FIRST PART.

This first part, which is designed to be the improve­ment of an anniversary Sermon, may perhaps, occasion a query with some, why this sermon (in part) has the title of an anniversary sermon; the reply is, because, that for the space of forty-five years I have annually or every year preached a new-year's sermon to my people. During this space of time, it has been the practice of minister and people in this place, to take some special notice of the be­ginning of the year, by meeting in this house on every new year's day, for solemn meditation and religious exer­cises. Careful to avoid every thing of a superstitious aspect, yet employing common time to holy purposes, as we have opportunity; from a principle of zeal toward God, and of care for our souls: wishing to redeem time, and to begin the year with God, by the exercises of wor­ship and solemn devotion. I would just premise and observe, that to commemorate the works of God, is a duty of perpetual, as well as universal obligation, and can never be out of season: but there are times in which it appears eminently in season, and seems the special duty of the day: and most eminently so, is the Lord's-day, and a New-Year's day. Upon these days especially, it is im­portant [Page 23] duty to be exercised in meditating on, and com­memorating God's wonderful works of creation, redemp­tion and providence. To call into view, to commemorate and celebrate the display of the glory of God's creating perfections, the glory of his power, and wisdom, and goodness, sovereignty and alsufficiency. As also the yet more marvellous display of the glory of his redeeming attributes, as they shine in their admirable beauty and harmony "in the face, in the person, of our Lord Jesus Christ, the brightness of divine glory." Holding in me­mory his glorious resurrection; and that as Lord of the sabbath, he hath changed it from the last, to the first day of the week. It is also eminently in season, on the Lord's day, and on a New-Year's day, to commemorate God's wonderful works of Providence, and the display of the glory of his governing perfections. It is therefore natu­ral to observe, that we have now a double call to the im­portant duty of commemorating God's wonderful works of creation, redemption, and providence: For this is the Lord's-day, and a New-Year's-day; they are now asso­ciated, and unitedly invite us to commemorate those works of God, so glorious, inexhaustable and eternal! The time will not admit at present, that we meditate upon these divine themes distinctly; they must only occasion­ally be touched upon in the several parts of our discourse as we proceed. Our text and run of thought upon it, pointing out our "times as in the hand of God," directly tend to invite us at present, to commemorate the more signal dispensations of God's providence and grace to­ward us. I shall therefore now make an address to the assembly in general, upon this important point of duty.

My dear people, the most of you doubtless remember that God required the Israelites "to remember all the way which he led them for forty years in the wilderness" ^*—that he called them "to look to the rock whence they were hewn" ^†—that it was the pious resolve of David [Page 24] "to remember the years of the right hand of the Most High." ^‡ Let me now invite you to call into view some singular tokens of God's infinite kindness toward you, and thereby your infinite obligations to praise him, and to be consecrated to his service and glory. How very singular and important our existence here in this world: formed with such an alliance to angel and spirit as to take rank above all the creatures on this side the stars! From the noble structure and powers of the human mind, it appears that we were formed with a subjective capacity, capable of the everlasting fruition of God. Such is our kind of being, as declares our author God, the Father of our spirits, and that we are bound to him; as manifesting such singular kindness unto us. Let us now for a mo­ment look back to the aera of our existence and the tim­ing of it, and the manifestation of the singular kindness of God therein. Our God, in whose hand "our times are," in his deep counsel and infinite wisdom fixed upon the time for our existence and coming into the world. Not in the period of time assign'd the antediluvian world, "when all flesh had corrupted his way,"—nor in the new world, before, nor under the law given by Moses, which had only "the shadow of good things to come;" but under the christian dispensation; when "the wall of par­tition is taken down"—that Christ may be preached to the gentiles." Not in the time of the bloody persecuti­ons of the church, in the three first centuries of the christian aera, under Roman pagan: nor in the dark and idolatrous time of anti-christian tyranny and superstition; "when all the world wandered after the beast;" but since the glorious reformation from popery, and the establishment of the protestant religion: now near two thousand years since the coming of Christ our Lord;—and in a day of copious effusions of the Holy Spirit, and of marvellous grace: so as that we see the preludes to, and even the first dawnings of the latter-day glory. Nor is it to be [Page 25] passed over in silence, that in consequence of the late wonderful revolution in America we hope to enjoy per­petual freedom from civil and ecclesiastical tyranny: which, with the enjoyment of all gospel privileges give us occasion to adopt the language of inspiration, "The lines are fallen to us in pleasant places." How hath the Lord opened the treasures of his goodness and pour'd his blessings in upon you on all sides, and followed you with his rich, various, free and repeated mercies from the first commencement of your existence to the present moment. In the days of helpless infancy, and through every stage of life, how hath he provided for you, and conferred the blessings of health, food and raiment upon you? The luminaries of heaven shine, the earth labours, and all the (otherwise discordant) elements conspire to promote your comfort. Power and goodness divine have accompanied every moment of life, equally swift in approach, for your conservation and consolation. If the series of mercies seem'd for a time in a measure interrupted, by afflictive ills, this manner of dispensation, was wisely and well and even kindly calculated to afford you lessons of useful in­struction. When sickness and death have invaded your neighbours, your friend; or relative, and spread havock and desolation around you, and it may be have taken away a member of the family in which you live, you have escaped; and this day appear as monuments of God's sparing mercy. How great the preventing and deliver­ing goodness of God! What numerous seen, and yet more unseen dangers have been escaped? What numberless positive blessings, temporal, spiritual, personal and rela­tive, public and private, have been confer'd upon you by the immediate hand of God, your bountiful benefactor. Permit me to remind you yet more fully of the infinite kindness of God toward you, manifested by the various means he makes use of to promote your eternal salvation. In consequence of the donation, the mediation, the obedi­ence and death of Christ, you are invited, and urged by [Page 26] motives that have sanctions of infinite weight, to make sure of an interest in Him by faith, and thereby of eternal blessedness. By an early education you have been taught "man's chief end;" divine providence has smiled or frowned to draw or drive; bibles have been put into your hands; friends counsel you; thousands of saints are pray­ing for you; for this purpose holy angels attend our wor­shipping assemblies while the gospel is preached to you, and holy ordinances administer'd; ministers of the gospel "knowing the terrors of the Lord persuade you;"—they set life and death eternal before you, in all their glories and terrors; they proclaim your guilt, misery and danger—and exhibit to view the unsearchable riches of the glo­rious Emmanuel: his suitableness as a Saviour, and his infinite sufficiency to save, and his gracious readiness.—For this purpose, heaven darts down its splendors to attract— Sinai thunders wrath divine; hell flashes forth flaming ruin, to the end you may be excited "to flee from the wrath to come;" conscience admonishes you; the Holy Spirit co-operates with providences and ordi­nances to excite you to make sure of an interest in the Lord Christ, and eternal salvation by him. In the view of these numerous and mighty efforts of divine goodness to promote your well-being in both worlds, may it not be said, "what could have been done more, that has not been done?"—Surely such an amazing series of singular unmerited favours ought to inflame your gratitude, and to excite entire consecration to the service and glory of God, your, supreme benefactor. But if you refuse,—hear O earth, with horror; be astonished, O ye heavens, that God the fountain of being and all good, has so little gratitude from our stupid world! Here I might naturally address the Lord's people, who hope they have experi­mentally known his love; but this will soon come in of course. I might also take special notice of the signal salvations of our God the year past, how he has surround­ed us with his goodness, and enriched us with his mercy, [Page 27] and crowned the year with numerous salvations; but the time would fail. In the view of such a profusion of bles­sings let me call upon you cautiously to avoid vile and horrid ingratitude; ingratitude that may justly shock and confound—while it is enough to sink the whole world into the depths of hell! To be every moment receiving blessings from God, and yet perpetually offending him to his face; can infernal spirits in everlasting chains be­come guilty of such astonishing ingratitude! Let me invite you to abound in the duty of commemorating glorious divine operations, relative to God's wonderful works of creation, redemption, and providence: and take heed that you don't content yourselves with a mere hist­orical and superficial commemoration; but ever look that your remembrance of these high and mighty events be attempered to the nature and importance of them, and applied to experimental, devotional and practical purposes in religion. Our remembrance must be attended with the exercise of particular graces and virtues—with assent and persuasion—with approbation and wonder—with humility and reverence—with contrition and penitence—with affection and complacence—with thanksgiving and praise—with faith, hope, prayer, frequency and perseve­rence—and with correspondent life and course of action.—Thus let us enter upon a new revolution of time; and as knowing our "times are in the Lord's hand." I have only to add here, as in the view of such peculiar distinguishing favours as we all share in; and of the an­swerable obligations we are all under,—"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you pre­sent your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God."

SECOND PART.

Forasmuch as a large number of this large auditory have this day partaken of the commemorating ordinance of the Lord's supper, this hath given occasion for this part of my discourse, which is called Eucharistical. The sacrament of the Lord's-supper hath several names by which it is known. It is frequently called the eucharist; so the Greek church called it, and we from them give it the same name, which properly signifies a thanksgiving; and it is so called in the first place, because our Lord in the institution of it, gave thanks, (1 Cor. 11. 24.) In the next place it is so called, because we in partaking thereof ought to give thanks. It is an ordinance of thanksgiving, appointed for the joyful celebrating of the Redeemer's praises. The cup of salvation must be "the cup of blessing:" the high praises of God should be in our mouths and in our hearts. ^† To attend the eucharist or holy sacrament, is to take an oath of allegiance unto the Lord. God doth in and by this ordinance seal to us, "to be to us a God:" and herein we seal to him "to be to him a people." We resign and give up our whole selves, body, soul, and spirit to God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; covenanting and promising to walk closely with him in all manner of gospel obedience all our days.—Therefore it will be natural upon this occasion to exhort the Lord's people to thanksgiving—and consecration to the service of God.

I therefore now make an address in particular to you my fellow-communicants, and fellow-candidates for eter­nal glory. That I may inflame your love, increase your gratitude, and excite you to give thanks and praise to the Divine Trinity, "and to walk as you have received the Lord Jesus Christ," answerable to the design of this eu­charistical [Page 29] part of my discourse, it may be useful to exhibit to your view the infinite obligations you are under to the performance of these and all other duties; and the exercise of these and all other graces: obligations resulting from the infinite perfections of God, and his communicative goodness, and singular kindness toward you. But here let me just observe, that whatever my charitable persua­sion [...]ward you may be in general, by that which I may now say, I do not mean to give my sanction to your hope that you have received the grace of God. If in our Lord's little family of twelve, there was a Judas that betrayed him under the mask of friendship, it will be marvellous indeed, if there be not a traitor found among hundreds. But as knowing that those who come to the Lord's-supper in this place, come with a prevailing hope that they have experienced a saving change, I now meet and address you on your own ground.—Ye children of God, his pe­culiar favourites, you have heard "that your times" in every point of view, are in "the hand of your God," therefore make confession of this truth with thanksgiving and praise. View the kindness of your God in your admirable formation; "there is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding." You will view the timing of your existence and coming into the world, and with gratitude acknowledge the kind­ness of your God: your lot is cast in a land of marvellous light, and in a day of abounding grace, by plentiful mea­sures of divine influence. You will often recognize with gratitude the infinite kindness of the Lord toward you in that he preserved you in life amidst perils of death, from the moment of your existence, for a number of years "when lying in your blood" and guilt, until the fixed time came for your effectual calling. You will remem­ber, that when the Holy Spirit first took hold of your heart by way of powerful conviction of your sin, guilt, and misery, he found you rushing on toward destruction, and that even then when "the arrows of the Almighty [Page 30] were within you; and his terrors took hold of you," so that in the view of your guilt you were trembling every moment with fears of just and speedy damnation eternal, I say even then such was the reigning power of enmity in your heart; and such the pride, the daring and horrid pride of your heart, that you obstinately opposed the soul humbling method of salvation by the gospel: and you would have resisted 'till dead, and damned forever, had not your opposition been conquered by the irresistible energy of divine and sovereign grace, in the day of the Lord's power, when you became the willing subjects of the Lord Christ your King Redeemer. You will often review the more signal tokens of the Lord's infinite lov­ing-kindness towards you through all the vicissitudes of life since your first saving acquaintance with him. How you have been assisted by the holy Spirit to exert your graces, and to perform duties spiritually and evangeli­cally; and to conform to the divine will, providential and revealed, with a sacred pleasure. How you have by the power of divine grace repelled and broke the force of temptation, by satan, the world and the flesh. How when dismal gloom by desertion over-spread your mind, and tormenting doubts and fears rushed in upon you, the Lord dispelled your darkness, and revived your hope and comfort by light divine. How he often enabled you "to cry Abba Father," and often appeared for you as a prayer-hearing God. How he hath upheld and sup­ported you under trials and afflictive ills, and hath caused your consolation to exceed your tribulation. How some events most unpromising and adverse in themselves, have by the over-ruling power and love of God served to pro­mote your temporal and spiritual felicity. How when your graces and virtues withered, he noticed your sighs for want of the absent Comforter, and granted you "fresh anointings, so that your souls became "as a watered garden."—How hath the Lord, from time to time ad­mitted you to converse with him in public ordinances, [Page 31] and also met with you in your retirements, both by day and night, in the house and by the way, and held divine communion with you. In a word, how have you found upon all occasions a sufficiency in the grace of God, for doing and suffering his will: so that you have been ready to say a thousand times, "surely God is good to Israel." Especially when he hath, as it were, unlocked his peculiar treasures to inrich you with light, love and peace divine, and even caused you to rejoice with "joy unspeakable and full of glory."

Thus hath the Lord le [...] you on in your way to heaven by his Word and Spirit to this day; and this day hath given a renewed testimony of his infinite kindness by ad­mitting you to communion with him at the holy eucharist, which demands thanksgiving and praise. You will now reflect, that this is the Lord's Day, our communion Day, and a new-year's Day.—Have we not to day, as it were, heard the Lord of love saying unto us, "Come ye chil­dren of my love, I will begin this new year with you at a love feast: as inviting you to behold the Lamb of my election and affection in sufferings, even unto death for the purpose of your eternal salvation. Here at my board, richly furnished, in and through the Mediator the Son of my love, I make over my self to you in all my infinite perfections, and all my most glorious subsistences, I will be your God, and you shall be my people. By faith a­vouch me to be your God, and the promises and blessings of the new covenant are ratified to you by solemn oath, and sealed by sacred blood. Thus begin this year with me, perform your vows, walk with me, and I, who Am that I Am, will be your confederate God for ever and ever."—With holy joy and admiration we say Amen, we give thanks, and let the high praises of the adorable TRINITY be in our mouths and in our hearts, henceforth forever. If any of you have not had that sensible near­ness to the Lord, and that delightful communion with him, that you longed and prayed for, search after the cause [Page 32] why you have not, and be humble. Learn the sove­reignty of God in timing his communications, and the necessity of the divine influences in order to exercise graces, and to perform duties as you ought:—mourn your deficiences—persevere in thirsting after and praying for nearness to God—and improve this holy ordinance for the purpose of a purifying effect upon the heart and life, and it will not be a lost, but gainful opportunity.—If the Lord in infinite condescending love and grace hath admitted you to delightful converse and communion with him;—if he has brought you "into his banqueting house, and his banner over you has been love," and his love has been shed abroad in your hearts;—if by faith you have fed on the bread of life from heaven, and drunk of the soul-refreshing waters of eternal life—you have in­finite occasion to give thanks and to sing unto the Lord. We have all indeed occasion so to do, who are truly the Lord's people and have had such marvellous sights exhi­bited to view to day. In the holy sacrament is to be seen the Lamb of God slain, and as both able and worthy to open the seals of the everlasting gospel, the book of light and life eternal.—Here we see the infinite evil of sin in the red glass of Christ's sufferings, and by his atonement made for it, even by blood and death:—here we see his free, distinguishing, condescending, expensive, strong and everlasting love; and all needful blessings for time and eternity flowing to us, as believers, in the stream of his precious blood as incarnate God. Here we see the harmony of the redeeming attributes of God as meeting in Christ, relative to the salvation of fallen man, shining forth in their united full blaze of infinite everlasting glory. These marvellous things apprehended by faith are enough to whelm the soul as in an unfa­thomable, shoreless ocean of love, grace, and glory!—and to excite the angelic song, "glory to God in the highest." And now, ye saints of the most high God, who has loved you with an everlasting love, everlasting [Page 33] in its counsels, effects and consequences, and therefore with loving-kindness has he drawn you; drawn you by his arm exerted by infinite love, and sprinkled with the blood of his co-equal, co-eternal, "well beloved Son," when driving back the devouring flame, and snatching you "as brands out of the burning," and drawing you near to himself. Making you the monumental pillars and trophies of his boundless power, love and grace; thereby intending to shew to all worlds what the ex­ertion of his perfections can produce out of the ruined mass of mankind. And having loved you, "he will rejoice over you, and rest in his love for ever." For you he hath opened the inexhaustible fountain of his goodness▪ and conferred upon you an affluence of spiri­tual blessings in Christ;—blessings most excellent in their nature and quality, the sure pledges of infinite love, and eternal in duration:—And let me now add a con­sideration which gives an amazing emphasis to all now said, viz. all this profusion of singular, immortal, infinite, god-like blessings must be resolved into the rich, free, sovereign, overflowing, infinite and unmerited goodness of God. If the question should be asked, Why are we thus blessed? this is the only solution, that can be given to all eternity, "even so Father for so it seemed good in thy sight!" The demerit of our crimes was infinitely the reverse.—We deserved not the least mercy—but to be made miserable, perfectly and eternally. Now in such a view of things, what say you, my fellow candi­dates for eternal glory, ye favourites of heaven, can ye refrain from praising God for what he is in himself, and from giving thanks to him, for the overflowings of infi­nite goodness to you. Is it possible for you to keep silence, that the posts of the house, and stones of the wall may utter their voice, and cry, Ingratitude, aston­ishing ingratitude! What evidence can you have that every evil spirit is cast out of your heart, while a dumb spirit holds possession? Can it ever be, that you who [Page 34] are the subjects of such a profusion of blessings and be­miracled with mercies, should be the subjects of such vile and shocking ingratitude? Surely, in as much as you enjoy blessings as great as the infinite goodness of God can bestow, and as great as the infinite merit of Christ could purchase, you will resolve with the sweet singer of Israel, "every day will I bless thee, and I will praise thy name for ever and ever." ^† And again, "while I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises unto my God, while I have any being." ^‡ You will sing "the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty."—You will every day join the everlasting song of saints, and sing—"Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood; and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory, and dominion, forever and ever, Amen."

What remains now, but to testify your gratitude, and sensibility of obligation to praise and give thanks, by holy admiration, holy joy, and self-dedication to the ser­vice and glory of God. You come from the holy eucha­rist, full of abiding holy admiration. That "God is mindful of man," vile man: that he will dwell with man on earth, and hold communion with him—'tis a truth, but an astonishing one!—You will come from this holy ordinance rejoicing in God, as your exceeding joy; in all his infinite attributes; attributes which gua­ranty your eternal salvation; and rejoicing in the whole of his will as absolutely good and infinitely perfect.—Rejoicing in the Lord Jesus Christ, in his person—in all his offices—in the benefits of redemption by him—in his high exaltation and universal government—in all his promises and all his precepts: Rejoicing in the Holy Spirit, in all his infinite perfections, and glorious ope­rations: Rejoicing in the prosperity of Zion, and in the [Page 35] word and ordinances of God, and in his people as the excellent of the earth. Let me exhort you to see to it that your rejoicing in these glorious topics remains in you; and that your joy in them is the death of all joy in sin.—At the same time intersperse lamentations with your joy, in the view of your numerous deficien­ces and offences.

You will also see to it that you come from the Lord's table with firmness of resolution made in the strength of the Lord, that you serve him, honour Christ, cauti­ously avoid all evil; and persevere in the practice of every christian duty and virtue. You profess experi­mental religion, and that you will endeavour the practice of universal holiness. Without christian practice and an holy life, you will lack scripture evidence that you have grace and holy affections; for they directly, and power­fully tend to, and have their exercises and fruit in holy practice. In order to your being universally holy and obedient, your obedience must consist not only in nega­tives, universally avoiding wicked practices; but also you must be universal in the positives of religion. Chri­stianity requires that you not only shun the very appear­ance of all evil; and that as having named the name of Christ, you depart from iniquity in love and practice, totally and finally; but also that you become fervent in spirit serving the Lord; and holy in all manner of con­versation. You must not only be blameless and harm­less; but ornaments to christianity. "Shining in the beauties of holiness;" "your light so shining before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Let it appear that you have been with the Lord Jesus; and that his life is manifest in you: in that, as branches ingrafted in him by faith, as the true vine, you bring forth evangelical fruits of heart, lip, and life; having your conversation [Page 36] as becometh his gospel: Let his love constrain you to live to him, who you hope, has died for you. It is true, that all persons under the gospel dispensation, are under infinite obligation to serve God and their generation; obligation resulting from the infinite perfections of God, his commanding authority, and his communicative good­ness. The violation of infinite obligation is iniquity infinite. You hope the Lord hath done singular things for you, that he hath dealt more kindly with you than others; may he not then expect you will do more for him than others? Others share in the good things of the kingdom of common providence, and in the good things of the kingdom of the gospel, they enjoy the pri­vilege of bibles, ministers and ordinances; but you share not only in these, but in the special spiritual blessings of the kingdom of grace; and have a firm title to the bound­less blessings of the kingdom of eternal glory. Surely all possible infinite obligation is devolved upon you to exert yourselves in your several proper stations to glorify God, to honour Christ, and to do all the good you can to others.—Teach the world by your practice that the scripture doctrine of salvation by free and sovereign grace, is a doctrine according to godliness: "as a pecu­liar people shewing forth the praises of your God, who hath called you forth out of darkness into marvellous light:" with full purpose of heart cleaving to him, by faith, love, and obedience; "walking in his fear," as you would walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost." Rest not in past experiences and present attainments; but "go on to perfection." Christians that find they are under necessity of having recourse to past experience for evidence of their gracious sincerity and comfort, have not at present that exercise of grace and nearness to God they ought to have: if they had, light of evidence and comfort would arise from the present exercise of grace, as it always should. The more frequently the exercises of grace are renewed, the more abiding and confirmed [Page 37] our assurance will be▪ therefore, "forgetting those things which are behind,"—"Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."—"Give diligence to make your calling and election sure▪ for if you do these things you shall never be moved."—Stand upon your watch tower, at all times, watching against sin and temptation; watching unto duty—the matter of it, the timing of it, and the manner of perform­ance. Pray and praise without ceasing—converse much with God every day in your closets—and every day, and every hour in the day by ejaculatory or mental prayer. Christians that do not abound in ejaculatory prayer and praise, do not live near to God; they neglect a duty and mean eminently useful to support and promote the vigor and vitality of grace in the heart, and that by which the soul of the real christian is much fed and nourished.—Pray with an importunity that shall pierce even heaven, that the work of God among us, and where ever it is begun, may go on, and make glorious progress. That every department of Zion may be visited with a plenti­ful effusion of the Spirit. That "the latter-day glory" may speedily commence, and spread through the world. "That the knowledge of God may fill, and cover the earth, as the waters do the sea." To add no more here, I beseech and entreat you, "as you have therefore re­ceived Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him." You received him as your supreme felicity and all-sufficing portion for time and eternity, preferring of him above all other things, either in heaven or on earth, so walk as living to him, and upon him.—You received him as your teaching prophet to enlighten you by his word and spirit, that by his divine instruction you might become wise to eternal salvation; so walk.—You received him as your great high-priest, and intercessor in the presence of God; as having made complete atonement for sin, and brought in a law-fulfilling, everlasting righteousness, rejecting your own righteousness, you depended entirely [Page 38] upon his for justification before God; so walk.—You received him as your king and law-given, pleased with his government, and choosing he should reign in your heart forever; thus walk ye in him.—I beseech you by all the infinite attributes of Jehovah, engaged from everlasting, and exerted in time, for the purpose of your eternal sal­vation. I beseech you by the ineffable [...] operation of the adorable Trinity, to effect and consummate your eternal well-being. I intreat you by the name and love of our dear Saviour—by his incarnation, obedience, and sufferings, by every drop of his precious blood, as the bleeding Lamb of God; by the unutterable anguish which he bore when lifted up upon the cross, "when the arrows of the Almighty were within him," and died an accursed death for you his redeemed.—I beseech you by the triumphs of his resurrection, and his ascension to the regions of glory, and all the beneficial consequences thereof on your behalf:—By all the gracious invitations, spiritual precepts, and precious promises, he has given you as your enthroned Lord and Saviour:—By all that he has done for you in time, and that you expect him to do for you in time, and for an eternal duration. I in­treat you by all the honor, glory and praise that is, and ever will be due to him, as God, man and mediator.—I beseech you by the infinite perfections and dignity of the Holy Spirit; by his saving influences given for re­generation, for sanctification, for consolation; and for edification, until you arrive at perfection in glory. I beseech you by the love and compassion you have, (or ought to have) to the faithful ministers of Christ, and to the friends and divine lovers of Jesus, and of Zion's prosperity, as you would not cause their hearts to bleed, and their eyes to weep. I intreat you by the immense worth of immortal souls and the benevolence you have toward them, as you would not cast stumb­ling blocks in their way, to fall over into endless flam­ing ruin. I beseech you by the love you have to your [Page 39] own souls—by the sure and solemn prospect of a dying bed, and comfort in the final hour; and by the joyful prospect of a personal appearance before the flaming tribunal of Christ, to stand trial for fixation in an eternal state. I beseech you by your, sacramental vow and oath of allegiance you have taken over the broken body and shed blood of your Redeemer, that you will walk with him, and as his people walk.—I beseech and intreat you by the eternal agonies of the damned, which you hope to escape, and by all the joys and beatitudes of the sanctuary of immortality and glory that you hope to possess, "that you walk as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord."

Thus I leave my endearing address and exhortation before you, and before the Lord. I have discharged my embassy, I have told you my errand; more weighty, awful and interesting arguments and persuasives I cannot suggest. I now conclude, with a benevolent wish and prayer in the language of inspiration, "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant; make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen."

THIRD PART.

I am now come to the third and last part of my dis­course, and must intreat your patience and attention, while I make mention of some signal dispensations of God, and manifestations of his sovereign, infinite, unme­rited goodness towards me: in doing which, you will observe, that in some of those dispensations you are in­terested, as they have a relative respect unto you as the dear people of my pastoral care and charge. Doubtless, every private christian and especially ever minister of the [Page 40] gospel, ought to acknowledge God as the author, preser­ver and disposer of our lives. I [...] as ministers of Christ our Lord, upon some proper public occasions we speak out our experience of the power of divine grace—and our trials and sufferings; our abounding labours, and successful essays (by the blessing of God) to promote the Redeemer's kingdom— St. Paul (and other apostles and even prophets) will keep us in countenance; provided that we primarily have and hold in view the glory of God, the honour of Christ, and the benefit of others. We lay no claim to that which is properly apostolic and extraor­dinary; we act in a lower sphere and comparatively our labours are small and our usefulness inconsiderable: Yet "we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard;"—"we also believe and therefore speak." If any are disposed to censure us, yet we hope that others will profit thereby. Here I am naturally led to make the confession of the saint as in my text,—"My times are in the Lord's hand;"—and to say with the apostle,—"Having therefore obtained help from God, I con­tinue unto this day▪" You may recollect that when I preached to you on the Lord's day October 30th, I then observed to you that that day compleated half a century or fifty years since I commenced a preacher of the gos­pel. On that day I invited your meditations upon the words of Moses to Israel—"He is thy life, and the length of thy days:" I then observed, that I would defer preaching an half century sermon 'till this day; if hap­pily we might live to see it: The hoped for day is come and brought with it numerous solemn services, and sacred pleasures. You will allow me boldness and freedom of speech, even beyond what I should think proper, did I not look upon myself near to another and better world.—

When in the morning of life and bloom of youth, in the ever to be remember'd year 1735, it pleased a sove­reign God to make me the subject of clear, powerful and heart affecting conviction of sin, guilt, and misery; and [Page 41] to give me sight of his justice in my eternal condemna­tion; after a powerful work of the law and an absolute submitting of myself to God as rightful Lord and sove­reign. He was pleased "to shine into my heart to give the light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ." I now beheld the infinite amiable glory and all sufficiency of Christ, as God, man mediator, and felt my heart go forth to him in acts of trust and supreme love: I now saw the infinite excellence and safety of the gospel method of salvation, and found my whole heart gained over to an approbation of, and an entire acqui­escence in that divine plan as the device of infinite wis­dom and boundless love.—From that hour to this, (through infinite riches of sovereign grace) I have found a new temper of heart, and tenor of life. At this time reigning benevolence toward fellow-men took possession of my heart, and has been kept up to this hour. Here let me observe, that if my ministry has been useful to you, or others, the Lord was now preparing the way therefor, even before most of you were born.—In con­sequence of these divine manifestations, for about the space of two years I was held before the throne of grace daily praying for the knowledge of duty with respect to my seeking a liberal education; and obtaining satisfac­tion in this point, soon after the 20th year of my age I fixedly entered upon studies, that prepared the way for taking my first degree at Yale-College in 1741. In a few weeks after, I was invited and urged by some wor­thy ministers of the gospel to attend their association, which was soon to have a session: I did so, and offered myself to examination, was approved, and received li­cence as a candidate for the gospel ministry. ^*—And [Page 42] about a year after was ordained at large, by members of the same association. From the first I became an itine­rant preacher. Making my tours in various parts of these northern states. Preaching almost every day, and often two and three times in a day; and often to very large congregations. I journey'd about two thousand miles, and preached several hundred times in the space of a year. I preached in many congregations where the work of God had made great and glorious progress: In some places it had just begun.—In some places I saw much opposition made to the work:—In some observed many imprudences chargeable upon the friends of the work.—Many congregations (and some numerous ones,) I found under the power of awful security in sin: some of which, were soon universally awakened by the preaching of the word, and plentiful effusion of the Holy Spirit; so that in a few weeks several scores of persons were in those places hopefully converted from sin to God. Thus amidst abounding labours and an amazing run of services, I had the pleasure of seeing the work of God going on and prospering gloriously.—Thus I continued itinerating and preaching for about four years. But here it may be noted, that during this space of time, I was twice seized with a fever, which each time sat heavy upon me, especially the last; so that my life was given over by myself and friends: But it pleased the sovereign Lord of life, "in whose hand our times are," to restore me again to health and usefulness.—Dur­ing the forementioned space of time, your fathers in this [Page 43] place repeatedly and warmly applied to me requesting that I would accept of a call to this place, with a view to my settlement in the gospel ministry among them; which call I repulsed, as I did many others in that day.—In September 1745, President Edwards, (who had from the first of my ministry acted the part of a kind father to me) by his importunity prevailed upon me to set out upon a journey for the purpose of preaching the gospel in the southern states. I proceeded as far as the Jerseys on my way; where meeting with the Rev. Messi. Dickinson, Tennant and President Burr, they professed a well pleasedness with my design; but as two of them had just returned home from this place, and knowing the situation of this people, they deliberated and pro­posed my coming here before I proceeded.—I complied, and came to this town November 9, 1745, and the next day being the Lord's-day, I preached for the first time here upon the words of St. Paul, viz. "I determine to know nothing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified." When I came into town I was fully resolved to leave it in a few months; but spending the winter here, the people in the spring gave me a very unanimous call to settle in the ministry with them. I was thereupon for several months much exercised as to my duty; but finally accepted the call; and was in­stalled here September 19th, 1746. President Edwards preached upon this occasion from a text that some have since thought almost prophetical. ^† The Rev. Mr. Hunting being very infirm was dismissed from his past­oral relation to this people upon my instalment. In his day, in the years 1741 and 42, there was a very power­ful work of God in this place. ^* It was supposed, that [Page 44] upwards of a hundred persons were then savingly wrought upon: In consequence of which, about three score persons were added to the church soon after my instalment. In 1749 the work of God's grace was carried on powerfully in our eastern and western villages: a considerable number of young people were wrought upon in each. The work was not so powerful in the body of the town at that time. But in the ever me­morable year 1764, the work of God became general and universal: persons of every age, from five or six years to eighty, were the subjects of the work. This work of God was the most powerful, the most genuine and evangelical that ever I knew. My printed Narra­tive of this work in some of your hands, may inform you more fully. In consequence of this glorious work, in a few months after it began, I propounded for full communion 99 persons at one time, who were added to the church; and soon after a large number more.—There were a great number of children, some youth, and many that wanted more assurance, who were hope­fully the subjects of a saving change, that did not offer themselves to join the church at this time. This work brought some of the subjects of it to the possession of the latter day glory to an eminent degree, in which they lived and died. In the year 1785, it pleased a sovereign God to grant again another plentiful effusion of the Holy Spirit upon us.—The work of God at this time was carried on with amazing power in the midst of us. As many as six or eight every week for the space of three months, were hopefully savingly wrought upon. As fast as some met with light and comfort, others were awakened; yet the work was not so universal as in 1764: yet in a few months above an hundred were added to the church; professing experimental and prac­tical [Page 45] religion. Others at this time became the subjects of some hope of a saving change. In the last year, 1791, the work of God among us, claims our remem­brance "as one of the years of the right hand of the most high." The Lord "with whom is the residue of the spirit" has been pleased to visit us again with the divine influences. Between thirty and forty have been lately added to the church, more we trust are on their way about to come, in that many hope they have been the subjects of this work. The subjects of this work have been very powerfully wrought upon; and seem to have been uncommonly selected out from among others. This late work has not been so general among sinners as usually we have known. But for a universal visita­tion and fresh anointings of the Lord's people and their increasing light and comfort, I never know a revival of religion among us equal thereto since I have been your pastor.—It is to be noted and remember'd, that in the intermediate spaces of these plentiful effusions of the Holy Spirit from first to last there have been some hope­ful instances of saving conversion to God. We have during the whole time enjoyed some special tokens of the Lords gracious presence with us. Thus have we seen and known since I have been your pastor, (exclu­sive of 41-2) four harvest times and seasons of the plen­tiful out pouring of the Holy Spirit, and times of the flocking of souls to Christ, and of accessions thereupon to his church. I have not heard or known of a people in any department of Zion that within the space of fifty years, have been so frequently favoured with such plentiful "out pourings of the Holy Spirit" upon them; infinitely vile, unworthy and ungrateful as we are! Having thus briefly reminded you of the infi­nite kindness of the glorious and eternal Trinity toward us, you will naturally reflect that our obligations to those divine persons rise answerably high; and that our ingratitude will be proportionably aggravated, base, and vile.

[Page 46] I have now to observe, that the Rev. Mr. Hunt­ing, my predecessor, and myself, have between us, com­pleated 92 years in the gospel-ministry in this place. That since my instalment in the year 1746, nine hundred eighty nine persons have departed life, that belonged to this town—thirteen of them the year past. In the same space of time I have baptized in this place sixteen hundred—45 of them the year past: near two hundred more than there are inhabitants at present. When I received this church, it consisted of 81 members, but three of which are now living. During this time, we have been called to part with many excellent christi­ans, rich in experience of divine grace; many of them died in the triumphs of faith, others comfortably. Many valuable christians have removed from us into various parts of the country, where, as we hear, they are useful.—Numerous heavy breaches and mournful vacancies have been made in this our Zion; but the Lord, from time to time, hath filled them all, and more than filled them; "and caused joy, rejoicing, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody to be heard in this city of our God." We have had the accession of hundreds to the church: and perhaps the number of communicants was never larger than at the present time. It must be re­gistered in the catalogue of divine favours that I have enjoyed such a series of health, that for 44 years I was not so much as once prevented preaching by indisposi­tion, nor had I a sick day or hour during the whole space of time. Forty-three of those years I spent in your service; and never to this day have I been pre­vented—except when for a few sabbaths I was debili­tated by the influenza. Such an uncommon measure of health, but little broke in upon for fifty years, hath been improved for the purpose of abounding ministerial services: I have preached in this space of time, above ten thousand times. Designation to office, opportu­nities for ministerial labours, gifts, graces, abilities [Page 47] more or less, aids, assistances and successes, are all of and from the Lord; to whom be all the glory. "A man can receive nothing (of this kind), except it be given him from heaven." The Lord as an infinite sove­reign upon his throne, in raising up instruments for his service, can take them from the rushes, the sheep­folds, or fish-nets, qualify them for usefulness, and by them "confound the wisdom of the mighty." If He crowns our feeble attempts in his service with any de­gree of success, we wish to speak of it with undissem­bled gratitude, and with deep abasement, as conscious of our unworthiness, of our deficiences, and our selfish­ness intermixed with all our performances; and with a spring of joy, that yet a little while, and He will have all the glory of our usefulness.

Although I have preached abundantly in other places, since my connexion with you, yet mostly with you, the people of my special charge. With you, my dear peo­ple, I have laboured and travelled in the work of the gospel ministry, for a long course of years; I may say it without ostentation, that "I have obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful: I have made it my constant endeavour and business to gain souls to Christ, and build them up in faith and holiness: principally insist­ing upon such truths as express the spirit of true reli­gion; and tending to direct, quicken and encourage you in the way to eternal life. I esteem it as one of the pre­cious mercies of the Lord towards me, that I have not "run in vain nor laboured in vain." I have abundant cause to bow my knee to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and bless his name that I have grounds to hope that he hath made me instrumental of bringing many among you into a saving acquaintance with himself.—Although you can easily recollect many of the impor­tant capital doctrines which I have mainly insisted upon in the course of my preaching; yet I have prepared therefor, and designed now to have given you a sum­mary [Page 48] account of them, but the time is elapsed.—I must only say, "I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God;" "and have kept back no­thing that is profitable unto you." The apostolic doct­rines I have preached to you are your crown and glory, as St. John speaks, "your crown of twelve stars:" If ever you depart from such doctrines and let these truths go, the "crown falls from your head," and the glorious God himself will depart and be gone; yea, be gone far from a forsaken sanctuary; and you will see an Ichabod upon the ministry! It is the more needful that I give you warning, and exhort you to become rooted and established in the faith, and belief of the truth at present, and thereby become guarded and fortified against error, because you live in a day in which errors abound.

There are preachers and writers in this day, who boldly and freely speak out and publish errors and prin­ciples, pernicious to the souls of men: and some, so artfully, under the specious shew of sanctity, that they would deceive the elect, if that were possible. The most artful seducers are those who assert many gospel doctrines, which they suppose will be pleasing to such as are sound in the faith, concealing their corrupt prin­ciples, until they suppose they have sufficiently gain'd interest in the affections of their hearers, and then they will gradually give vent to them with as much plau­sibility as possible. You will watch against verging to "another gospel." and contend earnestly for the saith once delivered to the saints; as knowing that the Holy Spirit co-operates with truth; "and makes the gospel the power of God to every one that believeth."—But as having preach'd the grand principles of the everlasting gospel to you, I might now naturally put you upon examination and enquiry how you have received and improved them: And observe to you, that if any of you continue finally to slight and neglect them, your eternal condemnation will be amazingly aggravat­ed; [Page 49] "your blood will not be required of me;" I shall appear as a witness against you before the awful bar of Christ, our final judge: But the time will not admit to dwell here.—If it should please the Lord to prolong my life I shall count it worth while to spend the resi­due of my days in promoting the welfare and prosperity of your souls. Although I do not perceive that pub­lic services are now more wearisome than they were thirty years ago, yet, if no acute disease invades accord­ing to a course of nature I cannot continue your pastor much longer. For length of time we have had en­dear'd connection as one, mutually rejoicing in prospe­rity; sympathetic in adversity. I presume I am not now preaching my valedictory sermon, however, I take this opportunity to thank you for all your benevolence and kindnesses expressed towards me and mine.—Who will be my successor I know not; though I know what he ought to be in character. I hope, "no grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock:" Nor "subtle foxes that spoil the tender vines which have grapes:" Nor any that will dare "to list up their axes upon the carved work of the temple."—I pray the Lord in infinite mercy to preserve you from the greatest outward judgment and calamity that can befal you, viz. that of an unconverted mi­nistry! I have often thought, that could I know this would be your awful doom, from love to your souls, and the souls of your dear children, I should grieve myself down into the grave. I speak the truth, the very thought thereof, gives me a more sensible shock, than the thought of death itself.—I should account it one of the choicest favours in life to see an ascen­sion gift of our enthroned Saviour Christ Jesus the Lord, conferred upon you, before my departure hence.—Now you observe that all is harmony, love and good-will—that there is not a separate, a sectarian, or any one of a different denomination from us in [Page 50] the boundaries of the town:—but who can say it will be thus, if after my departure, you are called to the re-settlement of the gospel ministry among you?—There may be that concealed in the heart, which as yet is not acted out in the life, for want of time and answerable temptation to draw it forth. Your present outward visible harmony, by reason of an internal dif­ferent taste and relish, may be broken in upon, when you come to elect a pastor, and discord unhappily pre­vail. Although I thus speak (with a degree of fear) "yet I hope better things." I presume you will not take up satisfied with a flourish of words, and the art of oratory in speaking, if there be wanting, solidity of thought, and apparent solemnity of spirit: Nor with an unconnected, undigested, and confused manner of speaking, with much apparent fervency and little know­ledge. You will wish to have a minister that is "both a burning and shining light;" having knowledge and zeal proportionably associated, and both rising to a degree of eminency;—a man of solid judgement, of a fruitful invention, of learned acquirements, and Paul­ine in principle;—endowed with gifts and graces, and furnished with a fund of doctrinal and experimental knowledge; not preaching up all his divinity in a few sermons; but bringing out of his treasures things new and old—"feeding you with knowledge and under­standing;"—rightly dividing, and closely applying the word, giving to sinners their portion; and "feeding the sheep and lambs of Jesus, as a workman that need not be ashamed:"—a preacher that does not divine for money, (though to be honorably supported) preach­ing Christ, and wise to win souls to him—powerfully pressing upon you faith and repentance, and strict con­formity to all divine precepts; but always with evan­gelical references.—You will assuredly see to it, that your elect pastor, both in praying and preaching gives due honour to the Holy Spirit;—that he frequently [Page 51] reminds you of the necessity, the excellency, and ad­vantage of the Spirit's mission—that his gracious pre­sence is the most necessary, vital, and fundamental good;—that where He suspends his influence there will be weakness, darkness, and deadness,—that where He divinely exerts the powers of his office and the perfections of his nature, there will be light, strength, and life divine.—And that as a preacher he comes to you in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power.—May the ascended and exalted Saviour, from his un­wasted stores and immense fulness, confer upon you the royal donative of a spiritual pastor and teacher, "that the Lord God may meet with you in every place, where He has recorded his Name," bless you, and dwell with you forever!

Finally, brethren, pray for me, (as I hope to for you, 'till my expiring breath) and when I have gotten be­yond the reach of your prayers, I hope you will have occasion to praise the Lord for ever, that I was once for a time your minister.

I shall now conclude in few words.

Having this day entered upon the threshold of a new year, let us now unite in making the saint's confession, Jehovah, "my times are in thy hand."—Let us offer undissembled praise to God, that we have life pro­longed to this day.—Let us also enter upon this new revolution of time under realizing views of the brevity and uncertainty of life. Nothing is more certain than that our time here will be short; nothing more uncer­tain than how short it will be.

[Page 52] It seems that neither revelation, nor providence will let us live long in this world. How short a duration is there for us on this side the grave? It is not only possible, but highly probable, that death may meet some of us within the compass of this year. If we could look into the volume of the divine decrees, no doubt, one and another of us would there see our sentence, and the time of its execution fixed—"this year thou shalt die."—Surely it infinitely concerns each and every one of us to be found in readiness for an exchange of worlds:—without interposing delay to transact with God through Christ the divine Mediator relative to our eternal salvation. Suffice it to say, my dear hearers, (or readers) you must remember, always remember, that you were made for God, religion and eternity; and that you must have a religion that will befriend you in life, at death, at judgment, and be as lasting as eternity.

In fine—"whether we live, may we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, may we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, may we be the Lord's."

AMEN and AMEN.