\u201cWhosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.\u201d <\/i><\/p>\n
Ezek. 33:4.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.\u201d <\/i><\/p>\n
Acts 4:31.<\/p>\n
1. The same expression occurs in the second chapter, where we read, \u201cWhen the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all\u201d (the Apostles, with the women, and the mother of Jesus, and his brethren) \u201cwith one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost:\u201d one immediate effect whereof was, they \u201cbegan to speak with other tongues;\u201d insomuch that both the Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and the other strangers who \u201ccame together, when this was noised abroad, heard them speak, in their several tongues, the wonderful works of God\u201d (Acts 2:1\u20136).<\/p>\n
2. In this chapter we read, that when the Apostles and brethren had been praying, and praising God, \u201cthe place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.\u201d Not that we find any visible appearance here, such as had been in the former instance: nor are we informed that the extraordinary gifts<\/i> of the Holy Ghost were then given to all or any of them; such as the gifts of \u201chealing, of working\u201d other \u201cmiracles, of prophecy, of discerning spirits, the speaking with divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues (1 Cor. 12:9, 10).<\/p>\n
3. Whether these gifts of the Holy Ghost were designed to remain in the church throughout all ages, and whether or no they will be restored at the nearer approach of the \u201crestitution of all things,\u201d are questions which it is not needful to decide. But it is needful to observe this, that, even in the infancy of the church, God divided them with a sparing hand. Were all even then prophets? Were all workers of miracles? Had all the gifts of healing? Did all speak with tongues? No, in no wise. Perhaps not one in a thousand. Probably none but the teachers in the church, and only some of them (1 Cor. 12:28\u201330). It was therefore, for a more excellent purpose than this, that \u201cthey were all filled with the Holy Ghost.\u201d<\/p>\n
4. It was, to give them (what none can deny to be essential to all Christians in all ages) the mind which was in Christ, those holy fruits of the Spirit, which whosoever hath not, is none of his; to fill them with \u201clove, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness\u201d (Gal. 5:22\u201324); to endue them with faith (perhaps it might be rendered, fidelity<\/i>), with meekness and temperance; to enable them to crucify the flesh, with its affections and lusts, its passions and desires; and in consequence of that inward change, to fulfil all outward righteousness; to \u201cwalk as Christ also walked,\u201d in \u201cthe work of faith, in the patience of hope, the labour of love\u201d (1 Thess. 1:3).<\/p>\n
5. Without busying ourselves, then, in curious, needless inquiries, touching those extraordinary gifts<\/i> of the Spirit, let us take a nearer view of these his ordinary<\/i> fruits, which we are assured will remain throughout all ages; \u2014of that great work of God among the children of men, which we are used to express by one word, \u201cChristianity;\u201d not as it implies a set of opinions, a system of doctrines, but as it refers to men\u2019s hearts and lives. And this Christianity it may be useful to consider under three distinct views:<\/p>\n
I. As beginning to exist in individuals:<\/p>\n
II. As spreading from one to another:<\/p>\n
III. As covering the earth.<\/p>\n
I design to close these considerations with a plain, practical application.<\/p>\n
I. 1. And, first, let us consider Christianity in its rise, as beginning to exist in individuals.<\/p>\n
Suppose, then, one of those who heard the Apostle Peter preaching repentance and remission of sins, was pricked to the heart, was convinced of sin, repented, and then believed in Jesus. By this faith of the operation of God, which was the very substance, or subsistence, of things hoped for (Heb. 11:1, ) the demonstrative evidence of invisible things, he instantly received the Spirit of adoption, whereby he now cried, \u201cAbba, Father\u201d (Rom. 8:15). Now first it was that he could call Jesus Lord, by the Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 12:3), the Spirit itself bearing witness with his spirit, that he was a child of God (Rom. 8:16). Now it was that he could truly say, \u201cI live not, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me\u201d (Gal. 2:20).<\/p>\n
2. This, then, was the very essence of his faith, a divine elegchos<\/i> (evidence<\/i> or conviction<\/i>) of the love of God the Father, through the Son of his love, to him a sinner, now accepted in the Beloved. And, being justified by faith, he had peace with God (Rom. 5:1), yea, the peace of God ruling in his heart; a peace, which passing all understanding (panta noun<\/i>, all barely rational conception), kept his heart and mind from all doubt and fear, through the knowledge of him in whom he had believed. he could not, therefore, \u201cbe afraid of any evil tidings;\u201d for his \u201cheart stood fast, believing in the Lord.\u201d he feared not what man could do unto him, knowing the very hairs of his head were all numbered. he feared not all the powers of darkness, whom God was daily bruising under his feet. Least of all was he afraid to die; nay, he desired to \u201cdepart, and to be with Christ\u201d (Phil. 1:23); who, \u201cthrough death, had destroyed him that had the power of death, even the devil; and delivered them who, through fear of death, were all their life-time,\u201d till then, \u201csubject to bondage\u201d (Heb. 2:15).<\/p>\n
3. his soul, therefore, magnified the Lord, and his spirit rejoiced in God his Saviour. \u201cHe rejoiced in him with joy unspeakable,\u201d who had reconciled him to God, even the Father; \u201cin whom he had redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.\u201d he rejoiced in that witness of God\u2019s Spirit with his spirit, that he was a child of God; and more abundantly, \u201cin hope of the glory of God;\u201d in hope of the glorious image of God, and full renewal of his soul in righteousness and true holiness, and in hope of that crown of glory, that \u201cinheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.\u201d<\/p>\n
4. \u201cThe love of God was also shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost which was given unto him\u201d (Rom. 5:5). \u201cBecause he was a son God had sent forth the Spirit of his Son into his heart, crying Abba, Father!\u201d (Gal. 4:6). And that filial love of God was continually increased by the witness he had in himself (1 John 5:10) of God\u2019s pardoning love to him; by \u201cbeholding what manner of love it was which the Father had bestowed upon him, that he should be called a child of God\u201d (1 John 3:1). So that God was the. desire of his eyes, and the joy of his heart; his portion in time and in eternity.<\/p>\n
5. he that thus loved<\/i> God could not but love his brother also; and \u201cnot in word only, but in deed and in truth.\u201d \u201cIf God,\u201d said he, \u201cso loved us, we ought also to love one another\u201d (1 John 4:11); yea, every soul of man, as \u201cthe mercy of God is over all his works\u201d (Ps. 145:9). Agreeably hereto, the affection of this lover of God embraced all mankind for his sake; not excepting those whom he had never seen in the flesh, or those of whom he knew nothing more than that they were \u201cthe offspring of God,\u201d for whose souls his Son had died; not excepting the \u201cevil\u201d and \u201cunthankful,\u201d and least of all his enemies, those who hated, or persecuted, or despitefully used him for his Master\u2019s sake. These had a peculiar place, both in his heart and in his prayers. he loved them \u201ceven as Christ loved us.\u201d<\/p>\n
6. And \u201clove is not puffed up\u201d (1 Cor. 13:4). It abases to the dust every soul wherein it dwells. Accordingly, he was lowly of heart, little, mean, and vile in his own eyes. he neither sought nor received the praise of men, but that which cometh of God only. he was meek and long-suffering, gentle to all, and easy to be entreated. Faithfulness and truth never forsook him: they were \u201cbound about his neck, and wrote on the table of his heart.\u201d By the same spirit he was enabled to be temperate in all things, refraining his soul even as a weaned child. he was \u201ccrucified to the world, and the world crucified to him;\u201d superior to \u201cthe desire of the flesh, the desire of the eye, and the pride of life.\u201d By the same almighty love was he saved, both from passion and pride; from lust and vanity; from ambition and covetousness; and from every temper which was not in Christ.<\/p>\n
7. It may be easily believed, he who had this love in his heart would work no evil to his neighbour. It was impossible for him, knowingly and designedly, to do harm to any man. he was at the greatest distance from cruelty and wrong, from any unjust or unkind action. With the same care did he \u201cset a watch before his mouth, and keep the door of his lips,\u201d lest he should offend in tongue, either against justice, or against mercy or truth. he put away all lying, falsehood; and fraud; neither was guile found in his mouth. he spake evil of no man; nor did an unkind word ever come out of his lips.<\/p>\n
8. And as he was deeply sensible of the truth of that word \u201cWithout me ye can do nothing,\u201d and, consequently, of the need he had to be watered of God every moment; so he continued daily in all the ordinances of God, the stated channels of his grace to man: \u201cin the Apostles\u2019 doctrine,\u201d or teaching, receiving that food of the soul with all readiness of heart; in \u201cthe breaking of bread,\u201d which he found to be the communion of the body of Christ; and \u201cin the prayers\u201d and praises offered up by the great congregation. And thus, he daily grew in grace, increasing in strength, in the knowledge and love of God.<\/p>\n
9. But it did not satisfy him, barely to abstain from doing evil. his soul was athirst to do good. The language of his heart continually was, \u201c\u2018My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.\u2019 My Lord went about doing good; and shall not I tread in his steps?\u201d As he had opportunity therefore, if he could do no good of a higher kind, he fed the hungry, clothed the naked, helped the fatherless or stranger, visited and assisted them that were sick or in prison. he gave all his goods to feed the poor. he rejoiced to labour or to suffer for them; and whereinsoever he might profit another, there especially to \u201cdeny himself.\u201d he counted nothing too dear to part with for them, as well remembering the word of his Lord, \u201cInasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me\u201d (Matt. 25:40).<\/p>\n
10. Such was Christianity in its rise. Such was a Christian in ancient days. Such was every one of those who, when they heard the threatenings of the chief priests and elders, \u201clifted up their voice to God with one accord, and were all filled with the Holy Ghost. The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:\u201d So did the love of him in whom they had believed constrain them to love one another! \u201cNeither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own but they had all things common:\u201d So fully were they crucified to the world, and the world crucified to them! \u201cAnd they continued steadfastly with one accord in the Apostles\u201d doctrine, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers\u201d (Acts 2:42). \u201cAnd great grace was upon them all; neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the Apostles\u2019 feet: And distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.\u201d (Acts 4:31\u201335.)<\/p>\n
II. 1. Let us take a view, in the Second place, of this Christianity, as spreading from one to another, and so gradually making its way into the world: For such was the will of God concerning it, who did not \u201clight a candle to put it under a bushel, but that it might give light to all that were in the house.\u201d And this our Lord had declared to his first disciples, \u201cYe are the salt of the earth,\u201d \u201cthe light of the world;\u201d at the same time that he gave that general command, \u201cLet your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.\u201d (Matt. 5:13\u201316).<\/p>\n
2. And, indeed, supposing a few of these lovers of mankind to see \u201cthe whole world lying in wickedness,\u201d can we believe they would be unconcerned at the sight, at the misery of those for whom their Lord died? Would not their bowels yearn over them, and their hearts melt away for very trouble? Could they then stand idle all the day long, even were there no command from him whom they loved? Rather, would they not labour by all possible means, to pluck some of these brands out of the burning? Undoubtedly they would: they would spare no pains to bring back whomsoever they could of those poor \u201csheep that had gone astray, to the great Shepherd and Bishop of their souls\u201d (1 Pet. 2:25).<\/p>\n
3. So the Christians of old did. They laboured, having opportunity, \u201cto do good unto all men\u201d (Gal. 6:10), warning them to flee from the wrath to come; now, now to escape the damnation of hell. They declared, \u201cThe times of ignorance God winked at; but now he calleth all men everywhere to repent.\u201d (Acts 17:30) They cried aloud, Turn ye, turn ye, from your evil ways: \u201cso iniquity shall not be your ruin\u201d (Ezek. 18:30). They \u201creasoned\u201d with them of \u201ctemperance, and righteousness,\u201d or justice\u2014of the virtues opposite to their reigning sins; \u201cand of judgement to come,\u201d\u2014of the wrath of God which would surely be executed on evildoers in that day when he should judge the world (Acts 24:25).<\/p>\n
4. They endeavoured herein to speak to every man severally as he had need. To the careless, to those who lay unconcerned in darkness and in the shadow of death, they thundered, \u201cAwake thou that sleepest; arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.\u201d But to those who were already awakened out of sleep, and groaning under a sense of the wrath of God, their language was, \u201cWe have an Advocate with the Father; he is the propitiation for our sins.\u201d Meantime, those who had believed, they provoked to love and to good works; to patient continuance in well-doing; and to abound more and more in that holiness without which no man can see the Lord. (Heb 12:14)<\/p>\n
5. And their labour was not in vain in the Lord. his word ran and was glorified. It grew mightily and prevailed. But so much the more did offences prevail also. The world in general were offended, \u201cbecause they testified of it, that the works thereof were evil\u201d (John 7:7). The men of pleasure were offended, not only because these men were made, as it were, to reprove their thoughts (\u201cHe professeth,\u201d said they, \u201cto have the knowledge of God; he calleth himself the child of the Lord, his life is not like other men\u2019s; his ways are of another fashion; he abstaineth from our ways, as from filthiness; he maketh his boast, that God is his Father\u201d Wis. 2:13\u201316; ) but much more, because so many of their companions were taken away, and would no more run with them to \u201cthe same excess of riot.\u201d (1 Pet. 4:4.) The men of reputation were offended, because, as the gospel spread, they declined in the esteem of the people; and because many no longer dared to give them flattering titles, or to pay man the homage due to God only. The men of trade called one another together, and said, \u201cSirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth: but ye see and hear that these men have persuaded and turned away much people; so that this our craft is in danger to be set at nought\u201d (Acts 19:25ff.). Above all, the men of religion, so called, the men of outside<\/i> religion, \u201cthe saints of the world,\u201d were offended, and ready at every opportunity to cry out, \u201cMen of Israel, help! We have found these men pestilent fellows, movers of sedition throughout the world\u201d (Acts 24:5). \u201cThese are the men that teach all men everywhere against the people, and against this place\u201d (Acts 21:28).<\/p>\n
6. Thus it was that the heavens grew black with clouds, and the storm gathered amain. For the more Christianity spread, the more hurt was done, in the account of those who received it not; and the number increased of those who were more and more enraged at these \u201cmen who thus turned the world upside down;\u201d (Acts 17:6; ) insomuch that more and more cried out, \u201cAway with such fellows from the earth; it is not fit that they should live;\u201d yea, and sincerely believed, that whosoever should kill them would do God service.<\/p>\n
7. Meanwhile they did not fail to cast out their name as evil; (Luke 6:22; ) so that this \u201csect was everywhere spoken against.\u201d (Acts 27:22.) Men said all manner of evil of them, even as had been done of the prophets that were before them (Matt. 5:12). And whatsoever any would affirm, others would believe; so that offences grew as the stars of heaven for multitude. And hence arose, at the time fore-ordained of the Father, persecution in all its forms. Some, for a season, suffered only shame and reproach; some, \u201cthe spoiling of their goods;\u201d \u201csome had trial of mocking and scourging; some of bonds and imprisonment;\u201d and others \u201cresisted unto blood\u201d (Heb. 10:34; 11:36ff.)<\/p>\n
8. Now it was that the pillars of hell were shaken, and the kingdom of God spread more and more. Sinners were everywhere \u201cturned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.\u201d he gave his children \u201csuch a mouth, and such wisdom, as all their adversaries could not resist;\u201d and their lives were of equal force with their words. But above all, their sufferings spake to all the world. They \u201capproved themselves the servants of God, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours; in perils in the sea, in perils in the wilderness, in weariness and painfulness, in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness\u201d (2 Cor. 6:4ff.). And when, having fought the good fight, they were led as sheep to the slaughter, and offered up on the sacrifice and service of their faith, then the blood of each found a voice, and the heathen owned, \u201cHe being dead, yet speaketh.\u201d<\/p>\n
9. Thus did Christianity spread itself in the earth. But how soon did the tares appear with the wheat, and the mystery of iniquity<\/i> work, as well as the mystery of godliness!<\/i> How soon did Satan find a seat, even in the temple of God,<\/i> \u201ctill the woman fled into the wilderness,\u201d and \u201cthe faithful were again minished from the children of men!\u201d here we tread a beaten path: the still unceasing corruptions of the succeeding generations have been largely described, from time to time, by those witnesses God raised up, to show that he had \u201cbuilt his church upon a rock, and the gates of hell should not\u201d wholly \u201cprevail against her.\u201d (Matt. 16:18.)<\/p>\n
III. 1. But shall we not see greater things than these? Yea, greater than have been yet from the beginning of the world. Can Satan cause the truth of God to fail, or his promises to be of none effect? If not, the time will come when Christianity will prevail over all, and cover the earth. Let us stand a little, and survey (the Third thing which was proposed) this strange sight, a Christian World<\/i>. Of this the Prophets of old inquired and searched diligently (1 Pet. 1:10, 11ff.:) of this the Spirit which was in them testified: \u201cIt shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord\u2019s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more.\u201d (Isa. 2:1\u20134.) \u201cIn that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, which shall stand for an Ensign of the people. To it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again to recover the remnant of his people; and he shall set up an Ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah, from the four corners of the earth.\u201d (Isa. 11:10\u201312.) \u201cThe wolf shall then dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. They shall not hurt nor destroy, saith the Lord, in all my holy mountain. For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea\u201d (Isa. 11:6\u20139).<\/p>\n
2. To the same effect are the words of the great Apostle, which it is evident have never yet been fulfilled. \u201cHath God cast away his people? God forbid.\u201d \u201cBut through their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles.\u201d \u201cAnd if the diminishing of them be the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fullness?\u201d \u201cFor I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in: And so all Israel shall be saved.\u201d (Rom. 11:1, 11, 25, 26.)<\/p>\n
3. Suppose now the fullness of time to be come, and the prophecies to be accomplished. What a prospect is this! All is peace, \u201cquietness, and assurance for ever.\u201d here is no din of arms, no \u201cconfused noise,\u201d no \u201cgarments rolled in blood.\u201d \u201cDestructions are come to a perpetual end.\u201d Wars are ceased from the earth. Neither are there any intestine jars remaining; no brother rising up against brother; no country or city divided against itself, and tearing out its own bowels. Civil discord is at an end for evermore, and none is left either to destroy or hurt his neighbour. here is no oppression to \u201cmake\u201d even \u201cthe wise man mad;\u201d no extortion to \u201cgrind the face of the poor;\u201d no robbery or wrong; no rapine or injustice; for all are \u201ccontent with such things as they possess.\u201d Thus \u201crighteousness and peace have kissed each other;\u201d (Ps. 85:10; ) they have \u201ctaken root and filled the land;\u201d \u201crighteousness flourishing out of the earth;\u201d and \u201cpeace looking down from heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n
4. And with righteousness or justice, mercy is also found. The earth is no longer full of cruel habitations. The Lord hath destroyed both the blood-thirsty and malicious, the envious and revengeful man. Were there any provocation, there is none that now knoweth to return evil for evil; but indeed there is none that doeth evil, no, not one; for all are harmless as doves. And being filled with peace and joy in believing, and united in one body, by one Spirit, they all love as brethren, they are all of one heart and of one soul. \u201cNeither saith any of them, that aught of the things which he possesseth is his own.\u201d There is none among them that lacketh: for every man loveth his neighbour as himself. And all walk by one rule: \u201cWhatever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do unto them.\u201d<\/p>\n
5. It follows, that no unkind word can ever be heard among them, no strife of tongues, no contention of any kind, no railing or evil-speaking, but every one \u201copens his mouth with wisdom, and in his tongue there is the law of kindness.\u201d Equally incapable are they of fraud or guile: their love is without dissimulation: Their words are always the just expression of their thoughts, opening a window into their breast, that whosoever desires may look into their hearts, and see that only love and God are there.<\/p>\n
6. Thus, where the Lord Omnipotent taketh to himself his mighty power and reigneth, doth he \u201csubdue all things to himself,\u201d cause every heart to overflow with love, and fill every mouth with praise. \u201cHappy are the people that are in such a case: yea, blessed are the people who have the Lord for their God\u201d (Psalm 144:15.) \u201cArise, shine;\u201d (saith the Lord;) \u201cfor thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.\u201d \u201cThou hast known that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty God of Jacob. I have made thy officers peace, and thy exactors righteousness. Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation and thy gates Praise.\u201d \u201cThy people are all righteous; they shall inherit the land for ever; the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.\u201d \u201cThe sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory\u201d (Isa. 60:1, 16\u201319).<\/p>\n
IV. Having thus briefly considered Christianity, as beginning, as going on, and as covering the earth, it remains only that I should close the whole with a plain, practical application.<\/p>\n
1. And, first, I would ask, Where does this Christianity now exist? Where, I pray, do the Christians live? Which is the country, the inhabitants whereof are all thus filled with the Holy Ghost? \u2014are all of one heart and of one soul? cannot suffer one among them to lack anything, but continually give to every man as he hath need; who, one and all, have the love of God filling their hearts, and constraining them to love their neighbour as themselves; who have all \u201cput on bowels of mercy, humbleness of mind, gentleness, long-suffering?\u201d who offend not in any kind, either by word or deed, against justice, mercy, or truth; but in every point do unto all men; as they would these should do unto them? With what propriety can we term any a Christian country, which does not answer this description? Why then, let us confess we have never yet seen a Christian country upon earth.<\/p>\n
2. I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, if ye do account me a madman or a fool, yet, as a fool bear with me.<\/i> It is utterly needful that some one should use great plainness of speech towards you. It is more especially needful at this<\/i> time; for who knoweth but it is the last<\/i>? Who knoweth how soon the righteous Judge may say, \u201cI will no more be entreated for this people?\u201d \u201cThough Noah, Daniel, and Job were in this land, they should but deliver their own souls.\u201d And who will use this plainness, if I do not? Therefore I, even I, will speak. And I adjure you, by the living God, that ye steel not your breasts against receiving a blessing at my<\/i> hands. Do not say in your hearts, Non persuadebis, etiamsi persuaseris<\/i>;\u201d [Your persuasions shall not prevail with us, even though they should really convince us.\u2014EDIT.] or, in other words, \u201cLord, thou shalt not send by whom thou wilt send<\/i>; let me rather perish in my blood, than be saved by this man!\u201d<\/p>\n
3. Brethren, \u201cI am persuaded better things of you, though I thus speak.\u201d Let me ask you then, in tender love, and in the spirit of meekness, Is this city a Christian city? Is Christianity, scriptural Christianity, found here? Are we, considered as a community of men, so \u201cfilled with the Holy Ghost,\u201d as to enjoy in our hearts, and show forth in our lives, the genuine fruits of that Spirit? Are all the Magistrates, all heads and Governors of Colleges and Halls, and their respective Societies (not to speak of the inhabitants of the town), \u201cof one heart \u201cand one soul?\u201d Is \u201cthe love of God shed abroad in our hearts?\u201d Are our tempers the same that were in him? And are our lives agreeable thereto? Are we \u201choly as he who hath called us is holy in all manner of conversation?\u201d<\/p>\n
4. I entreat you to observe, that here are no peculiar notions now under consideration; that the question moved is not concerning doubtful opinions<\/i> of one kind or another, but concerning the undoubted, fundamental branches (if there be any such) of our common Christianity. And for the decision thereof, I appeal to your own conscience, guided by the Word of God. he therefore that is not condemned by his own heart, let him go free.<\/p>\n
5. In the fear, then, and in the presence of the great God, before whom both you and I shall shortly appear, I pray you that are in authority over us, whom I reverence for your office sake, to consider (and not after the manner of dissemblers with God), are you \u201cfilled with the Holy Ghost?\u201d Are you lively portraitures of him whom ye are appointed to represent among men? \u201cI have said, Ye are gods,\u201d ye magistrates and rulers; ye are by office so nearly allied to the God of heaven! In your several stations and degrees, ye are to show forth unto us \u201cthe Lord our Governor.\u201d Are all the thoughts of your hearts, all your tempers and desires, suitable to your high calling? Are all your words like unto those which come out of the mouth of God? Is there in all your actions dignity and love? \u2014a greatness which words cannot express, which can flow only from a heart \u201cfull of God;\u201d and yet consistent with the character of \u201cman that is a worm, and the son of man that is a worm?\u201d<\/p>\n
6. Ye venerable men, who are more especially called to form the tender minds of youth, to dispel thence the shades of ignorance and error, and train them up to be wise unto salvation, are you \u201cfilled with the Holy Ghost?\u201d with all those \u201cfruits of the Spirit,\u201d which your important office so indispensably requires? Is your heart whole with God? full of love and zeal to set up his kingdom on earth? Do you continually remind those under your care, that the one rational end of all our studies, is to know, love and serve \u201cthe only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent?\u201d Do you inculcate upon them day by day, that love alone never faileth (whereas, whether there be tongues, they shall fail, or philosophical knowledge, it shall vanish away); and that without love, all learning is but splendid ignorance, pompous folly, vexation of spirit? Has all you teach an actual tendency to the love of God, and of all mankind for his sake? Have you an eye to this end in whatever you prescribe, touching the kind, the manner, and the measure of their studies; desiring and labouring that, wherever the lot of these young soldiers of Christ is cast, they may be so many burning and shining lights, adorning the gospel of Christ in all things? And permit me to ask, Do you put forth all your strength in the vast work you have undertaken? Do you labour herein with all your might? exerting every faculty of your soul, using every talent which God hath lent you, and that to the uttermost of your power?<\/p>\n
7. Let it not be said, that I speak here, as if all under your care were intended to be clergymen. Not so: I only speak as if they were all intended to be Christians. But what example is set them by us who enjoy the beneficence of our forefathers? \u2014by Fellows, Students, Scholars; more especially those who are of some rank and eminence? Do ye, brethren, abound in the fruits of the Spirit, in lowliness of mind, in self-denial and mortification, in seriousness and composure of spirit, in patience, meekness, sobriety, temperance; and in unwearied, restless endeavours to do good in every kind unto all men, to relieve their outward wants, and to bring their souls to the true knowledge and love of God? Is this the general character of Fellows of Colleges? I fear it is not. Rather, have not pride and haughtiness of spirit, impatience and peevishness, sloth and indolence, gluttony and sensuality, and even a proverbial uselessness, been objected to us, perhaps not always by our enemies, nor wholly without ground? O that God would roll away this reproach from us, that the very memory of it might perish for ever!<\/p>\n
8. Many of us are more immediately consecrated to God, called to minister in holy things. Are we then patterns to the rest, \u201cin word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity\u201d (1 Tim. 4:12)? Is there written on our forehead and on our heart, \u201cHoliness to the Lord?\u201d From what motives did we enter upon this office? Was it indeed with a single eye \u201cto serve God, trusting that we were inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon us this ministration, for the promoting of his glory, and the edifying of his people?\u201d And have we \u201cclearly determined, by God\u2019s grace, to give ourselves wholly to this office?\u201d Do we forsake and set aside, as much as in us lies, all worldly cares and studies? Do we apply ourselves wholly to this one thing, and draw all our cares and studies this way? Are we apt to teach? Are we taught of God, that we may be able to teach others also? Do we know God? Do we know Jesus Christ? Hath \u201cGod revealed his Son in us?\u201d And hath he \u201cmade us able ministers of the new covenant?\u201d Where then are the \u201cseals of our apostleship?\u201d Who, that were dead in trespasses and sins, have been quickened by our word? Have we a burning zeal to save souls from death, so that for their sake we often forget even to eat our bread? Do we speak plain, \u201cby manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man\u2019s conscience in the sight of God\u201d (2 Cor. 4:2)? Are we dead to the world, and the things of the world, \u201claying up all our treasure in heaven?\u201d Do we lord over God\u2019s heritage? Or are we the least, the servants of all? When we bear the reproach of Christ, does it sit heavy upon us? Or do we rejoice therein? When we are smitten on the one cheek, do we resent it? Are we impatient of affronts? Or do we turn the other also; not resisting the evil, but overcoming evil with good? Have we a bitter zeal, inciting us to strive sharply and passionately with them that are out of the way? Or is our zeal the flame of love, so as to direct all our words with sweetness, lowliness, and meekness of wisdom?<\/p>\n
9. Once more: what shall we say concerning the youth of this place? Have you either the form or the power of Christian godliness? Are you humble, teachable, advisable; or stubborn, self-willed, heady, and highminded? Are you obedient to your superiors as to parents? Or do you despise those to whom you owe the tenderest reverence? Are you diligent in your easy business, pursuing your studies with all your strength? Do you redeem the time, crowding as much work into every day as it can contain? Rather, are ye not conscious to yourselves, that you waste away day after day, either in reading what has no tendency to Christianity, or in gaming, or in\u2014you know not what? Are you better managers of your fortune than of your time? Do you, out of principle, take care to owe no man anything? Do you \u201cremember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy;\u201d to spend it in the more immediate worship of God? When you are in his house, do you consider that God is there? Do you behave \u201cas seeing him that is invisible?\u201d Do you know how to possess your bodies in sanctification and honour?\u201d Are not drunkenness and uncleanness found among you? Yea, are there not of you who \u201cglory in their shame?\u201d Do not many of you \u201ctake the name of God in vain,\u201d perhaps habitually, without either remorse or fear? Yea, are there not a multitude of you that are forsworn? I fear, a swiftly-increasing multitude. Be not surprised, brethren. Before God and this congregation, I own myself to have been of the number, solemnly swearing to observe all those customs, which I then knew nothing of; and those statutes, which I did not so much as read over, either then, or for some years after. What is perjury, if this is not? But if it be, O what a weight of sin, yea, sin of no common dye, lieth upon us! And doth not the Most High regard it?<\/p>\n
10. May it not be one of the consequences of this, that so many of you are a generation of triflers; triflers with God, with one another, and with your own souls? For, how few of you spend, from one week to another, a single hour in private prayer! How few have any thought of God in the general tenor of your conversation! Who of you is in any degree acquainted with the work of his Spirit, his supernatural work in the souls of men? Can you bear, unless now and then in a church, any talk of the Holy Ghost? Would you not take it for granted, if one began such a conversation, that it was either hypocrisy or enthusiasm? In the name of the Lord God Almighty, I ask, what religion are you of? Even the talk of Christianity, ye cannot, will not bear. O my brethren, what a Christian city is this! \u201cIt is time for Thee, Lord, to lay to Thine hand!\u201d<\/p>\n
11. For, indeed, what probability, what possibility, rather (speaking after the manner of men), is there that Christianity, scriptural Christianity, should be again the religion of this place? that all orders of men among us should speak and live as men \u201cfilled with the Holy Ghost?\u201d By whom should this Christianity be restored? By those of you that are in authority? Are you convinced then that this is scriptural Christianity? Are you desirous it should be restored? And do ye not count your fortune, liberty, life, dear unto yourselves, so ye may be instrumental in the restoring of it? But suppose ye have this desire, who hath any power proportioned to the effect? Perhaps some of you have made a few faint attempts, but with how small success! Shall Christianity then be restored by young, unknown, inconsiderable men? I know not whether ye yourselves could suffer it. Would not some of you cry out, \u201cYoung man, in so doing thou reproachest us?\u201d But there is no danger of your being put to the proof; so hath iniquity overspread us like a flood. Whom then shall God send? \u2014the famine, the pestilence (the last messengers of God to a guilty land), or the sword, \u201cthe armies of the\u201d Romish \u201caliens,\u201d to reform us into our first love? Nay, \u201crather let us fall into thy hand, O Lord, and let us not fall into the hand of man.\u201d Lord, save, or we perish! Take us out of the mire, that we sink not! O help us against these enemies! for vain is the help of man. Unto thee all things are possible. According to the greatness of thy power, preserve thou those that are appointed to die; and preserve us in the manner that seemeth to thee good; not as we will, but as thou wilt!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cWhosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.\u201d Ezek. 33:4. \u201cAnd they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.\u201d Acts 4:31. 1. The same expression occurs in the second chapter, where we read, \u201cWhen the day … Continue reading “SCRIPTURAL
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