Religious Communications. The following Sermon was delivered at the opening of the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church, at Albany, on June 1, 1825, by the REV. MR. THOMAS DEWITT. BRIEF DISCOURSES. "Speaking the truth in love."-Eph. iv. 15. devolve upon us. May the Holy Spirit be given to us, that even now the truth may be spoken and received in love. I. The work of the Gospel ministry-" Speaking the truth." The term in the original is more expressive, and comprehensive, 'an@EVOVTES exhibiting, commending, enforcing the truth by all wise, proper, and faithful means; by private conversa well as pulpit instruction; by temper and conduct, as well as doctrine. "The truth" is that revelation, which, of "old, came at sundry times, and in divers manners;" but which is now completed in the books of the Old and New Testaments. These are the Scriptures, which are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for 66 The connexion of the text refers to the ministry which Christ, as the ascended Head of the Church, has given for its edification in the unity of knowledge and love. Under an enlightened, faithful, and affectionate tion and pastoral watchfulness, as ministry, believers are no longer "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine;" but "grow up in all things to Him who is the head." The application of the words in our text, 66 Speaking the truth in love," whether to Ministers, or Christians in general, is in the translation doubtful. But the original, and the whole context, make the ap-correction, for instruction in rightplication to the ministerial office just eousness." This is "the word of and appropriate. salvation which is sent to us.' " "Thy word is truth." He has committed this truth to those raised from the common ruin, to be witnesses and heralds thereof, "to preach the Gospel unto The every creature." treasure is committed unto earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God. This truth in its faithful and affectionate minis In this view, the words place before us the work of the Gospel ministry, and the spirit in which it should be discharged. Called upon to address my brethren, assembled as the highest judicatory of our Church, my design is to stir up my own, and their remembrance of the arduous, precious, and eventful duties which Vol. I.-14. But it may be asked, (in the common reference which is made to the Scriptures, various and discordant statements of the truth are made; amidst these,) where must we look and resort for the truth? We would again emphatically say, to the Bible; the humble and prayerful study of the Bible is the best, and sure preparative for the knowledge and improvement of it. "If any man will do my will, he shall know whether the doctrine be of God." The light may shine ever so clearly; yet where the eyes are wilfully closed, or where a lodgement is made in a tenement of opaque materials, the covering of darkness must still remain, and the beautiful and precious objects which the light discovers, will be unseen or refused. The sincere prayer, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law," is connected with the drawing of Heavenly light in the increase thereof. "The meek will he teach his way, and the meek will he guide in judgment." The pride of intellect in its mightiest efforts, and the acquisitions of human love in all their extent, will still leave the professor thereof, removed from the love and knowledge of the "truth as it is in Jesus.". The grand doctrines of the Gospel, which shine as the sun-beam therein, humble the pride, and oppose the selfishness and corruption of men; which, unless subdued, will rise up in opposition to them; and, if respect be had to the sacred word, it will be only to prevent and distort in subser try, is the appointed means of salva- | ployment of every Christian, how tion from the first communication much more should they be of every of spiritual life, in its whole pro- Christian Minister. gress unto eternal felicity. Our whole message is found in, and must be derived from the Bible. We must preach the preaching which God "hath bidden us." Hence we should read, and analyze, and investigate, and compare this blessed book as a whole, and in all its parts. We should return to it often, study it carefully, and inwardly digest it with humble and fervent prayer. All other means, secondary and auxiliary to this, and designed for a clearer and more accurate understanding of its contents should lead us more directly, and attach us more closely to this blessed book. "These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they searched the Scriptures, whether these things are so." May this nobleness of character in the sight of God always be diffused through the Christian Church, and especially be found in the Christian ministry. Let every article of faith, every statement of doctrine, every precept of morality, every application of Gospel promises, be brought to the rigid scrutiny of "the law and the testimony," that every one may profess, and preach in faith. A person may become learned in Scriptural truth, and yet not be learned in the Scriptures. He may, from various sources, have obtained a clear and accurate acquaintance with the system of Scriptural truth, may be qualified to explain it correctly, and eloquently, and to defend it successfully; and yet he may have failed in seeking habitually, and earnestly to gain a thorough and intimate acquaint-vience to themselves ance with the Bible itself, in the sim- In the great points of fundamental plicity, variety, harmony, and unction truth, viz. man's fallen estate in of its contents. Such an acquaintance guilt and sin, and consequent misery has a most powerful influence on our and helplessness; salvation through work, "Speaking the truth in love." the atoning merits of a Divine Saviour; "His delight is on the law of the justification by faith alone; the influLord, and in his law doth he medi-ence of the Holy Spirit in regeneratate both day and night." If such tion, and sanctification, as well as are the characteristic temper and em- spiritual guidance and comfort; and By publicly preaching it. By pastoral care aud inspection. By our conduct and example. We "speak the truth" by publicly preaching it. The preaching of the word in the commission of, and in every apost lic exhortation, is placed prominent in the work of the ministry. Wisdom and fidelity are therefore here most desirable and requisite. the nature and necessity of holiness | be sacredly guarded as the bond of of heart, and of life; in these truths union; but in matters which are at all who are taught of God, substan- best, merely viewed as deductions tially and heartily unite. From those and inferences, we should extend the who deny these truths, there must be freedom of calm disquisition in broan entire and wide separation, as it therly affection. respects the faith and fellowship of With these remarks we proceed to the Gospel. But among those who consider what is required of us, in build on the foundation laid in Zion; order to speak the truth. We must and who together, rear the main pil-speak the truthlars of the fabric of faith and holiness, a difference may still exist as to less important points of truth, the smaller braces and ornaments of the edifice. This is incidental to a state in which the best see, as through a glass darkly, and is consistent with the free exercise of Christian love, and cordial co-operation in Christian labour. But it naturally gives rise to a distinction in name, and outward connexion among those who differ in 1. In order to preach the truth, the same precise views of Gospel we must have a correct and adequate truth and order. Formulas, or creeds, acquaintance with it. In human and or confessions of faith, containing earthly sciences, how important is it the articles of the same united faith, for an instructor to have a ripe and are introduced and made known. intimate acquaintance with the sciThey express a unity of faith, where ences which he teaches, lest he they are embraced and made known, should prove a shame to himself, and and prove a bond of peace in their a sport to others. If necessary in just and proper influence. Surely human sciences, how much more nethe representations of creeds, as cessary in that divine science which "lording it over conscience," can forms the wisdom which is profitable hardly have proceeded from the sober to direct for this world, and to prepare convictions of calm reflection.- for the world to come. It requires Where is the Protestant who could an understanding stored with divine think, or say so? The Bible is the truth, a mind intent upon increasing only Lord of a Christian conscience. acquisitions, and diciplined to invesCreeds are bonds of special union in tigation and discussion, as well as a the faith, and order therein specified; heart softened by love, and warmed and to which conscience, enlightened by zeal. The "spirit of a sound by the Bible, gives its full and volun- mind, (in native intellect and enlartary assent, and this assent is recei-ged knowledge,) as well as the spirit ved in entire confidence. The utility of love" is requisite. Under the Old and value of creeds receive a testi- Testament it was said, "For the mony from the history and experi- priests lips should keep knowledge, ence of the Church, which should and they should seek the law at his make us more than hesitate in under-mouth, for he is the Messenger of valuing them. The standards of our the Lord of Hosts." Under the New Church, as the fruit of the wisdom Testament it is said by the Great and piety of our fathers, should be conscientiously embraced, and faithfully adhered to. In their lite ral and unequivocal sense, they should Shepherd himself, "Every Scribe which is instructed into the kingdom of Heaven, is like a wise man that is an householder that bringeth forth out of his treasure, things new and old." What need of toilsome and continued preparation with prayer to the Father of lights, for laying up such treasures. He who drinks most deeply of divine truth, will be most sensible of the wide field of investigation which lies before him, as well as the sphere of arduous and important labour which he occupies. There is need of a full course and ample means of preparation to our young men entering on the ministry. When engaged in the work, the care of souls will furnish diversified occu congre "I seek divine simplicity in him, A mind having clear views of the truth, and intent upon the ministry of it, will be disposed and enabled to speak it unto understanding. Amidst decorations of style, graces of manner, charms of voice, and novelty of if at all placed in view. discussion, while the truth is dimly, One may gain passing popularity from the mathe instrument of blessing? And does ny. But is his work wrought? Is he his idol, popular applause, profit him? pations; the pastoral and ministerial May we, my brethren, heartily pray, labours faithfully rendered in a and diligently labour, that we, sergation, will fully employ their time vants for his sake, may be kept out and talent, their hearts and hands. of view; and that Jesus our Master And unless their minds have received may be placed in full view, that his a tone of deep and enlarged thought, glory may be displayed before the and have become well stored with eyes, and his grace brought near knowledge, there is danger lest they It is related of Dr. Manton, who to the hearts of all who hear us.may decline instead of advance in mental preparation, and consequent-valuable works, that at a time he "being dead," yet "speaketh" in his ly their ministry become unsavoury and unprofitable. Let our theologi- preached on a public occasion of some note. On his return home, he cal schools, and Education Societies be cherished and supported. Let was met by a plain pious acquaintsuitable labourers be multiplied. By ance, who remarked to him-Doctor, the labours of men gifted, and sanc-you doubtless preached a great sertified, and blessed from on high, religion, morality, and science, will go hand in hand, and scatter their blessings all around. mon to day; but you was beyond me, you did not instruct and feed me as usual. The excellent and humble Doctor replied, "Well, my friend, if I have not preached for you to-day, you have preached to me what I hope I never shall forget." 3. In preaching the truth, we must declare the whole counsel of God, and that in its proportion and connexion. "I have not failed to declare unto you the whole counsel of God," was the declaration which Paul was privileged to make in the rejoicing testimony of a good conscience, amidst that touching and affecting scene, when he took his departure from the Ephesian Church. Such a testimony every faithful minister of Jesus 2. In "speaking the truth," we should minister to instruction; that is, we should so preach the truth, that it may be readily apprehended and easily understood by all who hear. To this end, simplicity and plainness are highly requisite. These are consistent with, yea, even constituents of the most highly cultivated and finished style. Let the truth be presented in the most attractive form, but still so as to render the truth itself the prominent object of attention and interest. Every one cherishing the love of Scriptural truth, however little may be favoured as to his circum-Christ should seek to be enabled to stances and opportunities, should be make his own. We should preach enabled to apprehend and pursue the all the truth of God's word in all their subject. extent, mutual dependence, rela he The deceitfulness of the human heart must be exposed in its various workings. The wisdom and grace of the device of man's salvation in the eternal council of peace must be exalted. The glory of the Lord Jesus, in his Meditorial office and work as or unfolded, lightly tive importance, and suitable applica- | simplicity of Scriptural language; but tion, and that with distinctness and through the dimness of our own intelwithout reserve. The law of God lect and phraseology-if truths be must be unfolded in all its spirituality compressed and extent, so that it may become a touched, or deeply coloured; not acdiscerner of the thoughts, and in- cording to their place in the scale of tents of the heart." Every argu- importance, but as they may agree, ment and motive to repentance must or not with our favourite hypothesis; be urged. in this case the Gospel is not fully or ingenuously preached. In our exposition of revealed truth, we should give the form colour and magnitude to all its elements, which they severally obtain in the word of God. How often do we hear the wrath of God severely and boldly, (would that "God manifest in the flesh," we could add affectionately) denounbringing in redemption, and now as- ced against sinners, whilst the law of cended on high, head over all things God is not in the least unfolded in to the Church must be shown forth. its spirituality and extent, and brought The threatenings and promises of the to bear upon the conscience. How Gospel, must be brought home "as in often do we hear the name of Christ a sure place." The graces of the repeated, grace insisted on, while Holy Spirit, expressive of Christian the whole process of the sinners salcharacter, must be delineated. The vation is kept in the dark, and the privileges and prospects of believers extent of the wisdom manifest in must be exhibited to edification and Heavenly places, is by them narrowto comfort. Every precept of duty ed and reduced to one special favourmust be plainly illustrated and appli-ite tenet; and in it we discover an ined. The doctrinal, preceptive, devo-sulated spot, a disordered link, a distional, historical and prophetical parts membered joint. We should skilfulof Scripture, all claim our attention, ly "divide the word of truth," not and all furnish matter for improve- by a violent dismemberment, but by ment in rich variety. The practice a luminous description of the harmoin our Church of delivering a regular nious process by which the salvation course of Sermons on the Heidel- of the soul is accomplished. Whatbergh Catechism, has the commenda- ever be the topic of discussion in the tion of calling forth a regular and rich variety of subjects, every disconnected discussion of Scriptural course should be so fraught with truth as comprised in that admirable evangelical matter, and so imbued Manual. A series of lectures on se- with an evangelical spirit, that it lect portions or particular books of might with safety and propriety be the Bible, possesses alike excellence. inscribed on it, "We preach Christ It is not the mere enunciation of crucified." truth which constitutes " declaring the whole council of God;" we may preach about the truth, and yet not preach the truth itself. The truth of Scripture must be exhibited in their just proportion, adherence, and harmony. If some truths are magnified, and others diminished to the hearers regard, by being displayed not in a Scriptural form, and in the undefiled 4. The truth must be preached with discrimination. "By manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." In this consists the excellence of preaching; that while all personalities are avoided, the truth is brought home with an enlightening and convincing influence, so that it possesses an individuality |