pulling down of strong-holds, and casting clown ima- ginations, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Whether they shall all continue steadfast unto the end, I pretend not to say ; for, after the most eminent saints recorded in Scripture have fallen, I know no man under heaven respecting whom a continued steadfastness can be certainly and unerringly predicted : but this I say, that, if there be genuine piety depicted in any human composition whatever, it is depicted in the experience of some who are at this moment in connexion with our Society : so that, if we cannot boast of Pente- costal conversions, we have seen some, the first-fruits before the harvest, the drop before the shower.
If, then, there exist at this time signs similar to those which marked the Messiah's advent in the flesh, I think we have abundant evidence, that, whether the time for the national conversion of the Jews be come, or not, the time for our exertion is come ; and we ought to " go forth to the contest with them, see- ing that our God is gone out before usr." To prevent misapprehension, I repeat, that of "the times and seasons which God has reserved in his own power," I presume not to speak : but of our duty I do speak, and that with confidence : and if the time for the light to arise be that of " evening-time, when it is neither day nor night," then do I think, that at this hour we have all the encouragement to exert ourselves that we can reasonably desire.
But it is in vain to urge on men the performance of their duty, whilst so many objections lurk against it in their minds. Of the duty itself, I am well assured, nothing need be added to what I spoke in my former Discourse8. I hope and trust, that, on that subject, there is but one feeling amongst us all. But, as I then observed, we too readily listen to objections ; and perhaps feel somewhat of a pleasure in embracing any thing which may serve as a plea for postponing at least, if not altogether neglecting, our duty. Hence, on the last occasion, I observed, that, in the present
r Judg. iv. 14. 2 Sam. v. 24. s See Disc, on Jer. xxx. 17.