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THE
'
TO WHICH
IS
ADDED,
LECTURE
WITH
AN APPENDIX,
BY SAMUEL* MILLER,
Professor of Ecclejiiastical History and Church
D. D.
Government
nary, Princeton, N. J.
PHILADELPHIA:
RUSSELL AND MARTIEN, 9 GEORGE STREET.
1833.
& MARTIEN,
sylvania.
RU.SSEIJL
AND
RUSSELL
AIARTIEN, TKlNTERsi,
GEOllGE STREET.
THE ELDERS
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THIS
IN
VOLUME
IS
RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
RY
THE EDITOR.
To
the
The
members and
in prayer.
families of the
and
ecclesiastical, taught in
the
"Confession of Faith."
When
faith,
ards,
it
is
which are
truths
called in question.
recommenda-
is
patronage of
may
all its
attend this
which
He
members.
it
And
is
commended
to the
God
inspired,
is
Gospel,
SAMUEL
Philadelphia, January, 1833.
G.
WINCHESTER.
CONTENTS.
Page.
Preface,
Introduction. By
Lecture
y^
I.
The
The
Lecture
II.
Lecture
III.
The
Lecture
IV.
On
Fall of
By
Man^ and
its
Rev. Dr.'fiow,
On
VIII.
On
105
143
By Rev.
Regeneration.
By
171
Rev. Dr.
.215
...
Justification.
'-Keill,
Lecture X.
Rev.
Ecclesiastical Polity.
On
On
By
Rev. Professor^odge,
'iMartin,
Lecture IX.
69
Discipline.
Dr.^iller,
Lecture
41
By
VII.
of Grace.
Mr. M^Farlane,
On
effects.
Church
By
Lecture
ix
By
Lecture VI.
By
Christen Missions.
John*Breckinridge,
Rev.
By
.
Dr.
239
Rev.
.
255
ADDENDUM.
Lectujce on Creeds and Confessions.
'I'liller
By
Rev. Dr.
299
ERRATA.
Page
"
"
"
"
10, line 7
12,
"14
from
"
"
read declaration.
*'
74,
"
"
92,
"
"
"5
"
"
"
37,
" 173,
" 210,
for
And
INTRODUCTION,
BY REV. ASHBEL GREEN,
The
framers
Church
D. D.
OF PHILADELPHIA
certain
*<
Form
preliminary
they express
it,
is
by which,
in the formation
as follows:
fruits
"That
truth
which
of the plan.'^
rule,
of
ye
shall
know
is
its
to our Saviour's
them.'
And
that
no
that
represents
On
it
rable connexion
between
faith
it
truth or to
embrace
is
an insepa-
would be of no consequence
Otherwise
fidel
and
"The
a level,
either to discover
it."
it
was
INTRODUCTION.
was intended
But
is
it
avowed and
it
which we
find
now
guished literary
man
is
to
is
is
only a
retained,
men
To
de-
and practice,
is
now
all
religious
But many
we
the error
reject
it,
in
but this
(it
when broadly
who, nevertheless,
some of
is
may
contemplate,
in its extreme,
for
new.
its
violation, are
tolerate
it,
and viewed
What
when
virtually advocated,
ous adherence to
stated
made
of visible religion are extolled, as marking not only greater liberality of mind, but
be expected
creed?
among
This
we
those
is
piety, than is to
more of genuine
who
it
it ?
or,
may
be even
less fa-
INTRODUCTION.
xi
and partaking of
site
who
of this
is
held, and
is
it
little
Now
mixture of error?
examination,
all
It is readily
The
liness.
may
truth
vital
God
in the
be held in unrighteousness.
Let this,
is
Let
it
be shown, as
a glaring inconsistency
it
easily
may
it
is in Jesus,
in all
who
by withholding
precepts themselves,
be shown,
their
best
mated
is
But
let
it
not be inti-
than with
it.
may
-as it is
seem
when
the
to be the fact in
the
result
mixed system of
truth
conceded that
less,
it
is
may
seen in
strict
its fruits,
adherence
to
In a word,
INTRODUCTION.
xii
let
it
so there
is
is
an icy orthodoxy^
is to
be strenuously main-
and that
So
there
is
tendency
terian
^^
truth, held
Truth
is
in order to
goodness-
tice, truth
The
says,
which
is
its
promote holiness."
to
Church,
at
be denied, that
in
the Presby-
many
it is
a favourite topic
trines, to represent
them
as better
of careless sinners, producing revivals of religion, and multiplying converts, than those contained in our Confession of
understood
they are
still
who adhere
to
them
as
in
connexion with
INTRODUCTION.
Redeemer: and while they remain,
that
xiii
it is
reasonable to think
effect
Church,
as shall
opinions
render
it
more
example of Geneva
own
shall
be
under the auspices of Calvin and Beza, have remained untouched, while
all
stated;
and
effectual defence,
also
on the princi-
loudly called
for,
when these
doctrines
who had
those who
to solicit
known
to
qualify
them eminently
which each
INTRODUCTION.
-xiv
whom
of the brethren to
it
whom
several
if
all
of
incom-
many
still
so
it
is
manner
so clear
and im-
in their
its
minds of
and those
who need
instruction
by finding the
which
and
infor-
their circum-
stances require.
The method
is
we
this character
well
known
same kind
has
and
in
in
our
own
is
coun-
which something of
been attempted.
heretofore
mode
not to be novel.
That
sonings of
men
mended by many
considerations.
The
is
recom-
preparation of a
INTRODUCTION.
single discourse is not onerousj and
manded, and
its
XV
when
but one
is
deit is
Bury
much
may
be expected to
value.
The Lime
able, useful,
ing divines.
The Spruce
known to have
io the latter.
it is
humbly hoped
Spirit of grace
and
may
truth,
also
that the
which
is
be vouchsafed
I.
D.D. of
Goshen, N. Y.
No man
"
can come unto me, except the Father, which hath gpnt me,
draw him." John vi. 44.
It has pleased
God
glorious
economy
Holy Ghost.
but
In the
and the Holy Ghost proceeds from both the Father and the
The agency
Son.
sometimes
When
draw
men
*'I, if I
the
On
Spirit
is
ascribed to both,
be
lifted
to
the other.
by
Holy
to
Christ said,
all
of the
my
text,
he
tells us,
same agency.
this
official
The
in
10
my
text.
consider
Holy Ghost,
men
ence,
it
in bringing
as referring to the
men
This
With
to
him
agency of the
With
to Christ.
this influT
without
it,
is
God
men
them.
can
draw him."
all
who
This
is
if
all
the Father,
it;
who
home
made
it
decla-
"every
Christian experience
its
glory in the
But
to Christ in heaven.
thus,
all
requires of
a precious
redeemed
that
would read
it
proves
mean-
ception,
man
they
is
reversed
man
is
only
The
fell
from the
lips of Jesus
understood.
Before
which
is
What
is
is
an
coming
to
Christ?
I
I.
Tlie question
tion of
its
But
hour.
it
necessary for
Coming
process.
some
is
my
is all
this
that is
present discussion.
is
altogether a mental
it
otherwise.
When
he
tra-
1 1
many
nothing
side,
ble
On
else.
and
in the wilderness,
human
thoug;ht of
by the
sea
in tangi-
form.
his
But
lips.
by us only
Mind
in mind.
in glory,
he
is
alone can
to be
now
is
approached
penetrate the
in purity
and splen-
We recognize,
it is
true, the
omnipresence: and
we know,
is
But we
us.''
A brief
in
may
be comprised
Nothing
action.
is
more
and holy
only and
or misapprehended,
Coming
to Christ,
by men who
apprehended
at
him."
his
this spiritual
apprehension
is
offices
In
of
at least, so
much
of faith
is
included as belongs
12
more than
am aware
mere apprehension of
that
There
gospel demands.
is
something
character, or accrediting
which the
a reliance
is
spiritually
not,
is
apprehended
hut
in
a spiritual discernment,
and which
who
fallen spirits,
it
is
They
divide
Gracious affection
process, in
coming
is
its
nature,
is to
by
be made.
to Christ.
tude, love, and faith, are connected with that spiritual appre-
These are
hatred of
its
intrinsic loathsomeness
and opposition
to
God,
must be
process.
It
is
But
to Christ is the
love
by which
faith
works
love
in the
in fact,
it
is
By
holy action,
a living exercise of
dience of Christ.
mean
directing
all
mind
in the service of
called us with an
i3
holy calling:"
speak
now
us,
and
of mental, not
These
all
in their
they are the result of coming to Christ, and necessary evidences of the
fact.
trusts,
come.
All this
is
spiritually apprehends,
to
love.
it ^^is
hoped
love
for, the
is
The
faith
ex-
Sometimes
reasons
why
^^love
text, intend
To
It is
this,
coming
answer, the
to
him
But while
It
to Christ,"
rious results.
is
these graces
Sometimes
the text
is
for salits
glo-
all
ap-
II.
the
ful attention.
am aware
its
scriptural interpretation
no man
stated:
without the
is
on him.
is
also denied,
man needs
propagated that
is
God and
lation, to love
But
this doctrine I
maxims found
fulfil all
gospel of Christ.
Few
in
what we
reve-
call
in this land,
It necessarily includes
and
it
is
whole
to be hoped,
have
di-
But there
is
much
and there
The
is
certainly
its
meaning.
Holy
Spirit;
age.
It is
to Christ
man
that
it
this agency.
is
its
What more
is
entire, a
complete preventive?
its
show
That
is,
to love
him and
believe on Christ.
entirely satisfactory to
that
step.
On
in-
my
mind.
individuals of the
human
famil}^, to
whom
the
ofi
all
word of
his
Here
facts,
Are they
is
men
Holy Ghost.
of the
positively asserted.
This
two
are
Nor
sent.
is
are unable to
15
is
inconsistency
We come,
is
in us,
It is a case in
tion.
therefore, to
it,
we may be
at liberty to hold to
facts,
and must be
consistent.
we know
speak not now of
given without
it.
influence, to
ness,
the providential
whose object
and of judgment,"
sin,
is,
by an unseen
and of righteous-
The
Christ,
Here
them
that ask
is
ever
him."
come
to
is
and
to
The
subject embraces
me
at this
much,
time.
under which
address you, and the occasion, together with the false phi-
must be
my
16
investigation.
But
may
man
how
hope
to
ed this subject.
indicate
The
language.
power.
reason
No man
power which
we
is
it.
it is
efiect,
and
call
What
it is,
we
obvious.
is
But
the place of
its
definition,
we
The
which
the connexion
is
Yet the
rests is precisely
may
will
any of
between
its
voli-
is
ability;
is
follows,
relation
is it
is
true that
what we
call
power.
Nothing
its
which
else can
Now
if
constitutes
we
it,
applications in argument or
illustration.
Perhaps some
substitute
any
finable?
may be disposed
to ask here,
why
would
answer, because
it is
desirable to divest
it
of the
my
Christ.
Is there a
reason
is
17
To
sufficient.
us,
coming
between
and
to
spi-
or
ritual
discernment
tween
mind's
volition
If there be such a
faculties?
love
connexion
as
be-
between
men have
no addition of
But here
it
asserted
which
Is
with volition?
moral power.
Call
it is
it
all
it
so;
*^come
it is
What
to Christ."
Is volition a
is
moral
moral
which
act?
And
act.
whether
if
so connects
I care not
them
is
let it
be
is ability,
know
Now,
what
it
the latter
and nothing
be yet forgotten.
kind
Be
remembered
which
it
God
so or not, love to
be the
physical or natural.
moral ability?
effects
is
is
men have
by some,
ability, to
is
will be said
ability is of that
it
if
men have
may
be called
view
this ability of
any
place.
No
such a
power of coming
no such connexion,
If there be
the
fact,
and
I will
is
Show me
in that case.
But
utterly impossible.
18
had
If Christ
said,
it
man
is
who
hath sent
me draw
it
him,
What,
text.
then,
and inability?
Tworflr/ ability
concerned.
and
effect;
those
come
to
if I
who contend
consider
for
man's natural
something which
as
it
They
God, they
ability to love
is
men have
Whenever they
this is because
choose.
come.
All that
is
and
they
if
necessary, therefore,
is,
Now
indeed be a
men have
But
is it
fact, that
if all
natural
so?
man's
will
possess
mere statement of
man
were
true,
power
The
it
God.
volition does
illumination.
is
would
to love
spiritual things, or
spiritual
this fact,
case.
It
whether he discern
intellect
his
this
whether
think the
^'The natural
sufficient.
God:
for they
know them,
be-
The
volition
heart.
him;
for
**
it is
be."
It
does
or hate
The
rntion.-:,
is
God
truth
the will
is,
is
by an
irreversible
govci'ne
were
tion,
at
19
God.
to
If
depended on
it
voli-
ing wrath which awaits him, and accrediting the fact that
among
Christians to
with the
know
to the pit,
their state;
much
so
no need of
anxiety
a warfare
which
members.
in their
is
It
can
may govern
man's volitions
moral
man might
influence of volition,
as well transform,
which he chooses
sinner change,
both
ness:
by the same
are impossible.
by
indicated
to love
men have
not natural
God
as the effect,
God.
natural ability, to
faculties,
which
As
this
is
am
is
constitute
true,
them
ability.
and responsi-
free, moral,
to
meaning of
be recollected.
I will
The understanding
But has
it
But has
it,
or
it
man,
The
examine
perceives;
indicate
ble agents,
to take, as the
faculties
sick
power
by the
truth.
it is
it
Certainly not.
proper
to say, the
ability to love
holi-
20
Nay,
ness?
is
it
chooses;
love.
it,
two questions
be answered
to
choose independently
and
has
The
will
To
the
first
self-determining power,
but
This
is
is
is,
by the prevailing
that I consider
affection.
mental philosophy,
it
the proof.
Although the
will
it
The ultimate
may
choice
for its
sake, or because
Now,
agreeable.
it is
which
it
connected that
is
is
may
away from
come
really choose to
may
hell; not
any love
to
sick
This
man
is
occurrence.
It is,
He may
him.
that they
to
do not choose
to
is
matter of frequent
paramount
to all
You
come
is
choice
is
cannot convince
to Christ;
you may
own
argument.
consciousness of
Tell
them
that
it
would do
if
21
many
we do choose to come, but we know
that we have not come; and we suppose therefore we do not
choose it, because those who have a right to know tell us
certainly
have
it
said,
it
seems
it;
to us
who
not a few,
own
depends on their
such a case,
is
Such
is
coming
more
Man's own
will.
to Christ
consciousness, in
question
can
answered
in the negative.
highest affection
in the case just
is
It is perfectly
is
easily
'^
now mentioned,
is,
from impending
safety
is
affection.
God
men
It
should
often convinces
With
these thoughts
awakened sinner
tries the
more he
tries to love
God
in this
his
heart seems, and the farther he goes from the object which
he seeks.
The
truth
must be
him
God
him
that
showeth mercy."
Let
me
here
state, briefly,
in accordance, as I conceive,
fact.
The
will
with
*Z2
To
philosophical form,
it is
is
which the
the
heart, or faculty
feels, is the
entirely governed
is
ble,
Can the
will
Can any
most. agreeable?
is
he pleases?
the motive
is
is
man
its
which
and pleasure
always obeys.
will
govern-
its
what
is
disagreea-
it.
where
to,
disa-
which
We have heard
is
of a
always agreeable.
dogma which
teaches, that
men may
it
ment, nor
be most lovely in
to see
any
But
except pain.
bear the
name
ties
in
choosing
of
its
author.
of these
It is
and
absurdities,
One
it
which
is,
in
free
it
gene-
better, if the
peculiari-
voluntary
in
is
are willing to
dogmas
God's ejficiency
century
who
would be
exclusively,
exploded.
two remaining
itself,
loveliness.
have occasion
examine
producing
to
my
sin,
The
although
speculation,
subject.
other,
falls
it
not
dogma,
all
is
is
much power
as
God
to love
which
This, I believe,
as to hate him.
and breath
men
true, I
But
would think
is it
true
it
a waste of time
is
also
sinful.
thoughts."
am
On
of the heart.
chooses
renew
Spirit's influence to
sinful; but I
of
new and
to
only a
is
It is
is
were
if thi^
all
it
Now,
all
have
23
has
many
it
no character?
the feelings
all
what
feels
what
What
man? What
is
absurdities to
The way
is
punishable?
But
now
It is
many
leads.
away from
Christ.
coming
to Christ, but
employ them.
The
is
and perversion
implied in
men
cannot so
is
These
qualities
are
again
Is
it
24
Or
The
tinctive phraseology
is
truth
Men
it,
all,
come
There must be
man
call
sin, believe
them
However
we may
this is the
to Christ.
of
are depraved in
we may
be called
it
this is
shall
is,
new
must be regenerated.
ness of Christ.
is
of these; and
Should
impossible.
it
is
com-
fact,
whe-
ther he has or has not the ability for their production and
exercise; and
I
answer
what
is
in several particulars.
It is
admitted on
all
hands,
pensity
to enlighten his
own
not.
understanding,
shown.
As
already said
to
it
the
character
of that inability,
consists in a principle
its
of
have
primary
seat in the
heart.
Now, what the nature of that inability is which renman incapable of regenerating his own heart for the
whole inquiry may concentrate here it matters very little
ders
25
to define.
cal definitions
of the day.
but
losophically true;
If
we
call \i
physical,
it is
phi-
is
power
as a fallen angel,
now
is
for
much
regeneration.
him
renew
to
would be
it
his heart.
as
employed
is
it
physical ability
physical
just as impossible as
it is
The
the heart.
physical action,
principle
is
cannot
direction and
its
control.
It
all
is
evident; but
such are the associations and uses of the term physical, Xhdl
improper
it is
ology, connects
a
man
here, and
it
it
is
calculated to mis-
become
employ
to
lead.
palsied,
and then he
is
illustrations
all.
is
them
lead
we
call
effect
to the
any thing
except that
we
But
call it
similar abuse.
natural
to
which
it is
inability, the
if
we
say sin-
is liable to
mis-
are excusable.
If
it
makes confusion,
it
applied.
to
this fixed
man.
man's
to a
inability
26
is
by
nature, because
represent
tures
his depravity
is
it
to
natural
be
to
But
him.
we
if
use
it
as
be employed
want of the
If,
in theological dis-
sible agent,
love God.
They do
is
men
it
possess
man
all
and theorising,
as
to technical
It
reasons, to be used.
In
plained meanings,
true, or
it is
to
meaning.
this
a respon-
its
it is
it
is
false;
but in
its
common
altogether inapplicable
to this case.
Now,
we
if
say
it is
moral
If I understand the
m,oral,
it
indicates something
The
right or wrong.
ful,
made
and
that
in this place,
why
is
is
it
Any
man,
Several
some
of a moral nature,
use,
answers
which
it is
is
moral belonging
then,
is
moral power to
Take one
a heart
prepared to love
would say
that
all
What,
in his heart.
is
love God?
that
man
is
to
it
term
is
whether
which
what belongs
moral?
inability, the
God and
holi-
why
it
is
power
to love
God.
am
unable
have moral,
is said, in
one
change their
men have
case, if
to
But
statute.
am
mean
said, if
men have
why
tion, I ask,
is
so
it
often under-
is
wisdom
On
is
affected in
this supposi-
No
not a moral
that,
sense?
It
who
hearts.
stood to
>7
The
any
in
truth seems to
me, that those men who use the distinction of natural and
moral in explaining the inability of sinners, are deceived,
by
transferring an
actions,
where
and
is
which belongs
association
where
not true;
is
it
true
it
transfer
to external
which
will,
therefore,
always mislead.
It will
now
not loving
a
more
are to
definite
blame
how
The answer
be asked,
God?
view of the
sin
men
it is
are criminal.
philosophy which
Men
under discussion.
Now, whether
and for
inability
is
It is a
becoming prevalent
no
right, unless
he has
ability to
do wrong;
all this
But
err?
is
not
God always
love holiness?
Certainly.
But
if this
principle
may
not
28
Are
impassable gulf?
change
leopard's
spot
whom
The
to
Are
grace, or
'^ it
Is
it
is
and punish
it,
how man
human
men
for
its
can be blamed
If I understand
fault? for
who
his will?"
hath resisted
all
to
agency proceeds?
his criminal
all
the source of
is,
asked,
it
power
this question,
of
impossible to renew
is
which
as the
repentance?"
ability is sinful,
God
and fixed
comparatively innocent
those
agency and
them again
whom
those of
is
it
Here
that
it
art
would be proper
be divine,
tion.
man, who
but,
Let
it
a question
is
settled
philosophy to explain
were
at all authority,
it is
God?"
it
not
though
it
without explana-
binds, but every man's conscience can testify the fact, and
became thus
man's
fall,
who
ask
it,
how man
Romans and
own
constituted his
to
is
it,
enemy
an
no matter what
by
The
rule
shows him
His power
power.
intelligent, free,
this standard,
of God.
his
is
to be such,
by
not estimated
has
Every
God
the difficulty.
which
perfections,
29
Ability
is
man
all
man
am now
employed, and
is
is
Man
love
God with
God
employed,
it
the character
I recur
sistent
has
now
is
that source of
to the question,
a right to
Be
remembered
is
responsible to
wrongly
would not be
or, in
more
to love
explicit terms,
him,
if
they have
is
human agency,
whether
command men
He
does not
God
not.
more depraved
is
he has
for
which he
has,
to that
speak-
moral agent.
a free,
mistake, that
cannot be rightfully
is
man who
commanded to
true.
An
use them.
idiot
command over
God?
speak
God.
all
now of God's
Let me here
by nature
repeat, that
.^
30
God
command men
does
Moreover
The
plain
all
fact
its
and
we need
now
Further
After
all
not speculate.
recurs,
what
Holy
saith the
Scriptures
goodness,
is
is
its
for
all
to
God
a fruit
is
^^The
fruit of
gentleness,
Salvation
meekness, temperance."
is all
we
are his
workmanship, created
Holy
Love
faith,
of grace, in
of the
which he
for
that
is
Holy
works
same time
right; because
of their obedience
great question
Ghost?
the
This
men.
ousness in the
to be sin.
way
at the
it is
sinful principle,
will punish
him, and
to love
Spirit
Regeneration
^^according
is
in
Christ
by the agency
mercy he saved
to his
us,
from above
<^who
maketh thee
me
we are
the Apostle,
*'not that
from another?
Christ said
ye can do nothing."
Said
sufficient of ourselves to
God."
What
explicitly declare
my
text
trans-
to differ
Elsewhere
It is
is
of
more
Spirit,
twice stated
mind," which
nal
power of Satan
the
sins
having
-^is
God"
of
life
31
for
and
of sin
dead
them
to
it
^*
is
car-
not
under
and
in trespasses
Man's
do evil."
and Satan,
^'is
runneth, but of
that
showeth mercy."
Take
ascribe to the
dominion,
lost, blind,
ascribe
all
all
men
enemies
to
as
dead in
God and
sin,
all
under
helpless
Spirit,
all
Holy
those which
those which represent
those which represent
all
that
But quotations
this
him
God
all
steril-
men
to
God
and
all
the
Holy
me
if
and salvation
then
tell
crime.
What now
men
use
is to
made
of this doctrine?
humble man
before God.
either
from
to be
humble.
its
curse or from
They have
its
There are
what they
32
Men
consider important.
all its
their imaginations,
in
by the Holy
themselves
to
at the disposal of
humbled
to be
this doctrine
"Whoso
manifested in them.
feel
The pride
own benefit and God
his own power may be
sovereign mercy.
for .his
humbled, that
in
become vain
Spirit,
man needs
power
before God.
of
abased."
as sinners perceive
no danger, and
God
No
much
he considers
There
and
is
no
sin.
feel confident in
at
depending on
as
it
truth,
convince
his
own
choice or ability.
efficiently uses, to
publican
men of
to feel
convince
to
is
when he
men
by
condition
cried,
"God
nature.
The
be merciful to
me
a sinner.
'^
So
helplessness,
is,
walk by
faith,
looking to Christ, in
whom
is
their strength,
The
teaches
them
their helplessness
danger before he
they
commence an
effort to
make themselves
at the sin
In such cases
better.
They
themselves to God.
Spirit
imminent dangor of
in
is
make
him perceive
tion,
his soul
if
he
has, or think
he
But
let
and
distress will
his soul;
fill
Spirit, despair
and
if
and
is
him
helpless, an
agony of
would drink up
trusts in Christ,
the
instead of bet-
ter.
and
33
his
own
spirit.
Holy
Then he
Holy Ghost.
But here
it
may
possibly be asked,
suppose
it is
even wrest
it
if this
doctrine be not
own destruction; but that it is calcumen from trusting in Christ and accept-
to their
lated to discourage
ing salvation, as
it is
if
came from
But
if
the objection
were founded
may
Suppose
Were it announced
a case,
in
it
be
filled
what
lie
if
we
re-
would we
which,
sentiments in-
main
fault will
we
down and
sleep
But
to
make
we must
34
God
Then
entreating us to accept
is
if
we
should perish
Would
as
well as
the analogy
is
To my mind
God?
easily traced.
To
sinners.
un-
this I reply, in
qualified terms,
is
If the
true.
But
on his
ability,
which
is
we may hope
since
it
is
This
is
illustration.
and useless
know
if this
doctrine be true.
some
blind
hear
ye deaf
awake
many
men
ye
But
so
doubt
it
is,
Christ
tent?
it
and
God
who
announce most
command them
same time
to repent.
and misery
to exhort, entreat,
Our warrant
is
plain,
and
and our
mission of the
Holy
Spirit.
When
35
trine with
have already shown the consistency of the docGod's commands, and this rests on the same
principle.
But
Christ.
me
all,
human
heart and
this topic
human
very strong
closed
by the
markedone
be distinctly
fact
Here
fixed
and
light
me,
for I
No
am undone."
tians
deep
is
by the
Spirit of
is
God.
to lead Chris-
No
matter
sensible
how
men
must
Spirit's blessed
and
and glory.
feel
agency,
minds
The more
more they
God.
is
sent to humble,
The
doc-
Holy Ghost
Spirit,
others. Christians
dependence on the
the
in
dis-
crying, ^^wo
their
intel-
as dis-
A very important
let a
let
efforts to
ingenuity
where the
enlighten, sanctify,
and
Dependence on the
Spirit
and responsi-
go together.
36
on
this influence.
little
This
their graces.
"without
Christ's declaration,
me ye
humble
Ghost, enabled
Christ,
who
him
"I can do
to say,
strengthens me."
own
They
and
in grace
their
own
more
under-
strength.
will
likely to rely
agency
for his
on the
accompany
to
Spirit's influence,
their ministrations.
distinctly in their
own and
the
view of
Spirit's
others.
agency
It
was a
more
in
ful-
gospel will be
and pray
things through
all
Under
Holy
the
"if
Holy Ghost
them."
One
its
is,
to
of sin
their lost,
sin,
convince
men
his
power.
Lord and
is,
the law
which condemns
by
Christ,
thorn,
but of
Clirist,
to explain the
by which
scheme of
salva-
This
Holy Ghost
how
teaches.''
is
to
37
teaches, but
which the
dependence on
They
this
They
mercy
should carry
convic-
down
the
answer of peace.
One important
practical question
tracted discussion.
assembly.
Is the
you
is
not the
must
every individual in
Be
Holy Ghost.
this
your salvation;
inclinations
cautious that
you
are
,.-
resist
which
administratioii in
to
feel inclined to
awakened
it
If
for
propose
resist this,
agency employed
You
if
you
take upon
How
the
your carelessness
Holy
How
Spirit;
and
And ye
costs
wo
careless ones,
you no small
be to you,
when you
remember
efforts to resist
Spirit.
shall
have
>
38
Holy
Spirit of promise.
perishing sinners.
bless,
and save us
May
all
the
Lord
and convert
in Christ Jesus.
Amen.
II
Rom.
"Wherefore, as by one
sin;
man
ITS EFFECTS.
v. 12.
all
men,
Yorlc,
The
New
its effects.^^
The
and death by
have sinned."
evening,
is,
The
illustrate
religion, justification
The
faith
in our
Having proved
all
be in such a
state,
tiles, to
article of
method of
Christ.
justifica-
state of the
mankind, Jews
to
our holy-
Lord Jesus
tion, is
race.
by
is,
human
as well as
Gen-
by
42
the law
is
knowledge of
the
He
sin.''*
then proceeds
infinite
wisdom
for
ing
how
works
to
him
that
*^
grace,
is
God imputeth
worketh
by divine
not,
righteousness without
but believeth on
him
To remove
them
to the truth,
trious father, in
whom
way;
righteous, in this
justified, or jnade
was thus
that he
illus-
justified
while
mable blessing
to
by
faith,
new method
of justification,
and transmitting
this inesti-
Abraham was
constituted
father
ing that as
all
mankind
fell,
by
common
who
all
by the obedience of
Christ, to
need
The
fall
its relief as
of his posterity.
Rom.
iii,
20.
God;
fall
of the
first
Rom.
iv. 5, 6.
Rom.
iv. 9, 17.
in its terms,
ITS EFFECTS.
43
to both I invite
diced attention.
I.
Adam,
happy
As
state.
first
man.
well
is
it
his
into existence in a
full
ponding
grown man;
so his soul
with
state of maturity,
developed, and
volition,
and
in a holy and
all
the operations
was created
all its
The knowledge he
affection.
in a corres-
displayed of
all
him
for the
Besides,
rian, that
we
Adam
by an
that
the
inspired Apostle,
we
found, that
sought out
That our
"Lo,
this
his relations,
and of his
The
duties, as his
26, 27.
pure
his
perfect
i.
as
He
only have I
Gen.
are taught
God, of himself, of
judgment.
after
as his
by
tCol.
iii.
10.
Eph.
iv.
24.
Eccles.
vii.
29.
.0^
44
of
In a
law.
was what
Maker
his
required
him
to be.
and holiness,
Adam was
panion
but
whom
and
also,
chiefly,
communion
Maker.
com-
of his
admiration of
the
With
this
mised
as the
God
was pro-
It is
worthy of remark,
covenant engagements.
Noah and
life
which
He
as
that
men by
his descendants;
with David and his offspring; with Phineas and his children; and ought any to be surprised,
that
God made
when
it
is
affirmed
In
all
And when
it is
seal,
and the
new
assent.
was established
creation,
the
second
first
says,
by
Adam?
Reproving
Lord
men," [Jidam
ITS EFFECTS.
45
covenant."*
Adam
gracious.
also
powers
to
promised
perform
its
condition,
reward.
By
the
was
to be appre-
this quarter,
trial,
failing
safe in
was reduced
But
this
fruit
as to time,
he was forbidden
to eat.
noble creature,
by
alone, he
The circum-
enemy both
of
common
parents,
who
of Eve,
How
fell
inspired penman.
whom, when
of being,
by the
in
minds of our
first
how
it
to
explain.
* llosea,
It
vi. 7.
is
Gen.
iii.
1, 6.
46
I content
and
of the
filled
voice,
effects
made him
Conscious of
to his ear,
ill-desert, that
and awakened in
his breast
him with
man's apostacy.
first
terror, that
now
inspired
the culprit
At
command
the
Convicted of having
compelled to appear.
is
sentence
among
of his Judge,
pronounced on him.
is
art,
Sentence of
which he was
created,
had
it
life
of God; and
of his earthly
bitter
most deeply
was,
we
grace, of
II.
us
as
which
grace might
let
life
it is
much more
abound.''
is
the apostacy of
a subject
Adam
worthy of our
and the
serious
ITS EFFECTS.
47
widely.
differ
Some
was
It
first sin.
ble for
we have
boldly affirm,
his,
We are
not ours.
not at
it.
existence
of his sin
is
*In the
first
father
a novel doctrine, a
mere
responsi-
all
we had no
fruit;
The imputation
fell.
fable.*
and Theologi-
Biblical Repertory
traces
who
up the
of Pelagianism."
shows that
it
commonly received
it
was
daily held
"
in the Church.
live goat,
and
is
perfectly
up
to their
And Aaron
shall
all their
all
transgressions in all
their sin^
putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away
by a
man
fit
THEIR iNiauiTiEs uuto a land not inhabited." Lev. xvi. 21, 22.
number of
is
sin, will
be found a
ancient Jewish writers, to suppose, that the doctrine of original sin had even
been allowed in the open profession of that people." In that taken from 2 Esd.
iii.
who wrote
21,
ble words,
tation
"
thou
like
Adam, what
our point
is
we all
that
For though
Christ's appearing
" It
is
it
come of thee^
Adam was
all
more
to
lived after
finished, so that
Still
who
is
writ-
following
were
48
It is perfectly
make such
easy to
who
How
obvious
is
it
to
fall,
utter them.
attentively examines
Judge of
that the
all
the
That
all
mothers participate in
and sorrow
to
is it,
which
that
men
all
Adam was
first
sin
is
are
undeniable;
doomed
of
to the
we had
Adam, why are we
If
sentenced.
Why
was the
And why
punishment?
changed
it?
for its
whole earth?
Equally irreconcileable are these assertions with the
language used by those Christian divines
when speaking on
That
the subject.
who
utter them,
"Adam
was our
"was not on
admitted by them.
They also
himself alone,''
were
by
is
a divine constitution,
all
his descendants
and certainty of
so that
logical science.
in every age,
and
learn
how
when
is
in the
Church
Lord, has, in this age of discovery, been found out to be a novel doctrine
ITS EFFECTS.
49
Who
tion.^^
We
are, in
have nothing
do with Adam's
to
consequence of
it,
that
We
Adam's
and yet we
sin;
sin;
are not at
reconciled, I confess
The
fall
of the
it
be above
to
my
comprehension.
fall
of his posterity,
To
we
scribe:
that
bidden
fruit
nor that
we
own
from the
cordially sub-
By
in
kind
know
is
fell
meant
tree,
and eat
first
it
with our
Adam's
fall,
own mouths;
a real existence
we
nor that
Nothing of
sin.
intended.
him, and
this is not
not only
mankind descending
transgression."
first
we
the scriptural
Adam,
we
Is not this
first
it,
all
it,
or ought to
it.
But we mean,
that as
Adam
represen-
we
are justly
sentative,
by
and
viewed
as
as
and
repre-.
His
sin
is
imputed
to us, not
on
50
Adam
as our
we
but
latter relation;
we
of Adam, because we
by no means
follows, that
we
as
which
father,
him
The former
common
sustain to
are
are
imputed to
which plainly
first sin
alone.
The
principle of
imputation
is
Remove
affairs.
it,
se,'' is
who
''Qui
fair
a Latin
may
maxim
familiar to
be rendered in English
it
himself."
is
Who
is
justly
does not
know
is
of a representative
is
people
personal attendance
is
make
at
all
their
own
laws, not
In
by
but by
Now,
power
to deliberate
and act
in their
name.
imputation
is
to
personally done.
whom
mankind sinned
our meaning,
is
We
Adam.
in
ITS EFFECTS.
when we
51
sentatively.
race of
was
men
imputes his
them, as
to
him
to appoint
act for
whole
this purpose,
their
them, justly
first sin,
violated,
if it
responsible for
to try the
wisdom,
federal
to
who determined
it,
to its threatened
pun-
ishment.
This
and
is
But
it is
contested,
My
hearers, if
testimonies, that
it
all
condemned on account of
subject to
it,
in its
its
Adam
are
all
divine grace
it
that all
nature
and
many
words, that
men
condemned and
actually die
Adam
a depraved
receive from
arguments can be
we wish
truth
to
all
men
fairly
sinned in
made
Adam;
if all
these
lished.
It will
infidels,
The
who
is
do not address
Holy
Scriptures.
it.
must be drawn
from the Scriptures, and they will have weight only with
those
who
52
of
God speaking
my
urging
proofs,
Such
word.
in his
could wish
while
I address; and,
my
my
That por-
text.
other passages elsewhere recorded, furnish ample and decisive evidence of the important truth to be established
by
and which
we
now proceed
1.
to illustrate
and urge.
on account of
With
so
surprising
Adam
condemned
are
the 15th V.
^^for if
offence of
is
through the
by
legally,
to
we
to
are judicially
Were you
first sin.
condemned on
to enter a court of
death on a
human being
diately conclude
when,
all
account of Adam's
justice,
in the ISth
CONDEMNATION."
condemnation:" and
a sen-
'^for the
led
he was
by sacred
for
guilty,
Scripture,
all
all
and deserved
to die
and
men
for
Adam's
first sin,
can you
hesitate to believe, that they are guilty; that they are justly
chargeable with
mitted
it,
it
and that
or, in other
great representative?
in
Adam, their
God would
ITS EFFECTS.
were
if it
All
2.
Adam's
were
men
condemn them
endure
to
for
legal. sense.
penalty due
sin,
and
53
it,
to
it
favour of some.
This follows
ment
for if
men
are
condemned
sin,
as an indisputable inference
just closed
its
for
Adam's
penalty; because
due
to the transgression.
^^And
sinned."
Adam
v.
men;
he says, ^^Nevertheless
to
Adam's
trans-
gression,"
wages of sin ^
successively into
its
more
existence,
till
come
And
to
will con-
death, in
have
over millions
of our race, and would thus reign over every son and
it
Contemplate,
look
at the
fallen
my
earth,
when you
reflect that
Adam,
sin
this
in the
If
it
on account of the
we have
to
sin of
to us,
why
should the
54
penalty be inflicted on us
by the
We might suiSer
from the
guilt of
them: but
it
is
Adam's
much
be entirely
we
by the Almighty,
sin
its
guilt.
Infants are
3.
die, for
Adam's
SIN.
Their case
is
worthy of
attentive consideration.
Con-
How are
Not
they born ?
in ease
They come
cry-
ing into the world; and often perish on the very threshold
of
life.
row
How
is
this to
be accounted for?
why
are infants,
Why does
treat
them
Why
they are
as sinners, if
convulsive agonies?
What
in
God
no sense sinners?
How many suffered in the conflaSodom and Gomorrah, those wicked cities
angry God consumed with fire and brimstone?
grations
of
which an
different calamities?
sinners;
this
who have
But admit
sinned in
Adam,
their federal
head
ITS EFFECTS.
55
solved;
is
to
ners,
We
removed.
w^hy infants,
developed
is
Speaking of
to great pain
infants, the
sufficiently
and agony.
v. that
sinned at
all
;''
for his
argument
is
by subjecting them
ners,
sin.
All
4.
men
derive from
out as sin-
to the
mark them
penalty of
if this
he
disobedience,''^
tells
made sinners."
Adam
a corrupt
moral na-
ture.
How
depravity
is
race,
and
it
were pretending
written, to attempt an
mode
Sacred Scripture
to
That
fact is revealed,
all
men
explanation.
and ought
to
I shall
silent
on
But the
is
The particular
human intellect.
be believed.
sin,
since our
first
evinced.
parent's apostacy;
contestible evidence.
and
how
is
Our
this universal
accounted for?
race
is
universally depraved;
depravity of mankind to be
66
minds
for
we
that,
influ-
greatest
parental
that
affection
afford; and
mad
its
career,
and checking
its
we
see
it
displaying
its
human
the whole
must be traced
race,
Depravity
source.
polluted
first
some common
to
Adam; and
it
has ever
Except
from his
dom
*^
of
first
Behold,
The
birth
in iniquity,
and in
his
says,
image
"Adam
;"||
when
John
viii. 6.
Gen.
vi. 5.
man
Speaking of Seth,
own
likeness, after
my
Moses
sin did
God saw
in the earth,
me.":j:
was great
is
sinful.
was shapen
mother conceive
*'That which
and natural
God."t
this:
man be born
**
is
first
which he contracted by
His
posterity,
Job
||
Gen.
iii.
3.
v. 3.
like
his disobe-
himself, are
Ps.
li.
5.
ITS EFFECTS.
57
deprived of original righteousness; despoiled of those splendid endowments of a holy nature, with which
he was
But
we
if
we have
sin.
To
sin,
why
are
be thus degraded
God
of
life
is
flicted?
we
But
Were we
Adam
free
for
what
from the
first
we
commencement
different is this
sinful,
from the
and our
acts
first
But how
Our very
disobedient.
first
desires are
The manner
Adam's
sin.
The
by admitting
in
into
that
we
why
inspiration affirms,
"we
are
it
by nature
The
reason
is, all
the children of
fall.
Adam
Jehovah views
have become
all
who
sin-
descend
gifts
of his bounty
wickedly chosen, t
* Ephes.
t
ii.
3.
58
that
The
5.
all
have sinned
Adam.
we acknowledge,
a near
and
to be
words,
These
not,
in
many
is,
approximation to them.
stand
its
disputed
inhabitants,
and consequently
it
by one man.
affirmation
it
To
among
defines
The context
many are dead;"
He
it
same process
it
is,
condem-
to
that
it
belongs to
the
this
the sin of
speaking.
is
the offence
to
meaning of
to
it
under-
the inhabitants of
ascertain the
to
will hardly be
itself,
and
to
all
it.
But
his reasoning,
draw from
it
amounts
their language.
By
teach physical depravity; for they use, on this subject, language as strong
as that of the Calvinistic writers he cites, and as liable to a perverted conBtruction.
Indeed,
of the
it
soul,
if
he were
would be no
to write a treatise
difficult
ing of the
soul,
material things.
soul.
Man was holy,
Man is now depraved, and, by divine grace, he
holy.
What is thus separable from the soul, cannot
and he
is
now
may become
belong to
its
depraved.
perfectly
is
which
men
Now,
the
upon
to
69
by which
man's offence,"
<^one
the
ITS EFFECTS.
death
condemnation."*
sin
Adam's personal
because
this,
be merely
cannot
thus characterized
sin
although
brought on
it
terminated, in
sin,
its
ble the
is
their sin
a sin in
It
for
to the penal
it is
must be a
not possi-
consequences of
it
was the
free.
us
tells
But how
sin of
guilt of
way
by
than
its
consequently
it
was just
God
in
were
Such
Adam
sin of
was; and
them
to subject
one by
to con-
whom
they
to stand or fall.
The
distinction
personal
personal
act,
act
name
to a
and in a
Or,
as trustee
In reference to
representative character.
he would bind
man would
his
own
by
By
act,
interest of his
by signing
his
Rom.
V.
1518.
60
whom
he repre-
both his
own
sented.
light, as a
interest
personal
act,
So
and
it
In the cove-
whom
was both
di
personal
As personal
representative.
as representative
it
it
we
I ask, if
are taught
in
Adam?
But
declaration
we
by the Apostle,
men have
all
What
is
meaning of
the
is
sinned
have sinned."
He
phrase
to this
sin.
all this
it
mation
affected all
Now,
sin
we
this
shall find
it.
was
just.
We
illogical
tell
on
this
and inconclusive.
would render
He had
all
to die.
his argu-
spoken of Adam's
is
brought as
men
while
would be
But,
a
if
it
it
to assign for a
all
sentence
Adam's
on
proper reason
men
men
all
us that
ment
sin,
sin,
to
at all
them
for
sin.
If then this
man's actual
meaning be excluded
sin
to
what can
it
if it
do not refer
to
Adam
^^all
man by whom
all
if all
that
is,
sin entered
cal
That
61
as their representative?
ITS EFFECTS.
logi-
first sin.
for
have sinned,"
^^all
he must refer
sentence
upon
in
men,
all
is
over" them.
in the uni-
undoubtedly when
Infants, then,
*^
death reigns
But how?
have sinned.
Not
This can
which
mean-
But
it
to
to this interpre-
man's actual
sins.
It
was
renders
of an inspired writer;
infants
men
for
Adam's
sin.
No
and
adults,
the
fact
"have sinned,"
that
in
it
^*all,"
their
upon
but that
both
covenant
representative.
Let
it
"for that
all
all
have sinned,"
have sinned."
may
be rendered, "In
This translation
is
whom
contended for by
62
original terms
two
may
proof that
sufficient
properly be so rendered as to
In view of
I leave
all
my
with
it
that has
HAVE SINNED
my
Review,
Adam
its
are
condemned
All
the
to
endure
descendants of
All
it,
are subject to
it
favour of some
in so
us,
words, that
actually die
a corrupt moral
nature:
men
natural
would have
penalty, and
were
and urged.
illustrated
many
AdAM?
IN
men have
all
proof be required?
sinned in
Is not this
Adam.
enough
fact, that
many
Can more
he does impute to us
Two
covenant-arrangement of
infinite
result-
ed,
justice
where
is
is
strongly contested.
the justice of
Adam
we
did not
Where,
it is
demand-
commit
we had
existence to
The
tion, that
operation
of the
covenant.
But such
supposition
is
ITS EFFECTS.
God
63
AhTiighty.
An
ject
him
with
whom
he cove-
nants for his instruction, not only without his consent, but
Can
that
it
was necessary
it
then be believed,
descended
to
He
sent to be created.
In the
full
parents
the
from
whom we
birth,
should
us,
all
comprehend
us in
arrangement of
infinite
wisdom?
to abide
The
in baptism.
You were
rite,
arrived at
covenant
this audience,
low
by such an
seal of his
and
descend,
parents,
you
a transaction
make
all
can
it
right to
whom
first
its
had a
pair of
human
beings, parties in
his infinite
wisdom deemed
64
proper
between
establish
to
common
and our
himself
parent?
When God
Adam,
were
without
it
is
it
plain
The
sin.
per-
of
existence
and
him
faculties,
made
it
for his
his
The
tude.
to
its
was
just,
acceded to
it,
And
it.
Adam
to the
are
but in
Supreme
to
The
justice
was inherently
It
Nor
obtained.
all
just
man.
was
first
his ofispring.
it
depend
at
it
and
it
all
been in existence
to us
by our
proposal,
we
we
Creator,
first
parent
As
divine providence,
Had
by
his obedience,
eternal
is
the result of
life,
Adam's
trial
Adam
all
would have
But the
fell
result
by transgres-
and involved
of
65
all his
many
ITS EFFECTS.
the consequences.
How unreasonable
in this transaction,
man's
trial,
to
of
God
endowments of
ability
is
The goodness
such conduct!
his
new made
creature.
Had man
full
Was
the
These
God
in this
most interesting
And who
transaction.
that
The
man; and
atfected
Adam,
if it
its
How
extravagant would
it
be in a
have rejoiced
to protect
covenant transaction,
affected
by the
in
fatal result
then,
reference
of his
he had been
Adam, was
to
trial,
if
goodness of this
the
our
first father,
not
the goodness of
by the
in its application
it
it.
same reasons
it
is
the other.
it
its
that
prove
66
Besides,
it
Adam's
chil-
faculties,
and
He,
dren.
with his
mature
in the
state of his
any of
He
far better
in an infantile state,
have
him
mental
man
bind
to
his posterity,
all
as his
will.
own, depended on
Had we
all
common
have consented
cordially,
with our
his covenant
his
interests, as well
to his
parent,
we
appointment
would, most
as
our federal
was "holy,
just,
in
The covenant
our own.
therefore
and good."
discussion.
one
reflection
ful
should
we
be to
the
first
The same
forbear to trespass.
God
By
from
It is this:
how
will
Yet
grate-
and glorious
and misery
second
Adam we
rise.
principle,
aflects
our salvation.
Adam, our
representative in
the
ITS EFFECTS.
67
satisfaction
obedience, saves from sin, and death, and hell, and leads
and glory,
to everlasting happiness
fallen
who
race,
believe in him.
overcome by Satan
all
Our
first
parent was
The
how he shows
that, as
by the disobedience
Adam
imputed
to us, but
first
And
might be urged,
this parallel
as an additional
it
then,
my
it
is
dear hearers;
it,
it
is
not,
as
some
On
an unimportant doctrine.
its
and
then, to
Deny
the imputation of
Adam's
creed the imputation of Chris fs righteousness to believers, for their justification before
God;
a doctrine which, in
mount importance
vital; for
although a
that
Indeed,
it is
prejudice of educa-
or will be conducted
it
is
from
true,
thia
world
fallen
to heaven,
Christ.
fall
Adam,
in
confess before
Both
sins,
causes for
your personal
classes of offence,
be regarded as proper
purity.
fall
God,
Adam, and
in
But despair
personal transgressions.
and triumphs.
dead.
*^I
am
Adam,
In the second
not;
there
mercy reigns
is
life for
the
me,
never die."
shall
God
for tlie
glorified,
pri-
son house to thrones in heaven, and changed into companions for angels,
their first
and holy
estate.
perish,
dom
to
down
reign
enemy
shall
and
all
he hath put
shall
have put
all
"Then
all rule,
till
iii.
16.
is
death."
Cor. xv.
2426.
feet.
Amen.
The
last
III.
The
its
xiii.
24,
difficulty of
Luke
it,
must be surmounted.
every
foe,
stancy,
we
and
To
to bear
The
encourage
every
dise of
God.
evil
us,
however,
to
meet
from on high
efforts to obtain
u.s,
which
is
is
it *^
offered us in
shall be given
^'
is
to
show
the
10
we
70
must encounter
we may
lers,
in so doing,
He
journeying
to
represents us as travel-
unchanging abodes of
conduct.
Wide
^'
is
at."
While
"strait
becomes
since,
many
there be
is
the
carefully to
that
in there-
the
way
find
it.''
is
us, therefore,
way
who go
life,
wo, and
bliss or
seek to enter
in,
if
tremendously
easy.
through
when
it
we
at the
way,
their habitual
and, until
that
we have experienced
this conversion,
bliss.
our Lord
original, the
commands
word which
It signifies, to
make
is
faith;
we have
This gate
mind which
We
way only by
not
called
is
usually ac-
Into
life.
us to strive to enter.
In the
very
forcible.
translated strive,
is
com-
command is evidently
who have not entered the narrow way, who are outside of the gate, who are
living impenitent in sin.
Such are commanded "to strive
our, both of
This
that
is,
to
71
We
ence.
here
may
they
faith,
new
life
of holy obedi-
to imitate
is
repentance and
But how
faith.
we never
We
them?
shall attain to
reply,
God
what
Two
shall
may
the
Holy
To
illus-
be spoken.
I.
Spirit.
is
means divine
the duty of
all
men
we
I.
By a
mean,
is
grace.
meant
man
all
those institutions of
in the use of
means
which
All these
fitted to
awaken
his afiections.
It
God
means of grace,
pleases
God
for the
illustration of his
and
wisdom,
to
his
72
Were
he could, by
us
all
that
a direct
we
it
do
his pleasure to
so,
to
without the
or,
toil
down
of the husbandman,
Such, however,
fit
is
His blessings
to adopt.
we can obtain
enjoy health,
if
the scholar
ledge, he
must give
study; and
if
the
his days
stores of various
husbandmen would
it
toil
of breaking up
without
that,
manded,
therefore, to put
them
forth in
all
who
Wisdom's
shall find
who
tliis trutli
are
com-
we
as exhibited in his
kingdom
works.
kingdom
of Grace
of Providence.
seek, find.
He who
They
watches
of grace
the appointment of
We
The means
The
God, and
humble dependence
established in the
in the
daily at
keep
is
which prevails
know-
life
God.
It is
and blessedness.
in
consequence of
is
a sinful pro-
men
^'In vain do
trines the
commandments
any ordinance,
is
inventions in place of
and rebukes.
own
to substitute their
73
ye worship
of
men."
me
Our warrant
for using-
it,
arises
from
his
it,
while
promise of
Whatever appear-
may
be exhibited,
Among
of sinners, and the edification of believers, the three principal are, the preaching of the Gospel; the written
Word of
One
of the chief
means of
" It hath
pleased
God by
is
the preaching
the foolishness of
who
believe."
preacher?"
The
manded
his disciples to
" go
into
by
his grace,
he was sent
as a
all
messenger of mercy
*^
to the
The
di-
On
the
74
by Paul; and
in
every succeed-
the
Spirit in the
work
The
souls, is
other brethren that " they were born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible,
which
liveth
The
special design of
of
*^
life.
God
"The law
the
of
in giving to us his
Word,
inspiration of
God, and
is
in the paths
by
is
God may be
the
man
all
good works."
of
It
heed
to
it
life,
redeemed who
we
shall
are
up
to the
now
walk-
do well
to take
the day dawn, and the day star arise in our hearts."
Any
Word, is injurious
The Word without
man-
and the ministry without the Word, would run into error,
and introduce woful delusion.
the ministry
merely of
To
"Ask, and
it
shall be given
Word, we add
fervent prayer.
shall
it
great
medium
God,
in
75
Prayer
man
is
the
holds with
sins,
which
Among
grace.
God
education of children.
The
amount of
surest
it
when he
irreligion
method
from
opinion, that
is
The
if
way he
to banish religion
families.
is
we
'
is to
it
banish
as his
duty in bringing up his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,
living ministry.
deep
guilt
it
Certain
it is,
exposed
brings
by leaving him
The
it
him from
might be expected
From
from the
an
irreligious
mother,
the child generally receives his earliest, his best, and his
76
most
first
all
thoughts,
to
his feelings
ings,
To
lasting impressions.
mould
her
it
which, amid
all
her child; which exert over his heart a most salutary influence,
Should he be so unhappy
gratitude.
membrance of
fall
as to
though he
be enticed by
mad
career;
and
God
blessed
holiness,
Precious
her and
call
the
memory
"her children
is
rise
up
her blessed."*
home from
Philadelphia, there
was
who
life
When he
to
He is the
his return
States.
On
account
had attained a
sufficient age,
if I
mistake
by perusing
the works of some infidel writers, and by the influence of ungodly companions,
his
mind was
corrupted, and he
owing
him
to his
the
sceptic.
He
remarked, however,
menced
became a
practice of physic,
and
his irrcligion
He afterwards com-
fre-
77
we
grace,
shall
They
"I
Serious meditation.
Psalmist, ^^and turned
Self-examination.
my
'
thought on
my
way,"
333^8
the
thy testimonies."
feet unto
destroyed."
The
believers.
It is
that
by the
men
are
commanded
quently noticed by others, and caused great grief to his pious parents.
an
infidel
and
One day
pany, one of which was his mother, and with a view, it was thought, of wound-
He
way he
is
when he
is
religiously always
turned out more wicked than others, and noticed him as an instance.
His
mother, a pious Scotch lady, was indignant at the impiety of the declaration,
and afterwards
more anxious
that
God would
vindicate the truth of his declarations than even for the salvation of her son.
God would
but
his word.
About
that
this
time her son was led to read the Scriptures with Scott's notes; deep impressions
He
Jesus Christ.
self to bestow
is
and became, we
now
trust,
to
He
me, "
11
am
78
when they thus use them, these blessings are usually reGod will have his own appointments honoured,
ceived.
we any right to expect his blessing while we nehave
nor
The
glect his institutions, or violate his commandments.
most diligent use of these means, however, does not lay
God would
us.
co-exist;
works acceptable
ness which
to
we have
God.
saved us."
to
work
They
Spirit.
of regeneration,
affigct
God
In effecting the
the heart.
deals with
man
as a rational
tations;
soul
and by appealing
to
Word,
truth
is
lemn, and
ties
affecting.
God; our
most sublime,
The worth
comes
In
to us
atten-
interesting, so-
The
Lord
is
is
warned of
sin.
mercy
is
indignation of the
while
79
is
is
In prayer
eternal
sion;
we
and
Every thing
fying grace.
his grace;
we humbly
prayer
in
is
Still,
Even
awaken
its
The new
will be in vain.
all
calculated to proto
heart
is
best
Spirit,
Holy
Spirit.
but ministers
to
then
*'I
is
who
Paul, and
is
Apollos,
Lord gave
Any
the increase.'^
success that
may
attend our
efforts
"The weapons
God.
"are not
down
Who
by whom ye
every man.'^
God gave
'<
carnal, but
to the pulling
itself against
to the
obedience
of Christ."
II.
we
it is
means
proceed to consider,
That
the
the duty of
all
discourse,
men
which
is to
show,
means.
We are
it is
the duty
80
it
has been
Much
we
think, be
ture and
aspects
removed by
They may be
design.
to
as
which
exists
and
as
means of
edifica-
tion to believers.
1.
as duties arising
which
man
is
may be considered
exists
every
specified
Word
bound
to listen
an humble acknowledgment of
Preserver, and Judge.
say to another, that
it is
acknowledge God
as
acts of worship, in
which we
man
is at
men do
not
not to be enjoined
for the
same objection
are
them
commanded
to a state of
all to
pushed
will apply to
to its utmost,
complete inactivity.
^''whether, therefore,
whatsoever ye do, do
we
if
them ought
ye
We
eat or drink, or
But must
fluenced
arises not
by holy principles ?
Our
obligation to
obey God
endowed with
we
faculties
bear to
As
and, as he
we
believe
all
that
is
perform
We
the powers
are
bound
to
he commands,
that
all
he appoints, and
all
worthy of
is
are
that he says, to
all
submit to
in the universe,
to
as his rational
Being
him
gt
to consecrate to his
which we
possess.
It is
pra5'er,
him
as
God over
all;
duties.
it
is
compare with
Scriptures, and to
duct.
It will not,
Berea,
who
we
it
his
it
by the
Word
with
light of the
ceived the
examine
to
all
all
con-
they of
re-
added,
"many
of them believed."
strong
commands which
"Strive
the
strait gait.'-'
found,
call
"Seek ye
the
are given to
in
our opin-
to enter in at
near."
" Stand ye
in
g2
llie
ways, and
see,
the
man
me, watching
that heareth
Blessed
is
waiting
at the posts
of
my
For w^hoso
doors.
at
the
your
it
my
not.
gates,
findeth
life,
is
souls."
findeth
and ye
therein,
me,
These,
is
obtained.
that,
When we
the world,
Holy
Spirit.
we
those nations
who enjoyed
has prevailed
among
The
destitute
of
who were
was among
the descendants of
pricstliood, the
It
Word, and
House
of
God, that the great body of the pious who lived before the
coming of Christ were found. Since that event, true piety
has prevailed, almost exclusively, in the Christian Church.
It
and
if
institutions
When we
template individuals,
we
still
Holy One
We pretend
not to
we deny extraordinary
we find, in fact, that God puts
of Israel; nor, do
among
success
truths,
its
and
83
observance of
its
ordinances.
gion in
blessed, the
his sins,
awakened
is
The
tion.
to the
narrow
till
gate,
own
"Force of Truth,"
conversion, and
it
who
seek
it
by
deemed.
While they
w^ere seeking
God
in-
faith.
3.
we
A third
are advocating,
is,
that those
who
and
we can
is
to
guard against
Whoever
By
so doing
34
An
awful denunciation
is
which
wo
<<Wo unto
if
cities
thee, Chorazin!
the mighty
works which
were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they
would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.'' Impenitent sinner, it is no speculation, it is solemn truth, that
if
rejected
is
by thee,
if it
penitence and
ble;
more
faith,
if it is
thy condemnation
is
and
certain
terri-
is
freely offered
is
to thee,
mayest obtain
salvation.
lest,
But
sin.
is
settled, in
When
pious parent.
is
a guilty
feels
'
himself to
lest
how
vain
is
mercy from
What
every
his
shall I
a sinner."
do
How
effort
God
to be
now
His
to deter
cries
saved?"
precious to
<<
He
the
Oh,
for
God be
him now,
is
merciful to
me
some promise of
to the
wounded
may
salvation, that
Helpless and
spirit.
sound that
is
uttered
by
his lips.
is
absurd would
it
God?
utterly
No
he knows that
"bring him up
He
in the nurture
to
is
know
of the
as
a child
divine grace
is
may accompany
his
efforts.
is
whom we
dare say,
'
There
you must
not attend the preaching of the Gospel; you must not read
the
word of God
religious duty.'
It
as absurd to
do
to
this, as it
any
would
12
86
the
from
from
sin
hope
Holy
we
Spirit
can
which
But,
III.
We
be considered.
it is
The
means
first
vation,
means.
God
the decree of
is,
unavailing; that,
if
God
has predestinated us to
sal-
be short.
It
pro-
The Bible
apply
it
all
The
means
as de-
who
out
all
their afiairs,
any end;
if sick,
God
for,
if poor,
on their
they
own
out as with
sentiment
is
just as absurd
2.
applied to the
when
common
affairs
of
life,
and
it
Every one
effort.
when
we
and dangerous
to
arc advocating
is,
that
it is
unscrip-
87
them
to rest
It is
diate submission to
and that
it
at
is
God;
our
to
peril, if
we
To render
we
ner,
awakened
replies,
my mind
there
so
is
much
cannot believe,
guilty; all
my
unless I receive
we
shall
say to
is
so blind,
He
cannot repent.
him
to
sin-
am
is
told
"be-
be saved."
He
arc so depraved,
my
heart, that
as helpless as I
am
by importunate prayer,
to enable
shalt
my affections
faith;
to repent
and believe
Shall
Holy
we
Spirit
exhort him
God?
this
may
would be
to
give dangerous,
Immediate submission
to
God must
if
be enjoined
may
be sudden
and awful.
sentiment.
classes of theologians
One
class holds it in
who
maintain this
God:
88
to
is
it is
as easy to repent
and believe
is
as
no other
is
man
universally , necessarily ^
is
regeneration.
We are
it
a fearful departure
that
we con-
truth.
it
dependence on
on the mercy of
own
to
renounce
all
mode
and
his
The
much
represented as a
new and
a natural
insisted on,
and
it
moral kind.
between
distinction
is
made long
before,
Calvinistic divines,
wholly unobjectionable.
Now,
lieve,
religion.
sinner
stantaneously, and
do so
as to raise
who
and they
frowned on,
on
to repent
is
it
and believe
in-
him
to
as easy for
as
In relation
called
is
assured, that
is
89
this sentiment,
to
1.
power
to believe
power
and repent
the
Word
and
Surely
it
to regenerate himself,
yet, that
There
to believe,
to hear, or read
can, therefore,
for discouraging
The
means.
tion,
and
were
it
2.
we
think, that
we might
own
refuta-
and repent,
not exhort
prayer.
it its
To
lieve
men
The
is
to hear,
it
is at
dangerous.
our peril,
Word
of
We
we do
God with
if
is
keeps impenitent
fact, in
duty.
Here,
all
class of divines
power
to
perform
all
who
maintain
But
it
90
is
somewhat remarkable,
man
which
Adam the
error to
ment
which he
last
in theology; as
which he relinquishes
in accepting of
it
Gospel truth
doned, and
do not
is,
it
is
lukewarm
made
They
generate?
sins; as
that they
with the
Word
men
to
of God,
Do
while unre-
who
is
deliverance of
death
in relation
mind
the carnal
We
it.
consider the
and
we
human
formalists.
state of spiritual
is
Is the
bondage and
uniformly declared to be
It is a resurrection
a victory gained
is
exerted in
its
accom-
new
crea-
Let
True, they are; but the figures are strong and expressive.
What
is
new
is
is
life
into a
Yet, the
effected in
"You
in trespasses
and sins."
hath he quickened,
What
the
is
91
who were
work
dead
of creation but
men, previous
all
to regeneration,
by the Holy
calls it a
in Christ he
new
is
workmanship, created
work
Spirit,
new
and their
"
creation.
produc-
first
when he
effects this
any man be
If
"We
men
Nay
of regeneration, that
in
it is
no respect
theirs,
it is
in
your
hath he reconciled."
Let
now
work which
the
Holy Ghost
may
be dismissed with a
tisfied, that
it
de-
clared, to be the
it
are his
good works."
has
made
this
volume of
in the
cavil,
and a subterfuge,
To
we
are sa-
represent the
fulness,
it
It
is
encourages him to
way
of an immediate application to
Wp
remark,
still
manner
in
which
No
truths are
repeatedly taught in
Scripture
more
and
clearly, strongly,
that
we
we
are
are reconciled to
God through
for heaven,
92
which
tre in
medium
all
Christ
Spirit.
is
the cen-
and yet,
to the sinner;
we sometimes
God,
to
them
hear
imme-
to
be disposed of ac-
him
this
as the
mode
We
believe that
racters, as the
we
by not
it
it
of the
Holy
may
with
The work
it
sufficient clearlife.
Spirit in regenerating
men,
"
is
an-
We
are
Holy
Ghosf
He
purifies the
helplessness, and
which
What
then are
we
to think of those
his ability to
Holy
who alone can renew and purify his heart?
They may be boastingly proclaimed as improvements in
Spirit,
theology, and as evidencing the march of mind, and the increase of light; but they really divest the Gospel of
its
most
93
may
glorify
Holy
of the
Spirit,
him
direct
saved or
damned according
drawing
his attention
though
practically,
to
from Christ
we hope
submit to God, to be
as the
by with-
only Saviour, do
work
from
spiritual death.
Our
last
remark under
this
head
is,
that usually a
as
happened on
is
The
purpose
of
tks, at the
commencement
it
in
the conversion
of what
I
vivals of religion.
slander.
The
Hence we
find the
13
is
great; and
leading
most
distinguishing between
is
But
apostate man.
men
into
is
it
the danger of
an awful thing
spiritual
delusion.
mere conviction
of sin
and
real
94
conversion;
laynig
instantaneous conversions
and
we
sometimes,
fear,
as
though
it
were crimi-
is
when
we speak of the work of the Spirit of God; and wo to the
man who reviles or opposes that work! But there are some
The present
points on which we may speak without fear.
Caution and reverence are never more necessary than
age
is
to
other times.
But
by
apostles,
Spirit will
of sinners.
is
tine,
It
make
eJQTectual for
the conversion
no other Gospelj
ments or innovations,
should
fall
upon us
lest,
**if
refine-
Magnifying the
let
him be
ac-
Spirit; confidently
pronouncing on
who do
and enemies
95
to revivals of religion
these,
deed,
there
is
While we
revivals with
which
many
awaken
things to
new
the assumption of
opposition
to creeds
is
the explanation of
its
were
hostile to
minds of many a
The
will,
we
freedom of in-
made
to force
the distractions
which
open
plain declara-
new
fondness for
infidelity.
for the
metaphysical speculations
tions
God
serious apprehensions,
wrong,
bless
in theology, as
v^re
In-
in proclaiming their
own
also
al-
superior wisdom,
always been
disn
tinguished for undervaluing the importance of sound doctrine, for a bitter and crafty disingenuousness, which, under
the pretence of liberality, denounces, as bigotted and narrow
minded,
truth
all
which
those
is
who contend
when mere
for a
if
who
oppose with
96
shall be hurried, in
communion
an uncon-
when
valued, and error on fundamental points shall be extensively preached, then will the glory have departed from our
death pierce
chills of spiritual
its
vitals.
The plainness of these remarks, will, no doubt, be censured by many, who are for treating with gentleness the inroads of error, and would cast the mantle of charity over
the defects of those
would reply,
who
conduct of
its
are
most
that the
is
To
advovates.
its
effectual aid
such
we
to palliate, excuse, or
them
defend the
as holy, de-
who oppose
zeal.
Truth
we remember who
and mistaken
is its
cause to
condemned
has
We
when there
is
is
no peace."
a second
class
of divines
change
that a sinner
is
conviction of our being utterly lost must precede an application to the Saviour.
he,
as a sinner
undone."
fall
we
reply,
1.
peril, if
we
is
point of inquiry
is,
exhorted
for
sin-
is at
it
our
fluences of the
The only
us.
may hope
to rest
we
This however
him
if
97
Holy
Spirit,
on Christ by
which
If
faith.
in the dili-
those in-
to receive
any exhort
sinners, as
it
has been asserted that some do, to lay at the pool of ordi-
satisfied
God
till
Such,
err.
is
From
it
can be selected with ease, from the writings of the old di-
we
vines,
Alarm, and
as follows:
is
The
<^
^^
is
a fair exhibition
quotation
is
from Al-
it
upon thy
art a lost
man,
if
if
must unlearn
thyself,
Rom.
x. 3.
own
recover
hearing, con-
Thou
reading,
heart,
Christ.
Acts
iv.
12.
Thou
own wisdom,
thy
thy
as a
flesh,
98
Luke
Christ.
xviii.
Phil
9.
iii.
3.
8, 9.
shake off
Can the
Isa. Ixiv. 6.
5.
iii.
who
when thou
thyself,
Therefore,
the
7,
strength.
the
in
at
way
in the
of
%ficts
fell
While
Spirit.
When
28, 29.
viii.
Holy Ghost
the
Holy Ghost
here
art
in the help of
God
Philip to him.
tres-
goest to pray, or
did send
the disciples
his friends
were hearfilled
them
all.
do
deavouring
will
dead in
art
which thou
thy own
iii.
its
Spirit, as
Fhil.
lifeless carcase
as well as
in the
come upon
way
thee,
to
Lord
do what of thyself
We
or in a sinful way.
generate
more
men
It
all
all
is
if
sinful motives,
sinful
maintain that
sinful
are
means from
but
It
is
some
if
would be emboldened
and they
life,
lo
99
It is better
that they should attend on, than that they should neglect
may
There
is,
mote
thereby a
that
wickedness of their
the religious
in
Some aim
only to pro-
make
Of such,
it is
^*
said, that
abomination."
Others
forts to be saved,
is
an
and
ef-
efforts arise
not from faith and love, but from the fear of deserved wrath,
yet they are more acceptable to God, than the heartless per-
from conviction of
sin,
efforts
which
^^
from grace,
carried on
is
by
we pretend
the young ravens when they cry;
God hears
Ahab humbled himself
far the
not to decide.
because
How
it
because
to
him and
his posterity,
was
evil
mercy of an awakened
pretend to determine.
ways;
and
sinner avail
far
the
with God,
and prayed,
fasted,
how
cries for
we
tell
shall not
when
the
communi-
100
an awakened
or what actions of
cated,
sinner
proceed
We
tempt
observe
further, that,
still
means of grace,
to use the
when men
that they
The
seriously at-
become acquaint-
is
means of grace
is
they
lest
repentance and
they
faith,
w^ill
who
is
tell
him he must
a sinner,
in the
treatment, as unskilful as
Redeemer,
that
flax
it is
to
him, appears
be a
to us to
We are
unkind.
told of the
you
blessed
to address
awakened conscience,
and
But
The preacher
of the Gospel
is
to
commissioned
to
who
all
their
them the
cheerfully afford
instruction and
encouragement
it
awakened
and make an
to a sense of their
effort to
spiritually good.
forth strength,
only when
it is
danger of perishing,
Then
first,
in
sincerity, to
to
When
put
first
is
it
GRACE.
loi
They
good.
all
their weakness,
prayers;
backwardness
to
hold
and
many
all
their re-
It is after
sad
compelled
to
that grace
is
way
to enter in
ment
gate
by the use
in the
A few remarks designed for the practical improveof our subject, shall close our discourse.
cles discourage,
shall
his
at the strait
in
1.
souls,
ven
Thus, while
be saved.
to life.
IV.
the
may
of means,
we
it
own
is
strait
profit a
soul?"
bliss.
Let no obsta-
"Strive to enter in
at the
by force."
gate."
it
difficulties affiright, or
his
Word
14
for
Read them
By
frequently,
102
commit your
may
souls to
him; live
in
falling,
faultless
souls.
It will
no
avail to plead in
and
The
my
is
carnal
my
is
a proof of the
mind
to live at
that I prefer
thee
against
it,
such
is
my
God
enmity
mourn over
delight
is
enmity with
offences
and
be of
inability to repent
excuse your
in
"As
by
sin,
ambasus,
we
Is
government
do you find
that
no
efforts,
avail to deliver
God your
he would give
however,
of
sin
to
and
it;
his Spirit to
renew your
souls.
Suffer
me,
state
mote your
salvation.
in
to pro-
103
you have abused; the many sabbaths which you have profaned; the many prayerless days which you have spent;
stifled,
Think you
proof hated.
stand convicted of
that
and
in scenes of riot
may
companions, you
gion, but
you
all
it
jest
with these
sinful
mighty God.
When
away with
great noise, and the earth be burnt up, and the elements
by him,
fire
Immersed
in
As
.^
Be
before the
entreated
But there
strides to ruin.
is
him
to
our
God
for
wiU
he will abun-
dantly pardon."
3.
Finally.
endeavour
to hold
we
we
to
we should
make ad-
104
and love, and implore his grace; and through them he be-
mere
lifeless
we
God is
fulfilled
sliould
a Spirit,
in spirit
our duty.
remember
attempts to worship,
rest-
and
In
all
our
the declaration of
and they
in
have attended on the means, we should press on our consciences the inquiry,
^'what
spiritual benefits
vances have
made
in
I re-
Thus
shall
have
when
shadows, of
conflict,
and of
sin,
we
shall
be
worship of heaven.
IV.
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
among
Cor. V. 13.
A man that is
Tit.
iii.
an
10.
The Church
God
of
is
The
of her Lord.
to manifest
all
power
in-
in
stitutes
and appoints
some
apostles;
And
work
body of Christ."
The language
dressed at
first to
his apostles,
sense to
all
he gave
<'
15
applies
in a
subordinate
<
What-
106
and whatsoever ye
The
heaven."
quired,
shall loose
by divine
shall
be loosed in
institution, to teach
"Take
Churches.
on earth,
and
re-
to rule in the
Spirit hath
all
made you
the
over-
I exhort," says
over them.
who
<'
labour in the
No community
can exist
is
indispens-
if
circle,
laws,
What
were prostrated ?
How
The Church
is
to assert the
by
The Lord
to
make known
their observance
it is
and
to rule;
by
all
its
is
subjects.
established
The government
of
and
ratification.
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
But here perhaps
it
may
be inquired,
107
there no uncer-
is
Do
stitutions
fact
prove our
liability to
we
we
laws of Christ,
Does not
Is
in-
this
it
not
To
these inquiries
tain.
were
so, the
Church would be
without
left
On
tion.
the contrary,
it is
humble
who
all
will
impute
where
is
Christians, if
we
aright
tions.
no
fault in those
all
No man
differ
from
name of
who
ness of Scripture, in
ness;
is
We are
its
all,
to
understand
commands and
institu-
Divine revelation.
It is
is
the laws of
God
108
may
We
and
body of
The
officers
unworthy;
members; and
I. It
to
upon offending
We cheerfully
Saviour's
all
nations."
We
therefore, and
acknowledge
it
to
make
disciples of
all,
to incul-
cate
Lord Jesus
Christ, and to
make known
prospects furnished
*'
He
to
that believeth
We rejoice in
the
in the
and
is
bap-
for the
and
destitute.
We
who
hav-
ing received Christian instruction, and having given credible evidence of faith and piety, are admitted into the'bosom
of the Church,
We
it is
reign of
bless
It
is
all
Immanucl
whole
earth,
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
It is lamentable,
the Gospel
is
however,
Look upon
in the Church.
who
observe
to
109
think so
at large;
you
will find
cities,
immense num-
little
They
give
attention.
They hear
the Gospel,
occasionally,
lament the
who
we
state,
the melancholy
fact.
many
we pray that the Holy Spirit, by
may incline the hearts of men uni-
insensibility,
But
Church
the reception of
Is
sa-
We
We
every
who,
all
restriction,
for
life.
to be
to enter?
name and
To
kingdom
it
to
To admit
fidelity to their
which
and
that
the
command
of Christ,
16
kingdom
"Except
of
^*
Give not
man be
God:" he cannot
110
earth, or of
'*
is
joy
in the
Christ
is
Holy
Spirit.
For he
clean.'^
The
crimination.
The promiscuous
tainly
essential
its
of
introduction
of
and appropriate
consist? of
men
who
them
cer-
give evidence
by
they are partakers of the divine nature, and of the righteousness of our Lord Jesus; who, by a diligent obedience to
the
commands and
institutions of Christ,
Are
society as this?
Nothing
so incongruous
would be
aii
toler-
tne declared
Would any
society receive to
its
fellowship
men whose
principles?
It
its
pri-
surely re-
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
characteristic is holiness to
Church,
to
fession of his
The
name.
officers of the
to
guard with
as-
From
and
to gratify those
will not be
cially to
by
employed
who
evince a prepossession in
is
to exclude the
Hence
equivocating heretic.
There
truth,
upon the
knowledged
its
who
mo-
are not at
principles.
It is undeniable, that
many
Are we expected
of the
to find,
Holy
who
zealously in-
Scriptures.
Now
to be faithfully derived
it
has become no
contain,
from the
uncommon
thing
113
day.
This
of
state
cision
and perspicuity.
The
anticipated.
the standards
as darkness
from
is
language of
It is
Could
it
Might
it
articles
of
to receive
doctrine which they do not believe, and which they consider themselves required to contradict and repudiate?
Our Presbyteries
are
bound
to watch,
istry.
themselves.
will gain
The
doctrines of
A tide
away
all
the landmarks
the Church.
As watchmen on
to us to see that
it
on, be permitted to
belongs
may
put
man who
is
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
i;j;35
tached to our system, ought not to obtrude himself uponus; and if he should attempt it, the Presbytery must abhor
the thought of participating in the guilt of his prevarication
and falsehood.
The
is
owing, in
with which
men
preach
among
Some
us.
Presbyteries,
said,
it is
have
at his ordination;
dis-
be
to
and others
Perhaps
may
say with truth, that none have been duly alert in guarding
We
are
now
suffering
Some
more pernicious
comes us
ror
may
as to
to guard
Any
An
er-
such consequences,
we
error,
objects;
whom
it
and
is
is
Such an
Indeed
was made.
to
it
is
and insure,
impor-
an abuse of language,
offences of
all
of this character.
is
atonement of Christ
its
be-
divinity.
to
to
in
it
him or them,
in behalf of
whom
it is
offered j
The
inconceivable suffer-
114
ings of our
called an exhihitiouy
you
an atonement;
please, except
an atonement
but
if
men, and
make
those for
whom
God, of
Redeemer became
the atoning
all
surety.
An
it
will soon be
it
would be easy
show how
to
all
soul.
these
it is
enough
ardous
is it
following in
Let
to
we must
that in
One
of these
Church?
its train.
those, then,
who
and responsible
trust reposed in
into the
Church of
beware of admitting
the Church,
men who,
An increase
its
noft
authorized princi-
Church.
them
and ruling in
haz-
of them,
them.
know
to
How extremely
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
2.
The
officers of the
discipline
whose members
Ufl
to exercise
In every society,
is
necessary.
If
from the
may
In seats of learning,
require.
by the application of
tion maintained,
The Lord
suitable discipline.
and welfare of
Warnings, admonitions,
Church.
his
re-
Notwithstanding
and
lia-
How
dicated?
and
ed?
The
Scriptures
No
means.
the misconduct of
cipline be
members,
promptly applied.
if
the proper
No
encouragement
is
given
will be followed
3.
The
by adequate
rules of the
ployed
cient,
to reclaim
correction.
an offending
If every
member
to
exclude
means em-
be found insuffi-
Church.
The
^16
no room
for doubt
yourselves that
tic after
the
on
first
this subject:
wicked person."
<*
man
that
is
an here-
quotations might be
made
"If he
same purpose.
to the
man and
to
must
power
him be
a publican;" an apostle
Every
Other
to exclude those
society
whose membership
is
The Church
ciate
members
asso-
and
can be no exception to
upon the
Its
this.
If the con-
and
it is
Church
no longer
The
when
in its fellowship.
him
to declare
to
be
it, is
an indispensable and
will arise,
by
whom
we
it.
is
Who
the disci-
are author-
and
I
have no disposition
to ecclesiastical
wrong
in
them,
to enter into
polity;
is
an argument in relation
at large.
You
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
lerian
Church on
this subject.
II7
You have no
disposition to
by
The Waldenses,
God and
truth,
when
the
all
the world
Romish
Under
hierarchy.
When
found most
effectual in
strictly
maintained,
it
in purifying the
licentiousness
religion.
Presbyterianism
own Church,
is
We deeply
We
to the
are polluted
And we
by the
blas-
opinions have
Whilst
we
its
men who
standards.
we
Presbyterianism,
17
if
faithfully applied,
lis
found
insufficient
her
efficient
to
them.
prevent
be wanting, the
shoals, or be
The
noblest ship
faithful
The
may
if
these
will soon
ill-fated vessel
crew;
constitution
if
it is
glected;
if
no pains be taken
to
men
are no-
them-
or-
make no
effiart
to repress their
tion,
upon
as a matter of astonishment,
it
to
presump-
be looked
to
illiberal
rian?
or remiss,
it
strict ad-
and secta-
become corrupt
Church,
or to
inflict
and licentiousness.
deserved
But
if,
is
the pure doctrines of the Gospel are venerated, and the duties
it
show
is
no system of government
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
which possesses superior
pating them.
facilities for
119
Its
members
are, in general,
and
imposing
more anxious,
to
do what
is
just
right.
The
bytery, after
and obvious.
full
The members
of the Pres-
if
defi-
it is
office is,
by
this
The avenue
to the sacred
manner.
To
the Presbytery
it
also belongs to
watch with
who abandon
all its
solici-
members;
marked out by
our standards, and launch into the sea of novelty and error;
and to preserve the churches under their care from the con-
The
happiest ef-
faithful ad-
may
herence to our ecclesiastical standards, and a firm determination to assert their authority.
It will
be found that a
and
to
120
To
Assembly,
it
Church more
at large, to correct
what
is
and
lent error
and
to devise
Here, then,
system of
compact,
harmonious,
united
is
wisdom and
is
is
wrong
in
any
may
common
Whether we contemplate
we
and authority,
it,
the
practice, or in
theory or
to
be exerted for
part;
of the whole.
government,
According
energetic.
hand, whatever
ecclesiastical
regard
benefit
system in
scriptural evidence
to
this
why
it
may
not com-
whom
apostles
he had chosen.
all
And
power of gov-
whom
they ordained
ernment
The
in every city.
authority
by the people
tenanced in the
The
1.
The
administration of ecclesiastical
at large, is
New Testament.
resting
lowed
in its
manded
to
members.
The
God from
case, if sin
be
al-
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
between the holy and unholy; and
to
121
remove
from
far
When
they ne-
holy.''
Sin, at
all
times, and
obligation rests
wherever found,
The wicked he
to
The same
God's displeasure.
upon the
is
make
it
offensive
reserves to the
am
He
will
by no means
is
in-
unchangeable determination
redeemed people
are,
tion
to
to
punish
it.
come.
If,
life,
they
therefore, sin be
if
against
it,
and remove
To
its
come and
fight
avoid, therefore, or
The
faults of
cal
hereti-
of the faithful.
2.
Discipline
of believers,
sinful.
and
is
to reclaim
sation of the
pensable
offensive
and
utility.
is
The ambassador
of Christ must
show unto
by
a faithful
must
call
them
to repentance
and amendment.
But
if
an
122
member be
offending
not reclaimed
and
if
the private
the Church
Pub-
means enjoined by
effect,
employed
found
as the case
insufficient,
There
severe.
is
"In
name
of our
Lord Jesus
my
gether, and
spirit,
word by
this epistle,
may
spirit
"And
if
may be saved
any man obey
be ashamed.
its
in
the
not our
company
among
the
tion
when ye
Christ,
as
Discipline,
When,
children.
members
rulers of the
to
any of the
Discipline
is
it.
The
greatest defections
which have
to
The
still
or rebuke,
more dangerous,
will
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
assailed; pernicious errors will
123
new
Look
at the
in like a
world; you will find that such has been the progress of
things
corrupt
little,
brought about.
We
to account
any de-
of danger.
in
greater light of the present age, and from the apparent piety
of those
who
Church
se-
To
is
Know
not good.
The peace
may
be a
ye
not, that a
Purge
little
leaven
new lump."
acts
we
There
is
disturbing
no good reason
have given us
ger;
who have
stitutions
much more
sufficient cause to
propriety to those
why
The
who
in-
obligations to
Sweet peace
heavenly peace
much
as
we
love thee,
we
banner waves over our Zion, and her bulwarks are assailed by
124
an invading foe.
to the
in every age, possess credit and currency within our ecclesiastical limits,
we
Changes
The
evil, if these
To
is
who
matter
its
highest permanent
by
discipline
is
often indispensable.
Discipline
4.
is
ever
is
brethren,
"Now,
them."
in the
name
the Gospel,
if
to the
holy institutions of
try?
and
still
more,
error,
sin.
By the
authority of Christ, for the glory of his name, for the reputation of religion in the world, the licentious
and disorderly,
its
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
1|6
demands
down
formity with
The
it,
in the
must be
Scripture,
scrupulously followed.
hostility, or pri-
are
It
by
motives;
and
must be evident
by upright
influenced
and conscientious
intentions,
solemn regard
a sincere desire to
and
injustice,
it
would be vain
upon the
a favourable impression
much
sess.
fiance,
is
not unfrequently
it
is
divested of
ought to pos-
contemned and
inflictions.
its
set at de-
This can-
He
that
despises the discipline of the Church, despises the institution and authority of the
Son of God.
"Whosesoever
The man
sins
ye
at the
retain,
day of
final ac-
bound
the Church,
is
repentance,
and
and contempt of
to practise
amendment.
this
submission, humiliation,
If he
do
18
not,
his
abuse
judge the
136
It is
is
it
of importance, to
is
Whatever
wrong by
is
proved
disci-
to
be
is
remove every
to
and promote
is
stain
It
and
If
guilt.
formance of relative
if
he be grossly deficient
duties, if
in the per-
The
private
insuffi-
means
cient, the
Church must
munication.
resort to public
censure, or excom-
employment of
an imperative duty.
The
discipline of the
truth that
God
is
It
is
glorified,
doctrine,
is
of the highest
blessedness.
On
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
127
may
error
be employed
It is possible that
We
counterfeit religion.
all,
must be able
to
furnish
more
and
and
to the testimony; if
word,
it is
because there
to this
The
no light in them."
trans-
we remember
God is pleased to
ated, if
that
sanctification,
that
it
is
it
is
Beyond
the limits of
no indication of divine
influ-
him
Church
The
history of the
Christ,
Gospel; and no
zeal,
however
ardent, no exertions,
blessed
however
portionate to
It
its
importance.
upon
man would
community, whose
harmony with
his
own; and
religious faith
that
was not
in
which he
is
member.
But
128
these anticipations,
however reasonable,
are contradicted
made,
at
Most
is
which they
God
Faith,
among them.
practised
give information to
all
ples
Christians
is
The
whom
may
is
a right to
society
ral,
is
common ground
Concealment
name
all
as true
croachment upon
is
disingenuous, illibe-
How
basis of agreement,
nized by
has
constituted.
some
of
This
The world
know
to
is
some
principles
and important?
In this there
is
no en-
We have unques-
Some
is
The
all
creeds
Bible, say
The
if all
in
the
who
profess to believe
same interpretation of
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
The
them.
139
But
this is so far
down
tion,
tial to
Bible
Church,
we
alone
every
find
equally pro-
revealed religion.
profession
case, that
It is
cannot
salva-
and essen-
secure sound
tliis
doctrmc in any
who
that
among men
dif-
make
this profession.
In
fact,
of belief
among them,
some
creed,
avow-
some
case,
to
faith.
object, not so
much
Perceiving
this to
be the
to a creed or confession, as
as those
which the
are,
The
creed of the
which
all
obvious to inquire,
principles, in
we
shall
which
no
who
all
What
difficulty in
But here
Who
it
few simple
preliminary question.
settle the
Is there
tians?
how
are Chris-
who may
be interested in them?
upon the
their
common
faith;
cerned.
pel,
and
130
sions;
ed
is
rors to
articles to
by the number of
er-
The
denomination of Christians.
details
common by
in
in reality deter-
which
all,
up the
fill
or are logically
The
much to
They may pro-
extended; but
far
it is
its
fundamental doctrines.
with
it
to explain themselves,
y^rmc^;^/ doctrines,
will
is
directed against
This
e^^e;?//^/ characteristics.
di-
men and
'^some
lasting life,
and others
" Yet, so
thereby neither
as
fore-ordaiiijed to everlasting
is
God
death."
rather established."
sec.
i.
ill. vii.
is
is
the
away, but
iii.
him and
fell
him
first
transgression;" that in
sin, all
men
are
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
by
lessness,
unto
all
131
that
all
spiritually good:
is
ability of will to
man
in sin,
any
not able
is
opposite
spiritual good,
by
made
own
his
strength to convert
himself.''
They teach
that
'^
the
Lord
Son of God,,
by
whom
inheritance,
the
Neither
are
They
satisfaction
and received by
They
them,
generation,
in
to
faith alone.
is
the
which man
is
diate, internal,
work
power and
grace,
imme-
and
of God's almighty
Holy
Spirit,
redemption.
They show
fruit
that holiness
election,
They
who
everlasting
life.
shall,
Holy
Spirit, certainly
essential
132
there
is
of his objecting
Faith;
of
It
details.
its
If
its
against
is
essential
^way what we
we must change
human
cast
scriptural Divinity;
as
we must
as the
wanderings of the
inspiration.
made
for the
which
A determination
ought not
no
or
importance,
of
to
weakness of the
diversities of opinion
of independent minds.
be attempted of questions of
doubtful
disputation,
concerning
It is
highly expedient,
however, that every religious society should furnish an exhibition of the principal articles of their faith,
rules and practices prevalent
bond of
fair
ful
and
among them.
is
By
and of the
these
sym-
liberal disclosure is
made
to the
community
in
Church indicate
which
to the
it
is
it
adopted.
its
members^
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
183
if
in the re-
Can
any harmony of judgment or sentiment exist in such a community? Is not the bond of union and fellowship virtually
and necessarily broken, by such unwarrantable liberties?
We
larized
a state
we
have heard of
it
with amazement.
We
never considered
it
What judgment,
then, shall
it
It is
in
not to be de-
when speaking
me,
it
and contempt,
However
this
to
be agreeable to the
conduct
may
Holy
Scrip-
appear to others,
to
may
lately burst
upon
new
light has
it is
un-
19
134
it
enabled them
to
new
make improvements
ments of their
intellects
light, of
it
new scheme
beyond the
attain-
is
to be essentially erro-
What
the consequence?
is
boast, has
all
in divinity far
fathers; if
which they
course
dictate?
its
not.
Every manly
to
withdraw from
to
pretensions to
new
light,
Church,
retain
We
honesty.
community
reject,
to
title to fairness
and
man who, at
when
with
its
its
principles;
office
we
detest
the
baseness
vital interests.
Such
a course deserves
severe disapprobation of
all
honourable men.
Every
man
it
let
reli-
mark
all
of
fair
man-
If
any
him, be-
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
impugn
which he knows
well
It is
to
it,
I35
renounce
a profession
known
These
would be
fatal to
fathers,
The
exploded.
moulded
fication are
If adopted, they
we
and which
we
believe to be
are
dif-
Adam,
some
we
into a form, in
The
man,
is
maintained to be ample
the ex-
Spirit is
by
recommended
to our
provements
When
in theology.
all
at-
the
Shall
Shall
the sup-
discoun-
by
those,
The
who, above
all
others, are
to
which we belong,
bound
to be faithful?
standards,
salutary.
It has
has
proved
done much
to
to be
136
is
known: and
from
total
ence
to their excellent
deter-
schemes
ferent
American Presbyterians!
your imitation.
commendable
Here
are examples
becoming and
It is
fidelity
worthy of
truth;
your exertions.
may
animating,
It is
it
efibrts
delightful, to behold
in
May we
awakened
in
our Church;
be
manifested to preserve inviolate the pure doctrines of Scripture and of our Confession; and that a state of things will
soon
exist, in
which
heresies,
who,
to
superadd
solemn engagements.
and every
evil
to
to
and
Would
it
not be strange,
if
the
The
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
enjoin
to avoid, to
reject, to cut
We
tlie
retain
much
them
in
off",
those
are
who
com-
corrupt
tenance,
We
its
manded
I37
to
least coun-
our fellowship, or to
it.
not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither
bid
for
is
lished standards.
We
maintain,
estab-
strict
spiration.
its
member
authority, no
appeal from
thrown
or corrected.
its
to
of our
decision.
community
is
aside,
retains
permitted to
It is the
No man
if
he be judged by the
with
the reach of
he
it,
its
is
at perfect liberty to
We
jurisdiction.
If he
become
must pronounce
that to
that to be
and
dis-
withdraw beyond
to
screen
themselves from
to
deserved rebuke.
them attempting
At
bring for-
one time,
you
will find
ward
new
their
religious
awakening;
at
another
time,
to
they
are
seen
138
recommend
labouring to
by
it,
subtle
men
If one of these
physical reasoning.
is
be called to an ac-
He
he
He
not essential.
trines
differs
his explanation,
Much
age, of
is
although
is
flat
light,
it is
differs
evident, that
contradiction
same doc-
only in his
what he
calls
of the doctrine.
spirit
and more
positively
words^ or in points
and that he
believe,
heard of the
new
in
which others
explanation of them
amazement,
It is
enough
our
to excite
if
whose
few
all
to set
But surely
to talk about
Improvements
in divinity!
to
revelation been
in
stranget"?
in divinity, of
which we hear
so
much?
I an-
mark
In the
Christ,
we
call
upon
all
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
the
members
I39
among
At no time
us.
The
in
affairs ap-
sweep away
petuosity, threatening to
as excellent,
all
that
we
venerate
and
institutions.
We
awake
to the
may
to repel
we
at
present enjoy.
We ought to, and I hope we do, love and revere the establishWe know that under their
ed principles of our standards.
influence, our society has greatly prospered; and
many among
and
How
may
it
should be
be transmitted unimpaired to
many
We
essential respects, an
your children,
to the
promulgation of notions
unknown
The
to our orthodox and scriptural Confession of Faith.
to
meet
every atindignant rebukes of the churches, ought
tempt
to introduce
We
rity
call
to reflect
Beloved brethren,
it is
at this
upon the
eventful
140
that the
acknow-
It
far as
your authority
unknown
to our standards,
in all past
ages, essentially
repugnant
structive to
all
Holy
to the
Much is expected
in the faith,
you
as
most
likely,
under God,
We
look
our limits.
Ministers of the everlasting Gospel,
exert the authority, which
Lord
we
call
upon you
to
it
To
you,
When men
Church by
corrupt
the
sound
state,
by
and
and
distract
the
to restore the
Gospel,
body
to a
is
ercise of Christian
to
OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
141
command
To
will
have a witness
you
light
fidelity
in
May the
witness in heaven.
and direction in
and firmness,
all
let
us
all,
you
Head
will
have a
to stand for
God and
truth; and to
croachment of mischievous
And
great
my
errors.
we
made
us free from
we have come
Unless
we
Holy
mere
are sanctified
by the
speculative under-
Let us endeavour, by
to
things, that
Saviour in
all
also appear
with him
20
a life
and conversation
God our
appear, we may
when he
in glory.
shall
VI
hrj
the
"When we
The
truth that
countable being,
man
is
Son." /2om.
is
v. 10.
the foundation of
all
religion.
It
is
Just so
sin.
far,
and so
clearly,
therefore, as
men
are conscious of sin, are they convinced that they are the
objects of the divine displeasure.
sin is universal, so also is the
The
As
the consciousness of
every considerate human being, with an energy and importunity which cannot be resisted.
to
be regained
The answer
How
is
if
he
is
mistaken here,
21
is,
if
God
For,
the favour of
he adopts
it.
wrong method of
144
For
we
else, are
as there
in the
may
is
it
be,
is
denied or
neglected.
question,
vi.
When
should be forborne.
this
man
is
God, or on which he
is
Happily
There
is
serted,
with
we
as-
all
unto
if
feet.
God by
method of re-
The declaration is so
that we are reconciled
deny
ture to
that
what
is
is
in
secured.
sufferings of the
It
it
is
how
is it
arises,
that the
is
no
little
diversity of opi-
agitated
we
Why
are saved
not
by
are related
We should
be
at a loss for
to
145
admit that
if
mode
feel ready-
all
is
connected
sin,
subject be vain,
The manner
in
if
But
not impious.
which the
sufferings of the
much
as
is
Redeemer
is
itself.
are
revealed as the
sins,
than as
it
all
no other connexion
and
all
all
be changed
then have
faith,
we
ano-
We
beyond the
limits of re-
when we
ask,
How it is
may
all, it is
be-
The
as the
first is
that
Christ, not
it is
tendency
to effect this
firmation which
someone
makes of
it
change
is
as
instrumental in proIts
truth in particular;
to
it
146
deemer
or to
The
influence.
be produced,
is
pardon
effect,
is
it is
According
secured.
it
view,
to this
end of punishment
is
exercise of
is
re-
The second
if
is
or of mystical philosophy.
ral religion,
that as the
is
may-
in virtue of
The
death of Christ
from
sin, as the
Atonement,
nor
it
of-
endured under
remove
Its effect is to
governmental
pensation of pardons.
The
sity of
third
arise
from
sin,
and the
itself,
tributive justice
Atonement
is
is
included.
Consequently,
its
divine justice.
while
dis-
the
infinite
primary object
It is, therefore,
is
to
God on
all intelli-
punishment, or
in the infliction
147
And
of the sinner.
its effect is to
secure reconciliation on
trine
is
the subject,
may
it
be necessary to
endeavour
to
show
is
Before entering on
When
are used.
it is
which
said, the
sufferings of Christ
word punishment
used in
is
its
The
of a legal sentence.
This would be no
moral sense.
who
consistent
with
when
Again,
the
it is
plainest
declarations
of
it
is
same
self.
is
The
is
it
any and
pain,
all
according to
definite
its
which
sustains to the
regard to
human
is
any one
however
punished.
not
form or amount of
Even with
is
specific
imposes, but
law
in
more than
as
Such an idea
Scripture.
abhorrent
less
character and
amount of
suffering are
its
modified
by ten
148
thousand
A youth
fair
more and
many
under the
worthy of
prospects and
differently
It is,
cir-
therefore, of
all
ings were not penal, because they were not the same in
character as those which the actual sinner would have ex-
perienced.
entire
commutation
We
being
lost.
idea
we mean to convey.
we maintain, in
It
ac-
and Christ
suffered death
is,
The law
in the
threatened death
inflicted
The
modern Lutheran
It
punishment,
we
divine.* *<It
is
its
character from
its
of this definition
tion,
and from
all
is
view
to his
pardon.
The
correctness
149
may
be suspended
own
we
Word
if
That
person.
two following
the
princi-
The
to
whom
to
them by
in the sense
their readers
is
in
mode
in
mode
all
in
this,
he ascer-
In doing
lies at
to
be
to re-
the founda-
The other
principle
is,
that although
it is
it
employ such
them
is
modes
accommo-
of thinking and
mode
of instruction as would
by adopting
Much
their false
less
would
150
We
when
sa-
cred writers really meant something different from the obvious import of their language, on the ground of their having
accommodated themselves
To
they wrote.
what
at
is
whom
what
doctrinally correct,
is
is
The
Nothing more
but to
make
man
become
away every
And
pantheism
either
avowedly, or
If
know what
its
as hea-
im-
to the satisfac-
practically, adopt
we
can never
to ideal
It is clearly
who
tion of those,
we
set
he pleases.
to interpret as
to contain
ing, then
mere
is
opinions.
Scriptures
its
meaning
true
is.
mean-
Let
us,
they
knew
their readers
quire in what
way they
I.
is
we
as
a vicarious
This doctrine
Christ
sins,
to say, in-
is
taught in
all
the iniquity of us
all. ''
<^
He was numbered
ledge shall
my
many."
It
this
jsj
is
on him
laid
'*By
many,
his
for
know-
he shall
phrase
among
the ancient
He-
meant
ter
phrase
Thus,
is
to
This point
convey.
is
in Levit. v. 1,
it
is
in the
Scriptures.
man who
iniquity."
As
said of the
it
is
gives false
an equiva-
said of
him who
he
*'yet
ly>
who
is
he guilty, and
day,
^^
though he does
it
he that eateth of
a peace-offering
In
ignorant-
In
on the third
not wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh after eating any
thing torn by a wild beast, "shall bear his iniquity."
Numb.
ix. 13,
This expression
he
is
explained) with the phrase "he shall die," "he shall be cut
off
In
shall be guilty."
in
all
the numerous
ing
is
xix.
in reference to
man
19.) or,
blame of them
xiv. 33,
to be
Jeremiah's
22
Zam.
v. 7,
"he
passages, therefore,
and Ezek.
is
And,
to bear the
So, in
Numb.
152
"The
shall the father bear the iniquity of the son, but the soul that
sinneth
it
Where
shall die."
That
at all questionable.
as applied
to Christ,
the sense
this is the
is
too obvious to be
by the prophet,
is
from the constant usage of the Bible, but from the prophet's
own
explanation,
our sins,"
*^to bear
ment.
It is to
God,
ficial
services.
sion,
i.
be
oflferer.
bear our
our punish-
It is plain, too,
from
its
that of
e.
the
afflicted,
is to
is,
And,
same thing
finally, the
is
evident from
The
subject.
case, indeed,
is
wish
all
all
this phrase,
we must
"If we
revert to the
severity,
com-
remarks on
to
opinion of
that
class,
One
Hebrews,
were punishments
chapter,
[ha.
liii.)
"The
filled
majority of
Hebrew
readers,
* Martini on Isaiah,
liii.
and
it is
153
mode
which
in
mainly on
this
ground."*
It
is,
"To
may
mean nothing
And
sins.'^t
else than to
" But
evident, that
it is
be pardoned, can
it
is
willing,
says,
is,
not-
word
is
intended to express.
may
the occasion of
it
it;
1st, to
or,3d, to suffer
remove
its
it;
2d, to suffer on
punishment;
make
it
to the Jews,
last idea,
and
two former,
we have shown,
is
whom the
to the ob-
dressing those
sacrifice
New
Testament writers,
and substitution,"
filled
to
So
24.
in
John
in his
i.
29,
many," Hebrews
own body on
"Behold
the
in ad-
ix.
the tree."
Lamb
of
"was
28, that
I
Peter
God which
John
* Gesenius on Isaiah
t
Grotii
On
iii.
6,
"He
was manifested
liii.
Opera Theologia,
p.
347.
See also
p.
316.
to
bear
154
II.
Gal.
tle in
is
is
many
following: <^As
for
continueth not in
to
cursed
is
^^
every one
and that
mean
the same
to be
of his arguments
every one
is
redeemed
us
who
^*
under
and
of
It will
a tree."
this curse,
written,
is
it
pe-
is its
be 'a curse
to
he
it is
is
meaning
is,
We
word "cursed."
of this passage
the
is
who hangeth on
engaged in
means by which we
written, cursed
Christ has
made
One
is
all
But
do them."
the only
as are of the
it is
by the apos-
clearly expressed
13.
iii.
demands
commandment
perfect obedience, he
is
exposed to
its
who
penalty;
It
apostle's language in
it
to interpret the
by appealing
dicially
expression
is in
the
it.
to
far,
ex-
whom, by
therefore, is
previous assertion,
According
So
(as the
i. e.
the
that
is
it
doctrine
intended
of the
to
confirm
apostle,
then.
are
bearing
it
And
in our stead.
this
seems
it
"Fori, by
from
tion to
the law,
its
to
is
tantamount
to
is
by
execution that
its
am dead
to the
law,"
me, nor
ground
to be the
free
155
is
we
arc saved,
GaL
ii.
19.
i. e.
now no condemna-
in Christ Jesus.
in
nature the same with our own, and as a sin offering punished
sin in
fied
by us."
This seems
to
In this passage
was
demned
satis-
God
is
sinful flesh,"
which
said to
and
it
sin," not in our flesh, for this the context will not
which
his
Son appeared,
this vicarious
i.
in
e.
condemnation
is
our exemption.
The
is
found in 2 Cor.
v. 21.
the world
and then
states
how
to
it
is
that
be sin for
us,
who knew no
sin, that
we
He
that
156
we might
<<to be
fied, so,
be treated as though
made
we were
the righteousness of
be made sin,"
*'to
is
God," means
As we
subject to the
be justi-
to
be condemned or
to
nitely far
is it infi-
made
As,
righteous."
V.
We
may now
which Christ
is
These
texts
all
in our stead.
e.
i.
in
substitution,
numerous passages
refer to those
mean nothing
expression might
that taken
by
more than
itself this
required, as
when
many," where
last
words
Rom.
die,"
to
it.
2.
it is
life a
clearly to
it is
said,
it
he
may
live,
this interpretation
i.
e.
it
is
in
who
sufficient
in his stead.
is
3.
will
In
one
must mean,
seems with
dying
man
is
for
mean,
when
therefore,
to death, that
ransom
which seems
The very
of the prepositions
said,
in
One
man; and,
4.
1.
prove that
sufficient to
mean by
5.
our place.
is
exposed
clearness
The manner
by bearing our
sins
being made
we had
in-
where
Finally:
6.
teach,
If the sacred
we have
as
port,
157
by passages which
meaning
is
ascertained as
when
it
is
words
work
*'
to
redeem" and
meant
is
to be
mitted,
is
is to
in this,
deliver
and not
as is
on
more general
'^re-
idea of
Their
That
mere
sense of
work
is
pri-
hands ad-
all
in the
It
As when God
conveyed.
which
in
redemption.
it
deli-
of Christ,
is
Eph.
i.
Peter
in
Cor.
1
i.
Thus
expressly stated.
''In
7,
blood."
is
IS,
vi.
Gal.
iii.
13.
mere deliverance
cific
is
method; by
that
a
all
figurative language
times more
so.
is
In
all
these cases,
it is
by
not
a spe-
a price.
It
The simple
question
is,
men
accus-
158
tomed
It is
sentation should
fail
of repre-
knew; and
mode
convey.
VII.
in
We may
which Christ
God, or
said to propitiate
pitiation,
is to
which
to
make recon-
be himself a pro-
all
God
is
represented as angry
which he
is
propitiated.
ly a modification
remembered,
tliat
But
it
should be
perfection.
The anger
of
God
is
of infinite
It is to
turn
ofi*
from us
this anger,
by rendering
mentioned.
And
unto himself, or
we
to
is
is
terms just
world
not that
we
word means,
us, as the
i.
And
in
favour.
Rom.
reconciliation,"
^*
In the phrase
it,
first
e.
e.
i.
v. 10.
go and be reconciled
first
go and
^^
satisfy
whom we have
In
by
VIII.
his cross,
The only
That
is
is
of Christ
viii.
called the
5,
Lamb
an acceptable
of God, Joh7i
Bo?n.
sacrifice,
more
is at least
Horn.
means
He
17,
it is
The work
all.
illustrated, if not
way.
is
ii.
this is the
portant of
obtained
of his Son,"
to
his
making reconciliation
by which
any one.'
altar,
thy brother,"
propitiated for
is
command
159
iii.
fully
a reference
any other
in
19, a propi-
i.
Eph.
He
v. 2.
all
is
de-
the duties
of the office are ascribed to him, the sacrifice, which he of<' He offered himself without spot unto
fered, was himself.
God," Heb.
of
ix.
man5V' ^eb.
when he
offered
12.
ix.
28.
He
manner
services.
sacrificial
Heb.
was of any
avail,
goats
up himself," Heb.
23
i.
3.
"
vii.
27.
The
described in
"once
effects
of
terms bor-
how
mucli more
sliall
the blood
160
"He
14.
himself," Heb.
fering of the
ix.
2Q.
"We
ix.
sacrifice of
all
x. 10.
sin,"
"The
John
blood
7.
i.
All
So
by atonement.
mode
his blood
on the conscience,
also the
express-
is
to indicate
ed,
by sprinkling
its
sive of
it
its
ly, or
by
allusion, but
gued, could
their
fail to
produce
in the
minds of
those,
sacrificial rites,
meant
ar-
who from
the con-
way
Jews from
ters
Is
casual-
was
made not
Moses?
For who
will
the
men were
method of salvation.
In what
We
Old Testament
we
to be revealed.
161
the pardon of sin; and in the second that this was cOccled
through the
medium
these points
of vicarious punishment.
Both of
rites,
and
The
general.
indeed, clear-
is,
make
for,
recon-
as already re-
was
to be
When
accomplished.
man had
violated
The method
the people.
But
to the
was
sin,
was
to pre-
suffering, judicially
exemption of another,
This idea of sub-
and transfer of
among
stitution
this
any of
clearly expressed
by the
was
And
blame or
guilt of
i.
e.
to
bear the
touched
it
were regarded
all
who
as defiled.
is
dium of
pardon was
to be obtained
vicarious punishment.
idea of a sin-offering.
This
is
God
of a satisfaction." p. 330.
mony,
to forgive,
Mosaic cere-
on the ground
to teach
by
As
is
typical institu-
significant actions,
162
by
method of
Lamb
Their own
salva-
who was
of God,
to
efficacy, in securing
As
it
w^as impossible
away
more
shall the
to the
pardon of
sin.
it
is
He
sacrifices,
is
mode
in
it
is
to
merely be-
which this
us,
avail
God,
be remarked that
is
how much
disabilities,
i.
stituted
as
as the
if,
spirit,
e.
But
they
God
to the
sin,
to
is
made
is
behalf.
is
done
in the
asserted to
It is,
is
meet
therefore,
called a sacrifice
for sin.
It is easy, indeed, to get
over
all this,
by simply
To
own
substi-
idea of
what
assert that
they
of
all
was
a sacrifice.
ig3
make
the sinner
This, however,
ters,
ness of things.
we
find
own views
wri-
fit-
It is
it,
is in-
its
It is obvi-
if
another; one
impress the
be debated
to
Which is
spectators.
made
may
offerer, as
at the
another
right, or
was designed
was intended
whether
to
to
impress
either, is a matter to
foundation for
it
faith,
for truth,
is
is
solid
to receive
When,
Christian Brethren,
we remember
practical inferences;
to
when we remember,
that Christ
sins,
in
The
limitations to
which
this
principle
is
is
said
the plainest
illustrated,
of; that
he
164
was made
sin,
bore the curse of the law; that he died in our stead; that he
gave his
life as
we
can
hesitate to
of atonement
is
as a sacri-
vicarious punishment.
which
light in
and among
ter
how
all
sacrificial rites
rites
how
may
is
the
ages,
No
mat-
was the
satisfaction of di-
is
all
And
of the Bible.
feels that
tribute
When
which leads
Him
to
God.
sin,
he
The
at-
it is
not until
Such a method he
There he
endured
in his stead.
phy
him
so cordi-
is
is
It is
not un-
is a
de-
press his
own
heart,
God,
is
And
in-
io5
This
too, let
me
add,
is
first to
last.
when
light; this
Much
men
and
bitterly as
Reformed
of
all
conspired to re-
of
men
to
God.
To
life.
In this light,
who
can
one soul
to
Let
to
for
it is
heaven; to
to
to
And when he
finds
how
vain
is
the efibrt,
feel in
let
view
o""
him
the
16G
in the blood of
Lamb.
Inconceivably great as
effected,
accomplishment
its
The
death of Christ.
ward
to the
the
is
is
made
So
view of the
Where-
subject,
far
present,
we
intelligent spirits,
Atonement derives
this impression,
its
adaptedness to produce
its
wonderful of
all
it
man
seen and
that
felt,
deed an
evil so
enormous
Only
impossible.
ercise of justice,
is
fact of
that
most
^^
Awake
saith the
Lord/'
God must
was
that to pass
so far as the
is it
When
in heaven,
mine equal,
that
from the
it
w^ith
in-
impunity was
a manifestation of justice.
Viewed
in
the light, not of setting aside the penalty of the law, but as
involving
viction on
its
all
execution,
it is
It is, as the
ii.
8,
Apostle
was equal
its effi-
fills
cacy.
It
is
this that
i67
is
The law
through
worlds
all
This truth
to
made
is
ner.
or
is felt
be impossible.
to bear
with
all its
was not
if it
upon the
force
thus secured.
is
by being executed;
by man or seraph,
its
effect,
is
tree,
what
sin-
shall
lips,
from whose
lips
it
pass?
and inevitable,
Who
if
it is
own Son?
The ill desert of sin, and
are,
if
God
God commendeth
Christ.
while
we were
is
Christ.
love towards
his
that
is
this,
which
therefore,
is
us,
us.
in that
God
so
It is this attribute
in the death of
in
the cross of
the constant
theme
As
it is
by the exhibition of
truth,
is
Atonement become
effective in
It is the exhibition
men
to repentance.
here they see the evil of sin; the holiness and love of
24
of
all
promoting holiness
here
It is
God;
168
here they
It is
is
most
from the
It is
it
Constrained by the
and
of
And
alacrity.
strains
from
it
Nor
Redeemer.
the
world.
when God
If,
is the
and urges on
sin,
is
re-
the
effect
confined
to
our
happy inhabitants
ness;
we need
wonder
not
work
interest the
was heard
of Redemption.
It is into the
this
new
deeper
creation, they
As
of praise.
ness, therefore,
throughout
all
among
all
is
perhaps of
all
The
to
effect
this doctrine
Paul
hold
tells
fast
us, that
ought
to indicate.
we
should
Him, who
we
should esteem
it
the chief
its
blessing; that
we
should
fix
We
it
will
all
be
little,
sacrifices
all
eyes when
Though
we
others;
it is
all
it
own
this
block in the
and
Do what
And
tion.
should esteem
what we may,
will, suffer
knowledge
efiforts
we
it
169
way
wisdom
nevertheless the
of
God unto
infinite
it
salva-
wisdom has
de-
Rejecting the
offer-
ing of Christ, there remains no other sacrifice for sin; refusing this Saviour, there
is
duty of
tive
all
such,
saved.
cross, "Look
me all ye ends of the earth, and be ye saved."
And now, unto him who loved us and gave himself for
us,
to
him
that sitteth
Amen.
Lamb
for
VII
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
"
among you
are
I exhort,
who am
also
an Elder, and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
shall be revealed
Feed the
flock of
God which
is
among
oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but
of a ready mind
examples
The
Bible
and
spirit
social.
to the flock."
of
v. 1, 2, 3.
Christianity
it
is
characteristically,
it
is
in reserve for
to be a state of perfect
and finds
it
to
and most
not
is,
like that of
that he
of
be as profitable
God.
But
Moses
in as-
25
was made
are,
blessed society.
The
of a solitary religion.
him
Peter
a social creature;
he
knows nothing
duties
Man,
may remain
there;
but
172
that he
and
all
and
invigorated, and
men.
are
so
bound
all
many
body.
social
to
blessings to
its
members and
our text a
It is called in
the
is
<<
means of
world,
to the
we
is
herds, commissioned
elders
which
among you
are
I exhort,
who am
God which
is
to
ed, not
only by
many
sight thereof;
very
not
its
We
'<
perfect;
ment
from
government. It is represented as
Head and Lord, under superinIn
all
the garden of
and there
is
society there
in the full
enjoyment of God
must
There was
in
all
in
by the
was
confirm-
great
is
rendering
follows:
as lord's
to the flock."
being placed, by
this
examples
And, accordingly,
to the flock.
flock
among you."
herd;
also an elder,
Feed the
<'The
this purpose.
be,
inhabitants,
made
govern-
redeemed
perfectly blessed
to all eternity.
fanatics, in
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
ancient as well as
true
modern
who
times,
17 3
ment; ^'because,"
being
members
for govern-
of the Church
all
evangelical
law
of love,
members
those of their
all
number who
are
are
all
sponta-
by which they
the
of the visible
sincere
friends
of
They
New
Testament recognizes,
all
Nor must we
it
as worthless,
was contrary,
of
human
has
It
every
evil
work.
He
taught that
any authority or
ernment"
sible.
is
"a government
discipline;
that
De Excommunicatione
upon
within a gov-
by no means admisall
lawful authority
Ecclesiaatica.
174
may
the Church
more; and
government
instruct, persuade
when crimes
that
by the
civil
magistrate.
in
any community;
he be prose-
It contradicts the
proposed.
timony
in favour of ecclesiastical
from the
cally refuted
government,
and
be produced:
civil, hereafter to
have been
tes-
as distinct
it is
practi-
The
au-
gether delusive;
may
is
alto-
least collision or
interference.
Accordingly,
among
in
Jlntioch^ to
Ephesus
the corruption of
forms;
whatever direction
we
we
whether
to
or Crete, to Corinth or
human
Jerusalem or
Rome, we
find
and calling
discipline; in
ment.
Now,
its
govern-
spirit of love
to
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
reign in the Church; what
is
to be
I75
family of Christ
the ordinary
left to
power
must
means
of the
government; that
be, ecclesiastical
was founded
which she
to
is
bound,
to accomplish.
L Let
answer
to
ecclesiastical
Word
nature
of that
God
appears
of
to warrant.
And
in
and clearness,
what
are
because
\\\q
it
is
it
purposes
for
manifest that
all
that
power which
is
really
We are taught,
is
bound
to exercise.
Church
Gospel
trutli,
that she
may
be a
26
176
may
that she
all
heresy;
all
in
among
all
is
And
unnecessary.
it
from Scripture
so evident
if this
may
thus be a nur-
is
follows,
1.
In the
first
government, the
By
power.
place, that in
her only
power
legitimate ecclesiastical
all
Church
to institute
is instituted.
His word
is
is
She has no
He
her statute-book;
and practice.
pro-
kingdom of heaven.
All this
may
than those
power
in
head over
one
is
all
is
of ecclesiastical rulers
which
is
He
given to him.
"All
is
man master,
the
for
They
derived.
can exercise no
them by Him
in whose
name they come, and by whose commission they act.
2. The authorized government of the Church is wholly
power but
moral
that
or spiritual in
exclusively, to
sively,
viour,
that
is
delegated to
its
nature.
That
is
to
is, it
has a respect,
by moral means. "My kingdom," said the Sa"is not of this world;" by which he meant to say,
it is
ly governments.
It is
of, all
earth-
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
It is
not maintained by
sanctions, and
its
end are
^^
carnal
I77
weapons."
all spiritual.
It
Its
its
has nothing to do
No
laws,
means,
those which
is,
employed
in that
not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy
in the
3.
Holy Ghost."
Further; in laying
authority,
it
is
plain,
down
power
main-
to
the Gospel.
If these doctrines
were delivered
to her, that
all
is
bound
to
opposition;
adhere
and
to
them;
to publish
in the
to
her
form
may demand.
The Church,
in-
conscience of any
have power
her to do,
to
human
being.
viz. to
"hold
"the form of
to the saints;
" and
to
prevent
Even
if
the
Church were
mere voluntary
who
it.
association, she
all
voluntary as-
members
those
ing those
who
178
is a
more than
is
mere voluntary
association.
with those
is
who
It
power
is
system of
It is per-
neither in-
reject that
required to maintain.
power
to the
in his
preme authority of
to receive
to
warn
all
Nor
is
power
in
enter her
states
to
who
make up
reject
any of
the substance
Nay,
is it
Is
not rather
one of the indispensable means o^ protecting liberty of conSurely a body of professing Christians have a
science?
that
Word as
Word
And
that
to the
among themselves
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
and especially of their public teachers and
opinions adapted, in their
If they
peace.
have not
different
rulers,
who avow
If an individual,
ligious liberty.
I79
who
end of
all re-
entertains materially
re-
who
thus intrudes
is
I ask, are
Surely the
mu-
who
mean
science either
think alike, have as good a right to enjoy them in undisturbed peace, as any individual
who
differs
of the former,
came
Christ
4.
Again;
Church
power
is
to
on
the teachers
to
among
make
it is
himself
must
be,
and
is
which the
would be
to
deny her
that
which
command,
to
*<
is
unfruitful
as of the truth of
believing world.
God,
She
commanded
to
^^
withdraw her-
180
"keep
mands
to be
to
com-
are these
Without
if
how
are
power
cise of a
who
But how
need
power
this
to rebuke, to censure,
be, to banish
and ultimately,
separation
world.
CONGREGATION, but
Church.
which
Of
wiU
may
inclosure, there
be a
no
answer, would
5.
no
vile;
God were
intended to
as
if all
Church
to
If the
Church Were,
that pleased,
however
command
of her
and
self-preservation.
Corruption,
self-
dishonour,
No
soci-
own
officers.
Accordingly, the
in
reference
New
to
this
Testament
important
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
point of ecclesiastical order.
the Church
as authorised
reign
power
those
who
the great
to
It
and required
in this matter; to
181
to exercise a sove-
work
and
6.
and
if it
within
settle
and
difficulties
The members
part.
in the faith,
visible
God
fession,
of
zeal, are
clear also,
It is
trial
commit
fidelity
to
of the
Of
infirmities
conflicting
as
course,
in
many
their re-
Now, when
Church ought
is
to
obliged, from
when
she
them,
to foreign arbitration,
and even to
civil courts;
tion as the
It
The
inspired Apostle
controversy.
He
182
and
of an ecclesiastical kind,
difficulties,
And
tively decided.
may
Church which
that
questions
all
be authorita-
is
destitute of
such tribunals
in
other
to
New
Testament
and
edification.
Another
7.
was
instituted
that
is,
he
it
There
is
of every
a visible
Church
denomination,
catholic,
who
comprising
profess
the
all
true
those
religion,
all
all
worship together.
prehensions, as well
But
so,
still,
it
is
ledge
it
as
they are
delightful to
all
and
numbers,
recognize each
be so,
to
make
edifice.
this
and
not, nay,
local separation
as
all
in Christ,
They do
But
if
same
faith,
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
in reality, as well as nominally.
Now,
Church cannot be
answer
so united as to
as well as
enable
her
all
such a
the purposes
own
peace and
will
all
their
T say, that
by
183
representatives, in
appropriate judicatories
to
whole body;
and that not merely by way of advice, but by authoritative acts, to correct abuses, redress grievances, obviate the
employ
and
this
If the
Church
she
required, in
all
to
manded
<*
Church,
to be active
creature;"
if
she
if
is
is
in
her
then, surely
to the attain-
the end.
Synods
thoritative
of review
courts
all
and control
no provision
acting with
far as
for the
harmony and
it
undoubtedly
many
makes
And
so
is
respect to
It
Congregationalism
ficiency, as
com-
commanded, as a
ment of
is
in
some
it
is
altogether powerless in
is
farther
27
is
warranted in exercising,
184
is,
that
he
it
may
it
civil
of this
"is not
government.
world:"
be car-
and under
As Christ's
other words,
in
as
ion,
government
without
objects,
of
to
State
the
and
obstruction,
without the
aid,
accomplish
and even
we
all
may
be
its
operate
legitimate
its
in spite of the
of course,
can,
it
enmity
Of
form.
did exercise
all
the
power
for
Amidst
the Church.
rulers of the
right
all this
hand or the
left,
whom
Church those
hostility
permitted
them
their
undoubted
to the
to the
offensive,
of
admonish-
excluding those
the
exercising a
members
who
to faith or
moral purpo-
Erastus
to destroy
an
power
the fellowship
were incorrigibly
it
to
all in its
practice;
contend, while
wo
which
Here was
example
vernment, and each proceeding without interference; because, as long as each kept in
not possibly
come
in
its
collision
In like
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
manner, the Church of Christ,
adheres to the
any land,
in
in
any
may
carry
it
state of society,
in all
spirit of that
again
185
all
the governments of
be, as
The
9.
last characteristic
which
ed
to
is,
that
it
is
be not, in any of
promote ambition,
to
mention of that
I shall
warranted by Scripture
excite
features,
its
adapt-
and
a lordly
as-
tle,
to
the flock."
is
natural to man.
love of pre-eminence
It is
one of the
ought
we
this
to
and of power
earliest, strongest,
It reigns
and
without
it
And when
corrupt-
that
it is
surely
ecclesiastical
we
speak.
Accordingly, our
and ambition among his followers, declaring that the question, ' which shall be the greatest?" ought to have no
place in his kingdom;
for that
'^master," or ''rabbi:"
all
his ministers
them
but
he
sliould
were
fel-
seek to be
also, as
we
confi-
186
liis
which placed
all
pastors
upon an equal-
official
it''
When,
pre-eminence.
Timothy,^
man
good work"
*'If a
desireth a
were no other
this alone
mind
of Christ.
For,
if
an
office
it
means,
of great labour
is
obvious to
But
equally obvious.
an
office
if,
by
this title,
New
we
no
gloss,
it
eager desire^
Paul
as the
be an
office
and Sacra-
mak-
He
*^
word undoubtedly
original
hungry person
signifies;
to obtain food.
But
Prelatical brethren
say
this construction,
it
is,
then,
is
undoubtedly, Paul,
On
inspired Apostle
Word
of a
office
upon
is
are to understand
if this
rest of
Testament,
ments
there
would convince
in this place to
and
if
set at variance
with himself, in
at variance
* 1 Timothy
iii.
1.
many
E(XLESIASTICAL POLITY.
Apostle, John,
who
who
Church;
in the
many
Master, who, on so
his
197
<'
loved to
at variance
with
occasions, reprobated
all
among
his
the Gospel.
It is
by no means contended
dual ambition
is
by
This
spirit
is
of rank
among
more
turn of aspiring to be
gent, and
same
all official
learned,
more
An
many
ambition which, in
pious,
office.
itself in
inequality
its
canvassing for
is
Having endeavoured
to
cases,
may
show
to
qualities
official
be,
which
titles,
dili-
is,
tempted, of course,
more
useful in the
emo-
be most intent
which
are
most
precedence.
ecclesiastical polity
its
purposes which
ought
it
adequate to answer
essential features,
let
to be,
us
now
see
whether we do not
we
is
188
We
find
parts of the
New
Testament, distinguished by
^^
are called
the Church;
all
implying
all
King upon
^^sits as
Head.
ereign
God;"
*^over-
implying
office in
delegated poioer,
Further
be exer-
to
body of which
who
They
souls."
"ambassadors of Christ;" *
seers;"
to exer-
rulers'^ in the
the flock;"
which
titles
is
He
the sov-
that
membering
to
"watched
them
from the
off
In con-
power
tical
to preach
to
the Church;
*
iv.
Rom.
10.
t
recorded.
who
is
xii.
8.
or, if
Heh.
xiii. 17.
Tim.
iii.
4.
2 Cor.
v. 20.
Tkess.
v.
12.
Peter
v.
13.
1 Cor.
iv. 1.
Matt, xviii.
its
Peter
1519-
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
<<
privileges.
The man
that
is
thren,
''If
No\v
first
and
them."
1Q9
let
him be accursed."
''Who-
God.
If there
bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house,
neither bid
speed
is
him God-speed:
for
Equally undoubted
who had
practice.
in
communion
salonians, the
the
And
same Apostle
man
"Wherefore put
In
"If
not^ our
New
of Church officers
to office;
and
they approved.
in the Apostolic
* Titus
iii.
1 1 Cor. V.
10.
115.
And,
crown
to
Church of
Rom.
we
a Synodical
xvi. 17.
2 Thess.
all,
iii.
Gal
14.
i.
9.
whom
have an example
Assembly, brought
2 John
9, 10, 11.
190
together, not
men,
by the
civil
government, but by
ecclesiastical
for
name, and
whole Church.
I refer to
who
at that
And, what
tioch.
is
no
less
name
throughout the
New
ing," in the
name
superintending
of the
all
seeing that
is
the Church
What
II.
And
King
with authority in
*'
what appears
power of
of
to
authorized to maintain
which
Our next-inquiry
in determining these,
in
mind
that
is,
which belongs
we
we may
power
the
Church ?
by keeping
rity
all
is,
power of
judicially directing
to the
all
Such
by
Churches.
rest assured
that the
this autho-
to ascertain.
For
And,
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
own members.
191
which
in
whom
when
she would;
and to make
bow
this
God
to des-
in
It follows,
up
she undertook to
to set
And
pale.
this rule, in
due
many
adopted, without
government cannot
Be it
who are
out," she
may
remembered, then,
To
send missionaries.
to
limits, this
to a thinking
mind.
"a
If the
that
come
in,
those
who
She may
are
with-
instruct, invite,
but until they comply with her invitation, and become her
to
extend
to
ate authority.
2.
own members,
relate to their
no right
to
to control,
even her
any
moral and spiritual
in
interfere with
interests.
She has
Christ's
kingdom,
it is
28
It
trust to call in
cannot be too
fre-
192
quently
repeated,
Christ's
''kingdom
authorize
its
or
is
rulers to
Yet
if a
member
pro-
of the Christian
conflicts, or his
that
fessional
remembered,
constantly
too
to call
in faith or practice, it
him
to an account; not
am
not
now
Head
Church.
No
doubt,
all
who
of the
professing people, and refuse to submit to the just and scriptural authority of his sacred household,
commit
may think
of
it,
will be held
But
sin against
to claim the
the
still
power,
judgment and
He
must be allowed
The Church
to depart.
tears,
their
aggravated his
nion.
is,
is
that
offence,
is
exclusion
fine.
from
her
She can
She cannot
commuinflict
no
confiscate the
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
^93
Her power
a right to do.
.
exhausted.
5.
principle of limitation
the
is
which
him
I shall
the last
is
mention, which
is strictly
is,
that
ministerial:
that is, they have only the power, as servants, of communicating what the Master has taught them, and of doing what the Master has commanded them. They de-
whom
and
whom
Head
of the Church.
In his
them
act.
you."
the
By
Their commission
whatsoever
at
my
his
" Teach
is
have commanded
word
Their
they serve,
<^Hear
office is ^<is
to prescribe
terms of
Like ambassadors
enjoin.
go one jot or
tittle
at a foreign court,
beyond
they cannot
their instructions.
am
not
ignorant, indeed, that ecclesiastical bodies, calling themselves Churches of Christ, have often set
up other standards,
all
Every thing
supremacy
in his
of this kind
Church, and
is
an invasion of Christ^s
194
kingdom.
It is
But
of ecclesiastical polity.
detail
And, above
example.
tural
cal principle
on
it
governing feature
maintained, that
is
in
minor
all, it is
maintained, as a radi-
fully
we
consider
III.
End
of Church
government.
The
good government
all
the
pose
and
to
great end of
was
it
to this
it
instituted at first
end ought
its
is
is
exercised.
the benefit of
For
this pur-
whole administration,
be supremely directed.
Tyrants
in all cases,
have taught, and acted upon the principle, that the great
end of
at
all civil
government
when
is
many.
Of
And
it
is
deeply
to
if
Hence
by
the
interdicts,"
Hence
''
bulls" and
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
been frequently made to tremble.
195
opposite than these things to the spirit and law of the Re-
deemer.
Apostle
inspired
the
Not
"Lord
tem of
it
polity
a sys-
to
form
terests
title
mere ma-
latter
All this
wicked
not
No
at it is unreasonable.
office,
no power
is
which
is
ment, here,
as well as elsewhere,
to be considered as a
property of men;
is
purpose of
or the
and
it
is
to restrain vice,
to secure the
of society, and to
profess the true religion, in knowledge, peace, and holiness, unto salvation.
and
to
give his
life a
* 2 Cor.
ransom
and
X. 8.
suffer,
for
many;" not
and
die, that
he
196
might
^^We
And
And
los, or
Cephas,
and who
ed,
as
is
the
body of
to the
a Chris-
all
are yours."
And
again
by
Lord gave
to teach, that
" the
his son
"Who is Paul
whom
every man
to
man reminds
but are
all
mands him
faith,
again:
again:
?"
Accordingly,
servants of the
all
ye believ-
men, apt
Lord must
to teach, patient,
peradventure,
in
who
spirit
tian
And,
conformity with
God
will give
them repentance
if,
to the ac-
to "
to turn
power of Satan
to
which are
he
tells
sanctified,
it
was not
for
Christ;
forth,
till
we
all
saints,
come
he de-
body of
among them
And when
evangelists, pastors
clares
by
to
a perfect
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
man, unto the measure of the
197
Christ."*
This subject,
may have
It enters
my
more deeply
Christian
life,
then,
trespass
to
stating,
friends,
appeared to some of
than
commonly
to
From what
government
many,
is
practical.
supposed.
me,
Sufier
patience
by
may
be naturally drawn
know,
all
And,
this
is
it
They
not repulsive.
if
is
it
1.
speculative
longer on your
little
and recommending
hearers,
my
all
is
who
body of
edification of the
to be regarded as
by which
Christ.
need
It
that
it is
to the purity
not
and
ought, undoubtedly,
members;
moted; the
<*
But
magnified;"
purged of unworthy
offences
office
is
real
Christians stimulated
and guided
in
* 2 Cor.
Adz
iv. 5.
xxvi. 18.
i.
24.
1 Cor.
ETphts. iv. 2.
iii.
22.
Cor.
iii.
5.
2 Tim.
ii.
24. 25.
198
to
The
is,
among
worship and
life, is
so im-
we may
founded, that
Church,
at the
It
it.
is
may
be
holy in the
may
No
matter
how many
may
to
precious plants
be expended in endeavouring to
apply to
it
if
and
there
to be a beautiful
plenary and
then the
There
is
extreme sensitiveness on
minds
who profess to be zealous for the ** rights of conThey believe, and sometimes very clamorously
science."
of many,
assert,
that
all
ecclesiastical
is
is
Head
But
if
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
jgg
and the
surely
end of
an
this autlio-
who acknowledge
is
all
there
to the
it
to
all
those
sure.
it
to banish
who had improperly made their way into the incloAnd suppose, when these servants faithfully obeyed
their orders,
to
denounce them
as usurping
What would
neighbours.
their
Would
charge?
it
moment,
the
see, in a
liable to the
The command
thought of
did, they
be
they
as
charge of unfaith-
Precisely so
is
it
in the
committed
and
to exclude
from
those
it all
whose
great
to their care;
design;
is
plain,
repeated,
Can
and decisive.
it
this
command, they
fail-
ure to obey
be for a
moment
it,
Him who
is
''
Head over
all
things
the Church?"
From what has been said, it is plain, that every departure from the essential principl&i of Gospel order,
29
3.
200
and contempt,
as if they
observance of which
der, than to
is
promote the
of the Church.
is
greatly deceived, a
is
or no
life.
order
is little
no
rigid
ests.
is,
when
be likely to flourish
its
Lord
down;
but important landmarks are disregardorder, as wise as they have been long
nought?
to
Can there be
moments'
*^God
is
in
the Churches."
all
God
service, or
permanently
that he
to build
his
to dazzle as
wholesome
in the
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
201
wise
may
larity,
It is in ecclesiastical
men acknowledge
to be in civil
it
some important
is
strong drink,
may
they
mischievous
may
do good
to
life,
principle of regu-
directly or indirectly, to
lead,
or
inflate
for a while;
delusive.
stimulate,
to
way
for increased
to insist
in the issue.
on adhering
to
form
is
abandoned.
subject are
4.
The
when
It
the
to cherish
form
at
said is obvi-
form
of Christ.
among
all
If
uniformity of
faith,
and profess
to
rules,
be of real impor-
tance; if the maintenance of enlightened and faithful discipline, be essential to the purity and genuine health of the
if
that
ecclesiastical polity
which
bind
all
pact and
it,
in
one com-
manifest that no
it
is
is
adapted to attain
all
202
all
the advantages
mote.
even
have no desire
this, I
to depreciate, the
denounce, or
to
my own
when they
say,
those Christians
tice,
to pro-
opinion or in prac-
This, however,
on these subjects."
the
Constitution,
ecclesiastical
*'We embrace
who differ from
With
the language of
perfectly re-
is
government
is
more
scriptural,
On
we have no
may
by no means adapted
to the
with
it.
On
maintenance of a scriptural
indeed, scarcely compatible
we
to a con-
and the
efficient
which
deem
as in
them
it
of small importance.
many
rian system
It
is
no
unity,
all
the
obviously
many
points,
at once, liberal
and
efficient;
in the highest
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
203
harmony and
Much
depends,
with which
I
am
it
system
this
is
borne forward.
ecclesiastical
For, although
extent, in reference to
repeated as an admitted
administered
all its
is
maxim,
best," yet I
am
that
^<
free to
that
is
so often
which
administered with so
little
is
best
acknowledge, that
may
be
kingdom,
make
tious
as to
and unedifying
mar the
it little
more than
But
litigation.
a course of vexa-
this
is
only saying,
may sometimes
impelling power
is
of Christ
machinery
is
And when
chine in motion.
Some
in the
it
is
can operate.
Where
and equitable
discipline,
at
to maintain impar-
laymen
into the
croachments of
clerical ambition;
to
promote uniformity
204
Are
common
head.
important
to
If so, I will
we
are so
happy
as to
live.
From
5.
it
the
ought not
As
so
to interfere
^'Christ
all
Head
is
is
who
of
not divided;"
by
all
this subject,
principality and
Him who
faith to
is
*Uhe
in
intensity,
may
zation adopted
by
ecclesiastical bodies,
from the
and yet
we may
without destroying
who are
is
prehended,
is
maintained;
no material departure
Why
modes of organi-
and while
life;
is
who
This,
place
it is
it
ap-
The holy
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
narrow views, and of more
zeal than
God"
who
who
those
favourite
Gospel of Christ.
reject the
Head
205
We
of the Church,
reject a certain
but
only those
undoubtedly
when we
sin
consider
and treat
as a
pointed
but
we may
against
Him, and
be considered as
equally
sinning
If
said be correct,
suspended.
is
evident that
it is
an
There
is
denomination of Christians.
formed
for
If a
recommending any
Christian community,
as, in
more conformed
to Scripture,
than others,
is
it
church" book;
as
an
a plan
and clamorously
"high-
Nor
"sectarian" plan.
illiberal,
to utter,
any one
immediately denounced,
to
book be written, or
are
urge this
to
far
more severe on
bigoted.
unjust?
ized in
intolerant
None
are
some
Church
exist at
particular form:
and
all, it
it
is
must be organ-
manifest that
all
to Scrip-
'SOS
Some one
ture.
is,
if
ness,
must
is
is
recommend
nunciation;
of maintaining, Christian
abridge,
instead
zealot,
who
out of
it;''
who
if
who
is,
this
without uncharitable-
it
assail
this
particularly
truth
to
The
the primitive
of course, nearer to
And
rest.
if
he
he exhibit himself as a
terms
let the
^*
**
own
fiery, controversial
high-churchman,"
"bigot,"
He
he
If
them
But,
all.
if
if
of faith, and forms of order than the Bible lays upon them;
if he,
which he claims
for himself;
nomination or not;
such
if
he
who bear
his own de-
ration"
and
all
who
is
"fierce for
mode-
abuse of men.
if
From
it is
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
Church and
and
unscriptural,
serious kind.
and the
letter
It
is
the civil
government
spirit of the
solemnly forbidden.
207
New
unhallowed in
It is
and, of
And
tendency and
effects are in
All
civil
posed
Whatever may be
Zion.
who wish
utmost by those
to the
rigour
by
its
fear, or
to operate
by
force,
as *'a
as a legal pro-
;'^
what the
civil
magis-
trate,
(who may be an
say
is
ernment
for reaching
in all cases
courage hypocrisy;
make
and
to
and adapted
to prostrate the
to
of secular merchandize;
Constantine
to the present
long as
human
hour ;
and
Such have
been the
to
now
effects
as
Every
tive dread
gion, in
any form, by
evei^y
law.
attempt
support
30
to
civil
it
is.
reli-
to recoil
government,
208
Church
to
pampered by her
State, than to be
shown
that
Church,
it is less,
be persecuted by the
caresses,
her treasures.
8.
committed
the trust
Church rulers
and solemn.
degree weighty
affairs
to
is
To conduct
the
momentous
many
interests,
judgment
in cases in
that
is,
in the highest
to sit
all
deeply
fidelity,
and
yet with prudence; with proper zeal for Gospel purity, and
at the
surely requires
no doubt, in
be
all
can exercise.
tals
felt
to
The
trust
all
committed
Church's peace;
to civil rulers
But
to the eccle-
is,
all
more
voted Christian;
to
up
is,
to
The
be asked, as a guide to
will be
unhallowed feelings of
be permitted to enter.
most
likely
to
adversary
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
and the edification of the Church of God?
in
that
if
This
Another
that
camp
Re-
of the Master's
is,
9.
is
is
Here,
209
it is
Statue Book
from
diligence.
all
to
make
ment.
body
Is
Church
Does he
bear, of course,
And
Can
it
be necessary, then, to
know something
body;
to
of the 7ia-
understand, in some
were an
insult,
my
its
friends,
officers
and
its
members
your understandings,
to
consider
strate, that a
member
it
as necessary formally
him
good
in a great
man may be
this evening.
enable
citizen,
have no
a real Christian,
to
As
demon-
lives, to
to
is
it
But a
icisc
who
have
and intelligent
owes
to his
Master
in
210
and
own
to his
only wonder
many
that so
is,
professing
know
tliey
undertake
thatt
to
hey are
Ark
effect
would deprecate
in their
inmost
Many a
souls.
they
real Chris-
tian,
flict
in
this
profoundly ignorant.
devout, ought to
and
be.
of far less
when
And the
Christians who
be cannot
best edification,
subject, has
in
such a
way
as to
in-
The last
one which,
is
ately beg
closing, I
in
affection-
all
that a
is,
in
every age,
for that
to
which
attempt
his
who
a
word
God
forms for the religion of the heart; to cry out with confidence,
are
"The
Hence that
ness or sensuality.
after covetous-
to rely as a
passport to heaven.
Against
this fatal
my beloved
friends, I desire to
warn you.
It is a
cal
to
mistake,
and dangerous as
it is
prevalent.
It is
as insidious
more than
possible
ECCLESIASTICAL POLITY.
211
ernment.
Christianity
may
the
With
latter.
and
fectly fair
may
see
Real
faultless
be as ^'whited sepulchres."
may
It is
be per-
latter,
you
my earnest desire to
thorough Pesbyterians;
intelligent,
government
more
is
that
Church of
Christ.
all
But
fitted,
by
far,
beseech you
to
remember,
Christians.
which we
none of his."
God
however
to
that
Spirit without
^'
in peace, rest in
scriptural.
They
important
are
which no man
shall
see the
Lord."
They
are
useful as
means, but they are not the foundation of that *'hopc which
While, therefore,
let
our
we
first
neglect no-
and highest
by
212
by
faith
and
love to the blessed Saviour, which alone can give us an interest in his atoning blood,
and a
title to
man
is
a Christian.
To
eternal life.
power of
your
first
hearts.
of
all,
Here
and above
rest.
all,
Here
to turn
live.
my
Here
Amen!
Gospel
beloved
rejoice,
no
With-
that blood,
And
in
to
father's
VIII.
ON REGENERATION.
Therefore, if any
man
be in Christ, he
Paul and
all
is
new
creature
2 Cor.
v. 17.
whom
Master
they
cion,
to
as
to attract no-
unspeakable malice.
The
pu-
resentment.
To whatever
The
them from
to suffer
shame
^'that they
31
knew
that
216
name
Nor were
Lord Jesus."
But
in
devotion to
common
man.
to
They
strong to do ex-
and cherished
experience.
^^
all
these,
which pertained
es-
They were
New
them
at
first,
creatures, in a
all
new
things
in Christ Jesus.
away, behold
world.
be in Christ, he
is
new
Nor was
<^For,
if
this
any man
creature."
remotely, that
is
It implies an interest
in
his vicarious
which he
To
creatures!
To
He
fulfilled
it,
and for
all
it
righteousness,
the ends of
its
imputation.
is
Christ in reckonin": of
ed
his,
he
is
condemnation
to
them
**
For there
is
for the
no
law
ON REGENERATION.
of the Spirit of
life
sin
To
whom
tlie
To
Know
this, be-
ye not
God
that
dwell-
all
''
''that
you."
mate, that
for
For
you."
shall be in
temples of God."
'^
free
made them
and death/'
be in Christ, implies
Christ; of
017
maintenance.
''
Because
And
And
me."
inti-
are derived
life
this
"
view
in ex-
is
yet not
1 live,
I,
its
monster sin
new
Not
creature."
at all:
any man be
is
human
heart
He
it,
new
come the
he
temple.
regeneration or
work of God.
"But as many
in Christ,
The
'"If
The God
filthy,
It is
is at
once
exclusively the
states as follows
to be-
which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God." John'i. 12, 13. Speaking of himself and his fellow Christians, Paul says
are his, that
is,
"we
The
creation of
all
things was
by the word of God's power, without the supposed preexistence of any materials.
And
m^
is
218
wrought
set
him
in Christ,
at his
own
above passages,
God
cribe to
to
when he
palsy,
in the
The
heavenly places."
But besides
as-
this
They
When
Almighty.
^^
hand
right
him from
ment equally
created
raised
power;"
which **he
that
are'
apostle to
man
sick of the
''
Who
that
God,
is
as
Why,
I ask,
was Christ
called the
"
God."
Thou
art
my
begotten thee."
"God
begotten them again to a lively hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ
or
woman,
again.
heart,
is
begotten again by
may
man be
God
Can
born w^hen he
it is;
power
if a spiritual
them
to
grown man,
is
No.
old
No
But
is
born
from a carnal
if
if re-
the case be
eth in
full
Surprise
taken as
God
is.
Yes.
It is
God
that
work-
ish, to spiritual,
If the phrases
'
begot-
ON REGENERATION.
219
mean any
thing,
they must mean something above human conception, something beyond the reach of
that regeneration
Again
If the estate of
human
man be
We
agency.
work
a glorious
is
infer, then,
of God.
Two
The term,
human
righteous, includes
all,
who,
They
image of
Him who
renewed
are
"We
that
we
are of
ness"
is
know,
he that
not, but
is
that
whosoever
begotten of
by Homer,
often used
lieth
The word
justified.
denote one
to
in
wicked-
translated lieth,
who
lieth slain.
''
Out of the
fornications,
heart
who
deceitful
is
can
know
above
it?"
all
"The Lord
looked
are
And
Psalm, presents
"All
that
is
down from
heaven,
were any
that did
to see if there
''The
all
is
And what
gone
none
is
the report
that doeth
good
no,
this picture in
in the
such
is
flesh,
220
yea,
is
many
in the hearts of
men, gives of
are to be so transformed as to
And who
God.
like to
in earth or
God
their hatred of
Then
Can
pian change his skin ;" then "can the leopard change his
spots."
man?
fellow
to
human
The experiment
his
justice to
has been
youth of time, now become old and hoary. All the while, the
protection of law, and the immunities of organized govern-
ments, have joined their influence with the fear of hell and
the hope of heaven, to
prompt men
And
ties.
its
greatest strength,
by
Penalties, graduated
The
deadly thrust
ness; and
steady at his
to
be scanned by man.
more covertly
still
more devoted,
in vain.
And where
prayers.
rists
of
human
aim
his
to
abide
stall.
to
voluptuary,
the
severi-
in laying
its
is
power upon
the proselyte?
him out?
Sportive nature
nature point
might produce a white crow or a black swan; but in the production of man, a field of operation far
ture
is
guilty,
utterly impotent
all
polluted.
more
The enemy
all
splendid, na-
of a spot
all
all
m.
ON REGENERATION.
human
the springs of
221
sicians
make
every power
And
diseases, "
as
it
wise phy-
were
easier
only cure
can create
to
human
and be assured,
to
upon you
I
nature
look so long
to
shall
powers and
faculties of
man was
ness of
The
sin's
Scriptures
we
^God saw
man.
to
fast,
that the
wicked-
Rom.
ually."
God;
for
can be."
Spirit of
he
it is
viii.
"The
God:
7.
is
enmity against
man
know them,
The
Apostle describes the heathen, as "having their understandings darkened, being alienated from the
"My
people
is
is in
Over
foolish
life
of God,
Israel and
known me
they
knowledge."
These are
a few, out of
all
many
life
as alive
from the
from an
estate of
passages,
which show
Over
his
222
powers,
intellectual
the heart"
the
affected.
is
carnal
flesh, *is
together with the will and affections, are included, as subject to the
The
enmity.'
human
spirits
and inclines
to
were
not that a
it
promised
to raise
depresses the
'^Dead
in tres-
life giving-spirit,
men from
felt,
melancholy.
all its
is
Knowledge, which
the dead.
powers
God
in cheerful har-
its seat is
man
will
What
Our bodies
work around
tained
that
is
it is
the nature of
But
Jehovah
of our powers
a vile,
have
from
man
The
shattered frame-
reminds us of what
ask what
its
is
now
it
once con-
we
within,
are told
casts out
Who
in the
till
Charybdis that
almighty.
None
a ruined soul,
to be torn
in a
is
when we
but
dust,
to
wreck
its
are whole.
they turn
in paradise
restored to
still
minion.
is
none of
work
is
dead.
its
mysterious as well as
Who
can
tell
by
Who
way
of the
ON REGENERATION.
Lord,
223
Who
in
as its
when they
spired
Its
in heaven.
^'I
XV. 10.
This
is
way
to
'*To
from our
Him
own
sins in his
praise.
created, there
is
joy
work
to
to
in the
is
joy
presence
of man's redemp-
look;"
them
is
their
in-
a part of the
lower
new
tion into
in
is
of the angels of
Luke
the sons of
all
song,
their
gazed
stupendous system.
When
its
existence?
Though
heavenly choir,
and where
hid.
washed us
made
us kings
and priests to God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever, amen." The people of God, who
witness the happy change in others, look on with devout
admiration, and as they see the babe in Christ growing to
Though
man
the
way
of
God
in regeneration be thus
how
in
when
transporting
mysterious
enjoined on us,
we do
32
224
who,
cross,
until
on the
of the Evangelists
Yet
*'they, that
affirm
general plan of
on
God
Allow me here
were
crucified
to
me
What we
One
cross,
testifies, that
this subject
in paradise."
means go
that
is,
into the
to say, that
men
to
question by none.
all
these, of
what-
newed by
them
We
sinful.
are
fallen
in
every case
is
The mental
from the
ought
all
faculties,
to
guide, and
grace,
God
first
faculty
it
was.
inferior creatures,
the rest,
it is
the
to
impel
Hence
be acted upon.
the grand
is
his
means which
Word.
Be-
abideth forever."
The word
of
God
is
liveth
and
it:
and
if
the heart
is
to believe
I refer
Sermon on
you
the
to the
Mount.
unto righteousness,
intellectual faculties.
In proof
What
does
it
it
contain that
is
in
not
ON REGENERATION.
225
By
The sermon
hearts?
power and
of the
men?
approach their
success, had
plainly for
its
its
The burden
whom
to
of his
The
Christ.
effect
was, their convinced consciences compelled the inquiry addressed to Peter and the rest of the Apostles,
brethren, what shall
Agreeably
do?''
Chrit, the
truth,
we
<<Men and
promise of
to the
its
it.
by
"how
fail."
Faith
"faith
how
is
whom
So
softened with
broken. Yet
all
if
the persuasion of
the same
and even
lisp its
felt,
or break.
or rather
human
human
eloquence,
its
he has
shall
mind with
will be
the grace
back sin-
but
to
and benches
effects.
heart, in
Spirit,
word come
though
whisper,
it
it
to the ear
come
as a
by the
still
He
there
if
a stone unutter-
small voice,
Its
power
pleases, either
melt
may
be confidently ex-
226
When
pected.
God
and
this
said,
same God
light
commanded
'^vvho
shone
all
around
The Gospel
enticing;
"The
let
him
speak
it
wheat
tell his
dream," but
faithfully;
Is not
for,
my
let
demonstration of
to give to the
him
that hath
"what
says God,
word
in
means
the grand
in the
hammer
and like a
like as a fire,
is
God's word,
"It
is
quick and powerful, sharper than a two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and
of the joints and marrow, and
and
all
is
Heb.
nature hear?
When
12.
iv.
On one
the
Lord
occasion, while
the Saviour slept, the winds and waves had combined their
forces,
The Saviour
felt
commanded
still,
Unclean
spirits
sink.
calm."
man
must
Spirit
his
word.
to
And
by
follow him
cannot Christ by
life
Ignorance of our
to
turn to Christ;
and these
of success.
How
hollow,
how
hopes
ON REGENERATION.
scribe, a
man
227
comes
most
liberal,
to Christ,
treats
plainly
proposal
his
air
have
all
cut
goest."
His ex-
He
Again
him
tells
for.
off.
and
with respect,
and de-
most unreserved:
slips out of
view
Lord Jesus
the
you
fixes his
He
is
no further objection.
it
more
was
a call to an
arduous
call to
office, to
Here
is
it
prophetical
office,
exerts
his
mind
power
as
It
while,
As
hibited to the
being
at the
to
give
While
soul,
efficacy.
withal
is
is
truth
is
ex-
As
a prophet, Christ
228
acts
same time
at the
acts
Thus
renovation.
manner
we have
far
work
of this mysterious
to exhibit
open
a glass, the
face,
beholding as in
this is the
to
whose
hand
was
withered.
communication of health
Christ
assembled
heart of Lydia.
what
lieve
it
is
when
Philippi, the
and
out,
Here the
command
the
a little
ope-
group
heart to receive
If
at
it
to
common with
In
Paul's instructions
Spirit
man
commanded him,
as the other."
the time
at
as
Analagous
10.
women
even
to glory,
iii.
and he stretched
with
all,
Co7\
"We
it.
by the
that he
as a king, in its
prepared her
to the truth, or
it.
we may
then
all
be-
shall
God
purpose of
"For,
to heaven.
saith
shall be cleansed
God,
all
that are
bought
cometh down
and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but
watereth the earth, and maketh
it
may
my
word
turn to
and
it
it
to
me
shall
void, but
it
shall
my
mouth
it
I please,
it."
ON REGENERATION.
229
God
means of
as a
salvation, as used
neration to produce
fulness as
now
shall
employed by man
you
trouble
by
tlie
author of rege-
it,
its
use-
and
seeking salvation;
in
few remarks.
word,
It
read and
tlie
preached, there
accomplishment of the
end intended.
is
or believed, or done
that
God
effect
upon
by men.
We
it.
all
It
he hath promised
that
and obey
It is
it.
is
be known,
to believe
it;
as
word;
all
to do, to
meditate
to
recommended under
^'It is able to
make wise
All
Jesus Christ.
faith that is in
is
profit-
in
man
of
of
much
it,
concern.
which
it
may
recommends, must be
be found in the
matter
the Scriptures,
instruct
<'
him
and
While Paul
to
The
and
They
are
employed
as
in
given.
general, to
Attention to these
in
is
life
already
which we
230
to
life.
prayer
as a duty,
which the
to
in
bend them
are
made
to the
of one blood
dependent on
God
and that
may
they
be excited
feel after
This seeking
27.
to
nations
all
their Creator,
he does
which ought
him and
'^
to seek the
find
him."
Lord,
if
Jicts xvii.
is
thou that
hearest prayer," says the Psalmist, "unto thee all flesh shall
come." Psalm
Peter,
Ixv. 2.
who
says of Simon,
^'
Thou
yet
commands him
pray God,
if
Repent of
*'
this
Sets
vii.
22.
That prayer
is
may
be
the duty of
upon what
worst of men.
perfection
And
grounds, prayer
command were
command, then
fail
pable of performing
the
it
perfectly, then
the reasons of
was
all
vain;
all
Were
were
it
would
they ca-
unnecessary.
Adam
in paradise;
Abundant
and the
the
indeed
been forbidden
has
for prayer to
We
ON REGENERATION.
that
we
We
offer then,
For
perfect.
It
use the
231
made
to signify petition.
as
to
The Gospel
condition.
and
come
to
God
to
we
as
is
consequences of
cious promises.
sin
is,
really are,
we
say,
is
founded on
for
When
"
sinners.
men," even
These he holds
session.
is
is
in
Him to eternal
in
What
will
you be
is
life;
No
it is
the ful-
all
God
the gift of
it
He
Who
willing to give.
the
on those that
and, therefore,
that
is
there
is
told that
that
is,
Him, by
were chosen
in pos-
I will add,
gifts
could
you by
that
punish-
to escape
Can you
repent.
gift
But
of God.
if
ac-
left for
when
Lord
there
is
is
Lord there
<*
is
mercy,
plenteous redemption."
acted upon
by
why
with the
The
even
why God
unregenerate sinner
33
STREET LECTURES.
SI/RUCE
232
The
king, in regeneration.
Christ finds
recipient.
sinner
him dead
guilty,
he
passive,
is
he gives him
and reckons
him
to
mere
The
is
life.
as his son.
Now
he
is
become
new
He
ing in him."
author,
it is
is
how
creature,
He
worketh
that
good pleasure.
If
" by
in
him
He now
moved
even a real
by what
but because he
it;
He
may
For
him.
is
Christ's
and they
"Thou, Lord,
to feed
is
belongs
claim,
works, but
bless
answer
"the
is
so to do, either
and
and do of his
will
to
Christian, he cannot be
to Christ's fold,
live,
Christ liv-
by God
does he
lives,
all,
be given them
it;
wrought
they
all
do
Should any one declare the contrary, and affirm that his
ar-
a one,
to
" Thou
suppose that
all
would say
is vile,
such
what
to
Were you
still
is
pure from
and the
preponderate,
beam
but
this purity, of
to
them
and
to
ON REGENERATION.
with guilt while
in their
233
natural condition
and
they
as
are not yet united to Christ, nor dealt with as those that are
in him, their prayers, cannot be approved
Yet
is
by
Holy God.
unspeakable importance
in
prayer to them.
1st.
in Christ, that
they should
is
this
" I pray
them,
for
Here he intercedes
thine."
him by
For
so.
for them.
But again he
actual calling.
them
says,
who
also,
<^
Neither pray
on
shall believe
me
the Saviour
in or-
made
fold
them
and there
this
To
attention turned.
*<
also I
shall
Other sheep
all
quarters, too,
is
his
shall hear
my voice,
How will
to the places
will
Now
when
God may
prays, can
tell
the Spirit of
If
what man
he be one for
whom
when means
that raised
Jesus from the dead, will give elevation to his soul, and
up
to heaven.
The
opposition
made
that
inspire him,
up
lift it
to Paul's ministry at
away;
at
which
crisis the
Lord spoke
to
234
by
saying,
a vision,
*'
am
Thus does
he, to
Be
whom
kingdom
this city.''
all
employ
waits to
at the
proper
moment
work
clusively the
men
in
of God,
all
is
ex-
employment
ercise
or
asked,
why
does
why
perform.^ and
who have
fathers,
God's right
be
will
able to
know
to light,
them anew.
have succeeded
If I
appointed in the
from darkness
by our
That
to
is
our
guilt.
we
are
sunk
But I enter
in
my
ability, as
justified in requiring
those
lar,
at
who
your hand
To
to
hear
God
Sure
men on
that all
I trust
men,
the law
asking,
who
this sub-
theories of
teach.
God is
To
seem
ject, has
what we
this subject I
you what
pay no
attention.
I say
you regard
as the cause,
if
ON REGENERATION.
you admit
that
all
that
If
is
in
God
hath
What
and which he
laid,
is
then
executing?
hath appointed his Son, and sent him to obey the law
In his
life
he has
our substitute.
as
us,
It
damnation none
this
is
He
from
died in vain.
ance,
235
By
ple
these
required of
a sacrifice,
it
channel of inter-
Through Christ
as
the way,
above.
be bestowed on men.
fruit of his
purchase
count,
all
him Amen,
to
to the glory of
calls sinners to
come
not because he
yea, and in
as the
this ac-
knows they
him
On
fully
surely
comply
known
to
power on
his part
may
be
merciful design.
any contend
that they
believe
power
If
proposes
faith,
matter of
gift.
call it
have power
to
natural or moral
salvation,
which
he
man
is
is
able to believe,
able to repent,
why
is
why
is
he not able
to avoid
sin
If
and
236
The
truth
guilty,
as
that the
is,
condemned,
as
And
grace of
God
man
takes
as
it
is
shall
stir
up
he
ought
to
it
What
fear of death.
as
the
sinner does
'Uhe
him,
tells
The
finds him.
Gos-
it,
shall I
and
do
Son of God,
But
faith of
sake,
let
Alas
the order.
is
cannot
God demands
it
for him.
if
it is
haveit.
is,
the gift of
The sinner's
diligent attention
men
in seek-
ing; and in this, through the grace of God, his hope rests.
Sinners,
converted.
*'God commandeth
pent."
Ye
exclaim
my
Repent and be
to repent.
all
"Impossible. My
sins,
it
to re-
heart refuses to
my vileness,
it
Oh, that
God's law.
hot displeasure."
God
and
While your
God
him
a Prince
fear, as I
heart
if it
is
ought
a Saviour, to give
and
feel, as
to fear, his
*^
your
exalted
offers.
attention
ON REGENERATION.
You
Again.
237
commanded, "Wash
are
put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes;
cease to do evil, learn to do well."
to regenerate yourselves.
indeed
it
As
is.
You
commanded
are
down
As well
to extinguish the
None
could not.
gels
and from
filthiness
Here you
your
all
is
again.
it
shall be clean
idols, will
Sinner,
God
from
your
all
cleanse you."
God commands
Again.
new
whereby ye have
gressions,
heart and a
new
spirit, for
why
will
away
new
spirit will I
your
new
and
flesh,
:"
heart will
I will
condition
promise,
men
is
it
not to be regarded
take
give you
Here
Hear
I will
an heart of flesh/^
Do
trans-
make you
you die
"A
all
transgressed, and
provi-
tlie
in their natural
is
described in a
as specially directed to
any thing
is
they need
the duty of a
man
man
it:
all
ye
not to plead
it, is
in
If
any
can
case, I
plead
me
when
feel that
it is
wilful unbelief.
his duty to
"Come
unto
will give
238
you
Now
rest."
I assert, that
he that
sin, is a wilful
and oppressed
toiled
is
unbeliever,
if
he does not
So
with
is
it
all
The same
Their duty
is
is
they have
ted.
mercy,
if
they
all
to plead,
fail
I shall
my idols,
as a
sins,
many and
"Lord
be clean, from
my
all
His ordinances.
all
May
blessing.
to strive
till
ye receive the
may
Lord
you peace.
If I
If
thou show
me
and
filthiness
mises of a faithful
in prayer,
aggrava^
God
men.
They
wherein
the
bless
it
to
;
you
all.
and do
will.
Amen.
In conclusion.
mises to do for
them
men
as in
me why God
pro-
which he requires
he contemplates
to
do what he
re-
Again,
I ask, that
room and
man
stead,
how
The demand
To talk
and be saved.
Again.
and
tell
quires
that
men
is
not,
do and
of doing,
is
live,
but believe
to reject substitution,
IX.
JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH.
Therefore,
of the law.
we conclude
Rom.
iii.
This conclusion
man
is justified
is
shown,
in the
by
faith,
The
is,
is
that a
28.
momentous
question, indeed.
question
a sinner is acquitted,
failed to
all
promote
tlie
to secure
its
is
The
Lawgiver^
It cannot, therefore,
glory
subject.
It
mankind, Jews
to give
up
tiie
its
be
wisdom
claims to
flood-gates of
To
who
has,
34
240
ing sincere endeavours to honour him and do his will, instead of entire conformity to his law, as the ground of ac-
is to
talk at
random,
Tsel
to be justified at
all, it
seems
by
darkening
plain, that
him by
coun-
must be by
it
whose
another,
vir-
interpo-
by the Law-
The
'^That a
[Jhe
is,
is
justified
by
The
We
man
text
That
iporks of law.
literally, thus:
ma n is justified by faij
is,
ii'
mankind
are justified
without
by
faith,
any law,
though of vast
jjDlan of salvation.
It
warm
is
Gospel
place, in
(Romans,
to state
and defend
it:
Luther pronounced
it,
em-
And
all
regard
belief, as
To
as a
article of religious
by
a series of re-
is
ON JUSTIFICATION.
And
it
may
241
as the discussion
to
be mainly
is
taught
Presbyterian Church.
See
XI. sections
eth,
is
he
1, 2, 3.
Confession of Faith
^^
by pardoning
chap.
\^
effectually calU]
by infusing righteousness
by accounting
'^
as
righteous
not
any
for
any other
ing, or
obedience to them, as
act of evangelical
their righteousness
by
his righteousness
it
is
faith;
which
faith
but
is
is
it
no dead
faith;
his obedience
debt of
all
and
other
make
a pro-
all
by
behalf.
the
Christ,
per, real,
is
is
they
Faith, thus
person
sat-
on him and
itself,
tification is
in
of sinners."
See
also,
<<
to questions 70,
is
which he pardoneth
all
and account-
242
eth their persons righteous in his sight; not for any thing
wrought
in
obedience and
fect
satisfaction of Christ,
full
and
by
full
his obedience
inasmuch
God
them of
is to
as
real,
them
in the behalf of
justification
Although
alone.
faith
God's justice
satisfaction to
by God im-
which
also
is
Justifying faith
free grace.
is
him out of
all
other
ceiveth
therein held forth, for pardon of sin, and for the accepting
and accounting of
for salvation.
Faith
^justifies a
sinner
i n.
God
pany
it,
or of good
works
it;
nor as
it
is
if
him
an instrument, by
his righteous-
_ness."
These views,
texts,
we
it
will be seen
by
we
ON JUSTIFICATION.
them, as of weighty import, and
243
in
religion.
On the ne^;ativebranch of the apostle's general concluwe need spend but little time: << Without works of
I.
sion,
The
law."
heart, before
<^The commandment
view.
human
to
one point
best
a
works
title
is
to
all
"He
Of what
avail, then,
can our
us to Christ."
upon
to
and
"as
us, in
us,
It is true, that
is
"^
that faileth in
to eternal life?
is
do them."
guilty of all."
<<Cursed
of
of our condembring
a schoolmaster to
man, regarding
it,
as for-
ever the rule of duty, the high and holy standard of moral rectitude, in
to
which
it
would be
his
his
But
members,
him
works, good
to be maintained,
Good worksp.
and ought
They
are useful
evi^
~|
244
/love;
\
\
,^ut as to
part, the
of everlasting
life, it is
a thing not
tion,
we have
named
when expounded by
in the
where opportunity
offers, are
make
is to
show
him
if
that
it
evident
good works,
guage, reconcile
employs,
the illustrations he
God.
known,
or
to
in
whole or
man
faith,
is justified,
a different
by which
it
is
in the sight of
meaning on
his lan-
tiles.
To Justify,
II.
in
its
primary import ,
is to
acquit; to ab-
been put on
trial,
community
to
of an
official
justice, ex-
man
is
arraigned before a
investigation,
has
which he belongs.
fit
pressive
who
either
human
acquitted
tribunal,
or
he
is,
condemned.
If a
upon due
If con-
pardon; the law has nothing against him; the charge has
not been substantiated; and he
is
When
ON JUSTIFICATION.
jects, these terms, jusHfi/
245
import; though
some doubts
change.
It
as
is
we do
the
to
is
ori<rinal
theological sense,
tlicir
also pardoned.
who
But
is
of the
justified,
is
in a
he not likewise
d^vQ
we
be used interchangeably, as
Those who
if
to
will be
very likely
to
This thought
is
respectfully
it is,
to preach the
III.
That
is
word of
said in our
which
faith
it is
oilicial
is justified,
truth.^'^
icx\.,
that
Lord Jesus
man
Christ.
termost,
all
that
by divine
and ^^able
constitu-
This
is
so ob-
viously involved in the whole process of the apostle's reasoning, in the context, that any attempt on the present occasion, to
make
it
more
plain,
would be deemed an
ill-
246
jButh ow does
liar efficacy, in
faith
merely
believe, considered
own
tures
nial,
act;
Wherein
as a mental exercise,
To
is
the crea-
or to possess
operations.
which
believes truth,
it
justify
accompanied by
is
intellectual
so constituted, that
is
sufficient evi-
sions,
some
in
faith,
nated,
faiib^jts
it is
the
p;ift
it
is
of
God
i. e.
grace of
does
The
for
the
man?
How,
solution of this
And we
cussion.
the very
problem
solve
it
is
we
denomi-
cannot originate or
to
the special
by saying,
faith has
fitly
as
God?
by
that which
command, and
is
it
how
in
And
jo savin g
us
cases, instinctively, or
That
which
is
saving
the
same
lue in
itself,
object, in
answered;
and
is
majesty maintained;
to the
its
authority vindicated,
its
Rom.
x. 4.
law of God; an
uncompromising claims
finds its
HencjeJClhmt^
rig^
The righteousness of
ground,
tion.
By
is
the
justifica-
we mean
his ac-
ON JUSTIFICATION.
tive
247
precepts, in the
thus,
by
room and
its
penalty, as in
And,
his voluntary
them
life, in all
to the
The
counted
them, and
to
is
is
actually
imputed
to
them, or
when he
is
is
taken, as a
mean
says: *<But
is
now
faith of Jesus,
Bom.
ii i.
set to
It is repre-
all
them
that
is
by
believe. ''.
21, 2 2.
many
participation in
its
as the
is
sees
fit
to call to a
bone
God over
all,
very properly
Justification
doneth
sight,
all
is
our
said, in
that,
and accepteth us
as righteous
in
his
to us,
On
35
we would remark
very briefly:
248
l/That
this, like
Those who
he
acts, is
without repentance,
'^Whom he
justifies,
them he
calls,
also glorifies
They
themselves.
to
left
are sanctified
he receives; while
to the
He
redeeming Substitute,
e.
which
is
it
an
is
redeemed
all
act of justice.
to the
by the
2/ It
unto salvation."
faith,
sinner, as are
too;
also
."^^
them he
heaven, and
to
effect:
whom
and
justifies;
God's
all
full
3/"0ur
sins are
pardoned"
was exacted
in
his
at the
own body on
we were
healed."
Sin
is
and
is,
a Saviour."
also,
Let
never connived
<^a
all
consuming
or allowed to
at,
an intelligible form,
by
The
ledge shall
Isaiah
my
in a
summary,
we have only
few moments,
justify
of, in
Spirit:
but,
we
further to in-
few passages
to a
Christ
is
<^
man
is
jus-
his
knowledge,
'*
he
By
many;
i.
e.
his
know-
for he shall
It is said
shall
he shall
by the knowledge of
"for," or because
'^
many by
himself, with
liii .
spoken
is
God,
faith,
first is,
<^God
*'a just
fire,"
his stripes
by
<^
kingdom of Jehovah.
love;" but he
when
his
word and
ON JUSTIFICATION.
Now, how
shall
righteous, in consequence
cept
24y
by giving them an
hearing their
oi'
made unto
is
Lord, that
a
King
6.
I will raise
shall reign
ment and
''
be called,
shall
This
is
is,
the
ness."
saith
whereby he
VVjio, of
Another passage
us righteousness."
5,
'^
ex-
which
God
/ega//i/
ini([uilics,
name,
his
is
prophecy concerning
own him,
as their
would seem,
it
secure
as
the
who
all
to per-
acknowledgment
shall cordially re-
it
to regard
is
decla-
by
this
singularly
compounded
title,
Righteousness. "
A
him,
third
made
we
passage
who knew no
is,.
2 Cor,
sin, to
the righteousness of
21
God
in
v.
any
or, in other
words,
"The Lord
as
OUR Righteousness ?
The last text that we adduce,
the epistle
is
in
to
the
250
Phillippians,
dung
that
where the
8, 9:
iii.
eousness which
of
is
is
own
righteousness, which
through
is
of
and cling
to that
which
by
is
many
"That man
law," then,
safely,
float
amid the
and
ments, (and
safety,
wreck of fallen
own
his self-righteous-
all
is
we have
conclusion, in our
to confirm the
justified
by
yet to learn
without works of
faith
how
to interpret
and ap-
PRACTICAL INFERENCES.
l/jal vationjsj^fjjod
by the merits of
Christ,
The method
is
is
gin,
its
progress, and
its
by
and eternal
of saving sinners,
a matter of divine
The
by
the instru-
entire scheme, in
consummation,
is
a gra-
efficient
its ori-
such as to secure
the glory of God, and the most perfect safety and happiness
ON JUSTIFICATION.
The Lord
to his people.
redeeming Saviour,
a
way
is
051
the gift of
Spirit, in
makes
Scriptures give us
righteousness, and
all
all
needful instruction in
race that
be-
is set
fore us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our
Let
faith.
no attempt
there, therefore, be
to
divide the
hy
fallen, guilty
Him, <*Who,
cepted work of
of God,
him glory
made unto
written.
He
us,
and redemp-
that glorieth
let
LordP
in the
2/Those who
is
it
is
sanctification,
in the
ful to
life
The most
plausible objection to
as if
it
it
isj its
supposed liableness
to abuse,
moral virtue.
silence
care-
is,
fessing Christians;
show
of pro-
so exhibited
while justification
by preachers and
writers, as to
accepted by
faith,
santification, is secured
and right
spirit,
that,
by the bestowment of
new
all
instituted
heart
truth,.
means of perfecting
-^
252
3/ Let
Jesus Christ
mankind
Redeemer.
the only
is
are setting in
Vast multitudes of
final
way of saving
no human being
profess
to
believe
that
is
We
men.
lost
can be saved,
us,
tion
mon
apostacy.
deeming
called
We
plan, to
and
know,
too, that
employ the
justified,
in
is a
it
of those
efforts
making known
whom
he has
world the
to the
we
and
hear
"Go, preach
ing:
believeth and
is
Ho3y^an we^
dear Chris-
truths be
lukewarm,
^od, and
of vision
forth
awakening
world
the
till
it
kingdom of God
is
and
Spirit of
crown the
and celebrated
filled, that
to the faith
pour
exertions propor-
warm
her responsi-
to righteousness,
make
sions;
feel
fully
shall
fel-
Mis-
efforts
be felt on
prophecy
is ful-
is
acknowledged
as
Lord,
ON JUSTIFICATION.
253
to the glory of God, the father, <*from sea to sea, and from
the river to the ends of the earth! !"
4/ There
make
have been
is
is
and
in Christ Jesus;
purpose,
justification
with
connected
If
you
you
are a believer,
justified, graciously,
is,
holiness
in
God's unchanging
and
heavenly
bliss.
Surely, then, you will feel that you are not your own;
but that
^ou
are the
any
tribulation,
See
proper.
in
to
L ord?Sj
you any
this
that
it,
life,
service, or subject
which he
see
shall
deny
You
to Christ; for
Heaven and
you are
Because he
God, you
God
life.
hid with
C hrist,
in
you
God.
are in a state of
shall
Death
But
if
is
you
Son of
Should
can
interested in
lives
of
to
yours.
to
and
fit
you
state,
you cannot
see
this
God
has re-
and that
is
gotten Son.
If
all
reject this,
Ju
will not
cannot
save you,
we pray
God
for
254
we might
be
made
the righteousness of
sin, to
**
Christ
any other."
is
God
ail."
in
him."
^'Neither
In
is
X.
the Rev.
bij
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
Isaiah
xliii.
formed
for
my
praise.
21.
Tim.
is
to
iii.
15.
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word
in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost so that ye were ensamplcs
:
pure in her
spirit,
and
faithful to
her
trust, as the
depository
in
tliis
is
often,
36
the Church
256
and
trine
life
we would
and when
trace
from
its rise
to
find in
many
through which
The
to
it
wends
its
weary way.
own hands
may
be said
more of
What
they
was ignobly
work
left
by
Christianity.
the
Church
itself
into her,
a foreign field,
tions
who
little
busied in breaking
down
itself.
made merchandise of
the truth, in
its
And
sufficiently extend-
spirit
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
cause was arrested by the
the
fatal
257
divisions of
friends
its
and
Reformed Church
"To
The
was meant
for
mankind."
generations, passing
epoch
We
by the fading
which we
live:
may become
and
the
if
first in
we
are faithful to
a series of progressive
it
movements,
shall
But
ject,
if
we would
and solemn
we esteem
the
ser-
work
of
much
is
doing
spirit
now
command,
or
with what
achievements are
matter
mutual congratu-
lation.
The
present some
hints in relation to
be found unprofitable.
The
to
word of God
are intended
and
may
The
first
named
passage
258
exhibits the divinely derived character, and appropriate influence of the people of God.
for myself :
expanded
<^
my praise.^
as
This
''
is
Ye are a
Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. '^^
The next
under
God, which
is the
and ground of
Head
great
rests, for
God
its
the truth.^^
means of extending
it
and
it
called
and furnished
into form,
Hence
it is
which the
truth depends, to be
God
truth of
'^
world.
seat
the
what
ground of the
pillar
'
The
But
it is
that,
action
it is.
It is the
on earth; where
upheld,'
to
is
mercy
and
continually held
to a lost world.
in the
work
" From
you sounded out the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Jichaia, but in every place; so that ye became ensamples to all that believe.^'
* 1
Peter
ii.
9.
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
259
It is
God
is
of
his works.
all
upon the
of redemption subordinates to
" The
to
depend
in our
g;lory
In his dealings
own, and,
God
so far as
of our
itself all
Lord Jesus
own
beings and
all
all
nion,
plan
things
hand
right
above
principality,
The
we know,
in
heavenly places,
is
is to
in
this
all
head over
all
him
cipalities
by
all,
is
to be the
economy
far
He
<<
name."*
his
all
places,
is
salvation; as an agent, he
is
might be known
regarded
it
him
wisdom of God."t
man
of redemption,
now
at
In the
once as an
to be occupied in extending
By
the world.
the subject,
"Christian Missions," J we
are to under-
which we
ments
all
work
in the hands of
God,
every creature.
In examining this important subject,
I.
*
I
Psalm
man
cxxxviii. 2.
and assigned
is,
t
is
we remark:
Ephes.
i.
17,
2023, and
iii. 1
0.
260
and
The
influence.
peculiar, original,
new and
In the
divine
many-
from
men, who
his fellow
the
continued exhibition, or
embodied
proposition
first
is,
it is
of religion
of a Christian
life
Our
Christianity.
intrin-
to ex-
is
is its
A profession
moment look
at
In order to
some of the
dis-
The Christian
is
under
lives
and
controlling influ-
its
as
he
and
is,
man
as
he
all
It gives
God
him
and
its
his relations,
all
''
who has
left
all
some degree,
liever, in
it
feel,
Spirit,
makes the
-like
be-
him
steps.''*
Personal holiness
Christian.
Lord."
'^
is
" Without
Ye
an
essential characteristic
holiness
*1 Peter
ii.
21.
no man
<<
If
shall
of a
see the
any man be
in
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
he
Christ,
By
He
creature."
is
renewed by the
image of God
God
new
is
Spirit of God,
2G1
in
after the
a holy
sin,
by
seen of
them
This
is
which
is
his people,'
all
behalf
and
his Spirit,
own
its
God on their
lead a man to
sions;
its
it
offers
occa-
it
extinction every
where.
Holy
tian.
love is
We
can, of course,
united force.
fellow men,
is
to
God, and
summary
Thou
^^
all
all
all
This
as thyself
God-ward
is
intelligent,
is
the great
all
thy
disin-
expression of
shalt love the
soul,
and with
commandmcnt."t And
this love
commanding, and
practical
affection
for
the
man
And
of the Bible God in Christ.
knight
not a vain sentiment, or a wild spirit of religious
this love of
God
is
to
which
errantry; but a wise, dutiful, and disinterested love
* Ephes.
ii.
10,
and Colos.
iii.
10.
Luke
i.
27.
MaUi.
iiii. 37.
262
was
men.
all
who
It is a faint,
to
s,'''
clearly
is
God's commands.
my commandment
'^
is
racter.
to be
is
we might
spirit necessarily
cross, that
This
life.
possessor to
required, for
he
leads
'^
Christian,
or
he
Thou
all
shalt love
all
" thou
men
as
ye have opportunity."*
" Go
owed
to
first
sum
drawn unto
table
which
'^
re-
God, under
teach
He who
If thou forbear
it
is,
to deliver
by emibeyond
death,
if thou sayest
it ?
And
he that keepeth
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
263
And
man
der to every
Once more:
know
it ?
It is
God
ye
It is
whatever ye do, do
eat or drink, or
God."
Glorify
<<
Whether
to the
glory of
all
<^
<
of
God
To
results
from
God in the
and good will
glory to
is
in all his
even
in his darkest
beings glorify
extorted, and
God
in
unknown.
^'
The wrath
But
by
is
is
it
may
it
of
man
very
spirit
missionary
blessing,
world.
to
spirit,
fit
own
Now our
first
world
and useful
as ours, is
to his fellow
honourable
men.
which he professes;
*
37
in
the
Such
the religion
argument
nature, constitute a
a being in such a
religion,
and
For, in the
Now
named may
him."
is,
be reluctant,
praises
this is the
all
is
a practical
to
our holy
man
is
the
specimen of
proof of
its
264
truth, value,
''^
their reproof,
God
among
a guilty people; a
But
Me
^'
of the earthy
salt
He
man
in the
is,
His views of
man,
Sometimes such
men?^*
all
forth the
called
like lot in
He shows
who hath
praises of him
<*
infinitely
it
and
infidel
for
by
common
foe of
him
to
when
the law of
the great
all
His nature
^^let
**
him
vation.
He
them
will labour
him
to the
to stand
Go ye unto
still,
all
the
His obedience
nations;"
is
things,
come."
all
law of God
mea-
sin;
is
He
philosophy.
The
influence of
intensity, refinement,
avail.
and
ele-
Where he
on a
scale
iii.
.'i.
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
265
ruined world, and the supremacy of his love, with tho entireness of his dedication
Lord Jesus
to the
by measure, unto
He
Christ.
that beloved
And
will send
When we
Oh! brethren,
its
we may
this
no more
theory!
still
spirit at
is
our hands.
we
remnant shall he
ideal.
God requires
very
this
saved.^^
is
but impracticable
fair,
not
''^
It is that,
It is
Christian character,
what makes
man
II.
in
its
is
a Christian,
spirit
We remark that
organization,
missionary in
its
endows him
in the
same
Church of God
the
and
is essentiality
sionary institution.
We speak,
perly so called.
The Church
of
God was
established, in
God
ral dispensations
through which
successive development of
its
in
it
scheme of mercy
to its
to
mankind,
missionary consti-
266
as
If,
we have shown,
who
truly
work
rights,
and
of missions, the
The Church
is
Each
Thus united
sionary influence.
living
member,
all
is it fitted
work
for
itself in /oi;e;"*
harmonious and
numbers,
of the living
'*
the house of
God,"
is
God, which
is
ef-
the Church
To
her
is
" the
It is in the
pillar
and
the oracles of
alone,*
world.
* Ephes.
iv. 5.
Roms.
iii.
2.
is
sanctified,"
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
2G7
is
And
the standing
worship
is
means
darkened understandings
their
"show
to
God's praise,"
forth
by
performed
public, with
in
mercy,
his public
his authority.
to the
direct reference to
And
with
infinite
Him
The
sacred rites
its
the
pre-
wisdom and
God's
praise,
in the world,
is
It is in
in the
calls of his
mercy.
In addition to
by
God
to the
all
this, there is
Church,
set
tion,
if
their
work by
his
holy
ed by his authority.
sionary effortj
is
made
it
successful
of God.
go
Spirit, as
This
is
his
by
his
furnished
forth,
men
reconciliafor
well as commission-
mean of evangelizing
ted, if
God,
of
called
to all
by
his
Almighty power.
wisdom, and
Now
this great
is
commit-
we may
She
is,
268
fitness, for
make
at
his hands,
and
crifices, in
is
really prepared to
But
the
God,
to
tion.
Each
Church of God
give direction
man
sanctified
who
minister,
a temple of God,^'
by the Spirit, led by the
is *
truly Such,
is
effect to
believer, as such,
a spiritual
is,
rit,
is
and
is
Spirit:
that
Spi-
and each
at-
Spirit
God
of
Head
as
the midst of
this Spirit
He
Church,
Holy
is
in
the divine
to
of Jesus,
Even
representative
it.
as
her
men
Church
is
it is
Thus
eth unto
an holy temple in
ple
all the
glory
by His perpetual
presence.
^^
It is the
the
Lord; in whom,
his peo-
an habitation of God
And
Church, as an abiding
gift,
is
is
this greatest of
* Ephes. iv. 8.
1112.
Ephcs.
ii.
2122.
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
when
the
Holy
Spirit,
of grace, gives
by
Ofjg
new impulse
to
his people
work
in the divine
life,
These
and
special
They
men and
devils,
an especial
the resistance of
all
a faithful
and revived
We
thus,
is
it is
a self-perpetuat-
is fitted
to generation.
God is promised
And
to the
Christ.
sufficiently
which
on these suggestions,
show
Church
to
is
in view,
is
to
its
that the
work
What
then
is
wanting,
sionary institution
divine Author in
its
(to
Is
it
wind
forth
But
it is
work
forest,
and
to
every
field!
its
winged-seeds to every
of missions.
Christ, as to
the organiza-
270
we
tion
work
of missions
is
resulting
we
The
" Suppose an order issued from the highest authority in the kingdom, re-
commanding
of soldiers, and
all faithful
utmost of their power in the execution of the will of their sovereign. In urging the people to obedience, what would be the most obvious, and
almost say, exclusive topic that could present
itself in the
be not
It is at the peril
and,
It
fulfilled.
it
may
would be
be,
must not be
It
we might
of argument ?
resisted.
It
self-evident that
way
and he must
" I feel that this illustration, as indeed every illustration taken from earthly
and sensible
mand
his
of the
objects,
must
may
fall
short of the
may
Him.
An
earthly king
is
His commands
power
cise of
liis
the principles of the strictest justice and highest honour and universal bene-
volence
his subjects
to
obey him, as
Christians are to " bring every thought into subjection to the obedience of
Christ."
And
if
his authority, 1
is
allow
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
The
ultimate appeal
then does
is
He command.
Ml
271
to tlie authority of
God. What
" Jind Jesus came and spake
power is given unto me in hea-
them in
the
name of the
the
Father,
and of the
whatsoever
Soji,
to observe all
lo !
and of
things
I am
ivith
and
it is
<<
written,
Christ to
repentance
his
it
was
It
and
interest in Christ,
Christ; and he
who would
runs to the
last
of the Lord:
day
for
who
it
to all
who
comprehends
work
It
of
^^
all
man.
the
it
its
obh"ga-
announces.
It is
It
Though
rest.
all
ever heard of
and the
it is
extends to
have an
was addressed,
the di-
in the
Church,
is
it
to be preached.
* Matt, xxviii.
1820.
38
Mark
It is
xvi.
1516.
Luke
xxiv.
4648.
272
that the
Church of God
soever shall
How
then
call
shall
they
And how
Now
required to do
on him
call
whom
in
For who-
shall
be saved.
shall
how
shall
whom
they
shall
necessary to
^<
this.
how
believed? and
is
its
all
accomplishment.
sent, so
Church must do
may
official
If
or sin
it,
If others
character, can
ordain them for the work of the ministry; and she cannot
divest herself
to send
them
forth,
rights, or
While
Christ
all
as to the
the people of
God
is
form
of doing
Some
it.
officially
by
it,
great end.
AND TO DO
will
do
it.
or responsible to
it;
IT
But surely
it
it is
will, in
it
be pro-
a great measure,
depend
It will
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
she can in this cause; and
we
suppose
273
will be allowed,
it
And
it
ought to
as the preliminary
her communion, ordaining him for the work of the ministry, &c. are peculiar to the
to
work, from
And
first to last.
direction,
accomplished.
rily unfits
then
it
we
it
work
should think
that Church,
and
its
it
without
it,
institution,
is
to
be proper, re-
by which
the operations
it
is
of missions, in
its
proper person,
Not
sionary action
as such,
If the organization of
for the
God
would seem
quisite,
Church,
as the
that
mere adaptation
to mis-
for
To
work,
we
cimens afforded
circuit
abroad.
system
to the
at
world
home, or
in the
Methodist Episcopal
that of the
While we consider
United Brethren
illustrious
view of reproved
examples of what
world. Especially do
unparalleled
we
admire, while
self-devotion
we
gaze upon
it,
They
the
the
pitched their
274
open
tents in the
enemy
plain, like
two
Him
little
in
all
supreme
In regard to our
we have been
that
doing good.
in
The
system.
it,
in
own
institutions,
we
freely
But the
The
to an unlimited extent.
siastical bodies,
gradation of
Church
fits
efficient action,
its
various eccle-
acknowledge
far
it
continued responsibility of
its
next to impossiit
in
its
various
people at large.
is,
official
it
work
Again;
if
of missions.
* 1
Kings XX.
27.
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
075
may
cold assent, but their hearts will flow out after their bene-
The
factors.
in blessing
them,
discipline also
is
is
which
to
But these
a duty.
him
blesses
In
place,
its
in the
same
And
so
it is
with the
ecclesiastical relations.
for the
official
never
to
act in these
in general supervi-
find
their
it
most
it
would bind
to the judi-
* It
is
body an
due
apostolical
to ourselves,
it
eccle-
institutions of
which have arisen in aid of the various benevolent operations of the day,
here explicitly to declare, that
we do most
cordially approve
them
that
we
think them highly necessary, as well as greatly useful, and that they can no
more be dispensed
witli
its
they sustain the union, and extend the influence of the people of God, and
afford a fine moral demonstratior^of the truth of Christianity
all
may
be one in us
xvii. 17.
may
be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also
:
And wo
sister institutions,
may
John
in our
own Church, by
Their existence
is
called for
by the present
cir-
276
But however
question
this
may
be settled, as to the
form
to
command
clear
be incited, with
all
we have
speed to obey
it,
obligation.
Is
its
this standing
law
is
my
If
and
vice
it
enjoins
dence, the
this is
is
is
work
when he ascended on
command, not only
In a word,
and
man.
To
hell,
the
his
And how
tian character.
however our
to
to
Lord
other
ages,
effort
and mutual
and peace
toleration.
But yet we
end intended
exist in
its
by the
spirit
of an'enlarged
of the
present form.
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
are opened to our very doors,
then lands
all
277
distant
is to
a deliberate
and continued
dience
is to
the world,
it is
no
less
sin;
and
Hea-
he esteemed
up
in
God.
considerations,
an inquiry as
is
effort,
in such
this.
We
it
In our attempts
we have
its
too
who
merciful provisions,
no difference among
and exposure
to eternal death.
commonly taken
They seldom
who have
objects of their
They seldom
sight.
When
think of them.
religious state.
They
feel
hear of
think and
feel,
And
it.
fatal sensibility
if
they are
faithful,
the
278
it
But what
is
The
we
think,
That
1.
fall,
man
Hence no man
2.
in
lost,
one.
in his behalf.
God may
3.
and of those
who
word
was given.
call
shall
call
on him in
shall
whom
be saved.
How
then
And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not
heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And
how shall they preach except they be sent? So then, faith
cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."*
And
that this
doubt
who
is
will look at
second proposition,
Christ.
And
all
its
connexion.
are lost
who
According
to the
by Jesus
is
who
Rom.
X. 13, 14,
15.17.
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
5.
man
holy*
we know,
made
not been
so
And
No
279
apostle,
Now
allowing that
men
are
made holy
made known
ceive
it,
when
that Gospel
is
to
it
for their
own,
as
Allowing him
that
to
But the
men!
be such,
how
sadly solitary
memorable occasion,
that Cornelius
the speci-
is
sermon on
the
The
the
inhabitants of the
Sandwich
having no
made perhaps
islands
They
abolished
But when
idolatry,
Christian mis-
and like
God
to
all
fit
little
other
them
more
We
not to
mean
perfect,
but religiously dedicated to God, and delivered from the dominion of sin.
t
Acts
X.
.3639.
39
280
religion,
made no response
Again;
if
their wants,
and
hope of an
multitudes would be
series of ages,
Such cases
as Job,
for in
But no
every land.
we know,
While then
the
hope
still
who
which
heathen?
Or who
that
full
view,
we
are in
to under-
when he
we may
if
of the morning,"
he will
may
set
calculate the
on our own.
worth of
He who
all
their souls
can look
pathies
common
and
is
down
into hell,
by the value we
unmoved
at
such a
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
281
It is this, that
state
and prospects of
however we
settle in
our
if
they were
lost;
and
lost
by our
disobedience.
of
this,
is
not
now
fact.
may
be proper, however, in
is
chiefly to be sought in
But
who
that such
is
is at all
many ages
which have elapsed since the command was given to make
Christianity universally known, how little has been done towards this result! The Church has always been kept alive
in the world:
After the
But the
And
even
Look
at
Mahome-
dan delusion, or of pagan superstition: converted by Christian America and Christian Europe into a
a market,
sold!
field
of blood,
Look
at India,
282
What
toward giving them the Gospel? The whole force of our missionaries abroad, if distributively disposed,
ford a
sion,
pastor
on
for a nation;
world
on the
view,
" Like sunny
islets, in
a stormy sea,
At
this
as such
may
be said to be
still
its
is,
gaged in
Church,
it is
as
even
it is
as necessary
to the salvation
of the world.
One
present age
name
is,
made,
in the
field are in
sionaries.
We
regret that
we
cannot present in
a tabular
amount of
the
what
who
is
their hearers
number of
amount of
By
made
the scale
it
to
appear
afforded us,
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
more
283
would be found
It
into a
desolations
was surrendered
self-devotion of a
little
we
send so
many
were crowded
field
of pagan
to the
At
wide
much
is
ministers abroad as to
* The following remarks, from the pen of the lamented and extraordinary
youth, John Urquliart, are so admirable and appropriate, that \vc cannot for-
with our
fied
was
own
to
go through
and
since
we
been
And
of action.
field
to
command
to
go
all
make
the population of
Great Britain represent that of the world, the population of Mid Lothian
sufficiently accurate representation of the population of
might be taken as a
our
own
"In
land.
order, then, to have a just picture of the present state of the world,
all
had contrived
single county.
who had
to
Imagine
England immersed
in heathen darkness
was made
some how or
to settle
down
together in one
little spot,
forth
two or three
and
itinerants, to
no
little
told,
But
is
you
not argument
and so distorted
deny that
this is
and
an
I believe
illustration at alL
you
will find
284
work.
that
is,
A blush
in a distant futurity.
much
It is
heathen.
" Do
all
men," meet
We
you."
give and
*'
wisdom
thyself no harm,"
in the result,
it
we
men.
It is
grace,
*'
It is
that
it is
more
promised alike
Christians,
"they
be good,
to
is
abundantly.
to individuals,
and
to
kingdom of
to receive.^'
communities of
To
do good: and
As
than
blessed to give
to
do good
is
to get
good more
from waste,
as for us to
" If we sow
we
we
If
we
by refusing
Church of
fall,
might
salvation
is
fall?
God
come
to
the Gentiles."*
It is a
memorable
fact, that
Rom.
xi. 11.
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
tive
Nor
ary enterprise.
revival of religion at
is
it
285
to the
decay of mission-
It is
spirit
in perfect
and work
among
the people.
If
be the uniform
it
then
is it
if it
The
As
effect.
then
effect,
its
ab-
Christians
own
is, it is
awake
souls,
at
to an
they ac-
men: they
feel a
duces increased
they
offer,
An
ing heathen.
every
they bestow,
gift
their
made abroad
own
is felt
bosoms.
every
Rome
at the
thage:
exchanged.
Let
effort
those, therefore,
who
they
home,
gates of Caris
constantly
and
fallacious
home," henceforth
to
at
we have
remember that
home
is
heathen enough at
way
to carry
and that
on missions
all
adage "that
field;
neglect of this great cause not only violates the last com-
mand
(3f
VII.
the Church
We
itself.
ivill be
jgSe
and
intentional
Not
should be
In this
so.
same time,
he uses
as
is
if
it
frail
an
at
the
performs.
on, but
we have
that
to
oppressed,
Him
is
way God
destroy the
to
has pleased
it
that this
agency
past history
we may speak
so,
is
is
pledged,
The
men-
human
to take the
Gospel
to their fellow
and Lol
lam
to
^'
is
Go ye
every creature;
world!"
In
all
ages,
Redeemer,
If
we
that of
all
has done;
may
it
Christianity,
God
'^
sum
men
to
of
effected for
do
by
* Foster.
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
287
all
all
that
if
we
subtract
all
all
world, from what has been done for the cause of Jesus, then
how much
Now
will remain?
by
all
verse of agencies,
is
the great
which
steadily sets in
world,
is
the navigator
work
But the
with the
by the whole
uni-
eonversion of the
final
of Jesus
Head
fill
man
the
of the
sail.
and
Heretofore,
if
is
we may
so speak, the
the Church;
God demands
of us that
haven,
floats:
we
work
of
from his
positive, direct,
and
VHL We proceed
to
we
him
in
intentional instrumentality
which
it
Church
of
is
to bear
the heathen.
with
the
Christian
on the conversion
to
" come
in the sickle
forth
and
reap, for the time to reap has come; for the harvest of the
earth
is
ripe."
40
The
spirit of the
age
is
28a
it
is
and
is
public
It is a
spirit also,
but for combined action, on a scale of noble daring and subIt is an age of
lime extent, hitherto unknown on earth.
revolution; and
provement
ing
<<
it is
too.
of nations must be
all
crown
after crown,'^*
hand.
after
He must
shak-
is
at
it
off
is
to rule.
And
then our
facilities for
By
the
all
nations,
by the
by
power of the
arts,
spirit
press,
by
all
by the general
is
commerce of the
Gospel,
the
the
way
by
ajl
of the
state of
and our
And
we
above
and beckoned us on
which seemed
faith,
missions.
to
That
when
name.
us, or
at
weep when
a Christian
a reproving providence,
Ilaggai
And
iii. 7.
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
mankind, seems
^'
339
operations,
its
Church.
The next
IX.
try.
It is this:
manner
missions.
stitutional
own
coun-
and
to receive
There
exists in the
sympathy
them in a pecu-
bosom of
and a fervid
which we enjoy.
of philanthropists; a deposi-
we may
Here, then,
earth.
successfully approach
highway
transition,
though
to
elevated freedom; to
We
may
easy to
the
delicate,
of the
hearts
is
not
resist,
as
people.
The
more
difficult,
to
them
Here we have
it
blessings.
will not be
of France; you
enthusiastic hospitality
for universal
freedom, and delight to impart the blessings of your national republican institutions to
you
stifle
plead
man?
bury
in
your rusting
coffers their
spiritual peace,
and
290
their eternal
and the
freedom?
spirit of
And
American
if
such
is
citizens,
to
X. Finally;
the
unison with the end for which the Saviour died; a spirit
soul; a spirit of
In a word,
This
tian enterprise,
which
a Christian people.
'^
is
we mean
is
attributed in ancient
The people
that
know
prophecy to
the
It is this
Lord
shall
which burnt
when he
declared,
<
am
name
ready not
of the
to
be bound
Lord Jesus."
<'
new
arise, altogether
order of
men
The
as Paul,
men
Such
tions,
Romans
xv. 20.
oil
Ephesians
of Gospel joy
iii.
8.
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
The
and gladness.
would
with the
fired
human
all
nations,
and
human
dying
to the
A few such
home and
would
spirit of missions,
policy; they
men
as tliese at
every
291
would
call
spiritual energy,
The
meet
first
ancients
brave mariner
who
heeded suppliant
asked
at their
NEW WORLD
ing, the
European
Our own
So
it
princes, though he
to present
them with
wonder of one
the other.
Even
at the feet of
its
dawn-
it is
the by-word of
*^
number of professed
last
to
de-
We are aware
by divine grace.
is tlie
is
liable
when
292
We
to abuse.
We are
gious knight-errants, or
It
^*
no friends
to reli-
who
crazy cosmopolites,
travel
may
which such
counterfeits excite,
shows
fitted
is
in
But we are
The extreme
of indifierence or of cowardice
itself; is
men
as Whitfield,
hurtful,
The extreme
tical rashness.
criminal in
is
of
The system
is
School,"
and spurn
For Missionaries
He
on one extreme.
is
all
and
warm
<*
is
The work, on
is
This
is
quite exces-
its
own
astrous in
author of
Hints on Missions,"
The
The
presumptu-
as evil as
more
it
suggests would be
more
dis-
only secular
men
to
promote
it.
The
mere business-matter of
tions; in a
giviiig Christianity to
heathen na-
should
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
No
pel plan.
293
wisdom,
in practical
produce the
to
in-
And
is
and impelled
The
by which man
speak,
all
this spirit:
if
who
spirit will
help them in
On
such a
by
by
their
spirit
God
power
will
in heathen lands
effort
we
once qualified
is at
this spirit;
and
to universal
Thus
the pro-
the application
that little
room
this dis-
cussion.
It
may seem in
prophecy,
the world
it is
in perfect consistency
as near at hand.
who were
with them,
When the
about to
flee
^*
except ye abide in
" There
shall
a hair shall
fall
life
said unto
among you;
not
And so
the
Acts
xxviii.
him,
294
God; but
to
The means
must be
this
sary and certain than the end; and as in order of time, they
about, so
it
nothing ever can nor ever will be done without their proper
When
use.
he
at once,
is
If
it
God
and we expect
has said
it,
therefore
it is
true;
it
were
word,
Israel,
In order to
it
this,
at his
how-
sacrifices, in far
unknown on
The
earth.
com-
many
But
in these
may
The
us, the
God must be
dew of the morning; and they must grow
in stature, as they augment in numbers. The irreconcileable
enemies of God may expect to perish with accelerated speed,
and great terror. As it is written, "one woe is past, and
Church must
live
very fast.
friends of
behold, there
the third
enlargement that
many
of our
ning,
perhaps,
national
with
now
Another
is
is,
the
benevolent
only a very
institutions.
distant
Begin-
regard to so
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
295
now
of our
own
of action.
It is a
heavenly token
too, that
God is j)Ouring
out his Spirit upon our missionary labours and institutions abroad; thus setting his approving seal to the work,
and,
the
by divine
God
all
God
of the race.
a great
word
is this,
still
that
home and
And
number of devoted
to the
honoured work,
at
of the Lord.
Who,
Who will dare to shut up his bowels of comWho will hoard God's treasure, when the
Who will refuse, when God
may
be in
souls
life of
Who will
calls him from on high, to come up to his help
here am I, send me?'' Did Christ Jesus
refuse to say,
a time as this
passion
now?
it }
.^
*'
for us,
and
shall
or ourselves
seem
to hear an
injured Saviour
peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise
from another
destroyed."^
The
Church
* Esther
41
iv.
14.
in
296
have
the
of foreign missions.
cause
reasonable hope.
way worthy
avowed
of her
fessed love to
by her
justified
allegiance to
this
this subject in a
to the truth at
Her
home.
have in succession
At
this
moment every
provide
to
of his labours.
this subject
result
more
still
ned; and
we had
all
and
all
a great
The Church
has sin-
distressing
we have
spirit,
still
repented of this
more.
sin,
It is
and evin-
Then
form.
let
let
every
mem-
call
To
the Gospel
we
Church who
to
young brothers
who
in the
Lord,
heathen lands.
are
Church;
among men;
To
standing on the
we would most
affectionately
these
say
take
human
not your
CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
297
the ministry.
faces
when we
turn them
reign.
and survey these wide and awful desolations of many geneListen to the groans of dying millions as they as-
rations!
cend
to
heaven!
Come
good!
anew in
to
kindle our
rects you,
Finally.
in a
calls
point
God
di-
you!
from
forth
we
work,
it is
are a spectacle to
most
men and
affecting considera-
angels: that
we
live
as a
theatre for the display of the most sublime and awful events
in the history of the universe.
to the entrance of sin into
ruin,
with
it,
all its
train of death,
which
its
is
is
going forward,
now
its field, is
all
creatures
have an
THEN, THAT
a jjart; in
on such a stage?
In the contest
may have
interest.
Oh
WE ARE
and
destruction on
its
And
are
we
<<
sin,
actors
Seeing
GREAT A CLOUD
IS
US,
AND LET
US
RUN WITH
PA-
ADDENDUM
42
Dr. Miller's celebrated Lecture on " The utility and importance of Creeds
and
Confessions,''^
reference
ter.
As
is
made
it falls
Lectures,"
it
it,
much
Frequent
sought
af-
Spruce Street
with a view
volume.
has been
dix."
it
much
it,
and
to the
it
to
also
worth and
utility
of the
AN
INTRODUCTORY LECTURE,
DEUVERED
PRINCETON,
N.
J.
JULY
2,
1824.
D.D.
libertas, in
omnibus charitas."
Jiugustin.
SECOND EDITION,
REVISED AND ENLARGED BY THE AUTHOR FOR THIS WORK.
PHILADELPHIA:
PUBLISHED BY RUSSELL & MARTIEN,
9
GEORGE STREET.
1833.
AN
INTRODUCTORY LECTURE,
&c.
The
who
is
guage
Such an one,
to express.
again of
many
In
in Israel.''
Master
like the
is
all
that
he
preparing for
power of
is,
fall
and
lan-
whom
he
and rising
in
all
that
he does, the temporal and eternal welfare, not only of himbut of thousands,
self,
is
may
On every
be involved.
Whatever may be
side
he
and
his talents
is
exposed.
But
this is
He may
have
mind, which
all
every one
for novelty
which
is
is
who
so precious to
so natural to
men;
self,
whatever
say,
<iit
to
most
may
after
all,
instead of edifying
may become
its
a disturber of its
purity; so that
we might
if
al-
him-
he had never
been born."
Hence
is
it is,
coming forward
to the
him who
43
all,
his
304
are of
inestimable im-
Nothing
destined to be a minister.
uninteresting.
to
ino-,
it
him,
for
is
strictly speak-
would be
case
If
were possible
is
him
that pertains to
But
different.
it
is
His de-
not possible.
as the
weak
must and
will all
have
that,
employed
to
cation of candidates for this high and holy office, w^e feel
bility?
fore
you
in
that,
having advanced a
be-
little
office,
we
che-
you take?
Can
God and
approve yourselves to
to
faithful servants
did
we
Independently of
we
you give
his
all
heed
to
to
diligence
all official
obligation,
Church, as well
as to
your true
provement
consequence of
this
we
manner
all
as
we
we
also
which do not
fall
3a5
is
a subject, which,
though
properly belongs
it
to the
in the
your attention
to
it,
And
am
because, as I said,
induced
much
still
to
in
is
it
now
properly be-
it
is,
it
the object
by reason, Scripture, and universal experience, the spontaneous feelings of many, especially under the free govern-
ment which
against
it
is
in
arms
to call,
my
some remarks on
the
^e-
It
is
common and
plausible
their
adversaries.
I.
By
a Creed., or
exhibition,
in
human
Confession of Faith,
mean, an
how
far those
who wish
306
do not claim
to be in
legislative
be received as truths
They only
among
profess to be
members
the
of his family.
are taught
the
by Christ
summary
portant,
himself; and
and agree
to
make
fore.
to believe be-
it
truths
all
men
which
in considering as a formula
Creed
also indispensably
visible
me
is
not only
necessary to
Church.
For the
Without
how
it is
not easy to
the ministers
If every Christian
inquired,
man
felt,
were
mere insulated
individual,
who
With
closet,
things" which
contains, he
it
Church
is
to see the
would have
But the
case
is far
Nor
one of another."
'<
that
all
wondrous
was need-
otherwise.
The
however extended,
who compose
all
307
it,
is
"members
is this
They
one
spirit
They
And
mind."
this
*^
to
unity of spirit"
who
church fellowship, as
mand
less
are
of their Master.
they be agreed?"
it
commanded
all
to
essential to the
to a
"How
is
Can
profit-
to his
denomination
What! can
who
those
believe the
This
a miserable Babel.
to
be
and
those
idolatry:
their
who
consider
all
own works
all
dependence on
in Christ Jesus;"
of hope:
own
all
such re-
all
listen
308
from Sabbath
to
They must
in the
sit
well
same
great subjects on
As
all
their
Such
but that they should really enjoy that fellowship which the
impossible;
is
just
much
as impossible as
"that righteousness should have fellowship with unrighteousness," or " light hold
communion with
darkness, or
any church
to
guard
from that
itself
it
its
I ask, is
if
Nay, how
neous materials?
of harbouring in
be self-evident, how,
to
is
made up
of such heteroge-
is
Church
its fel-
name?
who
It is not
many who
for
enough
take the Bible for their guide, hold opinions, and speak a
many
others,
to the west.
who
acknowledge
we
as of divine authority
receive
it;
while others
will.
The
309
who
insist that
inspiration altogether.
it
So
was
it
now.
who
for their
it
contains.
An
inspired
he charges those
to
whom
he wrote
"accursed;"
to hold
"damnable."
to be accounted
Surely those
who
together'' in
who
"walk
espouse
"damnable heresies," the advocates of which the disci" receive into their
members
They may
who
one way?"
nion
this
require
all
enter their
Such
is
a professiori,
bond of no
ship.
it
is
no spiritual fellow-
much exposed
But perhaps
it
will be proposed as a
di
more
clTicient
reme-
act-
310
who
those
are
may
answer, in
ihe,
first place,
it is,
To
to all intents
it,
making use of
It is
is
most rigorous
avow it.
who
them
as a
body,
if it
But
to this
proposed remedy,
members
left to
be
applied by
to writing, or
however
of the church
sound-
upon by the
explicitly agreed
among
is
body
As
in question.
well might
to
writing, be
left
to
In
it.
such a constitution,
who
stability.
it
under
live
might happen
to
say the
to bear
least,
sway.
would
it
as a
Such
nuncupative creed,
tion,
useless.
its
A case in
on every
side.
at all,
would be
it
which,
more
f\ir
if it
311
in question
The
is,
that
to
no church can
be
without some
strife,
something recorded ;
to
agreed
to adhere,
member supposes
as a
bond of union.
and
As
to a
to
In other words,
ten Creed
Creed
Spirit in
conformity
writassent,
to
to
\s
fail
when nothing
of
tlie
kind
is
employed,
see not
all
how
she
the evils of
The
establishing a
all
ages, a
Church
in
THE truth.
Christians, collectively as well as individually, are repre-
44
312
manded
of life," in
<f
all its
have
to
<'
buy the
hold
received ;"
truth,
converted.
and not
plainly
lar import,
'^
to
and
make
many
" lift up
comes
to
the
it
to detect
to
all
They
to sell it;"
fast the
and
These, and
the Gospel."
church
to
contend
saints;"
word
are exhorted
and
to
exclude
communion
in like a flood."
all
this
imply taking
effectual
Does not
measures
all
to
this ne-
deny
all
essential
its
doctrines
and those
only be done by
claring
how
suspects
Bible
of being in error,
that
is,
can
It
by axtracting
how
those
whom
she
from
comparing these
whom
articles
And what
is
Confession op Faith
test
It
it
as
me
of sound principles
that those
orthodox brethren,
who admit
that the
church
^^
bound
is
313
They acknow-
am
Quite as unreasonable, I
<'
task masters of
constrained to say,
"a
voice, in
to its
to
the
as
be done,
accomplish-
is
what
and
ment.
cast
can be performed.
it
truth
in their official
judgments,
and feverish
ef-
There
They must
either
is
''
hold
fast ;"
no security that any two or more successive decisions concerning soundness in the faith will be alike.
form,
attain,
in
any
In other
for
fulfil
from time
to time, in the
must
would
suffi-
by simply proclaiming
be,
to the
in fact,
Bible.
Every one
doing nothing
as
314
because
would be doing
it
in
Christendom
is
is
thodox Church.
The very
who
are so corrupt
necessarily implies
which
act, in
the church agrees upon, and expresses her belief in, the
from
who
those
Now
believe erroneously.
to
by making
a pro-
which
is
Of what
value, let
me
ask,
especially of
in succeeding times,
truth
as
lights in
to
us
at the
to the
present day,
church
if
they
Confessions of Faith,
memo-
Without
and
these,
how
satisfactorily as
should
we
we
''
man
lived
same Bible
.^
who
of sin ;"
and thus
all
fulfilled his
promise,
315
who
shall
AROUND HER.
Every wise man
wish
will
be united in religious
to
those
in intercourse with
and best
Of
edified.
government,
whom
know something
of
will
its
faith,
suppose a
connections for
life.
He
is
in this survey,
scriptural
He
to belong.
is
anxious to
How
our body.
is
I will
suppose
may
to
which
know
it is
our happiness
he to
know
this
Certainly not by
own
his
lips.
man
could afford.
He
toil,
which
cide,
And
from
if
he could, he would
how
far
still
be unable to de-
as
as
316
an accidental exhibition.
that
we have
a published
how we
creed, declaring
finds
under-
great truths
he can ascertain in
to unite in maintaining
own
dwelling, what
published creed.
Further
wish
to
what
know
is
is
who
also
due
of
its
inter-
course.
own
which might,
to
which
it
stood pledged
denomination,
whom
confidence
heresy.
tendency
it
dis-
a similar
satisfaction
mark
and
brother,
next to
when
One
and
^^
denominations,
alienate''
far
from having a
alike,
and ought
to
317
to
harmony of
church owes
and explicit
it
when any
and
aiFirm, that, as
around him
all
make them
know
desire to
every indivi-
it
so
every
She, no
In
draw from
less
to the truth,
may be
and of endeavouring
but
still
and
bound
to
And
perform.
maintaining,
that,
in
all
have no hesitation
ages,
those
is
in further
Christian churches
for their
the gospel, have been, not only most remarkable for their
care in
them
to let all
distinctly understand
around
to regard as
Another argument
is
in favour of
that
tliat
318
who
all
inquiry, to unite
and
to
maintain ecclesiastical
But
way
the only
in
is it
communion
from
essentially differ
can
gospel,
fellowship,
tical
is
by becoming
harmonious
ecclesias-
indifferent to truth
modes of
in
faith
little
worth contending
and
dis-
and of
sary,
ter
But
little
And
it?
if
the study of
it
The
prevail?
enough
mate
for
to
its
study
value
against
it,^'
age
fact
and
it
is,
when men
enemies,
who
that *^form of
to
numerous
are
them
to adopt
esti-
contend
every
in
and defend
On
in
man im-
From this
the transition
all
it.
Thus it
make
is,
is
is
easy
comparatively un-
knowledge
and,
finally,
once delivered
I
319
to the saints.'*
in
to assert, that
But
my
position
fessions usually
its
is,
enemies of
that the
all
legitimate consequences,
if
carried out to
would discourage
zeal in
all
maintaining
if all
all
and
that, if this
more unfriendly
Christian
to the
were the
to
case, a state of
Look
at
heard in nine-tenths of the Unitarian, and other latitudinarian pulpits in the United States, and, as I suppose, through-
out Christendom.
for their distinct
-If
to
it
in-
indifferent
is,
*<
which they
matters of opinion
maxim, they
Hence,
No
in
one
are
between
pursuance of this
We
little
with
conjecture
45
to
pursue.
meddle very
what
actually
much
320
come
as
And
was
to be-
is,
universal,
discriminating views
all
of gospel-truth
to cherish
of Christian doctrine
religious
a taste for
knowledge
to articles of faith,
indifference
which
so replete with
is
then
let
them be careful
to
it is
found
to
keep
before the eyes of one another, and the eye of the public,
if,
commanded
that
many
"profess before
that
the Bible
and manners,
(a
the
to
perly understood,
is
to
this;
only
maxim,
do
If they fail to
witnesses."
if all
who
it
they
and
safe
as unnecessary,
ground;
if,
in a
select
such,
the
to defend, as
gospel
then,
It is
^'
lack of
know-
Creeds, that
in the
and all
ter heretics
from spreading
were
all
their inspira-
insufficient to de-
their poison;
men,
calling
301
which
He
An
them not
to
inspired
how
apostle directed
them
another gos-
<*
In this exigency,
as Christian teachers
but to
to
^'
"If any
man
bring any other gospel unto you than that ye have received,
let
Here was,
him be accursed."
in effect, an instance,
of orthodoxy: that
is,
men making
ed apostle,
to
plained
its
It
Creed
as a
by an
in
inspir-
what
cense
of which, in
general
how
they ex-
their reception
leading doctrines.
a general profes-
and
that
simple.
or short
whether
Still,
it
we
find a
ly
drawn
of earlier
Confessions,
more formal-
date.
They were
those
which had
arisen
and
322
plainly
show
more
in-
attention to the
bly necessary.
when
the church
was
agitated
demand
more
by which the
Of
this
louder
still
heretics
were
under
When
the
of
He was
his views.
when
consideration
to
was
there never
the
demand
more
still
to adopt, as his
own,
but
all
members
what
sense
a dispo-
He
light.
have
it
of the church.
various
titles
little
such
"the
God" the "express image of
God," &c. every one of which Jiriuszxi^
followers
most
subscribed claiming
however,
as
<<God''
true
to
readily
put THEIR
his
OWN CONSTRUCTION
a right,
on the scriptural
to
titles in
333
After employing
it
would be impossible
him
to
accom-
to intrench
as the
artful
advocate of error.
They
own
expressed, in their
which they
called
in
other
this sub-
scribe.
brought
to the
acknowledgment
them, and, of course, that the charge against them was correct.
The same
OP THE TRUTH
in the
all
upon
They
stantly appealed to
it,
practice;
as the
This
all
it
only
futility of
all
it;
infallible rule
professed
they con-
of faith and
any of the
to
errorists
But
at
around them.
would
mony
This
It
tlic
324
bitterest
from the
earliest ages.
to time, as the
God;
and
at the
Head
great
And
memofinally,
of the Church
by
testimony
to transmit the
rials
to bear their
drawing the
line
and
vile,''
They, with
Confessions, which
heresy.
And
is
it
much
What, now,
tlie
is
Church of God,
all
this
experience of
It
cannot
When
the friends
who were
be misunderstood.
of truth in
all
It
speaks volumes.
happy
in the
found
it
enjoyment of Christian
liberty,
have invariably
communicate
to
WO
"baneful"
that there
is
as
is
many would
really
their sense op
Church of
Christ.
A further argument
6.
sions,
may
in favour of
325
do not affirm that the use of Creeds has never been op-
is
it
the
influence
ancients.
we have no example
of
it
among
is it
my
of
Yet, so
the
times.
For of
this the
what
venture to assert
is,
its
But
most
who
have been so
as the friends of
bitter in reviling
them,
in
modern
who were
times,
leaning
toward that awful gulph; and that the most consistent and
zealous advocates of truth have been, every where, and at
times, distinguished
Nor
precisely
by
by any means
likely to be realized.
It is
calculated,
their
Master
maintaining
stress
as
on the knowledge
it
as necessary
in heaven, to consist in
it
on principle,
an invariable characteristic of
to holiness; that
all
in opposition to
all
fidelity to
contending for
it,
and
On
326
the contrary,
is
it
who
un-
fall
marked
modes of
faith; that
they manifest
many words,
maintain, in so
most
part,
Church.
From
those, then,
who have
or at least
begun
to depart,
form "the
do
once delivered
faith
we
hear of the
<'
op-
pression,^'
And
any marvel
is
it
who
that those
it
Is
it
any marvel
ward those
fatal errors,
evangelical formularies,
line of distinction
the
Redeemer?
ed,
"men
which tend
to
make
all
the
visible the
No;
men,
as has
become opposed
to
them."
is
dislike
and
just as natural as
Accordingly,
if
we look
and
its
sanction.
we
Church
shall
began to
slide,
find
We shall
men
attempted to break,
if
by
de-
They have
sel-
fall,
dom
had no objections
fession
in the
to the doctrines
subscribing Confessions at
melancholy
all.
327
to the principle of
more
in-
which
to
in
rejoice.
to
at least
in
modern
general,
in
zeal,
strictly
The only
which
I shall dwell,
is,
that
all
to
rial
urge
communion,
it,
the
is
moment
invariably abandoned
a case turns
up which
to the test.
by those who
really brings
it
Unitarian con-
knowing him
adopted, or
vinist surely
to
at
\QQ.si
it
But why
not,
his Bible
in
The
Yet we know
that, in fact,
and pro-
Why
not that
it
Cal-
his hand,
as cordially as they.
46
on the principle
professed, by Unitarians?
comes with
fesses to believe
enough?
be such?
is
is
328
is
what
substantially the
is
his
same with
their
own
rably rejected.
Bible;
Here, then,
we
have, in
or not: and if
other profes-
all
He
will be inexo-
all its
extent, the
it
principle of
We
ages,
have found,
in
all
was altogether
insufficient,
of error.
And
here
we
find the
warmest advocates of
as a test,
is
hidden
it,
and, of
in the
course,
may
it,
and
upon an en-
Can there be
more conclusive
fact
than
this?
The
It is in
all
is
voluntary, and
left entirely to
It will
be seen here-
asserted, in
all
329
No
less vain
and by no means
is
to say, again,
it
tailed
is
and deIt is
the
now under
consideration.
gained.
plying
The extent
articles, is a
which we ought
to
to
go
in multi-
to
which
Now the
yet
out adopting
it
duct
is
show
This
in practice.
Their conduct
is
dictated
believe,
from
wonder.
practical ex-
must
Their con-
And no
enough.
is
is
a theory, derived, as
and
less
safe.
were easy
to
show
me
am
confined
further to enlarge.
members
of churches,
who have
a consistent sys-
ggQ
It is of incalculable
tern of truth.
has but
with
little
books, to be furnished
little
who
acquaintance
to
which he belongs.
to plain, unsophisticated
There
mind, nut
to
often a satisfaction,
is
be described, in going
might
it
also
whether the
to see
knowledge of what
is
at
is
one age,
is
in
dren, and to
that
all
may come
after
them, in a succeeding
more or
that testimony
may
all to
come.
to the principal
arguments va favour
II.
Examine some
And
the
to
first
we
which
I shall
mention
less
whom
it
is,
that
forming
as a religious test,
SITION INSTEAD OP IT
A STANDARD OF FAITH.
"The
Bi-
who urge
it
it
this objection,
fallible rule
It
is
331
so complete, that
human
requires no
desire
any other
or
Creed than
we do
volume,
ble, or
as
call
this
we
we
to
we
then, should
Why
standard?
upon others
ourselves,
time
Why,
explanation.
ecclesiastical
subscribe
any other
subscribe,
Every
offer a
it is
not
infalli-
not sufficient."
This objection
And
catalogue.
is
although
it is
it
is
it
expedient;
especially as
it
much
by
its
more
the appearance
laid
many
it
are
as deci-
sive.
false
No
assumption.
Every
of paramount authority.
to
this,
And
whether, notwith-
fair
to
is,
be considered as
hibition OP
far less
all
standing
human composi-
WHAT THE
SCRIPTURES TEACH.
summary
It
ex-
profcSSCS
332
whole of
one subscribes
ble, that
by
it,
he
its
is
authority.
solemn
how he
act,
Of
course,
when
any-
so far
He
it.
simply declares,
In
as containing.
it
<While
and
understand
to
Christ:
while
it
exalted of
it
creatures, but
all
mere humanity of
as teaching the
still
a creature:
and
far less
pear to
ing,
me
honourable
faith
more favourable
FOR MYSELF,
is
that,
the
while
it
tial
with
I believe,
word of God,
Christ
Spirit,
These
justification
and
as
I
all
my
heart,
test
con-
the
the essen-
Godhead
nature,
troversies
human
to
to the
really to teach;
human
nature
soul
for heaven.
re-
am
who
profess to
Now,
ask,
is
there in
all
this language,
any thing
dis-
Any
333
its
paramount authority?
Is there
on the contrary, in
not,
knowledgment
of God's
word
and supreme
as of ultimate
to be re-
are believed
if
THIS be dishonouring
an end of
But
all
still it is
meaning
asked
Are they
to
more
To
presumptuous?"
that,
of any definito
Why
frame
actions.
need
Why
the
is
tive declaration of
teach?
words or
either of
"Where
make an attempt
He who
an attempt,
this plea
it
is
sufficient to
it
is
answer,
^'he
who
runs
may
read;" yet
it
is
equally certain that thousands do, in fact, mistake and misinterpret them.
ways.
Of course
wrong, then,
all
world
mode
is
acknowledged, on
have more
or
it
all
recommend
hands, to be, in
as to the true
to others,
As
the
fact, full
of
light,
be
it
for a pious
Can
for a pious
to
who
hold them
334
up
to
such as
may
neither
more nor
be in error?
maintenance of
am
Surely
it
however,
men
or set of
it
may
which
impious in
itself,
and undertake to
?
Is
answer,
it
not both
this reasoning
it
would prove
that all
would
For,
if
ad-
consists in explaining
for the
deed,
most
if
part, in the
that,
In-
were
this is
pleading.
Still,
is
Yet
cannot.
less
ages,
valid,
it
would prove
in
and ap-
mend
to
promote
his revelation,
and make
great design.
its
it
Nay,
it
further;
it
is
it is
to his hearers,
it
which
to express, as nearly as
the original.
Holy
Spirit.
They
If,
in
man
mitted, no
velation in
Hebrew
New, in
is at
335
Greek of the
So extreme
who
are
weak enough,
is
the ab-
fail
to lead
it
to
legitimate consequences!
its
But, after
all,
Are
subject?
those individuals or
this
who have
churches,
more
ing Christians?
Do
they read
as their
more
it
Do
Do
less?
they appeal
to
it
less frequently,
Do they
quote
to their
it
Where
authority or illustration, in the pulpit, do they not, notoriously, refer to the Bible a thousand times?
less pains
Do
they take
all ?
Look
at
it
forth
the re-
state,
when
their
Confessions of
Faith were most venerated, and had most power; and then
say,
tles,
ever discovered
treated
iliore
Nay, am
not
to those
47
Are
for
336
their
own
ecclesiastical
il-
lustration, as
tations
modern times?
Creeds, in ancient or
detail;
acquaintance with
facts,
a tolerable
vour of
2.
is,
his cause.
that they
to
church Creeds
me what
1 shall
to
To
believe?
ranny; to submit
to
it, is
is
ty-
judgment."
an established Church;
But
or not.
not exist
in
if
civil
government, or by
disabilities,
Creed
to receive
illegitimate in reasoning, as
it
false in fact.
it is
who
is
One
to their hands,
can-
surely as
is
manufactured
it,
tempt-
among
by persons
ments of an oppressive character and viewing it as a weapon which might be wielded with much popular effect,
;
it
and thenceforward
re-
it;
337
no more application
to
to
in tlie
have
United
have a right
to agree
Scriptures;
what
how
and declare
articles
may
choose
They
in considering as fundamental;
will
they
as
and
in
have no
man
plan of their
to join
But
them.
own
for
They
it is
to agree
surely
upon the
members
from
their
whom
mony.
The
cases, a
question
dictates of conscience
is,
make
in
all
the right
cern.
to
do with
it,
as
To
be correct, demonstration
itself
happy country,
338
But
if
and
tures,
to
a natural right
by which
number;
the Scrip-
others
may
not equally
is it
with
whom, they
ably connected?
down
to
its
to be informed
mony and
love.
comes
a person
and
its
articles adopt-
all
in har-
demand admittance
to
"1
I can neither
embrace, nor
to adopt."
reply
They would
certainly
reasonable.
Our union
spiritual benefit.
is a
Your demand
please.
We
is
is
very un-
you
to join us
before you.
and
our
Go where you
principles.-'
Such
were
still
to
to claim
admission as a
^'
persecuted" and
<^
injured" him
in question, if
Would
Nay,
The same
principle
would
still
339
in
when he appeared
were
to
him
to present
make
vvith a
among them.
Suppose,
copy of
We pretend
"This
we
Are you
'
we
who
all
believe.
we
but so
formularies
what
is
learned Christ;' so
we wish
to say
look up to us
willing to
have
and thus
come among
to these
upon
us
and our
little
deem
if
test,
truth.
him
Many
to this test,
under-
They only
re-
no judgment
demand
"
is
astical censure,
God; no
ecclesi-
upon him.
is inflicted
The church only claim a right to be served in the ministerial office by a man who is of the same religion with themselves.
And
is
this an
unreasonable demand
that,
church?
Surely
Arc not
Or do they demand,
be prohibited from " oppressing''
to
"oppress" a
swer.
Accordingly,
every day
the transactions
of secular
life,
furnisii
which
am
340
now
considering.
son applies
to
a family,
when
a right to inquire
after
a per-
and
if
And
he
prove an uncomfortable inmate, does not every one consider the master of the family as
what
of parents,
qualifications
children
and,
And
if a
to
if so,
candidate
make
who
all
who do
fell totally
rejected, should
*'
him
insane, or
tyran-
would
The same
exclude him
at liberty to
If the
mem-
and
to refuse
membership
known
there
is
all this,
an end of
all
liberty.
no one doubts.
Of
But where
is
ence between any one of these rights, and the right of any
community
deem
own union
body of those
whom
deny them
what they
:
and
and
this right,
would be
to
make them
to
they conedifi-
To
slaves indeed!
will
341
association;
that
thority of Christ
is
it
sovereign
community
and that
by Him,
to
his will
would have
but as
it is
that,
Christ's, they
own
The church
as a
from
it
This
His will
is,
that they
own, they
they pleased
volitions.
association, in the
Christ.
whom
its
fact
rule of pro-
doubtless,
all
mere voluntary
many
all
if
as
rulers are in
its
do
by the au-
instituted
same sense
is
in
which
property of
It is the
its
establish-
however,
it is
own word
voluntary act ;
ral act
who form
But
if
were not
so, it
would not be
own
to
have a right to
Has
the
Head
who,
what
are they
ask,
If so,
mo-
church ?
union.
This,
it,
is to
still,
for if it
at all.
follow their
prescribes.
mem-
office, in
his
clude a
man ?
If
it
will, to
whom
has our
Lord committed
342
case
on what principle
is
is
or to the
If to the latter,
desired?
As
mem-
her
and edification in
be
among
tains opinions,
them
as to the
indi-
accordance
if
both the law of Christ, and the nature of the case, render
fellowship
If
name
own sentiments
But
ness.
if
subscribing a declaration,
would
it
drawn up with
his
own
hand,
the transaction,
if,
the
herself, should
ture?
What
that
that
he
he
is
shall believe
is,
not
whether he does
may
Again,
I ask, is it
pos-
sible to
root of
all
and of
all
that
is
that
is
communion ?
I fully grant,
rests entirely
other than a
343
God,
to
sound or^thodox
Still,
however,
and
as
as
every
is
concede
to
who would
we must
to re-
her formularies.
But perhaps,
become
it
when
will be asked,
member, or minister of
wards
alters his
mind
if
man
articles,
ister, is
man
him
not here
*'
for his
swer,
if
oppression ?"
heavy penalty"
the
'<
and
for his
^^
Is
it
office as a
min-
not inflicting on a
Lord
after-
has already
a church, in virtue of a
an-
to cast the
heretical, as
then
this authority,
vate
it is
those
who
member from
preach "another
the
communion
In excluding a pri-
of a church, or deposing
48
It
344
is
It is
"You can
You may be
which we
among
which
it
Is this
you
away
that
us would be subver-
language unreasonable?
Would
contemplates oppressive?
in itself, or
more favourable
Is
it
be more just
wishes
its
existence
and
to
and guide
dangering of
to
the measure
faith
mem-
support."
as useful as
be a minister or
happy and
as
to
and
all this
own
contrary to his
No
Such
member,
the tyrant.
The
conclusion, then,
manner
a Creed in the
of union
as a
is,
in conformity
with what
will of Christ
of others
sion ;"
so far
that
it is
this, to
give up
its
it
so far
makes use of
what
it
bond
as a
deems heresy
and
conscience; and
a church
barrier against
it is
when
that
in the
scale,
own
testimony
to the truth
doing
and order of
to
surrender
mands of a corrupt
all
What is
would be
to subject itself to
and happiness
3.
edifi-
individual,
with
own
its
345
many,
to the dictation
?
is,
that
it
to
unfriendly to free
is
INQUIRY.
clesiastical stand
new
light in
must close
abundance
may
life
Now,
he tnust
view; but he
it,
can
it
be right," say
much
when
man
my
remark
first
is,
that
we must
has
made up
of Scripture.
his
mind with
To
is
all
the deliberation,
of doctrine,"
a
is to
is
wavering and
know, indeed,
that
some ardent
346
which
stale
is
keep himself
that equilibrium of
in
They wish
of mind.
feel
also, if possible, to
mind with
respect to
amount
to conviction,"
*^
pronounce
unreasonable in
it
and an enemy
know what
is
itself;
in
said
the
repeat
I hesitate
not to
contrary to Scripture;
We
and comfort.
of the truth."
Without
it,
come
to the
are
knowledge
un-
it,
We ought to be considered,
then, as having
ward
as
nity,
is
the security
who comes
for-
one of the lights and leaders of a religious commufirm in the principles which he has professed, and
will not be
But
he
all
very
further; the
Creed.
more
light,
because
it \s
know that
if
possible he
may
it
his
duty
We
place, give
new
his salary,
The same
connections.
thing would
were
this
to occur,
What
when he changes
religion, will
his
this objection, if
prove by
The
then?
far too
if
Because an
the subject of
in readiness to
change his
any public
Nay,
happen,
and an orthodox
mind on
situation,
347
station, lest
he
present?
at
it
much even
But
Bible.
is
after
Would he
any man
lest
to decline
Or would
alter his
be bound to
still
any profession of
in the
it
be reasonable in
mind, and
feel
himself
man
way
said, the
more
delicate
And, perhaps,
and honourable
he will be
So
to
his
obsta-
it
may
be
But because
some
under
by which
man,
remain where he
therefore, never
is.
join
348
Creed or character,
he
lest
and thus be
principle,
we
liable to
Upon
this
his child in
For there can be no doubt that early parental instruction does present more or less obstacle, in the way of
a subsequent change of opinion, on those subjects which
wards.
commanded
expressly
endeavour
is
to
in
In short,
cease to think
views
of
at present entertains.
man
reads,
Nay,
and every
tiality in
he should
go
one day
afterwards entertain
the
he ought habitu-
of God, lest
commands
book
may
to
different
he
it
if
ally,
heaven has
it,
if this
careful,
those which
must be considered
to interfere
as tending
subject;
Surely no
cially,
man
Espe-
to reason or
act
to
349
If
mony
God
if it
be necessary, both to
tlic
to
There
posed.
no station
is
in life in
which
man
rity,
of a right
spirit,
and overcome
it
he will meet
it
its
But
occupant
if
he be
If he be
a truly honest man, he will be faithful to his God, and faithful to his
own
conscience, at
hazards; and
all
if
he be not
and speculations.
On
many
ed, of
itself,
don the
truth;,
two centuries
how
aflbrd-
also beggary,
in their
last
most
and subscribe
On
how many
Creeds, and
still
out reserve!
whole objection,
and pious
men
with regard
Truly upright
will be found to be of no
Church of God.
350
4.
is,
THE PURPOSE
*Churches,'^
it is
said,
<^
fully drawn,
at all,
far
some which
from
either
To men-
tion only
care-
for near-
which
vinistic, to
all
dred and
fifty
we know
more than
that
a hun-
under subscription
to
turies, the
on earth,
istry far
And
for nearly
even
two cen-
is
public standards.
Now,
if
fact,
been
some
why
at all?"
evevT/ thing, is
worth
sound reasoning ?
Does
it
But
common
is this
sense,
life ?
Be-
and
strife;
is it,
all
35
animosity
political
Or should wc have
therefore, worthless?
been more united and harmonious without any constitutional provisions at all?
all
No
it?
who
this.
urge
They contend
amply
is
it
why
Yet
has.
No
one
itself;
not?
suf-
is
all
continu-
But
in those
very
efficacy.
The
Calvinistic ar-
greater
part of a
hundred
years.
In the
reign of
The
inroads of error,
bishops and
its
In
silence
and
the great
body of the
49
352
a
number of years
by
after the
Laud, and
chiefly
his creatures,
in, in
consequence of which the faithful application of the thirtynine articles, as a test of orthodoxy, and of admission to the
The
and
continued to speak
articles
to be
We
may
England
Church of
to operate effectually as a
continued
original purport.
When
ceased to produce
its
when
its
As
a barrier
is
it
con-
known
its
it
wonted
It
truly say,
tinued
spirit of
But can
effect.
we wonder
well might
it
be rea-
this
that a
representation, in substance,
may
be
made
Her pre-eminently
employed
spirit.
according to
as a test,
to
be the case,
It did 7iot so
scription, heresy
day, as
all
in
had remained
as be-
With
more openly.
know who
at first,
remain.
came
its
it
is
incom-
Though
the benefits to
all
which they
this
is
cause of
tlie
by many
353
There
all.
mighty and
'^
the truth.
King
all-gracious
of Zion
is
the Al-
to
increasing.
Their
formu-
laries,
by many
to
is
every reason
to believe,
who
Nor
are
we
<^
love the
simplicity that
is
in Christ,"
to the eflicacy
our
own
Of the former,
country.
Utiited States,
in the
is
were incident
every community,
to
ecclesiastical
or civil,
Amidst
administered by the counsels of imperfect men.
them all, she has, by the favour of her Divine Head, held
on her way, substantially true
order
from
to
difierent countries,
mained united
wonderful.
to
Of
by
members
things, truly
of
the latter, the Congregational churches
formed by
their character
originally,
degree, considering
Massachusetts, furnish
originally
and of
and
melancholy memorial.
a people, far
habits,
and
far
Though
more homogeneous
more united
in
in
their
354
opinions
yet,
bond of
efficient
if it
fallen a
prey
it,
to dissen-
mourn-
The
objection
last
which
I shall
consider
that sub-
is,
been found
to
to
gene-
^<
members
of churches
more
instead
of contention, and a
bone
ill
feelings,
among
those
who might
which
fact,
it
my
remark
first
is
is,
utterly denied.
It
in the
On
the contrary,
induction of
it
would be easy
facts, that in
to
show, by an extended
and Confessions have been most esteemed and most regarded, there union
In truth,
it
want
of faithful regard to
church of Christ.
strife in
the
of a public Creed,
have been,
commencement
at the
which
is
end of
it,
of this period
it
might
without
or that
My
next remark
even
that,
is,
355
were shown,
if it
that or-
solid
is
Ardent attachment
the principle, in
to
what
which has
ages,
all
of Faith.
them
to
to
and
it;
to
contend earnestly^'
'^
which
mands us
is
<^
it
hostile
is
when
to be a
it is
sound
wholesome medicine
it is
to
that
in its defence,
attacked.
ease
to
di-
The word
intended to cure.
contend," and
is
of
God com-
"contend earnestly,
ior
him
is
to
blame
but those
who
for
it ?
Surely not
Not only on
be manifested.
error
but also, in
of truth.
some degree, on
Still, this
it
difiercnt
classes
with
it
less
im-
The
the
It is granted, in-
in the
God.
Roman
empire,
356
was innocent
ed
when
and that
ly safe.
his ministers
all classes
was preach-
any of them
But on what, or
No
violence?
to
We
it
human
nature,
and
If the
to the blindness
the corruption of
to
primitive Christians had been willing to give up the precious truth committed to them, and to act
that
all
escaped much,
upon the
safe;
principle,
if
called to endure.
duty
sers
upon the
left
is
not a
oppo-
all
^^
dis-
ed,
'* if it
ably with
be possible, as
all
men.''
much
But it
We
is
The Divine
command-
authority
at
are
must not be
We
at
makes
our peril.
it
And
our duty to
if,
is,
357
who
rendered the
Those summaries of
conflict necessary.
make
ticular occasions
lish, are
no more
to
important to
it
blame
embody and
to
is
to
pub-
blame
and the
execution of a malefactor.
to be lawful
by some who
any other
to contain
we ought ever to
is
candidates for
all
real importance,
This
is
my
And
have no hesita-
for one, I
number of ar-
And
lish this, as
it
a question of
ticles
articles,
tion,
articles than
has
fundamental; in other
insert among the members
it
words, whether
and necessary,
is
to estab-
necessary than
utmost importance
and
it is
of the
edification, that
As long
sections
or
at all,
if
they are
to
answer any
must be so constructed
as to
Creeds
effectual pur-
358
those teachers
whom
ought
it
and whom,
long as
as
To exemplify my meaning.
to
discharge
do
to
it,
verily
whether ordained or
any man
and,
not, has as
invited
if
Fundamental, indeed,
differ entirely
united to Christ by
sober
to ecclesiastical or-
Men may
good a
by the church
Now, no
minded Presbyterian
question.
by
who
Independents,
gifted brother,'^
right to preach as
to
re-
high-toned
*'
functions, ought,
its
a di-
is
any means,
re-
it
to exclude.
gularly authorized to
be
conscientiously believes to
it
faith,
on
this point,
and,
it is
not.
real,
consistent
by
that
as
many
of the other
so,
but
among themselves
less entirely
gifted brethren?"
359
it
church
could pos-
months
to-
gether?
No man
Though
have no
doubt that infant baptism isa doctrine of the Bible, and an exceedingly important doctrine; and that the rejection of
a
have quite
as little
situation of a
a different opinion.
among themselves
it is
doubt that
mem-
members of
stress
commodation;
all
as
ac-
ing to
united family,
'<
fear of the
Lord, and
ther in love?"
Let
me
offer
one
Prelatists
The
more.
illustration
is
question be-
generally acknow-
is
mercy of God,"
all
50
those denominations
who have
not a
360
meaning
(hat all
is,
Wake,
'^
Andrews^
madmen
by no means
my
affect Christian
and
all
mo-
sober-minded Protestants,
derate,
:" but
knowledge
'*iron
is
character or hope.
Still is it
among
commune
cerns
In
all
these cases,
it is
who
evident there
vital
piety.
differ entirely
nothing funda-
is
Yet
communion.
equally
is
comfortable in
it
But how
which would be
method but
form
inevitable, to be prevented
their
is
strife,
know
of no
and
to shut out
ples of order.
It is plain,
articles,
not,
strictly speaking,
formed,
viz.
and discipline,
sion of teachers,
fail to
on
more
Dimlopf
il/r.
must
to its
what
particularly to
and excellent
in
is
Collection of Confessions
to
by Mr. Blackburn, one of the most
opposers of Creeds
which
best of the
famed work
to those
more extended
<^
dis-
by the judicious
said
his
to
The Confessionaly^^
will prepare
many
you
refer
:^^
some of the
this subject,
maintain,
mar
361
valuable
you
for perusing
Answers
to that far-
to
to
finally,
Mr.
Dyer''s ''Inquiry
The
into
subject,
dressing you,
many
is
therefore, detain
your attention
to
It
official
enters deeply
duty.
I shall,
you
1,
may
From
see
how
we
" tyranny," or
'<
oppression,"
country,
as connected with subscription to Creeds, in this
ment, into
it
Who
do
it ?
Is
any man
362
obliged
in
indeed,
correctly, and
is
any
belief; td
Every man,
to profess
is
to believe
He
to
But
neglect either.
clesiastical or
is
United States,
in the
human
civil, to
after
he has subscribed
human
law, ec-
any man
Is
a Creed,
and
authority, to ad-
he not
liberty to withdraw, at
at perfect
Is
thinks proper
this
Everlasting thanks to
May
freedom!
all
enough
Now,
to satisfy
any
rea-
They demand,
more.
manner of heresy,
equal eye.
to
it
gives us
this is liberty
But
be willing to take
to
it
Him who
if
church should
as well as orthodoxy,
or not
not
and distract
to unite
them
to divide
come
into
happy harmony,
its
to propagate such
may
new
principles
choose to adopt.
is
individual
who
intrudes
to the
its
its real
363
injury?
It is,
evi-
dently, the same sort of privilege in the church, as the privilege of invading the retreat of private families, or disturb-
2.
Church Creed,
free country.
is
very
which ought
ration and
any
God, honest
cerity
is
thing, he
know of no
and distressing
to
know,
bound
subscribes,
is
to
to the
man
delibe-
be bound
be honest to his
Church which he
transaction, in
in this.
that in
if a
which
insin-
humiliating
It is truly
some churches
it
has gradu-
become customary,
ly Articles of peace;
mere-
he
is
which,
ing to the
who
in
and honest
to himself,
For myself,
joins.
transac-
to be sincere in
ally
to be entered
so-
INFERS
or offensive manner.
men; it
bation, as
Nor does
seems equally
among hon-
in a
me to be any
many of the governors of the churches
as of those who subscribe, publicly avow
appear to
of
their adoption of this principle; admit the correctness
keep
it;
What would
be thought
364
of a similar principle,
if
with respect
a grievance to
it
among
to take
obli-
And
to
Would
presume
If
a witness or a
subornation of perjury?
it
by combining,
a majority
without
Set
as
it
sin.
down, then,
as a first principle of
common
honesty,
Faith,
is
professes to
mean;
scribe articles
and
that
covenant engagement
it
man
is
ever
at liberty to
that, in subscribing,
walk with
no
not profess to do
to
If he cannot
it
at all.
cerity, concealment,
do
I see
and
will, perhaps,
bond of
him
mean and
You
*'in the
who
fully believe;
it
sub-
base as they
life.
who
considers
man
it
as
with which he
to the scriptural
fundamental
of
minor
its
who
acquainted;
is
articles, that
its
3(^5
regards
its
Confession of
he knows; and
who
all
its
some
yet, in
Can such an
concur?
you
answer
by no means.
abandon
will ask, to
all
means.
know
case as this,
of no other
he, then,
harmony with
in cordial
is
Ought
mode
to
in
in all respects,
again answer
by no
of proceeding in such a
it,
it
pure conscience
for ad-
all
opening
his doubts
his
whole
heart, as if
if
fair
it
in consistency with
If the
little
article of faith,
or no impor-
and should be
proceed.
Such
method
dis-
soft-
may
ject,
From the view which has been presented of this subwe may decide how an honest man ought to act,
He will
feel
it
tO
366
and
mote, by
the
means
all
to
make
it
in his
And
himself.
if
he
cumbent on him
Church
to inquire,
in question,
whether the
his
it
will be in-
points, concerning
a nature as that
"give no offence"
body
to the
which he belongs.
to
If he
may remain
which
his
in peace.
But,
if
importance
he cannot be
let
much
silent,
and endeavour
to
Such he may
find al-
any
But,
at
ing,
rate,
solemnly vowed
any voluntary
to receive
association,
to insist
to oppose,
on remain-
what he has
certain
it,
and to avail
endeavour
It is
lege, that
Head
to tear
it
in pieces.
every
man
is
under obligations
to
al-
herself.
This
is
No man
3(57
But
case whatever.
this principle,
conceived, has no
is
it
man
now
Thou<;;h a
always
remain
to
in connection with
the ecclesiastical
When
against
he ceases
God, he
withdraw.
to be able to
will, if
this, witliout
sinning
he remain, and
If
do
suffer
himself habitually to
vowed
lias
allegiance, he will
be
To
good
may
illustrate
come.^'
my meaning
by
made
government, so
obey
same
all
bound
as far as
to act in
you have
all
of
As
man
this
will
conformity with
ability.
it,
the rules
and
and
all
solemn
far as the
member
Every
example.
a familiar
it,
engagement was
the utmost
tittle,
that
some of the
ought he
to
do?
Ought he
to
remain
to
in
the institution,
which he excepted,
51
368
felt
him-
God
cause,
rather than
nor any
ciple of
faithful
from
the
do
so,
he
tolerate.
immediately withdraw
to
No; every
dictate, that
prin-
he should
Seminary; and
if,
after
resume
4.
till
We
how
easy
it
is
which
single imprudent or
for a
be a
man
THE CHURCH.
by
if
he
prepare the
multiplied a hundred
Ministers,
my
young
may do
would be able
friends,
may
though
to countervail.
to a
degree which no
to
make them
Such
as is
On
if
church
itself.
and
happy
faithful
fail
results.
men,
to display
On
the
359
DONE BY
may
this assertion
Scripture, and
all
be,
undoubtedly confirmed by
is
it
And
experience.
ITS MINISTERS.
is
so vital; so
may
more wide-spread,
when the criminal
it is
society,
all
If, in
individual
is
every walk of
a minister!
the mischief,
By
erroneous
to others,
humanly speaking,
half a century.
The
for
promoting
influence of
its
two or three
individuals,
it
is
deeply deplored, by
many who
is
fifty
years
in reconcil-
as well
known,
New England.
The
authors
Beloved Pupils! be
a
it
your study,
Church.
whom
man,
In a
little
will be entrusted.
Be
faithful
to
your high
trust.
Nothing can be
truly right,
where her
doctrinal principles
370
are essentially
wrong.
faith" be corrupted
"the household of
If
ness
see
to
it,
that
own
own honour
lations
See
to
it
unceasingly,
things"
your
fancies
if
If
he cannot,
to say that
you seek
that
you cannot
ministerial faithful-
not '^your
by
by unhallowed inno-
Labour
needed.
is
to diffuse, in
of truth.
that
is all
man
has a right
it.
And
if
at
work of
of old
<<
you be found,
Lord"
altar,
and
saying, spare thy people, 0, Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach; save them, and
We
5.
may
importance of
ters,
infer,
all
lift
them up forever!"
said, the
duty and
^^
all
I Say,
For every
intelligent
we employ
it
to designate,
ly
how we
These formularies
we
think them so
every minister
is
God
bound
and
sure-
to circulate,
371
Christendom,
in
which there
is
so striking a defect as to
Our Episcopal
to
their
to those
should be.
it
and earnest
correct principles?
It
bespeaks
men
in the dissemination of
Why is
it
that so
All
sincere in their
what
many
tliey
deem
ministers of
Catechisms, which,
I verily believe,
Government and
tolical practice
Discipline
apos-
ume which
It
m every
How
are
we
of this negligence in
would be
far
more
from being
unfaithful in
communion.
May we
373
from which
The
rally to arise?
fact to
Presbyterian Church,
try
whatever
there
less
is
du
esprit
free
from
cal
called, the
body among
ecclesiastical
as to
We
any other
truth, if I
in
that, in the
is,
it,
attacked.
which
corps, than in
We are
us.
at the
it
when
evangeli-
all
we almost forget that w^e have a deown, to which we are peculiarly attached.
denominations, that
nomination of our
Now,
this general
spirit is
But may
a Christian duty;
is
in the ardour of
its
but
when
exercise, feels no
it
own
more concern or
re-
part,
is
Something analogous
to this, I
command
apprehend,
of God.
the mistake of
is
him with
his provi-
If his
own branch
posed
can
view
it
it
in the
commending
is
from the
tions?
in
allow
God,
it,
which
of the
in his estimation,
is
is
Church
on
always to be sup-
same light?
And
if
he be justifiable in re-
he not equally
justifiable in
press, especially
the
pulpit
as
all
recommending them
Happy
will
many
it
be more attentive to
istry shall
of those
tlie
if
duty
373
in question,
To
before them.
office, let
than
you, be-
me recommend
rish
it
But,
at
the
For
is cast.
Government and
latter, I fain
Discipline, as well as
Never advise
to
far
intelligent Christians.
become the
of
in forming solid,
hope
how
^'
in the
whose
power
God."
6.
Once more;
how unhappy
is
if
who
imagine, that by
THEY ARE
ABANDONING ALL CREEDS AND
ABOUT TO RENDER THE CHURCH AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE; tO
CONFESSIONS,
build her up
There
are those
who
imagine
that a
new
order of things
is
deemer's kingdom,
in
mark^
any preceding
age.
In this
new and
374
dis-
ties,
harmony
when
enough
and
that, in the
I
I shall
to
arrive;
shall
it
family of Christ.
in the
will be time
of promoting
it
its
means
the
all
members
its
which
together,
have been found necessary ever since the days of the Apostles.
The
day
apostle
"Be
sober, be vigilant,
devour."
And
he wrote, that
may
whom
is at this
it
he
this
So
ago; and so
whom
hour.
it
The very
all
blessings of the
now,
The
mony
denominations; their
of the diflferent
evangelical
progressive har-
ing disposition to
of our
sacrifice
common
many
smaller differences on
Christianity;
the
altar
the
have
sanguine
remember,
and
all
my
all
so
to the
that
un-
young
fired
spirits,
fri^Qnds,
But
afterwards
abandoned,
in
almost
Remember,
too, that
shall
oUaw
as
and rcgitlation,
now.
day
And,
many
all
stand in need
much, but
as really
stand in need of
human
arrive,
still
shall actually
have
not, perhaps, as
remember
finally,
375
probably
shall
enemies of
truth,
and
binding together
While
spirit
which we
live;
and while
I earnestly
hope
that
off,
or turn
by any denomination;
always
to
is
man
me,
at the
no
is
away
talent,
of admirable
endowments which
stu-
raised
say sober-
Many
let
temper your
is
even
endowments
in other respects;
by keeping
his
anomalous
comet of the
off'
infidel
a few wan-
given up to an orbit more and more eccentric, never returned, either to regularity or usefulness.
The Church
has
its
is still
appropriate
52
<'in the
trials.
Among those
376
is
py
is
new as
of course an improvement.
are they,
Hap-
Who,
listening with
more
erring Oracle, and to the sober lessons of Christian experience, than to the delusions of fashionable error; hold
their
way,
'^
on
and considering
it
as their highest
to
is
Holy Ghost!"
God
all
his
Name
honours!
Amen!
May
And
to
APPENDIX.
[The following remarks on Creeds,
in the
to Scripturista* are from the pen of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Bellamy,
whose
vigorous talents and ardent piety are so extensively known, and whose
memo-
ry
cherished with so
is
They
much
man
how
who had no
New
England.
strikingly
some of
his
more than
it
treats.
forty years,
remarks apply
it
its
Presbyterian
And
although
to present times
and tenden-
cies.!
A LETTER TO
Sir,
been
From
the
the constant
first
SCRIPTURISTA.
settling of
practice of
all
dinances.
to
Nor
is
England,
our
Congregational
communion
upon such
has
in special or-
insists
it
New
heard
of,
or,
but what
which
Our
they will not admit any to sealing ordinances.
churches have formulas, which they call the doctrines of
faith, or the articles of the Christian faith.
* Bellamy's
Works,
vol.
iii.
p,
371387.
The
minis-
BELLAMY ON
378
ter publicly reads
them
to such as are to be
the congregation.
it,)
that
none ought
to
be admitted to
to
taken into
full
them before
full
all
upon
communion,
but such as are sound in the faith; and that the church has
and they
do judge those
sound
in the faith
judgment of
(acting, to
charity,
who
publicly profess,
understandingly and
and drawn up
to,
to
be used in the
Were
contrary to Scripture, I
above one, of
all
know
For we
their articles.
the
is
to
be
to express
ble; but
only to express
how we
to
make
When
therefore a
who
gentlemen,
a oiew
Bi-
number of
that others
late
years
orthodoxy,
was
at a loss to
know what
they
would have
in our
model things
any
regard
it,
to
their
religious
principles?
should be writ
down?
new
379
case in
my
they have
Or,
nious gentleman,
To
'As
^
it is
Quest.
Is
I.
it
may
be answered.
good?
as
For
if it is not,
then not
need be inquired
into;
and they
may
be admitted to sealing
and ordained
work
and
as president, fellows,
tests of
And
orthodoxy, human
or divine.
But
if it
it is
'Quest. II.
must be inquired
inquired,
Whether
judge for
as well as particular persons, have not a right to
themselves, what
is
BELLAMY ON
380
Holy
to
sealing ordinances, or to be
For
if particular
may
them?
back
to the
all
Pope
to claim
who
to
if it
if
Protestants go
be granted that
why
they
may
not compose a
is
their
by word of mouth?
But
judge for
inquired,
'Quest. III.
i.
judge
to
it.
shall
among
But,
to be set right?
particular
it is
no longer
Shall
an admission to
to
as public instructers?
they
employed
Scriptures,
written
Confession
good answer
ought
to be
And
managed.
all
religious controversies
know
the truth,
PAULINUS.'
A test is that
Bible
is
by which we
vine truths.
to be of our
we
is
a test by which
&.c. to discover
is
it,
we
we judge
try those
true
it is.
The
who offer
what
A Confession of Faith
communion,
at-
by
as texts of orthodoxy.
i.
e.
and necessary
to
In
that confessions of
And now,
you,
ter,
after
my
33
good friend
as to give a public
Sci^iptiirista,
answer
my
to
whole party,
my
me
public thanks.
it
may
And
if
your
pretty easily be
For
very
in
humbly conceive we
For
three questions.
if I
under-
designed;
which no denomination of
Besure, none in
New England.
I.
all
viz.
of the Old and New Testament, are the only rule offaith;
by which we are, each one for ourselves, to be determined
what to believe in matters of religion; and to which the
final
tians,
appeal
is to
if
all
Our Creeds
controversies.
we
be made by
denominations of Chris-
any think we
dispute
is
And
to be decided, not
So saith
Scripture; comparing Scripture with Scripture.
small*The
in.
our platform; and this we are fully agreed
est grain of
din
in his piece
weigh down
^is
momentous
religion are
BELLAMY ON
382
so important, that
to sealing ordi-
them/
profess to believe
do
them; yet
if afterwards it
by parity of
and therefore,
this, I say;
if
members
upon
is
so far
a Christian
it
And
(p.
appears
13.)
You
censured.
not
they
if
and
grant
to silence
tian temper,
who do
(p, 3.)
it
duty; according
to Tit.
10.
iii.
all
And you
would
as well as
had a right
once, ten
what
Scripture; and
the
Holy
is
public intructers.'
And
if
it is
in suspense;
learning,
like the
but
come
condemned by the
to believe
how
to a
to the
as
to
re-
be ever
apostle; 2
and
to
continue in the
been assured
Ver. 14.
of.
first
and not
judgment; not
employed
(p. 4.)
grant, that
main
to
as a rule for
coming
to
themselves
minister,
be of any force
to
members, or sclllcmcnt of
till
no ministers,
settle
Which
still
you
Tliere
no mat-
is
it
first
an absolute ne-
is
And,
'that
mem-
cessity, therefore,
communities
maxim,
n.)
(p.
333
formation.
means imply,
must
that they
and
never he grounded
nevei'
come
to
a juclc^ment;
and
and
fro,
all
the
but always
carried
about
the
to
word of God.
(Col.
common
equally contrar}^ to
i.
23.
sense.
Eph.
For
iv. 14.)
And
right to judge
it is
improved
But you
say,
to this end.
Hve must
it.'
alter
our belief,
p. 5. 11. 19.
if
we
see
we
therefore never
come
it.
to a
afterwards
if
we
And what
it.
two make
then?
judgment about
And
four;
if
Must we
from tho
truths of the Gospel cannot be clearly determined
Bible?
53
BELLAMY ON
384
standing,
tolic age,
X. 22.)
in the
(Acts
manner
Col.
viii. 37.
2.
ii.
Thess.
i.
Heb.
5.
on no
a wave of the
can
condemned
in
James
i.
Nor
6, 7,8.
And
truth.
that there
is
no
believe, and
and
what
is
man, who
is
way
to be a strong believer,
If indeed
far
gone
what
to
But methinks,
to
put off
<till
by
well,
in this
if
you
if it is
no
settled in
your principles
But
Christianity.
mean
For whatever
communi-
should delay and put off their being settled, fully set-
you do expressly
grant, that
it
is
For
of so great importance
men
that
be sound in the
39.5
faith, that
Which
it.
ought
to be
known and
may and
communi-
ties to
first
foundation.
may
as
byword
For
of mouth.' p.
a creed,
i.
may compose
they
e.
of a
number of
the
Holy Scriptures.
made
5.
articles,
creeds.
believe,) consists
i?i
be
V. Although
this clause,
*A written Confession of
Faitli
The name,
to the
words.
that
to
to
For there
you of
them.
taught in the
And
Holy
name
some
Scriptures.
re-
so great importance
who would
not pro-
test
are
use
of orthodoxy.
that
are
idea
frightful
it;
seems you
you put
it
BELLAMY ON
386
you
and in
shall,
fact
you never
them.
to
never
cause for
However,
it.'
till
But
bigot.
fess to stand
your
belief, as
rather
you pro-
will, alter
belief,
^when you
see just
who
i.
(p. 13.)
Yea,
you
for
plain
it
is
to
what you
call
your Creed,
i.
to
Scripture,
true
meaning of the
body
else
other.
Scriptures.'
(p.
20.)
having
however they
differ in their
set-
And
be
with
your understanding of
cording
to
it
e.
sense of Scripture.
tled
it
ac-
way
possible
whether
belief,
e.
way to judge
They
all
of their neighbour's
meaning
For we must
of Scripture,
i. e.
judge by what
we
or not to
make
with their
own
Creed.
any
respect at all.*
look
it.
'
as being
a just exposition of the word of God in those doctrines or articles which are
contained in them.'
in divinity,
who
did not
does.
And
(BREEDS
So
that
it
is
AND CONFESSIONS.
387
Creed of
men have
against Creeds
it
and Confessions
of these,
my
as
any of
friend,
Do you
Calvinism?
to
Creeds
Now
their neigliljours.
which
Do you
is
been
general,
Had
their country.
not
in
hate
No, you
it?
say; the
man
sir;
it
who im-
^guilty of scandal
is
V^cry well,
(p. 2S.)
as tests
Which mistaken
the thing.
notion,
were
removed,
it
all
mediately cease.
having
in
your
And
letter
accordingly
observable, that
is
it
designed, by
my
they must grant; or turn sceptics, on the one hand; or deprive particular Christian communities of the right to judge
own
for themselves,
on the other;
you
why
same time,
tify it?
they
consciences,
I
designed,
no denomination
selves
the
to their
know
they cannot,
resentations,
desire to misrepresent
let
if
all
them own
it
it
to the world,
the world
we mean
must agree
to
maintain.
to blacken,
represented.
tlieni-
when
at
to jus-
Or
if
by misrep-
BELLAMY ON
388
To
me
pears to
you imagine,
the
to believe
may
same thing
But
it.
it,
same
be, in the
not
is
it
and not
be,
And
same time.
at the
it.
gentleman maintains
certain
ap-
it
being es-
its
poused by almost
be sure,
sense,
and
put a meaning to a
fair to
The
VI.
this,
is
'whether
drawn up
in writ-
ment of
authority to impose
on themselves, and
it
it
as such?'
it
By
6.)
(p.
pose,'
all
their
mem-
as a test of
to
the
word 'im-
orthodoxy
as
long as
vinced that
it
is
not orthodox."
and not
it,
belief,
itl^
lief,
i.
Bind
(p. 11
e.
but alter
if I
19.)
see
what appears
my
But
Strange notion!
to believe, profess,
It
belief.
me
to
is
to
not in
my
be-
my
power
to
believe a
am
fully
convinced
it
is
And
no man
living ever
would be
to oblige
to oblige
himself
to
himself
to
;J89
Indeed,
this.
it
an absolute contradiction; to
same time.
of a number of
For, as
Sacred Scriptures.
my
UI
Creed,
But
Scripture.
and
is
And
sensible,
enough
to
to believe a thing to be
is
taught in the
to
man
believe are
to believe that
same time,
which /
articles,
in Scripture, at the
and not
on the
If the
least
Church of
which
to be;
reflection,
Rome
no
vain
is
own
belief of her
infallibility,
in
her
(you say,
p.
11.)
first;'
i.
e.
to
proceed
to
si-
directly against
when they
which notion
church
trial
carried on
saying, *That
judgment,
if
if
upon
this
you
consciences,
own
tell a
(p.
Creeds.
19.)
it,'
So
make
contrary
tliat
To
long story of
having
own
ter-
BELLAMY ON
390
all
Although
same time
it
at the
test
of
Among all
for
Confession,
who wrote
and necessity of
may be
it,
show
as a
But he expressly
Edinburgh,
to
as tests of
And Mr.
Church of Scotland.
more zealous
common
saith, edit. 2. p.
man would
search after
truth
it
when he
it
discovers
it,
good men
suaded
in the world,
because he
never subscribe
will
may
when convinced
human Creed
brated by
all
if
now
147.
'As
when
per-
its articles
it,
see to be the
as zealous in
mind of God
in the
in
the world.'
Thus
come over
p.
a Confession but
thereby disoblige
Again,
in their
selves to
all
church.
my
fallible
spreading
who
differently
1o
your
side.
For we
fairly,
all
Read him,
and
we
will
maintain, that
we
But
much
as
we ought
then,
till
absurd
and
see just
you are
man
in
my
it is;
me
all evil.
man, and
wonder
stand and
how you
to think the
how
in itself,
since
apparently a
little,
we
*vvlicn
it.'
misrepresented soever
But
came
to
39
ai^es
ever
meant
to
upon them.
this
to
Du
prove that
later ages?
Does
Pin.^
To
rian of credit?
be sure, so honest a
man
as you,
would
Church
pose to
And how
man
it
am
is
very hard
it
'really surprised.'
tells
it
is
me by word
if
\\\s
to
attri-
your
ig-
the whole,
quote but
piece ^ but he
he did,
in all ages
To
to say.
norance, I do not
I
all
bute
how
have been
in this
scheme?
Or
As
swer
to the questions,
is
short.
orthodoxy?'
'Who
you
state, p. 6, 7, S.
have right to
No body. What
54
<
&c.
make such
The
an-
tests of
BELLAMY ON
392
such
into
None
tests?'
None
by them?'
said so
28)
at all.
we must
that
mean
to charge
and become
willing to receive an
my
up
You do
on.
it
neces-
their right to
judge
think
Arminian or Socinian
communion,
to
Pray,
good Scripturista, do
Aristocles
One
tell
me who
acts the
part,
was educated
Sind
persecutor ?
in a Socinian church
at Siena.
a mere
existence before he
And
my
manly honest
creature.,
it is
commence Pagans,*
good; and so
not
Nor do you
few minutes,
stop here a
imposed
was
stand
all
ty, to
tocles, at the
God by office.
full
Aris-
communion with
At
damning all parties but their own,i. e. for preaching as their Mas-
ter
all
was chosen
lie
full
Div. Leg.
and inimical
to the
all
damned, Mark
all
xvi. 16.
Now
were
in
human
kind.
See Warburton^s
all
life,
393
on condition he should
church.
inadvertently engaged to do, being by the influence of education full in the Socinian scheme.
became
counted the
of
his
all
was
And
he came to a
full
and
having
to
his sentiments;
and to
endeavour
And
the clearest
acknowledge
nant, which
am
me
but
for
1
man
Did
I therefore alter
subscribed, and
your minister
all
my notions
came to perceive
due means
faith also.
But
if I
as to articles of faith,
their minister,
were not
able,
it
to
which
and endowing
It
would be extremely
me
own
throw.'
were absurd
set
up one
Eells on Creeds,
pray,
to
had once
change
foolish to
also
their
fancy
principles, in continuing
allot-
in opposition to,
p. 91.
the altar should like the altar, that yet I should live
abandoned, and
which
I belonged to
obliged to abandon.
And
me
am,
to
as
now,'
by
And
made
ignorance he had
to
all
from
light
at the
tcho serve
by an altar which
had
to over,
BELLAMY ON
394
^uthades,
where
which were
strictly
was
He
Authades
be a church-
and
was
congregation invited
to be his successor.
For by
to conceal himself.
on moral subjects,
as these
If at
this
He gene-
as
he was
to act a part.
settle,
and he
to
pay him
settle
him,
100/. per
if
is
ordained.
them according
and on
annum.
sort suspected
him,
Nevertheless, a great
this condition,
He
ex-
to their Cal-
they engage
Therefore he uses
all
his art to
395
mean
time,
is
usually cunning to
make
At
ami
in tlic
to take courage
length,
and
slily
For so they
very well,
that if his
him.
feel to
is
For
as
he
an heretic hates
strip off
his false colours, and get legal proof of his true character,
He
him
their
thinks
it
no roguery
to
it
if
his 100/.
per annum.
me
to look
will,
candid
as a
For you
*a right to
to the holy
a right to
only
do
so, their
doing so
He imposed upon
first;
he
still
the
in a higher
BELLAMY ON
396
when
among them.
He
he settled
wanted
their
and kept
And
in the
it
if
work
of the ministry
He
money.
obtained
life
it first
by one
by dissimulation,
series of deceit.
many
of
you
[Matt.
vii.
15.) can
'
any
istry,
And
of,
that offer,
to sufier
work
to the
of the min-
Authades,
who
Persecution
will
as Christians, to
know
them
fuse to admit
to
if
you only
insist
consistent with
But
duty of
all
on your right
communion and
his followers,
No
sir,
principles, desire
made
and
re-
thing.
as
persecution!
men
it
you
can,
no such
the indispensable
them
to he-
as
even
common
who
tenancing the
little
reli-
so instead of discoun-
who
can-
3f)7
upon them
awake,
to
men
slily
creep
in,
we
and before
another
except
we
dis-
be agreed? [^7nos
iii.
Or
3.)
unity
kccj) the
There
cious already.
cinians, &c.
merely
tal
among
answer
to
will say,
us.
The
The cry
is
political ends.'
raised
Oh,
by designing men
my
good Scripturis-
0, that this were indeed the case! 0, that our fears were
How
groundless!
quite
could help
me
to
<
lieve
all to
if
their friends
be safe
till
among
believe
if
it,
you
it.'
New-England laugh
Connecticut,
soon would
at
our credulity
us could
make
in
us be-
party have actually, three years ago, got things so ripe, that
to
new model
new
catechism, they
tell
i.
e.
'
The
if all
snarling
the Calvin-
They
look upon us
all,
as
BELLAMY
398
snarling bigots, not
to
This
be regarded.
ON, &c.
tell
the world
is
honest
how
they
now
feel!
He
boldly
all
the coun-
to
by near half
how he conducts.
How back-
the town.
ward
to let his
on probation!
people
How
with heresy,
know
resolved, never to be
it
cost
and cited
to
what
it
examined by
appear
before
them!
Yea,
ces,
Sir,
servant,
PAULINUS.
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