Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

an argument in favour of his proper divinity?

Christ's perfect example proves, at least, that he was an extraordinary person. No other sinless and perfect character was ever known among men. "There is not," nor has there ever been, a just man on earth, who does good and sins not." Moses and Elijah were men endued with prophetic and miraculous gifts; they were favoured with immediate inspiration; they were eminent for piety and virtue; they had near access to, and familiar intercourse with GOD; but still they discovered human imperfection. Moses, though distinguished by the meekness of his temper, yet, under great provocation, felt the impulse of passion, and spake unadvisedly with his lips. Elijah, though pre-eminent for his zeal and fortitude in the cause of God, yet once, discouraged by opposition, and intimidated by danger, quitted his work for a son, and retired to a cave. But Jesus, under vastly higher rovocations, preserved his meexness; and in the face of more terrible danger and more violent opposition, maintained his fortitude and zeal. We must then conclude, that he was more than a man; for we see that the greatest and best of men-men endued with the most eminent abilities, gifts, and virtues, fell far below him. His example plainly confutes the Socinian doctrine, that he was a mere man, authorized and furnished only to instruct and reform mankind by his doctrine and example.

D

That he was truly and properly a man, it is agreed; that there was some superior nature united

[ocr errors]

to his humanity, it is generally conceded. But what was this nature? Might it not be an gelic? Need we suppose it to be divine? Now, whatever difficulty attends the latter supposition, attends the former. If there was a union of different natures to constitute his person, we may as well believe, that "the fulness of the Godhead," as that the fulness of an angel, or of a creature superior to an angel, "dwelt in him bodily." Either of the unions would be to us inexplica ble and incomprehensible; and both equally so. By denying his divinity, we neither explain, nor remove, nor diminish the mystery of the union, but leave it as great, as it was before.

Besides, have we such information concerning the perfection of angels, as will justify the conclusion, that the union of an angelic nature with humanity could have produced so perfect a character, as that of Jesus Christ? Angels are not impeccable. Multitudes of them have apostatized, and fallen into condemnation. Those, who have kept their first state, and who, we suppose, are happily secured from defection, are certainly much in ferior to Christ in purity as well as in dignity. They all worship him with humble views of themselves, and with admiring and adoring sentiments of his incomparable holiness. When Isaiah saw, in vision, the glory of the LORD, or, as St. John says, the glory of CHRIST, he thus spake of him; "I saw the Lord sitting on a throne high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple; and above it stood the Seraphim," or principal angels; "each one had six wings; and with twain

he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet," in token of his humility and reverence," and with twain he did fly," to execute his Lord's will; and one cried to another, saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory." Jesus is here called JEHOVAH, a name not given to any of the angels, except the angel of the covenant, the Lord Jesus. He is elsewhere called the Son of God; and "to which of the angels said God, at any time, Thou art my Son ?" "God chargeth his angels with folly." When has he thus charged "his beloved Son," in whom he has declared himself "well pleased," and who professes to "have done always the things, which pleased him?"

The angels indeed are called holy; but still they are imperfect. They stand not in their own strength. It is the nature of a creature to be mutable. Had Jesus been mutable, he would have been incompetent to the work assigned him; for he might have failed, and the work miscarried. If, then, we suppose him to be a creature ever so perfect in his nature; we must suppose some kind of union with Divinity, to secure him from the possibility of error. And why may we not as well believe that Divinity was, in some mysterious way, united to the man Jesus, as believe that an angelic or superangelic nature was united to him, and this nature, in a way equally mysterious, supported by Divinity? Will not the latter supposition rather involve, than unfold the great mystery of godliness? Will it not rather perplex, than

simplify a great and wonderful doctrine, taught in Scripture with as much simplicity, as its nature permits, and with as much perspicuity, as the faith of the humble Christian requires?

There are angels, who kept their first state. But they never were appointed to so momentous a work, and never were subjected to such tremendous trials, as was Jesus Christ. Had any one of them been sent, as Christ was, in the likeness of our sinful flesh, and placed in the same situation, in which he was, who can believe that this angel would have conducted with equal dignity and constancy, benevolence and meekness, humility and patience? If reason may be allowed to speak in a question of this nature, will she not give her judgment in favour of Christ's Divinity?

We need not say that Christ's perfect character alone, is a full and decisive proof of his proper Divinity.c d'here are other proofs. Ieal this has its weight. At least it ciens the way for the positive evidences to come with greater force, and removes some principal objections. In the objections, which arise from certain metaphysical difficulties attending the union of different natures, we are not, at present, concerned; for, whatever hypothesis we assume, these still remain.

Let a man read the Bible, especially the New Testament, laying aside the fear of inexplicable mystery; and will he not believe that the Divinity of Christ is taught there? Admitting the doctrine to be true, what more decisive modes of expression would he expect, than those

Brahmins, in the College of Fort William. Indefatigably industrious; mild in his temper, and yet dignified in his manners, he seems admirably qualified as a minister of Christ, and an agent for the propagation of his holy gospel.

"The subscription has been nobly supported in this country. The Rev. Dr. Buckanan, a high churchman, and a clergyman of great integrity and ability, has so favourable an opin. ion of these missionaries, that he subscribed 5000 rupees towards carrying on their translation of the Bible.

List of New

A Letter to the inhabitants of the eity and state of New York; on the subject of the commerce of the western waters. By Agricola. New York. $. Gould. pp. 40. 12mo.

The Beauties of the Evangelical Magazine. 2 vols. 8vo. W. W. Woodward. Philadelphia.

The village Sermons, in two neat vols, 12mo. of about 350 pages each, price $2. Containing 52 plain and short discourses, on the principal doctrines of the gospel, intended for the use of families, Sunday schools, or companies assembled for 'religious instruction in country villages. By George Burder, D. D. of London. W. Woodward. Philadelphia.

The Arts and Sciences abridged, with a selection of pieces from celebrated modern authors, calculated to improve the manners and refine the taste of youth; particularly designed and arranged for the use of schools. By Charles Pierce, compiler of the American Citizen, Portsmouth Miscellany. 12mo. pp. 216. Portsmouth, N. H. Pierce & Gardner.

Elements of Useful Knowledge. vol. 3d. By Noah Webster, Esq. 12mo. pp. 300. $1,50.

A Sermon, delivered Nov. 3, 1806, at the funeral of Mrs. Mary Yates, consort of the Rev. Andrew Yates, who died October 31st. By Abel Flint. Hartford. Hudson & Goodwin,

A Sermon, delivered Nov. 20, at the dedication of the brick meeting house, in the north parish in Dan vers. By Benjamin Wadsworth, A. M. Salem. Joshua Cushing.

The poetical works of David Hitchcock, comprising, The Shade of Plato, or a defence of religion, morality, and government; in four parts. Al

The society is wealthy, but I can ven. ture to say that they devote their wealth to the purpose for which generous and pious men have deposited it in their hands. The missionaries live together at Serampore, and keep a school, which defrays their private expenses. I do sincerely esteem them as a body of men, and, being personally acquainted with some individuals, I know that the purity of their private lives accords with the sanctity of their public ministrations. They are anabaptists."

Publications.

So, The Knight and Quack, or a look. ing glass for impostors in physic, philosophy, and government. Together with, The Subtlety of Foxes, a fable. Boston. Etheridge & Bliss.

Genuine Religion, the best friend of the people; or the Influence of the Gospel, when known, believed, and experienced, upon the manners and happiness of the people. By Archibald Bonar, A. M. J. How. Charlestown. 1807.

The Wanderer in Switzerland, and other poems. By James Montgomery. 12mo. New York. S. Stansbury.

Love: A Poem, delivered before the E. E. branch of the non descript club. By the H. C. Newburyport. Feb. 1807. E. W. Allen.

Life of the Hon. Charles James Fox. Interspersed with a great number of original anecdotes. By B. C. Walpole, Esq. N. York. E. Sargeant.

The Christian Monitor, No. 4. Containing nine discourses on relative duties. And reasons for believing the truth of divine revelation. Munroe & Francis. Boston.

Sobriety, watchfulness and prayer, illustrated and urged, in a farewel sermon, delivered, Waterbury, Con. Dec. 21, 1806. By Holland Weeks, A. M. late pastor of the first church in said place. New Haven. Oliver Steele & Co. 1807.

PROPOSED FOR PUBLICATION.

A complete history of the Holy Bible, as contained in the Old and New Testaments, including also the occurrences of four hundred years, from the last of the prophets to the birth of Christ, and the life of our blessed Saviour and his apostles, &c. with copious notes, critical and ex

to unite their strength in its defence, and be watchful, lest they weaken their own, and each other's hands by unnecessary controversy, and uncandid severity. But let not Christian candour degenerate into indifference, nor abandon the distinguishing doctrines of the gospel for the sake of peace. The wisdom, which is from above, is peaceable, but it is first pure. THEOPHILUS.

THE DECALOGUE.
SEVENTH COMMANDMENT.

"Thou shalt not commit adultery." MARRIAGE was originally the institution of the Creator, and was designed to promote the purity, domestic comfort, and social order of mankind. To guard men from violating its sacred duties is the object of this precept.

[ocr errors]

The comment, which our Lord has given us on this com mand, is evidently the dictate of true wisdom. "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." Let the ave nues to sin be shut. Chasten your thoughts, your words, and your actions. In gaining this point use every exertion. Vol. II. No. 8.

No

Z z

present gratification can compensate in any degree for the loss of the soul. Let that gratification, therefore, be resolutely denied. Valuable as an eye or hand may be, it has no value, when compared with our peace and salvation. Less ground is there for comparing the pleasure of sensual gratifications of any kind with the consequent damage sustained both in this and in the future world.

This command has its foundation in the present state of things. What it requires is necessary for our own happiness, and also guards one of the best interests of society. The irregular, break through all bounds, and incapacitate themselves for the purity and order for which celestials are distinguished.

The crime here forbidden was punished by the law of Moses with death, inflicted by strangling, or stoning, according to the degree of aggravation attending the crime. It was peculiar to the Mosaic dispensation to remove the jealousy of a husband, when excited, by bitter waters administered in a solemn manner by a priest to the suspected person. When the suspicions had no foundation, the waters were of a salutary and invigorating nature; but otherwise, nothing can be conceived more instantaneously pernicious and fatal.

The deviations of those destitute of revelation were very great with respect to this commandment. The Lacedemonian virgins were taught to consider it as an act of religion to sacrifice their honour once in their fe, out of respect to their goddess Astarte. The same practice prevailed at Carthage. The

remarkably discriminating; blest with a mind uncommonly firm, and adorned with the graces of Christianity; she was admirably qualified for that sphere to which Providence had called her by marriage, and discharged the duties of it with singular fidelity and acceptance. Anxious for the character and usefulness of her husband, as a minister of the gospel, she assumed the whole burden of domestic affairs, which she conducted with great prudence and economy; and by her assiduous attentions to the people of his charge, contributed to gain him that high standing in their affections which he so deservedly holds, In her deportment she was dignified, condescending and complacent ; equally acceptable to every class of that numerous and respectable religious society to which she was related. The poor loved her for her affability; the rich courted her on account of the peculiar charms of her conversation. Her attentions in company were so kind and unwearied, that all present received a share; and her manners were so admirable and captivating, that few left her society without being ready to unite in her praise. Persons of every description, in that large circle of acquaintance in which she moved, were delighted with this excellent woman, who could, with such facility, accommodate her conversation to their various tastes.

The sickness, which terminated the life of this invaluable woman, was long and painful. Alternately exciting hope, and awakening fear, as to its issue, it was calculated to try her faith and patience. Her pains, often severe, she bore with Christian submission and fortitude. During her last confinement, her views of herself were very humble and abasing; but

she was supported by a steady faith in the all-sufficient merits of Jesus Christ, and by a consoling confidence of having that love to God which is the sure product and certain evidence of genuine faith. At a time when her relatives and friends were flattering themselves with hopes of her recovery, in an unexpected moment, she, very suddenly, expired.—But they sorrow, not as those who have no hope. Under the greatness of their loss, they are consoled by an humble confidence that she fell asleep in Jesus, and that her spirit, in the mansions of blessedness, waits in joyful hope, for the resurrection of the body to immortal life. Assembly's Mag.

AT Barnstable, on the 18th inst. the Rev. OAKES SHAW, pastor of the first church of Christ in that place, the duties of which important situation he discharged during the space of forty-six years, with the utmost degree of Christian pleasure, fortitude and zeal. His life was marked with the whole train of Christian virtues ; it was his comfort and delight to administer the balm of divine consolation to the afflicted spirits; ever present in the hour of distress, and ready at the call of sorrow, he was the messenger of hope to the despairing, of consolation to the sorrowful, and of heavenly light to those, who walked in darkness.-As his life was one continued scene of piety and devotion, so his death was calm and serene. It was not the struggle of dissolving nature, but the calm repose of peace; and secure that the Master he had served in life, would not desert him in death, he expired with a smile of pleasure on his countenance, after a pilgrimage of 70 years. At Cambridge, Mrs. MARY, wife of Rev. HENRY WARE, D. D.

::

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A Christian of the ancient school, is entitled to our warmest thanks for his two excellent and seasonable letters on the doctrine of the atonement of Christ. Seldom have we seen this fundamental doctrine of our religion explained and defended in a more clear and forcible manner.

W. on the affinity between the languages of Europe and Asia, is learned, ingenious, and evinces deep research into ancient and modern languages. It shall enrich the Miscellaneous department in our next number.

We have not yet received from our esteemed correspondent 2. his promised sketch of the life of Rev. William Cooper. Our biographical correspondents are requested to forward their communications early in the month. J. C.'s Thoughts on Gal. iii. 19, 20, are received and on file.

« AnteriorContinuar »