A CHARGE, &c. REVEREND Brethren, THE Christian Church has, in no age, been exempt from trials. The faith and patience of the Saints have been successively exercised by persecution, by heresies, by schisms, by superstition, by fanaticism, by disguised or avowed infidelity, and sometimes by downright atheism. In the midst of these perpetual changes, the duty of us, the Ministers of the Gospel, is one and the same, TO PREACH THE WORD, in season and out of season, that is, whether the circumstances of the time be favourable to us or not. Concerning the evidences of the Gospel, or the grounds on which our belief of it is founded, a 2 Tim. iv. 2. I say no more at present, than that they have been accurately considered, and set forth at large, by ancient and modern writers, and are in themselves abundantly satisfactory. Taking for granted therefore, as we well may, the divine authority of our holy Religion, there can be no dispute about the obligation we are under to PREACH it with diligence. But this may be done in several ways: : and it may be of use to consider in WHAT way we shall most effectually discharge that duty. The Apostle delivers the whole secret in one word, when he ordains-IF ANY MAN SPEAK, LET HIM SPEAK AS THE ORACLES OF GOD. And my present business will be to unfold the meaning of this text, or rather to deduce the consequences which naturally flow from it. We are to speak as the Oracles of God: that is, as men, who have it in charge to deliver the will and word of God. I. It follows then, FIRST, that we are to preach the Gospel SIMPLY AND PLAINLY; i. e. 1. to deliver Scripture truths, in opposition to merely human tenets and positions: And 2. cogent |