ness.'

What are insatiable love of sin, sottish ignorance, pride, and unbelief, with all their visible and invisible abettors, before this rod of his power? The word of the truth of the gospel, we read of old, brought forth fruit in all the world. Has it lost its divine efficacy in a course of years? No more than the sun its light or heat: "For his name shall endure for ever; his name shall be continued as long as the sun; and men shall be blessed in him," who is the great subject of the gospel.

"How groundless then is the common plea used to disparage the utility of preaching Christ: "We know already as much as we can be told. Church prayers and reading the scriptures are sufficient. It signifies very little what is preached. when we worship God. need to be taught."

We do our duty,

The vulgar only

Most absurd and false! For the prayers of the church are seldom used aright, or the scripture understood, till faithful preaching has enlightened the mind. And the reason is plain: We are naturally averse to come any further under the power of religion, than is consistent with great indulgence to pride and self-will. Hence we exalt customary forms of devotion in secret, regular attendance

upon public worship, external and partial
obedience, as sufficient, and grow secure in
the practice of these things. A zealous at-
tack, therefore, upon this favourite error,
from the ministers of Christ, is the
way God
generally is pleased to use for its detection
and overthrow. Thus in the Jewish church,
they had the oracles, the covenants, and the
service of God. Of these they made their
boast, and from day to day attended upon
the worship of God. But it was in hypocrisy,
ignorance, and great wickedness, that they
worshipped him, not "in spirit and in truth."
With all the advantages for the knowledge of
God in their hands, and in the constant use
of the means of grace, they were still “sit-
ting in darkness and the shadow of death."
And those who received the light of life, did
not receive it principally from reading the
scriptures, to which they had been accustom-
ed from their childhood, nor to the temple-
service, which they had always attended; but
to the Baptist's ministry. His alarming de-
nunciations of the wrath to come, against all
who trusted in themselves as righteous; his
full and glorious testimony to the Lamb of
God, dispelled the mists and darkness, which
till then had covered their minds; though he
spoke only what Moses, the Psalms, and the
Prophets contained.

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231)

The very same instrument, namely, faithful preaching of his word, God is pleased, as appears from history, and matter of fact passing before our eyes, to make use of in every age, when "he gives knowledge of salvation to his people." Faithful preaching manifests the difference between nominal and real Christians! between barren assent to scripture doctrines and the faith of God's elect; between external obedience and spiritual life; between honouring Christ with all his titles, from mere influence of education, and cleaving to him from real want and knowledge of his excellency.

Despise not then prophesying. It is eminently the channel by which God has chosen to convey his grace to the children of men. Do not fancy liberal education, learning, honesty, or the practice of devotion, set you above reaping much advantage for your soul, from pastors, whom Christ has really called, qualified, and sent into his vineyard. Consider that from the beginning, it was his manner to send his disciples before him, whithersoever he himself would come; and his command to all, who long for the salvation of men, is, "to pray the Lord of the harvest, to send forth labourers into the harvest." Remember the Ethiopian eunuch, with all his piety,

understood not the scripture he was so devoutly reading, nor the way of life, till Philip was sent to preach Christ unto him: nor Cornelius, till Peter told him "words whereby he might be saved." How could the excellent advantages which faithful preaching produces be rendered more conspicuous, or greater honour be put upon the office?

CHAP. XXIX.

ON THE CONNECTION BETWEEN CHRISTIAN DOC-
TRINE AND GOOD WORKS.

THE prophecy of Zacharias, by being full of the peculiar principles of Christianity, proves it is a great mistake to press the practice of good works in neglect of Christian doctrine. Yet how many zealously contend, that men should only be taught to be sober, peaceable, and kind in their families; to "do justice, love mercy," and attend upon the worship of God, believing the Christian religion is from heaven. But the scripture-doctrine of innate depravity infecting every man, and of the law concluding all under sin, which are the ground-work of redemption; the glory of the Redeemer's person, work,

and salvation; justification by faith in his name; the new covenant and oath of God; the witness and influence of the Holy Ghost; and "the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins." These things, they suppose, are far above common comprehension; for which reason they ought not to be the topics of instruction from the pulpit. The best service you can do to men is to dwell only on plain and practical subjects.

This mistake has been long asserted with the greatest confidence, and much too easily credited. It is necessary, therefore, to expose its falsehood, and many bad effects.

If Christian doctrines then are to be passed over in silence, as above the level of common understandings, the most important part of the bible must be of very little use. The most important part is that, doubtless, which hath something in the manner of its delivery peculiarly solemn; and all who hear, are called upon to regard with peculiar attention; which Christ and his apostles repeat from the prophets, containing what can be known only by express revelation from God. Honoured with this high distinction are Christian doctrines. For instance, that "the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head; that the child born to us, is the "Mighty God;