human heart in consequence of the apostacy, that they need a clearer discovery of God; a brighter medium in which they may see God. This is evident to a demonstration from the universal gross ignorance of God, which always has prevailed among those nations, whose reason has not been assisted by a particular divine revelation. Though they have always had the book of nature open before their eyes, yet they have always been Idolatres; and not one nation is to be found upon the earth, which has preserved any tolerably just ideas of Gor, without divine revelation. They have not even preserved the unity of God, but have multiplied almost beyond calculation the objects of their worship. And this has always been the case in those lands and among those nations, which once enjoyed the advantages of revelation, but have been for their abuse, deprived of them. This was the case with the descendants of Adam, of Noah, of Lot, of Abraham and others. This is the situation at present of most of those places, where the Apostles travelled and planted christian churches. And this would no doubt soon be the situation of this land, should it be deprived of gospel ordinances. As it is a fact, that gross idolatry has reigned in all places, where the advantages of divine revelation have not been enjoyed; so wherever the gospel has been received, it has destroyed idolatry; this must be ascribed to the superior light, which the gospel affords, above the light of nature, to discover the character of God, and the nature of true religion. For this reason the gospel ought to be considered, the most important privilege. Reason teaches us, that the

knowledge of God's character is necessary, in order to the knowledge of his will, and the way to please him; and that the happiness of a creature absolutely depends on his obeying and pleasing his Creator.

2. The word of God is an important privilege, because it discovers the character of man. Next to the knowledge of God, in importance, is the knowledge of ourselves. A true knowledge of God acquired by his word, is essential to our obtaining just views of our own characters. This is evident because whenev er people have been destitute of the assistance of reve lation, and so ignorant of the character of God, they appear in fact ignorant of themselves. Some among the heathen philosophers taught, that man perished like the beast; others that man was superior in many respects to the immortal gods. But in the word of God, the character of man is most clearly pointed out; so that with regard to this important kind of knowledge, we have greatly the advantage of the heathen. In the word of God, man appears a reasonable, accountable, guilty and endangered creature. The consciences of mankind have indeed, in all ages suggested to them that they were guilty creatures, and that God was angry with them for sin; and this impression has put them upon offering sacrifices to appease their gods and atone for their sins. But notwithstanding this general notion of guilt, yet the heathen have always been very ignorant of the nature of sin, and their exposedness on its account. But in the word of God, we learn the apostacy of man, a truth they could not know without it. Man here appears an undone, lost creature. The

law of God by unfolding duty, has unfolded the nature and evil of sin. This law plainly teaches us, that duty essentially consists in loving God, with such an affection, as sets him above all other beings, and in exercising a kind, friendly affection to all mankind; an affection which implies benevolence even to enemies, and forbids envy, hatred and every other sinful passion. And no where is there to be found, such a clear revelation of God's wrath against the sinner, as we find in the sacred oracles. Here the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness of men. To become acquainted with our sin and danger is of the highest importance, provided, there is any way of deliverance. This will lead me

4. To say, that the word of God is the most important privilege, because it discovers a remedy for the sin and misery of this guilty world. For all the knowledge we have of a way of escape from divine wrath, due to us for sin; and of coming to the enjoyment of God, we are wholly indebted to divine revelation. Man by reason and experience may discover, that he is a sinner and exposed on its account, but his reason never could discover a sufficient remedy. It is the glory of the gospel to unfold a consistent way of divine communication between God and sinners; that alone can teach, how God can be merciful and yet just. It seems a dictate of nature, that some atonement is necessary; "that without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin." Without the word of God, who can answer this important question, "Wherewith shall

I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God?” “He hath shown thee, O man, in his word, what is good." Is it not then evident, that the word of God is a precious privilege; the greatest which God can bestow on a people? If this be a truth, then

II. The removal of gospel instruction, and gospel ordinances is a heavy calamity, a dreadfnl judgment on a people. The loss of any privilege is a calamity. And if it be taken from us, because we have misimproved it, is it not a judgment, and a manifest token of divine anger ? The greater any privilege is which we have enjoyed, the greater is the calamity in being deprived of it. It hath been shown, that God considers his word, including gospel ordinances, a great privilege. It is placed first in the catalogue of external advantages. In this way, God reveals more of his character than in any other. Here we may see more of his wisdom, goodness and grace than in all his other works. Here it is that we learn his gracious designs towards sinners. It is kindly designed to help our ignorance and discover to us, our sinfulness and danger, and the way in which we may escape deserved ruin, and obtain that everlasting life, which is brought to light in the gospel. Now it is very manifest, that to be deprived of such a privilege is the greatest temporal calamity which can befal a person or a people. It is more calamitous, than a natural famine. For the body to be in want of proper food and nourishment is a small evil, compared to the condition of a soul starving for want of instruction. Of such infinite importance is the happiness of the soul, compared with that

of the body, that it is of little comparative consequence, what state the body is in, whether full or hungry, if the soul be in health and prosper. If this has suitable nourishment, and a relish for its proper food, the man has a most desirable portion, even if his body be in pain and want. To live in poverty, destitute of the comforts, and necessaries of life, is a great calamity; but to be in ignorance of God, and of the way of salvation by Christ is an unspeakably greater calamity ; in the same proportion is it greater as the interest, the everlasting happiness of the soul is more important than the temporal ease and comfort of the body.

And it may further be observed, that a famine of the word is not only always a calamity, but is often a judgment, and a direct proof of God's anger against those who have enjoyed those privileges, and abused them. They who are once favoured with these advantages never loose them, but in consequence of their misimprovement, and abuse of them. There are many nations, who, in ages past, have been indulged with gospel privileges, who at this day are destitute of the knowledge of the true God, and the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. And where is the nation or people, who have enjoyed these privileges and are now without them, but have lost them through their own fault? Such an instance is not to be found. Many have been the attempts of heathen princes to destroy these privileges from among conquered nations, but they never could do it without their consent. These privileges were enjoyed by the ancient Jews, and while they prized them, they retained them, and by despis