them. These peculiar doctrines of the gospel they are frequently to teach, upon these they are to dwell with constant pleasure, that sinners may be persuaded to hearken to the inviting voice of divine love, and put their trust in this almighty and compassionate Saviour. In ørder to this,

3. They are to shew sinners the mighty encouragement that the gospel gives them to accept of Christ, and salvation through his merits and righteousness.-As for ignorant presumers, these hear the glad tidings of the gospel with a fatal indifference; and say in their hearts, "they shall have peace," though they go on in their evil way, stupidly "neglecting so great salvation," and regardless of eternal things. But awakened minds are ra ther apt to draw the darkest conclusions with respect to their case, and to judge themselves excluded from the invitations of the gospel. Sometimes they imagine, that the number and aggravations of their sins exceed the designs of pardoning mercy:-at other times, that they have so long resisted the heavenly call, that now the gate of heaven is irrecoverably barred against them;-and Satan further suggests, that it would be the height of presumption in them to lay claim to the blessings of the gospel, till better prepared for the divine reception.

Upon such imaginary and false grounds as these, multitudes of the invited guests make excuses, and exclude themselves from the "marriage-supper of the Lamb.' It is therefore the business of the servants of Christ to shew that there is yet room," even for the greatest and vilest sinners to come in, and partake of the gospel festival; that "all things are now ready" for their welcome entertainment ;-that the door is still open, and there is free access, not only for those who have escaped the grosser pollutions of the world, but even "for the chief of sinners," whose guilt is of a crimson colour and a scarlet dye; that neither the number nor aggravations of their iniquities will exclude them a share in the divine mercy, if now they submit to the sceptre of grace ;that whatever their condition and circumstances may be, it is of present obligation upon them to accept the gospel

call, and their instant duty to "come in." The Master invites them to come to him, that they may have life: and whosoever does so, the Master of the house has assured them, that "he will in no wise cast them out."

4. They are to exhibit the unspeakable advantages that will attend a compliance with the gospel call.. I know indeed, the religion of Jesus is by its enemies often represented in the most frightful and hideous colours; particularly as laying an unreasonable restraint on the liberties of mankind, and sinking them into melancholy enthusiasts, It becomes us therefore, who are "set for the defence of the gospel," to endeavour the removing of this groundless prejudice, and to convince mankind by the light of reason and scripture, that "the ways of wisdom are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace:" that verily, a life of faith in the blessed Redeemer is the way to be happy, both here and hereafter.

What more honourable, than to be "a child of God, an heir of the kingdom of heaven!" What more pleas ing, than to look back, and behold our past iniquities all buried in the depths of eternal oblivion; than to look forward, and view our dear Saviour acknowledging us his friends and favourites, and adjudging us to a state of unperishing glory? What more advantageous, than tó have the divine favour engaged for our protection, the promises of divine grace for our consolation, and an assured title to an inheritance undefiled, incorruptible, and eternal? This is the portion of the true believer; these the privileges that attend a compliance with the gospel call.

These things are to be represented in such a manner as may tend to captivate the hearts of men, and engage them in a solicitous care and resolution to renounce the degrading servitude of sin, and resign themselves to the power of redeeming grace. Thus by the most effectual and persuasive methods, the ministers of Jesus are to compel sinners "to come in, that his house may be filled."

It was not in my design to consider the duty of the ministry it its full extent; but only to insist upon those things which more properly belong to my subject, and lie directly in the view of my text.

It will now doubtless be expected, that I APPLY my discourse, more immediately to the present occasion.

And suffer me, dear Sir, in the first place, to address myself to you, who are this day coming under a public consecration to the service of Christ, to bear his name among the Gentiles; to whom the Master is now sending you forth, to compel them to come in, that his house may be filled. We trust, you are "a chosen vessel," designed for extensive service in this honourable though difficult employment. We adore the God of nature, who has furnished you with such endowments as suit you to this important charge. We adore the great Head of the church for the nobler gifts and graces of his Spirit; by which, we trust, you are enabled to engage in this mission with an ardent love to God, the universal Father of mankind; with a disinterested zeal for the honour of Christ, the compassionate friend of sinners, and with tender.concern for the perishing souls of a "people that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death;" who have for so many ages been wandering out of the way of salvation, "without Christ, and without God in the world."

The work of the ministry in every place has its difficulties and dangers, and requires much wisdom, fortitude, patience and self-denial, to discharge it in a right manner, with an encouraging prospect of success. But greater degrees of prudence, humility and meekness, mortification to the present world, holy courage and zeal for the honour of God our Saviour, are necessary where any are called to minister the gospel to those who through a long succession of ages have dwelt in the darkness of heathenism; have from their infancy imbibed inveterate prejudices against the Christian faith, and from time immemorial been inured to many superstitious and idolatrous practices, directly opposite to the nature and design of the gospel.

What heavenly skill is required, to convey the supernatural mysteries of the gospel into the minds of uninstructed Pagans, who are "a people of a strange speech and hard language?" What deep self-denial is necessary, to enable you cheerfully to forsake the pleasures of your

native country, with the agreeable society of your friends and acquaintance, to dwell among those who inhabit not indeed "the highways and hedges," but uncultivated desarts, and the remotest recesses of the wilderness ? What unwearied zeal and diligence, to proselyte those to the faith of the gospel who have quenched the light of reason, and by their inhuman and barbarous practices have placed themselves upon a level with the brute-creation?

Methinks, I hear you erying out, "Who is sufficient for these things!" And indeed, if you had no strength to depend upon but only your own, no encouragement but from human assistance; you might justly sink down in disconsolate despair, and utter the passionate language of Moses: "Oh my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send :" thy servant is insufficient for so great a work. But it is at the command of Christ, the great Head of the church, that you go forth; who by a train of surprising providences has been preparing your way for this important embassy; and therefore you may be assured, that he will support you in the faithful discharge of your duty, accept your unfeigned desires to promote the interests of his kingdom, and finally reward your imperfect services with his gracious approbation. You have bis divine promise for your security and consolation; "Lo! I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." This will afford you light in every darkness, defence in every danger, strength in every weakness, a final victory over every temptation. If Christ be with

you, "in vain do the heathen rage;" in vain will their confederated tribes unite their forces to obstruct and discourage you. Infinite wisdom will be your guide, almighty power your shield, and God himself "your exceeding great reward." The presence of your divine Master will make amends for the absence of your dearest friends and relatives. This will transform a wild and uncultivated desart into a paradise of joy and pleasure; and the lonely huts of savages into more delightful habitations than the palaces of princes.

Let not then any difficulties discourage, any dangers affright you. Go forth in the name and strength of the

Lord Jesus, to whom you are now to be devoted in the sacred office of the ministry. "Be not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile." Let zeal for the honour of God, and compassion for the souls of men, animate your public discourses and private addresses to the people committed to your charge. Always remember, that your character is a minister of Jesus; and therefore, with the inspired teacher of the Gentiles, you "are to know nothing among them, save Christ and him crucified." Frequently consider, that the gospel is a divine discipline to purify the heart, and set up the kingdom of the Redeemer in the souls of men. It is not sufficient therefore to bring sinners to a profession of the name of Christ, and an outward subjection to the institutions of divine worship: "You are sent to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God,-that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith that is in Christ." Unless this be effected, whatever other improvements they gain, they are left under the dominion of sin, and exposed to the wrath of God; and their superior degrees of knowledge will only serve to light them down to the regions of death and misery. This then is to be the principal design of your ministry; for this you are to labour with unwearied application, and with incessant importunity to encompass the throne of that God whose peculiar prerogative it is "to teach us to profit;" whose grace alone can make them "a willing people in the day of his power."

For your encouragement I will only add, that when I consider the many prophecies in sacred scripture, of the triumphant progress of the gospel in the last ages of the world, I cannot but lift up my head with joy, in humble expectation that the day draws near, yea is even at hand, when the promises made to the Son of God shall be more illustriously fulfilled:" when he shall have the heathen for his inheritance, and the utmost ends of the earth for his possession ; when his name shall be great among the Gentiles, and be honoured and adored from the rising of