who yet were destined to spread the triumphs of his cross through the world. The experience of ages leads us to expect that designs of great moment, especially those which relate to the advancement of Christ's kingdom, will be opposed by mighty obstacles. The adverse circumstances, therefore, which have attended the outset of our Foreign Mission, are far from presenting any discouragement. They rather afford new evidence, that this mission is to be numbered with all other enterprises, adapted to promote the honor of God and the welfare of men. These various trials, brethren, are doubtless intended not only to qualify Missionaries for greater usefulness, but also to humble and purify all who are laboring and praying for the conversion of the heathen. The cause is the cause of God, and it is vain to depend for its prosperity on human exertions. The death of Mrs. Newell, instead of overcasting our prospects, will certainly turn to the advantage of missions. The publication of her virtues will quicken and edify thousands. It will also make it apparent, that the missionary cause has attractions for the most excellent characters. Her character will be identified with that holy cause. Henceforth, every one, who remembers Harriet Newell, will remember the Foreign Mission from America. And every one who reads the history of this mission, will be sure to remember her exemplary life and triumphant death. Thus all her talents, the advantages of her education, the beauties of her mind, the amiableness of her manners, her willingness to give up all that was dear to her in her native land, her fervent love to Christ, her desires, and prayers for the advancement of his kingdom, her patience and fortitude in suffering, and the divine consolations which she enjoyed, will all redound to the honor of that sacred cause, to which she was devoted. Her life, measured by months and years, was short; but far otherwise when measured by what she achieved. She did not pray and suffer and die in vain. Other causes may miscarry, but this will certainly triumph. The Lord God of Israel has pledged his perfections for its success. The time is at hand, when the various tribes of India, and all the nations and kindreds of the earth shall bow the knee at the

name of Jesus. He will see the travail of his soul, and all his benevolent desires will be satisfied. The power of God will soon accomplish a work, which, seen in distant prospect, has made thousands, now sleeping in Jesus, leap for joy. O Sun of Righteousness, arise; shine upon the dark places of the earth; fill the world with thy glorious light! Amen.

A SERMON

DELIVERED AT THE ORDINATION OF THE REV. JOHN W. ELLINGWOOD, AT BATH, ME., NOV. 4, 1812, AND OF REV. JACOB IDE, D. D., AT MEDWAY, MASS., NOV. 2, 1814.

2 Tim. 2: 24, 25.- THE SERVANT OF THE LORD MUST NOT STRIVE; BUT BE GENTLE ÚNTO ALL MEN, APT TO TEACH, PATIENT; IN MEEKNESS INSTRUCTING THOSE THAT OPPOSE THEMSELVES.

My principal reason for introducing this subject is, that it has been treated less frequently than most other subjects which pertain to the pastoral office, and, as I think, less frequently than its nature demands.

My single object is, to illustrate the peculiar importance of meekness and gentleness in a minister of the gospel.

I begin by saying, that the spirit of meekness and gentleness is necessary to qualify a minister for the various duties of his office.

It is necessary to prepare him for the successful study of the Scriptures. An Apostle directs us to "receive with meekness the ingrafted word." The predominance of those sinful passions which are contrary to meekness, disqualifies a minister for profitable reading and meditation. It blinds the eyes of his understanding, gives a wrong bias to his judgment, and exposes him to every kind of error. What confidence can his people have in the conclusions to which he is conducted, while, under the influence

of pride, anger, or any disorderly affection? But under the influence of meekness, he is prepared for profitable study. He is sensible of his own ignorance and is ready to submit unreservedly to the infallible word of God. He is willing to give up all the results of unsanctified reason, and to believe every revealed truth on the authority of inspiration. With a docile temper, he says, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth." Time spent by a minister in search of divine truth with such a disposition, will not be spent in vain. The God of truth will be his teacher. "The meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way."

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Meekness and gentleness are necessary to prepare a minister to teach the Christian religion and perform other ministerial duties, with propriety and success.

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The Christian religion is a religion of love. It breathes peace on earth and good will to men. A minister, who possesses the vir tues recommended in the text, imbibes the spirit of this religion, and is prepared rightly to teach its doctrines and duties. But if a man undertakes to preach the gospel without the spirit of meekness and gentleness, there is a manifest repugnancy between his office and his character. He calls upon others to exercise that love, which has not been shed abroad in his own heart. He inculcates upon them the meekness and gentleness of Christ, when he himself is destitute of those excellent virtues.

Meekness and gentleness are necessary to a preacher's acceptance. I mean not to suggest, that the best mode of exhibiting the truth would reconcile the unsanctified heart to it, or cause the offence of the cross to cease. But the preacher, who complies with the Apostle's direction now before us, has nothing offensive in his manner; and any opposition made against him is excited purely by the holy nature of the truth itself, and not by anything exceptionable in him, as a preacher. He will indeed love the truth, and earnestly contend for it. But in the defence of the truth he will be careful never to enlist his angry passions. His tongue will never utter invectives against others, however they differ in opinion. Nor is he transported to undue severity, either

of language or feeling, against those who load him with reproaches and injuries. The only methods which he employs to bring men to the knowledge of the truth, are those which are dictated by reason, compassion, and gentleness. Let a minister preach thus, and his enemies will be able to find no occasion against him, except concerning the law of his God.

Meekness and gentleness are peculiarly important to a preacher's success. "The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." Acrimonious feelings and expressions are not the instruments, by which the cause of righteousness is to be promoted. A minister is indeed engaged in a warfare; and he must contend and fight in order to his success. But what is the nature of this warfare? What is this contention, but a contention against the disorderly affections of human nature? Now with what weapons will you carry on such a warfare? Is a minister to use anger and violence, to subdue anger and violence in others? All the doctrines of the Bible are to be taught, and all errors to be opposed. The question is, in what manner? The Apostle answers: "The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves." A minister, who follows this direction, has the brightest prospect › of success. Every one must perceive that this manner of teaching corresponds with the nature of divine truth. The incomprehensible greatness and perfect holiness of the subjects of revelation require, that they should be treated with sacred composure and meekness.-The least mixture of passion is inadmissible. Can you excite love by the language of ill will? Can you attract men to a heaven of peace, by displaying a spirit of strife? heaven of kindness, by a spirit of virulence? Can you successfully inculcate condescension, forgiveness, and compassion, by displaying pride, revenge, and hardness of heart? Can you persuade your hearers to govern their passions, by showing them that you do not govern your own?

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The success of a minister consists in conforming the hearts and lives of men to the character of Christ, and fitting them for the heavenly inheritance. His usefulness is to be measured by the