VARIOUS SUBJECTS,

DOCTRINAL, EXPERIMENTAL and PRACTICAL.

VOL. II.

HARTFORD. Printed By John Babcock.

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Christians a light in the world.

MATTHEW, V. 16.

HE chapter begins with a description, which is given by CHRIST himself, of the character of his true disciples; and while he describe their temper he promises blessings, which are to begin in time and extend to an eternity of bliss.

After describing their character, and pronouncing his blessings, he tells his hearers, that if they

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Sovereign grace calls them effectually and savingly, by changing their hearts; and when renewed, they delight in things, which are agreeable to GOD and according to his law; and thus they become examples of a divine temper and practice. Therefore, the scripture saith, that the people of GOD are made "partakers of a divine nature"—that they are conformed to him—and that they exemplify, in temper and practice, the same which is enjoined in his commandments.

IT is found by experience, that example hath great power both to instruct and persuade. An exemplary manifestation of virtue, instructs more effectually than any precepts; for we learn better by seeing than by hearing. The instruction of sight, is generally more impressive than can be given by words. Therefore it is more awakening to the secure, and more persuasive to the good, to behold the beauties of piety, than to hear them painted in any human language. One is beauty in real existence, and the other in imagination. Therefore, exhortations which are similar in meaning to our text, are often repeated in the holy scriptures; and those, who do not live exemplary lives, especially after they have made a christian profession, are represented as injuring the cause of truth, and making its reality and beauty doubtful in the minds of men. As a good example is a light to honor CHRIST, and show the excellency of his gospel; so, in the same proportion, an evil one darkens that bright tight, with which the truth ought to be set before the understandings of men. Sundry observations will be made, to illustrate the nature and importance of the duty enjoined in the text.

I. THE Redeemer’s exhortation is evidently designed for real christians, who have made a

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profession of evangelical obedience, by repentance towards GOD and faith in our LORD JESUS

CHRIST.

HE told those to whom it was directed, "Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven.—Ye are the salt of the earth.—Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." Such expressions as these, imply a profession of real piety, and hope of forgiveness through the blood of CHRIST. Although the commands to repent and be holy, do extend to all; still the holy scriptures evidently make a distinction between the conditions of men, as they are seen by the Omniscient eye of GOD himself. Some are represented, as being in the unsanctified state of nature; unconverted unforgiven, and abiding under the wrath of GOD. These are said to be in a state of great danger, as they never have done any thing, really to glorify the Lord. They have no covenant engagements from him, that they shall meet his acceptance, because they have no complied with the terms of grace; but remaining as they now be, must sink down forever under the power of sin. Others are described as having through divine grace, and the effectual aids of the Spirit, become obedient unto eternal life. They have accepted a Saviour, and in heart have covenanted to love and serve GOD and keep his laws. To such there is a promise, and they have peculiar exhortations to live soberly, righteously and godly. And although their own merits are exploded, and their acceptance is ever attributed to free mercy; yet they are called a peculiar people, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and the friends and brethren of CHRIST, by a spiritual union that is indissoluble and eternal.

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CONSEQUENTLY, the honor of CHRIST and the success of his cause in the world, are most intimately connected with their profession and their behaviour. This creates upon them new bonds to be circumspect, watchful, prayerful, and to live in all respects, as though their affections were placed on the things above and on the life to come; and as having no abiding city here, but seeking one to come, even a habitation not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, where their best employ will be to praise and serve the Lord.

FOR this reason, there is a propriety, that to such there should be peculiar precepts; peculiar exhortations and admonitions; and peculiar reproofs for such conduct as brings religion into disgrace, and endangers the souls of unbelievers, by making them think there is no sincerity in professors, and no reality in religion. Therefore, such exhortations are greatly multiplied in the holy word. The guilt of the disobedience, although it may not end in an eternal rejection, is said to be of the highest kind. Churches are commanded to watch over their members, and if they find any deviating from a strict christian practice, it is made their duty, either by private or public discipline, to bring them back to a sense of their departure from a pious, humble, and holy example. When we place this subject on scriptural grounds, it must appear to be of high importance; for there is no other, on which more is said, in giving directions to the people of CHRIST, how they may benefit the Redeemer’s cause. Or if we consider the subject, in the light that we gain by experience and observation, it doth not appear of less importance; for it is certain, that a multitude of unholy men, instead of going directly, as they

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ought to do, to the holy scriptures as a fountain of true opinions, concerning the gospel, its doctrines, practice and hopes; will go to the practice of those who profess to be christians. And if they see such professors to live unworthy of the christian law, they will make false deductions either that the law is not a reality; or that their professions of experimental piety, are false and hypocritical; or that they themselves are as good us others, and therefore in a safe state. When such consequences come from christians’ mingling in the unholy manners of the world, it is not strange that so many commandments should be given on the subject; and if they are not observed, we must expect the Lord will fulfil his promise, made in the eighty ninth Psalm. " This children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; if they break my statutes and keep not my commandments; then will I visit their transgressions 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."

2. WE will next consider the means, by which the light of christians ought to shine, in the rnidst of an unholy and perverse world.

AND, in general, this is to be done by every thing that is evidential of their own sincere belief; by every thing that indicates holiness of heart and life, and that there is a comfort even in the present world, by serving Godn, which is superior to all the pleasures of sinning.

JESUS CHRIST spake of the world as being opposed to him and his cause. By the world he meant the irreligious part of men. The light of

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christians, when it shines by proper means, evi.₁ deuces their difference from the world, and their belief, love and practice of CHRIST’S doctrines. Also, that they have consecrated themselves to his cause and glory, feeling the power of his doctrines in their hearts, whereby they are convinced that it is wise, right and happyfying, to be his true servants.

1^st. THE light of christians ought to shine by an explicit acknowledgment of all the revealed doctrines of truth; and that they come with sufficient divine authority to control the faith and bind the practice of men.

A christian is very explicitly defined in the scriptures, to be one who believes the doctrines and obeys the laws of CHRIST. There always have been a happy few in the world, who have exemplified this in their articles of belief, and in their lives. But the name of christian, if many times used in a vague sense; sometimes meaning no more than the place of a person’s birth, or the general profession of the people among whom he dwells, or the opinions of his ancestors in distinction from others. Among a number of causes this vague use of the word is one, which leads some to suppose, they need not be very careful to believe all the doctrines of christian revelation. But in this way the light of christians cannot shine. There is the beauty and harmony of a plan in the divine scheme of doctrines—they are all most glorious for GOD— most for the happiness of the universe— and most for the good of those who love them. The consistency of these doctrines depends on their connection, so that by breaking the scheme of divine truth, the whole is rendered weak.—

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Rejecting part of the christian revelation, is virtually casting away the whole.

THIS IS especially the case, with the doctrines of natural and total depravity; efficacious and sanctifying grace in the salvation of sinners; and the divine sovereignty in his counsels, providence, and the whole scheme of Redeeming love. These were the doctrines which CHRIST and his apostles taught most explicitly; and the light of CHRIST and his apostles shone, by the plain manner in which they urged them on the understanding and consciences of men. If the several parts of the christian scheme be separated, its light is gone; God is not glorified; the heart is not cleansed and comforted; neither is a guilty conscience purified. Let these doctrines be rejected, and whatever light shines, it is not the christian light. Therefore, for the christian light to shine, there must be an explicit acknowledgment of all the doctrines of revelation.

IT is in vain to say, that a man’s practice may be good, although he reject some of the peculiar doctrines of christianity. It is true, that doing this, his practice may be good for some purposes and ends; but it is not good for the purpose of bringing him to final happiness as a follower of CHRIST. He may have the shining light of a moral Heathen; but not of an evangelical believer, and it is this which CHRIST urged in the text. A good practice, in the sense of the holy scriptures, extends to a good heart and a good heart will delight in all the christian doctrines. GOD will judge and reward men by the feelings of their hearts, as much as by certain visible actions ; and their rejection of the doctrines he hath declared, is in his sight a practical sin. Also, it hath always been found, that

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denying true doctrines, doth in some way, lead to affections and external actions that are bad.

DOUBTLESS some, who are real christians, have been so much afraid to express their sincere and cordial belief of some weighty gospel doctrines, as hath prevented their christian light shining. They may have done this through complaisance to the opinions of others, although they felt their own judgment convinced; or from a hope, that by yielding some things, they might gain others to believe the truth in part, or from a fear, that by speaking plainly, they should croud them into greater extremes of error. But this kind of temporizing, was never found to have a salutary effect. The erroneous are never reclaimed, by meeting them half way in their false opinions. It never was CHRIST’S manner to do thus; and the apostles called men’s consciences to witness, that they had declared the whole counsel of GOD. By this, it is not meant to take away the distinction between prudence and imprudence, in declaring the truth. There are prayer times and places, and a most suitable manner of acknowledging our belief of CHRIST’s doctrines; and it ought to he done in meekness and fear; but is never to be neglected.

2. The light of christians ought to shine by their good works. The reasons annexed to the precept in the text, is, "that men might see their good works and thus be induced to glorify God." I shall consider good works as including both pious and evangelical exercises of heart, and the visible duties of a moral life; or a sanctified heart and practice. In the holy scriptures, the term works, often hath this extensive signification. There is a sense, in which pious and evangelical exercises of the heart may be seen. Through the medium of external actions and signs, the

1st. THE regular practice of all external duties, that are due to GOD and men, is necessary, that the christian’s light may shine. An immoral life, or neglect of such external duties as are commanded in the divine law, is the most palpable evidence of irreligion. The conduct of such persons is all darkness. There is not in them, even that common light, which shows the excellency of a rational nature; but the intelligence which they possess, seems to be thrown away, and to have become worse than useless to themselves and to society.

THE commission of crimes, and omission s external duties, in those instances where it be the general and habitual, makes the existence creature, so far as he follows his own dispositions, to be a real evil to the universe; and the only consideration which alleviates this gloom, is, that the infinite power and wisdom of God can control, and bring good out of evil.

FURTHER. The commission of crimes and omission of external duties, shows the heart to be dark with sin.

ALTHOUGH men may do things, which are visibly commendable and beneficial, when actuated by sinful motives; yet it is not possible that a good heart should habitually commit crimes, and omit visible duties.—A good heart consists, among other things, in abhorring crimes and loving the external duties of religion; and it is not possible, that men should habitually do things which they abhor, and omit to do things which they love. By such evidence, the heart is proved to be bad, and full of darkness—to have no

of the moral beauty of holiness and truth—and no sense of the excellency of the gospel scheme. Those who have no light in themselves cannot be a light to others. Though they call themselves christians by the place of their birth or ancestry, they are the highest dishonor and injury to the cause of CHRIST. Such christians as these, have been the means of prejudicing millions of heathen against the pure doctrines of CHRIST; and will fall far below them in a state of misery.

FURTHER. The christian law enjoins a most pure system of morality, in all the visible duties, which conduce to the glory of GOD, the promotion of his cause, and the happiness of men in society. All manner of visible worship is directed; prayer and praise; every expression of a sense of dependance, and love and delight in the Lord; every expression of a sense that he hath in his nature infinite and eternal loveliness. The acts of religious worship, and the christian ordinances are designed as an expression of these duties of the heart. Also the christian law of morality enjoins all external duties by which society is made happy; and all truth, justice and benificence, in all the variety of relations subsisting between men, and in all possible modes of practical expression. The law is summed up in the incomparable rules of CHRIST. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Christian churches are directed to purge themselves from those, who do not observe these things. They are told that a neglect of these external duties, is evidence they have not that faith and repentance, to which the gospel promises are made. Also, that such are not worthy of being counted members of the

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visible kingdom on earth; and that much less have they any right to expect an entrance into glory. How can such expect to find an eternity of holiness in heart and practice agreeable to them?

THEREFORE, a life of strict morality, and regular observance of all the laws and ordinances of CHRIST, must be considered as necessary to the christian light. Where this is wanting, there can be no substitute. Where this is wanting, all pretences to high piety; all apparent fervor in favor of experimental religion; and an imagination of being the frequent subjects of communion with GOD; and of exceeding joys and transports, will be of no avail, either as evidence of personal sincerity, or as a light shining to illustrate the glory of GOD’s goodness and power in forming a people for himself. The appearance of such persons in the eyes of the world, is so far from being a light, that it casts a dark shade over christianity. Men will never believe these pretensions to inward and hidden holiness to be true, which are not evidenced by an external holiness of practice. A profession of secret communion with GOD, while there is an open communion with the workers of iniquity, is not to be credited.

I OUGHT also here to observe that there may be much punctuality in tything mint, annise and cummin, so as to make a very specious external appearance, while there is an,evident want of love to GOD, of deep humility before him; or there may be the pride of affected humility. A man may profess to have a heavenly honesty, and escape the law in all his dealings, and still every person discover dishonesty in his heart. He may pray eloquently on public occasions, and be awfully profane, in the hour of ungoverned passion,

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when his avaricious feelings are not gratified. But he who is not christian in private, is not really one in public, and the bird of the air will cause his secret sins to be suspected. Such, in the opinion of the world, cannot have any christian light belonging to them.

THERE are others, who carefully abstain from crimes, but are not attentive to commanded eternal duties. If they can avoid remarkable sins of commission, they make light of the sins of emission, and constantly live in them. These are not christans, neither doth their light shine before men, so that they will glorify our father who is in heaven. A true christian is as careful to perform the duties which are enjoined, and the ordinances which are instituted; as he is to abstain from forbidden crimes. His abstinence from crimes arises from a love of GOD; and where GOD is admired, the duties which he hath directed, and which promote his visible honor will not be omitted. The principle of love, which governs the heart, will lead men carefully to obey the whole law; and where such obedience is wanting, there is no christian light. What then shall we say of those professors, and indeed there are many of this description; who, in the language of the world, live harmless lives, but omit many christian duties? They are remiss in their attendance on the worship of the sanctuary; but more remiss in the worship of the sanctuary and closet. They are altogether neglectful of gospel ordinances. It might be thought presumptuous absolutely to say they are no christians; still it is safe to assert, that they are either awfully deceived, or in such a state of backsliding, that they rather shame than honor the christian name. Are there any such who read?. Do you think that you are christians indeed ?

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Is it not presumptuous for you to hope on such low evidence ? Or if you have a spark of love, are you not grieved, and do you not mourn over yourselves, that there is so little of the christian in your character; and that the cause of CHRIST, who hath died to save men, is more injured than benefitted by your appearance? Or when you consider yourselves the block of stumbling, over which others fall, do you not condemn yourselves and commiserate their case? It cannot be doubted, but that grace saves some, over whose unchristian conduct, others have humbled and fallen to ruin; still I believe that such will be saved with great difficulty. There is reason to think that they must meet with many sorrows; and that when they come to the world of glory, they will appear to be among the most eminent monuments of undeserved grace. Perhaps it will be said through eternity, although this man is saved that grace might be magnified, he was the guilty cause through which some of those who are now in misery came to their dreadful end. Nothing but the idea, that all salvation is of free grace, can render probable the final salvation of those, who with a christian profession have been the instruments and. means of destroying others.

2. THAT the christian light may shine, it is necessary there should be evidence of real repentance, faith and love.

Where there is not the performance of external duties, the want of these graces is sufficiently evidenced. But there may be a performance s external duties, as these are commonly defined; and still one part of evidence for faith and repentance be wanting. It was before said, that through the medium of external actions or

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signs the heart may be so seen, as to give us a satisfactory knowledge of its moral qualities, its pleasures and aversions. It is also certain, there may be proud and selfish motives for the performance of external duties. A man may be so placed, that the visible appearance of religion is necessary to preserve his reputation and make him influential among his neighbors; and although he hath no love of GOD, he may imitate the visible duties of those who have it, being moved by the love of reputation or some worldly advantage. Or his conscience may accuse, making him afraid of eternal death; and having by experience, no knowledge of the feelings there are in christian love, he may suppose the performance of some visible dues is all that is meant in the divine law. Thus he may be very regular in certain duties. The want of these duties, would certainly evidence a want of grace; but the performance may come from pride and selfishness. These, and other causes may produce, that a person’s visible conduct be such, there cannot be a charge of crimes, nor chargeable commission; but still, something is wanting to convince experienced persons, of a real love, repentance and faith.

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ONE sacred description of the christian’s appearancc is, "for our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the LORD JESUS CHRIST." Much is implied in the appearance of a conversation in heaven. It shows the soul to be joined in a vital union of love to GOD and the Redeemer; to be weaned from the world, and from self; that the hopes are taken off from present things and placed on things to come; and that the most delightful pleasures are found in a union with CHRIST, communion with GOD, and the daily and regular performance of religious duty.

ANOTHER description of the christian’s appearance in this world, may be gathered from the following words, " for here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come."

THERE is something in the men of the world, however regular their conversation may be, which intimates that they look to the things of time for their honor and happiness. If they be moral; if they be serious; or if they seem to have same regard of GOD and his providence, it is on worldly principles, and for a worldly cause, that this takes place. Their weanedness is from certain pleasures and expectations, rather than from the world itself. The man’s appearance speaks great attachment to the world, in the midst of all his religion. Perhaps he will not be caught conversing on trifles, and nothing below great worldly interests engage his mind, and these by the selfish interests of all around him are sanctified as very important; but bring an eternity before him, he is as silent as though he never knew of a life to come. In this man there is no light. He doth not feel as though we have no continuing city here, nor doth he seek on

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to come.—While he separates from the festive and gay, and is visibly on the side of religion, to give to himself dignity of character, and keep up that order, which is necessary for his worldly interest, the city to come is quite out of his view and he seeketh not for it. Many of the aged, whose appetites are cooled by the decays of nature, or by disappointment and the worldly wisdom of experience; and some of those are in great authority, come under this description. They are not weaned from the world, although they do not enter into its extravagant follies. This may be called a sobriety of the world, and perhaps there is added to it a visible appearance on the side of religion; but with great cautiousness, lest it be a religion which hath too much warmth and fervor; and too much appearance of devotion. They fear too many seasons of worship, lest men should become dissipated by frequent praying to GOD, or lose too great a portion of their time from worldly concerns, or become gloomy by thinking of that eternity, which the scriptures call their home, and which all of them must soon, very soon inhabit. This is not seeking a city to come.

THE christian whose light shines before men, is far different in his appearance. His whole appearance testifies that it is his delight to think of GOD—to consider him as a near, and all present Deity—and to feel himself by the flight of days, constantly approaching to the moment, when a clearer sight of divine holiness will possess his whole soul.—His whole appearance witnesses a weanedness from the world, and thorough conviction by having found a better good, that there is nothing on earth deserving his anxiety and servile labors; and if he can go through the world with competence, he hath received

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the highest good it can ever give—His whole appearance testifies deep humility, a constant sense of unworthiness and dependance on GOD, and that his affetions are placed on things above, and not on things on the earth. These apparent breathings of soul for the fruition and holy enjoyments of heaven, when joined with a regular performance of all external duties, will make that christian light, which the text enjoins.— A merely moral life, unless joined with the evident appearance of a sanctified heart, doth not constitute the shining light of a christian life.

THERE are many things, not yet noticed, which might be instructively mentioned; but some of them are so necessary for a christian conversation, and for convincing the world there is a reality in religion, that it would be criminal to past them by without notice.

ALL the pious followers of CHRIST, do both feel and manifest an anxious desire, for the salvation of those, who appear to them to be going down the road to death. CHRIST gave himself to die for us, while we were yet enemies. He prayed for those who were crucifying him, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do." Paul, the most eminent apostle, in view of the perishing state of his own nation, who had rejected CHRIST, said, " I say the truth in CHRIST, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from CHRIST, for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh."

AFTER the Israelites had sinned against GOD by most awful idolatry, Moses prayed for them, in the following remarkable words, " And Mo.

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Moses returned unto the Lord and said, oh, this people hath sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin,—and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of the book which thou halt written." Whatever may be said of these expressions, by some who do not feel the yearnings of benevolence over their perishing fellow creatures; this may certainly be determined, that all the children of GOD, have a strong desire for the salvation of those, whom they see to be perishing. They will express this desire freely, and use all the means placed within their power to rescue them. They will watch for an opportune season of speaking; will in-treat, instruct and pray. To them every soul will appear of infinite worth, and the bowels of their compassion, instead of being confined to brethren, children and friends, will move over all the perishing human race. They will not despise the soul of a distant Heathen, although he may be uncivilized; but pray and use the appointed means of instruction, and liberally contribute their own mite to accomplish so blessed a design. There is a kind of benevolence, common in this day, where civilized refinement is substituted in the place of true piety, which pities and liberally supplies the wants of men, and mourns over the pains of their bodies, and seems, in some instances, to be like goodness itself; but yet hath no concern for their souls. This care for the body and for temporal interests, is doubtless to be commended, and encouraged by all possible means; and it shows as perfect a state of society, as can be, without a holy love of GOD and men. But it goes no further than Paul meant, when he said, "though I bestow all my goods to seed the poor, and though I give my body to be

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burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

TRUE christian charity extends to the souls of men, and is more anxious for their eternal, than for their temporal well being. While it overlooks not the good of time; it is more anxious for the eternal good of men. Where the christian light shines, there will always be this desire for the salvation of men, and every means will be pursued, which GOD may probably bless with the accompanying influences of the Spirit.

IT is also necessary for the shining of a christian light, to have that fervor of love and fixed confidence in GOD, which will bear up the soul under reproach and trials, for the sake and cause

of CHRIST.

CHRIST told his disciples, "if they have persecuted me they will persecute you." We are forewarned "all that will live godly in CHRIST JESUS, shall suffer persecution." The present, and every past state of the church, hath corresponded with this description. In every age, those who have fervently espoused the cause of practical and experimental godliness, have thereby found themselves exposed to many bitter attacks on their reputation, on their earthly peace, and often even on their lives. In such cases, the christian who means to honor his profession, and illustrate the nature and power of religion in the heart, must not shrink before worldly evils. Thus to shrink before evil is denying CHRIST before men, and of such it is said, that CHRIST will deny them in the presence of his father and of his holy angels. The power of a christian example and light, shining in the manner I have described, is exceeding great to convince men, to awaken their guilty consciences, and allure

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them to the practice of the truth. Such examples do often act more powerfully on the minds of mankind, than any thing which can be said from the press or the pulpit. They delineate christian goodness, in a manner, which all must acknowledge to be excellent. They teach the reality and possibility of the virtues which are commanded; and while they alarm the. consciences of the ungodly, and show the beauty of virtue; they have an attractive force to draw weaker christians on to imitation. Therefore, CHRIST said to his disciples, "ye are the light of the world—ye are, by your profession, like a city placed on an hill, and cannot be hid. Your appearance will be seen at a distance, much farther than you imagine, and if the light shines, the good will be great to the souls of men; but if the light which is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness"—a darkness that will beguile your own steps, and bewilder others to an everlasting ruin. Therefore let your light shine.

III. IN describing how the christian light ought to shine, we have often adverted to the consequences, that are depending upon the obedience of christians; but it may be proper, more particularly to consider them.

THE text faith, that they may see your goad works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.

THE essential, infinite and eternal glory of GOD, can be neither increased or diminished. The Lord is always the same; always infinitely full in glory, beauty and blessedness. But his declarative glory is not always the same, and may be increased or diminished by means. The declarative glory or manifestation of his fulness, is meant, whenever creatures are directed to glorify

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him; for they cannot add to his natural fulness, moral rectitude and unchanging bliss. But the declarative glory of GOD may be advanced by the obedience, and shining light of his children, when they keep his commandments and walk in the steps of their Redeemer. By his grace he makes them conformed to himself in a low degree, and though the image be weak indeed, something may be learned from it of the nature of holiness. As he is, so they shall be according to the measure of their finite natures; and that work is now begun, which shall by the mighty power of grace, end in eternal and glorious perfection.

BUT the especial manner, in which con is glorified by the obedience of his saints, is from a sight of his mighty efficiency and grace, in making his children obedient, and in forgiving them.

PAUL in describing the day of judgment, said, " when he shall come to be glorified in his saints and admired in them who believe." In that day, there will be an admirable display of the power, wisdom and goodness of GOD, in forming his redeemed church from among the guilty children of men, all of whom deserved to be consigned to eternal misery. Then will appear the glory of his wisdom, in concerting a way of salvation, by the expensive means of the incarnation, obedience; and blood of his own Son. Then will be seen the glory of his justice, in the piercing sword that awoke against the man who was his fellow—in the pains, pangs and death of a divine person, who in himself was spotless, but must suffer and die an ignominious death, when standing in the place of sinners. Then will be seen the glory of his goodness, O wonderful goodness! that could stoop so low as to chuse

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sinners—die for sinners and enemies—follow rebellious creatures through their crooked ways,. with the long offered grace of the gospel—and apply the benefits of his grace to their rebellious hearts. It will appear that this application was made when they were opposed and hating his government, and had never in their own hearts wished for such a heaven as he had long offered. Thus, at the great and final day, the efficacious grace of GOD, and his free and undeserved mercy, will be glorified in his saints and admired in those, who are found to be believers.

SOMETHING of the same glory of GOD may be seen in his called ones here on earth, if they are obedient and obey his commandment, let your light shine before men. There is the glory of free and efficacious grace, applied by a divine power to those, who are not only unworthy, but actually resisting the proffered mercy. There is the glory of offering salvation to the guilty—of making them consider, when they wished to put consideration at a distance—of convincing them that they are sinners—and bringing them to lie low at the soot of a sovereign GOD, self-condemned and justly condemned.—There is the glory of renewing their hearts, and giving them new views of the beauty of holiness, new views of GOD and themselves; new pleasures, hopes and desires.—The glory of spiritualizing their affections, and putting strength into them to overcome the world through the imparted aids of his grace.—If men have right apprehensions of the total depravity of human nature, they must see the glory of efficacious grace in turning evil hearts from sin to holiness; from the world to heaven, and from self and its advancement, to GOD and the promotion of his glory.

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THE instance of Paul’s conversion, hath often been improved as a display of the declarative glory of GOD, and of the efficacy of the Spirit of grace in the conversion of sinners. It cannot be doubted that there were circumstances, in the manner of his effectual calling, which are most aptly adduced as a proof of christianity, and which the infidel world can never answer; but there is a proof of divine power and grace in the conversion of every sinner, which is similar in nature, though not attended with such remarkable circumstances. ln all sinners, there must be the same cause of conversion ; the same exercise of Almighty power; and the same wonderful transition of the affections from self to GOD, and from earth with its enjoyments to heaven and its holy praises. To behold sinners turning from sin and the world, to GOD; to see them made heavenly in their affections and practice; to observe how they are strengthened by divine grace, and by abiding in CHRIST, is an eminent display of the glorious power and wisdom of GOD. Thus he is glorified by the shining light which there is in the good works of his people. One of the most convincing considerations which sinners find, and which awakens their consciences and makes them sear there may be a danger in their security and in their unholy lives, is to see the patient, holy, and rejoicing lives of true christians. In view of this, they cannot but say, whence this doth happen, we cannot tell! All men are undoubtedly alike by nature, and to see some delighting in GOD himself and his worship, appears as though the Lord really dwelt in their souls. Therefore GOD, and his power and love are glorified by the light which shines in the obedience of his people.

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2dly. THE shining light of a good conversation, in the people of GOD, is one of those means which he blesses to make others glorify him.

THIS is expressed in the text, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven" The power of a christian example to impress the minds of others, hath been repeatedly hinted in this discourse.

FIRST, it is a fit means to awaken the secure, to make them consider their own depravity and guilt—and to show them their own defects. Although the laws of CHRIST are the rule, by which all men ought to try and judge themselves, we find by experience that they often determine from a comparison with others. If they are not worse than others, or if they are going to no worse end than others, they feel secure, and think that a reformation in heart and life is not necessary. Especially if some who are called christians, consort with them, in their worldly spirit and practice; they think themselves to be certainly safe. If they can equal the worst part of a christian character, and be as circumspect as they be, in the time of their deepest backslidings, they suppose themselves to be on safe ground. This is one way, in which the evil conversation of professed christians destroys the souls of others.

ANOTHER unhappy effect is, that the unholy, on seeing a low and worldly conduct in christians, do wholly disbelieve the reality of religion. They say, " there is no such thing as piety, for though christians explain their own law, as containing holy affections, we see nothing of this kind in them; and must believe the explanation to be wrong and the pretensions to be hypocritical." It is not strange that such an improvement

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should be made of improper conduct in professing christian churches are a collection of people, gathered professedly according to the rules and laws of CHRIST, and the nature of the institution will be judged of by the appearance of those who compose it.

SECONDLY, it is made the duty of CHRIST’S people mutually to watch, each over the other; and to use those means, by which their hearts may be mutually warmed in love. They ought to stir up each other’s pure minds, and there is no way in which it can more effectually be done, than by walking as children of the light. This is a means which GOD is pleased to bless. Therefore, we often see the flame of fervent piety, appearing to catch from mind to mind among the called in CHRIST JESUS. On this account it is good, often to speak and remind each other of our holy calling, and of the duties by which we may honor CHRIST and gather souls into his kingdom.

THE people of CHRIST ought to be seriously affected with this subject. There is none more necessary for them often to contemplate; as it regards the glory of GOD, their own peace and the salvation of others. Perhaps there is no other subject of so much importance as this, which is neglected by so many. The unchristian conduct of professors, is one of those causes, which have operated fatally to make men believe there is nothing in experimental godliness; and even to make it unfashionable, and in many places and companies disgraceful, to have the appearance of piety. However depraved the world, and however filled with enmity against the truth, the hearts of sinners may be; it is still a certain truth, that is the members of CHRIST’s church

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conducted agreeably to their obligations, and to his holy laws and example, it would soon become, to all the ungodly and disbelieving, terrible as an army with banners. May the Lord hasten the days, when Zion shall arise and shine, her light being come, and the glory of the Lord being risen upon her! AMEN.