Christ Victorious Over the Powers of Darkness

PROP. I. T •• Children of Men are since the Fall in darkness, and under the power of Satan.

GOD created Man at the first in his own Image, gave him the perfect understanding of his Law, and power to keep it; set him at the head of the visible Creation, giving him the dominion over it, and requiring him to collect the tribute of Praise which was his due from the inferior Creatures, and pay it to him: But alas! Man being in honor abode not. Adam, who stood as a public Person in the first Covenant, sin'd, and we in him. Rom. v. 12. By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death hath passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Thus both sin and misery entered into this World, and Satan having prevailed in his temptation, obtained a dreadful power.—We have the description of the apostate Children of Adam, Rom. iii. 9. They are all under sin. ver. 10. There is none righteous, no not one. ver. 16. Destruction and misery are in their ways.

1. They are in Darkness.

Darkness, in the proper acceptation of the word, signifieth the privation of light, when the Sun which rules the Day is withdrawn from us: And in a metaphorical and borrowed sense, in which the Scriptures often useth it, darkness signifies both moral •• d penal Evil, sin and the misery consequent upon it. Accordingly, when the Son of GOD who saves from both, was manifest in flesh, and arose as the Sun of Righteousness, to make and rule the Gospel-day; it is said that the day spring from on high visited his people, to give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, Luk. i. • 8, 9. And such as are made an holy nation and peculiar people to GOD, are said to be called out of darkness into his marvelous light, 1 Pet. ii. 9. It's true of all that are Converted, and in an eminent manner verified in such as are turned from heathen ignorance. More particularly,

(1.) The Children of Men have their Hearts blinded, and so are alienated from the life of God Eph. iv. 18. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, because of the •• ndness of their heart. Indeed Men have some kind of knowledge of GOD, and of his Law which was at first written on the Heart, enough to leave even the Heathen without excuse, that when they knew God, they glorified him 〈◊〉 as God. But alas 〈◊〉 this Star-light 〈◊〉 direct them how they may return to the LORD so as to 〈…〉 with him: nor yet how they may aright do his will. 〈◊〉 Heathen • ell into the vilest Idolatries. Their foolish heart 〈…〉 and they changed the glory of the uncorruptible God, 〈◊◊〉 image made like to corruptible man, and to birds &c. Rom. 〈◊◊〉 23. Wherefore GOD also gave them up to uncleanness, 〈◊〉 the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own 〈◊〉 between themselves; and unto vile affections, ver. 24, 2 • ▪ They were not only abominable in their way of Worship; but also full of all unrighteousness in their behavior towards Men. Psal. lxxiv. 20.— The dark places of the Earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. Yea, such is the darkness of Men's minds, that when the light of the Gospel shines upon them, they need to have their Understandings opened that they may see and know the truth. Their Reason is so depraved by Sin, and they are so filled with Prejudice against the Gospel, that they will not receive the saving Truths thereof, unless it please GOD by His Spirit to heal their Souls, and restore spiritual • ight unto them. 1 Cor. ii. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; neither can be know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Yea, such is the enmity of the carnal Mind against GOD and his Law, that when Sinners are left to themselves, they rebel against the clearest Light. Thus it was when the Son of GOD came as the light of the World, to declare his Father, and reveal his Will. Joh. iii. 19. This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

(2.) The Children of Men are brought into a miserable condition by Sin, and upon this account may be said to be in darkness. Calamity is fitly set forth by this similitude, and is an inseparable companion of sin, Lam. iii 2. He hath brought me into darkness, but not into light. No sooner were our first Parents fallen from God, but an horror of darkness seized on them; afraid, they fled from the presence of that God in whose favor had been their Life: this lower World fell under a dreadful Curse, and hath been a dark place to their Posterity • ver since. Man that is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble. Job xiv. 1. He is subject to great disquietments of Mind, and horror of Conscience; to Sickness, Pain, Bereavements; and in a word, to innumerable Evils Spiritual and Temporal, till his Eyes are closed in darkness, and he descend to the Grave, of which Job elegantly speaks, Chap. x. 22. A land of darkness, as darkness itself, and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness. But alas! all this is but the beginning of sorrows which must never end.

(3.) The Children of Men are in darkness; for they lie exposed to the eternal Torments of Hell. And there is reserved for them the blackness of darkness forever. Jude 13. The wages of Sin is death. Rom. vi. 23. Not only temporal, but spiritual and eternal Death. Mat. xxv. 46. These shall go away into everlasting punishment. The infinitely glorious GOD is offended, and therefore no temporary suffering of the damned can make full satisfaction; they must be forever paying the vast debt they owe to GOD's justice, and so suffer the everlasting Destruction of Body and Soul in that place of Torments, where no beam of light ever shines; for there will be a vast gulf fixed between them and the blissful presence of GOD the Father of lights, and they must be cast out into outer darkness. Here, poor creatures, they might comfort themselves a little with sparks of their own kindli •• , but there, they lie down in sorrow; yea, sink forever in the bottomless Pit without the least gleam of hope. Psal xlix. 19. He shall go to the generation of his fathers, they shall never see light.

2. The Children of Men are under the power of Satan.

He is the ruler of the darkness of this World, and hath obtained a dreadful power over Men by drawing them into sin. This old Serpent beguiled Eve, and then made use of her as a 〈◊〉 Instrument to tempt Adam to Eat the forbidden fruit: Thus did the •• vil prevail, and led our first Parents and their rebellious Race captive. Eph. ii. 2. Wherein in time past ye walked — according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. The word of GOD speaks of the Apostate Angels as united under one Head, the Prince of Devils, and so forming a Kingdom of Darkness, in opposition to JESUS CHRIST, and His Kingdom on Earth. Luke xi. 18, 19. Col. i. 13. Accordingly, GOD's People are said 〈◊〉 wrestle against the rulers of the darkness of this World, 〈◊◊〉 12. And alas! Satan finds an easy access to such as are under the guilt and dominion of Sin, and works in their Hear •• An excellent Divine, 〈◊〉 observes, "He could not come to 〈◊〉 and work in her, he could not put a thought in her undiscernably, for that had been his best way; but now, we being Sinners, he can, especially those that are his own, work in them undiscernably". There's a powerful energy of Satan in many Sins committed by Men. Act. v. 3— Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost? I do not say, that the Devil can force Men to Sin; but then, taking the advantage of the darkness and corruption of their hearts, he is powerful to deceive, and incline them to it, when their rightful LORD whom they have voluntarily forsaken, in his righteous Judgment permits him: And these 〈◊〉 Creat •••• , cannot in their own strength, overcome his temptati ••• but are led captive by him at his will: They bear his Image, and his Lusts they will do. The carnal Objects which this evil One hath to allure them, worldly Pleasures, Riches, and Honors, are exactly suited to their worldly Lusts; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and pride of life; and he knows how to set these before them in the most advantageous light; and spiritual Objects are far above out of their sight. Thus doth he as a strong Man armed keep the Souls of Sinners; yea, he hurries them along in the way which leads to H • ll, his own place. And as to the Heathen World, the Devil behaves himself as the God of it, obtaining Worship from them in their vile Idolatries 1 Cor. x. 20. The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and • ot to God. How dreadful is the power of Satan as it is represented in the Book of the Revelation, both in Rome pagan and antichristian! And if we look into that part of the World which is called Reform'd, we shall find that he hath in an amazing manner prevailed, as a Spirit of Error, to sow damnable Heresies and doctrines of Devils, to the obscuring of the light of the Gospel; and as a Spirit of Uncleanness, to entice Men to those abominable Immoralities which are condemned by the light of Nature. But blessed be GOD, there's light arising to us under this Darkness! To us a Child is born—who is the mighty GOD, and in whom is fulfilled that Promise, The Seed of the Woman shall bruise the Serpents Head. Heb. ii. 14. Forasmuch then as the Children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil. And this divine Person is pleased in his adorable Wisdom and Grace, to make his Ministers whom he sends forth in his Name, Instruments in his Hand of pulling down the strong holds of Satan, and of setting up his Kingdom in the hearts of Men.

PROP. II. Our LORD JESUS CHRIST sends forth the Ministers of the Gospel, to open the eyes of Sinners; to turn them from darkness to Light, and from the power of Satan unto GOD.

But, who is sufficient for these things? Are they able, of themselves to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, and to cast down Satan from his Throne of Darkness? No surely. But an answer is ready, We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us, 2 Cor. iv. 〈◊〉 . They must preach the pure Truths and Doctrines of the Gospel, and so hold forth before Men the light of the glorious Gospel; And withal give themselves to Prayer, that GOD would send down His Holy Spirit to accompany their Endeavors with Men, and that as a Spirit of Wisdom, that the eyes of their Understanding being enlightened, they may know what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards them that believe, Eph. i. 18, 19. Our SAVIOUR says to his Disciples, Mat. v. 14. Ye are the light of the World; and requires them to take care that their Light shine before Men. They must hold forth the Word of Life not only in their Doctrine, but in an holy exemplary Conversation: And in a word, use all proper means that those to whom they are sent, may behold the truth and beauty of pure Religion. And thus are they to be workers together with God, 2 Cor. vi. 1. And though the work itself is truly Divine, (it is the Work of the HOLY SPIRIT savingly to enlighten and change the Heart, and turn Sinners from the power of Satan to GOD,) yet is our glorious LORD pleased to put honor upon his Ministers in using them as Instruments in his Hand, in this wonderful Work. And thus hath GOD chosen the weak things of the World to confound the things which are mighty, that no flesh should glory in his Presence, but that he that glorieth should glory in the LORD. Who is of God made unto us Wisdom 1 Cor. 1. 2 • , • 1. And then, in this way our LORD pours contempt upon Satan, that haughty Spirit, while he is made like Lightning to fall to the Earth, and his power is broken by weak Men. GOD ordains strength out of the mouth of babes, to still the enemy and the avenger. Psal. 8. 2. And, in this way he also manifests his condescending Goodness to the Children of Men, while He sends such to publish the Gospel to them, as are formed out of the Clay, and whose terror need not make them afraid.

USE. I. Are the Children of Men in Darkness,—How deplorable is their Condition! How doth it Command our Pity and Prayers!

What can be more dreadful, than to be held in these Chains of Darkness, of Ignorance and Infidelity, of Enmity against GOD and his Law; and so to be kept in bondage to Satan, who is leading such blindfold to that Everlasting Fire which is prepared for him and his Angels, where is the most intense heat without light. O worse than Egyptian Darkness! the Plague which follows our Apostasy from Him who is Light, and in whom is no Darkness at all. What Miseries and Woes are comprehended in that description of the Ephesian Gentiles before they enjoyed the light of the Gospel? Chap. ii. 12. At that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Let this then move our Compassion, to consider how great a part of the World is at this Day sitting in Darkness, and in the shadow of Death; and let us earnestly beseech the LORD to send forth his Light and Truth, and give the knowledge of Salvation to such as are perishing for lack of Vision. And also, that GOD would have mercy on them which believe not, whom the God of this World hath blinded, lest the light of the glor • ous Gospel of CHRIST, who is the Image of GOD, should shine unto them: For if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost, 2 Cor. iv. 3, 4.

USE. II. Learn the Honor and Duty of Gospel Ministers.

Of all Men, Ministers had need be very humble, le • t they fall into the condemnation of the Devil. However, they ought to magnify their Office, by entertaining high and honorable thoughts of it, and by taking care so to behave themselves, that others may esteem them for their Work's sake. How great is this Honor, to be sent by the King of Glory to the Sons of Men, and that upon an Affair the most important, to treat with them about the great Concerns of their Souls and Eternal State, 2 Cor. v. 20. Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. And how strongly may we hence also infer the Duty of such Ministers? Certainly, they are under indispensable Obligations to own Him who is the King of Kings, as their Sovereign LORD, by keeping close to His Instructions contained in his Word, teaching Men to observe all things whatsoever he hath commanded, and never presuming to teach for Doctrines the Commandments of Men. They must not preach themselves, but CHRIST JESUS the LORD. They may not lord it over GOD's Heritage; but must go before others as E ••• mples of dutiful Obedience to Him who is the LORD of all. They must always remember, that CHRIST's Kingdom is not of this World, and not inordinately seek worldly Riches, Honors and Pleasures; but rather approve themselves as the Ministers of God, in much patience, in labors, in watchings, in fastings —2 Cor. vi. 4, 5. In a word, they should endeavor in their whole Behaviour, to show forth the virtues and praises of Him that hath called them.

USE. III. How precious is the Gospel Revelation and Ministry!

In the Gospel we have the Revelation of the Mystery of our Redemption by JESUS CHRIST, GOD manifest in Flesh: We are taught how we may obtain deliverance from the power of Sin and Satan; the only way in which we may receive the Forgiveness of Sins, and an Inheritance among them that are Sanctified. Let us then account GOD's W •• d more to be desired than Gold, and the Wisdom and Knowledge therein contained as the principal thing: Let us take it as a light to our Feet, to direct us in the path of Life. Let us say, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace! and not despise the Gospel-Ministry, because we have this Treasure in earthen Vessels. Let us with most humble Thankfulness accept the unsearchable Riches of CHRIST, which they offer us in his Name, and account all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of him. Let us not look upon the Gospel as a burdensome Charge; but prize it as a rich Blessing, and cheerfully do our part towards the Support of it. But the truth, and • ell it not, Prov. xxiii. 23. "Spare no Pains or Cost to get it, and do not forsake it for any Worldly Advantages". Surely they cannot be losers who have the Infinite GOD for their exceeding great Reward, and the riches of Glory laid up in Heaven as their Portion forever.

USE. IV. Learn the glorious Power, and tender Pity of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

The greatness of his power appears, in that He Commissions whom he will to Preach the Gospel to them who • it in darkness; in that, when the state of the 〈◊〉 called for it, He in the most extraordinary manner 〈◊〉 Instruments for this great Work, and gave them Success above our thought and conception. Here, we may also behold his tender Compassion to the Apostate Children of Adam. GOD the SON, who is the Brightness of the Father's Glory, hath taken ou • Nature into personal Union. The Word was made Flesh▪ Joh. i. 14. And thus hath GOD purchased the Church with his own Blood. And now, from his Exalted State, he beholds the Children of Men, and pities them under their Sin and Misery; yea, is most ready, consistent with GOD's eternal Counsels, to succor and save them. This his Divine Power and Mercy appeared most Glorious in the primitive Times of Christianity; they still continue to appear, and will again shine forth with the brightest Luster, when the Jews shall be called, and the receiving of them shall be as Life from the Dead to the Gentile Churches, Rom. xi. 15,—25. How amiable then doth our LORD JESUS appear in these Perfections? How great is His Goodness; How great is His Beauty! And how inexcusable shall we be if we despise him, and neglect his great Salvation?

USE. V. When CHRIST's Ministers are prospered, and their Labors crowned with the desired Success; the Glory must be given to our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Their Abilities for the right discharge of their Ministry are from Him. 1 Cor. • v. 10. I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the Grace of God which was with me. And it is He that commands the Blessing on their Labors, otherwise they must labo •• in vain. The Apostle Paul therefore ascribes all to Him. 1 Cor. iii. 5. Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but Ministers by whom ye believed, even as the 〈◊〉 gave to every man? ver. 7. So then, neither is he that 〈◊〉 anything, neither he that watereth: but God that giveth the increase. And thus the Seventy Disciples whom our SAVIOUR sent forth, returned saying, Lord, Even the Devils are subject to us through thy Name! Luk. x. 17. Let Gospel Ministers then be ready to say, Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy Name give Glory; for indeed, His is the Power and the Wisdom and the Strength. The weapons of their Warfare are mighty through GOD.

USE. VI. Learn a great Duty incumbent on GOD's Covenant ••• ple; which is, to use their best Endeavors that the Light 〈◊〉 the Gospel may shine to them who are in Darkness, and under the power of Satan.

The great design and use of the Gospel make this evident: By the Di •••• sation of the Word, Men are delivered from the power of Darkness, and translated into the Kingdom of GOD's dear Son; and so made meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light. Certainly then, GOD's People must not fail to publish the Gospel to others as they have Opportunity, that these may unite with the • in giving Glory to GOD in the Highest, and so come to enjoy Peace on Earth, the best Prosperity; under the happy Government of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Churches are compared to Golden Candlesticks, Rev. i. 12. And they must accordingly hold up this Light, that it may shine to others. To them are committed the Oracles of GOD, as a sacred Depositum and Treasure; and as they must keep them, and transmit them to their Posterity; so they must further improve this rich Talent to the honor of their LORD, and the good of Men, least they fall under the doom of the slothful Servant, who hid his Lord's Talent. The two great Commands of the Law unite to strengthen their Obligation to this Duty; for so far as the Gospel prevails, GOD is made known, and Glory given to Him as the chief Good and highest End of Man; and precious Souls, more worth than a World, are delivered and saved. Jam. v. 20. Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. Again, What Indignation, what Zeal should it work in us, when we behold Satan, that cursed Usurper, lording it over so great a part of the World? while the faithful Subjects of CHRIST are comparatively few, a little Flock; and how earnest should we be that these deluded Wretches, of one Blood with us, and no worse by Nature than we, may have their Eyes opened to behold our rightful LORD, and their Hearts inclined to bow before Him? And considering the Word of GOD assureth us, that in the multitude of People is the King's honor , certainly, all such as would approve themselves loyal to CHRIST, must be sensible they are 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 and gratitude to seek the Enlargement of his kingdom; and act accordingly.

Give me leave then humbly to recommend to you this pious Charity, which hath 〈…〉 tendency to promote the Glory of GOD, and •• st Interests of Men▪ Blessed be GOD for what hath been d ••• this w •• mo •• privately, and by our worshipping Assemblies in their Collections. I wish that excellent Proposal might be generally accepted, viz. The having public Collections for pious and 〈…〉 on our Anniversary Fasts and Thanksgivings. In this way we might honor GOD with our Substance, and give our helping Hand towards propagating Christian Knowledge among our own People, and the Aboriginal Natives: And certainly the generous Compassion expressed towards this poor People by the Honorable SOCIETIES in South and North Britain, should provoke us to an holy Emulation; especially, considering GOD hath given us the Possession of this good Land which their Ancestors once inhabited; and that this was the professed Intention of our pious Progenitors, the first Planters of this Country.

And here, while I humbly thank our honored Fathers in the Civil Government, for the liberal Encouragement they have been pleased to give towards this Mission which is the Occasion of our Assembling in GOD's Name this Day; I would with suitable deference propose it to their Consideration, what may further be done by this People to spread the Gospel, particularly among the Indians, which is but to build on the noble Foundation others have laid for us. And whereas Complaints have often been made, that the immoderate love and 〈◊〉 of Strong Drink threaten to drown that unhappy People in ••• dition, and to defeat the great and good Design proposed • n sending the Gospel to them; I would humbly move that all further needful Care may be taken to prevent so great a Mischief. And inasmuch as our Compassionate REDEEMER, while on Earth, made Men feel the Effects of his bountiful Love in their Bodies, and so prepared the way for their receiving his heavenly Doctrines, to the Salvation of their Souls; let us imitate this Divine Pattern, and make these poor Creatures know by things they are sensible of, that it is their Interest to be attach'd to us. O let there be such a fair and friendly Commerce carried on with them, as shall adorn the Doctrine of GOD our SAVIOUR, and in some good measure exemplify the perfect Rules of our holy Religion! O that they may behold our good Works, and glorify GOD in this day of Visitation! LORD, our Eyes are unto Thee, the GOD of Salvation, to whom belong the issues from Death: Glorify thy Name, glorify thy Son, by turning these miserable People from Darkness to Light, and from the power of Satan to GOD.

USE. VII. What hath been said may afford Direction and Encouragement to such as are called to Preach the Gospel in the dark Places of the Earth.

It is profitable for Instruction and Encouragement to all Gospel Ministers, who need both for the right discharge of their holy Calling, which must be attended with great Difficulties in this Evil World, where the Devil hath such power by reason of our Sin, that he cannot be overcome and cast out but by the Divine Power. And in an especial manner, the Text and Doctrines may be improved to these Ends, by such as are sent to teach GOD's Word in Places that have been for time immemorial covered with thick Darkness, being destitute of the outward Revelation of the Gospel. The Direction it gives to such is, that they look above themselves to our glorious LORD, who hath all power, and that they go forth with an humble and believing Dependance on Him to whom the FATHER hath given the Heathen for his Inheritance, and who is able to assert his Right, and subdue them to the Obedience of Faith. Indeed they must heedfully observe the working of his Providence, and what intimations He gives them of his Will by his Word and Spirit; whether He qualifieth them for, and calls them to engage in such a difficult Work; and when they find good Grounds to believe that they have the Call of GOD, they should dutifully answer, Here we are, send us. They must go in Obedience to their Sovereign LORD, and with a single Eye at His Glory as their chiefest and highest End; they must go, sensible that unless He go before them, and condescend to work with and by them, they shall labor in vain; and then they should encourage themselves in the LORD, who is able to do above all we can ask or think. In the 55 th. of Isaiah, where we have an illustrious Prophecy of the Call of the Gentiles, ver. 4, 5. we have also these encouraging words to strengthen the faith, and raise the hope of GOD's People, ver 8, 9. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

BUT I now proceed more directly to apply these Things to our Brethren, who • We are this Day separating to the great and difficult Work of Gospelizing the Aboriginal Natives • n our Borders.

My dear Brethren, I apprehend GOD in His good Providence calls us to make further 〈◊〉 in this important Affair, notwithstanding all the Difficulties with which it is attended; and I trust it is pleasing to Him, that you offer your Selves, and consecrate your Service to the LORD this Day. Duty is our's, the Event and Success are •• ntirely in GOD's Hand. Now then, let your Eyes be to our Ascended SAVIOUR, while you engage in this Work, and devoutly say with Moses, Exod. xxxiii. 15. If thy Presence go not with us, carry us not up hence. Let the governing Design of your Undertaking be to glorify GOD, by turning Sinners from Darkness to Light, and from the power of Satan to Him, that they may receive forgiveness of Sins, and Inheritance among them that are Sanctified by faith that is in CHRIST; and being sensible that the Arm of the LORD must be revealed to effect this, rely and rest on Him, and be ready to give the Glory of all the least Success unto Him. Praise wa • teth for thee, O GOD!

In the first place, Give up yourselves to the Lord JEHOVAH, who is the FATHER, the SON, and the HOLY GHOST, by renewing your Covenant with Him, to be His entirely and forever; beseeching GOD to pour out His Spirit upon you, to furnish you with all needed Gifts and Graces. Look to it, that you be united to CHRIST by His Spirit dwelling in you; that being washed from Sin in His Blood, and clothed with his Righteousness, you may be accepted in the Beloved; and then live by the Faith of the SON of GOD, and be strong in the Grace that is in CHRIST JESUS. Cry to that GOD who commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness, that He would shine into your Hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD, in the face of Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 4. 6. Hear and learn of the FATHER the great Truths and Mysteries of the Gospel, that you may be qualified to teach others the Truth as it is in JESUS. You need the teaching of the Anointing, of GOD by His Spirit; and therefore should earnestly seek to Him to send his Spirit into your Hearts to lead you into all Truth, that you may be as Scribes instructed to the Kingdom of Heaven. And the more you feel the power and taste the sweetness of GOD's Word in your own Souls, the better will you be qualified to Preach the Kingdom of GOD, and Teach those things which concern the LORD JESUS CHRIST, with all Confidence. But then, remember that while you tr ••• in the LORD, you must be found in the diligent use of Means: Give yourselves therefore to Reading and Study, 〈◊〉 your Circumstances will allow; and above all, study your B • BLES; for all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may • e perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works, 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. And let GOD's Law and Testimony be your rule and directory in all your Instructions, or there will be no light in them.

And here give me leave to offer a few Hints.

Let there be a Compendium or Summary of Christian Religion agreeable to the Scriptures, and as short and plain as may be, often inculcated, till the Natives shall have learned the Principles of the Doctrine of CHRIST. Declare to them the only true and living GOD, who made Heaven and Earth, and all things in them; and that He made Man upright, in His own Image. Shew them their vile and miserable State by the Fall. Declare to them that this GOD, who is the FATHER and the SON and the HOLY GHOST, hath contrived a way in which they may be delivered from their Sin and Misery. That in order to this, the Eternal SON of GOD hath taken our Nature, and became Man; that He was obedient to Death, the Death of the Cross; 〈◊〉 again from the Dead, and lives in Heaven to intercede for his People. Declare to them, that this JESUS is the only Mediator between GOD and Man; and that they must pray to GOD in His Name only. Shew them the necessity of turning from all Sin to GOD in true Repentance; and of receiving the LORD JESUS CHRIST by Faith, and depending on His Righteousness for Pardon and Justification. Declare to them that GOD alone hath power to forgive Sins. Shew them the nature and use of the holy Sacraments, and that those which CHRIST hath instituted are only two, Baptism and the Lord's Supper; and labor to maintain in them an high esteem of them. Shew them that they must be taught the Principles of the Christian Religion, and subject themselves to the Authority and Laws of CHRIST, before these may be administered to them: That if they would receive saving benefit by Baptism, they must also seek the washing of Regeneration, and renewing of the HOLY GHOST, for themselves and their Offspring, that being born of Water and of the Spirit they may enter into the Kingdom of GOD. Teach them that the Lord's Supper must be received by the Communicants in both Elements, Bread and Wine; and that 'tis contrary to Sense Reason and Scripture, to imagine, that these are turned into the very Body and Blood of CHRIST▪ and therefore that CHRIST, who is spiritually present with his People, must be apprehended and received by faith, if they would partake in the saving virtues of his Death. And take heed you never prostitute these Sacred Mysteries of our holy Religion, by administering them to any under Heathen Ignorance, under Romish Idolatry, or that live and allow themselves in open and scandalous Immoralities.

Declare to them the Commandments of the Moral Law. That GOD only is the Object of Prayer, and all religious Worship. Tell them, forasmuch as we are the Offspring of GOD, we ought not to think that the God-Head is like unto Gold, or Silver or Stone, graven by art, and Man's device: that it is a most heinous Crime to worship GOD by Images; and that He who is a jealous GOD, threatens to punish this Iniquity upon Parents and their Children, unto the third and fourth Generation. Teach them to Sanctify the Sabbath Day; and in a word, the necessity of a sober righteous and godly Life▪ In particular, do all you can to convince them of the great Evil of that Sin which most easily besets them, and to keep them from it; le • t they wholly forget GOD's Law, and quench every good motion of His SPIRIT: Solemnly warn them of the Destruction they are bringing upon themselves by it, and how they are consuming away under the deadly influence of it.

[However, I am informed that though' they have a Name for GOD, yet they have no form of taking his Name in vain, in their own Language. Be astonished, O ye Heavens, and be horribly afraid! in that this presumptuous Sin of profane Swearing is so common where the light of the Gospel shines, and GOD's glorious and fearful Name is clearly revealed▪ And let such bold Transgressors know, that it will be more tolerable for barbarous Indians than for them, in the Day of Judgment; when the LORD shall make it appear, that He will not hold them guiltless that take his Name in vain. ]

But to return from this Digression; Declare to them, that GOD alone can change their Hearts, enable them to hate Sin, and love his Law; and then direct them to ask of GOD His HOLY SPIRIT, to sanctify them, and create them in CHRIST JESUS unto good Works. And show them that when they have done all, they must Trust in the Merits of JESUS CHRIST, and not presume to think that they can merit by their good Works. But I forbear.

In your teaching, there must be precept upon precept, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. But how much skill and prudence do you need in this matter? Depend on GOD for all, and encourage yourselves in Him, who said on the first Day, Let there be Light, and there was Light; and can now more easily shine into their Hearts to give them the knowledge of the Gospel, than you can speak a word. Who hath heard such a thing? Shall a Nation be born at once? Yes, if GOD please, a Nation shall be born in a Day, and Converts be numerous as the drops of Dew from the womb of the Morning. O that this Day of GOD's power might dawn and shine on a World sitting in Darkness! O that the poor Indians might see the light of Life, and live!

But think it not strange, if you meet with sharp Trials from the Prince of Darkness, and such as are under his power, while you are endeavoring to enlighten Men with the knowledge of JESUS CHRIST; and be ready to endure hardness, as 〈◊〉 good Soldiers. Look to GOD continually for all that Knowledge and Wisdom, Faith and Patience, Zeal and Courage, Meekness and Self-denial, which you need; and be clothed with Humility. Live by Faith and Prayer, and then say with the •• almist, Psal. cxviii. 6. The Lord is on my side, I will not fear: • hat can man do unto me? If He be your Sun and Shield, you shall neither want Light nor Protection.

And here, for your further Encouragement, I might propose to your Consideration the Promises made to our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who sends his Ministers to open the eyes of Men—. Psal. ii. 8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession. Isai. liii. 10.— He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. ver. 11. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied. Isai. xlix. 6.— I will give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Again, Consider, GOD's Hand is not shor • n'd, that it cannot save; and the Sacrifice, by the Blood of which our SAVIOUR hath Redeemed His People out of every Kindred, and Tongue, and People, and Nation, is as full of Virtue as ever; and His Intercession as prevalent for the sending of the HOLY GHOST: so that all that the FATHER hath given Him, shall come unto Him.

I might also for your Encouragement mention the extraordinary Success which the Blessed GOD gave to the Gospel among the Heathen, as we have this transmitted to us from the Records of the Sacred Scriptures. I might also put you in mind of the wonderful Work of GOD, in causing the Light of his Gospel to shine upon our Ancestors in Great Britain, who before sat in gross Darkness; and then in recovering them from the Idolatries of Popery. When we look back on these things, we may well admiring say, What hath GOD wrought! And looking to the hole of the Pit whence we ourselves were digged, you may encourage yourselves in that GOD, with whom all things are possible.

And whereas the Honorable SOCIETY for propagating Christian Knowledge at Edinburgh, are under GOD the Instruments and Encouragers of your Mission, by the pious Donation of the late Reverend and Charitable Dr. Daniel Williams, of London; I may with propriety observe to you the Success which we are informed GOD hath already given to Their Endeavors nearer Home, among the Highlanders in Scotland, who had been sunk very low in barbarous Ignorance: Of this a Reverend Person in a Sermon preached to the above-named Honorable SOCIETY, Testifyeth, "That many Thousands of those poor People have been taught the Knowledge of CHRIST."

However, I need not go so far to fetch Encouragement for you. It pleased our merciful GOD in the last Century to send His glorious Gospel to the Aboriginal Natives of this Land, who for unknown Ages had been in Heathen Darkness; and to give them the Bible in their own Language, by his signal Blessing on the Labors of our pious and renowned Eliot, whose Name, together with that of Mayhew and other Worthies, should be had in Everlasting Remembrance, in honor to our Glorious LORD, who spirited and strengthened them to this difficult Work, and made them the happy Instruments of enlightening not a few with the Knowledge of GOD, and JESUS CHRIST, whom to know is Life Eternal. And this manifestation of Divine Power and Grace may answer an Objection: You may be ready to think with yourselves, How can we go to a People of a strange Speech, and hard Language, who have not the extraordinary Gifts with which the Apostles were furnished, when they spread the Gospel among the Heathen? Let Experience answer; GOD wonderfully blessed these excellent Persons in their diligent Endeavors to learn the Indian Tongue, and then to communicate Christian Knowledge; so that we behold a considerable number of Indian Churches Gather'd, and walking together in the Faith and Order of the Gospel; some furnished with English, others with Indian Pastors. Do you go, and do likewise. May you with like Zeal for the Glory of GOD, and Compassion to Men, lay out yourselves in this weighty Affair, and the LORD be with you. And certainly Hi • Presence, and the Light of His Countenance, are sufficient to brighten the most disconsolate Circumstances of Life. The 〈◊〉 Paul could say, I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me, Phil. iii. 11, 13.

And further, consider what a Price is now put into your Hands to serve GOD and your Country? What great and public Blessings you will be to this People, if the gracious Presence of CHRIST with you shall be as a Wall of Fire about us, on our Eastern and Western Frontiers. Consider, what a Honor it will be to you, if after all the Blood and Treasure spent in War with these Salvages, you must be the Instruments of obtaining the most glorious Victory over them, by subduing them to CHRIST, and the obedience of Faith. Upon this, I do not promise you a Corruptible Crown of fading Laurel, nor yet a Roman Triumph; Honors which engaged the ancient Heathen in some of the most difficult Enterprizes. No! we serve a better Master; our bountiful LORD, doth not call you to strive unto Agony for such perishing things; but from His High Throne holds out to you a Crown of 〈◊〉 that f • d • th not away; and His Voice from Heaven to each of you is, Be thou faithful unto Death, and I will give 〈◊〉 a Crown of Life. This glorious Reward then, which CHRIST hath purchased, and freely offers to you, doth not depend upon your Success, but Fidelity. Your Judgment is with the LORD, • nd your Work with your GOD.

USE. VIII. In the last place, I turn myself to this Assembly: Let us bless GOD who hath cast our Lot in pleasant Places, where the light of the Gospel shines▪ and take care we do not receive this Grace of GOD in vain.

In Gospel Privileges we are Exalted unto Heaven; but we must know that if we continue unbelieving and impenitent, we shall be brought down to Hell. Let us then with godly fear attend to that word, Mat. iii. 9, 10. And think •• t to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of th • se stones to raise up children unto Abraham And n • w also the 〈◊〉 is laid to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit, is 〈◊〉 down and cast into the fire. Let the Children of the Covenant look to themselves, and beware le • t that threatening should be fulfilled in any one of them, Mat. viii. 11, 12. I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and west, and shall • it down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast into •• ter darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Great is our Advantage, that unto us are committed the Oracle • of GOD; and we ought to be very thankful for this distinguishing Favor, that the Mystery of Salvation by JESUS CHRIST, kept secret from many others, is made manifest to us by the Scriptures. But then, let us not be high minded, but • ear; and seriously consider what we shall render to the LORD for so great a Benefit; least we treasure up to ourselves wrath against the day of Wrath, by despising the Riches of GOD's Goodness. Let us, sensible of the Darkness and Corruption of our Hearts, ask the HOLY SPIRIT to Enlighten and Sanctify us. Let us not 〈◊〉 ourselves with an outward Profession, and a Name to live; but earnestly seek a thorough Conversion to GOD, and vital Union with JESUS CHRIST, that we may be found in Him. Let us beseech the LORD to fulfil that precious Promise to us and our Children. Jer. xxxi. 33. This shall be the covenant that I will make with the •• use of Israel, After th • se days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in 〈◊〉 inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And let us then walk as Children of the light and day, having no fellowship with the unfruitful Works of Darkness, but rather reproving them. Let us resist the Devil, and he shall flee from us; Watch and Pray le • t this Evil One should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. And be not conformed to this World▪ but be ye transformed by the renewing of your Mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect Will of GOD. Thus you may hope to enjoy the light of GOD's Countenance while passing through this World, and shall certainly come to see the good of his Chosen, and to glory with his Inheritance in Heaven. But if after all the Means GOD useth with you, you continue to reject CHRIST, to vex the HOLY SPIRIT, and to walk according to the Course of this World, according to the Spirit which now worketh in the Children of Disobedience; I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, in the day of Judgment, than for you, when that Sentence must be pronounced on the Wicked, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

And now, I call heaven and earth to 〈◊〉 this day against you, that I have s • t before you li • e and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose li •• , that • oth thou and thy • eed may live. Deut. xxx. 19.

To Conclude, Let us continue in Prayer that GOD would pour out his SPIRIT on his servants now to be separated to this great and difficult Work, to Qualify and Strengthen them to the faithful Discharge of it.

Let us Pray that the Honorable SOCIETY and their Commissioners may at all times •• joy the Direction and Assistance of GOD. That the Lord of the Harvest would from time to time send forth such Laborers into the Indian Harvest, as He shall own and bless; and • hat His Servants employed in one part of the Land and another, may have the Hand of the LORD with them; that many may believe and turn to the LORD. That the KING of 〈◊〉 , who is the LORD Strong and Mighty, would cast down Satan from his usurped Throne, Destroy Antichrist by the brightness of His Coming, and take to Himself his great Power and Reign. That He would sprinkle many Nations with his Blood, and pour out his SPIRIT upon all Flesh▪ and thus in a more illustrious 〈…〉 that Promise, Isai. xi. 6, 9. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the le • p •• d 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 no • hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters ••• er the sea.

Let us pray, that both Jews and Gentiles may be gathered, and united under this Glorious Head of the Church, and so that good Word of His be accomplished, Joh. x. 16.— There shall be one fold, or Flock, and •• e Shepherd.

HE which testifieth these things, • aith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. E ••• so Come LORD JESUS.