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The Lord hath also assured us, that "when our ways please him, he maketh even our enemies to be at peace with us:" and his peace ruling in our hearts disposes us to follow peace with all men. The precepts as well as the promises of Christ, insure peace to all his true disciples. The most sincere, upright, disinterested, and harmless conduct, united with tender compassion, courteousness and universal benevolence: a disposition to make concessions and reparations for all injuries, and to forgive and love our enemies in the most unwearied and generous manner, are expressly commanded by the Redeemer; and these are also "the fruits of the Spirit," who dwells in all true believers. The most exact attention to all relative duties, according to the regular subordination of families and communities, is also effectually provided for. If therefore all men should at once be made true Christians, answerable to the specimen shewn to the world after the day of Pentecost; nay, according to that lower measure of grace bestowed on thousands in this land at present: the effect upon human affairs would be as stupendous, as that produced on the boisterous winds and stormy waves, when the incarnate Son of God said, "Peace, be still, and there was a great calm!" Wars and all concurrent and similar evils must instantaneously cease, and peace, equity, purity, truth, and love universally prevail; if all men were partakers of the Spirit of Christ, and obedient to his commandments.

But hath not he said, "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you nay, but rather division: for from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three." Luke xii. 51-53. To this it may be answered, that predictions of future events must be distinguished from commands, exhortations, and doctrines: and the latter, not the former, show the real nature and tendency of the gospel. When a few persons are converted, and feel their obligations to love Christ more than father or mother, and to obey God rather than man; and many remain under the influence of that spirit who worketh in the children of disobedience: divisions will necessarily be the consequence. And when the mad passions of ungodly men take occasion from Christianity, to vent themselves; and the distinction between real believers, and nominal Christians, is overlooked; the tendency of the gospel must be mistaken. The opposition which the religion of Jesus has met with from the world; the wickedness that men have committed, under the guise of Christianity; and the inconsistency and indiscretions of many pious persons, have produced lamentable effects. Hence persecutions and religious wars have been excited, by the professed disciples of the Prince of peace! Pious, or rather impious, frauds have been practised to subserve the cause of superstition or hypocrisy! Acrimonious controversies and divisions among professed Christians have been multiplied; and even serious persons have been prejudiced against each other by a narrow and absurd bigotry. "Woe be to the world because of offences; it must needs be that offences come; but woe be to that man by whom they come."

We must not, however, ascribe these things to Christianity; but to the want of it. If men were real Christians most of these evils would cease, and all of them would be mitigated: if men were consistent and judicious Christians, they would totally vanish. Even the disciples too often "know not what spirit they are of;" and contend for the truths and ordinances of Christ, in a manner contrary to his precepts and example.

But it may also be observed, that all these effects spring from the depravity of the human heart as their native source; and if men had not this occasion of discord and selfishness, they would find some other. Afer all, the world has seldom been more wicked in the worst ages and places distinguished by the Christian name; than at other times and in other countries; though unbelievers have bestowed more pains in exhibiting its wickedness. In general the state of human society has been greatly meliorated by the gospel: for where have Christians habitually diverted themselves by such bloody spectacles, as the gladiatorial shows of the Romans? Where

have Pagans manifested such humanity to the poor, sick, and destitute, as is displayed in the expensive institutions common in Christian countries? Vices, branded with deepest infamy, even in this licentious age, were patronized and avowed among the politest heathens! War itself has assumed a milder aspect since the establishment of Christianity: and even Deists have learned from the sacred oracles, to denounce ambitious warriors, and to give the palm of glory to those who save men's lives, instead of those that destroy them. These effects have evidently been produced by the gospel, even on the minds of multitudes, who never believed it with a living and obedient faith.

Taking, however, our standard of Christianity from the Scriptures, we are confident, that in proportion as it prevails, it will produce "peace on earth," in all senses and in all places. We are also assured, that ere long the Prince of peace will possess the dominion over all nations as his willing subjects: and then they will beat their swords into plough-shares, and learn war no more. Well, therefore, might angels sing at the Redeemer's nativity. “Peace on earth!" A blessing inestimable in itself, long unknown, or scarcely known, among men: but now about to be vouchsafed by a grádual progress to all the nations of the globe!

For such blessings virtually communicated to sinful men in the person of Emmanuel, angels also ascribed "Glory to God in the highest.”—The perfections of God are his essential glory, which is incapable of increase or diminution but in his works he manifests this glory to his rational creatures, that they may contemplate, admire, and adore it; and he is glorified by them, when they delight to celebrate his praises. "The heavens declare the glory of God:" and his eternal power and deity are clearly seen in all the works which he made. His providential care of the universe manifests his wisdom, goodness, and bounty: his awful justice and holiness are displayed in his perfect law and righteous judgments, and his patience and kindness even to sinners may be learned from his dealings with our fallen race in general. These glories the heavenly host had witnessed and celebrated for four thousand years.

But the birth of the infant in the stable, viewed in its causes and consequences, discovered to them glories so resplendent, that in some respects they eclipsed all former displays; and with rapturous joy and admiration they sang, "Glory to God in the highest :" in the highest heavens among all its exalted inhabitants, and in the loftiest strains, which people can possibly reach. Here the glories of the divine justice, holiness, truth, wisdom, knowledge, power, love, and mercy, which they had viewed separately in other objects, shone forth with collected beams in most adorable beauty and splendour. The perfections, which before appeared irreconcileable, now harmonized, and reflected glory upon each other. The distinct honours of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, were displayed at once to their admiring view. And as they were always ready, with glowing love, zeal, and gratitude, to celebrate the high praises of the Lord: so they were peculiarly excited to this reasonable and delightful service, on this interesting occasion. Never did Jehovah appear in all respects so glorious in holiness, justice, truth, and wisdom; as in his wonderful love to Adam's guilty polluted race. If God so hate sin, that his well-beloved Son shall become man, and bear the curse, rather than it shall go unpunished; and yet so love sinners, as to employ such an expedient, rather than leave them to perish without remedy; if his wisdom could form such a plan of reconciling justice and mercy, and of taking occasion from sin itself to glorify his name in the most distinguished manner; and if his faithfulness accomplish such a promise, as that relating to the incarnation of his own Son for these most gracious purposes; how transcendently glorious must He be! How worthy of universal love and adoration! Let all creatures then say, Glory to God in the highest." Angels" rejoice over one sinner that repenteth;" because every event of this nature is a new display of the divine glory in the work of redemption;

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a new trophy of the Redeemer's beneficent victories; a new worshipper to join the heavenly choir to all eternity; and a new instrument to excite other sinners to seek for the same blessings. For alas! men are blind, willingly blind, to the glory of God in all respects! Even the displays of his being and perfections in the works of creation fail of suitably affecting their hearts; "they glorify him not as God, neither are thankful." But the gospel, professed, adorned, and preached in the world, calls their attention to an interesting subject: and when "God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, shines into our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ," 2 Cor. iv. 4-6. that light is reflected as it were on every other object; and we learn by degrees to glorify God, for all the displays he hath made of himself; and as a spiritual priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Thus sinners on earth are trained up for the worship of heaven; of which the highest and most delightful strain will be, " Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God with his blood;" "Salvation to our God that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb." Hallelujah. Amen.-The adoring praises of the heavenly host may therefore be also considered, as an affectionate expression of their longing desire, that by the gospel of Christ, the divine glory might fill the earth as well as heaven; while peace with God and with each other should be enjoyed by all its inhabitants, through the adorable good-will shewn to guilty man.

III. Then let us endeavour to bring this matter home to ourselves by some practical deductions.

We e may learn from this subject how insignificant all earthly distinctions are, in the judgement of the heavenly host. They see no glory in them, nor dishonour in the want of them. The Lord of all descends to dwell on earth, to be a Prince and Saviour: and angels celebrate the august event, the most important that had ever occurred from the beginning of the world. But he appears not in an imperial palace, or with the appendages of royalty; but in a stable, and laid in a manger! And let us not forget, that this was the settled purpose of unchangeable wisdom and everlasting love; in order to pour contempt on all that splendour, which we are prone no idolize.

Not only are vanity and vexation inscribed on the pomp, wealth, and luxuries of the world, by this remarkable appointment; but they are pronounced mean, ensnaring, and polluting. We should therefore inquire how far our judgment coincides in this respect, with that of angels, and the Lord of angels? The rich and noble should remember, that their distinctions are as withering flowers; at the same time that they are talents entrusted to their stewardship, of which a strict account will shortly be demanded. Let them not then "be high-minded, or trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God." "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches." Yea, God forbid that" any of us "should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom the world is crucified to us, and we unto the world." Jer. ix. 23, 24. Gal. vi. 14. We should well consider the words of the apostle, "Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted; but the rich in that he is made low." James, i. 9—11. "Mind not then," my brethren, high things, but condescend to men of low estate :" cultivate humility, courteousness, indifference about the world, and self-denying beneficence, in the midst of abundance: this will abate envy, secure you from the snares and perils of your situation, and render the talents entrusted to you a blessing to many, and more abundantly to yourselves. "How hardly," says our Lord, "shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!" But "the things that are impossible with men are possible with Him." Yet this consideration, should exite in you peculiar caution, watchfulness, and prayer, that your riches may not prove the ruin of your immortal souls.

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Think, my brethren, of the stable, the carpenter's shop, the feast on barley

bread and small fishes, the well in Samaria, and of Him who had not where to lay his head; that you may learn not to despise the poor, lest you reproach your Maker and disdain the Saviour of the world. Heavenly glory and excellency may be clad in coarse raiment, or lodged in a mean cottage. Learn not to judge of men by outward appearance; but to estimate characters according to their intrinsic worth: and let it not be thought any disparagement to prefer the company of pious Christians, who are almost as poor as their Master chose to be, above that of the most accomplished persons who are strangers to his saving grace.

And, my brethren of low degree, let me exhort you to be contented and patient in your humble condition; watch against envy, repining, covetings, and distrust. Seek the true riches, the ornament which in the sight of God is of great price, the honour that cometh from Him, and the pure pleasures which he bestows. With these, the meanest accommodations will make your hearts thankful: and if your children be poorly provided for, and you are overlooked in times of difficulty by your neighbours; think of the virgin mother and her holy infant in the stable; reflect on your sinfulness; and instead of murmuring, lift up your hearts in joyful thanksgivings: for few of you are so poor as the divine Saviour of sinners was during the whole of his humiliation.

But, my friends, what do you think of this lowly Redeemer? Do your ideas of his dignity, excellency, love, and salvation, accord to the views of these holy angels? Or do you see in him no form or comeliness: nor any beauty for which you should desire him? Do you heartily sing, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good-will towards men?" Or is there nothing in this great event to exite your attention and admiration? You can never be meet for the joys of heaven, unless you learn on earth to see and admire the glories of redeeming love. The songs of angels would grate in your ears, and discompose your hearts; were it possible for you to enter the mansions of the blessed, without having felt your need of a Saviour, and acquired a disposition to love and adore him. And how will the conduct of angels, who though they never sinned, and need no pardoning mercy or renewing grace, yet glorify God with all their powers, for his love to fallen men, rise up in judgment against the ingratitude and perverseness of perishing sinners, who make the very condescension of Emmanuel the pretence for refusing him the glory due to his name?

Let us also inquire, how far we resemble these heavenly worshippers in the temper of our minds. Exalted and holy as they are, they despise not sinful worms, dwelling in houses of clay; while they adored the Son of God, as tabernacling in human flesh, and thus "made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death." They complain not, of the special honour shewn to worthless man, by this union of the Diety with our nature, and not with theirs: they are not reluctant to our felicity, and object not to our being made equal with them. Yea, they willingly and joyfully minister to the heirs of salvation, in the meanest cottage, work-house, or dungeon; nor do they deem the poorest believer an unmeet object of their condescending and compassionate services.-This is genuine excellency: but have we been taught to resemble and imitate them? Are we thus attentive to the needy, ready to sympathize with the afflicted, and freed from selfishness, envy, and contempt of inferiors? Above all, let us remember and imitate "the grace of the Lord Jesus, who though he was rich, for our sakes became poor; that we, through his poverty might be made rich." He hath said, "The poor ye have always with you; and when ye will ye may do good to them." He hath appointed his needy disciples to be his representatives and receivers; that in supplying their wants we may express our love and gratitude to Him, and copy his most endearing example.d

This season is generally attended with an interruption of secular business, and some additional expence ; yet the time and money are generally worse than thrown away: while professed Christians, like Israel worshipping the

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golden calf," sit down to eat, and drink, and rise up to play." But if we have a spiritual taste, and judge as angels do; we shall rather abridge ourselves of customary indulgences, than "make provision for the flesh," when commemorating the humble birth of the self-denying Saviour. We shall express our joy, and employ our leisure, in acts of solemn worship and grateful praises and instead of expensive feasts for the wealthy; we shall abound in hospitality and kindness to the poor, and be glad to contribute to promote the cause for which the Son of God became incarnate.

The sensual and ungodly mirth of vast multitudes, at this festival, is madness! They abound in the works of the devil, because the Son of God was manifested to destroy them! When the very event thus commemorated, will increase the weight of their condemnation; unless they can be persuaded to follow the apostle's counsel, "Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double-minded; be afflicted, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into heaviness." "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James, iv. 7-10.

Butlet the heart of those rejoice that seek the Lord." Let the poor in spirit, the weeping penitent, take encouragement, from the astonishing instance of the Lord's good-will to sinful men, this day commemorated. And let all, that have tasted this grace, and can rejoice in the love of God our Saviour, remember that they are subjects to the Prince of peace; that they may be animated to pray for universal peace, and by all suitable means, to follow after peace, to seek the peace of the church, and the peace of the world; and by well-doing to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

SERMON XVI.

PREACHED JANUARY 1, 1796.

GOODNESS OF PROVIDENCE AN EXCITEMENT TO

GRATITUDE.

I SAMUEL, VII. 12.

Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.

FROM the calling of Abraham, to the time of Samuel, the Lord had shewn peculiar favours of inestimable value to his chosen people. Especially "He shewed his word unto Jacob, his statutes and, his judgments unto Israel: he dealt not so with any nation, and as for his judgments they had not known them." Psal. cxlvii. 19, 20. But they had always manifested a perverse and ungrateful disposition, and were continually provoking him with their idolatries and rebellions." Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance: and he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought in subjection under their hand. Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him by their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry." Psalm cvi. • 40-44.

Phineas and Hophni, the priests, the sons of Eli, had by their wickedness caused a most deplorable prevalence of impiety among the people: this pro

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