Page images
PDF
EPUB

of our national wealth has been kept back from God's service. I am well aware that there are many honourable exceptions, and some among the present sufferers; yet I would inquire, Is it right that so small a proportion of the treasures of this nation should be devoted to our God and to his cause? The question is not proposed in a party spirit. But if eternity be more than time; if the soul be more valuable than the body; if the present state of existence be limited, and if man must, ere long, appear before the bar of his final Judge; if that final Judge once came down from heaven, and bled, and groaned, and died, to save a lost world: if all this be true-and who that believes the Scripture can doubt it? -then what are a few shillings, or a few pounds, or a few hundreds, or a few thousands, annually given to such a cause in all its various ramifications? What, I ask, is this, when compared with the late almost unbounded wealth of this country?

If it be replied, that a very large sum has actually been raised, within these few years, for these several purposes, we

answer; Who have chiefly raised this sum ; and who have been the principal contributors? Not the rich, the great, or the noble. With some few brilliant exceptions, these sums have been given by persons in the middle and lower circles of society. How seldom do we hear of a thousand pounds, how very rarely of ten thousand pounds, being subscribed by some princely merchant or some wealthy peer, for the building of a Church, the circulation of the Scriptures, the promotion of Christian Knowledge at home, or the Propagation of the Gospel abroad! And yet what would such gifts be to some of the monied men in the country? What? A mere drop in the bucket, when compared with the sums employed in the service of speculation or of luxury; and, in some instances, for purposes altogether at variance with God's word and commandments; even the gratification of appetite, or the pleasures of the gambling table.

[ocr errors]

I need not tell you, my brethren, the respect I have always entertained, and expressed, for all constituted authorities; and

God forbid that I should neglect to honour them, or sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for them. I rejoice to see the Senate of our land passing bills for the erection of places of worship, the principal expense of which is defrayed by our Government. Nor can I witness the annual grants made by the Legislature towards the extension of Christ's kingdom abroad, without the most lively satisfaction and most sincere gratitude. Still, notwithstanding this noble example on the part of Government, yet how little, comparatively speaking, of the wealth of these realms flows year by year into the treasury of the Lord! Can we, then, wonder if it pleases God to visit us with the storm? Our repentance may prevent its continuance, and abate its fury. Our thoughtlessness and hardihood can only lead to harsher measures, and to extensive ruin and desolation.

Nor let any of us excuse ourselves while we censure others. We have all borne a part in our national guilt; for this country. has many crying sins, which, alas! still degrade her; the continuance of which, in

a nation so mercifully exalted, cannot but be highly displeasing to Almighty God*. While, therefore, we sympathize in the misfortunes of others, let us labor for the amendment of ourselves and our families. Let luxury and extravagance be displaced by economy and temperance. Instead of living to ourselves, and being wrapped up in the cloak of selfishness, let us live unto others, and follow the example of Him who pleased not himself. Above all, let us, with hearty repentance and true faith, humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, that we may be exalted in due time. Nor let us forget the accompanying direction of St. Peter, casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. Yes! though surrounded with trial and sorrow, God's children have a place of refuge. They know where to fly when trouble comes. Nor shall we find it unprofitable to consider their peaceful re treat, in the midst of the tremendous

* Among the number, not the least in magnitude, is the awful and horrible and accursed SLAVE TRADE!! On this subject, however, see a subsequent sermon in the present volume.

storm of which we have already spoken. It shall hail, coming down on the forest; and the city shall be low in a low place. When this shall be the case, God's people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting-places. Let us then

call your attention to

II. THE PEACEFUL RETREAT.

On

We are not to suppose that the righteous are necessarily exempted from these calamities which overtake other persons. the contrary, we know that they are often involved in trials. But whatever their sorrows or disappointments, the name of the Lord is a strong tower; they run into it, and are safe. Extacy is not promised; but peace and security and quietness shall be theirs, and that because they are the Lord's people. How they became such, may be elarned from holy Scripture. Hosea thus speaks; I will make them to lie down safely; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people. Thus is it plainly declared, that man, in his natural state, is none other than the

« PreviousContinue »