it is not for the simple truth as it is in Jesus, that these qualities are exercised. I exceedingly regret, that it has fared with the gospel in their hands, as it did with the Mosaic law in the hands of the Scribes and Pharisees; that the precepts and glosses of men have corrupted and disfigured the word of God; and that the traditions of the Romish, as formerly of the Jewish rabbies, have, in many instances, rendered the divine commandment of none effect. If our industry were equal to theirs, we might well expect superior success from the superiority of our cause. Let us not hesitate to take example in what is praise-worthy from those whom in other respects we disapprove. Our Lord did not scruple to recommend to his disciples, as a lesson of prudence, the provident care even of an unfaithful steward: For the children of this world, says he, are in their generation wiser than the children of light*. The Romanists claim the high prerogative of working miracles; yet they pursue such politic measures as show that they lay no stress on that privilege. There are on the other hand, enthusiasts, who, though they do not in words arrogate supernatural power, act as if they possessed it, treating with contempt the ordinary and natural means. Both are in extremes. And I shall only say of them, that if the latter speak with more honesty, the former act with more judgment. Still however we are to be understood with this limitation, that the means employed must never be re * Luke, xvi. 8. pugnant to the unalterable rule of truth and right, or to the spirit of that holy religion which we desire to propagate. A good end will never sanctify bad means. Men have too often, in the cause of God, as they pretended, had recourse to deceit and violence. These unhallowed instruments, so contradictory to the precepts, and so subversive of the spirit of the gospel, they have thought they consecrated, by christening them pious frauds, and wholesome severities. Let us ever remember, that it is impossible that the God of mercy and truth should accept such detestable offerings: Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing, says David. The Lord will abhor both the bloody and the deceitful man *. I OBSERVE, thirdly, and I conclude with it, that though in these days no missions can hope for success comparable to that which attended the ministry of the apostles, this consideration ought not to discourage such attempts, or lessen the ardour of Christians for the advancement of the gospel. It was fitting that the ministry of the Son of God, and of his select servants, by whom the foundations of the church were laid, should be signalized by the most glorious manifestations of divine presence and agency. This was to serve to all future ages as a proof that the commission came from God. But let it not be suspected by any, that God will ever fail to countenance the cause of his Son, the cause *Psal. v. 6. of truth and virtue, and to honour those with his approbation who exert themselves to promote it. For one to say, • Because I cannot do good equal 6 to that which with the aid of miracles the first preachers of the gospel did, I will do none at all,' would be talking neither like a Christian, nor like a reasonable person. The great and the rich have it in their power to be more extensively useful to their fellow-creatures than the ignoble and the poor : Are the latter therefore exempted from being as useful as they can? God requires of every man according to what he has, and not according to what he has not *. Will it be a good apology for the servant who receives one talent, to say, Because I received not, like some others, five talents, I thought it unnecessary to employ myself in the improvement of so small a stock?' The case of individuals, and that of whole generations, is in this respect similar. To do what we can to diffuse the light of the gospel, and communicate the benefits thereof to others, is what every motive of piety to God and benevolence to men requires of us. And we may say, with the greatest justice, that none deserve better of mankind, than those whose labour and wealth are employed in promoting the interests of their fellow-creatures, the most valuable for time and for eternity. For this reason, the disciples of Jesus will entertain a due veneration for that truly Christian and truly Patriotic Society, *2 Cor. viii. 12. who have honoured me with their commands to address you on this occasion. Their assiduous attention has long been fixed, and by the blessing of Heaven has not been fixed in vain, on the most sublime and important of all objects, the extension of the kingdom of Messiah, and the salvation of the souls of men. I speak not thus to convince you of the just title they have to your esteem. This is a very small matter to those who seek not the praise of men, but that which comes from God, the omniscient and unerring Judge. But I speak to awaken the same zeal in the breasts of you, my hearers, and to excite every one of this assembly, to co-operate to the utmost of his power, in promoting the same noble ends. And let us all add fervent prayers to strenuous and virtuous endeavours. Pray, said David *, for the peace of Jerusalem. Our Jerusalem is the church of Christ, the antitype of that metropolis, the true city of the great King. Of HER we may justly say, They shall prosper that love THEE. Peace be within THY walls, and prosperity within THY palaces! For our brethren and companions sakes we will say, Peace be within THEE. Because of the house of the Lord our God, we will seek THY good. * Psal. cxxii. 6., &c. |