We have seen that they are, to immortal souls, the grand means of salvation. SALVATION,-who can measure its mighty import? Who can tell the greatness of that deliverance, when a soul is born of God? Who can tell what it is, for an immortal soul, which must exist, as long as God shall exist, to be delivered from inheriting everlasting burnings; changed into the image of God; and raised to dwell with Christ, to see him as he is, and be like him forever? O, salvation, even to one soul, is a GREAT THING. And every faithful minister, that you raise up, may, with the blessing of God, be the means of salvation, to great numbers. When Richard Baxter began to preach the gospel, at Kidderminster, there was but about one praying family in The Sabbath was openly profaned; immorality, of almost every kind, prevailed; and the whole town was a scene of moral desolation. Before he had preached there 14 years, in passing the streets on the sabbath, one might hear an hundred families, engaged in family devotion. And in some streets, there were not more than two families that neglected it. The number of communicants, at the Lord's table, was more than 600. And among them all, were not 12 persons who did not give reason to hope that they were born of God. At the same time he was hopefully the means of salvation to numbers in Worcester, Cleobury, Dudley, Sheffield, and many other places; where he occasionally preached the gospel. Several of these, were, afterwards, distinguished ministers of Christ. a street. Almost every week, he received letters, mentioning instances of hopeful conversion, by means of his "Call to the Unconverted." More than 20,000 copies of this work were printed in a year. It was published not only in England, but in Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Holland, and America. And yet it was believed by himself, and others, that his "Saint's Rest," had been the means of sal vation to still greater numbers. Portions of his works have been read, in nearly all the protestant countries of christendom, down to this day. And it is not too much to suppose, that there has not been a year since Baxter died, in which his works have not, to some, been the means of salvation. And this, should the Lord so order it, may continue to be the case to the end of the world. Go forward into eternity, and by its everlasting light, look at the greatness of what God accomplished, by means of Richard Baxter. Do you say that Baxter was a rare example? I grant it. And in this day, when the children of Zion are taking pleasure in her stones, and favouring her dust, you may expect other rare examples; and that they will be multiplied, until they shall become common examples. Henry Martyn, before he reached the age of 31, besides preaching the gospel to great numbers, in demonstration of the spirit, and of power, had translated the whole of the New Testament, for the millions of Hindoostan; and also for the millions of Persia. By the labours of another minister, God has prepared the whole Bible, for the hundreds of millions of China. And our own countryman, Samuel J. Mills, although he died a young man, lived long enough to be a leading instrument in the formation of a Bible Society in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louis iana. And he was also, a leading instrument in the formation of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions; The United Foreign Missionary Society; The African School; and The American Bible Society; institutions which are extending the word of life, to hundreds of thousands of our fellow men. Missionaries? But you say, These were missionaries. So, I trust, will be many, whom you are raising up; and missionaries, who will explore every dark region under heaven; and spread the light of holiness, " from sea to sea; and from the river to the ends of the earth." ever be a But supposing that not one of them should missionary; but all should be parish ministers. By the labours of parish ministers, God accomplishes great ends. Thomas Scott was a parish minister. Still he was hopefully the means of salvation to great numbers. Many ministers, he was instrumental in raising up, for the churches at home; and many others he was instrumental in preparing to translate the Bible, and preach the gospel among the heathen. His benevolent labours were instrumental in opening the way for the formation of the Church Missionary Society; and The British and Foreign Bible Society; institutions among the most stupendous which have ever blessed the world; the influence of which will, ere long, be felt from Japan, to California; and from Nova Zembla, to Cape Horn. And though dead, he yet speaks to more than 20,000 families; and tells them words by which they may be saved. And through the blessing of God, he may continue to speak to still greater numbers, of generations yet unborn. And are you But Scott, you say, was a Commentator. sure that there will be no Commentators, among the men whom you are raising up? Are they not as likely to become such, as he was, at their age ? But supposing that there should be no Commentators among them; and not one who shall leave any thing in writing, to speak to the world, after he is dead; still God may accomplish by them, ends, the greatness of which will surpass all finite comprehension. About 40 years ago, a poor, but pious young man undertook, by his own efforts, and the aid of friends, to obtain an education for the ministry. While he was at college, there was an extensive revival of religion; and it was greatly promoted through his instrumentality. Numbers, at that time, became hopefully pious; and are now ministers of the gospel. When prepared, he too became a minister; and his labours have been eminently blessed. The Church, which, at his settlement, consisted of only about 20 members, has now nearly 300. Most of them look to him as their spiritual father. And many of his spiritual children, now sleep in Jesus. He has been greatly blessed also in his Numbers, through an extensive region around him, have, by his means, been brought to the saving knowledge of the truth. occasional labours. More than 30 he has assisted, in their education, for the ministry. And several of them are now labouring, with distinguished success, in the Churches. Suppose that each of these 30 ministers, should be instrumental, in the conversion of 100 souls; and that 75 out of 100 should become heads of families. Suppose that each minister should also be instrumental, in the course of his life, in raising up three other ministers. Here then are 90 ministers of the gospel; 750 single persons, of hopeful piety; and 2250 pious heads of families. Trace their influence upon the next generation; and their influence upon the generations which shall follow down to the Millennium; and onward till the final consummation. Go up with them, till you reach the summit of the heavenly Zion; and, from the infinite glory, look round upon the greatness of what God accomplishes, by a parish minister. Thirty such ministers may, with the divine blessing, be raised up in 20 years, by this Society. Press onward, Brethren, with your work. Let the love of Christ constrain you to persevere; and the greatness of what you, through grace, will accomplish, will be eternally unfolding, to the admiration of men and angels; and all will give the glory to God forever......AMEN. TREASURER'S ACCOUNT. Auxiliary Education Society of Young Men of Boston, in Account Current with Samuel Coverly Jun., Treasurer. Jan. to Dec. 1822. To cash paid Sumner Hill's bill, use To cash paid Samuel Wyatt's bill, use of Court Street To Joseph W. Ingraham's bill, printing Sermon, &c. Dr. $800 5 00 50 62 3.00 1000 00 2 38 $1069 00 Cr. To Cash paid Treasurer of American Education Society, as per his receipt, * Balance, Cash on hand, Contra, By 15 permanent members By 8 members for 1821 subscription Jan. 1, to Dec. 31, 1822. Balance Cash from old account, Jan. 23. By collection at Old South Church By sundry other donations 23 111/27 403 50 150 00 8 00 By 248 do. 1822 do. each at $1 248 00 By 2 do. 1822 do. do. 3 6 00 By 7 do. 1822 do. do. 5 35 00 By 1 do. 1822. do. 6 00 do. By 3 do. 20 00 75 00 $1069 00 Boston, Jan. 1, 1823. Having examined the above account, we find it correctly cast, and properly vouched. |