VARIOUS SUBJECTS,

DOCTRINAL, EXPERIMENTAL and PRACTICAL.

VOL. I.

HARTFORD.

1798.

PUBLISHED AND SOLD BY

BOOK-SELLERS AND STATIONERS, HARTFORD,

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EXCERPT 1. ( Pp. 199-200.)

"IN a former discourse, we have considered faith, as evidence of things not seen, by discovering to the mind the glory of GOD and his scheme of government. It is in this way, that it gives strength both to do and to suffer When a christian sees GOD present with him; when eternity is made real to him; when the connection between time and eternity is opened before him; when a divine action in all things is realized and felt; when there is a consciousness of union with Almighty love and wisdom, the weak creature can do all things, through CHRIST who strengtheneth him. The Lord gives strength to his people, by bringing himself in his glory, his agency and government into their-view; and enabling them to feel their own union to the source of holy action."

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HEBREWS X. 38.

THIS epistle was written, at a time, when christians were exposed to great persecution. The ruling powers of the world, were bitter enemies to the doctrines of CHRIST, and the purity of christian practice. This accounts for many things, in the sacred epistles, designed to support believers under outward trials and the loss of worldly good. The apostles endeavoured to animate them, by the consideration that they were suffering for GOD’s cause. Also, by the promise of a peaceful enjoyment and communion with their Lord, in the world to which all are going; and by the example of eminent saints, who, before their time, had been called to suffer for GOD. These, through The efficacy of faith, had acted boldly, suffered patiently, and given evidence of a strength derived from heaven. The life of faith, in holy diligence and patience,

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when exemplified by the conduct of GOD’s people, is a high evidence of the reality of religion, and that GOD assists those who trust in him.

A CHRISTIAN life, especially if it be attended with worldly difficulties, carries conviction to the conscience of unbelievers. They are convinced of a principle in the heart, which they never felt; and that, in their own case, there is a want of something, which it would be desirable to have.

A REVIEW of the faith in ancient christians, and the effects it wrought in them, is also animating to us their weaker brethren. It shows the divinity, and sufficiency of our religion; and that the weakness of our own faith, is the only cause we ever shrink back from duty, and despair is the divine care. In the verses before our text, the apostle exhorts christians, to patience and fortitude, under the trials they were called to endure. He tells them The just shall live by faith. Faith gives the christian his strength, his diligence, his boldness in the cause of GOD, his patience and firmness under bitter trials, his inflowing of support from CHRIST, his consciousness of a GOD present and cloathed with all perfection, his certainty of a speedy triumph, and an end of his conflict by being received to the presence of CHRIST. Considering these things, as effects which flow from the very nature of faith; and also considering, the darkness, sin and trials of the world in which we live, it may fitly be said The just shall live by faith.

ALTHO the pardon of sin and our acceptance by GOD, is graciously promised to the first exercise of faith ; it never becomes unnecessary for the christian. It is as useful in his succeeding life, as it was necessary for his first acceptance. The very same faith, which is required for justification; preserves the union with GOD through

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CHRIST, and receives and exerts the strength derived from him. Faith, being continued by the quickening of the Holy Spirit, and exercised in daily trust and obedience, is the life of faith, which we are now to consider. By it the ancients obtained a good report; and by it we are to serve GOD in our generation, until he shall take us to himself.

THROUGH the xi. chapter, the power and effects of faith, in a number of glorious examples, are described. In other places, especial]y in his epistle to the Romans, the apostle Paul described faith as justifying and uniting the soul to GOD; in this place, he describes it as a persevering principle of holy life. This principle was made apparent, by the exercise of spiritual strength, derived from GOD, in suffering for him and acting bolder in his cause. They were enabled to bear and do things impossible to depraved humanity, without such assistance. In the instances recorded, the saints were enabled to trust in the divine word against all natural appearances; to despise the honors and pleasures of the world, when brought in competition with their duty; expose themselves to the greatest danger in honoring GOD and doing good; and endure the most exquisite tortures under the saw and at the stake.

IN a former discourse, we have considered faith, as evidence of things not seen, by discovering to the mind the glory of GOD and his scheme of government. It is in this way, that it gives strength both to do and to suffer When a christian sees GOD present with him; when eternity is made real to him; when the connection between time and eternity is opened before him; when a divine action in all things is realized and felt; when there is a consciousness of union with Almighty love and wisdom, the weak creature

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can do all things, through CHRIST who strengtheneth him. The Lord gives strength to his people, by bringing himself in his glory, his agency and government into their-view; and enabling them to feel their own union to the source of holy action.

THE following particulars will illustrate the power of faith, in the christians life.

1st. By faith he derives constant spiritual life and strength from JESUS CHRIST.

THERE must be a daily receiving, and continued communion with the Saviour to preserve the christian temper, practice and joy. The first coming to CHRIST, begins an intercourse between him and the soul which will be eternal. He meets the believer, when coming by faith to receive; and from his own fulness, bestows all spiritual graces, with a sense of his own glory, and the joy unspeakable which follows.

As GOD grants his blessing only through CHRIST, and it is faith alone which receives him; it must of course be by faith, that spiritual mercies are received. If the christian backslides and ceases to go and receive; there is an immediate interruption of holy exercise; the sight of GOD’s glory is departed; the sense of his gracious presence is lost; and the heart, being left alone, is weak, comfortless, and wretched by the temptations of the world. All this happens from an interruption of faith, which receives spiritual life and strength from GOD. When the channel of receiving is stopped, the sanctifying, enlightening and comforting power of GOD ceases to flow into the soul.

CHRIST plainly told this truth to his disciples.. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot

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bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine: No more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered: and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. This passage, forcibly describes, the daily use of faith. The life of a christian is derived. It flows forth from his Saviour GOD, and his faith receives the gracious assistance. His faith is that seeking which finds; that knocking to which entrance is given.

EXPERIENCE witnesses the truth of this description, for while a believer feels his dependance, and goes to GOD for life and strength; while he is willing that GOD should have the glory of giving, he feels grace by a divine energy slow into his soul. He can say, GOD is my helper and my strength. Unworthy as I am, I feel a divine breathing into this polished temple, and my soul ascends in adoration and praise. Perhaps, faith never applies in this way, without some sensible return, of communicated grace from the Redeemer, who is the way and the life of his people.

By this communion from above, a general sanctification is promoted; all holy exercises increase in strength; and the conversation is in heaven.

2dly. By faith, the christian has an habitual apprehension of a present GOD, and is familiarised in his meditations, to the things of the world to come. It has already been described, how his faith becomes evidence of things not seen, by discovering the glory of moral objects, which may

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be called the peculiar and irresistible christian evidence. This evidence, presented to the mind, produces an habitual apprehension of a present JEHOVAH. As GOD appears to come near, eternity with every thing great and glorious, which is revealed concerning it, approaches with him. As the natural sun arising, spreads glory over the face of creation; so, the rising of the sun of righteousness, in an apprehension of his near presence, discovers the reality of the moral system; that these moments of time, are surrounded with an eternity past and future; and the glory of omnipotence, becomes a reflected light from all his works of creation, providence and redemption. The soul feels the patriarchal description, " How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of GOD, and this is the gate of heaven. GOD, and the things of GOD, become exceeding real.

IT was from this sight of GOD by faith, that David said, " Thou knowest my down-sitting, and mine up-rising, thou understand all my thoughts afar off. Thou compasseth my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. There is not a word in my tongue, but lo, 0 Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.—" 1 ascend into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me:

even the night shall be light about me." He concludes the description by expressing his happiness in this sense of the, divine presence. "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them,

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THIS sense of the divine presence, and the reality and glory of the invisible world always accompanies the life of faith. It is one principal thing which distinguishes the children of GOD from other people, and is generally proportioned to their degree of faith. When it is in low exercise, invisible things do but glimmer on them; sense prevails; temptations attack, and too often overcome ; their armour is gone, and for a season they are led captive by the powers of sin. When faith is in high exercise, and open to receive from the divine fountain; all in the soul, is life and strength from GOD, and all around it is glory.

THE immediate effects, in the believer, of GOD’s being made thus present to him are very glorious. He hath meat to eat., of which the men of the world are ignorant The glory of GOD, shining through every object around shim, is his happiness.—All things, considered as part of the divine plan, appear to be right.—He is willing the government should be the Lord’s.— His duty is, also, his pleasure.—He feels himself to be upheld by Almighty power and goodness; a power near at hand, and not afar off, in which he lives and is moved.

How different, in respect of peace, are the conditions, of those who live by faith in GOD, and of such as reject him by unbelief. One is made happy, by a sense of the divine approach; the other is filled with dread. One receives strength from GOD; the other with trembling, tries to fly, but sinks in his own weakness. One rises to meet the opening prospects of eternity, and a more near approach to the throne of GOD

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the other retires from them, as the most dreaded of all objects.

3dly. BY faith, the christian sees and rejoices in the providence of GOD, which irresistibly directs all events that will ever take place.

THE providence of GOD is a glorious truth. It is a subject, either full of doubts and gloom to men; or of clearness and joy. In each case, it is according to the moral state of their hearts. No subject has excited more doubts, fears, joys, and pains. While some consider the doctrine, premonitory of their future wretchedness others, esteem it a truth in which heaven and earth

ought to rejoice, and the sure basis of created blessedness. It is not strange, that unholy creatures contend with the universal providence of a holy GOD, and try to disbelieve. It is a truth opposed to their wishes; which assures the downfall of vice, and its votaries ; and an end to the pleasures of sin. These pleasures are permitted for a season, that the downfall may be more conspicuous, and the glory of holiness more compleat. Not only a fear of evil to come; but also a disrelish of leading principles in the supreme government, and an ignorance of its beauty, will make bad men opposed to the doctrine of an universal providence, by which all events are efficiently determined. They can see no glory in this government, and the mind will try to disbelieve that, in which it sees no glory.

THE wisdom of GOD, in his providence, is an unfathomable deep to angels and men. He does good, in a way so much above the highest created intellect, that there will be the mysteries of providence, even to the holy. They are often obliged to follow GOD by faith, in cloudy and dark ways ; and if their faith be small, it will be

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with them as with pious ASAPH, their feet being almost gone, and their steps well nigh slipping, thro’ the mysteries of the divine government, and the apparent incongruity of GOD’s promises and providence.

If this be the case, in those hours when faith is weak; what cavils and doubts may we not expect in the wicked, who both fear and disrelish the providence of JEHOVAH, and see no beauty in its operations. Sometimes they will doubt; sometimes they will deny; and at all times feel opposed. Seeing no glory of GOD around them, they think he is at a distance, and are tormented between doubting, fearing, and the power of temptation acting on their inbred corruption. This life of unholiness must be a miserable one; for tho’ the creature needs a GOD to uphold and a providence to keep him, he dreads to receive either as truth. If he would be honest, to observe his own feelings, he might find in them the embryo existence of that hell, which is threatened in the sure word of revelation.

How blessed! is that state of the heart which delights in the principles of divine government! How excellent the grace which sees the presence of GOD's irresistible providential power, and can rejoice in it !—Here the believer, by his life of faith, is made blessed, confirmed against doubting, and reconciled to what takes place. From an apprehension of the divine presence, he knows there is wisdom, though he cannot trace it; and that the things, which appear dark to human discernment, will be most for GOD’s glory and the good of his kingdom. He has accustomed himself to consider a divine agency, in all that happens, even the falling of a hair from the head; so that every thing which he sees, hears or feels leads him up to GQD. Placed in the midst of a

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scene of life and action, of causes and effects; the whole appears to him the action of GOD, the great first cause; who is holy, in the midst of the unholiness of his creatures ; pure, in permitting from the most glorious motives, that which they do from motive the most base and worthy of punishment. In sight of this providence constantly acting, and every where existent; binding all the parts of the universe into, one most perfect plan, tending to the most perfect end; in sight, by faith, of the glorious and blessed kingdom, which will be formed by the energy of the power and wisdom that now worketh; in sight of the union between things in heaven, and things on earth, in JESUS CHRIST the Lord, by whom all things were created and are named, the holy, believing soul rejoices with joy unspeakable and full of glory. The faith, which can see this providence in nature and grace, will give a blessed life on earth and triumphant entrance into eternity.

4thly. By faith, the just are enabled to support an habitual apprehension, of the vanity and unsatisfying nature of all earthly things.

IT has been said, that faith brings GOD and the things of eternity into view of the mind. In sight of these, if the heart be right, it may be expected that all present things will sink in esteem. Vanity of vanities, is the true description which infinite truth and wisdom hath given of the world. By this, it is not meant, that the present state of things is badly adapted to the end designed by governing wisdom. A world, better adapted to the end of its existence, infinite wisdom could not form; and thus the good man views it, therefore does not repine at what GOD permits, or think he could have ordered better.

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Still, compared with what is to follow; the present appears vain to him, in point of inherent excellency, of duration and of power to satisfy the mind. Without undervaluing present good, or want of gratitude for what is now received, his sight of another state by faith, draws his affections hence to the pleasures in heaven. He says, with truth, this is not my home; these idols of the world, are not my GOD's; I long for the full vision of what faith hath discovered, and in contemplation of that discovery, thirst to be with CHRIST which is far better. It is this prospect by faith, which weans the disciples of CHRIST from the world, making them pilgrims and strangers in the earth, seeking a habitation, a city not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. They have not lost a relish for happiness, as the unholy may suppose; but have a taste for moral glory and a society different from this world.

5thly. BY faith the christian can with fortitude bear affliction; especially, if called to meet it in the service of CHRIST, and to promote his cause in the world.

AFFLICTIONS are, naturally, as terrifying to christians, as to others; and they will either repine or sink under them, if not supported by a fiducial trust in GOD. Natural evil, of every kind, is in its nature undesirable and the mind can be reconciled to it, only by seeing moral wisdom in the appointment. It was this which enabled one saint to say, " Though he slay me I will trust in him;" and another, " Although the fig tree shall not bloom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the stocks shall be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls ; yet will I

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rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the GOD of my salvation." Faith beholds GOD in afflictions, and receives them as a Father’s wisdom and goodness.

Jesus set the example, who prayed, if it be possible let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not my will but thine be done; and his people, actuated by the same principles, can follow him.

THERE are sundry considerations which will enable the afflicted christian to acquiesce, yea, even to glory in tribulation. He feels his own desert, and can kiss the rod, as being deservedly appointed. He sees GOD glorify himself, and can joyfully suffer, that the Lord may be honored. He relies on the promise, that affliction shall purify him, and with pleasure reads the covenant, "If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments: then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips." He considers the divine government as a perfect system, neither defective nor redundant in its parts, and all lead into to the most glorious end, in GOD’s display of his own nature and the creatures enjoyment of him.

FAITH, places even the afflicted christian, in the mount of triumph. The place of affliction is often his Pisgah, and the time of suffering is the hour of his ascent, from whence he views the heavenly Canaan and his GOD. Raised to the mount by faith, with a perfect confidence in GOD he hears and sees the storms of time beat at its foot. Though his body is pained his mind is at ease; though the world is his enemy, GOD is his friend; though his earthly prospects are desolated, he finds a sufficient portion in this truth

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that the Lord reigns. It is only by the life of faith in GOD, that this peace can be attained.

IT would surpass my present limits, even to hint all the benefits of a life of faith. It is thus that duty is made easy and pleasant.—Fear of men is removed.—The path of duty, and the performance of it, are as a shining light, shining more and more unto the perfect day.—JESUS is beheld, reigning in his own Zion, and promoting his cause, both by the obedience of friends and the opposition of enemies.—The world with it temptations, and the flesh with its lusts are conquered.—GOD is seen governing the nations, and pointing the wrath of men, who mean not so, to the completion of his glorious counsels.—The peaceful, humble believer, is guided through a world of turbulence and pride, until he quietly sleeps in the arms of JESUS.

THIS subject must teach the deficiency and guilt of christians, in the present day of deep declension.

THO’ GOD doth not leave any of his called to final desertion; they are often left to great back1iding, to lose their first love, and live too much conformed to the manners and spirit of the world. What cause christians have to blush! to mourn and weep for themselves! and confess a departure from GOD.—From whence doth this come ?—If there any defect in the gospel scheme through which they have been called ?—Is there not a fulness, in the power and grace, which first raised them into spiritual life ?—Is not GOD faithful to his promise, that those who seek shall find ?—Is not the way, in which they first went to GOD for life and holiness, sill open to apply, and to receive fresh communications of such grace

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as will make them faithful, holy, and abounding in the joy of their Lord ?—Certainly the way is open ; JESUS still reigns; GOD still reigns, and hears every prayer that is fiducially offered to his name; there is strength. enough in GOD, and he never denied granting to the prayer of faith. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" is a promise which will never be infracted. All this lowness in the duties and comforts of a christian’s life arises from the failure of faith. GOD is out of sight, the shining of his glory in the soul has ceased, and there is no application to receive from the fountain of spiritual life; consequently lusts break forth afresh, and the world conquers.

THE ancient cloud of witnesses, who by their patience, zeal and good works, showed a connexion with heaven and the power of GOD acting in them, all lived by faith. Thus they were enabled to witness in their lives and by their death. They were living evidence for the power of divine grace, and the excellence of holiness. When faith fails, and love waxes cold, it will not be thus; and the cold, formal lives of christian professors will be a means of hardening sinners in their infidelity. Thus CHRIST is dishonored, his cause is weakened, christianity is ridiculed, and christians themselves become a stumbling block, over which unbelievers fall into eternal destruction This state of christians is a wilful sin; for though they have not spiritual strength in themselves, there is a fountain, where it exists in infinite abundance, and a promised way of drawing it from the eternal source. He that abideth not in me, is cast forth as a branch, and is withered. The moment they leave CHRIST, through whom GOD communicates his grace; the sensible power of religion in the soul will cease, and visible duties, though retained, will be performed in a very formal

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manner. The scriptures call this state " having the form without the power of Godliness," and to all such the admonition of CHRIST applies. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would that thou wert cold or hot. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot: I will spew thee out of my mouth.

MULTITUDES, who think they have experienced the sanctifying grace of GOD, are in this state. If they think right, GOD will not leave them to a final falling away; for the same gracious power which called them from total sin, can reclaim from deep backsliding. But is it the comfort of a real christian to think he shall in some future time be awaked from his sleep It was not thus with CHRIST our great example. His meat and drink was, at the present time, to do the Father’s will and glorify him. The true christian comfort is to be constant in beholding and glorifying GOD. To hope without present evidence is a presumptuous thing. To hope without a present faith is hoping in the midst of misery. I am sensible, that unholy persons do not conceive the true comfort of religion, and this is one principal reason they think christians to be joyless people; but this is not the only reason. Many who think themselves to be christians are really unhappy. In a state of backsliding they halt between two opinion. They know the world will not satisfy, and are afraid to mingle unrestrainedly with its pleasures; and at the same time, are so lukewarm, so weak in faith, as cuts them off from the happiness of sensible communion with GOD.—This is indeed a joyless state, which is often discovered and improved by the ungodly, as evidence against the excellence of piety. It ought not to be thus. Christians ought to show they are happy in their Redeemer,

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find they never can do this without the life of faith. The declension which dishonors CHRIST, doth also wound their own souls.

SUCH backsliders ought not to expect the supporting presence of GOD in the hour of death. It has, sometimes, been thought strange, that among those who are hoped to be sincere, there are so many instances, in which their death bed is deprived of the high comforts of religion. But it must be expected that a life low in faith, will be followed by a death of the same kind. Infinite wisdom, in particular instances, may vary from his general manner of dispensing. There may be reasons for a life of eminent faith to be left in darkness at death, and for a great backslider to be filled with triumphant joy; but this is not common. The frequent imparture of high comforts in death, to those who have lived low in faith would be too great evidence in favor of christian deficiency; and take off from natural fear, which the wisdom of GOD improves in exciting men to diligence; therefore it may not be expected.

LET the people of GOD endeavour to feel their own defects, their weakness, their need of constant communication from CHRIST who is the way and the life. Let them look immediately to GOD to increase their love and faith, and with hearts emptied of human strength and dependance, look directly to him who gives of his own fulness, knowing that it is GOD who worketh in them, both to will and to do. AMEN.