merciful purpose, to return in a way worthy adopt the words of the psalinist, "A day in of his perfections. Without him, the souls thy courts is better than a thousand." To of men, and the whole human race, as to his presence they owe their peace and intheir proper happiness, are like what the crease, their union and protection. And if earth would be without the sun, dark, cold, he withdraws, Ichabod may be written upon fruitless, and comfortless. But the know- their solemn assemblies; (1 Sam. iv. 21 :) for ledge of Messiah, like the sun, enlightens the even his own appointments can afford them world and the heart. neither profit nor pleasure, unless they are animated by his glory. Their graces languish, their harmony is interrupted, strifes and dissensions take place, evil roots of bitterness spring up to trouble and defile them; (Hebrews xii. 15;) men arise from among themselves, speaking perverse things, and fierce wolves break in, not sparing the flock (Acts xx. 29, 30,) if the good Shepherd suspends his influence and presence.

When in the day of his power, by the revelation of his light and love, he destroys the dominion of sin, and dispossesses Satan, he reclaims his own, and takes possession for himself. The heart, sprinkled with the blood of Jesus, and anointed with the holy unction, becomes a consecrated temple of the Holy Ghost. This persuasion, though now by many, who have not renounced the name of christian, deemed the essence of enthusiasm, was I trust he dwells and walks in the midst once thought essential to christianity; so that of us. He is here as an observer, and as a the apostle speaks of it as an obvious incon- gracious benefactor. He sees who draw near trovertible fact, with which no true Christian him with their lips, while their hearts are could be unacquainted. "Know ye not that far from him; and he likewise takes notice your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost!" of them that fear and love him, and who es2 Cor. vi. 19. Again, he speaks of Christ teem the light of his countenance to be betdwelling in the heart, Eph. iii. 17. "Christ ter than life. The high and lofty One who in you the hope of glory," Colos. i. 27. And in another place, "Ye are the temple of the living God, as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them," (2 Cor. vi. 16,) agreeably to his promise by the prophets. He liveth in them, as the principle of their life, wisdom, and power; therefore the apostle says, "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me," Gal. ii. 20. There is a mutual indwelling between the Lord and his people; they in him as the branch in the vine, and he in them as the sap in the branch; he in them as in his temples, they in him as in their strong tower of defence. And from hence we infer the duration of their life of grace, that it shall continue and spring up into everlasting life, since it is properly not their own, but his; and since he has said, "Because I live, ye shal!

live also."

He dwells likewise among his people in their collective capacity. His whole church, comprising all the members of his mystical body, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, form a building fitly framed together, a palace, a holy temple for the Lord, the great King. He dwelleth likewise in every particular society who walk by his rule, and adorn the profession of his truth by a conversation becoming the gospel. He is a wall of fire round about them, and a glory in the midst of them, Zech. ii. 5, 10. When they meet together in his name, he is there. He walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks. It is his presence that gives life and efficacy to all his ordinances, and communicates a power to his word, by which the minds of his worshipping people are enightened, strengthened, healed, and comforted. Here he manifests himself to them, as he does not unto the world, and they can

inhabiteth eternity, who dwelleth in the high and holy place, dwelleth likewise with those that are of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive and bless them, Isa. lvii. 15.

SERMON XXX.

THE PUBLICATION OF THE GOSPEL.

The Lord gave the word, great was the company of those that published it, (or of the preachers.) Psalm lxviii. 11.

PERHAPS no one psalm has given greater exercise to the skill and the patience of com mentators and critics than the sixty-eighth. I suppose the difficulties do not properly be long to the psalm, but arise from our ignorance of various circumstances to which the psalmist alludes, which probably were at that time generally known and understood. The first verse is the same with the stated form of benediction which was used whenever the ark of the Lord set forward while Israel sojourned in the wilderness, (Numb. x. 35,) which confirms the prevailing opinion, that the psalm was primarily designed as an act of thanksgiving, to accompany the removal of the ark to Zion, by David. The seventh and eighth verses are repeated, with little variation, from the song of Deborah, Judges v. 4, 5. The leading scope of the whole appears to be, first a recapitulation of God's gracious dealing with Israel, and of the great things he had done for them, from the time he delivered them from their bondage in Egypt, and then a transition, in the spirit of prophecy, to the far greater things he

would do for his people, under and by the gospel dispensation, in consequence of Messiah's exaltation to receive gifts for rebellious men. This verse, though the particular occasion is not specified, probably refers to some season of deliverance or victory, when the women, according to the custom of the nation, assembled to praise the Lord, with timbrels, songs, and dances, Exod. xv. The songs and responses of Miriam and her companions, and of the women who welcomed Saul and David after the defeat of the Philistine, (1 Sam. xviii. 6, 7,) I have formerly mentioned as instances. The word which is rendered, Those who published or preached, being expressed with a feminine termination, leads the mind to this sense. But we are not necessarily confined to it; for the word rendered preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes, is likewise in the feminine form, though we are sure the person intended by it was Solomon.

However, this passage is properly introduced in the Messiah, and in its proper place, immediately after the view given of our Saviour's triumphant ascension, as it leads us to consider the first visible effect of that great event; for soon afterwards, when the day of Pentecost was fully come, the Lord gave the word, Acts ii. 1-4. The Holy Spirit, the precious gift, which Jesus had received for rebellious men, descended with visible emblems, and a powerful energy, and inspired and qualified his disciples for the great work of establishing and spreading his spiritual kingdom. From that hour, great was the number of the preachers, and great was the success and efficacy of their mission. So that in a few years the gospel spread like the light, from Jerusalem, through all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth. And he who said, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world," (Matt. xxviii. 20,) has, by the same Spirit, perpetuated his word, and a succession of preachers, to our time, and has promised to perpetuate and work by the same means, till time shall be no more.

My text, therefore, if not a direct prophecy of the publication of the gospel, is at least a fit motto to a discourse on this very important subject. We may consider it in two senses, which, though something different, are equally agreeable to the words before us, and to the general tenor of the scripture.

I. That the message is the Lord's.-He gave the word, and prescribed to his servants the subject matter of their preaching.

titude of preachers went forth to publish. His merciful design was great, to deliver sinners from bondage, misery and death: and to bless them with liberty, life, and peace. But they are by nature rebellious and obstinate, and must be made willing. He only can subdue their prejudices, and soften their spirits; and he has promised to display his power in their favour by a certain mean of his own appointment, and we cannot expect that he will do it in any other way. This mean is the gospel, which, for its admirable suitableness and efficacy, is commended to us as his wisdom and his power, 1 Cor. i. 23, 24. He has given it for this purpose, and his blessing makes it successful. He has said concerning it, "As the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my word be, that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please; it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it," Is. lv. 10, 11. It has been confirmed by the experience of ages, that no mean but this can produce the desirable effect. It is confirmed by observation in the present day. If the wisdom of man, if learning, if oratory, if animated descriptions of the beauty of virtue, and pathetic persuasions to the practice of it, could reform, we should be a reformed people. But alas! this is only to oppose a mound of sand to the violence of a flood. Notwithstanding many ingenious sermons and treatises upon this plan are admired and praised, wickedness prevails and triumphs. They have little influence upon the conduct of civil life; and I may boldly say, no influence to inspire the heart with the love and peace of God, and to bring it into a habit of subjection to his will and command. Nothing will do this but the gospel, the word. which the Lord has given. This alone shows the evil of sin in its true light, affords a solid ground for the hope of mercy, and furnishes those motives which alone are sufficient to break the force of the temptations and difficulties with which we have to conflict. When this word is simply and cordially received, an immediate and wonderful change takes place. The sinner abandons his false hopes and vain pursuits, is freed from his former slavery to the love of the world and the fear of man, and becomes the willing servant of him who redeemed him with his own blood.

But we are sometimes asked, what we unII. That the messengers employed are derstand by the gospel? The use of the term called and sent forth by him.-The Lord in a restrained sense, so as to imply there are gave the word or command; in consequence but few comparatively who preach it, is of which word, the number of preachers was deemed invidious and assuming; and it is great, as when in the beginning he said, Let there be light, and there was light."

The Lord gave the word which th mul

supposed by many, that a sermon, if delivered from a pulpit, and if the text be taken from the Bible, must of course be the gospel.. It is

undeniable, however, that there are a variety He reminded Nathanael of what had passed of different and opposite sentiments delivered in secret under the fig-tree; (John i. 48 ;) and from pulpits; and surely the gospel cannot by a few words, brought to the remembrance be opposite, contrary, yea contradictory to it- of the woman of Samaria, all that she had self! It is a mournful consideration, that mul- done in her life, John iv. 29. A similar effect titudes of people are not qualified to judge of accompanies the preaching of his gospel to this point. Not properly for want of ability, this day. The gospel is preached, when for many of them are persons of good sense they who are present find the secrets of their and discernment, and can judge and talk well | hearts are made manifest; when the preacher, upon other subjects; but for want of attention. who perhaps never saw them before, reminds Their application is engrossed by the de- them of what they have done, or said, or mands of business or pleasure, and they have thought, possibly of things transacted long neither leisure nor taste for a careful perusal ago, and almost forgotten by themselves; and of the scriptures, nor for the examination of likewise describes the very feelings of their religious sentiments. If the language and hearts while he is speaking to them. It is elocution of the preacher be good, and if usually in this way that conviction of sin first there be no close and painful address to the takes place; and in this way, that a conconscience, they are satisfied. The apostle vinced burdened sinner meets with seasonPaul undoubtedly preached the gospel; and able support and direction, so exactly suited he tells us himself that he preached Christ to his case, that he almost thinks the preacher crucified; he preached Christ, as appointed is speaking to none but himself. No preachers of God, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification but those who speak in conformity to the word and redemption, 1 Cor. i. 30. He preached which the Lord gave, have this power over the cross of Christ, (Gal. vi. 14,) he gloried the heart and conscience. in it, and he determined to glory in nothing II. It is owing to the word, the appointment, else. The gospel treats all mankind as al- and power of God, that any persons are induced ready in a state of condemnation; it declares or enabled to preach this gospel. Men may, their utter inability to save or help them- indeed, assume the office of a preacher upon selves; and it gives assurance of pardon and other grounds; there are too many who do. salvation to all who believe in the Son of But though they speak in the name of the God. That they may be encouraged and Lord, and as his ministers, if he has not sent enabled to believe, it describes the dignity of them, they cannot declare his message in his person, the necessity and greatness of his such a manner as to make full proof of their sufferings, the completeness of his atonement, ministry, 2 Tim. iv. 5. They may profit the prevalence of his intercession-his love, themselves, according to their low views, authority, power, and faithfulness. These and may obtain such honours and emolutruths, revealed and applied to a guilty con-ments as the world can give; but they have science, by the power of the Holy Spirit, produce faith. The sinner perceives the Sufficiency and excellency of such a Saviour, commits himself to his compassion and care, and renounces every other hope and service. He looks to the Saviour by the eye of his mind, with desire and admiration, and derives life from his death, healing from his wounds, as the Israelites, when wounded, were healed | by looking upon the brazen serpent. And not only is the conscience relieved by this knowledge of Christ crucified-the understanding is likewise enlightened, the judgment is formed, the affections regulated and directed by it. Then old things pass away, all becomes new. The love of sin departs, and the future life is devoted to him, who therefore died and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living, Rom. xiv. 9.

There is likewise a certain energy or power which accompanies the gospel when it is truly preached, which sufficiently characterizes and distinguishes it from all other religious schemes and systems. Our Lord, during his personal ministry, frequently gave proofs that he knew the heart of man. When Zaccheus thought himself unknown and unseen, he called him by his name, Luke xix. 5.

not the honour which cometh from God only. They are not wise to win souls, Prov. xi. 30. They have no testimony in the consciences of their hearers. They may deliver truths occasionally, which are valuable and useful in their proper places; but for want of knowing how to connect them with what the apostle styles, The truth as it is in Jesus, (Eph. iv. 21,) they are unable either to break the hard heart, or to heal the wounded spirit. The thoughtless are not alarmed, nor the ignorant instructed. The wicked go on in their evil ways—

The hungry sheep look up, but are not fed. Nay, we see, in fact, though a few persons may still be found, who place their religion in a dull, unmeaning attendance upon the form of public worship, upon any form in which it was their lot to be educated, yet, in many places, the bulk of the people, by their contempt of the Lord's day, and by their customary manner of absenting themselves from their appointed teachers, give sufficient proof that they have neither found, nor expect to find, so much benefit or pleasure, as to make them think it worth their while to attend them.

2. That the desire of preaching this gospel, when known, if it be a right desire, must likewise be given. If a man should attempt the service, without counting the cost, or considering the consequences, he will most probably be disgusted and wearied. And if he seriously and properly considers before-hand what he is about to engage in, and has a due sense of his own weakness, he will tremble at the prospect, and direct his thoughts to We must however allow, and observe, that some other employment, unless his call and to preach salvation to others, and even to be support be from on high. What courage, instrumental in saving souls, will not absowisdom, meekness, and zeal, appear requisite, lutely prove that the preacher is in a state of in the view of such an inquirer, to qualify a salvation himself; we hope it is generally so; man for preaching, and continuing to preach, but there are exceptions and instances which a doctrine so unpleasing to the world, as the should awaken our circumspection, and keep doctrine of the cross has in all ages proved us constantly looking to the Lord in a spirit What opposition, and snares, and difficulties, of humility and dependence. There was a what fightings from without, what fears with- Judas among the apostles; and we are assured in, may be expected! Surely he will be ready that at the last day, some, yea, many, will to shrink back, and to say, Who is sufficient | plead having done great things in the name

of Christ, whom he will notwithstanding | opened a way to their hearts, and they gave disown, as workers of iniquity, Matt. vii. him every testimony of the most cordial 22, 23. Even the apostle Paul was impress-friendship; insomuch that, had it been pos ed by this thought, and he has recorded the sible, they would have plucked out their own improvement he made of it for our instruc- eyes, and have given them to him. tion: "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be a cast-away, 1 Cor. ix. 27.

SERMON XXXI.

THE GOSPEL-MESSAGE, GLAD TIDINGS.

(As it is written,) How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans, x. 15.

Thus, likewise, when Philip preached the gospel in Samaria, the consequence was great joy in that city, Acts viii. 8. But when the gospel is thus gladly received, there must be a suitable disposition of mind. It is sent to the poor. It is designed to heal the brokenhearted, to deliver the captives, and to give sight to the blind, Luke iv. 18. And therefore they who are well satisfied with themselves, who say, we see, and who boast of their freedom, cannot possibly judge either of the truth or of the importance of the gospel doctrine. As the Lord waters the earth with a profusion worthy of his magnificence and bounty, and does not confine his rain te cultivated soils; so the good seed of his word often falls upon the highway, upon the rocks, and among thorns; (Luke viii. 13—15;) but it is only productive upon the good ground of an honest and good heart. Not that any human heart is truly good by nature, but some are prepared for the reception of the truth. And this preparation is the first effect of the word, when it brings forth fruit unto life eternal. It undeceives those who were for a time deluded with vain hopes, and convinces them that they are poor, and blind, and wretched, and helpless. Then they gladly accept the gospel of peace, and the message is to them as life from the dead.

The passage in the prophet Isaiah, from which my text is quoted, is very animated and descriptive. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings!" Isa. lii. 7. Imagine a distressed people, at the will and disposal of a conqueror, who was justly offended with them, and under an anxious trembling uncertainty how he would treat them :-if an authorized messenger should inform them, that, instead of the punishment they deserved, the king vouchsafed them a free pardon, was ready to receive them with favour, and to bestow

THE account which the apostle Paul gives of his first reception among the Galatians, (Gal. iv. 15,) exemplifies the truth of this passage. He found them in a state of ignorance and misery; alienated from God, and enslaved | to the blind and comfortless superstitions of idolatry. His preaching, accompanied with the power of the Holy Spirit, had a great and marvellous effect. His principal subject was the death of Jesus, who had lately suffered as a malefactor at Jerusalem. Though the transaction was past, and the scene at a considerable distance, yet by the manner of his representation, the fact was realized to their minds; and they could have been no more affected, had they been actually upon the spot at the time. Jesus Christ was exhibited to them as crucified before their eyes, Gal. iii. 1. By the same divine energy they were instructed in the knowledge of his character, who he was, and why he suffered; and likewise understood their own need of such a Saviour. Thus they hearkened to him, not with the indifference of the Athenians, but with application of all that he said to themselves. They heard, they believed, and they rejoiced. The apostle reminds them, that they had not received a cold speculative doc-honours and possessions upon all who applied trine, but such a one as imparted a blessedness to them. This, indeed, many of them afterwards lost, when they were unhappily seduced by false teachers. But, for a time, the knowledge of a Saviour so exactly suited to their circumstances, made them happy; and while they were so, they felt very strong emotions of gratitude and esteem for the messenger who brought them these glad tidings; though he was by many accounted and treated as the off-scouring and filth of all things, the Galatians received him as an angel of God, and attended to him, as if the Lord, who sent him, had spoken to them in person. And although he had till then been an entire stranger to them, his message

to him, without excepting the most guilty, even the ring-leaders in rebellion: how welcome would this messenger be to them! This, indeed, is beyond the manner of men. No earthly monarch has either magnanimity to make, or power to make good, so gracious and unlimited a proclamation to a whole nation of rebels. But this is the manner of the great God. Such an act of grace is the gospel. An act of grace to sinners, yet founded in righteousness, and displaying the glory of his justice equally with the riches of mercy. For it is founded on the mediation of the Son of his love, and procured by his blood. The messengers of this grace are thus welcomed and honoured by those who believe