The great concern of Christ for the salvation of sinners, and the duty of his ministers earnestly to perswade men into his kingdom: considered in a sermon preach'd at New-Salem, December 15. 1742. On occasion of the gathering of a church there, and the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Kendall to be their pastor. / By Jonathan Ashley, A.M. and Pastor of the church in Deerfield. ; [Five lines of Scripture texts] Ashley, Jonathan, 1712-1780. Approx. 66 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 35 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI : 2007-10. N04155 N04155 Evans 5119 APW6379 5119 99012514

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Early American Imprints, 1639-1800 ; no. 5119. (Evans-TCP ; no. N04155) Transcribed from: (Readex Archive of Americana ; Early American Imprints, series I ; image set 5119) Images scanned from Readex microprint and microform: (Early American imprints. First series ; no. 5119) The great concern of Christ for the salvation of sinners, and the duty of his ministers earnestly to perswade men into his kingdom: considered in a sermon preach'd at New-Salem, December 15. 1742. On occasion of the gathering of a church there, and the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Kendall to be their pastor. / By Jonathan Ashley, A.M. and Pastor of the church in Deerfield. ; [Five lines of Scripture texts] Ashley, Jonathan, 1712-1780. Congregational Church (New Salem, Mass.). 36 p. ; 18 cm. (8vo) Printed by Rogers and Fowle for S. Eliot in Cornhill., Boston, : 1743. Half-title: Mr. Ashley's sermon at the ordination of Mr. Kendall.

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eng Kendall, Samuel, 1708-1792. Dedication sermons -- 1742. Ordination sermons -- 1742. 2006-04 Assigned for keying and markup 2006-05 Keyed and coded from Readex/Newsbank page images 2007-01 Sampled and proofread 2007-01 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

Mr. Aſhley's SERMON At the ORDINATION of Mr. Kendall.

The Great Concern of CHRIST for the Salvation of Sinners, and the Duty of his Miniſters earneſtly to perſwade Men into his Kingdom: Conſidered in a SERMON Preach'd at New-Salem, December 15. 1742. on Occaſion of the Gathering a Church there, and the Ordination of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Kendall To be their Paſtor.

By Jonathan Aſhley, A.M. And Paſtor of the Church in DEERFIELD.

John xiv.2.

In my Father's Houſe are many Manſions, if it were not ſo, I would have told you: I go to prepare a Place for you.

Matth. xxii.9.

Go ye therefore into the High-Ways, and as many as ye ſhall find, bid to the Marriage.

BOSTON, Printed by Rogers and Fowle for S. Eliot in Cornhill. 1743.

An Ordination SERMON. Luke 14.23.

And the Lord ſaid unto the Servant, go out into the High Ways, and Hedges, and compell them to come in, that my Houſe may be filled.

OUR bleſſed Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, when he came down from the moſt excellent Glory, to bring Life and Immortality to Light in a dark and miſerable World, was pleaſed to inſtruct Mankind in the important Things of Salvation by plain, and moſt affecting Parables. Our Lord moſt commonly taught the People in Parables (it being a uſual Method of Inſtruction in the Eaſtern Countries) and he rarely taught the People without a Parable. Mark 4.34.

The Deſign of our Saviour herein ſeems to be, to enlighten the Underſtanding, to aſſiſt the Memory, and to move the Affections, and Paſſions of the Mind; all which are well anſwered thereby: Sublime and ſpiritual Things, being clothed in ſuch Metaphors, are brought down to the low and dull Capacities of Men. The Event indeed of ſuch parabolical Repreſentations oftentimes was, through the Inattention and Prejudice of the Hearer, the rendring him more hardened and ſecure in Sin, but the Deſign of Chriſt was to make Men wiſe unto Salvation: And it had this Effect upon the honeſt Hearer; but a very contrary and more unhappy one on the careleſs Multitude, as it is intimated to us in Mat. 13.10-11.

The Parable, in which our Text is contained, is a ſhort, and very wonderful Repreſentation of the great Affair of our Salvation. We are taught what vaſt Preparation God has made for the Recovery, and Happineſs of a ſinful, periſhing World, intimated in the 16 Ver. by a certain Man making a great Supper: Matthew tells us, that a certain King made a Marriage for his Son, in his 22 Chapt. By which we are to underſtand, GOD himſelf, the great King of Heaven, and Earth, who has made a great Supper, and a Feaſt of fat Things, in the Goſpel, for hungry and periſhing Sinners. And when all Things were made ready; when a Saviour was provided; then many, even the whole Jewiſh Nation were invited to come to this Goſpel-Feaſt. The Servants of the Moſt High GOD, the Prophets, were ſent forth to intreat them to accept of the rich Proviſion God had made: but they all excuſed themſelves (or the greater Part of them); one had bought a Piece of Ground and he muſt needs go and ſee it; another had bought five Yoke of Oxen; and he muſt go and prove them; a third had married a Wife and he could not come. Hereby not only is the Temper and Diſpoſition of the Jews pointed out to us; but alſo of the greater Part of Men under the Goſpel; who have their Hearts and Affections ſo much engaged in the Cares of the World, that they cannot conſult the Intereſt of their immortal Souls.

When the Jews had thus ſlighted the Invitations of a merciful God, and rejected the Saviour of their Souls: Then the Offers of Pardon and Reconciliation are tendered to the Gentiles. Chriſt then ſends forth his Servants, the Apoſtles, and Miniſters of the Goſpel into the Streets and Lanes of the City; that is, the Gentile World, to bring in hither the Poor, the Maimed, the Halt, and the Blind: And the Lord of the Supper repeats his Command to his Servants with the greateſt Earneſtneſs; go out into the High Ways, and Hedges, and compel them to come in: Take no Denial of them; don't be eaſily put off by them: perſwade; yea bring them contrary to their Wills if poſſible; and I will make them willing: Gather in great Numbers that my Houſe may be full:

We have three Things intimated in the Words of the Text. 1ſt The Kingdom or Church of God pointed out by the Term Houſe, which ſignifies to us the happy State and Condition of all ſuch, who are brought into the Kingdom of Chriſt: They are like Men in a Houſe protected from the Storms and Tempeſts: They may reſt and refreſh themſelves: they may take their Pleaſure, feaſt and regale themſelves in this Houſe. The Kingdom of God is compared to a great Houſe 2 Tim. 2.20. where there are Veſſels, ſome for Honour and ſome to Diſhonour. 2dly, We have the miſerable State of the Gentile World; and of all thoſe who are out of the Kingdom of Chriſt, ſet forth to us by thoſe who are in the High Ways and Hedges, who are Poor, Maimed, Halt and Blind. They are like Men expoſed to the Storms and Severities of the Weather, who have no Houſe nor Home to repair to, who are ready to periſh with the Hunger and Cold; and are ſo lame and maimed that they cannot help themſelves nor go any where to ſave their Lives: Sinners are poor, maimed and helpleſs, expos'd to all the Storms of the Diſpleaſure and Wrath of God. 3dly, We have the Pity and Compaſ ••• n of Chriſt towards ſuch miſerable Creatures, and his Earneſtneſs for their Salvation. Go, ſays he, to his Servants, and compel them to come into my Houſe, where they may be healed of their Wounds and made rich.

But it is my Deſign to conſider the Words before us under theſe two general Propoſitions.

Firſt, The Salvation of a ſinful and miſerable World, is a Matter, which our Lord Jeſus Chriſt is much engaged about.

Secondly, The Miniſters of Chriſt ſhould alſo have the Salvation of Sinners much upon their Hearts: And ſhould uſe all reaſonable Methods to compel them into the Kingdom of Chriſt.

Firſt, The Salvation of a ſinful and miſerable World is a Matter which our Lord Jeſus Chriſt is much engaged about.

So he is repreſented in the Parable, as willing to take no Denial; Compel him to come in; dont be turn'd off by their Refuſals; but intreat, and perſwade them over and over again. The Salvation of Sinners was a Work, Chriſt had his Mind upon from all Eternity: and he took great Delight in the Fore-thoughts of it: His Delights were with the Children of Men Prov. 8.31. above what they were with the holy Angels of Heaven; but this could be upon no other Account but that of his being their appointed Saviour and Redeemer: He foreſaw all he was to do, and ſuffer for them to bring them to God with Pleaſure. And the Pſalmiſt, perſonating our Bleſſed Lord, ſays Pſa. 69.6. The Zeal of thine Houſe hath eaten me up. He was ſwallowed up with a Concern for the Houſe or Kingdom of God. So much was the Mind of Chriſt in this Work, that he was Luk. 12.10. ſtraitned until it was accompliſhed: Nothing could diſcourage him from his Work. He would hearken to no Suggeſtions of going back from the Sufferings which were before him. And when the Apoſtle Peter once ventured to tell him, when ſpeaking of his approaching Sufferings, that ſuch Things ſhould not happen to him, how ſharply does he reprove him? Mat. 16.23. Get thee behind me Satan thou art an Offence unto me. I will hear no ſuch Thing from thee; for I am ſet upon finiſhing the Work I am come into the World upon. His Heart was ſo much ſet upon it that he could deny himſelf of his Eaſe and Comfort that he might fulfil it: he could faſt and pray whole Nights for Sinners, who had no Prayers to put up to God for themſelves. He was ſo intent upon his Work, that he forgot his Food: or rather he made it John 4.33, 34. his Meat and Drink to do the Will of his heavenly Father, in ſaving Sinners. He lived, as it were, upon his Work, he took ſo much Delight in it, and was ſo much concerned to finiſh it. But the Engagedneſs of Chriſt in this important Affair of our Salvation will more fully appear from the Conſideration of theſe following Particulars.

1. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt moſt freely, and readily undertook for Sinners; became obliged to pay the Price of their Redemption, and recover them from a State of Sin to God. When God the Father propoſed the Recovery of a Number of the fallen Race of Adam; and made known the Deſign he had of a rich Diſplay of his Grace in their Salvation; and declared, that in Order to this, ſome one muſt become a Surety for them, and pay the full Price of their Redemption: Then it was there was Silence among the Angels: no one dar'd to ſtep in between an offended God and ſinful Man: Nor was any Man found, who could undertake this great Work: But now, behold the Willingneſs and Readineſs of the Son! how freely does he offer himſelf on our Behalf! and ſay to the Father, Heb. 10.6, 7. Lo! I am come to do thy Will. Here, I, thy only begotten Son, am; place all their Debt to my Account: I will pay thee all: Turn all the Strokes of thy Diſpleaſure upon me: I will bear them. Don't pity nor ſpare me; but ſhoot thine Arrows at me; Cauſe thy Sword to awake againſt me. I will obey the Law they have broke. I will endure all that Puniſhment thine holy Law threatens for their Sins. I will ſatisfy thy Law; and reſtore that Honour to thee which their Sins have took away. Now, if it were a Matter of Indifference with the Son of God, whether we were ſaved or not, would he ſo readily have ſtept in, and become obliged to pay the whole Price of our Redemption? Would he have bound himſelf in a Covenant of Redemption to endure all that Puniſhment due to Sinners; if he was not much engaged for our Redemption? He was under no Obligation to us. He might have left us to periſh in our Sins without the leaſt Injuſtice to us. Nor did he ſtand in any Need of us; or the Services which he expects from us, whom he has redeemed; for he was infinitely happy in the Boſom of his Father and could not be made more ſo. Nor did the Father compel him hereto: It was his own voluntary Act: No ſooner did the Father make known his Purpoſes of Grace but the Son freely offered himſelf to ſtand our Surety; and become obliged to pay the Debt we had contracted.

2dly, The Incarnation of the Son of God ſhews us, how much the Work of our Redemption was upon the Heart of the Son of God. It was an infinite Condeſcention in the Son of God, who was equal with God in all his divine Perfections, to take upon him the Seed of Abraham; and be made like unto ſinful Fleſh. The Son of God had a full View of all the Miſeries which ſhould befal him in our Nature, when he came down, and aſſumed Fleſh of the Virgin Mary; but yet, theſe did not terrify him: When the Fulneſs of Time was come, that he ſhould come forth into the World, he readily leſt his Father's Boſom, parted with the Joys and Glories of that happy World above; he became Man, and veiled his Glory in Fleſh: and with what agreeable Wonder and Surprize, ſhould we contemplate this great Myſtery of Godlineſs, God manifeſted in the Fleſh? It is with Pleaſure the holy Angels deſire to look into and underſtand this wonderful Tranſaction. And had not the Salvation of Sinners been a Thing of the greateſt Concern with the Son of God, would he have become Man? been made under the Law, and become expos'd to the Reproaches, and Blaſphemies of a ſinful World? would he have ſubjected himſelf to the Condemnation and Threatning of a broken Law; and by being made Man become neceſſitated to ſuffer and die in our Stead? As the Son of God foreſaw all theſe Things when he became Man So nothing but infinite Love and Pity to us could move him to it.

3dly, The Laboriouſneſs and Diligence of Chriſt in fulfilling his Miniſtry whilſt here on Earth, diſcover to us, how much engag'd he was to redeem loſt and periſhing Sinners. He was inceſſant in his Labours, unwearied in his Pains to do good to the Souls and Bodies of Men. He went about from City to City, ſeeking all Opportunities of relieving miſerable Men. He bore the Griefs and carried the Sorrows of the Children of Men. He never turned aſide from any miſerable Objects who ſought his Compaſſion, refuſing to help them. How induſtrious was he to reveal the great Purpoſes of divine Grace to Sinners, and the Way and Manner of our recovering the loſt Image, and Favour of God: he took the utmoſt Pleaſure in acquainting Men with the Miſeries of their natural State, in convincing them of the Neceſſity they were under of obtaining Pardon and Reconciliation with an offended God. He did not ſpend his Time in Slothfulneſs; but was careful to finiſh the Work he came to do (k) before the Night come upon him wherein no Man can work. He was willing to ſpend and be ſpent in his Work He did not ſpare himſelf; but encountered all Hardſhips and Difficulties; when they ſtood in the Way of our Salvation: and what was it ſtirred him up to all this Labour and Diligence but a Concern to finiſh the Work of our Redemption? this made him ſo zealous in all the Matters of God's Houſe. This it was made him deny himſelf of his Sleep, and forget his Food.

4thly, That Grief and deep Concern which Chriſt had for hardened and ſecure Sinners ſhews how much their Salvation lay upon his Mind.

However ſtupid and ſenſeleſs Sinners were themſelves; yet Chriſt had a moſt tender Pity for them; however unconcerned they were about their own Circumſtances; yet Chriſt was full of Thoughtfulneſs about them. When they rejected his gracious Invitations, and ſleighted his meaneſt Offers; Then Mark 3.5. he was grieved at the Hardneſs and Impenitency of their Hearts. Luke 19.41, 42. He wept over a ſinful wretched World, who were neglecting the Things of their Peace. Our bleſſed Saviour knew what Miſeries, and Torments Sinners were haſtening upon themſelves; it fill'd him therefore with Pity to ſee them refuſing the only Remedy for their Souls, and going on obſtinately in the broad Way to everlaſting Ruin, and this made the Son of God ſo affected for them, his being ſo much concerned for their Salvation.

5thly, Chriſt's ſo readily undertaking all thoſe ſevere Sufferings which he endured for Sinners, ſhows us how much his Heart is upon this Work.

Sorrows were multiplied upon the Son of God. His whole Life was a Scene of Suffering and Sorrow. Hence he is ſtiled Iſaiah 53.3. A Man of Sorrows and acquainted with Grief. He was filled with inward Grief for our Sins and Follies: and he ſuſtained outward Troubles of various Kinds. He became a Reproach of Men, and the Song of Drunkards: he had not where to lay his Head; although the Earth and the Fulneſs thereof was his. But why do I tell of theſe; they were light compared with what he met with in the Garden and at his Death. The very Fore-thought of his Sufferings was ſo great that he Luke 22.44. ſweat great Drops of Blood: The very Veſſels of his Body burſt under the preſſing Agony: how great was the Diſtreſs of his Mind which had ſo great Power on his Body? And from hence let us follow Chriſt to the Place of his Trial, and Crucifixion: he was apprehended by a Band of Ruffians; who treated him in a moſt barbarous Manner; who buffeted him; crowned him with Thorns, ſpit in his Face, bowed the Knee before him in Contempt: they ſet him at Nought, and laid moſt wicked Things to his Charge, ſuch as he knew not: and when they had condemned him, they led him away, obliging him to carry the very Wood upon which he was to be crucified: and when he came to the Place of his Crucifixion, they lifted him up upon the Croſs, they nailed his Hands and Feet; and put him to the moſt exquiſite Torments: and his Soul was filled with the Diſpleaſure of God, when he hid his Face from him; then he cried out in the greateſt Diſtreſs Mat. 27.46. my God, my God, why haſt thou forſaken me! and notwithſtanding theſe Sufferings were ſo very mighty, that the human Nature was ready to ſhrink back at the Approach of them; and pray that the Cup of his Sufferings might be taken from him: yet with what Chearfulneſs did Chriſt meet them, and with what wonderful Patience did he endure them! Iſaiah 53.7. he was brought as a Lamb to the Slaughter, and as a Sheep before its Shearer is Dumb, ſo he opened not his Mouth.

He never murmured, nor complained under all his Sufferings; for they were what he was ſo much engaged to fulfil: but would Chriſt have endured ſo many bitter Things from the Hands of Sinners; if their Salvation was what he was not much concerned about?

6thly, Chriſt's Patience with Sinners, and his repeated Suits to them to accept of tendered Mercy, ſhow how much concerned Chriſt is for the Salvation of Sinners. It is aſtoniſhing Grace indeed that one Offer of Mercy ſhould be made to a convicted and condemned Rebel: but how much more wonderful, that the Son of God ſhould lay aſide his dreadful Majeſty, and put on the Supplicant to beſeech Sinners to accept of eternal Life? Would he ever ſtand knocking at the Door of their Hearts, Rev. 3.20. begging for Entrance, Cant. 5.2. till his Locks were wet with the Dews of the Night, if his whole Heart was not in this Matter? Would he ever bear ſo many Repulſes from Sinners, and renew his moving Calls and Intreaties, if it was a Matter of Indifferency with him whether Iſrael be gathered? No verily, he would turn from them and leave them to periſh in their Unrighteouſneſs: he would ſay to them, let him that is filthy be filthy ſtill; but the Son of God ſeems to be willing to take no Denial from Sinners; he lengthens out his Patience from Day to Day that he may have an Opportunity to be gracious to them.

7thly, That the Salvation of Sinners is a Matter of the utmoſt Concern with the Son of God is evident from his appointing ſuch a Variety of Means and his ſending forth his Miniſters to beſeech Men to be reconciled to God.

There are all thoſe Means, and Helps provided for Sinners, which they can reaſonably expect or wiſh for, to recover them from Sin, and fit them for eternal Life. Our bleſſed Lord has committed the Revelation which he hath brought from Heaven, to Writing; that we may daily ſtudy it, and be made wiſe to Salvation: The Sabbath is inſtituted to ſolemnize our Hearts, and recover our Affections from the World by the religious Worſhip of God. There is Baptiſm to put us in Mind of our Need of being ſprinkled with the Blood of Chriſt to cleanſe us from all our Filth, and ſpiritual Pollutions; and the Lord's Supper is appointed to affect our Hearts with a Senſe of the Sufferings of the Son of God for us. The Miniſters of the Goſpel are ſent forth in Chriſt's Name to teach Men the Way of Life, and perſwade them to return to God; and Chriſt has promiſed his Preſence with them: and when he foreſaw that the beſt Means and moſt able Miniſters could of themſelves do nothing without a divine Power, co-operating with them; he was pleaſed, at his Aſcention, to ſend down his Holy Spirit to guide, and aſſiſt his Miniſters; and work in the Hearts of Sinners 'till they are transformed into the glorious Image of God. And now would Chriſt have appointed ſuch Means, would he ſend forth his Servants to urge Sinners to Salvation? Would he ſend forth his Spirit to ſupply his Preſence here, if the Salvation of Sinners was not much upon his Heart?

Laſtly, The powerful, and conſtant Interceſſion of the Son of God in Heaven ſhews how much he is engaged in his Work of redeeming Sinners. He who was crucified with wicked Hands and put to Death is riſen again, aſcended into Heaven, and ever lives to make Interceſſion for his People. Heb. 7.21.

He has by his own Blood entered into the moſt holy Place above, and continually appears in the Temple there with the Names of his People Iſa. 49.16. written on the Palms of his Hands. He pleads the Merits of his own Sufferings before God; nor are they ineffectual: the Father will not deſpiſe the Blood of his own Son; nor will he reject his Mediation in Heaven. The Father grants to his People here on Earth what ever his Son asks for above: Nor is the Son of God ever forgetful of his ſuffering Saints, Heb. 4.15. but is touched with a Senſe of their Infirmities. He knows their State, he feels their Sorrows; and pleads their Cauſe before a merciful God; but would the Son of God always repreſent his People above, and plead their Cauſe, if their Salvation was not much upon his Heart?

Should any now ask, whence it comes to paſs, that the Lord Jeſus Chriſt has the Salvation of Sinners ſo much upon his Heart?

It may be anſwered, it is not becauſe he ſtands in any Need of us, or would not have been happy without our Salvation. His divine Perfections and Bleſſedneſs are not in any Meaſure encreaſed by our Recovery from Miſery.

But the Son of God had entred into Covenant with the Father, and became obliged to redeem a certain Number John 6.39. whom the Father had given to him, for that End: he was made by Agreement Heb. 7.22. a Surety for us: His Truth and Faithfulneſs were engaged for our Salvation, and whatever Difficulties were in the Way he muſt go thro' and not give back; leſt he become falſe, and unfaithful to the Father; but he cannot deny himſelf: he will fulfil all his Compact with the Father, and nothing can fail on Chriſt's Part.

And beſides, this Covenant which Chriſt had entred into with the Father, there was the Honour and Glory of God concerned in the great Affair of Man's Redemption: Chriſt is ſaid to be Heb. 1.3. the Brightneſs of the Father's Glory, becauſe in this Way of the Sinner's Salvation by Chriſt the Glory of God would more wonderfully appear, than in all his other Works both of Creation and Providence. And ſince the Glory of all the divine Perfections would moſt clearly ſhine forth in the Sinner's Salvation; Chriſt was greatly concerned to carry it on and compleat it; for the Glory of the Father was what Chriſt was much concerned about; it was what he laboured and earneſtly John 12.28. prayed for on Earth. Nothing was too much for him to do or ſuffer that he might glorify his Father.

Nor was he only concerned for the Glory of the Father, but being Man, and partaking of Fleſh and Blood with us; he had the moſt tender Pity and Compaſſion for the Children of Men. He felt their Miſeries and he was grieved for them: He was willing to do every Thing that was neceſſary to ſave them from the inſupportable Wrath of God. He foreſaw how intollerable their Puniſhment would be; therefore he was grieved for them and wept over them.

And our Lord himſelf had much depending upon the Succeſs of this great Work of Redemption. The Father had promiſed him as a Reward for his Labours, that he ſhould have all Power in Heaven and Earth committed to him; that he ſhould be exalted Heaover all Things; That every Knee ſhould bow in Subjection to him. The higheſt Honours and Dignities were to be conferred upon him, upon his finiſhing this Work. And now had not the Work of the Lord proſpered in his Hands, he muſt have miſſed of all this promiſed Glory from the Father: He was therefore concerned to finiſh his Work that he might as Man be received John 17.5. to that Glory, which he, as God, had with the Father before the World was. Thus we ſee his Truth and Faithfulneſs, his Pity and Compaſſion for us: A Concern for his Father's and a Deſire for his own Glory, all conſpired together to put him upon the utmoſt Engagedneſs for the Salvation of Sinners.

But I proceed now to the Conſideration of the ſecond general Propoſition, viz.

That the Miniſters of Chriſt ſhould alſo have the Salvation of Sinners much upon their Hearts, and ſhould uſe all reaſonable Methods to compel Men into the Kingdom of Chriſt.

Is Chriſt the great Shepherd and Biſhop of Souls ſo much concerned for the Salvation of Sinners? And ſhall not his Miniſters, according to their Meaſure, imitate him in Zeal for the Glory of God and the Salvation of Men? Chriſt has ſet his Miniſters an Example John 13.15. and requires them to do as they have ſeen him do. He expects his Servants ſhould be fervent in Spirit in this great Truſt, which he commits to them. He does not allow them to be ſlothful in Buſineſs; but they muſt be Men of Life and Reſolution, concerned 1 Tim. 4.16. to ſave themſelves, and them that hear them. They muſt ſpend their Time and Strength for this End that they may win Souls to Chriſt: They muſt uſe all their Talents and the Gifts conferred upon them, that they may perſwade and compel Men into the Kingdom of God. But under this Propoſition I deſign Firſt to ſhow how it is Miniſters are to compel Men into the Kingdom of God. Secondly, Give ſome Reaſons why they ſhould have the Salvation of Sinners ſo much upon their Hearts.

Firſt, Let us conſider how it is Miniſters are to compel Men into the Kingdom of God.

But here, we are carefully to obſerve that our Lord does not require his Miniſters to compel Men into his Kingdom, in a Way, and Manner that he elſewhere condemns. We are not to ſuppoſe, our Lord would have his Miniſters uſe external Force, and Violence with Men: he gives them no Liberty to afflict and torment their Bodies, in order to make them his Diſciples. Chriſt will have free and voluntary Subjects; ſuch as ſubmit to him out of Choice, and not ſuch as are forced into Subjection; whilſt they hate his Laws, and Government. There has been ſomething of this Temper in all Ages of Chriſtianity, to uſe Power to make Men Chriſtians: So our Lord's Diſciples would have had him Luke 9.54, 55. commanded Fire from Heaven to conſume ſuch as would not receive him; but he told them they knew not what Manner of Spirit they were of: that is, how contrary to the Nature of his Kingdom ſuch forcible Means were; for he aimed to rule over the Minds and Conſciences of Men. Our Lord ſaid to Pilate Joh. 18.36. that his Kingdom was not of this World: It was not to be ſet up in the Way that the Kingdoms of this World are; if it was, his Diſciples would fight for him. Nor does the Word (compel) neceſſarily carry ſuch a Conſtruction: There are other Ways to compel Men beſides Fines, Impriſonments, Scourges, Racks and Burnings: Theſe are Engines of the Man of Sin, and never were contrived by a meek and lowly Jeſus for the Advancement of his Kingdom, which is to be ſet up with Peaceableneſs, and Gentleneſs. The Apoſtle Peter compelled the Gentiles Gal. 2.14. to conform to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Jews, which he did no other Way than by Perſwaſion and Intreaty. The Corinthians 2 Cor. 12.11. compelled the Apoſtle Paul to Glory, which they did only by provoking him, and ſtirring him up. But this Duty of Miniſters in compelling Men into the Kingdom of Chriſt conſiſts chiefly in theſe Things,

1ſt, In teaching and inſtructing Men in a plain and forceable Manner in the great Truths of the Goſpel. Chriſt ſent forth his Apoſtles, and ſo he now ſends forth his Miniſters, to teach Men: they are naturally ignorant of God, and divine Things; and they ſtand in Need of being taught the firſt Rudiments of Chriſtianity. Miniſters are to teach Men who God is; how he is to be ſerved: what Duties we owe him; and where we are to look for Help to diſcharge them. They are to teach Chriſt crucified to the World: And how Salvation is to be had by Faith in him: The Servants of Chriſt muſt be 2 Tim. 3.2. apt to teach; prepared and diſpoſed to inſtruct Men. And they ſhould endeavour to teach with ſuch Plainneſs and Demonſtration that it may force the Aſſent of the Underſtanding; and the Sinner be obliged to confeſs theſe are Things which cannot be ſpoken againſt.

2dly, Miniſters are to compel Men by ſound Reaſon. They ſhould compare one Thing with another; and ſhow the Fitneſs and Propriety of the ſeveral Parts of Religion, how they are all ſuited both to advance the Glory of God the Author, and the Happineſs of Man the Creature. It is not eno' that Miniſters fling out many moving and affecting Words at Random: but they muſt treat Men as rational Creatures; for ſo did God himſelf; and ſays Iſa. 1.18. come let us reaſon together. The Practice of the Apoſtle Paul differed much from ſome Teachers at this Day; for his Manner was to Acts 17.2. reaſon with the People. He reaſoned before Felix of Righteouſneſs, Temperance and Judgment. Miniſters of Chriſt ſhould be Men of Reaſon, for they are to preach a moſt reaſonable Goſpel. And they ſhould reaſon ſo cloſely to the Conſciences of Men, that they may be wrought into a Compliance. If Miniſters lay aſide their Reaſon as uſeleſs; and treat Men as void of it, they can't expect their Hearers will have much of it; and if ſuch Miniſters make Men Chriſtians, they may be paſſionate ones; but they never will be very ſound and ſtable in the Faith.

3dly, The Embaſſadors of Chriſt are to compel Men into the Kingdom of God by ſtirring up the Affections and Paſſions of the Mind. Theſe are termed the Feet of the Soul, and if they are dead and unmoved, however the Underſtanding be convinced the Man will not be in Earneſt for his own Salvation: When a ſuitable Degree of Knowlege is laid in the Underſtanding; and the Reaſon has been improved; then it is proper to rouze the Paſſions, that the whole Soul may be engaged to avoid the approaching Vengeance of God.

In the firſt Place, it is the Buſineſs of Miniſters to awaken Men's Fears by diſplaying the Miſery of their State, whilſt out of Chriſt, and under the Condemnation of a fiery Law. Men muſt have the Torments of the Damned ſet before them; and be informed, how dreadful, and inſupportable the Vengeance of that God is, who is a conſuming Fire: they muſt be put in Mind of the Worm of Conſcience, which will always accuſe and torment them with a Remembrance of their paſt Sins, Mark 9.44. and of the Fire that never can be quenched; that Fear and Trembling may take hold on Sinners; and they may enquire in earneſt, what they ſhall do to be ſaved?

And when they are thus awakened with a Senſe of their miſerable Eſtate; then their Hope of obtaining Salvation muſt be encouraged: They will take no Pains to avoid Miſery, if they have no Hope of its being poſſible. We have no ſuch Example in the Word of God, of uſing all poſſible Meaſures of hurrying Men on to deſpair without ſetting before them the great Encouragements they have to ſeek Salvation. Our Saviour told Sinners Luke 13.3. that unleſs they repented they would periſh: but he alſo ſaid Mat. 11.28. that if they would come to him he would give them Reſt for their Souls. So the Apoſtles were mindful to inform the World, of an approaching Judgment and the Wrath of God to be poured out on an ungodly World; but at the ſame Time they encouraged Men to hope and ſeek for his Mercy. And deſignedly to avoid all the Encouragements of the Goſpel in our preaching under a Pretence they will lull Men aſleep, is what we cannot learn from the Word of God: Men are commanded to ſeek; but will they ever do it if they have no Encouragement ſet before them.

So alſo Miniſters muſt inſiſt upon the Lovelineſs and Deſirableneſs of divine Things; that the Love, and Deſire of the Soul may be drawn out towards them. It is the Buſineſs of the Miniſters of Chriſt to inform Sinners of the Lovelineſs of the Son of God; of than infinite Fulneſs there is in him: of the unſpeakable Joys and Glories of an heavenly World: that they may long and deſire to be united to the Son of God, and be entitled to the Bleſſedneſs of an heavenly State.

The Art of moving the Paſſions conſiſts in theſe two Things. Firſt, A ſuitable Repreſentation of the Terrors of the Law to awaken Sinners, and then Secondly, A ſeaſonable exhibiting the Encouragements of the Goſpel to encourage Men to ſeek and ſtrive with the utmoſt Diligence. And he is a wiſe Scribe indeed who can ſo time theſe, and blend them together; that on the one Hand the Sinner ſhall not be drove into Deſpair; nor on the other be encouraged, in his Sins, and ſtrengthened in his Iniquities.

Fourthly, Miniſters of the Goſpel are to compel Men into the Kingdom of God by convincing them that they are themſelves in Earneſt for their Salvation.

As the Salvation of Sinners is a Matter of the utmoſt Importance, ſo Miniſters are to engage in it with the utmoſt Fervour; that Sinners may ſee it is not a Matter of Indifferency with them whether they are ſaved or not: If Miniſters are careleſs about the Souls of their People, they will be ſo themſelves; but if they are all Life, and appear to be willing to ſpend and be ſpent for them; then it is likely Sinners will ſtir up themſelves; and this is one Way of compelling Men; by treating the great Affair of their Salvation with the utmoſt Earneſtneſs: Rom. 9.1—4. So the Apoſtle endeavoured to compel the Jews to receive the Goſpel.

Laſtly here, The Servants of Chriſt are to compel Men into his Kingdom by a due Exerciſe of the Authority of Chriſt in his Church, and the moſt fervent Prayer to God for his Bleſſing upon all their Labours and Endeavours. Miniſters are to reprove and rebuke the Sinner that they may pluck him as a Brand out of the Burning. And the impenitent obſtinate Sinner muſt 1 Cor. 5.5. be delivered over to Satan to be buffetted, for the Deſtruction of the Fleſh; that his Soul may be ſaved in the Day of the Lord Jeſus.

But after all, the Servants of Chriſt muſt remember that all their Teaching, Reaſoning, all their Warnings, Invitations, Reproofs and Cenſures will be ineffectual, without the gracious Influences of the divine Spirit; and they muſt wreſtle with God in Prayer for the pouring out of his Spirit on their People to work effectually in their Hearts, and bring them into Subjection to the Son of God: and here it is we can moſt effectually compel Sinners to Chriſt, by praying down the Holy Spirit of God into their Hearts, John 16.8. whoſe Work it is to convince them of Sin of Righteouſneſs and Judgment to come. In the Cloſet it is Miniſters may moſt powerfully compel Men into the Kingdom of Chriſt, by pleading with God for a Bleſſing on their Labours.

But I proceed to ſhow Secondly, Why it is that Miniſters ought to have the Salvation of Sinners ſo much upon their Hearts, and ſo earneſtly to perſwade Men into the Kingdom of Chriſt.

Firſt, This is the Command and Direction of God Iſai. 58.1. that they ſhall cry aloud and ſpare not. They are ſet as Watchmen over God's People, and they are commanded to warn them to repent of their Sins, they are Shepherds, and they muſt pluck the Sheep and Lambs out of the Mouth of the Lion and the Bear. God has very fully charged his Miniſters to lay themſelves out, and improve all their Talents this Way; that Iſrael may be gathered. And it is open Contempt of the divine Authority for them to neglect their great Buſineſs and ſuffer Sinners to periſh: if we have any Regard to the divine Authority and would not be found diſobedient to the great God, we muſt apply ourſelves to our Work with the greateſt Diligence and Reſolution.

Secondly, The Servants of Chriſt have the Example of their Lord and Maſter to excite them to the greateſt Diligence and Carefulneſs in their Miniſtry. Never was ſuch Induſtry, Laboriouſneſs, and Concern manifeſted in any Affair as Chriſt diſcovered in this great Affair of Man's Redemption. He was careful to finiſh his Work, to glorify his Father and ſave miſerable Men. Luke 10.21. He mourned and grieved when his Labours were not ſucceeded. And he rejoiced in Spirit when he had Succeſs. He denied himſelf all the Comforts of Life, that he might redeem Men from the Slavery of Sin and Satan. He could ſpend whole Nights weeping and praying over Sinners. And ſhall his Miniſters think of the Labour, and Diligence of their Lord in his Work; Of his deep Concern for Sinners; And yet be ſlothful in their Miniſtry, and unconcerned about thoſe immortal Souls that are committed to their Charge? Had we a Senſe of Chriſt's Engagedneſs for the Salvation of Sinners, how would it quicken us to the greateſt Diligence?

Thirdly, The infinite Worth of the Souls of Sinners is a ſufficient Reaſon for Miniſters to be much concerned about them. One Soul is of more Worth than the whole World.Matth. 16.26. The Souls of Sinners are immortal: and if they are not brought home to Chriſt, they muſt be for ever miſerable beyond all Conception. There is a vaſt Eternity before us, whither all Men are daily haſtning; and as there is a Heaven of Joy for pious and holy Souls; ſo there is a Hell of Miſery for all the Ungodly; and this ſhort Life is the only Opportunity Men have to ſecure the one, and eſcape the other: Eccl. 11.3. As they are at Death ſo they will be to all Eternity: Rev. 22.11. he that is filthy at Death will remain ſo. If Men die in their Sins they muſt periſh in them: There is no Hope for them; for God will take no more Pains with them, and make no more Offers to them. And when Miniſters think of this, that they have immortal Souls to ſave which are of more Value than Millions of Worlds, is it not enough to ſpirit them to the utmoſt Pains that they may bring them into the Kingdom of God? Can they willingly ſuffer ſuch precious Things to be loſt? Will they not pray and weep over them Night and Day as Chriſt did, that they may not finally periſh? We are unwilling a Houſe ſhould be conſumed with Fire, and can we be willing an immortal Soul ſhould burn in the Flames of God's Wrath?

Fourthly, When Miniſters conſider, that they muſt anſwer for all the Souls which periſh through their Neglect, is it poſſible they ſhould be indifferent whether Sinners are ſaved or not? The Souls of Men are ſome of thoſe precious Talents which are committed to Miniſters. And their Lord will demand them of them another Day: When he ſhall come to judge every Man, and give him according to his Works, then he will demand of his Miniſters, what are become of the Souls committed to their Charge. Then he will ask this and that Servant of his, where is this and that Soul which was committed to thy Charge. And what Plea can thoſe Servants make who have not been faithful to their Truſt? If Miniſters have not taught Men their Duty; if they have not warned them againſt Sin; nor urged them to make ſure of eternal Life; Ezek. 3.18. if they periſh, their Blood will be required of them. But how awful is this Conſideration, that Miniſters muſt give an Account of the Souls of their People? Is not this eno' to fill Miniſters with the deepeſt Concern, that none may periſh through their Neglect? Is not this enough to quicken Miniſters to teach with all Diligence, to exhort with Earneſtneſs, and pray without Ceaſing?

Laſtly, When we conſider the great and abundant Promiſes, Chriſt has made to all his faithful Miniſters, who are induſtrious to perſuade Souls into his Kingdom, we ſee what ſufficient Reaſon they have to be concerned to ſave Sinners. Every Soul, they are the happy Inſtruments of ſaving, will be an Addition to their Joy, and a bright Gem in their Crown. Dan. 12.3. The more Souls are gathered to Chriſt under their Miniſtry, the greater their Happineſs will be.

Could we obtain an earthly Crown by liſting many Soldiers to ſome earthly King, would it not enliven us to compel Men into his Service? And ſhall we not be as much concerned to fill up the Kingdom of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, ſince he will beſtow on us not earthly Crowns, which ſhall fade away; but unfadeable Crowns of Light and Glory? He who does moſt for Chriſt, and immortal Souls will have a diſtinguiſhing Reward in that heavenly World. And are not theſe Things enough to fill the Miniſters of the Goſpel with the greateſt Concern that they may fill up the Houſe, and Church of God? That Sinners may not be left to periſh in the High Ways and Hedges, whilſt there is room enough in the Kingdom of God.

The APPLICATION of the whole may be in the following Uſes.

USE I. Of Information, and from what you have heard you may learn theſe following Things.

1. The Salvation of Sinners is a Matter of the greateſt Importance, and abſolutely neceſſary for them. The Son of God never would take ſuch vaſt Pains therefor, and be ſo much concerned about it, if it were a Trifle, and a Thing of Indifferency, whether they are ſaved or periſh. Would the Son of God ever have come down from Heaven, veiled his Glory in Fleſh? Would he voluntarily have ſubjected himſelf to the Law and become obliged to obey it, who himſelf was the Author and Giver of it to Mankind? Would he ſo freely entered upon a Life of Labour, Pain and Sufferings amongſt Men? Would the eternal Son of God, who was the Brightneſs of his Father's Glory, ſo readily have ſubjected himſelf to the Curſes and Reproaches of Men, if he is not engaged in this great and important Work of our Salvation? It was attended with the greateſt Difficulties; and the moſt bitter Sufferings muſt be endured before ever it could be compleated; all which the Son of God had a full View of, when he undertook it: and who can imagine that ſo great a Perſonage as the Son of God ſhould have his Mind from all Eternity upon this Work: That ſo wiſe Counſel ſhould be held about it; that ſuch vaſt Preparations ſhould be made for it; that Chriſt ſhould take ſuch infinite Pains to accompliſh it, and ſuffer more than is poſſible to conceive of, if it were a Trifle and a Thing of no great Concern? No verily the Son of God would never have born Reproach: He never would have faſted and chaſtiſed his Soul; he never would have been grieved at the Hardneſs of Men's Hearts, nor would he have wept over ſecure Sinners, had he not ſeen their Salvation to be a Thing of the laſt Importance.—

2. From what you have heard, you may ſee what Love and Gratitude we owe the Son of God: That he ſhould be ſo much concerned, and do ſo much for our Redemption. A Pity and Concern for others, and a Readineſs to help, and relieve, naturally commend Love and Eſteem in other Caſes; A poor Man loves the rich, when he ſees him condoling his Poverty, and ready to feed and clothe him: a ſick Man loves the Phyſitian, who has Compaſſion on him under his Pains and Diſeaſes, who is ready to adminiſter for his healing: So whatever our Calamities be, our Love and Eſteem is drawn out to ſuch as have Bowels of Compaſſion for us, be it ſo they only ſpeak comfortable Words to us; how much more when they relieve us? But how much more is Chriſt to be loved by us, who is concerned for us in Things of infinite Moment? who has pitied our miſerable Souls under their ſpiritual Poverty, and dreadful Diſeaſes; Who has purchaſed at the deareſt Rate for us all we want to remedy our miſerable Circumſtances; Who offers us the Food of eternal Life, and Streams of living Water that we may never hunger and thirſt more; Who tenders the ſpotleſs Robes of his own Righteouſneſs to cover our Nakedneſs; who tenders Gold tried in the Fire that we may be rich, who will heal all our Plagues and Infirmities and raiſe us to the higheſt Dignities and Honours, even to be Kings and Prieſts to the Moſt High God; who is concerned for us that we ſhould not deſpiſe theſe Offers of Mercy; earneſtly knocks at the Doors of our Hearts until his Locks are wet with the Dews of Night: And beſeeches us to hearken to him; that we don't periſh. Shall Chriſt do ſo much for us and we have no Pity for our ſelves, and no Love to him for it? This is brutiſh and moſt horrid Ingratitude indeed!

Thirdly, If the Son of God is ſo much concerned about our Salvation does it lie ſo much upon his Mind, then certainly we ought to be concerned about it our ſelves. Shall he faſt for us, and we live in the Gratifications of the Fleſh ourſelves? Shall he pray till his Soul is ſpent and melted within him, and we reſtrain Prayer before God? Shall he weep and mourn over us, and we have no Tears to ſhed for our ſelves? Shall he agonize and ſweat great Drops of Blood for us, and we not wreſtle and ſtrive to overcome the Enemies of our Souls? Can this be and yet we have any Senſe of our State and the dreadful Miſery haſtening upon us? Let us all be up, and about our Buſineſs, as Chriſt hath ſet us an Example: Let us all endeavour to awaken in our own Minds the moſt lively Concern for our eternal Well-Being by ſerious Meditation and fervent Prayer to God to realize ſpiritual Things to our Souls. Let us often reflect upon Chriſt's Labour, his Prayers and his Tears for us. Let us often wonder and admire that he ſhould have ſuch Concern for us; and we be no more concerned for our own precious immortal Souls, which muſt be happy or miſerable, according to the Proviſion we make for them in this ſhort Life to all Eternity. We can't be too much concerned for them; We can't do too much for their Well-Being, the little while we have to live here.

Fourthly, Has Chriſt the Salvation of Sinners ſo much upon his Mind, then you ſee what Encouragement Sinners have to ſeek Salvation by Chriſt: He will aſſuredly Heb. 7.25. ſave all that come to the Father in and by him, John 6.37. nor will he caſt out any that come to him for Life. He ſtands with open Arms to receive repenting Sinners: He holds out a Scepter of Grace to them that they may come to God, with Boldneſs in this Way of Acceſs by the Blood of Chriſt. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt will reject none; but aſſures us that all ſhall be welcome. Whoſoever will let Rev. 22.17. him come, is the Language of the Son of God to Sinners. Chriſt cannot deny himſelf: he will fulfil all his Promiſes to ſuch as depend upon him for Salvation. He is not only able to ſave Sinners, but he is willing to undertake for them and reſcue them from the Jaws of Deſtruction: his Heart is ſet upon this Work, he needs no large Intreaties to grant Salvation to you: are you but willing to be ſaved by him and give divine Grace the Glory, Chriſt is ready: There is not the leaſt Backwardneſs on his Part: his Delights are with the Children of Men: He has paid the Price of your Redemption: he has ſatisfied the Law, and appeaſed the incenſed Wrath of God, he has ſuffered the whole Penalty due for Sin: he has ſhed his Blood to cleanſe your Souls and waſh out the Stains of Sin: and is it poſſible after all this that Chriſt ſhould deceive and diſappoint you, and turn you off with Coldneſs when you come to him? No verily, Heaven and Earth may paſs away but not the leaſt Jot of Chriſt's Promiſes fail: If Chriſt is ſo much engaged in this Work; Here is all the Encouragement you want. What can you ask for more? He is able to ſave you; he has all you want, and he is perfectly willing. Let none therefore ever excuſe themſelves in their Sloth and Negligence in ſeeking Salvation under any Pretence they have not Encouragement enough. But let all young and old look to the Lord Jeſus for Pardon and Salvation.

Fifthly, If this is the Buſineſs of Miniſters to compel Souls into the Kingdom of God, and if it is thus required of them to improve their utmoſt Endeavours to bring Souls to Chriſt, then they may juſtly cry out with the Apoſtle, Who is ſufficient for theſe Things? Who is it knows, in all Reſpects, how to deal with immortal Souls in the momentous Affairs of Eternity? Who is that Scribe inſtructed to the Kingdom of Heaven, who can bring out of his Treaſure Things new and old, who can give to every one his Portion in their Seaſon? Who is it knows how and when to inſiſt upon the Terrors of the Law, and diſcover the terrible Wrath of God to the Sinner; and point out to him the Miſeries and Agonies of the damned: and then can ſo intermingle the Gentle Motives of the Goſpel as to excite the Hope of the Sinner. So that, on the one Hand, he may be ſuitably concerned to ſave his Soul, and on the other, may not be hurried on to deſpair of Mercy? How few can ſo ſpeak to Sinners as to awaken them, and ſo hold out the rich Invitations of Mercy, that the weary and Sin-burthen Sinner may accept of them? How much Need do Miniſters ſtand in of the Grace of Chriſt and the Aids of his Holy Spirit in this great Work? They have no Strength nor Wiſdom of their own, they never would bring one Soul into the Kingdom of Chriſt, did not the Lord Jeſus Chriſt work with them and give Succeſs to their Labours. It is he ſubdues the People under himſelf and makes them willing in the Day of his Power.

Sixthly, If Miniſters are ſent forth to perſwade Men into the Kingdom of Chriſt, then it is the Intereſt of a People to be inſtant in Prayer to God for them. 2 Theſſ. 3.1. Pray for us, ſays the Apoſtle to the Theſſalonians, that the Word of God may have free Courſe: If Miniſters are never ſo faithful and laborious, if they ſpend and be ſpent for your Souls, it will avail nothing to your Salvation, if God work not within you both to will and to do of his good Pleaſure. The Converſion of your Souls is the Work of God. And can you expect he will ever make you the happy Subjects of it, if you pray not for it? Be found often therefore upon your Knees, wreſtling with God for your Miniſters, that God would make them Sons of Thunder to ſecure Sinners, and Sons of Conſolation to his own Children. Miniſters are commonly ſuch as a People pray them to be; and their Succeſs is uſually in Proportion to their earneſt Prayers for their Miniſters. If you neglect to pray for them God has ſet over you, there is too much Reaſon to fear, they will only prove a Savour of Death unto Death to your Souls.

USE II. of Awakening to Sinners. And is it ſo that Chriſt has taken vaſt Pains for your Salvation? Is he ſtill waiting upon you and pleading with you, in his Word, and by his Miniſters? And are his Miniſters endeavouring to perſwade and compel you into the Kingdom of Chriſt? Then think upon theſe Things.

Firſt, How inexcuſeable you will be found in the great Day of Accounts.

You will have no Plea to make for your ſelves, your own Mouths will condemn you, your own Conſciences will teſtify what Pains have been taken with you: how earneſtly the Son of God has intreated you: How his Miniſters have urged you. Then Chriſt will tell you how you ſtopped your Ears againſt his Calls, and mocked at all his Reproofs: Then Chriſt will put you in Mind of all the precious Opportunities you have had and how much you have abuſed them: Then he will tell you how he laid hold on you by his Miniſters, and the Convictions of his Spirit and would have plucked you out of the Fire of Sin and Hell; but you offered Violence to his Servants, and deſpite to the Spirit of his Grace, & chooſe rather to periſh in your Sins, than accept of Life by him: And what can the Sinner ſay when his Judge thus convicts him? What Shame and Confuſion will cover the Face of every Sinner in that Day? Their own Hearts will condemn them and their Judge is greater than they. It is impoſſible to expreſs the Horror and the Confuſion that Sinners who periſh under the Light of the Goſpel will be in at that Day: They would gladly have the Mountains and Rocks fall on them to cover them from the Face of their Judge.

Secondly, Let the Sinner ſeriouſly think, what an inſupportable Puniſhment he is bringing upon himſelf by refuſing to enter into the Kingdom of God: all the Pains and Intreaties that are uſed with Sinners to compel them into the Kingdom of God, ſerve to increaſe and aggravate their everlaſting Condemnation and Torment. If all the Pains which are taken with you prove ineffectual for your Salvation, it is likely they will greatly inhance your Miſery. Every ſlighted Call, and every abuſed Invitation will lay a Foundation for the more ſevere Reflections of Conſcience. How inſupportable will your Puniſhment be if you ſtand out againſt all the Earneſtneſs of the Son of God? It will be more tolerable for the Sinners of Sodom and Gomorrah than for you. Yea, it will be more tolerable for thoſe impious Jews, who with wicked Hands took our Bleſſed Saviour and put him to Death, than for you; Acts .17. for they did it ignorantly the Apoſtle tells us; but you reject him; who know he is the Son of God; they inſulted him in the Form of a Servant; in his State of Humiliation: but you in his State of Glory upon his Throne; and let the Sinner think with himſelf, how he can bear an endleſs Eternity reflecting upon the Pity, the Patience, the Long-ſuffering, and moving Invitations of the Son of God: and how he deſpiſed and rejected them; How can you bear in Hell to remember what Pains Miniſters have taken with you? how they urged you to ſubject yourſelves to the Government of the Son of God; and you would not?

But I will ſhut up my Diſcourſe with a Word of Addreſs to my Brother now to be ſent forth to compel Souls into the Kingdom of Chriſt; and to this little Flock over whom he is now to receive a ſolemn Charge.

Firſt then, To you my dear Brother. You ſee what the Work and Buſineſs, which is before you is. It is to bring Men into the Kingdom of Chriſt: You are to go forth and compel Men into the Kingdom of your aſcended Lord and Saviour: You are to fill up his Houſe and Church: you are to uſe all the Gifts God has beſtowed upon you for this End: you muſt lay yourſelf out for this Work; and be willing to ſpend and be ſpent, that you may perſwade Souls to Chriſt: It is the moſt honourable Employment in the World, vaſtly more than to be Embaſſadors for the greateſt Princes on Earth. And it is a great and difficult Work: Too great for even the Angels to undertake themſelves: but here is your Comfort; Chriſt is engaged in this Work as well as you: And he has it more upon his Heart, than you can have upon your's. He has promiſed you his Preſence, if you give up yourſelf to his Service. And you may always remember the more you do for Chriſt and immortal Souls the greater your Reward will be in Heaven.

Secondly, To this little Flock who are about to enter into Covenant and receive a Paſtor over them in the Lord. And you have heard what is to be the Work of your Paſtor, he is to compel you into the Service of Chriſt, he is to importune you, and uſe all poſſible Earneſtneſs: You muſt therefore ſuffer him to teach you with Plainneſs. To reprove you with Zeal, and warn you with Earneſtneſs, you muſt allow him to obſerve your State, and warn you againſt your beloved Sins that you may be plucked as Brands out of the Burning: You muſt allow him to watch over you, and be jealous of you; That he may ſuit himſelf to your State, and addreſs you with the greater Propriety: You muſt allow him to uſe a ſort of Violence with you: for this is his Work: and then you are to remember it is a reaſonable Conſtraint he is to uſe with you; and it concerns you to ſtrive with him and take Pains for your own Souls whilſt he is labouring for them: otherwiſe he will labour in vain, and ſpend his Strength for Nought: You muſt attend upon his Miniſtry, hearken to his Counſels, and obey all thoſe Precepts he ſhall bring you from the Word of God: and that he may come to you in the Fulneſs of the Bleſſings of the Goſpel and have many Seals of his Miniſtry among you is our Deſire and Prayer to the God of all Grace and Conſolation.

FINIS.