3. What encouragement we have to exert ourselves for the diffusion of the Gospel throughout the world.
[If we look at the state of the world, or at the weakness of the instrmnents which we employ, we shall despair of pro- ducing any great effects. But we have nothing to fear. God has spoken; and he wdU do it. Who that sees the effect of the sun and showers upon the earth, and the rapid change which takes place, from the desolations of winter to the verdure of the spring and the fruits of autumn, can doubt the power of the Redeemer's grace to convert and sanctify all the nations of the world ? It shall be done ; and perhaps, notwithstanding the present unfavourable appearances, the time for it is not so distant as we may imagine. What has already been effected towards it, has been wrought through the instrumentality of a few ignorant or hostile men ; so, in like manner, though there were none amongst us who were not ignorant as the Galilean fishermen, or hostile as Saul, the grace of Christ shall be
1 Rev. xi. 15. o Isai. xlv. 23. p Luke xix. 27.
1 Ps. 'i. 10 — 12. ^ Prov. xvi. 15, » Deut. xxxiii. 29.
t Ps. cxlix. 2.
sufficient, both to raise up instruments and to bless their endeavours. I call upon all of you, then, according to your ability, to be fellow-workers with Christ in this good work, assured, that the events predicted in my text shall certainly be accomplished in God's appointed time ; and that our efforts, whether effectual or not for the end proposed, shall be accepted and recompensed b}' him, whom we serve, and whose empire we labour to establish".]
" For a Mission Sermon, either to Jews or Gentiles.