their Correspondents will seasonably furnish them with such materials that the present volume may not be inferior to those which have preceded it. The Editors deem it unnecessary to expatiate upon the utility of such a publication, if judiciously conducted, or upon the importance of the object to which the profits of this Magazine are appropri. ated. These will readily strike every serious, reflecting mind; and a confidence is entertained that the work will not be suffered to stop for want of the liberal patronage of purchasers, or suitable materials from correspondents to render is interesting and instructive to the Reader. inga THE HE Sacred Scriptures bear ample testimony to the high esteem in which Abraham was held by the only wise God, who is never deceived in characters. Such an esteem must have been occasioned by some excellent spirit discerned in him, which rendered him totally different from his idolatrous cotemporaries, from the men of the world in all ages, and particularly from his degenerate posterity, the carnal Jews. Christ in conversation with these Jews denied their right to call Abraham their spiritual father. He referred them to several things wherein this father of the faithful essentially differed from them: the sum of which things may be considered as given in the text. It is believed, brethren, that the character of this patriarch may with propriety be brought into view on the present occa sion, since the Holy Ghost has testified that, "what is written sake alone, but for us also"of him was not written for his since we of the Gentiles partake of the blessings promised in his seed-and since, with the high approbation of his maker, he joyfully devoted his heart and life to the same cause which we now profess to have in view, and which we hope we << prefer above our chief joy." Your attention is invited, 1. To the view which Abraham had of the day of Christ." 2. To the influence which this view had upon his heart and life. 1. The view which Abraham had of the day of Christ. The promise made to Abraham signified, that in his "seed i. e. Christ, all nations of the earth should be blessed." We are informed, that "God preached the Gospel to Abraham.Gal. iii. 8. That which constitutes the chief excellence of the Gospel, constituted the chief their Correspondents will seasonably furnish them with such materials that the present volume may not be inferior to those which have preceded it. The Editors deem it unnecessary to expatiate upon the utility of such a publication, if judiciously conducted, or upon the importance of the object to which the profits of this Magazine are appropriated. These will readily strike every serious, reflecting mind; and a confidence is entertained that the work will not be suffered to stop for want of the liberal patronage of purchasers, or suitable materials from correspondents to render is interesting and instructive to the Reader. THE VOL. V.] Connecticut Evangelical Magazine. [PUBLISHED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS.] JULY, 1804. A Missionary Sermon, delivered - JOHN VIII. 56. Your Father Abraham rejoiced 量 HE Sacred Scriptures bear ample testimony to the high esteem in which Abraham was held by the only wise God, who is never deceived in characters. Such an esteem must have been occasioned by some excellent spirit discerned in him, which rendered him totally different from his idolatrous cotemporaries, from the men of the world in all ages, and particularly from his degenerate posterity, the carnal Jews. Christ in conversation with these Jews denied their right to call Abraham their spiritual father. He referred them to several things wherein this father of the faithful essentially differed from them: the sum of which things| may be considered as given in the text. [No. 1. It is believed, brethren, that the character of this patriarch may with propriety be brought into view on the present occa sion, since the Holy Ghost has testified that, "what is written sake alone, but for us also"of him was not written for his since we of the Gentiles partake of of the blessings promised in his seed-and since, with the high approbation of his maker, he joyfully devoted his heart and life to the same cause which we now profess to have in view, and which we hope we prefer above our chief joy.” Your attention is invited, << 1. To the view which Abraham had of the day of Christ. 2. To the influence which this view had upon his heart and life. 1. The view which Abraham had of the day of Christ. | The promise made to Abraham signified, that in his "seed i. e. Christ, all nations of the earth should be blessed." We are informed, that "God preached the Gospel to Abraham.Gal. iii. 8. That which constitutes the chief excellence of the Gospel, constituted the chief excellence of the view referred to in the text. It may, accordingly, be observed, that the most interesting part of the view which this friend of God and of mankind had of the day of Christ, was his appearance upon earth to reveal the gracious counsels of his Father; and as the author of everlasting happiness to multitudes besides his own posterity; and eventually to all the nations of the earth. 1. The perfections of the most High were then to be fully and clearly displayed. The unsearchable love of God would then shine upon the earth with a brightness before unknown-accompanied by his sovereign wisdom and power, justice and faithfulness, mercy and truth. should reach the uttermost parts of the earth, and all nations taste the salvation of God. Deity dis played all his perfections seen to harmonize-millions and millions made happy-a Paradise upon earth-a revenue of glory to the great Author of all this happiness! My Christian friends, can there be a doubt that a view of the day of Christ was a very justifiable ground of joy? Let our attention be directed, 2. To the influence which this view had upon the heart and life of Abraham. He rejoiced, saith the Saviour, that he was permitted to see this day. He rejoiced with an eager desire to obtain as perfect a view as possible; and in proportion to the clearness of the view, his holy, benevolent heart glowed with delight. A strong affectionate faith nited him to the Messsiah and to his cause by an inviolable at In full confidence that God was immutably faithful, he "staggered not through unbelief” at any difficulties or apparent impossibilities in the way of duty. At that day God would pubficly manifest himself in the flesh. "The only begotten Son who was in the bosom of the Father, would proceed forth and come down to this world to "de-tachment. clare him," so that men and Angels might "see his glory."And finally he would close his public appearance upon earth by such an exhibition of love as the universe had never beheld before, "the Son of the Highest" offering his life a ransom for enemies. Then would the law of God be highly magnified, Satan vanquished, and an everlasting righteousness brought in. 2. The extensive spread of happiness. Abraham delighted to contemplate the divine perfections. He wished all the world to behold them and be happy. The day of Christ would introduce this most desirable event. Then should the "word go forth the day spring from on high should spread;" till it In him we observe that sure mark of true religion, a tender regard for the Divine honor. How evident did this appear in his intercession with the Deity, on the plains of Mamre. How evident also, in his refusal of the goods offered him in the valley of Shaveh, lest any, except Jehovah, should have the honor of making him rich. Assured that the Messiah should come in his family, and the true religion be entrusted with them, he was strict to regulate his household according to the precepts of God. While |