SERMONIV.15SCRIPTURAL CHRISTIANITY.Actsiv.31.And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.1.THE same expression occurs in the second chapter, where we read,When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all(the apostles, with the women, and the mother of Jesus, and his brethren)with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.One immediate effect whereof was,They began to speak with other tongues; insomuch that both theParthians,Medes,Elamites, and the other strangers whocame together, when this was noised abroad, heard them speak, intheir severaltongues, the wonderful works of God.2. In this chapter we read, that when the apostles and brethren had been praying, and praising God,the place was shaken where they wereassembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. Not that we find any visible appearance here, such as had been in the former instance: nor are we informed that theextraordinary giftsof the Holy Ghost, were then given to all or any of them; suchas the gifts of healing, of workingothermiracles, of prophecy, of discerning spirits; the speaking withdivers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.3. Whether these gifts of the Holy Ghost were designed to remain in the church throughout all ages; and whether or no they will be restored at the nearer approach of therestitution of all things, are questions which it is not needful to decide. But it is needful to observe this, that even in the infancy of the church, God divided them with a sparing hand.Were alleven thenprophets? Wereall workers of miracles? Had all the gifts of healing? Did all speak with tongues?No, in no wise. Perhaps not one in a thousand. Probably none but the teachers in the church, and only some of them. It was therefore for a more excellent purpose than this, thatthey were all filled with the Holy Ghost.4. It was, to give them (what none can deny to be essential to all Christians in all ages)the mind which was in Christ, those holyfruits of the Spirit, which whosoever hath not,is none of his: to fill them withlove,joy,peace,long-suffering,gentleness,goodness: to endue them withfaith, (perhaps it might be rendered,fidelity)withmeekness and temperance: to enable them tocrucify the flesh with its affections and lusts, its passions and desires; and, in consequence of thatinward change, to fulfil alloutwardrighteousness,to walk as Christ also walked, in the work of faith, the patience of hope, the labour of love.5. Without busying ourselves then in curious, needless enquiries, touching thoseextraordinarygifts of the Spirit, let us take a nearer view of these hisordinaryfruits; which we are assured will remain throughout all ages: of that great work of God among the children of men, which we are used to express by one word,Christianity: not as it implies a set of opinions, a system of doctrines, but as it refers to mens hearts and lives. And thisChristianityit may be useful to consider under three distinct views.I.As beginning to exist in individuals.II.As spreading from one to another.III.As covering the earth.I design to close these considerations with a plain practical application.I.And first, let us consider Christianity in its rise, as beginning to exist in individuals.Suppose then one of those who heard the apostlePeterpreachingrepentance and remission of sins, waspricked to the heart, was convincedof sin, repented, and thenbelieved in Jesus. By thisfaith of the operation of God, which was the verysubstanceor subsistenceof things hoped for, the demonstrativeevidence of invisible things, he instantlyreceived the Spirit of adoption, whereby henowcried Abba, Father! Now first it was that he couldcall Jesus Lord, by the Holy Ghost, the Spirit itself bearing witness with his spirit that he was a child of God. Now it was that he could truly say,I live not, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.2. This then was the very essence of his faith, a divineἔλεγχος16of the love of God the Father, through the Son of his love, to him a sinner, nowaccepted in the Beloved. Andbeing justified by faith, he had peace with God, yeathe peace of God ruling in his heart: a peace, whichpassing all understanding, (πάντα νοῦν, all barely rational conception)kept his heart and mindfrom all doubt and fear, through theknowledge of him in whom he had believed. He could not thereforebe afraid of any evil tidings; for his heart stood fast believing in the Lord. He feared not what man could do unto him, knowingthe very hairs of his head were all numbered. He feared not all the powers of darkness, which God was dailybruising under his feet. Least of all was he afraid to die; nay, hedesired to depart and bewith Christ; whothrough death had destroyed him that had the power of death, even the devil; and delivered them who through fear of death, were all their life-time, till then,subject to bondage.3.His soulthereforemagnified the Lord, and his spirit rejoiced in God his Saviour. He rejoiced in him with joy unspeakable, who had reconciled him to God, even the Father: in whom he had redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.He rejoiced in thatwitness of God’s Spirit with his spirit, that he was a child of God: and more abundantly,in hope of the glory of God, in hope of the glorious image of God, the fullrenewal of his soul in righteousness and true holiness; and in hope of thatcrown of glory, thatinheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.4.The love of Godwas alsoshed abroad in his heart, by the Holy Ghost which was given unto him. Because he was a son, God had sent forth the Spirit of his Son into his heart, crying, Abba, Father!And that filial love of God was continually increased by thewitness he had in himself, of God’s pardoning love to him, bybeholding what manner of love it was, which the Father had bestowed upon him, that he should be called a child of God. So that God was the desire of his eyes, and the joy of his heart; his portion in time and in eternity.5. He that thusloved God, could not butlove his brother also; andnot in word only, but in deed and in truth. “If God, said he,so lovedus, we ought also to love one another.” Yea, every soul of man, as themercyof Godis over all his works. Agreeably hereto, the affection of this lover of God, embraced all mankind for his sake; not excepting those whom he had never seen in the flesh, or those of whom he knew nothing more than that they werethe offspring of God; for whose souls his Son had died; not excepting theevilandunthankful, and least of all his enemies, those whohated, or persecuted, or despitefully usedhim for his Master’s sake. These had a peculiar place both in his heart and his prayers. He loved themeven as Christ loved us.6. Andlove is not puffed up. It abases to the dust every soul wherein it dwells. Accordingly he waslowly of heart, little, mean, and vile in his own eyes. He neither sought nor received thepraise of men, but that which cometh of God only. He was meek and long-suffering, gentle to all, and easy to be intreated. Faithfulness and truth never forsook him; they werebound about his neck, and wrote on the table of his heart. By the same Spirit he was enabled to betemperate in all things, refraining his soul even as a weaned child. He wascrucified to the world, and the world crucified to him: superior tothe desire of the flesh, the desire of the eye, and the pride of life. By the same almighty love was he saved, both from passion and pride, from lust and vanity, from ambition and covetousness,and from every temper which was not in Christ.7. It may be easily believed, he who had this love in his heart, wouldwork no evil to his neighbour. It was impossible for him, knowingly and designedly, to do harm to any man. He was at the greatest distance from cruelty and wrong, from any unjust or unkind action. With the same care did heset a watch before his mouth, and keep the door of his lips; lest he should offend in tongue, either against justice, or against mercy or truth. Heput away all lying, falshood and fraud; neither wasguile found in his mouth. Hespake evil of no man; nor did an unkind word ever come out of his lips.8. And as he was deeply sensible of the truth of that word,without me ye can do nothing, and consequently, of the need he had to bewater’dof Godevery moment; so hecontinued dailyin all the ordinances of God, the stated channels of his grace to man.In the apostles doctrineor teaching, receiving that food of the soul with all readiness of heart,in the breaking of bread, which he found to bethe communion of the body of Christ, andin the prayersand praises offered up by the great congregation. And thus he dailygrew in grace, increasing in strength, in the knowledge and love of God.9. But it did not satisfy him, barely to abstain from doing evil. His soul was a-thirst to do good. The language of his heart continually was,My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.My Lordwent about doing good; and shall not Itread in his steps? Ashehad opportunitytherefore, if he could do no good of a higher kind, he fed the hungry, clothed the naked, helped the fatherless or stranger, visited and assisted them that were sick or in prison. Hegave all his goods to feed the poor. He rejoiced to labour or to suffer for them; and wherein soever he might profit another, there especially todeny himself. He counted nothing too dear to part with for them, as well remembring the word of his Lord,Insomuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.10. Such wasChristianityin its rise. Such was a Christian in ancient days. Such was every one of those, whowhen they heardthe threatnings ofthe chief priests and elders, lift up their voice to God with one accord, and were all filled with the Holy Ghost. The multitude of them that believed, were of one heart and of one soul.(So did the love of him in whom they had believed, constrain them to love one another.)Neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.So fully were they crucified to the world, and the world crucified to them.And they continued stedfastly with one accord in the apostles doctrine, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayer. And great grace was upon them all; neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or housessold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles feet; and distribution was made unto every man, according as he had need.II.1. Let us take a view, in the second place, of thisChristianity, as spreading from one to another, and so gradually making its way into the world. For such was the will of God concerning it, whodid not light a candle to put it under a bushel, but that it might give light to all that were in the house. And this our Lord had declared to his first disciples,Ye are the salt of the earth, the light of the world: at the same time that he gave that general command,Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.2. And, indeed, supposing a few of these lovers of mankind, to seethe whole world lying in wickedness, can we believe they would be unconcerned at the sight, at the misery of those for whom their Lord died? Would not their bowels yearn over them, and their heartsmelt away for very trouble? Could they then stand idle all the day long, even were there no command from him whom they loved? Rather would they not labour, by all possible means, toplucksome ofthese brands out of the burning? Undoubtedly they would: they would spare no pains to bring back whomsoever they could of thosepoorsheep that had gone astray, to the great Shepherd and Bishop of their souls.3. So the Christians of old did. They laboured, having opportunity,to do good unto all men, warning them toflee from the wrath to come, now, now, to escapethe damnation of hell. They declared,The times of ignorance God winked at; but now he calleth all men every where to repent. They cried aloud,Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Theyreasonedwith themof temperance and righteousness, or justice, of the virtues opposite to their reigning sins, andof judgment to come, of the wrath of God which would surely be executed on evil doers in that day when he should judge the world.4. They endeavoured herein to speak to every man severally as he had need. To the careless, to those who lay unconcerned in darkness and in the shadow of death, they thundered,Awake thou that sleepest; arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light: but to those who were already awakened out of sleep, and groaning under a sense of the wrath of God, their language was,We have an Advocate with the Father; he is the propitiation for our sins. Mean time those who had believed, theyprovoked to love and to good works; to patient continuance in well-doing; and to abound more and morein thatholiness, without which no man can see the Lord.5. And their labour was not in vain in the Lord. Hisword ran and was glorified. Itgrew mightily and prevailed. But so much the more did offences prevail also. The world in general were offended,because they testified of it, that the works thereof were evil. The men of pleasure were offended, not only because these men weremade, as it were,to reprove their thoughts. (He professeth, said they,to have the knowledge of God: he calleth himself the child of the Lord: his life is not like other mens; his ways are of another fashion: he abstaineth from our ways, as from filthiness: he maketh his boast, that God is his Father.) But much more, because so many of their companions were taken away, and would no morerun with them to the same excess of riot. The men of reputation were offended, because, as the gospel spread, they declined in the esteem of the people; and because many no longer dared togive them flattering titles, or to pay man the homage due to God only. The men of trade called one another together, and said,Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. But ye see and hear that these men have persuaded and turned away much people. So that this our craft is in danger to be set at nought.Above all, the men of religion, so called, the men ofoutsidereligion, “the saints of the world,” were offended and ready at every opportunity to cry out,Men of Israel, help! We have found these men! Pestilent fellows, movers of seditionthroughout the world. These are the men that teach all men, every where, against the people, and against the law.6. Thus it was that the heavens grew black with clouds, and the storm gathered amain. For the more Christianity spread,the more hurt was done, in the account of those who received it not, and the number increased of those who were more and more enraged at thesemen whothusturned the world upside down; insomuch that more and more cried out,Away with such fellows from the earth; it is not fit that they should live, yea, and sincerely believed, thatwhosoevershouldkill them, would do God service.7. Meanwhile they did not fail tocast out their name as evil: so that thissect was every where spoken against. Men said all manner of evil of them, even as had been done of theprophets that were before them. And whatsoever any would affirm, others would believe. So that offences grew as the stars of heaven for multitude. And hence arose, at the time foreordain’d of the Father, persecution in all its forms. Some, for a season, suffered only shame and reproach; some,the spoiling of their goods; somehad trial of mocking and scourging; someof bonds and imprisonment; and othersresisted unto blood.8. Now it was that the pillars of hell were shaken, and the kingdom of God spread more and more. Sinners were every whereturnedfrom darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. He gave his childrensuch a mouth, and such wisdom, as all their adversaries could not resist. And their lives were of equal force with their words. But, above all, their sufferings spake to all the world. Theyapproved themselvesthe servants of God,in afflictions, in necessities; in distresses; in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours; in perils in the sea, in perils in the wilderness; in weariness and painfulness, in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness. And when havingfought the good fight, they wereled as sheep to the slaughter, and offered up on the sacrifice and service of their faith, then the blood of each found a voice, and the Heathen owned,He being dead, yet speaketh.9. Thus didChristianityspread itself in the earth. But how soon did the tares appear with the wheat? And themystery of iniquitywork as well as themystery of godliness! How soon did Satan find a seat, evenin the temple of God! Tillthe woman fled into the wilderness, and the faithful wereagainminished from the children of men. Here we tread a beaten path: the still increasing corruptions of the succeeding generations, have been largely described from time to time, by those witnesses God raised up, to shew that he hadbuilt his church upon a rock, and the gates of hell should notwhollyprevail against her.III.1. But shall we not see greater things than these? Yea, greater than have been yet from the beginning of the world. Can Satan cause the truth of God to fail, or his promises to be of none effect? If not, the time will come, whenChristianitywill prevail over all, and cover the earth. Let us stand a little, and survey (the third thing which was proposed) this strange sight, aChristian world. Of this the prophets of old enquired and searched diligently: of thisthe Spirit which was in them testified, It shall come to pass in the last days, that the Mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it. And they shall beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more. In that day there shall be a Root ofJesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people. To it shall the Gentiles seek, and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again to recover the remnant of his people; and he shall set up an Ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts ofIsrael, and gather together the dispersed ofJudah, from the four corners of the earth. The wolf shall then dwell with the lamb and the leopard shall lie down with the kid: and the calf and the young lion and the fatlingtogether; and a little child shall lead them. They shall not hurt nor destroy, saith the Lord, in all my holy mountain. For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.2. To the same effect are the words of the great apostle, which it is evident have never yet been fulfilled.Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. But through their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles. And if the diminishing of them be the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fulness? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,—That blindness in part is happened toIsrael, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in: and so allIsraelshall be saved.3. Suppose now the fulness of time to be come, and the prophecies to be accomplished, what a prospect is this? All ispeace, quietness, and assurance for ever. Here is no din of arms, noconfused noise, nogarments rolled in blood.Destructions are come to a perpetual end: wars are ceased from the earth. Neither are there any intestine jars remaining; no brother rising up against brother; no country or city divided against itself, and tearing out its own bowels. Civil discord is at end for evermore, and none is left either to destroy or hurt his neighbour. Here is no oppression tomakeeventhe wise man mad; no extortion togrind the face of the poor; no robbery or wrong; no rapine or injustice; forall arecontent with such things as they possess. Thusrighteousness and peace have kissed each other; they havetaken root and filled the land: righteousness flourishing out of the earth, andpeace looking down from heaven.4. And with righteousness or justice, mercy is also found. The earth is no longerfull of cruel habitations. The Lord hath destroyed both the blood-thirstyand malicious, the envious and revengeful man. Were there any provocation, there is none that now knoweth, toreturn evil for evil: but indeed there is none that doeth evil, no not one; for all areharmless as doves. And beingfilled with peace and joy in believing, and united in one body, by one spirit, they alllove as brethren, they are allof one heart and of one soul. Neither saith any of them, that ought of the things which he possesseth is his own.There is none among them that lacketh; for every man loveth his neighbour as himself. And all walk by one rule,Whatever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do unto them.5. It follows, that no unkind word can ever be heard among them: nostrife of tongues, no contention of any kind, no railing or evil-speaking; but every oneopens his mouth with wisdom, and in his tongue there is the law of kindness. Equally incapable are they of fraud or guile: theirloveiswithout dissimulation: their words are always the just expression of their thoughts, opening a window into their breast,that whosoever desires may look into their hearts, and see that only love and God are there.6. Thus, wherethe Lord omnipotent taketh to himself his mighty power and reigneth, doth hesubdue all things to himself; cause every heart to overflow with love, and fill every mouth with praise.Happy are the people that are in such a case; yea, blessed are the people who have the Lord for their God. Arise, shine, (saith the Lord)for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Thou hast known that I the Lord am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the mighty God ofJacob. I have made thy officers peace, and thy exacters righteousness. Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders: but thou shalt call thy walls salvation, and thy gates praise. Thy people are all righteous; they shall inherit the land for ever: the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. The sun shall no more be thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.IV.Having thus briefly consideredChristianity, as beginning, as going on, and as covering the earth, it remains only that I should close the whole with a plain practical application.1. * And first, I would ask, where does thisChristianitynow exist? Where, I pray, do theChristianslive? Which is the country, the inhabitants whereof areallthusfilled with the Holy Ghost? Areall of one heart and of one soul? Cannot suffer one among themto lack any thing, but continually giveto every man as he hath need? Who one and all have the love of God filling their hearts, and constraining them to love their neighbours as themselves? Who have allput on bowels of mercy, humbleness of mind, gentleness, long-suffering? Who offend not in any kind, either by word or deed, against justice, mercy, or truth? But in every point do unto all men, as they would these should do unto them. With what propriety can we term any aChristian country, which does not answer this description? Why then, let us confess we have never yet seen aChristian countryupon earth.2. I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, if ye do account me a madman or a fool, yetas a fool bear with me. It is utterly needful that some one should use great plainness of speech towards you. It is more especially needful atthistime; for who knoweth but it is thelast? Who knoweth how soon the righteous Judge may say,I will no more be intreated for this people? Tho’Noah,Daniel, andJob, were in this land, they should but deliver their own souls.And who will use this plainness, if I do not? Therefore I, even I, will speak.And I adjure you, by the living God, that ye steel not your breasts against receiving a blessing atmyhands. Do not say in your heart, “Non persuadebis, etiamsi persuaseris: Or, in other words, Lord, thou shalt notsend, by whom thou wilt send. Let me rather perish in my blood, than be saved by this man!”3.Brethren I am persuaded better things of you, tho’ I thus speak.Let me ask you then, in tender love, and in the spirit of meekness, is this city aChristiancity? IsChristianity, Scriptural Christianity, found here? Are we, considered as a community of men, sofilled with the Holy Ghost, as to enjoy in our hearts, and shew forth in our lives, the genuine fruits of that spirit? Are all the magistrates, all heads and governors of colleges and halls, and their respective societies, (not to speak of the inhabitants of the town)of one heart and one soul? Isthe love of God shed abroad in our hearts? Are our tempers the same that were in him? Are our lives agreeable thereto? Are weholy as he who hath called us is holy, in all manner of conversation?4. I intreat you to observe, that here are nopeculiar notionsnow under consideration; that the question moved is not concerningdoubtful opinions, of one kind or an other; but concerning the undoubted, fundamental branches (if there be any such) of ourcommon Christianity. And for the decision thereof, I appeal to your ownconscience, guided by the word of God. He therefore that is not condemned by his own heart, let him go free.5. * In the fear then, and in the presence of the great God, before whom both you and I shall shortly appear, I pray you that are in authority over us, whom I reverence for your office sake, to consider, (and not after the manner of dissemblers with God) Are youfilled with the Holy Ghost? Are ye lively portraitures of him, whom ye are appointed to represent among men?I have said, ye are Gods, ye magistrates and rulers; ye are by office so nearly allied to the God of heaven! In your several stations and degrees, ye are to shew forth unto usthe Lord our governor. Are all the thoughts of your hearts, all your tempers and desires, suitable to your high calling? Are all your words like unto those which come out of the mouth of God? Is there in all your actions dignity and love? A greatness which words cannot express, which can flow only from an heart full of God—and yet consistent with the character ofman that is a worm, and the son of man that is a worm!6. * Ye venerable men, who are more especially called to form the tender minds of youth, to dispel thence the shades of ignorance and error, and train them up to be wise unto salvation, Are youfilled with the Holy Ghost? With all thosefruits of the Spirit, which your important office so indispensibly requires? Is your heartwhole with God? Full of love and zeal to set up his kingdom on earth? Do you continually remind those under your care, that the one rational end of all our studies, is to know, love, and servethe only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent? Do you inculcate upon them, day by day, thatlovealonenever faileth? (Whereas,whether there be tongues, they shall fail, orphilosophicalknowledge, it shall vanish away:) and that without love, all learning is but splendid ignorance, pompous folly, vexation of spirit. Has all you teach an actual tendency to the love of God, and of all mankind for his sake? Have you an eye to this end in whatever you prescribe, touching the kind, the manner, and the measure of their studies; desiring and labouring, that wherever the lot of these young soldiers of Christ is cast, they may be so manyburning and shining lights, adorning the gospel of Christin all things? And permit me to ask, Do you put forth all your strength in the vast work you have undertaken? Do you labour herein with all your might? Exerting every faculty of your soul? Using every talent which God hath lent you, and that to the uttermost of your power?7. Let it not be said, that I speak here, as if all under your care were intended to be clergymen. Not so: I only speak as if they were all intended to be Christians. But what example is set them by us who enjoy the beneficence of our forefathers; by fellows, students, scholars; moreespecially those who are of some rank and eminence? * Do ye, brethren, abound in the fruits of the spirit, in lowliness of mind, in self-denial and mortification, in seriousness and composure of spirit, in patience, meekness, sobriety, temperance, and in unwearied, restless endeavours, to do good, in every kind, unto all men: to relieve their outward wants, and to bring their souls to the true knowledge and love of God? Is this the general character of fellows of colleges? I fear it is not. Rather, have not pride and haughtiness of spirit, impatience and peevishness, sloth and indolence, gluttony and sensuality, and even a proverbial uselessness, been objected to us,perhapsnot always by our enemies,nor whollywithout ground? O that God would roll away this reproach from us, that the very memory of it might perish for ever!8. * Many of us are more immediately consecrated to God, called tominister in holy things. Are we then patterns to the rest,in word, in conversation, in charity; in spirit, in faith, in purity? Is there written on our forehead and on our heart,Holiness to the Lord? From what motives did we enter upon this office? Was it indeed with a single eyeto serve God, trusting that we were inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost, to take upon us this ministration, for the promoting of his glory, and the edifying of his people? Andhaveweclearly determined, by God’s grace, to give ourselves wholly to this office? Do we forsakeand set aside, as much as in us lies, all worldly cares and studies? Do we apply ourselves wholly to this one thing, and draw all our cares and studies this way?Are weapt to teach? Are wetaught of God, that we may be able to teach others also? Do we know God? Do we know Jesus Christ? Hath Godrevealed his Son in us? And hath hemade us able ministers of the new covenant? Where then arethe seals of our apostleship? Whothat were dead in trespasses and sins, have been quickened by our word? Have we a burning zeal to save souls from death, so that for their sake we often forget even to eat our bread? Do we speak plain,by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God? Are we dead to the world and the things of the world,laying up all our treasure in heaven? Do we lord over God’s heritage?Or are we the least,the servants of all? When we bear the reproach of Christ, Does it sit heavy upon us? Or do we rejoice therein? When we aresmitten on the one cheek, Do we resent it? Are we impatient of affronts? Or do weturn the other also: not resisting the evil, butovercoming evil with good? Have we a bitter zeal, inciting us to strive sharply and passionately with themthat are out of the way? Or is our zeal the flame of love, so as to direct all our words with sweetness, lowliness, and meekness of wisdom?9. Once more, what shall we say concerning the youth of this place? Haveyoueither the form or the power ofChristianGodliness? Are you humble, teachable, advisable; or stubborn, self-willed, heady, and high-minded? Are you obedient to your superiors as to parents? Or do you despise those to whom you owe the tenderest reverence? Are you diligent in your easy business, pursuing your studies with all your strength? Do youredeem the time, crowding as much work into every day as it can contain? Rather, are ye not conscious to yourselves, that you waste away day after day, either in reading what has no tendency toChristianity, or in gaming, or in—you know not what? Are you better managers of your fortune than of your time? Do you, out of principle, take care toowe no man any thing? Do youremember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy; to spend it in the more immediate worship of God? When you are in his House, Do you consider that God is there? Do you behave,as seeing Him that is invisible? Do you know how topossess your bodies, in sanctification and honour? Are not drunkenness and uncleanness found among you? Yea, are there not of you, whoglory in their shame? Do not many of youtake the name of God in vain, perhaps habitually, without either remorse or fear? Yea, * Are there not a multitude of you that are forsworn? I fear, a swiftly-increasing multitude. Be not surprized, brethren. BeforeGod and this congregation; I own myself to have been of that number; solemnly swearing toobserve all those customs, which I then knew nothing of;and those statutes, which I did not so much as read over, either then, or for some years after. What is perjury, if this is not? But if it be, O what a weight of sin, yea, sin of no common dye, lieth upon us! And doth notthe Most High regard it?10. * May it not be one of the consequences of this that so many of you are a generation ofTriflers? Triflers with God, with one another, and with your own souls? For how few of you spend, from one week to another, a single hour in private prayer? How few have any thought of God in the general tenor of your conversation? Who of you is, in any degree, acquainted with the work of his Spirit, his supernatural work in the souls of men? Can you bear, unless now and then, in a church, any talk of the Holy Ghost? Would you not take it for granted, if one began such a conversation, that it was eitherHypocrisyorEnthusiasm? In the name of the Lord God Almighty, I ask, what religion areyouof? Even the talk ofChristianityye cannot, will not bear. O my brethren! what aChristiancity is this?It is time for thee, Lord, to lay to thine hand!11. For indeed, what probability, what possibility rather, (speaking after the manner of men) is there thatChristianity, Scriptural Christianity,should be again the religion of this place? That all orders of men among us should speak and live as menfilled with the Holy Ghost? By whom should thisChristianitybe restored? By those of you that are in authority? Are you convinced then, that this isScriptural Christianity? Are you desirous it should be restored? And do ye not count your fortune, liberty, life, dear unto yourselves, so ye may be instrumental in the restoring it? But suppose ye have this desire, who hath any power proportioned to the effect? Perhaps some of you have made a few faint attempts, but with how small success? ShallChristianitythen be restored by young, unknown, inconsiderable men? I know not whether ye yourselves could suffer it. Would not some of you cry out, “Young man, in so doing thou reproachest us?” But there is no danger of your being put to the proof; so hathiniquity overspread us like a flood. Whom then shall God send? The famine, the pestilence, (the last messengers of God to a guilty land) or the sword?The armies of theRomishaliens, toreformus into our first love? Nay,rather let us fall into thy hand, O Lord, and let us not fall into the hand of man.Lord, save or we perish! Take us out of the mire that we sink not! O help us against these enemies, for vain is the help of man. Unto thee all things are possible. According tothe greatness of thy power, preserve thou those that are appointed to die; and preserve us in the manner that seemeth to thee good; not as we will, but as thou wilt.
Actsiv.31.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.
1.THE same expression occurs in the second chapter, where we read,When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all(the apostles, with the women, and the mother of Jesus, and his brethren)with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.One immediate effect whereof was,They began to speak with other tongues; insomuch that both theParthians,Medes,Elamites, and the other strangers whocame together, when this was noised abroad, heard them speak, intheir severaltongues, the wonderful works of God.
2. In this chapter we read, that when the apostles and brethren had been praying, and praising God,the place was shaken where they wereassembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. Not that we find any visible appearance here, such as had been in the former instance: nor are we informed that theextraordinary giftsof the Holy Ghost, were then given to all or any of them; suchas the gifts of healing, of workingothermiracles, of prophecy, of discerning spirits; the speaking withdivers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.
3. Whether these gifts of the Holy Ghost were designed to remain in the church throughout all ages; and whether or no they will be restored at the nearer approach of therestitution of all things, are questions which it is not needful to decide. But it is needful to observe this, that even in the infancy of the church, God divided them with a sparing hand.Were alleven thenprophets? Wereall workers of miracles? Had all the gifts of healing? Did all speak with tongues?No, in no wise. Perhaps not one in a thousand. Probably none but the teachers in the church, and only some of them. It was therefore for a more excellent purpose than this, thatthey were all filled with the Holy Ghost.
4. It was, to give them (what none can deny to be essential to all Christians in all ages)the mind which was in Christ, those holyfruits of the Spirit, which whosoever hath not,is none of his: to fill them withlove,joy,peace,long-suffering,gentleness,goodness: to endue them withfaith, (perhaps it might be rendered,fidelity)withmeekness and temperance: to enable them tocrucify the flesh with its affections and lusts, its passions and desires; and, in consequence of thatinward change, to fulfil alloutwardrighteousness,to walk as Christ also walked, in the work of faith, the patience of hope, the labour of love.
5. Without busying ourselves then in curious, needless enquiries, touching thoseextraordinarygifts of the Spirit, let us take a nearer view of these hisordinaryfruits; which we are assured will remain throughout all ages: of that great work of God among the children of men, which we are used to express by one word,Christianity: not as it implies a set of opinions, a system of doctrines, but as it refers to mens hearts and lives. And thisChristianityit may be useful to consider under three distinct views.
I.As beginning to exist in individuals.
II.As spreading from one to another.
III.As covering the earth.
I design to close these considerations with a plain practical application.
I.And first, let us consider Christianity in its rise, as beginning to exist in individuals.
Suppose then one of those who heard the apostlePeterpreachingrepentance and remission of sins, waspricked to the heart, was convincedof sin, repented, and thenbelieved in Jesus. By thisfaith of the operation of God, which was the verysubstanceor subsistenceof things hoped for, the demonstrativeevidence of invisible things, he instantlyreceived the Spirit of adoption, whereby henowcried Abba, Father! Now first it was that he couldcall Jesus Lord, by the Holy Ghost, the Spirit itself bearing witness with his spirit that he was a child of God. Now it was that he could truly say,I live not, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
2. This then was the very essence of his faith, a divineἔλεγχος16of the love of God the Father, through the Son of his love, to him a sinner, nowaccepted in the Beloved. Andbeing justified by faith, he had peace with God, yeathe peace of God ruling in his heart: a peace, whichpassing all understanding, (πάντα νοῦν, all barely rational conception)kept his heart and mindfrom all doubt and fear, through theknowledge of him in whom he had believed. He could not thereforebe afraid of any evil tidings; for his heart stood fast believing in the Lord. He feared not what man could do unto him, knowingthe very hairs of his head were all numbered. He feared not all the powers of darkness, which God was dailybruising under his feet. Least of all was he afraid to die; nay, hedesired to depart and bewith Christ; whothrough death had destroyed him that had the power of death, even the devil; and delivered them who through fear of death, were all their life-time, till then,subject to bondage.
3.His soulthereforemagnified the Lord, and his spirit rejoiced in God his Saviour. He rejoiced in him with joy unspeakable, who had reconciled him to God, even the Father: in whom he had redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.He rejoiced in thatwitness of God’s Spirit with his spirit, that he was a child of God: and more abundantly,in hope of the glory of God, in hope of the glorious image of God, the fullrenewal of his soul in righteousness and true holiness; and in hope of thatcrown of glory, thatinheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.
4.The love of Godwas alsoshed abroad in his heart, by the Holy Ghost which was given unto him. Because he was a son, God had sent forth the Spirit of his Son into his heart, crying, Abba, Father!And that filial love of God was continually increased by thewitness he had in himself, of God’s pardoning love to him, bybeholding what manner of love it was, which the Father had bestowed upon him, that he should be called a child of God. So that God was the desire of his eyes, and the joy of his heart; his portion in time and in eternity.
5. He that thusloved God, could not butlove his brother also; andnot in word only, but in deed and in truth. “If God, said he,so lovedus, we ought also to love one another.” Yea, every soul of man, as themercyof Godis over all his works. Agreeably hereto, the affection of this lover of God, embraced all mankind for his sake; not excepting those whom he had never seen in the flesh, or those of whom he knew nothing more than that they werethe offspring of God; for whose souls his Son had died; not excepting theevilandunthankful, and least of all his enemies, those whohated, or persecuted, or despitefully usedhim for his Master’s sake. These had a peculiar place both in his heart and his prayers. He loved themeven as Christ loved us.
6. Andlove is not puffed up. It abases to the dust every soul wherein it dwells. Accordingly he waslowly of heart, little, mean, and vile in his own eyes. He neither sought nor received thepraise of men, but that which cometh of God only. He was meek and long-suffering, gentle to all, and easy to be intreated. Faithfulness and truth never forsook him; they werebound about his neck, and wrote on the table of his heart. By the same Spirit he was enabled to betemperate in all things, refraining his soul even as a weaned child. He wascrucified to the world, and the world crucified to him: superior tothe desire of the flesh, the desire of the eye, and the pride of life. By the same almighty love was he saved, both from passion and pride, from lust and vanity, from ambition and covetousness,and from every temper which was not in Christ.
7. It may be easily believed, he who had this love in his heart, wouldwork no evil to his neighbour. It was impossible for him, knowingly and designedly, to do harm to any man. He was at the greatest distance from cruelty and wrong, from any unjust or unkind action. With the same care did heset a watch before his mouth, and keep the door of his lips; lest he should offend in tongue, either against justice, or against mercy or truth. Heput away all lying, falshood and fraud; neither wasguile found in his mouth. Hespake evil of no man; nor did an unkind word ever come out of his lips.
8. And as he was deeply sensible of the truth of that word,without me ye can do nothing, and consequently, of the need he had to bewater’dof Godevery moment; so hecontinued dailyin all the ordinances of God, the stated channels of his grace to man.In the apostles doctrineor teaching, receiving that food of the soul with all readiness of heart,in the breaking of bread, which he found to bethe communion of the body of Christ, andin the prayersand praises offered up by the great congregation. And thus he dailygrew in grace, increasing in strength, in the knowledge and love of God.
9. But it did not satisfy him, barely to abstain from doing evil. His soul was a-thirst to do good. The language of his heart continually was,My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.My Lordwent about doing good; and shall not Itread in his steps? Ashehad opportunitytherefore, if he could do no good of a higher kind, he fed the hungry, clothed the naked, helped the fatherless or stranger, visited and assisted them that were sick or in prison. Hegave all his goods to feed the poor. He rejoiced to labour or to suffer for them; and wherein soever he might profit another, there especially todeny himself. He counted nothing too dear to part with for them, as well remembring the word of his Lord,Insomuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
10. Such wasChristianityin its rise. Such was a Christian in ancient days. Such was every one of those, whowhen they heardthe threatnings ofthe chief priests and elders, lift up their voice to God with one accord, and were all filled with the Holy Ghost. The multitude of them that believed, were of one heart and of one soul.(So did the love of him in whom they had believed, constrain them to love one another.)Neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.So fully were they crucified to the world, and the world crucified to them.And they continued stedfastly with one accord in the apostles doctrine, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayer. And great grace was upon them all; neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or housessold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles feet; and distribution was made unto every man, according as he had need.
II.1. Let us take a view, in the second place, of thisChristianity, as spreading from one to another, and so gradually making its way into the world. For such was the will of God concerning it, whodid not light a candle to put it under a bushel, but that it might give light to all that were in the house. And this our Lord had declared to his first disciples,Ye are the salt of the earth, the light of the world: at the same time that he gave that general command,Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
2. And, indeed, supposing a few of these lovers of mankind, to seethe whole world lying in wickedness, can we believe they would be unconcerned at the sight, at the misery of those for whom their Lord died? Would not their bowels yearn over them, and their heartsmelt away for very trouble? Could they then stand idle all the day long, even were there no command from him whom they loved? Rather would they not labour, by all possible means, toplucksome ofthese brands out of the burning? Undoubtedly they would: they would spare no pains to bring back whomsoever they could of thosepoorsheep that had gone astray, to the great Shepherd and Bishop of their souls.
3. So the Christians of old did. They laboured, having opportunity,to do good unto all men, warning them toflee from the wrath to come, now, now, to escapethe damnation of hell. They declared,The times of ignorance God winked at; but now he calleth all men every where to repent. They cried aloud,Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Theyreasonedwith themof temperance and righteousness, or justice, of the virtues opposite to their reigning sins, andof judgment to come, of the wrath of God which would surely be executed on evil doers in that day when he should judge the world.
4. They endeavoured herein to speak to every man severally as he had need. To the careless, to those who lay unconcerned in darkness and in the shadow of death, they thundered,Awake thou that sleepest; arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light: but to those who were already awakened out of sleep, and groaning under a sense of the wrath of God, their language was,We have an Advocate with the Father; he is the propitiation for our sins. Mean time those who had believed, theyprovoked to love and to good works; to patient continuance in well-doing; and to abound more and morein thatholiness, without which no man can see the Lord.
5. And their labour was not in vain in the Lord. Hisword ran and was glorified. Itgrew mightily and prevailed. But so much the more did offences prevail also. The world in general were offended,because they testified of it, that the works thereof were evil. The men of pleasure were offended, not only because these men weremade, as it were,to reprove their thoughts. (He professeth, said they,to have the knowledge of God: he calleth himself the child of the Lord: his life is not like other mens; his ways are of another fashion: he abstaineth from our ways, as from filthiness: he maketh his boast, that God is his Father.) But much more, because so many of their companions were taken away, and would no morerun with them to the same excess of riot. The men of reputation were offended, because, as the gospel spread, they declined in the esteem of the people; and because many no longer dared togive them flattering titles, or to pay man the homage due to God only. The men of trade called one another together, and said,Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. But ye see and hear that these men have persuaded and turned away much people. So that this our craft is in danger to be set at nought.Above all, the men of religion, so called, the men ofoutsidereligion, “the saints of the world,” were offended and ready at every opportunity to cry out,Men of Israel, help! We have found these men! Pestilent fellows, movers of seditionthroughout the world. These are the men that teach all men, every where, against the people, and against the law.
6. Thus it was that the heavens grew black with clouds, and the storm gathered amain. For the more Christianity spread,the more hurt was done, in the account of those who received it not, and the number increased of those who were more and more enraged at thesemen whothusturned the world upside down; insomuch that more and more cried out,Away with such fellows from the earth; it is not fit that they should live, yea, and sincerely believed, thatwhosoevershouldkill them, would do God service.
7. Meanwhile they did not fail tocast out their name as evil: so that thissect was every where spoken against. Men said all manner of evil of them, even as had been done of theprophets that were before them. And whatsoever any would affirm, others would believe. So that offences grew as the stars of heaven for multitude. And hence arose, at the time foreordain’d of the Father, persecution in all its forms. Some, for a season, suffered only shame and reproach; some,the spoiling of their goods; somehad trial of mocking and scourging; someof bonds and imprisonment; and othersresisted unto blood.
8. Now it was that the pillars of hell were shaken, and the kingdom of God spread more and more. Sinners were every whereturnedfrom darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. He gave his childrensuch a mouth, and such wisdom, as all their adversaries could not resist. And their lives were of equal force with their words. But, above all, their sufferings spake to all the world. Theyapproved themselvesthe servants of God,in afflictions, in necessities; in distresses; in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours; in perils in the sea, in perils in the wilderness; in weariness and painfulness, in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness. And when havingfought the good fight, they wereled as sheep to the slaughter, and offered up on the sacrifice and service of their faith, then the blood of each found a voice, and the Heathen owned,He being dead, yet speaketh.
9. Thus didChristianityspread itself in the earth. But how soon did the tares appear with the wheat? And themystery of iniquitywork as well as themystery of godliness! How soon did Satan find a seat, evenin the temple of God! Tillthe woman fled into the wilderness, and the faithful wereagainminished from the children of men. Here we tread a beaten path: the still increasing corruptions of the succeeding generations, have been largely described from time to time, by those witnesses God raised up, to shew that he hadbuilt his church upon a rock, and the gates of hell should notwhollyprevail against her.
III.1. But shall we not see greater things than these? Yea, greater than have been yet from the beginning of the world. Can Satan cause the truth of God to fail, or his promises to be of none effect? If not, the time will come, whenChristianitywill prevail over all, and cover the earth. Let us stand a little, and survey (the third thing which was proposed) this strange sight, aChristian world. Of this the prophets of old enquired and searched diligently: of thisthe Spirit which was in them testified, It shall come to pass in the last days, that the Mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it. And they shall beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more. In that day there shall be a Root ofJesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people. To it shall the Gentiles seek, and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again to recover the remnant of his people; and he shall set up an Ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts ofIsrael, and gather together the dispersed ofJudah, from the four corners of the earth. The wolf shall then dwell with the lamb and the leopard shall lie down with the kid: and the calf and the young lion and the fatlingtogether; and a little child shall lead them. They shall not hurt nor destroy, saith the Lord, in all my holy mountain. For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
2. To the same effect are the words of the great apostle, which it is evident have never yet been fulfilled.Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. But through their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles. And if the diminishing of them be the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fulness? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,—That blindness in part is happened toIsrael, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in: and so allIsraelshall be saved.
3. Suppose now the fulness of time to be come, and the prophecies to be accomplished, what a prospect is this? All ispeace, quietness, and assurance for ever. Here is no din of arms, noconfused noise, nogarments rolled in blood.Destructions are come to a perpetual end: wars are ceased from the earth. Neither are there any intestine jars remaining; no brother rising up against brother; no country or city divided against itself, and tearing out its own bowels. Civil discord is at end for evermore, and none is left either to destroy or hurt his neighbour. Here is no oppression tomakeeventhe wise man mad; no extortion togrind the face of the poor; no robbery or wrong; no rapine or injustice; forall arecontent with such things as they possess. Thusrighteousness and peace have kissed each other; they havetaken root and filled the land: righteousness flourishing out of the earth, andpeace looking down from heaven.
4. And with righteousness or justice, mercy is also found. The earth is no longerfull of cruel habitations. The Lord hath destroyed both the blood-thirstyand malicious, the envious and revengeful man. Were there any provocation, there is none that now knoweth, toreturn evil for evil: but indeed there is none that doeth evil, no not one; for all areharmless as doves. And beingfilled with peace and joy in believing, and united in one body, by one spirit, they alllove as brethren, they are allof one heart and of one soul. Neither saith any of them, that ought of the things which he possesseth is his own.There is none among them that lacketh; for every man loveth his neighbour as himself. And all walk by one rule,Whatever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do unto them.
5. It follows, that no unkind word can ever be heard among them: nostrife of tongues, no contention of any kind, no railing or evil-speaking; but every oneopens his mouth with wisdom, and in his tongue there is the law of kindness. Equally incapable are they of fraud or guile: theirloveiswithout dissimulation: their words are always the just expression of their thoughts, opening a window into their breast,that whosoever desires may look into their hearts, and see that only love and God are there.
6. Thus, wherethe Lord omnipotent taketh to himself his mighty power and reigneth, doth hesubdue all things to himself; cause every heart to overflow with love, and fill every mouth with praise.Happy are the people that are in such a case; yea, blessed are the people who have the Lord for their God. Arise, shine, (saith the Lord)for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Thou hast known that I the Lord am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the mighty God ofJacob. I have made thy officers peace, and thy exacters righteousness. Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders: but thou shalt call thy walls salvation, and thy gates praise. Thy people are all righteous; they shall inherit the land for ever: the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. The sun shall no more be thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
IV.Having thus briefly consideredChristianity, as beginning, as going on, and as covering the earth, it remains only that I should close the whole with a plain practical application.
1. * And first, I would ask, where does thisChristianitynow exist? Where, I pray, do theChristianslive? Which is the country, the inhabitants whereof areallthusfilled with the Holy Ghost? Areall of one heart and of one soul? Cannot suffer one among themto lack any thing, but continually giveto every man as he hath need? Who one and all have the love of God filling their hearts, and constraining them to love their neighbours as themselves? Who have allput on bowels of mercy, humbleness of mind, gentleness, long-suffering? Who offend not in any kind, either by word or deed, against justice, mercy, or truth? But in every point do unto all men, as they would these should do unto them. With what propriety can we term any aChristian country, which does not answer this description? Why then, let us confess we have never yet seen aChristian countryupon earth.
2. I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, if ye do account me a madman or a fool, yetas a fool bear with me. It is utterly needful that some one should use great plainness of speech towards you. It is more especially needful atthistime; for who knoweth but it is thelast? Who knoweth how soon the righteous Judge may say,I will no more be intreated for this people? Tho’Noah,Daniel, andJob, were in this land, they should but deliver their own souls.And who will use this plainness, if I do not? Therefore I, even I, will speak.And I adjure you, by the living God, that ye steel not your breasts against receiving a blessing atmyhands. Do not say in your heart, “Non persuadebis, etiamsi persuaseris: Or, in other words, Lord, thou shalt notsend, by whom thou wilt send. Let me rather perish in my blood, than be saved by this man!”
3.Brethren I am persuaded better things of you, tho’ I thus speak.Let me ask you then, in tender love, and in the spirit of meekness, is this city aChristiancity? IsChristianity, Scriptural Christianity, found here? Are we, considered as a community of men, sofilled with the Holy Ghost, as to enjoy in our hearts, and shew forth in our lives, the genuine fruits of that spirit? Are all the magistrates, all heads and governors of colleges and halls, and their respective societies, (not to speak of the inhabitants of the town)of one heart and one soul? Isthe love of God shed abroad in our hearts? Are our tempers the same that were in him? Are our lives agreeable thereto? Are weholy as he who hath called us is holy, in all manner of conversation?
4. I intreat you to observe, that here are nopeculiar notionsnow under consideration; that the question moved is not concerningdoubtful opinions, of one kind or an other; but concerning the undoubted, fundamental branches (if there be any such) of ourcommon Christianity. And for the decision thereof, I appeal to your ownconscience, guided by the word of God. He therefore that is not condemned by his own heart, let him go free.
5. * In the fear then, and in the presence of the great God, before whom both you and I shall shortly appear, I pray you that are in authority over us, whom I reverence for your office sake, to consider, (and not after the manner of dissemblers with God) Are youfilled with the Holy Ghost? Are ye lively portraitures of him, whom ye are appointed to represent among men?I have said, ye are Gods, ye magistrates and rulers; ye are by office so nearly allied to the God of heaven! In your several stations and degrees, ye are to shew forth unto usthe Lord our governor. Are all the thoughts of your hearts, all your tempers and desires, suitable to your high calling? Are all your words like unto those which come out of the mouth of God? Is there in all your actions dignity and love? A greatness which words cannot express, which can flow only from an heart full of God—and yet consistent with the character ofman that is a worm, and the son of man that is a worm!
6. * Ye venerable men, who are more especially called to form the tender minds of youth, to dispel thence the shades of ignorance and error, and train them up to be wise unto salvation, Are youfilled with the Holy Ghost? With all thosefruits of the Spirit, which your important office so indispensibly requires? Is your heartwhole with God? Full of love and zeal to set up his kingdom on earth? Do you continually remind those under your care, that the one rational end of all our studies, is to know, love, and servethe only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent? Do you inculcate upon them, day by day, thatlovealonenever faileth? (Whereas,whether there be tongues, they shall fail, orphilosophicalknowledge, it shall vanish away:) and that without love, all learning is but splendid ignorance, pompous folly, vexation of spirit. Has all you teach an actual tendency to the love of God, and of all mankind for his sake? Have you an eye to this end in whatever you prescribe, touching the kind, the manner, and the measure of their studies; desiring and labouring, that wherever the lot of these young soldiers of Christ is cast, they may be so manyburning and shining lights, adorning the gospel of Christin all things? And permit me to ask, Do you put forth all your strength in the vast work you have undertaken? Do you labour herein with all your might? Exerting every faculty of your soul? Using every talent which God hath lent you, and that to the uttermost of your power?
7. Let it not be said, that I speak here, as if all under your care were intended to be clergymen. Not so: I only speak as if they were all intended to be Christians. But what example is set them by us who enjoy the beneficence of our forefathers; by fellows, students, scholars; moreespecially those who are of some rank and eminence? * Do ye, brethren, abound in the fruits of the spirit, in lowliness of mind, in self-denial and mortification, in seriousness and composure of spirit, in patience, meekness, sobriety, temperance, and in unwearied, restless endeavours, to do good, in every kind, unto all men: to relieve their outward wants, and to bring their souls to the true knowledge and love of God? Is this the general character of fellows of colleges? I fear it is not. Rather, have not pride and haughtiness of spirit, impatience and peevishness, sloth and indolence, gluttony and sensuality, and even a proverbial uselessness, been objected to us,perhapsnot always by our enemies,nor whollywithout ground? O that God would roll away this reproach from us, that the very memory of it might perish for ever!
8. * Many of us are more immediately consecrated to God, called tominister in holy things. Are we then patterns to the rest,in word, in conversation, in charity; in spirit, in faith, in purity? Is there written on our forehead and on our heart,Holiness to the Lord? From what motives did we enter upon this office? Was it indeed with a single eyeto serve God, trusting that we were inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost, to take upon us this ministration, for the promoting of his glory, and the edifying of his people? Andhaveweclearly determined, by God’s grace, to give ourselves wholly to this office? Do we forsakeand set aside, as much as in us lies, all worldly cares and studies? Do we apply ourselves wholly to this one thing, and draw all our cares and studies this way?Are weapt to teach? Are wetaught of God, that we may be able to teach others also? Do we know God? Do we know Jesus Christ? Hath Godrevealed his Son in us? And hath hemade us able ministers of the new covenant? Where then arethe seals of our apostleship? Whothat were dead in trespasses and sins, have been quickened by our word? Have we a burning zeal to save souls from death, so that for their sake we often forget even to eat our bread? Do we speak plain,by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God? Are we dead to the world and the things of the world,laying up all our treasure in heaven? Do we lord over God’s heritage?Or are we the least,the servants of all? When we bear the reproach of Christ, Does it sit heavy upon us? Or do we rejoice therein? When we aresmitten on the one cheek, Do we resent it? Are we impatient of affronts? Or do weturn the other also: not resisting the evil, butovercoming evil with good? Have we a bitter zeal, inciting us to strive sharply and passionately with themthat are out of the way? Or is our zeal the flame of love, so as to direct all our words with sweetness, lowliness, and meekness of wisdom?
9. Once more, what shall we say concerning the youth of this place? Haveyoueither the form or the power ofChristianGodliness? Are you humble, teachable, advisable; or stubborn, self-willed, heady, and high-minded? Are you obedient to your superiors as to parents? Or do you despise those to whom you owe the tenderest reverence? Are you diligent in your easy business, pursuing your studies with all your strength? Do youredeem the time, crowding as much work into every day as it can contain? Rather, are ye not conscious to yourselves, that you waste away day after day, either in reading what has no tendency toChristianity, or in gaming, or in—you know not what? Are you better managers of your fortune than of your time? Do you, out of principle, take care toowe no man any thing? Do youremember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy; to spend it in the more immediate worship of God? When you are in his House, Do you consider that God is there? Do you behave,as seeing Him that is invisible? Do you know how topossess your bodies, in sanctification and honour? Are not drunkenness and uncleanness found among you? Yea, are there not of you, whoglory in their shame? Do not many of youtake the name of God in vain, perhaps habitually, without either remorse or fear? Yea, * Are there not a multitude of you that are forsworn? I fear, a swiftly-increasing multitude. Be not surprized, brethren. BeforeGod and this congregation; I own myself to have been of that number; solemnly swearing toobserve all those customs, which I then knew nothing of;and those statutes, which I did not so much as read over, either then, or for some years after. What is perjury, if this is not? But if it be, O what a weight of sin, yea, sin of no common dye, lieth upon us! And doth notthe Most High regard it?
10. * May it not be one of the consequences of this that so many of you are a generation ofTriflers? Triflers with God, with one another, and with your own souls? For how few of you spend, from one week to another, a single hour in private prayer? How few have any thought of God in the general tenor of your conversation? Who of you is, in any degree, acquainted with the work of his Spirit, his supernatural work in the souls of men? Can you bear, unless now and then, in a church, any talk of the Holy Ghost? Would you not take it for granted, if one began such a conversation, that it was eitherHypocrisyorEnthusiasm? In the name of the Lord God Almighty, I ask, what religion areyouof? Even the talk ofChristianityye cannot, will not bear. O my brethren! what aChristiancity is this?It is time for thee, Lord, to lay to thine hand!
11. For indeed, what probability, what possibility rather, (speaking after the manner of men) is there thatChristianity, Scriptural Christianity,should be again the religion of this place? That all orders of men among us should speak and live as menfilled with the Holy Ghost? By whom should thisChristianitybe restored? By those of you that are in authority? Are you convinced then, that this isScriptural Christianity? Are you desirous it should be restored? And do ye not count your fortune, liberty, life, dear unto yourselves, so ye may be instrumental in the restoring it? But suppose ye have this desire, who hath any power proportioned to the effect? Perhaps some of you have made a few faint attempts, but with how small success? ShallChristianitythen be restored by young, unknown, inconsiderable men? I know not whether ye yourselves could suffer it. Would not some of you cry out, “Young man, in so doing thou reproachest us?” But there is no danger of your being put to the proof; so hathiniquity overspread us like a flood. Whom then shall God send? The famine, the pestilence, (the last messengers of God to a guilty land) or the sword?The armies of theRomishaliens, toreformus into our first love? Nay,rather let us fall into thy hand, O Lord, and let us not fall into the hand of man.
Lord, save or we perish! Take us out of the mire that we sink not! O help us against these enemies, for vain is the help of man. Unto thee all things are possible. According tothe greatness of thy power, preserve thou those that are appointed to die; and preserve us in the manner that seemeth to thee good; not as we will, but as thou wilt.