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diff --git a/old/13824.txt b/old/13824.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..608086c --- /dev/null +++ b/old/13824.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1659 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The National Preacher, Vol. 2 No. 7 Dec. +1827, by Aaron W. Leland and Elihu W. Baldwin + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The National Preacher, Vol. 2 No. 7 Dec. 1827 + Or Original Monthly Sermons from Living Ministers, Sermons XXVI. and + XXVII. + + +Author: Aaron W. Leland and Elihu W. Baldwin + +Release Date: October 21, 2004 [EBook #13824] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NATIONAL PREACHER *** + + + + +Produced by Bryan Ness and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + +SER. XXVI. REV. DR. LELAND. +SER. XXVII. REV. MR. BALDWIN + +Vol. 2 No. 7 Dec. 1827. + +THE +NATIONAL PREACHER: +OR +_ORIGINAL MONTHLY SERMONS_ + +EDITED BY +REV. AUSTIN DICKINSON, +NEW YORK. + + * * * * * + +POSTAGE--_One Cent and a half_, not over 100 miles; _Two Cents and a +half_, any distance over 100. + + +TO THE REVEREND CLERGY:-- + +The undersigned proposes to commence another Periodical, of original +plan and character, provided that adequate pledges of supplies shall be +furnished. The Work to bear the following title, or something similar, +viz.: + +=THE AMERICAN PASTOR'S JOURNAL:= + +OR + +_Original Sketches of real Characters, Conversations, and striking +Facts. Furnished chiefly by Clergymen._ + +The following imperfect sketch of topics to be embraced, may serve to +illustrate the plan:--1. Instances of very early piety.--2. Striking +results of Parental faithfulness, or unfaithfulness; of filial respect, +or disrespect.--3. Cases of individuals raised from deep obscurity, or +wickedness, to eminent usefulness.--4. Remarkable cases of +conviction.--5. Cases of great hardness of heart, from resisting +convictions.--6. Distinctly marked cases of submission and conversion to +God.--7. Cases of awful relapse into sin.--8. Cases of strong temptation +and trial.--9. Cases of strong faith and confidence in God.--10. +Peculiarly manifest interpositions of Providence, in mercy or +judgment.--11. Instances of the wrath of man being made to praise +God.--12. Cases illustrative of the influence of piety on the +intellectual powers.--13. Instances of extraordinary beneficence or +covetousness.--14. Death-bed scenes, of the Christian, the backslider, +the infidel, the universalist, the profane man, or the worldling. + +It is conceived that the very existence of such a Periodical might be +the means of leading Clergymen, in their pastoral intercourse, to be +more observant of character, more discriminating in their views of human +nature, and more disposed to record and rescue from oblivion striking +conversations and facts. No species of knowledge can be more interesting +or more useful, than that thus drawn from real life;--especially from +portions of life most intimately connected with spiritual and eternal +realities. If it is all-important that masters in surgery and medicine +record, for mutual improvement, and for the benefit of mankind, striking +cases which occur in their practice; it cannot, surely, be less +important, that those who watch for the life of souls, should preserve +similar records. It would seem as though, from the daily intercourse of +several thousand Clergymen, such materials, of the character +contemplated, might be furnished, as, if well condensed and judiciously +arranged in an elegant Periodical, would not fail to be read with +intense and general interest. And who can tell, but that God, who is +rich in wisdom, may thus employ the simplest means for collecting, +condensing, and reflecting rays of sacred truth, in the form of +practical results, which may carry conviction and saving instruction to +uncounted millions--not merely in our own land, but in more populous +countries, where the importance of experimental religion is not +appreciated? + +But, for rendering such a work pre-eminently useful, or even commencing +it, there must be union of effort. As it is intended to consist wholly +of original matter, and that of a specific character, such as no genius +can originate, it is obvious that it cannot be commenced, without being +furnished with numerous pledges of supplies. And it will be important to +have a considerable number of communications on hand, at the +commencement, as well as afterwards, that due regard may be had to order +in the arrangement of subjects, and an interesting variety be presented +in every Number. + +It will not be necessary to publish the names of writers, nor of +individuals alluded to in communications; though in many cases it may be +desirable and expedient. But, in every case, the name of the writer, or +some respectable reference for attesting the accuracy of statements, +must be furnished to the Editor; as he must be responsible to the public +for the correctness of whatever may appear in the work. He will moreover +think it his duty to present Contributors a generous compensation. + +MINISTERS, of different Christian denominations, willing to aid in +executing the design, are affectionately requested _to write as soon as +practicable_--either furnishing matter for publication, or stating +definitely, _when and how much aid may be expected_. If the work is ably +supported by the co-operation of Clergymen, the Editor does not hesitate +to say, that he will at least circulate thousands and tens of thousands +of copies gratuitously, and thus afford Contributors the best of all +rewards--the opportunity of doing extensive good. + +That the blessing of God Almighty may crown the enterprise, is the +humble prayer of His servant, + +AUSTIN DICKINSON. + + + + +=CONTRIBUTORS.= + + +Upwards of fifty Clergymen, of five Christian denominations, and +belonging to sixteen different States, most of whom are well known to +the public as Authors, have encouraged the Editor to expect from them +Sermons for the Preacher. + + + * * * * * + +=TO THE ENTERPRISING.= + + +Persons having expressed a disposition to circulate this Work, provided +postage could be avoided; we would say to such, that for _ten_ or more +Subscribers, _who pay at one time_ in advance, or on first receiving +Numbers, a deduction from the price of One Dollar a year may be made, +equal to the annual postage. And in such cases money may be forwarded +without being post-paid. Experience shows, there is no mode of +conveyance safer than the Mail. + +[_Ordinary Terms, other leaf_.] + + + + +THE + +=NATIONAL PREACHER.= + +Go ... Teach all Nations.... _Matt_. xxviii. 19. + +VOL. II. NEW-YORK, DECEMBER, 1827. NO. 7. + + +=SERMON XXVI.= + +By AARON W. LELAND, D.D. + +CHARLESTON, S. CAROLINA. + + +THE PURE GOSPEL REJECTED BY THE PERISHING. + +1 COR. I. 18.--_For the preaching of the cross is, to them that perish, +foolishness_. + +In the Christian revelation, there is an evident purpose of infinite +wisdom, that in all the provisions for man's salvation, his moral agency +should be left free and uncontrolled. Instead of accommodation to human +prejudices, there is ample scope for captious objections. And if +additional proof were needed, of the divine origin of the Bible, it +would be found in this characteristic. Were it a system agreeable to the +narrow views, in unison with the selfish feelings, and gratifying to the +depraved taste of human nature, it would more resemble the fabrication +of man, than the workmanship of God. But as the current of its doctrines +is so entirely opposed to our natural inclinations, as to render a moral +renovation indispensable to a perception of the glory of revealed truth; +all such ground of skepticism is removed. + +Thus the obscurities and difficulties of revelation are admirably +adapted to exhibit human character, and constitute this state of +existence a real probation. For if the light of truth came upon the mind +with resistless energy, and the operations of the divine government were +clearly disclosed; if the motives and designs of infinite wisdom were +fully explained, and the realities of the spiritual world completely +laid open to view; one principal aim of this dispensation would be +frustrated. On the one hand, there would be no field for the exercise of +faith and humble confidence on the part of Christians; and thus a +precious test of their submission and obedience would be destroyed. On +the other, there could not be a full disclosure of the true feelings of +the unrenewed heart. Because, as all would be evident as the noon-day +sun, there would remain no choice in the matter of embracing the +truth--no means of evincing whether its reception were cordial or +compulsory. + +In this respect; there is displayed a matchless skill, as well as a +gracious condescension, in adapting revelation to the actual character +and condition of our race. While sufficient light is afforded to guide +the sincere inquirer, there is an obscurity to perplex and offend the +proud and self-confident. While the truth is accompanied by evidence +abundantly satisfactory to every mind open to conviction, enough of +mystery remains, to form an impassable barrier to those who are inclined +to disbelieve the testimony of God. While to the eye of faith there +appears a glorious system of wisdom and mercy, depraved reason and +prejudice may discover little else than an assemblage of inconsistencies +and absurdities. + +It is not without design, then, that the great facts of revelation are +made liable to misrepresentation; that its essential principles are +arrayed against the pride of human wisdom; and that its blessed +institutions are so obnoxious to abuse and opposition. Such a +constitution of things is evidently intended to furnish a decisive +criterion of human character--to exhibit, in striking contrast, the +humble votaries of faith, who reverently bow to the authority of +Scripture; and the adherents of a haughty, self-confident rationality, +who will receive the testimony of God himself, no farther than it +accords with their opinions and prejudices--and thus to elicit a fair +and full manifestation of every man's real disposition and feelings. + +Such, uniformly, has been the effect of the Bible, wherever its sacred +contents have been made known. To all who have received it with +penitence, humility, and confidence, as the infallible word of God, it +has proved their pleasure and delight--their fountain of +consolation--their guide to peace: while the self-righteous and +unbelieving have transformed it into a subject of perplexity and +disputation--_a cause of deeper guilt and more aggravated ruin_. The +Gospel has appeared transcendently beautiful and glorious to all who +have been savingly enlightened by the Holy Spirit--while, to the +impenitent and skeptical, it seems obscure, irrational, and +incomprehensible. The former rejoice in the scriptures, just as they +are, and willingly yield to the obedience of faith: the latter are ever +anxious to lower the standard of divine truth to the level of their +views of fitness, and to mould its materials into a form suited to their +unholy inclinations. + +On these principles it is easy to perceive the real nature and causes of +the insidious warfare, which is maintained, in various forms, against +the essential doctrines of the Gospel. It is just an effusion of the +malignity of the unsanctified heart. Its prevalence is an exact +fulfilment of prophecy; and therefore an irrefragable proof of the truth +and divine authority of that system which it is labouring to destroy. +The emphatic declaration of the apostle, in the text, strikingly +describes the state of feeling which now actually prevails, among many +who enjoy all the external privileges of the Christian +dispensation--_The preaching of the cross is, to them that perish, +foolishness._ + +In illustration of this passage, it will be attempted, to explain the +import of the phrase, _the preaching of the cross_--to enumerate some of +the _instances_ and _causes_ of such preaching being accounted +_foolishness_--and to describe the _fearful state and prospects_ of +those who hold it in such low estimation. + +The preaching of the cross is a plain and full announcement of all the +essential truths of that system which provides pardon and salvation for +the lost and guilty. The cross is the symbol of that amazing expedient +of infinite wisdom and mercy, by which a treaty of reconciliation is +offered to convicted traitors against Jehovah's government. Its +exhibition therefore must require a developement of the principles, and +a defence of the doctrines, peculiar to this gracious dispensation. + +The grand fact, which constitutes the very essence and glory of the +Gospel, and which it is the leading object of the Christian ministry to +announce; is, that He, who took upon himself the form of a servant, and +offered up the sacrifice of Calvary, is _God over all, blessed for +ever_. This gives to the cross all its glory and efficacy. It is on the +supreme Deity of Christ--on the expiation made for sin by the Maker and +Sovereign of worlds--that the whole fabric of evangelical truth rests. +On any other supposition, the sacrifice of the cross was a very ordinary +affair. If the Saviour of sinners be not God--if he be a created being, +of whatever grade,--where is the _mystery of Godliness?_--Where those +unfathomable depths of divine love, _into which the angels desire to +look_? If Christ be only a servant of God, however exalted, what was +there, in his appearance on our world, to constitute a new era in +heaven, and to fill its inhabitants with astonishment and ecstasy? Did +the heavenly host descend in rapture, and cause the mountains of Judea +to reecho with their acclamations, because a _dependent creature_ had +_consented_ to do his Maker's will? Whence the ascription of _glory to +God in the highest_, and why do the courts above resound with a new song +of praise to God for his redeeming mercy, if this redemption was +effected by the labours and sufferings of one inferior to the Deity? Was +such a dispensation as that of Moses, designed simply to prepare the way +for a messenger of God to declare his will, and to seal the testimony +with his blood, as many good men have done, both before and since? Why +did patriarchs and prophets foretell his coming, and celebrate his +praises?--Why did the continual offering of divinely appointed +sacrifices, for many centuries, typify his sufferings?--And why did +nature shudder, and shroud herself in darkness, at the consummation of +those sufferings? All these things are utterly inexplicable, on the +supposition that Christ is a created dependent being. + +But view him as _God manifest in the flesh_--view him as voluntarily +laying aside his glory, and descending from the throne of infinite +majesty, to assume the nature, and expiate the guilt of a ruined +race;--and we are struck with the appropriateness of all the attending +circumstances. The splendid ceremonials of the Jewish ritual, and the +raptured songs of prophets and of angels were well employed to prepare +the way for the visible manifestation of Deity among men. The +annunciation of the divine nature of the Redeemer must, therefore, be an +essential part of _the preaching of the cross_. + +Equally indispensable is a decided testimony to that perfect _atonement +for sin_, which was made by this great offering. Here is the only +foundation of human hope. This was the grand object accomplished by the +Saviour's sufferings. Thus was completely solved the mysterious problem, +which all created intelligences had deemed inexplicable--how sin could +be remitted, without infringing the rights and tarnishing the honour of +the divine government--and how the guilty could be rescued from wrath, +without a forfeiture of the divine veracity. Never indeed was the divine +law so completely vindicated, or the claims of justice so awfully +asserted, as when the Lawgiver offered himself as a ransom. And no other +possible manifestation of the malignity and atrocity of sin, of the +divine abhorrence of all iniquity, and, at the same time, of the +exhaustless treasures of redeeming mercy, could equal that which was +witnessed on Calvary. As, therefore, Moses lifted up the serpent in the +wilderness, so is the cross to be held up now, by its heralds, to a +perishing world. Its atoning sacrifice is to be proclaimed, and its +purchased blessings offered to lost sinners, as their only hope--their +only remedy. + +Another important part of _the preaching of the cross_ consists in a +full disclosure of _the entire depravity and helplessness of our fallen +nature_. This doctrine lies at the foundation of Christianity. It is +from the corruption of our race, the dominion of spiritual death, and +the actual sentence of condemnation, that the necessity arises for so +_great salvation_. If hope could have been afforded from any other +source, if there had been any possibility of the sinner's expiating his +own guilt, and restoring himself to the divine favour, the great +Sacrifice would never have been offered. But until men are convinced of +their apostacy and corruption, they will never be persuaded of the truth +and necessity of the great atonement. And until they feel themselves +justly condemned, and utterly helpless, they will never come as humble +suppliants to a Saviour's feet. + +The work of the _Holy Spirit, in enlightening and renewing the hearts of +sinners_, and thus carrying on to their accomplishment the purposes of +divine mercy, forms also an important portion of the message of the +Gospel. It is the glorious achievement of the cross, to slay the enmity +and subdue the stubbornness of the sinful heart: and the infinite +blessing purchased by the Saviour's blood, is the gift of the Holy +Spirit, to effectuate that transformation of character, that spiritual +regeneration, without which salvation is utterly impossible. The +preaching of the cross, therefore, must include an unwavering +declaration, that _the working of regeneration and the renewing of the +Holy Ghost_ are indispensable to salvation. + +It is moreover essential to a faithful _preaching of the cross_, that +_justification by faith in Christ_, should be distinctly declared as the +only ground of a sinner's hope. That view of the Gospel which represents +it as bestowing upon man a power of fulfilling God's holy law--or as so +lowering its demands as to render his imperfect obedience acceptable--is +most dishonourable to God, and ruinous to the souls of men. No such +provisions are found in the treaty of reconciliation sent from Heaven. +So far from abrogating, the Gospel exalts and honours the law. So far +from diminishing its strictness, it adds emphasis to its claims, and +fully meets its unmitigated requisitions. Most gloriously has Christ +vindicated the divine justice, by receiving its avenging sword in his +own bosom, as the Substitute, or surety for sinners; and most +effectually has he provided for their salvation, by rendering the +exercise of pardoning mercy consistent with the principles of the divine +government, and by working out for them a perfect righteousness, which +may render them just before God. By faith, the penitent sinner receives +all these blessings--is rescued from wrath, delivered from the guilt and +bondage of sin, and made a child of God, and an heir of eternal life. +Thus the triumph of the cross is complete, the pride of human merit is +humbled in the dust, and all the glory of the salvation of sinners is +rendered to the riches of redeeming mercy. + +In fine, _the preaching of the cross_ includes a faithful denunciation +of _eternal misery_, as the inevitable doom of all who pass from this +state of probation, unrenewed by the Spirit of grace, unwashed in the +blood of the Lamb. + +Such are the essential principles of that system of redemption, which +engaged the counsels of heaven from eternity; and which was carried into +effect, not like the work of creation, by a single word of the Son of +God, but by his assuming human nature, enduring a long exile of toil and +reproach, and humbling himself unto death, even the death of the cross. + +With what gratitude, then, ought this Gospel to be received by the +guilty, perishing creatures, for whose rescue from perdition it is +designed. How should this display of divine compassion melt and +captivate the hearts of those, whose sins have been thus expiated, and +for whom an offer of free pardon and endless blessedness has been thus +dearly purchased. + +But _be astonished, O heavens, at this_--these tidings of salvation are +received by many with chilling indifference--the sufferings of the cross +are regarded with unconcern--the treaty of reconciliation, written in +atoning blood, is by some contemptuously disregarded--by others repelled +with determined opposition. These appalling facts display more of the +malignity of sin, its blinding, deadening influence, and more of the +rancorous enmity of the carnal heart against God, than all the other +enormities which blacken the world's history. All other crimes appear +less atrocious than this scorn of a Saviour's love--this _trampling +under foot the blood of the covenant_. While no finite mind could have +conceived it possible, that Almighty love should be so slighted, yet the +Spirit of prophecy announced this impious ingratitude, long before the +incarnation. When Isaiah _saw the glory of Christ, and spake of him_, he +also saw that he would be _despised and rejected of men_. And by all +their hostility to the doctrines of grace, sinners are only verifying +the description, which inspiration gave long ago, of their blindness and +perverseness. By all their vain reasonings and presumptuous objections, +they just corroborate revealed truth, and evince the desperate +wickedness of the natural heart. + +As in the days of the apostles, so in this period of increased light, +_the preaching of the cross_ is esteemed _foolishness_. The message of +redeeming mercy is often received with utter listlessness--often with an +evident disgust--and sometimes with an openly avowed hostility. In the +apostolic age, it might be supposed that the resistance, with which the +Gospel had to contend, arose from the prejudices of a Heathen or Jewish +education, and from a very imperfect knowledge of Christianity. But, at +the present period, the undiminished hostility, which is displayed +against the pure doctrines of redemption, can be attributed to nothing, +but that hatred to the ways of God, which the Scriptures represent as +rankling in the natural heart, and for which they contain the only +remedy. + +It requires but a transient view of the religious state, even of +enlightened and refined society, to see that to very many, now, _the +preaching of the cross is foolishness_. While any temporal interest +excites feeling, this theme is listened to with apathy. O, how often are +those statements, which fill heaven with ecstasy, rehearsed to vacant, +listless hearers! How many weep at fictitious woes, who contemplate the +bloody scene of Calvary without a tear! How many hearts glow in +admiration of the benevolence or heroism of a fellow worm, while +entirely unaffected alike by the sacrifice or the triumph of the Son of +God! How often do men express sentiments of the most fervent gratitude +towards earthly benefactors, who would be ashamed of uttering one +emotion of thanks to Him who _gave himself to die_ for them! And is not +this treating the Gospel as _foolishness_? But this heartless unconcern, +criminal as it undoubtedly is, in the sight of God, is not so fearfully +impious--affords not so appalling a disclosure of depravity, as the +absolute disgust and contempt, with which the doctrines of the cross are +sometimes received. In almost every community, there are those who +utterly despise the whole system--who do not disguise their +abhorrence--and who evidently hate the very mention of the subject. How +indignant are such at any effort, in private conversation, to urge upon +their attention themes connected with the dying love of Christ! How +chilling is the effect, when such discourse is attempted, in many +circles of refinement and elegance? And what a brand of infamy is +affixed to the human character, by the fact, that from most such circles +all these topics are absolutely excluded! Let a man confine his +conversation to such subjects as engaged the attention of Christ and his +apostles--such subjects as now employ the hosts of heaven,--let him be +accustomed in company, to bring forward the holy mysteries of +redemption,--and by how many would he be shunned like a pestilence? And +with what scornful hatred are those churches avoided by many, where +nothing is heard but _Jesus Christ and him crucified_? Such are the +open, unequivocal expressions of contempt and disgust, with which many +treat the doctrines of the cross. Do not _they_ esteem them +_foolishness_? + +But there is a class of the contemners of evangelical truth, +characterized by more active zeal and decided measures. Far from the +giddy thoughtlessness of those who hardly reflect upon the subject at +all, and from the strange inconsistency of such, as profess to respect +what they really despise and hate,--these feel and express a deep +interest in religious opinions; devote time and attention to theological +studies; and, as the result of their investigations, avow their utter +disbelief of the peculiar doctrines of the cross; and undertake to +demonstrate their falsehood and absurdity. They tell you, they have +maturely examined the whole subject--that they have brought to the +investigation all the aid that extensive reading and critical research +can furnish--that they have carried the lights of science and philosophy +into the dark regions of fanaticism--and have become perfectly +convinced, that the whole system is an assemblage of the grossest +errors. When, however, the array of argument is produced, its force +seems to consist in the unwelcome impressions which the pure Gospel +itself makes upon their minds. They can see no wisdom or fitness in such +an atonement. They see nothing so very terrible in sin, as to require +such an expiation. Pardoning mercy, say they, is one of the natural +attributes of Deity; and the doctrine of eternal punishment seems to +them too horribly inconsistent with divine justice to bear reflection. +As for the substitution of the innocent for the guilty, and satisfying +the claims of law by the blood of a sinless victim, they are amazed that +any rational man can credit such absurd notions. Tell them of the +maladies and wounds of the soul, which can only be healed by the +Physician of Calvary--they can hardly conceal their contempt. Tell them +plainly, as the Bible does, that they are lost, perishing sinners--that +the wrath of God is revealed against them--that the avenging sword is +uplifted, and that, unless they fly to the cross and embrace it by a +living faith, they must sink to perdition--and you will witness the +smile of derision or the frown of indignation. They esteem the doctrine +of the Trinity as a monument of human credulity and folly. Their +feelings are shocked beyond measure, at the incarnation of Deity, in the +person of Jesus Christ. The personality and direct influences of the +Holy Spirit appear useless and incredible; and the necessity of a change +of heart excites their utter scorn. They cannot endure it. Their disgust +is inexpressible. + +Instead, therefore, of these offensive principles, they substitute a +system, not modelled from the Bible, but from what they consider reason +and propriety. This they adorn with all that is beautiful and attractive +to the carnal eye. Before this fair and flattering idol, of their own +workmanship, they bow down in delighted homage. This is a religion they +can love, for it flatters, exalts, and dignifies human nature! But as +for human depravity, and other hated doctrines of the orthodox creed, +they want words to express their aversion. The simple account of the +matter is, that _the preaching of the cross_, in their estimation, _is +foolishness_. + +Such are the various grades of hostility to the vital principles of the +Gospel, from contemptuous indifference, to malignant and rancorous +opposition. + +We now proceed to enumerate some of the causes, of this deplorable state +of feeling towards the _truth as it is in Jesus_. + +The depravity--the unholiness--of human nature, may be considered the +grand cause of all the enmity which has appeared against the doctrines +of grace. It is true, nevertheless, that the various degrees and forms, +in which this enmity is manifested, depend upon the peculiarities of +individual character and situation. + +Destitution of early religious instruction, generally leads to an entire +indifference to the whole subject. Persons who are brought up in +prayerless, worldly families--whose young minds are not moulded by a +pious influence--are usually found very insusceptible of religious +impressions. In such hearts the power of ungodliness reigns +uncontrolled. Uncultivated and waste, they produce nothing but _thorns +and briers_. Nor is it surprising, that this numerous class of the +hearers of the Gospel should exhibit an utter disregard and contempt of +its authority. _The preaching of the cross is foolishness_ to them, +because they do not understand it, and will not take the trouble to +examine it. + +A similar apathy is frequently observed in persons who have been well +instructed, when their whole souls have become engrossed in some worldly +pursuit. Their heads and hands are so entirely occupied, that serious +reflection is absolutely excluded. + +Contempt of evangelical religion is sure to be exhibited in places where +its professors are asleep or dead. In communities where real religion +flourishes, where its power is felt, and its votaries are consistent and +decided; whatever hatred may rankle in the breasts of opposers, they are +not apt to indulge in contemptuous derision. But where formality and +worldliness prevail, and no conspicuous standard of Christian character +is visible--the hearts of sinners will be manifested. They will, without +hesitation, avow, in how low and degrading a light they regard the +doctrines of the cross. Their contempt and loathing are wholly +irrepressible. + +In many instances, the pride of rank and intellect is the cause why _the +preaching of the cross is_ utterly despised and accounted _foolishness_. +The lofty speculations of an aspiring intellect can with difficulty +come down to the simplicity of the Gospel. The command, to come to the +Saviour's feet with the humility of a little child, fills the proud +heart of those _who are wise in their own eyes_, with indignation. They +cannot endure doctrines, which level all vain distinctions, and require +the noble, the affluent, and the learned, to assume the same station of +penitence and contrition, with the lowliest peasant. They cannot consent +to lay their honours in the dust, and address themselves only to +sovereign mercies. It is beyond endurance, that the messages of grace +should come _to them_, as condemned, guilty, and perishing sinners; and +that as such they should be invited to the cross. Hence the scornful +air, the undissembled disgust, with which so many, in high life, turn +their backs upon _the preaching of the cross_. And hence, encouraged by +their example, multitudes cluster round the standard of a haughty and +malignant opposition to the Gospel. + +While thus so many regard _the preaching of the cross as foolishness_, +and earnestly wish it were utterly false; it is not wonderful, that +efforts should be made to prove that it actually is so. Probably some, +engaged in this opposition, are perfectly sincere, and actually suppose, +as Saul of Tarsus did, that they are _doing God service_, by combating +the doctrines of the cross. But whoever obeys the natural dictates of +his own heart, and submits himself to the guidance of his own perverted, +blinded reason, refusing to supplicate the illuminations of divine +grace, will be likely to come under the power of _strong delusion to +believe a lie_. + +One other cause of opposition to the Gospel is found in the absolute +contrariety of its requisitions, to the habits of life, which men have +contracted, and which they are resolved not to abandon. While _the +preaching of the cross_ prescribes, as indispensable to salvation, +conditions with which many, who have no doubt of being saved, wholly +refuse to comply; and while it declares that eternal perdition will be +the result of a course, which they are determined to pursue; it must be +the object of their settled detestation. Hence the love of sinful +pursuits and gratifications, and an invincible repugnance to a life of +devotion, are the true reasons why many esteem _the preaching of the +cross foolishness_. + +It ought, however, to be kept in mind, while these causes are recounted, +that the operation of each of them is rendered more efficacious, by the +agency of that spirit of darkness, _that worketh in the children of +disobedience_. To increase disgust against the plan of redemption, to +exasperate the natural enmity of the carnal heart, to give a specious +appearance to objections, and to enforce, with seductive arguments, the +cause of unbelief, is the untiring employment of the grand foe of God +and man. It is indeed the darling achievement of infernal skill, to +inflate a poor worm with pride of talent, and fill his heart with hatred +to the Gospel, and then persuade him that his hatred arises from its +falsehood and absurdity. No event can afford the tempter greater joy, +than success in persuading perishing sinners to reject the only possible +way of escape from eternal death, and to contemn, as foolishness, that +doctrine which is the _wisdom of God and the power of God to salvation +to every one that believeth_. + +It only remains, that we briefly describe the fearful condition and +prospects of all to whom _the preaching of the cross is foolishness_. + +And here we have only to repeat the decision of the Searcher of +hearts--the Judge of the quick and dead. His infallible Spirit has, in +our text, divulged the tremendous fact, that the indifference, contempt, +and disgust, which have now been described, are characteristics of THEM +THAT PERISH. This authority, as well as the nature of the case, renders +it certain, that all, who indulge such feelings, are _in the gall of +bitterness and under the bond of iniquity_--_dead in trespasses and +sins_--_treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath_. Nothing short of +utter blindness of mind can be insensible to the glory of the +Gospel--nothing but entire depravity of heart can render its doctrines +offensive--and nothing but the most obdurate impenitency can resist the +melting influence of a Saviour's dying love. It is utterly impossible, +that a scornful neglect or disregard of the preaching of the cross +should exist, without fearful guilt and imminent danger. All those, +among the hearers of the gospel, who will finally be children of wrath, +are now characterized by such guilt. And all the lost spirits in the +world of wo, who once enjoyed the offers of mercy, cherished the same +fatal feelings towards the plan of redemption. It was _foolishness_ to +them. Many, even in this land of light, seem to be ripening for the same +tremendous doom. Whether in the ranks of open opposition, or under the +false colours of pretended regard, the deadly symptom is upon them--a +settled disgust and aversion to the _preaching of the cross._ + +Say not, 'It is no matter what a man believes, provided he is sincere.' +God has settled this question.--"_Because they received not the love of +the truth_, _that they might be saved_; _God shall send them strong +delusion, that they should believe a lie_; _that they all might be +damned, who believed not the truth_, _but had pleasure in +unrighteousness_." Is there not then, appalling evidence, that those, +who hold such preaching in contempt, occupy very perilous ground, and +exhibit fearful tokens of the divine abandonment? And especially might +not the angels in heaven tremble for those, who have enjoyed great light +and privileges--have witnessed rich displays of divine grace--and have +once felt a deep solicitude for their own souls--but who now despise and +hate those truths, and that cause, which they were once _almost +persuaded_ to embrace? + +How clearly and terribly, my hearers, does this subject discover the +ungodliness of the unrenewed heart. Those feelings of contempt and +hostility, towards what is most precious and glorious in the view of +God, constitute the summit of human guilt. That feeble worms of the +dust should thus dare to sit in judgment on the divine administration, +and pronounce that needless which God has declared indispensable, and +call that folly which God esteems the highest wisdom, is not merely +presumptuous;--it is inexpressibly _impious_. + +How resistless is the evidence, hence arising, of the necessity of an +entire change of heart--an entire change of feeling--to prepare men to +dwell with God. No wonder then, that our Lord should declare with such +emphasis, _Ye must be born again_, or ye _cannot see the kingdom of +God_. + +I beseech you, fellow sinners, lay these things seriously to heart. Do +any of you habitually hear the preaching of the cross with heartless +indifference--with a light and trifling temper? Beware, lest your heart +become fatally hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. + +Are any of you conscious of disgust and aversion, produced by such +doctrines? O, beware, lest that come upon you which is spoken in the +prophets, Behold, ye dispisers, and wonder, and perish: Beware lest you +convert the bread of life into the poison of death! + +Have any of you already attained such a degree of blindness and +perversity, as to persuade yourselves that the doctrines of the cross +are really irrational and absurd, and that you are doing right in +opposing and deriding them? Recollect, I pray you, with whose word you +are contending;--whose wisdom you are despising! Let the chaff contend +with the tempest, and the stubble with the devouring flame; let the +glow-worm despise all the lamps of heaven;--but Oh, let not a worm +contend with Omnipotence; let not dim reason reject all the splendours +of the Sun of righteousness. _The redemption of the soul is +precious_--Its rescue from perdition, and elevation to God's right hand, +are objects too momentous, to be sacrificed to the pride of intellect, +or to the fashion of a world which passeth away. _Receive_, then, _with +meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye +doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves_. + + + + +SERMON XXVII. + +BY ELIHU W. BALDWIN, A.M. + +NEW-YORK. + +THE FINAL JUDGMENT. + +HEBREWS, IX. 29.--_After this the Judgment_. + + +Whilst another year is ending, and time itself, as it respects us, is +fast hastening to its close, the question very naturally arises, _What +shall come after death_? The voice of inspiration replies, _After this +the Judgment_. There is no need of entering upon a laboured proof of the +doctrine so plainly declared, _That there will be a day of Judgment for +mankind_. It is what seems written by the finger of God himself upon the +consciences of men. The impression is nearly universal, with Pagans and +Mahomedans, as well as Jews and Christians, that _every one of us shall +give account of himself to God_. This impression is strengthened by a +view of the very unequal and indiscriminate allotments of the present +life. Here the virtuous are often the objects of hatred and relentless +persecution. Here the man of ambition and dark intrigue, circumvents and +treads down his more honest rivals. Here Providence often afflicts even +the most pious; while the licentious, and proud, and oppressive, are, +perhaps, suffered to enjoy uninterrupted prosperity. Now we believe, +assuredly, that "God is just;" and we infer, that he will so exhibit +himself by another and more equal distribution of his favours and +frowns. We conclude with the wise man, "that God shall judge both the +righteous and the wicked." Conscience and reason, then, unite with +revelation, in saying, that "God hath appointed a day, in which he will +judge the world in righteousness." No language can be plainer, and no +event more reasonably anticipated. + +With this absolute certainty before us, then, of a judgment for all +mankind, it would be unnatural--it would betray awful insensibility to +eternal concerns, not to inquire with all seriousness--When will this +universal judgment take place? What objects is it designed to +accomplish? What connexion will it have with our future and eternal +condition? We inquire then, + + +I. _When will the universal Judgment take place?_ + +The precise time, God has wisely concealed from every intelligent +creature. "Of that day and that hour knoweth no man. No; not the angels +that are in heaven." But the text speaks of it, in general terms, as +that which is to take place _after our death_. Other passages are +somewhat more explicit, as to the time. The apostle Peter declares, "The +heavens and the earth which now are, by the same word are kept in store, +reserved unto fire, against _the day of judgment_, and perdition of +ungodly men." According to this account of the judgment, it will occur +at the same time with the destruction of the world; "when," as the same +apostle declares, "the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and +the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth, also, and the +works that are therein shall be burnt up." Paul gives a similar account +of the _time_, as he comforts the church at Thessalonica, under +persecution, with the prospect of the judgment, "when the Lord Jesus +shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, +taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel +of our Lord Jesus Christ." Indeed, if God is to "judge the whole world +in righteousness," what other occasion would seem so proper, as when the +last of our race have finished their work on the earth, and the world +itself is about to be destroyed? Would it not appear most suitable, that +the public and final decision of our destiny, should immediately succeed +the winding up of this world's drama?--the termination of all earthly +allotments? When, if not at that deeply interesting crisis, will all +things be ready for the great trial? _The final judgment, then, will +take place after our death, and at the end of the world_. We next +inquire, + + +II. _What are the objects, which the Judgment is designed to +accomplish?_ + +On this point, it becomes creatures of yesterday to speak with profound +humility, and especially to beware of contradicting what is revealed. +The objects which Jehovah will accomplish by the universal judgment, are +unquestionably vast and momentous, beyond all conception. Yet some of +them are obvious to reason, or are plainly revealed. + +Every person has experienced inconvenience and perplexity from the +circumstance, that the real characters of men, in the present life, are +but partially disclosed. Much the larger portion of human actions pass +unobserved by the world; or the motives which prompt them are concealed. +One design of the judgment, then, is to uncover these hidden springs, +and lay open every dark retreat of human conduct. We are told, "there is +nothing hid which shall not be revealed;" that "God shall bring every +work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or +whether it be evil;" that he "will both bring to light the hidden things +of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels the heart." + +Another design of the judgment, is publicly to assign to men their +proper deserts. This, we have before suggested, is not done on the +earth. "All things here come alike to all." "There is one event to the +righteous and to the wicked." But the future judgment is characterized, +as the day of "revelation of the righteous judgment of God;" "in the +which he will judge the world in righteousness;" and will "render to +every man according to his deeds." The mystery involved in the +prosperity of the wicked, and in the unequal allotments, which have here +marked the dispensations of Providence, will then cease for ever; and it +will then be seen and felt, that every one is treated according to the +strictest principles of wisdom and justice. + +Another special design of the judgment, is to manifest and gloriously +exalt the perfections of Jehovah. Revelation has indeed proclaimed his +perfections, in language which need not be misunderstood. But his +providence has often interposed a cloud between them and the eyes of +men. We do not comprehend the wisdom of present occurrences. We see not +the end from the beginning. A complete disclosure of both, will show to +the universe the deep counsels of God, and the consistent and benevolent +character of all his operations. He will then appear in the greatness of +his _power_, and _majesty_--as he summons the dead from their graves, +and folds up the earth and the heavens, like a decayed garment, to be +laid aside. He will then appear in the glory of his _justice_, his +_holiness_, and his _truth_,--while he examines, before his dread +tribunal, the risen and assembled millions of our race, and renders to +every one according to his works. All his perfections will then be +illustriously displayed; for, says the apostle, "He shall come to be +glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe." + +But this glory of the Divinity is specially to shine forth in the person +of the Son. He it was, that "being found in fashion as a man, humbled +himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. +Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name, which is +above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of +things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and +that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory +of God the Father." Accordingly, "the Father judgeth no man, but hath +committed all judgment unto the Son." It is the _Son_ who will come "in +the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory"; whom "every eye shall +see;" and who, "in his own glory, and in the glory of the Father, and of +the holy angels," shall "judge the world in righteousness." Then will he +who humbled himself, and "became obedient unto death," be publicly +recognised as "the Mighty God," "by whom, and for whose pleasure, all +things are, and were created." Then will "every tongue confess that he +is Lord." The conviction will then be universal, "that all men should +honour the Son even as they honour the Father." This leads us to +inquire, + + +III. _What connexion will the Judgment have with our future and eternal +condition?_ + +Here let us not indulge in vain speculations, but examine simply the +word of God. According to the Scriptures, the judgment will result in +assigning to men _very different allotments_. It will recognise among +them two entirely different and opposite classes of character. One of +these classes, which the Bible denominates "the righteous," will be +graciously acquitted by the Judge, and publicly treated as his friends. +The other, comprising all the impenitent, will be as publicly condemned, +and driven from his presence. They "will have judgment without mercy." +Such is plainly the account which Christ and the sacred writers have +given of the final awards to the righteous and the wicked. We have the +account in detail. Says the Saviour himself, "When the Son of Man shall +come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit +upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all +nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd +divideth his sheep from the goats; and he shall set the sheep on his +right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them +on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom +prepared for you from the foundation of the world." "Then shall he say +also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into +everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." And again; +"The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear +his voice, and shall come forth; _they that have done good_, unto the +resurrection of _life_; and _they that have done evil_, unto the +resurrection of _damnation_". Thus broad and fearful is the +discrimination which the great day will make between the righteous and +the wicked. So entirely different are the awards in reserve for the two +different classes of mankind. The difference will be great, as between +holiness and sin; between cheerful submission to the will and providence +of God, and unyielding rebellion against him; between cordial faith in +the Lord Jesus Christ, and wilful rejection of the only Saviour; between +the splendour and joy of the celestial Paradise, and the gloominess and +misery of hell. No wonder, then, that "as Paul reasoned of +righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled." There +will, indeed, be fearful reason for "weeping and wailing and gnashing of +teeth," with those who shall then "see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, +and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and themselves thrust out." + +We are not to forget, my hearers, that these different awards of the +judgment day will be _irreversible_ and literally _endless_. All admit +this conclusion, with respect to the _righteous_. But if the righteous +are _finally acquitted_ at the judgment, so are the wicked _finally +condemned_. If the righteous are said to enter into "_life eternal_," so +are the wicked to "go away into _everlasting punishment_." The +Scriptures say not one word of any reprieve from this condemnation, or +of any other period of merciful visitation. But they close with the most +solemn assurance, that, from that awful day, he that is unjust shall be +unjust still; and he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that +is righteous shall be righteous still; and he that is holy shall be holy +still. Other passages, of similar import, might be quoted: but if men +will pour contempt on a single declaration of Jehovah--if they will +_make God a liar_--they would not be persuaded, though his voice from +the heavens were a thousand times repeated. And _because they receive +not the love of the truth_, _that they might be saved_, most justly may +he _send them strong delusion_, _that they should believe a lie_, and +_be damned._ + +I have thus endeavoured, with much brevity, to give a scriptural view of +the final Judgment. On a subject so tremendously awful, I have chosen to +present simply God's testimony. A practical inference from the whole +is,--that the present life must be regarded as probationary. We are +living here as responsible agents, continually adding to the number of +actions, for which we must give account to God. How solemnly +interesting, then, is this scene of our earthly pilgrimage! How +inexpressibly valuable is time! How infinitely precious are the means of +grace!--particularly those invitations of mercy, which meet us in the +word of God, and address us from the sacred desk. + +You, my fellow sinners, are the very individuals who must stand at the +judgment-seat of Christ. You must mingle in that vast multitude, which +the voice of the archangel and the trump of God shall assemble. And when +your characters are all laid open, you must pass off to the right hand, +or to the left, accordingly as it shall appear, that you have repented, +and believed on the Son of God, or have neglected this great salvation. +And are you diligently preparing for that day? Are you working out your +salvation with fear and trembling? Are you _agonizing_ to enter in at +the strait gate? Are you escaping for your life? + +Fellow mortals, your time of preparation may be far more brief than you +now think. A few, _very few_ more opportunities for prayer, and +reconciliation with God, and your account is sealed up. While you +hesitate, the recording angel may be writing your condemnation. In such +circumstances, what are worldly honours, or wealth, or all your hopes of +enjoyment here? The life, the _eternal life_ of the _soul_, is the _one +thing needful_--the _only_ thing really important. You will realize this +truth, when the last trumpet is sounding through the universe, and, with +increasing agony or ecstasy, millions of ages after the final sentence +is pronounced. O, then, consider it _now_. Prepare for that judgment, +_now_. To-morrow! where is it? Repent _to-morrow_! You may have far +other work to do. God, and conscience, and your immortal interests +plead, "_To-day_, if you will hear his voice, harden not your heart." +"Behold, _now_ is the accepted time; behold, _now_ is the day of +salvation." _Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, +when his wrath is kindled but a little. For he cometh, for he cometh, to +judge the world, in righteousness to judge the earth, and the people +with his truth_. + + + + +TERMS + +OF THE + +NATIONAL PREACHER. + + +I. Each Monthly Number to contain one long Sermon, or two of moderate +length, on fine paper. The Volume to commence annually the last week in +June. + +II. 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Dowd +Halifax, Sidney Weller. + +SOUTH CAROLINA. +Charleston, Horace Utley. +Camden, Thomas M'Millan. +Georgetown, Peter Cuttino. +Beaufort, David Turner, P.M. +Bradleyville, R. Witherspoon, P.M. +Edgefield, A.B. M'Whorter. +Conwayboro', Henry Durant, P.M.. +Lexington, C.H., J. Meetze, P.M. +Sumpterville, Jesse Hartwell. + +GEORGIA. +Savannah, J.C.A. Johnston. +Augusta, Timothy Edwards. +Riceboro', A.H. Sample. +Wrightsboro', Joseph Barnes, P.M. +Bethsaida, Oliver Morse, P.M. +Mount Zion, M.H. Carrington. +Powelton, J.H. Burnet. P.M. +Clarksville, Thomas J. Rusk, P.M. +Sunbury, F.R. Whitwell, P.M. +Athens, Leander A. Erwin. P.M. +Carmel, Isaac Proctor, P.M. +Bethlehem, John F. Wallis, P.M. +Fortville, Henry W. Jornegan. + +OHIO. +Columbus, James Hoge. +Steubenville, Charles C. Beatty. +Cincinnati, David Root. +Ellsworth, L.W. Leffingwell, P.M. +Marietta, L.G. Bingham. +Burton, Luther Humphrey. +Cadiz, Thomas Phillips, P.M. +Miami, Charles Atherton, P.M. +Rome, Elijah Crosby, P.M. +Vernon, Harvey Coo. + +INDIANA. +Portersville, Simon Morgan, P.M. +Salem, Burr Bradley, P.M. +Indianapolis, George Bush. +Barbersville, Timothy Barber, P.M. + +ILLINOIS. +Belleville, James Mitchell, P.M. +Greenville, Ansel Birge, P.M. +Canton, Nathan Jones, P.M. +Vandalia, James Hall. + +KENTUCKY. +Munfordville, J.T.S. Brown, P.M. +Princeton, H. Cassidy, P.M. +Danville, Benjamin Shaw. +Cynthiana, A. Broadwell, P.M. +Henderson, James Hillyer, P.M. +Shelbyville, A.A. Shannon. +Frankfort, S.M. Noel. +Hopkinsville, John Bryan, P.M. +Harrodsburg, Thomas Cleland. +Augusta, Samuel Bonde, P.M. +Columbia, John Montgomery, P.M. + +TENNESSEE. +Knoxville, James Campbell, +Winchester, John Goodwin, P.M. +Nashville, R.P. Hayes. +Dresden, Samuel A. Warner. +Paperville, T.C. Buckhart, P.M. +Jonesboro', D.A. Deadrick, P.M. +Murfreesboro', D. Wendell, P.M. +Columbia, Francis W.S. Frierson. +Lebanon, A. Bradshaw. +Hillsboro, G.W. Richardson, P.M. +Farmington, S.W. Calvert. + +ALABAMA. +Huntsville, William Leech. +Perry, C.H., G.W. Brame. +Somerville, M.C. Houston, P.M. +Bainbridge, S.M. Parry, P.M. +Florence, John Craig, P.M. +Courtiand, John White. +Shelby C.H., Thos. W. Smith, P.M. +Ashville, Archibald Sloan, P.M. + +MISSOURI. +St. Louis, Salmon Giddings. +Fredericktown, Thos. Mosely, P.M. +Clay, C.H., Wm. S. Smith, P.M. + +MISSISSIPPI. +Natchez, John Henderson. +Port Gibson, D. Greenleaf, P.M. +Woodville, G.A. Irion +Gallatin, A.B. Ross, P.M. +Columbia, A.G. Moore. +Pinckneyville, James Wilson, P.M. + +LOUISIANA. +Baton Rouge, H. Alexander, P.M. +New-Orleans, William Ross. + +FLORIDA. +Pensacola, W. Hazell Hunt, P.M. + +ARKANSAS. +Dwight, Alfred Finney. + +CHOCTAW NATION. +David Folsom. + +MICHIGAN. +Detroit, D.G. Jones. + +CANADA. +Montreal, William Hedge. +Kingston, Rev. Mr. Foote. + +SOUTH AMERICA. +Buenos Ayres, Theop. 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