pel, and are more frequent among Christian than a mong heathen nations. But this is far from being the truth. The state of the world was generally a state of warfare in the ages before the gospel, until near the time of Jesus Christ, when the Romans had so far subdued all surrounding nations, that none had power to make war. Since that time, wars, so far as we can learn, have been much more frequent among savage and barbarous, than among civilized and Christian nations. Christianity, in its proper influence, would prevent all war. It has not yet done this; but still, with its partial influence, it has greatly meliorated the condition of mankind. It has mollified the rigor of government, and rendered it more rational and lenient. It has made war itself less ferocious and horrible, the condition of captives more safe and tolerable, and conquest less injurious to personal liberty and property. And whenever the gospel shall have its full spread and its genuine influence, it will diffuse peace and happiness through the world.

7. We are taught the great efficacy of the prayers of good men. John says of these witnesses, "They have power to shut heaven and to smite the earth with plagues, as often as they will," The words al lude to the power, which the prayers of Moses and Elijah had with God. When they prayed for the protection of God's faithful servants, he answered them by terrible things, which in righteousness were inflicted on their enemies.

The scripture not only asserts in general, but in many particular instances shews, that fervent prayers avail much. When Abraham interceded for Sodom, God condescended to his last request; that if ten righteous men were found there, it might be spared. When this city was to be destroyed, and Lot was warned to escape to a certain mountain, he

entreated, that he might find safety in a little city nearer than the mountain; and the destroying angel said, "See, I have accepted thee in this thing; haste thee, escape thither, for I cannot do any thing until thou be come thither." When Jacob wept and made supplication, it is said, "He had power with God, and prevailed." When Israel by repeated rebellions provoked the divine anger against them, it is said, "God would have destroyed them, had not Moses stood in the breach to turn away his wrath." While Moses was praying for them, God spake in this wonderful manner," Let me alone, that I may destroy them." God expresses his wrath against Israel in terms of unusual severity, when he says, "Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, my mind could not be toward this people." He signifies, that he seldom executes his great judgments on his people in opposition to the prayers of such men as these. There is a more remarkable expression in the book of Isaiah; "Thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me."

What great encouragement we have to wait on God in prayer for ourselves, our country, and the church of Christ! "The prayer of the upright is delight." If we believe, that God exercises a government in the world-that this government is intended for the good of his church-that he hears the prayers of his servants, and in answer to them sends blessings on his people then let us "be instant in prayer, and watch thereunto with all perseverance."

The prophecy, which we have been considering, conveys assurance of the final triumph of the church of God over all opposition: But it gives us reason to think, that, as she has passed through many severe trials already, so there is still at least one severer trial, which awaits her, before her glorious triumph;

and it instructs us, that her salvation, when it comes, will come by prayer. When we see a spirit of grace and of supplications remarkably poured out on the church of God, then we may conclude, that her redemption draweth nigh.

The state of the European world, has, for many years, afforded ground of apprehension, that a dangerous period is approaching. We certainly must be near the end of the 1260 years, during which the witnesses shall prophecy in sackcloth. Some calculations place the end at the distance of two centuries; others bring it within half a century.

The

present aspects of providence would incline us to adopt the shorter. The prevalence of infidelity and immorality in Europe renders it doubtful, whether a reformation will generally take place there without great destruction of the people. The rage of war threatens this event. The total derangement which war has made in the political system of Europe hardly allows us to hope for a permanent peace. The prophecy under consideration announces great commotions and revolutions, in which multitudes will awfully perish, and the remnant will be affrighted, and give glory to God. In the corruptions of Europe we have been corrupted; and in her convulsions we shall be convulsed. In our own depravi ty our danger is great: In our connexion and intercourse with Europe our situation is critical. Our safety depends on the influence of the gospel among us. If this should be lost, our security will depart. It concerns us then to admit this influence into our own hearts, and by it to direct all our conduct-to recommend religion to others by exhibiting its excellency in our own lives-to honor the institutions of God by our own faithful attendance, and to transmit to those who are coming after us that divine religion which we have received from our fathers.

And to all our endeavors for the promotion of true religion, let us add our daily prayers, that God would prepare us for the dangers and trials which await us-would pour out his Spirit for the revival of his work among us-would make known the power of his grace, and turn all hearts unto himself-would continue his gospel to us and spread it through the world-would restore harmony to our public councils, and unity among private citizens-would excite all with one consent to attend to the great interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, and would afford us his gracious protection amidst the dangers of this world, and bring us to the enjoyment of eternal peace in the world above.

Will God pour upon us that stream, which makes glad his holy city-will he continue his tabernacles among us-will he dwell in the midst of us, that we may not be moved.

SERMON X.

The Renovation of all Things.

REVELATION xxi. 5.

And he that sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things

new.

THE kings of the earth, when they per form the high acts of their regal office, appear sitting on thrones, in token of their superior dignity and power. In allusion to this token of sovereignty, God, when he makes special displays of his majesty and glory in his works of creation and providence, is said to sit on his throne. The throne of earthly kings is an elevated seat from whence they command a full view of their fellow mortals assembled before them. God's throne is in heaven; from thence his eyes behold the children of men. Thus he speaks by the prophet, "The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: Where is the house that ye build to me, and where is the place of my rest? For all those things my hand hath made, and all those things have been: But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my word." A higher description of God's supremacy, and a more charming representation of