But beware also of a dead faith, which may keep men in the way of instruction, but is wholly unavailing to salvation. The faith demanded by our Lord is a living active principle; it receives him for all those purposes which he came into the world to effect; it applies to him, depends on him, and follows his directions; and “ working by love," purifying the heart," and "overcoming the world," it produces unreserved obedience to Christ, and careful imitation of his most perfect example.

The subject before us is peculiarly suited to the burdened conscience and desponding heart of those who are poor and of a contrite spirit, and tremble at God's word. Did the Son of God so love and pity proud obstinate rebels and enemies, as to give himself a sacrifice on the cross for their sins? And will he now on his glorious throne, refuse to stretch forth his powerful arm, to rescue the humble penitent, who earnestly supplicates his mercy? No, my brethren, he delights to save! Come to him, wait on him, wait in the appointed means, and you shall soon know the power of his resurrection, the depth of his condescension, and the riches of his grace.

But if we have tasted that the Lord is gracious, and can rejoice in having such a representative and advocate, to manage our concerns in heaven, let us remember, that we are honoured to be his representatives on earth; to shew the excellency of his religion by our example; to be useful to his redeemed people, and to promote his cause in the world. Let us then ask ourselves whether Paul, when constrained by the love of Christ, would have declined any service as too mean, laborious, self-denying, expensive, or perilous, which the command and honour of his Lord called him to perform? And whether he would not have more fully improved even our talents and advantages than we have hitherto done? Let us review our conduct, and consider what ability or opportunity we have of honouring Christ among men: let us reflect on our obligations and prospects, and see to it, that our lights be burning, and our loins girded, that when he cometh we may be found watching, and employed in a proper manner. And may the God of peace, "who brought again from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do his will; working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

SERMON XX.

PREACHED ON WHITSUNDAY, 1795.

ON THE AGENCY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

ISAIAH, XXXII. 15.

Until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high.

In the beginning of this chapter, the evangelical prophet foretels the auspicious advent, and benign government of the Messiah; perhaps with some reference to Hezekiah's equitable and prosperous reign over Judah. He then denounces sentence on the careless, obstinate, and unbelieving Jews, in language aptly descriptive of their condition, ever since the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans: and then he declares, that these desolations would endure," until the Spirit were poured upon them from on high ;" the happy effects of which gracious dispensation he predicts in the most energetic language. This seems to be the prophetical meaning of the chap

ter, the concluding verses of which have not hitherto received their accomplishment. But the present occasion fixes our attention to the words of the text, and I shall endeavour from them,

I. To explain what is meant by the pouring "out of the Spirit from on high."

II. To consider more particularly the nature and effects of this promised blessing.

III. To make some remarks on the emphatical word," Until."

IV. To point out some instructions more immediately arising from the subject.

I. I would explain the words here used.

The apostle calls Christianity "the ministration of the Spirit." 2 Cor. iii. 8. And it is certain, however it may be overlooked, that the promise of the Spirit pervades the New Testament, in the same manner as that of a Messiah does the old. The language used concerning this subject evidently implies the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit. He is represented as hearing, speaking, willing, commanding, forbidding, receiving, and executing a commission: and this not in allegories and parables, but in histories, didactic discussions, laws, and grants, where precision is indispensably necessary, and a literal interpretation peculiarly suitable; and without doubt these are personal actions. At the same time divine perfections and operations are ascribed to him. He is said to dwell in the hearts of all believers, as in his temple, to search the deep things of God, to raise the dead, and to effect a new creation. He is called the Spirit of holiness, the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of life, the Spirit of power, the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, the eternal Spirit, and the Comforter. If then the Holy Spirit be a person possessing divine perfections, and performing divine operations; and if the same be true of the Father, and of the Son also, the ancient doctrine of the Trinity is evidently Scriptural, though we can neither explain or comprehend so deep a mystery.

If we further examine the subject, we shall find, that the Scriptures uniformly ascribe all miraculous powers, prophecy, and inspiration, to the immediate agency of the Holy Spirit; so that the wonderful works of Christ himself, and the exercise of his mediatorial offices on earth, are spoken of as performed by his anointing; "the Holy Ghost was not given by measure unto him;" John iii. 34. Acts i. 2. x. 38. and St Paul particularly describes the diversity of gifts communicated by the same Spirit, "dividing to every man severally as he willed." 1 Cor. xii. The predictions of the prophets concerning the pouring out of the Spirit in the days of the Messiah, Isaiah xliv. 3. Joel ii. 28. as well as our Lord's promises to his disciples, may have a special reference to these extraordinary gifts and powers; and to that display of the ascended Redeemer's glory and majesty, which was made on the day of Pentecost; but it should also be noted, that effects were produced, at that important season, by the same divine agent, which were far more valuable to those by whom they were experienced.

If we accurately study the language of the Sacred Oracles, we shall be convinced that the Holy Spirit is there spoken of, as the immediate Author of all that is holy and excellent in man: and that spiritual death, and a total incapacity of delighting in God and heavenly things, universally prevails in the human heart; till "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus makes us free from the law of sin and death." " Except a man be born again-born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot see-he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." He is "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God, to enlighten the eyes of our understanding, that we may know the hope of our calling." Eph. i. 17, 18. He "convinces the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment:" he glorifies Christ, for he receives of his, and shews it unto us." It is his office to "teach us all things, and lead us into

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all truth."-Christians are "elect according to the foreknowledge of God, through sanctification of the Spirit to obedience:" they " abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." "They pray, in and by the Holy Ghost, who helps their infirmities:" "they are led by the Spirit," and all their holy tempers and actions are "the fruits of the Spirit." So that, "if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his :" for all his redeemed people are "sealed by the Spirit who is the earnest of their inheritance:" as "the Spirit of adoption, he witnesses with their spirits that they are the children of God;" and thus he becomes their all-sufficient comforter; "for the kingdom of God is-in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

In these respects we are warranted to expect the pouring out of the Spirit on our souls and congregations: and we are confident that all true Christians are" the temple of the Holy Ghost, an habitation of God through the Spirit :" and we are amazed that any man, who calls himself a disciple of Christ should be so ignorant as to deny this fundamental truth of the gospel, or so profane as to turn it into a ridicule! "If ye," says our Lord," being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" This accords to the promise of the Lord by his prophet, "I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgements and do them." Luke xi. 13. Ezek. xxxvi. 25, 26.

We presume not to effect equality with prophets and apostles: we expect no new revelations; for the Scriptures soberly interpreted are the standard of truth. But we profess, to depend on the Holy Spirit to enable us properly to understand them: and if we hold any thing contrary to the word of God, we deceive ourselves, if we suppose it to be derived from the teaching of the Spirit. We have no other rule of duty, but the commandments of God; but we need the promised teaching and assistance of the Holy Spirit, to enable us to understand this rule, to convince us of our manifold deviations from it, to humble and soften our hearts in true repentance, to encourage our hope of mercy, and help us to apply for it, and to strengthen us for renewed obedience. We do not pretend to know that our sins are pardoned; except as we are conscious that we hate and abhor them, and humbly trust in Christ to deliver us from them. We infer our interest in the love of God as our heavenly Father, from our love to him as his adopted children, and from an habitual desire of living to his glory, obeying his commandments, and doing good to our brethren for his sake.

Surely no man, who professes to reverence the Scriptures, will call this enthusiasm! We disclaim all pretensions to predict future events, or to discover things unknown to others by any immediate revelation from God: yea, we protest against them as derogatory to the Holy Scriptures, and a disgrace to the gospel; and even the incautious language of some wellmeaning persons, meets with decided disapprobation from others, who hold most of the same doctrines; because it is capable of being perverted or misunderstood.

These remarks having been premised, I observe, that as all spiritual religion is produced by the influences of the Holy Spirit, and every degree of success attending the gospel of Christ must be ascribed to a few drops, as it were, of this fertilizing rain; so there are seasons, in which the Spirit is poured from on high in copious showers, upon some favoured spots of the Lord's vineyard. This was most remarkably the case on the day of Pentecost, and for a considerable time afterwards; and though the effects were gradually diminished, yet neither the communication of miraculous gifts, nor the abundant converting and sanctifying influences accompanying the preaching of the gospel, ceased, till perhaps more than two centuries afterwards.Such an out-pouring of the Spirit attended the labours of the reformers, in the time of Luther, and for many years after his death. Nor has our land been left wholly destitute of this special benefit during the present century; and

some places seem yet to be favoured with it in a considerable degree. In short, they who are conversant with the records of the church, ancient or modern, will recollect various seasons, when, in different places, the Spirit of God was poured upon his people from on high; and all these should be considered as earnests of more abundant blessings, when the fulness of the Gentiles shall be brought into the church: and the Jews" shall look to him whom they have pierced," uniting penitent tears with believing supplications. Zech. xii. 10-14.

II. We proceed to consider more particularly the nature and effects of this promised blessing.

In order to elucidate the subject, we must advert to the present state of the church and of the world. If we look among the constituted ministers of religion, we cannot but perceive, that vast numbers consider their profession, in great measure, as a secular employment, and pursue their worldly interests by it, like other orders in the community, without any proportionable earnestness in seeking the salvation of souls, and the advancement of genuine Christianity. Many indeed are very learned and ingenious; but alas, they embrace and contend for doctrines, which certainly were deduced from a very different source, than the Sacred Scriptures. Others preach several of the great truths of the gospel; but seem little concerned to apply them to the hearts and consciences of mankind; or to excite them, by fervent exhortations and a bright example, to " adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." A few indeed appear to be honestly and simply engaged in the most useful work of their sacred function: yet perhaps the skilfulness, boldness, self-denial, diligence, zeal, and faithfulness, even of this remnant, fall much beneath the degree which men "of like passions" have at more favoured seasons been known to display.

These things should not be considered as a censure of modern times; for the case has been nearly the same in almost every age and part of the church. No external appointment to the ministry, no engagement, or mode of worship, can by its own efficacy dethrone the selfishness of the human heart, or induce the carnally-minded to act from pure motives, and to delight in the spiritual service of the Redeemer. But when" the Spirit shall be poured upon us from on high;" we may expect, that such ministers as have feebly sought the glory of God in the salvation of souls, will feel their hearts enlarged with more abundant zeal and love; and that a vast accession will be made to their wisdom and knowledge of Christ and his holy doctrine. They will probably be to a great degree delivered from the fear of men,-raised above the love of the world,-emancipated from a bigotted regard to systems and parties,-filled with melting compassion to perishing sinners, and tender love to their brethren; occupied with realizing views of eternal things, prepared for perilous and self-denying services, and disposed cordially to unite with their fellow-labourers in promoting the common cause; without regard to competition, personal interest, or reputation.

Those who have preached the truths of the gospel, without application or animation, will then probably feel and insist upon their practical tendency, and manifest it in their own conduct. Some, who have been adverse to the truth, may be won over to preach the faith which once they opposed; loiterers and hirelings may be converted into faithful, diligent, able, and disinterested pastors; many labourers will be sent forth into the vineyard; and every one who partakes of these fertilizing showers, will" take heed to the ministry which he hath received of the Lord, that he fulfil it."

The change which took place, even in the apostles themselves, after the descent of the Holy Ghost, with the conduct of the primitive ministers of the gospel, and the exhortations addressed to them in the New Testament, abundantly warrant these expectations.

If next we survey the mass of people called Christians, and observe their disposition and conduct, we shall readily understand what effects would be

produced by the pouring out of the Spirit upon us. Let us, for instance, consider the inhabitants of this city, and their behaviour in respect of the Lord's day, the public worship, and the preaching of the gospel. We shall in this review see cause to lament, that vast multitudes retire into the country for irreligious recreation, or employ the holy Sabbath in travelling; that crowds assemble in places of intemperate indulgence, or frivolous amusement ; and that many spend part of the day in adjusting some worldly business, and the residue in sloth or festivity. A few, compared with the whole immense number, attend at the several places of public worship; the majority of whom, it is to be feared, having paid their weekly tribute, think no more about it; being" as a man who dreameth that he eateth, but he awaketh and his soul is empty." Others frequent the places where the word of God is preached, with considerable regularity, but continue hearers only, and not doers. In short, few comparatively seem to receive the "gospel, not as the word of man, but as-the word of God, which effectually worketh in them that believe;" or to worship the Lord in spirit and truth; and even these see cause to lament their want of zeal and fervency, and too often manifest a languor and a defect in earnestness and activity, where the glory of God, and the benefit of mankind, are concerned.

But if" the Spirit were poured upon us from on high," the hearts of such persons would expand with holy affections, and be filled with divine consolations. They would become fervent in every religious duty, and earnest in prayer for their ministers and brethren, and for a blessing on every attempt to propagate the gospel; they would bestow pains to impress the instructions of Scripture on the minds of their children, relatives, and servants; to recommend the truth by their example, and to enforce it in their conversation: They would say to those, with whom they had any influence, "Come ye, and let us go to the house of God, and he will teach us of his way, and we will walk in his paths.” Isaiah ii. 3. And as Andrew brought Peter, and Philip, Nathanael, to an acquaintance with Christ, they would endeavour, by letters, books, and all other means in their power, to lead such as had been strangers to the gospel, to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, and into the way of life and salvation.

At such a season, formal worshippers would find their hearts engaged in a new manner to attend on the ordinances of God, and many of them would become true believers. Those, who had imbibed false doctrines, would perceive that God was of a truth present in our congregations, and be induced to join themselves to us; a general attention and inquiry would be raised; and "the Lord would daily add unto the church such as should be saved."

In this manner it hath frequently been known, that great multitudes, through large districts, have in a short time been brought to consider their ways; the veil, that hides God and eternal things from men's minds, hath been apparently rent; and more hath been done, in bringing men to receive the gospel, and to walk in newness of life, during a few months, than the very same ministers had been able to accomplish in the course of many preceding years. These effects are also proved to be genuine, by their permanency, and by the holy lives of numbers, after the first vehement affections, and the remarkable circumstances of such revivals, have ceased. Thus the thousands that were converted, when the Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost," continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship," they were of one heart," they had all things in common," and "great grace was upon them all." But when a religious commotion arises from enthusiasm, false principles, and selfish affections, it often leaves men more immoral and ungodly than they were before.

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Again, if we consider the more pious part of our congregations, how often have we reason to lament that there is no more union and affection among them? And that they are kept at so great a distance from each other, by their stations in life, their different employments, talents, and dispositions, or even by trivial resentments, suspicions, and prejudices? But the bless