The following Sermon was delivered, on Sunday morning the 17th day of May, 1767, at the opening of the yearly-meeting, at the Fryers, in Bristol.

^* Art thou in health; my brother?

IT hath been in my mind to adopt the language of salutation of Joab to Amasa; but with sentiments different, far different, from those which actuated the treachery of Joab; even those of true and tender affection, and with a mind replenished with that cha­rity, which wisheth well to all.

Art thou in health; my Brother?

I could wish, with all possible solicitude, to lead every mind present, into the most careful enquiry, in respect to their spiritual state of health; and to their immediate relation, and affinity, to that supreme almighty being, who is the just and awful judge of quick and dead. I fear it hath proceeded from too anxious a solicitude for the health of your bodies, and prosperity of your tem­poral concerns, that too many of you have too frequent­ly, and in a manner totally, neglected the great concern of your immortal souls; which is indeed the one thing needful.

Those temporal concerns, I say, which are of a trifling perishing nature, have, I fear! interrupted and taken off from this principal concern: your anxiety and applicati­on towards the attainment of the treasures and the enjoy­ment of the pleasures of the world, have occasioned too great a neglect of your religious duty.

[Page 22] The conveniences of life are, by no means, a con­temptible concern, where they are bounded with tem­perance, and confined within their proper channel: but as there is a part in us of infinitely greater, of no less than eternal moment; it also requires an attention pro­portionable to its proper worth; for what are temporal concerns, when compared with the important one of eternity!

The state of the body is subject to divers maladies; and when we have done our utmost to preserve it, we shall find in the end (and how soon that may be none knows) that it is of necessity, subject to the stroke of death, and to the inclosure of the grave.

I have therefore thought it by no means an improper enquiry for each individual to make, and deeply ponder, What is thy state, or how is it with thee, O my soul! who art capable of partaking of immortal joys, and destined to triumph over death and the grave? When this earthly tabernacle shall be dissolved, thy appointment and destination, if in proper soundness for it, shall be made persect with the whole family of GOD, and be no longer subject to the diseases, pains, trials and afflic­tions of this life, but share the things which are of GOD, ^* With the general assembly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in Heaven.

As this is of the most infinite importance to the sons of men, I have thought it my particular duty, upon the present occasion, to put you in mind of the necessary enquiry into the state of your spiritual health; the con­dition of your immortal souls: being very apprehen­sive that all of you, my brethren, are not in perfect health, who have outwardly the appearance of health; but that, on the contrary, many are in a dangerous [Page 23]state of disease and stupefaction; have only preserved a lethargic frame, and are tottering upon the brink of destruction.

This enquiry into the present state of experience, and of advancement in the work of salvation, hath branch­ed itself out in my view, and divided into several classes, those who are now within the audience of my voice. And, in the first place, I intreat the attention of you, the elders, amongst whom our LORD, as amongst so many shepherds, hath divided his flock; over whom you are appointed to watch, and to teach them to persevere in the path which leadeth to eternal life!

You have experienced the power of religion: you have ^† put on the armour of light; and ought to stand as guardian angels, and to call as the angel called, say­ing, ^‡ Come up hither, and I will shew thee the bride, the lamb's wife.

Are you in health, my brethren? Are you in health, my sisters?— Are you in health, my fellow labourers in the LORD?—Are you in a lively active state in the cause of religion? in the cause of virtue and tempe­rance? in the power of the gospel, as it is in CHRIST?

If those that have been called with an high and holy calling, as delegated shepherds under the one great shep­herd, walk uprightly in his fear and to his glory; then the sheep will with them be more likely to be gained upon to follow the great shepherd; they will then have a frequent desire, a longing appetite after the divine Manna, which cometh down from GOD out of Hea­ven: for every life hath its food and its proper nutri­ment, and a soul panting after Heaven can be satisfied with nothing short of the food from Heaven.

[Page 24] In the next place, I address you, my brethren in the work of the ministry, reminding you of its divine in­stitution, all that have entered rightly into it ^* being called of God, as was Aaron.

It is written, ^† he maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire; and tho' the term angels be generally understood of the glorified spirits in Heaven; yet, as it signifies messengers, it here seems to be ap­plicable to those whom the Most High prepares and sends forth, to excite and enliven his militant church on earth.— Are you in health, my brethren:—It is the divine will that you be fed with celestial food; not with the unlawful things of the world, nor with the un­lawful love of its lawful things; but that you become as angels, and like his ministering spirits, as a flame of fire. He will make you, if with due constancy ye adhere to, and attend on him, a sacred and fixed flame of love, and of light never to be extinguished: your care, and pains, and labour here will be but a moment, your reward will be a crown of life everlasting. The bread that you eat, and the water that you drink, and of which ye minister their due share to others, will be daily springing up in you unto everlasting life! The di­vine Manna and the daily sacrifice will be continued. Rest in hope,—look for the coming of your LORD.—Labour in the discharge of your duty.

Indeed it hath sometimes happened that some of the ministers of CHRIST, ^‡ stewards of the mystery of God, have not been found faithful to what he required. Be ever mindful of the necessity of putting on and wearing the spiritual robes, prefigured by those of Aaron: the holy girdle about the loins; the breast-plate, with the Urim and Thummin; the Bell and the Pomegra­nate. Some indeed have had the Bell sending forth an empty unavailing sound, but have wanted the Pome­granate, [Page 25]the soul-enlivening fruit of the good spirit of CHRIST, our everlasting high priest.

But I hope better things of you, beloved in CHRIST, and things that accompany salvation. I am sure we have need, with the utmost diligence, application, and care, to keep the loins of our minds girded about: we had need to stand upon the watch: we have great need to maintain the utmost steadiness: for if we, who stand in the fore front, should fall, we fall not alone: if we slide from the path of truth, who amongst us will be able to stand!

We ought to be endued with the spirit of wisdom, of judgment, and with sound minds; which he hath promised to them that ask this blessing from him, and hath made good his promise.

Are you in health, my brethren? are you strongly attached to the promotion and exaltation of that glori­ous cause which you have embarked in? have each of you a share in, and a proper care of the LORD'S work? do you watch over the flock attending on your ministry, under the great shepherd, and with the tenderness of gospel love seeking to save that which was lost?

I freely confess my own fears, that I am not in a state of perfect health and sound mind; labouring as I ought in the work of the LORD. As it is a task of the ut­most importance, I ought to remain ever diffident of my own care, and to watch daily in the discharge of a trust so great and important as that of the recovery and preservation of the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

The prostration of the soul before the GOD and Fa­ther of mercies, in a cause of such infinite concern, is a continual duty, which can scarce ever be sufficiently discharged, The secret cry of my soul has, after this [Page 26]manner, frequently arisen, "LORD! spare thy people and bless thine heritage." I am fully persuaded, my friends, were all the ministers and elders more blessed with sound health, the minds of the flock would be more filled with brotherly kindness, and more and more approach to that state which I have mentioned; they would know what is meant by the angels being spirits, and how to understand his ministers being a flame of fire.

I come now to another class, whom I mean to ad­dress under the title of those within the audience of my voice, who continue in a single state.

Are you in health; my brethren and sisters? are you possest of inward virtue, and of ability to live to GOD, as becometh his saints; and which alone will lead you to eternal life: do you aspire after these, with an una­bated zeal?

You must not expect always to rest satisfied with the good things of this life. The day may come when you will loath the abundance of your temporal possessi­ons: you will then be concerned that you have so in­dulgently ^* dwelt in cieled houses, and have let the house of God lie waste. Then you would be glad to have exchanged the fading pleasures of life for the sub­stantial joys of eternity.

Recollect yourselves in the spring time of life; con­sider early the importance of this exchange, while you have it in your power to make it. Look up to an ob­ject more glorious than the present world can afford you, even to the joys of that eternal inheritance, which the children of the first-born, the innumerable company of happy spirits, the general assembly of just men already [Page 27]made perfect, are replenished with.—Pleasures unspeak­able! that exist for evermore!

Art thou in health, my brother?—my dear brethren, are ye fervently engaged in labouring, necessary labour­ing, for the promotion of the cause of GOD upon earth?

O ye parents and heads of families, who are pla­ced as delegated shepherds over them; timely beware, lest the blood of your children, or of any part of your charge, fall on your heads: (if through your misconduct they become corrupted, and their souls perish.) Know that inquisition for blood will hasten from the supreme judge, who hath divided the classes of mankind; and, as it were, separated from the rest those who are parents, and have children:—his call is to these, ‘Go work in my vineyard.’

These precious gifts which he hath given, as pledges of his love, are to be led and instructed by them with a proper authority.

If the parents experimentally felt the advantages of spiritual health in themselves, then would they be con­cerned that the tender minds of their children should be properly cultivated with the knowledge of the LORD, and a fearful apprehension of transgressing his supreme commands. They would teach them to look further than mere temporal acquisitions; even to GOD their Creator. They would bring them up in the nur­ture and fear of the LORD; in order that their minds might be filled from the store house and magazine of boundless good, and early enriched with the joys of GOD'S salvation: and this would naturally diffuse the greatest satisfaction to the parents themselves, to see their children become the delight and ornaments of hu­man nature, and fitted for a glorious change! the com­pany of Angels, and the spirits of just men made per­fect. [Page 28]The ties of nature, and the stronger ties of gra­titude to him who gave the blessing, call aloud for teach­ing the tender minds of your children, to walk in the safe and delightful paths of virtue. With what satis­faction and composure of mind will such parents be enabled to answer the great GOD, upon his awful exa­mination to this purpose: ‘What have you done with those tender sheep which I committed to your care in the wilderness? have you trained them up in safe­ty?’—How will such parents be supported by a con­sciousness of having done their duty, in that solemn hour!—They then may truly say, ‘I have done my utmost within my contracted sphere, within the nar­row precincts of my allotment in life, to fill up my stated duty.’ Then the supreme judge will set at his right hand such parents, and they shall be united to him in glory.

And I beseech you parents, elders, ministers, (and I include myself) let us all say Amen, to this solemn care in our respective families; let us all discharge our several duties as men, hoping for the coming of our LORD; who then will say unto us, ‘Well done, good and faithful servants,’ even in that hour when he shall come with terrors to make inquisition for blood thro' the various ranks, whether ministers, elders, heads of families, even throughout the various classes of man­kind.

I wish all parents and heads of families would conti­nually walk, hand in hand with their children and fa­milies, in the path which leadeth to life eternal; daily watching over, and improving their rising judgments, with the wisdom which cometh from above; instruct­ing and encouraging them in the contemplation of di­vine things! persuading them to believe, as the truth is, that the things of this world are all uncertain, and fading away! that they have everlasting mansions erect­ed [Page 29]for them in the city of their GOD; where (if they fall not short, or turn not aside) they will enjoy the company of saints and angels for ever more.

Are you in health; my brethren and sisters?

Exercise yourselves in this your present state, diffe­rently from those, whose faculties are bounded within the narrow limits of this world; cultivate, continually cultivate, the minds of your offspring: endeavouring to raise in them a proper comprehension of the dignity of their natures, and to fix in them early a steady be­lief of their immortality; which is of the utmost im­portance to all?

The hearts of those are unsound, who live in a per­petual attachment to the pride of life, who are conta­minated with the love of the world, wherein their chief happiness appears to be placed: how can such point out the way to the city of GOD? how can they say to their children, ‘Let us retreat from the world, from this scene of corruption; let us withdraw from the cares, the solicitudes of life: let us ascend to our appointed home: let us contemplate the joys of eternity: let nothing separate us from that blessed hope!’

How can parents thus address their children, when they have, perhaps, for a long course of years, ceased to consider the awful importance of the subject; and their own minds continue fixed, and tied down to the fading enjoyments of life! Alas! that the folly and va­nity of the superfluous pleasures of the world should so entirely engage and engross the attention of any one immortal individual, as to take up almost every mo­ment of their precious time!

Hence, sometimes, parents, instead of instructing the minds of their children, have so totally corrupted [Page 30]their own, that they have laid obstructions in the way to the immortal happiness of their offspring, and, when their children have for a time trod in the ways of reli­gion and virtue, they have been so extremely corrupt themselves, as to oppose them in their passage; to ob­struct them, with violence, in their way to glory; and thereby aggravated their own guilt beyond expression; alas! what will their punishment prove, when convict­ed of so great a neglect and violation of their duty? when he that is the judge of quick and dead shall ap­pear in judgment, to render to every man according to his works! May all parents, who are negligent in the discharge of their duties, lay it seriously to heart.

In the mean time, may you, my brethren and sisters in a spiritual relation, continue in a state of lively, ac­tive health—labouring in the sure ground of hope; that, when the great shepherd himself shall appear, you may also appear with him in glory. If you so persist, I cannot but yet hope, that your stedfast continuance will prove the means of spreading spiritual health, in an eminent degree. For as, on the one hand, minds infected and vitiated with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, or the pride of life, are very apt to spread the contagion to all that are round about them: so, on the other hand, such as are restored by CHRIST, to a state of spiritual health, and by him steadily preserved in it, often become instrumental in his hand, to diffuse that blessing; from whence, healthy parents have been frequently observed to have healthy children.

I am convinced that the LORD is at work amongst the rising generation; many of whom stand convicted in their own minds, of the want of spiritual health; and are imploring the mercy of the GOD of their sal­vation.

[Page 31] In order to your attaining it, let me call upon you again, the present rising generation; whose stations in life may be likely to have some little continuance; be ever stedfast in the performance of your religious duties, that you may become heirs of the kingdom; and have your portion, with the children of GOD.

It seems to me of the greatest importance, in relati­on to the various affairs of life, to form aright the minds of youth; and therefore, I once more entreat every pa­rent present, that you watch over, and carefully nourish every seed of virtue springing up in the minds of your children, for the sake of their, and of your own, tem­poral welfare; as well as for the hope and assurance of both their, and your own, eternal happiness.

And here, let me class every single individual; as every single individual is posting on his way to an eter­nal state of existence—and that they may be guided by infinite wisdom, is my earnest desire; and be at last received into glory! welcomed thither by their dear Redeemer!

In this city he hath laid his hand upon one, and upon another. He hath preserved many from the pollutions that too frequently reign in the world; and hath merci­fully induced some to look early into the law of liberty, into the counsel of his will, who thereby learn the things which belong to their peace.

Art thou in health; my brother? Art thou not only called from a state of darkness, into his marvellous light; but, obedient to the call, entered upon the road to eternal glory? Art thou in health; my fellow pilgrim?

A sense of the want of that food which CHRIST gives, is at least a symptom of life.

[Page 32] I believe it may be said concerning some among you, as was said formerly to CHRIST; Lord, he whom thou lovest is sick. The decay of health in many, has been owing to foul feeding; to their daily feeding upon the spirit, maxims and manners of the world, upon exteri­or appearances, upon comparative righteousness, upon a comparison of their present, with their former state; whose minds are relaxed with the love and spirit of va­nity. Some have relaxed into evil, and are now be­come too much unacquainted with GOD and his law; which, to holiness, and to that only, annexes happi­ness. Many of these might have gone on from one degree of strength to another; had they not too much regarded the things of time, and fed too greedily up­on the temptations and pleasures of this Life; not enough considering, that the diseases and disorders of the mind thus fed, must certainly at last bring death, even the death, tho' not dissolution, of the soul. They might have been cloathed, if not with a perfect heart, yet with a certain degree of strength; and been more and more advanced on their way to the regions of bliss.

I beseech you, continue in your love to the gos­pel of CHRIST: that, day after day, you may feed on the holy sacrifice, and on that eternal fruit with which he nourishes the soul that hungers and thirsts after righteousness. And, I cannot help, while I am speak­ing, pressing you in a more immediate manner, if pos­sible, that, not relying on your own wisdom, and your own strength, but in a full dependance and leaning up­on the breast of the beloved JESUS, you all, patiently, with a holy soundness, proceed in the highway to the city of God; that you may be crowned at last with glory, honour, and immortality!

I find in me (at least) one qualification of a gospel minister; even that of a strong and ardent love, which wisheth well to all mankind: and in particular that [Page 33]you who are present, may enjoy such a state of per­fect health, as I have been at this time enforcing to your serious consideration: may it spread through every class; may you all encrease in the stability of righteous­ness, through this life; and may it carry you into the boundless joys of eternity, into that glorious city, not one of whose inhabitants, can say, "I am sick."

HAVING in the morning enlarged on our debts or obligations to GOD, for the abundant variety of temporal blessings received from him in trust, for the good of others, &c. he proceeded thus.

^† If we are besides ourselves, it is unto God: If we are sober, it is for your sakes. If, with the strength of love, and a zealous fervency of mind, we labour in and for the church, and for the good of those to whom we are sent; if rising early and lying down late; if be­ing willing to spend and to be spent, disinterestedly, without any lucrative motive, or receiving any thing, but mere food, from those amongst whom we labour; if ministring to our own wants, and to the wants of others, carry any kind of evidence to the considerate and prudent mind, of a disinterested gospel ministry; we have, so far, a valid claim to it.

[Page 35] ^* We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for his sake.

If we are besides ourselves, it is unto God. If we are sober, it is for your sakes. Having known the terrors of the Lord for sin; having experienced a gra­dual progression from the pit of pollution, from the mire and clay; having, in some measure, tasted of the good word of life, and of the powers of the world to come, we apprehend we have authority, more than any human laws or ordination of men can give us, to tell to others, what GOD hath done for our souls. I may proceed yet further with truth and sincerity, having the sanction of him, who is the searcher of hearts; ^† for the love of Christ constraineth us. The foundation of the gospel ministry is this constraining love of CHRIST.

We enter not into the ministerial office, with any application of this sort, viz. ^‡ Put me (I pray thee) into one of the priest's offices, that I may eat a piece of bread. We think higher of the gospel ministry; so that no temporary emolument can possibly be an ade­quate inducement to us, to enter upon it; for the love of Christ constraineth us. We speak with reverence and a feeling heart; and we believe the Christian reli­gion will never flourish, in its full perfection and ex­cellency, 'till their being thus constrained, becomes the case of all that take the name of GOD in their mouths in a public manner. ^§ The love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge that if one died for all, then were all dead. And that he died for all, that they which live, should not henceforth live to themselves, but to him that died for them, and rose again.

This expression seems to me, if properly considered, to cast no inconsiderable light upon the propriety of that query applied to us, viz. How much owest thou [Page 36]unto my Lord? which I cannot yet relinquish; though so he may think I dwell upon it too long. The love of Christ constraineth us, because if one died for all, then were all dead. I look upon this as a fundamental part of the Christian faith; and that life and immortality have been brought to light by the gospel. We were all dead: we have all partaken of guilt: we have all been in a state of estrangement from the covenant of GOD: we have all become, more or less, ^* aliens to the com­monwealth of Israel.

In this state of death the voice of GOD hath been signally extended unto mankind. I have sometimes considered with great attention, his declaration, ^† O! death, I will be thy plagues; and it hath made a deep impression upon my mind. This declaration of the most high GOD, hath been amply verified in the experience of all, who have been quickened into a life of piety. Christ hath been the resurrection and the life to all such. Tho' death hath come upon all, we are not all included under death; so as to be left without the quickening vivi­fying power, that is offered to raise the dead to life.

The dead have heard the voice of the Son of God! ^‡ and have been raised again to life. I cannot think but it has been the experience of divers, within the audience of my voice, who know the certainty of this important truth, tho' others may reflect upon me, as being beside myself; yet, if so, I may say with the apostle, it is unto God. But I would gladly speak intel­ligibly to the soul that is on its way to the regions of im­mortality; for if we are sober, it is for your sakes. I would ask whether a secret something hath not often vi­sited your souls, an unspeakable something, often se­cretly and immediately attended, that hath engaged you to send up heavenly and earnest wishes, and raised in [Page 37]your minds strong aspirations, or breathings, after GOD? when we are told that ^* the whole creation groaneth together in bondage until now, we have no doubt of its being relative and applicable to the present times, or such times of longing after GOD, to be delivered by him. ^† The Lord from heaven is the quickening spi­rit. An expression of want, from a real sense of it, is an evidence of life; or being raised by him, from a state of death. We have not been left in a dead state; this prediction hath been verified, O! death I will be thy plagues. He hath brought the first evidence of life, which is a sense of want. The spiritually dead, have received it; and it hath been of his pure mercy, that he hath followed us from time to time; hath met us, as it were, in a narrow place, with instructions and reproofs, and secretly raised up in us the hidden life of his own divine wisdom; he hath caused the animating and warming beams of the sun of righteousness to break forth. And, yet more, the word which called Laza­rus out of the grave, hath already, in a good degree, raised some of us to life, even life eternal! hence ^‡ death is swallowed up in victory!

And therefore the love of Christ constraineth us, be­cause he hath proved "the plagues of our death." He not only died, but the immediate manifestation of his quickening spirit had led captivity captive, that we, by him, may triumph over the united powers of darkness.

We follow not formally; but we believe in, and are convinced, fully convinced, of the doctrines of the christian religion, the incarnation, glory, life, death, mighty miracles, and various circumstances, relative to the holy life of JESUS, ^§ as in the volume of the book it is written; and can, in an awful and reverent sense, commemorate those vast and most interesting events.

[Page 38] We admire, with humble hearts and minds, the aw­ful transactions of that time, when sweat, like drops of blood, ran from the face of the holy JESUS! when, being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly! when he was betrayed, his sacred head crowned with thorns! his face spit upon! he was most ignominiously treated, and ^* as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, he complained not!

We behold him, in his agonies on Calvary Mount, offering himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world; that he might purify us, by the shedding of his precious blood! more precious than the blood of goats and lambs; or any other that was shed under the law. We believe in his amazing mercy, in offering himself there; when, loaden with the immense weight of the sins of mankind, and the immediate sense of the fa­ther's presence withdrawn, he was left to suffer alone; under this extreme pressure crying out, Eloi, Eloi, la­ma Sabacthani! was crucified! dead! and buried.

Here pause a little, I beseech you!—contemplate the adorable theme! acknowledge, O man! that un­bounded gratitude, which is ever due from thee: O! my soul, how much thou owest unto thy Lord!

I know we have been stigmatized, as disbelieving the truths of the Christian religion. However, I call the divine record, the SAVIOUR of the world, that was of­fered a sacrifice without the gate of Jerusalem, to wit­ness for my belief, that he was sent from God, to do the father's will: and I do, without controversy, believe that he was. ^† God manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, believed on in the world, and received up into glory. We do not at all doubt that ^‡ God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. ^§ That Christ gave [Page 39]himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time; ^* that with his stripes we are healed.

By virtue of that holy sacrifice the remission of sins is gained; the awakening power of that sentence which is due to sin is felt in a state of alienation from GOD; and as we believe, that if one died for all, then were all dead; so, we believe that he who was crucified, dead, and buried, likewise triumphed over the grave, and now sitteth at the right hand of God, in a glorified bo­dy, to make intercession for man, in order that he might effectually purchase, and redeem to himself, a people to the praise of his name; and diffuse, through­out his universal empire, a similarity of opinion and na­ture, arising from the experience of his universal re­deeming love.

I am no Arian, far from it:—I believe in the clear emphatic testimonies laid down in holy writ, that CHRIST was more than a prophet. I repeat my belief that he suffered, died, ascended, and is now come ^† the second time, without sin, to salvation; in order to reconcile the world to himself. I know many are wil­ling to admit that he died for all, as all were in a state of death; and that, by the imputation of his righte­ousness, all are justified in the sight of GOD. Where­as I think it more just to proceed in the language of the holy inspired apostle; that they which live, should not henceforth live to themselves; but to him who died for them, and rose again; that there may be an ef­fectual redemption, a thorough change; not the impu­tation of righteousness, without works; but a real substantial righteousness in the heart and life; which may operate upon, and regulate the mind and will, and lead us to a conformity to his divine nature: not a righteousness imputed to us from what CHRIST did [Page 40]and suffered without us; but a righteousness raised by him within us; thro' our surrendering ourselves to his government, and yielding entire submission to his heart-cleansing, refining power.

However this doctrine may relish with some, I am convinced he died for all, that all should be saved; that, through him, we might be justified in the sight of GOD; that we might put on the Lord Jesus Christ, with all his divine affections.

^* The whole creation of God groaneth together, ^† to be cloathed upon with a house from heaven; not an ima­ginary house, and an imaginary righteousness; but, to be cloathed upon with the grace of compleat salvation; to put on the LORD JESUS CHRIST; having first put off the old man, with all his works, and with all his corrupt wisdom, or knowledge; which puffeth up, in­stead of that charity which edifieth.

Christ is made unto us Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption.

In remembering therefore that he died for us, let us consider what follows: that henceforth, we should not live to ourselves. ^‡ I am crucified with Christ, says one of the apostles, as a private person: and it should or ought to be the language in truth of each individual, thro' all succeeding ages. Nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. He is become my righ­teousness; not by imputation only—but he actually li­veth in me: and the life which I now live, is by the faith of the Son of GOD. I think I may now say, ^§ let us press forward toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God. Let us be crucified with CHRIST, crucified to the world, and the world to us.

[Page 41] O! my friends, for such I term you in the course of that universal love, which reacheth forth to the whole human race, which floweth from him who hath thus wrought for me, and brought life and immortality to light in my soul. Is any one of you desirous of being in­formed, how much owest thou unto my Lord?—lay hold on his offers of redemption; live in his fear, in fellowship with him, in communion with the church of the first born, whose names are written in heaven: so will you far better know than any one on earth can ever inform you.

Examine the rising suggestions of your own minds: you are not formed to live merely to yourselves, merely within the contracted bounds of human privileges, in the narrow limits of mortality. Consider the dignity of your nature; you are formed for the most glorious purposes.

I earnestly wish the rising youth would lay these things seriously' to heart, and often meditate upon them, as one formerly did; who thus expresses himself, ^* while I was musing the fire burned. My heart was hot with­in me; then spake I with my tongue, Lord! make me to know my end, and the measure of my days, what it is, that I may know how frail I am.—That they would contemplate the great design of providence, with re­gard to their immortality, which would lessen their es­teem of the unsubstantial joys of time, and engage them to pursue those which are unspeakable and full of glory for ever. While I was musing the fire burned.

Continue this musing, this state of meditation; prize the invitations of the spirit of CHRIST, mercifully ex­tended to your immortal spirits; and let your minds mount upwards: remember your pious predecessors, now perhaps in glory; and their connections in the [Page 42]world of spirits: likewise put this question to yourselves, upon every serious occasion, How much owest thou un­to my Lord?

I am fully convinced were the Christian world in ge­neral to leave out exterior ceremonies, and enter more into this inward meditation, their minds would be more largely replenished with divine fruits; and those who are entering as it were upon the wilderness of this world, would then partake of the advantage. O! that we might all live in the beauty of holiness!

My heart was hot within me; then spake I with my tongue!—A necessary preparation for a preacher! Abel's offering, on account of such a preparation, was more acceptable to God than his brother's.

Then spake I with my tongue.—O! rising genera­tion, what you speak with your tongues, let it be from the same good source of hearts divinely prepared; since on the other hand for every idle word that men speak, they must give an account in the day of judgment. As you often speak with your tongues, fervently desire that the sacred faculties of the mind may be fitted for divine meditations, and the tongue to publish for the honour of GOD and benefit of others, what you have been taught by him: so will you never admit or utter any thing con­trary to the divinity of CHRIST JESUS your LORD.

Lord, let me know mine end! O that this sound may dwell upon your minds, who are the hope of the next generation! upon whom the weighty trust and care of the cause of GOD must, in a little time, necessarily devolve; that you may come to the knowledge of the measure of your days. I think, without violence to the text, you may learn from it that you are destined for immortality: but the love of worldly things is too apt to engage the attention of that immortal part, the [Page 43]soul; which occasions, too many, the want of their know­ing the great and glorious end for which they were formed, a little lower than the angels, and intended to be crowned with glory and honour.

Lord! let me know my end and the measure of my days!

I tremble methinks upon the brink of eternity! and so, with a little proper reflection, you might say all; the aged, the middle aged, and the youth.—The end of all things is at hand: flatter not yourselves therefore with length of days, and a long prosperity of worldly posses­sions; suffer me to beseech you for the sake of your immortal souls.

What do I owe to my God?—What do I not owe him?—He hath snatched me as a brand out of the fire; and I would not, tho' to gain the world, tread back again in the path of folly.

I know it by experience, and therefore I would per­suade you, not to turn aside from the GOD of your sal­vation; but to acknowledge the infinite debt you owe him, and to pay him daily with obedience, adoration and praise.

Our sins have been great, and our transgressions ne­ver could have been obliterated, had not CHRIST done it for us; let us therefore no longer dwell upon the rock of presumption with Satan, who hath been a lyar from the beginning; but let us rather descend into the valley of humility and peace, and settle accounts with the GOD of our lives, from whom I had strayed to that degree that my life became a burden to me, and I have wished that I had never been born; but CHRIST, who was a friend to publicans and sinners, is now become the rock of my salvation! he hath caused me to trust in him, and to seek the LORD my GOD. The debt I owe is [Page 44]infinite, I desire ever to acknowledge it with all possible gratitude; and to do my utmost towards the discharge of it, while I have my being.

If there is a soul within the audience of my voice which (upon this awful query) How much owest thou unto my Lord? is ready to apprehend, that it owes too much ever to hope for a discharge, or freedom from the heavy load of debt it has contracted; I have a little to say to such, even from my own experience: thy trans­gressions do not exceed the bounds of his mercy; he still careth for thee, with an inexpressible fatherly care and tenderness. Even when his afflictions are upon thee they are intended for thy good. The bruised reed he will not break, the smeaking flax he will not quench. The more any of you see your real state, the more you remember the favours you have received, and feel the burthen of your injustice and ingratitude; the more readily will he meet the penitent disposition of your minds.

I have no manner of doubt but he, whose work is salvation, who came into the world purely and purpose­ly to save sinners, will carry on his own work, and, as you wholly resign yourselves to his forming hand, will purify your hearts, reconcile you to the Father, and make you everlasting instances and monuments of his Infinite mercy. List up therefore thy head in hope, whoever thou art, in this humbled penitent state; for thy salvation draws nigh. Thou owest abundance to thy LORD; and there is an abundance which thou canst ne­ver pay: but there is the good Samaritan, ever ready to do for thee, as for him, who going from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among robbers; by whom he was wounded; and to say, take care of him, and I will pay. There is a glorious sound from the great and good friend of publicans and sinners; he is ready to say to thee who art in this penitent state before him, [Page 45] Take thy bill and write down fifty. He will ^* blot out thy sins as a cloud, and thy transgressions as a thick cloud.

I cannot but remember with renewed feeling, and warm emotion of heart, the day that anxiety (in the view of my condition) seized me; and how his mercy relieved me from it. He made my soul feel his com­passion, and in the depth of gratitude thankfully to a­dore him. And hence I often feel a tenderness of mind toward those who are weary of vanity, and heavy la­den with a sense of their manifold transgressions. I beseech such, by the mercy of GOD, that they would fly to him in their anguish of mind; for it is he, and he alone that can speak peace to the sinner: tho' your unrighteousness may be great, it is not in any degree of proportion, to his infinite mercy! Again, such a­mong you to whom I have spoke, who delight to dwell in the path of temptation, wherein you have too long continued; I warn you to consider, that you are in the road to destruction.

I would not give up, like Esau, ^† my birth-right to seek a place of repentance with tears, and not to find it. O my soul! for ever acknowledge how much thou owest unto thy LORD! Let none say ‘he hath blessed me variously, and in some future time I will awake my soul to gratitude, I have now something else to do;’ like him who, when an apostle ^‡ reasoned of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come, replied go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season I will call for thee.

The like disposition continues to prevail in too many: and this seems to be the language of their hearts, ‘Go thy way this time; call upon me when I have lived [Page 46]to myself, and answered my own purposes a little longer; visit me at some distant time hence.’ Oh! rather to-day, while it is called to-day,—Harden not thy heart: do not defer thy repentance a moment; thou knowest not what a moment may produce. Consider thy repeated transgressions; thy multiplied offences a­gainst GOD: heap not up wrath against the day of wrath: swell not the dreadful account. Thou hast hitherto trampled upon the goodness and the mercies of the GOD that made thee; venture not on presumption and delay. Time is uncertain: Immortality is at hand.

I beseech you therefore my friends at the present time, that you will lay to heart the necessity of your making up this great account: delay it not to the de­cline of life. Many are on the brink of the grave! reflect upon your extreme danger! think not of crowd­ing the account of your repentance into your last hour of life! You will find it extremely difficult to labour under the infirmities of the body, upon a death-bed, without a reasonable ground of hope: all the offers of mercy having been long continued, and often repeated; yet by you as long slighted, and as often rejected; what then will discharge you from that dreadful account! I wish it may never be the case of any within the audience of my voice. Let us all immediately ponder, rightly consider, and seriously improve this consideration, How much owest thou unto my Lord?

The following SERMON was delivered at the Fryers Meeting in Bristol, on Friday the 22d Day of May, 1767.

I HAVE frequently thought, and the sentiment hath been confirmed from my own observation and expe­rience, that a great and excellent point would be gained, highly conducive to the advantage of mankind, did they generally, tho' from no surer guide than tradi­tion, subscribe with heart and mind, to that certain truth, recorded in holy writ;

As such a persuasion, from whatever ground it arises, naturally tends to influence the conduct, to avoid evil, and to pursue that which is good; and with regard to many, it hath proved a step to their nearer acquaintance with GOD, who is the only sure guide to true happiness.

Indeed I scarce think there can be many, if there be any, who are hardy enough to deny the existence of the supreme Being; but believe on the contrary, that many, through the divine favour enlightened to see their duty, and assisted to discharge it; do, in consequence of these favours, contemplate, with satisfaction inexpressible, these attributes of the most high GOD, here mentioned by the Psalmist: and could I be induced to think, that any part of mankind had swerved from their duty, for want of a firm conviction of those his attributes, as re­lative [Page 56]to his creatures; and of the certainty, that there is really a GOD who judgeth the earth: I say, could I believe their minds were destitute of this animating and enlivening prospect of his power, omniscience, and goodness, in his superintendant care, and present judg­ing the earth, I should deem such but a very little re­moved, if any, from the state of the Athenians, upon whose altars the holy apostle discovered an inscription, ^* ‘"To the unknown God."’ Indeed a language that was spoken formerly hath been too much adopted by succeeding generations; numbers of whom have been like those men of Jerusalem, who said, ^† the Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil. Many (seduced by the grand deceiver and his agents) have endeavoured to estrange and withdraw themselves from the arbitrator of the whole earth: they have hence grown dark in their imaginations, and in like manner thus reasoned with themselves, ‘He will do us no good, why therefore should we seek him? he will do us no harm; why should we fear him?’ This, we may justly look upon, as the most unhappy seduction of mind! as it misleads to the utmost distance, (without timely recovery) from that state of obedience, in which we are only capable of happiness, through the favourable notice of our father who is in heaven.

But we may justly conclude, that such impiety passed not the attention of an all-seeing GOD, in as much as he replied, ‘I will punish those men of Jerusalem, who have said, The Lord doeth us no good, why should we seek him? he will not do us any harm, why should we fear him?’

[Page 57] The certainty of his superintendency, hath continued to be the happiness of all the wise and good in all ages; and it is these, and only these, that discern wherein true happiness consists. Hence hath it become, and still remains, an established glorious truth, accompanied with, and confirmed by, the voice of all generations.

Under this head in particular, a Petition or Prayer that was put up to him who hath created the earth, and assigned a reward to the righteous, by Agur the son of Jaketh, hath appeared to my mind, as necessary at this day to be adopted by every individual, who is desi­rous of living to the best, wisest, and happiest purpose of life; without which they had better never have lived: And I cannot but recommend it most particularly to You, the rising generation, whose minds I trust are at times susceptible of proper impressions, who are not be­come slaves to the vanity and lusts of the world: and indeed it seems like the language of one that is entering upon the stage of life: ^* Two things have I required of thee, deny me them not before I die! Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me; lest I be full and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain!

The substance of this memorable requisition hath ap­peared to my mind, during the course of a long series of observations of men, and times; with regard to its im­port in point of religion, virtue, the love and peace of God; as including indeed, all that is good and neces­sary for our safe conduct and support through this life, to that completion of happiness, proposed as the final reward of the righteous.

[Page 58] But how will some be able to prefer a petition to a power in whom, alas! they have no trust? who would gladly be possest of, and are much better pleased with, sharing a crown of wicked prosperity in this world, than with the prospect of a crown of pure and perfect felicity, in a state of endless futurity.

O that parents would timely and vigilantly exert themselves to raise early impressions in the tender minds of their children, in order to fix deeply the christian doctrine, with all its glorious consequences; firmly persuading and convincing them, that they are under the immediate notice of that Being, who is ever un­speakably good, and gracious; and informing them, that he is cloathed with every awful, reverential attri­bute; as being perfectly wise, powerful and good, yet strictly just; that he is the maker of us all; and that he delights to be called upon by us, with the tender and endearing appellation of, ‘Our father, who art in heaven.’

Wherefore, under the deep and reverent sense of the certainty of his continual presence and providence, let us be ever careful, ever earnestly desirous to constitute a part of his children and family, in this our probationary state; that as we, by our rank in the creation, belong to the order of spirits; we may assuredly hope to join the cherubim and seraphim, in the habitations of glory and peace, by our now becoming members of his mili­tant church; and may, when our warfare shall be accom­plished, unite with the chorus of his triumphant hosts, in the language and tribute of grateful adoration and praise.

And indeed without this blessed hope, we are of all creatures, the most miserable! being daily surrounded with lamentation and woe! combating with secret or [Page 59]obvious distresses! and encountring, from the cradle to the grave, a perpetual succession and variety of afflicti­ons! We might therefore truly say, if our hopes were only fixed upon the transitory and fleeting pleasures of this life, we should be of all the animal creation, the most miserable! But we are assured, that nothing less than GOD himself, is the infinite and endless reward of all that diligently and constantly solicit him to the fol­lowing purpose.— Two things have I required of thee, deny me them not before I die; remove far from me, vanity, and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me, lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain!

Which is as if the Prophet had said, ‘Thou art my father, the author of my being; I made nothing my­self, but am wholly and entirely the offspring of thy power and workmanship of thy hands: thou know­est therefore what is best and fittest for me; and what can I require else from the hands of thee, O my GOD! than thy preservation out of the dangers of those opposite extremes in life; thy guidance in the middle path of safety and innocence, and the enjoyment of thy approbation and favour in my walking therein!’

His mind was doubtless deeply impressed with the awfulness and essential subject of his petition; and the removing far from him vanity and lies seems to consti­tute a very considerable part of it. But too many of us, deviating from this one most important point, are daily inclined to wander in the broad path of vanity and folly, and prone to mistake it for the path of peace; 'till often­times the stroke of adversity, of pain of body, or afflic­tion of mind, convinceth in part, and, if unreformed, that of Death may fully convince us, when too late! of this most fatal mistake.

[Page 60] The Prophet saw into the propriety of that frame of mind, which utters the language dictated by divine wis­dom: ^* Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding: inasmuch as his gracious superintendency and merciful notice of his crea­tures is such as even ^† taketh in the ends of the earth; and daily affordeth us the clearest manifestation of his goodness here, as it hath evidently pointed out to us that glorious path which leads to safety and eternal peace. But vanity and lies have too frequently estranged the mind, drawn it off from heavenly objects and heavenly cares, and fixed its attention upon things wholly unwor­thy the notice of an immortal spirit. Under the sedu­cing influence of vanity and lies, men have been fre­quently led to pursue many things agreeable to their own wishes and imagined interests, without the least regard paid to justice and equity.

I may possibly observe an explanation and distinction of the two states as I go on, which Agur seems to refer to, viz. The distress and misery of the poor, on the one hand; and the vanity and pride of heart, too frequently conspicuous in the rich, on the other.

Were the lives of men designed to be wholly aliena­ted from a state of justice and virtue, and entirely in­structed and fixed in the maxims and manners of this world, singly to be taught to consider it as the chief end of their existence, there would then be some excuse for using every species of art in joining ^‡ house to house, and laying field to field, 'till there be no place, that they may be seated as it were alone in the midst of the earth: but now, as the great design of him who judg­eth the earth, and rewardeth the righteous, hath been abundantly manifested and denounced to such as thus counter-act it, they who are intrusted with riches will [Page 61]appear the more inexcusable for their unbounded ava­rice, and can have nothing to plead in favour of their violation of his plain and clear intentions respecting mankind. It will all at last be found vanity and lies, without virtue; without a faithful dedication of their hearts to the revealed will of GOD. It is an observation of the preacher that ^* God giveth to man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy—but to the sinner he giveth travel; to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. And though he who is too unmindful of his creator, may have erected edifices that appear to the eye of the spec­tator as if they would stand for ages, and may call them by his own name; yet even in this view, without virtue, he is, in the sense of Agur, a lyar to himself: he thinks he hath secured happiness, when the frame of his mind is the reverse of it; fixt probably in a state of exclusion, from what may be justly deemed true and substantial happiness; or any acquisition, which will be acceptable and well-pleasing in the sight of GOD. In this circum­stance therefore he is a lyar. The by-stander indeed, who sees him in the free enjoyment of affluence, and taking his ease, in appearance, in the fulness of his heart, may be ready to conclude such a one happy, by being unacquainted with his secret griefs; whereas ma­ny of his moments, if their true state could be pene­trated into, would appear like those distressed ones of the king of Israel; who, when he was seated in the height of his splendor, magnificence, and royalty, ^† rent his clothes; put on sackcloth, fasted, and lay in sack­cloth, and went softly.

Labour therefore after righteousness, rather than to ^‡ lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth; where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through [Page 62]and steal; that by such timely and prudent application, ye may lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven; where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal.

Ye rising youth, whose minds are open to the dictates of ^* that wisdom which is from above, and to the just and tender sentiments which it inspires. Be your en­quiries to the following purpose, frequent as they are important, ‘What am I? Who made me? To what purpose was I created?’ dedicate your moments to the real purposes of life, pay not too great a regard to any prospects or temptations of this world; fix not your attention upon its maxims and proposed interests, which, when they become our idols, do but deceive and deprive us of infinitely greater; beware of being seduced by the out-goings of your own minds; let not things that are transient and perishing gain too great a possession of your hearts and affections; nor ever neglect the following in­teresting petition, Remove far from me vanity and lies, and remember that he is the guide, helper, and director of all them that put their trust in him.

Give me neither poverty nor riches; I readily con­clude that in the first part of this petition all would will­ingly join; but riches are most apt to lay hold of our hearts and affections: many indeed are the promises to the poor, ^† Whom the Lord will deliver when he cri­eth, even him that hath no helper; they are frequently encouraged to hope; while the rich, if they mis-apply the riches committed to their trust, we are assured by divine authority, will be constrained to weep and howl: they enjoy the blessing and bounty of Heaven, which they ought to apply to the noblest purposes, particularly the relief of their distressed brethren, ^‡ in as much as [Page 63]ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, (saith our Saviour) ye have done it unto me. For which purpose he hath committed to some a larger share of tem­poral enjoyments; which ought to be a striking motive, a necessary incitement to well-doing: but alas! instead of it, too frequently wealth becomes subservient to the purposes of pride, luxury, and wickedness: and there­fore, our LORD remarks in another place, ^* how hard it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of Hea­ven. And the apostle James says, ^† go to now ye rich men, weep and howl, for your miseries that shall come upon you; your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth caten; your gold and silver is cankered, and the rust of them shall be a witness against you; the hire of the labourers which have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud crieth; the cries of them which have reaped, have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.

If the extent of thy stewardship, O man! is increas­ed, thy obligations to thy master are still greater; if thou hast received additional blessings from the GOD of boun­ty, it is a trust which calleth upon thee to distribute with an unsparing hand. O then, ye who are thus fa­voured! maintain a steady endeavour to discharge your duty in the sight of your Creator; deceive not your­selves with a belief that happiness consisteth in the mul­titude of your possessions, since they bring with them their dangers as well as obligations to duty; but like fountains of water which supply the little streams, ^‡ be ready to distribute, willing to communicate: this being the way to lay up in store for yourselves a good founda­tion against the time to come; that ye may lay hold on eternal life.

[Page 64] I have known some men, and even women, who have thought the ground scarce worthy to receive the pressure of their feet, divested of all the ties and tenderness of humanity, and wholly puft up with vanity and lies; but as the reign of such is short, and not even then with­out its pains, and their end miserable, as in many parts of the sacred records we are assured; may there be none such here present; on the contrary, let it be a part of your constant care, not only to feel the distresses of others, but to visit, and be convinced, and in a manner share the necessities of the poor and needy; to soften the anguish of their afflicted minds, to alleviate their hidden griefs, and to dry up the eyes of those that weep; and the tears which stream, ‘ ^* as faithful stewards of the manifold Grace of God; having fervent charity; knowing that charity shall cover a multitude of sins. Using hospitality one towards another without grudg­ing; in proportion as ye have received the gift, re­moving far from you vanity and lies; and contenting yourselves with being fed with food that is convenient for you.’

Some that are present, may think this unreasonable doctrine, and be ready to reply, ‘I have a family to provide for, and therefore I must embrace every op­portunity of acquiring, and laying up all my acquisiti­ons in store for them: and should I neglect the pre­sent, the like may never happen again in the course of my life.’

Such or the like arguments are often too readily ta­ken up, and obstinately urged, in opposition to the most important concern; to the unspeakable prejudice of themselves, of the dispositions and morals of their chil­dren in particular, and of human society in general: how quick is the transition of many from a state of health [Page 65]to the grave! ^† "Thou fool! this night shall thy soul be required of thee!" was formerly pronounced to one of this kind by the great judge of all men. Consider then, it may be thy case; and art thou prepared against thy dying hour, to render him such an account, as will then support thee, and justify thee in thy claim to the inheritance of his everlasting kingdom, by thy having faithfully sought it, and attended to the conditions there­of, preferably to all the dearest objects of this uncertain, and momentary state of existence?

I am fully of opinion, many who run after the world with open mouth, and that mouth scarce ever closed, 'till death closes it; could they be induced to yield some of their precious moments to timely and serious reflec­tion; would endeavour to withdraw themselves from transitory things, at least before their last moments of life; and in some measure, prepare (after this manner) to meet their GOD.

They would now and then retire, for a short space at least, from the world, before they entirely left it; fre­quently sit down, and seriously turn their view towards another world, another state of being, into which they can never hope to carry wealth, or honours; toward that approaching dread tribunal of righteousness, where these will gain no favour.

When we take a survey of the world, and look back thro' the generations that are past, we see that the love of vanity, wealth, and grandeur, hath proved from time to time the ruin even of the fairest empires and monar­chies, which have been ever erected on the face of the earth: one reformation after another, and one state af­ter another, have been destroyed, from the pride and dissipation inherent in the minds of governors and teachers.

[Page 66] How ought this consideration to humble the hearts, and redouble the vigilance of such as are placed in exalted stations!

I hope and trust our love, as a people in general, hath not been confined peculiarly to ourselves; but ex­tended, as it ought to be, to all our fellow creatures; to relieve poverty and distress, according to our abili­ties; to prevent and reclaim from the infinite danger and harms of impiety, and to encourage every kind of real virtue.

Though some families may have turned aside into the state of the world, and become engrossed with the love of its pleasures and enjoyments; yet many others, I hope, and believe, have denied themselves; have laid hold of the good word of life; and under its influence, pursued the one thing needful. Tho' some have decli­ned, and even refused, the subjection due to their ma­ker, as if they had asked with insolence, ‘Who is this LORD, that he should reign over our hearts?’ and had added, ‘We know no power equal to that of get­ting wealth, and honours;’—yet others have not de­parted from the obligations of fear and love; but have made proper reflections, paid just respect to the great author of their being; and manifested it by a steady watchfulness in conduct, which I most earnestly desire, may become the happy case of every one of my fellow creatures.

The present solemn occasion is an important lesson of instruction to us all! The departure of the disembodied soul, from this world, to another; which methinks should entirely prevent our setting too great a value upon all temporal possessions.

I have sometimes been present in a dying hour; I have been present at a scene of humbling distress; I [Page 67]have seen in some, the closing period of a regular life of virtue: yet such a life, as on account of outward pover­ty, had been despised and over looked—a whole life spent, in which its happiest moments would have past for miserable, in the minds of thousands: yet when they have finished their course, they have experienced triumphant joy, in the blessed hope and assurance of eternal life! through the merits of their dear redeemer.

I have also beheld, on the other hand, the habitations of splendor exhibit a mournful scene of distress, far different from the former! Then, when the solemn ap­proach of death hath begun to appear, attended with all its tremblings and fearful apprehensions of an after state! when the soul, agonizing in its pains, hath viewed things in a far different light to what it had before done, when even the riches, in which it had long trusted, fell short of giving the least satisfaction: no hope of future happiness afforded to the possessor! but, on the contra­ry, a gloomy prospect of despair; of an eternal state of misery! of this have I been made a sorrowful witness, that some have gone out of the world, ^* without God; without hope; without one comfortable reflection from the sacred ransom of a dying saviour!

In vain have they ardently wished, in an expiring hour, that they might have been permitted to lengthen out their allotment of life, a little longer; that they might have but a short space of added time afforded them, for the important purpose of repentance, and amendment of life; for feeding the hungry, cloathing the naked, and visiting the sick; virtues, to which they had no pretence, in any of their past hours, and which then it proved too late for them to attain, however ne­cessary, for their standing approved at the just judgment, to which they were approaching.

[Page 68] May we all therefore learn instruction, from exam­ples like these; and derive such advantage from this present solemnity; seeking and embracing the good word of life; and ever stedfastly adhering to it, so long as we continue in mutability.

May we never withdraw ourselves, from watchful at­tention, to the guidance of divine providence; never indulge ourselves in arrogance, or trust too much to the rectitude of our own hearts; but ^* pray without ceas­ing, that we may be enabled to ^† do works meet for repentance; and thereby attain an eternal inheritance in the kingdom of GOD!

Once more suffer me to entreat you, my friends, in great good will, often seriously to reflect upon the im­portance of the petition which I have thus far endeavour­ed to enforce— ‘Two things have I required of thee, O Lord! deny me them not before I die.’ As I am fully satisfied it is not and will not be sufficient for me, though I should stand ever so eminently high, on the account of riches, or honours, in the esteem or applause of men; ‘ Remove, therefore, far from me vanity and lies; giving me neither poverty nor riches; but feed me, I pray thee, with food convenient for me, lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.’

Ever beware of the first admission of evil. Guard the avenues of your hearts; make it your peculiar study so to number your days, as to ^‡ apply your hearts unto wisdom; and to advance therein keep the account of your passing moments with greater exactness than you would wish to do of your most important temporal con­cerns.

[Page 69] 'Tis an usual saying, That short reckonings make long friends: continue this short and frequent reckon­ing; ever esteeming the numbering of your days aright, to be the most necessary and blessed exercise; that hereby ye may be in a continual readiness for your final removal, how sudden soever it may be permitted.

Some of you are doubtless truly sensible of the im­portance of thus acquiring the divine favour; continue to ^* keep your hearts in this frame with all diligence, for out of them proceed the issues of life: remember too that as we are a people who have been frequently blam­ed for departing from set forms, how necessary there­fore it is for us all to keep up, in the very innermost recesses of our hearts, the daily sacrifices of prayer and praise, of fervent mental supplications, reverently to offer them to the ^† Father who seeth in secret and rewardeth openly: and let us never forget, that if the mind once gets off its guard, and relaxes in its earnest pursuit of the divine favour, the enemy is then most watchful to enter and to seduce. May you all therefore keep within the verge of innocency; and ever let your morning oblations, and evening sacrifices, accompany your spirits to the throne of grace.

Ye rising tender youth, of whom there is a number in this city, for whose welfare I am at this time, and believe shall ever remain, anxiously solicitous: May grace, mercy and peace, attend you through the succeeding steps of your lives! May the Father of infi­nite mercy still accompany your spirits; May you live in the perfect love and fear of him; making constant, daily enquiry into your immortal states; always remem­bering that you must one day fall beneath the stroke of death! May your evening and morning sacrifices, there­fore, [Page 70]of fervent prayer, and of a sincere and stedfast de­votion, be constantly directed up to your Creator! As­suring yourselves that in casting your care upon, and trusting in him, he will remember you in his divine love; that he will remove vanity and lies far from you, and feed you with food convenient for you; that ^* in blessing he will bless you; and in multiplying he will multiply his favours toward you; crowning you in the end ^† with joy unspeakable, and full of glory!

To conclude, let us all treasure up in our minds, and firmly retain this comfortable assurance, Verily there is a reward for the righteous; verily there is a God, that judgeth in the earth.

The following SERMON was preached at the Quarterly Meeting at French-Hay, near Bristol, May 26, 1767, in the morning.
^* A garden inclosed is my sister, my Spouse, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.

THE whole Book of Canticles is understood and taken in the way of similitude, or metaphor, set­ting forth that close connection, that near and dear re­lation, which eternally subsists between CHRIST and his church; and in this sense it certainly conveys instruc­tion, very profitable, as well as very delightful, to that mind which hath dedicated itself to the love and obedi­ence of him, its only rightful LORD.

^† The Church is called a fountain of Gardens; which seems to me very evidently to imply that inclosed col­lected strength, beauty, regularity; those consolatory refreshments; that steady firmness of thought, unity of heart, and divine affection, which becomes a people that well understand what is meant by the solemn in­junction of ^‡ girding up the loins of their minds: well apprized of the state of their pilgrimage; of the nature, end and design of their being; of the necessity of ^§ watchfulness unto prayer; of having their minds brought into, and established in, the lovely order of the gospel; their loins girded; their faculties circumscribed, and directed to the proper purpose, the great and glorious end of their being; within the limits of that holy frame of mind, which hath ^‖ a fountain of gifts, preparatory to every kind of useful service, for the com­fort [Page 75]of individuals, and the united benefit of the whole body; ever abiding in the ^* fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom: the most perfect wisdom, by which the mind is kept clean, and preserved in its pro­per cloathing.

For the Fear of the Lord, as the Psalmist expresses it, ^† is clean, and endureth for ever: and if this fear continues to rest upon our minds, it will assuredly keep them clean; and more and more illuminate them to discern the propriety and fitness of this language of CHRIST to his church: A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse, my church; erected and preserved by my power, my followers united to me, and all dear to one another, ^‡ ‘a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, zealous of good works.’

May we therefore all separately, each for ourselves, attend to this state, and become acquainted with that degree of resemblance of such an inclosed garden which we beat, in the sight of him, who at one view, sees the several conditions of men, and beholds the state of his whole creation!

If we are inclosed, of what nature is our inclosure? since nothing less will become our sufficient defence, than the surrounding arm of the Almighty! He is the strength of every individual that rightly trusts in him: Their situation is aptly described in holy writ, in many parts of it, by a variety of lively and beautiful figures; as here, by that of a garden inclosed, or ^§ fountain of gardens. They likewise joyfully experience, in this sense of the text, what was meant by the song that was predicted to be sung in the land of Judah, when the divine covenant should happily cement, and inclose that favoured people in a state of innocence, integrity and love, enjoying together the lasting and unutterable [Page 76]sweets of divine protection and peace. ^* In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; we have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks: and I cannot but entreat that all pre­sent, who are come to years of mature consideration, especially, may obey the call of GOD; come out of a state of sin, and neglect of duty, and become ^† fellow-citizens with the saints of this city; a city that hath ^‡ sure foundations; being built upon that rock, which ^§ the gates of hell have never been able to prevail against.

O you that are in the bloom of life, and surrounded with the impetuous waves of divers passions; who con­tinue yet uncorrected, unrefined by divine grace; may you diligently and seriously reflect upon your extream want of resemblance to the garden inclosed; and of answering thereby the gracious design of your maker concerning you! May you be directed ^‖ by the still small voice, which the LORD GOD will make use of, and meet you with ^¶ in the garden; in order to reclaim you, and to draw you to himself! May all that stand in slippery places, make him their refuge, that they may know him, to calm every tumult in the mind; to crown [...] with the joys of obedience; and to direct their steps aright thro' life, to his honour, and their own true and lasting happiness!

May all who mourn for want of a place of rest, at­tain this happy situation, all who are ready to cry out as one formerly did, ^* "Woe is me that I sojourn in Meshech, and dwell in the tents of Kedar." Woe is me for this state of wickedness, with which I am now on every side surrounded; both that of my own, and that of others round about me! who are ready to fear [Page 77] ^* the harvest is past, the summer is ended, and that they are not gathered into the city walled with salvation; or the garden inclosed with divine beauty, with united and unfading joy!

I hope better things for those whose concern some­times appears likely to become more than they are able to bear, even a concern, lest they should be excluded from an inheritance with the sanctified.

He that of old made ^† the mountains skip like rams, and the little hills like lambs, for the miraculous pre­servation of his people, even when they had begun to despair of their deliverance; can still equally effect the like glorious work in restoring the desponding, the bro­ken in heart; that, having been too much off their watch, have from thence been the more subject to be ^‡ tost about by every wind of doctrine, and cunning craftiness of men; whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Know that though your own resolutions, your own strength, and wisdom, have been insufficient (in the days that are past) for your security; and perhaps the strongest resolutions, that you have hitherto made, have been written in dust; so that the next gale of temptation hath blown them away; and you have hence been car­ried further and further, into a state of groaning cap­tivity, and crying distress! and have been unable to lift up your heads in the day of trial: know, that the duly humble and repenting sinner hath ever been graci­ously received; and the diffident have become cloathed with divine strength, through the name and power of the LORD JESUS; their minds have been brought into a holy frame, having entered within the celestial inclo­sure and defence.

O that the salvation of Israel would come out of Sion, then should Jacob rejoice, and Israel should be [Page 78]right glad. This hath been the sacred language of individuals that have at times been tost in uncertainty, distressed in vanity, wickedness and disappointment; who, notwithstanding, have been at last happily fixed within the habitation of the holy city, or garden inclosed; through a steady perseverance and strong resistance, though in the night season; like Jacob, who as a prince, ^* prevailed with God and with men. So the sincere, the penitent sinner, in his resolute and patient conflict, imploring and relying on divine help, will at length ob­tain an assured victory, to his great joy, and returning of thanksgiving to the author of all his mercies.

A Garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; ah, too unthinking youth! how widely different from this state is too many of yours! To you appears particularly ap­plicable that antient call from GOD, ^† Keep silence before me, oh ye islands! I beseech you, in this your time of danger, when your minds may be compared to floating islands, blown upon and covered with a successi­on of waves, surrounded with temptations of various kinds, that are perpetually withdrawing you from that most precious interest, which CHRIST hath purchased for you in the garden inclosed; I beseech you, that you maintain a steady dependance upon him; that ye be vigilant in your pursuit after eternal enjoyments; that ye stand upon your guard against the wiles of the grand enemy to your salvation; remembring that even ^‡ when the sons of God have met together, Satan hath presented himself amongst them.

Doth thy mind watch with holy diligence to prayer? being fervent in spirit, that though the enemy may endeavour to come in as a flood of corruption, and seek incessantly to draw thee from the strong hold of that city, ^§ whose walls are salvation, and whose gates are praise; the arm of omnipotence may defend thee: [Page 79]know, thou art no farther guilty than as thou joinest with the temptation; it is no sin to be tempted; the holy everlasting bridegroom of the true church, was himself tried, proved, tempted before thee, time after time, by the ruler of the darkness of this world, the prince of the power of the air; yet he continued unmoved, un­wearied; being supported and sustained by the power of GOD: ^* He was like unto us in all things, sin only excepted; he knows and is willing to sustain them that are tempted; and to encourage in the day of battle, every one that cleaveth unto, and calletih upon him, with full purpose of heart, in the whole course and con­duct of his life: though he may be deeply proved, and may sometimes be ready to cry out, ‘Even though the gates of death, may appear to be in motion against me, and just opening to receive me, yet if I die, Oh let it be at thy feet.’

This hath been the language of minds, in the day of temptation; and when the battle hath been hot, they have known a secret hiding place, where the enemy could not prevail. Though he encountered the whole army of martyrs; though they were tempted, trod upon, buffeted and even crucified; yet it was never in his pow­er to subdue them; they were still succoured by the hand of the almighty; they were enabled to ^† fight the good fight of faith; to pass through all their fiery trials with patience; and, in honour of their victory, are now crowned with glory!

How beautiful, how amiable, must be those gardens inclosed, the rising youth, in the vigour and prime of life! when their minds are circumscribed, and animated to piety; when they have upon them the indubitable proofs of the handy work of GOD; standing immoveably upright on the side of religion and virtue; keeping out all the works of darkness, by walls of divine erection!

[Page 80] How excellent are these gardens inclosed! their con­versation and behaviour, how edifying! how exemplary! how truly honourable! their admission is sure into ^* that glorious house, not made with hands, to a perpetual festival, an eternal fruition of the unspeakably rich rewards of their good works, which they have been ena­bled to perform, to the glorifying of their father who is in heaven.

Than such a blessed society as this I know of nothing that can possibly be deemed more amiable upon the face of the earth; nothing more consistent with the de­sign of heaven; or more resembling its own happiness, for those that are young ^† to remember their creator in the days of their youth, with a continual reverence; and to give up their hearts to him, in the perfection of love; for the most desirable part of the whole creation to live thus, amidst the bloom and lustre of the spring time of life, is to constitute the beauty of holiness! the one great ornament of the garden of the LORD here on earth!

Ye heads of families; fathers, mothers, and guardi­ans, that preside over and sustain the various relations in domestic life; ever carefully prosecute your own eternal happiness, and the happiness of all those over whom you are placed in charge! exhorting them in ten­der affection, and encouraging them by worthy example, to ^‡ set their affections on things above; watchfully guarding, and even confining them, in order to preserve them from all harms and corruptions of vice, as gardens inclosed within the limits of that holy fear, ^§ which is a fountain of life, that preserves from the snares of death, and prepares for a crown of glory, in the regions of eternal felicity!

When the ties of nature become joined with ties of grace, and together rest upon the minds of parents [Page 81]and guardians; they cannot but be solicitous that their offspring and charge may be favoured in an eminent degree with divine preservation: they would then ear­nestly desire to help them forward in their way, being qualified to say to the rising generation, ‘Follow me as I follow CHRIST.’ I am persuaded had this been more generally the case, had they themselves, I say, really lived as gardens inclosed within the bounds of divine wisdom and government, our christian society would have worn a different aspect to what it now does. Could parents and heads of families, from time to time, have appealed to the searcher of hearts for the upright­ness of their intentions, and the rectitude of their con­duct in these most important concerns, then might they have said with holy confidence, ^* Lord! now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation!

What think ye parents? ye that live as it were in a state of stupefaction; what think ye of the important moment, when in the sight of GOD, angels, and men, inquisition for blood shall be made; what think ye of the preparation of rendering that account with joy, at the dread tribunal of final judgment? in which an en­quiry into the discharge of your several duties, in this respect, will most assuredly be made!—It is possible, and indeed I cannot but believe it consistent with the goodness of the supreme being; that, where the natural parents have been negligent in their discharge of this important trust, and have conducted their offspring into byways and crooked paths, forgetful of the way that leadeth to life eternal; the everlasting father hath not been wholly unmindful of his children, thus abandoned to the wiles of the destroyer; but hath frequently reach­ed forth a kind hand to such, and will continue to make up to them, who gratefully receive his kindness, and obey his voice, the deficiency of such past parental care; [Page 82]even by the virtue of his living power in their hearts: in the mean time, the very criminal neglect of such pa­rents will, notwithstanding this, draw down on them its own weight of condemnation: ^* the hand writing on the wall will still remain against them; and, like wicked Belshazzar, they will be weighed in the balance, and found wanting.

Indeed it must be confest, and I am thoroughly assu­red, that all parents are not thus negligent: I cannot but remember the inestimable father I had in early life; and above all things, his almost unexampled care and tenderness over his infant offspring. I well remember the very powerful and moving eloquence of descending tears! when he collected his numerous family of little ones about him, and in the time of our extream tender­ness, and very early years, how often he hath wept over us, when he hath been recommending us to the throne of grace! though I cannot repeat the immediate lan­guage he uttered, upon these occasions, which were so extreamly interesting to us all!

I wandered, as to myself indeed I may say, and strayed from the garden inclosed, in many of the suc­ceeding steps of my life: and even now stand as a mo­nument of mercy amongst you! whilst I thus afresh re­member and recite this amazing instance of a tender parent's anxious and unabated care, for our preservation out of the evils that abound in the world; for our hav­ing a safe place within the inclosures, where ^† Christ feedeth his flock, and maketh them to rest at noon!

O Fathers and mothers! I beseech you, by the mer­cies of GOD, and the solemn account you must one day close with him; that you lay this charge seriously to heart; still offering up your humble petitions to the Father of light, that he will enable you, more and more, [Page 83]to instruct the children he hath blessed you with, in the one thing needful; in order that being thus savoured, thus enlightened and enlarged by his power, you may have nothing to do but die, when that time shall arrive; nothing to charge yourselves with, in relation to the neglect of this great duty, when the measure of your days shall be accomplished; but may render up your ac­counts with joy, and receive the beatific sentence of ^* Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a little; I will make thee ruler over more; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

A Garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse.—May we pay all due honour to the testimony of CHRIST respect­ing his church, both as individuals, as heads of families, and parents of children: and more and more sustain with diligence and propriety in all our several stations the character of gardens inclosed, or be as plants there­in, of the Lord's own right hand planting; plentifully adorned and enriched with all the good fruits of his own spirit; that we may be, as our fathers were in the day, when the LORD rais'd them up, fed, and miraculously supported them! and may fervently pray, ^† that Zion might arise, and shine, and shake herself from the dust of the earth; and put on her beautiful garments! and that many amongst us, who yet need it, might shake themselves from those outward things that adorn them, as they vainly imagine; that that divine beauty and lustre which once conspicuously shined upon and adorned our Zion, may again be restored, and continue to dwell amongst us: and in order to this, may we study more and more the increase of righteousness and true holiness, encouraging one another by good example and by ten­der counsel in the pursuit thereof; as we cannot, con­sistent with our love of GOD, be indifferent in our wishes for the happiness and welfare of any of our fel­low creatures; nor say of our brother, ‘Let him alone, [Page 84]Leave him to himself, it is sufficient for me to mind myself.’ Since it is our immediate duty to watch over him; and to be ready, on every occasion, tenderly to advise and assist, to prevent or support him; and not answer the LORD, when he shall require an account of his welfare from me; ^* Am I my brother's keeper?

At this door, my friends, unspeakable damage hath entered, and widely spread amongst us as a people; even through this neglect, the grand deceiver hath the more easily broke into this and the other family; the power of seduction hath taken place; and many young people may be said to have laid violent hands on their own souls, and those of others too, in their gradual stepping out of the garden inclosed.

‘ Am I my brother's keeper? What have I to do with the welfare of another?’ This hath greatly ob­structed the increase of our felicity, as a collective body; the progress of our Zion; and introduced the destroyer; who hath broke into our inclosure, and made a sorrow­ful devastation among the flock and family of GOD. Where I see thus the danger of the hedge (which the Lord in mercy made about us!) being broke down; I cannot help expressing my concern, and using my spee­dy and vigilant efforts to prevent, as much as possible, the beginning and increase of so great an evil.

Is there even a servant lad, or a servant girl that hath continued neglected, and their minds left to wander at will? I cannot but feel for them, with an earnest desire of informing such, and drawing them, if possible, with­in the limits of the garden inclosed; that they might enjoy the benefit and delightful assurance of immortal happiness, from their entrance into, and continuance in well doing! Many fly from their own interest, forget [Page 85]the GOD that made them, and even ^* account the blood of the covenant as an unholy thing, for want of having their minds properly centered, and their judgments du­ly enlightened; and therefore it is all your duty, who are advanced within the heavenly bounds, and are grown up into a capacity of service, so faithfully to improve your talents, that ye may become instrumental, to en­lighten their understanding, and to administer to them a suitable degree of spiritual health: not to say, Am I my brother's keeper? but if ye love God, to love your brother also; to lead him within the heritage and limits of the inclosed garden; within the impregnable defence of that city whose walls are salvation.

I know well, friends, that tho' my education was within the garden inclosed, yet I wandered far from it; and in my departing, laid myself open to the enemy of my soul. I kept the worst of company; I subjected my­self to almost every temptation; broke through the fence of the sacred inclosure! trampled it under my feet! and when for a time I found the least inclination to do good, evil was present with me! and I went on from one de­gree of it to another! my wickedness so far increased with my diligence that at length, alas! I beheld the strong wall broken down! the garden wall destroyed! the mound left defenceless! and no hopes left of returning peace to my afflicted soul!

O ye, who are the hopes of the next generation! the steps I have trod warrant me to expostulate with, and to warn you of the most dreadful danger of that devi­ation, to which youth is too prone, for want of due and timely reflection, suitable to its vast importance; and the extream difficulty of treading back, or extricating yourselves from it, when the mind is once engaged and entered into the path of folly: believe me, now is your [Page 86]acceptable time; now is the day of the LORD's tender mercy afforded to you: flatter not yourselves therefore with the hope of its being time enough, that in some future part of your lives you will diligently seek him: now is your seed time; your hour of profitable diligence; and not in the decline of life. Life frequently is held by a moment of time! it passes, and man is no more seen! ^* All flesh is grass, and its beauty as the flower of the field; the grass withereth, and the flower fadeth. The grave, to which we are all hastening, ought to be an early lesson of serious instruction, sounding the alarm in the ears of every youth; seeing it is frequently open­ed to receive its victims in the very bloom of life; and ^† before the years draw nigh, in which, in the course of nature, they can take no pleasure— ^‡ boast not therefore thyself of to-morrow, since thou knowest not what a day may bring forth; but rather let the example of others teach thee, the absolute necessity of improving the pre­sent moments; and duly to reflect upon the imminent danger of delay.

If thy delight be not now within the garden inclosed, thou canst not reasonably expect hereafter to do ^§ works meet for repentance: believe me, the evening hour will have its fill of work, even after discharging the duty of the most diligent day; though thou begin this necessary work immediately, thou wilt not have a moment to spare when thy sands of life are hastening to a close, and thou art finally appointed to tread the silent and solemn path of death! which is an hour that will, doubtless, bring with it a sufficient employment to the most serious mind, and to the most assiduous improver of the time that hath been allotted him in mutability.

O then, ye beloved youth! that your minds may be thus properly exercised to lay hold on the things that [Page 87]belong to your everlasting peace! may you lay these re­flections seriously to heart; and may their good effects demonstrate that they have a powerful and proper influ­ence upon your conduct, through the whole series of your lives; that ye may finish your course with joy! and be crowned in the end with glory and immortality! hav­ing faithfully answered the boundless love of CHRIST to his church, whose peculiar relation to himself he express­eth in this endearing language, A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.

A SERMON.

IT is not in the "Oldness of the Letter ^*," or in un­feeling Formality, but from the animating warmth of Gospel Love, that I salute this assembly in these ex­pressions; The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all always. Amen. ^† It is the constant language of that evangelical spirit, from which arises this tribute of ‘Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good-will to men ^‡,’ and which I am thankful to feel not restrained within less compass than the Bulk of Mankind; but zealously and ardently pointing towards all such as profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and a hope of salvation by him.

There is something further couched in this affectionate salutation than the language of Love; the language of Wisdom.—That Wisdom which is "profitable to direct ^§," seems to me very evidently and very eminently displayed by the father of mercy and kindness in these expressions; which, by divine assistance, I would endea­vour a little to open, and to urge as words of some [Page 94]signification, unto all such whose minds are at times turned to contemplate, and not only contemplate, but also to pursue, "the things which make for peace ^*."

A SERMON.

THERE is a passage in sacred Writ, which has been revived in my remembrance during the silence of this Meeting, and the train of reflections which it ex­cited, has sealed instruction to my mind, and furnished me with renewed cause of humiliation and gratitude; ‘ ^* Men and Brethren, what shall we do to be saved?’

Every person who seriously believes in the existence of a God, in a future state, and in the awful doctrine of rewards and punishments, cannot be indifferent re­specting what may be his lot, when he shall be dispossessed of this frail Tabernacle of clay which he now inhabits, and which is approaching to the Period of its dissoluti­on; it cannot be a matter of indifference to him, whether he shall finally receive the irrevocable sentence of ‘ ^† go ye cursed into the regions of irremediable misery;" or ^‡ come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for the righteous, enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord, and into thy master's rest.’ This concern has prompted many to enquire what is essentially necessary for them to believe and practise in order to render them the proper objects of divine complacence, and furnish [Page 120]them with a well grounded hope of a glorious and hap­py immortality. Many of the honest and sincere of eve­ry Nation under Heaven, have formed different ideas of the requisites to salvation, and of course have pursued as different measures to accomplish that desirable end. It is not my present business, to particularize any of those various systems of Faith, which are adopted by any par­ty amongst mankind; it is not to controvert matters, in which sincere men of the various denominations most surely believe; but rather to recommend them always to stand open to conviction, and a strict attention to those rules of conduct, which appear to them most agreea­ble to the will of Heaven. I shall therefore address my­self to those, in whatever religious society they are found, whose honest inquiries have not yet been attend­ed with sufficient conviction, or led them clearly to per­ceive what are the terms on which their future hap­piness depends, and who are therefore looking one upon another, whilst this important question is found, at least in their hearts if not in their mouths ‘Men and Bre­thren what shall we do to be saved?’

I shall not presume arrogantly to dictate to any respect­ing matters of so important a concern as that of the salva­tion of the Soul; every Man should exercise those talents with which the Father of lights has endued him, in a close and sincere attention to the voice of the internal Teacher, and in the discovery of those truths both prac­tical and speculative which have an immediate relation to the happiness of a Being circumstanced as he is. I shall simply propose those things which from my own expe­rience as an individual appear to me worthy of God for their Author, and worthy of Man's most serious atten­tion. It is an indisputable truth that we made not our­selves: ‘We are thine offspring, thou hast made us and not we ourselves,’ says the prophet in his appeal to God. The matter which forms the universe, the vehicles which [Page 121]the soul informs, and the intellectual powers and facul­ties we possess, derived their being from the eternal fountain of all power and intelligence, whom we cha­racterize by the awful names of Jah, Jehovah and God. It is also clear to me that we were brought into existence with the benevolent design of finally sustaining the con­fluent dignities of Glory, Honour, Immortality and eter­nal Life; the Lord Almighty hath in unspeakable mercy promised, that after we have endured a season of proba­tion on earth, a conflict with our passions excited by numerous causes, and a fight of afflictions, we should finally receive a glorious reward, a perpetuity of un­mixed felicity in the unknown regions of eternity. But this desirable and excellent end is not to be effected by what is generally called fate, the laws of necessity, or the arbitrary will and power of the Author of our existence. God has constituted us free and intelligent beings, and endued us with faculties capable of apprehending and practising those duties which he makes the condition of our final acceptance with him: he offers, but does not impose, happiness on his creatures; he shows us the spi­ritual Canaan, he gives us power to possess it, but does not compel us to enter into it; good and evil are clearly set before us, but our election is not constrained to either; the sovereign of the universe is no respecter of persons, for of one blood he made all nations that dwell on the face of the earth; they stand in the same relation to the universal Father, Shepherd and Bishop of Souls, who tenderly invites the whole race of Mankind to in­herit the Joy of his Salvation. To this doctrine the ho­ly Apostle bore an ample and explicit testimony: ‘ ^* Of a truth, said he, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation those who fear him and work righteousness shall be accepted of him."— ^†"If ye live after the flesh ye shall die, but if through the [Page 122]spirit ye morify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.’ This is a proposition that relates to every individual in the vast community of Mankind, however circumstan­ced, whether bond or free, or in whatever climate he resides.

All this indeed may be acknowledged both by those within and without the audience of my voice, who are yet in doubt what they shall do to be saved with an everlasting salvation; they want to be informed of the precise ideas that should be affixed to the conditions contained in the text, though perhaps they readily ap­prehend the terms life and death imply future happiness and misery. I shall therefore attempt according to the ability I am endued with, to give you my thoughts on the important subject in question at this time. To "live after the flesh" is to live in the gratification of our animal appetites and passions, beyond the bounds of reason, temperance and sobriety, which as it frequently introduces numerous disorders into the animal system, and aggravates the infirmities to which these corruptible bodies are incident, so it affects the good of society, and renders unfit for those contemplations and that felicity which is adapted to the dignity of rational and immortal spirits, beings whom God in his wisdom ^* has made a little (and perhaps but a little) lower than the Angels, and who would crown them with a superior glory, honour and happiness than that which animal gratifications can con­fer on their deluded votaries. Whilst we are in the body we must expect to find those appetites, affections and pas­sions which belong to our nature; but these are to be restricted within the bounds of virtue, and attended to in proportion to our exigencies and necessities, of which the divine principle which God has graciously implanted in our hearts ought to determine.

[Page 123] This principle of intelligence although called by a variety of names in the different professions amongst Men, is the same in nature throughout all Mankind. It is the spirit in Man that giveth a right understanding; it is the light that more or less enlightens every Man; it is the word of God in the heart; the word of faith which the Apostle preached to the Gentiles; it is the Grace that hath appeared to all Men, teaching them to deny ungodliness and the world's lusts, and to live so­berly, righteously and godly in this present world; and finally it is the supreme reason, the law of truth and rec­titude, the test of virtue and vice, which God himself hath erected in the hearts of all Men; and happy are those who hear and obey it in all things.

I would not be understood to mean that this principle of which I am speaking is designed to instruct us in all truths which the human mind may attempt to investi­gate, or to give a clear insight into those numerous spe­culative subjects, which have, not only unprofitably em­ployed mankind and diverted their attention from more substantial objects, but which have perplexed and divid­ed them from generation to generation; but by the exercise of it we may apprehend those truths that belong to us, and have an essential relation to the important end of our existence; of which truths the Father of spirits has enabled us to judge; this is implyed by the question which our Lord himself proposed to a people misled by the traditions of their fathers, and who had taken for doctrine the commandments of men, ‘ ^* yea and why judge ye not for yourselves, what is right?’

Various are our obligations and duties, religious, rela­tive and social, arising from our various connexions, natural and divine: The relation we stand in to the Au­thor [Page 124]of our being is that of Children; filial fear, obedi­ence and worship is therefore our indispensible duty to him, in our conduct at all times, throughout our whole lives. The relation which our fellow creatures stand in to us, is that of brethren, children of the same universal Father, and formed for the same glorious and happy end; justice, charity and brotherly kindness are there­fore our indispensible obligations unto mankind. There are also various accidental relations, such as father, governor, master, servant and numerous others, all which have their correspondent duties. Thus far per­haps the persons whom I immediately address at this time may concur with me in sentiment, but they as well as I, are perhaps conscious of having failed in nume­rous instances of discharging their religious duties to God and their social duties to mankind. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! we have multiplied our transgressions without number! and our iniquities rise before us as a thick cloud! which obscures the brightness of that eternal Sun of righteousness, which would otherwise illuminate our understandings with its marvellous light. Who, therefore, (says the illuminated penitent soul) shall deliver us from the body of this death? who shall take from us the weight of our sins under which we groan incessantly? who shall save us from the wrath to come? "Men and Brethren what shall we do to be saved?" The condition of our recon­ciliation and redemption are very clearly expressed in the sacred oracles of truth; the placability of the divine nature is repeatedly asserted; he is represented to us in the adorable character of a God of mercy, long suffer­ing and of unspeakable kindness; as a Being ready to blot out our transgressions from the celestial register, on our sincere repentance, and to remember them no more.

[Page 125] This important and interesting doctrine was typified under the Law, spoken of by the Prophets, and glori­ously asserted by the Son of God, who is our Mediator with the Father, and the hope of our future Glory. In his character was displayed to Mankind, in the most eminent and striking manner, the provident care, mercy and goodness of God toward the whole rational creati­on; who like sheep have gone astray from the universal shepherd and bishop of Souls, who have widely wan­dered from the paths of purity and holiness, which are ways of pleasantness and peace; that path of the just Man, which (like the luminous orb as it arises in our hemisphere) shines with increasing refulgency, splendor and brightness, till it arrives at the meridian altitude of a gloriously perfect day! This path leads all who steadily pursue its direction, by degrees of experi­ence, through the wilderness of this world to the grand and ultimate end of our Creation, to that compleat frui­tion of bliss that is figuratively represented to us by ‘ ^* a City that hath foundations, whose builder and ma­ker God is;" a City " ^† whose Walls are salvation, and whose Gates are eternal praise;’ a City that hath no need of the elementary light of Sun, Moon and Stars, " ^‡ for the Lord God and the Lamb are the light there­of" a City where God reigns triumphantly amongst his saints, and is to them an inexhaustible fountain of light and felicity; there the weary pilgrim finds an end of all his anxiety and labour, and receives the reward of his faith, the fruition of his hopes, even the salvation of his Soul.

The important message which Christ had in commis­sion from his Father and our Father, from his God and our God, was, that he compassionated his Creatures, encompassed with the distresses which their sins had [Page 126]brought upon them, that he willed not their everlasting separation from him the source of happiness, that he was willing they should be reconciled to him; he there­fore called upon them to Repent and be converted that their sins might be forgiven them, and that they might finally enter into his rest. This was the interesting doc­trine which the Saviour of Man promulgated, and hap­py are those who hear and obey it. ‘Repent and be converted that your sins may be forgiven you.’ It is not the assent of the lip and of the tongue to the glorious truths of the Gospel; but a surrender of the will and affections, a renovation of heart, and conform­ity to the divine Image, which can alone gain us admis­sion into the New Jerusalem, the City of God.

If we take an impartial survey of our past lives, re­view our frequent revoltings, and compare our conduct with the convictions we have often received of right and wrong, virtue and vice, there is scarcely a Soul present but must feel some degree of remorse, some de­gree of repentance for the turpitude of his morals, and his want of love, obedience and gratitude to so gracious a Father, who has encompassed us with blessings, and preserved us by his providence from the earliest period of our lives to the present hour; we must (I say again) upon serious retrospection, possess some degree of re­pentance; but unhappily for us the impressions that are made on our minds by such a review of our actions, are frequently erased by the influence which a variety of creaturely objects are suffered to have upon us, and like the early dew they soon pass away. Those who have been cleansed in some degree by the water of con­trition, are often defiled again by the repetition of that iniquity which in the moments of their humilia­tion they had determined to renounce and forsake, they are again caught in the snare of their lusts, and capti­vated by those objects which have a tendency to alienate [Page 127]their affections from the supreme good. Thus when the force of conviction again sounds the awakening alarm, they are ready to query with surprise and anx­iety ‘what is to be done in this afflictive dilemma to which our inconstancy to our virtuous resolutions has reduced us? shall we despair of that divine mercy we have so often abused, of that goodness we have so long trifled with?’ God forbid! rather prostrate your Souls at the Throne of Grace, and humbly im­plore the continued mercy of the universal parent, as a Father pitieth his Children, so he pitieth them that fear him; he knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are but dust; beseech him therefore to send forth help from his holy sanctuary, that you may be strength­ned to renew and keep your Covenants with him; re­frain from the Commission of evil, and wait on him in the silence of all flesh; since it hath pleased him again to enlighten your darkness, and thus to give you to see yourselves as you are seen of him; he may also be pleas­ed to enflame your hearts with that celestial fire which purgeth away all the intellectual filth and dross, that prevents the ascent of the Soul godward, and renders it an unfit habitation for his holiness to dwell in. As our backslidings have frequently corrected us and co­vered our minds with anxiety, let our future conduct directed by his Grace, atone for what is passed, and by a conversation ordered aright, let us glorify our Father who is in Heaven.

I feel at this season the influence (in degree) of that celestial Charity which breathes through Immanuel to the whole creation of God, wishing salvation to every Soul that inhabits the earth; in which I entreat you (as a being subject to the same infirmities which you sometimes unavailably deplore) "repent and be conver­ted;" repentance you have frequently experienced, but too little I fear of that essential conversion which [Page 128]the Gospel of Jesus proposes, 'tis highly probable that some persons present have seen the necessity of that reno­vation of heart and reformation of manners intended by conversion, but urged by the powerful prevalency of their lusts, would if possible find some other remedy for a wounded conscience, than that which the simplicity of the Gospel requires, as a necessary prelude to the favour of God; like the young Man in the Gospel, they have been animated with a desire to be enrolled amongst the disciples of Jesus, who are called Heirs of God and Co-heirs with Christ of that inheritance which is incorruptible and full of Glory; they have asked counsel of the wonderful counsellor, addressing him with this important question, ‘ ^* what good thing shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?’ yet when the un­changeable terms of salvation have been proposed, when they have been told that they must part with all their Idols, they have gone away sorrowful, the terms have appeared too hard for them to comply with; and like Naaman who wanted to be cured of his Leprosy, yet was staggered at the simplicity of the Prophet's direction, are crying out ‘ ^† are not Abana and Pharpar rivers of Damascus better than all the waters of Israel, may I not wash in them and be clean?’ thus numbers amongst Mankind are striving to elude the measures which the Gospel of Jesus enjoins, and are substituting others in their stead, which are better adapted to sooth the carnal mind, and prevent that mortification which human nature shrinks from.

Man is desirous to possess the crown of eternal life, but not to bear the Cross; he would indeed reign with Christ, but not suffer with him; he would accompany him to the mount of transfiguration, but not to Gol­gotha; he would be his attendant at his Glorification, but not in the awful scene of his Humiliation.

[Page 129] Divers have wandered as from mountain to moun­tain and from hill to hill, seeking for the living in the Sepulchres of the Dead, they have sometimes adopted one creed, and sometimes another, practised external ordinances, and complied with empty forms, addres­sing themselves frequently to guides as blind and im­potent as themselves with this awful inquiry ‘Men and Brethren what shall we do to be saved?" "I say again, repent and be converted,’ for this is the only way to find salvation to your Souls; no external cere­monies, no verbal confessions, nor any change of opi­nions merely, can accomplish this repentance and con­version, and afford you the consequent reward of a glorious immortality, this important work of salvation must be effected in man, by the powerful operation of the Holy Ghost, which is a consuming fire to the ad­verse part in Man, to the corrupt and perverse will, which would not that Christ should reign in his Kingdom, and that God should be all in all. It is the Baptism of fire (of which John's was but a type) which discriminat­ing the pure from the impure, gathers the Wheat into the Garner but consumes the chaff with unquenchable burnings.

In the world there are many voices which correspond not with the voice of Christ, the only Shepherd of Souls (whom we ought to hear and obey in all things) but are the voices of those who preach for hire and divine for Money; who look for their gain from their respec­tive quarters; and as to such conscientious Men who cannot put into their mouths, they are ready to make war against them; these have found it for their worldly interest to lead the deluded people from, rather than to Christ, that glorious High Priest of the Christian Religion; they have attempted to render that mysterious which the Holy Ghost has left clear, and to perplex the under­standings [Page 130]of mankind with vain metaphysical speculati­ons, without making them either wiser or better. This class of Men whose God is their belly, and whose Glory is their shame, have indeed proved physicians of no real value; instead of laying the Axe to the root of the corrupt Tree, they have only attempted to lop off some of its branches; they have prescribed emollients, where the most searching operations were expedient; and healing the wound of the daughter of Zion deceit­fully have lulled, multitudes into a fatal security, flatter­ing them with hopes which it is to be feared will finally end in disappointment. There are others who assume the Office of Ministers, (the purity of whose intentions my Charity will not permit me to doubt,) who like a Man that attempts to answer a question before he has fully heard it, have too precipitately embarked in the important work of instructing Souls relative to the affairs of salvation; these are like Ephraim ‘ ^* a Cake not turned,’ are not yet instructed in the way of God perfectly, and whilst they are teaching others, had need themselves to be taught what are the first principles of the Oracles of God; they have run on the Lord's errand unsent, and therefore have not essentially profited the people; they have taken upon them to guide those who are inquiring what they shall do to be saved, and have led them indeed from the confines of Egypt, but leave them (undirected to the spiritual Moses) to wander in uncertainty and to compass a mountain of doubts in the wilderness. May the Lord Almighty in his mercy gather these who are wandering as sheep without a Shepherd, and lead them into the sacred inclosure of his fold, into eternal safety.

Let it not be thought from any thing I have said, that I look upon all those who appear girded with the [Page 131]linen Ephod, of other Christian societies, either as Impostors, or the deluded votaries of Antichrist; I free­ly declare, that I doubt not but many of them have had a dispensation of the Gospel committed to them, and although they may be biased by the prejudice of education and the traditions of their Fathers, yet the root of the matter seems to be in them; and I esteem these (in whatever society they are found or in whatever vestments they are cloathed) as my Brethren in the fel­lowship of the everlasting Gospel of Christ; yet I can­not direct the searcher after truth who is pensively enquir­ing what he shall do to be saved, to the Ministry of any Man, but would rather recommend him to the imme­diate teaching of the word nigh in the heart, even the spirit of God; this is the only infallible teacher, the primary adequate rule of faith and practice, and will lead those who attend to its dictates into the peaceable paths of safety and of truth. ‘ ^* Ye need not (says the holy Apostle to the Church formerly) that any Man teach you, save as this anointing teacheth, which is truth and no lie;’ cease therefore from Man whose breath is in his nostrils, and whose existence is but a vapour, for wherein is he to be accounted of? as a falli­ble being he is liable to frequent deceptions, and there­fore liable to deceive; whereas the spirit of God cannot be deceived, neither will it deceive any Soul that yields itself to its Government and obeys its dictates.

O ye penitent Prodigals! my Soul earnestly longs for your restoration to the mercy and favour of God! ye who are reduced by your wanderings in the wilderness of this world to a state of extream poverty, to the want of that bread that comes, down from the celestial Regions above, which alone can nourish the Soul up unto eternal Life! ye who are attempting to satisfy the [Page 132]cravings of an immortal spirit with the spiritless husks and shells of an empty profession of Religion! look towards your Father from whom you have revolted; remember that in his House there is bread enough and to spare; there your Souls may be replenished with ever enduring substance: Return, O House of Israel! and seek the face of your everlasting friend and Father! he has in unspeakable kindness declared that he will be found of those who seek him in sincerity of heart, and that as many as knock at the Gate of mercy for an entrance, shall be admitted to his presence, and receive the remission of their Sins.

The humble address which the Prodigal made to his Father (in that excellent parable given us by Christ) the Father's return to it, and the manner of his reception into favour, is exceedingly expressive of the becoming penitence of the one and the mercy of the other ‘ ^* I have sinned against Heaven and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy Son, make me therefore as one of thy hired Servants.’ The injur­ed parent compassionates his distress, takes the Prodi­gal in his arms, owns him for his Son; orders the fatted Calf to be killed, and rebukes the envy of his elder Brother with, ‘this my Son was dead but is alive again, was lost but is found!’ O the height and depth of the goodness and mercy of God! look unto him all ye ends of the earth and be ye saved.

Before I conclude, I find it in my Heart to address another class in this Meeting, a class who have earnestly sought and happily sound him of whom Moses and the Prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth the Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us; you who once were scattered as sheep without a shepherd, on the [Page 133]barren mountains and desolate hills of an empty profes­sion, but the Great Shepherd of Souls hath gathered you within the sacred Inclosure of his Sheepfold, and you are under the peculiar protection of the Lord Almighty, you hath he plucked as brands out of the burning, and redeemed to himself with the saving strength of his right Arm; may you ever remember his unutterable mercy, and dedicate the remaining moments of life to the honour of his Name. My Soul salutes you in the endeared affection of the Gospel of peace, and wishes your establishment in Righteousness, that you may abide in holy patience the fiery trial of your faith through­out the days of your Pilgrimage on earth, and become as fixed pillars in the celestial building, the house of God, that shall go no more out.

If ye abide in the word of faith by which ye have been taught, the malice of Men nor Devils, nor all the united powers of darkness, shall be able to pluck you out of the hand of him, who is your Judge, your King, your Protector, your Father and your everlasting Friend. When the earth shall be wrapped together as a scroll, and the Sun and Moon be darkned, when every Constella­tion of the Heavens sinks into everlasting obscurity, and the Elements of this world shall melt with fervent heat, you will possess an habitation within the superior regi­ons of a new Heaven and a new Earth, where the Lord your Righteousness dwells.

Many of the pretended wise, learned and prudent who have sought to climb up some other way, rather than to enter by Christ, who is the door (by the conditions which he has proposed) into the sheepfold, may pity you as fools, or ridicule you as enthusiasts, count your lives madness, and your end to be without honour, but they will one day be astonished at the strangeness of [Page 134]your Salvation, when they see to their confusion that you are finally numbered amongst the Children of God, and that the lot of your Inheritance is amongst the Saints. In the World you are to expect tribulations of various kinds; pain, sickness, temptations and disap­pointments invade the breast of the most righteous and temperate amongst Men; the cup of mixture (more or less impregnated with the wormwood and the gall) is the lot of all Men, designed doubtless to effect a valu­able purpose, by him who afflicts not willingly, nor without a righteous and benevolent cause, the Children of Men; as the Heavens are higher than the Earth so are the ways of Almighty Wisdom higher than our ways, and his thoughts than our thoughts! We see a little, and but a very little of the amazing universal plan of his Government over rational and immortal spirits. It lies beyond the reach of the most exalted human faculties to comprehend his wisdom, throughout the righteous administration of his Providence, which is unsearchable! It is our duty as frail dependent beings to meet every dispensation of his Providence with that resignation of spirit, which incessantly breathes the hum­ble language of "not my will O Lord! but thine, be done in all things!" Under the evils which we feel and which our prudence could not prevent, let us rather implore divine aid to endure them with patience, than to pray that they may be removed from us; lest like ignorant Children we should seek to avoid that portion from our Heavenly Father's Hand, which he graciously designed to remove or prevent a greater evil. This is not the place of your rest, but a state of probation, a painful pilgrimage, a Land of pits and snares, through which lies a narrow Path to the regions of eternal Peace.

[Page 135] The Soul by reason of its connexion with the body, inclosed within the walls of flesh, cannot extend its views and employ its faculties on divine objects, without frequent interruption; but when the days of its captivity are accomplished, it will be capable of a more glorious expansion in the Kingdom of Immortality, and (if bear­ing the inscription of Holiness) will be put in possession or that Joy which is unspeakable and full of Glory. Therefore in all those calamities to which we are subject in the house of our Pilgrimage, we have a place of re­fuge to flee to, where safety is alone to be found; though indeed we must feel in degree as Men, yet we may pos­sess the patience, resignation and holy fortitude of Christians, who are looking for a better Country, a more excellent Inheritance in that City whose Inhabitant cannot say "I am Sick."

Be ye therefore stedfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour shall not be in vain. Be ye in your several stations in the Church, and in the world, as way-marks to the honest inquirers who are asking their way to Zion, and from a true sense of their condition are crying out "what shall we do to be saved?" shew forth by your example of Charity, Sobriety, Temperance and Holi­ness of Life, that you are redeemed from the spirit of the world, that lies in wickedness; be not captivated by its trifling amusements, nor insnared by its lying vani­ties, but retain the fear of the Lord which will keep the heart clean, and prove a source of surest consolation when all things else will be unavailing! let the purity of your lives demonstrate that you are attentive to things more excellent, things that are permanent and eternal, essentially relating to the salvation of the Soul! by this means you will become the consecrated Temples of the Holy Ghost, and be a means of leading others in the way of Righteousness!

[Page 136] Finally, my Brethren, farewell! I commend you to God, the Shepherd of Israel, and to the word of his Grace; this is alone able to build us up in the most ho­ly faith, to direct our feet in the way of Righteousness and Peace; and finally to put us in possession of a glo­rious Inheritance amongst the saints, that will never fade away.

THE HEADS OF A SERMON
PREACHED at HORSLEYDOWN MEETING, upon the close of a visit to Friends Families in that Quarter, the 19th of the Eleventh MONTH, 1769.

A SOLEMN summons which the Almighty gave through his Prophet Joel, to a People whom he had known above all the families of the Earth, (at a time when they had revolted and departed in Heart from him) has been revived in my mind; with an ap­prehension that the same authority requires the repub­lication of it in this day, to a People likewise highly favoured of him; and who have in like manner depart­ed from their first love.

‘ ^* Blow the Trumpet in Zion—sanctify a fast—call a solemn assembly—gather the People—sanctify the Congregation—assemble the Elders—gather the Chil­dren and those that suck the breast—let the Bride­groom go forth of his chamber, and the Bride out of her closet—let the Priests, the Ministers of the Lord, weep between the Porch and the Altar; let them say, spare thy People O Lord! and give not thy heritage to reproach, that the Heathen should [Page 138]rule over them! wherefore should they say amongst the People, where is their God? then will the Lord be jealous over his Land and pity his People.’

As I am about to conclude (perhaps finally conclude) my labours amongst you in this Quarter; I would que­ry with some, with many that are present, whether they have not heard intelligibly the sound of the Trum­pet, calling them with a degree of certainty, to arise and prepare themselves for the Battle. My Brethren and Sisters, amongst whom I have been constrained in the overflowings of the Fathers Love, to labour in a private capacity, breaking (I hope I may say) a little bread from house to house—the everlasting Gospel has been preached amongst you with all the force of pathe­tic energy, with all the tenderness of divine compassi­on; let it not be ineffectual! The Gospel message has been delivered with such indubitable clearness, that your judgments have been convinced, you have assent­ed to " ^* the Truth as it is in Jesus;" suffer not the im­pressions it has made on your minds to be speedily eras­ed. Far, very far, be it from me to think highly of myself, to exalt the Officer, the Minister. I would not that you should hold any Man's person in high esti­mation. I am deeply sensible that to me belongs ‘blush­ing and confusion of face,’ but I magnify mine of­fice, and the power of him who has seen meet to employ me therein; I would endeavour to exalt in your view the adorable goodness and condescension of the great Author of all mercies, in that he has caused the Trum­pet to be renewedly sounded in your borders; hear its important message with suitable attention; let it rouse and prepare all the ranks in the Armies of our Israel, to engage in the glorious Cause of our God. Let the Daughter of our Zion arise from the bed of [Page 139]Indolence; from the lethargic stupor of a fatal forget­fulness; from all the deadning benumbing gratifications of sensuality, and shake herself from the dust of the earth, that she may come up to the help of him who hath called her with an high and holy calling. The Trum­pet is blown in her streets, the alarm has been heard by all, Oh! let not its language be rendered unintelligible by the multiplicity of trivial things that too much ab­sorb the minds of many.

I am fully persuaded that the gracious Visitation of humbling melting goodness, has been afresh extended to individuals present, in (I had almost said) a very me­morable manner; nor will I recall the expression, for if it is not treasured up in your remembrance now, for your profit and advantage, it will be memorable in that awful approaching period, when every neglected mercy will appear deeply engraven, as a dread ‘ ^* Hand­writing on the wall,’ against us. Let me therefore tenderly intreat you, with all the warmth of unutterable affection, as a Brother, as a fellow Pilgrim, through the vicissitudes of time to the unmixed joys of a happy eternity, that you will no longer neglect the offers of Mercy, or turn a deaf ear to the reproofs of Instruction. I feel my mind covered with that boundless Love, that wishes, that ardently desires, you may indeed be wise for yourselves: For although I may be deficient in ma­ny qualifications of a Gospel Minister, I am not want­ing in that pure disinterested Love, which seeks not your but you. ‘Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a Fast.’ If we were but enough attentive to the sound of the Trumpet, we should see the absolute necessity of this sanctified fast; a fast from every of those delusive pleasures, those slavish attachments, that render the mind insensible of Good. ‘Call a solemn [Page 140]Assembly.’ This branch of the summons (may some say) belongs only to a few, and we have no share in the duty it enjoins. I confess I am of another opinion; I think every Individual has a share in the Instruction couched in it. "Call a solemn Assembly." Oh! you active ones, stop a while in your swift career; make a solemn pause; stand collected from every object that can gratify or delight the sensual part; labour diligently to assemble all the powers and faculties of your Souls, that they may be sanctified by him who gave them. I believe there is no useless, dead, unactive member in the Church of God; and those that can thus assemble the collected attention of a redeemed mind, devoted to do the divine will, have an undoubted right from the highest Authority to call an holy convocation. ‘ ^* We can do nothing against the Truth, but for the Truth,’ was the language of some formerly, who had indeed sanctified an acceptable Fast. I much desire that those who perhaps cannot be so active in promoting this glo­rious Cause amongst the Sons of Men, as some who are called into more eminent stations in the Church, may by a circumspect care over all their words and actions, see that they do nothing against the Truth. "Call a solemn assembly; gather the People." How scattered are many of the members of this Quarter! scattered indeed as sheep without a shepherd! dispersed up and down in the dark vale of insensibility and self­forgetfulness! many upon the barren Mountains of an empty profession; lost to all sense of religious fellow­ship; unacquainted with that holy union in which is the bond of Peace! How many are the Gallios I have met with amongst you, who (alas! it may be said) care for none of these things! Oh you Elders! who are or might have been as Pillars in the Lord's House; you delegated Shepherds, who might have adorned the first ranks in the armies of our Israel, if you had not sat [Page 141]down and taken up a rest short of those glorious abodes, which are prepared for them that steadily persevere in the line of divine appointment—to you the call is, "Gather the People."

^* Am I my Brothers keeper!" let it suffice for me that I look to myself, and that my own Family is in tolerable order, is a language that too much prevails. But Oh! that you had the Cause of God more at heart; that you were more engaged to gather the People; that you might, with a Fatherly care, overlook those whose minds at present resemble the barren desert, the uncultivated wilderness; that you might comfort and encourage them that tread the gloomy scenes of an adverse allotment, as it were cut off from every Joy, and alive to each painful sensibility; how would it com­fort many of these, if an experienced friend was now and then to drop into their families, and at times speak a word, in the opening of divine wisdom, suit­able to their several states: I believe it would be a great means of gathering the People. Why should your care be circumscribed within the narrow limits of your own Families (altho' they should certainly be well regulated) but you might be more extensively servicea­ble, if thus engaged in the care of the Houshold of God. I am persuaded that the divine wing would be over you, and a Blessing would attend your labours. 'Tis not a time for us to dwell unconcerned in our ceiled Houses, when the House of God lies waste. We have, many of us, the same tender connexions as you; I myself have the same endearing attachments as some of you, the same ties of domestic Love, and per­haps as deeply sensible of all their force, as some of you; not less attentive to every relative and social duty, than some of you; my Nature is not harsh, my Prin­ciples much less so; yet I am made willing to leave all, [Page 142]to come and labour with you; if so be I might be in­strumental to rouse any to a more arduous pursuit of their everlasting Interest; and I can freely acknowledge, with humble thankfulness, that I never more fully ex­perienced my Peace to flow as a River; never could with greater Joy say ‘ ^* return Oh! my Soul to the place of thy rest, for the Lord thy God hath dealt bountifully with thee,’ than when I have been thus engaged in extensive private labours; visiting the sick; reviving the sorrowful; encouraging the disconsolate; strengthening the weak; watching over and carefully admonishing the giddy incautious Youth; and I doubt not but you would have the reward of Peace in your own bosoms, if as heads of the society you were more often thus employed in endeavouring to ‘gather the People.’

"Sanctify the Congregation; assemble the Elders." I have been deeply concerned to see some of the Elders so deficient in filling the line of divine appointment. If they were more frequently engaged to assemble un­der the holy influence of that power in which they should move, they would many of them be command­ed to "blow the Trumpet in Zion; but I know of no state harder to speak to or more difficult to reach, than that of an Elder whose mind is overgrown by the earthly nature; ‘ ^† Oh! Earth, Earth, Earth! hear the word of the Lord.’ I don't recollect any other instance in sacred writ, where attention is demanded in a similar manner; "Oh! Earth, Earth, Earth!" thus thrice repeated, plainly signifying the great difficulty there is in reaching to those, who are as it were buried in the earth, whose minds are fixt in it.

"Gather the Children." You that have the rising Youth under your care, let me call upon you, let me [Page 143]intreat you to "gather the Children;" gather them from all the bewitching enticing allurements of the world, gather their attention to that of God in their own minds. Oh! how have I secretly mourned to see the poor Children so sorrowfully neglected; so unin­structed; so much estranged to that holy divine principle, which would so exceedingly beautify and enrich them! but alas! how few Parents are rightly qualified to teach their Children the law of divine love; to instill into their tender minds proper sentiments, to cultivate up­on them those impressions that would be of everlasting advantage; and if the Children, when the gracious visitation of the Father of mercies moves upon their hearts, warming and animating them with the Love of Virtue, raising the secret sigh, and begetting desires after Heaven and Holiness: I say if the Children should then ask the negligent parent; ‘what is this secret something which I feel; this principle which im­presses my mind with the love of Virtue? what is it? what value shall I set upon it?’ How then can you give them suitable instruction? you cannot teach them obedience to its sacred dictates, when your own example speaks a language quite opposite: Oh! why should the Sea Monster be brought against you ‘ ^* the Sea Monster draweth forth the breast to her Young, but the Daughter of my People is become cruel, like the Ostrich in the Wilderness that leaveth her Eggs in the Sand to be hatched by the beams of the Sun, and considereth not that the Foot of the Pas­senger may crush them!’—the Daughter of my Peo­ple hath lest her tender Offspring to the uncertainty of being accidentally benefited, or I should rather say, to the Mercy of God, unasked, unsought, exposed to all the dangers of a dreary Wilderness, unaided unas­sisted by the Care of a natural Parent! The Tongue [Page 144]of the sucking Child cleaveth to the roof of its Mouth for thirst! the Children ask Bread and there is none in many Families to break it, they want to be nourished by the sincere Milk of the word, but alas! ‘the Daughter of my People is become cruel!’ Oh! you Parents, you delegated Shepherds, what account will you have to render when the Lord of the whole Earth ariseth to make inquisition for Blood!

Bear with me my beloved Friends; flattery and smooth tales may please Fools, but they will not please him whom I desire to serve in the Gospel of his Son. All that is within me is moved, while I thus earnestly expostulate with you on behalf of the dear Children; suffer me to intreat you, for God's sake, for your own Soul's sake, for the sake of the Cause of Truth, "Gather the Children, and those that suck the breast;" those that are filling themselves with the World's con­solation, with the intoxicating pleasures and amuse­ments of a degenerate age; wean them from these de­lights; gather them to the knowledge of themselves, to a sense of the Mercies that are offered them by the great Author of Mercies ancient and new. ‘ ^* While thy Servant was busied hither and thither the Man made his escape,’ was the vain excuse of the Offi­cer to whose custody a certain Captive was committed with this charge, ‘ ^† take care of this Man till I come, and if thou let him go, thy life shall go for his life.’ No plea of other engagements, nor even the want of ability to discharge our duty towards our Offspring will stand us in any stead; if, when the Almighty queries with us ‘What hast thou done with those Lambs I left under thy care in the wil­derness, those tender Offsprings I gave thee in charge!’ we have through neglect, through un­watchfulness suffered him or her to go, but we shall [Page 145]most certainly, stand accountable for his or her Life. I said want of ability, because I assuredly believe, that want of ability will be so far from a palliation of our Crime, that it will rather increase our condemnation; can we plead want of ability to him who is always ready to furnish us with it, if we are but willing to receive it at his Hand!.

I am of opinion respecting many of our Youth, that if they had been properly instructed, and carefully watched over, if they could have seen the beauty of Holiness shine in the example of their Parents, they would not have gone out so widely as they have. Oh! you Parents of both sexes, an important trust is repos­ed in you; example your Children in the practice of Piety; example speaks louder, much louder, than pre­cept; its influence is far more extensive. And while on the one hand you are excited to a faithful discharge of your duty towards them, by the certain hope of a glorious reward; so on the other hand, the powerful ties of natural affection, the warm solicitude for the happiness of those you love, must stir up to diligence in the work and service appointed you.

"Gather the Children." If after your attentive care has been employed, for their preservation; if after by the forceable voice of example, you have called them to the perfecting of holiness in the fear of God, they will go, they will turn aside into the byways and crook­ed paths of sin and iniquity, they must stand by their own choice; you have redeemed your Souls, and will be found in your lots at the end of time, a ponderous Crown awaits you, you will close your eyes, and open them to the boundless fruition of unmixt Joy, in a happy eternity.

[Page 146] We do sometimes with sorrow observe, the unweari­ed labours of a Parent's love, bestowed without the de­sired effect; 'tis mournful to see Children pierce with bitterness and anxiety the breast that has been their support in their infantile years; to fill that eye with sorrow, that has dropt over them the tear of maternal fondness! 'tis a cruel thing for a Child to mingle Gall and Wormwood, in the cup of a Parent descending to the Grave; let us be assured that their own portion of Gall and Wormwood will be doubly increased thereby, in the solemn hour of just Retribution! But, Oh belo­ved Youth! I earnestly desire that you may never thus widely deviate from the paths of rectitude; 'tis on you the hope of the present age must shortly devolve; may you wisely choose an early submission to the holy dis­cipline of the Cross of Christ, that you may come up as an Army for God. Consider the uncertainty of your stay here; consider the important business of Life; and let the love of every unprofitable delight, be swal­lowed up in the arduous pursuit of Glory, Honour, Immortality and Eternal Life. We are daily instruct­ed by the powerful eloquent language of Mortality; Death invades all ranks, snatches those of all ages from the busy stage of life, she that was yesterday sur­rounded with nuptial Joys, must to-morrow be confined within the cold inclosure of the silent Grave. ‘Let the Bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the Bride out of her Closet;’ let the young, the joyous; those that are in the bloom of life, leave every thing that tends to retard their progress towards the City of the Saints solemnity; let them relinquish their most exalted satisfactions, rather than neglect to lay hold on the Joys of God's Salvation; which are unutterably more desirable, than all the sin-pleasing gratifications that this World can bestow.

‘Let the Priests, the Ministers of the Lord weep between the Porch and the Altar;’ this should not [Page 147]be confined to those only whose mouths may be open­ed publickly amongst you, for it belongs to all those who Preach to others by the regularity of a Godly life and conversation; although we are favoured with a living ministry of divine appointment, who dare not fill the ears of Men with a repetition of unfelt Truths, nor amuse them with the unprofitable productions of an empty mind, but are concerned to discharge themselves faithfully ‘ ^* as stewards of the mysteries of God’ yet let them be joined by all those that mourn for the desolation of Zion; by all that wish Peace within her Walls and prosperity within her Palaces, Let us weep between the Porch and the Altar, saying ‘Spare thy People O Lord! and give not thy Heri­tage to reproach, that the Heathen should rule over them! wherefore should they say among the People, where is their God?’ If we are thus unitedly en­gaged on behalf of our Israel it may be that the Lord will again "be jealous over his land" with an holy jealousy, for I cannot think that a People whom he has raised by his own invincible power, and so signal­ly placed his name amongst, were ever designed to be only the transient Glory of a couple of centuries; I am still revived by a secret Hope of better times, when our Zion shall again put on her beautiful Garments; and in her, and with her, shall arise Judges as at the first, and Counsellors and Lawgivers as at the beginning; let us weep between the Porch and the Altar; let us interceed for the People that the land may yet be spar­ed! the gracious ear of our Heavenly Father is still open to the supplications of his Children, and I believe he will yet ‘ ^† be jealous over his Land and pity his People.’ The time approaches when the great dasher in pieces will more and more come up amongst us, and may all who are broken by him, wait to be healed by the arising of his Love; I shall not live to see it, but [Page 148]I live in the Faith, and I believe I shall die in the Faith, that the Lord of Hosts will yet beautify the place of his Feet, that our ‘ ^* Zion will yet become an Eternal excellency, and Jerusalem the praise of the whole Earth!’

Let us weep between the porch and the Altar with unwearied intercession, for ‘the Lord will yet be jea­lous over his Land and pity his People.’ The bowels of adorable Compassion yet yearn over his Chil­dren, with all the tenderness of a Father's Love, ‘ ^†. How shall I give thee up O Ephraim? How shall I make thee as Admah and set thee as Zeboam?’ How shall I cut thee off from being a People before me? by this moving and pathetic language would the Great Father of the Universe induce you to return to the Arms of everlasting Mercy! And if we who are placed as Watch­men in Zion faithfully discharge the trust reposed in us, we shall be made Instrumental in gathering the scattered and dispersed Sheep, from the East and from the West, from the North and from the South, to the great Shepherd, to the one Sheepfoid; and finally ob­tain an admittance into those glorious Mansions where the morning Stars join in Singing Hallelujahs! and where all the Sons of God forever shout for Joy.

Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the only God! be Honour and Praise for ever and ever.