
fail to
have the greateft influence on a minifter's diligence,

and at the fame time gives reafon to hope that he
from
will fpeak
to faith.
faith
exprefles himfelf, 2 Cor. iv.
fame
Thus
the apollle
We
having the
13. "
of faith, according as
fpirit
have believed, therefore have
is
it
fpoken
written, I
;
we
aifo
believe, and therefore fpeak."
Now
whom
to
difpofitions
Who
which
Chrilt
his fervice
a minifter indebted for his holy
implanted in him that love to
infpires
Take
is
him with
the anfwer in the words of the
2 Cor. iv. 3, 6.
apoftle,
zeal and fidelity in
" For we preach not our-
but Chrilt Jefus our Lord
felves,
your fervants
For
for Jefus' fake.
and ourfelves
God who com-
manded
the light to fhine out of darknefs, hath fhi-
ned
our hearts, to give the light of the know-
in
ledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jefus

Chrift "
was the power of
It
him
again from the dead, and
God
dwelling in him, that he
it is
is
enabled to adorn the doctrine of

all
things.
So that the
fire
God
that brought
by the
Spirit of
daily fandlified and
God
his Saviour in
of his minillrations, and
the light of his example, and the joint influence of
both, are to be ultimately referred, and will by
him
be moft willingly and thank iully attributed to tlie

power and grace o^ God his Redeemer, of whofe
fulncfs
we
all
have received, and grace for grace.
ENTIRELY OF GOD.
Ser. 21.
2.
But
in
I53
the fecond place, the fuccefs of the
gofpel depends entirely on
God,
as
who
he
is
it
gives tfficacy to the inftru6lions even of the moft
eminent and bed qualified minifters, by the immediate fupernatural operation of his Spirit and grace.
Let us fuppofe a minifter endued with the
the advantages of
human
learning
the moft folid judgment,
lively imagination,
moft charming and perfuafive eloquence
him have what
alone
is
of
iliall
convert, unlefs almighty

by-
his
God
with
It
fo
many
fincere
be pleafed to open the
and con-
divine grace into the heart
fcience of the iianer.
all thefe,
make one
not be able to
the
in fine, let
more value than
an eminently pious and devout heart

advantages be
him have
let
penetrating genius, the moft
the moft acute and
way
na-
and thefe improved and cultivated by
tural parts,
all
finelt
is
not then merely
farniining the proper means, and
by the
of his providence, giving them an opportunity

exerting their iniluence, that
cefs of the gofpel,
by
difpofition
God promotes
of"
the fuc-
but by an immediate and power-
ful agency, diftind from,
and fuperior to every
fe-
cond caufe.
I
have endeavoured to exprefs
this
with the great-
and the greateft clearnefs, as a truth of

While we believe the ufe
the utmoft importance.
eft
fulnefs,
and neceftity of means and fecond caufes, we ous^ht

never to feparate them from, or forget their fubordinatlon to
God.
There can hardly be a nobler
il-
luftration of this truth than the apoftle has given us

in the text
by a natural
fimilitude
"
ed," fa}s he, " Apollos watered, but
VoL.V,
have plant-
God
gave the
3154
Ser. 21.
His expreffions are taken from hulbandry,

or gardening, which is a particular branch of it. By
an allufion to thefe arts, he explains his fubjed in a
increafe."
manner
level to the capacity of every thinking per-
The hufbandman
fon.
dig up, and mellow the
and drefs his

-care
may manure,
may fow his feed
or gardener
foil
he
and
field with the greateft diligence
but what a
way has he gone,

fo much as begun
little
indeed, he hath not
or rather,
the great
procefs of growth and vegetation, that daily mira-
may
cle,
not call
it,
How many
before our eyes.
things muft necefTarily concur which are beyond the
reach of his power
The
enlivening heat of the fun,
the refrelhing dews and rain from the bottles of heaven, are wholly under the direction and difpofal of
the omnipotent Jehovah.
Cannot he, when he
jnake the heavens over your heads as
brafs,
will,
and the
but the power of growing
in
Nay, not only fo,

the feed, by ft ri king
and opening
its
bud, and the natural
earth under your feet as iron
out
its
roots
difpofition in the earth to nourifh
from any
it,
are derived, not
virtue inherent in the things themfelves,
but only from that almighty word,

bring forth every tree bearing
bearing feed after
its
kind/'
fruit,
*'
and every herb
Juft: fo in
hulbandry of which the apoftle
is
Let the earth
that fpiiitual
fpeaking; miniflers
may
is
fow the good feed of the word of God, but it

his own prerogative to give it a regenerating and
fanftifying efficacy, and
in the heart, and good
may
make
works
it
productive of faith
in the life.
Minifters
continue to water the feed already fown, with
fuitable infl:ru6lions and exhortations,
gent ufe of
all
thofe
and the
dili-
means which God hath ap-
ENTIRELY OF GOD.
&er. 21.
1^$
pointed for the eilablifliment and growth of believers
but
it is
makes
that
means produ6live of the
thefe
Therefore the apoftle concludes,
efFed.
drawn from
own
of his
oflly the influence
the fimilitude,
Spirit'
defired
language
in
" So then neither
is
he
that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth,
but
God
that giveth the increafe."
This important truth,
my
brethren,
capable of
is
a very full and clear proof from the facred oracles*
Every thing we
find recorded there
of the prophets, and the fuccefs of their
niifTion
meffage, carries this truth as
Nay,
it
were
in its
bofom.
the great prophet of the church gives us this
very view of his
John
concerning the
vi.
44, 45.
own
**
miniftry as the Son of
No man
the Father which hath

will raife
him up
can come to
fent
me draw him
at the laft day.
It is
the prophets.
And
Every man,
therefore, that hath heard
they fhall be
all
man.
me, except
;
and I
written in
taught of
God.
and hath
learned of the Father, cometh unto me."
You
fee
that, to the
commillion which our Lord gives to his
apoftles, is
annexed a promife of his prefence and
power
to
accompany
sxviii. 19, lo.
**
Go
their
miniftrations.
ye, therefore, and teach
Matt,
all
na-
name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft, teaching
them to obferve all things whatfoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you alway, even to
tions, baptizing
them
in the
the end of the world.
But
I
ftiall
my
Amen."
inftead of multiplying paflages of Scripture,

direO:
argument
you
in
to one
which will
the clearefl light.
fet this part
of
It is that paf-
fuge which gives an account of the conveilion of
1^6
Lydia, recorded A6ls xvi. 14. "
man, named Lydia, a
feller
And
Ser. 21.
a certain
wo-
of purple, of the city of
Thyatira, which worfhipped God, heard us, whoffc

heart the Lord opened, that fhe attended to the
Now
things that were fpoken of Paul."
we atwe fliall
if
tend to the clrcumftances of this converfion,
that if any thing could have been efftftualiy
find
done without the
direct
of the grace of God,

here.
The
embraced
it is
tlie
it
might have been expeled
was every way promiling.
cafe
hearer was one
and immediate concurrence
who had
renounced idolatry, and
worfhip cf the true God,
not improbable, a devout
woman,
knowledge reached, and wanted only

ed in the faith of Chrifl. Here was
part
to
iliew
and yet
how
we
She was,
fo far as her
to be inftruft-
for a preacher
the great apoflle of the Gentiles,
more
The
need fay no
well qualified he was to do his
find that
even
in this
mo(f favour-
able cafe, the immediate concurrence of divine grace
was
neceilary to complete
mufl;
by
his
own good
Spirit
open the heart of Lydia,
dfe even the apoftle Paul, with

pliil]n::ent3,
The Lord
the work.
ail his
divine accorn-
warmed
and a heart glowing with the
zeal for the glory of Chrill and the falvation of fouls,
will be but an unfuccefstul preacher.

I
need not
make
ufe of any feparate arguments to
convince you, that this holds equîUy true of the
growth and comfort of

fion of fmners.
believers, as of the conver-
Whether
minifters are
planting or watering, the inftrument

fuccefs flows only
queft and befeech
from God.
you
to hear
Let
me
employed
is
in
nothing
therefore re-
and adore the flriking
truth, a Paul or Apollos iu the pulpit will
be
alto-^
ENTIRELY OF
Ser. 21.
GOC
I57
gether unfucceisful without the almighty power and
The mod
grace of God.
clear and diftintt illullra-
without inward and
tion of divine truths,
fpiritual
iiiumination, will leave the hearer in ignorance, or
lead
him
The moft awful
into error.
denunciations
of a fon of thunder, without divine power, will leave

t-iie
even increafe the fearednefs.
iinner hardened, or
The
of confcience.
melting and tender appli-
nioft
cation to the affedions, without divine energy, will
be treated with contempt and fcorn.
In one word,
the moil lively adminiilration of ordinances,
with-
out the bleiTmg from above, will be but, in the lan-
guage of the prophet,
as a mifcarrying
womb
and
dry breails.
My
brethren, you
this truth, becaufe
God, but may
may
recorded in the word of
is
it
not only be convinced of
fee it daily exemplified in
every part
You may
fame ordi-
of the viiible church.
fee the
nances acceptable, deligbttul, and profitable to fome,

deferted,
defpifed,
and
the very fame adminiilration,

feilually perfuaded to turn to
ioir in
the
by
Under
you may fee fome efthe living God, v.alii-.
reliiied
others.
the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort ct
Holy Ghoit, and
daily multiplied
fome, on the
other hand, caring for none of thefe things, but

fieeping in fecurity
nay, fome whofe corruptions
are irritated, fwelling with rage, contradicling and
biafpheming:
ille
all
Paul, 2 Cor.
which
ii.
is
well defcribed
15, 16. "
a fweet favour of Chrift, in
by tlieapo-
For we are unto
them
God
that are faved, and
V.
in
them
To
that periih.
of death unto death
the one
we
are the favour
and to the other, the favour
03
I5S
of
life
unto
life
who
and
is
Ser. 7T.
fufficient
for thel'e
things ?"
The
3.
is,
the gofpel depends wholly upon
much
cifes
beftowing
fliew
own
of his
He
it.
that
it
is
from God,
that fuccefs in
God,
he exer-
as
takes care,
if I
may
fpeak
means he
as
fees
proper to employ.
you have already heard, becaufe
own work
they may be,
ginally his
neceflary to give
in
the fuccefs to the nature and
the difpofing and commilliouing his minifters
qualified
fo, to
from himfelf, by the meafure
fafficiency of the
is
make
to
fovereignty in the manner of
which he proportions
All
am
third and laft obfervation I
for the ilhiftration of this truth
again, becaufe
is
ori-
however well
own almighty agency

them fuccefs. But when there
his
is
is
a regular proportion always obferved between the
means and the end, men

forget the great and
fon he fees
it
firlf
are ready to overlook or
caufe of
For
this rea-
often meet to manifeft his fovereignty,
command our
in order to
all.
attention,
by working
without means, or by the weakell means, or even

contrary to means, and blading the effeft of thofe
that
were moil excellent and promifing
judgment.
as
Juft
in
human
the beautiful and regular order
of the natural world, the mutual dependence of one

part upon, and
its
fubferviency to another,
of the wifdom and
Yet he
fees
it
is
a proof
omnipotence of the Creator.
neceffary fometimes to interpofe in
an extraordinary way, and to controul the courfe

of nature, to fiiew that
it is
abfolutely at his
com-
jriand.
Remember, however, my brethren, that in carrying on the work of the gofpel, God ufually propor-
ENTIRELY OF GOD.
Ser. 21.
59
the fuccefs to the propriety and fufficiency of
tions
When
the means.
commonly
he has much work to do, he
up fome perfons eminently qualihe draws from his quiver fome poliihed {hafts
fied
the ranks of oppofing hofts. Yet he often
pierce
to
prefents to our view fuch circumflances as ferve to
raifes
the dependence of
fliew
When
the gofpel was
were indeed
but
it
fully fitted
was by a miracle.
means upon himfelf.
all
preached, the apoftles
firft
and
furnillied for their
They were
work,
originally poor
quite unequal in themfelves to
illiterate fiOiermen,
the afloniiliing undertaking of producing a revolution
the fiate of religion, and the fentiments of
in
mankind over the whole earth. Such perfons feem

to have been employed for this wife purpofe, " that
our faith micrht not ftand in the wifdom of man,
but
in the
power of God."
have often confidered
matter with a mixture of reverence and admi-.
this
ration.
That proper refped might

lifications
fied in
ftle
Paul, a
man
fcience, the
apo-
ufcful,
and fuccefsful.of
all
the
and one third part,
canon of the
At
human
julii-
of eminent learning and ability,
was the moli adive,

;
be had to the qua-
of minifters, and that none might be
pouring contempt on
apoftles
ftill
New
at leaf^, of the whole

Teftament was written by him.
the fame time there were fuch circumftances in
his calling and converfion,
moft
illuilrious
as
made him one of the
monuments of the fovereignty and
riches of divine grace, that
In the fame manner
we
any age has produced.

fee
every day the cleareft
proofs of the power, wifdom, and fovereignty of
God.
We fee that
he
many
times gives extraordi-
l6o
THE SUCCESS OF THE GOSrEI.
nary and
feniible
ploys in his
own work.
and confefs that

that
rate, or
whom
thofe
he em-
So that they both perceive
not they, but the grace of
it is
with them.
is
to
afliilance
Scr. 21.
Sometimes
even of the weakefl natural
God
mode-
thofe of very
have
abilities,
an un6lion from the Holy One, and by their piety
and diligence become workmen that need not be

afhamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
may
This
be confidercd as an accompliihment of what
Ifaiah fays of himfclf,
God
me
know how
hath given
I fhould
tliat is
weary."
"
Ifa. 1. 4.
And
the Lord
the tongue of the learned, that

to
fpeak a word
in feafon to
him
See alfo the expreffion of the Pfal-
mift, Pfal. XXV. 14.
" The
fccTet of the Lord iswith them that fear him; and he will ihew them
Our Lord promifes
his covenant."
extraordinary
trials
alTillance
and fulFering
time
in
Luke
to his difciples
of extraordinary
xxi. 14, 15.
"
Seitle
it
therefore in your hearts,
not to meditate before
what ye
I will
fhall
anfwer.
and wifdom, which
all
For
it
is
prophefied by
times, chap, xxxii. 4.

iiiall
And
mouth
Ihall
not be
name one more
to
Ifaiah of
" The heart
you
your adverfaries
able to gainfay nor refill."

paflage,
give
the gofpel
alfo of the rafli
underftand knowledge, and the tongue of the
Hammerers
Ihall
be ready to fpeak plainly."
In a former part of this difcourfe

that gifts
may
have admitted,
be confidered as more neceiTary to the
being of the miniflry, than even grace

certainly true religion in the heart
is
itfelf.
Yet
of far greater
importance to the fuccefs and efficacy of the miniflry,
than eminence or gifts.
It
feems often the
very purpofe of divine providence, to pour contempt
ENTIRELY OF GOB.
Ser. 2I
l6l
upon unfanftlfied talents. Ttie humble paftor of

meaner rank, who loves his Mailer, his work, and
have many
his people, fhall often
while the perfon of fuperior parts
ftry,
mini-
feals of his
urged by
is
ambitious views into the unprofitable paths of world1)
honours, or infligated by unmortified paffion to
mar
by launching out
the fuccefs of his miniiky,
into the tempeftuous ocean of political contelt and

faction.
But
belides the unfruitfulnefs of unfandi-
fied talents, there are alfo
many
proofs of the fove-
making
reignty of God, in refuiing his blelHng, and
the bell minifters in a great meafure unprofitable to
judgment
a people, in righteous
Kven
could fay, chap.
Ifaiah
believed our report, and to
Lord revealed ?" Our
many
of the
cities
for their paft fins.

i.
liii.
whom
*'
the
is
Who
arm
of the
Lord himfelf upbraided

where his mighty works were
blelTed
done, becaufe of their unbelief, and indeed upon
ny
hath
ma-
of his hearers his miniftry, inllead of a faving,
had a hardening efFed
John
the condemnation, that light
is
19.
iii.
come
The fame
were evil."
this is
into the world,
and men loved darknefs rather than

their deeds
" And
becaufe
light,
thing
is
elfewhere
refolved into the lively and righteous judgment of
God.
" Therefore they could not

39, 4^2
becaufe that Efaias faid again. He hath
John
believe,
xii.
blinded their eyes, and hardened
lijeir
heart,
that
they (hould not fee with their eyes, nor underRand
with
their
heart, and
be converted, and
ihould
heal them."
proceed
now
to
make fome
ment of what hath been
faid.
praiTlical
And
in tba
improve-
l62
Firft place,
truth
deep and lively impreffion of the
have endeavoured to
illuftrate
and fupport,
who preach the gofpel

from many temptations.
an excelknl
will be to thofe
prefcrvative
ferve
them from
them
Ser. 21.
It will pre-
trufting in themfelves,
it
keep
will
looking upward, and engage them to
ftill
maintain a continual intercburfe with the Father of

lights,
gift.
and the Author of every good and perfeG

It will alfo particularly
be an excellent
mean
of preferving them from the dangerous extremes of
Oh, how unbecoming a mi-
oftentation and floth.
nifter is a vain-glorious difplay
own
ing incenfe to his

felf
Lord
when he
!
aim more
is
at
art,
burn-
called to preach Chrift Jefus the
is
vidence, pour difgrace
miniflry that
human
vanity, and preaching hini-
no wonder that
It is
of
God
fliould, in his
pro-
and difappointment on that
carried on in
fuch a manner as to
promoting the credit of the fervant
than the honour of rhe MaRer.
On
the other hand,
what countenance can they look up to God for

a blefling, who have been at no pains to qualify
Tvith
themfelves for his fervice.
As
oftentation provokes
the divine jealoufy, fo negligence
is
difobedience,
prefumption, and precifely what the Scripture
tempting God.
dered as one
would never
who would
deiire
encourage
to be
men
calls
confi-
to ruih into
a pulpit unprepared, and difgrace their honourable

calling
by
rude, undlgefted, diforderly eifafions, or
fuch mean, flovenly, indecent language, as lays the

hearers under the
flrongefl temptation to treat,
with an infolcnce of indignation and contempt.
it
Let
commend this to the attention of fuch young

perfons as may have an eye to the facred offiae.
roe
ENTIRELY OF GOD.
Ser. 21.
My
how happy
dear fellow ftndents,
163
they
who
can
unite together the (implicity of the gofpel and the
dignity of the pulpit
who
on the one hand,
are,
not afhamed of the crofs, and the ignominy that attends
and, on the other, as devoted fervants, are
it,
comply with the counfel given by the

apoftle Paul to Timothy, 1 Tim. iv. 15, l6. " Meditate upon thefe things, give thyfelf wholly to
refolved to
them, that
thj^ profiting
may appear unto
heed unto thyfelf, and unto thy doftrine

in
them
fer in
all.
;
Tak^
continue
doing this thou fnalt both fave thy-
and them that hear thee."
felf
2.
A deep impreffion
voured to
illuftrate,
of the truth
tive to the hearers of the gofpel

tions
have endea-
will be an excellent preferva-
which often render
from many tempta-
their attendance on ordi-
nances, as fruitlefs as pernicious.
will
It
purify
their views and motives in attending on ordinances.
them from
attachment to men, and
It will deliver
diately into the
a finful
and unreafonable
them more immeprefence of the living God. It wil^

carry
them from that giddy, unf^-ttled difpofition, of

running with unbounded curiofity from one to another, not that they may be built up in holinefs and
fave
comfort, but that their imaginafon and fancy may-
be
It will
gratified.
the gofpel merely as
preferve
critics,
judgment on the foundnefs or
is
as
empty and
in order to pafs their
ability of their teachers,
which, with whatever pride or
be done,
them from hearing
felf-fufficiency
unprofitable a
hearing as any that can be named.
it
manner of
It will fettle
their efteem of, and attachnênt to their pafiors,
on
the
may-
bed and moil imuiovcable foundation.
up-
The^
1^4
will then love
love
them
them
for their
them
for their
work's fake, they will
their Mailer's fake, thej will love
for
own
and
fouls fake,
viency to their daily edification.

to the throne of grace,
for their fubfer-
own work
for his
and this will bring them to his houfe
bed and happieft temper

In one word,
profit.
God
and countenance to his minifters in his
affirtance
the
make
and incline them to

to
them
carry
It will
continual and fervent fupplication
in
Set. 21.
will
it
for hearing
make them
with
in a great
tneafure lofe view of the creature, and hear the gofpel, not
and
*'
word of man, but

the word of God.'*
as the
in truth,
Let
^.
me
as
it is
indeed,
intreat the prayers of this congrega-
tion for the minifters of the gofpel in general,
and
who minifter aniong you in holy

we may be abundantly qualified for the
difcharge of
our important
The
for us
truft
in
all
its
parts.
things, that
apoftle
Paul, though extraordinarily called, though fingularly qualified, and eminently aflllled, never fails to
prayers and interceffions of the faithful in
afk the
his behalf:
ance
may be
mouth
vi. 19.
After
forgive
"
And
make known
me
me,
for
given unto me, that
boldly, to
gofpel."
"Nvill
Eph.
that utter-
may open my
the myllery of
hope you
this
approved example,
if
put in a pariicuiar claim
tiie
in
niy
own behalf, for your intereft at the throne of grace.

I make no merit at all of having left country, and
kindred, and connexions of the deaieft kind, in order
to ferve the intereft of the jchurch of Chrift in this
part of the globe
for
I confider Vvith pleafure the
onenefs of his body, and the extent of the catholic
clmrch, that there fhali
come from
the eaft, and
ENTIRELY OF GOD.
Ser. 21.
165
from the weft, and from the north, and from the
fouth, and
kingdom of
we ought
but think as
we
down with Abraham, and
fit
Jacob, in the
Could
their Father.
we
of the great removal which
making from time
are
and
Ifaac,
to time into an eternal
Hate, the removal of our bodies, and the change of
our fcene of fervice from Europe to America, would

appear altogether unworthy of notice.
confider the refpe6t
defert, that
and
in this place,
me
all
with the greatefl concern, becaufe
it
my
fatis-
ranks,
am
I fay I
arrival
and the teftimonies of joy and
with the greatcil concern
filled
my
lince
which have been given by
fal:ion
much above
affediion, fo
have been ihewn to
But when
am
filled
plainly imolies
an expedilation of duty and fervice from me, which

I fear
on fo
fore,
be
(hail
juft
ill
able to perform.
a foundation, not
demand an
intereft in
all fufficient
God
may
pour
down
in this place,
hope
on the public
his blefling
Pray that fuccefs
continue to
I fland nov7 related,
have not the
and that,
may
ve
in
it
pleafe
me by all
to
God^
w hom
it is
for
to defire, nor indeed the
courage to hope that
it
Once more, pray
my
left in Scotland,
if it
not be lefs than
leaft reafon
that
fei
and
ay attend the miniiiry of
founded in faith
the efteem and afFeclion {hev;n to
can
pollibly
be greater.
beloved charge
whom
and will never forget, may, by the
fpecial conduvt of divine providence,
VOL.V.
inilitntion
which, upon the beft information, I
the gofpel in this place
but
Fray that an
may give ftrength from above, and
only,-
your prayers.
may fay has been

therefore why fhould not we
think
Let me, there-
folicit
be lunplied
THE SUCCESS OF THE GOSPEL,
^66
with a
faithful paftor,
who may
S^C,
Ser. 2I
them with
feed
knowledge and underftanding.

4. In the laft place. Suffer
dreffing a
few words
who have
are, or
me
byad-
to conclude
who
to thofe in this affembly,
reafon to fufpetl themfelves to be
from God.
in a flate of diftance
know
that he
Yet he hath
given it in charge to his minifters that you fhould
And be allured, that if you defreceive warning.
pife the meflage, if you trample upon the divine
mercy, and refifl: the Spirit of God when pleading
himfelf only can change your hearts.
you
^vith
in his
nefs againft
you
word, or flriving and bearing witin
ing perdition will
God
will be juft
certainly, to all
needful.
the
little
body,
in
when he
It fignifies
**
name,"
is
little,
you
whether you pafs

fhall
in penury, in
fhall
yet be in the
honour or
become of you
in
for
thefe things to heart then, in this day of

vifitation.
Believe in the
Chrift, that believing
his
when
very
abundance or
Lay
fpeaketh, and clear
uncertain time that
your merciful
efcipe
door.
of us here prefent, one thing that
ihame, compared to what

ever.
own
entirely at your
lie
Coniider, I befeech you, that there
he judgeth.
is
your confciences, your everlaft-
way
There
is
name
of the Lord Jefus
but one
you may have
life
to
through
PASTORAL LETTER
SYNOD OF NEW.YORK AND PHILADELPHIA,
To the Congregations under their eare j
from the Pulpits on Thur/day, June
being the
VjiRY
THE
to he
read
29. 1773
day of the General Fajl*
Dear Brethren,
Synod of
New- York
ard Philadelphia,
when public affairs wear

and when (unlefs God in
being met at a time

fo threatening
an afped:,
his fovereign providence fpeedily prevent it) all the
horrors of a civil
war throughout
this great conti-
nent are to be apprehended, were of opinion, that
they could not difcharge their duty to the numerous

congregations under their care, without addreffing
them
at this
important
crifis.
As
the firm belief
and habitual recollection of the power and prefence

of the living, God, ought at all times to poflefs the
A PASTORAL LETTER.
i68
minds of
lamity,
fo in feafons of public ca-
real Chriftians,
when
the
Lord
which he executeth,
it
is
known by
would be an ignorance or
difrerence highly criminal, not

'vvith
the judgment
reverence, to implore his
in-
up to him
mercy by humble and
to look
fervent prayer, and, if pollible, to prevent his ven-
geance by unfeigned repentance.
We
do therefore, brethren, befeecli you in the
moft earned manner,
to
look beyond the immediate
authors eithtr of your fufFerings or fears, and to ac-
knowledge the
holinefs and juftice of the
"
in the prtfent vilitatioa.

liis
ways, and holy
in all
He
is
righteous in
works.
his
He
fpringeth not out of the dull
it
all
Affiidion
doth not affiid
willingly, nor .grieve the children of
therefore
Almighty
men
becomes every perfon, family,
;"
city,
and
and
his
humble themfelves before his throne,

confefs their fins by which they have provoked
indignation, and intreat him to pour out upon
all
ranks a
2>rovince, to
ro
fpirit
of repentance and of prayer.
Itly
alio for forgivenefs to the atoning blood of the great
Redeemer,
*'
the blood of fpriakling which fpeak-
Remember
eth better things than that of Abel."
and confefs, not only your
fins in
prevalent national offences which
general, but thofe
may
be
fidered as the procuring caufes of public
particularly profanenefs
con-
judgments
and contempt of God, his
name, Sabbaths, and fancluary

cleannefs, and
juftly
negled of family
pride, luxury, un-
religion and govern-
ment, with the deplorable ignorance and fecurity
which certainly ought

principal caufe.
to
be imputed to this as their
All thefe are among us highly ag-
gravated by the ineiiimablc privileges which
we
A PASTORAL LETTER.
169
have hitherto enjoyed without interruption

firft
fettlement of this country,
day of
diftrefs
we
if in the prefent
God
expel that
lince the
will hear our
fupplications, and interpofe for our protection or de-
remember what he himfelf
liverance, let us
of us
is,
requires
that our prayers fhould be attended with a
and thorough endeavour after per" If thou prepare

fonal and family reformation
fincere purpofe,
thine heart, and ftretch out thy hand towards
him
away, and
let
not wickednefs dwell in thy tabernacles," Job
xi,
if iniquity be in thine hand,
put
it
far
i3, 14.
The Synod
cannot help thinking that this
proper time for preffing

to confider the things
peace.
Hollilities,
is
2.
of every rank ferioufly
all
that belong to their eternal
long feared, have
place, the fword has been
drawn
in
now taken
one province,
end the whole continent, with hardly any exception,
Teem determined to defend

i.rms.
iliall
If,
at the
their rights
by
force of
fame time, the Britifh miniftry
continue to enforce their claims by violence, a
lafting
and bloody conteft muft be expefled.
then
becomes thofe who have taken up arms, and
it
Surely
profefs a wîllingnefs to hazard their lives in the
caufe of liberty,, to be prepared for death, which to
many muft be
llble or
the certain, and to every one
is
a pof-
probable event.
We
have long feen with concern the circumilances which occafioned, and the gradual increafe of
this
unhappy
of peace
difference.
we have
often hoped that
As
minifters of the gofpel
ardently wilhed that

it
it
could, and
would have been more
P3
early ac-
A PASTORAL LETTER.
17^
comtnodated.
it
It is
well
known
to
you
(otlierwlfe
would be imprudent indeed thus publicly
fefs) tliat
we have
ming
nninds of the people,
the
acls of violence
to pro-
not been inftruoiental in
and diforder.
infla-
or urging thern to
Perhaps no inftance
can be given on fo iuteretting a fubjc6t, in which political
fentiments bave been fo long and fo fully kept
from the pulpit, and even malice itfclf has not charged us with labouring from the prefs but things
;
are
now come
to fuch a
that as
ftafe,
wiih to conceal our opinions as

the relation
prefent
we
(land in to
improvement of
an indifpenfable duty.
it
men and
you feemed
to
your
Suffer us
we do
not
citizens, fo
to
make
the
fpiritual benefit
then to lay hold
of your prefent temper of mind, and to exhort, efpc-
young and vigorous, by afiuring them,

that there is no foldier fo undaunted as the pious
man, no army fo formidable as thofe who are fupeThere is nothing more
rior to the fear of death.
oially the
awful to think
Wr
(Iiould
than that thofe whofe trade
of,
is
be defpifers of the name of the Lord of
hods, and that they fhould expofe themfelves to the

iii^minent danger
curiiiig
of being immediately fent from
and cruelty on earth, to the blafpheming
rage and defpairing horror of the infernal
pit.
who, from generofity of
therefore every one
Let
fpirit
or bi;nevolence of heart, offers himfelf as a champi(^n

iii
his country*s caufe, be perfuaded to reverence the
liame, and
walk
in
tlie
fear of the Prince of the
kings of the earth, and then he may, with the

;;nfliaken firmnefs,
expedl tke
ifiiie
either in
mod
vidory
or death.
Let
it
not be forgotten, that though for the wife
A PASTORAL LETTER.
ends of his providence,
it
may
fon to fufFer his people to

prellion, yet
who
lie
pleafe
God
for a fea-
under unmerited op-
we may
in general
I7X
expe^l,
tlât
thofe
and ferve him in fincerity and truth, will
fear
beffavoured with his countenance and flrength.

is
It
both the character and the privilege of the chil-
dren of God, that they "

of trouble," and he
for ever has faid,
to their cry."
many
call
upon him
day
in the
who keepeth
covenant and truth

"
that
his ears are alvvajs open
We
need not mention to you in
inftances the event
in
battles
how
and faccefs in
war have turned upon ciicumflances which were

confiderable in themfelves, as
power of human prudence

caafe
we
well
in-
out of the
as
to forefee or direft, be-
fuppofe you firmly believe, that after
all
the counfels of men, and the molf probable and pro-
midng means, the Lord will do *' that which feemeth him good ;" nor hath his promife ever failed of
its full
accompllfhment
*'
:
The Lord
while ye be with him, and
be found of you
fake you,"
but
if
if
is
with you
ye feek him he will
ye forfake him, he will for-
Chron. xv.
2.
After this exhortation, which
we
thought our-
upon to give you at this time, on your

great intereit, " the one thing needful," we (hall
felves called
take the liberty to offer a few advices to the focieties
under our charge, as to their public and general
condacl
Firfl,
and,
In carrying on this imporrant flruggle, let
every opportunity be taken to exprefs your attach-
ment and
refpel to our fovereign king George,
to the revolution principles
xnily
waa feated on the
by which
Britiih throne,
and
his auguii fa-
We
recom*
A PASTORAL LETTER.
17^
mend, indeed, not only allegiance

and principle,
as the
firft
him from duty
to
magiilrate of the empire,
but efteem and reverence for the perfon of the

prince,
ny
who
has merited well of his fubjefts on
who
accounts, and
has probably been milled tnio
the late and prefent meafures

neither have
have been
we any
in a great
by
thofe about
by
degree deceived
own
knowledge of
certain
falfe infor-
in
gives us the greateil pleafure to fa}
munion, and from the
him
doubt, that they themfelve*
mation from interefled perfons refiding

It
ma-
all
beft
the far greateft part of
from our
belonging to our com-
means of
all
America.
informa-tion, of
denominations in this
country, that the prefer.t oppofuion to the meafures
of adminiftration does not in the
from the parent
it
ate.
We
to affirm, that
happy in being able

no part of America would
are
approved or permitted fuch
either have
Lave been offered
We
to the Sovereign in
difpolition,
and not to
felf eafily to
to
Let
your
mod
Secondly,
it
defire the prefervation
which belong
you
upon
to
and Britons, and that reconciliation

is
the fame
any thing which
feem to betray contrary fentiments.

ritv of thofe rights
in
fuffer oppreflion or injury it-
provoke you
you only
infults as
Great Britain.
exhort you, therefore, to continue
pear, that
from
to the king, or a defire of feparation
ciifalTedion
with truth
leaft arife
as
may
ever ap-
and fecu-
freemen
thefe terms
ardent defire.
Be
careful to maintain the union
at prefent fubfifts
through
all
the colonies.
which
Nothing
can be more manifeft, than that the fuctefs of every
meafure depends on
its
being inviolably preferved
-,
and therefore we hope that you will leave nothing
A PASTORAL LETTER.
'
1)3
undone which can promote that end.
now
the Continental Congrefs,
as
delphia,
confift
In particular,
fitting at
Phila-
of delegates chofen in the moil free
and unbiaifed manner, by the body of the people,
them not only be
let
couraged
treated with refpeft, and en-
in their difficult fervice
not only
God
prayers be offered up to
let
your
for his direction in
their proceedings, but adhere firmly to their refolu-
tions
and
be feen that they are able to bring
let it
out the whole ftrength of this vail country to carry
We would
them into execution.

fame purpofe, that a
fpirit
alfo advife for the
cf candour, charity, and
mutual elleem, be preferved and promoted towards

Perfons
thofe of diiferent religious denominations.
of probity and principle, of every profeflicn, ihould
be united together as fervants of the fame Mafter,
and the experience of our happy concord hitherto in

a liate of liberty, fliould engage
port of the
common
intereft
all to
for there
ple in hiftory, in which civil liberty
and the rights of confcience preferved

Thirdly,
focieties
their
We
unite in fupis
no exam-
was deilroyed,
entire.
do earnelfly exhort and befeech the
under our care, to be
llril
and vigilant in
government, and to watch over the
private
morals of their feveral members.

utmoft pleafure
we remind you,
It is
that the
with the
lall
Conti-
nental Congrefs determined to difcourage luxury in

living, public diverfions,
which have
fo
the people.
If
fligacy
and
is
makes
fatal
it is
and gaming of
kinds,
an influence on the morals of
undeniable, that univerfal pro-
a nation ripe
the natural
all
mean of
reforaiatioa of aiamiers
is
for divine judgment-j,

brinointj[
tlieni
to
rum,
of the utmoii necelTity in
A FASTORAL LETTLR.
174
our prefent
At the fame time,

by many eminent writers,
dlftrefs.
been obferved
cenforial
power, which had for
ners of the public in the

ablblutely neceffary to their
as
has
it
that the
manancient free flates, was

continuance, we cannot
its
object the
help bt?ing of opinion, that the only thing which
have now
we
to fupply the place of this, is the religious
difcipline of the feveral fefts with refpel to their
own members
which
fion
fo that the
(hall take the
denomination or profef-
moft effedaal care of the
inflruftion of its r/iembers,
and maintain
difci-
its
pline in the fulled vigour, will do the moft efiential

fervice to the v/hole body.
fon, the greatefl fervice
in authority can
For the very fame rea-
which magift rates or perfons
do with refpeft
morals of the people,
is
to the
religion or
to defend and fecure the
rights of confcience in the moft equal and impartial
manner.
Fourthly,
in the
We
canot but recommend, and urge
warmeft manner, a regard
public peace
and as
in
many
to order and the
places, during
the
confufions that prevail, legal proceedings have be-
come
difficult,
fcientioufly
it is
hoped that
pay their
all
juft debts,
perfons will con*
and to the utmoft
of their power ferve one another, fo that the

infeparable from a civil
by wantonnefs and
Fifthly,
to
We
recommend
thofe
with confufed
It
is
it
to all of
nity and mercy.
war may not be augmented
irregularity.
think
who may
evils
of importance at this time,
every rank, but efpecially to
be called to aftion, a
" Every
noife,
battle
fpirit
of
huma-
of the warrior
and garments rolled
is
in blood.'*
impollible to appeal to the fvvord without
bc-
A PASTORAL LETTER.
expofed to
iVig
ter
but
it
is
many
I75
fcenes of cruelty and ilaugh-
often obferved, that civil wars are
much
The
wars wound
carried on with a rancour and fpirit of revenge
greater than thofe between independent ftates.
received or fuppofed in civil
injuries
more deeply than thofe of foreign enemies it is

therefore the more neceflary to guard againft this
abufe, and recommend that meeknefs and gentleneis
;
of
fpirit
which
is
That man
lour.
ver fights
till it is
the noblefl attendant on true vawill fight moft bravely,
who
necelTary, and
as foon as the necelHty
is
ne-
ceafes to fight
over.
We wôuld recommend
Laftly,
who
to all the focieties
under our care, not to content themfelves with attending devoutly on general
fail,
but to continue
habitually in the exercife of prayer, and to have
frequent occafional voluntary meetings for folemn

interceflion
who
with
God
on the important
trial.
Thofe
are immediately expofed to danger need
fympathy
and
we
your
learn from the Scriptures, that
fervency and importunity are the very chara6lers of

that prayer of
*'
the righteous
man which
availeth
much."
We
God
conclude with our earneft prayer, that the
of heaven
may
fpiritual concerns,
difpute
--and
may be
blefs
you
in
your temporal and
and that the prefent unnatural
fpeedily terminated
by an equitable
lading fettlement on conftitutional principles.
SERMON
XXII.
THE DOMINION OF rROVIDENCE OVER THE

PASSIONS OF MEN.
Preached
May
on the i^th of
at Princeton,
1776,
being the General Faft appointed by the Congrefs
through the United Colonies.

Dedicated
to the
Honourahie
JgHN HancOCK,
Efq>
Frejident of the Congrefs cj the United

Statei
To which
is
added,
of America*
An
Addrefs to the Natives of
Scotland refidinp in America,
PsAL. Ixxvi. 10.

Surely the wrath of
man fuall
praife thee
the re^
mainder of wrath JJjalt thou rejlrain.
1"^HERE
is
not a greater evidence, either of the
reality or the
belief of
power of
religion,
God's univerfal prefence, and a conltanC
attention to the influence and operation
vidence.
than a firm
It
is
by
this
means
of
his pro-
that the Chriftiaii
DOMINION OF PROVIDENCE, &C.
Ser. 22.
may
be
**
walk with God, and
to
%vho
is
The
faid,
emphatical Scripture language,
in the
endure as feeing him
to
invifible."
dolrine of divine providence
complete
to
177
in the facred oracles.
things
It
is
very
full
extends not only
which we may think of great
momen%
and therefore worthy of notice, but to things
moft indifferent and inconfiderable
and
tl-<;
" Are not tw
fparrows fold for a farthing," fays our Lord, " el
:'.
one of them falleth not to the jjround without your
heavenly Father ;" nay, " the very hairs of your hea .^
are. all
numbered."
beneficial
liflance
extends not only to
It
th^r^-i^
and falutary, or to the direction and^l
who
of thofe
are the fervants of the living
^God, but to things feemingly moft hurtful and dellruclive,
obedient.
and to perfons the moft refratory and
He
their aftions.
inovv, vapour,
overrules
Thus we
all
the courfe of nature
are told, that
reftraint froth themfelves,
jecl to
"
fulfil his
and even
tuous and diforderly paHions of
no
creatures, and all
his
and ilormy wind,
dif^
fo the
men
haij^
fire,
word," in
moft impe-
that are under
are yet perfectly fub-
the dominion of Jehovah.
They
carry his
commiriion, they obey his orders, they are limited
and reftrained by
with every thing
is
his authority,
elfe in
and they
ccnfpir's
promoting his glory.
There
the greater need to take notice of this, that
are not generally fufliciently
between the law of
God
men
aware of the diftmttion
and his purpofe.
They
are
apt to fuppofe, that as the temper of the linner
is
contrary to the one, fo the outrages of the {inner arc

able to defeat the other
Vol. T,
than which aothing can be
Q^
DOMINION OF PROVIBENCE OVER
178
more
The
falfe.
by
exprefled
ftiall
thee
praife
" Surely the
the remainder of
'*
thou reftrain
flialt
plainly aflerted, and nobly
is
the Pfalnnift in the text,
wrath of man
wrath
truth
This Pfalm was evidently compofed
fome
praife for
Ser. 22.
as a fong of
which was
fignal victory obtained,
at the fame time a remarkable deliverance from
threatening danger.
The
author was one or other
of the later prophets, and the occafion probably the
by the army of
the days of Hezc-
unfuccefsful afiault of Jerufalem,
Sennacherib king of Aflyria,
in
Great was the infolence and boafting of
kiah.
his
generals and fervants againfl the city of the living
God,
may
as
be feen in the thirty-iixth chapter of
Yet it pleafed God to dellroy their enemies, and, by his own immediate iuterpofition, to
Therefore the Pfalmift
grant them deliverance.
Ifaiah.
fays, in the fiith and fixth

**
The
ftout-hearred
their deep.
their hands.
are
verfes
of this pfalm,
they have
Ipoiled,
ilept
None of the men of might have found

At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both
the chariot and the horfe are cafl into a deep flcep."
After a few more remarks to

*'
Surely the wratli of
the remainder of wrath
may
fame purpofe, he
the inference, or nrakes the refledtion in the
vlrav/s
text,
tlie
ilialt
be paraph rafed thus
man
lliall
praife thee
-,
thou reftrain :" which
The fury and
injuilice
of
oppreffors Ihall bring in a tribute of praife to thee
the influence of thy righteous providence fhall be

clearly difcerned
wilt give to thine

iuftrated
thou
cannot pafs.
the countenance und fupport thou
own
people
Ihalt fet the
fliall
be glorioufly
il-
bounds which the boldcll
am
fenfible,
my
cafion of this pfalm

fuited
ill
I70
THE PASSIONS OF MEN.
Ser. 22.
to
brethren, that the time and oc-
may feem
to be, in one reipet,
the interefting circumftances of
couniry at prefent.
It
was compofed
tl
in
after the vie
was obtained, whereas we are now but putting

on the harnefs, and entering upon an important conteft, the length of which it is impoilible to forefee,
torj
and the
of which
iifue
But
pi-efumption to foretel.
unchangeable
upon us
upon
it
with
truth,
the fame and
is
as the ilTue, in the cafe of
rib's invafion, did

it,
the
as
God*s moral government,
refpeft to
ledge
perhaps be thought
it v/ill
Sennache-
but lead the prophet to acknow-
our duty and intereft coafpire in calling
improve
to
on
this
And
It.
have chofen to
day of folemn humiliation,
as
infift
it
will
probably help us to a clear and explicit view of
what fhould be the
chief fubje6l of bur prayers and
endeavours, as well as the great object of our hope
and
truft in
The
our prefent
fituation.
truth then alTerted in this text,
pofe to illullrate and improve
is
which
That
all
pro-
the dii-
orderly paffions of men, whether expofing the innocent to private injury, or whether they are the ar-
rows of divine judgment
in public
God.
the end, be to the praife of
more
calamity,
particularly to the prefent
Or, to apply
it
ftate of the
Ame-
The
ambi-
war
rican Colonies, and the plague of

tion of miflaken princes, the
Ihall, in
cunning and cruelty of
oppreflive and corrupt minifters, and even the inhu-
manity of brutal
finally
foldiers,
however dreadful,
promote the glory of
God
limp, while the florm continues, his
and
in the
fhall
mean
mercy and kind
DOMINION OF PROVIDENCE OVER
iSo
Scr. 22.
appear in prcfcribing bounds to their rage
Tiefs fliall
and fury.
In difcourfing on this
throuHi the
L To
point out to
To
my
intention,
alTifiance of divine jrrace.
man
the wrath of
II.
fubjciS^ it is
you
praifes
in
fome
particulars,
how
God.
apply thcfe principles to our prefcnt
fitu-
by inferences of truth for your inrtruction and

comfort, and by fuitable Qxhortations to duty in the
ation,
important
crilis.
In ih^Jirfi place, I
fome
am
to
point out to
you
in
how the wrath of man praifes

mfome inftances, becaufe it is far from
particulars,
God.
I fay
being in
my power
either to mention or explain the
whole.
There
an unfearchable (^pth in the di-
is
vine counfels, which

trate.
the
It
mod
is
it is
impoflible for us to pene-
the duty of every good
man
to place
unlimited confidence in divine v*'ifdom, and
to believe that thofe meafures of providence that are
mod
unintelligible to him, are yet planned with the
fame
(kill,
and direfted to the fame great purpofes
as others, the reafon
and tendency of which he can
explain in the clearefl manner.
But where revela-
tion and experience enable us to difcover the wifdora,
equity, or
mercy of divine providence, nothing can
be more delightful or profitable to a ferious mind,
and therefore
beg your attention to the following
remarks.
In the
as
it is
firfl:
place.
an example
The wrath
of
man
praifes
God
and illuftration of divine truth,
and clearly points out the corruption of our nature,

which is the foundation- ft one of the do'itrine of re-
THE PASSIONS OF
Ser. 2-2.
RtEiî
I^^
Nothing- can be more abfolutely necef-
deniption.
fary to true religion, than a clear and full convidion
of the finfalnefs of our nature and

this there
Without
flate.
can be neither repentance in the finner nor
Without
humility in the believer.
that
this, all
wifdom and mercy of God
faid in Scripture of the
without force and without

Juftly does our Saviour fay, " The whole
in providing a Saviour,
meaning,
is
have no need of a phyfician, but thofe that are

I
is
came not
but finners to re-
to call the righteous,
Thofe who are not
pentance."
fick.
fenfible that they-
are finners, will treat every exhortation to repentance, and every offer of
mercy with
difdain or de-
fiance.
But where can we have a more
afTecling
view of
the corruption of our nature, than in the wrath of
man, when exerting

blood
It
icfelf in opprellion, cruelty,
muft be owned, indeed, that
abundantly manifeft
they pleafe, treat the cor-
if
ruption of our nature as a chimera

fee
it
every where, and
the diforders in
human
this truth is
times of the greateft tran-
in
Others may,
quillity.
feel
fociety,
even of the unhappinefs
we
it
for
my
part, I
All
every day.
and the greateft part
are expofed
to,
arifeo
from the envy, malice, covetoufnefs, and other

of man.
If
we ought
to
we and
all
about us v/ere
to be in all refpedls,
go any further
and
we
for heaven, for
fliould
it
jufl
lulls
what
not need
would be upon
But war and violence prefent a fpetacle

more awful. How affeting is it to think, that
earth.
ftill
the luft of domination {hould be fo violent and univerfal
that
men
fhoald fo rarely be fatisfied with
0.3
l82
own
*thtffr
pofleffions
Ser. 22.
and acquilitions, or even with
the benefit that would arife from mutual fervice,
but
fliould
look upon the happinefs and tranquillity
own
of others as an obftrulion to their

if the great
thou
be
art,
and to dull thou
flialt
as
return," they fhould
for the deltruftion of each other
ft t
It is fliocking to think, fince the firft
his brother Cain,
man by man
of
that,
law of nature were not enough, " Dull
fo furioufly
by
the pages of
murder of Abel
what havock has been made
What
every age.
in
is
it
that
fills
but the wars and contentions
hiftor}^,
of princes and empires
What
numbers has
vaft
lawlefs ambition brought into the field, and delivered
prey to the deftruclive fword
as a
If
we dwell
become deeply
The mother
affe^ling.
with pain, rears him by
many
upon the circumfiances, they
little
laborious attendance of
tlie
years, yet in the prime of
in the
life,
down by
the
dreadful inftruments
" Every battle of the warrior
is
vigour
moment he
of health, and bloom of beauty, in a

cut
bears a child
is
of death.
with confufed noife,
and garments rolled in blood j" but the horror of the

fceue
is
not confined to the
go there unrelated, or
of flaugbter.
unlamented.
fall
Few
,Jn every
encounter what mufl be the impreffion upon
hoflile
tiie
field
relations of the
deceafed
The
bodies of the
dead can only be feen, or the cries of the dying
heard for a iingle day, but
many days
fiiall
not pat
an end to the mourning of a parent for a beloved fon,
widow and
taken away in the
the joy and fupport of his age, or of the

helplefs
ofTspring
for
father
fulnefs cf health and vigour.
But
if this
may
be jadly
faid of all
wars between
THE PASSIONS OF
Ser. 2 2.
man and man, waat
MEN".
we be
fhall
able to fay
and citizen
who
tbofe
are the
How
fame
deeply afFe6ling
in
tliat is
war between
fuitable to the abhorred fcene of civil

citizen
is it, th?.t
complexion, the fame in
blood, in language, and in religion, fhould, notwithflanding, butcher one another with unrelenting rage,
and glory in the deed
men
that
fhould lay wafte
the fields of their fellow- fubj efts, with whofe proviiion they themfelves
with devouring
fire
had been often
fed,
thofe houfes in
and confume
which they had
often found a hofpitable fhelter.
Thefe things are apt

with
fear, or
greateft
overwhelm
number
overcome a weak mind
to
it
with forrow, and
are apt to excite
nation, and kindle
up
in
the
the higheft indig-
a fpirit of revenge.
If this
lad has no other tendency than to dire6t and invigorate the meafures of
me
to
blame
it,
felf-
upon
defence, I do not take
on the contrary
I call it
necefTary
and laudable.
But what
mean
at this
time to prove by the
preceding reflections, and wifti to imprefs on your
minds,
**
is
the depravity of our nature.
From whence come wars and
you
that
James
iv. i.
among
fightings
come they not hence, even from your

war in your members ?" Men of las: anti
lufts
cor-
rupt principles take great delight in fpeaking to the

praife of
human
nature,
and extolling
without diftinguifhing what

tion,
Thefe
mind.
from what
it
is
in
fine fpeculations are
They
are alfo
it
its
was
its
at its
dignity^
firll
piefent fallen
very grateful
much more
to a
creaflate.
worldly
pernicious to un-
cautious and unthinking youth, than even the temptations to a difiblute and fenfual life,
againft
which
184
they are
fcience,
from
by
fortified
ScF. 22.
the di^lates of natural con-
But
and a fenfe of public fhame.
appeal
thefe vifionary reafonings to the hillory of all
ages, and the inflexible tell^mony of daily experience.
Thefe will
us what
men have been
may
and from thence you
tice,
are
tell
by nature while unrenewed.
in their prac-
judge what they

If
am
not mif-
taken, a cool and candid attention, either to the pafl

hiflory or prefent ftate of the world, but, above
to the ravages of lawlefs
power, ought to humble us

once lead us to acknow-
in the duft.
It
ledge the
view given us
ftate
to
jufl:
(hould
all,
at
in Scripture of
our
loft
dedre the happy iniluenee of renewing
grace each for ourfelves
and to long for the domi-
when " men
nion of righteoufnefs and peace,
fliall-
beat their fwords into plough-ftjares, and their fpears

into pruning-hooks
fword
nation
nation, neither
againll
any more," Micah

*
when
iv.
not
ftiall
up
lift
they learn war
iiiall
3.*
cannot help embracing this cpportunity of making a
femaik or two upon
virulent rtflec^lion thrown out againft
this do6lrine, in a well
known pamphlet, Cowwo;
author of that
exprefl'es himielf thus
vvoik.
"
Stnfe.
'1
he
the fint
If
king of any country was by eleljon, that like wife eliablilhesa precedent for the next; for to lay, that the ri^ht
of
all
futuie jrenerations
is
taken away by the aft of the
cle6lors, in their choice not only of
of kings for ever, hath no parallel
king, but of
in
firft
family
or out of Scriptiirr,
but the doftrine of original fin, which luppofes the free will
of all men loft in Adam; and from fuch compaiifon, and it
will
admit of no other, hereditary fucceiiôo can derive no

For as in Adam all finned, and as in the firft clc6tor$
glory.
all
men obeyed
as in the
one
all
mankind were fubjeded
10 Satan^ and in the other to I'ovcrclgnty
as
our innccencf
THE PASSIONS OF MEN,
Ser. 22.
The wrath
2.
man
of
185
God,
praifeth
as
the
it is
inftrament in his hand for bringing finners to re

pentance, and for the corredion and improvement of
V!AS lo{> in the
and our authority
firft,
both diiable us fiom re-alTamirig

vilege,
ditary
as
and pri-
itate
unanfwerabiy follows, that original fm and here-
it
are
fucceflion
glorious conneition
produce
former
ibrrie
ard
in the laft;
Diflionourable rank
parallels.
Yet the moft

Without the Ihadow
fubtle" fophift
a jufter finnile *."
In-
cannot
of reafon-
pkafed to reprefent the do6lrine cf original fin

I beg leave to
as an obje6t of contempt or abhorrence.
demur a little to the candour, the prudence, and the juftice
ing, he
is
of this proceeding.
Was
J.
or
f^joa'^
it
fff;7d/i
for a perfon
character, to talk Tn this iuperciiious

that has been efpoafed and defended
men
without name cr
manner
of a dottrine
by many of the greatell
that the world ever faw, and
makes
an effen-
and
beft
tlal
part of the eftablilhed creeds and confeflions of
Prcteftant churches without exception
modern plea had been freedom

thoughts of one another. Are
r*
all
the
thought the grand
of fentiment, and charitable
beyond
that
him
the reach of this gentleman's charity ? I do aiTure
fuch prefump'ion ard felf-conndence are no recommendation
to
me, either of
Was
2.
many
of us, then,
his cbarafter or fentiments.
prudent f
It
fo
when he was pleading
public caufe,
to fpeak in luch opprobrious terms of a do6lrine which he
knew, Drought
by,
tioiii.
to have
known, was believed and
piofefled
fuppofe, a great majority of very duTerertt dtnomina-
gentleman ignorant of humau
Is this
enemy
nj^ture, as well
Are rnen fo little tftnacious of theit religious fentiments, whether trr.e or falfc ^
The prophet thought otherwife who faid, " Hith a nation
as an
changed
way
to the Chriftian faith
their
gods which yet are no godi ?" Was
to obtain the favour of the public, to defpife
hold facred
i.-)gly
Or
fluil
we
Senfe^
the
fuppofe this author fo altonilh-
ignorant, as to think that
* C'jtnmon
it
what they
11.
all
men now, whole
B-radfera's 'Edition.
favour
DOMINIOV OF PROVIDENCE OVER
l8^
his
own
with which he
aiflllion
or nations
lies,
Whatever be
children.
tention of thofe
fcourge
for iniquity,
promote
them
to repentance,
The
their holinefs and peace.
as
rebuke men
to
is,
ture and fanftifying iniluî ce of

is
difpofition or in-
whofe malice he employs

bring
to
fami-
either perfons,
vifits
the deiign on his part
the nature of the
whatever be the
Ser. 2i,
and to
falutarj na-
general,
affli61ion in
often taken notice of in Scripture, both as
making
a part of the purpofc of God, and the experience of
Hcb,
his faints.
**
xii. ii.
Now, no
the prefent feemeth to be joyous but grievous

verthelefs, afterwards
it
But what we
thereb}^.'*
ne-
yieldeth the peaceable fruits
Unto them which
of righteoufnefs
for
ai?li6lion
are
exercifed
are particularly led to ob-
by the fubjet of this difcourfe is, that the

tvrath of man, or the violence of the oppreflbr that
ferve
God
praifeth
in this refpeft, has a peculiar
tendency
hum-
to alarm the fecure confcience, to convince and
This
ble the obftinate finner.
is
worth
have given up the
afkinc^,
Ttftament
is
he does, he
3. In fine I afk,
is
world fuch
credible
all
where was xhe jn/iice of
doubts
as to rendt-r
Has the
fruit
tliis
t!:trine
?
this do!:liine not
been of fuch
o; the poodnelis
of the tree
p'oceeding?
of original
Is the (late
only
falfe
world
in
every age,
on ary other principles than

of
God,
evil
that
from
viii. ii.
his
'*
as
\v\\Ai
fm,
of the
but in-
qunlitv as to exclude
?
On
the contrarv, I
cannot help being of opinion, that fuch has been the

ftate of the
New
dc<5^rine of the
not to be refuted hut defpifed
it is
from the na-
jjreatly mi.'taken.
Is there To little to be faid for tht d<
that
plain
vifible
cannot be accounted for
we
learn from the
the imatînation of the heart of m?n
youth, and that continually,"
Gen.
is
word
only
vi. *
Ser. 2 2.
187
from the teftimony of expe-
ture of the thing, and
Public calamities, particularly the deftroy-
rience.
ing fword,
awful that
fo
is
powerful iofluence
it
men
leading
in
prefence and the power of
cannot but have a
God.
to confider the
Jt threatens
not only in themfelves, but touches them in

is
dear to them, whether relations or
them
all
that
pofTeilions.
The prophet Ifaiah fays, Ifa. xxvi. 8, 9. ** Yea, in

the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited
for thee
for when thy judgments arc in the earth,
5
the inhabitants of the world will learn righteouf-
He
nefs."
confiders
it
powerful mean
as the mofl;
of alarming the fecure and fubduing the obftinate.
"Lord, when thy hand
Ifa. xxvi, II.
they will not
fee,
but they
fliall
for their
envy
at the people,
enemies
(hall
devour them."
up
lifted
is
and be afhamed
fee
yea the
fire
It is alfo
of thine
fometimes
reprefented as a fyrnptom of a hopelefs and irreco-
verable
Thus
(late,
fays
when
the
public judgments have no effe^f.
prophet Jeremiah,
Jer. v. 3.
Lord, aie not thine eyes upon the truth
Thou
"
hail
liiicken them, but they have not grieved: thou haft
confumed thtm, but they have refufed

coiTcftion
they have made their
fav.es
a rock, they have refufed to return."

liiy fee in
harder than
We
can ea-
the hidory of the children of Ifrael,
fevere ilrokes brought

tence.
to receive
PfaL
them
how
to fubmiiTion and peni-
Ixxviii. 34, 35.
*'
When
he (lew them,
then they fouglit him, and they returned and inquired eaily after God, and they remembered that
was
their rock, and the High
Both nations
pt to
in general,
grow remifs and lax
God
God
their redeemer.**
and private perfons, are
a time of profperity
/
/
'
DOMINION
lS8
PROVIDENCE OVER
Cf^
and feemine fecuritj
but
when
comthem un-
their earthly
endangered or withdrawn,
forts arc
Ser. 22.
lays
it
dei 3 kind of necefiity to feek for fomething better
Men
in their place.
mull have comfort from one
When
quarter or another.
earthly things are in a
pleaiing and promifing condition, too
many
are apt
to find their rell, and be fatisfied with
them
as their
But when the vanity and
only portion.
ture of
all ':rcated
comfort
is
difcoveredi,
compelled to look for fomet?iing
What
well as valuable.
tliey are
more durable
therefore can be
the praife of God, than that
have forgotten their
palling na-
when
as
more
to
a whole people
when they have
re fling- pi ace,
abufed their privileges, and dtfplfed their mercies,

they ftiould by
diftrefs
and fufFering be made to
hearken to the rod, and return to their duty
There
is
an inexprefllblc depth and variety in the
judgments of God,
we may
lay
down
there were no
works
as in all his other
this as a certain principle, that if
there could be no fufFering.
fiii
but
fore they are certainly for the corretflion

for the trial, illullration,
of
Therelia,
or
and periViling of the grace
own people. We are

who fuffer mofl, or v.'ho
and virtue of his
not to fup-
pofe, that thofc
lutFer foon-
ell,
are therefore
more criminal than
Saviour himfelf thought

tion againll this
rafli
lileans,
whofe blood
facrifices.
And
Luke
we
are informed
There were
him of the Ga-
xiii. i.
foiiic tliat to^d
Pilate
Our
ncceflary to give a cau-
conclufion, as
by the evangelill Luke

prefent at that feafon
it
others.
**
had mingled with
Jefus anfwerlng
faid
their
unto tlitm,
Suppofe ye that thefe Galileans were finners above

all
the Galileans, becaufe they fuffered fuch things
THE PASSIONS OF MEN,
Ser. 2 2.
you nay, but except ye repent, ye
I tell
like wife periih "
whom God
in
fuppofe
cient warrant, that
are
189
often
it
fay with
fuffi-
happens that thofe for
hath defigns of the greatefl mercy,
brought to the
firfl
we may
fhall all
trial,
due time the falutary
that they
effect
may
enjoy
of the unpalatable
medicine.
mud
take leave to obferve, and
alfo
pious humble fufferer will be unwilling to

application, that there
hope no
make
the
often a difcernible mixture
is
of fovereignty and righteoufnefs in providential difpenfations.
he will with
tice
itfelf,
his
may
to
do what
own, but he often difplays
his juf-
by throwing
may
though they
into the furnace thofe
more to anf\yer for,

favoured with more diftinguifhed
and facred.
juft
and
full
own
fecurity, or
preme Ruler.
both
privileges,
make
would be extremely
it
fool-
either for increafing their
it,
impeaching the
juftice
of the fu-
Let us therefore neither forget the
go beyond
He
earth.'*
having been
comparifon of the charadler either of
any to attempt
truth, nor
as
impolnble for us to
It is
perfons or nations, and

iih for
who,
not be vifibly worfe than others,
yet have
civil
God
the prerogative of
It'ls
is
" His mercy
it.
fills
the
" known by the judgment
alfo
which he executeth."
The wrath
moft tempeiluous rage,
of man, in
fulfils his will,
its
and finally
promotes the good of his chofen.

3.
The wrath
bounds
to
it,
man
or reftrains
fometimes makes
and
of
it
it
illuilrating his glory.
Vol. V.
by
evidently a
God,
he
fets
his providence,
and
praifeth
as
mean of promoting
DOMIJTION OF PROVIDENCE OVER
190
There
no part of divine providence
is
Ser. 22.
which a
in
when the
wicked men
greater beauty and majefty appears, than
Almighty Ruler turns the counfels of

into confufion, and makes them militate
If the
themfelves.
have had a view

in the
may
Pfalmift
againfl
be thought to
in this text to the truths illuftrated
two former
obfervations, there
is
no doubt at
all
that he had a particular view to this, as he fays
in
the latter part of the verfe, " the remainder of
The
thou reflrain."
virTath fhalt
with iniiances
in
Scripture abounds
which the defigns of opprelTors
either wholly difappointed, or in execution fell
were
far ihort of the malice of their intention, and iu
fome they turned out
honour and happinefs
to the
of the perfons or the people
tended to deflroy.
We
of thefe in the hiflory to
We
have
whom
they were in-
have an inftance of the
alfo an inftance
which
Haman
firft
text relates *.
in
Efl^her,
in
moft mifchievous defigns of
my
which the
the fon of
Ham-
medatha the Agagite, againit Mordecai the Jew, and

the nation from which he fprung, turned out at lail
to his
own
deftru6tion, the
honour of Mordecai, and
the falvation and peace of his people.
From
the
New
Teftament
make
will
that memorable event on which the
choice of
falvation of be-
lievers in every age reds as its foundation, the death
und fufFerings of the Son of God.

adverfary, and
all his
agents and inftruments, profe-
cuted v/ith unrelenting rage.
ened him with

with
fliarae,
This the great
flander,
When
they had black-
when they
fcourged
when they had condemned him
* The matter
is
fully flated
in
him
judg-
and leafoned upon by the
prophet Ifaiah, chap. k. from the ;th to the i^th verfe.
Ser. 2 2.
and nailed him to the
merit,
crofs,
19!
how
help efteeming their victory complete

imfearchable wifdom of
feding the great defign
Oar
ners.
his
blefied
work, overcame
made
a fbew of
the
laid for the falvation of fin-
Redeemer by
his deatii, finifhed
principalities
and powers, and
olTer
juftice
this
do the apoftles
doxology
to
God
their voice with one accord, and faid,
Lord, thou art God, which haft

earth, and the fea, and all that in
the
But
them openly, triumphing over them
and their company
They lift up
they were but per-
With how much
in his crofs.
*'
God
could they
mouth of thy
fervant
David
made heaven and

them is who by
;
Why
haft faid.
did
the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
The
kings of the earth flood up, and the rulers v/ere
gathered together againft the Lord, and againfl his

Chrift.
Foi-
of a truth, againft thy holy child Jefus,
whom
thou haft anointed, both Herod and Pontius
Pilate,
with the Gentiles, and the people of Ifrael
were gathered together, for
to
do w^hatfoever thy
hand and thy counfel determined before

A6ls
In
iv.
be done,"
24. 28.
ages, in conformity to this, the deep-
all after
eft laid
to
contrivances of the prince of darknefs, have
turned out to the confufton of their author
know
and
not but, ccnfidering his malice and pride, this
perpetual difappointraent, and the fuperiority of di-
may
vine wifdom,
ing and torment.

ner of truth,
be one great fource of his
The
crofs
under which
through the world.
hath
it
its
been the ban-
hath been carried
Perfecution has been but as
the furnace to the gold, to purge

manifeft
ftill
fufter-
purity, and increafe
it
of
its
its luftre.
drofs, to
It
was
igi
Scr. 22.
taken notice of very early, that the blood of the
martyrs was the feed of Chriftianity

abundantly
it
was
ftied,
the
more
more
the
plentifully did the
harveft grow.
So certain has
this appeared, that the
both of early and later ages, have endea-
:nfidcls,
voured to account for

there
him
is
it,
and have obferved, that
a fpirit of obftinacy in
to refill violence,
gate truth
will
perfecutioa
tliat
man which
inclines
and that feverity doth but in-
what
reafe oppofition, be the caufe
fuppofe
moft violent
and error.
is
it
They
will.
equally proper to propa-
This, though in part true,
by no means generally hold.
Such an appre-
henfion, however, gave occafion to a glorious
tri-
:imph of divine providence of an oppofite kind,

\vhich
rnuft
Koman
emperors, Julian, furnamed the
perceiving
gofpel
One of
fhortly relate to you.
by
how
impofTible
was
it
apoflate,
to fupprefs the
by
unmo-
violence, endeavoured to extinguifh
nealeft and fcorn.
He
left
the
Chriftians
it
manner of encou-
iefted for
fome time, but gave
ragement
to thofe of oppofite principles,
all
the
and parti-
cularly to the Jews, out of hatred to the Chriftians
and that he might bring public difgrace upon the

Galileans, as he alTedled to ftyle them, he encou-
raged the Jews
and
to, rebuild the
vifibly refute
fhould
lie
the prophecy of Chrift, that
But
under perpetual defolation.
fane attempt
vcd, as
temple of Jerufalem,
much
was
as
fo fignally fruftrated,
any one circumftance,
this
that
it
it
profer-
to fpread the
glory of our Redeemer, and eflablifh the faith of his

affirmed by fome ancient authors, par-
faints.
It is
ticularly
by Ammianus Marceliinus,
a heathen hi-
Ser. 22.
the earth, and confumed
came out of
ftorian, that fire
I93
when laying the foundation. But in

whatever waj it was prevented, it is beyond all
the worknien
Hea-
controverfy, from the concurring teftimony of
thens and Chriftians, that
ever
made
in
little
or no progrefs
and that in a ihort time
it,
it
was
was en-
tirely defeated.
It is
proper here to obferve, that at the time of
when
the Reformation,
religion began
nothing contributed more to
to revive,
facilitate its reception,
and increafe
its
perfecutors.
Their cruelty, and the patience of the
progrefs, than the violence of its
men
naturally difpofed
fiifferers,
weigh the caufe
to
examine and
which they adhered with
At
conflancy and refolution.
when they were
to
fo
much
the fame time alfo,
perfecuted in one city, they fled to
another, and carried the difcovevies of popiih fraud

to every part
of the world.
who were
thofe
light of the
perfecuted in
was by fome of
Germany, that the
It
Reformation was brought
fo early into
Britain.
The power
moft
of divine providence appears with the
diftinguiflied luilre,
when
fmall and inconfider-
able circumftances, and fometimes the weather and

feafons,
have defeated the moft formidable arma-
ments, and fruilrated the bed concerted expeditions.
Near two hundred years ago, the monarchy of Spain

was in the height of its power and glory, and determined
They
to
crufh the intereft
fent out a powerful
tain, giving
fanely, the
it
oftentatioufly,
name
of the Reformation.
armament
and
in
of the Invincible
R3
againft Bri-
my opinion
Armada.
pro-
But
it
DOMINION OF PROVIDENCE OVLR
i^4
pleafcd
that
God
Britifli force
We
by tciripefts,
returned home, though no
fo entirely to difcomfit
a fmall
part of
Ser. 22.
it
had been oppofed
to
it
it
at all.
have a remarkable inflance of the influence
of fmall circum fiances
in
providence in the Englifh
The two moil remarkable
h\{\ory.
perfons in the
wars had earneftly defired to withdraw them-
civil
from the contentions of the times,
felves
den and Oliver Cromwell.
They had
New
their palTage in a fhip for
Mr Hamp-
actually taken
England, when, by
an arbitrary order of Council they were compelled
The
confequence of this was,
them was the
foul of the republican op-
to remain at
that one of
home.
poiition to monarchical ufurpation
during the
civil
wars, and the other in the courfe of that conteft,
was
the great inftrument in bringing the tyrant to
the block.
The
am to make is,
which many eminent
only other hiftorical remark I
that the violent perfecution
met with
Chriftians
in
England from
their brethren,
"who called themfelves Proteftants, drove them in
numbers
great
to a diftant part of the world,
where
the light of the gofpel and true religion were un-
Some
known.
cularly thofe in
by them
of the American fettlements, parti-
New
England, were chiefly made
and as they carried the knowledge of
Ohrifl to the dark places of the earth, fo they continue themfelves in as great a degree of purity,
faith,
than
and
ftrictnefs
to
be found
is
in
any Proteflant church now
the v;orkl.
Does not the wrath of man
ilance praife
God
thren,
who
ftirs
up
of
of praftice, or rather a greater,
Was
in
in this in-
not the accufer of the bre-
their enemies, thus taken in his
THE PASSIONS OF MN.
Ser. 22.
own
and his kingdom fliaken by the very
craftlnefs,
means which he ennployed

II.
now
proceed
which was
to eftablifti
*.
it
to the fecond general head,
by
inferences of truth for
inftru6tion and comfort,
and by fuitable exhor-
And,
tations to duty in this important crifis.
In the
bn
above
to apply the principles illuftratcd
to our prefent fituation,
your
I95
place,
firft
this occalion,
would take the opportunity
and from
this fubjeft, to prefs eve-
own
ry hearer to a fincere concern for his
There
vation.
times
are
when
the
foul's fal-
mind may be
expelled to be more awake to divine truth, and the
A feafon
than at others.
this
of public judgment
kind, as appears from
faid.
in
to the arrows of convidion
more open
confcience
That
fome degree,
this aflembly.
is
at lead are raifed
from the anufual throng of

Can you have a clearer view of the
plain
is
your nature, than when the rod of the
flnfulnefs of
opprelTor
of
what has been already
and attention
curiofity
is
lifted up,
and when you
fee
men
putting
on the habit of the warrior, and colleling on every
hand the weapons of

death
hoftility
and inftruments of
do not blame your ardour
in
preparing for
the refolute defence of your temporal rights
* Left
this fhould be
to the people of
ferers
New
thought
of oppreflTion,
paragraph
is
but
temporifing compliment
England, who have been the
in the piefent Conteft
ample of invincible
and have
fet fo
firlt
fuf-
nobie an ex-
fortitude, in withftanding the violence
think
it
proper to obferve, that the whole
copied from
fermon on
Pfal. Ixxiv.
a,
pre-
pared and preached in Scotland, in the month of Auguft

1758.
1^6
Ser. 2 2.
confider, I befeech you, the truly infinite importance
of the falvation of your fouls.
ment whether you and your

poor, at liberty or in bonds
whether
fulnefs
this beautiful
from year
Is
much mo-
of
it
children fhall be rich or
Is
country
of
it
much moment
fhall increafe in fruit-
by adive
to year, being cultivated
induflry, and poflefled
by independent freemen, or
the fcanty produce of the neglefted fields fhall be
up by hungry publicans, while the timid
eaten
owner trembles
is it
of
moment,^
lefs
And
whether jôn
fliall
at the tax-gatherer's
my brethren,
approach
be the heirs of glory or the heirs of hell

flate
on earth for a few fleeting years of fo
moment
your
And
flate
is
it
of
through endlefs
of
affairs,
God
lonics,
and to join
moment what fhall be

ages
Have you afllm!
in
what
fhall
be
imploring the
faid
on
blefliiig
on the counfels and arms of the United Co-
and can you be unconcerned what
come of you for

human greatnefs
earth
much
lefs
bled together willingly to hear

public
your
Is
itfclf,
and
ever,
ftiall
all
the
when
all
the
fhall
be-
monuments of
" the
be laid in
allies,
works that
are therein fhall
for
be burnt up."
Wherefore,,
my
of reconciliation
is
in the moft earnefl
beloved hearers, as the miniRry
committed
to
me,
manner, to attend
I befeech
to
that belong to your peace, before they are hid
your eyes."
fhall
be
fet
How
foon, and in
what manner
upon the charater and
perfon here prcfent,
it is
flate
impofTible to
you
" the things
from
a
feU
of every
know
for
he who only can know, does not think proper to reBut you may refl alTured, that there is no
veal it.
time more fuitable, aud there
is
none
fo fafe as that
Ser. 2 2.
which
prefent, fince
is
97
wholly uncertain whe-
it is
Thofe who
ther any other (hall be yours.
fliall iiift
have not many more warnings to re-
fall in battle,
ceive.
There are fome few daring and hardened
finners,
who
Maker
defpiie
at defiance
eternity
their
fet
but the far greater number, by
ftaving off their conviftions to a

feaion,
and
itfelf,
more convenient
have been taken unprepared, and thus eter-
nally loft.
apoftle's
would therefore
earneftly prefs the
exhortation, 2 Cor. vi.
We
"
i, 2.
then,
workers together with him, befeech you
as
God
that ye receive not the grace of
he
faith, I
have heard thee
hold,
now
is
Be-
fuccoured thee.
the accepted time
now
behold,
For
time accepted, and
in a
in the day of falvation have
in vain
aifo,
is
the
day of falvation."
Suffer
me
to befeech you, or rather
warning, not to
nefs,
There can be no
there be a difcovery of your loft
till
by nature and
practice,
and an unfeigned ac-
ceptance of Chrifl Jefus, as he
Unhappy they who
pel.
in
any other."
is
offered in the gof-
either defpife his mercy,
or are aihamed of his crofs.
no falvation
Believe
it,
" There
" There
is
muft be faved."
by a
lively faith,
is
no other
name under heaven given amongft men by
we
you
with a form of godii-
denying the power thereof.
true religion,
flate
reft fatisfied
to give
w'hich
Unlefs you are united to
him
not the refentment of a haughty
monarch, but the fword of divine
juftice
hangs over
you, and the fulnefs of divine vengeance
fhail
ily overtake
only to the
you.
do not fpeak
this
heaven-daring profligate or grovelling

to every infenfible, fecure finner
fpeed-
fenfualift,
to all thofe,
but
howr
198
ever decent and orderly
who
live to themfelves,
tion in this life
ef nature, for
their civil deportment,
in
and have their part and
except a
cannot fee the kingdom of
ftor-
who
man be born again, lie
God." The fear of man
are yet in a ffate
in fine, to all
**
22
Ser.
may make you hide your profanity prudence and

experience may make you abhor intemperance and
riot
as you advance in life one vice may fupplant
;
another and Jiold
its
place
but nothing
God
the fove reign grace of
than
lefs
can produce a faving
change of heart and temper, or
fit
you
im-
for his
mediate prefence.
From what
2.
you may
God
fee
has been faid upon this fubje^,
what grouud there
for his favours already
ing the public caufe.
It
is
to give praife to
beflowed on us, refpefr-
would be a criminal
inat-
tention not to obferve the fingular intcrpofition of
Providence hitherto, in behalf of the American colonies.
It is
however impolTible
difcourfe, as well
as
for
improper at
me,
in a fingle
this time,
through every flep of our pafl tranfactions
to
I
therefore content myfelf with a few remarks.
many
difcoveries have been
made
ner as unexpe6ted to us as to tliem, and

!
muft
How
of the dcfigns of
enemies in Britain, and among ourfelves,

fon as to prevent their efFecV
go
What
in a
man-
in fuch fea-
furprifing fuc-
cefs has attended our encounters in almoft every in-
ftance
Has not
the boalled difcipline of regular and
\eteran foldiers been turned into confufion and dif-
may, before the new and maiden courage of
free-
defence of their property and light? In
men,
in
what
great
mercy has blood been fpared on the
of this injured country
fide
Some important vidorics
Ser. 22.
in the fouth
have been gained with
enemies will probably think

as
many even
ed
it
But
The
moment.
thefe
fignal
fo little lofs, that
has been diflembled,
of ourfelves thought,
undeniable.
fmall
it
I99
till
time render-
were comparatively of
advantage
we have
gain-
ed by the evacuation of Bofion, and the (hameful

flight of the
army and navy
about without the
may
of Britain, was brought:
lofs of a
To
man.
all this
we
add, that the counfels of our enemies have
may
been viiibly confounded,
fo that I believe
with truth, that there
hardly any ftep which they
have taken, hct
it
is
fay
has operated flrongly againlt
themfelves, and been more in our favour than
if
they had followed a contrary courfe.
While we give
pofer of
all
half, let us
praife to
events,
God, the fupreme Dif-
for his interpofition in our be-
guard againil the dangerous error of
trufting in, or boafting of an
arm of
with
fuccefs,
we might
modeft afcription of
It has given
tatious,
me
it
to the
could
power of the Higheil.
great uneafinefs to read
content ourfelves with a
vaunting expreffions
though happily,
fiefli.
arms are crowned
earnefily wifh, that while our
think,
in
much
Let us not return to them again.
our
fome
often-
newfpapers,
retrained of late.
If I
am
not mif-
taken, not only the Holy Scriptures in general, and

t!ie
truths of the glorious gofpel in particular, but
the whole courfe of providence, feem intended to

abafe the pride of man, and lay the vain- glorious in
the dull.
How many
inftances does hiftory furnifh
us with of thofe who, after exulting over and defpi(ing their enemies,
were
fignally and iliamefally de-
.i^î*/
20O
The
feated *.
truth
is,
may fay,
may
remark
believe, the
be applied univerfally, and we
Ser. 22.
that through
the whole frame of nature, and the whole fyftem of
human
life,
that
leaft.
The
flowers of fineft colour feldom have the
which promifes moft, performs the
The
fweeteft fragrance.
growth
trees of quickeft
or faireft form, are feldom of the greateft value or
Deep waters move with
duration.
Men who
think
it
is a
this,
as in
brethren,
for infilling
my
It is in
it is
in
And when
youth, and ruddy, and of a
David by
Come
* Ther?
is
How
to
does
a moft formidable
with (laves
his gods
me, and
he was but a
Am
?
And
the Philiftine
will give thy
no ftory better known

played
at
And
a dog that
and the Philiftine
in Britifti
that the ofBcers of the French army,
the battle of Agincourt,
for
countenance.
fair
the Philiftine faid unto David,
me
be-
the Philiftine looked about and
faw David, he difdained him
thou comeft to
it
David the ftripling,

I Sam. xvii. 42, 43,
his difdain of
and his ftone
his fling
David,
when
a forerunner of deftru^lion.
manner, exprefs
curfed
mo-
infufes itfelf into the fpirit of a
Goliah the champion, armed
"
44, 45.
cir-
look upon oftentation and confidence to be
comes general, and
with
much
fo
opinion of very great
a fort of outrage upon providence, and
people,
And
any thing, that
which may feem but an immaterial
rumftance.
I
war
in
coward.
my
Pardon me,
ment.
much
holds as
every boafter
upon
noife.
leall
think moft are feldom talkative.
the
dice
faid to
flefti
unto
biftory, than
night preceding
tor
Englifli
pri-
foners before they took, them, and the next day were taken
by them.
Ser. 21.
the fowls of the
But how
David
and to the beafts of the
air,
and modefl the reply
juft
201
Thou
to the Philifline,
c6meft to
fword, and with a fpear, and with a
^come to thee
in the
God of the armies

I
was well
name
fhield,
whom thou
remark of
years ago in a pamphlet *, in which

that there
me
faid
with a
but
of the Lord of hofts, the
of Ifrael,
pleafed with a
field.'*
" Then
haft defied."
this
kind thirty
it
was obferved,
was a great deal of profane
oftentation in
the names given to fhips of war, as the Viclory, the
Valiant, the Thunderer, the Dreadnought, the Ter-
Furnace, the Lightning, the
rible, the Firebrand, the
Infernal, and
many more
the author confidered as a
of the fame kind.
fymptom of
This
the national
chara61er and manners very unfavourable^ and not

likely to obtain the blelling of the
God
of hea-
ven f.
*
Remembrancer.
Britain's
f I am fenfible that one or two of theTe were fiiips taken froiTi the French, which brought their names with them.
But the greateft number had their names impofed in Eng-
land, and I cannot help obferving, that the Vidiory, oftca
celebrated
as
in the night
the fineft
without
fliip
ever built in Britain, was
ftorm, by feme
unknown
and about twelve hundred peribns, many of them of the

families in the nation,
CO not mean to
to live
wtvt buried with
infer any thing
under the
from
this,
praiSlical perfualion
do(5lrlnally deny, that
there
is
write difappointment on the wifeft
monarch upon
VoL.V.
power
firft
in the deep.
but that we ought
of what no
man
will
no warring with the ele-
ments, or him who directs their force

the word of his
it
ioit
accident,
that he
is
able to
human Ichemes, and by
to fruftrate the efforts cf thegreateil
earth.
,
302
3.
From what
has been faid you
may
encouragement you have to put your

and hope for his
He
and ftrong
in battle.
mean
Whoever hath
moral government.
important
countenance
at laft.
do
God's
principles of
tlie
Some have obferved that true
her train dominion, riches, literature
in
have taken their courfe
;ind arts,
God,
fpeak prophetically, but agreeably to
to
and
truft in
his
have the bed
fliall
the analogy of faith, and
leligion,
what
the Lord of hofts, great in might,
is
and approbation,
not
learn
afliliance in the prefent
conflict.
Ser. 2 2.
and gra-
in a flow
dual manner, from eaft to wed, fmce the earth was

fettled after the flood,
and from thence forbode the
future glory of America.
leave this as a matter
lather of conjecture than certainty, but obferve, that

if
your
catife is juft, if
if your condu6l
is
your principles are pure, and
prudent,
you need not
fear the
multitude of oppofing hofts.
you may look with

the Lord, and intreat him to plead it
If 3'our caufe
elence to
You
<jwn.
iirft
time of
are all
lawful but
juft,
my
witneflTes,
my introducing
At
the pulpit.
is
this feafon,
necefli^ry,
in arms,
human
is
am
ceeded,
colonies
lias
So
far
fatisfied
as
the
political fubjecl: into
however,
it is
not only
opinion without any
which America
the caufe of juftice,
nature-
is
my
that the caufe in
hefiLation,
this
as his
willingly embrace the
and
opportunity of declaring
any
that
confi-
is
now
of liberty, and Df
we have
hitherto pro-
that the confederacy of the
not been the effedl of pride, refentment,
or fedition, but of a deep and general conviction

that our civil
and religious
liberties,
and confe-
quently in a great meafure the temporal and eternal
Ser. 22.
ICJ-
happinefs of us and our porterity, depended on the
The knowledge
iilue.
of
God
and
his truths
from the beginning of the world been
have
chiefly, if not
where
entirely confined to thofe parts of the earth
fome- degree of liberty and political juilice were to

be feen, and great were the
with which
difficulties
they had to ftruggle, from the imperfection of hu-
man
There
thority.
which
in
and the unjuft deciiions of ufurped au-
((^ciety,
not a lingls initance in hiilory,
is
civil liberty
loll,
If therefore
preferved entire.
poral property,
was
we
at
and religious liberty
we
yield
up our tem-
the fame time deliver the
confcience into bondage.

ihall not, my brethren, hear from me in the
what you have never heard from me in con-
You
pulpit,
mean
verfation, I
railing at the
king perfonally, or
even bis miniiiers and the parliament, and people of

Britain,
as fo
their alions
new
if
barbarous favages.
Many
of
have probably been worfe than their
That they Ihould
intentions.
minion,
many
unlimited do-
defire
they can obtain or preferve
nor wonderful.
it,
is
neither
do not rtfufe fubmiffion to
their unjuil claims, becaufe they are corrupt or profligate,
although probably
many
of
them
are fo, but
becaufe they are men, and therefore liable to

fclfiih
this
bias
infeparable from
human
nature.
all
I call
claim unjuft, of making laws to bind us in
cafes whatfoever, becaufe

us, independent cf us,
iing us.
the
all
they are feparated from
and have an
Would any man who
intereft in
oppo-
could prevent
it,
give up his eftate, per ion and family, to the difpofal
of his neighbour, although he had liberty to chufe

llie
wifeii and the beft malier
Surely not.
This
204
Set. 22,
is the true and proper hinge of the controverfy between Great Britain and America. It is however
to be added, that fuch
from
their difânce
is
us, that
a wife and prudent adminiftration of our affairs

impofTible as the claim of authority
is
and muft be their ignorance of the
much time muft
here, fo
of things
flate
elapfe before an error can
be feen and remedied, and fo

f>artiality
as
Such
unjuft.
is
is
much
muft be expelled from the
and
injuftice
and mif-
arts
reprefentation of interelled perfons, that for thefe

rolonies
to
depend wholly upon the Legiflature of
Great Britain, would be like many other oppreffive

connexions, injury to the mafter, and ruin to the
ilave.
The management of the war itfelf on their part

v/ould fiirnifti new proof of this, if any were needful.
Is
it
not manifeft with what abfurdity and
impropriety they have conducted their
We
had nothing
fo
much
own
defigns
and
to fear as diflention,
they have by wanton and unneceffary cruelty forced
Vs'e
At
the fame time, to let us fee
what
have to expeft, and what would be the
fatal
us into union.
confequence of unlimited fubmiflion, tljey have uni-
formly called thofe
a61:s
lenity^
which
this
filled
The
whole continent with refentment and horror.

exprefTed
by our fellow
ineffable
dlfdaln
faying,
That he would not hearken
till
(he
was
at his feet,'
more deadly
infpired
fubje6l in
America
has armed more men, and
to
rage, than could have been
done by laying wafte a whole province with

fword.
Again,
we wanted
and
not numbers but time,
and they fent over handful after handful,
were ready
fire
till
to oppofe a multitude greater than
we
they
THE PASSIONS OF MEK.
'
Ser. 2 2.
have to fend.
In
fine, if
more
er than the reft, and
they made
there
there
S'CjJ
was one place ftrohg-
able and willing to
refift,
the attack, and left the others
till
they were duly informed, completely incenfed, and

fully furnilhed with every inftrument of war.
I
mention thefe things,
my
brethren, not only as
who
grounds of confidence in God,
throw the wifdom of the wife, but
can eafily over-
as decifive proofs
of the impoffibility of thefe great and
when every
being fafe and^happy,

ternal polity
is
growing
ftates
part of their in-
dependent on Great Britain.
If,
on
account of their diftance and ignorance of our fituacould not conduct their
tion, they
propriety for one year,
and vigour
to every
from age
tutions,
human
grow very
to every
tree
from the trunk.
when
to
can they give diredioa
aê
thing.
large
The
There
When
are
will either
civil conlli-
and weighty, they
fharpeft
And
bounds
fixed
the branches of a
fall off
fword will not pierce

there
tance from the feat of government,

to rule
quarrel with
department of our
cannot reach.
it
how
own
is
a certain dif-
where an attempt
produce tyranny and helplefs
fubjedion, or provoke refiftance and effed; a feparation.

I
have
faid, if
meaning of
your principles are pure
The
your prefent oppofition
to the
this is, if
claims of the
Britifli
miniftry does not arife from a
feditious and turbulent fpirit, or a
from a blind and fadious ator from

particular perfons or parties
of legal authority
tachment to
a
felfifh
wanton contempt
rapacious difpofition, and a defire to turn
public confufion to private profit
S3
but from a con-
dominion of providence over
2g6
Ser.22.
cern for the intereft of your country, and the fafety
of yourfelves and your pofterity.
On this fubjed I
cannot help obferving, that though it would be a
miracle if there were not many felfifti perfons among
us, and difcoveries
interefted
now
and then made of mean and
have been compa-
tranfa(aions, yet they
ratively inconfiderable, both
number and
in
efFeft.
In general there has been fo great a degree of public

that
fpirit,
we have much more
ful for its vigour
reafon to be thank-
and prevalence, than to wonder at
the few appearances of difhonefty or difafFedion.

It
would be very uncandid
afcribe the univerfal
to
ardour that has prevailed
among
and the fpirited exertions
in the
nies, to
any thing
elfe
all
ranks of men,
moft diftant colo-
than public
Nor was
fpirit.
there ever perhaps in hiftory fo general a commotion,
from which
religious
been heard, except of
have been
differences
Nothing of
tirely excluded.
this
fo en-
kind has as yet
late in the abfurd,
but mali-
and deteflable attempts of our few remaining
cious
At
enemies to introduce them.

rauft alfo, for the
honour of
that
though government
been
fo
ficient
in
long unhinged, and

care
in
the fame time
this country,
obferve,
the ancient forms has
fome colonies not
taken to fubftitute another in
yet has there been, by
common
confent,
fuf-
its
place,
much
men
greater degree of order and public peace, than
of refleftion and experience foretold or expelled.
From
all
thefe circumftances
conclude favourably
of the principles of the friends of liberty, and da

earneftly exhort
Vi'hich
you
to adopt
have been defcribed, and
of every other.
and a6t upon thofe

refill
the influence
THE PASSIONS
Ser. 22.
Once more,
If to the
Oi''
jufliiê
the purity of jour principle J,
your
20"]
.^K.
of your caufe, and
you add prudence
in
will be the greateft reafon to
condu<5t, there
hope, by the bleffing of God, for profperity and
By
fuccefs.
flruggle,
patience.
prudencf in conducing this important
have chiefly
view union, firmnefs, and
in
Every body mull perceive the
neceffity of union.
It
mouth, and therefore,

vince you of
its
abfolute
indeed in every body's
is
inllead of attempting to
importance,
con-
you
I will only caution
againft the ufual caufes of divifion.
If perfons of
every rank, inftead of implicitly complying with

the orders of thofe
whom
they themfelves have cho-
fen to direft, will needs judge every meafure over
when
again,
it
comes
different clafles of
to
men
be put in execution
intermix their
views, or clafliing interefl with public
little
if
private
and
affairs,
marfhal into parties, the merchant againfl the landholder, and the landholder againfl the merchant
local
provincial pride and jealoufy arife, and
if
you
allow yourfelves to fpeak with contempt of the courage, charaler, manners, or even language of particular places,
common
you
are doing a greater injury to the
you
caufe, than
praftices are admitted
are
among
aware
us,
of.
I fhall
If fuch
look upon
one of the moil dangerous fymptoms,
and
it
as
if
they become general, a prefage of approaching
ruin.
By
firmnefs and patience I
mean
a refolute adhe-
rence to your duty, and laying your account with
many
difficulties,
ments.
as
well as occafional difappoint-
In a former part of this difcourfe
cautioned you
againft oftentation
have
and vain-glory,
2o8
Be
Ser. 22.
pleafed farther to cbferve, that extremes often
beget one another
the
travâgantly on fuccefs,
fame perfons who exult exgenerally nnoft liable to
a^re
defpondent timidity on every
Men
feat.
little
inconfiderable de-
of this charafter are the bane and cor-
ruption of every fociety or party to which they belong, but they are efpecially the ruin of an army, if
fuffered to continue in
of human
How
the viciffitude
things, and the ufual courfe of providence.
low-
often has a juft caufe been reduced to the
when
ebb, and yet
eft
Remember
it.
come
finally
firmly adhered to, has be-
triumphant
fpeak this
now
while
the afHiirs of the colonies are in fo profperous a Hate,

profperity itfeif fhould render
left this
to bear unexpediled misfortunes
whole
that the bleffing of
is,
ed for by
thofe
own
of their
truft in an
who
The
God
is
lefs
able
fiim of the
only to be look
are not vânting in the difcharge
duty.
arm of
you
fiefti,
would neither have you
to
nor fit with folded hands and
^xpedl that miracles fhould be wrought in your defence.
This
is
tempting God.
fin
which
is in
In oppofition to
it,
Scripture ftyled
I
would exhort
Joab did the hoft of Ifrael, who, though he

does not appear to have had a fpotlefs character
you
as
throughout, certainly in this inftance fpoke like a
prudent general and a pious man.

**
Be of good
Sam.
x. 12.
courage, and let us behave ourfelves
valiantly for our people, and for the cities of pur
God, and
let the
Lord do that which
is
good
in his
ught."
fliall
now
hortations
conclude this difcourfe by fome ex-
to duty,
founded upon the truths which
THE PASSIONS OF
Set. 22.
have been
refting
209
MEIf.
and fuited to the inte-
illuftrated above,
of this country at the prefent time
ftate
and,
me
Suffer
I.
recommend
to
you an attention
to
to the public intereft ot religion, or, in other words,
zeal for the glory of

I
God
and the good of others.
have already endeavoured to exhort finners to re-
pentance
have here
v^;fhat I
in
view
is
to point out
you the concern which every good man ought
to
take
in the national
charader and manners, and the
means which he ought

virtue,
promoting public
to ufe for
This
and bearing down impiety and vice.
moment, and which ought
is
a matter of the utmoft
to
be well underflood, both
Nothing
ciples.
ral profligacy
is
to
more
in its nature
and prin-
certain, than that a
and corruption of manners
people ripe for deftru6lion.
gene-
make
good form of go-
vernment may hold the rotten materials together

for
fome time, but beyond a
certain pitch, even the
beft conftitution will be inefFedual, and flavery
On
enfue.
the other hand,
nation are pure,
when
when
muft
the manners of a
true religion and internal
principles maintain their vigour, the attempts of the
.mod powerful enemies

monly
baffled
we
them, are com-
This will be found
and difappointed.
equally certain, whether

ciples of
to opprefs
confider the great prin-
God's moral government, or the operation
and influence of natural caufes.
What
follows from this
That he
who
is
the beft
moll fincere and
friend to
American
aftive in
promoting true and undefiled
who
himfelf with the greateft firmnefs to bear
fets
down
profanity
liberty,
and
is
religion,
and
immorality of every kind.
DOMINION OF PROVIDENCE OVR
tO
Ser. 22.
Whoerer
is an avowed enemy to God, I fcruple not

him an enemy to his country. Do not iVipmy brethren, that I mean to recommend a fu-
to call
pofe,
rious and angry zeal for the circumllanrials of reli-
gion, or the contentions of one fed: with another
about their peculiar dillinilions.
any body's
to oppofe
but every body's
religion,
Perhaps there are few furer marks of
wickednefs.
the reality of religion, than
more joined
felf
do not wifh yovi
when
man
feels
him-
in fpirit to a truly holy perfon of a
different denomination, than to an irregular liver of
own.
his
your duty,
It is tlierefore
tant and critical feafon,
to exert yourfelves, every
one in his proper fphere, to ftem the

vailing vice, to promote the
name and
reverence of his
impor-
in this
tide
of pre-
knowledge of God, the
worfhip, and obedience to
his laws.
Perhaps you will aik what

led to do for this purpofe,
perfonal duty
its
farther
anfwer, this
proper extent,
is
net a
Many, from
itfelf,
little.
obligation of vifible religion
underilood, and
you are caU

than your own
that
it is
is,
when taken in
The nature and
am
afraid,
little
attended to.
Icfs
a real or pretended fear of the
tation of hypccrify,
banifli
from
impu-
their converfatiori
and carriage, every appearance of refpecl and fubmilTion to the living
meannefs of
alhamed
fefs
does
liable
it
a weaknefs and
difcover, for a
man
to
be
in the prefence of his fellow- linners to pro-
that reverence
wardly
It is
fpiric
What
God.
feels.
to
the
The
to
almighty
truth
is,
God which
he in-
he makes himfelf truly
accufation which he
means
to avoid.
as genuine, and perhaps a more culpable hy-
ber. 2 2.
pocrifj,
appear to have
to
really have, than
fhame
falfe
more
is
though
to
infenfibly,
and manners
extenlive evil than
We
monly apprehended.
contribute
that
all
fice,
within
are
fcarcely add, that in
its
proportion as
by underftanding,
guifhed
com-
conftantly,
and therefore the ufefulnefs of a
confined to the poffeiTor, but fpreads

fluence to
is
form each other's charafter
holy and confcientious deportment
flri6tly
This
have more.
to
you
religion than
lefs
to appear
211
its
happy
reach.
men
not
is
in-
need
are diftin-
literature, age, rank, of-
wealth, or any other circumftance, their exam-
ple will be ufeful on the one hand, or pernicious on
the other.
But
cannot content myfelf with barely recom-
mending a
which
virtue
claim
In
it.
is
many
cafes
it
There
with profanenefs.
a dignity in
and ought to
entitled to authority,
is
man, by open reproof and
the duty of a good
is
" Thou
a Scripture precept de-
is
beg your
any wife rebuke him, and not
but
fulTer
fm upon him."
in
not hate thy brother in thy
flialt
lieart,
{lialt
wage war
oppofition, to
very lingular terms, to which
livered in
attention
There
example.
filent
How
prone are
nxmy
to re-
prefent reproof as flowing from iil-nature and furlinefs of
temper
The
trary, confiders
neceflary or
may
in
fome
as the effect of
it
want o genuine
Spirit of
God, on the coninward hatred, or
love, to forbear reproof,
may
be ufeful.
cafes
am
when
fenfible
it is
there
be a reftraint from prudence,
agreeably ô that caution of our Saviour, >* Caft not
your pearls
der their
b^"ore f wine, left
feet,
and
.turn
they trample them un-
again and rei.d you."
Of
DOMINION OF PROVIDENCE OVi R
212
every
this
himfelf
man muft judge
as
Ser. 22.
well as he can for
but certainly, either by open reproof, or
expreffive filence, or fpeedy departure from fuch fociety,
we ought
other mens
to guard againfl being partakers of
(ins.
me
men are bound in

fome degree, certain clafles of men are under pecuMaliar obligations to the difcharge of this duty.
To
this let
add, that if all
parents, heads of families, and
giftrates, minifters,
thofe
whom
age has rendered venerable, are called
to ufe their authority and influence for the glory of
God
Bad men themfelves
difcover an inward conviction of this, for they are
often liberal in their reproaches of perfons of grave

charafters or religious profeffion, if they bear with
Inftead of enlarg-
patience the profanity of others.
men
ing on the duty of
authority in general,
in
muft particularly recommend

have the command of
who
the champions for
more grieving
it
foldiers
inlifted for the
caufe
facred,
is
and
Nothing
ought to be holy.
the heart of a good man, than
to
who
hear from thofe
matter to thofe
this
The
defence of their country.
rid found of curling
is
to
are going to the field, the hor-
and blafphemy
it
cools the ar
dour of his prayers, as well as abates his confidence
and hope
me
in
God.
in fuch a cafe
eafily
enumerate
intereft of the
Many more
than
can enlarge upon, or indeed
at prefent
deluded
circumftances affefl
the glory of
finner,
viftim, and imprecating vengeance on

as
liis
own
head,
committed
to his care.
have fometimes taken the liberty
to forebode
well as the caufe
We
God, the
going like a devoted
itfelf
the downfal of the Britifh empire, from the corrup-
Ser. 2 2.
tion and degeneracy of the people.
2I3
Unhappily the
have been diftinguiihed among
Britiih foldiers
all
the nations in Europe, for the nioft fhocking proShall
fanity.
this infernal
privilege
my
then pretend to emulate them in
diftinlion,
God
forbid.
while
jedtion,
in their
lads,
it
is
them of
the horrid
Let the
officers
of the ar-
exhort
to
field,
the moft complete of any,
power greatly
all
to reftrain, if not
wholly
enormity.
to banilh this flagrant

2.
or rob
every degree remember, that as military fub-
in
it is
we
who
go into the
are not called to
apply themfelves with the utmoft diligence
It is in your power by this

works of induilry.
mean, not only to fupply the neceffities, but to add
to
to the ftrength of
your country.
Habits of indudry
prevailing in a fcciety, not only increafe

as their
immediate
trodulion of
nel:ed
but they prevent the in-
vices,
and are intimately con-
many
with fobriety and good morals.
the
tvy,
is its
mod
would
as
much
a natural
mean,
as
Vol. V.
The
is
God.
every other
is
a meritorious caufe of
brings np a firm and hardy race

to the labour of the field,
mo-
obedience to his will
the advantage wê wifii to reap from
of a campaign.
Induf-
bleffing of
alfo obferve, that in this, as in
part of God's government,
to
national profpcrity,
and the fure way of obtaining the

1
men on
a moral duty of the greateft
abfolutely necelTary to
is
and want,
abandoned and deflru^live courfes.
therefore,
ment,
Idlenefs
infeparable companion, urges
is
wealth,
effect,
the mother or nurfe of almoft every vice
which
its
Induilry
it.
He who
is
inured
prepared for the fatigues
ative farmer,
who
rifes
with
DOMINION OF PROVIDLNCE OVER
214
DCr. 22.
mud
the dawn, and follows h-s team or plough,
the end be
an overmatch for thofe cfFeminate and
delicate foldicrs,
who
are iûrfed in the lap of fell-
jndulgence, and whofe greateft exertion
important preparation
for,
a mafcjuerade or midnight
3.
in
and tedious attendance on

ball.
In the lail place, Suffer
you
frugality in
ticle
of expence.
your
in "the
is
me
to
recommend
to
families, and every other ar-
This the
us renders abfolutely nee
of things
ftate
ffary,
and
among
(lands in the
it
moll immediate connexion, both with virtuous mduftry,
and active public
Temperance
fpirit.
in
meals, moderation and decency in drefs, furniture,
and equipage, have,

teriflics
fame
think, generally been charac-
And when
of a diilinguiihed patriot.
pervades a people
fpirit
in general,
the
they are Ik
for every duty, and able to encounter the moll for-
midable enemy.
The
general fubjeiSl of the prece-
man
ding difcouife has been the wrath of
praifiug
God. If the unjnll oppreffion of your enemies,

which withholds from you many of the ufual ariicles of
luxury and magnificence,
make you
the
contiibute to
lliall
clothe yourfclves and your children wich
works of your own hands, and cover your
bles
with
foil,
it Vv'ill
the
falutary produclions
be a new
and a real happincfs
of your
illullration of the
to
yourfelves
an*.!
fame
ta-
own
truth,
your coun^
try.
I
could wilh to have every good thing done from
the purell principles and the noblell views.

fider,
therefore, that the Chrillian ciiaraiSl
-lUarly the felf-denial of the gofpel,
f,
Conpartr-
fhoula extend
Ser. 2 2.
your whole deportment.
Jo
when
Chtiftianitj,
215
In the early times of
adult convert? were admitted to
baptifm, they were afked among other
Do you
and
its
renounce the world,
vanities
its
fhews,
The form
do.
cûeftions,
pomp,
its
of this
is
flill
preferved in the adminiftration of baptifm, where
we
renounce the devil, the world, and the
This certainly
iin plies
flefli.
not only abllaining from ats
of grofs intemperance a.d exccfs, but a humility of

carriage, a
The fame
fires.
and moderation
reftraint
thing,
Chriftian profeflion,
is
as
it
in all
fuitable
is
your
to
make you
alfo necelTary to
truly independent in yourfeives, and
your dc-
to
feed the
fource of liberality and charity to others, or to the
The
public.
riotous and wafleful liver, v^hofe cra-
make him conllantly needy, is, and

mull be fubjefl to many mafters, according to the
faying of Solomon, " The borrower is fcrvant to
ving eppetites
the lender."
who
fift
But the frugal and moderate
guides his affairs with difcretion,
in
public councils
by
is
perfoii,
able to af-
a free and unbiaffed judg-
ment, to fupply the wants of his poor brethren, and

fometimes, by his eftate and fubftance, to give important aid to a finking country.
Upon
the whole,
befeech you to
make
a wife
improvement of the prefent threatening afpe6t of

public affairs, and to remember that your duty to
God, to your country, to your families, and to yourfeives, is the fame.
True
religion
is
nothing elfe
but an inward temper and outward conduct fuited to
your
time.
flate
and circurnftances in providence
And
as
peace with
God
at
any
and conformity to
DOMINION OF PROVIDENCE,
2l6
&.C.
Ser. 22.
him, adds to the fweetnefs of created comforts while

ive polTefs them, fo
it is
vve
in the
may
man
in
times of difficuhy and
trial,
of piety and inward principle, that
expeft to find the uncorrupted patriot, the
lifeful citizen,
hat
in
and the invincible
America
foldier.
God grant
true religion and civil liberty
may
be infoparablc, and that the unjuft attempts to de;lroy the one,

ciind
may
in the iffje
eflabnlhment of both.
tend to the fupport
ADDRESS
TO THE
NATIVES OF SCOTLAND
RESIDING IN
ERICA.
AT
Countrymen and Friends,
AS
fire
foon as
had confented
the foregoing fermon,
to
accompany
you
ment of country
in
ble principle
to fay, as far as
judice.
tliis laft
is
an
irrefiftible de-,
certain I feel the attach-
as far as
it is
He Who
when
am
perhaps
I felt
of
with a few words addrelTed to
it
particular.
to the publication
it
a virtuous or lauda-
it is
would be nearer the truth
a natural and
fo pleafed
fay, that I
be afhamed of the place of
pardonable pre-
may
attribute
it
to
have never feen caufe to
my
birth
that iince the
revival of arts and letters in EuTope, in the clofe of
the fourteenth, ^nd beginning of the fifteenth cen^
^T3
TO THE NATIVES OF SCOTLAKD
dtb-
tury, the natives of Scotland have not been inferioi
any other country,
to thofe of
for genius, erudition,
military prowefs, or any of thofe accompli (hments
which improve or
to
this
what
as
life,
the friendfhip of
to
my
expec-
hope every reader will confider
defert, I
now
is
Ame-
coming
countrymen has been as much above
tation
When
nature.
my
added, that fince
advanced period of
at an
rica,
my
is
it
human
embellifli
to be offered,
as the effeft not only of
mod
ardent affec-
uneafinefs
to hear the
unfeigned good will, but of the

tion.
It has given
word Scotch
me no
little
ufed as a term of reproach in the
controverfy, which could only be upon the
rican
fuppoiition that flrangers of that country are
univerfally oppofed to the liberties of
who were
thofe
I
Ame-
am
more
America than
born in South Britain, or in Ireland.
fenlible that this has
been done in fome news-
papers and contemptible anonymous publications, in

a
manner
that was neither warranted by truth, nor

by prudence. There are many natives of
<îftated
Scotland
Jaft
in this
country, whofe oppofition to the un-
claims of Great Britain has been as early and
uniform, founded upon as rational and liberal principles,
and therefore likely
to
be as lading as that
men whatever. As to Great Britain

time Las now fully difcovered, that the real
of any fet of
itfelf,
friends
of America, in any part of that kingdom,
were very few, and thofe whofe

intereftcd,
and
litical factions,
in
friendQiip
no degree owing to
flill
fewer.
part of the nation were,
their
was
dif-
own po-
Tiie wife and valuable
and
as jêt
are in a great
raeafure ignorant of the (late of things in this coun-
RESIDING IN AMERICA.
try
neither
21^
eafy for the bulk of a people to
is it
fhake off their prejudices, and open their eyes upon

It is there-
the great principles of univerfal liberty.

fore at leaft very difputable,
juft
ground for the
diftinftion
Englifh on this fubjed at
This difpute,
upon, becaufe
is
is
any
between Scots and
all.
hovv'ever,
it
whether there
of too
ô not mean to enter

little
moment
to find a
place here; but fuppofing that, in fome provinces efpecially,
much
the
have been too
of Scotland
inclined to fupport the ufurpations of the pa-
rent ftate,
by
natives
afligning
will
firfl
fome of
endeavour to account for

its
probable caufes
it,
and then
few confideraticns which fnould induce them

to wipe off the afperiion entirely, by a contrary con-
offer a
duft.
As
to
the nril of thefe, I will mention what T
fuppofe to have been the
firil
and radical caufe, and
birth to every other, of the difaffedion
which gave
of fome of the natives of Scotland to the juft priviWhat I have in view was the
leges of America.
friends of liberty in
many
places of
America taking
the part of, and feeming to confider themfelves as in
a great meafure engaged
in the
fame caufe with that
very diilinguiihed perfon, John Wilkes, Efq. of
This was done not only
London.
and newfpaper
in
fome of
differtations,
their
in
many writings
but one or two colonies,
moft refpedable meetings, manifeft-
ed their attachment to him, and feemed to confider
him
as their patron
the moft offenfive
and friend.
Number of
No. 43, which was

worthlefs paper, was
repeated and echoed, by the moft

allufions
to
it,
filly
and ridiculous
through every part of the country,
TO THE NATIVES OF SCOTLAND
2 20
and by
by
many who
could not
tell
what was
fignified
much on
the pru-
the term.
It will not
be neceflary to fay
dence of fnch condu(5r, becaufe
mob would
expelled Wilkes's
liament- houfe, or that there
fuppofe
down
pull
would be
who
tliofe
the Par-
infurreftions
over the kingdom in behalf of America, are by
all
this
time fully
now
in
t-iofe
the
fatisfied
of their miflake.
the cleareft manner, that,
who feemed
Britifli
to
They
very lately,
till
take the part of America in
Parliament, never did
principles.
appears
It
on American
it
not willing to admit the extent of our claim.

the
Lord Chatham's
great
bill
would not have been accepted

terially d;fFer
were
either did not underftand, or
Even
reconciliation
for
here, and did not
ma-
from what the miniftry would have
The
confented to.
truth
is,
the far greateft part of
the countenance given in Britain to the complaints
of
this country,
tention in
it,
was by
thofe
who had no
other in-
than to ufe them as an engine of oppo-
fition to the miniftry for the
time being.
fome of them have now learned
to reafon
It is true,
very
and upon the moft liberal principles; but their

ber
not great, and
is
it
was not the
one fpeaker or writer whofe works

opportunity of perufing,
till
juftly,
num-
cafe with
the very
any
have had the

laft
flage of
the quarrel.
What effedl this Wilkifm (if I may fpeak fo) of

many Americans may be fuppofed to have had upon the minds of gentleman from Scotland,
difficult
ciates
to
explain.
That
gentle
it is
not
an and his affo-
thought proper to found the whole of their
cppolition to the
then miniftry, u^jod a contempt
and hatred of the Scots nation
liberal
to
and by the mofl
il-
methods, and the molt fcandalous falfehoods,
flir
up
a national jealoufy
and fonthern parts of the
term or hateful
vile
221
idea,
between the northern
There was not a
ifland.
which ancient vulgar
ani-
mofity had ever ufed, though long union had made
them
fcarcely intelligible, v.'hich he did not rake
up
and attempt to bring into credit by writing and con-
The
verfation.
confequence of this
is
well
known.
in
ti^gy in
Wilkes and fome others were burnt

^Scotland,
and
it
produced fo general an attachment
lo the king and miniftry, as
In
force.
has not yet fpent
circumflances
thrrfe
to be
is it
its
wondered
many who left Scotland within the lad fifyears, when they heard Wilkes and thofe who
at, that
teen
adhered to him, extolled and celebrated by the fons
of liberty, ihould be apt to confider

of the fame
fpirit,
and that they were engaged in
fupport of the fame caufe

little
as an evidence
it
Perhaps
we may go
higher with this remark, in tracing political
appearances to their fource.
It is gerr::i-Aziy
f?jtu
that the king himfelf has difcovered a violent ran-
corous perfonal hatred againft the Americans.

this
may
be true, and
know
If
nothing to the contrary,
it
be ealily accounted for upon the very fame
principles.
I
am
far
from fuppofing that
this
fon for any man's being cool to the
was
a good rea-
American
caufe,
which was as different from that of Wilkes as lieht

o
is from darknefs.
It was indeed doing great diflionour to the noble ftruggle, to fuppofe
connexion with
who
favour at London
it
to
have any
fhould be in or out of court-
and therefore
it
was always
my
122
who
opinion, that thofe
miniilry oaly, did not
king and
railed againft the
carry the argument home,
nor fully underftand the nature of their
own
In order to juttify the American oppofition,

necelTary to ihew that the perfons in
vaded liberty
in Britain
jt
is
.plea.
it is
not
power have
in-
fufficicnt to fay that
they, with the concurrence of the whole nation, have

refufed to fuffer
me
leads
you
to lay before
This
to continue in the colonies
it
my deli^m,
to the fecond part of
which
the leaibns
which was
tlilnk
{liould
induce every lover of juftice and of mankind, not
only to be a well-wi(hcr, but a firm and

friend to
It has
to
America,
been
in this important conteft.
ofte-i faid,
that
the prefent
be an important era to America.
may
fay
much more
it is
new
is
think
we
In the ancient mi-
country was generally fettled by a
fmall, unconnefted, and often an ignorant band.
people and the
likely
likely to be an important
era in the hiilory of mankind.

grations, a
(ledfafl
foil
The
were alike uncultivated, and
improvement by very
nay, many of them fell back, and de-
therefore they proceeded to
flow degrees
generated into a flate vaftly more favage than the

In America
people from whence they came.

fee a rich and valuable foil,
we
and an extenfive coun-
by the power, the learning,

and the wealth of Europe, For this reafon it is
now exhibiting to the world a fcene which wâs netry,
taken
polTeflion of
ver feen before.
It
ment and population

lators
has had a progrefs in improvefo rapid, as
have been able to
every thing that has been
no
afcertain.
faid
be mere conjecture, except
in
upon
political
1
calcu-
look upon
this fubje^l to
fuch places as there
'
RESIDING
IN"
AMERICA.
When men
has been an adtaal numeration.
America doubles
that
its
number
In fome places that
fay nothing.
over the truth

that
in fifteen,
by
or twenty-five years, they fpeak
223
'
fay
twenty,
guefs, and they
may be
under or
but there are
vafl trads of land
every year with inhabitants, and yet the
fill
old fettled places ftiU continue to increafe.

It
proper to obferve, that the
is
ments have been improved
Britifli fettle-
in a proportion far be-
yond the fettlements of other European nations.
To what
can this be afcribed
for they are of all climates
thty are a mixture of
all
Not
to the climate,
not to the people, for
nations.
It
mufi there-
fore be refolved fingly into the degree of Biitifii
li-
berty which they brough'- from home, and which
pervaded more or
lefs their feveral conllitutions.
has'been repeated to us,
know
not
how
often,
It
by
the mercenary fbort- lighted writers in favour of fubMiiiTion to, or
re-union with Great Britain, that
much
Iiavq thriven
in paft
times by our dependence
on the mother country, and therefore we
is,
that
rights.
.iicient
.e inall
thrive
fiie
be
will not fafter us to enjoy our
Can any
under new
^lad any fuch reafoners

ve
iliould
Thefe writers forget that the very
loath to part.
r-omplaint
we
pafl:
experience fliew that
impofitions?
would attempt
fhould be
to prove that
have thriven by our dependence, and not by the
degree of independence whick

joyed.
If
conceive
it
we have
is
thriven
we have
by our dependence,
a necefiary confequence, that
provinces muft have thriven moil
mod
'i'hofe
hitherto en-
dependent.
vvl-'ch
But the contrary
is
which have hitherto en'oyed the
thofe
have been
felf evident,
freelt
form

214
of government, though greatly inferior in
foil
climate, have yet outftripped the others in
number
and
of people and value of land, merely becaufe the
lail
were more under the influence of appointments and

authority from home.
When
this is the
any perfon of a
undeniable (late of things, can
liberal
mind wiih
that thefe great
and growing countries Ihould be brought back to a

ilate
of fubjeftion to a diftant power
man
deny, that
if
And
can any
they had yielded to the claims of
the Britiili Parliament, they would have been no
by
better than a parcel of tributary dates, ruled
by unfeeling
lordly tyrants, and exhaufted
penfioners,
under the commillion of one too diftant to hear the

cry of oppreffion, and furrounded by thofe
an
intcrefl in deceiving
my opinion,
to
him
who had
ought therefore, in
It
meet with the cordial approbation of
every impartial perfon,
ar,
am
confident
will of
it
pollerity, that they have united for common defence, and refolved that they will be both free and
independent, becaufe they cannot be the one with-
out the other.
As
place,
this
I fliall
in
which
2.
That
o.
meafure, long forefeen, has
That
I
it
beg leave
mean
to fay a
to fliew
i.
now
taken
few things upon
That
it
was
necelTary.
And,
will be honourable and profitable.
in all probability
it
will be
it,
no injury, but
a real advantage to the iiland of Great Britain.

I.
It
had become abfolutely neceifary.
conciliation, but
upon the footing of abfolute uncon-
ditional fubmiflion,
Great Britain
All re-
had been pofitively refufed by
unlefs,
therefore,
the colonies
had
refolved to continue in a loofe and broken ilate, with
the
name of
arms
government which they had taken
have
to oppofe, the ftep v/hich they
ken could not have been

had proceeded
fo far,
taken on both
fides,
down
to lay
our
that
a fcheme
ancient ilate, there
it
Beiides,
ta-
things
beeti
had become impoffible
by which
ive, at
While
liberties.
avoided.
now
and fuch meafures had
f our dependence, and

ill
225
they fhould be fure
the fame time, fecured
continued in their
thinors
was perhaps a power on the part
of each, of which they were hardly confcious, or
were
But
afraid and unwilling to exert.
encroachments had been made and
any thing
after the
refifled, to
expe6l
than a contimial attempt to extend
elfe
authority on the one hand, and to guard againft
on the other,
human
is
to difcover
very
little
it
knowledge of
In fuch a fituation, though every
nature.
claim of America fhould be yielded, fhe would foon
be either
in a ftate
lute fubmiffion.
of continual confufion, or abfo-
The king of England,
living in his
Englifh dominions, would not, and indeed durfl not

alTent to
any
aft of an
American
was fuppofed to be hurtful

This is not founded -on
;efts.
or
rience.
it)
There
is
legiflature that
to
his
was,
Engllfh fub-
conjecture, but expe-
not (at leaft
Dean
Swift affirms
any dependence of Ireland upon Eugland, ex-
cept an act of the Irifh Parliament, that the king of
England
fhall
be king of Ireland.
f;:!parate independent legislature,
This lad has a
and in every thing elfe
but the above circumftance feems to be perfe6lly free;
any man
yet
if
2iot
truly fubjeft to the other, he
know very
VoL.V.
iliould aflert that the
little
one kingdom
would
in
my opinioa
of the ilate and hillory of either.
is
TO THE NATIVES OF SCOTLAN
0.16
2.
of independency will be both honour-
ftate
able and profitable to
this country.
many
way
iis in
it,
advantages in the
other
that
benefit
ihall
of commerce, as well
rei'pe6ls, that miift nectiTarily
may
which
dwell a
is
pais over
accrue from
on the great and leading
little
the foundation of
all
the
We
reft.
have the opportunity of forming plans of go-
vernment upon the mott

principles.
I confefs
this with a kind of enthufiallic

cafe never
happened before
All the governments
and equal
rational, jufl,
have always looked upon

fince the
we have
The
fatisfalion.
world began.
read of in former
ages were fettled by caprice or accident, by the inof prevailing parties or particular perfons,
fluence
or prefcribed by a conqueror.
ments indeed
tions
by
havê
Important improve-
been forced upon fome conftitu-
the fpirit of daring men, fupported
cefsful infurre^lions.
But
to fee
and populous countries fettled
by
deliberate
oun fel, and
government
from
dire<51:ed
its
by
fuc-
in large
foundation
immediately to
the public good of the prefent and future genera-
while the people are waiting for the deciiion
tions,
with
full confidence in the
of thofe to
tant truft,
whom
is
wifdom and impartiality
they have committed the impor-
We
certainly altogether new.
learn
indeed from hiftory, that fmall tribes and feeble
new
employ one man of emi-
fettlements did fometimcs
nent wifdom to prepare a fyflem of laws for them.
was a wife meafure, and attended with
Even
this
happy
effe<5ls.
But how
vail
"we have the experience of

QJL
human
fociety,
the difference,
all pall
and the
v/cil
ages,
when
the hi R cry
known
caufes of
RESIDING IN AMERICA,
2 2^
profperity and mifery in other governments to aHif^

us in the choice.
The
profpe6l of this iiappy circumfiance, and the
pcilibility of lofing
pais over, has filled
So
far
me with
anxiety for fome time.
have hitherto proceeded, there has
v*e
as
and fuftering the feafon to
it,
been great unaniniity and public
and perfons of
bitants of every province,
minations, have
The
fpirit.
all
inha-
deno-
vied with each other in zeal for the
common intereft. But was it not to be feared that

fome men would acquire over- bearing influence? that
human weaknefs and human paiTions would difcover
themfelves, and prevent the finifning ot what had
been fo happily begun
wars
in
In the time of the civil

fettled a regular
England, had they
government
as fcon as the
form of
Parliament had obtained
an evident fuperiority, their liberties would never

liave
been fhaken, and the Revolution would have
But by delaying the thing too
been unneceffary.
long, they were broken into parties, and bewildered

in their views,
refiilance
and
tamely fubmitted without
to that very tyranny againft
had fought with

this
at laft
rcafon
mind ought
fo
much
which they
glory and fuccefs;
For
think that every candid and liberal

to rejoice in the
meafures lately taken
through the States of America, and particularly the

late declaration of
independence
give union and force
to
as
it
will not only
the meafures of defence
while they are necefiary, but

the
lay a foundation for
birth of millions, and the future
improvement
of a great part of the globe.

i
have only further to obferve,
fident the independence of
3.
America
That
am
con-
will, in the end.

2 28
be to the real advantage of the
Were
tain.
argument
this
ifland of
even otberwife,
it
Great Bri-
would be a weak
Why
againft the claim of juflice.
fhould
the fecurlty or profperity of this vafl country be facriticed to the
fpot
But
fuppofed intereft of an inconliderable
cannot believe that the mifery and fub-
any country on earth
jedtion of
happinefs of anotlier.
intereft
nion
cefs
is
may
reprefent
Blind partiality and

it
felf-
but the opi-
in this light,
The fucmay be a be-
delufivc, the fuppofition is falfe.
and increafe of one nation
nefit to
neceflary to the
is
every other.
It
is,
or
feldora indeed that a
is
people in general can receive and adopt thefe generous fentiments, they are neverthtlefs perfe6\ly juft.
It
induilry only, and not poflefTions, that
is
the rtrength and wealth of a nation
and
makes
this is
not
hindered, but encouraged, provoked, and rewarded,
by
the induflry of others *.
But
leave the general principle, or rather to
to
apply
it
what
profit
to the cafe of
the latter
and what can
the future
Great Britain and America
has the former hitherto received from
Only
its
it
trade,
reafonably expel for
and fuch part of that
trade as tends to encourage the induflry, and increafe
the
number of
the inhabitants of that ifland.
It
will be faid they intend to raife a large, clear, net
revenue upon us, by taxation.
by many,
that all the taxes
It
has been fhewn
which they could
raife
would only ferve to feed the infatiable dcfire of

wealth
in [ilacemen
influence
people.
*
iJcfc
and penfioners, to increafe the
of the crown, and the corruption of the

It
was by the acquilition of numerous pro
David Hume's Eflay on the Jealoufy
of Trade.
ItESlDING IN AMERICA.
Rome
vinces that
fappofing
confequence
But even
without any bad
h\j,Aened to its ruin.
otherwiic, and that
it
among
229
themfelves, they were to acquire
a great addition to their yearly revenue, for every

fhiiling
the
they gained by taxes, tliey would lofe ten in
way
of trade.
For a
iums of public money
addition
trifyirg
to
the
be applied or wafted by
to
minifters of ftate,
they would lofe ten times the
quantity diftributed
among
ufeful manufafturers, the
ftrength and glory of a ftate.
compared
fometimes
the
to
think this has been
between
difference
draughts of fpirituous liquors to intoxicate the head

or
weaken
the flomach, and cool refrelliing food to
give foundiiefs,
heakh and vigcnr,
to
member
every
of the body.
The
trade, then, of
will
fettled,
\v'i]\
be
as
America,
open
as foon as peace is
them
to
it
be faid they have nou^ an exclufive trade, they
will then but fiiare it with other nations.
an exclufive trade
it
But
as ever.
is
hurtful than ufeful.
nature
it
is
anfwer,
not ealily preferved, and
preferved, the refiriclion
is
Trade
is
founded upon
is
when
commonly more
of a nice and delicate
intereft.
It will force
way wherever intereft leads, and can hardly by

any art be made to go in another direction. The
its
Spaniards have an
pleafe to confine
it,
exclufive trade, as far as they

to their
own
plantations.
Do
much benefit from it? 1 believe not. Has

it made their own people more induftrious at home?
Jnft the contrary. Does it not, in the natural courfe of
things, make a people lefs careful to work as well
the}^
and
reap
as
cheap as others, to procure voluntary
U3
pui?-
2^0
chafers,
to thofe
when they know they can fend their goods

who are obliged to take them ? Does it not
both tempt and enable great merchants
in the capi-
import from other nations what they can ex-
tal, to
port to fach a forced market to advantage

this
means a confiderable
coffers of a
is
profit
may come
few particulars, while no
tical writers in
profit
car-
is
where the goods are produced
ried to that country

It
into the
eflential fervice
done to the people, and the ultimate
or fabricated.
By
by
has been repeatedly faid
poli-
England, that the balance of trade
is
againft that country to every nation, excepting Por-
tugal and their
own
plantations.
I will
not anfwer
for the truth or univerfality of this aflertion, but if
true in any meafure,
it is
I will
venture to affirm,
upon the principles of general reafon, that the caufe

which produces it is no other than the exclufive
trade they have hitherto enjoyed to the American
fettlements.
But the circumftance which

tribute moft to the intereil of
rican independence,
is
its
apprehend will con-
Great Britain
ful
make
the
American
It
States
will certainly
numerous, power-
and opulent, to a degree not
The
Ame-
influence in peopling and
enriching this great continent.
tend to
in
eafily conceived.
great and penetrating Montefquieu, In his Spirit
of Laws, has fhewn in the cleared manner, that nothing contributes fo
much
to the profperity of a
people, as the ilate of fociety
form of
their
government.
among them, and
free
government
overcomes every obiTacle, makes a defert a

field,
and
fills
fruitful
a bleak and barren country with
the conveniencies of
life,
if fo,
the
all
what mufl be the
23!
Operation of this powerful caufe upon countries en
joying in the highell degree every advantage that

can be derived from lituation, climate, and
foil
If
America has hitherto been of fo great

benefit to England, how much more valuable may
it be when thefe countries fhall be ftill more highly
This
improved, if {he (hall continue to enjoy it
the trade of
argument
is
from the
arife
to no objection but
liable
lofs
of an exclufive trade, which I
have already conlidered.

ever, that
there
averfion in the
is
may
It
Americans
may
to the people of
Great
be fare of our trade
they treat us as well as others, and
might
be added, how-
not now, nor ever has been any
Britain, fo that they
do not deferve
what may
if
if
otherwife, they
it.
the argument
by
ftating
the
probable confequences of a contrary fuppoiition.
If
illuilrate
Great
Britain (houkl prevail, or
rican
States,
overcome the
Ame-
and eilablifn viceroys with abfclute
authority in every province,
all
men
of
fpirit
and
lovers of freedom would certainly withdraw themfelves to a corner, if fuch could be found, out of the
The numbers of
reach of tyranny and opprefilon.

the people at any rate
would
fenfibly decreafe, their
wealth would be fpeedily exhaulled, and there would
remain only a nominal authority over a defolate

country, in return for a vaft expence laid out in the
conqueft, and in place of a great and profitable trade
by which both
the arguments,
nations were
if
they
may
made happy.
be called
fo,
One of
made ufe
of againfl this country, and on which an obligation

to obedience has been founded,
is
taken from the
expence they have been at in blood and treafure for
2^1
our protecllon
been often aafwered in the

they
continue to urge
(hall
of the obligations
is finifhed
which they
we
Then
fliall
fliall
have
we have
This argument has
former wars.
in
fulleft
how
it,
matiner
but
if
fearful to think
be under after this war
fhall
we owe them
the fums
all
fubduing us, and
laid out in
fpent in attempting to prevent
all
that
all
the blood which they fhall have fbed in attacking
us,
and
There
fence.
tain
that
all
is
by the one
other
and
it
we
have
fliall
unqueftionably a
iide
our
fpilt in
lofs to
own
it
de-
Great Bri-
of the account as well as the
tends to fhew, in the clearefl manner,
the unfpeakable folly, as well as great injuiUce of

the promoters of this war.
Thus
have
you, though very briefly,
flated to
the principles on wliich
think the American caufe
ought to be picaded, and on which
ought
it
to
be
efpoufed and fupported by every lover of jullice and
Bat though the general plea
of mankind.
tice
were
lefs
clear
than
it
there
is,
wkich the conduct of the oppofers of

appeared to
higheft
me
degree.
is
it
in
juf-
lii-ht
in
has always
unreafonable and ungenerous to th
That
has been determined
to
refiftance
on,,
in
Great Britain
the moft refolute
ner, through all the colonies,
by
not only certain but undeniable.
vafi:
man-
majority,
is
In the beginning
of the controverfy, fome writers, with an impudence
hardly to be paralleled, called the faft in queftion,
cttempted to deceive the people
in this
country, and
e(Felually deceived the people of England,
by ma-
king them believe that
factious
it
was only a few
and violent
is
men
253
that had engaged in theconteft.
Tt
not very long fince a writer had the courage to
alTert,
that " nine, tenths of the people of Pennfyl-
The
vania were againfl independence."

of fuch mifreprefentations
deed was probably

thofe
who
is
now
known from
deiired to
falfehood
manifeft, and in-
by
Taking
the beginning
have them believed.
this for granted, then, for an inconfiderable minority,
whether natives or Grangers, to

oppofition to the public councils,
themfelves in
fet
is
contrary to rea-
fon and juftice, and even to the very
of the focial
If there
firfh
principles
life.
is
any principle that was never contro-
verted upon the focial union
it
that as a
is,
body
every fociety muft be determined by the plurality.
There was a time when
it
was not only
and
juil:
confident, but neceffary that every one fhould fpeak
mind
his
freely and fully of the necefiity or expe-
diency of refining the authority of Great Britain.
But
that time
is
over long ago.
The meafures
irg refolved upon, and the conflii begun, one

is
be-
who
barely -neuter can fcarce be forgiven; a fecret
enemy
plodding
mull:
be confidered as a
traitor.
Every perfcn who continued among us after the decliive refolutions formed hy all the Colonies, ought
to be confidered as pledging his faith
ailift
it
in the
by a
fprlngs
common
fimilar cafe.
caufe.
Let
me
and honour to
try to illuftrate
Suppofe that a
fliip
a leak, which expofes the whole
to the moft
imminent danger of
a council
called of all the perfons
is
ttrmine what port they
ftiall
perifliing.
at
fea
company
Suppofe
on board, to de-
endeavour to gain.
234
Then
not only the right, but the duty of every
it is
.one to fpeak his
own judgment, and
by every argunnent
otliers
a great majority deterniines

place, and to go to the
of an hour
pleafe,
is
power,
his
in
pump by
turns every quarter"
at the
But
pump
this is well.
this
fame gentleman, becaufe
lowed, fhould refufe to
pump
fol-
at all, fliould flily alter
way by every means
courfe, or deaden her
common
aiSivity the
know what
to
deferve
board in
I
fafety depended,
de-
"Without doubt he would be thrown overlefs
am
time
th.in
have tsken to
flate
the
not able to perceive the leaft difference
this
America
at the prefent time.
If this
difcourage others, on
treatment he would receive or
between
fuppofition
argument
is
juft
habitant of the country,

ditional weig'ht with thofe
whofe
refideuce
There
is
is
and wi)at takes place in

with refpe^t to every init
ought
who
to
have fome ad-
are not natives, and
not certain or has not been long.
a great decree of indecency in fach taking
Rfiy part agHinll
what the majority of the inhabi-
think to be their intereft, and that of their
country
iiiould
was not
power, or even fhould only by continual com-
whofe
tants
to
determination^
his advice
plaints and defponding fears
eafe.
would be bed
it
after the
if,
any
current, or
only every half hour.
All
fire
you
if
of opinion that they lliouid have gone ano-
change hands
in his
upon
Suppofe
but that two, or three, or one,
other circumftance, and that
fliip's
it
pufh for a certain
to
ther courfe, becaufe of the wind,
the
to prefs
V/ere they even wrong, their millake
be lamented, not refilled
on the contrary,
it
l'.^
235
would be the part bath of generofitv and
them
fiippoi't
would have
which wifdora
effectually in a conteft
We
declined.
indeed every day,
fee
melancholy inftances of a bafe and

operating different ways.
obtain
jullice to
felfiih
temper
Many, when they do not

which
that rank and honour
their pride
partiality think their due, or if their
advice
is
and
not
followed, immediately renounce the fervice of their

country, and
oppolition
it
may go
of the illuflrious
ilrid:
orders to
my, but
was engaged.
a glorious
I
Fabius, preferring his country's good
with
all
to
and complete vitlory.
which
in
good part the above
think contain nothing that
Tulent or indecent againft any
They
came immediately
expedition, and thereby gained
hope you will take
fieftions,
his lieu-
own railmefs, got entangled

army under his command, and
to fame, rivalinip, and fafety,

his fupport
Unluckily
his
a part of the
vvith
In
not to engage the ene-
at a diftance.
by
tenant- general,
them.
let
all his officers
keep
to
to deitru6lion for
me recommend the example

Fabius of Rome.
He had given
to this,
are the effects
I'he author, as
is
man
or
is
revi-
body of men,
of judgment and con virion.
probably
known
to
m.any of you,
has been perfonally abufed in newfpapers at home,

for the part
American
cauie,
the motive
neft
he was fuppoied to have taken
which was
to this addrefs.
in
in
the
iome degree indeed
He
hopes that an ho-
and faithful fupport of liberty and equal govern-
ment
in this part of the world,
will be no juft re-
proach to his character, either as a fcholar, a minider,

pr a
Chridian
and that
it
is
perfectly confiilent
2^6
TO THE NATIVES OF SCOTLAND, &C.
with an undiminiliied regard for the country which
gave him
birth.
The above
is
fabmitted to your candid perufal
Gentlemen,
Your
fincere friend,
and
Obedient humble fervant.
The Author.
SERMON
XXIIL
DELIVERED AT A PUBLIC THANKSGIVING

AFrER PEACE.
PsAL.
iii.-S.
Salvation bdongeth unto the Lord.
-My Brethren,
WE
are
met together
authority, to
keep
in obedience to public
day of folemn thankf-
glving to God, for the goodnefs of his providence to

\\\Q,
United States of America, in the courfe of a war,
which has now
lafted feVen years,
We
and formidable nation.
upon
which
with
powerful
are particularly called
to give thanks for the lignal fuccefles with

it
hath pleafed him to blefs our arms and
thofe of our allies, in the courfe of the laft year, and
the campaign which
is
now drawing
to a clofe.
need fay nothing of the importance of the great ccntell in
which we have been
Vol. V.
fo
long engaged, or
tlic
THANKSGIVING SERMON.
238
interefling alternative
as
ner by
which depends upon the
Teem to have been
thel'e
all
Scr. 23.
the fulleft
felt in
ifliie,
man-
ranks in this country, from the begin-
The language even of the common people

will convince every man of reflexion that they are
imiverfally feniibie how much is at ftake. My proning.
per bufinefs, therefore,
is
to
engage every pious
Jiearer to adore the providence of
in general, to
with fincerity and gratitude the
offer
many
praife for his

jufl
God
mercies, and to
facrifice
make
a wife and
improvement of the prefent promifmg
of public
of
fituation
affairs.
Many who nowliear me are witneiTes, that it has

never been my practice, for reafons which appear to
me
to
be good, to intermix politics with the ordinary
on the weekly returns of
fervice of the fan6luary,
the Chriftian Sabbath, furtht-r than fervent fupplications to the throne of grace,
for divine direction
to the public counfels, and affiânce to thofe

are
employed
of this kind
(lireft
it
in
But on days
the public fervice.
becomes part of a
who
minifter's duty to
the attention of the hearers to events of a

nature.
j7ublic
This you
know
concern, and at confiderable length,
a public
faft
day.
did with great
fix
years ago on
would therefore wiUingly, in
this more advanced period, take a view of what
is
pad, and endeavour to direl you in what remains,

of your duty to God, to your country, and to yourfelves.
For
this
Pfahnili
purpofe
David now
have chofen the words of the

read,
which
are part of a pfalni
generally thought to have been compoftd by the
Scr. 23.
royal author before the
war with Abfalotn,
was wholly
natural fon,
finiihed
and
llept
and confidence.
faith
I
awaked,
will not be afraid
have
*'
Lord
laid
the lan-
me down
fuftained
me.
me
me, O my God
round about.
;
for
people.
thy bieiiing
thcu
Salvation
broken the teeth of the ungodly.
belongeth unto the Lord
Arife,
thou hall fmit-
mine enemies upon the clieek-bone
ten all
of ten thoufands of people that
themfelves againft
fet
Lord, fave
hafl
for the
un-
his
but when he had
made him fpeak
fuch prefages of fuccefs as
guage of
239
is
upon thy
Selah.'*
In difcourfing upon this fubjeft I propofe, through

the afliftance of divine grace,
I.
To
explain and ftate the proper meaning of
this expreffion or fentiment of the infpircd Pfalmiit,

**
Salvation belongeth unto the Lord."
IL To
lay before you a fuccinft view of wha-f
the United States of America
owe
to divine Provi-
dence in the courfe of the prefent war.

II
L To make
fubjeft for
Firft,
your
then,
a pra6lical
improvement of the
inftruclion and direction.
am
to explain and ftate the proper
meanino; of this exm'ellion or fentiment of the infpired
Lord."
Pfalmift,
This
what appears
in the
to
paflage
Salvation
mean
to
belongeth unto
do by adhering
the
ftridlly
be the mind of the Spirit of
ta
God
before us, as well as in a mannei;
agreeable to the analogy of. faith.
{he lame in fubftance
in
As
religion is
every age, the reflections of
pious perfons on the courfe of Providence, arife from
THANKSGIVING SERMON".
240
Scr. 23.
The
the fame examples, and lead to the fame end.
words may
ill's
be fuppofcd to contain
juftly
tlic
Pfalm-
thankful acknowledgment of the paft mercies
of God, as well as the foundation of his future fe-
Th^y
curity.
the influence
and
them a general confelTion of

of divine Providence upon every event,
carry in
in particular
with rtfpcct to falvation, or deli-
verance from impending danger.
In this view
he fays,
**
feems
imply the three following things.
to
Salvation belongeth unto
That
I.
*'
diilinguiilied
whea
the Lord,"
it
falvation belongeth unto the Lord,'' as
from human
fore all coniidence in
or created help, and there-
man Hands oppofed
to the fen-
timent expreifed by the holy Pfalmiif in the text.
oppofed
It is not
to the ufe or application of,
human means,
an exceinve or undue reliance on

fecond caufes of any kind.
in
any attempt
is
to
but to
or
It implies, that fuccefs
be ultimately attributed to God.
That it is he who by his providence provides outward means, who raifes up friends to iiis people, or
caufes
That
it
**
their
i:3
he
enemies to be
who
in
direls their hands to
and
finally
Whether
crowns
cafes
peace with them."
of difiiculty and danger
war and
their
at
their fingers to fight,
endeavours with fuccefi.
therefore the outward advantages are great
or fmall, whether the expedation or the prebability

f.f fiicccfs
has been ftrong or weak, he
that fulvation belongeth unto
the glory to him.
God,
who
confeil'es
will finally give
Confidence before, and boafling
after the event, are alijke contrary to this difpofition.
If any perfon
dc-fires to
confirmed or improved,
have his
faith in this truth
him
read the hilcory of
let
Ser. 23.
mankind
241
and conliderate manner, and with
in a cool
a ferious frame of
He
Ipirit.
will then perceive
He
that every page will add to his convi61ion.
that the moft important events have feemed to
find
turn upon circumiânces
the moft trivial, and the
A blaft.
moft out of the reach of human direction.

of wind, a ftiower of
intention, or a
word fpoken by accident and
which has decided the

with thefe
mtfu!i-
fai:s in
know what
" Salvation
Whoever,
fate of empires.
his view, believes
the conftant
power of divine providence,
influence and over-ruling
2.
(hot, a private
has been the canfe of a victory or defeat
derftood,
will
random
rain, a
the neglect of a fervant, a motion without
quarrel,
the Pfalmift
means when he
In this fentiment the Pfalmift fcems to have
nothing
ftate io
is
work
direftion and
but
is
enemy
deliverance.
that there
fo fori/Jdable,
He
that
no
is
but he
has not only the
government of means and fecond cau-
himfeif fuperior to
fahation, when
ral
God
impoirible with
dangerous, no
able to
fes,
fa\>^^
belono-eth unto the Lord."
had in view the omnipotence of Providence
is
will
it is
all
means.
The word'
applied in Scripture to tempo-
danger, generally fignifies a great and diftinguifh--
ed deliverance;
xiv. 13.
**
Stand
Thus
ftill
and
fee the falvation of
and in the fame manner,

Jonathan
die,
in Ifrael ?"
ufed by Mofes,
it is
Sam
xiv, 45.
Exodus
God
;'^"
" Shall
v/ho hath wrought this great falvatioo*
When,
therefore, a perfon or people are
threatened w-ith evils of the moft dreadful kind
when
they are engaged in a conflifl very unequal
"when they are driven to extremity, and have no
X3
re-.

242
fource left as
means of defence
which they are engaged
in
may
they
prefTed
by
God
cry to
tlie
then, if the caiife
righteous and juft,
is
The
for relief.
may
"
of the faithful,
againll
fay as the angel to the father
any thing too hard
Is there
many
Lord ?" There are
fentiment ex-
them up
Pfalmill ought to bear
defpair^ and they
Set. 23.
inftances
in
for the
Scripture of
granted to the fervants of God,
iignal deliverance
fome of them even wholly miraculous, which teach

ns to
our hope
fet
his flighty
works
in his
mercy, and not to
This
our minds.
to flip out of
is
the exercife of faith in an unchangeable
*'
the fame yefterday, to-day, and for ever."

3.
fuffer
This fentiment has refped
God
mercy and
to the
goodnefs of God, or his readinefs to hear the cry of

the oppreiTed, and fend deliverance to his people.
This circumftaace
make him
it
neceffary to be taken
is
the proper objed of faith and truft
muft be combined with the other,
complete view
the
of
Power and wifdom
with G,od
iiiterpofcj
Vv'e
and
fee
but
our
if
falvation belongeth unto

it is
his glory.
we
little
fup-
have a gene-
believe his readinefs to
is
God
implore his help,
juftly called
The promife
the fame or ilmilar terms,

tions and
Providence.
things are pof-
all
title clear to
have that hope which
to
affliftion,
chor of the foul, fure and iledfafl."

.
and
to give us a
would give
It
or theoretical perfuafion that
fible
to
alone give an imperfefl difplay
port under the prelTure of
of
influence
ef the divine character.
ral
in,
is
particular perfons.
it is
fo
**
the an-
In this fenfe
his prerogative,
often repeated in
addreilcd both to na*'
He
Ihall call
upon
Ser. 23.
me, and
will anfwer him.
243
will be with
him
trouble, to deliver him, and to honour him.
in
The
righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth
him out of
troubles.
his
all
tions of the righteous
of
them
Having
Many
are the afflic-
but the Lord delivereth him
all."
briefly
ftated thefe
known and
general
proceed to the fccond and principal thing
truths, I
propofed, which was to lay before you a fuccin^l
view of what the United States of America owe
to
divine providence, in the courfe of the prefent war.

Oil conlidering this part of the fubjecl,
prefents
^m
itfelf
as to the
defirous of doing
a difficulty
manner of handling
fome meafure of
it
it.
juftlce,
and
fame time of avoiding exceffive prolixity, or
at the
To
a tedious enumeration of particular fa6ls.

thefe
two purpofes
what
have
as
much
as polTible,
to fay into dillin6t branches
unite
will divide
;
and after
a few words of illullsation on each of them, leave

it
to
every hearer to add fuch further examples as
may have
fallen v/ithin his
own
branches
would feparately
coniider are the follow-
ing
I.
dential
The
Signal fuccelles, or particular and provi-
favours to us in the courfe of the war.
2. Prefervation
feemed
oblervation.
to
from
difficulties
and evils
v%'fiich
be in our fituation unavoidable, and, at
the fame time, next to infurmcuntable.
Confounding the counfels of our enemies, and making

them haflen on the change v^hich they defired to
3.
prevent.
I.
Signal fuccelTcs, or providential favours to us
THANKSGIVIN^G SERMON".
244
Here
the courfe of the war.
In
what happened
at the
Scf. 2^,
muft mention
beginning of the conteft, and
prevênted us from being crufhed in the very out-fet,
although
it
now
is
in a
manner wholly
Let us remember our true
made
the
mod
forgotten.
we had
after
fituation,
public and peremptory declarations
of our determination to defend our liberties.
was
mies have
all
There
Our
unarmed hands.
a willing fpirit, but
ene-
along charged us with a deliberate
concerted purpofe of breaking with them, and fetting

this
up an independent empire. The falfehood of

accafation might be made to appear from many
circumfiances
as
there being no pre- contrail a-
mong
the ftates themfelves, nor any attempt to en-
gage
allies
at all,
or
afTiftance
it is
fufficiently
arms and ammunition

firft
in
Europe,
and feveral
But though there were no other argument
others.
ftages
proved by the
to fupply us
total
want of
even during the
The nakednefs of the

well known
and our ene-
of reliiiance.
country in this refpett
is
mies endeavoured to avail themfelves of
it,
by taking
every meafure to prevent their being brought
This
difficulty
to us.
was got over by many providential
fupplies, without the care or forefight of thofe
were
at
the head of affairs, and particularly
many unexpefted
who
by
captures from our enemies them-
felves.
How
human appearance and human

conjelures have many circumftances turned out
It was univerfally fuppofed at firft, that we fliould
contrary to
be able to do nothing
great naval
at
all
at fea, becaufe of the
power of the enemy, yet the
fuccefs of
Ser. 23.
our private
ful
veiTels
means of
245
has been one of the mofl power-
them, and fupporting us.
diilrefiing
cannot help in particular taking notice, that the eaftern ftates, which were the
objects of their ven-
firit
geance, were aflually in their polTefiion, and feemed

to be devofed
pillage
to
yet in a
thty were delivered, and have in the
fhort tioie
courfe of the
war acquired
wealth and power, than
have done
and deftrudlion
in the
It falls to
it
a greater acceffion of
probable they could
is
fame period of fecurity and peace.
b taken notice of under this branch of
the fubjed:, that our moft llgnal fucceffes have generally been
when we had
Whar
greatefl fears.
-the weakeft
hopes or the
could be more difcouraging
than our fituation at the clofe of th year 17765
when,
after
General Howe's arrival with
ful and well appointed an

liiled
fo
power-
armament, our army, en-
but for a few months, was almoft entirely dif-
perfed
Yet then
did the furprife of the Heffians at
Trenton, and the fubfequent vi6lory at Princeton,

raife the
new
drooping
fpirits
turn to our aiTairs.
of the country, and give a
Thefe advantages redound-
ed greatly to the honour of the
who
who
planned, and
of America
in
in chief
the handful of troops with
executed the meafures, as
yet were they of
commander
flill
greater
is
confefi'ed
moment
by
him
all
to the caufe
general, than they were brilliant as
military exploits.
This place and neighbourhood
having been the fcene of thefe aftions, cannot but
make them and
their confequences frelli in the
mory of every one who now hears me.

The great viîory over General Burgoyne and
mehis
246
army, (weakened
ScF. 25.
Bennington, and taken prlfoners
at
which opened the eyes of Europe
at Saratoga)
general, and in Tonie degree even of Britain,
in
hap-
when many were difcouraged. It

happened when after the loffes of Brandy-Wine and
pened
at
a time
German town,
the Britifh were in poiTtffion of Phi-
ladelphia, and the
were obliged
Congrefs of the United States
to fly to a dillant part of the country.
happened not long
)t
after
our difgracefal flight
from Ticonderoga, and the fcandalous

poft,
the
which was every where
key of
to
ferve,
that
of that
and thought to be
the continent, and the pofleflion of
We
our fecurity.
fential
faid
lofs
muft not omit
it
to
cf-
ob-
this
vidory over a numerous army of
Britifh regulars,
was obtained by an army compofed
in a great
meafure of militia fuddenly colleîed, and
freemen of the country
who
turned out as volun-
teers.
In the fame
manner our
the fouth began
when our
late aftonifhing fuccefs in

affairs in that part
of the
wore a mod difcouraging afpedl. The

year 17 81, which began with mutiny in the northern
continent
army, and weaknefs
in the fonthern,
produced more
inftances of gallantry and military prowcfs than rdl
the former, and was clofed with a victory

glorious to
us, and more humiliating
to the
more
enemy,
than any thing that had before happened during the

courfe of the war.
It
up
was furely
a great favour of Providence to raife
for us fo great
and
illullrious
This prince has alTilbd
us,
as
an ally
you
all
in
Europe.
know,
in a
very powerful and effeûal manner, and has grant-
Ser. 23.
upon a footing
that affiftance
-ed
fo
247
generous as well
our enemies will not yet believe, but
as juft, that
there muft be
fome
and partial flipulations In
fecret
favour of himfelf and his fubjecls, although no fuch

thinor exifts.
Let
perfon
me add
who was
to all thefe,
eminentlj qualified for the ar-
fo
duous talk of commander

the United States.
to
characters.
prelTed
is
it,
in chief of the
armies of
mull make fome rtpology here.
None who know me,

a difpcfition
the providing for us a
think, will charge
me
with
adulation or grofs flattery of living
am
of opinion, and have often ex-
that the time for fixing a man's chara6ter
after death
has
fet his feal
upon
do not mean
to give a general
the perfon here in view.
and favour,
it,
For
fear and friendlhip are at an end.
this rertfon
or full character of
Bat
in
fpeaking of the
kindnefs of Providence to the United States,
it
would
be a culpable neglect not to mention that feveral of

liis
charaifteriitic qualities
feem
fo perfectly fuited to
our wants, that we muft confider
his
appointment to
the fervlce, and the continued health with which he

lias
ven.
God
been bleffed, as a favour from the
of hea-
Confider his coolnefs and prudence, his forti-
tude and perfeverance, his happy talent of engaging

the afiedions of
all
ranks, fo that he
ceptable to the citizen

ftate in
is
to the
to every other
To be a brave man, or
common to him with many
this country fiood in
equally ac-
and to the foldier
which he was born, and
the continent.
mander,
is
on
Ikilful
com-
others
but
need of a comprehenfive and
penetrating mind, which underflood the
clFetSt
of
248
Ser. 23.
particular meafures in bringing the general caufe to
an
When we
iflue.
clu61:
contraft his charafter and con-
with thofe of the various leaders that have been
oppofed to him
when we
confider their attempts
to blaft each other's reputation, and the
fliort
dura-
command, we mud fay that Providence

him for the charge, and called him to the
tion of their
has
fitted
fervice.
This head can hardly be better
than with
clofed,
the extraordinary interpofition of divine Providence

for the difcovery of the black treachery of Arnold,
who
intended to put one of
ircfTes,
hands.
tlie
moil important for-
and the general himfelf, into the enemies
This defign was ripe
time of execution was
at
for execution,
hand.
As
and the
there was no
fnfpicion of the traitor, no meafures were, or could
be taken for preventing

with
two
friends of
it.
when with
of
rlie
embarraffment of that art-
a little addrefs he
might
eafily
have extricated himfelf, and indeed the whole

cumftances of that
fpy
America, which was entirely
cafual, the unaccountable

ful perfon,
The meeting
affair, clearly
cir-
point out the finger
of God.
I
might have added many more
favour of Providence
inftances of the
in particular events,
but what
have been mentioned, I think, are fully fuflicient for

the purpofe for which tliey are adduced, and will
lead the hearers to the recolledion of others of a
fimilar kind.
The
fecond part of
my
obfervr.tions
muft be
on:
the difficulties and dangers which fcemed to be In
our fituation unavoidable, and, at the fame time.
THANKSGIVING SERMON",
Ser. 23.
next
The
to inlurmountable.
which
I ftiall
mention
is
firil
249
of this kind
diffenilon, or the oppoiitiou
On
of one colony to another.
our enemies
this
Even
reckoned very much, from the beginning.
war broke
before the
their hopes of the
out, reafoners feerned to build
from
colonies not breaking off
the mother country for ages, upon the impoiTibility
cf their uniting their rtrength,
compact body,
and forming one
To
either for offence or reliftance.
fay the truth, the danger was great and real.
was on
true
account forefeen and dreaded, and
this
were
patriots
anxious
to
guard
Great thanks, doubtlefs, are due

Thefe
the general union.

effect
to
againit
many
ail
it.
citizens
for their virtuous efforts to promotî
in every ftate,
without
It
but
am
efforts
have not been
of opinion, that union has
been hitherto preferved and promoted to a degree

that no
man ventured
the courage to hope
to predict, and very

for.
now
more danger
than from any other quarter, and mull
this
declare that
pointed, and
my
my
fears
have been wholly difap-
hopes have been greatly exceeded.
In the public councils no
mark of
dJfTeniion, in
ters of importance, has ever appeared
upon me
terated
from
confefs m.yfelf,
the beginnings to have apprehended
from
few had
and
mattake
farther to fay, that every year has obli-
colonial
prejudices,
fo
diilinctions,
and worn away local
that mutual affection
is
at
prefent
more cordial, and the views and works 01 the whole

more uniform, thua ever they were at any preceding
period.
Having mentioned the union and harmony of the
VoL.V.
THANJ<:SGIVING SERMON.
IjO
United States,
it
very proper to add, thac
will be
the Iiarmonj thac has prevailed in

is
the allied
army
we ought
to be
another fignal mercy, lor whicli
thankful
diffeiifion to
It
exceedingly coninion for
is
take place between troops of different
when
nations,
tory
God.
to
we meet
In the Englilh hif-
acting together.
with few examples of conjunct expe-
with fea and land forces,
ditions,
Ser. 23.
in v/hich the
har-
mony
has been
complete.
fail to
make
of every topic, which they appre-
life
Our enemies
did not
hended would be inflammatory and popular,

duce jealoufies between us and our
Not
has been wholly in vain.
to pro-
Yet
allies.
only have the
it
ofii-
cers and foldiers of the American and French ar-
mies
a61:ed
together with periel cordiality, but the
troops of our allies have met with a hearty welcome
"wherever they have been, from
country
and, indeed,
they were efteemed
and
utility to the
Another
"want of
war.
American
money and
upon which
fuch a reception as fhews
to be of the
difficulty
To remedy
jul-l
the people of the
utmoil importance
caufe.
we had
to encounter
was the
for carrying
refoiirces
on the
an expedient was fallen
this evil
do not look upon myfelf as obliged
cither to juflify or approve.
It
was, however, em-
braced by the plurality as necefi'arj, and, upon the
whole,
lefs
fituation
clothing,
hazardous than any other which
was pra6Hcabie.
The
in
our
difHculty of laifing,
paying and fupporting an army, with a
depreciated currency, which
its
own
nature, the arts
of intereiled perfons, and the unwearied attempts of
our enemies were pufning on to annihilation,
be
cCvfily
peicîved.
Yet
tlie
may
war has not only
we have
been f pported, but
money
ruin of the
itfelf,
the
^vas
Many
caufe.
nnfpeakable
the
to
the
feen
without the
Without
public caufe.
to
2 ^t
Ser. 23.
fall
ieaft
and
injury
injury, did I fay
benefit
of the public
private peribns, indeed, have fufFered
fuch injury as not cnl}^ merits pity, but ealls for re-
and
drefs,
redrefs
hope the time will come, when
(late
time^
all tlie
be given that the nature of the thing
fhall
and the
mean
In the
of the country will admit.
when we
reflet;
upon what
is paft,
we
have a proof of the general attachment of the

country to the caufe of liberty, the flrongeft perhaps
and we fee a circum-
that can well be conceived,
ing
we feared the
many others, in
from which
flance
force to
its
greateft evil,
add-
blinding cur ene-
mies, mifleading their meafures, and difappointing

their expetlations.
Another
difficulty
we had
before us
was the be-
ing obliged to encounter the whole force of the

Britilh nation,
with an army compofed of raw fol-
The
unacquainted with military dilcipline.
diers,
was increafed by our own condut, viz.

our army with foldiers enlifted for fhort pe-
difiiculty
filling
iiods.
The views
of thofe
who
preferred this
me-
thod were certainly very, honourable, though the
wifdom of it is at Ieaft very difputable.

They
hoped it would make every man in America a foldier in a ihort time.
This
a good degree produced,

militia
effe^l,
indeed,
by the frequent
wherever the enemy appeared.
it
has in
calls
of the
They
alfo
apprehended danger from a Handing army, uncone6led with civil
life,
who,
after
they had conquer-
ed their enemies, might give caufe of jealcufy to
25 i
The
their friends.
hlftory of other countries in
êneral,
and in particular that of
Kngland
againft Charles the Firft,
lefs
wars
tlie civil
However, the meafure was

jilurality at firft,
from
and we
but
refolvcd
ftates.
upon by the
the inconvenience of
felt
pleafed
it
cir-
caufe of fear in America,
than would have been in one of the European
very feverely
in
feemed to give
though from feveral
plaufibiHtj to this reafon,
cumflances there was
Ser. 23.
utter dePau^tion, to fet
God
it
to preferve us
bounds to the progrefs
of our enemies, and to give time to the flates to
make
better
ijnal ovci
The
and more effedual proviiion for their
throw.
only other danger I
of anarchy and confufion,
fhall
mention was that
when government under
the old form was at an end, and every fâte was obliged
to eilablifh
internal order,
civil conftitutions for preferving
at the
very fame time that they had
to relift the efforts of a
powerful enemy from with-
This danger appeared
out.
fome of the king of Great
fo confiderable,
Britain's governors ran\
clT early, as they themfelves profefTed,
augment
would
tlie
it.
They hoped
that
in
order to
that Qniverfal diforder
prevail in every colony,
and not only defeat
meafares of the friends of liberty, but be fo in-
fnpportable to the people in general, as to oblige
them
to
return to their fubjeftion, for their
fakes, and to be rid of a
flill
greater evil.
own
This
danger, through the divine blefhng, vve happily, and

indeed entirely efcaped.
flight ripened
The
governors by their
every meafure, and haftened on the
change by rendering
it
vifibly neceflary,
Provinciai
THANKSGIVING SERMO>F.
Ser. 25.
2^^
eonventions were held, city and county committees
were every where chofen, and fach was the zeal for
iibertj, that the judgment of tbefe committees was
as
perfeclly fubmitted
to,
and their orders more
cheerfully and completely executed, than thofe of
any regular magiilrates, either under the old government or lince the change. At the fame time every
ftate
prepared and fettled their
civil conftitutions,
which have now all taken place, and, except

few ini^dnces, witlieiut the lead dli.cord or
Happily
lation.
for us in this ftate,
in
very
didatif-
o.ir conftitu-^
now fublifted near feven years, and we have

not fo much as heard the voice of difcontent.
I
fpeak on this head of what is known to every hearer,
and indeed to the whole world and yet I am perfaaded, that to thofe who refleft upon it, it will appear next to m>iraculous.
Although fo much was
to be done in which every man was interefted, altion has
though the colonies were
fo various
and extenfive,
and the Parliament of Great Britain was threaten-
army executing vengeance sgainft us,

whole vâs completed in little more than a
ing, and its
yet the
year, with as
much
private perfbn would
from one houfe, and
The
quietnefs and compofure as a
move
fettle
third branch of
his family and furniture
them
my
in another.
obfervations ihall confift:
of a few in (lances in which the counfeis of our ene-
mies have been confounded, and their meafures have

been fuch as to haften on the change which they
defired to prevent.
As
to the
firft
of thefe, notkinc
can be more remarkable than the ignorance and

error in
which they have continued from the
Y3
nrft
TIIAVK3GIVING SERMON.
254
rife
of
flate
rica.
my
controverfy to the prefent time, as to the
tlie
of things, and the difpofitions of
Even
Britain,
Ser. 23.
men
Ame-
in
thofe at the head of affairs in Great
have not only conftantly given out, but in
opinion have fincerely believed, that the great
body of the people were upon
and were
their fide,
only miilsd into rebellion by a few fa6lious leaders.
At
the fame time, the very fame perfons, without
being fenfible of the abfardity, have affirmed that

this
country was groaning under the oppreflion of
its rulers,
and longed to be delivered from
thefe things could net both be true.
Now
it.
If the
had
firft
been true, thefe leaders muft have been popular and

acceptable 'in a high degree, and have had the mofi
extenfive influence.
If the laft
had been true, they
muft have been inwardly and univerfally
detefted.
But how many circumftances might have convinced

them of the falfehood of both thefe afTertions ? The
vaft extent of the ftates,
ranks and
claiTes
and the concurrence of
all
of men, which was fo early, fo
uniform, and fo notorious, plainly prove that no

fuch thing could havê happened, without a ftrong
and rooted inclination
in the
people themfelves, and
fuch as no addrefs or management of interefted perfons
could
know how
have produced.
fluluating a
Befides,
body the Congrefs
tvhat continual changes take place in

rnuft perceive the abfurdity of their
American Congrefs owes
its
ence to the people at large.

that there has
truth
exiftence and
I
might
is,
and
men,
as to
making
The
ceeding in any fuch attempt.
it,
who
thofe
or fucis,
the
its influ-
eafily
fhew,
hardly any great or important ftep
Ser. 23.
Sjj
been taken, but the public opinion has gone before

the refolutions of that body
fay,
and
wifh
could not
that they have been foraetimes very (low in
hearing and obeying
As
it.
to the other affertion,
feftly falfe,
perceiving
it
was
flill
more manl-
and they had greater opportunities of

be
to
it
If Congrefs, or thofe in
fo.
public truft in any
had tyrannized over the
ftate,
people, or wantonly opprefled them, the ufarpation
would,
in the nature of things,
But what
period.
cf our enemies,
and yet
in
this truth
ftrate their^ error
grefs has, in
have come to a fpeedy
if I.fliould fay,
that this pretence
an equivocal fenfe,
is
indeed true;
doth but the more clearly demon-
and
many
It is true that
dc-iuiion.
Con-
been obliged to have
infiances,
recourfe to meafures in themfelves hard and oppreffive,
and confelTed to be
which yet have been
fo,
becaufe of the important
patiently fubmitted to,
purpofe that was to be ferved by them.
Of
this
kind was the emifTion of paper money, the paffing

compelling
of tender laws,
draughting the militia to
fill
all
and carriages, and
like nature.
Two
public fervice
friends
many others
one, that every impofition for the
fell
upon thofe who were the
heavieft
of America
their
own
the
fhoulders
freedom of the prefs in
were
of the
things are remarkable in this
lukev>^.arm
minded always finding fome way of

from
the mliitia,
the regular army, pref-
fing provifions
whole matter
into
fhifting the load
the other, that from the

this country, there never
wanting the boldcft and
publications, both agaiafl
or contrary
men
moft inflammatory
and meafares.
Yet
THANKSGIVING SERMON,
2^6
Scf. 23,
neither the one nor the other, nor both united, had
any perceptible
influence in
ment of the people.
weakening the attach-
If this account
is juft,
and
am confident it is known to be fo by alnnoft all who

now hear me, what lefs than judicial blindnefs could
have made our enemies
fentiments
fo obflinate in the
we know
Such, however,
contrary
has been the
and as the whole of their proceedings have
cafe,
been grounded on miftakes,
it is
no wonder that they
have been both injudicious and unfuccefsful.
This matter
may
They
manner.
be explained in the following
fuppofed that they had only a few
difcontented
particulars
to
apprehend and
and an army
to their own
to
conquer
in
no
loll
aiteclions
firfl,
The
of a whole people to recover.
which was almofl of no confequence
in the field.
piiniilj,
comparable
but in addition to this they had the
they bent their whole force to
<ione,
refpcc^ls
The
effet,
at all,
in council
and
ether they fuppofed was already
or not worth the doing
and therefore every
meafure they took had a quite different intention,
and a quite oppofite

fortified
In
efFe^l.
unhappy
in
America.
Thefe
people, from the joint influence of preju-
refentment and
their endeavours
to
interefl:,
were unwearied in
miflead their friends.
prejudice deferves to be mentioned
great indeed.
They
idea of the
power of
dered
madnefs
it
they were
and confirmed by the fentiments, difcourfe,
and condud of the difafFeded
dice,
all this
as
firll.
Their
This was
had generally fuch an exalted

Britain, that they really confi-
to refift.
could mention
many
fentiments uttered by them, which could hardly
fail
Ser. 23.
of making the hearers to
257
and more than chiidifh timidity.
rance,
ment
igno-
f-rJle at their grofs
Refent-
Tiiej were fometimes
alfo joined its force.
roughly handled by the m.ultitude at the beginning
This led them to wifh
of the controverfy.
venge, aud as they could not

to
call
thefe
for
from
their friends in
was
England.
To
that the road
plainly that of flattery
their opinions
for re-
themfelvcs,
it
two circumftances we may add,
to favour
.fore
it
infllft
and there-
and intelligence were generally
fuch as they fuppofcd would be moft acceptable to

thofe
who had
it
in their
power
to provide for
them,
Such was the efFel of thefe
or promote them.
circumftances united, that time will conftrain every
body
to confefs, that the partizans and friends of the
Englifli in
America, have done more
effential injury
to their caufe, than the greateft. and boldeft of their
enemies.
The above
diftinftion
armed force of the

hearts,
is
between overcoming the
ftates,
and regaining the people's
key
to explain the proceedings,
the true
Every mea-
and account for the events of the war.

fure
taken by Great Britain, from the beginning,
inftead of having the leaft tendency to gain the af-
feftions of the people of this country,
would think muft have been feen

powerful influence
in
to
had, and one
have the moft
producing the contrary
Without mentioning every
feparate
efFe6l.
particular,
will only confider a little the cruelty and feverity
with which the war has been carried on
am
becaufe
firmly of opinion, that the fpirit and temper of
our enemies in this conteft, has been the principal
2^S
THAVKSGIVING SERMOh?.
Ser. 2^,
caufe of the difappointmenr of their attempts.
In
and counfellors in Great Britain, and
this the cabinet
the officers and foldiers of their armies in America,
have nothing
to reproach each other with.
barbarity of the
army has ever
If the
equalled, certainly
has never exceeded the cruelty of feveral of the
it
afts of parliament.
which
are
fo
will not
enumerate thefe als
known, and which fome years
well
ago were
fo often
mentioned
but
only
you with what view I delire you

Kvery one of thefe a^ls, on their
(liall
tell
to recollect them.
known
being
in
in
every publication
America, ferved
union of the Hates, to
fill
to
increafe
After the example of their employers

the
commanders of
foldiers,
the Britidi armies,
and indeed
the
the hearts of the citizens
with refentment, and to add vigour to the

arm.
and
all their
foldier's
home,
at
tlifcir
officers
adherents, feemed
to have been animated with a fpirit of implacable
rancour, mingled with contempt, towards the

ricans.
This
or greateil:
that there
is
to
Ame-
be underftood of the general run
number of every
clafe,
always admitting
were particular exceptions, whofe honour
and principle controuled or overcame the national

prejudice.
Neither perhaps
be afcvibed
fo
much
is it in
any of them to
to the national charat:er,
the nature and fubje^l of the quarrel.
long obferved, that
much
iio
v/ars are carried
on with
greater fury, and attended with a6ls of greater
barbarity,
The
civil
as to
has been
It
facl,
leG fo
than wars between independent nations.
however, of their barbarity

is
the powerfal influence
is
certain; and
which
this
coî-
Ser. 23.
259
duCt has had in defeating their expectations, either

of reconciliation or iubiniliion.
The barbarous
treatment of the American pri-
foners through the
beginning,
whole war, but efpecially
when
fuccels, is a
their
at
the
enemies were confident of
melancholy fubject indeed, and will be
name to future ages. No

America can be ignorant of this, having wit-
a ilain upon the Britilh

part of
iielTes
in
every
ftate,
out of their hands.
which they paikd
few that returned
in the
But we
in this Hate,
alive
through
homes, can never forget
to their
the appearance of the emaciated fpelres
who
efca-
ped, or were exchanged from Britilh dungeons or

prifon-Ihips.
Neither was
it
poffible for the people
in general not to be ftruck. with the contrail wheii
exchanges took place, and they faw companies of
home
Britifh prifoners going
hale and hearty, bear-
ing every mark, of their having been fupplied with
comfortable provilions, and treated with humanity

in
every other refpett.
tliefe
known and
lic
not to enlarge upon
fertile fubjedls.
of their being introduced,

fpeclacles of this
am
kind
to
is
mud
The
fhew the
only reafon
effcft
which
have had upon the pub-
mind, and their influence
in rendering the return
of the people of this country to fubmiflion to the

parent ilate altogether impodible.
The inhuman
by the
Britilh,
înfolence
treatment of the American prifoners
was not more remarkable than
and rapacity towards the people of the
country wherever their power extended.
The
and contempt poured upon the inhabitants

courfe,
their
abufe
in dif-
and the indifcrimiaate plunder of their pro-
26o
Set. 2J.
mod powerful manner

Many who hear me at
perty, could not but In the

their aiTelioas.
alienate
prefent have had fo full convitlion of this truth in
own
their
experience, that
any proof of
it.
It is
it is
unneceflary to offer
of importance however to ob-
was the true and
ferve, that this impolitic opprelTion
proper caufe of the general concourfe of the inhabitants of this State to the
American
ilandard, in the
beginning of the year 1777, and their vigorous exertions ever fince againil the incurfions of the enemy
from
New York.
I confefs I
prifed at fuch condul
was not
when they
fo
much
poffelled this pait
of the country, becaufe they were then
fluflied
vilory, and had fcarcely an idea that they
of final fuccefs.
fail
But when we
their conduct has been the fame,
fur-
with
would
confider that
or even worfe, ia
the fouthern States,
we
at their infatuation.
Surely there was time enough
can hardly help wondering
before the year 1780, to have convinced them that

infolence and cruelty were not the
ing back a revolted people
means of bring-
and yet by
all
accounts
their treatment of the inhabitants in Georgia,
South
and North Carolina, in that year, was even- more

barbarous than had been experienced hy the people
here three years before.
I
ihall only further mention, that
to have been not
by
it
feems plainly
accident, but in confequence of
general orders or a prevailing difpolition, that they

treated,
fiiip
with
in
wherever they went, places of public wor-
(except thofe of the PLpifcopal denomination)

all
pofTible
contempt and
infult.
They were
general ufed, not only for hofpital?, but florc-
Ser. 23.
26'f
houfes, barracks, riding fchools and prifons, and u\
many
places they
were torn
to pieces
without any purpofe to be ferved by
wantonly, and
it,
bat wreak-
What
ing their vengeance on the former polTeflbrs.
mud
influence
people
"What imprefiion muft have been made up-
on the few
thefe
have had upon the minds of the
this
aifis
who
remained, and were witneiTes to
of profanation,
when
in thofe places
where
they had been accuftomed to hear nothing but the
word and
the worfhip of
God,
their ears
ned with the horrid found of curling
my
'
This was done very early
were iiunblafphc-
ai:d
in Bofton,
and re-
peated in every part of the continent with increailng

age.
I
have chofen on
this part of
the fubjecl to
infifi:
only on what was general, and therefore muil: be

fuppofed to have had an extenfive influence.
would have been eafy to have colleded

cular
atfls
many
It
parti-
of barbarity, but as thefe might be ac-
counted for from the degeneracy and favage difpoiition
of the perfons
who were
feverally guilty of
them, they would not have been
fo
conclufive for
the purpofe for which they were adduced.
I fhall
therefore omit every thing of this kind, except one
of the earlieli inllances of their barbarity, becaufe

it
happened
in
one of the
flreets of this place, viz.
maffacring in cold blood a minifter of the gofpel,
who was
nor, nor ever
had been
in arms,
and recei-
ved his death wound while on his knees btooinrr
mercy.
Upon
nifeft,
the whole, nothing appears to
me more ma-
than that the feparation of this country from
Vol. V.
7,62
Britain has been of
took
God
which has
it,
when men have undertaken
generally been the cafq
and
in oppoiition to the courfe of Providence,
to
go
to
make war with

T
for every ftep the BritlOi
ferved to accelerate
to prevent,
Scf, 23.
proceed to
the nature of things.
make feme
praftical
improvement
of the fubjett, for your inilmdion and diredion.
And,
In the
God
for
place,
firft
it
happy and promiling
the prefent
This
public afFairs.
xoaking profeilion
is
what we
fiate
it
of
and
are called to,
by our meeting together
of,
Let
prefent time.
our daty to give praife to
is
at
the
then be more than a form.
Let the difpofirlon of your hearts be correfpondent

-bo
While we who
the expreiTions of your lips.
here alive before

cernefs and
God
this day,
jnany valuable lives that liave been

of the war,
let
us
give
monuments
fpared us as
with ten-
recolleft
fympathy with furviving
are
relations, the
the courfe
lo(t in
God who
mercy, who
t]":anks to
hath
Lis
hath
-of
(iven us the falisfaction of feeing our complete deiiveranc'e approaching,
a lading foundation.
upon
membered by many,
<::!iprened
my
liberties,
civil
which we have been contending,
lellgious, for
blilbed
and thofe
that
efta-
It will be re-
have early and confiautly
difapprobation of
vain- glorious boaiting.
and
To
fclf-
miai:y
confidence, and
American
lioldlcrs
Seldom bodl of v hat you have done,

This was
of what you only mean to do.
I have fald,
lr.it ne'%
er
i:Ot occafioiied
by any doubt
or hcfitation
as to tliC probable illue of the war,
ever had
from the appr-
THAVKSGIVING SERMON".
Ser. 25.
265
human
rcQt ftnte of things, and the coiirie of
events,
but bj a deep convi6lion of the {infulncfs of tbii
Now,
practice, either in a nation or perfon.

fore,
we
that
have come fo far in cppofition to a
formidable enemy,
**
that
indeed
refpeft
the
is
our duty to fay,
eei ir.inly
to
v^'hal
us to
We
is
paif,
but
is
the
way
to fupport
what remains of the warfare, and

make a fuitable improvement of the
in
we hope
is
not very diQnnt.
tion fuch as
becometh the gofpel.
we owe
to
him
This
a
is
but
way by which
public profperity can
mercy
Eternity
is
than any earthly bleffing.
it
is
not only
the only
become
Their
flate
a real
moment
of yet greater
little
is
be envied, v/ho are free as citizens, but
from
converfa-
for every merely, and there-
fore for thofe of a public nature,
to us.
for
interpoiitions of his providence in
our behalf, by living in his fear, and by
finners.
God
ou^}ht to tiiiiiV our {gratitude to
many ngaal
a tribute
This
unto the Lord."
net onJv the diKv of every perfon with
is
fcttlement which
2.
it
falvation bclongeth
and animate us
difpofe
there-
to
(laves as
Ail temporal comforts derive their value
their beintr the fruits of divine ooodnefs,
the
evidence of covenant love, and the earneft of everlafling mercy.
Jt
to endeavour
is
therefore our indifpenfable duty
to obtain the fan^lilied
improvement
of every blefTmg, v/hether public or perfonal.

is
There
the greater neceffity of infilling on this at prefent,
that though a tmie of 'national fulFering or jeopardy
has fome advantages for alarming the confciences of

the fecure,
it
hath alfo fome difadvantages, and fre-
quently occalions fuch diiiraftion of mind as
is little
2^4
We
favourable to the pradice of piety.

iad exijerience,
that
Oivine ordinances,
a;,d the
v!ce feenaed
vviie
the reguhir admlniftration of
times to
general, have
in
The
diflurbed by the war.
many
This contributed
to introduce a licentioufnefs of praiice,
from
in
many
public fer-
what would other-
jufftify
have been highly improper.
tect thote
know by
the obfervation of the Sabbath,
good order of the country
much
been
Set. 23.
and to pro-
who
reftraint or reproof,
am
afraid
cafes rather yielded to inclination than fub-
mitted to neceffity.
blefiing of
God
Novv% therefore, when by the
our
diftrelTes are
removed, we ought
to return to pun61:uality as to public order, as well

H.3
confcientious ftridtnefs in every part of our prac-
tice.
In the third place,
3.
God, by
gratitude to
tôns
of
God, the public

This
of the lowed
and
mod
our duty to
our
teftify
ufefulnefs in our feveral ila-
by a concern
for the glory
intereft of religion,
and the good
or in other words,
of others.
eft
It is
is
the duty of every perfon, even
E-ven the mean-
ftation, at all times.
unconnected hath
ftill
fome fmall bounds
may be
thofe who
within which his influence and example
But
ufeful.
it
from others by
are didinguidied
their ftation, or
prefent confide r
perfons,
efpecially the duty of
is
by
it
office
their talents,
and authority.
chiefly as the duty of
I fliall at
two
forts o:
who
minifters and magiftrates, thofe
the diretflion of religious focieties, and thofe

are vefted with civil authority.
thefe,
As
to
by
the
have
who
firft
of
they are under the ftrongeft obligations to
bolinefs
and
ufefuluefi; in their
own
lives,
and
dill-
Ser. 23.
geiice in doing
it
good
this clafs of
men
The world
to others.
from them, and demands
26
Many
of them.
it
expecls
of
have been peculiarly the objects of
the hatred and detellation cf ibe eiiemy, in the courfe
Such, therefore, as have been fpared
of this war.
bound by
to fee the return of peace and fecurity, are
the
ftrongeft ties to
in their
iMafter^s
liarly in
view
the
inf[3e61:ion
By
ties.
improve
fervice.
their
But what
more
may
ufeful
'i
he return which'
is,
that
religious government,
tiieir
by
their
be the more regular citizens, and the
members of
will dcr.y, that the
fociety.
moment
civil fociety.
When
gether corrupt
in their
lipe for diiiolution.
to
in
general
the (lability of
any
the body of a people are altom.anners,
the government
Good laws may
fome longer together, but
laws mufl; give
hope none here
manners of the people
are of the utmoft
ten bark
or
our excellent conftitution they are well
expected from them to the community
jjeople
have pecu-
of the morals of their feveral focie-
the influence of
all
ftriclnefs in religious difcipline,
is,
fccured in their rclioious libertv.

is
time and talents
way
in
is
hold the rota little
time
to the tide of popular opi-
nion, and be laid protirate under univerfal jDractice,
Hence
it
clearly follows, that the teachers and rulers
of every religious denomination are bound mutually

fo
each other, and to the whole fociety, to Vvatcli
over the manners of their feveral members.
who are veiled v/ith civil authority

ought alfo, with much care, to promote religion and
good morals among all under their government.
If we eis"e credit to the holy Scriptures, he that
(2.) Thofe
Z3
266
mud
ruletli
is
be
Ser. 23.
ruling in the fear of
jiifl,
God.
Ic
a truth of no little importance to us in our pre-
fent fituation, not only that the
manners of
a people
are of confequence to the liability of every civil Co-
much more confequence
ciety, but that they are of
In
to free ftates, than to thofe of a different kind.
many
of thefe
and the
a principle of honour,
lall,
fubordination of ranks, with the vigour of defpotic

autiiority, fupply the place of virtue,
irregularities
free dates,
where the
hoc\y of the people
their
in
muft be ultimately reforted
to
on
own
all
in
have the
hands, and
great matters,
there be a general corruption of manners, there
can be nothing but confufion.

civil liberty
But
and producing public order.
fuoreme power properly
if
by retraining
is this,
fubfifl for ages,
and be better or
under a good or bad prince
but a republic
once equally poifed, muft either preferve

or lofe
its
that
cannot be long preferved without virtue.
monarchy may
wor'ie
So true
liberty,
its
virtue
and by fome tumultuous revolu-
tion, either return to its
firft
or alTame a
principles,
more unhappy form.
From
this refuits a
ple themfelves,
double duty, that of the peo-
have the appointment of rulers,
Vv'Iio
and that of their reprefentatives,
with the exercite of
who
are intruded
this delegated authority.
Thofe
with well to the State, ouglit to chufe to places
of truft,
men
of inward principle, juftified by exemIs it reafonable to
plary converfation.
dom
who
expeft wif-
from the ignorant, fidelity from the profligate,
aHiduity and application to public bufinefs from
of a diiTipated
life
Is
it
reafonable to
men
commit the
THANKSGIVING SERMON,
Ser. 23.
who
hath
Thofe, therefore,
who
management of public revenue,
own patrimony
wafted his
pay no regard
whom
to religion
267
one
to
and fobriety in the perfoiiS
they fend to the legiilature of any
ate,
are
guilty of the greateft abfurdity, and will foon
pay
ft
Let a man's zeal, profeftion,
dear for their folly.
or even principles as to political meafures, be
they
will, if
he
without perfonal integrity and
is
private virtue as a man, he
think
what
we have had feme
is
not to be trufted.
men who have
inftances of
roared for liberty in taverns, and were moft noify in
who yet have turned traitors in a

Sutfer me on this fabjet to make ano-
public meetings,
little
time.
ther remark.
have not yet heard of any Chriftian
which there were not laws againft immoraBut with what judgment 'will they be made,
State in
lity.
what vigour
or with
who
Let
are profane and
me
will they be executed,
by thofe
own
pradice?
immoral
in their
fuppofe a magiftrate on the bench of iuftice
adminiftering an oath to a witnefs, or pafting featence of death
mind of
is
whom
judgment
known
to
to be a
in his convivial
ricus and facred
But
to
come
With
v.^hat
propriety,
or force, can any of thefe be done
dignity,
who
on a criminal, and putting him in
if
is
blafphemer or an
^y one
hours every thing that
treated with fcorn
by
infidel,
is
fe-
the people in general ought to have reoârd
the mioral character of thofe
whom
they
inveft:
with authority, either in the legiflative, executive,

or judicial branches, fuch as are fo promoted
perceive what
They
is,
may
and will be expeded from them.
are under the ftrongefl obligations to do their
26S
THANKSGIVINS SERMON.
promote
utaioft to
every
religion,
among
fecial virtue,
to their care.
which
civil
ends,
thefe
It"
you
rulers
alk
are
bound
example
ufe for attaining
to
further than the impartial fupport and
anfwer that example

expofed
committed
are
me, what are the mtans
nghts of confcience?
faithful guirdianfliip of the
Thofe wlio
who
are in
itfelf
is
none of the
to continual obfervation,
if
icaft.
and therefore
tlieir
both better feen, and hath greater influ-
is
will be no offence
fembly,
high Ration and authority, are
ence than that of perfons of inierior rank.

it
and
induftry,
fobriety,
thofe
Ser. 23.
in
liope
fpeaking to a Chrilfian af-
fay that reverence for
tiie
name
of
God,
a punctual attendance on the public and private du-
of religion, as well as
ties
fobiiety and purity of
converfation, are efpecially incumbent on thofe

are
honoured with places of power and
But
cannot content myfelf with
tainly the oflicial
duty of magilf rates
to evil doers, and
That
truft.
this.
It is
to be
"a
cer^
terror
a pralfe to them that do well,"
fociety will fuffer greatly,
In
which there
is
rt drain
open vice by exemplary
It is often to
be remarked, in fome of
no care taken
punidiment.
who
to
the corrupt governments of Europe, that whatever

flriclnefs
may
be ufed, or even impartiality
dtring jultice betvêen

total
man and man,
and abfolute relaxation as to
yet there
what
and immediately a contempt of God.

fmall trefpafs of a poor
man on
in ren-
is
is
chiefly
Perhaps a
property, Ihall be
purfued by a vindiflive party, or punidied by a tyrannical judge with the utmoil
fe verity,
when
all
the laws againfl fwearing, Sabbath breaking, lewd-
Ser. 23.
nefs,
drunkennefs and
riot,
269
be a dead
fliall
letter,
and more trampled upon by the judges themfelves,

than by the people
who
who would have
magiftrates
Thofe
arc to be judged.
both
their authority
refpedted and ufeful, fhould begin at the fource, and
reform or reflram that impiety towards God, which

is
among
the true and proper caufe of every diforder
men.
hope
the fliort-fightednefs of
to prevent the efFet,
human wifdom,
and yet
to
nourifli the caufe
"Whence come dilhonefty and petty
thefts
I fay,
from idlenefs, Sabbath- breaking, and uninflru^led
Whence come
families.
tude, and debts unpaid
from drunkennefs,
blafphemy.
It is
common
harm
that he does
ver,
which
from
Whence come
travagance.
ilrife
deceits of greater
think there
is
to
iloth,
luxury, and ex-
violence, hatred,
rioting,
to fay of a dilTolute li-
none but himfelf
ik^n
not a greater falfehood that
ards, fwearers, profane and lafcivious jeilers,
tribe of thofe
and
lewdnefs, and
ever obtained credit in a deceived world.
whole
magni-
who do harm
to
Drunkand the
none but them-
felves, are the
peds of fociety, the corrupters of the
youth, and, in
my
opinion, for the riik of infeclion,
thieves and robbers are lefs dangerous companions.
Upon
the whole,
my brethren,
after
we have
con-
tended in arms for liberty from foreign domination,

let
us guard againft ufing our liberty as a cloke for
and thus poifoning the blelTmg after
licentioufnefs,
we
into,
that
have attained
and keep
may
it.
in credit
Let us endeavour
to
bring
and reputation, every thing
ferve to give vigour to an equal republicau
conllitutloa.
Let us cherilh a love of piety, order^
2^0
Jiiduftry,
frugality.
to luxury,
pated
life.
by
Let us check every difpoiition
efteminacy, and the pleafures of a
And
felf-
denial, whicli is the index of
in our families Ipt us do the
religious inftruftion, to
fow the feeds which
bear fruit in the next eeneration.
fliall
but
avoid
may
among
We
bed
may
are one of
For many rcafons
the body of confederated States.

I
difll-
Let us iu public irenruies put honour
upon modefly and

real merit.
Ser. 23.
making any comparifons
at prefent,
venture to predid, that whatfoever State
us
(hall
continue to
make
piety and virtue
the ftandard of public honour, will enjoy the grcatell
inward peace, the greatelf national happineis, and
in
every outward conflidt will difcover the greatefl conflitutioual ftrength.
SERMON
XXIV.
CHRISTIAN MAGNANIMITY.
Preached
at
Princeton, September 1775, the Sabbath
preceding the Annual Coinmencement of Princeton CoDefre

.
and again, with additions, September
23.1787.
Thess.
ii.
12.
That yon would walk worthy of God, who hath

called you into hu kingdom and glory.
THE
prefent ftate
was intended
to be,
and
think mull, by every perfon of refle6tion, be
admitted to be a coutiaual
Hancy of a Chrillian.
owe
trial
It
is
to others in general, but
the elder to the younger,
to
of the faith and contherefore a duty

in
we
a fpecial manner,
give
them
faithful
272
Scf. 24.
warning of the temptations and dangers to which

they muft of neceflity be expofed,
walk
in the
they mean to
if
paths of piety and virtue.
It
hath often
occurred to me, in meditating on this fubje^t, that

as falfe
the
money is maft dangerous when
which approach the
likeft to
and that charader
thofe principles,
fo
true,
it is
neareft to true religion,
if,
not-
withrtanding, they are effcntially different from
it,
will be moft ready to impofe on an uncautious and
Therefore,
nnfufpe6ting mind.
if there
is
fuch a
thing as a worldly virtue, a fyftem of principles
and duty, dictated by the
of the world, and
fpirit
the llandard of approbation or blame with the
of the world, and
if this is at
ferent from, and fometirnes

fpirit
of the gofpel,
it
men
bottom
eflentially dif-
dire61:ly
oppofed to the
mufl: be* of all others the
moft
dangerous temptation, to perfons of a liberal education and an ingenious turn of mind.
This,
if
am
not miftaken,
is
really the cafe.
fome branches of true religion which are

iiniverfally approved, and which impiety itfelf can-
There
are
not fpeak againft
fuch as truth and integrity in
fpeech, honeily in dealing, humanity and compaffioa
But there
to perfons in diilrefs.
are other particu-
lars, in which the worldly virtue and the Chriflian
virtue feem to be different things.

fele<St
one as an example, viz.
greatnefs of mind.
worldly
caft
teem of
all
often
it
to
thefe
I fliall
Spirit, dignity,
or
to be entirely of the
holds a very high place in the ef-
worldly
made
This feems
Of
it
men
by
the boldeft pretenfions are
thofe
who
treat religion
with
negledl, and religious perfons with difdain or defiance.
CHRISTIAN magnanimity.
Ser. 24.
It
a virtue of a very dazzling appearance,
alfo
is
2';
mak^
when they firit
ready to captitâte the mind, and particularly to
young
a deep imprefllon on
enter into
to
At
life.
the
perfons,
time, the gofpel feems
farrie
{land direlly oppofed
to
The humility
it.
of
the creature, the abafement and contrition of the
dependence and felf-denial of the belie-
{inner, the
ver, and, above
all,
feem
crofs itfelf,
the fciame and reproach of the

confpire in obliging us to re-
to
nouncelt.
What
fay that
fhall
we
my
fay then,
magnanimity
is
no virtue
no fuch excellence belongs
we admit
fhall
in
it
that there
confeffing
at the
brethren
to
at
all,
human
Shall
and that
nature
Or
beauty and excellence
is
fame time, that
does not
it
we
belong to religion, and only fay, that though
want
this,
we have many other and
in its place
To
real excellence
is
Vices
is
is
for every
it
by
be inconfiftent with each
And,
therefore,
as
an amiable and noble qualitv, one
of the greateft ornaments of our nature, fo

that
nay,
adorned and illullrated
may
other, but virtues never can.
magnanimity
confident with every other
every real excellence

every other.
better qualities
never agree
this I can
we
I affiini
belongs only to true and undefiled religion,
and that every appearance of the one, wichou: the

other,
is
not only defeftive but
The holy
upon what
is
bring us to a
ftate.
Scriptures,
it
is
true,
do chiefly
infifl
proper to humble our pride, and to

ju(l
apprehenfioc of our character and
This was wife and
jull,
ruption and mifery into which
Vol. V.
falfe.
becaufe of that cor-
we
are
fallen
the
CHRISTIAN MAGNANIMITl'.
274
contrary would have been unjuft.
more
to
Jt
evidently
is
human
necelTary, in the prefent Itate of
nature,
But as
than to kuidle ambition.
pride
rei'rain
Ser. 24.
the iScripture points out our original dignity, and
the true glory of our nature, fo every true ptnitent

is
there taught to afpire after the nobleft charaêr,
and
to
pallage
exalted hopes.
enteitain
the
which
have chofen
you
flifcourle,
moll:
In the
as the iubjcl of
fee the apoltle exhorts
my
the Thtilalo-
nians to walk fuitably to the dignity of their clia-
which
rater, and the importance of their privileges,

is
(hort
but jult defcription of true and genuine
greatnefs of mind.
My lingle
is
purpofe from thefe words at this time,
and recoiTimend magnanimity
to explain
Chrillian virtue
ner, as neither to
and
wiili to
weaken
its
do
it
in
by which
in
infidels
terms affirmed, that Chriftianity has
cd magnanimity, and by
its
any
often
it is
Some
counterfeited and greatly dcbafed.
man-
fuch a
luRre, nor admit
<3egree of that corrupt mixture
have
as
bariifh-
precepts of meeknefs,
humility, and paffive fubrnillion to injury, has dellroved that noblenefs of lentiment wliich rendered
much
niajeily
of Greece and
Rome.
the ancients fo illullrions, and gives fo
and dignity
to the hiftcries
In cppofition to this
real
g .eatnefs
that any
is
deftiCt in
fird,
what
to
be able to
fliew, that
the one,
mud
aid
neceflarily be a dif-
With
the other.
this
view
give you the principles of magnanimity
in general, as
ilievv
hope
infcparable from fincere piety
cernible blemiHi In
\îll,
is
a natural quality
neccflary to give
it
fecondly,
real value,
will
as
CHRISTIAN MAGNxlNIMITY.
Ser. 24.
moral virtue
moil
thirdly, fhevv that
brightnefs
perfetl:
fhines with the
Chriftian grace
as
it
2'J
:ind
afterwards improve the ("abjeft by a pra61ical appli-
what may be
cation of
your inftru6lion and
faid, for
dire6lion.
then, let
me
in general,
as
Firft,
nimity
ftate
the principles of magna-
a natural quality.
mult be admitted, that as there
between bodies,
to fize
as
is
think
it
a real difFerence
and bulk, as well as
other fenfible qualities, fo there
is
a real chaâder
of greatiiefs, or meannefs, applicable to the mind,
from
diftin^t
however,
other qaalities or powers.
It is,
appreheiid, a limple impreffion,
which
its
cannot be explained or further analyfed, but

eafily
be
felt,
and
belt illuftrated
is
Thefe may be fummed up

lars
I.
To magnanimity
Great and
great and
difficulties
;[erings
I.
it
belongeth- to
4.
with perfeverance
effeds.
attempti^
To afpire after
3. To encounter
things.
refolutlon.
its
following partica-
in the
2.
valuable polTeilions.
with
diingers
difFicult
by
may
To
flruggle
and, 5,
To
againil
bear fuf-
with fortitude and patience.
It
belongs to magnanimity to attempt great
and difHcult things.

{loth arid eafe,
Thofe who, from
negle^: the exercife or
of their powers, and thofe
who
love of
improvement
apply them with
ever fo great afliduity and attention, to things
mean
or of fmall confeqaencc, are plainly deflitute of this

quality.
We
perceive a meannefs and want of fpi-
ric in this refpcft,
low
tlitir
rank
when
in life
or
particular perfons fall be-
when,
as
is
too frequently
276
the cafe in any rank, they
When
itfelf.
a prince,
nothing but the mofl
we
below human nature
fall
or other perfon of the
human
order and importance in

In
Ser. 24.
life,
fiift
bufies himfelf
amufements, or
trifling
arts
mean; and when any man,

endowed with rational powers, lofes them through
negle6l, or deftroys them by the moft grovelling
of
value,
little
we
fenfuality,
call it
fay he
is
The
below himfelf.
acting
contrary of this, therefore, or the vigorous exertion
our powers, and particularly the application
f>f
all
01
them
to things of
moment and
difficulty, is real
magnanimity.
2. Jt
belongs to magnanimity to afpire after great
and valuable pouelBons.
It
its
more
difficult
frequent perverfion, which will be af-
terwards explained.
It
feems, however, to be ne-
ceiTarily included in the general charafter.
mind has great

allien.
And
there
as
man
put up with what
he can acquire and

five portion.
the
is
both
in point
either
mean
for
between the
of dignity and
a better and
more exten-
large and increafing defires

often
or
or fcanty, while
of
been made an argu-
for the dignity of our nature,
been made
great
will not be eafily fatisfied,
human mind, have
ment
a difference
is
poffefs
The
of enjoyment as well as
capacities
bleffings in our view,
extent, fuch
prc-
branch of magnanimity,
ptrly^ to illufirate this as a
becaufe of
is
fomething that
is
and our having

great and excel-
lent.
3.
It
belongs to magnanimity to encounter dan-
gers with refolution.

conitituteS
This
is
infeparable from, and
a leading nart of the character.
Even
Ser. 24.
277
the moft excellent and valuable fervices to mankind,

if
they are attended with no difficulty at
or
all,
meet
with no oppolition, though they retain the character

of utility, yet, for want of ,this circumftance, they
Courage
lofc that of greatnefs.
ed as a great quality
when they
fpeak. of
it
has had the admiration, or
mankind
rather adoration, of
always confider-
is
in
Many,
every age.
magnanimity, mean nothing
elfe
but courage, and when they fpeak of meannefs, have
Neither
other idea but that of timidity.
little
there,
human weaknefs
think, any
I,
that
is
19
more
the obje<5l of contempt and difdain than cowardice,
which, when applied
commonly
to life in general, is
called puiillanimity.
It
4.
ficulties
rance
belongs to greatnefs to "druggie againft dif-
with ileadinefs and perfeverance.
is
nothing
We
courage.
Perfeve-
but continued and inflexible
elfe
feme perfons, who fhew the
fee
greateil aftivity and boldnefs for a feafon,
and oppoiition weakens their
may
fpeak
fo,
force,
and feems,
to exhaufi their courage,
wafted the power by the exertion.

therefore,
is
unfteadinefs.
raSers of
5.
Perfeverance,
things are
We commonly join
laft
a kindred quality
together the cha-
place,
it
belongs to greatnefs to
tcJ
the former, and
is
human
things, that fuffering
or another, wholly unavoidable.
Aa3
This
is
neceflary to
complete the character of magnanimity.
way
and
and changeable.
bear fufFerings with fortitude and patience.
the ftate of
they
to this chara6lr, than ficklenefs
weak
In the
if I
as if
Few
neceffary to greatnefs.
more contrary
but time
Such
is,
in
It often
is
one
hap-
278
Ser. 24.
pens, that difficulties cannot be removed, or enemies
cannot be conquered
and then
it is
the
laft effort
of greatnefs of mind, to bear the weight of the one,

or the cruelty of the other, with firmnefs and pa-
This virtue has always been of the greateft
tience.
known faying of a heathen

great man fuffering W'ith invin-
a well
reputation.
It is
philoCopher,
that a
weight of misfortunes,
cible patience, under a

fight
is
which even the gods muft beheld with admi-
ration.
Having thus pointed out the

enumerated the chief
effcifls
natural quality, let us
now,
moral virtue.
This
and muft appear

je^
is
fecond place, con-
in iht
it
value, as a
real
of the utmoft importance,
fo to all
who
That
with attention.
of magnanimity, as a
give
iider w^hat is neceffary to
principles, or rather
will conlider the fub-
may
fet
the matter in
obferve, that
as clear a light as poffible,
magnanimity a valuable quality,
it
to
muft
render
further
have the following charatlers.

I.
The
as great.
mind have
iinftead
objel of our deftres muft be juft as well
Some
of the nobleft pov.'ers of the
human
often been exerted in invading the rights,
of promoting the intereft and happinefs of
mankind.
As
the hiftory of the world
than the hiftory of

rnoft illuftrious
human
names
guilt,
fo
elfe
mar.y of the
down
tranfmitt#'d
is little
to us,
have
been thofe of the moft a6live and fuccefsful deftroyers

cf their fellow creatures. There may be, and there
have been
in fuch perfons,
many
or moft of the in-
gredients of natural greatnefs of
mind
but thefe
Ser. 24.
have only ferved
to
make
2)9
the chara6lers, in the eye
of reafon, more hideous and deteftable.
Oar
2.
ought
delires
and prudence,
be governed by wifdom
to
as well as juflice.
ther forms difHcult proJ<5Vs,
and
pofleffions,
ever fo
much
ei-
after great
or afpires
in profecution of his purpofes exerts
courage, fortitude and patience
if thefe defigns
lefs
any perfon
If
yet,
are lefs ufeful, or thefe poflelTions
valuable than others to which he might have
applied the fame talents,
of true magnanimity.
it
cannot deferve the
If any perfon, for example,
forms a refolution of exerting

or performances
as
name
his'ikill in fueh feats
have nothing or
ver}' little
va-
luable in them, but that they are difficult and un-
common,
any
to
title
think no
man
will pretend that he has
character of greatnefs
the
otherwife a rope-dancer might be a hero

perfon fhould fpend a whole
ried application
lating wealth,
aftonifhing his
however
fuccefs,
or, if
the mofl
life in
the fingle
his
any
unwea-
purpofe of accumu-
vaft his defires, or
Nay, we muft be
fmall.
many
to
of mind,
however
merit would be very

feniible that
he has
opportunities of doing lignal fervice to
loft
man-
kind, and of acquiring more valuable and durable
enjoyments while
in purfuit of this, w^hich after all
will difappoint his hopes.

3.
The
principle of action muft be honourable as
well as the achievements illuftrious.
If a perfon
does things ever fo extraordinary in their nature,
overcomes the greateft
difficulties,
we muft
at once perceive
the
make his name

how much it de-
moft-formidable dangers, merely to
famous,
or braves
28o
tracls
even from his name
language of religion only,

fon,
and the
di(îate
that
it
Is
is
fo far
fame
is
not the
An
heart.
infa-
from being amiable,
hateful or contemptible.
that a thirft for
is
the language of rea-
human
of the
tiable thirft for praife,
This
itfelf.
it is
Scr. 24,
am
not only apparent
feems to have been confefled by
many
diftinguiflied heroes of antiquity
but as
fenfible
but
in,
of the moft
it
certainly
does abate, in a good degree, the luftre of their good
adions, fo the indulgence that

this
head,
is
given them upon
wholly 'owing to the difadvantages
is
they lay under in a
ftate
of heathenifni, and their
ignorance of a better and nobler principle.

thing," fays an eminent author,
contempt of which
contempt of
both to duty and ufefulncfs,
of the mofl glorious characters

is plain,
we
but the heart

In the
is
one
can conceive,
that not the deeds, but the principle
is
it
the
the head nor the hands of man,
evidence, and not
4.
can be great, the
great ;" and therefore, if a
a neglel of fame, and a readi-
riches,
nefs to facrifice
is
'i
" No-
the feat of genuine greatnefs.
is
lall
place, in order to real greatnefs,
every attempt mufl be poffible and rational, perhaps

probable.
Nothing
is
more comimon than
to find
perfons, under the pretence of great and illuftrious

defigns, prcfecuting
what
is
not of any value
when
obtained, and at the fame time fcarcely poflible, and
no way probable
clining altogether
to be obtained at all.
from the
line
This
is
de-
of greatnefs, and
going into the path of extravagance.
Again,
fliould
any man undertake what he was altogether unable

to perform, ho^vever excellent tlie dedgn were in
Ser. 24.
it felt,
we would
of amoition
not dignify
he would acquire
ra<êr, not of greatnefs,
On
it
the whole,
it is
281
name
even with the

a-nd
deferve the cha-
but of folly or madnefs.
plain that thefe moral princi-
mufl enter into the compofition of true great-
ples
nefs,
and that,
when they
aire
wanting, the natural
mentioned before degenerate into vice,
chara6ters
and alTume the names of pride, ambition, temerity,

ferocity and obilinacy.
This lead* me,

only that there
to
is
in
the third place, to fliew, not
nothing in real religion contrary
magnanimity, but that there, and there only,
appears in
its
Let
beauty and perfection.
it
me briefly
run over, and apply to religion, the above mentioned

ingredients of magnanimity.
I.
It
is
attempt great and difncult things.
to
mod
Religion calls us to the greated and
noble at-
tempts, whether in a private or a public view.

a private view
it
calls us to refill
Fa
and fubdue every
corrupt and iinful paflion, however ftrongly the in-
dulgence
is
folicit^d
commended by
and
by the tempting
the artful feducer.
objeft,
or re-
The importance
difficulty of this flruggle, appears
uot only from
the holy Scriptures, but from the experience and
teftimony of mankind in every age.

are given
is
by Solomon upon
flow to anger,
is
What
this fubjet
cautions
"
Ke
that
better than the mighty, and he
that ruleth his fpirit, than he that taketh a city.'*
The .wifeft
heathens have inculcated the neceffity of
felf.government,
temptation,
and the danger of
by many inllrudive images.
furrounding
But
why
282
fhould
extend
this part of the fiibjet
are luccefsful in this attempt
proof that
cient
Ser. 24.
How
This alone
is
few
fi.ffi-
great and difficult, and every
it is
perfon exercifed to godlinefs will be abundantly fen-
of
fible
from the
it,
ilate of his ov;n heart.
good man
In a public view, ever)
and
a6l for the glory of
Here he has
as
God
extenlive a fcene of a61ivity as he
He
can poffibly defne.
is
not indeed pern itted to
own
glory or to build an altar to his
he
is
to
improve
called to live
is
vanity
but
both permitted and obliged to exert his talents,

time, to
his
employ
to hazard his life in his
country's caufe.
chara6ler
more
his fubftance,
Maker's
Nor am
able
fervice,
who
ever be his ftation or profefiion,
or his
to conceive
truly great, than that of one,

is
and
any
what-
devoted to
the public good under the immediate order of Pro-
He
vidence.
in the
does not feek the bubble reputation
deadly breach, but he complains of no
culty, and refufes
no
he thinks he
fervice, if
diffi-
carries'
the comraiffion of the King of kings.

2.
The
truly pious
man
afpires after the greatefl
and moft valuable poiTefuons.

^
He
defpifes, indeed,
the uncertain and the unfatlsfying enjoyments of
His
time.
defires after prefent
enjoyments are fub-
He
has given them up
je6led to the will of
God.
without referve, yet
his
heavenly Father knovveth
that he hath need of thefe things, and therefore he
both afks and hopes to receive what

neceflary,
hath,
is
and believes that a
little
better than the riches of
the glorious
is
fuitable and
that a jufk
man
many wicked. But
object of the Ciuiltiaii's ambition,
is
Ser. 24.
283
the inheritance incorruptible and undeiiled, and that
The honourable
fadeth not away.
God,
in to
relation he ftands
as his adopted child ni Chrift Jefus, in-
him to hope for this purchafed

and enables him to look down with be-
clines and authorifes
poiTeinon,
on
coiiiing indiffeience,
tory world.
the glory of this tranfi-
ail
man
Let the rich
and the wife nnan glory
knoweth
glories in this, that he
glory in his riches,
wifdom
his
in
he only
the Lord, and iLall
be with him for ever.
True piety encounters the
3.
The
refolution.
mean
to
God
of
fear
from the
deliver us
rience has abundantly iliewn,
dangers with
greatefi:
the only eiTeclual
is
fear of
man.
the fervants
that
made
Chrifl have adhered to his caufe, and
name,
fion of his
which
oppofition to
in
Expe-
all
of
profef-
the terrors
infernal policy could prtfent to them, and
all
the fufferings with which the moil favage inhumanity could
But
them.
afFiict
as this belongs to
cafe of perfecution for confcience
fake, which,
the peculiar kindnefs of Providence,

rare
among
us,
it
the
is
by
exceedingly
proper to obferve, thst every
is
Chriilian has frequent opportunities of manifelting
a holy refolution in encountering the reproach and

derifion of worldly
And when we
men,
confider
for
how
adhering to his duty.
hard
it
to
is
bear re-
proach and fcorn, called
in Scripture,
cruel mockings," there
will appear to be no fmall
nieafure of dignity and heroifra
calmly fubmit
to
it
in
'
the trial cf
him who can
from every quarter, rather than
depart from his duty.
There
are not
few
are apt to boaif of their fpirit and refolution,
who
who
CHRISTIAN MAGNANIMITY,
284
Ser.
make
are yet unable to bear reproach, and nieanly
the fentiments of others, and the caprice f
2.;.
fafliion,
the rule of duty, in place of the clear dictates of

confcience and the
ble
who
compared
this,
Is
How
word of God.
to the
contempti-
man
condul of that
feeks no fame but by honeft means, and fears
but contents himfelf
no reproach
for honeft adlions,
with a
and believing regard to him wlio feeth
in
filent
and
fecret,
who
at laft bring every
fhali
work
into judgment.
4.
True piety perfeveres with conftancy
sition
to continual
my
continues through
It
to be
overcome
is
oppo-
indeed what di-
is
warfare from that of every
ftinguifties the Chriftian
other.
This
trial.
In
life,
death.
In
and the
all
laft
ene-
the conflids
between men on earth, the ilTue may be fpeedily

expelled, and the reward immediately beftowed
;
but
in religion,
end that
ihall
it is
only he
who
fliall
endure to the
This adds greatly
be faved.
to the
difEculty, and feems to ftiew, not only the excellence
nd beaut)
but the real dignity and magnanimity
of the Chriftian character,

5.
In the
laft place,
with patience and
true piety endures fuftcring

If
fortitude.
we
refleft
upon the
number of fuffering martyrs, whofe teftimonies are

upon record, we ftiall fee with what calmnefi and
compofure, with what undaunted firmnefs, and fometimes with what exultation and triuniph, they have
gone
to a fcaftbld, or
perfon, think you,
been tied to a ftake.
who
Can any
hath gone to the
battle in queft of glory, or
danger of the feas in queft
who
of-
field
of
hath braved the
wealth or power, be
CHRisi;iAN
Ser. 24.
magnanimity.
once compared with thofe
up
the precious
keep
torture, to
my
life,
who have
or fubmitted their bodies to the
brethren, Chriftian patience
made an unceferved
is
promife
brought almoft every day to the
is
without rendering evil for

ing
my
of
thither
away
mother's
and
to fay
out
return
tîc
tlie
Lord
hand
apoftle Paul, 2
the mod;
:"
folid
this
;"
{hall
xii.
23.
not return to m.e
Tim.
iv. 6.
"
my
/*"
am now
departure
magnanimity indeed
is
to yfeld
approaching death, and fay
to
forvv^srd
of
ready to be offered, and the time of

is at
Ihall
with David, 2 Sam.
go to him, bat he
look
with
name
bleffed be the
ihall
to
womb, and naked
the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken
lip relations,
f
of fubftance,.
lofs
Naked came
*'
21.
i.
fuifer reproach,
evil, or railing for rail-
be fubmiiiive under the
to
and to fay with Job, Job
**
His faithfulnefs to
For the Chriilian, then, to
trial.
But,
much more freThe believer has
furrtnder of himfelf and his ail
the difpofal of Providence.
this
cheerfully given
.their confciences undefiled
quently tried in another manner.
to
2J^5
glory to which any child of
this is
Adam
can poiTibly attain.
make fome
prac-
improvement of what hath been faid.

I. You may learn, from what hath been
that whenever honour differs from conference,
faid^.
I proceed, in the
la'fl
tical
to
a treacherous guide
mind,
place,
as a
wherever
worldly virtue,
fpirit
differs
it
is
and dignity of
from true
religion,
and even from the fimplicity of the gofpel, it is falfe

and fpurious.
The gofpel, it is true, will not futfeir
Vol. V.
11
286
men
to feck revenge,
them
luinible
felf-denled in
any
iifeful
them
and
God, and make them

the prefence of men, yet it will con-
fcrvice
are.
the other.
to
but
not fuifer
It will
places of
make them
will
it
honour
active and zealous
the matters of their

not noble
After
he prefume
if
What
God.
is
and
withftand a
to interfere in
there here that
the teftimony in favour of true piety
all,
univerfal,
if
and whatever
Every one
attended to.
carefully
acknowledge that
praife,
to refent injuries
make them
will
it
king upon his throne,
mufl:
them
will not fuifer
It
gratify revenge, but
IS
any duty to the one, or
rcfufe
to
to be ambitious of higher
truft,
It will
it.
the duties of that place in which they already
in
is
delight in
or to
in the fight of
them not
ftrain
Ser. 24.
and love of
oflentation,
contrary to the
is
felf- denial
of the eofpel, tarnidies the beauty of the greateft

a6Hons.
maJQiiy
rlory
them
to
are united
divide
is
it
is
to each
to deftroy
So true
tereft
They
which are re-
augment the
luftre of the
that the higheil polifh that
is this,
zny perfon can receive

is to have an apparent
them.
and which by their union
other,
conftitute the beauty, and
pieec.
ten-fold
impofiible to fe-
like light and (hade in a pifture,
ceflavy
with
appear
condefcenfion,
aiid
when they
parate
7.re
Cournge and modedy, merit and humility,
in
commerce with the
difpofition
to
viôrld,
prefer the in-
of others to his own, to guard againft every
degree of offence, and to be always ready to oblige.

I
have often
b^ên
plcafed with that obfervation of
Ser. 24.
a foreigner of high rank

is
it
287
that worldly politenefs
*,
only an imperfect imitation of Chriftian charity
nothing elfe but a lludied appearance of that
is
deference to the judgment, and attention to the in-
of others, which a true Chriiiiart hath as the
tereft
rule of his duty, and the difpolition of his heart.

2. Suffer
me
to obferve, that as Chriilian
magna-
more excellent than that of the world, it

is alfo more practicable, and, in faft, more univerfal.
Worldly magnanimity is what always requires fuch
talents as do not fall to the lot of many, and fuch
nirnicv
is
opportunities for
its
exercife as feldom occur.
The-
road to heroifm
is
not open to every man.
But
that
magnanimity which
is
the fruit of true religion
being indeed the produdl of divine grace,
of the heart, and
mean
talents
may
and narrow
loweft ftations of
and in the very
pofTeflions,
human
life.
In
fa(5l
it
in
any other
walks
e>f
and whoever will
life,
may
find, in
there have
every rank.
martyrs, as
fee the heroic fortitude of the
nifeft in thofe of early years, and the
in
a virtue
be attained by perfons. of
been, and are daily examples of
We
is
weaker
vilit
ma-
fex, as
the folitary
the loweft ftations, hu-
mility, thaukfulnefs, patience under aiBIdtlon, and
fubmlffion to Providence, fuch as would do honour

to the m:,ft approved virtue, and the moft enlight-
ened mind.
tions of
To
defpife riches,
envy and impatience,
and
reftrain the
in a
needy
mo-
ftate,
is
perhaps as truly noble as to improve them wifely

in a higher.
Thus
the honour which
is
chiefly deflreable,
* The Prince of Conti,
is
CHRISTIAN MAGNANIMITT.
2 83
Ser. 24.
equally open to the rich and to the poor, to the

learned and to the unlearned, to the wife and to the
unwife, as
it
of perfons.
coraeth from
One of
ferious refle6tio:i
all
upon
a level
refpecl, the
is
God, who
no refpeder
the beft and happiefl eifecls of
to bring us, in a great meafure,
as, indeed, in
is
one moil important
magiftrate with his robes, the fcholar
with his learning, and the day-labourer that ftands

unnoticed, are
all
upon the fame footing
inufl all appear before the
END
J.
Ri rCHit,
i'RlNTiiK.
for
we
judgment- feat of ChrilU
OF VOL,
Princeton Thfoloqical Seminary- Speer Library
1012 01149 8930

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BX 8915

SOMETIME MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT PAISLEY, AND LATE

INTENDED TO ILLUSTRATE AND ESTABLISH THE DOCTRINE OF

TOGETHER WITH HIS

LECTURES ON MORAL PHILOSOPHY,

THE AMERICAN CONGRESS;

AND MANY OTHER VALUABLE

PUBLISHED IN THIS COUNTRY.

OGLE, PARLIAMENT-SQUARE J M. OGLS,

GLASGOW OGLES, DUNCAN, & COCHRAN, LONDON J

The charge of /edition and fa 1 ion

men, efpeciaUy faithful minijlers^ confidcred

and accounted for

1758, at the OrdiDavidson, as one

of the Minifters of that Church.

fubjoined, the Charg^e to the Miniller, and

the Exhortation to the People.

xvii. 6. laji claufe.

Thefe that have turn-

ed the world upfide down, are come hither

Prayer for national profperity^ and for

revival of religion, infeparably conneBed,

Awake, awake, put on

Rahab and wounded

that hath cut

Seafonahle advice to young perfons.

Preached at the Laigh Church of Paifley, on

Sabbath, February 21. 1762.

authentic Narrative of the dif-

which gave occafion

in the counfel of the ungodly, nor ftandeth

litteth in the feat

Apollos, but minifters by

lieved, even as the

gave the increafe.

that planteth any thing, neither he that

have planted, Apollos watered, but

that giveth the increafe,

1776, being the General Fad appointed by

tives of Scotland refiding in

PsAL. Ixxvi. 10. Surely the wrath of man

the remainder of wrath fhalt

Delivered at a public thank/giving after peace.

Salvation belongeth unto the Lord, 237

September 1775, the

ment of Princeton College

and again, with

September 23. 1787.

That you would walk worthy

THE CHARGE OF SEDITION AND FACTION A~

day, September 7. 1738, at the Ordination of

one of the Minillers

and the Exhortation te

Publiftied ac the d^fiie of thufe

xvii. 6. lafl claufe.

Wheje that have turned the world upjide down are

had, of late, frequent opportunities of

Thefe fubjels indeed have, on occafions

of this and afimilar nature, been fo often and fo well

THE CHARGE OF SEDITION AGAINST

hard to fay any thing on them

either bare repetition,

choice at this time of a fubjel